1
世祖太武皇帝諱燾，明元皇帝之長子也。 母曰杜貴嬪。 天賜五年，生於東宮。
Emperor Taiwu the Grand Ancestor, taboo name Tao, was the eldest son of Emperor Mingyuan. His mother was Consort Du Gui. In the fifth year of Tianci he was born in the Eastern Palace.
2
體貌瑰異，道武奇之，曰：「成吾業者必此兒也。」 泰常七年四月，封太平王。 五月，立為皇太子。 及明元帝疾，命帝總攝百揆。 帝聰明大度，意豁如也。
His bearing was singular and splendid; Emperor Daowu marveled at him, saying, "This boy alone will finish what I began." In the fourth month of Taichang year seven he received the title Prince of Taiping. In the fifth month he was made crown prince. When Mingyuan fell ill, he put the heir in charge of the whole administration. He was quick-witted and large-hearted, his thoughts clear and unconfined.
3
八年十一月己巳，明元帝崩，壬申，太子即皇帝位，大赦天下。 十二月，追尊皇妣為密皇太后。 進司徒長孫嵩爵為北平王； 司空奚斤為宜城王； 藍田公長孫翰為平陽王。 其餘普增爵位各有差。 於是除禁錮，釋嫌疑，開倉庫，振窮乏。 河南流人相率內屬者甚眾。
In the eleventh month of year eight, on jisi day Mingyuan died; on renshen day the crown prince ascended the throne and pardoned the empire. In the twelfth month he raised his birth mother to Empress Dowager Mi. He promoted Minister of Works Sun Yuan, Prince of Beiping; Minister of Works Xi Jin to Prince of Yicheng; Duke of Lantian Sun Han to Prince of Pingyang. All others had their ranks raised in varying degrees. He ended detention and suspicion, opened the storehouses, and succored the poor. South-of-the-River exiles flocked inward in droves.
4
二年春正月己卯，車駕至自北伐。 三月丙辰，尊保母竇氏曰保太后。 丁巳，以北平王長孫嵩為太尉，平陽王長孫翰為司徒，宜城王奚斤為司空。 庚申，營故東宮為萬壽宮，起永安、安樂二殿、臨望觀、九華堂。 初造新字千餘。 夏四月詔龍驤將軍步堆使宋。 五月，詔天下十家發大牛一頭運粟塞上。 秋八月，赫連屈丐死。 九月，永安、安樂二殿成，丁卯，大饗以落之。 冬十月癸卯，車駕北伐，東西五道並出。
In spring of year two, on jimao of the first month, the emperor came back from the northern expedition. On bingchen in the third month he raised his nurse, Lady Dou, to Empress Dowager Bao. On dingsi he named Sun Yuan of Beiping Grand Commandant, Sun Han of Pingyang Minister over the Masses, and Xi Jin of Yicheng Minister of Works. On gengshen he made the old Eastern Palace the Palace of Long Life and built the Yong'an and Anle halls, the Linwang belvedere, and the Jiuhua hall. He first created more than a thousand new written characters. In the fourth summer month he sent Dragon Cavalry General Bu Dui on embassy to Song. In the fifth month he ordered every ten households to send one draft ox to haul grain to the border. In the eighth month of autumn Helian Qubu died. In the ninth month the Yong'an and Anle halls were finished; on dingmao he held a grand banquet to dedicate them. On guimao in the tenth winter month the emperor marched north on campaign, five columns advancing east and west at once.
5
平陽王長孫翰等絕漠追寇，蠕蠕北走。
Sun Han of Pingyang and others chased the foe beyond the desert; the Rouran broke north.
6
三年春正月壬申，車駕至自北伐。 乞伏熾盤遣使朝貢，請討赫連昌。 二月，起太學於城東，祀孔子，以顏回配。 夏五月辛卯，進中山公纂爵為王，復南安公素先爵常山王。 六月，幸雲中舊宮，謁陵廟，西至五原，田於陰山，東至和兜山。 秋七月，築馬射臺於長川，帝親登臺走馬。 王公諸國君長馳射中者，賜金錦繒絮各有差。
In spring of year three, on renshen of the first month, the emperor returned from the northern expedition. Qifu Chipo sent tribute and asked leave to strike Helian Chang. In the second month he founded the Imperial Academy east of the capital, sacrificed to Confucius, and paired Yan Hui at the altar. On xinmao in the fifth summer month he raised Duke Zuan of Zhongshan to princely rank and restored Su Xian of Nan'an as Prince of Changshan. In the sixth month he visited the old palace at Yunzhong, worshipped at the tombs, went west to Wuyuan, hunted on Yinshan, and east to Mount Hedou. In the seventh autumn month he built a mounted archery terrace on the Long River and rode there himself. Princes, lords, and tribal chiefs who scored in the galloping shoot won gold, brocade, and silk in graded gifts.
7
八月，車駕還宮。 宋人來聘。 帝以赫連屈丐死，諸子相攻，冬十月丁巳，車駕西伐，幸雲中，臨君子津。 會天暴寒，數日冰合。 十一月戊寅，率輕騎襲赫連昌。 壬午，徙萬餘家而還。 至祚山，班虜獲以賜將士各有差。 十二月，詔奚斤西據長安。 秦、隴氐羌皆叛昌詣斤降。 武都王楊玄及沮渠蒙遜等使使內附。
In the eighth month the emperor returned to the capital. Envoys from Song arrived on a courtesy visit. When Qubu died and his sons turned on each other, on dingsi in the tenth winter month the emperor marched west, stopped at Yunzhong, and reached Junzi Ford. A sudden bitter freeze came; within days the river froze solid. On wuyin in the eleventh month he led light horse in a surprise raid on Helian Chang. On renwu he relocated more than ten thousand households and withdrew. At Mount Zuo he divided captives and spoils among the troops in graded shares. In the twelfth month he ordered Xi Jin to occupy Chang'an in the west. The Di and Qiang of Qin and Long all renounced Chang and surrendered to Xi Jin. Yang Xuan of Wudu and Juqu Mengxun and others sent envoys to tender allegiance.
8
四年春正月乙酉，車駕至自西伐，賜留臺文武各有差。 從人在道多死，到者裁十六七。 己亥，行幸幽州。 赫連昌遣其弟定向長安。 帝聞之，遣就陰山伐木造攻具。
In spring of year four, on yiyou of the first month, the emperor returned from the western campaign and rewarded the capital officials in graded gifts. Many who marched with him died on the road; barely a tenth of the host reached home. On jihai he went in state to You province. Helian Chang sent his brother Ding against Chang'an. Hearing this, he sent men to Yinshan to cut timber for siege machines.
9
二月，車駕還宮。 三月丙午，詔執金吾桓貸造橋於君子津。 丁丑，廣平王連薨。 夏四月丁未，詔員外散騎常侍步堆使於宋。 五月，車駕西討赫連昌，次拔鄰山。 築城舍輜重，以輕騎三萬先行。 戊戌，至黑水。 帝親祈天，告祖宗之靈而誓眾。 六月癸卯朔，日有蝕之。 甲辰，大破赫連昌，昌奔上邽。 乙巳，車駕入城，虜昌群弟及其母妹妻妾宮人萬數，府庫珍寶車旗器物不可勝計。 辛酉，班師。 留常山王素、執金吾桓貸鎮統萬。 秋七月己卯，築壇於祚嶺，戲馬馳射，賜中者金帛繒絮各有差。 蠕蠕寇雲中，聞破赫連昌，懼而逃。 八月壬子，車駕至自西伐，飲至策勛，告宗廟，班軍實以賜留臺百僚各有差。 冬十一月，以氐王楊玄為假征南大將軍、都督、梁州刺史、南秦王。 十二月，行幸中山，守宰貪汙免者十數人。 癸卯，車駕還宮，復所過田租之半。
In the second month the emperor returned to the capital. On bingwu in the third month he ordered Commandant Huan Dai to bridge Junzi Ford. On dingchou Prince Lian of Guangping died. On dingwei in the fourth summer month he sent Palace Attendant Bu Dui on embassy to Song. In the fifth month the emperor marched west against Helian Chang and camped at Bolin Mountain. He fortified a camp, left the train, and pushed thirty thousand light horse forward. On wuxu he reached the Black River. The emperor prayed to Heaven in person, invoked the ancestral spirits, and bound the army with an oath. On guimao, the first day of the sixth month, the sun was eclipsed. On jiachen he shattered Helian Chang, who fled to Shanggui. On yisi he entered the city and took Chang's brothers, their mother, sisters, wives, concubines, and palace women by the tens of thousands, with treasuries and spoils past numbering. On xinyou he withdrew the army. He left Prince Su of Changshan and Commandant Huan Dai to hold Tongwan. On jimao in the seventh autumn month he raised an altar on Zuo Ridge, held riding games and archery, and gave graded gifts of gold and silk to the winners. The Rouran struck Yunzhong; learning that Chang was beaten, they fled in fear. On renzi in the eighth month he returned from the western campaign, held the victory feast, reported to the temple, and divided spoils among the capital officials in graded shares. In the eleventh winter month he named the Di chief Yang Xuan acting General Who Conquers the South, commander, Liang inspector, and King of Southern Qin. In the twelfth month he went to Zhongshan and removed more than ten corrupt local administrators. On guimao he returned to the capital and halved the land tax in the regions he had passed through.
10
神蒨元年春正月，以天下守令多非法，精選忠良悉代之。 辛未，京兆王黎薨。
In the first month of Shenqi year one, finding that local administrators were often corrupt, he chose loyal men and replaced them wholesale. On xinwei Prince Li of Jingzhao died.
11
二月，改元。 司空奚斤進軍安定。 監軍侍御史安頡出戰，禽昌。 其餘眾立昌弟定為主，走還平涼。 三月辛巳，侍中古弼送赫連昌至於京師。 司空奚斤追赫連定於平涼馬髦嶺，為定所禽。 將軍丘堆先在安定，聞斤敗，東走長安。 帝大怒，詔頡令斬之。
In the second month the era name was changed. Minister of Works Xi Jin marched on Anding. Army Supervisor An Yi took the field and seized Chang alive. The remnant made Chang's brother Ding their leader and withdrew to Pingliang. On xinsi in the third month Palace Attendant Gu Bi brought Helian Chang to the capital. Xi Jin pursued Helian Ding to Mamiao Ridge in Pingliang and was taken by Ding. General Qiu Dui, who had been at Anding, heard of Xi Jin's defeat and fled east to Chang'an. The emperor was furious and ordered Yi to execute Qiu Dui.
12
夏四月，赫連定遣使朝貢。 壬子，西巡。 戊午，田於河西，大赦。 南秦王楊玄遣使朝貢。 五月，乞伏熾盤死。 秋八月，東幸廣寧，臨觀溫泉。 以太牢祭黃帝、堯、舜廟。 九月，車駕還宮。 冬十一月乙未朔，日有蝕之。 是月，行幸河西，大校獵。 十二月甲申，車駕還宮。
In the fourth summer month Helian Ding sent tribute. On renzi he toured the west. On wuwu he hunted west of the river and proclaimed a general amnesty. King Yang Xuan of Southern Qin sent tribute. In the fifth month Qifu Chipo died. In the eighth autumn month he went east to Guangning and visited the hot springs. He sacrificed with the highest victims at the temples of the Yellow Emperor, Yao, and Shun. In the ninth month the emperor returned to the capital. On yiwei, the first day of the eleventh winter month, the sun was eclipsed. That month he toured west of the river and held a grand hunt. On jiashen in the twelfth month the emperor returned to the capital.
13
二年夏四月，宋人來聘。 庚寅，車駕北伐。 五月丁未，次於沙漠，舍輜重，輕騎兼冀馬至栗水。 蠕蠕震怖，焚廬舍，絕跡西走。 冬十月，振旅凱旋於京師，告於宗廟。 列置新人於漠南，東至濡源，西暨五原、陰山，竟三千里。 十一月，西巡，田於河西，至祚山而還。
In the fourth summer month of year two, envoys from Song arrived on a courtesy visit. On gengyin the emperor marched north on campaign. On dingwei in the fifth month he camped in the desert, shed the train, and with light horse and double mounts reached Chestnut Water. The Rouran were stricken with terror; they burned their camps and fled west without a trace. In the tenth winter month he brought the army home in triumph at the capital and reported to the temple. He settled the new subjects south of the desert from the Ruyuan in the east to Wuyuan and Yinshan in the west, three thousand li across. In the eleventh month he toured the west, hunted west of the river, and turned back at Mount Zuo.
