1
【漢紀三十五】起柔兆涒灘，盡柔兆敦牂，凡十一年。
【Han Records 35】 From the first year of the Rouzhao cycle through the last year of the Rouzhao cycle—eleven years in all.
2
世祖光武皇帝中之下
The Founding Emperor Guangwu — Middle Part, Lower Section.
3
1春，正月，吳漢破公孫述將魏堂、公孫永於魚涪津，遂圍武陽。 述遣子婿史興救之，漢迎擊，破之，因入犍為界； 諸縣皆城守。 詔漢直取廣都，據其心腹。 漢乃進軍攻廣都，拔之，遣輕騎燒成都市橋。 公孫述將帥恐懼，日夜離叛，述雖誅滅其家，猶不能禁。 帝必欲降之，又下詔喻述曰：「勿以來歙、岑彭受害自疑，今以時自詣，則宗族完全。 詔書手記，不可數得。」 述終無降意。
1. In spring, in the first month, Wu Han defeated Gongsun Shu's generals Wei Tang and Gongsun Yong at Yu Fu Ford and besieged Wuyang. Gongsun Shu sent his son-in-law Shi Xing to the relief; Wu Han met him in battle, routed him, and pushed into Qianwei; every county shut its walls and held out. The emperor ordered Wu Han to take Guangdu directly and seize the enemy's heartland. Wu Han marched on Guangdu, captured it, and sent light horse to burn the market bridge at Chengdu. Gongsun Shu's officers were terrified. Night and day they deserted him. Though he put their families to death, he could not stop the flight. The emperor was bent on winning his surrender and sent another edict to Gongsun Shu: "Do not mistrust us because Lai Xi and Cen Peng came to harm. Come now in your own time and your clan shall be spared. An edict in the emperor's own hand—such favor is not granted twice." Gongsun Shu would not bend to surrender.
4
2秋，七月，馮駿拔江州，獲田戎。
2. In autumn, in the seventh month, Feng Jun captured Jiangzhou and took Tian Rong prisoner.
5
3帝戒吳漢曰：「成都十餘萬眾，不可輕也。 但堅據廣都，待其來攻，忽與爭鋒。 若不敢來，公轉營迫之，須其力疲，乃可擊也。」 漢乘利，遂自將步騎二萬進逼成都； 去城十餘里，阻江北〔為〕營，作浮橋，使副將武威將軍劉尚將萬餘人屯於江南，為營相去二十餘里。 帝聞之大驚，讓漢曰：「比敕公千條萬端，何意臨事勃亂！ 既輕敵深入，又與尚別營，事有緩急，不復相及。 賊若出兵綴公，以大眾攻尚，尚破，公即敗矣。 幸無它者，急引兵還廣都。」 詔書未到，九月，述果使其大司徒謝豐、執金吾袁吉將眾十許萬，分為二十餘營，出攻漢，使別將將萬餘人劫劉尚，令不得相救。 漢與大戰一日，兵敗，走入壁，豐因圍之。 漢乃召諸將厲之曰：「吾與諸君逾越險阻，轉戰千里，遂深入敵地，至其城下，而今與劉尚二處受圍，勢既不接，其禍難量； 欲潛師就尚於江南，並兵御之。 若能同心一力，人自為戰，大功可立； 如其不然，敗必無餘。 成敗之機，在此一舉。」 諸將皆曰：「諾。」 於是饗士秣馬，閉營三日不出，乃多樹幡旗，使煙火不絕，夜，銜枚引兵與劉尚合軍。 豐等不覺，明日，乃分兵拒水北，自將攻江南。 漢悉兵迎戰，自旦至晡，遂大破之，斬豐、吉。 於是引還廣都，留劉尚拒述，具以狀上，而深自譴責。 帝報曰：「公還廣都，甚得其宜，述必不敢略尚而擊公也。 若先攻尚，公從廣都五十里悉步騎赴之，適當值其危困，破之必矣！」 正是漢與述戰於廣都、成都之間，八戰八克，遂軍於其郭中。
3. The emperor warned Wu Han: "Chengdu holds more than a hundred thousand men. Do not take it lightly. Hold Guangdu firm and wait for them to attack you. Do not rush to meet them head-on. If they will not come out, shift camp and harry them until their strength fails—then strike." Wu Han, greedy for gain, personally led twenty thousand infantry and cavalry against Chengdu; threw a pontoon bridge across, and posted his deputy Liu Shang, General of Majestic Might, with more than ten thousand men south of the river—twenty-odd li between the two camps.1 When he heard, the emperor was alarmed and rebuked Wu Han: "I gave you a thousand warnings—why do you throw them aside when battle comes? You have both despised the foe and marched too deep, and you have split from Liu Shang. In a crisis you cannot aid each other. If the enemy ties you down and throws their main force at Shang, once Shang falls, you fall with him. If worse has not already come, pull back to Guangdu at once." The edict had not yet arrived when, in the ninth month, Gongsun Shu sent his Grand Steward Xie Feng and Commandant of Justice Yuan Ji with some hundred thousand men in more than twenty camps against Wu Han, and detached another general with ten thousand to pin Liu Shang so the two could not unite. Wu Han fought all day and was beaten back into his walls; Xie Feng besieged him. Wu Han called his officers and rallied them: "We crossed mountains and rivers together, fought a thousand li, and came to the enemy's very walls—yet now Liu Shang and I are trapped apart. Our strength cannot meet. Who can measure the ruin if we fail? I mean to slip out by night and join Liu Shang south of the river, and with united strength meet them. If you stand as one and each man fights as for himself alone, great victory is still ours; otherwise defeat will leave not one of us alive. Success or ruin turns on this single stroke." The generals answered, "Aye." They feasted the men and fed the horses, kept the gates shut three days, raised banners and kept signal fires burning. At night, with gags between their teeth, they stole out and joined Liu Shang. Xie Feng knew nothing until dawn. Then he split his force to hold the north bank and led the assault on the south himself. Wu Han threw in every man from dawn till dusk and broke them completely, beheading Xie Feng and Yuan Ji. He fell back to Guangdu, left Liu Shang to face Gongsun Shu, sent a full report to the throne, and blamed himself harshly. The emperor answered: "Your return to Guangdu was exactly right. Gongsun Shu will not dare pass Liu Shang to strike you. If he hits Shang first, march every foot and horse from Guangdu within fifty li—you will catch them spent and broken. Victory is certain!" Just then Wu Han and Gongsun Shu fought between Guangdu and Chengdu. Eight times they met; eight times Wu Han won. He camped within the outer suburbs of the city.
6
臧宮拔綿竹，破涪城，斬公孫恢； 復攻撥繁、郫，與呈漢會於成都。
Zang Gong took Mianzhu, stormed Fu City, and beheaded Gongsun Hui; then attacked Bo Fan and Pi and joined Wu Han before Chengdu.
7
4李通欲避權勢，乞骸骨； 積二歲，帝乃聽上大司空印綬，以特進奉朝請。 後有司奏封皇子，帝感通首創大謀，即日，封通少子雄為召陵侯。
4. Li Tong, wishing to step back from power, asked to retire; after two years the emperor let him return the seal and ribbon of Grand Minister of Works and gave him the rank of Special Advancement with court attendance. When the ministries moved to enfeoff the imperial sons, the emperor remembered that Li Tong had first shaped the great plan. That very day he made Tong's younger son Xiong Marquis of Shaoling.
8
5公孫述困急，謂延岑曰：「事當奈何！」 岑曰：「男兒當死中求生，可坐窮乎！ 財物易聚耳，不宜有愛。」 述乃悉散金帛，募敢死士五千餘人以配岑。 岑於市橋偽建旗幟，鳴鼓挑戰，而潛遣奇兵出吳漢軍後襲擊破漢，漢墮水，緣馬尾得出。 漢軍餘七日糧，陰具船，欲遁去。 蜀郡太守南陽張堪聞之，馳往見漢，說述必敗，不宜退師之策。 漢從之，乃示弱以挑敵。
5. Gongsun Shu, desperate, asked Yan Cen, "What now?" Yan Cen said, "A man should wring life from death. Will you sit and wait for ruin? Wealth can be gathered again. Do not hoard it now." Gongsun Shu poured out his gold and silk, raised more than five thousand men willing to die, and gave them to Yan Cen. At the market bridge Yan Cen raised banners and beat drums as if to offer battle, while sending picked men around behind Wu Han's camp. They broke Han's line. Han fell into the river and clawed his way out by a horse's tail. Wu Han had seven days' grain left and secretly fitted boats to flee. Zhang Kan, Administrator of Shu, from Nanyang, heard of it, rode hard to Wu Han, and argued that Gongsun Shu must fall and that retreat was folly. Wu Han listened and feigned weakness to lure the foe.
9
冬，十一月，臧宮軍咸( 陽) 門陽) 門據胡注刪。 案：避公孫述諱。； 戊寅，述自將數萬人攻漢，使延岑拒宮。 大戰，岑三合三勝，自旦及日中，軍士不得食，並疲。 漢因使護軍高午、唐邯將銳卒數萬擊之，述兵大亂； 高午奔陳刺述，洞胸墮馬，左右輿入城。 述以兵屬延岑，其夜，死； 明旦，延岑以城降。 辛巳，吳漢夷述妻子，盡滅公孫氏，并族延岑，遂放兵大掠，焚述宮室。 帝聞之怒，以譴漢。 又讓劉尚曰：「城降三日，吏民從服，孩兒、老母，口以萬數，一旦放兵縱火，聞之可為酸鼻。 尚宗室子孫，嘗更吏職，何忍行此！ 仰視天，俯視地，觀放麑、啜羹，二者孰仁？ 良失斬將弔民之義也！」
In winter, in the eleventh month, Zang Gong's army at Xianyang Gate—text reads Xian( yang)— yang)—2 Gate—deleted per Hu Anguo's note. ;3 On wuyin day Gongsun Shu personally led tens of thousands against Wu Han and set Yan Cen to face Zang Gong. In the great battle Yan Cen three times engaged and three times won. From dawn till noon the men could not eat, and both armies were spent. Wu Han sent the Protector of the Army Gao Wu and Tang Han with tens of thousands of elite troops into the fray. Gongsun Shu's army broke; Gao Wu charged the line and drove his spear through Gongsun Shu's chest. Shu fell from his horse; attendants bore him into the city on a litter. Gongsun Shu handed the army to Yan Cen. That night he died; At dawn Yan Cen surrendered the city. On xinsi day Wu Han killed Gongsun Shu's wife and children, wiped out the entire Gongsun clan and Yan Cen's kin as well, then let his men loot at will and burned the palaces. When he heard, the emperor was furious and rebuked Wu Han. He rebuked Liu Shang as well: "Three days after surrender, officials and people had submitted—tens of thousands of children and old women. Yet you let your men run wild and burn. The tale turns the stomach. You are of the imperial house. You once held civil office. How could you bear to do this? Look up to Heaven and down to earth. Compare the king who spared the deer with the king who tasted the soup—which was the more humane? You have utterly forsaken the duty to strike down the rebel and comfort the people!"
