1
春，正月，車駕上原陵。 司徒掾陳留蔡邕曰：「吾聞古不墓祭。 朝廷有上陵之禮，始謂可損； 今見威儀，察其本意，乃知孝明皇帝至孝惻隱，不易奪也。 禮有煩而不可省者，此之謂也。」
In the first month of spring, the emperor traveled to Yuanling. Cai Yong of Chenliu, a clerk in the Secretariat of the Minister over the Masses, said, "I have heard that the ancients did not offer sacrifices at graves. The court now observes the ceremony of visiting the imperial tombs, and I had thought it might be curtailed; but having witnessed the ceremony's solemn splendor and grasped its true meaning, I see that Emperor Ming's profound filial devotion and tender compassion cannot readily be set aside. There are ceremonies that seem burdensome yet cannot be dispensed with—this is one of them."
2
三月，壬戌，太傅胡廣薨，年八十二。 廣周流四公，三十餘年，歷事六帝，禮任極優，罷免未嘗滿歲，輒復升進。 所辟多天下名士，與故吏陳蕃、李鹹並為三司。 練達故事，明解朝章，故京師諺曰：「萬事不理，問伯始； 天下中庸，有胡公。」 然溫柔謹愨，常遜言恭色以取媚於時，無忠直之風，天下以此薄之。
In the third month, on the day renxu, Grand Tutor Hu Guang passed away at eighty-two. For more than thirty years Hu Guang held one of the four highest offices in turn, serving six emperors with extraordinary honors; whenever he was dismissed, he was reappointed before a year had elapsed. Most of those he recommended were eminent men from across the realm; he and his former retainers Chen Fan and Li Xian all rose to the Three Excellencies. Thoroughly versed in precedent and fluent in court protocol, the capital had a saying: "When nothing gets done, ask Boshi; and for steady moderation under Heaven, there is Lord Hu." Yet he was so mild and circumspect, always softening his speech and manner to win favor, that he lacked any spirit of loyal forthrightness, and the empire looked down on him for it.
3
五月，己巳，赦天下，改元。
In the fifth month, on the day jisi, the emperor proclaimed an amnesty throughout the realm and changed the era name.
4
長樂太僕侯覽坐專權驕奢，策收印綬，自殺。
Hou Lan, grand steward of Changle, was convicted of monopolizing power and arrogant excess; his seals were stripped by imperial decree, and he took his own life.
5
六月，京師大水。
In the sixth month, catastrophic floods struck the capital.
6
竇太后母卒於比景，太后憂思感疾，癸巳，崩於雲台。 宦者積怨竇氏，以衣車載太后屍置城南市捨，數日，曹節、王甫欲用貴人禮殯。 帝曰：「太后親立朕躬，統承大業，豈宜以貴人終乎！」 於是發喪成禮。 節等欲別葬太后，而以馮貴人配祔。 詔公卿大會朝堂，令中常侍趙忠監議。 太尉李鹹時病，扶輿而起，搗椒自隨，謂妻子曰：「若皇太后不得配食桓帝，吾不生還矣！」 既議，坐者數百人，各瞻望良久，莫肯先言。 趙忠曰：「議當時定！」 廷尉陳球曰：「皇太后以盛德良家，母臨天下，宜配先帝，是無所疑。」 忠笑而言曰：「陳廷尉宜便操筆。」 球即下議曰：「皇太后自在椒房，有聰明母儀之德； 遭時不造，援立聖明承繼宗廟，功烈至重。 先帝晏駕，因遇大獄，遷居空宮，不幸早世，家雖獲罪，事非太后，今若別葬，誠失天下之望。 且馮貴人塚嘗被發掘，骸骨暴露，與賊並屍，魂靈污染，且無功於國，何宜上配至尊！」 忠省球議，作色俯仰，蚩球曰：「陳廷尉建此議甚健！」 球曰：「陳、竇既冤，皇太后無故幽閉，臣常痛心，天下憤歎！ 今日言之，退而受罪，宿昔之願也！」 李鹹曰：「臣本謂宜爾，誠與意合。」 於是公卿以下皆從球議。 曹節、王甫猶爭，以為：「梁後家犯惡逆，別葬懿陵，武帝黜廢衛後，而以李夫人配食，今竇氏罪深，豈得合葬先帝！」 李鹹復上疏曰：「臣伏惟章德竇後虐害恭懷，安思閻後家犯惡逆，而和帝無異葬之議，順朝無貶降之文。 至於衛後，孝武皇帝身所廢棄，不可以為比。 今長樂太后尊號在身，親嘗稱制，且援立聖明，光隆皇祚。 太后以陛下為子，陛下豈得不以太后為母！ 子無黜母，臣無貶君，宜合葬宣陵，一如舊制。」 帝省奏，從之。
The mother of Empress Dowager Dou died at Bijing; overcome with grief, the empress dowager fell ill, and on the day guisi she died at Yuntai Terrace. The eunuchs, who had long nursed hatred for the Dou clan, loaded the empress dowager's body onto an ordinary cart and left it at an inn in the southern market. Days later, Cao Jie and Wang Fu proposed burying her with the rites due an imperial concubine. The emperor said, "The empress dowager personally placed me on the throne and entrusted me with the imperial succession—how can she be laid to rest with the rites of a mere concubine!" Mourning was then proclaimed and the funeral rites carried out. Cao Jie and his faction wished to bury the empress dowager separately and install Lady Feng as consort in the imperial shrine instead. The emperor ordered the chief ministers to assemble in the court hall and appointed the palace attendant Zhao Zhong to preside over the deliberation. Grand Commandant Li Xian was then gravely ill; he had himself carried in a litter to attend, brought pounded pepper to sustain himself, and told his wife and children, "If the empress dowager is not granted a place beside Emperor Huan in the ancestral shrine, I shall not return alive!" When the deliberation began, several hundred officials were present; each looked about in silence for a long time, none daring to speak first. Zhao Zhong said, "This matter must be settled at once!" Minister of Justice Chen Qiu said, "The empress dowager, a woman of eminent virtue from an honorable house who ruled as mother over the realm, ought to be enshrined beside the late emperor. On that there can be no doubt." Zhong smiled and said, "Minister of Justice Chen, you had best take up your brush at once." Qiu immediately drafted a memorial stating, "From the time the empress dowager entered the inner palace, she displayed the wisdom and dignity of a true mother of the state; in an age of turmoil she raised a worthy sovereign to continue the imperial line, a service of the greatest weight. After the late emperor's death she suffered a great persecution and was confined to an empty palace; she died before her time. Though her family was punished, she herself was guilty of nothing. To bury her separately now would truly disappoint the hopes of the empire. Moreover, Lady Feng's tomb was once robbed open, her bones left exposed and mingled with thieves—a spirit defiled—and she rendered no service to the state. How can she be installed to share the imperial shrine with the Son of Heaven!" Zhong reviewed Qiu's memorial, his face shifting as he glanced about, and mocked him: "Minister of Justice Chen, what a vigorous memorial you have drafted!" Qiu said, "Chen Fan and Dou Wu were wronged, and the empress dowager was confined without cause. I have long grieved over this, and the empire has groaned in indignation! To speak out today and accept whatever punishment follows is a wish I have cherished for years!" Li Xian said, "I have long held that this was the right course, and your proposal accords perfectly with my own view." Thereupon all the ministers from the excellencies down sided with Qiu. Cao Jie and Wang Fu still objected, arguing, "When the Liang empress's family committed treason, she was buried separately at Yiling. Emperor Wu deposed Empress Wei and installed Lady Li in the shrine instead. The Dou clan's crimes run far deeper—how can they be buried with the late emperor!" Li Xian submitted another memorial: "I reflect that Empress Zhangde Dou maltreated the heir Gonghuai, and the family of Empress Ansi Yan committed treason, yet Emperor He never proposed a separate burial, and Emperor Shun's court issued no decree degrading them. As for Empress Wei, she was personally cast aside by Emperor Wu and is not a valid precedent. The Changle empress dowager still bears her exalted title, once held regency in person, and raised a worthy sovereign to the throne, gloriously securing the imperial succession. The empress dowager took Your Majesty as her son—how can Your Majesty refuse to honor her as your mother! A son does not disown his mother, nor may a subject degrade his sovereign. She should be buried at Xuanling according to the established rites." The emperor read the memorial and agreed.
7
秋，七月，甲寅，葬桓思皇后於宣陵。
In the seventh month of autumn, on the day jiayin, Empress Huansi was buried at Xuanling.
8
有人書朱雀闕，言：「天下大亂，曹節、王甫幽殺太后，公卿皆尸祿，無忠言者。」 詔司隸校尉劉猛逐捕，十日一會。 猛以誹書言直，不肯急捕。 月餘，主名不立； 猛坐左轉諫議大夫，以御史中丞段熲代之。 熲乃四出逐捕，及太學游生系者千餘人。 節等又使熲以它事奏猛，論輸左校。
Someone wrote on the Vermilion Bird Gate: "The realm is in chaos. Cao Jie and Wang Fu murdered the empress dowager in secret. The chief ministers all draw salaries like dead men, and none speaks with loyalty." An edict ordered Director of Retainers Liu Meng to hunt down the author, with progress reports due every ten days. Meng, judging the inscription to speak plain truth, refused to press the search. After more than a month, the culprit had not been found; Meng was demoted to Grand Master of Remonstrance on the left, and Imperial Secretary Duan Yong was appointed in his place. Yong sent agents in all directions to hunt down suspects, and more than a thousand students of the Imperial Academy were arrested. Cao Jie and his faction also had Yong impeach Meng on another charge, and Meng was sentenced to hard labor in the Left Barracks.
9
初，司隸校尉王寓依倚宦官，求薦於太常張奐，奐拒之，寓遂陷奐以黨罪禁錮。 奐嘗與段熲爭擊羌，不相平，熲為司隸，欲逐奐歸敦煌而害之； 奐奏記哀請於熲，乃得免。
Earlier, Director of Retainers Wang Yu had relied on the eunuchs and sought a recommendation from Grand Master of Ceremonies Zhang Huan. Huan refused, and Yu then framed him for factionalism and had him imprisoned. Huan had once clashed with Duan Yong over the Qiang campaigns and bore him a grudge. When Yong became Director of Retainers, he sought to drive Huan back to Dunhuang and destroy him; Huan submitted a humble plea to Yong and was spared.
