1
高祖，沛豐邑中陽裏人，姓劉氏，字季。 父曰太公，母曰劉媼。 其先劉媼嘗息大澤之陂，夢與神遇。 是時雷電晦冥，太公往視，則見蛟龍於其上。 已而有身，遂產高祖。
Emperor Gaozu was born in Zhongyang Village, Feng Township, Pei County. His surname was Liu, and his given name was Ji. His father was known as the Grand Duke, and his mother as Dame Liu. Earlier, his mother Dame Liu had been resting by the dike of a great marsh when she dreamed she encountered a spirit. At that moment, thunder crashed and lightning flashed in the darkness. The Grand Duke went to check and saw a horned dragon hovering above her. Soon after, she became pregnant and gave birth to Emperor Gaozu.
2
高祖為人，隆準而龍顏，美須髯，左股有七十二黑子。 仁而愛人，喜施，意豁如也。 常有大度，不事家人生產作業。 及壯，試為吏，為泗水亭長，廷中吏無所不狎侮，好酒及色。 常從王媼、武負貰酒，醉臥，武負、王媼見其上常有龍，怪之。 高祖每酤留飲，酒讎數倍。 及見怪，歲竟，此兩家常折券棄責。
Emperor Gaozu had a high-bridged nose and dragon-like features, with fine whiskers and beard. On his left thigh were seventy-two black moles. He was benevolent and loved people, took delight in generosity, and had an open, expansive spirit. He always had a generous disposition and paid no attention to his family's farming and labor. When he came of age, he took the civil service exam and became Pavilion Chief of Sishui County. Among the court clerks, there was none he didn't treat familiarly or tease. He loved wine and women. He often bought wine on credit from Dame Wang and Wu Fu. When drunk and lying down, Wu Fu and Dame Wang saw a dragon always hovering above him—they found this very strange. Whenever Emperor Gaozu bought wine and lingered drinking, his tab would multiply several times over. But when they saw these strange signs, at year's end both households would tear up the IOUs and forgive his debts.
3
高祖常繇咸陽，縱觀，觀秦皇帝，喟然太息曰：「嗟乎，大丈夫當如此也！」
Emperor Gaozu once went on corvée labor to Xianyang and took the chance to observe the sights. When he saw the Emperor of Qin, he sighed deeply and said: 'Ah, a true man should be like this!'
4
單父人呂公善沛令，避仇從之客，因家沛焉。 沛中豪桀吏聞令有重客，皆往賀。 蕭何為主吏，主進，令諸大夫曰：「進不滿千錢，坐之堂下。」 高祖為亭長，素易諸吏，乃紿為謁曰「賀錢萬」，實不持一錢。 謁入，呂公大驚，起，迎之門。 呂公者，好相人，見高祖狀貌，因重敬之，引入坐。 蕭何曰：「劉季固多大言，少成事。」 高祖因狎侮諸客，遂坐上坐，無所詘。 酒闌，呂公因目固留高祖。 高祖竟酒，後。 呂公曰：「臣少好相人，相人多矣，無如季相，願季自愛。 臣有息女，願為季箕帚妾。」 酒罷，呂媼怒呂公曰：「公始常欲奇此女，與貴人。 沛令善公，求之不與，何自妄許與劉季？」 呂公曰：「此非兒女子所知也。」 卒與劉季。 呂公女乃呂后也，生孝惠帝、魯元公主。
Lü Gong of Shanfu was on good terms with the Pei county magistrate. Fleeing a feud, he came to stay with him and eventually settled in Pei. The local worthies and officials of Pei heard the magistrate had an important guest and all came to offer congratulations. Xiao He, as chief clerk overseeing the reception, issued orders to all the gentlemen: 'Those whose congratulatory gifts are less than a thousand cash shall sit in the lower hall.' Emperor Gaozu, as pavilion chief, had always treated officials casually. So he boldly wrote on his calling card 'Congratulatory gift: ten thousand cash,' though he actually brought not a single coin. When the calling card was presented, Lü Gong was greatly astonished. He rose and went out to welcome him at the gate. Lü Gong was fond of reading physiognomy. Seeing Emperor Gaozu's features, he came to hold him in great respect, invited him inside, and seated him. Xiao He said: 'Liu Ji is certainly full of big talk but accomplishes little.' Emperor Gaozu then treated all the guests familiarly and took the seat of honor without any deference. As the banquet drew to a close, Lü Gong signaled with his eyes to keep Gaozu there. Emperor Gaozu finished his wine and stayed behind after the others left. Lü Gong said: 'I have long enjoyed reading physiognomy and have read many people, but none can compare to Ji's features. I hope Ji will take good care of himself.' I have a daughter and wish her to be Ji's humble wife.'' After the banquet ended, Dame Lü angrily rebuked Lü Gong: 'You always wanted to treat this daughter as special and marry her to a nobleman.' The Pei county magistrate is on good terms with you and asked for her, but you refused. Why do you rashly promise her to Liu Ji?'' Lü Gong said: 'This is not something for children and women to understand.'' In the end, he gave her to Liu Ji. Lü Gong's daughter became Empress Lü. She gave birth to Emperor Xiaohui and Princess Lu Yuan.
5
高祖為亭長時，常告歸之田。 呂后與兩子居田中耨，有一老父過請飲，呂后因餔之。 老父相呂后曰：「夫人天下貴人。」 令相兩子，見孝惠，曰：「夫人所以貴者，乃此男也。」 相魯元，亦皆貴。 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。 高祖問，曰：「未遠。」 乃追及，問老父。 老父曰：「鄉者夫人嬰兒皆似君，君相貴不可言。」 高祖乃謝曰：「誠如父言，不敢忘德。」 及高祖貴，遂不知老父處。
When Emperor Gaozu was pavilion chief, he would often request leave to return to his farm. Empress Lü was in the fields weeding with her two children when an old man passed by and asked for a drink. Empress Lü fed him. The old man read Empress Lü's physiognomy and said: 'Madam will be the most noble person in the world.'' He asked to read the physiognomy of both children. Looking at Xiaohui, he said: 'The reason Madam will be noble is this boy.'' Reading Lu Yuan's physiognomy, he said she would also be noble. After the old man left, Emperor Gaozu happened to come from a neighboring house. Empress Lü told him in detail that a guest had passed by and read the physiognomy of her and the children, predicting great nobility for all of them. Emperor Gaozu asked where he was. She said: 'Not far.'' He then pursued and caught up with the old man, questioning him. The old man said: 'Earlier your wife and children all resemble you. Your physiognomy indicates nobility beyond description.'' Emperor Gaozu then bowed and said: 'If it is truly as you say, I dare not forget this kindness.'' When Emperor Gaozu became noble, they could never find where the old man was.
6
高祖為亭長，乃以竹皮為冠，令求盜之薛治之，時時冠之，及貴常冠，所謂「劉氏冠」乃是也。
When Emperor Gaozu was pavilion chief, he made a hat from bamboo bark and had the hat-maker of Xue craft it. He wore it from time to time, and when he became noble he always wore it. This is the so-called 'Liu hat.''
7
高祖以亭長為縣送徒酈山，徒多道亡。 自度比至皆亡之，到豐西澤中，止飲，夜乃解縱所送徒。 曰：「公等皆去，吾亦從此逝矣！」 徒中壯士願從者十餘人。 高祖被酒，夜徑澤中，令一人行前。 行前者還報曰：「前有大蛇當徑，願還。」 高祖醉，曰：「壯士行，何畏！」 乃前，拔劍擊斬蛇。 蛇遂分為兩，徑開。 行數里，醉，因臥。 後人來至蛇所，有一老嫗夜哭。 人問何哭，嫗曰：「人殺吾子，故哭之。」 人曰：「嫗子何為見殺？」 嫗曰：「吾，白帝子也，化為蛇，當道，今為赤帝子斬之，故哭。」 人乃以嫗為不誠，欲告之，嫗因忽不見。 後人至，高祖覺。 後人告高祖，高祖乃心獨喜，自負。 諸從者日益畏之。
As pavilion chief, Emperor Gaozu escorted convicts for the county to Mount Li. Many escaped along the way. He estimated that by the time they arrived, all would have fled. Reaching the marshes west of Feng, he stopped to drink, and at night released all the convicts he was escorting. He said: 'You may all go. I too will depart from here!'' Among the convicts, over ten brave men wished to follow him. Emperor Gaozu, intoxicated, traveled by night through the marshes and ordered one man to go ahead. The man going ahead returned and reported: 'There is a great snake blocking the path ahead. We should turn back.'' Emperor Gaozu, drunk, said: 'A brave man goes forward—what is there to fear!'' He stepped forward, drew his sword, and cut off the snake's head. The snake split in two and the path opened. After walking several miles, drunk as he was, he lay down to sleep. People coming later arrived at where the snake had been; there was an old woman crying at night. People asked why she cried. The old woman said: 'Someone killed my son, therefore I cry.'' People said: 'Why was your son killed?'' The old woman said: 'My son is the son of the White Emperor. He transformed into a snake and blocked the road. Now he was beheaded by the son of the Red Emperor, therefore I cry.'' People thought the old woman was lying and wanted to report her, but the old woman suddenly disappeared. When the people behind arrived, Emperor Gaozu awoke. The people behind told Emperor Gaozu. He was secretly delighted in his heart and felt self-assured. His followers grew more awestruck with each passing day.
8
秦始皇帝常曰「東南有天子氣」，於是因東游以厭之。 高祖即自疑，亡匿，隱於芒、碭山澤巖石之閒。 呂后與人俱求，常得之。 高祖怪問之。 呂后曰：「季所居上常有雲氣，故從往常得季。」 高祖心喜。 沛中子弟或聞之，多欲附者矣。
The First Emperor of Qin often said: 'In the southeast there is the qi of a Son of Heaven.' Consequently, he made eastern tours to suppress it. Emperor Gaozu then suspected it referred to himself. He fled and hid, concealing himself among the cliffs and rocks of the marshes and mountains of Mang and Dang. Empress Lü searched for him along with others and always found him. Emperor Gaozu found this strange and questioned her. Empress Lü said: 'Where Ji resides, there is always cloud qi above. By following it, I always find Ji.'' Emperor Gaozu was pleased in his heart. Some young men from Pei heard about this and many wanted to join him.
9
秦二世元年秋，陳勝等起蘄，至陳而王，號為「張楚」。 諸郡縣皆多殺其長吏以應陳涉。 沛令恐，欲以沛應涉。 掾、主吏蕭何、曹參乃曰：「君為秦吏，今欲背之，率沛子弟，恐不聽。 願君召諸亡在外者，可得數百人，因劫眾，眾不敢不聽。」 乃令樊噲召劉季。 劉季之眾已數十百人矣。
In the autumn of the first year of Qin's Second Emperor, Chen Sheng and others rose up at Qi. They reached Chen and he became king, taking the title 'Zhang Chu.' The commanderies and counties mostly killed their chief officials to respond to Chen She. The Pei county magistrate was afraid and wished to have Pei respond to Chen She. Assistant clerks and supervising officials Xiao He and Cao Can then said: 'You are a Qin official. Now if you wish to betray Qin and lead the young men of Pei, I fear they will not obey.'' We hope you will summon the fugitives outside. You can obtain several hundred men to coerce the masses, and the masses will not dare disobey.'' He ordered Fan Kuai to summon Liu Ji. Liu Ji's followers already numbered dozens or hundreds.
10
於是樊噲從劉季來。 沛令後悔，恐其有變，乃閉城城守，欲誅蕭、曹。 蕭、曹恐，踰城保劉季。 劉季乃書帛射城上，謂沛父老曰：「天下苦秦久矣。 今父老雖為沛令守，諸侯并起，今屠沛。 沛今共誅令，擇子弟可立者立之，以應諸侯，則家室完。 不然，父子俱屠，無為也。」 父老乃率子弟共殺沛令，開城門迎劉季，欲以為沛令。 劉季曰：「天下方擾，諸侯并起，今置將不善，壹敗涂地。 吾非敢自愛，恐能薄，不能完父兄子弟。 此大事，願更相推擇可者。」 蕭、曹等皆文吏，自愛，恐事不就，後秦種族其家，盡讓劉季。 諸父老皆曰：「平生所聞劉季諸珍怪，當貴，且卜筮之，莫如劉季最吉。」 於是劉季數讓。 眾莫敢為，乃立季為沛公。 祠黃帝，祭蚩尤於沛庭，而釁鼓旗，幟皆赤。 由所殺蛇白帝子，殺者赤帝子，故上赤。 於是少年豪吏如蕭、曹、樊噲等皆為收沛子弟二三千人，攻胡陵、方與，還守豐。
Thereupon Fan Kuai went with Liu Ji and came. The Pei magistrate later regretted his decision, fearing trouble would arise. He closed the city gates to defend the city and wanted to execute Xiao He and Cao Can. Xiao He and Cao Can were afraid and climbed over the city wall to join Liu Ji. Liu Ji then wrote on silk and shot it over the city wall, telling the elders of Pei: 'All under Heaven has long suffered under Qin.'' Although you elders are defending for the Pei magistrate, the feudal lords are rising together and will now massacre Pei.' If Pei now together executes the magistrate and selects one of the young men to install as leader to respond to the feudal lords, then your households will be preserved intact.' Otherwise, fathers and sons will all be massacred—there is no point.'' The elders then led the young men to kill the Pei magistrate together. They opened the city gates and welcomed Liu Ji, wanting to make him the Pei magistrate. Liu Ji said: 'All under Heaven is in chaos. The feudal lords are rising together. If we install a general who is not competent, one defeat will destroy everything.'' I'm not being selfish—I fear my abilities are insufficient and I cannot protect your fathers, brothers, sons, and families.'' This is a grave matter. I hope you will reconsider and choose someone more suitable.'' Xiao He, Cao Can, and the others were all civil officials who valued their own lives. Fearing that if the rebellion failed, Qin would later exterminate their clans, they all deferred to Liu Ji. All the elders said: 'Throughout our lives we have heard of the various strange and wondrous signs about Liu Ji. He is destined for nobility. Moreover, divination shows that none is more auspicious than Liu Ji.'' Liu Ji repeatedly declined the offer. Since none of the multitude dared take the position, they installed Ji as Duke of Pei. They made offerings to the Yellow Emperor and sacrificed to Chiyou in the Pei courtyard. They consecrated the drums and flags—all banners were red. Because the snake he killed was the son of the White Emperor and the killer was the son of the Red Emperor, they honored red. Thereupon young heroes and officials like Xiao He, Cao Can, and Fan Kuai gathered two or three thousand young men from Pei. They attacked Huling and Fangyu, then returned to defend Feng.
