1
Emperor Yuan was the son whom Emperor Xuan had designated as crown prince. His mother was Empress Xu, honored posthumously as Gongaiai; she gave birth to him while the future Emperor Xuan was still a private man living outside the court. He was two years old when Emperor Xuan came to the throne. At the age of eight he was installed as crown prince. As he grew to manhood he showed a gentle, humane temperament and a strong leaning toward Confucian learning. He saw that Emperor Xuan employed many officials versed in statutes, used penal law to restrain his subordinates, and had executed high ministers such as Yang Yun and Gai Kuangrao for words of criticism or satire. Once, while attending an informal banquet, he said, “
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Your Majesty holds punishments too severely; you should employ Confucian scholars." Emperor Xuan's expression changed, and he said: "The Han house has its own system, originally mixing hegemonic and kingly ways—why rely solely on moral teaching and adopt Zhou government? Moreover, vulgar Confucians do not grasp what the times require. They like to praise antiquity and condemn the present, until people are dazzled by names and realities and no longer know what to uphold—how can they be entrusted with office?" Then he sighed and said: "The one who will disorder my house is the Crown Prince!" Because of this he kept his distance from the Crown Prince and favored King Huaiyang, saying: "King Huaiyang is clear-sighted and fond of law—he should be my son." And the king's mother, Lady Zhang, was especially favored. His Majesty had the intention to use King Huaiyang to replace the Crown Prince, but because he had relied on the Xu clan since youth and both had risen from humble origins, he finally did not turn his back on them.
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In the twelfth month of the first year of Huanglong, Emperor Xuan collapsed. On Guisi, the Crown Prince ascended to the emperor's position and made audience at the High Temple. Honored the Empress Dowager as Grand Empress Dowager, and the Empress as Empress Dowager.
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On Xinchou of the first month of spring in the first year of Chuyuan, Emperor Xuan was buried at Duling. Granted gold to feudal kings, princesses, and marquises; money and silks to officials of 2000 piculs and below, each according to their rank. Granted a great pardon to the empire. In the third month, enfeoffed Wang Shun, brother of the Empress Dowager and Commandant of the Gentlemen of the Palace, as Marquis of Anping. On Bingwu, established a lady of the Wang clan as Empress. Used public fields from Sanfu, the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, and the commanderies and kingdoms, as well as parks that could be reduced, to relieve and assist poor people. For those whose property did not reach 1000 cash, assigned loans of seeds and food. Enfeoffed Xu Jia, Palace Regular Attendant and son of a full younger brother of the emperor's maternal grandfather, Marquis Dai of Ping'en, as Marquis of Ping'en to continue Marquis Dai's line.
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In the fourth month of summer, an edict declared: 'I bear the sage succession of the Former Emperor and have obtained the service of ancestral temples, trembling with fear. Recently the earth has frequently moved and not been quiet. I fear the warnings of heaven and earth, not knowing what they stem from. Just at farming time, I worry that the numerous common people will lose their occupations. I am about to send Chamberlain for Attendants Bao and eleven others to tour the empire, visit and inquire about the aged, widowers, widows, orphans, the solitary, the distressed, those lacking, and those who have lost their duties. Extend and ascend the worthy and talented, recruit and display the secluded and obscure, and thereby view the transformations of customs. If the chancellors and governors at the two-thousand-picul level can sincerely correct themselves and labor diligently, proclaim and clarify teaching and transformation to draw near the myriad people, then within the realm there will be harmony and kinship, and we may come close to being free of worry. Does the Book not say? 'The limbs are good! All affairs are peaceful!' Proclaim and announce to the empire, so that they clearly know my intention.' Further declared: 'East of the passes this year the grain did not ascend, the people are many and distressed and lacking. Cause those commanderies and kingdoms that suffered severe disasters not to pay rents and taxes. Those river and sea dikes, lakes, gardens, and ponds that belong to the Privy Treasury shall be lent to poor people, without rent or taxes. Granted to members of the imperial clan who have genealogy registers horses from one mount to two teams; to the three elders and filial ones five bolts of silk; to younger brothers and diligent farmers three bolts; to widowers, widows, orphans, and the solitary two bolts; and to officials and common people who head fifty households cattle and wine.'
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六月，以民疾疫，令大官損膳，減樂府員，省苑馬，以振困乏。
In the sixth month, because the people suffered from epidemic illness, ordered the grand kitchen to reduce meals, reduce the personnel of the music bureau, and reduce the park horses, in order to relieve the distressed and lacking.
