1
孝景皇帝，文帝太子也。 母曰竇皇后。 後七年六月，文帝崩。 丁未，太子即皇帝位，尊皇太后薄氏曰太皇太后，皇后曰皇太后。
Emperor Xiaojing was Emperor Wen's crown prince. His mother was Empress Dou. Seven years later, in the sixth month, Emperor Wen passed away. On the day Dingwei, the crown prince ascended the imperial throne, honoring Empress Dowager Bo as Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress as Empress Dowager.
2
九月，有星孛于西方。
In the ninth month, a comet appeared in the western sky.
3
元年冬十月，詔曰：「蓋聞古者祖有功而宗有德，制禮樂各有由。 歌者，所以發德也； 舞者，所以明功也。 高廟酎，奏武德、文始、五行之舞。 孝惠廟酎，奏文始、五行之舞。 孝文皇帝臨天下，通關梁，不異遠方； 除誹謗，去肉刑，賞賜長老，收恤孤獨，以遂群生； 減耆欲，不受獻，罪人不帑，不誅亡罪，不私其利也； 除宮刑，出美人，重絕人之世也。 朕既不敏，弗能勝識。 此皆上世之所不及，而孝文皇帝親行之。 德厚侔天地，利澤施四海，靡不獲福。 明象乎日月，而廟樂不稱，朕甚懼焉。 其為孝文皇帝廟為昭德之舞，以明休德。 然后祖宗之功德，施于萬世，永永無窮，朕甚嘉之。 其與丞相、列侯、中二千石、禮官具禮儀奏。」 丞相臣嘉等奏曰：「陛下永思孝道，立昭德之舞以明孝文皇帝之盛德，皆臣嘉等愚所不及。 臣謹議：世功莫大於高皇帝，德莫盛於孝文皇帝。 高皇帝廟宜為帝者太祖之廟，孝文皇帝廟宜為帝諸太宗之廟。 天子宜世世獻祖宗之廟。 郡國諸侯宜各為孝文皇帝立太宗之廟。 諸侯王列侯使者侍祠天子所獻祖宗之廟。 請宣布天下。」 制曰「可」。
In the first year, during the tenth month of winter, he issued an edict: 'I have heard that in ancient times, ancestors achieved merit while descendants cultivated virtue, and the establishment of rites and music each had their proper origins.' Singing serves to express virtue; dancing serves to illuminate merit. At the autumn sacrifices in the High Temple, perform the dances of Martial Virtue, Literary Beginning, and the Five Elements. At the autumn sacrifices in Emperor Hui's Temple, perform the dances of Literary Beginning and the Five Elements. Emperor Xiaowen, in governing the realm, opened the passes and bridges, making no distinction between distant and nearby regions; he abolished slander laws, eliminated mutilating punishments, rewarded the elderly, and provided relief to orphans and widows, thereby sustaining all living beings; he reduced his desires, declined tribute offerings, spared the families of criminals, did not execute the innocent, and did not monopolize benefits for personal gain; he abolished palace punishments, released the palace ladies, and valued the preservation of family lines. Being unenlightened as I am, I cannot fully comprehend this. These are all achievements that previous eras did not attain, yet Emperor Xiaowen personally accomplished them. His virtue equaled the thickness of Heaven and Earth, his beneficial influence reached to the four seas, and all received good fortune. His brilliance shone like the sun and moon, yet the temple music does not befit it—I am greatly apprehensive about this. Therefore, create the Dance of Illustrious Virtue for Emperor Xiaowen's temple, to illuminate his blessed virtue. Then the merit and virtue of our ancestors will extend to ten thousand generations, forever without end—I greatly approve of this. Therefore, together with the chancellor, marquises, officials of two thousand shi rank, and ritual officials, prepare the ceremonies and submit them.' Chancellor Chen Jia and others submitted: 'Your Majesty perpetually reflects on the path of filial piety, establishing the Dance of Illustrious Virtue to illuminate Emperor Xiaowen's abundant virtue—all of this exceeds what we foolish ministers can fathom.' We respectfully propose: No achievement in history surpasses Emperor Gao's, no virtue is more abundant than Emperor Xiaowen's. Emperor Gao's temple should serve as the Grand Ancestral Temple for all emperors, Emperor Xiaowen's temple should serve as the Grand Progenitor Temple for all emperors. The Son of Heaven should offer sacrifices at the ancestral temples for generation after generation. The feudal lords of the commanderies and kingdoms should each establish a Grand Progenitor Temple for Emperor Xiaowen. The envoys of the feudal kings and marquises should attend and perform sacrifices at the ancestral temples where the Son of Heaven offers his sacrifices. We request that this be proclaimed throughout the empire.' The imperial decree stated 'Approved.'
