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孝元皇后，王莽之姑也。莽自謂黃帝之後，其自本曰：黃帝姓姚氏，八世生虞舜。舜起媯汭，以媯為姓。至周武王封舜後媯滿於陳，是為胡公，十三世生完。完字敬仲，奔齊，齊桓公以為卿，姓田氏。十一世，田和有齊國，三世稱王，至王建為秦所滅。項羽起，封建孫安為濟北王。至漢興，安失國，齊人謂之「王家」，因以為氏。 |
| | Empress Xiaoyuan was an aunt of Wang Mang. Wang Mang considered himself a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, and his genealogy stated: "The Yellow Emperor bore the surname Yao; eight generations later came Yu Shun." Yu Shun rose to prominence at Gui Rui, and took Gui as his surname. In the time of King Wu of Zhou, Yu Shun's descendant Gui Man was enfeoffed in Chen, and became known as Marquis Hu. Thirteen generations later came Wan. Wan, whose courtesy name was Jingzhong, fled to Qi, where Duke Huan of Qi appointed him as an official and he took the surname Tian. Eleven generations later, Tian He possessed the state of Qi; three generations later they declared kingship, until King Jian was destroyed by the Qin. When Xiang Yu rose to power, he enfeoffed Jian's descendant An as King of Jibei. With the rise of the Han dynasty, An lost his state; people from Qi called them "Wangjia," and thus they adopted Wang as their surname.
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| | 元后傳: |
文、景間，安孫遂字伯紀，處東平陵，生賀，字翁孺。為武帝繡衣御史，逐捕魏郡群盜堅盧等黨與，及吏畏懦逗遛當坐者，翁孺皆縱不誅。它部御史暴勝之等奏殺二千石，誅千石以下，及通行飲食坐連及者，大部至斬萬餘人，語見酷吏傳。翁孺以奉使不稱免，嘆曰：「吾聞活千人有封子孫，吾所活者萬餘人，後世其興乎！」 |
| | During the reigns of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing, a descendant of An named Sui, courtesy name Boji, lived in Dongpingling; he had a son named He, courtesy name Wengru. He served as a Xiu Yi Yushi under Emperor Wu, and pursued and captured the accomplices of the bandit Jian Lu in Weiqu. However, for officials who were timid or had delayed action and should have been punished, Wengru released them without executing them. Other Yushi, such as Bao Shengzhi, reported and executed officials of the rank of Erqianshi, punished those ranked Qianshi and below, and even people who had provided food or drink to them were implicated. In one major campaign, over ten thousand were beheaded; this account is recorded in the biography of harsh officials. Wengru was dismissed for failing to perform his duties as an envoy, and sighed, "I have heard that saving a thousand people brings blessings upon one's descendants. I myself have saved over ten thousand lives; perhaps my posterity will prosper!"
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| | 元后傳: |
翁孺既免，而與東平陵終氏為怨，乃徙魏郡元城委粟里，為三老，魏郡人德之。元城建公曰：「昔春秋沙麓崩，晉史卜之，曰：『陰為陽雄，土火相乘，故有沙麓崩。後六百四十五年，宜有聖女興。』其齊田乎！今王翁孺徙，正直其地，日月當之。元城郭東有五鹿之虛，即沙鹿地也。後八十年，當有貴女興天下」云。 |
| | After Wengru was dismissed, he had a grudge against the Zhong family of Dongpingling and thus moved to Weiqu's Yuancheng Weisu Li. He became a Sanlao there, and people from Weiqu respected him. The native of Yuancheng, Jian Gong, said: "In the past, during the Spring and Autumn period, Sha Lu collapsed. The historian of Jin divined it, saying: 'Yin became dominant over Yang; earth and fire interacted, hence the collapse of Sha Lu." "After 645 years, there should be a holy woman who rises to prominence.'" Is it not the Tian clan of Qi? Now, Wang Wengru has moved there; he is upright and the place corresponds to the positions of sun and moon. lou Yuancheng's Guo Dong has a site called Wulu, which is precisely the land of Sha Lu. "In 80 years, there will be a noble woman who rises to prominence in the world," he said.
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| | 元后傳: |
王翁孺生禁，字稚君，少學法律長安，為廷尉史。本始三年，生女政君，即元后也。禁有大志，不修廉隅，好酒色，多取傍妻，凡有四女八男：長女君俠，次即元后政君，次君力，次君弟；長男鳳孝卿，次曼元卿，譚子元，崇少子，商子夏，立子叔，根稚卿，逢時季卿。唯鳳、崇與元后政君同母。母，適妻，魏郡李氏女也。後以妒去，更嫁為河內苟賓妻。 |
| | Wang Wengru had a son named Jin, courtesy name Zhijun. He studied law and legal procedures in Chang'an from an early age and served as a Tingwei Shi (an official of the Supreme Court). lou In the third year of Ben Shi, he had a daughter named Zhengjun, who was later Empress Xiaoyuan. Jin had grand ambitions, did not cultivate integrity or propriety, loved wine and women, and took many concubines. In total, he had four daughters and eight sons: the eldest daughter was Junxia, followed by Empress Xiaoyuan Zhengjun, then Junli, and finally Jundi; his eldest son was Feng Xiaoqing, followed by Man Yuanqing, Tan Ziyuan, Chong Shaizi, Shang Zi Xia, Li Zishu, Gen Zhiqing, and Fengshi Jiqing. Only Feng, Chong, and Empress Xiaoyuan Zhengjun shared the same mother. Their mother was his legitimate wife, a daughter of the Li family from Weiqu. Later, she was dismissed due to jealousy and remarried as the wife of Gou Bin from Hedong.
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| | 元后傳: |
初，李親任政君在身，夢月入其懷。及壯大，婉順得婦人道。嘗許嫁未行，所許者死。後東平王聘政君為姬，未入，王薨。禁獨怪之，使卜數者相政君，「當大貴，不可言。」禁心以為然，乃教書，學鼓琴。五鳳中，獻政君，年十八矣，入掖庭為家人子。 |
| | Initially, when Li Qian was pregnant with Zhengjun, she dreamed that a moon entered her bosom. When she grew up, she became graceful and obedient, embodying the virtues of a proper woman. She had once been betrothed but before the marriage could take place, her intended husband died. Later, Prince Dongping proposed to Zhengjun as a concubine, but before she entered his household, the prince passed away. Jin found this particularly strange and had diviners examine Zhengjun; they said, "She is destined for great fortune, which cannot be described in words." Jin believed it to be true and thus taught her to read and write, and she learned to play the guqin. In the middle of Wu Feng, Zhengjun was presented at court when she was eighteen years old and entered Yeting as a daughter of a family under imperial patronage.
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| | 元后傳: |
歲餘，會皇太子所愛幸司馬良娣病，且死，謂太子曰：「妾死非天命，乃諸娣妾良人更祝詛殺我。」太子憐之，且以為然。及司馬良娣死，太子悲恚發病，忽忽不樂，因以過怒諸娣妾，莫得進見者。久之，宣帝聞太子恨過諸娣妾，欲順適其意，乃令皇后擇後宮家人子可以虞侍太子者，政君與在其中。及太子朝，皇后乃見政君等五人，微令旁長御問知太子所欲。太子殊無意於五人者，不得已於皇后，彊應曰：「此中一人可。」是時政君坐近太子，又獨衣絳緣諸于，長御即以為。皇后使侍中杜輔、掖庭令濁賢交送政君太子宮，見丙殿。得御幸，有身。先是者，太子後宮娣妾以十數，御幸久者七八年，莫有子，及王妃壹幸而有身。甘露三年，生成帝於甲館畫堂，為世適皇孫。宣帝愛之，自名曰驁，字太孫，常置左右。 |
| | After more than a year, coinciding with the illness of Lady Sima, the beloved concubine of the Crown Prince, who was on her deathbed and told the Crown Prince: "My death is not due to fate; it is because other concubines have conspired to curse me to death." The Crown Prince pitied her and believed what she said. After Lady Sima died, the Crown Prince was grief-stricken and angry, fell ill, became melancholic and unhappy, and consequently flew into a rage at his other concubines, none of whom were allowed to see him. After some time, Emperor Xuan learned that the Crown Prince had taken excessive resentment against his concubines and wished to appease him. He therefore ordered the empress to select a daughter of an imperial household family from the palace who could serve as a companion for the Crown Prince; Zhengjun was among those chosen. lou When the Crown Prince came to court, the empress presented Zhengjun and four others, subtly instructing a senior palace attendant to inquire about his preferences. The Crown Prince showed no interest in any of the five women, but out of obligation to the empress, he reluctantly replied, "One among them is acceptable." At that time, Zhengjun happened to be seated near the Crown Prince and was the only one wearing a red-trimmed robe; the senior palace attendant therefore chose her. The empress then sent Zhongshi Du Fu and Yeting Ling Zhuo Xian to escort Zhengjun to the Crown Prince's palace, where she was received in Bingshan Hall. She gained his favor and became pregnant. Previously, the Crown Prince had dozens of concubines in his harem; those who remained favored for many years—some as long as seven or eight—had none who bore children. Yet Wang Fei became pregnant after just one encounter with him. In the third year of Gan Lu, she gave birth to Emperor Cheng at Jiaguan Huatang Hall, making him the legitimate grandson of the emperor. Emperor Xuan loved him and personally named him Ai, with courtesy name Taizun, often keeping him by his side.
