Zi Zhi Tong Jian

Chapter 40 Sui Dynasty: Capture the Tiger and Exterminate Chen (1)
[Original text]

Emperor Gaozuwen of the Sui Dynasty Kaihuang Nine Years

In spring, the first month, at Yichoushuo, Lord Chen gathered his officials at court, and there was a thick fog that filled people's nostrils, and it was bitter. Lord Chen fell into a coma until evening.

On that day, He Ruobi led troops from Guangling to Jijiang.First, Bi bought a lot of old ships with his old horse and hid them. He bought fifty or sixty bad ships and put them in Du.Chen Ren looked at it, thinking that there were no ships in the country.Bi also asked the Yuanjiang Fang people to gather at Guangling every time they confessed, so the flags were erected and the camp was thrown into the wild. Often, no more equipment.And when the soldiers were hunting along the river, the people and horses made a lot of noise.Therefore, the people of Chen didn't realize that Bizhi Jijiang.Han Qinhu sent 500 men to quarry stones from Hengjiang Xiaoji, and the defenders were all drunk, so they conquered them.Guangshuai, the king of Jin, stationed Taoye Mountain in Liuhe Town.

Bingyin, Xu Zijian, the quarrying lord, announced the change; Dingmao called Gongqing into the army.In Wuchen, the Lord Chen issued an edict saying: "The dog and sheep mausoleum is vertical, and the suburbs are invaded. The bee gnats are poisonous. It is time to sweep them out. I will personally control the sixth division, clarify the eight appearances, and enforce martial law inside and outside." General Hussars Xiao Mahe, General Fan Yi of the guard army, and Lu Guangda, the leader of the Central Army, were all governors, Sikong Sima Xiaonan, and Xiangzhou governor Shi Wenqing were also appointed as the superintendent of the army. Gao Wenzuo, who often served as a general, towned southern Yuzhou.Rewards were established, and monks, nuns, and Taoists were all ordered to perform their duties.

【Translation】

Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty Kaihuang Ninth Year (589 A.D.)
On the first day of the first lunar month in the spring of this year, Empress Chen summoned his ministers.A thick fog filled the whole city of Jiankang, and a hot and sour smell filled the air.Empress Chen fell into a coma until the evening before gradually waking up.

On this day, He Ruobi led the army of the Sui Dynasty across the Yangtze River from Guangling to Jijiang.Before that, He Ruobi sold all the old horses in the army, bought back many boats and hid them; he also bought another fifty or sixty broken boats and parked them in the small river. The people of the Chen Dynasty who came to spy on the military situation made them think that the Sui Dynasty's army lacked ships.He Ruobi also asked Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty to let the soldiers defending along the river gather in Guangling every time they changed defenses, so flags were planted everywhere here, and there were also large tents set up in the wild.The soldiers of the Chen Dynasty thought that the Sui army was about to launch a large-scale attack, and hurriedly prepared to fight.Later they figured out that it was just the Sui Dynasty's garrison changing defenses, so they let all the soldiers disperse.After several times later, the soldiers of the Chen Dynasty became accustomed to the situation of the Sui army, and they were no longer eager to defend against attacks.He Ruobi also often sent soldiers to hunt along the river, intentionally making noise.Chen Jun was completely deceived by the actions of the Sui army, so he relaxed his vigilance, so when He Ruobi led his army across the river, they didn't notice it at all.Han Qinhu led 500 people to take advantage of the night to cross the river from Hengjiang to the quarry. At that time, the Chen army guarding the riverside were all drunk, and the Sui army conquered the quarry effortlessly.Jin Wang Yang Guang led the army to station in Taoye Mountain, Liuhe Town.

