《皇極經世》Vol. 18

The Book of the Supreme Ultimate’s World-Ordering (Huangji Jingshi), juan six, part two: “Singing of the Six”

Written by Shao Yaofu of Sanchuan

The Classic of the Course of the World (Yunjingshi), section ten; “Treatise on Observing Things,” chapter thirty-four

Classic Era: Jia, cycle one

Classic Assembly: Wu, cycle seven

Classic Course: Ren, cycle one hundred eighty-nine

Classic Generation: Zi, cycle two thousand two hundred fifty-seven

Classic Generation: Zi, cycle two thousand two hundred fifty-seven

In the Jiazi year, the fifteenth year of Emperor Hongxiao of Tang (Emperor Gaozong of Tang), Shangguan Yi, Attendant to the Left at the Western Terrace, was killed, as was Li Zhong, a commoner, at the place of his exile. Dou Dexuan became Left Chancellor, and Liu Xiangdao became Right Chancellor.

In the Yichou year, the emperor and empress toured the eastern sea and performed the fengshan rites on Mount Tai. Lu Dunxin became Right Chancellor.

In the Bingyin year, the emperor and empress returned from Mount Tai, and the era name was changed to Qianfeng. Liu Rengui became Right Chancellor.

In the Dingmao year, merchants, artisans, and commoners were forbidden to ride horses. Dai Zh ide, Li Anqi, and Zhang Wenguan jointly held third-rank posts at the Eastern and Western Terraces.

In the Wuchen year, Li Ji pacified Goguryeo and captured its king. The emperor held a sacrifice at the Bright Hall and changed the era name to Zongzhang.

In the Jisi year, the emperor and empress went to Jiucheng Palace. Hao Chujun held a third-rank post at the Eastern and Western Terraces. Li Ji died.

In the Gengwu year, the era name was changed to Xianheng.

In the Xinwei year, the emperor and empress went to the Eastern Capital and Xuchang, while the crown prince remained behind to oversee the state. Yan Liben became Chief Minister of the Secretariat.

In the Renshen year, the emperor and empress returned from the Eastern Capital.

In the Guiyou year, the emperor and empress went to Jiucheng Palace.

In the Jiaxu year, the empress took the title “Heavenly Empress,” and the emperor took the title “Heavenly Emperor.” The era name was changed to Shangyuan. The emperor and empress went to the Eastern Capital, where the emperor fell ill.

In the Yihai year, the crown prince Li Hong died, and Prince Li Xian of Yong was appointed crown prince in his place.

In the Bingzi year, the emperor and empress returned from the Eastern Capital, and the era name was changed to Yifeng. Lai Heng, Xue Yuanchao, Li Yiyan, and Gao Zhizhou jointly held third-rank posts in the Secretariat and Chancellery. Li Jingxuan and Liu Rengui became Chief Ministers of the Secretariat.

In the Dingchou year.

In the Wuyin year, the era name for the following year was changed to Tongqian.

In the Jimao year, sweet dew descended, and the era name was changed to Tiaolu. The emperor and empress went to the Eastern Capital. Pei Xingjian led a major campaign against the Turks.

In the Gengchen year, the crown prince Li Xian was deposed and made a commoner, and Prince Li Zhe of Ying was appointed crown prince. The emperor and empress went to Ruzhou and Mount Song. Pei Yan, Cui Zhiwen, and Wang Dezhen jointly held third-rank posts in the Secretariat and Chancellery.

“Performing the fengshan rites on Mount Tai” refers to an emperor’s ritual offerings to Heaven on Mount Tai. “Overseeing the state” means that the crown prince remained in the capital and temporarily handled government affairs. “Third-rank posts at the Eastern and Western Terraces” and “third-rank posts in the Secretariat and Chancellery” were titles for senior official positions of the time.

This passage records major political events from the final years of Emperor Gaozong’s reign to the period around Wu Zetian’s accession as emperor, arranged in order by the traditional sexagenary cycle.

In the xin-si year (681), Pei Xingjian pacified the Turks and captured their leader, Funián. The era name was changed to Kaiyao. Pei Yan was promoted to Shizhong, the head of the Menxia Department, a post equivalent to chancellor. Cui Zhiwen and Xue Yuanchao were promoted to Zhongshu Ling, the heads of the Zhongshu Department and fellow chancellors.

In the ren-wu year (682), the era name was changed to Yongchun. Emperor Gaozong and the empress, Wu Zetian, set out from the eastern capital, Luoyang, for the south side of Mount Song, where they built the Fengtian Abbey. Liu Jingxian, Guo Daiju, Guo Zhengyi, Cen Changqian, Wei Xuantong, and others took part in chancellor’s affairs under the title “Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi.”

In the gui-wei year (683), the era name was changed to Hongdao. Emperor Gaozong died in the eastern capital. The crown prince, Li Zhe, succeeded him as Emperor Zhongzong, posthumously titled the Filial and Enlightened Emperor. Wu Zetian governed from court as empress dowager, ruling in the emperor’s name. Liu Rengui was promoted to Shangshu Zuopushe, Cen Changqian to Minister of War, Wei Xuantong to Huangmen Shilang, Liu Qixian to Shizhong, and Pei Yan to Zhongshu Ling.

In the jia-shen year (684), the era name was changed to Sisheng. Empress Wu deposed Emperor Zhongzong, demoted him to Prince of Luling, and sent him to Junzhou. She installed Li Dan, Prince of Yu, as emperor—later known as Emperor Ruizong—and changed the era name to Wenming. Shizhong Pei Yan was enfeoffed as a marquis. Wang Dezhen was promoted to Shizhong, while Liu Yizhi and Wu Chengsi were promoted to Zhongshu Pingzhangshi. Emperor Gaozong was buried at Qianling. The era name was then changed again to Guangzhai. Xu Jingye raised an army in Yangzhou and marched south to attack Runzhou. The court put down the revolt and executed the chancellor Pei Yan. The following year, the era name was set to Chui Gong. During this period, Lai Junchen and Zhou Xing fabricated charges on a massive scale, using denunciations to frame their victims. This became known in history as “luozhi.”

In the yi-you year (685), Empress Wu moved the deposed emperor to Fangling and renamed the Zhongshu Department the Fengge and the Menxia Department the Luantai.

In the bing-xu year (686), Su Liangsi became Wenchang Zuoxiang and Wei Daijia became Wenchang Youxiang. Wenchang was another name for the Shangshu Department. Both men took part in the affairs of the Fengge and Luantai with third-rank official status.

In the ding-hai year (687), Empress Wu ordered the chancellor Liu Yizhi to commit suicide and appointed Zhang Gongfu as Fengge Shilang.

In the wu-zi year (688), Empress Wu proclaimed herself the Holy Mother. Li Chong, Prince of Langya, and his father, Li Zhen, Prince of Yue, raised an army to oppose Empress Wu’s misrule, but their revolt failed. The Li Tang imperial clan was consequently dealt a severe blow.

In the ji-chou year (689), Empress Wu changed the era name to Yongchang and proclaimed herself the Holy Emperor. She launched a sweeping purge of the Li Tang imperial clan, and also executed Wei Xuantong, the Nayen, and Zhang Guangfu, the Neishi. She promoted Wang Benli, Fan Lübing, and Xing Wenwei to chancellor.

In the geng-yin year (690), Empress Wu changed the era name to Zaichu and made the jian-zi month—the eleventh month—the beginning of the year. She conducted sacrifices in the Mingtang and adopted the name Zhao, replacing the character for “edict” with a different character in official usage. She continued to execute members of the imperial clan on a large scale. She then changed the dynasty’s name to Zhou, adopted the era name Tianshou, and proclaimed herself emperor, while demoting the Prince of Yu to heir apparent.

Empress Wu established seven ancestral temples for her designated heir, Li Dan (the future Emperor Ruizong of Tang), and made three members of the Wu family princes. She appointed Fu Youyi as chancellor and ordered that the character for “fish” be changed to the character for “tortoise.”

In the year Xinmao, Empress Wu held a sacrifice at the Hall of Light. Ge Fuyuan and Le Sihui successively served alongside other ministers as Pingzhangshi of the Phoenix Pavilion and Luan Terrace, a title for chancellors. Ouyang Tong served as Nayen, one of the chancellor’s offices, and was later executed. The chancellors Cen Changqian and Ge Fuyuan, along with Nayen Ouyang Tong, were also put to death. Di Renjie was appointed chancellor.

In the year Renchen, Empress Wu held a sacrifice at the Hall of Light and changed the reign title to Ruyi, then later to Changshou. Yang Zhirou, Cui Yuanzong, Li Zhaode, Yao Shu, and Li Yuansu successively served as chancellors, while Di Renjie was imprisoned.

In the year Guisi, Empress Wu held a sacrifice at the Hall of Light and declared herself “Emperor of the Golden Wheel.” She appointed Doulu Qinwang, Wei Juyuan, and Lu Yuanfang as chancellors. Lou Shide also served as chancellor.

The Jingshi chronology gives the year as the 2,258th year of the Ox.

In the year Jiawu, Emperor Zhaoxiao of Tang (Emperor Zhongzong, Li Xian) was living in Fangling. This was the eleventh year of Empress Wu’s rule. She held a sacrifice at the Hall of Light and changed the reign title to Yanzai. Su Weidao, Wang Xiaojie, Yang Zaisi, Du Jingjian, Li Yuansu, and Zhou Yunyuan successively served as chancellors.

In the year Yiwei, Empress Wu changed the reign title to Zhengsheng. The Hall of Light was destroyed by fire. She declared that Heaven had sent an auspicious sign and changed the reign title to Tiance Wansui.

In the year Bingshen, Empress Wu performed the Feng and Shan sacrifices at Mount Zhong. She changed the reign title to Wansui Dengfeng, then, after holding a sacrifice in the newly built Hall of Light, changed it again to Wansui Tongtian. Li Jinzhong and Sun Wanrong, leaders of the Khitans, raised a rebellion and captured Yingzhou and Jizhou. Empress Wu sent twenty-eight generals to suppress them, but the campaign went badly. Wang Fangqing and Li Daoguang were appointed chancellors.

In the year Dingyou, Empress Wu held a sacrifice at the Hall of Light, and the fighting north of the Yellow River was brought to an end. Lou Shide again served as chancellor. Wu Chengsi, Prince of Wei, and Wu Sansi, Prince of Liang, both held the title Fengge Luantai Sanpin, a chancellor’s rank. The reign title was changed to Shengong. Di Renjie and Du Jingjian returned to the chancellorship. Lai Junchen, Vice Minister of the Directorate of Education, was executed, and soon afterward Li Zhaode, the Chief Minister, was also put to death.

In the year Wuxu, Empress Wu held a sacrifice at the Hall of Light and changed the reign title to Shengli. She recalled Emperor Zhongzong of Tang from Fangling. The Turks captured Wu Yanxiu and the envoy Yan Zhiwei. After banditry in the Zhao and Ding regions was suppressed, Yao Yuanchong and Li Qiao were appointed chancellors.

In the year Jihai, Empress Wu went to Mount Song to offer sacrifices and perform the Feng and Shan rites. She made Li Dan, the designated heir, Prince of Xiang, and appointed Wei Yuanzhong and Ji Xu as chancellors. She also appointed Wang Jishan and Doulu Qinwang as Left and Right Chief Ministers, respectively.

In the year Gengzi, Empress Wu went to Ruyang and built the Sanyang Palace south of Mount Song.

Empress Wu changed the era name to Jiushi and restored the Tang dynasty’s former calendar and system of dating. Zhang Xi and Wei Anshi became chancellors. Wu Sansi was removed from the post of Senior Grandee, and Ji Zhen was exiled to Lingnan. Di Renjie, Grand Secretary responsible for state affairs at court, died.

In the year Xinchou, Empress Wu changed the era name to Dazu and went to Sanyang Palace on Mount Song, then returned to Chang’an. Li Huaiyuan, Gu Cong, and Li Jiong became chancellors.

In the year Renyin, Empress Wu held a sacrifice at the southern suburb.

In the year Guimao, Empress Wu went to the eastern capital, Luoyang. Zhu Jingze became chancellor.

In the year Jiachen, Zhang Jianzhi was appointed Tongpingzhangshi, a chancellor’s title; Wei Anshi became Nayuan, a Wu Zhou title equivalent to chancellor; and Li Qiao became Grand Secretary.

In the year Yisi, Empress Wu changed the era name to Shenlong. Zhang Jianzhi, Cui Xuanwei, Huan Yanfan, Jing Hui, Yuan Shiji, and others put down the revolt of Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong, moved Empress Wu to Shangyang Palace, abolished the Zhou dynasty’s name, and installed Prince Li Dan as Prince of An, while naming Princess Taiping Princess of Zhen’guo, rewarding those who had helped suppress the revolt. Wei regained her title as empress. Wu Sansi was promoted to Grand Minister of Works. Empress Wu died at Shangyang Palace in the eastern capital. Zhu Qinming and Tang Xiujing became chancellors.

In the year Bingwu, the emperor returned to Chang’an and had Empress Wu buried together with Emperor Gaozong of Tang at Qianling. Shangguan Wan’er, a palace attendant, was made Zhaorong, a rank among the imperial consorts. Wu Sansi took control of state affairs. Zhang Jianzhi, Huan Yanfan, Cui Xuanwei, Yuan Shiji, and Jing Hui were first made princes, then demoted to be assistant prefects in various provinces, and killed in exile. Wei Yuanzhong and Li Qiao, both recommended for office, became Chief Ministers of the Secretariat; Li Huaiyuan became Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, a chancellor’s title. Li Chongjun, Prince of Wei, was invested as crown prince. Residences were established for Princess Changning and Princess Anle. Large numbers of officials were appointed through unofficial edicts issued under seal. Yu Weiqian became chancellor, and Su Gui was promoted to Left and Right Assistant to the Emperor, a chancellor’s title.

