1
Emperor Zhao, the Filial, was Emperor Wu's youngest son. His mother was Lady Zhao, a concubine who had gained favor through her extraordinary qualities, and the circumstances of his birth were also extraordinary. The story is told in the Biography of the Imperial Relatives. Late in Emperor Wu's reign, after the defeat of Crown Prince Li, King Dan of Yan and King Xu of Guangling both acted with arrogance and contempt. In the second month of Houyuan 2, when Emperor Wu fell ill, he made the future Emperor Zhao crown prince; Zhao was eight years old. He appointed Huo Guang, Chamberlain of the Palace and Chariot Commandant, as Grand Marshal and Grand General; he received the testamentary decree to assist the young ruler. The next day, Emperor Wu passed away. On the Wuchen day, the crown prince ascended the imperial throne and paid respects at the High Temple. The emperor's elder sister, Princess Eyi, had her bath fief increased and was made Elder Princess; she and others jointly raised and cared for the emperor in the inner palace. Grand General Guang held the government, led the Secretariat affairs, with Chariot Cavalry General Jin Midi and Left General Shangguan Jie as his assistants.
2
夏六月，赦天下。
In the sixth month of summer, there was a general amnesty.
3
秋七月，有星孛于東方。
In the seventh month of autumn, a comet appeared in the east.
4
濟北王寬有罪，自殺。
King Kuan of Jibei committed suicide after committing a crime.
5
The Elder Princess and imperial clansmen were granted gifts according to their ranks. Consort Zhao was posthumously honored as Empress Dowager, and work began on the Yunling tomb.
6
In winter, the Xiongnu invaded Shuofang commandery, killing and taking captive officials and civilians. Troops were dispatched to garrison Xihe commandery, and General of the Left Shangguan Jie inspected the northern frontier.
7
始元元年春二月，黃鵠下建章宮太液池中。 公卿上壽。 賜諸侯王、列侯、宗室金錢各有差。
In the second month of spring in the first year of the Shiyuan era, a yellow swan descended into the Taiye Pool of Jianzhang Palace. The nobles and ministers offered their congratulations on the emperor's longevity. Gold and money were granted to the feudal kings, marquises, and imperial clans according to their ranks.
8
己亥，上耕于鉤盾弄田。
On jihai day, the emperor performed the plowing ceremony at the Gou Dun Nong field.
9
The fiefs of the King of Yan, the King of Guangling, and the Elder Princess of Eyi were each increased by thirteen thousand households.
10
夏，為太后起園廟雲陵。
In summer, a garden temple was built for the Empress Dowager at Yunling.
11
In Yizhou, the twenty-four settlements of Liantou, Guyao, Zangke, Tanzhi, and Tongbing all rebelled. Water Bureau Commandant Lü Pohu was sent to recruit officials and people, and troops were dispatched from Qianwei and Shu commanderies as urgent reinforcements to attack Yizhou, where they achieved a great victory.
12
有司請河內屬冀州，河東屬并州。
The officials requested that Henei be assigned to Jizhou and Hedong to Bingzhou.
13
秋七月，赦天下，賜民百戶牛酒。 大雨，渭橋絕。
In the seventh month of autumn, there was a general amnesty, and oxen and wine were granted to every hundred households. There was heavy rain, and the Wei bridge was washed away.
14
In the eighth month, Liu Ze, grandson of King Xiao of Qi, plotted rebellion and intended to assassinate Inspector Jun Buyi of Qingzhou. When discovered, they all suffered execution. Jun Buyi was transferred to serve as Prefect of Jingzhao and granted one million cash.
15
On the bingzi day of the ninth month, Chariot Cavalry General Jin Midi passed away.
16
閏月，遣故廷尉王平等五人持節行郡國，舉賢良，問民所疾苦、冤、失職者。
In the intercalary month, five men including the former Court Judge Wang Ping were sent holding imperial tallies to tour the commanderies and kingdoms, to recommend worthy and capable men, and to inquire about the people's grievances, injustices, and cases of wrongful dismissal.
