Liu Bang (劉邦) | 24 Histories

Overview

Liu Bang was the founding emperor of Han.

Other names

Type	English	Chinese	Pinyin
Personal name	Liu Ji	劉季	Liú Jì
Courtesy name	Ji	季	Jì
Posthumous name	Gao Huangdi	高皇帝	Gao Huangdi
Temple name	Gaozu	高祖	Gāozǔ

Life and dates

Death

BC 195 十二年四月
Directly stated · Book of Han 3, passage 4
十二年夏四月甲辰
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 348
高祖崩
Directly stated · Book of Han 48, passage 117

Attested activity

late Qin to early Han
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 53, passages 3, 9
BC 209 to BC 207 二世時
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 113, passage 4
BC 206 以沛公為漢王
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 54, passage 32
BC 202 佐高祖定天下
Dated from the passage context · Book of Han 4, passage 91
BC 202 to BC 195 先帝知勞民不可煩
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 25, passage 29
BC 209 to BC 206 初，高祖微時
Dated from the passage context · Book of Later Han 131, passage 33

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BC 209 to BC 195 劉
Directly stated · Book of Liang 14, passage 67
BC 206 to BC 202 劉項並爭之際（史臣譬喻）
Strongly inferred · Book of Chen 11, passage 168
BC 195 十二年
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 51, passage 19
BC 195 十二年四月
Directly stated · Book of Han 3, passage 4
BC 202 及項羽滅
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 100, passage 4
BC 200 困於平城
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 100, passage 34
BC 210 to BC 206 始高祖微時
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 3
BC 206 子嬰以上漢高祖
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 57, passage 4
BC 205 彭城西
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 100, passage 67
BC 206 to BC 202 昔
Dated from the passage context · Book of Later Han 34, passage 16
BC 196 會擊黥布
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 54, passage 77
BC 195 汉兴八年
Directly stated · Book of Later Han 110, passage 73
BC 209 to BC 195 沛公至高祖十二年
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 98, passages 4, 62
BC 206 滅秦
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 54, passage 31
BC 200 漢七年
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 104, passage 7
BC 204 漢三年
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 53, passage 22
BC 205 漢二年
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 53, passage 17
BC 202 漢五年
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 53, passages 26, 28
BC 206 to BC 197 漢元年…十年秋
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 90, passages 22, 84, 103
BC 201 漢六年春
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 51, passages 10-11
BC 206 to BC 195 漢初
Dated from the passage context · Book of Later Han 31, passage 136
BC 202 漢初
Directly stated · Book of Han 82, passage 156
BC 196 漢十一年
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 53, passage 60
BC 196 漢十一年
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 113, passage 13
BC 195 漢十二年秋
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 53, passage 71
BC 196 漢召彭越
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 100, passage 81
BC 206 to BC 202 漢王…高祖購求
Dated from the passage context · Book of Han 46, passages 2-3
BC 206 漢王元年
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 51, passage 2
BC 206 to BC 202 漢王率諸侯敗楚
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 94, passages 49, 67
BC 202 to BC 195 漢興
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 125, passage 4
BC 206 to BC 195 漢高祖
Directly stated · Records of the Three Kingdoms 63, passage 119
BC 202 漢高祖封為明雌亭侯
Directly stated · Records of the Three Kingdoms 31, passage 119
BC 196 to BC 195 漢高祖末年
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 139, passage 8
BC 206 to BC 202 秦亂，漢高起布衣
Dated from the passage context · History of Ming 127, passage 7
BC 206 聞項羽有意殺漢王
Dated from the passage context · Book of Later Han 131, passage 90
BC 202 至于高祖，光有四海
Strongly inferred · Records of the Grand Historian 23, passage 20
BC 202 to BC 188 高、惠之間
Directly stated · Book of Han 25, passage 269
BC 202 to BC 195 高帝
Dated from the passage context · Book of Later Han 37, passage 239
BC 206 to BC 195 高帝
Directly stated · Book of Han 85, passage 80
BC 204 高帝三年
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 51, passage 21
BC 202 to BC 196 高帝已定天下
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 113, passage 12
BC 202 高帝時
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 114, passage 7
BC 200 高帝過趙
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 80, passage 113
BC 202 to BC 195 高皇帝
Dated from the passage context · Book of Han 59, passages 60, 173
BC 200 高皇帝七年
Directly stated · Book of Han 25, passage 224
BC 202 高皇帝匡飭天下
Dated from the passage context · Book of Han 4, passage 7
BC 202 to BC 195 高祖
Directly stated · Book of Later Han 32, passage 2; Records of the Grand Historian 120, passage 127
BC 205 高祖二年
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 54, passage 54
BC 201 高祖六年
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 10; Records of the Grand Historian 54, passage 74
BC 206 高祖初為漢王
Directly stated · Book of Han 3, passage 2
BC 196 高祖十一年秋
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 51, passages 16, 18
BC 195 高祖十二年
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 77, passage 152
BC 202 to BC 195 高祖厭苦軍事
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 25, passage 22
BC 206 to BC 195 高祖同時
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 124, passage 31
BC 202 to BC 195 高祖時天下新定
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 25, passage 24
BC 202 to BC 195 高祖有天下
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 25, passage 20
BC 205 高祖東擊項籍
Directly stated · Book of Han 55, passage 5
BC 205 高祖東擊項籍
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 103, passage 3
BC 209 高祖為沛公而初起
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 54, passage 3
BC 206 to BC 202 高祖誅項
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Three Kingdoms 62, passage 87
BC 209 to BC 206 高祖起沛
Dated from the passage context · Book of Han 51, passage 28

Family

Immediate relationships attested in the translated histories.

Spouse of Lady Qi (戚姬)
consort 姬 · Concubinage
Directly stated · Book of Han 51, passage 40
Parent of Emperor Xiaohui (孝惠帝)
son 子
crown prince 太子
crown prince 太子也
father 父
heir apparent 太子
Sources vary in certainty · Records of the Grand Historian 54, passages 81, 112; Records of the Grand Historian 53, passage 17; Book of Han 3, passage 1; Book of Han 4, passages 90-91; Book of Han 51, passage 44
Sibling of Liu Bo (劉伯)
elder brother 兄 · Full siblings
Directly stated · Book of Han 4, passage 101
Sibling of Lady Xuan (宣夫人)
elder sister 姊 · Full siblings
Directly stated · Book of Han 4, passage 101
Sibling of Bo (伯)
eldest brother 長兄
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 2
Parent of Liu Fei (劉肥)
eldest son 長子
son 子
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 54, passage 73; Records of the Grand Historian 51, passage 14
Spouse of Empress Lü (呂后)
Empress Lü 呂皇后 · Primary marriage
empress 后
empress 后 · Primary marriage
Empress Gao 高后 · Primary marriage · Widowed
Sources vary in certainty · Book of Han 3, passage 1; Records of the Grand Historian 53, passage 61; Book of Han 51, passage 48; Book of Later Han 108, passage 87; Book of Han 25, passage 313; Book of Han 4, passages 90-91
Child of Taishang Huang (太上皇)
father 父
Retired Emperor 太上皇
Sources vary in certainty · Book of Han 82, passage 156; Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 7; Book of Han 4, passages 100-101
Parent of Liu Chang (劉長)
imperial son 皇子
Directly stated · Book of Han 51, passage 18
Parent of You (友)
middle son of Emperor Gaozu 高祖中子
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 28
Child of Empress Zhaoling (昭靈皇后)
mother 母
Directly stated · Records of the Three Kingdoms 34, passage 18
Child of Mother of Emperor Gaozu and Liu Jiao
same mother 同母 · maternal line
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 1
Sibling of Liu Xi (劉喜)
second brother 次兄
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 9
Parent of Liu Ruyi (劉如意)
son 子
Directly stated · Book of Han 51, passage 44
Sibling of Liu Jiao (劉交)
younger brother 弟 · Uncertain siblings · paternal line
youngest brother by the same mother 同母少弟 · Maternal half siblings
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 51, passage 13; Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 1
Parent of Princess Lu Yuan (魯元公主)
Strongly inferred · Book of Han 4, passage 93

Kinship Role brothers · Count 4
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 2

Key source chapters

Book of Han, Chapter 1 Volume 1: Annals of Emperor Gaozu 1 186 passages
Book of Han, Chapter 2 Volume 1: Annals of Emperor Gaozu 2 109 passages
Book of Han, Chapter 48 Volume 39: Xiao He and Cao Shen 62 passages
Book of Han, Chapter 51 Volume 42: Zhang, Zhou, Zhao, Ren and Shentu 31 passages
Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 53 House of Chancellor Xiao 27 passages

Origins and identity

descendant of Emperor Yao
Raw 帝堯之苗裔
Directly stated · Book of Han 117, passage 136
漢帝本系，出自唐帝
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 373

Career and standing

pavilion chief of Sishang 泗上亭長
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passages 8, 17, 42-43
King of Han 漢王
Directly stated · Book of Han 42, passage 20
Governor of Dang Commandery
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passage 144
fief of ten thousand households 萬戶
BC 205 漢王聞魏豹反 · Offered · With Li Yiji (酈食其)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 90, passage 25
Marquis of Wuan
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passage 144
King of Han 漢王
Held · From Source Date: Text: 高祖初為漢王 · Western Year: BC 206
Directly stated · Book of Han 3, passage 2

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Lord of Pei 沛公
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passage 83
Held
Ruler of realm
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 25, passage 20
As Emperor 皇帝
Directly stated · Book of Han 48, passage 215
BC 202 及高祖為帝
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 6
emperor 皇帝
BC 202 漢王為皇帝
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 54, passage 71
Emperor 皇帝
BC 202 漢王立為皇帝
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 94, passage 67
即皇帝位于氾水之陽
二月甲午
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 47
漢五年
Emperor
Directly stated · Book of Han 48, passage 39
established as Lord of Pei 立為沛公
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passage 83
imperial throne 天子位
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 77, passage 151
became emperor 漢王立為皇帝
Directly stated · Book of Han 42, passage 95

Places and affiliations

Han 漢
Directly stated · Book of Han 74, passage 234
Han 漢
Directly stated · Book of Han 58, passage 79; Book of Han 74, passage 266
Han 漢
Relation Associated with
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 90, passage 23
Han 漢
Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Book of Han 25, passage 224; Records of the Grand Historian 23, passage 20; Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 6; Records of the Grand Historian 53, passages 11, 28
Han 漢
Relation Served
Directly stated · Book of Han 85, passage 80
Han
Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 80, passage 113

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Polity Han · Relation Founder of
Directly stated · Book of Han 82, passage 156
Polity Han · Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 77, passage 151
Polity Han
Directly stated · Book of Han 27, passage 38; Book of Han 58, passage 277
Polity Han 漢 · Relation Of
Directly stated · Book of Han 6, passage 23
Polity Han 漢 · Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Book of Han 3, passage 2; Book of Han 4, passage 91; Book of Han 46, passages 2-3; Old History of the Five Dynasties 139, passage 8; History of Liao 57, passage 4; Records of the Grand Historian 25, passage 20; Records of the Grand Historian 51, passages 2, 11; Records of the Grand Historian 54, passages 32, 71; Records of the Grand Historian 98, passage 4; Records of the Grand Historian 120, passage 127; Records of the Grand Historian 125, passage 4
Polity Han 漢 · Relation Served
Directly stated · Book of Han 55, passage 5
Polity Western Han 漢 · Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Records of the Three Kingdoms 63, passage 119
Polity Western Han 漢 · Relation Served
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 103, passage 3
Polity Name Han 漢
Directly stated · Book of Han 48, passage 16
漢
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passages 1, 47
Zhongyang Village, Fengyi, Pei 沛豐邑中陽里
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passage 1
豐
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 297

Works and attributed material

Imperial Dress, Section Eight 天子所服第八
Relation Author
Directly stated · Book of Han 85, passage 80
Speech · Speaker · Addressed to Shi Fen (石奮)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 103, passages 4, 8
BC 200 高皇帝七年
Edict · Author
Directly stated · Book of Han 25, passages 224-227
Speech · Speaker · With Li Yiji (酈食其) · Extent Unit Ids s0025 · Mode speech Speaker Liu Bang (劉邦)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 90, passage 25
Edict · Author · With Li Shang (酈商) · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 94, passage 71
Edict · Author · Text Hint 將軍劉賈有功...
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 51, passage 11

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Speech · Speaker · With Xiao He (蕭何)
Directly stated · History of Song 359, passage 36
Speech · Speaker · With Ding Gong (丁公)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 100, passages 67, 70-71
Speech · Addressee · With Zhou Xie (周緤) · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 98, passages 63-64
Speech · Speaker · Mode quotation Speaker Liu Bang (劉邦)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 53, passages 31, 33, 35-39
Speech · Speaker · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 94, passages 82-83
Speech · Speaker
Directly stated · Book of Han 46, passages 60-61; Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 7

Events and relationships

Announced sacrifice as Gaozu
AD 85 癸酉 · Ritual · Recipient · At Bright Hall 明堂
Directly stated · Book of Later Han 109, passage 51
Attacked
BC 197 十年秋 · Military · Commander · With Chen Xi (陳豨) · At Handan 邯鄲
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 90, passage 84
Attacked
Military · Commander · With Xiang Yu (項羽)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 103, passage 3
Buried Tian Heng with kingly rites
Ritual · Patron · With Tian Heng (田橫)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 94, passage 84
Defeated Chu entered Pengcheng
Military · Commander
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 94, passage 49
Defeated
BC 196 高祖十一年秋 · Military · Commander · With Ying Bu (英布)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 51, passage 18

Show 44 more source-backed claims

Dined at
Personal · Guest · With Wife of Bo (巨嫂)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 50, passages 3-5
Enfeoffed
Political · Ruler · With Yue Shu (樂叔)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 80, passage 115
Established tomb keepers for Xinling
BC 195 高祖十二年 · Ritual · Sponsor · With Prince Wuji of Wei (魏公子無忌)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 77, passage 152
Executed
Legal · Authority · With Ding Gong (丁公)
Directly stated · Book of Han 46, passages 60-61
Hongmen banquet
Military · Threatened ruler · With Xiang Yu (項羽)
Directly stated · Book of Later Han 131, passage 90
Installed vassal
Diplomatic · Sovereign · With Zhao Tuo (趙佗)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 113, passage 13
established review procedure for doubtful cases 制詔疑獄讞報
BC 200 高皇帝七年 · Legal · Ruler · Issued edict
Directly stated · Book of Han 25, passages 224-227
Led campaign against Chen Xi to Handan
BC 196 漢十一年 · Military · Commander · With Chen Xi (陳豨)
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 53, passage 60
Led campaign against Ying Bu
BC 195 漢十二年秋 · Military · Commander · With Ying Bu (英布)
Dated from the passage context · Records of the Grand Historian 53, passage 71
Made Liu clan cap from bamboo
Personal · Maker
Directly stated · Book of Later Han 131, passage 33
Paired at suburban sacrifice
Ritual · Correlative recipient
Directly stated · Book of Later Han 108, passages 43-44
Pardoned and summoned Tian Heng
Political · Sovereign · With Tian Heng (田橫)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 94, passages 69, 71-73
Possessed the realm
Political · Ruler
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 25, passage 20
Posted reward
Legal · Authority · With Ji Bu (季布)
Directly stated · Book of Han 46, passage 3
Received seal
Diplomatic · Recipient · With Ziying (子嬰)
Directly stated · History of Liao 57, passage 4
Return report sacrifice at Gao temple
AD 85 庚申 · Ritual · Recipient
Directly stated · Book of Later Han 109, passage 55
Sacrificed to Xinling at Daliang
Ritual · Worshipper
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 77, passages 151, 157
Set aside military force
Political · Ruler
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 25, passage 22
Solar eclipse at year's opening in final years, cited as precedent
Omen · Sovereign
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 139, passage 8
Went to suppress Chen Xi and passed through Zhao
Military · Commander · With Chen Xi (陳豨)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 104, passage 7
Withheld enfeoffment
Political · Ruler · With Xin (信)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 50, passages 6-7
Type father-of · Person Emperor Xiaohui (孝惠帝)
Strongly inferred · Book of Han 48, passage 117
Type father · Person Emperor Xiaohui (孝惠帝)
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passages 30, 32
Type husband-of · Person Empress Lü (呂后)
Strongly inferred · Book of Han 48, passage 73
Type husband · Person Empress Lü (呂后)
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passages 29-30
Type father · Person Liu Fei (劉肥)
Directly stated · Book of Han 48, passage 217
Relation Patron of · Person Ji Ru (籍孺)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 125, passage 4
Type father · Person Princess Lu Yuan (魯元公主)
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passages 30, 32
Type son · Person Taigong (太公)
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passage 3
Type son · Person Mother of Gaozu (母媼)
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passages 2, 4
Type spouse-of · Person Local Id Empress Lü (呂后)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 48
Type son-of · Person Local Id Taishang Huang (太上皇)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passages 138, 149
Type brother-of · Person Local Id Liu Jiao (劉交)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 126
Type brother-of · Person Local Id Liu Bo (劉伯)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 29
Type brother-of · Person Local Id Liu Xi (劉喜)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passages 127, 185
Type father-of · Person Local Id Liu Chang (劉長)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 276
Type father-of · Person Local Id Liu Fei (劉肥)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 127
Type father-of · Person Local Id Liu Ruyi (劉如意)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 158
Type father-of · Person Local Id Liu Ying (劉盈)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 48
Type father-of · Person Local Id Liu Jian (劉建)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 321
Type father-of · Person Local Id Liu Hui (劉恢)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 262
Type father-of · Person Local Id Liu You (劉友)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 262
Type son-of · Person Local Id Lady Zhaoling (昭靈夫人)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 48
Type father-of · Person Local Id Liu Heng (劉恆)
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 245

Assessments and attributes

Assessment disloyal minister who caused Xiang Yu to lose the empire · Mode speech Speaker Liu Bang (劉邦)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 100, passage 70
Assessment fierce and unyielding · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Sima Qian (太史公)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 125, passage 4
Assessment invoked as one of rival founders in historiographer analogy · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Book of Chen 11, passage 168
Assessment praised Tian brothers as worthy; wept for Tian Heng · Mode stated-by Speaker Liu Bang (劉邦)
Directly stated · Records of the Grand Historian 94, passages 82-84
Item imperial transmission seal 傳國寶 · Relation Received
Directly stated · History of Liao 57, passage 4

Source notes

Historicity historical
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 139, passage 8; Records of the Grand Historian 50, passage 1
上尊號曰高皇帝
Directly stated · Book of Han 2, passage 361

References in the histories

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History

690 passages

Book of Chen, Chapter 11Volume 11: Huang Faqu; Chunyu Liang; Zhang Zhaoda · 1 passage

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史臣曰：黃法抃、淳于量值梁末喪亂，劉、項未分，其有辯明暗見是非者蓋鮮，二公達向背之理，位至鼎司，亦其智也。 The historiographer writes: Huang Faqu and Chunyu Liang lived through the chaos at the end of Liang, when the realm had not yet chosen between rival founders; men who could tell right from wrong were few. Both understood which side to take and rose to the highest offices—that was their wisdom.

Book of Han, Chapter 1Volume 1: Annals of Emperor Gaozu 1 · 186 passages

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高祖，沛豐邑中陽里人也，姓劉氏。 Emperor Gaozu was born in Zhongyang Village in the town of Fengyi, Pei County. His surname was Liu.

已而有娠，遂產高祖。 Soon after, she became pregnant and gave birth to Emperor Gaozu.

高祖為人，隆準而龍顏，美須髯，左股有七十二黑子。 Emperor Gaozu had a prominent nose, a face like a dragon, beautiful whiskers and beard, and seventy-two black moles on his left thigh.

高祖每酤留飲，酒讎數倍。 Whenever Emperor Gaozu bought wine, he stayed to drink, and the bill was several times higher.

高祖常繇咸陽，縱觀秦皇帝，喟然大息，曰：「嗟乎，大丈夫當如此矣！」 Emperor Gaozu often passed through Xianyang and gazed upon the Qin emperor. He would sigh deeply and say: "Ah, this is how a true man should live!"

高祖為亭長，素易諸吏，乃紿為謁曰「賀錢萬」，實不持一錢。 As pavilion chief, Emperor Gaozu had always treated the officials lightly. He deceived them by having the announcement read "Congratulatory gift: ten thousand cash," though in fact he did not bring a single coin.

呂公者，好相人，見高祖狀貌，因重敬之，引入坐上坐。 Lü Gong was skilled in reading faces. When he saw Emperor Gaozu's appearance, he was greatly impressed and led him inside to be seated in the place of honor.

蕭何曰：「劉季固多大言，少成事。」 Xiao He said: "Liu Ji certainly talks big but accomplishes little."