In the year Dingwei, Li Duozuo led the Imperial Guards to attack Wu Sansi and then attempted to attack Empress Wei, but both efforts failed; his forces were defeated and he was killed. Crown Prince Li Chongjun fled the capital and died in the countryside. Zong Chuke and Xiao Zhizhong became chancellors, and the era name was changed to Jinglong.

In the year Wushen, Princess Anle went out in a carriage modeled on the empress’s ceremonial procession. Zhang Renduan became chancellor.

In the year Jiyou, the court established the Palace Market, a system in which palace officials went to the markets to purchase goods. Wei Sili and Cui Shi became chancellors.

In the year Gengxu, the remonstrating official Yan Qinrong was killed inside the palace. Empress Wei and Princess Anle launched an assassination in the inner palace, installed Li Chongmao, Prince of Wen, as heir, and changed the era name to Tanglong. Pei Tan, Zhang Xi, Zhang Jiafu…

When Cen Xi served as chancellor, Prince of Linzi Li Longji led Liu Youqiu, Xue Chongjian, Zhong Shaojing, Ma Sizong, and others in an uprising. They killed Wei Wen, Ji Chuna, Zong Chuke, Wu Yanxiu, Ma Qinke, Ye Jingneng, Zhao Lüwen, and Yang Jun, as well as Empress Wei, Princess Anle, and Shangguan Zhaorong. Zhongzong was buried at Dingling.

Prince of Linzi Li Longji was made Prince of Ping, while Chongmao was reduced in rank. They enthroned Li Longji’s father, Prince Xiang Li Dan, as emperor; he is known in history as Emperor Xingxiao. After ascending the throne, Li Dan appointed Zhong Shaojing, Liu Youqiu, Xue Chongjian, and Cui Riyong as chancellors, made Prince of Ping Li Longji crown prince, changed the era name to Jingyun, and demoted the deposed Empress Wei and Princess Anle to commoners. Yao Yuanzhi served as chancellor.

In the Xinhai year, Crown Prince Li Longji governed on the emperor’s behalf. Guo Yuanzhen, Zhang Yue, Dou Huaizhen, Lu Xiangxian, and Wei Zhigu served as chancellors, and Liu Youqiu was promoted to the post of Shizhong.

In the Renzi year, the emperor performed sacrifices in the southern suburbs and changed the era name to Taiji. He then performed sacrifices in the northern suburbs and changed the era name to Yanhe. The emperor passed the throne to Crown Prince Li Longji; he is known in history as Emperor Mingxiao. After ascending the throne, Li Longji changed the era name to Xiantian and dismissed Liu Youqiu, Zhong Shaojing, and Zhang Hui from office.

In the Guichou year, Princess Taiping, Dou Huaizhen, Cen Xi, Xiao Zhizhong, Chang Yuankai, Xue Ji, Jia Yingfu, Li Ci, Li Qin, Li You, Cui Shi, Lu Cangyong, Fu Xiaozhong, and the monk Huifan plotted a rebellion and were executed. Jiang Jiao, Li Lingwen, Wang Maozhong, and Wang Shouyi were promoted. Liu Youqiu, Zhong Shaojing, and Zhang Hui were reinstated and ordered to take part in government affairs. The emperor reviewed the troops at Mount Li, changed the era name to Kaiyuan, appointed Lu Huaishen and Yao Chong as chancellors, and renamed the Secretariat the Ziwei Province.

In the Jiayin year.

In the Yimao year, Prince of Ying Li Siqian was made crown prince.

In the Bingchen year, the Retired Emperor died and was buried at Qiaoling. Yuan Qianyao and Su Ting served as chancellors. Yao Chong relinquished the chancellorship, and Song Jing succeeded him.

In the Dingsi year, the emperor went to Luoyang and married Princess Yongle to the Khitan.

In the Wuwu year, the emperor returned from the eastern capital, Luoyang, to the capital.

In the Jiwei year.

In the Gengshen year, Zhang Jiazhen served as chancellor.

In the Xinyou year, Chancellor Yao Chong died.

In the Renxu year, the emperor went to the eastern capital, Luoyang.

In the Guihai year.

The Yin year in the Jingshi chronology corresponds to the 2,259th year.

In the Jiazi year, the thirteenth year of the reign of Tang Emperor Mingxiao, Empress Wang was deposed as…

Ordinary people had the good fortune to travel to Luoyang, the Eastern Capital, while Song Jing remained in charge of Chang’an.

In the year Yichou, Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang performed the Fengshan rites on Mount Tai and appointed Yuan Qianyao, Zhang Yue, and Yuwen Rong as left and right chief ministers.

In the year Bingyin, Li Yuanhong and Du Xian served as chief ministers. The emperor returned to Luoyang, the Eastern Capital.

In the year Dingmao, the emperor returned from the Eastern Capital to Chang’an.

In the year Wuchen, Xiao Song served as chief minister.

In the year Jisi, Zhang Yue and Song Jing served respectively as left and right chief ministers. The emperor paid respects to Qiao Ding and presented Zhao and Qian.

During the Wuling era, Pei Guangting served as chief minister.

In the year Gengwu, the court launched a northern campaign against the Khitan.

In the year Xinwei, the emperor went to Luoyang, the Eastern Capital.

In the year Renshen, the emperor returned from the Eastern Capital to Chang’an, and Song Jing was removed from his post as chief minister.

In the year Guiyou, Han Xiu, Zhang Jiuling, and Pei Yaoqing served as chief ministers.

In the year Jiaxu, the emperor went to the Eastern Capital, and Li Linfu became chief minister.

In the year Yihai, no major events were recorded.

In the year Bingzi, the emperor returned from the Eastern Capital to Chang’an, and Niu Xianke became chief minister. That year, Yang Taizhen (also known as Yang Guifei) entered the palace, and Li Linfu gained control of the court.

In the year Dingchou, Crown Prince Li Ying was deposed and reduced to commoner status. Zhang Jiuling was dismissed from his post as chief minister and later banished. Song Jing died. Supervising Censor Zhou Ziliang criticized Niu Xianke’s appointment and was executed at court.

In the year Wuyin, the court appointed Prince Zhong Li Yu as crown prince. Chief Minister Li Linfu also took charge as military governor of Longyou and Hexi, while Niu Xianke also took charge as military governor of Hedong. A military governor was an official who oversaw the military and civil affairs of a region.

In the year Jimao, the court subdued the Turks and captured their ruler. Confucius was posthumously honored as “King Wenxuan,” and Yan Hui as “Duke of the State of Yan”; other worthy sages were also given the rank of marquis.

In the year Gengchen, no major events were recorded.

In the year Xinsi, the court appointed An Lushan military governor of Pinglu.

In the year Renwu, the era name was changed to Tianbao. Li Tongzhi became chief minister. The court established four schools for the study of Zhuangzi, the classics, Liezi, and “Geng” and “Sangzi” (the wording in the source appears to contain omissions or errors). Pei Yaoqing was promoted to Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs.

In the year Guiwei, no major events were recorded.

In the year Jiashen, the era name was changed. An Lushan was appointed military governor of Fanyang, and Yang Guifei adopted him as her son.

In the year Yiyou, Yang Taizhen was formally installed as imperial consort. The Khitan killed a princess and rose in rebellion.

In the year Bingxu, Chen Xilie became left chief minister and Li Linfu became right chief minister. Li Linfu launched a campaign of false accusations against others, beginning with Wei Jian.

In the year Dinghai, the court renamed the hot springs as Huaqing Palace.

In the year Wuzi, the eunuch Gao Lishi was granted the title of Grand General of the Agile Cavalry and placed in charge of affairs inside and outside the palace. The court granted An Lushan an iron certificate, a metal document symbolizing exceptional favor and serving as proof of privilege. The emperor went to Huaqing Palace.

In the year Jichou, the emperor went to Huaqing Palace.

In the year Gengyin, the emperor went to Huaqing Palace. Power fell into the hands of the three imperial ladies—the Lady of Korea, the Lady of Guo, and the Lady of Qin—as well as five branches of the Yang family, including Yang Xian, Minister of Rites, and Chief Minister Yang Guozhong.

An Lushan was granted the title Prince of Dongping Commandery.

In the Xinmao year, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang went to Huaqing Palace. An Lushan came to court and asked to hold the additional post of military commissioner of Hedong so he could lead the campaign against the rebels. The fighting in Yunnan went badly.

In the Renchen year, Emperor Xuanzong went to Huaqing Palace. Li Linfu died, and Yang Guozhong became right chancellor.

In the Guisi year, Emperor Xuanzong went to Huaqing Palace. Yang Guozhong made sweeping false accusations against others and received a further title. Geshu Han was made Prince of Xiping Commandery.

The “Jing of the Supreme Ultimate” records events through the Mao year, a total of 2,260 years.

The Jiawu year was the forty-third year of Emperor Minghuang of Tang (Emperor Xuanzong). He received court congratulations at Huaqing Palace. Wei Jiansu became chancellor. The court began selecting officials through poetry and literary compositions. Yang Guozhong was promoted to acting Minister of Works.

In the Yiwei year, An Lushan raised a rebellion against Tang at Fanyang and captured the eastern capital, Luoyang. Crown Prince Li Yu was appointed commander in chief, remaining in the capital to oversee the government on the emperor’s behalf. Gao Xianzhi and Feng Changqing were defeated. The court appointed Geshu Han to lead an army of 200,000 to defend Tong Pass.

In the Bingshen year, Tong Pass fell. Emperor Xuanzong fled west toward Shu. On the way, a mutiny broke out at Mawei, and Chancellor Yang Guozhong and the imperial consort Yang were killed. An Lushan captured Chang’an and founded the state of Yan in the eastern capital, Luoyang, adopting the reign title Shengwu. The Crown Prince fled to Lingwu, where he took the throne as Emperor Suzong of Tang and changed the reign title to Zhide. Suzong appointed Prince of Guangping Li Chu commander in chief and Pei Mian chancellor, and honored Xuanzong as Retired Emperor. Suzong moved his army to Pengyuan. An Lushan captured Hebei, and Yan Gaoqing was killed in the eastern capital.

In the Dingyou year, Guo Ziyi, military commissioner of Shuofang, and Li Guangbi, military commissioner of Taiyuan, led their troops into the Guanzhong region. At Xiangji Temple they decisively defeated a general of An Lushan, then recovered both capitals, Chang’an and Luoyang. Suzong returned to Chang’an, and the Retired Emperor returned from Chengdu. Prince of Guangping Li Chu was given the title Prince of Cheng. Miao Jinqing succeeded Wei Jiansu as left chancellor. An Lushan was killed by his son An Qingxu, who succeeded him, withdrew to Xiangzhou, and changed the reign title to Tiancheng.

In the Wuxu year, the Tang court changed the reign title to Qianyuan and made Prince of Cheng Li Chu crown prince. Li Kui and Wang Yu became chancellors. Nine Tang armies besieged An Qingxu at Xiangzhou, but later the Tang forces were routed. Shi Siming, a general of An Lushan, killed An Qingxu and proclaimed himself emperor at Weizhou.

In the Jihai year, the Tang court changed the reign title to Shuntian. Li Xian, Lü Yin, and Diwu Qi became chancellors. Shi Siming captured the eastern capital, Luoyang, again.

In the Gengzi year, the Tang court changed the reign title to Shangyuan. The eunuch Li Fuguo forced the Retired Emperor to move into the Western Palace. Liu Zhan raised a rebellion at Yangzhou.

In the year of Xinchou, the retired emperor (an emperor who retained his honorific title after abdicating) died in the Western Palace, and the emperor also became gravely ill. The Crown Prince, Li Chu (later Emperor Daizong of the Tang), took charge of state affairs, while Miao Jinqing served as acting chancellor. Shi Siming’s son, Shi Chaoyi, killed his father, proclaimed himself emperor, and remained in the Eastern Capital, Luoyang.

In the year of Renyin, the era name was changed to Baoying. Empress Zhang plotted to enthrone Li Xi, Prince of Yue. The eunuchs Li Fuguo and Cheng Yuanzhen confined Empress Zhang in a separate palace and had her killed. The emperor died, and the Crown Prince, Li Chu, ascended the throne as Emperor Xiaowu. He appointed Li Shi, Prince of Yong, as supreme commander, made Yuan Zai chancellor, and appointed Cheng Yuanzhen Grand General of the Agile Cavalry, giving him power at court. Tang forces recovered the Eastern Capital and the Hebei region. Shi Chaoyi fled to Youzhou, where local people killed him and presented his head.

In the year of Guimao, the Tibetans invaded Chang’an and enthroned Li Hong, Prince of Wu. The emperor fled and took up residence in Shanzhou. Guo Ziyi recovered the capital, and the emperor returned to Chang’an, then exiled Li Hong, Prince of Wu, to Huazhou. Emperor Xuanzong was buried at Tailing, and Emperor Suzong at Jianling. The era name was changed to Guangde. Pugu Huaien rebelled in Fenzhou. Miao Jinqing and Pei Zundu were removed from their posts as chancellors, and Li Xian was appointed in their place.

In the year of Jiachen, Li Shi, Prince of Yong, was made Crown Prince. The Tibetans invaded Binzhou and Fengtian. Wang Jin and Du Hongjian succeeded Liu Yan and Li Xian as chancellors.

In the year of Yisi, the era name was changed to Yongtai. The Tibetans plundered the areas around the capital on a vast scale. The emperor personally led the Six Armies to station themselves in the imperial park and ordered nine military governors to lead their own troops against the Tibetans. The Tibetans then joined forces with the Uyghurs and invaded Fengtian; Pugu Huaien had brought them there. Guo Ziyi again allied with the Uyghurs and, together with Bai Yuanguang, attacked the Tibetans at Lingwu. Cui Gan launched a rebellion in Xichuan.