7
秋八月，上郡屬國降胡萬餘人亡入匈奴。
In the eighth month of autumn, more than 10,000 surrendered Hu from the Shangjun dependent state fled and entered the Xiongnu.
8
九月，關東郡國十一大水，饑，或人相食，轉旁郡錢穀以相救。 詔曰：「間者陰陽不調，黎民饑寒，無以保治，惟德淺薄，不足以充入舊貫之居。 其令諸宮館希御幸者勿繕治，太僕減穀食馬，水衡省肉食獸。」
In the ninth month, eleven commanderies and kingdoms east of the passes suffered great floods and famine. Some people even ate each other, and money and grain were transported from neighboring commanderies to save them. An edict declared: 'Recently yin and yang have not been harmonized, the common people are hungry and cold, with nothing to protect and govern them. Only my virtue is shallow and thin, not sufficient to fill and enter the dwellings of old customs. Cause the various palaces and lodges that are rarely favored by the emperor not to be repaired and governed. The Grand Coachman shall reduce grain feed for horses, and the Water Controller shall reduce meat feed for beasts.'
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二年春正月，行幸甘泉，郊泰畤。 賜雲陽民爵一級，女子百戶牛酒。
In the first month of spring in the second year, His Majesty proceeded to Ganquan and performed the suburban sacrifice at the Supreme Altar. Granted the people of Yunyang one noble rank, and women who head 100 households cattle and wine.
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Established younger brother Jing as King of Qinghe.
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In the third month, established Crown Prince Ba of the Severe King of Guangling as king.
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詔罷黃門乘輿狗馬，水衡禁囿、宜春下苑、少府佽飛外池、嚴烃池田假與貧民。 詔曰：「蓋聞賢聖在位，陰陽和，風雨時，日月光，星辰靜，黎庶康寧，考終厥命。 今朕恭承天地，託于公侯之上，明不能燭，德不能綏，災異並臻，連年不息。 乃二月戊午，地震于隴西郡，毀落太上皇廟殿壁木飾，壞敗豲道縣城郭官寺及民室屋，壓殺人眾。 山崩地裂，水泉湧出。 天惟降災，震驚朕師。 治有大虧，咎至於斯。 夙夜兢兢，不通大變，深惟鬱悼，未知其序。 間者歲數不登，元元困乏，不勝饑寒，以陷刑辟，朕甚閔之。 郡國被地動災甚者無出租賦。 赦天下。 有可蠲除減省以便萬姓者，條奏，毋有所諱。 丞相、御史、中二千石舉茂材異等直言極諫之士，朕將親覽焉。」
An edict dismissed the yellow gate's imperial carriage dogs and horses. The water controller's forbidden parks, Yichun lower gardens, the privy treasury's Zuifei outer pools, and Yanxing pool fields were lent to poor people. An edict declared: 'Indeed I have heard that when worthy sages are in position, yin and yang are harmonious, wind and rain are timely, sun and moon are bright, stars and constellations are quiet, the common people are peaceful and tranquil, and they examine and end their fate. Now I respectfully bear heaven and earth, entrusted above the dukes and marquises. My brightness cannot illuminate, my virtue cannot pacify, disasters and anomalies all arrive, continuing year after year without cease. Then on Wuwu of the second month, there was an earthquake in Longxi commandery. It destroyed and felled the Grand Emperor Ancestor's temple hall walls and wood decorations, ruined and defeated the Huzhao county city walls, official residences, and people's room houses, crushing and killing multitudes of people. Mountains collapsed and the ground cracked, water springs gushed out. Heaven alone sends down disaster, shaking and startling my hosts. Governance has great deficiency, fault has arrived to this point. From early to late I am fearful and fearful, not understanding the great changes. Deeply I think with melancholy and mourning, not knowing their order. Recently for several years the harvests have not ascended. The common people are distressed and lacking, unable to bear hunger and cold, thereby falling into punishments and laws. I greatly pity them. Commanderies and kingdoms that suffered severe earthquake disaster shall not pay rents and taxes. Pardon the empire. For those that can be remitted, removed, reduced, or saved to benefit the myriad surnames, memorialize by items, do not have any taboos. The Chancellor, Imperial Secretary, and officials of 2000 piculs shall recommend excellent talents of exceptional quality who speak straightforwardly and remonstrate extremely. I will personally view them.'
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夏四月丁巳，立皇太子。 賜御史大夫爵關內侯，中二千石右庶長，天下當為父後者爵一級，列侯錢各二十萬，五大夫十萬。
On Dingsi of the fourth month of summer, established the Crown Prince. Granted the Imperial Secretary Grandee the noble rank of Guannei Marquis, and officials of 2000 piculs the Right Shaolao rank. Throughout the empire, those who should succeed their fathers were granted one noble rank. Marquises received 200,000 cash each, and Grandees of the Fifth Rank received 100,000.
