| | 世祖光武... : |
世祖光武皇帝，高祖九世孫，承文、景之統，出自長沙定王發，定王生舂陵節侯。舂陵本在零陵郡，節侯孫考侯以土地下濕，元帝時，求封南陽蔡陽白水鄉，因故國名曰舂陵。 |
| | Emperor Guangwu, the Son of Heaven, was a ninth-generation descendant of Emperor Gaozu. He inherited the lineage of Emperors Wen and Jing, originating from King Ding of Changsha, Fei. King Ding gave birth to Marquis Jie of Chongling. Chongling was originally located in Lingling Commandery. Marquis Kao, a grandson of Marquis Jie, requested to be granted the territory of Baishui Xiang, Caiyang, Nanyang because the soil and land there were damp and low-lying during Emperor Yuan's reign. He named it Chongling after its former name.
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| | 世祖光武... : |
皇考初為濟陽令，濟陽有武帝行過宮，常封閉。上將生，皇考以令舍下濕，開宮後殿居之。建平元年十二月甲子夜上生時，有赤光，室中盡明。皇考異之，使卜者王長卜之。長曰：「此善事不可言。」是歲嘉禾生，一莖九穗，大於凡禾，縣界大豐熟，因名上曰秀。是歲鳳皇來集濟陽，故宮皆畫鳳凰。聖瑞萌兆，始形於此。上為人隆準，日角，大口，美鬚眉，長七尺三寸。在舂陵時，望氣者蘇伯阿望舂陵城曰：「美哉！王氣鬱鬱蔥蔥。」仁智明遠，多權略，樂施愛人。在家重慎畏事，勤於稼穡。兄伯升好俠，非笑上事田作，比之高祖兄。年九歲而南頓君卒，隨其叔父在蕭，入小學，後之長安，受尚書於中大夫廬江許子威。資用乏，與同舍生韓子合錢買驢，令從者僦，以給諸公費。大義略舉，因學世事。朝政每下，必先聞知，具為同舍解說。高才好學，然亦喜遊俠，鬥雞走馬，具知閭里姦邪，吏治得失。時會朝請，舍長安尚冠里，南陽大人往來長安，為之邸，闇稽疑議。為季父故舂陵侯詣大司馬府，訟地皇元年十二月壬寅前租二萬六千斛、芻稿錢若干萬。時宛人朱福亦為舅訟租于尤。尤止車獨與上語，不視福。上歸，戲福曰：「嚴公寧視卿邪？」王莽時，雒陽以東米石二千，莽遣三公將運關東諸倉賑貸窮乏，又分遣大夫謁者教民煮木為酪，酪不可食，重為煩擾，流民入關者數十萬人。置養贍官以廩之，盜發其廩，民餓死者十七八，人民相食。末年，天下大旱，蝗蟲蔽天，盜賊群起，四方潰畔。荊州下江平林兵起，王匡、王鳳為之渠率。時南陽旱餓，而上田獨收。宛大姓李伯玉從弟軼數遣客求上，上欲避之。先是時伯玉同母兄公孫臣為醫，伯升請呼難，伯升殺之。上恐其怨，故避之。使來者言李氏欲相見款誠無他意，上乃見之，懷刀自備，入見。固始侯兄弟為上言：「天下擾亂饑餓，下江兵盛，南陽豪右雲擾。」因具言讖文事。「劉氏當復起，李氏為輔。」上殊不意，獨內念李氏富厚，父為宗卿師，語言譎詭，殊非次第，嘗疾毒諸家子數犯法令，李氏家富厚，何為如是，不然諾其言。諸李遂與南陽府掾史張順等連謀。上深念良久，天變已成，遂市兵弩，絳衣赤幘。時伯升在舂陵亦已聚會客矣。上歸舊廬，望見廬南若火光，以為人持火，呼之，光遂盛，赫然屬天，有頃不見，異之。遂從南郭歸宅，乃與伯升相見。初，伯升之起也，諸家子弟皆逃自匿，曰：「伯升殺我。」及聞上至，絳衣大冠，將軍服，乃驚曰：「以為獨伯升如此也，中謹厚亦如之。」皆合會，共勞饗新市、平林兵王鳳、王匡等，因率舂陵子弟隨之，兵合七八千人。上騎牛與俱，殺新野尉後乃得馬。光武起義兵，暮聞塚上有哭聲，後有人著大冠絳單衣。使劉終詐稱江夏吏，誘殺湖陽尉。五威將軍嚴尤擊下江兵，上奉糗一斛，脯三十朐詣幕府營。進圍宛城。王莽遣大司徒王尋、大司空王邑將兵來征，更始立，以上為太常偏將軍。時無印，得定武侯家丞印，佩之入朝。二公兵到潁川，嚴尤、陳茂與合。尤問城中出者，言上不敢取財物，但合會諸兵為之計策。尤笑言曰：「是美眉目者耶？欲何為乃如此？」初，莽遣二公，欲盛威武，以振山東，甲衝輣，干戈旌旗，戰攻之具甚盛。至驅虎豹犀象，奇偉猛獸，以長人巨無霸為壘尉，自秦、漢以來師出未曾有也。上邀之於陽關。二公兵盛，漢兵反走，上馳入昆陽，諸將惶恐，各欲散歸。與諸將議：「城中兵穀少，宛城未拔，力不能相救。今昆陽即破，一日之間，諸將亦滅。不同力救之，反欲歸守其妻子財物耶？」諸將怒曰：「劉將軍何以敢如此！」上乃笑，且去，唯王常是上計。會候騎還，言大兵已來，長數百里，望不見其後尾，前已至城北矣。諸將遽請上，上到，為陳相救之勢。諸將素輕上，及迫急，上為畫成敗，皆從所言。時漢兵八九千人，留王鳳令守城，夜出城南門。二公兵已五六萬到，遂環昆陽城作營，圍之數重，雲車十餘丈，瞰臨城中，旗幟蔽野，塵熛連雲，金鼓之聲數十里。或為地突，或為衝車撞城，積弩射城中，矢下如雨，城中負戶而汲。二公自以為功成漏刻。有流星墜尋營中，正晝有雲氣如壞山，直營而霣，不及地尺而散，吏士皆壓伏。時漢兵在定陵郾者，聞二公兵盛，皆怖。上歷說其意，為陳大命，請為前行諸部堅陣。上將步騎千餘，前去大軍四五里。二公遣步騎數千乘合戰，上奔之，斬首數十級。諸部將喜曰：「劉將軍平生見小敵怯，今見大敵勇，甚奇怪也。」上復進，二公兵卻，諸部乘之，斬首數百千級，連勝。遂令輕足將書與城中諸將，言宛下兵復到，而陽墜其書。讀之，恐。上遂選精兵三千人，從城西水上奔陣。二公兵於是大奔北，殺司徒王尋，而昆陽城中兵亦出，中外並擊。會天大雷風，暴雨下如注，水潦成川，滍水盛溢。二公大眾遂潰亂，奔赴水溺死者以數萬，滍水為之不流。王邑、嚴尤、陳茂輕騎乘死人渡滍水逃去。漢軍盡獲其珍寶輜重車甲，連月不盡。五月，齊武王拔宛城。六月，上破二公於昆陽。破宛後數日，收伯升部將劉稷，而伯升強爭之。更始遂用譖訴，復收伯升，即日皆物故。上降潁陽，雖得入，意不安。門下有擊馬著鼓者，馬驚硠磕。鄧晨起走出視之，乃馬也。上在父城，徵詣宛，拜上為破虜大將軍，封武信侯。更始害齊武王，光武飲食語笑如平常，獨居輒不御酒肉，枕席有涕泣處。更始欲北之雒陽，以上為司隸校尉，先到雒陽整頓官府，文書移與屬縣，三輔官府吏東迎雒陽者見更始諸將過者已數十輩，皆冠幘，衣婦人衣，諸于繡擁缧，大為長安所笑。知者或畏其衣，奔走入邊郡。見司隸官屬，皆相指視之，極望老吏或垂涕曰：「粲然復見漢官威儀。」賢者蟻附。更始欲以近親巡行河北，大司徒賜言上第一可用。更始以上為大司馬，遣之河北。十月，上持節度孟津，鎮撫河北，安集百姓。上至邯鄲，趙王庶兄胡子進狗●馬醢。故趙繆王子臨說上灌赤眉。趙王庶兄胡子立邯鄲卜者王郎為天子，移檄購求公十萬戶。光武為王郎所追，至饒陽，稱邯鄲使者，入傳舍。廚吏方進食，官屬從者饑，遮奪之。吏卒驚起聚語，乃椎鼓數十通，詐言邯鄲將軍至，官屬皆懼失色。上臨升車還坐，曰：「請邯鄲將軍入。」久乃升，後有傳呼，寺門開之，是雒陽吏耳。上出，蒙犯霜雪。光武大會真定，自擊筑。上率鄧禹等擊王郎橫野將軍劉奉，大破之，還過鄧禹營，禹進食炙魚，上大餐啗。時百姓以上新破大敵，欣喜聚觀，見上餐啗，勞勉吏士，威嚴甚厲，於是皆竊言曰：「劉公真天人也。」世祖引兵攻邯鄲，連戰，郎兵挫折。郎遣諫議大夫杜長威持節詣軍門，上遣棨戟迎，延請入軍，見公據地曰：「實成帝遺體子輿也。」公曰：「正使成帝復生，天下不可復得也。況詐子輿乎！」長威請降得萬戶侯。公曰：「一戶不可得。」長威曰：「邯戰雖鄙，君臣并力城守，尚可支一歲，終不君臣相率而降但得全身也。」辭去。而郎少傅李立反郎，開城門。漢兵破邯鄲，誅郎。入王宮收文書，得吏民謗毀公言可擊者數千章，公會諸將燒之，曰：「令反側者自安也。」上圍邯鄲未下，彭寵遺米糒魚鹽以給軍糧，由是破邯鄲。更始遣使者即立公為蕭王。諸將議上尊號，上不許。又擊破銅馬，受降適畢，封降賊渠率，諸將未能信，賊亦兩心。上敕降賊各歸營勒兵待，上輕騎入，按行賊營。賊將曰：「蕭王推赤心置人腹中，安得不投死。」由是皆自安。詔馮異軍鴈門，卒萬餘人降之。光武北擊尤來、大搶、五幡於元氏，追至北平，連破之。後反為所敗，軍中不見光武，或云已歿。上已乘王豐小馬先到矣，營門不覺。上破賊，入漁陽，諸將上尊號，上不許。議曹掾張祉言：「俗以為燕人愚，方定大事，反與愚人相守，非計也。」上大笑。光武發薊還，士眾喜樂，師行鼓舞，鼓聲歌詠，八荒震動。過范陽，命諸將收葬吏士。至中山，諸將復請上尊號，曰：「帝王不可久曠。大王社稷為計，萬姓為心。」耿純說上曰：「天時人事，已可知矣。」初，王莽時，上與伯升及姊婿鄧晨、穰人蔡少公燕語，少公道讖言劉秀當為天子，或曰是國師劉子駿也。上戲言：「何知非僕耶？」坐者皆大笑。時傳聞不見赤伏符文軍中所，上未信，到鄗，上所與在長安同舍諸生彊華自長安奉赤伏符詣鄗，與上會。群臣復固請，上奏世祖曰：「符瑞之應，昭然著聞矣。」乃命有司設壇於鄗南千秋亭五成陌。六月己未，即皇帝位。燔燎告天，禋於六宗。改元為建武，改鄗為高邑。十月，帝入雒陽，幸南宮，遂定都焉。光武破聖公，與朱伯然書曰：「交鋒之日，神星晝見，太白清明。」二年正月，益吳漢、鄧禹等封。上封功臣皆為列侯，大國四縣，餘各有差。博士丁恭等議：「古帝王封諸侯不過百里，故利以建侯，取法於雷。」上曰：「古之亡國，皆以無道，未嘗聞封功臣地多而滅者也。」乃遣謁者，即授印綬。自漢草創德運，正朔服色未有所定，高祖因秦，以十月為正，以漢水德，立北畤而祠黑帝。至孝文，賈誼、公孫臣以為秦水德，漢當為土德。至孝武，倪寬、司馬遷猶從土德。自上即位，案圖讖，推五運，漢為火德。周蒼漢赤，水生火，赤代蒼，故上都雒陽。制郊兆於城南七里，北郊四里，為圓壇，天地位其上，皆南面西上。行夏之時，時以平旦，服色、犧牲尚黑，明火德之運，徽熾尚赤，四時隨色，季夏黃色。議者曰：「昔周公郊祀后稷以配天，宗祀文王以配上帝。圖讖著伊堯赤帝之子，俱與后稷並受命而為王。漢劉祖堯，宜令郊祀帝堯以配天，宗祀高祖以配上帝。」有司奏議曰：「追跡先代，無郊其五運之祖者。故禹不郊白帝，周不郊帝嚳。漢雖唐之苗，堯以歷數命舜，高祖自感赤龍火德，承運而起，當以高祖配堯之後，還復於漢，宜脩奉濟陽成陽縣堯冢，雲臺致敬祭祀禮亦宜之。」上遣游擊將軍鄧隆與幽州牧朱浮擊彭寵，隆軍潞，浮軍雍奴，相去百餘里。遣吏上奏言：「寵破在旦暮。」上讀檄未竟，怒曰：「 |
| | The emperor's father was initially the magistratus of Jiyang, where there was an imperial palace that Emperor Wu had once passed through. It was usually closed off. When the emperor was born, his father opened up the rear hall of the palace because the magistratus residence was damp and low-lying. The family moved in there to live. On the night of Jiazi day of the twelfth month, Jianping Yuan Nian (January 15, 2 BC), when the emperor was born, there was a red light that illuminated the entire room. The emperor's father found this strange and had the diviner Wang Chang cast a horoscope for him. Wang Chang said, "This is an auspicious omen that cannot be spoken of." In this year, a miraculous grain plant grew with one stalk and nine ears, larger than ordinary grains. The county experienced an abundant harvest, so the emperor was named Liu Xiu. In this year, phoenixes gathered in Jiyang; therefore, phoenixes were painted on all the palace walls of the former imperial residence. The auspicious omens and signs of a sage ruler first appeared at this time. The emperor was a man with a prominent nose, a solar angle on his forehead, large mouth, well-groomed beard and eyebrows, and stood seven feet three inches tall. When he was in Chongling, the atmospheric observer Su Boa looked at Chongling city and said, "How beautiful!" "The royal aura is dense and verdant." He was kind, wise, far-sighted, skillful in strategy, fond of giving alms, and loved by people. At home, he was cautious and careful with affairs, diligent in farming and harvesting. His elder brother Liu Bocheng liked to associate with ruffians and mocked the emperor for tilling fields, comparing him to Emperor Gaozu's older brother. At the age of nine, his father, Duke Nandun, died. He then lived with his uncle in Xiao and attended a primary school. Later he went to Chang'an and studied the Book of Documents under Zhongdaren Xu Ziwei from Lujiang. Short on funds, he pooled money with his fellow students named Han Zi to buy a donkey. He had an attendant rent it out in order to cover the expenses for official duties. He studied major principles and strategies, thus learning about worldly affairs. Whenever the imperial court issued decrees, he always learned of them first and explained them in detail to his fellow students. He was highly talented and fond of learning, but also enjoyed associating with ruffians, playing cockfighting and horse racing. He thoroughly understood the villains in his neighborhood as well as the strengths and weaknesses of local administration. At that time, when he was summoned to the capital for an audience, he stayed in Shangguan Li, Chang'an. When prominent men from