1
十五年春正月辛巳，宴群臣於謹身殿，始用九奏樂。 景川侯曹震、定遠侯王弼下威楚路。 壬午，元曲靖宣慰司及中慶、澄江、武定諸路俱降，雲南平。 己丑，減大辟囚。 乙未，大祀天地於南郊。 庚戌，命天下朝覲官各舉所知一人。 二月壬子。 河決河南，命駙馬都尉李祺振之。 甲寅，以雲南平，詔天下。 閏月癸卯，藍玉、沐英克大理，分兵徇鶴慶、麗江、金齒，俱下。 三月庚午，河決朝邑。
In the fifteenth year of his reign, on the xinsi day of the first month of spring, the emperor feasted his ministers in the Hall of Self-Restraint and, for the first time, had the Nine-Performance suite played. Marquis Jingchuan Cao Zhen and Marquis Dingyuan Wang Bi marched down the Weichu route. On the renwu day, the Yuan Qujing Pacification Commission and the Zhongqing, Chengjiang, and Wuding circuits all submitted, and Yunnan was brought under control. On the jichou day, the number of prisoners sentenced to death was reduced. On the yiwei day, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the gengxu day, he commanded every official in the empire who had come to court to nominate one person of known merit. In the second month, on the renzi day. The Yellow River broke through its dikes in Henan, and the emperor ordered Chief Commandant of Horse Guards Li Qi to organize relief. On the jiayin day, with Yunnan pacified, he proclaimed the news to the entire realm. In the intercalary month, on the guimao day, Lan Yu and Mu Ying captured Dali, then sent columns against Heqing, Lijiang, and Jinchi, which all submitted. In the third month, on the gengwu day, the river broke its banks at Chaoyi.
2
夏四月甲申，遷元梁王把匝剌瓦兒密及威順王子伯伯等家屬於耽羅。 丙戌，詔天下通祀孔子。 壬辰，免畿內、浙江、江西、河南、山東稅糧。 五月乙丑，太學成，釋奠於先師孔子。 丙子，廣平府吏王允道請開磁州鐵冶。 帝曰：「朕聞王者使天下無遺賢，不聞無遺利。 今軍器不乏，而民業已定，無益於國，且重擾民。」 杖之，流嶺南。 丁丑，遣行人訪經明行修之士。
In the fourth month of summer, on the jiashen day, the Yuan Liang prince Bazha'erwamier and the households of the Weishun prince Bobo and others were resettled on Tamna. On the bingxu day, an edict commanded that Confucius be honored with sacrifice throughout the empire. On the renchen day, grain taxes were waived in the metropolitan districts and in Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Henan, and Shandong. In the fifth month, on the yichou day, the Imperial Academy was finished, and the ceremonial offering was made to Confucius as First Teacher. On the bingzi day, Wang Yundao, a clerk in Guangping Prefecture, petitioned to reopen the iron smelters at Cizhou. The emperor said, "I have always understood that a ruler's duty is to leave no talent unused under Heaven—not to leave no profit unmined. Our armories are full, and the people's livelihoods are settled. This would do the state no good and would only add heavy burdens to the people." He had Wang beaten with the rod and banished to Lingnan. On the dingchou day, envoys were sent out to search for scholars distinguished in the classics and upright in conduct.
3
秋七月乙卯，河決滎澤、陽武。 辛酉，罷四輔官。 乙亥，傅友德、沐英擊烏撒蠻，大敗之。 八月丁丑，復設科取士，三年一行，為定制。 丙戌，皇后崩。 己丑，延安侯唐勝宗、長興侯耿炳文屯田陝西。 丁酉，擢秀才曾泰為戶部尚書。 辛丑，命徵至秀才分六科試用。 九月己酉，吏部以經明行修之士鄭韜等三千七百餘人入見，令舉所知，復遣使徵之。 賜韜等鈔，尋各授布政使、參政等官有差。 庚午，葬孝慈皇后於孝陵。
In the seventh month of autumn, on the yimao day, the river broke through at Rongze and Yangwu. On the xinyou day, the four grand counselor posts were abolished. On the yihai day, Fu Youde and Mu Ying struck the Wusa tribes and won a crushing victory. In the eighth month, on the dingchou day, the civil examination was restored, to be held every three years as permanent regulation. On the bingxu day, the empress died. On the jichou day, Marquis of Yan'an Tang Shengzong and Marquis of Changxing Geng Bingwen established garrison farms in Shaanxi. On the dingyou day, the licentiate Zeng Tai was elevated to Minister of Revenue. On the xinchou day, he commanded the summoned licentiates to be tested and assigned among six branches of service. In the ninth month, on the jiyou day, the Ministry of Personnel presented over thirty-seven hundred scholars accomplished in the classics and upright in conduct for audience. The emperor ordered each to name others he knew, and sent envoys out again to summon them. Zheng Tao and the rest were granted banknotes, and soon afterward were appointed, according to rank, as provincial administration commissioners, vice commissioners, and similar posts. On the gengwu day, the Filial and Kind Empress was interred at Xiaoling.
4
冬十月丙子，置都察院。 丙申，錄囚。 甲辰，徐達還。 是月，廣東群盜平，詔趙庸班師。 十一月戊午，置殿閣大學士，以邵質、吳伯宗、宋訥、吳沉為之。 十二月辛卯，振北平被災屯田士卒。 乙亥，永城侯薛顯理山西軍務。
In the tenth month of winter, on the bingzi day, the Censorate was established. On the bingshen day, criminal cases were reviewed. On the jiachen day, Xu Da returned to court. That month, the outlaw bands in Guangdong were suppressed, and Zhao Yong was ordered to withdraw his troops. In the eleventh month, on the wuwu day, grand academicians of the Hall and Pavilions were installed, with Shao Zhi, Wu Bozong, Song Na, and Wu Chen appointed to the posts. In the twelfth month, on the xinmao day, relief was granted to troops farming disaster-hit colonies in northern Ping. On the yihai day, Marquis of Yongcheng Xue Xian was put in charge of military affairs in Shanxi.
5
是年，爪哇、琉球、烏斯藏、占城入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Java, Ryukyu, U-Tsang, and Champa.
6
十六年春正月乙卯，大祀天地於南郊。 戊午，徐達鎮北平。 二月丙申，初命天下學校歲貢士於京師。 三月甲辰，召征南師還，沐英留鎮雲南。 丙寅，復鳳陽、臨淮二縣民徭賦，世世無所與。
In the sixteenth year, on the yimao day of the first month of spring, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the wuwu day, Xu Da took up command of the northern Ping garrison. In the second month, on the bingshen day, he decreed for the first time that schools across the empire should send graduates to the capital each year. In the third month, on the jiachen day, the southern expeditionary force was recalled, while Mu Ying stayed behind to guard Yunnan. On the bingyin day, corvée and tax obligations were lifted for the people of Fengyang and Linhuai, who were forever freed from those levies.
7
夏五月庚申，免畿內各府田租。 六月辛卯，免畿內十二州縣養馬戶田租一年，滁州免二年。
In the fifth month of summer, on the gengshen day, field rents in the metropolitan districts were waived. In the sixth month, on the xinmao day, field rents were waived for one year for horse-rearing households in twelve metropolitan counties and prefectures, and for two years in Chuzhou.
8
秋七月，分遣御史錄囚。 八月壬申朔，日有食之。 九月癸亥，申國公鄧鎮為征南將軍，討龍泉山寇，平之。
In the seventh month of autumn, censors were sent out in separate circuits to review criminal cases. On the first day of the eighth month, renshen, the sun was eclipsed. In the ninth month, on the guihai day, Duke of Shen Guo Zhen was appointed southern campaigning general, crushed the bandits of Longquan Mountain, and restored order.
9
冬十月丁丑，召徐達等還。 十二月甲午，刑部尚書開濟有罪誅。
In the tenth month of winter, on the dingchou day, Xu Da and the others were recalled to court. In the twelfth month, on the jiawu day, Minister of Justice Kai Ji was put to death for his offenses.
10
是年，琉球、占城、西番、打箭爐、暹羅、須文達那入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Ryukyu, Champa, the western tribes, Dajianlu, Siam, and Suwannadham.
11
十七年春正月丁未，太祀天地於南郊。 戊申，徐達鎮北平。 壬戌，湯和巡視沿海諸城防倭。 三月戊戌朔，頒科舉取士式。 曹國公李文忠卒。 甲子，大赦天下。
In the seventeenth year, on the dingwei day of the first month of spring, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the wushen day, Xu Da returned to garrison northern Ping. On the renxu day, Tang He toured the coastal defenses to prepare against Japanese raiders. On the first day of the third month, wuxu, the regulations for the civil examination were issued. Duke of Cao Li Wenzhong died. On the jiazi day, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the empire.
12
夏四月壬午，論平雲南功，進封傅友德潁國公，陳桓恆等侯者四人，大賚將士。 庚寅，收陣亡遺骸。 增築國子學舍。 五月丙寅，涼州指揮宋晟討西番於亦集乃，敗之。
In the fourth month of summer, on the renwu day, rewards for pacifying Yunnan were apportioned: Fu Youde was promoted to Duke of Ying, Chen Huan and three others were ennobled as marquises, and the troops were granted lavish gifts. On the gengyin day, the remains of soldiers killed in action were collected for burial. The halls of the Imperial Academy were expanded. In the fifth month, on the bingyin day, Liangzhou commander Song Sheng campaigned against the western tribes at Yijinai and routed them.
