Annals of the Xiaowen Emperor

孝文皇帝，高祖中子也。高祖十一年春，已破陳豨軍，定代地，立為代王，都中都。太后薄氏子。即位十七年，高后八年七月，高后崩。九月，諸呂呂產等欲為亂，以危劉氏，大臣共誅之，謀召立代王，事在呂后語中。

Emperor Xiaowen was Gaozu's middle son. In the spring of Gaozu's eleventh year, after defeating Chen Xi's army and pacifying the Dai region, he was made King of Dai with his capital at Zhongdu. He was the son of Empress Dowager Bo. He ascended the throne in the seventeenth year of his reign. In the seventh month of Empress Gao's eighth year, Empress Gao died. In the ninth month, Lü clansmen led by Lü Chan plotted rebellion against the Liu house. The ministers executed them and then planned to summon and enthrone the King of Dai; details are in the Annals of Empress Dowager Lü.

丞相陳平、太尉周勃等使人迎代王。代王問左右郎中令張武等。張武等議曰：「漢大臣皆故高帝時大將，習兵，多謀詐，此其屬意非止此也，特畏高帝、呂太后威耳。今已誅諸呂，新啑血京師，此以迎大王為名，實不可信。願大王稱疾毋往，以觀其變。」中尉宋昌進曰：「群臣之議皆非也。夫秦失其政，諸侯豪桀并起，人人自以為得之者以萬數，然卒踐天子之位者，劉氏也，天下絕望，一矣。高帝封王子弟，地犬牙相制，此所謂盤石之宗也，天下服其彊，二矣。漢興，除秦苛政，約法令，施德惠，人人自安，難動搖，三矣。夫以呂太后之嚴，立諸呂為三王，擅權專制，然而太尉以一節入北軍，一呼士皆左袒，為劉氏，叛諸呂，卒以滅之。此乃天授，非人力也。今大臣雖欲為變，百姓弗為使，其黨寧能專一邪？方今內有朱虛、東牟之親，外畏吳、楚、淮南、瑯邪、齊、代之彊。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。」代王報太后計之，猶與未定。卜之龜，卦兆得大橫。占曰：「大橫庚庚，余為天王，夏啟以光。」代王曰：「寡人固已為王矣，又何王？」卜人曰：「所謂天王者乃天子。」於是代王乃遣太后弟薄昭往見絳侯，絳侯等具為昭言所以迎立王意。薄昭還報曰：「信矣，毋可疑者。」代王乃笑謂宋昌曰：「果如公言。」乃命宋昌參乘，張武等六人乘傳詣長安。至高陵休止，而使宋昌先馳之長安觀變。

Chancellor Chen Ping, and Grand Marshal Zhou Bo, and others sent people to welcome the King of Dai. The King of Dai consulted his attendants, including Zhang Wu, Chamberlain for Attendants. Zhang Wu and the others discussed: 'The Han ministers are all great generals from the time of Emperor Gao. They are experienced in warfare and full of stratagems. Their intentions go beyond this - they only fear the awe-inspiring presence of Emperor Gao and Empress Dowager Lü.' Now the Lü clan has been put to death and the capital is still bloodstained; this invitation to welcome Your Majesty may be a pretense and cannot be trusted. We urge Your Majesty to feign illness and not go, so we can observe how the situation develops.' Commandant Song Chang stepped forward and said: 'All the ministers' discussions are wrong. When Qin lost the mandate, feudal lords and heroes rose together. Tens of thousands thought themselves fit for the throne, yet in the end the Liu house took the imperial seat. That is the first reason. Emperor Gao enfeoffed his sons and brothers in interlocking territories, like a hound's teeth, so they could check one another. This made the clan foundation unshakable and won submission across the realm. That is the second reason. When Han arose, it swept away Qin's harsh rule, simplified laws and decrees, and spread grace and favor. The people lived in peace and were not easily stirred. That is the third reason. Even under Empress Dowager Lü's harsh rule and her creation of three Lü kings, the Grand Marshal entered the Northern Army with a single tally. At one shout, the troops bared their left arms for the Liu house, rose against the Lü clan, and destroyed it. This was heaven's gift, not achieved through human effort. Now even if the ministers wanted to rebel, the common people would not follow them. How could their faction remain united? At present, we have close kin in Zhuxu and Dongmou at home, while abroad we face the strength of Wu, Chu, Huainan, Langye, Qi, and Dai. Among Emperor Gao's surviving sons, only the King of Huainan and Your Majesty remain. Your Majesty is also the elder, and your worthiness, wisdom, benevolence, and filial piety are known throughout the realm. Thus the ministers, following the people's will, seek to welcome and enthrone you. Your Majesty should have no doubts.' The King of Dai reported this to Empress Dowager Bo and consulted her, but they still could not decide. They divined with a turtle shell and obtained the hexagram 'Great Horizontal.' The divination said: 'Great horizontal, geng geng - I shall become the Heavenly King, like Xia Qi shining with light.' The King of Dai said: 'I am already a king. What other kingship could this mean?' Diviner said: 'So-called Heaven King namely Emperor.' At that point the King of Dai dispatched Empress Dowager Bo's younger brother Bo Zhao to see the Marquis of Jiang. The Marquis of Jiang and others fully explained to Bo Zhao the reasons for welcoming and establishing the king. Bo Zhao returned and reported: 'It's trustworthy. There should be no doubts.' The King of Dai laughed and said to Song Chang, “Just as you predicted.” He ordered Song Chang to ride as his chariot attendant, and Zhang Wu and five others to ride relay carriages to Chang'an. They reached Gaoling and rested there, while sending Song Chang ahead to gallop to Chang'an and observe the situation.

昌至渭橋，丞相以下皆迎。宋昌還報。代王馳至渭橋，群臣拜謁稱臣。代王下車拜。太尉勃進曰：「願請閒言。」宋昌曰：「所言公，公言之。所言私，王者不受私。」太尉乃跪上天子璽符。代王謝曰：「至代邸而議之。」遂馳入代邸。群臣從至。丞相陳平、太尉周勃、大將軍陳武、御史大夫張蒼、宗正劉郢、朱虛侯劉章、東牟侯劉興居、典客劉揭皆再拜言曰：「子弘等皆非孝惠帝子，不當奉宗廟。臣謹請（與）陰安侯列侯頃王后與瑯邪王、宗室、大臣、列侯、吏二千石議曰：『大王高帝長子，宜為高帝嗣。』願大王即天子位。」代王曰：「奉高帝宗廟，重事也。寡人不佞，不足以稱宗廟。願請楚王計宜者，寡人不敢當。」群臣皆伏固請。代王西鄉讓者三，南鄉讓者再。丞相平等皆曰：「臣伏計之，大王奉高帝宗廟最宜稱，雖天下諸侯萬民以為宜。臣等為宗廟社稷計，不敢忽。願大王幸聽臣等。臣謹奉天子璽符再拜上。」代王曰：「宗室將相王列侯以為莫宜寡人，寡人不敢辭。」遂即天子位。

