#js061

[bookofjin]

Biography of Zhou Fu (JS061)

Fu, courtesy name Zuxuan, was Jun's junior cousin. His father Rui was Grand Warden of Anping. Fu as young was equally famous as his friend Chenggong Jian, they rose from their families together to become literary teachers for the various kings. He amassed to move to Aide for Western Dependants to the Minister over the Masses. The Minister over the Masses Wang Hun petitioned:

Fu's reasoning and understanding is clear and straight, he also has talent and ability and is a master at deciding the Nine Grades, his examinations pull to together essentials and details. Your Subject entrust and rely on his duties' fulfilment, his praise and blame being apt and fitting, and request he fill the vacancy of Gentleman of the Masters of Writing.

Allowed it.

Bit by bit he moved to Senior Clerk of the Left to the Minister over the Masses and Gentleman of the Personnel Section. His selections and recommendations were essential and compact, and discussions on his prospects increasingly commendable. He shifted to Central Assistant to the Steering Clerk and Attendant-at-Centre, and was designated Inspector of Xu province, concurrently General of the Best of the Army, Acting with the Tally. He was summoned to be Commandant of Justice.

Emperor Hui favoured Ye, and the King of Chengdu, Ying, used Fu as Interim Governor of Henan. Li Zhen, Shangguan Si, and others offered the King of Qinghe, Tan, to be Heir-Apparent, and promoted Fu to General of Guards, Recording the Masters of Writing. Fu declined and did not accept. Tan ordered Fu to combine armies with Shangguan Si. Fu understood that Si was a small person who indulged in brutality and in the end would be a traitor to the state. He therefore together with the Minister of Personnel Man Fen and others planned to together remove him. The plan leaked, and they were assailed by Si. Fen was murdered but Fu fled and managed to escape.

When Si was defeated by Zhang Fang, [he] summoned Fu to return and adminster as Governor of Henan, and when the King of Donhai, Yue, welcomed the Great Carriage, he used Ying as [General who] Leads the Army of the Centre. He had not yet gone when he moved to Colonel Minister of Personnel, concurrently Cavalier Regular Attendant, Acting with the Tally, Chief Controller of the Various Army Affairs at Mianchi.

When the Emperor returned to the palace, he set out to be General who Pacifies the East, Chief Controller of the Various Army Affairs of Yang province. He replaced Liu Zhun as General who Garrisons the East, and together with Zhou Ji and others he chastised Chen Min, wiping him out. For his merits he was ennobled Earl of Yongning.

Fu, who himself had gone through the mishaps of the era, always wished to safeguard and rectify the court's changes, his loyal feelings were sincere in the extreme. Since the King of Donghai, Yue, had not fully the steadfastness of a subject, he always told his opinion sharply. Yue deeply dreaded him. Fu observed the crowds of traitors were a blazing fire and that Luoyang was isolated and imperilled. He therefore built a strategy to welcome the Son of Heaven and move the capital to Shouchun. 4th Year of Yongjia [310 AD], he and Senior Clerk Wu Si and Marshal Yan Shi sent up a letter which said:

[We] did not consider the difficult cycle would carry on until this point! The Rong and Di invade one after the other, and the capital domain is imperilled and pressured. Your Subject on his own together with Zu Na, Pei Xian, Hua Tan, Sun Hui, and others, 30 people, humbly thought of a great plan. In all instances, as the people of Yin had the affairs of frequent moves, and the King of Zhou had the move of Qi Mountain, just now the royal capital is emptied, depleted and not possible to dwell in for long, north of the He is barren and bleak and Yao [mountain] and Han [valley] are hazardous and rugged, the Wan capital has frequently fallen and the Jiang-Han area has many troubles, at present in the flatlands the south-east is the better. The land of Huai-Yang to the north is blocked off by Tu Mountain, to the south is shielded by the Ling Peak, and famous rivers surround it in four directions, they have the strength of important defiles. This is why the people of Chu when they moved east thereupon took refuge at Shouchun. Xu, Pi and Donghai also are sufficiently defended and secure. Moreover canal transportation connects it in four directions, and there are no worries of deprivation and depletion.

Although the sagely sovereign is divinely astute, the primary supporters worthy and bright, dwelling frugally and defending restraint, and employed in guarding the ancestral temples, it is not as good as assessing the terrain and moving location, and so relish in eternal fortune. Your Subject has carefully selected 30 000 finest soldiers to serve in welcoming the august carriage. [I] on my own have called to arms the former Commander of Central Gentlemen of the North, Pei Xian, to act as Envoy Holding the Tally, Overseer of the Various Army Affairs of Yu province, and Commander of the Central Gentlemen of the East to swift as the wind proceed forthwith. Jing, Xiang, Jiang, Yang should each first transport the 4th Year's grain tax, 150 000 hu, and cloth and tabby silk, 140 000 bolts each, to provide for the great carriage. [I] have ordered Wang Jun and Gou Xi together to pacify north of the He, Your Subject and others will join forces to open the southern road. To move the capital and stop the robbers, these plans are both obtainable.

When the August Conveyance comes on tour, Your Subject ought to move to occupy Jiang province, to expand the royal boundaries. Knowing there is nothing [they] would not do is what the ancients applied themselves to do. [I] dare to be utterly loyal and sincere, in the hope of repaying one ten-thousandth. In the morning to succeed and in the evening to fall is still the ambition of a lifetime.

Yue was not in concord with Gou Xi, and Fu did not first inform Yue but straight away sent up the letter, and Yue was greatly angered. Before this, Yue summoned FU and the Grand Warden of Huainan, Pei Shou, but Fu was not willing to travel and he ordered Shou to lead the troops and advance first. Shou was disloyal to Fu and therefore raised up troops, claiming Fu instructed him on his own initiative. He had already received Yue's secret directive to plot against Fu. He then assaulted him but was defeated by Fu. Shuo withdrew to guard Dongcheng and sought help from Emperor Yuan. The Emperor dispatched the General who Spreads Power, Gan Zhuo, and the General who Establishes Power, Guo Yi, to attack Fu at Shouchun. The Grand Warden of Anfeng, Sun Hui, led a multitude in response to them, and had Xie Chi make a call to arms. Chi was Fu's former general. When Fu saw the call to arms, he, with tears flowing, said:

Surely it is Xie Chi's expressions.

Chi heard about it, and thereupon destroyed the draft. After ten days, Fu's multitudes dispersed and he ran to Xiang. He was seized by the King of Xincai, Que, The anxious frustration brought illness and he passed.

Earlier, at Hua Tan's loss of Lujiang, he went to Shouchun to rely on Fu. When Fu's army was defeated, he turned back to Emperor Yuan. The Emperor asked him, saying:

How did Zhou Zuxuan end up in rebellion?

Tan replied, saying:

Though Zhou Fu is dead, Under Heaven still has gentlemen of upright speech. Fu saw the robbers and traitors grow like vines, and the kingly power not being stirred. For that reason he wished to move the capital to loosen the state's difficulties. The elders of the regions were not of the same mind which consequently brought about their attack. Not even a season had gone past when the imperial capital was lost. If they had made to follow Fu's plan, in some cases it could have delayed the fall. Tracking back the circumstances and seeking the reality, how could he have been a rebel!

The Emperor said:

Fu held rank among [the Generals who] Conquer and Garrison. He held tight his troops in a corner of the region, when summoned he did not come, and during the danger he did not take care of it. He is also a criminal Under Heaven.

Tan said:

That is so. Fu shook his tassel at the central court and had a long standing reputation for exceptional intellect. He set out to occupy the peaks of a region and truly had the weight of special burdens. Yet lofty strategies were not lifted up, he from time to time neglected harmony, and during the danger he did not take care of it. He must together with Under Heaven accept his blame. However, to speak of him as a rebel, is it not also false!

The Emperor's thoughts started to open up.

Fu had two sons, Mi and Jiao. Mi, courtesy name Taixuan, was by nature unassuming and plain. At the time people declared him a pure scholar. His rank reached Gentleman of the Masters of Writing. Jiao, courtesy name Zhengxuan, also had talent and ability.

Chenggong Jian, courtesy name Zongshu, was a native of Dong commandery. His family had for generations been Two Thousand Shi officials. He was by nature simple and plain, did not seek glory and profit, and immersed his heart in savouring the Way, there was nothing which interfered with his aspirations. His soundless understanding was beyond other people. Zhang Maoxian always said:

Jian's pure serenity is comparable to Yang Ziyun, his soundless understanding imitates Zhang Anshi.

Later he became Gentleman of the Central Writers. At the time Fu had already become Colonel Minister of Personnel, and moved to General who Garrisons the East. Jian, since he himself, though his talent was lofty, yet was positioned below Fu, spoke to Fu, saying:

Yang Xiong was a Gentleman for three generations without being moved, and yet Wang Mang and Dong Xian ranked among the Three Ministers. Past and present follow the same principles, and that is all.

Fu was very ashamed of it. His official position reached Central Retainer to the Heir-Apparent and Cavalier Regular Attendant. At the end of Yongjia, he ran to Gou Xi, and was lost together with Xi.

[Zhang Maoxian = Zhang Hua. Yang Ziyun = Yang Xiong (53 BC – 18 AD).]

[actualdriversshopy4f-blog]

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[bookofjin]

Biography of Zhou Jun

[From JS061. During the conquest of Wu, he was a subordinate general to Wang Hun.]

Zhou Jun, courtesy name Kailin, was a native of Ancheng in Runan. His father Pei was Privy Treasurer minister. Jun was by nature decisive and zealous. Due to his talents in reasoning and finding knowledge [?], he had an understanding of recognizing human relationships. A native of his hometown, Shi Yao, was simple and humble. The multitude did not recognize him.. Jun alone drew him out as a friend and thereupon married his sister to him. Yao in the end became famous in that era.

Jun at first did not submit to the province and commandery's nomination. Later he served Wei as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing. He amassed to move to Imperial Clerk and Palace Assistant and was designated General who Humbles the Soaring [?] and Inspector of Yang province, enfeoffed as Marquis of Sheyang.

Subsequently when Wang Hun [JS042] struck Wu, he attacked and broke the garrison camps west of the Jiang. He had a great battle with Sun Hao's Army of the Centre and beheaded the bogus Imperial Chancellor, Zhang Ti, and others, the heads numbered several thousand, the captured tallied ten thousand. He advanced the army to garrison Hengjiang.

At the time he heard the General who Gallops like a Dragon, Wang Jun¤ [JS042] had routed the upper region. The Attendant He Yun explained to [Zhou] Jun, saying: “Zhang Ti leading the troops of spirited sharpness, the complete multitudes of Wu state, was exterminated and wiped out here. Wu's court and countryside cannot but shake in fear. Now Galloping Dragon Wang has routed Wuchang, the troops are powerful and considerably abundant. Downstream and below, were in that direction [?] swiftly overcome, the power of the earth collapsing is seen! [?] [I] have the audacity to say we ought to quickly cross the Jiang, and head straight to Jianye. The arrival of the Great Army's soldiers, plundering [?] their daring spirit, we can capture them without fighting.”

Jun praised his plan, and right away sent him to speak to Hun. Yun said: “Hun understands the opportunity of the affair, and yet desires to be cautious himself to avoid mistakes, he will surely not follow me.”

Jun firmly sent him to speak to him. Hun resolutely said: “The received decree only orders to resist and guard against the Wu army north of the Jiang, not to make a carefree advance. The valuable province although martial [?], how is it possible to alone pacify Jiangdong? Today to disobey instructions, victory will not be enough. If we are not victorious, we will be heavy offenders. Moreover the decree causes the Galloping Dragon to accept our authority and measures, and he is only to undertake to arrange the Lord's boats and oars, in one season we will all together cross and that is all.”

Yun said: “The Galloping Dragon overcomes the robbers of ten thousand li, then for the merit of crossing he comes and accepts the authority and measures [?], I have not heard of that. Moreover grasping the essential of war, if possible then snatch it [?]. Speaking of accepting instructions [I?] do not accept the reason. Now [if we] cross the Jiang [we] will surely completely overcome and seize [them]. Why would there be worries? If we doubt it and do not cross, we cannot be said to be wise. [If we]  know and do not act, we cannot be said to be loyal. Thereby resented by worthy and menial in provinces [?], high and low [?].” Hun held on and did not listen.

They stayed without asking and then Jun¤ arrived. Hun summoned him, but he did not come. He then headed straight for Sanshan. Sun Hao thereupon surrendered to Jun¤. Hun deeply hated him, and desired to together with Jun dispute the merits.

Yun sent a note to Jun, saying: “The Documents values the ability to yield, in the Changes, the great modesty shines, thus sung by the ancient writings, the Way esteemed by the house. Before [we] routed Zhang Ti, the people of Wu lost the spirit. The Galloping Dragon because of it, captured their land and houses. Debating their front and rear, we valued the tardy host. Moving then became harm, the affair then was not reached. And yet now we are about to dispute his merits. This already does not swallow his voice, wanting to damage the vastness of the harmonious majesty, arising pity for the dispute's vulgarity, thus stupid feelings not obtained by them.” [?] Jun also notified, promptly remonstrating to halt Hun. Hun was not able to accept. Thereupon they petitioned and memorialised each other.

Jun had crossed the Jiang, when he and Hun together went to the walls and ramparts of Wu, soothing and consoling the new adherents. Due to his merits, advanced his fief to Marquis of Chengwu, with a revenue estate of 6 000 households, and bestowed 6 000 bolts of tabby silk.

Next year [281AD presumably], he moved headquarters to Moling. At the time Wu had just been pacified, there frequently were those who had absconded and run off. He again and again punished and pacified them. [He used] guest rites to the old and aged [?], searched and sought for the capable to govern [?], and to great extent had power and virtue. The people of Wu happily submitted.

Earlier, when Wu was not yet pacified, Jun was in Yiyang. South and north were trading with each other, and yet the various generals often raided and plundered each other to thereby become meritorious. The Wu general Cai Min was guarding at Mianzhong, his elder brother Gui was general at Moling. He sent a letter to Min, saying: “When the ancients exchanged troops [i.e. fought], they caused there to be interval between them [they did not fight constantly?], army and state to strengthen must raise up trust and righteousness to thereby surpass each other. And yet we hear above of the frontier area, from time to time has raided and plundered the mutual trade, to great extent it is not possible to travel [?]. Younger brother be cautious not to act for small advantages and neglect the great preparations.”

The watch posts obtained Gui's letter and showed it to Jun. Jun said: “A lordly man.”

When he crossed the Jiang, he sought for Gui and obtained him. [Jun] asked about his origin. He said: “A man of Runan.”.

Jun playfully said: “I firmly suspected Wu to be without lordly men, and Sir is indeed my country man.”

He moved to Palace Attendant. Emperor Wu asked Jun: “Sir's linage's young men, can you tell [me] who they are?”

He replied, saying: “Your Subject's junior paternal uncle's son Hui, is called the weighty of Your Subject's lineage. Cousin's son Fu, is called the pure of Your Subject's lineage.” The Emperor summoned and employed both.

Jun moved to the Junior Office, using the original office to act as Commander of Construction and the Great Artisans. For altering the arrangements of the Ancestral Temple to completion, added to his estate 500 households. Later he replaced Wang Hun as Envoy Holding the Tally, Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Yang Province and General who Calms the east. He passed on at his post.

He had three sons: Yi, Song and Mo. Yi inherited the feudal rank. A separate biography tells of him [JS069].

[bookofjin]

Biography of Liu Hong, Part 2

[Also, this Liu Hong guy probably was not an idiot. From JS066.]

Hong hence advised studying farming mulberry trees, loosened punishment and revoked taxes, yearly employment was a year [?]. The hundred families were fond and pleased with him.

Hong once stood up at night, and heard from atop the walls one who was keeping up the night-watch sigh with considerable bitterness. He thereupon called out to scrutinize him. The soldier's age was past sixty, he was weak and ill, and without a shirt. Hong pitied him, and therefore demoted and punish [his] master. He thereupon gave him a leather robe and also a hat, and moved [him?] to thereby give them [?].

In the old regulations, the swamps within Xian and Fang mountains did not pay attention to the hundred families catching fish. Hong sent down a lesson, saying:

In the rites, the famous mountains and great swamps were not made fiefs, giving together their profits. Now public and private are combined and united, the hundred families have nothing and bury their hands in the earth [?], what is the meaning? Quickly change this law.