17
冬，無冰。
In winter, there was no ice.
18
In the first month of spring of the second year, Grand General Huo Guang and Left General Shangguan Jie were both enfeoffed for their previous merit in capturing and executing the rebel bandit Marquis Ma Tong of Chonghe. Guang became Marquis of Bolu, Jie became Marquis of Anyang.
19
Since no members of the imperial clan held office, Liu Pijiang and Liu Changle were recommended as men of excellent talent and appointed Palace Gentlemen. Pijiang was made acting Guard Captain of Changle Palace.
20
三月，遣使者振貸貧民毋種、食者。 秋八月，詔曰：「往年災害多，今年蠶麥傷，所振貸種、食勿收責，毋令民出今年田租。」
In the third month, envoys were sent to provide relief aid and loans to poor people lacking seed grain or food. In the eighth month of autumn, an edict stated: 'Previous years had many disasters, this year the silkworms and wheat have been damaged. The relief aid and loans for seed and food are not to be collected, nor are the people to pay this year's land taxes.'
21
冬，發習戰射士詣朔方，調故吏將屯田張掖郡。
In winter, practiced archers were dispatched to Shuofang, and former officials were transferred to command the garrison farms in Zhangye commandery.
22
三年春二月，有星孛于西北。
In the second month of spring of the third year, a comet appeared in the northwest.
23
秋，募民徙雲陵，賜錢田宅。
In autumn, people were recruited to relocate to Yunling, and they were granted money, farmland, and housing.
24
冬十月，鳳皇集東海，遣使者祠其處。
In the tenth month of winter, a phoenix appeared in Donghai, and envoys were sent to perform sacrifices at the site.
25
十一月壬辰朔，日有蝕之。
On the new moon of the eleventh month, which fell on a Renchen day, there was a solar eclipse.
26
In the third month of spring in the fourth year, on a jiayin day, Lady Shangguan was established as empress. A general amnesty was declared throughout the empire. All petitions and lawsuits dating from more than two years ago were dismissed without hearing. In the sixth month of summer, the Empress made an appearance at the Gao Temple. The Long Princess, Chancellor, generals, marquises, officials ranked at 2000 piculs and below, court gentlemen, and imperial clansmen were all granted money and silk according to their respective ranks.
27
徙三輔富人雲陵，賜錢，戶十萬。
The wealthy families of the Three Adjuncts region were moved to Yunling and each household was granted one hundred thousand cash.
28
秋七月，詔曰：「比歲不登，民匱於食，流庸未盡還，往時令民共出馬，其止勿出。 諸給中都官者，且減之。」
In the seventh month of autumn, an edict stated: 'In recent years the harvests have failed, the people lack food, and the wandering laborers have not all returned. The previous order requiring the people to provide horses jointly is hereby rescinded. Supplies furnished to officials of the central court shall be reduced for the time being.'
29
In winter, Grand Herald Tian Guangming was sent to attack Yizhou.
30
31
In the first month of spring of the fifth year, the Empress Dowager's father was posthumously honored as Marquis of Shun Cheng.
32
A man of Xiayang named Zhang Yannian went to the north gate and claimed to be Crown Prince Wei. For this deception, he was executed by decapitation at the waist.
33
夏，罷天下亭母馬及馬弩關。
In summer, the pavilion mares throughout the realm and the horse crossbow checkpoints were abolished.
34
In the sixth month, the Empress's father, Flying Cavalry General Shangguan An, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Sang Le.