Nanyang passed through Chang'an, they lodged at his residence and discussed doubtful matters in secret. On behalf of his uncle, the former Marquis of Chongling, he went to the Grand Marshal's office and filed a lawsuit for two hundred and sixty thousand hu of rent from before Renyin day of the twelfth month in Dihuang Yuan Nian, as well as several ten thousand coins for fodder. At that time, Zhu Fu from Wan also filed a lawsuit on behalf of his maternal uncle in You. You stopped the carriage and spoke only with him, ignoring Zhu Fu. When he returned home, he joked to Zhu Fu, "Would Lord Yan even look at you?" During the reign of Wang Mang, rice cost two thousand coins per dan in Luoyang and to its east. Wang Mang sent the Three Dukes to transport grain from eastern Guandong granaries for relief and loans to the poor. He also dispatched officials and envoys to teach people how to make curd from wood, but this curd was inedible, causing further trouble. Tens of thousands of displaced people entered Guan. Officials were appointed to provide food for them, but bandits looted the granaries. As a result, seventeen or eighteen out of twenty people starved to death, and people began eating each other. In the later years of his reign, a great drought struck the empire; locusts darkened the sky. Bandits rose in groups, and rebellion broke out everywhere. Rebels arose from Xiajiang Pinglin in Jingzhou; Wang Kuang and Wang Feng were their leaders. At that time, Nanyang suffered from drought and famine, but only the emperor's fields had a harvest. Li Boyu, a prominent native of Wan, sent his cousin Li Yi several times to seek out the emperor, who wanted to avoid them. Previously, at that time, Gong Sunchen, Li Boyu's maternal elder brother, was a physician; Liu Bocheng had invited him to treat an illness and then killed him. The emperor feared their resentment, so he avoided them. When those who came said that the Li family wished to meet him sincerely and had no other intentions, he agreed. He then carried a hidden knife for protection before entering their meeting. The brothers of Duke Gucheng said to the emperor: "The empire is in chaos and famine. The Xiajiang rebels are strong, and powerful men from Nanyang are stirring unrest." They then explained the prophetic texts in detail. "The Liu family will rise again, and the Li family shall be their assistants." The emperor was greatly surprised, but inwardly he thought that the Li family was wealthy and affluent. His father had been a Zongqing Shi (a title), and his words were deceptive and strange, not in order. He often resented various young men who repeatedly violated laws and regulations. Why would such a rich family as the Lis act like this? Therefore, he did not accept their proposition. The various Lis then conspired with Zhang Shun and others from Nanyang's government offices. After deep consideration for a long time, the emperor realized that the heavens had already changed their course; thus he bought weapons and crossbows, wore red robes, and donned crimson headgear. At this time, Liu Bocheng was also in Chongling and had already gathered his guests. The emperor returned to his old hut and saw a light in the south of the hut, which he thought was someone holding fire. He called out to them, and suddenly the light became intense, blazing up into the sky before disappearing after a short while. He found this strange. He then returned home from the southern suburb and met with Liu Bocheng. Initially, when Liu Bocheng rose in rebellion, young men from various families all fled and hid themselves, saying, "Bocheng will kill me." When they heard that the emperor had arrived, dressed in red robes and a large hat, wearing general's attire, they were astonished and said, "We thought only Bocheng was like this; even the middle son is so." They all gathered together and jointly hosted a banquet for Wang Feng, Wang Kuang, and others from the Xinshi and Pinglin armies. Consequently, he led the youths of Chongling to follow them, uniting their forces into about seven or eight thousand men. The emperor rode a cow with them and did not obtain a horse until after they killed the magistrate of Xinye. When Emperor Guangwu raised his rebel forces, he heard weeping at dusk on a hill; later there was someone wearing a large hat and a red single robe. He sent Liu Zhong to falsely pose as an official from Jiangxia, luring and killing the magistrate of Huyang. General Wuwei Yan You attacked the Xiajiang rebels, and the emperor personally presented one hu of provisions and thirty qiu of dried meat to his headquarters camp. They advanced to lay siege to Wan Cheng. Wang Mang dispatched the Grand Tutor Wang Xun and the Grand Works Minister Wang Yi to lead troops in suppressing them. After Emperor Gengshi was enthroned, he appointed the emperor as Taichang Bianshuai General. At that time there were no seals available; he obtained a seal from the family steward of Marquis Dingwu and wore it when entering court. The two generals' troops arrived at Yingchuan, where they joined forces with Yan You and Chen Mao. Yan You asked those who had come out of the city, and they said that the emperor did not dare to take any wealth but only gathered various troops to devise strategies for them. Yan You laughed and said, "Is this the man with such handsome eyebrows and eyes?" "What does he want to do that is so great?" Initially, Wang Mang had sent the two generals to display military might and intimidate Shandong. Their forces were equipped with armored shock troops, weapons, banners, and an abundance of war supplies for battle. They even drove tigers, leopards, rhinoceroses, and elephants into battle, employing the fierce giant Wu Ba as a fortress commander. Since the Qin and Han dynasties, no army had ever been deployed with such an unprecedented display of power. The emperor ambushed them at Yangguan Pass. The two generals' forces were strong, and the Han troops retreated in panic; the emperor galloped into Kunyang. The commanders became terrified and each wanted to disband and return home. He discussed with the generals: "The city has few troops and grain, and we have not yet captured Wan Cheng; our strength is insufficient to come to each other's aid. If Kunyang falls today, within a single day all of us commanders will be destroyed as well." "If we do not unite our strength to save it, are you instead planning to return and protect your wives, children, and possessions?" The commanders angrily replied, "How dare General Liu speak like this!" The emperor smiled and left; only Wang Chang agreed with his strategy. Just then, a scout returned and reported that the large army had already arrived, stretching hundreds of li long; its rear could not be seen from the front. The vanguard was already at the northern part of the city. The commanders hurriedly requested to see him, and when he arrived, he explained the strategy for mutual rescue. The commanders had always looked down on him; but in this dire situation, when the emperor outlined plans of victory and defeat, they all followed his advice. At that time, there were about