| 字： | 绍伯 | |||||||||
| 网笔号： | 高皇帝 | |||||||||
| 庙号： | 太祖 | |||||||||
| 陵墓： | 泰安陵 | |||||||||
| ||||||||||
明帝时为右军将军，先后镇会稽（今浙江绍兴）、淮阴（今江苏清江西），以军功累官至南兖州刺史。明帝卒，他与尚书令袁粲等共掌朝政，并领石头戍军事。元徽二年（公元474年）平江州刺史桂阳王休范的反叛，进爵为公，迁中领军将军，掌握了禁卫军，督五州军事。与袁粲、褚渊、刘秉号称“四贵”。宋皇室成员争权，自相残杀，朝廷实权渐集于道成。升明元年（公元477年）七月，道成杀后废帝刘昱，立刘准（宋顺帝）。萧道成封齐王，兼总军国，次第诛灭忠于宋室的袁粲、荆州刺史沈攸之、黄回等。三年四月受宋禅即皇帝位，国号齐，改元建元，史称南齐。道成惩宋之亡，务从俭约，减免百姓逋租宿债，宽简刑罚，但对宋之宗室王侯，无少长皆幽死。次年下令扩大清理户籍，按虞玩之的建议，设立校籍官，以宋元嘉二十七年（公元450年）版籍为准整理户籍。但校籍工作弊端百出，贫苦人民常被巫为户籍诈伪而“却籍”（即从户籍中剔除出来），同时也侵犯了庶族地主的利益。因而，在其死后不久，即因反对校籍而引发了唐寓之暴动。
随父出征
东晋初年，一户萧姓人家自东海兰陵（今山东枣庄市峄城镇东）南迁至晋陵武进县（今江苏常州）定居下来。此后萧姓人不断繁衍生息，逐渐形成庞大的萧氏家族。东晋帝王因萧氏家族的庞大在此侨置兰陵郡，人们便将萧氏称为南兰陵人。至公元440年（元嘉十七年），萧氏后人萧承之（萧道成的父亲）官至汉中太守。一天，宋文帝刘义隆与彭城（今徐州）大将军刘义康兄弟二人因朝务发生激烈冲突，宋文帝一怒之下将刘义康贬为江州刺史，出镇豫章。派萧承之率军前去防范监护刘义康。
此时，正在朝中跟随著名儒士雷士宗先生研习《礼》及《左氏春秋》的十四岁的萧道成被人唤出。萧道成大步流星回到家中，看到正在门厅里背着双手跺着步父亲，朗声问道：“不知父亲唤孩儿回来何事？”
父亲转过脸来轻拍了一下着萧道成的肩膀：“成儿，你且坐下，听父亲说。”
于是萧承之便把皇帝发配刘义康让他举家前去监护的事说了。萧道成看着父亲，说道：“敢问父亲，听说这刘义康是个大人物，皇帝为何派父亲前去监护？”
萧承之笑道：“成儿还小，长大就知道了。”
萧道成说：“父亲，孩儿不小了，一直在读史书，孩儿想知道当朝大事，将来做个有用之人。”
萧承之沉吟片刻，说到：“好吧，父亲就告诉你这内里的原因。我们萧姓先祖为西汉的萧何，你乃萧何的二十四代孙，先皇宋武帝刘裕的继母为我萧家人氏， 父亲我也算刘宋皇朝的外亲疏属，现在皇帝派老父我前去监护刘义康，是对我们的信任……”
萧道成目光明亮地望着父亲，不住地点头：“原来如此。”
从此，萧道成跟随父亲南征北战，以其机智勇敢屡立战功，成长为将帅之才。
平叛建首功
公元465年，宋明帝继前废帝刘子业被弑后登基，朝廷内部发生了权力争斗。一支是以晋安王刘子勋等孝武帝系诸王为首，另一支则以明帝为首的文帝系诸王。四方州郡大多举兵响应晋安王刘子勋，可谓天下同叛。
官至右将军的萧道成审时度势，他说：“皇上（明帝）虽势单力薄，形势危机，乃为一国之君，亦有诸王鼎力相助。若我为皇上效力，可助皇上平定天下，定能功成名就；若追随叛军，虽有成功之可能，但将来各路反将之间难免倾轧，刘子勋未必重用我们。”
他的手下都赞成他不随波逐流，站在宋明帝一边。当日，萧道成上朝向明帝表明自己的看法，得到明帝嘉许。不日，他便被提升为辅国大将军，随即宋明帝派遣他和张永等将领带大军前去讨伐东境叛军。
萧道成带领大队人马浩浩荡荡奔东境而来，至晋陵安营扎寨，次日率大军与叛军展开厮杀。但由于敌方人多势众，且蓄兵以待，双方恶战多日，一直相持不下。正在萧道成苦于无破敌良计之时，忽然从义兴（今江苏宜兴）传来将领吴喜等率部打败叛军正北上的消息。萧道成异常兴奋，将士们也磨拳擦掌，齐声高呼：“打败叛军，战之必胜！”
次日一早，萧道成率领众将士，一马当先，杀向敌营。他身先士卒，叛军死伤无数。他们一日攻破敌军十二个营垒，占领了晋陵。随后萧道成率领大军攻克了义兴。晋陵、义兴两大战役胜利，为东境战场胜利奠定基础。不日，萧道成率大军进军浙东，生俘会稽太守刘子房。至此，东境战事全面胜利。
回到军营，萧道成刚刚休息片刻，便有人报：“徐州刺史薛安都受叛军蛊惑，在彭城起兵造反。薛安都派其从子薛索儿带人马南下，并已渡过了淮河，正在向朝廷逼近。”
于是，萧道成率大军即刻起程，萧道成深知薛索儿骁勇善战，且来势汹汹，绝不可仓促应敌，他一路思索着御敌之策。
萧道成很快来到了薛索儿进攻京师的必经之道，他号令三军安营扎寨并对手下将领说：“敌来之甚猛，我等不可莽撞，需先稳住阵脚，再与之搏斗。”
叛军很快到来。萧道成率领人马先与其迂回厮杀，以避其锋芒。相持几日后，萧道成决定出一路骑兵攻敌西部，然后又派另一路从敌后合击。这一战术果然奏效，薛索儿大队人马仓皇之下大败而退。
一天夜里，萧道成与众将士商议完御敌之策，刚刚躺下休息，忽听得军营中喊杀声震天，他立刻意识到敌人来偷袭了。手下很快来报：“薛索儿手下千余骑兵前来偷营。”此时，军中将士有些慌乱。萧道成不慌不忙，传令：“没有我的命令，一律不得轻举妄动。”众将士见萧道成镇定自若，便稳定下来。扰营骑兵见萧道成营地秩序井然，安之若泰，觉得无隙可乘，急忙退兵。
几次交锋之后，薛索儿无法突破萧道成的防线，且损兵折将，只得兵败北退。
不久，叛军全部被平定，宋明帝大喜，自是对平定叛军的功臣悉数提拔重用。公元467年，萧道成被委任南兖州刺史，成为镇守一方的大员。
留守边境
此后三年间，宋明帝强化暴政统治，在铲除诸多异己势力的同时，还大肆杀戮他认为不放心的大臣。
一日，萧道成率一帮将士在林中打猎，忽然接到手下来报，说圣旨到。萧道成急忙赶回营地。原来是皇上宣他进京任黄门侍郎、越骑校尉之职。惊讶之下，萧道成心中惶惑，朝中局势他心知肚明，当初征讨有功的一些重臣相继被明帝杀害。以明帝多疑的性格，知他萧道成久在军中掌握重权，如有人在明帝面前散布一些谣言，明帝岂有不担心他谋反之理？
当晚，萧道成寝食难安，不由思忖：如若遵命返朝，可能会大祸临头，若不返，明帝更加猜忌，进退两难的萧道成焦虑不安。次日一早，参军荀伯玉走进来，他看到萧道成愁眉不展，便问道：“萧将军为何事发愁？”
萧道成叹了口气，欲言又止。荀伯玉说：“是不是为了皇上的圣旨？”萧道成点头。荀伯玉说：“你我共事多年，明帝的作为不能不防啊！倒不知萧将军可想好了去留？”萧道成便把自己的顾虑说了出来。荀伯玉说：“我倒有一法，可让将军留在军中。”萧道成立刻说道：“荀参军，不妨说说。”荀伯玉说：“将军可以以与北魏边境战事吃紧为由留在军中。”萧道成抬起头来，看着他。荀伯玉继续说：“将军可派几十坐骑进入北魏境内游动，引起北魏注意。这样北魏就会派兵进驻边境……” 萧道成觉得此计可行，便立刻派了一队人马在边境游动，没过一日，魏在边境果然增援兵力，并派遣了大批的骑兵在边境巡逻。萧道成立刻将这一消息报告给了明帝。明帝闻听边境不稳，就恢复了萧道成的职务，命他继续留任军中。