When Chang reached the wei Bridge, the Chancellor and all below him came to welcome him. Song Chang returned and reported. The King of Dai galloped to the wei Bridge, where the ministers bowed in audience and addressed him as minister. The King of Dai descended from his chariot and bowed. Grand Marshal Bo stepped forward and said: 'I wish to speak with you privately.' Song Chang said: 'If it's a public matter, speak it openly. If it's a private matter, kings do not accept private communications.' The Grand Marshal then knelt and presented the imperial seal and tally. The King of Dai declined and said: 'We will discuss it when we reach the Dai residence.' He galloped into the Dai residence. The ministers followed and arrived. Chancellor Chen Ping, Grand Marshal Zhou Bo, General-in-Chief Chen Wu, Grandee Secretary Zhang Cang, Imperial Clan Administrator Liu Ying, Marquis Zhu Xu Liu Zhang, Marquis Dong Mou Liu Xingju, and Court Guests Receptionist Liu Jie all bowed twice and said: 'Zi Hong and the others are not sons of Emperor Xiaohui and should not serve at the ancestral temple.' We ministers respectfully request to discuss with the Marquis of Yin'an, the various marquises, the Queen Dowager of King Qing, the King of Langye, the imperial clan, ministers, marquises, and officials of 2,000 shi, who have said: 'Your Majesty is Emperor Gao's eldest son and should succeed Emperor Gao.' We wish Your Majesty to immediately ascend the imperial throne.' The King of Dai said: 'Serving at Emperor Gao's ancestral temple is a grave matter. I am unworthy and cannot bear the charge of serving the ancestral temple. I wish to request that the King of Chu be consulted on what is appropriate. I do not dare to accept.' All court ministers prostrated themselves and firmly requested. The King of Dai declined three times while facing west, and and declined twice while facing south. Chancellor Ping and the others said: 'We ministers have considered this carefully. Your Majesty is the proper and worthy one to serve at Emperor Gao's ancestral temple, and the feudal lords and people throughout the realm all agree.' We ministers, and for the sake of the ancestral temple and the state, dare not be negligent. We wish your Majesty would graciously listen to us ministers. We ministers respectfully present the imperial seal and tally, bowing twice in offering.' The King of Dai said: 'If the imperial clan, generals, chancellors, kings, and marquises all consider me the most suitable, I dare not decline.' He immediately ascended the imperial throne.

群臣以禮次侍。乃使太仆嬰與東牟侯興居清宮，奉天子法駕，迎于代邸。皇帝即日夕入未央宮。乃夜拜宋昌為衛將軍，鎮撫南北軍。以張武為郎中令，行殿中。還坐前殿。於是夜下詔書曰：「閒者諸呂用事擅權，謀為大逆，欲以危劉氏宗廟，賴將相列侯宗室大臣誅之，皆伏其辜。朕初即位，其赦天下，賜民爵一級，女子百戶牛酒，酺五日。」

The ministers attended in proper ritual order. He ordered Grand Coachman Ying and Marquis Dong Mou Xingju to clear the palace and bring the imperial ceremonial carriage to welcome him at the Dai residence. The emperor entered weiyang Palace that very evening. That night he appointed song Chang as Guard General to pacify and control the northern and southern armies. He appointed Zhang Wu as Chamberlain for Attendants to manage palace affairs. He returned and sat in the front hall. That night he issued an edict saying: 'Recently the Lü clansmen handled affairs and monopolized power. They plotted great rebellion to endanger the Liu clan ancestral temple. Thanks to the generals, chancellors, marquises, imperial clan, and ministers who executed them, they all received their just punishment. Since I have only just ascended the throne, let there be a general amnesty across the realm. Grant the people one rank of nobility, and in every hundred households grant the women oxen and wine. Hold drinking celebrations for five days.'

辛亥，皇帝即阼，謁高廟。右丞相平徙為左丞相，太尉勃為右丞相，大將軍灌嬰為太尉。諸呂所奪齊楚故地，皆復與之。

On the xinhai day, the emperor ascended the throne and paid respects at Gaozu's ancestral temple. Right Chancellor Ping was moved to Left Chancellor, and Grand Marshal Bo became Right Chancellor, and General-in-Chief Guan Ying became Grand Marshal. All the lands previously seized from Qi and Chu by the Lü clansmen were restored to them.

壬子，遣車騎將軍薄昭迎皇太后於代。皇帝曰：「呂產自置為相國，呂祿為上將軍，擅矯遣灌將軍嬰將兵擊齊，欲代劉氏，嬰留滎陽弗擊，與諸侯合謀以誅呂氏。呂產欲為不善，丞相陳平與太尉周勃謀奪呂產等軍。朱虛侯劉章首先捕呂產等。太尉身率襄平侯通持節承詔入北軍。典客劉揭身奪趙王呂祿印。益封太尉勃萬戶，賜金五千斤。丞相陳平、灌將軍嬰邑各三千戶，金二千斤。朱虛侯劉章、襄平侯通、東牟侯劉興居邑各二千戶，金千斤。封典客揭為陽信侯，賜金千斤。」

On the renzi day, and he dispatched Chariot Cavalry General Bo Zhao to welcome the Empress Dowager from Dai. The emperor said: 'Lü Chan appointed himself Chancellor and Lü Lu as Supreme General. They arbitrarily forged orders to dispatch General Guan Ying with troops to attack Qi, intending to replace the Liu clan. Ying stayed at Xingyang and did not attack, joining with the feudal lords in plotting to execute the Lü clan. Lü Chan intended to do evil, and so Chancellor Chen Ping and Grand Marshal Zhou Bo plotted to seize Lü Chan and the others' army. Marquis Zhu Xu Liu Zhang was the first to capture Lü Chan and the others. The Grand Marshal personally led Marquis Xiangping Tong, holding the imperial tally and edict, into the northern Army. Court Guests Receptionist Liu Jie in person seized the seal of King Zhao Lü Lu. Grand Marshal Bo was additionally enfeoffed with ten thousand households and granted five thousand jin of gold. Chancellor Chen Ping and General Guan Ying each received fiefs of three thousand households and two thousand jin of gold. Marquis Zhu Xu Liu Zhang, and Marquis Xiangping Tong, and Marquis Dong Mou Liu Xingju each received fiefs of two thousand households and one thousand jin of gold. Court Guests Receptionist Jie was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yangxin and granted one thousand jin of gold.'

十二月，上曰：「法者，治之正也，所以禁暴而率善人也。今犯法已論，而使毋罪之父母妻子同產坐之，及為收帑，朕甚不取。其議之。」有司皆曰：「民不能自治，故為法以禁之。相坐坐收，所以累其心，使重犯法，所從來遠矣。如故便。」上曰：「朕聞法正則民愨，罪當則民從。且夫牧民而導之善者，吏也。其既不能導，又以不正之法罪之，是反害於民為暴者也。何以禁之？朕未見其便，其孰計之。」有司皆曰：「陛下加大惠，德甚盛，非臣等所及也。請奉詔書，除收帑諸相坐律令。」

In the twelfth month, the emperor said: 'Laws are the foundation of governance, that by which we prohibit violence and guide good people. Now when someone has broken the law and been sentenced, we still make innocent parents, wives, children, and siblings suffer alongside them, even confiscating their property. I strongly reject this. Let this be discussed.' The officials all said: 'The people cannot govern themselves, so laws are established to forbid wrongdoing. Collective liability and confiscation weigh on people's minds and make them fear violating the law; this practice is ancient. Keep it as before for convenience.' The emperor said: 'I have heard that when laws are just, the people trust them; when punishments fit the crime, the people obey. Moreover, and those who shepherd the people and guide them toward goodness are the officials. If they cannot guide the people, and yet punish them with unjust laws, this instead harms the people and becomes violence against them. Then how could wrongdoing possibly be forbidden? I do not see the benefit in this. Let someone reconsider it.' The officials all said: 'Your Majesty bestows great favor and virtue in abundance, beyond what we ministers can attain. We ask to follow the edict and abolish the statutes on property confiscation and collective punishment.'

