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卷二十二 本紀第二十二: 武宗一

Volume 22 Annals 22: Wuzong 1

Chapter 22 of 元史 · History of Yuan
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1
Emperor Wuzong, posthumous name Renhui Xuanxiao, taboo name Haishan, was the eldest son of Shunzong Darmabala. His mother was Empress Dowager Xingsheng of the Hongjira clan. He was born on the nineteenth day of the seventh month of the eighteenth year of Zhiyuan.
2
In the third year of Dade under Emperor Temür, Prince of Ningyuan Kuokuochu commanded troops on the northern frontier but was lax in defense; Khayishan was ordered to replace him in the army. In the eighth month of the fourth year he fought Qaidu's army at Koipelie and defeated it. In the twelfth month the army reached Aitai Mountain, and the Naiman-tai tribe submitted. On the new moon of the eighth month of the fifth year he fought Qaidu at Djikeleg; Qaidu's army was routed. Two days later Qaidu gathered all his forces and came; a great battle was fought at Khar Khata; the army suffered a reverse, but Khayishan personally went out into the ranks and fought fiercely, inflicting a great defeat, capturing all their baggage train in full, and bringing out all the princes', imperial sons-in-law's, and other armies. The next day they fought again; the army fell back slightly, and Qaidu pressed the advantage; Khayishan commanded the army and fought fiercely, breaking through behind the enemy formation and returning with the whole army intact. Qaidu departed without achieving his aim and soon died as well.
3
禿 禿滿 禿
In the tenth month of the eighth year Khayishan was enfeoffed as Prince of Huaining; a gold seal was granted, princely tutor officials were established, and 65,000 households of Ruizhou were assigned as his fief. In the seventh month of the tenth year, from the region of Tughusi he crossed Aitai Mountain in pursuit of the rebel prince Orus and captured his wives, children, and baggage train; the rebel princes Yesun Tu'a and others and the imperial son-in-law Bayan were seized. In the eighth month he reached Yelidishi and received the submission of the surrendered princes Tudum, Mingli Temür, Aruguei, and others. Qaidu's son Chapar fled to Duwa's tribe; all his family members, camps, and tents were captured. He wintered at Aitai Mountain; the surrendered prince Tarkhai rebelled again, was defeated in battle, and the northern frontier was entirely pacified.
4
西 使 使
In the spring of the eleventh year, hearing that Emperor Temür had died, in the third month he went from Aitai Mountain to Karakorum. Princes and meritorious kin all assembled and said that Ananda, Mingli Temür, and others were beguiling the inner palace and secretly harbored divergent designs; Prince Yeshili had once communicated with rebel princes and was now also involved in the plot. After they had submitted and been executed, all together they urged Khayishan to ascend the throne. Khayishan declined, saying, "My mother and my younger brother are in Dadu; wait until all the imperial kin have assembled and then deliberate." Earlier, when Emperor Temür had long been ill, government issued from the inner palace; the Emperor ordered Renzong and the empress dowager to leave the capital and reside at Huaizhou. At this time Renzong, hearing the death announcement, arrived at the capital with the empress dowager on xinhai day of the second month. Prince of Anxi Ananda and Prince Mingli Temür had already arrived first on gengwu day of the first month. Left chancellor Ahutai, grand councillor Badmashin, former central secretariat grand councillor Bayan, Central Domestic Affairs Court commissioner Qielie and Daoxing, and others secretly plotted to install Emperor Temür's empress Boheljen as regent, with Ananda to assist her. Renzong, using right chancellor Halaqsun Dalaqan's plan, spoke to the empress dowager, saying, "The Taizu and Shizu emperors founded the enterprise amid hardship; now the late emperor has passed away, Deshou has died, all the princes are distant kin, and the Prince of Huaining is in the north — these men secretly harbor divergent designs, and change may come at any moment; if we wait until the Prince of Huaining arrives, I fear disorder of unforeseeable kind; better to strike first." The plan was settled; Ahutai, Qielie, and others were executed, and envoys were dispatched to welcome Khayishan.
5
西
In the fifth month he reached Shangdu. On yichou day Renzong attended the empress dowager to the assembly; princes of the left and right wings all arrived for deliberation; Empress Boheljen was deposed and sent to reside at Dong'an Prefecture and granted death; Prince of Anxi Ananda and Prince Mingli Temür were brought to Shangdu and likewise all granted death. On jiashen day the Emperor took the throne at Shangdu, received the court of princes, civil and military officials at the Great Peace Pavilion, proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the realm, and issued an edict, saying:
6
輿
Formerly our Taizu Emperor established the realm by martial achievement, and our Shizu Emperor harmonized all within the seas by civil virtue; successive sacred rulers succeeded one another, greatly extending boundless fortune. From the previous reign We have reverently borne Heaven's majesty, governing armies in the north for nearly ten years, repeatedly donning armor and fighting in person to repulse the enemy. Just as the frontier princes submitted inward and border affairs were settled, We suddenly heard that the imperial carriage had halted; then imperial-clan princes, meritorious kin, and founding ministers together fixed policy at Karakorum, all holding that We are the direct line of Shizu's great-grandson and the legitimate transmission of Yuzong's branch, and that by merit and virtue We should receive the great treasure. We declined in humility and had no leisure for it, even to the second and third time. Returning to Shangdu, imperial kin and great ministers again petitioned Us. Recently treacherous ministers seized the interval and plotted rebellion; relying on the spirits of the ancestors, Our younger brother by the same mother Ayurbarwada received command from the empress dowager and reverently executed Heaven's punishment. Once the internal trouble was settled, the sacred vessel could not long stand empty, nor the ancestral temple go without sacrifice; all together they urged Us to ascend, and their sincere intent grew ever firmer. We reluctantly yielded to public sentiment and on the twenty-first day of the fifth month took the imperial throne. The burden is great and the charge heavy, as if treading on deep ice. At the cloud's first rising of Our succession, We should renew beginnings with the people; a general amnesty throughout the realm is permitted. Care for garrison soldiers on campaign and prefectures and circuits with heavy supply burdens; remit corvée taxes at Shangdu, Dadu, and Longxing for three years; for the remaining routes, remit in proportion to severity. In the Yunnan bafan and Tian-Yang territories, remit requisition levies for one year. Those with arrears accumulated over years are to be remitted; those who fled and now return to their occupations are exempt for three years. In disaster-stricken places, mountain-forest and lake-revenue duties are temporarily suspended, and the poor are permitted to gather resources. Where relay households are depleted, give them relief. Passing armies and horses must not disturb the people. At ironworks everywhere, private persons are permitted to operate smelting on contract. Encourage schools, remit corvée duties for Confucian households; inquire after widowers, widows, orphans, and the solitary.
7
使 使
That day Our late father was posthumously honored as emperor, and Our grand empress and original consort were honored as empress dowager. On dinghai day the Bureau of Transmission was raised to rank 2a; the Ceremonial Phoenix Office was raised to the Jade Inner Music Bureau at rank 2b. On renchen day director of privy council affairs Dorjeqai was made grand preceptor; central secretariat right chancellor Halaqsun Dalaqan was made grand guardian and given charge of state and military affairs; Director of privy council affairs Tarqai was made left chancellor of the central secretariat and given charge of privy council and Bureau of Palace Provisions affairs; Associate director of the Central Domestic Affairs Court Chundu, yeke jarquchi Ashabuhua, and Jiang-Zhe branch secretariat grand councillor Minglibuhua were all made grand councillors of the central secretariat; Jiang-Zhe branch secretariat left associate administrator Liu Zheng was made left vice chancellor of the central secretariat; by remote appointment central secretariat left associate administrator Qincha and Fujian Circuit pacification commissioner Yesun Temür were both made associate administrators of the central secretariat; Central secretariat right vice chancellor and acting regional censor-in-chief Tasibuhua was made censor-in-chief; Grand councillor Chundu was made director of privy council affairs. By special appointment Qitai Puji was made grand councillor of the central secretariat; Yanqing commissioner Cha'erchi was made right vice chancellor of the central secretariat; associate director of the Karakorum and other places pacification commission Tahai was made right vice chancellor of the central secretariat; Ali was made left vice chancellor of the central secretariat; and Toghto was made censor-in-chief. Because the 62 relay stations north of Dadu had exhausted relay households, notes were granted to relieve them. That month the crown prince's wet nurse Lady Li was enfeoffed as Lady of Shouguo, and her husband Yanjianu was enfeoffed as Duke of Shouguo. Central secretariat grand councillor Hesari was made grand councillor of the Liaoyang branch secretariat. Jianzhou suffered heavy hail; Zhending, Hejian, Shunde, and Baoding and other prefectures suffered locusts.