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| | 元后傳: |
後三年，宣帝崩，太子即位，是為孝元帝。立太孫為太子，以母王妃為婕妤，封父禁為陽平侯。後三日，婕妤立為皇后，禁位特進，禁弟弘至長樂衛尉。永光二年，禁薨，諡曰頃侯。長子鳳嗣侯，為衛尉侍中。皇后自有子後，希復進見。太子壯大，寬博恭慎，語在成紀。其後幸酒，樂燕樂，元帝不以為能。而傅昭儀有寵於上，生定陶共王。王多材藝，上甚愛之，坐則側席，行則同輦，常有意欲廢太子而立共王。時鳳在位，與皇后、太子同心憂懼，賴侍中史丹擁右太子，語在丹傳。上亦以皇后素謹慎，而太子先帝所常留意，故得不廢。 |
| | Three years later, Emperor Xuan died; the Crown Prince ascended the throne and became Emperor Xiaoyuan. He appointed Taizun as Crown Prince, elevated his mother Wang Fei to the rank of Jieyu, and enfeoffed his father Jin as Marquis of Yangping. Three days later, Jieyu was installed as empress; Jin was granted the special title of Tejin, and his younger brother Hong rose to the position of Zhangle Weiwei. In the second year of Yongguang, Jin died; he was posthumously honored with the title Qing Hou. His eldest son Feng inherited the marquisate and served as Weiwei Shizhong. After giving birth to a son, Empress Xiaoyuan rarely visited the emperor again. When Crown Prince Ai grew up, he was broad-minded and respectful; details are recorded in his biography. Later, when the Crown Prince enjoyed drinking and indulged in feasts and music, Emperor Xiaoyuan did not consider him capable. Meanwhile, Fu Zhaoyi was favored by the emperor and bore Prince Gong of Dingtao. Prince Gong was talented and skilled, and the emperor loved him dearly; when sitting together, he would sit beside the emperor, and when traveling, they shared a palanquin. The emperor often had thoughts of deposing Crown Prince Ai in favor of Prince Gong. At that time, Feng was in office and shared with the empress and Crown Prince a deep concern and fear. Fortunately, Zhongshi Shi Dan supported the Crown Prince; details are recorded in Shi Dan's biography. The emperor also considered that the empress had always been cautious, and that the Crown Prince was a long-standing concern of Emperor Xuan; thus, he did not depose him.
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| | 元后傳: |
元帝崩，太子立，是為孝成帝。尊皇后為皇太后，以鳳為大司馬大將軍領尚書事，益封五千戶。王氏之興自鳳始。又封太后同母弟崇為安成侯，食邑萬戶。鳳庶弟譚等皆賜爵關內侯，食邑。 |
| | After Emperor Xiaoyuan died, Crown Prince Ai ascended the throne as Emperor Xiaocheng. The empress was honored as Empress Dowager, and Feng was appointed Da Si Ma Da Jiangjun (Grand Marshal and Grand General) in charge of the Shangshu Office affairs, with an additional enfeoffment of 5,000 households. The rise of the Wang clan began with Feng. Empress Dowager Xiaoyuan's maternal uncle, Chong, was also enfeoffed as Marquis of Ancheng, with a fief of 10,000 households. Feng's half-brothers Tan and others were all granted the title Guannei Hou (Inner Pass Marquis) with fiefs.
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其夏，黃霧四塞終日。天子以問諫大夫楊興、博士駟勝等，對皆以為「陰盛侵陽之氣也。高祖之約也，非功臣不侯，今太后諸弟皆以無功為侯，非高祖之約，外戚未曾有也，故天為見異。」言事者多以為然。鳳於是懼，上書辭謝曰：「陛下即位，思慕諒闇，故詔臣鳳典領尚書事，上無以明聖德，下無以益政治。今有茀星天地赤黃之異，咎在臣鳳，當伏顯戮，以謝天下。今諒闇已畢，大義皆舉，宜躬親萬機，以承天心。」因乞骸骨辭職。上報曰：「朕承先帝聖緒，涉道未深，不明事情，是以陰陽錯繆，日月無光，赤黃之氣，充塞天下。咎在朕躬，今大將軍乃引過自予，欲上尚書事，歸大將軍印綬，罷大司馬官，是明朕之不德也。朕委將軍以事，誠欲庶幾有成，顯先祖之功德。將軍其專心固意，輔朕之不逮，毋有所疑。」 |
| | That summer, a yellow haze enveloped the entire day. The emperor asked Cao Daifu Yang Xing, Bohu Si Sheng and others about it; they all replied that "it was the qi of excessive Yin invading Yang. Emperor Gaozu's decree was that only meritorious officials could be enfeoffed as marquises. Now, the 太后's brothers have all been made marquises without any merit; this violates Emperor Gaozu's decree and is unprecedented for relatives by marriage. Hence, Heaven has shown an omen." Many who commented on the matter agreed with this view. Feng was thus frightened and submitted a memorial to decline, saying: "Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have longed for mourning in seclusion. Therefore, I was ordered by edict to oversee Shangshu affairs; yet neither above did this serve to highlight your holy virtue, nor below did it benefit governance. Now with the appearance of the 孛 star and the red-yellow anomalies in heaven and earth, the blame lies with me, Feng. I should be publicly executed to atone before the realm." Now that the period of mourning has ended and all major rites have been fulfilled, Your Majesty should personally attend to all state affairs in order to fulfill Heaven's will." He then requested permission to retire on grounds of old age. The emperor replied: "I have inherited the holy legacy of my late father, but I am still shallow in understanding the Way and ignorant of affairs. This is why Yin and Yang are out of harmony, the sun and moon lack light, and red-yellow qi fills the world. The blame lies with me personally. Now the Grand General has taken responsibility upon himself, wishing to resign from his duties in the Shangshu and return the seals of office as Grand Marshal and Grand General, thus exposing my lack of virtue. I entrusted the General with affairs in earnest hope that he might achieve success and honor the virtues and achievements of our ancestors. The General must remain steadfast and devoted, assisting me where I fall short; do not entertain any doubts."
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後五年，諸吏散騎安成侯崇薨，謚曰共侯。有遺腹子奉世嗣侯，太后甚哀之。明年，河平二年，上悉封舅譚為平阿侯，商成都侯，立紅陽侯，根曲陽侯，逢時高平侯。五人同日封，故世謂之「五侯」。太后同產唯曼蚤卒，餘畢侯矣。太后母李親，苟氏妻，生一男名參，寡居。頃侯禁在時，太后令禁還李親。太后憐參，欲以田蚡為比而封之。上曰：「封田氏，非正也。」以參為侍中水衡都尉。王氏子弟皆卿大夫侍中諸曹，分據勢官滿朝廷。 |
| | Five years later, Ancheng Hou Chong of the Zhuli Sanqi died and was posthumously honored as Gong Hou. He had a posthumous son named Fengshi, who inherited the marquisate; Empress Dowager Xiaoyuan deeply mourned for him. The following year, in the second year of He Ping, the emperor enfeoffed all his maternal uncles: Tan as Pinga Hou, Shang as Chengdu Hou, Li as Hongyang Hou, Gen as Quyang Hou, and Fengshi as Gaoping Hou. The five were enfeoffed on the same day; thus, they became known in history as the "Five Marquises." Empress Dowager Xiaoyuan had only one maternal sibling, Man, who died early; all others were enfeoffed as marquis. Empress Dowager Xiaoyuan's mother was Li Qin, the wife of Gou Shi; she had one son named Can and lived as a widow. When Qing Hou Jin was still alive, Empress Dowager Xiaoyuan ordered him to return Li Qin. The empress dowager pitied Can and wished to follow the example of Tian Fen by enfeoffing him. The emperor said, "Enfeoffing a member of the Tian clan is not proper." He appointed Can as Zhongshi and Shuiheng Duwei. All the Wang clan's descendants held positions of Qing, Daifu, Zhongshi, and other officials in various departments, occupying influential posts throughout the court.
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| | 元后傳: |
大將軍鳳用事，上遂謙讓無所顓。左右常薦光祿大夫劉向少子歆通達有異材。上召見歆，誦讀詩賦，甚說之，欲以為中常侍，召取衣冠。臨當拜，左右皆曰：「未曉大將軍。」上曰：「此小事，何須關大將軍？」左右叩頭爭之。上於是語鳳，鳳以為不可，乃止。其見憚如此。 |
| | With Grand General Feng wielding power, Emperor Xiaocheng gradually became humble and yielded authority to him. Those around the emperor often recommended Liu Xun, the youngest son of Guanglu Daifu Liu Xiang, who was knowledgeable and possessed exceptional talent. The emperor summoned Liu Xin for an audience; he recited poetry and rhapsodies, which greatly pleased the emperor. The emperor wished to appoint him Zhongchangshi and ordered his official robes and hat to be fetched. Just before the appointment was made, those around said: "We have not yet informed the Grand General." The emperor said, "This is a minor matter; why must I consult the Grand General?" Those around him knelt and argued. The emperor then informed Feng, who considered it inappropriate; the matter was thus dropped. Thus great was his authority and influence.
