《资治通鉴·汉纪·汉纪四十五》
过去，在永和末年，朝廷纲纪稍有松弛，颇让百姓失望，只不过四五年时间，就弄得全国财政空虚，户口流散，百姓离心离德。马勉之徒乘机起兵，在荆州和扬州之间，几乎酿成大祸。幸赖梁太后开始主持朝政，清静无为，朝廷内外齐心合力，才得以讨平。
昔永和之末，纲纪少弛，颇失人望，四五岁耳，而财空户散，下有离心，马勉之徒乘敝而起，荆、扬之间几成大患；幸赖顺烈皇后初政清静，内外同力，仅乃讨定。
In the past, in the last few years of Yonghe, the imperial code of conduct became a little lax, disappointing the people a great deal. In only four or five years, the national treasury had become empty, households had become scattered, and the hearts of the people had become estranged. The followers of Ma Mian took advantage and raised an army, which nearly caused a great disaster between Jingzhou and Yangzhou. Fortunately, Empress Dowager Liang took charge of imperial affairs, kept a low profile, and made every effort to cooperate with the court, which enabled them to pacify the opposing factions.