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卷1 帝紀第1 高祖上

Volume 1 Annals 1: Gaozu 1

Chapter 1 of 隋書 · Book of Sui
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1
Gaozu's mother, Lady Lü, gave birth to him on the night of the guichou day in the sixth month of the seventh year of Datong at the Bore Temple in Fengyi, where purple vapor filled the courtyard. A nun from Hedong came to Lady Lü and said, "This child's origins are extraordinary; he cannot be raised among ordinary people." The nun placed Gaozu in a separate residence and raised him herself. Once when Lady Lü held Gaozu in her arms, she suddenly saw horns sprout from his head and scales cover his whole body. Terrified, Lady Lü dropped Gaozu to the ground. The nun came in from outside and said, "You have frightened my child and made him late in winning the realm." He had a dragon-like face, five ridges on his forehead running up into his crown, eyes whose light shot outward, and on his hand a mark that read "King." His upper body was long and his lower body short; he was grave, deep, and imposing. When he first entered the Imperial Academy, even those closest to him did not dare be familiar with him.
2
忿
Gaozu's standing and prestige rose ever higher, and the Emperor grew quite jealous of him. The Emperor had four favorite consorts, all of whom he made empresses; their families vied for favor and repeatedly slandered one another. The Emperor often said in anger to the Empress, "I shall wipe out your entire clan." He then summoned Gaozu and ordered those beside him, "If his face changes, kill him at once." When Gaozu arrived, his expression remained perfectly calm, and the Emperor let the matter drop.
3
In the fifth month of the second year of Daxiang, Gaozu was appointed regional commander of Yangzhou; just as he was about to set out, he suddenly fell ill in the foot and never went. On the yimwei day, the Emperor died. At that time Emperor Jing was still very young and could not personally handle affairs of government. The palace secretary grand master Zheng Yi and imperial rectifier grand master Liu Fang, seeing that Gaozu was the Empress's father and the man to whom public hope turned, forged an edict summoning him to take overall charge of court affairs and to command all military forces within and without. Gaozu feared that the Zhou princes stationed in their fiefs might stir up trouble, and so summoned them on the pretext that Prince Zhao Zhao was about to marry his daughter to the Turks. On the dingwei day, mourning was announced. On the gengxu day, the Zhou Emperor invested Gaozu with the provisional yellow axe and appointed him grand chancellor of the left; all officials routed affairs through him and obeyed his commands. The Zhengyang Palace was made the chancellor's residence; Zheng Yi was appointed chief administrator, Liu Fang administrator of affairs, and the full staff of assistants was installed. Under Emperor Xuan, punishments and government had been harsh and cruel; hearts everywhere had collapsed in fear, and no one held firm resolve. Now Gaozu greatly promoted benevolent government; laws and edicts were clear and simple, and he personally practiced frugality; all under Heaven rejoiced in him.
4
宿 [3] 殿
In the sixth month, Prince Zhao Zhao, Prince Chen Chun, Prince Yue Sheng, Prince Dai Da, and Prince Teng You all arrived at Chang'an. Wei Chi Jiong, regional commander of Xiangzhou, considered himself a senior minister and veteran general and could not accept the new order; he raised troops in Eastern Xia. Men of Zhao and Wei followed him like a flowing stream; within ten days his force exceeded one hundred thousand. Yuwen Zhou also rose in Yingzhou, Shi Yun in Jianzhou, Xi Bi in Pei Commandery, and Bi's younger brother Chaluo in Yanzhou—all joined Jiong's rebellion. Jiong sent his son Zhi to Chen to request reinforcements. Gaozu ordered the pillar of the state and duke of the state of Yun, Wei Xiaokuan, to suppress him. Bi Wang Xian, governor of Yongzhou, and the five princes including Zhao and Chen, seeing that the hope of the realm rested with Gaozu, therefore plotted rebellion. Gaozu seized Xian and executed him, set aside the crimes of Prince Zhao and the others, and issued an edict granting the five princes the privilege of wearing sword and shoes in the palace and of entering court without hurrying, so as to reassure them.
5
In the seventh month, the Chen generals Chen Ji and Xiao Mohe and others raided Guangling; Yu Yi, regional commander of Wuzhou, turned and struck, defeating them. Du Qiaosheng of Guangling gathered a band and rebelled; Governor Yuan Yi suppressed and pacified him. Wei Xiaokuan defeated Wei Chi Jiong at Xiangzhou; his head was sent to the palace gates, and all remaining rebels were pacified. When Jiong's rebellion first broke out, Sima Xiaonan, regional commander of Yunzhou, held his commandery and joined in; many prefectures and counties in Huainan did the same. Gaozu ordered Wang Yi, regional commander of Xiangzhou, to suppress him; Xiaonan fled to Chen. The tribal peoples of Jing and Ying seized the opportunity to rebel; He Ruo Yi, regional commander of Bozhou, was ordered to suppress and pacify them. Earlier, the pillar of the state Wang Qian had been regional commander of Yizhou; seeing the young sovereign on the throne with power in Gaozu's hands, he raised the people of Ba and Shu under the banner of restoration. Gaozu was then occupied with affairs in Eastern Xia and south of the mountains and had no leisure to send a punitive force against him. Qian advanced his troops and encamped at Sword Pass, capturing Shizhou. At this point Gaozu ordered the campaigning marshal and pillar of the state Liang Rui to suppress and pacify him; his head was sent to the palace gates. Ba and Shu were rugged and their people prone to rebellion; Gaozu therefore opened a level road anew, destroyed the route through Sword Pass, and erected an inscription as an enduring warning. The five princes' secret plotting grew ever more intense; Gaozu brought wine and food to Prince Zhao's residence, wishing to see what they were up to. Prince Zhao hid armed men and entertained Gaozu at a feast; Gaozu was nearly killed and was saved through Yuancou—the full account is given in Yuancou's biography. Thereupon Prince Zhao Zhao and Prince Yue Sheng were executed.
6
使
In the ninth month, the heir apparent Yong was appointed regional commander of Luozhou and junior grand marshal of the Eastern Capital. On the renzi day, the Zhou Emperor issued an edict: "Jian, Duke of the State of Sui, provisional bearer of the yellow axe, commissioner bearing credentials, grand chancellor of the left, commander of all military affairs within and without, pillar of the state, and grand marshal, has been moved by the numinous power of mountains and rivers and has answered to the spirit of the stars; his Way is lofty and transcends the vulgar world, and his virtue harmonizes the hidden and the manifest. He removed his headcloth and entered office; officials and gentry look to him; he opens up affairs and completes tasks; court and countryside follow his lead. Receiving the charge of the late Emperor, he assists and harmonizes my feeble self; he brings forth the myriad things in accord with Heaven and Earth, and pacifies the four barbarian directions in accordance with yin and yang. Recently, within there have been difficulties and tribulations, and without one hears of demonic rebels; with the resolve of a hawk and kite, he deploys stratagems from within his tent, executes punishments at the two towers, and sweeps clean lands ten thousand li away. Near and far are clear and orderly—this is truly what I rely upon. Across the vastness of the four seas, among the multitude of officials, all receive his great instruction and all partake of his supreme Way. When order is settled and merit achieved, the nation's pillar is entrusted to him; in divine counsel and splendid virtue, none in this age compare with him. He may be invested as grand chancellor; the offices of grand chancellor left and right are abolished; all else remains as before."
7
In the tenth month of winter, on the renshen day, an edict posthumously invested Gaozu's great-grandfather Lie as pillar of the state, grand tutor, commander of all military affairs in ten prefectures including Xuzhou and Yanzhou, governor of Xuzhou, and duke of the state of Sui, with the posthumous title Kang; His grandfather Zhen was invested as pillar of the state, grand mentor, commander of all military affairs in thirteen prefectures including Shaan and Pu, governor of Tongzhou, and duke of the state of Sui, with the posthumous title Xian; His father Zhong was invested as supreme pillar of the state, grand preceptor, grand marshal, commander of all military affairs in thirteen prefectures including Ji and Ding, and governor of Yongzhou. Prince Chen Chun was executed. On the guiyou day, the supreme pillar of the state and duke of the state of Yun, Wei Xiaokuan, died.
8
[4]
In the eleventh month, on the xinwei day, Prince Dai Da and Prince Teng You were executed.
