1
恭宗孝安皇帝諱祜，肅宗孫也。 父清河孝王慶，母左姬。 帝自在邸第，數有神光照室，又有赤蛇盤於床笫之間。 年十歲，好學《史書》，和帝稱之，數見禁中。
Emperor An, posthumously honored as Gongzong, whose personal name was Hu, was a grandson of Emperor Zhang. His father was Prince Qing of Qinghe; his mother was Lady Zuo. While he still lived in the princely mansion, supernatural light was often seen in his rooms and a red snake coiled among the bedsteads. At ten he loved studying clerical script; Emperor He praised him and often summoned him to the palace.
2
延平元年，慶始就國，鄧太后特詔留帝清河邸。
In 106 CE Prince Qing left for his fief, but Empress Dowager Deng issued a special order keeping the boy at the Qinghe princely mansion in the capital.
3
八月，殤帝崩，太后與兄車騎將軍鄧騭定策禁中。 其夜，使騭持節，以王青蓋車迎帝，齋於殿中。 皇太后御崇德殿，百官皆吉服，群臣陪位，引拜帝為長安侯。 皇太后詔曰：『先帝聖德淑茂，早弃天下。 朕奉皇帝，夙夜瞻仰日月，冀望成就。 豈意卒然顛沛，天年不遂，悲痛斷心。 朕惟平原王素被痼疾，念宗廟之重，思繼嗣之統，唯長安侯祜質性忠孝，小心翼翼，能通《詩》、《論》，篤學樂古，仁惠愛下。 年已十三，有成人之志。 親德係後，莫宜於祜。 《禮》「昆弟之子猶己子」； 《春秋》之義，為人後者為之子，不以父命辭王父命。 其以祜為孝和皇帝嗣，奉承祖宗，案禮儀奏。 』又作策命曰：『惟延平元年秋八月癸丑，皇太后曰：咨長安侯祜：孝和皇帝懿德巍巍，光於四海； 大行皇帝不永天年。 朕惟侯孝章帝世嫡皇孫，謙恭慈順，在孺而勤，宜奉郊廟，承統大業。 今以侯嗣孝和皇帝後。 其審君漢國，允執其中。 「一人有慶，萬民賴之。 」皇帝其勉之哉！ 』讀策畢，太尉奉上璽綬，即皇帝位，年十三。 太后猶臨朝。
In the eighth month Emperor Shang died; inside the palace the empress dowager and her brother Deng Zhi, general of chariots and cavalry, settled the succession. That night Deng Zhi, bearing credentials, brought the imperial green-canopy carriage for the boy, who fasted in the hall before accession. The empress dowager took her seat in Chongde Hall in auspicious dress; the ministers stood in attendance as the boy was led forward and named Marquis of Chang'an. The empress dowager proclaimed: the late sovereign was full of sage virtue, yet Heaven took him while he was still young. I held him on the throne and watched over him night and day, hoping he would grow into the task. Who could have foreseen such a sudden fall—his years unfulfilled? My heart breaks with grief. Prince Sheng of Pingyuan has long been gravely ill; the altars need an heir, and only Marquis Hu of Chang'an combines loyalty and filial piety with careful learning of the Odes and Analects, love of antiquity, and kindness to others. He is thirteen and already shows a grown man's steadiness. For virtue and fitness to continue the line, none matches Hu. The Rites teach that a brother's son may stand as one's own child; the Spring and Autumn tradition makes an adopted heir the son of his new line, who may not reject the grandfather's charge for the father's sake. Let Hu succeed Emperor He, serve the ancestors, and let the rites be reported accordingly. A written mandate added: on 23 September 106 CE the empress dowager addressed Marquis Hu of Chang'an—Emperor He's noble virtue shone across the realm; yet the late emperor did not live out his years. You are Emperor Zhang's legitimate great-grandson, humble and diligent even as a child—fit to sacrifice at the altars and bear the great mandate. We therefore name you heir to Emperor He. Govern the Han house with care and hold fast to the mean. When the sovereign is blessed, the people have their stay; therefore strive, Son of Heaven!" When the text had been read, the Grand Commandant presented the imperial seal and cord; Hu ascended the throne at the age of thirteen. The empress dowager continued to rule as regent.
4
九月庚子，謁高廟。 辛丑，謁光武廟。 六州大水。 己未，遣謁者分行虛實，舉灾害，賑乏絕。 丙寅，葬孝殤皇帝於康陵。 乙亥，隕石於陳留。 西域諸國叛，攻都護任尚，遣副校尉梁慬救尚，擊破之。
On 24 September 106 CE he paid homage at the temple of Emperor Gaozu. On the following day he visited Emperor Guangwu's temple. Six provinces were inundated. On 12 October envoys toured the provinces to verify reports, record disasters, and relieve the destitute. On 19 October Emperor Shang was buried at the Kang mausoleum. On 28 October a meteorite fell in Chenliu commandery. Western Regions states rebelled and besieged Ren Shang; Deputy Colonel Liang Jin relieved him and routed the rebels.
5
冬十月，四州大水，雨雹。 詔以宿麥不下，賑賜貧人。
In the tenth month of winter four provinces flooded and hail fell. Because winter wheat had failed to sprout, an edict ordered relief for the poor.
6
十二月甲子，清河王薨，使司空持節吊祭，車騎將軍鄧騭護喪事。 乙酉，罷魚龍曼延百戲。
On 17 December 106 CE Prince Qing of Qinghe died; the Minister of Works was sent to mourn, and Deng Zhi supervised the funeral. On 1 January 107 CE the court ended the elaborate fish-and-dragon variety shows.
7
永初元年春正月癸酉朔，大赦天下。 蜀郡徼外羌內屬。 戊寅，分犍為南部為屬國都尉。 稟司隸、兗、豫、徐、冀、幷州貧民。
At the new year of 107 CE, Yongchu 1, a general amnesty was proclaimed. Qiang beyond Shu commandery submitted to Han. On 5 February 107 CE the southern portion of Qianwei was organized as a dependent state under a commandant. The court distributed grain to the poor in the capital region and in Yan, Yu, Xu, Ji, and Bing.
8
二月丙午，以廣成遊獵地及被灾郡國公田假與貧民。 丁卯，分清河國封帝弟常保為廣川王。 庚午，司徒梁鮪薨。
On 11 March 107 CE the Guangcheng hunting park and government fields in disaster areas were lent to the poor. On 1 April territory was taken from Qinghe to make the emperor's brother Changbao prince of Guangchuan. On 4 April 107 CE Minister of Education Liang Wei died.
9
三月癸酉，日有食之，詔公卿內外眾官、郡國守、相，舉賢良方正、有道術之士，明政術、達古今、能直言極諫者，各一人。 己卯，永昌徼外僬僥種夷貢獻內屬。 甲申，葬清河孝王，贈龍旗、虎賁。
A solar eclipse on 9 April 107 CE prompted an order for every high office and commandery to nominate one man noted for integrity, learning, grasp of statecraft, and fearless counsel. On 15 April the Jiaoyao people beyond Yongchang sent tribute and submitted. On 20 April Prince Qing of Qinghe was buried with dragon banners and a guard of picked warriors.
10
夏五月甲戌，長樂衛尉魯恭為司徒。 丁丑，詔封北海王睦孫壽光侯普為北海王。 九真徼外夜郎蠻夷舉土內屬。
On 18 May 107 CE Lu Gong, commandant of the Changle guards, became Minister of Education. On 21 May Liu Pu, Marquis of Shouguang and grandson of Prince Mu of Beihai, was made prince of Beihai. Yelang tribes beyond Jiuzhen surrendered their lands to Han.
11
六月戊申，爵皇太后母陰氏為新野君。 丁巳，河東地陷。 壬戌，罷西域都護。
On 19 June 107 CE the empress dowager's mother, Lady Yin, received the title of Lady of Xinye. On 28 June the earth subsided in Hedong. On 3 July the office of Protector-General of the Western Regions was abolished.
12
先零種羌叛，斷隴道，大為寇掠，遣車騎將軍鄧騭、征西校尉任尚討之。 丁卯，赦除諸羌相連結謀叛逆者罪。
The Xianling Qiang rebelled, blocked the Long Mountain route, and raided widely; Deng Zhi and Ren Shang were sent against them. On 8 July those Qiang who had joined the plot were offered amnesty.
