Book of Wei · Biographies of the Gongsun Houses, Tao Qian, and the Four Zhangs

Gongsun Zan, courtesy name Bogui, was from Lingzhi in Liaoxi.

He served as a clerk at the commandery headquarters. Handsome and imposing, with a powerful voice, he impressed Administrator Hou, who married his daughter to him.

The administrator sent him to study the classics under Lu Zhi in Zhuo Commandery. Later he again became a commandery official. Administrator Liu was summoned to the Commandant of Justice over an offense. Gongsun Zan drove his carriage and personally performed a servant's duties. When Liu was exiled to Rinan, Gongsun Zan prepared rice and meat and sacrificed to his ancestors on Beimang. Raising a cup, he prayed: “Formerly I was a son; now I am a servant of the state and must go to Rinan. Its miasmas may prevent my return. Here I bid my ancestors farewell.” He bowed twice and rose with passionate resolve. Everyone watching sighed and wept. Liu was pardoned on the road and returned. Recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, Gongsun Zan became Gentleman of the Palace, then Chief Clerk of the Liaodong Dependent State. Once, while inspecting the frontier with several dozen horsemen, he encountered several hundred Xianbei cavalry. He withdrew into an empty post and told his followers: “Unless we charge them now, we shall all die.” Holding a spear fitted with blades at both ends, he rode out and struck the enemy, killing and wounding several dozen. He lost half his own horsemen but escaped. Chastened, the Xianbei thereafter dared not enter the frontier again. He became Magistrate of Zhuo. During Guanghe, rebels rose in Liang Province. Three thousand elite cavalry were levied from You Province; Gongsun Zan received a temporary commission to act as their commander. When the army reached Ji, Zhang Chun of Yuyang induced Qiu Liju and other Wuhuan of Liaoxi to rebel. They plundered Ji, and Zhang Chun called himself general.

They carried off officials and people and attacked cities in Youbeiping and the Liaoxi Dependent State, devastating everything they reached. Gongsun Zan pursued them with his troops and, for his achievements, became Commandant of Cavalry. The Wuhuan King Tanzhi <a tribal royal designation; personal identity uncertain> of the dependent state led his people to surrender to Gongsun Zan. Gongsun Zan became General of the Household and Marquis of the Capital Village and advanced to garrison the dependent state, fighting the northern peoples for five or six years. Qiu Liju and the others raided Qing, Xu, You, and Ji provinces. All four suffered, and Gongsun Zan could not resist them.

The court considered that Minister of the Imperial Clan Liu Bo'an (Liu Yu) of Donghai possessed virtue and righteousness and, as former Inspector of You Province, had spread kindness and trust, winning the frontier peoples' allegiance. Sending him to pacify them could restore order without troubling the army. Liu Yu was therefore appointed Governor of You Province.

On arriving, Liu Yu sent envoys to the northern peoples, explaining benefits and dangers and demanding Zhang Chun's head. Qiu Liju and the others rejoiced at his arrival and sent interpreters to submit. Resenting Liu Yu's success, Gongsun Zan secretly sent men to intercept and kill their envoys. Discovering this, they took concealed routes to Liu Yu. Liu Yu requested the withdrawal of the garrisons, retaining only Gongsun Zan with ten thousand infantry and cavalry at Youbeiping. Zhang Chun abandoned his wife and children and fled to the Xianbei, where his retainer Wang Zheng killed him and brought his head to Liu Yu. Wang Zheng became a ranked marquis. For his success, Liu Yu was appointed Grand Commandant in his existing post and Marquis of Xiangben.

When Dong Zhuo reached Luoyang, Liu Yu became Grand Marshal, and Gongsun Zan General Who Rouses Martial Might and Marquis of Ji.

When righteous armies rose east of the passes, Dong Zhuo forced the Emperor (Liu Xie) westward. Liu Yu was summoned as Grand Tutor, but blocked roads prevented the command from reaching him. Yuan Shao and Han Fu argued that the young emperor was controlled by wicked ministers, leaving the realm no one to turn to. Liu Yu was a celebrated imperial kinsman whom the people admired; they therefore proposed him as emperor and sent envoys, but he steadfastly refused. They next urged him to supervise the Masters of Writing and issue appointments and fiefs on imperial authority. He again refused, though remaining allied with them.

Liu Yu's son Liu He was Palace Attendant at Chang'an. Wishing to return east, the Son of Heaven (Liu Xie) had Liu He pretend to escape Dong Zhuo, secretly leave through Wu Pass, and ask Liu Yu to bring troops to receive him. Passing Yuan Shu, Liu He explained the Emperor (Liu Xie)'s wishes. Wanting Liu Yu as an ally, Yuan Shu detained Liu He, promised to march west together when troops arrived, and had him write to Liu Yu. Receiving the letter, Liu Yu sent several thousand cavalry. Knowing Yuan Shu had ulterior intentions, Gongsun Zan opposed sending them, but Liu Yu refused to listen. Fearing Yuan Shu would hear and resent his opposition, Gongsun Zan also sent his younger cousin Gongsun Yue with a thousand cavalry to form an alliance, while secretly urging Yuan Shu to hold Liu He and seize his troops. Liu Yu and Gongsun Zan thus became still more estranged. Liu He escaped north from Yuan Shu but was again detained by Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shu had sent Sun Jian to hold Yangcheng against Dong Zhuo, while Yuan Shao sent Zhou Ang to seize that position. Yuan Shu sent Gongsun Yue to join Sun Jian in attacking Zhou Ang, but they failed, and Gongsun Yue died from a stray arrow. Gongsun Zan said angrily: “My younger brother's death originated with Yuan Shao.” He advanced to Panhe to avenge him. Afraid, Yuan Shao gave his own seal and ribbon as Administrator of Bohai to Gongsun Zan's younger cousin Gongsun Fan and sent him there, hoping to secure support. Gongsun Fan instead helped Gongsun Zan with Bohai's troops. They defeated Yellow Turbans in Qing and Xu, grew stronger, and advanced to Jie Bridge.