公元471年，过了一年安稳日子的萧道成接到手下来报，说皇帝派当年征讨叛军的近臣吴喜率军前来。萧道成听后心中一惊，想这回非上回可比，看来是在劫难逃了。
萧道成已知悉明帝近日病情加重，他害怕几个在世的皇兄对皇太子的继位构成威胁，就找借口将他们杀了，而朝中的几个重臣他也放心不下……正在不知如何是好之际，手下来报：“吴喜到！”萧道成忙问：“吴喜可曾带来将士？”手下说：“未曾带。”萧道成轻轻地“啊”了一声，正惊疑不定，吴喜闯了进来。萧道成看到吴喜双手捧着锃亮的银壶，只觉眼前一阵发黑。吴喜说道：“萧将军，此乃皇帝御赐的好酒。”此时，萧道成的身体发抖，本能地后退了一步。
吴喜和萧道成都是征讨叛军的重臣，他不忍心再看萧道成受此惊吓，便说：“萧将军莫怕，此乃皇帝试探之意。”
听完吴喜的叙说，萧道成长出一口气，遂安下心来。萧道成设宴款待吴喜。席间二人推杯换盏，萧道成端起酒杯意味深长地说道：“吴将军此来，萧某也了却了一块心病，还望将军回京后在皇上面前多多美言。”
吴喜也很豪爽，端起一碗水酒咕咚咕咚饮了下去，把碗放到桌上说道：“萧将军尽管放心，我一定奏明皇上，说你是衷心辅佐朝政的。”
过了不久，从朝中忽然传来吴喜被杀的消息，而恰在此时，皇上又给萧道成下了一道圣旨：命他速速进京！部下闻言聚集大帐，力劝萧道成不要进京，以免被皇帝杀害。
此时，萧道成却冷静下来。对于朝中的局势他自有看法，他说：“诸位尚不明白这内里的奥妙，明帝杀其诸位兄弟保护太子的目的已经完成，而与我们这些外姓他族没有关系，我应速速出发进京，事缓必被怀疑。——现在皇上实行暴政，天下将乱，我萧某还请诸位多多努力，以备将来。”
萧道成不带一兵一卒，独自一人进京了。明帝见萧道成孤身一人来京城，就打消了对他的顾虑。
萧道成一直安然无恙，直至明帝去世。公元473年太子即位，萧道成受遗诏参与朝内机要事务。
新亭大战
公元474年5月12日，江州刺史、桂阳王刘休范起兵谋反，并率大军两万、轻骑五百自浔阳出发，昼夜兼程，向京师逼近。
萧道成应召来到朝廷议事。满朝大臣个个愁眉不展。萧道成沉思一会，说：“昔日于长江上游谋反的，皆因为其行动迟缓导致失败。刘休范把持重兵多年，理应深知这个道理。他必定趁我不备，轻兵直下。我认为现在最好的退敌之策应是大军集新亭（江苏南京南）、白下（今江苏南京今川门外），以有利地势拒敌，而不急于与其应战。刘休范长途跋涉，必定粮草供给不上，等其求战不能，自然瓦解。因此，我请求囤兵新亭，挡住其进攻锋芒；征北将军张永守白下，如是，就请诸位安坐大殿之内等待我军击破叛军的佳音吧。”
这时，中书舍人孙千龄提出异议，说：“我看此战事应该依照过去惯例，派遣大军据守梁山。”
萧道成闻言，立刻正色道：“现今叛军离京都已近，我军去梁山干什么？新亭乃兵家犯冲之地，我愿意在新亭以死报国。平日对你等可以迁就，但此刻关系朝廷生死存亡，决不可听从你的建议！”
原来这中书舍人和叛军首领刘休范有同谋之犯，才有此说。
所议战术报于皇帝，萧道成当即被加为平南将军，即刻率领大军向新亭进发。时间紧迫，来不及授甲，朝廷就命令打开南北的两个武器仓库，任由将士自己去拿兵器。
萧道成率大军来到新亭，立即下令全体将士修筑工事城垒。还没修好，刘休范的先头人马已经赶到。为安定军心，萧道成在大帐榻上解衣高卧，仅派二千人马前去与敌兵交战。敌先头队伍不支，遂败退。不几日，刘休范率叛军赶到，并立刻向官兵发起进攻。萧道成号令将士全力搏杀，但是敌军人多势众，攻击非常猛烈，许多将士面露恐慌之色。萧道成见状，立刻大声呼吁：“众将士莫担心，敌兵虽多，但他们阵脚很乱，士气不高，我们一定可以击败他们！”
此时，张敬儿策马来到萧道成身边，说道：“萧将军，我有一计可破敌。”
萧道成说道：“快请讲。”
张敬儿说：“敌兵势头甚猛，我等处于劣势，若我与黄回前去敌军诈降，必会让其信服。若诈降成功，可伺机斩下刘休范首级，那样敌兵会即刻溃败。”
萧道成远远看到刘休范其时正率几十个手下在城南的临仓观战，不由点头称赞：“此计甚好！”
当下，萧道成和张敬儿密谋了一番，张敬儿、黄回就率一队人马出了城南，做仓皇状向刘休范处逃奔，并谎称受到官军排挤，前来投降。
刘休范大喜，将二人召到所乘的肩舆旁边，黄回向刘休范说了一些官军中的所谓秘密，然后说道：“刘将军，驻守新亭的萧道成将军也有归降之意，不知刘将军是否允许？”
刘休范闻言道：“甚好！”
接着，对此深信不疑的刘休范又对张敬儿、黄回说：“此事还请萧道成将军放心，我刘休范一定会器重萧将军，决不食言。”
张敬儿说：“刘将军与萧将军交往不深，只是如何让萧将军相信呢？”
刘休范说道：“这个好办，为表我诚心，可派我的两个儿子到萧将军处作为人质。”说毕，即派人将两个儿子刘德宣、刘德嗣送到了萧道成的大帐之中。刚一送到，即被萧道成下令斩首。
当晚刘休范便让人备了酒宴招待张敬儿、黄回。酒过三巡，刘休范就醉了。张敬儿借着倒酒之机，从刘休范腰间快速抽出战刀，闪电般将其斩首，取下头颅，疾驰而去。
两个人带着刘休范的首级赶回了大营，萧道成大喜。立刻派首领张灵宝将刘休范的首级送往台城。张灵宝马上起程，行至半道，突然杀出刘休范的大队人马，张灵宝慌乱之下将刘休范的首级扔进了路边的水沟，仓皇逃向台城。
到达台城的张灵宝向众人报告，说刘休范已被斩首，但无凭无据无人相信，而刘休范的大军也不清楚主帅已经身亡，仍在城外作殊死的搏杀。
而叛军又到处散布其首领刘休范现在新亭，许多士民惶惑，一时间约有千人制了名刺（即名片）前来新亭求见刘休范。
萧道成把手下收到的所有名刺，当众烧毁，登上城墙对下面的士民大声说：“叛军首领刘休范已于昨日被我将士诛杀！尸体现在南岗，那个活着的人是我萧平南，请大家仔细辨认，万勿上当！现在那些求见刘休范的名刺已全部被烧毁，我大军必定将叛军打败，请大家放心，切勿惊慌害怕！”
闻言，城内外的士民安定下来。
随后萧道成派陈显达、张敬儿率领将士向敌营发起进攻。
陈显达随即引领大军出战，一鼓作气攻破叛军杜黑骡营垒，张敬儿率部随后攻破杜黑骡把持的宣阳门，大败敌军，并将叛军首领杜黑骡和丁文豪团团包围捉拿后斩首。他们乘胜追击又攻克了东府，平定了所有叛军余党。
萧道成率领大军凯旋而归，百姓沿道聚观欢呼，他们指着端坐战马上的萧道成，赞不绝口地说：“平定叛军，保全国家，全仰仗这位萧大将军！”
入朝执政
回朝后的萧道成因立下战功威望大增，被皇帝委任为中领军、南兖州刺史，留京戍卫建康。皇帝又将萧道成与同样具有威望的袁粲、褚渊、刘秉四人同时授以辅政高官，轮留入值，商议决定朝中重要事务。他们被人称为朝中的“四贵”。自此，萧道成以中军领的身份逐渐掌握了朝政。
这年夏季的一天，萧道成正地躺在床上熟睡，袒胸露腹，小皇帝刘昱闲来无事带人闯入领军府，他看到赤裸上身的萧道成肚脐孔很大，不由赞叹道：“好一个箭靶子!”
