Chapter 5 1920s (20-23)

1. In spring, on the Yiwei day of the first month (Jihaishuo in the first month, there is no Yiwei), the new dynasty (capital Chang'an) pardons the world, and according to the 36,000-year calendar (refer to last year), the year name of this year is changed to "Dihuang". 2. The new emperor (first term) Wang Mang (sixty-five years old this year) issued an edict, saying: "The army is about to be dispatched, and anyone who dares to run, howl, or violate laws and regulations in the streets will be beheaded immediately, regardless of the season." Therefore, it is spring In the summer, they will be killed in the same way. (The Western Han Dynasty followed the spirit of ancient legislation, not only did not carry out punishments in spring and summer, but even did not arrest criminals. Wang Mang, a great Confucian, immediately discarded "ancient" like a broken shoe when "ancient" got in his way. This is politics.) The people shocked Terrified, passers-by on the road signaled with their eyes, not daring to speak.

3. Wang Mang tried to suppress the increasing number of rebels in the Quartet with an ambiguous psychological offensive.The imperial edict said: "My first ancestor, Huangdi Ji Xuanyuan, pacified the world. There are a total of 738,900 people and 13.5 million soldiers. I accept the instructions of the mysterious prophecy (fate) and follow the example of the ancients, and I will adjust in the same way." Therefore, the "front", "back", "left", "right" and "middle" Sima was established.The full-power governors (state shepherds) of all states up to the county magistrates (county heads) are all added with the titles of "general", "general", "general benevolent", and "commander" (school lieutenant). (The full-power governor is called the general. The county chief is called the partial general. The militia commander is called the general. The county magistrate is called the commander.)

There are more than ten central envoys who take the government stagecoach to the counties and counties in an endless stream every day.There was no food in the warehouse to supply, and the stagecoach lacked horses and vehicles. If they encountered folk horses and vehicles on the way, they would forcibly seize them or directly collect them from the people. 4. In autumn and July, strong winds destroyed the Wanglu Hall in Weiyang Palace (Wang Mang changed "Qiandian" to "Wanglu Hall").Wang Mang suddenly issued an edict to depose the crown prince Wang Lin. The edict said: "On July Renwu day (July Bingshenshuo, there is no Renwu), at dusk, there was a violent storm, broken trees and house destruction. I was very scared. Contemplating It took ten days to finally solve this mystery. In the past, the mysterious prophecy clearly showed that the prince Wang An should be named the new king, and the fief of the other prince Wang Lin was in Luoyang (Dongbaima Temple, Luoyang City, Henan Province) People who commented said: "The king came to Luoyang, but he was called "Tong", which shows that he is based in the land. As the orthodox of the new dynasty, he should be the crown prince." So Wang Lin was appointed as the crown prince. Unexpectedly, Wang Lin has been sick since then. Although he recovered, he could not return to his original health. Wang Lin has an elder brother and is called the crown prince. His name is not correct. Since I came to the throne, Yin and Yang have not been reconciled , the harvest of crops has decreased, the barbarians have invaded our country, the days of bandits and bandits have risen, the people have worked hard, panicked, and have no place to put their hands and feet. After in-depth investigation of the reasons, it is found that it is all because of the wrong name. I hereby change the title of Wang Andang to Xin Moved to the king, named Lindang as the king of Yiyang."

5. Wang Mang issued an edict again, saying: "Yellow is noble, red is humble (in the Western Han Dynasty, red was noble, and Wang Mang deliberately belittled it), and palace guards and government officials (Lang) should wear red clothes in the future." 6. Many qi experts who belong to astrology believe that the astronomical phenomena show that there will be huge events that will move mountains and rivers.In order to make it come true, Wang Mang took action. On September Jiashen Day (September Yiweishuo, there is no Jiashen), nine royal ancestral temples were built in the southern suburbs of Chang'an, the capital, and the temple of the "ancestor of the emperor" Huangdi Ji Xuanyuan was the largest, with a square of 40 feet and a height of 17 Husband.The other ancestral temples are only half of them, magnificent and magnificent.Solicit civil engineers nationwide, as well as patrons who donate money and food.Personnel and food are constantly flowing on the roads. Both the design and construction are very precise and ingenious, costing millions of dollars, and about 10,000 workers and soldiers died.

7. Since September, it has been raining heavily for more than 60 days. 8. Ma Shiqiu (Ma Shi, double surname), a man from Julu (Pingxiang County, Hebei Province), conspired to instigate the rebellion of the militia and garrison in the Yanzhao area (the ancient Yan Kingdom, the former place of the Zhao Kingdom, and today’s Hebei Province) against the government of the new dynasty , Crusade against Wang Mang.The secretary of Da Sikong's mansion (Da Sikong Shi) Wang Dan found out and reported to Wang Mang.Wang Mang sent the Deputy Minister of Justice (San Gong Doctor) to interrogate, arrested the main culprit and his party members wantonly, implicated thousands of local gentlemen and heroes, and killed them all.Feng Wangdan was appointed as the assistant prince.

9. The new government decree: Anyone who mints money privately and shakes the people's confidence in the value of the currency will be exiled to the Quartet Wilderness (refer to the 10th year).But there are too many crimes, too many to be enforced.Therefore, the punishment was reduced: if the money was minted privately, the husband and wife would be confiscated at the same time, the husband would be a slave, and the wife would be a maidservant.Officials or neighbors who know about it but do not report it shall be guilty of the same crime.Those who spread rumors and undermine the credibility of the currency system will be punished by hard labor for a year and officials will be dismissed.

10. Taifu (second of the fourth assistant) Ping Yan passed away. Wang Mang promoted Tang Zun, director of water conservancy (Yu Yu), to be a tutor.Tang Zun said: "The reason for the weakness of the country and the poverty of the people lies in extravagance and waste." So, wearing a short coat and riding a female horse (in the heyday of the Western Han Dynasty, everyone rode a male horse, and those who rode a female horse were despised. He is not even invited to parties), rides in a simple firewood cart, sleeps on a mattress filled with wheat straw, pots and bowls are made of pottery, and distributes these things to ministerial (public minister) officials.Whenever he went to the street and found men and women not walking separately, but walking side by side, Tang Zun would jump off his firewood cart and perform "elephant punishment"—staining their clothes with red clay and muddy water.Wang Mang praised him greatly, and issued an edict to all civil and military officials: "You must follow Tang Zun." Tang Zun was named Pinghuahou.

11. Zhiyun, a native of Runan (Sheqiao Township, Northwest of Pingyu County, Henan Province), was deeply aware of astronomy, astrology and calendars, and believed that the Western Han Dynasty must be revived. He wrote to Wang Mang, saying: "The reason why the heavens have a vision is to hope that your majesty will be awakened. Let His Majesty return to the position of ministers early. Your Majesty's throne comes from heaven, and it should be returned to heaven now, so that you can be regarded as knowing the destiny." Wang Mang was furious and arrested Zhi Yun and sent him to imperial prison.But Zhiyun was very lucky. After a winter, he was pardoned and regained his freedom.

