Book of Shu · Biography of the Later Lord (Liu Shan)

The Later Lord (Liu Shan) <the retrospective designation for Shu's second ruler> bore the personal name Shan and courtesy name Gongsi. He was the son of the Former Lord (Liu Bei) <the retrospective designation for Shu's founding ruler>. In Jian'an 24, when the Former Lord (Liu Bei) became King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei) <a territorial royal title>, he established Liu Shan as royal crown prince. After assuming the imperial title, he issued this investiture document: 'On the xinsi day of the fifth month of Zhangwu 1, the emperor declares: Crown Prince Shan, I encountered hardship in Han's fortunes, when a traitorous minister usurped and stole sovereignty, leaving the altars of state without a lord. Eminent men and upright officers, acting upon Heaven's clear command, enabled me to succeed to the great line. I now make Shan imperial crown prince, to continue the ancestral temples and reverently attend the altars of state. I send Chancellor Zhuge Liang, bearing the staff of authority, to confer the seal and ribbon. Respectfully heed your tutors: in performing one undertaking all three virtues may be obtained. Can you fail to strive?'

In summer, the fourth month of Zhangwu 3, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) died at the Yong'an Palace. In the fifth month the Later Lord (Liu Shan) succeeded at Chengdu, aged seventeen. He honored the empress as Empress Dowager (Lady Wu) <the title of the preceding ruler's surviving empress>, proclaimed a general amnesty, and changed the era name. This was Huangchu 4 in Wei. <Lady Wu's personal name is not recorded here.>

In summer of Jianxing 1, Zhu Bao, Grand Administrator of Zangke, held his commandery in rebellion.

Earlier Yong Kai, a member of a powerful family in Yi Commandery, had rebelled, banished Grand Administrator Zhang Yi to Wu, and occupied the commandery in defiance. Gao Ding, king of the Yi people of Yuexi, also rebelled. That year Empress Zhang (Lady Zhang) <the empress's surname; her personal name is not recorded> was established. Deng Zhi, a Master of Writing, was sent to strengthen friendship with Wu. the King of Wu (Sun Quan) <a territorial royal title>, made peace with Shu and exchanged missions; friendly relations were established that year. <The source inserts 郎, lang, parenthetically in Deng Zhi's office.>

In spring of Jianxing 2, farming and grain production were promoted, the passes were closed, and the people were given rest.

In spring, the third month of Jianxing 3, Chancellor Zhuge Liang campaigned south against four commanderies and pacified them all. Yi Commandery was renamed Jianning. Parts of Jianning and Yongchang were separated to form Yunnan Commandery, and parts of Jianning and Zangke to form Xinggu Commandery. In the twelfth month Zhuge Liang returned to Chengdu.

In spring of Jianxing 4, Protector-General Li Yan returned from Yong'an to station himself at Jiangzhou, where he built a great walled city.

In spring of Jianxing 5, Chancellor Zhuge Liang marched out to station at Hanzhong, establishing his camp at Shima in Yangping, north of the Mian River.

In spring of Jianxing 6, Zhuge Liang marched against Mount Qi but did not take it. In winter he again emerged through San Pass and besieged Chencang, withdrawing when provisions ran out. Wei general Wang Shuang pursued with his army. Zhuge Liang fought and defeated him, beheaded him, and returned to Hanzhong.

In spring of Jianxing 7, Zhuge Liang sent Chen Shi against Wudu and Yinping and secured both commanderies. In winter he moved his headquarters camp to the plain below the southern mountains and built the two fortified towns of Han and Le. That year Sun Quan assumed the imperial title and made a sworn alliance with Shu to divide the realm jointly.

In autumn of Jianxing 8, Wei sent Sima Yi by Xicheng, Zhang He by Ziwu, and Cao Zhen by Xie Valley

to attack Hanzhong. Chancellor Zhuge Liang awaited them at Chenggu and Chiban. Heavy rain severed the roads, and Cao Zhen and the others all returned. That year Wei Yan defeated Guo Huai, Wei's Inspector of Yong Province, at Yangxi. The King of Lu (Liu Yong) <a territorial royal title> was transferred to become King of Ganling (Liu Yong), and the King of Liang (Liu Li) <a territorial royal title> to become King of Anping (Liu Li), because Lu and Liang both lay within Wu's allotted sphere.

