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卷七 昭帝紀

Volume 7: Annals of Emperor Zhao

Chapter 8 of 漢書 ✓ Translated
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Chapter 8
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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. In Emperor Wu's later years, after the defeat of Crown Prince Li, King Dan of Yan and King Xu of Guangling behaved arrogantly and insolently. In the second month of the second year of Houyuan, when the emperor fell ill, he established Emperor Zhao as crown prince at age eight. He appointed Huo Guang, Chamberlain and Chariot Commandant, as Grand Commandant of the Guards, who 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 fief increased and was made Elder Princess, and together they were raised within the palace compound. 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
In the sixth month of summer, there was a general amnesty.
3
In the seventh month of autumn, a comet appeared in the east.
4
King Kuan of Jibei committed suicide after committing a crime.
5
Gold and money were granted to the Elder Princess and imperial clansmen according to their ranks. Consort Zhao was posthumously honored as Empress Dowager, and work began on the Yunling tomb.
6
西
In winter, the Xiongnu invaded Shuofang commandery, killing and taking captive officials and civilians. Troops were dispatched to garrison the Xibe region, and General of the Left Jie conducted inspections along the northern frontiers.
7
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
On jihai day, the emperor performed the plowing ceremony at the Gou Dun Nong field.
9
The fiefs of King Yan, King Guangling, and Elder Princess Eyi were each increased by thirteen thousand households.
10
In summer, a garden temple was built for the Empress Dowager at Yunling.
11
Twenty-four settlements in Yizhou - Lian Tou, Gu Zheng, Canghai, Tan Zhi, and Tong Bing - 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
The officials requested that Henan be assigned to Jizhou and Hedong to Bingzhou.
13
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
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
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
祿
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
使
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
調
In winter, practiced archers were dispatched to Shuofang, and former officials were transferred to command the garrison farms in Zhangye commandery.
22
西
In the second month of spring of the third year, a comet appeared in the northwest.
23
In autumn, people were recruited to relocate to Yunling, and they were granted money, farmland, and housing.
24
使
In the tenth month of winter, a phoenix appeared in Donghai, and envoys were sent to perform sacrifices at the site.
25
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 Jiaxu day, 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
The wealthy families of the Three Adjuncts region were moved to Yunling and each household was granted one hundred thousand cash.
28
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 together is hereby rescinded.' Those supplying the officials of the central capital shall have their contributions temporarily reduced.'
29
In winter, Grand Herald Tian Guangming was sent to attack Yizhou.
30
Court Judge Li Zhong was convicted of intentionally releasing a death-row prisoner and executed in the marketplace.
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 from Xiayang named Zhang Yannian went to the north gate, claiming to be the Wei crown prince. For this deception and misleading, he was sentenced to execution.
33
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
An edict stated: 'Though I am but a humble person 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 and been taught 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
The commanderies of Dan'er and Zhenfan were abolished.
37
In autumn, Grand Herald Guangming and Army Judge Wang Ping attacked Yizhou, killing and capturing more than 30,000 people and seizing more than 50,000 head of livestock.
38
In the first month of spring (which was the sixth month), His Majesty performed the plowing ceremony at Shanglin Park.
39
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
使使
The former Court Monitor Su Wu had been sent as envoy to the Xiongnu nineteen years earlier, and had remained at the Chanyu's court all that time before returning, having preserved his integrity throughout his mission. He was appointed Superintendent of Dependencies and granted 1,000,000 cash.
41
In summer, there was drought. The great yu sacrifice was performed, and fire was successfully summoned from the heavens.
42
西
In the seventh month of autumn, the liquor monopoly official was abolished. The people were allowed to purchase wine-selling licenses by law, 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
涿
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 have pity for those who labor under the burden of official duties. They should diligently cultivate filial piety and fraternal duty to serve as examples for 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, so Commander of the Guards Ma Shijian, Marquis of Longqiang Han Zeng, and Grand Herald Guangming were sent to lead laborers from the Three Adjuncts and the Grand Ceremonies office—all exempted from their criminal punishments—to attack the rebels.
48
In the sixth month of summer, a general amnesty was declared throughout the empire.
49
On the last day of the seventh month of autumn, which fell on a Yihai day, there was a total solar eclipse.
50
In the eighth month, the reign title was changed from Shiyuan to Yuanfeng.
51
使
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 to King Dan of Yan accusing Guang of crimes. At that time the emperor was fourteen years old and perceived their deception. Later, when there were those who slandered Guang, the emperor would always angrily say: 'The Grand General is a loyal minister of the state, entrusted by the late emperor. Anyone who dares to slander or defame him shall 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
西 使 詿
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. Both the king and the princess have voluntarily confessed their guilt. The king's heir apparent Jian, the princess's son Wenxin, and the imperial clansmen who had conspired in rebellion with the King of Yan and Shangguan Jie—along with their parents and 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
輿
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
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
使使
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 tribute for the fourth year.' For what was relieved and loaned before the third year, if not requested by the chancellor or imperial secretary, do not collect repayment from those border commanderies that 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 sentenced to execution.
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
On a Jiaxu day, Chancellor Qianqiu passed away.
61
使
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 Jiezhi, holding imperial tally as envoy, executed and beheaded King An of Loulan, returned and hung the head at the north gate, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yiyang.'
62
殿
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
In the sixth month, there was a general amnesty.
64
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
In summer, there was a great drought.
66
In the sixth month, bad youths and officials from the Three Adjuncts and commanderies who had accusations against them and fled were dispatched to garrison Liaodong.
67
In autumn, Xiang commandery was abolished and its territory divided between Yulin and Zangke.
68
In the eleventh month of winter, there was great thunder.
69
In the twelfth month, on a Gengxu day, Chancellor Yin passed away.
70
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
宿
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
西
On a Jiaxu day, in the morning there appeared a shooting star as large as the moon, 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.
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