高祖因狎侮諸客，遂坐上坐，無所詘。 Emperor Gaozu took advantage of this to treat all the guests with casual familiarity and even insult them. He sat in the place of honor without showing any humility.

酒闌，呂公因目固留高祖。 As the banquet ended, Lü Gong signaled insistently to keep Emperor Gaozu there.

竟酒，後。 When the wine was finished, Gaozu stayed behind.

呂公曰：「臣少好相人，相人多矣，無如季相，願季自愛。 Lü Gong said: "Since I was young, I've enjoyed reading faces. I've read many people's faces, but none compare to Ji's. I hope Ji takes good care of himself.

臣有息女，願為箕帚妾。」 I have a young daughter and wish to make her Ji's humble servant."

沛令善公，求之不與，何自妄許與劉季？」 The magistrate of Pei was your friend and asked for her, but you wouldn't give her. Why are you now rashly promising her to Liu Ji?"

卒與高祖。 In the end, she married Emperor Gaozu.

高祖嘗告歸之田。 Once, Emperor Gaozu requested leave to return to his fields.

老父已去，高祖適從旁舍來，呂后具言客有過，相我子母皆大貴。 The old man had already left. Emperor Gaozu had just returned from a neighboring house. Empress Lü told him everything: a guest had passed by and read the faces of her, the children, and her mother—they were all greatly noble.

高祖問，曰：「未遠。」 Emperor Gaozu asked where the old man had gone. She said, "Not far."

高祖乃謝曰：「誠如父言，不敢忘德。」 Emperor Gaozu then thanked him and said: "If what you say is true, I won't forget your kindness."

及高祖貴，遂不知老父處。 When Emperor Gaozu rose to power, he could no longer find the old man.

高祖為亭長，乃鲈竹皮為冠，令求盜之薛治，時時冠之，及貴常冠，所謂「劉氏冠」也。 While he was pavilion chief, Emperor Gaozu made a cap of bamboo sheathing. When he was sent to pursue bandits in the Xue district he wore it from time to time, and after he rose high he still wore it constantly. This is what was called the "Liu family cap."

高祖以亭長為縣送徒驪山，徒多道亡。 As pavilion chief, Emperor Gaozu was assigned by the county to escort convicts to Mount Li. Many of the convicts fled along the road.

高祖被酒，夜徑澤中，令一人行前。 Emperor Gaozu was drunk and at night went directly through the marsh, ordering one man to go ahead.

高祖醉，曰：「壯士行，何畏！」 Emperor Gaozu was drunk and said: "A brave man walks on. What is there to fear!"

嫗曰：「吾子，白帝子也，化為蛇，當道，今者赤帝子斬之，故哭。」 The old woman said: "My son was the son of the White Emperor. He transformed into a snake and blocked the road. Just now, the son of the Red Emperor cut him down. That's why I'm crying."

後人至，高祖覺。 Later people arrived, and Emperor Gaozu woke up.

告高祖，高祖乃心獨喜，自負。 They told Emperor Gaozu, who was secretly delighted and grew confident in himself.

高祖隱於芒、碭山澤間，呂后與人俱求，常得之。 Emperor Gaozu hid in the mountains and marshes between Mang and Dang. Empress Lü and others searched for him together and always found him.

高祖怪問之。 Emperor Gaozu was surprised and asked how.

呂后曰：「季所居上常有雲氣，故從往常得季。」 Empress Lü said: "There are always clouds above where you stay. That's why we can always find you by following them."

高祖又喜。 Emperor Gaozu was delighted once more.

乃令樊噲召高祖。 He then ordered Fan Kuai to summon Gaozu.

高祖之眾已數百人矣。 Gaozu's following already numbered several hundred men.

於是樊噲從高祖來。 So Fan Kuai came to follow Emperor Gaozu.

蕭、曹恐，踰城保高祖。 Xiao and Cao were afraid, so they climbed over the wall to join Emperor Gaozu.

高祖乃書帛射城上，與沛父老曰：「天下同苦秦久矣。 Emperor Gaozu then wrote on silk and shot it onto the city wall, saying to the elders of Pei: "All under heaven have suffered under Qin for a long time.

父老乃帥子弟共殺沛令，開城門迎高祖，欲以為沛令。 The elders then led the young men together to kill the magistrate of Pei, opened the city gates to welcome Emperor Gaozu, and wanted to make him magistrate of Pei.

高祖曰：「天下方擾，諸侯並起，令置將不善，一敗塗地。 Emperor Gaozu said: "The world is in chaos right now, with feudal lords rising up everywhere. If you appoint a commander who is not capable, one defeat will ruin everything.

蕭、曹等皆文吏，自愛，恐事不就，後秦種族其家，盡讓高祖。 Xiao, Cao, and the others were all civil officials who cherished themselves. They feared that if things didn't succeed, Qin would exterminate their families, so they all yielded to Emperor Gaozu.

諸父老皆曰：「平生所聞劉季奇怪，當貴，且卜筮之，莫如劉季最吉。」 All the elders said: "In our lifetimes we have heard that Liu Ji is strange and marked for nobility. Moreover, when we divined on it, none was more auspicious than Liu Ji."

高祖數讓。 Emperor Gaozu declined repeatedly.

眾莫肯為，高祖乃立為沛公。 No one else was willing to take it, so Emperor Gaozu was established as Lord of Pei.

幟皆赤，由所殺蛇白帝子，所殺者赤帝子故也。 All the banners were red, because the snake he killed was the son of the White Emperor, and the one who killed it was the son of the Red Emperor.

秦二年十月，沛公攻胡陵、方與，還守豐。 In the tenth month of the second year of Qin, Pei Gong attacked Hu Ling and Fang Yu, then returned to defend Feng.

十一月，沛公引兵之薛。 In the eleventh month, Pei Gong led troops to Xue.

秦泗川守壯兵敗於薛，走至戚，沛公左司馬得殺之。 The Qin governor of Si River Zhuang was defeated at Xue and fled to Qi, where Pei Gong's left commander Sima De killed him.

沛公還軍亢父，至方與。 Pei Gong returned his army to Kangfu and arrived at Fang Yu.

雍齒雅不欲屬沛公，及魏招之，即反為魏守豐。 Yong Chi had long not wanted to serve Pei Gong, and when Wei summoned him, he immediately rebelled and defended Feng for Wei.

沛公攻豐，不能取。 Pei Gong attacked Feng but could not capture it.

沛公還之沛，怨雍齒與豐子弟畔之。 Pei Gong returned to Pei, resentful that Yong Chi and the young men of Feng had rebelled against him.

沛公往從之，道得張良，遂與俱見景駒，請兵以攻豐。 Pei Gong went to join him, met Zhang Liang along the way, and together they went to see Jing Ju, requesting troops to attack Feng.

東陽甯君、沛公引兵西，與戰蕭西，不利，還收兵聚留。 The Lord of Dongyang Ning and Pei Gong led troops west and battled west of Xiao, but were unsuccessful, so they retreated and gathered troops at Liu.

四月，項梁擊殺景駒、秦嘉，止薛，沛公往見之。 In the fourth month, Xiang Liang attacked and killed Jing Ju and Qin Jia, then stopped at Xue. Pei Gong went to see him.

項梁益沛公卒五千人，五大夫將十人。 Xiang Liang increased Pei Gong's troops by five thousand men and ten generals of the rank of Grand Master.

沛公還，引兵攻豐，拔之。 Pei Gong returned and led troops to attack Feng, capturing it.

六月，沛公如薛，與項梁共立楚懷王孫心為楚懷王。 In the sixth month, Pei Gong went to Xue and together with Xiang Liang established Chu King Huai's grandson Xin as King Huai of Chu.

沛公攻亢父。 Pei Gong attacked Kangfu.

沛公與項梁共救田榮，大破章邯東阿。 Pei Gong and Xiang Liang together went to rescue Tian Rong and greatly defeated Zhang Han at Dong'e.

田榮歸，沛公、項羽追北，至城陽，攻屠其城。 Tian Rong returned. Pei Gong and Xiang Yu pursued the defeated enemy north to Chengyang and attacked, massacring the population of the city.

沛公、項羽去攻定陶。 Pei Gong and Xiang Yu left to attack Dingtao.

定陶未下，沛公與項羽西略地至雍丘，與秦軍戰，大敗之，斬三川守李由。 Dingtao had not yet fallen. Pei Gong and Xiang Yu marched west to seize territory as far as Yongqiu, where they battled Qin troops and greatly defeated them, beheading the governor of Sanchuan, Li You.

沛公、項羽方攻陳留，聞梁死，士卒恐，乃與將軍呂臣引兵而東，徙懷王自盱台都彭城。 Pei Gong and Xiang Yu were attacking Chenliu when they heard of Liang's death. The soldiers were terrified, so they joined with General Lü Chen and led troops east, moving King Huai from Xutai to Pengcheng as the capital.

呂臣軍彭城東，項羽軍彭城西，沛公軍碭。 Lü Chen's army was stationed east of Pengcheng, Xiang Yu's army west of Pengcheng, and Pei Gong's army at Dang.

以沛公為碭郡長，封武安侯，將碭郡兵。 He appointed Pei Gong as governor of Dang commandery, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Wuan, and put him in command of Dang commandery troops.

獨羽怨秦破項梁，奮勢，願與沛公西入關。 Only Xiang Yu resented Qin for defeating Xiang Liang and was eager to go west into the pass with Pei Gong.

項羽不可遣，獨沛公素寬大長者。」 Xiang Yu should not be sent. Only Pei Gong is habitually magnanimous and an elder."

卒不許羽，而遣沛公西收陳王、項梁散卒。 In the end they did not permit Xiang Yu, but sent Pei Gong west to gather the scattered troops of King Chen and Xiang Liang.

沛公攻破東郡尉於成武。 Pei Gong attacked and defeated the Dong commandery commandant at Chengwu.

十二月，沛公引兵至栗，遇剛武侯，奪其軍四千餘人，并之，與魏將皇欣、武滿軍合，攻秦軍，破之。 In the twelfth month, Pei Gong led troops to Li and encountered Gangwu Marquis, seized over four thousand of his men, and combined them. He joined with Wei generals Huang Xin and Wu Man's army and attacked Qin troops, defeating them.

二月，沛公從碭北攻昌邑，遇彭越。 In the second month, Pei Gong from north of Dang attacked Changyi and encountered Peng Yue.

沛公西過高陽，酈食其為里監門，曰：「諸將過此者多，吾視沛公大度。」 Pei Gong passed west through Gaoyang. Li Yiji was the village gatekeeper and said: "Many generals have passed through here. I can see that Pei Gong has great magnanimity."

乃求見沛公。 So he sought to see Pei Gong.

沛公方踞床，使兩女子洗。 Pei Gong was sitting cross-legged on a bed, having two women wash his feet.

於是沛公起，攝衣謝之，延上坐。 So Pei Gong rose, straightened his clothes, and apologized. He invited him to sit in the honored position.

食其說沛公襲陳留。 Yiji persuaded Pei Gong to attack Chenliu by surprise.

沛公以為廣野君，以其弟商為將，將陳留兵。 Pei Gong made him Lord Guangye and appointed his younger brother Shang as general, commanding the Chenliu troops.

時趙別將司馬卬方欲渡河入關，沛公乃北攻平陰，絕河津。 At this time, Sima Ang, a separate Zhao general, was about to cross the Yellow River and enter the passes. Pei Gong therefore attacked Pingyin to the north and cut off the river crossings.

沛公引兵過宛西。 Pei Gong led his troops west past Wan.

張良諫曰：「沛公雖欲急入關，秦兵尚眾，距險。 Zhang Liang advised: "Although Pei Gong wishes to rush into the passes, the Qin troops are still numerous and hold the dangerous passes.

於是沛公乃夜引軍從他道還，偃旗幟，遲明，圍宛城三匝。 So Pei Gong led his army back by another route at night, hid his banners, and at dawn surrounded Wan city three times.

乃踰城見沛公，曰：「臣聞足下約先入咸陽者王之，今足下留守宛。 He therefore climbed over the wall to meet Pei Gong and said, "I have heard that you agreed that whoever first entered Xianyang would be made king there. Now you are staying here to besiege Wan.

沛公曰：「善。」 Pei Gong said: "Excellent."

八月，沛公攻武關，入秦。 In the eighth month, Pei Gong attacked Wuguan and entered Qin.

秦相趙高恐，乃殺二世，使人來，欲約分王關中，沛公不許。 The Qin Chancellor Zhao Gao became afraid, so he killed the Second Emperor and sent men to propose dividing Guanzhong into kingdoms. Pei Gong refused.

沛公欲擊之，張良曰：「秦兵尚彊，未可輕。 Pei Gong wanted to attack them. Zhang Liang said: "The Qin troops are still strong. We cannot be careless.

秦將果欲連和，沛公欲許之。 The Qin general indeed wanted to form an alliance. Pei Gong wanted to agree.

沛公引兵繞嶢關，踰蕢山，擊秦軍，大破之藍田南。 Pei Gong led his troops around Yao Pass, crossed Mount Qi, attacked the Qin army, and greatly defeated them south of Lantian.

沛公至霸上。 The Duke of Pei reached Bashang.

諸將或言誅秦王，沛公曰：「始懷王遣我，固以能寬容，且人已服降，殺之不祥。」 Some of the generals said that the King of Qin should be executed. The Duke of Pei said, "When King Huai first sent me, it was precisely because I was able to be lenient. Moreover, the man has already submitted and surrendered; to kill him would be inauspicious."

沛公讓不受，曰：「倉粟多，不欲費民。」 The Duke of Pei declined and would not accept them, saying, "There is abundant grain in the granaries, and I do not want to burden the people."

民又益喜，唯恐沛公不為秦王。 The people were even more delighted and feared only that the Duke of Pei would not become King of Qin.

或說沛公曰：「秦富十倍天下，地形彊。 Someone advised Pei Gong: "Qin is ten times as wealthy as all the rest of the realm, and its terrain is strong.

即來，沛公恐不得有此。 If he comes, you may not be able to keep this.

沛公然其計，從之。 Pei Gong approved this plan and followed it.

聞沛公已定關中，羽大怒，使黥布等攻破函谷關，遂至戲下。 When he heard that Pei Gong had already pacified Guanzhong, Xiang Yu was furious and sent Ying Bu and others to break through Hangu Pass, then advanced to Xi.

沛公左司馬曹毋傷聞羽怒，欲攻沛公，使人言羽曰：「沛公欲王關中，令子嬰相，珍寶盡有之。」 Cao Wushang, Pei Gong's Left Marshal, heard that Xiang Yu was angry and wanted to attack Pei Gong. He sent someone to tell Xiang Yu, "Pei Gong wants to become king of Guanzhong, make Zi Ying his chancellor, and keep all the precious treasures."

亞父范增說羽曰：「沛公居山東時，貪財好色，今聞其入關，珍物無所取，婦女無所幸，此其志不小。 Fan Zeng, the Second Father, advised Xiang Yu: "When Pei Gong was east of the mountains, he was greedy for wealth and fond of women. Now we hear that after entering the passes, he has taken no precious objects and favored no women. His ambitions are not small.

沛公兵十萬，號二十萬，力不敵。 Pei Gong's troops numbered 100,000, claiming 200,000. Their strength was no match.

良曰：「臣為韓王送沛公，不可不告，亡去不義。」 Liang said, "The King of Han sent me to escort Pei Gong. I cannot fail to inform him; to flee would be unrighteous."

乃與項伯俱見沛公。 So he went with Xiang Bo to see Pei Gong.

沛公與伯約為婚姻，曰：「吾入關，秋豪無所敢取，籍吏民，封府庫，待將軍。 Pei Gong formed a marriage alliance with Xiang Bo and said: "When I entered the passes, I dared not take even the smallest thing. I registered the officials and people, sealed the storehouses and treasuries, and waited for the general.

戒沛公曰：「旦日不可不早自來謝。」 Xiang Bo warned Pei Gong: "Tomorrow you must come early to apologize."

項伯還，具以沛公言告羽，因曰：「沛公不先破關中兵，公巨能入乎？ Xiang Bo returned and told Xiang Yu everything Pei Gong had said, then added, "If Pei Gong had not first defeated the Guanzhong troops, could you have entered?

沛公旦日從百餘騎見羽鴻門，謝曰：「臣與將軍戮力攻秦，將軍戰河北，臣戰河南，不自意先入關，能破秦，與將軍復相見。 The next morning, Pei Gong came with more than a hundred riders to see Xiang Yu at Hongmen and apologized: "I joined forces with the general to attack Qin. The general fought north of the Yellow River, and I fought south of it. I did not expect to enter the passes first, defeat Qin, and then meet the general again.

羽曰：「此沛公左司馬曹毋傷言之，不然，籍何以生此？」 Xiang Yu said: "This was reported by Pei Gong's left marshal Cao Wushang. Otherwise, how could such suspicions have arisen?"

羽因留沛公飲。 Xiang Yu then kept Pei Gong to drink.

范增數目羽擊沛公，羽不應。 Fan Zeng repeatedly signaled Xiang Yu to attack Pei Gong, but Xiang Yu did not respond.

君王為人不忍，汝入以劍舞，因擊沛公，殺之。 Our lord is too softhearted. Go in and perform a sword dance, then strike Pei Gong and kill him.

項伯亦起舞，常以身翼蔽沛公。 Xiang Bo also rose to dance, constantly using his body to shield Pei Gong.

有頃，沛公起如廁，招樊噲出，置車官屬，獨騎，與樊噲、靳彊、滕公、紀成步，從間道走軍，使張良留謝羽。 After a while, Pei Gong rose as if to use the privy and beckoned Fan Kuai out. Leaving his carriages and attendants behind, he rode off alone, while Fan Kuai, Jin Qiang, Lord Teng, and Ji Cheng went on foot. They fled the camp by a side road, and he had Zhang Liang remain to apologize to Xiang Yu.

羽問：「沛公安在？」 Xiang Yu asked: "Where is Pei Gong?"

增怒，撞其斗，起曰：「吾屬今為沛公虜矣！」 Fan Zeng was angry and smashed his goblet. He rose and said: "We and our clans will soon be Pei Gong's captives!"

沛公歸數日，羽引兵西屠咸陽，殺秦降王子嬰，燒秦宮室，所過無不殘滅。 Several days after Pei Gong returned, Xiang Yu led his troops west, slaughtered Xianyang, killed Zi Ying, the surrendered prince of Qin, and burned the Qin palaces. Wherever he passed, everything was devastated.

羽怨懷王不肯令與沛公俱西入關，而北救趙，後天下約。 Xiang Yu resented King Huai for refusing to let him enter the passes westward together with Pei Gong, instead sending him north to rescue Zhao, so that he came too late for the agreement over the realm.

背約，更立沛公為漢王，王巴、蜀、漢中四十一縣，都南鄭。 Breaking the agreement, he further established Pei Gong as King of Han, ruling Ba, Shu, Hanzhong, and 41 counties, with capital at Nanzheng.

漢王怨羽之背約，欲攻之，丞相蕭何諫，乃止。 King Han resented Xiang Yu for breaking the agreement and wanted to attack him. Chancellor Xiao He advised against it, so he stopped.

羽使卒三萬人從漢王，楚子、諸侯人之慕從者數萬人，從杜南入蝕中。 Xiang Yu sent thirty thousand soldiers to accompany the King of Han, and several tens of thousands of Chu nobles and men from the feudal lords admired him and followed as well. They entered Shuzhong from south of Du.

張良辭歸韓，漢王送至褒中，因說漢王燒絕棧道，以備諸侯盜兵，亦視項羽無東意。 Zhang Liang took leave to return to Han. The King of Han escorted him as far as Baozhong, and there Zhang Liang advised him to burn and sever the plank roads, both to guard against raiding troops from the feudal lords and to show Xiang Yu that he had no intention of going east.

漢王既至南鄭，諸將及士卒皆歌謳思東歸，多道亡還者。 After the King of Han reached Nanzheng, the generals and soldiers all sang songs longing to return east, and many deserted along the roads.

韓信為治粟都尉，亦亡去，蕭何追還之，因薦於漢王，曰：「 Han Xin was Commandant for Grain Supply, but he too deserted. Xiao He pursued him, brought him back, and then recommended him to the King of Han, saying: "

於是漢王齊戒設壇場，拜信為大將軍，問以計策。 So King Han purified himself and set up an altar platform, appointing Xin as grand general and asking him for strategies.

漢王大說，遂聽信策，部署諸將。 King Han was greatly pleased and followed Xin's strategy, deploying the various generals.

五月，漢王引兵從故道出襲雍。 In the fifth month, King Han led troops from the old road to attack Yong by surprise.

漢王遂定雍地。 King Han then pacified Yong territory.