In spring, the second month of Jianxing 9, Zhuge Liang again marched out to besiege Mount Qi, first using wooden oxen for transport. Wei sent Sima Yi and Zhang He to relieve Mount Qi. In summer, the sixth month, Zhuge Liang withdrew when provisions ran out. Zhang He pursued to Qingfeng and fought him, but was killed by an arrow. In autumn, the eighth month, Protector-General Li Yan was dismissed and banished to Zitong Commandery.

In Jianxing 10, Zhuge Liang rested his soldiers and promoted farming at Huangsha. He completed the construction of flowing horses and wooden oxen and trained his troops in military skills.

In winter of Jianxing 11, Zhuge Liang had the armies transport rice and assemble at the mouth of Xie Valley, repairing its storehouses. That year Liu Zhou of the southern Yi rebelled; General Ma Zhong defeated and pacified him.

In spring, the second month of Jianxing 12, Zhuge Liang marched out through Xie Valley, first using flowing horses for transport. In autumn, the eighth month, he died beside the Wei River. Wei Yan, General-in-Chief Who Attacks the West, and Yang Yi, Chief Clerk to the Chancellor, disputed authority and came into conflict, raising troops against one another. Wei Yan was defeated and fled; his head was cut off. Yang Yi led the armies back to Chengdu. A general amnesty was proclaimed. Wu Yi, General of the Left, became General of Chariots and Cavalry, bearing the staff of authority and supervising Hanzhong. Jiang Wan, Chief Clerk in the Chancellor's remaining office, became Prefect of the Masters of Writing, with overall direction of state affairs.

In spring, the first month of Jianxing 13, Yang Yi, Military Adviser to the Central Army, was dismissed and banished to Hanjia Commandery. In summer, the fourth month, Jiang Wan was promoted to General-in-Chief.

In summer, the fourth month of Jianxing 14, the Later Lord (Liu Shan) went to Jian

and climbed Guan Slope to view the flow of the Wen River. After ten days he returned to Chengdu. Fu Jian, King of the Wudu Di, and more than four hundred Di households were moved to Chengdu.

In summer, the sixth month of Jianxing 15, Empress Zhang (Lady Zhang) died.

In spring, the first month of Yanxi 1, Empress Zhang (Lady Zhang) was established. A general amnesty was proclaimed, and the era name was changed. Liu Rui was established as crown prince and Liu Yao as King of Anding (Liu Yao) <a territorial royal title>. In winter, the eleventh month, General-in-Chief Jiang Wan marched out to station at Hanzhong. <The source prints 攻元, literally 'attack the era'; it is understood here as a defective reading in the formula for changing the era name. The newly established Empress Zhang is distinct from the Empress Zhang who died in the preceding entry; their personal names are not recorded.> <The crown prince is written 睿, Rui, here; this differs from the commonly recorded 璿, Xuan, and has not been silently replaced.>

In spring, the third month of Yanxi 2, Jiang Wan was promoted to Grand Marshal.

In spring of Yanxi 3, Zhang Ni, Grand Administrator of Yuexi, was sent to pacify Yuexi Commandery.

In winter, the tenth month of Yanxi 4, Fei Yi, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, went to Hanzhong to consult with Jiang Wan on affairs and plans, returning at year's end. In spring, the first month of Yanxi 5, Jiang Wei, Supervisor of the Army, led a detached force back from Hanzhong to station at Fu County.

In winter, the tenth month of Yanxi 6, Grand Marshal Jiang Wan returned to Hanzhong and stayed at Fu. In the eleventh month a general amnesty was proclaimed. Fei Yi, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, became General-in-Chief. <The source's order 自還漢中, 'returned to Hanzhong,' followed by residence at Fu is problematic; it may intend a return from Hanzhong. The textual uncertainty is retained.>

In the intercalary month of Yanxi 7, Wei's General-in-Chief Cao Shuang, Xiahou Xuan, and others advanced toward Hanzhong. Wang Ping, General-in-Chief Who Guards the North, resisted at the Xingshi defensive position. General-in-Chief Fei Yi led the armies to relieve him, and the Wei army withdrew. In summer, the fourth month, the King of Anping (Liu Li) died. In autumn, the ninth month, Fei Yi returned to Chengdu.