10
初，魏郡李暠為司隸校尉，以舊怨殺扶風蘇謙； 謙子不韋瘞而不葬，變姓名，結客報仇。 暠遷大司農，不韋匿於諭廥中，鑿地旁達暠之寢室，殺其妾並小兒。 暠大懼，以板藉地，一夕九徙。 又掘暠父塚，斷取其頭，標之於市。 暠求捕不獲，憤恚，嘔血死。 不韋遇赦還家，乃葬父行喪。 張奐素睦於蘇氏，而段熲與暠善，熲辟不韋為司隸從事，不韋懼，稱病不詣。 熲怒，使從事張賢就家殺之，先以鴆與賢父曰：「若賢不得不韋，便可飲此！」 賢遂收不韋，並其一門六十餘人，盡誅之。 渤海王悝之貶癭陶也，因中常侍王甫求復國，許謝錢五千萬； 既而桓帝遺詔復悝國，悝知非甫功，不肯還謝錢。 中常侍鄭颯、中黃門董騰數與悝交通，甫密司察以告段熲。 冬，十月，收颯送北寺獄，使尚書令廉忠誣奏「颯等謀迎立悝，大逆不道」，遂詔冀州刺史收悝考實，迫責悝，令自殺； 妃妾十一人、子女七十人、伎女二十四人皆死獄中，傅、相以下悉伏誅。 甫等十二人皆以功封列侯。
Earlier, Li Hao of Wei Commandery, while serving as Director of Retainers, killed Su Qian of Fufeng over an old grudge; Qian's son Buwei buried the body but withheld the funeral rites, assumed a false name, gathered followers, and plotted revenge. When Hao was promoted to Grand Minister of Agriculture, Buwei hid in the granary offices, tunneled into Hao's bedchamber, and killed his concubine and children. Hao was terrified; he slept on boards laid over the floor and moved his bed nine times in a single night. He also opened Hao's father's tomb, severed the head, and displayed it in the market. Hao failed to capture him, and in fury and despair vomited blood and died. Buwei was pardoned and returned home, where he at last buried his father and observed the mourning rites. Zhang Huan had long been friendly with the Su clan, while Duan Yong had been close to Li Hao. Yong appointed Buwei as an aide in the Director of Retainers' office; Buwei, fearing for his life, pleaded illness and did not report. Yong was furious and sent his aide Zhang Xian to kill Buwei at his home. He first gave poison to Xian's father, saying, "If Xian fails to capture Buwei, you may drink this!" Xian then arrested Buwei and executed him together with more than sixty members of his entire clan. When Prince Kui of Bohai was demoted to Yingtao, he enlisted the Regular Palace Attendant Wang Fu to seek restoration of his fief and promised fifty million cash in gratitude; When Emperor Huan's deathbed edict later restored Kui's fief, Kui knew Wang Fu deserved no credit and refused to pay. The palace attendants Zheng Sa and Dong Teng had frequent contact with Kui. Wang Fu secretly investigated and reported this to Duan Yong. “In the tenth month of winter, Sa was arrested and sent to the North Temple Prison. Chief Minister Lian Zhong was made to accuse him of plotting to install Prince Kui as emperor—a capital crime. An edict ordered the inspector of Jizhou to seize Kui, investigate, and force him to take his own life;” eleven consorts, seventy children, and twenty-four female performers all died in prison; the prince's tutor, chancellor, and all his officials were executed. Wang Fu and twelve others were all enfeoffed as marquises for their supposed service.
11
十一月，會稽妖賊許生起句章，自稱陽明皇帝，眾以萬數； 遣揚州刺史臧旻、丹楊太守陳寅討之。
In the eleventh month, the sorcerer-rebel Xu Sheng rose at Gouzhang in Kuaiji, proclaimed himself Emperor Yangming, and gathered tens of thousands of followers; The inspector of Yangzhou Zang Min and the grand administrator of Danyang Chen Yin were dispatched to suppress him.
12
十二月，司徒許栩罷，以大鴻臚袁隗為司徒。 鮮卑寇并州。
In the twelfth month, Minister over the Masses Xu Xu was dismissed, and Grand Herald Yuan Wei was appointed in his place. The Xianbei raided Bing Province.
13
是歲，單于車兒死，子屠特若屍逐就單于立。
That year the chanyu Cher died, and his son Tute Ruoshizhujiu succeeded him as chanyu.
14
春，正月，大疫。 丁丑，司空宗俱薨。
In the first month of spring, a great epidemic swept the land. On the day dingchou, Minister of Works Zong Ju passed away.
15
二月，壬午，赦天下。 以光祿勳楊賜為司空。
In the second month, on the day renwu, the emperor proclaimed an amnesty throughout the realm. Household Minister Yang Ci was appointed Minister of Works.
16
三月，太尉李鹹免。
In the third month, Grand Commandant Li Xian was dismissed from office.
17
夏，五月，以司隸校尉段熲為太尉。
In the fifth month of summer, Director of Retainers Duan Yong was appointed Grand Commandant.
18
六月，北海地震。
In the sixth month, an earthquake struck Beihai.
19
秋，七月，司空楊賜免； 以太常穎川唐珍為司空。 珍，衡之弟也。
In the seventh month of autumn, Minister of Works Yang Ci was dismissed; Grand Master of Ceremonies Tang Zhen of Yingchuan was appointed Minister of Works. Zhen was the younger brother of Heng.
20
冬，十二月，太尉段熲罷。 鮮卑寇幽、并二州。 癸酉晦，日有食之。
In the twelfth month of winter, Grand Commandant Duan Yong was dismissed. The Xianbei raided You and Bing provinces. On the last day of the month, guiyou, there was a solar eclipse.
21
春，二月，己巳，赦天下。 以太常東海陳耽為太尉。
In the second month of spring, on the day jisi, the emperor proclaimed an amnesty throughout the realm. Grand Master of Ceremonies Chen Dan of Donghai was appointed Grand Commandant.
22
三月，中山穆王暢薨，無子，國除。
In the third month, Prince Mu Chang of Zhongshan died without an heir, and the fief was abolished.
23
夏，六月，封河間王利子康為濟南王，奉孝仁皇祀。 吳郡司馬富春孫堅召募精勇，得千餘人，助州郡討許生。
In the sixth month of summer, Kang, son of Prince Li of Hejian, was enfeoffed as Prince of Jinan to maintain the ancestral rites of Emperor Xiaoren. Sun Jian of Fuchun, a marshal of Wu Commandery, recruited elite fighters and raised more than a thousand men to assist the provincial forces against Xu Sheng.
24
冬，十一月，臧旻、陳寅大破生於會稽，斬之。 任城王博薨，無子，國絕。
In the eleventh month of winter, Zang Min and Chen Yin routed Xu Sheng at Kuaiji and executed him. Prince Bo of Rencheng died without an heir, and the fief was extinguished.
25
十二月，鮮卑入北地，太守夏育率屠各追擊，破之。 遷育為護烏桓校尉。 鮮卑又寇并州。 司空唐珍罷，以永樂少府許訓為司空。
In the twelfth month, the Xianbei invaded Beidi; Grand Administrator Xia Yu led the Tuge cavalry in pursuit and routed them. Xia Yu was promoted to Colonel Protector of the Wuhuan. The Xianbei raided Bing Province again. Minister of Works Tang Zhen was dismissed, and Junior Steward of Yongle Xu Xun was appointed in his place.
26
春，三月，詔諸儒正《五經》文字，命議郎蔡邕為古文、篆、隸三體書之，刻石，立於太學門外，使後儒晚學鹹取正焉。 碑始立，其觀視及摹寫者車乘日千餘兩，填塞街陌。
In the third month of spring, an edict ordered scholars to standardize the text of the Five Classics. Palace Gentleman Cai Yong was commissioned to write them in ancient, seal, and clerical scripts, carve them in stone, and set them up outside the Imperial Academy gate, so that future scholars might have an authoritative standard. When the steles were first erected, more than a thousand carriages a day came to view and copy them, choking the streets.
27
初，朝議以州郡相黨，人情比周，乃制昏姻之家及兩州人士不得對相監臨，至是復有三互法，禁忌轉密，選用艱難，幽、冀二州久缺不補。 蔡邕上疏曰：「伏見幽、冀舊壤，鎧、馬所出，比年兵饑，漸至空耗。 今者闕職經時，吏民延屬，而三府選舉，逾月不定。 臣怪問其故，雲避三互。 十一月有禁，當取二州而已。 又，二州之士或復限以歲月，狐疑遲淹，兩州懸空，萬里蕭條，無所管系。 愚以為三互之禁，禁之薄者。 今但申以威靈，明其憲令，對相部主，尚畏懼不敢營私； 況乃三互，何足為嫌！ 昔韓安國起自徒中，朱買臣出於幽賤，並以才宜，還守本邦，豈復顧循三互，系以末制乎！ 臣願陛下上則先帝，蠲除近禁，其諸州刺史器用可換者，無拘日月、三互，以差厥中。」 朝廷不從。
Earlier, the court had concluded that provincial officials formed factions and cultivated cliques, and decreed that men linked by marriage or from neighboring provinces could not supervise one another. Now the Three Mutuals law was revived, restrictions grew tighter, appointments became nearly impossible, and You and Ji provinces went unfilled for years. Cai Yong submitted a memorial: "I observe that the old territories of You and Ji, sources of armor and horses, have been drained by years of war and famine. Offices there have stood vacant for a long time while officials and people wait in expectation, yet selections by the Three Excellencies drag on for months without resolution. When I inquired into the cause, I was told it was to avoid violating the Three Mutuals rule. The prohibition should apply only to appointing men from those two provinces themselves. Moreover, candidates from other provinces are sometimes further delayed by time restrictions. In hesitation and delay, two vast provinces hang without governance, desolate across a thousand miles, bound to nothing. I consider the Three Mutuals prohibition a feeble restraint. If authority and law are clearly asserted, officials supervising neighboring jurisdictions still fear to pursue private gain; how much less should the Three Mutuals be an obstacle! In the past Han Anguo rose from convict labor and Zhu Maichen from obscurity; both by merit returned to govern their home regions. Would they have been bound by such petty regulations as the Three Mutuals! I urge Your Majesty, following the example of former emperors, to abolish these recent restrictions. For provincial inspectors whose talents fit the need, do not bind them by time limits or the Three Mutuals, but appoint as circumstances require." The court did not assent.