14
五月戊午，論討敕勒功，大明賞罰。 秋七月己亥，詔諸征鎮將軍、王公杖節邊遠者，聽開府辟召，其次增置吏員。 庚子，詔大鴻臚卿杜超假節都督冀、定、相三州諸軍事、行征南大將軍、太宰，進爵為王，鎮鄴，為諸軍節度。 八月，宋將到彥之自清水入河，溯流西行。 丙寅，彥之遣將度河攻治阪，冠軍將軍安頡督諸軍擊破之。 九月癸卯，立密皇太后廟於鄴。 甲辰，行幸統萬，遂征平涼。 是月，馮跋死。 冬十月乙卯，冠軍將軍安頡濟河攻洛陽，丙子，拔之。 辛巳，安頡平武牢。 十一月乙酉，車駕至平涼。 己亥，行幸安定。 庚子，帝自安西還臨平涼，遂掘塹圍守之。 行幸紐城，安慰初附，赦秦、隴之人，賜復七年。 辛丑，安頡帥諸軍攻滑臺。 沮渠蒙遜遣使朝貢。 壬寅，封壽光侯叔孫建為丹楊王。 十二月丁卯，赫連定弟社於度洛孤面縛出降，平涼，收其珍寶。 定長安、臨晉、武功守將皆奔走，關中平。 壬申，車駕還東，留巴東公延普等鎮安定。
On wuwu in the fifth month he reviewed the Chile campaign and pronounced rewards and punishments in full. On jihai in the seventh autumn month he allowed frontier generals and princes with command staffs to open offices and recruit aides, and ordered lesser ranks to enlarge their staffs. On gengzi he named Grand Herald Du Chao acting commander of Ji, Ding, and Xiang, acting General Who Conquers the South, Grand Mentor, raised him to princely rank, and posted him at Ye to direct all forces. In the eighth month the Song commander Dao Yanzhi entered the river at Qingshui and sailed upstream to the west. On bingyin, Dao Yanzhi sent generals across the river against Zhiye; Champion General An Chi took command of the host and broke them. In the ninth month, on guimao, he raised a temple to the Secret Empress Dowager at Ye. On jiachen he went in state to Tongwan and marched on Pingliang. That month Feng Ba died. On yimao in the tenth winter month Champion General An Chi crossed the river and struck Luoyang; on bingzi he took the city. On xinsi An Chi pacified Wulao. On yiyou in the eleventh month the emperor reached Pingliang. On jihai he went in state to Anding. On gengzi the emperor came back from west of Anding to Pingliang, dug a trench ring, and laid siege. He visited Niucheng, reassured the new subjects, pardoned the people of Qin and Long, and exempted them from levies for seven years. On xinchou An Chi led the host against Huatai. Juqu Mengxun sent envoys to court with tribute. On renyin he made Marquis Shusun Jian of Shouguang Prince of Danyang. On dingmao in the twelfth month Helian Ding's brother Sheyu came bound from Luogudu to surrender; Pingliang fell and its treasures were taken. Ding's defenders at Chang'an, Linjin, and Wugong all ran; Guanzhong was settled. On renshen the emperor turned east, leaving Duke Yanpu of Badong and others to hold Anding.
15
四年春正月壬午，車駕次木根山，大饗群臣。 丙申，宋將檀道濟、王仲德從清水救滑臺。 丹楊王叔孫建、汝陰公長孫道生拒之，道濟等不敢進。 是月，赫連定滅乞伏慕末。 二月辛酉，安頡、司馬楚之平滑臺。 癸酉，車駕還宮，飲至策勛，告於宗廟，賜留臺百官各有差。 戰士賜復十年。 定州人饑，詔開倉以振之。 宋將檀道濟、王仲德東走。 三月庚戌，冠軍將軍安頡獻宋俘萬餘人，甲兵三萬。 夏六月，赫連定北襲沮渠蒙遜，為吐谷渾慕璝所執。 閏月乙未，蠕蠕國遣使朝貢。 詔散騎侍郎周紹使於宋。 秋七月己酉，行幸河西。 起承華宮。 八月乙酉，沮渠蒙遜遣子安周入侍。
In spring of year four, on renwu of the first month, the emperor stopped at Mount Mugen and feasted his ministers. On bingshen the Song commanders Tan Daoji and Wang Zhongde marched from Qingshui to save Huatai. Prince Shusun Jian of Danyang and Duke Changsun Daosheng of Ruyin held them off; Daoji and his fellows did not dare press forward. That month Helian Ding wiped out Qifu Mumu. On xinyou in the second month An Chi and Sima Chuzhi took Huatai. On guiyou the emperor returned to the capital, held the victory feast, reported to the temple, and gave graded gifts to the officials who had stayed behind. Fighting men were exempted from levies for ten years. Ding province was starving; he ordered the storehouses opened for relief. The Song commanders Tan Daoji and Wang Zhongde fled east. On gengxu in the third month Champion General An Chi presented more than ten thousand Song prisoners and thirty thousand sets of arms and armor. In the sixth summer month Helian Ding struck north at Juqu Mengxun and was taken by Murong Hui of Tuyuhun. On yiwei in the intercalary month the Rouran sent envoys to court with tribute. He sent Palace Attendant Zhou Shao on embassy to Song. On jiyou in the seventh autumn month he toured Hexi. He built the Chenghua Palace. On yiyou in the eighth month Juqu Mengxun sent his son Anzhou to serve at court.
16
吐谷渾慕璝遣使奉表，請送赫連定。 己丑，以慕璝為大將軍，封西秦王。 九月癸丑，車駕還宮。 庚申，加太尉長孫嵩柱國大將軍，以左光祿大夫崔浩為司徒，征西大將軍長孫道生為司空。 癸亥，詔兼太常李順持節拜河西王沮渠蒙遜為假節、加侍中、都督涼州持節及西域羌戎諸軍事、行征西大將軍、太傅、涼州牧、涼王。 壬申，詔曰：「范陽盧玄、博陵崔綽、趙郡李靈、河間邢穎、勃海高允、廣平遊雅、太原張偉等皆賢俊之胄，冠冕州邦，有羽儀之用。 《易》曰：『我有好爵，吾與爾縻之。』 如玄之比，隱跡衡門，不曜名譽者，盡敕州郡以禮發遣。」 遂征玄等。 州郡所遣至者數百人，皆差次敘用。 冬十月戊寅，詔司徒崔浩改定律令。 行幸漠南。 十一月丙辰，北部敕勒莫弗庫若於率其部數萬騎驅鹿獸數百萬詣行在所。 帝因而大狩，以賜從者，勒石漠南，以記功德。 宜城王奚斤坐事降爵為公。 十二月，車駕還宮。
Murong Hui of Tuyuhun sent a memorial asking leave to hand over Helian Ding. On jichou he named Murong Hui Grand General and King of Western Qin. On guichou in the ninth month the emperor returned to the capital. On gengshen he raised Grand Commandant Changsun Song to Pillar-of-State Grand General, named Cui Hao of the Left Honorary Grand Master rank Minister over the Masses, and Western Campaign General Changsun Daosheng Minister of Works. On guihai he ordered Acting Minister of Ceremonies Li Shun, with the command staff, to invest Juqu Mengxun as Prince of Liang with acting staff, Palace Attendant, commander of Liang and western border affairs, Acting Western Campaign Grand General, Grand Tutor, and Liang governor. On renshen an edict ran: Fan'yang Lu Xuan, Boling Cui Chuo, Zhao's Li Ling, Hejian Xing Ying, Bohai Gao Yun, Guangping You Ya, Taiyuan Zhang Wei, and the like are heirs of eminent clans, the pride of their commanderies, men fit to stand as models in court. The Changes says: I have fine rank, and I will bind you to it. For men like Xuan who keep to their lanes and shun renown, every province and commandery shall fetch them out with full rites. Then Xuan and the rest were summoned. Several hundred men arrived from the provinces; each was ranked and placed in office. On wuyin in the tenth winter month he ordered Minister over the Masses Cui Hao to revise the code. He toured the southern desert. On bingchen in the eleventh month Kuruyu, chief of the northern Tiele, brought tens of thousands of horsemen of his tribe and drove millions of deer and game to the imperial camp. The emperor held a great hunt, gave the quarry to his followers, and had his deeds cut in stone on the southern desert. Prince Xi Jin of Yicheng was reduced to duke for a fault. In the twelfth month the emperor returned to the capital.
17
十一月己巳，車駕至自和龍。 十二月己丑，馮弘子長樂公崇及其母弟朗、朗弟邈以遼西內屬。 先是，辟召賢良而州郡多逼遣之，詔以禮申喻，任其進退。
On jisi in the eleventh month the emperor came back from Helong. On jichou in the twelfth month Feng Hong's son Duke Chong of Changle, his uncle Lang, and Lang's brother Miao came over from Liaoxi. Before this, worthy men had been summoned, but provinces often drove them out by force; an edict set the rites straight and let each man choose whether to come or stay home.
18
二年春二月庚午，詔兼鴻臚卿李繼持節假馮崇車騎大將軍、遼西王，承制，聽置尚書已下。 壬午，詔兼散騎常侍宋宣使於宋。 夏四月，沮渠蒙遜死，以其子牧犍為車騎將軍，改封西河王。 六月，遣永昌王健、尚書左僕射安原督諸軍討和龍。 辛巳，詔樂安王範發秦、雍兵一萬築小城於長安城內。 秋八月，遼西王馮崇上表求說降其父，帝不聽。 九月，宋人來聘，並獻馴象一。 戊午，詔兼大鴻臚卿崔賾持節拜征虜將軍楊難當為征南大將軍、儀同三司，封南秦王。 冬十二月己巳，大赦天下。
On gengwu in the second month of year two he ordered Acting Grand Herald Li Ji, with the staff, to name Feng Chong acting General of Chariots and Cavalry and Prince of Liaoxi, with imperial commission and leave to staff his house down to the Secretariat. On renwu he sent Acting Palace Attendant Song Xuan on embassy to Song. In the fourth summer month Juqu Mengxun died; his son Mujian was named General of Chariots and Cavalry and retitled Prince of Xihe. In the sixth month he sent Wang Jian of Yongchang and Left Minister An Yuan to command the attack on Helong. On xinsi he ordered Prince Fan of Le'an to levy ten thousand men from Qin and Yong and build an inner citadel in Chang'an. In the eighth autumn month Prince Feng Chong of Liaoxi asked leave to talk his father into surrender; the emperor refused. In the ninth month envoys from Song arrived on a courtesy visit and brought a tame elephant. On wuwu he ordered Acting Grand Herald Cui Yan, with the staff, to name Campaign General Yang Nandang Southern Campaign Grand General, Three Precedents Peer, and King of Southern Qin. On jisi in the twelfth winter month he pardoned the empire.
19
辛未，幸陰山北。 詔兼散騎常侍盧玄使於宋。
On xinwei he went in state to the north of Yinshan. He sent Acting Palace Attendant Lu Xuan on embassy to Song.
20
三年春正月乙未，車駕次於女水，大饗群臣。 戊戌，馮弘遣使求和，帝不許。
In spring of year three, on yiwei of the first month, the emperor stopped at Woman River and feasted his ministers. On wuxu Feng Hong sent envoys to sue for peace; the emperor refused.
21
丙辰，南秦王楊難當克漢中，送雍州流人七千家於長安。 二月戊寅，詔以頻年屢征，有事西北，運輸之役，百姓勤勞，令郡縣括貧富以為三級，富者租賦如常，中者復二年，下窮者復三年。 辛卯，車駕還宮。 三月甲寅，行幸河西。 閏月甲戌，秦王赫連昌叛走。 丙子，河西候將格殺之。 驗其謀反，群弟皆伏誅。 己卯，車駕還宮。 進彭城公粟爵為王。 秋七月辛巳，東宮成，備置屯衛，三分西宮之一，壬午，行幸美稷，遂至隰城。 命諸軍討山胡白龍於河西。 九月戊子，克之。 斬白龍及其將帥，屠其城。 冬十一月，車駕還宮。 十二月甲辰，行幸雲中。
On bingchen King Yang Nandang of Southern Qin took Hanzhong and sent seven thousand refugee households from Yong province to Chang'an. On wuyin in the second month an edict said: Years of war in the northwest have worn the people with transport duty. Let every commandery sort households into three grades by wealth: the rich pay as before, the middling are exempt two years, the poorest three. On xinmao the emperor returned to the capital. On jiayin he toured Hexi. On jiaxu in the intercalary month King Helian Chang rebelled and fled. On bingzi a Hexi frontier guard cut him down. His treason proved, every younger brother was put to death. On jimao the emperor returned to the capital. Duke Su of Pengcheng was raised to princely rank. On xinsi in the seventh autumn month the Eastern Palace was finished, its guards manned to one-third the strength of the Western Palace; on renwu he went in state to Meiji and on to Xicheng. He ordered the armies to crush the mountain Hu chief Bai Long in Hexi. On wuzi in the ninth month they took him. Bai Long and his officers were beheaded and his stronghold sacked. In the eleventh winter month the emperor returned to the capital. On jiachen in the twelfth month he went in state to Yunzhong.