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上即位數年，無繼嗣，體常不平。定陶共王來朝，太后與上承先帝意，遇共王甚厚，賞賜十倍於它王，不以往事為纖介。共王之來朝也，天子留，不遣歸國。上謂共王：「我未有子，人命不諱，一朝有它，且不復相見。爾長留侍我矣！」其後天子疾益有瘳，共王因留國邸，旦夕侍上，上甚親重。大將軍鳳心不便共王在京師，會日蝕，鳳因言「日蝕陰盛之象，為非常異。定陶王雖親，於禮當奉藩在國。今留侍京師，詭正非常，故天見戒。宜遣王之國。」上不得已於鳳而許之。共王辭去，上與相對泣而決。 |
| | Several years after Emperor Xiaocheng's accession, he had no heir apparent; his health remained poor. Prince Gong of Dingtao came to court on a visit. The empress dowager and the emperor, following their late father's wishes, treated Prince Gong with great favor, bestowing rewards ten times greater than those given to other princes, without holding past matters against him. When Prince Gong of Dingtao visited the court, the emperor kept him at court and did not send him back to his fief. The emperor said to Prince Gong: "I have no son yet; life is uncertain, and if something were to happen suddenly, we may never meet again. You must remain here with me forever!" Later, as the emperor's health improved, Prince Gong remained in his palace residence and served him morning and evening; the emperor held him in great affection and esteem. Grand General Feng, however, felt uneasy about Prince Gong's continued presence in the capital. When a solar eclipse occurred, Feng took the opportunity to say: "A solar eclipse is an omen of excessive Yin; it indicates an unusual portent. Though Prince Dingtao is a close relative, according to ritual he should be serving as a vassal in his own fief. Now that he remains at court instead of fulfilling this duty, it is an irregularity disguised as propriety; hence Heaven has shown a warning. The prince should be sent back to his fief." The emperor, unable to resist Feng's pressure, reluctantly agreed. Prince Gong bid farewell and departed; the emperor wept with him as they parted in deep emotion.
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| | 元后傳: |
京兆尹王章素剛直敢言，以為鳳建遣共王之國非是，乃奏封事言日蝕之咎矣。天子召見章，延問以事，章對曰：「天道聰明，佐善而災惡，以瑞異為符效。今陛下以未有繼嗣，引近定陶王，所以承宗廟，重社稷，上順天心，下安百姓。此正義善事，當有祥瑞，何故致災異？災異之發，為大臣顓政者也。今聞大將軍猥歸日蝕之咎於定陶王，建遣之國，苟欲使天子孤立於上，顓擅朝事以便其私，非忠臣也。且日蝕，陰侵陽臣顓君之咎，今政事大小皆自鳳出，天子曾不一舉手，鳳不內省責，反歸咎善人，推遠定陶王。且鳳誣罔不忠，非一事也。前丞相樂昌侯商本以先帝外屬，內行篤，有威重，位歷將相，國家柱石臣也，其人守正，不肯詘節隨鳳委曲，卒用閨門之事為鳳所罷，身以憂死，眾庶愍之。又鳳知其小婦弟張美人已嘗適人，於禮不宜配御至尊，託以為宜子，內之後宮，苟以私其妻弟。聞張美人未嘗任身就館也。且羌胡尚殺首子以盪腸正世，況於天子而近已出之女也！此三者皆大事，陛下所自見，足以知其餘，及它所不見者。鳳不可令久典事，宜退使就第，選忠賢以代之。」 |
| | Jingzhao Yin Wang Zhang, who had always been upright and bold in speaking out, believed that Feng's proposal to send Prince Gong back to his fief was wrong. He therefore submitted a sealed memorial stating the cause of the solar eclipse lay with Feng. The emperor summoned Zhang for an audience and inquired about the matter. Zhang replied: "Heaven is wise, aiding virtue while bringing calamity upon wickedness; auspicious or ominous signs serve as its symbols. Now, Your Majesty, because you have no heir yet, has brought Prince Dingtao closer. This is done to uphold the ancestral temple and safeguard the state; it aligns with Heaven's will above and brings peace to the people below. This is a righteous and virtuous act, which should bring auspicious omens—why then has an ill omen occurred? The occurrence of this calamity stems from ministers who monopolize power. Now I have heard that Grand General Feng wrongly attributes the eclipse to Prince Dingtao, proposing his removal from court. This is merely an attempt to isolate the emperor above and monopolize state affairs for personal gain; such a man cannot be considered loyal. Moreover, a solar eclipse signifies the Yin encroaching upon Yang—this is due to ministers monopolizing authority over their sovereign. Now all major and minor state affairs originate from Feng; the emperor has not even raised his hand in decision-making. Yet instead of self-reflecting on this guilt, Feng falsely accuses an upright man and pushes Prince Dingtao away. Furthermore, Feng's false accusations and disloyalty are not limited to one instance. Previously, Chancellor Lechang Hou Shang was a relative of the late emperor by marriage and held an upright character with great authority. Having served in high positions as general and chancellor, he was considered a pillar of the state. He adhered to principle and refused to compromise his integrity or yield to Feng's manipulations. In the end, Feng had him dismissed on trivial family matters; Shang died from grief, and the common people mourned for him. Moreover, Feng knew that his wife's younger brother Zhang Mei Ren had previously been married; by ritual, such a person was unfit to be matched with the Son of Heaven. Yet Feng falsely claimed she would bear children and arranged for her to enter the palace, merely to benefit his sister-in-law's family. It is said that Zhang Mei Ren never actually entered the palace as a concubine. Furthermore, even among the Qiang and Hu tribes, it is customary to sacrifice the firstborn son to purify the family line for future generations; how much more so should the Son of Heaven avoid taking a woman who has already been married! These three incidents are all major matters, which Your Majesty yourself has witnessed. They are sufficient to understand other similar cases and even those not yet seen. Feng must not be allowed to hold power for long; he should be dismissed from office, sent back to his residence, and replaced by a loyal and virtuous official."
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| | 元后傳: |
自鳳之白罷商後遣定陶王也，上不能平。及聞章言，天子感寤，納之，謂章曰：「微京兆尹直言，吾不聞社稷計！且唯賢知賢，君試為朕求可以自輔者。」於是章奏封事，薦中山孝王舅琅邪太守馮野王「先帝時歷二卿，忠信質直，知謀有餘。野王以王舅出，以賢復入，明聖主樂進賢也。」上自為太子時數聞野王先帝名卿，聲譽出鳳遠甚，方倚欲以代鳳。 |
| | Since Feng had the emperor dismiss Shang and send Prince Dingtao back to his fief, the emperor has been deeply resentful. Upon hearing Zhang's words, the emperor was moved and accepted his advice, saying to Zhang: "Were it not for your candid remarks as Jingzhao Yin, I would never have learned of what is best for the state! Moreover, only a virtuous man can recognize virtue; you should now seek out someone who may serve as my loyal assistant." Zhang then submitted a sealed memorial, recommending Feng Yewang, the maternal uncle of Prince Xiao of Zhongshan and current Taihou of Langya: "During the reign of the late emperor, he served in two high-ranking positions; he is loyal, trustworthy, upright, and possesses abundant wisdom. Feng Yewang left office as the maternal uncle of a prince but is now returning due to his virtue—this demonstrates that Your Majesty delights in promoting virtuous men." The emperor had long heard of Feng Yewang's reputation as a distinguished official under the late emperor when he was still crown prince; his fame far surpassed that of Feng. The emperor now relied on him and intended to replace Feng with him.
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| | 元后傳: |
初，章每召見，上輒辟左右。時太后從弟長樂衛尉弘子侍中音獨側聽，具知章言，以語鳳。鳳聞之，稱病出就第，上疏乞骸骨，謝上曰：「臣材駑愚戇，得以外屬兄弟七人封為列侯，宗族蒙恩，賞賜無量。輔政出入七年，國家委任臣鳳，所言輒聽，薦士常用。無一功善，陰陽不調，災異數見，咎在臣鳳奉職無狀，此臣一當退也。五經傳記，師所誦說，咸以日蝕之咎在於大臣非其人，《》曰『』，此臣二當退也。 |
| | Initially, whenever Zhang was summoned for an audience, the emperor would always order his attendants away. At that time, Yin, a nephew of the empress dowager and son of Hong, who served as Changle Weiwei, was alone in attendance and overheard everything. He learned all of Zhang's words and reported them to Feng. Feng, upon hearing this, pretended to fall ill and left the palace for his residence. He submitted a memorial requesting retirement, saying: "I am unworthy and foolish; by virtue of my family ties alone, seven of my brothers have been ennobled as marquises, while our entire clan has received boundless favors and rewards from Your Majesty. For seven years I have assisted in governance; the state entrusted me with authority, heeding my words and regularly appointing officials recommended by me. Yet I have achieved no merit or virtue; the balance of Yin and Yang has been disrupted, with frequent signs of calamity. This is due to my failure in duty—this alone is reason enough for me to resign. The Five Classics and historical records, as taught by my teachers, all state that the blame for a solar eclipse lies with ministers who are unworthy. The Yijing says: "Break off his right arm"—this is the second reason I should resign.
