Ran Min, a native of Neihuang, [1] was born to the renowned warrior Ran Zhan. As the Western Jin Dynasty teetered on the brink of collapse, the resistance against the oppressive rule of the barbarian tribes in the Central Plains gained momentum through the Begging-for-Living Army, known as the qihuojun. [i] Among its ranks emerged a formidable group led by the indomitable Chen Wu, revered for their unparalleled strength and unwavering commitment. Throughout his life, Chen Wu valiantly defended the Central Plains against the relentless onslaughts of the Xiongnu and Jie tribes. Even in his final moments, he urged his loyal subordinates to remain resolute in their refusal to yield to the Hu. It was under the guidance of the mighty Chen Wu that Ran Zhan was raised, forged by the fiery spirit of resistance.
At just twelve years old, Zhan's life took a dramatic turn when he was captured by Shi Le. Recognizing the young boy's potential, Shi Le made the fateful decision to have Zhan adopted by Shi Hu, bestowing upon him the surname "Shi." This marked the beginning of Ran Min's transformation into the adopted grandson of Shi Hu. With remarkable speed, Ran Min emerged as a force to be reckoned with, renowned for his unparalleled bravery and military genius. Within Shi Hu's faction, he quickly established himself as one of the most skilled and capable military leaders, commanding respect and admiration from all who witnessed his feats.
Shi Hu's reign came to an end in the 4th Month of 349, as illness and despair consumed him. His death threw his sons into a fierce power struggle, while the ministers turned against one another. In the midst of this turmoil, General Li Nong, fearing for his own safety, sought refuge in Guangzong,[2] a renowned stronghold of the Begging-for-Living Army in the Central Plains. Recognizing the urgent need to unite against the oppressive rule of Shi Zhao, the qihuojun pledged their loyalty to Li Nong and joined forces with him, retreating to Shangbai. This unlikely alliance marked the beginning of a steadfast friendship between Li Nong and the qihuojun.
In the midst of the power struggle among the Shi brothers,[3] Ran Min seized the opportunity to assert his authority. Stationed in Ye City, he found support from Li Nong, who held the influential position of Grand Marshal. With this alliance, Ran Min swiftly consolidated his power. In 351, under his formidable leadership, the remaining forces of the Later Zhao, led by Shi Zhi, faced a decisive defeat. With this victory, the 32-year reign of the Later Zhao dynasty came to a definitive end.
The divisive governance policy of the Shi Zhao regime exacerbated tensions between the Hu and Han populations, leading to widespread chaos and plunder. For thirty long years, the Hu settlers engaged in a relentless campaign of pillaging, disregarding the suffering inflicted upon the Han and other communities. The Shi Zhao government chose to ignore these abhorrent acts, further deepening the grievances of the oppressed. However, this period of turmoil and injustice would soon reach a critical turning point, forever altering the course of history.
To consolidate his power, Ran Min understood the importance of garnering the support of the Han people. To achieve this, he took decisive action against the Hu and Jie peoples. With the gates of Ye City thrown wide open, Ran Min directly addressed the inhabitants, presenting them with a choice: “Those who are loyal to the government should stay, and those who are disloyal may leave.” As a result, a flood of Hu people streamed out of the city, leading to chaos and congestion at the gates. Simultaneously, Han individuals within a hundred li voluntarily streamed into the city, demonstrating their allegiance. Witnessing this blatant display of disloyalty, Ran Min made a fateful and chilling decision. In a ruthless and indiscriminate act, he ordered the execution of over 200,000 Hu individuals, sparing no consideration for their social status, gender, or age.[ii]
Ran Min's initial campaign against the Hu and Jie people was indeed a response to the prevailing circumstances. However, his subsequent decision to mercilessly slaughter every Hu individual was a drastic and regressive policy fueled by ethnic revenge. This approach not only failed to address the underlying tensions among the diverse ethnic groups, but it also exacerbated them further.
Riding the wave of his triumph against the Hu and Jie people, Ran Min capitalized on his newfound support from the Han population. Seizing the opportunity, he proclaimed himself emperor and christened his realm as Wei, with Ye City serving as its capital. Seeking to establish diplomatic ties and enlist cooperation, Ran Min dispatched envoys to the Eastern Jin government in Jiankang, conveying his message directly, “The Hu rebels on the Central Plain have been subdued. Should you desire to unite forces and quell their resistance, you are welcome to send troops to aid our cause.”[4] However, the rulers and officials of Eastern Jin opted for a calculated silence, as Ran Min had already declared himself emperor, rendering any reply superfluous.