9
In the twelfth month, on the jiazi day, the Zhou Emperor issued an edict:
10
調 使 西
Heaven is great and Earth is great; he who joins his virtue to them is a sage; one yin and one yang—he who harmonizes their qi is the supreme minister. For this reason the divine descends and is nurtured, molding and casting the multitude of living beings, taking Heaven's work upon himself and completing a towering enterprise. The provisional bearer of the yellow axe, commissioner bearing credentials, grand chancellor, commander of all military affairs within and without, pillar of the state, grand marshal, and duke of the state of Sui meets the term of a hundred generations and stands at the turn of a thousand-year destiny; his house rises to the glory of the ministerial tripod, and his family bears the toil of assisting governance. His heart is like that of Yi Yin; he will surely bring about the age of Yao and Shun; his disposition resembles that of Confucius; he takes Wen and Wu as his model. When he first entered office, his brilliance shone upon the age; dukes and ministers looked up to him as a standard for conduct, and officials and gentry called him a model teacher. Within he served in the inner palace; without he held power in a frontier fief; his fine plans and abundant achievements made his reputation ever more far-reaching. When he previously pacified Eastern Xia, the hearts of the people were not yet at ease. South of Yan and north of Zhao is truly a treasury of the realm; bearing credentials and commanding with the staff of authority, his responsibility was that of a regional commander. He softened them with virtue and guided them with ritual; they feared him as a spirit and looked up to him as to the sun; his fragrant influence and fine deeds alone remain in song and praise. The Huai and sea region had lain waste through many years; appointed to guard the southern frontier, he chose the worthy among the multitude; his authority awed foreign peoples and his transforming influence reached the common people. He was charged with guarding the Hooked Array and held office over the state's governance; on great affairs of the realm the court's reliance on him grew deeper; when the imperial carriage toured, the duties of the capital in his absence were broad. The Duke of Zhou's charge west of the Pass may serve only as a comparison; the weight borne by Han ministers within the Pass does not suffice for comparison.
11
[5] 使
When Heaven collapsed and Earth split apart and the late Emperor ascended to the distant realm, I, in my tender years, suddenly suffered bitter grief; I personally received his final charge to preserve and protect the imperial house. Wicked men seized the opening and secretly plotted against the altars of state; their intention to be without a ruler had already taken shape, and the day of their secret rising drew near. His brilliant design worked in secret; his grand strategy flowed like a river in flood; he restored the state and sheltered the people, and the guilty were brought to justice. The two river regions met with rebellion; the three Wei domains raised arms; beneath half of Heaven all seethed and boiled like a cauldron. The foundation of the ancestral temple was already in peril, and the lives of the people were near destruction. Anlu raised the banner of revolt; to the south it linked with Wu and Yue; rebels swarmed like bees and wasps; the Yangzi and Han regions were thrown into turmoil. Ba and Shu spread like owls and kites and turned to seize the tripod; the road to Qin was blocked anew and the gate of Han was shut again. He plotted within his tent, raised the chariots of campaign, the generals received his plans, and brave men were moved by his righteousness; without delay beyond the appointed day, all were cleared and pacified. The nine achievements reached far abroad; the seven virtues were fully harmonized; the hundred officials served as teachers one to another; the four gates were solemn and serene. In every place where his radiance shines, in every region where winds and clouds come and go, he is truly martial and truly civil; the hidden and the manifest share the same virtue; across mountains and rivers in swift succession, near and far turn their hearts to him. He enables me to follow in the steps of the former Emperor and govern through nonaction; his renown rises above the cosmos, and his Way reaches to Heaven and Earth. Compared with Yi Yin assisting Yin or Huo Guang aiding Han, he makes them seem as nothing.
12
殿
In former times Yingqiu and Qufu lay among many states, and Chong'er and Xiaobai were granted extraordinary honors. Xiao He was granted the privilege of entering court without hurrying to bow; the Lord of Fan and the Marquis of Yue received ducal and marquisal ranks. From the houses of Ji and Liu down through the ages there have been excellent plans; ritual and ceremony should be exalted, taking former ages as model. He may be invested as chancellor of state and given charge over the hundred offices; the titles commander of all military affairs within and without and grand marshal are to be removed; the duke is to be advanced to king; the twenty commanderies of Chongye in Suizhou; Anlu and Chengyang in Yunzhou; Yiren in Wenzhou; Pingjing and Shangming in Yingzhou; Huainan in Shunzhou; Yongchuan in Shizhou; Guangchang and Anchang in Changzhou; Yiyang and Huai'an in Shenzhou; Xincai and Jian'an in Xizhou; Runan, Linying, Guangning, and Chuan in Yuzhou; Caiyang in Caizhou; and Handong in Yingzhou are to constitute the state of Sui. He is granted sword and shoes in the palace, entry to court without hurrying, bowing in audience without having his name announced, the full rites of the nine bestowals, and in addition the imperial seal and ribbon, the Far-Wandering Cap, and the green sash of the chancellor of state seal; his rank is above all feudal kings. Within the state of Sui, the chancellor and all offices below are to be established according to the former pattern.
13
Gaozu declined twice, but his refusal was not accepted. He then accepted the royal title and only ten commanderies. An edict advanced the ranks of his imperial grandfather and father to king, and his lady to princess consort. On the xinsi day, Sima Xiaonan led Chen troops to raid Jiangzhou; Governor Cheng Xiuning struck and repelled them.
14
退
In the second month of spring in the first year of Dading, on the renzi day, an order stated, "All surname grants given previously are restored to their former forms." On that same day, the Zhou Emperor issued an edict: "When Yi and Zhou served as regents, they did not decline extraordinary honors; when Duke Huan and Duke Wen became hegemons, they rightly received special rites; thus are the achievements that match Heaven displayed and the enterprise that has no peer in the age made manifest. The chancellor of state, King of Sui, was previously granted the ceremonial investiture document, making the great rites fully manifest; he steadfastly held to modesty and humility, and the silken edict has not yet been tied. The manifest command should be issued anew, exactly as in the previous edict. In honoring merit, you put others first, reward others before yourself, and take yielding modesty as your foundation — this truly goes against Our intent. All officials should be ordered to go together to the king's palace; once every heart is moved, he will surely accept. If there are memorials and petitions, do not relay them any further." On the guichou day, civil and military officials went to the gate to earnestly press him, and Gaozu then accepted. On the jiayin day, the investiture document read:
15
使
Hear, O provisional Bearer of the Yellow Battle-Axe, Commissioner with Imperial Insignia, Grand Chancellor, Commander-in-Chief of All Military Affairs Within and Without, Senior Pillar of State, Grand Minister Steward, King of Sui: Heaven covers and Earth bears all things; through human effort they are brought to completion. As days pass and months turn, through the King's Way fullness and decline follow. The five qi are cast and molded; the myriad things take form and flow. Who can take the place of the Supreme Ruler in this work? Only the greatest sage can. It is said that your forebears assisted and illumined the imperial court. Planting virtue and accumulating goodness, they gave birth to a chief minister. His brilliance unmatched by any generation, his bearing and spirit unlike ordinary men. He set the state aright and aided the age, removing the wicked and dispelling disorder. The hundred spirits performed their offices; the myriad states fixed their hearts upon him. The minister of Yin foreknew and enlightened men; the Zhou assistant carried the Way through the age — compared with you, they are as nothing. Now We shall confer upon you the kingly rites; respectfully hear Our command:
16
耀 西 [6] 鹿 [7] 使 [8]
We, lacking in virtue, early inherited the great succession; the Supreme Spirit sent down calamity, and from youth We met with sorrow and bereavement. Wicked villains looked on with covetous eyes and secretly plotted against the altars of state; within the palace and ministries, suspicion and fear filled Our heart. You received the mandate from the late emperor, your will set on supporting and assisting; you harmonized within and without, secretly turning the mechanisms of state; the wicked feared you, and your plans were greatly manifest, turning the peril of the hanging jade pendant into the firmness of Mount Tai. Thus you rebuilt the imperial house and laid the foundation of hegemony. In the age of Our forefathers, your commission was already deep: within you commanded the forbidden troops; without you administered the frontier posts; in civil and military strategy your fame long spread through court and countryside. When the war chariots marched forth on a grand campaign, driving deep into Jin and Wei, Pingyang shook with the force of bears and panthers, and Jizhou blazed with the might of leopards and tigers. When first pacifying the eastern Xia, the hearts of the people were not yet united. North of Congtai, south of the Yi River, west to Jingxing, east to the sea — several thousand li in all — at a wave of the sleeve the people gathered. Entrusted with linked cities, you raised banners and wielded the staff of command; teaching followed local custom, punishments used lenient statutes — like clay under a seal, like grass before the wind. This too was your achievement. Wu and Yue did not submit; many years had passed, and beyond the Huai and the sea the land was not yet truly held by the state. Then you arrayed your troops and went forth to garrison Bo; by force you awed the people, by culture you won the distant. Bandits fled of themselves; outer gates were left unbarred; the people longed for righteousness and came carrying their children on their backs. From the northern wind, transformation spread through the southern states. This too was your achievement. When Emperor Xuan held the realm, you bore the weighty charge of a pillar of the state: within you presided over the eight garrisons; without you administered the nine generations. In guarding the palace you fulfilled the duties of patrol and vigil; in training troops you attained the rites of the hunt and review. This too was your achievement. When the imperial carriage went on tour, you