说毕叫人把萧道成唤醒，并要他直立着，说道：“朕想用你的肚腹当箭靶，脐孔当靶心，练习箭法。”
萧道成惊慌失色，急忙护住腹部连叫：“老臣无罪！老臣无罪啊！”
这时与萧道成有交情的卫护队长王天恩在一旁劝说道：“萧将军腹部硕大，实在是一个好靶子，但是，今天一箭将他射死，日后就没有这么好的靶子了。不如用假箭练习，免得损伤靶子。”
刘昱这才改用假箭射了萧道成一番。萧道成知道小皇帝刘昱生性残忍，一天不杀人就不自在，自己在朝中功高权重，遭其忌恨，有好几次差点被他杀害。萧道成忧心忡忡，思谋道：我若不除掉这个乱杀无辜的小皇帝，自己不知哪一天就会遭枉而死。
一天，萧道成因事和袁粲、褚渊单独相聚，谈完正事，萧道成道出了小皇帝刘昱欲杀害自己的担心，然后说道：“皇上现今才十几岁，年幼无知，且杀性贪婪，不足以担当我朝大任，我等可将其废黜另立皇子。”
袁粲听后反对说：“主上年幼，微过易改；废立之事不易轻举。纵使成功，身为人臣亦终无全地。”
褚渊见袁粲反对后默不作声。
此后一日，萧道成的心腹部下纪僧真说：“今朝廷猖狂，人不自保；天下之望不在袁、褚，明公岂能坐受夷灭！存亡之机，敬望熟思。”
萧道成听了，不住点头。暗中抓紧独自运作此事的准备。
又一日，萧道成在自己的府邸和心腹密谋此事时，心腹说：“我等可以到广陵兴兵举义，然后使萧将军之子萧赜将郢州兵东下于京口会合，最后合力直捣京师。”
萧道成倒背双手走来走去，过了良久，说道：“这样倒是可以试一试。”过了一会又摇摇头，说：“如此，并无把握。”
随后萧道成派密使前去告知心腹部下行青、冀二州刺史的刘善明和东海太守垣荣祖，要他们在初秋时惊动北魏，若边境有事，吸引进朝廷注意，他这里便好下手。
刘、垣二人商议后回复说：“宋氏的江山现在看来行将败亡，以小皇帝的所作所为及朝中人人惶恐的局势，宋灭不久即来，此乃人人共知，应当静以待之，不宜远离京师。至于惊动北魏，不但无助于事，反会招致祸患。”
萧道成的族弟萧顺之、次子萧嶷也认为乘刘昱离宫出游之机举事易于成功。经反复考虑，萧道成最后决定稳居京师，待机行事。
当其时，对刘昱残暴统治不满的人逐渐投靠到萧道成的门下，忠心于萧道成的越骑校尉王敬则来到萧道成府邸，说：“为萧将军成其大业，我愿去打探小皇帝刘昱的行踪，每日向萧公禀报。”
随后王敬则不畏辛劳，每晚出行，身穿黑衣伏于皇帝出行的路边查看刘昱的举动，探听他的言行。凡有重要情况必详细说给萧道成听。萧道成对王敬赞赏有加，特命他暗中拉拢刘昱左右，王敬则依计行事，很快将刘昱身边的杨玉夫、杨万年、陈奉伯等十五人串通，保持与其联络，对皇帝伺机行事。
公元477年7月6日这天晚上，员外郎桓康前来萧道成在领军府内，神色紧张，坐下后对萧道成说：“萧将军，臣刚才见皇上微服带领左右随从从领军门前路过，听得他身边的人说‘满府皆已眠，何不从墙而入’。皇帝说‘朕今晚有一去处，这儿等明晚吧’。”
萧道成顿时紧张起来，说道：“明晚！小皇帝莫非对我下手吗？”
次日晚上，萧道成不敢入睡，心中惶惑不安，盘算着如何应对小皇帝的偷袭，忽听得大门被人撞得砰砰作响，府内顿时显得有些惊慌，萧道成不敢让人开门。门外有一个声音压低了嗓子喊：“我是敬则！”
身边的人听出了是王敬则的声音，忙问：“何事？”
王敬则说：“皇帝刘昱刚才已被他的左右杀死，快请萧将军入宫主事。”
此时萧道成仍然惊疑不定，忽而担心莫不是皇帝设计骗他开门，而后杀死他。萧道成迟疑着并不开门，此时，从外面抛进来一个东西，重重地落到地上。众人捡起来一看原来是一颗血淋淋的人头，萧道成急忙叫人用清水冲洗干净。看到正是小皇帝刘昱的人头！
时年15岁的小皇帝刘昱就这样死于非命。
萧道成立刻让人开了大门，自己换上了一身戎装，众人也装束齐整携带武器，便骑马直奔皇宫。来到承明门，萧道成让人急呼开门，并喊：“皇上回宫。”
城门打开，众人蜂涌而入。因平时回宫，守门卫士担心不知哪儿不对惹了皇帝刘昱，横遭个杀身之祸，均不敢抬头，不敢仰视，个个垂手低头，立在一旁。萧道成因此顺利进宫，无人怀疑。
全副武装的众人闯入大殿，殿内人不知发生了什么大事，个个惶惑。萧道成站在大殿之内大声地说：皇帝刘昱已被杀死！看惯了小皇帝杀人如捻死一只蚂蚁的宫内各色人等，顿时欢呼雀跃，高呼万岁。
次日天明，萧道成即以太后的口谕下令召袁粲、褚渊、刘秉入宫。大殿内萧道成向众人通报皇帝刘昱已被杀，三人不及发话，萧道成把目光转向生性懦弱无能的刘秉，问：“君是国家重臣，今日之事，将如何处理？”
刘秉侧目萧道成，见他须髯尽张，目光如电，不由移开目光，嗫嚅着说：尚书众事宜交我处理，军旅处分，一委领军。
萧道成转过目光面对袁粲说道：“请将军拿个主意。”
袁粲不以为然地说：“不敢当。”
一旁的王敬则立刻站了起来，从腰间拔出一把战刀，舞动着，寒光闪过众人的脸，并大声吼叫：“今天主事皆应给萧公，敢有异议者，血染敬则的刀！”
王敬则说着取来一顶白色的纱帽戴在萧道成的头上，嚷道：“任何人不得反对……做事须趁热打铁！今日定要立萧公为天子！”袁粲张嘴刚要说话，王敬则立刻呵斥：“住口！”萧道成一听要立他为帝，自知尚有异己，需暂缓行事，便假装恼怒地对王敬则呵斥道：“天子岂是我辈所当做的？你懂什么！”王敬则随即闭口不言。
褚渊看了一眼萧道成，说道：“非萧公无以了此事。”并走向前来，躬身将所领事权的印绶交给萧道成。
萧道成立刻发话：“按法入东府迎安成王入宫即位！”
袁粲、刘秉面露不悦，未及表示，只听“喀嚓”一声，几把长刀架在了脖子上，二人面色苍白，仓皇出门而去。
当日，萧道成又以太后的名义，历数刘昱种种罪行，将其追废为苍梧王，诏立安成王、10岁的刘准即位。随后萧道成出镇东府，任司空、录尚书事、骠骑大将军。至此，萧道成军国大事一手包揽，随之在朝内安插亲信，控制大小军政要职，而刘秉、袁粲则被放置虚位，不得预政。朝野内外人人皆知刘宋政权大势已去，萧道成有不臣之志。一场新的矛盾已在酝酿之中。
铲除异己
公元477年十二月，荆州刺史沈攸之，向众人宣称：太后手谕，“社稷之事，一以委公”，随后勒马派兵东下。后又书信给萧道成：萧公不与诸公商议，不向太后请示，结交少帝左右，亲行逆弑；且在朝内移易旧臣，布置亲党，专擅朝政，有亡宋之心。
萧道成看完信大怒：想当初我与你沈攸之一向关系甚密，我长女嫁于你三子为妻，交往颇好，此等亲家关系，你居然不念旧好，不服我所为？！
萧道成有意问信使：你可知道沈刺史为何如此？要如实讲来！
那信使胆怯地说道：沈刺史自认当年名望比萧将军高，现今萧将军专理朝政，沈刺史不服……
不日，萧道成闻说沈攸之已举兵谋反，随之便调兵遣将，布置讨伐事宜。后一日，亲自来到石头城，面见袁粲，意在商讨出兵之事。
当下，袁粲的手下回复说：“袁将军身体欠安，不能见客。”
萧道成无奈只好回了朝廷，心想：袁粲真乃不识时务。随即又召褚渊进入台城，授予防范事务，褚渊凡事皆听从萧道成安排。
袁粲知悉萧道成有谋反篡位之心，已与刘秉秘密结交湘州刺史王蕴和将帅黄回、任候伯、王宜兴、卜伯兴等，欲共同除掉萧道成。通直朗原达闻知袁粲不肯见萧道成，便说：袁公，如此表示，怕是萧道成生疑。
袁粲说：“我见了萧道成，若他以主上年幼要我协助料理为由劫我入台城，我如何拒绝？若一朝和他共事，岂不受他挟制。”
不久，袁粲听说入台城后的褚渊唯萧道成的命令是听，从不敢提出反对意见。而谋划铲除萧道成的事准备停当好，袁粲欲考虑将此事告诉褚渊，众人听了都表示：“褚渊与萧道成关系甚密，不可。”
袁粲说：“褚渊受制萧道成，虽表面服从，其内心未必不响应我等。”袁粲于是择日将此事告知了褚渊。
褚渊闻听此事，内心颇为惊惧，不敢怠慢，当下就告知了萧道成。一脸惶恐的褚渊看到萧道成并无惊慌之色，颇有些不解。萧道成沉吟了一会，说道：“我已有耳闻，褚公的言辞，更证实了此种说法已可信。”
萧道成当下便派一心腹大将以协助袁粲为名驻守石头城，又派遣王敬与卜伯兴共同执掌禁卫兵，意为监督防守袁粲与卜伯兴。
