1
Emperor Tianzuo, taboo name Yanxi, courtesy name Yanning, childhood name Aguo. He was Daozong's grandson; his father was Emperor Shunzong, the Great Filial Shun-Sage Emperor; his mother was Empress Zhenshun of the Xiao clan. He was born in the first year of Dakang. At age six he was enfeoffed Prince of Liang, promoted Defender of the State grand mentor, and made concurrently Director of the Secretariat. Three years later he was advanced to Prince of Yan. In the seventh year of Da'an he oversaw Northern and Southern Privy Council affairs, was made Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and became supreme commander of all armies and horses under Heaven. In the seventh year of Shoulong [1], on jiaxu day of the first month Daozong died; by testamentary edict Tianzuo assumed the throne before the coffin. The hundred officials offered the honorific title Emperor Tianzuo.
2
On the renchen new moon of the second month the era name was changed to Qiantong and a general amnesty was proclaimed. An edict ordered restoration of office and rank for those framed by Yelü Yixin, return of confiscated property, and recall of the exiled. On yiwei day envoys were sent to announce mourning to Song, Western Xia, and Goryeo. On yisi day Northern Court chancellor Xiao Wuna was made military commissioner of Liaoxing Army and promoted Defender of the State grand mentor.
3
On dingmao day of the third month an edict ordered the relevant offices to distribute Zhang Xiaojie's family members among the hundred officials. On jiaxu day the monk Fayi was summoned to grant precepts in the inner court.
4
夏四月，旱。
That summer, in the fourth month, there was drought.
5
On the gengyin new moon of the sixth month the court went to Qing Prefecture. On jiawu day Song sent Wang Qian and others to offer mourning sacrifices. On bingshen day Goryeo and Xia State each sent envoys to offer condolences. On wuxu day Southern Court chancellor Wotela was also made Southern Court privy commissioner. On gengzi day Empress Yide was posthumously titled Empress Xuanyi. On renyin day the Prince of Song and Wei, Heluwo, was made supreme commander of all armies and horses under heaven. On yisi day Prince of Beiping Commandery Chun was advanced to Prince of Zheng. On dingwei day Northern Court privy commissioner Yelü Asi was promoted yuyue. On xinhai day the Benevolent Sage Great Filial Literary Emperor and Empress Xuanyi were buried at Qing Mausoleum.
6
秋七月癸亥，阻卜、鐵驪來貢。
On guihai day of the seventh autumn month Zubu and Iron Li came with tribute.
7
八月甲寅，謁慶陵。
On jiayin day of the eighth month the court paid respects at Qing Mausoleum.
8
九月壬申，謁懷陵。 乙亥，駐蹕藕絲澱。
On renshen day of the ninth month the court paid respects at Huai Mausoleum. On yihai day the court halted at Ousi Marsh.
9
On renchen day of the tenth winter month the court paid respects at Qian Mausoleum. On jiachen day the late imperial father, Heir Apparent Zhaohuai, was titled Great Filial Shun-Sage Emperor with temple name Shunzong; the late imperial mother was titled Empress Zhenshun.
10
On wuzi day of the twelfth month Deputy Privy Commissioner Zhang Lin was made knower of privy council affairs; Hanlin academician Zhang Fengsan was made knower of government affairs and concurrently associate knower of privy council affairs. On guisi day Song sent Huang Shi to congratulate the accession. On dingyou day Goryeo and Xia State each sent envoys to congratulate. On yisi day an edict ordered that matters already settled in former reigns might not be reported in accusatory memorials.
11
12
二年春正月，如鴨子河。
In the second year, in the first spring month the court went to Huntong River.
13
二月辛卯，如春州。
On xinmao day of the second month the court went to Chun Prefecture.
14
三月，大寒，冰復合。
In the third month there was great cold and the ice formed again.
15
On xinhai day of the fourth summer month an edict ordered execution of Yixin's faction and relocation of their sons and grandsons to the border; Yixin's and Delite's tombs were opened, coffins split, and corpses dismembered; their families were distributed to the households of those who had been killed.
