1
清泰二年春正月丙申朔，帝御明堂殿受朝賀，仗衛如式。 乙巳，中書門下奏：「遇千春節，凡刑獄公事奏覆，候次月施行。 今後請重係者即候次月，輕係者即節前奏覆決遣。」 從之。 戊申，宗正寺奏：「北京、應州、曹州諸陵，望差本州府長官朝拜。 〈（《五代會要》載宗正寺原奏云：北京永興、長寧、建極三陵，應州遂、衍、奕三陵，準曹州溫陵例，下本州府官朝拜。）〉 雍、坤、和、徽四陵，差太常宗正卿朝拜。」 從之。 己酉，北京奏，光祿卿致仕周元豹卒。 庚申，鄴都進天王甲。 帝在藩時，有相士言帝如毗沙天王，帝知之，竊喜。 及即位，選軍士之魁偉者，被以天王甲，俾居宿衛，因詔諸道造此甲而進之。 三司奏，添征蠶鹽錢及增曲價。 先是曲斤八十文，增至一百五十文。 乙丑，雲州節度使張溫移鎮晉州，以西京留守安重霸為雲州節度使。
On the first day of the first month of the second year of Qingtai, the Emperor took the Hall of Bright Clarity to receive the New Year's court congratulations, with guards and ceremonial escort according to custom. On yisi the Secretariat and Chancellery reported: "For the Thousand Spring Festival, all criminal and official matters under review should wait until the following month before taking effect. Henceforth we ask that serious cases wait until the month after, while minor detainees be reviewed and decided before the festival." The request was granted. On wushen the Court of Imperial Clan submitted: "For the imperial tombs in the Northern Capital, Yingzhou, and Cao Prefecture, we propose that the prefectural governors of each jurisdiction be assigned to pay court. (The 《Institutional Essentials of the Five Dynasties》 quotes the original memorial: the three Northern Capital tombs Yongxing, Changning, and Jianji; the three Yingzhou tombs Sui, Yan, and Yi—following the Wen Tomb precedent at Cao Prefecture, local prefectural officials should be charged with attendance.)〉 For the Yong, Kun, He, and Hui tombs, the Vice Minister of Rites and the Court of Imperial Clan director should be assigned to attend." Approved. On jiyou the Northern Capital reported the death of Zhou Yuanbao, former Director of the Directorate of Foodstuffs. On gengshen the capital at Ye presented suits of Heavenly King armor. While the Emperor was still in the provinces, a physiognomancer said he resembled the Guardian King Vaisravana; knowing this, he was quietly pleased. After his enthronement he chose the tallest soldiers, outfitted them as Heavenly Kings, and placed them in the palace guard; he also ordered every circuit to forge such armor and send it in. The fiscal offices reported a plan to increase the silk-and-salt tax and raise liquor prices. Liquor had formerly been eighty cash per jin; it was now raised to one hundred fifty. On yichou Zhang Wen was moved from Yunzhou to Jinzhou, and An Chongba, Western Capital intendant, was made Yunzhou military commissioner.
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二月庚午，定州節度使兗王從溫移鎮兗州； 振武軍節度使楊檀移鎮定州，兼北面行營馬步都虞候。 甲戌，以定州節度使李周為京兆尹，充西京留守； 以樞密使、天雄軍節度使範延光為檢校太師、兼中書令，充汴州節度使； 皇子鎮州節度使兼河南尹、判六軍諸衛事、左右街坊使重美加檢校太尉、同平章事，充天雄軍節度使，餘如故。 辛巳，以右諫議大夫盧損為御史中丞，以御史中丞張鵬為刑部侍郎。 壬午，寧遠軍節度使馬存加兼侍中，鎮南軍節度使馬希振加兼中書令。 詔順義軍節度使姚彥璋加兼侍中。 己丑，宰臣盧文紀等上皇妣魯國太夫人尊諡，曰宣憲皇太后，請擇日冊命。 從之。
In the second month, on gengwu, Yan Prince Congwen was moved from Dingzhou to Yanzhou; Yang Tan was transferred from the Zhenwu command to Dingzhou and named chief adjutant of the Northern Front for cavalry and infantry. On jiaxu Li Zhou, formerly of Dingzhou, was appointed metropolitan magistrate of Jingzhao and Western Capital intendant; Fan Yanguang, Bureau of Military Affairs commissioner and Tianxiong commander, was made honorary Grand Preceptor and concurrent Director of the Chancellery and assigned to Bianzhou; Prince Chongmei, Zhenzhou commander, Henan prefect, overseer of the Six Armies and palace guards, and ward commissioner, was advanced to honorary Grand Marshal and Associate Counselor and made Tianxiong commander; his other duties were unchanged. On xinsi Lu Sun was promoted from Right Remonstrance Counselor to Censor-in-Chief, and Zhang Peng moved from that post to Vice Minister of Justice. On renwu Ma Cun of Ningyuan was additionally made Palace Attendant, and Ma Xizhen of Zhennan was additionally made Director of the Chancellery. An edict additionally made Yao Yanzhang of Shunyi Palace Attendant. On jichou Chief Counselor Lu Wenji and others proposed the posthumous title Empress Dowager Xuanxian for the late Grand Lady of Lu and asked that a date be set for the enshrinement. Approved.
