Guiyi Fei Tang

Chapter 553, Annals of the Great Han Dynasty, Volume 1 (Not required reading)

Emperor Zhongzu Zhaowu, whose personal name was Jilong, was the eldest son of Emperor Renzu Xiao. His mother was Empress Renxiao, née Wei.

Initially, Emperor Renzu, whose personal name was Bu Ke, was captured by the Tibetans and taken to Guazhou as a herdsman.

In the tenth month of winter in the seventh year of the Taihe reign of Emperor Wenzong of Tang, Zhongzu was born in the old house of Huairenfang in Jinchang County.

At that time, the Hexi region was completely subjugated by Tibet. Emperor Renzu supervised the herding day and night. Tibet provided 100 rams annually, with a target of collecting 120 rams annually.

In the fifth year of Huichang, the Hexi region was cold and early, with a severe snowstorm lasting for ten days, causing many livestock to freeze to death. Emperor Renzu was worried and angry about the insufficient tax revenue, and fell ill and died at his pasture at the age of thirty-nine.

When Zhongzu was fourteen years old, he was emaciated and emaciated. Jin Changjie'er of the Tubo saw him and was amazed. Yi saw that Zhongzu was young and handsome and had outstanding qualities. He said that he would definitely cause trouble and wanted to imprison him. However, the Uyghurs raided Guazhou and the matter was dropped.

In the autumn of the second year, the Uyghurs migrated north to Ganzhou. Jie'er sent twenty armored soldiers to capture Zhongzu. Zhongzu stood guard at the gate with a stick and killed thirteen men before being captured when he was exhausted. Jie'er was furious and imprisoned him in a stone chamber in the drill ground, depriving him of food and drink for seven days, but he did not die.

In the winter of the third year, Tubo was in turmoil; Zhang Yichao, a hero of Shazhou, raised the banner of righteousness, took the position of governor, and recaptured Guazhou; Zhongzu then broke out of prison and joined the army at the gate with a club.

In April of the fourth year, he joined the expedition to Suzhou. At that time, the vanguard was surrounded and the Hu cavalry attacked from all sides. Zhongzu alone charged into the enemy lines with a spear, killing more than twenty men and sustaining ten wounds, his battle robe stained with blood. Yichao admired him and promoted him to fire captain.

In May, he marched into Ganzhou. Zhongzu first climbed Zhangye City and seized the Tubo banner from the gate tower. He was appointed as a colonel that same day.

On the day of Ji Si, Zhongzu was again ordered to attack Shandan. The defending general, upon hearing Zhongzu's name, was afraid and surrendered. Zhang Yichao then recommended him as a separate general, ordering him to assist Zhang Huairong in garrisoning the area together with Suo Xun.

Huai Rong was indecisive and gentle by nature. Suo Xun, relying on his status as a powerful family in Dunhuang, often looked down on him. Only Zhongzu (Huai Rong's father) respected the hierarchy and consulted with the emperor before acting on any matter. Huai Rong deeply appreciated his loyalty and prudence and appointed him concurrently as the registrar of Shandan.

After Zhongzu took charge of the people's affairs, he led the people to dredge canals and build dams, drawing snowmelt to irrigate thousands of acres of fields. He also taught the people how to castrate and fatten pigs. From then on, livestock in Shandan flourished, and every household had accumulated grain.

In the seventh month of summer, the Uyghurs of Ganzhou led a force of ten thousand to invade the border. Zhongzu led three hundred armored soldiers to form a battle formation. When the Uyghur chieftain saw Zhongzu's banner, he was intimidated by his divine might and retreated.

At that time, there was internal strife in Tibet. Shang Bibi was defeated by Lun Kongre. She led several thousand of her remaining troops to Ganzhou, intending to join the righteous army. On the way, she met Zhongzu at the foot of Qilian Mountain. Seeing his majestic appearance, she surrendered her troops and asked to surrender.

Not long after, Lun Kongre sent Shang Yanxin with 5,000 elite cavalry to pursue them.

At that time, the Qilian garrison numbered only eight hundred, and all the generals were terrified. Su Xun proposed to offer a maidservant to seek peace, but Zhongzu drew his sword and shouted: "I fear that the Qilian wolves are of a dangerous nature. If they obtain the maidservant, they will surely try to take back Ganzhou! We should emulate the righteous spirit of Zhang Yichao and fight to the death. How can we show weakness to the enemy?" He then volunteered to go out of the city to meet the enemy.

Huai Rong gave Zhongzu several hundred soldiers to defend against the enemy, but the enemy closed the city and defended themselves. Zhongzu arranged his infantry in front and personally led a hundred cavalry to ambush in the side valley. Yan Xin underestimated the small number of his soldiers and launched a cavalry charge into the enemy's formation.

Zhongzu seized an opening in their formation, suddenly led his iron cavalry across their camp, charging left and right, slaying the great banner before returning.

The Tibetan army was thrown into chaos and trampled each other beyond measure. They pursued the fleeing enemy for more than ten miles until reinforcements from Huai and Shen arrived, at which point Yan Xin retreated.

In September, the Uyghurs returned amidst the chaos, their banners covering the fields. Huai Shen questioned the generals, and all of them turned pale. Only Zhongzu requested to lead his elite cavalry to raid their camp at night.

That night, a strong wind blew. Zhongzu led a thousand cavalrymen, who rushed to the scene with their mouths gagged. When they arrived, they set fire to the tents. The fire, fueled by the wind, spread for dozens of miles. The Uyghurs lost their way and were beheaded in the process. At dawn, they withdrew their troops, their armor completely red.

Li Wei, the Prefect, was jealous of Zhongzu's achievements and wanted to conceal his success; Huai Shen discovered the truth and promoted Zhongzu to Left Commandant of the Vanguard, giving him overall command of Shandan.

At that time, Zhang Yichao and Zhang Huaishen conspired to advance eastward, but the powerful leaders of the Suo, Li, and Cao families each had their own selfish plans and obstructed them on the grounds of insufficient food supplies.

In the second month of the fifth year, when Zhongzu heard that Yichao was being held captive in Shazhou, he exclaimed, "A true man should sweep away the barbarian dust, how can he be trapped in Hexi!" He then led eight hundred cavalrymen across the Wuni River at night and over Longshou Mountain like heavenly troops suddenly descending.