“I have heard that since Huang and Xi, rulers and ministers have had their respective stations, moral instruction guiding the people and punishments restraining violence. Acting General of Chariots and Cavalry Yuan Shao exploits his ancestors' legacy to steal another's rank. Violent by nature, his conduct is depraved. First, as Colonel Director of Retainers, during the state's bereavement, when the Empress Dowager (Lady He) governed and the He family assisted, Yuan Shao practiced wicked flattery rather than promoting the upright. He caused Ding Yuan to burn Mengjin and summoned Dong Zhuo, planting the root of disorder. This is his first crime. “Second, when Dong Zhuo entered Luo and held the sovereign hostage, Yuan Shao failed to rescue his ruler through expedients. Instead he discarded his credentials and fled, disgracing his appointment and disloyally abandoning his superior. Third, as Administrator of Bohai, he secretly selected cavalry to attack Dong Zhuo without informing his father and elder kinsmen, causing the Grand Tutor's household and the Grand Coachman's mother and son to perish in a single day. This was inhumane and unfilial. Fourth, after raising troops, he spent two years neglecting the state's distress and enriching himself, diverting resources to nonurgent ends, stripping wealthy households, arresting and interrogating people for money, until all sighed and bitterly resented him. “Fifth, exploiting Han Fu's distress, he usurped his vacant position, forged imperial favors, and engraved gold seals and jade signets. Whenever he issued documents, their black pouches were sealed with the words ‘One imperial edict, seal of the Marquis of Kang District.’ [The source gives Kang's pronunciation by combining kou and lang.] The Xin usurper once advanced gradually from provisional to real sovereignty; Yuan Shao's conduct is comparable. Sixth, he has Cui Juye observe stars and sun, rewards him with wealth, eats and drinks with him, and sets dates for joint raids on commanderies and counties. Is this proper conduct for a great minister? “Seventh, he initially raised troops with former Tiger-Tooth Commandant Liu Xun, who repeatedly rendered service and subdued Zhang Yang. Yet over a small resentment he unjustly harmed Liu Xun, trusting slander and killing a meritorious man. Eighth, he proceeded against former Administrator of Shanggu Gao Yan and former Chancellor of Ganling Yao Gong, extorting money. When they could not pay in full, both died. Ninth, by the Spring and Autumn Annals, a son's standing derives from his mother. Yuan Shao's own mother was a serving maid; his birth was lowly and he should not have become another's heir. Against righteousness, he occupies a great responsibility and disgraces royal rank and the Yuan lineage. “Tenth, Administrator of Changsha Sun Jian, formerly Inspector of Yu Province, drove off Dong Zhuo and cleared the ancestral temples and imperial tombs. No achievement was greater. Yuan Shao had Zhou Ang steal his position and cut his supplies, preventing his advance and leaving Dong Zhuo unpunished. I also repeatedly receive letters from General of the Rear Yuan Shu saying that Yuan Shao is not of his kind. Even all the bamboo of the southern mountains could not record Yuan Shao's crimes. “When Ji Zhou's government weakened and the royal Way declined, the Son of Heaven moved the capital and the regional lords rebelled. Duke Huan of Qi (Jiang Xiaobai) established the covenant at Keting, and Duke Wen of Jin (Ji Chong'er) held the gathering at Jiantu. They attacked Jing and Chu to secure sacrificial reeds and punished Cao and Wei for ritual violations. Though insignificant and no match in reputation for former worthies, I have received the court's favor and bear this great responsibility. Charged with punitive authority, I shall proclaim the command and attack wrongdoing, joining the generals and provincial and commandery armies against Yuan Shao and his associates. If successful and the guilty are captured, I hope to continue the loyal example of Duke Huan (Jiang Xiaobai) and Duke Wen (Ji Chong'er). Accounts of the fighting will follow in successive reports.” [Translator's note: These are Gongsun Zan's accusations, including his argument about birth status. The supplied phrase concerning Keting is incomplete; its general sense is translated without reconstructing missing wording.]

Gongsun Zan appointed Yan Gang to Ji Province, Tian Kai to Qing Province, and Shan Jing to Yan Province, establishing commandery and county administrations. Yuan Shao camped at Guangchuan and sent Qu Yi to lead the assault against Gongsun Zan, capturing Yan Gang alive. Gongsun Zan's defeated army fled to Bohai; he and Gongsun Fan returned to Ji and built a small fortress southeast of the main city, near Liu Yu. Their mutual resentment gradually increased.

