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《纪二 - Records 2》

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显宗孝明皇帝 - Xianzong Xiaoming Huangdi

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1 显宗孝明... :
孝明皇帝讳阳,一名庄,世祖之中子也。建武四年五月甲申,皇子阳生,丰下锐上,颜赤色,有似于尧,上以赤色名之曰阳。年十岁通春秋,上循其头曰“吴季子”。阳对曰:“愚戆无比。”及阿乳母以问师傅,曰:“少推诚对。”师傅无以易其辞。母光烈皇后,初让尊位为贵人,故帝年十二以皇子立为东海公,三岁进爵为王。幼而聪明睿智,容貌壮丽,世祖异焉,数问以政议,应对敏达,谋谟甚深。温恭好学,敬爱师傅,所以承事兄弟,亲密九族,内外周洽。世祖愈珍上德,以为宜承先序。建武十七年十月,诏废郭皇后,立阴贵人为皇后,以上为皇太子,治尚书,备师法,兼通四经,略举大义,博观群书,以助术学,无所不照。中元二年二月,世祖崩,皇太子即位。帝即祚。长思远慕,至逾年,乃率诸王侯、公主、外戚、郡国计吏上陵,如会殿前礼。正月,上谒原陵,梦先帝、太后如平生,亲率百官上陵,其日降甘露,积于树,百官取以荐。会毕,上伏御床视太后镜奁中物,感动悲涕,令易脂泽妆具。左右皆泣,莫能仰视。长水校尉樊鯈奏言,先帝大业,当以时施行,欲使诸儒共正经义,颇令学者得以自助。于是下太常、将军、大夫、博士、议郎、郎官及诸王诸儒会白虎观,讲议五经同异。明帝封太后弟阴兴子庆为鮦阳侯,子博隐强侯,阴盛为无锡侯,楚王舅子许昌龙舒侯。永平二年正月,上宗祀光武皇帝于明堂,上及公卿列侯始服冕冠、衣裳。祀毕,登灵台。三月,上初临辟雍,行大射礼。十月,上幸辟雍,初行养老礼。诏曰:“十月元日,始尊事三老,兄事五更,安车狈轮,朕亲袒割牲,祝哽在前,祝噎在后。三老常山李躬,年耆学明,以二千石禄养终身。五更沛国桓荣,以尚书教朕十有馀年,其赐爵关内侯,食邑五千户。”甲子,上幸长安,祠高庙,遂有事十一陵。历览馆舍邑居旧处,会郡县吏,劳赐作乐。有县三老大言:“陛下入东都,臣望颜色容仪,类似先帝,臣一驩喜。百官严设如旧时,臣二驩喜。见吏赏赐,识先帝时事,臣三驩喜。陛下听用直谏,默然受之,臣四驩喜。陛下至明,惩艾酷吏,视人如赤子,臣五驩喜。进贤用能,各得其所,臣六驩喜。天下太平,德合于尧,臣七驩喜。”帝令上殿,欲观上衣,因举虎头衣以畏三老。上曰:“属者所言我尧,削章不如饱饭。”十一月,诏京兆、右扶风以中牢祠萧何、霍光,出郡钱谷给萧何子孙,在三百里内者,悉令侍祠。永平三年诏曰:“登灵台,正仪度。”春二月,图二十八将于云台,册曰:“部符封侯,或以德显。”秋八月,诏曰:“琁玑钤曰:‘有帝汉出,德洽作乐,名予。’”会明帝改其名,郊庙乐曰太予乐,正乐官曰太予乐官,以应图谶。十月,上与皇太后幸南阳章陵,周观旧庐,召见阴、邓故人。上在于道所幸见吏,劳赐省事毕,步行观部署,不用辇。甲夜读众书,乙夜尽乃寐,先五鼓起,率常如此。四年,诏书曰:“朕亲耕于藉田,以祈农事。”五年十月,上幸邺,赵王栩会邺,赐钱百万。六年,庐江太守献宝鼎,出王雒山,纳于太庙。诏曰:“易鼎足象三公,岂非公卿奉职得理乎?太常其以礿祭之日陈鼎于庙,以备器用。”七年,公卿以芝生前殿,奉觞上寿。八年十月,上临辟雍,养三老、五更。礼毕,上手书赦令,尚书仆射持节诏三公。九年,诏为四姓小侯置学。十年闺月,行幸南阳,祠章陵。以日北至,复祠于旧宅。礼毕,召校官弟子作雅乐,奏鹿鸣,上自御埙篪和之,以娱嘉宾。至南顿,劳飨三老、官属。是时天下安平,人无徭役,岁比登稔,百姓殷富,粟斛三十,牛被野。十二年,以益州徼外哀牢王率众慕化,地旷远,置永昌郡。十三年二月,上耕藉田毕,赐观者食。有一诸生前举手曰:“
Xiaoming Huangdi, whose personal name was Yang and another name Zhuang, was the second son of Shizu. In the fourth year of Jianwu, on the Jia Shen day of the fifth month, Crown Prince Yang was born. He had a sharp upper body and a full lower body, with a reddish complexion resembling that of Yao. The emperor named him "Yang" because of his red coloration. At the age of ten he understood the Spring and Autumn Annals, and the emperor, running his hand through his hair, said, "He is like Wu Jizi." Yang replied, "I am foolish and clumsy beyond comparison." When his nurse asked the tutors about it, they said, "He should be encouraged to speak sincerely from an early age." The tutors had no words with which to change his statement. His mother, Guanglie Empress, initially declined the imperial title and was honored as a "guiren" (a high-ranking concubine). Therefore, when he was twelve years old, he was established as Gong of Donghai as a royal prince, and three years later his title was elevated to that of a king. From an early age, he was intelligent and wise, with a handsome and stately appearance. Shizu regarded him as exceptional and often asked him about political affairs; his responses were prompt and insightful, and his strategies were very profound. He was warm-hearted, respectful, and fond of learning; he revered and loved his tutors. In dealing with brothers and relatives, he showed affection and closeness to all nine clans, maintaining harmonious relations both within the family and outside. Shizu valued his virtue even more highly, believing that he was suitable to succeed in the imperial line. In the tenth month of the seventeenth year of Jianwu, an edict was issued to depose Empress Guo and to establish Yin Gui Ren as empress. Yang was appointed Crown Prince. He studied the Book of Documents, prepared under the guidance of tutors, and also became well-versed in four Confucian classics, grasping their main principles. He extensively read various books to assist his scholarly studies, gaining insight into all matters without exception. In the second month of the second year of Zhongyuan, Shizu died and Crown Prince ascended to the throne. The emperor assumed the throne. After a long period of contemplation and yearning, more than a year later, he led the various kings, marquises, princesses, relatives by marriage, and officials from commanderies and states in paying homage to his father's tomb, following the ceremonial rites performed before the Hall of Assembly. In the first month, the emperor visited Yuanling and dreamed of his late father and empress dowager as if they were alive. He personally led all officials to pay homage at the tomb. On that day, sweet dew fell and accumulated on trees; the officials collected it and presented it in tribute. After the ceremony was completed, the emperor knelt by the imperial bed and looked at objects in Empress Dowager's mirror casket. Deeply moved, he wept bitterly and ordered new cosmetics and toiletries to be provided for her. Those around him all wept, unable to look up. Changshui Jiao Wei Fan You presented a memorial stating that the great achievements of the late emperor should be implemented in due time, and he wished to have Confucian scholars together correct the meanings of classical texts so that students could also assist themselves in their studies. Thus, the emperor summoned officials from Taichang, generals, grandees, doctors of literature, advisory scholars, clerks, and various kings and Confucian scholars to gather at Baihu Guan (White Tiger Pavilion) to discuss and debate the similarities and differences among the Five Classics. Mingdi bestowed the title of Diyang Hou on Yin Qing, the son of Empress Dowager's younger brother Yin Xing; the title of Yin Qiang Hou on his son Bo; the title of Wuxi Hou on Yin Sheng; and the title of Longshu Hou in Xu Chang on the maternal uncle of Prince of Chu. In the first month of the second year of Yongping, the emperor conducted a sacrifice at Mingtang Temple to honor Emperor Guangwu. For the first time, he and the high officials as well as marquises donned ceremonial caps (mianguan), robes, and skirts. After the sacrifice was completed, he ascended Lingtai. 