After seven days and nights, they defeated sixteen tribes, beheaded thousands, and captured 100,000 cattle, sheep, horses, and camels. Upon hearing the news, Yi Chao wept and resolved to launch an eastern expedition.

In August, Huai Shen was ordered to lead an army, with Zhongzu as the vanguard. When the army reached Yanzhi Mountain, the other generals hesitated to advance. Zhongzu then requested over a thousand elite cavalry, who circled around the northern foothills of Longshou Mountain, marching two hundred li day and night. After capturing each tent, he would release the captured soldiers and tell them, "Go back and tell your chieftain, the Han general is about to attack Changsong!"

The Liangzhou garrison commander, Shang Moling, suspected it was a feint attack and hastily divided his troops to defend Fanhe.

Emperor Zhongzu then feigned an attack on Changsong, ordering his soldiers to scatter and form ranks, making noise but not advancing; the defending general, Xiduoyu, underestimated the Han army and led 5,000 cavalry out of the city to pursue the defeated enemy.

After feigning a retreat of more than ten miles, Zhongzu suddenly turned his horse around and charged into the enemy ranks with his eighteen-foot spear. The Tibetan vanguard was routed and trampled on one another. Zhongzu shouted and charged into the enemy lines, capturing many of the enemy's men alive. The rest of the enemy surrendered. He then released the prisoners and sent a message: "Report back to Moling that Liangzhou will be taken in three days!"

Upon hearing the news, Mo Ling was greatly alarmed and dispatched all the troops from Liangzhou to aid Changsong; Zhongzu, however, led his army northward, fighting for 600 li in five days, breaking through the Tubo camp at Jialin West Plain, beheading 8,000 and capturing mountainous supplies; Huai Shen seized the opportunity to attack and conquer Fanhe, thus opening the gateway to Liangzhou.

When the good news arrived in Shazhou, Yi Chao personally wrote a letter appointing Zhongzu as the Prefect of Lanzhou, and bestowed upon him a set of golden armor and ten carved bows.

In the first month of the sixth year, after the peace was settled, Zhang Yichao convened a meeting of all the generals in Shazhou and mobilized 10,000 elite soldiers from Guazhou, Shazhou, Gansu and other areas to serve under Zhang Huaishen's command.

In February, Huai Shen rallied his troops for an eastern expedition, appointing Zhongzu as the vanguard commander; they captured several cities in Liangzhou and recovered Liangzhou.

In May, the Suo, Li, and Cao families of Shazhou heard that Liangzhou had been restored and sent their sons and followers to Liangzhou to fight for the land. The emperor was even more worried when he heard this and ordered the Tianping Army to be stationed in Liangzhou for a period of three years.

Zhongzu privately said to Huai Shen: "The separatist rule of powerful clans is the source of chaos in the world. Now that the bloody battle has just ended, how can we allow the cuckoo to take over the nest?"

Huai Shen pondered for a moment and said, "You may plan to take another route." He then dispatched 3,000 elite troops to the south to capture Lanzhou.

When the army arrived at Guangwu, the Tibetan general, seeing the well-organized and disciplined army of the Central Ancestor, brought out cattle and wine to surrender.

Emperor Zhongzu crossed the river in victory and launched a surprise attack on Jincheng Pass, causing the defending army to collapse in panic. He then besieged Wuquan County, beheading five thousand men, turning the river red with blood. News of the victory reached Chang'an.

Upon receiving the report, the emperor secretly harbored resentment. Although he appointed Zhongzu as the military governor of Longxi and the prefect of He, Lin, and Wei prefectures, he secretly ordered Li Yizhong to be the prefect of Lanzhou, thus dividing his military power.

Emperor Zhongzu angrily threw his staff to the ground: "We have won the land through bloody battles, yet we are met with suspicion. Does this not chill the hearts of our soldiers?"

Yi Zhong was terrified upon receiving the imperial decree, so he feigned illness and stayed away from home, instead stationing his troops at Guangwu. Meanwhile, Emperor Zhongzu stationed his troops at Wuquan, dredged canals to divert water from the Huangshui River, and reclaimed 2,000 hectares of land. Countless refugees from Longyou returned home.

In the seventh month of autumn in the seventh year, a severe drought struck Longyou, leaving the land parched for thousands of miles. The Tubo Grand Minister, Lun Kongre, was trapped in Luomenchuan. His troops ran out of food, and his retainers fled. Kongre was left with only three hundred cavalrymen and fled to Kuozhou.

When Zhongzu heard this, he said: "Heaven has forsaken Tibet!" He then led 5,000 elite troops and advanced swiftly from the shallows of the Yellow River, arriving at Hezhou in a flash.

Fashionable Yanxin was feasting when he heard the thunderous sound of drums. Upon climbing the city wall, he saw a large banner with the character "Liu" on it, and his chopsticks fell to the ground. He abandoned his armor and rode east alone, leaving his baggage and livestock behind in the valleys. He traveled from the Tao River to the Daxia River, stretching for dozens of miles without stopping.

Emperor Zhongzu decreed: "Anyone who dares to take the people's property shall be beheaded!" He seized all their warhorses and weapons, and distributed cattle and sheep among the people. He pursued them to the Daxia River, but Yan Xin had already crossed the river and burned the bridge before leaving.

In August, the court received the report and the emperor summoned the prime minister Cui Xuan to discuss the matter, saying, "The son of the Liu family has taken over Hezhou, which may become a threat to Hexi." He then ordered Xue Kui, the governor of Qinzhou, to lead the Tianxiong Army out of Longcheng, and Gao Pian, the commander of the Shence Army, to lead 5,000 imperial guards as reinforcements. The plan was to take Weizhou under the guise of seizing Weizhou, but in reality, to control Emperor Zhongzu.

In September, Emperor Zhongzu met with his generals in Weizhou and decisively defeated Shang Yanxin and his forces in Longxi. Emperor Zhongzu's cavalry charged into battle and killed Shang Yanxin. Only Lu Ruyue led the remaining troops to surrender to Gao Pian and Xue Kui.