Fearing Gongsun Zan would rebel, Liu Yu raised troops to attack him. Defeated, Liu Yu fled to Juyong. Gongsun Zan took Juyong, captured Liu Yu alive, and brought him back to Ji. Dong Zhuo had died, and the Son of Heaven (Liu Xie) sent the envoy Duan Xun to increase Liu Yu's fief and place him in charge of six provinces; Gongsun Zan became General of the Front and Marquis of Yi. Gongsun Zan falsely accused Liu Yu of aspiring to the imperial title and coerced Duan Xun into executing him.

Gongsun Zan recommended Duan Xun as Inspector of You Province. Growing arrogant, he remembered faults and forgot good deeds, harming many people.

Liu Yu's officers Xianyu Fu and Qi Zhou of Yuyang, Commandant of Cavalry Xianyu Yin, and others led provincial troops to avenge him against Gongsun Zan. Since Yan Rou of Yan State had long enjoyed kindness and trust among the peoples, they jointly made him Wuhuan Army Major. Yan Rou recruited Wuhuan and Xianbei, obtaining tens of thousands of Chinese and non-Chinese troops. North of Lu, he defeated and killed Zou Dan, Gongsun Zan's appointed Administrator of Yuyang. Yuan Shao also sent Qu Yi and Liu Yu's son Liu He to join Xianyu Fu against Gongsun Zan. Repeatedly defeated, Gongsun Zan withdrew to fortify himself at Yijing.

He dug ten encircling trenches, building raised strongholds inside, each five or six zhang high, with towers above them. Within the central trench he built his own stronghold, exceptionally high at ten zhang, and stored three million hu of grain.

Gongsun Zan said: “I formerly thought the realm could be settled with a gesture. Now I see it is beyond my decision. Better rest the troops, cultivate fields, and store grain. Military principles say a hundred towers cannot be attacked. I now have a thousand layers of towers and defenses. By the time this grain is eaten, the realm's outcome will be clear.” He hoped thus to wear Yuan Shao down. Yuan Shao sent generals against him, but for years they could not take the fortress.

“You and I had earlier covenants, renewed by our oath to suppress disorder. Our affection exceeded that of Boyi and Shuqi, our bond fixed as in lasting pigments. I thought we would unite our efforts and follow the example of Qi and Jin. Thus I removed my seal and ribbon, used northern territory to secure the south, and divided fertile land for your service. Was this not clear proof of my sincerity? How could I have expected you to abandon heroic righteousness for the dangerous path of ruin, change your mind, replace friendship with resentment, and secretly send troops and horses to ravage Yu Province? “When I first heard your troops were in the south and you personally faced battle, I feared flying arrows and wild blades would deepen your misfortune and increase my own guilt. I therefore sent earnest letters hoping you would reconsider. Yet you remained complacent, proud of your might and deception, thinking Heaven's net could be swallowed and all heroes destroyed. You indeed caused your esteemed younger brother to perish by the blade. My words still rang in your ears, yet you neither examined the source of disaster nor blamed yourself. You merely sought to indulge boundless anger, disregarded right and wrong, hid resentment, harmed the people, and directed your fury at me. Riding out with drawn bows, you occupied my territory, spreading poison among the living and guilt among the dead. “Unable to avoid it, I undertook the battle at Jie Bridge. Your army then thundered with spirit and your swift horses flashed like lightning. Mine had only just assembled and its equipment was incomplete. Strength and numbers were unequal. With Heaven's help, however, a small engagement brought great victory. We pursued your fleeing troops and occupied your camps and stores. Was this not a sign that Heaven assists sincerity and blesses those who observe proper conduct? Still unsatisfied, you gathered your remnant forces, leading the pests that afflicted us to burn Bohai. Again denied peace, I fought at Longhe. A weak force advanced as bait before our main army had crossed, yet your courage broke and your men scattered, defeated before the drums sounded, commanders and troops fleeing together. This too was your doing, not my fault. “Afterward the breach deepened. My soldiers could not restrain their anger, until corpses formed mounds and heads filled the fields. Pitying the innocent, I never failed to weep. Later your letters became gentle and restrained, speaking of correcting the past and improving the future. Delighted that our old friendship might return and pitying the people's distress, I repeatedly withdrew south in accordance with your letters. Yet before a season passed, urgent dispatches from the northern frontier invariably arrived. This brought me bitter anguish, with nowhere to set my feelings. A commander of armies should make his anger like harsh frost and his joy like timely rain, his judgments and preferences plain to all. Yet your conduct shifts repeatedly, your plans change with relative strength, you bend under pressure and become reckless when relieved, your actions lack consistency and your words firm commitment. Is this how a brave man should behave? “You have slaughtered the old and weak until You Province resents you, your followers rebel, your relatives leave, and you stand alone. The Wuhuan and Yemaek belong to your province and differ from me in customs, yet each rises in anger and competes to lead the assault. Eastern and western Xianbei also come eagerly to join. My virtue did not attract them; you drove them here. In a dangerous, disordered age, amid warfare, you violate your alliance within and lose the frontier peoples without. War rises in your territory and disaster within your walls. How could you establish hegemony? “Earlier I sent troops to quell trouble in the western mountains. Qu Yi's surviving followers, fearing punishment, fled. I therefore halted the main army and detached forces to sweep them away. Those men had been my vanguard at Jie Bridge, capturing standards, taking camps, and first overcoming the enemy. When I heard you had granted them engraved gold seals and purple ribbons and appointed them commanders, I expected you to rouse yourself and avenge Mengming's humiliation. Our fighting men eagerly looked for your banners. Instead, strangely, you concealed your brilliance and vanished without a sound, until they were exterminated. I regretted it for you. “If you possess ambition to pacify the realm and accomplish enduring deeds, command armies and maintain cavalry, yet neither punish rebels nor receive those submitting, losing both authority and the power to win affection, how can you establish a name? Now the old capital has been recovered, Heaven's net repaired, the guilty destroyed, and loyal men support transforming government. China stands in order, awaiting reverent action. Arms will be put away and cattle and horses released. Why alone do you cling to a handful of men, shelter behind your defenses, and accept a bad name and swift decay rather than lasting virtue? Consider it resolutely: this is no good plan. Put aside resentment and suspicion and renew our old friendship. If these words contain any blemish, august Heaven hears them.” [Translator's note: Yuan Shao's self-justifications and accusations are preserved as his words. The supplied text has several difficult or variant phrases, including 孤（子） and 保內之廣; the latter is rendered provisionally as sheltering behind defenses.]