28
══臣光曰：叔向有言：「國將亡，必多制。」 明王之政，謹擇忠賢而任之，凡中外之臣，有功則賞，有罪則誅，無所阿私，法制不煩而天下大治。 所以然者何哉？ 執其本故也。 及其衰也，百官之任不能擇人，而禁令益多，防閒益密，有功者以閡文不賞，為奸者以巧法免誅，上下勞擾而天下大亂。 所以然者何哉？ 逐其末故也。 孝靈之時，刺史、二千石貪如豺虎，暴殄烝民，而朝廷方守三互之禁。 以令視之，豈不適足為笑而深可為戒哉！
══ Master Guang remarked: Shuxiang once said, "When a state is about to perish, it multiplies regulations." An enlightened ruler carefully selects loyal and worthy men and employs them. Whether within or without the court, merit is rewarded and guilt punished without favoritism. Laws are few yet the realm is well governed. Why is this so? Because it holds to fundamentals. When a state declines, offices cannot be filled with worthy men, yet prohibitions multiply and barriers tighten. The meritorious go unrewarded because of procedural obstacles; wrongdoers escape through legal loopholes. The court is exhausted and the realm falls into chaos. Why is this so? Because it pursues secondary matters. Under Emperor Ling, provincial inspectors and grand administrators were greedy as wolves and tigers, wantonly destroying the people, while the court still enforced the Three Mutuals prohibition. Viewed in this light, is it not laughable—and deeply worth taking as a warning!
29
封河間王建孫佗為任城王。
Tuo, grandson of Prince Jian of Hejian, was enfeoffed as Prince of Rencheng.
30
夏，四月，郡、國七大水。
In the fourth month of summer, seven commanderies and kingdoms suffered catastrophic floods.
31
五月，丁卯，赦天下。 延陵園災。 鮮卑寇幽州。
In the fifth month, on the day dingmao, the emperor proclaimed an amnesty throughout the realm. Fire struck the Yanling park. The Xianbei raided You Province.
32
六月，弘農、三輔螟。 於窴王安國攻拘彌，大破之，殺其王。 戊己校尉、西域長史各發兵輔立拘彌侍子定興為王，人眾裁千口。
In the sixth month, locusts struck Hongnong and the Three Metropolises. Anguo, king of Khotan, attacked Jumi, routed its forces, and killed its king. The Colonel Protector of the Wuji Garrison and the Chief Clerk of the Western Regions each sent troops to install Dingxing, Jumi's hostage prince, as king; the population numbered barely a thousand.
33
夏，四月，癸亥，赦天下。 益州郡夷反，太守李顒討平之。 大雩。
In the fourth month of summer, on the day guihai, the emperor proclaimed an amnesty throughout the realm. The tribal peoples of Yizhou rebelled; Grand Administrator Li Yong suppressed them. The emperor performed a great rain prayer.
34
五月，太尉陳耽罷，以司空許訓為太尉。
In the fifth month, Grand Commandant Chen Dan was dismissed, and Minister of Works Xu Xun was appointed Grand Commandant.
35
閏月，永昌太守曹鸞上書曰：「夫黨人者，或耆年淵德，或衣冠英賢，皆宜股肱王室，左右大猷者也； 而久被禁錮，辱在塗泥。 謀反大逆尚蒙赦宥，黨人何罪，獨不開恕乎！ 所以災異屢見，水旱荐臻，皆由於斯。 宜加沛然，以副天心。」 帝省奏，大怒，即詔司隸、益州檻車收鸞，送槐裡獄，掠殺之。 於是詔州郡更考黨人門生、故吏、父子、兄弟在位者，悉免官禁錮，爰及五屬。
In the intercalary month, Grand Administrator Cao Luan of Yongchang submitted a memorial: "The men of the faction persecutions include elders of profound virtue and eminent scholars of official rank—all ought to serve as pillars of the royal house and advisers in great affairs; yet they have long been imprisoned, disgraced in the mire. Even those guilty of treason receive pardon—what crime have the faction victims committed, that they alone are denied forgiveness! This is why omens multiply and floods and droughts come in succession. Your Majesty should extend abundant grace to accord with Heaven's will." The emperor read the memorial, flew into a rage, and immediately ordered the Director of Retainers and the inspector of Yizhou to seize Luan in a prison cart, send him to Huaili Prison, and torture him to death. An edict then ordered the provinces to re-examine the students, former subordinates, fathers, sons, and brothers in office of faction victims—all were dismissed and imprisoned, extending to five degrees of kinship.
36
六月，壬戌，以太常南陽劉逸為司空。
In the sixth month, on the day renxu, Grand Master of Ceremonies Liu Yi of Nanyang was appointed Minister of Works.
37
秋，七月，太尉許訓罷。 以光祿勳劉寬為太尉。
In the seventh month of autumn, Grand Commandant Xu Xun was dismissed. Household Minister Liu Kuan was appointed Grand Commandant.
38
冬，十月，司徒袁隗罷； 十一月，丙戌，以光祿大夫楊賜為司徒。 是歲，鮮卑寇幽州。
In the tenth month of winter, Minister over the Masses Yuan Wei was dismissed; in the eleventh month, on the day bingxu, Household Grandee Yang Ci was appointed Minister over the Masses. That year the Xianbei raided You Province.
39
春，正月，辛丑，赦天下。
In the first month of spring, on the day xinchou, the emperor proclaimed an amnesty throughout the realm.
40
夏，四月，大旱，七州蝗。 令三公條奏長吏苛酷貪污者，罷免之。 平原相漁陽陽球坐嚴酷，征詣廷尉。 帝以球前為九江太守討賊有功，特赦之，拜議郎。 鮮卑寇三邊。 市賈小民有相聚為宣陵孝子者數十人，詔皆除太子舍人。
In the fourth month of summer, a great drought struck, and locusts ravaged seven provinces. The Three Excellencies were ordered to report senior officials who were harsh, cruel, or corrupt, and have them dismissed. Yang Qiu of Yuyang, chancellor of Pingyuan, was charged with harsh severity and summoned to the Minister of Justice. The emperor, recalling that Yang Qiu had merit suppressing bandits as grand administrator of Jiujiang, specially pardoned him and appointed him Palace Gentleman. The Xianbei raided the three frontier regions. Several dozen petty market traders gathered and styled themselves filial sons mourning at Xuanling; an edict appointed them all Attendants of the Heir Apparent.
41
秋，七月，司空劉逸免，以衛尉陳球為司空。
In the seventh month of autumn, Minister of Works Liu Yi was dismissed, and Commandant of the Guards Chen Qiu was appointed Minister of Works.
42
初，帝好文學，自造《皇羲篇》五十章，因引諸生能為文賦者並待制鴻都門下。 後諸為尺牘及工書鳥篆者，皆加引召，遂至數十人。 侍中祭酒樂松、賈護多引無行趣勢之徒置其間，熹陳閭裡小事； 帝甚悅之，待以不次之位； 又久不親行郊廟之禮。 會詔群臣各陳政要，蔡邕上封事曰：「夫迎氣五郊，清廟祭祀，養老辟雍，皆帝者之大業，祖宗所祗奉也。 而有司數以蕃國疏喪、宮內產生及吏卒小污，廢闕不行，忘禮敬之大，任禁忌之書，拘信小故，以虧大典。 自今齋制宜如故典，庶答風霆、災妖之異。 又，古者取士必使諸侯歲貢。 孝武之世，郡舉孝廉，又有賢良、文學之選，於是名臣輩出，文武並興。 漢之得人，數路而已。 夫書畫辭賦，才之小者； 匡國治政，未有其能。 陛下即位之初，先涉經術，聽政餘日，觀省篇章，聊以游意當代博奕，非以為教化取士之本。 而諸生競利，作者鼎沸，其高者頗引經訓風喻之言，下則連偶俗語，有類徘優，或竊成文，虛冒名氏。 臣每受詔於盛化門，差次錄第，其未及者，亦復隨輩皆見拜擢。 既加之恩，難復收改，但守奉祿，於義已弘，不可復使治民及在州郡。 昔孝宣會諸儒於石渠，章帝集學士於白虎，通經釋義，其事優大，文武之道，所宜從之。 若乃不能小善，雖有可觀，孔子以為致遠則泥，君子固當志其大者。 又，前一切以宣陵孝子為太子舍人，臣聞孝文皇帝制喪服三十六日，雖繼體之君，父子至親，公卿列臣受恩之重，皆屈情從制，不敢逾越。 今虛偽小人，本非骨肉，既無幸私之恩，又無祿仕之實，惻隱之心，義無所依，至有奸軌之人通容其中。 桓思皇后祖載之時，東郡有盜人妻者，亡在孝中，本縣追捕，乃伏其辜。 虛偽雜穢，難得勝言。 太子官屬，宜搜選令德，豈有但取丘墓凶丑之人！ 其為不祥，莫與大焉，宜遣歸田裡，以明詐偽。」 書奏，帝乃親迎氣北郊及行辟雍之禮。 又詔宣陵孝子為舍人者悉改為丞、尉焉。
Earlier, the emperor loved literature, composed fifty chapters of the "Imperial Xi" text himself, and summoned scholars skilled in prose and fu to await appointment at the Hongdu Gate. Later all skilled in documents, calligraphy, and seal script were also summoned, until they numbered several dozen. Libationers Yue Song and Jia Hu often introduced men of no character who curried favor and power, delighting in reporting petty neighborhood gossip; the emperor was greatly pleased and rewarded them with extraordinary promotions; he also long neglected to perform the suburban and temple sacrifices in person. When an edict ordered ministers to set forth essential policies, Cai Yong submitted a sealed memorial: "Receiving the seasonal qi at the five suburbs, sacrifices in the Pure Temple, honoring the aged at the Piyong—these are the great enterprises of an emperor, what ancestors reverently upheld. Yet officials repeatedly cite distant states' mourning, births within the palace, and minor defilements of clerks and soldiers to suspend these rites, forgetting the greatness of ritual reverence, trusting books of taboos, clinging to petty causes, and thereby impairing great ceremonies. From now on fasting regulations should follow the old canon, that wind, thunder, and omens of disaster may be answered. Moreover, in antiquity scholars were selected through annual tribute presentations by the feudal lords. Under Emperor Wu, commanderies recommended Filial and Incorrupt men, and Worthy and Good and Literary Learning selections were also held; thus famous ministers emerged in succession, and civil and military talent flourished together. Han obtained its men through only a few established routes. Painting, calligraphy, and literary compositions are minor talents; they have no ability to order the state and govern affairs. When Your Majesty first ascended the throne, you engaged with classical learning; on days left from affairs of state you reviewed texts, merely as diversion—not as the foundation of education and official selection. Yet scholars compete for profit and authors swarm like a cauldron. The better sort cite canonical instruction; the worse link vulgar couplets like jesters, some steal finished works and falsely claim authorship. Each time I received edicts at the Shenghua Gate to rank candidates; even those who did not qualify were promoted along with the rest. Once favor is granted, it is hard to withdraw; let them hold salaries only—that is already generous enough. They must not be made to govern the people or serve in the provinces. Emperor Xuan once gathered scholars at Shiqu; Emperor Zhang assembled them at Baihu to expound the classics—matters of eminent greatness. The way of civil and military affairs is what Your Majesty should follow. If one lacks even small virtues, though there may be something to admire, Confucius held that for reaching far it becomes obstructive. A gentleman should fix his aim on greater matters. Moreover, all the so-called filial sons of Xuanling were made Attendants of the Heir Apparent. I have heard that Emperor Wen regulated mourning for thirty-six days; though a successor sovereign is father and son most intimate, and the excellencies received heavy grace—all bent feeling to the regulation and dared not transgress. Now these false petty men are not kin by blood; they have neither private favor nor salary and office; their show of compassion has no ground in righteousness—and even wicked schemers find shelter among them. When Empress Huansi's funeral procession departed, in Dong Commandery a man who had stolen another's wife hid himself among the mourners; the county pursued and arrested him, and he confessed his crime. The falsehood and filth are beyond full description. The heir's officials should be sought for fine virtue—how can one merely take men who lurk at tombs, inauspicious and vile! Nothing could be more inauspicious; they should be sent back to their villages to expose the fraud." When the memorial was submitted, the emperor personally received the seasonal qi at the northern suburb and performed the Piyong rites. He also ordered that all so-called filial sons of Xuanling appointed as Attendants be reassigned as assistants and commandants.