13
秋九月庚午，詔三公明申舊令，禁奢侈，無作浮巧之物，殫財厚葬。 是日，太尉徐防免。 辛未，司空尹勤免。 癸酉，調楊州五郡租米，贍給東郡、濟陰、陳留、梁國、下邳、山陽。 丁丑，詔曰：『自今長吏被考竟未報，自非父母喪，無故輒去職者，劇縣十歲、平縣五歲以上，乃得次用。 』壬午，詔太僕、少府減黃門鼓吹，以補羽林士； 廄馬非乘輿常所御者，皆減半食； 諸所造作，非供宗廟園陵之用，皆且止。 丙戌，詔死罪以下及亡命贖，各有差。 庚寅，太傅張禹為太尉，太常周章為司空。
On 12 September 107 CE the Three Dukes were told to reissue old sumptuary laws against luxury, frivolous crafts, and lavish funerals. That day Grand Commandant Xu Fang was dismissed. On 13 September Minister of Works Yin Qin was dismissed. On 15 September grain tax from five Yang commanderies was shipped to feed Dong, Jiyin, Chenliu, Liang, Xiapi, and Shanyang. On 19 September an edict ruled that magistrates under investigation who quit without cause—not for parents' funeral—must wait ten years in a difficult county or five in an ordinary one before reinstatement. On 24 September the Grand Coachman and Privy Treasurer were ordered to cut the palace wind bands and transfer the men to the Forest of Feathers guard; stable horses not used for the imperial carriage had their fodder halved; all building projects not needed for shrines or imperial tombs were suspended. On 28 September an edict allowed commutation by ransom for crimes short of capital and for fugitives, on a graded scale. On 2 October Zhang Yu moved from Grand Tutor to Grand Commandant, and Zhou Zhang from Grand Master of Ceremonies to Minister of Works.
14
冬十月，倭國遣使奉獻。 辛酉，新城山泉水大出。
In the tenth month of winter Wa sent envoys with tribute. On 23 November a great spring burst from the mountain at Xincheng.
15
十一月丁亥，司空周章密謀廢立，策免，自殺。 戊子，勑司隸校尉、冀、幷二州刺史：『民訛言相驚，弃捐舊居，老弱相攜，窮困道路。 其各勑所部長吏，躬親曉喻。 若欲歸本郡，在所為封長檄； 不欲，勿強。』
On 21 December 107 CE Zhou Zhang, Minister of Works, was caught plotting to depose the emperor; he was stripped of office and killed himself. On 22 December the Metropolitan Superintendent and the governors of Ji and Bing were told that panic rumors had driven people from their homes, young and old wandering destitute on the roads. Each was to order local magistrates to go in person and calm the people. Those who wished to return home were to be given sealed travel passes; those who did not wish to go were not to be compelled.
16
十二月乙卯，潁川太守張敏為司空。
On 18 January 108 CE Zhang Min, governor of Yingchuan, became Minister of Works.
17
是歲，郡國十八地震； 四十一雨水，或山水暴至； 二十八大風，雨雹。
That year eighteen commanderies were shaken by earthquakes. Forty-one commanderies saw flooding or sudden mountain torrents. Twenty-eight commanderies were struck by gales and hail.
18
二年春正月，稟河南、下邳、東萊、河內貧民。 車騎將軍鄧騭為種羌所敗於冀西。
In the first month of spring, 108 CE, the court issued grain to the poor in Henan, Xiapi, Donglai, and Henei. Deng Zhi was defeated west of Ji by the Zhong Qiang.
19
二月乙丑，遣光祿大夫樊準、呂倉分行冀、兗二州，稟貸流民。 夏四月甲寅，漢陽城中火，燒殺三千五百七十人。
On 15 March 108 CE Fan Zhun and Lü Cang toured Ji and Yan to lend grain to vagrants. On 3 May 108 CE a fire in Hanyang city killed 3,570 people.
20
五月，旱。 丙寅，皇太后幸洛陽寺及若廬獄，錄囚徒，賜河南尹、廷尉、卿及官屬以下各有差，即日降雨。 六月，京師及郡國四十大水，大風，雨雹。
In the fifth month drought struck. On 1 June 108 CE the empress dowager visited Luoyang jail and Ruolu prison, reviewed cases, and rewarded the governor of Henan, the commandant of justice, and their staffs; rain fell the same day. In the sixth month the capital and forty commanderies suffered floods, gales, and hail.
21
秋七月戊辰，詔曰：『昔在帝王，承天理民，莫不據璇機玉衡，以齊七政。 朕以不德，遵奉大業，而陰陽差越，變異並見，萬民飢流，羌貊叛戾。 夙夜克己，憂心京京。 間令公卿郡國舉賢良方正，遠求博選，開不諱之路，冀得至謀，以鑒不逮，而所對皆循尚浮言，無卓爾異聞。 其百僚及郡國吏人，有道術明習灾異陰陽之度璇機之數者，各使指變以聞。 二千石長吏明以詔書，博衍幽隱，朕將親覽，待以不次，冀獲嘉謀，以承天誡。』
On 4 August 108 CE an edict recalled that ancient kings aligned the seven celestial powers with the armillary sphere when governing the people. I lack virtue yet bear the great charge; yin and yang are out of joint, omens multiply, the people starve and flee, and Qiang and Mo rebel. Night and day I discipline myself; anxiety fills my breast. I ordered broad recruitment of worthy men and an open road for blunt counsel, yet the answers have been empty convention, nothing striking or new. Let every official and subject who understands omens, yin and yang, and astronomical reckoning report what these changes portend. Let governors publish this edict and bring forward hidden talent; I will read the memorials myself and promote out of turn for good counsel that answers Heaven's rebuke.
22
閏月辛丑，廣川王常保薨，無子，國除。 癸未，蜀郡徼外羌舉土內屬。
On 24 September 108 CE Prince Changbao of Guangchuan died without an heir, and his fief was abolished. On 6 October Qiang beyond Shu surrendered their territory to Han.
23
九月庚子，詔王國官屬墨綬下至郎、謁者，其經明任博士，居鄉里有廉清孝順之稱、才任理人者，國相歲移名，與計偕上尚書，公府通調，令得外補。
On 23 October 108 CE an edict allowed princely chancellors to nominate learned subordinates of erudit rank for posting outside the fief via the annual accounting and the Masters of Writing.
24
冬十月庚寅，稟濟陰、山陽、玄菟貧民。 征西校尉任尚與先零羌戰于平襄，尚軍敗績。
On 12 November 108 CE grain was issued to the poor in Jiyin, Shanyang, and Xuantu. Ren Shang fought the Xianling Qiang at Pingxiang and suffered a crushing defeat.
25
十一月辛酉，拜鄧騭為大將軍，徵還京師，留任尚屯隴右。 先零羌滇零稱天子於北地，遂寇三輔，東犯趙、魏，南入益州，殺漢中太守董炳。 十二月辛卯，稟東郡、鉅鹿、廣陽、安定、定襄、沛國貧民。
On 12 December 108 CE Deng Zhi was made Grand General and recalled to the capital while Ren Shang remained to garrison the Longxi region. The Xianling leader Dianling declared himself emperor in Beidi, raided the capital region, struck east into Zhao and Wei, pushed south into Yi province, and killed Dong Bing, governor of Hanzhong. On 11 January 109 CE grain was distributed to the poor in Dong, Julu, Guangyang, Anding, Dingxiang, and Pei.
26
廣漢塞外參狼羌降，分廣漢北部為屬國都尉。 是歲，郡國十二地震。
The Sanlang Qiang beyond Guanghan submitted, and the northern part of Guanghan was made a dependent state under a commandant. That year twelve commanderies were shaken by earthquakes.
27
三年春正月庚子，皇帝加元服。 大赦天下。 賜王、主、貴人、公、卿以下金帛各有差； 男子為父後，及三老、考悌、力田爵，人二級，流民欲占者人一級。 遣騎都尉任仁討先零羌，不利，羌遂破沒臨洮。 高句驪遣使貢獻。
On 5 February 109 CE the emperor came of age. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. Princes, princesses, imperial ladies, dukes, and ministers received graded gifts of gold and silk; male heirs, the three elders, models of filial piety and fraternal duty, and outstanding farmers each received two steps of honorary rank, and vagrants who registered for residence one step. Colonel Ren Ren campaigned against the Xianling Qiang without success; the Qiang overran and sacked Lintao. Koguryŏ sent envoys with tribute.
28
三月，京師大飢，民相食。 壬辰，公卿詣闕謝。 詔曰：『朕以幼沖，奉承鴻業，不能宣流風化，而感逆陰陽，至令百姓飢荒，更相噉食。 永懷悼歎，若墜淵水。 咎在朕躬，非群司之責，而過自貶引，重朝廷之不德。 其務思變復，以助不逮。 』癸巳，詔以鴻池假與貧民。 壬寅，司徒魯恭免。
In the third month famine gripped the capital and people turned to cannibalism. On 4 April 109 CE the high ministers appeared at the palace gate to apologize. An edict ran: I am young and bear the great charge, yet I have failed to harmonize yin and yang, until the people starve and feed on each other. I mourn endlessly, as one drowning in a pit. The fault is mine, not the ministers', yet their self-blame only deepens the court's shame. Let them think how to set things right and help where I fall short. On 5 April the Hong Pool preserve was opened to the poor for gathering food. On 14 April 109 CE Minister of Education Lu Gong was dismissed.
29
夏四月丙寅，大鴻臚九江夏勤為司徒。
On 18 May 109 CE Xia Qin of Jiujiang, Grand Herald, became Minister of Education.