8
西西西 使 使 使使 使𠇗 西 調 殿使 退 便 西
Sixth month, on the guisi new moon, an edict installed Our younger brother by the same mother Ayurbarwada as crown prince; he received the gold seal and treasure. The Armory Bureau was raised to the Armory Court at rank 2b. On jiawu day a traveling palace was built at Wangwuchadu; palace halls were established and the place was made Central Capital. On dingyou day central secretariat right chancellor Halaqsun Dalaqan and left chancellor Tarqai said, "We have assembled in deliberation with senior ministers of Hanlin, the Academy of Scholarly Worthies, and the Grand Sacrifices Office; the Emperor having newly ascended the precious throne, an edict posthumously honors Our late father as emperor; Our late father was the elder brother by the same mother of the late emperor, and the rites for installing the late emperor's spirit tablet in the temple have not yet been performed; it is fitting that the spirit tablets of the two emperors be installed in the temple according to the order of brothers. We now propose requesting the posthumous title Zhaosheng Yanxiao Emperor for Our late father, with temple name Shunzong; for the late emperor, Qinming Guangxiao Emperor, with temple name Chengzong. The Taizu chamber is placed at the center; Ruizong in the first western chamber, Shizu in the second western chamber, Yuzong in the third western chamber, Shunzong in the first eastern chamber, and Chengzong in the second eastern chamber. The original consort of the Hongjira clan, Shilin Tegin, should receive the posthumous title Zhenci Jingyi Empress and be installed in Chengzong's temple chamber." The decree said, "Permitted." They also said, "Formerly We received an edict ordering Us to deliberate on rewards for princes at court assemblies; We deliberated: when Xianzong and Shizu ascended the throne, rewards were fixed in number; when Chengzong ascended, inheriting Shizu's treasury in abundance, compared with earlier precedent, those granted 50 taels of gold were increased to 250 taels, and those granted 50 taels of silver to 150 taels." An edict said, "Grant according to the numbers Chengzong bestowed." On wuxu day Halaqsun Dalaqan said, "Recently at the assembly of princes and imperial sons-in-law at Karakorum, those who had already received grants ought not to receive them again." The Emperor said, "At the Karakorum assembly state affairs were still pressing; those already granted shall receive again." On jihai day censor-in-chief Toghto and Hanlin awaiting-edict drafter Sanbaonu said, "Under the old system, crown prince officials were drawn jointly from the secretariat and censorate; We request that Oljei, pacification commissioner of Luolosi, be appointed within the central secretariat." An edict appointed him right vice chancellor of the central secretariat. At court assembly each agency was permitted to place one man with the crown prince. Because Ma Mousha, commander of the Archery Guard, repeatedly won at wrestling contests, he was by remote appointment made grand councillor. On renyin day Tarqai was additionally made grand guardian, given charge of state and military affairs, and made crown prince grand preceptor. On guimao day the Crown Prince Household Court was established. On jiachen day the privy council requested 2,500 soldiers to repair the Shangdu falconry office and various official buildings; an edict said, "From now on, unless by imperial order, soldiers must not be requisitioned for labor." Grand councillor and acting Karakorum and other places pacification commissioner and commander-in-chief Ganlaqar, and Bureau of Transmission commissioner and Armory director Temür Buhua were both made directors of privy council affairs. On yisi day 2,750 taels of gold, 129,200 taels of silver, 10,000 ingots of notes, and 22,280 bolts of silks and cloths were presented to the Xingsheng Palace; the crown prince was granted the same. Central secretariat officials said, "There are 14 chancellors of the central secretariat and 4 censor-in-chiefs — numbers the former system did not provide for." An edict ordered deliberation with senior ministers of Hanlin and the Academy of Scholarly Worthies and a memorial in reply. On bingwu day the moon encroached upon the Dipper's ladle stars. Central Domestic Affairs Court commissioner Botou and others said, "Biebuhua built a monastery with private funds to pray for the state's blessing. His father was killed by Prince Ogö, and We request that he be granted Ogö's annual stipend." An order granted it to him for five years: 4,100-odd taels of silver, 31,290 jin of silk, 100 taels of gold in woven goods, and 710 bolts of silk. On wushen day by special appointment master of the Imperial Stud Borlanxi and Chundu were made grand councillors; Qarimuddin, darughachi of the Datong garrison-farming military-civilian general office, was made right vice chancellor of the central secretariat. On xinhai day central secretariat grand councillor Toghto was made grand councillor of the Jiangxi branch secretariat. On renzi day the Emperor's younger sister Sanggarjai was enfeoffed as Grand Princess of Lu, and her imperial son-in-law Abula was enfeoffed as Prince of Lu. Temür Buhua, Ganlaqar, and others said, "Under the old system the privy council selected and transferred military officers after public deliberation and memorialized the throne. Recently close attendants have themselves chosen titles and received edicts from within; We fear this will ruin Shizu's fixed system and moreover err in state affairs. In Chengzong's time there was once an edict that those who rashly memorialized on privy council affairs were permitted to state their case again before this court. We hold that from now on in appointing men, Shizu and Chengzong's established statutes should be uniformly followed." The Emperor said, "Follow the former regulations; if others suddenly make requests on their own authority." They also said, "Military officers differ from civil officials; fathers and sons and brothers are permitted hereditary succession — this is an institution fixed by Shizu. Recently close attendants have frequently requested ten-thousand-household and thousand-household offices from above; inner edicts were issued, but we ministers have not dared carry them out." The Emperor said, "Carry them out according to regulation." On jiayin day an edict ordered monks in all monasteries of the interior prefectures, Jiangnan, Koryo, Sichuan, and Yunnan to recite the Buddhist canon for the three palaces' blessings. On yimao day the yeke jarquchi Maras was dispatched to the northern army and was given a seal. On bingchen day censor-in-chief Tasibuhua said, "The duties of the Palace Attendant Service: for memorials from the central secretariat downward, attendants must accompany them in; those not in the roster for memorializing may withdraw; for officials at court assemblies who breach etiquette, they may be impeached; for those who fall ill or die, notification is required. We request that the old regulations be followed." They also said, "Under the old regulations, when censorial officials within and without impeach someone, others must not interfere. Yet recently one who accepted bribes was impeached by a surveillance censor; when the case was concluded, he used connections to petition and, under the pretext of business, entered audience to avoid punishment. We believe that from now on, those found guilty must not be permitted to reach the capital; after their cross-examination is concluded, if they truly have something to say, only then should memorializing be permitted. All were approved. Tasibuhua also said, "The crown prince has decreed: for corruption offenses of officials, there is no need for the Ministry of Punishments to fix the penalty; those receiving edicts shall be punished by the surveillance commission; when the secretariat and censorate dispatch men to inspect the surveillance commission documents, private obstruction occurs — this is inconvenient." Grand councillor Ashabuhua thereupon said, "This is a matter for joint deliberation between the secretariat and censorate; censorate officials should not memorialize alone." The Emperor said, "This is a censorate matter — Ashabuhua, do not speak rashly. What the censorate officials say is correct; carry it out as memorialized." Tasibuhua and Toghto were both granted left chancellor by remote appointment. On wuwu day King Wang Ju of Koryo was promoted to Prince of Shenyang, and made crown prince grand tutor and imperial son-in-law director. The crown prince's Household Steward Bureau, Principality Rectification Bureau, Extended Celebration Bureau, Qu Music Agency, and Palace Provisions Agency were established. On jiwei day Prince of Ningyuan Kuokuochu was enfeoffed as Prince of Ning, and granted a gold seal. On gengshen day Tasibuhua, by remote appointment left chancellor and acting censor-in-chief, was made right chancellor. On xinyou day Bianliang, Nanyang, Guide, Jiangxi, and Huguang suffered flooding; Baoding subordinate counties suffered locusts.
9
禿 便 西使 使 西禿 禿 西 使使 使 便 使西使 西 使禿 西 禿 西
Seventh month, autumn, guihai new moon: Prince Tula was enfeoffed as Prince of Yue. Prince Chubei said, "Runaway tenant farmers of Guazhou and Shazhou who have gradually come of age — we ask that they be registered under our command." Central secretariat officials said, "Although Guazhou is princely domain, its people serve on relay stations — Chubei's request should not be followed." The Insignia and Girdle Pendants Store was promoted to the Bureau of Insignia and Girdle Pendants, rank 2b; Aranabakha was granted 10,000 ingots of notes. On jiazi day censor-in-chief Teguder, privy council vice director Targhutai, and central secretariat grand councillor Chuangwu'er were dispatched to announce the accession at the southern suburb altar. On bingyin day, because placing the Lidian Mongol ten-thousand-household command under the Tubo pacification commission was inconvenient, they were ordered to remain as before under Temür's pacification commission to defend Shaan Prefecture. Princes and imperial sons-in-law coming to audience were not permitted relay unless by imperial order. Central secretariat associate administrator Zhao Rongrong was made crown prince household steward. For protecting merit, Mingli was made grand steward of the palace, and his wife Meixian was enfeoffed as Lady of Shunguo. Chuangwu'er's soldiers were granted 60,000 ingots of notes and 20,000 bolts of silks and cloths. Fei'eryaermidi and Tegeden were dispatched to the Western Regions to fetch the Buddhist bowl and relics; Fei'eryaermidi was granted Xuanzheng commissioner by remote appointment, and Tegeden grand councillor by remote appointment. Halaqsun Dalaqan, grand tutor and right chancellor, and Tarqai, grand guardian and left chancellor, were jointly ordered to administer central secretariat routine affairs; an edict notified court and country. On jisi day the moon encroached upon Kang. The Palace Tutor Office was established, with crown prince grand tutor, junior tutor, grand preceptor, junior preceptor, grand guardian, junior guardian, guest of honor, left and right lecturers, supporters of virtue, subordinates of the crown prince, groom of the heir, chief of the crown prince's household, assistants, chief of classics, assistants, attendants, literary officers, interpreters, proofreaders, correctors of texts, and the like. On renshen day censor-in-chief Teguder, central secretariat grand councillor Chuangwu'er, and privy council vice director Borlanxi were dispatched to announce the accession at the imperial ancestral temple. Anxi, Pingjiang, and Jizhou circuits were made the crown prince's fief; Yuezhou Route was made Prince Tula's fief. Prince Babusha was granted 10,000 ingots of notes. On guiyou day the Karakorum pacification commission was abolished and a branch secretariat established, along with the Qinghai region pacification commission commander-in-chief headquarters and Karakorum administration commissionerate. Grand preceptor Ochicharu was made right chancellor of the Karakorum branch secretariat; central secretariat right chancellor Halaqsun Dalaqan was made left chancellor of the Karakorum branch secretariat, continuing as before as grand tutor and recorder of state affairs of military importance. Jiang-Zhe suffered flooding; the people faced famine; an edict ordered three months of relief grain; wine, vinegar, gate levies, and tax items were all remitted for one year. On yihai day Yongping Route was made the Princess of Lu's fief; rent and local products were all granted to her. Prince Tula was granted 10,000 ingots of notes; Udus Bugha's department 35,220 