In the first month of the eighth year, Emperor Zhongzu's victory report arrived in Chang'an, requesting the presentation of the banner of the military governor of Longyou. The emperor urgently summoned the Privy Councilor to discuss the matter in the Zichen Hall, and then sent an imperial envoy with an imperial edict to Didao, bestowing upon Emperor Zhongzu the title of Grand Master of the Silver Seal and the title of Marquis of Longxi County, and granting him 100,000 bolts of silk, but he refused the banner of the military governor.

Emperor Zhongzu received an imperial edict and ordered all the silk and cloth in the imperial treasury to be distributed, and sent caravans to purchase grain in Jiannan and Guannei.

At that time, there was a great famine in both regions, and the roads were blocked by refugees; Emperor Zhongzu set up soup kitchens in Longyou, so the refugees all went there.

Emperor Zhongzu ordered officials to create a fish-scale register to settle displaced people, allocate land and houses, and stated that "those who reclaim wasteland will receive double the amount of permanent land and be exempt from taxes for three years."

People flocked to the area carrying plows and hoes, and smoke from cooking fires rose from both banks of the Tao River. An old man wept and said, "Since Guangde fell to the barbarians, it has been a hundred years since we saw Han officials distributing land!"

In September, Emperor Zhongzu led over ten thousand troops to retake Chengzhou; Gao Pian, the governor of Qinzhou, led the Tianxiong Army to block the Mumen Pass, cutting off their supply lines; Shang Duoluo advised, "It would be best to retreat and defend Weizhou." Emperor Zhongzu replied, "In the past, when Geng Yan attacked Zhang Bu, he said he would break through the ominous gate to escape; how can we turn back now?"

He personally took up the drumstick and led the charge, and his soldiers fought to the death. They then captured Chengzhou and within ten days took the four prefectures of Cheng, Dang, Wu, and Min.

When Emperor Wen Zhongzu wanted to recover the four prefectures, the emperor threw his inkstone to the ground and said, "I have lost Longnan!" He had no choice but to grant him the title of Grand Master of the Palace and Governor of Longyou, promote him to Duke of the State, increase his fief by 500 households, and bestow upon him 120,000 bolts of silk.

The emperor then used the silk he had been given to buy oxen and iron plows, which he then distributed to the newly surrendered people.

At that time, famine was frequent in the Shannan East Circuit, and the roads were filled with migrants. The military governor Feng Ao was trapped in the city and worried. Hearing about the new policies in Longyou, he sent his military advisor Yang Zhiwen to Didao.

When Zhiwen met Emperor Zhongzu, he returned and reported, "Lord Liu has a magnificent appearance and extraordinary martial prowess. When King Wen of Zhou met Lü Shang, or Emperor Gaozu of Han met Zhang Liang, they were almost no different." Ao then had the idea of ​​arranging a marriage between them.

Ao Sunbangyan, who was proud of his family's social standing, went to Linzhou. Upon seeing Zhong Zuyi, whose bearing was exceptional and outstanding, he felt inferior and stepped forward, asking, "May I ask about the wedding date?"

Zhongzu looked around and said, "Longyou is in dire need of reconstruction; how can we discuss private matters?"

Yang Zhiwen quickly stepped forward and said, "If Your Excellency agrees to the marriage alliance, all the displaced people from the south of the mountain can be moved to Longxi."

Emperor Zhongzu then agreed to the marriage and married a woman from the Feng family, who became Empress Xiaoci.

As a result, all the refugees from the upper reaches of the Han River were sent to Longyou, and the fields between Tao and Wei were renewed. Emperor Zhongzu ordered the household administration to provide each person with an ox and ten shi of wheat, and to waive taxes for three years.

In the summer of the ninth year, the granaries were full of new wheat, and the granaries of the eight prefectures in Longyou were all full.

In June, Emperor Zhongzu sent generals to capture Tao, Die, and Song prefectures, and Shangbibi returned Shan and Kuo prefectures to Yi; by this time, the old territory of Longyou was completely recovered.

Upon hearing that the former territory of Longyou had been fully recovered, the imperial court dispatched envoys with 72 items of gold and silver utensils, 300 bolts of brocade, and 40,000 bolts of silk to Didao.

Emperor Zhongzu said to the messenger, "In the past, Emperor Wen of Han bestowed crossbows upon the King of Nanyue, and now Your Majesty bestows silk upon Longyou. The intention is the same." He then opened an official school to take in the children of the poor, established the Linzhou University in Didao, and proclaimed that the world should be for the public good.

In the second month of spring ten years later, after the Longyou region was pacified, Emperor Zhongzu, dressed in coarse clothes and straw sandals, led the people to dredge the Tao River and build weirs and canals. He once stood in the mud holding a shovel, his back drenched in sweat. An old farmer wept and said, "I have never seen an official personally wielding a shovel in a hundred years!"

When Tuoba Huaiguang, the garrison commander of Shanzhou, rebelled, Emperor Zhongzu sent Shang Bibi to quell the rebellion. Bibi launched a surprise attack, cutting off Huaiguang's supply lines. Huaiguang's troops scattered, and Huaiguang died in battle. Emperor Zhongzu then dispatched troops to Mochanchuan, where they killed Lun Kongre in battle and sent his head to Didao. Thereupon, the various tribes of the Hehuang region submitted to Emperor Zhongzu.

In the spring of the eleventh year, the emperor summoned Zhang Yichao to court. Yichao said resolutely, "I am a subject of the Tang Dynasty, why should I cherish my life?" He entrusted all military affairs to his nephew Huai Shen and moved his entire family to Chang'an.

When Shi Huai Shen failed to obtain the imperial insignia, many local strongmen in Shazhou treated him with disrespect. The court then appointed Suo Xun as the governor of Liangzhou and Zhang Zhifang as the military governor of Huizhou.

On the day of Ji-Si in the fifth month, Zhi Fang arrived in Huizhou. Disregarding the farming season, he extensively built mansions and residences. The Tibetan tribes suffered under his labor and rose in rebellion.