35
詔曰：「朕以眇身獲保宗廟，戰戰栗栗，夙興夜寐，修古帝王之事，通保傅，傳孝經、論語、尚書，未云有明。 其令三輔、太常舉賢良各二人，郡國文學高第各一人。 賜中二千石以下至吏民爵各有差。」
An edict stated: 'Though I am but one of slight stature who has been fortunate enough to preserve the ancestral temples, I tremble with fear and rise early and retire late, cultivating the ways of the ancient emperors and kings. I have studied with my tutors the Classic of Filial Piety, the Analects, and the Documents, but I cannot yet claim to have attained clarity. The Three Adjuncts and the Grand Master of Ceremonies were ordered to recommend two worthy and good men each, while the commanderies and kingdoms were to recommend one literary scholar of the highest rank each. Officials ranked at 2000 piculs and below, down to minor officials and common people, were granted noble ranks according to their respective merits.'
36
罷儋耳、真番郡。
The commanderies of Dan'er and Zhenfan were abolished.
37
38
In the first month of spring of the sixth year, His Majesty performed the plowing ceremony at Shanglin Park.
39
二月，詔有司問郡國所舉賢良文學民所疾苦。 議罷鹽鐵榷酤。
In the second month, an edict ordered the officials to consult with the worthy, good, and literary scholars recommended by the commanderies and kingdoms about the sufferings and hardships of the people. There was debate about abolishing the government monopolies on salt and iron, as well as the liquor excise tax.
40
41
夏，旱，大雩，大得舉火。
In summer there was drought. A great rain sacrifice was performed, and the people were widely permitted to kindle fires again.
42
秋七月，罷榷酤官，令民得以律占租，賣酒升四錢。 以邊塞闊遠，取天水、隴西、張掖郡各二縣置金城郡。
In the seventh month of autumn, the liquor monopoly official was abolished. The people were allowed to register and pay rent according to the statute for wine-selling, with each sheng of wine selling for four cash. Because the border defenses were extensive and distant, two counties each were taken from Tianshui, Longxi, and Zhangye commanderies to establish Jincheng commandery.
43
An edict stated: 'Marquis Wu Bo of Goutian led his chiefs and people to attack the rebels, achieving merit in beheading and capturing them. Therefore, Wu Bo was established as King of Goutian. Grand Herald Guangming, having led troops with merit, was granted the title of Marquis within the Pass, with fief income.'
44
In spring of the first year of Yuanfeng, because the Elder Princess had labored bitterly in raising the emperor together with others, Lantian was added to increase her bath fief.
45
King Dai of Sishui had previously passed away with no heir, so his state was abolished. There was a posthumous son Nuan in the rear palace. The chancellor and interior minister did not report this. When the emperor heard of it, he pitied the child and established Nuan as King of Sishui. The chancellor and interior minister were both imprisoned.
46
In the third month, five men selected by the commanderies and kingdoms for their righteous conduct—including Han Fu of Zhuojun—were granted fifty bolts of silk each and sent home. An edict declared: 'I pity those who grow weary under the burden of official duties. Let them diligently cultivate filial piety and fraternal duty to teach their villages and communities. Commanderies and counties were ordered to regularly grant sheep and wine in the first month of each year. Those who suffered misfortune were to be granted one set of clothing and bedding, and sacrifices were to be offered with the middle grade of sacrificial animals.'
47
The Di people of Wudu rebelled. Commander of the Guards Ma Shijian, Marquis of Longqiang Han Zeng, and Grand Herald Guangming were sent to lead convict laborers from the Three Adjuncts and the office of the Grand Minister of Ceremonies—all exempted from their punishments—to attack them.
48
夏六月，赦天下。
In the sixth month of summer, a general amnesty was declared throughout the empire.
49
秋七月乙亥晦，日有蝕之，既。
On the last day of the seventh month of autumn, which fell on a Yihai day, there was a total solar eclipse.
50
八月，改始元為元鳳。
In the eighth month, the reign title was changed from Shiyuan to Yuanfeng.