ingots. On bingzi day Jiang-Zhe branch secretariat grand councillor Tash Kayal and privy council director Chuangwu'er were both made central secretariat grand councillors. On dingchou day Prince Babusha was enfeoffed as Prince of Qi; Dilegenei as Prince of Ji; Dilegenei Buqa as Prince of Northern Ning; grand preceptor Ochicharu as Prince of Qiyang; grand councillor Toghan was promoted to grand marshal. Left chancellor Tarqai was made right chancellor of the central secretariat and supervisor of the state history; censor-in-chief Tasibuhua was made left chancellor; Jiang-Zhe branch secretariat grand councillor Jiao Hua and Henan-Huaibei branch secretariat grand councillor Fakhr al-Din were both made central secretariat grand councillors; grand councillor Temüder was made Jiangxi branch secretariat grand councillor. On wuyin day palace equestrian commissioner Qoshayar, Temür Buqa, and music bureau darughachi Shadi were all granted grand councillor by remote appointment as Jade Inner Music Bureau commissioners. On jimao day Hanlin Academy director Beg Buqa was made central secretariat grand councillor. On gengchen day censorate vice director Jirghalang was made censor-in-chief. On xinsi day the Sage Master of Culture was further enfeoffed as the Great Completion Sage Master of Culture. Right chancellor Tarqai and left chancellor Tasibuhua said, "For central secretariat routine affairs, one or two close attendants among colleagues often report upward without awaiting joint deliberation — this is inconvenient. From now on on all matters, we request joint deliberation before memorializing." The Emperor said, "What you say is correct. From now on on routine government, what lacks joint deliberation must not be memorialized." A traveling works ministry was established at Wangwuchadu. Yeghichi, by remote appointment left chancellor and associate privy council director, was made privy council director; Censorate vice director Wang Shou and Jiang-Zhe branch secretariat left vice chancellor Hao Tianting were both made central secretariat left vice chancellors. On renwu day Mars encroached upon Southern Dipper. Censor-in-chief Teguder, privy council director Targhutai, and central secretariat grand councillor Chuangwu'er were ordered to announce the accession at the altars of soil and grain. On guiwei day the Utilization Store was promoted to the Utilization Bureau, rank 2b. On jiashen day Shams al-Din was dispatched as envoy to the Western Regions and granted Fujian Circuit pacification commissioner by remote appointment. On yiyou day Princess Shouning was granted 10,000 ingots of notes. On bingxu day, because the interior prefectures had a lean year, princely guards returning to Dadu were selected and admitted. At the Karakorum branch secretariat's request, following Gansu branch secretariat precedent, 2,000 ingots of notes were granted, with annual interest collected to supplement supplies; fishing nets were also granted to impoverished commoners. Censor-in-chief Yoroklu said, "Under the old regulations, the central secretariat, privy council, censorate, and Xuanzheng Bureau were permitted to select their own personnel; all other agencies followed central secretariat selection; close attendants were not permitted to memorialize on their own — thus the norm was not disrupted." The Emperor praised and accepted this. Xuanzheng Bureau associate commissioner Boladai was made central secretariat left vice chancellor; central secretariat associate administrator Qincha was made Sichuan branch secretariat left vice chancellor. Subordinate prefectures of Jiang-Zhe, Huguang, and Jiangxi suffered famine; an edict ordered branch secretariats to distribute grain in relief. On dinghai day Oljei was sent together with Qirghis Qidan Yinan to levy tribute falcons, castrated horses, and hunting hawks from the Kirghiz tribe. Mongol armies of Shandong and Hebei reported famine; officials were dispatched for relief. Impoverished commoners under the Prince of Jin's department were granted 50,000 ingots of notes. On jichou day Tarqai and Tasibuhua said, "In the former Nayan rebellion, captives were all registered under household rolls by Shizu's order. Recently close attendants requested they be returned to Prince Toghto; he immediately dispatched men to seize and register them. We believe this matter has a prior institution; now that they have been returned to Toghto's department, Liaoyang branch secretariat officials Xue Chagan and others should be dispatched to instruct them — those already seized shall all be returned to their masters. Approved. Anxi and other prefectures suffered drought and famine; 28,000 shi of grain were distributed in relief. On gengyin day the Extended Blessings Bureau was established, rank 3a. On xinmao day an edict declared: Tangut tlukhtu household registers having been fixed, those who entered princely and imperial son-in-law departments to avoid corvée and those who concealed themselves are all guilty. 2,000 soldiers were mobilized to build a residence for Prince Jin's Yesün Temür. That month, subordinate prefectures of Jiang-Zhe, Huguang, Jiangxi, Henan, and Liang-Huai suffered famine; grain was converted from salt and tea tax notes for relief, and officials were dispatched. An edict declared: wealthy households able to distribute private grain as relief loans might be granted official rank in measured amounts. Baoding, Hejian, Jinning, and other prefectures suffered flooding; Dezhou suffered locusts.
10
西 禿 鹿 調 便 使 西 便 使 使 西
Eighth month, jiawu day: central secretariat officials said, "For inner edicts granting offices, there are more than 880 persons; of these 300 have been appointed, and more than 500 remain undecided. We request that from now on those who memorialize beyond procedure not be granted office." The Emperor said, "What you say is correct. From now on those who do not memorialize through the central secretariat must not be granted office." They also said, "External officials bearing chancellor titles is not regulation — please do not grant them. Approved. They also said, "Those due to be granted at court assemblies total 3,500,000 ingots of notes; 1,700,000 have been given, and 1,800,000 remain undistributed; stores in both capitals are already depleted. From now on special memorials requesting rewards should temporarily cease." Imperial order: "From now on whoever requests rewards must not be memorialized." Censorate officials said, "The central secretariat, privy council, censorate, and Xuanzheng Bureau selecting their own officials has standing precedent. Now surveillance censors and surveillance commission officials are not chosen by their own bureau but by requests from various ministers, with inner edicts issued — this is not ancestral law." The Emperor said, "Wherever this occurs, you are not to carry it out." Eastern Zhe, Western Zhe, Hubei, and Jiangdong prefectures and counties suffered famine; officials were dispatched for relief. Mountain-rear relay households were granted notes, 500 ingots per relay station. A Ceremonial Protocol Office was established at fifth rank, with one director and one assistant each. On yiwei day Princes Anhui, Aruhui, and Prince of Beining Dieleger Bukhua were granted 350 taels of gold and 3,700 taels of silver. Right executioner surveillance censor Wubadula was made associate administrator of the central secretariat. On wuxu day censor-in-chief Toghto was enfeoffed Duke of Qin State. On xinchou day, for newly attached people in the far north, relay stations were set up to transport grain for famine relief. On guimao day the Yeliqheya garrison-farm office was changed to the colony transport grain ten-thousand-household office. On jiachen day 10,000 shi of grain stored by Nalan Bula was used to relieve famine victims in the vicinity. On bingwu day a Buddha pavilion was built at Wutai Monastery. Jiangnan suffered famine; confiscated-fine notes stored by the ten circuits' surveillance commissions were used for relief. On jiyou day, acceding to the crown prince's request, the crown prince household court was raised to second rank, and deliberating and adjudicating officials were established as in the privy council. On xinhai day right vice chancellor Boluo Temür presented a translation of the Classic of Filial Piety in 'Phags-pa script; an edict said, "These are Confucius's subtle teachings; from kings and dukes down to commoners, all should follow this path. He ordered the central secretariat to carve blocks and print copies, granting them to all from princes downward." On guichou day the Tangut tulughun army lacked provisions; grain was issued for relief. On bingchen day the relics custodian office was raised to third rank. On dingsi day left vice chancellor Wang Shou was made vice censor-in-chief. On wuwu day central secretariat grand councillors Qitai Puji, Chuangwu'er, and Biebuhua were all given the grand marshal title; right vice chancellor Tahai was given grand marshal and made grand councillor; left vice chancellor Boluo Temür was made right vice chancellor. Dongchang, Bianliang, Tangzhou, Yan'an, Tan, Yuan, Gui, Li, and Xingguo circuits suffered famine; grain was issued for relief. Jining Route suffered earthquake; Hejian, Zhending, and other prefectures had locusts; Longping, Wenshui, Pingyao, Qi, Huoyi, Jinghai, Rongcheng, and Shulu counties had flooding. Ninth month, jiazi day: the imperial carriage returned from Shangdu. On yichou day posthumous titles for the emperor's late father and the late reigning emperor were requested at the Southern Suburb; right chancellor Talahai was ordered to act as grand marshal and conduct the ceremony. On gengwu day the censorate was raised to second rank. On xinwei day Talahai and Tasibuhua were both given the grand marshal title. On renshen day Talahai was ordered to present jade books and jade seals, conferring honorific posthumous names and temple names on the emperor's late father and the late reigning emperor; honorific posthumous names were also conferred on the former primary consort of the Hongjira clan, who was enshrined in Chengzong's temple chamber. The hostelry directorate was raised to proper third rank. On guiyou day Venus transgressed the Right Enforcer. On jiaxu day the Court of Imperial Sacrifices was changed to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and Ceremonies, proper second rank. The ceremonial attendance office was raised to proper third rank. On bingzi day the crown prince's stud directorate was established, proper third rank. Central secretariat officials said, "For appointment regulations within and without, there was formerly an edict to follow Shizu's established system entirely. Promotions of close attendants of both palaces were matters ordered by the emperor. Recently there have been those who ought to enter regular appointment but have, through connections, been abruptly promoted; those already in office who were dismissed and demoted, and those who had never entered office, likewise again requested edicts from the inner palace. We memorialized requesting prohibition, and were granted approval. After this, inner-palace edicts still numbered more than 100; we have already selected and carried them out. But central secretariat government affairs — when others can again request at will, holding us responsible for rectification — the effect is truly hard to achieve. From now on for appointments and money-grain affairs, we request following the former system: what has not been deliberated by the central secretariat must not be memorialized over authority. Approved. They further said, "Recently Qielai Muding presented precious goods; an edict granted him 10,000 salt certificates, still permitting him to trade for 90,000 certificates. We privately consider: the precious goods traded, their price having been assessed, should receive only notes in payment; if certificates are given, it will only harm the salt law." The Emperor said, "This I spoke of myself, not at officials' request; grant it — do not take the rest as precedent." Jiang-Zhe suffered famine; central secretariat officials said, "We request ordering this province's official rent — in ninth month advance one third of payment, to prepare for relief distribution. Further, the grain transport canals of Liang-Huai were silted; the government deliberated dredging, collecting two guan in notes per salt certificate as labor fees, totaling 28,000 ingots; now the river is open, and these funds should be redirected to relieve famine victims. Hangzhou circuit alone annually consumes 280,000 shi of rice and wheat for wine; prohibition would be advantageous. Henan, Yidu, and other circuits should also prohibit it. Approved. Talahai