13
秋七月戊戌，禁內官預外事，敕諸司毋通內官監文移。 癸丑，詔百官迎養父母者，官給舟車。 丁巳，免畿內今年田租之半。 庚申，錄囚。 壬戌，盱貽人獻天書，斬之。 八月丙寅，河決開封。 壬申，決杞縣，遣官塞之。 己丑，蠲河南諸省逋賦。
In the seventh month of autumn, on the wuxu day, palace eunuchs were barred from outside affairs, and every agency was forbidden to route documents through the eunuch directorates. On the guichou day, an edict decreed that officials traveling to care for their parents would be furnished boats and carriages at government expense. On the dingsi day, half of the year's field rents in the metropolitan districts were waived. On the gengshen day, criminal cases were reviewed. On the renxu day, a man from Xuyi presented a forged "Heaven Book" and was executed. In the eighth month, on the bingyin day, the river broke through at Kaifeng. On the renshen day, the breach opened at Qi County, and officials were sent to seal the dikes. On the jichou day, delinquent taxes in Henan and neighboring provinces were forgiven.
14
冬十月丙子，河南、北平大水，分遣駙馬都尉李祺等振之。 閏月癸丑，詔天下罪囚，刑部、都察院詳議，大理寺覆讞後奏決。 是月，召徐達還。 十二月壬子，蠲雲南逋賦。
In the tenth month of winter, on the bingzi day, severe flooding hit Henan and northern Ping, and Chief Commandant of Horse Guards Li Qi and others were sent out to organize relief. In the intercalary month, on the guichou day, an edict required that prisoners empire-wide be reviewed by the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate, then re-adjudicated by the Court of Judicial Review before final sentence was submitted to the throne. That month, Xu Da was recalled to court. In the twelfth month, on the renzi day, delinquent taxes in Yunnan were forgiven.
15
是年，琉球、暹羅、安南、占城入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Ryukyu, Siam, Annam, and Champa.
16
十八年春正月辛未，大祀天地於南郊。 癸酉，朝覲官分五等考績，黜陟有差。 二月甲辰，以久陰雨雷雹，詔臣民極言得失。 己未，魏國公徐達卒。 三月壬戌，賜丁顯等進士及第、出身有差。 詔中外官父母歿任所者，有司給舟車歸其喪，著為令。 乙亥，免畿內今年田租。 命天下郡縣瘞暴骨。 丙子，初選進士為翰林院、承敕監、六科庶起士。 己丑，戶部侍郎郭桓坐盜官糧誅。
In the eighteenth year, on the xinwei day of the first month of spring, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the guiyou day, officials presenting themselves at court were ranked in five grades for merit review, with promotions and dismissals apportioned accordingly. In the second month, on the jiachen day, after weeks of rain with thunder and hail, the emperor issued an edict inviting officials and commoners alike to speak plainly of what the government was doing right and wrong. On the jiwei day, Duke of Wei Xu Da died. In the third month, on the renxu day, Ding Xian and the other jinshi were conferred, according to rank, the titles of Presented Scholar and Advanced Scholar. An edict decreed that when an official's parent died while he was serving away from home, local authorities must furnish boats and carriages to convey the coffin home, and this was written into law. On the yihai day, the year's field rents in the metropolitan districts were waived. He commanded every prefecture and county in the empire to inter unburied remains. On the bingzi day, jinshi were for the first time appointed as Hanlin academicians, edict receivers in the Directorate of Transmission, and probationary compilers in the Six Offices. On the jichou day, Vice Minister of Revenue Guo Huan was executed for stealing government grain.
17
夏四月丁酉，吏部尚書余熂以罪誅。 丙辰，思州蠻叛，湯和為征虜將軍，周德興為副將軍，帥師從楚王楨討之。 六月戊申，定外官三年一朝，著為令。
In the fourth month of summer, on the dingyou day, Minister of Personnel Yu Bi was put to death for his offenses. On the bingchen day, the Sizhou tribes rose in revolt. Tang He was named northern campaigning general with Zhou Dexing as his deputy, and they marched under Prince Chu Zhen to suppress the uprising. In the sixth month, on the wushen day, it was decreed that provincial officials should present themselves at court once every three years, and the rule was written into law.
18
秋七月甲戌，封王禑為高麗國王。 庚辰，五開蠻叛。 八月庚戌，馮勝、傅友德、藍玉備邊北平。 是月，振河南水災。
In the seventh month of autumn, on the jiaxu day, Wang Ti was invested as king of Goryeo. On the gengchen day, the Wukai tribes rose in revolt. In the eighth month, on the gengxu day, Feng Sheng, Fu Youde, and Lan Yu took charge of frontier defenses in northern Ping. That month, relief was distributed to victims of flooding in Henan.
19
冬十月己丑，頒《大誥》於天下。 癸卯，召馮勝還。 甲辰，詔曰：「孟子傳道，有功名教。 歷年既久，子孫甚微。 近有以罪輸作者，豈禮先賢之意哉。 其加意詢訪，凡聖賢後裔輸作者，皆免之。」 是月，楚王楨、信國公湯和討平五開蠻。 十一月乙亥，蠲河南、山東、北平田租。 十二月丙午，詔有司舉孝廉。 癸丑，麓川平緬宣慰使思倫發反，都督馮誠敗績，千戶王升死之。
In the tenth month of winter, on the jichou day, the Great Admonitions was issued to the entire empire. On the guimao day, Feng Sheng was recalled to court. On the jiachen day, an edict declared, "Mencius handed down the Way and won lasting merit in teaching and moral order. Centuries have passed, and his line has grown thin. Yet lately some of his descendants have been sentenced to penal labor for crimes. Is this how we honor a sage of old? Search them out with care: every descendant of the sages and worthies now condemned to penal labor shall be released." That month, Prince Chu Zhen and Duke of Xin Tang He crushed the Wukai rebels and restored order. In the eleventh month, on the yihai day, field rents were waived in Henan, Shandong, and northern Ping. In the twelfth month, on the bingwu day, an edict commanded the ministries to nominate candidates for the filial-and-incorrupt recommendation. On the guichou day, Silunfa, the Lucuan Pingdian pacification commissioner, rose in revolt. Regional Commander Feng Cheng was routed, and Company Commander Wang Sheng was killed.
20
是年，高麗、琉球、安南、暹羅入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Korea, Ryukyu, Annam, and Siam.
21
十九年春正月辛酉，振大名及江浦水災。 甲子，大祀天地於南郊。 是月，征蠻師還。 二月丙申，耕耤田，癸丑，振河南饑。
In the nineteenth year, on the xinyou day of the first month of spring, flood relief was ordered for Daming and Jiangpu. On the jiazi day, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. That month, the army campaigning against the southern tribes came home. In the second month, on the bingshen day, he performed the ceremonial plowing of the sacred field; on the guichou day, relief was sent to famine-stricken Henan.
22
夏四月甲辰，詔贖河南饑民所鬻子女。 六月甲辰，詔有司存問高年。 貧民年八十以上，月給米五鬥，酒三鬥，肉五斤； 九十以上，歲加帛一匹，絮一斤； 有田產者罷給米。 應天、鳳陽富民年八十以上賜爵社士，九十以上鄉士； 天下富民八十以上裏士，九十以上社士。 皆與縣官均祀，復其家。 鰥寡孤獨不能自存者，歲給米六石。 士卒戰傷除其籍，賜復三年。 將校陣亡，其子世襲加一秩。 岩穴之士，以禮聘遣。 丁未，振青州及鄭州饑。
In the fourth month of summer, on the jiachen day, an edict commanded that children sold by starving families in Henan be bought back at state expense. In the sixth month, on the jiachen day, an edict required officials to register and care for the elderly. Poor people eighty years of age or older were granted five dou of grain each month, three dou of wine, and five jin of meat; those ninety or older received an extra bolt of cloth and one jin of cotton floss each year; anyone who still held farmland was no longer given the grain allowance. In Yingtian and Fengyang, prosperous elders eighty or older were ennobled as Community Gentlemen, and those ninety or older as District Gentlemen; empire-wide, wealthy elders eighty or older became Hamlet Gentlemen, and those ninety or older Community Gentlemen. They were entitled to the same ritual honors as county magistrates, and their families were freed from corvée duties. Widowers, widows, orphans, and others living alone who could not provide for themselves received six shi of grain annually. Soldiers wounded in battle were removed from the rolls and given a three-year tax and corvée exemption. When a field officer fell in battle, his son inherited his post with one extra grade of rank. Scholars living in seclusion were summoned with full ceremonial courtesy and honorably dismissed. On the dingwei day, relief was dispatched to famine-stricken Qingzhou and Zhengzhou.
23
秋七月癸未，詔舉經明行修練達時務之士。 年六十以上者，置翰林備顧問，六十以下，於六部、布按二司用之。 八月甲辰，命皇太子修泗州盱眙祖陵，葬德祖以下帝後冕服。 九月庚申，屯田雲南。
In the seventh month of autumn, on the guiwei day, an edict called for scholars distinguished in the classics, upright in conduct, and versed in practical governance. Candidates sixty or older were appointed Hanlin reserve counselors; those under sixty were assigned to the six ministries or to provincial and surveillance posts. In the eighth month, on the jiachen day, the crown prince was charged to restore the ancestral tombs at Xuyi in Sizhou and to inter Dezu and the succeeding emperors and consorts in full court dress. On the gengshen day, garrison farms were opened in Yunnan.