3
三月戊戌，故太子太保趙鳳贈太傅。 辛丑，以前汴州節度使趙延壽為許州節度使兼樞密使； 以夏州行軍司馬李彝殷為本州節度使，兄彝超卒故也。 癸卯，以靜海軍節度使、檢校太師、兼中書令、安南都護錢元球為留守太保，餘如故。 丙午，以給事中趙光輔為右散騎常侍。 戊申，皇妹魏國夫人石氏封晉國長公主，齊國公主趙氏封燕國長公主。 己酉，有司上言：「宣憲皇后未及山陵，權於舊陵所建廟。」 從之。 辛亥，功德使奏：「每年誕節，諸州府奏薦僧道，其僧尼欲立講論科、講經科、表白科、文章應製科、持念科、禪科、聲讚科，道士欲立經法科、講論科、文章應製科、表白科、聲讚科、焚修科，以試其能否。」 從之。 丙辰，以右龍武統軍李德充為涇州節度使。 庚申，以鎮州節度使、知軍府事董溫琪為鎮州節度使、檢校太保。 壬戌，以左右彰聖都指揮使、富州刺史安審琦領楚州順化軍節度使，軍職如故。 審琦受閔帝命西征，至鳳翔而降，故有是命。
In the third month, on wuxu, the late Grand Guardian Zhao Feng was posthumously made Grand Tutor. On xinchou Zhao Yanshou, former Bianzhou commander, was made Xuzhou commander and concurrent Bureau of Military Affairs commissioner; Li Yiyin, Xiazhou campaigning deputy, was made commander of that prefecture after his elder brother Yichao died. On guimao Qian Yuanqiu, Jinghai commander, honorary Grand Preceptor, concurrent Director of the Chancellery, and Protector-General of Annan, was made Garrison Grand Guardian; his other titles were unchanged. On bingwu Supervising Secretary Zhao Guangfu was made Right Regular Attendant of the Imperial Stud. On wushen the Emperor's sister Lady Shi of Wei was created Eldest Princess of Jin, and Princess Zhao of Qi was created Eldest Princess of Yan. On jiyou the responsible offices reported: "Empress Xuanxian has not yet been laid in the imperial tomb; a temple should be established provisionally at the old tomb site." Approved. On xinhai the Merit Commissioner reported: "Each birthday festival, prefectures recommend clergy. For monks and nuns we propose examination categories in doctrinal discourse, scripture exposition, proclamation, literary composition, recitation, Chan, and liturgical chant; for Daoists, categories in scripture and ritual law, discourse, literary composition, proclamation, chant, and incense rites—to test their competence." Approved. On bingchen Li Dechong, commander of the Right Dragon Martial Guard, was made Jingzhou military commissioner. On gengshen Dong Wenqi, Zhenzhou commander and director of military headquarters affairs, was confirmed as Zhenzhou commander with the honorary title Grand Guardian. On renxu An Shenqi, commander of the Left and Right Illustrious Sage Guards and prefect of Fu, was assigned as Shunhua Army commander at Chuzhou; his military duties were unchanged. Shenqi had been sent west by Emperor Min and surrendered at Fengxiang; hence this appointment.
4
是月，太常丞史在德上疏言事，其略曰：「朝廷任人，率多濫進，稱武士者，不閑計策，雖被堅執銳，戰則棄甲，窮則背軍； 稱文士者，鮮有藝能，多無士行，問策謀則杜口，作文字則倩人。 所謂虛設具員，枉耗國力。 逢陛下惟新之運，是文明革弊之秋，臣請應內外所管軍人，凡勝衣甲者，請宣下本部大將一一考試武藝短長，權謀深淺。 居下位有將才者便拔為大將，居上位無將略者移之下軍。 其東班臣僚，請內出策題，下中書令宰臣麵試。 如下位有大才者便拔居大位，處大位無大才者即移之下僚。」 其疏大約如此。 盧文紀等見其奏不悅，班行亦多憤悱，故諫官劉濤、楊昭儉等上疏，請出在德疏，辨可否宣行，中書覆奏亦駁其錯誤。 帝召學士馬裔孫謂曰：「史在德語太凶，其實難容。 朕初臨天下，須開言路，若朝士以言獲罪，誰敢言者！ 爾代朕作詔，勿加在德之罪。」 詔曰：
That month Shi Zaide, Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, submitted a memorial on state affairs, in substance as follows: "The court appoints men far too indiscriminately. So-called warriors know nothing of strategy; though they arm themselves and take the field, in battle they throw away their armor, and in extremity they desert. So-called literati rarely have real ability; most lack scholarly conduct. Ask them for strategy and they fall silent; for writing they hire ghost authors. This is what it means to fill posts in name only and squander the state's resources. Your Majesty has entered a time of renewal—this is the season to reform abuses through civilization. I ask that for all soldiers under court and frontier command old enough to bear armor, each unit's commanding general be ordered to examine them one by one on martial skill and strategic ability. Men of low rank who show generalship should be raised to high command; men of high rank without strategic talent should be moved down. For civil officials of the eastern rank, I ask that examination topics be issued from within the palace and that the Director of the Chancellery and chief counselors test them in person. Men of low rank with great talent should be raised to high office; men in high office without great talent should be moved down." His memorial was roughly to this effect. Lu Wenji and others were displeased by the memorial; many at court were indignant as well. Remonstrance officials Liu Tao and Yang Zhaojian therefore submitted memorials asking that Shi Zaide's text be published so its merits could be judged; the Secretariat-Chancellery in reply also refuted its errors. The Emperor summoned Academician Ma Yisun and said, "Shi Zaide's language is too harsh; it is in truth hard to tolerate. I have only just assumed rule and must keep the path of remonstrance open. If court officials are punished for speaking, who will dare speak! Draft an edict for me and do not punish Zaide." An edict read:
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左補闕劉濤等奏，太常丞史在德所上章疏，中書門下駁奏，未奉宣諭，乞特施行，分明黜陟。
Left Supplementation Aide Liu Tao and others reported that Shi Zaide's memorial had been answered with a refutation by the Secretariat-Chancellery but had not yet received imperial promulgation; they asked that it be specially implemented with clear rewards and punishments.