一日早晨，袁粲召集众人在其府内密谋：“假以太后令，遣领军将军褚渊与卜伯兴领宿卫兵于朝堂攻杀萧道成，黄回率军从新亭接应，刘秉、任候伯等援助石头城。诸事安排妥当，等夜间行动。”
当日密谋完走出堂外的刘秉，一直惶惧不安，刚至午后三点，便忙着打点行装。将要行走，觉得口渴，便叫人端来汤碗喝下，谁知两手不停发抖，汤水洒了一前襟。天色已暗，刘秉急命人用车载着家眷妻小上路，后面跟着几百名部下，招招摇摇从大街上走过，奔石头城而来。
袁粲见刘秉如此这般，惊问道：“为何这么早便匆忙而来？！”当下又疑虑重重地说：“怕是今日必败了！”
刘秉擦拭脸上的汗水，气喘吁吁地说：“得见公，万死何恨！”
袁粲见事已至此，只得引刘秉到府内。
而此时，萧道成安插的眼线已飞速赶到他的驻处，得知这一消息的萧道成派人秘密给王敬则送信。王敬则带兵火速赶到刘秉和卜伯兴的住处，杀了两人一个措手不及。
萧道成带大兵赶到石头城和袁粲的大军展开厮杀，萧军兵强将勇，袁兵不敌，大败，萧道成很快攻占城池，刘秉携带两个儿子出城逃跑，后面杀声阵阵，追兵冲向前来，手起刀落，刘秉父子脑袋落地。
袁粲走下城墙，进屋内燃着蜡烛，满面悲伤声音哽咽地对儿子说：“我本知一木不能止大厦将倾，但为顾全大义理应如此啊。”
萧将戴僧静越墙进入房间，持刀逼向袁粲，刀起的刹那袁粲之子袁最闪身护住父亲，被刀砍伤，鲜血喷溅，袁粲急忙抱住儿子，自豪而悲壮地说：“我不失为忠臣，汝不失为孝子！”说毕，父子均被杀死。
在场的士兵皆为此情此景流下了眼泪。事后建康城（今南京）传诵着这样一首民谣：“可怜石头城，宁为袁粲死，不作褚渊生！”
黄回此时正在大帐中整军待发，按预定计谋从御道直攻台城，忽然手下来报，起事泄密，只得按兵不动。萧道成已知其原委，故不露声色，后继续对黄回安抚使用。
一个叫莫嗣祖的人曾为袁粲、刘秉的手下，一起参与过密谋造反，萧道成听说后派人把他带到面前，故意质问：“袁粲谋反，为何知情不报？”
莫嗣祖答道：“小人没有见识，只知知恩图报，怎敢泄露其大事。现在袁公已死，为忠义，只求一死。”
萧道成哈哈一笑：“知你对主忠心，我不怪罪，你且去吧。”
除主要谋反者外，萧道成对其余胁从者也皆不问罪。
此前，西线谋反的沈攸之率大军从江陵出发，朝廷将领柳世隆率领所部与其厮杀。而此时萧道成带兵移屯阅武堂，全力对付西线，派黄回为平西将军，并将心腹随之前往。沈攸之大队人马和朝廷大军恶战三十多日没分胜负，渐渐地，许多士兵丧失斗志，纷纷逃跑。沈攸之只得丢弃了江陵城，率领一部人马过江，进至鲁山，部下将士人心涣散，争相逃走。随后，他率残部退回江陵，发现江陵已被萧道成手下的人马占领，手下人探得：此乃雍州刺史张敬儿的人马。士兵见状，立刻四下逃散，沈攸之见已无路可走，与儿子一同来到栎林中，自缢身亡。
平定叛乱后的一日，萧道成在府邸内静坐，想到黄回，觉得有一块阴影挥之不去，来回走动，思忖道：黄回终是不宜信任的，不除此人，将会给我带来祸乱。倘若派人前去杀他，其手下有数千人兵士，一但不成功，会有更大的麻烦。此事放在了心里，等日后处置。
公元478年四月，萧道成以为时机成熟，黄回放松了对他的警惕，便找了一个借口，派人召回黄回说商量军务。黄回赶来入了东府。萧道成不去见他，派了手下桓康带数十人，列数黄回的罪状，进入府内，当下将黄回抓了，向其控诉完罪行，将黄回杀死。
至此，萧道成已完全排除了主要异己。无人能动摇他的地位，高高在上的权利，刺激了他内心更强烈的欲望，那就是——代宋称帝。
谋划称帝
这年九月，秋夜微凉，萧道成心情格外舒畅，他缓步走出堂皇的府邸，在花园里转了一圈，听不远传来女子的说话的声音，像是宫女，抬头向外望去，见是小皇帝在那游玩，左右尽心地伺候着，萧道成不觉有些莫明的伤感，想这朝廷上下，只要他跺跺脚，就会让人有地动山摇之感，虽然一人之下，万人之上，但他仍然感到有些空落。
此刻，他潜在内心的火苗突突外冒：而今万事具备，只待我做些工作，笼络一批朝臣将来为我所用，这名存实亡的宋氏江山就是我萧氏的了。
他喊了随从，说道：“即刻唤朝臣谢东之子谢胐来府中议事。”不多久，萧道成在府邸召见了骠骑长史谢胐。此时已是晚上，房间内金碧辉煌，萧道成和谢胐相对而坐对，两个小童秉烛侍立，其余人被屏退出去。
萧道成谈兴甚浓，从自己的戎马生涯谈到政权的变迁，从历经的战役，谈自己的出生入死，到现在的赫赫战功，又从朝内的大臣的沉浮谈到朝外将士的忠心与谋反。
这谢胐只凝神倾听，一言不发。萧道成这才忽然觉得谢胐虽然诗歌写得好，但不是治国之才。面对这谢庄之子、名门之后，他有点摸不准这个颇有才干的人，到底想些什么。
萧道成显得颇有耐心，他清楚代宋称帝，成就大业，必须广泛网罗有识之士和社会上影响重大的人。前时，他曾将大臣王僧绰之子王俭联络到身边。这王俭虽只有二十多岁，却好学博闻，神采渊旷，少有宰相之志，颇被时论所推崇，萧道成便委任他为太尉右长史，太尉府中大小诸事均由他办理。成为他的得力助手和智囊。还有出身名门望族的王僧虔、王延之等。江南举足轻重的人物，除了琅邪王就是这世族高门的谢氏。但这谢胐，他如此攻心诱导，他怎么一句话不说。萧道成忽然思谋到：是不是身边有两个小童的原因？
想到此，萧道成屏退二人，亲自掌烛，可是谢胐还是一言不发。萧道成无奈，只好又叫来周围侍者，要送客。
起身站起来了，王俭这时突然说话了：“以萧公今日之地位，怎么能终生北面称臣呢？”
萧道成立刻感到王俭早已洞悉他的内心，脸上立刻正色起来，“卿怎能如此说！”
王俭从萧道成的脸上发现了真实的想法，仍然继续说道：“我承蒙萧公特殊待遇，所以才敢吐露这难吐之言。宋氏失德，非萧公无以济世。但现今人情较薄，要永保现状恐不能长久，萧公若稍有推迁，则众望就会离去。不光是大业永远沦丧，就是七尺之躯也难以保全啊！”
萧道成点头说道：“卿所言不无道理。”
王俭继续说：“按萧公今日的名位，是立有大功的首辅宰相，自应高出群臣，应先表示一点变革。这事应先让诸公知道，请让我前去告知。”
萧道成说：“我自会前去的。”
几日之后，萧道成首先去了褚渊府上拜访，二人寒暄过后，萧道成坐下来便谈起朝中的一些近况，聊了一些闲事，后来转入正题，便委婉地说道：“我做了一个梦，梦到我要升官……”
褚渊却说道：“萧公刚刚升了太尉、都督，恐怕一二年间不容移官，况且，吉梦也未必应在旦夕。”
萧道成无以言对，话不投机，只得告辞。
回到府内，萧道成有些闷闷不乐，便叫人召来王俭，说了事情的经过。王俭沉吟了一会，微笑着说：“这褚渊还是未明白其中的道理。”
萧道成抬头看着王俭，王俭又说：“我有一个想法，萧公可以加升太傅，假黄钺，让人作诏。”
萧道成随即找来亲信任暇，说了此事。任暇说：“按事理，此事应报告给朝中诸公。”
萧道成说：“若诸公不从，又该如何？”
任暇拍拍胸脯，说到：“那几个老臣，只知道护全身家性命，保佑妻儿老小，没有什么奇才异节，我来办成此事。”
任暇去了不久，没过几天来萧道成府邸，说道：“萧公，此事已经办妥。”
公元479年3月，名存实亡的宋氏江山，由萧道成独揽大权，他说服几个重臣，胁迫小皇帝进其为相国，又封为齐公，加九锡。萧道成随后又立为齐王。
公元479年4月辛卯日萧道成准备逼小皇帝刘准退位。这一天，萧道成要刘准到殿堂举行禅位仪式。刘准害怕遇害，躲到佛盖下面不去。萧道成的部下王敬则带兵抬着板舆进殿，左寻右找才找到了他，把他抬走。萧道成降封刘准为汝阴王，迁居丹阳，派兵监管。5月己末日，监视刘准的兵土忽听得门外马蹄声杂乱，以为发生了变乱，就一刀将刘准砍死。
此时，司空兼太保的褚渊等人奉皇帝玺绶，率领百官来到萧道成的齐宫，而萧道成辞让不受。百官又再三恳请，还有人进符命，说：东汉历经196年禅让于魏，魏历经46年禅让于晋，晋历156年而禅让于宋，宋自永初元年到声明三年，共60年。“六”是亢位。历代都是六终六受，这就是天命。因此，他们请萧道成顺应天时，膺符瑞称帝。群臣一再恳求，萧道成做勉强状答应。
建立齐朝
经朝臣们商议，选定黄道吉日，萧道成举行了隆重的即位大典。回到宫中，萧道成改元为建元，大赦天下。至此，齐朝正式建立。