24
冬十月，命官軍已亡子女幼或父母老者皆給全俸，著為令。 十二月癸未朔，日有食之。 是月，命宋國公馮勝分兵防邊。 發北平、山東、山西、河南民運糧於大寧。
In the tenth month of winter, an edict decreed that when a soldier died leaving young children or elderly parents, the family would continue to draw his full pay—a rule thereafter kept in force. On the first day of the twelfth month, guiwei, the sun was eclipsed. That month, Duke of Song Feng Sheng was directed to split his command and reinforce the border. Civilians in Beiping, Shandong, Shanxi, and Henan were conscripted to haul grain to Daning.
25
是年，高麗、琉球、暹羅、占城、安南入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Korea, Ryukyu, Siam, Champa, and Annam.
26
二十年春正月癸丑，馮勝為征虜大將軍，傅友德、藍玉副之，率師征納哈出。 焚錦衣衛刑具，以繫囚付刑部。 甲子，大祀天地於南郊。 禮成，天氣清明。 侍臣進曰：「此陛下敬天之誠所致。」 帝曰：「所謂敬天者，不獨嚴而有禮，當有其實。 天以子民之任付於君，為君者欲求事天，必先恤民。 恤民者，事天之實也。 即如國家命人任守令之事，若不能福民，則是棄君之命，不敬孰大焉。」 又曰：「為人君者，父天母地子民，皆職分之所當盡，祀天地，非祈福於己，實為天下蒼生也。」 二月壬午，閱武。 乙未，耕耤田。 三月辛亥，馮勝率師出松亭關，城大寧、寬河、會州、富峪。
In the twentieth year, on the guichou day of the first month of spring, Feng Sheng was appointed Great General Who Pacifies the Barbarians, with Fu Youde and Lan Yu as his lieutenants, and marched north against Naghachu. The Embroidered-Uniform Guard's instruments of torture were destroyed, and its detainees were transferred to the Ministry of Justice. On the jiazi day, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. After the ceremony, the sky was clear and bright. A minister at his side remarked, "Surely this is Heaven's reward for Your Majesty's reverent sacrifice. The emperor replied, "To revere Heaven is not merely to perform the rites with punctilio—there must be substance behind the form. Heaven charges the ruler with the care of the people. Whoever would serve Heaven must first comfort the people. Compassion for the people is what it means, in truth, to serve Heaven. It is like appointing a man prefect: if he cannot bless those under him, he has betrayed his sovereign's trust—what failure of reverence could be worse? He went on, "A ruler stands to Heaven as to a father, to Earth as to a mother, and to the people as to children—each bond a duty of his office. The sacrifice is not to win fortune for himself, but for all the living under Heaven." In the second month, on the renwu day, troops were reviewed. On the yiwei day, he performed the ceremonial plowing of the sacred field. In the third month, on the xinhai day, Feng Sheng marched through Songting Pass and fortified Daning, Kuanhe, Huizhou, and Fuyu.
27
夏四月戊子，江夏侯周德興築福建瀕海城，練兵防倭。 六月庚子，臨江侯陳鏞從征失道，戰沒。 癸卯，馮勝兵逾金山。 丁未，納哈出降。 閏月庚申，師還次金山，都督濮英殿軍遇伏，死之。
In the fourth month of summer, on the wuzi day, Marquis of Jiangxia Zhou Dexing constructed fortified towns along the Fujian coast and trained garrisons against Japanese raiders. In the sixth month, on the gengzi day, Marquis of Linjiang Chen Yong, having lost contact on campaign, was killed in action. On the guimao day, Feng Sheng's column crossed Jinshan. On the dingwei day, Naghachu submitted. In the intercalary month, on the gengshen day, the army withdrew to Jinshan; Regional Commander Pu Ying, commanding the rearguard, was ambushed and killed.
28
秋八月癸酉，收馮勝將軍印，召還，藍玉攝軍事。 景川侯曹震屯田雲南品甸。 九月戊寅，封納哈出海西侯。 癸未，置大寧都指揮使司。 丁酉，安置鄭國公常茂於龍州。 丁未，藍玉為征虜大將軍，延安侯唐勝宗、武定侯郭英副之，北征沙漠。 是月，城西寧。
In the eighth month of autumn, on the guiyou day, Feng Sheng's command seal was confiscated and he was recalled, while Lan Yu assumed field command. Marquis of Jingchuan Cao Zhen opened garrison farms at Pindian in Yunnan. In the ninth month, on the wuyin day, Naghachu was created Marquis of Haixi. On the guiwei day, the Daning regional military commission was established. On the dingyou day, Duke of Zheng Chang Mao was placed under residence surveillance at Longzhou. On the dingwei day, Lan Yu was appointed Great General Who Pacifies the Barbarians, with Marquis of Yan'an Tang Shengzong and Marquis of Wuding Guo Ying as lieutenants, and marched north into the desert. That month, the western ramparts of the capital were rebuilt.
29
冬十月戊申，封硃壽為舳艫侯，張赫為航海侯。 是月，馮勝罷歸鳳陽，奉朝請。 十一月壬午，普定侯陳桓、靖甯侯葉升屯田定邊、姚安、畢節諸衛。 己丑，湯和還，凡築寧海、臨山等五十九城。 十二月，振登、萊饑。
In the tenth month of winter, on the wushen day, Zhu Shou was created Marquis of the Tower Ships and Zhang He Marquis of the Voyages. That month, Feng Sheng was relieved of command, retired to Fengyang, and attended court when summoned. In the eleventh month, on the renwu day, Marquis of Puding Chen Huan and Marquis of Jingning Ye Sheng opened garrison farms in the Dingbian, Yao'an, and Bijie guards. On the jichou day, Tang He came back, having altogether fortified fifty-nine towns, among them Ninghai and Linshan. In the twelfth month, relief was sent to famine-stricken Deng and Lai.
30
是年，琉球、安南、高麗、占城、真臘、朵甘、烏斯藏入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Ryukyu, Annam, Korea, Champa, Zhenla, Dgan, and U-Tsang.
31
二十一年春正月辛巳，麓川蠻思倫發入寇馬龍他郎甸，都督甯正擊敗之。 辛卯，大祀天地於南郊。 甲午，振青州饑，逮治有司匿不以聞者。 三月乙亥，賜任亨泰等進士及第、出身有差。 丙戌，振東昌饑。 甲辰，沐英討思倫發敗之。
In the twenty-first year, on the xinsi day of the first month of spring, the Lucuan chieftain Silunfa raided Malong and Talang; Regional Commander Ning Zheng drove him back. On the xinmao day, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the jiawu day, relief reached famine-stricken Qingzhou, and officials who had hidden the crisis from the throne were seized and disciplined. In the third month, on the yihai day, Ren Hentai and the other palace graduates were ranked with distinctions between metropolitan degree and regular degree. On the bingxu day, relief was dispatched to famine-stricken Dongchang. On the jiachen day, Mu Ying campaigned against Silunfa and routed him.
32
夏四月丙辰，藍玉襲破元嗣君於捕魚兒海，獲其次子地保奴及妃主王公以下數萬人而還。 五月甲戌朔，日有食之。 六月甲辰，信國公湯和歸鳳陽。 甲子，傅友德為征南將軍，沐英、陳桓為左、右副將軍，帥師討東川叛蠻。
In the fourth month of summer, on the bingchen day, Lan Yu fell upon the Yuan heir at Buyur Lake, seized his second son Tibulunu together with consorts, princes, and nobles—tens of thousands in all—and marched home in triumph. On the first day of the fifth month, jiaxu, the sun was eclipsed. In the sixth month, on the jiachen day, Duke of Xin Tang He retired to Fengyang. On the jiazi day, Fu Youde was appointed southern campaigning general, with Mu Ying and Chen Huan as his lieutenants, and marched to crush the rebel tribes of eastern Sichuan.
33
秋七月戊寅，安置地保奴於琉球。 八月癸丑，徙澤、潞民無業者墾河南、北田，賜鈔備農具，復三年。 丁卯，藍玉師還，大賚北征將士。 戊辰，封孫恪為全甯侯。 是月，禦制八諭飭武臣。 九月丙戌，秦、晉、燕、周、楚、齊、湘、魯、潭九王來朝。 癸巳，越州蠻阿資叛，沐英會傅友德討之。
In the seventh month of autumn, on the wuyin day, Tibulunu was resettled on Ryukyu. In the eighth month, on the guichou day, idle households from Ze and Lu were relocated to reclaim land in northern and southern Henan, given banknotes for tools, and granted a three-year tax holiday. On the dingmao day, Lan Yu's army came home, and the northern expedition was rewarded with lavish gifts. On the Wuchen day, Sun Ke was created Marquis of Quanning. That month, the emperor issued his own Eight Admonitions to discipline the martial nobility. In the ninth month, on the bingxu day, the nine princes of Qin, Jin, Yan, Zhou, Chu, Qi, Xiang, Lu, and Tan presented themselves at court. On the jisi day, the Yuezhou chieftain Azi rose in revolt; Mu Ying marched with Fu Youde to suppress him.
