Volume 3 Wei Annals 3: Emperor Gaozu Xiaowen

高祖孝文帝

Emperor Gaozu Xiaowen.

壬辰，詔求舜後，獲東萊人媯茍之。復其家畢世，以彰盛德之不朽。復前濮陽王孔雀本封。辛丑，徙趙郡王穆亮為長樂王。癸卯，日有蝕之。

On renchen day the court issued an edict to find Shun's line; they discovered Gui Gouzhi of Donglai. His family was reinstated in perpetuity, proclaiming that supreme virtue endures. Prince of Puyang Kong Que received back his original fief. On xinchou day Prince of Zhao Commandery Mu Liang was made Prince of Changle. On guimao day the sun was eclipsed.

二年春正月，大陽蠻酋桓誕率戶內屬，拜征南將軍，封襄陽王。曲赦京師及河西，南至秦、涇，西至枹罕，北至涼州及諸鎮。詔假員外散騎常侍邢佑使於宋。二月丁巳，詔曰：「頃者，淮徐未賓，尼父廟隔非所，致令祠典寢頓，禮章殄滅，遂使女巫妖覡淫進非禮。自今有祭孔廟，制用酒脯而已，不聽婦女雜合，以祈非望之福。犯者以違制論。其公家有事，自如常禮。」蠕蠕犯塞，太上皇帝次於北郊，詔諸將討之，悉皆遁走。北部敕勒叛，奔蠕蠕。太上皇帝追至石磧，不及而還。三月戊辰，以散騎常侍、駙馬都尉萬安國為大司馬、大將軍，封安城王。庚午，親耕籍田。連川敕勒謀叛，徙配青、徐、齊、兗四州為營戶。夏四月庚子，詔工商雜伎，盡聽赴農。諸州課人益種菜果。辛亥，宋人來聘。癸酉，詔沙門不得去寺，行者以公文。是月，宋明帝殂。五月丁巳，詔軍警給璽印傳符，次給馬印。六月，安州遭水雹，詔丐租振恤。丙申，詔：「今年貢舉，尤為猥濫。自今所遣，皆可門盡州郡之高，才極鄉閭之選。」戊午，行幸陰山。秋七月壬寅，詔州郡縣各遣二人才堪專對者，赴九月講武，當親問風俗。八月，百濟遣使請兵伐高麗。九月辛巳，車駕還宮。戊申，統萬鎮將、河間王閭武皮坐貪殘賜死。己酉，詔以州鎮十一水旱，丐其田租，開倉振恤。又詔流迸之人，皆令還本，違者徙邊。冬十月，蠕蠕犯塞，及五原。十一月，太上皇帝親討之，將度漠。蠕蠕聞之，北走數千里。丁亥，封皇叔略為廣川王。壬辰，分遣使者巡省風俗，問人疾苦。帝每月一朝崇光宮。十二月庚戌，詔曰：「頃者以來，官以勞升，未久而代。牧守無恤人之心，競為聚斂，送故迎新，相屬於路，非所以固人志、隆政道也。自今牧守溫良仁儉、克己奉公者，可久於其任。歲積有成，遷位一級；其貪殘非道，侵削黎庶者，雖在官甫爾，必加黜罰。著之於令，以為彜準。」詔以代郡事同豐沛，代人先配邊戍者免之。是歲，高麗、地豆于、庫莫奚、高昌等國並遣使朝貢。

In spring of year two, first month, the great Yang chieftain Huan Dan brought his people inward; he was named General Who Conquers the South and enfeoffed Prince of Xiangyang. The court pardoned the capital and Hexi, from Qin and Jing in the south to Fuhan in the west and Liang Province and the frontier posts in the north. The emperor ordered Acting Staff Officer of the Scattered Cavalry Xing You to go on embassy to Song. In the second month, on dingsi day, an edict declared: "Because Huai and Xu are not yet loyal, Confucius's temple lies outside our reach; rites have fallen idle and ceremony has died away, and shamans and witches now press in with forbidden practices. Henceforth temple offerings to Confucius shall be wine and meat alone; women must not join the rites to beg unseemly favors. Whoever breaks this rule shall be punished as a violator of statute. For state occasions the ordinary ceremonies still hold. Rouran raiders struck the border; the Retired Emperor camped at the northern suburb and sent generals against them, and the enemy fled. Northern Tiele tribes rebelled and escaped to the Rouran. The Retired Emperor chased them to Shiji, failed to catch them, and turned back. On wuchen in the third month Wan Anguo, Staff Officer of the Scattered Cavalry and Commandant of the Imperial Son-in-Law, became Grand Marshal and Grand General, Prince of Ancheng. On gengwu day the emperor plowed the sacred field himself. Lianchuan Tiele plotted revolt and were moved to Qing, Xu, Qi, and Yan as camp households. On gengzi in the fourth month of summer an edict sent artisans, traders, and entertainers back to the fields. Each province was told to levy extra planting of vegetables and fruit. On xinhai day envoys arrived from Song. On guiyou day monks were forbidden to leave their temples; anyone traveling had to carry government papers. That month Song's Emperor Ming died. On dingsi in the fifth month an edict said that in military crisis the imperial seal and passes come first, horse seals second. In the sixth month flood and hail struck An Province; rents were forgiven and relief granted. On bingshen day an edict read: "This year's recommended candidates are shamefully numerous and unworthy. From now on each nominee must be the finest talent the district can show and the best the countryside can yield. On wuwu day the court moved to Yinshan. On renyin in the seventh month of autumn each province, commandery, and county was told to send two men able to debate on command for the ninth-month review, when the emperor would ask them about local ways. In the eighth month Baekje asked for soldiers to strike Goguryeo. On xinsi in the ninth month the emperor came back to the palace. On wushen Lü Wupi, Prince of Hejian and commander at Tongwan, was executed for rapacity and brutality. On jiyou day eleven provinces and posts hit by flood or drought had rents forgiven and storehouses opened. Another edict commanded wanderers home; those who refused were sent to the border. In the tenth month of winter Rouran raiders reached the frontier and Wuyuan. In the eleventh month the Retired Emperor led a campaign in person and prepared to cross the desert. Hearing this, the Rouran fled north thousands of li. On dinghai day the emperor's uncle Lüe was made Prince of Guangchuan. On renchen day separate envoys were sent to tour the realm, study custom, and ask after suffering. Every month the emperor attended court at Chongguang Palace. On gengxu in the twelfth month an edict said: "Lately men rise for service and are replaced almost at once. Magistrates and governors show no mercy and race to enrich themselves; farewell processions and welcome parades choke the highways, which cannot steady hearts or dignify rule. Henceforth mild, kind, frugal men who keep the public good may stay long in post. After years of good work they advance one step in rank; but the greedy, cruel, and lawless who harm the people, though newly appointed, will be punished and removed at once. Let this be entered in the code as the lasting rule. An edict said Dai Commandery ranked with Feng and Pei, and men of Dai stock once posted to frontier garrison were freed from that duty. That year Goguryeo, Didouyu, Kumo Xi, Gaochang, and others sent tribute missions.

三年春正月庚辰，詔員外散騎常侍崔演使於宋。丁亥，改崇光宮為寧光宮。二月戊午，太上皇帝至自北討，飲至策勛，告於宗廟。甲戌，詔縣令能靜一縣劫盜者，兼理二縣，即食其祿；能靜三縣者，三年遷為郡守。二千石能靜二郡上至三郡，亦如之，三年遷為刺史。三月壬午，詔諸倉屯穀麥充積者，出賜貧人。夏四月戊申，詔假司空、上黨王長孫觀等討吐谷渾拾寅。壬子，詔以孔子二十八世孫魯郡孔乘為崇聖大夫，給十戶以供灑掃。六月甲子，詔曰：「往年縣召秀才二人，問守宰善惡，而賞者未幾，罪者眾多，肆法傷生，情所未忍。諸為人所列者，特原其罪，盡可代之。」秋七月，詔河南六州人，戶收絹一匹、綿一斤、租三十石。丁亥，行幸陰山。

In spring of year three, on gengchen of the first month, Acting Staff Officer Cui Yan was sent to Song. On dinghai day Chongguang Palace became Ningguang Palace. On wuwu in the second month the Retired Emperor came back from the northern expedition; the court held a triumph feast, recorded merit, and reported to the ancestors. On jiaxu day an edict promised that a magistrate who could quiet one county's bandits might govern two and draw both salaries; if he could quiet three, after three years he would become commandery governor. A two-thousand-bushel official who could quiet two or three commanderies would likewise rise to regional inspector after three years. On renwu in the third month grain hoarded in state granaries was given to the poor. On wushen in the fourth month of summer Acting Minister of Works Prince of Shangdang Changsun Guan and others were sent against Tuyuhun She'an. On renzi day Kong Sheng of Lu, Confucius's twenty-eighth-generation heir, was named Grand Master of Sacred Sagacity with ten households for sweeping the temple. On jiazi in the sixth month an edict recalled: "We once called two xiucai per county to judge their magistrates; few were praised and many punished, and law ran wild at the cost of lives, which we could not endure. Everyone impeached by another was pardoned outright and might send a substitute in his place. In the seventh month of autumn the six provinces south of the river were told to pay one bolt of silk, one jin of cotton, and thirty shi of rent per household. On dinghai day the court went to Yinshan.

八月庚申，帝從太上皇帝幸河西。拾寅謝罪請降，許之。九月辛巳，車駕還宮。丁亥，宋人來聘。己亥，詔曰：「今京師及天下囚未判，在獄致死，無近親者，給衣衾棺櫝葬之，不得暴露。」辛丑，詔遣十使，循行州郡，撿括戶口。冬十月，太上皇帝將南討，詔州郡之人，十丁取一，充行；戶租五十石，以備軍糧。十一月戊寅，詔以河南州郡牧守多不奉法，致新邦百姓莫能上達。遣使者觀風察獄，黜陟幽明，搜揚振恤。癸巳，太上皇帝南巡至懷州，所過問人疾苦，賜高年孝悌力田布帛。十二月癸卯朔，日有蝕之。庚戌，詔關外苑囿，聽人樵采。是歲，高麗、契丹、庫莫奚、悉萬斤等國並遣使朝貢。州鎮十一水旱，丐人田租，開倉振恤。相州人餓死者二千八百四十五人。妖人劉舉自稱天子，齊州刺史、武昌王平原捕斬之。

On gengshen in the eighth month the emperor accompanied the Retired Emperor to Hexi. She'an begged pardon and offered surrender; the court accepted. On xinsi in the ninth month the emperor returned to the palace. On dinghai day Song envoys arrived. On jihai day an edict said: "Unsentenced prisoners who die in jail in the capital or the provinces without kin shall receive shrouds and coffins and be buried, not left exposed. On xinchou day ten envoys were sent to tour the provinces and audit household registers. In the tenth month of winter, as the Retired Emperor prepared a southern campaign, one man in ten was levied from the provinces; each household paid fifty shi of rent grain for the army. On wuyin in the eleventh month an edict said that governors south of the river often broke the law, so new subjects could not reach the throne. Envoys were sent to study custom, review cases, dismiss the wicked and raise the worthy, and bring relief. On guisi the Retired Emperor went south to Huai Province, asked after hardship along the route, and gave cloth to the aged, the filial, the brotherly, and the industrious. On guimao, the first of the twelfth month, the sun was eclipsed. On gengxu day people were allowed to cut firewood in the royal parks outside the passes. That year Goguryeo, Khitan, Kumo Xi, Xiwenjin, and others sent tribute. Eleven provinces and posts suffered flood or drought; rents were forgiven and granaries opened. In Xiang Province 2,845 people starved to death. The wizard Liu Ju called himself Son of Heaven; Prince of Wuchang Pingyuan, regional inspector of Qi, seized and beheaded him.

四年春正月癸酉朔，日有蝕之。丁丑，太尉、隴西王源賀以病辭位。二月甲辰，太上皇帝至自南巡。辛未，禁寒食。三月丁亥，詔員外散騎常侍許赤武使於宋。夏四月丁卯詔：自今非謀反大逆，干紀外奔，罪止其身而已。秋七月己卯，曲赦仇池。

On guiyou, the first day of spring in year four, the sun was eclipsed. On dingchou Grand Commandant Yuan He of Longxi resigned for illness. On jiachen in the second month the Retired Emperor came back from the southern tour. On xinwei day the Cold Food Festival was banned. On dinghai in the third month Acting Staff Officer Xu Chiwu was sent to Song. On dingmao in the fourth month of summer an edict ruled: except for treason, great rebellion, breach of cardinal law, or flight abroad, punishment ends with the offender alone. On jimao in the seventh month of autumn Chouchi received a partial pardon.

八月戊申，大閱於北郊。九月，以宋亂故，詔將軍元蘭等伐蜀漢。冬十月庚子，宋人來聘。十一月，分遣侍臣循河南七州，觀察風俗，撫慰初附。是歲，粟特、敕勒、吐谷渾、高麗、曹利、闊悉、契丹、庫莫奚、地豆于等國並遣使朝貢。州鎮十三大饑，丐人田租，開倉振之。

On wushen in the eighth month the army was reviewed at the northern suburb. In the ninth month, with Song in turmoil, Generals Yuan Lan and others were sent against Shu-Han. On gengzi in the tenth month of winter Song envoys arrived. In the eleventh month attendant ministers toured the seven provinces south of the river, studied custom, and comforted the newly loyal. That year Sogdiana, Tiele, Tuyuhun, Goguryeo, Cao Li, Kuo Xi, Khitan, Kumo Xi, Didouyu, and others sent tribute. Thirteen provinces and posts suffered great famine; rents were forgiven and granaries opened.