On the second day of the first lunar month, Xu Majian, the chief general of the garrison and quarrying, flew to the capital to report the news that the Sui army had crossed the river.On the third day of junior high school, Empress Chen hurriedly summoned all ministers and ministers to the palace to discuss countermeasures.On the fourth day of the lunar new year, Empress Chen issued an edict: "The Sui army invaded our Dachen territory and stole and occupied the land around Jiankang. Although they are just as insignificant as bees and scorpions, they will always bring bad influence, and they should be cleaned up as soon as possible. I plan to personally lead the Sixth Army and clear the enemy out of the country, so the capital Jiankang and other places must enter a state of martial law and actively prepare for war." Then he appointed Hussar General Xiao Mahe, Guard General Fan Yi, and Central Commander Lu Guangda The three were commanders, Sikong Sima Xiaonan and Xiangzhou Inspector Shi Wenqing were the overseers. In addition, Southern Yuzhou Inspector Fan Meng was dispatched to lead the fleet and navy to set off from Baixiacheng, and Sanqi Changshi Gao Wenzuo led the troops to guard South Yuzhou.At the same time, a generous reward system was established, and even monks, nuns, and Taoist priests were conscripted into the army to participate in battles.

[Original text]

In Gengwu, He Ruobi attacked Jingkou and took Huang Ke, the governor of Xuzhou in the south.Bi's military orders are strict, and he will not commit any crimes in autumn. If there are soldiers who drink alcohol among the people, Bi Li will kill them.The more than [-] people captured were all released by Bi, and they were given food and labor, and issued imperial edicts to order them to divide their ways.So it became popular.

Fan Meng was in Jiankang, and his son was patrolling the affairs of southern Yuzhou.Xinwei, Han Qinhu attacked Gushu, pulled it out for half a day, and patrolled his family.Gao Wen is defeated and returned.The elders in the south of the Yangtze River have always heard of the prestige of capturing tigers, and there are endless people who come to visit the military gate day and night.

Lu Guangda's son Shizhen was in Xincai, and his brother Shixiong and his tribe surrendered to Qinhu, sending envoys to recruit Guangda.At the time of Guangda, he settled in Jiankang, impeached himself, and pleaded guilty to the court lieutenant; Lord Chen comforted him, gave him gold, and sent him back to the camp.Fan Meng and Jiang Yuanxun, the general of the left guard, set up [-] green dragon boats in the lower reaches of the Bai River to fight against Liuhe soldiers; Lord Chen thought Meng's wife was in the Sui army. He Xuyu was fierce and displeased, and Master Chen seriously injured his mind and stopped.

So He Ruobi went from the North Road, and Han Qinhu went from the South Road together, and all the garrisons along the river went away in anticipation of the wind; Bi divided his troops and rushed in.Master Chen ordered Situ Yuzhang Wang Shuying to tun Chaotang, Xiaomohe tun Leyouyuan, Fan Yi tun Qiyu Temple, Lu Guangda tun Baitugang, Zhongwu General Kong Fan tun Baotian Temple, Jimao, Ren Zhong entered from Wuxing, and still tun Suzaku Gate.

【Translation】

On the sixth day of the lunar new year, He Ruobi led an army to conquer Jingkou and captured Huang Ke, the governor of southern Xuzhou, alive.He Ruobi was strict in running the army and would never offend the common people. All soldiers who went to drink and get drunk among the people would be beheaded immediately.However, he was more tolerant of the more than [-] soldiers and civilians of the Chen Dynasty who were captured. Not only did they release them all, but they also sent them home with food, and sent them the imperial edict of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty to read and distribute them everywhere.So wherever the Sui army went, Chen Jun would flee.

Fan Meng, the governor of Southern Yuzhou in the Chen Dynasty, happened to be in Jiankang at that time, leaving his son Fan Xun to act as his deputy.On the seventh day of the lunar month, Sui general Han Qinhu led an army to attack Gushu.It only took half a day to capture Gushu, and Fan Xun's whole family became prisoners.After Gao Wenzuo was defeated, he fled back to Jiankang.The elders in the south of the Yangtze River had always heard of Han Qinhu's prestige, and people who came to the barracks to meet Han Qinhu continued day and night.