11
秦二世二年，陳涉之將周章軍西至戲而還。 燕、趙、齊、魏皆自立為王。 項氏起吳。 秦泗川監平將兵圍豐，二日，出與戰，破之。 命雍齒守豐，引兵之薛。 泗州守壯敗於薛，走至戚，沛公左司馬得泗川守壯，殺之。 沛公還軍亢父，至方與，（周市來攻方與）未戰。 陳王使魏人周市略地。 周市使人謂雍齒曰：「豐，故梁徙也。 今魏地已定者數十城。 齒今下魏，魏以齒為侯守豐。 不下，且屠豐。」 雍齒雅不欲屬沛公，及魏招之，即反為魏守豐。 沛公引兵攻豐，不能取。 沛公病，還之沛。 沛公怨雍齒與豐子弟叛之，聞東陽甯君、秦嘉立景駒為假王，在留，乃往從之，欲請兵以攻豐。 是時秦將章邯從陳，別將司馬夷將兵北定楚地，屠相，至碭。 東陽甯君、沛公引兵西，與戰蕭西，不利。 還收兵聚留，引兵攻碭，三日乃取碭。 因收碭兵，得五六千人。 攻下邑，拔之。 還軍豐。 聞項梁在薛，從騎百餘往見之。 項梁益沛公卒五千人，五大夫將十人。 沛公還，引兵攻豐。
In the second year of Qin's Second Emperor, Chen She's general Zhou Zhang led his army west as far as Xi, then turned back. Yan, Zhao, Qi, and Wei all proclaimed themselves kingdoms. The Xiang clan rose up in Wu. The Qin supervisor of Sichuan, Ping, led troops to besiege Feng for two days. The defenders came out to fight and defeated them. He ordered Yong Chi to defend Feng while he led his troops to Xue. The Qin administrator of Sizhou, Zhuang, was defeated at Xue and fled to Qi. The Duke of Pei's Left Major captured Administrator Zhuang of Sichuan and killed him. The Duke of Pei returned his army to Kangfu and reached Fangyu, but had not yet fought. King Chen sent Zhou Shi of Wei to seize territory. Zhou Shi sent someone to tell Yong Chi: 'Feng was formerly a relocated town from Liang.' Wei has already pacified dozens of cities.' If Yong Chi surrenders to Wei now, Wei will make him Marquis of Feng.' If you don't surrender, we'll massacre Feng.'' Yong Chi had long been unwilling to serve under the Duke of Pei. When Wei recruited him, he immediately defected and defended Feng for Wei. The Duke of Pei led troops to attack Feng but could not capture it. The Duke of Pei fell ill and went back to Pei. The Duke of Pei resented Yong Chi and the young men of Feng for betraying him. Hearing that Lord Ning of Dongyang and Qin Jia had installed Jing Ju as Provisional King at Liu, he went to join them, hoping to request troops to attack Feng. At this time, Qin general Zhang Han came from Chen. A separate commander, Sima Yi, led troops to pacify northern Chu territory, massacred Xiang, and reached Dang. Lord Ning of Dongyang and the Duke of Pei led troops west and fought Qin forces west of Xiao, but were defeated. They retreated to gather troops and assembled at Liu, then led troops to attack Dang, capturing it after three days. They consequently recruited troops from Dang, obtaining five or six thousand men. They attacked Xiayi and captured it. They brought the army back to Feng. Hearing that Xiang Liang was at Xue, he went with over a hundred cavalry to meet him. Xiang Liang augmented the Duke of Pei's forces with five thousand troops and ten commanders of the fifth rank. The Duke of Pei came back and led his troops to attack Feng.
12
從項梁月餘，項羽已拔襄城還。 項梁盡召別將居薛。 聞陳王定死，因立楚後懷王孫心為楚王，治盱臺。 項梁號武信君。 居數月，北攻亢父，救東阿，破秦軍。 齊軍歸，楚獨追北，使沛公、項羽別攻城陽，屠之。 軍濮陽之東，與秦軍戰，破之。
He followed Xiang Liang for over a month, during which Xiang Yu had already captured Xiangcheng and returned. Xiang Liang called together all the independent generals at Xue. Upon learning that King Chen was definitely dead, they installed Xin—grandson of the former King Huai of Chu—as King of Chu, governing from Xutai. Xiang Liang took the title Lord Wu Xin. After several months, they attacked Kangfu to the north, rescued Dong'e, and defeated the Qin army. The Qi army retreated. Only Chu pursued northward, sending the Duke of Pei and Xiang Yu separately to attack Chengyang and massacre its inhabitants. They encamped east of Puyang and fought the Qin army, defeating them.
13
秦軍復振，守濮陽，環水。 楚軍去而攻定陶，定陶未下。 沛公與項羽西略地至雍丘之下，與秦軍戰，大破之，斬李由。 還攻外黃，外黃未下。
The Qin army rallied again, defended Puyang, and was surrounded by water. The Chu army departed and attacked Dingtao, but could not capture it. The Duke of Pei and Xiang Yu went west seizing territory as far as below Yongqiu. They fought the Qin army, decisively defeated them, and beheaded Li You. Returning, they attacked Waihuang, but could not capture it.
14
項梁再破秦軍，有驕色。 宋義諫，不聽。 秦益章邯兵，夜銜枚擊項梁，大破之定陶，項梁死。 沛公與項羽方攻陳留，聞項梁死，引兵與呂將軍俱東。 呂臣軍彭城東，項羽軍彭城西，沛公軍碭。
Xiang Liang had twice defeated the Qin army and showed an arrogant demeanor. Song Yi advised him against it, but he did not listen. Qin reinforced Zhang Han's troops. By night, with gags in their mouths to maintain silence, they struck Xiang Liang, decisively defeating him at Dingtao. Xiang Liang died. The Duke of Pei and Xiang Yu were in the midst of attacking Chenliu when they heard of Xiang Liang's death. They led their troops eastward together with General Lü. Lü Chen's forces were east of Pengcheng, Xiang Yu's west of Pengcheng, and the Duke of Pei's at Dang.
15
章邯已破項梁軍，則以為楚地兵不足憂，乃渡河，北擊趙，大破之。 當是之時，趙歇為王，秦將王離圍之鉅鹿城，此所謂河北之軍也。
Having defeated Xiang Liang's army, Zhang Han considered Chu's troops no longer a threat. He crossed the Yellow River north and attacked Zhao, decisively defeating them. At that time, Zhao Xie was king. Qin general Wang Li besieged him at Julu city—this was called the army north of the Yellow River.
16
秦二世三年，楚懷王見項梁軍破，恐，徙盱臺都彭城，并呂臣、項羽軍自將之。 以沛公為碭郡長，封為武安侯，將碭郡兵。 封項羽為長安侯，號為魯公。 呂臣為司徒，其父呂青為令尹。
In the third year of Qin's Second Emperor, King Huai of Chu saw that Xiang Liang's army had been defeated and grew fearful. He moved his capital from Xutai to Pengcheng and personally took command of Lü Chen's and Xiang Yu's combined armies. He appointed the Duke of Pei as Governor of Dang Commandery, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Wu'an, and put him in command of Dang's troops. He enfeoffed Xiang Yu as Marquis of Chang'an with the title Duke of Lu. Lü Chen was appointed Minister of Ceremonies, and his father Lü Qing became Grand Councillor.
17
趙數請救，懷王乃以宋義為上將軍，項羽為次將，范增為末將，北救趙。 令沛公西略地入關。 與諸將約，先入定關中者王之。
Zhao repeatedly requested rescue. King Huai then appointed Song Yi as Supreme General, Xiang Yu as Deputy General, and Fan Zeng as Rear General, to go north and rescue Zhao. He ordered the Duke of Pei to go west, seize territory, and enter the passes. He made an agreement with all the generals: whoever first enters and pacifies Guanzhong shall be made its king.
18
當是時，秦兵彊，常乘勝逐北，諸將莫利先入關。 獨項羽怨秦破項梁軍，奮，願與沛公西入關。 懷王諸老將皆曰：「項羽為人彊悍猾賊。 項羽嘗攻襄城，襄城無遺類，皆阬之，諸所過無不殘滅。 且楚數進取，前陳王、項梁皆敗。 不如更遣長者扶義而西，告諭秦父兄。 秦父兄苦其主久矣，今誠得長者往，毋侵暴，宜可下。 今項羽彊悍，今不可遣。 獨沛公素寬大長者，可遣。」 卒不許項羽，而遣沛公西略地，收陳王、項梁散卒。 乃道碭至成陽，與杠裏秦軍夾壁，破（魏）［秦］二軍。 楚軍出兵擊王離，大破之。
At that time, Qin troops were strong and constantly pressing their victories northward. None of the generals saw advantage in entering the passes first. Only Xiang Yu, resentful that Qin had destroyed his uncle Xiang Liang's army, was determined and wished to go west into the passes with the Duke of Pei. King Huai's veteran generals all said: 'Xiang Yu is fierce, violent, cunning, and cruel.' When Xiang Yu attacked Xiangcheng, he left no survivors—all were buried alive. Wherever he goes, he completely destroys everything. Moreover, Chu has repeatedly gone on the offensive, but previously King Chen and Xiang Liang both were defeated. It would be better to send an elder to uphold righteousness and go west, to inform and persuade the fathers and brothers of Qin. The fathers and brothers of Qin have long suffered under their ruler. If we truly send a benevolent elder who commits no violence, they should be amenable to surrender. Xiang Yu is too fierce and violent to be sent away. Only the Duke of Pei has always been generous and magnanimous, a true elder. He can be sent.'' In the end they did not permit Xiang Yu, but sent the Duke of Pei west to seize territory and gather the scattered troops of King Chen and Xiang Liang. They then went by way of Dang to Chengyang and faced off against Qin troops at Gangli across ramparts, defeating the two Qin armies. The Chu army sent out troops to attack Wang Li and decisively defeated him.
19
沛公引兵西，遇彭越昌邑，因與俱攻秦軍，戰不利。 還至栗，遇剛武侯，奪其軍，可四千餘人，并之。 與魏將皇欣、魏申徒武蒲之軍并攻昌邑，昌邑未拔。 西過高陽。 酈食其（謂）［為］監門，曰：「諸將過此者多，吾視沛公大人長者。」 乃求見說沛公。 沛公方踞床，使兩女子洗足。 酈生不拜，長揖，曰：「足下必欲誅無道秦，不宜踞見長者。」 於是沛公起，攝衣謝之，延上坐。 食其說沛公襲陳留，得秦積粟。 乃以酈食其為廣野君，酈商為將，將陳留兵，與偕攻開封，開封未拔。 西與秦將楊熊戰白馬，又戰曲遇東，大破之。 楊熊走之滎陽，二世使使者斬以徇。 南攻潁陽，屠之。 因張良遂略韓地轘轅。
The Duke of Pei led troops west and met Peng Yue at Changyi. They consequently attacked the Qin army together, but the battle went unfavorably. Returning to Li, he met Marquis Gangwu, seized his army of over four thousand men, and incorporated them. Together with Wei generals Huang Xin, Wei Shentu, and Wu Pu's army, they jointly attacked Changyi, but could not capture it. Going west, they passed Gaoyang. Li Yiji was gate guard and said: 'Many generals have passed through here. I observe that the Duke of Pei is a great man and true elder.'' He requested an audience to persuade the Duke of Pei. The Duke of Pei was sitting cross-legged on the bed, having two women wash his feet. Li Sheng did not bow but made a deep bow, saying: 'If you wish to execute the lawless Qin, you should not sit cross-legged to receive an elder.'' The Duke of Pei stood up, straightened his clothes, apologized, and invited him to the seat of honor. Li Yiji persuaded the Duke of Pei to raid Chenliu and seize Qin's stockpiled grain. He then made Li Yiji Lord of Guangye and Li Shang a general to command Chenliu's troops. Together they attacked Kaifeng, but could not capture it. Going west, they fought Qin general Yang Xiong at Baima, and again fought east of Quyu, decisively defeating them. Yang Xiong fled to Yingyang. The Second Emperor sent an envoy to behead him as a public warning. They attacked Yingyang to the south and massacred its inhabitants. Through Zhang Liang they then seized Han territory at Huanyuan.