隆重 In March, the emperor made his first visit to Biyong and performed the grand archery ceremony. In October, the emperor visited Biyong, where he conducted the ceremonial rite of honoring the elderly for the first time. The edict stated: "On the first day of October, we begin to honor the Three Elders with reverence and treat the Five Elders as elder brothers. A carriage with padded wheels will be provided for their comfort. I myself shall personally slaughter the sacrificial animal bare-chested, with prayers before me to prevent choking and behind me to ease swallowing." Sanlao Changshan Li Gong was an elderly man of advanced age and profound learning, who would be granted a lifelong pension equivalent to the salary of a second-rank official (erqianshi). Wugeng Peiguo Huan Rong, who had taught me the Book of Documents for more than ten years, shall be granted the title of Guannei Hou and given a fief of 5,000 households." On the Jiazi day, the emperor went to Chang'an, paid homage at Gao Temple, and then made offerings at the eleven tombs. He visited former residences and official buildings, convened local officials from commanderies and counties, and rewarded them with performances of music and dancing. An elderly man from a certain county loudly said, "When Your Majesty entered the Eastern Capital, I observed your countenance and demeanor, which resemble those of the late emperor. This filled me with great joy." The officials were strictly arranged as in former times; this is my second source of joy. Seeing the officials receiving rewards and recognizing matters from the late emperor's time, this is my third source of joy." Your Majesty listens to honest remonstrances and accepts them in silence; this is my fourth source of joy. Your Majesty is supremely wise, punishing cruel officials and treating the people as one's own children; this is my fifth source of joy. Promoting virtue and employing capable individuals so that each finds his proper place, this is my sixth source of joy. The empire enjoys peace and prosperity; Your Majesty's virtue matches that of Yao; this is my seventh source of joy." The emperor ordered him to ascend the hall, wishing to see his attire. As a result, he raised the tiger-head robe in reverence toward the Three Elders. The emperor said, "What was just said about me being like Yao—cutting down chapters is not as good as having a full meal." In the eleventh month, an edict was issued ordering Jingzhao and Youfufeng to offer sacrifices with medium-level offerings (Zhonglao) to Xiao He and Huo Guang. The commandery's money and grain were to be used to support the descendants of Xiao He living within three hundred li; all such descendants were ordered to serve as attendants during the ceremonies. In the third year of Yongping, an edict stated: "Ascend Lingtai and correct ceremonial standards." In the second month of spring, portraits of the Twenty-Eight Generals were displayed at Yuntai. The inscription read: "Some received their titles and marquisates through military achievements or became prominent for their virtue." In the eighth month of autumn, an edict stated: "The Xuanji Qian said: 'A Han emperor shall arise, whose virtue brings harmony and music; his name will be Yu.'" At this time, Emperor Ming changed the name. The music used in sacrifices at the altars was called Taiyu Yue (Music of Great Granting), and the official responsible for court music was titled Taiyu Yue Guan (Officer of Music of Great Granting) to correspond with the prophecy. In October, the emperor and Empress Dowager visited Zhangling in Nanyang, toured the old dwellings, and summoned for an audience former associates of the Yin and Deng families. Along the way, the emperor met officials he favored; after rewarding them and finishing his inspection of their duties, he walked to observe the arrangements without using a palanquin. He read various books until midnight; after finishing, he would sleep only until early dawn and then rise before the fifth drum, following this routine regularly. In the fourth year, an imperial edict stated: "I shall personally plow in the ceremonial fields to pray for a good harvest." In October of the fifth year, the emperor visited Ye. Prince Zhao Xuxu met him in Ye and was granted 100,000 coins as a gift. In the sixth year, the governor of Lujiang presented a precious tripod, which was said to have emerged from Wangluo Mountain. It was placed in the Grand Temple. The edict stated: "The tripod, symbolizing the three pillars of state (the Three Dukes), does this not indicate that the high officials and ministers have fulfilled their duties properly?" "Taichang should display the tripod in the temple on the day of Yue sacrifice, to be used as ceremonial equipment." In the seventh year, high officials and grandees presented cups of wine in celebration after lingzhi (a type of fungus considered an omen) was found growing on the front hall. In October of the eighth year, the emperor visited Biyong to honor the Three Elders and Five Elders in a ceremony. After the ceremony was completed, His Majesty personally wrote an edict of amnesty, which was delivered by the Shangshu Puye holding a ceremonial staff to the Three Dukes. In the ninth year, an edict ordered the establishment of schools for the young marquises of the four noble families. In the intercalary month of the tenth year, the emperor traveled to Nanyang and paid homage at Zhangling. As the day marked the winter solstice with the sun farthest north, he again offered sacrifices at his ancestral home. After the ceremony was completed, school officials and students were summoned to perform refined music, playing "Luming." The emperor himself played the xun (an ocarina-like instrument) and chen (a reed pipe), harmonizing with them to entertain distinguished guests. Upon arriving at Nandun, he rewarded and entertained the Three Elders and his officials. At that time, the empire was at peace; people were free from corvée labor. Harvests were abundant year after year, and the common people became prosperous. A hu of grain cost only thirty coins, and cattle roamed freely in the fields. In the twelfth year, because the King of Ailao beyond the borders of Yizhou Commandery led his people to seek civilization and culture, and since the land was vast and remote, Yongchang Jun (Yongchang Commandery) was established. In February of the thirteenth year, after completing the ceremonial plowing in the ritual fields, food was granted to those who had observed the ceremony. One scholar stepped forward and raised his hand, saying: "