In Jian'an 4, Yuan Shao brought his entire army to besiege him. Gongsun Zan sent his son to seek help from the Black Mountain bandits and intended personally to lead elite cavalry out along the southwestern mountains, gather the Black Mountain forces, ravage Ji Province, and cut across Yuan Shao's rear. Chief Clerk Guan Jing advised: “Your officers and soldiers have already disintegrated. They remain together only because they cherish their homes, old people, and children and regard you as their leader. If you hold firm long enough, Yuan Shao must withdraw; afterward, forces from all sides can gather again. If you abandon them now, the army will lack a steadying presence, and Yijing's fall will be immediate. Losing your base and standing alone in the wilderness, what could you accomplish?” Gongsun Zan therefore stayed.

When relief approached, Gongsun Zan planned to attack Yuan Shao from within and without. He wrote his son fixing a time for the troops to arrive, with signal fires as the response.

Yuan Shao's scouts obtained the letter and raised fires at the appointed time. Believing relief had arrived, Gongsun Zan came out to fight. Yuan Shao ambushed and severely defeated him, and he returned to his defenses. Yuan Shao dug tunnels, undermined his towers, and gradually approached the central stronghold.

Knowing defeat was certain, Gongsun Zan killed all his wives and children, then killed himself.

Xianyu Fu led his troops in obedience to the royal command. He became General Who Establishes Loyalty, supervising six commanderies of You Province. When Taizu (Cao Cao) <Great Ancestor; a posthumous temple name> faced Yuan Shao at Guandu, Yan Rou sent envoys to receive his instructions and became Colonel Protector of the Wuhuan. Xianyu Fu personally visited Taizu (Cao Cao), was appointed General of the Left Who Crosses the Liao and village marquis, and was sent back to pacify his province.

After Taizu (Cao Cao) took Nanpi, Yan Rou brought his followers and Xianbei with fine horses for the army. He accompanied the campaign against the Wuhuan of the three commanderies and was enfeoffed as Marquis within the Passes for merit.

Xianyu Fu also accompanied the army with his forces. When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) <Civil Emperor; a posthumous title> ascended the throne, Xianyu Fu became Tiger-Tooth General and Yan Rou General Who Crosses the Liao. Both advanced to county marquises, with the rank Specially Advanced.

Tao Qian, courtesy name Gongzu, was from Danyang.

Fond of learning in youth, Tao Qian became a classical student and served in provincial and local administration. Recommended as Outstanding Talent, he became Magistrate of Lu. [Translator's note: The supplied 州邵 is uncertain; “provincial and local administration” gives the likely sense without changing the source.]

He became Inspector of You Province, was summoned as Consultant, and served on General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhang Wen's military staff in the western campaign against Han Sui.

When Yellow Turbans rose in Xu Province, Tao Qian became its inspector and defeated and dispersed them.

During Dong Zhuo's disorder, the provinces and commanderies raised troops. The Son of Heaven (Liu Xie) resided at Chang'an, cut off from all sides. Tao Qian sent envoys by secret routes with tribute, became General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Xu Province, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Liyang. Xu Province then had a prosperous population and abundant grain, attracting many refugees. Yet Tao Qian abandoned principle and followed his inclinations. Administrator of Guangling Zhao Yu of Langye, a celebrated man of Xu, was kept distant for his loyalty and honesty.

Tao Qian instead trusted Cao Hong and other slanderous villains. Punishments and administration lost balance, harming many good people, and disorder gradually increased. Que Xuan of Xiapi called himself Son of Heaven. Tao Qian initially joined him in raiding, then killed him and absorbed his forces.