20
當是時，趙別將司馬卬方欲渡河入關，沛公乃北攻平陰，絕河津。 南，戰雒陽東，軍不利，還至陽城，收軍中馬騎，與南陽守齮戰犨東，破之。 略南陽郡，南陽守齮走，保城守宛。 沛公引兵過而西。 張良諫曰：「沛公雖欲急入關，秦兵尚眾，距險。 今不下宛，宛從後擊，彊秦在前，此危道也。」 於是沛公乃夜引兵從他道還，更旗幟，黎明，圍宛城三匝。 南陽守欲自剄。 其舍人陳恢曰：「死未晚也。」 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。 宛，大郡之都也，連城數十，人民眾，積蓄多，吏人自以為降必死，故皆堅守乘城。 今足下盡日止攻，士死傷者必多； 引兵去宛，宛必隨足下後：足下前則失咸陽之約，後又有彊宛之患。 為足下計，莫若約降，封其守，因使止守，引其甲卒與之西。 諸城未下者，聞聲爭開門而待，足下通行無所累。」 沛公曰：「善。」 乃以宛守為殷侯，封陳恢千戶。 引兵西，無不下者。 至丹水，高武侯鰓、襄侯王陵降西陵。 還攻胡陽，遇番君別將梅鋗，與皆，降析、酈。 遣魏人甯昌使秦，使者未來。 是時章邯已以軍降項羽於趙矣。
At that time, Zhao's separate general Sima Ang was about to cross the Yellow River into the passes. The Duke of Pei then attacked Pingyin to the north, cutting off the river crossing. Going south, they fought east of Luoyang, but the army fared poorly. They returned to Yangcheng, gathered cavalry from their forces, and fought Nanyang Administrator Qi east of Chu, defeating him. They seized Nanyang Commandery. Administrator Qi fled and defended the city of Wan. The Duke of Pei led his troops past and continued west. Zhang Liang remonstrated, saying: 'Though the Duke of Pei wishes to urgently enter the passes, Qin troops are still numerous and hold dangerous defensive positions.' If we don't take Wan now, Wan will strike from behind while strong Qin forces are ahead—this is a dangerous path.'' Thereupon the Duke of Pei led his troops by night along another road back, changed the flags and banners, and at dawn surrounded Wan city three times over. The Administrator of Nanyang wished to commit suicide. His retainer Chen Hui said: 'It is not too late to die.'' He then climbed over the city wall to see the Duke of Pei and said: 'I have heard of your agreement: whoever first enters Xianyang shall be made its king.' Now you remain besieging Wan.' Wan is the capital of a major commandery with dozens of connected cities, numerous people, and abundant supplies. The officials and people believe that if they surrender they will certainly die, so they all defend firmly and man the walls. If you spend the whole day attacking now, many officers and troops will certainly die or be wounded; if you lead troops away from Wan, Wan will certainly follow behind you. Ahead you will lose the agreement about Xianyang, and behind you will have the trouble of strong Wan. Planning for you, nothing would be better than to agree to accept their surrender, enfeoff their administrator, have him remain defending, and lead his armored troops westward with you. Cities that have not yet surrendered, hearing this news, will compete to open their gates and wait for you. You will pass through everywhere without obstruction.'' The Duke of Pei said: 'Excellent.'' He made the Administrator of Wan Marquis of Yin and granted Chen Hui fiefs worth a thousand households. Leading troops westward, none failed to surrender. Upon reaching Danshui, Marquis Gaowu Sai and Marquis Xiang Wang Ling surrendered at Xiling. Returning, they attacked Huyang, met Lord Fan's separate general Mei Xuan, joined forces with them, and accepted the surrender of Xi and Li. They sent Ning Chang of Wei as an envoy to Qin, but he had not yet returned. By this time, Zhang Han had already surrendered his army to Xiang Yu in Zhao.
21
初，項羽與宋義北救趙，及項羽殺宋義，代為上將軍，諸將黥布皆屬，破秦將王離軍，降章邯，諸侯皆附。 及趙高已殺二世，使人來，欲約分王關中。 沛公以為詐，乃用張良計，使酈生、陸賈往說秦將，啗以利，因襲攻武關，破之。 又與秦軍戰於藍田南，益張疑兵旗幟，諸所過毋得掠鹵，秦人喜，秦軍解，因大破之。 又戰其北，大破之。 乘勝，遂破之。
Initially, Xiang Yu and Song Yi had gone north to rescue Zhao. When Xiang Yu killed Song Yi and replaced him as Supreme General, all the generals including Qing Bu were subordinated to him. He defeated Qin general Wang Li's army, accepted Zhang Han's surrender, and all the feudal lords attached themselves. When Zhao Gao had already assassinated the Second Emperor, he sent messengers wanting to negotiate dividing Guanzhong between them. The Duke of Pei considered this deceitful, so he used Zhang Liang's stratagem. He sent Li Sheng and Lu Jia to persuade the Qin generals, enticing them with benefits, and consequently launched a surprise attack on Wuguan, breaking through it. They again fought the Qin army south of Lantian, increased their deceptive troop flags and banners. Wherever they passed they were forbidden to plunder. The Qin people were pleased, the Qin army relaxed, and they consequently decisively defeated them. Again fighting to the north, they decisively defeated them. Riding their victory, they then broke them completely.
22
漢元年十月，沛公兵遂先諸侯至霸上。 秦王子嬰素車白馬，系頸以組，封皇帝璽符節，降軹道旁。 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，又殺之，不祥。」 乃以秦王屬吏，遂西入咸陽。 欲止宮休舍，樊噲、張良諫，乃封秦重寶財物府庫，還軍霸上。 召諸縣父老豪桀曰：「父老苦秦苛法久矣，誹謗者族，偶語者棄市。 吾與諸侯約，先入關者王之，吾當王關中。 與父老約，法三章耳：殺人者死，傷人及盜抵罪。 餘悉除去秦法。 諸吏人皆案堵如故。 凡吾所以來，為父老除害，非有所侵暴，無恐！ 且吾所以還軍霸上，待諸侯至而定約束耳。」 乃使人與秦吏行縣鄉邑，告諭之。 秦人大喜，爭持牛羊酒食獻饗軍士。 沛公又讓不受，曰：「倉粟多，非乏，不欲費人。」 人又益喜，唯恐沛公不為秦王。
In the tenth month of the first year of Han, the Duke of Pei's troops thus arrived first among the feudal lords at Bashang. The King of Qin Ziying, in a plain chariot drawn by white horses with a cord tied around his neck, sealed the Emperor's seal, tallies, and tokens, and surrendered by the side of Zhidao. Some generals suggested executing the King of Qin. The Duke of Pei said: 'At first when King Huai sent me, it was precisely because I am capable of being tolerant and magnanimous;' moreover, the man has already submitted and surrendered—to kill him now would be inauspicious.'' He turned the King of Qin over to the officials and proceeded west into Xianyang. He wished to stop and rest in the palaces, but Fan Kuai and Zhang Liang remonstrated. He then sealed Qin's precious treasures and wealth in the treasuries and returned his army to Bashang. He summoned the elders and heroes of the various counties and said: 'The elders have long suffered under Qin's harsh laws. Those who spoke ill had their clans exterminated, those who spoke together in pairs were executed in the marketplace.' I made an agreement with the feudal lords: whoever first enters the passes shall be its king. I should be king of Guanzhong. I make an agreement with the elders—laws of only three articles: whoever kills shall die, whoever wounds others or steals shall be punished accordingly. All remaining Qin laws are abolished. All officials and people are to stay peacefully in their places as before. I have come to eliminate harm for you elders, not to invade or commit violence—have no fear! Moreover, the reason I have returned my army to Bashang is to wait for the feudal lords to arrive and establish agreements.'' He then sent people along with Qin officials to go through the counties, districts, and townships to inform and instruct them. The Qin people were overjoyed and vied to bring cattle, sheep, wine, and food to feast the soldiers. The Duke of Pei again declined and would not accept, saying: 'The granaries have abundant grain; there is no scarcity—I do not wish to burden the people.'' The people were even more delighted and feared only that the Duke of Pei might not become King of Qin.
23
或說沛公曰：「秦富十倍天下，地形彊。 今聞章邯降項羽，項羽乃號為雍王，王關中。 今則來，沛公恐不得有此。 可急使兵守函谷關，無內諸侯軍，稍徵關中兵以自益，距之。」 沛公然其計，從之。 十一月中，項羽果率諸侯兵西，欲入關，關門閉。 聞沛公已定關中，大怒，使黥布等攻破函谷關。 十二月中，遂至戲。 沛公左司馬曹無傷聞項王怒，欲攻沛公，使人言項羽曰：「沛公欲王關中，令子嬰為相，珍寶盡有之。」 欲以求封。 亞父勸項羽擊沛公。 方饗士，旦日合戰。 是時項羽兵四十萬，號百萬。 沛公兵十萬，號二十萬，力不敵。 會項伯欲活張良，夜往見良，因以文諭項羽，項羽乃止。 沛公從百餘騎，驅之鴻門，見謝項羽。 項羽曰：「此沛公左司馬曹無傷言之。 不然，籍何以生此！」 沛公以樊噲、張良故，得解歸。 歸，立誅曹無傷。
Someone persuaded the Duke of Pei, saying: 'Qin is ten times richer than all under Heaven, and its terrain is strong.' Now I hear that Zhang Han has surrendered to Xiang Yu, who has styled himself King of Yong to rule Guanzhong. Now if he comes, Duke of Pei fears he cannot possess this. You should urgently send troops to defend Hangu Pass, not admit the feudal lords' armies, gradually conscript troops from Guanzhong to strengthen yourself, and resist them.'' The Duke of Pei approved this plan and adopted it. In the eleventh month, Xiang Yu indeed led the feudal lords' troops west to enter the passes, but the gates were closed. Upon hearing that the Duke of Pei had already pacified Guanzhong, he flew into a rage and sent Qing Bu and others to smash through Hangu Pass. By the twelfth month, they had reached Xi. The Duke of Pei's Left Major Cao Wushang heard that King Xiang was angry and wished to attack the Duke of Pei, so he sent someone to tell Xiang Yu: 'The Duke of Pei wishes to be king of Guanzhong, make Ziying prime minister, and possess all the precious treasures.'' He wanted to use this to seek a fief. Fan Zeng urged Xiang Yu to attack the Duke of Pei. They were hosting a banquet for the troops, with battle planned for the next day. At that time Xiang Yu had 400,000 troops, though he claimed a million. The Duke of Pei had 100,000 troops, though he claimed 200,000; their strength was no match. It happened that Xiang Bo wished to save Zhang Liang's life. By night he went to see Liang and consequently with elegant words persuaded Xiang Yu, and Xiang Yu then desisted. The Duke of Pei rode with over a hundred cavalrymen to Hongmen to meet Xiang Yu and offer apologies. Xiang Yu said: 'This was told by the Duke of Pei's Left Major Cao Wushang.' If not, how would I have come to this suspicion!'' Thanks to Fan Kuai and Zhang Liang, the Duke of Pei was able to slip away and return home. Upon returning, he immediately had Cao Wushang executed.
24
項羽遂西，屠燒咸陽秦宮室，所過無不殘破。 秦人大失望，然恐，不敢不服耳。
Xiang Yu then went west, massacred and burned Xianyang and the Qin palace chambers. Wherever he passed he completely destroyed everything. The Qin people were bitterly disappointed, but fear kept them obedient.
25
項羽使人還報懷王。 懷王曰：「如約。」 項羽怨懷王不肯令與沛公俱西入關，而北救趙，後天下約。 乃曰：「懷王者，吾家項梁所立耳，非有功伐，何以得主約！ 本定天下，諸將及籍也。」 乃詳尊懷王為義帝，實不用其命。
Xiang Yu sent messengers back to report to King Huai. King Huai said: 'According to the agreement.'' Xiang Yu resented King Huai for not letting him enter the passes with the Duke of Pei, but instead sending him north to rescue Zhao after the agreement on dividing the empire. He then said: 'King Huai was merely installed by my kinsman Xiang Liang; he has no achievements or victories—how can he preside over the agreement!' Those who originally settled all under Heaven were the various generals and I.'' He paid lip service to King Huai as the Righteous Emperor but ignored his orders.