In the year of Bingwu, the era name was changed to Dali. Zhou Zhiguang rebelled from Huazhou.

In the year of Dingwei, the Tibetans invaded Lingwu in force, and Guo Ziyi defended Jingyang.

In the year of Wushen, the Tibetans again invaded Lingwu.

In the year of Jiyou, Pei Mian became chancellor.

In the year of Gengxu, Zang Jie rebelled from Tanzhou.

In the year of Xinhai, no events were recorded.

In the year of Renzi, the Uyghurs plundered the capital. Zhu Ci became military governor of Youzhou.

In the year of Guichou, Guo Ziyi decisively defeated the Tibetans at Lingwu.

In the year of Jiayin, no events were recorded.

In the year of Yimao, Tian Chengsi, military governor of Weibo, took control of the four prefectures of Ming, Wei, Ci, and Xiang without authorization. Troops in Heyang and Shanzhou mutinied.

In the year of Bingchen, Li Zhengji, military governor of Ziqing, took control of the prefectures of Qi, Hai, Deng, Lai, Yi, Mi, De, Di, Cao, Pu, Yan, and Yun without authorization, and asked the court to invest him as Prince of Longxi. Li Baochen…

Li Zhongchen was invested as Prince of Longxi, and Duan Xiushi as Prince of Xiping. Cui Ning, Prince of Zhangye, defeated the Tibetans, while the troops at Heyang mutinied.

In the year Ding-si, Chancellor Yuan Zai was executed, and his family was exterminated. Chancellor Wang Jin was demoted to prefect of Kuozhou. Yang Wan and Chang Gun became chancellors.

In the year Wu-wu, the Uyghurs invaded Taiyuan, and the Tibetans invaded Lingwu.

In the year Ji-wei, the troops at Bianzhou mutinied. The Crown Prince, Li Shi, was ordered to oversee the state (handling government affairs on the emperor’s behalf). The emperor died, and the Crown Prince, Li Shi, ascended the throne as Emperor Xiaowen (Emperor Dezong of Tang). Emperor Daizong was buried at Yuan Mausoleum. Chang Gun was demoted, and Cui Youfu became chancellor. Guo Ziyi was honored as Shangfu, a title bestowed on ministers of outstanding merit.

In the year Geng-shen, the reign era was changed to Jianzhong. Zhu Ci was appointed concurrently as military governor of the Four Garrisons. Liu Wenxi rebelled, using Jingzhou as his base. Prince Li Song was installed as Crown Prince. Yang Yan became chancellor. Liu Yan was demoted to Zhongzhou and, shortly afterward, ordered to die.

In the year Xin-you, Lu Qi became chancellor, and Yang Yan was demoted to assistant military commissioner of Yazhou. Guo Ziyi, honored as Shangfu, died. Li Zhengji, military governor of Ziqing, died, and his son Li Na succeeded him without authorization. Liang Chongyi rebelled in Huaixi. Li Xilie, military governor of Huaixi, led troops to put down the rebellion and beheaded him. Tian Yue besieged Xingzhou. Ma Sui went to its relief, and Tian Yue was defeated and fled.

In the year Ren-xu.

In the year Gui-hai, Li Xilie captured Ruzhou and took its prefect, Li Yuanping, prisoner. Geshu Yao, military governor of the Eastern Capital campaign headquarters, led troops against Li Xilie. Liu Dexin, a military commissioner, fought Li Xilie at Hu Jian and was defeated. The court ordered Yao Lingyan of Jingzhou to lead his own troops to relieve the Eastern Capital. When the army reached Chang’an, it mutinied, entered the city, and installed Zhu Ci as emperor at Hanyuan Hall. Hun Jian escorted the emperor out of Chang’an and took up a defensive position at Fengtian. Zhu Ci’s troops advanced into the area around Qianling.

Li Huaiguang, military governor of Shuofang, led his own troops to relieve Fengtian. Zhu Ci withdrew to defend the capital, but Li Huaiguang then rebelled with his own troops. Li Xilie captured Xiangyang, Xuzhou, Zhengzhou, and Bianzhou. Geshu Yao fled to Luoyang. Chancellor Lu Qi was demoted to assistant military commissioner of Xinzhou.

According to the Huangji Jingshi, this was the 2,261st year in its chronological system.

In the year Jia-zi, the fifth year since Emperor Xiaowen of Tang had ascended the throne at Fengtian, the reign era was changed to Xingyuan. Wang Wujun refused to obey orders, and Li Huaiguang fled to Hezhong. The emperor moved to Liangzhou. Hun Jian and the Tibetan troops defeated Zhu Ci at Wugong, while Li Sheng recaptured the capital. Tian Xijian, a military commissioner of Jingyuan, killed Feng Heqing, then occupied Jingzhou and rebelled. Li Baozhen and Wang Wujun defeated Zhu…

Tao and Tian Xijian were stationed at Jingcheng, and Li Na of Ziqing also submitted to the court.

Yao Lingyan was killed, and Jingzhou surrendered to Li Sheng. Li Sheng suppressed the revolt in Jingzhou and killed Zhu Ci. Li Cheng, a subordinate of Li Xilie, resisted the court’s army at Huazhou. Liu Qia and Qu Huan defeated Li Xilie at Chenzhou, and Lu Han became chancellor.

In the year Yichou, the reign title was changed to Zhenyuan. Li Xilie captured Nanyang, and Hun Jian suppressed Li Huaiguang’s revolt at Hezhong.

In the year Bingyin, Li Mian and others successively became chancellors. Chen Xianqi killed Li Xilie and surrendered Caizhou to the court. The court appointed him prefect of Yuzhou. Wu Shaocheng then killed Chen Xianqi and asked to submit Caizhou to the court. The court appointed Wu Shaocheng prefect of Caizhou. Tibet invaded the area around Jingzhou and Longzhou.

In the year Dingmao, the Tang court and Tibet formed an alliance at Pingliang. Tibet secretly moved its troops and launched an attack during the meeting. Hun Jian escaped and made his way back. Ma Sui had proposed the alliance, but the plan ended in disaster.

In the year Wuchen, troops in Fujian rebelled, as did the Binning army. Li Sheng, Ma Sui, and Li Mi successively became chancellors. The court summoned Yang Cheng, a recluse from Xia County, to serve as an admonition official.

In the year Jisi, Dong Jin and Dou Can became chancellors. Wei Gao defeated Tibet at Junzhou.

In the year Gengwu, Tibet captured Beiting.

In the year Xinwei, the source records no events.

In the year Renshen, troops in Xiangzhou rebelled. Zhao Jing and Lu Zhi became chancellors, and Dou Can was demoted to assistant prefect of Chenzhou. Tibet invaded.

In the year Guiyou, Jia Dan and Lu Mai became chancellors. The Xuanwu army rebelled.

In the year Jiaxu, Nanzhao king Yimou defeated Tibet at Shenchuan, and Wei Gao defeated Tibet at E and He. Yuan Yi followed Tian Xu in rebellion at Mingzhou, while Huang Shaoqing rebelled at Xingzhou.

In the year Yihai, the source records no events.

In the year Bingzi, Cui Sun and Zhao Zongru became chancellors.

In the year Dingchou, Wei Gao defeated Tibet at Junzhou.

In the year Wuyin, Zheng Yuqing became chancellor. Li Huang killed the prefect and led Mingzhou in rebellion.

In the year Jimao, troops in Bianzhou rebelled. Wu Shaocheng occupied Chenzhou and Caizhou and rebelled. The court attacked Huaixi but failed to prevail.

In the year Gengchen, the court again attacked Caizhou but still failed. It sent out troops once more, and failed again. Troops in Xuzhou rebelled. Zheng Yuqing was demoted to military adviser at Chenzhou, and Qi Kang became chancellor. Later, Wu Shaocheng of Caizhou obeyed the court’s orders.

In the year Xinsi, Wei Gao decisively defeated Tibet at Yazhou and was granted the title Prince of Nankang Commandery.

In the year Renwu, the source records no events.

In the year Guiwei, Gao Ying became chancellor. Tibet requested peace.

In the year Jiashen, Tibet, Nanzhao, and Japan all resumed sending tribute to the Tang court.

In the first month of the Yiyou year, the emperor died and Crown Prince Li Song ascended the throne. Wang Shuwen and Wang Pi took control of the government, while Wei Zhiyi, Jia Dan, Zheng Xunyu, Gao Ying, and Du You served as chancellors. The court abolished the palace market, a practice in which palace agents went into the city to make purchases and often used the opportunity to seize goods from the people. It demoted Li Shi, the governor of the capital region, to assistant prefect of Tongzhou for exploiting the people. The court appointed Li Chun, Prince of Guangling, as crown prince, dismissed Zheng Xunyu and Gao Ying as chancellors, and appointed Du Huangshang and Yuan Zi to the post.

The emperor fell ill. In the eighth month, he passed the throne to the crown prince and moved to Xingqing Palace. Crown Prince Li Chun ascended the throne; he was Emperor Zhangwu, known as Emperor Xianzong of Tang. The court buried Emperor Dezong at Chongling, demoted Wang Pi to military adviser of Kaizhou, Wang Shuwen to military adviser of Yuzhou, and Wei Zhiyi to registrar of Yazhou, and appointed Zheng Yuqing and Zheng Yin as chancellors.

In the Bingxu year, the reign title was changed to Yuanhe. The Retired Emperor died at Xingqing Palace. Du You oversaw the funeral arrangements, and Emperor Shunzong was buried at Fengling. Wang Shizhen became chancellor. Liu Pi rebelled in Xichuan, and Gao Chongwen put down the revolt. Wang Shuwen was executed at the place of his exile.

In the Dinghai year, Wu Yuanheng and Li Jifu became chancellors. Li Qi rebelled in Runzhou, and the court suppressed the revolt.

In the Wuzi year, Pei Ji became chancellor.

In the Jichou year, the court appointed Li Ning, Prince of Deng, as crown prince. Wang Chengzong rebelled in Zhenzhou. Wu Shaocheng of Caizhou died, and his younger brother Wu Shaoyang took over military command.

In the Gengyin year, the court appointed Quan Deyu as chancellor.

In the Xinmao year, Li Fan was removed from the chancellorship, and the court appointed Li Jifu and Li Jiang as chancellors. Crown Prince Li Ning died.

In the Renchen year, the court appointed Li Heng, Prince of Sui, as crown prince. A revolt broke out in the Weibo army.

In the Guisi year, a revolt broke out in the Zhenwu army.

According to the Jingshi, this marks the two thousand two hundred and sixty-second year of the Jisi cycle.

In the Jiawu year, it was the ninth year of the reign of Emperor Zhangwu of Tang, known as Emperor Xianzong. Wu Shaoyang of Caizhou died, and his son Wu Yuanji took over military command and defied the court in Huaixi.

In the Yiwei year, the court sent troops to attack Huaixi. Someone assassinated Chancellor Wu Yuanheng, and the court appointed Pei Du as chancellor. At the same time, forces joined together to attack Wang Chengzong in Zhenzhou. Li Shidao of Ziqing also rose in rebellion, so the court assembled forces to attack Ziqing as well.

In the Bingshen year, the court launched a major campaign against Huaixi and Zhenzhou. Li Fengji and Wang Ya became chancellors. The Huangdong tribes captured Yanzhou, and a revolt broke out in the Suzhou army.

In the Dingyou year, Cui Qun and Li Kuo became chancellors. Pei Du led a major campaign against Huaixi, and his subordinate Li Su broke into Caizhou, captured Wu Yuanji, and sent him to the court. The Huaixi rebellion was put down. Pei Du became chancellor again.

In the Wuxu year, Wang Chengzong of Zhenzhou and Li Shidao of Ziqing submitted to the court.

Huangfu Bo and Cheng Yi were appointed chancellors.

In the year Jihai, Liu Wu killed Li Shidao and surrendered the twelve prefectures of Ziqing. Linghu Chu was appointed chancellor. Rebellions broke out in Yizhou and among the Annam army. The Daoist practitioner Liu Mi was appointed governor of Taizhou. The emperor took elixirs made from minerals and metals and consequently fell ill.

In the year Gengzi, the emperor died. The crown prince, Li Heng, ascended the throne; he was Emperor Wensi (Emperor Muzong of Tang).

Duan Wenchang and Cui Zhi were appointed chancellors. Huangfu Bo was demoted to the post of military aide in Yazhou. Annam was pacified. Emperor Xianzong was buried at Jingling. Li Chengzong, Prince of Zhen, died, and his younger brother Li Chengyuan succeeded to his post.

In the year Xinchou, the reign era was changed to Changqing. Du Yuanying and Wang Bo were appointed chancellors. Liu Zong relinquished Youzhou, and Zhang Hongjing took over. The army in Youzhou rebelled, expelled Zhang Hongjing, and installed Zhu Kerong as acting military governor. The army in Zhenzhou rebelled, killed Tian Hongzheng, and installed Wang Tingcou as acting military governor. The army in Yingzhou rebelled. The Youzhou army captured Yingzhou, while the Zhenzhou army besieged Shenzhou. The army in Xiangzhou also rebelled.

In the year Renyin, Prince Jing, Li Zhan, was made crown prince. Zhu Kerong of Youzhou captured Cangzhou. Wang Tingcou of Zhenzhou led troops to attack Shenzhou. Wang Zhixing expelled Cui Qun, and a rebellion consequently broke out in Xuzhou. Yuan Zhen, Pei Du, and Li Fengji were appointed chancellors. Li Jie expelled Li Yuan, and a rebellion consequently broke out in Bianzhou. The Zhenzhou army went to relieve Raoyang and Boye. Wang Guoqing rebelled in western Zhejiang. The army in Dezhou rebelled.