30
三公以國用不足，奏令吏人入錢穀，得為關內侯、虎賁羽林郎、五大夫、官府吏、緹騎、營士各有差。 己巳，詔上林、廣成苑可墾闢者，賦與貧民。 甲申，清河王虎威薨。
The Three Dukes, short of revenue, allowed purchase of rank and posts—marquis within the passes, guardsmen, fifth-grade titles, clerical posts, and camp duty—at graded prices in cash and grain. On 21 May arable land in Shanglin and Guangcheng parks was granted to the poor. On 5 June 109 CE Prince Huwei of Qinghe died.
31
五月丙申，封樂安王寵子延平為清河王。 丁酉，沛王正薨。 癸丑，京師大風。 六月，烏桓寇代郡、上谷、涿郡。
On 25 June 109 CE Yanping, son of Prince Chong of Le'an, was made prince of Qinghe. On 26 June King Zheng of Pei died. On 12 July a violent wind struck the capital. In the sixth month the Wuhuan raided Dai, Shanggu, and Zhuo.
32
秋七月，海賊張伯路等寇略緣海九郡，遣侍御史龐雄督州、郡兵討破之。 庚子，詔長吏案行在所，皆令種宿麥蔬食，務盡地力，其貧者給種餉。 九月，鴈門烏桓及鮮卑叛，敗五原郡兵於高渠谷。
In the seventh month of autumn Zhang Bolu's pirates raided nine coastal commanderies; Pang Xiong led provincial forces and defeated them. On 8 August magistrates were ordered to tour their districts, plant winter wheat and vegetables to use every acre, and supply seed to the poor. In the ninth month Yanmen Wuhuan and Xianbi rebels defeated Wuyuan troops at Gaoqu Valley.
33
冬十月，南單于叛，圍中郎將耿种於美稷。 十一月，遣行車騎將軍何熙討之。 十二月辛酉，郡國九地震。 乙亥，有星孛於天苑。 是歲，京師及郡國四十一雨水雹。 幷、涼二州大饑，人相食。
In the tenth month of winter the Southern Chanyu rebelled and besieged Geng Zhong at Meiji. In the eleventh month He Xi was dispatched as acting general of chariots and cavalry against him. On 30 December 109 CE nine commanderies were shaken by earthquakes. On 13 January 110 CE a comet appeared in the Celestial Park constellation. That year the capital and forty-one commanderies suffered rainstorms and hail. Bing and Liang provinces starved until people ate one another.
34
四年春正月元日，會，徹樂，不陳充庭車。 辛卯，詔以三輔比遭寇亂，人庶流冗，除三年逋租、過更、口筭、芻稾； 稟上郡貧民各有差。
On New Year's Day, 110 CE, the court met without music and without the usual display of tribute carriages. On 16 February an edict remitted three years of back taxes, substitute service levy, poll tax, and fodder dues in the Three Adjuncts, where people had fled banditry; and grain was distributed on a graded scale to the poor in Shang commandery.
35
海賊張伯路復與勃海、平原劇賊劉文河、周文光等攻厭次，殺縣令，遣御史中丞王宗督青州刺史法雄討破之。 度遼將軍梁慬、遼東太守耿夔討破南單于於屬國故城。 丙午，詔減百官及州、郡、縣奉各有差。
Zhang Bolu joined Liu Wenhe and Zhou Wenguang of Bohai and Pingyuan in attacking Yanci and killing the magistrate; Wang Zong and Fa Xiong, governor of Qingzhou, defeated them. Liang Jin and Geng Kui defeated the Southern Chanyu at the old dependent-state city. On 24 March 110 CE salaries of central and local officials were cut on a graded scale.
36
二月丁巳，稟九江貧民。 南匈奴寇常山。 乙丑，初置長安、雍二營都尉官。 乙亥，詔自建初以來，諸祅言它過坐徙邊者，各歸本郡； 其沒入官為奴婢者，免為庶人。
On 5 April 110 CE grain was issued to the poor of Jiujiang. The Southern Xiongnu raided Changshan commandery. On 13 April camp commandant offices were created for Chang'an and Yong. On 23 April an edict ordered everyone exiled to the frontier since Jianchu for heterodox speech or other offenses to return to their home commanderies; those enslaved in government service were freed as commoners.
37
詔謁者劉珍及《五經》博士，校定東觀《五經》、諸子、傳記、百家蓺術，整齊脫誤，是正文字。
Liu Zhen and the Five Classics academicians were ordered to collate the Eastern Institute library—classics, philosophers, histories, and technical works—and correct errors in the text.
38
三月，南單于降。 先零羌寇褒中，漢中太守鄭勤戰歿。 徙金城郡都襄武。 戊子，杜陵園火。 癸巳，郡國九地震。 夏四月，六州蝗。 丁丑，大赦天下。
In the third month the Southern Chanyu submitted. The Xianling Qiang raided Baozhong; Zheng Qin, governor of Hanzhong, fell in battle. The seat of Jincheng commandery was moved to Xiangwu. On 29 May fire broke out at the Du imperial tomb park. On 3 June nine commanderies were shaken by earthquakes. In the fourth month of summer locusts swarmed six provinces. On 17 June a general amnesty was proclaimed.
39
秋七月乙酉，三郡大水。 己卯，騎都尉任仁下獄死。 九月甲申，益州郡地震。
On 9 August 110 CE three commanderies were inundated. On 3 September Ren Ren, colonel of cavalry, was jailed and died there. On 8 October Yizhou commandery was shaken by an earthquake.
40
冬十月甲戌，新野君陰氏薨，使司空持節護喪事。 大將軍鄧騭罷。
On 28 October Lady Yin of Xinye died; the Minister of Works supervised her funeral with full honors. Grand General Deng Zhi was dismissed from office.
41
五年春正月庚辰朔，日有食之。 丙戌，郡國十地震。 己丑，太尉張禹免。 甲申，光祿勳李脩為太尉。
A solar eclipse marked the new moon of the first month, 111 CE. On 6 February ten commanderies were shaken by earthquakes. On 9 February Grand Commandant Zhang Yu was dismissed. On 4 March Li Xiu, Household Counselor, became Grand Commandant.
42
二月丁卯，詔省減郡國貢獻太官口食，先零羌寇河東，遂至河內。
On 25 March 111 CE an edict cut tribute to the palace and the Grand Provisioner's commissary; the Xianling Qiang raided Hedong and pushed into Henei.
43
三月，詔隴西徙襄武，安定徙美陽，北地徙池陽，上郡徙衙。 夫餘夷犯塞，殺傷吏人。 閏月丁酉，赦涼州河西四郡。
In the third month an edict ordered the seats of Longxi, Anding, Beidi, and Shang commanderies moved east to Xiangwu, Meiyang, Chiyang, and Ya. Puyŏ tribesmen raided the frontier, killing and wounding officials and civilians. On 22 May 111 CE the four Hexi commanderies in Liang province received a general amnesty.
44
戊戌，詔曰：『朕以不德，奉郊廟，承大業，不能興和降善，為人祈福。 災異蜂起，寇賊縱橫，夷狄猾夏，戎事不息，百姓匱乏，疲於徵發。 重以蝗蟲滋生，害及成麥，秋稼方收，甚可悼也。 朕以不明，統理失中，亦未獲忠良以毗闕政。 傳曰：「顛而不扶，危而不持，則將焉用彼相矣。 」公卿大夫將何以匡救，濟斯艱戹，承天誡哉？ 蓋為政之本，莫若得人，褒賢顯善，聖制所先。 「濟濟多士，文王以寧」。 思得忠良正直之臣，以輔不逮。 其令三公、特進、侯、中二千石、二千石、郡守、諸侯相舉賢良方正、有道術、達於政化、能直言極諫之士各一人，及至孝與眾卓異者，并遣詣公車，朕將親覽焉。』
On 23 May 111 CE an edict confessed lack of virtue at the altars and failure to bring harmony or blessings to the people. Disasters multiply, bandits roam, barbarians raid the heartland, campaigns never end, and the people are worn out by conscription. Locusts have ruined the standing wheat just as the autumn harvest comes in—deeply grievous. My rule has gone awry, and I have not found loyal ministers to shore up what is lacking. The tradition asks: when the ruler stumbles and you do not steady him, what use are ministers? How will you ministers rescue the throne from this crisis and answer Heaven's warning? Good government begins with the right men; exalting the worthy is what sage kings put first. Many officers in array—that was how King Wen kept the realm at peace. I seek loyal, upright men to remedy my shortcomings. Let the Three Dukes, specially advanced nobles, marquises, two-thousand-dan officials, governors, and princely chancellors each nominate one worthy, learned, politically astute, and outspoken man, and anyone famed for extreme filial piety or outstanding conduct, and send them to the Public Carriage office for my personal review.
45
六月甲辰，樂成王巡薨。
On 1 July 111 CE Prince Xun of Lecheng died.
46
秋七月己巳，詔三公、特進、九卿、校尉，舉列將子孫明曉戰陳任將帥者。 九月，漢陽人杜琦、王信叛，與先零諸種羌攻陷上邽城。 十二月，漢陽太守趙博遣客刺殺杜琦。
On 26 July the court ordered nominations of generals' descendants skilled in military command. In the ninth month Du Qi and Wang Xin of Hanyang rebelled with the Xianling Qiang and captured Shanggui. In the twelfth month Zhao Bo, governor of Hanyang, had retainers assassinate Du Qi.