10
初，述徵廣漢李業為博士，業固稱疾不起。 述羞不能致，使大鴻臚尹融奉詔命以劫業，〔曰〕：「若起則受公侯之位，不起，賜以毒酒。」 融譬旨曰：「方今天下分崩，孰知是非，而以區區之身試於不測之淵乎！ 朝廷貪慕名德，曠官缺位，于今七年，四時珍御，不以忘君； 宜上奉知己，下為子孫，身名俱全，不亦優乎！」 業乃歎曰：「古人危邦不入，亂邦不居，為此故也。 君子見危授命，何乃誘以高位重餌哉！」 融曰：「宜呼室家計之。」 業曰：「丈夫斷之於心久矣，何妻子之為！」 遂飲毒而死。 述恥有殺賢之名，遣使吊祠，賻贈百匹，業子翬逃，辭不受。 述又騁巴郡譙玄，玄不詣； 亦遣使者以毒藥劫之，太守自詣玄廬，勸之行，玄曰：「保志全高，死亦奚恨！」 遂受毒藥。 玄子瑛泣血叩頭於太守，願奉家錢千萬以贖父死，太守為請，述許之。 述又徵蜀郡王皓、王嘉，恐其不至，先繫其妻子，使者謂嘉曰：「速裝，妻子可全。」 對曰：「犬馬猶識主，況於人乎！」 王皓先自刎，以首付使者。 述怒，遂誅皓家屬。 王嘉聞而歎曰：「後之哉！」 乃對使者伏劍而死。 犍為費貽不肯仕述，漆身為癩，陽狂以避之。 同郡任永、馮信皆托青盲以辭徵命。 帝既平蜀，詔贈常少為太常，張隆為光祿勳。 譙玄已卒，祠以中牢，敕所在還其家錢，而表李業之閭。 徵費貽、任永、馮信，會永、信病卒，獨貽仕至合浦太守。 上以述將程烏、李育有才幹，皆擢用之。 於是西土咸悅，莫不歸心焉。
Earlier Gongsun Shu had summoned Li Ye of Guanghan as Erudite. Ye pleaded illness and would not come. : "Rise and take a marquisate or duke's rank. Refuse and drink poisoned wine."4 Yin Rong urged him: "The realm is broken—who knows what is right? Why stake your one life on an abyss no man can measure? The court craves your name. Posts stand empty seven years. Season after season delicacies from the imperial kitchen have been sent—you are not forgotten; serve your patron above, secure your sons below, keep body and fame whole—is that not the better path?" Li Ye sighed: "The ancients would not enter a doomed state or dwell in a rebellious one. This is why. A gentleman gives his life when danger comes. Why bait him with rank and riches?" Yin Rong said, "Call your wife and kin to counsel you." Li Ye said, "A man settles it in his own heart. What have wife and children to do with it?" He drank the poison and died. Gongsun Shu, shamed to be known as a slayer of worthies, sent envoys to mourn him and offered a hundred bolts of silk. Ye's son Hui fled and refused the gift. Gongsun Shu next tried to engage Qiao Xuan of Ba. Xuan would not come; he sent envoys with poison to coerce him. The commandery administrator came to Xuan's house himself and urged him to go. Xuan said, "Keep your will whole and your honor high—even death brings no regret." He took the poison. Xuan's son Ying wept blood and kowtowed to the administrator, offering ten million in family cash to ransom his father. The administrator pleaded; Gongsun Shu agreed. Gongsun Shu summoned Wang Hao and Wang Jia of Shu Commandery. Fearing they would not come, he seized their families first. The envoy told Jia, "Make ready at once and your wife and children may live." Jia answered, "Even dogs and horses know their master—how much more a man!" Wang Hao cut his own throat first and gave his head to the envoy. Gongsun Shu in rage put Hao's kin to death. Wang Jia heard and sighed, "Too late!" He faced the envoy, fell on his sword, and died. Fei Yi of Qianwei would not serve Gongsun Shu. He painted his body with sores and played the madman to escape. Ren Yong and Feng Xin of the same commandery both feigned blindness to refuse the call. Once the emperor had pacified Shu, he posthumously made Chang Shao Grand Master of Ceremonies and Zhang Long Director of the Imperial Clan. Qiao Xuan was already dead. The court sacrificed to him with the middle pen, ordered his family's ransom money returned, and marked Li Ye's lane for honor. Fei Yi, Ren Yong, and Feng Xin were summoned. Yong and Xin died of illness on the way. Only Yi served on, reaching Administrator of Hepu. The emperor promoted Gongsun Shu's capable generals Cheng Wu and Li Yu and put them to use. The western lands rejoiced, and every heart turned toward the throne.
11
初，王莽以廣漢文齊為益州太守，齊訓農治兵，降集群夷，甚得其和。 公孫述時，齊固守拒險，述拘其妻子，許以封侯，齊不降。 聞上即位，間道遣使自聞。 蜀平，徵為鎮遠將軍，封成義侯。
Earlier Wang Mang had made Wen Qi of Guanghan Administrator of Yi Province. Qi taught farming and drilled troops, won over the tribes, and held their loyalty in rare peace. Under Gongsun Shu, Wen Qi held the passes and would not yield. Shu seized his wife and children and promised him a marquisate. Qi still would not bow. Hearing the emperor had ascended the throne, he sent envoys by a secret path to submit. When Shu was pacified, he was summoned as General Who Pacifies the Distant and enfeoffed as Marquis of Chengyi.
12
6十二月，辛卯，揚武將軍馬成行大司空事。
6. In the twelfth month, on xinmao day, Yangwu General Ma Cheng acted as Grand Minister of Works.
13
7是歲，參狼羌與諸種寇武都，隴西太守馬援擊破之，降者萬餘人，於是隴右清靜。 援務開恩信，寬以待下，任吏以職，但總大體，而賓客故人日滿其門。 諸曹時白外事，援輒曰：「此丞、掾之任，何足相煩！ 頗哀老子，使得遨遊。 若大姓侵小民，黠吏不從令，此乃太守事耳。」 傍縣嘗有報讎者，吏民驚言羌反，百姓奔入城，狄道長詣門，請閉城發兵。 援時與賓客飲，大笑曰：「虜何敢復犯我！ 曉狄道長，歸守寺捨。 良怖急者，可牀下伏。」 後稍定，郡中服之。
7. That year the Canlang Qiang and allied tribes raided Wudu; Ma Yuan, Administrator of Longxi, defeated them; more than ten thousand submitted, and Longyou was at peace. Yuan cultivated grace and trust, treated subordinates leniently, left clerks to their duties, and only oversaw the broad outline, while guests and old friends daily filled his gate. The bureaus would at times report external affairs; Yuan would always say, "This is work for the assistants and clerks—why trouble me with it! I pity Old Master Laozi and only wish to be left free to roam. If great clans oppress commoners or crafty clerks defy orders—that is the governor's business alone." A neighboring county once had someone reporting a feud; officials and people cried that the Qiang had rebelled; commoners fled into the city; the chief of Didao came to the gate and asked to shut the city and call out troops. Yuan was drinking with guests and laughed loudly, saying, "How would the barbarians dare invade me again! Tell the chief of Didao to go back and guard his office. Those truly terrified may hide under the bed." Matters soon settled, and the commandery came to admire him.
14
8詔：「邊吏力不足戰則守，追虜料敵，不拘以逗留法。」
8. An edict ran: "Border officials who lack strength to fight should hold; in pursuing barbarians gauge the enemy—do not be bound by the statute on delay."
15
9山桑節侯王常、牟平烈侯耿況、東光成侯耿純皆薨。 況疾病，乘輿數自臨幸，復以弇弟廣、舉並為中郎將。 弇兄弟六人皆垂青紫，省侍醫藥，當世以為榮。
9. Wang Chang, Marquis Jie of Shansang; Geng Kuang, Marquis Lie of Mouping; and Geng Chun, Marquis Cheng of Dongguang—all died. Kuang fell ill; the emperor repeatedly visited him in person and also made Yan's younger brothers Guang and Ju Palace Gentlemen. All six of Yan's brothers wore court rank, tended his medicines, and their age took it for glory.
16
10盧芳與匈奴、烏桓連兵，數寇邊。 帝遣驃騎大將軍杜茂等將兵鎮守北邊，治飛狐道，築亭障，修烽燧，凡與匈奴、烏桓大小數十百戰，終不能克。
10. Lu Fang allied with the Xiongnu and Wuhuan and repeatedly raided the borders. The emperor sent Cavalry General-in-Chief Du Mao and others to guard the northern border, repaired the Flying Fox road, built pavilion barriers, and restored beacon fires. They fought the Xiongnu and Wuhuan in scores of battles large and small and in the end could not overcome them.
17
11上詔竇融與五郡太守入朝。 融等奉詔而行，官屬賓客相隨，駕乘千餘兩，馬牛羊被野。 既至，詣城門，上印綬。 詔遣使者還侯印綬，引見，賞賜恩寵，傾動京師。 尋拜融冀州牧。 又以梁統為太中大夫，姑臧長孔奮為武都郡丞。 姑臧在河西最為富饒，天下未定，土多不修檢操，居縣者不盈數月，輒致豐積； 奮在職四年力行清潔，為眾人所笑，以為身處脂膏不能自潤。 及從融入朝，諸守、令財貨連轂，彌竟川澤； 唯奮無資，單車就路，帝以是賞之。
11. The emperor ordered Dou Rong and the five commandery governors to come to court. Rong and his party obeyed the edict; officials, retainers, and guests followed in more than a thousand carriages, and horses, cattle, and sheep covered the fields. On arrival they went to the city gate and surrendered their seals and cords. An edict sent envoys to return their marquis seals and cords; they were granted audience and showered with favor—the capital was stirred. Shortly afterward Rong was appointed Governor of Jizhou. Liang Tong was made Grand Palace Grandee, and Kong Fen, chief of Guzang, was made commandery aide of Wudu. Guzang in Hexi was the richest place; the realm was unsettled, and locals mostly lacked restraint—those who held county posts for even a few months amassed great wealth; Fen served four years practicing stern purity and was laughed at by all, who said that sitting in fat he could not grease himself. When he followed Rong to court, the prefects and magistrates had wealth in carts chained together, filling rivers and marshes; only Fen had no wealth and went on the road with a lone cart—the emperor rewarded him for it.
18
帝以睢陽令任延為武威太守，帝親見，戒之曰：「善事上官，無失名譽。」 延對曰：「臣聞忠臣不和，和臣不忠。 履正奉公，臣子之節； 上下雷同，非陛下之福。 善事上官，臣不敢奉詔。」 帝歎息曰：「卿言是也！」
The emperor made Ren Yan, magistrate of Suiyang, Administrator of Wuwei, saw him in person, and admonished him: "Serve your superiors well and do not lose your good name." Yan replied, "I have heard that a loyal minister does not merely harmonize, and a harmonizing minister is not loyal. To uphold the straight and serve the public is a subject's duty; for superiors and subordinates to echo one another is no blessing to Your Majesty. As for serving superiors well—I dare not accept that edict." The emperor sighed and said, "You are right!"
19
1春，正月，庚申，大司徒侯霸薨。
1. In spring, in the first month, on gengshen day, Grand Minister of Education Hou Ba died.
20
2戊子，詔曰：「郡國獻異味，其令太官勿復受！ 遠方口實所以薦宗廟，自如舊制。」 時異國有獻名馬者，日行千里，又進寶劍，價值百金。 詔以劍賜騎士，馬駕鼓車。 上雅不喜聽音樂，手不持珠玉，嘗出獵，車駕夜還，上東門候汝南郅惲拒關不開。 上令從者見面於門間，惲曰：「火明遼遠。」 遂不受詔。 上乃回，從東中門入。 明日，惲上書諫曰：「昔文王不敢槃于游田，以萬民惟正之供。 而陛下遠獵山林，夜以繼晝，其如社稷宗廟何！」 書奏，賜惲布百匹，貶東中門候為參封尉。
2. On wuzi day an edict ran: "Commanderies and kingdoms presenting exotic flavors—the Imperial Commissary is not to receive them again! Delicacies from distant lands offered to the ancestral temple remain as under the old regulations." At the time a foreign state presented a famous horse said to run a thousand li a day, and also a precious sword worth a hundred gold. An edict gave the sword to the knights and set the horse to draw the drum carriage. The emperor by nature disliked music and did not handle pearls or jade. Once he went hunting and returned at night; Ye Yun of Runan, warden of the Upper East Gate, barred the gate and would not open it. The emperor ordered attendants to show their faces in the doorway; Yun said, "Firelight carries far." He thereupon would not accept the order. The emperor turned back and entered through the Middle East Gate. Next day Yun presented a memorial remonstrating: "Formerly King Wen did not dare indulge in roaming hunts, taking the myriad people's proper tribute as his provision. Yet Your Majesty hunted far in mountains and forests, night succeeding day—what of the state altars and ancestral temple!" When the memorial was presented, Yun was granted a hundred bolts of cloth, and the Middle East Gate warden was demoted to Colonel of Canfeng.