4
春正月，詔曰：「間者歲比不登，民多乏食，夭絕天年，朕甚痛之。 郡國或磽骥，無所農桑诒畜； 或地饒廣，薦草莽，水泉利，而不得徙。 其議民欲徙寬大地者，聽之。」
In the first month of spring, he issued an edict: 'In recent years, harvests have failed repeatedly, most people lack sufficient food, dying prematurely and cutting short their natural lifespans—I am deeply pained by this.' Some commanderies and kingdoms have barren or hilly land, unsuitable for farming, mulberry cultivation, or raising livestock; others have fertile and expansive lands with lush grasslands and beneficial water sources, yet cannot relocate there. Therefore, deliberate on permitting people who wish to relocate to spacious and fertile lands.'
5
夏四月，赦天下。 賜民爵一級。
In the fourth month of summer, he granted general amnesty throughout the empire. He granted all the people advancement in noble rank by one level.
6
遣御史大夫青翟至代下與匈奴和親。
He sent Grandee Secretary Qing Di to Dai to establish peaceful marriage relations with the Xiongnu.
7
五月，令田半租。
In the fifth month, he ordered that land taxes be reduced to half.
8
秋七月，詔曰：「吏受所監臨，以飲食免，重； 受財物，賤買貴賣，論輕。 廷尉與丞相更議著令。」 廷尉信謹與丞相議曰：「吏及諸有秩受其官屬所監、所治、所行、所將，其與飲食計償費，勿論。 它物，若買故賤，賣故貴，皆坐臧為盜，沒入臧縣官。 吏遷徙免罷，受其故官屬所將監治送財物，奪爵為士伍，免之。 無爵，罰金二斤，令沒入所受。 有能捕告，畀其所受臧。」
In the seventh month of autumn, he issued an edict: 'When officials accept what they supervise, being dismissed merely for accepting food and drink is too severe;' accepting wealth and goods, buying cheap and selling dear, the punishment is too light.' Let the Chamberlain for Law and the chancellor jointly deliberate and establish this as law.' Chamberlain for Law Xin Jin and the chancellor proposed: 'Officials and all ranked personnel who accept from their subordinates what they supervise, govern, execute, or command—if it is food and drink calculated to compensate for expenses, do not prosecute.' For other goods, if bought deliberately cheap or sold deliberately expensive, all shall be convicted of corruption as theft, with the corrupt goods confiscated by the county authorities.' When officials are transferred, relocated, dismissed, or removed, if they accept wealth and goods sent by their former subordinates whom they commanded, supervised, or governed, strip their noble rank to commoner status and dismiss them.' If they have no noble rank, fine them two jin of gold, and order confiscation of what they received.' Those who can capture and report such cases shall be rewarded with the confiscated corrupt goods.'
9
二年冬十二月，有星孛于西南。
In the twelfth month of winter in the second year, a comet appeared in the southwest.
10
令天下男子年二十始傅。
He ordered that all men throughout the empire begin military service at age twenty.
11
春三月，立皇子德為河間王，閼為臨江王，餘為淮陽王，非為汝南王，彭祖為廣川王，發為長沙王。
In the third month of spring, he enfeoffed his imperial sons De as King of Hejian, Yan as King of Linjiang, Yu as King of Huaiyang, Fei as King of Runan, Pengzu as King of Guangchuan, and Fa as King of Changsha.
12
夏四月壬午，太皇太后崩。
On the day Renwu in the fourth month of summer, the Grand Empress Dowager passed away.
13
六月，丞相嘉薨。
In the sixth month, Chancellor Jia passed away.
14
封故相國蕭何孫係為列侯。
He enfeoffed Xi, grandson of the former Chancellor Xiao He, as a marquise.
15
秋，與匈奴和親。
In autumn, he established peaceful marriage relations with the Xiongnu.