34
冬十月丁未，東川蠻平。 十二月壬戌，進封藍玉涼國公。
In the tenth month of winter, on the dingwei day, order was restored in eastern Sichuan. In the twelfth month, on the renxu day, Lan Yu was promoted to Duke of Liang.
35
是年，高麗、古城、琉球、暹羅、真臘、撒馬兒罕、安南入貢。 詔安南三歲一朝，象犀之屬毋獻。 安南黎季犛弒其主煒。
That year, embassies arrived from Korea, Champa, Ryukyu, Siam, Zhenla, Samarqand, and Annam. An edict fixed Annam's tribute mission at once every three years and barred gifts of elephants, rhinoceros horn, and similar luxuries. In Annam, Li Jili assassinated his sovereign Wei.
36
二十二年春正月丙戌，改大宗正院曰宗人府，以秦王樉為宗人令，晉王、燕王棣為左、右宗正，周王橚、楚王楨為左、右宗人。 丁亥，大祀天地於南郊。 乙未，傅友德破阿資於普安。 二月己未，藍玉練兵四川。 壬戌，禁武臣預民事。 癸亥，湖廣千戶夏得忠結九溪蠻作亂，靖甯侯葉升討平之，得忠伏誅。 是月，阿資降。 三月庚午，傅友德帥諸將分屯四川，湖廣，防西南蠻。
In the twenty-second year, on the bingxu day of the first month of spring, the Great Court of the Imperial Clan was retitled the Imperial Clan Court; the Prince of Qin became director, the Princes of Jin and Yan left and right vice directors, and the Princes of Zhou and Chu left and right masters of the clan. On the dinghai day, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the yiwei day, Fu Youde routed Azi at Pu'an. In the second month, on the jiwei day, Lan Yu trained troops in Sichuan. On the renxu day, martial nobles were barred from meddling in civilian government. On the guihai day, Huguang company commander Xia Dezong allied with the Jiuxi tribes in revolt; Marquis of Jingning Ye Sheng crushed the uprising and Dezong was put to death. That month, Azi submitted. In the third month, on the gengwu day, Fu Youde stationed his generals across Sichuan and Huguang to watch the southwestern frontier.
37
夏四月己亥，徙江南民田淮南，賜鈔備農具，復三年。 癸丑，魏國公徐允恭、開國公常升等練兵湖廣。 甲寅，徙元降王於眈羅。 是月，遣御史按山東官匿災不奏者。 五月辛卯，置泰甯、朵顏、福余三衛於兀良哈。
In the fourth month of summer, on the jihai day, Jiangnan households were resettled to reclaim land in Huainan, given banknotes for tools, and granted a three-year exemption. On the guichou day, Duke of Wei Xu Yun'gong, Duke of Qi Chang Sheng, and others trained armies in Huguang. On the jiayin day, the surrendered Yuan princes were resettled on Tamna. That month, investigating censors were sent to punish Shandong officials who had hidden famine reports from the throne. In the fifth month, on the xinmao day, the Taining, Doyan, and Fuyu guards were set up among the Uriangqai.
38
秋七月，傅友德等還。 八月乙卯，詔天下舉高年有德識時務者。 是月，更定《大明律》。 九月丙寅朔，日有食之。
In the seventh month of autumn, Fu Youde and his colleagues came back to court. In the eighth month, on the yimao day, an edict called empire-wide for elders of proven virtue who understood the needs of the age. That month, the Great Ming Code was promulgated in revised form. On the first day of the ninth month, bingyin, the sun was eclipsed.
39
冬十一月丙寅，宣德侯金鎮等練兵湖廣。 己卯，思倫發入貢謝罪，麓川平。 十二月甲辰，周王橚有罪，遷雲南，尋罷徙，留居京師。 定遠侯王弼等練兵山西、河南、陝西。
In the eleventh month of winter, on the bingyin day, Marquis of Xuan Jin Zhen and others trained armies in Huguang. On the jimao day, Si Lunfa presented tribute at court to plead for pardon, and Luc Chuan was brought to peace. In the twelfth month, on the jiachen day, Prince of Zhou Shu was found guilty and ordered to Yunnan; before long the sentence was set aside, and he was detained at the capital. Marquis of Dingyuan Wang Bi and others conducted military training in Shanxi, Henan, and Shaanxi.
40
是年，高麗、安南、占城、暹羅、真臘入貢。 元也速迭兒弒其主脫古思帖木兒而立坤帖木兒。 高麗廢其主禑，又廢其主昌。 安南黎季犛復弒其主日焜。
That year, embassies arrived from Korea, Annam, Champa, Siam, and Zhenla. Among the Yuan, Yeshudie'er assassinated the ruler Toghus Temür and set Kun Temür on the throne. Korea deposed King U, then deposed King Chang in turn. In Annam, Li Jili once more assassinated his sovereign Nhat Quang.
41
二十三年春正月丁卯，晉王、燕王棣帥師征元丞相咬住、太尉乃兒不花，征虜前將軍潁國公傅友德等皆聽節制。 己卯，大祀天地於南郊。 庚辰，貴州蠻叛，延安侯唐勝宗討平之。 乙酉，齊王榑帥師從燕王棣北征。 贛州賊為亂，東川侯胡海充總兵官，普定侯陳桓、靖甯侯葉升為副將，討平之。 唐勝宗督貴州各衛屯田。 二月戊申，藍玉討平西番叛蠻。 丙辰，耕耤田。 癸亥，河決歸德，發諸軍民塞之。 三月癸巳，燕王棣師次迤都，咬住等降。
In the twenty-third year, on the dingmao day of the first month of spring, Prince of Jin Gang and Prince of Yan Di took the field against the Yuan chancellor Yaqushili and Grand Preceptor Nir Buqa, with Duke of Ying Fu Youde, forward general against the barbarians, and the other commanders all subject to their orders. On the jimao day, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the gengchen day, the Guizhou tribes rose in revolt, and Marquis of Yan'an Tang Shengzong marched against them and restored order. On the yiyou day, Prince of Qi Fu took the field in support of Prince of Yan Di's northern campaign. Outlaws in Ganzhou rose in rebellion; Marquis of Dongchuan Hu Haichong was appointed commander-in-chief, with Marquis of Puding Chen Huan and Marquis of Jingning Ye Sheng as his deputies, and together they suppressed the disturbance. Tang Shengzong oversaw garrison farming in the Guizhou guards. In the second month, on the wushen day, Lan Yu crushed the rebel tribes of the western frontier. On the bingchen day, the emperor plowed the sacred field. On the guihai day, the Yellow River broke through at Guide, and soldiers and civilians were called up to seal the breach. In the third month, on the guisi day, Prince of Yan Di's army reached Yidu, and Yaqushili and his followers submitted.
42
夏四月，吉安侯陸仲亨等坐胡惟庸黨下獄。 丙申，潭王梓自焚死。 閏月丙子，藍玉平施南、忠建叛蠻。 五月甲午，遣諸公侯還裏，賜金幣有差。 乙卯，賜太師韓國公李善長死，陸仲亨等皆坐誅。 作《昭示奸黨錄》，佈告天下。 六月乙丑，藍玉遣鳳翔侯張龍平都勻、散毛諸蠻。 庚寅，授耆民有才德知典故者官。
In the fourth month of summer, Marquis of Ji'an Lu Zhongheng and others were thrown into prison on charges of belonging to Hu Weiyong's party. On the bingshen day, Prince of Tan Zi died by self-immolation. In the intercalary month, on the bingzi day, Lan Yu subdued the rebel tribes of Shinan and Zhongjian. In the fifth month, on the jiawu day, the great nobles were dismissed to their estates, each receiving gold and cash according to rank. On the yimao day, Grand Preceptor Duke of Han Li Shanchang was sentenced to suicide; Lu Zhongheng and the others were executed. The court compiled the Record for the Exposure of Treacherous Factions and published it empire-wide. In the sixth month, on the yichou day, Lan Yu dispatched Marquis of Fengxiang Zhang Long to bring the tribes of Duyun, Sanmao, and neighboring districts under control. On the gengyin day, respected elders distinguished for ability, character, and learning in state precedent were appointed to office.
43
秋七月壬辰，河決開封，振之。 癸巳，崇明、海門風雨海溢，遣官振之，發民二十五萬築堤。 八月壬申，詔毋以吏卒充選舉。 藍玉還。 是月，振河南、北平、山東水災。 九月庚寅朔，日有食之。
In the seventh month of autumn, on the renchen day, the river broke through at Kaifeng, and relief was ordered. On the guisi day, storms at Chongming and Haimen drove the sea over the land; officials were sent to organize relief, and a quarter of a million people were called up to raise embankments. In the eighth month, on the renshen day, an edict barred clerks and common soldiers from being used to satisfy examination quotas. Lan Yu returned to court. That month, aid was extended to the flood-stricken provinces of Henan, Beiping, and Shandong. On the first day of the ninth month, gengyin, the sun was eclipsed.
44
冬十月己卯，振湖廣饑。 十一月癸丑，免山東被災田租。 十二月癸亥，令殊死以下囚輸粟北邊自贖。 壬申，罷天下歲織文綺。
In the tenth month of winter, on the jimao day, famine relief was ordered for Huguang. In the eleventh month, on the guichou day, field rents were waived in Shandong for lands ruined by disaster. In the twelfth month, on the guihai day, convicts short of capital punishment were allowed to deliver grain to the northern border in exchange for release. On the renshen day, the empire-wide yearly levy of figured silks was ended.