eight or nine thousand Han troops; the emperor left Wang Feng in charge of defending the city and personally led forces out through the southern gate at night. The two generals' forces had already arrived with about fifty to sixty thousand troops. They encircled Kunyang city, setting up multiple layers of camps around it. Towering cloud towers over ten zhang high looked down upon the city; their banners covered the fields, dust and smoke reached the clouds, and the sounds of gongs and drums could be heard for dozens of li. Some dug underground tunnels, others used ramming vehicles to attack the city walls; accumulated crossbows shot into the city, arrows falling like rain. People in the city had to draw water while holding doors over their heads for protection. The two generals believed that victory would be achieved within a moment. A falling star crashed into Wang Xun's camp. During the day, a cloud formation resembling a collapsing mountain descended directly onto the camp but dispersed just before reaching the ground by less than one chi; soldiers and officers all crouched in fear. At that time, Han troops stationed at Dingling and Yan heard of the two generals' overwhelming forces and were all terrified. The emperor personally explained his intentions, expounding on destiny and righteousness, and requested that the vanguard units form a solid formation. The emperor led more than one thousand infantry and cavalry forward, about four or five li ahead of the main army. The two generals sent several thousand infantry and cavalry to engage in battle, but the emperor charged at them and beheaded dozens of enemy soldiers. The commanders from other units joyfully said, "General Liu has always been timid in the face of small enemies, but now he is brave against a large enemy. It's very strange and surprising." The emperor advanced again, forcing the two generals' troops to retreat; other units pressed forward in pursuit and beheaded hundreds or even thousands of enemy soldiers, achieving consecutive victories. He then ordered a swift-footed messenger to deliver letters to the commanders inside the city, saying that troops from Wan Cheng had returned. However, the letter fell on the ground in daylight. They read it and became frightened. The emperor then selected three thousand elite soldiers and rushed into battle from the western riverbank of the city. The two generals' troops then fled in great disorder, killing Grand Tutor Wang Xun; at the same time, soldiers from within Kunyang city also emerged to attack. The forces inside and outside joined together for a combined assault. At that moment, the sky was filled with thunder and strong winds; heavy rain poured down like waterfalls, turning ditches into rivers, and Zhi River overflowed its banks. The two generals' large forces then collapsed in chaos; tens of thousands rushed into the water and drowned, causing the Zhi River to stop flowing. Wang Yi, Yan You, and Chen Mao fled on horseback by riding over corpses across the Zhi River. The Han army captured all their treasures, supplies, chariots, armor, and weapons; it took months to finish collecting them all. In the fifth month, King Wu of Qi captured Wan Cheng. In the sixth month, the emperor defeated the two generals at Kunyang. Several days after capturing Wan Cheng, he arrested Liu Ji, a general under Liu Bocheng's command; but Liu Bocheng strongly contested the arrest. Emperor Gengshi then used false accusations and complaints to have Liu Bocheng arrested as well; both died on that very day. The emperor descended to Yingyang, and although he was allowed entry, he felt uneasy. There were people at the gate beating drums and horses; startled, a horse reared and crashed into something. Deng Chen got up and went out to look; it was just a horse. While the emperor was in Fucheng, he was summoned to Wan and appointed as General of Pacifying the Bandits (Pulu Da Jiangjun) and enfeoffed as Marquis Wuxin. Emperor Gengshi resented King Wu of Qi, but Emperor Guangwu ate and drank as usual, spoke and laughed normally. Yet when alone, he would not consume wine or meat, and there were traces of tears on his pillow and mat. Emperor Gengshi wanted to move north to Luoyang, and appointed Emperor Guangwu as Sili Jiao Wei (Inspector of the Imperial Secretariat) to arrive at Luoyang first in order to organize government offices. He issued official documents to be transferred to subordinate counties. When officials from the Three Fu regions traveled eastward to greet Emperor Gengshi in Luoyang, they saw dozens of his generals who had already passed by; all wore headgear and women's clothing, with embroidered robes and shackles, greatly ridiculed in Chang'an. Some people, knowing this, were afraid of their attire and fled into border commanderies. When they saw the officials under Sili, everyone pointed at and looked at them. Looking far into the distance, an old official wept and said: "It is a joy to see once again the dignity of Han officials." Scholars flocked to him like ants. Emperor Gengshi intended to send a close relative on an inspection tour of the Hebei region, but Grand Tutor Ci recommended Emperor Guangwu as the most suitable person. Emperor Gengshi appointed Emperor Guangwu as Daisima (Grand Marshal) and sent him to Hebei. In the tenth month, Emperor Guangwu held a jade token to command Mengjin, pacified Hebei, and settled the people. When Emperor Guangwu arrived at Handan, Hu Zi, the elder brother of King Zhao, presented dogs, horses, and meat paste. Guan Lin, a former son of King Miu of Zhao, advised Emperor Guangwu to attack the Chimei rebels. Hu Zi, the younger brother of King Zhao, enthroned Wang Lang, a fortune-teller from Handan, as Son of Heaven and issued proclamations offering ten thousand households for the capture of Emperor Guangwu. Emperor Guangwu was pursued by Wang Lang and fled to Raoyang, where he claimed to be a messenger from Handan and entered the relay station. Just as the kitchen official was serving food, Emperor Guangwu's hungry attendants intercepted and took it by force. The officials and soldiers were startled, gathered together in alarm, and struck the drum dozens of times, falsely claiming that a general from Handan had arrived. Emperor Guangwu's attendants all turned pale with fear. Emperor Guangwu calmly returned to his seat as he was about to board the carriage and said, "Please invite the general from Handan in." After a long time, they finally ascended. Later, when someone shouted for attention and the temple gate was opened, it turned out to be only an official from Luoyang. Emperor Guangwu went outside, braving frost and snow. Emperor Guangwu held a grand assembly in Zhen Ding and personally played the zhu (a type of ancient Chinese percussion instrument). Emperor Guangwu led Deng Yu and others to attack Liu Feng, the General of Horizontal Wilds under Wang Lang, defeating him decisively. On his return journey, he passed by Deng Yu's camp, where Deng served grilled fish; Emperor Guangwu ate heartily. At that time, the common people, rejoicing at Emperor Guangwu's recent decisive victory over a major