羽以良從漢王，韓王成又無功，故不遣就國，與俱至彭城，殺之。 Because Zhang Liang had accompanied the King of Han (Liu Bang), and King Cheng of Han had achieved nothing, Xiang Yu would not let Cheng go to his kingdom; he brought Cheng to Pengcheng and killed him.

及聞漢王并關中，而齊、梁畔之，羽大怒，乃以故吳令鄭昌為韓王，距漢。 When Xiang Yu heard that the King of Han had taken all of Guanzhong and that Qi and Liang had rebelled against him, he was furious. He made Zheng Chang, the former magistrate of Wu, King of Han to block Han.

九月，漢王遣將軍薛歐、王吸出武關，因王陵兵，從南陽迎太公、呂后於沛。 In the ninth month, the King of Han sent Generals Xue Ou and Wang Xi out through Wuguan to join Wang Ling's troops and proceed from Nanyang to Pei to escort the Venerable Sire and Empress Lü.

耳敗走降漢，漢王厚遇之。 Zhang Er was defeated, fled, and surrendered to Han. King Han treated him generously.

張良自韓間行歸漢，漢王以為成信侯。 Zhang Liang stole his way back from Han to join the King of Han. The King of Han made him Lord Chengxin.

漢王如陝，鎮撫關外父老。 King Han went to Shan and pacified the elders outside the passes.

漢王還歸，都櫟陽，使諸將略地，拔隴西。 King Han returned and established his capital at Queyang, sending various generals to seize territory and capture Longxi.

三月，漢王自臨晉渡河，魏王豹降，將兵從。 In the third month, King Han crossed the Yellow River from Linjin. King Wei Bao surrendered and led troops to follow him.

漢王與語，說之，使參乘，監諸將。 King Han spoke with him and was pleased. He had him ride in the chariot and oversee the various generals.

南渡平陰津，至洛陽，新城三老董公遮說漢王曰：「臣聞『順德者昌，逆德者亡』，『兵出無名，事故不成』。 He crossed south at Pingyin Ford and reached Luoyang. Dong Gong, the elder of Xincheng, stopped the King of Han and advised him: "I have heard, 'Those who follow virtue prosper; those who oppose virtue perish,' and, 'When troops are sent out without a proper name, the enterprise will not succeed.'

漢王曰：「善，非夫子無所聞。」 King Han said: "Excellent. Were it not for you, sir, I would have heard nothing of this."

於是漢王為義帝發喪，袒而大哭，哀臨三日。 So King Han held mourning rites for the Righteous Emperor, bared his shoulder and wept loudly, conducting the mourning rites for three days.

羽雖聞漢東，既擊齊，欲遂破之而後擊漢，漢王以故得劫五諸侯兵，東伐楚。 Although Xiang Yu heard that Han was advancing east, he was already attacking Qi and wanted to crush it completely before turning against Han. The King of Han was therefore able to take command of the five feudal lords' troops and advance east to attack Chu.

漢王拜越為魏相國，令定梁地。 King Han appointed Yue as prime minister of Wei and ordered him to pacify Liang territory.

漢王遂入彭城，收羽美人貨賂，置酒高會。 King Han then entered Pengcheng, took Xiang Yu's beautiful women and treasures, and held a great banquet.

圍漢王三匝。 He surrounded King Han three times.

大風從西北起，折木發屋，揚砂石，晝晦，楚軍大亂，而漢王得與數十騎遁去。 A great wind rose from the northwest, snapping trees, tearing roofs from houses, and whipping up sand and stones until daylight turned dark. The Chu army was thrown into chaos, and the King of Han escaped with several dozen riders.

漢王道逢孝惠、魯元，載行。 King Han met Xiaohui and Lu Yuan on the road and had them ride in the carriage.

楚騎追漢王，漢王急，推墮二子。 Chu cavalry pursued King Han. King Han was desperate and pushed the two children off the carriage.

呂后兄周呂侯將兵居下邑，漢王往從之。 Empress Lü's elder brother Zhou Lühou led troops stationed at Xiayi. King Han went to join him.

漢王西過梁地，至虞，謂謁者隨何曰：「公能說九江王布使舉兵畔楚，項王必留擊之。 The King of Han passed west through Liang territory and reached Yu. He said to the usher Sui He: "Can you persuade Ying Bu, King of Jiujiang, to raise troops and rebel against Chu? Xiang Yu will certainly stay behind to attack him.

五月，漢王屯滎陽，蕭何發關中老弱未傅者悉詣軍。 In the fifth month, the King of Han encamped at Xingyang. Xiao He called up all the old and weak men in Guanzhong who had not yet been registered for service and sent them to the army.

韓信亦收兵與漢王會，兵復大振。 Han Xin also gathered troops and joined King Han. The army was greatly strengthened again.

六月，漢王還櫟陽。 In the sixth month, King Han returned to Queyang.

秋八月，漢王如滎陽，謂酈食其曰：「緩頰往說魏王豹，能下之，以魏地萬戶封生。」 In the eighth month of autumn, the King of Han went to Xingyang and said to Li Yiji: "Go and talk Wei Bao into submission with your eloquence. If you can bring him down, I will enfeoff you with ten thousand households from Wei territory."

漢王以韓信為左丞相，與曹參、灌嬰俱擊魏。 King Han appointed Han Xin as left chancellor, and together with Cao Shen and Guan Ying attacked Wei.

食其還，漢王問：「魏大將誰也？」 Li Yiji returned. King Han asked: "Who is Wei's chief general?"

漢王與之。 King Han agreed.

漢王分之兵，與俱收兵至成皋。 King Han divided his troops with them and together gathered troops to reach Chenggao.

食其欲立六國後以樹黨，漢王刻印，將遣食其立之。 Li Yiji wanted to establish descendants of the six kingdoms in order to build a bloc of allies. The King of Han had seals carved and was about to send Li Yiji to install them.

漢王輟飯吐哺，曰：「豎儒幾敗乃公事！」 The King of Han put down his food and spat it out, saying: "You pedant! You nearly ruined my whole plan!"

夏四月，項羽圍漢滎陽，漢王請和，割滎陽以西者為漢。 In the fourth month of summer, Xiang Yu surrounded Han at Xingyang. King Han requested peace, offering to divide Xingyang west as Han territory.

亞父勸項羽急攻滎陽，漢王患之。 Prime Minister Fan advised Xiang Yu to urgently attack Xingyang. King Han was troubled by this.

紀信乃乘王車，黃屋左纛，曰：「食盡，漢王降楚。」 Ji Xin then rode in the king's chariot with yellow canopy and left banner, saying: "Food is exhausted. King Han surrenders to Chu."

楚皆呼萬歲，之城東觀，以故漢王得與數十騎出西門遁。 All the Chu troops shouted, "Ten thousand years!" and went to the eastern side of the city to watch. Because of this, the King of Han escaped through the west gate with several dozen riders.

羽見紀信，問：「漢王安在？」 Xiang Yu saw Ji Xin and asked: "Where is King Han?"

漢王出滎陽，至成皋。 King Han left Xingyang and reached Chenggao.

轅生說漢王曰：「漢與楚相距滎陽數歲，漢常困。 Guan Sheng advised King Han: "Han and Chu have confronted each other at Xingyang for several years. Han has often been in difficulty.

願君王出武關，項王必引兵南走，王深壁，令滎陽成皋間且得休息。 I ask Your Majesty to go out through Wuguan. Xiang Yu will certainly lead his troops south. Your Majesty should hold deep behind fortifications and let the area between Xingyang and Chenggao gain some respite.

使韓信等得輯河北趙地，連燕齊，君王乃復走滎陽。 Let Han Xin and the others consolidate Zhao territory north of the Yellow River and link up with Yan and Qi. Your Majesty can then return to Xingyang.

漢王從其計，出軍宛葉間，與黥布行收兵。 King Han followed his plan, led troops out between Wan and Ye, and together with Ying Bu went to gather troops.

羽聞漢王在宛，果引兵南，漢王堅壁不與戰。 Xiang Yu heard that King Han was at Wan and indeed led troops south. King Han fortified deeply and did not fight him.

漢王引兵北，擊破終公，復軍成皋。 King Han led troops north, attacked and defeated Zhong Gong, and returned his army to Chenggao.

若非漢王敵也。」 You are no match for King Han."

漢王跳，獨與滕公共車出成皋玉門，北渡河，宿小脩武。 The King of Han escaped suddenly, sharing a chariot only with Lord Teng as he left Chenggao by the Jade Gate. They crossed the Yellow River northward and spent the night at Xiao Xiuwu.

漢王得韓信軍，復大振。 King Han got Han Xin's army and was greatly strengthened again.

郎中鄭忠說止漢王，高壘深塹勿戰。 Attendant Zheng Zhong advised King Han to stop, building high fortifications and deep moats without fighting.

漢王聽其計，使盧綰、劉賈將卒二萬人，騎數百，渡白馬津入楚地，佐彭越燒楚積聚，復擊破楚軍燕郭西，攻下睢陽、外黃十七城。 The King of Han followed his plan, sending Lu Wan and Liu Jia with twenty thousand soldiers and several hundred riders across Baima Ford into Chu territory. They assisted Peng Yue in burning Chu's stockpiles, then attacked and defeated the Chu army west of Yanguo, capturing seventeen cities, including Suiyang and Waihuang.

即漢王欲挑戰，慎勿與戰，勿令得東而已。 If King Han wants to provoke battle, be careful not to fight him. Just do not let him get east.

漢王使酈食其說齊王田廣，罷守兵與漢和。 King Han sent Li Yiji to persuade King Qi Tian Guang to dismiss his guarding troops and make peace with Han.

漢王引兵渡河，復取成皋，軍廣武，就敖倉食。 King Han led troops across the river, recaptured Chenggao, and encamped at Guangwu, drawing provisions from Aocang.

漢王、羽相與臨廣武之間而語。 King Han and Xiang Yu faced each other across Guangwu and spoke.

羽欲與漢王獨身挑戰，漢王數羽曰：「吾始與羽俱受命懷王，曰先定關中者王之。 Xiang Yu wanted to challenge the King of Han to single combat. The King of Han instead listed Xiang Yu's crimes: "At first, Xiang Yu and I both received King Huai's command, which said that whoever first pacified Guanzhong would be made king there.

羽大怒，伏弩射中漢王。 Xiang Yu was greatly angered and had a crossbow shoot King Han.

漢王傷胸，乃捫足曰：「虜中吾指！」 King Han was wounded in the chest, but he patted his foot and said: "The bandit hit my toe!"

漢王病創臥，張良彊請漢王起行勞軍，以安士卒，毋令楚乘勝。 The King of Han lay ill from his wound. Zhang Liang strongly urged him to get up and go comfort the army, in order to steady the officers and soldiers and not let Chu exploit its victory.

漢王出行軍，疾甚，因馳入成皋。 King Han went out to encourage the troops, but his illness was severe, so he galloped into Chenggao.

漢王疾瘉，西入關，至櫟陽，存問父老，置酒。 King Han recovered from his illness, entered the passes to the west, reached Queyang, visited the elders, and held a banquet.

漢王怒，欲攻之。 King Han was angry and wanted to attack him.

漢王下令：軍士不幸死者，吏為衣衾棺斂，轉送其家。 King Han issued an order: For soldiers who unfortunately die, officials shall provide burial clothes, coffins, and shrouds, and transport them home.

漢王欲西歸，張良、陳平諫曰：「今漢有天下太半，而諸侯皆附，楚兵罷食盡，此天亡之時，不因其幾而遂取之，所謂養虎自遺患也。」 The King of Han wanted to return west. Zhang Liang and Chen Ping advised him: "Han now possesses more than half the realm, and all the feudal lords have attached themselves to it. Chu's troops are exhausted and its food is gone. This is the moment when Heaven is destroying Chu. If we do not seize this opportunity and take it, that is what is called raising a tiger and leaving disaster for oneself."

漢王從之。 King Han followed their advice.

Book of Han, Chapter 2Volume 1: Annals of Emperor Gaozu 2 · 109 passages

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五年冬十月，漢王追項羽至陽夏南止軍，與齊王信、魏相國越期會擊楚，至固陵，不會。 In the tenth month, winter, of the fifth year, the King of Han pursued Xiang Yu and halted his army south of Yangxia. He had arranged to meet King Xin of Qi and Yue, the Chancellor of Wei, to join forces in attacking Chu, but when he reached Guling, they did not arrive.

漢王復入壁，深塹而守。 King Han retreated back into his fortifications, dug deep moats, and defended.

於是漢王發使使韓信、彭越。 So King Han sent envoys to Han Xin and Peng Yue.

漢王引天下兵欲屠之，為其守節禮義之國，乃持羽頭示其父兄，魯乃降。 The King of Han led the troops of the world and intended to massacre them, but because Lu was a state that upheld fidelity, ritual, and righteousness, he held up Xiang Yu's head and showed it to their fathers and elder brothers. Lu then surrendered.

漢王為發葬，哭臨而去。 King Han conducted the funeral rites and wept at the grave before leaving.

漢王還至定陶，馳入齊王信壁，奪其軍。 King Han returned to Dingtao and galloped into King Qi Xin's encampment, seizing his army.

於是諸侯上疏曰：「楚王韓信、韓王信、淮南王英布、梁王彭越、故衡山王吳芮、趙王張敖、燕王臧荼昧死再拜言，大王陛下：先時秦為亡道，天下誅之。 So the feudal lords submitted a memorial: "Han Xin, King of Chu; Xin, King of Han; Ying Bu, King of Huainan; Peng Yue, King of Liang; Wu Rui, former King of Hengshan; Zhang Ao, King of Zhao; and Zang Tu, King of Yan, risking death, bow twice and say: Great King, Your Majesty, formerly Qin acted without the Way, and the world punished it.

大王先得秦王，定關中，於天下功最多。 Your Majesty first obtained the Qin king and pacified Guanzhong. Your merit for the world is the greatest.

地分已定，而位號比儗，亡上下之分，大王功德之著，於後世不宣。 The territories have already been divided and fixed, but your position and title are comparable to the others, with no distinction between superior and inferior. Your Majesty's merit and virtue are manifest, but they will not be proclaimed to later generations.

昧死再拜上皇帝尊號。」 Risking death, we bow twice and present the title of Emperor."

漢王曰：「寡人聞帝者賢者有也，虛言亡實之名，非所取也。 King Han said: "I have heard that 'emperor' is for the worthy. An empty name without substance is not what I take.

諸侯王皆曰：「大王起於細微，滅亂秦，威動海內。 All the feudal lords said: "Your Majesty rose from humble origins, destroyed the chaotic Qin, and your might shook within the seas.

大王德施四海，諸侯王不足以道之，居帝位甚實宜，願大王以幸天下。」 Your Majesty's virtue extends to the four seas. The title of feudal king is insufficient to express it. It is truly fitting that you occupy the imperial position. We ask Your Majesty to favor the world."

漢王曰：「諸侯王幸以為便於天下之民，則可矣。」 King Han said: "If the feudal lords consider it convenient for the world's people, then it is acceptable."

漢王即皇帝位于氾水之陽。 King Han ascended the imperial throne at Fenshui's northern bank.

帝乃西都洛陽。 The emperor then established his western capital at Luoyang.

帝置酒雒陽南宮。 The emperor held a banquet in Luoyang's southern palace.

上曰：「通侯諸將毋敢隱朕，皆言其情。 The emperor said: "Noble marquises and generals, do not dare conceal from me. All speak your true feelings.

高起、王陵對曰：「陛下嫚而侮人，項羽仁而敬人。 Gao Qi and Wang Ling replied: "Your Majesty is casual and insults people. Xiang Yu is benevolent and respects people.

然陛下使人攻城略地，所降下者，因以與之，與天下同利也。 However, when Your Majesty sends people to attack cities and seize territory, those who surrender are given it, sharing the world's benefits with them.

上曰：「公知其一，未知其二。 The emperor said: "You know one aspect, but not the other.

上恐其久為亂，遣使者赦橫，曰：「橫來，大者王，小者侯； The emperor feared that he would cause disorder for a long time, so he sent an envoy to pardon Heng, saying: "If Heng comes, at the highest he will be king, at the lowest marquis.

上壯其節，為流涕，發卒二千人，以王禮葬焉。 The emperor admired his integrity and shed tears. He sent 2,000 troops and buried him with kingly rites.

戍卒婁敬求見，說上曰：「陛下取天下與周異，而都雒陽，不便，不如入關，據秦之固。」 The garrison soldier Lou Jing sought an audience and advised the emperor: "Your Majesty obtained the world differently from Zhou, and establishing the capital at Luoyang is unsuitable. It would be better to enter the passes and occupy Qin's strongholds."

上以問張良，良因勸上。 The emperor asked Zhang Liang, who then advised the emperor.

秋七月，燕王臧荼反，上自將征之。 In the seventh month of autumn, King Yan Zang Tu rebelled. The emperor personally led troops to campaign against him.

利幾反，上自擊破之。 Li Ji rebelled. The emperor personally attacked and defeated him.

羽敗，利幾為陳令，降，上侯之潁川。 Yu was defeated. Li Ji became magistrate of Chen and surrendered. The emperor enfeoffed him in Yingchuan.

上至雒陽，舉通侯籍召之，而利幾恐，反。 The emperor reached Luoyang and examined the noble marquises' registers to summon him, but Li Ji feared and rebelled.

人告楚王信謀反，上問左右，左右爭欲擊之。 Someone informed that King Chu Han Xin was plotting rebellion. The emperor asked his attendants. The attendants all wished to attack him.

田肯賀上曰：「甚善，陛下得韓信，又治秦中。 Tian Ken congratulated the emperor: "Very good. Your Majesty has obtained Han Xin and also governs Qinzhong.

上曰：「善。」 The emperor said: "Good."

上還至雒陽，赦韓信，封為淮陰侯。 The emperor returned to Luoyang, pardoned Han Xin, and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Huaiyin.

春正月丙午，韓王信等奏請以故東陽郡、鄣郡、吳郡五十三縣立劉賈為荊王，以碭郡、薛郡、郯郡三十六縣立弟文信君交為楚王。 In the first month, spring, on the bingwu day, King Xin of Han and others petitioned to establish Liu Jia as King of Jing with the former Dongyang, Zhang, and Wu commanderies, fifty-three counties in all, and to establish the emperor's younger brother Jiao, Lord Wenxin, as King of Chu with Dang, Xue, and Tan commanderies, thirty-six counties in all.

上已封大功臣三十餘人，其餘爭功，未得行封。 The emperor had already enfeoffed over thirty great meritorious ministers. The rest contended for merit and had not yet received enfeoffment.

上居南宮，從復道上見諸將往往耦語，以問張良。 The emperor resided in the Southern Palace. From the raised passageway above, he saw the generals often talking in pairs and asked Zhang Liang about it.

良曰：「陛下與此屬共取天下，今已為天子，而所封皆故人所愛，所誅皆平生仇怨。 Zhang Liang said: "Your Majesty took the world together with these men. Now you are emperor, but those you enfeoff are all old friends you love, and those you execute are all lifelong enemies.

上曰：「為之奈何？」 The emperor said: "What should be done?"

良曰：「取上素所不快，計群臣所共知最甚者一人，先封以示群臣。」 Zhang Liang said: "Take someone whom Your Majesty has always disliked, and whom the ministers all know offended you most severely, and enfeoff him first to show the ministers."

三月，上置酒，封雍齒，因趣丞相急定功行封。 In the third month, the emperor held a banquet and enfeoffed Yong Chi. He then urged the Chancellor to determine merit quickly and carry out the enfeoffments.

上歸櫟陽，五日一朝太公。 The emperor returned to Queyang. He visited the Duke of Tai every five days.

皇帝雖子，人主也； The emperor is son, but is the ruler.

後上朝，太公擁彗，迎門卻行。 Later when the emperor came to court, the Duke of Tai held a broom and went backwards to meet him at the gate.

上大驚，下扶太公。 The emperor was greatly shocked and got down to support the Duke of Tai.

太公曰：「帝，人主，奈何以我亂天下法！」 The Duke of Tai said: "The emperor is the ruler of men. How can you disorder the world's laws for my sake!"

於是上心善家令言，賜黃金五百斤。 So the emperor in his heart approved of the household steward's words and granted five hundred jin of gold.

諸王、通侯、將軍、群卿、大夫已尊朕為皇帝，而太公未有號。 The various kings, noble marquises, generals, ministers, and grandees have honored me as emperor, but the Duke of Tai has no title.

七年冬十月，上自將擊韓王信於銅鞮，斬其將。 In the tenth month, winter, of the seventh year, the emperor personally led troops to attack King Xin of Han at Tongdi, beheading his generals.

上從晉陽連戰，乘勝逐北，至樓煩，會大寒，士卒墮指者什二三。 From Jinyang the emperor fought consecutive battles, pursued the defeated enemy on the strength of his victories, and reached Loufan. Encountering extreme cold, two or three soldiers in ten lost fingers to frostbite.