In the year Guimao, Niu Sengru was appointed chancellor.

In the year Jiachen, the emperor died. The crown prince, Li Zhan, ascended the throne; he was Emperor Zhaomin (Emperor Jingzong of Tang).

Li Shen was demoted to the post of military aide in Duanzhou. Li Fengji and Niu Sengru were appointed chancellors, followed by Li Cheng and Dou Yizhi. Emperor Muzong was buried at Guangling.

In the year Yisi, the reign era was changed to Baoli. Niu Sengru was removed from the chancellorship.

In the year Bingwu, Pei Du again became chancellor. Disorder broke out in the palace, and eunuchs killed the emperor at a drinking gathering. The ministers killed the rebels and installed Prince Jiang, Li Ang, as emperor; he was Emperor Zhaoxian (Emperor Wenzong of Tang).

Wei Chuhou was appointed chancellor. The Youzhou army rebelled and killed its commander, Zhu Kerong.

In the year Dingwei, the reign era was changed to Taihe. Chancellor Li Fengji was demoted. Emperor Jingzong was buried at Zhuangling.

In the year Wushen, Wang Tingcou of Zhenzhou defied the court. The Annam army rebelled. Lu Sui was appointed chancellor.

In the year Jiyou, the army in Weibo rebelled, killed its military governor, Shi Xiancheng, and installed He Jintao as acting military governor. Li Zongmin was appointed chancellor. The Nan Zhao army captured Chengdu.

In the gengxu year, troops in Xingyuan Circuit mutinied and killed the military governor, Li Jiang. Wen Zao put down the rebellion. Niu Sengru and Song Shenxi became chief ministers.

In the xinhai year, troops in Youzhou mutinied again. Song Shenxi was demoted to assistant administrator of Kaizhou after the eunuch Wang Shoucheng falsely accused him.

The renzi year.

In the guichou year, Li Deyu and Wang Ya became chief ministers, and Li Zongmin was dismissed from office. The emperor appointed Li Yong, Prince of Lu, as crown prince.

In the jiayin year, troops in Youzhou mutinied once more, and Li Zongmin returned to the office of chief minister.

In the yimao year, Zheng Zhu and Li Xun took control of the government. Li Deyu was demoted to chief administrator of Yuanzhou. Li Zongmin was dismissed as chief minister again and demoted to registrar of Chaozhou. The court appointed Li Xun. Jia Su, Li Guyan, and Shu Yuanyu became chief ministers. Zheng Zhu left the capital to become prefect of Fengxiang. Li Xun tried but failed to kill the eunuchs, then fled into the Southern Mountains.

The eunuch Qiu Shiliang killed the chief ministers Li Xun, Wang Ya, Jia Su, and Shu Yuanyu, along with Wang Bo, Guo Xingyu, Luo Liyan, Li Xiaoben, Han Yue, and others. He also had more than ten households executed. The supervising army officer Zhang Zhongqing killed Zheng Zhu in Fengxiang. Li Xun eventually died in the wilderness. Zheng Tan and Li Shi were appointed chief ministers. The eunuchs Qiu Shiliang and Yu Zhihong were both appointed senior generals. They sent palace eunuchs to various regions, where they took turns killing prefectural and county officials.

In the bingchen year, the reign era was changed to Kaicheng, and Li Guyan became chief minister.

In the dingsi year, Chen Yixing became chief minister, and troops in Heyang mutinied.

In the wuwu year, an assassin wounded the chief minister Li Shi in Qinren Ward. Yang Sifu and Li Jue became chief ministers. Troops in Yiding mutinied. The crown prince was found guilty and died in Shaoyang Court.

In the jiwei year, Cui Dan became chief minister. The emperor appointed Li Chengmei, Prince of Chen, as crown prince and ordered him to oversee the state, temporarily handling government affairs.

In the gengshen year, the emperor fell ill. The eunuchs Qiu Shiliang and Yu Zhihong enthroned Li Yan, Prince of Ying, as crown prince and deposed Li Chengmei, restoring his title as Prince of Chen. The emperor died, and the crown prince Li Chan ascended the throne as Emperor Zhaosu, known as Emperor Wuzong of Tang. Yang Sifu took charge of the highest government affairs, then killed Prince Li Chengmei and Prince Li Rong of An at his residence. Both eunuchs were granted the title Duke of State. Cui Dan, Cui Gong, and Chen Yixing became chief ministers. Emperor Wenzong was buried at Jingling. Yang Sifu and Li Jue were dismissed as chief ministers, and Li Deyu returned to the office.

In the xinyou year, the reign era was changed to Huichang, and Li Shen was appointed chief minister. The chief ministers Yang Sifu and Li Jue were demoted to assistant administrators of prefectures. Troops in Youzhou mutinied.

In the renxu year, Li Deyu held sole control of the government.

In the guihai year, Liu Zhen rose in rebellion in Zelu.

The Tang-period annals recorded in the Jing Shi of the Huangji are as follows:

The 2,263rd year of the Horse in the Jing Shi: In the year jiazi, the fourth year of the reign of Emperor Zhaosu of Tang (Emperor Wuzong), troops in Taiyuan rebelled, as did troops in the three prefectures of Xing, Ming, and Ci. The rebellions in Ze and Lu prefectures were suppressed. Du Cong and Cui Xuan served as chancellors. Cui Gong was demoted to assistant military commissioner of a prefecture.

Year yichou: Cui Xuan and Du Cong were dismissed as chancellors. Li Hui, Cui Yuanshi, and Zheng Su became chancellors. The court undertook a large-scale destruction of Buddhist temples and statues (called “the image-teaching” in the original, meaning Buddhism).

Year bingyin: After taking mineral elixirs, the emperor fell ill and appointed Prince Guang, Li Yi, as Grand Imperial Uncle. The emperor died, and Grand Imperial Uncle Li Yi ascended the throne as Emperor Xianwen of Tang (Emperor Xuanzong). Bai Minzhong, Lu Shang, and Wei Cong served as chancellors. Emperor Wuzong of Tang was buried at Duanling.

Year dingmao: The reign title was changed to Dazhong. Chancellor Li Deyu was demoted to assistant military commissioner of Chaozhou.

Year wuchen: Zhou Chi, Ma Zhi, and Cui Guicong served as chancellors.

Year jisi: Zhou Chi and Ma Zhi were dismissed as chancellors. Li Deyu was demoted again, this time to registrar of Yazhou. Cui Xuan and Wei Fu served as chancellors. Troops in Youzhou rebelled.

Year gengwu: Wei Fu was dismissed as chancellor, and Linghu Tao became chancellor.

Year xinwei: Wei Mo became chancellor.

Year renshen: Pei Xiu became chancellor.

Year youyou: Zheng Lang became chancellor.

Years jiaxu, yihai, and bingzi: The original records no events for these years.

Year dingchou: Wei Zhi left the capital to take up the post of prefect of Chengdu. Cui Shenyiu and Xiao Ye became chancellors.

Year wuxu: Liu Zhuan and Xiahou Zi became chancellors. Rebellions broke out in Xuanzhou and Hongzhou.

Year jimao: Jiang Shen became chancellor. The court installed Prince Yun, Li Wen, as crown prince. The emperor died, and Crown Prince Li Wen ascended the throne as Emperor Gonghui of Tang (Emperor Yizong). Linghu Tao acted as chief minister, exercising the chancellor’s authority and presiding over state affairs.

Year gengchen: Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was buried at Zhenling. Linghu Tao left the capital to become prefect of Hezhong. Du Shenquan and Du Cong became chancellors. The reign title was changed to Xiantong. Rebellions broke out again in Xuanzhou and Hongzhou.

Year xinsi: Chancellor Xiao Ye left the capital to become prefect of Taiyuan, and Jiang Shen was dismissed as chancellor. The Lin Yi Man (an ancient name for peoples of the Lin Yi region) invaded.

Year renwu: Troops in Xuzhou rebelled. The Lin Yi Man captured Jiaozhi and the Protectorate General to Pacify Annam.

Year guiwei: Yang Shou, Cao Que, and Gao Qu became chancellors. The Lin Yi Man captured Annam prefecture.

Year jiashen: Du Shenquan left office to become governor of Runzhou, and Xiao Zhi became chancellor. The Lin Yi Man raided the Yongguan region.

Year yiyou: Xu Shang became chancellor. Gao Pian suppressed the Lin Yi Man and recovered the Protectorate General to Pacify Annam.

Year bingxu: Xiahou Zi left the capital to become prefect of Chengdu, and Lu Yan became chancellor.

Year dinghai: Yang Shou became surveillance commissioner of western Zhejiang, and Yu Cong became chancellor.

Year wuzi: Garrison troops at Xiangtan rebelled and installed Pang Xun as their leader. The rebels returned and captured Xuzhou and Suzhou.

Rebellions broke out in five prefectures, including Chu, He, and Hao. Yang Shou was demoted to assistant military commissioner of Duanzhou, then transferred to Huan’an Prefecture, where he was given a death sentence.

In the year jichou, Jiang Shen was removed as chancellor, and Liu Zhan was appointed chancellor. Xu Shang left the capital to take up the post of prefect of Jiangling. The court ordered eighteen generals to suppress the rebellion in Xuzhou, appointing Kang Chengxun as military adviser. After the rebellion in Xuzhou was put down, the Man armies raided both eastern and western Sichuan.

In the year gengyin, Chancellor Cao Que resigned due to illness. Wei Baoheng was appointed chancellor and dismissed officials on a large scale. Wang Duo also became chancellor.

In the year xinmao, Chancellor Lu Yan left the capital to become prefect of Chengdu.

In the year renchen, Liu Ye left the capital to become governor of Youzhou, and Yu Cong became governor of Xiangzhou. Zhao Yin was appointed chancellor. The court conducted a large-scale review of officials, promoting and demoting them, and ordered the Shatuo Li Guochang to move his garrison to Yunzhong. Li Guochang made Datong his base and defied the court’s orders.

In the year guisi, the court launched a campaign against Li Guochang. Xiao Fang became chancellor, and Prince Pu, Li Yan, was named crown prince. Wei Baoheng, as Grand Chancellor—the highest office overseeing state affairs—took charge of the government. After the emperor died, Crown Prince Li Yan ascended the throne as Emperor Gongding. The two chief eunuchs commanding the imperial guard held power at court. They removed Grand Chancellor Wei Baoheng from office and sentenced him to death. Officials who had previously been demoted were also reinstated.

The Huangji Jingshi records the year 2264.

The year jiawu was the first year of Emperor Gongding of Tang. Emperor Yizong was buried at Jianling. Cui Yanzhao, Zheng Tian, and Lu Xie became chancellors, and the era name was changed to Qianfu. The Man armies raided both regions of Sichuan.

In the year yiwei, rebellions broke out in western Zhejiang and around Cao and Pu. Wang Duo became chancellor once again.

In the year bingshen, Chancellor Xiao Fang resigned due to illness. The rebellion in western Zhejiang was put down. Wang Xianzhi, based around Cao and Pu, captured fifteen prefectures north and south of the Yangzi and Huai Rivers, advancing as far as the Jiangnan region. He petitioned the court for a tally of authority—a token granting official authorization—but his request was denied. Li Wei became chancellor.

In the year dingyou, Huang Chao of Yuanju captured Yizhou and Yunzhou. Shang Rang, a general under Wang Xianzhi, stationed his forces at Chayashan in Caizhou, defeated the garrison troops of Suizhou, and then attacked Jiangling. The Shatuo Li Guochang raided Shuozhou.

In the year wuxu, the rebellion at Jiangling was put down. Huang Chao raided the regions north and south of the Huai River, Jiangnan, and Guangnan. Li Guochang captured Kelan, and the Zhaoyi Army mutinied. Zheng Congdang became chancellor, while Li Wei left the capital to garrison the eastern capital.

In the year jihai, Huang Chao occupied Lingbiao and petitioned the court for a tally of authority, but his request was denied. Lu Xie and Zheng Tian were removed as chancellors, and Cui Hang and Doulu Zun were appointed in their place. Lu Xie was later appointed chancellor again.

In the year gengzi, the era name was changed to Guangming. Zheng Congdang left the capital to become prefect of Taiyuan. The Shatuo army was defeated. Huang Chao’s forces crossed north over the Five Ridges and overran the regions of Hunan and Hubei and the Huai River basin. Gao Pian resisted Huang Chao at Yangzhou, but his forces fared poorly in battle. The court mobilized troops from Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Xuzhou.

Li Keyong led his army to Yin River to repel the Huang Chao forces attacking the Eastern Capital. The defenders at Yin River were routed, and Huang Chao captured the Eastern Capital.

From the Eastern Capital, Huang Chao advanced west toward Shan and Guo prefectures, and Tong Pass fell. The court dismissed Lu Xie from the office of chancellor.

Wang Hui and Pei Che became chancellors. Huang Chao captured Chang’an, proclaimed himself emperor, named his state Qi, and adopted the era name Jintong. Emperor Xizong of Tang fled into the Southern Mountains.

In the year xinchou, Emperor Xizong moved his army to Xingyuan and appointed Xiao Gou chancellor, Zheng Tian commander of the field headquarters, and Yang Fuguang military supervisor. Urgent reports spread rapidly throughout the realm. The Shatuo forces answered the court’s call and requested permission to march to the emperor’s aid. Huang Chao attacked Fengxiang, and Emperor Xizong moved on to Chengdu, changed the era name to Zhonghe, and appointed Wei Zhaodu chancellor.