1. In spring, the first month, the Queen of the New Dynasty (capital Chang'an) passed away, and she was honored as Queen Xiaomu.At first, because of her husband Wang Mang's successive murders of her own sons (Wang Huo in the first five years, and Wang Yu in the third year of AD), the mother was powerless to stop her.The new emperor (first term) Wang Mang (sixty-six years old this year), the Pope and Prince Wang Lin, lived in the palace and took care of him nearby.Wang Mang once slept with Yuan Bi, a capable and beautiful maid of Empress Wang.Wang Linbu followed in the footsteps of his father and had an affair with her. Fearing that the matter would be revealed, the two conspired to kill Wang Mang.

Wang Lin's wife, Liu Yin (yin), is the daughter of Liu Xiu (Liu Xin), the national teacher (the third of the fourth assistant), who has a lot of research on astrology (grandfather Liu Gengsheng is famous for astrology, it should be family history), told Wang Lin that according to the astrology, there will be a party in white clothes in the palace.Wang Lin was secretly delighted, thinking that the conspiracy must be successful (until the 20th century AD, white clothes were traditionally a kind of mourning clothing in China).Soon, Wang Lin was demoted to be the king of Yiyang, and he was not allowed to stay in the queen's palace, so he became even more worried.It happened that Queen Wang was ill. Wang Lin wrote a letter to his mother, saying: "The emperor (Wang Mang) is very strict with his descendants. In the past, Wang Yu and Wang Huo were executed when they were thirty years old. Now my year It's thirty, I'm afraid I won't be able to save it, and I don't know where I will die?"

Wang Mang came to visit Queen Wang's condition, and when he found this letter, his face changed suddenly, thinking that the son was malicious.After the death of Queen Wang, Wang Mang did not allow him to attend the funeral.After the burial, Yuan Bi was arrested and tortured. Yuan Bi confessed to adultery and conspiracy to kill Wang Mang.Wang Mang was afraid that this kind of patricide case would be leaked and affect his image, so he decided to kill him to silence him.All the staff officers of the Ministry of Public Security who were in charge of the interrogation (in charge of the command) were secretly executed, and their bodies were buried in the prison. Even their family members did not know their whereabouts. Wang Mang ordered Wang Lin to take the poison, but Wang Lin refused and drew his sword to commit suicide.Wang Mang issued an edict to the national teacher (third of the four assistants) Liu Xiu: "Wang Lin doesn't understand astrology at all, and the root cause is related to your daughter." Liu Min also committed suicide. 2. In July, Wang An, the new king, passed away. At first, when Wang Mang returned to Fengguo as a marquis (refer to the first seven years), he slept with his maids Zengzhi and Huaineng (the two female surnames are unknown), and gave birth to sons Wang Xing and Wang Kuang; Southeast of Xinye County in the province), because his identity cannot be made public, so he was not brought to the capital Chang'an.After Wang An's death, all four sons born to Wang Mang and Queen Wang died, so envoys were sent to welcome the two sons to Chang'an, the capital, and enshrined Wang Xing as Gongxiugong and Wang Kuang as Gongjiangong. 3. Wang Kuang, a divination and fortune teller, told Li Yan, the county magistrate (Da Yin) of Weicheng County (Southwest Ye Town, Linzhang County, Hebei Province), that "the Western Han Dynasty will be revived, and the person surnamed Li will serve as an assistant minister." So he replaced Li Yan Yan made up a mysterious book of prophecy (prophecy), with more than 100,000 words.They were denounced, and both of them were killed. 4. Wang Mang sent Jing Shang, Secretary-General of the Taishi Mansion (Taishi Xizhong), and Wang Dang, the Army Protection Director (Guardian) under General Gengshi (one of the four generals), to lead the army to conquer Qingzhou (northern Shandong Province) and Xuzhou (Northern Jiangsu Province) area changed people.Cao Fang, Secretary-General of the National Teacher's Office (He Zhong), assisted Guo Xing in attacking Juding (Guangnan County, Yunnan Province), but they were unable to win.The government's military discipline has been corrupted, and the people are even more miserable. 5. The new government confiscated grain, fodder and cloth from all over the world, and transported them to Xihe (southwest of Zhungeer Banner, Inner Mongolia), Wuyuan (Baotou City, Inner Mongolia), Shuofang (South Bank of the North Yellow River, Hangjin Banner, Inner Mongolia), Yuyang (Miyun County, Beijing) and other counties. The county has reached one million (a million dollars? A million dendrobium? A million stones? A million horses? I can’t tell), and it is ready to attack the Huns Khanate (the royal court is located in the city of Harhelin in Mongolia). At this time, Xu Budang, who was named Shan Yu, died of illness.Wang Mang married another daughter, Wang Jie (born to the maid Kaiming), to Xu Budang's son, Xu Bushe (Xu Bushe was originally a marquis, but he was promoted to a duke because the emperor's daughter married him). The rewards were very generous, and he was determined to use force to send him back to China as the head of the Huns.Soon, the new dynasty fell.But Tong Dayun and Xu Bushe also died in the Central Plains one after another. 6. In autumn, heavy frost damages crops.There was a severe famine in Kanto (east of Hangu Pass), and locusts were infested. 7. The new dynasty reduced the penalty for raising money without permission, and more people broke the law.Coupled with the fact that the neighbors and those who did not report to the insiders were sitting together, the men were confiscated into the government as slaves, and the women were confiscated into the government as maidservants.All counties and countries were sealed off. Men were loaded into prison carts and women were walked. They were all chained around their necks and escorted to the Capital Coin Foundry (Zhongguan) Prison. There were 100,000 people.After arriving at the destination, the officials separated the couple and forced them to rematch.Only six or seven out of ten died of sorrow. 