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河平以來，臣久病連年，數出在外，曠職素餐，此臣三當退也。陛下以皇太后故不忍誅廢，臣猶自知當遠流放，又重自念，兄弟宗族所蒙不測，當殺身靡骨死輦轂下，不當以無益之故有離寑門之心。誠歲餘以來，所苦加侵，日日益甚，不勝大願，願乞骸骨，歸自治養，冀賴陛下神靈，未理髮齒，期月之間，幸得瘳愈，復望帷幄，不然，必寘溝壑。臣以非材見私，天下知臣受恩深也；以病得全骸骨歸，天下知臣被恩見哀，重巍巍也。進退於國為厚，萬無纖介之議。唯陛下哀憐！」其辭指甚哀，太后聞之為垂涕，不御食。 |
| | Since the Heping era, I have suffered from prolonged illness for many years and frequently left court. I have neglected my duties while drawing a salary—this is the third reason I should resign." Your Majesty, out of respect for the empress dowager, has not punished or dismissed me. I myself know that I should be exiled far away; yet I have further reflected on how my brothers and extended family would suffer from such an unexpected fate. I am willing to die by having my body crushed beneath Your Majesty's carriage wheels rather than entertain any thought of fleeing the palace gates for selfish reasons. Indeed, for more than a year now, my illness has worsened day by day. I can no longer bear this burden and humbly request to retire from office so that I may return home for treatment and recuperation. May Heaven's blessings through Your Majesty grant me recovery before long; in the span of one or two months, I hope to be healed and once again serve at court. If not, I shall certainly perish and end up in a ditch. I am an unworthy official who has been favored by Your Majesty; all under heaven know that the emperor's grace upon me is profound. To be allowed to retire on account of illness and return with my bones intact, all under heaven will know that I have been shown compassion and received great honor—this would be a most glorious fate. My resignation or continued service is for the good of the state, with no room for even the slightest criticism. I only beg Your Majesty's compassion!" His words were deeply sorrowful; upon hearing them, the empress dowager wept and refused to eat.
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上少而親倚鳳，弗忍廢，乃報鳳曰：「朕秉事不明，政事多闕，故天變屢臻，咸在朕躬。將軍乃深引過自予，欲乞骸骨而退，則朕將何嚮焉！書不云乎？『公毋困我。』務專精神，安心自持，期於亟瘳，稱朕意焉。」於是鳳起視事。上使尚書劾奏章「知野王前以王舅出補吏，而私薦之，欲令在朝阿附諸侯；又知張美人體御至尊，而妄稱引羌胡殺子蕩腸，非所宜言。」遂下章吏。廷尉致其大逆罪，以為「比上夷狄，欲絕繼嗣之端；背畔天子，私為定陶王。」章死獄中，妻子徙合浦。 |
| | The emperor, who had long relied on Feng since his youth, could not bear to dismiss him and replied to Feng: "It is I who have failed in governance; many state affairs are neglected. Hence Heaven has sent repeated omens of calamity—these all lie upon my shoulders. You, General, now take deep responsibility and wish to resign from office; where would I turn then! Is it not said in the Shangshu? "Minister, do not abandon me." You must concentrate your strength and remain calm; I hope for a swift recovery so that you may continue to serve as I wish." Thus Feng resumed his duties. The emperor ordered the Shangshu to investigate and accuse Zhang of "knowing that Feng Yewang had previously been removed from office due to his relation by marriage to a prince, yet recommending him privately in an attempt to have him return to court and support the princes." Furthermore, Zhang knew that Lady Zhang had already been married but falsely cited the Qiang and Hu custom of sacrificing a son to purify one's family—something entirely inappropriate for him to say." Zhang was thus handed over to the authorities. The Tingwei (Ministry of Justice) charged Zhang with a grave crime of treason, stating: "He compared the Son of Heaven to the Yi and Di barbarians, attempting to sever the line of succession; he betrayed the emperor and privately supported Prince Dingtao." Zhang died in prison, and his wife and children were exiled to Hepu.
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自是公卿見鳳，側目而視，郡國守相刺史皆出其門。又以侍中太僕音為御史大夫，列于三公。而五侯群弟，爭為奢侈，賂遺珍寶，四面而至；後庭姬妾，各數十人，僮奴以千百數，羅鐘磬，舞鄭女，作倡優，狗馬馳逐；大治第室，起土山漸臺，洞門高廊閣道，連屬彌望。百姓歌之曰：「五侯初起，曲陽最怒，壞決高都，連竟外杜，土山漸臺西白虎。」奢僭如此。然皆通敏人事，好士養賢，傾財施予，以相高尚。 |
| | From then on, the high-ranking officials who saw Feng would glance at him sideways with fear; magistrates and provincial governors all came out of his door. Feng also appointed Yin, the Shizhong Taifu, as Yushi Daifu and elevated him to one of the Three Excellencies. Meanwhile, Feng's five marquises and his brothers vied with each other in extravagance; bribes of rare treasures arrived from all directions. Each had dozens of concubines and hundreds or even thousands of servants; they displayed musical instruments, danced with women from Zheng, employed entertainers, and indulged in horse racing and dog chasing. They built grand mansions, raised artificial hills and pavilions, constructed arched gateways, high corridors, and elevated walkways that stretched endlessly. The people sang a song: "When the Five Marquises first rose, Quyang was most furious. He breached Gao Du and linked it to Wai Du; the artificial hill and pavilion extend westward toward Baihu." Such was their extravagance and arrogance. Yet they were all shrewd in human affairs, fond of scholars and virtuous men, generous with their wealth, and eager to cultivate a reputation for virtue.
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鳳輔政凡十一歲。陽朔三年秋，鳳病，天子數自臨問，親執其手，涕泣曰：「將軍病，如有不可言，平阿侯譚次將軍矣。」鳳頓首泣曰：「譚等雖與臣至親，行皆奢僭，無以率導百姓，不如御史大夫音謹敕，臣敢以死保之。」及鳳且死，上疏謝上，復固薦音自代，譚等五人必不可用。天子然之。 |
| | Feng assisted in governance for eleven years. In the autumn of Yangshuo 3, Feng fell ill. The emperor visited him in person multiple times, holding his hand and weeping: "If General's illness proves fatal, Pinga Hou Tan will succeed you." Feng kowtowed and wept, saying: "Tan is indeed closely related to me by blood, but his conduct has been extravagant and arrogant; he cannot serve as a model for the people. Yushi Daifu Yin is more cautious and upright—on my life I recommend him." On his deathbed, Feng submitted a memorial to the emperor expressing gratitude and once again strongly recommended Yin as his successor, stating that Tan and four others were absolutely unfit for office. The emperor agreed with this.
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初，譚倨，不肯事鳳，而音敬鳳，卑恭如子，故薦之。鳳薨，天子臨弔贈寵，送以輕車介士，軍陳自長安至渭陵，諡曰敬成侯。子襄嗣侯，為衛尉。御史大夫音竟代鳳為大司馬車騎將軍，而平阿侯譚位特進，領城門兵。谷永說譚，令讓不受城門職，由是與音不平，語在永傳。 |
| | Initially, Tan had been arrogant and refused to serve Feng; Yin, however, respected Feng and treated him with humility like a son. Hence Feng recommended him. After Feng's death, the emperor personally attended his funeral and bestowed honors upon him. He was sent off with a light carriage and armed attendants; troops formed processions from Chang'an to Weiling. He received the posthumous title of Jingcheng Hou (the Marquis of Respectful Completion). His son Xiang inherited the marquessate and served as Weiwei. Yushi Daifu Yin eventually succeeded Feng as Dashima Cheqi Jiangjun, while Pinga Hou Tan was granted the special title of Tejin and placed in charge of the city gate troops. Gu Yong advised Tan to refuse the position at the city gates, and thus a conflict arose between Tan and Yin; this is recorded in Gu Yong's biography.
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音既以從舅越親用事，小心親職，歲餘，上下詔曰：「車騎將軍音宿衛忠正，勤勞國家，前為御史大夫，以外親宜典兵馬，入為將軍，不獲宰相之封，朕甚慊焉！其封音為安陽侯，食邑與五侯等，俱三千戶。」 |
| | Yin, having risen to power through his relation as the maternal uncle's son-in-law, was cautious and conscientious in his duties. After more than a year, an imperial edict was issued: "Cheqi Jiangjun Yin has been loyal and upright in guarding the court; he has labored diligently for the state. Previously serving as Yushi Daifu, it was appropriate that due to his family ties he be placed in command of troops. Now promoted to general, yet without receiving a marquisate like a chancellor, I feel deeply uneasy! Therefore, Yin shall be enfeoffed as Anyang Hou. His fief shall equal that of the Five Marquises, with 3,000 households."