In Chuping 4, Taizu (Cao Cao) campaigned against Tao Qian, took more than ten cities, and fought a major battle at Pengcheng. Tao Qian's army fled in defeat. Tens of thousands died, blocking the Si River's flow. Tao Qian withdrew to hold Shan. Short of grain, Taizu (Cao Cao) withdrew. [Translator's note: The supplied county graph is 剡; it is retained as Shan rather than silently replaced with another county name.]

In Xingping 1, Taizu (Cao Cao) again campaigned east, overrunning counties in Langye and Donghai. Frightened, Tao Qian wished to flee home to Danyang. Then Zhang Miao rebelled and welcomed Lü Bu, and Taizu (Cao Cao) returned to attack Lü Bu. That year Tao Qian died of illness.

Zhang Yang, courtesy name Zhishu, was from Yunzhong. His martial courage brought him service in Bing Province as Officer for Martial Valor. Late under Emperor Ling (Liu Hong), disorder spread. The Emperor (Liu Hong) appointed his favored junior eunuch Jian Shuo Colonel of the Upper Army of the Western Garden, stationed at the capital to control the realm, and summoned outstanding men as subordinate commanders. Taizu (Cao Cao), Yuan Shao, and others all became colonels under him.

Bing Province Inspector Ding Yuan sent Zhang Yang with troops to Jian Shuo, who made him acting army major. Emperor Ling (Liu Hong) died, and He Jin killed Jian Shuo. He Jin sent Zhang Yang back to recruit in his home province. Obtaining more than a thousand men, he remained in Shangdang to attack mountain bandits. He Jin fell, and Dong Zhuo caused disorder. Zhang Yang attacked the Administrator of Shangdang at Huguan but failed to take it. Raiding the counties, he expanded his force to several thousand. When eastern armies rose against Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shao reached Henei, Zhang Yang joined him, then camped by the Zhang River with Xiongnu Chanyu Yufuluo <a supreme Xiongnu ruling title>. The chanyu wished to rebel, but Yuan Shao and Zhang Yang refused. Yufuluo seized Zhang Yang and took him away. Yuan Shao sent Qu Yi in pursuit, defeating them south of Ye. Holding Zhang Yang, the chanyu reached Liyang and defeated General Who Crosses the Liao Geng Zhi, restoring his strength. Dong Zhuo appointed Zhang Yang General Who Establishes Righteousness and Administrator of Henei.

When the Son of Heaven (Liu Xie) was in Hedong, Zhang Yang brought troops to Anyi and became General Who Pacifies the State and Marquis of Jinyang. He wished to escort the Son of Heaven (Liu Xie) back to Luo, but the generals refused, so he returned to Yewang. In Jian'an 1, Yang Feng, Dong Cheng, and Han Xian brought the Son of Heaven (Liu Xie) back to the old capital, where food was scarce. Zhang Yang supplied grain along the route and reached Luoyang. He told the generals: “The Son of Heaven (Liu Xie) belongs to the whole realm. Fortunately the great ministers are here. I should defend against external dangers; why remain at the capital?” He returned to Yewang and was appointed Grand Marshal.

Zhang Yang had long been friendly with Lü Bu. When Taizu (Cao Cao) besieged Lü Bu, Zhang Yang wished to rescue him but could not. He instead sent troops to Dongshi to support him from afar. His general Yang Chou killed him to respond to Taizu (Cao Cao). Another general, Sui Gu, killed Yang Chou and took over the troops, intending to join Yuan Shao in the north. Taizu (Cao Cao) sent Shi Huan to intercept him. Shi Huan defeated and killed Sui Gu at Quancheng and absorbed all his troops.

Gongsun Du, courtesy name Shengji, was originally from Xiangping in Liaodong. His father Gongsun Yan fled the authorities and settled in Xuantu, where Gongsun Du became a commandery official. Administrator of Xuantu Gongsun Yu had a son named Bao who died young at eighteen. Gongsun Du had also been called Bao as a boy and was the same age as Gongsun Yu's son. Gongsun Yu treated him affectionately, sent him to a teacher, and found him a wife. Later, recommended as Possessing the Way, he became Gentleman of the Masters of Writing and gradually rose to Inspector of Ji Province, but was dismissed over rumors. His fellow commandery native Xu Rong, a General of the Household under Dong Zhuo, recommended him as Administrator of Liaodong. Having risen from a minor Xuantu post, Gongsun Du was despised in Liaodong. Previously, Gongsun Zhao of the dependent state, acting Magistrate of Xiangping, had summoned Gongsun Du's son Gongsun Kang to be a leader of five men. On taking office, Gongsun Du arrested Gongsun Zhao and flogged him to death in Xiangping's marketplace. Distinguished local magnates such as Tian Shao had formerly treated him without favor; he executed them under law, exterminating more than a hundred households and terrifying the commandery. He attacked Goguryeo to the east and Wuhuan to the west, spreading his authority beyond the sea.

In Chuping 1, knowing central China was in turmoil, Gongsun Du told his trusted officials Liu Yi, Yang Yi, and others: “Han's succession is ending. I should plan with you to become king.”

