#js045

[bookofjin]

Siege of Luoyang, 309

So this something I have been working on for some time, and ended up much longer than planned.

This post discus the attempts in 309 to take Luoyang by the armies of Liu Yuan. Liu Yuan had proclaimed himself Emperor of Han in 308 and now hoped to capture the capital of the crumbling Western Jin empire.

The sources

The two main extant sources for the so-called Sixteen States period are the Book of Jin (Jinshu晉書, JS) by Fang Xuangling et al, finished in 648 during the Tang empire, and the Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government by Sima Guang (Zizhi tongjian資治通鑑, ZZTJ), finished 1084 during the Song empire.

The JS is written in the biographic-thematic style. The book's 130 scrolls are divided into four sections, the first three are the standard Basic Annals (benji本紀), Treatises (zhi志), and Biographies (liezhuan列傳). The fourth, the Yearly Annals (zaiji 載記), covers the last 30 scrolls of the book

The JS throughout treats the Jin rulers as the legitimate rulers, their northern rivals are all false usurpers, the titles and ranks they grant to their followers bogus pretensions. The zaiji hence cover those fourteen of the Sixteen States who claimed Heaven's favour to declare themselves kings and emperors in defiance of the Jin. The rulers of the last two maintained nominal allegiance to the Jin court, and so are rewarded with a place among the ordinary Biographies.

The JS is essentially a composite text created by selecting from and editing together older texts, now mostly lost. Most likely the main, if not the only, source for the zaiji was the Spring and Autumn of the Sixteen States (Shiliuguo chunqiu 十六國春秋, SLGCQ) by Cui Hong of the Northern Wei era (386 – 534). This book, in 100 scrolls, seems to have been written in basically a chronicle style (with some biographical elements), with a separate chronicle for each of the sixteen states. The SLCQ is no longer extant except in excerpts or indirectly through its use as a source by later books.

The ZZTJ is a universal history written in the chronicle style, the Jin are covered in Scrolls 79 – 118. Similarly to the JS, the ZZTJ has been created by abbreviating and editing together older texts. In his notes to his text, Sima Guang names several of the sources he has used, these include the JS and the SLGCQ, but also other now largely lost books such as Xiao Fangfeng's (528 – 549) Spring and Autumn of the Thirty States (Sanshiguo chunqiu 三十國春秋,SSGCQ) in 31 scrolls, and Sun Sheng's (302 - 373) Autumn of Jinyang (Jinyang qiu 晉陽秋, JYQ) in 22 scrolls. The JYQ, a chronicle of the Jin down to Emperor Ai (r. 361 – 365), was also used by the authors of the JS.

The ZZTJ also treat Jin as legitimate, following the so-called “line of abdication”, but the rulers of the Sixteen States are treated more neutral than the JS. Liu Yuan referred to in the text as the “Ruler of Han” (hanzhu漢主), and his family and followers by the ranks and titles they held under Han.

Comparing the JS and ZZTJ it is obvious that they share much of the same source material, but they have selected and abbreviated the material in different ways. The result is that some details have been preserved in one book but not the other. To get a comprehensive overview of the surviving source material it is therefore necessary to consult both.

The longest and most detailed by descriptions on Liu Cong's attempt to take Luoyang in 309 are found in the Yearly Annals of Liu Yuanhai in JS101 and a series of entries in ZZTJ87, we can probably assume the majority of these texts come from the SLGCQ. More summary accounts are found in the Basic Annals of Emperor Huai, JS005, and the Biography of Wang Mi, JS100, but these often contradict JS101 and ZZTJ.

Situation and opposing forces summer 309

In 309 the ruler of the Jin empire was Sima Chi, posthumously Emperor Huai, who had succeeded his brother Emperor Hui in 306. Real power was however in the hands of Sima Yue, King of Donghai, who had won the civil war among the Jin princes only to see the slide into chaos continue, and control of the provinces slipping away. In 307 Sima Yue had made his three brothers the military commanders of Xiangyang, Ye and Chang'an, but by summer 309 only one of these were still alive: Sima Mo, King of Nanyang, headquartered at Chang'an.

Liu Yuan is claimed by the sources to have been the grandson of the Xiongnu Southern Shanyu Yufuluo, but this seems questionable. We need not doubt though that he belonged to the Xiongnu royal clan, which had taken the Liu family name based on their past marriages with Han princesses. During the Jin civil wars he served Sima Ying, King of Chengdu. In 304 when Sima Ying was hard-pressed by his enemies' Xianbei cavalry, Liu Yuan offered to go back home and raise an army of Xiongnu in support of Sima Ying. Once back he initially took the title of Grand Shanyu, later the same year he proclaimed himself King of Han as the successor of Liu Shan.

Liu Yuan initially controlled a fairly limited territory, but in August 308 his forces captured Pingyang and Hedong commanderies. Liu Yuan then transferred his capital to Pingyang and proclaimed himself Emperor of Han. In the first half of 309 the armies of Han conquered Shangdang commandery from Jin's Inspector of Bing province, Liu Kun.

By this time Han's chief field commander seems to have been Liu Yuan's fourth son, Liu Cong, King of Chu. Among his subordinate generals the most notable was Wang Mi, a native of Donglai on the eastern coast (and so not a “barbarian”). In 306 Wang Mi had joined the local rebellion of Liu Bogen. When Bogen was defeated, he took refuge in the mountains and became a bandit leader. In 308 Wang Mi led his army west across the plains, sacked Xuchang and attacked Luoyang. When his attack on Luoyang failed, he crossed the He and pledged allegiance to Han. Liu Cong's other chief supporters tended to come from either the royal Liu clan, or the Huyan clan. Liu Yuan's mother came from the Huyan, and clearly this was an important clan, tightly connected with the Liu.

Launch of the first? campaign, defeat of Cao Wu.

Jin's 3rd Year of Yongjia, Han's 1st Year of Herui, 8th Month (21 September – 19 October 309), Liu Yuan ordered Liu Cong to attack Luoyang (ZZTJ) together with Wang Mi, and with his cousin Liu Yao and Zhao Gu as rear support (JS101, Note 1). The Han armies were by this point plundering Henei and Ji commanderies on the north bank of Yellow River, but attempting to cross the river here would have been too difficult in the face of the imperial Jin armies. Instead Liu Cong would cross closer to Pingyang, and then descend through the mountain passes to attack Luoyang from the west.

Sima Yue dispatched the General who Pacifies the North, Cao Wu (JS101, ZZTJ), with Generals Song Chou and Peng Mo (JS101), to stop him. Cao Wu positioned at Dayang (JS100) near the Shan pass, presumably to prevent Liu Cong from crossing. However Liu Cong defeated Peng Mo, who was killed (JS100), and the Jin army withdrew (JS100, JS101, ZZTJ).

(Note 1: Liu Cong is the only Han commander named by ZZTJ for this campaign. JS101 states the Han army was commanded by Liu Cong and Wang Mi, with Liu Yao and Zhao Gu as rear support. However JS100 states that while Cao Wu was at Danyang to confront Liu Cong, Pei Xian was at Baima to confront Wang Mi. One possibility is that Wang Mi only joined up with Liu Cong later.)

Battle at Yiyang, Liu Cong defeated in night attack, as told by JS101 and ZZTJ

After routing Cao Wu, Liu Cong crossed the He and advanced eastwards to arrive at Yiyang. Yiyang  was located on the Luo river west of Luoyang.

Sima Mo (Note 2) dispatched an army from Chang'an commanded by Chunyu Ding and Lü Yi to stop Liu Cong, but in a battle at Yiyang they were also defeated (JS101). Liu Cong grew lax from his continuous victories, and failed to put his army camp in proper readiness.

In the 9th Month (20 October – 18 November) (ZZTJ), Jin's Grand Warden of Hongnong, Yuan Yan, feigned surrender, and attacked Liu Cong in a night raid. Liu Cong was greatly defeated and forced to withdraw (JS101, ZZTJ). It is said that Liu Yuan greeted the returning army clad in white (i.e. mourning) clothes (JS101), which implies that Liu Cong had retreated all the way back to Pingyang.

(Note 2: JS101 calls titles Sima Mo as Duke of Pingchang. This seems to be a simple mistake. Sima Mo had earlier been titled Duke of Pingchang, but in 306 was advanced to King of Nanyang.)

Junyi besieged by Liu Cong, conflicting information from JS005

JS005 has no entries for the 8th Month of Yongjia 3, which does not necessarily mean anything, as the benji chapters are very concise.

Under the 9th Month JS005 states that on 20 October), Liu Cong besieged Junyi. Cao Wu was dispatched to deal with him. On 31 October, the Jin army was defeated (JS005). JS005 then moves on to Liu Cong's siege of Luoyang, described in detail further below.

Junyi is a county in Chenliu, to the east of Luoyang. While it is not explicitly stated by JS005, 20 October was the first day of the 9th Month. Liu Cong could of course have moved east from Yiyang and bypassed Luoyang, but how does this fit in with his supposed defeat by Yuan Yan? I don't known. ZZTJ ignores these entries entirely.