21
3二月，遣捕虜將軍馬武屯虖沱河以備匈奴。
3. In the second month he dispatched Pacify-the-Barbarians General Ma Wu to encamp on the Hutuo River against the Xiongnu.
22
4盧芳攻雲中，久不下。 其將隨昱留守九原，欲脅芳來降； 芳知之，與十餘騎亡入匈奴，其眾盡歸隨昱，昱乃詣闕降。 詔拜昱五原太守，封鐫胡侯。
4. Lu Fang attacked Yunzhong and could not take it for a long time. His general Sui Yu remained to guard Jiuyuan, intending to force Fang to surrender; Fang learned of it, fled into the Xiongnu with a dozen horsemen, his whole force submitted to Sui Yu, and Yu then came to court and surrendered. An edict appointed Yu Administrator of Wuyuan and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Juanhu.
23
5朱祜奏：「古者人臣受封，不加王爵。」 丙辰，詔長沙王興、真定王得、河間王邵、中山王茂皆降爵為侯。 丁巳，以趙王良為趙公，太原王章為齊公，魯王興為魯公。 是時，宗室及絕國封侯者凡一百三十七人。 富平侯張純，安世之四世孫也，歷王莽世，以孰謹守約保全前封； 建武初，先來詣闕，為侯如故。 於是有司奏：「列侯非宗室不宜復國。」 上曰：「張純宿衛十有餘年，其勿廢！」 更封武始侯，食富平之半。
5. Zhu Hu memorialized, "In antiquity when subjects received enfeoffment, kingly titles were not added." On bingchen day an edict demoted Kings Xing of Changsha, De of Zhending, Shao of Hejian, and Mao of Zhongshan—all to marquis rank. On dingsi day King Liang of Zhao was made Duke of Zhao, King Zhang of Taiyuan was made Duke of Qi, and King Xing of Lu was made Duke of Lu. At this time members of the imperial clan and marquises of extinct states numbered 137 in all. Marquis of Fuping Zhang Chun, fourth-generation descendant of Anshi, passed through Wang Mang's reign with thorough caution and kept his covenant, preserving his former enfeoffment; at the beginning of Jianwu he came first to court and remained marquis as before. Thereupon the responsible offices memorialized, "Ranked marquises who are not of the imperial clan ought not restore their states." The emperor said, "Zhang Chun has served in the guard for more than ten years—do not abolish him!" He was re-enfeoffed as Marquis of Wushi with half the revenue of Fuping.
24
6庚午，以紹嘉公孔安為宋公，承休公姬常為衛公。
6. On gengwu day Duke of Shaojia Kong An was made Duke of Song and Duke of Chengxiu Ji Chang was made Duke of Wei.
25
7三月，辛未，以沛郡太守韓歆為大司徒。
7. In the third month, on xinwei day, Han Xin, Administrator of Pei, was made Grand Minister of Education.
26
8丙子，行大司空馬成復為揚武將軍。
8. On bingzi day Acting Grand Minister of Works Ma Cheng was restored as Yangwu General.
27
9吳漢自蜀振旅而還，至宛，詔過家上塚，賜穀二萬斛； 夏，四月，至京師。 於是大饗將士，功臣增邑更封凡三百六十五人，其外戚、恩澤封者四十五人。 定封鄧禹為高密侯，食四縣； 李通為固始侯，賈復為膠東侯，食六縣； 餘各有差。 已歿者益封其子孫，或更封支庶。
9. Wu Han returned from Shu with his army rested, reached Wan, was ordered by edict to visit his home and tend the tombs, and was granted twenty thousand hu of grain; In summer, in the fourth month, he reached the capital. Thereupon he feasted the generals and soldiers; meritorious ministers given increased fiefs and new enfeoffments numbered 365 in all, and affines and favorites enfeoffed numbered 45. Deng Yu was definitively enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaomi with four counties; Li Tong as Marquis of Gushi; Jia Fu as Marquis of Jiaodong with six counties; the rest each had their differences. The deceased received additional enfeoffments for sons and grandsons, or new enfeoffments for collateral lines.
28
帝在兵間久，厭武事，且知天下疲耗，思樂息肩，自隴、蜀平後，非警急，未嘗復言軍旅。 皇太子嘗問攻戰之事，帝曰：「昔衛靈公問陳，孔子不對。 此非爾所及。」 鄧禹、賈復知帝偃干戈，修文德，不欲功臣擁眾京師，乃去甲兵，敦儒學。 帝亦思念，欲完功臣爵土，不令以吏職為過，遂罷左、右將軍官。 耿弇等亦上大將軍、將軍印綬，皆以列侯就第，加位特進，奉朝請。
The emperor had long been amid warfare; he was weary of military affairs and knew the realm was exhausted, and wished to lay down his burden. Since Long and Shu were pacified, unless the alarm was urgent he never again spoke of armies. The heir apparent once asked about attack and battle; the emperor said, "Formerly Duke Ling of Wei asked about battle arrays; Confucius did not answer. That is not for you to reach." Deng Yu and Jia Fu knew the emperor was laying down arms and cultivating civil virtue and did not wish meritorious ministers to hold masses at the capital; they discarded armor and devoted themselves to Confucian learning. The emperor also thought on them, wished to complete their ranks and lands, and not have official posts count against them; he thereupon abolished the Left and Right General offices. Geng Yan and others also submitted their Grand General and general seals and cords; all went to their mansions as ranked marquises, were promoted to Special Advance, and attended court by invitation.
29
鄧禹內行淳備，有子十三人，各使守一藝，修整閨門，教養子孫，皆可以為後世法，資用國邑，不修產利。
Deng Yu's inward conduct was pure and complete; he had thirteen sons, each made to master one art; he regulated his household, taught sons and grandsons, and all could serve as models for later ages; he lived on his state revenue and did not pursue profit.
30
賈復為人剛毅方直，多大節，既還私第，闔門養威重。 朱祜等薦復宜為宰相，帝方以吏事責三公，故功臣並不用。 是時，列侯唯高密、固始、膠東三侯與公卿參議國家大事，恩遇甚厚。 帝雖制御功臣，而每能回容，宥其小失。 遠方貢珍甘，必先遍賜諸侯，而太官無餘，故皆保其福祿，無誅譴者。
Jia Fu was firm, upright, and principled; once back at his private mansion he closed his gates and cultivated awe and dignity. Zhu Hu and others recommended Fu for Chancellor, but the emperor was just then holding the Three Excellencies responsible for administrative affairs, so meritorious ministers were not employed. At this time among ranked marquises only Gaomi, Gushi, and Jiaodong joined the excellencies in deliberating great affairs of state, with very generous favor. Though the emperor controlled the meritorious ministers, he could always turn and accommodate them and pardon small faults. When distant lands presented delicacies, he always distributed them first to the feudal lords while the Imperial Commissary had none left—therefore all preserved their fortune and stipend, and none were condemned or punished.
31
10益州傳送公孫述瞽師、郊廟樂器、葆車、輿輦，於是法物始備。 時兵革既息，天下少事，文書調役，務從簡寡，至乃十存一焉。
10. Yizhou transported Gongsun Shu's blind musicians, suburban and temple musical instruments, guard carriages, and palanquins—thereupon the ritual objects were first complete. Weapons had ceased; the realm had little business; documents and corvée levies were kept brief and few—to the point that only one in ten remained.
32
11甲寅，以冀州牧竇融為大司空。 融自以非舊臣，一旦入朝，在功臣之右，每朝會進見乙十一行本同。 《後漢書．竇融傳》同，然不改亦可。，容貌辭氣，卑恭已甚，帝以此愈親厚之。 融小心，久不自安，數辭爵位，上疏曰：「臣融有子，朝夕教導以經藝，不令觀天文，見讖記，誠欲令恭肅畏事，恂恂守道，不願其有才能，何況乃當傳以連城廣土，享故諸侯王國哉！」 因復請間求見，帝不許。 後朝罷，逡巡席後，帝知欲有讓，遂使左右傳出。 它日會見，迎詔融曰：「日者知公欲讓職還土，故命公暑熱且自便。 今相見，宜論它事，勿得復言。」 融不敢重陳請孔本同。 然《後漢書．竇融傳》無「乃」字，今不補。。
11. On jiayin day Dou Rong, Governor of Jizhou, was made Grand Minister of Works. the Yi eleven-line edition agrees;5 The History of the Later Han, Biography of Dou Rong, agrees, yet not changing is also acceptable. in manner and speech his humility was already extreme, and the emperor for this drew him closer still. Rong was cautious and long ill at ease, repeatedly declining rank and title, and presented a memorial, saying, "I have a son whom morning and evening I instruct in the classics, not permitting him to study astronomy or read prophecy texts—truly wishing to make him reverent and cautious in affairs, guarding the Way, not wishing him to have talent—how much less ought he inherit broad lands and enjoy the old feudal kings' states!" He thereupon again requested a private audience; the emperor did not permit it. Later when court was dismissed he lingered behind the seats; the emperor knew he wished to yield something and had attendants convey him out. Another day at a meeting he greeted Rong with an edict, saying, "The other day I knew you wished to yield office and return your lands, and therefore told you, in the summer heat, to take your ease for now. Today in meeting we ought to discuss other matters—do not speak of it again." Kong's edition agrees.6 Yet the History of the Later Han, Biography of Dou Rong, lacks "then"; it is not supplied now. .
33
12五月，匈奴寇河東。
12. In the fifth month the Xiongnu raided Hedong.
34
1夏，邛穀王任貴遣使上三年計，即授越巂太守。
In summer the King of Qionggu Ren Gui sent envoys to present the triennial report and was at once appointed Administrator of Yuexi.
35
2秋，會稽大疫。
In autumn a great pestilence struck Kuaiji.
36
3〔九月〕，莎車王賢、鄯善王安皆遣使奉獻。 西域苦匈奴重斂，皆願屬漢，復置都護； 上以中國新定，不許。
, the Kings of Shache Xian and Shanshan An both sent envoys with tribute.7 The Western Regions, suffering under the Xiongnu's heavy exactions, all wished to submit to Han and restore the Protector-General; the Emperor, because the central lands were newly settled, did not permit it.