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六月，關東饑，齊地人相食。 秋七月，詔曰：「歲比災害，民有菜色，慘怛於心。 已詔吏虛倉廩，開府庫振救，賜寒者衣。 今秋禾麥頗傷。 一年中地再動。 北海水溢，流殺人民。 陰陽不和，其咎安在？ 公卿將何以憂之？ 其悉意陳朕過，靡有所諱。」
In the sixth month, there was famine east of the passes, and in Qi region people ate each other. In the seventh month of autumn, an edict declared: 'For years there have been repeated disasters, the people have the color of vegetables, and I am sorrowful and pained in my heart. I have already ordered officials to empty the granaries and storehouses, open the treasuries and warehouses to relieve and save, and grant clothes to those who are cold. Now in autumn the grain and wheat are rather injured. Within one year the earth moved again. The waters of Beihai overflowed and flowed, killing people. Yin and yang are not in harmony—where does the blame lie? With what will the dukes and ministers show their concern for it? Let them set forth my faults with full intent, without any taboo.'
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In winter, an edict declared: 'When a state will rise, it honors teachers and values tutors. Therefore the former general Wangzhi tutored me for eight years, guided me with the classics and books—his merit flourished there. Cause him to be granted the noble rank of Guannei Marquis, a food fiefdom of 800 households, and to court on new moon and full moon.'
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三年春，令諸侯相位在郡守下。
In spring of the third year, ordered that the positions of feudal lords' chancellors be under the commandery governors.
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Shannan County in Zhuya Commandery rebelled, and the emperor consulted the ministers widely. Jia Juanzhi, an Awaiting Edict, argued that Zhuya should be abandoned to relieve the people's famine and distress. Then Zhuya was abolished.
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夏四月乙未晦，茂陵白鶴館災。 詔曰：「乃者火災降於孝武園館，朕戰栗恐懼。 不燭變異，咎在朕躬。 群司又未肯極言朕過，以至於斯，將何以寤焉！ 百姓仍遭凶阨，無以相振，加以煩擾虖苛吏，拘牽乎微文，不得永終性命，朕甚閔焉。 其赦天下。」
On the last day of the fourth month of summer, which fell on Yiwei, the white crane pavilion at Maoling suffered a disaster. An edict declared: 'Recently fire disaster descended on the Filial Wu park pavilions. I tremble with fear. I did not illuminate the anomalous changes—the fault is in my person. The host of officials moreover were unwilling to speak frankly of my faults, until it has come to this—how am I to awaken! The common people still encounter inauspicious distress, with nothing to mutually relieve them. Moreover, they are troubled and disturbed by harsh officials, constrained and pulled by minute writings, unable to forever end their life and fate. I greatly pity them. Cause the empire to be pardoned.'
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In summer, there was drought. Established Zong, younger brother of the Yang King of Changsha, as king. Enfeoffed Dai Zong, son of the former Haihun Marquis He, as marquis.
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六月，詔曰：「蓋聞安民之道，本繇陰陽。 間者陰陽錯謬，風雨不時。 朕之不德，庶幾群公有敢言朕之過者，今則不然。 媮合苟從，未肯極言，朕甚閔焉。 永惟烝庶之饑寒，遠離父母妻子，勞於非業之作，衛於不居之宮，恐非所以佐陰陽之道也。 其罷甘泉、建章宮衛，令就農。 百官各省費。 條奏毋有所諱。 有司勉之，毋犯四時之禁。 丞相御史舉天下明陰陽災異者各三人。」 於是言事者眾，或進擢召見，人人自以得上意。
In the sixth month, an edict declared: 'Indeed I have heard that the way to pacify the people originates from yin and yang. Recently yin and yang have been wrong and erroneous, wind and rain not timely. Because of my lacking virtue, perhaps the group of dukes have those who dare speak of my faults, but now it is not so. They secretly agree and casually follow along, unwilling to speak frankly—I am deeply troubled. Forever I think of the numerous common people's hunger and cold, far separated from parents, wives, and children, laboring at works that are not their occupation, guarding palaces where they do not dwell—I fear this is not the way to assist the way of yin and yang. Cause the guards of Ganquan and Jianzhang palaces to be dismissed, and order them to go to farming. Each of the hundred officials shall reduce expenses. Memorialize by items without any taboos. Officials shall encourage them, not violating the prohibitions of the four seasons. The Chancellor and Imperial Secretary shall recommend three persons each who understand yin yang disasters and anomalies throughout the empire.' Then those who spoke on affairs were many, some were advanced and promoted, summoned and seen, each person taking himself as having obtained the upper intention.