Launch of the second campaign

In winter, the 10th Month [19 November – 17 December], Liu Yuan again sent Liu Cong together with Wang Mi, Liu Yao, Dragon Galloping General and King of Shi'an, and Liu Jing, King of Ruyin, to attack Luoyang with a cavalry army (Note 3). Huyan Yi, Great Minister of Works and Duke of Yanmen, with an infantry force was to provide rear support (JS101, ZZTJ). Based on later events, it seems he was stationed at Dayang. His task was probably then to protect Han communications across the He.

On 9 December Liu Cong once again arrived at Yiyang with his army, causing consternation in the Jin capital where they had not expect him to return so soon (ZZTJ). From Yiyang, Liu Cong continued east to Henan where he defeated a Jin army (JS101). It must have been around this time that Sima Yue returned to Luoyang from Puyang to defend the imperial capital. (JS005)

(Note 3: JS101 and ZZTJ call it 50 000 of the finest cavalry, JS100 puts it at 10 000 cavalry. It is probably best not to focus too much on these numbers.)

A long digression on Liu Tun, JS045 and JS100

Wang Mi's biography does not mention any reversals for the Han armies, or any need to relaunch the campaign, one possibility is that these details have been omitted from JS100's much briefer treatment. Instead JS100 simply states that Liu Cong, after defeating Cao Wu, crossed the Yellow River. Jin armies under the Minister of Retainers, Liu Tun, General Song Chou and others were sent against him without success. Liu Cong and Wang Mi then attacked Luoyang with 10 000 cavalry, and burnt the Two Schools.

Liu Tun had been Minister of Retainers since the time of Emperor Hui. As already described above, JS101 states that Liu Cong at the beginning of the first campaign defeated an army led by Cao Wu, Song Chou and Peng Mo. JS101 states Liu Cong that first defeated Cao Wu and Peng Mo, and Peng Mo was killed, and then defeated Liu Tun and Song Chou. It is possible that JS101 has merged the defeat of Cao Wu and Peng Mo and the defeat of Liu Tun and Song Chou into the common defeat of Cao Wu, Song Chou and Peng Mo. In this case Liu Tun's defeat must have taken place early in the first campaign before Liu Cong arrived at Yiyang. On the other hand I don't think there is any real reason why Song Chou could not have served under Cao Wu first, but being omitted from JS100, and then under Liu Tun later. In that case Liu Tun's defeat could have come much later.

Liu Tun has his own biography in JS045, but the relevant sections are difficult to reconcile with the other texts. First there is a story that Liu Tun once set off with a large retinue of guests and relatives for a visit to the family grave. The Prefect of Luoyang, Wang Leng, told Sima Yue that Liu Tun was planning to defect to Wang Mi, who came from the same commandery, Donglai, as him. Sima Yue sent some cavalry to chase after Liu Tun, to his shame when the truth came to light.

This episode is dated by JS045 to the time when Liu Cong and Wang Mi were in Hedong, which should place it somewhere between Han's capture of Hedong and Liu Cong's crossing of the Yellow River. One potential issue with the historicity of the whole episode is that it seems to require Sima Yue to have been in Luoyang. However JS005 gives the impression that Sima Yue was at Puyang for this whole period and only returned to Luoyang when the city was directly threatened.

JS045 follows this story with a summary of Liu Tun's career during the remainder of Emperor Huai's reign. When Liu Yao threatened Luoyang, Liu Tan was appointed General who Consoles the Army and commander of the capital's defences. Liu Yao withdrew. Liu Tun then moved to Supervisor of the Masters of Writing, but was shunted off by a suspicious Sima Yue into an essentially honorary court position. Later on he was restored to Minister of Retainers by Emperor Huai.

On first impression this straightforward enough, but again there are some issues. First of all I am not aware of any operations against Luoyang led by Liu Yao before the summer of 311, by which time Sima Yue was dead. It could of course refer to something otherwise unrecorded, but I think it is possible that it actually refer to Liu Cong's attack on Luoyang in 309, which Liu Yao took part in. It would make sense for someone like Liu Tun to be made commander of the defence of the capital in Sima Yue's absence. It would also fit with JS100's statement that Liu Cong defeated Liu Tun after crossing the He, JS045 has just omitted Liu Tun's defeat as irrelevant. I don't think it is a problem either that JS100 titles Liu Tun as Minister of Retainers rather than General who Consoles the Army, since his generalship was an emergency appointment.

This theory is however contradicted by JS005. According to JS005, Sima Yue's brother, Sima Jian, King of Gaomi and military commander at Xiangyang, died on 5 April 309. The court appointed the Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing, Shan Jian, as military commander at Xiangyang to replace Sima Jian, and the Minister of Retainers, Liu Tun, as Supervisor of the Left to replace Shan Jian. If Liu Tun became Supervisor of the Left already in April 309, then he cannot have been Minister of Retainers when Liu Cong invaded in December 309. What I am not certain about is how soon after Sima Jian's death Liu Tun's appointment took place. Surely should have taken some time to pick a successor for Sima Jian and then for Shan Jian?

My theory is therefore, though involves a large amount of speculations and is also partly contradicted by the sources, that when Liu Cong unexpectedly appeared at Yiyang on 9 December, the court turned to Liu Tun to lead the defences. And it was an army under Liu Tun's command that Liu Cong defeated at Henan.

Siege of Luoyang, first phase

On 14 December, Liu Cong arrived with his army before Luoyang and camped outside the Ximing Gate (JS005, JS101, ZZTJ). That night the Jin launched a night attack, either led by the Army Protector Jia Yin (JS101) or Beigong Chun (ZZTJ). The Jin forces set out from the Daxia Gate (JS101) and attacked the Han encampments (ZZTJ) where they killed Han's General who Conquers the Caitiffs, Huyan Hao (JS101, ZZTJ, Note 4).

Next day, 15 December, Liu Cong withdrew south to the Luo river where he made a fortified camp (JS101, ZZTJ). On 18 December (Note 5) Huyan Yi was killed by his own men, and his forces dispersed from Dayang (ZZTJ). According to ZZTJ, Huyan Yi received the posthumous title of “Stern and Solemn” (guangmu), he might not have been the ideal boss.

After these reversals Liu Yuan ordered the army to return, however Liu Cong successfully argued that the Jin forces were small and that they should not let the deaths of Huyan Hao and Huyan Yi deter them from continuing the attack.

(Note 4: JS101 states that Huyan Hao's forces dispersed as a result, but this seems to be a conflation with the fate Huyan Yi's army, as described by ZZTJ.)

(Note 5: ZZTJ dates Liu Cong's move south to the Luo to renxu (day 59 in the 60-day cycle), Huyan Yi's death to yichou (day 2) and Liu Cong's excursion to Mount Song to wuyin (day 15), all in the 10th Month. However there was no yichou or wuyin days in Yongjia 3, Month 10, which should have ended on jiazi (day 1). I think the explanation for this is simply that Sima Guang's source has failed to record the start of the 11th Month between renxu and yichou. The first date actually recorded in the ZZTJ under the 11th Month is Liu Cong's return to Pingyang on jiashen (day 21). Everything fits perfectly if Huyan Yi's death and the trip to Mount Song are assumed to have taken place in the 11th Month.)

Siege of Luoyang, second phase

After presumably reorganizing his forces, Liu Cong returned to the renew the attack. This time he made camp outside the Xuanyang Gate, Liu Yao camped outside the Shangdong Gate, Wang Mi outside the Guangyang Gate, while Liu Jing attacked the Daxia Gate (JS101). Based on the positions of these gates, it seems the Han armies were now threatening Luoyang from all sides.

On 31 December Liu Cong went to personally pray at the holy Mount Song, he left behind Liu Li, King of Anyang and General who Pacifies the Jin, and Huyan Lang, General of the Best of the Army, to command the Han forces in his absence (JS101, ZZTJ). While this is not explicitly stated, I assume they were only put in command of the forces directly under Liu Cong at the Xuanyang Gate, and that Wang Mi and Liu Yao were still in command and present at their own camps.

Jin's Army Advisor to the Grand Tutor, Sun Xun suggested to Sima Yue that this would be the perfect opportunity for a counter-attack (ZZTJ). Sima Yue ordered Sun Xun, together with Generals Qiu Guang and Lou Pou, to sally out with a force of 3 000 men from his personal retinue (JS101). They set out from the Xuanyang Gate, and routed the Han army camped outside it. Huyan Lang was killed  (JS005, JS101, ZZTJ), making him the third Huyan to fall. Liu Cong hurried back but it was too late. Liu Li feared he would take the blame and drowned himself in the river. (JS101, ZZTJ)

Wang Mi now, according to the common account of JS101 and ZZTJ, advised Liu Cong that it would be best to abandon the attack on Luoyang for now. The Jin defenders were still strong, provisions were few and the supply train was still at the Shan pass. Instead Liu Cong should return to Pingyang with Liu Yao and prepare a new army. Meanwhile Wang Mi would stay behind in Yan and Yu provinces and store up provisions, presumably by plundering. (JS101, ZZTJ) Liu Cong however, because his earlier request to continue, was reluctant to give up (ZZTJ).