were repeatedly entrusted with the capital in Our absence; civil and military affairs received your attention, and military and state matters were referred to you. The myriad affairs were all well ordered; looking back, there was nothing to worry about. This too was your achievement. While We were in mourning seclusion, you in truth held all authority. Among the bedrock clans of the imperial house, the wicked and perverse were many; they recruited worthless men and linked themselves with petty factions. When the state had only just begun to decline, they already formed secret plots; evil accumulated over many weeks until the Kunwu blade was fully whetted. With tears the execution was carried out in the capital domain, and the ancestral temple was thereby secured. This too was your achievement. Wei Chidao ran wild, raising troops at Ye; he wished to point his long halberds at the northern gate and surround the Southern Dipper with strong crossbows; he overawed the lands between the Three Weis and shook half the Nine Provinces; he gathered a million followers, all turned to serpents and swine; the Qi and Huan rivers were drained at a single draught. Whether men lived or died hung on this wicked upstart; whether life was long or short no longer lay with the Director of Fates. You then restrained those eagle-like warriors, sent forth chariots and drilled soldiers, swore by the azure rhinoceros in Hebei, and poured water from a high eave over Shandong. You transmitted the art of war by word of mouth and drew battle formations by hand; measuring the enemy, you devised victory and set the day of conquest. The generals followed your settled orders; brave men were moved by your great righteousness; they lightly faced death and forgot life, turning to battle over a thousand li; banners and drums surged forth like fire scorching hair. Black and yellow changed the waters of the Zhang River; the mound of severed heads rose as high as the Jue Terrace. The baleful miasma over a hundred cities was cleared in a single day. This too was your achievement. The governor of Qing province, spanning and holding eastern Qin, relied on the wealth of the sea coast and the peril of linked mountains; he looked toward the Three Metropolises intending to contend for the realm, and pointed to the Six States hoping to join forces like roosters. Armies like wind and rain aided the demons in their cruelty. Once the root was pulled up, branches and leaves fell of themselves; bending the law to extend grace, you showed great trust. This too was your achievement. The remnant rebels of Shen province filled one corner; like flies flying and ants gathering, they attacked prefectures and seized territory. You spread the dark beneficence; the deluded came to know repentance; once they submitted you released them, without wasting a single arrow. This too was your achievement. Yuwen Zhou was kin to the imperial clan by blood and held a frontier fortress; he responded to the Ye rebels like dry tinder catching fire. He coerced officials and people, rebelled and turned the garrison cities; a detached force pursued and pressed him, and he fell into the net. Bound at Wulao, he was like one in a prison; when matters reached their limit for the general, it was as if he submitted to the state's punishment. This too was your achievement. Tan Rang and Xi Pi held their followers beyond the Yellow River. Chen, Han, Liang, Zheng, Song, Wei, Zou, and Lu — villages became ruins of owl-devouring beasts, and common folk became food for wolves. The strong oppressed the weak; the great swallowed the small; city gates were shut even by day, and no one walked the lanes. You issued orders and marched forth, adapting as you swept and settled; Rang was beheaded and Pi was hung by the head. This too was your achievement. Sima Xiaonan was related to the state by marriage and was stationed at Anlu; he was given to many desires and fond of amassing wealth. The sons and daughters of subordinate cities were plundered until nothing remained; the goods and wealth of the people under his command were largely exhausted. He executed on his own authority the imperial inspectors and killed on his own authority ministers of the Secretariat. Fearing punishment and awed by authority, he moved to rebellion within. He nibbled away at commanderies and counties and poisoned both Chinese and barbarians; when he heard the royal army was coming, he fled of himself to the southern frontier. Emperor Tang's punishment on Chong Mountain can barely compare with this; the Han dynasty's exile punishment is likewise its match. The fugitives entered the marshes, and Jing and Ying were thereby secured. This too was your achievement. Wang Qian in Shu became a source of calamity; he closed the gate of Jiange and blocked the passes of Lingguan, believing himself another Five Strong Men whom ten thousand men could not face. You divided command and pushed the chariot wheel; not even a season passed before, wind-fast and sweeping like a gale, you settled all in one stroke, capturing and executing the wicked until the ground was swept clean. This too was your achievement. Chen Xu clung to his false enterprise and held Jinling on his own authority; again and again he sent ugly troops, hesitating at the north of the Yangtze. At your command the frontier garrisons were all destroyed and wiped out. You were about to set up the pillar of Wen Shen — this was not merely a bow like that of Zhao Tuo. This too was your achievement.
17
調
You had the toil of saving the realm under Heaven, compounded by bright virtue; from the first appointment you humbled yourself to take office. Your unsullied conduct and pure repute overshadowed the court; your heroic design and divine strategy overawed court and countryside. You ordered the hundred officials and harmonized the four gates; you were ashamed of merely uniting the realm once in nine assemblies. You honored the worthy and exalted virtue, respected age and valued achievement, recorded the old and praised goodness, and continued what had perished and restored what had been cut off. Lenience and severity complemented each other; the constant norms were thereby ordered. You treated the emperor's kin with cordiality and exalted and rewarded the royal house. The stars did not split apart; yin and yang adjusted themselves; Xuanming and Zhurong seemed to answer the summons of Duke Tai; the Rain Master and Wind Lord seemed to respond to the minister of King Cheng. Auspicious winds and fine qi touched the rocks and shook the forests; auspicious beasts and strange birds wandered the gardens and called from the towers. Supreme achievement and supreme virtue, great in scope and long enduring — you brought all things to harmony and reached the utmost of the hidden and dark.
18
便 使椿
We have also heard that in antiquity enlightened kings established offices and enfeoffed with land; at Yingqiu the domain extended on four sides, and they could campaign against the five marquises; at Canxu special honors were granted, and their gifts and rites were made distinct. Thus the screen and rampart were made firm; the ruler sat with folded hands and charged others with accomplishment; silent in the lofty hall, he did not descend from the hall seat. Your Way surpasses the former worthies; your rewards fall short of those given by earlier kings. We, in Our slight person, are entrusted above the myriad people; seeking precedents in former ages, We are greatly afraid. In the past the great ceremony was added; the statutes and regulations stand in antiquity. Through humility in self-governance, you have not yet responded to the court rites. Days and months do not stay; already a year has passed. When the times are discussed and things are debated, what will people say of Us! Now We advance and appoint you Chancellor of State with authority over the hundred officials, and make Yiyang and the other twenty commanderies of Shen province the State of Sui. Now We command Commissioner with Imperial Insignia, Grand Tutor, Senior Pillar of State, Duke of Qi, Chun, and Grand Director of Ceremonies, Grand General, Duke of Jincheng, Zhao Jiong, to confer the seal and cord of Chancellor of State. The rites of Chancellor of State set him apart from the hundred officials; his charge extends over all officers; old offices and standing regulations should be changed along with the matter. In antiquity Yao had the Grand Commandant as his minister, Shun assisted as Minister of Works, the Duke of Zhou served as counselor to Zhou, and Huo Guang assisted Han — none dwelt in a feudal state; all served only at the imperial court. Let the chancellor of state with authority over the hundred officials abandon his collective titles. Return the provisional insignia, grand chancellor, and grand minister steward seal and cord.
19
[9]
The Nine Bestowals are added as well; respectfully hear Our further command. Because you uphold the law and cultivate virtue, are careful in prisons and compassionate in punishments, and make these the model for instruction so that the people have no divergent wills, We therefore bestow upon you one great carriage and one war carriage, each with a team of four black stallions. You diligently benefit the land and the hearts of men, treasure both humanity and Heaven, exalt the root and devote yourself to agriculture, and both public and private stores are abundant — for this We bestow upon you the robe and cap of the highest rank, with red shoes to match. You use music to transform customs and elegance to change popular ways; the distant and the near are alike delighted, and Heaven and Earth are all in harmony — for this We bestow upon you suspended musical instruments and the dance of six rows. Your benevolent wind and virtuous teaching reach to the corners of the sea; even the remote and the far turn their faces inward — for this We bestow upon you vermilion doors in which to dwell. You are a clear mirror for human relations and a balance for the myriad offices; able men flow forth in praise, and the worthy who were overlooked are always raised — for this We bestow upon you a covered ramp by which to ascend. You hold the scale within and with upright nature lead those below; none who violate righteousness or lack propriety fail to be removed — for this We bestow upon you three hundred armed guards. [9] You, 〈The original text is missing here.〉 For this We bestow upon you one axe and one battle-axe. Your awesomeness is like the summer sun and your keenness like autumn frost; the unruly borderlands must be punished, and looking over Heaven and Earth you sweep clear the wicked and hidden, repelling the enemy without — for this We bestow upon you one red bow and a hundred red arrows, ten black bows and a thousand black arrows. Your filial piety reaches the spirits, your reverent respect for the sacrificial rites is solemn as if the departed were present, and your feeling extends to both the hidden and the manifest — for this We bestow upon you one vessel of black millet wine, with a jade libation cup to match. In the State of Sui, from the chancellor downward, all follows the former pattern. Go forth and reverence! Respectfully follow the former policy, reverently accept the great canon, examine and care for your many achievements, and respond to the glorious mandate of Our imperial ancestor.