八月甲子，詔群公卿士，有便人益國者，具狀以聞。甲戌，以長安二蠶多死，丐人歲賦之半。九月丁亥，曲赦京師。冬十月丁巳，起七寶永安行殿。乙丑，進假東陽王丕爵為王。己未，詔群官卿士下及吏人，各聽上書，直言極諫，勿有所隱。諸有益政利人可以正風俗者，有司以聞。辛未，幸建明佛寺，大宥罪人。進濟南公羅拔為王。是歲，蠕蠕、高麗、庫莫奚、波斯、契丹、宕昌、悉萬斤等國並遣使朝貢。

On jiazi in the eighth month dukes, ministers, and scholars with plans to benefit people and state were told to submit memorials. On jiaxu day, with both silkworm crops largely dead in Chang'an, half the annual levy was forgiven. On dinghai in the ninth month the capital received a partial pardon. On dingsi in the tenth month of winter work began on the Seven-Jewel Yong'an traveling palace. On yichou Acting Prince of Dongyang Pi was raised to full princely rank. On jiwei day ministers, officials, clerks, and commoners alike were invited to submit written remonstrance without concealment. Whatever would aid rule, help the people, or set custom right was to be reported to the throne. On xinwei day the emperor visited Jianming Temple and pardoned criminals in grand amnesty. Prince of Ji'nan Luo Ba was raised to full prince. That year Rouran, Goguryeo, Kumo Xi, Persia, Khitan, Dangchang, Xiwenjin, and others sent tribute.

夏四月，樂安王良薨。詔復前東郡王陸定國官爵。五月，車駕祈雨於武州山，俄而澍雨大洽。秋七月壬辰，京兆王子推薨。庚子，定三等死刑。己酉，起朱明、思賢門。是月，宋人殺其主昱。八月壬子，大赦。丙子，詔曰：「工商皂隸，各有厥分，而有司縱濫，或染清流。自今戶內有工役者，唯止本部丞，已下準次而授。若階藉元勛以勞定國者，不從此制。」戊寅，宋人來聘。九月乙酉，詔群臣定律令於太華殿。庚子，起永樂遊觀殿於北苑，穿神泉池。冬十月辛亥朔，日有蝕之。癸酉，宴京邑耆老年七十已上於太華殿，賜以衣服。詔七十已上一子不從役。宋葭蘆戍主楊文度遣弟鼠襲陷仇池。十一月丁亥，懷州人伊祁茍自稱堯後，應王，聚眾於重山。洛州刺史馮熙討平之。閏月庚午，詔員外散騎常侍李長仁使於宋。十二月壬寅，征西將軍皮喜攻陷葭蘆，斬楊文度，傳首京師。丁未，州郡八水旱蝗，人饑，詔開倉振恤。是歲，高麗、契丹、庫莫奚、蠕蠕、車多羅、西天竺、舍衛、疊伏羅、栗楊婆、員闊等國並遣使朝貢。

In the fourth month of summer Prince of Le'an Liang died. An edict restored former Prince of Dongjun Lu Dingguo to office and rank. In the fifth month the emperor prayed for rain at Wuzhou Mountain, and a soaking rain followed. On renchen in the seventh month of autumn Prince of Jingzhao Zi Tui died. On gengzi day three grades of capital punishment were fixed. On jiyou day work began on the Zhuming and Sixian gates. That month the men of Song killed their ruler Yu. On renzi in the eighth month a general amnesty was proclaimed. On bingzi day an edict said: "Artisans, traders, and bondsmen have their stations, yet officials have let some pollute the pure stream. Henceforth households with craftsmen in service receive only their bureau's assistant; lower ranks follow in sequence. Men of founding merit who settled the state by labor are exempt from this rule. On wuyin day envoys came from Song. On yiyou in the ninth month ministers were ordered to draft laws in Taihua Hall. On gengzi day the Yongle touring palace was begun in the northern park and the Divine Spring Pool dug. On xinhai, the first of the tenth month of winter, the sun was eclipsed. On guiyou day elders of the capital aged seventy and above were feasted in Taihua Hall and given clothes. An edict exempted one son per household for men aged seventy and above. Yang Wendu, Song commander at Jialu, sent his brother Shu to raid and seize Chouchi. On dinghai in the eleventh month Yi Qi Gou of Huai Province called himself Yao's heir, answered a pretender, and gathered men at Chong Mountain. Feng Xi, regional inspector of Luo, suppressed them. On gengwu in the intercalary month Acting Staff Officer Li Changren was sent to Song. On renyin in the twelfth month General Who Conquers the West Pi Xi took Jialu, beheaded Yang Wendu, and sent his head to the capital. On dingwei day eight provinces and commanderies suffered flood, drought, or locusts; granaries were opened. That year Goguryeo, Khitan, Kumo Xi, Rouran, Cheduoluo, western Tianzhu, Shewei, Diefuluo, Liyangpo, Yuan Kuo, and others sent tribute.

二年春正月丁巳，封昌黎王馮熙第二子始興為北平王。二月丁亥，行幸代之湯泉，所過問人疾苦，以宮女賜貧人無妻者。癸卯，車駕還宮。乙酉晦，日有蝕之。

In spring of year two, on dingsi of the first month, Feng Xi's second son Shixing was enfeoffed Prince of Beiping. On dinghai in the second month the emperor went to Dai's hot springs, asked after hardship, and gave palace women to poor men without wives. On guimao day the emperor returned to the palace. On yiyou, the last day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

三年春正月癸丑，坤德六合殿成。庚申，詔罷行察官。二月辛巳，帝、太皇太后幸代郡湯泉，問人疾苦。鰥寡貧者妻以宮女。己亥，還宮。三月癸卯朔，日有蝕之。甲辰，曲赦京師。夏四月壬申，宋人來聘。癸未，樂良王樂平薨。甲午，宋順帝禪位於齊。庚子，進淮陽公尉元爵為王。宜都王目辰有罪賜死。五月丁巳，帝祈雨於北苑，閉陽門，是日澍雨大洽。六月辛未，以雍州人饑，開倉振恤。起文石室靈泉殿於方山。秋七月壬寅，詔免宮人年老及病者。八月壬申，詔群臣進直言。乙亥，幸方山，起思遠佛寺。丁丑，還宮。九月壬子，以司徒、東陽王丕為太尉；趙郡公陳建為司徒，進爵魏郡王；河南公茍頹為司空，進爵河東王。進太原公王睿中山王，隴東公張佑新平王。乙未，定州刺史、安樂王長樂有罪賜死。庚申，隴西王源賀薨。冬十月己巳朔，大赦。十一月癸卯，賜京師貧窮高年疾患不能自存衣服布帛各有差。癸丑，進假梁郡公元嘉爵為假王，督二將出淮陰；隴西公元琛三將出廣陵；河東公薛豹子三將出廣固，至壽春。是歲，吐谷渾、高麗、蠕蠕、地豆于、契丹、庫莫奚、龜茲、粟特、州逸、河龔、疊伏羅、員闊、悉萬斤等國各遣使朝貢。

On guichou in the first month of year three the Kunde Six Harmonies Hall was finished. On gengshen day touring inspection officials were abolished. On xinsi in the second month the Emperor and Grand Empress Dowager visited Dai's hot springs and asked after suffering. Widowers and the poor received palace women as wives. On jihai day they returned to the palace. On guimao, the first of the third month, the sun was eclipsed. On jiachen day the capital received a partial pardon. On renshen in the fourth month of summer Song envoys arrived. On guiwei day Prince of Leliang Yueping died. On gengzi day Emperor Shun of Song abdicated to Qi. On gengzi day Duke of Huaiyang Wei Yuan was raised to prince. Prince of Yidu Mu Chen, guilty of crime, was granted death. On dingsi in the fifth month the Emperor prayed for rain in the northern park and closed the Yang Gate; a soaking rain fell that day. On xinwei in the sixth month Yong Province was hungry and granaries were opened. The Wenshi Chamber and Lingquan Hall were raised on Fang Mountain. On renyin in the seventh month of autumn aged and ill palace women were released. On renshen in the eighth month ministers were told to submit frank remonstrance. On yihai day he visited Fang Mountain and built Siyuan Temple. On dingchou day he returned to the palace. On renzi in the ninth month Minister of Works Prince of Dongyang Pi became Grand Commandant; Duke of Zhao Commandery Chen Jian became Minister of Works and was raised Prince of Wei Commandery; Duke of Henan Gou Tui became Minister of Works and was raised Prince of Hedong. Duke of Taiyuan Wang Rui became Prince of Zhongshan and Duke of Longdong Zhang You Prince of Xinping. On yiwei day Prince of Anle Chang Le, regional inspector of Ding, guilty of crime, was granted death. On gengshen day Yuan He of Longxi died. On jisi, the first of the tenth month of winter, a general amnesty was proclaimed. On guimao in the eleventh month the capital's poor, aged, and sick who could not support themselves received cloth and clothes in varying amounts. On guichou Acting Prince of Liang Commandery Yuan Jia was raised to acting prince and ordered to lead two generals from Huaiyin; Prince of Longxi Yuan Chen with three generals from Guangling; Duke of Hedong Xue Baozi with three generals from Guanggu as far as Shouchun. That year Tuyuhun, Goguryeo, Rouran, Didouyu, Khitan, Kumo Xi, Kucha, Sogdiana, Zhou Yi, He Gong, Diefuluo, Yuan Kuo, Xiwenjin, and others sent tribute.

四年春正月癸卯，乾象六合殿成。乙卯，廣川王略薨。丁巳，罷畜鷹鷂之所，以其地為報德佛寺。戊午，襄城王韓頹有罪，削爵徙邊。二月癸巳，以旱故，詔天下祀山川群神及能興雲雨者，修飾祠堂，薦以牲璧。人有疾苦，所在存問。夏四月乙卯，幸廷尉、籍坊二獄，引見諸囚。詔隨輕重決遣，以赴耕耘。甲申，賜天下貧人一戶之內無雜財谷帛者廩一年。六月丁卯，以澍雨大洽，曲赦京師。秋七月辛亥，行幸火山。壬子，詔會京師耆老，賜錦彩衣服几杖稻米蜜面，復家人不徭役。閏月丁亥，幸獸圈，親錄囚徒，輕者皆免之。壬辰，頓丘王李鐘葵有罪賜死。八月乙酉，詔諸州置冰室。九月乙亥，思義殿成。壬午，東明觀成。戊子，詔曰：「隆寒雪降，可遣侍臣詣廷尉獄及囚所，察饑寒者給以衣食，桎梏者代以輕鎖。」是歲，郡鎮十八水旱，人饑，詔開倉振恤。蠕蠕、悉萬斤等國並遣使朝貢。

On guimao in the first month of year four the Qianxiang Six Harmonies Hall was finished. On yimao day Prince of Guangchuan Lüe died. On dingsi day the hawk and falcon yards were abolished and the land became Baode Temple. On wuwu day Prince of Xiangcheng Han Tui, guilty of crime, was stripped of rank and sent to the border. On guisi in the second month, for drought, the realm was told to sacrifice to mountains, rivers, spirits, and rain-makers; shrines were repaired and victims and jade offered. Where people suffered, local officials were to inquire and care for them. On yimao in the fourth month of summer the emperor visited the Minister of Justice's prison and the registry workshop and saw the prisoners. An edict ordered release by gravity of offense so they could return to the fields. On jiashen day poor households without property or grain received one year's grain from state granaries. On dingmao in the sixth month, after a soaking rain, the capital received a partial pardon. On xinhai in the seventh month of autumn the emperor went to Huoshan. On renzi day the elders of the capital were assembled and given brocade, cloth, clothes, staffs, rice, honey, and flour; their households were freed from corvée. On dinghai in the intercalary month the emperor visited the animal park, reviewed prisoners, and pardoned the lighter cases. On renchen day Prince of Dunqiu Li Zhongkui, guilty of crime, was granted death. On yiyou in the eighth month all provinces were ordered to establish ice houses. On yihai in the ninth month the Siyi Hall was finished. On renwu day the Dongming Observatory was finished. On wuzi day an edict said: "In deep cold and snow, send ministers to the Minister of Justice's prisons and jails to find the hungry and cold and give food and clothing; replace heavy fetters with light bonds. That year eighteen commanderies and posts suffered flood or drought; granaries were opened. Rouran, Xiwenjin, and others sent tribute.

五年春正月乙卯，南巡。丁亥，至中山，親見高年，問人疾苦。二月辛卯朔，大赦。賜孝悌力田孤貧不能自存者，谷帛各有差。免宮人之老者，還其親。丁酉，至信都，存問如中山。癸卯，還中山。己酉，講武於唐水之陽。庚戌，車駕還宮。沙門法秀謀反，伏誅。假梁郡王嘉大破齊，俘獲三萬餘口，送京師。三月辛酉朔，幸肆州。癸亥，講武於雲水之陽。所經考察守宰，黜陟之。己巳，車駕還宮。詔曰：「法秀妖詐亂常，妄說符瑞。蘭臺御史張求等一百餘人招結奴隸，謀為大逆。有司科以族誅，誠合刑憲。但矜愚重命，猶所不忍。其五族者降止同祖，三族止一門，門誅止身。」夏四月己亥，行幸方山。建永固石室，於山立碑焉。銘太皇太后終制於金冊。又起鑒玄殿。甲寅，以旱故，詔所在掩骸骨，祈禱神祗。任城王雲薨。

On yimao in the first month of year five a southern tour began. On dinghai day he reached Zhongshan, saw the aged in person, and asked after suffering. On xinmao, the first of the second month, a general amnesty was proclaimed. The filial, brotherly, and strong in fieldwork, and orphans and poor who could not support themselves, received grain and cloth in varying amounts. Elderly palace women were released to their kin. On dingyou day he reached Xin Du and cared for the people as at Zhongshan. On guimao day he returned to Zhongshan. On jiyou day military exercises were held on the south bank of the Tang River. On gengxu day the emperor returned to the palace. The monk Faxiu plotted rebellion and was executed. Acting Prince of Liang Commandery Jia crushed Qi, took more than thirty thousand captives, and sent them to the capital. On xinyou, the first of the third month, the emperor visited Si Province. On guihai day military exercises were held on the south bank of the Yun River. Along the route he examined magistrates and promoted or demoted them. On jisi day the emperor returned to the palace. An edict said: "Faxiu practiced demonic fraud, disturbed order, and falsely proclaimed portents. More than a hundred men including Palace Secretary Zhang Qiu recruited slaves and plotted great treason. The authorities judged clan execution, which truly matched statute. Yet pitying folly and valuing life, we could not bear it. For five clans punishment was reduced to the same ancestral line; for three clans, to one gate; for gate execution, only the offender himself. On jihai in the fourth month of summer the emperor went to Fang Mountain. The Eternal Firmness stone chamber was built and a stele set up on the mountain. The Grand Empress Dowager's final regulations were inscribed on a golden book. The Jianxuan Hall was also raised. On jiayin day, for drought, exposed bones were to be buried and prayers offered to the spirits. Prince of Rencheng Yun died.