enemy, gathered to watch. Seeing him eat heartily and encourage his officials and soldiers with both diligence and strictness, they whispered among themselves: "Prince Liu is truly a man of heaven." Emperor Guangwu led his troops to attack Handan. After successive battles, Wang Lang's forces suffered repeated defeats. Wang Lang sent Jiyan Dafu Du Changwei, holding a jade token, to the army gate. Emperor Guangwu ordered qiji (ceremonial halberds) to welcome him and invited him into the camp. Upon seeing Emperor Guangwu, he knelt on the ground and said: "I am indeed a descendant of Emperor Chengdi, named Yu." Emperor Guangwu replied, "Even if Emperor Chengdi were to be reborn, he could not reclaim the empire. How much less so a pretender like you, Zi Yu!" Changwei requested to surrender and was granted the title of Marquis with ten thousand households. Emperor Guangwu said, "Not even a single household can be given." Changwei said, "Although Handan is a small and humble city, its ruler and officials have united to defend the city; it can still hold out for another year. In the end, we would not lead our lord and subjects in surrendering just to preserve our lives." He then took his leave. Meanwhile, Li Li, the Young Fu (a title) of Wang Lang, rebelled against him and opened the city gate. The Han forces captured Handan and executed Wang Lang. They entered the royal palace and seized official documents, finding thousands of records in which officials and commoners had slandered Emperor Guangwu and claimed he could be attacked. Emperor Guangwu gathered his generals and burned them, saying: "This will allow those who are uncertain to feel at ease." While Emperor Guangwu was besieging Handan but had not yet captured it, Peng Chong sent rice, dried food, fish, and salt to supply the army's provisions. Because of this, Handan fell. Emperor Gengshi dispatched an envoy to immediately enfeoff Emperor Guangwu as Wang of Xiao. The generals proposed that he be honored with the title of Son of Heaven, but Emperor Guangwu refused. He then defeated the Tongma rebels. Just as he had finished accepting their surrender, he enfeoffed the leaders of the surrendered bandits. The generals were unable to trust them fully, and the rebels also remained divided in loyalty. Emperor Guangwu ordered the surrendered bandits to return to their camps, arm themselves, and await further instructions. He then rode in lightly armed troops and personally inspected their encampments. A bandit general said, "Prince Xiao places his red heart into the bellies of others; how could one not lay down their life for him?" Because of this, they all felt at ease. An edict was issued to Feng Yi's forces in Yanmen; over ten thousand soldiers surrendered to him. Emperor Guangwu marched north and attacked Youlai, Daqiang, and Wufan at Yuanshi. He pursued them as far as Beiping, defeating them repeatedly in succession. Later, when his forces were defeated by the enemy and Emperor Guangwu could not be found among the troops, some claimed he had already died. In fact, Emperor Guangwu had already arrived ahead of time on a small horse belonging to Wang Feng, and the gate guards did not notice him. Emperor Guangwu defeated the rebels and entered Yuyang; his generals again proposed that he accept the title of Son of Heaven, which he refused. Yi Cao Juan Zhang Zhi said: "The common people believe the Yan people are foolish. At a time when we should be deciding on great matters, to instead remain with fools is not a wise plan." Emperor Guangwu laughed heartily. When Emperor Guangwu departed Ji and returned, the soldiers were joyful; as his army marched, they danced with excitement. Drums beat and songs rang out, shaking the eight directions of the world. Passing through Fanyang, he ordered his generals to collect and bury the officials and soldiers who had died. Upon arriving at Zhongshan, the generals once again requested that he accept the title of emperor, saying: "The throne cannot remain vacant for long. For Your Majesty's ancestral temple and state, and with the ten thousand people in your heart." Geng Chun advised Emperor Guangwu: "The timing of heaven and the will of the people are already clear." Initially, during the reign of Wang Mang, Emperor Guangwu once had a private conversation with Liu Bocheng and his sister's husband Deng Chen as well as Cai Shaogong from Rang. Cai Shaogong mentioned an omen predicting that Liu Xiu would become Son of Heaven; some thought it referred to Liu Zijun, the National Teacher. Emperor Guangwu jokingly said: "How do you know it is not me?" Everyone at the gathering laughed heartily. At that time, there were rumors that the Red Subjugation Omen (Chifu Fuwen) could not be found in the army; Emperor Guangwu did not believe them. When he arrived at Gao, Qiang Hua, a fellow student from Chang'an who had stayed with him as a lodger, came from Chang'an bearing the Red Subjugation Omen and met up with Emperor Guangwu in Gao. The ministers once again strongly requested, and Emperor Guangwu addressed the Son of Heaven: "The signs of divine favor are now clearly evident." He then ordered officials to set up an altar at Wucheng Mò, Qianqiu Ting in the southern part of Gao. On the Jiwu day of the sixth month, he ascended the throne as emperor. He offered sacrifices by burning incense and fire to inform heaven, performing solemn rites for the Six Ancestries. He changed the era name to Jianwu and renamed Gao as Gaoyi. In the tenth month, the emperor entered Luoyang, visited Nan Gong palace, and established it as his capital. Emperor Guangwu defeated Shenggong and wrote a letter to Zhu Beran, saying: "On the day of our battle, divine stars appeared in daylight; Venus was clear and bright." In the first month of the second year, he granted further enfeoffments to Wu Han, Deng Yu, and others. The emperor enfeoffed all meritorious subjects as Marquises of the Ranks, with the largest fiefs covering four counties and others receiving varying degrees accordingly. Doctor Ding Gong and others argued: "In ancient times, emperors enfeoffed feudal lords no more than a hundred li in territory; thus, the benefits of establishing marquises were taken as an example from thunder." The emperor said: "Ancient states that perished did so because of their lack of virtue; I have never heard of any state destroyed simply because its meritorious subjects were granted large territories." He then dispatched envoys to bestow the seals and sashes immediately. Since the early days of the Han dynasty, when its virtue and destiny were just beginning to take shape, there had been no official determination regarding the calendar system or the color associated with imperial authority. Emperor Gaozu followed the Qin practice by taking October as the first month (lunar), adopted the water element for the Han, established a northern altar, and worshipped the Black Emperor. By the time of Emperor Xiaowen, Jia Yi and Gongsun Chen argued that since the Qin belonged to the water element, the Han should belong to the earth element. By Emperor Xiaowu's reign, Ni Kuan and Sima Qian still followed the theory of the