VOLUME 48 · ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Book of Wu · Biographies of the Three Successor Rulers

By Chen Shou · With source commentary

Sun Liang, courtesy name Ziming, was Sun Quan's youngest son. Quan was advanced in years and Liang the youngest, so he paid him particular attention. Liang's elder sister Princess Quan (Sun Luban) had slandered Crown Prince Sun He and his mother and felt uneasy. Following Quan's inclinations, she sought to secure Liang's favor in advance, repeatedly praising Quan Shang's daughter and urging that Liang marry her. In the thirteenth year of Chiwu, He was deposed. Quan then made Liang crown prince, with Lady Quan as his consort.

In summer of the first year of Taiyuan, Liang's mother, Lady Pan, was made empress. In winter Sun Quan fell ill. He summoned General-in-Chief Zhuge Ke to become Grand Tutor to the crown prince and Teng Yin, Administrator of Kuaiji, to become Minister of Ceremonies. Both received orders to assist the crown prince. In the fourth month of the following year Quan died. The crown prince assumed the imperial title, proclaimed a general amnesty, and changed the era name. This was Wei's fourth year of Jiaping.

In the intercalary month Ke became Grand Tutor to the emperor, Yin General of the Guards with charge of the Masters of Writing, and Senior General-in-Chief Lü Dai Grand Marshal. The civil and military officials all received higher titles and rewards, and supernumerary officials were advanced in grade. In the tenth month, winter, Grand Tutor Ke led troops to dam Lake Chao,

and fortified Dongxing. General Quan Duan was assigned the western fort and Commandant Liu Lüe the eastern. In the twelfth month, on bingshen, the first day, there was a great wind with thunder and lightning. Wei sent generals Zhuge Dan, Hu Zun, and others with seventy thousand infantry and cavalry to besiege Dongxing. General Wang Chang attacked Nan Commandery and Guanqiu Jian advanced toward Wuchang. On jiayin Ke led a large army against them. On wuwu his troops reached Dongxing, fought, and heavily defeated Wei's army, killing generals Han Zong, Huan Jia, and others. That month thunder and rain brought a fire to Wuchang's Duan Gate. After the gate was rebuilt, the inner hall also burned.

In spring of the second year, in the first month, on bingyin, Lady Quan was made empress and a general amnesty proclaimed. On gengwu Wang Chang and the others all withdrew. In the second month the army returned from Dongxing and titles and rewards were bestowed extensively. In the third month Ke led an army against Wei. In the fourth month, summer, he besieged Xincheng. A great epidemic broke out, killing more than half the soldiers. In the eighth month, autumn, Ke withdrew. In the tenth month, winter, a great banquet was held. General of the Martial Guards Sun Jun stationed hidden troops and killed Ke in the palace hall. A general amnesty was proclaimed. Jun became Chancellor and Marquis of Fuchun. In the eleventh month a great bird appeared five times at Chunshen. The following year's era name was changed.

In summer of the first year of Wufeng there was a great flood. In autumn Sun Ying, Marquis of Wu, plotted to kill Sun Jun. When the plot was discovered, Ying killed himself. In the eleventh month, winter, a comet appeared between the Dipper and Ox lodges.

In spring of the second year, in the first month, Wei's General Who Guards the East Guanqiu Jian and General of the Front Wen Qin led the forces of Huainan west and fought at Lejia. In the intercalary month, on renchen, Jun, General of Agile Cavalry Lü Ju, and General of the Left Liu Zan led troops in a surprise attack on Shouchun. At Dongxing they heard of Qin's defeat. On renyin they advanced to Tuogao, where Qin surrendered to Jun. Several tens of thousands of the remaining people of Huainan fled to them. Wei's Zhuge Dan entered Shouchun, and Jun withdrew. In the second month they encountered Wei's general Cao Zhen (曹珍) at Gaoting, fought, and defeated him. Liu Zan was defeated at Gupi by Jiang Ban, a detached commander of Dan. Zan and generals Sun Leng and Jiang Xiu were killed. In the third month General Who Guards the South Zhu Yi was sent to raid Anfeng but failed. In the seventh month, autumn, generals Sun Yi, Zhang Yi, Lin Xun, and others plotted to kill Jun. Discovered, Yi killed himself and Xun and the others were punished. A great stone on Mount Lili in Yangxian stood upright of itself. Minister of the Guards Feng Chao was sent to fortify Guangling. General Wu Rang became its administrator, and Liu Lüe Administrator of Donghai. That year there was a severe drought. In the twelfth month the Grand Ancestral Temple was constructed. Feng Chao became Army-Supervising Envoy, commanding the armies of Xu Province. The people starved, and the soldiers resented authority and rebelled.

In spring of the first year of Taiping,

in the second month, on its first day, Jianye burned. Jun adopted Grand General Who Campaigns against the North Wen Qin's plan to invade Wei. In the eighth month he first sent Qin, General of Agile Cavalry Lü Ju, General of Chariots and Cavalry Liu Zuan, General Who Guards the South Zhu Yi, and General of the Front Tang Zi from Jiangdu into the Huai and Si. In the ninth month, on dinghai, Jun died. His younger cousin, Lieutenant General Sun Chen, became Palace Attendant and General of the Martial Guards, with command of all internal and external armies, and recalled Ju and the others. Ju was furious at Chen's replacing Jun. On jichou Grand Marshal Lü Dai died. On renchen Venus encroached upon the Southern Dipper. Ju, Qin, Zi, and others recommended General of the Guards Teng Yin as chancellor, but Chen refused. On guimao he instead made Yin Grand Marshal, to replace Lü Dai at Wuchang. Ju returned with his army to attack Chen. Chen sent envoys with an edict instructing Qin, Zi, and others to seize Ju. In the tenth month, winter, on dingwei, Sun Xian, Ding Feng, Shi Kuan, and others were sent with naval troops to oppose Ju at Jiangdu, while General Liu Cheng led infantry and cavalry against Yin. Yin's army was defeated and his family exterminated. On jiyou a general amnesty was proclaimed and the era name changed. On xinhai Lü Ju was captured at Xinzhou. In the eleventh month Chen became General-in-Chief, with a tally of authority, and Marquis of Yongkang. Sun Xian and General Wang Dun plotted to kill him. When it was discovered, Chen killed Dun and forced Xian to kill himself. In the twelfth month Diao Xuan, Gentleman-General of the Five Offices, was sent to report the disturbances to Shu.

In spring of the second year, in the second month, on jiayin, heavy rain fell with thunder and lightning. On yimao it snowed and was severely cold. Eastern Changsha became Xiangdong Commandery, western Changsha Hengyang, eastern Kuaiji Linhai, and eastern Yuzhang Linchuan. In the fourth month, summer, Liang held court in the main hall, proclaimed a general amnesty, and began personally governing. He frequently challenged and questioned Chen's memorials. He also selected more than three thousand soldiers' sons and younger brothers aged fifteen to eighteen, placing young, courageous sons and younger brothers of senior generals over them. Liang said: “I establish this army because I want to grow up with it.” They practiced daily in the park.

Commentary<The History of Wu says: Liang often visited the Secretariat to examine Sun Quan's precedents, asking his attendants: “The late emperor repeatedly made special decisions. Must I now merely write ‘approved’ on the general-in-chief's proposals?” Later, eating fresh plums in the Western Garden, he sent a eunuch to the central stores for honey. Mouse droppings were found in it. He summoned the storekeeper, who knocked his head on the ground. Liang asked: “Did the eunuch ask you for honey?” He answered: “He did just now, but I truly dared not give it.” The eunuch denied this. Palace Attendants Diao Xuan and Zhang Bin requested a prison investigation because their statements differed. Liang said: “This is easy to determine.” He ordered a dropping broken open; it was dry inside. Laughing, he told Xuan and Bin: “Had it already been in the honey, it would be wet inside and out. Its outside is wet but inside dry: the eunuch must have done it.” The eunuch confessed, and all the attendants were amazed and frightened. The Account of the Lands beyond the Yangzi says: Liang sent a eunuch with a covered silver bowl to fetch cane syrup presented by Jiao Province. The eunuch had an old grievance against the storekeeper, put mouse droppings in the syrup, and reported his negligence. Liang summoned the storekeeper with the vessel: “This vessel has a lid and was covered. There is no way for this to occur. Does the eunuch bear you a grudge?” The man knocked his head on the ground: “He once asked me for a palace rush mat. They are counted, and I dared not give it.” Liang said: “That must be it.” Questioned again, the eunuch confessed fully. Liang had his head shaved and him whipped on the spot, and expelled him to an outside office. Your servant Songzhi considers that fresh mouse droppings are wet inside and out. Had the eunuch used fresh ones, his deceit could not have been detected. Only his chance use of dry ones displayed Liang's intelligence. Even so, the History of Wu's version seems less truthful than that of the Lands beyond the Yangzi.>

In the fifth month Wei's Grand General Who Campaigns against the East Zhuge Dan held Shouchun with Huainan's forces. He sent General Zhu Cheng with a memorial acknowledging himself Wu's subject, and sent his son Zhuge Jing, Chief Clerk Wu Gang, and the sons and younger brothers of his subordinate commanders as hostages. In the sixth month Wen Qin, Tang Zi, Quan Duan, and others led thirty thousand infantry and cavalry to relieve him. Zhu Yi led troops from Hulin to raid Xiakou; its commander Sun Yi (孫壹) fled to Wei. In the seventh month, autumn, Chen led an army to relieve Shouchun and camped at Huoli. When Zhu Yi arrived from Xiakou, Chen made him vanguard commander and sent him, Ding Feng, and others with fifty thousand armored men to lift the siege. In the eighth month southern Kuaiji rebelled and killed its commandant. People of Poyang and Xindu also rebelled. Minister of Justice Ding Mi, Colonel of Infantry Zheng Zhou, and General Zhongli Mu led troops against them. Zhu Yi withdrew because his soldiers lacked food. Chen was furious. In the ninth month, on jisi, the first day, he killed Yi at Huoli. On xinwei he returned from Huoli to Jianye. On jiashen a general amnesty was proclaimed. In the eleventh month Quan Xu's sons Quan Yi (禕) and Quan Yi (儀) fled with their mother to Wei. In the twelfth month Quan Duan, Quan Yi (懌), and others left Shouchun and submitted to King Wen (Sima Zhao) <a posthumous royal title>.

In spring of the third year, in the first month, Zhuge Dan killed Wen Qin. In the third month King Wen (Sima Zhao) took Shouchun. Dan and his attendants died fighting; all the other officers and soldiers surrendered. In the seventh month, autumn, former King of Qi (Sun Fen) was made Marquis of Zhang'an. The provinces and commanderies were ordered to fell timber for the palace. From the eighth month the sky remained dark and overcast without rain for more than forty days. Resenting Chen's arbitrary conduct, Liang plotted with Minister of Ceremonies Quan Shang and General Liu Cheng to execute him. In the ninth month, on wuwu, Chen seized Shang with troops and sent his younger brother En to attack and kill Cheng outside Canglong Gate. He summoned the great officers to the palace gate and deposed Liang as King of Kuaiji. Liang was sixteen.