六年春正月甲戌，大赦。二月辛卯，詔以靈丘郡土既褊塉，又諸州路沖，復其人租十五年。癸巳，白蘭王吐谷渾翼世以誣罔伏誅。乙未，詔曰：「蕭道成逆亂江淮，戎旗頻舉。七州之人既有征運之勞，深乖輕徭之義，其復常調三年。」癸丑，賜王公已下清勤著稱者，谷帛有差。三月庚辰，幸獸圈。詔曰：「武狼猛暴，食肉殘生，從今勿復捕貢。」辛巳，幸武州山石窟寺，賜貧老衣服。是月，齊高祖殂。

On jiaxu in the first month of year six a general amnesty was proclaimed. On xinmao in the second month an edict remitted Lingqiu Commandery's rent for fifteen years because the land was poor and routes congested. On guisi day Bai Lan King Tuyuhun Yishi was executed for false accusation. On yiwei day an edict said: "Xiao Daocheng rebelled and threw Huai and Jiang into disorder; armies have marched again and again. The seven provinces already bear campaign labor, which violates light levies; their regular taxes are remitted for three years. On guichou day princes, dukes, and men below noted for purity and diligence received grain and cloth in varying amounts. On gengchen in the third month the emperor visited the animal park. An edict said: "Martial wolves are fierce and kill for meat; from now on do not capture them for tribute. On xinsi day he visited the cave temple on Wuzhou Mountain and gave clothes to the poor and aged. That month Qi's founding emperor died.

夏四月甲辰，賜畿內鰥寡孤獨不能自存者，粟帛各有差秋七月，發州郡五萬人修靈丘道。八月癸未朔，分遣大使巡行天下遭水之處，丐其租賦，貧儉不自存者，賜以粟帛。庚子，罷山澤禁。九月辛酉，以氐楊後起為武都王。是歲，地豆于、吐谷渾等國並遣使朝貢。

On jiachen in the fourth month of summer orphans, widows, and solitaries in the capital who could not support themselves received grain and cloth in varying amounts. In the seventh month of autumn fifty thousand men from the provinces were levied to repair the Lingqiu road. On guiwei, the first of the eighth month, separate envoys toured flood-struck regions, remitted rents, and gave grain and cloth to the poor. On gengzi day prohibitions on mountains and marshes were lifted. On xinyou in the ninth month the Di chieftain Yang Hou was made Prince of Wudu. That year Didouyu, Tuyuhun, and others sent tribute.

七年春正月庚申，詔曰：「朕每思知百姓疾苦以增修寬政，故具問守宰苛虐之狀於州郡使者。今秀孝計掾對多不實，甚乖朕虛求之意。宜案以大辟，明罔上必誅。然情猶未忍。可恕罪聽歸，申下天下，使知後犯無恕。」丁卯，詔青、齊、光、東徐四州戶，運倉粟一十萬石送瑕丘、瑯邪，復租算一年。三月甲戌，以冀、定二州饑，詔郡縣為粥於路以食之，又弛關津之禁。夏四月庚子，幸崞山，賜所過鰥寡不能自存者衣服粟帛。壬寅，車駕還宮。閏月癸丑，皇子生，大赦。六月，定州上言，為粥所活九十四萬七千餘口。秋七月甲申，詔假員外散騎常侍李彪使於齊。改封濟南王羅拔為趙郡王。九月壬寅，詔求讜言。冀州上言，為粥所活七十五萬一千七百餘口。冬十月戊午，皇信堂成。十一月辛丑，齊人來聘。十二月乙巳朔，日有蝕之。癸丑，詔曰：「夏、殷不嫌一族之婚，周世始絕同姓之娶。斯皆教隨時設，政因事改者也。皇運初基，日不暇給，古風遺樸，未遑厘改。自今悉禁絕之，有犯者以不道論。」庚午，開林慮山禁，與人共之。州鎮十三饑，詔開倉振恤。

On gengshen in the first month of year seven an edict said: "We often seek to know the people's hardships to broaden benevolent rule, and therefore asked provincial envoys in detail about cruel magistrates. Now the xiucai and jiyuan mostly answered untruthfully, greatly betraying our wish for honest answers. They should be judged by capital punishment, making clear that deceiving the throne must be punished. Yet our hearts still could not bear it. Their crimes may be pardoned and they sent home; this is proclaimed so later offenders will not be forgiven. On dingmao day the four provinces Qing, Qi, Guang, and eastern Xu were told to transport one hundred thousand shi of grain to Xiaqiu and Langye, and rent and labor were remitted one year. On jiaxu in the third month, with Ji and Ding hungry, commanderies and counties set out porridge on the roads and passes were opened. On gengzi in the fourth month of summer the emperor visited Guo Mountain and gave clothes, grain, and cloth to widowers and widows who could not support themselves. On renyin day the emperor returned to the palace. On guichou in the intercalary month a prince was born and a general amnesty was proclaimed. In the sixth month Ding Province reported that 947,000-odd persons were kept alive by the porridge. On jiashen in the seventh month of autumn Acting Staff Officer Li Biao was sent to Qi. Prince of Ji'nan Luo Ba was transferred and enfeoffed Prince of Zhao Commandery. On renyin in the ninth month an edict sought forthright counsel. Ji Province reported that 751,700-odd persons were kept alive by the porridge. On wuwu in the tenth month of winter the Huangxin Hall was finished. On xinchou in the eleventh month Qi envoys arrived. On yisi, the first of the twelfth month, the sun was eclipsed. On guichou day an edict said: "Xia and Yin did not shrink from marriage within one clan; Zhou first ended marriage between those of the same surname. These are teachings set according to the times and government changed according to affairs. When the dynasty was first founded there was no leisure; ancient ways were not yet reformed. From now on all such marriages are forbidden; offenders are judged for treason. On gengwu day the prohibition on Linyu Mountain was opened and shared with the people. Thirteen provinces and posts suffered famine; granaries were opened.

八年春正月，詔隴西公琛、尚書陸睿為東西二道大使，褒善罰惡。夏五月己卯，詔振賜河南七州戍兵。甲申，詔員外散騎常侍李彪使於齊。六月丁卯，詔曰：「置官班祿，行之尚矣。自中原喪亂，茲制中絕。先朝因循，未遑厘改。朕顧憲章舊典，始班俸祿，罷諸商人，以簡人事。戶增調三匹、谷二斛九斗，以為官司之祿。均預調為二匹之賦，即兼商用。雖有一時之煩，終克永逸之益。祿行之後，贓滿一匹者死。變法改度，宜為更始，其大赦天下，與之惟新。」戊辰，武州水壞人居。秋八月甲辰，詔以班制俸祿，更興刑書，寬猛未允，人或異議。制百辟卿士工商吏人各上便宜，勿有所隱。九月甲午，齊人來聘。戊戌，詔俸制十月為首，每季一請。於是內外百官，受祿有差。冬十一月乙未，詔員外散騎常侍李彪使於齊。十二月，州鎮十五水旱，人饑，詔使者開倉振恤。是歲，蠕蠕、高麗等國各遣使朝貢。

In the first month of year eight Duke of Longxi Chen and Minister of Works Lu Rui were named eastern and western grand envoys to praise the good and punish the wicked. On jimao in the fifth month of summer the seven provinces south of the river received relief for garrison soldiers. On jiashen day Acting Staff Officer Li Biao was sent to Qi. On dingmao in the sixth month an edict said: "Establishing official ranks and salaries has long been practiced. Since turmoil in the Central Plains this system was cut off. The former court followed old ways and had not yet reformed. We look back to old statutes and now distribute salaries, abolishing merchant levies to simplify affairs. Each household's levy was increased by three bolts of silk and 2.9 dou of grain for official salaries. The uniform advance levy was two bolts per household, which also covered commercial use. Though there is temporary trouble at first, in the end lasting ease is achieved. After salaries were instituted, bribery of one bolt or more was capital. Changing laws and measures should mark a new beginning; a general amnesty proclaimed the realm anew. On wuchen day flood at Wuzhou destroyed dwellings. On jiachen in the eighth month of autumn an edict said that with salaries instituted and penal law renewed, lenience and severity were not yet settled and men differed. All ministers, scholars, artisans, merchants, clerks, and commoners were to submit what was expedient, concealing nothing. On jiawu in the ninth month Qi envoys arrived. On wuxu day the salary system was to begin with the tenth month, requested each season. Thereupon civil and military officials within and without received salaries in varying amounts. On yiwei in the eleventh month of winter Acting Staff Officer Li Biao was sent to Qi. In the twelfth month fifteen provinces and posts suffered flood or drought; envoys opened granaries. That year Rouran, Goguryeo, and others sent tribute.

九年春正月戊寅，詔禁圖讖秘緯及名《孔子閉房記》，留者以大辟論。又諸巫覡假稱神鬼，妄說吉凶，及委巷諸非墳典所裁者，嚴加禁斷。癸未，大饗群臣於太華殿，班賜皇誥。二月己亥，制皇子封王者、皇孫皇曾孫紹封者、皇女封者，歲祿各有差。封廣陽王建第二子嘉為廣陽王。乙巳，詔百辟卿士工商吏人各上書極諫，靡有所隱。三月丙申，封皇弟禧為咸陽王，幹為河南王，羽為廣陵王，雍為潁川王，勰為始平王，詳為北海王。夏五月，齊人來聘。秋七月丙午朔，新作諸門。癸未，遣使拜宕昌王梁彌機兄子彌承為宕昌王。八月庚申，詔曰：「數州災水，饑饉薦臻，致有賣鬻男女者。天譴在予一人，百姓橫罹艱毒。今自太和六年已來，買定、冀、幽、相四州饑人良口者，盡還所親。雖娉為妻妾，遇之非理，情不樂者，亦離之。」冬十月丁未，詔使者循行州郡，與牧守均給天下之田，還受以生死為斷。勸課農桑，興富人之本。辛酉，司徒、魏郡王陳建薨。詔員外散騎常侍李彪使於齊。十二月乙卯，以侍中、淮南王他為司徒。是歲，京師及州鎮十三水旱傷稼。宕昌、高麗、吐谷渾等國並遣使朝貢。

On wuyin in the first month of year nine charts, prophecies, secret weft texts, and books titled Records of Confucius in the Inner Chamber were forbidden; keepers faced capital punishment. Shamans who falsely claimed spirits and spoke rashly of fortune, and back-alley matters not in the canonical tomes, were strictly forbidden. On guiwei day a great feast was held for ministers in Taihua Hall and imperial mandates distributed. On jihai in the second month enfeoffed princes, imperial grandsons and great-grandsons who succeeded, and enfeoffed imperial daughters received annual salaries in varying amounts. The second son of Prince of Guangyang Jian, Jia, was enfeoffed Prince of Guangyang. On yisi day all ministers, scholars, artisans, merchants, clerks, and commoners were told to remonstrate to the utmost, concealing nothing. On bingshen in the third month the emperor's younger brother Xi was enfeoffed Prince of Xianyang, Gan Prince of Henan, Yu Prince of Guangling, Yong Prince of Yingchuan, Xie Prince of Shiping, and Xiang Prince of Beihai. In the fifth month of summer Qi envoys arrived. On bingwu, the first of the seventh month of autumn, the various gates were newly built. On guiwei day an envoy invested Mi Cheng, nephew of Liang Miji, as King of Dangchang. On gengshen in the eighth month an edict said: "Several provinces have suffered flood; famine has come in succession, leading to the sale of men and women. Heaven's reproof rests on us alone; the people have met hardship and poison. From Taihe year six onward, good persons among the hungry of Ding, Ji, You, and Xiang who were bought shall all be returned to their kin. Even if taken as wives or concubines, if treated unreasonably and unwilling, they are also to be separated. On dingwei in the tenth month of winter envoys toured provinces and commanderies and with magistrates evenly distributed fields throughout the realm, with life and death as the limit. They were to encourage farming and sericulture, the root of enriching the people. On xinyou day Minister of Works Prince of Wei Commandery Chen Jian died. Acting Staff Officer Li Biao was sent to Qi. On yimao in the twelfth month Attendant-in-ordinary Prince of Huainan Ta became Minister of Works. That year the capital and thirteen provinces and posts suffered flood or drought that injured crops. Dangchang, Goguryeo, Tuyuhun, and others sent tribute.