said, "Recently receiving the sage grace, I was granted 100 qing of Jiangnan farmland. Now that princes, princesses, and imperial sons-in-law are returning granted farmland to the government, we request returning what was granted to us. Approved. An instruction still announced that all persons' granted farmland was to be returned to the government. Zhang Liursun was ordered to oversee Academy of Scholarly Worthies affairs and supervise Daoist affairs in all circuits. On dingchou day central secretariat officials said, "Recently when provincial member numbers were deliberated, an edict ordered fixing them at 12 per the former system: right chancellor Talahai, left chancellor Tasibuhua, grand councillors Chuangwu'er and Qitai Puji as before — the remainder leave us to deliberate. We request Ashabuhua and Tashihaiya as grand councillors, Boluo Dash and Liu Zheng as right vice chancellors, Hao Tianting and Yesi Temuer as left vice chancellors, and Yu Zhang and Wubadula as associate administrators. Redundant posts in all agencies attending court should also be screened and culled. Approved. On jimao day Venus transgressed the Left Enforcer. On renwu day the Court of Imperial Studs was changed to the Court of the Imperial Guard, second rank. On jiashen day an edict ordered establishing the Ministry of Revenue to manage finances separately. Talahai and Tasibuhua were ordered to continue overseeing the central secretariat. Tuohuotuo, Jiaohua, and Fahur al-Din were put in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, still permitting them to select their own subordinates; casting of the Ministry of Revenue seal was ordered. An edict relaxed prohibitions on mountains and marshes in Jiang-Zhe circuits. On bingxu day the audience office was raised to third rank. The crown prince built a Buddhist monastery and requested purchasing private land to expand it; more than 10,700 ingots of notes were granted. On wuzi day the Yanqing Office was raised to second rank. On jichou day envoys were dispatched to review prisoners. Prince of Jin Yesun Temuer spoke on being granted 10,000 ingots by edict but receiving only 8,000; central secretariat officials said, "The treasury is empty; regular revenue is 4 million ingots annually — beyond each province's reserves, what enters the capital is 2.8 million ingots; what is normally expended is only 2.7 million-odd ingots. Since Your Majesty's accession, 4.2 million ingots have already been expended, and 1 million ingots requested but not yet paid remain outstanding. We fear finances insufficient and venture to report this." The Emperor said, "What you say is correct. From now grants should temporarily cease; no one may memorialize requests. 1,000 ingots may be given to the Prince of Jin; the remainder transfer to Shaanxi Province for payment. Associate grand councillor Biebuhua was made Jiang-Zhe branch secretariat grand councillor. On xinmao day censorate officials said, "In the Zhiyuan period Ahmad managed finances and established the Ministry of Revenue; after three years it was merged into the central secretariat. Afterwards Sangge held power, re-established the Ministry of Revenue, and after his fall it was again merged into the central secretariat. Since Dade year 5, earthquakes and floods have struck in all directions, harvests still fail, and the people are heavily distressed; policies to benefit the people are urgently needed today. Recently we again hear of establishing the Ministry of Revenue to manage finances comprehensively; if so, offices must surely be added and officials recklessly appointed — scarcely a matter that benefits the people. Moreover, managing finances depends on men; if only the central secretariat were ordered to rectify matters, we see no reason this would fail. Were we to conceal our views, we fear we would incur guilt." The Emperor said, "What you say is quite right. These three officials wish to undertake the matter; for now let them proceed. That month, Xiangyang had continuous rain and the people suffered famine; Henan Province was ordered to issue grain for relief. Tenth month, yiwei day: the treasures custodian office was raised to the treasures custodian directorate, proper third rank. On gengzi day the central secretariat memorialized, "When the central secretariat was first established, grand preceptor Liu Bingzhong surveyed the site for suitability; Yuzong served as central secretariat director and once came to the secretariat offices to instruct. Afterwards Sangge relocated and established the Ministry of Revenue; within four years it was abolished. Now the central secretariat is again moved to the former offices; we request an auspicious day to reposition the central secretariat director's seat, and also request the crown prince come once to the central secretariat. Approved. On renyin day the auspicious insignia directorate was raised to the auspicious insignia office, second rank. Privy council administrator Chuangwu'er was enfeoffed Duke of Rong State. On guimao day, per the former system wherein princes' and imperial sons-in-law's affairs were all overseen by inner-palace chief ministers, right vice chancellor Boluo Temür was ordered to oversee them. On yisi day Venus transgressed Kang. An edict ordered geomancers and day-selectors not to visit the gates of princes and imperial sons-in-law. On bingwu day an edict ordered rectification of censorate discipline, announced within and without. Censor-in-chief Tiegudie'er was enfeoffed Duke of Yun State; Central Guard personal army commander Mainu was made privy council administrator. On renzi day, acceding to central secretariat officials, wherever matters bypass the central secretariat and envoys or joint documents are dispatched at will — this was prohibited. On jiayin day the moon transgressed Bright Hall. The Academy of Scholarly Worthies was raised to first rank; the Construction Directorate was raised to second rank. On bingchen day branch secretariat grand councillors overseeing military horses were permitted tiger tallies; those worn by left vice chancellors and others were all recovered. The central secretariat memorialized, "Annually sea transport grain is 1.45 million shi; now Jiang-Zhe's harvest is poor and cannot meet the quota; we request following the former precedent — Huguang and Jiangxi each supply 500,000 shi, all reaching the capital by sea route. Approved. On jiwei day Tasibuhua memorialized on government affairs and also resigned the grand marshal post, returning the conferred commission and seal. That month, Hangzhou and Pingjiang had flooding; the people suffered famine; grain was issued for relief.
11
宿 便 便 便 西 西西 祿 殿 西
Eleventh month, guihai: Prince Yahu was enfeoffed as Prince of Chu, granted a gold seal, and a prince's tutor was appointed. A Buddhist temple was built on Wutai Shan. On yichou day central secretariat officials said, "For imperial guard grain rations and horse and camel fodder, those in offices hereditarily succeeded from father to son or among brothers should receive them; for those who should not receive them, we request that Lekesun cull them. At the reckoning at the end of the tenth month this year, horses and camels number more than 93,000; by the second month of next spring there will be a shortfall of 6 million bundles of fodder and 150,000 shi of grain feed; moreover horses have again increased by more than 50,000 head. This is a grave state matter; we your ministers venture to report it above." An order stated, "Those who should not receive it shall not receive it." On bingyin day the Emperor attended Longfu Palace, presenting the empress dowager's jade book and jade seal. On dingmao day Venus transgressed Fang. Kuor Bar Yali said, "Reintroducing silver notes and copper cash would be convenient." The central secretariat together with the privy council, censorate, Jixian Academy, and Hanlin academy senior ministers were ordered to assemble and deliberate, then report. On jisi day central secretariat officials Ashabuhua and Boluo Temür said, "We and Kuor Bar Yali discussed face to face the redemption of silver notes and copper cash — it is not convenient." An order stated, "Since you consider it inconvenient, do not implement it." An edict declared, "There are 12 posts in the central secretariat; Tuohuotuo still heads the Xuanzheng Bureau, Jiaohua remains in the capital — the rest each take up their duties." On gengwu day Lulong, Luanhe, Qian'an, Changli, and Funing counties suffered flooding; the people were famished; 1,000 ingots of notes were granted for relief. On xinwei day Talahai was put in charge of the Central Regency Directorate. On yihai day central secretariat officials said, "The Dadu Route supply burden is vast and complicated, and is generally drawn from subordinate prefectures. Military households, relay households, falconry offices, crane handlers, and the like, relying on exemption from miscellaneous corvée, fraudulently register themselves among the tax rolls. We request an imperial edict be sent down; according to the ancestral old system, all are to share burdens equally. Those who presumptuously memorialize requests should also be forbidden." This was approved. The crown prince said, "Recently by grace I was granted Anxi, Jizhou, and Pingjiang as appanages, with all rents and taxes granted to me. I fear imperial kin and brothers will cite precedent; apart from five-household silk tribute, the remainder I request be paid into the inner treasury. The Shaanxi salt office annually handles 100,000 salt certificates, formerly given to the Prince of Anxi; we request this money be weighed and granted to me — may Your Majesty decide." The central secretariat calculated the three routes' rents and salt proceeds at 400,000 ingots of notes. An order stated, "The crown prince's thinking is very good; each year 100,000 ingots shall be granted; if insufficient, grant again." Music performers beat a person; the Ministry of Justice arrested them; the director of the Yuchen Music Bureau said the Yuchen Bureau and the Ministry of Justice were both rank 3, and their chiefs were both Grand Masters for Glorious Goodness — he detained and did not release them. The central secretariat reported this; the Emperor said, "For every office, according to their qualifications assign them nominal ranks — they may not exceed their grade. Those holding idle sinecures with high titles should, following the old system, be reduced." Jiankang Route's subordinate prefectures and counties suffered famine; an edict remitted this year's wine and vinegar taxes. On bingzi day the moon transgressed Eastern Well. On dingchou day central secretariat officials said, "Previously because of great flooding in Jiangnan, tea and salt levies were collected in rice to relieve the famished people. Now merchants deliver rice in exchange for salt, causing rice prices to surge; though the people gain a small profit, in the end it is of no benefit. We your ministers consider that tea and salt levies should revert to the old way." This was approved. On wuyin day the crown prince was granted the jade book. On jimao day, upon completion of the crown prince's investiture ceremony, the Emperor took Great Brightness Hall and received the court audience of princes and all officials. On gengchen day central secretariat officials said, "The crown prince told us: My appanages Anxi, Pingjiang, and Jizhou — following the old system, apart from the darughachi, all other regular appointments should follow regular selection; suitable talent should quickly be chosen for regular appointments." An order stated, "Choose men and appoint them." On yiyou day the moon transgressed Kang. An edict declared, "Rent, tax, and corvée of military and civilian households, artisans, and other households of the empress dowager — regular offices must not interfere; all are subordinate to the Huizheng Bureau." The Court of Imperial Studs was raised to rank 2b. On dinghai day Hangzhou, Pingjiang, and other places suffered great famine; 501,200 shi of grain were distributed for relief. On gengyin day Grand Preceptor Yuechiqier was granted 40 qing of Jiangnan fields. At this time all granted fields were being resumed by the government; the central secretariat spoke on his behalf; an order stated, "Yuechiqier since Shizu's time has accumulated meritorious service; he is not comparable to others; all grants before and after, totaling 100 qing, should be given him." Still an edict ordered branch secretariat pingzhang Biebiehua to receive its annual income. On xinmao day Mercury transgressed Jupiter. At the crown prince's request, the censorate was to inspect the crown prince's household bureau documents.