16
17
On renchen day of the sixth month, because of rain the hunt was abandoned and the court halted at Sanshui Plain. On bingwu day Xia King Li Qianshun again sent envoys requesting marriage to a princess. On dingwei day Southern Court great king Chenjianu retired. On renzi day Li Qianshun, attacked by Song, dispatched Li Zaofu and Tian Ruoshui to seek aid.
18
閏月庚申，策賢良。 壬申，降惠妃為庶人。
On gengshen day of the intercalary month worthy talent was examined. On renshen day Favored Consort was demoted to commoner.
19
20
On yimao day of the tenth winter month Xiao Haili rebelled and plundered the armory of Qian Prefecture. Northern Court linya Hao Jianu was ordered to capture him; Xiao Haili fled into the Adian division of the Peishu River. On bingyin day Southern Court chancellor Yelü Wotela was made Northern Court privy commissioner; third associate administrator of affairs Niu Wenshu administered Southern Court privy commissioner affairs.
21
On yiwei day of the eleventh month Hao Jianu, for failing to capture Xiao Haili, was dismissed from office. On renyin day Supreme Capital intendant Yelü Shensi was made associate Northern Court privy commissioner. The relevant offices requested that the emperor's birthday be made the Tianxing Festival.
22
In the third year, on the xinsi new moon of the first spring month the court went to Huntong River. Jurchen sent Xiao Haili's head in a box and dispatched envoys to present it. On wushen day the court went to Chun Prefecture.
23
二月庚午，以武清縣大水，弛其陂澤之禁。
On gengwu day of the second month, because of great flood at Wuqing County, prohibitions on ponds and marshes were relaxed.
24
夏五月戊子，以獵人多亡，嚴立科禁。 乙巳，清暑赤勒嶺。 丙午，謁慶陵。
On wuzi day of the fifth summer month, because many hunters had fled, strict statutes were established. On yisi day the court took summer ease at Chile Ridge. On bingwu day the court paid respects at Qing Mausoleum.
25
六月辛酉，夏國王李乾順復遣使請尚公主。
On xinyou day of the sixth month Xia King Li Qianshun again sent envoys requesting marriage to a princess.
26
秋七月，中京雨雹，傷稼。
In the seventh autumn month hail at Central Capital damaged the crops.
27
冬十月甲辰，如中京。 己未，吐蕃遣使來貢。 庚申，夏國復遣使求援。 己巳，有事於觀德殿。
On jiachen day of the tenth winter month the court went to Central Capital. On jiwei day Tibet sent envoys with tribute. On gengshen day Xia State again sent envoys seeking aid. On jisi day rites were performed at Guande Hall.
28
On bingshen day of the eleventh month civil and military officials added the honorific title Benevolent, Cultured, Wise, Martial, Sagely, Filial Emperor Tianzuo; a general amnesty was proclaimed; Song Prince of Wei Heluwo was made Imperial Grand Uncle; Prince of Liang Taluo was advanced to Prince of Yan; Prince of Zheng Chun was made Eastern Capital intendant and advanced to Prince of Yue; all officials were promoted one grade. On dingyou day tiyin Yelü Heluosaogu was made Southern Court great king. On wuxu day, because of receiving the honorific title, announcement was made at the ancestral temple. On yisi day the court paid respects at Taizu's temple; Taizu's great-great-grandfather was posthumously titled Emperor Zhaolie with temple name Suzu; his consort was titled Empress Zhaolie. The great-grandfather was titled Emperor Zhuangjing with temple name Yizu; his consort was titled Empress Zhuangjing. Supervisor of compilation of the national history Yelü Yan was summoned to compile Veritable Records of the various emperors from Taizu onward.
29
十二月戊申，如藕絲澱。
On wushen day of the twelfth month the court went to Ousi Marsh.
30
是年，放進士馬恭回等百三人。
That year advanced scholars Ma Gonghui and one hundred three others were released.
31
In the fourth year, on wuzi day of the first spring month the court visited Yuer Marsh. On renyin day the court hunted at Muling Ridge. On guimao day Prince of Yan Taluo died.