After establishing the Ran Wei regime, Ran Min implemented political measures aimed at purging and stabilizing the nine social classes, appointing officials based on talent, and promoting those who excelled in Confucian studies. However, his actions mirrored the feudal rule of the Wei and Jin dynasties rather than embracing a new approach. By prioritizing the stability of the aristocracy and promoting individuals from the landlord class, Ran Min neglected the broader interests of the masses. He failed to tap into the potential of the people and refused to rely on them for support.
Take, for instance, the case of Li Nong, a crucial ally in the fight against the Jie people. However, Ran Min decided to eliminate him and cut ties with the qihuojun, a group that had close connections with Li Nong. This choice had far-reaching implications. In addition, there were influential figures in Guanzhong, boasting over 30 formidable forts and a population exceeding 50,000, who were eager to throw their support behind the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Regrettably, Ran Min was unable to seize this golden opportunity and collaborate with them.[iii]
The feudal landlords and gentry of the Ran Wei regime lacked the backbone to oppose the rule of the ethnic minority rulers. Instead, they shamelessly pursued their own interests, contributing to the regime's downfall. Political opportunism ran rampant, as they prioritized their wealth and influence over the well-being of the empire.
Under the Shi Zhao regime, the Central Plains region suffered greatly, especially during the later years of Shi Hu's rule. Agricultural production in the area plummeted, and famine became a frequent visitor to the lower reaches of the Yellow River. The situation was dire, to say the least.
In an effort to alleviate the suffering of the impoverished, Ran Min, upon establishing his new regime, distributed all the stored grain in government warehouses to those in need. However, any hope of long-term relief was dashed by the resurgence of the remnants of the Shi Zhao forces. Shi Zhi, Shi Hu's son, proclaimed himself emperor in Xiangguo and joined forces with the Di, Qiang, and Xianbei tribes to launch a relentless attack on Ran Min.
These incessant wars diverted Ran Min's attention and resources, hindering any attempts to restore agricultural production in a timely manner. The challenges were formidable, and Ran Min found himself fighting on multiple fronts, both in military battles and against the forces of starvation.
Ran Min's initial triumph over Shi Zhi was short-lived, as the relentless warfare continued to ravage the land. Fu Jiàn, the Di nobleman Fu Hong’s son, seized control over the Guanzhong region and expanded his influence westward. Meanwhile, the Murong clan of the Xianbei tribe launched an invasion from the Liaoxi, gradually encroaching on the territories of Zhao and Wei. Their army grew strong, and they launched a full-scale attack on Ran Min's regime. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Eastern Jin Dynasty government remained indifferent, showing no interest in aiding. Finally, in 352, the forces led by Murong Jun dealt the decisive blow, wiping out the Ran Wei regime and putting an end to its short-lived existence of only three years.
The Yongjia period (307-312) was a time of immense upheaval and destruction, leaving the once-thriving region in ruins and its people scattered and displaced. The aftermath of this period was a desolate landscape, devoid of any signs of human habitation. This period witnessed a significant influx of various ethnic minority groups from the border regions into the heartland of the Central Plains.
For instance, in 318, Shi Le gained the allegiance of over 100,000 tribes from the Di, Qiang, and Hu-Jie backgrounds, who then found their way to various counties in Hebei. Not to be outdone, Liu Yao transported more than 200,000 Ba-Di tribes to Chang'an in 320. However, in 329, Shi Le dealt a crushing blow to Liu Yao's regime, resulting in the resettlement of 15,000 tribes from the Di and Qiang ethnic groups in Hebei. The year 332 witnessed Shi Hu's relocation of over 100,000 households from Qin, Yong, and the Di and Qiang tribes to the Guandong region. In this upheaval, Fu Hong, the leader of the Di tribe, took on the role of superintendent for the refugees and settled in Fangtou.[5] Concurrently, Yao Yizhong, leader of the Qiang tribe, served as the Grand Superintendent of the Western Qiang, leading tens of thousands of tribes to settle in Fentou in Qinghe.[6] Consequently, the lower reaches of the Yellow River became densely populated with the Di and Qiang tribes.