Sun Xiu, courtesy name Zilie, was Sun Quan's sixth son. At thirteen he studied under Secretariat Gentleman She Ci and Gentleman of the Palace Sheng Chong. In the first month of the second year of Taiyuan he was made King of Langye and resided at Hulin. In the fourth month Quan died and Xiu's younger brother Liang succeeded. Zhuge Ke controlled government and did not want princes in riverside military centers, so moved Xiu to Danyang Commandery. Administrator Li Heng repeatedly harassed him. Xiu requested another commandery and was moved by edict to Kuaiji. Several years later he dreamed he rode a dragon to Heaven; looking back, he could not see its tail. On waking he thought it strange. After Liang's deposition, on jiwei, Sun Chen sent Minister of the Imperial Clan Sun Kai and Secretariat Gentleman Dong Chao to fetch Xiu. Suspicious at first, Xiu heard Kai and Chao explain Chen's intention. They stayed a day and two nights, then he set out. In the tenth month, on wuyin, he reached Qu'e. An old man approached and knocked his head on the ground: “Delay breeds change; the realm looks eagerly toward you. May Your Majesty hurry.” Xiu approved and reached Busai Pavilion that day. General of the Martial Guards Sun En, acting as chancellor, led the officials with the full imperial carriage procession to meet him at Yongchang Pavilion. A temporary palace was erected, with a military tent as an audience hall and an imperial seat. On jimao Xiu arrived, saw the hall, and stopped, sending Sun Kai to meet En first. Kai returned, and Xiu advanced in a litter. The officials bowed twice and declared themselves subjects. Xiu entered the hall but modestly refused the throne, remaining in its eastern chamber. The Master of Writing for Households came before the steps and read the address; the chancellor presented the seal and tally. Xiu declined three times and the officials requested three times. He said: “The generals, ministers, and lords all commend me. How dare I refuse the seal and tally?” The officials escorted him in order to the imperial carriage. Chen met him with a thousand soldiers in the open country and bowed beside the road. Xiu descended and returned the bow. That day he entered the main hall, proclaimed a general amnesty, and changed the era name. It was Wei's third year of Ganlu.

In the first year of Yong'an, in the tenth month, winter, on renwu, an edict stated: “Honoring virtue and rewarding achievement is a principle common to past and present. Make General-in-Chief Sun Chen Chancellor and Governor of Jing Province, adding five counties to his fief; General of the Martial Guards Sun En Censor-in-Chief, General of the Guards, and Central Army Commander, with a county marquisate; General Who Awes the Distant Sun Shou General of the Right and a county marquis; and Lieutenant General Sun Gan a general with a miscellaneous title and a village marquis. Colonel of the Long River Zhang Bu has diligently assisted and guided us: make him General Who Assists Righteousness and Marquis of Yongkang. Dong Chao came personally to welcome us: make him a district marquis.” Another edict stated: “Li Heng, Administrator of Danyang, has submitted himself to the authorities because of misgivings about former affairs. Shooting a belt-hook and cutting a sleeve were acts of men serving their respective lords. Send Heng back to his commandery; he should harbor no doubts.”

Commentary<The Records of Xiangyang says: Heng, courtesy name Shuping, was the son of a soldier's family in Xiangyang. At the end of Han he entered Wu and became a commoner of Wuchang. Hearing that Yang Dao (羊衜) could judge men, he approached him. Dao said: “In this troubled age, you have the talent for a gentleman in a demanding bureau of the Masters of Writing.” Inspector Lü Yi then manipulated authority, intimidating the ministers so none dared speak. Dao said: “Only Li Heng can confound him.” They recommended Heng as a gentleman. Quan received him, and Heng orally detailed Yi's wickedness in several thousand words. Quan looked ashamed. A few months later Yi was executed and Heng greatly promoted. He later served as Zhuge Ke's major, managing his headquarters. After Ke's execution he requested the administration of Danyang. Sun Xiu then lived at its seat, and Heng repeatedly subjected him to legal restrictions. His wife, Lady Xi, remonstrated repeatedly, but he refused to listen. When Xiu succeeded, Heng told her fearfully: “Ignoring your words has brought me here.” He wanted to flee to Wei. She said: “You must not. You were merely a commoner, and the late emperor raised you far beyond your due. After repeatedly acting discourteously, will you now anticipate suspicion and rebel to save yourself? With what face would you meet the people of the Central States?” Heng asked what to do. She said: “King of Langye (Sun Xiu) has always loved goodness and admired reputation. He now wants to distinguish himself before the realm and certainly will not kill you over a private grudge. Bind yourself, enter prison, and memorialize your past faults, openly asking punishment. Then you should receive exceptional generosity, not merely survival.” Heng followed this, escaped harm, and additionally became General Who Awes the Distant, with ceremonial halberds. Whenever Heng wanted to build up family property, his wife stopped him. He later secretly sent ten retainers to build an estate and plant a thousand sweet citrus trees on Fanzhou at Longyang in Wuling. Dying, he instructed his son: “Your mother dislikes my building family wealth, so we are this poor. But I have a thousand wooden slaves in my home region. They demand no food or clothes and each yield a bolt of silk annually. That will suffice.” More than twenty days after Heng died, his son told his mother. She said: “That must be sweet citrus. Ten retainer households have been absent for seven or eight years; your father must have sent them to establish an estate. He constantly quoted the Grand Historian: ‘A thousand citrus trees in Jiangling equal a lord's estate.’ I answered: ‘People should worry about lacking virtue and duty, not wealth. To remain poor when honored is good. What use is this?’” At Wu's end the trees matured, producing several thousand bolts of silk annually and making the family prosperous. In Jin's Xiankang era the estate and withered trees still remained.>

On jichou Sun Hao was made Marquis of Wucheng, his younger brother Sun De Marquis of Qiantang, and Sun Qian Marquis of Yong'an.

In the eleventh month, on jiawu, the wind turned four times and reversed five times, and fog persisted for days. Five marquises in Chen's family all commanded palace troops. Their power overshadowed the ruler, who respectfully accepted Chen's proposals, making him increasingly unrestrained. Fearing a coup, Xiu repeatedly rewarded him. On bingshen an edict stated: “The general-in-chief's loyalty came from within. He first devised the great plan to secure the state; officers inside and outside the capital supported it and all rendered service. Even Huo Guang's plan, supported by all the officials, was no greater. Quickly examine the names of those who joined the deliberations and announced the settlement at the ancestral temple. Implement the promotions required by precedent.” On wuxu an edict stated: “The general-in-chief commands all armies within and without and has many duties. Make General of the Guards and Censor-in-Chief Sun En additionally Palace Attendant, to share their examination.” On renzi an edict stated: “Among officials' families, five or three men are simultaneously in service: fathers and elder brothers at the capital, sons and younger brothers in commanderies and counties. They supply assessed grain and also follow campaigns, leaving no one to manage the household. I pity them greatly. In households with five or three in service, let fathers and elder brothers choose one to remain. Exempt him from grain assessments and military expeditions.” Another stated: “Advance one rank all commanders and officials who attended the welcome at Yongchang Pavilion.” Soon Xiu heard of Chen's treason and secretly planned with Zhang Bu. In the twelfth month, on wuchen, the year-end sacrifice, the officials came to congratulate him and the high ministers entered the hall. Xiu ordered warriors to bind Chen, who was executed that day. On jisi an edict credited General of the Left Zhang Bu with suppressing the traitor, additionally made him Central Army Commander, and enfeoffed his younger brother Zhang Dun as Marquis of Duting, with three hundred soldiers. Dun's younger brother Zhang Xun became a colonel.

An edict stated: “In ancient state-building, education came first, guiding the age, governing human character, and nurturing talent for the times. Since Jianxing, affairs have been troubled, and officials and people have pursued immediate advantage, abandoning fundamentals for secondary pursuits and disregarding the ancient Way. If what is esteemed is unsound, transforming influence and customs suffer. Following antiquity, establish educational offices and Erudites of the Five Classics. Carefully choose qualified men and increase their honors and salaries. Among current officials and officers' sons and younger brothers, select those devoted to learning and have each pursue study. Examine them annually, distinguish their grades, and confer office and rewards. Let those seeing them delight in their honor, and those hearing envy their reputation, to strengthen royal teaching and elevate customs.”

In spring of the second year, in the first month, there was thunder and lightning. In the third month the Nine Ministries were fully staffed. An edict stated: “Unworthy as I am, I occupy a position above kings and dukes. Day and night I tremble, forgetting sleep and food. I now wish to lay aside arms and cultivate civil accomplishments to advance great transformation. This must begin with sufficient means for gentlemen and people, which require farming and sericulture. Guanzi says: ‘When granaries are full, people know propriety; when clothing and food suffice, they know honor and disgrace.’ If one man does not plow, someone suffers hunger; if one woman does not weave, someone suffers cold. When hunger and cold converge, people never fail to do wrong. In recent years provincial and commandery officials and people, and soldiers of the camps, have mostly abandoned these occupations, floating boats up and down the Yangzi in trade. Good fields are gradually deserted and existing grain diminishes daily. How can lasting order be sought thus? Perhaps excessive rents and levies, leaving farmers little profit, have caused this. I wish to expand cultivation, lighten taxes, assess burdens according to strength and weakness and the fields' acreage, and ensure equitable treatment and suitable arrangements for government and households alike. Let every household have enough to sustain its members. Then people will cherish life and avoid breaking the law; punishments will cease to be needed and customs can be corrected. With the loyalty and ability of our officials, if all devote themselves to present needs, we may not suddenly attain antiquity's splendid transformation, but may approach Emperor Wen (Liu Heng) of Han's peaceful prosperity. If we achieve it, ruler and ministers share glory; if not, diminution, encroachment, and humiliation await. How can we merely linger and temporize? Ministers and Masters of Writing should deliberate together and choose the most beneficial measures. Farming and sericulture's season has arrived; do not be late. Settle and implement the policy in accordance with my purpose.”

In spring of the third year, in the third month, Xiling reported a red crow. In autumn, adopting Commandant Yan Mi's proposal, Puli Embankment was constructed. A rumor in Kuaiji said King of Kuaiji (Sun Liang) would return as Son of Heaven. Liang's palace women accused him of commissioning shamans to pray and uttering malicious words. The authorities reported this. He was demoted to Marquis of Houguan and sent to his fief. He killed himself on the journey, and his escorts were punished.

The southern part of Kuaiji was made Jian'an Commandery, and part of Yidu was made Jianping Commandery.

In the fifth month, summer, of the fourth year, heavy rain caused springs and streams to overflow. In the eighth month, autumn, Grand Masters of Splendid Happiness Zhou Yi and Shi Wei were sent to inspect local customs, investigate the integrity or corruption of commanders and officials and the people's sufferings, and recommend demotions and promotions by edict.

Commentary<The Biographies of Former Worthies of Chu says: Shi Wei, courtesy name Gongcao, was from Nan Commandery. From youth he loved learning and tirelessly cultivated integrity. He stood independently with an unshakable purpose. Recommended as a Flourishing Talent and as Worthy, Upright, and Correct, he accepted neither appointment. On his accession Sun Xiu specially summoned him; through successive promotions he became Minister of Splendid Happiness. When Hao succeeded and court government became benighted and disorderly, Wei pleaded advanced age and chronic illness and requested retirement. He was appointed Grand Master of Splendid Happiness at his home. After Wu was pacified, General Who Establishes Awe Wang Rong visited him in person. In the second year of Taikang an edict stated: “Shi Wei, formerly Wu's Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, has maintained his pure and upright purpose into old age. His integrity amid danger and disorder deserves record. Being advanced in years, he cannot undertake a distant journey. Appoint him Consultant, with an additional salary rank of two thousand shi, for the remainder of his life.” Wei feigned madness and blindness and declined Jin's office. He died aged eighty-three in the first year of Taixi.>

In the ninth month Bushan reported a white dragon. That year Chen Jiao, a commoner of Anwu, died and was buried. Six days later he revived and dug his way out of the earth.

In the second month, spring, of the fifth year, the north tower of White Tiger Gate burned. In the seventh month, autumn, Shixin reported a yellow dragon. In the eighth month, on renwu, heavy rain and thunder caused springs and streams to overflow. On yiyou Lady Zhu was made empress. On wuzi his son 𩅦 was made crown prince and a general amnesty proclaimed.