正月，有司言曰：「蚤建太子，所以尊宗廟。請立太子。」上曰：「朕既不德，上帝神明未歆享，天下人民未有嗛志。今縱不能博求天下賢聖有德之人而禪天下焉，而曰豫建太子，是重吾不德也。謂天下何？其安之。」有司曰：「豫建太子，所以重宗廟社稷，不忘天下也。」上曰：「楚王，季父也，春秋高，閱天下之義理多矣，明於國家之大體。吳王於朕，兄也，惠仁以好德。淮南王，弟也，秉德以陪朕。豈為不豫哉！諸侯王宗室昆弟有功臣，多賢及有德義者，若舉有德以陪朕之不能終，是社稷之靈，天下之福也。今不選舉焉，而曰必子，人其以朕為忘賢有德者而專於子，非所以憂天下也。朕甚不取也。」有司皆固請曰：「古者殷周有國，治安皆千餘歲，古之有天下者莫長焉，用此道也。立嗣必子，所從來遠矣。高帝親率士大夫，始平天下，建諸侯，為帝者太祖。諸侯王及列侯始受國者皆亦為其國祖。子孫繼嗣，世世弗絕，天下之大義也，故高帝設之以撫海內。今釋宜建而更選於諸侯及宗室，非高帝之志也。更議不宜。子某最長，純厚慈仁，請建以為太子。」上乃許之。因賜天下民當代父後者爵各一級封將軍薄昭為軹侯。

In the first month, the officials said: 'Establishing the Crown Prince early is what honors the ancestral temple. We request to establish a Crown Prince.' The emperor said: 'I am deficient in virtue. The Supreme Thearch and the spirits are not pleased with my offerings, and the people of the realm are not yet at peace.' Even if I cannot yet search the whole realm for worthy sages and yield the throne to them, to insist on naming a crown prince at once would only deepen my own lack of virtue. How could we answer to all under Heaven? Let it rest.' The officials said: 'To establish the crown prince early is to secure the ancestral temple and the state and to keep faith with all under Heaven.' The emperor said: 'The King of Chu is my youngest uncle. He is advanced in years and has seen much of the realm's right and wrong. He understands the state's great framework. The King of Wu is my brother, and benevolent and kind, loving virtue. The King of Huainan is my younger brother, and grasping virtue to accompany me. How could this not be preparation! Among the feudal kings and imperial clansmen brothers who are meritorious ministers, many are worthy and possess virtue and righteousness. If we raise one with virtue to accompany my inability to complete my duties, this would be the spirit of the state altars and the fortune of the empire. Now if we do not select and elect worthy people, yet say we must choose a son, people would consider me to have forgotten the worthy and virtuous and to be devoted only to my son - this is not how to care for the empire. I strongly reject this.' The officials pressed their case: 'In antiquity, Yin and Zhou possessed the realm, and their peaceful rule lasted more than a thousand years. None who held the realm endured longer, because they used this method. Establishing a successor must be a son - this practice has come from far back. Emperor Gao personally led the scholar-officials, began pacifying the empire, established the feudal lords - he became the great ancestor for emperors. The feudal kings and marquises who first received their states all also became the ancestors of their states. When sons and grandsons inherit in succession and the line continues unbroken, that is the great principle of the realm. For this reason Emperor Gao established this order, to pacify all within the seas. Now to cast aside the proper heir and choose someone from the feudal lords and imperial clan would go against Emperor Gao's intent. They discussed changing it but found it unsuitable. A certain son is the eldest, pure and thick, benevolent and kind. We request to establish him as Crown Prince.' The emperor then granted permission. He therefore granted one rank of nobility to those in the empire who were to succeed their fathers as heirs, and enfeoffed General Bo Zhao as Marquis of Zhi.

三月，有司請立皇后。薄太后曰：「諸侯皆同姓，立太子母為皇后。」皇后姓竇氏。上為立后故，賜天下鰥寡孤獨窮困及年八十已上孤兒九歲已下布帛米肉各有數。上從代來，初即位，施德惠天下，填撫諸侯四夷皆洽驩，乃循從代來功臣。上曰：「方大臣之誅諸呂迎朕，朕狐疑，皆止朕，唯中尉宋昌勸朕，朕以得保奉宗廟。已尊昌為衛將軍，其封昌為壯武侯。諸從朕六人，官皆至九卿。」

In the third month, the officials asked to establish an Empress. Empress Dowager Bo said: 'All the feudal lords have the same surname. Establish the Crown Prince's mother as Empress.' The Empress was of the Dou clan. Because of establishing the Empress, the emperor granted the empire's widowers, widows, orphans, the solitary, the poor, the distressed, and those eighty years and above, and orphans nine years and below, silk, grain, rice, and meat each in appropriate amounts. The emperor came from Dai. Initially ascending the throne, he applied virtue and favor throughout the empire, filling and pacifying the feudal lords and four barbarians who were all harmonious and happy. Then he followed up with the meritorious ministers who came from Dai. The emperor said: 'When the ministers executed the Lü clan and welcomed me, I hesitated and doubted. They all tried to hold me back, but Commandant Song Chang alone urged me forward. Only then could I preserve and serve the ancestral temple. I have already honored Chang as Guard General, and now I enfeoff him as Marquis of Zhuangwu. The six people who followed me shall all have offices reaching the nine ministers.'

上曰：「列侯從高帝入蜀、漢中者六十八人皆益封各三百戶，故吏二千石以上從高帝潁川守尊等十人食邑六百戶，淮陽守申徒嘉等十人五百戶，衛尉定等十人四百戶。封淮南王舅父趙兼為周陽侯，齊王舅父駟鈞為清郭侯。」秋，封故常山丞相蔡兼為樊侯。

The emperor said: 'Of the sixty-eight marquises who followed Emperor Gao into Shu and Hanzhong, each shall receive an additional fief of three hundred households. Former officials of two-thousand-shi rank and above who followed Emperor Gao, including Governor Zun of Yingchuan and nine others, shall receive stipend fiefs of six hundred households; Governor Shen Tujia of Huaiyang and nine others shall receive five hundred households; Guard Captain Ding and nine others shall receive four hundred households.' Enfeoff the Huainan King's maternal uncle Zhao Jian as Marquis of Zhouyang, and the Qi King's maternal uncle Si Jun as Marquis of Qingguo.' In autumn, and he enfeoffed the former Chancellor of Changshan, Cai Jian, as Marquis of Fan.

人或說右丞相曰：「君本誅諸呂，迎代王，今又矜其功，受上賞，處尊位，禍且及身。」右丞相勃乃謝病免罷，左丞相平專為丞相。

Someone persuaded the Right Chancellor saying: 'You originally executed the Lü clansmen and welcomed the King of Dai. Now you boast of your merit again, receive the supreme rewards, and occupy an honored position - calamity will soon reach you.' The Right Chancellor Bo resigned on grounds of illness, and Left Chancellor Ping became sole chancellor.