Also:

Within the beer houses they say Within Qi [?] Beer, Listening to Affairs Beer, Commonplace Beer. They similarly use fermented rice, yet there are three products of superior and inferior [quality]. Adding charges to unfiltered beer given to the Three Armies is similar in their weakness and fullness [?]. From today do not divide into separate parts.

At the time the Inspector of Yi province, Luo Shang, was defeated by Li Te. He dispatched envoys to announce the urgency and request provisions. Hong circulated a letter to supply and provide. But the provincial office's mainstays and guidelines, due to the transport roads [being] isolated and remote, and the civil and military officials wanting and weary, desired to use Lingling to alone transport 5 000 hu of rice to give to Shang. Hong said:

You Lords have not yet thought about it, that is all. Under Heaven is a single family, this and that are not different. If I today provide for him, then there is no anxiety in looking west.

Thereupon he used 30 000 hu of rice from Lingling to provide for him. Shang relied on it to thereby strengthen himself.

At that time the drifters in Jing province were more than a hundred thousand households. The wayfarers and travellers were poor and weary, many became bandits and thieves. Hong therefore provided them fields to plant and food to eat, selected their worthy talents, and followed competence to arrange employment [?].

At the time of the Zongzhang grand music performers, to escape chaos many arrived in Jing province. Some recommended they could make music. Hong said:

Formerly Liu Jingsheng [Liu Biao], due to the rites being ruined and the music collapsed, instructed Du Kui to make the Son of Heaven's gathered music. The music completed, he desired the courtyard to perform it. Kui said: “To make the Son of Heaven's gathered music and then have the courtyard perform it, [I] fear is not the General's real intention.” I regularly am sighing in admiration for him.

Now the Ruler and Sovereign is covered in dust, I am not yet able to to unfold and hand over This Subject's tally. Even though [I] have household performers [?], if it is not proper to listen, then even more so to manage music!

He therefore sent down to the commanderies and counties, to calm and comfort them. [He?] waited for the imperial court to turn around and go back, [and then?] sent them back to return to [their] original offices. [Not clear to me if he actually sent them back or not.]

Opinion on his merits in pacifying Zhang Chang [was that they] ought ot enfeoff his second as a county marquis. Hong sent up a missive firmly declining. Accepted it. He was advanced to serve as Palace Attendant, Great General who Garrisons the South, Opening Office with the Same Ceremonies as the Three Ministers.

Emperor Hui favoured Chang'an. The King of Hejian, Yong, clasped the Son of Heaven, and decreed Hong to be maintaining aid for Liu Qiao [JS061]. Hong, due to Zhang Fang's [JS060] ruthless violence, understood Yong would surely be defeated, and sent envoys to accepts the rules and measures of the King of Donghai, Yue.

At the time Under Heaven was in great chaos. Hong solely controlled Jiang and Han. [Due to his] power and actions, the south to submitted. The former Grand Warden of Guanghan, Xin Ran, advised Hong to use the affairs of “the vertical and horizontal” [that is, to form alliances]. Hong was greatly angered and beheaded him.

The King of Hejian, Yong, sent Zhang Guang [JS057] to be Grand Warden of Shunyang. The Grand Warden of Nanyang, Wei Zhan, advised Hong, saying:

When the King of Pengcheng previously fled east, there was no words of good [?]. Zhang Guang is the Grand Steward's belly and heart. We ought to behead Guang to thereby clarify towards or against.

Hong said:

The steward and assistant's gain or loss, how is it the crime of Zhang Guang! An upright person calms himself, a lordly master would not do it.

Zhan deeply resented him.

Chen Min [JS100] robbed Yang province, and drew up troops desiring to go up west. Hong therefore released the Southern Man, and accordingly conferred the previous Central Captain of the Northern Army, Jiang Chao, to command the Grand Warden of Jiangxia, Tao Kan, and Grand Warden of Wuling, Miao Guang, and use a great multitude to garrison at Xiakou. He also dispatched the Central Manager [?] He Song to lead the troops of Jianping, Yidu and Xiangyang commanderies to garrison Badong and be rear support for Luo Shang. He also added to the Grand Warden of Nanping, Ying Zhan [JS070] General who Soothes the Disant, to supervise the naval armies of the three commanderies and support Jiang Chao.

Kan and Min were from the same commandery, and also had been recommended as magistrates in the same year. He sometimes had spoken privately with Kan [?], Hong did not suspect him. He therefore used Kan as Controller-Protector of the Vanguard, commissioning him accordingly with the duty of punishing Min. Kan dispatched his son[s] and elder brother's son as hostages. Hong dispatched them, saying:

Your worthy uncle is going on conquest, the Lord's grandmother is exalted in years, [you] readily can return home. [If] the connections of an ordinary man even does not burden the heart, then how much more a great man of quality!

Chen Min in the end did not dare cast his eyes on the frontier.

3rd Year of Yongxing [306 AD], a decree advanced his title to General of Chariots and Cavalry, Opening Office and the remaining offices like before.

Hong always when he was raising up or demoting, wrote in his own hand to the wardens and chancellors to quietly soothe earnestly and privately [?]. By these means people always felt pleased, striving to hasten to him. Everyone said:

To obtain a single letter from Excellency Liu is worth the assistant officers of ten sections.

When the King of Donghai, Yue, received and welcomed the Great Carriage, Hong dispatched the Army Advisor Liu Pan to be Controller-Protector, leading the various armies to meet him. Pan had turned around, when Hong himself, due to old age and illness, wanted to free himself from the provinces and Colonel, inclining to separately conferring the sections. He had not yet managed to send up the petition when he passed on at Xiangyang. The gentlemen and women sighed bitterly, and mourned as if for a relative.

Earlier, the King of Chengdu, Ying, fled south, desiring to go to his home state. Hong resisted him. When Hong passed on, Hong's Marshal, Guo Mai, desired to push forward Ying as the leader. Hong's Fan sought to obey Hong's intentions, and hence with blackened [face] and white headband led the office troops to plot [against] Mai. He fought him at Zhui river and beheaded him. The Xiang and Mian [?] were respectful and pure.

Earlier, the King of Donghai, Yue, suspected Hong and Liu Qiao were changeable to himself. Even though he sent down his rules and measures, in his heart he was not able to be calm. When Hong resisted Ying, and Fan also beheaded Mai, the Imperial Court praised it. Yue in his own hand wrote to Fan to laud and commend him. He petitioned to bestow on Hong Duke of Xincheng commandery, with the posthumous title Inaugural [yuan].

Used the King of Gaomi, Lüe, to replace the headquarters. Bandits and robbers were not incarerated [?]. A decree raised Fan to be Interior Clerk of Shunyang. Between the Jiang and Han were drawing together to restore their hearts [?].

When Lüe passed away, Shan Jian replaced him. Jian arrived. He understood Fan had obtained the multitudes' hearts, and feared the hundred families would pressure to use him as the leader. He petitioned and laid out about it, and following that only [?] [used] Fan as Colonel of Outriders [a sinecure appointment at the capital]. Fan likewise was deeply worried about being pressured and compelled. On receiving the letter, he readily and quickly arrived at Luoyang. He afterwards dispatched to receive his family members. The refugees Hou Tuo, Lu Nan and others led each other to guard and see them off to reach the capital, and afterwards bid farewell and left.

Nanxia thereupon was in chaos. The old fathers recalled and thought of Hong. Even the Birch-leaf Pear's song about the Earl of Shao was not considered to exceed it.

[bookofjin]

Biography of Tao Kan, Part 1

[From JS066]

Tao Kan, courtesy name Shixing, was originally a native of Poyang. When Wu was pacified, moved the family to Xunyang in Lujiang. His father Dan was Wu's General who Spreads the Martial. Kan was early orphaned and impoverished, and he became a county magistrate.

Poyang's Filial and Upright, Fan Kui once passed by Kan. At the time in the hustle and bustle there was nothing to which to treat the visitor. His mother therefore cut her hair to obtain a pair of wigs [?] to thereby exchange for beer and dainties. The music [?] and drinking was extremely pleasing, even for the accompanying servants it was likewise beyond expectations. When Kui left, Kan followed to see him off for more than a hundred li. Kui said:

Does Sir desire to serve the commandery?

Kan said:

[I] desire it, [but am] bound up without a ferry, that is all.

Kui passed by the Grand Warden of Lujiang, Zhang Kui¤, and praised and commended him. Kui¤ summoned him to be Courier Controller and act as Prefect of Congyang. He became known for ability and moved to Master of Accounts. It happened that the province's Section Assistant Officer came to the commandery, desiring to have an inspection. Kan closed the gates to the section and reined in the various magistrates [?]. He spoke to the Assistant Officer, saying:

Suppose this lowly commandery has disobeyed, [then I] must myself clarify the statutes and straighten the measures, it is not proper to pressure each other. Suppose [we] do not use the rites, I am able to forestall it.

The Assistant Officer promptly withdrew.

Kui¤'s wife was ill and wanted to receive a doctor from several hundred li [away]. At the time it was normally cold and snowy, and the various “ropes and mainstays” [i.e. the people in the commandery administration] argued against it. Kan only said:

The abilities in serving one's father is used to serve one's lord [from the Liji]. One's lesser lord [the lord's wife] is the same as one's mother. How can you when our father or mother are ill then not exhaust your hearts?

He therefore requested to travel. The multitudes all submitted to his righteousness.

The Grand Warden of Changsha, Wan Si, passed by Lujiang. He saw Kan, his unassuming heart and respectful contentment [?], and said:

You Lord in the end will have great fame.

He instructed his sons to become friends with him, and then left.

Kui¤ examined Kan as Filial and Upright. He arrived in Luoyang and several times paid visit to Zhang Hua [JS036]. Hua in the beginning considered him a person from far off, and did not truly associate and meet [with him]. Kan always departed, his expression with no wilful [?] character. Hua later talked with him, and found him remarkable.

He was appointed Palace Gentlman. The General who Humbles the Waves, Sun Xiu, since he was of a side branch of a perished state, his office's prestige was not evident, so among the Hua, scholars were ashamed to be on his staff [?]. Due to Kan being undistinguished among officialdom, he was summoned to be a Retainer.

At the time the Prefect of the Palace Gentlemen, Yang Zhuo of Yuzhang state [?], was from Kan's home province, and was praised by the district's discussions. Kan paid visit to him. Zhuo said:

The Changes asserts “The virtuous and firm are sufficient for use in handling affairs.” Sir Tao acts in this way.

He drove together with him to see the Gentleman of the Palace Writers, Gu Rong [JS068]. Rong found him considerably unusual. The Gentleman of the Personnel Section, Wen Ya, spoke to Zhuo, saying:

Why is it that [you] ride together with a small man?

Zhuo said:

This person is not of ordinary capacity.

The Master of Writing Yue Guang desired to to meet with the scholars of Jing and Yang. The Prefect of the Arsenal, Huang Qing, brought forward Kan to Guang. Some of the people were against it. Qing said:

This master will reach far, why then question it!

Qing later became Foreman Clerk of the Personnel Section. He recommended Kan to the vacancy of Prefect of Wugang. He had dislike with the Grand Warden Lü Yue, left office and returned home. He became the commandery's Junior Central Corrector.

It happened that Liu Hong became Inspector of Jing province, and was about to go to his office. He nominated Kan to be Senior Clerk of the Southern Man, and dispatched him first toward to Xiangyang to punish Zhang Chang. He routed him. When Hong had arrived, he spoke to Hong, saying:

I formerly was Army Advisor for Excellency Yang, he said I was his successor and would stay and live in his place. Now [that I have] observed and examined, surely you will carry on after this old man.

Afterwards, due to his merits with the army, he was enfeoffed Marquis of Dongxiang, with an estate of 1 000 households.

At the chaos of Chen Min [JS100], Hong used Kan as Grand Warden of Jiangxia, concurrently Soaring Eagle General. Kan was completely imposing in deportment. He welcomed his mother to the public residence. His home village glorified him. Min dispatched his younger brother Hui to come and rob Wuchang. Kan set out with the troops to defend against him. The Interior Clerk of Sui commandery, Hu Gui, criticized Kan to Hong, saying:

Kan and Min are old countrymen, he is posted to a great commandery, and control powerful troops. If he has different aspirations, then Jing province will have no eastern gate.

Hong said:

Kan's loyality and ability, I obtained them already a long time ago. Why would he have that!

Kan covertly heard about it, and hurriedly dispatched his son Hong¤ and elder brother's son Zhen to pay visit to Hong and thereby strengthen himself. Hong pulled in him to be Army Advisor, consulted [?] and dispatched him. He also promoted Kan to be Controller-Protector, and sent him with the various armies to moreover vigorously resist Hui.

Kan therefore used transport boats as warship. Someone said it was impossible. Kan said:

In employing official things to punish traitor officials, one only must arrange on top [?] from root to end, that is all [?].

Hence he struck Hui, the assault [?] certain to rout [him?].

Later due to mourning for his mother he left his post. Once there were two guests coming to pay condolences. They did not weep but withdrew, and changed into a pair of cranes, surged into the sky and left. At the time people found it extraordinary.

When mourning ended, he Advised on the Army Affairs of the King of Donghai, Yue. The Inspector of Jiang province, Hua Yi [JS061], petitioned for Kan to be General who Spreads the Martial, and sent him to garrison Xiakou. He also used Zhen as Army Advisor. Yi and Emperor Yuan habitually were not reconciled . Zhen feared difficulties would arise, so he claimed illness and returned home. He reported to Kan, saying:

Hua Yanxia has aspirations of caring for Under Heaven, but his talents are insufficient. Moreover he and Langye are not reconciled. Difficulties might arise.

Kan was angry and dispatched Zhen to return to Yi. Zhen thereupon went east to revert to the Emperor. The Emperor saw him and was greatly pleased. He instructed Zhen to be Army Advisor. He promoted Kan to General who Rouses Power, to make use of red carriage screen and curved cover light chariot, drums and pipes. Kan therefore reported his breaking off with Hua Yi.

[bookofjin]

A few more Exmplary Women

[From JS096. Xun Guan included for tidyness]

Zhou Yi's [JS069] mother, Ms. Li, courtesy name Luoxiu, was a native of Ru'nan. In the time of her youth when she lived with her family [?], Yi's father Jun [JS061] was General who Calms the East. At the time he once set out to hunt when it started to rain, he went by and stopped at Luoxiu's house. It happened that her house's father and brother[s] were not there. Luoxiu heard Jun had arrived. She and a single serving girl were inside butchering pigs and sheep.

There was drawn up food for several tens of people, with considerable detail in the preparations, yet they did not hear the people's voices. Jun was amazed and made to spy on them, and only saw a single girl of considerable beauty. Jun because of that requested her to become his concubine. Her father and brother did not allow it. Luoxiu said:

The gate to the household is falling off and worn out, how can you regret a single woman? Suppose we join in marriage to a noble family, we are about to in the future make great profit.

Her father and brothers allowed. Thereupon she gave birth to Yi, Song [JS061] and Mo [JS061]. When Yi and others had come of age, Luoxiu spoke to them, saying:

My bending at the joints to be regarded as a concubine by Jun's family was a plan for [my] household, that is all. If you are not close and intimate with my family, why would I likewise care for my remaining years!

Yi and the others follower her instructions, and because of that the Li clan therefore managed to become a family among the region's refined.

At the time of the Restoration, Yi and others were all classified among the distinguished ranks. Once at Winter Solstice when they set out beer, Luoxiu raised her kylix in toast to her three sons, saying:

When I originally crossed the Jiang, trusting my foot in no place, [I] did not speak of you all equally worthy, arranged before my eyes. How could I again be sad!

Song rose and said:

[I] fear it is not like [your] honoured opinion. Boren's [Yi's] aspirations are great but his talents are lacking, his fame is heavy but his understanding is dismal, and he excels taking advantage of people's weaknesses. This is not the way of maintaining oneself. Song is by nature defiant and straight, likewise not condoned in [this] generation. Though A'nu is crude and common, he certainly will be beneath our mother's eyes, that is all.

A'nu was Mo's child name. Later it happened just like he said.