26
正月，項羽自立為西楚霸王，王梁、楚地九郡，都彭城。 負約，更立沛公為漢王，王巴、蜀、漢中，都南鄭。 三分關中，立秦三將：章邯為雍王，都廢丘； 司馬欣為塞王，都櫟陽； 董翳為翟王，都高奴。 楚將瑕丘申陽為河南王，都洛陽。 趙將司馬卬為殷王，都朝歌。 趙王歇徙王代。 趙相張耳為常山王，都襄國。 當陽君黥布為九江王，都六。 懷王柱國共敖為臨江王，都江陵。 番君吳芮為衡山王，都邾。 燕將臧荼為燕王，都薊。 故燕王韓廣徙王遼東。 廣不聽，臧荼攻殺之無終。 封成安君陳餘河閒三縣，居南皮。 封梅鋗十萬戶。
In the first month, Xiang Yu proclaimed himself Hegemon-King of Western Chu, ruling nine commanderies of Liang and Chu lands with his capital at Pengcheng. Breaking the agreement, he instead made the Duke of Pei King of Han, giving him Ba, Shu, and Hanzhong to rule with his capital at Nanzheng. He divided Guanzhong into three parts and installed the three Qin generals: Zhang Han as King of Yong with his capital at Feiqiu; Sima Xin as King of Sai with his capital at Liyang; Dong Yi as King of Di with his capital at Gaonu. Chu general Shen Yang of Xiaqiu as King of Henan with his capital at Luoyang. Zhao general Sima Ang as King of Yin with his capital at Chaoge. King Xie of Zhao was transferred to rule Dai. Zhao's prime minister Zhang Er as King of Changshan with his capital at Xiangguo. Lord Dangyang Qing Bu as King of Jiujiang with his capital at Liu. King Huai's Supreme Pillar of State Gong Ao as King of Linjiang with his capital at Jiangling. Lord Fan Wu Rui as King of Hengshan with his capital at Zhu. Yan general Zang Tu as King of Yan with his capital at Ji. The former King of Yan Han Guang was transferred to rule Liaodong. Guang refused to obey; Zang Tu attacked and killed him at Wuzhong. He enfeoffed Lord Chengan Chen Yu with three counties in Hejian, making his residence at Nanpi. He granted Mei Xuan a fief of 100,000 households.
27
四月，兵罷戲下，諸侯各就國。 漢王之國，項王使卒三萬人從，楚與諸侯之慕從者數萬人，從杜南入蝕中。 去輒燒絕棧道，以備諸侯盜兵襲之，亦示項羽無東意。 至南鄭，諸將及士卒多道亡歸，士卒皆歌思東歸。 韓信說漢王曰：「項羽王諸將之有功者，而王獨居南鄭，是遷也。 軍吏士卒皆山東之人也，日夜跂而望歸，及其鋒而用之，可以有大功。 天下已定，人皆自寧，不可復用。 不如決策東鄉，爭權天下。」
In the fourth month, the troops were disbanded below Xi; each feudal lord went to his own state. When the King of Han went to his state, King Xiang sent thirty thousand troops to follow. Those from Chu and the feudal lords who admired and followed numbered several tens of thousands. They entered Shizh from south of Du. As they left, they immediately burned and destroyed the plank roads to guard against the feudal lords raiding them, and also to show Xiang Yu they had no plans to advance east. Reaching Nanzheng, many generals and officers and troops escaped on the road and returned. The officers and troops all sang songs longing to return east. Han Xin persuaded the King of Han, saying: 'Xiang Yu made kings of generals who had achievements, while the king alone resides at Nanzheng—this is exile.' The military officers and troops are all men from east of the mountains. Day and night they stand on tiptoe longing to return—use them while they are at their peak and you can achieve great merit. Once the empire is pacified, people will settle into complacency and won't be fit for service again. It would be better to make a decisive plan to face east and contend for authority over all under Heaven.''
28
項羽出關，使人徙義帝。 曰：「古之帝者地方千里，必居上游。」 乃使使徙義帝長沙郴縣，趣義帝行，群臣稍倍叛之，乃陰令衡山王、臨江王擊之，殺義帝江南。 項羽怨田榮，立齊將田都為齊王。 田榮怒，因自立為齊王，殺田都而反楚； 予彭越將軍印，令反梁地。 楚令蕭公角擊彭越，彭越大破之。 陳餘怨項羽之弗王己也，令夏說說田榮，請兵擊張耳。 齊予陳餘兵，擊破常山王張耳，張耳亡歸漢。 迎趙王歇於代，復立為趙王。 趙王因立陳餘為代王。 項羽大怒，北擊齊。
After leaving the passes, Xiang Yu sent men to relocate the Righteous Emperor. He said: 'Ancient emperors had territories a thousand li square and must reside at the upper reaches.'' He then sent envoys to relocate the Righteous Emperor to Chen County in Changsha and urged the Righteous Emperor to travel. The assembled ministers gradually betrayed and rebelled against him, and he then secretly ordered the King of Hengshan and King of Linjiang to strike and kill the Righteous Emperor south of the Yangtze. Xiang Yu resented Tian Rong and installed the Qi general Tian Du as King of Qi. Tian Rong was furious and consequently proclaimed himself King of Qi, killed Tian Du, and rebelled against Chu; He gave Peng Yue a general's seal and ordered him to rebel in Liang territory. Chu ordered Xiao Gongjiao to strike Peng Yue; Peng Yue decisively defeated him. Chen Yu resented that Xiang Yu had not made him king. He had Xia Shuo persuade Tian Rong to request troops to strike Zhang Er. Qi gave Chen Yu troops. He struck and broke King Zhang Er of Changshan. Zhang Er fled and submitted to Han. They welcomed King Xie of Zhao back from Dai and restored him as King of Zhao. The King of Zhao consequently installed Chen Yu as King of Dai. Xiang Yu flew into a rage and attacked Qi to the north.
29
八月，漢王用韓信之計，從故道還，襲雍王章邯。 邯迎擊漢陳倉，雍兵敗，還走； 止戰好畤，又復敗，走廢丘。 漢王遂定雍地。 東至咸陽，引兵圍雍王廢丘，而遣諸將略定隴西、北地、上郡。 令將軍薛歐、王吸出武關，因王陵兵南陽，以迎太公、呂後於沛。 楚聞之，發兵距之陽夏，不得前。 令故吳令鄭昌為韓王，距漢兵。
In the eighth month, the King of Han used Han Xin's stratagem. He returned from the old road and launched a surprise attack on King Zhang Han of Yong. Zhang Han met and struck the Han forces at Chencang. The Yong troops were defeated and fled back; They made a stand and fought at Haozhi, were again defeated, and fled to Feiqiu. The King of Han then pacified the territory of Yong. Going east to Xianyang, he led troops to besiege the King of Yong at Feiqiu, and dispatched various generals to seize and settle Longxi, Beidi, and Shangjun. He ordered generals Xue Ou and Wang Xi to exit through Wuguan Pass, link up with Wang Ling's troops in Nanyang, and escort his father and Empress Lü from Pei. Chu got wind of this and dispatched troops to block them at Yangxia; they couldn't proceed. He ordered the former magistrate of Wu, Zheng Chang, to become King of Han and resist the Han troops.
30
二年，漢王東略地，塞王欣、翟王翳、河南王申陽皆降。 韓王昌不聽，使韓信擊破之。 於是置隴西、北地、上郡、渭南、河上、中地郡； 關外置河南郡。 更立韓太尉信為韓王。 諸將以萬人若以一郡降者，封萬戶。 繕治河上塞。 諸故秦苑囿園池，皆令人得田之，正月，虜雍王弟章平。 大赦罪人。
In the second year, the King of Han went east taking territory. King Xin of Sai, King Yi of Di, and King Shen Yang of Henan all surrendered. King Chang of Han would not obey. He sent Han Xin to strike and break him. Thereupon he established the commanderies of Longxi, Beidi, Shangjun, Weinan, Heshang, and Zhongdi; Outside the passes he established Henan Commandery. He restored Han's Grand Commandant Xin as King of Han. Generals who surrendered with 10,000 men or an entire commandery were granted fiefs of 10,000 households. They repaired and reinforced the river defenses. All the former Qin parks, gardens, and ponds were permitted for people to farm. In the first month, they captured Zhang Ping, younger brother of the King of Yong. A general amnesty was declared for all criminals.
31
漢王之出關至陜，撫關外父老，還，張耳來見，漢王厚遇之。
When the King of Han left the passes and reached Shan, he consoled the fathers and elders outside the passes. He returned, and Zhang Er came to see him. The King of Han treated him generously.
32
二月，令除秦社稷，更立漢社稷。
In the second month, he ordered Qin's altars of soil and grain demolished and new Han altars established in their place.
33
三月，漢王從臨晉渡，魏王豹將兵從。 下河內，虜殷王，置河內郡。 南渡平陰津，至雒陽。 新城三老董公遮說漢王以義帝死故。 漢王聞之，袒而大哭。 遂為義帝發喪，臨三日。 發使者告諸侯曰：「天下共立義帝，北面事之。 今項羽放殺義帝於江南，大逆無道。 寡人親為發喪，諸侯皆縞素。 悉發關內兵，收三河士，南浮江漢以下，願從諸侯王擊楚之殺義帝者。」
In the third month, the King of Han crossed from Linjin. King Bao of Wei led troops to follow. He conquered Henei, captured the King of Yin, and established Henei as a commandery. He crossed south at Pingyin Ford and reached Luoyang. Elder Dong Gong of Xincheng barred his path and persuaded the King of Han with the tale of the Righteous Emperor's death. The King of Han heard this, bared his chest in mourning, and wailed loudly. He then proclaimed mourning rites for the Righteous Emperor and observed three days of mourning. He sent envoys to inform the feudal lords, saying: 'All under Heaven together installed the Righteous Emperor and faced north to serve him.' Now Xiang Yu has banished and killed the Righteous Emperor south of the Yangtze—this is great rebellion and lawlessness.'' I personally have announced mourning; may all the feudal lords wear white mourning garments.'' Mobilize all troops within the passes, gather the gentlemen of the Three Rivers, float south down the Yangtze and Han rivers. I wish to follow the feudal lord kings to strike those of Chu who killed the Righteous Emperor.''
34
是時項王北擊齊，田榮與戰城陽。 田榮敗，走平原，平原民殺之。 齊皆降楚。 楚因焚燒其城郭，系虜其子女。 齊人叛之。 田榮弟橫立榮子廣為齊王，齊王反楚城陽。 項羽雖聞漢東，既已連齊兵，欲遂破之而擊漢。 漢王以故得劫五諸侯兵，遂入彭城。 項羽聞之，乃引兵去齊，從魯出胡陵，至蕭，與漢大戰彭城靈壁東睢水上，大破漢軍，多殺士卒，睢水為之不流。 乃取漢王父母妻子於沛，置之軍中以為質。 當是時，諸侯見楚彊漢敗，還皆去漢復為楚。 塞王欣亡入楚。
At this time King Xiang was attacking Qi to the north. Tian Rong fought with him at Chengyang. Tian Rong was defeated and fled to Pingyuan. The people of Pingyuan killed him. All of Qi submitted to Chu. Chu then burned their cities to the ground and carried off their children as captives. The people of Qi rose up against them. Tian Rong's younger brother Heng installed Rong's son Guang as King of Qi. The King of Qi rebelled against Chu at Chengyang. Though Xiang Yu heard that Han had gone east, he was already engaged with Qi's forces and wanted to finish them off before turning on Han. Thanks to this development, the King of Han was able to commandeer the armies of five feudal lords and marched into Pengcheng. Xiang Yu heard of this and led his troops away from Qi. He came out from Lu through Huling, reached Xiao, and fought a great battle with Han at Pengcheng, east of Lingbi on the Sui River. He greatly broke the Han army, killing many officers and troops—the Sui River stopped flowing because of them. He then seized the King of Han's parents and family from Pei and held them in the army camp as hostages. At that time, the feudal lords saw Chu was strong and Han defeated. They all turned away from Han and again became Chu. King Xin of Sai fled into Chu territory.
35
呂后兄周呂侯為漢將兵，居下邑。 漢王從之，稍收士卒，軍碭。 漢王乃西過梁地，至虞。 使謁者隨何之九江王布所，曰：「公能令布舉兵叛楚，項羽必留擊之。 得留數月，吾取天下必矣。」 隨何往說九江王布，布果背楚。 楚使龍且往擊之。
Empress Lü's elder brother, Lord Zhou Lü, commanded Han troops stationed at Xiayi. The King of Han joined him and gradually rallied soldiers and officers, making camp at Dang. The King of Han then marched west through Liang territory and reached Yu. He sent the herald Sui He to the King of Jiujiang Bu's location, saying: 'If you can make Bu raise troops and rebel against Chu, Xiang Yu will certainly remain to strike him.' If we can keep him there for several months, my taking of all under Heaven is certain.'' Sui He went and persuaded King Bu of Jiujiang. Bu indeed turned his back on Chu. Chu dispatched Long Ju to attack him.