20
Thereupon a platform was established and officials were appointed.
21
[10]
On the bingchen day, [10] an edict granted the king a crown with twelve tassels, the imperial banners, guards on going out and on entering, the golden-root carriage, a team of six horses, five seasonal secondary carriages, the maotou and yunyi standards, music and dance of eight rows, and the bell-frames and palace bells. The king's consort became queen, and the eldest son became crown prince. After three refusals in succession, he then accepted.
22
便 椿
Soon the Zhou emperor, because the people's hopes had a clear direction, issued an edict stating: "At the beginning when primal qi first opened the world, rulers were established to govern; mandate is not constant — only virtue is the support. Heaven's will and human affairs select the worthy and employ the able; all within the four seas gladly push forward — it is not one man alone who possesses this. Zhou virtue was nearing its end; demons arose one after another; kin within the bone were full of worry; frontier screens raised rebellion; they responded to one another in shared wickedness over more than half the realm — some small, some great, plotting for emperorship or kingship — so that the enterprise of Our ancestors hung by a thread. The chancellor of state, King of Sui, is sagely and wise by Heaven's gift, his brilliance unmatched; law and rites move together, civil virtue and military achievement reach equally far; he loves the myriad things as himself and takes the myriad people's burden as his worry. With his own hand he turns the celestial armillary sphere and personally commands generals and soldiers; he cuts down the wicked and hidden and sweeps away baleful miasma; transformation reaches those who wear caps and belts, and authority shakes the remote and far. Even the twenty great achievements of Yu Shun cannot fully compare, and the union of thrones by King Wu of Zhou in threes and fives is scarcely worth discussing. Moreover the Wood phase had already passed and the Fire phase had risen; the He and Luo produced the talisman of revolution, and the stars showed the sign of a dynasty's end. Clouds and mist changed color; pipes and reeds changed tone; lawsuits all went to him, and songs of praise all arrived. Moreover Heaven and Earth combine in virtue and sun and moon are bright and constant; therefore the great is called king and shines upon the realm below. We, though dull and obscure, have not yet grasped change and adaptation, yet the feelings of the hidden and manifest are plainly easy to know. Now We reverently follow Heaven's mandate, leave and yield the separate palace, and abdicate the throne to Sui — all according to the precedents of Tang, Yu, Han, and Wei. Gaozu thrice refused, but it was not permitted. He dispatched the Acting Grand Tutor, Senior Pillar of State, Duke of Qi, Chun, to present the document of investiture, stating:
23
便
Hear, O Chancellor of State, King of Sui: From the beginning of high antiquity, when the clear and turbid were first opened, talismans descended and sages were invested to be rulers of the realm. They served the Supreme Lord and governed the myriad people, harmonized the hundred spirits and benefited the myriad things — not because of the wealth of the realm, nor because the imperial pinnacle was held in honor. Before the Great Hall and Yellow Emperor, in the days of Lian and Hexu, all took non-action and no desire, neither bringing forth nor going to meet. How remote! The details cannot be heard. Yet there are records in the archives; the transmitted texts can be viewed. No sage surpasses Yao; no beauty exceeds Shun. When Yao obtained the Grand Commandant, he already composed the "Canon of the Armillary Sphere"; when Shun met the Minister of Works, he straightway set forth the exhaustion of his essence. They lifted their robes and cast off their shoes, set feasts in the secondary palace, and the hundred officials returned to Yu as at the beginning of an emperor. This is because above they accord with Heaven's seasons and dare not fail to confer; below they reverence Heaven's mandate and cannot but receive. Tang replaced Xia and Wu overthrew Yin; though arms and abdication differ in method, responding to Heaven and following the people — the Way is not different. From Han through Jin, from Wei to Zhou — the celestial calendar followed where lawsuits went, and the divine tripod followed where songs of praise departed. He whose Way is high is called emperor; when the record is exhausted one is not king — this is no different from the civil ancestor and divine founder.
24
祿 [11]
Zhou virtue was nearing its end; calamities arose repeatedly; imperial kin and the wicked all were about to rise in rebellion. Looking toward the palace halls, they plotted against the altars of state; frontier screens and regional governors, rebellion and disorder followed one upon another. The three regions were shaken; nothing held together like a whetstone; they moved like snakes and seized like birds — nowhere could a foot be set down. The king received Heaven's bright mandate; sagely virtue was in his person; he rescued the hardship of a collapsing age, set aright the enterprise of a falling earth, saved those drowning in a great river, and stamped out a fire spreading over the plain; he removed the many villains from the altars of soil and grain and cleared baleful miasma from distant domains; supreme virtue joined with creation and transformation, and divine efficacy harmonized with Heaven and Earth. The eight extremities and nine fields, the myriad regions and four frontiers — all with round heads and square feet gladly pushed him forward. In past years a long comet swept the night sky and passed across the heavens by day; the eight winds matched the work of the Xia ruler; the five planets gathered as in the Han emperor's time — the sign of removing the old was clearly above. Recently the red sparrow brought blessing and the dark tortoise showed efficacy; bells and stones changed their tone, and dragons and fish came forth from their holes — the gift of establishing the new shone below. The nine regions turned toward him; the hundred spirits joined in approval; men and spirits looked to him — this We do not know alone. Reverently looking up to the imperial spirit and bowing to the people's wish, We now respectfully abdicate the imperial throne to your person. Heaven's favor announces its end; Heaven's emolument is forever terminated. Alas! The king should sincerely hold to harmony, [11] take the statutes and canonical instructions as his model, ascend the round mound and reverence the azure Heaven, mount the imperial pinnacle and comfort the black-haired people, fulfill the heart of all within the realm, and extend the boundless fortune — how could this not be glorious!
25
He dispatched the Grand Director of Ceremonies, Grand General, Duke of Jincheng, Zhao Jiong, to present the imperial seal and cord, and the hundred officials urged him to advance. Gaozu then accepted.
26
殿 使 [12] 使 [13]
On the jiazi day of the second month of the first year of Kaihuang, the emperor in ordinary dress from the chancellor's office entered the palace and, with full rites, took the imperial throne at the Lingguang Hall. An altar was set up at the southern suburb, and envoys were dispatched to burn firewood and announce to Heaven. On that day he announced at the ancestral temple, proclaimed a general amnesty, and changed the era name. Auspicious clouds appeared in the capital. Zhou court ritual was changed, following the old patterns of Han and Wei. Gao Yong, Duke of Bohai, pillar of the state and chancellor of state's marshal, was made Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and concurrently Director of the Secretariat; Yu Qingze, Duke of Qinyuan, chancellor of state's recorder, was made Director of the Palace Secretariat and concurrently Director of the Ministry of Personnel; Li Delin, Inner Gentleman of the chancellor of state, Baron of Xi'an, was made Director of the Palace Secretariat; Wei Shikang, Duke of Han'an, upper opening office, was made Director of the Ministry of Rites; Yuan Hui, Duke of Yining, upper opening office, was made Director of the Ministry of Justice; Yuan Yan, Duke of Changguo, opening office and Director of the Ministry of Revenue, [12] was made Director of the Ministry of War; Zhangsun Pi, upper ceremonial peer and Director of the Imperial Clan, was made Director of the Ministry of Works; Yang Shangxi, upper ceremonial peer and Director of Accounts, was made Director of the Ministry of Revenue; Yang Hui, Duke of Hangguo, senior pillar of the state, governor of Yong province, was made Grand General of the Left Guard. On the yichou day, his late father was posthumously honored as Emperor Wuyuan, with the temple name Taizu, and his late mother as Empress Yuanming. Eight envoys were dispatched to tour and inspect local customs. On the bingyin day, the ancestral temple and altars of soil and grain were repaired. Queen Dugu was established as empress, and Crown Prince Yong as crown prince. On the dingmao day, Zhao Jiong, Grand General and Duke of Jincheng commandery, was made Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs; Yilou Yangong, Marquis of Jiyang, upper opening office, was made Grand General of the Left Martial Guard. [13] On the jisi day, the Zhou emperor was made Duke of Jie with an estate of five thousand households, a guest of the Sui house. Banners, carriages, robes, and music all remained as before. Memorials to him were not called "memorials," and replies to memorials were not called "edicts." All princes of the Zhou house were reduced to the rank of duke. On the xinwei day, the emperor's younger brother, Duke of Tong'an commandery, Shuang, was made governor of Yong province. On the yihai day, the emperor's younger brother, Duke of Shaoguo, Hui, was enfeoffed as Prince of Teng, and Duke of Tong'an, Shuang, as Prince of Wei; Prince Yanmen Gong Guang was enfeoffed as Prince of Jin, Jun as Prince of Qin, Xiu as Prince of Yue, and Liang as Prince of Han. Li Mu, Duke of Shen, senior pillar of the state and governor of Bing province, was made Grand Preceptor; Dou Chi, Duke of Deng, senior pillar of the state, was made Grand Tutor; Yu Yi, Duke of Ren, senior pillar of the state and governor of You province, was made Grand Commandant; Tian Rengong, Duke of Guan, was made Grand Preceptor of the Crown Prince; Liu Min, Duke of Wude commandery, was made Grand Protector of the Crown Prince; Sun Shu, Duke of Jinan commandery, was made Grand Mentor of the Crown Prince; Su Wei, opening office, was made Grand Guardian of the Crown Prince. On the dingchou day, Prince of Jin Guang was made governor of Bing province; Yang Zhiji, Duke of Chenliu commandery, was made Prince of Cai; Yang Jing, Duke of Xingcheng commandery, was made Prince of Dao. On the wuyin day, five thousand government oxen were distributed and given to the poor.