Tang forces from various circuits gradually took up positions at key locations. Wang Chongrong’s army from Hezhong encamped at Shawan; Tang Hongfu’s army from Jingyuan encamped north of the Wei River; Wang Chucun’s army from Yiding encamped at Weiqiao; Tuoba Sigong’s army from Fuyan encamped at Wugong; Zheng Tian’s army from Fengxiang encamped at Zhouzhi; and Zhu Mei’s army from Binning encamped at Xingping. Wang Duo of Jingxiang arrived from the emperor’s temporary residence. Wang Hui became governor of Luzhou.

In the year renyin, Emperor Xizong was in Chengdu, while Huang Chao held Chang’an. Huang Chao’s general Zhu Wen surrendered Tongzhou and was given the name Quanzhong by the court. The Shatuo commander Li Keyong marched south from Daizhou and stationed his army at Liangtian.

In the year guimao, Emperor Xizong remained in Chengdu. Generals from the various circuits joined forces and decisively defeated Huang Chao’s troops at Weinan. Huang Chao fled toward the Lantian area, and the Tang forces then recaptured the capital, Chang’an. The court appointed Li Keyong commissioner of Hedong and Zhu Quanzhong commissioner of the Xuanwu Army.

Huang Chao’s forces fled east toward Chen and Cai prefectures. Qin Zongquan of Cai surrendered the city, but soon rebelled and joined forces with Huang Chao’s army to attack Chen. They besieged Chen for three hundred days with a large siege engine called the “Spring Grinder.” The prefect of Chen held the city firm, and it never fell.

In the year jiachen, Emperor Xizong remained in Chengdu and appointed Zheng Changtu chancellor. Zhu Quanzhong joined forces with armies from the regional commands across Guandong, then allied with Li Keyong’s Hedong army. Together they decisively defeated Huang Chao’s forces at Taikang and Xihua, then routed them at Zhongmou, and finally wiped them out at Yuanju, bringing the Huang Chao Rebellion to an end.

Afterward, Zhu Quanzhong held a banquet at Shangyuan Post Station in Bianzhou and plotted to kill Li Keyong, but the attempt failed. From then on, the two became bitter enemies. The court enfeoffed Li Keyong as Prince of Longxi Commandery, hoping to reconcile them.

In the year yisi, Emperor Xizong returned from Chengdu and changed the era name to Guangqi. Qin Zongquan held Chen and Cai, Wang Rong wielded unchecked military power at Zhenyang, Li Changfu defied orders with his troops in Fengxiang, Wang Chongrong took command of the forces in Puzhou and Shanzhou without authorization, and Zhuge Shuang entrenched himself with his army in Mengzhou.

In the areas around Luoyang and Mengzhou, local leaders asserted control over their territories and took command of their armies. Li Keyong, based in Xingzhou and Mingzhou, used force to block the imperial army and stationed his troops in Bingzhou.

Zhu Quanzhong squandered his forces around Bianzhou and Huazhou; Shi Pu deployed his troops at will around Xuzhou and Sizhou; Zhu Jin exhausted his forces around Qizhou and Yunzhou. Wang Jingwu held the armies of Zizhou and Qingzhou. Gao Pian wielded military power in Huainan, while Liu Hanhong relied on his forces to control eastern Zhejiang. Wang Chucun united his troops to defend Yizhou and Dingzhou, and Li Keju held fast to Youzhou and Jizhou.

The Palace Eunuch Tian Lingzi seized Hezhong. Wang Chongrong controlled the salt pools of Jiezhou, but Tian Lingzi failed to take them and led the Binning army to attack Hezhong. Wang Chongrong joined forces with the Taiyuan army and attacked the capital, where Tian Lingzi was stationed. The capital’s army mutinied, and the Binning commander Zhu Mei retreated to Binzhou. The Shence Army, the Tang dynasty’s imperial guard, looted the capital on a large scale. Tian Lingzi took the emperor to Fengxiang, appointed Zhu Quanzhong Military Commissioner of Xuanwu and Prince of Pei Commandery, and began granting Qian Liu the title of governor of Hangzhou.

In the year Bingwu, the emperor was in Fengxiang. Wang Chongrong of Hezhong listed Tian Lingzi’s crimes and sent out troops to punish him. Tian Lingzi took the emperor to Xingyuan. The chancellors Xiao Gou, Pei Che, and Zheng Changtu summoned the troops of Binzhou, intending to escort the emperor back to the capital. After Zhu Mei’s army set out from Fengxiang, Tian Lingzi again moved the emperor’s forces across San Pass. Zhu Mei could not catch up, but along the way captured the emperor’s son, the Prince of Xiang, Li Yun. Shi Junshe, Military Commissioner of Xingyuan, joined Zhu Mei and led troops to break through the plank road, cutting off the emperor’s route back to the capital.

After the emperor reached Xingyuan, Shi Junshe abandoned the city and fled. The emperor appointed Kong Wei and Du Rangneng as chancellors and sent Tian Lingzi away to serve as Military Commissioner of Jiannan. Li Ting, Yang Shouliang, and Yang Shouzong defeated Zhu Mei’s army at Fengxiang. Zhu Mei coerced Xiao Gou into enthroning Li Yun, the Prince of Xiang, at Fengxiang. He proclaimed himself Grand Chancellor, led the officials back to the capital, and installed Li Yun as emperor under the new reign title Jianding. He dismissed Xiao Gou as chancellor, appointed Zheng Changtu and Pei Che as chancellors, and announced the new regime’s orders throughout the regions, assigning officials to the military commands. Changshan, Taiyuan, Xuanwu, and Hezhong, among others, refused to accept the orders.

Wang Chongrong and Li Keyong defeated Zhu Mei’s deputy, Wang Xingyu, at Fengxiang. Wang Xingyu withdrew and attacked Xingyuan, then led the Binning army back to Chang’an, killed Zhu Mei, and looted the capital on a large scale. Pei Che and Zheng Changtu fled to Hezhong with the Prince of Xiang, Li Yun. Wang Chongrong killed Li Yun and presented his head to the court.

Sun Ru, a commander from Caizhou, captured Zhengzhou, Xuzhou, Luoyang, Huaizhou, Mengzhou, Shanzhou, and Guozhou. Wang Chongrong’s commander Zhuge Shuang occupied Heyang, Li Hanzhi occupied Zezhou, and Zhang Zong…

She (a person’s name, probably Zhang Zongshe) occupied Huaizhou. Qin Zongquan declared himself emperor in the region around Chenzhou and Caizhou; Wang Chao occupied Fuzhou.

Dingwei year: The emperor moved his army from Xingyuan to Fengxiang and appointed Zhang Jun as chancellor. A military uprising broke out in Yangzhou. The chief general’s aide, Bi Shiduo, imprisoned the military governor Gao Pian and summoned Qin Zongquan to help. Qin Yan, the military commissioner of Xuanzhou, was appointed military governor of Yangzhou. Caizhou troops attacked Bianzhou, but troops from Yanzhou and Yunzhou defeated them at the border. Sun Ru, a general of Caizhou, abandoned Zhengzhou, Xuzhou, Luozhou, Huaizhou, Mengzhou, Shanzhou, and Guozhou. Zhang Zongshe captured Luoyang, and Li Hanzhi captured Heyang; both submitted to Zhu Quanzhong. Zhang Zongshe was granted the surname Zhu and the name Quanyi.

Fighting broke out in the capital, Chang’an: Yang Shouli and Li Changfu fought in the streets. Li Changfu was defeated and fled to Longzhou. A mutiny broke out among the troops at Hezhong. The aide Chang Xingru killed their commander, Wang Chongrong, and installed Wang’s younger brother, Wang Chongying, as acting military governor.

Yang Xingmi and Sun Ru, a general of Caizhou, fought over Yangzhou. Yang Xingmi captured the city, while Qin Yan and Bi Shiduo fled to Gaoyou to join Sun Ru, then attacked Yang Xingmi again. Yang Xingmi asked Bianzhou for help, and Bianzhou troops came to his aid at the mouth of the Huai River. Gu Yanlang of Dongchuan stationed troops at Bizhou. Wang Jian attacked Chengdu.

Wushen year: The emperor returned from Fengxiang to the capital and changed the era name to Wende. Yang Fugong, the eunuch official in charge of the imperial guard, wielded power over government affairs. Li Xian was appointed chancellor, and the Prince of Shou, Li Jie, was made crown prince’s younger brother. The emperor died, and Li Jie succeeded him as emperor. He was the Emperor Jingwen.

Wei Zhaodu served as acting chancellor. A mutiny broke out among the troops at Weizhou; they killed their commander, Le Yanzhen, and the junior officer Luo Zongbian became acting military governor. Zhang Quanyi captured Heyang, and Li Hanzhi fled to Zezhou. Sun Ru, a general of Caizhou, captured Yangzhou, and Yang Xingmi fled to Xuancheng. Zhu Quanzhong attacked Xuzhou. Zhao Yin, a general of Caizhou, brought Jingzhou and Xiangzhou over to Bianzhou and surrendered. Zhu Quanzhong defeated the Caizhou troops at Longban. Shen Cong, a general of Caizhou, seized Qin Zongquan and surrendered to Bianzhou. Huaixi was pacified, and Zhu Quanzhong also took up the post of military governor of Caizhou.

Wang Jian launched a major invasion of Jiannan. Wei Zhaodu left the capital to take up the post of prefect of Chengdu. Emperor Xizong was buried at Jingling.

Jiyou year: The era name was changed to Longji. Liu Chongwang was appointed chancellor, and Zhu Quanzhong was made Prince of Dongping. Wang Jian captured Chengdu and declared himself acting military governor. Li Keyong of Taiyuan attacked Xingzhou and Mingzhou. Qian Liu of Hangzhou captured Xuancheng and took Liu Hao prisoner.

Gengxu year: The era name was changed to Dashun. Meng Qian brought Xingzhou over to Li Keyong of Taiyuan. The text ends here, incomplete.

Zhu Quanzhong, Taizu of the Later Liang and then military governor of Xuanwu, attacked Yunzhou. Youzhou sent troops to relieve it, but they were defeated. Li Keyong, then military governor of Hedong, stationed his troops at Weizhou. Li Kuangwei of Youzhou and Helian Duo of Yunzhou joined forces with the army from Bianzhou and attacked Taiyuan. A military revolt broke out in Luzhou. The mutineers killed Li Ke’gong and then surrendered to Bianzhou. An Jian, one of Li Keyong’s commanders, surrendered to Zhu Quanzhong with Xingzhou, Mingzhou, and Cizhou.

The Tang chancellor Zhang Jun set out through Yindi Pass with Sun Kui, Prefect of Jingzhao, and Han Jian, governor of Huazhou. They joined the Bianzhou commander Ge Congzhou and entered Luzhou. The Taiyuan army attacked Luzhou, while troops from Youzhou and Yunzhou attacked Yanmen. Kang Junli, a Taiyuan commander, entered Luzhou. Li Keyong defeated the Youzhou and Yunzhou forces at Yanmen. Another of his commanders, Li Cunxin, defeated Zhang Jun and Han Jian’s forces at Yindi. Li Keyong then recovered Jinzhou and Jiangzhou. The court restored Li Keyong’s official titles and demoted Zhang Jun to governor of Lianzhou. Cui Zhaowei and Xu Yanyuo became chancellors. Li Cunxiao, one of Li Keyong’s commanders, surrendered Xingzhou to Bianzhou.

In the year Xin-Hai, the court ordered Yang Fugong, a Shence Army lieutenant commander—the eunuch official who led the imperial guard—to retire. Yang refused the order and stationed troops at Changhua Ward. The court ordered Li Shunjie, commander of the Tianwei Army, to attack him, but the campaign went badly. The two Shence Army lieutenant commanders, Liu Jingxuan and Ximen Chongshui, killed Li Shunjie at Yintai Gate. His troops scattered and looted the capital. Yang Fugong fled to Xingyuan. Zheng Yanchang became chancellor.

Li Keyong of Taiyuan attacked Xingzhou, accusing it of having rebelled against him. Zhu Quanzhong of the Xuanwu Army attacked Weizhou, accusing it of failing to help suppress Li Keyong. Zhenzhou sent troops to relieve Xingzhou, so Li Keyong turned to attack Zhenzhou. The Youzhou army came to Zhenzhou’s aid, while the Bianzhou army attacked Suzhou. The armies of Youzhou and Zhenzhou attacked Dingzhou, and Wang Chucun of Dingzhou appealed to Taiyuan for help. Yang Xingmi of Xuanzhou destroyed Sun Ru, occupied Yangzhou, and was granted the title Prince of Huainan.

In the year Ren-Zi, the era name was changed to Jingfu. Li Maozhen of Fengxiang, Wang Xingyu of Binzhou, Han Jian of Huazhou, Wang Xingyue of Tongzhou, and Li Maozhuang of Taizhou led their armies in capturing Xingyuan. They killed its defending commander, Yang Shouliang, and Yang Fugong. Ximen Chongshui, lieutenant commander of the Left Shence Army, killed Jia Desheng, commander of the Tianwei Army, in the capital. Jia Desheng’s troops fled to Fengxiang. Li Keyong of Taiyuan joined forces with troops from Yizhou and Dingzhou and defeated the Zhenzhou army at Yaoshan.

In the year Gui-Chou, Li Maozhen of Fengxiang raised an army against the capital and defeated Prince Qin’s forces at Zhouzhi. The emperor executed Ximen Chongshui, commander of the Central Army, and demoted Li Zhouxie.

Du Rangneng served as chancellor. The Qi army (the forces of Li Maozhen) therefore halted its advance. The court appointed Li Maozhen as Secretariat Director, a senior official in charge of state affairs, and enfeoffed him as Prince of Qin. Wang Xingyu received the honorific title “Imperial Guardian,” and Wang Bo was appointed chancellor.