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四年春正月，行幸甘泉，郊泰畤。 三月，行幸河東，祠后土。 赦汾陰徒。 賜民爵一級，女子百戶牛酒，鰥寡高年帛。 行所過無出租賦。
In the first month of spring in the fourth year, His Majesty proceeded to Ganquan and performed the suburban sacrifice at the Supreme Altar. In the third month, His Majesty proceeded to Hedong and sacrificed to Houtu. Pardon the convicts at Fenying. Granted the people one noble rank, women who head 100 households cattle and wine, and widowers, widows, and the aged silk. Places the procession passed shall not pay rents and taxes.
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In the first month of spring in the fifth year, Lord Zhouzinan was made Marquis of Zhou Chengxiu, ranking immediately below the kings.
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三月，行幸雍，祠五畤。
In the third month, His Majesty proceeded to Yong and sacrificed at the Five Altars.
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夏四月，有星孛于參。 詔曰：「朕之不逮，序位不明，眾僚久崃，未得其人。 元元失望，上感皇天，陰陽為變，咎流萬民，朕甚懼之。 乃者關東連遭災害，饑寒疾疫，夭不終命。 詩不云乎？ 『凡民有喪，匍匐救之。』 其令太官毋日殺，所具各減半。 乘輿秣馬，無乏正事而已。 罷角抵、上林宮館希御幸者、齊三服官、北假田官、鹽鐵官、常平倉。 博士弟子毋置員，以廣學者。 賜宗室子有屬籍者馬一匹至二駟，三老、孝者帛，人五匹，弟者、力田三匹，鰥寡孤獨二匹，吏民五十戶牛酒。」 省刑罰七十餘事。 除光祿大夫以下至郎中保父母同產之令。 令從官給事宮司馬中者，得為大父母父母兄弟通籍。
In the fourth month of summer, there was a comet at Shen. An edict declared: 'My shortcomings: the sequence of offices is unclear, numerous posts have long stood vacant, and the right men have not been obtained. The common people are disappointed, above I have moved the August Heaven, yin and yang have become changed, fault has flowed to the myriad people—I greatly fear it. Recently east of the passes has continuously encountered disasters, famine, cold, and epidemic illness, prematurely not completing fate. Does the Poetry not say? 'When all people have mourning, crawl to save them.' Cause the Grand Kitchen to be ordered not to kill daily, and what is prepared each to be reduced by half. The imperial carriage shall feed horses, not lacking proper affairs only. Abolish wrestling, Shanglin palace lodges that are rarely favored by the emperor, Qi three garment officials, north leased field officials, salt and iron officials, and constant-level granaries. Doctor disciples shall not set personnel, in order to broaden scholars. Granted imperial clan sons who have genealogy registers horses from one mount to two teams; to the three elders and filial ones silk, each five bolts; to younger brothers and diligent farmers three bolts; to widowers, widows, orphans, and the solitary two bolts; and to officials and common people who head fifty households cattle and wine.' Reduced punishments and penalties by more than seventy matters. Removed the edict for Chamberlain for Attendants Grandee and below to Gentleman of the Interior to protect parents and same womb relatives. Ordered attendant officials who serve as middle Commandants in the palace to be able to pass registers for great grandparents, grandparents, parents, and brothers.
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冬十二月丁未，御史大夫貢禹卒。
On Dingwei of the twelfth month of winter, Imperial Secretary Grandee Gong Yu passed away.
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永光元年春正月，行幸甘泉，郊泰畤。 赦雲陽徒。 賜民爵一級，女子百戶牛酒，高年帛。 行所過毋出租賦。
In the first month of spring in the first year of Yongguang, His Majesty proceeded to Ganquan and performed the suburban sacrifice at the Supreme Altar. Pardon the convicts at Yunyang. Granted the people one noble rank, women who head 100 households cattle and wine, and the aged silk. Places the procession passed shall not pay rents and taxes.
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二月，詔丞相、御史舉質樸敦厚遜讓有行者，光祿歲以此科第郎、從官。
In the second month, an edict for the Chancellor and Imperial Secretary to recommend those who are simple and sincere, honest and yielding, deferential and have conduct. The Chamberlain for Attendants shall year after year grade Gentlemen and attendant officials with this category.