十二月，上還過趙，不禮趙王。 In the twelfth month, the emperor returned passing through Zhao and did not show courtesy to King Zhao.

上見其壯麗，甚怒，謂何曰：「天下匈匈，勞苦數歲，成敗未可知，是何治宮室過度也！」 The emperor saw its grandeur and was greatly angered. He said to Xiao He: "The world is in turmoil, we have labored bitterly for several years, and success or failure is not yet known. Why have you constructed palace buildings to such excess!"

且夫天子以四海為家，非令壯麗亡以重威，且亡令後世有以加也。」 Moreover, the Son of Heaven takes the four seas as his home. If it is not grand, there is no way to give weight to authority; and if it is not grand, future generations will have nothing to add."

上說。 The emperor was pleased.

八年冬，上東擊韓信餘寇於東垣。 In the winter of the eighth year, the emperor went east to attack the remaining bandits of Han Xin at Dongyuan.

還過趙，趙相貫高等恥上不禮其王，陰謀欲弒上。 On the return, as the emperor passed through Zhao, Zhao Chancellor Guan Gao and the others were ashamed that he had shown no courtesy to their king, and secretly plotted to assassinate him.

上欲宿，心動，問「縣名何？」 The emperor wanted to stay overnight. His heart was moved. He asked "What is the county name?"

上曰：「柏人者，迫於人也。」 The emperor said: "Boren means 'pressed by people.'"

上奉玉卮為太上皇壽，曰：「始大人常以臣亡賴，不能治產業，不如仲力。 The emperor raised a jade goblet to toast the Taishang Huang, saying: "At first, Father often said that I was worthless and could not manage property, unlike my elder brother Zhong in ability.

上說，盡拜為郡守、諸侯相。 The emperor was pleased and appointed them all as commandery governors and feudal lord prime ministers.

上曰：「豨嘗為吾使，甚有信。 The emperor said: "Xi once served as my envoy and was very trustworthy.

上自東，至邯鄲。 The emperor went east himself and arrived at Handan.

上喜曰：「豨不南據邯鄲而阻漳水，吾知其亡能為矣。」 The emperor was pleased and said: "Xi has not gone south to occupy Handan and block the Zhang River. I know he is incapable of doing anything."

上曰：「守尉反乎？」 The emperor said: "Did the guards and commandants rebel?"

上曰：「是力不足，亡罪。」 The emperor said: "Then their strength was insufficient. No crime."

上令周昌選趙壯士可令將者，白見四人。 The emperor commanded Zhou Chang to select Zhao warriors who could be made generals. He presented four men.

上嫚罵曰：「豎子能為將乎！」 The emperor insulted them saying: "You bastards can be generals?"

上封各千戶，以為將。 The emperor enfeoffed each with a thousand households and made them generals.

上曰：「非汝所知。 The emperor said: "This is not what you know.

上曰：「吾知與之矣。」 The emperor said: "I know how to deal with them."

十一年冬，上在邯鄲。 In the eleventh year winter, the emperor was at Handan.

豨將趙利守東垣，高祖攻之不下。 Xi's general Zhao Li defended Dongyuan. Gaozu attacked but could not take it.

卒罵，上怒。 The soldiers cursed. The emperor was angry.

上還雒陽。 The emperor returned to Luoyang.

上問諸將，滕公言故楚令尹薛公有籌策。 The emperor asked the generals. Teng Gong spoke of the former Chu prime minister Xue Gong who had strategy.

上見公，薛公言布形勢，上善之，封薛公千戶。 The emperor saw Xue Gong. Xue Gong spoke of Ying Bu's situation. The emperor approved it and enfeoffed Xue Gong with a thousand households.

上乃發上郡、北地、隴西車騎，巴蜀材官及中尉卒三萬人為皇太子衛，軍霸上。 The emperor then dispatched chariots and cavalry from Shang commandery, Beidi, and Longxi, along with trained soldiers from Ba and Shu and soldiers of the Commandant, 30,000 men in all, to serve as guard for the imperial crown prince, encamping at Bashang.

上赦天下死罪以下，皆令從軍； The emperor pardoned all death sentences and below, all commanded to follow the army.

徵諸侯兵，上自將以擊布。 He summoned the feudal lords' troops. The emperor personally led them to attack Ying Bu.

十二年冬十月，上破布軍于會缶，布走，令別將追之。 In the tenth month, winter, of the twelfth year, the emperor broke Ying Bu's army at Huifu. Ying Bu fled, and the emperor ordered separate generals to pursue him.

上還，過沛，留，置酒沛宮，悉召故人父老子弟佐酒。 The emperor returned, passing through Pei. He stayed and held a banquet in the Pei palace, summoning all his old friends, elders, and young men to assist at the feast.

酒酣，上擊筑，自歌曰：「大風起兮雲飛揚，威加海內兮歸故鄉，安得猛士兮守四方！」 When the wine was flowing freely, the emperor struck the zhu and sang himself: "A great wind rises, the clouds fly high; my might covers all within the seas, and I return to my old home. How can I obtain fierce warriors to guard the four directions!"

上乃起舞，忼慨傷懷，泣數行下。 The emperor then began to dance, sighing deeply and grieving in his heart, tears flowing down in streams.

且朕自沛公以誅暴逆，遂有天下，其以沛為朕湯沐邑，復其民，世世無有所與。」 Moreover, from the time when I was Lord of Pei, I punished the violent and rebellious and so obtained the world. Make Pei my bathing town and exempt its people, generation after generation, from all levies."

十餘日，上欲去，沛父兄固請。 After more than ten days, the emperor wanted to leave. The Pei fathers and brothers firmly requested him to stay.

上曰：「吾人眾多，父兄不能給。」 The emperor said: "My retinue is numerous. Fathers and brothers cannot supply it."

上留止，張飲三日。 The emperor stayed and stopped, feasting for three days.

沛父兄皆頓首曰：「沛幸得復，豐未得，唯陛下哀矜。」 The fathers and elder brothers of Pei all bowed their heads and said: "Pei has been fortunate enough to receive exemption, but Feng has not. We only beg Your Majesty to pity it."

上曰：「豐者，吾所生長，極不忘耳。 The emperor said: "Feng is where I grew up. I cannot forget it extremely.

已拜，上召謂濞曰：「汝狀有反相。」 Already enfeoffed, the emperor summoned and said to Liu Bi: "Your appearance has the look of rebellion."

上使辟陽侯審食其迎綰，綰稱疾。 The emperor sent Marquis Piyang Shen Shiqi to welcome Lu Wan. Lu Wan claimed illness.

三月，詔曰：「吾立為天子，帝有天下，十二年于今矣。 In the third month, the edict said: "I was established as Son of Heaven and have ruled the world as emperor for twelve years now.

其有不義背天子擅起兵者，與天下共伐誅之。 If any unrighteous person turns his back on the Son of Heaven and presumptuously raises troops, the world shall join together to attack and execute him.

上擊布時，為流矢所中，行道疾。 When the emperor attacked Ying Bu, he was struck by a stray arrow, and traveling the road he became ill.

醫入見，上問醫。 The physician entered to see him. The emperor questioned the physician.

於是上嫚罵之，曰：「吾以布衣提三尺取天下，此非天命乎？ So the emperor insulted him, saying: "I from commoner status, wielding a three-foot sword took the world. Is this not Heaven's mandate?

呂后問曰：「陛下百歲後，蕭相國既死，誰令代之？」 Empress Lü asked: "After Your Majesty reaches a hundred years, when Chancellor Xiao dies, who should replace him?"

上曰：「曹參可。」 The emperor said: "Cao Shen is suitable."

呂后復問其次，上曰：「此後亦非乃所知也。」 Empress Lü asked about the next. The emperor said: "This after is also not what you know."

盧綰與數千人居塞下候伺，幸上疾愈，自入謝。 Lu Wan with several thousand men dwelt below the frontier watching and waiting, hoping the emperor's illness would improve, personally entering to apologize.

夏四月甲辰，帝崩于長樂宮。 In the fourth month of summer on the day jiachen, the emperor passed away in Changlegong Palace.

呂后與審食其謀曰：「諸將故與帝為編戶民，北面為臣，心常鞅鞅，今乃事少主，非盡族是，天下不安。」 Empress Lü plotted with Shen Yiji: "The generals were formerly registered commoners together with the emperor; they faced north and became subjects, but their hearts have always been resentful. Now they are to serve a young ruler. Unless their clans are exterminated, the world will not be at peace."

酈商見審食其曰：「聞帝已崩，四日不發喪，欲誅諸將。 Li Shang saw Shen Shiqi and said: "Heard the emperor has passed away. Four days without announcing death, wanting to execute the generals.

陳平、灌嬰將十萬守滎陽，樊噲、周勃將二十萬定燕代，此聞帝崩，諸將皆誅，必連兵還鄉，以攻關中。 Chen Ping and Guan Ying are leading 100,000 men guarding Xingyang, and Fan Kuai and Zhou Bo are leading 200,000 pacifying Yan and Dai. If they hear that the emperor has died and that the generals are all being executed, they will surely join forces and return home to attack Guanzhong.

群臣曰：「帝起細微，撥亂世反之正，平定天下，為漢太祖，功最高。」 The ministers said: "The emperor rose from humble origins, set the chaotic age back on the right path, pacified the world, and became the Grand Progenitor of Han. His merit is the highest."

上尊號曰高皇帝。 They honored him with the title Gao Huangdi.

初，高祖不脩文學，而性明達，好謀，能聽，自監門戍卒，見之如舊。 Initially, Gaozu did not cultivate letters and learning, but by nature he was clear and perceptive, fond of strategy, and able to listen. From gatekeepers to garrison soldiers, when he met people he treated them like old acquaintances.

是以頌高祖云：「漢帝本系，出自唐帝。 Hence in praising Gaozu it is said: "The imperial lineage of Han issues from the Emperor of Tang.

豐公，蓋太上皇父。 Lord of Feng — that is, the father of the Grand Emperor Father.

及高祖即位，置祠祀官，則有秦、晉、梁、荊之巫，世祠天地，綴之以祀，豈不信哉！ When Gaozu took the throne, he established sacrificial officials; there were shamans of Qin, Jin, Liang, and Jing who had sacrificed to Heaven and Earth for generations, and these were joined to the rites. Is this not credible!

Book of Han, Chapter 3Volume 2: Annals of Emperor Hui · 4 passages

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孝惠皇帝，高祖太子也，母曰呂皇后。 Emperor Hui was Gaozu's crown prince. His mother was Empress Lü.

帝年五歲，高祖初為漢王。 The emperor was five years old when Gaozu first became King of Han.

十二年四月，高祖崩。 In the twelfth year, fourth month, Gaozu passed away.

令郡諸侯王立高廟。 He commanded the commanderies and feudal kings to establish temples to Gaozu.

Book of Han, Chapter 4Volume 3: Annals of Empress Lü Zhi · 6 passages

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佐高祖定天下，父兄及高祖而侯者三人。 She assisted Emperor Gao in settling the realm; three men among her father and brothers were enfeoffed as marquises under Emperor Gao.

二年春，詔曰：「高皇帝匡飭天下，諸有功者皆受分地為列侯，萬民大安，莫不受休德。 In spring of the second year, an imperial edict declared: 'Emperor Gao brought order and discipline to the realm. All who had achieved merit received divided territories as marquises, and the people lived in great peace, all benefiting from his benevolent virtue.

武哀侯、宣夫人，高皇帝兄姊也。 Marquis Wu'ai and Lady Xuan were the elder brother and elder sister of Emperor Gao.

上將軍祿、相國產顓兵秉政，自知背高皇帝約，恐為大臣諸侯王所誅，因謀作亂。 Senior General Lü Lu and Chancellor of State Lü Chan had seized control of the armies and the government. Aware that they had broken Emperor Gaozu's covenant, they feared being put to death by the great ministers and the regional kings, and so they plotted rebellion.

太尉勃與丞相平謀，以曲周侯酈商子寄與祿善，使人劫商令寄紿說祿曰：「高帝與呂后共定天下，劉氏所立九王，呂氏所立三王，皆大臣之議。 Grand Commandant Zhou Bo and Chancellor Chen Ping plotted together. Since Marquis of Quzhou Li Shang's son Ji was on good terms with Lü Lu, they sent men to seize Shang and have Ji deceive and persuade Lü Lu, saying: 'Emperor Gaozu and Empress Lü together settled the realm. The Liu clan established nine kings and the Lü clan established three kings—all were matters deliberated by the ministers.

語在周勃、高五王傳。 The account is given in the biographies of Zhou Bo and the Five Sons of Emperor Gao.

Book of Han, Chapter 5Volume 4: Annals of Emperor Wen · 14 passages

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孝文皇帝，高祖中子也，母曰薄姬。 Emperor Xiaowen was the middle son of Emperor Gaozu, born to Lady Bo.

高祖十一年，誅陳豨，定代地，立為代王，都中都。 In the eleventh year of Emperor Gaozu's reign, after executing Chen Xi and pacifying the Dai region, he was established as King of Dai with his capital at Zhongdu.

郎中令張武等議，皆曰：「漢大臣皆故高帝時將，習兵事，多謀詐，其屬意非止此也，特畏高帝、呂太后威耳。 The Commandant of the Imperial Household Zhang Wu and his colleagues discussed the matter and all said: 'The Han ministers are all veteran generals from Emperor Gao's era, skilled in military affairs and full of treacherous schemes. Their ambitions extend far beyond this—they only fear the intimidating authority of Emperor Gao and Empress Lü.

高帝王子弟，地犬牙相制，所謂盤石之宗也，天下服其彊，二矣。 Emperor Gao's sons and brothers hold territories that interlock like jagged teeth, creating what is known as an unbreakable clan foundation. The world submits to their power—that is the second reason.

方今高帝子獨淮南王與大王，大王又長，賢聖仁孝，聞於天下，故大臣因天下之心而欲迎立大王，大王勿疑也。」 Of Emperor Gaozu's surviving sons, only the King of Huainan and Your Majesty remain. You are the elder brother, renowned throughout the empire for your virtue, wisdom, benevolence, and filial piety. The ministers, following the will of the people, wish to welcome you as emperor. Do not doubt this.'

臣謹請陰安侯、頃王后、琅邪王、列侯、吏二千石議，大王高皇帝子，宜為嗣。 We ministers respectfully requested deliberation by the Marquis of Yin'an, the queen dowager of King Qing, the King of Langye, the ranked marquises, and officials of two thousand shi. They agree that Your Majesty, as a son of Emperor Gao, should be the successor.

代王曰：「奉高帝宗廟，重事也。 The King of Dai said: "Serving at Emperor Gao's ancestral temple is a grave matter.

丞相平等皆曰：「臣伏計之，大王奉高祖宗廟最宜稱，雖天下諸侯萬民皆以為宜。 Chancellor Ping and the others said: "We ministers have considered this carefully. Your Majesty is most fitting and worthy to serve at Emperor Gao's ancestral temple, and the feudal lords and people throughout the realm all agree.

元年冬十月辛亥，皇帝見于高廟。 On the xinhai day of the tenth month of winter in the first year, the emperor appeared at Gaozu's ancestral temple.

高帝始平天下，建諸侯，為帝者太祖。 When Emperor Gaozu first pacified the world and established the feudal lords, he became the great ancestor for all emperors.

故高帝設之以撫海內。 Therefore Emperor Gaozu established this system to pacify the empire.

今釋宜建而更選於諸侯宗室，非高帝之志也。 Now to abandon what should rightfully be established and instead select from among the feudal kings and imperial clansmen—this was not Emperor Gaozu's intention.

又曰：「列侯從高帝入蜀漢者六十八人益邑各三百戶。 He further declared: 'The marquises who followed Emperor Gaozu into Shu and Han—sixty-eight men in total—shall each have their fiefs increased by three hundred households.

吏二千石以上從高帝潁川守尊等十人食邑六百戶，淮陽守申屠嘉等十人五百戶，衛尉足等十人四百戶。」 For officials of two thousand shi rank and above who followed Emperor Gaozu: Governor Zun of Yingchuan and nine others shall receive food revenues of six hundred households each; Governor Shentu Jia of Huaiyang and nine others shall receive five hundred households each; Guard Commander Zu and nine others shall receive four hundred households each.'

Book of Han, Chapter 6Volume 5: Annals of Emperor Jing · 2 passages

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臣謹議：世功莫大於高皇帝，德莫盛於孝文皇帝。 We respectfully propose: No achievement in history surpasses Emperor Gao's, no virtue is more abundant than Emperor Xiaowen's.

高皇帝廟宜為帝者太祖之廟，孝文皇帝廟宜為帝諸太宗之廟。 Emperor Gao's temple should serve as the Grand Ancestral Temple of the emperors; Emperor Xiaowen's temple should serve as the Grand Progenitor Temple of the emperors.

Book of Han, Chapter 25Volume 23: Treatise on Punishment and Law · 2 passages

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高皇帝七年，制詔御史：「獄之疑者，吏或不敢決，有罪者久而不論，無罪者久繫不決。 In the seventh year of Gaozu, an edict to the censors said: 'In doubtful cases, officials sometimes dare not decide; the guilty remain long without judgment, while the innocent remain long detained without decision.

自建武、永平，民亦新免兵革之禍，人有樂生之慮，與高、惠之間同，而政在抑彊扶弱，朝無威福之臣，邑無豪桀之俠。 From the Jianwu through Yongping eras, the people had only recently emerged from the disasters of war and were mindful of preserving life, as in the time of Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Hui. Government policy restrained the strong and supported the weak; at court no minister privately wielded the power to inspire fear or grant favors, and in the localities there were no domineering magnates.

Book of Han, Chapter 27Volume 24b: Treatise on Trade 2 · 1 passage

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天下已平，高祖乃令賈人不得衣絲乘車，重稅租以困辱之。 Gaozu used sumptuary and tax policy to politically subordinate merchants.

Book of Han, Chapter 42Volume 33: Wei Bao, Tian Dan and Hán Xin (King of Han) · 25 passages

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漢王還定三秦，渡臨晉，豹以國屬焉，遂從擊楚於彭城。 After the King of Han returned and secured the Three Qins, he crossed at Linjin. Wei Bao placed his state under Han and then joined the attack on Chu at Pengcheng.

漢王敗，還至滎陽，豹請視親病，至國，則絕河津畔漢。 When the King of Han was defeated and withdrew to Xingyang, Wei Bao requested leave to visit his sick parent. Once he reached his state, he cut off the river ferries and broke with Han.

漢王謂酈生曰：「緩頰往說之。」 The Han king told Li Yiji, "Use soft persuasion and go win him over."

今漢王嫚侮人，罵詈諸侯群臣如奴耳，非有上下禮節，吾不忍復見也。」 The king of Han treats people with contempt, cursing feudal lords and ministers like slaves. There is no proper etiquette between ruler and subject, and I cannot bear to see him again."

漢王遣韓信擊豹，遂虜之，傳豹詣滎陽，以其地為河東、太原、上黨郡。 The King of Han sent Han Xin to attack Wei Bao. Han Xin captured him and conveyed him to Xingyang, while his territory was made into the commanderies of Hedong, Taiyuan, and Shangdang.

漢王令豹守滎陽。 The Han king ordered Wei Bao to guard Xingyang.

而漢王帥諸侯敗楚，入彭城。 At that same time, the Han king led the feudal armies to defeat Chu and entered Pengcheng.

漢滅項籍，漢王立為皇帝，彭越為梁王。 After Han destroyed Xiang Ji and the Han king became emperor, Peng Yue was made king of Liang.

高帝聞之，以橫兄弟本定齊，齊人賢者多附焉，今在海中不收，後恐有亂，乃使使赦橫罪而召之。 When Gaozu heard of this, he considered that Tian Heng and his brothers had originally pacified Qi, and that many worthy men of Qi had attached themselves to them. If Tian Heng remained at sea and was not brought in, Gaozu feared there would be disorder later; he therefore sent an envoy to pardon Heng's crimes and summon him.

橫謝曰：「臣亨陛下之使酈食其，今聞其弟商為漢將而賢，臣恐懼，不敢奉詔，請為庶人，守海島中。」 Tian Heng declined, saying, "I boiled Your Majesty's envoy Li Yiji. Now I hear his younger brother Shang is a valued Han general. I am afraid and dare not obey; I ask only to remain a commoner and stay on an island at sea."

使還報，高帝乃詔衛尉酈商曰：「齊王橫即至，人馬從者敢動搖者致族夷！」 When the envoy returned and reported, Gaozu ordered the Commandant of the Guards, Li Shang: "When King Tian Heng of Qi arrives, if any of his followers stir up trouble, exterminate their clans!"

至尸鄉廄置，橫謝使者曰：「人臣見天子，當洗沐。」 At the posting station in Shixiang, Tian Heng told the envoy, "A subject who is to see the Son of Heaven should bathe and wash first."