Wang Jian, Prince of Chengdu, and Li Maozhen contended for control of Dongchuan. The army in Youzhou rebelled, drove its commander Li Kuangwei from the garrison at Zhenzhou, and installed his younger brother Li Kuangchou as acting military governor. The army of Bianzhou conquered Xuzhou and took over its military governorship. Li Keyong defeated Wang Rong of Zhenzhou at Pingshan. Wang Rong asked to form an alliance, and Li Keyong agreed. Li Keyong then returned.

In the Jia-yin year, the reign era was changed to Qianning. Cui Yin became chancellor, and Wang Bo was appointed to govern the Hunan region. Li Maozhen occupied fifteen prefectures in Shannan and opposed the court. The Bianzhou army defeated the forces of Yanzhou and Yunzhou at Dong’e. Zhu Xuan and Zhu Jin appealed to Li Keyong in Taiyuan for help. Li Keyong captured Xingzhou and took Li Cunxiao prisoner; captured Yunzhou and took Helian Duo prisoner; then captured Youzhou and took Li Kuangchou prisoner. The people of Youzhou asked that Liu Rengong, one of Li Kuangchou’s officers, be appointed acting military governor.

In the Yi-mao year, Wang Chongying, military governor of Hezhong, died. Li Keyong of Taiyuan asked the court to allow Wang Ke to succeed Wang Chongying. Wang Xingyu of Binzhou, Li Maozhen of Fengxiang, and Han Jian of Huazhou instead asked the court to approve Wang Gong’s succession. The court initially granted Li Keyong’s request. Li Keyong then asked for Wang Ke to be appointed military governor of Shanzhou and Wang Gong military governor of Jiangzhou. Wang Yao led troops to attack Wang Ke in Hezhong.

The forces of Wang Xingyu and Li Maozhen entered Chang’an, intending to depose the emperor, but failed. They killed the chancellors Wei Zhaodu and Li Xi, left three thousand troops each to garrison the capital, and departed. Li Keyong crossed the Yellow River, declaring that he would campaign against them. Wang Xingshi, an officer of Wang Xingyu, abandoned Tongzhou and fled to the capital. Together with Luo Quanzhen and Liu Jingxuan, the Left and Right Shence Army eunuch commanders, he forced the emperor to travel west. The emperor sent Li Yun and Li Junshi to station troops near Zhongnan Mountain; the Director of the Court of Judicial Review, Bi Congming, accompanied them. The emperor ordered Li Jiepi, Prince of Yan, Li Yun, Prince of Dan, and others to join Li Keyong on his western campaign. Yang Xingmi of Huainan was enfeoffed as Prince of Hongnong and also ordered to take part in the campaign.

Li Keyong defeated the Binzhou army at Liyuan. The emperor returned to the capital, Binzhou was subdued, and Wang Xingyu died in the wilderness. The court enfeoffed Li Keyong as Prince of Jin. Li Keyong returned to Taiyuan. Cui Zhaowei was removed from the chancellorship, and Xu Yanyue succeeded him. Dong Chang rebelled in eastern Zhejiang, proclaimed himself king, named his state Luoping, and adopted the reign title Dasheng.

In the Bing-chen year, the Qi army invaded Chang’an. Han Jian forced the emperor to go to Huazhou. Han Jian was promoted to Secretariat Director and also appointed Prefect of the Two Capitals, an office responsible for governing the eastern and western capitals. Lu Yi, Wang Bo, Cui Yin…

Sun Wo, an official of the Tang dynasty, took office as chancellor. Luo Hongxin of Weizhou defeated the Taiyuan army. Yu Shen cut off Li Keyong’s support to Yanzhou and Yunzhou. Li Keyong attacked Weizhou and captured ten cities. The Hunan army mutinied and raised Ma Yin as acting military governor, pending the court’s formal appointment.

Qian Liu pacified eastern Zhejiang and captured Dong Chang. The court appointed Qian Liu as Secretariat Director. Wang Bo became surveillance commissioner of eastern Zhejiang, while Lu Yi was sent away from the capital to serve as prefect of Xiàzhou.

In the year of Ding-si, the emperor was in Huazhou. Sun Wo was removed from the chancellorship, and Zheng Qi became chancellor. The court invested De Prince Yu as crown prince and enfeoffed Han Jian as Prince of Changli. Zheng Qi resigned because of illness, and Zhu Pu succeeded him as chancellor. Han Jian killed Li Yun, a commander of the imperial guards, dismissed the guards, stripped the Eight Princes of their military authority, and then killed them. Zhu Pu killed the emperor’s attendants Ma Daoyin and Xu Yanshi. The emperor enfeoffed Qian Liu of the Two Zhejiang regions as King of Wu and ordered him to rescue the embattled royal house.

Pang Shigu, a general of Bianzhou, captured Yunzhou, and Zhu Xuan was killed while fleeing. Ge Congzhou captured Yanzhou, and Zhu Jin escaped to Huainan. Yanzhou, Yunzhou, Caozhou, Puzhou, Qizhou, Dizhou, Xuzhou, Suzhou, Chenzhou, Caizhou, Xuzhou, Zhengzhou, and Huazhou all came under Bianzhou’s control. Zhu Quanzhong, a Bianzhou general, led the troops of eight prefectures in an attack on Huainan. Zhu Jin led the Huainan army to defeat the Bianzhou forces at Qingkou and capture Pang Shigu. He then defeated them again at the Pi River and drove Ge Congzhou away. Yang Xingmi thus took control of the Jiang-Huai region.

Liu Rengong of Youzhou defeated Li Keyong at Ansai. Wang Chao of Fuzhou died, and his younger brother Wang Shenzhi succeeded him.

In the year of Wu-wu, the emperor was still in Huazhou. He appointed Cui Yuan as chancellor and invested Lady He as empress. The emperor returned to Chang’an, changed the era name to Guanghua, and renamed Huazhou Xingdefu. Han Jian was elevated to Prince of Yingchuan. Ge Congzhou, a Bianzhou general, captured Xingzhou, Mingzhou, and Cizhou, which were controlled by Li Keyong. Shi Shucong captured Suizhou, Tangzhou, Dengzhou, and Zezhou, which were controlled by Zhao Kuangning. Li Hanzhi captured Shangdang, controlled by Li Keyong, and then submitted to Bianzhou. Liu Shouwen of Youzhou captured Cangzhou, which was controlled by Bianzhou. Luo Hongxin of Weibo died, and his son Luo Shaowei proclaimed himself acting military governor.

In the year of Ji-wei, Lu Yi again became chancellor. The Cai army mutinied, and Cui Gong fled to Huainan. The Youzhou army raided Zhaozhou and Weizhou. The Weizhou forces summoned troops from Bianzhou and defeated them. Shi Shucong, a Bianzhou general, attacked Taiyuan but failed to take it. The Shaanzhou army mutinied. A junior officer killed its commander, Wang Gong, and raised Li Fan as acting military governor. They later killed Li Fan and surrendered to Bianzhou. Wang Shifan of Qingzhou sent his subordinate Niu Congyi to bring Haizhou over to Huainan.

In the Gengshen year, the chancellor Cui Yin falsely accused and murdered the chancellor Wang Bo and the Military Affairs Commissioner Song Daobi. Jing Wuxiao and Zhu Quanzhong joined forces with the Wei army and attacked Cangzhou and Dezhou in the Youzhou region. Li Keyong captured Xingzhou, which the Bian army had held, and then led the troops of three military governorships against Zhenzhou. Wang Rong sued for peace, and Li Keyong withdrew his troops and returned to the Bian region. The Bian general Zhang Cunjing captured Cangzhou and Qizhou, which were under Youzhou's jurisdiction, and defeated Wang Chuzhi of Dingzhou at Shahe. Zhang Cunjing pressed on to attack Dingzhou, and Wang Chuzhi then surrendered Dingzhou to Zhu Quanzhong. The court dismissed Cui Yuan from his post as chancellor and appointed Pei Zhi and Pei Shu as chancellors. Xu Yanruo was made Qinghai Surveillance Commissioner. The Divine Strategy Army commanders Liu Jishu and Wang Zhongxian confined the emperor in the Eastern Palace and ordered Crown Prince Yu to act as regent. The chancellors Cui Yin and Zhang Jun sent urgent word to Zhu Quanzhong. Zhu Quanzhong returned from Dingzhou to the Bian region, preparing to rescue the emperor. The generals Sun Dezhao, Zhou Chenghui, and Dong Yan killed Liu Jishu and Wang Zhongxian, and the emperor returned from confinement to the palace and again took personal charge of government affairs.

In the Xinyou year, the court executed Li Shidu, commander of the Divine Strategy Army, because he had placed Xu Yanhui in difficulty and thereby alarmed the emperor. Crown Prince Yu was demoted to Prince De, and the reign title was changed to Tianfu. The Bian general Zhang Cunjing marched out by the Hanshan road and captured Hezhong, held by Li Keyong, along with Jinzhou and Jiangzhou. Zhu Quanzhong concurrently became military governor of Hezhong and was promoted to Prince of Liang. The Liang army launched a major attack on Taiyuan in the Jin region. The Jin general Meng Qian led Zezhou in surrendering to the Liang army. The Liang general Di Shucong advanced deep into enemy territory, crossed Tuanbai, and encamped at Dongguo; Ge Congzhou led the troops of Zhao and Wei into Tumen and took Chengtian. Later, heavy rains fell, and only then did the Liang army withdraw.

The chancellor Cui Yin, acting on Zhu Quanzhong's orders, pressed the emperor to move to the Eastern Capital, Luoyang, but before the journey began, the Divine Strategy Army commander Han Quanhui led the troops of Li Maozhen and forced the emperor to go to Fengxiang. Cui Yin was dismissed as chancellor. Cui Yin went to Taiyuan and urged Zhu Quanzhong to advance westward. Zhu Quanzhong led the troops of four garrisons, broke Huazhou, besieged Fengxiang from the west of the capital, and also broke Binzhou, capturing Li Jihui in order to cut off relief forces for Fengxiang.

In the Renxu year, with the emperor at Fengxiang, Yang Xingmi of Huainan was enfeoffed as Prince of Wu and Qian Liu of Liangzhe as Prince of Yue, in the hope that they would relieve the court's perilous situation, but neither came. Li Keyong attacked southward against Zhu Quanzhong. Zhu Quanzhong came from Fengxiang to Hezhong, ordered his subordinate commanders to take Fenzhou in the Jin region, and continued his advance to besiege Taiyuan, but the campaign went poorly. Zhu Quanzhong returned from Hezhong to Fengxiang. Li Zhouyi, military governor of Fuzhou.

Zhu Quanzhong sent troops to aid Fengxiang. Taking advantage of the opening, Kong Xun, a general from Bianzhou, seized Fuzhou. Zhou Yi led his troops in surrendering to Zhu Quanzhong, and Binning, Fufang, and other regions also came under Liang. Li Maozhen of Fengxiang then had the eunuch Han Quanhui and others executed, thereby ending Zhu Quanzhong’s siege of Fengxiang.

In the year Guihai, Emperor Zhaozong of Tang returned to Chang’an and promoted Zhu Quanzhong to commander-in-chief. Cui Yin again became chancellor. Zhu Quanzhong executed seven hundred eunuchs, removed Lu Yi from the chancellorship, and appointed Pei Shu and Wang Bo as chancellors. Wang Shifan of Qingzhou captured Yanzhou, which was held by Liang forces. Zhu Quanzhong advanced east to attack Qingzhou, while Wang Jian of Chengdu attacked the Qin and Long regions controlled by Li Maozhen and made peace with Zhu Quanzhong. Wang Shifan joined forces with the Huainan army and defeated Liang forces at Linzi; the Liang general Yang Shihou then defeated Qingzhou’s army at Linqu. Wang Shifan consequently surrendered Qingzhou and submitted to Huainan.

Yang Xingmi of Huainan attacked Ezhou. Cheng Rui, military commissioner of Jingnan, went to Ezhou’s aid, but troops from Lizhou and Langzhou took advantage of his absence to seize Jiangling. Zhao Kuangning also took the opportunity to capture Jingzhou. In fury, Cheng Rui killed himself. Qi forces advanced toward Chang’an, while Liang forces were stationed at Hezhong. Zhu Quanzhong compelled the emperor to move the capital to Luoyang, and killed Chancellor Cui Yin, along with Zheng Rengui, commander of the Six Armies; Wang Jianxun, commissioner of the Imperial City; Chen Ban, commissioner of the Flying Dragon Palace; Wang Jian, commissioner of the Palace Gate; and Wang Jianyi, commissioner of the Guest Reception Office. Left Vice Director Zhang Jun was demoted for delaying the transfer. Liu Can and Cui Yuan succeeded them as chancellors.

Jingshi, Shen Section, year 2,265.

In the year Jiazi, the sixteenth year of Emperor Jingwen of Tang, the court moved east to Gushui. Zhu Quanzhong, Prince of Liang, had two hundred of the emperor’s attendants buried alive. On reaching Luoyang, he changed the era name to Tianyou and appointed Zhang Hanyu as chancellor. Yang Chongben led troops from Binzhou in an invasion of the Guanzhong region. Zhu Quanzhong advanced west and murdered the emperor in the palace at Luoyang, then enthroned Prince Hui, Zuo. He became Emperor Ai of Tang. Li Keyong led his own troops to occupy Taiyuan.

In the year Yichou, Zhu Quanzhong, Prince of Liang, compelled the emperor to abdicate and had the chancellors Pei Shu, Cui Yuan, and Lu Yi, as well as nine princes, killed. Zhu Quanzhong appointed Zhang Wenwei and Yang She as chancellors and dismissed all the court officials. Li Keyong of Taiyuan, Li Maozhen of Fengxiang, Wang Jian of Chengdu, and Zhao Kuangning of Xiangyang jointly plotted to restore the Tang dynasty.