Commentary<The Records of Wu records Sun Xiu's edict: “People have personal names to distinguish one another; on reaching maturity they receive courtesy names out of reluctance to use their personal names. Ritual requires children's names to be difficult to infringe and easy to avoid. At fifty men are addressed by seniority; ancient courtesy names sometimes had only one character. Nowadays people compete in choosing fine personal and courtesy names and make them correspond. When conduct does not match them, this is like a blind man having the courtesy name Boming, ‘eldest and bright.’ I have always laughed at it. Some names are chosen by teachers, friends, fathers, or elder brothers, and some by their bearers. Selection by teachers and friends is tolerable; even selection by fathers and brothers is questionable, and choosing one's own is least modest. I now name my four sons as follows. The crown prince's personal name is 𩅦, pronounced like wan in ‘a bend or recess of a lake’; his courtesy name is 莔, pronounced like qi in ‘until now.’ The second son's name is 𩃙, pronounced like gong in ‘rhinoceros-horn wine vessel’; his courtesy name is 𧟨, pronounced like xin in the heading ‘Xuan Xin.’ The third son's name is 壾, pronounced like mang in ‘wild grass’; his courtesy name is 昷, pronounced like ju in ‘raising an object.’ The fourth son's name is 𠅬, pronounced like bao in ‘a robe broad at the hem’; his courtesy name is 㷏, pronounced like yong in ‘holding or embracing.’ These differ from the characters ordinarily used, so I have combined elements copied from old writing. The eight forms of writing were augmented or reduced as circumstances required. These names do not correspond to one another, and each courtesy name has just one character, so that they may readily be avoided. Proclaim them throughout the realm so everyone knows.” Your servant Songzhi considers the traditional saying: “Names establish proper meaning; meaning brings forth ritual; ritual embodies government; government rectifies the people. Thus government succeeds and people obey; alteration produces disorder.” Was this said without reason? If Xiu wanted names difficult to infringe, how could suitable names be lacking? Yet he invented unprecedented characters and irregular pronunciations, defying the clear admonitions of earlier worthies and leaving foolishness for later generations to laugh at. How strange! Before the earth of his grave was dry, his wife and children were exterminated. Shi Fu's words were thus borne out. <The unusual written forms are retained; the romanizations describe the supplied pronunciation glosses, not ordinary readings of these characters.>>

In the tenth month, winter, General of the Guards Puyang Xing was made Chancellor, Minister of Justice Ding Mi and Minister of Splendid Happiness Meng Zong Left and Right Censors-in-Chief. Xiu entrusted affairs to Chancellor Xing and General of the Left Zhang Bu because of their former kindness and service: Bu managed the palace offices, Xing military and state affairs. Xiu devoted himself intensely to books and wanted to read all the various schools. He particularly liked shooting pheasants; in spring and summer he often left at dawn and returned at night. Only then did he put his books aside. He wished to discuss the Way and learning with Wei Yao, Chief of the Erudites, and Erudite Sheng Chong. Both were habitually forthright. Bu feared their attendance would expose his secret faults and end his monopoly, so fabricated arguments to keep them away. Xiu replied: “I have read almost all the books and seen a good deal: enlightened and benighted rulers, treacherous ministers and rebellious sons, the wisdom, folly, successes, and failures of ancient and modern times—I have read them all. I want Yao and the others here simply to discuss books, not to begin my education anew under them. Even if I did, what harm would there be? You must fear their discussing ministers' intrigues and disloyalty and therefore oppose their coming. I am already prepared for such things and need not wait for Yao to understand them. There is no harm whatever; it is only that you have particular fears.” Bu apologized and explained himself at length, also saying he feared interference with government. Xiu replied: “The difficulty with books is getting people to like them; liking them does no harm. There is nothing wrong with this, yet you object, which is why I spoke. Royal business and study follow different courses and do not obstruct each other. I did not expect you, now in office, to treat me thus; I decidedly disapprove.” Bu submitted a memorial and knocked his head on the ground. Xiu answered: “I merely wished to enlighten you. Why knock your head? Your loyalty is known far and near. The understanding we shared in the past has produced today's greatness. The Odes says: ‘All have a beginning; few can achieve an end.’ Ending well is truly difficult. You must achieve it.” When Xiu was a prince, Bu had commanded his attendants and enjoyed his trust. After Xiu's accession he received exceptional favor, monopolized state power, and committed many improprieties. Conscious of his faults, he feared Yao and Chong would reveal them and especially resented their coming. Though Xiu understood this, he was unhappy and feared making Bu suspicious and frightened. He finally yielded, abandoned the lectures, and no longer summoned Chong and the others. That year a chazhan official was sent to Jiaozhi to requisition peacocks and large pigs.

In the fourth month, summer, of the sixth year, Quanling reported a yellow dragon. In the fifth month commandery clerk Lü Xing and others in Jiaozhi rebelled and killed Administrator Sun Xu. Xu had earlier requisitioned more than a thousand skilled craftsmen from the commandery for Jianye. When the chazhan arrived, they feared another requisition, so Xing and the others used this to stir up soldiers and people and entice the native peoples. In the tenth month, winter, Shu reported Wei's invasion. On guiwei fire in Jianye's small Shitou fort burned a hundred eighty zhang of its southwestern section. On jiashen General-in-Chief Ding Feng was sent with the armies toward Wei's Shouchun. General Liu Ping separately went to Shi Ji at Nan Commandery to discuss their direction of advance; generals Ding Feng (丁封) and Sun Yi (孫異) went to the Mian region. All were to relieve Shu. Only when news came that Shu's ruler Liu Shan had surrendered to Wei were they recalled. After killing Sun Xu, Lü Xing sent envoys to Wei requesting an administrator and troops. Chancellor Puyang Xing proposed converting ten thousand agricultural settlers into soldiers. Tianmen Commandery was divided from Wuling.

In spring of the seventh year, in the first month, a general amnesty was proclaimed. In the second month General Who Guards the Army Lu Kang, General Who Supports the Army Bu Xie, General Who Campaigns against the West Liu Ping, and Administrator of Jianping Sheng Man led troops to besiege Luo Xian, Shu's defending commander at Badong. In the fourth month, summer, Wei's Commander of the Newly Submitted, Wang Zhi, sailed into Gouzhang and seized senior official Shang Lin and more than two hundred men and women. General Sun Yue intercepted one vessel and captured thirty men. In the seventh month, autumn, sea raiders broke into Haiyan and killed Salt Colonel Luo Xiu. Secretariat Gentleman Liu Chuan was sent to levy troops at Luling. Zhang Jie and others of Yuzhang rebelled with more than ten thousand followers. Wei sent General Hu Lie with twenty thousand infantry and cavalry against Xiling to relieve Luo Xian, and Lu Kang and the others withdrew. Jiao Province was again divided to establish Guang Province. On renwu a general amnesty was proclaimed. On guiwei Xiu died,

He was thirty. His posthumous title was Emperor Jing (Sun Xiu) <Jing; a posthumous imperial title>.

Commentary<Ge Hong's Master Who Embraces Simplicity says: Under Emperor Jing (Sun Xiu) of Wu, garrison commanders at Guangling opened tombs to take planks for fortifications, destroying many. They then opened a great tomb with double inner chambers. Its doors turned on pivots and could open and close. Around it ran a passage wide enough for a carriage and high enough for a mounted horseman. Several dozen bronze figures, five chi tall, wore tall caps and red robes and held swords beside the spirit seat. Inscriptions on the stone wall behind them called them generals of the palace, attendant gentlemen, or regular attendants. It seemed the tomb of a duke or king. They broke the coffin and found a person with graying hair, fresh clothes and cap, and face and body like the living. Mica about a chi thick filled the coffin; thirty white jade disks supported the body. The soldiers lifted it out and leaned it against the tomb wall. A jade about a chi long, shaped like a winter melon, fell from its bosom. Pieces of gold the size of jujubes filled both ears and nostrils. This shows the preservation of a corpse through the use of external substances.>

Sun Hao, courtesy name Yuanzong, was Sun Quan's grandson and Sun He's son. He was also named Pengzu, with the courtesy name Haozong. When Sun Xiu succeeded, he made Hao Marquis of Wucheng and sent him to his fief. Jing Yang, a commoner of Xihu, read Hao's features and predicted great distinction. Hao secretly rejoiced but dared not reveal it. When Xiu died, Shu had just fallen and Jiaozhi had rebelled. Fear within the state created a desire for an adult ruler. Wan Yu, Director of the Left Army, had formerly been Magistrate of Wucheng and was friendly with Hao. He repeatedly praised Hao to Chancellor Puyang Xing and General of the Left Zhang Bu as talented, perceptive, and decisive, comparable to King Huan of Changsha (Sun Ce), and moreover studious and obedient to law. Xing and Bu persuaded Xiu's widow, Empress Dowager Zhu, to make Hao successor. Zhu said: “I am a widowed woman: what do I know of the state's concerns? Provided Wu suffers no harm and the ancestral temple has support, that is enough.” They welcomed and installed Hao, aged twenty-three, changed the era name, and proclaimed a general amnesty. It was Wei's first year of Xianxi.

In the first year of Yuanxing, in the eighth month, Senior General-in-Chief Shi Ji and General-in-Chief Ding Feng became Left and Right Grand Marshals; Zhang Bu became General of Agile Cavalry and additionally Palace Attendant. Promotions and rewards all followed precedent. In the ninth month the empress dowager was demoted to Empress Jing (Lady Zhu); Hao's father He was posthumously titled Emperor Wen (Sun He), and his mother Lady He was honored as empress dowager. In the tenth month Xiu's crown prince 𩅦 became King of Yuzhang, his second son King of Runan, his third King of Liang, and his fourth King of Chen. Lady Teng was made empress.

Once secure, Hao became coarse, violent, arrogant, suspicious, and fond of wine and women. High and low were disappointed. Xing and Bu secretly regretted their choice. Someone slandered them to Hao. In the eleventh month both were executed. In the twelfth month Sun Xiu was buried at Dingling. The empress's father Teng Mu became Marquis of Gaomi,

and Hao's maternal uncles He Hong and two others all became ranked marquises. That year Wei appointed an Administrator of Jiaozhi, who went to his commandery. Emperor Wen (Sima Zhao) of Jin <a posthumous imperial title>, then Wei's Chancellor of State, sent Xu Shao and Sun Yu (孫彧), former Wu officers who had surrendered at Shouchun, with a letter explaining the situation's advantages and dangers to Hao.

Commentary<The Spring and Autumn of Han and Jin records King Wen (Sima Zhao)'s letter to Hao: “The sage said that only after rulers and ministers exist are there distinctions of rank and rites of duty. Thus the great must cherish the small and the small serve the great; only then are superiors and inferiors peacefully obedient and all living things properly situated. In latter times pure virtue was destroyed, and men's lives were cut down in struggles for supremacy. Such violation of ritual and obedience is no course for the humane. Our present sovereign is sage and enlightened, sheltering all without exception. I occupy the chief minister's position and bear the state's weight. Yet China has been divided into separate regions for more than sixty years. Arms have stirred repeatedly, with not a year without war; bodies lie exposed, heads are lost, and misery has no end. This constantly grieves me, keeping me awake until dawn. Wishing to end warfare, promote humanity, and plead for the people's lives, we separately dispatched armies to pacify Shu-Han. Before a year passed, our forces achieved complete victory. Fierce generals, strategists, court ministers, and ordinary gentlemen all thought we should follow Heaven's favorable moment, use the troops already mobilized, and exploit our victory by turning east against Wu. Fleets could descend the Yangzi, land armies turn south through the four commanderies, Chengdu's weapons be employed, and Ba and Han's grain transported. Then the central army would form up and forces converge from three directions like clouds. Before a full cycle of days passed, the territory beyond the Yangzi could be pacified and the southern lands brought to order. But our court reflected deeply that although the Shu expedition quelled disorder, it grievously afflicted Shu's people. At Mianzhu everyone from the commander downward was slaughtered; bodies covered the ground and blood reddened the fields. Even that one occurrence causes unbearable regret. How could we repeat it? We therefore recalled the troops and laid aside armor, wishing to preserve the people's lives together with the southern state. To estimate strength, weigh circumstances, measure resources and defenses, examine ancient principles of rise and fall, and learn from western Shu's safety and peril; to exalt virtue, preserve the succession, leave danger for obedience, and bend oneself to bring peace to the four seas—this is the noble attainment of humane wisdom. To tread danger for temporary peace, lose virtue and destroy the succession, leaving no praise to posterity, is no position for a wise man. The court now sends Xu Shao and Sun Yu with this letter to express its heart. When it comes before you, give it a little attention; change your considerations and calculations, establish friendship, end war, and become one family with us. Favor and pity would reach Wu and Kuaiji as well as the Central Lands. Would that not be excellent? This is Zhao's great heartfelt wish, which I earnestly seek to fulfill. If you do not accept, all under Heaven must still be brought to unity. However reluctant we are to renew warfare, we shall have no alternative.”>

In the third month of the first year of Ganlu, Hao sent envoys back with Shao and Yu, replying: “I understand that your surpassing talent occupies the chief minister's post and that your guiding efforts have been most diligent. Unworthy as I am, I inherited the succession and wish to work with worthy men to sustain the world's Way. Separation has so far prevented contact. Your gracious intention is manifest and deeply moves me. I now send Grand Master of Splendid Happiness Ji Zhi and Gentleman-General of the Five Offices Hong Qiu to explain my sincere feelings.”