十年春正月癸亥朔，帝始服袞冕，朝饗萬國。二月甲戌，初立黨、里、鄰三長，定人戶籍。三月庚戌，齊人來聘。夏四月辛酉朔，始制五等公服。甲子，帝初法服御輦祀西郊。六月乙卯，名皇子曰恂，大赦。秋八月乙亥，給尚書五等品爵已上朱衣玉佩大小組綬。九月辛卯，詔起明堂辟雍。冬十月癸酉，有司議依故事配始祖於南郊。十一月，議定州郡縣官依口給俸。十二月乙酉，汝南、潁川饑，詔丐人田租，開倉振恤。是歲，蠕蠕、高麗、吐谷渾、勿吉等國並遣使朝貢。

On guihai, the first of the tenth year, the Emperor first wore imperial robe and cap and held court to feast the myriad states. On jiaxu in the second month the three chiefs of party, li, and neighbor were first established and household registers fixed. On gengxu in the third month Qi envoys arrived. On xinyou, the first of the fourth month of summer, the five grades of public service dress were first instituted. On jiazi day the Emperor for the first time wore ritual robes, mounted the imperial carriage, and sacrificed at the western suburb. On yimao in the sixth month the imperial son was named Xun and a general amnesty was proclaimed. On yihai in the eighth month of autumn Ministers of the Masters of Writing of the fifth rank and above received vermilion robes, jade pendants, and great and small sash seals. On xinmao in the ninth month an edict ordered the Bright Hall and Imperial Academy built. On guiyou in the tenth month of winter the relevant offices debated enshrining the founding ancestor at the southern suburb according to precedent. In the eleventh month it was resolved that officials of provinces, commanderies, and counties should receive salaries according to population. On yiyou in the twelfth month Runan and Yingchuan were hungry; rents were remitted and granaries opened. That year Rouran, Goguryeo, Tuyuhun, Wuji, and others sent tribute.

十一年春正月丁亥朔，詔定樂章，非雅者除之。二月甲子，肆州之雁門及代郡人饑，詔開倉振恤。夏五月癸巳，南平王渾薨。甲午，詔復七廟子孫及外戚緦服已上，賦役無所與。六月辛巳，秦州人饑，詔開倉振恤。秋七月己丑，詔今年谷不登，聽人出關就食。遣使者造籍，分遣去留，所在開倉振恤。八月壬申，蠕蠕犯塞，遣平原王陸睿討之。庚辰，大議北伐。辛巳，罷山北苑，以其地賜貧人。冬十月辛未，詔罷起部無益之作，出宮人不執機杼者。甲戌，詔曰：「鄉飲之禮廢，則長幼之序亂。孟冬十月，人閑歲隙，宜於此時，導以德義。可下諸州，黨、里之內，推賢而長者，教其里人父慈、子孝、兄友、弟順、夫和、妻柔。不率長教者，具以名聞。」十一月丁未，詔罷尚方錦繡綾羅之工，百姓欲造，任之無禁。其御府衣服金銀珠玉綾紬錦、太官雜器、太僕乘具、內庫弓矢，出其大半，班賫百官及京師人庶，下至工商皂隸，逮於六鎮戍士，各有差。戊申，詔今寒氣勁切，杖棰難任。自今月至來年孟夏，不聽栲問罪人。又歲饑，輕囚宜速決了，無令薄罪久留獄犴。十二月，詔秘書丞李彪、著作郎崔光改析國記，依紀傳體。是歲大饑，詔所在開倉振恤。吐谷渾、高麗、悉萬斤等國並遣使朝貢。

On dinghai, the first of the eleventh year, an edict fixed ritual music and removed what was not canonical. On jiazi in the second month Yanmen in Si and Dai were hungry; granaries were opened. On guisi in the fifth month of summer Prince of Nanping Hun died. On jiawu day descendants of the seven temples and maternal kin of distant-mourning rank and above were restored to exemption from levies and corvée. On xinsi in the sixth month Qin Province was hungry; granaries were opened. On jichou in the seventh month of autumn, with grain failing, people were permitted to leave the passes to seek food. Envoys compiled registers, assigned who should stay or go, and opened granaries for relief. On renshen in the eighth month Rouran raided the frontier; Prince of Pingyuan Lu Rui was sent against them. On gengchen day a great debate was held on a northern expedition. On xinsi day the park north of the mountains was abolished and its land given to the poor. On xinwei in the tenth month of winter useless works of the Construction Office were abolished and palace women who did not weave were released. On jiaxu day an edict said: "When the district drinking ceremony is abandoned, the order of elder and younger is disrupted. In the tenth month of winter, when men have leisure at year's end, it is fitting to guide them with virtue and righteousness. All provinces were told that within each party and li the worthy and elder should teach filial fathers, filial sons, friendly brothers, obedient brothers, harmonious husbands, and gentle wives. Those who do not follow the elders' teaching were to be reported by name. On dingwei day the Imperial Workshop's brocade, embroidery, gauze, and silk craftsmen were abolished; commoners might make them without prohibition. More than half of imperial wardrobe, Grand Provision vessels, Grand Equipage transport, and inner treasury bows were distributed to officials and people of the capital down to artisans, merchants, bond servants, and the six garrisons' soldiers, each in varying amounts. On wushen day an edict said: "Now the cold is severe and beating with rods is hard to bear." From this month until the first month of summer next year, torture interrogation of criminals was forbidden. Also, with famine this year, light offenders were to be quickly decided and not left long in prison. In the twelfth month Li Biao and Cui Guang were ordered to reorganize the National Record in annals-biography form. That year there was great famine; granaries were opened wherever found. Tuyuhun, Goguryeo, Xiwenjin, and others sent tribute.

十三年春正月辛亥，祀圓丘，初備大駕。乙丑，兗州人王伯恭聚眾勞山，自稱齊王，東萊鎮將孔伯孫討斬之。戊辰，齊人寇邊，淮南太守王僧俊擊走之。二月庚子，引群臣訪政道得失損益之宜。三月，夏州刺史章武王彬以貪財削封。夏四月丁丑，詔曰：「升樓散物，以賫百姓，至使人馬騰踐，多有毀傷。今可斷之。以本所費之物賜窮老貧獨者。」州鎮十五大饑，詔所在開倉振恤。五月庚戌，祀方澤。六月，汝陰王天賜、南安王楨並坐贓賄，免為庶人。秋七月，立孔子廟於京師。八月乙亥，詔兼員外散騎常侍邢產使於齊。九月，出宮人賜北鎮人貧鰥者。冬十一月己未，安豐王猛薨。十二月丙子，司空、河東王茍頹薨。甲午，齊人來聘。己亥，以尚書令尉元為司徒，左僕射穆亮為司空。是歲，高麗、吐谷渾、陰平、中赤、武興、宕昌等國各遣使朝貢。

On xinhai, the first of the thirteenth year, the Round Mound was sacrificed to and the full imperial escort was first prepared. On yichou day Wang Bogong of Yan gathered men on Lao Mountain, called himself King of Qi, and was captured and beheaded by Donglai commander Kong Bosun. On wuchen day Qi raiders struck the frontier; Huainan administrator Wang Sengjun drove them off. On gengzi in the second month ministers were summoned to discuss gains and losses in government. In the third month Prince of Zhangwu Bin, regional inspector of Xia, had his enfeoffment reduced for greed. On dingchou in the fourth month of summer an edict said: "Scattering goods from towers leads to horses and men trampling and much damage. This is now to be stopped. What would have been spent is to be given to the poor, aged, and solitary. Fifteen provinces and posts suffered great famine; granaries were opened wherever found. On gengxu in the fifth month the Square Pond was sacrificed to. In the sixth month Princes of Yiyin Tianci and Nan'an Zhen were both guilty of bribery and reduced to commoners. In the seventh month of autumn a temple to Confucius was established in the capital. On yihai in the eighth month Acting Staff Officer Xing Chan was sent to Qi. In the ninth month palace women were given to poor widowers of the northern garrisons. On jiwei in the eleventh month of winter Prince of Anfeng Meng died. On bingzi in the twelfth month Minister of Works Prince of Hedong Gou Tui died. On jiawu day Qi envoys arrived. On jihai day Minister of the Masters of Writing Wei Yuan became Minister of Works, and Left Vice Director Mu Liang became Minister of Works. That year Goguryeo, Tuyuhun, Yinping, Zhongchi, Wuxing, Dangchang, and others sent tribute.

十四年春正月己巳朔，日有蝕之。三月戊寅，初詔定起居註制。詔遣侍臣巡行州郡，問人疾苦。夏四月，地豆于頻犯塞。甲戌，征西大將軍、陽平王熙擊走之。甲午，詔兼員外散騎常侍邢產使於頤齊。五月己酉，庫莫奚犯塞，安州都將樓龍兒擊走之。沙門司馬禦惠自言聖王，謀破平原郡，禽獲伏誅。秋七月甲辰，詔罷都牧雜制。八月，詔議國之行次。九月癸丑，太皇太后馮氏崩。詔聽籓鎮曾經內侍者，前後奔赴。冬十月戊辰，詔將親侍龍輿，奉訣陵隧，諸常從之具，悉可停之。其武衛之官，防侍如法。癸酉，葬文明太皇太后於永固陵。甲戌，車駕謁永固陵。群臣固請公除，帝不許。己卯，車駕謁永固陵。庚辰，帝居廬，引見群僚於太和殿。太尉、東陽王丕等據權制固請。帝引古禮往復，群臣乃止。京兆王太興有罪，免官削爵。詔曰：「公卿屢依金冊遺旨，中代權制，式請過葬即吉。朕思遵遠古，終三年之制。依禮，既虞卒哭。此月二十一日授服，以葛易麻。既以衰服在上，公卿不得獨釋於下，故於朕之授服，變從練禮已下復為節降。斟酌古今，以制厥衷。且取遺旨速除之一端，粗申臣子罔極之巨痛。」癸未，詔曰：「朕遠遵古式，欲終三年之禮。百辟群臣，據金冊顧命，將奪朕心，從先朝之制。朕仰惟金冊，俯自推省，取諸二衷，不許眾議。以衰服過期，終四節之慕。又奉遵聖訓，聿修誥旨，不敢暗默自居，以曠機政。庶不愆遺令之意，差展哀慕之情。並下州鎮，長至、三元，絕告慶之禮。」甲申，車駕謁永固陵。十一月甲寅，詔內外職人先朝班次及諸方雜客，冬至之日，盡聽入臨。三品已下衰服者，至夕復臨。其餘唯旦臨而已。其拜哭之節，一依別儀。丁巳，齊人來聘。十二月壬午，詔依準丘井之式，遣使與州郡宣行條制。隱口漏丁，即聽附實。若朋附豪勢，陵抑孤獨，罪有常刑。是歲，吐谷渾、宕昌、武興、陰平、高麗等國並遣使朝貢。

On jisi, the first of the fourteenth year, the sun was eclipsed. On wuyin in the third month the system of the Diarist was first fixed. Attendant ministers were sent to tour provinces and commanderies and inquire into hardship. In the fourth month of summer Didouyu repeatedly raided the frontier. On jiaxu day General Who Conquers the West Prince of Yangping Xi drove them off. On jiawu day Acting Staff Officer Xing Chan was sent to Qi. On jiyou in the fifth month Kumo Xi raided the frontier; An commander Lou Long'er drove them off. The monk Sima Yuhui called himself a sage king, plotted to seize Pingyuan, was captured and executed. On jiachen in the seventh month of autumn miscellaneous regulations of the Metropolitan Pasturage were abolished. In the eighth month debate was ordered on the order of state sacrifices. On guichou in the ninth month Grand Empress Dowager Feng died. Those of frontier garrisons who had formerly served within were permitted to hurry thither. On wuchen in the tenth month of winter an edict said the emperor would personally attend the dragon carriage at the tomb; usual attendants were to stop. Military guard officials were to attend and protect according to law. On guiyou day Empress Dowager Wenming was buried at Yonggu Tomb. On jiaxu day the emperor visited Yonggu Tomb. Ministers firmly requested public removal of mourning; the Emperor refused. On jimao day the emperor visited Yonggu Tomb. On gengchen day the Emperor dwelt in the mourning hut and received officials in Taihe Hall. Grand Commandant Prince of Dongyang Pi and others, relying on statute, firmly requested. The Emperor cited ancient rites back and forth; the ministers then stopped. Prince of Jingzhao Tai Xing, guilty of crime, was removed from office and stripped of rank. An edict said: "Dukes and ministers repeatedly rely on the golden book's testament and middle antiquity's provisional systems, requesting auspicious rites immediately after burial. We think to follow remote antiquity and complete the three-year regulation. According to rites, after the offering and end of wailing. On the twenty-first of this month mourning garments are received, replacing hemp with ramie. Since the mourning garment is above, dukes and ministers cannot alone remove theirs below; at our receiving garments the change follows graduated reduction after wailing ends. Weighing ancient and modern, we regulate our inner intent. Moreover we take one strand of the testament's swift removal, roughly expressing ministers' measureless grief. On guiwei day an edict said: "We follow remote ancient forms and wish to complete the three-year rites. The hundred ranks and ministers, relying on the golden book and testament, would seize our heart and follow the former court's system. We look up at the golden book and reflect below, taking from both inner intents and not permitting debate. With mourning garments past term, we complete mourning through all four seasons. Moreover we respectfully follow the sage's instruction and repair the edict's intent, not daring to neglect government in silence. We hope not to violate the testament's intent and somewhat unfold mourning and longing. This was proclaimed to provinces and garrisons: at winter solstice and the three first days, congratulatory rites ended." On jiashen day the emperor visited Yonggu Tomb. On jiayin in the eleventh month civil and military personnel of former ranks and guests from all regions on winter solstice might all come to mourn. Those of the third rank and below in mourning garments came again in the evening. The rest came only at dawn. The protocol of bowing and weeping followed separate regulations. On dingsi day Qi envoys arrived. On renwu in the twelfth month envoys were sent with provinces and commanderies to proclaim regulations according to the well-field model. Those who concealed population or omitted conscripts might attach to true registers. If they attached to powerful clans and oppressed the orphaned and solitary, the usual punishments applied. That year Tuyuhun, Dangchang, Wuxing, Yinping, Goguryeo, and others sent tribute.