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三月，詔曰：「五帝三王任賢使能，以登至平，而今不治者，豈斯民異哉？ 咎在朕之不明，亡以知賢也。 是故壬人在位，而吉士雍蔽。 重以周秦之弊，民漸薄俗，去禮義，觸刑法，豈不哀哉！ 繇此觀之，元元何辜？ 其赦天下，令厲精自新，各務農畝。 無田者皆假之，貨種、食如貧民。 賜吏六百石以上爵五大夫，勤事吏二級，為父後者民一級，女子百戶牛酒，鰥寡孤獨高年帛。」 是月雨雪，隕霜傷麥稼，秋罷。
In the third month, an edict declared: 'The Five Emperors and Three Kings employed the worthy and sent the able, to ascend to utmost peace, yet those who now do not govern—how are these people different? The fault lies in my lack of clarity, and I have no means to recognize the worthy. For this reason petty men hold office, while worthy gentlemen are obstructed and blocked. Moreover with the harms of Zhou and Qin, the people gradually have thin customs, depart from ritual and righteousness, touch punishment and laws—how is it not sorrowful! From observing this, what crime do the common people have? Cause the empire to be pardoned, order them to exert their essence and renew themselves, each diligently farming the acres. Those with no fields shall all be lent them, loan seeds and food like poor people. Granted officials of 600 piculs and above the noble rank of Grandee of the Fifth Rank; diligent affairs officials two levels; those who succeed fathers among the people one level; women who head 100 households cattle and wine; and widowers, widows, orphans, the solitary, and the aged silk.' In this month it rained snow, frost fell injuring the wheat crops, and autumn was stopped.
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In the second month of spring in the second year, an edict declared: 'Indeed I have heard that Tang and Yu symbolized punishments and the people did not violate, Yin and Zhou practiced laws and wicked ruffians submitted. Now I have obtained to bear Gaozu's grand enterprise, entrusted with position above the dukes and marquises. From early to late I tremble with fear, forever thinking of the common people's urgent matters, never once having forgotten them. However, yin and yang are not harmonized, the three luminaries are dark and obscure. The common people are greatly distressed, flowing and scattered on the roads, bandits and robbers arising together. The officials moreover constantly practice cruelty, losing the art of shepherding the people. This is all because I am not bright, governance has deficiencies. Fault has arrived to this point, I greatly am ashamed of myself. As parents to the people, if I am this inadequate, what can I say to the common people! Cause a great pardon of the empire, grant the people one noble rank, women who head 100 households cattle and wine, and widowers, widows, orphans, the solitary, the aged, three elders, filial younger brothers, and diligent farmers silk.' Further granted feudal kings, princesses, and marquises gold; from 2000 piculs below to central capital officials and chief clerks each according to rank; officials of 600 piculs and above the noble rank of Grandee of the Fifth Rank; and diligent affairs officials each two levels.
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三月壬戌朔，日有蝕之。 詔曰：「朕戰戰栗栗，夙夜思過失，不敢荒寧。 惟陰陽不調，未燭其咎。 婁敕公卿，日望有效。 至今有司執政，未得其中，施與禁切，未合民心。 暴猛之俗彌長，和睦之道日衰，百姓愁苦，靡所錯躬。 是以氛邪歲增，侵犯太陽，正氣湛掩，日久奪光。 乃壬戌，日有蝕之。 天見大異，以戒朕躬，朕甚悼焉。 其令內郡國舉茂材異等賢良直言之士各一人。」
On the new moon of the third month, which fell on Renxu, there was a solar eclipse. An edict declared: 'I tremble and fear, from early to late thinking of faults and errors, not daring to neglect peacefulness. Only yin and yang are not harmonized, not illuminating their fault. Moreover command the dukes and ministers, daily hoping to have effect. To now the officials govern affairs, not obtaining their proper middle. What they apply and give, and what they prohibit and make strict, do not match the people's hearts. Violent and fierce customs increasingly grow long, the way of harmonious peace daily declines, the common people are worried and bitter, with no place to set their bodies. Therefore foul evil increases year by year, invading and infringing the sun, correct qi sunken and masked, the day long robbing light. Then on Renxu, there was a solar eclipse. Heaven shows a great anomaly to warn my person, I greatly mourn there. Cause the inner commanderies and kingdoms to recommend excellent talents of exceptional quality, worthy and good, straightforward speaking gentlemen, each one person.'
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夏六月，詔曰：「間者連年不收，四方咸困。 元元之民，勞於耕耘，又亡成功，困於饑饉，亡以相救。 朕為民父母，德不能覆，而有其刑，甚自傷焉。 其赦天下。」
In the sixth month of summer, an edict declared: 'Recently for continuous years there have been no harvests, all four directions are distressed. The common people labor at plowing and sowing, moreover their success has perished. They are distressed by famine and hunger, with nothing to mutually save them. I am the parents of the people, but my virtue cannot cover them, yet I have their punishments—I greatly injure myself there. Cause the empire to be pardoned.'