萧道成在群臣的拥戴下，登上皇帝的宝座。群臣三呼万岁，一片俯拜之景，耳边尽是歌功颂德之音。萧道成可谓心满意足，踌躇满志。
一日，萧道成端坐在朝堂之上，打开一张上表，展开观看，不觉吃了一惊，越往下看，不由怒气上升。
此为一叫裴颀的下官在上奏的表中悉数列举了他废宋称帝的一系列罪状。于是萧道成怒火中烧地问道：“这个大胆的裴颀现在何处？！”
他的左右说：“他摘下乌纱帽离开了。”
萧道成更加生气，思忖道：这个裴颀竟敢如此放肆，根本没把我萧道成放在眼里，居然公开向我示威，不杀他我怎能服众。而我新朝又怎能树起威望！于是传令下去：“立杀裴颀！”
没过两天，太子上朝奏说：“陛下，孩儿启奏，谢胐连日来藐视新朝，影响甚坏，是否将其斩首示众？”
萧道成沉吟片刻，说：“不可，此事再议。”
萧道成回到寝宫之后，忆起前事，对太子说：“我称帝前数次邀请谢胐为自己服务，他拒不听我言，冥顽不化，后来虽有些松动，但其内心始终不服我。我曾置酒款待他，席间谈到魏晋故事，说起魏朝末年，司马昭执掌政权，一个叫石苞大臣并未劝他称帝，司马昭死后，石苞却从扬州赶来奔丧，还恸哭说：基业如此昌盛，而你却已人臣而终！但是与此相反的是，到了西汉末，一个叫冯异的大臣却竭力劝刘秀称帝，结果他成就了刘秀的一番大事业。”
太子问道：“他如何反应？”
萧道成摇摇头，继续说：“我已近明说了，我说石苞不早劝司马昭，待到死后再哭，为时已晚。与西汉的冯异相比，他是不了解时机啊。可是谢胐不但不为所动，却说：司马昭以臣事魏朝江山，也必将终身北面称臣。假使魏朝皇室要依唐、虞的故事，也应当三让天下，如此方显出司马昭节行之高了。我听了之后很不受用。”
太子说：“现在宋皇帝禅位于我齐，谢胐身为侍中，本应解玺绶以受我齐朝，可他却不理不睬，最后竟然当着众人，身着朝服登车归家，这让我皇尽失颜面啊。”
萧道成说：“是啊，我早已想除掉他，可是，我朝大业刚起，基础不稳，暗中反对我们的人还很多，谢胐名重望高，杀了他，一是影响不好，二是谢胐反因此成名；而我们不处置他，倒正应了容之于度外的说法。”
过了一段时间，萧道成找了一个借口，捏了谢胐的一个错处，免了他的官职，流放他回了老家。
为了稳固基业，萧道成广开言路，请群臣上朝广泛商议朝政，许多大臣纷纷进言，有说废除宋朝时的苛政细制的，有说停止讨伐交州的，有说减免宋朝时的苛捐杂税，限制贵族富民封略山湖侵渔百姓的……百官热烈进言。
萧道成对进言的官吏予以奖赏，随后下诏：二宫诸王，都不得营立屯邸，封略山湖……又下令减免百姓逋租宿债，减免市税。
针对宋朝流传下来的奢侈浪费之风，萧道成特别强调节俭。一天，他去主衣库发现库中有玉导，便叫手下人予以击碎。又全面翻捡主衣库，查看是否有其它异物，并将那些能助长豪华奢侈之风的东西全部销毁。后来萧道成又要求后宫器物栏杆不得用铜来装饰而改用铁，内殿设黄纱帐，宫人穿紫色的皮履，华盖除掉金花爪，用铁回钉……
他经常对群臣说：“使我治天下十年，当使黄金与土同价。”
公元480年，萧道成下令扩大清理户籍，按大臣虞玩之的建议，设立校籍官，以宋元嘉二十七年（公元450年）版籍为准整理户籍。规范了当时的人口管理混乱的局面。
萧道成戎马生涯，却饱读经书，对于书法也勤学苦练，且水平颇高。他经常写一些字赐给臣下，一些人看了夸他写得好，都说：“陛下的字天下无双。”因热爱书法，萧道成倡导经常举行书法比赛。
一天，他听说有个叫王僧虔的人是个大书法家，于是下诏让其到宫里来进行了一场书法比赛。王僧虔，官至侍中，为“书圣”王羲之的四世族孙，既继承了祖法，又有创新，在当时被誉为“天下第一”。
王僧虔满口答应。这下急坏了他的夫人，夫人说：“你好糊涂，怎好答应与陛下比赛？若你要赢了，就会大祸临头——倒不如寻个借口不去了吧。”王僧虔摇摇头：“既已领旨了，一定得去。夫人想了想说：“那就故意写得差些，认输算了。”王僧虔又摇摇头：“既是比赛，就应该全力投入，若是弄虚作假巴结主上，不是有丧人格了吗？夫人忧心忡忡，他自己反倒很轻松：“不必担心，我自有办法应对。”
皇宫里，文臣武将都到齐了，金銮殿正中的案上，已摆好了文房四宝。比赛开始，萧道成先出场，他趋步案前，右手提笔，左手挽起袍袖，屏息凝神挥洒起来。刚搁下笔，群臣叩拜于地，山呼万岁，齐声叫好。
萧道成面露得意之色，目视王僧虔：“王爱卿，请吧。”
“臣领旨。”王僧虔说完，饱蘸浓墨，欣然落笔，龙飞蛇走，一气呵成。围观的大臣，又发出阵阵赞叹，碍着萧道成的面子，声音低了许多。
萧道成端坐龙椅，向群臣发问：“众卿来评一评，是朕写得好，还是王爱卿写得好？”有人附和说：“陛下写得好，陛下第一。”萧道成看了王僧虔一眼：“王爱卿，你说说谁第一？”
王僧虔却回答说：“臣书第一。”
此言一出，许多大臣有些担心，暗自嘀咕：王僧虔，你怕是要惹恼皇上了。
萧道成脸色有些挂不住，面露温怒，正待质问，王僧虔又说：“不过陛下也是第一。”
萧道成疑惑地问：“此话怎讲，怎么会两个第一？”
王僧虔答道:“自古君有君纪，臣有臣纲，君臣怎可相提并论。臣的书法，在文武大臣中可称第一。陛下写的字，自古以来没有哪个帝王可以胜过，所以陛下的书法，是皇帝中的第一。”
萧道成呵呵笑道：“历代帝王怕是没有一个比朕写得好的，朕就当仁不让了。 ”
不过萧道成自己心里明白，他的书法是不如王僧虔的好。
性格深沉为人宽厚的萧道成，常与手下大臣下围棋，直阁将军周覆、给事中褚思庄都曾和萧道成下过棋，而且一下就是很多局，并不觉得疲倦。一天，萧道成与周覆下棋，下到中途，忽然发觉不妙，想撤回走了棋子，这时周覆却用手按住了萧道成的手。萧道成笑笑，作罢。
棋桌两面坐着的人，地位虽然差别很大。但因为两人的中间是一个棋盘，地位就变得平等了，这是围棋的奇迹，“无贵无贱，无长无幼”，棋之所在，平等之所在也。围棋的性质是需要平等的，如果不平等，就不能下好一盘棋，棋盘两面的力量如果不平等，就要想办法让它平等。萧道成通过这种方式联络了和大臣之间的感情，凝聚了朝臣团结他的力量。
萧道成有一布衣之交，此人叫虞景豫，萧道成刚踏仕宦，家中并不富有，虞景豫常送东西给他。萧道成心中感激，二人遂成至交。
一日，萧道成去豫章见到时任为豫章内史的虞景豫。虞景豫很喜欢饮食美味，精通众多美馔佳肴的制作。萧道成说：朕想品尝你近制作的菜肴。
当下虞景豫便亲自下厨，做了一桌子好菜。萧道成拿起筷子一边品尝，一边赞叹说：“这些菜肴真是美妙！那御厨制作的菜肴太没味了。”
萧道成知道虞景豫有许多烹饪妙方，却从不传授给别人，故意说：“卿可否将烹饪妙方授予御厨？”
虞景豫仲摇头说：“陛下，这些美味你都品尝过了后，我可以请你品尝新的菜肴，不必让御厨做那些尝过了的菜。”
萧道成心中不悦，便喝起闷酒来，当晚喝醉了。虞仲便召来御厨讲授了醒酒的烹制方法。御厨依法而烹，献给萧道成。萧道成食后神清气爽，问明是吃了虞 景豫献的醒酒方，没有责怪虞景豫，很是感激，后来更为器重他。
公元483年，萧道成上过早朝，众臣退下，唯有一名叫荀伯玉不肯走。见状，萧道成问道：“爱卿，可有事？”
荀伯玉叩拜道：“老臣有一事……”
萧道成见他犹疑，说道：“但讲无妨。”
荀伯玉道：“是关于太子殿下的，不知圣上可曾知晓东宫所为？”
萧道成说：“朕不知，请爱卿明说。”
荀伯玉说：“太子殿下以为随圣上同创大业，平日里甚是骄傲，诸多事专行，太子左右张景真等人骄横跋扈，私自用刑，伤及他人，亦有很多不法之事，下人敢怒不敢言，且东宫了很多用物违反圣上的定制。朝臣中多人知道，且都不敢言，今老臣斗胆畏死而言，况且，此事我不说，只怕没人敢说，今日太子出行永安、泰安，老臣才有机会秉报，请圣上明查。”
萧道成闻言，一脸怒气：“爱卿只管放心，朕定会处理好此事。”
萧道成走下殿来，扶起荀伯玉，赐座，和荀伯玉对面做下，语重心长地说道：“朕有十九个儿子，早夭六个，余下十三个，确有几个勇猛过人，几个年长的为我创下了大业，太子即是其中之一。我为他们骄傲，但我不能因为他们为我成就了大业就任由他们的胡作非为！”