Meanwhile back in Pingyang, Liu Yuan's astrologer Xuanyu Xiuzhi had divined that Luoyang would only fall in a xinwei year, and that the Han army would be defeated if it did not return. Liu Yuan then sent out his Gentleman of the Yellow Gates, Fu Xun, to summon Liu Cong to come back.

Siege of Luoyang, third phase? More contradictions from JS005

JS101 and ZZTJ end their account with Xuanyu Xiuzhi's prophecy and the summons from Liu Yuan. Liu Cong and Liu Yuan returned to Pingyang on 6 January 310 (ZZTJ). Based on JS005 however, it seems fighting might continued for a while after the battle at Xuanyang Gate. The author JS101 and ZZTJ's source might have left this out to not detract from Wang Mi's practical and Xuanyu Xiuzhi's mystic advise, or authors of JS005 might just have been confused and muddled things together.

JS005's treatment of the whole siege is as expected quite brief. According to it, sometime after Sima Yue's return to the capital, Liu Cong arrived at the Ximing Gate. Sima Yue and Liu Cong fought a battle outside the Xuanyang Gate and Liu Cong was defeated. As a brief summary nothing here contradicts JS101 or ZZTJ.

JS005 then says that the Jin sent the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Wang Kan, and the General who Pacifies the North, Cao Wu, against Liu Cong. However the Jin army was defeated and Wang Kan fled back to capital. Cao Wu certainly gets defeated a lot! Now I suppose if Liu Cong had moved some distance away from Luoyang, it would make sense to speak of his return to the capital afterwards. But it is more tempting to speculate that defeat is the same as Jin defeat dated to 31 October by JS005, and that this entry is a duplicate. However as discussed above, that battle is also difficult to fit in.

Next, says JS005, Liu Cong attacked Luoyang's Ximing Gate but did not prevail. Ignoring Wang Kan, if Liu Cong continued the siege after being defeated at Xuanyang Gate, he could certainly have moved his camp back outside the Ximing Gate. But if Wang Kan's defeat is a duplicate, this could be as well.

JS100 treats the whole siege very briefly. When Liu Cong and Wang Mi showed up outside Luoyang, Sima Yue resisted them at the Ximing Gate. The Han army was defeated and left. This suggest that the final battles of the siege took place at the Ximing Gate. However since the battle at the Xuanyang gate is ignored, it might as well refer to Liu Cong's arrival at the Ximing Gate at the beginning of the siege.

JS005 then says that in the 11th Month the Beg-to-Live leaders Li Yun and Bo Sheng led their army to the relief of Luoyang, and Liu Cong then withdrew and left. And with this we seem to be on safer ground.

Wang Mi defeated at Xinji. Li Yun and Bo Sheng's role in the end of the siege.

As he had advised, when Liu Cong abandoned the siege, Wang Mi did not accompany him back to Pingyang, but instead set out south through the Huanyuan pass to start the work of piling up provisions (JS101, ZZTJ). However Sima Yue sent out an army led by either Bo Sheng (JS101) or Li Yun (JS005) (Note 6), and they defeated Wang Mi at Xinji in Yingchuan (JS005).

If, as JS101 says, Sima Yue could sent Bo Sheng to chase after Wang Mi, it makes sense, as JS005 claims, that Li Yun and Bo Sheng had come to Luoyang with a relief army before Liu Cong's withdrawal. If this was the case, then real reason why Liu Cong had to retreat was the arrival of enemy reinforcements rather than Xuanyu Xiuzhi's prophecy. This however makes for less neat and instructive to the story.

(Note 6: Since Li Yun and Bo Sheng were both commanders in the same army, the disagreement between JS005 and JS101 on who led the Jin army at Xinji does not seem a critical problem.)

Postscript

Liu Yuan died of illness in 310. His oldest son and chosen successor, Liu He, ruled for only a few days before Liu Cong deposed him and enthroned himself as Emperor of Han. Liu Cong ruled until his own death in 318.

Sima Yue died 23 April 311 and what remained of the Jin empire crumbled quickly after that. On 13 July 311 Wang Mi and Liu Yao entered Luoyang, which by this point was ravaged by famine and almost undefended. They plundered the city and brought Emperor Huai a captive back to Pingyang. 311 was a xinwei year, so everything had predictably gone just as as Xuanyu Xiuzhi had predicted. Emperor Huai was eventually executed by Liu Cong in 313.

Following the fall of Luoyang, Wang Mi fell out with Shi Le, and was killed by him at a banquet in November 311.

Translations

Note that JS refers to Liu Yuan劉淵 as Liu Yuanhai 劉��海, his courtesy name, to observe the Tang taboo on 淵, the name of Tang Gaozu.

JS005, Basic Annals of Emperor Huai

9th Month [20 October – 18 November], bingyin [20 October 309], Liu Cong besieged Junyi. Dispatched the General who Pacifies the North, Cao Wu to punish him.

On the day dingchou [31 October], the royal regiments achieved defeat.

The King of Donghai, Yue, entered to defend the capital city. Cong arrived at the Ximing gate. Yue defended against him, and in a battle outside the Xuanyang Gate greatly routed him.

…

Sent the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Wang Kan, and the General who Pacifies the North, Cao Wu, to punish Liu Cong. The royal regiments achieved defeat. Kan fled and returned to the capital.

…

Liu Cong attacked Luoyang's Ximing gate, but did not overcome [it].

Winter, 11th Month, the Beg-to-Live leaders, Li Yun, Bo Sheng, and others led the multitudes to aid the Imperial Capital. Cong withdrew and left.

Yun and others again routed Wang Mi at Xinji.

九月丙寅，劉聰圍浚儀，遣平北將軍曹武討之。丁丑，王師敗績。東海王越人保京城。聰至西明門，越禦之，戰于宣陽門外，大破之。… 使車騎將軍王堪、平北將軍曹武討劉聰，王師敗績，堪奔還京師。… 劉聰攻洛陽西明門，不克。

冬十一月 … 乞活帥李惲、薄盛等帥眾救京師，聰退走。惲等又破王彌於新汲。

JS045, Biography of Liu Tun

Tun's wife had previously passed on, and was first buried in an accompanying tomb. His son Gengsheng [?] was newly married. In the family law, the wives had to do obeisance at the grave. The guests and relatives who followed along had several tens of vehicles. They loaded alcohol and food, and went.

Before this, the Prefect of Luoyang, Wang Leng, was trusted by Yue, and made light of Tun. Tun always desired to restrain him. Leng considered him an enemy. At the time Liu Cong and Wang Mi garrisoned Hedong, the Imperial District was endangered and in fear. Leng reported to Yue, stating Tun was a countryman of Mi and desired to throw in with him. Yue made ready cavalry wanting to pursue Tun. The Senior Clerk of the Right, Fu Xuan clarified Tun would not do so. Tun heard about it. He had not yet reached the grave when he turned around, and accordingly with proper righteousness called Yue into account. Yue was considerably ashamed.

When Liu Yao robbed the Imperial Capital, used Tun as General who Consoles the Army, Acting with the Tally, Commander-in-chief of All Army Affairs of the City Defences. Yao withdrew. He moved to Supervisor of the Masters of Writing.

Yue dreaded Tun for his long-time duties in supervision and managing, and also that he was admired in the multitudes' feelings, therefore used him as Brilliantly Blessed Grandee of the Right, acting Junior Tutor to the Heir-Apparent, concurrently Cavalier in Regular Attendance. Outwardly he showed honour and advancement, but in truth he took away his authority. Emperor Huai again decreed Tun to act as Commandant of Guards, concurrently Specially Advanced. Later he then used Tun as Minister of Retainers, concurrently Palace Attendant. Tun for five [times?, years?] was Minister of Retainers, he indeed united the reasons of matters and feelings [?].

暾妻前卒，先陪陵葬。子更生初婚，家法，婦當拜墓，攜賓客親屬數十乘，載酒食而行。先是，洛陽令王棱為越所信，而輕暾，暾每欲繩之，棱以為怨。時劉聰、王彌屯河北，京邑危懼。棱告越，云暾與彌鄉親而欲投之。越嚴騎將追暾，右長史傅宣明暾不然。暾聞之，未至墓而反，以正義責越，越甚慚。

及劉曜寇京師，以暾為撫軍將軍、假節、都督城守諸軍事。曜退，遷尚書僕射。越憚暾久居監司，又為眾情所歸，乃以為右光祿大夫，領太子少傅，加散騎常侍。外示崇進，實奪其權。懷帝又詔暾領衛尉，加特進。後復以暾為司隸，加侍中。暾五為司隸，允協物情故也。

JS100, Biography of Wang Mi

Emperor Huai dispatched the Commander of the Palace Gentlemen of the North, Pei Xian to stay at Baima to punish [Wang] Mi, the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Wang Kan, to stay at Dongyan to punish [Shi] Le, the General who Pacifies the North, Cao Wu to stay at Dayang to punish [Liu] Yuanhai. Wu's section General Peng Mo was defeated by Liu Cong and murdered. The multitude armies all withdrew.