34
In the seventh month of autumn, the Western Qiang rebelled, and Right General Feng Fengshi was sent to strike them. In the eighth month, Grand Minister of Ceremonies Ren Qianqiu was made Fenwei General, separately leading five schools that advanced together.
35
三年春，西羌平，軍罷。
In spring of the third year, the Western Qiang were pacified and the army was stopped.
36
In the third month, the emperor's son Kang was made King of Jiyang.
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夏四月癸未，大司馬車騎將軍接薨。
On Guiwei of the fourth month of summer, Grand Commander and Cavalry General Jie passed away.
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冬十一月，詔曰：「乃者己丑地動，中冬雨水，大霧，盜賊並起。 吏何不以時禁？ 各悉意對。」
In the eleventh month of winter, an edict declared: 'Recently on Jichou the earth moved, in mid-winter it rained water, there was great fog, and bandits and robbers arose together. Why do officials not prohibit them in a timely manner? Let each respond with full intent.'
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冬，復鹽鐵官、博士弟子員。 以用度不足，民多復除，無以給中外繇役。
In winter, salt and iron officials and doctor disciples' personnel were restored. Because expenditures were insufficient, many people were exempted and removed, with nothing to supply inner and outer corvee services.
40
四年春二月，詔曰：「朕承至尊之重，不能燭理百姓，婁遭凶咎。 加以邊竟不安，師旅在外，賦斂轉輸，元元騷動，窮困亡聊，犯法抵罪。 夫上失其道而繩下以深刑，朕甚痛之。 其赦天下，所貸貧民勿收責。」
In the second month of spring of the fourth year, an edict declared, "I bear the heavy responsibility of supreme honor, yet I have been unable to understand principles clearly and govern the people, and have repeatedly encountered calamities and faults. Moreover, the frontiers are unsettled, armies are deployed abroad, and taxes, levies, and transport service burden the people. The common people are distressed, reduced to poverty with nothing to rely on, and so they violate the law and incur punishment. When those above lose the Way and then bind those below with severe punishments, I feel deep pain over it. Let there be an amnesty throughout the empire, and let debts owed by poor people be neither collected nor demanded."
41
三月，行幸雍，祠五畤。
In the third month, His Majesty proceeded to Yong and sacrificed at the Five Altars.
42
夏六月甲戌，孝宣園東闕災。
On Jiaxu of the sixth month of summer, the east gate of the Filial Xuan park suffered a disaster.
43
戊寅晦，日有蝕之。 詔曰：「蓋聞明王在上，忠賢布職，則群生和樂，方外蒙澤。 今朕晻于王道，夙夜憂勞，不通其理，靡瞻不眩，靡聽不惑，是以政令多還，民心未得，邪說空進，事亡成功。 此天下所著聞也。 公卿大夫好惡不同，或緣姦作邪，侵削細民，元元安所歸命哉！ 乃六月晦，日有蝕之。 詩不云虖？ 『今此下民，亦孔之哀！』 自今以來，公卿大夫其勉思天戒，慎身修永，以輔朕之不逮。 直言盡意，無有所諱。」
On the last day which fell on Wuyin, there was a solar eclipse. An edict declared: 'Indeed I have heard that when bright kings are above and loyal worthies spread positions, then all living things are harmonious and joyful, and regions outside receive favor. Now I am dark at the kingly way, from early to late worry and labor, not penetrating its principles. Nothing I gaze at is not dazzled, nothing I listen to is not confused. Therefore government orders often return, people's hearts are not obtained, evil doctrines vainly advance, and affairs perish without success. This is what the empire manifestly hears. Dukes, ministers, and grandees have different likes and hates. Some follow the wicked and make evil, invading and paring the small people. Where can the common people return their lives! Then on the last day of the sixth month, there was a solar eclipse. Does the Poetry not say? 'Now these lower people, they are also greatly sorrowful!' From now henceforth, dukes, ministers, and grandees shall diligently think on heaven's warnings, be careful of their persons and cultivate long, to assist my shortcomings. Speak straightforwardly and exhaust intentions, without any taboos.'