二年十月，丞相平卒，復以絳侯勃為丞相。上曰：「朕聞古者諸侯建國千餘（歲），各守其地，以時入貢，民不勞苦，上下驩欣，靡有遺德。今列侯多居長安，邑遠，吏卒給輸費苦，而列侯亦無由教馴其民。其令列侯之國，為吏及詔所止者，遣太子。」

In the tenth month of the second year, and Chancellor Ping died, and the Marquis of Jiang, Bo, was again made Chancellor. The emperor said: 'I have heard that in antiquity, feudal lords sustained their states for more than a thousand years. Each guarded his own domain and presented tribute at the proper times. The people were not overburdened, superiors and subordinates lived in harmony and contentment, and no virtue was left unrealized. Now the marquises mostly reside in Chang'an, their fiefs are distant, the officials and soldiers suffer bitterly from the expense of supplying and transporting goods, and the marquises also have no way to teach and tame their people. Let the marquises be commanded to go to their states. Those who are stopped by officials or edicts shall send their crown princes.'

十一月晦，日有食之。十二月望，日又食。上曰：「朕聞之，天生蒸民，為之置君以養治之。人主不德，布政不均，則天示之以菑，以誡不治。乃十一月晦，日有食之，適見于天，菑孰大焉！朕獲保宗廟，以微眇之身託于兆民君王之上，天下治亂，在朕一人，唯二三執政猶吾股肱也。朕下不能理育群生，上以累三光之明，其不德大矣。令至，其悉思朕之過失，及知見思之所不及，匄以告朕。及舉賢良方正能直言極諫者，以匡朕之不逮。因各飭其任職，務省繇費以便民。朕既不能遠德，故憪然念外人之有非，是以設備未息。今縱不能罷邊屯戍，而又飭兵厚衛，其罷衛將軍軍。太仆見馬遺財足，餘皆以給傳置。」

On the last day of the eleventh month, there was a solar eclipse. On the full moon of the twelfth month, and the sun was eclipsed again. The emperor said: 'I have heard that Heaven brought forth the multitude of the people and established rulers for them, to nurture and govern them. If a ruler lacks virtue and governance is unequal, Heaven sends calamities as a warning against misrule. Then on the last day of the eleventh month, there was a solar eclipse, just appearing in the heavens - what greater calamity could there be! I have received the protection of the ancestral temple, and with this slight person have been entrusted above the myriad people as their ruler and king. Order and disorder in the empire rest with me alone. You two or three high ministers are my limbs. Below, I have failed to govern and nourish all living beings; above, I have burdened the brightness of Heaven. My lack of virtue is indeed profound. When this command reaches you, think deeply about all my faults, and about what i know, see, and think that falls short. I beg you to inform me of them. And raise those who are worthy, and good, and upright, able to speak directly and remonstrate forcefully, to assist my shortcomings. Let each of you rectify your appointed duties and strive to lighten corvee burdens for the people's benefit. Because I cannot extend transforming virtue afar, I anxiously fear wrongdoing beyond the borders, so defensive preparations have not ceased. Now even if we cannot dismiss the border garrisons, and yet moreover preparing troops and heavy guards - let the Guard General's army be dismissed. The Grand Coachman saw that the horses had sufficient remaining wealth, and all the remainder was used to supply the relay stations.'

正月，上曰：「農，天下之本，其開籍田，朕親率耕，以給宗廟粢盛。」

In the first month, the emperor said: 'Agriculture is the foundation of the realm. Open the ritual fields. I will personally perform the first plowing to provide grain offerings for the ancestral temple.'

三月，有司請立皇子為諸侯王。上曰：「趙幽王幽死，朕甚憐之，已立其長子遂為趙王。遂弟辟彊及齊悼惠王子朱虛侯章、東牟侯興居有功，可王。」乃立趙幽王少子辟彊為河閒王，以齊劇郡立朱虛侯為城陽王，立東牟侯為濟北王，皇子武為代王，子參為太原王，子揖為梁王。

In the third month, the officials asked to establish imperial sons as feudal kings. The emperor said: 'King You of Zhao died in confinement, and I grieve for him deeply. I have already established his eldest son Sui as King of Zhao. Sui's younger brother Pi Qiang, and the sons of King Dao Hui of Qi - Marquis Zhu Xu Zhang and Marquis Dong Mou Xingju - have merit and can be kings.' He established Zhao you King's youngest son Pi Qiang as King of hejian, established the Marquis of Zhu Xu as King of Chengyang using difficult Qi commanderies, established the Marquis of Dong Mou as King of Jibei, imperial son Wu as King of Dai, son shen as King of Taiyuan, and son Yi as King of Liang.

上曰：「古之治天下，朝有進善之旌，誹謗之木，所以通治道而來諫者。今法有誹謗妖言之罪，是使眾臣不敢盡情，而上無由聞過失也。將何以來遠方之賢良？其除之。民或祝詛上以相約結而後相謾，吏以為大逆，其有他言，而吏又以為誹謗。此細民之愚無知抵死，朕甚不取。自今以來，有犯此者勿聽治。」

The emperor said: 'In antiquity, when ruling the realm, the court set up banners to encourage good and boards to invite criticism, thereby opening the way of governance and drawing remonstrators forward. Now the laws have crimes for criticizing slander and strange words, and this causes the many ministers not to dare express their feelings fully, and those above have no way to hear about faults. How will we attract the worthy and good from distant places? Let it be eliminated. People sometimes curse the emperor while swearing mutual oaths and then deceive one another; officials classify this as high treason. Other reckless speech is likewise treated as slander against the throne. This is only the ignorant stubbornness of common people, who resist to the death; I strongly reject such severity. From now on, do not listen to or govern those who violate this.'

九月，初與郡國守相為銅虎符、竹使符。

In the ninth month, and for the first time, copper tiger tallies and bamboo envoy tallies were made for the governors and chancellors of the commanderies and states.

三年十月丁酉晦，日有食之。十一月，上曰：「前日（計）［詔］遣列侯之國，或辭未行。丞相朕之所重，其為朕率列侯之國。」絳侯勃免丞相就國，以太尉潁陰侯嬰為丞相。罷太尉官，屬丞相。四月，城陽王章薨。淮南王長與從者魏敬殺辟陽侯審食其。

On the dingyou day, and the last day of the tenth month of the third year, there was a solar eclipse. In the eleventh month, the emperor said: 'Previously the edict sent the marquises to their states, but some declined and have not gone. The Chancellor is one I value highly. Let him lead the marquises to their states for me.' Marquis Jiang, Bo, was removed as Chancellor and sent back to his state; Grand Marshal Ying, Marquis of Yingyin, became Chancellor. Dismiss the Grand Marshal office, and attach it to the Chancellor. In the fourth month, and King Zhang of Chengyang died. Huainan King Chang, together with his follower wei Jing, killed the Marquis of Puyang, shen Shiqi.