Zhang Mao's [JS078] wife Ms. Lu was a native of Wu commandery. Mao was Grand Warden of Wu commandery when he was murdered by Shen Chong. Ms. Lu poured out the family's property, and led Mao's private troops as the first to rise to thereby punish Chong. When Chong was defeated, Lu went to the palace to send up a letter, to be responsible for Mao apologizing for not overcoming [?]. A decree said:

Mao, husband and wife, were loyal and sincere, raising the gate in righteous zeal. [We] ought to posthumously confer on Mao Grand Coachman.

Yin Yu's two daughters were natives of Changsha. Yu first served as Grand Warden Shixing. He raised troops to punish Du Tao [JS100], but was defeated in battle. His two daughters were captured by Tao. Both were beauties of the state and Tao wanted to marry them. The daughters said:

Our father was a 2 000 shi [officer]. As a result we are not able to be a traitor's wives. We will die, that is all.

Tao murdered both of them.

Xun Song's [JS075] young daughter Guan as an infant was unusually temperate. When Song was Grand Warden of Xiangcheng, he was besieged by Du Zeng [JS100], his power was weak and the food gone. He wanted to request aid from [his] former clerk the General who Pacifies the South, Shi Lan, but the plan was not carried out.

Guan at the time was 13 years old, she then led several thousand brave soldiers, crossed over the walls, burst through the siege and set out at night. The traitors chased with considerable speed. Guan supervised and encouraged the generals and soldiers. In continuous battles [she was] continuously in the front, and managed to enter the Luyang mountains and get away.

She herself went to Lan to request a host, and also had Song's letter delivered to the Commander of the Palace Gentlemen of the South, Zhou Fang [JS058] to request for help, and to continue ties as brothers [?]. Fang immediately dispatched his son Fu [JS058] leading 3 000 people to assemble with Shi Lan, and together rescue Song. The traitors heard of the troops' arrival, dispersed and fled. The effort of Guan.

[bookofjin]

Thoughts and Summary of JS042

The full Chapter 042 can now be found here:

http://bookofjin.tumblr.com/js042

Chapter 042 contains only four biographies Wang Hun, his son Ji, Wang Jun, and Tang Bin. This chapter sits squarely within a larger group of biographies focusing on the generals and officials of Western Jin. Since it contains biographies of two of the leading generals during the invasion of Wu, this chapter could be called the “Conquest of Wu” chapter, but more ink is spent on the quarrelling that followed afterwards.

Wang Hun (223 – 297) came from the very influential Wang clan of Jinyang in Taiyuan. His father was Wang Chang, Minister of Works during Wei. His cousin was Wang Chen, the historian-official. He himself was married to Zhong Yan, granddaughter of Zhong Yao, his daughter married He Qiao, and his son Ji a daughter of Empress Wu.

Coming from such a prominent family gave his career flying start, he was nominated to office by Cao Shuang, was temporarily dismissed when the latter was executed, but soon returned to office, becoming adjutant to Sima Zhao. At the beginning of Jin became Inspector of Xu province, before successfully holding military command at the frontier against Wu, first at Xuchang, and then at the very important post of Shouchun. As Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Yang province, Wu's heartland and capital Jianye were at least technically within his jurisdiction.

During the invasion of Wu in 280, Wang Hun's armies led the head-on assault, and ended up doing some of the heaviest fighting of the campaign as a result, facing Wu's Army of the Centre, commanded by the Chancellor Zhang Ti and Great General Sun Zhen. In the end Wang Hun's army destroyed the opposing forces, and Zhang Ti and Sun Zhen were killed.

At this point, according to the biography of Zhou Jun (JS061), Wang Hun was advised by his subordinates to exploit Wu's disarray, cross the Jiang, occupy Jianye and end the war. However, Wang Hun took the more careful approach of consolidating and resting his troops while waiting for Wang Jun's fleet from upriver, which when it arrived would come under his command.

Instead Wang Jun sailed straight past him, captured Shitou the fortress-port of Jianye, and accepted the surrender of Sun Hao, the last Wu ruler. Wang Hun crossed over the next day to hold a victory banquet at Jianye, but the Conqueror of Wu would of course always be Wang Jun, and Wang Hun harboured a life-long resentment for Wang Jun.

After some more years at Shouchun, Wang Hun was summoned to court in 285 AD (according to JS003) to be  Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing.

His biography next quotes at length a memorial by Wang Hun arguing against sending Emperor Wu's brother, Sima You, King of Qi, to his fief. This was a hot political topic in the early 280s, and ended with Sima You's banishment and soon after death in 283. So it seems the memorial is chronologically misplaced. In the memorial, Wang Hun argues that Sima You is a loyal, honest and trustworthy person who should be involved in the government. As precedence he cites the ancient example of the Duke of Zhou, but also the Emperor's own uncles, Sima Liang, Sima Zhou and Sima Jun who had all been trusted with important posts. (Sima Liang was Grand Commandant by this point.) He also argues that Sima You together with Sima Liang would serve as counterweight against the Yang and Jia clans of the Empress and the Heir's Consort.

At the very end of Emperor Wu's reign, on 5 February 290, Wang Hun was made Minister over the Masses. He stayed out of the coup and counter-coups of 290-291, at one point refusing to be the elder statesman of the King of Chu, Sima Wei's regime, and continued on as Minister over the Masses during the government of Empress Jia, but does not seem to have been very active or influential during this time period.

Wang Hun died 4 September 297.

Wang Ji (c. 240 – c. 285) was the second son of Wang Hun. He married the Princess of Changshan and is described as an exceptional talent. He is said to been good in the Classic of Changes, the Zhuangzi, and the Laozi, which suggest a certain Daoistic leaning.

He was promoted to high office of Palace Attendant, who were the Emperor's personal advisers, at a very young age. According to the text, opinion at the time was that he had earned it through his talents rather than his marriage connection, but it is worth noting that out of the three other Attendants mentioned as being of equal rank as him, Wang Xun was the Emperor's maternal uncle while Yang Ji was Empress Yang's uncle.

Wang Ji's biography does not really say much about his political activities. Like his father, Wang Ji attempted to prevent Sima You's banishment, even involving his wife, the Princess. But Emperor Wu took this as undue meddling in his family affairs, and Wang Ji was temporarily demoted.

The rest of the biography is filled with anecdotes taken from the Shishou xinyu and similar stories, mostly showing Wang Ji's extravagance and irreverence. Though entertaining, these can't be said to portray Wang Ji as a very nice person, flaunting decorum in front of the Emperor, chopping down He Qiao's plum trees, winning Wang Kai's prize ox in a bet and then butchering it. And indeed text states that Wang Ji liked to hurt others with his sharp tongue and in the end had few friends.

The precise years of Wang Ji's life is not known. He died before his father at the age of 46 (Chinese reckoning) and must have lived past Sima You's banishment in 283.

Wang Jun (206 – 286) was a native of Hu in Hongnong. As such he was not at all related to Wang Hun and his clan. His family is said to have bred 2000 shi officials for generations (the salary level of commandery administrators) but no names are given.

Wang Jun seems to started his public career late, initially at the commandery level. He married a daughter of the scholar-official Xu Miao, supposedly after the daughter had picked him out as the most worthy man in a crowd of potential candidates.

Later on, Wang Jun moved to the staff of the General who Conquers the South, Yang Hu. Yang Hu recognized Wang Jun's high ability, and from then on his career picked up speed. He eventually became Grand Warden of Ba commandery on the Wu frontier, and later Grand Warden of Guanghan. These appointments must have come after the conquest of Shu in 263, at roughly the same time as Wang Hun, 17 years his junior but better connected, first became a provincial governor.

In 272, Wang Jun became Inspector of Yi province, replacing Huangfu Yan who had been murdered by the rebel Zhang Hong. Both Ba and Guanghan commanderies were located in Yi province. Wang Jun did well as provincial Inspector. At one point he was summoned to the capital to be Great Minister of Agriculture, but Yang Hu used his influence to retain him as Inspector of Yi.

Instead, Wang Jun was given the task of building up Jin's Jiang river fleet. The ships he built are described in some detailed, they are said to have had double hulls, multi-storied towers and room for more than 2000 people each. On the prows were painted herons and other beasts to frighten the gods of the Jiang.

At the court in Luoyang there was an ongoing debate on the practicality of invading Wu, with Zhang Hua and Du Yu in favour, and Jia Chong and Xun Xu opposed. Wang Jun sent in a memorial asking for the attack to be launched before the ships rotted away and he himself died of old age.

The invasion of Wu was finally launched at the beginning of 280, and Wang Jun set out down the Jiang with his river fleet together with his subordinate general Tang Bin. Wu had prepared iron awls linked by chains to block the river, but their whereabouts were known to Wang Jun who had prepared rafts with oil to deal with them.

Wang Jun's fleet continued down river, defeating all resistance. Somewhat unusual for the biography chapters, the text gives specific dates for his victories. On 20 March he took Xiling. On 22 March he took the Jingmen and Yidao forts. On 25 March he took Lexiang.

After this, Xiakou and Wucheng fell easily. Sun Hao, the Wu ruler, sent off a fleet under Zhang Xiang to meet Wang Jun at Sanshan, but it dispersed without fighting. At this point Sun Hao on the advise of his courtiers prepared a surrender document which was sent off to Wang Jun, Wang Hun and Sima Zhou. On 1 May Wang Jun took Shitou. That same day Sun Hao capitulated. So much for Wu. Pretty much the rest of his biography is taken up with his quarrel with Wang Hun.

At this point the text back-tracks to note that an earlier decree had stated that when Wang Jun came to Jianping he was to come under Du Yu's command and when he came to Moling to come under Wang Hun's. But Du Yu decided not to take over command, but instead sent Wang Jun a letter advising him to push on to final victory.

The text when paraphrasing or quoting Jin era texts consistently uses Moling, the old Han county, rather than Jianye. Was Jianye seen as an illegitimate name since it had been founded by the rebel Sun Quan?

As Wang Jun was approaching Jianye, Wang Hun sent him a messenger (in a small boat presumably) ordering him to halt his fleet, and come to Wang Hun's camp on the northern shore to discus further operations. Wang Jun claimed the wind was too stiff to cast anchor (!) and continued on. Wang Hun sent back to the capital a report that Wang Jun had disobeyed orders. Emperor Wu did not accept the suggestion that Wang Jun should be brought back to Luoyang in a prison cart, but did send a decree criticizing him for not following the earlier decree to obey Wang Hun.

Next follows a long memorial where Wang Jun defends himself against accusations of disobedience. Firstly a decree from 10 March (?) stated that the army should exploit victory and aim for Moling. Secondly a decree which put Sima Zhou, Wang Hun, Wang Jun and Tang Bin under the command of Jia Chong, but did not say anything about putting Wang Jun under Wang Hun. On 30 April Wang Jun arrived at Niuzhu, 200 li from Moling. Wang Hun sent him a letter that he should come to him for discussions, the letter did not say Wang Jun was now under Wang Hun's command. When he received Sun Hao's note of surrender, he sent messengers to Wang Hun, but before he received a reply, Sun Hao had capitulated at which there was little point in waiting for Wang Hun before taking possession. Finally, Wang Jun arrived at Moling on 1 May, but the decree placing him under Wang Hun's command only left Luoyang on 2 May. If Sun Hao had been a mantis waiting to destroy a weak army then acting so would have been criminal, but Wang Jun commanded a 80 000 man strong army while Sun Hao was a plucked bird without feathers, abandoned and alone.

Then another memorial where Wang Jun defends against accusations made by Wang Hun's subordinate general Zhou Jun of plundering and destruction caused by his troops. He first cites historical precedences of slander against generals in the field. He also suggests that Wang Hun through his associates and relatives forms a faction dangerous to the throne, and compare himself to Zeng Shen, a disciple of Confucius, who was falsely accused of murder several times until even his mother started to believe it. Shortly before his capitulation, some of Sun Hao's remaining men had demanded to fight to death, so Sun Hao had opened the treasury to reward them, but some people less willing to fight also took their share. And when Sun Hao capitulated, plundering continued by the inhabitants of Jianye, and someone set fire to the palace. Sun Hao capitulated on 1 May, and Wang Jun did not go to Jianye before 2 May, but he had already sent off magistrates to inspect the books. Before, when Wang Jun was at Shanshan, he received a letter from Zhou Jun saying Sun Hao was scattering his treasuries, and the storehouses were empty, but now he is accusing Wang Jun of taking it! Wang Jun also claims he has collected 2 000 stragglers from other Jin armies, and also accuses Zhou Jun of inflating enemy losses and spreading rumours that Wang Jun was in the habit of executing the men and taking the women.

Wang Jun returned to Luoyang were he continued to face various accusations from Wang Hun and his faction, but nothing came of them as the Emperor kept decreeing against punishing him. Instead he was promoted to Great General who Assists the State, later Great General of the Garrison Army and then Great General who Consoles the Army. These were all appointments to the capital army. It said that when Wang Hun came to visit Wang Jun, Wang Jun would not let him in before deploying his guards. After the conquest of Wu, Wang Jun also started to indulge in delicacies and fine clothing.

Wang Jun died 12 January 286.

Tang Bin (235 – 294) was a native of Zou in Lu state, his father reached the rank of Grand Warden. Tang Bin was strong, fast and good at hunting, but also loved reading the classics and teaching others. He is described throughout as a model official, and the authors certainly intended to contrast his modesty with the proud and arrogant people earlier in the chapter.

His early career is fairly typical for a man of ability without the top connections. He started out climbing the ranks on the commandery staff. At a provincial workshop he impressed the Inspector, Wang Chen, and he later made the move up to the provincial staff. He eventually was brought to notice to Sima Zhao as someone suitable for his staff, Chen Qian's recommendation secured him an interview and the interview got him the job.

This was evidently around the time of the conquest of Shu. At time Sima Zhao feared that people in Longyou resented the death of their long-serving commander Deng Ai, and sent Tang Bin to investigate. Tang Bin returned with the report that Deng Ai had in fact not been well liked, but was considered rude, intolerant of criticism, and was fond of adding labour to the people, people in Longyou had cheered his demise and there was nothing to fear.

At the beginning of Jin, he was first Prefect of Ye then Grand Warden of Yiyang, but had to leave office to mourn his mother. Later on he was appointed Overseer of All Army Affairs of Badong on the border between Yi province and Wu. According to his biography, the court had two candidates for this post, Tang Bin who was greedy and Yang Zong who was fond of drinking. Emperor Wu decided greed was a vice easier to cure and so chose Tang Bin.

During the invasion of Wu, Tang Bin led the vanguard of Wang Jun's fleet. In this role he took part in crushing all obstacles put in their way, though not much real detail is given about his exploits. Again the focus is on what happened next. Understanding that Wu was finished and not wanting to take part in a race for Jianye, Tang Bin claimed illness and halted, and so did not take in the squabble for spoils and glory. And he was still rewarded for his service.

Some time later Tang Bin was sent as military commander of You province were the northern border was troubled by border raids. Through his benign government he convinced the Xianbei chiefs Damohui and Zhihe to submit and send tribute. He also restored the Long Wall of Qin. However this sparked unease among the Xianbei and they killed Damohui.

Early in Emperor Hui's reign he was appointed Inspector of Yong province and he died there in office in 294.

[bookofjin]

Biography of Wang Hun

[From JS042]

Wang Hun, courtesy name Xuanchong, was a native of Jinyang in Taiyuan. His father Chang was Wei's Minster of Works. Hun was given to decorum and was a receptacle of capacity. He inherited his father's feudal rank as Marquis of Jingling and was nominated to the staff of the Great General, Cao Shuang. When Shuang was executed, he was dismissed following precedence. He rose to be Prefect of Huai and was Adjutant to Emperor Wen when he was General who Calms the East.

He amassed to move to Cavalier and Gentleman Attendant of the Yellow Gates, and Cavalier in Regular Attendance. In the middle of Xianxi [264 – 265], he was Colonel of Outriders. When Emperor Wu received the abdication, he was promoted to General who Spreads Zealousness, then moved to Inspector of Xu province. That year had a desolate harvest and famine. Hun opened the food granaries to raise support. The hundred families relied on him.

At the beginning of Taishi [265 – 274], added to his fief estate 1 800 households. Later on, he was moved to Commander of the Palace Gentlemen of the East, Overseeing All Army Affairs North of the Huai, stationed at Xuchang. He several times pleaded for demotions and promotions, many saw [him?] and accepted employment.