In the year Gui Mao, Zhang Zhifang, together with the Qin Prefecture troops, suppressed the Hui Prefecture barbarians. Gao Pian unleashed his troops in a massacre, piling up corpses that filled the Tao River, the stench of blood spreading for miles. Upon hearing this, the Qiang people of Longyou all wore mourning clothes. Emperor Zhongzu urgently sent an envoy to rebuke Gao Pian, saying, "When Zhuge Liang pacified the southern regions, he still used winning hearts and minds as the best strategy. How could you bear to kill my people?" Pian was ashamed and could not answer.

In September of the twelfth year, the imperial court broke its promise to the garrison troops of Tianping, and the Tianping army indeed rebelled. Wang Shouwen, Wu Wei, and others, harboring resentment, returned eastward. Su Xun, fearing their might, opened the city gates and let them in. Liangzhou was thus left vulnerable, and Wu Mo, along with 200,000 Hu troops, seized the opportunity to enter, burning and looting Guzang. Xun abandoned his armor and fled in the night, and Liangzhou also fell.

While Emperor Zhongzu was in Didao encouraging agriculture, he heard the alarm and threw down his plow, exclaiming, "My elders are suffering terribly; how can I sit idly by?" He personally led 8,000 elite troops out of Hongchi Ridge, marching day and night. Upon reaching Guzang, they saw Hu cavalry using Han women and children as their vanguard, charging into the enemy lines three times in and out of battle. The Hu horses, seeing Emperor Zhongzu's great banner, were terrified and scattered, trampling each other. They beheaded 50,000 and reclaimed the former territory of Liangzhou.

In October, the emperor demoted Suo Xun, the governor of Liangzhou, to Qianzhou.

At that time, the court was discussing the punishment for the loss of Liangzhou. Wang Guichang, the Privy Councilor, said: "Although Liu Muzhi has recovered Liangzhou, his power is growing stronger and we must be on guard."

The Emperor sighed and said, "Wang Shouwen and Wu Wei have plundered Guanzhong and Hedong, and Xiahou Zi has repeatedly lost his army. Now Guanzhong is ravaged and taxes have been completely cut off. Even if we want to control Longyou, it is like a disease in our heart." So he stopped.

On the day of Bingchen, Emperor Zhongzu led a northern expedition to Baitinghai. Dugazhi, with his back bare and leading a sheep, surrendered. Emperor Zhongzu removed his robe and covered him, saying, "Now that you have submitted to the Han, you should be a good citizen." He then petitioned to relocate his tribe to Longxi, granting them land and seeds.

At that time, the Guannei region was plagued by war, and the roads were blocked by displaced people. Emperor Zhongzu established an office to pacify the people, and thousands of displaced people were pacified every day.

Emperor Zhongzu said to his attendants, “When Liu Kun was in charge of Jinyang, he still managed to appease the people of both the Han and the Hu people. How much more so now that Liangzhou has been newly recovered?” He then distributed all the grain from the treasury and built thirty-six new cities to settle the people.

In the second month of spring in the thirteenth year, the Central Emperor wished to pacify the various Tibetan tribes, so he ordered Shang Bibi and Shang Moyan to lead their people to garrison at Mochanchuan and to pacify the eight kingdoms of Xishan.

In May, the emperor took a pill prescribed by the imperial physician Li Yuanbo, which caused poisoning. He became thirsty and dry, and did not attend court for more than a month.

On the day of Gengyin in the eighth month, he died in the Daming Palace at the age of fifty. Wang Zongshi, the Shence Army Commandant, and Qi Yuanshi, the Deputy Envoy, forged an imperial edict to establish Prince Yun, Wen, as the Crown Prince.

In the year Gui Si, he ascended the throne, changed his name to Cui, and changed the era name to Xiantong. His ministers bestowed upon him the posthumous title of Emperor Shengwu Xianwen Xiao, and the temple name Xuanzong.

That year, Hebei and Henan suffered severe drought, famine struck Guanzhong, and the Huai River basin was flooded. The emperor spent his days hunting in Guanzhong with entertainers, neglecting all state affairs. Bandits rose up in the Central Plains, and post roads were cut off.

When the chieftain Long of Nanzhao was newly established, the emperor, because his name violated the taboo of Emperor Taizong, ordered him to change his name. Long was furious and sent troops to raid Annam, Qianzhong, and Jiannan, burning and looting wherever they went, taking away all the women, children, and treasures. When Emperor Zhongzu heard of this, he was indignant and submitted a memorial: "Your subject requests more than 10,000 elite troops, willing to sweep away the barbarian pestilence for Your Majesty."

The emperor feared they would use this route to seize Xichuan, so he withheld the report. Chancellor Cui Xuan advised, "If Ji Long is stationed in Longyou and the Nanzhao are allowed to run rampant, the southwestern defenses may be lost." The emperor threw the memorial to the ground, saying, "Gaining one barbarian only brings another tiger and wolf; this is not a blessing for the nation!"

Since Emperor Zhongzu was not trusted by the court, he did not submit any memorials and instead focused on governing Longyou. He allocated funds and silk from the treasury to recruit people to reclaim wasteland, repaired the old course of the Han Canal, and diverted the Huangshui River to irrigate 3,000 hectares of farmland. Thousands of starving people from within the Guanzhong Plain flocked to him every day upon hearing of his arrival.

Shang Bibi, hearing of the discord between Emperor Zhongzu and the court, rebelled, seized the former territory of Tuyuhun, declared herself king, and repeatedly raided Songwei. The emperor suspected that Emperor Zhongzu had allowed her to act, and ordered Gao Pian of Qin Prefecture to strictly guard the Longxi border.

In the first year of the Xiantong era, Emperor Zhongzu dispatched General Shang Duoluo to join Zhang Huai in defeating the Uyghurs of Ganzhou at Juyan Lake. The remnants of the Uyghurs migrated westward, and the Silk Road was reopened. The annual commercial tax revenue was 600,000 strings of cash, which was used entirely to support the people. Displaced people were recruited and pacified, provided with oxen for plowing, wheat seeds for loans, and taxes were waived for three years, thus increasing the number of households in Longyou.

In the fourth year, the wheat in the Tao River ripened to a great harvest, with three ears per stalk. That year, the household register recorded 123,000 households, and the cultivated land was twice that of the prosperous Kaiyuan era.