In autumn, the eighth month of Yanxi 8, the Empress Dowager (Lady Wu) died. In the twelfth month General-in-Chief Fei Yi went to Hanzhong to inspect its defensive positions.

In summer, the sixth month of Yanxi 9, Fei Yi returned to Chengdu. In autumn a general amnesty was proclaimed. In winter, the eleventh month, Grand Marshal Jiang Wan died.

In Yanxi 10, Baihuwen, Zhiwudai, and other Hu kings of Liang Province surrendered with their people. Jiang Wei, General of the Guard, went to receive and reassure them and settled them in Fan County. That year the Pingkang Yi of Wenshan rebelled. Jiang Wei went to attack them and defeated and pacified them.

In summer, the fifth month of Yanxi 11, General-in-Chief Fei Yi marched out to station at Hanzhong. In autumn the local and Yi population of the Fuling Dependent State rebelled. Deng Zhi, General of Chariots and Cavalry, went against them and defeated and pacified them all.

In spring, the first month of Yanxi 12, Wei executed General-in-Chief Cao Shuang and the others. Xiahou Ba, General of the Right, came to surrender. In summer, the fourth month, a general amnesty was proclaimed. In autumn Jiang Wei, General of the Guard, marched against Yong Province but returned without success. Generals Ju An and Li Shao surrendered to Wei.

In Yanxi 13, Jiang Wei again marched against Xiping but returned without success.

In summer of Yanxi 14, General-in-Chief Fei Yi returned to Chengdu. In winter he again went north to station at Hanshou. A general amnesty was proclaimed.

In Yanxi 15, the King of Wu (Sun Quan) died. Liu Cong was established as King of Xihe (Liu Cong) <a territorial royal title>. <The source retains Sun Quan's royal designation here even though he had assumed the imperial title.>

In spring, the first month of Yanxi 16, General-in-Chief Fei Yi was killed at Hanshou by Guo Xun, a man who had surrendered from Wei. In summer, the fourth month, Jiang Wei, General of the Guard, again led troops to besiege Nan'an but returned without success.

In spring, the first month of Yanxi 17, Jiang Wei returned to Chengdu. A general amnesty was proclaimed. In summer, the sixth month, he again led troops into Longxi. In winter he removed the inhabitants of the three counties of Didao, Heguan, and Lintao and settled them in Mianzhu and Fan County. <The source prints 河間, Hejian, parenthetically and supplies 河關, Heguan, in brackets.>

In spring of Yanxi 18, Jiang Wei returned to Chengdu. In summer he again led the armies to Didao and fought Wang Jing, Wei's Inspector of Yong Province, west of the Tao River, decisively defeating him. Wang Jing withdrew to defend Didao City, while Jiang Wei moved back to station at Zhongti.

In spring of Yanxi 19, Jiang Wei was promoted to General-in-Chief in command of military affairs. He arranged to meet Hu Ji, General Who Guards the West, at Shanggui, but Hu Ji broke the agreement and failed to arrive. In autumn, the eighth month, Wei's General-in-Chief Deng Ai defeated Jiang Wei at Shanggui. Jiang Wei withdrew his army and returned to Chengdu. That year Liu Zan was established as King of Xinping (Liu Zan) <a territorial royal title>. A general amnesty was proclaimed.

In Yanxi 20, hearing that Wei's General-in-Chief Zhuge Dan had rebelled at Shouchun, Jiang Wei again led troops through Luo Valley as far as Mangshui. A general amnesty was proclaimed that year.