37
太中大夫梁統上疏曰：「臣竊見元帝初元五年，輕殊死刑三十四事，哀帝建平元年，輕殊死刑八十一事； 其四十二事手殺人者，減死一等。 自是以後，著為常准，故人輕犯法，吏易殺人。 臣聞立君之道，仁義為主，仁者愛人，義者正理。 愛人以除殘為務，正理以去亂為心； 刑罰在衷，無取於輕。 高帝受命，約令定律，誠得其宜，文帝唯除省肉刑、相坐之法，自餘皆率由舊章。 至哀、平繼體，即位日淺，聽斷尚寡。 丞相王嘉輕為穿鑿，虧除先帝舊約成律，數年之間百有餘事，或不便於理，或不厭民心，謹表其尤害於體者，傅奏於左。 願陛下宣詔有司，詳擇其善，定不易之典。」 事下公卿。 光祿勳杜林奏曰：「大漢初興，蠲除苛政，海內歡欣； 及至其後，漸以滋章。 果桃菜茹之饋，集以成贓，小事無妨於義，以為大戮。 至於法不能禁，令不能止，上下相遁，為敝彌深。 臣愚以為宜如舊制，不合翻移。」 統復上言曰：「臣之所奏，非曰嚴刑。 《經》曰：『爰制百姓，于刑之衷。』 衷之為言，不輕不重之謂也。 自高祖至於孝宣，海內稱治，至初元、建平而盜賊浸多，皆刑罰不衷，愚人易犯之所致也。 由此觀之，則刑輕之作，反生大患，惠加奸軌，而害及良善也！」 事寢，不報。
Grand Master of the Palace Liang Tong submitted a memorial, saying, "I have observed that in the fifth year of Chuyuan under Emperor Yuan, extraordinary capital crimes were lightened in thirty-four matters, and in the first year of Jianping under Emperor Ai, in eighty-one matters; of these, in forty-two matters concerning those who killed with their own hands, death was reduced one grade. From then on this was written as a standing standard, so offenders took the law lightly and officials found it easy to kill. I have heard that the way to establish a ruler takes benevolence and righteousness as its mainstay: the benevolent love others, the righteous set things right. To love others is to make removing cruelty one's task; to set things right is to make removing disorder one's aim; penalties and punishments should hit the mean—one must not aim at lightness. The High Emperor received the Mandate, made covenants and established laws—truly fitting; Emperor Wen only abolished and simplified the flesh punishments and collective guilt statutes, and in all else followed the old code. When Ai and Ping succeeded to the throne, their days in office were short and their judgments still few. Chancellor Wang Jia lightly made forced interpretations, impairing the former emperors' covenants and established laws; within a few years there were more than a hundred matters, some inconvenient to reason, some not satisfying the people's hearts. I respectfully list those especially harmful to the body politic and forward the memorial to the left. I wish Your Majesty to proclaim an edict to the responsible offices, carefully choose what is good, and fix an unchanging canon." The matter was sent down to the Excellencies and ministers. Bearer of the Cap and Scepter Du Lin submitted a memorial, saying, "When Great Han first rose, harsh government was abolished and all within the seas rejoiced; but afterward it gradually grew more elaborate. Gifts of fruit, peaches, vegetables, and greens were gathered to make bribery; trifles that did not harm righteousness were treated as capital crimes. When the law could not forbid and orders could not stop, superiors and subordinates evaded one another, and the harm grew ever deeper. I in my folly think one ought to follow the old system and not overturn it." Tong again submitted, saying, "What I memorialized is not to say punishments should be severe. The Classic says, 'In governing the common people, aim at the mean in punishments.' To speak of the mean is to say neither light nor heavy. From the High Emperor to Emperor Xuan, all within the seas called it well governed; by Chuyuan and Jianping bandits gradually increased—all because punishments did not hit the mean and fools found it easy to offend. Viewed from this, making punishments light in fact breeds great calamity—favor reaches the wicked while harm reaches the good!" The matter lay dormant; no reply was given.
38
1春，正月，辛丑，大司徒韓歆免。 歆好直言，無隱諱，帝每不能容。 歆於上前證歲將饑凶，指天畫地，言甚剛切，故坐免歸田里。 帝猶不釋，復遣使宣詔責之； 歆及子嬰皆自殺。 歆素有重名，死非其罪，眾多不厭； 帝乃追賜錢穀，以成禮葬之。
In spring, the first month, on the day xinchou, Grand Minister of the Masses Han Xin was dismissed. Xin was fond of blunt speech without concealment, and the Emperor each time could not bear it. Before the Emperor Xin proved that the year would bring famine and disaster, pointing to heaven and tracing on the ground in words very forceful and cutting; therefore he was dismissed and returned to his fields. The Emperor still did not relent and again sent an envoy with an edict to reproach him; Xin and his son Ying both killed themselves. Xin had long borne a weighty reputation; his death was not for his crime, and many were dissatisfied; the Emperor thereupon posthumously granted money and grain to complete the rites of burial.
39
臣光曰：昔高宗命說曰：「若藥弗瞑眩，厥疾弗瘳。」 夫切直之言，非人臣之利，乃國家之福也。 是以人君夙夜求之，唯懼弗得聞。 惜乎，以光武之世而韓歆用直諫死，豈不為仁明之累哉！
Sima Guang remarks: Formerly Gaozong ordered Yue, saying, "If the medicine does not make one dizzy, the illness will not be cured." Blunt and upright words are not to a minister's advantage—they are the state's blessing. Therefore rulers seek them day and night, fearing only that they may not hear them. "Alas—in Guangwu's age Han Xin died for blunt remonstrance; is this not a stain on benevolence and clarity!
40
2丁未，有星孛於昴。
On the day dingwei a broom star appeared in the Mao constellation.
41
3以汝南太守歐陽歙為大司徒。
Administrator of Runan Ouyang She was made Grand Minister of the Masses.
42
4匈奴寇鈔日盛，州郡不能禁。 二月，遣吳漢率馬成、馬武等北擊匈奴，徙雁門、代郡、上谷吏民六萬餘口置居庸、常山關以東，以避胡寇。 匈奴左部遂復轉居塞內，朝廷患之，增緣邊兵，部數千人。
Xiongnu raids and plunder grew daily; the provinces and commanderies could not stop them. In the second month Wu Han was sent leading Ma Cheng, Ma Wu, and others north to strike the Xiongnu; more than sixty thousand officials and commoners of Yanmen, Dai, and Shanggu were moved east of the Juyong and Changshan passes to avoid the barbarian raiders. The Xiongnu left wing thereupon again shifted to dwell within the passes; the court was troubled and increased frontier troops, several thousand per section.
43
5夏，四月，丁巳，封皇子輔為右翊公，英為楚公，陽為東海公，康為濟南公，蒼為東平公，延為淮陽公，荊為山陽公，衡為臨淮公，焉為左翊公，京為琅邪公。 癸丑，追謚兄縯為齊武公，兄仲為魯哀公。 帝感縯功業不就，撫育二子章、興，恩愛甚篤。 以其少貴，欲令親吏事，使章試守平陰令，興緱氏令。 其後章遷梁郡太守，興遷弘農太守。
In summer, the fourth month, on the day dingsi, the princes were enfeoffed: Fu as Duke of Youyi, Ying as Duke of Chu, Yang as Duke of Donghai, Kang as Duke of Jinan, Cang as Duke of Dongping, Yan of Huaiyang, Jing of Shanyang, Heng of Linhuai, Yan of Zuoyi, and Jing of Langye. On the day guichou posthumous titles were granted: elder brother Yan as Duke Wu of Qi and elder brother Zhong as Duke Ai of Lu. The Emperor, moved that Yan's great work was unfulfilled, nurtured his two sons Zhang and Xing with very deep affection. Because they were young and noble, he wished them to know official affairs in person and had Zhang try governing as Magistrate of Pingyin and Xing as Magistrate of Gou. Later Zhang was transferred to Administrator of Liang and Xing to Administrator of Hongnong.
44
6帝以天下墾田多不以實自占，又戶口、年紀互有增減，乃詔下州郡檢核。 於是刺史、太守多為詐巧，苟以度田為名，聚民田中，并度廬屋、裡落，民遮道啼呼； 或優饒豪右，侵刻贏弱。
The Emperor, because throughout the realm reclaimed fields were often not truthfully reported and household registers and ages mutually showed increases and decreases, issued an edict sending inspection down to the provinces and commanderies. Thereupon inspectors and administrators mostly practiced fraud and trickery; under the pretext of measuring fields they gathered the people in the fields and also measured houses and hamlets; the people blocked the roads weeping and crying; some showed leniency to the powerful and great while pressing and cutting the weak.
45
時諸郡各遣使奏事，帝見陳留吏牘上有書，視之云：「潁川、弘農可問，河南、南陽不可問。」 帝詰吏由趣，吏不肯服，抵言「於長奉街上得之」，帝怒。 時東海公陽年十二，在幄後言曰：「吏受郡敕，當欲以墾田相方耳。」 帝曰：「即如此，何故言河南、南陽不可問？」 對曰：「河南帝城，多近臣； 南陽帝鄉，多近親； 田宅逾制，不可為準。」 帝令虎賁將詰問吏，吏乃實首服，如東海公對。 上由是益奇愛陽。
At the time each commandery sent envoys to report affairs; the Emperor saw writing on a Chenliu clerk's document and read: "Yingchuan and Hongnong may be questioned; Henan and Nanyang may not be questioned." The Emperor questioned the clerk as to how it came about; the clerk would not submit and answered that he had gotten it "on Changfeng Street in Yu," and the Emperor was angry. At the time Duke of Donghai Yang was twelve; from behind the curtain he said, "The clerk received the commandery's order—he surely meant only to compare reclaimed fields." The Emperor said, "If so, why does it say Henan and Nanyang may not be questioned?" He replied, "Henan is the imperial city—many are close ministers; Nanyang is the imperial homeland—many are close kin; fields and dwellings exceed the regulations and cannot serve as a standard." The Emperor ordered a Rapid Tiger general to question the clerk; the clerk thereupon truthfully confessed, just as the Duke of Donghai had said. The Emperor thereby prized and loved Yang all the more.
46
遣謁者考實二千石長吏阿枉不平者。 冬，十一月，甲戌，大司徒歙坐前為汝南太守，度田不實，贓罪千餘萬，下獄。 歙世授《尚書》，八世為博士，諸生守闕為歙求哀者千餘人，至有自髡剔者。 平原禮震年十七，求代歙死。 帝竟不赦，歙死獄中。
Gentlemen-usher envoys were sent to verify and punish the two-thousand-bushel officials and chief clerks who were partial, crooked, and unfair. In winter, the eleventh month, on the day jiaxu, Grand Minister of the Masses She, because when formerly Administrator of Runan his field measurement was untrue, was charged with bribery worth more than ten million and cast into prison. She's family for generations transmitted the Documents; for eight generations they were Erudites; more than a thousand students kept vigil at the gate to plead for She, and some even shaved their heads themselves. Li Zhen of Pingyuan, seventeen years old, asked to die in She's place. The Emperor to the end did not pardon him; She died in prison.
47
7十二月，庚午，以關內侯戴涉為大司徒。
In the twelfth month, on the day gengwu, Marquis within the Passes Dai She was made Grand Minister of the Masses.
48
8盧芳自匈奴復入居高柳。
Lu Fang from the Xiongnu again entered and occupied Gaoliu.
49
9是歲，驃騎大將軍杜茂坐使軍吏殺人，免。 使揚武將軍馬成代茂，繕治障塞，十里一候，以備匈奴。 使騎都尉張堪領杜茂營，擊破匈奴於高柳。 拜堪漁陽太守。 堪視事八年，匈奴不敢犯塞，勸民耕稼，以致殷富。 百姓歌曰：「桑無附枝，麥〔穗〕( 秀) 兩〔歧〕( 岐) 秀) 兩〔歧〕( 岐) 章校「十二行本『秀』作『穗』，『岐』從『止』； 乙十一行本均同。」 據改。。 張君為政，樂不可支！」
This year Rapid Cavalry General Du Mao, because he had his military clerks kill a man, was dismissed. Yangwu General Ma Cheng was sent to replace Mao, repair frontier barriers and passes, and set a lookout post every ten li to guard against the Xiongnu. Cavalry Commandant Zhang Kan was sent to take over Du Mao's camp and defeated the Xiongnu at Gaoliu. Kan was appointed Administrator of Yuyang. Kan held office eight years; the Xiongnu did not dare raid the passes; he urged the people to plow and plant until the region grew rich and full. The common people sang, saying, "Mulberries have no side branches; wheat 〔ears〕( show) two 〔forks〕( Qi) show) two 〔forks〕( Qi) Zhang's collation: "In the twelve-line edition 'show' reads 'ear,' and 'Qi' follows 'stop'; the Yi eleven-line edition agrees in both." Corrected accordingly. . Lord Zhang's government—joy past bearing!"
50
10安平侯蓋延薨。
Marquis of Anping Gai Yan died.
51
11交趾麊泠縣雒將女子徵側，甚雄勇，交趾太守蘇定以法繩之，徵側忿怨。
In Jiaozhi, Meiling County, the Luo general's daughter Trung Trac was very bold and brave; Administrator of Jiaozhi Su Ding bound her by law, and Trung Trac was resentful.