12
使 便 殿 禿 使
Twelfth month, renchen new moon: central secretariat officials said, "Under the old system, gold tiger tallies and gold and silver tallies were kept by the Imperial Insignia Bureau; when issued it was through the central secretariat, and when the matter ended they returned to the Imperial Insignia Bureau. Now issuance frequently bypasses the central secretariat; even down to merchants who cultivate connections with close attendants and memorialize — causing overflow, issued but never returned. We your ministers request verification; from now on, apart from appointments and envoys who should receive them, none not through the central secretariat shall receive them." This was approved. They further said, "Now state expenditures are very great and treasury stores are already depleted; use reaching the note reserve is not proper. Salt certificates were formerly traded between the transport office and the people; now adapting measures to the times, selling 800,000 salt certificates through the Ministry of Revenue would be convenient." An order stated, "This year for now follow your request; do not repeat it afterward." They further said, "The Imperial Treasury serves as the inner storehouse; in Shizu and Chengzong's reigns, when heavy gifts were needed they were drawn from the central secretariat; now grants exceeding 1,000 up to 10,000 ingots all come from the Imperial Treasury. Recently the Imperial Treasury drew 50,000 ingots, 2,000 already disbursed, and now again reports depletion. We request that from now on when the inner palace needs large amounts, they still be drawn from the central secretariat." The Emperor said, "This is my special order; afterward follow your memorial." On yiwei day guichi Tatatu and others harassed Tanzhou commoners, forcibly taking more than 600 shi of grain; officials were dispatched to try them. On xinchou day the Emperor visited the Great Sage Longevity Wan'an Monastery. Chanai, minister of personnel, was made grand councillor and placed in charge of the Ministry of Works. On guimao day 10,000 Han troops were garrisoned to farm at Karakorum; the garrison office was ordered to erect lamp mountains behind Great Brightness Hall and before Extended Spring Pavilion starting the 15th day of the first month next year. On gengxu day the branch Quanfu Office was raised to Quanfu Bureau, rank 2a. Because Mongol commander of ten thousand households Temüder had merit in pacifying the internal crisis, he was promoted to general who stabilizes the state. The crown prince's pharmaceutical office was raised to pharmaceutical directorate, rank 3a. Shandong, Henan, and Jiang-Zhe suffered famine; commoners were forbidden to brew wine. On dingsi day, because the central secretariat reported state expenditures vast and the people impoverished with failed harvests, an edict ordered the Xuanzheng Bureau to economize on Buddhist affairs. The two relay routes of Dadu and Shangdu each had two imperially authorized officials appointed; other relay stations one each. An edict directed princes, princesses, imperial sons-in-law, and envoys given sealed edicts and relay vouchers — they may not presumptuously use round tallies to use relay stations. Central secretariat officials said, "Relay households are exhausted; relay service should be granted according to circumstances. Now expenditures are vast; the purchase and sale of precious goods should for the moment be suspended. Also, upon Your Majesty's accession the edict forbade overstepping one's office in memorializing; recently close attendants memorialize on appointments and requests for rewards — all descend as orders from within; we request that from now on what does not pass through the central secretariat shall not be implemented. Also, criminal law is like a balance — it may not be weighted too heavily; Shizu already had fixed regulations; since Yuanzhen, because of Buddhist affairs, the guilty have been released — excessively lenient, so that offices have nothing to follow. Now we request that all who violate the law within and without, all be returned to the competent offices for judgment according to law. Also, where the people suffer famine in various places, apart from palace construction, labor corvée should all be suspended." All were approved. They further said, "Statutes are urgent affairs in governing the state and should be revised in timely fashion. Shizu once had an order that the Jin Dynasty's Taihe Code should not be used; he ordered senior ministers versed in law to consult past and present and newly fix regulations — to this day they have not been implemented. We your ministers consider statutes a weighty matter and not lightly to be debated; we request that from Shizu's accession onward the regulations enacted be collated, unified, and followed." This was approved. On gengshen day an edict declared:
13
Looking up, we consider that our ancestors answered Heaven and settled the realm, first opening the domain; China was united and none failed to follow. When We inherited the great enterprise and continued to receive the glorious mandate, We respectfully upheld the instructions left to Us and reverently emulated the grand pattern, reverently carrying awe and diligence, not knowing how to succeed. Ever mindful of the hardship at the founding of the enterprise, We are alone in anxious concern; yet maintaining the entirety of ten thousand affairs falls upon Us alone. Therefore from Our accession We have broadly followed leniency, assigning office according to capacity, enabling diligent fulfillment of duty, day and night making the enduring peace of the myriad people an urgent task. Recently years have repeatedly failed to yield harvests; displaced people have not returned; officials altogether encroach and exploit; above and below have been lax; the climate of harmony has turned adverse. Therefore we charge our chief ministers — to think how to exhaust themselves in loyal support and good counsel, morning and evening entering to report; We command and it is assented to; that affairs may all be harmonized; We joyfully share with the people throughout the realm the blessings of peace and good order; the near at peace, the far respectful — would this not be excellent? Dade year 12 may be changed to Zhida year 1. We proclaim this renewing order, thereby securing eternal blessing.
14
Provide relief to Mongol and Han troops on campaign and garrison; rescue and repair depleted relay households. Lift prohibitions on mountain fields, river and lake fisheries, and reed marshes. Hunting and hawking may not disturb the common people; induce and attract displaced households to return. Forbid enrolling in keshig guard, falconry, and other categories to avoid corvée, or frivolously requesting grain and funds. Encourage agriculture and sericulture, establish schools, deliberate on the examination and tribute system, reward filial piety, brotherhood, and industrious farming, and punish idleness and wandering. Whether government orders succeed or fail, all persons may submit memorials stating their views. Monks, Daoists, Nestorian Christians, and Dasman — all are to pay taxes according to the old system. For all selection procedures, grain and funds, criminal cases, and construction — every official matter — close attendants may not overstep and report directly. It was directed that for Buddhist affairs within the inner palace, heavy criminals must not be released — release light criminals instead.
15
西 便 西 使
First year of Zhidawu, spring, first month, xinyou new moon: a partial amnesty was granted to censorate detainees charged with corruption; punishment was limited to confiscation of illicit gains and dismissal from office. On guihai day the privy council was ordered to dispatch 18,500 troops of the Six Guards for construction labor at Onggachatu. On jiazi day central secretariat pingzhang Ashabuhua was appointed right chancellor and acting censor-in-chief. On bingyin day, acceding to the Jiang-Zhe branch secretariat's request, the mobile directorate of waterways was abolished and its affairs placed under the regular offices. The crown prince's tent-equipment office and harmony reception office were established, both at rank 5a. On dingmao day central secretariat right vice chancellor Yekhanijin was made pingzhang and charged with deliberating Shaanxi branch secretariat affairs. On jisi day six routes — Shaoxing, Taizhou, Qingyuan, Guangde, Jiankang, and Zhenjiang — suffered famine; the dead were very numerous; more than 460,000 famine households received six dou of rice per month per household; property confiscated from Zhu Qing and Zhang Xuan under the Central Regency Directorate was sold for 300,000 ingots of notes to provide relief. The wet-nurse's husband Duke of Shouguo Yang Yanjianu was specially appointed grand master with opening of the office and equal honours with the three excellencies. On jisi day Burma presented six trained elephants. On xinwei day privy council officials said, "Previously by imperial command the Zhongwei guard troops were placed under the crown prince's establishment; the crown prince told us, 'Shizu established five guards to correspond to the five directions — remove one and it cannot be done. Each wing should select 10,000 Han troops and establish a separate guard.' The Emperor approved; he ordered privy council director Tiemuer Buhua and others to select 10,000 Han troops and establish a separate guard. On jiaxu day central secretariat officials said, "Those presenting eastern-sea gerfalcons must travel by relay; 500 horses are insufficient; an edict dispatched Qielie and Yingtong to requisition civilian horses and carts; the Ministry of War requests that relay horses at each station be sent up in succession — not requisitioning would be better. This was approved. The Central Regency Directorate's artisan commissionerate was changed to the Splendid Treasures Office, rank 3a. On jimao day the central atelier directorate was promoted to the Central Atelier Directorate, rank 2b. Prince of Bin Chubo presented 615 jin of jade; he was granted 1,500 taels of gold, 20,000 taels of silver, and 10,000 ingots of notes; his followers 40,000 ingots; Kuancha, Yesian Bek, and others — 2,300 taels of gold, 10,700 taels of silver, and 39,100 ingots of notes. On jiashen day Chuangwu'er was ordered that apart from enthronement grace grants, he was specially granted 500 taels of gold, 1,000 taels of silver, and 2,000 ingots of notes. On wuzi day the crown prince requested that Ashabuhua return to the central secretariat and Tuotuo return to the censorate. On jiyou day central secretariat officials said, "Ash Temur requests dispatching Jiaohua to the Hexi region to collect jade; transport of jade sand requires more than 40 horses; jade collectors exceed 1,000. We consider this non-urgent labor troubling the people and beg it be stopped. They also said, "Recently the people have scarce food and bandits fill the land; if not strictly suppressed, it will spread. Envoys should be dispatched to tour; when criminal prisoners are encountered, sentence and dispatch immediately; jointly deliberate with local officials on bandit-suppression strategy; clearly establish rewards and punishments — those who conceal reports of bandits, fail to arrive at assemblies, or fail to capture within deadlines — officials are jointly liable. They also said, "Pirates of the Jiang-Zhe branch secretariat appear and vanish, killing soldiers and civilians. Those already captured, by regulation should await reporting to close cases; officials should be dispatched jointly by the central secretariat and yeke jarquchi, together with the branch secretariat, regional censorate, pacification commission, and surveillance commission to review that there is no injustice, and execute them in the market. Those not yet captured — supervise and pursue; those who surrender themselves are pardoned and given grain; those who capture accomplices receive added reward. An order stated, "Suppressing bandits and securing the people is supremely important; this should be deliberated and implemented immediately. Prince Yesian Temur was enfeoffed as Prince of Ying; the wet-nurse's husband Oghortu was made minister of the interior.