43
護烏桓校尉夏育上言：「鮮卑寇邊，自春以來三十餘發，請征幽州諸郡兵出塞擊之，一冬、二春，必能禽滅。」 先是護羌校尉田晏坐事論刑，被原，欲立功自效，乃請中常侍王甫求得為將。 甫因此議遣兵與育並力討賊，帝乃拜晏為破鮮卑中郎將； 大臣多有不同，乃召百官議於朝堂。 蔡邕議曰：「征討殊類，所由尚矣。 然而時有同異，勢有可否，故謀有得失，事有成敗，不可齊也。 夫以世宗神武，將帥良猛，財賦充實，所括廣遠，數十年間，官民俱匱，猶有悔焉。 況今人財並乏，事劣昔時乎！ 自匈奴遁逃，鮮卑強盛，據其故地，稱兵十萬，才力勁健，意智益生； 加以關塞不嚴，禁網多漏，精金良鐵，皆為賊有，漢人逋逃為之謀主，兵利馬疾，過於匈奴。 昔段熲良將，習兵善戰，有事西羌，猶十餘年。 今育、晏才策未必過熲，鮮卑種眾不弱曩時，而虛計二載，自許有成，若禍結兵連，豈得中休？ 當復征發眾人，轉運無已，是為耗竭諸夏，並力蠻夷。 夫邊垂之患，手足之疥搔，中國之困，胸背之瘭疽，方今郡縣盜賊尚不能禁，況此醜虜而可伏乎！ 昔高祖忍平城之恥，呂後棄慢書之詬，方之於今，何者為甚？ 天設山河，秦築長城，漢起塞垣，所以別內外，異殊俗也。 苟無蹙國內侮之患則可矣，豈與蟲蟻之虜，校往來之數哉！ 雖或破之，豈可殄盡，而方令本朝為之旰食乎！ 昔淮南王安諫伐越曰：『如使越人蒙死以逆執事，廝輿之卒有一不備而歸者，雖得越王之首，猶為大漢羞之。』 而欲以齊民易丑虜，皇威辱外夷，就如其言，猶已危矣，況乎得失不可量邪！」 帝不從。 八月，遣夏育出高柳，田晏出雲中，匈奴中郎將臧旻率南單于出雁門，各將萬騎，三道出塞二千餘里。 檀石槐命三部大人各帥眾逆戰，育等大敗，喪其節傳輜重，各將數十騎奔還，死者什七八。 三將檻車征下獄，贖為庶人。
Colonel Protector of the Wuhuan Xia Yu submitted a statement: "The Xianbei have raided the borders more than thirty times since spring. I request mobilizing the troops of You Province to strike beyond the passes; in one winter and two springs they can surely be destroyed." Earlier Colonel Protector of the Qiang Tian Yan had been sentenced for an offense, pardoned, and wished to redeem himself through merit. He asked the palace attendant Wang Fu to obtain a general's command for him. Wang Fu therefore urged dispatching troops to join Yu in suppressing the raiders, and the emperor appointed Yan General Who Breaks the Xianbei; many ministers objected, and the emperor summoned the officials to deliberate in the court hall. Cai Yong argued: "Campaigns against foreign peoples have long been undertaken. Yet times differ, circumstances differ in feasibility, plans have gain and loss, and affairs succeed or fail—they cannot be treated uniformly. Even Emperor Wu, with divine martial prowess, excellent generals, and full revenues, campaigning far and wide for decades exhausted officials and people alike—and there was still regret. How much more when men and wealth are both depleted and conditions inferior to former times! Since the Xiongnu fled, the Xianbei have grown strong, occupied their old lands, field a hundred thousand armed men, vigorous in talent and strength, ever increasing in wit and intelligence; passes and barriers are poorly guarded, prohibitions leak everywhere, fine metal falls to the raiders, Han fugitives serve as their strategists—their weapons sharp, horses swift, surpassing the Xiongnu. Duan Yong was a fine general, practiced in arms and skilled in battle; campaigning against the Western Qiang still took more than ten years. Yu and Yan's talent need not surpass Yong's; the Xianbei are not weaker than before—yet they recklessly promise success in two years. If disaster binds and war continues, can it halt midway? There will again be levies and mobilization, transport without end—exhausting the Central States to join strength with the barbarians. Border troubles are like itching scabs on the hands and feet; the empire's distress is like gangrene on chest and back. Commandery and county bandits still cannot be suppressed—how much less can these vile barbarians be subdued! Gaozu endured the shame of Pingcheng; Empress Lü set aside the insult of the arrogant letter—compared with today, which is the greater? Heaven set mountains and rivers; Qin built the Long Wall; Han raised frontier ramparts—to distinguish inner from outer and separate alien customs. If there is no peril of constricting the state or internal disorder, that suffices—why reckon comings and goings with insect-and-ant barbarians! Even if they are sometimes defeated, can they be exterminated entirely—and should this court lose sleep over them! Huainan King Liu An once remonstrated against attacking Yue: "If the Yue risk death to oppose your servants, and even one common soldier returns unprepared, though you obtain the King of Yue's head, it will still shame Great Han. Yet you would trade orderly subjects for vile barbarians and bring the imperial majesty to shame before foreign tribes—even on his account alone the risk is grave; how much worse when the outcome cannot be reckoned!" The emperor refused to follow his advice. In the eighth month the court dispatched Xia Yu from Gaoliu, Tian Yan from Yunzhong, and Xiongnu Commandant Zang Min with the Southern Chanyu from Yanmen—each at the head of ten thousand cavalry—on three routes that penetrated more than two thousand li beyond the passes. Tanshihuai ordered the chiefs of his three divisions each to lead their warriors against them. Yu and the others were routed, abandoning their insignia and supply trains, and each escaped with only a few dozen riders; seven or eight soldiers in ten were killed. All three commanders were recalled in prisoner carts, thrown into jail, and then redeemed down to commoner rank.
44
冬，十月，癸丑朔，日有食之。 太尉劉寬免。 辛丑，京師地震。
In winter, in the tenth month, on the new moon of guichou, the sun was eclipsed. Grand Commandant Liu Kuan was removed from office. On the day xinchou an earthquake struck the capital.
45
十一月，司空陳球免。
In the eleventh month Minister of Works Chen Qiu was removed from office.
46
十二月，甲寅，以太常河南孟彧為太尉。 庚辰，司徒楊賜免。 以太常陳耽為司空。 遼西太守甘陵趙苞到官，遣使迎母及妻子，垂當到郡； 道經柳城，值鮮卑萬餘人入塞寇鈔，苞母及妻子遂為所劫質，載以擊郡。 苞率騎二萬與賊對陳，賊出母以示苞，苞悲號，謂母曰：「為子無狀，欲以微祿奉養朝夕，不圖為母作禍，昔為母子，今為王臣，義不得顧私恩，毀忠節，唯當萬死，無以塞罪。」 母遙謂曰：「威豪，人各有命，何得相顧以虧忠義，爾其勉之！」 苞即時進戰，賊悉摧破，其母妻皆為所害。 苞自上歸葬，帝遣使弔慰，封鄃侯。 苞葬訖，謂鄉人曰：「食祿而避難，非忠也； 殺母以全義，非孝也。 如是，有何面目立於天下！」 遂歐血而死。
In the twelfth month, on jiayin, Minister of Ceremonies Meng Yu of Henan was made Grand Commandant. On gengchen Minister over the Masses Yang Ci was removed from office. Minister of Ceremonies Chen Dan was appointed Minister of Works. Zhao Bao of Ganling, the new Administrator of Liaoxi, had sent messengers to bring his mother, wife, and children to join him; they were almost at the commandery seat when— on the road through Liucheng they met more than ten thousand Xianbei who had crossed the border to raid. Bao's mother, wife, and children were taken hostage and driven before the invaders as they struck at the commandery. Bao led twenty thousand cavalry to meet the enemy in battle. The raiders paraded his mother before him. He wept aloud and called to her: "I have been a worthless son, hoping only to support you on a modest official's pay—I never meant to bring you harm. We were mother and son; now I am the king's servant. Duty forbids me to favor private love and betray loyalty. I deserve ten thousand deaths and cannot expiate my guilt. His mother shouted back from a distance: "Weihao! Each of us has his fate—do not look to me and sacrifice loyalty and righteousness. Do your duty!" Bao immediately pressed the attack, shattered the enemy completely, and his mother and wife were slain in the fighting. Bao memorialized the throne for leave to bury them. The emperor sent envoys with condolences and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Ju. After the funeral he told his neighbors, "To take the state's pay yet flee from danger is not loyalty; to let one's mother die in order to preserve duty is not filial piety. Having done both, what face have I to live among men!" He then vomited blood and died.
47
春，正月，合浦、交趾烏滸蠻反，招引九真、日南民攻沒郡縣。 太尉孟彧罷。
In the first month of spring the Wuhu tribes of Hepu and Jiaozhi rose in revolt, rallying the people of Jiuzhen and Rinan to overrun commanderies and counties. Grand Commandant Meng Yu was removed from office.