The Liang general Yang Shihou defeated Zhao Kuangning’s troops by the river, then advanced and captured Xiangyang. Wang Jianwu, a subordinate of Zhao Kuangning, led Jingnan troops in surrendering to Tang. Tangzhou, Dengzhou, Fuzhou, Yingzhou, Suizhou, Xiangzhou, and Jingnan, among other places, also came under Liang. Zhao Kuang…

After Zhu Quanzhong (Emperor Taizu of Later Liang) put down a rebellion in the Huainan region, he was awarded the “Nine Bestowments” (the highest honor an emperor could grant to a meritorious subject), given charge of all government affairs, appointed commander-in-chief of the empire’s armed forces, and elevated to Prince of Wei. He declined. After the court again forced Emperor Zhaozong of Tang to abdicate, Zhu Quanzhong killed the Privy Council commissioner Jiang Xuanhui, Yin Xun, keeper of the Fengde treasury, Zhu Jianwu, and the ministers Liu Can, Zhang Tinghong, Pei Jian, and Zhang Maozhao, as well as Empress He.

Yang Xingmi of Huainan died, and his son Yang Wo succeeded him. Li Keyong of Taiyuan met the Khitan leader Abaoji in Yunzhou, then marched into Hebei.

In the year Bingyin, the garrison troops in Weizhou mutinied. Zhu Quanzhong had them buried alive, then advanced and besieged Youzhou. The defenders of Youzhou appealed to Li Keyong of Taiyuan for help. Li Keyong joined forces with the Youzhou army and attacked Shangdang. Ding Hui, a Liang general, surrendered Zezhou and Luzhou to Zhu Quanzhong. Zhu Quanzhong returned from Changlu to Daliang.

In the year Dingmao, Zhu Quanzhong accepted the Tang emperor’s abdication at Bianzhou, founded the Liang dynasty, and named the era Kaiping. He appointed Xue Yiju and Han Jian as chancellors. He demoted the Tang emperor to Prince of Ji and moved him to Caozhou, where he later had him killed. The regional rulers were given princely titles: Li Keyong of Hedong became Prince of Jin; Yang Wo of Huainan, Prince of Wu; Wang Jian of Jiannan, Prince of Shu; Li Maozhen of Shannan, Prince of Qin; Qian Liu of the Two Zhejiang Circuits, Prince of Yue; Gao Jichang of Jingnan, Prince of Bohai; Ma Yin of Hunan, Prince of Chu; Wang Shenzhi of Quannan, Prince of Min; and Liu Yin of Guangnan, Prince of Nanhai. They continued to use the Tang era name.

In the year Wuchen, Liang forces attacked Hedong. Yu Jing and Zhang Rong were appointed chancellors. The Liang court put the Prince of Jiyin to death in Caozhou. Gao Jichang of Jingnan, Ma Yin of Hunan, and Qian Liu of the Two Zhejiang Circuits submitted to Liang. That same year, Wang Jian of Jiannan declared himself emperor in Chengdu, named his state Shu, and adopted the era name Wucheng. Li Keyong of Hedong, Yang Wo of Huainan, Li Maozhen of Shannan, Wang Shenzhi of Quannan, and Liu Yin of Nanhai continued to use the Tang era name.

Li Keyong of Hedong died, and his son Li Cunxu succeeded him. Li Cunxu executed Li Kening and Li Cunhao, who had instigated a rebellion, and defeated Liang forces at Sanchuigang in Luzhou. Yang Wo of Huainan was murdered by his general Zhang Hao, who took his place. The senior general Xu Wen hurried from Jinling, executed Zhang Hao, and installed Yang Wo’s younger brother, Yang Wei. From then on, Xu Wen held power.

In the year Jisi, the Liang court moved its capital from Bianzhou to Luoyang and held a suburban sacrifice to Heaven and Earth. Zhao Guangfeng and Du Xiao were appointed chancellors. Zhang Feng rebelled in Shazhou, Liu Zhijun defected in Tongzhou, and troops in Danzhou and Xiangzhou also mutinied. Wang Shenzhi of Quannan, Liu Yin of Nanhai…

Liu Yin died during the Liang dynasty, and his younger brother Liu Yan succeeded him. Li Cunxu of Hedong, Yang Wei of Huainan, and Li Maozhen of Shannan each continued to use their own era names that year. (The phrase “Xingtang year” in the original is unclear in context and may contain an omission or a textual error.)

Gengwu year: Wang Rong of Zhenzhou and Wang Chuzhi of Dingzhou, both under Liang, asked to submit to Jin. Li Cunxu of Hedong marched east into Hebei.

Xinwei year: Liang changed its era name to Qianyou and attacked Zhenzhou and Dingzhou to the north, but was defeated at Baixiang. Shu changed its era name to Yongping. That year, Li Cunxu’s general Liu Shouguang declared himself emperor in Youzhou.

Renshen year: Liang forces again attacked Zhenzhou and Dingzhou to the north, capturing Zaoqiang. In the sixth month, Prince Ying, Zhu Yougui, carried out a regicide, seized the throne, and changed the era name to Fengli. In Bianzhou, he killed Prince Bo, Zhu Youwen. Prince Ji, Zhu Youqian, brought Hezhong over to Jin. A mutiny broke out in the army at Xuzhou. Li Cunxu, Prince of Jin, defeated the Yan army at Longgang, then advanced and besieged Youzhou.

Guiyou year: Liang’s imperial guards killed Zhu Yougui and enthroned Prince Jun, Zhu Youzhen, in Bianzhou, restoring the era name Qianyou. Li Cunxu, Prince of Jin, pacified Youzhou, captured Liu Shouguang and his father Liu Rengong, and brought them back as prisoners.

Jiaxu year: The Liang general Wang Yin rebelled with Xuzhou and submitted to Wu. Li Cunxu, Prince of Jin, established a ba fu in Taiyuan, with the prince’s residence as the center of military and civil administration.

Yihai year: Liang changed its era name to Zhenming. Yang Shihou, Prince of Ye, died, and the six prefectures under his control were divided between two regional military commands. The army of Wei immediately rebelled, imprisoned its commander He Delun, and submitted to Jin with the six prefectures. Shu forces captured Qin, Feng, Jie, Cheng, and other areas in Shannan. A great fire broke out in the palace. Li Cunxu, Prince of Jin, marched east and mustered a large army outside Weizhou.

Bingzi year: All of Liang’s territory in Hebei came under Jin control. Zhao Guangfeng and Zheng Jue became chancellors and sent troops to attack Jin, but gained no advantage. Shu changed its era name to Tongzheng and captured Longzhou in Shannan. Li Cunxu, Prince of Jin, defeated Liang forces at the former Yuancheng. Wu bestowed the title Duke of Qi on its chancellor Xu Wen and assigned him to govern the six prefectures of Jinling, Danyang, Piling, Xuancheng, Xinan, and Chiyang, with his seat at Jinling.

Dingchou year: Liang appointed Qian Liu of the Two Zhes Commander-in-Chief of All the Armies. That year, Liu She declared himself emperor in Nanhai, named his state Han, and adopted the era name Qianheng. Shu changed its era name to Tianhan and executed the surrendered general Liu Zhijun at the charcoal market. Li Cunxu, Prince of Jin, captured Yangliu, a city held by Liang forces.

Wuyin year: Jin captured Liang’s Yunzhou and Puzhou. Shu changed its era name to Tianguang. Jian died, poisoned, and his son Yan succeeded him. Li Cunxu, Prince of Jin, annexed Taiyuan, Weibo, and other territories…

The armies of the ten military commands of Youzhou, Cangzhou, Zhenzhou, Dingzhou, Xingzhou, Luozhou, Linzhou, Shengzhou, Yunzhou, and Shuozhou were subdued.

The Jin army held a grand review on the outskirts of Weizhou and defeated the Liang army at Huliu.

In the year Jimao, the Liang general Zhang Shoujin surrendered Yanzhou to the state of Jin. Shu changed its era name to Qiande.

The Jin army advanced toward the Henan region of Liang. That year, Yang Wei proclaimed himself emperor in Huainan, naming his state Wu and his era Wuyi. Xu Wen was appointed Grand Chancellor, given command over military and civil affairs both inside and outside the court, and enfeoffed as Prince of the Eastern Sea.

In the year Gengchen, Liang appointed Li Qi as chancellor. Rebellion by marauding bands broke out in Chenzhou, and the Jin army invaded Liang territory. Wu’s King Yang Wei died, and his younger brother Yang Pu succeeded him. Li Cunxu, King of Jin, captured Tongzhou from Liang.

In the year Xinsi, Liang changed its era name to Longde. Prince Hui, Zhu You-neng, occupied Chenzhou and rebelled. Wu changed its era name to Shunyi. The Jin army put down unrest in Zhenzhou. The Khitan invaded Youzhou.

In the year Renwu, the Jin general Li Cunxu subdued Zhenzhou and then defeated the Khitan at Yishui.

In the year Guiwei, Li Cunxu, King of Jin in Hedong, proclaimed himself emperor at Weizhou. He was posthumously known as Emperor Zhuangzong, named his state Tang, and adopted the era name Tongguang; historians call it Later Tang. Doulu Ge was appointed chancellor and Guo Chongtao director of the Bureau of Military Affairs. Zhuangzong set out from Weizhou, marched south through Yunzhou, and defeated the Liang general Wang Yanzhang at Zhongdu. He then advanced directly to Bianzhou and killed Liang ruler Zhu Youzhen at the Jianguo Tower. The Liang dynasty surrendered, and Zhu Youzhen was reduced to commoner status. Troops in Luzhou rebelled. Yang Pu of Huainan, Qian Liu of the Two Zhejiang Circuits, Li Maozhen of Shannan, and Ma Yin of Hunan requested to submit to Wu. Yang Pu relinquished his imperial title and took the title King of Wu. Gao Jixing of Jingnan and Wang Shenzhi of Quannan continued to use Later Liang’s era name.

In the year Jiashen, Later Tang moved its capital from Bianzhou to Luoyang and pacified Shangdang.

In the year Yiyou, Li Cunxu, Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang, made a northern inspection of the outskirts of Weizhou. He ordered Guo Chongtao, director of the Bureau of Military Affairs, and Li Jiji, Prince of Wei, to lead a joint campaign against Shu. After seventy days, Later Tang’s army subdued Shu and captured its ruler Wang Yan, bringing him back under guard. When they reached Qinchuan Station, Wang Yan and his entire clan were killed. Later Tang appointed Meng Zhixiang to govern Chengdu. Gao Jixing of Jingnan requested to submit to Shu. Shu changed its era name to Xiankang. The Han state was destroyed. Wang Shenzhi of Quannan was killed by his son Yanhui, who succeeded him.

In the year Bingxu, turmoil broke out within the Later Tang court. Empress Liu sent men to Shu, where they killed Guo Chongtao, director of the Bureau of Military Affairs. The army at Weizhou rebelled, and Later Tang sent Li Siyuan, commander of Zhenzhou, to suppress it. When Li Siyuan arrived at Weizhou, his troops rebelled again. The forces of Weizhou and the punitive expedition jointly acclaimed Li Siyuan and escorted him into Bianzhou. Li Cunxu, Emperor Zhuangzong, marched east. When he reached Wansheng, another mutiny broke out among the troops in the capital. Li Cunxu was killed at the Hall of Crimson Clouds, and Li Siyuan entered…

The man who proclaimed himself emperor in Luoyang was Li Siyuan, Emperor Mingzong of the Later Tang. He changed the era name to “Tiancheng” and had the chancellors Doulu Ge and Wei Shuo executed. Taking the advice of Zheng Jue and Ren Huan, he appointed them both chancellors and made An Chonghui a Privy Council commissioner, an office responsible for military affairs and confidential matters. Li Jiji, Prince of Wei, came from Chengdu to attend court, but was killed when he reached Weiqiao. Jingnan rebelled, while Quannan submitted. Wang Yanhui, ruler of Quannan, was killed by his younger brother Wang Yanjun, who succeeded him.

In the year Dinghai, the Later Tang appointed Feng Dao and Cui Xie as chancellors. The armies of Lutai and Junyi rebelled. Yang Pu of Huainan again proclaimed himself emperor and changed the era name to “Qianzheng.” The chancellor Xu Wen died, and his adopted son Xu Zhigao took over state affairs and proclaimed himself king at Jinling. That year, the northern Khitan leader Yelü Deguang proclaimed himself emperor, naming the state after the Huang River, adopting Khitan as the dynastic name, and changing the era name to “Tianxian.”

In the year Wuzi, the Later Tang appointed Wang Jianli as chancellor. Wang Du put down a rebellion. Gao Jixing led Jingnan in submitting to the Wu state. The Southern Han changed its era name to “Dayou.”

In the year Jichou, the Later Tang appointed Zhao Feng as chancellor, while An Chonghui monopolized power. The Wu state changed its era name to “Dahe.”

In the year Gengyin, the Later Tang changed its era name to “Changxing.” The army at Hezhong rebelled, and Meng Zhixiang of Xichuan joined forces with Dong Zhang of Dongchuan in rebellion.

In the year Xinmao, the Later Tang appointed Li Yu as chancellor, removed An Chonghui from his post as Privy Council commissioner, and appointed Zhao Yanshou and Fan Yanguang as commissioners. Dongchuan and Xichuan fought one another.

In the year Renchen, Meng Zhixiang defeated Dongchuan under attack from the Later Tang army and captured Dong Zhang. The Later Tang memorialized the court, proposing that Meng Zhixiang be made Prince of Shu. Qian Liu, king of Wu, died, and his son Qian Yuanguan succeeded him. Wang Yanjun of Fuzhou proclaimed himself emperor, named his state Min, and adopted the era name “Guangqi.”