2 显宗孝明... :
善哉!文王之遇太公也。”上书板曰:“生非太公,予亦非文王也。”有司奏楚王英聚奸猾。十四年,帝作寿陵,陵东北作庑,长三丈,五步出外为小厨,财足祠祀。明帝自制石椁,广丈二尺,长二丈五。十五年二月,东巡狩。癸亥,帝耕于下邳。三月,幸孔子宅,祠孔子及七十二弟子。御讲堂,命太子、诸王说经。幸东平王宫。上怜广陵侯兄弟,赐以服御之物,又以皇子舆马,悉赋予之。十七年春,甘露仍降,树枝内附,芝生前殿,神雀五色,翔集京师。是夜,上梦见先帝、太后,梦中喜觉,因悲不能寐。明旦上陵,百官、胡客悉会,太常丞上言陵树华有甘露,上令百官采甘露。受赐毕,罢,上从席前伏御床,视太后镜奁中物,流涕,敕易奁中脂泽妆具。自帝即位,遵奉建武之政,有加而无损。初,世祖闵伤前世权臣太盛,外戚预政,上浊明主,下危臣子,汉家中兴,唯宣帝取法。至于建武,朝无权臣,外族阴、郭之家,不过九卿,亲属势位,不能及许、史、王氏之半。至永平,后妃外家贵者,裁家一人备列将校尉,在兵马官,充奉宿卫,阖门而已无封侯豫朝政者。自皇子之封,皆减旧制。尝案舆地图,皇后在傍,言钜鹿、乐成、广平各数县,租谷百万,帝令满二千万止。诸小王皆当略与楚、淮阳相比,什减三四,曰:“我子不当与先帝子等。”又国远而小于王,善节约谦俭如此。八月,帝崩于东宫前殿,在位十八年,时年四十八,谥曰孝明皇帝,葬显节陵。十二月,有司奏上尊号曰显宗,庙与世宗庙同日而祠,祫祭于世祖之堂,共进武德之舞,如孝文皇帝祫祭高庙故事。孝明皇帝尤垂意于经学,即位,删定拟议,稽合图谶,封师太常桓荣为关内侯,亲自制作五行章句。每飨射礼毕,正坐自讲,诸儒并听,四方欣欣。是时学者尤盛,冠带搢绅游辟雍而观化者以亿万计。
Well done! This is how King Wen treated Tai Gong." The emperor wrote on a wooden tablet: "You are not Tai Gong, and I am also not King Wen." Officials reported that Prince of Chu Ying had gathered wicked and deceitful people. In the fourteenth year, the emperor built his tomb, Shouling. To the northeast of the tomb he constructed a wu (a side building), three zhang long; every five bu outside it was a small kitchen, with sufficient property for sacrificial rites. Emperor Ming personally designed the stone coffin, which was twelve chi wide and twenty-five chi long. In February of the fifteenth year, the emperor conducted an eastern inspection tour. On the Guihai day, the emperor plowed in Xuzhou (Xiaopi). In March, he visited Confucius's former residence and paid homage to Confucius as well as his seventy-two disciples. He entered the lecture hall and ordered the Crown Prince and various princes to expound on the classics. He visited the palace of the Prince of Dongping. The emperor took pity on the brothers of Guangling Hou and bestowed upon them items used by himself. He also gave them all the carriages, horses, and other possessions belonging to his sons. In spring of the seventeenth year, sweet dew continued to fall; tree branches bent inward. Lingzhi grew on the front hall, and five-colored divine quails gathered in the capital city. That night, the emperor dreamed of his late father and Empress Dowager. Upon waking from the dream with joy, he became sorrowful and could not sleep. The next morning, the emperor visited the tomb, where all officials and foreign guests gathered. The assistant to Taichang reported that sweet dew had appeared on trees at the tomb; the emperor ordered the officials to collect it. After receiving their gifts and the ceremony ended, the emperor knelt before the imperial bed from his seat, looked at objects in Empress Dowager's mirror casket, wept bitterly, and ordered that new cosmetics and toiletries be placed inside. Since ascending the throne, the emperor strictly followed the policies of Jianwu era, adding to them but never diminishing their principles. Initially, Shizu was deeply concerned about the excessive power of former high ministers and the interference of relatives by marriage in politics. He believed that this corrupted rulers above and endangered officials below; during the revival of the Han dynasty, only Emperor Xuan had followed a proper model. By the Jianwu era, there were no powerful ministers in court. The families of Yin and Guo from outside the imperial clan did not exceed the rank of Nine Ministers; the influence and status of relatives could not even reach half that of the Xu, Shi, or Wang clans. By the Yongping era, among those from the families of empresses and concubines who were honored with high status, only one person per family could serve as a general or officer in the military. They held positions within the imperial guards but did not receive marquisates or participate in court politics; their entire household remained without such privileges. The titles granted to royal princes were all reduced from previous standards. Once, while examining a map of the empire's territories, with the empress by his side, he mentioned that Ju Lu, Lecheng, and Guangping each had several counties producing millions in grain taxes. The emperor ordered that this be limited to two million bushels at most. The smaller kings were all given slightly less than the Princes of Chu and Huaiyang, reduced by about three or four tenths. The emperor said: "My sons should not be equal to those of my father." Moreover, since the fiefs were distant and smaller than those of kings, he demonstrated such virtue in practicing frugality and humility. In August, the emperor died at Qian Dian of Donggong. He reigned for eighteen years and was forty-eight years old when he passed away. His posthumous title was Xiaoming Huangdi (the Filial Ming Emperor), and he was buried in Xianjie Ling. In December, the officials presented a proposal to bestow on him the honorific title Xianzong. His temple was to be honored together with that of Shizong on the same day; during the combined sacrifice (xia ji) in the hall of Shizu, his rites would proceed alongside those for Wude's dance, following the precedent set by Emperor Xiaowen when he conducted a combined sacrifice at Gao Temple. Xiaoming Huangdi especially valued Confucian classics. After ascending the throne, he revised and finalized proposed discussions, verified them against prophecies and diagrams, bestowed the title Guannei Hou on Taichang Huan Rong as his teacher, and personally composed commentaries on the Five Elements (Wuxing). After each banquet or archery ceremony was completed, he would sit upright and personally lecture; Confucian scholars all listened together, bringing joy to people from all directions. At that time, scholarly pursuits were especially flourishing; countless officials and scholars in official attire visited Biyong to observe the cultural influence, numbering in the tens of millions.