48
二月，辛亥朔，日有食之。 癸丑，以光祿勳陳國袁滂為司徒。 己未，地震。 置鴻都門學，其諸生皆敕州郡、三公舉用辟召，或出為刺史、太守，入為尚書、侍中，有封侯、賜爵者； 士君子皆恥與為列焉。
In the second month, on the new moon of xinhai, the sun was eclipsed. On guichou Director of the Imperial Secretariat Yuan Pang of Chen was made Minister over the Masses. On jiwei an earthquake occurred. The Hongdu Gate Academy was founded. Its students were recruited by imperial order through the provinces and the Three Excellencies; some were sent out as regional inspectors or grand administrators, others brought in as Masters of Writing or Palace Attendants, and some were enfeoffed or granted noble titles— and cultivated gentlemen were ashamed to be classed with them.
49
三月，辛丑，赦天下，改元。 以太常常山張顥為太尉。 顥，中常侍奉之弟也。
In the third month, on xinchou, the empire was granted a general amnesty and the reign title was changed. Minister of Ceremonies Zhang Hao of Changshan was made Grand Commandant. Hao was the younger brother of Regular Palace Attendant Zhang Feng.
50
夏，四月，丙辰，地震。 侍中寺雌雞化為雄。 司空陳耽免； 以太常來艷為司空。
In summer, in the fourth month, on bingchen, an earthquake occurred. At the Palace Attendant's office a hen turned into a rooster. Minister of Works Chen Dan was removed from office; and Minister of Ceremonies Lai Yan was appointed Minister of Works.
51
六月，丁丑，有黑氣墮帝所御溫德殿東庭中，長十餘丈，似龍。
In the sixth month, on dingchou, a black cloud-like mass fell into the eastern court of the Wendé Hall where the emperor dwelt; it stretched more than ten zhang and looked like a dragon.
52
秋，七月，壬子，青虹見玉堂後殿庭中。 詔召光祿大夫楊賜等詣金商門，問以災異及消復之術。 賜對曰：「《春秋言韱》曰：『天投蜺，天下怨，海內亂。』 加四百之期，亦復垂及。 今妾媵、閹尹之徒共專國朝，欺罔日月； 又，鴻都門下招會群小，造作賦說，見寵於時，更相薦說，旬月之間，並各拔擢。 樂松處常伯，任芝居納言，郤儉、梁鵠各受豐爵不次之寵，而令搢紳之徒委伏畎畝，口誦堯、舜之言，身蹈絕俗之行，棄捐溝壑，不見逮及。 冠履倒易，陵谷代處，幸賴皇天垂象譴告。 《周書》曰：『天子見怪則修德，諸侯見怪則修政，卿大夫見怪則修職，士庶人見怪則修身。』 唯陛下斥遠佞巧之臣，速征鶴鳴之士，斷絕尺一，抑止槃游，冀上天還威，眾變可弭！」
In autumn, in the seventh month, on renzi, a green rainbow appeared in the courtyard behind the Yutang Rear Hall. An edict summoned Palace Grandees Yang Ci and others to the Jingshang Gate to answer questions on the omens and how to avert calamity. Yang Ci answered, "The Yan commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals says, 'When Heaven casts down the rainbow, the realm resents it and the empire falls into turmoil. Add four hundred years, and that season too is almost upon us. Today concubines, eunuchs, and their kind monopolize the court and darken the sun and moon; and under the Hongdu Gate petty men are assembled to write fu and essays, winning favor and promoting one another until within weeks they are all advanced. Yue Song holds a chief-counselor's rank, Ren Zhi a censor's post; Xi Jian and Liang Hu enjoy lavish titles and unmerited favor, while true gentlemen are left prostrate in the fields—chanting Yao and Shun yet living in utter integrity—abandoned in obscurity and never advanced. Hats and shoes are reversed, high and low exchanged—fortunately August Heaven has sent omens of warning. The Book of Zhou says, 'When the Son of Heaven sees a portent he cultivates virtue; when feudal lords see one they reform government; when ministers see one they reform their offices; when commoners see one they reform themselves. May Your Majesty banish crafty flatterers, swiftly summon worthy men of hidden virtue, cease issuing petty edicts, and curb idle roaming—so that Heaven may restore its authority and these many portents be stilled!"
53
議郎蔡邕對曰：「臣伏思諸異，皆亡國之怪也。 天於大漢殷勤不已，故屢出祅變以當譴責，欲令人君感悟，改危即安。 今蜺墮、雞化，皆婦人干政之所致也。 前者乳母趙嬈，貴重天下，讒諛驕溢，續以永樂門史霍玉，依阻城社，又為奸邪。 今道路紛紛，復雲有程大人者，察其風聲，將為國患； 宜高為堤防，明設禁令，深惟趙、霍，以為至戒。 今太尉張顥，為玉所進； 光祿勳偉璋，有名貪濁； 又長水校尉趙玹，屯騎校尉蓋升，並叨時幸，榮富優足； 宜念小人在位之咎，退思引身避賢之福。 伏見廷尉郭禧，純厚老成； 光祿大夫橋玄，聰達方直； 故太尉劉寵，忠實守正； 並宜為謀主，數見訪問。 夫宰相大臣，君之四體，委任責成，優劣已分，不宜聽納小吏，雕琢大臣也，又，尚方工技之作，鴻都篇賦之文，可且消息，以示惟優。 宰府孝廉，士之高選，近者以辟召不慎，切責三公，而今並以小文超取選舉，開請托之門，違明王之黃，眾心不厭，莫之敢言。 臣願陛下忍而絕之，思惟萬機，以答天望。 聖朝既自約厲，左右近臣亦宜從化，人自抑損，以塞咎戒，則天道虧滿，鬼神福謙矣。 夫君臣不密，上有漏言之戒，下有失身之禍，願寢臣表，無使盡忠之吏受怨奸仇。」 章奏，帝覽而歎息。 因起更衣，曹節於後竊視之，悉宣語左右，事遂漏露。 其為邕所裁黜者，側目思報。 初，邕與大鴻臚劉命素不相平，叔父衛尉質又與將作大匠陽球有隙。 球即中常侍程璜女夫也。 璜遂使人飛章言「邕、質數以私事請托於郃，郃不聽。 邕含隱切，志欲相中。」 於中詔下尚書召邕詰狀。 邕上書曰：「臣實愚戇，不顧後害，陛下不念忠臣直言，宜加掩蔽，誹謗卒至，便用疑怪。 臣年四十有六，孤特一身，得托名忠臣，死有餘榮，恐陛下於此不復聞至言矣！」 於是下邕、質於雒陽獄，劾以「仇怨奉公，議害大臣，大不敬，棄市。」 事奏，中常侍河南呂強愍邕無罪，力為伸請。 帝亦更思其章，有詔：「減死一等，與家屬髡金甘，徙朔鉗方，不得以赦令除。」 陽球使客追路刺邕，客感其義，皆莫為用。 球又賂其部主，使加毒害，所賂者反以其情戒邕，由是得免。
Consulting Gentleman Cai Yong answered, "I have considered these omens carefully—they are all portents of a state's fall. Heaven has shown Great Han unceasing care, sending repeated uncanny signs as warnings so that the sovereign may awaken and turn danger into safety. The fallen rainbow and the hen turned rooster all stem from women meddling in affairs of state. First the wet nurse Zhao Rao held sway over the realm, her slander and flattery swollen with arrogance; then Huo Yu, clerk of the Yongle Gate, leaned on factional power and again did evil. Now the streets are full of talk of a 'Lord Cheng'; from the rumors abroad he will become a scourge to the state— you should raise high barriers, set clear prohibitions, and take Zhao and Huo as the gravest warning. Grand Commandant Zhang Hao was promoted by Huo Yu; Director of the Imperial Secretariat Wei Zhang is notorious for greed and corruption; Commandant of the Changshui Garrison Zhao Xuan and Commandant of the Tunqi Garrison Gai Sheng likewise enjoy the court's favor and live in lavish ease— they should reflect on the guilt of unworthy men in high place and consider the blessing of stepping aside for the worthy. I observe Court Commandant Guo Xi—sincere, steadfast, and experienced; Grand Master of the Palace Qiao Xuan—wise, forthright, and upright; former Grand Commandant Liu Chong—loyal, steadfast, and upright— all should serve as your chief advisers and be consulted often. Chancellors and ministers are the sovereign's four limbs: once entrusted with full responsibility, their merit is clear, and petty clerks should not be allowed to meddle with and reshape them. The Imperial Workshop's crafts and Hongdu's literary compositions might also be suspended for now, showing that the court cares only for essentials. Filial and Incorrupt nominees are the highest class of scholar-officials; the Three Excellencies were recently rebuked for careless summons, yet now men are promoted on trifling essays, opening the door to patronage and violating the enlightened king's standard. The people are disgusted, but none dare speak. I beg Your Majesty to endure this and cut it off, ponder the myriad affairs of state, and answer Heaven's hope. Since the court has already disciplined itself, those close to the throne should follow suit; let each restrain himself to ward off reproof, and Heaven's way will trim the proud while spirits bless the humble. When ruler and minister are not discreet, the court warns against leaks above while servants risk ruin below. I beg Your Majesty to suppress my memorial so that loyal officials need not suffer the hatred of wicked foes." When the memorial was submitted, the emperor read it and sighed. He then rose to change clothes; Cao Jie peeked from behind and repeated the whole memorial to those beside him, and the affair was leaked. Those whom Yong had criticized glared at him sideways, plotting revenge. Earlier Yong had long been at odds with Grand Herald Liu Ming, and his uncle Commandant of the Guards Zhi also bore a grudge against Master of Works Yang Qiu. Qiu was the son-in-law of Regular Palace Attendant Cheng Huang. Huang then had a secret memorial sent alleging, "Yong and Zhi repeatedly asked Liu He for private favors, and He refused. Yong nursed secret hatred and meant to destroy him." An edict from within ordered the Masters of Writing to summon Yong and examine the charges. Yong submitted a memorial: "I was foolish and blunt, heedless of consequences. Your Majesty did not shield a loyal minister's frank words; slander came at once, and you grew suspicious. I am forty-six, alone in the world; if I may die with the name of loyal minister, I shall have honor enough. I fear Your Majesty will never again hear such frank counsel!" Yong and Zhi were then thrown into Luoyang prison on the charge of "using public office to settle private scores and plotting against great ministers—capital irreverence, death by dismemberment in the marketplace." When the case was reported, Regular Palace Attendant Lü Qiang of Henan, believing Yong innocent, pleaded vigorously for him. The emperor also reconsidered his memorial and decreed: "Commute death by one degree; shave him and his family and exile them to Shuofang, never to be pardoned by amnesty." Yang Qiu sent agents to pursue and assassinate Yong on the road; moved by his integrity, none would do it. Qiu also bribed the escort chief to poison him; the bribed man instead warned Yong, and so he escaped.