44
On Wuzi of the ninth month, the Wei Sihou park and Li park were abolished. On Yichou of the tenth month of winter, ancestor temples in the commanderies and kingdoms were abolished. The various tombs were divided and assigned to Sanfu. Used the pavilion department above the plain at Weicheng Shoulings as the initial tomb. An edict declared: 'Peaceful soil and heavy migration is the nature of the common people; Flesh and bone mutually attach—this is what human feelings wish. Recently officials, following the righteousness of ministers and sons, memorialized to move commandery and kingdom people to serve the park tombs, causing the common people to far abandon their ancestors' tombs and graves, breaking their occupations and losing their property, with relatives separating and parting. People harbor longing hearts, and families have uneasy intentions. Therefore the eastern region suffered the harm of depletion and exhaustion, the pass has companionless people—this is not a long-lasting strategy. Does the Poetry not say? 'The people also labor and stop, reach and can be small peaceful. Favor this central states, to pacify the four directions.' For what is now made the initial tomb, do not establish county towns, so that the empire all has peaceful soil and happy occupations, without hearts that shake and rock. Proclaim and announce to the empire, so that they clearly know it.' Further abolished the predecessors' parents' served fiefdoms.
45
46
秋，潁川水出，流殺人民。 吏、從官縣被害者與告。 士卒遣歸。
In autumn, waters emerged from Yingchuan and flowed, killing people. Officials and attendant officials of counties who were harmed were granted leave. The soldiers were sent to return.
47
48
On Yiyou of the twelfth month, the sleeping temple gardens of the Grand Emperor Ancestor and Emperor Hui were destroyed.
49
50
秋八月，有白蛾群飛蔽日，從東都門至枳道。
In the eighth month of autumn, there were white moths flying in flocks that covered the sun, from the eastern capital gate to Zhidao.
51
In winter, King Yuan of Hejian was found guilty of a crime, deposed, and banished to Fangling. The sleeping gardens of the Filial Wen Empress Dowager and Filial Zhao Empress Dowager were abolished.
52
二年春正月，行幸甘泉，郊泰畤。 三月，行幸河東，祠后土。 益三河郡太守秩。 戶十二萬為大郡。
In the first month of spring in the second year, His Majesty proceeded to Ganquan and performed the suburban sacrifice at the Supreme Altar. In the third month, His Majesty proceeded to Hedong and sacrificed to Houtu. The rank of the Sanhe commandery governor was increased. Commanderies with 120,000 households were considered great commanderies.
53
夏四月，赦天下。
In the fourth month of summer, the empire was pardoned.
54
In the sixth month, the emperor's son Xing was made King of Xindu. On Dingyou of the intercalary month, the Grand Empress Dowager of the Shangguan clan collapsed.
55
冬十一月，齊楚地震，大雨雪，樹折屋壞。
In the eleventh month of winter, Qi and Chu suffered an earthquake with great rain and snow, breaking trees and ruining houses.
56
57
三年夏，令三輔都尉、大郡都尉秩皆二千石。
In summer of the third year, it was ordered that the ranks of the Sanfu commandants and great commandery commandants be all 2000 piculs.
59
In autumn, Protector of the Western Regions and Cavalry Commandant Gan Yanshou and Vice Commandant Chen Tang were sent to mobilize the Wuji Commandant's garrison farming officials and soldiers, as well as Western Regions Hu troops, to attack Chanyu Zhizhi. In winter, his head was beheaded, transmitted to the capital, and hung on the barbarian residence gate.
60
In the first month of spring in the fourth year, the execution of Chanyu Zhizhi was announced and sacrifices made at the suburban temples. The empire was pardoned. The group of ministers offered congratulations and set wine, using their maps and books to show the rear palace noble people.
61
In the fourth month of summer, an edict declared: 'I bear the fortunate achievements of the Former Emperor, from early to late trembling, fearing I am not able to bear it. Recently yin and yang have not been harmonized, the five phases have lost their order, and the common people suffer famine and hunger. Only thinking of the numerous common people who lose their occupations, I am about to send Remonstrance Grandee, Doctor Shang, and twenty others to tour the empire, visit and inquire about the aged, widowers, widows, orphans, the solitary, the distressed, those lacking, and those who have lost their duties, and recommend excellent talents and outstanding independent gentlemen. Assistant and lead the Nine Ministers, their leading intention shall not be weary, so that I may obtain to view the flow of teachings and transformations there.'
62
六月甲申，中山王竟薨。
On Jiashen of the sixth month, King Jing of Zhongshan passed away.
63
藍田地沙石雍霸水，安陵岸崩雍涇水，水逆流。
Sand and stones in the Lantian ground blocked the Ba water, the Anling shore collapsed and blocked the Jing water, causing water to flow backward.