肃宗孝章皇帝 - Emperor Xiaozhang, Emperor Suzong

English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] Library Resources
1 肃宗孝章... :
孝章皇帝讳炟,孝明皇帝太子。永平三年二月,以皇子立为太子。年四岁,幼而聪达才敏,多识世事,动容进止,圣表有异。壮而仁明谦恕,温慈惠和,宽裕广博,亲爱九族,矜严方厉,威而不猛。既志于学,始治尚书,遂兼五经,周览古今,无所不观。于是上敬重之,每事谘焉。以至孝称,孜孜膝下。永平十八年,孝明皇帝崩,帝即位。
Xiaozhang Huangdi, given name Da, was the crown prince of Xiaoming Huangdi. In the second month of Yongping third year (February 71 AD), he was established as crown prince as an imperial son. He was four years old; from a young age, he was intelligent and perceptive, with quick wit and extensive knowledge of worldly affairs. His mannerisms and behavior displayed an extraordinary demeanor. As he grew older, he demonstrated benevolence and wisdom, humility and forgiveness. He was warm-hearted, kind, and harmonious; broad-minded and generous. He loved and cared for his extended family, maintained a dignified and upright demeanor, and displayed authority without being harsh. Having set his mind on learning, he first studied the Book of Documents (Shangshu), and then went on to study all five Confucian classics. He extensively reviewed both ancient and modern works, leaving nothing unexamined. The emperor thus held him in high esteem and respect, consulting with him on every matter. He was renowned for his filial piety, diligently serving at the emperor's side. In Yongping eighteenth year (July 18, 75 AD), Xiaoming Huangdi passed away and the emperor ascended the throne.