After the Shi Zhao regime fell, Ran Min embarked on a mission to eradicate the influence of diverse ethnic groups in the Zhao and Wei regions. Historical records vividly recount the exodus of "hundreds of thousands from Qing, Yong, You, and Jingzhou, and millions from tribes such as the Di, Qiang, and Hu, as they returned to their ancestral lands." Unfortunately, this mass migration plunged the region into chaos and catastrophe. The roads became breeding grounds for violence, looting, and wanton destruction. The once flourishing population was decimated by the twin scourges of famine and disease, with an appalling death toll reaching nearly eighty percent. The plight of the Central Plains was dire, causing farming activities to grind to a halt and leaving the populace in disarray.[7]
In the midst of this tumultuous period, Fu Hong, the leader of the Di tribe, seized the opportunity to lead his tribes in a strategic retreat from Fangtou. Accompanied by a multitude of refugees who had sought haven in the Shandong and Hebei regions, their ranks swelled to over 100,000. Following Fu Hong's demise, his son Fu Jiàn bravely steered the tribes into the Guanzhong region, where they established the Fu Qin regime.
Similarly, Yao Xiang, the formidable leader of the Qiang tribe and son of Yao Yizhong, rallied his tribes consisting of 60,000 households to embark on a westward migration. Settling in Xingcheng[8] with the intent of gaining control over the Guanzhong region, they clashed with the Fu Qin regime in Sanyuan[9] but suffered a crushing defeat, resulting in the death of Yao Xiang. Undeterred, his younger brother, Yao Chang, took charge and skillfully orchestrated the surrender of the Qiang tribes to the Fu clan. In a dramatic turn of events, upon the failure of Fu Jiān, Yao Chang seized the opportunity and eliminated him, establishing the Yao Qin regime in the Guanzhong region.
The Ran Wei regime, predominantly consisting of Han people in the lower region of the Yellow River, faced encirclement and destruction by various ethnic minority regimes. The Han population, confronted with the prospects of prolonged oppression, humiliation, and constant fear of massacre, resolved to seek refuge in the territories controlled by the Han-ruled Eastern Jin. In a momentous wave of migration, they embarked on mass movements across the Yangtze River.
Around 200,000 Han people from Hebei crossed the Yellow River, appealing for military aid from the Eastern Jin government. However, the empire showed little concern for their welfare and failed to provide the necessary support and coordination. Consequently, the ruling ethnic minority regime launched an attack on these vulnerable individuals, leading to their mass demise.[iv]
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[1] Now northwest of Neihuang, Henan.
[2] Now east of Wei County, Hebei.
[3] Shi Shi, Shi Hu’s youngest son, was killed by his brother Shi Zun after ruling for a mere 33 days; Shi Zun, ruling for 183 days, was killed by his brother Shi Jian; Shi Jian, ruling for 103 days, was killed by Ran Min.
[4] Records of Ran Min, JS107
[5] Now southwest of Qimen Crossing, Jinxian County, Henan.
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[6] Now northeast of Zaoqiang, Hebei.
[7] Records of Ran Min, JS107
[8] Now southwest of Huangling, Shaanxi.
[9] Now Sanyuan, Shaanxi.
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[i] ZZTJ, in the 1st year of Emperor Hui of Jin's Guangxi reign (306 CE):
In the 12th month [...] Bingzhou was suffering from famine, and the area had been repeatedly plundered by the Hu bandits. The various counties and commanderies were unable to protect themselves. The military commanders Tian Zhen, his brother Lan, Ren Zhi, Qi Ji, Li Yun, Bo Sheng, and others, along with over ten thousand officials and civilians, all followed Sima Teng to beg for grains in Ji Province, forming a group known as qihuo or "Begging-for-Living" army.
In the Records of Shi Le (JS104):
Le attacked Shi Xian, the Inspector of Youzhou, at Leling, resulting in his death. The qihuo army, led by Tian Yan, consisting of a force of fifty thousand, went to rescue Xian, but Shi Le defeated them in battle.
ZZTJ, in the 1st year of Emperor Huai of Jin's Yongjia reign (307 CE):
In the 5th month [...] [Ji] Sang captured Ye City. [Sima] Teng [...] was killed by Li Feng, a general under Sang. In the 12th month, on the day of Wuyin, the qihuo army, led by Tian Zhen, Tian Lan, Bo Sheng, and others, rose up in rebellion to avenge Prince Teng of Xincai and beheaded Ji Sang at Leling.