47
是歲，九州蝗，郡國八雨水。
That year locusts struck nine provinces and eight commanderies flooded.
48
六年春正月庚申，詔越巂置長利、高望、始昌三苑，又令益州郡置萬歲苑，犍為置漢平苑。 三月，十州蝗。 夏四月乙丑，司空張敏罷。 己卯，太常劉愷為司空。
On 16 February 112 CE an edict created hunting parks in Yuexi, Yizhou, and Qianwei commanderies. In the third month locusts swarmed ten provinces. On 11 May 112 CE Minister of Works Zhang Min was dismissed. On 25 May Liu Kai, Grand Master of Ceremonies, became Minister of Works.
49
五月，旱。 丙寅，詔令中二千石下至黃綬，一切復秩還贖，賜爵各有差。 戊辰，皇太后幸雒陽寺，錄囚徒，理冤獄。
In the fifth month drought returned. On 23 June 112 CE an edict restored ranks and ransoms for officials from central two-thousand-dan down to yellow-ribbon holders and granted graded honorary titles. On 25 June the empress dowager visited Luoyang jail, reviewed prisoners, and redressed wrongful cases.
50
六月壬辰，豫章、員谿、原山崩。 辛巳，大赦天下。 遣侍御史唐喜討漢陽賊王信，破斬之。 冬十一月辛丑，護烏桓校尉吳祉下獄死。 是歲，先零羌滇零死，子零昌復襲偽號。
On 19 July mountains collapsed in Yuzhang and at Yuanxi. On 7 August a general amnesty was proclaimed. Tang Xi defeated the rebel Wang Xin in Hanyang and executed him. On 22 December Wu Zhi, colonel for the Wuhuan, was jailed and died. That year Dianling of the Xianling Qiang died; his son Lingchang again claimed the rebel imperial title.
51
七年春正月庚戌，皇太后率大臣命婦謁宗廟。 二月丙午，郡國十八地震。 夏四月乙未，平原王勝薨。 丙申晦，日有食之。 五月庚子，京師大雩。
On 11 February 113 CE the empress dowager led the wives of high officials to sacrifice at the ancestral shrines. On 8 March eighteen commanderies were shaken by earthquakes. On 26 April Prince Sheng of Pingyuan died. A solar eclipse fell on the last day of the fourth month, 25 May 113 CE. On 29 May the capital held a great ceremony for rain.
52
秋，護羌校尉侯霸、騎都尉馬賢破先零羌。
In autumn Hou Ba and Ma Xian defeated the Xianling Qiang.
53
八月丙寅，京師大風，蝗蟲飛過洛陽。 詔賜民爵。 郡國被蝗傷稼十五以上，勿收今年田租； 不滿者，以實除之。
On 21 September 113 CE a gale struck the capital and a swarm of locusts passed over Luoyang. An edict granted honorary ranks to the people. Where locusts had destroyed fifteen percent or more of the crop, this year's land tax was waived; lesser damage was remitted in proportion to actual loss.
54
九月，調零陵、桂陽、豫章、會稽租米，賑給南陽、廣陵、下邳、彭城、山陽、廬江、九江饑民； 又調濱水縣榖輸敖倉。
In the ninth month grain tax from Lingling, Guiyang, Yuzhang, and Kuaiji was shipped to feed the hungry in Nanyang, Guangling, Xiapi, Pengcheng, Shanyang, Lujiang, and Jiujiang. Grain from counties along the river was also shipped to the Aocang granary.
55
元初元年春正月甲子，改元元初。 賜民爵，人二級，孝悌、力田人三級，爵過公乘，得移與子若同產、同產子，民脫無名數及流民欲占者人一級； 鰥、寡、孤、獨、篤癃貧不能自存者穀，人三斛； 貞婦帛，人一匹。
On 23 January 114 CE the era name was changed to Yuanchu. Commoners received two steps of honorary rank, models of filial piety and farming three; rank above gongcheng could pass to a son or sibling; unregistered persons and vagrants who settled received one step; widowers, widows, orphans, the childless, the gravely ill, and the destitute received three hu of grain each; women honored for chastity received one bolt of silk each.
56
二月己卯，日南地坼。 三月癸酉，日有食之。 夏四月丁酉，大赦天下。
On 8 March 114 CE the earth split open in Rinan commandery. A solar eclipse occurred on 12 April 114 CE. On 6 May 114 CE a general amnesty was proclaimed.
57
京師及郡國五旱、蝗。 詔三公、特進、列侯、中二千石、二千石、郡守舉敦厚質直者，各一人。
The capital and five commanderies suffered drought and locusts. The Three Dukes, nobles, and governors were each ordered to nominate one man noted for honesty and plainspoken integrity.
58
五月，先零羌寇雍城。 六月丁巳，河東地陷。
In the fifth month the Xianling Qiang raided Yong. On 22 June 114 CE the earth subsided in Hedong.
59
秋七月，蜀郡夷寇蠶陵，殺縣令。
In the seventh month Yi tribesmen of Shu attacked Canling and killed the magistrate.
60
九月乙丑，太尉李脩罷。 先零羌寇武都、漢中，絕隴道。 辛未，大司農山陽司馬苞為太尉。 冬十月戊子朔，日有食之。
On 19 September 114 CE Grand Commandant Li Xiu was dismissed. The Xianling Qiang raided Wudu and Hanzhong and severed the Long route. On 25 September Sima Bao of Shanyang, Grand Minister of Agriculture, became Grand Commandant. A solar eclipse marked the new moon of the tenth month, 12 October 114 CE.
61
先零羌敗涼州刺史皮陽於狄道。 乙卯，詔除三輔三歲田租、更賦、口筭。 十一月。 是歲，郡國十五地震。
The Xianling Qiang defeated Pi Yang, governor of Liangzhou, at Didao. On 26 November an edict remitted three years of land tax, substitute levy, and poll tax in the Three Adjuncts. The eleventh month passed without further entry in the annals. That year fifteen commanderies were shaken by earthquakes.
62
二年春正月，詔稟三輔及幷、涼六郡流冗貧人。 蜀郡青衣道夷奉獻內屬。 修理西門豹所分漳水為支渠，以溉民田。
In the first month of spring, 115 CE, the court issued grain to vagrants and the poor in the Three Adjuncts and six Bing and Liang commanderies. The Yi of the Qingyi road in Shu sent tribute and submitted. The branch canals that Ximen Bao had cut from the Zhang River were repaired to water the fields.
63
二月戊戌，遣中謁者收葬京師客死無家屬及棺椁朽敗者，皆為設祭； 其有家屬，尤貧無以葬者，賜錢人五千。 辛酉，詔三輔、河內、河東、上黨、趙國、太原各修理舊渠，通利水道，以溉公私田疇。
On 11 March 115 CE the court sent agents to bury strangers who had died in the capital without family and those with decayed coffins, and offered sacrifices for them; families too poor to bury their dead received five thousand cash each. On 3 April an edict ordered the Three Adjuncts, Henei, Hedong, Shangdang, Zhao, and Taiyuan to dredge old canals and irrigate public and private fields.
64
三月癸亥，京師大風。 先零羌寇益州，遣中郎將尹就討之。 夏四月丙午，立貴人閻氏為皇后。
On 5 May 115 CE a violent wind struck the capital. The Xianling Qiang raided Yi province; Yin Jiu was sent against them. On 22 June Lady Yan the Honored Lady was made empress.
65
五月，京師旱，河南及郡國十九蝗。 甲戌，詔曰：『朝廷不明，庶事失中，灾異不息，憂心悼懼。 被蝗以來，七年於茲，而州、郡隱匿，裁言頃畝。 今群飛蔽天，為害廣遠，所言所見，寧相副邪？ 三司之職，內外是監，即不奏聞，又無舉正。 天灾至重，欺罔辠大。 今方盛夏，且復假貸，以觀厥後。 其務消救灾眚，安輯黎元。』
In the fifth month the capital and Henan suffered drought while nineteen commanderies were hit by locusts. On 20 July 115 CE an edict admitted that the government had erred and omens would not stop; the ruler grieved and feared. Locusts have plagued us for seven years, yet provinces underreport damage to a few acres. Now the sky is black with locusts and the damage is vast—how can your reports match what we see? The Three Offices should oversee all, yet they neither report nor impeach wrongdoing. Heaven's calamity is grave, and lying about it is a serious crime. In this high summer I grant temporary leniency and will watch what follows. Work to end this calamity and bring peace to the people.
66
六月丙戌，太尉司馬苞薨。 洛陽新城地裂。 秋七月辛巳，太僕太山馬英為太尉。
On 29 July 115 CE Grand Commandant Sima Bao died. The earth gaped open in the new city district of Luoyang. On 23 August Ma Ying of Taishan, Grand Coachman, became Grand Commandant.