随后，萧道成派人校检东宫。查证属实。
当日，萧道成次子豫章王萧嶷乘快马赶往泰安，见到太子萧赜，说了萧道成校检东宫并发怒的事。萧赜见天色已晚本欲停靠了船只住一日，听说此事立刻乘快马，当夜直奔建康而来。
次日，萧道成派两个孙子萧长懋、萧子良宣敕责备太子萧赜，并拿出张景真的种种证据，并嘲讽地让他以太子令去杀张景真。
太子知道，父皇已非常盛怒，又惊又怕，开始装病不上朝。
过了一个多月，萧道成余怒未消，这天他在府邸内筹划废黜太子另立他子的事，想了一阵有些烦躁，便闷闷不乐来到太阳殿，躺着休息。
这时，看见王敬则一个人走了进来，来到跟前叩头，说道：“圣上，臣虑天下日浅，太子无事被责，人情恐惧。臣愿奉陛下去东宫把事情说明白。”
萧道成听了，心下不由一动，但仍不动声色。王敬则见萧道成不语，立刻大声向左右宣布：“速伺侯圣上往东宫！太官备酒馔，左右伺侯车舆！”
萧道成卧着，仍然不肯动弹。王敬则拿了他了衣帽，给他穿戴整齐，又拉着萧道成上了车。
来到东宫，太子见了急忙下跪，萧道成也不理会。王敬则又召来诸位王子，命人设宴席。
席上，萧道成的诸子长沙王萧晃手执华盖；临川王萧映手执雉尾扇，次孙萧子良持酒壶，长孙萧长懋行酒，太子萧赜、豫章王萧嶷则自捧酒馔，众人众星捧月一样，侍奉萧道成，此刻萧道成脸上的表情温和了许多，他开始发话，请大家饮酒吃菜，眼看儿孙其乐融融，太子和次子低声交谈，萧嶷向他投来期许的一瞥。萧道成看到次子萧嶷并无取代太子的意思，他欲将其立为太子的想法也顷刻间被打消。
这一次酒宴，众人都非常尽兴，一直持续到天黑，大家酒醉而归。
回府邸的路上，萧道成想起了当政之初，他曾问谋士刘献：“我该如何治政？”
刘献说：“政在《孝经》。同宋氏所以亡，陛下所以得者，皆出于此。陛下如能鉴前车之矢，加之以宽厚，虽危可安；若循其覆辙，虽安亦必危。”
萧道成不由感慨地说道：“儒者之言，可为万世之宝！”
公元482年初，萧道成重病，他命人召来太子，病榻前语重心长地说：“吾儿，汝不日即位，当铭记骨肉不可相残；宋氏亲族如不是骨肉相图，岂能被他族乘其衰弊而取代之，汝深戒之！”
太子深感父皇所言，深深叩头。
这年三月，萧道成，这位戎马一生的南齐开国皇帝，在其成功地统治了四年之后，病重而逝。其被后人称为齐高帝，庙号“太祖”，死后被厚葬于武进县泰安陵。
家庭
父母
父 萧承之 南齐宣帝
母 陈道正 南齐孝皇后
兄弟
长兄 萧道度 衡阳元王
次兄 萧道生 始安贞王
后妃
昭皇后 刘智容
张淑妃
罗太妃
任太妃
何太妃
区贵人
谢贵嫔
袁修容
陆修仪
李美人
子女
子
长子 萧赜 南齐武帝
次子 萧嶷 豫章文献王
三子 萧映 临川献王
四子 萧晃 长沙威王
五子 萧晔 武陵昭王
六子 萧暠 安成恭王
七子 萧锵 鄱阳王
八子 萧铄 桂阳王
九子 早夭
十子 萧鉴 始兴简王
十一子 萧钧 衡阳王
十二子 萧锋 江夏王
十三子 早夭
十四子 早夭
十五子 萧锐 南平王
十六子 萧铿 宜都王
十七子 早夭
十八子 萧銶 晋熙王
十九子 萧铉 河东王
女
义兴公主
陵海公主
萧道成年表
公元427年，萧道成出生，是西汉萧何第24代孙。
公元474年，萧道成率兵镇压刘休范叛乱，此后逐渐掌控刘宋朝廷。
公元477年，刘昱被杀，萧道成等人拥立安成王为帝。
公元478年，萧道成平定沈攸之叛乱。并杀死黄回，将主要反对派消灭干净，开始做代宋称帝的准备。
公元479年，在萧道成的逼迫下，颂顺帝禅位，刘宋灭亡。萧道成称帝，是为齐高帝，南齐建立。
公元482年，萧道成病死。
Emperor Ming when Youjun general, has the town Guiji (now Zhejiang Shaoxing), Huaiyin (now Jiangsu Qing Jiangxi), to military merit tired Yanzhou provincial governor was appointed the South. Emperor Ming and death, he and Shang Yuan Can make such a total charge of affairs of state, and leading stone garrison military. Yuan Hui years (AD 474) Pingjiang prefectural governor Hugh Fan Wang Guiyang rebellion, into the Jazz for the public to move the leading general and master the Guards, the military governor five states. And Yuan charm, Chu Yuan, LIU Bing-called "four expensive." Song royal power struggle, kill each other, the court set the Road into the power gradually. Sheng Ming Dynasty (AD 477) in July, after killing Emperor Fei Liu Tao Cheng Yu, Li Liu Associate (Song Shundi). Xiaodao Cheng Feng King of Qi, and the total military state, sequential Zhumie loyal to the Song Yuan Can, Shen Yau provincial governor of Jingzhou, Huang Hui. April of Zen by Song emperor, the country Qi, reign title Chien-yuan, the history of Qi. Road into the death punishment Song, works from the frugal, debt relief for the people owe rent places, simple penalty wide, but the princes of the Song imperial clan, no less long dead are quiet. The following year ordered the expansion of clean household, according to Yu playing the suggestion of setting up official school membership to Song Yuanjia twenty years (AD 450) version of sorting household membership shall prevail. However, the work of school membership potential abuses, poor people are often false and Wu for the household registration fraud, "but membership" (that is, removed from the household out), but also violated Shuzu landlord interests. Thus, shortly after his death, that is against the school for Tang Apartments membership caused the riots.