In Jingyao 1, Jiang Wei returned to Chengdu. The historiographers reported the appearance of an auspicious star, so a general amnesty was proclaimed and the era name changed. The eunuch Huang Hao began to monopolize government. Sun Lin, General-in-Chief of Wu, deposed his ruler Sun Liang and established the King of Langye (Sun Xiu) <a territorial royal title>. <Sun Lin follows 孫琳 printed in this text; it is not silently replaced with the commonly found name 孫綝, Sun Chen.>

In summer, the sixth month of Jingyao 2, Liu Chen was established as King of Beidi (Liu Chen) <a territorial royal title>, Liu Xun as King of Xinxing (Liu Xun) <a territorial royal title>, and Liu Qian as King of Shangdang (Liu Qian) <a territorial royal title>. <Liu Chen is 劉諶 in this source; the name's reading requires further review.>

In autumn, the ninth month of Jingyao 3, posthumous titles were granted to the late generals Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, Pang Tong, and Huang Zhong.

In spring, the third month of Jingyao 4, a posthumous title was granted to the late general Zhao Yun. In winter, the tenth month, a general amnesty was proclaimed.

In spring, the first month of Jingyao 5, the King of Xihe (Liu Cong) died. That year Jiang Wei again led troops to Houhe, was defeated by Deng Ai, and withdrew to station at Tazhong.

In summer of Jingyao 6, Wei mobilized a great host of troops and followers, ordering Deng Ai, General Who Attacks the West, Zhong Hui, General Who Guards the West, and Zhuge Xu, Inspector of Yong Province, to attack along several routes. Zhang Yi and Liao Hua, Generals of Chariots and Cavalry of the Left and Right, and Dong Jue, General-in-Chief Who Supports the State, were sent to resist them. A general amnesty was proclaimed, and the era name changed to Yanxing. In winter Deng Ai defeated Zhuge Zhan, General of the Guard, at Mianzhu. Following the advice of Qiao Zhou, Grandee of the Household, the ruler surrendered to Deng Ai, presenting this letter:

'Confined to the regions of the Yangzi and Han rivers, situated far away, we relied on Shu's territory and its isolated corner. Offending the course of the times, we continued year after year, separated from the imperial capital by ten thousand li. Whenever I recall how, during Huangchu, Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) <the Wei emperor's posthumous title> instructed Xianyu Fu, General of Tiger Teeth, to proclaim a warm and confidential edict, extending the grace of three forms of amity and opening the way to us, the great righteousness was manifest. Yet lacking virtue, benighted and weak, I selfishly clung to the surviving inheritance. Several cycles of years passed without my following the great instruction. Now Heaven's might has shaken us, and men and spirits turn to the capable. Awed by the royal army and the approach of its divine military power, how could I dare fail to change my outward allegiance and obediently submit? 'I have immediately ordered all commanders to lay down weapons and remove armor. Nothing in the offices and treasuries has been damaged. The people are spread across the countryside, and surplus grain remains in the fields, awaiting the kindness that will follow, so that the lives of the common people may be preserved. I humbly consider that Great Wei spreads virtue and transformation, with ministers like Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan) <a Zhou royal prince's ducal designation>, embracing and sheltering others and bearing with their faults. I respectfully send my privately appointed Palace Attendant Zhang Shao, Grandee of the Household Qiao Zhou, and Commandant of Attending Cavalry Deng Liang with the seals and ribbons of my succession, requesting commands and declaring sincerity. I respectfully offer loyal submission. Whether I live or die rests upon your decision and grant. My carriage and coffin are near at hand; I will not set out further details.' <The source writes 繼印綬 in the clause conveying seals and ribbons; the intended reading of 繼 requires textual review.>

That day the King of Beidi (Liu Chen), grieving over the state's destruction, first killed his wife and children and then himself.

Zhang Shao and Deng Liang met Deng Ai at Luo County. Receiving the letter, Deng Ai was delighted and immediately replied.

Deng Ai sent Zhang Shao and Deng Liang back first. When he reached the north of the city, the Later Lord (Liu Shan) brought a coffin, bound himself, and went to the gate of the army's camp. Deng Ai untied him, burned the coffin, and invited him in to meet.

Deng Ai then exercised imperial authority to appoint the Later Lord (Liu Shan) General of Agile Cavalry. All the defensive positions received the Later Lord (Liu Shan)'s orders and only then surrendered. Deng Ai had the Later Lord (Liu Shan) remain in his former palace and personally visited him there. Before preparations for departure were complete, in spring, the first month of the following year, Deng Ai was arrested. Zhong Hui came from Fu to Chengdu and rebelled. After Zhong Hui was killed, troops in Shu plundered, with deaths and casualties everywhere. Only after several days was order restored.