He was shifted to General who Conquers the Caitiffs, Overseer of All Army Affairs of Yu province, Acting with the Tally, and acting Inspector of Yu province. Hun shared a border with Wu. He circulated and disseminated his power and trustworthiness, front and rear surrendered and adhered to a great extent.

The Wu generals Xue Ying and Lu Shu's multitudes numbered a hundred thousand. Shu turned toward Yiyang, Ying turned toward Xinxi. At the time the provincial troops together put down resting and recuperating. The multitude pared down to a single mass [?], floated the Huai and secretly crossed, setting out without being expected. Ying and others did not worry about the Jin host's arrival. Hun struck and routed him. Due to his merits, enfeoffed his second son Shang as Marquis Inside the Passes.

He was moved to General who Calms the East and Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Yang province, headquartered at Shouchun. The people of Wu greatly farmed at Wancheng, designing to be a border harm. Hun dispatched the Inspector of Yang province, Ying Chuo, to control the various armies south of the Huai and strike and rout them. Together they routed the various separate garrisons and burnt their stored up 1 800 000 hu of grain, 4 000 qing of rice sprouts, and 600 ships. Hun thereupon deployed troops at the eastern frontier, inspected their forts' weaknesses and strengths, successively observed the enemy's forts, and examined the power to attack and capture them.

Reaching the great enterprise to attack Wu, Hun led the host setting out to from Hengjiang. He dispatched the Adjutant Chen Shen and Chief Commandant Zhang Qiao to attack Xunyang's Lai district. He also struck Wu's Commander of the Serrated Gates, Kong Zhong, always routing him, and seized Wu's generals, Zhou Xing and others, 5 people. He also dispatched to exterminate Wu's Army-Protector Li Chun. He occupied Gaowang city, punished Wu's general Yu Gong and routed him. Many were beheaded or captured. Wu's General who Surpasses the Martial, Chen Dai, and General who Pacifies the Caitiffs, Zhu Ming, were afraid and came to surrender.

Wu's Imperial Chancellor, Zhang Ti, Great General, Sun Zhen, and others led the multitudes, several tens of thousands, to aim for [?] Chengyang. Hun dispatched the Marshal Sun Chou and the Inspector of Yang province, Zhou Jun [JS061], to strike and rout them. He approached in columns and beheaded the two generals, and the captives tallied 7 800 heads. The people of Wu were greatly shaken.

Sun Hao's Minister over the Masses, He Zhi, and the General who Establish Power, Sun Yan, sent seal and tally to Hun to surrender. Then Wang Jun [JS042] routed Shitou, and took the surrender of Sun Hao, his powerful reputation adding to the agitation. The next day, Hun first crossed the Jiang, climbed the palaces of Jianye and filtered beer at the high gathering.

He himself, due to first occupying [the land] above the Jiang, routing Hao's Central Army, then downing armour and not advancing, caused him to be to the rear of Wang Jun. In his thoughts he was considerably ashamed and resentful, and had not the look of peace. Again and again he memorialised Jun's misconducts. People at the time ridiculed him.

The Emperor sent down a decree which said:

The Envoy Holding the Tally, Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Yang province and General who Calms the East, the Marquis of Jingling, Wang Hun controlled and led his command, thereupon pressuring Moling, causing the traitor Sun Hao to save himself from death and protect himself, and did not get above attending [?]. Using the merits of  the complete western army, he also destroyed the great enemy, seized Zhang Ti and sent Hao on a destitute road exhausted of power, hands tied up and begging for surrender. Thereupon he pacified and settled Moling, his achievements and merits abundantly displayed. Thus, add to his fief 8 000 households, advance his feudal rank to Duke, enfeoff his son Cheng as Marquis of a village, his younger brother Zhan [JS075] as Marquis Inside the Passes. Bestow 8 000 bolts of tabby silk.

He moved to Great General who Conquers the East, again headquartered at Shouyang. Hun did not put importance to the letter of the law, in sentencing and judgement he clarified with confidence [?]. At the time the people of Wu were new adherents and inclined in their breasts to fear and dread. Hun comforted the compliant and restrained travellers, and with a humble breast soothed and admitted. He sat without an empty mat, the [guards at the] gates did not delay visitors. Hence the gentlemen of Jiangdong could not but be pleased to adhere.

He was summoned be designated be Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing, concurrently Cavalier in Regular Attendance. It happened that the court officials set up a discussion on whether the King of Qi, You, must go to his fiefdom. Hun sent up a letter remonstrating, which said:

Crouching to receive the sagely decree, [to follow] the legal sections and the old canons and advance the King of Qi, You, to have the highest office, [or] esteem their customs and rites, and dispatch You to his state.

Formerly when the Zhou clan established the state, they greatly enfeoffed the various Ji [the royal clan of Zhou], using fiefdoms as the Emperor's house, for perpetual generations raising up the law.

Arriving at the Duke [of Zhou], Dan, King Wu's younger brother, left and right in royal affairs, he assisted and aided the great profession and was not made to return to his fiefdom. Next arriving at display of personal righteousness, can not be distant from the court of old [?] Thus formerly the Duke of Zhou managed, due to his sagely virtue, brilliantly aided the young ruler, his loyalty and sincerity is manifest in the Metal-bound Coffer, brilliantly expressing the virtue of Wen and Wu's sagacity.

[The Metal-bound Coffer (金縢) is a chapter in the Book of Documents.]

You in the Great Jin is a relative of Ji Dan. He ought to help the August Court and have knowledge of government affairs. He truly is Your Majesty's belly and heart and is not of divided loyalty. Moreover, You as a man cultivates purity, righteousness and trustworthiness, in addition thereby to being an admirable relative, his aspirations is to be loyal and virtuous.

Now Your Majesty sends out You to his state, making use of him as Commander-in-Chief of an empty title, yet without the fruit of directing armaments personally [?], departing and leaving the Heavenly Court, not arranging the royal government. Wounding mothers and younger brothers arriving at the group of relatives [?], damaging friends in righteousness of earnest sincerity [?], [I?] fear not Your Majesty in narrating the past to the Former Emperor and Empress Dowager Wenming will await past thoughts of You [?].

Suppose, due to the weighty expectations for You [?], those in affairs ought to set out, now using the King of Ru'nan, Liang, to replace You. Liang is the son of August Emperor Xuan and younger brother of August Emperor Wen. Zhou and Jun each reside in the regions with appointments, and have the support of inside and outside. In the debates due to worries for the future, they are likewise not to be made light of. You is now going to his state, going to sufficient length in the debates of differences and similarities, thereby diminishing the beauty of humaneness and benevolence, that is all [?]. Yet now Under Heaven watches Your Majesty not having esteem and feelings for friends and relatives, Your Subject takes the liberty to be not selected by Your Majesty [?].

Suppose, though the Consort and Empress are relatives by marriage, [we] rely on [them] thereby for court and government affairs, then we have the Wang clan upsetting the authority of the Han, and the calamity of Lü Chan monopolizing the court. Suppose we use the same clan to reach familiarity [?], then we have the the disaster of the disobedience and chaos of Wu, Chu and the seven states. In successive examples past and present, when caution in affairs [is both?] light and heavy, there can not but come harm from it.

It is not possible in affairs and events to twist the setting up and suspect wariness [?], and be concerned about those coming from the regions who suffers [?]. We only must trust the correct Way and seek the loyal and good. Suppose we use wise plots to guess on matters, though relatives understand and suspect, coming to those neglecting the distant likewise, how will they be able to protect themselves? [?] People in their breasts are queasy and afraid, not having reasons for being calm [?]. This is exceedingly from having deep envy for those of the state and families [?].

[I am?] too stupid to use as Grand Guardian of the Heir-Apparent and useless [?]. [We] ought to keep You to occupy it. He and the Grand Commandant, the King of Ru'nan, Liang, and the General of Guards, Yang Yao, together will be guardians and tutors, personally managing court affairs. Three people of uniform rank, are sufficient to sustain and correct each other, advancing to assist and admit the promotion of wide righteousness, withdrawing without inclining heavily to the tendency of upsetting each other. Now Your Majesty has truly kindness for friends and relatives, make You meet with benevolence covering over his kindness [?].

Your Subject, similarly with the state's joys and sorrows [?], when righteousness is completely spoken of, seen by his heart [?], is not able to stay silent. [I] privately desires the women of Lu [?] to be the aspirations of the state, daring to plead and stupidly see, colliding and violating the power of Heaven [?]. [I] desire Your Majesty's affairs always to be completely good, hoping to be of aid in the ten thousand parts. If Your Subject then does not speak, who will be the speaking one?

The Emperor did not accept it.

At the beginning of Taixi [290], he moved to Minister over the Masses. When Emperor Hui was enthroned, he was promoted to Palace Attendant, and also at Jingling [?] set up soldiers and officers, like the case of Suiling.

When they executed Yang Jun [JS040], they venerated and esteemed the old vassals, and therefore added to Hun's soldiers. Hun, due to Minister over the Masses being a civil office, the masters and clerks did not command troops. To command the troops therefore the magistrates used scarlet clothes [?]. He himself, used to matching for that reason at the favour of the time [?], the authority to obtain and support troops was not in accordance with the old canons, always ordered black clothes. Debaters were pleased with his modesty and yet understood the limbs [?].

The King of Chu, Wei, wanted to murder the King of Ru'nan, Liang. Gongsun Hong talked to Wei, saying: “Formerly, when Emperor Xuan deposed Cao Shuang, he pulled in the Grand Commandant, Jiang Ji, to take part in the management, thereby adding to his power and esteem. The Great King is now raising up a not common affair. We ought to obtain [someone of] seasoned prestige, to quell the loathing in the hearts of the multitudes. The Minister over the Masses, Wang Hun is seasoned and has a powerful fame. He is trusted and supported by the Three Armies, he can be requested to to manage together [with us], making matters and feeling be dependable.”

Wei followed it. Hun declined due to illness and returned to his mansion. He used his household troops, a thousand people, to shut the gates and resist Wei. Wei did not dare pressure him. Soon after, Wei, due to a false decree, was sentenced to execution. Hun then commanded the troops in attending the officials.

The Emperor once questioned Hun at the Inaugural Assembly, inquiring into the magistrates of the commanderies and states, and the suitability of the reginoal customs. Hun memorialised, saying:

Your Majesty is reverentially enlightened, sagely and wise, shining on the distant and near, clarifying decrees washing away the empty, [your] inquiries reached into fodder and firewood, exceeding therefore Wen of Zhou's requests for who to discuss [with]. Zhongni [Confucius] was not ashamed to send down questions.

In the past at the Inaugural Assembly of the Third Morning first planned the magistrates to reach beneath the carriage [?], the Palace Attendants read the decree, the planning magistrates knelt to accept it. Your Subject, due to the writings of the decrees succeeding each other for a long time [?], is wihtout another fresh voice, is not Your Majesty's idea of keeping eyes on the regions and states [?].

It is possible to order the Palace Writers to point to and circulate the clarifying decree, asking the regions for the differences and similarities of the ground,virtuous talent flowering and unusual, manners and customs harmonious and excellent, origins and fundamentals of farming mulberries, punishments and prisons are not unjust and overflowing, defenders and chiefs are not invading and oppressive.

Thus industrious hearts in government affairs will reform and foster and speedily remove the injurious, conferring thereby the brush on the paper, exhausting ideas and displaying knowledge. Thereby the enlightened sage points to bring down hearts in the four directions [?], not repeatedly because of that comply with regular excuses. Moreover, [by] examining their answers and replies to the written righteousness, [we] thereby observing the truth of the planning magistrates' talents.

Also in the time of the Former Emperor, [you?] after the Corrective Assembly [?] in the Eastern Hall saw the Senior Clerks and Marshals who Conquers and Garrisons, the ministers of the the various royal states, and the Aides of the various provinces.

Now suppose we are not able to separately see [them], then we can first reach beneath the carriage, make the Palace Attendants circulate the inquiry, thereby thoroughly investigate the regions and states, and in affairs be convenient [?].

The Emperor made it so, and also decreed Hun to Record the Affairs of the Masters of Writing.

The posts successively held by Hun, from beginning to end were manifested and renowned. When he resided among the Eminent Assistants, his prestige and popularity daily diminished.

In the 7th Year of Yuankang [297 AD], he passed away, at the time he was 75 years old. His posthumous title was Inaugurating [yuan]. His eldest son Shang perished young, his second son Ji inherited.

[bookofjin]

Biography of Zhuge Hui

[From JS077]

Zhuge Hui, courtesy name Daoming, was a native of Yangdu in Langye. His grandfather Dan [SGZ28], Wei's Minister of Works, was executed by Emperor Wen. His father Jing fled to Wu and became Great Marshal. When Wu was pacified, he escaped and ran away, and did not set out. Emperor Wu and Jing were past [friends], and Jing's elder sister also was Consort to the King of Langye. The Emperor knew Jing was living with his sister, and because of that came to see him. Jing escaped to the privy. The Emperor again pressured to see him, and spoke, saying: “Could it not be said [?] that today [we] would again get to see each other.”

Jing with flowing tears said: “[I] was not able to lacquer my skin and face, and again look at the sagely face.”

A decree used him as Palace Attendant, he firmly declined and did not serve, but returned to his home village. In the end he personally did not turn to the imperial court when sitting.

Hui as a young man knew fame and was employed by the Warden as Chief of Jiqiu. He moved to Prefect of Linyi and made government affairs harmonious and peaceful. Coming upon Under Heaven being in great chaos, he turned away from the land to Jiangzuo, his fame was next to Wang Dao [JS065] and Yu Liang [JS073]. Dao once spoke to him, saying: “The Clarifying Office must be a Duke of the Black Heads.”

When Dao served as Minister of Works, Hui was an adviser. Dao pointed to his cap and spoke to him, saying: “Lord, you must also put on this.”

Dao once playfully contended over their families with Hui, saying: “People say Wang and Ge [lit. 'kings and kudzu'], they don't say Ge and Wang.” Hui said: “They don't say 'horses and donkeys', but say 'donkeys and horses'. How is a donkey better than a horse?” In his personal visits he was impertinent like this.

At that time, Xun Kai [JS039] of Yingchuan, courtesy name Daoming, Cai Mo [JS077] of Chenliu, courtesy name Daoming, and Kui all had famous reputations, they were titled the “Three Ming of the Restoration.” People had a saying about them which said: “The Three Ming of the Imperial Capital each are famous. Mr. Cai is learned and elegant, Xun and Ge are pure.”

When Emperor Yuan became General who Calms the East, he used Hui as Master of Accounts, again moving to Prefect of Jiangning. He had merit in the punishing of Zhou Fu [JS061] and was enfeoffed Marquis of Boling precinct, and again became Adjutant who Garrisons the East. He and Bian Kun [JS070] together, due to their fame at the time, moved to Assistant Officer Palace Gentlemen, with combined control of the Records House.

At the time the four regions had much activity, the reports and submissions had considerably accumulated. Hui considered carefully and returned replies, everyone said he took the middle coruse.

At the time the Wang clan were Generals [?], and Hui [and?] his brothers and Yan Han [JS088] together lived in the midst of prominence [?]. Liu Chao [JS070], due to his loyalty and prudence, had the writing of instructions in his palm. People at the time considered [?] the Emperor to be good at relying on the talents of of the state.

When Emperor Min was enthroned, he recruited and employed the virtuous and outstanding of the four regions. He summoned Hui to be Gentleman of the Masters of Writing. Emperor Yuan, due to [both?] warp and woof requiring talent, sent up a submission to detain him, to succeed to authority and transfer to become Grand Warden of Kuaiji.

Approaching the journey, the Emperor had set out beer and spoke to him saying: “Kuaji of today is the Guanzhong of the past, with sufficient food and sufficient troops, a place for a good Warden [?]. Due to the Lord having managed the art of relying on, thus thereby serve each other [?]. The Four Regions are divided and split apart. [We] must restore and raise the ruined fortune. The first of government affairs, the Lord have words for it.”

Hui pleaded to decline, and because of that replied, saying: “Now Under Heaven has death and disorder, the manners and rites are infringed and delayed. We ought to venerate the Five Virtues and banish the Four Vices, advance loyalty sincerely and withdraw the drifting Hua.” The Emperor deeply adopted it.