2 肃宗孝章... :
诏曰:“行太尉事赵憙,三世在位,为国元老,其以憙为太尉。”
An edict was issued: "Zhao Xi, who has served as acting Taiwei for three generations and is a senior statesman of the state, shall be appointed as Taiwei."

3 肃宗孝章... :
建初二年,诏齐相其止勿复送冰纨、方空縠、吹纶絮也。
In Jianchu second year (August 78 AD), an edict was issued to the governor of Qi: "Qi Zhi must not send ice silk, fangkong hu, or chunlun xiu any longer."

4 肃宗孝章... :
建初四年,诏诸王、诸儒会白虎观,讲五经同异。
午餐 In Jianchu fourth year (August 79 AD), an edict was issued summoning various kings and scholars to Baidu Guan to discuss the similarities and differences among the Five Classics.

5 肃宗孝章... :
章帝元和元年,日南献白雉、白犀。
In the first year of Yuandu under Emperor Zhang (August 84 AD), Rinan presented white pheasants and white rhinoceroses.

6 肃宗孝章... :
章帝行幸,敕御史、司空,道桥所过历树木,今方春月,无得有所伐,辂车可引避也。
When Emperor Zhang made a tour, he issued an order to the Yushi and Sikong: "Along the roads and bridges where our procession will pass through trees, since it is now early spring, no cutting of trees shall be allowed; the imperial carriage may take alternative routes to avoid them."

7 肃宗孝章... :
章帝元和二年,东巡狩,至于岱宗,柴望毕,有黄鹄三十从西南来,经祀坛上,东过于宫,翱翔而上。孔子后褒成侯等咸来助祭。祀五帝于汶上明堂,耕于定陶。
In the second year of Yuandu under Emperor Zang (August 85 AD), Emperor Zhang conducted an eastern inspection tour, arriving at Taiyue. After completing the sacrificial rites with fire and offerings, thirty yellow cranes flew in from the southwest, passing over the altar for sacrifice, then flying eastward past the palace, circling and ascending aloft. The descendants of Confucius, including Baocheng Hou, all came to assist in the sacrifice. Sacrifices were offered to the Five Emperors at Mingtang in Wenshang, and plowing was conducted in Dingtao.

8 肃宗孝章... :
祠礼毕,命儒者论难。
After the sacrificial rites were completed, he ordered scholars to engage in debates on difficult issues.

9 肃宗孝章... :
章帝东巡狩,祠泰山,还,幸东平王宫,涕泣沾襟。
Emperor Zhang conducted an eastern inspection tour and offered sacrifices at Mount Tai. Upon his return, he visited the palace of Prince Dongping and wept so much that tears soaked his robe.

10 肃宗孝章... :
章帝元和二年,凤皇三十九、麒麟五十一、白虎二十九、黄龙四、青龙、黄鹄、鸾鸟、神马、神雀、九尾狐、三足乌、赤乌、白兔、白鹿、白燕、白鹊、甘露、嘉瓜、秬秠、明珠、芝英、华平、朱草、木连理实,日月不绝,载于史官,不可胜纪。
In the second year of Yuandou under Emperor Zhang (August 85 AD), thirty-nine phoenixes, fifty-one qilins, twenty-nine white tigers, four yellow dragons, one green dragon, yellow cranes,鸾 birds, divine horses, divine sparrows, nine-tailed foxes, three-legged crows, red crows, white rabbits, white deer, white swallows, white magpies, sweet dew, auspicious gourds, black millet, precious pearls, ling 芝 (mushrooms), hua ping, zhu cao, trees with conjoined branches bearing fruit appeared continuously without interruption. These events were recorded by the historians and are too numerous to recount fully.

11 肃宗孝章... :
凤皇见肥城句窳亭槐树上。
A phoenix was seen on a locust tree at Jiuyu Ting in Feicheng.

12 肃宗孝章... :
章帝元和二年,三足乌集沛国。三年,代郡高柳乌子生三足,大如鸡,色赤,头上有角,长寸馀。五月戊申,诏曰:“乃者白乌、神雀、甘露屡臻,降自京师。”又有赤乌、白燕。
In the second year of Yuando under Emperor Zhang (August 86 AD), three-legged crows gathered in Pei Guo. In the third year (August 87 AD), a three-legged crow was born in Gaoliu, Dai Jun. It was as big as a chicken, red in color, with a horn on its head measuring more than an inch long. On the Wushen day of the fifth month (June 13, 87 AD), an edict was issued: "Recently, white crows, divine sparrows, and sweet dew have frequently arrived, descending from the capital." There were also red crows and white swallows.

13 肃宗孝章... :
元和三年,白虎见彭城。
In the third year of Yuando (August 87 AD), white tigers appeared in Pengcheng.