In the fifth year of the Xiantong era, the Nanzhao Kingdom raided Rongzhou, the Khitan Kingdom plundered Yingzhou, and bandits rose up in the Central Plains. Huang Chao captured Caozhou, Wang Xianzhi occupied Huainan, and Pang Xun caused chaos in Qi and Lu. The post roads were cut off, and the canal transport along the Yangtze and Huai Rivers was disrupted.

In the third month of the sixth year, Shang Bibi gathered 80,000 Qiang soldiers and planned to invade Jiannan. Emperor Zhongzu sent an envoy with a memorial to the emperor, who knocked on the Golden Light Gate at night. The emperor was holding a banquet in the Pear Garden when he threw the memorial on the ground and said, "This barbarian brat wants to borrow a way to take Shu!" Everyone around him fell silent.

In April, Bibi captured the four prefectures of Wen, Fu, Mao, and Wei, forcing Cui Xuan to retreat to Chengdu. Arrows flew into the Jinjiang River, shaking western Sichuan. Gao Pian led his troops out of eastern Sichuan to reinforce Jiangyou Pass.

In May, Emperor Zhongzu angrily declared, "How can I bear to see the people of Shu captured by the Tibetans?" He then dispatched 40,000 troops from Longyou to cross the mountains and rush to their aid. The soldiers carried 20 days' worth of rations and marched day and night.

In June, Shang Bibi saw the great banner of Emperor Zhongzu and was frightened, so she retreated. Emperor Zhongzu then restored the four prefectures of Wen, Fu, Mao, and Wei, and sent a memorial to Chang'an.

On the day of Ji Hai, the Emperor received news of the victory but suspected Wang Shi of colluding with a maid. He issued an edict appointing Wang Shi as the Commander-in-Chief of Longyou and dispatching the entire Shence Army to Fengxiang.

When Shi Shifang besieged bandits in the Central Plains, his ministers kowtowed and bled, pleading, "If we remove the southeastern defenses, I fear the Central Plains will no longer belong to the country!" The emperor threw down his inkstone and angrily said, "Liu Jilong is not comparable to Huang Chao!"

In June of the seventh year of the Xiantong era, the emperor ordered Du Shenquan, a Hanlin Academician, to draft the "Imperial Edict to Punish Liu Jilong," assembling 300,000 troops from various circuits and dividing them into four routes—Shuofang, Qinzhou, Shannan, and Jiannan—to attack Longyou. The news shocked both the court and the people.

At that time, Emperor Zhongzu had only 60,000 troops. Holding the imperial edict, he wept and said, "I was originally here to defend the western border for the Tang Dynasty. How can I be treated as a traitorous subject?" He submitted seven memorials explaining his situation, but all were kept in the palace and not issued. He then ordered all the prefectures in Longyou: "Those who wish to return south will be given provisions; those who wish to stay will defend the state together." The people all said, "We are willing to follow Lord Liu to the death!"

At that time, Zhou Bao, the military governor of Shuofang, led 30,000 infantry and cavalry, including Zhu Xiechixin of the Shatuo and Li Sigong of the Dangxiang, to attack Lanzhou.

Emperor Zhongzu appointed Li Ji as vanguard to attack Huizhou; he himself led 8,000 elite cavalry, galloping 300 li day and night, and launched a surprise attack on Guangwu Plain. The Shatuo and Dangxiang cavalry were terrified and routed, trampling each other. 3,000 heads were taken, 5,000 warhorses were captured, and the government army fled north.

On the day of Bingchen, Emperor Zhongzu, riding the wave of victory, advanced northward, capturing Huizhou and taking Lingzhou. The surrendered generals presented the strategic importance of Xiaoguan Pass, thus opening the vital passage through the Longshan Mountains. He captured 30,000 government troops, releasing them all, saying, "Return and tell the Emperor that Shilong dares not betray the Tang Dynasty, but only seeks to defend the land and bring peace to the people." Guanzhong was shaken, and merchants ceased trading.

In September, upon hearing of the defeat of the northern army, Wang Shi hastily gathered 100,000 troops and retreated to Qin Prefecture. He fortified the area with deep trenches and high walls, intending to prolong the siege of the Longxi army.

Emperor Zhongzu led 500 light cavalry to cut off their supply lines at the Longcheng Pass. He personally led a dozen or so riders to provoke a fight. The government troops, greedy for glory, were pursued by Zhao Qian with several thousand cavalry.

Zhongzu feigned defeat and lured Zhao Qian into Jin Valley. The ambush was launched, with gunpowder, wood, and stones raining down. The cavalrymen trampled each other in the chaos, and Zhao Qian died in battle.

In October, Shi retreated to Shanggui, relying on the strategic advantage of Maijishan Mountain, and built a stockade from felled timber. Emperor Zhongzu secretly dispatched 500 elite soldiers to launch a surprise attack on the northern stockade using gunpowder. The sound echoed for miles, and the stockade walls collapsed. Shi fled by hanging himself that night, and Qinzhou fell. Hundreds of thousands of bushels of grain and weapons were captured, greatly boosting the morale of the Longxi army.

At that time, Gao Pian launched a fierce attack on Weizhou, with siege ladders and battering rams attacking day and night. Before Emperor Zhongzu had even had a chance to rest after his military service, he again led more than 10,000 elite troops to its aid.

On the day of Wuyin, the government troops, upon hearing of Emperor Zhongzu's arrival, retreated to Jiangyou Pass and set up crossbows on the cliff face. Emperor Zhongzu ordered his soldiers to fill the trench with earth and use gunpowder to break through the pass, advancing deep into the heart of Chengdu.

In November, Emperor Zhongzu and Emperor Pian faced off at Xipu. Pian, relying on the elite armor of Jiannan, formed a battle array with linked chariots. Emperor Zhongzu sent Zhang Wu with 5,000 cavalry, using false banners to outflank Shuangliu; he also ordered Husi Guang to display many banners to create a diversion. Pian indeed dispatched Zhang Lin with 10,000 cavalry to pursue and annihilate them.