At the beginning of Taixing [318 – 321], due to his achievements in government being of the first order, a decree said: “For some time [there were] many difficulties, among the chief officials [there were] several changes, increasingly there was various criminals. However sagely people similarly were persistent in their Way, afterwards reforms were completed, comparable to their surplus! [?] Emperor Xuan of Han said: 'Those who together with me calms Under Heaven, verily they deserve [?] 2 000 shi', these words are trustworthy. Thus, Huang Ba and others, sometimes had 10 years, sometime 20 years without moving, by these means [we] are able to aid the merits of their middle flourishing. Bestowing and punishing, demoting and promoting, by these means [we] clarify the Way of the government affairs. The Interior Clerk of Kuaiji, Zhuge Hui, has managed his office for 3 years, government affairs are pure and the people are in harmony, he is the head of the various commanderies. We ought to advance his position and grade, thereby recommending manners and teachings. [?] Now increase Hui's salary to Fully 2 000 shi.”

Soon after, due to mourning for his mother, he left office. When he set aside the [mourning] clothes, he was designated Prefect of the Palace Writers. Wang Dun [JS098] sent up Hui to be Intendant of Danyang. Due to long time illness, he declined. When Emperor Ming conquered Dun, he used Hui as Palace Attendant, concurrently Chief Commandant of the Imperial Chariots. He had merit in the punishing of Wang Han, and was advanced in fief to Earl of Jian'an, and used his former feudal rank to bestow his second son as Marquis Inside the Passes. Again designated Hui as General of the Rear and Interior Clerk of Kuaiji.

He was summoned to be Palace Attendant, then moved to Master of Writing of the People of the Left, Teacher to the King of Wuling and Master of Writing of the Personnel Section. He amassed to move to Supervisor of the Right of the Masters of Writing, promoted to Cavalier in Regular Attendance, Brilliantly Blessed Grandee of Silver and Green, acting and selecting as Great Central Corrector of his Home Province, and Prefect of the Masters Writing,  Regular Attendant and Personnel Section like before. When Emperor Cheng walked the eastern stairs, he was promoted to Palace Attendant and Brilliantly Blessed Grandee of Gold and Purple.

He passed on at the age of 62 [in July 345, JS008]. He was posthumously conferred Brilliantly Blessed Grandee of the Left, Opening Office with the Same Ceremonies as the Three Ministers. In the rites of gifts and conferrals, singularly relied on the Grand Command, the Earl of Xingping [Lu Wan?] in former affairs, with the posthumous title of Respectful [jing]. His sacrifices used the grand offerings [pig, sheep and ox].

His son Han inherited, his rank reached Cavalier in Regular Attendance.

Hui's elder brother Yi, courtesy name Daohui, likewise was a heavy receptacle for Emperor Yuan, ending as Grand Master of Ceremonies.

[bookofjin]

Annals of Emperor Huai, Part 2

[From JS005.

On dingyou [13 July 311], Liu Yao and Wang Mi entered the imperial capital.]

[Yongjia 4]

[16 February 310 – 4 February 311]

4th Year, Spring, the 1st Month, yichou [16 February], New Moon, a great amnesty.

2nd Month [17 March – 15 April], Shi Le raided Juancheng. The Inspector of Yan province, Yuan Fu, was defeated in battle and was murdered by his section subordinates. Le also raided Baima. The General of Chariots and Cavalry, Wang Kan, died there.

Li Xiong's general Wen Shuo killed Xiong's Great General Li Guo, and used Baxi to return to obedience.

On wuwu [10 April], Qian Hui, a native of Wuxing, rebelled, calling himself General who Pacifies the West.

3rd Month [16 April – 14 May], the Associate on the Granary Board to the Imperial Chancellor, Zhou Ji [JS058] led the district people in punishing Hui and beheaded him.

Summer, 4th Month [15 May – 13 June], a great flood.

General Qi Hong routed Liu Yuanhai's generals Liu Ling [and Liu?] Yao at Guangzong.

Li Xiong captured Zitong.

In Yan province the earth shook.

5th Month [14 June – 12 July], Shi Le robbed Ji commandery. He seized the Grand Warden, Hu Chong, and thereupon crossed south of the He. The Grand Warden of Xingyang, Pei Chun, fled to Jianye.

A great wind snapped the trees.

The earth shook.

In You, Bing, Si, Ji, Qin and Yong provinces a great plague of locusts. Food, grass and trees, the fur of cattle and horses, all were exhausted.

6th Month [13 July – 11 August], Liu Yuanhai died. His son He inherited his false title. He's younger brother Cong killed He and established himself.

Autumn, 7th Month [12 August – 9 September], Liu Cong's cousin Liu Yao and his general Shi Le besieged Huai. Decreed the General who Conquers the Caitiffs, Song Chou, to relieve it. He was defeated by Yao. Chou died there.

9th Month [10 October – 7 November], Yue Yan, a native of Henei, seized the Grand Warden, Pei Zheng, in rebellion, and surrendered to Shi Le.

The Supervisor of the Army for Xu province, Wang Long, abandoned the army and fled from Xiapi to Zhou Fu.

Wang Ru [JS100], a native of Yong province, raised troops in rebellion at Wan. He killed and murdered the Prefects and Chiefs, titled himself Great General and Shepherd of Si and Yong, and greatly robbed the Han and Mian [region]. Pang Shi, a native of Xinping, Yan Yi, a native of Pingyi, Hou Tuo, a native of Jingzhao, and others, each raised troops in response to him.

The General who Conquers the South, Shan Jian, the Inspector of Jing Province, Wang Cheng [JS043], and the Commander of the Gentlemen of the Palace of the South, Du Rui, together dispatched troops to aid the imperial capital. They reached Ru to battle at Wan. The various armies were all greatly defeated. Wang Cheng alone used the multitudes to advance and arrive at Yikou. The multitudes were scattered and returned.

Winter, 10th Month, xinmao [9 November], day was dark as night, until gengzi [18 November].

A great start fell down in the south-west and made a sound.

On renyin [20 November], Shi Le besieged Cangyuan. The Interior Clerk of Chenliu, Wang Zan, struck and defeated him. Le fled north of the He.

On the day renzi [30 November], used the General of Agile Cavalry, Wang Jun as Minister of Works, the General who Pacifies the North, Liu Kun, as Great General who Pacifies the North.

Famine at the imperial capital.

The King of Donghai, Yue, made a winged  [urgent] call to arms, summoning the troops Under Heaven. The Emperor spoke to the messengers, saying: “Have my words to the various [Generals who] Conquers and Garrisons. If done today, [we] can yet be saved. If later then don't come.” At the time none came.

Shi Le captured Xiangcheng. The Grand Warden, Cui Kuang, was murdered. He thereupon arrived at Wan. Wang Jun dispatched the Xianbei Wen Yang to command cavalry and relieve it. Le withdrew. Jun again dispatched the detached general Wang Shenshi to punish Le at Wenshijin, greatly routing him.

11th Month, jiaxu [22 December], the King of Donghai, Yue, led the multitude in setting out for Xuchang, accordingly moving his headquarters to accompany him.

The palace rationalised without restoring defensive guards. The wasted famine [that?] day was considerably [?]. Within the palace dead people [lay?] criss-cross. Government courts and barracks offices together dug out trenches for their own defence. Bandits and thieves acted in public. Drumsticks drummed their tones without end.

Yue's army lodged Xiang, he himself acting as Shepherd of Yu province, using the Grand Commandant, Wang Yan as Minister of the Army.

On dingchou [25 December], Wei Bo of the drifting Di and others raided Yidu. The Grand Warden, Ji Xi, fled to Jianye.

Wang Shenshi attacked Liu Yao and Wang Mi at Pinglei, routing them.

The General who Garrisons the East, Zhou Fu [JS061], petitioned to welcome the Great Carriage and move the capital to Shouyang. Yue sent Pei Shuo to punish Fu. He was defeated by Fu, and fled to defend Dongcheng, requesting help from the King of Langye, Rui.

At Xiangyang a great plague. The dead numbered more than 3000 people.

Added to the Inspector of Liang, Zhang Gui [JS086], General who Calms the West.

12th Month [6 January – 4 February], the Great General who Conquers the East, Gou Xi, attacked Wang Mi's detached commander Cao Yi, routing him.

On yiyou [2 January?], Li Hong, a native of Pingyang, commanded migrant people to enter Dingling to cause chaos.

[Yongjia 5]

[5 February 311 – 24 January 312]

5th Year, Spring, 1st Month [5 February – 5 March], the Emperor privately decreed Gou Xi to punish the King of Donhai, Yue.

On renshen [18 February], Xi was routed by Cao Yi.

On yiwei [13 March], Yue dispatched the Adjutant and Commander of the Palace Gentlemen, Yang Mao and the Inspector of Xu province, Pei Dun, together to strike Xi.

On guiyou [19 February], Shi Le entered Jiangxia. The Grand Warden, Yang Min, fled to Wuchang.

On yihai [21 February], Li Xiong attacked and captured Fucheng. The Grand Warden of Zitong, Qiao Deng, was murdered.

Du Tao [JS100], a drifting person from Xiang province, took possession of Changsha in rebellion.

On wuyin [24 February], the General who Pacifies the East, the King of Langye, Rui, sent General Gan Zhuo [JS070] to attack the General who Garrisons the East, Zhou Fu, at Shouchun. Fu's multitudes were scattered.

On gengchen [26 February], the Grand Guardian, the King of Pingyuan, Gan, passed away.

2nd Month [6 March – 4 April], Shi Le robbed Runan. The King of Runan, You, fled to Jianye.

3rd Month, wuwu [5 April], A decree sent down circumstances of the King of Donghai, Yue's crimes, informing the regional headquarters to punish him.

Used the Great General who Conquers the East, Gou Xi as Great General.

On bingzi [23 April], the King of Donghai, Yue, passed away.

4th Month, wuzi [5 May], Shi Le pursued the King of Donghai, Yue's funeral, reaching it at Dong commandery. The General Qian Duan fought and died. The army scattered. The Grand Commandant, Wang Yan, the Master of Writing of the Personnel Section, Liu Wang, the Commandant of Justice, Zhuge Quan, the Master of Writing, Zheng Yu, the King of Wuling, Dan, and others were murdered. Kings, Dukes and below, the dead numbered more than 100 000 people. The Heir of Donghai and 18 Kings of the ancestral house were soon after also lost to Shi Le.

The traitors Wang Sang and Leng Dao captured Xu province. The Inspector, Pei Dun, was murdered. Sang thereupon crossed the Huai, arriving at Liyang.

5th Month [3 June – 2 July], Ru Ban, a migrant of Yi province, and Jian Fu, a migrant of Liang# province, caused chaos in Xiang province, capturing the Inspector, Guo Tiao. To the south they routed the various commanderies of Ling and Gui. To the east they plundered Wuchang. The Grand Warden of Ancheng, Guo Cha, the Grand Warden of Shaoling, Zheng Rong, and the Interior Clerk of Hengyang, Teng Yu, were all murdered.

Advanced the Minister of Works, Wang Jun, to be Great Marshal; the Great General who Conquers the West, the King of Nanyang, Mo, to be Grand Commandant; the Grand Tutor to the Heir-Apparent, Fu Zhi [JS047] to be Minister over the Masses; the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Xun Fan [JS039], to be Minister of Works; the General who Pacifies the East, the King of Langye, Rui to be Great General who Garrisons the East.

At the setting out of the King of Donghai, Yue, he made the Intendant of Henan, Pan Tao, reside and defend. The Great General Gou Xi petitioned to move the capital to Cangyuan. The Emperor wanted to follow him. The various great subjects feared Tao, and did not dare to receive the edict. Moreover the Central Palace and the Yellow Gates yearned for wealth and riches, and did not desire to set out.

Coming to this, there was widespread famine. People ate each other. Of the hundred officials those drifting and lost were 8 or 9 of 10. The Emperor summoned the crowd of subjects to meet and discuss. He wanted to go and yet the guard was not ready. The Emperor clapped his hands with a sigh, saying: “What if [we] meet without chariots and carriages!”

He therefore sent the Minister over the Masses, Fu Zhi, to set out and go to Heyin, to repair and manage ships and oars, and be preparing for river travel. Court scholars, several people, directed and followed [?]. The Emperor walked to set out through the western palace gates. Arriving at the Copper Swift Street, he was plundered by robbers. He could not advance and returned.

6th Month, guiwei [29 June?], Liu Yao, Wang Mi and Shi Le together robbed the Luo riverlands. The royal host again and again were defeated by the traitors. The dead were a considerable multitude.

On gengyin [6 July], the Minister of Works, Xun Fan and the Brilliantly Blessed Grandee, Xun Zu [JS039], fled to Huanyuan. The Leader of the Left to the Imperial Heir, Wen Ji at night opened the Guangmo gate to flee to Xiaoping Ford.

On dingyou [13 July], Liu Yao and Wang Mi entered the imperial capital. The Emperor opened the Hualinyuan gate to set out for Heyin Lotus Root Pond [?], wanting to favour Chang'an. He was chased and captured by Yao and others.

Yao and others set fire to and burnt the palaces and temples, and compelled and humiliated the Ladies and Empresses. The King of Wu, Yan; the King of Jingling, Mao; the Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing, He Yu; the Supervisor of the Right, Cao Fu; the Masters of Writing, Lüqiu Chong and Yuan Can; the Intendant of Henan, Liu Mo, and others all were murdered. The hundred officials, scholars and multitudes, the dead were more than 30 000 people. The Emperor suffered dust to Pingyang. Liu Cong used the Emperor as Duke of Kuaiji.

Xun Fan moved a call to arms for the provinces to subdue, using the King of Langye as master of the covenant.

The King of Yuzhang, Duan, went east, fleeing to Gou Xi. Xi established him as August Imperial Heir, with himself as Acting Prefect of the Masters of Writing, drew and set up the categories of officials, defending Meng county of Liang state.

The hundred families starved. The price of a hu of husked rice was more than 10 000.

Autumn, 7th Month [1 August – 30 August], the Great Marshal, Wang Jun succeeded to the authority to temporarily establish the Heir-Apparent [?], setting up the hundred officials and the offices of [Generals who] Conquers and Garrisons.

Shi Le robbed Guyang. The King of Pei, Zi, was defeated in battle and murdered.

8th Month [31 August – 28 September], Liu Cong sent his son Can to attack and capture Chang'an. The Grand Commandant and General who Conquers the West, the King of Nanyang, Mo, was murdered. Refugees from Chang'an, more than 4 000 families, fled to Hanzhong.

9th Month, on guihai [7 October], Shi Le raided Yangxia, arriving at Meng county. The Great General, Gou Xi, and the King of Yuzhang, Duan, were both lost to the traitors.

Winter, 10th Month [29 October – 26 November], Le robbed Yu province. The various armies arrived at the Jiang and returned.

11th Month [27 November – 26 December], Yilu robbed Taiyuan. The General who Pacifies the North, Liu Kun, was not able to govern, and moved the hundred families of 5 counties to Xinxing, using its territory to settle them.

[Yongjia 6]

[25 January 312 – 11 February 313]

6th Year, Spring, the 1st Month [25 January – 23 February], the Emperor arrived at Pingyang.

Liu Cong robbed Taiyuan.

The former Commander of Serrated Gates to the [General] Garrisoning the South, Hu Kang, assembled a multitude to rob the territory of Jing, titling himself the Duke of Chu.

2nd Month, renzi [24 March], the sun was eclipsed.

On guichou [25 March], the Great General who Garrisons the East, the King of Langye, Rui, sent up to the Masters of Writing, a call to arms for the four regions to accordingly punish Shi Le.

The Great Marshal, Wang Jun, moved to call to arms all under Heaven, saying by a central decree [he was] to inherit the government. Used Xun Fan as Grand Commandant.

The King of Ruyang, Xi, was murdered by Shi Le.

Summer, 4th Month, bingyin [6 June], the General who Conquers the South, Shan Jian, passed on.

Autumn, the 7th Month [20 July – 18 August], the Year Star [Jupiter], the Shimmering Deceiver [Mars] and the Grand White [Venus] met in the Ox and the Dipper.

Shi Le robbed Ji province.