67
八月，遼東鮮卑圍無慮縣。 九月，又攻夫犁營，殺縣令。 壬午晦，日有食之。
In the eighth month Xianbi of Liaodong besieged Wulü county. In the ninth month they attacked the Fuli garrison and killed the magistrate. A solar eclipse fell on the last day of the ninth month, 21 October 115 CE.
68
冬十月，遣中郎將任尚屯三輔。 詔郡國中都官繫囚減死一等，勿笞，詣馮翊、扶風屯，妻子自隨，占著所在； 女子勿輸。 亡命死辠以下贖，各有差。 其吏人聚為盜賊，有悔過者，除其罪。 乙未，右扶風仲光、安定太守杜恢、京兆虎牙都尉耿溥與先零羌戰於丁奚城，光等大敗，並沒。 左馮翊司馬鈞下獄，自殺。
In the tenth month of winter Ren Shang was sent to garrison the Three Adjuncts. An edict commuted capital convicts in central prisons by one degree, spared the rod, and sent them to farm garrisons in Zuopingyi and Youfufeng with their families; women were exempt from transport labor. Fugitives and lesser capital cases could commute sentences with graded ransoms. Commoners who had joined bandits but repented were pardoned. On 19 November Zhong Guang of Youfufeng, Du Hui of Anding, and Geng Pu were defeated by the Xianling Qiang at Dingxi and all died in battle. Sima Jun of Zuopingyi was jailed and killed himself.
69
十一月庚申，郡國十地震。
On 4 December 115 CE ten commanderies were shaken by earthquakes.
70
十二月，武陵澧中蠻叛，州、郡擊破之。 己酉，司徒夏勤罷。 庚戌，司空劉愷為司徒，光祿勳袁敞為司空。
In the twelfth month the Man of Lizhong in Wuling rebelled; provincial forces defeated them. On 23 December Minister of Education Xia Qin was dismissed. On 24 December Liu Kai moved from Minister of Works to Minister of Education, and Yuan Chang from Household Counselor to Minister of Works.
71
三年春正月甲戌，修理太原舊溝渠，溉灌官私田。 東平陸上言木連理。
On 11 February 116 CE Taiyuan's old irrigation works were repaired to water public and private fields. Lu in Dongping reported the omen of intertwined tree trunks.
72
蒼、鬱林、合浦蠻夷反叛，二月，遣侍御史任逴督州、郡兵討之。 郡國十地震。
The Man and Yi of Cangwu, Yulin, and Hepu rebelled; in the second month Ren Tong led provincial forces against them. Ten commanderies were shaken by earthquakes.
73
三月辛亥，日有食之。 丙辰，赦蒼梧、鬱林、合浦、南海吏人為賊所迫者。 夏四月，京師旱。
A solar eclipse occurred on 26 March 116 CE. On 31 March officials and commoners in the southern commanderies who had been coerced by rebels were pardoned. In the fourth month of summer the capital suffered drought.
74
五月，武陵蠻復叛，州、郡討破之。 癸酉，度遼將軍鄧遵率南匈奴擊先零羌於靈州，破之。 越巂徼外夷舉種內屬。 六月，中郎將任尚遣兵擊破先零羌於丁奚城。
In the fifth month the Wuling Man rebelled again and were defeated by provincial troops. On 9 June Deng Zun led Southern Xiongnu allies to defeat the Xianling Qiang at Lingzhou. Tribes beyond Yuexi submitted wholesale to Han. In the sixth month Ren Shang's troops defeated the Xianling Qiang at Dingxi.
75
秋七月，武陵蠻復叛，州、郡討平之。 緱氏地坼。 九月辛亥，趙王宏薨。
In the seventh month of autumn the Wuling Man rebelled again and were pacified. The earth split open at Goushi. In the ninth month Prince Hong of Zhao died.
76
冬十一月，蒼梧、鬱林、合浦蠻夷降。 丙戌，初聽大臣、二千石、刺史行三年喪。 癸卯，郡國九地震。 十二月丁巳，任尚遣兵擊破先零羌於北地。
In the eleventh month of winter the Man and Yi of Cangwu, Yulin, and Hepu submitted. On 9 December high ministers, two-thousand-dan officials, and regional inspectors were for the first time allowed to observe the full three-year mourning for parents. On 26 December nine commanderies were shaken by earthquakes. On 9 January 117 CE Ren Shang's troops defeated the Xianling Qiang in Beidi.
77
四年春二月乙巳朔，日有食之。 乙卯，大赦天下。 壬戌，武庫灾。
A solar eclipse marked the new moon of the second month, 18 February 117 CE. On 28 February a general amnesty was proclaimed. On 7 March fire struck the imperial armory.
78
夏四月戊申，司空袁敞薨。 己巳，鮮卑寇遼西，遼西郡兵與烏桓擊破之。 五月丁丑，太常李郃為司空。 六月戊辰，三郡雨雹。
On 23 April 117 CE Minister of Works Yuan Chang died. On 14 May Xianbi raided Liaoxi; local troops and Wuhuan allies drove them off. On 22 May Li He, Grand Master of Ceremonies, became Minister of Works. On 12 June hailstorms struck three commanderies.
79
京師及郡國十雨水。 詔曰：『今年秋稼茂好，垂可收獲，而連雨未霽，懼必淹傷。 夕惕惟憂，思念厥咎。 夫霖雨者，人怨之所致。 其武吏以威暴下，文吏妄行苛刻，鄉吏因公生姦，為百姓所患苦者，有司顯明其罰。 又《月令》「仲秋養衰老，授几杖，行糜粥」。 方今案比之時，郡、縣多不奉行。 雖有糜粥，糠秕相半，長吏怠事，莫有躬親，甚違詔書養老之意。 其務崇仁恕，賑護寡獨，稱朕意焉。』
The capital and ten commanderies were inundated by rain. An edict noted that the autumn crop looked fine and nearly ready to harvest, yet endless rain threatened to ruin it in the fields. I lie awake anxious, searching for the fault. Prolonged rain, they say, follows from popular resentment. Let harsh military clerks, cruel civil officials, and corrupt petty clerks who torment the people be punished openly. The Monthly Ordinances require that in mid-autumn the aged receive staffs and gruel. At the annual household review, many counties ignore the rules. The gruel is half chaff, magistrates neglect their duty, and none of this matches the edict's intent to care for the elderly. Practice mercy, relieve the widowed and alone, and so fulfill my wishes.
80
九月，護羌校尉任尚使客刺殺叛羌零昌。 冬十一月己卯，彭城王恭薨。 十二月，越巂夷寇遂久，殺縣令。
In the ninth month Ren Shang had Lingchang, the rebel Qiang leader, assassinated by agents. On 4 December 117 CE Prince Gong of Pengcheng died. In the twelfth month Yi of Yuexi attacked Suijiu and killed the magistrate.
81
甲子，任尚及騎都尉馬賢與先零羌戰於富平上河，大破之。 虔人羌率眾降，隴右平。 是歲，郡國十三地震。
On 28 January 118 CE Ren Shang and Ma Xian crushed the Xianling Qiang at Fuping on the upper river. The Qianren Qiang submitted in force, and the Longxi region was pacified. That year thirteen commanderies were shaken by earthquakes.
82
五年春正月，越巂夷叛。
In the first month of spring, 118 CE, the Yi of Yuexi rebelled.
83
二月壬戌，中山王憲薨。 三月，京師及郡國五旱，詔稟遭旱貧人。 夏六月，高句驪與穢貊寇玄菟。 秋七月，越巂蠻夷及旄牛豪叛，殺長吏。
On 17 March 118 CE Prince Xian of Zhongshan died. In the third month the capital and five commanderies suffered drought; an edict issued grain to the poor. In the sixth month Koguryŏ and Huimo raided Xuantu commandery. In the seventh month of autumn the Man and Yi of Yuexi and the Maoniu chieftains rebelled and killed local officials.
84
丙子，詔曰：『舊令制度，各有科品，欲令百姓務崇節約。 遭永初之際，人離荒戹，朝廷躬自菲薄，去絕奢飾，食不兼味，衣無二綵。 比年雖獲豐穰，尚乏儲積，而小人無慮，不圖久長，嫁聚送終，紛華靡麗，至有走卒奴婢被綺縠，著珠璣。 京師尚若斯，何以示四遠？ 設張法禁，懇惻分明，而有司惰任，訖不奉行。 秋節既立，鷙鳥將用，且復重申，以觀後效。』
On 7 August 118 CE an edict recalled that old laws set graded standards meant to teach the people frugality. In the Yongchu troubles the court itself lived plainly—no luxury in dress or doubled dishes at meals. Though harvests have lately been good, granaries remain thin, yet common folk spend recklessly on weddings and funerals—even runners and maids wear silk and pearls. If the capital sets such an example, what lesson does that send to the provinces? The laws are clear and strict, yet officials shirk them and never enforce them. Autumn—the season of stern justice—approaches; the order is reiterated, and we shall see results hereafter.