54
八月，有星孛於天市。
In the eighth month a comet appeared in the Celestial Market constellation.
55
九月，太尉張顥罷，以太常陳球為太尉。
In the ninth month Grand Commandant Zhang Hao was removed, and Minister of Ceremonies Chen Qiu was made Grand Commandant.
56
司空來艷薨。
Minister of Works Lai Yan died.
57
冬，十月，以屯騎校尉袁逢為司空。
In winter, in the tenth month, Commandant of the Tunqi Garrison Yuan Feng was appointed Minister of Works.
58
宋皇后無寵，後宮幸姬眾共譖毀。 渤海王悝妃宋氏，即後之姑也，中常侍王甫恐後怨之，因譖後挾左道祝詛； 帝信之，遂策收璽綬。 後自致暴室，以憂死。 父不其鄉侯酆及兄弟並被誅。
Empress Song had fallen from favor, and the emperor's favored concubines joined in slandering her. Lady Song, consort of Prince Kui of Bohai, was the empress's aunt. Regular Palace Attendant Wang Fu, fearing her resentment, slandered the empress for witchcraft and curses— the emperor believed it and issued an edict stripping her of seal and sash. The empress was confined to the harsh chamber and died of grief. Her father Feng, Marquis of Buqi village, and her brothers were all put to death.
59
丙子晦，日有食之。
On the last day of bingzi the sun was eclipsed.
60
尚書盧植上言：「凡諸黨錮多非其罪，可加赦恕，申宥回枉。 又，宋後家屬並以無辜委骸橫屍，不得斂葬，宜敕收拾，以安遊魂。 又，郡守、刺史一月數遷，宜依黜陟以章能否，縱不九載，可滿三歲。 又，請謁希求，一宜禁塞，選舉之事，責成主者。 又，天子之體，理無私積，宜弘大務，蠲略細微。」 帝不省。
Master of Writing Lu Zhi memorialized, "Most of those proscribed in the partisan purges were innocent; they should be pardoned and their wrongs redressed. Moreover, Empress Song's kin lie slaughtered though innocent, unburied; order their remains collected so their spirits may rest. Moreover, prefects and inspectors are rotated every few weeks; promotions and demotions should reflect merit—even if not the full nine-year term, three years would do. Private petitions and favor-seeking should be wholly forbidden, and responsibility for nominations should rest with those in charge. Moreover, the Son of Heaven should have no private hoard; he should attend to great affairs and set aside trifles." The emperor paid no heed.
61
十一月，太尉陳球免。
In the eleventh month Grand Commandant Chen Qiu was removed from office.
62
十二月，丁巳，以光祿大夫橋玄為太尉。
In the twelfth month, on dingsi, Grand Master of the Palace Qiao Xuan was made Grand Commandant.
63
鮮卑寇酒泉； 種眾日多，緣邊莫不被毒。
The Xianbei raided Jiuquan; their numbers grew daily, and nowhere along the frontier was spared their ravages.
64
詔中尚方為鴻都文學樂松、江覽等三十二人圖像立贊，以勸學者。 尚書令陽球諫曰：「臣案松、覽等皆出於微蔑，斗筲小人，依憑世戚，附托權豪，俛眉承睫，徼進明時。 或獻賦一篇，或鳥篆盈簡，而位升郎中，形圖丹青。 亦有筆不點牘，辭不辨心，假手請字，妖偽百品，莫不被蒙殊恩，蟬蛻滓濁。 是以有識掩口，天下嗟歎。 臣聞圖像之設，以昭勸戒，欲令人君動鑒得失，未聞豎子小人詐作文頌，而可妄竊天官，垂象圖素者也。 今太學、東觀足以宣明聖化，願罷鴻都之選，以銷天下之謗。」 書奏，不省。
An edict ordered the Imperial Workshop to paint portraits and write encomia for thirty-two Hongdu scholars, including Yue Song and Jiang Lan, to encourage learning. Master of Writing Yang Qiu remonstrated, "I find that Song, Lan, and the rest come from the lowest origins—petty men who lean on powerful kin, fawn on the mighty, and scheme for office in this enlightened age. Some offer a single fu, others fill scrolls with ornamental script, yet they rise to Gentleman of the Palace and have their portraits painted in brilliant colors. Some never touch brush to paper themselves, cannot compose their own words, and hire ghostwriters—a hundred kinds of fraud—all showered with extraordinary favor and lifted from the mire like cicadas from their shells. Men of discernment cover their mouths in shame, and the realm sighs in dismay. Portraits are meant to teach and warn, moving the ruler to reflect on right and wrong. I have never heard that fraudulent essays by base men could justify usurping high office and hanging their likenesses on silk. The Imperial Academy and Eastern Pavilion already suffice to spread the sage's teaching. I beg you to abolish the Hongdu selections and silence the realm's reproach." The memorial was submitted, but the emperor took no notice.
65
是歲，初開西邸賣官，入錢各有差； 二千石二千萬； 四百石四百萬； 其以德次應選者半之，或三分之一； 於西園立庫以貯之。 或詣闕上書占令長，隨縣好醜，豐約有賈。 富者則先入錢，貧者到官然後倍輸。 又私令左右賣公卿，公千萬，卿五百萬。 初，帝為侯時常苦貧，及即位，每歎桓帝不能作家居，曾無私錢，故賣官聚錢以為私藏。 帝嘗問侍中楊奇曰：「朕何如桓帝？」 對曰：「陛下之於桓帝，亦猶虞舜比德唐堯。」 帝不悅曰：「卿強項，真楊震子孫，死後必復致大鳥矣。」 奇，震之曾孫也。 南匈奴屠特若屍逐就單于死，子呼征立。
That year the court first opened the Western Lodge to sell offices, with fees set by rank— two-thousand-dan posts cost twenty million cash; four-hundred-dan posts, four million; for candidates chosen on merit the fee was halved, or reduced to one-third; and a treasury was set up in the Western Garden to hold the payments. Some petitioned at court to reserve district magistracies, with prices varying by each county's desirability. The rich paid upfront; the poor paid double after assuming office. He also secretly ordered his attendants to sell ducal and ministerial ranks—ten million for a duke, five million for a minister. As a marquis the emperor had known poverty; once enthroned he often lamented that Emperor Huan could not keep house and had no private funds—so he sold offices to build a personal treasury. The emperor once asked Palace Attendant Yang Qi, "How do I compare with Emperor Huan? He answered, "Your Majesty compared with Emperor Huan is like Yu Shun beside Tang Yao in virtue. The emperor, displeased, said, "You are stiff-necked—a true descendant of Yang Zhen. After death you will surely hatch another great bird. Qi was the great-grandson of Yang Zhen. The Southern Xiongnu Chanyu Tute Ruoshizhujiu died, and his son Huzheng succeeded him.
66
春，大疫。
In spring a great pestilence swept the land.
67
三月，司徒袁滂免，以大鴻臚劉郃為司徒。 乙丑，太尉橋玄罷，拜太中大夫； 以太中大夫段熲為太尉。 玄幼子游門次，為人所劫，登樓求貨； 玄不與。 司隸校尉、河南尹圍守玄家，不敢迫。 玄瞋目呼曰：「奸人無狀，玄豈以一子之命而縱國賊乎！」 促令攻之，玄子亦死。 玄因上言：「天下凡有劫質，皆並殺之，不得贖以財寶，開張奸路。」 由是劫質遂絕。
In the third month Minister over the Masses Yuan Pang was removed, and Grand Herald Liu He was made Minister over the Masses. On yichou Grand Commandant Qiao Xuan was dismissed and appointed Grand Master of the Palace; Grand Master of the Palace Duan Yong was made Grand Commandant. Xuan's young son was at the gate when bandits seized him, climbed a tower, and demanded ransom— Xuan refused. The Metropolitan Commandant and Intendant of Henan surrounded Xuan's house but dared not press the attack. Xuan glared and shouted, "Shameless villains—would I spare the state's enemies for one son's life! He ordered an immediate assault; his son died in the fighting. Xuan then memorialized, "Whenever hostages are taken anywhere in the realm, kill them all—never ransom them with treasure, lest we open the door to crime. After that, hostage-taking largely ceased.
68
京兆地震。
An earthquake struck the capital region.
69
司空袁逢罷； 以太常張濟為司空。
Minister of Works Yuan Feng was removed from office; and Minister of Ceremonies Zhang Ji was appointed Minister of Works.
70
夏，四月，甲戌朔，日有食之。
In summer, in the fourth month, on the new moon of jiaxu, the sun was eclipsed.
71
王甫、曹節等奸虐弄權，扇動內外，太尉段熲阿附之。 節、甫父兄子弟為卿、校、牧、守、令、長者佈滿天下，所在貪暴。 甫養子吉為沛相，尤殘酷，凡殺人，皆磔屍車上，隨其罪目，宣示屬縣，夏月腐爛，則以繩連其骨，周遍一郡乃止，見者駭懼。 視事五年，凡殺萬餘人。 尚書令陽球常拊髀發憤曰：「若陽球作司隸，此曹子安得容乎！」 即而球果遷司隸。 甫使門生於京兆界辜榷官財物七千餘萬，京兆尹楊彪發其奸，言之司隸。 彪，賜之子也。 時甫休沐裡捨，熲方以日食自劾。 球詣闕謝恩，因奏甫、熲及中常侍淳於登、袁赦、封□羽等罪惡，辛巳，悉收甫、熲等送洛陽獄，及甫子永樂少府萌、沛相吉。 球自臨考甫等，五毒備極； 萌先嘗為司隸，乃謂球曰：「父子既當伏誅，亦以先後之義，少以楚毒假借老父。」 球曰：「爾罪惡無狀，死不滅責，乃欲論先後求假借邪！」 萌乃罵曰：「爾前奉事吾父子如奴，奴敢反汝主乎！ 今日臨坑相擠，行自及也！」 球使以土窒萌口，箠撲交至，父子悉死於杖下； 熲亦自殺。 乃僵磔甫屍於夏城門，大署榜曰：「賊臣王甫。」 盡沒入其財產，妻子皆徙比景。
Wang Fu, Cao Jie, and their faction were cruel and corrupt, manipulating power inside and outside the court; Grand Commandant Duan Yong curried their favor. Jie and Fu's kin filled the empire as ministers, commandants, governors, and magistrates, rapacious wherever they served. Fu's adopted son Ji, Administrator of Pei, was especially brutal: every execution was dismembered and displayed on carts throughout the commandery; in summer, when corpses rotted, he strung the bones on ropes and paraded them through the entire region—onlookers were horrified. In five years in office he killed more than ten thousand people. Master of Writing Yang Qiu often slapped his thigh in fury and said, "If I were Metropolitan Commandant, how could these men survive! Soon afterward Yang Qiu was indeed made Metropolitan Commandant. Fu's retainers extorted more than seventy million in official goods in the capital region; Capital Intendant Yang Biao exposed the crime and reported it to the Metropolitan Commandant. Biao was the son of Yang Ci. Wang Fu was then on leave at his estate, and Duan Yong had just submitted a self-impeachment over the eclipse. Qiu went to court to thank the emperor for his appointment and memorialized the crimes of Fu, Yong, and the eunuchs Chunyu Deng, Yuan She, Feng Xu, and others. On xinsi all were arrested—Fu, Yong, and the rest—and sent to Luoyang prison, along with Fu's son Meng, Superintendent of the Yongle Palace, and Ji, Administrator of Pei. Qiu personally interrogated Fu and the others, applying every form of torture; Meng, who had once been Metropolitan Commandant himself, said to Qiu, "Father and son must both die—but by the rule of precedence, spare my aged father some of the beating. Qiu said, "Your crimes are beyond measure—death cannot expiate them—and you plead precedence for leniency! Meng cursed, "You once served us father and son like a slave—does a slave dare turn on his master! Today at the pit's edge we shove each other—you will soon fall in yourself!" Qiu had earth stuffed into Meng's mouth; cudgels rained down until father and son both died under the blows; Duan Yong also took his own life. Fu's corpse was dismembered and displayed at the Xia Gate, with a placard reading, "Traitor minister Wang Fu. All his property was confiscated, and his wife and children were exiled to Bijing.