The following day, during the fierce battle, Zhang Wu's iron cavalry suddenly attacked from behind, galloping across the battlefield. Lin rushed back to rescue, but Husi Guangwei attacked from behind. The government army was routed, with tens of thousands drowning in the Min River. Zhang Wu fled to Shu Prefecture in a single boat, and the prefectures north of the Jianbei region surrendered without resistance, shaking the entire country.

After Chengdu was pacified, Gao Jinda, Li Shangyin, and other officials of the General Staff submitted a memorial urging him to ascend the throne. The memorial stated: "Your Excellency has swept away the dust of the six directions and brought peace to the people of the eight directions. Your merits are high and your virtues are great. You should be granted the title of King to fulfill the Mandate of Heaven." Emperor Zhongzu firmly declined, saying: "I was originally a subject of Tang. It is my duty to suppress the rebels."

Shang Yin visited the king's tent at night and asked, "Now that the generals have been granted land and titles, if Your Majesty remains in your fiefdom, what rank will you bestow upon the meritorious officials?" The emperor remained silent for a long time, then sighed and said, "Your words have truly enlightened me." He then accepted the title of Prince of Hanyin, granted the authority to open his own office and the same rank as the Three Excellencies, and was given the yellow battle-axe.

In the spring of the eighth year, the Emperor heard that the Jianbei region had been completely lost and the 300,000-strong imperial army had been routed. He then followed the advice of the Privy Councilor Qi Yuanshi and sent a secret envoy with gold and silk to the Kyrgyz Khan. The agreement stated: "Once the land of Longyou is obtained, the women, children, and precious gifts will all belong to the Khan. Tang will only take back the empty city."

In April, the Kyrgyz Khan Li Peiluo led 100,000 cavalry south, their banners obscuring the sky and shaking the Longyou region.

After Zhongzu had pacified Chengdu, upon hearing the alarm, he immediately led 10,000 elite cavalry northward. They marched day and night, their saddles turning completely red. Upon reaching Qikou, he ordered Zheng Chu and Zhang Chang to use the Liangzhou chariot formation to lure the enemy, while he himself lay in ambush with his iron cavalry in the Yelangchuan Gorge.

Pei Luo's light chariot formation was weak and outnumbered, so he ordered his cavalry to surround them. Suddenly, the sound of drums and horns shook the heavens, and Zhongzu led his cavalry out from afar, all on white horses and in silver armor, like heavenly soldiers descending suddenly. Pei Luo wanted to retreat, but it was too late.

Zhongzu personally wielded an eighteen-foot-long spear, piercing through Pei Luo's heavy armor, and unhorsed him. The Hu cavalry suffered a great rout, with 30,000 heads taken and hundreds of thousands of cattle, sheep, camels, and horses captured. The remaining forces fled north, vying for the throne, and the Kyrgyz dynasty declined.

In June, the Kyrgyz suffered a defeat and marched to Chang'an. The emperor was greatly frightened and wanted to move the capital to Luoyang. Chancellor Lu Yan advised, "If we abandon the ancestral temples and go on an eastern tour, I fear the empire will collapse." So he issued an edict to summon troops from all the provinces to guard the capital, and increased the taxes of the empire by three percent. The people called it "taxation tax," and people sold their children to pay taxes, with long lines of people on the roads.

On the day of Xin Si, Emperor Zhongzu dispatched 50,000 troops to attack Yuanzhou, and sent Cao Mao and An to defeat the Hu and capture the prefectures north of the pass. Most of the prefecture and county officials opened their gates to surrender.

The emperor was shocked and dismissed Wang Shi from his post for his failure in the encirclement and suppression campaign. Zheng Tian, ​​the co-prime minister, was appointed as the commander-in-chief and was ordered to gather 100,000 troops to defend Jingyuan.

In July, Emperor Zhongzu personally led his army to Yiluyuan. The troops were arrayed along the mountainside, with crossbow carts forming a dense forest. Emperor Zhongzu then ordered Husi Guang to lead several thousand cavalry to outflank Baili City, cutting off their retreat.

The Tian army was thrown into chaos, and Emperor Zhongzu launched a swift attack, using gunpowder to breach the city walls, causing a major rout of the government forces. Tian and Wang Shi were captured, and the 60,000 surrendered soldiers were given funds and dispersed.

Upon hearing of the defeat, the Emperor summoned Lu Yan that night for a discussion. Lu Yan said, "In the past, Emperor Xuanzong fled to Shu and the state survived. Now we can make an eastern tour to the capital region." He then ordered Qi Yuanshi, the commander of the Shence Army, to escort the Emperor, and they fled through the Jin Guang Gate that night. The officials were in a panic, some even running barefoot without their official robes or hats.

On the ninth day, Emperor Zhongzu entered Chang'an and ordered his soldiers to camp in the streets and markets, and anyone who dared to enter a civilian's house would be executed. He collected the palace treasures, made a register, and sealed them away. He sent Chen Jingchong to take Xingyuan, while he himself led a light cavalry to pursue the emperor to Tongguan. Upon seeing the government troops stationed at the pass, he turned back.

In August, the emperor moved the capital east to Luoyang. News of the emperor's arrival in Chang'an spread far and wide, and the collapse of the empire became increasingly urgent.

Chao Yong, a resident of Guang Prefecture, led his people to expel the governor Li Ruoweng, opened the granaries and distributed grain, calling himself the "General of Equalization," which shook Huainan.

Several thousand barbarians from Wuling, including Lei Man and Han Liao, occupied Langzhou and called themselves the "Langtuan Army." Xiang Gui, the chieftain of Lizhou, responded to them, captured the city, and declared himself governor. Cui Xuan, the military governor of Jingnan, was unable to control them.

Wang Xianzhi's former generals Cao Shixiong and Liu Yanzhang captured Yuezhou, tore silk into flags, and called themselves the "Tianping Army." Tens of thousands of refugees joined them, and Jiangling closed its gates in response.

Chen Yanqian of Chenzhou killed the prefect Dong Yue, opened the armory to recruit soldiers, and the post roads north of the mountains were completely cut off.

That month, Kang Chengxun, together with Liu Zhan, defeated Huang Chao at Raozhou. Chao fled south to Fujian, captured Jianzhou, and the governor, Li Qianyou, died a martyr.