22
太延元年春正月乙未朔，日有蝕之。 壬午，降死罪刑已下各一等。 癸未，出道武、明元宮人，令得嫁。 甲申，大赦改元。 二月庚子，蠕蠕、焉耆、車師各遣使朝貢。 詔長安及平涼人徙在京師其孤老不能自存者，聽還鄉里。 丁未，車駕還宮。 夏五月庚申，進宜都公穆壽為宜都王，汝陰公長孫道生為上黨王，宜城公奚斤為恒農王，廣陵公婁伏連為廣陵王。 遣使者二十輩使西域。 甲戌，行幸雲中。 六月甲午，詔曰：「去春小旱，東作不茂，憂勤克己，祈請靈佑。 豈朕精誠有感，何報應之速。
In spring of Taiyan year one, on yiwei, the first day of the first month, the sun was eclipsed. On renwu death sentences and all lesser penalties were commuted one degree. On guiwei palace women from the reigns of Daowu and Mingyuan were freed to marry. On jiashen he pardoned the empire and changed the era name. In the second month the Rouran, Yanqi, and Cheshi each sent tribute to court. An edict allowed those moved from Chang'an and Pingliang to the capital who were old, alone, and destitute to go home. On dingwei the emperor returned to the capital. On gengshen in the fifth summer month Duke Mu Shou of Yidu became Prince of Yidu, Duke Changsun Daosheng of Ruyin Prince of Shangdang, Duke Xi Jin of Yicheng Prince of Hengnong, and Duke Lou Fulian of Guangling Prince of Guangling. He sent twenty embassies to the Western Regions. On jiaxu he went in state to Yunzhong. On jiawu in the sixth month an edict said: Last spring a light drought left the eastern fields thin. I have worn myself with care, fasting and praying for heaven's help. Has my utmost sincerity moved heaven? How swift the answer!
23
雲雨震灑，流澤沾渥。 有鄙婦人持方寸玉印詣潞縣侯孫家，既而亡去，莫知所在。
Clouds burst and rain fell in torrents; the flood soaked the earth. A country woman with a thumb-sized jade seal came to the house of Marquis Sun in Lu county, then vanished, and no one knew where she went.
24
印有三字，為龍鳥之形，要妙奇巧，不類人跡，文曰『旱疫平』。 推尋其理，蓋神靈之報應也。 比者以來，禎瑞仍臻，甘露流液，降於殿內； 嘉瓜合蒂，生於中山； 野木連理，殖於魏郡； 在先後載誕之鄉，白燕集於盛樂舊都，玄鳥隨之，蓋有千數； 嘉禾頻歲合秀於恒農； 白兔並見於勃海，白雉三隻又集於平陽太祖之廟。 天降嘉貺，將何德以酬之？ 其令天下大酺五日，禮報百神，守宰祭界內名山大川，上答天意。」
The seal bore three characters shaped as dragon and bird, wrought with uncanny finesse no human hand could match; the text read, Drought and plague pacified. Pondering its meaning, it must be the spirits' answer. Of late good omens have crowded in: sweet dew ran down within the palace halls; fine melons with joined stems grew in Zhongshan; wild trees grew with fused trunks in Wei commandery; in the birthplace of the late empresses, white swallows gathered at the old capital of Shengle and dark swallows followed by the thousand; year after year fine grain bore double ears in Hengnong; White hares were seen together in Bohai, and three white pheasants again gathered at the temple of Grand Ancestor Taizu in Pingyang. Heaven has sent such gracious gifts—by what virtue shall we repay them? Let the realm hold a grand feast for five days, perform rites to repay the hundred spirits, and let prefects and magistrates sacrifice to the famous mountains and great rivers within their borders, thereby answering Heaven's intent."
25
丙午，高麗、鄯善國並遣使朝貢。 秋七月，田於棝陽。 己卯，樂平王丕等五將東伐，至和龍，徙男女六千口而還。 八月丙戌，行幸河西。 粟特國遣使朝貢。 九月，車駕還宮。 冬十月癸卯，尚書左僕射安原謀反，伏誅。 甲辰，行幸定州，次於新城宮。
On bingwu, Goguryeo and Shanshan both sent envoys with tribute. In the seventh autumn month he hunted at Yuyang. On jimao, Prince of Leping Wang Pi and five other generals marched east; reaching Helong, they moved sixty thousand men and women back and returned. On bingxu in the eighth month he traveled in state to Hexi. Sogdiana sent envoys with tribute. In the ninth month the emperor returned to the palace. On guimao in the tenth winter month Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing An Yuan plotted rebellion and was executed. On jiachen he traveled in state to Dingzhou and halted at Xincheng Palace.
26
十一月己巳，校獵於廣川。 丙子，行幸鄴，祀密太后廟。 諸所過親問高年，褒禮賢俊。 十二月癸卯，遣使者以太牢祀北嶽。
On jisi in the eleventh month he conducted a battue hunt at Guangchuan. On bingzi he traveled in state to Ye and sacrificed at the temple of the Secret Empress Dowager. Wherever he passed he personally inquired after the aged and honored and rewarded the worthy and eminent. In the twelfth month, on guimao, he dispatched envoys to sacrifice to the Northern Peak with the great offering.
27
二年春正月甲寅，車駕還宮。 二月戊子，馮弘遣使朝貢，求送侍子，帝不許。
In spring of the second year, on jiayin in the first month, the emperor returned to the palace. On wuzi Feng Hong sent envoys with tribute, requesting to send a hostage son; the emperor did not permit it.
28
壬辰，遣使者十餘輩詣高麗、東夷諸國，詔喻之。 三月丙辰，宋人來聘。 辛未，遣平東將軍娥清、安西將軍古弼討馮弘。 弘求救於高麗，高麗遣其大將葛蔓盧迎之。
On renchen he dispatched more than ten envoys to Goguryeo and the eastern Yi states to proclaim and instruct them. On bingchen envoys came from Song on a mission of courtesy. On xinwei he dispatched Pacifier of the East General E Qing and Pacifier of the West General Gu Bi to attack Feng Hong. Hong sought rescue from Goguryeo; Goguryeo sent its great general Ge Manlu to welcome him.
29
帝校獵於河西，詔廣平公張黎發定州七郡一萬二千人通莎泉道。 甲辰，高車國遣使朝貢。 九月庚戌，樂平王丕等至，略陽公難當奉詔攝上邽守。 高麗不送馮弘，帝將伐之，納樂平王丕計而止。 冬十一月己酉，幸棝陽。 驅野馬於雲中，置野馬苑。 閏月壬子，車駕還宮。 乙丑，改封潁川王提為武昌王。 河西王沮渠牧犍遣使朝貢。 是歲，吐谷渾慕璝死。
The emperor conducted a battue hunt in Hexi and ordered Duke of Guangping Zhang Li to mobilize twelve thousand men from seven commanderies of Dingzhou to open the Shachuan road. On jiachen the Gaoche state sent envoys with tribute. On gengxu in the ninth month Prince of Leping Wang Pi and others arrived; Duke of Lueyang Nan Dang received the edict to act as provisional governor of Shanggui. Goguryeo did not hand over Feng Hong; the emperor was about to attack them but accepted Prince of Leping Wang Pi's plan and desisted. On jiyou in the eleventh winter month he visited Yuyang. He drove wild horses in Yunzhong and established the Wild Horse Park. In the intercalary month, on renzi, the emperor returned to the palace. On yichou he changed the enfeoffment of Prince of Yingchuan Ti to Prince of Wuchang. King of Hexi Juqu Mujian sent envoys with tribute. That year Murong Hui of Tuyuhun died.
30
五年春正月庚寅，行幸定州。 三月辛未，車駕還宮。 庚寅，以故南秦王世子楊保宗為征南大將軍、秦州牧、武都王，鎮上邽。 夏五月癸未，遮逸國獻汗血馬。 六月甲辰，車駕西討沮渠牧犍。 侍中、宜都王穆壽輔皇太子決留臺事，大將軍長樂王嵇敬、輔國大將軍建寧王崇二萬人屯漠南，以備蠕蠕。 秋七月己巳，車駕至上都屬國城，大饗群臣，講武馬射。 壬午，留輜重，分部諸軍。 八月丙申，車駕至姑臧，牧犍兄子祖逾城來降。 乃分軍圍之。 九月丙戌，牧犍與左右文武五千人面縛軍門，帝解其縛，待以籓臣之禮。 收其城內戶口二十餘萬，倉庫珍寶不可稱計。 進張掖公禿發保周爵為王，與龍驤將軍穆羆、安遠將軍源賀分略諸郡。 牧犍弟張掖太守宜得西奔酒泉太守無諱，後奔晉昌； 樂都太守安周南奔吐谷渾。 戊子，蠕蠕犯塞，遂至七介山，京都大駭。 皇太子命上黨王長孫道生等拒之。 冬十月辛酉，車駕還宮。 徙涼州人三萬餘家於京師。 留樂平王丕、征西將軍賀多羅鎮涼州。 癸亥，遣張掖王禿發保周喻諸部鮮卑，保周因率諸部叛於張掖。 十一月乙巳，宋人來聘，並獻馴象一。
In spring of the fifth year, on gengyin in the first month, he traveled in state to Dingzhou. In the third month, on xinwei, the emperor returned to the palace. On gengyin he appointed the former heir of the Southern Qin king Yang Baozong as Grand General Who Conquers the South, Governor of Qinzhou, King of Wudu, and stationed him at Shanggui. On guiwei in the fifth summer month the kingdom of Zheyi presented sweat-blood horses. On jiachen in the sixth month the emperor campaigned west against Juqu Mujian. Palace Attendant Prince of Yidu Mu Shou assisted the crown prince in deciding matters left at the capital; Grand General Prince of Changle Ji Jing and Assistant General Who Supports the State Prince of Jianning Chong, twenty thousand men, encamped south of the desert to guard against the Rouran. On jisi in the seventh autumn month the emperor reached Shangdu Shuguocheng, held a great feast for the ministers, and lectured on martial arts with mounted archery. On renwu he left the baggage train and divided the armies. On bingshen in the eighth month the emperor reached Guzang; Mujian's nephew Zu Yue came over the walls to surrender. Thereupon he divided the army to besiege the city. On bingxu in the ninth month Mujian, with five thousand civil and military followers left and right, came bound at the army gate; the emperor released their bonds and treated them with the rites due a feudatory minister. He took more than two hundred thousand households within the city and storehouses of treasures beyond counting. He advanced Duke of Zhangye Tufa Baozhou to king and, with General of the Flying Dragon Mu Pi and General Who Pacifies the Distance Yuan He, divided forces to reduce the various commanderies. Mujian's younger brother, Governor of Zhangye Yide, fled west to Governor of Jiuquan Wu Hui and later fled to Jinchang; Governor of Ledu An Zhou fled south to Tuyuhun. On wuzi the Rouran raided the frontier and reached Qijie Mountain; the capital was greatly alarmed. The crown prince ordered Prince of Shangdang Changsun Daosheng and others to resist them. On xinyou in the tenth winter month the emperor returned to the palace. He moved more than thirty thousand families of Liangzhou people to the capital. He left Prince of Leping Wang Pi and General Who Conquers the West He Duoluo to guard Liangzhou. On guihai he dispatched King of Zhangye Tufa Baozhou to instruct the various Xianbei tribes; Baozhou thereupon led the tribes in rebellion at Zhangye. On yisi envoys came from Song on a mission of courtesy and also presented one trained elephant.
31
十二月壬午，車駕至自西伐，飲至策勛，告於宗廟。 楊難當寇上邽，鎮將元勿頭討走之。 是歲，鄯善、龜茲、疏勒、焉耆、高麗、粟特、渴盤陀、破洛那、悉居半等國並遣使朝貢。
On renwu in the twelfth month the emperor returned from the western campaign, held a drinking ceremony to distribute rewards, and reported to the ancestral temple. Yang Nan Dang raided Shanggui; the garrison commander Yuan Wutou attacked and drove him off. That year Shanshan, Kucha, Kashgar, Karashahr, Goguryeo, Sogdiana, Khotan, Bactria, Sarmatia, and other states all sent envoys with tribute.
32
三月，酒泉陷。 夏四月戊午朔，日有蝕之。 庚辰，沮渠無諱寇張掖。 禿發保周屯刪丹。 六月丁丑，皇孫浚生，大赦改元。 秋七月，行幸陰山。 己丑，永昌王健大破禿發保周，走之。 丙申，保太后竇氏崩於行宮。 癸丑，保周自殺，傳首京師。 八月甲申，沮渠無諱降。 九月壬寅，車駕還宮。 是歲，州鎮十五饑，詔開倉振恤之。 以河南主曜子羯兒為河間王，後改封略陽王。
In the third month Jiuquan fell. On wuwu, the first day of the fourth summer month, there was an eclipse of the sun. On gengchen Juqu Wu Hui raided Zhangye. Tufa Baozhou encamped at Shandan. On dingchou in the sixth month the imperial grandson Jun was born; a great amnesty was proclaimed and the era name was changed. In the seventh autumn month he traveled in state to Yinshan. On jichou Prince of Yongchang Jian greatly defeated Tufa Baozhou and drove him off. On bingshen Empress Dowager Bao Lady Dou died at the traveling palace. On guichou Baozhou killed himself; his head was sent to the capital. On jiashen Juqu Wu Hui surrendered. On renyin in the ninth month the emperor returned to the palace. That year fifteen provinces and garrisons suffered famine; an edict ordered the granaries opened for relief. The son of Princess Henan Yao, Jie'er, was made Prince of Hejian and later changed to Prince of Lueyang.