27
[14] 沿 使
In the third month, on the xinsi day, a red sparrow was captured at Gaoping, a dark bird at Taiyuan, and a white sparrow at Chang'an — one each. At the Xuaren Gate a pagoda tree joined in one trunk, its many branches grafted within. On the renwu day, the White Wolf state presented local products. On the jiashen day, Venus was seen in the daytime. On the yiyou day, it was seen in the daytime again. Yuan Jingshan, senior pillar of the state, was made governor of An province. On the dinghai day, an edict stated that dogs, horses, utensils, playthings, and delicacies must not be presented to the throne. On the wuzi day, prohibitions on mountains and marshes were relaxed. He Ruo Bi, Duke of Dangting, upper opening office, was made governor of Chu province; Han Qin, governor of He province and Duke of Xinyi, was made governor of Lu province. [14] On the jichou day, Zhouzhi county presented a joined-trunk tree, which was planted in the palace courtyard. On the xinmao day, Dou Yi, Duke of Shenwu commandery, senior pillar of the state, was made governor of Ding province. On the gengzi day, Su Wei, Grand Guardian of the Crown Prince, was made concurrently Director of the Secretariat and Director of the Ministry of Personnel; his other offices remained as before. On the gengzi day, an edict stated: "From antiquity, when emperors received the mandate and changed dynasties, the enfeoffment of marquises and bestowal of ranks mostly shifted with the times. We, having received the talisman and taken the chart, rule the realm within the seas; bearing reform and continuity in mind, affairs differ in detail. Yet former emperors and later kings alike sought to help all; those who established merit and accomplished deeds still received ranks and rewards. If it benefits the age, the principle is one; why speak of difference between things and self, or reckon the past and present as separate? The ranks and titles of former ages may all follow the old pattern. On dingwei, Xiao Cong of Liang dispatched Grand Preceptor Xiao Yan and Minister of Works Liu Yi to offer congratulations.
28
In the fourth month, on xinsi, a general amnesty was proclaimed. On renwu, Venus and Jupiter appeared in daylight. On wuxu, all casual musicians of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices were released to common life. Miscellaneous music and popular entertainments were banned. On xinchou, Wei Ding and Wang Cuo of Chen arrived on embassy to Zhou; by then the emperor had already taken the throne, and they were referred to the Duke of Jie. That month Ji Hu were conscripted to repair the Long Wall; the work stopped after twenty days.
29
[15]
In the fifth month, on wuzi, [15] Yang Xiong, Duke of Hangguo, was made Prince of Guangping and Yang Hong, Duke of Yongkang, Prince of Hejian. On xinwei the Duke of Jie died; the emperor mourned in the court hall, and his kinsman Luo succeeded to the title.
30
In the sixth month, on guiwei, an edict noted that at the first receiving of Heaven's mandate the red sparrow had descended as an omen; among the five phases red belonged to fire. At the suburban and state altars the formal robe-and-cap rites were kept, but for court dress, banners, flags, and sacrifices, all were ordered to use red. Military dress was to be yellow.
31
In the seventh month, on yimao, the emperor first wore yellow, and the hundred officials all offered congratulations. On gengwu the Mohe chieftain presented tribute goods.
32
使
In the eighth month, on renwu, the Eastern Capital offices were abolished. Apa Qaghan of the Turks sent envoys bearing tribute. On jiawu Prince of Le'an Yuan Xie was sent as campaigning commander-in-chief against Tuyuhun at Qinghai; he broke them and they submitted.
33
使 使
In the ninth month, on wushen, envoys were sent to aid the families of men killed in battle. On gengwu the Chen general Zhou Luohou took Hushi, and Xiao Mohe raided north of the Yangtze. On xinwei Prince of Yue Xiu was made governor of Yi province and renamed Prince of Shu. On renshen Zhangsun Lan, Duke of Xue, and Yuan Jingshan, Prince of Song'an, both senior pillars of state, were made campaigning commanders against Chen, with Gao Yong, Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, commanding all forces. Shabolue Qaghan of the Turks sent envoys with tribute. That month the five-zhu coin was put into circulation.
34
使
In the tenth month, on yiyou, King Buyu Chang of Baekje sent envoys to congratulate; Chang was invested upper opening office, third-order ceremonial peer, and Duke of Daifang. On wuzi the new law code took effect. On renchen the emperor went on tour to Qi province.
35
[16]使
In the eleventh month, on yimao, Dou Rongding, Duke of Yongchang, was made Grand General of the Right Martial Guard. [16] On dingmao Acting Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry Zheng Hui was sent as envoy to Chen. On jisi a meteor fell with a sound like a collapsing wall, its light shining on the ground.
36
使
In the twelfth month, on wuyin, Erzhu Chang, governor of Shen, was made governor of Jin. On jiashen Wei Shikang, Director of Rites, was made Director of Personnel. On jichou Yuan Gun, pillar of state, was made governor of Kuo, and Wei Xuan, Duke of Xingshi, governor of Huai. On gengzi the emperor returned from Qi province. On renyin King Gao Yang of Goguryeo sent envoys in tribute; Yang was invested Grand General and Duke of Liaodong. Grand Protector of the Crown Prince Liu Min died.
37
西 使 使
In spring of the second year, on guichou in the first month, the emperor visited the home of Wang Yi, senior pillar of state. On gengshen he visited the Princess of Ancheng. Emperor Xuan of Chen died and was succeeded by his son Shubao. On xinyou the Hebei Circuit Branch Department of State Affairs was set up at Bingzhou, with Prince of Jin Guang as Director. The Henan Circuit Branch Department of State Affairs was set up at Luozhou, with Prince of Qin Jun as Director. The Southwest Circuit Branch Department of State Affairs was set up at Yizhou, with Prince of Shu Xiu as Director. On wuchen Chen sent envoys suing for peace and returned Hushi. On xinwei Goguryeo and Baekje both sent envoys with tribute. On jiaxu an edict ordered the recommendation of worthy and able men.
38
In the second month, on jichou, an edict ordered Gao Yong and the others to withdraw their armies. On gengyin Prince of Jin Guang was made Grand General of the Left Martial Guard and Prince of Qin Jun Grand General of the Right Martial Guard; their other posts were unchanged. On xinmao the emperor visited the home of Duke of Zhao Duguo. On gengzi earth fell like rain in the capital.
39
In the third month, on wushen, a canal was dug to bring Duyang River water onto the Sanzhi Plain.
40
In the fourth month, on dingchou, Dou Rongding, governor of Ning, was made Grand General of the Left Martial Guard. On gengyin Grand General Han Sengshou routed the Turks at Jitou Mountain, and Li Chong, senior pillar of state, defeated them at Hebei Mountain.
41
In the fifth month, on wushen, Zhangsun Ping, senior pillar of state, was made Director of Revenue. On jiyou there was drought, and the emperor personally reviewed prisoners. That same day heavy rain fell. On jiwei Gao Baoning raided Ping province and the Turks broke through the Long Wall. On gengshen Huangfu Ji, governor of Yu, was made Director of Justice. On renxu Grand Commandant Yu Yi, Duke of Ren, died. On jiazi the imperial seal of transmission was renamed the Seal of Receiving the Mandate.