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朕常覽貞觀故事，見太宗之治理，以貞觀升平之運； 太宗明聖之君，野無遺賢，朝無闕政，盡善盡美，無得而名。 而陝縣丞皇甫德參輒上封章，恣行訕謗，人臣無禮，罪不容誅，賴文貞之彌縫，恕德參之狂瞽。 魏征奏太宗曰：「陛下思聞得失，隻可恣其所陳，若所言不中，亦何損於國家。」 朕每思之，誠要言也。 遂得下情上達，德盛業隆，太宗之道彌光，文貞之節斯著。 朕惟寡昧，獲奉宗祧，業業兢兢，懼不克荷，思欲率循古道，簡拔時材。 懷忠抱直之人，虛心渴見，便佞詭隨之說，杜耳惡聞。 史在德近所獻陳，誠無避忌，中書以文字紕繆，比類僭差，改易人名，觸犯廟諱，請歸憲法，以示戒懲。 蓋以中書既委參詳，合盡事理，朕纘承前緒，誘勸將來。 多言數窮，雖聖祖之所戒，千慮一得，冀愚者之可從。 因覽文貞之言，遂寬在德之罪，已令停寢，不遣宣行。
We often read the precedents of the Zhenguan era and see how Taizong governed in that age of peace and prosperity; Taizong was a brilliant and sagely ruler; no worthy man was left in obscurity, no policy was wanting at court—so complete in goodness that it defies description. Yet Huangfu Decan, assistant magistrate of Shan County, rashly submitted a sealed memorial full of slander; as a subject he was without propriety and deserved death—yet thanks to Wei Zheng's intercession, Decan's reckless offense was forgiven. Wei Zheng told Taizong, "Your Majesty wishes to hear of gains and losses; you should simply let men speak freely. If what they say misses the mark, what harm does it do the state." We reflect on this often—truly essential words. Thus the feelings of the people reached the throne; virtue flourished and the enterprise prospered; Taizong's Way shone brighter, and Wei Zheng's integrity was made manifest. We are dull and obscure, yet have received the imperial ancestral tablets; diligent and fearful, we dread we cannot bear the burden, and wish to follow the ancient Way and select men of talent for our age. Men who cherish loyalty and embrace integrity we eagerly wish to hear; fawning and deceitful flattery we stop our ears against and hate to hear. What Shi Zaide recently submitted was truly without reserve. The Secretariat, citing textual errors, improper comparisons, altered personal names, and violation of imperial taboo, asked that he be punished under the penal code as a warning. Since the Secretariat had been charged with detailed review, it should have exhausted the matter; we inherit the prior thread and encourage those to come. Much speech often ends in exhaustion—though the sage ancestors warned against it—yet of a thousand deliberations one may gain something; we hope that even the foolish may offer something worth following. Reflecting on Wei Zheng's words, we therefore pardoned Zaide's offense; it has been ordered halted and will not be promulgated for implementation.
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劉濤等官列諫垣，宜陳讜議，請定短長之理，以行黜陟之文。 昔魏征則請賞德參，今濤等請黜在德，事同言異，何相遠哉！ 將議允俞，恐虧開納。 方朝廷粗理，俊乂畢臻，留一在德不足為多，去一在德未足為少，苟可懲勸，朕何憂焉！ 但緣情在傾輸，理難黜責，濤等敷奏，朕亦優容，宜體含宏，勉思竭進，凡百在下，悉聽朕言。
Liu Tao and others hold remonstrance posts and ought to offer forthright counsel; instead they ask to determine rights and wrongs so as to carry out promotions and demotions in writing. Formerly Wei Zheng asked to reward Decan; now Tao and others ask to demote Zaide—the matter is the same but the words differ; how far apart they are! Were we to approve their request, we fear it would impair openness to remonstrance. The court is just beginning to be put in order and the worthy are all gathering; to keep one Zaide is not much gain, to remove one Zaide is not much loss—if he can serve as warning and encouragement, what have we to worry about! Yet because feeling inclines toward partiality, it is hard in reason to demote and punish; Tao and others presented their memorials and we also showed forbearance. All should embody magnanimity, strive to give their utmost, and everyone below—hear our words.
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夏四月辛巳，宰臣判三司張延朗奏：「州縣官征科條格，其令錄在任征科，依限了絕，一年加階，兩年與試銜，三年皆及限了絕，與服色。 攝任者一年內了絕，仍攝，二年三年內皆及限，與真命。 其主簿同縣令條。 本判官一年加階，二年改試銜，三年轉官。 本曹官省限內了絕，與試銜。 諸節級三年內並了絕者，與賞錢三十貫。 其責罰依天成四年五月五日敕施行。」 從之。 癸未，御史中丞盧損等進清泰元年以前十一年制敕，堪悠久施行者三百九十四道，編為三十卷。 其不中選者，各令所司封閉，不得行用。 詔其新編敕如可施行，付御史台頒行。 以宰相盧文紀兼太微宮使，弘文館大學士姚顗加門下侍郎，監修國史張延朗兼集賢殿大學士。 以樞密使韓昭裔為中書侍郎兼兵部尚書、平章事。 乙酉，以前武勝軍節度使張萬進為鄜州節度使。 辛卯，以宣徽南院使劉延皓為刑部尚書，充樞密使； 以司天監耿瑗為太府卿； 以偽蜀右衛上將軍胡杲通為司天監； 以宣徽北院使房暠為左衛上將軍，充宣徽南院使； 以樞密副使劉延朗為左領軍上將軍，充宣徽北院使兼樞密副使。
In the fourth month of summer, on xinsi, Chief Counselor Zhang Yanlang, overseeing the Three Departments, reported: "On tax-collection rules for prefectural and county officials: magistrates and registrars who complete collection on time advance one rank after one year, receive trial rank-title after two years, and receive colored robes if they meet deadlines all three years. Acting appointees who complete within one year may continue acting; those who meet deadlines within two or three years receive regular appointment. Chief clerks follow the same rules as county magistrates. Local judicial reviewers advance one rank after one year, receive trial rank-title after two years, and transfer office after three years. Department officials who complete within the ministry deadline receive trial rank-title. All who complete at every stage within three years receive a reward of thirty strings of cash. Penalties shall follow the edict of the fifth day of the fifth month of the fourth year of Tiancheng." Approved. On guiwei Censor-in-Chief Lu Sun and others presented edicts from the eleven years before the first year of Qingtai; three hundred ninety-four suitable for long-term use were compiled into thirty scrolls. Those not selected were ordered sealed by the responsible offices and not put into use. An edict ordered that if the newly compiled edicts could be implemented, they be handed to the Censorate for promulgation. Chief Counselor Lu Wenji was made concurrent Commissioner of the Supreme Palace; Yao Yan, Grand Academician of the Hongwen Institute, was advanced to Vice Director of the Secretariat; Zhang Yanlang, overseer of the National History, was made concurrent Grand Academician of the Hall of Assembled Worthies. Han Zhaoyi, Bureau of Military Affairs commissioner, was made Vice Director of the Chancellery and concurrent Minister of War and Counselor. On yiyou Zhang Wanjin, former Wusheng commander, was made Fu Prefecture military commissioner. On xinmao Liu Yanhao, Southern Bureau commissioner of the Palace Secretariat, was made Minister of Justice and Bureau of Military Affairs commissioner; Geng Yuan, Director of Astronomy, was made Director of the Palace Storehouse; Hu Gaotong, Former Shu general of the Right Guard, was made Director of Astronomy; Fang Hao, Northern Bureau commissioner of the Palace Secretariat, was made General of the Left Guard and Southern Bureau commissioner; Liu Yanlang, Bureau of Military Affairs vice commissioner, was made General of the Left Army and Northern Bureau commissioner with his vice commissionership unchanged.