33
十二月丙子，宋人來聘。
On bingzi in the twelfth month envoys came from Song on a mission of courtesy.
34
四年春正月庚午，行幸中山。 二月丙子，次於恒山之陽，詔有司刊石勒銘。 是月，克仇池。 三月庚申，車駕還宮。 夏四月，武都王楊保宗謀反，諸將禽送京師。
In spring of the fourth year, on gengwu in the first month, he traveled in state to Zhongshan. On bingzi in the second month he halted south of Mount Heng and ordered the officials to carve stone and inscribe an inscription. That month Chouchi was taken. On gengshen in the third month the emperor returned to the palace. In the fourth summer month King of Wudu Yang Baozong plotted rebellion; the generals captured him and sent him to the capital.
35
氐、羌復推保宗弟文德為主，圍仇池。 六月庚寅，詔復人貲賦三年，其田租歲輸如常，牧守不得妄有征發。 癸巳，大閱於西郊。 九月辛丑，行幸漠南。 甲辰，舍輜重，以輕騎襲蠕蠕，分軍為四道。 冬十一月甲子，車駕還至朔方。 詔曰：「夫陰陽有往復，四時有代謝，授子任賢，蓋古今不易之令典也。 其令皇太子副理萬機，總統百揆。 諸功臣勤勞日久，皆當以爵歸第，隨時朝請，饗宴朕前，論道陳謨而己，不宜復煩以劇職。 更舉賢俊，以備百官，明為科制，以稱朕心。」 十二月辛卯，車駕至自北伐。
The Di and Qiang again set up his younger brother Wendé as leader and besieged Chouchi. On gengyin in the sixth month an edict remitted the poll tax for three years; the field tax was to be delivered yearly as usual, and prefects and magistrates were not to levy requisitions at will. On guisi a great review was held at the western suburb. On xinchou in the ninth month he traveled in state to the desert south. On jiachen he left the baggage train and with light cavalry raided the Rouran, dividing the army into four columns. On jiazi in the eleventh winter month the emperor returned to Shuofang. An edict said: "Yin and yang have their return and recurrence, the four seasons have their succession and replacement; entrusting sons and employing the worthy are ordinances unchanging through antiquity and the present. Let the crown prince assist in governing the myriad affairs and preside over the hundred offices. The various meritorious ministers who have labored long should all return their ranks to their estates, attending court at the proper seasons, feasting before Us and discussing the Way and presenting counsel—that is all; they should not again be burdened with arduous offices. Select worthy and eminent men anew to fill the hundred offices, clarify the statutes and systems, thereby matching Our intent." In the twelfth month, on xinmao, the emperor returned from the northern campaign.
36
五年春正月壬寅，皇太子始總百揆。 侍中中書監宜都王穆壽、司徒東都公崔浩、侍中廣平公張黎、侍中建興公古弼輔太子以決庶政。 諸上書者皆稱臣，上疏儀與表同。 戊申，詔自王公已下至於庶人，私養沙門、巫及金銀工巧之人在其家者，皆遣詣官曹，限今年二月十五日。 過期不出，巫、沙門身死，主人門誅。 庚戌，詔自三公已下至於卿士，其子息皆詣太學，其百工伎巧騶卒子息當習其父兄所業，不聽私立學校，違者師身死，主人門誅。 二月辛未，中山王辰等八人以北伐後期，斬於都南。 癸酉，樂平王丕薨。 庚辰，行幸廬。 三月戊辰，大會於那南。 遣使者四輩使西域。 甲辰，車駕還宮。 夏四月乙亥，太宰、陽平王杜超為帳下所殺。 五月丁酉，行幸陰山北。 六月，西平王吐谷渾慕利延殺其兄子緯代，立緯弟，叱力延等來奔，乞師。 以叱力延為歸義王。 秋八月乙丑，田於河西。 壬午，詔員外散騎常侍高濟使於宋。 九月，帝自河西至於馬邑，觀於崞川。 己亥，車駕還宮。 丁未，行幸漠南。 冬十月癸未，晉王伏羅大破慕利延。 慕利延走奔白蘭，其部一萬三千內附。 十一月，宋人來聘。 十二月丙戌，車駕還宮。
In spring of the fifth year, on renyin in the first month, the crown prince began to preside over the hundred offices. Palace Attendant and Director of the Palace Secretariat Prince of Yidu Mu Shou, Minister of Education Duke of the Eastern Capital Cui Hao, Palace Attendant Duke of Guangping Zhang Li, and Palace Attendant Duke of Jianxing Gu Bi assisted the crown prince in deciding ordinary government. All who submitted memorials above addressed themselves as subjects; the protocol for memorials was the same as for tables. On wushen an edict ordered that from kings and dukes down to commoners, whoever privately kept Buddhist monks, shamans, or workers in gold, silver, and craft within the household must send them to the official bureaus, with a deadline of the fifteenth day of the second month this year. Those who did not come forth after the deadline: shamans and monks were put to death, and their masters' households were punished to the gate. On gengxu an edict ordered that from the Three Excellencies down to ministers and grandees, their sons must all go to the Imperial Academy; the sons of the hundred crafts, artisans, grooms, and runners were to study their fathers' and elder brothers' trades and were not permitted to establish private schools—violators: the teacher was put to death and the master's household punished to the gate. On xinwei in the second month Prince of Zhongshan Chen and eight others were beheaded south of the capital for being late after the northern campaign. On guiyou Prince of Leping Wang Pi died. On gengchen he traveled in state to Lu. On wuchen in the third month a great assembly was held south of Na. He dispatched four envoys to the Western Regions. On jiachen the emperor returned to the palace. On yihai in the fourth summer month the Grand Preceptor, Prince of Yangping Du Chao, was killed by men of his tent guard. On dingyou in the fifth month he traveled in state north of Yinshan. In the sixth month Prince of Xiping Tuyuhun Murong Liyan killed his elder brother's son Weidai and installed Weidai's younger brother; Chiliyan and others came fleeing to submit and begged for troops. Chiliyan was made King Who Returns to Righteousness. On yichou in the eighth autumn month he hunted in Hexi. On renwu he ordered Supernumerary Palace Attendant Gao Ji as envoy to Song. In the ninth month the emperor came from Hexi to Mayi and reviewed troops at Chuochuan. On jihai the emperor returned to the palace. On dingwei he traveled in state to the desert south. On guiwei in the tenth winter month Prince of Jin Fu Luo greatly defeated Murong Liyan. Murong Liyan fled to Bailan; thirteen thousand of his tribes submitted. In the eleventh month envoys came from Song on a mission of courtesy. On bingxu in the twelfth month the emperor returned to the palace.
37
六年春正月辛亥，行幸定州，引見長老，存問之。 詔兼員外散騎常侍宋愔使於宋。 二月，遂西幸上黨，觀連理樹於玄氏。 至吐京，討徙叛胡，出配郡縣。 三月庚申，車駕還宮。 詔諸有疑獄皆付中書，以經義量決。 夏六月戊子朔，日有蝕之。 壬辰，北巡。 秋八月壬辰，散騎常侍成周公萬度歸以輕騎至鄯善，執其王真達，與詣京師。 帝大悅，厚待之。 車駕幸陰山北，次於廣德宮。 詔發天下兵，三取一，各當戒嚴，以須後命。 徙諸種雜人五千餘家於北邊。 令人北徙畜牧至廣漠，以餌蠕蠕。
In spring of the sixth year, on xinhai in the first month, he traveled in state to Dingzhou, summoned the elders, and inquired after them. He ordered Concurrent Supernumerary Palace Attendant Song Yin as envoy to Song. In the second month he then traveled west to Shangdang and viewed the intertwined trees at Xuanshi. Reaching Tujing, he attacked the relocated rebel Hu and sent them out to be assigned to commanderies and counties. On gengshen in the third month the emperor returned to the palace. An edict ordered that all doubtful criminal cases be handed to the Palace Secretariat to be decided by weighing canonical principles. On wuzi, the first day of the sixth summer month, there was an eclipse of the sun. On renchen he toured the north. On renchen in the eighth autumn month Supernumerary Palace Attendant Duke of Chengwu Wan Dugui with light cavalry reached Shanshan, seized its king Zhenda, and brought him to the capital. The emperor was greatly pleased and treated him generously. The emperor visited north of Yinshan and halted at Guangde Palace. An edict mobilized troops throughout the realm, one man in three, each to stand in readiness awaiting further orders. More than five thousand families of various mixed peoples were moved to the northern frontier. People were ordered north to pasture livestock as far as the broad desert to bait the Rouran.
38
七年春正月戊辰，車駕次東雍，禽薛永宗，斬之。 其男女無少長皆赴水死。 辛未，南幸汾陰。 蓋吳退走北地。 二月丙戌，幸長安，存問父老。 丁亥，幸昆明池，遂田於岐山之陽。 所過誅與蓋吳通謀反害守將者。 三月，詔諸州坑沙門，毀諸佛像，徙長安城內工巧二千家於京師。 夏四月甲申，車駕至自長安。 戊子，毀鄴城五層佛圖，於泥像中得玉璽二，其文皆曰：「受命於天，既壽永昌」。 其一刻其旁曰「魏所受漢傳國璽」。 五月，蓋吳復聚杏城，自號秦地王。 丙戌，發司、幽、定、冀四州十萬人築畿上塞圍，起上谷，西至於河，廣袤皆千里。 六月癸未朔，日有蝕之。
In spring of the seventh year, on wuchen in the first month, the emperor halted at Dongyong, captured Xue Yongzong, and beheaded him. His men and women, none young or old, all threw themselves into the water and died. On xinwei he traveled south to Fenyin. Gai Wu retreated and fled to Beidi. On bingxu in the second month he visited Chang'an and inquired after the elders. On dinghai he visited Kunming Pool and then hunted south of Mount Qi. Wherever he passed he executed those who had conspired with Gai Wu in rebellion and harmed the garrison commanders. In the third month an edict ordered the various provinces to bury Buddhist monks alive and destroy Buddhist images; two thousand families of artisans in Chang'an city were moved to the capital. On jiashen in the fourth summer month the emperor returned from Chang'an. On wuzi he destroyed the five-story Buddhist pagoda at Ye city; within the clay images two jade seals were found, both inscribed: "Having received the mandate from Heaven, long life and eternal prosperity." On one was carved at the side: "The seal of Han transmitted to Wei." In the fifth month Gai Wu again gathered at Xingcheng and styled himself King of Qin. On bingxu he mobilized one hundred thousand men from the four provinces of Si, You, Ding, and Ji to build the encircling barrier on the capital frontier, from Shanggu west to the Yellow River, a thousand li in breadth and length. On guiwei, the first day of the sixth month, there was an eclipse of the sun.
39
秋八月，蓋吳為其下人所殺，傳首京師。 復略陽公羯兒王爵。
In the eighth autumn month Gai Wu was killed by his own followers; his head was sent to the capital. Duke of Lueyang Jie'er's royal rank was restored.
40
九年春正月，宋人來聘。 二月癸卯，行幸定州。 山東人饑，詔開倉振之。 罷塞圍作。 遂西幸上黨。 詔於壺關東北大王山累石為三封，又斬其鳳凰山南足以斷之。
In spring of the ninth year, first month, envoys came from Song on a mission of courtesy. On guimao in the second month he traveled in state to Dingzhou. The people east of the mountains suffered famine; an edict ordered the granaries opened for relief. Work on the frontier encircling barrier was halted. He then traveled west to Shangdang. An edict ordered piling stones into three mounds east of Huguan on Great King Mountain, and also cutting away the southern foot of Phoenix Mountain to sever it.
41
三月，車駕還宮。 夏五月甲戌，以交趾公韓拔為假征西將軍、領護西戎校尉、鄯善王，鎮鄯善，賦役其人，比之郡縣。 六月辛酉，行幸廣德宮。 丁卯，悅般國遣使求與王師俱討蠕蠕。 帝許之。 秋八月，詔中外諸軍戒嚴。 九月乙酉，練兵於西郊。 丙戌，幸陰山。 是月，成周公萬度歸千里驛上：大破焉耆國，其王鳩屍卑那奔龜茲。
In the third month the emperor returned to the palace. On jiaxu in the fifth summer month Duke of Jiaozhi Han Ba was made Acting General Who Conquers the West, Concurrent Protector of the Western Rong, King of Shanshan, stationed at Shanshan, and levied corvée on the people there as in commanderies and counties. On xinyou in the sixth month he traveled in state to Guangde Palace. On dingmao the kingdom of Yueban sent envoys requesting to campaign against the Rouran together with the royal army. The emperor permitted it. In the eighth autumn month an edict ordered all armies within and without to stand in readiness. On yiyou in the ninth month he drilled troops at the western suburb. On bingxu he visited Yinshan. That month Duke of Chengwu Wan Dugui reported by relay post from a thousand li: he had greatly defeated the kingdom of Karashahr; its king Jumoshibina fled to Kucha.