16
三年冬十二月，詔曰：「襄平侯嘉子恢說不孝，謀反，欲以殺嘉，大逆無道。 其赦嘉為襄平侯，及妻子當坐者復故爵。 論恢說及妻子如法。」
In the twelfth month of winter in the third year, he issued an edict: 'Xi Ping Marquis Jia's son Hui Shuo was unfilial and plotted rebellion, desiring to kill his father Jia—this constitutes great rebellion and moral depravity.' Therefore, pardon Jia and restore him as Xi Ping Marquis, and restore the original ranks to his wives and children who would have been implicated.' Judge Hui Shuo and his wives and children according to the law.'
17
春正月，淮陽王宮正殿災。
In the first month of spring, the main hall of the Huaiyang King's palace suffered a fire.
18
吳王濞、膠西王卬、楚王戊、趙王遂、濟南王辟光、菑川王賢、膠東王雄渠皆舉兵反。 大赦天下。 遣太尉亞夫、大將軍竇嬰將兵擊之。 斬御史大夫晁錯以謝七國。
Kings Pi of Wu, Ang of Jiaoxi, Wu of Chu, Sui of Zhao, Bi Guang of Jinan, Xian of Zichuan, and Xiong Qu of Jiaodong all raised troops in rebellion. He granted a general amnesty throughout the empire. He sent Grand Commandant Zhou Yafu and General Dou Ying to lead troops against the rebels. He executed Grandee Secretary Chao Cuo to appease the seven rebellious kingdoms.
19
二月壬子晦，日有食之。
On the new moon day Renzi in the second month, there was a solar eclipse.
20
諸將破七國，斬首十餘萬級。 追斬吳王濞於丹徒。 膠西王卬、楚王戊、趙王遂、濟南王辟光、菑川王賢、膠東王雄渠皆自殺。 夏六月，詔曰：「乃者吳王濞等為逆，起兵相脅，詿誤吏民，吏民不得已。 今濞等已滅，吏民當坐濞等及逋逃亡軍者，皆赦之。 楚元王子蓺等與濞等為逆，朕不忍加法，除其籍，毋令汙宗室。」 立平陸侯劉禮為楚王，續元王後。 立皇子端為膠西王，勝為中山王。 賜民爵一級。
The imperial generals defeated the seven kingdoms, taking more than 100,000 heads. They pursued and executed King Pi of Wu at Dantu. Kings Ang of Jiaoxi, Wu of Chu, Sui of Zhao, Bi Guang of Jinan, Xian of Zichuan, and Xiong Qu of Jiaodong all committed suicide. In the sixth month of summer, he issued an edict: 'Recently King Pi of Wu and others committed rebellion, raised troops and coerced one another, deceived and misled officials and civilians alike, leaving officials and people with no choice.' Now that Pi and his confederates have been destroyed, all officials and civilians who were implicated with them, as well as deserters and those who fled military service, shall be pardoned.' King Yuan of Chu's son Yi and others participated in Pi's rebellion. I cannot bear to apply the full force of the law to them, so I remove their names from the imperial registers to prevent them from tarnishing the imperial clan.' He enfeoffed Pinglu Marquis Liu Li as King of Chu to continue the line of King Yuan. He enfeoffed his imperial sons Duan as King of Jiaoxi and Sheng as King of Zhongshan. He granted all the people advancement in noble rank by one level.
21
四年春，復置諸關用傳出入。
In spring of the fourth year, he reinstated the requirement for travel documents at all border passes.
22
夏四月己巳，立皇子榮為皇太子，徹為膠東王。
On the day Jisi in the fourth month of summer, he established his imperial son Rong as crown prince and Che as King of Jiaodong.
23
六月，赦天下，賜民爵一級。
In the sixth month, he granted general amnesty throughout the empire and advanced all the people's noble ranks by one level.
24
秋七月，臨江王閼薨。
In the seventh month of autumn, King Yan of Linjiang passed away.
25
十月戊戌晦，日有蝕之。
On the new moon day Wuxu in the tenth month, there was a solar eclipse.
26
五年春正月，作陽陵邑。 夏，募民徙陽陵，賜錢二十萬。
In the first month of spring in the fifth year, he established the town of Yangling. In summer, he recruited commoners to relocate to Yangling, granting each 200,000 cash coins.
27
遣公主嫁匈奴單于。
He sent an imperial princess to marry the Xiongnu Chanyu.
28
六年冬十二月，雷，霖雨。
In the twelfth month of winter in the sixth year, there was thunder followed by continuous rain.
