1
元年春正月，詔曰：「前日孝惠皇帝言欲除三族罪、妖言令，議未決而崩，今除之。」 二月，賜民爵，戶一級。 初置孝弟力田二千石者一人。 夏五月丙申，趙王宮叢臺災。 立孝惠後宮子強為淮陽王，不疑為恆山王，弘為襄城侯，朝為軹侯，武為壺關侯。 秋，桃李華。
In the first year, during the first month of spring, an imperial edict declared: 'Previously, Emperor Xiaohui had expressed a desire to abolish the punishment of the three clans and the ordinance against demonic speech, but the discussion remained unresolved when he passed away. We now abolish them.' In the second month, noble ranks were granted to the people, one level per household. For the first time, one person who exemplifies filial piety, fraternal duty, and dedication to farming was appointed at the rank of 2000 shi. On the bing-shen day of the fifth month in summer, the Cong Terrace in the Zhao king's palace caught fire. The sons of Emperor Xiaohui's harem were enfeoffed: Qiang as King of Huaiyang, Buyi as King of Hengshan, Hong as Marquis of Xiangcheng, Chao as Marquis of Zhi, and Wu as Marquis of Huguan. In autumn, peach and plum trees came into bloom.
2
二年春，詔曰：「高皇帝匡飭天下，諸有功者皆受分地為列侯，萬民大安，莫不受休德。 朕思念至於久遠而功名不著，亡以尊大誼，施後世。 今欲差次列侯功以定朝位，臧于高廟，世世勿絕，嗣子各襲其功位。 其與列侯議定奏之。」 丞相臣平言：「謹與絳侯臣勃、曲周侯臣商、潁陰侯臣嬰、安國侯臣陵等議，列侯幸得賜餐錢奉邑，陛下加惠，以功次定朝位，臣請臧高廟。」 奏可。 春正月乙卯，地震，羌道、武都道山崩。 夏六月丙戌晦，日有蝕之。 秋七月，恆山王不疑薨。 行八銖錢。
In spring of the second year, an imperial edict declared: 'Emperor Gao brought order and discipline to the realm. All who had achieved merit received divided territories as marquises, and the people lived in great peace, all benefiting from his benevolent virtue. I have reflected on this extending far into the future, yet their merits and achievements remain unrecorded, leaving nothing to honor the great righteousness and pass on to future generations. Now I wish to differentiate and rank the merits of the marquises to establish their positions at court. These rankings shall be preserved in the Gao Temple, maintained generation after generation without interruption, with each heir inheriting his father's meritorious position. Discuss and determine this with the marquises, then submit a memorial.' Chancellor Chen Ping memorialized: 'I have respectfully deliberated with Marquis of Jiang Bo, Marquis of Quzhou Shang, Marquis of Yingyin Ying, Marquis of Anguo Ling, and others. The marquises have fortunately received bestowed meal allowances and fief incomes. Your Majesty adds further favor by establishing court positions according to the order of their merits. I request that these rankings be preserved in the Gao Temple.' The memorial was approved. On the yi-mao day of the first month in spring, an earthquake struck, and mountains collapsed at Qiangdao and Wudao. On the last day of the sixth month in summer, a bing-xu day, the sun was eclipsed. In the seventh month of autumn, King Buyi of Hengshan passed away. Eight-zhu coins were put into circulation.
3
三年夏，江水、溢，流民四千餘家。 秋，星晝見。
In summer of the third year, the Yangtze River overflowed its banks, displacing more than four thousand households. In autumn, stars were visible during the daytime.