A great stone more than one zhang long then appeared at the earth altar of Yan Ward in Xiangping, supported by three smaller stones. Someone told Gongsun Du: “This is the auspicious capped-stone sign of Emperor Xuan of Han (Liu Xun) <a posthumous imperial title>. The ward also shares your late father's name. An earth altar rules land, showing you will possess territory, with the Three Excellencies as assistants.” Gongsun Du grew still more delighted. Former Administrator of Henei Li Min, a celebrated local man, detested his conduct and feared being harmed, so he took his family to sea. Furious, Gongsun Du dug up Li Min's father's grave, split open the coffin, burned the body, and executed his clan.

Gongsun Du divided Liaodong to create Liaoxi and Zhongliao commanderies, appointing administrators. Crossing the sea, he seized counties of Donglai and appointed an Inspector of Ying Province. He made himself Marquis of Liaodong and Governor of Ping Province, posthumously enfeoffing his father Gongsun Yan as Marquis Who Establishes Righteousness. He established temples to Han's two founding ancestors <Liu Bang and Liu Xiu>, erected sacrificial platforms south of Xiangping on assumed imperial authority, sacrificed to heaven and earth, plowed the ritual field, reviewed troops, and rode a bell-adorned ceremonial carriage with a nine-pendant crown and maotou standards and feathered cavalry. Taizu (Cao Cao) recommended him as General of Martial Might and Marquis of Yongning District. Gongsun Du said: “I rule Liaodong as king. What is Yongning to me!” He stored the seal and ribbon in the arsenal. When he died, his son Gongsun Kang succeeded, assigning the title Marquis of Yongning District to his younger brother Gongsun Gong. This was Jian'an 9.

In the twelfth year, Taizu (Cao Cao) campaigned against the Wuhuan of the three commanderies and sacked Liucheng. Yuan Shang and others fled to Liaodong, where Gongsun Kang beheaded Yuan Shang and sent his head. The account appears in the Annals of Emperor Wu (Cao Cao) <Martial Emperor; a posthumous title>. Gongsun Kang became Marquis of Xiangping and General of the Left. When he died, his sons Gongsun Huang and Gongsun Yuan were still young, so the people established Gongsun Gong as Administrator of Liaodong. After Emperor Wen (Cao Pi)'s accession, an envoy appointed Gongsun Gong General of Chariots and Cavalry, Acting Bearer of Credentials, and Marquis of Pingguo. Gongsun Kang received the posthumous office of Grand Marshal.

Gongsun Gong had suffered an illness involving genital wasting and become a eunuch; weak and incapable, he could not govern. In Taihe 2, Gongsun Yuan forcibly seized his position. Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) <Bright Emperor; a posthumous title> appointed Gongsun Yuan General Who Displays Brilliance and Administrator of Liaodong. Gongsun Yuan sent envoys south to communicate with Sun Quan, exchanging gifts and payments.

Sun Quan sent Zhang Mi, Xu Yan, and others with gold, jade, and treasures to establish Gongsun Yuan as King of Yan (Gongsun Yuan) <a royal title offered by Wu>. Fearing that Sun Quan was too distant to rely on and coveting the wealth, Gongsun Yuan lured the envoys in, killed them all, and sent the heads of Zhang Mi, Xu Yan, and the others.

Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) then appointed Gongsun Yuan Grand Marshal and Duke of Lelang, retaining his credentials and commandery administration.

When the envoys arrived, Gongsun Yuan arrayed armed troops before coming out to meet them. He also repeatedly uttered hostile words before guests in his territory.

In Jingchu 1, Inspector of You Province Guanqiu Jian and others were sent with a sealed imperial letter summoning Gongsun Yuan. He raised troops, met them at Liaosui, and fought them. Guanqiu Jian's force withdrew after a reverse. Gongsun Yuan then made himself King of Yan (Gongsun Yuan) and established the full bureaucracy. He sent envoys bearing credentials, conferred a chanyu's seal upon the Xianbei, granted ranks to frontier people, and enticed the Xianbei to disturb the north.

In spring of the second year, Grand Commandant King Xuan (Sima Yi) <Proclaiming King; a posthumous title> was sent against Gongsun Yuan. In the sixth month, his army reached Liaodong.

Gongsun Yuan sent Generals Bei Yan, Yang Zuo, and others with tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry to Liaosui, digging encircling trenches for more than twenty li. When the army of King Xuan (Sima Yi) arrived, he ordered Bei Yan to meet it. King Xuan (Sima Yi) sent Hu Zun and others to defeat him, then broke through the encirclement. His army feinted southeast but hurried northeast, directly toward Xiangping. Fearing Xiangping undefended, Bei Yan and the others withdrew by night. When the armies advanced to Mount Shou, Gongsun Yuan again sent Bei Yan and the others to fight desperately. Defeating them severely again, the armies reached the city and dug siege trenches. Continuous rain fell for more than thirty days, swelling the Liao River so that transport vessels sailed directly from its mouth to the city. When the rain cleared, earthen mounds and siege towers were built, and stone-throwers and repeating crossbows fired into the city. Gongsun Yuan was hard pressed. Grain ran out, people ate one another, and many died. General Yang Zuo and others surrendered. On the night of bingyin in the eighth month, a great meteor several dozen zhang long fell from northeast of Mount Shou to southeast of Xiangping. On renwu, Gongsun Yuan's troops collapsed. With his son Gongsun Xiu and several hundred cavalry, he broke through southeastward. The main army pursued urgently and killed father and son where the meteor had fallen. When the city fell, officials from the Chancellor of State downward were beheaded by the thousands. Gongsun Yuan's head was sent to Luoyang, and Liaodong, Daifang, Lelang, and Xuantu were all pacified.