72
球既誅甫，欲以次表曹節等，乃敕中都官從事曰：「且先去權貴大猾，乃議其餘耳。 公卿豪右若袁氏兒輩，從事自辦之，何須校尉邪！」 權門聞之，莫不屏氣。 曹節等皆不敢出沐。 會順帝虞貴人葬，百官會喪還，曹節見磔甫屍道次，慨然抆淚曰：「我曹可自相食，何宜使犬舐其汁乎！」 語諸常侍：「今且俱入，勿過裡捨也。」 節直入省，白帝曰：「陽球故酷暴吏，前三府奏當免官，以九江微功，復見擢用。 愆過之人，好為妄作，不宜使在司隸，以騁毒虐。」 帝乃徙球為衛尉。 時球出謁陵，節敕尚書令召拜，不得稽留尺一。 球被召急，因求見帝，叩頭曰：「臣無清高之行，橫蒙鷹犬之任，前雖誅王甫、段熲，蓋狐狸小丑，未足宣示天下。 願假臣一月，必令豺狼鴟梟各服其辜。」 叩頭流血。 殿上呵叱曰：「衛尉扞詔邪！」 至於再三，乃受拜。
After executing Fu, Qiu meant to indict Cao Jie and the rest in turn. He instructed the Director of Retainers, "First take the powerful ringleaders; then deal with the rest. For grandees like the Yuan clan, you may handle them yourself—what need of the Commandant!" When the powerful families heard this, they all held their breath. Cao Jie and the rest did not dare leave their posts even for ritual bathing. When the officials returned from the funeral of Emperor Shun's Honored Lady Yu, Cao Jie saw Fu's dismembered corpse by the road. He sighed and wiped away tears: "We may devour one another—but why let dogs lick his blood! He told the eunuchs, "Today we all enter the palace together—do not stop at our estates. Jie went straight to the Secretariat and told the emperor, "Yang Qiu is a brutal official by nature; the Three Excellencies thrice recommended his dismissal, yet for minor service at Jiujiang he was promoted again. A man of faults loves reckless action; he must not hold the Metropolitan Commandancy and unleash his cruelty." The emperor then transferred Qiu to Commandant of the Guards. Qiu was then away at the imperial tombs; Jie ordered the Master of Writing to summon him at once, allowing no delay. Summoned in haste, Qiu sought audience and kowtowed: "I have no lofty virtue, yet was made the emperor's hawk and hound. Though I executed Wang Fu and Duan Yong, they were mere foxes and petty villains—not enough to show the realm. Grant me one month, and I will make every wolf and owl answer for his crimes." He kowtowed until his forehead bled. From the hall came a shout: "Commandant of the Guards, do you defy the edict! Only after repeated rebukes did he accept the appointment.
73
於是曹節、朱瑀等權勢復盛。 節領尚書令。 郎中梁人審忠上書曰：「陛下即位之初，未能萬機，皇太后念在撫育，權時攝政，故中常侍蘇康、管霸應時誅殄。 太傅陳蕃、大將軍竇武考其黨與，志清朝政。 華容侯朱瑀知事覺露，禍及其身，遂興造逆謀，作亂王室，撞蹋省闥，執奪璽綬，迫脅陛下，聚會群臣，離間骨肉母子之恩，遂誅蕃、武及尹勳等。 因共割裂城社，自相封賞，父子兄弟，被蒙尊榮，素所親厚，布在州郡，或登九列，或據三司。 不惟祿重位尊之責，而苟營私門，多蓄財貨，繕修第捨，連裡竟巷，盜取御水，以作漁釣，車馬服玩，擬於天家。 群公卿士，杜口吞聲，莫敢有言； 州牧郡守，承順風旨，辟召選舉，釋賢取愚。 故蟲蝗為之生，夷寇為之起，天意憤盈，積十餘年，故頻歲日食於上，地震於下，所以譴戒人主，欲令覺悟，誅金甘無狀。 昔高宗以雉雊之變，故獲中興之功； 近者神祇啟悟陛下，發赫斯之怒，故王甫父子應時馘截，路人士女莫不稱善，若除父母之仇。 誠恐陛下復忍孽臣之類，不悉殄滅。 昔秦信趙高，以危其國； 吳使刑人，身遘其禍。 今以不忍之恩，赦夷族之罪，奸謀一成，悔亦何及！ 臣為郎十五年，皆耳目聞見，瑀之所為，誠皇天所不復赦。 願陛下留漏刻之聽，裁省臣表，掃滅丑類，以答天怒。 與瑀考驗，有不如言，願受湯鑊之誅，妻子並徙，以絕妄言之路。」 章寢不報。
Thereupon Cao Jie, Zhu Yu, and their faction regained their power. Jie held the post of Master of Writing. Gentleman of the Palace Shen Zhong of Liang memorialized, "When Your Majesty first ascended the throne you could not yet govern; the Empress Dowager ruled temporarily, and the eunuchs Su Kang and Guan Ba were rightly executed. Grand Tutor Chen Fan and General-in-Chief Dou Wu investigated their faction, intending to purify the court. Marquis of Huarong Zhu Yu, seeing exposure and ruin before him, raised a treasonous plot, stormed the Secretariat, seized the imperial seal, coerced Your Majesty, assembled ministers, sundered mother and son, and executed Fan, Wu, Yin Xun, and the rest. They carved up the realm among themselves, enfeoffing one another; fathers, sons, and brothers were showered with honors; their favorites filled the provinces, some reaching the highest ranks, some holding the Three Excellencies. They did not merely enjoy fat salaries and high rank but schemed for private gain, hoarded wealth, built mansions block after block, diverted imperial water for fishing, and equipped themselves with carriages, horses, and luxuries rivaling the imperial household. The host of ministers sealed their lips and dared not speak; governors and prefects followed their lead in appointments, rejecting the worthy and choosing fools. Hence locusts and barbarian raids; Heaven's wrath has built for more than ten years—hence repeated eclipses above and earthquakes below, warning the sovereign to awaken and destroy these shameless villains. Emperor Gaozong once turned a pheasant's crow into restoration of the dynasty; Recently the spirits awakened Your Majesty to majestic wrath, and Wang Fu and his son were executed; travelers and townsfolk praised it as though avenging their own parents. I truly fear Your Majesty will again spare such wicked ministers and not destroy them utterly. Qin once trusted Zhao Gao and endangered the realm; Wu employed a criminal as minister and suffered the consequence himself. Now, by misplaced mercy, you pardon crimes deserving clan extermination—once treason takes shape, regret will be too late! I have served as a Gentleman for fifteen years and witnessed it all; what Zhu Yu has done Heaven itself will not forgive. I beg Your Majesty to heed this memorial, destroy these vile men, and answer Heaven's wrath. If investigation proves me wrong about Zhu Yu, I accept death in the boiling cauldron and exile for my wife and children—to cut off all false speech." The memorial was shelved without response.