45
是年，墨刺、哈梅裏、高麗、占城、真臘、琉球、暹羅入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Meile, Hami, Korea, Champa, Zhenla, Ryukyu, and Siam.
46
二十四年春正月癸卯，大祀天地於南郊。 戊申，潁國公傅友德為征虜將軍，定遠侯王弼、武定侯郭英副之，備北平邊。 丁巳，免山東田租。 二月壬申，耕耤田。 三月戊子朔，日有食之。 魏國公徐輝祖、曹國公李景隆、涼國公藍玉等備邊陝西。 乙未，靖甯侯葉升練兵甘肅。 丁酉，賜許觀等進士及第、出身有差。
In the twenty-fourth year, on the guimao day of the first month of spring, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the wushen day, Duke of Ying Fu Youde was appointed general for the campaign against the barbarians, with Marquis of Dingyuan Wang Bi and Marquis of Wuding Guo Ying as his lieutenants, to secure the Beiping border. On the dingsi day, field rents were waived in Shandong. In the second month, on the renshen day, the emperor plowed the sacred field. On the first day of the third month, wuzi, the sun was eclipsed. Duke of Wei Xu Huizu, Duke of Cao Li Jinglong, Duke of Liang Lan Yu, and others took charge of defenses along the Shaanxi frontier. On the yiwei day, Marquis of Jingning Ye Sheng conducted military training in Gansu. On the dingyou day, Xu Guan and the other examination graduates received metropolitan degrees and provincial appointments according to rank.
47
夏四月辛未，封皇子旃為慶王，權甯王，楩岷王，橞谷王，松韓王，模王，楹安王，桱唐王，棟郢王，彝伊王。 癸未，燕王棣督傅友德諸將出塞，敗敵而還。 五月戊戌，漢、衛、谷、慶、寧、岷六王練兵臨清。 六月己未，詔廷臣參考歷代禮制，更定冠服、居室、器用制度。 甲子，久旱錄囚。
In the fourth month of summer, on the xinwei day, the princes received their titles: Zhi became Prince of Qing, Quan Prince of Ning, Fan Prince of Min, Hui Prince of Gu, Song Prince of Han, Mo a princely fief, Ying Prince of An, Jing Prince of Tang, Dong Prince of Ying, and Ru Prince of Yi. On the guiwei day, Prince of Yan Di led Fu Youde and the other commanders beyond the frontier, routed the foe, and withdrew. In the fifth month, on the wuxu day, the princes of Han, Wei, Gu, Qing, Ning, and Min trained troops at Linqing. In the sixth month, on the jiwei day, the emperor commanded his ministers to study the ceremonial codes of past dynasties and redraw the rules governing dress, housing, and household goods. On the jiazi day, after a long drought, criminal cases were reviewed.
48
秋七月庚子，徙富民實京師。 辛丑，免畿內官田租之半。 八月乙卯，秦王樉有罪，召還京師。 乙丑，皇太子巡撫陝西。 乙亥，都督僉事劉真、宋晟討哈梅裏，敗之。 九月乙酉，遣使諭西域。 是月，倭寇雷州，百戶李玉、鎮撫陶鼎戰死。
In the seventh month of autumn, on the gengzi day, prosperous families were resettled to bolster the capital. On the xinchou day, half the rents on government lands in the capital region were waived. In the eighth month, on the yimao day, Prince of Qin Shu was found guilty and recalled to the capital. On the yichou day, the crown prince made an inspection tour through Shaanxi. On the yihai day, Regional Commander Liu Zhen and Song Sheng marched against Hami and won a victory. In the ninth month, on the yiyou day, ambassadors were sent to announce the court's will to the Western Regions. That month, Japanese raiders struck Leizhou, and Centurion Li Yu and Garrison Commander Tao Ding fell fighting.
49
冬十月丁巳，免北平、河間被水田租。 十一月甲午，五開蠻叛，都督僉事茅鼎討平之。 庚戌，皇太子還京師，晉王來朝。 辛亥，振河南水災。 十二月庚午，周王橚復國。 辛巳，阿資復叛，都督僉事何福討降之。
In the tenth month of winter, on the dingsi day, field rents were waived in Beiping and Hejian for waterlogged lands. In the eleventh month, on the jiawu day, the Wukai tribes rose in revolt, and Regional Commander Mao Ding marched against them and restored order. On the gengxu day, the crown prince came back to the capital, and Prince of Jin Gang presented himself at court. On the xinhai day, flood relief was ordered for Henan. In the twelfth month, on the gengwu day, Prince of Zhou Shu's princedom was reinstated. On the xinsi day, Azi rose again in rebellion, and Regional Commander He Fu forced his surrender.
50
是年，天下郡縣賦役黃冊成，計戶千六十八萬四千四百三十五，丁五千六百七十七萬四千五百六十一。 琉球、暹羅、別失八里、撒馬兒罕入貢。 以占城有篡逆事，卻之。
That year, the empire completed its yellow registers of tax and labor obligations, recording 10,684,435 households and 56,774,561 adult males. That year, embassies arrived from Ryukyu, Siam, Beshbaligh, and Samarkand. When Champa was found guilty of usurpation and treason, its embassy was turned away.
51
二十五年春正月戊子，周王橚來朝，庚寅，河決陽武，發軍民塞之，免被水田租。 乙未，大祀天地於南郊。 何福討都勻、畢節諸蠻，平之。 辛丑，令死困輸粟塞十。 壬寅，晉王、燕王棣、楚王楨、湘王柏來朝。 二月戊午，召曹國公李景隆等還京師。 靖甯侯葉升等練兵於河南及臨、鞏、甘、涼、延慶。 都督茅鼎等平五開蠻。 丙寅，耕耤田。 庚辰，詔天下衛所軍以十之七屯田。 三月癸未，馮勝等十四人分理陝西、山西、河南諸衛軍務。 庚寅，改封豫王桂為代王，漢王楧為肅王，衛王植為遼王。
In the twenty-fifth year, on the wuzi day of the first month of spring, Prince of Zhou Shu came to court; on the gengyin day the Yellow River broke through at Yangwu, soldiers and civilians were called up to seal the breach, and field rents were waived on inundated lands. On the yiwei day, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. He Fu marched against the tribes of Duyun, Bijie, and neighboring districts and brought them under control. On the xinchou day, prisoners under sentence of death were permitted to redeem themselves by delivering grain to the northern border. On the renyin day, Prince of Jin Gang, Prince of Yan Di, Prince of Chu Zhen, and Prince of Xiang Bai presented themselves at court. In the second month, on the wuwu day, Duke of Cao Li Jinglong and the others were recalled to the capital. Marquis of Jingning Ye Sheng and his colleagues conducted military training in Henan and at Lin, Gong, Gan, Liang, and Yanqing. Regional Commander Mao Ding and his officers subdued the Wukai tribes. On the bingyin day, the emperor plowed the sacred field. On the gengchen day, an edict required that seven out of every ten soldiers in the empire's guards and garrisons devote themselves to military farming. In the third month, on the guiwei day, Feng Sheng and thirteen colleagues were dispatched to take charge of military affairs in the Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Henan guards. On the gengyin day, Prince of Yu Gui was transferred to the title Prince of Dai, Prince of Han Zhu to Prince of Su, and Prince of Wei Zhi to Prince of Liao.
52
秋七月庚辰，秦王樉復國。 癸未，指揮瞿能敗月魯帖木兒於雙狼寨。 八月己未，江夏侯周德興坐事誅。 丁卯，馮勝、傅友德帥開國公常升等分行山西，籍民為軍，屯田於大同、東勝，立十六衛。 甲戌，給公侯歲祿，歸賜田於官。 丙子，靖甯侯葉升坐胡惟庸黨誅。 九月庚寅，立皇孫允炆為皇太孫，高麗李成桂幽其主瑤而自立，以國人表來請命，詔聽之，更其國號曰朝鮮。
In the seventh month of autumn, on the gengchen day, Prince of Qin Shu's princedom was reinstated. On the guiwei day, Commander Qu Neng routed Yue Lu Tiemur at Shuanglang Stockade. In the eighth month, on the jiwei day, Marquis of Jiangxia Zhou Dexing was executed for his offenses. On the dingmao day, Feng Sheng and Fu Youde led Founding Duke Chang Sheng and others through Shanxi in separate divisions, enrolling the populace as troops and opening garrison farms at Datong and Dongsheng, where sixteen guards were established. On the jiaxu day, the great nobles received yearly salaries, and the lands earlier granted them were surrendered back to the government. On the bingzi day, Marquis of Jingning Ye Sheng was executed as an associate of Hu Weiyong's party. In the ninth month, on the gengyin day, the emperor's grandson Yunwen was named heir apparent to the crown prince; in Korea, Yi Seong-gye deposed King Yo and seized power, and when his subjects petitioned for imperial confirmation, the court assented and renamed the kingdom Joseon.
53
冬十月乙亥，沐春襲封西平侯，鎮雲南。 十一月甲午，藍玉擒月魯帖木兒，誅之，召玉還。 十二月甲戌，宋國公馮勝、潁國公傅友德等兼東宮師保官。 閏月戊戌，馮勝為總兵官，傅友德副之，練兵山西、河南、兼領屯衛。
In the tenth month of winter, on the yihai day, Mu Chun inherited the marquisate of Xiping and took command in Yunnan. In the eleventh month, on the jiawu day, Lan Yu seized Yue Lu Tiemur and put him to death, then was summoned back to court. In the twelfth month, on the jiaxu day, Duke of Song Feng Sheng, Duke of Ying Fu Youde, and the others were given additional appointments as tutors and guardians of the Eastern Palace. In the intercalary month, on the wuxu day, Feng Sheng was appointed commander-in-chief with Fu Youde as his deputy to train forces in Shanxi and Henan while supervising the garrison farms.