32
二月丁丑，鼻骨德遣使來貢。
On dingchou day of the second month the Nose-bone tribe sent envoys with tribute.
33
On jiachen day of the sixth summer month the court halted at Wangguo Cliff. On jiayin day Xia State sent Li Zaofu and Tian Ruoshui to seek aid. On guihai day Tibet sent envoys with tribute.
34
In the seventh autumn month there were locusts at Nanjing. On gengchen day the court hunted at Southern Mountain. On guiwei day Northwest Route pacification commissioner Xiao Delidi and associate Northern Court privy commissioner Yelü Shensi both administered Northern Court privy commissioner affairs. On xinmao day associate Southern Court privy commissioner Xiao Dili was made Northwest Route pacification commissioner.
35
冬十月己酉，鳳凰見於陰。 己未，幸南京。
On jiyou day of the tenth winter month a phoenix appeared at Yin. On jiwei day the court went to Nanjing.
36
十一月乙亥，禦迎月樓，賜貧民錢。
On yihai day of the eleventh month at Welcome Moon Tower money was bestowed on poor people.
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In the fifth year, on yihai day of the first spring month Xia State sent Li Zaofu and others to seek aid and also requested an attack on Song. On gengyin day Liaoxing Army military commissioner Xiao Changge was made Northern Court chancellor. On dingyou day privy council academician Gao Duanli and others were sent to admonish Song to cease attacking Xia troops.
39
二月癸卯，微行，視民疾苦。 丙午，幸鴛鴦濼。
On guimao day of the second month the emperor made a private tour to observe the people's hardships. On bingwu day the court went to Mandarin Duck Marsh.
40
On renshen day of the third month a clanswoman Nanxian was enfeoffed Princess Cheng'an and married to Xia King Li Qianshun.
41
夏四月甲申，射虎炭山。
On jiashen day of the fourth summer month the court shot tigers at Charcoal Mountain.
42
On guimao day of the fifth month the court took summer ease at Southern Cliff. On renzi day Song sent Zeng Xiaoguang and Wang Jian on a return mission.
43
六月甲戌，夏國遣使來謝，及貢方物。 己丑，幸候里吉。
On jiaxu day of the sixth month Xia State sent envoys to give thanks and present local goods. On jichou day the court went to Houliji.
44
秋七月，謁慶陵。
In the seventh autumn month the court paid respects at Qing Mausoleum.
45
九月辛亥，駐蹕藕絲澱。 乙卯，謁乾陵。
On xinhai day of the ninth month the court halted at Ousi Marsh. On yimao day the court paid respects at Qian Mausoleum.
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48
In the sixth year, on xinchou day of the first spring month Xiao Delidi, who administered Northern Court privy commissioner affairs, and [4] Niu Wenshu, who administered Southern Court privy commissioner affairs, were sent as envoys to Song to admonish return of invaded Xia territory.
49
夏五月，清暑散水原。
In the fifth summer month the court took summer ease at Sanshui Plain.
50
51
秋七月癸巳，阻卜來貢。 甲午，如黑嶺。 庚子，獵鹿角山。
On guisi day of the seventh autumn month Zubu came with tribute. On jiawu day the court went to Black Ridge. On gengzi day the court hunted at Deer-Horn Mountain.
52
On yihai day of the tenth winter month Song and Xia opened relations; Liu Zhengfu and Cao Mu were sent to announce it. [5] On gengchen day Imperial Grand Uncle and Nanjing intendant Heluwo was also made tiyin; Eastern Capital intendant and Prince of Yue Chun was made Southern Court chancellor.
53
On yiwei day of the eleventh month Xiejianu was made Southern Court great king; Manu was made great king of Xi Six Divisions. On bingshen day the firewood-bundle rite was performed. On wuxu day a general amnesty was proclaimed. Heluwo was titled Imperial Grand Uncle of Yihe, Benevolent and Sagely; [6] Prince of Yue Chun was advanced to Prince of Wei; imperial son Aoluwo was enfeoffed Prince of Jin; Xini Lie was enfeoffed Prince of Raole Commandery. On jihai day the court paid respects at Taizu's temple. On jiachen day sacrifice was made at Muye Mountain.