Cong crossed the Yellow River. The Emperor dispatched the Colonel Minister of Retainers, Liu Tun, General Song Chou, and others to resist him. None were able to withstand. Mi and Cong used 10 000 cavalry to reach the Imperial Capital, and burnt the Two Schools. The King of Donghai, Yue, resisted in battle at the Ximing Gate. Mi and others were defeated and left.

懷帝遣北中郎將裴憲次白馬討彌，車騎將軍王堪次東燕討勒，平北將軍曹武次大陽討元海。武部將軍彭默為劉聰所敗，見害，眾軍皆退。聰渡黃河，帝遣司隸校尉劉暾、將軍宋抽等距之，皆不能抗。彌、聰以萬騎至京城，焚二學。東海王越距戰於西明門，彌等敗走。

JS101, Yearly Annals of Liu Yuanhai

Hence he instructed his son Cong and Wang Mi to advance and rob Luoyang, Liu Yao with Zhao Gu and others to be their rear support. The King of Donghai, Yue, dispatched the General who Pacifies the North, Cao Wu, and Generals Song Chou, Peng Mo, and others to resist them. The kingly host achieved defeat. Cong and others pushed deep to reach Yiyang.

The Duke of Pingchang, Mo, dispatched generals Chunyu Ding, Lü Yi and others from Chang'an to punish them. They fought at Yiyang, Ding and others achieved defeat. Cong relied on continuous victory, and did not make preparations. The Grand Warden of Hongnong, Yuan Yan, feigned surrender. In a night raid, Cong's army was greatly defeated and turned back. Yuanhai in white clothes greeted the host.

That winter, he then greatly sent out soldiers. He dispatched Cong and Mi, with Liu Yao, Liu Jing and others to lead 50 000 of the finest cavalry to rob Luoyang. He sent Huyan Yi to lead foot soldiers to support them. They defeated the kingly host at [or “in”] Henan. Cong advanced to garrison at the Ximing Gate. The Army-Protector Jia Yin at night pushed [?] him, They fought at the Daxia Gate. He beheaded Cong's general Huyan Hao. His multitudes thereupon dispersed.

Cong turned around the army and went south. He walled up at the Luo river, and soon after advanced to garrison at the Xuanyang Gate. Yao garrisoned at the Shangdong Gate. Mi garrisoned at the Guangyang Gate. Jing attacked the Daxia Gate. Cong personally prayed at Song Peak, and ordered his generals, Liu Li, Huyan Lang, and others, to direct and stay with the army.

The King of Donghai, Yue, instructed Army Advisor Sun Xun, Generals Qiu Guang, Lou Pou, and others to lead 3 000 strong soldiers beneath the tent. They struck Lang from the Xuanyang Gate, and beheaded him. Cong heard and hurried back. Li feared Cong would punish him, took himself into the river and died.

Wang Mi spoke to Cong, saying:

Now [we] have already lost the advantage, Luoyang is still strong. Your Highness, it is not as good as turning back the host, and calmly be raising up in the rear. Your Subordinate will gather troops and store up grain in Yan and Yu. [I will] humbly listen for [?]  and make ready for the rendezvous.

Xuanyu Xiuzhi again talked to Yuanhai, saying:

[When] the year is xinwei, [we] will obtain Luoyang. Now the airs of Jin are still abundant. [If] the Great Army does not return, it will surely be defeated.

Yuanhai swiftly dispatched the Gentleman of the Yellow Gates Fu Xun to summon Cong and others to turn back with the host.

Wang Mi set out from Huanyuan. Yue dispatched Bo Sheng and others to pursue and strike Mi. They fought at Xinji. Mi's host achieved defeat. Hence he gathered in the guard posts of Puban, and turned back to Pingyang.

於是命其子聰與王彌進寇洛陽，劉曜與趙固等為之後繼。東海王越遣平北將軍曹武、將軍宋抽、彭默等距之，王師敗績。聰等長驅至宜陽，平昌公模遣將軍淳于定、呂毅等自長安討之，戰于宜陽，定等敗績。聰恃連勝，不設備，弘農太守垣延詐降。夜襲，聰軍大敗而還，元海素服迎師。

是冬，復大發卒，遣聰、彌與劉曜、劉景等率精騎五萬寇洛陽，使呼延翼率步卒繼之，敗王師於河南。聰進屯于西明門，護軍賈胤夜薄之，戰于大夏門，斬聰將呼延顥，其眾遂潰。聰迴軍而南。壁於洛水，尋進屯宣陽門，曜屯上東門，彌屯廣陽門，景攻大夏門，聰親祈嵩嶽，令其將劉厲、呼延朗等督留軍。東海王越命參軍孫詢、將軍丘光、樓裒等率帳下勁卒三千，自宣陽門擊朗，斬之。聰聞而馳還。厲懼聰之罪己也，赴水而死。王彌謂聰曰：「今既失利，洛陽猶固，殿下不如還師，徐為後舉。下官當於袞豫之間收兵積穀，伏聽嚴期。」宣于脩之又言於元海曰：「歲在辛未，當得洛陽。今晉氣猶盛，大軍不歸，必敗。」元海馳遣黃門郎傅詢召聰等還師。王彌出自轘轅，越遣薄盛等追擊彌，戰于新汲，彌師敗績。於是攝薄阪之戍，還於平陽。

ZZTJ87, Yongjia 3

Autumn, 8th Month [21 September – 19 October], the Ruler of Han, Yuan, instructed the King of Chu, Cong, and others to advance and attack Luoyang. Decreed the General who Pacifies the North, Cao Wu, and others, to resist him. All were defeated by Cong.

Cong pushed deep to reach Yiyang. He himself relied on continuous victory, he was negligent and did not make preparations.

9th Month [20 October – 18 November], the Grand Warden of Hongnong, Yuan Yan, feigned surrender. [He made] a night raid on Cong's army. Cong was greatly defeated and turned back.

…

Winter, 10th Month [19 November – 17 December], the Ruler of Han then dispatched the King of Chu, Cong; Wang Mi; the King of Shi'An, Yao; and the King of Ruyin, Jing, to lead 50 000 of the finest cavalry to rob Luoyang. The Great Minister of Works, Duke Gangmu of Yanmen, Huyan Yi, to lead foot soldiers to support them.

On bingchen [9 December], Cong and others reached Yiyang. The Imperial Court, due to the Han troops being recently defeated, did not expect them to arrive again and was greatly fearful.

On xinyou [14 December], Cong garrisoned Ximing Gate. Beigong Chun and others at night led more than a thousand brave soldiers to set out and attack Han's fortifications. He beheaded their General who Conquers the Caitiffs, Huyan Hao.

On renxu [15 December], Cong went south to garrison at the Luo river.

[11th Month,] On yichou [18 December], Huyan Yi was killed by his followers, his multitudes dispersed from Dayang and returned home.

Yuan commanded Cong and others to turn back with the host. Cong petitioned claiming that the Jin troops were few, that he could not for the reasons of Yi and Hao's deaths turn back the host. He firmly requested to stay and attack Luoyang. Yuan allowed it.

The Grand Tutor, Yue, defended himself in the encircled Luoyang [?].

On wuyin [31 December], Cong prayed at Song Mountain. He kept the General who Pacifies the Jin, King Ai of Anyang, Li, and the General of the Best of the Army, Huyan Lang, to direct and administer the staying army. The Army Advisor to the Grand Tutor, Sun Xun persuaded Yue to exploit the absence to set out and strike Lang. He beheaded him. Li took himself into the river and died.

Wang Mi spoke to Cong, saying:

Now the army has already lost the advantage. The defenders of Luoyang are prepared and still strong, the transport chariots are at Shan, the provisions and food do not provide for several days. Your Highness, it is not as good as to turn back to Pingyhang with the Dragon Galloping [General, Yao], bundle up food and send out soldiers, and furthermore be raising up in the rear. Your Subordinate likewise [will] gather soldiers and grain, and await instructions in Yan and Yu. Can it not likewise be done?

Cong himself, due to requesting to stay, did not yet dare to turn back.

Xuanyu Xiuzhi talked to Yuan, saying:

[When] the year is xinwei, then [we will] obtain Luoyang. Now the airs of Jin are still abundant. [If] the Great Army does not return, it will surely be defeated.

Yuan therefore summoned Cong and others to turn back.

…

11th Month, jiashen [6 January], Han's King of Chu, Cong, and King of Shi'an, Yao, returned home to Pingyang.

Wang Mi to the south set out [from] Huanyuan.