85
八月丙申朔，日有食之。 鮮卑寇代郡，殺長吏。 冬十月，鮮卑寇上谷。 十二月丁巳，中郎將任尚有辠，弃市。 是歲，郡國十四地震。
A solar eclipse marked the new moon of the eighth month, 23 August 118 CE. The Xianbi raided Dai and killed local officials. In the tenth month of winter the Xianbi raided Shanggu. On 4 January 119 CE Ren Shang was executed in the marketplace for his crimes. That year fourteen commanderies were shaken by earthquakes.
86
六年春二月乙巳，京師及郡國四十二地震，或坼裂，水泉湧出。 壬子，詔三府選掾屬高第，能惠利牧養者各五人，光祿勲與中郎將選孝廉郎寬博有謀、清白行高者五十人，出補令、長、丞、尉。
On 22 February 119 CE the capital and forty-two commanderies shook; fissures opened and springs burst from the ground. On 2 March the Three Offices were to pick five able clerks each, and the Household Counselor fifty learned filial-and-incorrupt Gentlemen for county posts as magistrates, chiefs, assistants, and sheriffs.
87
乙卯，詔曰：『夫政，先京師，後諸夏。 《月令》仲春「養幼小，存諸孤」，季春「賜貧窮，賑乏絕，省婦使，表貞女」，所以順陽氣，崇生長也。 其賜人尤貧困、孤弱、單獨穀，人三斛； 貞婦有節義十斛，甄表門閭，旌顯厥行。』
On 5 March an edict declared that good government begins in the capital and spreads to the realm. The Monthly Ordinances require mid-spring care for children and orphans and late-spring relief for the poor, lighter women's labor, and honor for chaste women—all to harmonize with the growing yang. Grant three hu of grain each to the destitute, orphaned, weak, and alone; chaste women of noted integrity receive ten hu and have their gates honored with public recognition.
88
三月庚辰，始立六宗，祀於洛城西北。
On 31 March 119 CE the cult of the Six Zong was instituted northwest of Luoyang.
89
夏四月，會稽大疫，遣光祿大夫將太醫循行疾病，賜棺木，除田租、口賦。 沛國，勃海大風，雨雹。 五月，京師旱。 六月丁丑，樂成王賓薨。 丙戌，平原王得薨。
In the fourth month Kuaiji suffered a great plague; imperial physicians toured the sick, gave coffins, and remitted land and poll taxes. Pei and Bohai were hit by gales and hail. In the fifth month the capital suffered drought. On 18 July 119 CE Prince Bin of Lecheng died. On 27 July Prince De of Pingyuan died.
90
是歲，永昌、益州蜀郡夷叛，與越巂夷殺長吏，燔城邑，益州刺史張喬討破降之。
That year Yi of Yongchang, Yizhou, and Shu joined Yuexi rebels in killing officials and burning towns; Zhang Qiao, governor of Yi, defeated and forced their submission.
91
永寧元年春正月甲辰，任城王安薨。 三月丁酉，濟北王壽薨。
On 6 February 120 CE Prince An of Rencheng died. On 11 April Prince Shou of Jibei died.
92
車師後王叛，殺部司馬。 沈氐羌寇張掖。
The king of Rear Jushi rebelled and killed the Han major stationed there. The Shenshi Qiang raided Zhangye.
93
六月，沈氐種羌叛，寇張掖，護羌校尉馬賢討沈氐羌，破之。 秋七月乙酉朔，日有食之。 冬十月己巳，司空李郃免。 癸酉，衛尉廬江陳褒為司空。 自三月至是月，京師及郡國三十三大風，雨水。
In the sixth month the Shenshi Qiang rebelled and raided Zhangye; Ma Xian defeated them. A solar eclipse marked the new moon of the seventh month, 22 July 120 CE. On 14 October Minister of Works Li He was dismissed. On 18 October Chen Bao of Lujiang, commandant of the guards, became Minister of Works. From March through October the capital and thirty-three commanderies suffered storms and flooding.
94
十二月，永昌徼外撣國譴使貢獻。 戊辰，司徒劉愷罷。 遼西鮮卑降。 癸酉，太常楊震為司徒。 是歲，郡國二十三地震。 夫餘王遣子詣闕貢獻。 燒當羌叛。
In the twelfth month Shan beyond Yongchang sent tribute envoys. On 17 December Minister of Education Liu Kai was dismissed. The Xianbi of Liaoxi submitted. On 22 December Yang Zhen, Grand Master of Ceremonies, became Minister of Education. That year twenty-three commanderies were shaken by earthquakes. The king of Puyŏ sent his son to court with tribute. The Shaodang Qiang rebelled.
95
建光元年春正月，幽州刺史馮煥率二郡太守討高句驪、穢貊，不克。
In the first month of spring, 121 CE, Feng Huan, governor of Youzhou, led two commandery governors against Koguryŏ and Huimo without success.
96
二月癸亥，大赦天下。 賜諸園貴人、王、主、公、卿以下錢、布各有差。 以公、卿、校尉、尚書子弟一人為郎、舍人。
On 7 March 121 CE a general amnesty was proclaimed. Park ladies, princes, princesses, dukes, and ministers received graded gifts of cash and cloth. One son from each high minister's, colonel's, or Masters of Writing official's family was appointed Gentleman or palace attendant.
97
夏四月，穢貊復與鮮卑寇遼東，遼東太守蔡諷追擊，戰歿。 丙辰，以廣川幷清河國。 丁巳，尊孝德皇元妃耿氏為甘陵大貴人。 甲子，樂成王萇有罪，廢為臨湖侯。 己巳，令公、卿、特進、侯、中二千石、二千石、郡國守相，舉有道之士各一人。 賜鰥、寡、孤、獨、貧不能自存者穀，人三斛。 甲戌，遼東屬國都尉龐奮，承偽璽書殺玄菟太守姚光。
In the fourth month Huimo joined Xianbi in raiding Liaodong; Cai Feng, the governor, pursued them and fell in battle. On 30 April Guangchuan was merged into Qinghe. On 1 May Lady Geng, consort of the late Prince Xiao De, was honored as senior lady of Ganling. On 8 May Prince Chang of Lecheng was stripped of his title and reduced to Marquis of Linhu for his crimes. On 13 May high ministers and governors were each ordered to nominate one man noted for moral learning. The destitute, widowed, and orphaned received three hu of grain each. On 18 May Pang Fen, dependent-state commandant of Liaodong, forged an imperial order and murdered Yao Guang, governor of Xuantu.
98
五月庚辰，特進鄧騭及度遼將軍鄧遵，並以譖自殺。 丙申，貶平原王翼為都鄉侯。 秋七月己卯，改元建光，大赦天下。 壬寅，太尉馬英薨。
On 24 May Deng Zhi, specially advanced, and Deng Zun, general who crosses the Liao, killed themselves after slander. On 9 June Prince Yi of Pingyuan was demoted to Marquis of Duxiang. On 21 July the era name became Jianguang and a general amnesty was proclaimed. On 15 August Grand Commandant Ma Ying died.
99
八月，護羌校尉馬賢討燒當羌於金城，不利。 甲子，前司徒劉愷為太尉。
In the eighth month Colonel Ma Xian, who protected the Qiang, fought the Shaodang tribes at Jincheng and was defeated. On the jiazi day former Minister of Education Liu Kai was appointed Grand Commandant.
100
鮮卑寇居庸關，九月，雲中太守成嚴擊之，戰歿。 鮮卑圍烏桓校尉於馬城，度遼將軍耿夔救之。 戊子，幸衛尉馮石府。 是秋，京師及郡國二十九雨水。
The Xianbi struck Juyong Pass; in the ninth month Cheng Yan, governor of Yunzhong, counterattacked and was killed in action. The Xianbi surrounded the Wuhuan colonel at Macheng until Geng Kui, the general who crosses the Liao, relieved the siege. On the wuzi day the emperor visited the home of Feng Shi, commandant of the guards. That autumn the capital and twenty-nine commanderies suffered prolonged rain and flooding.
101
冬十一月己丑，郡國三十五地震，或坼裂。 詔三公以下，各上封事陳得失。 遣光祿大夫案行，賜死者錢，人二千。 除今年田租。 其被灾甚者，勿收口賦。
On the jichou day in the eleventh month of winter thirty-five commanderies shook; the earth cracked in places. An edict required every official from the Three Dukes down to file sealed memorials on policy failures and successes. Household counselors toured the stricken regions and paid two thousand cash for each person killed. Land tax for the current year was waived. Where disaster was worst, poll taxes were not to be collected.
102
鮮卑寇玄菟。
The Xianbi invaded Xuantu commandery.
103
庚子，復斷大臣二千石以上服三年喪。 癸卯，詔三公、特進、侯、卿、校尉，舉武猛堪將帥者各五人。 丙午，詔京師及郡國被水雨傷稼者，隨頃畝減田租。 甲子，初置漁陽營兵。
On the gengzi day the court again forbade senior officials at two-thousand-dan rank and above from taking the full three-year mourning leave. On the guimao day the Three Dukes, nobles, ministers, and colonels were each told to recommend five bold men suited to military command. On the bingwu day an edict cut land tax in proportion to flood-damaged acreage in the capital and affected commanderies. On the jiazi day a standing garrison was first set up at Yuyang.