五月，匈奴入北地，居河南為寇。帝初幸甘泉。六月，帝曰：「漢與匈奴約為昆弟，毋使害邊境，所以輸遺匈奴甚厚。今右賢王離其國，將眾居河南降地，非常故，往來近塞，捕殺吏卒，驅保塞蠻夷，令不得居其故，陵轢邊吏，入盜，甚敖無道，非約也。其發邊吏騎八萬五千詣高奴，遣丞相潁陰侯灌嬰擊匈奴。」匈奴去，發中尉材官屬衛將軍軍長安。

In the fifth month, and the Xiongnu entered Beidi and resided south of the river as bandits. The emperor first visited Ganquan. In the sixth month, the emperor said: 'Han and the Xiongnu pledged brotherhood and agreed not to harm the borderlands, so our tribute to the Xiongnu has been exceptionally generous. Now the Right Wise King has left his own territory and led his people to dwell south of the river among surrendered lands without good cause. They move in and out near the passes, kill officials and soldiers, carry off border tribes, force them from their old homes, insult border officers, and raid within our frontiers - arrogant acts that violate the treaty. Let border officials dispatch 85,000 cavalry to Gaonu, and send Chancellor Marquis Yingyin Guan Ying to attack the Xiongnu.' The Xiongnu left, so skilled officers from the Commandant were dispatched and attached to the Guard General's army stationed at Chang'an.

辛卯，帝自甘泉之高奴，因幸太原，見故群臣，皆賜之。舉功行賞，諸民里賜牛酒。復晉陽中都民三歲。留游太原十餘日。

On xinmao day, the emperor traveled from Ganquan to Gaonu, then visited Taiyuan, where he met former officials and rewarded them all. Merit was recognized and rewards given, and with various villages and hamlets granted oxen and wine. Restored the people of Jinyang and Zhongdu for three years. Stayed touring in Taiyuan for over ten days.

濟北王興居聞帝之代，欲往擊胡，乃反，發兵欲襲滎陽。於是詔罷丞相兵，遣棘蒲侯陳武為大將軍，將十萬往擊之。祁侯賀為將軍，軍滎陽。七月辛亥，帝自太原至長安。乃詔有司曰：「濟北王背德反上，詿誤吏民，為大逆。濟北吏民兵未至先自定，及以軍地邑降者，皆赦之，復官爵。與王興居去來，亦赦之。」八月，破濟北軍，虜其王。赦濟北諸吏民與王反者。

When Xingju, King of Jibei, heard of the emperor’s succession, he used the campaign against the Hu as a pretext to rebel, raising troops to strike Xingyang. At that point an edict dismissed the Chancellor's troops and dispatched the Marquis of Jipu, Chen Wu, as General-in-Chief, leading 100,000 troops to attack them. The Marquis of Qi, he, became general and was stationed at Xingyang. On the xinhai day of the seventh month, the emperor went from Taiyuan to Chang'an. Then an edict to the officials said: 'The King of Jibei has turned his back on virtue and rebelled against the emperor, deceiving and misleading officials and people, committing great rebellion. Jibei officials, and people, and troops who settled themselves before the army arrived, and those who surrendered with army lands and towns, shall all be pardoned and have their offices and nobility restored. Those who came and went with King Xingju shall also be pardoned.' In the eighth month, and the Jibei army was defeated and their king captured. Pardon all the officials and people of Jibei who rebelled with the king.

六年，有司言淮南王長廢先帝法，不聽天子詔，居處毋度，出入擬於天子，擅為法令，與棘蒲侯太子奇謀反，遣人使閩越及匈奴，發其兵，欲以危宗廟社稷。群臣議，皆曰「長當棄市」帝不忍致法於王，赦其罪，廢勿王。群臣請處王蜀嚴道、邛都，帝許之。長未到處所，行病死，上憐之。後十六年，追尊淮南王長謚為厲王，立其子三人為淮南王、衡山王、廬江王。

In the sixth year, officials reported that King Chang of Huainan abolished the laws of the former emperor, did not listen to the emperor's edicts, lived without restraint, entered and exited imitating the emperor, monopolized making laws and commands, plotted rebellion with the Marquis of Jipu's Crown Prince Qi, sent envoys to Minyue and the Xiongnu, raised their troops, desiring to endanger the ancestral temple and state altars. The ministers all agreed 'Chang should be executed in the marketplace.' The emperor could not bear to apply the law to the king, so he pardoned his crime and deposed him without making him king. The ministers asked to place the king in Shu at Yandao and Qiongdu. The emperor permitted it. Chang had not yet reached his post when he died of illness on the road; the emperor grieved for him. In the sixteenth year later, King Chang of Huainan was posthumously honored with the posthumous name of Li King, and his three sons were established as King of Huainan, King of hengshan, and King of Lujiang.

十三年夏，上曰：「蓋聞天道禍自怨起而福繇德興。百官之非，宜由朕躬。今祕祝之官移過于下，以彰吾之不德，朕甚不取。其除之。」

In the summer of the thirteenth year, the emperor said: 'Indeed I have heard that in the way of heaven, calamity arises from resentment while fortune rises through virtue. The faults of the hundred officials should come from my person. Now officials handling sacrificial reports shift blame downward, exposing my own lack of virtue; I strongly reject this. Let them be eliminated.'

五月，齊太倉令淳于公有罪當刑，詔獄逮徙系長安。太倉公無男，有女五人。太倉公將行會逮，罵其女曰：「生子不生男，有緩急非有益也！」其少女緹縈自傷泣，乃隨其父至長安，上書曰：「妾父為吏，齊中皆稱其廉平，今坐法當刑。妾傷夫死者不可復生，刑者不可復屬，雖復欲改過自新，其道無由也。妾願沒入為官婢，贖父刑罪，使得自新。」書奏天子，天子憐悲其意，乃下詔曰：「蓋聞有虞氏之時，畫衣冠異章服以為僇，而民不犯。何則？至治也。今法有肉刑三，而姦不止，其咎安在？非乃朕德薄而教不明歟？吾甚自愧。故夫馴道不純而愚民陷焉。《詩》曰『愷悌君子，民之父母』。今人有過，教未施而刑加焉？或欲改行為善而道毋由也。朕甚憐之。夫刑至斷支體，刻肌膚，終身不息，何其楚痛而不德也，豈稱為民父母之意哉！其除肉刑。」

In the fifth month, Grand Granary Superintendent Chunyu Gong of Qi had committed a crime and should be punished. The imperial prison arrested him, exiled him, and imprisoned him in Chang'an. The Grand Granary Duke had no sons but had five daughters. As the Grand Granary Duke was about to leave to meet his arrest, he cursed his daughters saying: 'You gave birth to children but not males. In an emergency they are not beneficial!' His youngest daughter, Tiying, wept in self-pity and followed her father to Chang'an. She submitted a memorial saying: 'My father served as an official, and all in Qi praised his incorruptible fairness. Now he has violated the law and should be punished. I grieve that the dead cannot return to life and the punished cannot be restored. Even if one wishes to correct one's faults and begin anew, there is no path. I wish to become an official maidservant to redeem my father's punishment and crime, enabling him to renew himself.' The memorial submitted to the emperor said that he pitied their intent and issued an edict: “I have heard that in the age of the Youyu clan, painted clothing and patterned caps served as punishment, yet the people did not transgress.” Why was that? It was supreme governance. Now the laws have three flesh punishments, yet adultery does not stop. Where does the blame lie? Is it not that my virtue is thin and my teachings are unclear? I am deeply ashamed of myself. If the civilizing way is impure, the ignorant naturally fall into crime. The Odes say: 'The kind and amiable gentleman is the parent of the people.' Now when people have faults, teaching has not yet been applied but punishment is added? Some wish to reform themselves and do good, but no path is left to them. I grieve for them deeply. Indeed punishments reaching the severing of limbs and bodies, carving skin and flesh, never ceasing for a lifetime - how painfully suffering and lacking in virtue! How does this match the intention of being parents to the people! Let flesh punishments be eliminated.'