36
漢王之敗彭城而西，行使人求家室，家室亦亡，不相得。 敗後乃獨得孝惠，六月，立為太子，大赦罪人。 令太子守櫟陽，諸侯子在關中者皆集櫟陽為衛。 引水灌廢丘，廢丘降，章邯自殺。 更名廢丘為槐里。 於是令祠官祀天地四方上帝山川，以時祀之。 興關內卒乘塞。
When the King of Han was defeated at Pengcheng and went west, he sent people on the road to seek his family. But his family had also disappeared and they could not find each other. After the defeat he alone found Xiaohui. In the sixth month, he installed him as Crown Prince and granted a great amnesty to criminals. He ordered the Crown Prince to defend Liyang. All sons of feudal lords who were in Guanzhong assembled at Liyang to serve as guards. They diverted water to flood Feiqiu. Feiqiu surrendered and Zhang Han committed suicide. They renamed Feiqiu to Huaili. Thereupon he ordered the sacrificial officials to perform rites to Heaven, Earth, the Four Quarters, the Supreme Deity, mountains, and rivers at the appropriate seasons. He raised troops from within the passes to garrison the defenses.
37
是時九江王布與龍且戰，不勝，與隨何閒行歸漢。 漢王稍收士卒，與諸將及關中卒益出，是以兵大振滎陽，破楚京、索閒。
At this time, King Bu of Jiujiang battled Long Ju but was defeated, and secretly slipped away with Sui He to return to Han. The King of Han gradually gathered officers and troops. Together with the various generals and troops from within the passes they increasingly came out. So that the troops greatly rallied at Yingyang and broke Chu between Jing and Suo.
38
三年，魏王豹謁歸視親疾，至即絕河津，反為楚。 漢王使酈生說豹，豹不聽。 漢王遣將軍韓信擊，大破之，虜豹。 遂定魏地，置三郡，曰河東、太原、上黨。 漢王乃令張耳與韓信遂東下井陘擊趙，斬陳餘、趙王歇。 其明年，立張耳為趙王。
In the third year, King Bao of Wei requested leave to return to visit his ailing relatives. When he arrived he immediately cut off the Yellow River ford and rebelled to become Chu. The King of Han sent Li Sheng to try to persuade Bao, but Bao refused to listen. The King of Han dispatched General Han Xin to strike. He greatly broke him and captured Bao. They then pacified Wei territory and established three commanderies: Hedong, Taiyuan, and Shangdang. The King of Han then ordered Zhang Er and Han Xin to proceed east down Jingxing to strike Zhao. They beheaded Chen Yu and King Xie of Zhao. The following year, he installed Zhang Er as King of Zhao.
39
漢王軍滎陽南，筑甬道屬之河，以取敖倉。 與項羽相距歲餘。 項羽數侵奪漢甬道，漢軍乏食，遂圍漢王。 漢王請和，割滎陽以西者為漢。 項王不聽。 漢王患之，乃用陳平之計，予陳平金四萬斤，以閒疏楚君臣。 於是項羽乃疑亞父。 亞父是時勸項羽遂下滎陽，及其見疑，乃怒，辭老，願賜骸骨歸卒伍，未至彭城而死。
The King of Han's army camped south of Yingyang and built a covered causeway connecting to the river to access the grain stores at Ao Granary. They faced off against Xiang Yu for more than a year. Xiang Yu repeatedly raided and seized Han's supply road. The Han army lacked food and was then besieged. The King of Han sued for peace, offering to cede everything west of Yingyang to Han. King Xiang refused to listen. The King of Han was troubled by this, so he used Chen Ping's stratagem. He gave Chen Ping forty thousand jin of gold to sow discord between Chu's lord and ministers. Thereupon Xiang Yu grew suspicious of Fan Zeng. At that time the Second Father urged Xiang Yu to take Yingyang. When he saw himself suspected, he became angry, pleaded old age, and requested to be granted his aged bones to return to the ranks. He died before reaching Pengcheng.
40
漢軍絕食，乃夜出女子東門二千餘人，被甲，楚因四面擊之。 將軍紀信乃乘王駕，詐為漢王，誑楚，楚皆呼萬歲，之城東觀，以故漢王得與數十騎出西門遁。 令御史大夫周苛、魏豹、樅公守滎陽。 諸將卒不能從者，盡在城中。 周苛、樅公相謂曰：「反國之王，難與守城。」 因殺魏豹。
The Han army was cut off from food, so by night they sent out over two thousand women from the east gate wearing armor. Chu consequently attacked them from four sides. General Ji Xin then rode in the king's chariot, pretended to be the King of Han, and deceived Chu. All the Chu troops shouted 'Long live!' and went to observe east of the city. Because of this the King of Han was able to escape out the west gate with several tens of riders. He ordered Imperial Secretary Zhou Ke, Wei Bao, and Duke Cong to defend Yingyang. All the generals and soldiers who couldn't follow him were left behind in the city. Zhou Ke and Duke Cong said to each other: 'A king who has rebelled against his state is difficult to defend a city with.'' They consequently executed Wei Bao.
41
漢王之出滎陽入關，收兵欲復東。 袁生說漢王曰：「漢與楚相距滎陽數歲，漢常困。 願君王出武關，項羽必引兵南走，王深壁，令滎陽成皋閒且得休。 使韓信等輯河北趙地，連燕齊，君王乃復走滎陽，未晚也。 如此，則楚所備者多，力分，漢得休，復與之戰，破楚必矣。」 漢王從其計，出軍宛葉閒，與黥布行收兵。
When the King of Han left Yingyang and entered the passes, he rallied troops intending to march east again. Yuan Sheng persuaded the King of Han, saying: 'Han and Chu have confronted each other at Yingyang for several years. Han has constantly been in difficulty.' I hope the king will go out through Wuguan. Xiang Yu will certainly lead troops south in pursuit. The king should entrench deeply, allowing those between Yingyang and Chenggao to obtain some rest. Have Han Xin and others pacify the territory of Zhao north of the Yellow River, connect with Yan and Qi. Then the king can return to Yingyang—it will not be too late. If this is done, then what Chu must prepare for will be many places, their strength divided. Han will obtain rest and fight with them again—breaking Chu will be certain.'' The King of Han adopted his strategy, deployed his army between Wan and Ye, and traveled with Qing Bu recruiting troops.
42
項羽聞漢王在宛，果引兵南。 漢王堅壁不與戰。 是時彭越渡睢水，與項聲、薛公戰下邳，彭越大破楚軍。 項羽乃引兵東擊彭越。 漢王亦引兵北軍成皋。 項羽已破走彭越，聞漢王復軍成皋，乃復引兵西，拔滎陽，誅周苛、樅公，而虜韓王信，遂圍成皋。
Xiang Yu learned that the King of Han was at Wan and immediately marched south. The King of Han fortified his position and refused battle. At this time Peng Yue crossed the Sui River and fought with Xiang Sheng and Xue Gong at Xiapei. Peng Yue greatly broke the Chu army. Xiang Yu then marched east to attack Peng Yue. The King of Han also marched north and made camp at Chenggao. Having broken and driven off Peng Yue, Xiang Yu heard the King of Han had again encamped at Chenggao. So he again led troops west, took Yingyang, executed Zhou Ke and Duke Cong, captured King Xin of Han as prisoner, and then besieged Chenggao.
43
漢王跳，獨與滕公共車出成皋玉門，北渡河，馳宿修武。 自稱使者，晨馳入張耳、韓信壁，而奪之軍。 乃使張耳北益收兵趙地，使韓信東擊齊。 漢王得韓信軍，則復振。 引兵臨河，南饗軍小修武南，欲復戰。 郎中鄭忠乃說止漢王，使高壘深塹，勿與戰。 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，與彭越復擊破楚軍燕郭西，遂復下梁地十餘城。
The King of Han leaped out, alone with Duke Teng sharing a chariot going out Chenggao's Jade Gate. He crossed the Yellow River to the north and galloped to lodge at Xiuwu. Claiming to be an envoy, he charged at dawn into Zhang Er and Han Xin's camp and took command of their army. He sent Zhang Er north to recruit more troops in Zhao territory and Han Xin east to attack Qi. With Han Xin's army now under his command, the King of Han regained his strength. He led troops to the Yellow River, feasted the army to the south at Little Xiuwu, wishing to fight again. Gentleman Zheng Zhong then persuaded the King of Han to hold back, building high fortifications and deep trenches instead of giving battle. The Han king listened to their plan, sent Lu Wan and Liu Jia to lead twenty thousand troops and several hundred cavalry. They crossed the Bai Ma ford, entered Chu territory, and together with Peng Yue again struck and broke Chu army at Yan Guo west, then recaptured over ten Liang cities.
44
淮陰已受命東，未渡平原。 漢王使酈生往說齊王田廣，廣叛楚，與漢和，共擊項羽。 韓信用蒯通計，遂襲破齊。 齊王烹酈生，東走高密。 項羽聞韓信已舉河北兵破齊、趙，且欲擊楚，則使龍且、周蘭往擊之。 韓信與戰，騎將灌嬰擊，大破楚軍，殺龍且。 齊王廣奔彭越。 當此時，彭越將兵居梁地，往來苦楚兵，絕其糧食。
The Marquis of Huaiyin had already received orders to go east but had not yet crossed Pingyuan. The King of Han sent Li Sheng to persuade King Tian Guang of Qi. Guang rebelled against Chu and made peace with Han to together strike Xiang Yu. Han Xin followed Kuai Tong's strategy and launched a surprise attack that shattered Qi. The King of Qi had Li Sheng boiled alive and fled east to Gaomi. Xiang Yu heard that Han Xin had already raised troops north of the Yellow River and broken Qi and Zhao and was about to strike Chu. So he sent Long Ju and Zhou Lan to strike him. Han Xin engaged in battle. Cavalry general Guan Ying struck and greatly broke the Chu army, killing Long Ju. King Guang of Qi fled to Peng Yue for refuge. At this time, Peng Yue commanded troops based in Liang territory, constantly harassing the Chu forces and severing their supply lines.
45
四年，項羽乃謂海春侯大司馬曹咎曰：「謹守成皋。 若漢挑戰，慎勿與戰，無令得東而已。 我十五日必定梁地，復從將軍。」 乃行擊陳留、外黃、睢陽，下之。 漢果數挑楚軍，楚軍不出，使人辱之五六日，大司馬怒，度兵汜水。 士卒半渡，漢擊之，大破楚軍，盡得楚國金玉貨賂。 大司馬咎、長史欣皆自剄汜水上。 項羽至睢陽，聞海春侯破，乃引兵還。 漢軍方圍鐘離眛於滎陽東，項羽至，盡走險阻。
In the fourth year, Xiang Yu then said to Marquis of Haichun Grand Marshal Cao Jiu: 'Carefully defend Chenggao.' If Han challenges to battle, be cautious not to engage in battle, and do not let them get east—that is all.'' In fifteen days I will certainly settle the land of Liang and return to join the generals.'' He marched on Chenliu, Waihuang, and Suiyang, capturing them all. Han indeed repeatedly challenged the Chu army to battle. The Chu army would not come out. They sent men to insult them for five or six days. The Grand Marshal was enraged and crossed his troops over the Fan River. When half the soldiers had crossed, Han attacked, routing the Chu army and seizing all their gold, jade, treasures, and valuables. Grand Marshal Jiu and Chief Clerk Xin both committed suicide by the Fan River. Xiang Yu reached Suiyang and heard that Marquis of Haichun was broken. So he led his troops back. The Han army was besieging Zhongli Mo east of Yingyang. When Xiang Yu arrived, they all fled to dangerous terrain.
46
韓信已破齊，使人言曰：「齊邊楚，權輕，不為假王，恐不能安齊。」 漢王欲攻之。 留侯曰：「不如因而立之，使自為守。」 乃遣張良操印綬立韓信為齊王。
Han Xin having already broken Qi sent someone to say: 'Qi borders Chu; authority is light—if I am not made provisional king, I fear I cannot stabilize Qi.'' The King of Han wanted to attack him. The Marquis of Liu said: 'It would be better to consequently install him and have him defend on his own.'' He sent Zhang Liang with the royal seal and sashes to install Han Xin as King of Qi.
47
項羽聞龍且軍破，則恐，使盱臺人武涉往說韓信。 韓信不聽。
Xiang Yu heard that Long Ju's army was broken and was then afraid. He sent Wu She of Xutai to persuade Han Xin. Han Xin refused.