42
冬十月辛丑，恒農王奚斤薨。 癸卯，以婚姻奢靡，喪葬過度，詔有司更為科限。 癸亥，大赦。 十二月，詔成周公萬度歸自焉耆西討龜茲。 皇太子朝於行宮。 遂從北討。
On xinchou in the tenth winter month Prince of Hengnong Xi Jin died. On guimao, because marriage was extravagant and funerals excessive, an edict ordered the officials to revise the statutes and limits. On guihai a great amnesty was proclaimed. In the twelfth month an edict ordered Duke of Chengwu Wan Dugui to campaign west from Karashahr against Kucha. The crown prince attended court at the traveling palace. He then followed the northern campaign.
43
至受降城，不見蠕蠕，因積糧城內，留守而還。 北平王長孫敦坐事降爵為公。
Reaching Shouxiang City, they did not encounter the Rouran; they therefore stored grain within the city, garrisoned it, and returned. Prince of Beiping Changsun Dun was demoted to duke for an offense.
44
十年春正月戊辰朔，帝在漠南，大饗百寮。 甲戌，蠕蠕吐賀真懼，遠遁。 三月，搜於河西。 庚寅，車駕還宮。 夏四月丙申朔，日有蝕之。 九月，閱武於磧上，遂北伐。 冬十月庚子，皇太子及群官奉迎於行宮。 十二月戊申，車駕至自北伐。 己酉，以平昌公托真為中山王。
In spring of the tenth year, on wuchen, the first day of the first month, the emperor was in the desert south and held a great feast for the hundred officials. On jiaxu Tuhuzhen of the Rouran was afraid and fled far away. In the third month he conducted a battue hunt in Hexi. On gengyin the emperor returned to the palace. On bingshen, the first day of the fourth summer month, there was an eclipse of the sun. In the ninth month he reviewed troops on the desert and then campaigned north. On gengzi in the tenth winter month the crown prince and the officials welcomed him at the traveling palace. On wushen in the twelfth month the emperor returned from the northern campaign. On jiyou Duke of Pingchang Tuozhen was made Prince of Zhongshan.
45
十一年春正月乙丑，行幸洛陽。 所過郡國，皆親對高年，存恤孤寡。 二月甲午，大搜於梁山。 皇子真薨。 是月，大修宮室，皇太子居於北宮。 車駕遂征懸瓠。 夏四月癸卯，車駕還宮，賜從者及留臺郎吏已上生口各有差。 六月己亥，誅司徒崔浩。
In spring of the eleventh year, on yichou in the first month, he traveled in state to Luoyang. In every commandery and kingdom he passed he personally addressed the aged and comforted orphans and widows. On jiawu in the second month a great battue hunt was held at Liangshan. Prince Zhen died. That month the palace buildings were greatly repaired; the crown prince resided in the Northern Palace. The emperor then campaigned against Xuanhu. On guimao in the fourth summer month the emperor returned to the palace and granted captives to followers and to clerks of the capital staff and above, each according to rank. On jihai Minister of Education Cui Hao was executed.
46
辛丑，北巡陰山。 秋七月，宋將王玄謨攻滑臺。 八月癸亥，田於河田。 癸未，練兵於西郊。 九月辛卯，車駕南伐。 癸巳，皇太子北伐，屯於漠南。 吳王余留守京都。
On xinchou he toured north to Yinshan. In the seventh autumn month the Song general Wang Xuanmo attacked Huatai. On guihai in the eighth month he hunted at Hetian. On guiwei he drilled troops at the western suburb. On xinmao in the ninth month the emperor campaigned south. On guisi the crown prince campaigned north and encamped south of the desert. Prince of Wu Yu remained to guard the capital.
47
庚子，曲赦定、冀、相三州死罪已下。 冬十月乙丑，車駕濟河，玄謨棄軍而走，乃命諸將分道並進。 車駕自中道。 十一月辛卯，至鄒山。 使使者以太牢祀孔子。 是月，頞盾國獻師子一。 十二月丁卯，車駕至淮。 詔刈雚葦作筏數萬而濟，淮南皆降。 癸未，車駕臨江，起行宮於瓜步山。 諸軍同日皆臨江，所過城邑，莫不望塵奔潰，其降附者不可勝數。 甲申，宋文帝使獻百牢，貢其方物，又請進女於皇孫，以求和好。
On gengzi a partial amnesty was proclaimed for capital crimes and below in the three provinces of Ding, Ji, and Xiang. On yichou in the tenth winter month the emperor crossed the river; Xuanmo abandoned his army and fled; he then ordered the generals to advance in separate columns. The emperor took the central route. On xinmao in the eleventh month he reached Zou Mountain. He dispatched envoys to sacrifice to Confucius with the great offering. That month the kingdom of Yedun presented one lion. On dingmao in the twelfth month the emperor reached the Huai. An edict ordered reaping rushes and reeds to make tens of thousands of rafts for crossing; all south of the Huai surrendered. On guiwei the emperor came to the river and raised a traveling palace on Guabu Mountain. On the same day all armies came to the river; every city and town they passed fled at the sight of dust without fighting; those who surrendered were beyond counting. On jiashen Emperor Wen of Song sent envoys presenting a hundred sets of sacrificial beasts, tribute of local products, and also requesting to send a daughter to the imperial grandson to seek peace.
48
帝以師婚非禮，許和而不許婚，使散騎侍即夏侯野報之。 帝詔皇孫為書，致馬通問焉。
The emperor held that military marriage was not proper ritual; he permitted peace but not marriage, and sent Palace Attendant Xiahou Ye to reply. The emperor ordered the imperial grandson to write a letter and send horses to open communications.
49
正平元年春正月丙戌朔，大會郡臣於江上，文武受爵者二百餘人。 丁亥，車駕北旋。 二月癸未，次於魯口。 皇太子朝於行宮。 三月己亥，車駕至自南伐，飲至策勛，告於宗廟，以降人五萬餘家分置近畿，賜留臺文武所獲軍資生口各有差。 夏五月壬寅，大赦。 六月壬戌，改元。 車師國王遣子入侍。 詔以刑綱太密，犯者更眾，命有司其案律令，務求厥中，自余有不便於人者，依比增損。 詔太子少傅遊雅、中書侍郎胡方回等改定律制。 略陽王羯兒、高涼王那有罪賜死。 戊辰，皇太子薨。 壬申，葬景穆太子於金陵。 秋七月丁亥，行幸陰山。 省諸曹吏員三分之一。 九月癸巳，車駕還宮。 冬十月庚申，行幸陰山。 宋人來聘。 詔殿中將軍郎法佑使於宋。 己巳，司空、上黨王長孫道生薨。 十二月丁丑，車駕還宮。 封皇孫浚為高陽王，尋以皇孫世嫡，不宜在籓，乃止。 改封秦王翰為東平王，燕王譚為臨淮王，楚王建為廣陽王，吳王余為南安王。
On bingxu, the first day of the first spring month of Zhengping year one, a great assembly of commandery ministers was held on the river; more than two hundred civil and military officials received ranks. On dinghai the emperor turned north. On guiwei in the second month he halted at Lukou. The crown prince attended court at the traveling palace. On jihai in the third month the emperor returned from the southern campaign, held a drinking ceremony to distribute rewards, reported to the ancestral temple, assigned more than fifty thousand surrendered families to the near capital districts, and granted military supplies and captives taken by the capital staff to civil and military officials according to rank. On renyin in the fifth summer month a great amnesty was proclaimed. On renxu in the sixth month the era name was changed. The king of Cheshi sent his son to attend court. An edict said that because the penal code was too dense and offenders grew ever more numerous, the officials were ordered to examine the statutes and ordinances, striving for the mean; as for the rest that were inconvenient for the people, they were to be increased or reduced by comparison. An edict ordered Junior Tutor of the Crown Prince You Ya, Secretariat Gentleman Hu Fanghui, and others to revise the laws and regulations. Prince of Lueyang Jie'er and Prince of Gaoliang Na, guilty of crimes, were granted death. On wuchen the crown prince died. On renshen the Jingmu crown prince was buried at Jinling. On dinghai in the seventh autumn month he traveled in state to Yinshan. The staff of the various bureaus was reduced by one third. On guisi in the ninth month the emperor returned to the palace. On gengshen in the tenth winter month he traveled in state to Yinshan. Envoys came from Song on a mission of courtesy. An edict ordered General of the Palace Lang Fayou as envoy to Song. On jisi Minister of Works Prince of Shangdang Changsun Daosheng died. On dingchou in the twelfth month the emperor returned to the palace. The imperial grandson Jun was enfeoffed as Prince of Gaoyang; soon, because as heir of the imperial line he ought not to hold a feudatory domain, this was stopped. Prince of Qin Han was changed to Prince of Dongping, Prince of Yan Tan to Prince of Linhuai, Prince of Chu Jian to Prince of Guangyang, and Prince of Wu Yu to Prince of Nan'an.
50
二年春正月庚辰朔，南來降人五千餘家於中山謀叛，州軍討平之。 冀州刺史、張掖王沮渠萬年與降人通謀，賜死。 三月甲寅，中常侍宗愛構逆，帝崩於永安宮，時年四十五。 秘不發喪。 愛又矯皇后令，殺東平王翰，迎周安王余立。 大赦，改元為永平。 尊謚曰太武皇帝，葬於雲中金陵，廟號世祖。 帝生不逮密太后，及有所識，言則悲慟，哀感傍人，明元聞而嘉嘆。 及明元不豫，衣不釋帶。 性清儉率素，服御飲膳，取給而已，不好珍麗，食不二味。 所幸昭儀、貴人，衣無兼彩。 群臣白帝，更峻京邑城隍以從《周易》設險之義，又陳蕭何壯麗之說。 帝曰：「古人有言，在德不在險。 屈丐蒸土築城，而朕滅之，豈在城也？ 今天下未平，方須人力，土功之事，朕所未為。 蕭何之對，非雅言也。」 每以財者軍國之本，無所輕費。 至於賞賜，皆是勛績之家，親戚愛寵，未嘗橫有所及。 臨敵，常與士卒同在矢石間。 左右死傷者相繼，而帝神色自若。 是以人思效命，所向無前。 命將出師，指授節度，從命者無不制勝，違爽者率多敗失。 性又知人。 拔士於卒伍之中，唯其才效所長。 不論本末，兼甚嚴斷，明於刑賞。 功者賞不遺賤，罪者刑不避親，雖寵愛之，終不虧法。
On gengchen, the first day of the first spring month of the second year, more than five thousand families of southerners who had surrendered plotted rebellion at Zhongshan; provincial troops suppressed them. Governor of Jizhou Prince of Zhangye Juqu Wannian conspired with the surrendered people and was granted death. On jiayin in the third month the Palace Attendant Zong Ai plotted treason; the emperor died at Yong'an Palace, aged forty-five. The death was kept secret and no mourning was announced. Ai also forged an order of the empress to kill Prince of Dongping Han, welcome Prince of Zhou'an Yu, and install him. A great amnesty was proclaimed and the era name changed to Yongping. The posthumous title Grand Martial Emperor was honored; he was buried at Jinling in Yunzhong; the temple name was Shizu. The emperor had never known the Secret Empress Dowager in life; when he came to recognize her, he spoke with grief and wept, moving those beside him; Emperor Mingyuan heard of it and praised and sighed. When Emperor Mingyuan was ill he did not remove his belt. By nature he was pure, frugal, and plain; in dress, carriage, food, and drink he took only what sufficed; he did not love splendor; he did not eat two flavors at once. The Brilliant Consort and Honored Lady whom he favored wore no garment of more than one color. The ministers reported to the emperor that the capital walls should be made steeper to follow the meaning of the Book of Changes in setting defenses, and also cited Xiao He's argument for magnificence. The emperor said: "The ancients had a saying: it lies in virtue, not in defenses. Juqu steamed earth to build a city, yet We destroyed him—was it in the walls? Now the realm is not yet pacified and men are still needed; earthworks We have not undertaken. Xiao He's reply was not elegant speech. He always held wealth to be the root of army and state and was never lightly extravagant. As for rewards and gifts, they went only to families of merit; kin and favorites were never granted anything without cause. Facing the enemy he was always amid the arrows and stones with the soldiers. Those beside him were wounded and killed one after another, yet the emperor's expression remained calm. Therefore men wished to give their lives; wherever he went there was none before him. When he ordered generals to take the field he personally directed their dispositions; those who obeyed were never without victory, those who deviated mostly met defeat. By nature he also knew men well. He raised men from the ranks, using only their talents and achievements. He did not weigh origin against accomplishment, yet was very stern and decisive, clear in punishments and rewards. The meritorious were rewarded without overlooking the lowly; the guilty were punished without sparing kin; even those he favored were never exempt from the law.