Commentary<The Account of the Lands beyond the Yangzi says: Hao's letter used the formula bai, “I state,” at both ends, giving his personal name without surname. The Records of Wu says: Ji Zhi, courtesy name Zishang, was from Danyang. As a Secretariat Gentleman, he was sent by Sun Jun to interrogate King of Nanyang (Sun He), requiring He to accept his allotted fate. Zhi secretly sent instructions to defend himself in correct terms. Jun was angry; Zhi, afraid, shut his doors and stayed home. Under Sun Xiu, his father Ji Liang was Director of the Masters of Writing and Zhi Director of the Secretariat. At court meetings an edict placed a screen between their seats. Zhi later became Administrator of Yuzhang. Gan Bao's Annals of Jin says: On their mission to Wei, Zhi and Qiu asked about naming taboos on entering the frontier and customs on entering the state. Shouchun's general Wang Bu demonstrated mounted archery and asked: “Can Wu's gentlemen do this?” Zhi said: “This is what military men and mounted soldiers practice. Our gentlemen and scholars do not do it.” Bu was very embarrassed. On arrival, the Wei emperor (Cao Huan) received them and had an usher ask: “How was King of Wu (Sun Hao) when you left?” Zhi answered: “The emperor was presiding at the balcony, all officials attending in their places, and his imperial meals were undisturbed.” King Wen (Sima Zhao) entertained them with the assembled court and had an usher introduce Duke of Anle (Liu Shan) and the Xiongnu chanyu. Zhi said: “The western ruler lost his territory but receives your kingly courtesy, his position comparable to the surviving houses of the Three Dynasties. All are moved by your righteousness. The Xiongnu are a frontier people difficult to restrain, yet your grace brings their ruler personally to the banquet. Truly your might and favor reach afar.” Asked the extent of Wu's defenses, he answered: “From Xiling to Jiangdu, 5,700 li.” Asked whether so great a distance was difficult to secure, he said: “Though the frontier is long, strategic points that must be contested number only three or four. A body eight chi tall is vulnerable throughout, yet only a few places need protection from wind and cold.” King Wen (Sima Zhao) approved and treated him generously. Your servant Songzhi observes: If an eight-chi body is vulnerable throughout, how can protection against wind and cold concern only a few places? Such an analogy scarcely shows ability. Had he compared a mighty walled city whose urgent defenses concern only its four gates, would that not have been better? The Records of Wu says: Hao exiled to Dongye the families of his paternal uncles and others implicated with Sun He. Only Zhi, because of his secret instruction, received special favor: his son Ji Fu became Marquis of Duting. Fu's younger brother Ji Zhan, courtesy name Siyuan, served Jin as General of Agile Cavalry. Hong Qiu, from Qu'e, was Hong Zi's grandson and Sun Quan's sister's son. He later became Director of the Secretariat and Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince.>

When Xu Shao reached Ruxu he was recalled and killed, and his family exiled to Jian'an: someone had reported his praising the Central States. In the fourth month, summer, Jiangling (蔣陵) reported sweet dew. The era name was changed and a general amnesty proclaimed. In the seventh month, autumn, Hao forced Empress Jing (Lady Zhu) to her death. She did not die in the main hall; mourning was conducted in a little house in the park. Everyone knew she had not died of illness and felt deep grief. He also sent Xiu's four sons to the small fort at Wu and soon had the two older ones killed. In the ninth month, following a memorial by Bu Chan, commander at Xiling, he moved the capital to Wuchang. Censor-in-Chief Ding Gu and General of the Right Zhuge Jing remained at Jianye. Zhi and Qiu arrived at Luoyang after Emperor Wen (Sima Zhao) of Jin's death and were not sent home until the eleventh month. On reaching Wuchang, Hao proclaimed another general amnesty. Southern Lingling became Shi'an Commandery and southern Guiyang Shixing. In the twelfth month Jin received the abdication.

In the first month of the first year of Baoding, Grand Herald Zhang Yan and Gentleman-General of the Five Offices Ding Zhong were sent to mourn and sacrifice for Emperor Wen (Sima Zhao) of Jin. On their return Yan fell ill and died on the road.

Commentary<The Records of Wu says: Zhang Yan, courtesy name Zijie, was from Wu. Famous by twenty, he held successive prominent posts and became Grand Herald for his wide learning. When sending him to Jin, Hao said: “South and north now exchange friendship. I trouble you with this journey because you possess an envoy's ability.” He answered: “‘Brilliant are the flowers’: I receive the glory of this mission. Though lacking the ancients' skill in extending their state's reputation, I shall sharpen my edge and strive not to disgrace your command.” At Jin, General of Chariots and Cavalry Jia Chong, Director of the Masters of Writing Pei Xiu, and Palace Attendant Xun Xu tried to overawe him with matters beyond his knowledge but could not overcome him. Vice Director of the Masters of Writing Yang Hu and Master of Writing He Zhen both formed friendships with him, exchanging plain silk belts.>

Ding Zhong told Hao: “The north lacks preparations for defense and battle. Yiyang can be taken by surprise.” Hao consulted his ministers. Grand General Who Guards the West Lu Kai said: “Arms should be used only when unavoidable. Since the three states stood like a tripod, they have attacked one another without a peaceful year. Now our powerful enemy has recently annexed Ba and Shu and actually enlarged its territory, yet sends envoys seeking friendship and an end to military service. This cannot be called seeking our aid. To seek a lucky victory while it is strong offers no evident advantage.” General of Chariots and Cavalry Liu Zuan said: “Heaven produces the five useful materials: who can dispense with weapons? Competing through deception has always existed. If they have an opening, how can we neglect it? Send spies to examine their position.” Hao secretly accepted Zuan's argument, but as Shu had just been pacified, did not act; he nevertheless broke off relations. In the eighth month a great tripod was reported found, so the era name was changed and a general amnesty proclaimed. Lu Kai became Left Chancellor and Regular Attendant Wan Yu Right Chancellor. In the tenth month, winter, Shi Dan and other mountain bandits of Yong'an gathered several thousand men,

seized Hao's younger half-brother Sun Qian, Marquis of Yong'an, at Wucheng, and took the drums, pipes, and curved canopy from Sun He's tomb. By Jianye their force exceeded ten thousand. Ding Gu and Zhuge Jing met them at Niutun and defeated them in a great battle. Dan's men fled. Qian was captured and killed himself.

Dongyang Commandery was divided from Kuaiji, and Wuxing from Wu and Danyang.

Shaoling Commandery was divided from northern Lingling. In the twelfth month the capital returned to Jianye. Teng Mu remained at Wuchang.

In spring of the second year a general amnesty was proclaimed. Wan Yu was stationed at Baqiu. In the sixth month, summer, Xianming Palace was constructed.

In the twelfth month, winter, Hao moved into it. That year Ancheng Commandery was established from parts of Yuzhang, Luling, and Changsha.

In spring of the third year, in the second month, Left and Right Censors-in-Chief Ding Gu and Meng Ren became Minister over the Masses and Minister of Works.

In the ninth month, autumn, Hao advanced from Dongguan and Ding Feng reached Hefei. That year Inspector of Jiao Province Liu Jun and Vanguard Commander Xiu Ze were sent against Jiaozhi. Jin's general Mao Jiong and others defeated and killed them all. Their troops scattered and returned to Hepu.

In spring of the first year of Jianheng, in the first month, Hao's son Sun Jin was made crown prince, and kings of Huaiyang and Dongping were installed. In the tenth month, winter, the era name was changed and a general amnesty proclaimed. In the eleventh month Left Chancellor Lu Kai died. Army Supervisor Yu Si, General Who Awes the South Xue Xu, and Administrator of Cangwu Tao Huang were sent by way of Jing Province, while Army Supervisor Li Xu and Army Commander Xu Cun sailed from Jian'an. All were to assemble at Hepu and attack Jiaozhi.

In spring of the second year Wan Yu returned to Jianye. Finding the Jian'an route difficult and impassable, Li Xu killed his guide, General Feng Fei, and withdrew. In the third month fire from Heaven burned more than ten thousand homes and killed seven hundred people. In the fourth month, summer, Left Grand Marshal Shi Ji died. He Ding, a ranked palace general, said: “Minister Steward Li Xu unjustly killed Feng Fei and withdrew without authorization.” Xu and Xu Cun's families were all executed. In the ninth month, autumn, He Ding took five thousand soldiers upriver to hunt at Xiakou. Commander-in-Chief Sun Xiu (孫秀) fled to Jin. That year a general amnesty was proclaimed.

In spring of the third year, on the last day of the first month, Hao led a great host out to Huali. His mother, consorts, and concubines all accompanied him. Hua He, Director of the Eastern Observatory, and others remonstrated firmly, and he returned.

Commentary<The Account of the Lands beyond the Yangzi says: Earlier Diao Xuan of Danyang, on a mission to Shu, obtained a discussion of destiny and chronological cycles between Sima Hui and Liu Yi. Xuan fraudulently added to it to deceive his countrymen: “Yellow banners and purple canopies appear in the southeast. Will not the lord of Jing and Yang ultimately possess the realm?” A defector from the Central States also reported a children's rhyme near Shouchun: “Wu's Son of Heaven shall ascend.” Hao heard it and joyfully said, “This is Heaven's mandate.” He loaded his mother, wives, children, and several thousand palace women into carriages and traveled west overland from Niuzhu, saying his blue canopy would enter Luoyang in obedience to Heaven. They met heavy snow. The roads collapsed into mud; armored soldiers carrying weapons hauled each carriage in groups of a hundred and nearly froze to death. Unable to bear it, they said, “If we meet the enemy, we shall turn our weapons.” Hearing this, Hao returned.>

That year Si and Huang defeated Jiaozhi and captured and killed the administrators and commanders appointed by Jin. Jiuzhen and Rinan also returned to Wu's allegiance.