16
禿使 使 使 貿 使 西 𠇗 使
Second month, guisi day: the Falconry Office was established as the Renyu Directorate, rank 1a. Right chancellor Tuotuo, remotely appointed left chancellor Tula Temur, and yeke jarquchi Yuelichi were all made directors of the Renyu Directorate. Runing and Guide — two routes — suffered drought and locusts; the people starved; 10,000 ingots of notes were granted for relief. On jiawu day one associate director and one co-signatory of the Quanfu Directorate were added each. Yidu, Jining, Banyang, Jinan, Dongping, and Tai'an suffered great famine; Shandong pacification commissioner Wang Zuo was dispatched together with the surveillance commission to verify and provide relief — 102,237-odd ingots of notes and 19,348 shi of grain. On yiwei day central secretariat officials said, "Since Your Majesty's accession, enfeoffing and rewarding princes, sustaining military strength, relieving the people, and special grace grants broadly distributed have emptied the treasury; salt certificates were pre-sold. Now Karakorum, Gansu, Datong, Longxing, both capitals' military grain, all construction, and every supply require more than 8 million ingots of notes. In the past when funds ran short, memorials requested disbursing note reserves were submitted. We indeed know paper-money policy is not trivial and dare not lightly move it, yet with no alternative, we now beg temporarily to disburse more than 7 million ingots of note reserves to cover urgent needs, deferring non-urgent expenditures. The Emperor said, "Your words are correct. For broad grants, regardless of who seeks them, do not conceal and memorialize. The lodging directorate was promoted to the Lodging Temple, rank 3a. On bingshen day the Selection-and-Employment Directorate was established, rank 3a, subordinate to the Central Regency Directorate. Huai'an and other places suffered famine; acceding to the Henan branch secretariat, 100,000 Liang-Zhe salt certificates were traded for grain for relief. On wuxu day 3,000 Shangdu guard troops were sent for construction labor at the Onggachatu palace. On renyin day central secretariat officials said, "Keshik harassed Tanzhou commoners; an edict dispatched men to investigate; those who confessed should receive added punishment; an order said do not inquire. We consider this improper; those who have already confessed were first sentenced and dispatched. The Emperor said, "Wait until their hunt is finished to punish them. Acceding to the crown prince's request, the crown prince's tutor director was changed to tutor, associate tutor to junior tutor, and directorate judge to assistant. The Attire Directorate was established, rank 2b. Central secretariat officials said, "The Shaanxi branch secretariat states that Kaicheng Route earlier suffered an earthquake; the people's strength is heavily burdened; rents were remitted for two years; they request remitting this year again. This was approved. On jiachen day King Hetong was granted 250 taels of gold and 750 taels of silver. The crown prince's guard command was established; 1,500 troops were dispatched to repair Buddhist temples on Wutai Mountain. An order directed the relevant offices to purchase one mansion to grant to grand councillor Chiyin Temur, costing 19,400 ingots of notes. On dingwei day, acting on grand councillor Yangtou's advice, six palace attendants — headgear, garments, saddles and trappings, bathing, carriages, and adornment — were established at rank 5, 48 posts in all, subordinate to the Attire Directorate. On jiayin day poor people of Karakorum coming from the north were numerous; 100,000 ingots of notes were granted to support them; grain was still purchased at Datong, Longxing, and elsewhere for relief, and they were ordered to garrison-farm. A memorial requested that eunuchs, imperial physicians, yin-yang masters, and musicians not cite regular selection for titular appointments. Nets were issued to Karakorum famine victims. On wuwu day Badadasi and others were dispatched to escort the Java envoys home. On jiwei day, because the crown prince was building a Buddhist temple, a Construction Office was established, rank 5.
17
禿禿 西使 使 祿
Third month, gengshen new moon: central secretariat officials said, "Prince of Shan Zhuohunan's registered households have scattered; an edict directed the relevant offices to requisition and search. We deliberated: formerly Ajiji requisitioned lost households; Chengzong worried it would set a precedent and did not permit it. If we requisition now, it will inevitably trouble the people. Moreover princes will surely cite many precedents; we beg to set aside the matter. This was approved. Also Empress Zhuangsheng's and Prince Huttutu's households had scattered into other prefectures; Aduchi and Tuohuan were granted imperial letters ordering requisition. The Shaanxi branch secretariat and Zhending and other routes said, "Commoners are all on the state's registers; the envoys now sent arbitrarily seize military households, relay households, registered civilian households, and the like — this is improper. Central secretariat officials reported; the Emperor said, "Their memorial was mistaken; you are to speedily pursue and return them. Prince of Zhennan Lao Zhang was granted 500 taels of gold, 5,000 taels of silver, 2,000 ingots of notes, and 800 bolts of silks and cloths; Yesian Buhua and Yarixi each 250 taels of gold, 750 taels of silver, and 2,000 ingots of notes. On yichou day the moon encroached upon Well. Because 868,000 poor households coming from the north relied on official provisions — not a long-term plan — 1,500,000 ingots of notes and silks and cloths equivalent to 500,000 ingots were granted; grand preceptor Yuechicha'er and grand tutor Halaqsun were ordered to distribute them and abolish the grain allowances. Prince Bayihu was granted 150 taels of gold and 750 taels of silver. On dingmao day the Xingsheng Palace was built; 50,000 ingots of notes and 20,000 jin of silk were granted. Envoys were dispatched to sacrifice at the five sacred peaks, four great rivers, famous mountains, and great rivers. Prince Babusha was granted 500 taels of gold and 5,000 taels of silver. The Baiyun sect administrative office was re-established, rank 1b, with three officials. On wuyin day the imperial carriage proceeded to Shangdu. A Buddhist temple was built south of Dadu. The Jiyong and Ziwu treasuries were established, rank 5a, subordinate to the palace steward's office. The directorate of astronomy was promoted to rank 2b; the bureau of celestial observatory to rank 4a. Central secretariat right chancellor and acting pingzhang Ashabuhua was enfeoffed as Duke of Kang. Gansu branch secretariat right vice chancellor Totoqmu'er was made central secretariat pingzhang and given the added title grand minister of works. Prince of Jin's following of 547 persons was granted 52,960 ingots of notes; Prince of Ding Yaqmuqur — 1,500 taels of gold, 30,000 taels of silver, and 10,000 ingots of notes; 53 guard soldiers — 10,600 ingots of notes. On yimao day the Hanlin Academy and Directorate of Historiography were ordered to compile Veritable Records of Shunzong and Chengzong. On renwu day hereditary Celestial Master of Han Zhang Yucai came to court; he was given added rank as grand master with golden girdle and purple insignia and enfeoffed as Duke of Liu.
18
使 使 使 西 𠇗 調 使使
Summer, fourth month, wuxu day: central secretariat officials said, "We request that in accordance with edicts and commands previously issued, appointments not exceed regulations and gifts not be recklessly granted. The Emperor said, "Your words are correct. I have repeatedly issued orders to stop it, yet again there is concealment in requests; from now even if there is an order, you are to memorialize again and punish the offense. An edict directed granting Yongping Route's salt revenues to Princess Sanggeji; central secretariat officials insisted it was impermissible; this was approved. Prince Munan's son was granted 50 taels of gold, 1,000 taels of silver, and 1,000 ingots of notes; the crown prince's falconry office was granted 200,000 ingots of notes. On wuxu day Sanbaonu was enfeoffed as Duke of Bo; Xiangshan as Duke of Bin; Tiemudie'er was added as right chancellor; chief protector Maizhu as central secretariat right vice chancellor. The crown prince's artisan commissionerate was established, rank 3a. On guimao day pingzhang Jiaohua was additionally appointed crown prince grand tutor, grand marshal, pingzhang of military and state weighty affairs, and Duke of Wei. On jiachen day the auspicious insignia directorate was promoted to the Auspicious Insignia Directorate, rank 2b. Privy council director Ye'erjini was remotely appointed right chancellor. On xinhai day privy council officials said, "Each prince uses his own seal-token to travel by relay; envoys come and go incessantly; relay households are exhausted. It is fitting to follow the old regulations, measure their horse numbers, and issue imperial letters. This was approved. On yimao day Mi Ji and others were dispatched as envoys to the kingdom of Sulu. On bingchen day King Wang Ju of Koryo said, "Your Majesty ordered your subject to return to his country, yet officials were again appointed to operate the Eastern Campaign branch secretariat. Koryo has suffered poor harvests for years; the people lack food, and several hundred persons additionally depend on its soil for sustenance — then the people cannot bear the hardship, and moreover this is not Shizu's old system. The Emperor said, "Those who first asked to establish it did so on your word; those who now ask to abolish it also do so on your word — conform to Shizu's old system and quickly dispatch envoys to go abolish it. In the fifth month, on bingyin day Yingde Route was reduced to a prefecture; privy council administrator Taruhutai was granted left chancellor by remote appointment. On dingmao day censorate officials said, "During Chengzong's reign the National University was built, but to this day it has not been completed; the crown prince requests that the work be finished. Approved. On jisi day Guancheng County suffered heavy hail. Burma presented six trained elephants. On yihai day privy council administrator Hanlaher was granted left chancellor by remote appointment. On bingzi day, because princes and Tibetan monks escorting the emperor to the Upper Capital disturbed the people along the route, this was forbidden. The White Lotus Society was banned; its temples were destroyed, and its members were returned to commoners' registry. Censorate officials said, "Recently by imperial order non-urgent labor was halted; now again private residences are being built for various officials. Your subjects consider it fitting to wait until the Onggachatu palace and the temples at Dadu and Wutai are completed, and only then proceed. An order stated, "Except for the residences of Botou and Sanbaonu, all the rest are to be halted. Right chancellor Tasibuhua was granted pillar of state, charged with compiling the national history, and left chancellor Qitai Puji was further made crown prince grand tutor. On xinsi day central secretariat officials said, "Under the old system, the privy council, censorate, and Bureau of Buddhist Affairs could each select their own officials; all government offices had to have transfers reported through memorial to the central secretariat — strict notice should be issued. Approved. On guiwei day Jinan and Panyang suffered hail. On jiashen day the Datong Guard Elite Army Command was established; grand councillor Chiyin Temur was made commander; more than 900 canal transport laborers from the Tonghui River were detached and assigned to it; canal transport affairs continued as before. Weiyuan County suffered drought famine; one month's grain was granted. Zhending, Daming, and Guangping had insects eating mulberry; Ningxia Prefecture suffered flooding; Jinning and other places had locusts; Dongping, Dongchang, and Yidu had hopper locusts.