In the Biography of Prince Yue of Donghai (JS59):
Wang Mi entered Xu [...] [Yue] summoned Tian Zhen and five others, but Tian Zhen refused to comply with the order. Yue sent Liu Wang as the commanding general to deal with Tian Zhen. Initially, when Duke Teng of Dongying held the city of Ye, he brought over ten thousand troops, including Tian Zhen, his brother Lan, Ren Zhi, Qi Ji, Li Yun, Bo Sheng, and others from Bingzhou to Ye. They were sent to beg for grain in Ji Province, forming a group known as the qihuo (Begging-for-Living) army. After Teng's defeat, Tian Zhen and others ambushed and defeated Ji Sang at Chiqiao. Yue appointed Tian Zhen as the Administrator of Ji County and Lan as the Administrator of Julu. Tian Zhen requested to be appointed as the Administrator of Wei County, but Yue refused, which angered Tian Zhen and led to his refusal to come when summoned. Once Liu Wang crossed the river, Tian Zhen retreated. Li Yun and Bo Sheng beheaded Tian Lan and led their troops to surrender. Tian Zhen, Ren Zhi, and Qi Ji abandoned their forces and fled to Shangdang.
In the Records of Shi Le (JS104):
Le attacked qihuo’s She Ting and Tian Yan at Zhongqiu, and both were killed.
In the Annals of Emperor Huai (JS05):
In the 11th month of the 3rd year of Emperor Huai's Yongjia reign, qihuo’s generals Li Yun, Bo Sheng, and others led their forces to rescue the capital. [Liu] Cong retreated, and Li Yun and the others also defeated Wang Mi at Xinji.
In the Biography of Prince Yue of Donghai (JS59):
[Yue] left his consort Lady Pei, his heir Prince and Zhenjun General Pi, and Longxiang General Li Yun, together with He Lun and others, to guard the capital [...] He led forty thousand armored soldiers and stationed them east in Xiang [...] In the 5th year of the Yongjia era, Yue passed away in Xiang [...] Upon hearing of Yue's death, He Lun and Li Yun secretly concealed the news of his passing. They escorted Lady Pei and Prince Pi out of the capital, along with a multitude of people who joined the group along the way, resulting in widespread looting and pillaging. When they reached Weicang, they were defeated by [Shi] Le. Both Prince Pi and the thirty-six royal members were killed by the enemy. Li Yun killed his wife and children and fled to Guangzong.
ZZTJ, in the 5th year of Emperor Huai's Yongjia reign:
Autumn, in the 7th month, Wang Jun [...] issued an imperial edict [...] appointing Tian Hui as the Inspector of Yanzhou and Li Yun as the Inspector of Qingzhou.
In the 1st year of Jianxing (313 CE):
In summer, the 4th month [...] Shi Le attacked Li Yun at Shangbai (located in present-day Wei County, Hebei) and beheaded him. Wang Jun then reappointed Bo Sheng as the Inspector of Qingzhou [...] In the 5th month [...] Shi Le sent Kong Chang to attack Dingling, resulting in the death of Tian Hui. Bo Sheng led his troops to surrender to Shi Le. (In the Records of Shi Le, it is mentioned that "Bo Sheng of Wuwan captured Liu Ji, the Administrator of Bohai Commandery, and led five thousand households to surrender to Shi Le." It seems that while Bo Sheng was the leader of the qihuo army, he was originally from the Wuwan tribe.)
In the Records of Shi Le (JS104):
During that time, [Shi] Le and Chen Wu engaged in conflict at Peng Pass [...] Shi Le led his army to attack Chen Wu at Feize. Chen Wu’s Marshal, Li Tou of Shangdang, approached Shi Le and said, "Sir [...] you should bring peace to the lands within the Four Seas [...] Instead of dealing with those who vie for control of the realm, you have turned your forces against us, the exiles. Our local supporters will eventually rally behind us, so why force them into a corner?" Shi Le pondered over this and, in the morning court, ordered a retreat.
Annals of Jin from the stone chamber in Dunhuang:
In the 2nd year of Taixing (319 CE), in the 4th month of summer, on the day Wuyin, General Zhenwu and Interior Minister of Chenliu, Chen Wu, passed away. Before his death, Chen Wu admonished his followers not to serve the Hu. Chen Wu was the leader of the qihuo army [...] At that time, he held control over Junyi, commanding a force of over five thousand soldiers who were brave and skilled in combat. After Chen Wu's death, his son Chen Chite was still young. The Supreme Commander Feng Long, Li Tou, and others collectively supported Chen Wu's uncle, Chen Chuan, to assist and govern Chen Chite. Chuan then proclaimed himself as General of Ning and Shuo and Interior Minister of Chenliu. Originally a minor official in Daling County, Chen Chuan lacked the popular support due to his harsh methods. During the campaign against Fan Ya, the troops of Zu Ti were conscripted from various villages and forts. Chen Chuan sent Li Tou to assist Zu Ti with troops, and Zu Ti treated him warmly [...] Li Tou deeply respected Zu Ti [...] However, Chen Chuan became angry and killed Li Tou, launching an attack on his supporters. The remaining followers fled to Zu Ti [...] Chen Chuan [...] then defected by surrendering Junyi [...] In the 5th month, the General Who Pacifies the West launched an expedition against Chen Chuan [...] Shi Hu crossed the River to provide reinforcement [...] They plundered various commanderies in Yuzhou and relocated Chuan to Xiangguo, while leaving Tao Bao stationed at Chuitai.