52
1春，二月，徵側與其妹征貳反，九真、日南、合浦蠻俚皆應之，凡略六十五城，自立為王，都麊泠。 交趾剌史及諸太守僅得自守。
In spring, the second month, Trung Trac and her younger sister Trung Nhi rebelled; the Man and Li of Jiuzhen, Rinan, and Hepu all responded; in all they seized sixty-five cities, she declared herself queen, and made Meiling her capital. The Inspector of Jiaozhi and the various administrators could barely hold their own posts.
53
2三月，辛丑晦，日有食之。
In the third month, on the last day xinchou, there was a solar eclipse.
54
3秋，九月，河南尹張人及及諸郡守十餘人皆坐度田不實，下獄死。 後上從容謂虎賁中郎將馬援曰：「吾甚恨前殺守、相多也！」 對曰：「死得其罪，何多之有！ 但死者既往，不可復生也！」 上大笑。
In autumn, the ninth month, Intendant of Henan Zhang Renji and more than ten commandery administrators, all because field measurement was untrue, were cast into prison and died. Later the Emperor at ease said to Rapid Tiger Palace Gentleman Ma Yuan, "I deeply regret having killed so many administrators and chancellors before!" He replied, "They died deserving their crimes—how could there be too many! Only the dead are past and cannot live again!" The Emperor laughed greatly.
55
4郡國群盜處處並起，郡縣追討，到則解散，去復屯結，青、徐、幽、冀四州尤甚。 冬，十月，遣使者下郡國，聽群盜自相糾擿，五人共斬一人者，除其罪； 吏雖逗留迴避故縱者，皆勿問，聽以禽討為效。 其牧守令長坐界內有盜賊而不收捕者，又以畏愞捐城委守者，皆不以為負，但取獲賊多少為殿最，唯蔽匿者乃罪之。 於是更相追捕，賊並解散，徙其魁帥於它郡，賦田受稟，使安生業。 自是牛馬放牧不收，邑門不閉。
Throughout the commanderies and kingdoms bandit gangs rose everywhere; when the commanderies and counties pursued them they dispersed on arrival but gathered again when they left—Qing, Xu, You, and Ji were especially severe. In winter, the tenth month, envoys were sent down to the commanderies and kingdoms permitting bandit gangs to denounce one another; where five men together beheaded one man, their crimes were remitted; officials who lingered, evaded, or deliberately let them go were all not questioned—only capture and punishment counted as merit. As for governors, defenders, and magistrates who sat in territories with bandits but did not round them up, or who through cowardice abandoned cities and surrendered their posts—none of this was held against them; only how many bandits were captured ranked their performance, and only those who concealed bandits were punished. Thereupon they took turns pursuing; the bandits all dispersed; their chief leaders were moved to other commanderies, given fields and grain rations, and made to settle and pursue their livelihoods. From then on cattle and horses pastured without being gathered in, and town gates were left unclosed.
56
5盧芳與閔堪使使請降，帝立芳為代王，堪為代相，賜繒二萬匹，因使和集匈奴。 芳上疏謝，自陳思望闕庭； 詔報芳朝明年正月。 初，匈奴聞漢購求芳，貪得財帛，故遣芳還降。 既而芳以自歸為功，不稱匈奴所遣，單于復恥言其計，故賞遂不行。 由是大恨，入寇尤深。
5. Lu Fang and Min Kan sent envoys to request surrender; the Emperor made Fang King of Dai and Kan Chancellor of Dai, granted twenty thousand bolts of silk, and had them reconcile and gather the Xiongnu. Fang submitted a memorial of thanks and stated that he longed to gaze upon the court; an edict replied that Fang should come to court in the first month of the coming year. At first the Xiongnu heard that Han had offered a reward for Fang, coveted the wealth and silks, and therefore sent him back to surrender. Afterward Fang took his voluntary return as merit and did not mention being sent by the Xiongnu; the chanyu was again shamed to speak of his plan, and so the reward was never paid. Thereby he bore great hatred, and border raids grew especially fierce.
57
6馬援奏宜如舊鑄五銖錢，上從之； 天下賴其便。
6. Ma Yuan memorialized that it was fitting to cast five-zhu coins as of old; the Emperor agreed; and the realm relied on their convenience.
58
7盧芳入朝，南及昌平，有詔止，令更朝明歲。
7. Lu Fang came to court; southward he reached Changping; an edict stopped him and ordered him to come again the following year.
59
1春，正月，趙孝公良薨。 初，懷縣大姓李子春二孫殺人，懷令趙熹窮治其奸，二孫自殺，收繫子春。 京師貴戚為請者數十，熹終不聽。 及良病，上臨視之，問所欲言，良曰：「素與李子春厚，今犯罪，懷令趙熹欲殺之，願乞其命。」 帝曰：「吏奉法律，不可枉也。 更道它所欲。」 良無復言。 既薨，上追思良，乃貰出子春。 遷熹為平原太守。
1. In spring, the first month, Marquis Xiao of Zhao Liang died. At first the two grandsons of Huai county magnate Li Zichun killed a man; Magistrate of Huai Zhao Xi exhaustively prosecuted the case; the two grandsons killed themselves, and Zichun was arrested and imprisoned. Several tens of noble kin in the capital pleaded for him; Xi would not listen. When Liang fell ill the Emperor came in person to visit him and asked what he wished to say; Liang said, "I have long been close with Li Zichun; now he has committed a crime and Magistrate of Huai Zhao Xi wishes to kill him—I beg his life." The Emperor said, "Officers uphold the law—it cannot be bent. Speak of some other wish." Liang had nothing more to say. After he died the Emperor recalled Liang with fondness and pardoned and released Zichun. Xi was transferred to be Administrator of Pingyuan.
60
2二月，乙未晦，日有食之。
2. In the second month, on the last day yiyi, there was a solar eclipse.
61
3夏，四月，乙卯，上行幸章陵； 五月，乙卯，還宮。
3. In summer, the fourth month, on yimao, the Emperor traveled in person to Zhangling; in the fifth month, on yimao, he returned to the palace.
62
4六月，癸巳，臨淮懷公衡薨。
4. In the sixth month, on guisi, Marquis Huai of Linhuai Heng died.
63
5妖賊李廣攻沒皖城，遣虎賁中郎將馬援、驃騎將軍段志討之。 秋，九月，破皖城，斬李廣。
5. The demonic bandit Li Guang attacked and took Wancheng; Tiger-Guard Commandant of the Palace Ma Yuan and Flying-Cavalry General Duan Zhi were sent to campaign against him. In autumn, the ninth month, they broke Wancheng and beheaded Li Guang.
64
6郭后寵衰，數懷怨懟，上怒之。 冬，十月，辛巳，廢皇后郭氏，立貴人陰氏為皇后。 詔曰：「異常之事，非國休福，不得上壽稱慶。」 郅惲言於帝曰：「臣聞夫婦之好，父不能得之於子，況臣能得之於君乎！ 是臣所不敢言。 雖然，願陛下念其可否之計，無令天下有議社稷而已。」 帝曰：「惲善恕己量主，知我必不有所左右而輕天下也！」 帝進郭后子右翊公輔為中山王，以常山郡益中山國，郭后為中山太后，其餘九國公皆為王。
6. Empress Guo's favor declined; she repeatedly harbored resentment, and the Emperor was angered at her. In winter, the tenth month, on xinsi, Empress Guo was deposed and Honored Lady Yin was established as empress. An edict said, "Abnormal affairs are not the state's blessing and good fortune—do not offer birthday congratulations." Zhi Yun said to the Emperor, "I have heard that the affection between husband and wife—a father cannot obtain it from his son; how much less can a minister obtain it from his lord! This is what I dare not speak of. Even so, I wish Your Majesty to consider what is feasible, only not letting the realm debate the altars of soil and grain." The Emperor said, "Yun is good at measuring his lord by putting himself in his place—he knows I certainly will not lean one way or another and slight the realm!" The Emperor advanced Empress Guo's son, Duke of Right Assist Fu, to King of Zhongshan, added Changshan commandery to enlarge the Zhongshan state, made Empress Guo Queen Dowager of Zhongshan, and all the other nine state dukes became kings.
65
7甲申，帝幸章陵，修園廟，祠舊宅，觀田廬，置酒作樂，賞賜。 時宗室諸母因酣悅相與語曰：「文叔少時謹信，與人不款曲，唯直柔耳，今乃能如此！」 帝聞之，大笑曰：「吾治天下，亦欲以柔道行之。」 十二月，還自章陵。
7. On jiashen the Emperor visited Zhangling, repaired the park temples, sacrificed at the old residence, viewed fields and cottages, set out wine and music, and gave rewards. At the time the imperial clan mothers, merry with wine, said to one another, "When Wenshu was young he was careful and trustworthy, not cordial with people—only straightforward and gentle; now he can be like this!" The Emperor heard it and laughed greatly, saying, "I govern the realm and also wish to carry it out by the way of gentleness." In the twelfth month he returned from Zhangling.
66
8是歲，莎車王賢復遣使奉獻，請都護； 帝賜賢西域都護印綬及車旗、黃金、錦繡。 敦煌太守裴遵上言：「夷狄不可假以大權； 又令諸國失望。」 詔書收還都護印綬，更賜賢以漢大將軍印綬； 其使不肯易，遵迫奪之。 賢由是始恨，而猶詐稱大都護，移書諸國，諸國悉服屬焉。
8. This year King Xian of Suoche again sent envoys with tribute and requested the Protector-General; the Emperor granted Xian the seal and cord of Protector-General of the Western Regions, chariots and banners, gold, and brocade silks. Administrator of Dunhuang Pei Zun submitted, "Barbarians must not be lent great authority; moreover it disappoints the various states." An edict recalled the Protector-General's seal and cord and instead granted Xian the seal and cord of Han Great General; his envoy would not exchange them; Zun forced and seized them. Xian from this began to resent it, yet still falsely styled himself Grand Protector, sent letters to the various states, and the various states all submitted to him.
67
9匈奴、鮮卑、赤山烏桓數連兵入塞，殺略吏民； 詔拜襄賁令祭肜為遼東太守。 肜有勇力，虜每犯塞，常為士卒鋒，數破走之。 肜，遵之從弟也。
9. The Xiongnu, Xianbei, and Chishan Wuhuan repeatedly joined forces, entered the passes, and killed and plundered officials and people; an edict appointed Magistrate of Xiangben Ji Yong as Administrator of Liaodong. Yong had courage and strength; whenever the barbarians invaded the passes he was always the soldiers' vanguard and repeatedly routed and drove them off. Yong was a younger cousin of Zun on the father's side.
68
10徵側等寇亂連年，詔長沙、合浦、交趾具車船，修道橋，通障谿，儲糧穀，拜馬援為伏波將軍，以扶樂侯劉隆為副，南擊交趾。
10. Trung Trac and others had raided and rebelled for successive years; an edict ordered Changsha, Hepu, and Jiaozhi to prepare chariots and boats, repair roads and bridges, open blocked streams and ravines, and store grain; Ma Yuan was appointed General Who Pacifies the Waves, with Marquis of Fule Liu Long as deputy, to strike Jiaozhi from the south.
69
1〔春〕，二月，蜀郡守將史歆反，攻太守張穆，穆逾城走； 宕渠楊偉等起兵以應歆。 帝遣吳漢等將萬餘人討之。
, Defender-General of Shu commandery Shi Xin rebelled, attacked Administrator Zhang Mu; Mu climbed over the wall and fled;8 Yang Wei of Dangqu and others raised troops to respond to Xin. The Emperor sent Wu Han and others to lead more than ten thousand men to campaign against them.
70
2甲寅，上行幸長安； 三月，幸蒲板，祠后土。
2. On jiayin the Emperor traveled in person to Chang'an; in the third month he visited Puban and sacrificed to Queen Earth.