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初，成都侯商嘗病，欲避暑，從上借明光宮。後又穿長安城，引內灃水注第中大陂以行船，立羽蓋，張周帷，輯濯越歌。上幸商第，見穿城引水，意恨，內銜之，未言。後微行出，過曲陽侯第，又見園中土山漸臺似類白虎殿。於是上怒，以讓車騎將軍音。商、根兄弟欲自黥劓謝太后。上聞之大怒，乃使尚書責問司隸校尉、京兆尹「知成都侯商擅穿帝城，決引灃水，曲陽侯根驕奢僭上，赤墀青瑣，紅陽侯立父子臧匿姦猾亡命，賓客為群盜，司隸、京兆皆阿縱不舉奏正法。」二人頓首省戶下。又賜車騎將軍音策書曰：「外家何甘樂禍敗，而欲自黥劓，相戮辱於太后前，傷慈母之心，以危亂國！外家宗族彊，上一身浸弱日久，今將一施之。君其召諸侯，令待府舍。」是日，詔尚書奏文帝時誅將軍薄昭故事。車騎將軍音藉槁請罪，商、立、根皆負斧質謝。上不忍誅，然後得已。 |
| | Initially, Chengdu Hou Shang once fell ill and wished to escape the heat by borrowing Mingguang Palace from the emperor. Later, he dug through Chang'an city to channel the Feng River into a large pond in his estate for boat travel. He raised ornamental canopies and spread surrounding curtains, while musicians performed songs from Yue. When the emperor visited Shang's residence and saw that he had dug through the city walls to divert water, he was displeased but concealed his anger, saying nothing. Later, when the emperor made a secret visit and passed by Quyang Hou's residence, he saw an artificial hill and pavilion in the garden resembling Baihu Palace. The emperor became furious and rebuked Cheqi Jiangjun Yin about this matter. Shang, Gen, and their brothers wished to self-mutilate by branding or cutting off their noses as an apology to the empress dowager. Upon hearing this, the emperor became extremely angry and ordered the Shangshu (Ministry of Works) to hold the Sili Jiaoyue and Jingzhao Yin accountable: "You knew that Chengdu Hou Shang had 擅自 dug through the imperial city walls and diverted the Feng River; Quyang Hou Gen was arrogant and extravagant, imitating the Son of Heaven with vermilion steps and blue lattices. Hongyang Hou Li and his father concealed fugitives and criminals, whose guests formed bands of robbers. Yet you both, Sili and Jingzhao Yin, colluded in their favor, failing to report them for legal punishment." The two officials kowtowed at the threshold of the palace. The emperor also issued a written decree to Cheqi Jiangjun Yin: "How could the maternal relatives take pleasure in disaster and destruction, yet wish to self-mutilate with branding or nose-cutting, publicly humiliating themselves before the empress dowager? This wounds her motherly heart and endangers the state through chaos! For a long time, the maternal relatives have grown powerful while Your Majesty has gradually weakened. Now I shall take decisive action." You must summon all the marquises and order them to await orders at their official residences." On that day, an edict was issued ordering the Shangshu Ministry to present the precedent of Emperor Wen's execution of General Bo Zhao. Cheqi Jiangjun Yin knelt on straw mats and pleaded for punishment, while Shang, Li, Gen, and others stood with axes at their necks in submission. The emperor could not bring himself to execute them; only after much deliberation was the matter finally dropped.
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久之，平阿侯譚薨，諡曰安侯，子仁嗣侯。太后憐弟曼蚤死，獨不封，曼寡婦渠供養東宮，子莽幼孤不及等比，常以為語。平阿侯譚、成都侯商及在位多稱莽者。久之，上復下詔追封曼為新都哀侯，而子莽嗣爵為新都侯。後又封太后姊子淳于長為定陵侯。王氏親屬，侯者凡十人。 |
| | Some time later, Pinga Hou Tan died and received the posthumous title An Hou; his son Ren inherited the marquessate. The empress dowager pitied her younger brother Man, who had died young and was never enfeoffed. His widow Qu provided for the eastern palace, while his son Mang, an orphan in early childhood, could not be compared to others; she often spoke of this matter. Pinga Hou Tan and Chengdu Hou Shang, along with many officials in office, frequently praised Mang. After some time, the emperor issued another edict posthumously enfeoffing Man as Xin Du Ai Hou (the Marquis of Xin Du, the Mournful), and his son Mang inherited the title as Xin Du Hou. Later, the emperor also enfeoffed the empress dowager's sister's son Chunyu Chang as Dingling Hou (the Marquis of Dingling). Among Wang Mang's relatives, ten were enfeoffed as marquises.
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上悔廢平阿侯譚不輔政而薨也，乃復進成都侯商以特進，領城門兵，置幕府，得舉吏如將軍。杜鄴說車騎將軍音令親附商，語在鄴傳。王氏爵位日盛，唯音為修整，數諫正，有忠節，輔政八年，薨。弔贈如大將軍，諡曰敬侯。子舜嗣侯，為太僕侍中。特進成都侯商代音為大司馬衛將軍，而紅陽侯立位特進，領城門兵。商輔政四歲，病乞骸骨，天子憫之，更以為大將軍，益封二千戶，賜錢百萬。商薨，弔贈如大將軍故事，諡曰景成侯，子況嗣侯。紅陽侯立次當輔政，有罪過，語在孫寶傳。上乃廢立而用光祿勳曲陽侯根為大司馬票騎將軍，歲餘益封千七百戶。高平侯逢時無材能名稱，是歲薨，諡曰戴侯，子買之嗣侯。 |
| | The emperor regretted having dismissed Pinga Hou Tan from assisting in government affairs, which led to his death. Therefore, he promoted Chengdu Hou Shang to the rank of Tejin (an honorary title), placed him in charge of the city gate troops, established a military office for him, and allowed him to appoint officials just like a general. Du Ye advised Cheqi Jiangjun Yin to personally attach himself to Shang; this account is recorded in the biography of Yu Ye. The Wang family's titles and honors grew increasingly prominent, but only Yin remained upright and conscientious, frequently offering advice and correction, demonstrating loyalty and integrity. He served in government affairs for eight years before passing away. He was posthumously honored with funeral rites befitting a great general, receiving the posthumous title Jing Hou (the Marquis of Respect). His son Shun inherited the marquessate and served as Taifu Shizhong. Tejin Chengdu Hou Shang succeeded Yin as the Daisima Weijiangjun (Grand Marshal and General of the Guards), while Hongyang Hou Li was also granted the title Tejin, in charge of commanding the city gate troops. Shang served in government affairs for four years, then fell ill and requested to retire. The emperor took pity on him, instead appointing him as Dajiangjun (Great General), increased his fief by two thousand households, and bestowed a grant of one million coins. After Shang's death, he was honored with funeral rites in accordance with the precedent for a great general and posthumously titled Jingcheng Hou (the Marquis of Jingcheng). His son Kuang inherited the marquessate. translates as "Shang died." Hongyang Hou Li was next in line to assist in government affairs, but he committed crimes and offenses; this is recorded in the biography of Sun Bao. The emperor then dismissed Li and appointed Guanglu Xun Quyang Hou Gen as Daisima Piaojijiangjun (Grand Marshal, General of the Horsemen), increasing his fief by 1,700 households after more than a year. Gaoping Hou Fengshi had no notable talent or reputation; he died this year and received the posthumous title Dai Hou (the Marquis of Dai). His son Mai zhi inherited the marquessate. translates as "Gaoping Hou Fengshi."
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綏和元年，上即位二十餘年無繼嗣，而定陶共王已薨，子嗣立為王。王祖母定陶傅太后重賂遺票騎將軍根，為王求漢嗣，根為言，上亦欲立之，遂徵定陶王為太子。時根輔政五歲矣，乞骸骨，上乃益封根五千戶，賜安車駟馬，黃金五百斤，罷就第。 |
| | In the first year of Suhe, after more than twenty years on the throne without an heir, Dingtao Gongwang had already died; his son Si was enfeoffed as king. Wang's maternal grandmother, Dingtao Fu Taichou, heavily bribed and gave gifts to Piaojijiangjun Gen, requesting that the king be granted a Han dynasty heir. Gen spoke on his behalf; the emperor also wished to appoint him, so he summoned Dingtao Wang as the crown prince. At that time, Gen had served in government affairs for five years and requested to retire. The emperor then increased Gen's fief by 5,000 households, granted him a safe carriage with four horses, 500 jin of gold, and dismissed him from office so he could return home.