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55
七年春正月，鉤魚於鴨子河。
In the seventh year, in the first spring month the court angled for fish at Huntong River.
56
二月，駐蹕大魚濼。
In the second month the court halted at Great Fish Marsh.
57
夏六月，次散水原。
In the sixth summer month the court stopped at Sanshui Plain.
58
秋七月，如黑嶺。
In the seventh autumn month the court went to Black Ridge.
59
冬十月，謁乾陵，獵醫巫閭山。
In the tenth winter month the court paid respects at Qian Mausoleum and hunted at Mount Yiwulü.
61
八年春正月，如春州。
In the eighth year, in the first spring month the court went to Chun Prefecture.
62
夏四月丙申，封高麗王為三韓國公，贈其父為高麗國王<七>。
On bingshen day of the fourth summer month the Goryeo king was enfeoffed Duke of Three Han States and his father was posthumously enfeoffed King of Goryeo [7].
63
五月，清暑散水原。
In the fifth month the court took summer ease at Sanshui Plain.
64
On renchen day of the sixth month Northwest Route pacification commissioner Xiao Dili led the various tribes to court. On bingshen day the court shot willow to pray for rain. On renyin day Xia King Li Qianshun, because Princess Cheng'an had borne a son, sent envoys to announce it. On dingwei day the court went to Black Ridge.
65
秋七月戊辰，以雨罷獵。
On wuchen day of the seventh autumn month, because of rain, the hunt was abandoned.
66
冬十二月己卯，高麗遣使來謝。
On jimao day of the twelfth winter month Goryeo sent envoys to give thanks.
67
九年春正月丙午朔，如鴨子河。
In the ninth year, on the bingwu new moon of the first spring month the court went to Huntong River.
68
二月，如春州。
In the second month the court went to Chun Prefecture.
69
三月戊午，夏國以宋不歸地，遣使來告。
On wuwu day of the third month, because Song did not return territory, Xia sent envoys to report it.
70
夏四月壬午，五國部來貢。
On renwu day of the fourth summer month the Five States Division came with tribute.
71
六月乙亥，清暑特禮嶺。
On yihai day of the sixth month the court took summer ease at Teli Ridge.
72
秋七月，隕霜，傷稼。 甲寅，獵于候里吉。
In the seventh autumn month frost fell and damaged the crops. On jiayin day the court hunted at Houliji.
73
八月丁酉，雪，罷獵。
On dingyou day of the eighth month snow fell and the hunt was abandoned.
74
冬十月癸酉，望祠木葉山。 丁丑，詔免今年租稅。
On guiyou day of the tenth winter month the court gazed in sacrifice at Muye Mountain. On dingchou day an edict remitted this year's rent and tax.
75
十二月甲申，高麗遣使來貢。
On jiashen day of the twelfth month Goryeo sent envoys with tribute.
77
十年春正月辛丑，預行立春禮。 如鴨子河。
In the tenth year, on xinchou day of the first spring month the early spring rite was performed in advance. The court went to Huntong River.
78
二月庚午朔，駐蹕大魚濼。
On the gengwu new moon of the second month the court halted at Great Fish Marsh.
79
夏四月丙子，五國部長來貢。 丙戌，預行再生禮。 癸巳，獵於北山。
On bingzi day of the fourth summer month chiefs of the Five States Division came with tribute. On bingxu day the rebirth rite was performed in advance. On guisi day the court hunted at Northern Mountain.
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秋七月辛丑，謁慶陵。
On xinchou day of the seventh autumn month the court paid respects at Qing Mausoleum.
82
In the intercalary month, on xinhai day the court paid respects at Huai Mausoleum. On jiwei day the court paid respects at the ancestral mausoleum. On renxu day Imperial Grand Uncle Heluwo died.
83
九月甲戌，免重九節禮。
On jiaxu day of the ninth month the Double Ninth Festival rite was waived.
84
冬十月，駐蹕藕絲澱。
In the tenth winter month the court halted at Ousi Marsh.
