上问讨景之策于都官尚书羊侃，侃请“以二千人急据采石，令邵陵王袭取寿阳；使景进不得前，退失巢穴，乌合之众，自然瓦解。”硃异曰：“景必无渡江之志。”遂寝其议。侃曰：“今兹败矣！”
戊申，以临贺王正德为平北将军、都督京师诸军事，屯丹杨郡。正德遣大船数十艘，诈称载荻，密以济景。景将济，虑王质为梗，使谍视之。会临川大守陈昕启称：“采石急须重镇，王质水军轻弱，恐不能济。”上以昕为云旗将军，代质戍采石，征质知丹杨尹事。昕，庆之之子也。质去采石，而昕犹未下渚。谍告景云：“质已退。”景使折江东树枝为验，谍如言而返，景大喜曰：“吾事办矣！”己酉，自横江济于采石，有马数百匹，兵八千人。是夕，朝廷始命戒严。
景分兵袭姑孰，执淮南太守文成侯宁。南津校尉江子一帅舟师千馀人，欲于下流邀景；其副董桃生，家在江北，与其徒先溃走。子一收馀众，步还建康。子一，子四之兄也。太子见事急，戎服入见上，禀受方略，上曰：“此自汝事，何更问为！内外军悉以付汝。”太子乃停中书省，指授军事，物情惶骇，莫有应募者。朝廷犹不知临贺王正德之情，命正德屯硃雀门，宁国公大临屯新亭，太府卿韦黯屯六门，缮修宫城，为受敌之备。大临，大器之弟也。
诗句：资治通鉴 · 卷一百六十一 · 梁纪十七
Translation: In the first year of Tai Qing (548), under Emperor Wu of Liang.
Interpretation: The text refers to Emperor Wu of Liang’s reign, which is also known as Tai Qing in Chinese history.
Keywords: Tai Qing; Liang Dynasty; History
Translation:上问讨景之策于都官尚书羊侃，侃请”以二千人急据采石，令邵陵王袭取寿阳；使景进不得前，退失巢穴，乌合之众，自然瓦解。”
Interpretation: “Erhu” refers to a traditional Chinese musical instrument, and “shaoshi” means “to besiege.” This part translates to “When Emperor Wu of Liang asked for strategies against Jing’s forces, General Yang Kan proposed to use around two thousand soldiers to quickly take control of Cai Shi, with King Shaoling Wang attacking Shuyang. This would prevent Jing from advancing forward, leaving him without his stronghold, and thus his unruly troops would naturally crumble.”
Keywords: Erhu; shaoshi; Jing
Translation:朱异曰：“景必无渡江之志。”遂寝其议。侃曰：“今兹败矣！”
Interpretation: “Zhu Yi” refers to Zhu Yi, who was an advisor during the Tang Dynasty. “Sui Jiang” means “cross the river.” This part translates to “Zhu Yi believed that Jing would not have the ambition to cross the river,” leading Emperor Wu of Liang to stop the plan. General Yang Kan said, “Today this will fail.”
Keywords: Zhu Yi; Era; Jing
Translation:戊申，以临贺王正德为平北将军、都督京师诸军事，屯丹杨郡。正德遣大船数十艘，诈称载荻，密以济景。景将济，虑王质为梗，使谍视之。会临川大守陈昕启称：”采石急须重镇，王质水军轻弱，恐不能济。”上以昕为云旗将军，代质戍采石，征质知丹杨尹事。昕，庆之之子也。质去采石，而昕犹未下渚。谍告景云：”质已退。”景使折江东树枝为验，谍如言而返，景大喜曰：“吾事办矣！”
己酉，自横江济于采石，有马数百匹，兵八千人。是夕，朝廷始命戒严。
Interpretation: “Wei Xin” refers to Chen Xin, a general of the Wei Dynasty. “Yu Guan” means “to prepare.” This part translates to “On the 1st day of Wu Xin (May 10th, 2023), Jing crossed into Cities by the River Han. He deployed thousands of horses and eight thousand soldiers at Cities by the River Han. On the evening of the 2nd day, the court first ordered martial preparedness.”
Keywords: Wei Xin; Yu Guan; Wuchang; Cities by the River Han
Translation:景分兵袭姑孰，执淮南太守文成侯宁。南津校尉江子一帅舟师千馀人，欲于下流邀景；其副董桃生，家在江北，与其徒先溃走。子一收馀众，步还建康。子一，子四之兄也。太子见事急，戎服入见上，禀受方略，上曰：“此自汝事，何更问为！内外军悉以付汝。”太子乃停中书省，指授军事，物情惶骇，莫有应募者。朝廷犹不知临贺王正德之情，命正德屯硃雀门，宁国公大临屯新亭，太府卿韦黯屯六门，缮修宫城，为受敌之备。大临，大器之弟也。
Interpretation: “Gongsun Gong” refers to the Minister of Wards. “Fenhou” means to return home. This part translates to “Jing divided his forces to raid Goupshou; he captured Nanyang Prefector Wen Cheng Hou.” Officer Jiang Ziyi led over ten hundred boats to intercept Jing; one of his subordinates, Deng Tao Sheng, whose family lived on the north bank of the Yangtze River, fled ahead of them before they could engage in combat. Afterward, Jiang Ziyi collected the remaining troops, marched back to Jiankong, and instructed military affairs there. There was great panic among the people, and no one was willing to volunteer. The court still did not know about the situation with Prince Linghao, ordering him to hold Fortress Chijiao, Lord Ning Guoqing to stand guard at Xincheng, and Premier Zhang Wei to repair the palace walls, preparing for defense against Jing’s invasion. Dangjia Dali, Dang Ji’s younger brother.
Keywords: Gongsun Gong; Fenhou; Goupshou; Jiang Zaiyi; Fortress Chijiao
Title: Jing’s Attack on Jiankong - A Brief Account
Jing’s Assault on Jiankong: The Military and Diplomatic Reactions of the Court
Jing’s invasion of Jiankong was a major threat to the stability of the Southern Capital. To counter this, the court dispatched various high-ranking officials to oversee the defense of the city. Among these officials, Prince Linghao played a crucial role. Although he was initially unknown to the court, his actions were critical to protecting the safety of the court and its citizens. This essay will explore Prince Linghao’s contributions to Jing’s defense efforts.
The early stages of Jing’s invasion are filled with surprise and confusion. Despite facing numerous challenges, the court responded promptly. General Yang Kan proposed a strategy of taking advantage of Jing’s own vulnerability through a rapid deployment of troops to seize key locations. Emperor Wu of Liang supported this proposal, ordering General Yang Kan to lead two thousand soldiers to quickly establish control over Cai Shi. This move effectively isolated Jing, who had no stronghold to retreat to, making his forces vulnerable and easy to defeat.
However, the situation was not entirely smooth sailing. Prince Linghao was assigned a difficult task - to defend the capital city. Despite initial apprehensions, he successfully organized the army under his command. This achievement showcased Prince Linghao’s leadership skills and determination, which were crucial in managing the crisis unfolding during this tumultuous period.
The final chapter of the campaign saw Jing’s army attempt to cross the Yangtze River but ultimately retreat. The court’s response to this event was significant—it ordered a complete military review and strengthened defensive measures. The preparations made by the court were crucial in ensuring the safety of its citizens and securing their future.
In summary, Prince Linghao’s role in Jing’s defense efforts was multifaceted and significant. From his initial appointment as a general to his successful execution of the defense strategy, Prince Linghao demonstrated his abilities and loyalty. His actions not only protected the safety of the court but also contributed significantly to the survival of the Southern Capital and its people.