In September, Wang Ying, a garrison soldier from western Zhejiang, raided the treasury and captured Suzhou and Changzhou. The Grand Canal transport was cut off, and the revenue from the Jianghuai region no longer flowed into Luoyang.

At that time, the general of Hedong resisted Zhang Huaiding's army at Huoyi. Huaiding, with several thousand Imperial Guards, was unable to enter Taiyuan, and his troops were starving and running out of food.

In the ninth month of the tenth year, Emperor Zhongzu mobilized 100,000 troops from Longyou and Hexi, dividing them into three routes to attack Jiannan. Gao Pian relocated all the people to Qianzhong, burned government offices and treasuries, and cut off the plank roads. His vanguard commander, Ma Yi, pursued them to Yibin, where he was ambushed and held firm, awaiting reinforcements. Emperor Zhongzu personally led his elite cavalry to the scene, and Gao Pian retreated to defend the Bodao Pass.

In November, Pian's army of 50,000 was stationed at Cuiping Mountain, where they built fortifications to defend the strategic location. Zhongzu sent a surprise force of over a thousand men, who scaled the cliffs with vines and attacked the Bidao Pass; he himself led the main army to attack the northern foothills. Upon hearing that the Han army had appeared behind them, Pian's army was terrified and collapsed, suffering over ten thousand casualties; Zhang Lin and Lin Ruzhen were both killed in battle, and Pian fled into Qianzhong, where the three rivers were pacified.

When Kang Chengxun was defeated at Hongzhou and Huang Chao captured Tanzhou, the entire Jiangnan region was shaken. An imperial edict appointed Gao Pian to concurrently govern Qianzhong and Lingnan. Gao Pian sent a general to capture Guangzhou and then led his troops north. Fearing being attacked from both sides, Huang Chao ordered Huang Kui to plunder Jiangxi while he led his elite troops north across the river.

In the first month of the eleventh year, Chao Sheng declared an attack on Yique, secretly leading his troops to Xuanyuan Pass, breaching the pass and entering the capital region. The emperor, following Lu Yan's advice, fled by boat to Heyin. Due to a shortage of transport boats, many palace women drowned in the Bian Canal.

When Emperor Zhongzu heard of the upheaval in Chang'an, he immediately dispatched 100,000 bushels of grain from Longyou and sent Husi Guang to escort them to Heyin. Upon seeing the grain ships covering the river, the Emperor wept, saying, "I have betrayed Liu Gong, and the world has betrayed me!" He then sent an envoy to appoint Liu Gong as Grand Chancellor and Prince of Hanzhong, granting him supreme command over all the provinces west of Guanzhong. He also ordered Kang Chengxun and Gao Pian to suppress Huang Chao.

In February, Huang Chao captured Luoyang, ascended the throne as emperor, established the Great Qi dynasty, and changed the era name to Jintong. He issued proclamations to all directions, denouncing the Tang dynasty for its incompetence and chaos.

Upon hearing that the imperial court had bestowed the title of king upon Zhongzu, Chao was enraged and killed more than 300 families of noble clans, including the Cui, Lu, Li, and Zheng families, in Luoyang. He slaughtered the people of Luoyang, plundered all their wealth, and abandoned the city, fleeing to Huainan.

In May, Gao Pian convened troops from various provinces to attack Chao on the banks of the Huai River. Chao's general Zhu Wen rebelled and surrendered, and Gao Pian was appointed as the Defense Commissioner of Chuzhou and given the name Quan Zhong. Chao's power waned, and the emperor returned to Luoyang.

In July, Chao Da defeated Wang Duo at Hefei and fled north to Henan. The emperor was shocked and fell ill upon hearing the news.

When Qin Zongquan, the military governor of Zhongwu, was stationed in Caitang, he requested 200,000 shi of grain. Du Rangneng, the finance commissioner, reported that the treasury was empty and only 50,000 shi were allocated. Enraged, Zongquan led his troops north. Henan suffered a great famine, and the Cai army plundered and ate the people, calling it "Furen meat," leaving the land desolate for miles. The emperor, seriously ill, ordered Gao Pian to suppress Zongquan.

In September, Emperor Zhongzu sent envoys to aid the emperor. Meanwhile, Emperor Zongquan captured Yique, and the eunuch Qi Yuanjian and others from the Northern Bureau attempted to seize the emperor and flee to Wulao.

On November 29th, the imperial carriage arrived at Zhaoti Temple. Knowing he was ill, the emperor intended to summon the crown prince to oversee the state. Yuan Jian, along with Yang Xuanji and others, forged an imperial edict to install Prince Liang, Ting. The crown prince secretly sent Yang Gongqing to seek aid from Emperor Zhongzu. Iron cavalry arrived that night and executed Yuan Jian and his associates. Yang Fuguang then took Prince Liang and fled to Zhengzhou.

That evening, the emperor died at the age of thirty-eight. Crown Prince Yi ascended the throne, posthumously honoring him as Emperor Ruiwen Zhaosheng Gonghui Xiao, with the temple name Yizong, and buried him in Jianling.

In December, Emperor Zhongzu's general Zhang Chang defeated Cai's army at Xiong'er Mountain, captured Zong Quan, and executed him by dismemberment in the East Market. He then changed the era name to Qianfu.

In the first month of the first year of the Qianfu era, the emperor appointed Emperor Zhongzu as the Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces, bestowed upon him an axe and halberd, and granted him the authority to wage war. The eunuch Yang Fuguang pleaded guilty to the crime at the military headquarters, but Emperor Zhongzu said, "The eunuchs have brought disaster to the Tang dynasty for too long!" He stripped Yang Fuguang of his official rank and exiled him to Longyou.

In February, Emperor Zhongzu dispatched troops eastward, and the towns of Zhongwu, Yicheng, and Xuanwu were all recovered. Zhu Quanzhong occupied Yanzhou and Haizhou.

In March, Zeng Yuanyu, the military governor of Xuzhou and Sishui, defeated Huang Chao's remaining forces at Wild Wolf Valley. Huang Chao died in the chaos of battle, and his head was sent to the capital.

In June, Li Guochang of the Shatuo tribe sent his son Keyong to attack Yiwu. Emperor Zhongzu was furious and ordered Cao Mao to lead troops out of Feihu Pass, while An Pohu led troops towards Yanmen Pass.