謂其客曰：「橫始與漢王俱南面稱孤，今漢王為天子，而橫乃為亡虜，北面事之，其媿固已甚矣。 He told his retainers, "Tian Heng and the Han king once both faced south as independent rulers. Now the Han king is emperor, while I am a fugitive who must face north and serve him—the humiliation is already more than I can bear.

又吾亨人之兄，與其弟併肩而事主，縱彼畏天子之詔，不敢動搖，我獨不媿於心乎？ Moreover, I boiled Li Yiji, and now I would serve as minister alongside his younger brother. Even if he fears the emperor's edict and does not act, how could I not be ashamed at heart?

且陛下所以欲見我，不過欲壹見我面貌耳。 Besides, the reason Your Majesty wishes to see me is only to look once upon my face.

陛下在雒陽，今斬吾頭，馳三十里間，形容尚未能敗，猶可知也。」 Your Majesty is at Luoyang. Cut off my head now and send it thirty li—my features will not yet have decayed, and you can still recognize me."

遂自剄，令客奉其頭，從使者馳奏之高帝。 He then cut his own throat, ordering the retainers to carry his head and race with the envoy to report to Gaozu.

高帝曰：「嗟乎，有以！ Gaozu sighed and said, "Ah! He had his reasons!

高帝聞而大驚，以橫之客皆賢者，吾聞其餘尚五百人在海中，使使召至，聞橫死，亦皆自殺。 When Gaozu heard of it, he was greatly shocked. Believing that Tian Heng's retainers were all worthy men, he sent envoys to summon the five hundred or so who still remained on the island; when they heard that Heng was dead, they too all killed themselves.

沛公引兵擊陽城，使張良以韓司徒徇韓地，得信，以為韓將，將其兵從入武關。 The Duke of Pei led troops to attack Yangcheng and sent Zhang Liang, as Han's Minister of Works, to bring Han territory over. He found Han Xin, made him a Han general, and had him lead his troops in following through Wuguan.

沛公為漢王，信從入漢中，乃說漢王曰：「項王王諸將，王獨居此，遷也。 When the Duke of Pei became king of Han, Han Xin followed him into Hanzhong and advised him, saying, "Xiang Yu has made the generals kings but has left you alone here—this is banishment.

漢王還定三秦，乃許王信，先拜為韓太尉，將兵略韓地。 After the King of Han returned and settled the Three Qins, he agreed to make Han Xin king. He first appointed him grand commandant of Han and sent him to seize Han territory.

漢王至河南，信急擊韓王昌，昌降漢。 When the Han king reached Henan, Xin swiftly attacked King Chang of Han, and Chang surrendered.

漢王使信與周苛等守滎陽，楚拔之，信降楚。 The Han king ordered Xin and Zhou Ke to guard Xingyang. Chu captured the city, and Xin surrendered to Chu.

五年春，與信剖符，王潁川。 In the spring of year five, Gaozu divided the tally with Xin and granted him Yingchuan.

Book of Han, Chapter 44Volume 35: Princes of Jing, Yan and Wu · 19 passages

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漢王敗成皋，北度河，得張耳、韓信軍，軍脩武，深溝高壘，使賈將二萬人，騎數百，擊楚，度白馬津入楚地，燒其積聚，以破其業，無以給項王軍食。 After his defeat at Chenggao, the King of Han withdrew north across the river and joined the forces of Zhang Er and Han Xin. They made camp at Xiuwu behind deep moats and high walls. He dispatched Liu Jia with twenty thousand foot soldiers and several hundred cavalry to hit Chu from the flank. Liu Jia crossed the Baima Ford into Chu lands and torched their depots, shattering their logistics so that King Xiang’s troops went hungry.

荊王劉賈，高帝從父兄也，不知其初起時。 Liu Jia, king of Jing, was Gaozu's patrilateral cousin; nothing is known of his earliest career.

漢王追項籍至固陵，使賈南度淮圍壽春。 Pursuing Xiang Yu as far as Guling, the King of Han ordered Liu Jia south across the Huai to invest Shouchun.

漢王因使賈將九江兵，與太尉盧綰西南擊臨江王共尉，尉死，以臨江為南郡。 The King of Han then put Liu Jia in command of the Jiujiang forces. With Grand Commandant Lu Wan he struck southwest at Gong Wei, king of Linjiang. Gong Wei fell, and his domain was converted into Nan Commandery.

賈既有功，而高祖子弱，昆弟少，又不賢，欲王同姓以填天下，乃下詔曰：「將軍劉賈有功，及擇子弟可以為王者。」 Liu Jia had earned great merit, yet Gaozu’s sons were young, his brothers few, and none of them fit to hold the frontier. Gaozu meant to plant Liu kinsmen as kings to steady the empire, and proclaimed: “General Liu Jia has distinguished himself; choose from among the younger generation of the house one worthy to receive a kingdom.”

燕王劉澤，高祖從祖昆弟也。 Liu Ze, king of Yan, was Gaozu’s second cousin on the male line.

高祖三年，澤為郎中。 In the third year of Gaozu’s reign Liu Ze was appointed gentleman of the palace.

酒酣，乃屏人說張卿曰：「臣觀諸侯邸第百餘，皆高帝一切功臣。 When they were deep in their cups, Tian Sheng sent the servants away and said, “I have walked the lanes of over a hundred noble houses. Every one belongs to the merit ministers whom Gaozu enfeoffed wholesale at the founding.

今呂氏雅故本推轂高帝就天下，功至大，又有親戚太后之重。 The Lüs helped Gaozu win the realm from the outset; their merit is unmatched, and they are the empress dowager’s own kin besides.

吳王濞，高帝兄仲之子也。 Liu Bi, king of Wu, was the son of Liu Zhong, the founder’s elder brother.

高帝立仲為代王。 The founder first made Liu Zhong king of Dai.

匈奴攻代，仲不能堅守，棄國間行，走雒陽，自歸，天子不忍致法，廢為合陽侯。 The nomads struck Dai; Liu Zhong failed to defend it. He slipped away to Luoyang and gave himself up. The emperor spared him the full penalty and reduced him to marquis of Heyang.

黥布反，高祖自將往誅之。 When Qing Bu rose, Gaozu marched in person to crush the revolt.

已拜受印，高祖召濞相之，曰：「若狀有反相。」 When the seal had been delivered Gaozu studied his face and said, “You have the look of a rebel.”

及景帝即位，錯為御史大夫，說上曰：「昔高帝初定天下，昆弟少，諸子弱，大封同姓，故孽子悼惠王王齊七十二城，庶弟元王王楚四十城，兄子王吳五十餘城。 When Emperor Jing came to the throne, Chao Cuo became Imperial Counselor. He urged the emperor, "When Gaozu first settled the realm, he had few brothers and his sons were young, so he gave large fiefs to men of his own surname. Thus his secondary son, King Dao Hui, ruled Qi with seventy-two cities; his younger brother, King Yuan, ruled Chu with forty cities; and his nephew ruled Wu with more than fifty cities.

以漢有賊臣錯，無功天下，侵奪諸侯之地，使吏劾繫訊治，以侵辱之為故，不以諸侯人君禮遇劉氏骨肉，絕先帝功臣，進任姦人，誑亂天下，欲危社稷。 Han is ridden by the traitor Chao Cuo, a man without service to the empire who gnaws at princely fiefs, hounds nobles with indictments and chains, insults them by design, dishonors the Liu kin, casts aside Gaozu’s old ministers, elevates scoundrels, and would overturn the state.

燕王、趙王故與胡王有約，燕王北定代、雲中，轉胡眾入蕭關，走長安，匡正天下，以安高廟。 Yan and Zhao long ago pledged the steppe lords: Yan shall pacify Dai and Yunzhong in the north, swing the nomad horse through Xiaoguan toward Chang’an, set the realm right, and guard Gaozu’s shrine.

高皇帝親垂功德，建立諸侯，幽王、悼惠王絕無後，孝文皇帝哀憐加惠，王幽王子遂，悼惠王子卬等，令奉其先王宗廟，為漢藩國，德配天地，明並日月。 Gaozu set up the kingdoms; when You of Zhao and Daohui of Qi died without heirs, Xiaowen raised Sui, Ang, and the rest to tend their shrines as Han’s shield—his kindness spanned heaven and earth and shone like the luminaries.

王頓首膝行對曰：「今者，朝錯天子用事臣，變更高皇帝法令，侵奪諸侯地。 On his knees Ang said, “Chao Cuo rules the court, rewrites Gaozu’s statutes, and gnaws at princely fiefs.

Book of Han, Chapter 46Volume 37: Ji Bu, Luan Bu and Tian Shu · 8 passages

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項籍使將兵，數窘漢王。 Xiang Yu put him in command of troops, and time and again he cornered the King of Han.

項籍滅，高祖購求布千金，敢有舍匿，罪三族。 After Xiang Yu fell, Gaozu posted a reward of a thousand pounds of gold for Ji Bu, with death for three generations of kin for anyone who dared hide him.

今上始得天下，而以私怨求一人，何示不廣也！ The Son of Heaven has only just won the realm; to hound one man out of personal spite shows a narrowness ill befitting his position.

夫以高帝兵三十餘萬，困於平城，噲時亦在其中。 Gaozu himself led over three hundred thousand men and was trapped at Pingcheng—and Fan Kuai was in that army.

布母弟丁公，為項羽將，逐窘高祖彭城西。 Ji Bu's maternal uncle Ding Gong, a general under Xiang Yu, had pressed Gaozu hard west of Pengcheng.

短兵接，漢王急，顧謂丁公曰：「兩賢豈相厄哉！」 In close combat the King of Han was desperate; turning to Ding Gong he cried, "Must two able men try to destroy each other?"

及項王滅，丁公謁見高祖，以丁公徇軍中，曰：「丁公為項王臣不忠，使項王失天下者也。」 After Xiang Yu fell, Ding Gong came to pay his respects; Gaozu had him paraded before the host and declared, "Ding Gong was a faithless servant to his king; he helped cost Xiang Yu the empire."

叔叩頭曰：「夫貫高等謀反，天子下明詔，趙有敢隨張王者罪三族，然孟舒自髡鉗，隨張王，以身死之，豈自知為雲中守哉！ Tian Shu kowtowed and said, "When Guan Gao and his fellow plotters rose against the throne, the Son of Heaven decreed death for three generations of any Zhao official who followed King Zhang—yet Meng Shu shaved his head, took the collar, and followed his lord to the grave. How could he have dreamed he would one day govern Yunzhong?

Book of Han, Chapter 48Volume 39: Xiao He and Cao Shen · 62 passages

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高祖為布衣時，數以吏事護高祖。 While Liu Bang was still a commoner, Xiao He more than once used his office to shield him from trouble.

高祖為亭長，常佑之。 After Liu Bang became a village head, Xiao He habitually looked out for him.

高祖以吏繇咸陽，吏皆送奉錢三，何獨以五。 When Liu Bang, as a conscripted clerk, went to Xianyang for corvée duty, his colleagues each gave him three hundred cash for the road; Xiao He alone gave five hundred.

及高祖起為沛公，何嘗為丞督事。 When Liu Bang was proclaimed Duke of Pei, Xiao He served as his assistant magistrate in charge of administration.

沛公至咸陽，諸將皆爭走金帛財物之府分之，何獨先入收秦丞相御史律令圖書臧之。 When the Duke of Pei entered Xianyang, his generals rushed to loot the treasuries; Xiao He alone went straight to the archives and secured the Qin government’s statutes, ordinances, maps, and registers.

沛公具知天下阨塞，戶口多少，彊弱處，民所疾苦者，以何得秦圖書也。 Liu Bang knew the lie of the land—its defiles, population, relative strength, and the people’s grievances—only because Xiao He had preserved the Qin maps and records.

沛公既先定秦，項羽後至，欲攻沛公，沛公謝之得解。 Liu Bang was first to subdue the Qin heartland; when Xiang Yu arrived later and meant to strike him, Liu Bang apologized and defused the threat.

故立沛公為漢王，而三分關中地，王秦降將以距漢王。 They named Liu Bang King of Han, carved the Guanzhong region into three kingdoms for Qin’s surrendered generals, and set those kings there to hem him in.

漢王怒，欲謀攻項羽。 Enraged, the King of Han prepared to march against Xiang Yu.

漢王曰：「何為乃死也？」 The King of Han asked, “What makes you say that would mean our death?”

臣願大王王漢中，養其民以致賢人，收用巴蜀，還定三秦，天下可圖也。」 I urge Your Majesty to accept Hanzhong, cherish the people and draw men of talent to you, draw on the resources of Ba and Shu, then strike east to secure the Three Qin—the whole realm can still be yours.”

漢王曰：「善。」 The King of Han said, “Well spoken.”

何進韓信，漢王以為大將軍，說漢王令引兵東定三秦。 Xiao He recommended Han Xin, whom the King of Han named grand general, and persuaded him to send Han Xin east to conquer the Three Qin.

漢二年，漢王與諸侯擊楚，何守關中，侍太子，治櫟陽。 In the second Han year, while the King of Han campaigned against Chu with the allied lords, Xiao He held Guanzhong, attended the heir apparent, and ran the government from Liyang.

為令約束，立宗廟、社稷、宮室、縣邑，輒奏，上可許以從事； He promulgated laws and rules, founded the imperial temple, the altars of state, palaces, and county seats, and routinely memorialized the throne; whatever the Sovereign approved, he carried out;

即不及奏，輒以便宜施行，上來以聞。 when there was no time to wait for approval, he acted at his own discretion for the emergency and informed the Sovereign afterward.

計戶轉漕給軍，漢王數失軍遯去，何常興關中卒，輒補缺。 He levied taxes by household, ran the grain barges, and kept the armies fed; each time the King of Han’s host was shattered and he fled, Xiao He raised fresh levies in Guanzhong to replace the losses.

上以此剸屬任何關中事。 The Sovereign therefore left the entire administration of Guanzhong in Xiao He’s hands.

漢三年，與項羽相距京、索間，上數使使勞苦丞相。 In the third Han year, locked with Xiang Yu between Jing and Suo, the Sovereign repeatedly sent messengers to console his weary chancellor.

為君計，莫若遣君子孫昆弟能勝兵者悉詣軍所，上益信君。」 Send every able-bodied son, brother, and kinsman you have into his camp; only then will he truly trust you.”

於是何從其計，漢王大說。 Xiao He did so, and the King of Han was delighted.

漢五年，已殺項羽，即皇帝位，論功行封，群臣爭功，歲餘不決。 In the fifth Han year, with Xiang Yu dead, Liu Bang took the throne. Merit titles were debated, the ministers squabbled over precedence, and for more than a year nothing was settled.

上以何功最盛，先封為酇侯，食邑八千戶。 The Sovereign judged Xiao He’s service supreme and first enfeoffed him as Marquis of Zan with eight thousand households.

上曰：「諸君知獵乎？」 The Sovereign asked, “Do you know hunting?”

上曰：「夫獵，追殺獸者狗也，而發縱指示獸處者人也。 The Sovereign said, “In a hunt, the hounds run down the game; the hunter slips the leash and shows them where to strike.

上已橈功臣多封何，至位次未有以復難之，然心欲何第一。 The Sovereign had already yielded to his generals in lavishing titles on Xiao He; he could not easily overrule them on ranking, though he still wanted Xiao He first.

夫上與楚相距五歲，失軍亡眾，跳身遯者數矣，然蕭何常從關中遣軍補其處。 For five years the Sovereign grappled with Chu, again and again shattered and fleeing alone, while Xiao He repeatedly refilled his ranks from Guanzhong.

上曰：「善。」 The Sovereign said, “Agreed.”

上曰：「吾聞進賢受上賞，蕭何功雖高，待鄂君乃得明。」 He added, “They say recommending talent wins the highest reward. Xiao He’s greatness needed Lord E’s voice to be recognized.”

陳豨反，上自將，至邯鄲。 When Chen Xi rose in revolt, the Sovereign took the field in person and marched to Handan.

上已聞誅信，使使拜丞相為相國，益封五千戶，令卒五百人一都尉為相國衛。 Learning of Han Xin’s death, he promoted the chancellor to minister of state, added five thousand households to his fief, and assigned five hundred troops under a commandant of the capital guard to “protect” him.

上暴露於外，而君守於內，非被矢石之難，而益君封置衛者，以今者淮陰新反於中，有疑君心。 The Sovereign braves the frontier while you sit in the capital, never dodging arrows or stones, yet he enlarges your fief and stations guards about you—because the Marquis of Huaiyin has just risen inside the passes, he no longer trusts you.

何從其計，上說。 Xiao He obeyed, and the Sovereign was pleased.

其秋，黥布反，上自將擊之，數使使問相國何為。 That autumn Qing Bu rebelled; the Sovereign took the field against him and kept sending messengers to ask what Minister of State Xiao He was doing.

曰：「為上在軍，拊循勉百姓，悉所有佐軍，如陳豨時。」 The reply was, “Since the Sovereign is with the army, I am comforting and encouraging the people and devoting everything I have to support the campaign, just as I did during the affair of Chen Xi.”

上心必安。」 Only then will he feel secure.”

於是何從其計，上乃大說。 Xiao He followed the advice, and the Sovereign was greatly relieved.

上至，何謁。 When the Sovereign reached the capital, Xiao He came to audience.

上笑曰：「今相國乃利民！」 The Sovereign laughed and said, “So my minister of state has been fleecing the people for their own good!”

上大怒曰：「相國多受賈人財物，為請吾苑！」 The Sovereign exploded: “The minister of state has been bribed by merchants to beg for my hunting preserve!”

上曰：「吾聞李斯相秦皇帝，有善歸主，有惡自予。 The Sovereign said, “They say Li Si, as Qin’s chancellor, credited the throne with every success and himself with every failure;

上不懌。 The Sovereign’s face darkened.

上曰：「相國休矣！ “Enough, minister of state,” said the Sovereign.

高祖崩，何事惠帝。 After Gaozu’s death Xiao He served Emperor Hui.

何頓首曰：「帝得之矣。 Xiao He kowtowed. “Your Majesty has chosen well.

景帝二年，制詔御史：「故相國蕭何，高皇帝大功臣，所與為天下也。 In Emperor Jing’s second year the throne ordered the censor: “Xiao He, late minister of state, was a pillar of the August Emperor’s rise; with him the founder won the realm.

高祖為沛公也，參以中涓從。 When Liu Bang became Duke of Pei, Cao Shen joined him as an inner attendant.

章邯破殺項梁也，沛公與項羽引兵而東。 After Zhang Han destroyed Xiang Liang, the Duke of Pei and Xiang Yu led their troops eastward.

楚懷王以沛公為碭郡長，將碭郡兵。 King Huai of Chu named the Duke of Pei governor of Dang and gave him command of its army.

項羽至，以沛公為漢王。 When Xiang Yu came up he named the Duke of Pei King of Han.

漢王封參為建成侯。 The King of Han enfeoffed Cao Shen as Marquis of Jiancheng.

以中尉從漢王出臨晉關。 as colonel of the guard he escorted the King of Han through Linjin Pass.

乃引兵詣漢王在所。 He then marched to join the King of Han.

韓信立為齊王，引兵東詣陳，與漢王共破項羽，而參留平齊未服者。 After Han Xin was made King of Qi he marched east to Chen to help the King of Han destroy Xiang Yu, while Cao Shen stayed to mop up Qi’s holdouts.

漢王即皇帝位，韓信徙為楚王。 When Liu Bang took the throne, Han Xin was moved to the kingship of Chu.

高祖以長子肥為齊王，而以參為相國。 Gaozu made his eldest son Liu Fei king of Qi and named Cao Shen minister of state to him.

高祖六年，與諸侯剖符，賜參爵列侯，食邑平陽萬六百三十戶，世世勿絕。 In Gaozu’s sixth year he split the tally with the lords and enfeoffed Cao Shen at Pingyang with 10,630 households in perpetuity.

黥布反，參從悼惠王將車騎十二萬，與高祖會擊黥布軍，大破之。 When Qing Bu rose, Cao Shen led a hundred twenty thousand chariots and horse for Prince Liu Fei (Daohui), joined Gaozu, and shattered Qing Bu’s army.

乃謂窋曰：「女歸，試私從容問乃父曰：『高帝新棄群臣，帝富於春秋，君為相國，日飲，無所請事，何以憂天下？』 He said to Cao Zhu, “When you go home, try privately and calmly asking your father: ‘The High Emperor has only just left his ministers, and the emperor is still young. You, as chancellor, drink every day and request no affairs of state; how does this show concern for the realm?

參免冠謝曰：「陛下自察聖武孰與高皇帝？」 Cao Shen doffed his cap and asked, “Set your sage strength beside the Late Emperor’s—which is greater?”