十五年春正月丁巳，帝始聽政於皇信東室。初分置左右史官。癸亥晦，日有蝕之。二月己丑，齊人來聘。三月甲辰，車駕謁永固陵。夏四月癸亥，帝始進蔬食。乙丑，謁永固陵。自正月不雨至於癸酉，有司奏祈百神。詔曰：「何宜四氣未周，便行禮事，唯當考躬責己，以待天譴。」甲戌，詔員外散騎常侍李彪使於齊。己卯，經始明堂，改營太廟。五月己亥，議改律令。於東明觀折疑獄。乙卯，枹罕鎮將長孫百年攻吐谷渾所置洮陽、泥和二戍克之，俘獲三萬餘人。詔悉免歸。丙辰，詔造五輅。六月丁未，濟陰王郁以貪殘賜死。秋七月乙丑，謁永固陵。規建壽陵。己卯，詔議祖宗，以道武皇帝為太祖。乙酉，車駕巡省京邑，聽訟而還。八月壬辰，議養老。又議肆類上帝、禋於六宗禮，帝親臨決。詔郡國有時物可以薦宗廟者，貢之。戊戌，移道壇於桑乾之陰，改曰崇虛寺。己亥，詔諸州舉秀才，先盡才學。乙巳，親定禘祫禮。丁巳，議律令事，仍省雜祀。九月辛巳，齊人來聘。冬十月庚寅，車駕謁永固陵。是月，明堂太廟成。十一月丁卯，遷七廟神主於新廟。乙亥，大定官品。戊寅，考諸牧守。詔假通直散騎常侍李彪聘於齊。丙戌，初罷小歲賀。丁亥，詔二千石考上上者，假四品將軍，賜乘黃馬一匹；上中者，五品將軍；上下者，衣一襲。十二月壬辰，遷社於內城之西。癸巳，班賜刺史已下衣冠。以安定王休為太傅，齊郡王簡為太保。帝為高麗王璉舉哀於城東行宮。己酉，車駕迎春於東郊。辛卯，詔簡選樂官。是歲，吐谷渾、悉萬斤、高麗、鄧至、宕昌等國並遣使朝貢。

On dingsi in the first month of the fifteenth year the Emperor first heard government in Huangxin's eastern chamber. The offices of left and right historians were first separately established. On guihai, the last day of the month, the sun was eclipsed. On jichou in the second month Qi envoys arrived. On jiachen in the third month the emperor visited Yonggu Tomb. On guihai in the fourth month of summer the Emperor first took vegetable food. On yichou day he visited Yonggu Tomb. From the first month without rain until guiyou the relevant offices memorialized praying to the hundred spirits. An edict said: "How can we perform ritual when the four seasons are not complete? We should examine ourselves and await heaven's reproof. On jiaxu day Acting Staff Officer Li Biao was sent to Qi. On jimao day construction of the Bright Hall began and the Grand Temple was rebuilt. On jihai in the fifth month revision of laws and statutes was debated. At the Dongming Observatory doubtful cases were decided. On yimao day Fuhan commander Changsun Bainian took Tuyuhun's garrisons at Taoyang and Nihe and captured more than thirty thousand. An edict ordered all released and sent home. On bingchen day the five imperial carriages were ordered made. On dingwei in the sixth month Prince of Jiyin Yu was granted death for greed and cruelty. On yichou in the seventh month of autumn he visited Yonggu Tomb. Shou Tomb was planned and built. On jimao day the ancestors were debated and Emperor Daowu was named Grand Ancestor. On yiyou day the emperor toured the capital, heard lawsuits, and returned. On renchen in the eighth month care for the aged was debated. The rites of offering to the Supreme Lord and honoring the six ancestors were also debated; the Emperor decided in person. Commanderies and states with seasonal goods fit for the ancestral temple were to present them as tribute. On wuxu day the Dao altar was moved north of Sanggan and renamed Chongxu Temple. On jihai day all provinces were told to recommend xiucai, talent and learning first. On yisi day he personally fixed the di and xia rites. On dingsi day laws and statutes were debated and miscellaneous sacrifices reduced. On xinsi in the ninth month Qi envoys arrived. On gengyin in the tenth month of winter the emperor visited Yonggu Tomb. That month the Bright Hall and Grand Temple were finished. On dingmao in the eleventh month the seven temples' spirit tablets were moved to the new temple. On yihai day official ranks were greatly fixed. On wuyin day all prefects and governors were examined. Acting Direct-Courier Staff Officer Li Biao was sent to Qi. On bingxu day the minor New Year congratulation was first abolished. On dinghai day two-thousand-bushel officials rated highest of the highest received acting fourth-rank general and one yellow horse; those of highest of middle, fifth-rank general; those of highest of lowest, one suit of clothing. On renchen in the twelfth month the altar of soil was moved west inside the inner city. On guisi day robes and caps were distributed to regional inspectors and below. Prince of Anding Xiu became Grand Tutor and Prince of Qi Commandery Jian Grand Mentor. The Emperor held mourning for King Lian of Goguryeo at the eastern traveling palace. On jiyou day the emperor welcomed spring at the eastern suburb. On xinmao day music officials were to be selected. That year Tuyuhun, Xiwenjin, Goguryeo, Dengzhi, Dangchang, and others sent tribute.

十六年春正月戊午朔，朝饗群臣於太華殿。帝始為王公興縣而不樂。己未，宗祀顯祖獻文皇帝於明堂，以配上帝。遂升臺以觀雲物，降居青陽左個，布政事。每朔依以為常。辛酉，始以太祖配南郊。壬戌，詔定行次，以水承金。甲子，詔罷袒裸。乙丑，制諸遠屬非太祖子孫及異姓為王者，皆降為公，公為侯，侯為伯，子男仍舊。皆除將軍之號。戊辰，帝臨思義殿，策問秀、孝。丙子，始以孟月祭廟。二月戊子，帝移御永樂宮。庚寅，壞太華殿，經始太極殿。辛卯，罷寒食享。壬辰，幸北部曹，歷觀諸省。巡省京邑，聽理冤訟。甲千，車駕初朝日於東郊，遂以為常。丁酉，詔祀唐堯於平陽，虞舜於廣寧，夏禹於安邑，周文於洛陽。丁未，改謚宣尼曰文聖尼父，告謚孔廟。三月丁卯，巡省京邑。癸酉，省西郊郊天雜事。乙亥，車駕初迎氣於南郊，自此為常。辛巳，以高麗王璉孫雲為其國王。齊人來聘。夏四月丁亥朔，頒新律令，大赦。甲寅，幸皇宗學，親問博士經義。五月癸未，詔群臣於皇信堂更定律條，流徒限制，帝親臨決之。秋七月壬戌，詔曰：「自今選舉，每以季月，本曹與吏部銓簡。」甲戌，詔兼員外散騎常侍宋弁使於齊。八月庚寅，車駕初祀夕月於西郊，遂以為常。乙未，詔陽平王頤、左僕射陸睿督十二將北討蠕蠕。丙午，宕昌王梁彌承來朝。司徒尉元以老遜位。己酉，以尉元為三老，遊明根為五更。又養國老、庶老，將行大射之禮。雨，不克成。癸丑，詔曰：「國家雖宗文以懷九服，修武以寧八荒。然於習武之方，猶為未盡。將於馬射之前，先行講武之式。可敕有司豫修場埒。其列陣之儀，五戎之數，別俟後敕。」九月甲寅朔，大序昭穆於明常，祀文明太皇太后於玄堂。辛未，帝以文明太皇太后再周忌日，哭於陵左，絕膳三日，哭不輟聲。辛巳，武興王楊集始來朝。冬十月己亥，以太傅、安定王休為大司馬，特進馮誕為司徒。甲辰，詔以功臣配饗太廟。庚戌，太極殿成，饗群臣。十一月乙卯，依古六寢，權制三室，以安昌殿為內寢，皇信堂為中寢，四下為外寢。十二月，賜京邑老人鳩杖。齊人來聘。是歲，高麗、鄧至、契丹、齒、吐谷渾等國並遣使朝貢。

On wuwu, the first of the sixteenth year, the court feasted ministers in Taihua Hall. The Emperor first raised counties for princes and dukes without music. On jiwei day he sacrificed to Emperor Xianzu Xianwen at the Bright Hall, with the Supreme Lord as correlate. He ascended the terrace to observe cloud signs, descended to Green Yang's left chamber, and distributed government affairs. Each first of the month this became constant practice. On xinyou day the Grand Ancestor was first correlated at the southern suburb. On renxu day the order of elements was fixed: water succeeding metal. On jiazi day baring the torso was abolished. On yichou day distant kin not of the Grand Ancestor and enfeoffed kings of other surnames were reduced: kings to dukes, dukes to marquises, marquises to earls; viscounts and barons remained. All were stripped of general's titles. On wuchen day the Emperor attended Siyi Hall and examined xiucai and xiaolian. On bingzi day the first month of each season was first used for temple sacrifice. On wuzi in the second month the Emperor moved to Yongle Palace. On gengyin day Taihua Hall was demolished and Taiji Hall begun. On xinmao day the Cold Food offering was abolished. On renchen day he visited the northern ministry offices and toured all departments. He toured the capital and judged wrongful lawsuits. On jiazi day the emperor first paid court to the sun at the eastern suburb; this became constant. On dingyou day sacrifice was ordered to Tang Yao at Pingyang, Yu Shun at Guangning, Yu of Xia at Anyi, and King Wen of Zhou at Luoyang. On dingwei day Master Kong's posthumous title became Sage of Letters Ni Fu, proclaimed at the Confucian temple. On dingmao in the third month he toured the capital. On guiyou day miscellaneous matters of western suburban sacrifice to heaven were reduced. On yihai day the emperor first welcomed the qi at the southern suburb; from this it became constant. On xinsi day Sun Yun, grandson of King Lian of Goguryeo, was made king of that state. Qi envoys arrived. On dinghai, the first of the fourth month of summer, new laws were promulgated and a general amnesty proclaimed. On jiayin day he visited the Imperial Clan School and questioned erudites on canonical meaning. On guiwei in the fifth month ministers at Huangxin Hall revised legal articles and limits on exile; the Emperor decided in person. On renxu in the seventh month of autumn an edict said: "From now selections shall be each seasonal month; the original bureau and Ministry of Personnel shall examine together. On jiaxu day Acting Staff Officer Song Bian was sent to Qi. On gengyin in the eighth month the emperor first sacrificed to the evening moon at the western suburb; this became constant. On yiwei day Prince of Yangping Yi and Left Vice Director Lu Rui were ordered to lead twelve generals north against the Rouran. On bingwu day King of Dangchang Liang Micheng came to court. Minister of Works Wei Yuan yielded office for age. On jiyou day Wei Yuan became one of the three elders and You Minggen one of the five seniors. State elders and common elders were also cared for; the great archery rite was to be performed. Rain fell; it could not be completed. On guichou day an edict said: "Though the state honors letters to embrace the nine domains and cultivates arms to pacify the eight wilds, yet in martial training it is still not complete. Before horse archery, military exercises are to be performed first. The relevant offices are to prepare the drill ground in advance. Array formations and numbers of the five armies await a later edict. On jiayin, the first of the ninth month, senior and junior order was set at Mingchang; Empress Dowager Wenming was sacrificed to in the Dark Hall. On xinwei day, the weekly anniversary of Empress Dowager Wenming, the Emperor wept at the tomb's left, fasted three days, and wept without ceasing. On xinsi day King of Wuxing Yang Jishi came to court. On jihai in the tenth month of winter Grand Tutor Prince of Anding Xiu became Grand Marshal and Special Advance Feng Yan Minister of Works. On jiachen day meritorious ministers were ordered to share sacrifice in the Grand Temple. On gengxu day Taiji Hall was finished and ministers were feasted. On yimao in the eleventh month, following the ancient six inner chambers, three were provisionally established: Anchang as inner, Huangxin as middle, Sizia as outer. In the twelfth month the capital's aged received dove staffs. Qi envoys arrived. That year Goguryeo, Dengzhi, Khitan, Chi, Tuyuhun, and others sent tribute.

十七年春正月壬子朔，饗百寮於太極殿。乙丑，詔大賜諸蕃君長車、旗、衣、馬、錦彩、繒纊，多者一千，少者三百，各以命數為差。詔兼員外散騎常侍邢巒使於齊。丙子，以吐谷渾伏連籌為其國王。庚辰，蠲大司馬安定王休、太保齊郡王簡朔望之朝。二月乙酉，詔賜議律令之官各有差。己酉，車駕始籍田於都南。三月戊辰，改作後宮。夏四月戊戌，立皇后馮氏。是月，齊直閣將軍蠻酋田益宗率部落內屬。五月壬戌，宴四廟子孫於宣文堂，帝親與之齒，行家人禮。甲子，帝臨朝堂，引見公卿以下。決疑政，錄囚徒。丁丑，以旱徹膳。襄陽蠻酋雷婆思等率其部內徙，居於太和川。六月庚辰朔，日有蝕之。丙戌，帝將南伐，詔造河橋。乙未，講武。

On renzi, the first of the seventeenth year, the hundred officials were feasted in Taiji Hall. On yichou day frontier chieftains received great gifts of carriages, banners, clothes, horses, brocade, and silk: at most one thousand, at least three hundred, by rank. Acting Staff Officer Xing Luan was sent to Qi. On bingzi day Tuyuhun Fu Lianchou was made king of that state. On gengchen day first-and-fifteenth court attendance of Grand Marshal Prince of Anding Xiu and Grand Mentor Prince of Qi Commandery Jian was remitted. On yiyou in the second month officials who debated laws received rewards in varying amounts. On jiyou day the emperor first plowed the sacred field south of the capital. On wuchen in the third month the rear palace was rebuilt. On wuxu in the fourth month of summer Empress Feng was established. That month Qi officer Tian Yizong, a barbarian chieftain, led his tribe to submit. On renxu in the fifth month descendants of the four temples were feasted in Xuwen Hall; the Emperor matched ages and performed family rites. On jiazi day the Emperor attended court and summoned dukes, ministers, and those below, decided doubtful government and recorded prisoners. On dingchou day, for drought, meals were reduced. Xiangyang chieftains Lei Posi and others led their tribes to relocate on the Taihe River. On gengchen, the first of the sixth month, the sun was eclipsed. On bingxu day, with a southern campaign planned, a river bridge was ordered built. On yiwei day military exercises were held.