42
使使
In the sixth month, on renwu, Su Xiaoci, Director of the Palace Treasury, was made Director of War, and Prince of Wei Yang Shuang, governor of Yong, was made governor of Yuan. On jiashen envoys were sent to offer condolences in Chen. On yiyou Li Chong, senior pillar of state, defeated the Turks at Mayi. On wuzi Chilijichangcha, senior pillar of state, was made governor of Lan. On xinmao Erzhu Chang, upper opening office, was made governor of Xu.
43
鹿
On bingshen an edict read: "We reverently serve Heaven and rule the myriad peoples; with the people worn out, We still dwell in a palace of a former dynasty. We have always held that builders toil while dwellers rest, and rebuilding has not yet had Our full attention. Yet princes, dukes, and ministers offered plans, saying that from Fuxi and Shennong down through the houses of Ji and Liu, rulers moved repeatedly within a reign, and no dynasty changed without moving its capital. After Cao Wei and Jin, some rulers clung to old seats — the comfort of a decadent age, not the great principle of the ancient sages. This city dates from Han; long worn and ruined, it has been a battlefield again and again and has seen repeated upheaval. The present palace is a makeshift, not chosen by tortoise divination, star-reading, or sun-observation — unfit to be the seat of an imperial king or to gather the great multitude. Speaking of change and adaptation, and of what is hidden and manifest, they petitioned with one heart, their words deep and urgent. Yet the capital offices of the hundred officials and the turning of the four seas toward Us are not Our possession alone. If it benefits the realm, how can We refuse! Moreover the five removals of Yin feared the people would all die — so auspicious or inauspicious ground governs the length of life. To plan the new and leave the old is like a farmer looking toward autumn: though there is temporary toil, in the end there is a settled home. Now the realm is unified and yin and yang are in order; move in peace — do not harbor resentment. At Dragon's Head the rivers and plains are fair and plants flourish; by divining food and examining soil a capital may be built — the foundation of the tripods will stand firm and the boundless enterprise rests here. For public and private mansions, near or far in scale, construction costs are to be reported item by item. An edict also ordered Left Vice Director Gao Yong, Master Builder Liu Long, He Lou Zigan, Duke of Julu, and Gao Longcha, Vice Director of the Palace Treasury, to build the new capital.
44
In the eighth month, on guisi, Dou Rongding, Grand General of the Left Martial Guard, was made governor of Qin.
45
殿
In the tenth month, on guiyou, Crown Prince Yong stationed troops at Xianyang against the Hu. On gengyin the emperor recovered from illness and feasted the hundred officials in the Guande Hall. Silk and cloth were bestowed, and each man was allowed to carry out as much as his strength permitted. On xinmao He Lou Zigan, deputy overseer of the new capital, was made Director of Works.
46
使
In the eleventh month, on bingwu, Goguryeo sent envoys with tribute.
47
In the twelfth month, on xinwei, the emperor reviewed troops in the rear garden. On jiaxu Dou Yi, senior pillar of state, died. On bingzi the new capital was named Daxing City. On yiyou Yu Qingze, Duke of Qinyuan, was ordered to garrison Honghua against the Hu. The Turks raided Zhoupan; campaigning commander Daxi Changru attacked them and was beaten by the enemy. On bingxu silk was bestowed on Imperial Academy students distinguished in the classics. On dinghai the emperor personally reviewed the prison registers.
48
使
In spring of the third year, on gengzi in the first month, before entering the new capital, a general amnesty was proclaimed. Large swords and long spears were banned. On guihai Goguryeo sent envoys to court.
49
In the second month, on jisi, the first day of the month, there was a solar eclipse. On renshen meritorious men of the northern circuit were feasted. On guiyou Chen sent He Che and Xiao Bao as envoys on a court visit. Turkish raiders struck the frontier. On jiaxu a hairy tortoise was captured at Jingyang. On guiwei Li Licheng, Grand General of the Left Guard, was made Grand General of the Right Martial Guard.
50
On the dingwei day in the third month, Xie Qing'en, Senior Pillar of the State and Duke of Xianyu county, died. On jiyou, Senior Pillar of the State Daxi Changru was made governor of Lan province. On bingchen it rained; dressed in ordinary robes, the emperor entered the new capital. Sweet springs appeared in the capital. On dingsi an edict ordered the purchase and collection of lost books throughout the realm. On gengshen the emperor banqueted the hundred officials and distributed gifts in varying amounts. On guihai Yulin Pass was fortified.
51
[17]使 西 使 使 使
In the fourth month of summer, on jisi, Yu Yi, Senior Pillar of the State and Duke of Jianping commandery, died. On gengwu Tuyuhun raided Lintao, and Pi Zixin, governor of Tao province, was killed. [17] On xinwei Goguryeo sent envoys to court. On renshen Right Vice Director Zhao Jiong was also made Director of the Palace Secretariat. On dingchou Prince of Teng Zan was made governor of Yong province. On jimao Prince of Wei Shuang defeated the Turks at Baidao. On gengchen Campaign Commander Yin Shou defeated Gao Baoning at Huanglong. On jiashen, during a drought, the emperor personally sacrificed to the Rain Master southwest of the capital. On bingxu an edict urged the realm to promote learning and practice ritual. Liang Yuan, Duke of Jibei commandery, was made governor of Wen province. On jichou Zhang Ziji, commandant of Ying province in Chen, sent envoys to surrender, but the emperor, seeking friendly relations, declined. On xinmao Acting Bearer of the Golden Pide Xi Shu and Acting Regular Bearer of the Golden Pide Wang Shao were sent as envoys to Chen. On guisi the emperor personally performed the rain sacrifice. On jiawu the Turks sent envoys to court.
52
使
In the fifth month, on guimao, Campaign Commander Li Huang defeated the Turks at the Mana River crossing. On jiachen Goguryeo sent envoys to court. On yisi Crown Prince of Liang Xiao Cong came to congratulate the move of the capital. On dingwei Mohe presented local products as tribute. On wushen Yin Shou, governor of You province, died. On xinyou sacrifice was offered at the Square Marsh altar. On renxu Campaign Marshal Dou Rongding defeated the Turks and Tuyuhun in Liang province. On bingyin amnesty was granted in Huanglong for all crimes below capital punishment.
53
使 [18]
In the sixth month, on gengwu, Ji, son of Prince of Wei Shuang, was made Prince of Suian commandery. On wuyin the Turks sent envoys to request peace. On gengchen Campaign Commander Liang Yuan defeated Tuyuhun at Mount Erhan and beheaded a renowned prince. On renshen, [18] Yan Rong, governor of Jin province, was made governor of Qing province. On jichou Prince of Hejian Hong was made governor of Ning province. On yiwei the emperor visited the residence of Princess Anchang.
54
[19]
In the seventh month of autumn, on xinchou, Zhou Yao, governor of Yu province, was made governor of You province. On renxu an edict stated: "Practicing benevolence and walking in righteousness come first in moral teaching; to encourage custom and cultivate conduct, such deeds should be rewarded and commended. In the past, east of the mountains and along the Yellow River, regions ravaged by this rebellion saw isolated frontier cities that often could not hold out on their own. Du You, governor of Jiyin commandery, was trapped among the rebels with his life in the enemy's hands. Fan Taimei, a clerk in the commandery office, spent all he had to rescue and protect him, sparing him from slaughter and humiliation. Reflecting on his sincere loyalty, his conduct is truly praiseworthy; he deserves exceptional reward, to make clear both encouragement and deterrent. Fan Taimei is appointed Grand Commandant and Acting Governor of Xiang province." On dingmao there was a solar eclipse. [19] Scholarly annotation marker.
55
In the eighth month, on dingchou, Mohe presented local products as tribute. On jimao Li Licheng, Grand General of the Right Martial Guard, was made governor of Xiang province. On renwu Left Vice Director Gao Yong was sent via the Ning province route and Director of the Palace Secretariat Yu Qingze via the Yuan province route, both as campaign marshals to attack the barbarians. On wuzi the emperor offered sacrifice at the Grand Altar of Soil.
56
In the ninth month, on renzi, the emperor visited the east of the city to inspect the grain harvest. On guichou a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.
57
In the tenth month of winter, on jiaxu, the Henan Circuit Executive Office was abolished, and Prince of Qin Jun was made governor of Qin province.