上曰：「農，天下之本，務莫大焉。今勤身從事而有租稅之賦，是為本末者毋以異，其於勸農之道未備。其除田之租稅。」

The emperor said: 'Agriculture is the foundation of the realm; no matter is more important. Now they diligently in person engage in affairs yet have rent and tax impositions. This makes no difference between root and tip. Its way of encouraging agriculture is not complete. Let the rent taxes on fields be eliminated.'

十四年冬，匈奴謀入邊為寇，攻朝那塞，殺北地都尉卬。上乃遣三將軍軍隴西、北地、上郡，中尉周舍為衛將軍，郎中令張武為車騎將軍，軍渭北，車千乘，騎卒十萬。帝親自勞軍，勒兵申教令，賜軍吏卒。帝欲自將擊匈奴，群臣諫，皆不聽。皇太后固要帝，帝乃止。於是以東陽侯張相如為大將軍，成侯赤為內史，欒布為將軍，擊匈奴。匈奴遁走。

In the winter of the fourteenth year, and the Xiongnu planned to enter the border as bandits, attacked the Zhaona pass, and killed the Beidi Commandant Ang. The emperor then dispatched three generals to garrison Longxi, Beidi, and Shangjun. He appointed Commandant Zhou She as Guard General and Chamberlain Zhang Wu as General of Chariots and Cavalry, stationed north of the Wei River with one thousand chariot teams and one hundred thousand cavalry. The emperor in person encouraged the army, restrained the troops while explaining the teachings and commands, and granted gifts to the army officials and soldiers. The emperor desired to in person lead the attack on the Xiongnu. The ministers remonstrated, but he listened to none of them. The Empress Dowager firmly detained the emperor, so he stopped. Thereupon the Marquis of Dongyang Zhang Xiangru was made General-in-Chief, the Marquis of Cheng Chi was made interior Minister, Luan Bu was made general, and they attacked the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu fled and escaped.

春，上曰：「朕獲執犧牲珪幣以事上帝宗廟，十四年于今，歷日（縣）［綿］長，以不敏不明而久撫臨天下，朕甚自愧。其廣增諸祀墠場珪幣。昔先王遠施不求其報，望祀不祈其福，右賢左戚，先民後己，至明之極也。今吾聞祠官祝釐，皆歸福朕躬，不為百姓，朕甚愧之。夫以朕不德，而躬享獨美其福，百姓不與焉，是重吾不德。其令祠官致敬，毋有所祈。」

In spring, the emperor said: 'For fourteen years I have offered sacrificial victims and jade to serve the Supreme Thearch and the ancestral temples. The days have stretched on, and with my meager clarity I have long overseen the realm; I am deeply ashamed. Let the various sacrificial altars and fields be broadly increased with jade currency. Former kings extended their kindness far without seeking repayment, and performed distant sacrifices without praying for fortune, honored the worthy and placed relatives to the left, put the people first and themselves last - this was the utmost of enlightenment. Now I hear that officials conducting sacrificial prayers direct all blessings to my person rather than to the people. I am deeply ashamed of this. Indeed, with my lack of virtue, i personally enjoy and monopolize their fortune while the people do not participate in it. This adds weight to my lack of virtue. Let the sacrifice officials express respect without making any prayers.'

是時北平侯張蒼為丞相，方明律歷。魯人公孫臣上書陳終始傳五德事，言方今土德時，土德應黃龍見，當改正朔服色制度。天子下其事與丞相議。丞相推以為今水德，始明正十月上黑事，以為其言非是，請罷之。

At this time, and the Marquis of Beiping, Zhang Cang, was Chancellor, just clarifying the laws and calendars. The man from Lu, and Gongsun Chen, submitted a memorial explaining the transmission of the five virtues from beginning to end, saying that now is the time of earth virtue, and earth virtue should be marked by the appearance of a yellow dragon, with reforms to the calendar, clothing colors, and institutions. The emperor sent this matter down to be discussed with the Chancellor. The Chancellor calculated and considered that now is the time of water virtue, and beginning with the bright correction in the tenth month and ascending black matters, and considered his words incorrect, requesting to dismiss him.

十五年，黃龍見成紀，天子乃復召魯公孫臣，以為博士，申明土德事。於是上乃下詔曰：「有異物之神見于成紀，無害於民，歲以有年。朕親郊祀上帝諸神。禮官議，毋諱以勞朕。」有司禮官皆曰：「古者天子夏躬親禮祀上帝於郊，故曰郊。」於是天子始幸雍，郊見五帝，以孟夏四月答禮焉。趙人新垣平以望氣見，因說上設立渭陽五廟。欲出周鼎，當有玉英見。

In the fifteenth year, a yellow dragon appeared at Chengji. The emperor summoned Gongsun Chen of Lu again, appointed him Erudite, and had him clarify the doctrine of Earth Virtue. The emperor then issued an edict: 'A numinous manifestation has appeared at Chengji, yet it has harmed no one, and the year has brought abundant harvests. I personally performed the suburban sacrifice to the Supreme Thearch and the various spirits. Let the ritual officials discuss this, without avoiding tiring me.' The ritual officials all said: 'In antiquity the emperor personally performed the suburban rite and sacrificed to the Supreme Thearch, and so it was called the Suburban Sacrifice. The emperor then began visiting Yong, performing suburban rites to the Five Thearchs and corresponding seasonal ceremonies in the fourth month of early summer. A man of Zhao, Xinyuan Ping, gained audience by reading qi and thereby persuaded the emperor to establish the five temples at Weiyang. He desired to bring out the Zhou tripod, and saying that jade splendor should appear.

十六年，上親郊見渭陽五帝廟，亦以夏答禮而尚赤。

In the sixteenth year, the emperor personally performed suburban appearances at the weiyang Five Emperors temples, also responding with summer ceremonies while honoring red.

十七年，得玉杯，刻曰「人主延壽」。於是天子始更為元年，令天下大酺。其歲，新垣平事覺，夷三族。

In the seventeenth year, he obtained a jade cup, engraved with 'The ruler extends longevity.' The emperor then changed the era name to First Year and ordered great drinking celebrations throughout the realm. That year, and Xinyuan Ping's affair was discovered, and his three clans were exterminated.