54
是年，琉球中山、山南、高麗，哈梅裏入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Ryukyu's Zhongshan and Shannan domains, Korea, and Hami.
55
二十六年春正月戊申，免天下耆民來朝。 辛酉，大祀天地於南郊。 二月丁丑，晉王統山西、河南軍出塞，召馮勝、傅友德、常升、王弼等還。 乙酉，蜀王椿來朝。 涼國公藍玉以謀反，並鶴慶侯張翼、普定侯陳桓、景川侯曹震、舳艫侯硃壽、東莞伯何榮、吏部尚書詹徽等皆坐誅。 己丑，頒《逆臣錄》於天下。 庚寅，耕耤田。 三月辛亥，代王桂率護衛兵出塞，聽晉王節制。 長興侯耿炳文練兵陝西。 丙辰，馮勝、傅友德備邊山西、北平，其屬衛將校悉聽晉王、燕王節制。 庚申，詔二王軍務大者始以聞。 壬戌，會甯侯張溫坐藍玉黨誅。
In the twenty-sixth year, on the wushen day of the first month of spring, respected elders summoned from across the empire were excused from traveling to court. On the xinyou day, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. In the second month, on the dingchou day, Prince of Jin Gang led the Shanxi and Henan forces beyond the frontier, while Feng Sheng, Fu Youde, Chang Sheng, Wang Bi, and the others were recalled to court. On the yiyou day, Prince of Shu Chun presented himself at court. On the jichou day, Duke of Liang Lan Yu was accused of treason; Marquis of Heqing Zhang Yi, Marquis of Puding Chen Huan, Marquis of Jingchuan Cao Zhen, Marquis of Zhuanglu Zhu Shou, Baron of Dongguan He Rong, Minister of Personnel Zhan Hui, and their associates were executed with him. On the jichou day, the Record of Rebellious Ministers was published empire-wide. On the gengyin day, the emperor plowed the sacred field. In the third month, on the xinhai day, Prince of Dai Gui marched beyond the frontier at the head of his guard, under the orders of Prince of Jin. Marquis of Changxing Geng Bingwen conducted military training in Shaanxi. On the bingchen day, Feng Sheng and Fu Youde took charge of the Shanxi and Beiping defenses, and every subordinate officer in their guards was made subject to the Princes of Jin and Yan. On the gengshen day, an edict ruled that the two princes need report to the throne only on weighty military matters. On the renxu day, Marquis of Huining Zhang Wen was put to death as an associate of Lan Yu's faction.
56
夏四月乙亥，孝感饑，遣使乘傳發倉貸之。 詔自今遇歲饑，先貸後聞，著為令。 戊子，周王橚來朝。 庚寅，旱，詔群臣直言得失，省獄囚。 丙申，以安南擅廢立，絕其朝貢。
In the fourth month of summer, on the yihai day, Xiaogan was stricken by famine, and envoys were sent post-haste to open the public granaries and issue grain loans. An edict decreed that whenever famine struck, local officials must issue relief grain first and report afterward, and the rule was written into law. On the wuzi day, Prince of Zhou Su presented himself at court. On the gengyin day, drought hardened across the realm; the emperor commanded his ministers to speak plainly of what the government was doing right and wrong, and ordered a review of prisoners. On the bingshen day, because Annam had deposed and enthroned rulers on its own authority, the court severed its tributary relations.
57
秋七月甲辰朔，日有食之。 戊申，選秀才張宗浚等隨詹事府官分直文華殿，侍皇太孫。 八月，秦、晉、燕、周、齊五王來朝。 九月癸丑，代、肅、遼、慶、甯五王來朝。 赦胡惟庸、藍玉餘黨。
On the first day of the seventh month of autumn, jiachen, the sun was eclipsed. On the wushen day, licentiates including Zhang Zongjun were chosen to serve in rotating watches in the Hall of Literary Glory alongside the heir apparent's household, attending the imperial grandson. In the eighth month, the princes of Qin, Jin, Yan, Zhou, and Qi all presented themselves at court. In the ninth month, on the guichou day, the princes of Dai, Su, Liao, Qing, and Ning all came to court. Survivors of the Hu Weiyong and Lan Yu factions were granted amnesty.
58
冬十月丙申，擢國子監生六十四人為布政使等官。 十二月，頒《永鑒錄》於諸王。
In the tenth month of winter, on the bingshen day, sixty-four Imperial Academy students were elevated to posts including provincial administration commissioner. In the twelfth month, the Eternal Mirror Record was distributed to every prince.
59
是年，琉球、爪哇、暹羅入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Ryukyu, Java, and Siam.
60
二十七年春正月乙卯，大祀天地於南郊。 辛酉，李景隆為平羌將軍，鎮甘肅。 發天下倉谷貸貧民。 三月庚子，賜張信等進士及第、出身有差。 辛丑，魏國公徐輝祖、安陸侯吳傑備倭浙江。 庚戌，課民樹桑棗木棉。 甲子，以四方底平，收藏甲兵，示不復用。
In the twenty-seventh year, on the yimao day of the first month of spring, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the xinyou day, Li Jinglong was appointed pacification general of the west and stationed in Gansu. Public granaries across the empire were opened to lend grain to the poor. In the third month, on the gengzi day, Zhang Xin and the other jinshi were conferred, according to rank, the titles of Presented Scholar and Advanced Scholar. On the xinchou day, Duke of Wei Xu Hui and Marquis of Anlu Wu Jie were assigned to organize coastal defenses against Japanese raiders in Zhejiang. On the gengxu day, the populace was ordered to plant mulberry, jujube, and cotton. On the jiazi day, with peace secured on every frontier, weapons and armor were put into storage as a sign that the realm would fight no more.
61
秋八月甲戌，吳傑及永定侯張銓率致仕武臣，備倭廣東。 乙亥，遣國子監生分行天下。 督吏民修水利。 丙戌，階、文軍亂，都督甯正為平羌將軍討之。 九月，徐輝祖節制陝西沿邊諸軍。
In the eighth month of autumn, on the jiaxu day, Wu Jie and Marquis of Yongding Zhang Quan led retired military officials to organize coastal defense against Japanese raiders in Guangdong. On the yihai day, Imperial Academy students were sent out in separate circuits across the empire. Officials and commoners were set to repairing canals and dikes. On the bingxu day, the garrisons of Jie and Wen rose in mutiny, and Ning Zheng was named pacification general of the west to suppress them. In the ninth month, Xu Hui was placed in overall command of the forces along the Shaanxi frontier.
62
冬十一月乙丑，潁國公傅友德坐事誅。 阿資復叛，西平侯沐春擊敗之。 十二月乙亥，定遠侯王弼坐事誅。
In the eleventh month of winter, on the yichou day, Duke of Ying Fu Youde was put to death for his offenses. Azi rose in rebellion once more, and Marquis of Xiping Mu Chun routed his forces. In the twelfth month, on the yihai day, Marquis of Dingyuan Wang Bi was put to death for his offenses.
63
是年，烏斯藏、琉球、緬、朵甘、爪哇、撒馬兒罕、朝鮮入貢。 安南來貢，卻之。
That year, embassies arrived from U-Tsang, Ryukyu, Burma, Dokham, Java, Samarkand, and Korea. An embassy from Annam offered tribute, but the court turned it away.
64
二十八年春正月丙午，階、文寇平，甯正以兵從秦王樉征洮州叛番。 丁未，大祀天地於南郊。 甲子，西平侯沐春擒斬阿資，越州平。 是月，周王橚、晉王、率河南、山西諸衛軍出塞，築城屯田。 燕王棣帥總兵官周興出遼東塞。 二月丁卯，宋國公馮勝坐事誅。 己丑，諭戶部編民百戶為裏。 婚姻死喪疾病患難，里中富者助財，貧者助力。 春秋耕獲，通力合作，以教民睦。
In the twenty-eighth year, on the bingwu day of the first month of spring, the rebels of Jie and Wen were subdued; Ning Zheng marched under Prince of Qin Shuang against the rebellious Tibetan bands of Taozhou. On the dingwei day, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the jiazi day, Marquis of Xiping Mu Chun captured and executed Azi, and Yuezhou was brought under control. That month, Prince of Zhou Su and Prince of Jin Gang led the Henan and Shanxi guard armies beyond the frontier to build fortified posts and open garrison farms. Prince of Yan Di took the field with Commander-in-Chief Zhou Xing beyond the Liaodong frontier. In the second month, on the dingmao day, Duke of Song Feng Sheng was put to death for his offenses. On the jichou day, the Ministry of Revenue was instructed to register the populace in communities of one hundred households each. For weddings, funerals, sickness, or hardship, the wealthy in each community were to help with money and the poor with labor. At spring planting and autumn harvest, all were to work together, to teach the people neighborly solidarity.