Eastern Jin dynasty, a name people from the East China Sea Xiao Lan Ling (now Zaozhuang City, Shandong Yicheng Town East), South moved Jinling Wujin County (now Jiangsu Changzhou) settled down. Hsiao name since people continue to survive, gradually formed a huge Shaw's family. Eastern Imperial Family for Hsiao huge home in the overseas Chinese Lan Ling County, There is filth Shaw who called Southland mausoleum. To AD 440 (Yuan Jia 17 years), Xiao Xiao Cheng's descendants of (Xiaodao Cheng's father) was appointed the Hanzhong Prefecture. One day, Emperor Wen Liu Yilong and Pengcheng (modern Xuzhou), General Liu Yikang big brothers clashed for Korean service, Emperor Wen huff, the prefectural governor Jiang Liu Yikang banished out of town Yuzhang. Xiao Cheng sent his troops to go against the guardianship Liu Yikang.
Xiao qi Bian Ba was exiled emperor Liu Yikang let him go his family said guardianship matters. Xiao Daocheng watched his father, said: "I question his father, heard that Liu Yikang is great, the emperor sent his father went to care why?"
Xiao qi pondered a moment, said: "Well, my father would tell you the reason inside. Our ancestors named as the Western Han Xiao Xiao He, Xiao He's 24 you are on behalf of Sun, the late emperor's stepmother is my Song Wudi Liu Yu xiaojia native of father I can be considered outside the Liu Song dynasty closeness is, now I went to the emperor sent his father custody Liu Yikang, is our trust ... ... "
Construction deal in counter-insurgency
His men are in favor that he did not follow the crowd, stood Song Mingdi side. Day, Xiao Daocheng on their views towards the Emperor Ming showed that, by Emperor Ming recognition. Shortly after, he was promoted to major general auxiliary state, then sent he and Zhang Song Mingdi such as the tie went to crusade against the East throughout the rebel army.
Back to the barracks, Xiao Daocheng just a short break, it was reported that: "prefectural governor Xu Xue security are bewitched by the rebels, in Pengcheng Rebellion. XUE An all school children from the child with people Manan Xue cable under, and has spent the Huaihe River , is approaching the court. "
The rebels soon. Xiao Daocheng detour led troops are killing their first, in order to avoid its edge. Stalemate in a few days, Xiao Daocheng determine the way the western cavalry Gong Di, and then also sent behind enemy lines a joint attack from the other way. This tactic really worked, Xue child unit claims under the defeated troops fled deflected.
Soon, the rebels have all been put down, Song Mingdi overjoyed, naturally rebel hero of the Binh Dinh all promoted. AD 467, Xiaodao Cheng was appointed provincial governor in Southern Yanzhou, a party heavyweight guarding.
Day, Xiao Daocheng rate hunting a gang of men in the forest, suddenly received a hand down the newspaper, said the edict. Xiao Daocheng hurried back to camp. Emperor Xuan was originally appointed him to Beijing Huangmenshilang, the more riding XiaoWei role. Surprise under Xiaodao Cheng mind bewildered, he was well aware of the situation in the DPRK, had conquered a number of active senior official have been killed by Emperor Ming. To Emperor Ming suspicious character, Xiao Daocheng long to know he re-mastered in the military, right, if people spread rumors in front of Emperor Ming, Emperor Ming Is there anything not worried about his conspiracy truth?
AD 471, after a year of stable days Xiaodao Cheng received a hand-off reports, said that year's campaign against the rebel emperor sent Elegance Wu Xi led his army to come. Xiao Daocheng surprised to hear in mind, think back on the return of non-comparable, seem doomed the.
After listening to the narrative Wu Xi, Xiao Daocheng grow breath, then settle down to. Xiaodao Cheng Wu Xi banquet. During the evening two Tuibeihuanzhan, Xiao Daocheng porting glass meaningfully said: "Wu generals this past Xiaomou also had a piece of heart disease but also look after the general returned to Beijing in front of lots of good word for the emperor."
At this time, Xiao Daocheng but calm down. The situation in the DPRK and his own views, he said: "inside of you not yet understand the subtleties, Emperor Ming of you kill his brother Prince Edward the purpose of protection has been completed, and other family names with us, his family did not, I should come quickly start to Beijing, things will ease suspicion. - tyranny now emperor implemented, the world would be chaos, I Xiaomou also ask you to put in more effort to prepare for the future. "
New Pavilion War
Then, in the age of the book Scheeren challenge Sun 1000, said: "I think this war should be in accordance with past practice, to send troops guarding the Liangshan."
The proposed tactics reported in the Emperor, Xiao Daocheng immediately be added to level the Southern General, led the army to immediately embarked on a new pavilion. Of time, no time to grant a, court order to open north and south on the two weapons warehouses, let men pick up their weapons.
Xiaodao Cheng said: "Kuaiqing talk."
Present, Xiaodao Cheng and Cheung King plot of some children, Cheung King children, Huang returned to the rate of A team Chu Liaocheng South, so panic-like off Fan Lau Department to flee, and lied to by government troops marginalized, to come to surrender.
Then, do not doubt Liu Jing-off Fan of the child, Wong replied: "This is also invited Xiao Daocheng General assured that I will certainly thinks highly of Liu Xiao Fan Hugh general, will never go back on."
Liu off the evening will be people prepared a feast Fan Jing-treated children, yellow return. Wine had gone round three, Liu Hugh Fan on drunk. Jing-child by pouring the machine, from the waist Fan Liu fast break out of swords, lightning be beheaded, remove the head and rode away.
The rebels then spread around their leader off Fan Lau is the new kiosks, many manifested people bewildered, for a time about a thousand people were stabbed system (ie business cards) to come off Fan Lau asked to see the new Pavilion.
Then sent Chen Xianda Xiaodao Cheng, Jing-child soldiers led attack to the enemy camp.
Korea to the ruling
That completion of having the Xiaodao Cheng wake, and asked him to erect, said: "I want to use your belly as archery targets, umbilicus as bull's-eye, practice arrows."
Liu Yu-Xiao Daocheng This has some use fake shot. Liu Yu-Xiao Daocheng know LeBron cruel by nature, do not kill people a day on the uncomfortable, hell they're in the power of high weight, was the jealousy that was almost killed him several times. Xiao Daocheng worried Simou Road: I fail to get rid of this indiscriminate killing of innocent little emperor, his day would have been spent in vain I do not know died.
Chu Yuan, see Yuan Can objection silent.
Another day, Xiao Daocheng confidant in their own sites and plotting the matter, the confidant said: "I so can give meaning to Guangling sending troops, and then to the son of General Xiao Xiao Ying Zhou Ze soldiers will join the East Jingkou under the last effort destroy Capital. "
Liu, Yuan replied after two discussions: "Song of the country now seems about to be broken, and the actions of a small Emperor and everyone fears the situation in the DPRK, Song off soon come, these are known to everyone, should be static to be of, not far from the Capital. As alarmed Wei, not only does not help things, this would lead to evil. "
Followed by Wang Jing is not afraid of hard work, night travel, wearing a black V on the roadside view Emperor Liu Yu-trip move, tried to get his words and deeds. The situation where important details that will listen to Xiaodao Cheng. Xiao Daocheng on Wang Jing praised Canada, Extraordinary he secretly draw about Liu Yu, Wang Jing is to act according to meter, will soon close to Yang Yufu Liu Yu, Yang years, Chen Fengbo other 15 in collusion to keep their contact , wait for an opportunity to act on the emperor.
The next day the evening, Xiao Daocheng not sleep, heart nervous, wondering how to deal with small attack on the emperor, was driven to the sudden, I hear the door bang, suddenly looks a little panic within the government, Xiao Daocheng not people open the door. A voice outside shouted down the throat: "I respect you!"
Xiao Daocheng still alarmed at this time, Now they worry he could there lie the emperor design open the door, then kill him. Xiao Daocheng hesitated not open the door, this time, throw came in from the outside of a thing, fall to the ground heavily. Everyone picked up to have a look turned a bloody head, Xiao Daocheng quickly Jiaoren rinse. See small Emperor Liu Yu was the head!
Gates open, the crowds flock infiltration. Because usually Hui Gong, gatekeepers do not know where the guards not to worry about offending the Emperor Liu Yu, or suffer a fatal disaster, are not gaining ground, not looking up, all Chuishou bow, stand aside. Xiao Daocheng so smooth the palace, no doubt.
Bing-Xiao Daocheng eyebrows, to see him do Xu Ran Zhang, eye, such as electricity, not help remove the eye, and said softly: Book of public diplomacy issues I deal with, the military action, a committee leader.
Wang Jing, the side, immediately stood up, pulled out a swords from the waist, dancing, Hanguang flash everyone's face and yelled: "Today should be to the Lord Shi Jie Hsiao, those who dare to disagree, bloody King the knife! "
Xiao Daocheng immediately spoke out: "by law into the East House welcome the king palace security into the throne!"
Eradication of alien
Xiao Daocheng interested in asking Messenger: Do you know Shen provincial governor Why? To truly speak to!
Present, Yuan Can the men replied: "Yuan general are sick and can not see the customer."
Can Yuan said: "I met Xiao Daocheng, if he wanted me to help young main dishes on the ground into the station robbed my city, how can I refuse? If the occasion calls for, and he worked with, would not subject him hijack."