85
十二月己酉，改明年元。
On jiyou day of the twelfth month the coming year's era name was changed.
86
是歲，大饑。
That year there was great famine.
87
天慶元年春正月，鉤魚於鴨子河。
In the first year of Tianqing, in the first spring month, the court angled for fish on the Huntong River.
88
二月，如春州。
In the second month the court went to Chun Prefecture.
89
三月乙亥，五國部長來貢。
On yihai day of the third month chiefs of the Five States Division came with tribute.
90
夏五月，清暑散水原。
In the fifth summer month the court took summer ease at Sanshui Plain.
91
秋七月，獵。
In the seventh autumn month the court hunted.
92
冬十月，駐蹕藕絲澱。
In the tenth winter month the court halted at Ousi Marsh.
93
二年春正月己未朔，如鴨子河。 丁丑，五國部長來貢。
In the second year, on the jiwei new moon of the first spring month the court went to Huntong River. On dingchou day chiefs of the Five States Division came with tribute.
94
On dingyou day of the second month the court went to Chun Prefecture and went to Huntong River to angle for fish; [8] Raw Jurchen chiefs within a thousand li by precedent all came to court. It happened to be the "Head-Fish Banquet"; when the wine was half gone the emperor came to the hall front and ordered the chiefs in turn to dance; Aguda alone declined, saying he could not. He was admonished again and again but in the end would not comply. Another day the emperor secretly told Privy Commissioner Xiao Fengxian, "At the banquet the other day Aguda's spirit was bold and heroic and his glances were unusual; he could be entrusted with a border affair and executed. Otherwise he will surely leave trouble for later." Fengxian said, "These wild people do not know ritual propriety; to kill them without great offense would surely wound hearts inclined toward transformation. Even if they had other intentions, what could they do?" His younger brothers Wukimai, Nianhan, Hushe, and others had once followed the hunt; [9] they could call deer, stab tigers, and wrestle bears. The emperor was pleased and repeatedly added office and titles.
95
On gengyin day of the sixth summer month the court took summer ease at Southern Cliff. On jiawu day Uighurs of Hezhou came with tribute. On wuxu day Princess Cheng'an came to court. On jiachen day Zubu came with tribute.
96
秋七月乙丑，獵南山。
On yichou day of the seventh autumn month the court hunted at Southern Mountain.
97
On jiwei day of the ninth month the court shot and obtained a bear, feasted the hundred officials, and the emperor personally played the pipa. Initially, when Aguda returned from the Huntong River banquet he suspected the emperor knew his other intent and thereupon raised troops, first annexing nearby divisions. Jurchen Zhao San and Ahechan resisted; Aguda captured their families. The two men fled to complain at Xian Prefecture; the detailed-stable office sent them to the Northern Privy Council. Privy Commissioner Xiao Fengxian reported it as an ordinary matter to the emperor and still sent them back to Xian Prefecture to be questioned and rebuked, intending that they reform themselves. After several summonses Aguda in the end claimed illness and did not come.
98
冬十月辛亥，高麗三韓國公王之母死，來告，即遣使致祭，起復。 是月，駐蹕奉聖州。
On xinhai day of the tenth winter month the mother of Wang, Duke of the Three Han States of Goryeo died; envoys came to announce it; envoys were immediately sent to offer sacrifice and grant mourning leave. That month the court halted at Fengsheng Prefecture.
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101
三年春正月丙寅，賜南京貧民錢。 丁卯，如大魚濼。 甲戌，禁僧尼破戒。 丙子，獵狗牙山，大寒，獵人多死。
In the third year, on bingyin day of the first spring month money was bestowed on poor people of Nanjing. On dingmao day the court went to Great Fish Marsh. On jiaxu day monks and nuns were forbidden to break precepts. On bingzi day the court hunted at Dog Tooth Mountain; there was great cold and many hunters died.
102
In the third month households of all circuits were registered; residents of the Dalao Hunting Ground were moved to other lands. One day Aguda led five hundred horsemen in a sudden dash to Xian Prefecture; officials and people were greatly alarmed. The next day he went to the detailed-stable office and faced Zhao San and the others in debate beneath the hall. Aguda would not yield and was sent to the relevant office for questioning. In one night he fled. He sent men to complain to the emperor, saying the detailed-stable office wished to kill him, so he dared not stay. From then on when summoned he never came again.