秋，八月，漢主淵命楚王聰等進攻洛陽；詔平北將軍曹武等拒之，皆爲聰所敗。聰長驅至宜陽，自恃驟勝，怠不設備。九月，弘農太守垣延詐降，夜襲聰軍，聰大敗而還。

…

冬，十月，漢主淵復遣楚王聰、王彌、始安王曜、汝陰王景帥精騎五萬寇洛陽，大司空鴈門剛穆公呼延翼帥步卒繼之。丙辰，聰等至宜陽。朝廷以漢兵新敗，不意其復至，大懼。辛酉，聰屯西明門。北宮純等夜帥勇士千餘人出攻漢壁，斬其征虜將軍呼延顥。壬戌，聰南屯洛水。乙丑，呼延翼爲其下所殺，其衆自大陽潰歸。淵敕聰等還師；聰表稱晉兵微弱，不可以翼、顥死故還師，固請留攻洛陽，淵許之。太傅越嬰城自守。戊寅，聰親祈嵩山，留平晉將軍安陽哀王厲、冠軍將軍呼延朗督攝留軍；太傅參軍孫詢說越乘虛出擊朗，斬之，厲赴水死。王彌謂聰曰︰「今軍旣失利，洛陽守備猶固，運車在陝，糧食不支數日。殿下不如與龍驤還平陽，裹糧發卒，更爲後舉；下官亦收兵穀，待命於兗、豫，不亦可乎！」聰自以請留，未敢還。宣于脩之言於淵曰︰「歲在辛未，乃得洛陽。今晉氣猶盛，大軍不歸，必敗。」淵乃召聰等還。

…

十一月，甲申，漢楚王聰、始安王曜歸于平陽。王彌南出轘轅，

[bookofjin]

Biography of Guo Yi

[From JS045]

Guo Yi, courtesy name Daye, was a native of Yangqu of Taiyuan. As young he was veryfamous. Shan Tao [JS043] spoke of him as exalted and uncomplicated, and having a capacity for refinement.

He began as Prefect of Yewang. Yang Hu [JS034] often passed by him. Yi sighed and said:

Why must Yang Shuzi be less than Guo Daye?

Not long after he also went, he again sighed, saying:

Yang Shuzi leaves a person in the distance.

Thereupon he saw off Hu, setting out several hundred li outside boundary [of his county], he was convicted for this and dismissed from office.

At the end of Xianxi [264 – 265], he became Emperor Wen's Master of Account to the Chancellor of State. At the time Zhong Hui rebelled in Shu. Xun Xu [JS039] was precisely Hui's sister's son and as young grew up in Hui's house. Xu became an officer of Emperor Wen, and Yi began to set out to him. The Emperor, although he did not employ him, understood his elegance and propriety.

When Emperor Wu walked the eastern steps and began establishing the Eastern Palace, [the residence of the Heir-Apparent], he used Yi and Zheng Mo [JS044] together as Palace Cadets. He moved to Leader of the Guard of the Right and General of Valiant Cavalry, enfeoffed as Baron of Pingling.

At the beginning of Xianning [275 – 280], he moved to Inspector of Yong province and Soaring Eagle General. He made use of red curtains, bent cover, drums and pipes. Yi had a widowed elder sister who followed Yi to his post. The elder sister's boy servant often was perfidious and offensives, and was criticized by people. Yi scrutinized and restrained to the end, saying:

Great elders, why must [I] consider an old sister's request for fame? [?]

He dispatched [him?] and did not question.

At the time the village elder Li Han [JS060] was capable and talented, yet his gate was cold and he was pushed back by the chivalrous families. Yi employed him as Attendant Officer. Han later as a result had fame and rank. The times considered Yui as understanding people.

In the middle of Taikang [280 – 289], he was summoned to Master of Writing. Yi was very famous, in that time period the court officials all set out to be his inferiors. At the time the Emperor appointed and relied on Yang Jun [JS040]. Yi petitioned that Jun was a small receptacle, and could not be relied on therefore for the altars of soil and grain. The Emperor did not listen, and Jun later as a result was executed.

When Yi became ill, a decree bestowed 200 000 cash, and he was daily given beer and rice. In the 8th Year of Taikang [287 AD], he passed on.

The Grand Master Ceremonies sent up that his posthumous title should be Luminous [jing]. Had the ministers discuss, since high and low should not have the same title, a posthumous title similar to August Jing [Sima Shi] was not possible, and requested to confer the posthumous title Majestic [mu]. A decree said:

Posthumous titles are the means for flagging  virtue and displaying acts. Note that the posthumous title regulated for the single virtue of not indulging is Uncomplicated [jian]. Yi was loyal, resolute, pure and straight, setting up virtue without change.

And so he thereupon was conferred the posthumous title of Uncomplicated.

[bookofjin]

Biography of Ren Kai

[From JS045]

Ren Kai, courtesy name Yuanbao, was a native of Bochan in Le'an. His father Hao was Wei's Grand Master of Ceremonies. Kai as young had a capacity for understanding. He married the daughter of Emperor Ming of Wei. He amassed to move to Attendant Gentleman of the Palace Writers and Outer Member of the Cavaliers in Regular Attendance. When the state of Jin as founded, he became Palace Attendant, enfeoffed as Marquis of Changguo county.

Kai had the potency for bringing the state into order, in the ten thousands moments, great and small, he much took charge and put it in order. He was by nature loyal and proper, and used the altars of soil and grain as his duty [?], the Emperor esteemed and was close to him, and in government affairs often consulted with him.

At the beginning of Taishi [265 – 274], Zheng Chong [JS033], Wang Xiang [JS033], He Zeng [JS033], Xun Yi [JS039], Pei Xiu [JS035] and others all used old age and illness to return their rank. The Emperor copiously favoured the great subjects, and did not desire to labour using sinews and strength, and several times dispatched Kai to proclaim the purpose to the various Excellencies, conferring thereby the great government affairs of the time period, taking part in discussing obtaining and losing.

Kai detested Jia Chong's [JS040] person conduct, and did not desire to cause [him?] for a long time to hold in hand court and government affairs, and always trimmed and hindered him. Chong was troubled by it, but did not know what to do. [?] Later [Chong] took the opportunity to speak of Kai's loyalty, devotion, tolerance and propriety, he ought to be in the Eastern Palace and made to protect the Heir-Apparent. The Emperor followed it, and used him as Junior Tutor to the Heir-Apparent, and Palace Attendant as before. Chong's schemes and plans did not come to fruition.

It happened that Qin and Yong were robbed and disturbed, the Son of Heaven therefore was anxious. Kai because of that said: “Qin and Liang are turned over in defeat, the right of the frontiers are in disturbed commotion, this is truly a deep worry of the state and nation. [We] ought to quickly quell and console, and send a person who has sheltering in his heart. Myself is not one who with the powerful expectations of weighty subjects [?] or one who has plans and schemes, and is of no use for the prosperity of the western territories.”

The Emperor said: “Who can be relied on?”

Kai said: “Jia Chong is that man.”

The Prefect of the Palace Writers, Yu Chun [JS050], likewise spoke of it, and so decreed Chong to go west and headquarter at Chang'an.

Chong had already met with the Emperor and desired to monopolize fame and power. And yet those who followed Yu Chun, Zhang Hua [JS036], Wen Yong, Xiang Xiu [JS049], He Jiao [JS045] all were friendly with Kai. Yang Yao, Wang Xun [JS093], Hua Yi [JS044] and others were intimate and respectful with Chong. And so cliques and factions made disorder.

The Emperor knew it and summoned Chong and Kai to a banquet at the Hall of Emulating Potency, and spoke to Chong and others, saying: “The imperial court ought to be as one, the great subjects must be harmonious.” Chong and Kai each bowed and apologised, and then stopped.

Then Chong, Kai and others, though the Emperor already knew of it and yet they did not do their duty, the hatred between them became deeper and deeper, on the outside they honoured and esteemed each other, on the inside they very much were not at peace.

Someone had a plan for Chong, saying: “Kai altogether beneath the door hinges makes fun of [?], obtaining a personal connection with the Sovereign. [We] ought to start causing canonical selections, easily obtaining a gradual neglect, this is a single chief clerk's clerical affairs, and that is all [?]. Moreover the Nine Flows difficult essence, between the cracks easy to rule. [?]”

Chong for that reason talked of Kai's talents and abilities and that he ought to have the duties of a palace official. The Emperor did not suspect it, and referred e to Chong recommending obtaining his talents. That day he used Kai as Master of Writing of the Personnel Section, concurrently Chief Commandant who Receives the Chariots.

When Kai was Master of Writing, he selected and recommended fairly and evenly, exhausting his mind with his duties, and his attending audience became rare. Chong, Xun Xu [JS039], and Feng Dan [JS039] took the opportunity to gradually embellish, talking of Kai's opulence and extravagance, using imperial eating utensils. Chong dispatched the Supervisor of the Right of the Masters of Writing, the King of Gaoyang, Gui, to memorialise about Kai. Thereupon he was dismissed from office. Had the ministers collect the great officials and stewards to examine the gist of it. Thus Kai's wife, the Senior Princess of Qi, had obtained the bestowal in the time of Wei the imperial utensils.

Kai was already dismissed and yet the slander and libel more and more came forth. The Emperor gradually disapproved of him. Shan Tao [JS043] clarified Kai as a person thoroughly smart and had wisdom and tolerance, recommending him to be Intendant of Henan. He was incriminated in when traitors issued forth not capturing [them], and again was dismissed from office. He again moved to Superintendent of the Brilliantly Blessed.

Kai habitually had an understanding of perception, adding thereby being fair, industrious and respectful, he considerably obtained fame and recognition in court and countryside. And yet Jia Chong conspired with his faction to again recite and have the ministers memorialise that Kai and the Prefect of Establishing and Advancing [?], Liu You were colluding together.