71
3馬援緣海而進，隨山刊道千餘里，至浪泊上，與徵側等戰，大破之，追至禁谿，賊遂散走。
3. Ma Yuan advanced along the coast, cut roads through the mountains for more than a thousand li, reached Langbo, fought Trung Trac and others, and routed them greatly; he pursued to Jinxi and the rebels scattered and fled.
72
4夏，四月，甲戌，車駕還宮。
4. In summer, the fourth month, on jiaxu, the imperial carriage returned to the palace.
73
5戊申，上行幸河內； 戊子，還宮。
5. On wushen the Emperor traveled in person to Henei; on wuzi he returned to the palace.
74
6五月，旱。
6. In the fifth month there was drought.
75
7盧芳自昌平還，內自疑懼，遂復反，與閔堪相攻連月，匈奴遣數百騎迎芳出塞。 芳留匈奴中十餘年，病死。
7. Lu Fang returned from Changping, inwardly doubted and feared, rebelled again, and fought Min Kan for months; the Xiongnu sent several hundred horsemen to welcome Fang out beyond the passes. Fang remained among the Xiongnu more than ten years and died of illness.
76
8吳漢發廣漢、巴、蜀三郡兵，圍成都百餘日，秋，七月，拔之，斬史歆等。 漢乃乘桴沿江下巴郡，楊偉等惶恐解散。 漢誅其渠帥，徙其黨與數百家於南郡、長沙而還。
8. Wu Han mustered troops from Guanghan, Ba, and Shu, besieged Chengdu more than a hundred days; in autumn, the seventh month, he took it and beheaded Shi Xin and others. Han thereupon rode rafts down the river into Ba commandery; Yang Wei and others dispersed in fear. Han executed their chieftains, moved several hundred households of their associates to Nan and Changsha commanderies, and returned.
77
9冬，十月，庚辰，上幸宜城； 還，祠章陵； 十二月，還宮。
9. In winter, the tenth month, on gengchen, the Emperor visited Yicheng; on returning he sacrificed at Zhangling; in the twelfth month he returned to the palace.
78
10是歲，罷州牧，置刺史。
10. This year the provincial governors were abolished and inspectors were established.
79
11五宮中郎將線純與太僕朱浮奏議：「禮，為人子，事大宗，降其私親。 當除今親廟四，以先帝四廟代之。」 大司徒涉等奏「立元、成、哀、平四廟。」 上自以昭穆次第，當為元帝後。
11. Commandant of the Five Palaces Xian Chun and Grand Master of the Stud Zhu Fu jointly memorialized, "By ritual, as a man's son one serves the great lineage and lowers one's private kin. The present four temples of private kin ought to be removed and replaced by the four temples of the former emperors." Grand Minister of Education She and others memorialized, "Establish the four temples of Yuan, Cheng, Ai, and Ping." The Emperor himself took the zhao-mu sequence and held that he ought to be successor to Emperor Yuan.
80
1春，正月，庚子，追尊宣帝曰中宗。 始祠昭帝、元帝於太廟，成帝、哀帝、平帝於長安，舂陵節侯以下於章陵； 其長安、章陵，皆太守、令、長侍祠。
1. In spring, the first month, on gengzi, posthumous honor was given to Emperor Xuan as Zhongzong. He began sacrificing to Emperor Zhao and Emperor Yuan in the Grand Temple, to Emperor Cheng, Emperor Ai, and Emperor Ping in Chang'an, and to Marquis Jie of Chunling and below at Zhangling; at Chang'an and Zhangling, administrators, magistrates, and chiefs all attended the sacrifices.
81
2馬援斬徵側、徵貳。
2. Ma Yuan beheaded Trung Trac and Trung Nhi.
82
3妖賊單臣、傅鎮等相聚入原武城，自稱將軍。 詔太中大夫臧宮將兵圍之，數攻不下，士卒死傷。 帝召公卿、諸侯王問方略，皆曰：「宜重其購賞。」 東海王陽獨曰：「妖巫相劫，勢無久立，其中必有悔欲亡者，但外圍急，不得走耳。 宜小挺緩，令得逃亡，逃亡，則一亭長足以禽矣。」 帝然之，即敕宮徹圍緩賊，賊眾分散。 夏四月，拔原武，斬臣、鎮等。
3. The demonic bandits Shan Chen, Fu Zhen, and others gathered, entered Yuanyang city, and styled themselves generals. An edict had Grand Master of the Palace Zang Gong lead troops to besiege them; they attacked several times without success, and soldiers died and were wounded. The Emperor summoned the Three Excellencies, ministers, and feudal kings to ask strategy; all said, "It is fitting to increase the reward offered." The Prince of Donghai Yang alone said, "Demonic shamans coerce one another—their force cannot long stand; among them there must be those who regret and wish to flee, only the outer siege is too tight and they cannot escape. Ease the siege slightly and let them flee; once they flee, one village chief is enough to capture them." The Emperor approved this and at once ordered Gong to withdraw the siege and ease pressure on the bandits; the rebel host dispersed. In the fourth month of summer they took Yuanyang and beheaded Chen, Zhen, and others.
83
4馬援進擊徵側餘黨都陽等，至居風，降之； 嶠南悉平。 援與越人申明舊制以約束之，自後駱越奉行馬將軍故事。
4. Ma Yuan advanced to attack Trung Trac's remaining partisans Du Yang and others, reached Jufeng, and received their surrender; south of the ranges was entirely pacified. Yuan with the Yue people clarified the old regulations to restrain them; thereafter the Luo Yue followed the precedents of General Ma.
84
5閏月，戊申，進趙、齊、魯三公爵皆為王。
5. In the intercalary month, on wushen, the three dukes of Zhao, Qi, and Lu were all advanced to kings.
85
6郭后既廢，太子彊意不自安。 郅惲說太子曰：「久處疑位，上違孝道，下近危殆，不如辭位以奉養母氏。」 太子從之，數因左右及諸王陳其懇誠，願備籓國。 上不忍，遲回者數歲。 六月，戊申，詔曰：「《春秋》之義，立子以貴。 東海王陽，皇后之子，宜承大統。 皇太子彊，崇執謙退，願備籓國，父子之情，重久違之。 其以彊為東海王，立陽為皇太子，改名莊。」
6. After Empress Guo was deposed, Crown Prince Qiang was ill at ease. Zhi Yun advised the crown prince, "Long dwelling in a doubtful position—above it violates filial piety, below it nears peril; it is better to resign the position to support your mother." The crown prince followed this and repeatedly through attendants and the various kings stated his earnest wish to take a frontier state. The Emperor could not bear it and hesitated for several years. In the sixth month, on wushen, an edict said, "The meaning of the Spring and Autumn Annals is to establish the son by rank of birth. The Prince of Donghai Yang, son of the empress, ought to inherit the great succession. Crown Prince Qiang, honoring humility and withdrawal, wishes to take a frontier state—the feeling between father and son has long been at odds. Let Qiang be made Prince of Donghai, establish Yang as crown prince, and change his name to Zhuang."
86
袁宏論曰：夫建太子，所以重宗統，一民心也，非有大惡於天下，不可移也。 世祖中興漢業，宜遵正道以為後法。 今太子之德未虧於外，內寵既多，嫡子遷位，可謂失矣。 然東海歸籓，謙恭之心彌亮； 明帝承統，友於之情愈篤。 雖長幼易位，興廢不同，父子兄弟，至性無間。 夫以三代之道處之，亦何以過乎！
Yuan Hong's commentary says: Establishing the crown prince is to give weight to the lineage and unify the people's hearts; unless there is great evil toward the realm, he cannot be moved. The Founding Emperor in restoring Han's enterprise ought to follow the correct way as a model for later ages. Now the crown prince's virtue has not been diminished outwardly, yet inner favor was already abundant and the legitimate son was moved from his position—this may be called a failure. Yet when the Prince of the Eastern Sea returned to his fief, his humble deferential heart shone all the brighter; When Emperor Ming succeeded to the throne, brotherly affection grew all the deeper. Although elder and younger changed places and rise and fall differed, between father and son and between brothers essential nature was unbroken. Had one treated them by the ways of the Three Dynasties, how could one have surpassed this!
87
7帝以太子舅陰識守執金吾，陰興為衛尉，皆輔導太子。 識性忠厚，入雖極言正議，及與賓客語，未嘗及國事。 帝敬重之，常指識以敕戒貴戚，激厲左右焉。 興雖禮賢好施，而門無遊俠，與同郡張宗、上谷鮮于裒不相好，知其有用，猶稱所長而達之； 友人張汜、杜禽，與興厚善，以為華而少實，俱私之以財乙十一行本同； 孔本同。 今不改。，終不為言。 是以世稱其忠。
7. The Emperor had the Crown Prince's maternal uncle Yin Shi hold Commander of the Bearer of the Mace and Yin Xing as Commandant of the Guards—both to guide the Crown Prince. Shi was by nature honest and sincere; though when he entered court he spoke forthrightly and debated to the utmost, when he spoke with guests he never touched on state affairs. The Emperor respected him highly and often pointed to Shi to admonish the honored kin and rouse those about him. Xing, though courteous to the worthy and fond of giving, had no roaming knights at his gate; with Zhang Zong of his commandery and Xianyu Bao of Shanggu he was not on good terms—knowing their usefulness, he still praised their strengths and advanced them; the yi eleven-line edition agrees;9 Kong's edition agrees." The present text is not altered. , and in the end never spoke on their behalf. Therefore the age praised his loyalty.
88
上以沛國桓榮為議郎，使授太子經。 車駕幸太學，會諸博士論難於前，榮辨明經義，每以禮讓相厭，不以辭長勝人，儒者莫之及，特加賞賜。 又詔諸生雅歌擊磬，盡日乃罷。 帝使左中郎將汝南鐘興授皇太子及宗室諸侯《春秋》，賜興爵關內侯。 興辭以無功，帝曰：「生教訓太子及諸王侯，非大功邪？」 興曰：「臣師少府丁恭。」 於是復封恭，而興遂固辭不受。
The Emperor made Huan Rong of Pei a Master of the Forest and had him teach the Crown Prince the classics. The imperial carriage visited the Imperial Academy; he assembled the Erudites to dispute doctrines before him; Rong distinguished and clarified classic meaning, each time yielding by ritual and restraining one another, not winning others by verbosity—Confucians could not match him, and he received special rewards. He also ordered the students to sing elegant odes and strike the chimes, and only at day's end did they stop. The Emperor had Left Colonel of the Palace Guard Zhong Xing of Runan teach the Crown Prince and the imperial clans' feudatory lords the Spring and Autumn, and granted Xing the title Marquis within the Passes. Xing declined on the ground of no merit; the Emperor said, "Sir, you instruct the Crown Prince and the various kings and marquises—is that not great merit?" Xing said, "Your servant's teacher is Steward of the Lesser Treasury Ding Gong." Thereupon Gong was enfeoffed again, while Xing firmly declined and would not accept.