8. Chu Xia, a native of Shanggu (Huailai County, Hebei Province), recommended himself, and was willing to persuade Kuaiji County (Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province) to persuade Gua Tianyi (refer to 2017) to surrender.Gua Tianyi agreed, but before he could show up, he died immediately.Wang Mang ordered his body to be searched for burial. He also specially built a large tomb and built a large temple. 9. Amnesty on August 27th. 10. The court guard (Lang) Yang Chengxiu (Yang Cheng, surname) presented a "mysterious prophecy book", suggesting that the "Mother of the People" (Queen) should be elected, emphasizing: "The Yellow Emperor Ji Xuanyuan was born because of peace One hundred and twenty beauties go to bed, and only then can they become immortals." This proposal made Wang Mang very happy, so he sent forty-five junior state officials (Zhongsan doctor) and royal protocol officers (visitors) each to various counties across the country. In the counties and townships, all beautiful ladies are selected and registered on the roster. 11. Wang Mang deeply disliked the gods in the temple of Liu Bang, the first emperor (Gaozu) of the Western Han Dynasty.They sent warriors to Liu Bang's temple, hammered on all sides with weapons, smashed doors and windows, poured water boiled with peach wood (folk tradition, peach wood water has the function of suppressing evil), and then used dirty leather whips covered with red mud, whip the walls.Order the commander of Qingche (Qingche Captain) to be stationed inside. 12. This year, Qin Feng, the leader of Nanjun (Jiangling County, Hubei Province), has nearly 10,000 followers.In Pingyuan (Pingyuan County, Shandong Province), Chi Zhaoping, the female leader of the turned people, also has thousands of followers and occupies the area where the Yellow River floods. Wang Mang asked civil and military officials about the strategy of suppressing bandits, and everyone said in unison: "These people offended the heavens, but they are just a bunch of corpses, and they will be wiped out immediately." Refer to the previous year), were also called to attend the meeting.Gongsun Lu said: "Zongxuan, the head of the Observatory (Taishi Ling), observes the stars, measures the weather, and calls the evil auspicious, disturbs the astronomy, and harms the government. The state teacher (the third of the four assistants), Jiaxin Gong Liu Xiu (Liu Xin), reversed the "Five Classics" of the Confucian school, destroyed the teacher and the law, and confused the intellectuals. Ming Xuenan Zhang Han, Sun Yang, the geography marquis, promoted well fields, causing people to lose all their property. Lu Kuang, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry (Xihe), promulgated six monopoly regulations (six managements), making business and industry impoverished. Said Fu Hou Cui Fa, flattering and sycophant, obstructing the situation can not Shangda. These people should be killed to comfort the world." He also said: "We must never take military action against the Huns Khanate, and we should reconcile with them. I am deeply afraid that the worries of the new dynasty are not with the Huns, but with the borders. Inside." Wang Mang's face changed drastically, and he ordered the warriors to take Gongsun Lu out of the palace gate.However, Gongsun Lu's straightforward suggestion also made him reflect.So Lu Kuang was demoted to Wuyuan (Baotou City, Inner Mongolia) County Chief (Zheng Zheng) to alleviate the people's anger.In fact, the six monopoly regulations are not the opinions of Lu Kuang alone. Wang Mang's relegation of him is just to appease the hearts of the people. 13. In the beginning, the changed people were oppressed by hunger, cold and poverty, and had to take risks.Although they gather together, they always look forward to a better year and still go home to plow the fields.Therefore, a huge armed force of tens of thousands of people did not dare to attack and loot the city.The food they snatched can only sustain the day's life.Local government heads (governors, county chiefs) also died in battle, but they all died in fighting among their own troops, and the rebels did not dare to kill them.However, Wang Mang has never been able to understand this. This year, the governor (Mu) of Jingzhou (Hubei Province and Hunan Province) with full powers mobilized 20,000 mobile troops to attack the Bianmin Group in Lulin (southwest of Suizhou City, Hubei Province).Wang Kuang, the leader of the Bianmin, led his troops to fight in Yundu (Jingshan County, Hubei Province), smashed the state government army, killed thousands of people, and captured all the food and supplies.The governor of Jingzhou was about to retreat to the north, and Ma Wu, the general of the green forest, and others attacked head-on, destroying the tent of the governor's car and assassinating the accompanying officer.However, he dared not offend the governor.But only sent troops to attack Jingling (Qianjiang City, Hubei Province), turned to Yundu and Anlu (Yunmeng County, Hubei Province), robbed a large number of women, and retreated to Lulin Mountain; by this time, the number had increased to more than 50,000.State, county and local governments have been unable to deal with it. 14. The secretary of the Da Sima Mansion (Da Sima Shi) went to Yuzhou (Henan Province) to investigate the case, but was captured by the Bianmin Group, who respected him as an official and sent him back to the county.After the staff officer returned to Chang'an, the capital, he wrote to Wang Mang, reporting the inside story and hopes of the Bianmin