The affair was sent down to the Masters of Writing. Kai replied and did not submit. The Master of Writing Du You and the Commandant of Justice, Liu Liang, were both loyal and fair gentlemen, and understood Kai was hindered by Chong. They desired to explain the reasons for it, and for that reason they were slow to finish and did not pass judgement. Due to that, Kai, You and Linag were all dismissed from office.

When Kai had lost his post, he then gave in to beer and indulged in music. He to the utmost enjoyed flavours thereby serving and raising himself [?]. Earlier, He Shao [JS034], due to being a ducal son was wasteful and extravagant, every meal had to exhaust the precious food of the four corners. Kai then exceeded him, a single meal [cost] ten thousand cash, as if speaking without being able beneath chopsticks resting [?]. Kai at the time because of at court audiences, the Emperor sometimes consolation elucidations [?]. Kai at first was without returning words, only wept and then stopped. He later rose to be Grand Coachman, moved to Grand Master of Ceremonies.

Earlier, Wei Shu [JS041] although with successive ranks as Warden of commanderies, and yet not relied on to meet [?]. Kai was Palace Attendant recommended Shu as Cavalier in Regular Attendance. Coming to this point, Shui was Brilliantly Blessed [Grandee] of the Right and Opening Office, acting as Minister over the Masses. The Emperor's approaching carriage [?] sent Kai to bow to Shu. Shu although due to his vast capacity broad and simple [?] had a reputation. At the time though Kai had assisted for generations the receptacles and bureaus, yet Shu had risen to the Three Excellencies while Kai had stopped at protecting the dispersed ministers. He could not but be sighing in resentment at him.

Kai did not obtain his purpose, and finally due to sadness passed on. At the time he was 61. His posthumous title was Originating [yuan]. His son Han inherited.

Han, courtesy name Zilun, as an infant had the family principles. His talents and expectations did not reach Kai, but due to his good acts gain a reputation, and became a pure, level and delightful gentleman. He was successively Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gates, Cavalier in Regular Attendance, Inspector of Yan province and Great Herald.

[bookofjin]

Now the gallant and valiant are contending to rise up, the hems of the Nine Provinces are splitting. Those who have merit not of this generation, within the firmament [they] are not made space for. General, from when [you] rose up with troops and onwards, which attacks did not succeed, which battles did [you] not win? And again when [you] and Liu Yao did not cooperate, [you] properly thought of the faults of Wen Zhong and used Fan Li as your teacher. Moreover if the General perhaps is not in the thoughts of kings and emperors, [you can] be king of the east in the home province, and accordingly observe the tendencies of the times. At best [you] can thereby unite Under Heaven, at worst [you] can complete the affairs of the tripartite balance. How are [you] worse than Sun and Liu! Kuai Tong has spoken, the General ought to make plans for it.

Advise by Liu Tun to Wang Mi, JS045

[bookofjin]

Biography of Cheng Wei

[From JS045. This short bio is really just an appendix to that of his master, Liu Yi (which I haven’t translated yet. Actually I couldn’t find any other references to Cheng Wei in the JS outside his own bio.

Cheng Wei, courtesy name Changxuan, was a native of Quzhou in Guangping. As young he established a commitment to acting, he was stubborn, upright proper, and strict. Liu Yi [JS045] heard of his fame, and nominated him to be Assistant Officer to the Capital Officials.

Yi memorialised that the Army-Protector of the Centre, Yang Xiu [JS093], had violated the law and ought to die. Emperor Wu and Xiu were old friends, he therefore dispatched the King of Qi, You [JS038], to elucidate Yi. Yi accepted it. Wei with a severe countenance due to this being not acceptable, hurried directly himself in a chariot to enter the Army-Protector's barracks, gathered the retainers belonging to Xiu, and examined and questioned for hidden secrets. He first memorialised Xiu were criminally jumbling it up [?], and afterwards spoke to Yi.

He employed his name [?] to excite distant and near, the hundred officials acted strictly. He was thereupon nominated to the staff of the Excellencies' Office, moved to Gentleman of the Masters of Writing and Attendant Imperial Clerk. At his posts always thereby affairs were handled clearly. He filled Prefect of Luoyang then successively Grand Warden of Anding and Dunqiu, by his management he brought forth achievements. He passed on in office.

[bookofjin]

Biography of Jia Chong, Part 2

[From JS040]

When Chong was governing, he concerned himself with agriculture and moderated expenditure, he combined offices and rationalized posts, the Emperor was pleased with it. He also, due to civil and military officials having different appearances, requested to relinquish leading troops. When Yang Hu and others set out for their headquarters, Chong repeatedly sent up petitions on his desire to establish merit at a border post, the Emperor in all cases did not allow it.

He was relaxed and unhurried when serving in office. In praising or censuring he was very much so [?]. He notably excelled at advancing scholars, and always was recommending intelligence, certain they would in end start the woof and weft from it. Thus accordingly scholars much returned to him [?].

The Emperor's maternal uncle Wang Xun [JS093] once slandered Chong, yet Chong still advanced Xun. Some claimed behind Chong's back that he issued intimidation for power and worth [?]. Chong always on the surface used habitual opinions to wait for them [?]. Yet Chong had no commitment for the fair and square, was not able with propriety to personally lead his subordinates [?], and paid sole attention accordingly to toadying flatterers adopting a [pleasing] countenance.

The Palace Attendant, Ren Kai [JS045], and the Prefect of the Palace Writers, Yu Chun [JS050], and others rigidly and directly defended propriety, all together were hostile to him. Also since Chong's daughter was the King of Qi's Consort, [they?] feared [he?] later benefit in abundance. When the Di and Qiang turned to rebellion, the Emperor the time accordingly was deeply worried. Kai because of that advanced to advise, requesting Chong to headquarter in Guanzhong. [The Emperor] therefore sent down a decree saying:

On the two frontiers of Qin and Liang, there are every year frequent defeats. The Hu caitiffs indulge in violence, the hundred families suffer cruelly. [It has] thereupon made different kinds fan into action, the injury reaching the Central Provinces. Even the repeated robberies of Wu and Shu, have not once come to this. Sincerely making use of being humane is not sufficient to accordingly inside console the Yi and the Xia, outside to quell the repugnant rebels, lightly making use of their multitudes and yet being unable to exhaust their power. If [we] do not obtain the esteem of belly and heart, pushing forward the wheel-hub to appoint successfully, greatly correcting their crimes, [We] fear the suffering is not over. For every worry this difficult, [We] forget to sleep and eat.

The Palace Attendant, Warden [?] Prefect of the Masters of Writing and General of Chariots and Cavalry, Jia Chong, [his] capacity for refinement vast and exalted, reaching to see clearing the far off, in military matters having the power of bringing down assaults, in the civil his breast ponders guiding the state, truly connecting people's hearts, his fame shakes outside the border. To send [him with?] power and command square and reliable, soothing and quieting the Western Xia, then I [will be] without thoughts of the western considerations, and distant and near will be equally calm.

Thus use Chong as Envoy Holding the Tally, Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Qin and Liang provinces, Palace Attendant and General of Chariots and Cavalry like before, to make use of feathered tassels, drums and pipes, and give him one Attendant Cavalry.

The virtuous and good of the court desired to advance with loyal counsel and present a substitute [?], all favoured by [?] Chong for this recommendation, expected abundance only in reform of the new [?].

Chong had set outside, considering himself to be deficient for the post [?], deeply concealing [ill feelings for] Ren Kai, planning not to be compliant. He was about to go to the headquarters, the hundred companions were seeing him off at the Xiyang pavillion. Xun Xu [JS039] paid private visit to him. Chong accordingly sadly informed [him] [?]. Xu said:

Your Excellency is the state's steward and assistant, yet is ruled by another man, is is not menial? Such acts, the true difficulties of the farewell, there only is the joining in marriage to the Heir-Apparent. Do not stop the carriage but detain yourself [?].

Chong said:

Certainly, but whose breast can we rely on?

He replied, saying:

Xu requests to do it.

Soon after attending a banquet, discussing the affairs of the Heir-Apparent's marriage, Xu because of that spoke of Chong's daughter's talents, naturalness, qualities and charm, [and that she] ought to be paired with the heir's palace. And August Empress Yang and Xun Yi [JS039] likewise both praised her. The Emperor accepted their words.

There happened to be in the Imperial Capital a great snowfall, covering the ground 2 chi deep, the army could not set forth. Then the august heir accepted marriage, and thereupon he did not go west. There was a decree for Chong to take up his original post. Before this Yang Hu [JS034] privately begun detaining Chong, Reaching this point, the Emperor accordingly spoke of it to Chong. Chong apologised to Hu, saying:

[I am] starting to understand the Lord's importance.

At the time when Wu's general Sun Xiu surrendered, he was designated as Great General of Agile Cavalry. The Emperor consider Chong an old minister, desired to change distribution, and made the post of Chariots and Cavalry to the right [inferior to?] of Agile Cavalry. Chong firmly declined and was seen and heard [?]. He was appointed and moved to Minister of Works, Palace Attendant and Prefect of the Masters of Writing, leading troops like before.