Lu Guangda's son Lu Shizhen led an army to surrender Han Qinhu in Xincai together with his younger brother Lu Shixiong, and sent someone to send a letter to recruit Lu Guangda.Lu Guangda was leading an army stationed in Jiankang at that time. After receiving the letter, he was so ashamed that he asked for his impeachment, and went to Ting Wei to plead guilty.Chen Houzhu not only comforted him, but also rewarded him with a lot of gold and let him return to the barracks.Fan Meng and Jiang Yuanxun, the general of the left guard, led [-] Qinglong warships to patrol the Baixia area to resist the Sui army coming from Liuhe.Chen Houzhu was worried that Fan Meng would have scruples because his wife and children were in the hands of the Sui army, and he would not be able to fight with all his strength, and might even rebel against Chen and return to the Sui Dynasty, so he planned to replace him with Ren Zhong, the general of Zhendong. So Xiao Maha was sent to convey this intention tactfully.Fan Meng was very displeased when he found out, and Chen Hou decided to give up when he saw that his reaction was so strong.

He Ruobi and Han Qinhu led their armies to advance together from the north and south.All the soldiers of the Chen army guarding along the river fled in fright.He Ruobi dispatched part of his troops to occupy Qu'a, cutting off the reinforcements from the Chen Dynasty, so the main force of the Sui Dynasty boldly marched towards Jiankang.Chen Houzhu sent Wang Shuying, a member of Situ Yuzhang, to guard the Chaotang, Xiao Mahe to guard Leyouwan, Fan Yi to guard Qija Temple, Lu Guangda to guard Baitugang, and Kong Fan, a loyal military general, to guard Baotian Temple.On the [-]th, Ren Zhong led his army from Wuxing to Jiankang, still guarding Zhuquemen.

[Original text]

Xin Wei, He Ruobi entered and occupied Zhongshan, east of Baitugang.The king of Jin sent Du Yan, the general manager, to join forces with Han Qinhu and set up [-] troops on foot in Xinlin.Wang Shiji, the general manager of Qizhou, sailed out of Jiujiang in a boat, and defeated Chen Jiangji in Qikou. The Chen people were shocked, and those who surrendered one after another.Jin Wangguang presented the certificate, the emperor was very happy, and gave a banquet to the officials.

At that time, there were more than [-] soldiers in Jiankang. Chen Zhusu was cowardly, not a sergeant, but wept day and night, and he was punished in the platform.Wen Qing knew that the generals were ill, and feared that they would be meritorious, so he said: "This kind of disgruntled man has never surrendered to officials. If you press this opportunity, you can be trusted!"

When He Ruobi attacked Jingkou, Xiao Mahe asked his generals to fight against him, but Lord Chen refused.When Bi arrived at Zhongshan, Mahe said again: "Bi Xuan's army has penetrated deep, and the fortifications are not yet strong. If you send troops to cover up the attack, you can definitely overcome it." It is not allowed.Lord Chen summoned Mahe and Ren Zhong to discuss military affairs in the inner hall. Zhong said: "The art of war: the guests are valuable in fighting quickly, and the master is important. The country is full of food and soldiers, so it is appropriate to stick to Taicheng and set up a gate near the Huaihe River. Although the northern army comes, don't fight with it." Fighting; divide the troops and cut off the river road, and there is no way to convince him. Give the minister [-] elite soldiers and [-] gold-winged ships, and the path down the river will cover Liuhe. People and ministers know each other from the past, and now they hear that the minister is going, and they must all follow. The minister raised his voice and wanted to go to Xuzhou. If he cut off the other way back, the army would go without attacking. When the spring water rose, Zhou Luohu and other troops on the river It is a good strategy to go along the current to help." Lord Chen could not follow.Tomorrow, Yan Ran said: "The indetermination of soldiers for a long time is annoying to the stomach. You can call Xiao Lang to attack."Kong Fan played again: "Please make a decision, and you should be an official to repel Shi Yanran." The Lord Chen followed him and said to Mahe, "You can make a decision for me!" Body; for today's affairs, she is also a wife." Master Chen sent more gold and silk to the troops as rewards.Jiashen sent Lu Guangda Chen Yubaitugang to the south of the army, followed by Ren Zhong, followed by Fan Yi and Kong Fan, and Xiao Mahe's army was the most in the north.The armies stretched twenty miles from north to south, and they didn't know each other's advances and retreats.