earth element. After Emperor Guangwu ascended the throne, he examined maps, omens, and deduced the Five Elements' cycles, determining that Han belonged to the fire element. The Zhou was blue-black, while the Han is red; water generates fire, and thus red replaces black—hence, Emperor Guangwu established his capital in Luoyang. He decreed the construction of a southern suburban altar seven li south of the city and a northern suburban altar four li away, both in circular form. The altars for Heaven and Earth were placed on top; all faced south with west as the upper side. He followed the Xia calendar, with time reckoned from dawn. The imperial color and sacrificial animals were black to signify the fire element's cycle; however, the insignia of fiery brilliance favored red. Colors changed according to the seasons, with yellow used in mid-summer. Some scholars argued: "In ancient times, Duke of Zhou offered sacrifices at the suburban altar to Houji as a counterpart for Heaven, and honored King Wen in ancestral rites as a counterpart for the Supreme Deity. Maps and omens record that Yiao, son of the Red Emperor, was destined to be a king alongside Houji. The Han lineage traces back to Yao; therefore, the Son of Heaven should offer sacrifices at the suburban altar for Emperor Yao as a counterpart to Heaven and honor Emperor Gaozu in ancestral rites as a counterpart to the Supreme Deity." The officials submitted their deliberation: "Tracing back through previous dynasties, there was no precedent for offering suburban sacrifices to an ancestor associated with the Five Elements. Therefore, Yu did not offer a sacrifice at the White Emperor's altar, and Zhou did not do so for Emperor Ku. Although the Han is a descendant of Tang, Yao passed on his mandate to Shun through the calendar and numbers. Emperor Gaozu himself was inspired by the Red Dragon and the fire element, rising in accordance with destiny. Therefore, he should be honored as the successor to Yao's legacy, returning it to the Han. It would be appropriate to restore and venerate the tomb of Yao at Chengyang Xian, Ji Yang, and offer respectful sacrifices there according to proper rites." The emperor dispatched General Deng Long, the Guanyu Jiangjun (Roving Attack General), and Zhu Fu, the governor of Youzhou, to attack Peng Chong. Deng Long's forces were stationed at Lu, while Zhu Fu's troops occupied Yongnu, over a hundred li apart. He sent an official to submit a report stating: "The defeat of Peng Chong is imminent." While the emperor was still reading the document, he became angry and said:
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| | 世祖光武... : |
兵必敗，比汝歸可知。」吏還，未至隆軍，果為寵兵掩擊破。浮軍遠，至不能救，以兵走幽州。咸曰上神。南越獻白雉。三年，光武征秦豐，幸舊宅。十月，上幸舂陵，祠園廟，大置酒，與舂陵父老故人為樂。以皇祖皇考墓為昌陵，後改為章陵，因以舂陵為章陵縣。隗囂上書，報以殊禮。四年五月，上幸盧奴，為征彭寵故也。自王莽末，天下旱霜連年，百穀不成。元年之初，耕作者少，民饑饉，黃金一斤易粟一石。至二年秋，天下野穀旅生，麻菽尤盛，或生瓜菜协實，野蠶成繭被山，民收其絮，採獲穀果，以為蓄積。至是歲，野穀生者稀少，而南畝亦益闢矣。建武五年，初起太學，諸生吏子弟及民以義助作。上自齊歸，幸太學，賜博士弟子有差。野穀彌多。六年二月，吳漢下朐城，天下悉定，唯獨公孫述、隗囂未平。上曰：「取此兩子置度外。」乃休諸將，置酒，賞賜之。每幸郡國，下輿見吏輒問以數十百歲能吏次第，下至掾史。簡練臣下之行，下無所隱其情，道數十歲事若案文書，吏民驚惶，不知所以，人自以見識，家自以蒙恩。遠臣受顏色之惠，坐席之間，以要其死力。當此之時，賊檄日以百數，憂不可勝，上猶以餘間講經藝，發圖讖。制告公孫述，署曰「公孫皇帝」。囂雖遣子入侍，尚持兩心。囂故吏馬援謂囂曰；「到朝廷凡數十見，自事主未常見明主如此也。材直驚人，其勇非人之敵。開心見誠，與人語，好醜無所隱諱。圖講天下事，極盡下恩。兵事方略，量敵校勝。闊達多大節，與高帝等。經學博覽，政事文辯，前世無比。」囂曰：「如卿言，勝高帝耶？」曰：「不如也。高帝大度，無可無不可。今上好吏事，動如節度，不飲酒。」囂大笑曰：「如卿言，反復勝也。」代郡太守劉興將數百騎攻賈覽，上狀檄至，光武知其必敗，報書曰：「欲復進兵，恐失其頭首也。」詔書到，興已為覽所殺。長史得檄，以為國家坐知千里也。七年正月，詔群臣奏事無得言「聖人」。又舊制上書以青布囊素裹封書，不中式不得上。既上，詣北軍待報，前後相塵，連歲月乃決。上躬親萬機，急於下情，乃令上書啟封則用，不得刮璽書，取具文字而已。奏詣闕，平旦上，其有當見及冤結者，常以日出時，騶騎馳出召入，其餘以俟中使者出報，即罷去，所見如神，遠近不偏，幽隱上達，民莫敢不用情。追念前世，園陵至盛，王侯外戚，葬埋僭侈，吏民相效，浸以無限，詔誥天下令薄葬。八年閏月，車駕西征，河西大將軍竇融與五郡太守步騎三萬迎上。隗囂士眾震壞，皆降，囂走入城。吳漢、岑彭追守之。九年正月，隗囂餓，出城餐糗糒，腹脹死。十二年，吳漢引兵擊公孫述，入犍為界，小縣多城守未下。詔書告漢直擁兵到成都，據其心腹，後城營自解散。漢意難前，獨言朝廷以為我縛賊手足矣。遣輕騎至成都，燒市橋，武陽以東小城營皆奔走降，竟如詔書。漢兵乘勝追奔，述距守。詔書又戒漢曰：「成都十萬人，不可輕也。且堅據廣都城，去之五十里，待其即營攻城，罷倦引去，乃首尾擊之，勿與爭鋒。述兵不敢來，轉營即之，移徙輒自堅。」十一月，眾軍至城門，述自將，背城而戰。吳漢攻之，述軍大破，刺傷述，扶輿入壁，其夜死。夷述妻子，傳首於洛陽。縱兵大掠，舉火燔燒。上聞之，下詔讓吳漢副將劉禹曰：「城降，嬰兒老母，口以萬數，一旦放兵縱火，聞之可為酸鼻。家有弊帚，享之千金。禹宗室子孫，故嘗更職，何忍行此？仰視天，俯視地，觀於放麑啜羹之義，二者孰仁矣。失斬將吊民之義。」又議漢殺述親屬太多。是時名都王國有獻名馬寶劍，直百金。馬以駕鼓車，劍以賜騎士。苑囿池烃之官廢，弋獵之事不御。雅性不喜聽音樂，手不持珠玉，衣服大絹，而不重綵。征伐嘗乘革輿羸馬。公孫述故哀帝時，即以數郡備天子用。述破，益州乃傳送瞽師、郊廟樂、葆車、乘輿物，是後乃稍備具焉。述伏誅之後，而事少閑，官曹文書減舊過半，下縣吏無百里之繇，民無出門之役。十三年，封殷紹嘉公為宋公，周承休公為衛公。越裳獻白兔。十四年，封孔子後孔志為褒成侯。十五年，詔曰：「刺史太守多為詐巧，不務實核，苟以度田為名，聚人田中，並度廬屋里落，聚人遮道啼呼。」十七年，上以日食避正殿，讀圖讖多，御坐廡下淺露，中風發疾，苦眩甚。左右有白大司馬史，病苦如此，不能動搖。自強從公，出乘，以車行數里，病差。四月二日，車駕宿偃師。病差數日，入南陽界，到葉。以車騎省，留數日行，黎陽兵馬千餘匹，遂到章陵，起居平愈。幸章陵，修園廟舊宅田里舍。鳳皇至，高八九尺，毛羽五彩，集潁川，群鳥並從，蓋地數頃，留十七日乃去。商賈重寶，單車露宿，牛馬放牧，道無拾遺。十九年，光武下詔曰：「唯孝宣皇帝有功德，其上尊號曰中宗。」上幸南陽、汝南，至南頓，止令舍，大置酒，賜吏民，復南頓田租一歲。吏民叩頭言：「皇考居此日久，陛下識知寺舍，每來輒加厚恩，但復一歲少薄，願復十歲。」上曰：「 |
| | "The army will surely be defeated; by the time you return, it will become clear." When the official returned and had not yet reached Deng Long's camp, Deng's forces were indeed ambushed and defeated by Peng Chong's troops. Zhu Fu's army was too far away to offer timely aid; his forces fled toward Youzhou. Everyone said Emperor Guangwu was a deity. The Nan Yue submitted white pheasants as tribute. In the third year, Emperor Guangwu campaigned against Qin Feng and visited his former home. In the tenth month, he visited Chongling, offered sacrifices at ancestral temples and gardens, held a grand banquet, and rejoiced with his elders and old friends from Chongling. He designated the tombs of his great-grandfather and grandfather as Changling, which was later renamed Zhangling. Consequently, Chongling was changed to Zhangling Xian (county). Wei Xiao submitted a letter; the emperor responded with special honors and courtesy. In May of the fourth year, the emperor visited Lunu because he was preparing to campaign against Peng Chong. Since the end of Wang Mang's reign, the empire had suffered from continuous droughts and frosts for many years, resulting in poor harvests of all grains. In the first year of his reign, there were few people engaged in farming; the people suffered from famine and hunger, with one jin of gold exchanging for only one dan of grain. By autumn of the second year, wild grains sprouted abundantly across the empire; especially abundant were hemp and soybeans. Some areas produced melons, vegetables, and other fruits in profusion. Wild silkworms formed cocoons that covered the mountains, and people collected their silk fibers, harvesting grains and fruits for storage. By this year, wild grains had become scarce, while cultivated fields were increasingly expanded. In Jianwu fifth year, the imperial university was first established; students, sons of officials, and commoners who volunteered for public service participated in its construction. After returning from a ritual purification ceremony at Qi, the emperor visited the imperial university and bestowed rewards of varying degrees upon the doctoral scholars and their disciples. Wild grains became even more abundant. In the second month of the sixth year, Wu Han captured Qu Cheng; the entire empire was pacified except for Gongsun Shu and Wei Xiao. The emperor said: "I will place these two men beyond my consideration." He then dismissed the generals, held a banquet, and rewarded them. Whenever he visited commanderies or states, as soon as the imperial carriage stopped, he would ask the officials