Liu Can robbed Jinyang. The General who Pacifies the North, Liu Kun, dispatched the Section Commander Hao Shen to command the multitude in resisting Can. Shen achieved defeat and died there. The Grand Warden of Taiyuan, Gao Qiao used Jinyang to surrender to Can.

8th Month, gengxu [18 September], Liu Kun fled to Changshan.

On xinhai [19 September], the Chief Commandant of Yinping, Dong Chong, expelled the Grand Warden, Wang Jian, using the commandery to rebel in in surrender to Li Xiong.

On xinhai [19 September], Liu Kun requested a host from Yilu, announcing Lu as Duke of Dai.

9th Month, jimao [17 October], Yilu sent his son Lisun to attend Kun. They did not manage to advance.

On xinsi [19 October], the Forward Inspector of Yong province, Jia Pi [JS060], punished Liu Can in Sanfu. He ran from there and Guanzhong was a little settled. Therefore he and the General of Guards, Liang Fen and the Grand Warden of Jingzhao, Liang Zong, together received the King of Qin, Ye, as August Heir-Apparent at Chang'an.

Winter, 10th Month [16 November – 14 December], Yilu himself commanded 60 000 to lodge at Pencheng.

11th Month, jiawu [31 December], Liu Can escaped and left. Liu Kun gathered his lost multitude, and defended Yangqu.

This year a great plague.

[Yongjia 7]

[12 February 313 – 31 January 314]

7th Year, Spring, 1st Month [12 February – 13 March], Liu Cong had a great assembly. He had the Emperor wear green clothes and walk around with beer. The Palace Attendant Yu Min called out and wept. Cong detested him.

On the day dingwei [14 March], the Emperor met with regicide, expiring at Pingyang. At that time he was 30 years old.

Earlier when the Emperor was born, there was excellent grain springing up in Nanchang in Yuzhang. Before this [diviners] looked at the vapours stating: “Yuzhang has the vapour of the Son of Heaven.” They later after all used the King of Yuzhang as August Imperial Brother-Heir.

When he was at the Eastern Palace, he was simple, sincere, humble and restrained. He continued to draw out court scholars, and discussed and debated books and records. Reaching his enthronement, he started honouring the old system. Presiding over the Grand Utmost Hall, he made the Gentlemen of the Masters of Writing study the causes of the time. And in the Eastern Hallway he listened to corrections. Arriving at feasts and assemblies, he on his own initiative discussed with the group of officials the multitude activities, examining the classics and records.

The Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gates, Fu Xuan, sighed and said: “Today we can again see the times of Emperor Wu!”

The Supervisor of the Private Writings, Xun Song [JS075] also frequently told people, saying: “Emperor Huai had a Heavenly bearing and was pure and excellent, rarely displayed heroic plans [?]. Suppose it happened that he inherited peace, he would satisfy as defender of culture and an auspicious master. And yet he continued as the inheritor of Emperor Hui's disturbances and confusion, Donghai monopolizing the government, without the hiatus of You and Li [two bad Zhou kings], and having the calamity of exile.”

[bookofjin]

Sons of Sima Liang

[From JS059]

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

Cui, courtesy name Maohong, passed on early.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xi [d. 312] was in the beginning enfeoffed Duke of Ruyang. During the punishment of Liu Qiao he had merits and was advanced in rank to be King. At the end of Yongjia, he was lost to Shi Le.

[bookofjin]

Why exactly Wang Jun and Wang Hun dislike each other?

Wang Hun resented that Wang Jun got all the glory from occupying the Wu capital after Hun had done all the heavy fighting.

After some stiff fighting, Wang Hun defeated Wu’s main fieldarmy under Zhang Ti and occupied the north bank of the Jiang. Then,at least according to the biography of Zhou Jun (JS061, which I’veposted earlier), he rejected advise to immediately cross the Jiang,preferring instead to pause to consolidate and wait for the forcesfrom up-river that according to the imperial decree was to come underhis command.

But Wang Jun didn’t stop to join forces with Hun, but movedstraight on to sweep away the last shaky Wu defenders, occupyingJianye and accepting the surrender of Sun Hao.

So Wang Hun wrote in to complain that Wang Jun had disobeyedorders. But it’s a tough sell to criticize a general for seizingthe moment and ending the war.

[bookofjin]

Annals of Emperor Hui, Part 5

[From JS004. And with that the Annals of Emperor Hui are complete and so is JS004, the first chapter I have attempted to translate from start to finish.

[Yongxing 2]

[11 February – 30 January]

2nd Year, Spring, 1st Month, jiawu [11 February], New Moon, the Emperor was in Chang'an.

Summer, 4th Month [10 May – 8 June], decreed to enfeoff the King of Leping, Shao, as King of Qi.

On bingzi [24 May], Zhang Fang deposed the August Empress, Ms. Yang.

6th Month, jiazi [11 July], the Palace Attendant and Minister over the Masses, the Marquis of Anfeng, Wang Rong, passed away.

The Grand Warden of Longxi, Han Zhi, attacked the Inspector of Qin province, Zhang Fu [JS060] and killed him.

Li Xiong usurped the throne of Emperor, the state titled Shu.

Autumn, 7th Month, jiawu [10 August], the various boards of the Masters of Writing caught fire, burning the Chongli Door [?].

The King of Donghai, Yue, made ready [?] troops in the Xu region, wanting to go west and welcome the Great Carriage.

The King of Chengdu, Ying's section general, Gongshi Fan and others assembled a multitude to attack and capture the commanderies and counties, murdering the Grand Warden of Yangping, Li Zhi; the Grand Warden of Ji commandery, Zhang Yan, and others. He moved to attack Ye. The Duke of Pingchang, Mo, dispatched General Zhao Xiang to attack and rout him.

8th Month, xinchou [?, closest is 16 October in the 9th Month], a great amnesty.

The General of Agile Cavalry, the King of Fanyang, Xiao expelled the Inspector of Ji province, Li Yi.

The Inspector of Yang province, Cao Wu, killed the Grand Warden of Danyang, Zhu Jian.

Li Xiong dispatched his general Li Xiang to rob Han'an.

The Great General of Chariots and Cavalry, Liu Hong chased the General who Pacifies the South, the King of Pengcheng, Shi, to Wan.

9th Month, gengyin [5 October], New Moon, Gongshi Fan also murdered the Grand Warden of Pingyuan, Wang Jing, and the Grand Warden of Qinghe, Feng Xiong.

On gengzi [15 October], the Inspector of Yu province, Liu Qiao [JS061], attacked the King of Fanyang, Xiao, at Xuchang, defeating him.

On renzi [27 October], used the King of Chengdu, Ying, as Great General who Garrisons the Army and Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs North of the He, headquartered at Ye.

The King of Hejian, Yong, dispatched General Lü Lang to garrison Luoyang.

Winter, 10th Month, bingzi [20 November], a decree said: “[We have?] Obtained the Inspector of Yu province, Liu Qiao's call to arms, saying the Grand Warden of Yingchuan, Liu Yu [JS062] has pressured and threatened the General of Agile Cavalry, Xiao, resisting and disobeying decrees and orders, preparing the frame for murderous treason, monopolizing and coercing the commanderies and counties, combining and assembling troops and multitudes, arbitrarily employing Ji Xi as Yan province, cutting off and obstructing royal instructions.”

“The Great General who Garrisons the South and Inspector of Jing province, Liu Hong; the General who Pacifies the South, the King of Pengcheng, Shi, they are each to direct their commands, directly assemble at Xuchang, and join forces with Qiao.”

“Now dispatch the General of the Right, Zhang Fang to be Great Commander-in-Chief, commanding 100 000 spirited soldiers. The General who Establish the Martial, Lü Lang; the General of Broad Martial, Qian Chu; the General who Establish Power, Diao Mo and others to be the army's vanguard, all to assemble at Xuchang and eliminate Yu's brothers.”

On dingchou [21 November], sent the Forward General of Chariots and Cavalry, Shi Chao; and the Commander of the Palace Gentlemen of the North, Wang Chan, to punish Yu and others.

Red vapour seen in the northern regions, east to west it covered the sky. There was a bursting star in the Northern Dipper.

The Duke of Pingchang, Mo, dispatched General Song Zhou and others to garrison the He bridge.

11th Month [3 December – 31 December], the General who Erects Authority, Zhou Quan, was tricked by a call to arms [?], titling himself General who Pacifies the West and restored August Empress Ms. Yang. The Prefect of Luoyang, He Qiao, attacked Quan and beheaded him, and again deposed the August Empress.

12th Month, [1 January – 30 January] Lü Lang and others went east to garrison Xingyang. The King of Chengdu, Ying, advanced to occupy Luoyang. Zhang Fang, Liu Hong and others together restrained the troops and were not able to hold out. The King of Fanyang, Xiao, crossed from Guandu, uprooted Xingyang, beheaded Shi Chao, raided Xuchang and routed Liu Qiao at Xiao. Qiao fled to Nanyang.

The General of the Right, Chen Min [JS100], raised troops in rebellion, titling himself Duke of Chu, falsely saying it was by central decree, following the Mian and Han to receive and welcome the Son of Heaven. He expelled the Inspector of Yang province, Liu Ji, and the Grand Warden of Danyang, Wang Kuang, and dispatched his younger brother Hui south to seize Jiang province. The Inspector, Ying Miao, fled to Yiyang.

[Guangxi 1]

[31 January 306 – 18 February]

1st Year of Guangxi [“Brilliant Radiance”], Spring, 1st Month, wuzi [31 January], New Moon,  an eclipse of the sun [Not OK]. The Emperor was at Chang'an.

The King of Hejian, Yong, heard of Liu Qiao's rout. He was greatly afraid and thereupon killed Zhang Fang. He requested peace with the King of Donghai, Yue. Yue did not listen.

Song Zhou and others routed Ying's general Lou Pou and advanced to pressure Luoyang. Ying fled to Chang'an.

[2nd Month], jiazi [8 March], Yue dispatched his generals Qi Hong, Song Zhou, Sima Zuan and others to welcome the Emperor.

3rd Month [31 March – 29 April], in Donglai the Prefect of Jian [惤, a mistake for Xian㡉?], Liu Baigen rebelled, titling himself Duke of Jian, and raiding Linzi. The King of Gaomi, Jian, fled to Liaocheng. Wang Jun dispatched generals to punish Baigen. They beheaded him.

Summer, 4th Month, jisi [12 May], the King of Donghai, Yue, garrisoned at Wen.

Yong dispatched the Grand Warden of Hongnong, Peng Sui, and the Grand Warden of Beidi, Diao Mo, to resist Qi Hong and others at Hu.

5th Month [29 May – 27 June], a crooked arrow [comet] drifted south-west. In Fanyang state, the earth burned and could be used as an oven.

On renchen [4 June], Qi Hong and others fought with Diao Mo. Mo was greatly defeated. Yong and Ying ran for the Southern Mountains, and fled to Wan. The Xianbei in Hong and others' section greatly plundered Chang'an, killing more than 20 000 people.

That day, the sun's light scattered in the four [directions] and was red like blood. On jiawu [6 June] it was also like this.

On jihai [11 June], Hong and others served the Emperor in returning to Luoyang. The Emperor drove in an ox chariot, acting as palace was mats and grass. The Excellencies and ministers forded on foot.

On wushen [20 June], the [General of] Agile Cavalry, the King of Fanyang, Xiao, killed the Colonel Minister of Retainters, Xing Qiao.

On jiyou [21 June], thieves took from the Grand Temple gold chests and decorated whips [?], four each.

6th Month, bingchen [28 June], New Moon, [the Emperor] arrived from Chang'an and ascended the old hall, with mournful emotion and flowing tears. Paid visit to the Great Temple. Restored the August Empress, Ms. Yang.

On xinwei [13 July], a great amnesty and changed the inaugural [to Guangxi].

Autumn, 7th Month, yiyou [27 July], New Moon, an eclipse of the sun [OK]. The magistrate of the Grand Temple, Jia Bao, stole the sacred clothes sword of the Grand Temple. He submitted to execution.

8th Month [26 August – 23 September], used the Grand Tutor, the King of Donghai, Yue to Record the Masters of Writing; the General of Agile Cavalry, the King of Fanyang, Xiao, as Minister of Works.

9th Month [24 October – 21 November], the Grand Warden of Dunqiu, Feng Song, arrested the King of Chengdu, Ying, and sent him off to Ye.

Advanced the Duke of Dongying, Teng's feudal title to King of Dongyan; the Duke of Pingchang, Mo, to King of Nanyang.

Winter, 10th Month [22 November – 21 December], the Minister of Works,  the King of Fanyang, Xiao, passed a away. Xiao's Senior Clerk, Liu Yu, murdered the King of Chengdu, Ying.

11th Month, gengwu [8 January], the Emperor expired in the Xianyang Hall. At the time he was 48 years old. He was buried in the Taiyangling [“Grand Sunny Mound”].

When the Emperor was Heir-Apparent, at the imperial court everyone knew he was not capable of government affairs. Emperor Wu likewise suspected it. Once to learn, he summoned the officials belonging to the Eastern Palace [the Heir-Apparent's residence], sending thereby the affairs of the Masters of Writing to make the Heir-Apparent determine them. The Emperor was not able to reply. Consort Jia dispatched left and right to replace the reply, with much drawing on old precedence. The Servant Zhang Hong said: “The Heir-Apparent is not studied, which is known bi His Majesty. Now [we] ought to use decisions of affairs, we can not pull on books.” The Consort followed it. Hong therefore wrote a draft, and made the Emperor write it down. Emperor Wu looked at it and was greatly pleased. The Heir-Apparent thereupon was secure.

When he resided in the great throne, government affairs set out from the group beneath, the mainstay and strands were greatly ruined. Goods bribed public acts [?], influencing the the house of the throne [?], using the worthy mounds and things [?]. The path of loyalty and virtue was cut off, slander and evil obtained [their] purpose, furthermore recommending and lifting each other up. Under Heaven was said to be a mutual market place for it [?]. Wang Chen [JS092] of Gaoping composed an Essay Interpreting the Times, Lu Bao [JS094] of Nanyang composed an Essay on Money and Gods, Du Song of Lujiang composed Spring and Autumn of the Serving Master [?], all writings on the illnesses of the times.

The Emperor also once was in the Flowery Forest Park, and heard the sound of a small toad. He spoke to left and right, saying: “This bird, is he an official? Or a private man?” Someone replied: “When he is on official ground, he is an official, when he is on private ground, he is a private man.”

When Under Heaven was desolate and in chaos, and the hundred families died of starvation, the Emperor said: “Why don't they eat meat and gruel?” His ignorance and obtuseness was all of this kind.

Later because he ate buns with poison in them, he expired. Some said it was the poison of Sima Yue.

[Allow me to say that I'm sceptical of this story. What did Sima Yue stand to gain by poisoning Emperor Hui?]

The Historian’s Comments

Your Subject, the Historian, says: A son of no talent, precisely why Heaven is called great [?], power not setting out from the Emperor, government near small people [?]. Bao Si together with Shudai both prospered [?],  Queen Xiang and the Quanrong had fortune together. Formerly, Danzhu did not resemble [his father Yao], King Nan fled his duties. Looking at their violation of virtue, affairs at the frontier stopped the faults [?], just at the earth and thorns [?], thereby ruining their feelings. Vapour of soft and moist wanting the screen [?], sound of the lewd frog rarely recorded, threrefore displaying sneering giggles [?], using tallies to fall from the peak [?].

How to pass along talents capable and learned similar to the shape in previous generations, adding lewd help to oppress and solitarily monopolize in the present? Things and symbols to the loyal and good, at this uproot the origin, people calling it bewitching and evil [?], from this neglecting the source. Long happiness is not good luck, inheriting the Hua not an instruction, the living and the spirits' boards are shaken [?], the altars of soil and grain are ruins and wastes. In ancient times defeated states perished in person, dividing the bit and occupying the cross board, precisely much common and obscure [?]. How to clarify spirits losing their essence and vigour? The Martial August did not know his son!

The Appraisal says:

The Benevolent August resided in veneration

Presiding over court and listening to speeches.

His person thus obscure.

His mind just benighted.

The exalted tower looks for a master [?].

The long night, why the injustice.

Metal Walls destroys the crown.