上曰：「朕乃安敢望先帝！」 “I dare not compare myself to him,” said the emperor.

且高皇帝與蕭何定天下，法令既明具，陛下垂拱，參等守職，遵而勿失，不亦可乎？」 The Late Emperor and Xiao He set the laws in clear order. Your Majesty has only to fold your hands on the throne; we ministers need only hold the line without blunder—is that not enough?”

Book of Han, Chapter 51Volume 42: Zhang, Zhou, Zhao, Ren and Shentu · 31 passages

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及沛公略地過陽武，蒼以客從攻南陽。 When the Lord of Pei was expanding his holdings and marched through Yangwu, Zhang Cang joined him as a retainer and took part in the campaign against Nanyang.

蒼當斬，解衣伏質，身長大，肥白如瓠，時王陵見而怪其美士，乃言沛公，赦勿斬。 Zhang Cang was condemned to death. He bared his torso and stretched out on the block—tall and heavyset, his skin pale and smooth as a gourd. Wang Ling happened to see him, struck by what an impressive man he was, and interceded with the Lord of Pei, who spared his life.

沛公立為漢王，入漢中，還定三秦。 The Lord of Pei was made King of Han, withdrew into Hanzhong, and then fought his way back to subdue the Three Qin.

趙地已平，漢王以蒼為代相，備邊冠。 Once Zhao had been secured, the King of Han appointed Zhang Cang minister of Dai to hold the northern frontier.

及高祖起沛，擊破泗水守監，於是苛、昌以卒史從沛公，沛公以昌為職志，苛為客。 When the High Ancestor rose at Pei and overthrew the Sishui governor and his inspector, the Zhou brothers followed the Lord of Pei in their old clerkships; the Lord of Pei named Zhou Chang duty officer and Zhou Ke a guest-retainer.

沛公立為漢王，以苛為御史大夫，昌為中尉。 When the Lord of Pei became King of Han, he appointed Zhou Ke imperial counsellor and Zhou Chang commandant of the guard.

漢三年，楚圍漢王滎陽急，漢王出去，而使苛守滎陽城。 In the third year of Han, Chu forces had Xingyang in a stranglehold; the King of Han slipped away but left Zhou Ke to hold the city.

楚破滎陽城，欲令苛將，苛罵曰：「若趣降漢王！ When Chu took Xingyang, they tried to make Zhou Ke switch sides. He shouted back at them, "Surrender to the King of Han at once!

漢王於是拜昌為御史大夫。 The King of Han then named Zhou Chang imperial counsellor.

昌嘗燕入奏事，高帝方擁戚姬，昌還走。 Once, when Zhou Chang came in informally to report on business, he found the High Ancestor with Lady Qi in his arms and beat a hasty retreat.

高帝逐得，騎昌項，上問曰：「我何如主也？」 The High Ancestor caught up, threw an arm over his shoulders like a rider's grip, and asked, "What kind of sovereign do you take me for?"

及高帝欲廢太子，而立威姬子如意為太子，大臣固爭莫能得，上以留侯策止。 When the High Ancestor wanted to set aside the heir apparent in favor of Lady Qi's son Ruyi, his senior ministers argued themselves hoarse to no avail, until he dropped the idea on the advice of the Marquis of Liu.

是歲，戚姬子如意為趙王，年十歲，高祖憂萬歲之後不全也。 That same year Lady Qi's son Ruyi, only ten, was invested as king of Zhao, and the High Ancestor brooded over how to keep the boy safe after his own death.

居頃之，堯侍高祖，高祖獨心不樂，悲歌，群臣不知上所以然。 Not long afterward Zhao Yao was attending the High Ancestor, who sat alone in gloom, humming a mournful tune while his ministers wondered what troubled him.

高祖曰：「我私憂之，不知所出。」 The High Ancestor replied, "It weighs on me privately, and I see no way through."

高祖曰：「然。 The High Ancestor said, "Exactly.

高祖曰：「善。」 The High Ancestor said, "Very well."

高祖曰：「吾極知其左遷，然吾私憂趙，念非公無可者。 The High Ancestor said, "I know full well this is a step down for you. My heart is with Zhao, and no one but you will serve.

既行久之，高祖持御史大夫印弄之，曰：「誰可以為御史大夫者？」 Some time after Zhou Chang had left, the High Ancestor turned the imperial counsellor's seal over in his hands and asked, "Who is fit to be imperial counsellor now?"

高祖崩，太后使使召趙王，其相昌令王稱疾不行。 After the High Ancestor's death, the empress dowager sent for the king of Zhao. Chancellor Zhou Chang had the young king plead illness and refuse to travel.

使者三反，昌曰：「高帝屬臣趙王，王年少，竊聞太后怨戚夫人，欲召趙王並誅之。 The envoys came back three times. Zhou Chang replied, "The late emperor left the king of Zhao in my care. The boy is young, and word has reached me that the empress dowager bears a grudge against Lady Qi and means to summon the king of Zhao so she can destroy them together.

初，趙堯既代周昌為御史大夫，高祖崩，事惠帝終世。 Zhao Yao had succeeded Zhou Chang as imperial counsellor before the High Ancestor died, and he served out Emperor Hui's entire reign.

高祖嘗避吏，吏系呂後，遇之不謹。 When the High Ancestor was hiding from the authorities, an officer detained Empress Lü and treated her roughly.

任敖素善高祖，怒，擊傷主呂後吏。 Ren Ao, who had long been friendly with the High Ancestor, flew into a rage and beat the officer who had detained Empress Lü.

及高祖初起，敖以客從為御史，守豐二歲。 When the uprising began, Ren Ao followed as a retainer, was made an imperial clerk, and held Feng for two years.

高祖立為漢王，東擊項羽，遨遷為上黨守。 After the High Ancestor became King of Han and marched east against Xiang Yu, Ren Ao was transferred to govern Shangdang.

以高祖十月始至霸上，故因秦時本十月為歲首，不革。 The High Ancestor had first reached Bashang in the tenth month, so the Han kept the Qin practice of reckoning the new year from the tenth month and did not alter it.

以材官蹶張從高帝擊項籍，遷為隊率。 He served as a strong-arm crossbowman under the High Ancestor in the war against Xiang Yu and rose to platoon leader.

孝文元年，舉故以二千石從高祖者，悉以為關內侯，食邑二十四人，而嘉食邑五百戶。 In the first year of Emperor Wen's reign, every former official at the two-thousand-dan level who had served the High Ancestor was ennobled as a noble within the passes; twenty-four were granted revenue from estates, among them Jia, with five hundred households.

久念不可，而高帝時大臣余見無可者，乃以御史大夫嘉為丞相，因故邑封為故安侯。 After long reflection he gave the idea up, and among the surviving senior ministers who had served the founder he could find no one equal to the task. He therefore elevated Imperial Counsellor Shentu Jia to chancellor and, building on the old enfeoffment, created him marquis of Gu'an.

嘉坐自如，弗為禮，責曰：「夫朝廷者，高皇帝之朝廷也，通小臣，戲殿上，大不敬，當斬。 Shentu Jia remained seated and did not return the courtesy. "This court," he said, "is the court of the High Emperor. Deng Tong is a minor official who has made a mockery of the throne—a capital offense.

Book of Han, Chapter 55Volume 46: The Lords of Wan, Wei, Zhi, Zhou and Zhang · 5 passages

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高祖東擊項籍，過河內，時奮年十五，為小吏，侍高祖。 While the Supreme Ancestor was campaigning east against Xiang Yu and passed through Henei, Fen—then fifteen—held a minor clerkship and waited upon him.

高祖與語，愛其恭敬，問曰：「若何有？」 The Supreme Ancestor found him respectful in conversation and asked, "What dependents do you have?"

高祖曰：「若能從我乎？」 The Supreme Ancestor said, “If you can, will you follow me?”

於是高祖召其姊為美人，以奮為中涓，受書謁。 The emperor then took Fen’s sister into the harem as a Meiren beauty and made Fen a zhongjuan usher to handle petitions and callers.

張敺字叔，高祖功臣安丘侯說少子也。 Zhang Ou—styled Shu—was the youngest son of Zhang Shuo, the Anqiu marquis who had served the dynastic founder.

Book of Han, Chapter 58Volume 49: Yuan Ang and Chao Cuo · 6 passages

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今陛下聘六飛，馳不測山，有如馬驚車敗，陛下縱自輕，奈高廟、太后何？」 Now Your Majesty drives a team of six swift horses over perilous mountains. If the horses were startled and the chariot overturned, even if Your Majesty held your own life lightly, what would become of Gaozu's temple and the Empress Dowager?"

夫陳平、絳侯輔翼高帝，定天下，為將相，而誅諸呂，存劉氏； Chen Ping and the Marquis of Jiang raised Gaozu, won the empire, served as general and chancellor, extirpated the Lü, and saved the Liu line;

高皇帝親除大害，去亂從，並建豪英，以為官師，為諫爭，輔天子之闕，而翼戴漢宗也。 Gaozu swept away the tyrant, raised lieutenants as teachers and critics to fill his gaps, and propped the Han altars;

今陛下講於大禹及高皇帝之建豪英也，退托於不明，以求賢良，讓之至也。 You rehearse the deeds of Yu and Gaozu, then call yourself dim while summoning talent—that is humility carried almost too far.

臣竊觀上世之傳，若高皇帝之建功業，陛下之德厚而得賢佐，皆有司之所覽，刻於玉版，藏於金匱，歷之春秋，紀之後世，為帝者祖宗，與天地相終。 Your servant has privately examined the traditions of high antiquity: matters such as the High Emperor's founding of merit and enterprise, and Your Majesty's deep virtue in obtaining worthy assistants, are all surveyed by the responsible offices, engraved on jade tablets, stored in golden coffers, passed through the years, and recorded for later generations, so that they become ancestral models for emperors and endure together with Heaven and Earth.

上卒問盎，對曰：「吳、楚相遺書，言高皇帝王子弟各有分地，今賊臣晁錯擅適諸侯，削奪之地，以故反名為西共誅錯，復故地而罷。 The emperor finally asked Yuan Ang, who replied, "Wu and Chu have exchanged letters saying that Gaozu's sons and younger brothers were each granted allotted territories, but now the wicked minister Chao Cuo has arbitrarily punished the feudal lords and cut away their lands. For this reason, they have raised the banner of marching west to join in executing Chao Cuo, restoring their former lands, and then standing down.

Book of Han, Chapter 59Volume 50: Zhang, Feng, Ji and Zheng · 3 passages

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其後人有盜高廟座前玉環，得，文帝怒，下廷尉治。 Later someone stole a jade ring from the dais in Gaozu's temple; when he was caught Emperor Wen, in a rage, sent him to the commandant of justice.

上大怒曰：「人亡道，乃盜先帝器！ The emperor thundered, "The man is utterly depraved—he stole an object of the late emperor!

張湯以更定律令為廷尉，黯質責湯於上前，曰：「公為正卿，上不能褒先帝之功業，下不能化天下之邪心，安國富民，使囹圄空虛，何空取高皇帝約束紛更之為？ When Zhang Tang rewrote the code and became commandant of justice, Ji An cornered him in open court: "As chief minister you neither celebrate the founder's legacy nor reform public morals, bring peace to the realm, fill the granaries, nor clear the jails—why do you busy yourself tearing apart the statutes Gaozu left behind?

Book of Han, Chapter 65Volume 56: Dong Zhongshu · 1 passage

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先是遼東高廟、長陵高園殿災，仲舒居家推說其意，草稿未上，主父偃候仲舒，私見，嫉之，竊其書而奏焉。 Earlier, the Temple of Gaozu in Liaodong and the hall in Gaozu's funerary park at Changling caught fire. At home, Dong Zhongshu drafted an interpretation of the portent, but before he submitted it, Zhufu Yan called on him, saw the draft in private, and, out of jealousy, stole it and memorialized it to the throne.

Book of Han, Chapter 70Volume 60: Du Zhou · 1 passage

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昔諸呂欲危劉氏，賴有高祖遺臣周勃、陳平尚存，不者，幾為奸臣笑。」 In the past, when the Lü clan sought to endanger the Liu house, survival depended on the continued presence of the High Emperor's old ministers, Zhou Bo and Chen Ping. Without them, the dynasty would almost have become a laughingstock for treacherous ministers."

Book of Han, Chapter 74Volume 64a: Yan, Zhu, Wuqiu, Zhufu, Xu, Yan, Zhong, Wang, and Jia 1 · 7 passages

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自漢初定已來七十二年，吳越人相攻擊者不可勝數，然天子未嘗舉兵而入其地也。 In the seventy-two years since Gaozu founded the dynasty, Wu and Yue have torn at each other times without number, yet no emperor has marched the imperial host into their hills.

今漢自高祖繼周，亦昭德顯行，布恩施惠，六合和同。 Han, inheriting Zhou from Gaozu onward, has shown the same virtue, spread the same kindness, and brought the six quarters into harmony.

及至高皇帝定天下，略地於邊，聞匈奴聚代谷之外而欲擊之。 When Gaozu had pacified the realm he surveyed the north, heard the Xiongnu massing beyond Dai, and meant to strike.

夫匈奴，獸聚而鳥散，從之如搏景，今以陛下盛德攻匈奴，臣竊危之。」 They herd like beasts and scatter like birds; chasing them is like wrestling a shadow. Even your majesty's might cannot safely bite that bait.'

高帝不聽，遂至代谷，果有平城之圍。 Gaozu would not listen; he reached Dai and walked into the siege at Pingcheng.

高帝悔之，乃使劉敬往結和親，然後天下亡干戈之事。 He rued the day, sent Liu Jing to seal a marriage alliance, and the realm knew peace again.

當是之時，先帝之德未衰，而安土樂俗之民眾，故諸侯無竟外之助。 Gaozu's grace still lived in memory, and the common folk clung to home and hearth, so the rebels found no echo in the villages.

Book of Han, Chapter 82Volume 71: Jun, Shu, Yu, Xue, Ping and Peng · 1 passage

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高皇帝聖德受命，有天下，尊太上皇，猶周文、武之追王太王、王季也。 The High Emperor received heaven's mandate and ruled the world; he honored his father as Exalted Supreme Emperor just as Kings Wen and Wu of Zhou posthumously ennobled King Tai and Wang Ji.

Book of Han, Chapter 85Volume 74: Wei Xiang and Bing Ji · 2 passages

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高皇帝所述書《天子所服第八》曰：「大謁者臣章受詔長樂宮，曰：『令群臣議天子所服，以安治天下。』 Gaozu’s compiled ordinances say in Imperial Dress, Section Eight: “Grand Usher Zhang received an edict at Changle Palace, which said: ‘Have the assembled ministers deliberate on what the Son of Heaven should wear, so as to settle and govern the realm.

近觀漢相，高祖開基，蕭、曹為冠，孝宣中興，丙、魏有聲。 Among Han chancellors, Xiao He and Cao Shen stood first at the founding; under Emperor Xuan’s restoration Bing Ji and Wei Xiang won lasting fame.

Book of Han, Chapter 94Volume 83: Xue Xuan and Zhu Bo · 1 passage

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高皇帝以聖德受命，建立鴻業，置御史大夫，位次丞相，典正法度，以職相參，總領百官，上下相監臨，歷載二百年，天下安寧。 Gaozu created the imperial secretary below the chancellor to guard the statutes, coordinate the bureaucracy, and keep checks on power—a system that kept peace for two hundred years.

Book of Han, Chapter 104Volume 92: Youxias · 1 passage

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硃家，魯人，高祖同時也。 Zhu Jia of Lu was a man of Gaozu's generation.

Book of Han, Chapter 105Volume 93: Flatterers · 2 passages

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漢興，佞幸寵臣，高祖時則有籍孺，孝惠有閎孺。 After the Han rose, the court had its share of favorites: under Gaozu there was Ji Ru; under Emperor Hui, Hong Ru.

閎進曰：「天下乃高皇帝天下，非陛下之有也。 Wang Hong stepped in: "The empire belongs to Gaozu's line, not to Your Majesty alone to give away.

Book of Han, Chapter 117Volume 100a: Afterword and Family History 1 · 6 passages

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昔秦失其鹿，劉季逐而掎之，時民復知漢虖！」 In olden times Qin lost the deer, and Liu Ji chased and seized it—did the people then even know there would be a Han?"

世俗見高祖興於布衣，不達其故，以為適遭暴亂，得奮其劍，游說之士至比天下於逐鹿，幸捷而得之，不知神器有命，不可以智力求也。 Common opinion mistakes Gaozu for a lucky swordsman who grabbed power in chaos, the "deer hunt" cliché of rhetoricians; they miss that the sacred vessel answers only to fate, not to cunning or muscle.

是時陵為漢將，而母獲於楚，有漢使來，陵母見之，謂曰：「願告吾子，漢王長者，必得天下，子謹事之，無有二心。」 While Wang Ling served Han, his mother was held by Chu; meeting a Han envoy, she said to him, "I beg you tell my son: the King of Han is a man of generous nature and is sure to gain all under Heaven; let him serve him carefully and harbor no second heart."

蓋在高祖，其興也有五：一曰帝堯之苗裔，二曰體貌多奇異，三曰神武有徵應，四曰寬明而仁恕，五曰知人善任使。 Gaozu's ascent rested on five signs: Yao's bloodline, a singular physique, omens that blessed his arms, a generous humane temper, and a gift for placing the right men.

舉韓信於行陳，收陳平於亡命，英雄陳力，群策畢舉：此高祖之大略，所以成帝業也。 He pulled Han Xin from the ranks, rescued Chen Ping from flight, and let every able man lend strength until the imperial work was done.

初劉媼任高祖而夢與神遇，震電晦冥，有龍蛇之怪。 Lady Liu dreamed of a spirit when she conceived him; thunder rolled in black sky and dragon shapes writhed.

Book of Later Han, Chapter 31Volume 28a: Biographies of Huan Tan; Feng Yan · 2 passages

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繼高祖之休烈，修文武之絕業，社稷複存，炎精更輝，德冠往初，功無與二。 He took up Gaozu's torch, restored the broken work of Wen and Wu, relit Han's red mandate, outshone every predecessor, matched by no successor.

永謂衍曰：“昔高祖賞季布之罪，誅丁固之功。 Bao Yong said, "Gaozu pardoned Ji Bu and executed Ding Gu for ingratitude.

Book of Later Han, Chapter 32Volume 28b: Biography of Feng Yan · 1 passage

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臣伏念高祖之略而陳平之謀，毀之則疏，譽之則親。 I reflect on how Gaozu's strategic insight and Chen Ping's counsel worked: speak ill of them and you are pushed aside; speak well of them and you are drawn close.

Book of Later Han, Chapter 34Volume 30a: Biographies of Su Jing; Yang Hou · 1 passage

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昔智果見智伯窮兵必亡，故變名遠逝，陳平知項王為天所棄，故歸心高祖，皆智之至也。 Zhiguo saw Zhibo’s warmongering would destroy him and fled under an altered name; Chen Ping knew Xiang Yu was heaven-forsaken and gave his loyalty to Gaozu—both reached the height of discernment.

Book of Later Han, Chapter 37Volume 32: Biographies of Fan Hong; Yin Shi · 1 passage

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鯈仰而對曰：『天下高帝天下，非陛下之天下也。 Fan Tiao looked up and replied: 'The realm is Emperor Gao's realm, not Your Majesty's realm alone.

Book of Later Han, Chapter 108Volume 97: Rituals and Worship Part One · 5 passages

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時侍御史杜林上疏，以爲「漢起不因缘尧，与殷、周異宜，而舊制以高帝配。 At that time Attendant Censor Du Lin presented a memorial, holding that “Han’s rise did not follow a line from Yao; its proper observances differ from those of Yin and Zhou, whereas the old arrangement matches Emperor Gao.

陇、蜀平后，乃增广郊祀，高帝配食，位在中壇上，西面北上。 Once Long and Shu had been subdued, the court expanded the suburban cult and set Emperor Gao as correlative recipient on the central terrace, facing west with senior rank to the north.

天、地、高帝、黄帝各用犢一头，青帝、赤帝共用犢一头，白帝、黑帝共用犢一头，凡用犢六头。 Heaven, Earth, Emperor Gao, and the Yellow Thearch each received a calf; the Green and Red Thearchs shared one, as did the White and Black Thearchs—six calves in all.

乙酉，使太尉行事，以特告至高廟。 On yiyou he had the Grand Commandant officiate and announce the deed at Gaodi’s temple with a specially prepared bull.

太尉奉匮以告高廟，藏于廟室西壁石室高主室之下。 The Grand Commandant presented the coffer at the shrine to Emperor Gao and deposited it in the stone vault under the western wall of the inner sanctum.