about capable magistrates and local administrators of the past several hundred years, down to clerks and minor officials. He carefully examined the conduct of his subordinates, and no one could conceal their true circumstances. He recounted events from several decades ago as if consulting official records. Officials and commoners were shocked and bewildered, unsure why they had been summoned; individuals felt that they had been recognized for their abilities, while families believed themselves to have received imperial favor. Distant officials and subjects were touched by the emperor's gracious demeanor; in the course of a single banquet, he could inspire their utmost loyalty and service. At this time, the number of rebel proclamations reached hundreds each day; the emperor was overwhelmed with anxiety. Yet he still found time to study Confucian classics and prophecies from ancient texts. He issued an imperial decree addressed to Gongsun Shu, signing it as "The Emperor of the Gongsuns." Although Wei Xiao sent his son to serve at court, he still harbored divided loyalties. Ma Yuan, a former official of Wei Xiao, said to Wei Xiao: "I have been to the imperial court dozens of times. In all my years serving rulers, I have never seen a sovereign as enlightened and wise as this emperor." His talent is upright and remarkable; his bravery surpasses that of ordinary men. He was open-hearted and sincere, speaking plainly with others without concealing good or bad qualities. When discussing affairs of the empire, he thoroughly considered the welfare of his subjects. In military strategy, he measured the enemy and assessed victories with precision. He was broad-minded and possessed great virtue, comparable to Emperor Gaozu of Han. "His knowledge of the classics was extensive; his governance and eloquence in state affairs were unparalleled by any previous ruler." Wei Xiao said: "As you say, is he superior to Emperor Gaozu?" He replied: "No, not quite." Emperor Gaozu was of great tolerance; he accepted both what could and could not be done. The current emperor is meticulous in administrative affairs, always acting with discipline, and does not drink alcohol." Wei Xiao laughed heartily and said: "As you say, he surpasses even in consistency." T'ai Jun Taishou Liu Xing led several hundred cavalry to attack Jia Lan. When a report of the situation was sent in, Emperor Guangwu knew that he would surely be defeated and replied with a letter saying: "If you wish to advance further, I fear you will lose your head." When the imperial decree arrived, Liu Xing had already been killed by Jia Lan. The chief clerk received the edict and thought to himself: "The empire's knowledge reaches a thousand li away as if seated here." In the first month of the seventh year, an imperial decree was issued ordering all ministers to refrain from referring to the emperor as "a sage." Furthermore, according to old regulations, memorials were to be submitted in blue cloth pouches wrapped with plain paper and sealed; those not meeting the prescribed format could not be presented. After submission, petitioners had to go to the Northern Army to await a response; those who came before or after would wait in dust and dirt, sometimes for months or even years until their case was decided. The emperor personally attended to all state affairs and urgently desired knowledge of the people's conditions. Therefore, he ordered that submitted memorials be opened and acted upon immediately; they need not bear a seal or official script, only complete written content was required. Those who submitted petitions arrived at the palace gates and presented them early in the morning. For those whose cases required an audience or involved grievances, they were usually summoned by mounted attendants riding out to bring them in as soon as the sun rose; others waited for messengers to deliver a response before being dismissed. His judgments were so swift and accurate that he was regarded as divine. He treated people from near and far without bias, ensuring even the most obscure complaints reached him, and thus no one dared conceal their true feelings. Reflecting on the past, ancestral tombs and mausoleums had become excessively grand; marquises, dukes, and imperial relatives buried their dead in extravagant and 僭越 (improperly luxurious) ways. Officials and commoners imitated them, gradually leading to boundless excess. The emperor issued an edict commanding the empire to adopt simple burials. In the intercalary month of the eighth year, the emperor personally led a western campaign; Dou Rong, the Western River Great General, and five commandery governors with 30,000 infantry and cavalry met him in welcome. Wei Xiao's troops were thrown into disarray; they all surrendered, forcing Wei himself to flee into the city. Wu Han and Cen Peng pursued and besieged him. In the first month of the ninth year, Wei Xiao starved to death; he left the city in search of dried food and porridge but died with a swollen stomach. In the twelfth year, Wu Han led his troops to attack Gongsun Shu; entering Jianwei territory, many small counties were still held by defenders and had not yet fallen. An imperial decree was sent to Wu Han, instructing him to march directly with his troops to Chengdu and occupy its strategic core; the defenders of later cities would then disband on their own. Wu Han hesitated, saying alone: "The court believes I have already bound the bandits' hands and feet." He sent light cavalry to Chengdu, burned the market bridge, and all small cities and camps east of Wuyang fled or surrendered, just as the imperial decree had foreseen. Wu Han's forces pursued their fleeing enemies with momentum, while Gongsun Shu resisted and held his ground. Another imperial decree warned Wu Han: "Chengdu has ten thousand defenders; do not underestimate them." Moreover, hold fast to Guangdu City and remain fifty li away from them. Wait until they set up camp and attack the city; when they grow weary and withdraw, strike at both their front and rear. Do not engage in direct confrontation with them. Gongsun Shu's troops dared not come out; instead, they moved their camps to attack Guangdu, and each time they relocated, their defenses became stronger." In the eleventh month, all the allied forces arrived at the city gates. Gongsun Shu personally led his troops and fought with their backs to the city walls. Wu Han attacked them, and Gongsun Shu's forces were thoroughly defeated; he was wounded by a spear and carried into the fortress on a stretcher. He died that night. Gongsun Shu's wife and children were executed, and his head was sent to Luoyang for display. The soldiers were allowed to loot freely and set fires to burn everything down. The emperor heard of this and issued an imperial decree rebuking Liu Yu, Wu Han's deputy general: "When the city surrendered, there were thousands of infants and elderly mothers. In one day, you allowed troops to loot and set fires; hearing of it is enough to make one weep bitterly." Even a broken broom in one's home can be cherished as if it were worth a thousand gold pieces. Liu Yu is a descendant