In Biography of Zu Ti (JS62):
Zhang Ping's remaining forces then joined forces with Fan Ya's troops to attack Zu Ti again. There was a certain Chen Chuan, who was the castle leader of Pengbei and called himself the General of Ning and Shuo and the Prefect of Chenliu. Ti sent emissary to ask for his help. Chuan then sent his general Li Tou with his men to help Zu Ti. With the reinforcement, Zu Ti captured Qiao town. [...] Li Tou fought bravely against Fan Ya and distinguished himself in battle. At that time, Zu Ti obtained a magnificent steed, but Tou was hesitant to ask for it. However, Zu Ti understood his desire and gave it to him. Li Tou was deeply grateful for Zu Ti's kindness and often said, "If only I could serve under this man as my lord, I would die without regrets." When Chuan heard of this, he became angry and had Li Tou killed. [...] Chuan was further angered and sent General Wei Shuo to raid various counties in Yuzhou, capturing many men, women, carriages, and horses. [...] Chuan [...] joined forces with Shi Le. [...] Shi Jilong relocated Chen Chuan and his followers back to Xiangguo (according to the Records of Shi Le, it states "he relocated over five thousand households of Chen Chuan's followers to Guangzong").
In the Records of Shi Jilong (JS107):
Zhang Chai and Zhang Ju conspired to assassinate Li Nong [...] Fearing for his safety, Li Nong fled to Guangzong with a hundred horsemen, leading several tens of thousands of households of qihuo to sought refuge at Shangbai.
In the Biography of Huan Yi & his grandson Shimin (JS74):
During the time (when the ethnic Dingling, Zhai Liao, held Liyang in 386 CE), qihuo’s Huang Huai proclaimed himself as the Inspector of Bingzhou. He, along with Zhai Liao, launched an attack on Changshe, with a force of several thousand people. Shimin [...] fought against Huang Huai and beheaded him.
In the Biography of Wang Zhen'e (SS45):
His younger brother Kang [...] found that the frontier defenses were not being properly maintained [...] and sought refuge in Jinyong City [...] At that time, there was a man named Shao Ping who led his followers and over a thousand households of the qihuo from Bingzhou to establish a camp south of the city, welcoming the fugitive Sima Wenrong as their leader.
The Annotations on the Qu River (SJZ22) quotes the Customs of Chenliu:
Within the county, there is the Shikuang city of Cangjie with the Blowing Platform of the Immortal Beings on top, and the Mu Marsh to the north [...] Prince of Liang expanded it to become the Blowing Platform [...] Today, the platform stands alone to the right of the Mu Marsh. It is about a hundred steps in size [...] During the chaos and upheaval of the Jin dynasty, the qihuo settled there and removed the original foundation, resulting in the formation of two levels [...] It is thus commonly known as the Qihuo Platform."
In the Records of Murong De (JS127):
Fu Deng's younger brother, Guang, led his followers to surrender to Murong De. He was appointed as the Champion General and settled at the Qihuo Fortress.
In the Biography of Yuan Huzhi (SS50):
[Yuan Huzhi] followed Zhang Yong in an attack against Gaoao [...] [Xiao] Sihua ordered him to cross the river and garrison at the Qihuo Fortress to defend against the enemy forces.
In the Chronicles of the World in Peace (太平寰宇记):
There is a city called Qihuo in Hejian County, Yingzhou.
The footnote references Zhou Yiliang's article Research on the qihuo. Based on the aforementioned series of materials, the following conclusions can be drawn:
1. The qihuo was an armed group of refugees who followed Sima Teng when he withdrew from Bingzhou.
2. During their exile and battles, the qihuo army gradually grew and strengthened. They played a significant role in fighting against the minority rulers who entered the Central Plains when the Western Jin dynasty was on the verge of collapse. After the fall of the Western Jin dynasty, the qihuo army became a core force in resisting the rule of minority rulers in the Central Plains.