104
冬十二月，高句驪、馬韓、穢貊圍玄菟城，夫餘王遣子與州、郡並力討破之。
In the twelfth month of winter Koguryŏ, Mahan, and Huimo besieged Xuantu; the king of Puyŏ sent his heir to join provincial and local forces and break the siege.
105
延光元年春二月，夫餘王遣子將兵救玄菟，擊高句驪、馬韓、穢貊，破之，遂遣使貢獻。
In the second month of spring in Yanguang 1 (122 CE) the king of Puyŏ sent his son with an army to relieve Xuantu, routed Koguryŏ, Mahan, and Huimo, and afterward sent tribute envoys.
106
三月丙午，改元延光。 大赦天下。 還徙者，復戶邑屬籍。 賜民爵及三老、孝悌、力田，人二級； 加賜鰥、寡、孤、獨、篤癃、貧不能自存者粟，人三斛； 貞婦帛，人二匹。
On the bingwu day in the third month the reign title was changed to Yanguang. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. Exiles who were allowed home had their household registers and noble fiefs restored. Commoners, local elders, and exemplars of filial piety and diligent farming each received two steps of honorary rank; widowers, widows, orphans, the childless, the seriously disabled, and the destitute were given an extra three hu of grain each; Virtuous widows received two bolts of silk each.
107
夏四月癸未，京師郡國二十一雨雹。 癸巳，司空陳褒免。
On the guiwei day in the fourth month of summer hailstorms struck the capital and twenty-one commanderies. On the guisi day Chen Bao was removed as minister of works.
108
五月庚戌，宗正彭城劉授為司空。 己巳，改樂成國為安平，封河間王開子得為安平王。 六月，郡國蝗。 秋七月癸卯，京師及郡國十三地震。
On the gengxu day in the fifth month Liu Shou of Pengcheng, director of the imperial clan, was appointed minister of works. On the jisi day Lecheng was renamed Anping, and De, son of Prince Kai of Hejian, was made prince of the new domain. Locusts swarmed across the commanderies in the sixth month. On the guimao day in the seventh month the capital and thirteen commanderies were shaken by earthquakes.
109
高句驪降。 虔人羌叛，攻穀羅城，度遼將軍耿夔討破之。
Koguryŏ surrendered. The Qianren Qiang rose in revolt and attacked Guluocheng until Geng Kui, the general who crosses the Liao, crushed them.
110
八月戊子，陽陵園寢火。 辛卯，九真言黃龍見無功。 己亥，詔三公、中二千石，舉刺史、二千石、令、長、相，視事一歲以上至十歲，清白愛利、能勑身率下、防姦理煩、有益於人者，無拘官簿。 刺史舉所部，郡國太守、相舉墨綬，隱親悉心，勿取浮華。
On the wuzi day in the eighth month fire broke out in the sleeping hall at Yangling mausoleum park. On the xinmao day Jiuzhen reported a yellow dragon sighting at Wugong. On the jihai day the Three Dukes and senior central officials were told to recommend governors, county magistrates, and chiefs with one to ten years in post who were incorrupt, public-spirited, and able to lead and keep order, without regard to formal seniority lists. Governors were to nominate from their jurisdictions, and commandery heads from among black-ribbon officials, after careful secret inquiry—showy candidates were to be rejected.
111
九月甲戌，郡國二十七地震。 冬十月，鮮卑寇鴈門、定襄。 十一月，鮮卑寇太原。 燒當羌豪降。
On the jiaxu day in the ninth month twenty-seven commanderies were hit by earthquakes. In the tenth month of winter the Xianbi raided Yanmen and Dingxiang. In the eleventh month the Xianbi struck Taiyuan. Leaders of the Shaodang Qiang submitted.
112
十二月，九真徼外蠻夷貢獻內屬。
In the twelfth month tribes beyond Jiuzhen brought tribute and asked to be registered as subjects.
113
是歲，京師及郡國二十七雨水，大風，殺人。 詔賜壓、溺死者年七歲以上錢，人二千； 其壞敗廬舍、失亡穀食，粟，人三斛； 又田被淹傷者，一切勿收田租； 若一家皆被灾害而弱小存者，郡、縣為收斂之。 虔人羌反，攻穀羅城，度遼將軍耿夔討破之。
That year flooding rains soaked the capital and twenty-seven commanderies, and violent winds killed people. An edict granted two thousand cash for each victim aged seven sui or older who had been crushed or drowned; those who lost homes and stored grain received three hu of millet each; and wherever fields had been ruined by flood, no land tax was to be collected at all; When disaster killed every adult in a household but left helpless children, the local commandery and county were to gather the dead and arrange burial. The Qianren Qiang rose again, struck Guluocheng, and were crushed by Geng Kui, the general who crosses the Liao.
114
二年春正月，旄牛夷叛，寇靈關，殺縣令。 益州刺史蜀郡西部都尉討之。 詔選三署郎及吏人能通《古文尚書》、《毛詩》、《穀梁春秋》各一人。 丙辰，河東、潁川大風。
In the first month of spring in the second year of Yanguang the Maoniu tribes rebelled, stormed Ling Pass, and slew the magistrate. The governor of Yi and the western dependent-state commandant of Shu marched against them. An edict called for one clerk or gentleman from each of the three bureaus who could expound the Old Text Shangshu, the Mao version of the Odes, and the Guliang commentary on the Spring and Autumn. On the bingchen day violent winds struck Hedong and Yingchuan.
115
夏六月壬午，郡國十一大風。 九真言嘉禾生。 丙申，北海王普薨。 秋七月，丹陽山崩。
On the renwu day in the sixth month of summer eleven commanderies were swept by gales. Jiuzhen reported stalks of exceptional grain sprouting in the fields. On the bingshen day Prince Pu of Beihai died. In the seventh month of autumn landslides struck Danyang.
116
八月庚午，初令三署郎通達經術任牧民者，視事三歲以上，皆得察舉。 九月，郡國五雨水。
On the gengwu day in the eighth month gentlemen of the three bureaus who had served three years or more in posts requiring classical learning and civil rule became eligible for recommendation. In the ninth month five commanderies suffered heavy rain and flooding.
117
冬十月辛未，太尉劉愷罷。 甲戌，司徒楊震為太尉，光祿勳東萊劉憙為司徒。 十一月甲辰，校獵上林苑。 鮮卑敗南匈奴於曼柏。
On the xinwei day in the tenth month of winter Grand Commandant Liu Kai was removed from office. On the jiaxu day Yang Zhen was made Grand Commandant and Liu Xi of Donglai, household counselor, became minister of education. On the jiachen day in the eleventh month the emperor conducted a great hunt in Shanglin Park. The Xianbi routed the Southern Xiongnu at Manbai.
118
是歲，分蜀郡西部為屬國都尉。 京師及郡國三地震。
That year the western districts of Shu were hived off as a separate dependent-state commandantship. Earthquakes shook the capital and three commanderies.
119
三年春二月丙子，東巡狩。 丁丑，告陳留太守，祠南頓君、光武皇帝於濟陽，復濟陽今年田租、芻稟。 庚寅，遣使者祠唐堯於成陽。 戊子，濟南上言，鳳皇集臺縣丞霍收舍樹上。 賜臺長帛五十匹、丞二十匹、尉半之、吏卒人三匹。 鳳皇所過亭部，無出今年田租。 賜男子爵，人二級。 辛卯，幸太山，柴告岱宗。 齊王無忌、北海王翼、樂安王延來朝。 壬辰，宗祀五帝於汶上明堂。 癸巳，告祀二祖、六宗，勞賜郡、縣，作樂。
On the bingzi day in the second month of spring in the third year of Yanguang the emperor set out on an eastern tour of inspection. On the dingchou day the governor of Chenliu was told to offer sacrifice at Jiyang to Liu Qin, lord of Nandun, and to Emperor Guangwu, and Jiyang's land tax and fodder levy for the year were waived. On the gengyin day envoys were sent to honor the sage-king Yao at Chengyang. On the wuzi day Jinan reported phoenixes roosting in a tree at the home of Huo Shou, assistant magistrate of Tai county. The magistrate of Tai received fifty bolts of silk, his assistant twenty, the sheriff half that amount, and each clerk or guard three bolts. Cantons along the phoenixes' path were excused from paying land tax for the year. Every adult male was granted two steps of honorary rank. On the xinmao day the emperor ascended Mount Tai and performed the burnt-offering rite to announce his deed to the peak. Princes Wuji of Qi, Yi of Beihai, and Yan of Le'an attended court. On the renchen day the Five Thearchs received sacrifice at the Bright Hall on the banks of the Wen. On the guisi day sacrifice was announced to the two founding ancestors and the six cults; counties were feasted and rewarded, and music was played.
120
夏四月乙丑，車駕入宮，假於祖禰。 壬戌，沛國言甘露降豐縣。 戊辰，光祿勳馮石為太尉。
On the yichou day in the fourth month of summer the imperial train entered the palace and the emperor lodged before the shrines of his recent forebears. On the renxu day Pei reported sweet dew at Feng county. On the wuchen day Feng Shi, household counselor, was appointed Grand Commandant.