Book of Later Han, Chapter 109Volume 98: Rituals and Worship Part Two · 2 passages

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癸酉，更告祀高祖、太宗、世宗、中宗、世祖、显宗于明堂，各一太牢。 On guiyou he reported separately to Gaozu, Taizong, Shizong, Zhongzong, Shizu, and Xianzong in the Bright Hall, each with a full tailao.

庚申，告至，祠高庙、世祖，各一特牛。 On gengshen he reported his return and offered a specially raised bull each at the shrines to Emperor Gao and Shizu.

Book of Later Han, Chapter 110Volume 99: Rituals and Worship Part Three · 3 passages

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光武帝建武二年正月，立高庙于雒阳。 In the first month of Jianwu 2 (26 CE), Guangwu founded the High Ancestor’s temple in Luoyang.

四时祫祀，高帝为太祖，文帝为太宗，武帝为世宗，如旧。 At the four seasonal xia sacrifices, Emperor Gao was honored as Taizu, Emperor Wen as Taizong, and Emperor Wu as Shizong, as in the old system.

汉兴八年，有言周兴而邑立后稷之祀，于是高帝令天下立灵星祠。 Han’s eighth year saw a memorial likening Zhou’s capital cult of Hou Ji to Han’s need; Gaozu then ordered Lingxing shrines throughout the realm.

Book of Later Han, Chapter 131Volume 120: Treatise on Carriages and Dress, Part Two · 4 passages

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初，高祖微時，以竹皮爲之，謂之劉氏冠，楚冠制也。 When Liu Bang was still a commoner he fashioned such a cap from bamboo bark—the “Liu family cap,” modeled on southern Chu headgear.

此冠高祖所造，故以爲祭服，尊敬之至也。 Because the founder himself had devised it, the court treated this cap as the most solemn possible ritual headgear.

或曰，樊噲常持鐵楯，聞項羽有意殺漢王，噲裂裳以裹楯，冠之入軍門，立漢王旁，視項羽。 Tradition adds that Fan Kuai wrapped his shield in a torn skirt, jammed on this cap, burst through the gate, and glared at Xiang Yu from Liu Bang’s side.

安帝立皇太子，太子謁高祖廟、世祖廟，門大夫從，冠兩梁進賢； When Emperor An named a crown prince, the prince’s visits to the shrines of Gaozu and Guangwu were escorted by gate stewards in the two-ridged advance-the-worthy cap.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 139Volume 139: Treatises 1 Astronomy · 1 passage

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時言事諸臣，多引漢高祖末年日蝕於歲首，太祖甚惡之，於是素服避正殿，百官各守本司。 The remonstrating ministers of the day mostly invoked the solar eclipse at the year's opening in the closing years of Han Gaozu; Taizu took this as a very bad omen, put on undyed robes, withdrew from the main audience hall, and ordered every official to remain at his post.

Book of Liang, Chapter 14Volume 14: Jiang Yan; Ren Fang · 1 passage

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淹對曰：「昔項強而劉弱，袁衆而曹寡，羽號令諸侯，卒受一劍之辱，紹跨躡四州，終爲奔北之虜。 Yan answered, "Once Xiang Yu was strong and Liu Bang weak, Yuan Shao had numbers and Cao Cao few; Yu ruled the lords yet died by one sword, Yuan held four provinces yet fled north in defeat.

History of Liao, Chapter 57Volume 57 Treatises 27: Ceremonial Guards 3 · 1 passage

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傳國寶，秦始皇作，用藍玉，螭紐，六面，其正面文「受命於天，既壽永昌」，魚鳥篆，子嬰以上漢高祖。 The imperial jade seal of dynastic transmission was fashioned by the First Emperor of Qin from blue jade, with a chilong knob and six faces. On its front was inscribed, "Having received the mandate from Heaven, may you enjoy long life and enduring prosperity," in fish-and-bird seal script. Ziying of Qin surrendered it to Emperor Gaozu of Han.

History of Ming, Chapter 127Volume 127 Biographies 15: Li Shanzhang, Wang Guangyang · 1 passage

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對曰：「秦亂，漢高起布衣，豁達大度，知人善任，不嗜殺人，五載成帝業。 Shanzhang answered, "When the Qin order collapsed, Liu Bang rose from the ranks of commoners—open-handed, magnanimous, skilled at knowing men and putting them to use, sparing of bloodshed—and within five years he had won the empire.

Records of the Three Kingdoms, Chapter 31Volume 31: Book of Shu 1: Biographies of the Two Governor Lius · 2 passages

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〈孔衍《漢魏春秋》曰：許負，河內溫縣之婦人，漢高祖封為明雌亭侯。〈Kong Yan’s Springs and Autumns of Han and Wei identifies Xu Fu as a woman of Wen county in Henei whom Han Gaozu supposedly ennobled as mistress of Mingci village.

臣松之以為今東人呼母為負，衍以許負為婦人，如為有似，然漢高祖時封皆列侯，未有鄉亭之爵，疑此封為不然。〉 Pei Songzhi notes that eastern dialects used fu for “mother,” which may explain Kong Yan’s treating Xu Fu as a woman—yet Gaozu’s reign ennobled only full marquises, never mere village titles, so that fief is almost certainly wrong.

Records of the Three Kingdoms, Chapter 34Volume 34: Book of Shu 4: Biographies of Concubines and Sons of the Two Lords · 1 passage

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昔高皇帝追尊太上昭靈夫人為昭靈皇后，孝和皇帝改葬其母梁貴人，尊號曰恭懷皇后，孝愍皇帝亦改葬其母王夫人，尊號曰靈懷皇后。 Gaozu of Han raised his mother to Empress Zhaoling; He-di reinterred Lady Liang as Empress Gonghuai; Min-di did the same for Lady Wang as Empress Linghuai.

Records of the Three Kingdoms, Chapter 62Volume 62: Book of Wu 17: Biographies of Shi Yi and Hu Zong · 2 passages

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高祖誅項，四面楚歌。 Gaozu struck down Xiang Yu while Chu songs rose on every side.

高祖寬明，陳平先入。 When Gaozu showed clemency, Chen Ping was first through the gate.

Records of the Three Kingdoms, Chapter 63Volume 63: Book of Wu 18: Biographies of Wu Fan, Liu Dun, and Zhao Da · 1 passage

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达曰：“高祖建元十二年，陛下倍之。” Zhao Da answered, “Gaozu's reign-era ran twelve years—Your Majesty will double that.”

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 23Treatise on Ritual · 1 passage

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至于高祖，光有四海，叔孫通頗有所增益減損，大抵皆襲秦故。 As for Gaozu, who shone over All under Heaven, Shusun Tong made considerable additions and subtractions, but in broad outline he still followed the old Qin practices.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 25Treatise on the Pitch-Pipes · 4 passages

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高祖有天下，三邊外畔； When Gaozu possessed all under Heaven, the three borders rebelled on the outside.

會高祖厭苦軍事，亦有蕭、張之謀，故偃武一休息，羈縻不備。 By then Gaozu was weary of military affairs, and he also had the advice of Xiao He and Zhang Liang. So he set aside military force for a time, keeping restraint and control but not yet fully completing them.

高祖時天下新定，人民小安，未可復興兵。 In Gaozu's time, the realm was newly settled; the people were slightly peaceful. It was not possible to again raise weapons.

又先帝知勞民不可煩，故不以為意。 The former emperor also knew that the people could not bear further labor, and therefore gave no thought to such a plan.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 50House of Prince Yuan of Chu · 8 passages

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楚元王劉交者，高祖之同母少弟也，字游。 Liu Jiao, King Yuan of Chu, was the youngest brother of Emperor Gaozu by the same mother, and bore the courtesy name You.

高祖兄弟四人，長兄伯，伯蚤卒。 Emperor Gaozu had four brothers in all. The eldest, Bo, died young.

始高祖微時，嘗辟事，時時與賓客過巨嫂食。 In the early days, when Gaozu was still a man of humble station, he would shirk his duties and often bring guests to dine at his eldest brother's wife's home.

已而視釜中尚有羹，高祖由此怨其嫂。 But when they looked in the pot afterward, there was still plenty of stew. From that day on, Gaozu bore a grudge against his sister-in-law.

及高祖為帝，封昆弟，而伯子獨不得封。 When Gaozu became emperor and enfeoffed his brothers, Bo's son alone received no fief.

太上皇以為言，高祖曰：「某非忘封之也，為其母不長者耳。」 The Retired Emperor raised the matter, and Gaozu replied, "It is not that I forgot to grant him a fief—it is because his mother was no woman of virtue."

高祖六年，已禽楚王韓信於陳，乃以弟交為楚王，都彭城。 In the sixth year of Gaozu's reign, having captured Han Xin, the King of Chu, at Chen, the emperor appointed his brother Jiao as King of Chu, with his capital at Pengcheng.

趙王劉遂者，其父高祖中子，名友，謚曰「幽」。 Liu Sui, King of Zhao—his father was the middle son of Emperor Gaozu, named You, who was given the posthumous title of You, 'the Secluded.'

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 51Houses of Jing and Yan · 12 passages

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漢王元年，還定三秦，劉賈為將軍，定塞地，從東擊項籍。 In the first year of the King of Han, after the Three Qin territories had been subdued, Liu Jia served as a general, pacifying the frontier regions before marching east to attack Xiang Ji.

漢四年，漢王之敗成皋，北渡河，得張耳、韓信軍，軍修武，深溝高壘，使劉賈將二萬人，騎數百，渡白馬津入楚地，燒其積聚，以破其業，無以給項王軍食。 In the fourth year of Han, after the King of Han suffered defeat at Chenggao and crossed the Yellow River northward, he joined forces with the armies of Zhang Er and Han Xin. He encamped at Xiuwu behind deep trenches and high ramparts, then dispatched Liu Jia with twenty thousand infantry and several hundred cavalry to cross at Baima Ford into Chu territory. There they burned the enemy's grain stores, devastating their supply lines so that Xiang Yu's army could no longer be fed.

漢五年，漢王追項籍至固陵，使劉賈南渡淮圍壽春。 In the fifth year of Han, the King of Han pursued Xiang Ji to Guling and ordered Liu Jia to cross the Huai River southward to lay siege to Shouchun.

漢王因使劉賈將九江兵，與太尉盧綰西南擊臨江王共尉。 The King of Han then directed Liu Jia to lead the Jiujiang troops and, together with Grand Commandant Lu Wan, march southwest to attack Gong Wei, the King of Linjiang.

當是時也，高祖子幼，昆弟少，又不賢，欲王同姓以鎮天下，乃詔曰：「將軍劉賈有功，及擇子弟可以為王者。」 At that time, Emperor Gaozu's sons were still young, and his brothers were few and lacked distinction. Wishing to install kings who shared his surname to anchor the realm, he issued an edict: 'General Liu Jia has rendered great service. Let worthy members of the clan be selected and made kings.'

高祖弟交為楚王，王淮西三十六城。」 and let Jiao, the emperor's younger brother, be made King of Chu, ruling over thirty-six cities west of the Huai.'

高祖十一年秋，淮南王黥布反，東擊荊。 In the autumn of the eleventh year of Emperor Gaozu's reign, Ying Bu, the King of Huainan, rose in rebellion and marched east to attack the kingdom of Jing.

高祖自擊破布。 Emperor Gaozu personally led the campaign that crushed Ying Bu.

高帝三年，澤為郎中。 In the third year of Emperor Gao's reign, Liu Ze served as a palace gentleman.

高帝十一年，澤以將軍擊陳豨，得王黃，為營陵侯。 In the eleventh year, Liu Ze campaigned as a general against Chen Xi. He captured Wang Huang and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Yingling.

酒酣，乃屏人說張卿曰：「臣觀諸侯王邸弟百餘，皆高祖一切功臣。 When the wine was flowing freely, Tian Sheng dismissed the attendants and spoke to Zhang Qing in confidence: 'I have observed that more than a hundred youths lodged at the feudal kings' mansions in the capital are all descendants of Emperor Gaozu's meritorious officials.

今呂氏雅故本推轂高帝就天下，功至大，又親戚太后之重。 Now the Lü clan, as old allies, originally helped propel Emperor Gao to conquer the realm. Their merit is immense, and they hold the additional weight of being close kinsmen of the Empress Dowager.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 53House of Chancellor Xiao · 27 passages

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高祖為布衣時，何數以吏事護高祖。 Back when Gaozu was still a commoner, Xiao He often used his official position to shield him from trouble.

高祖為亭長，常左右之。 After Gaozu became a village headman, Xiao He was always at his side to help.

高祖以吏繇咸陽，吏皆送奉錢三，何獨以五。 When Gaozu was conscripted for labor service in Xianyang, every other official gave him three cash as a parting gift, but Xiao He alone gave five.

及高祖起為沛公，何常為丞督事。 When Gaozu rose in rebellion and became the Lord of Pei, Xiao He served as his deputy and managed all administrative affairs.

沛公至咸陽，諸將皆爭走金帛財物之府分之，何獨先入收秦丞相御史律令圖書藏之。 When the Lord of Pei entered Xianyang, all the other generals raced to the treasuries to divide the gold, silk, and valuables among themselves. Xiao He alone went first to secure the Qin chancellor's and imperial censor's collections of laws, decrees, maps, and registers.

沛公為漢王，以何為丞相。 When the Lord of Pei was named King of Han, he appointed Xiao He as his chancellor.

漢王所以具知天下阸塞，戶口多少，彊弱之處，民所疾苦者，以何具得秦圖書也。 Because Xiao He had secured the complete Qin archives, the King of Han came to know precisely where every strategic pass lay and how many households and people lived in each region. He also knew which areas were strong or weak, and what grievances the people bore.

何進言韓信，漢王以信為大將軍。 Xiao He recommended Han Xin, and the King of Han appointed him as supreme general.

漢王引兵東定三秦，何以丞相留收巴蜀，填撫諭告，使給軍食。 When the King of Han led his troops east to subdue the Three Qin kingdoms, Xiao He stayed behind as chancellor to secure Ba and Shu, pacifying the people with proclamations and keeping the army supplied with provisions.

漢二年，漢王與諸侯擊楚，何守關中，侍太子，治櫟陽。 In the second year of Han, the King of Han joined the other lords in attacking Chu. Xiao He remained to guard the lands within the passes, attend the crown prince, and govern from Yueyang.

關中事計戶口轉漕給軍，漢王數失軍遁去，何常興關中卒，輒補缺。 He managed the affairs within the passes by tallying households and organizing grain shipments to supply the army. Each time the King of Han lost his forces and had to flee, Xiao He raised fresh troops from within the passes and promptly filled the gaps.

漢三年，漢王與項羽相距京索之閒，上數使使勞苦丞相。 In the third year of Han, while the King of Han faced Xiang Yu between Jing and Suo, the emperor repeatedly sent messengers to offer his regards to the chancellor.

於是何從其計，漢王大說。 Xiao He followed this advice, and the King of Han was greatly pleased.

高祖以蕭何功最盛，封為酂侯，所食邑多。 Gaozu judged Xiao He's contributions the greatest and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Zan, granting him the largest fief of all.

高帝曰：「諸君知獵乎？」 The Emperor said, 'Do you gentlemen know anything about hunting?'

高帝曰：「夫獵，追殺獸兔者狗也，而發蹤指示獸處者人也。 The Emperor said, 'In a hunt, the ones who chase down and kill the game are the dogs, but the one who picks up the trail and directs the dogs to the quarry is the hunter.

陛下雖數亡山東，蕭何常全關中以待陛下，此萬世之功也。 Though Your Majesty lost the lands east of the mountains time and again, Xiao He always kept the heartland within the passes intact, waiting for Your Majesty's return. This is a merit that will endure for ten thousand generations.

高祖曰：「善。」 Gaozu said, 'Well spoken.'

漢十一年，陳豨反，高祖自將，至邯鄲。 In the eleventh year of Han, Chen Xi rose in rebellion. Gaozu personally led the campaign and marched to Handan.

相國從其計，高帝乃大喜。 The Prime Minister followed this advice, and Gaozu was overjoyed.

數日，王衛尉侍，前問曰：「相國何大罪，陛下系之暴也？」 Several days later, the Commandant of the Palace Guard, Wang, was in attendance and ventured to ask, 'What terrible crime has the Prime Minister committed that Your Majesty treats him so harshly?'

王衛尉曰：「夫職事茍有便於民而請之，真宰相事，陛下柰何乃疑相國受賈人錢乎！ The Commandant Wang said, 'If a minister discovers something that would benefit the people and petitions for it, that is precisely what a prime minister ought to do. How can Your Majesty suspect the Prime Minister of taking merchants' bribes?

且陛下距楚數歲，陳豨、黥布反，陛下自將而往，當是時，相國守關中，搖足則關以西非陛下有也。 Moreover, Your Majesty fought Chu for years, and when Chen Xi and Ying Bu rose in rebellion, Your Majesty personally led the armies against them. During all that time, the Prime Minister guarded the lands within the passes. Had he so much as stamped his foot, everything west of the passes would have ceased to be yours.

陛下何疑宰相之淺也。」 Why does Your Majesty suspect the Prime Minister on such slight grounds?'

高帝不懌。 Gaozu was not pleased to hear this.

高帝曰：「相國休矣！ Gaozu said, 'Enough, Prime Minister!

何頓首曰：「帝得之矣！ Xiao He bowed his head to the ground and said, 'Your Majesty has found the right man!

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 54House of Chancellor Cao · 16 passages

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高祖為沛公而初起也，參以中涓從。 When Gaozu first rose as the Lord of Pei, Cao Shen joined him as a personal attendant.

秦將章邯破殺項梁也，沛公與項羽引而東。 After the Qin general Zhang Han defeated and killed Xiang Liang, the Lord of Pei and Xiang Yu withdrew their forces eastward.

楚懷王以沛公為碭郡長，將碭郡兵。 King Huai of Chu appointed the Lord of Pei as the governor of Dang commandery and placed the commandery's troops under his command.

項羽至，以沛公為漢王。 When Xiang Yu arrived, he installed the Lord of Pei as King of Han.

漢王封參為建成侯。 The King of Han granted Cao Shen the title Marquis of Jiancheng.

以中尉從漢王出臨晉關。 Serving as Commandant, he accompanied the King of Han through Linjin Pass.

高祖（三）［二］年，拜為假左丞相，入屯兵關中。 In the second year of Gaozu's reign, he was appointed Acting Left Chancellor and entered Guanzhong to garrison the region.

乃引兵詣敖倉漢王之所。 From there he led his forces to the Ao Granary, where the King of Han was stationed.

韓信為齊王，引兵詣陳，與漢王共破項羽，而參留平齊未服者。 When Han Xin, now King of Qi, led his forces to Chen to join the King of Han in destroying Xiang Yu, Cao Shen stayed behind to subdue the parts of Qi that had not yet submitted.

項籍已死，天下定，漢王為皇帝，韓信徙為楚王，齊為郡。 After Xiang Yu's death and the pacification of the realm, the King of Han became emperor. Han Xin was transferred to the kingship of Chu, and Qi was made a commandery.

高帝以長子肥為齊王，而以參為齊相國。 Emperor Gaozu made his eldest son Fei the King of Qi and appointed Cao Shen as the Chancellor of Qi.

以高祖六年賜爵列侯，與諸侯剖符，世世勿絕。 In the sixth year of Gaozu's reign, he was granted the rank of full marquis, receiving a tallied covenant with the feudal lords that his line would never be extinguished.

黥布反，參以齊相國從悼惠王將兵車騎十二萬人，與高祖會擊黥布軍，大破之。 When Ying Bu revolted, Cao Shen, as Chancellor of Qi, accompanied King Daohui with a force of one hundred and twenty thousand infantry, chariots, and cavalry to join Emperor Gaozu in striking Ying Bu's army. They inflicted a crushing defeat.

乃謂窋曰：「若歸，試私從容問而父曰：『高帝新棄群臣，帝富於春秋，君為相，日飲，無所請事，何以憂天下乎？』 So the emperor told Zhu, "When you go home, find a quiet moment and ask your father casually: 'Emperor Gaozu has only recently departed from his ministers. The emperor is young, and you, the chancellor, do nothing but drink all day. You never bring a single matter before the throne. How can you claim to be worrying about the realm?'

參免冠謝曰：「陛下自察聖武孰與高帝？」 Cao Shen doffed his cap and apologized, then asked, "Would Your Majesty say that in sagely martial virtue you are the equal of Emperor Gaozu?"

且高帝與蕭何定天下，法令既明，今陛下垂拱，參等守職，遵而勿失，不亦可乎？」 Emperor Gaozu and Xiao He pacified the realm, and the laws and ordinances they laid down are clear. Now if Your Majesty sits with folded hands, and men like myself faithfully guard our posts, following those precedents without deviation—is that not sufficient?"

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 77Biography of the Prince of Wei · 3 passages

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高祖始微少時，數聞公子賢。 When Gaozu was still of humble and lowly station, he often heard that the prince was worthy.