3. The fact that leaders of the qihuo army, such as Chen Wu, urged their followers not to serve Hu rulers even in their dying moments, demonstrates their admirable spirit of perseverance in the fight.
4. Due to the policy of division adopted by the rulers of the Western and Eastern Jin dynasties towards the qihuo army, leaders such as Tian Lan were killed by Bo Sheng and Li Yun, while Chen Chuan killed Li Tou to submit to Shi Le. On one hand, this reveals that the leaders within the qihuo army also engaged in infighting, which is a common weakness among refugee groups. On the other hand, it highlights the divisive consequences of the Western and Eastern Jin dynasties, weakening the resistance against barbarian rule and hindering the development of the anti-Hu struggle.
5. After being forcibly resettled by the Shi Zhao regime in Guangzong, Shangbai, and other areas, the qihuo army managed to preserve its strength and bide its time for three decades. Eventually, they collaborated with Ran Min and Li Nong to completely annihilate the remnants of the Shi Zhao regime.
6. Even after the failure of Ran Min, the qihuo army retained their prestigious title in the Central Plains and continued their struggle. In the year 419 CE, when the Northern Expedition led by Liu Yu of Eastern Jin failed to yield results and Han ethnic power once again retreated from the Yellow River region, the qihuo army still sought to support Sima clan member Sima Wenrong in establishing a Han ethnic regime in the north. By this time, more than 110 years had passed since the qihuo army withdrew from Bingzhou in 306 CE.
[ii] In Records of Shi Jilong (JS107):
[Ran Min] issued an edict that anyone, regardless of their ethnicity, who dared to take up arms or a cane in the city would be executed. There were countless instances of barbarians who broke through city walls, climbed over gates, and so on. [...] His edict declared, “Those who are loyal to the government should stay, and those who are disloyal may leave.” The city gates were ordered to be opened. Thus, Zhao [Han-Chinese] people from neighboring districts and villages flooded into the city, and numerous Hu and Jie people left and even filled the gates. Shi Min realized that the barbarians could not be trusted, so he ordered every Zhao person to execute every barbarian they could find. For each Hu person killed, those who were civil officials could advance three ranks, while all military officials would be promoted to the rank of a gate guard. Within a single day, tens of thousands of heads were cut off. Shi Min led the Zhao people personally to kill the Hu and Jie people. Regardless of their status, gender, age, or wealth, they were all beheaded. The death toll was more than 200,000, and the corpses were left outside the city walls, where they were eaten by wild dogs and wolves. Those who lived in different regions followed the orders of Shi Min. Approximately half of the people with long noses and beards were mistakenly killed.
ZZTJ, In the 6th year of Emperor Mu of Jin's Yonghe reign:
[Ma] Qiu, following Ran Min's order [to eliminate Hu and Jie people], executed over a thousand Hu people from Wang Lang's group.
[iii] In Records of Shi Jilong (JS107):
Shi Bao, at the time stationed in Chang'an, planned to lead the forces of Guanzhong in an attack on Ye City [...] The powerful nobles of Yongzhou, discerning the futility of the endeavor, sent envoys to inform Sima Xun, the Jin Inspector of Liangzhou. Upon receiving the message, Xun led his forces to support them and set up camp at Xuangou, about two hundred li away from Chang'an. He ordered Liu Huan, an official in charge of affairs, to attack the Jinzhou Commandery Administrator, Liu Jili. They beheaded him. Many of the influential elites in the Three Assistant Provinces killed their local officials and leaders, amassing a force of over fifty thousand to support Xun.
[iv] ZZTJ, In the 5th year of Emperor Mu of Jin's Yonghe reign:
The General Who Pacifies the North, Chu Pou, submitted a memorial requesting to launch a campaign against the state of Zhao [...] In the 7th month of autumn, Chu Pou was appointed as the Supreme Commander for Expeditions and appointed to oversee military affairs in the provinces of Xu, Yan, Qing, Yang, and Yu. Leading an army of thirty thousand soldiers, Chu Pou headed straight for Pengcheng, and on a daily basis, thousands of people from the northern regions surrendered and pledged allegiance to Jin [...] Over five hundred families in Lu commandery rose up in arms and joined forces with Jin [...] In the 8th month, Chu Pou withdrew and stationed his troops in Guangling [...] At that time, there was great chaos in Hebei, with over two hundred thousand refugees attempting to cross the river and seek refuge. However, by the time Chu Pou returned, his influence and power were no longer present, and they were unable to extricate themselves. They perished en masse.