14 肃宗孝章... :
章帝章和元年,嘉谷孳生。
In the first year of Zhanghe under Emperor Zhang (July 88 AD), auspicious grains sprouted and multiplied abundantly.

15 肃宗孝章... :
章和中,有华平生也。
During the middle years of Zhanghe, hua ping was born.

16 肃宗孝章... :
章帝时,白狐见,群臣上寿。
During Emperor Zhang's reign, a white fox appeared and the ministers offered congratulations.

17 肃宗孝章... :
章帝时,美阳得铜酒樽,采色青黄,有古文。
During Emperor Zhang's reign, in Meiyang, a bronze wine vessel was found with blue-yellow patterns and ancient inscriptions.

18 肃宗孝章... :
章帝赐尚书剑各一,手署姓名,韩棱楚龙泉,郅寿蜀汉文,陈宠济南锻成。一室两刃,其馀皆平剑。其时论者以为棱渊深有谋,故得龙泉。寿明达有文章,故得文剑。宠敦朴,有善于内,不见于外,故得锻成剑,皆因名而表意。
Emperor Zhang bestowed a sword each upon the Shangshu officials, personally inscribing their names on them: Han Ling's sword was made from Chu Longquan; Zhi Shou's from Shu Hanzhong; and Chen Chong's forged in Jinan. One room had two blades, while the rest were all flat swords. At that time, commentators believed Han Ling was profound and strategic, hence he received Longquan. Zhi Shou was wise and eloquent with literary talent, thus he obtained the Wen Jian (literary sword). Chen Chong was earnest and sincere, possessing virtue internally but not displaying it externally; thus he received the Jian Cheng Jian (forged sword), all of which were named to express their meanings.

19 肃宗孝章... :
明德太后姊子夏寿等私呼虎贲张鸣与敖戏争斗,上特诏曰:“尔虎贲将军,蒙国厚恩,位在中臣,宿卫禁门,当进人不避仇雠,举罚不避亲戚。今者反于殿中交通轻薄,虎贲兰内所使,至命欲相杀于殿下,不避门内,畏懦恣纵,始不逐捕,此皆生于不学之门所致也。”
The sister's son of Mingde Taishou, Xia Shou, and others privately summoned Hu Ben Zhang Ming to fight in a quarrel with Ao Xi. The emperor specially issued an edict: "You are the Hu Ben General, who has received great favors from the state. As a mid-ranking official, you guard the palace gates at night; you should recommend people without avoiding enemies or rivals and impose punishments without sparing relatives." "Now, you have instead engaged in misconduct and fraternized with the frivolous within the palace. You, as a Hu Ben officer under Lan Nei's command, even went so far as to attempt mutual killing beneath the palace steps without regard for the inner gates. Your cowardice and indulgence led to failure in pursuing and capturing those involved. All of this is caused by your lack of learning."

20 肃宗孝章... :
章帝时,嘉禾嘉麦,日月不绝。
During Emperor Zhang's reign, auspicious millet and wheat appeared continuously without interruption.

21 肃宗孝章... :
章和元年诏:“芝草之类,岁月不绝。”
In the first year of Zhanghe (July 88 AD) an edict was issued: "Lingzhi and similar auspicious herbs have appeared continuously without interruption over the years."

22 肃宗孝章... :
序曰:孝乎惟孝,友于兄弟,圣之至要也。乾乾夕惕,寅畏皇天,帝王之上行也。明德慎罚,汤、文所务也。密静天下,容于小大,高宗之极致也。肃宗兼兹四德,以继祖考。臣下百僚,力诵圣德,纪述明诏,不能辨章,岂敢空言增广,以累日月之光。
Preface says: Filial piety is the highest virtue; being friendly and harmonious with brothers is the most essential aspect of sainthood. Diligently striving day by day, remaining vigilant at night, revering Heaven with awe and respect—this is the highest conduct for emperors. Clarifying virtue and exercising caution in punishment were the priorities of Tang and Wen. Maintaining quiet stability throughout the realm, accommodating both great and small matters—this was the ultimate achievement of Gaozong. Emperor Suzong combined these four virtues to succeed his ancestors. Ministers and officials have diligently recited the emperor's virtuous deeds, recorded and described his clear edicts, but still cannot fully elaborate. How dare we add empty words to expand upon them, thus burdening the brilliance of the sun and moon?