51
In the ninth month, the Elder Princess of Eyi, King Dan of Yan, Left General Shangguan Jie, Jie's son Flying Cavalry General An, and Imperial Secretary Sang Hongyang all plotted rebellion and were executed. Initially, Shangguan Jie and his son An contended for power with Grand General Huo Guang and wished to harm him. They falsely had someone submit a memorial in the name of King Dan of Yan accusing Guang of crimes. At that time the emperor was fourteen years old and perceived their deception. Later, when anyone slandered Guang, the emperor would always say angrily, 'The Grand General is a loyal minister of the state, entrusted with his charge by the late emperor. Anyone who dares slander him will be punished.' Because of this, Guang was able to serve with complete loyalty. The story is told in the Biographies of King Yan and Huo Guang.
52
冬十月，詔曰：「左將軍安陽侯桀、票騎將軍桑樂侯安、御史大夫弘羊皆數以邪枉干輔政，大將軍不聽，而懷怨望，與燕王通謀，置驛往來相約結。 燕王遣壽西長、孫縱之等賂遺長公主、丁外人、謁者杜延年、大將軍長史公孫遺等，交通私書，共謀令長公主置酒，伏兵殺大將軍光，徵立燕王為天子，大逆毋道。 故稻田使者燕倉先發覺，以告大司農敞，敞告諫大夫延年，延年以聞。 丞相徵事任宮手捕斬桀，丞相少史王壽誘將安入府門，皆已伏誅，吏民得以安。 封延年、倉、宮、壽皆為列侯。」 又曰：「燕王迷惑失道，前與齊王子劉澤等為逆，抑而不揚，望王反道自新，今乃與長公主及左將軍桀等謀危宗廟。 王及公主皆自伏辜。 其赦王太子建、公主子文信及宗室子與燕王、上官桀等謀反父母同產當坐者，皆免為庶人。 其吏為桀等所詿誤，未發覺在吏者，除其罪。」
In the tenth month of winter, an edict stated: 'Left General Marquis Jie of Anyang, Flying Cavalry General Marquis An of Sang Le, and Imperial Secretary Hongyang all repeatedly interfered in the auxiliary government with crooked and perverse actions. The Grand General would not listen, so they harbored resentment and communicated with King Yan in plotting, establishing post stations for coming and going and mutually agreeing to join together. King Yan sent Shou Xichang, Sun Zongzhi, and others to bribe and give gifts to the Elder Princess, Ding Wai, Usher Du Yannian, the Grand General's Chief Secretary Gongsun Yi, and others. They communicated with private letters and together plotted to have the Elder Princess host a wine banquet with ambush troops to kill Grand General Guang, and summon and establish King Yan as Son of Heaven - a great rebellion against the proper way. The former rice field envoy Yan Cang first discovered this and informed Grand Minister of Agriculture Chang. Chang informed Remonstrance Grand Master Yannian, who reported it to the emperor. The Chancellor's investigator Ren Gong personally captured and beheaded Jie. The Chancellor's junior secretary Wang Shou lured An to enter the office gate. They all suffered execution, and officials and people were thereby able to live in peace. Yannian, Cang, Gong, and Shou were all enfeoffed as marquises.' The edict continued: 'The King of Yan was confused and lost his way. He had previously joined Prince Liu Ze of Qi and others in rebellion. Though this was suppressed and not widely publicized in the hope that the king would reform and return to the proper path, he has now conspired with the Long Princess and General of the Left Jie to endanger the ancestral temples. The king and the princess both submitted to punishment for their guilt. The king's heir apparent Jian, the princess's son Wenxin, and the imperial clansmen who had plotted rebellion with the King of Yan and Shangguan Jie, together with their parents and full siblings who would normally be implicated, were all pardoned and reduced to commoner status. The officials who had been deceived and misled by Jie and his confederates, and whose involvement had not yet been discovered while they remained in office, were pardoned of their crimes."