74
中常侍呂強清忠奉公，帝以眾例封為都鄉侯，強固辭不受，因上疏陳事曰：「臣聞高祖重約，非功臣不侯，所以重天爵、明勸戒也。 中常侍曹節等，宦官祐薄，品卑人賤，讒諂媚主，佞邪徼寵，有趙高之禍，未被轘裂之誅。 陛下不悟，妄授茅土，開國承家，小人是用，又並及家人，重金兼紫，交結邪黨，下比群佞。 陰陽乖剌，稼穡荒蕪，人用不康，罔不由茲。 臣誠知封事已行，言之無逮，所以冒死干觸陳愚忠者，實願陛下損改既謬，從此一止。 臣又聞後宮采女數千餘人，衣食之費日數百金，比谷雖賤而戶有饑色，案法當貴而今更賤者，由賦發繁數，以解縣官，寒不敢衣，饑不敢食，民有斯厄而莫之恤。 宮女無用，填積後庭，天下雖復盡力耕桑，猶不能供。 又，前召議郎蔡邕對問於金商門，邕不敢懷道迷國，而切言極對，毀刺貴臣，譏呵宦官。 陛下不密其言，至令宣露，群邪項領，膏脣拭舌，競欲咀嚼，造作飛條。 陛下回受誹謗，致邕刑罪，室家徙放，老幼流離，豈不負忠臣哉！ 今群臣皆以邕為戒，上畏不測之難，下懼劍客之害，臣知朝廷不復得聞忠言矣！ 故太尉段熲，武勇冠世，習於邊事，垂發服戎，功成皓首，歷事二主，勳烈獨昭。 陛下既已式序，位登台司，而為司隸校尉陽球所見誣脅，一身既斃，而妻子遠播，天下惆悵，功臣失望。 宜征邕更加授任，反熲家屬，則忠貞路開，眾怨以弭矣。」 帝知其忠而不能用。
Regular Palace Attendant Lü Qiang was pure and loyal; the emperor offered to enfeoff him as Marquis of the Capital District by precedent, but Qiang firmly declined and memorialized, "I have heard that Emperor Gaozu honored covenants—only meritorious ministers were enfeoffed—thereby honoring Heaven's rank and making reward and warning clear. Cao Jie and the other eunuchs are men of low birth who flatter and slander, scheme for favor, and bring Zhao Gao's calamity—yet have not suffered torn-apart execution. Your Majesty does not see it but rashly grants fiefs, ennobling petty men and their whole households with gold and purple rank, forming wicked factions and allying with flatterers. Yin and yang are out of harmony, fields lie waste, and the people suffer unrest—all from this cause. I know the enfeoffments are already done and words come too late; I risk death to speak because I truly wish Your Majesty to correct this error and stop here. I further hear that the inner palace holds several thousand women, costing hundreds in gold daily for food and clothing. Though grain is cheap, households show hunger; grain should be dear by law yet is cheap because taxes are levied repeatedly to fill official coffers—the people dare not clothe themselves against cold or eat against hunger, yet none pity their distress. Useless palace women fill the rear court; though the realm farms and mulberries with all its strength, it still cannot supply them. Moreover, Consulting Gentleman Cai Yong was earlier summoned to answer questions at the Jingshang Gate. He did not hide the truth to mislead the state but spoke bluntly, denouncing great ministers and rebuking the eunuchs. Your Majesty did not keep his words secret, and they were leaked. The wicked stretched their necks, licked their lips, and competed to destroy him, fabricating secret indictments. Your Majesty accepted slander instead, punished Yong, and exiled his household until old and young were scattered—have you not betrayed a loyal minister! Now every minister takes Yong as a warning—fearing disaster above and assassins below. I know the court will never again hear frank counsel! Former Grand Commandant Duan Yong's martial valor was unmatched. Skilled in frontier warfare, he took up arms in youth and won glory in old age, serving two emperors with brilliant merit. Your Majesty had honored him with the highest office, yet Metropolitan Commandant Yang Qiu framed him. He was killed, his family exiled, the realm grieved, and worthy servants lost hope. Summon Yong and restore him to office; recall Duan Yong's family—then the path of loyalty will reopen and public resentment be stilled." The emperor knew he was loyal but could not act on it.
75
丁酉，赦天下。 上祿長和海上言：「禮，從祖兄弟別居異財，恩義已輕，服屬疏末。 而今黨人錮及五族，既乖典訓之文，有謬經常之法。」 帝覽之而悟，於是黨錮自從祖以下皆得解釋。
On dingyou the empire was granted a general amnesty. He Shang of Shangluo county memorialized, "By ritual, cousins who live apart with separate property owe only light obligations; mourning ties are remote. Yet the partisan proscription now reaches five clans—contrary to canonical teaching and regular law." The emperor read it and understood; the partisan ban was lifted for all kin from second cousins downward.
76
五月，以衛尉劉寬為太尉。
In the fifth month Commandant of the Guards Liu Kuan was made Grand Commandant.
77
護匈奴中郎將張修與南單于呼征不相能，修擅斬之，更立右賢王羌渠為單于。
Protector-General of the Xiongnu Zhang Xiu quarreled with Southern Chanyu Huzheng, executed him on his own authority, and installed Right Worthy King Qiangqu as Chanyu.
78
秋，七月，修坐不先請而擅誅殺，檻車征詣廷尉，死。
In autumn, in the seventh month, Xiu was convicted of executing without prior authorization, summoned in a prisoner cart to the Court Commandant, and put to death.
79
初，司徒劉郃兄侍中鯈與竇武同謀，俱死。 永樂少府陳球說郃曰：「公出自宗室，位登台鼎，天下瞻望，社稷鎮衛，豈得雷同，容容無違而已。 今曹節等放縱為害，而久在左右，又公兄侍中受害節等，今可表徙衛尉陽球為司隸校尉，以次收節等誅之，政出聖主，天下太平，可翹足而待也！」 郃曰：「凶豎多耳目，恐事未會，先受其禍。」 尚書劉納曰：「為國棟樑，傾危不持，焉用延彼相邪！」 郃許諾，亦與陽球結謀。 球小妻，程璜之女，由是節等頗得聞知，乃重賂璜，且脅之。 璜懼迫，以球謀告節，節因共白帝曰：「郃與劉納、陳球、陽球交通書疏，謀議不軌。」 帝大怒。
Earlier Liu He's elder brother, Palace Attendant Tiao, had joined Dou Wu's plot and both were killed. Superintendent of the Yongle Palace Chen Qiu urged He, "You are of the imperial clan and hold the highest office; the realm looks to you to guard the altars of state—how can you merely echo others and never resist! Cao Jie and his faction run rampant at the emperor's side, and they killed your brother the Palace Attendant. Memorialize to make Yang Qiu Metropolitan Commandant and arrest Jie and the rest in turn. Government will return to the sage ruler, peace will come, and you need only wait!" He said, "Those villains have spies everywhere—I fear the plot will fail and I will suffer first. Master of Writing Liu Na said, "As a pillar of the state, if you will not support it in crisis, what use is such a minister! He agreed and also plotted with Yang Qiu. Qiu's junior wife was Cheng Huang's daughter, so Jie and the rest learned of the plot. They bribed Huang heavily and threatened him. Huang, frightened, revealed the plot to Jie. Jie reported to the emperor, "He, Liu Na, Chen Qiu, and Yang Qiu exchange letters and plot treason. The emperor was furious.
80
冬，十月，甲申，劉郃、陳球、劉納、陽球皆下獄死。
In winter, in the tenth month, on jiashen, Liu He, Chen Qiu, Liu Na, and Yang Qiu were all thrown into prison and put to death.
81
巴郡板楯蠻反，遣御史中丞蕭瑗督益州刺史討之，不克。
The Banshun tribes of Ba commandery rebelled. Imperial Secretary Xiao Yuan supervised the Regional Inspector of Yizhou in suppressing them but failed.
82
十二月，以光祿勳楊賜為司徒。
In the twelfth month Director of the Imperial Secretariat Yang Ci was made Minister over the Masses.
83
鮮卑寇幽、并二州。
The Xianbei raided You and Bing provinces.
84
春，正月，癸酉，赦天下。
In the first month of spring, on guiyou, the empire was granted a general amnesty.
85
夏，四月，江夏蠻反。
In summer, in the fourth month, the Jiangxia tribes rebelled.
86
秋，酒泉地震。
In autumn an earthquake struck Jiuquan.
87
冬，有星孛於狼、弧。
In winter a comet appeared in the Wolf and Arc constellations.
88
鮮卑寇幽、并二州。
The Xianbei again raided You and Bing provinces.
89
十二月，己巳，立貴人何氏為皇后。 征後兄穎川太守進為侍中。 後本南陽屠家，以選入掖庭，生皇子辯，故立之。
In the twelfth month, on jisi, Honored Lady He was made empress. The empress's elder brother He Jin, Grand Administrator of Yingchuan, was summoned and made Palace Attendant. The empress came from a butcher's family in Nanyang, entered the palace by selection, bore Prince Bian, and was therefore enthroned.
90
是歲作罼圭、靈昆苑。 司徒楊賜諫曰：「先帝之制，左開鴻池，右作上林，不奢不約，以合禮中。 今猥規郊城之地以為苑囿，壞沃衍，廢田園，驅居民，畜禽獸，殆非所謂若保赤子之義。 今城外之苑已有五六，可以逞情意，順四節也。 宜惟夏禹卑宮、太宗露台之意，以尉下民之勞。」 書奏，帝欲止，以問侍中任芝、樂松； 對曰：「昔文王之囿百里，人以為小； 齊宣五里，人以為大。 今與百姓共之，無害於政也。」 帝悅，遂為之。 巴郡板楯蠻反。
That year the Bigui and Lingkun parks were built. Minister over the Masses Yang Ci remonstrated, "The former emperor's rule opened Hongchi on the left and Shanglin on the right—neither extravagant nor austere, fitting the mean of ritual. Now you plan to turn suburban lands into parks, ruining fertile fields, abandoning farms, driving out residents, and raising game—hardly the way to cherish the people like infants. There are already five or six parks outside the city—enough to satisfy pleasure and follow the four seasons. Consider Yu the Great's humble palace and Taizong's earthen terrace, and ease the people's labor." When the memorial was submitted, the emperor wished to stop and asked Palace Attendants Ren Zhi and Yue Song; they answered, "King Wen's park was a hundred li, yet people thought it small; King Xuan of Qi's was five li, yet people thought it large. Sharing it with the people does no harm to government." The emperor was pleased and proceeded with it. The Banshun tribes of Ba commandery rebelled again.
91
蒼梧、桂陽賊攻郡縣，零陵太守楊璇制馬車數十乘，以排囊盛石灰於車上，系布索於馬尾； 又為兵車，專彀弓弩。 及戰，令馬車居前，順風鼓灰，賊不得視，因以火燒布然，馬驚，奔突賊陣，因使後車弓弩亂髮，鉦鼓鳴震，群盜波駭破散，追逐傷斬無數，梟其渠帥，郡境以清。 荊州刺史趙凱誣奏璇實非身破賊，而妄有其功； 璇與相章奏。 凱有黨助，遂檻車征璇，防禁嚴密，無由自訟； 乃噬臂出血，書衣為章，具陳破賊形勢，及言凱所誣狀，潛令親屬詣厥通之。 詔書原璇，拜議郎； 凱受誣人之罪。 璇，喬之弟也。
Bandits in Cangwu and Guiyang attacked commanderies and counties. Grand Administrator of Lingling Yang Xuan built several dozen horse-drawn carts fitted with bellows bags of lime and cloth ropes tied to the horses' tails; and war carts armed only with crossbows. In battle he sent the lime carts forward; with the wind they blew dust into the enemy's eyes. They set the cloth alight, panicking the horses into the bandit ranks, while crossbow carts behind rained bolts amid gongs and drums. The bandits broke in terror; pursuit killed countless and captured the leaders, and the commandery was pacified. Regional Inspector of Jingzhou Zhao Kai falsely reported that Xuan had not personally defeated the bandits but falsely claimed credit; Xuan memorialized in rebuttal. Kai had partisan allies, and Xuan was summoned in a prisoner cart under strict guard, unable to plead his case; he bit his arm until it bled, wrote his defense on his garment, described how he had defeated the bandits and exposed Kai's false charges, and secretly sent kin to deliver it to the capital. An edict pardoned Xuan and appointed him Consulting Gentleman; Kai was punished for false accusation. Xuan was the younger brother of Yang Qiao.