19
西
In the sixth month, on jichou day Duke of Bo Sanbaonu was further made recorder of state affairs of military importance and right chancellor of the central secretariat; Duke of Ying, crown prince household administrator, pingzhang of military and state weighty affairs, and minister of revenue Quchu was further made crown prince grand guardian; left chancellor Tuotuo was further granted pillar of state and grand marshal; associate administrator by remote appointment and acting crown prince household vice director Daci was further made pingzhang of military and state weighty affairs. On jiawu day the crown prince household Harmonization Office was changed to the Music Bureau, rank 3a. On dingyou day Longxi and Ningyuan counties of Gongchang Prefecture suffered an earthquake; in Yunnan's Wusa and Wumeng within three days there were six great earthquakes. On wuxu day Dadu suffered famine; government granaries were opened to sell grain to the poor at reduced prices; each household was issued a sealed tally; officials were appointed to supervise, to guard against the abuse of unequal distribution. Central secretariat officials said, "Within the Jiang-Zhe branch secretariat there is famine — 535,000 shi of grain for relief, 154,000 ingots of notes, and 40,000 jin of flour. Also, registered refugee households number 1,339,050 and odd; relief grain 536,000 shi, 197,000 ingots of notes, and 5,000 salt certificates by conversion value. Branch secretariat and branch censorate officials were ordered to dispatch officers to oversee on site. Inner circuits and the Jiang-Huai region suffered great famine; this year's regular levies and summer tax were remitted. Yidu suffered flooding; the people were starving and gathered roots and tree bark for food; this year's corvée was remitted, and relief was still granted from the route's tax revenues and grain from the Zhuwang and Lijin granaries. Yaqmuqur was enfeoffed as Prince of Ding; imperial son-in-law Ashi was enfeoffed as Prince of Chang; both were granted golden seals. Minister of revenue Li Bangning, concurrently grand councillor and head of the Ministry of Revenue, was granted left chancellor by remote appointment. On xinchou day confiscated fields and property of Zhu Qing and Zhang Xuan were placed under the empress's control; the Jiang-Zhe Financial Affairs General Command and an intendant office were established. On jiyou day officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices were reduced from 27 posts to eight. Henan and Shandong suffered great famine; there were instances of fathers eating their sons; confiscated bribe money from the two circuits was used for relief. Qitai Puji was further made recorder of state affairs of military importance. That month, Baoding and Zhending had locusts.
20
使使 退 使
In the seventh month of autumn, on gengshen day a shooting star rose from Gouchen, traveling south, round as a chariot wheel, slightly pointed, passing through Rope Binder and extinguishing. An edict stated: because annual silver and gold revenues are few, from now on regardless of who it is, anyone who memorializes requesting silver and gold or who has another submit such a memorial on his behalf — all are to be punished as criminals. Also, officials of branch secretariats, pacification commissions, and the like in various places frequently come to the capital through personal connections; hereafter unless bearing court orders they must not come to the palace. Bandits and rebels broke out in Yunnan, Huguang, Henan, and Sichuan; military and civil officials were instructed to devote effort to pacification and governance. The Guangwu Kangli Guard Elite Army Command was established; central secretariat grand councillor Ashabuhua was made commander-in-chief. On renxu day Prince Khudai requested establishment of a general command office, supervising four intendant offices, to survey approximately more than 60,000 qing of riverside wasteland within the Henan circuits of Guide and Runing, collecting its annual rent; Henan Province official Gao Xing was ordered to oversee the affair. Central secretariat officials said, "Riverside land appears and disappears without fixed pattern; when there is a receding sandbank it is claimed as one's own. Previously there was Yimahan, who falsely claimed a provincial commission to survey land; he devoured the people like silkworms, treating all privately owned fields as wasteland; wherever he went there was disturbance. 600 persons including commoner Gao Rong complained to the metropolitan secretariat; his courier tallies were revoked; just as his crime was being deliberated, he obtained amnesty; now he has offered the land to the prince. Moreover Henan has suffered flooding year after year; people are just now short of food; if the request is granted and government offices established, the harm would not be slight. The Emperor said, "Why so many words? Stop it and do not proceed! Hunting with the eagle offices was forbidden from harassing the people by hunting freely in Datong, Longxing, and other places. A hawking platform was built in the marshes of Huozhou; 1,500 soldiers were mobilized to assist the labor. The Onggachatu palace was completed. The Central Capital Resident Commission, concurrently the Kaining Route general administration, was established. On bingyin day Xintai County of Tai'an Prefecture was re-established. On xinmao day Jining suffered great flooding entering the city; an edict dispatched officials to grant 5,000 ingots of notes for relief. On jisi day Zhending suffered torrential rain; water overflowed, entering through the south gate and reaching down to Gaocheng; 177 persons drowned; 10,700 shi of grain were issued for relief. On xinwei day the Imperial Incense Bureau was established, rank 5a. On renshen day Venus transgressed the Left Enforcer. Xiangshan was further made crown prince grand tutor. Tachar and nine others were dispatched as envoys to Prince Kuancha,
21
使 輿 使 使 使
Yuelu and twelve others as envoys to Prince Tuotuo. On guiyou day an edict instructed the kingdom of Annam, "Our state, by military achievement settled the realm, by civil virtue embraced distant peoples — We turn affectionately to Annam: from your forefathers your ancestors and fathers have generation after generation maintained tribute, and We greatly commend this. Recently the late emperor passed away; We were then marshaling troops in the north, and were acclaimed by imperial clansmen, princes, noble kin, and founding meritorious officials — holding that We are Shizu's legitimate grandson, Yuzong's orthodox line; the imperial fiefs show loyalty abroad, officials and people look to Us below — the hearts of all agree, and the imperial regalia has its rightful destination. We deferentially accede to popular sentiment: on the twenty-first day of the fifth month of the eleventh year of Dade We ascended the throne at the Upper Capital. Now We dispatch junior palace grandee and minister of rites Aligui, gentleman for court appearances and vice minister of personnel Li Jing, and gentleman of the court assembly and vice minister of war Gao Fuli to convey Our instruction. Continue to regard Us with equal benevolence, further strengthen the sincerity of serving the great power, and bring tranquility to your state, to accord with Our wish. Guan Zhousijian was also made vice minister of rites and Duorji vice minister of war as envoys to Burma. Tuolibuhua and twenty others were dispatched as envoys to Prince Herbandar. The liquor ban at the Upper Capital was relaxed. On renwu day crown prince deliberation officer was established, rank 5a. Naimandai was enfeoffed as Prince of Shou. On guiwei day privy council officials said, "Under Shizu there were six privy council ministers; under Chengzong this increased to 13. Now 32 persons hold office; we request they be reduced. An edict dismissed Tasidai and 11 others. On jiashen day grand preceptor and Prince of Qiyang Yuechachar requested establishment of a princely tutor; central secretariat officials said that for non-imperial-clan princes there is no precedent for appointing tutors — not permitted. On yiyou day tiger keeper Cherkesh was made surveillance censor. That month, left chancellor Tasibuhua was made right chancellor of the central secretariat; grand guardian Qitai Puji was made left chancellor of the central secretariat; all internal and external matters great and small were to be disposed by the central secretariat; princes, princesses, imperial sons-in-law, powerful persons, and the like must not interfere and obstruct; close attendant officials and all internal and external yamens must not bypass channels in reporting to the throne. Officials of branch secretariats, pacification commissions, and other yamens outside the capital in various places, unless bearing imperial edict together with written document from the central secretariat, must not on their own leave their posts, travel by relay to the capital, and manage private affairs. Jiangnan and Jiangbei suffered flooding, drought, and famine; where envoys had already been dispatched for relief, corvée levies and official taxes of the first year of Zhida were all concurrently remitted.
22
使 𠇗 殿 退 使 使 西 禿滿禿滿 使
In the eighth month, on wuzi day Daning suffered hail. On bingshen day censorate officials said, "By imperial order surveillance censor Saduding was summoned to the Upper Capital. From Shizu and Chengzong down to Your Majesty there have repeatedly been clear edicts: surveillance censors are the court's eyes and ears — when officials at home and abroad commit wrongdoing and breach the law, or are derelict in duty, they may impeach; during the conduct of business others must not be involved. Recently at the interrogation of minister of justice Ulasha for bribery, We received the imperial voice's commendation; all censors were granted rewards; the censorate's authority was further strengthened. Now Saduding has been seized; his colleagues are all fearful; what is at stake is no small matter — we beg that this order be suspended and the censorate's disciplinary regulations declared, that others must not be involved. Approved. On xinchou day, because the Central Capital palace was completed, officials who had labored were rewarded; minister of works Heima and those below were all promoted two grades; Tal'er was granted 250 taels of silver; associate administrator Chana, communications commissioner Talichi, associate resident administrator Xiao Zhen, and vice minister of works Dashman were granted 200 taels of gold and 1,400 taels of silver; soldiers 200 taels of gold and 800 taels of silver; those who died from falling timber and stone or from illness were granted notes in varying amounts. On guimao day right vice chancellor and head of the Directorate of Palace Construction Lu Tianlin was further made grand preceptor. On wushen day the Central Capital Myriad Treasuries Office was established. Ningxia established a River Works Office, fifth rank, two posts; two monks were additionally appointed to it. Botou was specially appointed grand preceptor. Prince Tuohuan was granted 200 taels of gold, 2,500 taels of silver, and 2,000 ingots of notes; Alibuhua 100 taels of gold, 1,000 taels of silver, and 1,000 ingots of notes. On jiyou day Datong suffered killing frost that destroyed the grain. On jiayin day Li Bangning, because the incense hall was completed, was granted 50 taels of gold and 450 taels of silver. On yimao day central secretariat officials said, "The outer censorate, branch secretariats, and various persons responding to edicts to speak on affairs — we dare not one by one trouble the imperial ear. We request that court officials be assembled to discuss, selecting those most pertinent to affairs — small matters then be executed at once, large matters reported upward. This was approved. Yangzhou and Huai'an had locusts. In the ninth month, on bingchen day, because inner circuits' harvests failed, persons and horses of various departments entering the capital were reduced by five tenths. Central secretariat officials said, "Between summer and autumn Gongchang suffered an earthquake; Guide violent wind and rain; Tai'an, Jining, and Zhending great flooding — dwellings were swept away, and both humans and livestock alike suffered the disaster. Beyond the Jiang-Zhe famine, epidemic disease broke out on a great scale; the dead lay piled one upon another. Fathers sold their sons, husbands sold their wives; cries shook the countryside — unbearable to hear. Your subjects are without talent yet unworthily bear heavy responsibility; though we wish to exhaust heart and strength, our knowledge and vision are shallow and narrow, our thoughts not broad — causing many errors in governance, contrary to the harmony of yin and yang; the common people suffer this calamity. We wish to retire and yield the path to the worthy." The Emperor said, "Disasters have their sources; it is not you who caused them. You need only be careful in your conduct." The Qielian Household Intendant Office was established, rank primary fifth grade, 4 officials appointed. King Wang Ju of Koryo died. Seni Temuchai was ordered to govern the people of Semisqan. On jiwei day the Central Domestic Affairs Court rank was raised to secondary first grade. On xinyou day envoys were dispatched to princes Chapar and Kököchin. On renxu day grand preceptor Toghto memorialized, "The great merchant Hajji Bitigi of Quanzhou presented rare agarwood sandalwood suitable for constructing palace buildings." An edict ordered the Jiang-Zhe branch secretariat to transport it by relay post. On guihai day wanhu Yelimen Qesan came from Semisqan and other cities, presenting the household blue register made in Taizu's time; silver notes, silks, and cloths were granted in varying amounts. On bingyin day Pu County suffered an earthquake. On guiyou day the Internal Historian's Office was promoted to Internal Historian's Bureau, primary second grade. On yihai day the imperial carriage returned from Shangdu. The liquor ban in all routes was relaxed. On wuyin day the great merchant Mahmud of Quanzhou presented rarities, a precious belt, and a Western Region horse. On gengchen day Wang Zhang was installed as king of Koryo. Prince Duman presented the Taizong imperial jade seal in his collection; Duman was enfeoffed as Prince of Yangdi and granted a gold seal. Central secretariat officials said, "By imperial order: because harvests failed in successive years, the four guards accompanying the court — each guard about 400 men — their forage grain is given as in the usual case; that given to each unit is halved. Your subjects propose: last year in the capital, horses fed numbered 94,000; we now request reduction to 50,000; on outer routes horses fed numbered more than 119,000; we now request reduction to 60,000 — to take effect from the fifteenth of the tenth month." They also said, "In Semisqan, Taras, and Tasixuan and other cities, 3 years of civilian taxes were delivered to district offices. Now because Seni Temuchai is going there, it should be ordered that 2 years' taxes be given to Kököchin, granted to those who originally delivered taxes, and 1 year's delivered upward. Approved. On guihai day the moon encroached upon Mars. The Central Capital Tiger Guard Office was established; by special appointment Lang She Ren and direct secretariat attendant Cangjisha were granted Zishan dafu and made acting Quanfu Bureau superintendent.