Group.Because it was different from the inside information and expectations set by Wang Mang, Wang Mang was furious and arrested the secretary and sent him to prison, thinking that the secretary was devoid of conscience and cheating the government.An imperial edict reprimanded Qigong ("Sifu" plus "Sangong"), saying: "The meaning of officials is to handle state affairs and spread the benevolence of the government. Shepherding the people is the foundation of benevolence and righteousness. Crack down on the powerful, clearly detect evil, and hunt and kill thieves. , is the key to benevolence and righteousness. However, it is not the case now. Thieves are everywhere. Not only can they not catch them, but they form groups to rob government stagecoaches and government officials. Those who escaped said nonsense: "I once asked Thief: "Why? The thief said: "It's just for the poor." "Then the thieves sent me out of the country." Vulgar people judge things like this. You know, because of poverty and hunger, they break the law and commit crimes. The big ones become robbers, and the small ones become thieves. These are just two ways. But now, they But they gathered their followers, tens of thousands. This is the most obvious form of rebellion, how can it be related to hunger and cold? You seven dukes must strictly supervise ministers (qing), state officials (doctors), county chiefs (pawns, company leaders) ), the deputy county chief (Shu Yin), be careful, take care of the good people, and strengthen the arrest and elimination of thieves. If you don’t work together, hate the cunning bandits, and still talk nonsense that they are forced by hunger and cold, arrest them immediately, report to the special case and convict them.” All the officials of the new government were shocked.As a result, no one dared to report the real situation of the uprising, and the state and county governments had no power to dispatch armed forces, so they lost control over the uprising. 15. Tian Kuang, the county magistrate of Yiping (northeast of Shouguang City, Shandong Province), is courageous and strategic.Unauthorized mobilization of Ding Zhuang over the age of 18, gathering more than 40,000 people, giving them weapons, and engraving oaths on stones.Fan Chong Group got the news and dared not invade the county. Tian Kuang issued a memorial to impeach him. Wang Mang blamed him and said: "The central government did not issue tiger charms, but you recruited the armed forces without authorization. This is a violation of military discipline. Tian Kuang is confident that he can Eliminate the thieves, let's not hand them over to court-martial." Later, Tian Kuang asked himself to go out of the border to conquer and suppress. Wherever the army came, they were attacked.Wang Mang ordered Tian Kuang to temporarily act as the full-power governors of Qingzhou (northern Shandong Province) and Xuzhou (northern Jiangsu Province).Tian Kuang wrote: "When the thieves first started, the incidents were very minor. The state government's petty officials or soldiers, everyone could be captured. But the local government didn't care. The county government deceived the county government, and the county government deceived the central government. There were actually a hundred people, and they claimed that there were only ten. People. There were actually a thousand people, but it was claimed that there were only a hundred people. The central government ignored the seriousness of it and failed to supervise it in time, so it spread to several states. At this time, generals and envoys were sent to investigate. The county and county governments faced the Shangguan , to deal with responsibilities, provide food, donate gold and silver treasures, just to save themselves from death, have no time to think about thieves, and have no time to deal with official duties. And the general can't take the lead. Once a conflict occurs, the thieves will be defeated at every turn, and the morale will be depressed. suffering. "Before, fortunately, the central government pardoned the thieves, and they were about to collapse. Unexpectedly, they were blocked instead. In fear, they fled into the valley and told each other. As a result, the thieves who had surrendered in all counties were terrified for a while, I'm afraid Being deceived and wiped out by the government. And when the famine continued, the crowd was excited. In about ten days, more than 100,000 people gathered again. The reason why there are so many thieves is this. "Nowadays, in the east of Luoyang, one stone of grain costs up to two thousand yuan. Seeing His Majesty's edict, he is going to send the grand master (Wang Kuang) and the commander of the Gengshi Corps (Lian Dan) to lead the army to conquer. I think that both of them are national Important ministers. There are too many people and horses to supply along the way; too few people and horses to show their power to the Quartet. My suggestion: We should quickly select talented people from the governors and county chiefs, affirm rewards and punishments, and then fortify the walls and clear the country to deal with Licheng For villages that are too far away, or small states without city walls, move all the old and weak, women and children to nearby metropolises, store more food and grass, and work together to defend. Thieves come to attack the city, but they will not be able to capture it. If they do not come to attack the city, Guerrilla attacks in all directions, and they cannot rob food, so they cannot gather for a long time. At that time, if they were recruited, they would definitely surrender. If they were conquered, they would definitely be destroyed. Now, it is more difficult to deal with thieves than to blindly send generals to burden the counties and counties. Please Your Majesty recalled all the envoys from the counties and counties who took the government stagecoach, so that the counties and counties can rest. Appoint Chen Tian Kuang to be in charge of the bandits in the two states to which he belongs, and he will definitely be able to calm down." Wang Mang suddenly became alert to Tian Kuang's talent.So he secretly arranged and sent envoys to give Tian Kuang an edict. When the envoys went to Tian Kuang and met Tian Kuang, they announced the emperor's order to take over Tian Kuang's military power.Send Tian Kuang to Chang'an, the capital, and appoint him as the governor (doctor) of Shiwei County (Northeast City). After Tian Kuang resigned, the social order in Qidi (Shandong Province) was completely destroyed. 