穆宗孝和皇帝 - Muzong Xiaohuo Huangdi

English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] Library Resources
1 穆宗孝和... :
孝和皇帝讳涛,章帝之中子也。母曰梁贵人,早薨。上自岐嶷,至于总角,孝顺聪明,宽和笃仁。孝章由是深珍之,以为宜承天位。年四岁,以皇子立为太子,初治尚书,遂兼览书传,好古乐道,无所不照。章和二年春二月,章帝崩,太子即位。永元元年,诏有司京师离宫园池,悉以假贫人也。二年二月壬午,日有食之,史官不觉,涿郡言之。三年春正月,帝加元服。时太后诏袁安为宾,赐束帛、乘马。诏曰:“高祖功臣,萧、曹为首,有传世不绝之谊。曹相国后容城侯无嗣,朕甚愍焉。望长陵东门,见二臣之墓,生既有节,终不远身,谊臣受宠,古今所同。遣使者以中牢祠,大鸿胪悉求近亲宜为嗣者,须景风绍封,以彰厥功。”四年春正月,单于乞降,赐玉具剑,羽盖车一驷,中郎将持节卫护焉。六月,大将军窦宪潜图弑逆,幸北宫,诏收捕宪党射声校尉郭茏,使谒者收宪大将军印绶,遣宪及弟笃、景就国,到皆自杀。五年正月,宗祀五帝于明堂,遂登灵台,望云物,大赦天下。自京师离宫果园上林广成囿悉以假贫人,恣得收捕,不收其税。六月,郡国大雨雹,大如雁子。六年六月,和帝初令伏闭昼日。七月,京师旱。幸洛阳寺,录囚徒,举冤狱。未还宫而澍雨。九年春正月,永昌徼外蛮夷及擅国重译奉贡。改殡梁皇后于承光宫,仪比敬园。初,后葬有阙,窦后崩后,乃议改葬。十年五月丁巳,京师大雨,南山水流出至东郊,坏民庐舍。十一年,复置右校尉官,置在西河鹄泽县。十二年,象林蛮夷攻燔官寺。秭归山高四百馀丈,崩填溪水,厌杀百馀人。十一月癸酉夜,白气长三丈,起国东北,指军市十日。是月,西域蒙奇、疏勒二国归义。十三年春正月上日,上以五经义异,书传意殊,亲幸东观,览书林,阅篇籍。十六年十一月己丑,行幸缑氏,登百坯山。元兴元年五月,右扶风雍地裂。朝无宠族,政如砥矢,惠泽沾濡,鸿恩茂笃。外忧庶绩,内勤经艺,自左右近臣,皆诵诗、书。德教在宽,仁恕并洽。是以黎元宁康,方国协和,贞符瑞应,八十馀品,帝让而不宣,故靡得而记。元兴元年十二月,帝崩于章德前殿,在位十七年,时年二十七,葬顺陵,庙曰穆宗。
Xiaohe Huangdi, whose personal name was Tao, was the second son of Zhangdi. His mother was Liang Guiren, who died at an early age. From his earliest years of infancy to the time when he had reached adolescence, the emperor was filial and obedient, intelligent, broad-minded, harmonious, and sincere in benevolence. Emperor Zhang therefore cherished him deeply, believing that he should succeed to the throne. At four years of age, as a son of the emperor, he was established as crown prince. Initially studying the Shangshu (Book of Documents), he soon read extensively in historical texts and classical works, loving ancient ways and delighting in learning, with no subject left unexamined. In the second month of spring, the second year of Zhanghe (August 13, 88 AD), Emperor Zhang died, and the crown prince ascended the throne. In the first year of Yongyuan (August 14, 89 AD), an edict was issued ordering the relevant officials to lease all imperial palaces, pavilions, and gardens in the capital city to poor people. On the Renwu day of the second month (March 10, 90 AD), there was a solar eclipse. The imperial historians did not notice it; instead, it was reported by Zhuo Jun. In the first month of spring, the third year (August 16, 91 AD), the emperor underwent the capping ceremony to mark his coming of age. At that time, Empress Dowager issued an edict appointing Yuan An as a guest attendant for the ceremony and bestowed on him silk cloth and a horse. The edict stated: "Among the meritorious ministers of Emperor Gaozu, Xiao He and Cao Can were first. They established a legacy that continued unbroken through generations." The descendants of Xiangguo Cao Can, the Rongcheng Hou, have no male heirs; this greatly grieves me. Looking at the eastern gate of Changling Mausoleum, I see the tombs of these two ministers. In life they were already men of virtue; in death their spirits remain close by. Loyal subjects receiving imperial favor—this is a principle shared by both ancient and modern times. I have dispatched envoys to offer a medium-level sacrifice, and the Da Honglu has been ordered to thoroughly search for close relatives who are suitable as heirs. Wait until Jingfeng is found to succeed in the title and inherit the fief, so that their meritorious deeds may be honored." In the first month of spring in the fourth year (August 18, 92 AD), the Xiongnu chanyu requested to surrender. He was granted a jade-hilted sword, one four-horse carriage with an ornamental feather canopy, and a Zhonglangjiang official holding a ceremonial staff was assigned to escort and protect him. In the sixth month, Grand General Dou Xian secretly plotted rebellion and regicide. The emperor was fortunate to be in Beigong Palace when this occurred. An edict was issued ordering Dechang Jiao 尉 Guo Long, a Shesheng Jiao Wei, to arrest him. Eshizhe officials were sent to confiscate Dou Xian's seal of office as Grand General. Dou Xian and his brothers Dǔ and Jing were ordered to return to their native states; upon arrival, they all committed suicide. In the first month of the fifth year (August 19, 93 AD), the imperial ancestors and the Five Emperors were honored in a grand sacrifice at Mingtang. The emperor then ascended Lingtai to observe the clouds and omens, followed by a general pardon throughout the realm. All imperial palaces, pavilions and gardens in and around the capital—such as Shanglin Garden and Guangcheng 苑—were leased to poor people, who were allowed to freely harvest and capture whatever they wished without being required to pay taxes. In the sixth month, heavy rainstorms with hailstones as large as goose eggs occurred in various commanderies and states. In the sixth month of the sixth year (August 21, 94 AD), Emperor He issued an order for the first time to close the palace gates during daylight hours. In the seventh month, there was a drought in the capital. The emperor visited Luoyang Temple, reviewed prisoners, and investigated cases of wrongful imprisonment. Before he had returned to the palace, timely rain fell. In the first month of spring of the ninth year (August 24, 97 AD), non-Chinese tribes beyond the borders of Yongchang and the country of Shanzhuo presented tribute through multiple levels of interpreters. The funeral rites for Empress Liang were changed to be held at Chengguang Gong, with ceremonies comparable to those of the Jingyuan Mausoleum. Initially, there had been deficiencies in her burial arrangements; after Empress Dou passed away, discussions began about changing the location of her remains. On the Dingsi day of the fifth month (June 12, 98 AD), heavy rain fell in the capital. The Nanshan River overflowed and reached as far as the eastern suburbs, destroying homes and dwellings of the people. In the eleventh year (August 25, 99 AD), the office of You Jiao Wei was reestablished and stationed in Huzhe Xian, Xi He. In the twelfth year (August 26, 100 AD), non-Chinese tribes from Xianglin attacked and set fire to an official temple. Mount Zigui, over four hundred zhang high, collapsed into the valley stream, drowning more than one hundred people. On the night of the Gyou day in the eleventh month (December 23, 100 AD), a white vapor three zhang long appeared, rising from the northeast part of the capital and pointing toward the military market for ten days. In this month, the two Western Regions states Mengqi and Shule submitted to Chinese authority. In the first month of spring on the first day, the emperor, considering that interpretations of the Five Classics varied and meanings in historical texts differed, personally visited Dongguan to examine the library collections and review the volumes. On the Jichou day of the eleventh month in the sixteenth year (December 17, 104 AD), the emperor made a tour to Goushi and ascended Baipai Shan. In the fifth month of the first year of Yuanxing (April 15, 105 AD), the land in Yong, You Fu Feng, cracked open. There were no favored aristocratic families at court; governance was as level and straight as a polished arrow. Benevolent policies brought widespread benefits, and great imperial grace was deeply sincere. He worried about external troubles and diligently attended to internal affairs of governance; he personally studied the classics, and even those close ministers at his side all recited the Shijing (Book of Songs) and Shangshu (Book of History). Moral instruction was based on leniency, with benevolence and forgiveness extended to all. Therefore, the common people enjoyed peace and well-being, neighboring states were in harmony, and more than eighty auspicious signs and omens appeared. However, the emperor declined to publicize them, so none could be recorded. In the twelfth month of the first year of Yuangxing (December 10, 105 AD) the emperor died in Qian Dian of Zhangde Palace. He reigned for seventeen years and was twenty-seven years old at death. He was buried in Shunling Mausoleum; his temple name was Muzong.