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五月丙申，新州、振武奏，契丹寇境。 乙巳，詔：「天下見禁囚徒，自五月十二日以前，除十惡五逆、放火燒舍、持仗殺人、官典犯贓、偽行印信、合造毒藥並見欠省錢外，罪無輕重，一切釋放。」 庚戌，詔不得貢奉寶裝龍鳳雕鏤刺作組織之物。 中書奏：「準敕，凡廟諱但回避正文，其偏旁文字不在減少點畫。 今定州節度使楊檀、檀州、金壇等名，酌情制宜，並請改之。 其表章文案偏旁字闕點畫，凡臣僚名涉偏旁，亦請改名。」 詔曰：「偏旁文字，音韻懸殊，止避正呼，不宜全改。 楊檀賜名光遠，餘依舊。」 甲寅，以戶部侍郎楊凝式為秘書監，以尚書禮部侍郎，盧導為尚書右丞，以尚書右丞鄭韜光為尚書左丞。 丙辰，以端明殿學士李專美為兵部侍郎，以端明殿學士李崧為戶部侍郎，以翰林學士馬裔孫為禮部侍郎，以禮部郎中、充樞密院直學士呂琦為給事中，並充職如故。 太子少保致仕任圜贈尚書右僕射，以順化軍節度使兼彰聖都指揮使、北面行營排陣使安審琦為邢州節度使。 庚申，以兵部尚書李鈴為太常卿，以禮部尚書王權為戶部尚書，以太常卿李懌為禮部尚書。 癸亥，以六軍諸衛判官、給事中張允為右散騎常侍。
In the fifth month, on bingshen, Xinzhou and Zhenwu reported Khitan raids on the border. On yisi an edict stated: "All prisoners detained throughout the realm for offenses before the twelfth day of the fifth month, except the ten abominations and five rebellions, arson, murder with weapons, official corruption, counterfeiting seals, compounding poison, and outstanding debts to the provincial treasury—regardless of severity—are to be released." On gengxu an edict forbade presenting tribute of objects adorned with jewels, dragons and phoenixes, carving, inlay, embroidery, or woven ornament. The Secretariat reported: "According to the edict, imperial taboo names need only be avoided in the main text; characters sharing a component need not have strokes omitted. We now ask that the names of Yang Tan, Dingzhou commander, Tanzhou, Jintan, and the like be changed as circumstances require. In memorials and documents, characters sharing components should have strokes omitted; for all officials whose names involve such components, we also request name changes." An edict stated: "Characters sharing components differ greatly in sound; only the direct pronunciation need be avoided—it is not fitting to change them entirely. Yang Tan is granted the name Guangyuan; the rest remain as before." On jiayin Yang Ningshi, Vice Minister of Revenue, was made Director of the Secretariat; Lu Dao, Vice Minister of Rites, was made Right Vice Director of the Secretariat; Zheng Taoguang, Right Vice Director, was made Left Vice Director. On bingchen Li Zhuanmei, Duanming Hall academician, was made Vice Minister of War; Li Song, Duanming Hall academician, was made Vice Minister of Revenue; Ma Yisun, Hanlin academician, was made Vice Minister of Rites; Lü Qi, Director of the Ministry of Rites and direct academician of the Bureau of Military Affairs, was made Supervising Secretary—all retaining their concurrent posts. Ren Yuan, retired Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent, was posthumously advanced to Right Vice Director of the Secretariat; An Shenqi, Shunhua commander and concurrent Zhangsheng directorate commissioner and Northern Front battle-formation commissioner, was made Xing Prefecture military commissioner. On gengshen Li Ling, Minister of War, was made Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices; Wang Quan, Minister of Rites, was made Minister of Revenue; Li Yi, Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, was made Minister of Rites. On guihai Zhang Yun, reviewing secretary of the Six Armies and palace guards and Supervising Secretary, was made Right Regular Attendant.