Earlier, strange things had repeatedly occurred in Gongsun Yuan's household. A dog wearing a cap and red clothing climbed onto the roof; during cooking, a small child was steamed to death in the steamer. A mass of flesh appeared in Xiangping's northern market, several chi in length and circumference, with head, eyes, mouth, and beak, but no hands or feet, yet moving. The divination said: “Form without completion, body without voice: its state shall perish.” Gongsun Du had occupied Liaodong in Zhongping 6. Through three generations to Gongsun Yuan, the regime lasted fifty years before destruction.

Zhang Yan was from Zhending in Changshan, originally surnamed Chu. When the Yellow Turbans rose, he gathered young men into a band, raided through mountains and marshes, and returned to Zhending with more than ten thousand followers. Zhang Niujiao of Boling also raised troops, calling himself Officer Who Commands Soldiers, and joined him. Zhang Yan accepted Zhang Niujiao as leader, and together they attacked Yingtao. Struck by a stray arrow and dying, Zhang Niujiao ordered the men to follow Zhang Yan: “You must make Yan your leader.” After his death they did so, and Zhang Yan changed his surname to Zhang. Exceptionally fierce, agile, and swift, he was called Flying Swallow by the army. His following gradually expanded. Mountain valleys in Changshan, Zhao Commandery, Zhongshan, Shangdang, and Henei all communicated with one another, and lesser leaders such as Sun Qing and Wang Dang brought their followers to him. His forces reached a million and were called Black Mountain. Emperor Ling (Liu Hong) could not subdue them, and the commanderies north of the Yellow River suffered. Zhang Yan sent men to the capital to request submission and became General of the Household Who Pacifies Difficulties.

After Dong Zhuo moved the Son of Heaven (Liu Xie) to Chang'an and armies repeatedly rose throughout the realm, Zhang Yan allied with powerful men. When Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan contested Ji Province, Zhang Yan sent Du Chang and others to aid Gongsun Zan. Defeated by Yuan Shao, his followers gradually dispersed. As Taizu (Cao Cao) prepared to settle Ji Province, Zhang Yan sent envoys offering assistance to the royal army and became General Who Pacifies the North. He led his followers to Ye and became Marquis of Anguo Village, with five hundred households. He died and his son Zhang Fang succeeded; Zhang Fang died and his son Zhang Rong succeeded.

Zhang Xiu was from Zuli in Wuwei, a collateral nephew of General of Agile Cavalry Zhang Ji. When Bian Zhang and Han Sui disturbed Liang Province, Qu Sheng of Jincheng attacked and killed Liu Jun, Chief of Zuli. Then a county official, Zhang Xiu watched for an opportunity and killed Qu Sheng. The commandery admired his righteousness. He gathered young men and became a local leader. After Dong Zhuo fell, Zhang Ji, Li Jue, and others attacked Lü Bu to avenge him; the account appears in Dong Zhuo's biography. Zhang Xiu followed Zhang Ji and rose through military merit to General Who Establishes Loyalty and Marquis of Xuanwei. Zhang Ji camped at Hongnong, but his soldiers were starving. Attacking Rang to the south, he died from a stray arrow. Zhang Xiu took over his troops, camped at Wan, and allied with Liu Biao. Taizu (Cao Cao) campaigned south to the Yu River, and Zhang Xiu surrendered with his entire force. Taizu (Cao Cao) took Zhang Ji's widow, which Zhang Xiu resented. Hearing his displeasure, Taizu (Cao Cao) secretly planned to kill him. The plan leaked, and Zhang Xiu launched a surprise attack. Taizu (Cao Cao)'s army was defeated, and two sons were lost, as this source phrases it. Zhang Xiu returned to hold Rang. [Translator's note: The supplied 二子 literally says ‘two sons’; volume 1 identifies the losses as Cao Ang and Cao Anmin, a son and nephew. The discrepancy is recorded rather than silently assigning two sons.]

Taizu (Cao Cao) attacked him in successive years without success.

When Taizu (Cao Cao) opposed Yuan Shao at Guandu, Zhang Xiu followed Jia Xu's advice and again surrendered with his troops; see Jia Xu's biography. On his arrival, Taizu (Cao Cao) took his hand, feasted joyfully with him, married his daughter to his own son Cao Jun, and appointed him General Who Raises Martial Might. Zhang Xiu fought hard with distinction at Guandu and became General Who Defeats the Qiang. He helped defeat Yuan Tan at Nanpi, and his fief was increased to two thousand households. At that time the realm's population had dwindled so that barely one household in ten remained. No other general's fief reached a thousand households, while Zhang Xiu's was exceptionally large. He accompanied the Wuhuan campaign toward Liucheng but died before arrival, receiving the posthumous title Marquis Ding (Zhang Xiu) <Settled Marquis>.