Commentary<The Spring and Autumn of Han and Jin says: When Huo Yi sent Yang Ji, Mao Jiong, and others to garrison the region, he bound himself by this oath: “If the enemy besieges your city and you surrender before a hundred days, your families will be executed. If the city falls after a hundred days, the provincial inspector shall bear the blame.” Before the period expired, Ji's provisions ran out and he requested surrender to Tao Huang. Huang refused and supplied food to keep them defending. Wu's officers remonstrated together. Huang said: “Huo Yi is dead, and no help can come. We can wait until their grain is exhausted before accepting them, so their submission will be blameless and our conquest righteous. We shall teach our own people and win over our neighbors. Is that not proper?” Ji and Jiong exhausted their supplies, and no relief came; Huang then accepted them. The Records of the States South of Mount Hua says: Ji was from Qianwei and Jiong from Jianning. Food ran out within their city and half the people died. General Wang Yue defected, letting Wu's men into the city; Ji and Jiong were captured and imprisoned. Sun Hao ordered Ji brought to the capital, but he vomited blood and died at Hepu. Jin posthumously appointed him Inspector of Jiao Province. Earlier Mao Jiong had killed Xiu Ze, commander of Wu's vanguard. Tao Huang and the others admired his courage and wanted to pardon him, but Ze's son Yun insisted on his death. Jiong refused to yield to Huang, who angrily had his hands bound behind him and interrogated him: “You Jin rebel!” Jiong shouted: “Wu dogs! Who are the rebels?” Wu's men cut open his belly while he was alive. Yun cut out his heart and liver, cursing: “Will you rebel again?” Jiong continued cursing: “I still mean to behead your Sun Hao! What dead dog was your father?” They then beheaded him. Emperor Wu (Sima Yan) of Jin heard of it with sorrow and sympathy. He ordered Jiong's eldest son to inherit his title and made his other three sons Marquises within the Passes. This differs from the Spring and Autumn of Han and Jin.>

A general amnesty was proclaimed. Xinchang Commandery was divided from Jiaozhi. The generals defeated Fuyan and established Wuping Commandery. Fan Shen, commander at Wuchang, became Grand Commandant. Right Grand Marshal Ding Feng and Minister of Works Meng Ren died.

Commentary<The Records of Wu says: Ren, courtesy name Gongwu, was from Jiangxia. Originally named Zong, he changed it to avoid Hao's courtesy name. In youth he studied under Li Su of Nanyang. His mother made him a thick mattress and broad quilt. Asked why, she said: “My child has no distinction to attract guests, and scholars are often poor. I make a broad quilt so he may associate with kindred spirits.” He studied day and night without slackening. Su admired him and said, “You have the capacity of a chief minister.” He first served as a military clerk under General of Agile Cavalry Zhu Ju, keeping his mother in camp. Once, discouraged in his career and with rain leaking through the roof at night, he rose weeping and apologized to her. She said: “Simply exert yourself. Why cry?” Ju gradually recognized his ability and appointed him Salt-Pond Major. He made nets himself, caught fish with his own hands, and sent pickled fish to his mother. She returned it: “You are a fishery official. Sending me preserved fish does not avoid suspicion.” He became Magistrate of Wu. Officials were then forbidden to take their families to their posts. Whenever he obtained seasonal delicacies he first sent some to his mother, never eating them beforehand. When he heard of her death, he violated the prohibition and abandoned his office, as related in Quan's biography. His punishment was specially reduced one degree below death, and he was restored to office—an exceptional favor. The Biographies of Former Worthies of Chu says: Zong's mother liked bamboo shoots. As winter approached, before shoots had appeared, he entered a bamboo grove and lamented sorrowfully. Shoots emerged for him, and he supplied them to his mother. All thought this a response to his utmost filial devotion. He rose through successive promotions to Minister of Splendid Happiness and eventually one of the Three Excellencies.>

The Western Garden reported that a phoenix had alighted there. The following year's era name was changed.

In the eighth month, autumn, of the first year of Fenghuang, Bu Chan, commander at Xiling, was summoned. He refused and held the city in surrender to Jin. Lu Kang, commander-in-chief at Lexiang, was sent to besiege and take him. All Chan's troops surrendered. Chan and several dozen fellow conspirators were exterminated with their three sets of relatives. A general amnesty was proclaimed. That year Right Chancellor Wan Yu, having been reprimanded, died of anxiety. His sons and younger brothers were exiled to Luling.

He Ding's wicked and corrupt conduct became known, and he was executed. Hao thought his evil resembled Zhang Bu's and posthumously changed Ding's name to Bu.

Commentary<The Account of the Lands beyond the Yangzi says: Ding, a man of Runan, had originally been an attendant of Sun Quan and later received an outside clerkship. Deceitful, crooked, and extravagantly flattering, he memorialized that he was an old servant of the late emperor and asked to return to palace service. Hao appointed him Commandant beneath the Tower in charge of purchasing wine and grain. He exercised arbitrary power over favor and punishment. Hao trusted him and entrusted him with many affairs. Ding sought the daughter of Minister Steward Li Xu for his son. Refused, he bore a grudge and slandered Xu to Hao. Hao ordered Xu executed on his mere word <the supplied expression 尺口 is textually unusual> and burned the corpse. Ding also ordered each general to present fine dogs. They were sought a thousand li away, and one dog could cost several thousand bolts of cloth. Imperial dogs generally wore tasseled collars worth ten thousand cash. Each had one soldier to tend it and was used to catch rabbits for the kitchen, though few were caught. Wu's people all blamed Ding, but Hao thought him loyal and diligent and made him a ranked marquis. The History of Wu says: Secretariat Gentleman Xi Xi slandered He Hui, Magistrate of Wanling and He Shao's younger brother. Envoy Xu Can was sent to investigate. Xi also accused Can of protecting Hui and failing to decide promptly. Hao sent an envoy to Wanling to behead Can and imprisoned Hui. An amnesty saved him.>

In the third month, spring, of the second year Lu Kang became Grand Marshal. Minister over the Masses Ding Gu died. In the ninth month, autumn, the King of Huaiyang's title was changed to King of Lu and the King of Dongping's to King of Qi. Nine more kings, including those of Chenliu and Zhangling, were enfeoffed, making eleven in all, each with three thousand soldiers. A general amnesty was proclaimed. One of Hao's favorite concubines sometimes sent people into the market to seize commoners' property. Chen Sheng, Gentleman-General in Charge of the Markets, had long enjoyed Hao's favor and, relying on it, enforced the law against her agents. She complained to Hao. He was furious and, under another pretext, had Sheng's head cut off with a heated saw and his body thrown beneath the Siwang terrace. That year Grand Commandant Fan Shen died.

In the third year a seditious rumor in Kuaiji said that Marquis of Zhang'an (Sun Fen) ought to become Son of Heaven. Xi Xi, Administrator of Linhai, wrote to Guo Dan, Administrator of Kuaiji, criticizing the government's affairs. Dan reported Xi's letter but not the rumor and was sent to Jian'an to build ships.

Commentary<The Family History of the Shao Clan of Kuaiji says: Shao Chou, courtesy name Wenbo, was then Dan's Officer of Merit. When Dan was arrested, he was terrified and could not vindicate himself. Chou came forward: “I am still at liberty, and it is my affair. Why should you worry, honored governor?” He reported to the officers, stating that the failure to report the rumor was his responsibility, not the administrator's. His statement was submitted, but Hao remained furious. Fearing Dan would not escape, Chou killed himself to substantiate it. Before dying he left this declaration: “I grew up on the remote frontier, unversed in civilized teaching. Family standing gave me a place in my native commandery; beyond my peers I reached the foremost rank in its administration. I failed to promote the flourishing influence of government and nurture it with good fortune. Now perverse rumors have arisen, disturbing the state and its order. I considered this idle chatter, devoid of fact. Even if every household repeated it, there was no cause for concern. Sovereignty is a weighty trust, yet common men recklessly discussed it. Detesting its ugly sound, I could not bear to hear or see it. I wished to bear with the disgrace, conceal the blemish, leave it unrecorded, calm agitation, and let it die away. In my foolish earnestness I constantly maintained this position. Dan therefore relinquished his own sound judgment and silently followed me. The fault truly lies with me. I dare not escape death and submit my guilt to the authorities. I ask only that Heaven's discernment grant clear examination.” The officers took custody of his body, found the declaration, and reported it. Hao spared Dan the capital penalty and sent him to Jian'an to build ships. Chou was forty when he died. Hao admired his fidelity and righteousness and ordered his likeness painted in commandery and county temples.>

He Zhi, Commander of the Three Commanderies, was sent to arrest Xi Xi. Xi raised troops in his defense and cut the sea routes. His own men killed him and sent his head to Jianye. His three sets of relatives were exterminated. In the seventh month, autumn, twenty-five envoys were dispatched among the provinces and commanderies to assess fugitives and rebels. Grand Marshal Lu Kang died. From the change of era through this year, great epidemics recurred. Guilin Commandery was divided from Yulin.

In the first year of Tiance, Wu Commandery reported silver dug from the earth, one chi long and three fen wide, engraved with a date. A general amnesty was proclaimed and the era name changed.

In the first year of Tianxi, Wu Commandery reported that Linping Lake, blocked with weeds since the end of Han, had opened again. Elders transmitted the saying: “When this lake is blocked, the realm is disordered; when it opens, the realm is at peace.” A stone casket was also found beside it. Inside was a small blue-white stone, four cun long and more than two cun wide, engraved with the characters “emperor.” The era name was changed and a general amnesty proclaimed. Che Jun, Administrator of Kuaiji, and Zhang Yong, Administrator of Xiangdong, failed to produce the assessed monetary levies. They were beheaded at their posts, and their heads displayed through the commanderies.

In the eighth month, autumn, Sun Kai, commander below the capital, surrendered to Jin. Poyang reported twenty characters formed by the grain of rock on Mount Liyang: “Chu: landing of the nine provinces; Wu: capital of the nine provinces. A man of Yang Province becomes Son of Heaven. Four generations rule; great peace begins.”

Commentary<The Account of the Lands beyond the Yangzi says: A rocky mountain in Liyang County rose a hundred zhang beside the water. Thirty zhang up were seven openings arranged together, yellow-red inside and unlike the surrounding rock, popularly called the Stone Seal. It was also said: “When the Stone Seal opens, the realm shall enjoy great peace.” A shrine stood below. Its shamans said the Stone Seal's deity had three sons. The magistrate reported that the seal had opened. Hao sent an envoy to sacrifice at Mount Li with the full ox, sheep, and pig offering. A shaman said the Stone Seal's Third Son declared: “The realm is about to enjoy great peace.” The envoy made a tall ladder to inspect the inscription and fraudulently wrote the twenty characters on the rock in vermilion, then reported them to Hao. Delighted, Hao said: “Will Wu become the capital and landing of the nine provinces? From Great Emperor (Sun Quan) to me are four generations. Who but I can be the ruler of great peace?” He sent another envoy with seal and ribbon to appoint the Third Son a king, and erected an inscribed stone praising his divine virtue in response to the favorable omen.>

A hollow rock more than ten zhang long on a mountain in Yangxian, Wuxing, called the Stone Chamber, was reported locally as a great auspicious sign. Acting Minister over the Masses Dong Chao and Acting Minister of Ceremonies Zhou Chu were sent to Yangxian County to perform the feng and shan sacrifices at Guoshan. The next year the era name was changed and a general amnesty proclaimed to accord with the stone inscription.

In summer of the first year of Tianji, Sun Shen, commander at Xiakou, raided Jiangxia and Runan, burning and plundering the inhabitants. Zhang Chu, originally a groom, had risen through repeated accusations to Gentleman-General in Charge of Rectitude and had been made a marquis and a great favorite. That year his wrongdoing was exposed and he was executed.

Commentary<The Account of the Lands beyond the Yangzi says: Chu's father was a soldier of Shanyin County in Kuaiji. Knowing his son was bad, he memorialized: “If Chu is employed as Director of Rectitude, I beg not to be implicated in his offenses.” Hao agreed. Chu requested twenty investigators <the supplied title is danqu, 彈曲; its institutional meaning requires review> to prosecute wrongdoing. Charged with detecting illegality, they instead attacked one another according to personal likes and dislikes and exchanged slanderous accusations. The investigators accepted allegations and imprisoned people; judgments disregarded justice and cases were settled by bribery. The people were destitute and had nowhere to turn. Chu's extravagance and lust were insatiable. He took more than thirty concubines and killed innocent people without authority. When all his crimes emerged together, both father and son were torn apart by chariots.>

In the seventh month, autumn, of the second year eleven kings, including those of Chengji and Xuanwei, were installed, each with three thousand soldiers. A general amnesty was proclaimed.