58
使使 使 使 使 使
In the eleventh month, on jiyou, envoys were dispatched to tour and inspect local customs, accompanied by an edict: "We preside over the realm, deeply reflecting on the art of governance, wishing to bring the people to transformation through virtue in place of punishment, seeking goodness among the common folk and honoring conduct in every neighborhood. We wish to hear fully of both truth and falsehood among the people. We have already ordered envoys to go everywhere to provide relief; they will spur their horses along separate routes until they cover the four seas, and they must serve as Our eyes and ears. If there are persons of civil and military talent not yet recognized by the age, they should be sent forward with proper ceremony, and We shall select and promote them. Those whose integrity and conduct are lofty and extraordinary, surpassing their rank and exceeding ordinary measure, should also have envoys sent to honor them specially, so that each good deed may encourage others. Whether near or far, officials and local customs, great and small, must all be recorded and reported upon their return. Thus We may know what lies ten thousand li away without leaving Our hall." On gengchen Chen dispatched Bearer of the Golden Pide Zhou Fen and Regular Bearer of the Golden Pide Yuan Yan on a friendly mission. The ruler of Chen, knowing that the emperor's appearance differed from ordinary men, had Yuan Yan paint his portrait and take it away. On jiawu all commanderies throughout the realm were abolished.
59
使
In the intercalary twelfth month, on yimao, Acting Bearer of the Golden Pide Cao Lingze and Regular Bearer of the Golden Pide Wei Tan were sent as envoys to Chen. On wuwu Senior Pillar of the State Dou Rongding was made Grand General of the Right Martial Guard, and Su Wei, Director of the Ministry of Justice, was made Director of the Ministry of Revenue.
60
In the first month of spring of the fourth year, on jiazi, there was a solar eclipse. On jisi sacrifice was offered at the Grand Ancestral Temple. On xinwei sacrifice was offered at the Southern Suburb. On renshen Ruler of Liang Xiao Kui came to court. On jiaxu a grand archery ceremony was held in the Northern Park and continued for ten days. On renwu Qi province suffered flooding. On xinmao Yu province captured a beast resembling an elk, with one horn and cloven hooves. On renchen the new calendar was promulgated.
61
In the second month, on yisi, the emperor gave a farewell banquet for the Ruler of Liang at Bashang. On dingwei Mohe presented local products as tribute. More than ten thousand men and women of the Suni division of the Turks came to surrender. On gengxu the emperor visited Long province. Ashina Dian, khan of the Turks, led his followers to surrender.
62
使殿
In the fourth month of summer, on jihai, an order was issued that governors and prefects might not take their parents or sons aged fifteen and above with them to their posts. On gengzi Yu Qingze, Director of the Ministry of Personnel, was made Right Vice Director; Yang Shangxi, governor of Ying province, was made Director of the Ministry of War; and Liu Ren'en, governor of Mao province, was made Director of the Ministry of Justice. On jiachen Senior Pillar of the State Chilie Changcha was made governor of Xin province. On dingwei envoys from the Turks, Goguryeo, and Tuyuhun were banqueted in the Daxing Hall. On dingsi Grand General Helou Zigan was made governor of Yulin Pass.
63
使
In the fifth month, on guiyou, Mohefu, chieftain of the Khitan, sent envoys to surrender and was appointed Grand General. On bingzi Feng Yu, Pillar of the State, was made governor of Fen province. On yiyou Lü Zhongquan, governor of Bian province, was made governor of Yan province.
64
In the sixth month, on gengzi, prisoners were granted reduction of sentence. On yisi Yifu Shi, Director of the Court of State Ceremonial, was made governor of Yi province, and Dou Lu Ji, Senior Pillar of the State, was made governor of Xia province. On renzi a canal was opened from the Wei River to the Yellow River to enable transport by water. On wuwu Prince of Qin Jun came to court.
65
In the seventh month of autumn, on bingyin, Chen dispatched Acting Bearer of the Golden Pide Xie Quan and Acting Regular Bearer of the Golden Pide He Deji on a friendly mission.
66
In the ninth month, on jiazi, the emperor visited the residence of Princess Xiangguo. On yichou the emperor visited Bashui to inspect the transport canal and granted silk to the overseers of the work in varying amounts. On jisi the emperor personally reviewed prisoners. On gengwu the Khitan submitted to the empire. On jiaxu the emperor traveled to Luoyang because Guannei was suffering famine. On guiwei Venus was visible during the day.
67
使
In the eleventh month of winter, on renxu, Acting Bearer of the Golden Pide Xue Daheng and Regular Bearer of the Golden Pide Dou Lu Shi were sent as envoys to Chen. On guihai Helou Zigan, governor of Yulin Pass, was made governor of Yun province.
68
In the first month of spring of the fifth year, on wuchen, an edict ordered the implementation of the new ritual code.
69
In the third month, on wuwu, Left Vice Director Gao Yong was made Grand General of the Left Army Guard, and Yuwen Xin, Senior Pillar of the State, was made Grand General of the Right Army Guard.
70
使
In the fourth month of summer, on jiawu, Duomi, chieftain of the Khitan, sent envoys to present local products as tribute. On renyin Wang Yi, Senior Pillar of the State, plotted rebellion and was executed. On yisi an edict summoned six scholars from east of the mountains, including Ma Rongbo. On wushen the emperor returned from Luoyang.
71
使
In the fifth month, on jiashen, an edict ordered the establishment of charity granaries. Ruler of Liang Xiao Kui died, and his crown prince Cong succeeded to the throne. Grand General Yuan Qi was sent as envoy to Apo Khan of the Turks.
72
In the seventh month of autumn, on gengshen, Chen dispatched Acting Bearer of the Golden Pide Wang Hua and Acting Regular Bearer of the Golden Pide Ruan Zhuo on a friendly mission. On dingchou Senior Pillar of the State Yuwen Qing was made governor of Liang province. On renwu Shaboluo of the Turks submitted a memorial declaring himself a subject.
73
[20]
In the eighth month, on bingxu, Khan Shaboluo sent his son Kuhezhen Teqin to court. [20] On jiachen the provinces south of the Yellow River suffered flooding, and Su Wei, Duke of Pi and Director of the Ministry of Revenue, was sent to provide relief. On wushen several hundred shooting stars scattered and fell. On jiyou the emperor visited Liyuan.
74
使
In the ninth month, on dingsi, the emperor returned from Liyuan. On yichou Baopi was renamed Dupi, and Bashui was renamed Zishui. Chen general Zhan Wenche raided He province, and Fei Baoshou, Acting Third Rank, captured him. On bingzi Acting Bearer of the Golden Pide Li Ruo and Acting Regular Bearer of the Golden Pide Cui Junshan were sent as envoys to Chen.
75
In the tenth month of winter, on renchen, Senior Pillar of the State Yang Su was made governor of Xin province, and Tuwanyu, governor of Shuo province, was made governor of Xu province.
76
In the eleventh month, on jiazi, Grand General Yuan Xiong was made governor of Shuo province. On dingmao Prince of Jin Guang came to court.
77
In the twelfth month, on dingwei, prisoners were granted reduction of sentence. On wushen Senior Pillar of the State Daxi Changru was made governor of Xia province.
78
In the first month of spring of the sixth year, on jiazi, the Tangut Qiang submitted to the empire. On gengwu the calendar was promulgated to the Turks. On xinwei Wei Guang, Pillar of the State, was made governor of An province. On renshen Su Wei, Director of the Ministry of Revenue, was sent to tour and inspect east of the mountains.
79
In the second month, on yiyou, seven provinces south of the mountains in Jing and Xi suffered flooding, and former Director of the Ministry of Works Zhangsun Pi was sent to provide relief. On bingxu a regulation was issued that the chief assistants of prefects should enter court at year's end for annual performance review. On dinghai one hundred ten thousand conscripted men were mobilized to build the Great Wall, and the work was completed in twenty days. On yiwei Senior Pillar of the State Cui Hongdu was made governor of Xiang province. On gengzi a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.
80
使
In the third month, on jiwei, Gao De, a man of Luoyang, submitted a memorial asking the emperor to become Retired Emperor and abdicate in favor of the crown prince. The emperor said, "We have received Heaven's mandate and nurture the common people; from dawn to dusk We toil diligently, yet still fear We fall short. How could We imitate the emperors of recent times, who did not follow the ancients, abdicating to their sons and seeking ease and pleasure for themselves!" On guihai Shaboluo of the Turks sent envoys to present local products as tribute.
81
椿
In the fourth month of summer, on jihai, Chen dispatched Acting Bearer of the Golden Pide Zhou Pan and Acting Regular Bearer of the Golden Pide Jiang Chun on a friendly mission.
82
In the seventh month of autumn, on xinhai, the provinces south of the Yellow River suffered flooding. On yichou hair-like strands rained in the capital, resembling horse mane and tail; the longest were more than two chi, the shortest six or seven cun.