It happened that the Emperor was ill in bed. Chong, the King of Qi, You, and Xun Yi took part in curing and healing him. When the illness was cured, they were each bestowed 500 bolts of tabby silk.

Earlier, when the Emperor was gravely ill, the imperial court belonged in their thoughts to You. The Intendant of Henan, Xiahou He, spoke to Chong, saying:

Sir has two daughters and sons-in-laws, [and can?] personally arranging and compare, that is all. When establishing a person [you] must establish the virtuous [one].

Chong did not reply. Reaching this point, the Emperor heard of it, and moved He to Superintendent of the Brilliantly Blessed. He then took away Chong's power over the troops, but his rank did not see any change.

He was appointed and moved to Grand Commandant and Acting Grand Guardian to the Heir-Apparent, Recording the Affairs of the Masters of Writing. In the 3rd Year of Xianning [277 AD], the sun was eclipsed at the third morning [?]. Chong requested to yield his rank, but was not allowed. Furthermore used Pei state's Gongqiu to increase his fief, his favour and fortune become more and more considerable, court officials all made sidelong glances at him.

The Intendant of Henan, Wang Xun [JS093], sent up words:

When the Hongxun Empress Dowager [Yang Huiyu] entered the temple, bringing together food for August Emperor Jing, the King of Qi, You, did not manage to act with the rites of his son.

Chong's opinion accordingly was

In the rites, the various lords to not obtain the grandfather to the Son of Heaven, the noble sons to not get the late former lord, everyone speak of receiving command and inheriting the sacrifices. They do not speak of not obtaining repeatedly their fathers and grandfathers. [The King of Qi,] You personally ought to obey the affairs of the three year mourning, himself like the rules of subjects. [?]

Had the ministers memorialise:

With regards to Chong's opinion, to wear the clothes of a son, act with rules of subjects, is not compare to before [?]. Ought to be like Xun's petition, You's mourning clothes to follow the precedent of the various lords.

The Emperor followed Chong's opinion.

At the service of the attack on Wu, decreed Chong to be Envoy Holding the Tally, Acting with Yellow Battle-Axe and Great Commander-in-Chief, with overall command of the Six Hosts, given feathered tassels, drums and pipes, red carriage screen, 10 000 troops and 2 000 cavalry, to set up Senior Clerks of the Left and Right, Marshal and Assistant Officer Palace Gentleman, increasing Army Advisors and Marshals of Cavalry to 10 people each, Marshals Beneath the Tent 20 people, great chariot and official cavalry 30 people each. Chong worried about his great achievements if they were not victorious, and petitioned, arguing:

To the west there is the worry about the Kun Yi. To the north there are the borders of You and Bing. Under Heaven is laboured and agitated. The year's grain is not mature. Fostering an army to deliver punishment, [I] fear this not the time. Also Your Subject is aged and old, not capable of vanquishing.

A decree said:

[If] the Lord does not go, I will expediently set out myself.

Chong did not manage to put and end to it, and therefore accepted the tally and battle-axe. He commanded the central army and had the rules and measures for the various armies. He used the General of the Best of the Army, Yang Ji, as assistant, and went south to garrison Xiangyang.Wu's various defenders of Jiangling all surrendered, Chong therefore moved to garrison Xiang [?].

[bookofjin]

Biography of Wang Ji

[From JS042. Son of Wang Hun.]

Ji, courtesy name Wuzi, as young was an exceptional talent, his manners and bearing was brave and brisk, his spirit covering that era. He excelled at archery and horses, his courage and potency surpassed ordinary people. He was good at the Changes, the Zhuang and the Lao. In writing words he was capable and talented, his skills and abilities exceeded ordinary people, and he was famous in his day and age. He, his elder sister's husband He Qiao [JS045], and Pei Kai [JS035] were equally famous. He was wedded to the Princess of Changshan.

At the age of 20, he stood up from his home to be designated Gentleman of the Palace Writers, but due to mourning for his mother [Zhong Yan, JS096] left office. He rose up to be General of Valiant Cavalry, and amassed to move to Palace Attendant. He and the Palace Attendants Kong Xun, Wang Xun [JS093] and Yang Ji [JS040] were for of the same rank, they were the refined and elegant of that time. Emperor Wu once met with the Excellencies, ministers, fief lords and shepherds [?] in the Model Potency Hall. He looked at the [two] Ji and [two] Xun, and spoke to the various Excellencies, saying: “Our left and right can be said to be simple and sincere [xun-xun], impressive and imposing [ji-ji]!”

[Emperor Wu is making a pun on the names of his four Palace Attendants, Kong Xun孔恂, Wang Xun王恂, Wang Ji王濟 and Yang Ji 楊濟. Simple and sincere恂恂, impressive and imposing濟濟, are reduplicates found in the classics. Confucius is specifically called simple and sincere, so I suppose Kong Xun's parents was deliberately setting him up for this sort of pun. But I digress.]

Always when attending audiences, he was not once not consulted in discussing people and things, the ten thousand moments, gains and losses. Ji was good at pure conversation, cultivated embellishment [?] and explained orders, recited discussions and wanted to obey. Court officials were not able to surpass him. The Emperor was increasingly close to and valued him.

Though his advancement in the service was rapid, opinion was that it was not due to being the son-in-law of the ruler, everyone said it was talent and ability that caused it. Though outwardly vastly refined, inwardly he was very spiteful and cruel. He excelled at using words to hurt others, his number of companions were few due this. Due to his father's mishaps, he always opposed Wang Jun [JS042], opinion of the time mocked him for it.

When the King of Qi, You, had to go to his fiefdom, Ji had already pleaded and requested [for him?]. He also involved and made the Princess, and Zhen De's wife, the Princess of Changguang, enter [the palace] together, touch head to ground and weepingly request the Emperor to keep You. The Emperor angrily spoke to Palace Attendant Wang Rong [JS043], saying: “Brothers are the closest of relatives, and now [We] are sending out the King of Qi. This is Our house affair, and yet Zhen De and Wang Ji continue to send their wives to come [like] weeping people for the living.”

Due to his insubordinate aims, he was demoted [“moved left”] to Libationer of the Sons of State, Regular Attendant like before. After several years he entered as Palace Attendant. At the time Hun was Supervisor, the ruler's judgements in affairs sometimes were not carried out. Ji was by nature stern and sharp, and clarified the laws to restrain it.

He had for a long time not been at peace with his senior cousin You. You's faction obliquely [?] spoke of Ji not being able to look after his father, causing thus words of long similarity and difference [?]. He set out to be Intendant of Henna, but had not yet served when he was incriminated in whiping royal officials and magistrates, and removed from office. And Wang You was first seen and appointed to serve. Yet Ji thereupon suffered scolding outside [?], and hence therefore moved to his mansion beneath the Mount Beimang.

He was by nature chivalrous and luxurious, with magnificent clothes and precious food. At the time land in the Luo capital was considerably expensive. Ji bought land for a horse enclosure, stringing together money to complete it. At the time people spoke of it as the “Golden Moat”.

Wang Kai, due to being the Emperor's maternal uncle, was extravagant and chivalrous. He had an ox named “Eight Hundred li Dapple”, often polishing its hooves and horns. Ji requested, using 10 000 000 cash and the ox, to shoot and bet for them. Kai likewise was himself trusting in his ability, and made Ji shoot first. In one shot he broke the target, and because he was leaning on a Hu couch, shouted left and right to quickly find the ox's heart and come [with it]. Soon after it arrived. He took one cut and expediently left.

He Qiao was by nature extremely frugal. His house had excellent plums, the Emperor requested them, but did not [get] more than several tens. Ji visited him sending up straight away [?], and led youngsters to reach the garden, altogether eating it all, chopped down the trees, and left.

The Emperor once favoured his residence. The supplied delicacies were considerably abundant, with wholly stored up [?] opaque glass utensils in the middle. The steamed piglet was very pleased, and the Emperor asked for its reason. He replied, saying: “[We] use human milk to steam it.” The Emperor's countenance was considerably not at peace, and though the food was not yet over, he left.

Ji was good at understanding a horse's nature. He once rode a horse wearing mottled mud protectors. In front there was a river, and in the end [it] was not willing to cross. Ji said: “This is surely because it cares for the mud protectors.” He made people loosen and remove it, and easily crossed. Because of this Du Yu [JS034] spoke of Ji having a weakness for horses.

The Emperor once spoke to He Jiao, saying: “I want to scold Ji and then later publicly ennoble him, how to do it?”

Qiao said: “Ji is capable and brisk, [I] fear he can not bend.”

The Emperor because of that summoned Ji, cuttingly chided him, and then said: “[Do you] know shame, or not?”

Ji replied, saying: “The song of a chi of cloth and a dou of grain, is always making me ashamed for Your Majesty. Other people are able to make intimate the far apart, Your Subject is not able to cause the intimate to be intimate. Due to this [I am] ashamed for Your Majesty, that is all.”

The Emperor was silent.

[The “song of a chi of cloth and a dou of grain” was a verse made by a Han prince banished by his brother the emperor. So Wang Ji's reply is a stab at Emperor Wu's treatment of his brother Sima You, the King of Qi.]