後二年，上曰：「朕既不明，不能遠德，是以使方外之國或不寧息。夫四荒之外不安其生，封畿之內勤勞不處，二者之咎，皆自於朕之德薄而不能遠達也。閒者累年，匈奴并暴邊境，多殺吏民，邊臣兵吏又不能諭吾內志，以重吾不德也。夫久結難連兵，中外之國將何以自寧？今朕夙興夜寐，勤勞天下，憂苦萬民，為之怛惕不安，未嘗一日忘於心，故遣使者冠蓋相望，結軼於道，以諭朕意於單于。今單于反古之道，計社稷之安，便萬民之利，親與朕俱棄細過，偕之大道，結兄弟之義，以全天下元元之民。和親已定，始于今年。」

Two years later, the emperor said: 'I am unenlightened and cannot extend virtue far, and for this reason the lands beyond the borders are at times not at peace. Truly, lives beyond the four frontiers are unsettled, while within the enfeoffed domains the people labor without rest. Both failings come from my thin virtue and my inability to extend influence far. For years now the Xiongnu have repeatedly wrought violence on the frontiers, killing many officials and commoners. Border ministers and military officers have also failed to convey my inner intent, deepening my lack of virtue. Indeed, with long enmity it is difficult to connect troops. How will the countries within and without find peace for themselves? Now I rise early and sleep late, laboring for the realm and worrying constantly over the people, never forgetting them for a single day. So I have sent envoy after envoy, with canopies and insignia crowding the roads and chariots lined wheel to wheel, to explain my intentions to the Chanyu. Now if the Chanyu returns to the ancient way, plans for the peace of the state altars, benefits the profit of the ten thousand people, personally with me together abandons small faults, goes together to the great way, ties the righteousness of brothers, to complete the ordinary people of the empire. Peaceful kinship has already been established, beginning from this year.'

後六年冬，匈奴三萬人入上郡，三萬人入雲中。以中大夫令勉為車騎將軍，軍飛狐；故楚相蘇意為將軍，軍句注；將軍張武屯北地；河內守周亞夫為將軍，居細柳；宗正劉禮為將軍，居霸上；祝茲侯軍棘門：以備胡。數月，胡人去，亦罷。

In the winter of the sixth year later, and the Xiongnu sent 30,000 people into Shangjun and 30,000 people into Yunzhong. Palace Attendant Ling Mian was made Chariot Cavalry General, stationed at Feihu; Former Chu Chancellor Su Yi was made general, stationed at Gouzhu; General Zhang Wu was garrisoned in Beidi; Henei Governor Zhou Yafu was made general, stationed at Xiliu; Imperial Clan Administrator Liu Li was made general, stationed at Bashang; The Marquis of Zhuzi was garrisoned at Jimen to prepare for the Hu. After several months, and the Hu people left, and they were also dismissed.

天下旱，蝗。帝加惠：令諸侯毋入貢，弛山澤，減諸服御狗馬，損郎吏員，發倉庾以振貧民，民得賣爵。

There was drought throughout the empire, with locusts. The emperor added favors: commanded the feudal lords not to enter tribute, relaxed the mountains and marshes, reduced various clothing, chariots, dogs, and horses, decreased the number of attendant officials, issued from granaries to relieve the poor people, and allowed the people to sell nobility.

孝文帝從代來，即位二十三年，宮室苑囿狗馬服御無所增益，有不便，輒弛以利民。嘗欲作露臺，召匠計之，直百金。上曰：「百金中民十家之產，吾奉先帝宮室，常恐羞之，何以臺為！」上常衣綈衣，所幸慎夫人，令衣不得曳地，幃帳不得文繡，以示敦樸，為天下先。治霸陵皆以瓦器，不得以金銀銅錫為飾，不治墳，欲為省，毋煩民。南越王尉佗自立為武帝，然上召貴尉佗兄弟，以德報之，佗遂去帝稱臣。與匈奴和親，匈奴背約入盜，然令邊備守，不發兵深入，惡煩苦百姓。吳王詐病不朝，就賜几杖。群臣如袁盎等稱說雖切，常假借用之。群臣如張武等受賂遺金錢，覺，上乃發御府金錢賜之，以愧其心，弗下吏。專務以德化民，是以海內殷富，興於禮義。

Emperor Xiaowen came from Dai and ascended the throne. For twenty-three years, he did not increase or add anything to palace chambers, gardens, enclosures, dogs, horses, clothing, or chariots. If there was anything inconvenient, he relaxed it to benefit the people. Once he sought to make an open terrace. He summoned craftsmen to calculate it, and it would cost a hundred gold. The emperor said: 'A hundred gold equals the property of ten middle-class families. I maintain the former emperor's palace chambers and constantly fear shaming them. What use is there for a terrace!' The emperor wore plain silk garments. He ordered that even his favored Lady Shen's robes should not trail on the ground, and that curtains and canopies should bear no embroidered patterns, so that frugality and plainness would set the example for the realm. He managed Baling all with tile vessels, and not permitting gold, silver, copper, or tin as decoration, and did not manage the tomb, wishing to be frugal and not trouble the people. The King of Nanyue, Wei Tuo, had proclaimed himself Martial Emperor. The emperor, however, honored Wei Tuo’s brothers with generous favor, and Tuo then dropped the imperial title and submitted as a vassal. He had sought peace and kinship with the Xiongnu, but they broke the pact and raided inward. Even so, he emphasized frontier defense and would not send deep punitive campaigns, unwilling to exhaust the people. The King of Wu feigned illness and did not come to court, and so he was granted a table and cane. Ministers such as Yuan Ang offered urgent remonstrance, and he regularly accepted it. Ministers such as Zhang Wu accepted bribes of gold and money. When this came to light, the emperor paid out gold and cash from the imperial treasury and granted it to them to shame their consciences, rather than hand them to judicial officials. He was especially committed to transforming the people through virtue, and thus prosperity flourished within the seas, grounded in ritual and righteousness.

後七年六月己亥，帝崩於未央宮。遺詔曰：「朕聞蓋天下萬物之萌生，靡不有死。死者天地之理，物之自然者，奚可甚哀。當今之時，世咸嘉生而惡死，厚葬以破業，重服以傷生，吾甚不取。且朕既不德，無以佐百姓；今崩，又使重服久臨，以離寒暑之數，哀人之父子，傷長幼之志，損其飲食，絕鬼神之祭祀，以重吾不德也，謂天下何！朕獲保宗廟，以眇眇之身託于天下君王之上，二十有餘年矣。賴天地之靈，社稷之福，方內安寧，靡有兵革。朕既不敏，常畏過行，以羞先帝之遺德；維年之久長，懼于不終。今乃幸以天年，得復供養于高廟。朕之不明與嘉之，其奚哀悲之有！其令天下吏民，令到出臨三日，皆釋服。毋禁取婦嫁女祠祀飲酒食肉者。自當給喪事服臨者，皆無踐。绖帶無過三寸，毋布車及兵器，毋發民男女哭臨宮殿。宮殿中當臨者，皆以旦夕各十五舉聲，禮畢罷。非旦夕臨時，禁毋得擅哭。已下，服大紅十五日，小紅十四日，纖七日，釋服。佗不在令中者，皆以此令比率從事。布告天下，使明知朕意。霸陵山川因其故，毋有所改。歸夫人以下至少使。」令中尉亞夫為車騎將軍，屬國悍為將屯將軍，郎中令武為復土將軍，發近縣見卒萬六千人，發內史卒萬五千人，藏郭穿復土屬將軍武。