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六月甲子朔，新州上言，契丹入寇。 乙丑，有司上言，宣憲皇太后陵請以順從為名，從之。 振武奏，契丹二萬騎在黑榆林。 丁卯，以太子少保致仕朱漢賓卒廢朝。 壬申，命史官修撰明宗實錄。 契丹寇應州。 以新州節度使楊漢賓為同州節度使，以前晉州節度使翟璋為新州節度使。 庚辰，北面招討使趙德鈞奏，行營馬步軍都虞候、定州節度使楊光遠，行營排陣使、邢州節度使安審琦帥本軍至易州，見進軍追襲契丹次。 河東節度使石敬瑭奏，邊軍乏芻糧，其安重榮巡邊兵士欲移振武就糧。 從之。 尋又奏，懷、孟租稅，請指揮於忻、代州輸納。 朝廷以邊儲不給，詔河東戶民積粟處，量事抄借，仍於鎮州支絹五萬匹，送河東充博采之直。 是月，北面轉運副使劉福配鎮州百姓車子一千五百乘，運糧至代州。 時水旱民饑，河北諸州困於飛挽，逃潰者甚眾，軍前使者繼至，督促糧運，由是生靈谘怨。 辛巳，詔諸州府署醫博士。 丙戌，以前許州節度使李從昶為右龍武統軍，以前彰國軍節度使沙彥珣為右神武統軍。
In the sixth month, on jiazi, the first of the month, Xin Prefecture reported a Khitan invasion. On yichou the relevant offices reported that Empress Dowager Xuanxian's tomb should be named Shuncong. Approved. Zhenwu reported twenty thousand Khitan horsemen at Heilin. On dingmao court was suspended for the death of Zhu Hanbin, retired Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent. On renshen the court ordered the historiographers to compile the Veritable Records of Emperor Mingzong. The Khitan raided Ying Prefecture. Yang Hanbin, Xin Prefecture military commissioner, was made Tong Prefecture military commissioner; Zhai Zhang, former Jin Prefecture military commissioner, was made Xin Prefecture military commissioner. On gengchen Zhao Dejun, northern expedition commissioner, reported that Yang Guangyuan, camp horse-and-foot chief adjutant and Ding Prefecture military commissioner, and An Shenqi, camp battle-formation commissioner and Xing Prefecture military commissioner, led their armies to Yi Prefecture and found the advancing force about to pursue the Khitan further. Shi Jingtang, Hedong military commissioner, reported that border troops lacked fodder and grain and that soldiers under An Chongrong's border patrol wished to move to Zhenwu for provisions. Approved. He soon memorialized again, asking that Huai and Meng rent and tax be directed for delivery at Xin and Dai Prefectures. Because border stores were insufficient, an edict ordered grain requisitioned wherever Hedong households had stores, and fifty thousand bolts of silk were disbursed at Zhen Prefecture and sent to Hedong as payment for procurement. That month Liu Fu, Northern Front deputy transport commissioner, assigned fifteen hundred civilian carts from Zhen Prefecture to haul grain to Dai Prefecture. At the time drought and flood had left the people hungry; Hebei prefectures were strained by urgent grain transport; deserters were very numerous; envoys from the front kept arriving to press for grain—whereupon the people complained bitterly. On xinsi an edict ordered all prefectures and districts to establish posts for medical doctors. On bingxu Li Congchang, former Xu Prefecture military commissioner, was made commander of the Right Loong Wu Army; Sha Yanxun, former Zhangguo military commissioner, was made commander of the Right Divine Martial Army.
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秋七月丙申，石敬瑭奏，斬挾馬都指揮使李暉等三十六人，以謀亂故也。 時敬瑭以兵屯忻州，一日，軍士喧噪，遽呼萬歲，乃斬暉等以止之。 〈（《契丹國志》：契丹屢攻北邊，時石敬瑭將大兵屯忻州，潞王遣使賜軍士夏衣，傳詔撫諭，軍士呼萬歲者數四。 敬瑭懼，幕僚段希堯請誅其倡者，敬瑭命劉知遠斬三十六人以殉。 潞王聞，益疑之。）〉 御史中丞盧損奏：「準天成二年七月敕，每月首、十五日入閣，罷五日起居。 臣以為中旬排仗，有勞聖躬，請隻以月首入閣，五日起居依舊。 又準天成三年五月、長興二年七月敕，許諸州節度使帶使相歲薦僚屬五人，餘薦三人，防禦、團練使薦二人，今乞行厘革。 又長興二年八月敕，州縣佐官差充馬步判官，仍同一任，乞行止絕，依舊衙前選補。」 詔曰：「今後藩臣帶使相許薦三人，餘薦二人，直屬京防禦、團練使薦一人，餘並從之。」 丁酉，回紇可汗仁美遣使貢方物。 西京弓弩指揮使任漢權奏，六月二十一日與川軍戰於金州之漢陰，王師不利，其部下兵士除傷痍外，已至鳳翔。 先是，盩厔鎮將劉贇引軍入川界，為蜀將全師鬱所敗。 金州都監崔處訥重傷，諸州屯兵潰散。 金州防禦使馬全節收合州兵，固守獲全。 以樞密使劉延皓為天雄軍節度使。 甲辰，以右神武統軍沙彥珣權知雲州。 乙巳，以徐州節度使張敬達充北面行營副總管。 時契丹入邊，石敬瑭屢請益兵，朝廷軍士多在北鄙，俄聞忻州諸軍呼噪，帝不悅，乃命敬達為北軍之副，以減敬瑭之權也。 丁巳，宰臣盧文紀等上疏，其略曰：
In autumn, the seventh month, on bingshen Shi Jingtang reported that he had executed Li Hui and thirty-five other horse-guard commanders for plotting rebellion. At the time Jingtang had troops at Xin Prefecture; one day the soldiers raised a clamor and suddenly shouted "Long live!"; he then executed Hui and the others to stop it. (The 《Chronicle of the Khitan State》 records: The Khitan repeatedly attacked the northern border. At the time Shi Jingtang had a large army at Xin Prefecture; the Prince of Lu sent an envoy to bestow summer garments on the soldiers and transmitted an edict of consolation—the soldiers shouted "Long live!" four times. Jingtang was afraid; his staff officer Duan Xiyao urged executing the ringleaders; Jingtang ordered Liu Zhiyuan to behead thirty-six men as a warning. When the Prince of Lu heard of it, he grew even more suspicious of Jingtang.)〉 Censor-in-Chief Lu Sun reported: "According to the edict of the seventh month of the second year of Tiancheng, on the first and fifteenth of each month enter the Hall of Affairs, abolishing the fifth-day audience. Your subject considers the mid-month guard formation burdensome to the Emperor; we ask to enter the Hall only at the month's beginning, with the fifth-day audience unchanged. Furthermore, under edicts of the fifth month of the third year of Tiancheng and the seventh month of the second year of Changxing, military commissioners with vice regent titles could recommend five subordinates annually, others three, and defense and training commissioners two—we now ask for reform. Also under the edict of the eighth month of the second year of Changxing, county and