of the imperial clan, and has therefore held official positions before; how could he be so cruel as to commit such acts? Look up at the heavens, look down upon the earth, and reflect on the righteousness of sparing a fawn or drinking soup—between these two actions, which is more compassionate? "You have lost the virtue of beheading tyrannical generals and comforting the people." There were also discussions criticizing Wu Han for killing too many of Gongsun Shu's relatives. At that time, King Guowang of Mingdu presented a famous horse and a precious sword worth hundreds of gold pieces as tribute. The horse was used to pull the ceremonial drum cart, and the sword was bestowed upon mounted soldiers. Officials in charge of parks, ponds, and hunting grounds were dismissed; the emperor no longer personally engaged in falconry or hunting. By nature, he disliked listening to music and never held pearls or jade in his hands; his clothing was made of plain silk, not adorned with colorful patterns. During military campaigns, he often rode a simple cart drawn by lean horses. Gongsun Shu had already prepared the resources of several commanderies for imperial use during Emperor Ai's reign. After Gongsun Shu was defeated, Yizhou began sending blind musicians, ritual music for sacrifices at the ancestral temples, ceremonial carriages, and items used by the emperor; from then on, these were gradually made available. After Gongsun Shu fell and was executed, the affairs of state became somewhat less burdensome; official documents were reduced by more than half compared to previous years. County officials no longer had to travel over a hundred li for duties, and commoners no longer bore the burden of leaving their homes for labor service. In the thirteenth year, Yin Shaojia Gong was enfeoffed as Duke of Song, and Zhou Chengxiu Gong as Duke of Wei. Yuechang submitted white rabbits as tribute. In the fourteenth year, Kong Zhi, a descendant of Confucius, was enfeoffed as Marquis Baocheng. In the fifteenth year, an imperial decree stated: "Many cishi and taishou are deceitful and cunning; they do not pursue factual investigations. Under the pretense of land measurement, they gather people in fields, measure even huts and houses, and crowds of people block roads crying out in protest." In the seventeenth year, due to a solar eclipse, the emperor avoided the main hall and instead read prophecies in an open pavilion. Sitting there exposed to the elements, he caught a chill and fell ill, suffering greatly from dizziness. Those around him reported to Grand Marshal Shi that the emperor was so seriously ill that he could not move at all. He forced himself to go out in public, rode a carriage for several li, and his illness gradually improved. On the second day of the fourth month, the imperial procession stayed overnight in Yanshi. After his illness improved for several days, he entered Nanyang territory and arrived at Ye. He traveled lightly by carriage, stayed for several days before continuing his journey; with over a thousand cavalry and soldiers from Liyang, he finally arrived at Zhangling, where his health gradually returned to normal. He visited Zhangling and restored the ancestral temple, former home, farmland, and village dwellings. A phoenix arrived, measuring eight to nine chi in height, with feathers of five colors. It gathered in Yingchuan, and a flock of birds followed it, covering several qing of land; the phoenix remained for seventeen days before departing. Merchants and traders carried valuable goods in single carts, sleeping outdoors without fear; oxen and horses were left to graze freely on the roads, with no one picking up lost items. In the nineteenth year, Emperor Guangwu issued an edict: "Only Emperor Xuan of Former Han was virtuous and meritorious; let his honorific title be elevated to Zhongzong." The emperor visited Nanyang and Ruzhao, arriving at Nandun. He stayed in a simple inn, held a grand banquet to reward officials and commoners, and exempted the people of Nandun from one year's land tax. The officials and people knelt and said: "Your late father lived here for a long time, and Your Majesty is familiar with the temples and dwellings. Every time you visit, you bestow great kindness upon us; but exempting one year's tax seems too little. We humbly request exemption for ten years." The emperor said:
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| | 世祖光武... : |
天下重寶大器，常恐不任，日慎一日，安敢自遠期十歲。」復增一歲。二十年六月，上風眴黃癉病發甚，以衛尉關內侯陰興為侍中，興受詔雲臺廣室。甘露降四十五日。二十五年，烏桓獻貂豹皮，詣闕朝賀。二十六年正月，詔曰：「前以用度不足，吏祿薄少，乃自益其俸。」自三公下至佐史各有差。初作壽陵，始營陵地於臨平亭南。將作大匠竇融上言：「園陵廣袤，無慮所用。」帝曰：「古帝王之葬，皆陶人瓦器，木車茅馬，使後世之人不知其處。臨平望平陰，河水洋洋，舟船泛泛，善矣夫！周公、孔子猶不得存，安得松、喬與之而共遊乎！太宗識終始之義，景帝能遵孝道，遭天下反覆，而獨完其福，豈不美哉！今所制地，不過二三頃，無為山陵，陂池裁令流水而已。迭興之後，亦無丘壟，使合古法。今日月已逝，當豫自作。臣子奉承，不得有加。」乃令陶人作瓦器。 |
| | "The empire's precious treasures and great responsibilities weigh heavily on me; I often fear that I am not worthy. Each day, I grow more cautious. How could I dare to promise such a long exemption for ten years?" He then added one more year of tax exemption. In the sixth month of the twentieth year, the emperor's illness worsened with severe dizziness and jaundice. He appointed Guannei Hou Yin Xing, Minister of the Guards, as Shizhong (Attendant-in-Ordinary), and Yin Xing received his imperial decree in the Guangshi Hall at Yuntai. Rain of nectar fell for forty-five days. In the twenty-fifth year, the Wuhuan people presented sable and leopard pelts, coming to court to offer congratulations. In the first month of the twenty-sixth year, an edict was issued: "Previously, due to insufficient expenditures and meager official salaries, I personally increased their stipends." From the Three Dukes down to assistant officials, each received different amounts. The construction of Shouling began, with the site first selected south of Linpingting. Dou Rong, the Chief Architect, submitted a proposal: "The size of the mausoleum and its surrounding grounds will certainly provide ample resources for whatever is needed." The emperor said: "In ancient times, the burial of emperors and kings always used earthenware made by potters, wooden carts and straw horses, so that later generations would not know their resting places. Looking from Linping to Pingyin, the river flows broadly; boats drift freely—how excellent it is! Even Zhou Gong and Confucius could not escape death; how then can we attain the longevity of Song or Qiao to travel with them?! Emperor Taizong understood the meaning of beginning and end; Emperor Jing was able to follow filial piety. Despite experiencing upheavals in the world, he alone preserved his blessings—was this not admirable! The land we have designated is no more than two or three qing; do not build a grand mausoleum, but merely construct small ponds and pools to allow water to flow. After the initial construction is complete, there should be no mounds or graves either; this will conform to ancient practices. Now that time has passed, I must prepare in advance for myself. "Ministers and subjects may carry out the task, but they must not add anything beyond what is ordered." He then ordered potters to make earthenware.