1. In spring, the first month, the New Dynasty (capital Chang'an) nine royal ancestors surnamed Wang temples were completed, and the memorial tablets were enshrined.The new emperor (first term) Wang Mang (sixty-seven years old this year) went to kowtow to have an audience with six horses in a royal chariot, and embroidered dragon patterns made of five-color feathers were draped on the horses, covering the four corners of the horse, up to three feet long.They also made imperial "canopy umbrellas" (an umbrella-like decoration), densely packed with nine layers, eight feet one foot high, erected on four-wheeled carts, and the pullers shouted while pulling the cart: " Climb to the Immortal!" When Wang Mang's imperial car set off, this car led the way.Civil and military officials whispered: "This is very similar to a funeral car, not like a fetish!" 2. In February, Qing (northern Shandong Province) and Xu (northern Jiangsu Province) mutated leader Fan Chong beheaded the Secretary-General of the Taishi Office of the new government (Taishi Xizhong) and the bandit suppression commander Jing Shang (refer to last year) . 3. There was a great famine in Kanto (east of Hangu Pass), people killed each other and devoured corpses (tragedy in the world). 4. In the summer and April, the new government sent Taishi (one of the four assistants) Wang Kuang and Gengshi Corps commander (one of the four generals) Lian Dan to crusade against the Eastern Bianmin. In the beginning, Fan Chong and other mob groups expanded their momentum day by day, and they agreed with each other: "If you kill someone, you will pay for your life, and if you hurt someone, you will be compensated." The most honorable title is "Rural Education Officer" (three elders), followed by "staff officer" (engagement), and then The second is the "judicial police" (historical death). In this mob group, there are no titles such as "general", "king" and "hou". They come from the people, and they only see and hear these township officials. It also shows that they only However, they were forced by starvation, took risks, and had no political ambitions, but the new dynasty forced them to have ambitions).Now, I have received news that the Taishi and the commander of the Gengshi Corps have led more than 100,000 elite regular troops to attack. I am afraid that when the troops fight with the government army, it will be difficult to distinguish between the enemy and the enemy, so they ordered to smear the eyebrows with cinnabar, known as "red eyebrows". . Wang Kuang and Lian Dan's army of more than 100,000 troops marched to the east in a mighty manner, their military discipline was corrupted, they raped, looted, burned and killed all the places they passed.The people in the east wailed, "I would rather meet Chimei than the grand master (Wang Kuang). The grand master is quite gentle, but Gengshi (Lian Dan) wants to kill me!" The situation is as expected. 5. The new dynasty sent a large number of state officials (doctors) and royal concierge officers (guests) to various places to teach the poor people, and boiled weeds and branches into thin juice to satisfy their hunger.But this kind of weeds and branches have thin juice, which cannot be absorbed by the stomach.It is of no benefit to the poor people, but the cost of sending officials is huge, and on the contrary it is a heavier burden on the people. 6. The Bianmin Group in Lulin (southwest of Suizhou City, Hubei Province) suddenly encountered a severe plague, killing more than 25,000 people, nearly half of the total number.This heavy blow caused the group to disintegrate.Wang Chang, Cheng Dan and others led a part of the troops to move to the west of Nanjun (Jiangling County, Hubei Province), called "Xiajiang Soldiers".Wang Feng, Wang Kuang, Ma Wu, etc., together with their branch parties Zhu Tuan (sound wei), Zhang Ang (sound ang), etc., led a part of the troops to the north into Nanyang (Qiantu County) County, called "Xinshi "(Xinshi, now northeast of Jingshan County, Hubei Province).The leaders are called "generals". The new government sent the Minister of Public Security (Si Ming) General Kong Ren to conquer the rebels in Yuzhou (Henan Province).He ordered General Yan You, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry (Nayan), and General Chen Mao, Minister of Sacrifice (Zhizong), to conquer the rebels in Jingzhou.Each of them led more than a hundred officials, took the government stagecoach, arrived at the states under their jurisdiction, and recruited soldiers.Yan You excitedly said to Chen Mao: "Send generals, but do not issue soldiers (tiger charms) that can mobilize troops. You must ask for instructions before you can act. hounds), but what difference does it make to hunt wild animals?" 7. Locusts spread from the east to all directions, flying all over the sky, covering the sun. 8. Hundreds of thousands of refugees fled to Guanzhong (central part of Shaanxi Province).The new dynasty set up relief officials (support officials) in various places to give food, porridge and rice, which were supervised by the central government.However, the supervisor and the person in charge jointly cheated and sold food, and seven or eight out of ten refugees starved to death. Prior to this, the new dynasty appointed Wang Ye, a mid-level eunuch (Zhonghuangmen) in the Forbidden Palace, to be in charge of the monopoly work in Chang'an, the capital (material adjustment officer), to keep the purchase price as low as possible, and the people complained.However, Wang Ye was granted the title of attached city (a title lower than the baron) because of saving state funds.When Wang Mang heard the news of the famine in the capital, he asked Wang Ye. Wang Ye replied, "The ones who died were just some hooligans." All the city residents eat these things." Wang Mang firmly believed. 