高祖十二年，從擊黥布還，為公子置守冢五家，世世歲以四時奉祠公子。 In the twelfth year of Gaozu's reign, upon returning from the campaign against Qing Bu, he established five families to guard the prince's tomb, with each generation offering seasonal sacrifices to the prince year after year.

高祖每過之而令民奉祠不絕也。 Whenever Gaozu passed through the place, he ordered the people to keep up the sacrifices without interruption.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 80Biography of Yue Yi · 2 passages

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其後二十餘年，高帝過趙，問：「樂毅有後世乎？」 Thereafter, more than twenty years later, Gao Di passed through Zhao and asked: 'Does Yue Yi have descendants?'

高帝封之樂卿，號曰華成君。 Gao Di enfeoffed him at Yueqing and titled him Lord Huacheng.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 90Biographies of Wei Bao and Peng Yue · 26 passages

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漢王還定三秦，渡臨晉，魏王豹以國屬焉，遂從擊楚於彭城。 When the King of Han returned to pacify the Three Qin and crossed the river at Linjin, King Bao of Wei submitted his kingdom and joined in the attack on Chu at Pengcheng.

漢王聞魏豹反，方東憂楚，未及擊，謂酈生曰：「緩頰往說魏豹，能下之，吾以萬戶封若。」 When the King of Han learned of Wei Bao's rebellion, he was preoccupied with the threat from Chu to the east and could not spare forces for an attack. He said to Li Yiji, "Go and talk Wei Bao into submission. If you succeed, I shall grant you a fief of ten thousand households."

今漢王慢而侮人，罵詈諸侯群臣如罵奴耳，非有上下禮節也，吾不忍復見也。」 The King of Han is arrogant and abusive, cursing his lords and ministers as though they were slaves, with no regard for the proprieties between ruler and subject. I cannot bear to face him again."

於是漢王遣韓信擊虜豹於河東，傳詣滎陽，以豹國為郡。 The King of Han then dispatched Han Xin to attack and capture Bao in Hedong. Bao was escorted under guard to Xingyang, and his kingdom was converted into a commandery.

漢王令豹守滎陽。 The King of Han assigned Bao to the defense of Xingyang.

沛公之從碭北擊昌邑，彭越助之。 When the Lord of Pei marched north from Dang to attack Changyi, Peng Yue came to his aid.

昌邑未下，沛公引兵西。 Before Changyi fell, the Lord of Pei withdrew his forces and headed west.

漢王二年春，與魏王豹及諸侯東擊楚，彭越將其兵三萬餘人歸漢於外黃。 In the spring of the King of Han's second year, when he marched east with King Bao of Wei and the other lords to attack Chu, Peng Yue led his thirty thousand troops to submit to Han at Waihuang.

漢王曰：「彭將軍收魏地得十餘城，欲急立魏後。 The King of Han said, "General Peng has recovered the Wei territories and taken more than ten cities, and he is eager to see a descendant of Wei restored to the throne.

漢王之敗彭城解而西也，彭越皆復亡其所下城，獨將其兵北居河上。 When the King of Han was defeated at Pengcheng and fell back to the west, Peng Yue lost all the cities he had captured and withdrew his forces northward to take up a position along the Yellow River.

漢王三年，彭越常往來為漢游兵，擊楚，絕其後糧於梁地。 In the King of Han's third year, Peng Yue ranged back and forth as a mobile force for Han, raiding Chu and severing its supply lines in the Liang region.

漢四年冬，項王與漢王相距滎陽，彭越攻下睢陽、外黃十七城。 In the winter of the King of Han's fourth year, while the King of Xiang and the King of Han were locked in a standoff at Xingyang, Peng Yue attacked and captured seventeen cities, including Suiyang and Waihuang.

漢五年秋，項王之南走陽夏，彭越復下昌邑旁二十餘城，得穀十餘萬斛，以給漢王食。 In the autumn of the fifth year of Han, when the King of Xiang retreated south to Yangxia, Peng Yue once again captured more than twenty cities around Changyi and seized over a hundred thousand bushels of grain to provision the King of Han.

漢王敗，使使召彭越并力擊楚。 After the King of Han suffered a defeat, he sent a messenger to summon Peng Yue to join forces against Chu.

漢王追楚，為項籍所敗碧陵。 The King of Han pursued Chu but was defeated by Xiang Ji at Guling.

留侯曰：「齊王信之立，非君王之意，信亦不自堅。 The Marquis of Liu replied, "The King of Qi, Han Xin, was installed without Your Majesty's approval, and he himself feels insecure in his position.

彭越本定梁地，功多，始君王以魏豹故，拜彭越為魏相國。 Peng Yue was the one who originally pacified the Liang territory and rendered great service, yet because of Wei Bao, Your Majesty initially appointed Peng Yue merely as Chancellor of Wei.

今豹死毋後，且越亦欲王，而君王不蚤定。 Now that Bao is dead and has left no heir, Yue naturally desires a kingship of his own, yet Your Majesty has not moved to settle the matter.

君王能出捐此地許二人，二人今可致； If Your Majesty can part with these territories and promise them to these two men, both can be won over;

於是漢王乃發使使彭越，如留侯策。 The King of Han accordingly dispatched an envoy to Peng Yue, following the strategy of the Marquis of Liu.

十年秋，陳豨反代地，高帝自往擊，至邯鄲，徵兵梁王。 In the autumn of the tenth year, Chen Xi rebelled in the region of Dai. The Emperor himself marched to attack, and upon reaching Handan, he summoned the King of Liang to send troops.

高帝怒，使人讓梁王。 The Emperor was furious and sent an envoy to rebuke the King of Liang.

於是上使使掩梁王，梁王不覺，捕梁王，囚之雒陽。 The Emperor sent men to seize the King of Liang by surprise. Caught unawares, the King of Liang was arrested and imprisoned at Luoyang.

上赦以為庶人，傳處蜀青衣。 The Emperor pardoned him, reduced him to a commoner, and banished him to Qingyi in Shu.

呂后白上曰：「彭王壯士，今徙之蜀，此自遺患，不如遂誅之。 Empress Lu told the Emperor, "King Peng is a formidable warrior. Banishing him to Shu will only leave us with a future menace. It would be better to execute him outright.

上乃可，遂夷越宗族，國除。 The Emperor approved the petition. Yue's clan was wiped out, and his kingdom was abolished.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 94Biography of Tian Dan, King of Qi · 14 passages

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而漢王率諸侯敗楚，入彭城。 Meanwhile, the King of Han led a coalition of lords to defeat Chu and seized Pengcheng.

橫定齊三年，漢王使酈生往說下齊王廣及其相國橫。 After Heng had held Qi for three years, the King of Han sent the persuader Li Yiji to talk King Guang of Qi and his Chancellor Heng into surrendering.

後歲餘，漢滅項籍，漢王立為皇帝，以彭越為梁王。 More than a year later, Han destroyed Xiang Ji. The King of Han ascended as Emperor and made Peng Yue King of Liang.

高帝聞之，以為田橫兄弟本定齊，齊人賢者多附焉，今在海中不收，後恐為亂，乃使使赦田橫罪而召之。 Emperor Gao heard of this and reflected that the Tian brothers had been the ones to pacify Qi, and that many of the ablest men in Qi were devoted to them. If they were left at large on the sea, they might one day stir up trouble. He therefore sent an envoy to pardon Tian Heng and summon him to court.

田橫因謝曰：「臣亨陛下之使酈生，今聞其弟酈商為漢將而賢，臣恐懼，不敢奉詔，請為庶人，守海島中。」 Tian Heng declined, saying, "I boiled Your Majesty's envoy Li Yiji alive. Now I hear that his younger brother Li Shang serves as a Han general and is a man of ability. I am terrified and dare not obey the summons. I beg leave to remain a commoner and keep to my island."

使還報，高皇帝乃詔衛尉酈商曰：「齊王田橫即至，人馬從者敢動搖者致族夷！」 When the envoy returned with this reply, Emperor Gao issued an edict to Li Shang, the Commandant of Guards: "Tian Heng, the former King of Qi, is about to arrive. If anyone among his retinue so much as stirs, the offender's entire clan shall be exterminated!"

未至三十里，至尸鄉廄置，橫謝使者曰：「人臣見天子當洗沐。」 When they were still thirty li from the capital, they reached the relay station at Shixiang. Heng addressed the envoy, "A subject about to be received by the Son of Heaven ought first to bathe and purify himself."

謂其客曰：「橫始與漢王俱南面稱孤，今漢王為天子，而橫乃為亡虜而北面事之，其恥固已甚矣。 He said to his retainers, "At first I and the King of Han both faced south and styled ourselves sovereign. Now the King of Han is Son of Heaven, and I am nothing but a fugitive who must face north and serve him. The shame of it is already beyond bearing.

且吾亨人之兄，與其弟并肩而事其主，縱彼畏天子之詔，不敢動我，我獨不愧於心乎？ Moreover, I boiled a man's elder brother alive, and now I am to stand shoulder to shoulder with his younger brother in serving the same lord. Even if Li Shang fears the imperial edict and dares not touch me, can I alone feel no shame in my heart?

且陛下所以欲見我者，不過欲一見吾面貌耳。 Moreover, the only reason His Majesty wishes to see me is to look upon my face once.

今陛下在洛陽，今斬吾頭，馳三十里閒，形容尚未能敗，猶可觀也。」 His Majesty is in Luoyang. If my head is cut off now and rushed there at a gallop—a mere thirty li—my features will not yet have decayed. He may still look upon them."

遂自剄，令客奉其頭，從使者馳奏之高帝。 With that he cut his own throat. He ordered his guest to present his head; the guest followed the envoy and rode at a gallop to present it to Emperor Gao.

高帝曰：「嗟乎，有以也夫！ Emperor Gao exclaimed, "Alas! There was something to this man indeed!

高帝聞之，乃大驚，大田橫之客皆賢。 When Emperor Gao heard of this, he was deeply shaken and declared that all of Tian Heng's followers were men of the highest worth.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 98Biographies of Fu, Jin, and the Marquis of Kuaicheng · 5 passages

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沛公立為漢王，漢王賜寬封號共德君。 When the Lord of Pei was made King of Han, the king bestowed upon Fu Kuan the title Lord of Shared Virtue.

沛公立為漢王，賜歙爵建武侯，遷為騎都尉。 After the Lord of Pei was installed as King of Han, Jin Xi received the rank of Marquis of Jianwu and was promoted to Cavalry Commandant.

常為高祖參乘，以舍人從起沛。 He regularly served as Gaozu's chariot companion and followed him as a retainer when he first rose at Pei.

高祖十二年，以緤為蒯成侯，除前所食邑。 In the twelfth year of Gaozu's reign, Xie was made Marquis of Kuaicheng, superseding all previous fiefs.

太史公曰：陽陵侯傅寬、信武侯靳歙皆高爵，從高祖起山東，攻項籍，誅殺名將，破軍降城以十數，未嘗困辱，此亦天授也。 The Grand Historian says: The Marquis of Yangling, Fu Kuan, and the Marquis of Xinwu, Jin Xi, both held high noble ranks. They followed Gaozu in rising from Shandong, attacked Xiang Ji, executed famous generals, broke armies, and induced the surrender of cities numbering in the tens, and never experienced distress or humiliation. This too was heaven's bestowal.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 100Biographies of Ji Bu and Luan Bu · 21 passages

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項籍使將兵，數窘漢王。 Xiang Ji appointed him to command troops, and on multiple occasions he drove the King of Han into desperate straits.

及項羽滅，高祖購求布千金，敢有舍匿，罪及三族。 After the fall of Xiang Yu, Emperor Gaozu posted a bounty of a thousand gold pieces for Ji Bu's capture, decreeing that anyone who dared shelter or conceal him would have the punishment extended to three generations of their clan.

因謂滕公曰：「季布何大罪，而上求之急也？」 He then asked Teng Gong, "What grave offense has Ji Bu committed, for the Sovereign to pursue him with such urgency?"

滕公曰：「布數為項羽窘上，上怨之，故必欲得之。」 Teng Gong said, "Ji Bu repeatedly put the Sovereign in dire straits while serving Xiang Yu; the Sovereign resents him, and therefore is determined to capture him."

今上始得天下，獨以己之私怨求一人，何示天下之不廣也！ Now that the Sovereign has just won the empire, to hunt one man solely out of private resentment—what a display of narrow-mindedness to all under heaven!

君何不從容為上言邪？」 Why not find a calm moment to speak to the Sovereign about this?"

待閒，果言如朱家指。 When he had a suitable moment, he spoke to the Emperor exactly as Zhu Jia had urged.

上乃赦季布。 The Emperor thereupon pardoned Ji Bu.

季布召見，謝，上拜為郎中。 Ji Bu was summoned for an audience and expressed his gratitude. The Emperor appointed him as a Gentleman of the Palace.

夫高帝將兵四十餘萬眾，困於平城，今噲柰何以十萬眾橫行匈奴中，面欺！ Indeed, when the Gao Emperor led over 400,000 troops, he was trapped at Pingcheng. Now how can Kuai march unchecked through the Xiongnu lands with 100,000 men? This is barefaced deception!

丁公為項羽逐窘高祖彭城西，短兵接，高祖急，顧丁公曰：「兩賢豈相戹哉！」 Ding Gong, serving Xiang Yu, pursued and cornered Emperor Gaozu west of Pengcheng. They met in close combat; the Emperor was in peril and looked back at Ding Gong, saying, "How can two worthy men afflict each other!"

於是丁公引兵而還，漢王遂解去。 At this, Ding Gong withdrew his troops, and the King of Han was able to escape.

及項王滅，丁公謁見高祖。 After the fall of Xiang Yu, Ding Gong sought an audience with Emperor Gaozu.

高祖以丁公徇軍中，曰：「丁公為項王臣不忠，使項王失天下者，乃丁公也。」 Emperor Gaozu had Ding Gong paraded through the army and said, "Ding Gong served King Xiang as a minister without loyalty; the one who caused King Xiang to lose the empire is Ding Gong."

遂斬丁公，曰：「使後世為人臣者無效丁公！」 Gaozu then had Ding Gong beheaded, saying, "Let no minister in later generations follow Ding Gong's example!"

梁王彭越聞之，乃言上，請贖布以為梁大夫。 When the King of Liang, Peng Yue, heard of this, he petitioned the Emperor to ransom Luan Bu and appoint him as a Minister of Liang.

上召布，罵曰：「若與彭越反邪？ The Emperor summoned Luan Bu and cursed him, saying, "Did you rebel with Peng Yue?

上曰：「何言？」 The Sovereign said, 'What words?'

布曰：「方上之困於彭城，敗滎陽、成皋閒，項王所以（遂）不能［遂］西，徒以彭王居梁地，與漢合從苦楚也。 Bu said, 'When the Sovereign was distressed at Pengcheng and defeated between Xingyang and Chenggao, the reason Xiang Yu could not advance west was only because the Peng King dwelt in Liang lands and allied with Han to afflict Chu.

今陛下一徵兵於梁，彭王病不行，而陛下疑以為反，反形未見，以苛小案誅滅之，臣恐功臣人人自危也。 Now Your Majesty levied troops from Liang just once, and when the King of Peng was too ill to comply, Your Majesty suspected him of rebellion. No evidence of rebellion was ever found, yet he was destroyed on a trivial pretext. I fear that every minister who has rendered meritorious service now feels his own life is in danger.

於是上乃釋布罪，拜為都尉。 Thereupon the Emperor released Luan Bu from guilt and appointed him District Commandant.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 103Biographies of Wan Shi and Zhang Shu · 4 passages

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高祖東擊項籍，過河內，時奮年十五，為小吏，侍高祖。 When Gaozu marched east to attack Xiang Ji and passed through Henei, Fen was fifteen years old, serving as a minor functionary in attendance on Gaozu.

高祖與語，愛其恭敬，問曰：「若何有？」 Gaozu spoke with him and was pleased by his respectful bearing. He asked, "What do you have?"

高祖曰：「若能從我乎？」 Gaozu said, "Can you follow me?"

於是高祖召其姊為美人，以奮為中涓，受書謁，徙其家長安中戚裏，以姊為美人故也。 Thereupon Gaozu summoned his elder sister to serve as a court beauty, appointed Fen as a palace attendant in charge of receiving documents and audiences, and relocated his family to the Zhongqi quarter in Chang'an—all on account of his sister becoming a court beauty.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 104Biography of Tian Shu · 2 passages

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會陳豨反代，漢七年，高祖往誅之，過趙，趙王張敖自持案進食，禮恭甚，高祖箕踞罵之。 It happened that Chen Xi raised a rebellion in the territory of Dai. In the seventh year of the Han dynasty, Emperor Gaozu set out to suppress him and passed through Zhao along the way. King Zhang Ao personally held the serving tray to present food to the emperor, his courtesy exceedingly respectful. But the emperor sat sprawled with his legs apart and berated the king.

上曰：「先帝置孟舒雲中十餘年矣，虜曾一人，孟舒不能堅守，毋故士卒戰死者數百人。 The emperor said: "The late emperor posted Meng Shu at Yunzhong for more than ten years. When the barbarians once raided in force, Meng Shu failed to hold his ground, and several hundred soldiers died in battle without cause.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 113Treatise on the Nanyue · 3 passages

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至二世時，南海尉任囂病且死，召龍川令趙佗語曰：「聞陳勝等作亂，秦為無道，天下苦之，項羽、劉季、陳勝、吳廣等州郡各共興軍聚眾，虎爭天下，中國擾亂，未知所安，豪傑畔秦相立。 When the Second Emperor's reign began, the Commandant of Nanhai, Ren Xiao, fell gravely ill and lay near death. He summoned Zhao Tuo, the Magistrate of Longchuan, and told him: "I have heard that Chen Sheng and the others have risen in revolt. Qin has ruled without the Way, and the whole realm suffers for it. Xiang Yu, Liu Ji, Chen Sheng, Wu Guang, and men across the commanderies and districts have all raised armies and gathered followers, fighting over the empire like tigers. The Central Plains are thrown into chaos, and no one knows where peace will come from. Great men everywhere have turned against Qin and set themselves up as rival lords.

高帝已定天下，為中國勞苦，故釋佗弗誅。 After Emperor Gaozu had pacified the realm, the people of the Central Plains were exhausted from years of war, so he pardoned Tuo and refrained from punishing him.

佗曰：「高帝立我，通使物，今高後聽讒臣，別異蠻夷，隔絕器物，此必長沙王計也，欲倚中國，擊滅南越而并王之，自為功也。」 Tuo declared: "Emperor Gaozu installed me as king and opened trade and diplomatic relations. Now Empress Dowager Gao heeds the words of slanderous ministers, treats us as foreign barbarians, and cuts off our access to iron goods and implements. This is surely a plot by the King of Changsha, who wishes to lean on the might of the Central Plains to destroy Nanyue, annex our territory, and claim the glory for himself."

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 114Treatise on the Eastern Yue · 1 passage

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孝惠三年，舉高帝時越功，曰閩君搖功多，其民便附，乃立搖為東海王，都東甌，世俗號為東甌王。 In the third year of Emperor Hui's reign, the court reviewed the wartime contributions of the Yue dating back to Emperor Gao's era. It was noted that Yao, the lord of Min, had distinguished himself through exceptional service and commanded the loyal devotion of his people. He was therefore made the King of the Eastern Sea, with his capital at Dong'ou—and so the people came to call him the King of Dong'ou.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 120Biographies of Ji and Zheng · 1 passage

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高祖令諸故項籍臣名籍，鄭君獨不奉詔。 When Emperor Gaozu ordered all former officers of Xiang Yu to register their names, Lord Zheng alone refused to comply.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 124Biographies of Knight-errants · 1 passage

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魯朱家者，與高祖同時。 Zhu Jia of Lu lived in the same era as Emperor Gaozu.

Records of the Grand Historian, Chapter 125Biographies of Flatterers · 1 passage

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至漢興，高祖至暴抗也，然籍孺以佞幸； When the Han dynasty was founded, Emperor Gaozu was as fierce and unyielding a man as ever lived, yet even he kept Ji Ru as a favorite through flattery and charm.

History of Song, Chapter 359Volume 359 Biographies 118: Li Gang 2 · 3 passages

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高祖先保關中，故能東向與項籍爭。 Gaozu of Han first secured Guanzhong, and only then was able to turn east and contend with Xiang Yu.

高祖在漢中，謂蕭何曰：'吾亦欲東。 While still in Hanzhong, Gaozu said to Xiao He, "I too mean to turn east."

是以楚、漢相距于滎陽、成皋間，高祖雖屢敗，不退尺寸之地； Thus when Chu and Han faced each other between Xingyang and Chenggao, though Emperor Gaozu suffered repeated defeats, he did not yield an inch of ground.