district aides were assigned as horse-and-foot reviewing secretaries within the same term—we ask that this be ended and selection restored from yamen runners." An edict stated: "Henceforth frontier officials with vice regent titles may recommend three persons, others two; defense and training commissioners directly under the capital may recommend one—the rest also approved." On dingyou Kaghan Renmei of the Uyghurs sent envoys with tribute goods. Ren Hanquan, Western Capital crossbow commander, reported that on the twenty-first day of the sixth month he fought Sichuan troops at Hanyin in Jin Prefecture; the imperial army fared poorly, and his subordinates, aside from the wounded, had already reached Fengxiang. Previously Liu Yun, Zhouzhi garrison commander, had led troops into Sichuan and was defeated by the Shu general Quan Shiyu. Cui Chune, Jin Prefecture garrison supervisor, was severely wounded, and garrison troops across the prefectures scattered in rout. Ma Quanjie, Jin Prefecture defense commissioner, gathered the prefecture's troops, held firm, and preserved the prefecture intact. Liu Yanhao, Bureau of Military Affairs commissioner, was made Tianxiong Army military commissioner. On jiachen Sha Yanxun, commander of the Right Divine Martial Army, was made acting prefect of Yun Prefecture. On yisi Zhang Jingda, Xu Prefecture military commissioner, was assigned as deputy overall commander of the Northern Front camp. At the time the Khitan had crossed the border; Shi Jingtang repeatedly asked for reinforcements; most court troops were on the northern frontier; soon word came that the Xin Prefecture armies were raising a clamor; the Emperor was displeased and assigned Jingda as deputy to the northern armies to reduce Jingtang's authority. On dingsi Chief Counselor Lu Wenji and others submitted a memorial, the gist of which read:
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臣近蒙召對，麵奉天旨：「凡軍國庶事，利害可否，卿等合盡言者。」 臣等謬處台衡，奉行制敕，但緣事理，互有區分，軍戎不在於職司，錢穀非關於局分，苟陳異見，即類侵官。 況才不濟時，職非經遠，因五日起居之例，於兩班旅見之時，略獲對揚，兼承顧問。 衛士周環於階陛，庶臣羅列於殿庭，四面聚觀，十手所指，臣等苟欲各伸愚短，此時安敢敷陳。 韓非昔懼於說難，孟子亦憂於言責。 臣竊奉本朝故事，肅宗初平寇難，再復寰瀛，頗經涉於艱難，尤勤勞於委任。 每正衙奏事，則泛谘訪於群臣； 及便殿詢謀，則獨對揚於四輔。 自上元年後，於長安東內置延英殿，宰臣如有奏議，聖旨或有特宣，皆於前一日上聞。 對禦之時，隻奉冕旒，旁無侍衛。 獻可替否，得曲盡於討論：舍短從長，故無虞於漏泄。 君臣之際，情理坦然。 伏望聖慈，俯循故事，或有事關軍國，謀係否臧，未果決於聖懷，要詢訪於臣輩，則請依延英故事，前一日傳宣。 或臣等有所聽聞，切關利害，難形文字，須麵敷揚，臣等亦依故事，前一日請開延英。 當君臣奏議之時，隻請機要臣僚侍立左右。 兼乞稍霽威嚴，恕臣荒拙，雖乏鷹鸇之效，庶盡葵藿之心。
We have recently been summoned for audience and received the imperial mandate face to face: "For all military and state affairs, whether beneficial or harmful, feasible or not, you should speak fully." We are wrongly placed in the chief ministership, executing edicts—but because matters differ, each has its division; military affairs are not within our offices, revenues not within our bureaus—if we offered divergent views, it would resemble overstepping our offices. Moreover our talents do not meet the needs of the age, and our posts are not those of long-range planning; under the fifth-day audience precedent, when both ranks stand in formation, we only briefly obtain audience and consultation. Imperial guards surround the steps, common officials fill the hall court, observers gather on all sides, ten fingers point—if we wished each to speak our mind, how could we dare do so at such a time. Han Fei once feared the difficulty of persuasion; Mencius also worried about the responsibility of speech. Your subjects respectfully follow this dynasty's precedents: when Emperor Suzong first quelled rebellion and restored the realm, having passed through great hardship, he was especially diligent in delegation. Whenever he held court at the main hall to hear reports, he broadly consulted the officials; when he inquired and deliberated in the side hall, he alone received audience from the four chief ministers. From the first year of the Shangyuan reign onward, the Yanying Hall was established in the eastern inner palace at Chang'an; if chief ministers had memorials to submit or the imperial will had special announcements, all were reported the day before. When facing the throne, one faced only the imperial crown, with no attendants at the side. Proposing what was acceptable and replacing what was not, discussion could be fully exhausted; discarding the short and following the long, thus there was no fear of leakage. Between ruler and minister, feeling and reason were open and plain. We humbly hope the Emperor will condescend to follow precedent: if military or state matters remain undecided in the imperial mind and require our consultation, we ask to follow the Yanying precedent with announcement the day before. Or if we ministers have heard something closely bearing on benefit and harm, difficult to put in writing and requiring face-to-face presentation, we too will follow precedent and request opening Yanying the day before. When ruler and ministers are deliberating, we ask only key confidential officials to stand in attendance at left and right. We also ask that the Emperor slightly relax imperial dignity and forgive our crude inadequacy—though we lack the efficacy of hawk and falcon, we may yet fulfill our loyal devotion.