48
楚漢久相持未決，丁壯苦軍旅，老弱罷轉馕。 漢王項羽相與臨廣武之閒而語。 項羽欲與漢王獨身挑戰。 漢王數項羽曰：「始與項羽俱受命懷王，曰先入定關中者王之，項羽負約，王我於蜀漢，罪一。 秦項羽矯殺卿子冠軍而自尊，罪二。 項羽已救趙，當還報，而擅劫諸侯兵入關，罪三。 懷王約入秦無暴掠，項羽燒秦宮室，掘始皇帝冢，私收其財物，罪四。 又彊殺秦降王子嬰，罪五。 詐阬秦子弟新安二十萬，王其將，罪六。 項羽皆王諸將善地，而徙逐故主，令臣下爭叛逆，罪七。 項羽出逐義帝彭城，自都之，奪韓王地，并王梁楚，多自予，罪八。 項羽使人陰弒義帝江南，罪九。 夫為人臣而弒其主，殺已降，為政不平，主約不信，天下所不容，大逆無道，罪十也。 吾以義兵從諸侯誅殘賊，使刑餘罪人擊殺項羽，何苦乃與公挑戰！」 項羽大怒，伏弩射中漢王。 漢王傷匈，乃捫足曰：「虜中吾指！」 漢王病創臥，張良彊請漢王起行勞軍，以安士卒，毋令楚乘勝於漢。 漢王出行軍，病甚，因馳入成皋。
Chu and Han long confronted each other without resolution. The able-bodied suffered from military service, the old and weak were exhausted transporting grain. The King of Han and Xiang Yu stood facing each other across the Guangwu River and spoke. Xiang Yu wanted to challenge the King of Han to personal combat. The King of Han enumerated Xiang Yu's crimes, saying: 'At first Xiang Yu and I both received orders from King Huai saying he who first enters and settles Guanzhong shall be its king. Xiang Yu broke the agreement and made me king in Shu and Han—crime one.' Xiang Yu falsely executed Lord Superior to Ministers and exalted himself—crime two. Having already rescued Zhao, Xiang Yu should have returned to report. But instead he seized the feudal lords' troops without authorization and entered the passes—crime three. King Huai's agreement was that in entering Qin there should be no violence or plunder. Xiang Yu burned the Qin palace chambers, dug up the First Emperor's tomb, and privately took its wealth and goods—crime four. He also brutally murdered the surrendered King of Qin, Ziying—crime five. He deceitfully massacred 200,000 Qin soldiers at Xin'an by burying them alive, then enfeoffed their generals—crime six. Xiang Yu made kings of all the generals in good lands while moving and expelling the former lords. He caused ministers and subordinates to compete in rebellion and treason—crime seven. Xiang Yu expelled the Righteous Emperor from Pengcheng and made it his own capital. He seized the King of Han's territory and combined to rule Liang and Chu, taking much for himself—crime eight. Xiang Yu sent assassins to murder the Righteous Emperor south of the Yangtze—crime nine. Being a minister who assassinates his lord, kills those who have already surrendered, governs unjustly, does not keep agreements with his lord—these all under Heaven cannot tolerate. This is great rebellion and lawlessness—crime ten. I with righteous troops follow the feudal lords to execute cruel rebels. I will have criminals with sentences of mutilation strike and kill Xiang Yu—why would I suffer to challenge you to combat!'' Xiang Yu greatly enraged, his hidden crossbow shot hit the King of Han. The King of Han was wounded in the chest but grasped his foot and said: 'The bandit hit my toe!'' The King of Han lay ill from the wound. Zhang Liang strongly requested the King of Han to rise and go comfort the army to reassure the officers and troops and not let Chu take advantage of Han. The King of Han went out to tour the army. His illness was severe, so he galloped into Chenggao.
49
病愈，西入關，至櫟陽，存問父老，置酒，梟故塞王欣頭櫟陽市。 留四日，復如軍，軍廣武。 關中兵益出。
Once recovered, he marched west through the passes to Liyang, visited the elders, held a banquet, and had the former King of Sai Xin's head displayed in the marketplace. He stayed four days, then returned to his army and made camp at Guangwu. More troops kept emerging from within the passes.
50
當此時，彭越將兵居梁地，往來苦楚兵，絕其糧食。 田橫往從之。 項羽數擊彭越等，齊王信又進擊楚。 項羽恐，乃與漢王約，中分天下，割鴻溝而西者為漢，鴻溝而東者為楚。 項王歸漢王父母妻子，軍中皆呼萬歲，乃歸而別去。
At this time, Peng Yue commanded troops based in Liang territory, constantly raiding Chu forces and severing their supply lines. Tian Heng went to join his cause. Xiang Yu repeatedly struck Peng Yue and others. King Xin of Qi also advanced to strike Chu. Terrified, Xiang Yu negotiated a truce with the King of Han, dividing the empire along the Hong Canal: west would be Han, east would be Chu. King Xiang returned the King of Han's father, mother, wife, and children. The army all shouted 'Long live!' They then returned and parted ways.
51
項羽解而東歸。 漢王欲引而西歸，用留侯、陳平計，乃進兵追項羽，至陽夏南止軍，與齊王信、建成侯彭越期會而擊楚軍。 至固陵，不會。 楚擊漢軍，大破之。 漢王復入壁，深塹而守之。 用張良計，於是韓信、彭越皆往。 及劉賈入楚地，圍壽春，漢王敗碧陵，乃使使者召大司馬周殷舉九江兵而迎（之）武王，行屠城父，隨（何）劉賈、齊梁諸侯皆大會垓下。 立武王布為淮南王。
Xiang Yu was set free and headed back east. The King of Han wished to lead his troops and return westward, but using the plans of the Marquis of Liu and Chen Ping, he then advanced his troops to pursue Xiang Yu. He reached south of Yangxia and stopped his army, making an appointment with King Xin of Qi and Marquis of Jiancheng Peng Yue to meet and strike the Chu army. When they reached Guling, the meeting never happened. Chu attacked the Han army and routed it completely. The King of Han retreated behind his fortifications, dug deep trenches, and held his position. Following Zhang Liang's strategy, Han Xin and Peng Yue both arrived. When Liu Jia entered Chu territory and besieged Shouchun, the King of Han was defeated at Biling. So he sent envoys to summon Grand Marshal Zhou Yin to raise the troops of Jiujiang and welcome King Wu. He marched and massacred Chengfu, following Liu Jia. The feudal lords of Qi and Liang all assembled in great numbers at Gaixia. He installed King Wu Bu as King of Huainan.
52
五年，高祖與諸侯兵共擊楚軍，與項羽決勝垓下。 淮陰侯將三十萬自當之，孔將軍居左，費將軍居右，皇帝在後，絳侯、柴將軍在皇帝後。 項羽之卒可十萬。 淮陰先合，不利，卻。 孔將軍、費將軍縱，楚兵不利，淮陰侯復乘之，大敗垓下。 項羽卒聞漢軍之楚歌，以為漢盡得楚地，項羽乃敗而走，是以兵大敗。 使騎將灌嬰追殺項羽東城，斬首八萬，遂略定楚地。 魯為楚堅守不下。 漢王引諸侯兵北，示魯父老項羽頭，魯乃降。 遂以魯公號葬項羽穀城。 還至定陶，馳入齊王壁，奪其軍。
In the fifth year, Gao Zu joined forces with the feudal lords to attack the Chu army and settle matters with Xiang Yu at Gaixia. The Marquis of Huaiyin led three hundred thousand and directly opposed them. General Kong was on the left, General Fei on the right, the Emperor behind, and Marquis of Jiang and General Chai behind the Emperor. Xiang Yu had around 100,000 troops. Huaiyin engaged first but fared poorly and withdrew. General Kong and General Fei were released. The Chu troops went unfavorably, and the Marquis of Huaiyin again rode upon them, greatly defeating them at Gaixia. Xiang Yu's troops heard the Han army's Chu songs and thought Han had completely obtained the lands of Chu. Xiang Yu was then defeated and fled. Because of this the troops were greatly defeated. He sent cavalry general Guan Ying to pursue and kill Xiang Yu at Dongcheng, taking 80,000 heads, then conquered and pacified Chu territory. Lu held out staunchly for Chu and refused to surrender. The King of Han led the feudal lords' troops north and showed Xiang Yu's head to the fathers and elders of Lu. Lu then surrendered. They buried Xiang Yu at Gucheng with the honors due a Duke of Lu. Upon returning to Dingtao, he charged into the King of Qi's camp and took command of his army.
53
正月，諸侯及將相相與共請尊漢王為皇帝。 漢王曰：「吾聞帝賢者有也，空言虛語，非所守也，吾不敢當帝位。」 群臣皆曰：「大王起微細，誅暴逆，平定四海，有功者輒裂地而封為王侯。 大王不尊號，皆疑不信。 臣等以死守之。」 漢王三讓，不得已，曰：「諸君必以為便，便國家。」 甲午，乃即皇帝位汜水之陽。
In the first month, the feudal lords and high officials jointly petitioned to honor the King of Han as Emperor. The King of Han said: 'I have heard that the title of Emperor is something the worthy possess. Empty words and vain speech are not what I uphold—I dare not accept the position of Emperor.'' The assembled ministers all said: 'The great king arose from humble and minor beginnings, executed the violent and rebellious, pacified the four seas. Those with achievements were immediately given divided territory and enfeoffed as kings and marquises.' If Your Majesty does not accept the imperial title, everyone will remain suspicious and distrustful. We your ministers will defend this to the death.'' The King of Han declined three times. Unable to refuse, he said: 'If you lords must consider it convenient and beneficial to the state.'' On the jiawu day, he ascended the imperial throne north of the Fan River.
54
皇帝曰義帝無後。 齊王韓信習楚風俗，徙為楚王，都下邳。 立建成侯彭越為梁王，都定陶。 故韓王信為韓王，都陽翟。 徙衡山王吳芮為長沙王，都臨湘。 番君之將梅鋗有功，從入武關，故德番君。 淮南王布、燕王臧荼、趙王敖皆如故。
The Emperor declared that the Righteous Emperor had no heirs. Since King Han Xin of Qi was familiar with Chu customs, he was transferred to become King of Chu with his capital at Xiapei. He installed Marquis of Jiancheng Peng Yue as King of Liang with his capital at Dingtao. The former King Xin of Han remained as King of Han with his capital at Yangzhai. He transferred King Wu Rui of Hengshan to become King of Changsha with his capital at Linxiang. Lord Fan's general Mei Xuan had achievements and followed them entering Wuguan. Therefore he favored Lord Fan. King Bu of Huainan, King Zang Tu of Yan, and King Ao of Zhao all kept their positions unchanged.
55
天下大定。 高祖都雒陽，諸侯皆臣屬。 故臨江王驩為項羽叛漢，令盧綰、劉賈圍之，不下。 數月而降，殺之雒陽。
The empire was now firmly established. Gao Zu made capital Luoyang. Feudal lords all became ministers and subordinates. The former King Huan of Linjiang rebelled against Han for Xiang Yu. He ordered Lu Wan and Liu Jia to besiege him, but he did not surrender. After several months he surrendered, and they executed him at Luoyang.
56
五月，兵皆罷歸家。 諸侯子在關中者復之十二歲，其歸者復之六歲，食之一歲。
In the fifth month, all troops were disbanded and sent home. Sons of feudal lords who were in Guanzhong were exempted from taxes for twelve years. Those who returned were exempted for six years and provided food for one year.
57
高祖置酒雒陽南宮。 高祖曰：「列侯諸將無敢隱朕，皆言其情。 吾所以有天下者何？ 項氏之所以失天下者何？」 高起、王陵對曰：「陛下慢而侮人，項羽仁而愛人。 然陛下使人攻城略地，所降下者因以予之，與天下同利也。 項羽妒賢嫉能，有功者害之，賢者疑之，戰勝而不予人功，得地而不予人利，此所以失天下也。」 高祖曰：「公知其一，未知其二。 夫運籌策帷帳之中，決勝於千里之外，吾不如子房。 鎮國家，撫百姓，給餽馕，不絕糧道，吾不如蕭何。 連百萬之軍，戰必勝，攻必取，吾不如韓信。 此三者，皆人傑也，吾能用之，此吾所以取天下也。 項羽有一范增而不能用，此其所以為我擒也。」
Gao Zu hosted a banquet at the Southern Palace in Luoyang. Gao Zu said: 'Ranked marquises and various generals, do not hide from me. All speak your true feelings.' How did I come to rule the empire? Why is it that the Xiang clan lost all under Heaven?'' Gao Qi and Wang Ling replied: 'Your Majesty is informal and makes light of people. Xiang Yu was benevolent and loved people.' Yet Your Majesty has men attack cities and take territory. Those who are subdued and surrender are consequently given it—you share benefits with all under Heaven.' Xiang Yu was jealous of the worthy and envious of the able. Those with achievements he harmed, the worthy he suspected. When battles were won he would not give others credit, when territory was obtained he would not give others benefits—this is why he lost all under Heaven.'' Gao Zu said: 'You know one aspect but do not know the second.' In devising strategies within the command tent and deciding victory a thousand li away, I am not equal to Zifang.' In stabilizing the state, comforting the hundred clans, providing provisions and grain, and not severing the supply routes, I am not equal to Xiao He.' In commanding armies of a million, certainly winning battles and certainly taking what is attacked, I am not equal to Han Xin.' These three are all heroes among men, and I was able to employ them—this is why I took all under Heaven.' Xiang Yu had one Fan Zeng but could not employ him—this is why he became my captive.''
58
高祖欲長都雒陽，齊人劉敬說，乃留侯勸上入都關中，高祖是日駕，入都關中。 六月，大赦天下。
Gao Zu wished to make Luoyang his permanent capital. The Qi man Liu Jing persuaded him, and the Marquis of Liu urged the superior to make his capital within the passes. Gao Zu that very day took his carriage and went in to make his capital within the passes. In the sixth month, a general amnesty was declared throughout the empire.