乙巳，詔曰：「比百秩雖陳，事典未敘。自八元樹位，躬加省覽，作職員令二十一卷。事迫戎期，未善周悉，須待軍回，更論所闕。權可付外施行。」立皇子恂為皇太子。秋七月癸丑，以皇太子立，詔賜人為父後者爵一級，為公士。曾為吏屬者爵二級，為上造。鰥寡孤獨不能自存者，人粟五斛。戊午，中外戒嚴。是月，齊武帝殂。八月乙酉，三老山陽郡公尉元薨。丙戌，車駕類於上帝，遂臨尉元喪。丁亥，帝辭永固陵。己丑，發京師南伐，步騎三十餘萬。太尉丕奏請以宮人從，詔以臨戎不語內事，不許。壬寅，車駕至肆州。人年七十已上，賜爵一級。路見眇跛，停駕親問，賜衣食，復終事。戊申，幸并州，親見高年，問疾苦。九月壬子，詔兼員外散騎常侍高聰聘於齊。丁巳，詔車駕所經，傷人秋稼者，畝給谷五斛。戊辰，濟河。

On yisi day an edict said: "Though the hundred ranks have been set forth, the canon of offices is not yet ordered. Since the eight yuan were established, we personally reviewed and made the Staff Duties Order in twenty-one scrolls. Matters pressed by the military season are not yet complete; we must wait until the army returns to discuss what is lacking. For the present it may be issued for execution. The imperial son Xun was established as crown prince. On guichou in the seventh month of autumn, with the crown prince established, men who had become heirs for their fathers received one rank as gongshi. Those who had served as clerks received two ranks as shangzao. Widowers, widows, orphans, and the solitary who could not support themselves received five hu of grain each. On wuwu day the court and realm were placed on alert. That month Emperor Wu of Qi died. On yiyou in the eighth month the three elders Duke of Shanyang Wei Yuan died. On bingxu day the emperor offered to the Supreme Lord and then attended Wei Yuan's funeral. On dinghai day the Emperor took leave at Yonggu Tomb. On jichou day the capital was left for the southern campaign with more than three hundred thousand foot and horse. Grand Commandant Pi asked that palace women accompany the army; an edict refused, saying on campaign one does not speak of inner affairs. On renyin day the emperor reached Si Province. Those aged seventy and above received one rank. Seeing the blind and lame along the road, he halted, asked in person, gave clothing and food, and remitted their corvée for life. On wushen day he visited Bing Province, saw the aged in person, and asked after hardship. On renzi in the ninth month Acting Staff Officer Gao Cong was sent to Qi. On dingsi day wherever the emperor passed and autumn crops were injured, five hu of grain per mu were given. On wuchen day the river was crossed.

詔洛、懷、並、肆所過四州，賜高年爵，恤鰥寡孤獨各有差。孝悌廉義文武應求者，皆以名聞。又詔廝養戶不得與庶士婚，有文武之才積勞應進者，同庶族例，聽之。

In Luo, Huai, Bing, and Si through which the emperor passed, the aged received ranks and orphans, widows, and the solitary relief in varying amounts. Those filial, brotherly, incorrupt, righteous, civil, and martial who answered the call were reported by name. Another edict said stable households must not marry commoners; those with talent and merit who should advance were heard like common clans.

庚午，幸洛陽，周巡故宮基跡。帝顧謂侍臣曰：「晉德不修，荒毀至此！」遂詠《黍離詩》，為之流涕。壬申，觀河橋。幸太學，觀石經。丙子，六軍發軫。丁丑，帝戎服執鞭，御馬而出。群臣稽顙於馬前，請停南伐，帝乃止。仍議遷都計。冬十月戊寅朔，幸金墉城。詔征司空穆亮與尚書李沖、將作大匠董爵經始洛京。己卯，幸河南城。乙酉，幸豫州。癸巳，次於石濟。乙未，解嚴。設壇於滑臺宮。詔京師及諸州從戎者，賜爵一級。應募者，加二級。主將加三級。癸卯，幸鄴城。乙巳，詔安定王休率從官迎家口於代，車駕送於漳水上。初，帝之南伐，起宮殿於鄴西。

On gengwu day he visited Luoyang and toured the old palace foundations. The Emperor told his attendants: "Jin virtue was not cultivated, and it was destroyed to this point! He recited Millet Fallen and wept. On renshen day he viewed the river bridge. He visited the Imperial Academy and viewed the stone classics. On bingzi day the six armies set out. On dingchou day the Emperor in military dress held the whip and rode out. Ministers prostrated before his horse and begged him to halt the southern campaign; the Emperor stopped. Discussion of moving the capital resumed. On wuyin, the first of the tenth month of winter, he visited Jinyong City. Acting Minister of Works Mu Liang, Minister Li Chong, and Master of Works Dong Jue were ordered to plan and begin Luoyang. On jimao day he visited Henan City. On yiyou day he visited Yu Province. On guisi day he halted at Shiji. On yiwei day the alert was lifted. An altar was set up at Huatai Palace. Those of the capital and provinces who followed the campaign received one rank. Volunteers received two additional ranks. Commanding generals received three additional ranks. On guimao day he visited Ye City. On yisi day Prince of Anding Xiu was ordered to meet families at Dai; the emperor escorted them to the Zhang River. When the Emperor first campaigned south, palaces were raised west of Ye.

十一月癸亥，宮成，徙禦焉。十二月戊寅，巡省六軍。乙未，詔隱恤軍士，死亡疾病，務令優給。是歲，勿吉、吐谷渾、宕昌、陰平、契丹、庫莫奚、高麗、鄧至等國並遣使朝貢。

On guihai in the eleventh month the palace was finished and the court moved there. On wuyin in the twelfth month the six armies were reviewed. On yiwei day soldiers were to be cared for in secret: the dead, diseased, and wounded generously provided for. That year Wuji, Tuyuhun, Dangchang, Yinping, Khitan, Kumo Xi, Goguryeo, Dengzhi, and others sent tribute.

十八年春正月丁未朔，朝群臣於鄴宮澄鸞殿。癸亥，南巡。詔相、兗、豫三州賜高年爵，恤鰥寡孤老各有差。孝悌廉義文武應求者，皆以名聞。戊辰，經殷比幹墓，祭以太牢。乙亥，幸洛陽西宮。二月己丑，行幸河陰，規建方澤之所。丙申，徙封河南王幹為趙郡王，潁川王雍為高陽王。壬寅，北巡。癸卯，齊人來聘。甲辰，詔喻天下以遷都意。閏月癸亥，次勾註陘南。皇太子朝於蒲地。壬申，至平城宮。

On dingwei, the first of the eighteenth year, the court was held at Chengluan Hall of the Ye palace. On guihai day a southern tour began. In Xiang, Yan, and Yu the aged received ranks and orphans, widows, and the aged and solitary relief in varying amounts. Those filial, brotherly, incorrupt, righteous, civil, and martial who answered the call were reported by name. On wuchen day he passed Bi Gan's tomb of Yin and sacrificed with the great victim. On yihai day he visited the western palace of Luoyang. On jichou in the second month he traveled to Heyin and planned the Square Pond site. On bingshen day Prince of Henan Gan became Prince of Zhao Commandery and Prince of Yingchuan Yong Prince of Gaoyang. On renyin day a northern tour began. On guimao day Qi envoys arrived. On jiachen day an edict proclaimed to the realm the intent to move the capital. On guihai in the intercalary month he halted south of Gouzhu Pass. The crown prince attended court at Pu. On renshen day he reached Pingcheng Palace.

癸酉，臨朝堂，部分遷留。甲戌，謁永固陵。三月庚辰，罷西郊祭天。壬辰，帝臨太極殿，喻在代群臣遷移之略。夏五月甲戌朔，日有蝕之。乙亥，詔罷五月五日、七月七日饗。六月己巳，詔兼員外散騎常侍盧昶使於齊。秋七月乙亥，以宋王劉昶為大將軍。壬辰，北巡。戊戌，謁金陵。辛丑，幸朔州。是月，齊蕭鸞殺其主昭業。

On guiyou day he attended court and assigned who should move and who remain. On jiaxu day he visited Yonggu Tomb. On gengchen in the third month western suburban sacrifice to heaven was abolished. On renchen day the Emperor attended Taiji Hall and explained migration to the ministers at Dai. On jiaxu, the first of the fifth month of summer, the sun was eclipsed. On yihai day the fifth-month and seventh-month feasts were abolished. On jisi in the sixth month Acting Staff Officer Lu Chang was sent to Qi. On yihai in the seventh month of autumn Prince of Song Liu Chang became Grand General. On renchen day a northern tour began. On wuxu day he visited Jin Tomb. On xinchou day he visited Shuozhou. That month Xiao Luan of Qi killed his ruler Zhaoye.

八月亥亥，皇太子朝於行宮。甲辰，行幸陰山，觀雲川。丁未，幸閱武臺，臨觀講武。因幸懷朔、武川、撫冥、柔玄等四鎮。乙丑，南還。所過皆親見高年，問人疾苦，貧窘孤老者，賜以粟帛。丙寅，詔六鎮及禦夷城人年老孤貧廢疾者，賜粟宥罪各有差。戊辰，車駕次旋鴻池。庚午，謁永固陵。辛未，還平城宮。九月壬申朔，詔曰：「三載考績，自古通經，三考黜陟，以彰能否。朕今三載一考，考即黜陟。

In the eighth month, on haihai day, the crown prince attended court at the traveling palace. On jiachen day he traveled to Yinshan and viewed the Cloud River. On dingwei day he visited the Review Troops Platform and observed military exercises. He then visited the four garrisons of Huaishuo, Wuchuan, Fuming, and Rouxuan. On yichou day he returned south. Wherever he passed he saw the aged, asked after hardship, and gave grain and cloth to the poor, distressed, orphaned, and aged. On bingyin day the six garrisons and Yuyi City's aged, orphaned, poor, and disabled received grain and pardons in varying amounts. On wuchen day the emperor halted at Xuanhong Pool. On gengwu day he visited Yonggu Tomb. On xinwei day he returned to Pingcheng Palace. On renshen, the first of the ninth month, an edict said: "Three-year examination of merit is the constant canon from antiquity; three examinations show ability or inability. We now examine once every three years; upon examination comes promotion or demotion.

欲令愚滯無妨於賢者，才能不擁於下位。各令當曹，考其優劣為三等。六品已下，尚書重問；五品已上，朕將親與公卿論其善惡。上上者遷之，下下者黜之，中中者守其本任。」壬午，帝臨朝堂，親加黜陟。壬辰，陰平王楊炅來朝。冬十月甲辰，以太尉、東陽王丕為太傅。戊申，親告太廟，奉迎神主。辛亥，車駕發平城宮。壬戌，次於中山之唐湖。乙丑，分遣侍臣，巡問疾苦。己巳，幸信都。庚午，詔曰：「比聞緣邊之蠻，多有竊掠，致有父子乖離，室家分絕。可詔荊、郢、東荊三州，勒諸蠻人，勿有侵暴。」是月，齊蕭鸞殺其主昭文而自立。十一月辛未朔，詔冀、定二州，賜高年爵，恤鰥寡孤老各有差。孝義廉貞文武應求者，具以名聞。丁丑，幸鄴。甲申，經比幹墓，親為吊文，樹碑刊之。己丑，車駕至洛陽。十二月辛丑朔，分命諸將南征。壬寅，革衣服之制。癸卯，詔中外戒嚴。戊申，復代遷戶租賦三歲。

We wish the dull not to block the worthy and talent not to be crowded below. Each office is to grade its men excellent, middling, or inferior. For the sixth rank and below, the Masters of Writing re-examine; for the fifth rank and above, we shall personally debate merit with dukes and ministers. The highest are promoted; the lowest demoted; the middle keep their posts. On renwu day the Emperor attended court and personally promoted and demoted. On renchen day Prince of Yinping Yang Jiong came to court. On jiachen in the tenth month of winter Grand Commandant Prince of Dongyang Pi became Grand Tutor. On wushen day he announced at the Grand Temple and welcomed the spirit tablets. On xinhai day the emperor left Pingcheng Palace. On renxu day he halted at Tang Lake in Zhongshan. On yichou day attendant ministers were sent separately to inquire into hardship. On jisi day he visited Xin Du. On gengwu day an edict said: "Frontier barbarians often raid and steal, tearing fathers from sons and families apart. Jing, Ying, and eastern Jing were told to restrain barbarians from violence. That month Xiao Luan of Qi killed his ruler Zhaowen and installed himself. On xinwei, the first of the eleventh month, Ji and Ding granted ranks to the aged and relieved orphans, widows, and the aged and solitary. Those filial, righteous, incorrupt, firm, civil, and martial who answered the call were reported by name. On dingchou day he visited Ye. On jiashen day he passed Bi Gan's tomb, composed mourning text, and set up a stele. On jichou day the emperor reached Luoyang. On xinchou, the first of the twelfth month, generals were ordered south separately. On renyin day the clothing system was reformed. On guimao day alert was ordered within and without. On wushen day rent and levies of households relocated from Dai were remitted three years.