65
夏六月壬申，詔諸土司皆立儒學。 辛巳，周興等自開原追敵至甫答迷城，不及而還。 己丑，禦奉天門，諭群臣曰：「朕起兵至今四十餘年，灼見情偽，懲創奸頑或法外用刑，本非常典。 後嗣止頒《律》與《大誥》，不許用黥剌、剕、劓、閹割之刑。 臣下敢以請者，置重典。」 又曰：「朕罷丞相，設府、部、都察院分理庶政，事權歸於朝廷。 嗣君不許復立丞相。 臣下敢以請者置重典。 皇親惟謀逆不赦。 余罪，宗親會議取上裁。 法司只許舉奏，毋得擅逮。 勒諸典章，永為遵守。」
In the sixth month of summer, on the renshen day, an edict commanded every native office to establish Confucian schools. On the xinsi day, Zhou Xing and his men pursued the enemy from Kaiyuan to Foudami city, failed to overtake them, and turned back. On the jichou day, the emperor took his seat at the Gate of Receiving Heaven and addressed his ministers: "From the day I raised my banners until now, more than forty years have passed. I have seen clearly who is false and who is true. In breaking the crafty and stubborn I have sometimes imposed punishments outside the Code—never as ordinary law. My successors shall issue only the Code and the Great Admonitions, and shall not employ tattooing, nose-cutting, hamstringing, ear-cutting, or castration. Any subject who dares request such punishments shall be visited with severe penalty." He also said: "I abolished the chancellor, established the offices, ministries, and Censorate to divide civil affairs among them, and returned all authority to the court. My successor shall not reestablish the office of chancellor. Any subject who dares request it shall be visited with severe penalty. Imperial kinsmen shall be spared only for treason. For all other crimes, the clan assembly shall deliberate and submit the outcome to the throne. The judicial offices may only present accusations; they shall not arrest on their own authority. These provisions are to be carved into the statutes and obeyed forever."
66
秋八月丁卯，都督楊文為征南將軍，指揮韓觀、都督僉事宋晟副之，討龍州士官趙宗壽。 戊辰，信國公湯和卒。 辛巳，趙宗壽伏罪來朝，楊文移兵討奉議、南丹叛蠻。 九月丁酉，免畿內、山東秋糧。 庚戌，頒《皇明祖訓條章》於中外，「後世有言更祖制者，以奸臣論」。 十一月乙亥，奉議、南丹蠻悉平。 十二月壬辰，詔河南、山東桑棗及二十七年後新墾田，毋徵稅。
In the eighth month of autumn, on the dingmao day, Commander Yang Wen was appointed southern campaigning general, with Commander Han Guan and Vice Commander Song Sheng as his deputies, to campaign against the native officer Zhao Zongshou of Long Prefecture. On the Wuchen day, Duke of Xin Tang He died. On the xinsi day, Zhao Zongshou confessed his crimes and came to court; Yang Wen shifted his troops to suppress the rebellious tribes of Fengyi and Nandan. In the ninth month, on the dingyou day, autumn grain taxes were waived in the metropolitan districts and Shandong. On the gengxu day, the Ancestral Instructions and Regulations was issued throughout the realm, with the warning: "Whoever in later ages speaks of altering the ancestral institutions shall be deemed a traitorous minister." In the eleventh month, on the yihai day, the tribes of Fengyi and Nandan were entirely pacified. In the twelfth month, on the renchen day, an edict declared that mulberry, jujube, and newly opened fields in Henan and Shandong since the twenty-seventh year would not be taxed.
67
是年，朝鮮、琉球、暹羅入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Korea, Ryukyu, and Siam.
68
二十九年春正月壬申，大祀天地於南郊。 二月癸卯，征虜前將軍胡冕討郴、桂蠻，平之。 辛亥，燕王棣帥師巡大寧，周世子有燉帥師巡北平關隘。 三月辛酉，楚王楨、湘王柏來朝。 甲子，燕王敗敵於徹徹兒山，又追敗之於兀良哈禿城而還。
In the twenty-ninth year, on the renshen day of the first month of spring, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. In the second month, on the guimao day, former northern pacification general Hu Mian campaigned against the tribes of Chen and Gui and restored order. On the xinhai day, Prince of Yan Di led troops on patrol in Daening, while the Zhou heir Youdun inspected the passes of northern Ping. In the third month, on the xinyou day, Prince of Chu Zhen and Prince of Xiang Bai presented themselves at court. On the jiazi day, the Prince of Yan routed the enemy at Cheche'er Mountain, pursued and routed them again at Uliangha Tu city, and returned.
69
秋八月丁未，免應天、太平五府田租。 九月乙亥，召致仕武臣二千五百餘人入朝，大賚之，各進秩一級。
In the eighth month of autumn, on the dingwei day, field rents were waived in the five prefectures of Yingtian and Taiping. In the ninth month, on the yihai day, more than twenty-five hundred retired military officers were summoned to court, granted lavish gifts, and each promoted one rank.
70
是年，琉球、安南、朝鮮、烏斯茂入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Ryukyu, Annam, Korea, and U-Tsang.
71
三十年春正月丙辰，耿炳文為征西將軍，郭英副之，巡西北邊。 丙寅，大祀天地於南郊。 丁卯，置行太僕寺於山西、北平、陝西、甘肅、遼東，掌馬政。 己巳，左都督楊文屯田遼東。 是月，沔縣盜起，詔耿炳文討之。 二月庚寅，水西蠻叛，都督僉事顧成為征南將軍，討平之。 三月癸丑，賜陳安阝等進士及第、出身有差。 庚辰，古州蠻叛，龍裏千戶吳得、鎮撫井孚戰死。
In the thirtieth year, on the bingchen day of the first month of spring, Geng Bingwen was appointed western campaigning general, with Guo Ying as his deputy, to inspect the northwest frontier. On the bingyin day, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the dingmao day, traveling offices of the Court of the Imperial Stud were established in Shanxi, northern Ping, Shaanxi, Gansu, and Liaodong to manage the horse herds. On the jisi day, Left Commander Yang Wen opened garrison farms in Liaodong. That month, outlaw bands rose in Mian County, and Geng Bingwen was ordered to suppress them. In the second month, on the gengyin day, the tribes of western Guizhou rose in revolt; Vice Commander Gu Cheng was named southern campaigning general, crushed the uprising, and restored order. In the third month, on the guichou day, Chen An and the other jinshi were conferred, according to rank, the titles of Presented Scholar and Advanced Scholar. On the gengchen day, the tribes of Gu Prefecture rose in revolt; Qianhu Wu De of Longli and Pacification Commissioner Jing Fu were killed in action.
72
夏四月己亥，都指揮齊讓為平羌將軍，討之。 壬寅，水西蠻平。 五月壬子朔，日有食之。 乙卯，楚王楨、湘王柏帥師討古州蠻。 六月辛巳，賜禮部覆試貢士韓克忠等進士及第、出身有差。 己酉，駙馬都尉歐陽倫有罪賜死。
In the fourth month of summer, on the jihai day, Commander Qi Rang was named pacification general of the west to suppress them. On the renyin day, the tribes of western Guizhou were pacified. On the first day of the fifth month, renzi, the sun was eclipsed. On the yimao day, Prince of Chu Zhen and Prince of Xiang Bai took the field against the tribes of Gu Prefecture. In the sixth month, on the xinsi day, Han Kezhong and the other candidates who passed the Ministry of Rites re-examination were conferred, according to rank, the titles of Presented Scholar and Advanced Scholar. On the jiyou day, Chief Commandant of Horse Guards Ouyang Lun was sentenced to death for his offenses.
73
秋八月丁亥，河決開封。 甲午，李景隆為征虜大將軍，練兵河南。 九月庚戌，漢、沔寇平。 戊辰，麓川平緬土酋刀幹孟逐其宣慰使思倫發以叛。 乙亥，都督楊文為征虜將軍，代齊讓。
In the eighth month of autumn, on the dinghai day, the river broke through at Kaifeng. On the jiawu day, Li Jinglong was appointed great northern pacification general and set to drilling troops in Henan. In the ninth month, on the gengxu day, the outlaw bands of Han and Mian were suppressed. On the Wuchen day, the native chieftain Dao Ganmeng of Luchuan and Pingmian drove out his pacification commissioner Si Lunfa and rose in rebellion. On the yihai day, Commander Yang Wen was named northern pacification general in place of Qi Rang.
74
冬十月戊子，停遼東海運。 辛卯，耿炳文練兵陝西。 乙未，重建國子監先師廟成。 十一月癸酉，沐春為征虜前將軍，都督何福等副之，討刀幹孟。
In the tenth month of winter, on the wuzi day, sea transport to Liaodong was suspended. On the xinmao day, Geng Bingwen drilled troops in Shaanxi. On the yiwei day, reconstruction of the Imperial Academy's temple to the First Teacher was completed. In the eleventh month, on the guiyou day, Mu Chun was appointed former northern pacification general, with Commander He Fu and others as his deputies, to campaign against Dao Ganmeng.
75
是年，琉球、占城、朝鮮、暹羅、烏斯藏、泥八剌入貢。
That year, embassies arrived from Ryukyu, Champa, Korea, Siam, U-Tsang, and Drigun Khan.