83
In the intercalary month, on jiyou, Duan Wenzhen, governor of He province, was made governor of Lan province. On dingmao the crown prince took up residence at Luoyang. On xinwei Prince of Jin Guang and Prince of Qin Jun both came to court. On bingzi Liang Shiyan, Duke of Cheng and Senior Pillar of the State; Yuwen Xin, Duke of Qi and Senior Pillar of the State; and Liu Fang, Duke of Shu and Pillar of the State, were executed for plotting rebellion. Yuwen Shan, Duke of Xu and Senior Pillar of the State, was stripped of his name and rank for an offense.
84
殿
In the ninth month, on xinsi, wearing plain robes the emperor presided over the Archery Hall, ordered the hundred officials to shoot, and granted goods and property to the three families of Liang Shiyan. On bingxu Yuan Jingshan, Duke of Song'an commandery and Senior Pillar of the State, died. On gengzi Senior Pillar of the State Li Xun was made governor of Xi province. On xinchou an edict ordered relief for all families who had died in service since the Daxiang era.
85
In the tenth month of winter, on jiyou, Prince of Jin Guang, Director of the Hebei Circuit Executive Office and governor of Bing province, was made governor of Yong province, his other offices remaining unchanged; Yang Shangxi, Director of the Ministry of War, was made Director of the Ministry of Rites. On guichou the Shannan Circuit Executive Office was established at Xiang province, and Prince of Qin Jun was made Director of the Department of State Affairs. On bingchen Luo Pingnan, governor of Fang province, was made governor of Die province, and Zhou Fashang, governor of Heng province, was made governor of Huang province. On jiazi sweet dew fell in the Hualin Garden.
86
In the first month of spring of the seventh year, on guisi, sacrifice was offered at the Grand Ancestral Temple. On yiwei a regulation was issued that each province should submit three tribute candidates annually.
87
In the second month, on dingsi, the Morning Sun was sacrificed to at the Eastern Suburb. On jisi Chen dispatched Acting Bearer of the Golden Pide Wang Heng and Acting Regular Bearer of the Golden Pide Wang Shen on a friendly mission. On renshen the emperor visited Liquan Palace. That month more than one hundred thousand conscripted men were mobilized to build the Great Wall, and the work was completed in twenty days.
88
[21] 西[22] 使
In the fourth month of summer, on jiyou, the emperor visited the residence of Prince of Jin. On gengxu the Shanyang Canal was opened at Yang province to enable transport by water. Shaboluo Khan of the Turks died, and his son Yongyulü succeeded to the throne; [21] he was known as Khan Dulü. On guihai Azure Dragon talismans were issued to governors and prefects of the east; in the west the Zouyu was used, [22] in the south the Vermilion Bird, and in the north the Dark Warrior. On jiaxu Acting Bearer of the Golden Pide Yang Tong and Acting Regular Bearer of the Golden Pide Cui Biao were sent as envoys to Chen. Su Wei, Director of the Ministry of Revenue, was made Director of the Ministry of Personnel.
89
In the fifth month, on the first day of the month, yihai, there was a solar eclipse. On jimao stones rained over more than ten li between Wu'an and Fuyang.
90
In the seventh month of autumn, on jichou, Prince of Wei Shuang died, and the emperor presided over mourning rites at the Outer Secretariat.
91
In the eighth month, on bingwu, Yuan Xiong, governor of Huai province, was made governor of Shuo province. On gengshen Ruler of Liang Xiao Cong came to court.
92
In the ninth month, on yiyou, Xiao Yan, Prince of Anping of Liang, plundered within his own state and fled to Chen. On xinmao the state of Liang was abolished, and a partial amnesty was granted in Jiangling. Ruler of Liang Xiao Cong was made Pillar of the State and enfeoffed as Duke of Ju.
93
In the tenth month of winter, on gengshen, the emperor traveled to Tong province; because it was where the late emperor had resided, prisoners were granted reduction of sentence. On guihai the emperor visited Pu province. On bingyin the emperor banqueted the elders of the district and was greatly pleased, saying, "The people here, their clothing bright and splendid, their bearing leisurely and refined—this is truly because it is a district of official service, where custom has been molded by influence."
94
In the eleventh month, on jiawu, the emperor visited Fengyi and personally sacrificed at the former altar of soil and grain. The elders answered the edict in a manner that missed its intent; the emperor was greatly angered, dismissed the county officials, and departed. On wuxu the emperor returned from Fengyi.
95
Collation Notes
96
Xuan, eighth-generation descendant of Grand Commandant Zhen of Han: "dai" (generation) should read "shi" (generation)—a Tang-era taboo alteration. Note: In this book "shi" and "dai" appear mixed, and other taboo-avoidance characters show similar inconsistency. This suggests that the Tang-era compilation was not the work of a single hand, with inconsistencies between earlier and later portions, and later editors made further reversions. Henceforth, whenever such taboo-avoidance cases occur, collation notes will be given only at the first appearance of each taboo character.
97
Houfuhou Shou: The Biography of Hou Zhi in the Book of Zhou and the Annals of Emperor Wu both read "Houfuhou Wanshou." Note: Some personal names in the book omit one character; henceforth, whenever such cases occur, collation notes will be given only at the first appearance of each name.
98
Xi Pi: The Biography of Li Licheng in this book reads "Xi Piluo."
99
()
Eleventh month, xinwei day: Cen Zhongmian, Investigations into the Book of Sui 〈Hereafter abbreviated as Qiushi〉 : The Annals of Emperor Jing in fascicle 8 of the Book of Zhou reads "twelfth month, xinwei day." The eleventh month began on guiwei; there was no xinwei day—this is likely an error. Note: The twelfth month began on renzi; xinwei would be the twentieth day, and should not appear before "twelfth month, jiazi day" below (the thirteenth day) above. There must be an error or transposition here.
100
The lives of the people were nearly lost: "ren" (people) should read "min" (people)—a Tang-era taboo alteration.
101
Wei Jiong: That is, Yuchi Jiong.
102
Wulao: "Wu" (martial) should read "Hu" (tiger)—a Tang-era taboo alteration.
103
Wen's Deep Pillar: "Shen" (deep) should read "Yuan" (deep)—a Tang-era taboo alteration. Ma Yuan, courtesy name Wenyuan; the erection of the bronze pillar is recorded in his biography in the Book of the Later Han.
104
Wuben: "Wu" (martial) should read "Hu" (tiger)—a Tang-era taboo alteration.
105
Bingchen: The original text read "Jing." Because the Tang tabooed the name Bing, the character bing was replaced with jing; the text has now been restored. The same applies below.
106
In "sincerely hold fast to its harmony," he should read zhong; the line comes from the spurious Old Text Documents of the Great Yu chapter. Because the Sui tabooed the name Zhong, the character for center was replaced with the character for harmony.
107
Director of the Ministry of Revenue: Yuan Yan's biography in this book gives the title as Grand Master of the Ministry of Revenue. Because the Sui tabooed the name Zhong, Grand Master was changed to Director.
108
Yilou Yangong is Yilou Qian.
109
Han Qin should read Han Qinhu; the Tang taboo omitted the character hu, tiger.
110
Fifth month, wuzi day: The Basic Annals of Sui in the History of the Northern Dynasties has wuwu instead. That month began on jiyou, so there was a wuwu day but no wuzi day.
111
Duke of Yongchang commandery: Dou Rongding's biography reads Duke of Yongfu county, and Lai He's biography reads Duke of Yongfu.
112
() ()
Tao province: Qiushi argues that the Biography of Tuyuhun's reading, Xu province, should be followed here. According to the Yuanhe Commanderies and Counties Gazetteer 〈hereafter abbreviated as Yuanhe Gazetteer〉 Entry 39 on Tao province states that in the fourth year of Zhenguan the province seat was moved to the old Honghe city and Lintao garrison was established there. In the fifth year the garrison was abolished and Tabooed Province was established. The Tabooed Province here appears as Xu province in fascicle 38 of the Geography Monograph in the Book of Tang. When the Song edited the Yuanhe Gazetteer they avoided the name Zhao Xu Emperor Shenzong of Song and altered the name to avoid the taboo Xu and Xu are near homophones So the Tao province here may also have been altered by Song editors.
113
() ()
Renshen: The sixth month began on dingmao, making renshen the sixth day should precede wuyin the twelfth day above, so the annal text must contain an error or transposition.
114
Kuhezhen Teqin: Teqin originally read Tele; the text was corrected according to the Kül Tigin stele and the Lower Annals of Gaozu and Upper Annals of Yangdi in this book. The same applies below.
115
His son Yongyulü succeeded to the throne: According to the Biographies of Zhangsun Sheng and the Turks in this book, Yongyulü first yielded the khanate to his uncle Chuluo Hou and succeeded only after Chuluo Hou died. The annals and biographies disagree.
116
Zouyu should read White Tiger. Because the Tang tabooed the character hu, tiger, Zouyu is used here in place of White Tiger.
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