53
In the fourth month of summer in the second year, His Majesty moved from Jianzhang Palace to Weiyang Palace and held a great banquet. The court gentlemen and attendants were granted silk, and the imperial clansmen were given 200,000 cash each. Officials and civilians who presented cattle and wine were granted one bolt of silk each.
54
六月，赦天下。 詔曰：「朕閔百姓未贍，前年減漕三百萬石。 頗省乘輿馬及菀馬，以補邊郡三輔傳馬。 其令郡國毋斂今年馬口錢，三輔、太常郡得以叔粟當賦。」
In the sixth month, there was a general amnesty. An edict stated: 'I pity the common people who are not yet satisfied. Last year we reduced the tribute by three million shi. We somewhat economized on the imperial carriage horses and park horses in order to supplement the relay horses of the border commanderies and the Three Adjuncts. Moreover, command the commanderies and kingdoms not to collect this year's horse tax. The Three Adjuncts and the Grand Minister of Ceremonies' commandery may use coarse grain to substitute for taxes.'
55
三年春正月，泰山有大石自起立，上林有柳樹枯僵自起生。
In the first month of spring of the third year, on Mount Tai a large stone rose up by itself. In Shanglin Park a withered willow tree revived and came back to life.
56
罷中牟苑賦貧民。 詔曰：「乃者民被水災，頗匱於食，朕虛倉廩，使使者振困乏。 其止四年毋漕。 三年以前所振貸，非丞相御史所請，邊郡受牛者勿收責。」
The Zhongmou park was abolished and assigned to poor people. An edict stated: 'Recently the people suffered from flood disasters and are considerably lacking in food. I have emptied the granaries and sent envoys to relieve those in poverty and want. Moreover, cease the grain transport tribute for four years. For relief and loans issued before the third year, if not requested by the chancellor or imperial secretary, do not collect repayment from those border commanderies that had received oxen.'
57
In the fourth month of summer, Lesser Treasurer Xu Ren, Court Judge Wang Ping, and Left Defender Jia Shenghu were all convicted of releasing rebels. Ren committed suicide, while Ping and Shenghu were both executed by decapitation at the waist.
58
In winter, the Wuhuan of Liaodong rebelled. Court Attendant Fan Mingyou was appointed General Who Crosses Liaodong and led 2,000 cavalry from the seven northern border commanderies to attack them.
59
In the first month of spring in the fourth year, on a Dinghai day, the Emperor underwent the capping ceremony and made an appearance at the Gao Temple. The feudal kings, Chancellor, Grand General, marquises, imperial clansmen, and all officials and commoners down to the lowest ranks were granted gold, silk, cattle, and wine according to their respective statuses. Officials ranked at 2000 piculs and below, as well as the people throughout the empire, were granted noble ranks. The poll taxes for the fourth and fifth years were canceled. All arrears of labor service taxes from before the third year that had not yet been collected were forgiven. The entire empire was ordered to celebrate for five days.
60
甲戌，丞相千秋薨。
On a Jiaxu day, Chancellor Qianqiu passed away.
61
In the fourth month of summer, an edict stated: 'General Ming You, who crosses the Liao, previously as Qiang Cavalry Colonel led Qiang kings, marquises, and chiefs and below to attack the rebel bandits of Yizhou, and afterwards again led troops to attack the rebel Di of Wudu. Now he has defeated the Wuhuan, beheaded and captured alive, and has merit. Therefore, enfeoff Ming You as Marquis of Pingling. Ping Le Supervisor Fu Jiezi, holding an imperial tally as envoy, executed and beheaded King An of Loulan, returned and displayed the head at the north gate of the capital, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yiyang.'
62
On the dingchou day of the fifth month, the main hall of the Filial Wen Temple caught fire. The emperor and all ministers wore mourning clothes. Central officials of two thousand shi were dispatched to lead the five schools in making repairs, which were completed in six days. The Grand Minister of Ceremonies and the temple officials were all impeached for great disrespect. An amnesty occurred, so Grand Minister of Ceremonies Marquis De of Liyang was dismissed to become a commoner.