The Emperor was once playing yiqi with Ji, and Sun Hao was at his side. He spoke to Hao, saying: “Why [did you] regard as excellent to peel off the skin of people's faces?”

Hao said: “[If I] saw no courtesy to the lord, then I peeled it off them.”

Ji was at the time stretching out his feet beneath the chessboard, and Hao mocked him for it.

He made use sending a low official [?] to act as Grand Coachman. At the age of 46, he preceded Hun in passing on, and was posthumously bestowed rank as General of Agile Cavalry.

When he was about to be buried, the worthy of the times could not but come to the last. Sun Chu [JS056] especially respected Ji, and yet came late. He wept for him with considerable sorrow. The guests and visitors could not but let fall tears. When he finished weeping, he turned toward the spirit bed and said: “Sir was often fond of me making donkey cries. I am making them for you, Sir.”

The effect resembled the true sound, and the guests and visitors all laughed. Chu looked back and said: “You Lords are not dead, yet Wang Ji has died!”

Earlier, when Ji wed the princess, the princess's two eyes lost their clarity, yet [her] jealousy and envy were particularly considerable. In the end they had no sons. He had two concubine sons.

Zhuo, courtesy name Wenxuan, inherited Hunæ's feudal rank, and was designated Serving within the Palace.

The next, Yu, courtesy name Maoxuan, inherited the Princess and was enfeoffed Marquis of Minyang.

Ji had two younger brothers, Cheng, courtesy name Daoshen, and Wen, courtesy name Maoshen. Both were eloquent and bright and had talent and polish. Both were successively pure and celebrated.

[bookofjin]

Biography of Xun Yi

[From JS039. Sixth son of Xun Yu.]

Xun Yi, courtesy name Jingqian, was a native of Yingchuan. He was the sixth son of Wei's Grand Commandant, Yu [SGZ10]. As an infant he was appreciated by his elder sister's husband, Chen Qun [SGZ22]. He was by nature perfectly filial and in childhood knew fame. He was broadly studied with a widespread reputation, his reasoning and thoughts were thorough and compact. Wei at the time due to his father's merits appointed him Palace Attendant. When Emperor Xuan assisted the government, he saw Yi and was amazed by him, saying “The son of Prefect Lord Xun!” He was selected and designated Cavalier and Attendant Gentleman, and amassed to move to Palace Attendant.

He was Emperor Shao of Wei's lecturer in the classics and was designated Chief Commandant of Cavalry and bestowed the feudal title of Marquis Inside the Passes. He disapproved of Zhong Hui's [SGZ28] Changes as being without reciprocal structure. He also debated with the King of Fufeng, Jun [JS038], on the primacy of benevolence or filial piety, seeing recognition in his generation.

At the time Cao Shuang [SGZ09] monopolized authority. He Yan and others desired to murder the Grand Master of Ceremonies, Fu Gu [SGZ21]. Yi undertook to help and obtained his escape. When the Duke of Gaogui district was established, Yi spoke to Emperor Jing saying: “Now when the Sovereign treads the eastern steps, [his?] way to authority [was] irregular, [we] ought to quickly dispatch envoys to proclaim his power to the four corners and moreover examine the purpose [of those] outside.” Guanqiu Jian [JS028] and Wen Qin as a result did not submit, but raised troops and rebelled. Yi had merit in arranging the punishment of Jian and others, and was advanced in feudal rank to Marquis of Wansui village, with an estate of 400 households.

When Emperor Wen assisted the government, he moved to Master of Writing. When the Emperor summoned Zhuge Dan [SGZ28], he detained Yi for the defence of the headquarters [?]. When Yi's sister's child, Chen Tai [SGZ22] passed on [in 260], Yi replaced Tai as Supervisor and acting [leader] of the Personnel Section. He decline four times and then later accepted the post. Yi inherited Tai's offspring, increasing their virtue and caution [?], arranging and investigating fame and truth [?], manners and customs purified and corrected. In the middle of Xianxi [264 – 265], he moved to Minister of Works and was advanced in feudal rank to Marquis of Jue district.

Yi across the years listened and obeyed ,and filially supported with filial devotion. He left his post due to mourning for his mother, damaging his health to nearly snuffing out his being. Within the seas extolled it. Emperor Wen memorialised, [that they] ought to rely on the Grand Tutor of Han, Hu Guang's mourning of his mother in past affairs, and look after the Minister of Work's fortune and misfortune to guide and follow [?].

When Shu was pacified and it was lifted up to restore the Five Ranks, instructed Yi to settle the rites and ceremonies. Yi sent up to request Yang Hu [JS034], Ren Kai [JS045], Geng Jun, Ying Zhen [SGZ21] and Kong Hao together to edit and change the old texts, and compose and settle the rites of Jin.

At the beginning of Xianxi [264 – 265], he was enfeoffed Marquis of Linhuai. When Emperor Wu trod the eastern steps, he advanced his feudal title to be a Duke, with a revenue estate of 1 800 households. Also a decree said: “Formerly Yu [the Great] instructed the Nine Officials, inscribing and disseminating the Five Teachings, and by means of vastly esteeming the kingly transform, demonstrating to people the path to the rites. We inherited the immense profession, lacklustre in the Great Way, [We] pondered the teachings on the Five Grades, to thereby prosper the Four Seas. The Palace Attendant and Master of Works, Yi, clarifying truly the sincere and honest, pondering in his heart comprehensively the remote, aided brilliantly the Former August, and thereupon has supported Us. He truly has achievements in assisting the instructions and aiding the guidance. [He] ought to take charge of teaching the canons, thereby heightening the harmony of the times. Thus use Yi as Minister over the Masses.”

He was concurrently made use of as Palace Attendant, then moved to Grand Commandant and Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs in City Outside the Serrated Gates, setting up a Marshal and 100 personal troops.

Soon after, again a decree said: “The Palace Attendant and Grand Commandant Yi, mild, respectful, loyal and true, when it comes to acting is pure and perfect, broad in the ancient and penetrative in knowledge, unscathed from ageing and greying [?]. Thus use and honour him [?] as Acting Grand Tutor to the Heir-Apparent, Palace Attendant and Grand Commandant as before.”

At the time due to the Just Potency and Great Contentment odes and hymns not being combined, instructed Yi to settle the music. The matter was unfinished, when in the 10th Year of Taishi [274 AD] he passed away. The Emperor grieved, the August Heir-Apparent presided over the mourning, the Two Palaces gave funeral gifts, his rites and salary were increased.

A decree said: “The Palace Attendant, Grand Commandant and Acting Grand Tutor to the Heir-Apparent, the Duke of Linhuai, Yi, was pure, simple and embodied the Way, he loyally allowed to establish the court, successively was minister inside and outside, his thick achievements already esteemed, he taught and tutored the Eastern Palace, admirably planned the wast display. It can be said he acted to return to the Zhou. He had the beginning and he had the end. Unfortunately he has passed away and died, We are very anguished for him. Thus bestow a mild and clear private receptacle, court dress for a single arrangement, clothes clothes for a single inheritor [?]. Posthumously title him Prosperous [kang].”

Also [a?] decree said: “The Grand Commandant did not care for his private gates, his residence is without buildings and houses, the purpose of plain silk, not yet fully displayed [?]. Thus bestow on his house 2 000 000 cash, to cause the erection of a dwelling home.”

At the beginning of Xianning [275 – 280], decreed to debate the sequence of meritorious subjects, wanting them to be coadjutors for banquets in the ancestral temple. Memorialised by the ministers that for Yi and others, 20 people, their merits to be inscribed by the Grand Master of Ceremonies and coadjutor banquets in the pure temple.

Yi clarified the Three Rites and knew the great ceremonies of the imperial court, and yet he was without commitment to the fundamental and straight, only pandering ideas cautiously uniting between Xun Xu [JS039] and Jia Chong [JS040] [?]. Earlier, when the August Heir-Apparent wanted to accept a Consort, Yi sent up words that Jia Chong's daughter bearing and potency were pure and thick, and could thereby take part in the selection. Due to this he suffered ridicule in his generation.

Since Yi was without sons, used his grandnephew [?, congsun 從孫] Hui to inherit. At the beginning of the Restoration, used Yi's elder brother's great grandson Xu¤ as Yi's descendant, enfeoffed as Duke of Linhuai. When Xu¤ passed on he was again cut off. Emperor Xiaowu again enfeoffed Xu¤'s son Heng to continue Yi's lineage. When Heng passed on, his son Longfu [?] inherited. When Song accepted the abdication, the state was eliminated.

[bookofjin]

Biography of Sima Lun, King of Zhao, Part 1

[From JS059. The Third King. Also the Worst King.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He used his Heir Cavalier in Regular Attendance, Kua, to act as Supervisor of the Extra Retune; his son Fu as General of the Van, enfeoffed as King of Jiyang; Qian as Gentlemen of the Yellow Gates, enfeoffed as King of Ruyin; Yu as Cavalier Attendant Gentleman, enfeoffed as Marquis of Bacheng. Sun Xiu and others were enfeoffed all with great commanderies, taking possession of troops and authority. The civil and military officials enfeoffed as Marquises were several thousand people. The hundred officials pulled themselves together [?] and listened to Lun.