59
十月，燕王臧荼反，攻下代地。 高祖自將擊之，得燕王臧荼。 即立太尉盧綰為燕王。 使丞相噲將兵攻代。
In the tenth month, King Zang Tu of Yan rebelled and conquered the territory of Dai. Gao Zu personally led the attack and captured King Zang Tu of Yan. He immediately installed Grand Commandant Lu Wan as King of Yan. He sent Prime Minister Kuai to lead an army against Dai.
60
其秋，利幾反，高祖自將兵擊之，利幾走。 利幾者，項氏之將。 項氏敗，利幾為陳公，不隨項羽，亡降高祖，高祖侯之潁川。 高祖至雒陽，舉通侯籍召之，而利幾恐，故反。
That autumn, Li Ji rebelled. Gao Zu personally led troops to strike him. Li Ji fled. Li Ji was one of Xiang Yu's generals. When the Xiang clan was defeated, Li Ji was Duke of Chen and did not follow Xiang Yu. He fled and surrendered to Gao Zu, and Gao Zu made him a marquis at Yingchuan. When Gao Zu reached Luoyang, he raised the register of ranked marquises and summoned him. Li Ji was afraid and therefore rebelled.
61
六年，高祖五日一朝太公，如家人父子禮。 太公家令說太公曰：「天無二日，土無二王。 今高祖雖子，人主也； 太公雖父，人臣也。 柰何令人主拜人臣！ 如此，則威重不行。」 後高祖朝，太公擁篲，迎門卻行。 高祖大驚，下扶太公。 太公曰：「帝，人主也，柰何以我亂天下法！」 於是高祖乃尊太公為太上皇。 心善家令言，賜金五百斤。
In the sixth year, Gao Zu would visit his father every five days, treating him with the simple respect of father and son in a common family. The Grand Duke's steward persuaded the Grand Duke, saying: 'Heaven has no two suns. The land has no two kings.' Now though Gao Zu is your son, he is the lord of men;' though the Grand Duke is his father, you are a minister of men.' How can you have the lord of men bow to a minister of men!'' If this continues, authority and dignity will not function.'' Later when Gao Zu came for an audience, his father greeted him at the gate holding a broom and backed away respectfully. Gao Zu was horrified and dismounted to help his father up. The Grand Duke said: 'The Emperor is the lord of men—how can you use me to disorder the laws of all under Heaven!' Thereupon Gao Zu honored his father as the Supreme Retired Emperor. In his heart he approved the steward's words and bestowed five hundred jin of gold.
62
十二月，人有上變事告楚王信謀反，上問左右，左右爭欲擊之。 用陳平計，乃偽遊雲夢，會諸侯於陳，楚王信迎，即因執之。 是日，大赦天下。 田肯賀，因說高祖曰：「陛下得韓信，又治秦中。 秦，形勝之國，帶河山之險，縣隔千里，持戟百萬，秦得百二焉。 地勢便利，其以下兵於諸侯，譬猶居高屋之上建瓴水也。 夫齊，東有瑯邪、即墨之饒，南有泰山之固，西有濁河之限，北有勃海之利。 地方二千里，持戟百萬，縣隔千里之外，齊得十二焉。 故此東西秦也。 非親子弟，莫可使王齊矣。」 高祖曰：「善。」 賜黃金五百斤。
In the twelfth month, someone submitted a report accusing the King of Chu Xin of plotting rebellion. The superior asked those around him, and those around him competed to attack him. Using Chen Ping's plan, he then pretended to make a tour to Yunmeng and assembled the feudal lords at Chen. The King of Chu Xin came to welcome him and was consequently seized. That day, a general amnesty was declared throughout the empire. Tian Ken congratulated him and consequently persuaded Gao Zu, saying: 'Your Majesty has obtained Han Xin and also governs the Qin heartland.' Qin is a naturally fortified state, protected by perilous rivers and mountains, spanning a thousand li, with a million soldiers under arms—Qin enjoys a 50-to-1 advantage. The terrain is convenient and advantageous; using it to send down troops against the feudal lords is like residing atop a tall building pouring water from a roof.'' As for Qi, to the east it has the riches of Langye and Jimo, to the south the impregnable Mount Tai, to the west the barrier of the muddy Yellow River, to the north the bounty of Bohai Bay. Its territory spans 2,000 square li, with a million soldiers, and lies a thousand li distant—Qi enjoys a 5-to-1 advantage. Therefore Qi is another Qin in the east. Unless it is your own sons and younger brothers, none should be sent to be king of Qi.'' Gao Zu said: 'Excellent.'' He awarded him 500 jin of gold.
63
後十餘日，封韓信為淮陰侯，分其地為二國。 高祖曰將軍劉賈數有功，以為荊王，王淮東。 弟交為楚王，王淮西。 子肥為齊王，王七十餘城，民能齊言者皆屬齊。 乃論功，與諸列侯剖符行封。 徙韓王信太原。
More than ten days later, he enfeoffed Han Xin as Marquis of Huaiyin and split his territory into two kingdoms. Gao Zu said: 'General Liu Jia has repeatedly achieved merit and made him King of Jing, ruling east of the Huai.' His younger brother Jiao became King of Chu, ruling the area west of the Huai River. His son Fei became King of Qi, ruling over 70 cities; all people who spoke the Qi dialect were assigned to Qi. He then assessed everyone's merits and granted fiefs to the marquises, dividing the tally tallies as proof. He transferred King Xin of Han to Taiyuan.
64
七年，匈奴攻韓王信馬邑，信因與謀反太原。 白土曼丘臣、王黃立故趙將趙利為王以反，高祖自往擊之。 會天寒，士卒墮指者什二三，遂至平城。 匈奴圍我平城，七日而後罷去。 令樊噲止定代地。 立兄劉仲為代王。
In the seventh year, the Xiongnu attacked King Xin of Han at Mayi; Xin took this opportunity to plot rebellion with them at Taiyuan. Man Qiu Chen of Baitu and Wang Huang set up the former Zhao general Zhao Li as king to rebel; Gao Zu personally went to attack them. They encountered bitterly cold weather, and 20-30% of the soldiers suffered frostbite and lost fingers; they finally reached Pingcheng. The Xiongnu besieged us at Pingcheng for seven days before finally withdrawing. He ordered Fan Kuai to stay behind and pacify the territory of Dai. He installed his elder brother Liu Zhong as King of Dai.
65
二月，高祖自平城過趙、雒陽，至長安。 長樂宮成，丞相已下徙治長安。
In the second month, Gao Zu traveled from Pingcheng through Zhao and Luoyang to reach Chang'an. Changle Palace was completed; the prime minister and all officials below him moved their administration to Chang'an.
66
八年，高祖東擊韓王信餘反寇於東垣。
In the eighth year, Gao Zu marched east to crush the remaining rebel forces of King Xin of Han at Dongyuan.
67
蕭丞相營作未央宮，立東闕、北闕、前殿、武庫、太倉。 高祖還，見宮闕壯甚，怒，謂蕭何曰：「天下匈匈苦戰數歲，成敗未可知，是何治宮室過度也？」 蕭何曰：「天下方未定，故可因遂就宮室。 且夫天子四海為家，非壯麗無以重威，且無令後世有以加也。」 高祖乃說。
Prime Minister Xiao oversaw the construction of Weiyang Palace, including the Eastern Gate Tower, Northern Gate Tower, Front Hall, Armory, and Great Granary. When Gao Zu returned and saw the palace towers were exceedingly grand, he was angry and said to Xiao He: 'All under Heaven has suffered bitterly fighting for several years; success or failure cannot yet be known—why do you govern palace chambers to excess?' Xiao He said: 'Precisely because all under Heaven is not yet settled, we can consequently proceed to complete the palace chambers.' Moreover, the Son of Heaven has the four seas as his home; without grandeur and magnificence there is no way to give weight to authority, and moreover we must not allow later generations to have anything to add.'' Gao Zu was greatly pleased.
68
高祖之東垣，過柏人，趙相貫高等謀弒高祖，高祖心動，因不留。 代王劉仲棄國亡，自歸雒陽，廢以為合陽侯。
As Gao Zu traveled to Dongyuan and passed through Bairen, Zhao Prime Minister Guan Gao and others plotted to assassinate him; Gao Zu had a premonition and pressed on without stopping. King Liu Zhong of Dai abandoned his kingdom and fled, surrendering himself at Luoyang; he was demoted to Marquis of Heyang.
69
九年，趙相貫高等事發覺，夷三族。 廢趙王敖為宣平侯。 是歲，徙貴族楚昭、屈、景、懷、齊田氏關中。
In the ninth year, the plot by Zhao Prime Minister Guan Gao and others was uncovered; their entire clans were wiped out. They stripped King Ao of Zhao of his title and made him Marquis of Xuanping. That year, they relocated noble clans—the Zhao, Qu, Jing, and Huai families of Chu, and the Tian clan of Qi—to Guanzhong.
70
未央宮成。 高祖大朝諸侯群臣，置酒未央前殿。 高祖奉玉卮，起為太上皇壽，曰：「始大人常以臣無賴，不能治產業，不如仲力。 今某之業所就孰與仲多？」 殿上群臣皆呼萬歲，大笑為樂。
Weiyang Palace was completed. Gao Zu held a grand court audience with all the feudal lords and ministers, hosting a banquet in the front hall of Weiyang Palace. Gao Zu presented a jade cup, rose to offer a toast for the Grand Supreme Sovereign, and said: 'At first the great man always considered me worthless, unable to manage productive work, not as capable as Zhong.' Now whose achievements are greater, mine or Zhong's?'' All the ministers assembled in the hall shouted 'Long live the Emperor!' and roared with laughter in high spirits.
71
十年十月，淮南王黥布、梁王彭越、燕王盧綰、荊王劉賈、楚王劉交、齊王劉肥、長沙王吳芮皆來朝長樂宮。 春夏無事。
In the tenth month of the tenth year, King Bu of Huainan, King Peng Yue of Liang, King Lu Wan of Yan, King Liu Jia of Jing, King Liu Jiao of Chu, King Liu Fei of Qi, and King Wu Rui of Changsha all came to pay court at Changle Palace. Spring and summer passed uneventfully.
72
七月，太上皇崩櫟陽宮。 楚王、梁王皆來送葬。 赦櫟陽囚。 更命酈邑曰新豐。
In the seventh month, the Supreme Retired Emperor passed away at Liyang Palace. The King of Chu and King of Liang both came to attend the funeral rites. All prisoners in Liyang were granted amnesty. They renamed Li township to Xinfeng.
73
八月，趙相國陳豨反代地。 上曰：「豨嘗為吾使，甚有信。 代地吾所急也，故封豨為列侯，以相國守代，今乃與王黃等劫掠代地！ 代地吏民非有罪也。 其赦代吏民。」 九月，上自東往擊之。 至邯鄲，上喜曰：「豨不南據邯鄲而阻漳水，吾知其無能為也。」 聞豨將皆故賈人也，上曰：「吾知所以與之。」 乃多以金啗豨將，豨將多降者。
In the eighth month, Zhao Prime Minister Chen Xi rose in rebellion in Dai territory. The superior said: 'Xi was once my envoy and was very trustworthy.' The land of Dai is what I urgently need; therefore I enfeoffed Xi as a ranked marquis to serve as prime minister defending Dai—now he actually joins with Wang Huang and others to rob and plunder the land of Dai!' The officials and people of Dai territory bear no guilt. Pardon the officials and people of Dai.'' In the ninth month, His Majesty personally marched east to attack him. Reaching Handan, the superior was pleased and said: 'Xi did not occupy Handan to the south and block the Zhang River—I know he is incapable.'' Hearing that Xi's generals were all former merchants, the superior said: 'I know how to deal with them.'' He then bribed Xi's generals with large sums of gold; many of them surrendered.
74
十一年，高祖在邯鄲誅豨等未畢，豨將侯敞將萬餘人游行，王黃軍曲逆，張春渡河擊聊城。 漢使將軍郭蒙與齊將擊，大破之。 太尉周勃道太原入，定代地。 至馬邑，馬邑不下，即攻殘之。
In the eleventh year, while Gao Zu was still executing Xi and others at Handan, Xi's general Hou Chang led over ten thousand troops in a roaming campaign; Wang Huang's army held Quyi; and Zhang Chun crossed the Yellow River to attack Liaocheng. Han dispatched General Guo Meng along with Qi generals to attack and decisively defeat them. Grand Commandant Zhou Bo passed through Taiyuan and entered Dai territory to pacify it. When he reached Mayi and the city refused to surrender, he attacked and destroyed it.
75
豨將趙利守東垣，高祖攻之，不下。 月餘，卒罵高祖，高祖怒。 城降，令出罵者斬之，不罵者原之。 於是乃分趙山北，立子恒以為代王，都晉陽。
Xi's general Zhao Li held Dongyuan against Gao Zu's attacks, and the city did not fall. After more than a month, the soldiers cursed Gao Zu, and he became furious. When the city finally surrendered, he ordered the execution of those who had cursed him and pardoned those who had not. He then divided the territory north of Zhao's mountains and installed his son Heng as King of Dai with his capital at Jinyang.