63
六月，赦天下。
In the sixth month, there was a general amnesty.
64
五年春正月，廣陵王來朝，益國萬一千戶，賜錢二千萬，黃金二百斤，劍二，安車一，乘馬二駟。
In the first month of spring of the fifth year, King Guangling came to court. His state was increased by eleven thousand households, and he was granted twenty million cash, two hundred jin of gold, two swords, one peaceful carriage, and two teams of riding horses.
65
夏，大旱。
In summer, there was a great drought.
66
六月，發三輔及郡國惡少年吏有告劾亡者，屯遼東。
In the sixth month, bad youths from the Three Adjuncts and the commanderies and kingdoms, together with officials who had been impeached and had fled, were dispatched to garrison Liaodong.
67
秋，罷象郡，分屬鬱林、牂柯。
In autumn, Xiang commandery was abolished and its territory divided between Yulin and Zangke.
68
冬十一月，大雷。
In the eleventh month of winter, there was great thunder.
69
十二月庚戌，丞相訢薨。
In the twelfth month, on a Gengxu day, Chancellor Xin passed away.
70
六年春正月，募郡國徒築遼東玄菟城。 夏，赦天下。 詔曰：「夫穀賤傷農，今三輔、太常穀減賤，其令以叔粟當今年賦。」
In the first month of spring in the sixth year, convicts from the commanderies and kingdoms were recruited to build the city of Xuanyu in Liaodong. In summer, a general amnesty was declared throughout the empire. An edict declared: 'When grain prices are too low, it harms the farmers. The grain in the Three Adjuncts and the Grand Ceremonies office has become cheaper. I order that coarse millet be accepted in lieu of this year's taxes.'
71
右將軍張安世宿衛忠謹，封富平侯。
General of the Right Zhang Anshi had served loyally and diligently in the palace guard. He was enfeoffed as Marquis of Fuping.
72
The Wuhuan again violated the frontier defenses. General Who Crosses Liaodong Fan Mingyou was dispatched to attack them.
73
In the second month of spring in the first year of the Yuanping era, an edict declared: 'Agriculture and sericulture form the foundation of the empire. Recently, expenditures have been reduced, non-essential offices abolished, and external corvée labor decreased. More people are engaged in farming and sericulture, yet the common people still cannot provide for their households. I am deeply troubled by this. The poll tax should be reduced.' The officials memorialized requesting that it be reduced by one-third, and His Majesty approved.
74
甲申，晨有流星，大如月，眾星皆隨西行。
On a jiashen day, in the morning a shooting star as large as the moon appeared, with a multitude of stars following it westward.
75
In the fourth month of summer, on a Guiwei day, the Emperor passed away in Weiyang Palace. In the sixth month, on a Renshen day, he was buried at Pingling. In appraisal: In antiquity King Cheng of Zhou succeeded to the throne as a young child, and there arose the affair of the four states of Guan and Cai spreading slanderous rumors. When Emperor Zhao the Filial ascended the throne in his youth, there were likewise conspiracies of rebellion involving King Yan, the Elder Princess, and the Shangguan faction. King Cheng did not doubt the Duke of Zhou; Emperor Zhao entrusted Huo Guang with power. Each, in his own time, achieved renown thereby. How great this was! Inheriting the aftermath of Emperor Wu's extravagance, the lingering exhaustion of military campaigns, and widespread depletion across the realm, with household registers reduced by half, Huo Guang understood what the times required: he lightened corvée labor and reduced taxes, allowing the people to recover. By the Shiyuan and Yuanfeng eras, the Xiongnu had entered into marriage alliances for peace, and the common people had become prosperous. Worthy and good men and literary scholars were recommended, the people's grievances were investigated, the debates on salt and iron led to the abolition of the liquor monopoly, and the honored title "Zhao" was bestowed—is this not most fitting!