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先是定陵侯淳于長以外屬能謀議，為衛尉侍中，在輔政之次。是歲，新都侯莽告長伏罪與紅陽侯立相連，長下獄死，立就國，語在長傳。故曲陽侯根薦莽以自代，上亦以為莽有忠直節，遂擢莽從侍中騎都尉光祿大夫為大司馬。 |
| | Previously, Dingling Hou Chunyu Chang, due to his position as a maternal relative and his ability in planning and deliberation, served as Weiyi Shizhong (Minister of the Guards and Attendant-in-Ordinary) and was next in line for assisting in government affairs. In this year, Xin Du Hou Mang reported that Chang had confessed to crimes and was linked with Hongyang Hou Li. As a result, Chang was imprisoned and died, while Li returned to his fief; this account is recorded in Chang's biography. Therefore, former Quyang Hou Gen recommended Mang to succeed him. The emperor also believed that Mang possessed loyalty and integrity, so he promoted Mang from the position of Shizhong Qiduwei Guanglu Dafu (Attendant-in-Ordinary, Commander of the Cavalry, and Guanglu Dafu) to Daisima (Grand Marshal).
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歲餘，成帝崩，哀帝即位。太后詔莽就第，避帝外家。哀帝初優莽，不聽。莽上書固乞骸骨而退。上乃下詔曰：「曲陽侯根前在位，建社稷策。侍中太僕安陽侯舜往時護太子家，導朕，忠誠專壹，有舊恩。新都侯莽憂勞國家，執義堅固，庶幾與為治，太皇太后詔休就第，朕甚閔焉。其益封根二千戶，舜五百戶，莽三百五十戶。以莽為特進，朝朔望。」又還紅陽侯立京師。哀帝少而聞知王氏驕盛，心不能善，以初立，故優之。 |
| | After more than a year, Emperor Cheng died, and Emperor Ai ascended the throne. The empress dowager issued an edict ordering Mang to return home, so as to avoid conflict with the emperor's maternal relatives. Emperor Ai initially favored Mang and did not comply with the order. Mang submitted a memorial repeatedly requesting to retire from office and withdraw. The emperor then issued an edict stating, "Former Quyang Hou Gen was previously in office and proposed strategies for the state's stability. Shizhong Taifu Anyang Hou Shun, at that time, served as guardian of the crown prince's household and guided me; he was loyal and devoted with a sense of old favor. Xin Du Hou Mang has been deeply concerned and toiled for the state, steadfast in upholding righteousness; he could have shared in governance. The Taihuang Taichou decreed that he should retire to his residence, and I feel great sympathy for this. Therefore, increase Gen's fief by two thousand households; Shun's by five hundred households; and Mang's by three hundred fifty households. Grant Mang the title of Tejin (a special honor), allowing him to attend court audiences on the first and fifteenth days of each month." He also recalled Hongyang Hou Li back to the capital. Emperor Ai, from a young age, had heard of the Wang family's arrogance and power, and he did not hold them in high regard. However, because he was newly enthroned, he treated them with leniency.
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後月餘，司隸校尉解光奏：「曲陽根宗重身尊，三世據權，五將秉政，天下輻湊自效。根行貪邪，臧累鉅萬，縱橫恣意，大治第宅，第中起土山，立兩市，殿上赤墀，戶青瑣；遊觀射獵，使奴從者被甲持弓弩，陳為步兵；止宿離宮，水衡共張，發民治道，百姓苦其役。內懷姦邪，欲筦朝政，推親近吏主簿張業以為尚書，蔽上壅下，內塞王路，外交藩臣，驕奢僭上，壞亂制度。案根骨肉至親，社稷大臣，先帝棄天下，根不悲哀思慕，山陵未成，公聘取故掖庭女樂五官殷嚴、王飛君等，置酒歌舞，捐忘先帝厚恩，背臣子義。及根兄子成都侯況幸得以外親繼父為列侯侍中，不思報厚恩，亦聘取故掖庭貴人以為妻，皆無人臣禮，大不敬不道。」於是天子曰：「先帝遇根、況父子，至厚也，今乃背忘恩義！」以根嘗建社稷之策，遣就國。免況為庶人，歸故郡。根及況父商所薦舉為官者，皆罷。 |
| | After more than a month, Sili Jiaoyue Xie Guang submitted a memorial: "Quyang Hou Gen's family is of high status and great influence; for three generations they have held power, with five generals controlling government affairs. People from all over the land have flocked to them in hopes of gaining favor. Gen's conduct was greedy and corrupt, with accumulated wealth in the tens of thousands. He acted recklessly and indulged his desires, constructing grand mansions where he built artificial hills within them, established two markets, painted the palace floors red, and adorned the door latches with green jade. He indulged in leisurely tours, hunting expeditions, and had his slaves and attendants clad in armor and armed with crossbows, arranged as infantry. He stayed overnight at palaces away from the capital; the Shuiheng Office provided lavish accommodations and mobilized commoners to build roads, causing great hardship for the people through these labor demands. Within, he harbored treachery and sought to control court affairs. He promoted his close associate, the clerk Zhang Ye, as Shangshu (Minister of the Secretariat), thereby obstructing imperial decrees and blocking communication between officials and the emperor. Internally, this blocked the path for royal authority; externally, he formed alliances with regional ministers. His arrogance and extravagance exceeded proper bounds, corrupting and disrupting established systems. Gen, being a close blood relative and an important minister for the state, failed to grieve or mourn sincerely when the late emperor passed away. Before the construction of his tomb was completed, Gen openly hired former palace musicians such as Yin Yan, Wuanguan Yin Yan, Wang Feijun, and others, holding banquets with music and dancing, thus forgetting the late emperor's great kindness and betraying the duties of a subject and son. Furthermore, Gen's nephew, Chengdu Hou Kuang, was fortunate to inherit his father's title as a marquess and serve as Shizhong due to their maternal relation. Yet he did not think of repaying this great favor; he also openly married former palace ladies from the Yeting, all of which violated proper conduct for a subject, constituting grave disrespect and impiety." Thus the emperor said: "The late emperor treated Gen and Kuang, father and son, with great kindness; now they have betrayed and forgotten this 恩义 (kindness and righteousness)!" Because Gen had once proposed strategies for the stability of the state, he was ordered to return to his fief. Kuang was stripped of his title and reduced to a commoner, returning to his native commandery. All officials recommended by Gen and Kuang's father Shang were dismissed from office.
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後二歲，傅太后、帝母丁姬皆稱尊號。有司奏「新都侯莽前為大司馬，貶抑尊號之議，虧損孝道，及平阿侯仁臧匿趙昭儀親屬，皆就國。」天下多冤王氏。 |
| | Two years later, Fu Taichou and the emperor's mother Ding Ji both claimed the title of empress dowager. The officials submitted a report: "Xin Du Hou Mang, when previously serving as Daisima (Grand Marshal), suppressed the proposal to confer the title of empress dowager, violating filial piety. Furthermore, Pinga Hou Ren concealed relatives of Zhao Zhaoying; both were ordered to return to their fiefs." Many people across the land felt that the Wang family had been wronged.
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諫大夫楊宣上封事言：「孝成皇帝深惟宗廟之重，稱述陛下至德以承天序，聖策深遠，恩德至厚。惟念先帝之意，豈不欲以陛下自代，奉承東宮哉！太皇太后春秋七十，數更憂傷，敕令親屬引領以避丁、傅。行道之人為之隕涕，況於陛下，時登高遠望，獨不慚於延陵乎！」哀帝深感其言，復封商中子邑為成都侯。 |
| | Jian Dafu Yang Xuan submitted a sealed memorial stating: "Emperor Cheng deeply considered the importance of ancestral temples and praised Your Majesty's supreme virtue to inherit the Mandate of Heaven. His wise strategies were far-sighted, and his grace was most generous. He surely wished for Your Majesty to succeed him in accordance with the will of the late emperor, continuing to serve and uphold the eastern palace!" The Taihuang Taichou is now in her seventieth year, having endured many sorrows. She issued orders to her relatives to step back and yield their positions to the Ding and Fu families. Even common people on the road weep for them; how much more so should Your Majesty, who now ascends high places and gazes afar, feel no shame before Yanling!" Emperor Ai was deeply moved by these words and restored the title of Chengdu Hou to Shang's second son, Yi.
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元壽元年，日蝕。賢良對策多訟新都侯莽者，上於是徵莽及平阿侯仁還京師侍太后。曲陽侯根薨，國除。 |
| | In the first year of Yuanshou, a solar eclipse occurred. Many virtuous scholars in their policy responses spoke highly of Xin Du Hou Mang; thus, the emperor summoned Mang and Pinga Hou Ren back to the capital to serve at the empress dowager's side. Quyang Hou Gen died, and his fief was abolished.