29
秋九月，皇后薄氏廢。
In the ninth month of autumn, Empress Bo was deposed.
30
七年冬十一月庚寅晦，日有蝕之。
On the new moon day Gengyin in the eleventh month of winter in the seventh year, there was a solar eclipse.
31
春正月，廢皇太子榮為臨江王。
In the first month of spring, he deposed Crown Prince Rong and made him King of Linjiang.
32
二月，罷太尉官。
In the second month, he abolished the office of Grand Commandant.
33
夏四月乙巳，立皇后王氏。
On the day YisI in the fourth month of summer, he established Empress Wang.
34
丁巳，立膠東王徹為皇太子。 賜民為父後者爵一級。
On the day DingsI, he established King Che of Jiaodong as crown prince. He granted advancement in noble rank by one level to those who served as their fathers' heirs.
35
中元年夏四月，赦天下，賜民爵一級。 封故御史大夫周苛、周昌孫子為列侯。
In the fourth month of summer in the first year of the Middle period, he granted general amnesty throughout the empire and advanced all the people's noble ranks by one level. He enfeoffed the grandsons of the former Grandee Secretaries Zhou Ke and Zhou Chang as marquises.
36
二年春二月，令諸侯王薨、列侯初封及之國，大鴻臚奏諡、誄、策。 列侯薨及諸侯太傅初除之官，大行奏諡、誄、策。 王薨，遣光祿大夫弔襚祠賵，視喪事，因立嗣子。 列侯薨，遣大中大夫弔祠，視喪事，因立嗣。 其薨葬，國得發民輓喪，穿復土，治墳無過三百人畢事。
In the second month of spring in the second year, he ordered that when feudal kings die, and when marquises are first enfeoffed and proceed to their fiefs, the Chamberlain for Dependencies should submit posthumous names, elegies, and imperial edicts. When marquises die and when feudal lords' tutors are first appointed to office, the Chamberlain for Ceremonial should submit posthumous names, elegies, and imperial edicts. When kings die, dispatch Gentlemen of the Palace to offer condolences, sacrificial garments, perform sacrifices, and present gifts. They shall oversee the funeral arrangements and thereby establish the heir. When marquises die, dispatch Court Gentlemen to offer condolences and perform sacrifices. They shall oversee the funeral arrangements and thereby establish the heir. For their deaths and burials, the fiefs may mobilize commoners to pull the funeral carriages, excavate the tomb chamber, and construct the burial mound, with no more than three hundred people completing all the work.
37
匈奴入燕。
The Xiongnu invaded Yan territory.
38
改磔曰棄市，勿復磔。
He changed the name of 'dismemberment' to 'execution in the marketplace' and abolished the practice of dismemberment.
39
三月，臨江王榮坐侵太宗廟地，徵詣中尉，自殺。
In the third month, King Rong of Linjiang was convicted of encroaching on the Grand Progenitor Temple grounds. He was summoned before the Commandant of the Capital and committed suicide.
40
夏四月，有星孛于西北。
In the fourth month of summer, a comet appeared in the northwest.
41
立皇子越為廣川王，寄為膠東王。
He enfeoffed his imperial sons Yue as King of Guangchuan and Ji as King of Jiaodong.
42
秋七月，更郡守為太守，郡尉為都尉。
In the seventh month of autumn, he changed the title of 'commandery governor' to 'grand administrator' and 'commandery captain' to 'supervising captain.'
43
九月，封故楚、趙傅相內史前死事者四人子皆為列侯。
In the ninth month, he enfeoffed the sons of four men who had formerly served as tutors, chancellors, and internal historians of Chu and Zhao and died in the line of duty, making them all marquises.
44
甲戌晦，日有蝕之。
On the new moon day Jiaxu, there was a solar eclipse.
45
三年冬十一月，罷諸侯御史大夫官。
In the eleventh month of winter in the third year, he abolished the office of Grandee Secretary in all the feudal kingdoms.
46
春正月，皇太后崩。
In the first month of spring, the Empress Dowager passed away.
47
夏旱，禁酤酒。 秋九月，蝗。 有星孛于西北。 戊戌晦，日有蝕之。
Due to the summer drought, he prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages. In the ninth month of autumn, locusts appeared. A comet appeared in the northwest. On the new moon day Wuxu, there was a solar eclipse.