121
五月，南匈奴左曰逐王叛，使匈奴中郎將馬翼討破之。 曰南徼外蠻夷內屬。
In the fifth month the Southern Xiongnu prince of the left Riyizhu rank rebelled; Ma Yi, colonel in charge of the Xiongnu, crushed the revolt. Tribes beyond Rinan asked to be registered as imperial subjects.
122
六月，鮮卑寇玄菟。 庚午，閬中山崩。 辛未，扶風言白鹿見雍。 辛巳，遣侍御史分行青、冀二州灾害，督錄盜賊。 秋七月丁酉，初復右校、左校令丞官。
In the sixth month the Xianbi invaded Xuantu. On the gengwu day a landslide struck Langzhong. On the xinwei day Fufeng reported a white deer sighting at Yong. On the xinsi day attendant censors were sent through Qing and Ji to inspect disaster relief and hunt down bandits. On the dingyou day in the seventh month the posts of right- and left-park commandants and their assistants were reinstated.
123
日南徼外蠻豪帥詣闕貢獻。
Tribal leaders from beyond Rinan brought tribute to the capital.
124
馮翊言甘露降頻陽、衙。 潁川上言木連理。 白鹿、麒麟見陽翟。 鮮卑寇高柳。 梁王堅薨。
Fengyi reported sweet dew at Pinyang and Ya. Yingchuan reported trees whose trunks had grown together—a propitious sign. A white deer and qilin were sighted at Yangzhai. The Xianbi struck Gaoliu. Prince Jian of Liang died.
125
八月辛巳，大鴻臚耿寶為大將軍。 戊子，潁川上言麒麟一、白虎二見陽翟。 九月丁酉，廢皇太子保為濟陰王。
On the xinsi day in the eighth month Geng Bao, grand herald, was made Grand General. On the wuzi day Yingchuan reported one qilin and two white tigers at Yangzhai. On the dingyou day in the ninth month Crown Prince Liu Bao was demoted to Prince of Jiyin.
126
乙巳，詔郡國中都官死辠繫囚減罪一等，詣敦煌、隴西及度遼營； 其右趾以下及亡命者贖，各有差。 辛亥，濟南上言黃龍見歷城。 庚申晦，日有食之。
On the yisi day an edict commuted capital-bound convicts in metropolitan jails one degree and banished them to Dunhuang, Longxi, or the Cross-the-Liao garrison; those guilty of lesser mutilating crimes and fugitives might ransom their sentences by graded payments. On the xinhai day Jinan reported a yellow dragon at Licheng. A solar eclipse marked the last day of the month, gengshen.
127
冬十月，行幸長安。 壬午，新豐上言鳳皇集西界亭。 丁亥，會三輔守、令、掾史於長安，作樂。 閏月乙未，祠高廟，遂有事十一陵，歷觀上林、昆明池。 遣使者祠太上皇于萬年，以中牢祠蕭何、曹參、霍光。 十一月乙丑，至自長安。
In the tenth month of winter the emperor traveled to Chang'an. On the renwu day Xinfeng reported phoenixes at a pavilion on the western border. On the dinghai day the emperor feasted the officials of the metropolitan region at Chang'an to the sound of music. On the yiwei day of the intercalary month sacrifice was offered at Gaozu's temple, then at the eleven imperial tombs, and the tour continued through Shanglin Park and Kunming Pool. Envoys sacrificed to Liu Taigong at Wannian and offered medium-grade victims at the shrines of Xiao He, Cao Can, and Huo Guang. On the yichou day in the eleventh month the emperor returned from Chang'an.
128
十二月乙未，琅邪言黃龍見諸縣。 是歲，京師及郡國二十三地震； 三十六雨水，疾風，雨雹。 四年春正月壬午，東郡言黃龍二、麒麟一見濮陽。 二月乙亥，下邳王衍薨。 甲辰，南巡狩。
On the yiwei day in the twelfth month Langye reported yellow dragons in several counties. That year the capital and twenty-three commanderies were shaken by earthquakes; thirty-six saw flooding, violent winds, and hailstorms. On the renwu day in the first month of spring in the fourth year of Yanguang Dong commandery reported two yellow dragons and a qilin at Puyang. On the yihai day in the second month Prince Yan of Xiapi died. On the jiachen day the emperor set out on a southern tour of inspection.
129
三月戊午朔，日有食之。 庚申，幸宛，帝不豫。 辛酉，令大將軍耿寶行太尉事。 祠章陵園廟，告長沙、零陵太守，祠定王、節侯、鬱林府君。 乙丑，自宛還。 丁卯，幸葉，帝崩於乘輿，年三十二。 秘不敢宣，所在上食問起居如故。 庚午，還宮。 辛未夕，乃發喪。 尊皇后為皇太后。 太后臨朝，以后兄大鴻臚閻顯為車騎將軍，定策禁中，立章帝孫濟北惠王壽子北鄉侯懿。 甲戌，濟南王香薨。 乙酉，北鄉侯即皇帝位。
A solar eclipse marked the new moon of the third month. On the gengshen day the court reached Wan, and the emperor fell seriously ill. On the xinyou day Grand General Geng Bao was ordered to discharge the duties of Grand Commandant. Sacrifice was offered at the Zhangling shrines, and the governors of Changsha and Lingling were told to honor King Ding of Changsha, Marquis Jie, and the spirit lord of Yulin. On the yichou day the train withdrew from Wan. On the dingmao day the emperor reached Ye and died in his carriage at the age of thirty-two. The death was kept secret; attendants continued to serve meals and ask after the emperor's health as if nothing had changed. On the gengwu day the cortège reentered the palace. Only that evening of the xinwei day was the emperor's death announced. The empress was elevated to empress dowager. The empress dowager took the reins of government, appointed her brother Yan Xian, grand herald, as general of chariots and cavalry, decided the succession within the palace, and enthroned Yi, marquis of Beixiang, grandson of Emperor Zhang and son of Prince Hui of Jibei. On the jiaxu day Prince Xiang of Jinan died. On the yiyou day Marquis Yi of Beixiang ascended the throne.
130
夏四月丁酉，太尉馮石為太傅，司徒劉熹為太尉，參錄尚書事； 前司空李郃為司徒。 辛卯，大將軍耿寶、中常侍樊豐、侍中謝惲、周廣、乳母野王君王聖，坐相阿黨，豐、惲、廣下獄死，寶自殺，聖徙鴈門。 己酉，葬孝安皇帝於恭陵。 廟曰恭宗。
On the dingyou day in the fourth month of summer Feng Shi moved from Grand Commandant to Grand Tutor, Liu Xi from minister of education to Grand Commandant with joint charge of the Masters of Writing; Former Minister of Works Li He became minister of education. On the xinmao day Grand General Geng Bao, the eunuch Feng Feng, attendants Xie Yun and Zhou Guang, and the emperor's wet nurse Wang Sheng were charged with forming a clique; Feng, Xie, and Zhou died in prison, Geng Bao killed himself, and Wang Sheng was exiled to Yanmen. On the jiyou day Emperor An was laid to rest at the Gong mausoleum. His temple name was Gongzong.
131
六月乙巳，大赦天下。 詔先帝巡狩所幸，皆半入今年田租。 秋七月，西域長史班勇擊車師後王，斬之。 丙午，東海王肅薨。 冬十月丙午，越巂山崩。 辛亥，少帝薨。 是冬，京師大疫。
On the yisi day in the sixth month a general amnesty was proclaimed. An edict halved the year's land tax in every district the late emperor had visited on tour. In the seventh month of autumn Ban Yong, chief clerk of the Western Regions, attacked the junior king of Jushi and executed him. On the bingwu day Prince Su of Donghai died. On the bingwu day in the tenth month of winter a landslide struck Yuexi. On the xinhai day the young emperor died. That winter a severe plague swept the capital.
132
論曰：孝安雖稱尊享御，而權歸鄧氏，至乃損徹膳服，克念政道。 然令自房帷，威不逮遠，始失根統，歸成陵敝。 遂復計金授官，移民逃寇，推咎臺衡，以答天眚。 既雲哲婦，亦『惟家之索』矣。
Commentary: Emperor An bore the throne in name, yet real power lay with the Deng; he pared his own table and wardrobe and tried to mind the business of rule. Yet edicts came from the women's quarters, authority never reached the frontier, the dynasty lost its footing from the start, and decline ended in the tombs' decay. Then offices were sold for cash, populations were moved to escape raiders, and the chief ministers were blamed to appease Heaven's rebuke. They called her a wise consort, yet the Classic says such a one is 'the rope that strangles the house'—and so it proved.
133
贊曰：安德不升，秕我王度。 降奪儲嫡，開萌邪蠹。 馮石承歡，楊公逢怒。 彼日而微，遂祲天路。
Verse encomium: An's virtue never rose; it spoiled the royal standard. Deposing the heir opened the door to treachery and rot. Feng Shi curried favor while Minister Yang earned the court's wrath. The sun grew faint, and an ill omen veiled the throne of Heaven.