Chu Yuan Getting the matter, mind quite horror, not neglect to inform the Xiao Daocheng moment. The terrified Chu Yuan Xiao Daocheng no panic to see the color, rather puzzled. Xiao Daocheng pondered for a while and said: "I have heard, Chu public rhetoric, but also confirms the credibility of such claims have been."
End the day plotting out outside the Bing-Tang, Huang Ju has been disturbed, to just three in the afternoon, they packed up and busy. Going to walk, feel thirsty, through whom the people side to soup to drink, stop shaking hands Who knows, one soup spilled his breast. The sky has been dark, Bing-ordered emergency vehicles carrying family members, wives and children on the road, followed by hundreds of men, close the mouths shook his walk from the street, ran from Stone City.
Yuan Can See matters have now, only lead Bing-to House.
Yuan charm down the wall, into the house burning candles inside, sounded sad voice, choking on his son said: "I know of a wooden building will not only tilt, but it should be ah to show consideration for righteousness."
Huang is now back in full military outgoing large account, according to the scheduled trick attack Taiwan directly from Okimichi City, hands down suddenly reported uprising leak, only inaction. Xiao Daocheng known to the whole story, so unemotional, calm returned after the continued use of the yellow.
Xiao Daocheng laughed: "You know the main loyal, I do not blame you and go."
Insurgency after the day, Xiao Daocheng within the sites sit in the thought of yellow back, that there was a lingering back and forth, wondering Road: yellow back end is not trusted, not Chuci people will give me bring bring disaster. If sent to go kill him, his hands several thousand soldiers, once successful, will have more trouble. This issue onto the heart, so in the future disposal.
Emperors plan
He cried entourage, said: "immediately call the son of Xie Fei Xie Dong courtier to Fuchu procedure." Before long, Xiao Daocheng summoned the hussars Nagao sites Xie Fei. At this time it was night, the room magnificent, Xiaodao Cheng and Xie Fei sit opposite pairs, two children candlelight to present themselves and the rest were screen make way.
Wang Jian Xiao Daocheng immediately felt his heart had insight into his face at once stern countenance up, "Big How can so say that!"
Wang Jian continued: "Today, according to Hsiao's fame, is the prime minister established a great merit of the Grand Secretary, since the higher the ministers should be the first thing that changes. This, gentlemen should be allowed to know, please let me go informed. "
Chu Yuan was said: "Xiaogong Gang Qiu just risen, the military governor, probably in 2012 can not be moved between the official Moreover, Kyrgyzstan dream may not be in overnight."
Xiao Daocheng looked up at Wang Jian, Wang Jian said: "I have an idea, Hsiao-liter Tutor can be added, false Huang Yue, makes for Chao."
Any leisure time making Paixiong Fu, said: "That several veteran, only know the body home life care, bless Qierlaoxiao, no festival-goers, I'll accomplishing this."
479 AD on April Xin Mao Liu Xiao Daocheng ready to force the little emperor abdicated standards. On that day, Liu Xiao Daocheng to associate to the palace ceremony at Christianity and Islam. Liu quasi-fear killed, do not hide the Buddha hood. Wang Jing Xiao Daocheng subordinates while leading troops into the house carrying the board public opinion, the left to find the right look to find him, and took him away. Xiao Daocheng lower standard for the Ru Yin Liu Feng Wang, moved to Danyang, troops monitoring. May have end surveillance Liu prospective soldiers tramp of soil sudden, I hear the door clutter that occurred in turmoil, they struck Liu Associate hacked.
The courtiers discuss selected auspicious day, Xiao Daocheng held a grand enthronement ceremony. Back to the palace, Xiao Daocheng reign title as Chien-yuan, Amnesty world. Thus, Qi towards the formal establishment.
This is a call Pei Qi of the Xia Guan all the memorials of the table lists the Song emperor he spent a series of counts. So Xiao Daocheng angry and asked: "This bold Pei Qi, where now?!"
No two days towards a playing Prince said: "Your Majesty, orphan Qi Zou, Xie Fei days flouting the new dynasty, a very bad influence, whether its beheaded?"
Prince asked: "How can he react?"
Xiaodao Cheng said: "Yes ah, I had to get rid of him, but I just played towards the great cause, foundation, and secretly still a lot of people against us, Xie Fei were re-look high, kill him first, did not affect Well, second is anti-so famous Xie Fei; and we do not dispose of him, and poured the contents are to be opting out of the argument. "
Xiao Daocheng word for the officials to be on the reward, then issued an edict: Ninomiya kings, are not doing Tuen Di Li, Feng slightly Lake ... ... ordered the people owe rent places debt relief, tax relief for City.
AD 480, ordered the expansion of clean household Xiaodao Cheng, Yu played by the Minister of the proposal to establish an official school membership to Song Yuanjia 20 years (450 AD) version of sorting household membership shall prevail. Specification at the time of population management chaos.
Wang Sengqian keen on the idea. This time his wife very anxious, his wife said: "Hello confused, how good and His Majesty agreed to match? If you want to win, it will great danger - it would be better to find an excuse not to go it." Seng- Qian shook his head: "Now that Lingzhi, and must go. his wife, then said:" it deliberately write badly, losing forget. "Wang Sengqian shook his head:" is race, it should be fully engaged, if the fraud curry favor with the Lord, and not a funeral personality yet? Mrs. worried, he was rather easy: "Do not worry, I own way to deal with."
"Chen Lingzhi." Wang Sengqian finished speaking, the magic of the edges, is pleased to put pen to paper, Tappi snake go at one go. Crowd of ministers, has issued bursts of praise, and Ai Zhao Xiao Daocheng of the face, voice lower.
Remark, some worry that many ministers secretly whispered: Wang Sengqian, you are afraid to upset the Emperor.
Wang Sengqian replied: "Since ancient times, there Jun Ji Jun, Chen Gang Chen have, how monarch and his subjects can be compared. Chen's calligraphy can be said in the text Wutai Chen in the first. His Majesty to write the words, ancient emperors could no better than, Therefore His Majesty's calligraphy, is the first emperor. "
Xiao Daocheng deep generous man personality, often with men minister to play Go straight week, General Court overturned Jishizhong Chu Chuang Si and Xiao Daocheng have been to chess, but what is the number of boards, do not feel tired. One day, Xiao Daocheng and weeks follow-up chess, down to the middle, suddenly found that bad, would like to withdraw the piece away, then weeks of follow-up is the hand presses the Xiaodao Cheng. Xiao Daocheng smiled, gave up.
Day, Xiao Daocheng to Yuzhang seen as Yuzhang when he was in danger of the history of King Yu. Yu Jing Yu is like to eat tasty food proficient in the production of many delicacies. Xiaodao Cheng said: I almost made you want to taste the dishes.
Yu-Chung Yu Jing, said shaking his head: "Your Majesty, you have tasted these delicious the latter, I can ask you to try new dishes, do not let Mikuriya tasted the dishes that."
Xunbo Yu and bow down: "The veteran there is one thing ... ..."
Xiaodao Cheng said: "I do not know, please Ai Qing Ming said."
Xiao Daocheng down the hall to, propped up Xunbo Yu, Chi Wing, and Xun Boyu do the opposite, the earnest and sincere when he said: "I have 19 sons, premature deaths of six, the remaining 13, did a few brave and cunning Several older hit a great cause for me, Prince is one of them. I am proud of them, but I can not because they cause me great respect and allow their abuses! "
The next day, Xiao Daocheng sent two grandchildren Xiaozhang Mao, Ze Xiao Xiao Ziliang Xuanchi blame Prince, and indeed all the evidence out Zhang and ridicule to make his order to kill Zhang true Prince.
At this point, see Jing Wang is a man walked in, came to him in tow and said: "His Majesty, the minister consider and shallow world, nothing was responsible for Prince Edward, human fear. Morrison is willing to go to Orient House from His Majesty the things that to understand."
To Orient House, Prince Edward met quickly kneel, Xiao Daocheng do not care. Wang Jing, in turn summoned the prince of you, ordered set banquet.
Back to the way sites, Xiao Daocheng remembered the early days in power, he had asked the counselor and Liu Xian: "I like He Zhizheng?"
In early 482 AD, Xiao Daocheng serious illness, he ordered the call to Edward, by Lai said in earnest: "my son, Ru few days the throne, when bearing in mind that blood can not kill each other; Song are not blood relatives, such as phase diagram, how can be he by the decline of family disadvantages and replace, deep ring of Ru! "
Family
Robert after mother due south Qixiao Huang
Second brother started Ahn Jung-Wang Xiao Daosheng
Zhang Shufei
He Toffee
Yuan Xiurong
Child
Second son, Wang Xiao Yi Yuzhang literature
King Zhao Wuling Wu Zi Xiao Ye
Eight sub-Xiao Shuo Wang Guiyang
11 sub-Xiao Jun Wang Hengyang
Evidently, 14 sub-
Evidently, 17 sub-
Female
Xiao Daocheng chronology
In 477 AD, Liu Yu was killed, Xiaodao Cheng Cheng Li-An, who owns King Emperor.
In 482 AD, Xiao Daocheng died.