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明年，哀帝崩，無子，太皇太后以莽為大司馬，與共徵立中山王奉哀帝後，是為平帝。帝年九歲，常年被疾，太后臨朝，委政於莽，莽顓威福。紅陽侯立莽諸父，平阿侯仁素剛直，莽內憚之，令大臣以罪過奏遣立、仁就國。莽日誑燿太后，言輔政致太平，群臣奏請尊莽為安漢公。後遂遣使者迫守立、仁令自殺，賜立諡曰荒侯，子柱嗣，仁諡曰刺侯，子術嗣。是歲，元始三年也。明年，莽風群臣奏立莽女為皇后。又奏尊莽為宰衡，莽母及兩子皆封為列侯，語在莽傳。 |
| | The following year, Emperor Ai died without an heir; the Taihuang Taichou appointed Mang as Daisima and together they summoned Zhongshan Wang to assume the throne in succession to Emperor Ai. He became Emperor Ping. The emperor was only nine years old and often afflicted with illness; the empress dowager ruled in his place, entrusting governance to Mang, who thus wielded sole authority over power and blessings. Hongyang Hou Li was Mang's uncle, and Pinga Hou Ren had long been known for his integrity and firmness. Mang feared them internally and instructed the ministers to report their offenses, resulting in both Li and Ren being sent back to their fiefs. Mang daily deceived and flattered the empress dowager, claiming that his governance had brought about peace and stability. The ministers submitted a joint memorial requesting that Mang be honored as Anhan Gong (the Duke of Anhan). Later, envoys were sent to pressure and force Li and Ren to commit suicide. The emperor posthumously bestowed the title Huang Hou (the Marquis of Wasteland) on Li; his son Zhu inherited the marquessate; while Ren received the title Ci Hou (the Marquis Cited for Faults), with his son Shu inheriting it. This year was Yuanshi 3. The following year, Mang instructed the ministers to submit a memorial requesting that his daughter be enfeoffed as empress. They also submitted another memorial to bestow the title Zaibing (a high official title) on Mang, and his mother as well as both of his sons were enfeoffed as Marquises; this is recorded in Mang's biography.
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莽既外壹群臣，令稱己功德，又內媚事旁側長御以下，賂遺以千萬數。白尊太后姊妹君俠為廣恩君，君力為廣惠君，君弟為廣施君，皆食湯沐邑，日夜共譽莽。莽又知太后婦人厭居深宮中，莽欲虞樂以市其權，乃令太后四時車駕巡狩四郊，存見孤寡貞婦。春幸繭館，率皇后列侯夫人桑，遵霸水而祓除；夏遊篽宿、鄠、杜之間；秋歷東館，望昆明，集黃山宮；冬饗飲飛羽，校獵上蘭，登長平館，臨涇水而覽焉。太后所至屬縣，輒施恩惠，賜民錢帛牛酒，歲以為常。太后從容言曰：「我始入太子家時，見於丙殿，至今五六十歲尚頗識之。」莽因曰：「太子宮幸近，可壹往遊觀，不足以為勞。」於是太后幸太子宮，甚說。太后旁弄兒病在外舍，莽自親候之。其欲得太后意如此。 |
| | Mang, having outwardly united the ministers and compelled them to praise his virtues and achievements, also inwardly flattered and courted palace attendants of lower ranks, bestowing bribes in the tens of millions. He further petitioned to bestow the titles Guangen Jun (Lord of Broad Grace) on Empress Dowager's sisters Jun Xia, Guanghui Jun (Lord of Broad Benevolence) on Jun Li, and Guangshi Jun (Lord of Broad Bestowment) on her brother. All were granted fiefs with tax revenues for their support, and day and night they praised Mang together. Mang also knew that the empress dowager, a woman, was weary of living in the secluded palace. To gain her favor and secure his power, he arranged for her to tour the four suburbs with full processions during each season, visiting widows and chaste women to show concern for them. In spring, she visited the silkworm pavilion, leading Empress and Marquises' wives to gather mulberry leaves along the Ba River for purification rituals; In summer, she toured between Ju Su, Hu, and Du; lou In autumn, she visited Dongguan, gazed upon Kunming Lake, and gathered at Huangshan Palace; In winter, she held banquets at Feiyu, conducted hunting exercises at Shanglan, ascended Changping Pavilion, and visited the Jing River for inspection. At every county where the empress dowager traveled, she would bestow kindness and grace upon the people, granting them money, silk, cattle, and wine; this became an annual custom. The empress dowager casually remarked: "When I first entered the crown prince's household, I was presented in Bing Hall. To this day, after fifty or sixty years, I still remember it quite well." Mang then said: "The former crown prince's palace is conveniently close; we may visit and tour there once, which would not be burdensome at all." Thus the empress dowager visited the former crown prince's palace and was very pleased. The empress dowager had a sick child staying in an outer residence, so Mang personally went to visit him. This was how much he desired to gain the empress dowager's favor.
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平帝崩，無子，莽徵宣帝玄孫選最少者廣戚侯子劉嬰，年二歲，託以卜相為最吉。乃風公卿奏請立嬰為孺子，令宰衡安漢公莽踐祚居攝，如周公傅成王故事。太后不以為可，力不能禁，於是莽遂為攝皇帝，改元稱制焉。俄而宗室安眾侯劉崇及東郡太守翟義等惡之，更舉兵欲誅莽。太后聞之，曰：「人心不相遠也。我雖婦人，亦知莽必以是自危，不可。」其後，莽遂以符命自立為真皇帝，先奉諸符瑞以白太后，太后大驚。 |
| | Emperor Ping died without an heir, so Mang summoned Liu Ying, the youngest among Xuan Di's great-grandsons and son of Guangqi Hou, who was only two years old. He claimed that divination had indicated this child to be the most auspicious choice. He then instructed the high officials to submit a memorial requesting the enthronement of Ying as Ru Zi (the Young Son), and ordered Zaibing Anhan Gong Mang to assume the throne on his behalf, following the precedent of Duke of Zhou assisting King Cheng. The empress dowager did not believe this to be appropriate but lacked the strength to prevent it; thus, Mang became She Huangdi (the Regent Emperor) and changed the era name, assuming imperial authority. Soon after, members of the royal family such as Anzhong Hou Liu Chong and Dongjun Taishou Zhai Yi, among others who detested Mang, raised an army to attempt his assassination. The empress dowager heard of this and said: "People's hearts are not so far apart after all. Although I am but a woman, I know that Mang will surely bring danger upon himself through this." Later on, Mang used forged omens to proclaim himself the true emperor. He first presented these signs of divine favor to the empress dowager; she was greatly shocked.
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初，漢高祖入咸陽至霸上，秦王子嬰降於軹道，奉上始皇璽。及高祖誅項籍，即天子位，因御服其璽，世世傳受，號曰漢傳國璽。以孺子未立，璽臧長樂宮。及莽即位，請璽，太后不肯授莽。莽使安陽侯舜諭指。舜素謹敕，太后雅愛信之。舜既見，太后知其為莽求璽，怒罵之曰：「而屬父子宗族蒙漢家力，富貴累世，既無以報，受人孤寄，乘便利時，奪取其國，不復顧恩義。人如此者，狗豬不食其餘，天子豈有而兄弟邪！且若自以金匱符命為新皇帝，變更正朔服制，亦當自更作璽，傳之萬世，何用此亡國不祥璽為，而欲求之？我漢家老寡婦，旦暮且死，欲與此璽俱葬，終不可得！」太后因涕泣而言，旁側長御以下皆垂涕。舜亦悲不能自止，良久乃仰謂太后：「臣等已無可言者。莽必欲得傳國璽，太后寧能終不與邪！」太后聞舜語切，恐莽欲脅之，乃出漢傳國璽，投之地以授舜，曰：「我老已死，知而兄弟，今族滅也！」舜既得傳國璽，奏之，莽大說，乃為太后置酒未央宮漸臺，大縱眾樂。 |
| | Initially, when Emperor Gaozu of Han entered Xianyang and reached Bashi, the Qin prince Ziying surrendered at Zhidao, presenting the seal of the First Emperor. When Gaozu later killed Xiang Yu and ascended the throne, he wore this seal as an imperial regalia. It was passed down through generations, known as the Han Chuan Guo Xi (the Han Dynasty's Imperial Seal of State). Since Ru Zi had not yet been enthroned, the seal was stored in Changle Palace. When Mang ascended the throne, he requested the seal; the empress dowager refused to hand it over to him. Mang sent Anyang Hou Shun to convey his intentions. Shun had always been cautious and conscientious, and the empress dowager naturally loved and trusted him. After Shun appeared before her, the empress dowager realized he was acting on Mang's behalf to obtain the seal. She angrily scolded him: "Your family has benefited from the Han dynasty for generations; your wealth and honor have accumulated over many years. Having no way to repay this favor, you now accept a child in trust, taking advantage of favorable circumstances to seize his kingdom without regard for kindness or righteousness. A person like you is so despicable that even dogs and pigs would not eat what remains after your actions! How could the Son of Heaven have a brother such as you!" Moreover, if you claim to be the new emperor based on the forged Jinkui prophecy and have changed the calendar system and imperial dress codes, you should also create a new seal for yourself to pass down through the ages. Why do you need this ill-omened seal of a fallen dynasty? What is it that you seek from it?" "I am an old widow of the Han family, and I will die soon. I wish to be buried with this seal; yet even that final wish cannot be fulfilled!" The empress dowager then wept and spoke, and those standing by, from the chief attendants down to the lower-ranking ladies-in-waiting, all shed tears. Shun was also overcome with grief and could not stop himself; after a long while, he looked up at the empress dowager and said, "We have nothing more to say. Mang is determined to obtain the Imperial Seal of State; how can you possibly refuse him forever!" Upon hearing Shun's urgent words, the empress dowager feared that Mang might resort to coercion. She then took out the Han Imperial Seal of State, threw it on the ground and handed it over to Shun, saying: "I am old and about to die; I never thought my own brother would bring about the annihilation of our entire clan!" After Shun obtained the Imperial Seal of State, he presented it to Mang. Delighted, Mang hosted a banquet for the empress dowager at Jian Tai in Weiyang Palace and let loose all kinds of music and entertainment.