9. In autumn and July, Wang Kuang, the leader of the "Xinshi Bing" and others, attacked Sui County (Suizhou City, Hubei Province).Chen Mu and Liao Zhan from Pinglin (Northeast of Pinglin Pass, Suizhou City) also gathered a crowd to raise troops. There were more than a thousand people, called "Pinglin soldiers", to respond to the offensive of "Xinshi soldiers". 10. Wang Mang issued an edict to Lian Dan, the commander of the Gengshi Corps, urging him to fight, saying: "The food in the warehouse is exhausted, and the treasury is empty. It is time to be angry and launch an attack. The general is entrusted by the government. If you cannot abandon your body In the Central Plains battlefield, we will not be able to repay the country's kindness and fulfill our heavy responsibilities." Lian Dan feared.That night, he summoned his secretary Feng Yan to show him the imperial edict.Feng Yan took the opportunity to make a suggestion, saying: "Because Zhang Liang was the prime minister of the Han Kingdom for five generations, he used iron vertebrae to plot to assassinate Yingzheng in Bolangsha (Zhongmou County, Henan Province) (refer to 218 years ago). The general's ancestor was a minister of the Western Han Dynasty (when Liu Ao was the twelfth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty, Lian Bao, the right general, was Lian Dan's father. Refer to the first six years). With the rise of the new dynasty, there are heroes in the world, and no one is convinced. Now , the country was in turmoil, the countryside collapsed, and the people missed the good days of the Western Han Dynasty far more than the people of the Zhou Dynasty missed Ji Shi (there is "Gan Shang", which is said to be a poem written by the people of the Zhou Dynasty to miss Ji Shi). The behavior praised by the hearts of the people, God All will follow it. I designed for the general, it is best to station troops in a rich and large county, comfort and train, improve morale, recruit and make friends with talented people, adopt honest and wise strategies, revive the country, and eliminate harm for thousands of people. Then, your blessings will remain endless, and your meritorious deeds and contributions will go down in history forever. Why do you have to destroy the Central Plains together with your army? Why do you have to let your body rot with the grass and trees at the same time, ruin your reputation, and shame your ancestors?" (Kuai Che The history of persuading Han Xin to betray is repeated here, refer to 203 BC.) Lian Dan refused to accept it.Feng Yan is the great-grandson of Feng Fengshi, the left general of the Western Han Dynasty (Feng Fengshi served as the left general, refer to February 41 BC). In winter, Soluhui (Solu, surname complex) from Wuyan (southeast of Dongping County, Shandong Province) and others gathered troops to occupy the county town and respond to Chimei.Lian Dan and Wang Kuang captured Wuyan and killed more than 10,000 people.Wang Mang sent a royal guard commander (General Zhonglang) to carry the edict to the defense area to condolences. He was promoted to two dukes and more than ten meritorious officials. Dong Xian, a commander (other school) of the Chimei Bianmin Group, has tens of thousands of troops, guarding Liang County (Shangqiu County, Henan Province), and Wang Kuang is ready to take advantage of the victory to attack.Lian Dan thought that a fortified city had just been broken, and the officers and soldiers were tired, so they should rest for a while.Wang Kuang refused to listen and advanced alone. Lian Dan had no choice but to follow.In the battle of Chengchang (Dongping County, Shandong Province), the Red Eyebrow Army was unstoppable, the new government army was defeated, and Wang Kuang fled.Lian Dan sent someone to deliver his seal and talisman to Wang Kuang. He sighed and said, "Children can escape, but I can't!" He died in battle.The subordinate commanders Ru Yun, Wang Long and more than 20 people were fighting. When they got the news of the commander's death, they shouted: "Mr. Lian is dead, who are we going to live for?" The general of the state (the fourth of the four assistants) mourned and voluntarily wiped out all the rebels in Shandong (east of Xiaoshan).Wang Mang sent him to join Wang Kuang, the grand master (one of the four assistants) immediately.General Yang Jun was also sent to guard Aocang (the granary in Beiao Mountain, Xingyang County, Henan Province).He also sent Da Situ (one of the three princes) Wang Xun to lead an army of more than 100,000 to Luoyang (to the east of Dongbaima Temple, Luoyang City, Henan Province) and sit in Nangong (one of the imperial palaces).He also ordered Da Sima (the second of the three lords) Dong Zhong to strengthen his riding and archery training in the middle base camp of the Northern Army (field army) in the capital Chang'an (Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province).He also ordered Wang Yi, the third of the three lords, to hold the post of the other two lords (Da Situ and Da Sima). 