48
立皇子乘為清河王。
He enfeoffed his imperial son Cheng as King of Qinghe.
49
四年春三月，起德陽宮。
In the third month of spring in the fourth year, he began construction of the Deyang Palace.
50
立皇子乘為清河王。
He enfeoffed his imperial son Cheng as King of Qinghe.
51
御史大夫綰奏禁馬高五尺九寸以上，齒未平，不得出關。
Grandee Secretary Wan submitted a proposal prohibiting horses taller than five feet nine inches with unerupted teeth from crossing the border passes.
52
夏，蝗。
In summer, locusts appeared.
53
秋，赦徒作陽陵者死罪； 欲腐者，許之。
In autumn, he granted amnesty to convicts working on Yangling who had received death sentences; those who wished to die were permitted to do so.
54
十月戊午，日有蝕之。
On the day Wuwu in the tenth month, there was a solar eclipse.
55
五年夏，立皇子舜為常山王。 六月，赦天下，賜民爵一級。
In summer of the fifth year, he enfeoffed his imperial son Shun as King of Changshan. In the sixth month, he granted general amnesty throughout the empire and advanced all the people's noble ranks by one level.
56
秋八月己酉，未央宮東闕災。
On the day Jiyou in the eighth month of autumn, the eastern gate tower of Weiyang Palace suffered a fire.
57
更名諸侯丞相為相。
He changed the title of feudal lords' chancellors to simply 'chancellors.'
58
九月，詔曰：「法令度量，所以禁暴止邪也。 獄，人之大命，死者不可復生。 吏或不奉法令，以貨賂為市，朋黨比周，以苛為察，以刻為明，令亡罪者失職，朕甚憐之。 有罪者不伏罪，姦法為暴，甚亡謂也。 諸獄疑，若雖文致於法而於人心不厭者，輒讞之。」
In the ninth month, he issued an edict: 'Laws, commands, and standards of measurement serve to prohibit violence and halt evil.' Legal cases are a matter of life and death for people; once dead, they cannot be revived. Some officials fail to observe laws and commands, treating bribes as merchandise, forming factions and colluding together, mistaking harshness for thoroughness and severity for wisdom, causing the innocent to lose their positions—I deeply pity this situation. Those who are guilty refuse to admit their crimes, corrupt the law and turn violent—this is utterly without principle. For all doubtful legal cases, if they technically conform to the law but do not satisfy human conscience, immediately review them.'
59
六年冬十月，行幸雍，郊五畤。
In the tenth month of winter in the sixth year, he traveled to Yong and performed the suburban sacrifice at the Five Altars.
60
十二月，改諸官名。 定鑄錢偽黃金棄市律。
In the twelfth month, he changed the names of various official positions. He established the law that counterfeiting coins or gold would be punished by execution in the marketplace.
61
春三月，雨雪。
In the third month of spring, it snowed.
62
夏四月，梁王薨，分梁為五國，立孝王子五人皆為王。
In the fourth month of summer, King Liang died. He divided the Liang kingdom into five separate kingdoms and enfeoffed five of King Xiao's sons, each as kings.
63
五月，詔曰：「夫吏者，民之師也，車駕衣服宜稱。 吏六百石以上，皆長吏也，亡度者或不吏服，出入閭里，與民亡異。 令長吏二千石車朱兩轓，千石至六百石朱左轓。 車騎從者不稱其官衣服，下吏出入閭巷亡吏體者，二千石上其官屬，三輔舉不如法令者，皆上丞相御史請之。」 先是吏多軍功，車服尚輕，故為設禁。 又惟酷吏奉憲失中，乃詔有司減笞法，定箠令。 語在刑法志。
In the fifth month, he issued an edict: 'Officials serve as teachers to the people; their carriages, horses, clothing, and accessories should befit their status.' Officials of six hundred shi rank and above are all senior officials. Those lacking proper decorum sometimes fail to wear official robes, entering and leaving neighborhoods and alleys indistinguishable from commoners. Order that senior officials of two thousand shi rank have carriages with vermilion decoration on both sides, while those from one thousand shi to six hundred shi have vermilion on the left side only. If carriages, horses, or attendants do not befit their official rank and clothing, or if subordinate officials enter alleys lacking proper official demeanor, officials of two thousand shi shall report their subordinates, and the Three Adjuncts shall impeach those who fail to conform to laws and commands—all shall be reported to the chancellor and grandee secretary for punishment.' Previously, most officials were military veterans who preferred simple carriages and clothing, so regulations were established to curb this. Furthermore, considering that harsh officials in enforcing the law had lost all moderation, he ordered the relevant officials to reduce the severity of beatings and establish regulations for bamboo cane punishments. The details are recorded in the 'Treatise on Criminal Law.'