76
三十一年春正月壬戌，大祀天地於南郊。 乙丑，遣使之山東、河南課耕。 二月乙酉，倭寇甯海，指揮陶鐸擊敗之。 辛丑，古州蠻平，召楊文還。 甲辰，都督僉事徐凱討平麼些蠻。
In the thirty-first year, on the renxu day of the first month of spring, the emperor offered the great joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the southern altar. On the yichou day, envoys were sent to Shandong and Henan to urge the spring plowing. In the second month, on the yiyou day, Japanese raiders struck Ninghai; Commander Tao Duo routed them. On the xinchou day, the tribes of Gu Prefecture were pacified, and Yang Wen was recalled to court. On the jiachen day, Vice Commander Xu Kai crushed the Mosuo tribes and restored order.
77
夏四月庚辰，廷臣以朝鮮屢生釁隙請討，不許。 五月丁未，沐春擊刀幹孟，大敗之。 甲寅，帝不豫。 戊午，都督楊文從燕王棣，武定侯郭英從遼王植，備禦開平，俱聽燕王節制。
In the fourth month of summer, on the gengchen day, court officials, citing repeated provocations from Korea, petitioned for a punitive campaign; the emperor did not consent. In the fifth month, on the dingwei day, Mu Chun struck Dao Ganmeng and won a crushing victory. On the jiayin day, the emperor fell gravely ill. On the wuwu day, Commissioner Yang Wen marched with Prince of Yan Zhu Di, and Marquis Wuding Guo Ying with Prince of Liao Zhu Zhi, to ready the defenses at Kaiping; all were placed under the Prince of Yan's command.
78
閏月癸未，帝疾大漸。 乙酉，崩於西宮，年七十有一。 遺詔曰：「朕膺天命三十有一年，憂危積心，日勤不怠，務有益於民。 奈起自寒微，無古人之博知，好善惡惡，不及遠矣。 今得萬物自然之理，其奚哀念之有。 皇太孫允炆仁明孝友，天下歸心，宜登大位。 內外文武臣僚同心輔政，以安吾民。 喪祭儀物，毋用金玉。 孝陵山川因其故，毋改作。 天下臣民，哭臨三日，皆釋服，毋妨嫁娶。 諸王臨國中，毋至京師。 諸不在令中者，推此令從事。」 辛卯，葬孝陵。 諡曰高皇帝，廟號太祖。 永樂元年，諡聖神文武欽明啟運俊德成功統天大孝高皇帝。 嘉靖十七年，增諡開天行道肇紀立極大聖至神仁文義武俊德成功高皇帝。
In the intercalary month, on the guimao day, the emperor's illness turned critical. On the yiyou day, he died in the Western Palace at the age of seventy-one. The death edict read: "I have borne Heaven's mandate for thirty-one years, with worry and peril heaped upon my heart. Day after day I have labored without rest, striving always for the people's good. Yet I rose from humble origins and lack the ancients' vast learning; though I love the good and hate the evil, my reach falls far short. Now I have attained the natural order of all things—what cause is there for grief or regret? The Grand Heir Apparent Yunwen is benevolent, bright, filial, and fraternal; the hearts of all under Heaven turn to him—he should ascend the throne. Civil and military officials within and without must aid the government with one accord, so that my people may rest secure. For funeral and sacrificial regalia, do not use gold or jade. The hills and waters of Xiaoling should be left as they are—do not alter them. All subjects in the realm shall mourn for three days, then lay aside mourning dress; marriages and weddings must not be impeded. The princes governing their domains are not to come to the capital. Whatever is not covered by this edict shall be handled by analogy with its provisions." On the xinmao day, he was buried at Xiaoling. He was given the posthumous title Gaohuangdi and the temple name Taizu. In the first year of Yongle, his posthumous title was extended to Shengshen Wenwu Qinming Qiyun Junde Chenggong Tongtian Daxiao Gaohuangdi. In the seventeenth year of Jiajing, further epithets were added, making him Kaitian Xingdao Zhaoji Liji Dasheng Zhishen Renwen Yiwu Junde Chenggong Gaohuangdi.
79
帝天授智勇，統一方夏，緯武經文，為漢、唐、宋諸君所未及。 當其肇造之初，能沉幾觀變，次第經略，綽有成算。 嘗與諸臣論取天下之略，曰：「朕遭時喪亂，初起鄉土，本圖自全。 及渡江以來，觀群雄所為，徒為生民之患，而張士誠、陳友諒尤為巨蠹。 士誠恃富，友諒恃強，朕獨無所恃。 惟不嗜殺人，布信義，行節儉，與卿等同心共濟。 初與二寇相持，士誠尤逼近。 或謂宜先擊之。 朕以友諒志驕，士誠器小，志驕則好生事，器小則無遠圓，故先攻友諒。 鄱陽之役，士誠卒不能出姑蘇一步以為之援。 向使先攻士誠，浙西負固堅守，友諒必空國而來，吾腹背受敵矣。 二寇既除，北定中原，所以先山東、次河洛，止潼關之兵不遽取秦、隴者，蓋擴廓帖木兒、李思齊、張思道皆百戰之餘，未肯遽下，急之則並力一隅，猝未易定，故出其不意，反旆而北。 燕都既舉，然後西征。 張、李望絕勢窮，不戰而克，然擴廓猶力抗不屈。 向令未下燕都，驟與角力，勝負未可知也。」 帝之雄才大略，料敵制勝，率類此。 故能戡定禍亂，以有天下。 語雲「天道後起者勝」，豈偶然哉。
Heaven endowed him with wisdom and courage; he unified the Central Plain and wove martial power with civil culture—surpassing the rulers of Han, Tang, and Song. At the founding, he could read subtle signs and shifting fortunes, advance step by step in strategy, and always had a settled plan. Once, discussing with his ministers how to win the realm, he said, "I came of age in chaos and upheaval. When I first rose in my homeland, I intended only to preserve myself. After crossing the Yangzi, I saw what the rival warlords did—nothing but afflict the people—and Zhang Shicheng and Chen Youliang were the worst of the plague. Shicheng relied on wealth, Youliang on military might; I alone had nothing to rely on. I relied only on refusing to delight in killing, spreading trust and righteousness, practicing frugality, and sharing one purpose with you all. When I first contended with the two foes, Shicheng pressed in especially close. Some urged that we strike him first. I judged Youliang ambitious and arrogant, Shicheng small-minded; the ambitious love to stir trouble, the small-minded lack long vision—so I attacked Youliang first. At Poyang, Shicheng in the end could not stir one step from Gusu to aid him. Had we attacked Shicheng first, western Zhe would have held fast, and Youliang would surely have emptied his state and marched against us—we would have been caught between two enemies. After the two foes were gone and we moved to settle the north, we took Shandong first, then the Luo basin, and held our forces at Tong Pass without rushing into Qin and Long because Köke Temür, Li Siqi, and Zhang Sidao were all battle-hardened veterans who would not submit at once; press them too hard and they would unite in one corner and not be quickly subdued—so we struck where they did not expect and wheeled our banners north. Only after Yan capital fell did we march west. Zhang and Li saw hope exhausted and submitted without a fight, yet Köke Temür still fought on and would not yield. Had we not taken Yan capital first and suddenly grappled with him, the outcome would have been uncertain." The emperor's heroic talent and grand design—reading the enemy and winning—were mostly of this kind. Thus he could quell turmoil and win the realm. The saying runs, "Heaven's way favors the latecomer"—how could that be mere chance?
80
贊曰：太祖以聰明神武之資，抱濟世安民之志，乘時應運，豪傑景從，戡亂摧強，十五載而成帝業。 崛起布衣，奄奠海宇，西漢以後所未有也。 懲元政廢弛，治尚嚴峻。 而能禮致耆儒，考禮定樂，昭揭經義，尊崇正學，加恩勝國，澄清吏治，修人紀，崇鳳都，正後宮名義，內治肅清，禁宦豎不得幹政，五府六部官職相維，置衛屯田，兵食俱足。 武定禍亂，文致太平，太祖實身兼之。 至於雅尚志節，聽蔡子英北歸。 晚歲憂民益切，嘗以一歲開支河暨塘堰數萬以利農桑、備旱潦。 用此子孫承業二百餘年，士重名義，閭閻充實。 至今苗裔蒙澤，尚如東樓、白馬，世承先祀，有以哉。
The eulogy says: Taizu possessed keen intelligence and divine martial prowess, and cherished the will to succor the age and settle the people. Riding the times and answering fortune, heroes gathered to his banner; he quelled disorder and crushed the strong, and in fifteen years accomplished the imperial enterprise. He rose from common cloth to cover the realm in a moment—something unseen since the Western Han. Punishing the Yuan government's lax rule, his administration valued severity. Yet he could honor aged scholars with ritual, examine rites and fix music, proclaim the meaning of the classics, revere orthodox learning, show grace to the defeated dynasty, clarify official governance, repair human norms, exalt the capital, rectify the inner palace's titles, keep inner administration pure, forbid eunuchs from meddling in government, interlock the Five Commissions and Six Ministries, and establish guard garrison farms so that troops and provisions were both sufficient. Martial power settled turmoil; civil culture brought great peace—Taizu truly embodied both. He also honored integrity of character, as when he allowed Cai Ziying to return north. In his late years he cared for the people all the more urgently; in a single year he once opened rivers, ponds, and dikes by the tens of thousands to benefit farming and guard against flood and drought. Because of this, his descendants held the throne for more than two hundred years; scholars valued reputation and duty, and the villages were full. To this day his descendants still enjoy his grace, like the lines of Donglou and Baima who for generations maintained ancestral sacrifices—small wonder.