His son Zhang Quan succeeded but was executed for joining Wei Feng's plot, and the fief was abolished.

Zhang Lu, courtesy name Gongqi, was from Feng in Pei State. His grandfather Zhang Ling lived as a guest in Shu, studying the Way on Mount Huming. He composed Daoist writings to delude the people. Those receiving his teachings contributed five dou of rice, so people called them the Rice Bandits. After Zhang Ling died, his son Zhang Heng practiced his teachings, and after Zhang Heng died, Zhang Lu continued them. Governor of Yi Province Liu Yan appointed Zhang Lu Army Major Who Supervises Righteousness and sent him with Separate-Unit Army Major Zhang Xiu to attack Administrator of Hanzhong Su Gu. Zhang Lu then attacked and killed Zhang Xiu and seized his followers. When Liu Yan died and his son Liu Zhang succeeded, Zhang Lu refused obedience, and Liu Zhang killed Zhang Lu's mother and household. Zhang Lu occupied Hanzhong, taught the people through a spiritual doctrine, and called himself Master-Lord. New students of the Way were first called Ghost Soldiers. Once they had accepted and trusted the basic teachings, they became Libationers, each leading followers; those with many were Head-Governing Chief Libationers. All were taught sincerity and honesty, and the sick confessed their faults. In broad outline this resembled the Yellow Turbans. Libationers built charity lodges like today's relay stations and placed charitable rice and meat there. Travelers took enough to satisfy their hunger; if they took too much, spiritual powers supposedly made them ill. Offenders were pardoned three times before punishment. No regular magistrates were appointed: libationers governed everything, to the satisfaction of Chinese and non-Chinese inhabitants. He held power in Ba and Han for nearly thirty years. [Translator's note: The language of delusion and “bandits,” and the claims about spiritual illness, follow the historical narrator. This Zhang Xiu is 張脩, distinct from 張繡 in the preceding biography.]

Late Han lacked the strength to campaign against him and instead favored him as General of the Household Who Guards the People, concurrently Administrator of Hanning, asking only that tribute continue. When someone found a jade seal underground, his followers wished to honor Zhang Lu as King of Hanning (Zhang Lu) <a royal title proposed by his followers>. Merit Officer Yan Pu of Baxi remonstrated: “Hanchuan has a hundred thousand households, rich resources, fertile land, and strong defenses on every side. Uphold the Son of Heaven and you may equal Duke Huan (Jiang Xiaobai) and Duke Wen (Ji Chong'er), or at least Dou Rong, preserving wealth and rank. You already appoint officials on assumed imperial authority and have power enough to make decisive judgments. Kingship is unnecessary. Do not take the title yet or become the first cause of disaster.” Zhang Lu agreed. During Han Sui and Ma Chao's rebellion, tens of thousands of households west of the passes fled to him through Ziwu Valley.

In Jian'an 20, Taizu (Cao Cao) marched out through San Pass and Wudu against him, reaching Yangping Pass. Zhang Lu wished to surrender Hanzhong, but his younger brother Zhang Wei refused and defended the pass with tens of thousands. Taizu (Cao Cao) broke through and entered Shu.

Hearing that Yangping had fallen, Zhang Lu prepared to bow in submission. Yan Pu advised: “Submitting under pressure will earn little credit. Better join Du Huo and Pu Hu in resistance, then offer allegiance; your credit will be greater.” Zhang Lu therefore fled through the southern mountains into Bazhong. His attendants wanted to burn the treasure stores and granaries, but he said: “I originally intended to submit to the state, but my intention was not understood. I now flee to avoid the sharp edge of attack, without hostile intent. The treasure and granaries belong to the state.” He sealed them and left. Entering Nanzheng, Taizu (Cao Cao) greatly approved. Knowing Zhang Lu's original goodwill, he sent men to comfort him. Zhang Lu came out with his entire family. Taizu (Cao Cao) welcomed him with appointment as General Who Guards the South, treated him as a guest, and made him Marquis of Langzhong with ten thousand households. Zhang Lu's five sons, Yan Pu, and others all became ranked marquises. [Translator's note: The supplied 杜灌〔杜濩〕 contains a correction; Du Huo follows the bracketed reading.]

Taizu (Cao Cao) married Zhang Lu's daughter to his son Pengzu (Cao Yu). [Translator's note: Pengzu is Cao Yu's courtesy name, distinct from the Cao Jun named in Zhang Xiu's biography.]

Zhang Lu died and received the posthumous title Marquis Yuan (Zhang Lu) <Yuan; a posthumous designation whose exact sense requires review>. His son Zhang Fu succeeded.

The appraisal says: Gongsun Zan held his fortified stronghold and sat awaiting destruction. Gongsun Du was cruel and unrestrained; Gongsun Yuan inherited his enterprise and added wickedness, sufficient only to overturn their clan. Tao Qian was benighted and disordered and died in anxiety; Zhang Yang lost his head to subordinates. All occupied provinces or commanderies, yet fell short even of ordinary men. They scarcely deserve discussion. Zhang Yan, Zhang Xiu, and Zhang Lu left the ranks of bandits to stand among meritorious ministers, escaped danger and ruin, and preserved their ancestral sacrifices. In this they were better than the others.