64
六月，匈奴入鴈門，至武泉，入上郡，取苑馬。 吏卒戰死者二千人。
In the sixth month, the Xiongnu invaded Yanmen Commandery, reached Wuquan, entered Shangdun Commandery, and captured the imperial horses. Two thousand officials and soldiers died in battle.
65
秋七月辛亥晦，日有蝕之。
On the new moon day Xinhai in the seventh month of autumn, there was a solar eclipse.
66
後元年春正月，詔曰：「獄，重事也。 人有智愚，官有上下。 獄疑者讞有司。 有司所不能決，移廷尉。 有令讞而後不當，讞者不為失。 欲令治獄者務先寬。」 三月，赦天下，賜民爵一級，中二千石諸侯相爵右庶長。 夏，大酺五日，民得酤酒。
In the first month of spring in the first year of the Hou period, he issued an edict: 'Legal cases are matters of grave importance.' People differ in wisdom and folly, officials differ in rank and status. Doubtful legal cases should be reviewed by the appropriate officials. Cases that the relevant officials cannot adjudicate should be transferred to the Chamberlain for Law. If there is an order to review a case and it later proves to be incorrect, the reviewer shall not be held accountable. The intent is to ensure that those who handle legal cases prioritize leniency.' In the third month, he granted general amnesty throughout the empire, advanced all the people's noble ranks by one level, and granted officials of two thousand shi rank and feudal lords' chancellors the noble rank of Right Senior. In summer, there was a grand celebration lasting five days, during which the common people were allowed to sell wine.
67
五月，地震。 秋七月乙巳晦，日有蝕之。
In the fifth month, there was an earthquake. On the new moon day YisI in the seventh month of autumn, there was a solar eclipse.
68
條侯周亞夫下獄死。
Marquis Tiao Zhou Yafu was thrown into prison and died there.
69
二年冬十月，省徹侯之國。
In the tenth month of winter in the second year, he abolished the fiefs of the Chehou marquises.
70
春，匈奴入鴈門，太守馮敬與戰死。 發車騎材官屯。
In spring, the Xiongnu invaded Yanmen; Grand Administrator Feng Jing fought against them and was killed. He mobilized chariots, cavalry, and skilled troops to garrison the frontier.
71
春，以歲不登，禁內郡食馬粟，沒入之。
In spring, due to crop failure, he prohibited the inner commanderies from feeding grain to horses and confiscated such grain.
72
夏四月，詔曰：「雕文刻鏤，傷農事者也； 錦繡纂組，害女紅者也。 農事傷則飢之本也，女紅害則寒之原也。 夫飢寒並至，而能亡為非者寡矣。 朕親耕，后親桑，以奉宗廟粢盛祭服，為天下先； 不受獻，減太官，省繇賦，欲天下務農蠶，素有畜積，以備災害。 彊毋攘弱，眾毋暴寡，老耆以壽終，幼孤得遂長。 今歲或不登，民食頗寡，其咎安在？ 或詐偽為吏，吏以貨賂為市，漁奪百姓，侵牟萬民。 縣丞，長吏也，奸法與盜盜，甚無謂也。 其令二千石修其職； 不事官職耗亂者，丞相以聞，請其罪。 布告天下，使明知朕意。」
In the fourth month of summer, he issued an edict: 'Carved and engraved decorations harm agricultural work;' brocades, embroideries, and elaborate fabrics harm women's work.' When farming is harmed, it is the root of hunger; when women's work is harmed, it is the source of cold.' When hunger and cold arrive together, those who can avoid wrongdoing are indeed few.' I personally plow the fields, the Empress personally tends the silkworms, to provide grain offerings and sacrificial robes for the ancestral temples, setting an example for the world;' I do not accept tribute offerings, reduce expenditures in the Grand Kitchen, lessen corvee labor and taxes, desiring that the entire world focus on farming and silk production, maintaining simple stores to prepare for disasters.' The strong should not plunder the weak, the majority should not oppress the minority, the elderly should live out their natural lifespan, and orphans should grow up successfully. Nowadays, some years bring poor harvests and the people's food supplies are quite meager—who is to blame for this? Some fraudulently become officials, officials treat bribery as their business, plundering and seizing from the common people, encroaching upon and profiting from the masses. The county magistrate is a senior official, yet he violates the law just like a robber—it is utterly nonsensical. Let the Two Thousand Bushel officials properly perform their duties; Those who neglect their official duties and cause disruption should be reported by the Chancellor, who will request their punishment. Proclaim this throughout the realm so that everyone clearly understands My intentions.'