76
春，淮陰侯韓信謀反關中，夷三族。
In spring, Han Xin, Marquis of Huaiyin, plotted rebellion in Guanzhong and his entire clan was wiped out.
77
夏，梁王彭越謀反，廢遷蜀； 復欲反，遂夷三族。 立子恢為梁王，子友為淮陽王。
In summer, King Peng Yue of Liang plotted rebellion and was stripped of his title and exiled to Shu; but when he tried to rebel again, his entire clan was exterminated. He installed his son Hui as King of Liang and his son You as King of Huaiyang.
78
秋七月，淮南王黥布反，東并荊王劉賈地，北渡淮，楚王交走入薛。 高祖自往擊之。 立子長為淮南王。
In the seventh month of autumn, King Bu of Huainan rebelled, annexed King Liu Jia's Jing territory to the east, crossed north over the Huai River, and King Jiao of Chu fled to Xue. Gao Zu went in person to attack him. He installed his son Chang as King of Huainan.
79
十二年，十月，高祖已擊布軍會甀，布走，令別將追之。
In the tenth month of the twelfth year, after defeating Bu's army and meeting at Kuai, Bu fled and Gao Zu ordered other generals to pursue him.
80
高祖還歸，過沛，留。 置酒沛宮，悉召故人父老子弟縱酒，發沛中兒得百二十人，教之歌。 酒酣，高祖擊筑，自為歌詩曰：「大風起兮雲飛揚，威加海內兮歸故鄉，安得猛士兮守四方！」 令兒皆和習之。 高祖乃起舞，慷慨傷懷，泣數行下。 謂沛父兄曰：「游子悲故鄉。 吾雖都關中，萬歲後吾魂魄猶樂思沛。 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。」 沛父兄諸母故人日樂飲極驩，道舊故為笑樂。 十餘日，高祖欲去，沛父兄固請留高祖。 高祖曰：「吾人眾多，父兄不能給。」 乃去。 沛中空縣皆之邑西獻。 高祖復留止，張飲三日。 沛父兄皆頓首曰：「沛幸得復，豐未復，唯陛下哀憐之。」 高祖曰：「豐吾所生長，極不忘耳，吾特為其以雍齒故反我為魏。」 沛父兄固請，乃并復豐，比沛。 於是拜沛侯劉濞為吳王。
On his return home, Gao Zu passed through Pei and stayed there. He held a banquet at Pei Palace and summoned all his old friends, family, and elders for unrestrained drinking. He gathered 120 boys from Pei and taught them to sing. As the wine flowed freely, Gao Zu played the zhu and composed his own song: 'A great wind rises, scattering the clouds; my authority spans the realm as I return home. Where can I find brave warriors to guard the four corners?' He had all the boys join in the chorus and practice the song. Gao Zu then began to dance, filled with passion and deep emotion, his tears flowing freely. He said to Pei's elders: 'A wanderer longs for his homeland.' Though I've established my capital in Guanzhong, even after a thousand years my soul will still yearn for Pei.' Moreover, I started as Duke of Pei and executed the tyrants and rebels, thus gaining dominion over the realm. Let Pei be my private estate, with its people exempt from taxes forever.' Pei's elders, womenfolk, and old friends drank and reveled every day, reminiscing about the past for joy and laughter. After more than ten days, when Gao Zu wanted to leave, Pei's elders insisted he stay. Gao Zu replied: 'I have too many followers; you elders can't support them all.' So he left. The whole county of Pei gathered west of the town to present farewell gifts. Gao Zu stayed again and pitched camp, feasting and drinking for three days. Pei's elders all bowed low and said: 'Pei has been lucky to get tax exemption; Feng has not. We beg Your Majesty to show mercy to it.' Gao Zu replied: 'Feng is my birthplace—I'll never forget that. But I resent them because they sided with Wei and rebelled against me on account of Yong Chi.' Pei's elders kept pleading, so he granted Feng the same tax exemption as Pei. He then appointed Liu Bi, Marquis of Pei, as King of Wu.
81
漢將別擊布軍洮水南北，皆大破之，追得斬布鄱陽。
Han generals launched separate attacks on Bu's army north and south of the Tao River, routing them all. In pursuit they caught and executed Bu at Poyang.
82
樊噲別將兵定代，斬陳豨當城。
Fan Kuai led a separate force to pacify Dai and executed Chen Xi at Dangcheng.
83
十一月，高祖自布軍至長安。 十二月，高祖曰：「秦始皇帝、楚隱王陳涉、魏安釐王、齊緡王、趙悼襄王皆絕無後，予守冢各十家，秦皇帝二十家，魏公子無忌五家。」 赦代地吏民為陳豨、趙利所劫掠者，皆赦之。 陳豨降將言豨反時，燕王盧綰使人之豨所，與陰謀。 上使辟陽侯迎綰，綰稱病。 辟陽侯歸，具言綰反有端矣。 二月，使樊噲、周勃將兵擊燕王綰，赦燕吏民與反者。 立皇子建為燕王。
In the eleventh month, Gao Zu returned from the campaign against Bu and arrived at Chang'an. In the twelfth month, Gao Zu declared: 'The First Emperor of Qin, King Yin of Chu Chen She, King Anli of Wei, King Min of Qi, and King Daoxiang of Zhao all died without heirs. I grant ten families each to tend their tombs, twenty for the Qin Emperor, and five for Lord Wuji of Wei.' He pardoned all the officials and people of Dai who had been forced into service and plundered by Chen Xi and Zhao Li. Chen Xi's surrendered generals revealed that when Xi rebelled, King Lu Wan of Yan had sent agents to Xi's camp to conspire with him in secret. The emperor sent the Marquis of Biyang to summon Wan, but Wan pleaded illness. The Marquis of Biyang returned and gave a full report that there were clear signs of Wan's rebellion. In the second month, they dispatched Fan Kuai and Zhou Bo to lead troops against King Wan of Yan, pardoning Yan officials and people who had joined the rebellion. They installed the emperor's son Jian as King of Yan.
84
高祖擊布時，為流矢所中，行道病。 病甚，呂后迎良醫，醫入見，高祖問醫，醫曰：「病可治。」 於是高祖嫚罵之曰：「吾以布衣提三尺劍取天下，此非天命乎？ 命乃在天，雖扁鵲何益！」 遂不使治病，賜金五十斤罷之。 已而呂后問：「陛下百歲後，蕭相國即死，令誰代之？」 上曰：「曹參可。」 問其次，上曰：「王陵可。 然陵少憨，陳平可以助之。 陳平智有餘，然難以獨任。 周勃重厚少文，然安劉氏者必勃也，可令為太尉。」 呂后復問其次，上曰：「此後亦非而所知也。」
While Gao Zu was campaigning against Bu, he was struck by a stray arrow and fell ill on the march. His illness worsened severely. Empress Lü summoned skilled doctors. When one entered to examine him, Gao Zu asked the physician, who replied: 'Your illness can be cured.' Gao Zu then cursed him angrily: 'I rose from rags, wielding a three-foot sword to conquer the realm. Isn't this Heaven's will?' Destiny is in Heaven's hands. Even the great physician Bian Que couldn't help!' He refused treatment, gave the doctor fifty jin of gold, and sent him away. Soon after, Empress Lü asked: 'After Your Majesty passes away, if Prime Minister Xiao dies, who should succeed him?' The emperor replied: 'Cao Can is suitable.' She asked about the next in line, and the emperor said: 'Wang Ling is suitable.' But Ling is a bit naive. Chen Ping can help him.' Chen Ping is very clever but can't be trusted on his own.' Zhou Bo is reliable and steady but unrefined. Yet he is the one who will secure the Liu family. Make him Grand Commandant.'' Empress Lü pressed for the next name, but the emperor said: 'After these, it's not for you to know.''
85
盧綰與數千騎居塞下候伺，幸上病愈自入謝。
Lu Wan waited at the frontier with several thousand cavalry, hoping the emperor would recover so he could come in person to apologize.
86
四月甲辰，高祖崩長樂宮。 四日不發喪。 呂后與審食其謀曰：「諸將與帝為編戶民，今北面為臣，此常怏怏，今乃事少主，非盡族是，天下不安。」 人或聞之，語酈將軍。 酈將軍往見審食其，曰：「吾聞帝已崩，四日不發喪，欲誅諸將。 誠如此，天下危矣。 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。 大臣內叛，諸侯外反，亡可翹足而待也。」 審食其入言之，乃以丁未發喪，大赦天下。
On the jiachen day of the fourth month, Emperor Gaozu passed away in Changle Palace. They kept his death secret for four days. Empress Lü conspired with Shen Yiji: 'The generals were once commoners like the emperor. Now they bow to him as subjects and harbor constant resentment. Serving a young ruler will be unbearable. Unless we wipe out their entire clans, the realm will never be safe.' Someone overheard this and informed General Li. General Li went to see Shen Yiji and said: 'I've heard the emperor has passed away. You've kept it secret for four days because you plan to execute the generals.' If this is true, the empire is in grave danger.' Chen Ping and Guan Ying command 100,000 troops defending Yingyang; Fan Kuai and Zhou Bo lead 200,000 pacifying Yan and Dai. If they hear the emperor is dead and all generals are to be executed, they'll surely join forces and march home to attack Guanzhong.' The ministers will revolt from within, the lords from without. Disaster will follow in the blink of an eye.'' Shen Yiji went in and reported this. On the dingwei day they announced the emperor's death and granted a general amnesty throughout the realm.
87
盧綰聞高祖崩，遂亡入匈奴。
When Lu Wan heard that Gaozu had died, he fled to the Xiongnu.
88
丙寅，葬。 己巳，立太子，至太上皇廟。 群臣皆曰：「高祖起微細，撥亂世反之正，平定天下，為漢太祖，功最高。」 上尊號為高皇帝。 太子襲號為皇帝，孝惠帝也。 令郡國諸侯各立高祖廟，以歲時祠。
On the bingyin day, he was buried. On the jisi day, the crown prince was installed as emperor at the temple of the Grand Supreme Sovereign. All the ministers declared: 'Gaozu rose from obscurity, brought order to a chaotic era, and pacified the realm. He is the Grand Ancestor of Han, whose merits are unmatched.' They honored him with the title of High Emperor. The crown prince succeeded to the imperial throne as Emperor Xiaohui. He commanded all commanderies, states, and lords to establish temples to Gaozu for seasonal sacrifices.
89
及孝惠五年，思高祖之悲樂沛，以沛宮為高祖原廟。 高祖所教歌兒百二十人，皆令為吹樂，後有缺，輒補之。
In the fifth year of Emperor Xiaohui's reign, they commemorated Gaozu's bittersweet memories of Pei by designating Pei Palace as his ancestral temple. The 120 boys Gaozu had taught to sing were all assigned to perform music; whenever openings occurred later, they were immediately filled.
90
高帝八男：長庶齊悼惠王肥； 次孝惠，呂后子； 次戚夫人子趙隱王如意； 次代王恒，已立為孝文帝，薄太后子； 次梁王恢，呂太后時徙為趙共王； 次淮陽王友，呂太后時徙為趙幽王； 次淮南厲王長； 次燕王建。
Emperor Gaozu had eight sons: his eldest, born of a concubine, was Fei, King Daohui of Qi; next came Emperor Xiaohui, Empress Lü's son; next was Ruyi, Consort Qi's son and King Yin of Zhao; next was Heng, King of Dai, who later became Emperor Xiaowen—son of Grand Empress Dowager Bo; next was Hui, King of Liang, who during Empress Lü's reign was transferred to become King Gong of Zhao; next was You, King of Huaiyang, who during Empress Lü's reign was transferred to become King You of Zhao; next was Chang, King Li of Huainan; and finally Jian, King of Yan.
91
太史公曰：夏之政忠。 忠之敝，小人以野，故殷人承之以敬。 敬之敝，小人以鬼，故周人承之以文。 文之敝，小人以僿，故救僿莫若以忠。 三王之道若循環，終而復始。 周秦之閒，可謂文敝矣。 秦政不改，反酷刑法，豈不繆乎？ 故漢興，承敝易變，使人不倦，得天統矣。 朝以十月。 車服黃屋左纛。 葬長陵。
The Grand Historian remarks: The Xia dynasty's governance emphasized loyalty. But when loyalty decayed, small-minded people grew boorish; thus the Yin succeeded it with reverence. When reverence decayed, small-minded people became obsessed with spirits; thus the Zhou succeeded it with ritual propriety. When ritual propriety decays, small-minded people become deceitful; thus to cure deceit, nothing works better than loyalty. The Way of the Three Kings moves in cycles, ending only to begin anew. Between the Zhou and Qin dynasties, ritual had clearly decayed. Qin's rule refused to change, instead making laws and punishments ever harsher—was this not a grave error? Thus when Han rose to power, inheriting the corrupt ways but changing them readily, it energized the people and gained Heaven's mandate. He held court audiences in the tenth month. His chariots and ceremonial robes featured yellow canopies with banners on the left. He was buried at Changling Mausoleum.