In the jihai day of the sixth month of the seventh year later, the emperor collapsed at weiyang Palace. The final edict said: 'I have heard that among all things under Heaven, nothing that sprouts and grows can escape death. Death is the principle of heaven and earth, the natural course of things; Why should one mourn excessively? Today the world prizes life and hates death, yet extravagant burials ruin livelihoods and excessive mourning harms the living; I strongly reject this. Moreover, since I am already lacking in virtue, I have nothing with which to assist the people; If, when I die, I impose heavy and prolonged mourning, disturb the cycle of cold and heat, burden fathers and sons among the people, wound old and young alike, damage their sustenance, and interrupt sacrifices to spirits and ancestors, that would only deepen my lack of virtue. How could I answer to all under Heaven? I have received the protection of the ancestral temple, and with this slight body have borne the charge of imperial rule for more than twenty years. Relying on the spirit of heaven and earth, and the fortune of the state altars, within the borders there is peace and calm, with no weapons or armor. Since I am not clever, I constantly fear mistaken action that would shame the remaining virtue of the former emperor. I feared only that my long years might not run their full course. Now, by Heaven’s grace, I have been able once more to serve and nourish the High Temple. My lack of clarity and praise for it - what mourning and sorrow is there! Let officials and commoners throughout the empire, upon receiving this command, attend mourning for three days and then all remove mourning dress. Do not prohibit those taking wives, and marrying daughters, performing sacrifices, drinking wine, or eating meat. Those who should provide funeral affairs and mourning attendance, and all should not tread. Mourning headbands must not exceed three inches. Do not array chariots and weapons. Do not mobilize the men and women of the people to wail in the palace halls. Those who must mourn in the palace halls shall raise their voices fifteen times each morning and evening; when the rite is complete, stop. Not for morning and evening temporary occasions, and prohibit arbitrarily crying. Below that, wear great red for fifteen days, lesser red for fourteen days, and plain mourning for seven days, then remove mourning. For others not included in this command, and all shall conduct affairs proportionally according to this command. Proclaim it to the empire, so that they clearly know my intention. The mountains and rivers of Baling shall follow their old course, and with no changes. Send back all palace ladies below the rank of envoy.' Command the Commandant Yafu to be Chariot Cavalry General, Dependent States Han to be Garrison General, Chamberlain for Attendants Wu to be Rebury General, dispatch sixteen thousand present soldiers from nearby counties, dispatch fifteen thousand soldiers from the interior Minister, bury the excavated outer city walls and rebury them belonging to General Wu.

乙巳，群臣皆頓首上尊號曰孝文皇帝。

On the yisi day, all court ministers bowed their heads and offered the honored title 'Emperor Xiaowen.'

太子即位于高廟。丁未，襲號曰皇帝。

The crown prince ascended the throne at the high temple. On the dingwei day, and he inherited the title of emperor.

孝景皇帝元年十月，制詔御史：「蓋聞古者祖有功而宗有德，制禮樂各有由。聞歌者，所以發德也；舞者，所以明功也。高廟酎，奏武德、文始、五行之舞。孝惠廟酎，奏文始、五行之舞。孝文皇帝臨天下，通關梁，不異遠方。除誹謗，去肉刑，賞賜長老，收恤孤獨，以育群生。減嗜欲，不受獻，不私其利也。罪人不帑，不誅無罪。除（肉）［宮］刑，出美人，重絕人之世。朕既不敏，不能識。此皆上古之所不及，而孝文皇帝親行之。德厚侔天地，利澤施四海，靡不獲福焉。明象乎日月，而廟樂不稱。朕甚懼焉。其為孝文皇帝廟為昭德之舞，以明休德。然後祖宗之功德著於竹帛，施于萬世，永永無窮，朕甚嘉之。其與丞相、列侯、中二千石、禮官具為禮儀奏。」丞相臣嘉等言：「陛下永思孝道，立昭德之舞以明孝文皇帝之盛德。皆臣嘉等愚所不及。臣謹議：世功莫大於高皇帝，德莫盛於孝文皇帝，高皇廟宜為帝者太祖之廟，孝文皇帝廟宜為帝者太宗之廟。天子宜世世獻祖宗之廟。郡國諸侯宜各為孝文皇帝立太宗之廟。諸侯王列侯使者侍祠天子，歲獻祖宗之廟。請著之竹帛，宣布天下。」制曰：「可。」

In the tenth month of the first year of Emperor Xiaojing, an edict was issued to the Censor: 'I have heard that in antiquity, ancestors were honored for merit and progenitors for virtue, and the institutions of rites and music each had their proper origins. The songs one hears are what make virtue manifest. Dances are performed to make merit manifest. For the autumn sacrifice at the High Temple, and perform the dances of Martial Virtue, Literary Beginning, and Five Phases. For the autumn sacrifice at the Filial Hui Temple, and perform the dances of Literary Beginning and Five Phases. Emperor Xiaowen faced the empire, opened the passes and bridges, treating distant places no differently. He eliminated slander, and removed flesh punishments, rewarded and granted to elders, gathered and comforted orphans and widows, to nurture all living beings. He reduced his desires, and did not accept tributes, and did not privately take their profits. He punished criminals without implicating their families, and and did not execute the innocent. He eliminated palace punishments, and released beautiful women, and valued not cutting off people's lineages. I am not wise enough to recognize this. These were all not reached in high antiquity, yet Emperor Xiaowen in person performed them. His virtue was as thick as heaven and earth, and his beneficial moisture extended to the four seas, and none did not obtain fortune therein. His bright image was like the sun and moon, and yet the temple music did not match. I am deeply fearful of this. Let there be made for Emperor Xiaowen's temple the Bright Virtue dance, and to clarify flourishing virtue. Then the achievements and virtue of our ancestors will be inscribed on bamboo and silk and handed down for ten thousand generations without end. I greatly commend this. Let it be done together with the Chancellor, marquises, middle two thousand stones, and ritual officials to make the ritual ceremonies memorial.' Chancellor minister Jia and others said: 'Your Majesty eternally contemplates the way of filial piety, establishes the Bright Virtue dance to clarify Emperor Xiaowen's great virtue. All of this is beyond what we foolish ministers Jia and others can reach. We ministers respectfully submit: among founding achievements, none surpass the High Emperor's; among imperial virtues, none are more flourishing than Emperor Xiaowen's. The High Emperor's temple should be honored as the emperors' Grand Ancestor Temple, and Emperor Xiaowen's temple should be honored as the emperors' Grand Progenitor Temple. The emperor should generation after generation offer sacrifices at the temples of the ancestors. The feudal lords of the commanderies and states should each establish a Grand Progenitor temple for Emperor Xiaowen. The envoys of the feudal lord kings and marquises shall attend the emperor's sacrifices and make annual offerings at the ancestral temples. We ask that this be inscribed on bamboo and silk and proclaimed throughout all under Heaven.' The imperial decree said: 'Approved.'

太史公曰：孔子言「必世然後仁。善人之治國百年，亦可以勝殘去殺」。誠哉是言！漢興，至孝文四十有餘載，德至盛也。廩廩鄉改正服封禪矣，謙讓未成於今。嗚呼，豈不仁哉！

The Grand Historian said: Confucius spoke, 'Only after generations can there be benevolence. A good person governing the country for a hundred years can also overcome cruelty and eliminate killing.' Truly indeed is this saying! Since the Han dynasty arose, over forty years had passed by Emperor Xiaowen's time, and virtue had reached its greatest flourishing. The nation had already reformed the calendar and clothing for the feng and shan sacrifices, but his modest yielding was not accomplished until now. Alas, how benevolent he was!

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