11. At first, Liu Fa (the son of Liu Qi, the sixth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty), the king of Changsha (Ding) in the Western Han Dynasty (the capital Linxiang), gave birth to Liu Mai (Marquis of Chongling Festival), and Liu Mai gave birth to Liu Xiongqu (Marquis of Chongling Dai) ), Liu Xiongqu gave birth to Liu Ren (Kaohou of Chongling).Liu Renshi, because the fief Chongling (Ningyuan County, Hunan Province. Chong, sound chong) was located in the south, with low terrain and humid climate, the Western Han Dynasty government changed the fief to Baishui Township (Hubei Province) belonging to Nanyang County (Nanyang City, Henan Province). South of Zaoyang City in the province), the name of the feudal country did not change, it was still called Chongling, and the family settled forever.After Liu Ren's death, his son Liu Chang inherited the title, just as Wang Mang seized power, a new dynasty was established, and the feudal state was abolished. Liu Mai's youngest son, Liu Wai, was the county magistrate of Yulin (Guiping County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region).Liu Wai gave birth to Liu Hui (commander of the militia in Julu County), and Liu Hui gave birth to Liu Qin (the magistrate of Nandun County).Liu Qin married the daughter of Fan Zhong from Huyang (Huyang Town, southwest of Tanghe County, Henan Province) and had three sons: Liu Yan, Liu Zhong, and Liu Xiu.Liu Qin died early, and the three brothers were brought up by his uncle Liu Liang.Liu Yan is resolute, generous and ambitious.Since Wang Mang seized the power of the Liu family in the Western Han Dynasty, Liu Yan has been aggrieved and often wants to restore the original state.Usually, instead of managing family property, he sells land and houses, joins the rivers and lakes, and makes friends with heroes and talents all over the world.Liu Xiu has "Longzhun Rijiao" (Longzhun, high nose. Liu Bang, the first emperor of the Western Han Dynasty, was famous for his high nose. Du Fu once wrote a poem: "The descendants of Emperor Gao are as good as Longzhun." The horn refers to the forehead, that is, the sideburns. If the frontal horn bone is protruding, physiognomists call it "sun angle", which is the appearance of an emperor), but the character is conservative and cautious, and he goes to the field every day to cultivate, satisfying the current situation of the farm.The older brother Liu Yan often laughed at him and compared him to Liu Bang's older brother Liu Xi (Liu Bang likes to wander, while Liu Xi is hardworking in farming, and his father Liu Zhijia often praised Liu Xi and blamed Liu Bang. Later, Liu Bang became the emperor and toasted the master, Said: "Your old man often blames me for not doing production, and I am not as good as my brother. Now, who is more with me than my brother?") Liu Xiu's sister, Liu Yuan, is Deng Chen from Xinye (Xinye County, Henan Province) His wife, Liu Xiu, once went to Rang County (Dengzhou City, Henan Province) with Deng Chen at Cai Shaogong’s house. Cai Shaogong had a lot of research on mysterious prophecy books (pictured prophecies), and said: "Liu Xiu is the emperor!" Someone then said: " Could it be fulfilled by the national teacher (third of the fourth assistant) Liu Xiu?" Liu Xiu said humorously: "How do you know it's not me?" The people present roared with laughter.Only Deng Chen was secretly happy. Li Shou, a native of Wan County (the county where Nanyang County Government is located, Nanyang City, Henan Province), liked astrology and mysterious prophecy books. The surname will be revived again, and the surname Li will serve as an assistant minister." Later, "Xinshi Bing" and "Pinglin Bing" rose up one after another, and the hearts of Nanyang County were floating. Li Tong's cousin Li Yi said to Li Tong: "Now the world is in chaos. , the Western Han Dynasty is bound to have more rivers and mountains. In the royal family surnamed Liu in Nanyang, there are only brothers Liu Wei, who have considerable prestige, are loved by everyone, and can discuss major issues." Li Tong said happily: "I have exactly this intention." It happened that Liu Xiu transported grain to Wan County salesman, Li Tong sent Li Yi to find Liu Xiu, greeted him at home, exchanged opinions on "Liu Xiu becoming the emperor" in the mysterious prophecy book, and then made friends with each other and discussed together.Li Tong advocated that on the day of the Liqiu Festival, when the cavalry and warriors were parading, they hijacked Zhen Fu, the governor of Nanyang (former team doctor) and Liang Qiuci, the commander of the militia (belonging to Zheng), and then issued orders to rebel.And Liu Xiu and Li Yi returned to Chongling (south of Zaoyang City, Hubei Province) to launch a response. After Liu Xiu returned to Chongling, his elder brother Liu Yan summoned local heroes to discuss together: "Wang Mang is tyrannical, the people are falling apart, and now there are years of severe drought, and there is chaos everywhere. The time has come for God to destroy him. Restore Gaozu (the first emperor of the Western Han Dynasty Liu Bang) The great cause of that year, the credit for the establishment of eternal life, is on my generation." Everyone agreed unanimously. So they sent relatives, friends and guests to the counties to recruit soldiers and horses, and instigated the people's armed uprising.Liu Yan recruited the young men waiting for the mausoleum; when those young men heard about the rebellion, they were so frightened that they fled, complaining, "Liu Yan killed me!" However, it was later discovered that Liu Xiu was also fully armed. , Changed to the general uniform - red clothes, wearing a large official hat, I couldn't help being surprised, and said: "The prudent and honest people have done it!" Gradually, my heart stopped panicking. In the end, Liu Yan gathered seven or eight thousand soldiers from his hometown and organized a headquarters, calling himself "Commander Zhutian" (Zhutian Capital Department).This year, Liu Xiu is twenty-eight years old.Unfortunately, Li Tong's conspiracy to gather troops was leaked, Li Tong fled, his father Li Shou and his family were executed by the new government, and a total of 64 people died. 刘縯派同族刘嘉，前往说服“新市兵”“平林兵”，跟他们的首领王凤、陈牧，联军向西攻击长聚（今地不详），攻陷唐子乡（湖北省枣阳市北），不分男女老幼，全体屠杀，又斩湖阳警察官（尉）。