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莽又欲改太后漢家舊號，易其璽綬，恐不見聽，而莽疏屬王諫欲諂莽，上書言：「皇天廢去漢而命立新室，太皇太后不宜稱尊號，當隨漢廢，以奉天命。」莽乃車駕至東宮，親以其書白太后。太后曰：「此言是也！」莽因曰：「此誖德之臣也，罪當誅！」於是冠軍張永獻符命銅璧，文言「太皇太后當為新室文母太皇太后」。莽乃下詔曰：「予視群公，咸曰『休哉！其文字非刻非畫，厥性自然。』予伏念皇天命予為子，更命太皇太后為『新室文母太皇太后』，協于新室故交代之際，信於漢氏。哀帝之代，世傳行詔籌，為西王母共具之祥，當為歷代為母，昭然著明。予祗畏天命，敢不欽承！謹以令月吉日，親率群公諸侯卿士，奉上皇太后璽紱，以當順天心，光于四海焉。」太后聽許。莽於是鴆殺王諫，而封張永為貢符子。 |
| | Mang also wanted to change the empress dowager's old Han titles and replace her seal cord, but fearing she might refuse, one of Mang's distant relatives, Wang Jian, who wished to flatter him, submitted a memorial stating: "The Supreme Heaven has abolished the Han dynasty and decreed the establishment of the Xin dynasty. The Tai Huang Tai Hou should no longer bear her former title; it is appropriate that she be deposed along with the Han in order to obey the will of Heaven." Mang then personally drove his carriage to the Eastern Palace and presented Wang Jian's memorial to the empress dowager himself. The empress dowager said, "This is correct!" Mang then said: "This is a minister who has betrayed virtue; his crime deserves execution!" At this time, Zhang Yong of Guanjun presented a forged prophecy and copper jade tablet with the inscription stating "The Tai Huang Tai Hou should become the Wen Mu Tai Huang Tai Hou of the Xin dynasty." Mang then issued an edict: "I have consulted with all my ministers, and they all said, 'How auspicious!' The characters are neither carved nor painted; their nature is spontaneous." I have deeply considered that the Supreme Heaven has appointed me as its son and decreed that the Tai Huang Tai Hou be renamed 'Wen Mu Tai Huang Tai Hou' of the Xin dynasty, in accordance with the transition from the previous to the new regime, thus fulfilling trust with the Han clan. During Emperor Ai's reign, it was traditionally believed that the imperial decree and jade tally were passed down; they were considered auspicious signs of a shared offering to the Queen Mother of Heaven. They should serve as an eternal model for future generations, clearly and evidently so. I revere the will of Heaven; how could I dare not respectfully accept it! Therefore, on this auspicious day of a favorable month, I personally lead the ministers, marquises, and officials to present the empress dowager with her seal sash, in order to follow Heaven's will and bring glory to all under heaven." The empress dowager accepted this. Mang then poisoned Wang Jian to death and conferred the title Gongfu Zi (Son of Prophecy Offering) upon Zhang Yong.
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| | 元后傳: |
初，莽為安漢公時，又諂太后，奏尊元帝廟為高宗，太后晏駕後當以禮配食云。及莽改太后為新室文母，絕之於漢，不令得體元帝。墮壞孝元廟，更為文母太后起廟，獨置孝元廟故殿以為文母篹食堂，既成，名曰長壽宮。以太后在，故未謂之廟。莽以太后好出遊觀，乃車駕置酒長壽宮，請太后。既至，見孝元廟廢徹塗地，太后驚，泣曰：「此漢家宗廟，皆有神靈，與何治而壞之！且使鬼神無知，又何用廟為！如令有知，我乃人之妃妾，豈宜辱帝之堂以陳饋食哉！」私謂左右曰：「此人嫚神多矣，能久得祐乎！」飲酒不樂而罷。 |
| | Initially, when Mang was still the Anhan Gong (Prince of Anhan), he flattered the empress dowager by submitting a memorial to honor Emperor Yuan's temple as Gao Zong, stating that after her passing, she should be honored with sacrifices in accordance with ritual. When Mang changed the empress dowager's title to "Wen Mu" of the Xin dynasty and severed her connection with the Han, he prevented her from being associated with Emperor Yuan. He destroyed the Temple of Xiao Yuan and built a new temple for Empress Wen Mu. He repurposed the old hall of the former Temple of Xiao Yuan as the dining hall for Empress Wen Mu; once completed, it was named Changshou Palace. Since the empress dowager was still alive, they did not yet call it a temple. Mang, knowing that the empress dowager enjoyed going out for sightseeing, arranged a carriage and set up a banquet at Changshou Palace to invite her. After arriving, she saw the Temple of Xiao Yuan destroyed and its stones scattered on the ground. The empress dowager was shocked and wept, saying: "This is a temple of the Han imperial ancestors; it has divine spirits. What wrong have they done to deserve this destruction! Moreover, if ghosts and gods are ignorant, then what is the use of a temple!" If they do have knowledge, I am but a wife or concubine of man; how could it be appropriate to disgrace the hall of an emperor by placing my offerings there!" She privately said to those around her: "This man has greatly insulted the gods; how can he hope for long-lasting divine favor!" The banquet proceeded without joy and was soon dismissed.
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| | 元后傳: |
自莽篡位後，知太后怨恨，求所以媚太后無不為，然愈不說。莽更漢家黑貂，著黃貂，又改漢正朔伏臘日。太后令其官屬黑貂，至漢家正臘日，獨與其左右相對飲酒食。 |
| | After Mang usurped the throne, knowing that the empress dowanger bore resentment and hatred, he did everything possible to please her; yet she became even more displeased. łoż Mang changed the Han dynasty's black sable robes for yellow ones and also altered the official calendar, shifting the traditional winter solstice and sacrificial days of the Han. The empress dowager ordered her attendants to wear black sable robes, and on the Han's traditional winter solstice day, she alone drank wine and ate with those around her.
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| | 元后傳: |
太后年八十四，建國五年二月癸丑崩。三月乙酉，合葬渭陵。莽詔大夫揚雄作誄曰：「太陰之精，沙麓之靈，作合於漢，配元生成。」著其協於元城沙麓。泰陰精者，謂夢月也。太后崩後十年，漢兵誅莽。 |
| | The empress dowager was eighty-four years old; in the fifth year of Jianguo, on the Kechou day of the second month (February 25, 13 AD), she died. In the third month, on the Yiyou day (March 9, 13 AD) she was buried together with her husband at Weiling. Mang issued an edict ordering the official Yang Xiong to compose a eulogy, which read: "The essence of Taiyin, the spirit of Shalu, united with Han, and matched the achievements of Emperor Yuan." It emphasized its harmony with Yuancheng's Shalu. "The essence of Taiyin" refers to the dream about the moon. Ten years after the empress dowager died, Han forces killed Mang.
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| | 元后傳: |
初，紅陽侯立就國南陽，與諸劉結恩，立少子丹為中山太守。世祖初起，丹降為將軍，戰死。上閔之，封丹子泓為武桓侯，至今。 |
| | Initially, Hongyang Hou Li went to his fief in Nanyang and formed alliances with the Liu clan. He appointed his youngest son Dan as governor of Zhongshan. At the beginning of Emperor Shizu's uprising, Dan surrendered and became a general; he died in battle. The emperor felt pity for him and conferred the title Wuhuan Hou on Dan's son Hong, a title that continues to this day.
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| | 元后傳: |
司徒掾班彪曰：三代以來，春秋所記，王公國君，與其失世，稀不以女寵。漢興，后妃之家呂、霍、上官，幾危國者數矣。及王莽之興，由孝元后歷漢四世為天下母，饗國六十餘載，群弟世權，更持國柄，五將十侯，卒成新都。位號已移於天下，而元后卷卷猶握一璽，不欲以授莽，婦人之仁，悲夫！ |
| | Shitu Yuan Ban Biao said: Since the Three Dynasties, as recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals, kings, dukes, and rulers of states who lost their dynasties rarely did so without being influenced by a favored concubine. Since the founding of Han, the families of empresses and consorts—such as those of Lü, Huo, and Shangguan—have on several occasions nearly endangered the state. When Wang Mang rose to power, it was because Empress Xiaoyuan had served as the mother of emperors through four generations of Han rulers, enjoying imperial favor for over sixty years. Her brothers held successive positions of authority and controlled state affairs; with five generals and ten marquises in their ranks, they ultimately established the Xin capital. The imperial title had already passed to another, yet Empress Xiaoyuan clung with deep emotion to a single seal, unwilling to hand it over to Mang—this was the compassion of a woman; how tragic!
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