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詔曰：「卿等濟代英才，鎮時碩德，或締構於興王之日，或經綸於纘聖之時，鹽梅之任俱崇藥石之言並切，請復延英之制，以伸議政之規。 而況列聖遺芳，皇朝盛事，載詳征引，良切歎嘉。 恭惟五日起居，先皇垂範，俟百僚之俱退，召四輔以獨升，接以溫顏，詢其理道，計此時作事之意，亦昔日延英之流。 朕叨獲嗣承，切思遵守，將成其美，不爽兼行。 其五日起居，仍令仍舊，尋常公事，亦可便舉奏聞。 或事屬機宜，理當秘密，量事緊慢，不限隔日，及當日便可於閣門祗候，具榜子奏聞。 請麵敷揚，即當盡屏侍臣，端居便殿，佇聞高議，以慰虛懷。 朕或要見卿時，亦令當時宣召，但能務致理之實，何必拘延英之名。 有事足可以討論，有言足可以陳述，宜以沃心為務，勿以逆耳為虞。 勉罄謀猷，以裨寡昧。」 帝性仁恕，聽納不倦，嘗因朝會謂盧文紀等曰：「朕在藩時，人說唐代為人主端拱而天下治，蓋以外恃將校，內倚謀臣，故端拱而事辦。 朕荷先朝鴻業，卿等先朝舊臣，每一相見，除承奉外，略無社稷大計一言相救，坐視朕之寡昧，其如宗社何！」 文紀等引咎致謝，因奏延英故事，故有是詔。
An edict stated: "You are talents who aid the age and great virtues who stabilize the times—some who helped establish the realm at the founding, some who governed at the succession; your roles as chief ministers are equally honored, and your remonstrance equally earnest; we request restoring the Yanying system to extend the norms of deliberating on government. Moreover the lingering fragrance of successive sages and the splendid affairs of our dynasty—you have cited them in detail, and we deeply admire them. Respectfully considering the fifth-day audience, the late Emperor left a model: waiting until all officials had withdrawn, summoning the four chief ministers to ascend alone, receiving them warmly and inquiring into governance—the intent of such sessions is also in the tradition of Yanying of old. We have undeservedly received the succession and earnestly wish to observe it, intending to complete its excellence without failing to carry both together. The fifth-day audience shall remain as before; routine official business may also be promptly submitted and reported. If matters concern timely opportunity and should rightly be kept secret, gauging urgency without limiting to alternate days—even on the same day one may wait at the Gate of the Hall, submit a placard memorial, and report. If face-to-face presentation is requested, attendants shall all be dismissed; we shall sit properly in the side hall, awaiting your lofty deliberations to comfort our empty mind. When we wish to see you, we shall also summon you at the time—so long as the reality of good governance is pursued, why must one be bound to the name Yanying. If there are matters sufficient for discussion and words sufficient for presentation, take nourishing the heart as your task; do not worry that they may grate on the ear. Strive to exhaust your plans and counsel to supplement our limited understanding." The Emperor was by nature benevolent and forgiving, listening and accepting without weariness; once at court assembly he said to Lu Wenji and others: "When I was in the provinces, people said that in the Tang dynasty the ruler sat in dignified repose and the realm was well governed—because he relied outward on generals and inward on strategists, and so sitting in repose affairs were accomplished. We have received the great enterprise of the former dynasty; you are old ministers of the former dynasty—each time we meet, apart from attendance, there is scarcely a word to rescue us on great plans for the state; you sit and watch our limited understanding—what will become of the altars of soil and grain!" Wenji and the others accepted blame and apologized; they therefore memorialized on the Yanying precedent, and hence this edict.
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八月庚午，滑州節度使高允韜卒。 壬申，以右衛上將軍王景戡為左衛上將軍，以右神武統軍婁繼英為右衛上將軍。 己卯，以西上閣門使、行少府少監兼通事舍人蘇繼顏為司農卿，職如故。 辛巳，以權知雲州、右神武統軍沙彥珣為雲州節度使。 鄴都殺人賊陳延嗣並母、妹、妻等並棄市。 延嗣父子相承，與其妹、妻於諸州郡誘人殺之，而奪其財，前後被殺者數百人，至是事泄而誅之。 癸未，以前潞州行軍司馬陳元為將作監，以元善醫，故有是命。 丁亥，以洺州團練使李彥舜為義武軍節度使、檢校太傅。 太原奏，達靼部族於靈邱安置。 己丑，以太子少保致仕戴思遠卒廢朝。 庚寅，以前兗州節度使楊漢章為左神武統軍，以前邢州節度使康思立為右神武統軍。 潞州奏，前雲州節度使安重霸卒。
In the eighth month, on gengwu Gao Yuntao, Hua Prefecture military commissioner, died. On renshen Wang Jingzhan, General of the Right Guard, was made General of the Left Guard; Lou Jiying, commander of the Right Divine Martial Army, was made General of the Right Guard. On jimao Su Jiyan, Western Upper Gate envoy and acting Vice Director of the Palace Storehouse and concurrent Master of Ceremonies, was made Director of Agriculture, his other posts unchanged. On xinsi Sha Yanxun, acting Yun Prefecture prefect and commander of the Right Divine Martial Army, was made Yun Prefecture military commissioner. Chen Yansi, murderer of Ye Capital, together with his mother, sister, wife, and others, were all executed in the marketplace. Yansi and his father had carried on in succession; with his sister and wife they lured people to kill them in various prefectures and districts and seized their property—several hundred were killed in all; at this time the matter was exposed and they were executed. On guiwei Chen Yuan, former Lu Prefecture marching adjutant, was made Director of Palace Buildings—because Yuan was skilled in medicine, hence this appointment. On dinghai Li Yanshun, Ming Prefecture training commissioner, was made Yiwu Army military commissioner and honorary Grand Tutor. Taiyuan reported that the Tatar tribal groups were settled at Lingqiu. On jichou court was suspended for the death of Dai Siyuan, retired Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent. On gengyin Yang Hanzhang, former Yan Prefecture military commissioner, was made commander of the Left Divine Martial Army; Kang Sili, former Xing Prefecture military commissioner, was made commander of the Right Divine Martial Army. Lu Prefecture reported that An Chongba, former Yun Prefecture military commissioner, had died.
15
九月己亥，以河陽節度使、侍衛馬軍都指揮使安從進為襄州節度使； 以襄州節度使趙在禮為宋州節度使。 癸卯，以忠正軍節度使、侍衛步軍都指揮使宋審虔為河陽節度使，典軍如故。 己酉，禮部貢院奏：「進士請夜試，童子依舊表薦，重置明算道舉。 舉人落第後，別取文解。 五科試紙，不用中書印，用本司印。」 並從之。 以宣徽南院使房暠為刑部尚書，充樞密使； 以宣徽北院使、充樞密副使劉延朗為宣徽南院使，充樞密副使。 丙辰，以左僕射李愚卒廢朝。
In the ninth month, on jihai An Congjin, Heyang military commissioner and palace guard horse army overall commander, was made Xiang Prefecture military commissioner; Zhao Zaili, Xiang Prefecture military commissioner, was made Song Prefecture military commissioner. On guimao Song Shenqian, Zhongzheng Army military commissioner and palace guard foot army overall commander, was made Heyang military commissioner, commanding the army as before. On jiyou the Ministry of Rites examination bureau reported: "We request night examinations for jinshi candidates; child prodigies to be recommended by memorial as before; and restoration of the Ming-Suan Dao examination track. After candidates fail the examination, separate literary submissions shall be taken. Examination papers for the five tracks shall not use the Secretariat seal but the seal of this bureau." All approved. Fang Hao, Southern Bureau commissioner of the Palace Secretariat, was made Minister of Justice and Bureau of Military Affairs commissioner; Liu Yanlang, Northern Bureau commissioner and Bureau of Military Affairs vice commissioner, was made Southern Bureau commissioner and Bureau of Military Affairs vice commissioner. On bingchen court was suspended for the death of Li Yu, Left Vice Director of the Secretariat.