23
𠇗 西 西 禿
In the tenth month of winter, on gengyin day, a residence was built for grand preceptor El Temür; 20,000 ingots of notes were granted. On guisi day Pu and Ling counties suffered earthquakes. On jiawu day Ashabuhua was made privy council administrator. On dingyou day, because Dadu faced grain scarcity, grain sale at reduced price was resumed for 100,000 shi to relieve the people; the notes from this were used for government grain purchase in Jiangnan. Dadu liquor monopoly was abolished; the Crown Prince was granted 1,000 taels of gold. On xinchou day Venus encroached upon Southern Dipper. On guimao day central secretariat officials requested that 100,000 shi of Huguang grain be stored at Yangzhou, 300,000 shi of Jiangxi and Jiang-Zhe sea-transport grain — of which 50,000 shi stored at Zhuwang and Lijin warehouses — to aid Shandong famine victims. Approved. Edict: "All who hold inner edict documents to buy Hejian salt and all who reach the salt transport office with words of princes and imperial sons-in-law — all forbidden; those holding inner edict documents that do not come through the central secretariat may be reported by the transport office." Hunting on commoner fields in Fengfu, Changqing, Sishui, Zhangqiu, Zhanhua, Lijin, and Wudi — 7 counties — was forbidden. On jiachen day, at the Imperial Preceptor's request, Buddhist affairs commissioner Dorjibal was also made intendant of Nangba land property and wealth, as darughachi of the overall administration bureau controlling its finances. The Western Tibetan monk Jiao Waban was made Hanlin academician recipient. Left chancellor and privy council administrator Temür Buhua was additionally made recorder of military and state weighty affairs. Central secretariat right vice director and minister of works Tolugh, Henan branch secretariat right vice director Yesü, and internal historian Tobuqa — all were made privy council administrators. On yisi day the Huguo Renwang Temple Zhaoying Guiyun overall administration bureau was changed to Huifu Bureau, secondary second grade. On bingwu day the Xingsheng Palace medical superintendent office was established, primary third grade.
24
祿 西 使 便 西
In the eleventh month, on jiwei day, central secretariat officials said, "In Shizu times, the secretariat, privy council, censorate, and all offices each had fixed establishment; later there were slight increases — Chengzong already had an edict to consolidate offices. Recently various offices have been promoted in succession — fourth grade to third, third to second, second to first; one office even reaches 20 or 30 positions; affairs unchanged from old yet officials daily increase. Request according to the fixed numbers established in the tenth year of Dade; redundant ones let each office reduce on its own. Where offices were promoted, clerical staff should only be appointed at their old rank; where precedent applies, follow the selection regulations as usual. Approved. On gengshen day Venus appeared in daylight. 5,000 soldiers were supplied for temple construction corvée. Officials' salaries were increased — Zhiyuan notes given according to Zhongtong note amounts, stopping their salary grain; amounting to 400,000 shi annually. Clerical staff by ninth-tenth month service for appointment, as in the old system. An edict remitted Shaoxing, Qingyuan, Taizhou, Jiankang, and Guangde field rent; Shaoxing was especially hard hit by disaster and this year drought again — all tenant households need only pay four-tenths to the landlord. Mountain passes, river marshes, and commercial taxes — cut off and remitted as of the date. Where small harvests occurred in routes, confirm disaster areas and remit. On yichou day Prince Namughuli was granted a gold seal. On dingmao day central secretariat officials said, "Present appointment selection and revenue-grain methods are wholly corrupted; granaries empty. Central Capital city construction, Dadu temple construction, and building private residences for various nobles — soldiers and commoners cannot rest. Recently expenditures grow ever greater — each time one person is granted, it reaches 10,000 ingots; we pray Your Majesty will examine with compassion." They also said, "For appointment selection and revenue-grain, all offices please do not interfere." The Emperor said, "An edict has already been issued ordering everyone not to interfere in central secretariat affairs. If someday someone taking advantage of Our momentary forgetfulness brings inner edict documents and verbal orders to the central secretariat — hold them and bring them; We shall add punishment." Yekejin was made censor-in-chief. On jisi day Chigai Puji was made right chancellor, Toghto left chancellor. Subsequently also following Toghto's words, Tashihwa and Chigai Puji were both made right chancellors. Central secretariat officials said, "State revenue insufficient; request to trim the registers of the Bureau of Palace Provisions, Grand Treasury Bureau, Liyong Bureau, and other bureaus, fix the number due provision, and for those at Shangdu and branch secretariats, commission officials to cut. Also, the Quanfu Bureau specializes in guarding treasures — private presentation of treasures should be forbidden. Also, throughout the empire more than 120 garrison-farm units — because those employed are mostly not the right people, leading to decay — except Sichuan, Ganzhou, Yingchang, and Yunnan as lands extremely remote, the rest should select those versed in agricultural affairs to go, with branch secretariat and pacification commission jointly going in person to inspect — cultivate where possible, abolish where possible — each compile register and report. Approved. Edict: "For Kaining Route and Xuanfu and Yunzhou corvée — supply extremely extensive — besides 3 years already remitted by previous edict, remit 1 year more." On xinsi day hunting by qarachin and others in Yidu and various places was abolished. 750 taels of silver, 2,200 ingots of notes, and 300 bolts of silks and cloths were donated to Haotian Temple for a water-land grand assembly. On guihai day the Empress Dowager built a temple on Wutai Mountain; 6,500 soldiers were requisitioned for its corvée. In the intercalary eleventh month, on jichou day, because Dadu grain was expensive, granary grain of 100,000 shi was released at reduced price to relieve the poor. Famine refugees from the north included those selling children; officials were ordered to redeem them. On weimo day the widow of former central secretariat right chancellor Wanze was granted 500 taels of gold and 1,500 taels of silver. On bingshen day Jiangnan tribute of granulated sugar was abolished; only wealthy commoners submitting grain for famine relief to buy office was permitted. On dingyou day private capture of swans and geese in Jiangxi, Huguang, and Bianliang was forbidden. On jihai day tribute of carved leopards from Liaoyang province was abolished. The Guiji Guard received as gift 10,000 private households from the Wu Jiang county darughachi; they were ordered placed under district administration. On renyin day Chigai Puji requested grant of more than 200 qing of Gu'an fields; approved. On yisi day central secretariat officials said, "Muslim merchants holding imperial edicts, wearing tiger tallies, riding relay horses, nominally seeking rarities — then after presenting one leopard for tribute, again demanding return gifts — such cases are extremely numerous. Your subjects propose: the tiger tally is the state's credential, relay horses are what envoys need — to give these to merchants is truly inappropriate; we pray all be recovered. Approved. Shunde and Guangping iron smelting intendant offices were abolished; commoners left to their own devices; officials tax as before. On dingwei day Xiangcheng County of Bianliang Route was re-established. Because Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Jiankang, and other routes had famine year after year, this year's liquor tax was remitted three-tenths. Edict: Hexi monk households follow prior dynasty fixed regulations — with military service pay taxes, the same as commoners. On jiayin day Halaqsun Dalaqan died.
25
使
In the twelfth month, on gengshen day, Holangsa was enfeoffed as Prince of Long and granted a gold seal. Commoners in Pingjiang Route attached to Jindili's following — per old regulations, corvée and levies same as commoners equally borne. 1,000 Uighurs of Yunnan dwelt in Jingxiang; Yunnan branch secretariat officials said, "Shizu had an edict ordering them to return to Yunnan to assist in campaigns." Central secretariat officials deliberated that dispatching them back was correct; approved. Kaining County was established in the Central Capital; Longxing was demoted to Yuan Prefecture; Wei Prefecture was promoted to Weichang Prefecture. Hedong pacification commission was abolished; Datong Route was placed under the Central Capital resident commission; Jining and Jinning routes were placed under the central secretariat. On jiaxu day pingzhang political affairs negotiator of central secretariat affairs and Crown Prince guest Wang Taiheng was made acting Crown Prince household superintendent; pingzhang military and state weighty affairs and Crown Prince junior household superintendent Daci was made Crown Prince household superintendent. Banquet robes were granted to censorate officials and surveillance censors.
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