At that time, Cui Xuan of Hedong closed the city and defended it. An Pohu captured Taiyuan, and Guo Chang and his son fled to Yunzhou. Cao Mao met with An Pohu and attacked Guo Chang and his son. The Shatuo soldiers were killed one after another, and Guo Chang and his son fled to the south of the Gobi Desert.

In July, Xiao Ye was appointed as the military governor of Jingnan, and Geng Ming was dispatched to build dozens of Fu ships and train the navy in Jiangling.

In October, Zhu Quanzhong secretly allied with Zhang Sitai of Tianping to attack Zibo and Qingzhou. The emperor ordered Wang Shi to march from Puyang, and Chen Jingchong advanced on Qingzhou, where they decisively defeated Zhu's army. Quanzhong retreated to Yanzhou and submitted a letter of apology.

When Emperor Zhongzu wanted to weaken the power of the regional military governors, Quan Zhong secretly sent an envoy to persuade the three towns of Hebei to surrender. Wei Bo's army robbed the military governor Han Junxiong of his power and rebelled. Chengde King Jing Chong and Zhaoyi Lu Kuang responded to him and joined forces with 100,000 troops to occupy Ye City.

Emperor Zhongzu personally led 30,000 elite troops to quell the rebellion. He ordered An to break through the Hu's supply lines, while he himself led his iron cavalry into battle. Seeing Emperor Zhongzu's army routed, the rebels suffered a crushing defeat, beheading 30,000, turning the Zhang River red with blood. Jing Chong surrendered, bound and surrendered, while Lu Kuang was escorted to Chang'an in a cage.

In the twelfth month of the first year of Qianfu, Zhang Yunshen, the military governor of Lulong, died, and his general Zhang Gongsu was stripped of his insignia. Emperor Zhongzu sent Cao Mao to attack him, but at that time, the Khitan and Xi invaded Yingzhou. Mao divided his troops to defend against the invaders, while Gongsu held Pingzhou and defended it to the death.

In April of the second year, Gongsu surrendered, and Emperor Zhongzu granted him a minor official post and confined him to Luoyang.

In July, upon hearing that Hebei had been pacified, Zhu Quanzhong, Zeng Yuanyu, Kang Chengxun, and others surrendered. Gao Pian, fearing for his life, hastily attacked Jiangxi to secure his position, while Dong Chang, Song Wei, and others turned to Emperor Zhongzu.

Emperor Zhongzu then deployed a large army in all directions; he appointed Li Yangchun to guard Huainan, Wang Shi to garrison Caizhou, Wang Jian to occupy Yuzhou, and Cao Mao and Geng Ming to station troops in Jiangling. He sent an envoy with an imperial edict and iron certificate to summon Pian, but Pian drove the envoy away and burned the edict.

In the first month of the third year, Emperor Zhongzu personally led his naval forces down to Jiangling. He distributed 500,000 bushels of grain from Sichuan and Chongqing and built 100 Fu ships, appointing Geng Ming as the naval commander.

In July, Emperor Zhongzu mobilized 300,000 troops from various routes, dividing them into six routes to attack Gao Pian. He sent Cao Mao from Jiangling, Wang Shi to Caizhou, and Li Yangchun to Runzhou, while he personally led his naval forces downstream. Gao Pian arrayed thousands of warships at Ezhou, with iron chains blocking the river. Emperor Zhongzu built a hundred cannon ships, unleashing thunderbolts that shattered Gao Pian's warships and burned their sails and masts. The river turned red, and Gao Pian fled south.

In October, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Hunan were all pacified. Li Bo, the Fujian Inspector, presented household registers, opening the gateway to Lingnan. Meanwhile, a victory was achieved in Hexi, Zhang Huaishen conquered Kucha, and Anxi was restored. Officials went to Luoyang to request the bestowal of the Nine Bestowments, but Emperor Zhongzu firmly declined.

In the second month of the fourth year, Pian heard of the impending capture, dressed in plain clothes with his face bound, and wept, saying, "I have betrayed the Tang dynasty, and I dare not betray the world." Emperor Zhongzu then appointed him as the Prince of Bohai.

In July, the emperor sent Chancellor Xiao Gou to present the imperial seal to Emperor Zhongzu, who declined it five times.

In October, the emperor sent an envoy saying, "If the king does not accept the abdication, I will sever my ties with the emperor at the ancestral temple." The king said with compassion, "How can I bear to see the black blood stain the steps?" So he agreed.

On the day of Bingyin, Emperor Zhongzu appointed the Emperor as the Prince of Longxi, placing him above all other princes. He was not required to address the Emperor as a subject when presenting memorials, nor to bow when receiving imperial edicts. He was permitted to use the Han calendar, Han clothing and colors, and to establish a Han ancestral temple within his fiefdom, and to maintain the seven ancestral temples from Emperor Taizong onwards.

On the Jiazi day of the first month of the first year of Hongwu, Emperor Zhongzu ascended the throne in the Qianyuan Hall of Luoyang, changing the era name to Hongwu and establishing the state of Great Han. His edict read: "In the past, the Tang dynasty lost its virtue, and the world was in turmoil. I, having received the mandate of Heaven, have swept away the wicked and brought peace to the people. From this day forward, I will reform the old and establish the new, starting anew for the world!" He abolished all military governorships, established the Three Offices, and burned all surplus official registers.

On that day, purple clouds appeared in the Qian Yuan Hall, and white sparrows gathered at the Ying Gate. More than ten thousand elders kowtowed to the palace gate and shouted "Long live the Emperor!" Their voices resounded throughout the Yellow River and Luo River regions.

The historian wrote: "Emperor Gaozu of Han, starting as a commoner and wielding a three-foot sword, attacked the Tibetans, recovered the Hexi Corridor, swept away Huang Chao, subjugated Hebei, and pacified Jiangnan, establishing his imperial dynasty in twenty-four years. Looking at the day he entered Luoyang, he burned surplus grain and abolished taxes, truly winning the hearts of the people. Emperor Gaozu of Han established the Three Laws, which Emperor Guangwu trusted wholeheartedly; Emperor Gaozu combined both."

(End of this chapter)