4
四年夏，少帝自知非皇后子，出怨言，皇太后幽之永巷。 詔曰：「凡有天下治萬民者，蓋之如天，容之如地； 上有驩心以使百姓，百姓欣然以事其上，驩欣交通而天下治。 今皇帝疾久不已，乃失惑昏亂，不能繼嗣奉宗廟，守祭祀，不可屬天下。 其議代之。」 群臣皆曰：「皇太后為天下計，所以安宗廟社稷甚深。 頓首奉詔。」 五月丙辰，立恆山王弘為皇帝。
In summer of the fourth year, the young emperor realized he was not the empress's son and spoke words of resentment. The Empress Dowager confined him in the Everlasting Lane. An imperial edict declared: 'All who govern the realm and rule the myriad people should cover them like heaven and contain them like earth; Above, there should be a joyful heart to employ the people, and the people should joyfully serve their superiors. When joy flows between ruler and subjects, the realm is well governed. Now the emperor's illness has persisted without cure, and moreover he has become confused and disordered. He cannot continue the line and serve the ancestral temple, nor guard the sacrifices. He cannot be entrusted with governing the realm. Discuss who should replace him.' All the ministers declared: 'The Empress Dowager has acted for the welfare of the realm, thereby securing the ancestral temple and altars of soil and grain in the profoundest way. We bow our heads and receive the edict.' On the bing-chen day of the fifth month, King Hong of Hengshan was established as emperor.
5
五年春，南粵王尉佗自稱南武帝。 秋八月，淮陽王彊薨。 九月，發河東、上黨騎屯北地。
In spring of the fifth year, Zhao Tuo, king of Nanyue, proclaimed himself the Southern Martial Emperor. In the eighth month of autumn, King Qiang of Huaiyang passed away. In the ninth month, cavalry from Hedong and Shangdang were dispatched to garrison Beidi.
6
六年春，星晝見。 夏四月，赦天下。 秩長陵令二千石。 六月，城長陵。 匈奴寇狄道，攻阿陽。 行五分錢。
In spring of the sixth year, stars were visible during the daytime. In the fourth month of summer, a general amnesty was granted throughout the realm. The magistrate of Changling was granted the rank of two thousand shi. In the sixth month, walls were built around Changling. The Xiongnu raided Di Dao and attacked A Yang. Five-parts coins were put into circulation.
7
八年春，封中謁者張釋卿為列侯。 諸中官、宦者令丞皆賜爵關內侯，食邑。 夏，江水、漢水溢，流萬餘家。
In spring of the eighth year, the palace attendant Zhang Shiqing was enfeoffed as a marquis. All palace officials and eunuch officials and their assistants were granted the rank of marquis within the passes, with food fiefs. In summer, the Yangtze and Han rivers overflowed their banks, displacing more than ten thousand households.
8
秋七月辛巳，皇太后崩于未央宮。 遺詔賜諸侯王各千金，將相列侯下至郎吏各有差。 大赦天下。
On the xin-si day of the seventh month in autumn, the Empress Dowager passed away in Weiyang Palace. By bequeathed edict, the various regional kings were each granted one thousand pieces of gold, while generals, chancellors, marquises, and officials down to the lang rank each received amounts according to their position. A great amnesty was granted throughout the realm.
9
上將軍祿、相國產顓兵秉政，自知背高皇帝約，恐為大臣諸侯王所誅，因謀作亂。 時齊悼惠王子朱虛侯章在京師，以祿女為婦，知其謀，乃使人告兄齊王，令發兵西。 章欲與太尉勃、丞相平為內應，以誅諸呂。 齊王遂發兵，又詐琅邪王澤發其國兵，并將而西。 產、祿等遣大將軍灌嬰將兵擊之。 嬰至滎陽，使人諭齊王與連和，待呂氏變而共誅之。
Senior General Lü Lu and Chancellor of State Lü Chan had seized control of the armies and the government. Aware that they had broken Emperor Gaozu's covenant, they feared being put to death by the great ministers and the regional kings, and so they plotted rebellion. At this time, Zhu Xu Marquis Zhang, son of King Daohui of Qi, was in the capital. Married to Lü Lu's daughter, he knew of their plot and sent messengers to inform his elder brother, the King of Qi, ordering him to dispatch troops westward. Zhang wished to coordinate internally with Grand Commandant Zhou Bo and Chancellor Chen Ping to execute the various members of the Lü clan. The King of Qi then dispatched troops, and moreover deceived King Ze of Langye into dispatching his country's forces. They combined their armies and marched westward. Lü Chan and Lü Lu dispatched Grand General Guan Ying to lead troops against them. When Ying reached Xingyang, he sent messengers to persuade the King of Qi to form an alliance, waiting for a turn among the Lü before jointly executing them.
