The Expansion into Southwest China
During the Han Dynasty, the Chinese empire undertook significant expansion into the southwestern regions, bringing various local kingdoms under imperial control. This period was marked by strategic military campaigns and diplomatic efforts that extended Han influence and solidified its rule over a diverse range of peoples and cultures.
The narrative begins with the return of envoys who reported on the wealth and potential of the Dian Kingdom, a powerful state in the southwest. The Han Emperor, intrigued by these reports, decided to extend his influence into this region. At the same time, the rebellion of the Nanyue kingdom, which threatened the stability of the empire, prompted the Emperor to send military forces, including those from the Southern Yi tribes, to suppress the revolt.
However, during this campaign, the rulers of the small kingdom of Qielan feared for their safety. They worried that neighboring states would take advantage of their absence to attack and seize their territories. In response, they rebelled, killing the Han emissaries and the governor of Jianwei. The Han court, determined to quell this uprising, dispatched forces from the regions of Bashu, including criminals who had previously fought against the Nanyue, to subdue the rebels. The Han forces successfully defeated the rebellion, and in the process, subdued the Toulang tribe, a group that had long hindered travel to the Dian Kingdom. Following these victories, the Han established the Cangke Commandery to oversee the newly conquered territories.
The king of the Yelang kingdom, initially aligned with the Nanyue, decided to submit to the Han after witnessing the might of the imperial army. This submission was rewarded with the title of “King of Yelang,” as the Han court sought to integrate these regions more formally into the empire. The destruction of Nanyue and the pacification of other local rulers, such as the Qiogn and the Zuohou, further demonstrated Han authority. These regions, once fiercely independent, were now reorganized into commanderies, including the Yuexi, Shenli, and Wenshan commanderies, extending the reach of Han governance.
In a diplomatic effort to secure further allegiance, the Han Emperor sent Wang Ranyu to inform the King of Dian about the defeat of the Nanyue and the strength of the Han military. The Dian Kingdom, which boasted a population of tens of thousands, was initially resistant. Neighboring states like Laoguang and Mimo, both of which shared the same ethnic background with the Dian, supported this resistance. These states frequently harassed Han envoys, further complicating relations.
In the second year of the Yuanfeng era, the Han Emperor ordered a military campaign against Laoguang and Mimo, decisively defeating them and bringing troops to the borders of Dian. Facing the might of the Han army, the King of Dian surrendered without further resistance. The Han Emperor, demonstrating a blend of clemency and strategic foresight, granted the King of Dian a seal and the title of king, allowing him to continue ruling his people under the auspices of the Han. The entire region was subsequently organized into the Yizhou Commandery, integrating it fully into the empire.
The southwest region was dotted with numerous small states, with only Yelang and Dian receiving royal seals from the Han. Among these, Dian, despite being smaller, was particularly favored by the Han court, possibly due to its strategic location and the Emperor’s policy of rewarding loyalty and submission.
Historian Sima Qian reflects on the events, noting the historical significance of the region. The ancestors of these southwestern tribes were once part of the Chu state, which played a prominent role during the Zhou Dynasty and later expanded its territory to cover thousands of miles. Even after the Qin Dynasty’s conquests, the Chu lineage survived in places like Dian. The Han Dynasty’s conquest of the southwestern tribes marked the end of many independent states, yet Dian managed to retain a semblance of autonomy as a vassal kingdom, a testimony to its strategic importance and the Han’s pragmatic approach to governance.
Sima Qian also provides a cultural and historical context for the region, highlighting the unique customs and products, such as the aromatic fermented fish sauce from Jiaozhi and the distinctive bamboo from the region of Daxia. The diverse peoples of the southwest, initially scattered and often at odds with each other, were eventually organized into seven commanderies, bringing a semblance of order and stability under Han rule.
In summary, the Han Dynasty’s expansion into the southwest was a complex process involving military conquest, strategic diplomacy, and cultural integration. This expansion not only extended the empire’s borders but also brought a diverse range of peoples and cultures under Han influence, significantly shaping the region’s history. The story of the Dian and other southwestern tribes serves as a testament to the Han’s ability to blend force with diplomacy, ensuring the long-term stability and prosperity of the empire.