In summer of the third year Guo Ma rebelled. He had been a subordinate commander of Xiu Yun, Administrator of Hepu. When Yun was transferred to Guilin, illness detained him at Guang Province, and he first sent Ma with five hundred men to pacify the local peoples. Yun died, and his troops were due to be redistributed. Ma and the others belonged to hereditary units and disliked being separated. Hao was also verifying Guang Province's household register. Ma and the subordinate commanders He Dian, Wang Zu, Wu Shu, and Yin Xing exploited this to frighten soldiers and civilians and gather supporters. They attacked and killed Yu Shou, commander of Guang Province. Ma styled himself Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of Jiao and Guang Provinces and General Who Pacifies the South. Xing became Inspector of Guang Province and Shu Administrator of Nanhai. Dian attacked Cangwu and Zu attacked Shixing.

In the eighth month Military Adviser Zhang Ti became Chancellor, and He Zhi, commander-in-chief at Niuzhu, Minister over the Masses. Teng Xun, Bearer of the Gilded Mace, was appointed Minister of Works but before taking office was transferred to General Who Guards the South, with a tally of authority and concurrent charge as Governor of Guang Province. He led ten thousand men against Ma by the eastern route, encountered Wang Zu at Shixing, and could advance no farther. Ma killed Liu Lüe, Administrator of Nanhai, and expelled Xu Qi, Inspector of Guang Province. Hao also sent Tao Jun, commander at Xuling, with seven thousand men by the western route. Tao Huang, Governor of Jiao Province, was ordered to organize his own forces and those of Hepu, Yulin, and other commanderies to join the eastern and western armies in attacking Ma.

A plant called guimu, “ghost's eye,” grew at the artisan Huang Gou's home, climbing a jujube tree to more than a zhang, with a stem four cun broad and three fen thick. Another called maicai grew at the artisan Wu Ping's home, four chi tall and three fen thick, shaped like a loquat leaf, one chi eight cun broad above and five cun at its lower stalk, with green leaves on both sides. Officials of the Eastern Observatory consulted illustrated works, identified guimu as the auspicious zhi plant and maicai as the “calming anxiety” plant, and accordingly made Gou Gentleman Attending the Zhi and Ping Gentleman Who Calms Anxiety, both with silver seals and blue ribbons.

In winter Jin ordered Grand General Who Guards the East Sima Zhou toward Tuzhong; General Who Pacifies the East Wang Hun and Inspector of Yang Province Zhou Jun toward Niuzhu; General Who Establishes Awe Wang Rong toward Wuchang; General Who Pacifies the South Hu Fen toward Xiakou; General Who Guards the South Du Yu toward Jiangling; and General of the Soaring Dragon Wang Jun and General of Broad Martial Prowess Tang Bin downstream along the Yangzi. Grand Commandant Jia Chong became Grand Commander, to occupy a suitable strategic position at the center of the whole deployment. Tao Jun reached Wuchang, heard that the northern armies had advanced in force, and halted.

At every banquet Hao made all his ministers dead drunk. Ten Gentlemen of the Yellow Gate alone received no wine; they stood attending all day as monitors of faults. Afterward each reported omissions and mistakes, offensive looks, and mistaken words, leaving nothing unmentioned. Serious cases brought savage punishments, and even minor ones were treated as crimes. His palace contained several thousand women, yet recruitment never stopped. Water was diverted through the palace; women who displeased him were killed and floated away. He sometimes stripped people's faces or gouged out their eyes. Cen Hun, cunning and flattering, became a favorite of high rank, reaching one of the Nine Ministries. He delighted in launching construction and labor projects, which everyone suffered and feared. Thus ruler and subjects were estranged, and none would exert himself for Hao: accumulated evil had reached its limit and his commands could no longer be endured.

Commentary<After Wu's pacification, Jin's Palace Attendant Yu Jun and others asked Li Ren, formerly Hao's Palace Attendant: “We hear the ruler of Wu flayed faces and cut off feet. Is it true?” Ren said: “The informants exaggerate. A gentleman hates dwelling downstream, where all the world's filth gathers. This is such a case. Even if it happened, it would be no great wonder. The five punishments of Tang and Yu and seven penal provisions of the Three Dynasties included mutilation without being considered cruel. Hao ruled a state and held power over life and death. If criminals incurred the law and he punished them, why heap blame upon him? Men punished by Yao cannot help resenting him, and men rewarded by Jie cannot help admiring him: such is human feeling.” They asked: “It is said Marquis Who Submits to the Mandate (Sun Hao) <a surrender honorific> hated people glaring at him and gouged out their eyes. Is it true?” Ren answered: “No; the report is mistaken. The Summary of Ritual says one looks below the Son of Heaven's collar, below a feudal lord's chin, at a grand officer's upper face, and directly at an ordinary gentleman's face, allowing one's gaze to range within five paces. Looking above the brow shows arrogance; below the belt, anxiety; sideways, perversity. Ritual demands care in raising and lowering one's gaze, all the more toward a ruler. Looking offensively at a ruler is what ritual calls arrogance; arrogance is discourtesy, discourtesy disloyalty, and disloyalty a crime, exposing one to unpredictable consequences. Even if such punishment occurred, what would be wrong?” Yu Jun and the others approved Ren's answers. They were too numerous to record in full.>

In spring of the fourth year eleven kings, including those of Zhongshan and Dai, were installed, and a general amnesty was proclaimed. Wherever Wang Jun and Tang Bin arrived, resistance collapsed like crumbling earth and broken tiles. Du Yu beheaded Wu Yan, commander at Jiangling; Wang Hun also killed Chancellor Zhang Ti, Administrator of Danyang Shen Ying, and others. Everywhere they fought, they won.

Commentary<Gan Bao's Annals of Jin says: Wu's Chancellor and Military Adviser Zhang Ti, Army Protector Sun Zhen, and Administrator of Danyang Shen Ying led thirty thousand men across the Yangzi and besieged Zhang Qiao, Commandant of Chengyang, at Yanghe Bridge. Qiao had only seven thousand men, enclosed his stockade, and raised a white cloth to announce surrender. Wu's Deputy Military Adviser Zhuge Jing wanted to massacre them. Ti said: “A powerful enemy is ahead. We should not first concern ourselves with a small one. Besides, killing those who surrender is inauspicious.” Jing said: “Their relief has not arrived and their strength is small, so they pretend to surrender to delay us. They are not submitting. Kill them while they have no will to fight, and we can raise our army's spirit. If we leave them and advance, they will certainly threaten our rear.” Ti refused, pacified them, and advanced. He formed up opposite Zhang Han, Army Protector for the Campaign against Wu, and Zhou Jun, Inspector of Yang Province. Shen Ying commanded five thousand picked Danyang troops with swords and shields, called the Blue-Headcloth Troops. They had repeatedly broken strong formations. They now charged the Huainan army three times without moving it. Their withdrawal became disorderly. Xue Sheng and Jiang Ban exploited the confusion, and Wu's army collapsed unit after unit. Its commanders could not stop it. Zhang Qiao attacked from behind. Wu's army was heavily defeated at Ban Bridge; Ti, Zhen, Ying, and others were taken. The Records of Xiangyang says: Ti, courtesy name Juxian, was from Xiangyang. In youth he was known for understanding principles. Under Sun Xiu he became Colonel of Encamped Cavalry. When Wei attacked Shu, men of Wu asked him: “Since the Sima clan gained power, great troubles have repeatedly arisen. Though their intelligence and strength are abundant, the people have not submitted. Now they exhaust their resources on a distant expedition against Ba and Shu, wearying soldiers and people without pity. They have no time even to cope with failure: how can they succeed? Fuchai's attack on Qi did win victories, but endangered and destroyed his state because he neglected its foundations. How much worse their struggle for territory!” Ti said: “It is otherwise. Cao Cao's achievements overshadowed the Central States and his might shook the four seas, but he exalted deceit and relied on stratagems, campaigning without end. The people feared his power but cherished no gratitude for his virtue. Cao Pi and Cao Rui followed with cruelty, building palaces at home and fearing powerful men abroad. Armies hurried east and west; no year was peaceful. They lost the people's allegiance long ago. Since Sima Yi and his sons took control, they have repeatedly achieved great successes, removed vexatious exactions, and spread equitable kindness. They have directed affairs and relieved the people's distress; the people's hearts have long turned to them. Thus three Huainan rebellions left the heartland undisturbed, and Cao Mao's death caused no movement in the four quarters. They crush powerful opponents like dry wood and sweep away resistance as easily as turning a hand. They appoint the worthy and employ the capable, each exerting himself fully. Who could do this without surpassing others in intelligence and courage? Their military power is established, their roots secure, their subjects obedient, their usurpation prepared. In Shu, eunuchs now monopolize the court; the state has no effective commands. It plays with arms and abuses warfare, wearing out people and soldiers, competing for gains abroad without preparing defenses. The balance of strength is unequal, and Wei's calculations are better. Attacking amid Shu's peril, will they not conquer? Even if they do not, they will merely achieve nothing; they face no danger of rout or destruction. Why should it fail? When Chu's swords became keen, King Zhao (Ying Ji) of Qin feared; when Mengming was employed, Jin worried. Their success is our great danger.” Wu's men laughed, but Shu did surrender to Wei. When Jin attacked Wu, Hao ordered Ti to command Shen Ying and Zhuge Jing, leading thirty thousand across the Yangzi to meet it. At Niuzhu, Ying said: “Jin has long been preparing naval forces in Shu. Now it launches the whole state's strength, with forces a myriad li apart acting together. It will surely bring all Yi Province's troops downstream. Our upstream commands have made no preparations; the famous generals are dead and young men hold their posts. I fear none of the riverside cities can resist. Jin's fleet must reach this place. Preserve our strength and await one battle. Victory would clear the region west of the river; even if the upper reaches have fallen, we could recover them. If we cross now to fight, victory is uncertain, and one defeat will finish everything.” Ti said: “Wise and foolish alike have long known that Wu is going to perish. This is no new discovery. I fear that when the Shu troops reach here, everyone's courage will fail and order cannot be restored. Cross now, and we can fight a decisive battle. If defeated, we die with the state and have nothing to regret. If victorious, the northern enemy will flee, our momentum will increase ten thousandfold, and we can advance southward in triumph to meet the fleet halfway, certain to break it. On your plan I fear the army will disperse, and we shall sit waiting for the enemy, ruler and ministers surrendering together with not one man dying in the crisis. Would that not be disgraceful?” They crossed and fought, and Wu's army was heavily defeated. Zhuge Jing retreated with five or six hundred men and sent someone to fetch Ti. Ti refused to leave. Jing went himself and pulled him, saying: “The world's survival and extinction have their great determining forces. How could you alone understand them? Why deliberately seek death?” Ti wept: “Zhongsi, today is my day to die. While still a child I was recognized and promoted by the chancellor of your family. I have always feared failing to die worthily and disappointing that eminent man's regard. Now I sacrifice myself for the state. Why flee? Do not drag me like this.” Jing let him go, weeping. After he had gone a hundred paces, he saw Ti killed by Jin's soldiers. The Records of Wu says: Ti was famous in youth, but on gaining high responsibility he courted current fashions and protected influential courtiers. Impartial opinion criticized him. The Records of Searching for Spirits says: Liu Rong of Songyang in Linhai accompanied Ti to Yangfu. Rong died of illness aboard ship and lay dead for two days. The army had gone ashore and no one buried him. Suddenly he cried loudly: “They are binding the military adviser! They are binding the military adviser!” His voice rose and he revived. Asked what had happened, he said: “At the gate of the Northern Dipper in Heaven, I suddenly saw people binding Zhang Ti. Greatly shocked, I cried involuntarily, ‘Why are you binding Military Adviser Zhang?’ The gatekeepers angrily ordered me away. I left in fear, and the lingering sound escaped my mouth.” Ti died in battle that day. Rong was still alive under Emperor Yuan (Sima Rui) of Jin.>

In the third month, on bingyin, several hundred palace intimates knocked their heads on the ground, begging Hao to kill Cen Hun. Bewildered and frightened, Hao agreed.