89
8陳留董宣為雒陽令。 湖陽公主蒼頭白日殺人，因匿主家，吏不能得。 及主出行，以奴驂乘。 宣於夏門亭候之，駐車叩馬，以刀畫地，大言數主之失。 叱奴下車，因格殺之。 主即還宮訴帝，帝大怒，召宣，欲棰殺之。 宣叩頭曰：「願乞一言而死。」 帝曰：「欲何言？」 宣曰：「陛下聖德中興，而縱奴殺人，將何以治天下乎？ 臣不須棰，請得自殺！」 即以頭擊楹，流血被面。 帝令小黃門持之，使宣叩頭謝主，宣不從。 強使頓之，宣兩手據地，終不肯俯。 主曰：「文叔為白衣時，藏亡匿死，吏不敢至門； 今為天子，威不能行一令乎？」 帝笑曰：「天子不與白衣同。」 因敕：「強項令出。」 賜錢三十萬，宣悉以班諸吏。 由是能搏擊豪強，京師莫不震〔慄〕( 慓) 慓) 據胡注改。。
8. Dong Xuan of Chenliu was Intendant of Luoyang. The Princess of Huyang's bondservant killed a man in broad daylight and then hid in the princess's house—the clerks could not seize him. When the princess went out she had the slave ride as groom beside the carriage. Xuan waited for her at the Xia Gate pavilion, halted his carriage and struck her horse, drew the ground with his knife, and loudly enumerated the princess's faults. He shouted at the slave to descend from the carriage and then killed him in armed struggle. The princess at once returned to the palace to accuse him before the Emperor; the Emperor was greatly angered, summoned Xuan, and wished to beat him to death. Xuan kowtowed and said, "I beg to speak one word and then die." The Emperor said, "What do you wish to say?" Xuan said, "Your Majesty's sagely virtue restored the dynasty, yet you indulge a slave in killing men—how will you govern the realm? Your servant needs no beating—I ask leave to kill myself!" He thereupon struck his head against a pillar until blood covered his face. The Emperor ordered a Lesser Huangmen to hold him and made Xuan kowtow to apologize to the princess—Xuan would not obey. They forced him to bow his head; Xuan braced both hands on the ground and in the end would not bend. The princess said, "When Wenshu was a commoner he hid fugitives and the dead and clerks dared not come to his gate; now that he is Son of Heaven, can his awesomeness not enforce a single order?" The Emperor laughed and said, "The Son of Heaven is not the same as a commoner." Thereupon he ordered, "Let the stiff-necked Intendant out." He granted thirty myriad in cash; Xuan gave it all out to the clerks. Thereby he was able to strike down the powerful; in the capital none failed to tremble [in awe]( in fear) in fear) emended per Hu's commentary. .
90
9九月，壬申，上行幸南陽； 進幸汝南南頓縣捨，置酒會，賜吏民，復南頓田租一歲。 父老前叩頭言：「皇考居此日久，陛下識知寺捨，每來輒加厚恩，願賜覆十年。」 帝曰：「天下重器，常恐不任，日復一日，安敢遠期十歲乎！」 吏民又言：「陛下實惜之，何言謙也！」 帝大笑，復增一歲。 進幸淮陽、梁、沛。
9. In the ninth month, on day renshen, the Emperor traveled in person to Nanyang; he proceeded in person to the hostel at Nandun county in Runan in Yingchuan, set out a wine gathering, bestowed gifts on clerks and commoners, and remitted Nandun's field tax for one year. The elders came forward, kowtowed, and said, "Your late father dwelt here long; Your Majesty knows the temple hostel—each visit you add heavy favor; we wish a remission of ten years." The Emperor said, "The realm is a weighty vessel; I constantly fear I cannot bear it—day after day—how dare I look ten years ahead!" The clerks and commoners again said, "Your Majesty truly pities us—why speak so humbly!" The Emperor laughed greatly and added one more year. He proceeded in person to Huaiyang, Liang, and Pei.
91
10西南夷棟蠶反，殺長吏； 詔武威將軍劉尚討之。 路由越巂，邛穀王任貴恐尚既定南邊，威法必行，己不得自放縱，即聚兵起營，多釀毒酒，欲先勞軍，因襲擊尚。 尚知其謀，即分兵先據邛都，遂掩任貴，誅之。
10. The southwestern Yi leader Dong Can rebelled and killed the chief official; an edict ordered Martial King General Liu Shang to campaign against him. His route went through Yuexi; King Ren Gui of Qionggu feared that once Shang had settled the southern border his awesomeness and law would surely be enforced and he himself could not indulge freely; he at once gathered troops and raised camps, brewed much poisoned wine, wished first to treat the army to refreshment, and thereby strike Shang by surprise. Shang knew his plot, at once divided troops to seize Qiongdou first, then suddenly attacked Ren Gui and executed him.
92
1春，二月，戊子，車駕還宮。
1. In spring, the second month, on day wuzi, the imperial carriage returned to the palace.
93
2夏，四月，庚辰，大司徒戴涉坐入故太倉令奚涉罪，下獄死。 帝以三公連職，策免大司空竇融。
2. In summer, the fourth month, on day gengchen, Grand Minister of Education Dai She was charged with conniving in the crime of the former Minister Steward Xi She, imprisoned, and died. The Emperor, because the Three Excellencies bore joint responsibility, issued an edict dismissing Grand Minister of Works Dou Rong.
94
3廣平忠侯吳漢病篤，車駕親臨，問所欲言，對曰：「臣愚，無所知識，惟願陛下慎無赦而已。」 五月，辛亥，漢薨； 詔送葬如大將軍霍光故事。 漢性強力，每從征伐，帝未安，常側足而立。 諸將見戰陳不利，或多惶懼，失其常度，漢意氣自若，方整厲器械，激揚吏士。 帝時遣人觀大司馬何為，還言方修戰攻之具，乃歎曰：「吳公差強人意，隱若一敵國矣！」 每當出師，朝受詔，夕則引道，初無辨嚴之日。 及在朝廷，斤斤謹質，形於體貌。 漢嘗出征，妻子在後買田業，漢還，讓之曰：「軍師在外，吏士不足，何多買田宅乎！」 遂盡以分與昆弟、外家。 故能任職以功名終。
3. Marquis Zhong of Guangping Wu Han was gravely ill; the imperial carriage came in person to visit and asked what he wished to say—he replied, "Your servant is dull and knows nothing, but only wishes Your Majesty to be careful and never grant amnesties—that is all." In the fifth month, on day xinhai, Wu Han died; an edict ordered the funeral escort according to the precedent of Grand General Huo Guang. Wu Han was by nature forceful; whenever he followed on campaigns, until the Emperor was at ease he often stood on tiptoe. When the generals saw the battle array go ill, many grew fearful and lost their usual composure—Wu Han's spirit was calm as ever as he set weapons in order and roused clerks and soldiers. The Emperor would send men to observe what the Grand Marshal was doing; they returned saying he was just repairing weapons and gear for attack—he then sighed, "Lord Wu is rather satisfying to one's intent—looming like a rival state!" Whenever he went out on campaign, he received the edict at court in the morning and that evening led the army on the road—at first there was never a day set for parting ceremony. When he was at court he was scrupulous and plain in manner, visible in bearing and face. Wu Han once went on campaign while his wife and children behind him bought fields and estates; when he returned he reproached them, "The army is abroad and clerks and soldiers are insufficient—why buy so many fields and houses!" He thereupon gave it all away to brothers and his wife's kin. Therefore he could hold office and end with merit and fame.
95
4匈奴寇上黨、天水，遂至扶風。
4. The Xiongnu raided Shangdang and Tianshui and reached as far as Fufeng.
96
5帝苦風眩，疾甚，以陰興領侍中，受顧命於雲臺廣室。 會疾瘳，召見興，欲以代吳漢為大司馬，興叩頭流涕固讓，曰：「臣不敢惜身，誠虧損聖德，不可苟冒！」 至誠發中，感動左右，帝遂聽之。 太子太傅張湛，自郭后之廢，稱疾不朝，帝強起之，欲以為司徒，湛固辭疾篤，不能復任朝事，遂罷之。
5. The Emperor suffered severely from wind dizziness; his illness was grave; he had Yin Xing lead Palace Attendant and receive the final charge at the Broad Chamber of the Cloud Terrace. When his illness mended he summoned Xing and wished to replace Wu Han as Grand Marshal; Xing kowtowed, wept, and firmly declined, saying, "Your servant dares not spare himself, but truly to impair sagely virtue—one cannot rashly presume!" Sincerity issued from within and moved those about him; the Emperor thereupon yielded to him. Crown Prince Grand Tutor Zhang Zhan—from the Deposed Guo's dismissal onward had claimed illness and not attended court; the Emperor forced him to rise and wished to make him Grand Minister of Education; Zhan firmly declined, saying his illness was grave and he could not again bear court affairs—thereupon he was dismissed.
97
六月，庚寅，以廣漢太守河內蔡茂為大司徒，太僕朱浮為大司空。 壬辰，以左中郎將劉隆為驃騎將軍，行大司馬事。
In the sixth month, on day gengyin, Administrator of Guanghan Cai Mao of Henei was made Grand Minister of Education and Minister Coachman Zhu Fu Grand Minister of Works. On day renchen, Left Colonel of the Palace Guard Liu Long was made Flying-Cavalry General and acted as Grand Marshal.
98
6乙未，徙中山王輔為沛王。 以郭況為大鴻臚，帝數幸其第，賞賜金帛，豐盛莫比，京師號況家為「金穴」。
6. On day yiwei, the Prince of Zhongshan Fu was moved to Prince of Pei. Guo Kuang was made Grand Herald; the Emperor repeatedly visited his residence, bestowing gold and silk in abundance unmatched—Luoyang called Kuang's house the "Golden Cave."
99
7秋，九月，馬援自交趾還，平陵孟冀迎勞之。 援曰：「方今匈奴、烏桓尚擾北邊，欲自請擊之，男兒要當死於邊野，以馬革裹尸還葬耳，何能臥牀上，在兒女子手中邪！」 冀曰：「諒！ 為烈士當如是矣！」
7. In autumn, the ninth month, Ma Yuan returned from Jiaozhi; Meng Ji of Pingling came to welcome and refresh him. Yuan said, "Just now the Xiongnu and Wuhuan still trouble the northern border; I wish to request the campaign myself—a man ought to die on the frontier wilds and return for burial wrapped in horse hide; how could he lie on a bed in the hands of sons and daughters!" Ji said, "Indeed! To be a man of martyred valor one ought to be like this!"
100
8冬，十月，甲午，上行幸魯、東海、楚、沛國。
8. In winter, the tenth month, on day jiawu, the Emperor traveled in person to Lu, Donghai, Chu, and Pei.
101
9十二月，匈奴寇天水、扶風、上黨。
9. In the twelfth month, the Xiongnu raided Tianshui, Fufeng, and Shangdang.
102
10壬寅，車駕還宮。
10. On day renyin, the imperial carriage returned to the palace.
103
11馬援自請擊匈奴，帝許之，使出屯襄國，詔百官祖道。 援謂黃門郎梁松、竇固曰：「凡人富貴，當使可復賤也； 如卿等欲不可復賤，居高堅自持。 勉思鄙言！」 松，統之子； 固，友之子也。
11. Ma Yuan requested himself to attack the Xiongnu; the Emperor approved and ordered him out to encamp at Xiangguo; an edict had all officials escort him on the road. Yuan said to Huangmen Gentleman Liang Song and Dou Gu, "When ordinary men grow rich and noble, they ought to be able to become base again; if the likes of you wish never to become base again, hold firm when you stand high. Strive to ponder my humble words!" Song was Liang Tong's son; Gu was Dou You's son.
104
12劉尚進兵與棟蠶等連戰，皆破之。
12. Liu Shang advanced his army and fought successive battles with Dong Can and others, routing them all.
105
1春，正月，追至不韋，斬棟蠶帥，西南諸夷悉平。
1. In spring, the first month, he pursued to Buwei, beheaded the Dong Can chieftain, and all the southwestern Yi were pacified.
106
2烏桓與匈奴、鮮卑連兵為寇，代郡以東尤被烏桓之害。 其居止近塞，朝發穹廬，暮至城郭，五郡民庶，家受其辜，至於郡縣損壞，百姓流亡，邊陲蕭條，無復人跡。 秋，八月，帝遣馬援與謁者分築保塞，稍興立郡縣，或空置太守、令、長，招還人民。 烏桓居上谷塞外白山者最為強富，援將三千騎擊之，無功而還。
2. The Wuhuan with the Xiongnu and Xianbei joined arms as raiders; east of Dai commandery they especially suffered Wuhuan harm. Their dwellings were near the passes; they set out from felt tents at dawn and reached walled towns by dusk; in five commanderies common households each bore their calamity—commanderies and counties were damaged, the people fled, the frontier was desolate, and human traces were gone. In autumn, the eighth month, the Emperor sent Ma Yuan with the Usher to build protective passes in separate sectors, gradually re-establish commanderies and counties, sometimes leaving vacant Administrators, magistrates, and chiefs, and summon the people back. The Wuhuan who dwelt at White Mountain outside Shanggu Pass were strongest and richest; Yuan led three thousand horse to strike them and returned without success.