64
五年春三月，詔曰：「蓋聞明王之治國也，明好惡而定去就，崇敬讓而民興行，故法設而民不犯，令施而民從。 今朕獲保宗廟，兢兢業業，匪敢解怠，德薄明晻，教化淺微。 傳不云虖？『
In the third month of spring in the fifth year, an edict declared: 'Indeed I have heard that when bright kings govern the state, they make clear likes and hates to determine advance and retreat, honor respect and yielding so the people rise in conduct. Therefore laws are set and the people do not violate, orders are applied and the people follow. Now I have obtained to protect the ancestral temples, fearful and industrious, not daring to relax or grow weary. My virtue is thin, my brightness dark, my teachings and transformations shallow and slight. Does the tradition not say?
65
百姓有過，在予一人。』 其赦天下，賜民爵一級，女子百戶牛酒，三老、孝弟力田帛。」 又曰：「方春農桑興，百姓戮力自盡之時也，故是月勞農勸民，無使後時。 今不良之吏，覆案小罪，徵召證案，興不急之事，以妨百姓，使失一時之作，亡終歲之功，公卿其明察申敕之。」
If the common people have faults, they are in me alone. Cause the empire to be pardoned, grant the people one noble rank, women who head 100 households cattle and wine, and three elders, filial younger brothers, and diligent farmers silk.' Further declared: 'Just when spring farming and mulberry rising, it is the time when the common people unite their strength and exhaust themselves. Therefore in this month labor the farmers and encourage the people, do not cause them to be late. Now bad officials overturn and investigate small crimes, summon and call witnesses for cases, arise matters that are not urgent, to hinder the common people, cause them to lose one time's work and perish the year's end merit. The dukes and ministers shall clearly investigate and state commands to them.'
67
壬申晦，日有蝕之。
On the last day which fell on Renchen, there was a solar eclipse.
68
On Gengzi of the seventh month of autumn, the sleeping temple gardens of the Grand Emperor Ancestor, original temple, Zhao Ling Empress, Wu Ai King, Zhao Ai Empress, and Wei Si Empress gardens were restored.
69
In the first month of spring in the first year of Jingning, Chanyu Huhanye of the Xiongnu came to court. An edict declared: 'Chanyu Zhizhi of the Xiongnu turned his back and rebelled against ritual and righteousness, and has already submitted to his guilt. Chanyu Huhanye has not forgotten kindness and virtue, faces and admires ritual and righteousness, again repairs the ritual of court congratulations, wishes to protect the border pass and transmit it endlessly, so the border regions long have no affairs of weapons and armor. Cause the era name to be changed to Jingning, granted Chanyu the awaiting edict of the Rear Court Wang Jiang as Yanzhi.'
70
皇太子冠。 賜列侯嗣子爵五大夫，天下為父後者爵一級。
The Crown Prince was capped. Granted the successor sons of marquises the noble rank of Grandee of the Fifth Rank, and throughout the empire those who succeed their fathers one noble rank.
71
二月，御史大夫延壽卒。
In the second month, Imperial Counselor Li Yanshou died.
72
On Guiwei of the third month, the sleeping temple gardens of the Filial Hui Emperor, Filial Wen Empress Dowager, and Filial Zhao Empress Dowager were restored.
73
In summer, Cavalry Commandant Gan Yanshou was enfeoffed as a marquis. Granted Vice Commandant Chen Tang the noble rank of Guannei Marquis and 100 catties of gold.
75
The temples of the Grand Emperor Ancestor, Filial Hui Emperor, and Filial Jing Emperor were destroyed. The sleeping gardens of the Filial Wen and Filial Zhao Empress Dowagers, Zhao Ling Empress, Wu Ai King, and Zhao Ai Empress were abolished.
76
秋七月丙戌，葬渭陵。
On Bingxu of the seventh month of autumn, buried at Weiling.
77
The appraisal says: My maternal grandfather's brothers served Emperor Yuan as palace attendants. They told me that Emperor Yuan possessed many talents and was skilled in historical writing. He played the qin and se zithers, performed on the vertical flute, composed his own melodies, set them for singing, and worked out their sections and rhythms with the utmost subtlety. From youth he loved Confucian learning, and after he took the throne he summoned Confucian scholars, employed them, and entrusted government to them; Gong, Xue, Wei, and Kuang served in turn as chancellors. Yet at court he was hamstrung by textual niceties, lingered without deciding, and the achievements of Emperor Xuan declined. Yet he was generous and broad-minded toward his subordinates, and his conduct arose from reverence and frugality. His commands were mild and refined, with something of the noble manner of antiquity.