51
常曰：「法者，朕與天下共之，何敢輕也。」 故大臣犯法，無所寬假。 雅長聽察，瞬息之間，下無以措其奸隱。 然果於誅戮，後多悔之。 司徒崔浩死後，帝北伐，時宣城公李孝伯疾篤，傳者以為卒，帝聞而悼之，謂左右曰：「李宣城可惜。」 又曰：「朕向失言，崔司徒可惜，李宣城可哀。」 褒貶雅意，皆此類也。
He often said: "The law is what We share with the realm—how dare We treat it lightly? Therefore when great ministers violated the law there was no leniency. He excelled at listening and observing; in the space of a breath those below could not hide their treachery. Yet he was quick to execute and afterward often regretted it. After Minister of Education Cui Hao died, during the northern campaign Duke of Xuancheng Li Xiaobo was gravely ill; rumor said he had died; the emperor heard and mourned him, saying to those beside him: "Li of Xuancheng is to be regretted. He also said: "We spoke wrongly before—Minister Cui is to be regretted; Li of Xuancheng is to be pitied." His praise and blame in elegant intent were all of this kind.
52
景穆皇帝諱晃，太武皇帝之長子也。 母曰賀夫人。 延和元年正月丙午，立為皇太子，時年五歲。 明慧強識，聞則不忘。 及長，好讀經史，皆通大義。 太武甚奇之。
Emperor Jingmu, taboo name Huang, was the eldest son of Emperor Taiwu. His mother was Lady He. In the first year of Yanhe, on bingwu in the first month, he was installed as crown prince, aged five. Bright and keen in memory, he heard once and did not forget. When grown he loved reading the classics and histories and mastered their great principles. Emperor Taiwu greatly marveled at him.
53
及西征涼州，皇太子監國。 初，太武之伐河西，李順等咸言姑臧無水草，不可行師。
When the western campaign against Liangzhou was undertaken, the crown prince supervised the state. At first, when Emperor Taiwu attacked Hexi, Li Shun and others all said Guzang had no water or grass and troops could not march.
54
太子有疑色。 及車駕至姑臧，乃詔太子曰：「姑臧城東西門外湧泉，合於城北，其大如河，澤草茂盛，可供大軍數年。 人之多言，亦可惡也。」 太子謂宮臣曰：「為人臣不實若此，豈是忠乎！ 吾初聞有疑，但帝決行耳。 幾誤人大事，言者復何面目見帝也。」
The crown prince showed a doubtful expression. When the emperor reached Guzang, he then sent word to the crown prince: "East and west of Guzang city springs gush forth and join north of the city; they are as large as a river; marsh grass is lush and can supply a great army for several years. Much that men say is also to be detested. The crown prince told the palace officials: "To be a minister so untruthful—how is this loyalty! When I first heard it I had doubts, but the emperor had already decided to march. They nearly ruined a great affair—how can such speakers show their faces before the emperor?"
55
真君四年，從征蠕蠕，至鹿渾谷，與賊遇。 虜惶怖擾亂。 太子言於太武曰：「宜速進擊，掩其不備。」 尚書令劉潔固諫，以為塵盛賊多，須軍大集。 太子曰：「此由賊恇擾，何有營上而有此塵？」 太武疑之，遂不急擊，蠕蠕遠遁。 既而獲虜候騎，乃雲不覺官軍卒至，上下惶懼。 北走經六七日，知無追者，乃徐行。 帝深恨之。 自是太子所言軍國大事，多見納用，遂知萬機。 及監國，命有司使百姓有牛家以人牛相貿。 又禁飲酒雜戲棄本沽販者，於是墾田大增。
In the fourth year of Zhenjun he followed the campaign against the Rouran; reaching Luhun Valley they met the enemy. The barbarians were fearful and in disorder. The crown prince said to Emperor Taiwu: "We should advance swiftly and strike while they are unprepared. Director of the Masters of Writing Liu Jie firmly remonstrated, holding that the dust was thick and the enemy numerous and the main force must assemble first. The crown prince said: "This comes from the enemy's panic—how could there be such dust above a camp? Emperor Taiwu was doubtful and therefore did not press the attack swiftly; the Rouran fled far away. Afterward captured barbarian scouts reported that they had not noticed the royal army arriving suddenly and that high and low were all fearful. They fled north for six or seven days; learning there was no pursuit, they marched slowly. The emperor deeply regretted it. From then on what the crown prince said on great matters of army and state was mostly adopted, and he came to know the myriad affairs. When supervising the state he ordered the officials to have households with cattle trade men for cattle. He also forbade drinking, mixed entertainments, abandoning the root for petty trade, and thereby plowing of fields greatly increased.
56
正平元年六月戊辰，薨於東宮，時年二十四。 庚午，命持節兼太尉張黎、兼司空竇瑾奉策即柩謚景穆太子。 文成即位，追尊為景穆皇帝，廟號恭宗。
On wuchen in the sixth month of Zhengping year one he died in the Eastern Palace, aged twenty-four. On gengwu he ordered Bearer of the Staff Concurrent Grand Commandant Zhang Li and Concurrent Minister of Works Dou Jin to present the posthumous title Jingmu crown prince by the coffin with the imperial staff. When Wencheng acceded he was posthumously honored as Emperor Jingmu; temple name Gongzong.
57
高宗文成皇帝諱浚，景穆皇帝之長子也。 母曰閭氏。 真君元年六月，生於東宮。
Emperor Wencheng, taboo name Jun, was the eldest son of Emperor Jingmu. His mother was the Lady Lu. In the sixth month of Zhenjun year one he was born in the Eastern Palace.
58
帝少聰達，太武常置左右，號世嫡皇孫。 年五歲，太武北巡，帝從在後，逢虜帥桎一奴，將加罰。 帝謂曰：「奴今遭我，汝宜釋之。」 帥奉命解縛。 太武聞之曰：「此兒雖小，欲以天子自處。」 意奇之。 及長，風格異常，每參決大政可否。
As a child he was quick and penetrating; Emperor Taiwu often kept him at his side and styled him heir of the imperial line. At age five, when Emperor Taiwu toured the north, the boy followed behind; they met a barbarian chief shackling a slave and about to punish him. The boy said to him: "The slave has now met me—you should release him. The chief obeyed the command and untied him. Emperor Taiwu heard and said: "This boy, though small, wishes to comport himself as Son of Heaven. He regarded him as marvelous. When grown his bearing was extraordinary; he often joined in deciding whether great policies should be adopted or rejected.
59
正平二年三月，中常侍宗愛弒逆，立南安王余。 十月丙午朔，又賊余。 於是殿中尚書長孫渴侯與尚書陸麗奉迎世嫡皇孫。
In the third month of Zhengping year two the Palace Attendant Zong Ai murdered the sovereign and installed Prince of Nan'an Yu. On bingwu, the first day of the tenth month, he also murdered Yu. Thereupon Director of the Palace Secretariat Changsun Kehou of the palace interior and Director of the Masters of Writing Lu Li welcomed the heir of the imperial line.
60
興安元年冬十月戊申，皇帝即位於永安前殿。 大赦，改元，正平二年為興安。
On wushen in the tenth winter month of Xing'an year one the emperor took the throne in the front hall of Yong'an. A great amnesty was proclaimed and the era name changed; the second year of Zhengping became Xing'an.
61
二年春正月辛巳，進司空杜元寶爵為京兆王。 廣平王杜遺薨。 進尚書僕射、東安公劉尼爵為王。 封建寧王崇子麗為濟南王。 癸未，詔與百姓雜調十五。 丙戌，進尚書、西平公源賀爵為王。 二月己未，司空、京兆王杜元寶謀反，伏誅。 建寧王崇、崇子濟南王麗為元寶所引，各賜死。 乙丑，發京師五千人穿天泉池。 是月，宋太子劭殺文帝。 三月，尊保太后為皇太后。 進安豐公閭武皮爵為河間王。 夏五月，宋孝武帝殺太子劭而自立。 閏月乙亥，太皇太后赫連氏崩。 秋七月辛亥，行幸陰山。 濮陽王閭若文、永昌王仁謀反。 乙卯，仁賜死，若文伏誅。 己巳，車駕還宮。 是月，築馬射臺於南郊。 八月戊戌，詔曰：「朕即位以來，風雨順序，邊方無事，眾瑞兼呈。 又於苑內獲方寸玉印，其文曰『子孫長壽』。 群公卿士咸曰休哉，豈朕一人，克臻斯應，實由天地祖宗降佑之所致也。 思與兆庶，共茲嘉慶。 其令百姓大酺三日，降殊死已下囚。」 九月壬子，閱武於南郊。 冬十一月辛酉，行幸信都、中山，觀察風俗。 十二月甲午，車駕還宮。 復北平公長孫敦王爵。 是歲，疏勒、渴盤陀、庫莫奚、契丹、罽賓等國各遣使朝貢。
On xinsi in the first spring month of the second year Minister of Works Du Yuanbao was advanced in rank to Prince of Jingzhao. Prince of Guangping Du Yi died. Vice Director of the Masters of Writing Duke of Dong'an Liu Ni was advanced in rank to prince. Li, son of Prince of Jianning Chong, was enfeoffed as Prince of Jinan. On guiwei an edict levied a miscellaneous tax of fifteen on the people. On bingxu Director of the Masters of Writing Duke of Xiping Yuan He was advanced in rank to prince. On jiwei in the second month Minister of Works Prince of Jingzhao Du Yuanbao plotted rebellion and was executed. Prince of Jianning Chong and his son Prince of Jinan Li, drawn in by Yuanbao, were each granted death. On yichou five thousand men were mobilized from the capital to dig the Tianquan Pool. That month Crown Prince Shao of Song killed Emperor Wen. In the third month Empress Dowager Bao was honored as Grand Empress Dowager. Duke of Anfeng Lu Wupi was advanced in rank to Prince of Hejian. In the fifth summer month Emperor Xiaowu of Song killed Crown Prince Shao and installed himself. On yihai in the intercalary month Grand Empress Dowager Lady Helian died. On xinhai in the seventh autumn month he traveled in state to Yinshan. Prince of Puyang Lu Ruowen and Prince of Yongchang Ren plotted rebellion. On yimao Ren was granted death and Ruowen was executed. On jisi the emperor returned to the palace. That month an archery platform was built at the southern suburb. On wuxu in the eighth month an edict said: "Since We took the throne wind and rain have been in order, the frontiers have been untroubled, and many auspicious omens have appeared together. Again within the park a square-inch jade seal was obtained, inscribed: "Descendants long life." The dukes, ministers, and grandees all said it was glorious—could We alone have attained such responses? It is truly because Heaven, Earth, and the ancestors have sent down their blessing. We wish to share this fine celebration with the myriad people. Let the people hold a grand feast for three days and reduce sentences for prisoners below extraordinary death. On renzi in the ninth month troops were reviewed at the southern suburb. On xinyou in the eleventh winter month he traveled in state to Xindu and Zhongshan to observe local customs. On jiawu in the twelfth month the emperor returned to the palace. Duke of Beiping Changsun Dun's princely rank was restored. That year Kashgar, Khotan, the Kumoxi, the Khitan, and Kapisa and other states each sent envoys with tribute.
62
興光元年春正月乙丑，以侍中、河南公伊珝為司空。 二月甲午，帝至道壇，登受圖箓。 禮華，曲赦京師。 夏六月，行幸陰山。 秋七月丙申朔，日有蝕之。 庚子，皇子弘生。 辛丑，大赦改元。 八月甲戌，趙王深薨。 乙亥，車駕還宮。 乙丑，皇叔武頭、龍頭薨。 九月，庫莫奚國獻名馬，有一角，狀如麟。 閉都門，大索三日，獲奸人亡命數百人。 冬十一月戊戌，行幸中山，遂幸信都。 十二月丙子，還幸靈丘，至溫泉宮。 庚辰，車駕還宮。 出於、叱萬單等國各遣使朝貢。
In spring of Xingguang year one, on yichou in the first month, Palace Attendant Duke of Henan Yi Yu was made Minister of Works. On jiawu in the second month the emperor came to the Dao altar and ascended to receive the charts and tallies. Rites were performed to Hua; a partial amnesty was proclaimed in the capital. In the sixth summer month he traveled in state to Yinshan. On bingshen, the first day of the seventh autumn month, there was an eclipse of the sun. On gengzi Prince Hong was born. On xinchou a great amnesty was proclaimed and the era name changed. On jiaxu Prince of Zhao Shen died. On yihai the emperor returned to the palace. On yichou the emperor's uncles Wutou and Longtou died. In the ninth month the Kumoxi state presented famous horses; one had a single horn shaped like a qilin. The capital gates were closed and a great search lasted three days; several hundred traitors and fugitives were captured. On wuxu in the eleventh winter month he traveled in state to Zhongshan and then visited Xindu. On bingzi he returned to visit Lingqiu and reached the Hot Springs Palace. On gengchen the emperor returned to the palace. The states of Chuyu, Chiwandan, and others each sent envoys with tribute.