On wuchen Tao Jun returned from Wuchang. Hao immediately received him and asked about the fleet. He answered: “The Shu ships are all small. Give me twenty thousand soldiers to fight in large ships, and we can certainly defeat them.” Troops were assembled and Jun was given the tally and battle-axe of command. He was to depart the next day, but that night all his men fled. Wang Jun was approaching downstream, and Sima Zhou and Wang Hun were nearing the frontier. Following the advice of Minister of Splendid Happiness Xue Ying, Director of the Secretariat Hu Chong, and others, Hao sent separate envoys with letters to Jun, Zhou, and Hun: “When Han lost its governing authority, the nine provinces split apart. My forebears took advantage of the times to secure territory south of the Yangzi. Mountains and rivers divided us, and we were separated from Wei. Now great Jin has risen like a dragon and its virtue covers the four seas. In my blindness and inferiority I sought an uneasy peace, failing to understand Heaven's mandate. Now I have troubled your six armies to fill the roads with crossbars and canopies and come far to the riverbanks. The whole state trembles, preserving its breath only moment by moment. Relying on the heavenly court's broad and radiant generosity, I respectfully send Zhang Kui, whom I privately appointed Minister of Ceremonies, and others to present the seal and ribbon I have worn, submit my person, and beg for life. Please trust and accept me, to save the common people.”

Commentary<The Account of the Lands beyond the Yangzi records Hao's letter to his maternal uncle He Zhi as defeat approached: “Great Emperor (Sun Quan), with divinely martial strategy and three thousand soldiers, occupied the south of the Yangzi and swept over Jiao and Guang, founding a vast inheritance he wished to endure for ten thousand generations. I, least in virtue, succeeded to his accomplishments, but failed to win and unite the people. My many faults violated Heaven's standards. I mistook sinister changes for auspicious signs, bringing southern rebellion which our expeditions have not subdued. Hearing that Jin's great army approached the Yangzi from afar, I hoped for strenuous exertions, but all our troops have broken and retreated. Zhang Ti has not returned; more than half the army is lost. I am deeply ashamed and distressed, without consolation. Tao Jun reports that none of the territory west of Wuchang remains secure. It is not lack of grain or weakness of walls: our officers and soldiers turn their backs on battle. If they refuse to fight, is it because they resent warfare? The guilt is mine. Omens change overhead, and soldiers and people lament below. Our position is as precarious as piled eggs. Wu's fortune ends: how constrained we are! Heaven did not destroy Wu; I brought this upon it. When I close my eyes beneath the yellow earth, with what face can I meet the four emperors? Exert yourself in extraordinary plans and send them swiftly in writing.” Hao also wrote to his ministers: “Unworthy as I am, I presumed to continue the former course. Throughout my years in power, government and teaching were violent and disordered. The people long suffered in mire and fire, until in a single day we must submit to a ruler possessing the Way. The state's altars fall and its ancestral temple has no master. My shame is mountain-high; death cannot exhaust my guilt. Empty and shallow, I wrongly enjoyed the august title. Petty in talent and impure in character, I bore the weighty charge of kings and dukes. Thus the Changes warns of the broken cauldron, and the poet mocks ‘that man.’ Within the palace I repeatedly suffered grave illness; my plans were inadequate and my deliberations unsound, and much was neglected. Petty men around me generated cruelty. Their venom spread unchecked, harming loyal and obedient servants. In darkness I did not perceive it; investigating the obstruction now, I have failed you all. Matters are beyond repair: spilled water cannot be gathered. Great Jin now pacifies the four seas and diligently seeks worthy men. This is truly the time for outstanding men to display their integrity. Guan Zhong was an extreme enemy, yet Duke Huan (Jiang Xiaobai) employed him. Zhang Liang and Chen Ping left Chu to serve Han. Leaving disorder for good government is no disloyalty. Do not diminish your aspirations because the dynasty and calendar have changed. Encourage worthy aims and cherish respectful conduct in every action. What more can I say? I lay down my brush.”>

On renshen Wang Jun arrived first and accepted Hao's surrender. He untied his bonds, burned the coffin he had brought, and invited him to meet.

Because Hao had sent his seal and ribbon to Sima Zhou, Zhou dispatched an envoy to escort him. Hao's entire household moved west, reaching the capital on dinghai in the fifth month of the first year of Taikang. On jiashen in the fourth month an edict stated: “Sun Hao surrendered in extremity. Our former edict promised his life. Now that he is about to arrive, we still pity him. Grant him the title Marquis Who Submits to the Mandate (Sun Hao). Advance him clothing and carriages, thirty qing of land, and annually five thousand hu of grain, five hundred thousand cash, five hundred bolts of silk, and five hundred jin of floss.” Hao's crown prince Sun Jin became a Gentleman-General, and the sons who had been kings became Gentlemen of the Palace.

Commentary<The Records of Searching for Spirits says: Wu was a newly founded state with insecure loyalties. Frontier commanders' wives and children were all held as hostages, called “guarantee hostages.” Ten or more of their boys and youths would play together each day. In the third month of the second year of Yong'an, an unfamiliar boy more than four chi tall and apparently six or seven years old, dressed in blue-green, joined them. None knew him. They asked: “Whose child are you, coming suddenly today?” He answered: “I saw you enjoying your games, so I came.” Looking closely, they saw light glittering from his eyes. Frightened, they questioned him again. He said: “Do you dislike me? I am not human, but the star Mars. I have something to tell you: ‘The Three Excellencies are uprooted; Sima comes.’” The boys were astonished; some ran to tell adults, who hurried over. The boy said: “Shall I leave you?” He leaped upward and transformed. Looking up, they saw what seemed a length of white silk drawn into Heaven. The adults arriving still saw it floating higher until it disappeared. Wu's government was then harsh and urgent, and none dared spread the story. Five years later Shu fell; six years later Jin arose. Now Wu was destroyed, and Sima had come. Gan Bao's Annals of Jin says: While Wang Jun built ships in Shu, Wu Yan took drifting wood shavings and presented them to Sun Hao: “Jin must be planning to attack Wu. Increase Jianping's troops. Unless Jianping falls, they will never dare come down the Yangzi.” Hao refused. After Lu Kang defeated Bu Chan, Hao became conceited and ordered Shang Guang to divine whether he would unite the realm. The hexagram Fellowship with Men changed to Nourishment. Guang answered: “Auspicious. In a gengzi year the blue canopy will enter Luoyang.” Hao therefore neglected government and constantly aspired to invade the northern state. This was indeed a gengzi year.>

In the fifth year Hao died at Luoyang.

Appraisal: Sun Liang was a child without worthy advisers. His deposition and failure to complete his reign were inevitable. Sun Xiu employed Puyang Xing and Zhang Bu out of old affection and obligation, unable to promote worthy talent or change his course. Though well intentioned and fond of learning, how could that remedy disorder? Moreover he denied the deposed Liang a natural death, showing little brotherly duty. The people destroyed, exiled, and banished by Hao's excessive punishments were beyond counting. All his subjects therefore trembled, hoping merely to survive each day and unable in the morning to plan for evening. Deceivers and shamans joined in producing auspicious signs, treating this as their most urgent task. Shun and Yu, sages of supreme virtue who had personally farmed, still admonished their ministers under oath, “If I err, assist me,” or bowed to sound advice, always feeling themselves inadequate. How much more should Hao have done so! Instead, vicious and obstinate, he freely practiced cruelty, killed loyal remonstrators, promoted slanderers and flatterers, abused his people, and exhausted indulgence and extravagance. He deserved to have his head severed from his body to appease the people. Yet he received not only an edict sparing his life but the favor of the title Marquis Who Submits to the Mandate (Sun Hao). Was this not boundless grace and excessively generous mercy?

Commentary<Sun Sheng says: In antiquity rulers were established to shepherd the people. They therefore had to accord with Heaven and Earth and shelter all living things. If instead they indulged cruelty and afflicted every creature, Heaven destroyed them, ended their dynastic fortune, stripped them of the dignity of facing south, and punished them as solitary criminals. Thus Tang and King Wu (Ji Fa) raised their axes without the reproach of disobedience, and Emperor Gao (Liu Bang) of Han drew his sword without charges of disloyalty: those they attacked were cruel enemies of the four seas, rejected by humans and spirits. Hao, an outlaw usurper, was more savage than Xin (King Zhou of Shang) and Gui (Jie of Xia). Displaying his head on a white banner would not have satisfied his victims' souls; flooding his house and leveling his altars would not sufficiently have marked his violence. Yet he was favored with an illustrious appointment and repeated gifts. Was this carrying out Heaven's punishment, punishing the guilty, and consoling the people? It shows that usurpation went unpunished and brutality received no warning. The Odes says: “Take those slanderers and cast them to jackals and tigers.” If mere slander deserves this, how much more usurpation and tyranny! Moreover the divine banners swept forward like lightning and troops reached his false court. Only when argument and force were exhausted did he beg for life. His unpardonable guilt was manifest, and the principle of leaving an escape in a three-sided hunt no longer applied. Even judged by expedient policy, there was nothing to commend.>