Boiling secrets interpret the helmet.

When the two both perish.

Overflowing Heaven to come and meet.

[bookofjin]

Biography of Luo Shang

[From JS057. Nephew of the Luo Xian in the previous post. When Zhao Xin rebelled in Shu In 301, Luo Shang volunteered to deal with him. After Zhao Xin’s death, Luo Shang failed to handle the refugee crisis in Shu, leading to the loss of that region for Jin and the foundation of Cheng, one of the Sixteen States.]

Shang, courtesy name Jingzhi, one [source] name him Zhong. His father Shi was Grand Warden of Zangke. Shang was orphaned young and relied on his junior uncle Xian. He was good at putting words together. The Inspector of Jing province, Wang Rong [JS043], used Shang and Liu Qiao [JS061] as Adjutants, both appointed and relied on by him.

At the end of Taikang [280 -289], he was Inspector of Liang¤ province. When Zhao Xin rebelled in Shu, Shang petitioned, saying: “Xin is not manly and talented and surely will not succeed. Plan a day and hear about his defeat, and that is all.” Then made use of Shang as General who Pacifies the West, Inspector of Yi province and Colonel of the Western Rong.

He was by nature greedy and made small judgements [?]. The people of Shu spoke of him, saying: “Shang's fondness, not for evil but for flattery. Shang's hatred, not for loyalty but for correctness. [?] Wealthy like Lu and Wey, the house complete the market and village [?]. Greedy like the dhole and wolf, without again repeating the utmost already [?].” They also said: “Traitors of Shu still possible [?], Luo Shang kill me. The General who Pacifies the West, turning over moreover will be disaster [?].”

At the time Li Te likewise rose up in Shu. He attacked Shu and killed Zhao Xin. He also attacked Shang at Chengdu. Shang withdrew to Jiangyang.

Earlier, Shang requested troops from Fang [方] Peak [?]. The Inspector of Jing province, Zong Dai, led the Grand Warden of Jianping, Sun Fu to save him, lodging at Jiangzhou. Dai and Fu's troops were abundant. Variously were those bothered by the bandits [?]. People had a striving determination.

Shang therefore sent the Assistant Officer of the Board of Soldiers, Ren Yue, to pretend to surrender. Because of that he set out and secretly broadcast and inform the outside. On the agreed day all together attacked, and thereupon greatly routed them. He beheaded Li Te and sent the head to Luoyang.

Te's son Xiong usurped the throne with capital at Picheng. Shang dispatched General Wei Bo to attack him, but did not overcome. Soon after Shang passed on. Xiong thereupon occupied and had the land of Shu.

[Zhao Xin's rebellion and the long struggles between Luo Shang and Li Te and Li Xiong are told in much greater detail in JS120 and JS121. Zhao Xin rebelled in the 12th Month of 300, he was killed by Li Te in the 1st Month of 301. Li Te rebelled in the 10th Month of 301 and was killed in the 3rd Month of 303. Luo Shang died in 310.]

[bookofjin]

Records of Shi Le, part 1

[From JS104. Shi Le and the Eighteen Riders, there’s a story waiting to be told (made up) here for someone creative with time on their hands.]

Shi Le, courtesy name Shilong, originally named Bei, was a Jie from Wuxiang in Shangdang. His ancestors were descendants of a separate section of the Xiongnu, the Qiangqu. His grandfather Yeyiyu and father Zhou Hezhu, also named Qijijia, were both minor chiefs of section groups. At the time of Le's birth, a red light filled the house. White vapour from the sky collected in the the middle of the courtyard. Those who saw were completely amazed by it.

At 14 years old, he followed people of the district travelling to Luoyang, relying on screaming at the Shangdong gate. Wang Yan [JS043] saw and was amazed by him. He looked back and spoke left and right, saying: “Turning toward the Hu toddler, I see his voice and looks have a remarkable determination, I fear he will be the scourge of Under Heaven.” He hurriedly dispatched to collect him, but Le had already left.

He was tall, large and strong, and was brave and vigorous, was heroic and martial and good at riding and shooting. Hezhu was by nature evil and crude, and did not have the adherence of the multitude of Hu. He always sent Le to replace himself in supervising and assisting. The Hu section loved and trusted him.

He resided in Wuxiang below the northern highlands and mountains grass and wood [?], all had the semblance of strong cavalry. In the middle of the houses and gardens he lived side by side with people[?], flowers and leaves were very thick. He knew completely the shape of people [?].

The old fathers and the judges [of character] all said: “This Hu's shape and appearance is unusual and remarkable, his purpose and measures not common, he in the end can not be measured.” They urged the people of the district to greatly get along with him. At the time there was much ridicule and snicker. Only Guo Jing, a native of Wu鄔, and Ning Qu of Yangqu accordingly considered it to be true, both adding wealth and support. Le likewise perceived their kindness and was cultivating their strength.

He always heard the sound of sheath and bell, and returned to thereby to inform his mother. His mother said: “Arising to work and hearing a bird cry, can not but be a good omen.”

In the middle of Tainan [302 – 303], there was in Bing province starvation and chaos. Le with several young Hu absconded and scattered. Then he returned from Yanmen returned to rely on Ning Qu. The Chief Commandant of Beize, Liu Jian, tied them up and sold them, Qu hid them and obtained a pardon.

Le hence secretly went to accept to surrender [?] to the Chief Commandant Li Chuan. On the road he happened to meet Guo Jing. He wept and bowed, saying he was hungry and frozen. Jing replied to him with flowing tears, and used belted goods to sell for food for him, and combined to give accordingly clothes and dress. [?]

Le spoke to Jing, saying: “Presently there is a great hunger, [I?] can not defend the poor. The various Hu are very starved, we ought to induce to want Ji province to approach with grain. For this reason arresting and selling them, can both help.” [?] Jing deeply affirmed him.

It happened that the General who Establishes Power, Yan Cui, told the Inspector of Bing province, the Duke of Dongying, Teng, to carry the various Hu to the east of the mountains to sell to supply the army wealth. Teng sent Generals Guo Yang and Zhang Long with a group of Hu wanting [?] to go to Ji province, two Hu in one yoke.

Le at the time was more than twenty years old and likewise was in its middle [?]. He several times was spurred on and humiliated by Long. Jing formerly due to Le connected Guo Yang and elder brother's son Shi [?]. Yang was Jing's fraternal elder brother. Thus used Yang and Shi each time as requesters for  release. [?]. On the roads and paths there was starvation and disease. He relied on Yang and Shi, and [they] helped. [?]

Then he was sold to Shi Huan, a native of Chiping, as a slave. There was a single old man who spoke to Le saying: “Sir's fish dragon and hair juncture above the Four Ways are already complete [?], [you] must necessarily be a master of men. In the year of jiaxu, the royal Pengzu can be charted [?].” Le said: “Like before noble speech, [I] do not dare to forget virtue.” Suddenly he did not see [him].

Each time he ploughed and worked in the fields, he often heard the sounds of drums and horns. Le thereby told the various slaves. The various slaves likewise heard it [him?]. Because of that [he?] said: “When I as an infant came to be in a house, [I] regularly heard [sound] like this.” The various slaves returned to accordingly tell Huan. Huan likewise was amazed by his appearance and countenance, and released him.

Huan's house was neighbour to horse shepherds. [They?] and the leader of the shepherds, Ji Sang of Wei commandery came and went. Le, due to being able to judge horses, himself was relied on by Sang [?]. He was once hired at Wu'an and Linshui and was confined by the patrolling army. It happened that there was a group of deer passing near by. The army people competed to chase them and Le therefore managed to escape. Suddenly he again saw the single old man. He spoke to Le, saying: “The direction of the group of deer [was?] me. Sir must be the master of the central provinces. Because of that [I] judged to save you.” Le bowed and accepted the instructions.

Thereupon he summoned and assembled Wang Yang, Kui An, Zhi Xiong, Ji Bao, Wu Yu, Liu Ying, Tao Bao, Lu Ming and others, eight riders, as a group of bandits. Later Guo Ao, Liu Zheng, Liu Bao, Zhang Yipu, Huyan Mo, Guo Heilüe, Zhang Yue, Kong Tun, Zhao Lu, Zhi Quliu and others also attended him. They were called the Eighteen Riders. They again went east to the red dragon thoroughbreds within the various pastures [?]. They drove the pasture horses and plundered silk and treasures, to accordingly present to Ji Sang.

When the King of Chengdu, Ying, defeated the Driving Carriage at Dangyin, he compelled the Emperor to go to the Ye palace. Wang Jun [JS039], due to Ying insulting and humiliating the Son of Heaven, sent Xianbei to strike him. Ying was afraid, clasped Emperor and fled south to Luoyang. The Emperor was again pressured by Zhang Fang [JS060] to move to Chang'an. By the frontiers to the east there were soldiers rising up, all in the name of executing Ying [?].

The King of Hejian, Yong, feared the abundance of the eastern host and desired to gather in his breast to go east again, and therefore memorialised to discuss to discard Ying. That year, Liu Yuanhai called [himself] King of Han at Liting. Ying because of that used Gongshi Fan, a native of Yangping, and others, calling himself General, raising troops in Zhao and Wei. The multitudes came in several tens of thousands.

Le and Ji Sang led the shepherds riding the pasture horses, several hundred riders, to accordingly attend him. Sang started to instruct Le to use Shi as family name, Le became known as that. Fan designated Le as Controller of the Van Group, following to attack the Duke of Pingchang, Mo, at Ye. Mo sent General Feng Song to confront them in battle, defeating them. Fan crossed [the He] south at Baima. The Grand Warden of Puyang, Ji Xi punished and beheaded him.

Le and Sang ran away and hid within the pastures. Sang used Le to crouch at night at the Serrated Gates [?], leading the shepherds to rob and plunder the counties of the commandery and fasten prisoners. He also summoned [those who] had fled the instructions into the mountains and marshes. Many adhered to Le. Le led [them?] to accordingly submit to him [Sang?].

Sang therefore titled himself Great General, saying he was in the name of the King of Chengdu, Ying, executing the King of Donghai, Yue and the Duke of Dongying, Teng. Sang used Le as the van rider. He again and again had merits in battle and was appointed to be General who Sweeps away the Caitiffs and Marquis of Zhongming village.

Sang advanced the army to attack Ye, using Le as Commander-in-Chief of the Vanguard. They greatly defeated Teng's general Feng Song and because of that pushed deep to enter Ye. Thereupon they murdered Teng, killed more than ten thousand people, carried off wives, maidens and the precious treasure, and left. They crossed from Yanjin and to the south struck Yan province. Yue was greatly afraid and sent Guo Xi [JS061], Wang Zan and others to punish them.

Sang and Le attacked the Inspector of You province, Shi Xian, at Leling. Xian died there. The beggar Tian Yin led a multitude of 50 000 to save Xian. Le confronted him in battle and defeated Yin. He and Xi and others opposed each other in Pingyuan and Yangping for a period of several months. In more than thirty battles great and small, they won and lost against each other. Yue was afraid and lodged at Guandu, to express support for Xi.

Sang and Le were defeated by Xi. The dead where more than ten thousand people. They therefore gathered their remanding multitudes, wanting to flee to Liu Yuanhai. The Inspector of Ji Province, Ding Shao [JS090], intercepted them at Chiqiao, again greatly defeating them. Sang fled to the horse shepherds. Le fled to Leping. The royal host beheaded Sang in Pingyuan.

At the time the Hu section greats Zhang Beidu, Feng Motu and others embraced a multitude of several thousand, walling off in Shangdang. Le went to follow them and became very close. Because of that he spoke to Beidu, saying: “Shanyu Liu is raising troops to execute Jin. The sections greats resist and do not follow. How [are you] able to stand alone?”

He said: “[We] are not able.”

Le said: “For that reason thus those who are not able, troops and horses must be stringed together. Now the section groups are all already appreciated and summoned by the Shanyu, from time to time they assemble to discuss their desire to rebel against the section greats and revert to the Shanyu. We ought to soon be their plan. [?]”

Beidu and others habitually were without wisdom or plans, and feared the section multitudes were not devoted to them [?]. They therefore secretly followed Le on single horseback to revert to Yuanhai. Yuanhai appointed Beidu King who is Fond of Han, Motu as Commander-in-Chief of the Section Greats, and used Le as General who Assists Han and King who Pacifies Jin to thereby command them. Le hence instructed Beidu as an elder brother, bestowing on him the family name of the Shi clan, naming him Hui, saying he had met himself.

Zhang Fulidu of the Wuwan likewise had a multitude of 2 000 walling up in Leping. Yuanhai again and again summoned him, yet he was not able to bring it about. Le pretended to commit a crime to Yuanhai, and because of that fled to Fulidu. Fulidu was greatly pleased and joined with him as brothers. He sent Le to lead the various Hu to rob and plunder, being not toward the front [?]. The various Hu feared and submitted.

Le knew the multitude in their hearts were adhering to himself, and therefore because of that assembled and detained Fulidu, announcing to the various Hu, saying: “Now to begin the great affair, I or Fulidu, who is worthy of being the master?” The various Hu together accordingly pushed forward Le. Le hence released Fulidu and led his section's multitude to revert to Yuanhai. Yuanhai promoted Le to Controller of All Army Affairs in Conquering and Punishing East of the Mountains, using Fulidu's multitude to pair with him.

Yuanhai sent Liu Cong to attack Huguan, and instructed Le to lead his command of 7 000 as Commander-in-Chief of the Vanguard. Liu Kun [JS062] dispatched Army Protector Huang Xiu and others to relieve Huguan. Le defeated Xiu at Baitian. Le thereupon captured Huguan.

Yuanhai instructed Le, Liu Ling, Yan Pi and others, seven generals, to lead a multitude of 30 000 to rob the various ramparts and walls of Wei commandery and Dunqiu. They captured many of them and made use of the rampart masters as Generals and Chief Commandants. They selected the strong and big, 50 000, as soldiers in the army, the old and weak to stay at the walls like before. The army was without private plundering, the hundred families cherished them.

When Yuanhai usurped the title [of Emperor], he dispatched envoys to confer on Le Holding the Tally and Great General who Pacifies the East. Colonel, Commander-in-Chief and King like before.

Le united the army to rob Ye. Ye was overrun. He Yu fled to Weyguo. [Le] seized the Grand Warden of Wei commandery, Wang Cui, advanced to attack Zhao commandery and murdered the Chief Commandant of the Western Section of Ji province, Feng Chong. He attacked the beggars She Ting and Tian Yin at Zhongqiu, killing them both.

Yuanhai conferred on Le Great General who Calms the East and Opening Office, and to set up Senior Clerks of the Left and Right, Marshal, and Assistant Officer Palace Gentleman.

He advanced the army to attack Julu and Changshan, murdering the Wardens and generals of the two commanderies. He captured in the commanderies and counties of Ji province more than a hundred forts and walls, his multitude reached more than 100 000. Their clothes, caps, people and things he assembled as the lordly master barracks [?].

Therefore he pulled Zhang Bin as Master of Planning, and first appointed a Board of Merit of the Army. He used Diao Ying and Zhang Jin as thighs and arms; Kui An and Kong Chang as claws and teeth; Zhi Xiong, Huyan Mo, Wang Yang, Tao Bao, Lu Ming, Wu Yu and others as generals and commanders.

He sent his general Zhang Si to lead cavalry to go to Bing province's various commanderies and counties north of the mountains, to explain to the various Hu and Jie, to shine light on and thereby calm the danger [?]. The various Hu feared Le's power and fame, and many were those who adhered. He advanced the army Changshan and separately dispatched various generals to attack the various counties of Zhongshan, Boling and Gaoyang. Those who surrendered to him were several tens of thousand people.

Wang Jun [JS039] sent his general Qi Hong to lead the Xianbei Duan Wuchen and others, 100 000 cavalry, to punish Le. He greatly defeated Le at Feilong Mountain. The dead were more than 10 000. Le withdrew to garrison Liyang. He separately instructed the various generals to attack the various who were not obeying and rebelling [?], degrading [?] 30 walled places [?] and setting up wardens and stewards to thereby console them.