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冬十月丁卯，幸崇道宮、甘泉亭。 己巳，以左衛上將軍李頃為左領軍上將軍。 北面行營總管石敬瑭奏，自代州歸鎮。 庚午，以晉州節度使張溫卒廢朝。 甲戌，幸趙延壽、張延朗第。 丁丑，以端明殿學士、兵部侍郎李專美為秘書監，充宣徽北院使。 庚寅，以左諫議大夫唐汭為左散騎常侍。
In winter, the tenth month, on dingmao the Emperor visited the Chongdao Palace and Sweet Spring Pavilion. On jisi Li Qing, General of the Left Guard, was made General of the Left Army. Shi Jingtang, Northern Front camp overall commander, reported that he had returned from Dai Prefecture to his command. On gengwu court was suspended for the death of Zhang Wen, Jin Prefecture military commissioner. On jiaxu the Emperor visited the residences of Zhao Yanshou and Zhang Yanlang. On dingchou Li Zhuanmei, Duanming Hall academician and Vice Minister of War, was made Director of the Secretariat and Northern Bureau commissioner of the Palace Secretariat. On gengyin Tang Rui, Left Remonstrance Counselor, was made Left Regular Attendant.
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十一月庚子，以左驍衛上將軍郝瓊為左金吾上將軍，以光祿卿王玟為太子賓客。 以徐州節度使張敬達為晉州節度使，依前充大同、振武、威塞、彰國等軍兵馬副總管。 丁未，以秘書少監丁濟為太子詹事。 乙卯，以前金州防禦使馬全節為滄州留後。 〈（《通鑒》：劉延朗欲除全節絳州刺史，群議沸騰。 帝聞之，以為橫海留後。）〉 渤海國遣使朝貢。
In the eleventh month, on gengzi Hao Qiong, General of the Left Xiaoqi Guard, was made General of the Left Golden Guard; Wang Min, Director of the Court of Imperial Entertainments, was made Guest of the Heir Apparent. Zhang Jingda, Xu Prefecture military commissioner, was made Jin Prefecture military commissioner, continuing as before as deputy overall commander of the horse-and-foot forces of the Datong, Zhenwu, Weisai, Zhangguo, and other armies. On dingwei Ding Ji, Vice Director of the Secretariat, was made Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent. On yimao Ma Quanjie, former Jin Prefecture defense commissioner, was made acting commander of Cang Prefecture. (Per the 《Comprehensive Mirror》: Liu Yanlang wished to appoint Quanjie prefect of Jiang Prefecture, and court opinion seethed.) When the Emperor heard of it, he made him acting commissioner of the Henghai command.)〉 The state of Bohai sent envoys to present tribute at court.
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十二月戊辰，禁用鉛錢。 壬申，以中書侍郎兼兵部尚書、充樞密使韓昭裔為檢校司空、同平章事，充河中節度使。 甲戌，以宗正少卿李延祚為將作監致仕。 丁丑，故武安軍州節度使、累贈太傅劉建峰贈太尉，從湖南之請也。 戊寅，太常奏：「來年正月一日上辛，祀昊天上帝於圓丘，依禮大祠不朝。」 詔曰：「祀事在質明前，儀仗在日出後，事不相妨，宜依常年受朝。」 壬午，以翰林學士承旨、戶部侍郎程遂為兵部侍郎； 翰林學士、工部侍郎崔棁為戶部侍郎； 翰林學士、中書舍人和凝為工部侍郎，並依前充職。 乙酉，以前秘書監楊凝式為兵部侍郎。 己丑，以前同州節度使馮道為司空，以尚書右僕射劉煦為左僕射，以太子少師盧質為右僕射，以兵部侍郎馬縞兼國子祭酒。
In the twelfth month, on wuchen, the use of lead coin was forbidden. On renshen Han Zhaoyi, Vice Director of the Chancellery, concurrent Minister of War, and Bureau of Military Affairs commissioner, was made honorary Minister of Works, Associate Counselor, and Hezhong military commissioner. On jiaxu Li Yanzuo, Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Clan, was made Director of Palace Buildings and retired from office. On dingchou Liu Jianfeng, late Wu'an commander and repeatedly posthumously advanced to Grand Tutor, was posthumously made Grand Marshal at Hunan's request. On wuyin the Court of Imperial Sacrifices reported: "On the first shangxin day of the first month of next year, the Supreme God of the Vast Heaven will be sacrificed to at the Round Mound; according to ritual, great sacrifices preclude a court audience." An edict read: "The sacrifice takes place before dawn, while the ceremonial guard forms after sunrise; the two do not interfere. The annual court audience should be held as usual." On renwu Cheng Sui, Hanlin Academician-in-Chief and Vice Minister of Revenue, was made Vice Minister of War; Cui Yuan, Hanlin Academician and Vice Minister of Works, was made Vice Minister of Revenue; He Ning, Hanlin Academician and Secretariat Drafter, was made Vice Minister of Works—all retaining their concurrent posts as before. On yiyou Yang Ningshi, former Director of the Secretariat, was made Vice Minister of War. On jichou Feng Dao, former Tong Prefecture commander, was made Minister of Works; Liu Xu, Right Vice Director of the Secretariat, was made Left Vice Director; Lu Zhi, Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent, was made Right Vice Director; Ma Gao, Vice Minister of War, was made concurrent Rector of the Directorate of Education.