63
太安元年春正月辛酉，奉太武、景穆神主於太廟。 樂平王拔有罪，賜死。 二月癸未，武昌王提薨。 三月己亥，以太武、景穆神主入太廟，改元，曲赦京師死囚已下。 夏六月壬戌，詔名皇子弘，曲赦。 癸酉，詔尚書穆真等二十人巡行州郡，觀察風俗，大明賞罰。 冬十月庚午，以遼西公常英為太宰，進爵為王。 是歲，遮逸、波斯、疏勒等國各遣使朝貢。
In spring of Tai'an year one, on xinyou in the first month, the spirit tablets of Taiwu and Jingmu were presented at the Grand Temple. Prince of Leping Ba, guilty of a crime, was granted death. On guiwei in the second month Prince of Wuchang Ti died. On jihai in the third month the spirit tablets of Taiwu and Jingmu entered the Grand Temple; the era name was changed and a partial amnesty was proclaimed for capital prisoners below death. On renxu in the sixth summer month an edict named Prince Hong; a partial amnesty was proclaimed. On guiyou an edict ordered Director of the Masters of Writing Mu Zhen and twenty others to tour the provinces and commanderies, observe local customs, and clarify rewards and punishments. On gengwu in the tenth winter month Duke of Liaoxi Chang Ying was made Grand Preceptor and advanced in rank to prince. That year Zheyi, Persia, Kashgar, and other states each sent envoys with tribute.
64
二年春正月乙卯，立皇后馮氏。 二月丁巳，立皇子弘為皇太子，大赦。 夏六月，羽林中郎於判、元提等謀逆，誅。 秋八月，田於河西。 平西將軍、漁陽公尉眷北擊伊吾，克其城，大獲而還。 九月辛巳，進河東公閭毗、零陵公閭紇爵，並為王。 冬十月甲申，車駕還宮。 甲午，曲赦京師。 十一月，改封西平王源賀隴西王。 嚈噠、普嵐等國各遣使朝貢。
In spring of the second year, on yimao in the first month, Lady Feng was installed as empress. On dingsi in the second month Prince Hong was installed as crown prince; a great amnesty was proclaimed. In the sixth summer month Cadet of the Feathered Forest Yu Pan, Yuan Ti, and others plotted treason and were executed. In the eighth autumn month he hunted in Hexi. Pacifier of the West General Duke of Yuyang Yu Juan attacked Yiwu in the north, took its city, and returned with great booty. On xinsi in the ninth month Duke of Hedong Lu Pi and Duke of Lingling Lu He were advanced in rank to princes. On jiashen in the tenth winter month the emperor returned to the palace. On jiawu a partial amnesty was proclaimed in the capital. In the eleventh month Duke of Xiping Yuan He was changed to Prince of Longxi. The Hephthalites, Pulan, and other states each sent envoys with tribute.
65
三年春正月，征漁陽公尉眷拜太尉，進爵為王，錄尚書事。 夏五月，封皇弟新成為陽平王。 六月癸卯，行幸陰山。 秋八月，田於陰山之北。 己亥，還宮。 冬十月，將東巡，詔太宰常英起行宮於遼西黃山。 十二月，州鎮五蝗，百姓饑，使開倉振給之。 是歲，粟特、于闐等五十餘國並遣使朝貢。
In spring of the third year, first month, Pacifier of Yuyang Yu Juan was summoned and made Grand Commandant, advanced in rank to prince, and given charge of Masters of Writing affairs. In the fifth summer month the emperor's younger brother Xincheng was enfeoffed as Prince of Yangping. On guimao in the sixth month he traveled in state to Yinshan. In the eighth autumn month he hunted north of Yinshan. On jihai he returned to the palace. In the tenth winter month, about to tour east, he ordered Grand Preceptor Chang Ying to raise a traveling palace at Huangshan in Liaoxi. In the twelfth month locusts struck five provinces and garrisons; the people suffered famine; granaries were ordered opened for relief. That year Sogdiana, Khotan, and more than fifty other states all sent envoys with tribute.
66
四年春正月丙午朔，初設酒禁。 乙卯，行幸廣寧溫泉宮，遂東巡。 庚午，至遼西黃山宮。 遊宴數日，親對高年，勞問疾苦。 二月丙子，登碣石山，觀滄海，大饗群臣於山上，班賞進爵各有差。 改碣石山為樂遊山，築壇記行於海濱。 戊寅，南幸信都，田於廣川。 三月丁未，觀馬射於中山。 所過郡國賜復一年。 丙辰，車駕還宮。
On bingwu, the first day of the first spring month of the fourth year, the wine prohibition was first established. On yimao he traveled in state to the Guangning Hot Springs Palace and then toured east. On gengwu he reached Huangshan Palace in Liaoxi. For several days he feasted and toured, personally addressing the aged and inquiring after their hardships. On bingzi in the second month he ascended Jieshi Mountain, viewed the sea, and held a great feast for the ministers on the mountain, distributing rewards and advancing ranks each according to merit. Jieshi Mountain was renamed Mount of Joyful Touring and an altar was built on the seashore to record the journey. On wuyin he traveled south to Xindu and hunted at Guangchuan. On dingwei in the third month he viewed mounted archery at Zhongshan. Every commandery and kingdom he passed was granted one year's tax remission. On bingchen the emperor returned to the palace.
67
起太華殿。 乙丑，東平王陸俟薨。 夏五月壬戌，詔曰：「比年以來，雜調減省，而所在州郡咸有逋懸。 非在職之官綏導失所，貪穢過度，誰使之然？ 自今常調不充，人不安業，宰人之徒，加以死罪。」 六月丙申，田於松山。 秋七月庚午，行幸河西。
The Taihua Hall was raised. On yichou Prince of Dongping Lu Si died. On renxu in the fifth summer month an edict said: "In recent years miscellaneous levies have been reduced, yet every province and commandery still has outstanding arrears. If it is not that officials in office have failed in guidance, or been greedy beyond measure—who has made it so? From now on when the regular levy is not met and the people lack secure livelihood, those who govern shall additionally suffer the death penalty. On bingshen in the sixth month he hunted at Songshan. On gengwu in the seventh autumn month he traveled in state to Hexi.
68
九月丁巳，還宮。 辛亥，太華殿成。 丙寅，饗群臣，大赦。 冬十月甲戌，北巡，至陰山。 有故冢毀廢，詔曰：「昔姬文葬枯骨，天下歸仁。 自今有穿墳壟者，斬之。」
On dingsi in the ninth month he returned to the palace. On xinhai the Taihua Hall was completed. On bingyin he feasted the ministers and proclaimed a great amnesty. On jiaxu in the tenth winter month he toured north to Yinshan. There were old tombs destroyed; an edict said: "In antiquity King Wen of Zhou buried dry bones and the realm turned to him in benevolence. From now on whoever breaks into tombs or mounds shall be beheaded."
69
辛卯，次於車輪山，累石記行。 十一月，車駕渡漠，蠕蠕絕跡遠遁。 十二月，中山王托真薨。
On xinmao he halted at Chelun Mountain and piled stones to record the journey. In the eleventh month the emperor crossed the desert; the Rouran vanished without trace and fled far away. In the twelfth month Prince of Zhongshan Tuozhen died.
70
有徙流者，喻還桑梓。
Those in exile or penal transport were instructed to return to their native districts.
71
十一月，詔散騎侍郎盧度世使於宋。
In the eleventh month an edict ordered Supernumerary Palace Attendant Lu Dushi as envoy to Song.
72
二年春正月乙酉，詔曰：「刺史牧人，為萬里之表。 自頃每因發調，逼人假貸，大商富賈，要射時利，上下通同，分以潤屋。 為政之弊，莫過於此，其一切禁絕。
In spring of the second year, on yiyou in the first month, an edict said: "Provincial governors and pastoral officials are the model for ten thousand li. Recently, whenever levies were issued, people were forced to borrow; great merchants and rich traders exploited the season for profit; high and low colluded and divided the gain to fill their houses. No abuse of government surpasses this; let it all be forbidden and cut off.
73
犯者，十疋以上皆死。 布告天下，咸令知禁。」 二月，行幸中山，遂幸信都。 三月，宋人來聘。 車駕所過，皆親對高年，問疾苦。 詔年八十，一子不從役。 靈丘南有山高四百餘丈，乃詔群臣仰射山峰，無能逾者。 帝彎弧發矢，出三十餘丈，過山南二百二十步。 遂刊石勒銘。 是月，發並、肆州五千餘人修河西獵道。 辛巳，車駕還宮。
Violators, for ten bolts of cloth and above, all die. Proclaim throughout the realm and let all know the prohibition." In the second month he traveled in state to Zhongshan and then visited Xindu. In the third month envoys came from Song on a mission of courtesy. Wherever the emperor passed he personally addressed the aged and asked after their hardships. An edict ordered that at age eighty one son was exempt from corvée. South of Lingqiu was a mountain more than four hundred zhang high; the emperor ordered the ministers to shoot upward at the peak; none could surpass it. The emperor bent his bow and loosed an arrow that went out more than thirty zhang, passing two hundred twenty paces south of the mountain. Thereupon stone was carved and an inscription cut. That month more than five thousand men from Bing and Xi provinces were mobilized to repair the hunting road in Hexi. On xinsi the emperor returned to the palace.
74
夏四月乙未，河東王閭毗薨。 五月癸未，詔南部尚書黃盧頭、李敷業考課諸州。 秋七月戊寅，封皇弟小新成為濟陰王，天賜為汝陰王，萬壽為樂良王，洛侯為廣平王。
On yiwei in the fourth summer month Prince of Hedong Lu Pi died. On guiwei in the fifth month an edict ordered Director of the Southern Department Huang Lutou and Li Fuye to examine and grade the various provinces. On wuyin in the seventh autumn month the emperor's younger brothers Xiaoxincheng, Tianci, Wanshou, and Luohou were enfeoffed as princes of Jiyin, Ruyin, Lelang, and Guangping.
75
四年春三月乙未，賜京師人年七十以上太官廚食，以終其年。 皇子胡仁薨，追封樂陵王。 夏四月癸亥，上幸西苑，親射猛獸三頭。 五月壬辰，侍中、漁陽王尉眷薨。 壬寅，行幸陰山。 秋七月壬午，詔曰：「朕每歲閑月，命群臣講武。 所幸之處，必立宮壇。 糜費之功，勞損非一，宜仍舊費，何必改作也。」 八月丙寅，遂田於河西。 九月辛巳，車駕還宮。 冬十月，以定、相二州隕霜傷稼，免其田租。 詔員外散騎常侍遊明根使於宋。 十二月辛丑，詔以喪葬嫁娶，大禮未備，命有司為之條格，使貴賤有章，上下咸序，著之於今。 壬寅，詔曰：「婚姻者，人道之始。 比者以來，貴族之門多不率法，或貪利財賂，或因緣私好，在於茍合，無所擇選。 塵穢清化，虧損人倫，將何以宣示典謨，垂之來裔。 今制皇族師傅王公侯伯及士庶之家，不得與百工伎巧卑姓為婚，犯者加罪。」
On yiwei in the third spring month of the fourth year those in the capital aged seventy and above were granted food from the Imperial Kitchen for the rest of their years. Prince Huren died and was posthumously enfeoffed as Prince of Leling. On guihai in the fourth summer month the emperor visited the Western Park and personally shot three fierce beasts. On renchen in the fifth month Palace Attendant Prince of Yuyang Yu Juan died. On renyin he traveled in state to Yinshan. On renwu in the seventh autumn month an edict said: "Each year in the idle months We order the ministers to lecture on martial affairs. Wherever We go We always erect palace altars. The cost in waste and the labor in wear are not slight; the old expense should suffice—why must We rebuild? On bingyin in the eighth month he then hunted in Hexi. On xinsi in the ninth month the emperor returned to the palace. In the tenth winter month, because Ding and Xiang provinces suffered frost that harmed the crops, their field tax was remitted. An edict ordered Supernumerary Palace Attendant You Minggen as envoy to Song. On xinchou in the twelfth month an edict said that because funeral, burial, marriage, and great rites were not yet complete, the officials were ordered to draft regulations so noble and base had clear ranks and high and low were in order, to be recorded for the present. On renyin an edict said: "Marriage is the beginning of human relations. In recent times the gates of the noble for the most part do not follow the law, some greedy for wealth and bribes, some joining through private favor, joining in hasty union without choosing. They defile pure transformation and harm human relations—how shall We display the canonical models and hand them down to posterity? Now it is decreed that the imperial clan, tutors, kings, dukes, marquises, earls, and the households of scholars and commoners may not marry daughters of the hundred crafts, artisans, and base surnames; violators are punished with added crime."