然而，这批杂牌部队，却因分配抢夺来的财物，不能公平，“新市兵”“平林兵”愤怒喧哗，要反击刘縯的刘家班部队。刘秀采取紧急措施，把刘家班所掠夺的财物，全部交出，大家才转嗔为喜。于是，再向前挺进，攻陷棘阳（河南省南阳市南）。李轶、邓晨各带着他们的亲友宾朋，前来会合。 12、新政府严尤、陈茂，大破“下江兵”；“下江兵”首领王常、成丹、张卬等，集结残兵败将，退入蒌谿（湖北省随州市北），在钟山（随州市东北）跟龙山（湖北省广水市东北）之间，展开游击。不久，人数增多，声势又振，跟新政府的荆州全权州长（牧），在上唐（湖北省枣阳市东南）会战，大破州政府军。 13、十一月，张六星旁出现孛星。 14、刘縯打算夺取宛县，挺进到小长安聚（南阳市南十八千米），跟南阳郡长（前队大夫）甄阜、民兵司令（属正）梁丘赐，发生遭遇战。当时大雾弥漫，视线模糊，刘縯部队崩溃。刘秀骑马逃命，遇到妹妹刘伯姬，兄妹共乘一马狂奔。不久，又遇到姐姐刘元，刘秀教她火速上马。刘元挥手说：“还不快跑，你们无法救我，能逃一个是一个，不要死在一起！”（三人一马，还有三个小孩，马绝对不能支持，马一倒毙，只有全死。）这时追兵已到。刘元跟她的三个女儿，被政府军诛杀。刘縯的弟弟刘仲以及其他家族，在这场溃败中死亡的有数十人。 刘縯集结残余，撤退到棘阳。甄阜、梁丘赐把粮秣辎重，留在蓝乡（地望在今河南省新野县东北），率领十万人庞大的精锐兵团，渡过潢淳水（新野县境），到达沘水（沘水，流经河南省唐河县北），在潢淳水跟沘水之间，扎营布防，破坏潢淳水上的桥梁，表示绝不生还的决心。 “新市兵”（王凤）、“平林兵”（陈牧）眼看到刘縯的刘家班部队受到挫败，而甄阜的郡政府军势如泰山压顶，信心开始动摇，准备撤出部队逃走，刘縯忧心如焚。正好，“下江兵”（王常）五千余人，进抵宜秋聚（河南省唐河县东南）。刘縯带着刘秀、李通，亲自到他们营寨拜访，说：“我们愿会见贵军的贤明将领，商议大事。”“下江兵”推举王常。刘縯遂跟王常长谈，分析联合作战的利益跟分散的危险。王常省悟，说：“王莽残暴，人心思念西汉王朝，而今刘家出来领导，就是真正的天下之主。我们应该贡献自己的生命，辅佐大业。”刘縯说：“只要事情成功，我岂敢独自享受？”深相接纳，告辞而去。 王常回去，把他的想法告诉“下江兵”的其他将领成丹、张卬。成丹、张卬自负他们的兵力强大，说：“大丈夫既然起事，应该自己当主子，为什么听别人摆布？”王常向他们分析利害说：“王莽苛刻残暴，不断的犯错，把民心全部摧毁。人民思念西汉王朝当年的和平日子，并不是最近几天的事。正因为如此，我们才能够乘机崛起。人民怨恨的，上天定会铲除。人民盼望的，上天定会赐予。举行大事，开创大业，必须下顺民心，上合天意，然后大功才可以成就。如果仗恃自己强大勇猛，毫无忌惮，即令成功，最后也会失败。以秦王朝跟西楚王国的威不可当，还归于消灭，何况我们不过一介平民，在山林水畔，聚集成群，如果也任情纵欲，那是自取败亡。而今，南阳郡刘家，领头发动，观察他们派来跟我们商谈的这几位领袖人物，深谋远虑，是王爵公爵的奇才。如果跟他们合作，必然成功，这正是上天保佑我们，指出一条明路。” “下江兵”将领们虽然顽强桀骜，而又缺少见识，然而一向尊敬王常，于是一致抱歉说：“如果不是王将军，我们可能走上不义之途。”遂即率军投奔刘縯，跟“新市兵”、“平林兵”联合。各部同心协力，士气高昂。刘縯大肆犒军，订定盟约，休养三天。然后，把联合兵团分为六路。十二月三十日，刘縯下令秘密拔营，夜袭蓝乡（地望在今河南省新野县东北），把甄阜郡政府军的辎重，全部夺取。 1、春季，正月一日，南阳（河南省南阳市）变民军首领刘縯率领部众，与“下江兵”（王常）向前队（南阳郡）郡长（大夫）甄阜的郡政府军，发动猛烈攻击，斩甄阜和民兵司令（属正）梁丘赐，杀二万余人。 新政府（首都常安）农林部长（纳言）大将军严尤、祭祀部长（秩宗）大将军陈茂，率大军前进，打算驻防宛县（南阳郡郡政府所在县·河南省南阳市）。刘縯迎击，在淯阳（南阳市南三十千米）会战，大破严尤、陈茂军，遂包围宛县。 在此之前，青州（山东省北部）、徐州（江苏省北部）等地变民集团，虽有几十万人，可是全属乌合之众，始终没有文书、号令、旗帜、行政组织。自刘縯起事，大家才自称“将军”，进攻城市，夺取土地。发布文件，揭发王莽的罪行，情势大不相同。王莽得到情报，才开始恐惧。 舂陵（戴）侯刘熊渠的曾孙刘玄，原来在“平林兵”（陈牧）中，称“更始将军”。这时，刘鏔集结的兵力已有十几万，将领们发现，军队虽多，却没有共同的领袖。于是打算拥立一位西汉王朝的刘姓皇族，作为号召。南阳郡的刘家班部众，跟“下江兵”王常等，都拥戴刘縯。可是“新市兵”（王凤）、“平林兵”的将领，为了保持他们的放纵生活，对刘縯的严明公正，心存忌惮。而刘玄懦弱无能，正合他们的要求。于是，先行秘密决定，造成既成事实，然后征求刘縯的意见。刘縯说：“蒙各位将军厚爱，尊重刘姓皇族，推举刘玄担任领袖，我万分感动。问题是，青州、徐州的赤眉集团，有数十万人之多，一旦得到我们拥立刘姓皇族的消息，如果他们也拥立一位刘姓皇族，则新王朝还没有消灭，而刘姓皇族就要先行内斗，使天下人心疑惧不安，自己伤害自己，恐怕不是消灭王莽的最好办法。而且，舂陵（湖北省枣阳市南）到宛县不过三百里，在这么绿豆大的面积上，自称皇帝，成为被攻击的目标，让人民承受灾难，更不是良好的计谋。我的意见是，暂时称'王'，先发号施令，国王的权力同样可以诛杀将领，跟皇帝并没有什么不同。如果赤眉集团拥立的人贤能，我们就去投奔归附，绝不会剥夺我们的官爵。如果赤眉集团没有行动，那么，等我们消灭了新王朝，收服了赤眉集团，然后再登皇帝宝座，并不算晚。” 将领们很多人赞成，说：“好极！”“新市兵”的将领张卬，扬眉怒目，拔出佩剑，砍击地面，喊叫说：“对自己做的事情，抱着怀疑态度，一定不能成功。今天这项决定，不允许有第二种想法。”大家一致赞成。 二月一日，在淯水（白河，发源于河南省高县西南白河乡，向南流经南阳市南）河畔沙滩上，建立高台。就在这高台上，刘玄被宣布是汉王朝皇帝，面向南方站立，接受群臣朝拜。刘玄既紧张又羞惭，满脸流汗，举起手来，一句话都讲不出。但仍然像一个正式皇帝一样，下令大赦，改变年号（把新王朝的“地皇四年”，改成“更始元年”）。任命堂叔刘良当“国三老”、王匡（新市兵）当“定国上公”、王凤（新市兵）当“成国上公”。再任命朱鲔（新市兵）当大司马（三公之二）、刘縯当大司徒（三公之一）、陈牧（平林兵）当大司空（三公之三）。其他将领，统统当“部长将军”（九卿将军。王匡、王凤，位居“上公”，而又加“定国”“成国”，是一种美称；“部长将军”者，身为“部长”，而兼“将军”名号；都不是西汉王朝制度，而是新王朝制度）。由于刘玄表现得不像一个有胆识的领袖，很多英雄豪杰，感到失望，内心不服。（为了叙述方便，以及不跟刘邦建立的西汉王朝混淆，我们称以刘玄为首的这个政权为玄汉王朝。） 2、新王朝（首都常安）皇帝（一任）王莽（本年六十八岁），为了表示自信、镇静和坦荡自若，特别把白了的头发染黑，遴选杜陵（陕西省西安市东南）人史谌的女儿当皇后，并遴选小老婆一百二十人，计三位“夫人”，位比公爵；九位“嫔”，位比部长（卿）；二十七位“世妇”，位比国务官（大夫）；八十一位“御妻”，位比政事官（元士）。 3、王莽赦天下囚犯，下诏：“王匡（太师）、哀章等，讨伐青州、徐州盗匪（赤眉）。严尤、陈茂，讨伐前队郡（南阳郡）盗匪（刘玄）。为他们明显的指出生路，确切保证，如果再执迷不悟，拒绝解散，我将派出大司空隆新公（王邑），率百万大军，剿除根绝。” 4、三月，玄汉政府成国上公王凤，跟祭祀部长（太常）偏将军刘秀等，率军攻击昆阳（河南省叶县）、定陵（河南省郾城县西北）郾县（河南省郾城县），先后攻克。 5、王莽接到严尤、陈茂战败消息，打出最后一张王牌，下令大司空王邑，乘政府驿马车，跟大司徒王寻，调动正式武装部队，负责扫平山东（崤山以东）变乱。征召精通兵法的六十三位专家，充任参谋官。任命体躯庞大的巨毋霸，当营区司令（垒尉）。并携带大量凶猛野兽——老虎、斑豹、犀牛、大象之类，助长威势。 王邑到洛阳时，各州各郡的精兵，分别在全权州长（牧）、郡长（守）亲自率领下，已集结四十三万人，对外宣称一百万人。其余还没有到达的部队，仍向洛阳进发，旗帜、辎重、人马，络绎于途，千里不绝。 夏季，五月，王邑、王寻率大军南下，经过颍川（河南省禹州市），跟严尤、陈茂兵团会合。 玄汉政府那些变民组成的部队，发现新王朝军声势浩大，惊慌失措，纷纷向后撤退，最后退入昆阳。恐怖把他们抓住，将领们一个个面无人色，忧虑带在军中的妻子儿女。大家认为不如各回各城，使目标分散。刘秀竭力反对，说：“我们的兵力既少，粮食更少，而敌人却强大无比，唯一的办法是合力抵抗，还有成功的可能，一旦分散逃亡，就难以保全。现在，刘縯还没有把宛县攻下，无法前来援救。一旦放弃昆阳，只要一天时间，我们的人马，势必全部消灭，想不到大家不但不能肝胆相照，誓死同心，共同建立功名，反而只想到妻子儿女，跟抢夺来的一点财产！”将领们咆哮说：“你怎么敢说出这种话？”刘秀笑一笑，离席而去。 这时，斥候报告说：“王邑大军的先头部队，已经到达城北，连营好几百里，看不见殿后部队。”将领们平常一向看不起刘秀，现在情况紧急，只好同意，说：“请刘秀出来商量！”刘秀遂向他们简报他的计划：如何才可成功，如何将招致失败。大家一齐说：“一切都听你的。”这时，昆阳城中只有八九千人。刘秀命王凤跟司法部长（廷尉）大将军王常（下江兵），留守昆阳。刘秀连夜跟五威将军李轶（南阳刘家班）等十三人，骑马从南门出城，征召散居在外县的变民部队。 这时，新政府王邑剿匪兵团前锋，已有十几万人，抵达昆阳城下，刘秀等几乎不能出城。王邑、王寻下令包围昆阳。严尤向统帅王邑建议：“昆阳城是个不重要的据点，城既小，墙又坚，不容易一举成功。现在，叛乱集团的主角，远在宛县，我们大军直扑基地，他们必定崩溃。宛县解决，昆阳自然平定。”王邑说：“从前，我包围翟义（参考七年），不能生擒首脑，受到不少责备。而今，身统百万大军，对第一个叛徒占领的城市，都不能攻下，恐怕无法展示我们的威力。我要先把昆阳攻破，屠杀全城人民。然后，踏着鲜血，向宛县挺进，前队唱歌，后队舞蹈，岂不称心快意？” 于是，把昆阳包围得水泄不通，阵地纵深几十重，营寨几百个，战鼓和号角的声音，几十里之外，都听得见。有些部队挖掘地道，有些部队用撞车攻城，箭下如雨。昆阳守军奋力抵抗，身背门板（用以防箭），运送饮水。守军统帅王凤不能支持，请求投降。新王朝大军统帅王邑，断然拒绝。（接受投降，就不能屠城，而王邑的目的正是要屠城，老幼妇女儿童，一口不留。）王邑、王寻自以为成功就在眼前，对敌人毫不在意。严尤提醒说：“《孙子兵法》：'包围城市，一定要留个缺口。'（目的在动摇敌人的军心，引诱敌人放弃战斗。）我们也应该留一个缺口，使守军逃走，把恐怖带到宛县他们的基地。”王邑听不进去。 6、新政府棘阳代理县长（守长）岑彭，跟前队（南阳郡·河南省南阳市）副郡长（武）严说，共同坚守宛县。玄汉政府部众围攻好几个月，城内粮食耗尽，人民饥饿，互相格杀吞食（人间惨事），不能抵抗，举城投降。刘玄进入宛县，作为临时首都。 将领们要诛杀岑彭，报复他坚守带来的灾难。刘縯说：“岑彭，是郡政府的高级长官。坚守城垣，是他应尽的责任。我们创立大业，应当尊敬表扬义士，杀他反而不如封他官爵。”刘玄遂封岑彭当归德侯。 7、刘秀冲出昆阳后，奔驰到郾县（河南省郾城县）、定陵（河南省郾城县西北），征调所可能征调的变民部队。一些将领贪图夺到的财产宝物，打算留一部分士兵看守。刘秀警告说：“我们这次出击，如果打败敌人，有一万倍的金银财宝等着我们，而且还可以建立大业。如果失败，人头都没有了，还谈什么财产？”于是全部投入战场。 六月一日，刘秀跟各路变民部队，同时进发。刘秀亲自率领一千余步骑兵，作为前锋，在距王邑兵团四五里地方，构筑阵地。王邑、王寻派几千人迎击，刘秀奋战，杀几十人，新军败走。玄汉将领们兴奋说：“刘秀一向胆怯，看见一小撮敌人，就害怕得不得了，可是今天面对大敌，却这么勇敢，真是奇怪！而且还亲当前锋，我们应该帮助他。” 刘秀再向前挺进，王邑、王寻兵团，稍稍向后移动。玄汉各路军乘势攻击，又杀好几百人，甚至杀一千余人。一连串小小胜利后，再继续攻击，将领们胆量顿壮，以一当百。刘秀挑选三千壮士，组成敢死队，从昆阳城西郊，沿着护城河攻击，直冲王邑兵团的中央营垒。王邑、王寻没有把这支渺小的部队看到眼里，亲自率领一万余人的精锐，在阵前巡视；下令各营：不得允许，不可以出动，而单独迎击玄汉军。想不到一经接触，竟不能阻挡，略为向后撤退，各营没有奉到命令，不敢增援。于是，霎时间，新军阵地动摇，陷于混乱。玄汉各路军猛烈攻击，就在阵前斩杀王寻。昆阳守军看到形势倒转，立即开城出战，前后夹击，呼声惨厉，震动天地，新政府兵团六神无主，哗然崩溃，四散逃命，不能再成行列，互相践踏而死跟被杀而死，一百里之遥，尸体遍地。就在这时，天气忽然剧变，巨雷响起，狂风大作，屋瓦都被掀起，四处飞荡，天空像裂开了似的，大雨倾盆。滍水（沙河，发源于河南省鲁山县西，向东流经叶县北，至襄城县东南注入汝河）暴涨，虎豹猛兽，在木笼中恐惧发抖。新政府剿匪兵团的士兵，被水淹死的有一万余人，河水堵塞不流。 王邑、严尤、陈茂三位统帅，骑马狂奔，踏着士兵的尸体，渡过滍水，向北逃走。所有辎重、粮食，全被玄汉军掳获，数量无法统计。玄汉政府拼命抢运，一连几个月都运不完，最后只好纵火烧成灰烬。新政府剿匪兵团士卒们纷纷逃回他们所来自的郡县，无法再作集结。王邑单枪匹马跟他从首都常安带出来的亲军几千人，狼狈逃回洛阳。 关中（陕西省中部）震动恐惧，全国各地英雄豪杰，纷纷起事，响应玄汉政府号召，诛杀新政府所派的全权州长（牧）、郡长（守），而自称“将军”，用玄汉政府颁布的年号，等候进一步指示。一个月左右，天下几乎全部摆脱新政府控制。 8、新帝王莽，听到玄汉政府（首都宛县）指控他毒死西汉王朝十四任帝（平帝）刘箕子，就在未央宫王路堂（即“前殿”），召集文武百官，打开当刘箕子病危时，王莽为他向上天请命，储藏愿以身代死文件的金柜（参考五年十二月），一面流泪，一面展示给文武百官。 9、玄汉将领刘秀，向颍川一带夺取土地，进攻父城（河南省宝丰县东李庄乡西），不能攻克，大军驻扎巾车乡（河南省平顶山市）。新王朝颍川郡政府秘书（掾）冯异，巡视所属五县，被玄汉