103
104
六月乙卯，斡朗改國遣使來貢良犬。 丙辰，夏國遣使來貢。
On yimao day of the sixth month Wolanggai State sent envoys presenting fine dogs. On bingchen day Xia State sent envoys with tribute.
105
秋七月，幸秋山。
In the seventh autumn month the court went to Autumn Mountain.
106
九月，駐蹕藕絲澱。
In the ninth month the court halted at Ousi Marsh.
107
108
On gengxu day of the twelfth month Goryeo sent envoys to give thanks for the sacrificial mission. On guichou day Uighurs sent envoys with tribute. On jiayin day privy council academician Ma Renwang was made third associate administrator of affairs. On bingchen day Administrator of Privy Council Affairs Yelü Yan died. On guihai day Goryeo sent envoys to give thanks for mourning leave.
109
In the fourth year, in the first spring month the court went to Chun Prefecture. Initially when Jurchen raised troops, because Ashu of the Hesilie division did not follow, they sent Sagai of their division to attack him. Ashu's younger brother Dibao came to report; an edict admonished that he not be attacked; they did not listen; Ashu came to flee. By then Jurchen sent envoys to demand him back; he was not handed over.
110
夏五月，清暑散水原。
In the fifth summer month the court took summer ease at Sanshui Plain.
111
In the seventh autumn month Jurchen again sent envoys to take Ashu; he was not handed over; Attendant-in-Waiting Axi Bao was then sent to ask the reason for many castles built on the border. Jurchen answered in insolent words, "If Ashu is returned, tribute as before; otherwise the building of castles cannot cease." Thereupon armies north of the Hun River were mobilized and the Northeast Route supreme command office was strengthened. Aguda then plotted with his younger brothers Nianhan, Hushe, and others — [10]: making Yinjishuge, Yilie, Loushi, Mu, and others commanders, he gathered Jurchen divisions and captured Liao border hawk officials. When they attacked Ningjiang Prefecture, the Northeast Route supreme command office reported it. At the time the emperor was shooting deer at Qing Prefecture; on hearing it he was little concerned and dispatched Haizhou prefect Gao Xianshou to command Bohai troops in relief. Xiao Tabuye encountered Jurchen and fought east of Ningjiang; he was defeated.
112
On the renyin new moon of the tenth winter month — [11]: Acting Minister of Works Xiao Sixian was made northeast route commander-in-chief; Jingjiang Army military commissioner Xiao Tabuye was deputy; three thousand Khitan and Xi troops, Central Capital forbidden troops and local strongmen two thousand, and more than two thousand martial men selected from all routes — with scout-commander Cui Gongyi as chief escort officer and Crane-Control commander Xing Ying as deputy — led the army to encamp at Chuhe Store. The two armies faced each other; Jurchen troops secretly crossed Huntong River and struck the Liao force by surprise. Xiao Sixian's army collapsed; Cui Gongyi, Xing Ying, Yelü Foliu, Xiao Geshi, and others died; of those who escaped barely seventeen men. Xiao Fengxian feared his younger brother Sixian would be punished and memorialized that the eastern expedition's routed troops everywhere plundered; unless a sweeping pardon were granted they might gather into trouble. The emperor followed this; Sixian was only dismissed from office. The armies said to one another, "In battle there is death without merit; in retreat there is life without guilt." Therefore the soldiers had no fighting will and fled at sight of the wind.
113
On renchen day of the eleventh month Commander-in-Chief Xiao Dili and others encamped east of Wolin Marsh and were again struck by Jurchen; very many soldiers died. On jiawu day Xiao Dili also was dismissed from office for the offense. — [12]: On xinchou day Northwest Route pacification commissioner Yelü Woliduo was made field army commander-in-chief; — [13]: deputy inspector Xiao Yixue and associate Southern Court privy commissioner Yelü Zhangnu were deputies.
114