73
五月，詔曰：「人不患其不知，患其為詐也； 不患其不勇，患其為暴也； 不患其不富，患其亡厭也。 其唯廉士，寡欲易足。 今訾算十以上乃得宦，廉士算不必眾。 有市籍不得宦，無訾又不得宦，朕甚愍之。 訾算四得宦，亡令廉士久失職，貪夫長利。」
In the fifth month, he issued an edict: 'People should not worry about lacking knowledge, but rather about being deceitful;' 'People should not worry about lacking courage, but rather about being violent;' 'People should not worry about lacking wealth, but rather about never being satisfied.' 'Only the incorruptible gentleman, with modest desires, is easily content.' 'Nowadays, only those with property worth ten units or more can enter official service, but incorruptible scholars do not necessarily have abundant property.' 'Those registered as merchants cannot enter official service, nor can those without property—I greatly pity this situation.' 'Let those with property worth four units enter official service; do not allow incorruptible scholars to remain out of office for long, nor permit greedy men to benefit forever.'
74
秋，大旱。
In autumn, there was a severe drought.
75
三年春正月，詔曰：「農，天下之本也。 黃金珠玉，飢不可食，寒不可衣，以為幣用，不識其終始。 間歲或不登，意為末者眾，農民寡也。 其令郡國務勸農桑，益種樹，可得衣食物。 吏發民若取庸采黃金珠玉者，坐臧為盜。 二千石聽者，與同罪。」
In the first month of spring of the third year, he issued an edict: 'Agriculture is the foundation of the realm.' 'Gold, pearls, and jade cannot satisfy hunger or provide warmth; when used as money, they have no clear beginning or end.' 'In some years the harvest fails, yet those engaged in commerce are numerous, while farmers are few.' 'Let the commanderies and kingdoms vigorously promote agriculture and sericulture, plant more trees, so that people may obtain clothing and food.' Officials who mobilize people or hire workers to mine gold, pearls, and jade shall be convicted of corruption and punished as robbers. Two Thousand Bushel officials who allow this shall receive the same punishment.'
76
皇太子冠，賜民為父後者爵一級。
The Crown Prince underwent the capping ceremony; he granted one level of noble rank advancement to those who served as heirs to their fathers.
77
甲子，帝崩于未央宮。 遺詔賜諸侯王列侯馬二駟，吏二千石黃金二斤，吏民戶百錢。 出宮人歸其家，復終身。 二月癸酉，葬陽陵。
On the Jiazi day, the Emperor passed away in the Weiyang Palace. His testamentary edict granted two teams of horses each to the regional kings and marquises, two jin of gold each to Two Thousand Bushel officials, and one hundred cash per household to officials and commoners. He released the palace women to return to their homes, granting them lifelong tax exemption. On the Guichou day of the second month, he was buried at Yangling.
78
贊曰：孔子稱「斯民，三代之所以直道而行也」，信哉！ 周秦之敝，罔密文峻，而姦軌不勝。 漢興，掃除煩苛，與民休息。 至于孝文，加之以恭儉，孝景遵業，五六十載之間，至於移風易俗，黎民醇厚。 周云成康，漢言文景，美矣！
Appraisal: Confucius said, 'This people is why the Three Dynasties could follow the straight path'—how true! The downfall of Zhou and Qin resulted from excessively detailed laws and severe punishments, yet evil and corruption could not be prevented. When the Han dynasty arose, it eliminated burdensome and harsh regulations, allowing the people to recover. When it came to Emperor Xiaowen, he added reverence and frugality; Emperor Xiaojing followed his precedent, and within fifty to sixty years, they transformed the prevailing customs, making the common people pure and upright. Zhou is praised for Cheng and Kang, Han for Wen and Jing—what excellence!