10
太尉勃與丞相平謀，以曲周侯酈商子寄與祿善，使人劫商令寄紿說祿曰：「高帝與呂后共定天下，劉氏所立九王，呂氏所立三王，皆大臣之議。 事以布告諸侯王，諸侯王以為宜。 今太后崩，帝少，足下不急之國守藩，乃為上將將兵留此，為大臣諸侯所疑。 何不速歸將軍印，以兵屬太尉，請梁王亦歸相國印，與大臣盟而之國？ 齊兵必罷，大臣得安，足下高枕而王千里，此萬世之利也。」 祿然其計，使人報產及諸呂老人。 或以為不便，計猶豫未有所決。 祿信寄，與俱出遊，過其姑呂嬃。 嬃怒曰：「奴為將而棄軍，呂氏今無處矣！」 乃悉出珠玉寶器散堂下，曰：「無為它人守也！」
Grand Commandant Zhou Bo and Chancellor Chen Ping plotted together. Since Marquis of Quzhou Li Shang's son Ji was on good terms with Lü Lu, they sent men to seize Shang and have Ji deceive and persuade Lü Lu, saying: 'Emperor Gaozu and Empress Lü together settled the realm. The Liu clan established nine kings and the Lü clan established three kings—all were matters deliberated by the ministers. These matters were proclaimed by announcement to the various regional kings, who all considered them appropriate. Now the Empress Dowager has passed away and the emperor is young. You do not urgently return to your state to guard your border, but instead as senior general you lead troops and remain here, causing ministers and regional kings to suspect you. Why not promptly return your general's seal and hand the troops over to the Grand Commandant? Ask the King of Liang to return his chancellor's seal as well, swear an oath with the ministers, and go back to your own state? The Qi troops will certainly withdraw, allowing the ministers to rest easy. You can recline on your pillow and rule as king of a thousand li territory - this is a benefit for ten thousand generations.' Lü Lu approved the plan and sent messengers to inform Lü Chan and the elders of the Lü clan. Some considered it inappropriate, and the plan remained undecided amid hesitation. Lü Lu trusted Ji and went out touring with him, passing by his aunt Lü Xu. Lü Xu said angrily: 'You slave—as a general you abandon the army; the Lü clan now has nowhere to turn!' She then took out all the pearls, jade, and precious vessels, scattering them below the hall, saying: 'Don't guard these for other people!'
11
八月庚申，平陽侯窋行御史大夫事，見相國產計事。 郎中令賈壽使從齊來，因數產曰：「王不早之國，今雖欲行，尚可得邪？」 具以灌嬰與齊楚合從狀告產。 平陽侯窋聞其語，馳告丞相平、太尉勃。 勃欲入北軍，不得入。 襄平侯紀通尚符節，乃令持節矯內勃北軍。 勃復令酈寄、典客劉揭說祿，曰：「帝使太尉守北軍，欲令足下之國，急歸將軍印辭去。 不然，禍且起。」 祿遂解印屬典客，而以兵授太尉勃。 勃入軍門，行令軍中曰：「為呂氏右袒，為劉氏左袒。」 軍皆左袒。 勃遂將北軍。 然尚有南軍，丞相平召朱虛侯章佐勃。 勃令章監軍門，令平陽侯告衛尉，毋內相國產殿門。 產不知祿已去北軍，入未央宮欲為亂。 殿門弗內，徘徊往來。 平陽侯馳語太尉勃，勃尚恐不勝，未敢誦言誅之，乃謂朱虛侯章曰：「急入宮衛帝。」 章從勃請卒千人，入未央宮掖門，見產廷中。 日餔時，遂擊產。 產走。 天大風，從官亂，莫敢鬥者。 逐產，殺之郎中府吏舍廁中。
On the geng-shen day of the eighth month, Pingyang Marquis Kui, acting as Imperial Censor-in-Chief, went to see Chancellor of State Lü Chan to discuss affairs. Palace Attendant Commander Jia Shou had a messenger come from Qi who, on this occasion, rebuked Chan, saying: 'The king did not return to his state early; now even if he wishes to go, can he still do so?' He fully reported to Chan the situation of Guan Ying's alliance with Qi and Chu. Pingyang Marquis Kui heard their conversation and galloped to inform Chancellor Chen Ping and Grand Commandant Zhou Bo. Zhou Bo wished to enter the Northern Army but was unable to do so. Xiangping Marquis Ji Tong still held the tally and credentials. They then ordered him to use the credentials to forge a command admitting Zhou Bo into the Northern Army. Zhou Bo then ordered Li Ji and Protocol Director Liu Jie to persuade Lü Lu, saying: 'The emperor has made the Grand Commandant guard the Northern Army and wishes you to return to your state. Urgently return the general's