He Ruobi climbed the mountain on a light horse, saw all the troops, and because he galloped down, he and the seven generals of his department, Yang Ya, Yuan Ming and other soldiers, all eight thousand, waited for them.Chen Zhu was connected with Xiao Mahe's wife, so Maha had no intention of fighting at the beginning; but Lu Guangda fought with his vain strength, which was comparable to Bi.Four of the Sui divisions retreated, and 270 people died under Bi's command.When Chen Bing got the heads, they all went to present the Lord Chen for rewards. But knowing his arrogance and laziness, he even attracted soldiers to Kong Fan;Yuan Ming captured Xiao Maha and sent him to Bi. Bi ordered him to beheaded.

【Translation】

He Ruobi occupied Zhongshan and stationed troops in the east of Baitugang.Jin Wang Yang Guang sent Du Yan, the general manager, to join forces with Han Qinhu, with a total of [-] infantry and cavalry stationed in Xinlin.Wang Shiji, the general manager of Qizhou, led the navy fleet out of Jiujiang, and defeated General Chen Jizhen in Qikou.Chen Jun was terrified by this, and surrendered to the Sui army one after another.Jin Wang Yang Guang reported this situation to Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty. Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty was very happy when he heard this, and he feasted and rewarded his officials.

At that time, there were more than [-] troops stationed in Jiankang, but Chen Houzhu was always timid and cowardly, and he didn't know how to march and fight. He only knew how to cry and sigh day and night.Shi Wenqing knew very well that many generals in the court hated him very much, so he feared that their military exploits would surpass him, so he said to the Empress: "These people have always been dissatisfied with you and unwilling to obey your majesty's management. Now How can you listen to their words at such a critical juncture." Therefore, Empress Chen refused to approve most of the generals' plans or requests.

When He Ruobi attacked Jingkou, Xiao Mahe asked to lead troops to attack, but he did not get permission from Empress Chen.Later, when He Ruobi had arrived at Zhongshan, Xiao Mahe played again, saying: "He Ruobi's army went deep alone, before his heels were firmly established, the fortress was not firmly built, and the trenches were not dug deep, he quickly led the troops to make a surprise attack. I will definitely be able to conquer them." However, he was once again rejected by Chen Houzhu.Empress Chen summoned Xiao Mahe and Ren Zhong in the inner hall to discuss military affairs with them.Ren Zhong said: "In the art of war, it is said that the value of the guest army is to fight quickly, and the main army is to stay calm. Now that the country has sufficient food, grass and troops, we should stick to the city, strictly guard the city of Tai, and build camps along the edge of the Huaihe River. Even if the Sui army comes, don't fight them; and send some troops to block their way across the river, so that they can't communicate with each other. Please send me 20 elite soldiers and [-] gold-winged warships, and then I will lead If the army goes down the river to attack the Liuhe army, they will definitely think that the soldiers who crossed the river before have become our prisoners, and their morale will be greatly damaged. In addition, the people in Huainan area are old acquaintances of me, and now they hear that I have gone, They will definitely respond. At that time, I will send someone to say that I plan to go to Xuzhou to cut off the Sui army’s return route, and then they will be defeated. When the river rises in spring, Zhou Luozhen and others in the upper reaches will definitely lead the army Come along the river for reinforcements, this is a good strategy to defeat the enemy." However, this excellent plan was still not adopted by Chen Houzhu.The next day, Empress Chen suddenly said: "The war has been unresolved for a long time. It is really worrying. It is better to let Xiao Lang lead the troops to attack." Ren Zhong immediately kowtowed and begged not to send troops for a decisive battle.However, Kong Fan added fuel to the flames and asked the empress: "Your Majesty, please order to send troops to a decisive battle with the Sui army! I am ready to engrave a stele for the imperial court to record the military exploits." After hearing this, the empress Chen nodded and agreed. Xiao Mahe said: "Please fight for me." Xiao Mohe replied: "Since ancient times, fighting has been for the country and for myself; now this battle is still for my wife and children." A lot of gold and silk were rewarded to the soldiers.On the [-]th, Empress Chen asked Lu Guangda to set up an army at Baitugang.Lu Guangda's army was at the southernmost point, Ren Zhong's was at the northernmost point, Fan Yi's and Kong Fan's were at the northernmost point of Ren Zhong's, and Xiao Maha's was at the northernmost point.The entire army stretched for more than [-] miles from south to north.Because the armies were so far apart, the advance and retreat of the armies at the north and south ends were unknown to each other.