Commentary<Lu Ji wrote an Essay on Discerning the Causes of Ruin, explaining why Wu fell. Its first part says: “When Han lost control and treacherous ministers usurped its commands, disaster began around the capital and poison spread throughout the realm. Imperial order loosened and collapsed, and the royal house declined. Heroes then swarmed up in alarm and armies of righteousness converged from every direction. Wu's Emperor Wulie (Sun Jian) <a posthumous imperial title praising martial valor>, stirred to generous indignation in a subordinate territory, struck like lightning from southern Jing. His resourceful strategies were manifold, his loyalty and courage supreme in his age. At his stern might the unruly trembled; when armies met, the vile enemy offered its severed heads. He swept clean the ancestral sanctuary and restored sacrifices to the imperial ancestors. At that time commanders rising like clouds held provinces, and armies springing up like gales occupied cities; roaring bands raced like wind, bear-like warriors gathered like mist. Though united in righteousness and allied in common effort, all harbored harmful ambitions, relied on force, and fostered disorder. Some had neither plans nor discipline, losing their own prestige and strengthening the enemy. None displayed such loyal purpose and martial integrity. After Emperor Wulie (Sun Jian) died, King Huan of Changsha (Sun Ce) <a posthumous royal title> appeared with a talent rare in an age. At barely twenty he stood out, gathered his predecessor's surviving elders, and continued the enterprise with them. His divine army drove east, the few boldly attacking the many. In assaults no general retained an impregnable city; in battle no enemy could withstand his onset. He punished rebels and conciliated the submissive, settling the territory beyond the Yangzi. He regulated law and trained troops, making might and virtue shine together. He honored eminent worthies as guests, foremost among them Zhang Zhao, and associated with heroic talents, outstanding among them Zhou Yu. These two were broad-minded, quick, resourceful, cultivated, perceptive, and wise. Men sharing their way attached themselves by affinity; men of matching purpose gathered in spirit. Thus Jiangdong possessed many capable men. Sun Ce was about to attack the Chinese heartland northward, eliminate violators of order, return the imperial carriage to a smooth highway and the emperor's throne to its purple gates, command the lords through the Son of Heaven, restore the imperial course, and recover the old inheritance. His war chariots had taken station and the villains looked askance. Before the great enterprise was accomplished, he died in the prime of life. The undertaking passed to our Great Emperor (Sun Quan), whose extraordinary course followed an exceptional track. His discerning mind conceived excellent plans. In government he consulted established precedents; in promulgating laws he examined inherited customs, adding steadfastness and reinforcing frugality. He sought counsel from outstanding men, welcomed deliberation, and made sound decisions. Bundles of silk went to recluses in their gardens; banners of appointment crossed the lanes. Eminent talents followed his call like answering echoes, men of purpose hastened toward his light like shadows. Exceptional men converged like spokes, and fierce warriors stood like a forest. Zhang Zhao became his senior adviser. Zhou Yu, Lord Lu (Lu Xun), Lu Su, Lü Meng, and their peers were his trusted counselors at court and his strong limbs in the field. Gan Ning, Ling Tong, Cheng Pu, He Qi, Zhu Huan, and Zhu Ran displayed their might; Han Dang, Pan Zhang, Huang Gai, Jiang Qin, and Zhou Tai exerted their strength. In cultivated distinction, Zhuge Jin, Zhang Cheng, and Bu Zhi illuminated the state with their reputations. In government, Gu Yong, Pan Jun, Lü Fan, and Lü Dai ably discharged their offices. In extraordinary intellectual vigor, Yu Fan, Lu Ji (陸績), Zhang Wen, and Zhang Dun upheld correctness through criticism and discussion. As envoys, Zhao Zi and Shen Heng enlarged its reputation with quick understanding. In technical arts, Wu Fan and Zhao Da harmonized auspicious indications with its virtue. Dong Xi and Chen Wu died defending their lord; Luo Tong and Liu Ji corrected his faults by forceful remonstrance. No calculation was omitted and no undertaking lacked sound policy. Thus Wu occupied its rivers and mountains, controlled Jing and Wu, and contested the balance of the realm. Wei once relied on the prestige of victory to lead a million men, launch vessels from Dengsai, and bring down the forces south of the Han. Oars numbered in myriads, leaping like dragons downstream; thousands of squadrons of picked cavalry strode like tigers over plains and marshes. Strategists filled its chambers and military commanders stood shoulder to shoulder. It aspired mightily to swallow the Yangzi's banks and unite the universe. But Zhou Yu drove a detachment of our army against it and repelled it at Red Cliffs. Banners lost and chariot tracks confused, it barely escaped and fled far away. The King of Han (Liu Bei) also relied on imperial and royal titles, led the people of Ba and Han, exploited a dangerous opportunity, and strung camps for a thousand li, determined to avenge Guan Yu and recover the land west of the Xiang. Our Lord Lu (Lu Xun) likewise crushed him at Xiling. His army was overthrown and defeated; only after desperate straits did he escape, to die at Yong'an. Then came the attack on Ruxu, where the enemy's edge was broken beside the river, and the battle of Penglong, from which not a single wheel returned. Thus the commanders of the two states lost courage and blunted their weapons; their power failed and resources emptied. Wu serenely profited from their exhaustion. Wei requested friendship and Han sought an alliance. Wu then ascended to the heavenly title and stood as one leg of the tripod. Westward it cut into the outskirts of Yong and Shu; northward it tore at the Huai and Han banks; eastward it embraced the Hundred Yue; southward it encompassed the outer limits of the many native peoples. It examined the rites of eight ages, sought the music of the Three Kings, sacrificed to the Supreme Deity, and received the lords with joined hands and bows. Tiger-like ministers and resolute soldiers defended the Yangzi; long halberds and stout spears rose at the wind's call. Officials fully offered their counsel above; the four classes pursued their callings below. Its transforming influence harmonized distant peoples, its customs spread to far frontiers. Single envoys were sent to soothe and inspect foreign lands. Tame elephants and swift horses were trained in the outer stables; bright pearls and precious treasures glittered in the inner treasury. Rarities arrived in overlapping tracks, strange curios answered as quickly as echoes. Light envoys' carriages sped through southern wildernesses, while assault chariots rested on northern plains. Ordinary people escaped warfare, and warhorses no longer faced the anxiety of morning harness. The imperial enterprise was secure. After Great Emperor (Sun Quan) died, a young ruler came to court and treacherous men indulged violence. Emperor Jing (Sun Xiu) arose and reverently restored inherited laws. Government had no great failings: he was a good ruler for preserving the established order. At the beginning of Marquis Who Submits to the Mandate (Sun Hao)'s reign, old institutions had not disappeared and veteran servants remained. Grand Marshal Lord Lu (Lu Kang) brightened the court through civil and military ability; Left Chancellor Lu Kai exhausted his efforts in outspoken counsel. Shi Ji and Fan Shen were distinguished for weighty authority, Ding Feng and Zhongli Fei renowned for martial resolution. Meng Zong and Ding Gu served among the high ministers; Lou Xuan and He Shao controlled confidential affairs. Though the head was diseased, the limbs remained sound. Only in the final years, after these great officers had died, did the common people wish to break away and the imperial house show cracks of collapse. Its allotted destiny waned with changing circumstances; the royal army followed the turning fortune and advanced. Soldiers scattered in their formations and people fled their towns. City walls afforded no more protection than fences; mountains and rivers offered no more obstacle than ditches and mounds. There was no need of Gongshu's cloud ladders, Zhi Bo's destructive inundation, the king of Chu's siege huts, or Yan's forces west of the Ji. Before a full cycle of days had passed, the state was leveled. Though loyal ministers raged alone and resolute men died for duty, what could they save? Cao Cao's and Liu Bei's commanders were not talents confined to a single generation. The invading army of that time was less numerous than the armies of old. The methods of fighting and defense had earlier precedents; the advantages of difficult ground had not suddenly changed. Yet success and failure exchanged places, and past and present took different paths. Why? The transforming influences of the two sides differed, and the talents appointed to office were different.” Its second part says: “When the three powers ruled, Wei occupied the Central States, Han possessed Min and Yi, and Wu controlled Jing and Yang and embraced Jiao and Guang. Though the Cao clan had rendered service throughout China, its cruelty was deep and its people resentful. Lord Liu (Liu Bei) relied on difficult terrain and displayed cleverness, but his achievements were slight and his customs narrow. King Huan (Sun Ce) founded Wu by force, and Taizu (Sun Quan) <Great Ancestor; a temple name> completed it by virtue. His intelligence and discernment were penetrating, his excellent capacities far-reaching. He sought worthy men as though he could never find enough, cared for the people as for infants, treated gentlemen with the fullest dignity of virtue, and cherished humane men with all the affection of his heart. He raised Lü Meng from the ranks and recognized Pan Jun among bound captives. He trusted men sincerely, without fretting that they would deceive him; he assigned responsibility according to capacity, without fearing that their power would press upon his own. Holding a whip and bowing, he enhanced Lord Lu (Lu Xun)'s authority; entrusting all his guards, he strengthened Zhou Yu's army. He kept his palace humble and food plain to enlarge rewards for meritorious servants, opened his heart and emptied himself to receive advisers' calculations. Thus Lu Su entrusted himself after one meeting, and Shi Xie faced dangers to offer allegiance. Respect for Lord Zhang (Zhang Zhao)'s virtue made him curtail hunting; appreciation of Zhuge Jin's words made him relinquish sensual pleasure. Moved by Lord Lu (Lu Xun)'s advice, he reduced burdensome punishments and administration; admiring Liu Ji's argument, he vowed to stop after three cups. He held his breath and stepped softly while awaiting news of Ziming (Lü Meng)'s illness; he shared delicacies and reduced his own indulgence to nourish Ling Tong's orphans. Mounting the platform in generous emotion, he credited Lu Su's achievement; cutting up and discarding malicious letters, he trusted Ziyu (Zhuge Jin)'s integrity. Loyal ministers therefore competed to exhaust their plans, and men of purpose all had scope to exert themselves. His vast designs and distant strategies were certainly not content with petty accomplishments. The offices were therefore provisionally assembled, and many affairs remained unfinished. When he first made Jianye his capital, his ministers requested a complete system of rites and ranks. The Son of Heaven (Sun Quan) refused: ‘What would the realm say of me?’ Palace buildings, carriages, and robes were accordingly modest. By the middle period the division between heavenly mandate and human allegiance was settled, and institutional deficiencies had been broadly repaired. Though his rich transforming influence and fine order did not equal the highest antiquity, the means of organizing the state and managing the people were sufficient for government. Its territory extended almost ten thousand li, its armored men approached a million. Its fields were fertile, people trained, wealth abundant, and weapons sharp. The vast sea lay behind it to the east, strategic barriers blocked the west, the great Yangzi defined its realm, and steep mountains girded its borders. No state's advantages were greater. Had even a man of middling ability guarded it according to the Way, had a good man governed it skillfully, earnestly followed inherited statutes, cared for the people, attended cautiously to government, adhered to settled plans, and held the usual defenses, it could have endured for generations without danger of ruin. Some say Wu and Shu were lips and teeth: Shu's destruction made Wu's fall inevitable. In principle this has some truth, but Shu was an allied protective support, not the determinant of Wu's life or death. Why? Along their adjoining borders lay range upon range of mountain obstacles, with no route for long-axled war chariots; the rivers narrowed and ran swiftly, making navigation dangerous. Even a picked army of a million could send only a thousand men ahead; a fleet a thousand li long could advance only a hundred vessels abreast. Thus when Liu Bei attacked, Lord Lu (Lu Xun) compared him to a long snake: the terrain made it so. When Shu first fell, the ministers offered differing plans. Some wanted to pile rocks to obstruct the current; others wanted mechanical devices against an attack. The Son of Heaven (Sun Xiu) gathered their proposals and consulted Grand Marshal Lord Lu (Lu Kang). Lord Lu (Lu Kang) said that the Four Waterways regulate and disperse the energies of Heaven and Earth and fundamentally cannot be blocked. Mechanical devices are available to both sides. If the enemy abandons its strengths to adopt what constrains it, competing in boats in Jing and Yang, Heaven is helping us. We need only carefully guard the gorge entrances and await its capture. During Bu Chan's rebellion he relied on a fortified city to invite a powerful enemy, offering rich gifts to attract the native peoples. The great state's forces then swept like clouds and lightning, hanging banners along the river, building camps beside its islets, and occupying strategic positions to block Wu's movement west, while the fleets of Ba and Han came downstream. Lord Lu (Lu Kang), with a detachment of thirty thousand, occupied Dongkeng to the north, dug deep trenches and built high ramparts, resting his armor and nourishing his strength. The rebel crouched awaiting execution and dared not look north for an escape. The powerful invader was defeated and fled by night, losing more than half its army. A picked force of five thousand was separately ordered west to resist the fleet; east and west triumphed together and presented captives by the myriad. Truly the worthy man's plans proved faithful: how could they deceive us? Afterward beacon alarms were rare and the frontier had few dangers. Only when Lord Lu (Lu Kang) died did covert invasion plans begin; only when Wu's faults deepened did the six armies surge forth. The forces in the Taikang campaign were no greater than those of earlier days, while Guang Province's rebellion brought trouble greater than former crises. Yet the state was overturned and ancestral temples became ruins. Alas! ‘The men are gone; the state is exhausted’: was this not so? The Changes says, ‘Tang and King Wu (Ji Fa) changed the mandate in obedience to Heaven.’ The Supreme Mystery says, ‘Without disorder reaching its limit, good government does not appear.’ These speak of emperors and kings following Heaven's season. An ancient saying states, ‘Heaven's timing is less than favorable terrain,’ and the Changes says, ‘Kings and lords establish defenses to preserve their states.’ These speak of a state's reliance on barriers. Again: ‘Favorable terrain is less than human harmony,’ and ‘It lies in virtue, not in barriers.’ These speak of defenses depending on people. In Wu's rise all three were joined: what Master Xun called combining the three. At its fall it relied on barriers alone: what Master Xun called abandoning the three. The four provinces did not lack people; the south of the great Yangzi did not lack outstanding men. Its mountains and rivers were easy to defend, its sharp weapons easy to use, its earlier achievements easy to follow. Why, then, did achievement fail and calamity arrive? Because those employing these advantages failed. Thus the former kings understood the lasting principles of governing a state and examined the ultimate determinants of survival and extinction. They restrained themselves to give the people peace, practiced generous kindness to establish harmony, showed breadth and modesty to encourage talented men's plans, and used affection and gentleness to secure soldiers' and people's love. In safety the common people shared their rejoicing; in danger the multitude shared their troubles. When all rejoice together in safety, danger cannot reach them; when ruler and subjects share danger, adversity need cause no fear. Thus they could preserve their altars and secure their territory, without thoughts of grieving for Yin at ripening wheat or sorrowing for Zhou at the separated millet.”>