2 穆宗孝和... :
序曰:穆宗之嗣世,正身履道,以奉大业。宾礼耆艾,动式旧典。宫无嫔嫱郑、卫之宴,囿无盘乐游畋之豫。躬履玄德,虚静自损。是以屡获丰年,远近承风云尔。
Preface: The successor of Emperor Muzong, by cultivating personal virtue and following the Way, fulfilled his great responsibility to uphold the empire. He honored elder statesmen with courtesy and followed established precedents in all actions. There were no banquets for concubines or entertainments like those of Zheng and Wei within the palace, nor were there pleasures of hunting or leisure in the imperial gardens. He personally practiced profound virtue, maintaining humility and inner stillness while restraining himself. Therefore, he often enjoyed bountiful harvests, and both near and distant regions followed his virtuous example—thus it is said.

孝殇皇帝 - Emperor Xiaoshang

English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] Library Resources
1 孝殇皇帝:
孝殇皇帝讳隆,和帝之少子也。和帝皇子数十,生者辄夭,故殇帝养于民。元兴元年十二月,和帝崩。是日仓卒,殇帝时生百馀日,乃立以为皇太子。其夜即位,尊皇后邓氏为皇太后。帝在襁褓,太后临朝。殇帝诏省荏弱平簟。延平元年八月,帝崩于崇德前殿,年二岁,葬康陵。
The Emperor Xiaoshang, whose personal name was Long, was the youngest son of Emperor He. Emperor He had dozens of sons; those who were born died young, so Emperor Shang was raised by commoners. In the first month of the twelfth lunar month of Yuanying Yuan Nian, Emperor He passed away. On that day, in haste, Emperor Shang was only over a hundred days old at the time, yet he was enthroned as Crown Prince. That night, he ascended the throne and honored Empress Deng as empress dowager. The emperor was still an infant in swaddling clothes, so the empress dowager assumed power from the throne. Emperor Shang issued an edict to reduce the production of delicate and flat bamboo mats. In the eighth month of Yanping Yuan Nian, the emperor passed away in Chongde Qianting Hall at the age of two and was buried in Kangling.

2 孝殇皇帝:
孝殇襁褓承统,寝疾不豫,天命早崩,国祚中绝,社稷无主,天下敖然,赖皇太后临朝,孔子称“有妇人焉”,信哉!
Emperor Xiaoshang inherited the throne while still an infant in swaddling cloths, fell ill and did not recover, died young by heavenly decree, causing the imperial line to be cut off midway. With no ruler for the state, the world was left in confusion. Fortunately, Empress Dowager took over governance from the throne; as Confucius said, "there were women who ruled," indeed!

URN: ctp:dong-guan-han-ji/ji-er