In the year Guisi, the Later Tang appointed Liu Xu as chancellor. Li Congke, Prince of Lu, left the capital to take up the post of prefect of Fengxiang; Shi Jingtang was transferred to defend Taiyuan. Emperor Mingzong, Li Siyuan, fell gravely ill. The Prince of Qin, Li Congrong, led the troops of Henan Prefecture in an attack on Duanmen, but failed to capture it. His forces were defeated, and he died in battle. Mingzong eventually designated the Prince of Song, Li Conghou, as his heir. Feng Dao and Li Yu served as chancellors and controlled state affairs; Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun served as Privy Council commissioners.

In the Jingshi chronology, this year corresponds to the You year and bears the ordinal number 2,266.

In the year Jiawu, the first year of Li Conghou’s reign as Emperor Min of the Later Tang, the era name was changed to “Yingshun.” The court transferred Li Congke, Prince of Lu, from Fengxiang to defend Taiyuan. Li Congke raised troops in Fengxiang and marched into Luoyang, driving out Li Conghou and taking the throne. He changed the era name to “Qingtai.” Li Conghou fled to Weizhou and was later killed. That year, Meng Zhixiang used the two circuits of Xichuan and Dongchuan as his base to proclaim himself emperor in Chengdu, naming his state Shu and adopting the era name “Mingde.” After Meng Zhixiang died, his son Meng Chang succeeded him.

In the yiwei year, the Tang court appointed Han Zhaoyin as chancellor. The garrison troops in Xinzhou rebelled. Wu changed its era name to Tianzuo, and Min changed its era name to Yonghe. The minister Li Fang assassinated the Min ruler Yan Jun. Yan Jun’s son Chang succeeded him.

In the bingshen year, the Tang court appointed Ma Yisun as chancellor and transferred Shi Jingtang from Taiyuan to defend Wenyang. Shi Jingtang raised troops in Taiyuan and, with the help of Yelü Deguang of the northern tribes—the Khitan—proclaimed himself emperor. He entered Luoyang, displaced the Tang, and founded the Jin state, adopting the dynastic name Jin and the era name Tianfu. He appointed Sang Weihan and Zhao Ying, both officials from Bingzhou, as chancellors. Feng Dao remained in office, later succeeded by Shuji. The Tang ruler Congke fled north to seek refuge with the Khitan, but later died by setting himself on fire at Xuanwu Tower. Jingnan and the Two Zhes declared allegiance to Min. Min’s ruler Chang killed Li Fang and changed the era name to Tongwen.

In the dingyou year, Jin appointed Li Song as chancellor. Zhang Congbin of Heyang, Fan Yanguang of Weizhou, Fu Yanrao of Huazhou, and Lu Wenjin of Yuanzhou defied the government’s orders; all were eventually subdued. Xu Zhigao, a leading general of Wu, displaced Wu at Jinling, changed the state’s name to Qi, and then renamed it Tang, adopting the era name Shengyuan. He restored the surname Li and changed his personal name to Sheng. He appointed Song Qiqiu and Xu Jie as left and right chancellors. He moved the former ruler of Wu to Dantu and later had him killed.

In the wuxu year, Jin moved its capital to Bianzhou. Fan Yanguang of Weizhou submitted to the government, was enfeoffed as Prince of Gaoping, and was transferred to defend Wenyang. Yelü Deguang of the northern tribes changed the era name to Huitong.

In the jihai year, Min fell into internal disorder. Lian Chongyu killed Min’s ruler Chang and installed Chang’s uncle Yanxi as ruler, changing the era name to Yonglong.

In the gengzi year, Jin appointed He Ning as chancellor. Li Jinquan rebelled in Anzhou, and Ma Anjie led troops from ten commanderies to suppress him.

In the xinchou year, Jin emperor Shi Jingtang traveled north through Ye. An Congjin rebelled in Xiangzhou, and An Zhongrong rebelled in Zhenzhou. Qian Liu of the Two Zhes died, and his son Hongzuo succeeded him.

In the renyin year, Jin emperor Shi Jingtang died in Ye. His nephew, the Prince of Qi, Shi Chonggui, succeeded him. The palace guard general Jing Yanguang took control of the government, and Jin began to distance itself from the Khitan. Liu Yan of Han died, and his son Fen succeeded him, changing the era name to Guangda.

In the guimao year, Yang Guangyuan of Jin rebelled from Qingzhou. The northern tribes invaded. Han fell into internal disorder: the younger brother Sheng killed ruler Fen and proclaimed himself ruler, changing the era name to Yingqian and later to Qianhe. Li Sheng of Jiangnan died, and his son Li Jing succeeded him, changing the era name to Baoda. Song Qiqiu and Zhou Jing served as chancellors and suppressed the Baiyun Man in Qianzhou.

Wang Yanzheng, the younger brother of Wang Yanxi, ruler of Min, also proclaimed himself emperor. He established a state at Jianzhou, called it □ Yuan, and adopted the era name Tiande.

In the year of the Wood Dragon, the Later Jin changed its era name to Kaiyun. The Khitan invaded from the north, advancing as far as the area around Weizhou and Bozhou. The Later Jin made Liu Zhiyuan Prince of Taiyuan and appointed Liu Ying chancellor. Civil war broke out in Min. The general Zhu Wenjin killed its ruler, Wang Yanxi, and declared himself king. Based in Fuzhou, he signaled his submission to the Later Jin.

In the year of the Wood Snake, the Khitan launched a major invasion of the Later Jin, entering the lands north of the Yellow River and advancing as far as Cizhou and Xiangzhou. The Later Jin made Liu Zhiyuan Prince of Beiping, removed Sang Weihan and He Ning from their posts as chancellors, appointed Feng Yu chancellor, and put Li Song in charge of the Privy Council.

In the year of the Fire Horse, the Later Jin generals Du Chongwei and Li Shouzhen, together with the deputy general Zhang Yanze, surrendered to the Khitan at Zhongdu. Zhang Yanze led five hundred soldiers into Bianzhou, clearing the way for the Khitan army, and imprisoned the Later Jin ruler Shi Chonggui in the Kaifeng prefectural office. Southern Tang pacified Jianzhou in Min and destroyed Wang Yanzheng’s state.

In the first month of the year of the Fire Goat, the Khitan emperor Yelü Deguang entered Bianzhou and destroyed the Later Jin, changing the state’s name to Liao. He killed Zhang Yanze, relocated Shi Chonggui to the northern wastelands, and sent him to Longcheng. In the second month, Liu Zhiyuan proclaimed himself emperor at Jinyang, retaining the Later Jin era name Tianfu; he was posthumously known as Emperor Gaozu. In the fifth month, the Khitan army collapsed at Bianzhou. Yelü Deguang left the chancellor Xiao Han to garrison the city. Xiao Han installed Li Congyi, a son of Later Tang’s Emperor Mingzong, as emperor, then departed. In the sixth month, Liu Zhiyuan left his son Liu Chong in Taiyuan and marched south to Bianzhou, where he founded the Han state. He appointed Su Fengji and Su Yugui as chancellors, and also appointed Dou Zhengu and Li Tao as chancellors. Yang Yun and Guo Wei served as commissioners of the Privy Council. The chancellors Feng Dao and Li Song came from Luancheng to the Han army’s camp. Du Chongwei defied orders at Weizhou. Min split into three parts. Jingnan and the Two Zhes declared their submission to the Later Han. Qian Hongzuo, king of Wuyue, died, and his younger brother Qian Hongzong succeeded him.

On his return journey, the Khitan emperor Yelü Deguang reached Luancheng and died. His elder brother’s son, Yelü Ruan, planned to succeed him. After returning to the country, he deposed Yelü Deguang’s mother and changed the era name to Tianlu.

In the year of the Earth Monkey, the Later Han changed its era name to Qianyou. Emperor Liu Zhiyuan died, and his son, Prince of Zhou Liu Chengyou, succeeded him. He removed Li Tao from the post of chancellor and appointed Yang Yun in his place. The Han army captured Yecheng and killed Du Chongwei. Li Shouzhen defied orders while holding Hezhong; Wang Jingsong rebelled at Fengxiang; and Zhao Siwan defied orders at Yongxing. Guo Wei, as commissioner of the Privy Council, led an army west on campaign. Rebellion broke out in the eastern part of the Two Zhes, and the general Hu Sijin…

The ruler of Wu-Yue, Hong Zong, was deposed, and his younger brother Chu was installed in his place.

In the year Jiyou, rebellions broke out in the Later Han territories of Puzhou, Yongzhou, and Qizhou. They were later suppressed. The Khitan invaded Hebei, and the Later Han appointed its Military Affairs Commissioner, Guo Wei, to lead a northern campaign and garrison Yedu.

In the year Gengxu, the Later Han executed its chancellor Yang Bin, Palace Guard General Shi Hongzhao, and Director of the Three Offices Wang Zhang. It also put to death Wang Yin of Chanzhou, Guo Wei of Weizhou, and Wang Jun. In the twelfth month, the Military Affairs Commissioner Guo Wei led the Weizhou army to the capital. After crossing the Yellow River, he defeated the imperial forces at Liu Zibei. The Later Han ruler Liu Chengyou died in the wilderness while fleeing.

When Guo Wei reached Bianzhou, he asked the chancellor Feng Dao to welcome Liu Chenggui, the younger brother of Liu Chengyou. Liu Chenggui returned from Xuzhou, but a mutiny broke out as he reached Chanyuan. Guo Wei entered Bianzhou. The Empress Dowager ordered him to govern on her behalf and demoted Liu Chenggui to the Duke of Xiangyin. Guo Wei executed the chancellors Su Fengji and Liu Zhu.

In the first month of the year Xinhai, Guo Wei accepted the abdication of the Later Han in Bianzhou and established the Later Zhou. He was later known as Emperor Taizu of Zhou. He changed the state’s name to Zhou and adopted the era name Yingshun. Wang Jun, Fan Zhi, and Feng Dao served as chancellors. Liu Chenggui, the Duke of Xiangyin, died in Songzhou. Murong Yanchao of Yanzhou refused to submit to the Later Zhou, while Jingnan and the Two Zhejiang regions declared their allegiance. Liu Chong of Taiyuan declared himself emperor, established the Han state of Hedong, and continued using the Later Han era name Qianyou.

The Southern Tang in the south conquered Hunan and moved its local officials to Jinling. The Khitan in the north fell into internal conflict: Wayu (as written in the original) was killed by Shugan, a member of his own people. Shulü, the son of Yelü Deguang, put down the rebellion. After taking the throne, he adopted the era name Yingli and changed his name.

In the year Renzi, the Later Zhou pacified Yanzhou.

In the year Guichou, the Later Zhou appointed Chai Rong, the Empress’s younger brother, Crown Prince and Prince of Jin, and also made him prefect of Kaifeng. Wang Jun was exiled to Shangzhou, and Wang □ was exiled to Dengzhou; both were killed. Li Gu and Feng Dao served as chancellors.

In the year Jiayin, the Later Zhou appointed Zheng Renhui and Wang Pu as chancellors and changed the era name to Xiande. Emperor Taizu Guo Wei died, and Prince of Jin Chai Rong succeeded him in the palace at Bianzhou, becoming Emperor Shizong of the Later Zhou. Liu Chong of the Han state of Hedong invaded with the help of Khitan troops. The Later Zhou emperor Chai Rong personally led a campaign and decisively defeated Liu Chong at Gaoping. He put to death seventy officers who had disobeyed orders in battle. He then attacked Taiyuan but failed to capture it. Zezhou, Luzhou, Fenzhou, Liaozhou, Xinzhou, Daizhou, Lanzhou, and Shizhou surrendered to the Later Zhou. The chancellor Feng Dao died in a certain prefecture.

In the year Yimao, the Later Zhou launched major campaigns against the Southern Tang and Later Shu. Liu Chong, ruler of the Han state of Hedong, died, and his son Liu Chengjun succeeded him.

In the year Bingchen, the Later Zhou expanded Bianzhou’s outer wall and campaigned south, capturing the Southern Tang prefectures of Chuzhou and Hezhou. It also defeated the Southern Tang ruler at Wokou. Liu Chengjun, ruler of the Han state of Hedong, changed the era name to Tianhui.

In the year Ding-Si, Li Gu, a minister of the Later Zhou, was dismissed as chancellor, and Wang Pu was appointed commissioner of the Privy Council, the official responsible for military and political affairs. The Later Zhou campaigned against Jiangnan and won military victories. Southern Tang changed its era name to Jiaotai. After being defeated at Zijin Mountain, it asked to cede the lands north of the Yangtze River to make peace with the Later Zhou.

In the year Wu-Wu, the Later Zhou accepted Southern Tang’s cession of its territory north of the Yangtze. Liu Sheng, ruler of the Han kingdom in the South Sea, died. His son Liu Chang succeeded him and adopted the era name Dabao. Southern Tang asked to submit to the Later Zhou and had its chancellor Song Qiqiu, along with Chen Jue and Li Zhigu, put to death.

In the year Ji-Wei, the Later Zhou launched a northern campaign against the Khitan and reached Waqiao Pass. The prefectures of Ning, Xiong, Ying, and Mo, among others, sent delegations to welcome its forces and surrender. Emperor Shizong of the Later Zhou, Chai Rong, fell ill. He therefore restored his consort Fu to her position as empress, made his son Chai Chongxun Crown Prince and Prince of Liang, and appointed Wei Renpu and Fan Zhi as chancellors. Zhao Kuangyin was promoted to Honorary Grand Preceptor and appointed commander of the palace guard. Soon afterward, Shizong died, and the Crown Prince Chai Chongxun succeeded to the throne.

No events are recorded under the four years Geng-Shen, Xin-You, Ren-Xu, and Gui-Hai. In the chronology of the Jingshi, the Xu year is 2267 and the Hai year 2268. These are the dates in the lower part of volume six of the Huangji Jingshi. With this, the entire volume concludes.