He advanced to rob Xindu, murdering the Inspector of Ji province, Wang Bin. Hence the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Wang Kan, and the Commander of the Palace Gentlemen of the North, Pei Xian, led the multitudes from Luoyang to punish Le. Le burnt the barracks and combined the provisions, and turned around the army to resist them, lodging at Huangniu Ramparts. The Grand Warden of Wei commandery, Liu Ju, used the commandery to adhere to Le. Le sent Ju to command his rampart multitudes as the Left Wing of the Centre Army. Le arrived at Liyang. Pei Xian abandoned his army and fled south of the Huai. Wang Kan withdrew to fortify Cangyuan.

Yuanhai conferred on Le Great General who Garrisons the East, and enfeoffed him Duke of Ji commandery, Grasping the Tally, Commander-in-Chief and King [!] like before. Le firmly deferred to be a Duke and did not accept.

He and Yan Pi attacked Duquan and Yuanshi ramparts, capturing them. Pi was hit by a flying arrow and died. Le joined together and commanded their multitudes. He crossed the He from Shiqiao and captured Baima and buried alive men and women, more than 3 000 mouths. To the east he raided Juancheng and murdered the Inspector of Yan province, Yuan Fu. Because of that he could attack Cangyuan, capturing it, and thereupon murder Kan. He crossed the He to attack the various counties of Guangzong, Qinghe, Pingyuan and Yangping. Those who surrendered to Le were more than 70 000 mouths. He again crossed the He south, the Grand Warden of Xingyang, Pei Chun, fled to Jianye.

At the time Liu Cong attacked Henei. Le led cavalry to meet with him. He attacked the General of the Best of the Army, Liang Ju, at Wude. Emperor Huai dispatched troops to aid him [Ju]. Le halted the various generals to defend Wude. He and Wang Sang confronted Ju at Changling. Ju requested to surrended. Le did allow it. Ju crossed over the walls and hid. The people of the army arrested him. Le hurried to Wude and buried the surrendered soldiers, more than 10 000. He counted Liang Ju's crimes and murdered him. The royal host withdrew and returned. North of the He the various fortresses and walls greatly shook, and all requested to surrender and sent to yield to Le.

[bookofjin]

Biography of Gan Zhuo

[From JS070]

Gan Zhuo, courtesy name Jisi, was a native of Danyang. He was a descendant of Qin's Imperial Chancellor Mao. His great grandfather Ning was a Wu general. His grandfather Shu served Wu as Master of Writing. His father Chang was Grant Tutor to the Heir-Apparent.

When Wu was pacified, Zhuo retreated to his residence to protect himself. The commandery instructed him to be Master of Accounts and Officer of the Board of Merit. He was examined as filial and humble, the province recommended him as a Flowering Talent, and he became Regular Attendant to the King of Wu. For merit in the punishing of Shi Bing he was bestowed the feudal title of Marquis of Duting. The King of Donghai, Yue, pulled him in as Adjutant. He set out to the vacancy of Lihu.

Zhuo saw that Under Heaven was in great chaos, abandoned office and returned east. He first arrived at Liyang, where he and Chen Min [JS100] came across each other. Min was considerably pleased, together they charted plans of lengthwise and sidewise. Thereupon he made his son Jing marry Zhuo's daughter. Together they joined and trusted each other.

It happened that Zhou Ji [JS058] guided the righteous, and secretly sent Qian Guang to attack Min's younger brother, Chang. Min dispatched Zhuo to punish Guang, he halted south of Zhuque bridge. It happened that Guang killed Chang. Ji told the Grand Warden of Danyang, Gu Rong [JS068] that they together would invite and explain to Zhuo. Zhuo habitually respected and yielded to Rong, moreover, due to Chang's death, he had fear in his breast. After a good long time he therefore followed them. He thereupon pretended illness to receive his daughter, cut the bridge, and gathered the ships on the southern bank. Together they wiped out Min and sent his head to the imperial capital.

When Emperor Yuan first crossed the Jiang, he conferred on Zhuo Chief Controller of the Vanguard, General who Spreads Power and Interior Clerk of Liyang. After this, when they punished Zhou Fu [JS061] and conquered Du Tao [JS100], he again and again came through bitter fighting, with many captives and spoils. Due to his merits from beginning to end, he was advanced in noble title Marquis of Nan district, and was designated Grand Warden of Yuzhang. He amassed to move to Inspector of Xiang province, a General like before. He obtained the advance of his noble title to Marquis of Hu.

At the beginning of the Restoration, due to the bandits on the borders not being quiet, studies and schools were in decline, and they specially allowed not to examine for Filial and Upright [?]. Yet for Flowering Talent they relied on the old plans for examinations. Zhuo sent up a letter to use it as:

In answering questions unprofitably or profitably, there must necessarily be a broad passing along of ancient causes [?], clarifying intelligently government structure, must seek the various bulging ropes, to therefore be worthy of his recommendation. Your Subject when disgracing the province formerly came a cross bandits and chaos, studies and schools for a long time replaced, people and gentlemen drifted rejected, [I] did not manage to obtain  the remaining province of brought together [?]. The causes of the plans for examinations, must rely on studies and merits, and can be said to ought to be similar to the precedent of the Filial and Upright, the explanation with the time limit [?].”

The missive was memorialised, the court's opinion was not to accept it. Hence Zhuo spirited added and secretly embraced, preparing the rites and recommending Gu Jian of Guiyang as Flowering Talent. Jian refused and did not receive the instruction, the province dispatched him with substantial courtesy. The Flowering Talents of the various provinces heard they must be examined and tried, all dreaded it and did not go, only Jian alone arrived at the palace. Thereupon they did not again return to plan examinations. Jian shamed his province' lesser gentlemen, and he therefore petitioned to request examinations, and due to his high grade he was appointed to Palace Gentleman.

Jian as young had aspirations and actions, and established himself from the cold and bitter, broadly wading across the classics and histories. At the time, the southern lands were withered and exhausted, the Ways of the classics and records at an end. Jian as not able to seek teachers and companions from far away, and was only researching in his house. Although being virtuous and unwavering to an extreme, he did not yet have a famous reputation, and also was ashamed to brag and dazzle, limiting his intelligence. Thereupon he return, and in the end personally did not serve. He passed on at home.

Zhuo amassed to move to General who Calms the South, Inspector of Liang# province, Controller of All Armies North of the Mian, headquartered at Xiangyang. Zhuo was soft on the outside but tough on the inside, he was simple and kind in government affairs, was good at soothing and consoling, taxes on goods [or on merchants?] were completely removed, the markets were without two prices.

At the frontier of the province there was a fish pool, before there was regular duties and taxes. Zhuo did not collect the profits from it, but always give it to poor people, in the western lands they named it as kind government.

When Wang Dun [JS98] called on troops, he dispatched envoys to report to Zhuo. Zhuo therefore pretended to allow it, and yet in his heart he was not together with him. When Dun climbed aboard the ships, then Zhuo did not go to him, but sent the Adjutant Sun Shuang to go to Wuchang to remonstrate and stop Dun. Dun heard Shuang's words, and in great alarm said:

When Marquis Gan earlier spoke with me, what did he say? And yet he changes to be disagreeing! Is it so that he must be anxious that I will endanger the imperial court? I am going down [river] only to eliminate treacherous murderers, that is all. Turn back Sir and say to him, the affair to cross must due to Marquis Gan be made public [?].

Shuang turned back and reported to Zhuo. Zhuo was not able to decide. Some talked of Zhuo even pretending to accept Dun, to wait for Dun to reach the capital and then punish him. Zhuo said:

Formerly in the chaos of Chen Min, I likewise first followed and later plotted, yet debaters speak of fear pressuring the face [?] to plan it. Although my feelings originally were not like this, yet the affair truly has a resemblance, in my heart I am constantly ashamed for it. Now suppose it is again like this, how am I able to make it clear!

At the time the Inspector of Xiang province, the King of Qiao, Cheng, dispatched Master of Accounts Deng Qian to talk to Zhuo, saying:

Liu Dalian [Liu Wei, JS069], although governing with power and favour, is not being harmful to Under Heaven. The Great General, due to his private regrets speaks of troops resembling Wei [?]. Although entrusted with punishing [those] famous for chaos, he is truly has the expectations of losing Under Heaven [?]. This is a time for loyal subjects and righteous soldiers to restore and rescue.

Formerly when Lu Lian was a common man, he similarly had in his breast aspirations of stamping the sea, and furthermore to accept serving the elders of the region, how was his rank similar to the groups of states [?].

Now for similar reasons in the hearts of Heaven and Man, singing of lifting up Huan and Wen, with a can great obeying thereby exterminating the rebels' segments [?], embracing righteous troops to thereby toil for the royal house, this is the fortune of a thousand years, and can not be lost.

Zhuo smiled and said:

The affairs of Huan and Wen, how am I being able [for that]? Arriving at exhausting the strength in the state's difficulties, then its heart [?]. [We] must together thoroughly consider it.

The Army Advisor Li Liang talked to Zhuo, saying:

Formerly during Wei Ao's chaos in Longyou, Dou Rong protected Hexi to thereby revert to Guangwu. Now today's affairs resembles this. The General has a weighty name Under Heaven, [you] only must push forward what will perish and strengthen what will live, sit and wait for it. In the case the Great General is victorious, just now must venerate the General using the weight of the region's sides [?]. If he is not victorious, the Imperial Court surely must use the General to attack him. Why grieve for not being wealthy and worthy, but release this temple's victory, and determine live and and death in a single battle!

Qian spoke to Liang, saying:

When Guangwu established the profession, the Central States were not yet pacified. For that reason Wei Ao cut off Longyou, Dong Rong united Hexi, each occupying one region, the power of the cauldron's [three] legs. For that reason they managed to superficially obey the Son of Heaven, following appearances to look after expectations. When Within the Seas had been settled, and lord and subject properly ranked,in the end in Longyou there was rebellion, [while] Hexi joined the court. What then? The trend's superficial submission, righteousness not appearing.

Now the General is of the original court, and has not the resemblance of Dou Rong. The great office of Xiangyang, has not the strength of Hexi. Moreover a subject of righteousness, Why endure the state's difficulties and not display his power? How to thereby face north to the Son of Heaven? To make the Great General pacify Liu Wei, return to Wuchang, add to the defenders of Shicheng, cut the grain of Jing and Xiang, General how [will you] return to it? Opportunity is in a man's hand, yet [you] speaks of assessing the temple's victory. Never heard of [that].

Zhuo still held doubts and had not decided. Qian again spoke to Zhuo, saying:

Now [you] have already not lifted up the righteous, and also [you] do not receive the Great General's call to arms. This is surely to arrive at calamity, foolish and wise see it. Moreover the opinion on difficulties, to consider them as strong and you as weak, this is not the measures of empty and solid.

Now the Great General's troops does not exceed 10 000, those he kept [behind] do not reach 5 000, and the General sees multitudes several times that. The General's power and fame is known to Under Heaven, this office is spirited and keen, with troops of victorious battles. [If you] embrace the strong multitudes, rely on power and fame, hold onto authority and act, how will Wang Han be able to manage! The multitudes of upstream, without power save themselves, when the General's raising up of Wuchang, as if destroying the withered and dragging the decayed [?], how can they not look back and be worried?

When Wuchang has been settled, taking possession of its army's supplies, quelling and consoling the two provinces, granting kindness to officers and men, making those turning back similarly reverting, these are the means by which Lü Meng overcame the enemy. Like this, the Great General can not fight but will damage himself.

What now explained is surely a plan for victory. [If you] calmly [?]t and thereby await danger and destruction, you can not say to have understood the plan. [I] desire the General to be familiar and concerned about it.

At the time, Dun, since Zhuo did not arrive, worried there would be a disaster in the rear, and dispatched the Army Advisor Yue Daorong to take pains to insist on Zhuo coming down together [?]. Daorong originally desired to betray Dun, and because of that advised Zhuo to attack him, telling it was a dissipating transmission [?]. Zhuo already habitually did not want to follow Dun, and on obtaining Daorong's advise thereupon decided, saying: “My original intention.”

He therefore with the Overseer of the Army of Badong, Liu Chun, the Grand Warden of Nanping, Xiahou Cheng [JS055], the Grand Warden of Yidu, Tan Gai, and others, more than 10 people, all revealed a call to arms to distant and near, arguing Dun's reveal as a traitor, leading their commands to deliver punishment. He dispatched the Army Advisors Sima Zan and Sun Shuang to receive the petition and go to the palace. The Army Advisor Luo Ying went to Guang province, to set the appointed time with Tao Kan [JS066]. The Army Advisors Deng Qian and Yu Chong went to Changsha, to make the King of Qiao, Cheng, oversee the defences.

The General who Conquers the West, Dao Ruosi [JS069] was at Jiangxi, first obtained Zhuo's document, and sent up the petition. Within the palace all said Ten Thousand Years. Wuchang was surprised, and transmitted that Zhuo's army had arrived. People all fled and scattered. A written decree moved Zhuo to be Great General who Conquers the South, Palace Attendant, Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Jing and Liang# province and Shepherd of Jing province, Inspector of Liang# province like before. When Tao Kan obtained Zhuo's message, he had already dispatched the Army Advisor Gao Bao to lead troops downwards.

Zhuo, though he was righteous and proper in his breast, was by nature not resolute and decisive. Moreover he was old in years and very suspicious, in planning he was worried and hesitant. The army stayed Zhukou, and amassing tens of days without going forward. Dun was greatly afraid, and dispatched Zhuo's elder brother's son the Acting Army Advisor, Yang, to request peace, apologizing to Zhuo, saying:

Lords here from this ubject's authority [?], do not call each other into account. My family's plans are pressing, to not get it not so [?]. Consider expediently turning around the army to Xiangyang, accepting further authority and excellence. [?]

At the time the royal host had achieved defeat, and Dun requested the palace for a Zouyu banner to reside with Zhuo [?]. Zhuo heard Zhou Yi [JS069] and Dai Ruosi had been murdered. With flowing tears he spoke to Yang, saying:

My grief, is proper to speak of today. [I have] always obtained letters from people of the imperial court, but often due to the Hu robbing them first, [I] did not realize that suddenly there was the disaster for the interior screens. Moreover to make the sagely sovereign's inaugural luck, the Heir-Apparent without illness, I presided upriver of  Dun [?], likewise not daring to easily endanger the altars of soil and grain.

I have gone straight to take possession of Wuchang. Dun's power to pressure, must surely coerce the Son of Heaven to thereby cut off the expectations of the Four Sous. [I can] not go and return to Xiangyang, and further consider rear plans.

He then instructed to turn around the army. The Chief Commandant Qin Kang, advised Zhuo, saying:

Now to divide the troops and defeat Dun is not difficult, only cut off Pengze, above and below will not be able to attend to each other, and will themselves depart and scatter, we can in a single battle seize [him?]. The General already is loyal and moderate. To give up in the middle of the road, is further to become general of a defeated army. [I] fear the General's subordinates each will expediently seek to return west, it will not be possible to manage a defence.

Zhuo was not able to follow. Yue Daorong likewise day and night urged Zhuo to hurry downriver. Zhuo was by nature first vastly peaceful, but suddenly expediently stubborn and obstructive [?], he straight-away returned to Xiangyang, his thoughts and spirit harassed and disturbed, recommending action but making mistakes frequently [?]. Himself reflecting perceptiveness but not seeing its head, looking at the courtyard trees and at the head there was a tree above [?], in his heart he considerably detested it.

In his house a metal cupboard made a sound [?]. The sound resembled beating a mirror. It was pure yet sorrowful [?]. A shaman said:

The metal cupboard wants to leave, thus therefore a sorrowful sound.

The Master of Accounts, He Wuji and the house retainers all recommended to make him guard himself. Zhuo moved to be even more stubborn, on hearing the remonstrations he was immediately angry. Just then he scattered troops to make them greatly farm, and did not make preparations. The Officer of the Board of Merit, Rong Jian [?] firmly admonished. He did not accept.

The Grand Warden of Xiangyang, Zhou Lü and others privately received Dun's intentions, and knew Zhuo was not prepared. They deceptively said there was many fish within the lake, and recommended Zhuo to dispatch left and right all to catch fish. They then attacked and murdered Zhuo in his sleep, and sent his head to Dun. His four sons, Cavalier Gentleman Fan and others, all were murdered. In the middle of Taining [323 – 326], he was posthumously conferred General of Agile Cavalry, his posthumous title was Respectful [jing].