He Ruobi led a light cavalry up to the top of the mountain to have a look. Seeing the large number of Chen troops, he galloped down the mountain and organized the Sui army to form a formation.He, Yang Ya, Yuan Ming and others led 270 armored warriors each, and quickly opened up their battle formations to prepare for the battle.Because of his wife's affair with Empress Chen, Xiao Maha had no intention of fighting at the beginning.Only Lu Guangda stepped forward to fight with all his strength, and his strength was comparable to that of He Ruobi.After several rounds, the Sui army was slightly lost and retreated four times.Three of He Ruobi's soldiers had already died, but he had no choice but to use thick smoke as a cover to let his team rest for a while, and soon they recovered from the predicament.When the Chen army fought, as long as they beheaded the Sui army, they would immediately run to ask for a reward from the empress Chen.He Ruobi knew that although Chen Jun had a large number of people, they were all arrogant and lazy, especially Kong Fan's troops were the weakest during this period, so he planned to attack Kong Fan first.Kong Fan's army was really weak, and they were defeated as soon as they fought.When the other armies of the Chen Dynasty saw Kong Fan's defeat, they were in chaos and defeated, and more than 5000 soldiers died in battle.Yuan Ming captured Xiao Mahe alive and handed him over to He Ruobi. He Ruobi ordered him to be beheaded. Seeing that Xiao Mahe's expression remained calm, he immediately ordered him to be untied and treated with courtesy.

[Original text]

When Ren Zhongchi entered Taiwan, seeing Lord Chen's failure, he said: "Officials are easy to live in, and ministers have nothing to do!" Lord Chen gave him two pieces of gold to recruit people to fight. Zhong said: "Your Majesty only needs to have a boat, and the upper-class army , I will serve as a guard with death." Master Chen believed in him, and he gave some of his loyalty, and ordered the palace people to dress up to wait for him, and it was strange that he didn't come for a long time.At that time, Han Qinhu marched from Xinlin, and Zhongji led several cavalry to meet him and landed on Shizigang.Cai Zheng, the leader of the army, was guarding Zhuquehang, and when he heard that the tiger was about to be captured, the crowd collapsed in fear.Zhong led the captured tiger army straight into the Suzaku Gate, and the Chen people wanted to fight, Zhong waved and said: "The old man has surrendered, what's the matter with the troops!" Everyone dispersed.So all the civil and military officials in the city escaped, but the servant of Shangshu shot Yuan Xian in the palace, and Shangshu ordered Mr. Jiang and several others to live in the province.Master Chen said to Yuan Xian: "I have met many people in the past, but today I am ashamed. It is not only that I have no virtue, but also that Jiangdong is full of clothes and morals!"

(End of this chapter)