76
六年春正月丙申，大赦。 二月丁丑，行幸樓煩宮。 高麗、蓰王、對曼等國各遣使朝貢。 三月戊戌，相州刺史、西平郡王吐谷渾權薨。 乙巳，車駕還宮。 夏四月，破洛那國獻汗血馬，普嵐國獻寶劍。 五月癸卯，帝崩於太華殿，時年二十六。 六月丙寅，奉尊謚曰文成皇帝，廟號高宗。 八月，葬雲中之金陵。
In spring of the sixth year, on bingshen in the first month, a great amnesty was proclaimed. On dingchou in the second month he traveled in state to the Loufan Palace. Goguryeo, the Xiwang, Duiman, and other states each sent envoys with tribute. On wuxu in the third month Governor of Xiangzhou Prince of Xiping Commandery Tuyuhuan Quan died. On yisi the emperor returned to the palace. In the fourth summer month the kingdom of Bactria presented sweat-blood horses and the kingdom of Pulan presented a precious sword. On guimao in the fifth month the emperor died at the Taihua Hall, aged twenty-six. On bingyin in the sixth month the honored posthumous title Emperor Wencheng was granted; temple name Gaozong. In the eighth month he was buried at Jinling in Yunzhong.
77
顯祖獻文皇帝諱弘，文成皇帝之長子也，母曰李貴人。 興光元年七月生於陰山之北。 太安二年二月，立為皇太子。
Emperor Xianzu Xianwen, taboo name Hong, was the eldest son of Emperor Wencheng; his mother was Honored Lady Li. In the seventh month of Xingguang year one he was born north of Yinshan. In the second month of Tai'an year two he was installed as crown prince.
78
和平六年五月甲辰，即皇帝位，大赦。 尊皇后曰皇太后。 車騎大將軍乙渾矯詔殺尚書楊保年、平陽公賈愛仁、南陽公張天度於禁中。 戊申，司徒公、平原王陸麗自湯泉入朝，又殺之。 己酉，以渾為太尉公，以錄尚書事、東安王劉尼為司徒公，以尚書左僕射和其奴為司空公。 六月，封繁陽侯李嶷為丹楊王，征東大將軍馮熙為昌黎王。 秋七月癸巳，以太尉乙渾為丞相，位居諸王上，事無大小皆決焉。 九月庚子，曲赦京師。 丙午，詔曰：「先朝以州牧親人，宜置良佐，故敕有司班九條之制，使前政選吏以待後人。 然牧司舉非其人，愆於典度。 今制刺史守宰到官之日，仰自舉人望忠信，以為選官，不論前政，共相平置。 若簡任失所，以罔上論。」 是月，宋義陽王劉昶自彭城來奔。 冬十月，征陽平王新成、京兆王子推、濟陰王小新成、汝陰王天賜、任城王雲入朝。 十一月，宋湘東王彧殺其主子業而自立。
On jiachen in the fifth month of Heping year six he took the imperial throne; a great amnesty was proclaimed. The empress was honored as empress dowager. Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry Yi Hun forged an edict and killed Director of the Masters of Writing Yang Baonian, Duke of Pingyang Jia Airen, and Duke of Nanyang Zhang Tiandu in the inner palace. On wushen Duke of the State, Prince of Pingyuan Lu Li entered court from Tangquan and Hun also killed him. On jiyou Hun was made Grand Commandant; Duke of the State Prince of Dong'an Liu Ni, who held charge of Masters of Writing affairs, was made Minister of Education; Vice Director of the Masters of Writing He Qinu was made Minister of Works. In the sixth month Marquis of Fanyang Li Ni was enfeoffed as Prince of Danyang and Grand General Who Conquers the East Feng Xi as Prince of Changli. On guisi in the seventh autumn month Grand Commandant Yi Hun was made Chancellor, ranking above all princes; great and small affairs were all decided by him. On gengzi in the ninth month a partial amnesty was proclaimed in the capital. On bingwu an edict said: "The former court, because provincial governors are close to kin, should set good assistants; therefore officials were ordered to promulgate the nine-article system, letting the prior administration select clerks to await later men. Yet the pastoral offices recommended unworthy men, violating canonical measure. Now it is decreed that when governors and magistrates reach their posts they shall themselves recommend men of repute and loyalty to serve as selection officials, without regard to the prior administration, jointly balancing appointments. If selection and appointment miss the mark, they are judged for deceiving the throne. That month Prince of Yiyang Liu Chang of Song came fleeing from Pengcheng. In the tenth winter month Prince of Yangping Xincheng, Zitui of Jingzhao, Xiaoxincheng of Jiyin, Tianci of Ruyin, and Yun of Rencheng entered court. In the eleventh month Prince of Xiangdong Liu Yu of Song killed his lord Ziye and installed himself.
79
天安元年春正月己丑朔，大赦，改元。 二月庚申，丞相、太原王乙渾謀反，伏誅。 乙亥，以侍中元孔雀為濮陽王，侍中陸定國為東郡王。 三月庚子，以隴西王源賀為太尉公。 辛丑，京宗文成皇帝神主佑於太廟。 辛亥，帝幸道壇，親受符箓。 曲赦京師。 秋九月己酉，初立鄉學，郡置博士二人，助教二人，學生六十人。 冬十二月，皇弟安平王薨。 是歲，州鎮十一旱，人饑，開倉振恤。
In spring of Tian'an year one, on jichou, the first day of the first month, a great amnesty was proclaimed and the era name changed. On gengshen in the second month Chancellor Prince of Taiyuan Yi Hun plotted rebellion and was executed. On yihai Palace Attendant Yuan Kongque was made Prince of Puyang and Palace Attendant Lu Dingguo Prince of Dongjun. On gengzi in the third month Duke of Longxi Yuan He was made Grand Commandant. On xinchou the spirit tablet of Emperor Wencheng of the imperial lineage was placed in the Grand Temple. On xinhai the emperor visited the Dao altar and personally received the talismans and registers. A partial amnesty was proclaimed in the capital. On jiyou in the ninth autumn month district schools were first established; each commandery set two erudites, two assistant instructors, and sixty students. In the twelfth winter month the emperor's younger brother Prince of Anping died. That year eleven provinces and garrisons suffered drought; the people were famished; granaries were opened for relief.
80
二年春二月癸未，田於西山，親射武豹。 三月，慕容白曜進圍東陽。 戊午，宋人來聘。 夏四月丙子朔，日有蝕之。 辛丑，進南郡公李惠爵為王。 五月乙卯，田於崞山，遂幸繁畤。 辛酉，車駕還宮。 六月庚辰，以河南避地，曲赦京師殊死已下。
On guiwei in the second spring month of the second year he hunted at the western mountains and personally shot martial leopards. In the third month Murong Baiyao advanced to besiege Dongyang. On wuwu envoys came from Song on a mission of courtesy. On bingzi, the first day of the fourth summer month, there was an eclipse of the sun. On xinchou Duke of Nanjun Li Hui was advanced in rank to prince. On yimao in the fifth month he hunted at Mount Zhuo and then visited Fanchi. On xinyou the emperor returned to the palace. On gengchen, because Henan was a place of refuge, a partial amnesty was proclaimed in the capital for crimes below extraordinary death.
81
以昌黎王馮熙為太傅。 秋九月辛亥，封皇叔楨為南安王，長壽為城陽王，太洛為章武王，休為安定王。 冬十月癸酉朔，日有蝕之。 辛丑，田於冷泉。 十一月，州鎮二十七水旱，詔開倉振恤。 十二月甲午，詔曰：「頃張永敢拒王威，暴骨原隰。 天下之人一也，其永軍殘廢之士，聽還江南。 露骸草莽者，敕州縣收瘞之。」
Prince of Changli Feng Xi was made Grand Tutor. On xinhai in the ninth autumn month the emperor's uncles Zhen, Wanshou, Tailuo, and Xiu were enfeoffed as princes of Nan'an, Chengyang, Zhangwu, and Anding. On guiyou, the first day of the tenth winter month, there was an eclipse of the sun. On xinchou he hunted at Lengquan. In the eleventh month twenty-seven provinces and garrisons suffered flood and drought; an edict ordered granaries opened for relief. On jiawu in the twelfth month an edict said: "Recently Zhang Yong dared resist the royal might; bones lie white on the plains and marshes. The people of the realm are one; let the maimed soldiers of Yong's army be permitted to return south of the Yangtze. Those whose exposed bones lie in the wild grass—order the provinces and counties to gather and bury them."
82
冬十月丁酉朔，日有蝕之。 是月，太宰、頓丘王李峻薨。 十一月，進襄城公韓頹爵為王。
On dingyou, the first day of the tenth winter month, there was an eclipse of the sun. That month Grand Preceptor Prince of Dunqiu Li Jun died. In the eleventh month Duke of Xiangcheng Han Tui was advanced in rank to prince.
83
六月丁未，行幸河西。 秋七月丙寅，遂至陰山。 八月丁亥，車駕還宮。 帝幼而神武，聰睿機悟，有濟人之規。 仁孝純至，禮敬師友。 及即位，雅薄時務，常有遺世之心，欲禪位於叔父京兆王子推，群臣固請，乃止。 丙午，使太保建安王陸珝、太尉源賀奉皇帝璽綬，冊命皇太子升帝位。 於是群公奏上尊號太上皇帝。 己酉，太上皇帝徙御崇光宮，采椽不斫，土階而已。 國之大事咸以聞。 承明元年，文明太后有憾，帝崩於永安殿，年二十三。 上尊謚曰獻文皇帝，廟號顯祖。 葬雲中金陵。
On dingwei in the sixth month he traveled in state to Hexi. On bingyin in the seventh autumn month he then reached Yinshan. On dinghai in the eighth month the emperor returned to the palace. As a child he was divinely martial, keen and perceptive in stratagem, with a plan to aid others. Pure in benevolence and filial piety, he ritually honored teachers and friends. When he took the throne he by nature held worldly affairs lightly and often had a mind to leave the world; he wished to abdicate to his uncle Zitui of Jingzhao; the ministers firmly petitioned and he desisted. On bingwu he ordered Grand Guardian Prince of Jian'an Lu Yu and Grand Commandant Yuan He to present the imperial seal and cord and invest the crown prince with the imperial position. Thereupon the assembled dukes submitted the honorific title Emperor Emeritus. On jiyou the Emperor Emeritus moved his residence to Chongguang Palace; rafters were unhewn and the steps were of earth alone. Great affairs of state were all reported to him. In Chengming year one the Civilized Empress Dowager bore resentment; the emperor died at Yong'an Palace, aged twenty-three. He was granted the posthumous title Emperor Xianwen; his temple name was Xianzu. His burial was at Jinling in Yunzhong.
84
論曰：太武聰明雄斷，威靈傑立。 藉二世之資，奮征伐之氣，遂戎軒四出，周旋夷險。 平秦、隴，掃統萬，翦遼海，蕩河源。 南夷荷擔，北蠕絕跡，廓定四表，混一華戎。 其為武功也大矣。 遂使有魏之業，光邁百王。 豈非神睿經綸，事當命世。
The appraisal says: Emperor Taiwu was quick-witted and fiercely decisive, his authority and presence towering above the rest. Relying on the resources of two reigns, he roused the spirit of conquest; his war chariots went forth on four sides, turning through hardship and peril. He pacified Qin and Long, swept Tongwan, cut through Liaohai, and cleared the source of the Yellow River. The southern barbarians bore burdens on their backs; the northern Rouran vanished without trace; he defined the four quarters and united Chinese and barbarian. His military achievement was vast indeed. Thus did the house of Wei outshine the hundred kings of old. Surely this was divine wisdom in ordering the realm, the work of one born for his age.
85
至於初則東儲不終，末乃釁成所忽，固本貽防，殆弗思乎。
As for the beginning, the eastern heir did not reach his end; at the last, trouble arose from what was neglected—did he not think to strengthen the root and guard against harm?
86
景穆明德令聞，夙世殂夭，其戾園之悼歟。
Jingmu had bright virtue and a fine reputation yet died young in his generation—is this not the grief of the Liyuan?
87
文成屬太武之後，內頗虛耗，既而國釁時艱，朝野楚楚。 帝與時消息，靜以鎮之。 養威布德，懷緝中外，自非機悟深裕，矜濟為心，亦何能若此？ 可謂有君人之度矣。
Wencheng belonged to the line after Taiwu; within, depletion was quite evident; soon national peril and timely hardship arose, and court and countryside were in distress. The emperor responded to the times and kept still, using calm to settle them. He nurtured might and spread virtue, cherishing and binding within and without—had he not been deeply perceptive in stratagem and magnanimous in succoring others, how could he have done thus? It may be said that he possessed the stature of a true sovereign.
88
獻文聰睿夙成，兼資雄斷，故能更清漠野，大啟南服。 而早有厭世之心，終致宮闈之變，將天意也。
Xianwen was keen and perceptive from youth, combining heroic decisiveness; therefore he could further clear the desert wilds and greatly open the southern domains. Yet he early bore a mind weary of the world and in the end brought palace turmoil—is this not Heaven's intent?