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| | 世祖光武... : |
上常自細書，一札十行，報郡縣。旦聽朝，至日晏，夜講經聽誦。坐則功臣特進在側，論時政畢，道古行事，次說在家所識鄉里能吏，次第比類。又道忠臣孝子義夫節士，坐者莫不激揚悽愴，欣然和悅。群臣爭論上前，常連日。皇太子嘗承間言：「陛下有禹、湯之明，而失黃、老養性之道。今天下大安，少省思慮，養精神。」上答曰：「我自樂此。」時城郭丘墟，掃地更為，上悔前徙之。三十年，有司奏封襌。詔曰：「災異連仍，日月薄食，百姓怨歎，而欲有事於太山，汙七十二代編錄，以羊皮雜貂裘，何強顏耶？」三十二年，群臣復奏言：「登封告成，為民報德，百王所同也。」遂登太山，勒石紀號。改元為中元。中元元年，上幸長安，祠長陵，還洛陽宮。是時醴泉出於京師，郡國飲醴泉者，痼疾皆愈，獨眇蹇者不差。有赤草生於水涯。郡國上甘露降。群臣上言：「 |
| | The emperor often personally wrote in small script, with ten lines per strip of bamboo slips, sending reports to the commanderies and counties. He listened to court matters at dawn until late into the day, and studied classics and listened to recitations at night. When seated, he had distinguished meritorious officials by his side. After discussing current political affairs, they would discuss historical precedents; next, they would mention capable local officials known to him from his hometown, comparing and categorizing them in order. He would also speak of loyal ministers, filial sons, righteous men, and chaste scholars; those present were moved to both emotional upliftment and sorrow, yet left feeling joyful and content. Ministers often debated before the emperor for several consecutive days. The Crown Prince once took the opportunity to say: "Your Majesty possesses the wisdom of Yu and Tang, yet you have neglected the principles of Huang-Lao regarding cultivating one's nature. "Now that the empire is at peace, you should reduce your worries and thoughts to preserve your spirit." The emperor replied: "I myself enjoy this." At that time, the city walls and mounds had become ruins; they were swept away and rebuilt from scratch. The emperor regretted his earlier decision to relocate them. In the thirtieth year, officials submitted a proposal for the enshrinement of the temple name. An edict was issued: "Disasters and omens have continued, with solar and lunar eclipses occurring. The people are filled with resentment and sighing; yet you wish to conduct an offering at Mount Tai, defiling the records of seventy-two generations by mixing sheepskin with sable furs—how shameless is that?" In the thirty-second year, ministers again submitted a memorial stating: "Ascending Mount Tai to offer sacrifices and announce achievements is a way of reporting virtue for the people; this has been common among all past rulers." He then ascended Mount Tai and carved stone inscriptions to record his title. The era name was changed to Zhongyuan. In the first year of the Zhongyuan era, the emperor visited Chang'an, paid homage at Changling Mausoleum, and then returned to Luoyang Palace. At that time, a sweet spring emerged in the capital; those from commanderies and states who drank its water found their chronic illnesses cured, except for those who were blind or lame. Red grass grew along the banks of the water. Commanderies and states reported that rain of nectar had fallen. The ministers submitted a proposal: "
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| | 世祖光武... : |
地祇靈應而失草萌，宜命太史撰具郡國所上。」上遂不聽，是以史官鮮記焉。冬十月甲申，使司空馮魴告祠高廟曰：「高皇呂太后不宜配食。薄太后慈仁，孝文皇帝賢明，子孫賴福，延至於今，宜配食地祇高廟。今上薄太后尊號為高皇后，遷呂太后於園，四時上祭。」是歲，起明堂、辟雍、靈臺，及北郊兆域。二年二月戊戌，帝崩於南宮前殿，在位三十三年，時年六十二。遺詔曰：「 |
| | "The earth deity has shown its divine response by causing the sprouting of red grass; we should order the Grand Historian to compile a detailed record of what each commandery and state has reported." The emperor did not listen, so historians rarely recorded these events. On the Jia Shen day of the tenth month in winter, the emperor sent Feng Fang, Minister of Works, to announce at the temple of Emperor Gao: "Empress Dowager Lü should not be enshrined alongside Emperor Gao. "Thin Empress Dowager was kind and compassionate, while Emperor Wen was virtuous and wise. His descendants have relied on their blessings to continue until today; she should be enshrined in the high temple of the earth deity." "Now, let us elevate Thin Empress Dowager's honorific title to Gao Huanghou (Empress of Gao), move Lü Taihous from the temple, and offer seasonal sacrifices at her mausoleum." In this year, construction began on the Mingtang (Hall of Bright Government), Biyong (Imperial Academy), Lingtai (Observatory), and the sacrificial site for the northern suburbs. On the Wu Xu day of the second month in the second year, the emperor passed away at Qian Dian Hall of Nan Gong. He had reigned for thirty-three years and was sixty-two years old at his death. The posthumous edict read: "
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| | 世祖光武... : |
朕無益百姓，如孝文皇帝舊制，葬務從約省。刺史二千石長吏皆無離城郭，無遣吏及因郵奏。」太子襲尊號為皇帝。群臣奏謚曰光武皇帝，廟曰世祖。三月，葬原陵。 |
| | "I have brought no benefit to the people. Follow the old regulations of Emperor Wen, and ensure my burial is simple and frugal." "Governors, magistrates of the second rank, and senior officials must not leave their cities or towns; they must not send officials or use postal services to submit memorials." The crown prince succeeded to the title of Son of Heaven as emperor. The ministers proposed a posthumous name for him: Emperor Guangwu, with his temple designated as Shizu. In March, he was buried in Yuanling Mausoleum.
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| | 世祖光武... : |
漢以炎精布耀，或幽而光。 |
| | The Han dynasty, with its fiery essence spreading brilliance, sometimes shone from obscurity.
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| | 世祖光武... : |
上東西赴難，以車上為家，傳榮合戰，跨馬操兵，身在行伍。 |
| | He traveled east and west to relieve crises, making the chariot his home; he carried honor into battle, rode horses wielding weapons, and personally joined the ranks of soldiers.
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| | 世祖光武... : |
帝即有仁聖之明，氣勢形體，天然之姿，固非人之敵，翕然龍舉雲興，三雨而濟天下，蕩蕩人無能名焉。 |
| | The emperor possessed the wisdom of benevolence and sainthood, with a commanding presence and natural grace—truly beyond human comparison. Suddenly rising like a dragon amid clouds, he brought three rains to save the world; his virtue was so vast that no one could adequately describe it.
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| | 世祖光武... : |
光武詔曰：「明設丹青之信，廣開束手之路。」 |
| | Emperor Guangwu issued an edict: "Clearly establish the credibility of clemency, and widely open the path for those who surrender."
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| | 世祖光武... : |
光武功臣鄧禹等二十八人皆為侯，封餘功臣一百八十九人。 |
| | Emperor Guangwu's meritorious ministers, including Deng Yu, totaled twenty-eight men who were all enfeoffed as marquises; another 189 meritorious subjects were also granted titles.
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| | 世祖光武... : |
帝以天下既定，思念欲完功臣爵土，不令以吏職為過，故皆以列侯就第，恩遇甚厚，遠方貢甘珍，必先遍賜列侯，而大官無餘。有功輒增封邑，故皆保全。 |
| | After the empire was pacified, the emperor reflected on his desire to preserve the titles and fiefs of meritorious subjects, ensuring that they would not be penalized for administrative errors. Therefore, he granted all meritorious men the title of marquis and allowed them to retire to their estates. He treated them with great favor; whenever rare and sweet tributes were sent from distant regions, these gifts were first distributed among the marquises, leaving nothing for the high officials. Whenever they rendered service, their fiefs and territories were increased accordingly; thus, all of them remained secure in their positions.
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| | 世祖光武... : |
光武封新野主子鄧泛為吳侯，伯父皇皇考姊子周均為富波侯，追封外祖樊重為壽張侯，重子丹為射陽侯，孫茂為平望侯，尋玄鄉侯，從子沖更父侯，后父陰睦宣恩侯，子識原鹿侯，就為信陽侯，皇考女弟子來歙征羌侯，弟由宜西侯，以寧平公主子李雄為新市侯，后父郭昌為陽安侯，子流綿曼侯，兄子竟新郪侯，匡發干侯，以姨子馮邯為鍾離侯。 |
| | Emperor Guangwu enfeoffed Deng Fan, son of the Xinye princess, as Wu Hou; Zhou Jun, nephew of his paternal grandfather's elder sister, as Fubo Hou. He posthumously enfeoffed his maternal grandfather Fan Zhong as Shuzhang Hou; Fan Dan, Zhong's son, as Sheyang Hou; and Fan Mao, Zhong's grandson, as Pingwang Hou and Xunxuanxiang Hou. His cousin Feng Chong was enfeoffed as Gengfu Hou. The father of the empress, Yin Mu, was made Xuennhou; his son Shi as Yuanlu Hou; Jiu as Yingyang Hou. His paternal aunt's grandson Lai Xi was enfeoffed as Zhengqiang Hou; his uncle You as Yixi Hou. Li Xiong, son of Princess Ningping, became Xinshi Hou. The father-in-law of the empress, Guo Chang, was made Yang'an Hou; his son Liu Mianman Hou; his nephew Jing as Xinqi Hou; Kuang as Faguan Hou. Feng Han, the emperor's maternal uncle's son, was enfeoffed as Zhongli Hou.
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| | 世祖光武... : |
光武皇帝雖發師旁縣，人馬席薦羈靽皆有成賈，而貴不侵民，樂與官市。 |
| | Although Emperor Guangwu mobilized troops from neighboring counties, the prices of horses, straw mats, and horse gear were all set at fixed rates; he ensured that nobles did not oppress commoners and preferred to conduct transactions in official markets.
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