The Later Lord (Liu Shan) moved east with his entire household. After he reached Luoyang, this investiture command was issued:

'On the dinghai day of the third month of Jingyuan 5, Emperor Cao Huan appeared at the palace balcony and sent the Minister of Ceremonies to confer upon Liu Shan the title Duke of Anle County (Liu Shan) <a territorial ducal title>. Attend and hear my command! In governing Heaven's world and sustaining its creatures, universal peace is greatest; in brilliantly occupying the realm, timely harmony is finest. Nurturing all living things is the Way of a ruler, while obediently receiving Heaven is the principle of the primal Earth. Only when above and below communicate freely do all things harmonize and every kind find order. Formerly the Han house lost the succession and the world was shaken. Our Taizu (Cao Cao) <"Great Ancestor," a posthumous temple name> arose like a dragon in response to the times, bringing great relief to the eight extremities. Thus he answered Heaven and followed the people, taking possession of the Chinese regions. At that time your late father, amid the tiger-like rivalry of the heroes and unrest throughout the nine zones, took advantage of an opening and relied on remoteness to occupy Yong and Shu. This caused the western corner to have a separate domain and the distant regions to be cut off.'

'Since then warfare has not ceased, and the common people have been unable to secure their lives for nearly five twelve-year cycles. Reflecting long upon the wishes left by my ancestors and father, I have sought to pacify and unite the four seas and bring all lands under one order. I therefore marshaled the Six Armies and displayed their might in Liang and Yi. You, Duke of Anle (Liu Shan), enlarged your virtuous capacity and deeply embraced the great right. You did not shrink from humbling yourself and submitting, valuing love for the people and preservation of the country. Lowering your heart and changing your thoughts, you responded to the moment and transformed like a leopard, returning to good faith and considering obedience so as to enjoy boundless blessings under our protection. Is this not far-seeing? I gladly wish you and your house long enjoyment of illustrious revenues. Consulting earlier instructions, I establish your domain and grant land in accordance with ancient institutions. I bestow this dark-colored bull and earth wrapped in white cogon grass, that you may forever be Wei's vassal and support. Go reverently! Duke of Anle (Liu Shan), respectfully obey my command, expand your virtuous heart, and bring your illustrious achievement to completion.' <Continuation of the investiture command in the preceding source segment.>

His fief comprised ten thousand households. He was granted ten thousand bolts of silk, a hundred male and female slaves, and other goods in proportion. More than fifty of his sons and grandsons received appointments as commandants in the three categories or enfeoffment as marquises. Fan Jian, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Zhang Shao, Palace Attendant, Qiao Zhou, Grandee of the Household, Xi Zheng, Prefect of the Secretariat, and Zhang Tong, Palace Supervisor, were all enfeoffed as ranked marquises. <"Three categories of commandants" follows 三都尉; its precise institutional sense is uncertain. The source writes 卻正 here and 郤正 in the following annotation for Xi Zheng.>

The Duke of Anle (Liu Shan) died at Luoyang in Taishi 7.

Appraisal: When the Later Lord (Liu Shan) entrusted affairs to a worthy chancellor, he was a ruler who followed proper principles. When misled by the eunuch, he became a benighted sovereign. <The source writes 閹堅, literally "eunuch" followed by "firm"; the second character appears textually problematic and is not silently replaced.> The tradition says, 'Plain silk has no fixed color; it depends on what dyes it.' How true! According to ritual, when a ruler succeeds to the throne, the era name is changed after the year has passed. Yet in Zhangwu 3 the designation was changed to Jianxing. Examined against ancient principles, this violated the proper rule. Moreover, the state established no office of historiography and appointed no officials to keep records. Thus many actions have been lost, and disasters and strange portents went unrecorded. Although Zhuge Liang understood government, in matters of this kind he was still not fully thorough. Yet the era name remained unchanged for twelve years, and although armies repeatedly took the field, amnesties were not recklessly proclaimed. Was this not outstanding? After Zhuge Liang's death, these institutions gradually declined, making the difference in quality manifest.