己酉，詔王、公、伯、子、男開國食邑者：王食半；公三分食一；侯、伯四分食一；子、男五分食一。辛亥，車駕南伐。丁卯，詔郢、豫二州賜高年爵，恤孤寡鰥老各有差。緣路之丁，復田租一歲。孝悌廉貞文武應求者，具以名聞。戊辰，車駕至懸瓠。己巳，詔壽陽、鐘離、馬頭之師所獲男女口皆放還南。是歲，高麗國遣使朝貢。

On jiyou day enfeoffed kings, dukes, marquises, viscounts, and barons: princes receive half; dukes one-third; marquises and earls one-fourth; viscounts and barons one-fifth. On xinhai day the emperor campaigned south. On dingmao day Ying and Yu granted ranks to the aged and relieved orphans and widows. Corvée men along the route had field rent remitted one year. Those filial, brotherly, incorrupt, firm, civil, and martial who answered the call were reported by name. On wuchen day the emperor reached Xuanhu. On jisi day captives from Shouyang, Zhongli, and Matou were all released south. That year Goguryeo sent tribute.

十九年春正月辛未朔，朝饗群臣於懸瓠。癸酉，詔禁淮北人不得侵掠，犯者以大辟論。壬午，講武於汝水西，大賫六軍。平南將軍王肅、左將軍元麗並大破齊軍。

On xinwei, the first of the nineteenth year, the court feasted ministers at Xuanhu. On guiyou day people north of the Huai were forbidden to raid; offenders faced capital punishment. On renwu day military exercises were held west of the Ru and the six armies were greatly rewarded. General Who Pacifies the South Wang Su and General of the Left Yuan Li both crushed the Qi army.

己亥，車駕濟淮。二月甲辰，幸八公山。路中雨甚，詔去蓋。見軍士病者，親隱恤之。戊申，車駕巡淮南，東人皆安堵，租運屬路。丙辰，幸鐘離。戊午，軍士禽齊人三千。帝曰：「在君為君，其人何罪？」於是免歸。辛酉，發鐘離，將臨江水。

On jihai day the emperor crossed the Huai. On jiachen in the second month he visited Bagong Mountain. Rain was heavy along the road; the canopy was ordered removed. Seeing sick soldiers, he personally cared for them in secret. On wushen day the emperor toured south of the Huai; easterners were settled and rent transport lined the roads. On bingchen day he visited Zhongli. On wuwu day soldiers captured three thousand Qi men. The Emperor said: "Serving their lord they were loyal; what crime have these men? Thereupon they were released and sent home. On xinyou day he left Zhongli and was about to reach the Yangzi.

庚申，幸魯城。親祠孔子廟。辛酉，詔拜孔氏四人，顏氏二人為官。詔兗州刺史舉部內士人堪軍國及守宰政績者，具以名聞。詔賜兗州人爵及粟帛如徐州。又詔選諸孔宗子一人封崇聖侯，邑一百戶，以奉孔子祀。命兗州為孔子起園栢，修飾墳隴，更建碑銘，褒揚聖德。戊辰，行幸碻磝。太和廟成。五月己巳，城陽王鸞赭陽失利，降為定襄縣王。廣川王諧薨。庚午，遷文成皇后馮氏神主於太和廟。甲戌，行幸滑臺。丙子，次於石濟。庚辰，皇太子朝於平桃城。癸未，車駕至自南伐。甲申，滅閑官祿以裨軍國之用。乙酉，行飲至禮，班賜各有差。甲午，皇太子冠於廟。六月己亥，詔不得以北俗之語，言於朝廷。違者，免所居官。辛丑，詔復軍士從駕渡淮者租賦三年。癸卯，詔皇太子赴平城宮。壬子，詔濟州、東郡、滎陽及河南諸縣車駕所經者，賜高年爵，恤孤寡老疾各有差。。孝悌廉義文武應求者，具以名聞。癸丑，求天下遺書。秘閣所無，有裨時用者，加以厚賞。乙卯，曲赦梁州，復人田租三歲。丙辰，詔遷洛人，死葬河南，不得還北。於是代人南遷者，悉為河南洛陽人。

On gengshen day he visited Lu City. He personally sacrificed at the Confucian temple. On xinyou day four men of the Kong clan and two of the Yan were appointed to office. Yan's regional inspector was told to recommend scholars fit for state and military service and worthy magistrates by name. Yan Province received ranks and grain and cloth as Xu Province. One Kong clansman was enfeoffed Marquis of Sacred Sagacity with one hundred households for Confucius's sacrifice. Yan Province was ordered to plant cypress for Confucius, repair the tomb, and rebuild the stele to praise sacred virtue. On wuchen day he traveled to Queao. The Taihe Temple was completed. On jisi in the fifth month Prince of Chengyang Luan lost Zheyang and was reduced to Prince of Dingxiang County. Prince of Guangchuan Xie died. On gengwu day Empress Wenming Feng's spirit tablet was moved to Taihe Temple. On jiaxu day he traveled to Huatai. On bingzi day he halted at Shiji. On gengchen day the crown prince attended court at Pingtao City. On guiwei day the emperor returned from the southern campaign. On jiashen day salaries of idle offices were abolished for military and state use. On yiyou day the victory feast was held and rewards distributed in varying amounts. On jiawu day the crown prince was capped at the temple. On jihai in the sixth month northern dialect at court was forbidden. Violators were removed from office. On xinchou day three years' rent was remitted for soldiers who crossed the Huai with the emperor. On guimao day the crown prince was ordered to Pingcheng Palace. On renzi day counties the emperor passed in Ji, Dongjun, Xingyang, and Henan granted ranks to the aged and relieved orphans, widows, aged, sick, and solitary. Those filial, brotherly, righteous, incorrupt, civil, and martial who answered the call were reported by name. On guichou day lost books throughout the realm were sought. What the secret archive lacked and was useful received generous reward. On yimao day Liang Province received partial amnesty and three years' rent remission. On bingchen day those who moved to Luo who died were buried in Henan and not returned north. Thereupon those of Dai who moved south all became people of Henan and Luoyang.

戊午，詔改長尺大斗，依《周禮》制度，班之天下。秋八月，幸西宮。路見壞冢露棺，駐輦埋之。乙巳，詔選天下勇士十五萬人為羽林、武賁，以充宿衛。丁巳，詔諸從兵從征被傷者，皆聽還本。金墉宮成。甲子，引群臣歷宴殿堂。九月，六宮及文武盡遷洛陽。丙戌，行幸鄴。丁亥，詔諸墓舊銘記見存昭然為時人所知者，三公及位從公者，去墓三十步。尚書令仆、九列，十五步。黃門、五校，十步：各不聽墾殖。壬辰，遣黃門郎以太牢祭比幹墓。乙未，車駕還宮。冬十月甲辰，曲赦相州，賜高年爵，恤孤老痼疾各有差。丙辰，車駕至自鄴。辛酉，詔州郡舉士。壬戌，詔諸州牧考屬官為三等之科以聞，將加親覽，以定升降。詔徐、兗、光、南、青、荊、洛七州嚴纂戎備，應須赴集。十一月，行幸委粟山。議定圓丘。甲申，祀圓丘。丙戌，大赦。十二月乙未朔，引見群臣光極堂，宣下品令，為大選之始。辛酉，以咸陽王禧為長兼太尉，復前南安王楨本爵。甲子，引見群臣光極堂，班賜冠服。是歲，高麗、鄧至、吐谷渾等國各遣使朝貢。

On wuwu day the long foot and great bushel were reformed per the Rites of Zhou and distributed throughout the realm. In the eighth month of autumn he visited the western palace. Along the road he saw ruined tombs with exposed coffins; he halted and buried them. On yisi day one hundred fifty thousand brave men were selected as Feathered Forest and Martial Guard for the palace guard. On dingsi day followers wounded in campaign might return home. Jinyong Palace was completed. On jiazi day ministers were led through successive feasts in the halls. In the ninth month the six palaces and civil and military officials all moved to Luoyang. On bingxu day he traveled to Ye. On dinghai day for old tomb inscriptions still known: three excellencies and noble rank from duke, thirty paces from the tomb; Masters of Writing directors and nine ministers, fifteen paces. Yellow Gate and five commandants, ten paces: cultivation forbidden in each zone. On renchen day a Yellow Gate gentleman sacrificed at Bi Gan's tomb with the great victim. On yiwei day the emperor returned to the palace. On jiachen in the tenth month of winter Xiang received partial amnesty; the aged received ranks and orphans, aged, and chronically ill relief. On bingchen day the emperor returned from Ye. On xinyou day provinces and commanderies were told to recommend scholars. On renxu day regional inspectors were to grade subordinates in three grades for the emperor's review. Xu, Yan, Guang, southern, Qing, Jing, and Luo were told to tighten readiness and muster as needed. In the eleventh month he traveled to Weisu Mountain. The Round Mound was debated and fixed. On jiashen day the Round Mound was sacrificed to. On bingxu day a general amnesty was proclaimed. On yiwei, the first of the twelfth month, ministers were summoned at Guangji Hall; rank regulations began the great selection. On xinyou day Prince of Xianyang Xi became acting Grand Commandant and former Prince of Nan'an Zhen was restored. On jiazi day ministers were summoned at Guangji Hall and caps and robes distributed. That year Goguryeo, Dengzhi, Tuyuhun, and others sent tribute.

二十年春正月丁卯，詔改姓元氏。壬辰，封始平王勰為彭城王，復封定襄王鸞為城陽王。二月辛丑，幸華林，聽訟於都亭。壬寅，詔自非金革，皆聽終三年喪。

On dingmao in the first month of the twentieth year the surname was changed to Yuan. On renchen day Prince of Shiping Xie became Prince of Pengcheng and Prince of Dingxiang Luan was restored Prince of Chengyang. On xinchou in the second month he visited Hualin and heard lawsuits at the capital pavilion. On renyin day an edict said except for war all might complete three-year mourning.

丙午，詔畿內七十己上，暮春赴京師，將行養老禮。庚戌，幸華林，聽訟於都亭。

On bingwu day those seventy and above in the capital districts were to come in late spring for the rite of caring for the aged. On gengxu day he visited Hualin and heard lawsuits at the capital pavilion.

九月戊辰，車駕閱武於小平津。癸酉，還宮。丁亥，將通洛水入谷，帝親臨觀。庚寅晦，日有蝕之。冬十月戊戌，以代遷之士，皆為羽林、武賁。司州之人，十二夫調一吏，為四年更卒，歲開番假，以供公私方役。己酉，曲赦京師。十一月乙酉，復封前汝陰王天賜孫景和為汝陰王，前京兆王太興為西河王。十二月甲子，以西北州郡旱儉，遣侍臣巡察，開倉振恤。乙丑，開鹽池禁。丙寅，廢皇太子恂為庶人。

On wuchen in the ninth month the emperor reviewed troops at Xiaoping Ford. On guiyou day he returned to the palace. On dinghai day the Luo was to be connected into the valley; the Emperor observed in person. On gengyin, the last day of the month, the sun was eclipsed. On wuxu in the tenth month of winter soldiers relocated from Dai became Feathered Forest and Martial Guard. In Si Province one clerk was levied per twelve men on four-year rotation; seasonal leave was opened yearly for corvée. On jiyou day the capital received a partial pardon. On yiyou in the eleventh month former Prince of Yiyin Tianci's grandson Jinghe was restored Prince of Yiyin and former Prince of Jingzhao Tai Xing Prince of Xihe. On jiazi in the twelfth month northwest provinces suffered drought; ministers inspected and opened granaries. On yichou day the salt pond prohibition was opened. On bingyin day Crown Prince Xun was deposed as commoner.

戊辰，置常平倉。樂陵王思譽知恒州刺史穆泰謀反不告，削爵為庶人。

On wuchen day the Ever-Normal Granary was established. Prince of Leling Si Yu knew Mu Tai of Hengzhou plotted rebellion and did not report it; he was stripped to commoner.

二十一年春正月丙申，立皇子恪為皇太子。賜天下為父後者爵一級。己亥，遣侍臣巡方省察，問人疾苦，黜陟守宰。乙巳，北巡。二月壬戌，次於太原。親見高年，問所不便。乙丑，詔并州士人年六十以上，假以郡守。先是，定州人王金鉤訛言自稱應王。丙寅，州郡捕斬之。癸酉，車駕至平城。甲戌，謁永固陵。乙未，南巡。甲寅，詔汾州賜高年爵各有差。丙辰，次平陽。使以太牢祭唐堯。夏四月庚申，幸龍門。使以太牢祭夏禹。癸亥，幸蒲阪。使以太牢祭虞舜。修堯、舜、夏禹廟。

On bingshen in the first month of the twenty-first year the imperial son Ke was established crown prince. Throughout the realm men who had become heirs for their fathers received one rank. On jihai day ministers toured regions, asked after hardship, and promoted or demoted magistrates. On yisi day a northern tour began. On renxu in the second month he halted at Taiyuan. He saw the aged in person and asked what was inconvenient. On yichou day Bing scholars aged sixty and above received acting commandery governorship. Earlier Wang Jingou of Ding spread false words and called himself the responsive king. On bingyin day the province and commandery captured and beheaded him. On guiyou day the emperor reached Pingcheng. On jiaxu day he visited Yonggu Tomb. On yiwei day a southern tour began. On jiayin day the aged of Fen Province received ranks in varying amounts. On bingchen day he halted at Pingyang. An envoy sacrificed to Tang Yao with the great victim. On gengshen in the fourth month of summer he visited Longmen. An envoy sacrificed to Yu of Xia with the great victim. On guihai day he visited Puban. An envoy sacrificed to Yu Shun with the great victim. The temples of Yao, Shun, and Yu of Xia were repaired.