107
3鮮卑萬餘騎寇遼東，太守祭肜率數千人迎擊之，自被甲陷陣。 虜大奔，投水死者過半，遂窮追出塞。 虜急，皆棄兵裸身散走。 是後鮮卑震怖，畏肜，不敢復窺塞。
3. More than ten thousand Xianbei horse raided Liaodong; Administrator Cai Yin led several thousand men to meet and strike them, himself donning armor and breaking into the array. The barbarians fled in great disorder; more than half drowned casting themselves into the water; he then pursued to the end and drove them beyond the passes. Hard pressed, the enemy abandoned their weapons, fled naked, and scattered. After this the Xianbei were shaken in terror, feared Cai Rong, and dared not again spy on the frontier passes.
108
4冬，匈奴寇上谷、中山。
In the fourth year, in winter, the Xiongnu raided Shanggu and Zhongshan.
109
5莎車王賢浸以驕橫，欲兼併西域，數攻諸國，重求賦稅，諸國愁懼。 車師前王、鄯善、焉耆等十八國俱遣子入侍，獻其珍寶； 及得見，皆流涕稽首，願得都護。 帝以中國初定，北邊未服，皆還其侍子，厚賞賜之。 諸國聞都護不出，而侍子皆還，大憂恐，乃與敦煌太守檄：「願留侍子以示莎車，言侍子見留，都護尋出，冀且息其兵。」 裴遵以狀聞，帝許之。
In the fifth year King Xian of Shache grew increasingly arrogant and overbearing, wished to annex the Western Regions, repeatedly attacked the various states, and heavily demanded taxes and levies; the states were anxious and afraid. The Former King of Cheshi, Shanshan, Yanqi, and eighteen other states all sent sons to attend court and presented their precious treasures; when they obtained audience, all wept and prostrated themselves, begging for a Protector-General. The Emperor, because the empire was newly settled and the northern frontier not yet subdued, returned all their hostages and richly rewarded them. The states heard that no Protector-General was coming and that all the hostages had been sent back; they were greatly alarmed and sent a dispatch to the Administrator of Dunhuang, saying, "We wish to keep the hostages to show Shache that they are detained and that a Protector-General will soon be sent—we hope this may for a time stay his armies." Pei Zun reported the situation, and the Emperor granted the request.
110
1春，閏正月，丙戌，上幸長安； 二月，己巳，還雒陽。
In the first year, in spring, in the intercalary first month, on the day bingxu, the Emperor visited Chang'an; , and returned to Luoyang.10
111
2夏，五月，乙未晦，日有食之。
In the second year, in summer, in the fifth month, on the last day of the month yiwei, there was a solar eclipse.
112
3秋，九月，戊辰，地震。
In the third year, in autumn, in the ninth month, on the day wuchen, there was an earthquake.
113
4冬，十月，壬子，大司空朱浮免。 癸丑，以光祿勳杜林為大司空。
In the fourth year, in winter, in the tenth month, on the day renzi, Grand Minister of Works Zhu Fu was dismissed. On the day guichou, Director of the Imperial Secretariat Du Lin was made Grand Minister of Works.
114
初，陳留劉昆為江陵令，縣有火災，昆向火叩頭，火尋滅； 後為弘農太守，虎皆負子渡河。 帝聞而異之，征昆代林為光祿勳。 帝問昆曰：「前在江陵，反風滅火，後守弘農，虎北渡河，行何德政而致是事？」 對曰：「偶然耳。」 左右皆笑，帝歎曰：「此乃長者之言也！」 顧命書諸策。
Earlier Liu Kun of Chenliu was magistrate of Jiangling; when the county suffered a fire, Kun bowed his head toward the flames and the fire soon went out; later, as Administrator of Hongnong, tigers all carried their cubs across the river. The Emperor heard of this and marveled; he summoned Kun to replace Du Lin as Director of the Imperial Secretariat. The Emperor asked Kun, "At Jiangling the wind reversed and extinguished the fire; later at Hongnong tigers went north across the river—what virtuous government did you practice to bring about such things?" He replied, "Mere chance." Those at his side all laughed; the Emperor sighed and said, "These are the words of a true elder!" He turned and ordered it written in the records.
115
5是歲，青州蝗。
In the fifth year that year Qing province suffered locusts.
116
6匈奴單于輿死，子左賢王烏達鞮侯立； 復死，弟左賢王蒲奴立。 匈奴中連年旱蝗，赤地數千里，人畜饑疫，死耗太半。 單于畏漢乘其敝，乃遣使詣漁陽求和親； 帝遣中郎將李茂報命。
In the sixth year the Xiongnu Shanyu Yu died; his son the Left Wise King Wudatanhou succeeded; he too died; the younger brother, Left Wise King Punu, succeeded. Within the Xiongnu drought and locusts continued for years; bare earth stretched for thousands of li; men and livestock suffered hunger and pestilence, and more than half perished. The Shanyu feared that Han would seize his weakness and sent envoys to Yuyang to seek a peace marriage; the Emperor sent Colonel of the Palace Guard Li Mao to return the response.
117
7烏桓乘匈奴之弱，擊破之，匈奴北徙數千里，幕南地空。 詔罷諸邊郡亭候、吏卒，以幣帛招降烏桓。
In the seventh year the Wuhuan seized on the Xiongnu's weakness, defeated them, and the Xiongnu moved north several thousand li; the land south of the desert was left empty. An edict dismissed the watch-towers, scouts, and soldiers of the various frontier commanderies and used silks and cloth to win the submission of the Wuhuan.
118
8西域諸國侍子久留敦煌，皆愁思亡歸。 莎車王賢知都護不至，擊破鄯善，攻殺龜茲王。 鄯善王安上書：「願復遣子入侍，更請都護； 都護不出，誠迫於匈奴。」 帝報曰：「今使者大兵未能得出，如諸國力不從心，東西南北自在也。」 於是鄯善、車師復附匈奴。
In the eighth year the hostages of the Western Region states, long detained at Dunhuang, were all homesick and wished to flee home. King Xian of Shache, learning that no Protector-General was coming, defeated Shanshan and attacked and killed the King of Kucha. King An of Shanshan memorialized, saying, "We wish again to send a son to attend court and renew our request for a Protector-General; if no Protector-General is sent, we are truly pressed by the Xiongnu." The Emperor replied, "Envoys and great armies cannot yet be sent forth; if the various states lack the strength to follow their hearts, they are free to turn east, west, south, or north as they will." Thereupon Shanshan and Cheshi again submitted to the Xiongnu.
119
班固論曰：孝武之世，圖制匈奴，患其兼從西國，結黨南羌，乃表河曲，列四郡，開玉門，通西域，以斷匈奴右臂，隔絕南羌、月氏。 單于失援，由是遠遁，而幕南無王庭。 遭值文、景玄默，養民五世，財力有餘，士馬強盛。 故能睹犀布、玳瑁，則建珠崖七郡； 感蒟醬、竹杖，則開牂柯、越巂； 聞天馬、蒲陶，則通大宛、安息； 自是殊方異物，四面而至。 於是開苑囿，廣宮室，盛帷帳，美服玩。 設酒池肉林，以饗四夷之客，作魚龍角抵之戲，以觀視之。 及賂遺贈送，萬里相奉，師旅之費，不可勝計。 至於用度不足，乃榷酒酤，筦鹽鐵，鑄白金，造皮幣，算至車船，租及六畜。 民力屈，財用竭，因之以凶年，寇盜並起，道路不通，直指之使始出，衣繡杖斧，斷斬於郡國，然後勝之。 是以末年遂棄輪台之地，而下哀痛之詔，豈非仁聖之所悔哉！
Ban Gu observed: In the era of Emperor Wu of Han, plotting to control the Xiongnu and fearing they would join with the western states and ally with the Southern Qiang, he established the four commanderies beyond the River's bend, opened Yumen Pass, and opened the Western Regions, to sever the Xiongnu's right arm and isolate the Southern Qiang and the Yuezhi. The Shanyu lost support and fled far away, and south of the desert there was no royal court. This came after the silent rule of Wen and Jing, who nourished the people for five generations until wealth and strength were in surplus and soldiers and horses flourished. Thus, at the sight of rhinoceros-hide cloth and tortoise shell, he established the seven commanderies of Zhuya; moved by betel sauce and bamboo staffs, he opened Zangke and Yuexi; hearing of heavenly horses and grapes, he opened routes to Dawan and Parthia; from then on rare things from distant regions arrived from all four quarters. Thereupon he opened parks and gardens, expanded palaces, made lavish canopies and curtains, and prized fine robes and curios. He set up wine pools and meat forests to feast guests from the four quarters, staged fish-dragon and grappling contests, and watched them for amusement. Bribes, gifts, and presents were sent across ten thousand li; military expenses could not be fully reckoned. When expenditures ran short, he monopolized wine sales, controlled salt and iron, cast white-metal coins, made leather currency, taxed carts and boats, and levied rent on the six domestic animals. The people's strength was bent and resources exhausted; famine years followed, bandits and robbers rose together, and roads were impassable. Only when the envoys with the straight staff went forth in embroidered robes bearing axe-staffs and executed judgment in the commanderies and counties was order restored. Therefore in his late years he abandoned the land of Luntai and issued the edict of grief and repentance—is this not what a benevolent sage would regret!
120
且通西哉，近有龍堆，遠則蔥嶺，身熱、頭痛、懸度之阨，淮南、杜欽、揚雄之論，皆以為此天地所以界別區域，絕外內也。 西域諸國，各有君長，兵眾分弱，無所統一，雖屬匈奴，不相親附； 匈奴能得其馬畜、旃罽而不能統率，與之進退。 與漢隔絕，道里又遠，得之不為益，棄之不為損，盛德在我，無取於彼。 故自建武以來，西域思漢威德，咸樂內屬，數遣使置質于漢，願請都護。 聖上遠覽古今，因時之宜，辭而未許； 雖大禹之序西戎，周公之讓白雉，太宗之卻走馬，義兼之矣！
Moreover, to open the west: near lies Longdui, far lies the Pamirs; the passes of Body-Fever, Headache, and Hanging Crossing—in the writings of the Huainan Masters, Du Qin, and Yang Xiong, all hold that these are where Heaven and earth demarcate regions and separate the inner realm from the outer. The states of the Western Regions each have their own lords; their forces are divided and weak and lack any unifying authority; though subject to the Xiongnu, they do not become closely attached; the Xiongnu can obtain their horses, livestock, felt, and rugs but cannot command them or advance and retreat with them. Separated from Han by vast distance, with roads likewise far—gaining them brings no benefit, abandoning them no harm; magnificent virtue rests with us, and nothing need be taken from them. Therefore since the Jianwu era the Western Regions have yearned for Han's awesome virtue; all have been glad to submit, repeatedly sending envoys to place hostages with Han and requesting a Protector-General. The Sage Sovereign surveyed far into past and present and, suited to the times, declined and did not grant it; yet in meaning he combined the ordering of the western Rong by Yu the Great, the Duke of Zhou's yielding of the white pheasant, and Taizong's turning away the Running Horse!
Footnotes
- a little over ten li from the city, he camped on the north bank of the river〔wei〕
- Gate
- taboo avoidance for Gongsun Shu's name
- Ashamed that he could not win him, Gongsun Shu sent the Grand Herald Yin Rong with an edict to coerce him,〔saying〕
- Rong considered himself not an old minister; suddenly entering court he stood above the meritorious ministers; whenever at court assembly he came to audience
- Rong dared not again press his request
- 〔The ninth month〕
- [In spring,] the second month
- Friends Zhang Si and Du Qin were on close terms with Xing; he considered them showy and short on substance—they all privately gave them funds
- In the second month, day jisi