seal and depart. Otherwise, calamity will ensue.' Lü Lu then removed his seal and entrusted it to the Protocol Director, handing command of the troops over to Grand Commandant Zhou Bo. Zhou Bo entered the army gate and issued a command throughout the army: 'Those for the Lü clan, bare the right shoulder; those for the Liu clan, bare the left shoulder.' The entire army bared their left arms. Zhou Bo then took command of the Northern Army. However, the Southern Army still remained. Chancellor Chen Ping summoned Zhu Xu Marquis Zhang to assist Zhou Bo. Zhou Bo ordered Zhang to oversee the army gate and commanded Pingyang Marquis to inform the Guard Commander not to admit Chancellor of State Lü Chan through the palace gate. Unaware that Lü Lu had already left the Northern Army, Lü Chan entered Weiyang Palace intending to start a rebellion. The palace gate would not admit him, so he paced back and forth outside. Pingyang Marquis galloped to inform Grand Commandant Zhou Bo. Zhou Bo still feared they might not prevail and dared not openly proclaim the order to execute him. He then said to Zhu Xu Marquis Zhang: 'Enter the palace at once to guard the emperor.' Zhang requested one thousand troops from Zhou Bo and entered Weiyang Palace through the side gate, where he saw Lü Chan in the courtyard. They attacked Lü Chan at the hour of the afternoon meal. Lü Chan fled from the scene. A fierce wind arose; the attendant officials were thrown into chaos, and none dared to fight. They pursued Lü Chan and killed him in a latrine attached to the clerks' quarters at the Langzhong offices.
12
章已殺產，帝令謁者持節勞章。 章欲奪節，謁者不肯，章乃從與載，因節信馳斬長樂衛尉呂更始。 還入北軍，復報太尉勃。 勃起拜賀章，曰：「所患獨產，今已誅，天下定矣。」 辛酉，
After Zhang had killed Lü Chan, the emperor ordered a courtier to hold the credentials and console Zhang. Zhang wished to seize the credentials, but the courtier refused. Zhang then rode along with him and, by the authority of the credentials, galloped to behead Changle Guard Commander Lü Gengshi. He returned and entered the Northern Army, then reported again to Grand Commandant Zhou Bo. Zhou Bo rose, bowed, and congratulated Zhang, saying: 'The one we feared was only Lü Chan; now that he has been executed, the realm is settled.' On xin-you day,
13
殺呂祿，笞殺呂嬃。 分部悉捕諸呂男女，無少長皆斬之。
They killed Lü Lu and flogged Lü Xu to death. They divided into commands and completely captured all males and females of the Lü clan, beheading them regardless of age.
14
大臣相與陰謀，以為少帝及三弟為王者皆非孝惠子，復共誅之，尊立文帝。 語在周勃、高五王傳。
The ministers secretly plotted together, determining that the young emperor and his three younger brothers who were kings were all not sons of Emperor Xiaohui. They executed them as well and honored Emperor Wen by establishing him on the throne. The account is given in the biographies of Zhou Bo and the Five Sons of Emperor Gao.
15
贊曰：孝惠、高后之時，海內得離戰國之苦，君臣俱欲無為，故惠帝拱己，高后女主制政，不出房闥，而天下晏然，刑罰罕用，民務稼穡，衣食滋殖。
The commentator says: During the reigns of Emperor Xiaohui and Empress Lü, the realm obtained release from the sufferings of the Warring States period. Ruler and ministers alike wished for non-action; therefore Emperor Hui held to a hands-off posture, while Empress Lü, as female ruler, held power without leaving her chambers—yet the realm remained peaceful, punishments were rarely used, the people devoted themselves to farming, and clothing and food grew ever more abundant.