其營船夫，賜爵一級。孤寡鰥貧，各賜谷帛。其孝友德義文武才幹，悉仰貢舉。壬辰，使以太牢祭周文王於酆，祭周武王於鎬。癸卯，遣使祭華嶽。六月庚申，車駕至自長安。壬戌，詔冀、定、瀛、相、濟五州，發卒士二十萬，將以南討。癸亥，司空穆亮遜位。秋七月甲午，立昭儀馮氏為皇后。甲寅，帝親為群臣講《喪服》於清徽堂。八月丙辰，詔中外戒嚴。壬戌，立皇子愉為京兆王，懌為清河王，懷為廣平王。戊辰，講武於華林園。庚辰，車駕南討。九月丙申，詔司州洛陽人年七十以上無子孫，六十以上無期親，貧不自存者，給以衣食。及不滿六十而有廢痼之疾，無大功親，窮困無以自療者，皆於別坊，遣醫救護，給太醫師四人，豫請藥物療之。

Boatmen who built ships received one rank. Orphans, widows, and the poor each received grain and cloth. Those filial, friendly, virtuous, righteous, civil, martial, and talented were all recommended upward. On renchen day envoys sacrificed to King Wen at Feng and King Wu at Hao with the great victim. On guimao day an envoy was sent to sacrifice at Mount Hua. On gengshen in the sixth month the emperor returned from Chang'an. On renxu day Ji, Ding, Ying, Xiang, and Ji were told to levy two hundred thousand soldiers for a southern campaign. On guihai day Minister of Works Mu Liang yielded office. On jiawu in the seventh month of autumn Lady Feng of Zhaoyi was established empress. On jiayin day the Emperor lectured ministers on Mourning Garments at Qinghui Hall. On bingchen in the eighth month alert was ordered within and without. On renxu day the imperial sons Yu, Yi, and Huai became Prince of Jingzhao, Prince of Qinghe, and Prince of Guangping. On wuchen day military exercises were held in Hualin Park. On gengchen day the emperor campaigned south. On bingshen in the ninth month Luoyang people seventy and above without descendants or sixty without close kin who could not support themselves received food and clothing. Those under sixty with chronic illness and no great-affection kin, too poor to treat themselves, were placed in separate wards with four imperial physicians and medicines.

辛丑，帝留諸將攻赭陽，引師南討。丁未，車駕發南陽，留太尉咸陽王禧、前將軍元英攻之。己酉，車駕至新野。冬十月丁巳，四面進攻不克，詔左右軍築長圍以守之。乙亥，追廢貞皇后林氏為庶人。十一月丁酉，大破齊軍於沔北。於是人皆復業。

On xinchou day the Emperor left generals at Zheyang and led the army south. On dingwei day the emperor left Nanyang; Grand Commandant Prince of Xianyang Xi and General of the Front Yuan Ying were left to attack. On jiyou day the emperor reached Xinye. On dingsi in the tenth month of winter four-sided attack failed; the left and right armies were ordered to build a long encirclement. On yihai day Deposed Empress Lin was further deposed as commoner. On dingyou in the eleventh month the Qi army was crushed north of the Mian. Thereupon all men returned to their occupations.

九十以上，假以郡守。六十五以上，假以縣令。十二月丁卯，詔流、徙之囚，皆勿決遣，登城之際，令其先鋒自效。庚午，車駕臨沔，遂東還。戊寅，還新野。己卯，親行營壘，恤六軍。以齊郡王子琛紹河間王若後。高昌國遣使朝貢。

Those ninety and above received acting commandery governorship. Those sixty-five and above received acting county magistracy. On dingmao in the twelfth month exiled and relocated prisoners were held undecided; at assault they served as vanguard to prove themselves. On gengwu day the emperor reached the Mian and turned east. On wuyin day he returned to Xinye. On jimao day he walked the camps and comforted the six armies. Prince of Qi Commandery Zichen succeeded Prince of Hejian Ruo. Gaochang sent tribute.

二十二年春正月癸未朔，饗群臣於新野行宮。丁亥，拔新野，斬其太守劉忌於宛。庚午，至自新野。辛未，詔以穰人首歸大順始終若一者，給復三十年，標其所居曰歸義鄉。次降者，給復十五年。三月壬午朔，大破齊將崔慧景、蕭衍軍於鄧城。

On guiwei, the first of the twenty-second year, ministers were feasted at the Xinye traveling palace. On dinghai day Xinye was taken and administrator Liu Ji beheaded at Wan. On gengwu day he returned from Xinye. On xinwei day Xiang men who first submitted in great obedience received thirty years' remission; their dwelling was marked Village of Returning Righteousness. Those who submitted later received fifteen years' remission. On renwu, the first of the third month, Qi generals Cui Huijing and Xiao Yan were crushed at Deng City.

二十三年春正月戊寅朔，朝饗群臣於鄴。先是，帝不豫，至是有瘳。庚辰，群臣上壽，大饗於澄鸞殿。壬午，幸西門豹祠，遂歷漳水而還。戊戌，車駕至自鄴。

On wuyin, the first of the twenty-third year, the court feasted ministers at Ye. Earlier the Emperor had been unwell; now he recovered. On gengchen day ministers offered longevity wishes and a great feast was held at Chengluan Hall. On renwu day he visited Ximen Bao's shrine and followed the Zhang River back. On wuxu day the emperor returned from Ye.

丁酉，車駕至馬圈。戊戌，頻戰破之。己亥，收其戎資億計。諸將追奔漢水，斬獲及赴水死者十八九。庚子，帝疾甚，車駕北次谷塘原。甲辰，詔賜皇后馮氏死。詔司徒勰征太子於魯陽踐阼。以北海王詳為司空，王肅為尚書令，廣陽王嘉為左僕射，尚書宋弁為吏部尚書。與太尉咸陽王禧、右僕射任城王澄等六人輔政。夏四月丙午朔，帝崩於谷塘原之行宮，時年三十三。秘諱至魯陽發喪，還京師。上謚曰孝文皇帝，廟曰高祖。五月丙申，葬長陵。

On dingyou day the emperor reached Maquan. On wuxu day repeated battles broke the enemy. On jihai day military stores numbering in the hundreds of millions were seized. Generals pursued to the Han River; eight or nine in ten were slain, captured, or drowned. On gengzi day the Emperor was gravely ill; the court halted north at Gutang Plain. On jiachen day an edict ordered Empress Feng to die. Minister of Works Xie was ordered to summon the crown prince at Luyang to ascend the throne. Prince of Beihai Xiang became Minister of Works, Wang Su Minister of the Masters of Writing, Prince of Guangyang Jia Left Vice Director, and Song Bian Minister of Personnel. With Grand Commandant Prince of Xianyang Xi, Right Vice Director Prince of Rencheng Cheng, and six others they assisted government. On bingwu, the first of the fourth month of summer, the Emperor died at the traveling palace on Gutang Plain, aged thirty-three. The death was kept secret until Luyang, when mourning was proclaimed; the coffin returned to the capital. The posthumous title was Emperor Xiaowen; the temple name Gaozu. On bingshen in the fifth month he was buried at Chang Tomb.

帝幼有至性。年四歲時，獻文患癰，帝親自吮膿。五歲受禪，悲泣不自勝。獻文問其故，對曰：「代親之感，內切於心。」獻文甚嘆異之。文明太后以帝聰聖，後或不利馮氏，將謀廢帝。乃於寒月，單衣閉室，絕食三朝，召咸陽王禧將立之。

From childhood the Emperor had utmost nature. At age four, when Emperor Xianwen suffered an abscess, the Emperor sucked the pus himself. At five he received the abdication and wept beyond control. Emperor Xianwen asked why; he answered: "The feeling for kin of Dai cuts inward to the heart. Emperor Xianwen greatly marveled at this. Because the Emperor was intelligent and sage-like, Empress Dowager Wenming feared the Feng clan might later be harmed and plotted to depose him. In a cold month, in a single garment she closed her chamber, fasted three mornings, and summoned Prince of Xianyang Xi to install him.

元丕、穆泰、李沖固諫乃止。帝初不有憾，唯深德丕等。撫念諸弟，始終曾無纖介。

Yuan Pi, Mu Tai, and Li Chong firmly remonstrated and she stopped. At first the Emperor bore no resentment and deeply thanked Pi and the others. He cared for his younger brothers from first to last without the slightest rift.

敦睦九族，禮敬俱深。雖於大臣，持法不縱。然性寬慈，進食者曾以熱羹覆帝手，又曾於食中得蟲穢物，並笑而恕之。宦者先有譖帝於太后，太后杖帝數十，帝默受，不自申明。太后崩後，亦不以介意。

He was affectionate to the nine clans and deep in ritual courtesy to all. Even toward great ministers he held the law and did not indulge. Yet he was generous and kind; one who served food spilled hot broth on his hand, and once unclean things were found in the food, and he laughed and forgave both. A eunuch had slandered him to the Empress Dowager; she beat him dozens of times and he silently bore it without explaining. After the Empress Dowager died he did not mind it.

聽覽政事，從善如流。哀矜百姓，恒思所以濟益。天地、五郊、宗廟、二分之禮，帝必躬親，不以寒暑為倦。尚書奏案，多自尋省；百官大小，無不留心。務於周洽，每言：凡為人君，患於不均，不能推誠遇物；茍能均誠，胡越之人，亦可親如兄弟。常從容謂史官曰：「直書時事，無諱國惡。人君威福自己，史復不書，將何所懼！」南北征巡，有司奏請修道，帝曰：「粗修橋梁，通輿馬便止，不須去草鏟令平也。」凡所修造，不得已而為之，不為不急之事，重損人力。巡幸淮南，如在內地。軍事須伐人樹者，必留絹以酬其直。人苗稼無所傷踐。諸有禁忌禳厭之方非典籍所載者，一皆除罷。雅好讀書，手不釋卷。《五經》之義，覽之便講。學不師受，探其精奧；史傳百家，無不該涉。善談莊、老，尤精釋義。才藻富贍，好為文章；詩賦銘頌，在興而作。有大文筆，馬上口授；及其成也，不改一字。自太和十年已後，詔冊皆帝文也。自余文章，百有餘篇。愛奇好士，情如饑渴。待納朝賢，隨才輕重。常寄以布素之意。，悠然玄邁，不以世務嬰心。又少善射，有膂力：年十餘，能以指彈碎羊膊骨；射禽獸，莫不隨行所至而斃之。至十五，便不復殺生，射獵之事悉止。性儉素，常服浣濯之衣，鞍勒鐵木而已。帝之雅誌，皆此類也。

In hearing government he followed good counsel like flowing water. He pitied the common people and constantly thought how to benefit them. Rites of Heaven and Earth, the five suburbs, the ancestral temple, and the two equinoxes: he always attended in person and was not weary of heat or cold. When the Masters of Writing memorialized cases, he often reviewed them himself; officials great and small, none escaped his attention. He strove for thoroughness and often said: For any ruler the trouble is unevenness, not treating things with sincere openness; if one can be evenly sincere, even men of Hu and Yue can be as close as brothers. He often told the historiographers: "Write the times straight and do not conceal the state's shame. When a ruler's authority and favor are his own and historians do not write, what is there to fear! On campaign and tour, when offices asked to repair roads, he said: "Roughly repair bridges for carts and horses; no need to clear grass and level ground." All construction was only when unavoidable; he did not undertake unurgent matters and heavily burden labor. Touring south of the Huai was like being in the inner lands. When the military cut trees, silk was left to pay the price. People's standing grain was not trampled or injured. All taboo and exorcism formulas not in the canonical tomes were abolished. He loved reading and never released the scroll from his hand. The meaning of the Five Classics he could expound on reading. He studied without teachers, probing subtle depths; histories, transmissions, and the hundred schools, none he did not encompass. He was skilled in Zhuangzi and Laozi and especially refined in Buddhist meaning. His literary talent was rich; he loved to write essays; poems, rhapsodies, inscriptions, and eulogies he composed as inspiration moved him. For great compositions he dictated from horseback; when finished he altered not a single character. From Taihe year ten onward, edicts and patents were all the Emperor's writing. Besides these there were more than a hundred other compositions. He loved the strange and honored scholars with hunger and thirst. He received court worthies according to talent, heavy or light. He often entrusted them with plain intentions, distant and transcendent, not binding his heart with worldly affairs. At ease and far-reaching, he did not let worldly affairs bind his heart. He was skilled in archery and strong: in his teens he could snap sheep shoulder bones with a finger; shooting birds and beasts, none failed to fall wherever he went. By fifteen he no longer killed living things and ceased all hunting. By nature he was frugal, often wearing washed clothes; saddle and bridle were iron and wood only. The Emperor's refined aims were all of this kind.

論曰：有魏始基代朔，廓平南夏；辟土經世，咸以威武為業。文教之事，所未遑也。孝文纂承洪緒，早著睿聖之風。時以文明攝事，優遊恭己；玄覽獨得，著自不言；神契所標，固以符於冥化。及躬總大政，一日萬機，十許年間，曾不暇給；殊塗同歸，百慮一致。夫生靈所難行，人倫之高跡，雖尊居黃屋，盡蹈之矣。若乃欽明稽古，協禦天人，帝王制作，朝野軌度。斟酌用舍，煥乎其有文章。海內黔黎，咸受耳目之賜。加以雄才大略，愛奇好士，視下如傷，役己利物，亦無得而稱之。

The judgment says: When Wei first founded its base in the northern frontier and broadened peace in southern Xia, opening territory and ordering the age, all took martial awesomeness as enterprise. Civil and cultural affairs they had no leisure to pursue. Emperor Xiaowen succeeded the great enterprise and early showed sage-like wind. At the time Empress Dowager Wenming held affairs; he rested in reverent ease; mysteriously viewing alone he attained understanding, manifest in silence; what the divine covenant marked already accorded with hidden transformation. When he personally held government, ten thousand affairs a day, for more than ten years he scarcely had leisure; different paths, same end; a hundred concerns, one accord. What living beings find hard and the highest trace of human relations, though he honored the yellow house, he fully trod them. As for reverent clarity and examining antiquity, harmonizing heaven and man, imperial regulation and court standards, weighing use and rejection, he brilliantly had culture. The black-haired commoners within the seas all received the gift of ear and eye. Added to heroic talent and great strategy, love of the strange and honoring scholars, treating subordinates as if wounded, taxing himself to benefit things, none could fully name it.

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