| | 南匈奴列... : |
南匈奴虾落尸逐鞮單于比者，呼韓邪單于之孫，烏珠留若鞮單于之子也。自呼韓邪後，諸子以次立，至比季父孝單于輿時，以比為右薁鞬日逐王，部領南邊及烏桓。 |
| | The Xialuoshizhudi Chanyu Bi of the Southern Xiongnu was the grandson of Huhanye Chanyu and the son of Wuzhuliuyuedi Chanyu. After Huhanye, the various sons succeeded in turn. When Bi's uncle Xiao Chanyu Yu was ruler, Bi was appointed as Youyuejinruzhu Wang (Right Yuejin Ruzhu King), responsible for commanding troops along the southern border and the Wuhuan people.
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建武初，彭寵反畔於漁陽，單于與共連兵，因復權立盧芳，使入居五原。光武初，方平諸夏，未遑外事。至六年，始令歸德侯劉颯使匈奴，匈奴亦遣使來獻，漢復令中郎將韓統報命，賂遺金幣，以通舊好。而單于驕踞，自比冒頓，對使者辭語悖慢，帝待之如初。初，使命常通，而匈奴數與盧芳共侵北邊。九年，遣大司馬吳漢等擊之，經歲無功，而匈奴轉盛，鈔暴日增。十三年，遂寇河東，州郡不能禁。於是漸徙幽、并邊人於常山關、居庸關已東，匈奴左部遂復轉居塞內。朝廷患之，增緣邊兵郡數千人，大築亭候，修烽火。匈奴聞漢購求盧芳，貪得財帛，乃遣芳還降，望得其賞。而芳以自歸為功，不稱匈奴所遣，單于復恥言其計，故賞遂不行。由是大恨，入寇尤深。二十年，遂至上黨、扶風、天水。二十一年冬，復寇上谷、中山，殺略鈔掠甚眾，北邊無復寧歲。 |
| | In the early years of Jianwu, Peng Chong rebelled in Youyang. The Chanyu allied with him and thus supported the restoration of Lu Fang to power, sending him to reside at Wuyuan. At the beginning of his reign, Emperor Guangwu was preoccupied with pacifying the various regions within China and had no time for external affairs. In the sixth year, the court first sent Guide Hou Liu Sa as an envoy to the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu also dispatched envoys to present tribute, and the Han dynasty then ordered Zhonglangjiang Han Tong to return with a reply, bestowing gifts of gold and coin in order to restore former friendly relations. However, the Chanyu was arrogant and haughty, comparing himself to Modu, and spoke disrespectfully and impudently toward the envoys. The emperor treated him as before. Initially, diplomatic missions were regularly exchanged; however, the Xiongnu frequently allied with Lu Fang to raid the northern frontier. In the ninth year, the court dispatched Daisima Wu Han and others to attack them. After a whole year, no success was achieved, while the Xiongnu grew stronger, increasing their raids and violent acts day by day. In the thirteenth year, they launched a raid on Hedong, which local states and commanderies could not prevent. Therefore, the court gradually relocated people from Youzhou and Bingzhou border regions to areas east of Changshan Guan and Juyong Guan. As a result, the left wing of the Xiongnu once again moved back into the frontier interior. The court was troubled by this and increased the number of border troops in several commanderies by thousands, greatly constructing beacon towers and repairing signal fires. The Xiongnu heard that the Han dynasty was offering a reward for Lu Fang's capture, and being greedy for wealth and silk, they sent Lu Fang back to surrender, hoping to receive their reward. However, Lu Fang claimed the act of returning as his own achievement and did not mention that he had been sent by the Xiongnu. As a result, it became an embarrassment for the Chanyu to speak of this plan, so no reward was given. Because of this, they bore great resentment and launched especially deep raids into Han territory. In the twentieth year, their raids reached Shangdang, Fufeng, and Tianshui. In the winter of the twenty-first year, they once again raided Shanggu and Zhongshan, killing and capturing a large number of people, and committing widespread plunder. The northern frontier had no more peaceful years.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
初，單于弟右谷蠡王伊屠知牙師以次當左賢王。左賢王即是單于儲副。單于欲傳其子，遂殺知牙師。知牙師者，王昭君之子也。昭君字嬙，南郡人也。初，元帝時，以良家子選入掖庭。時呼韓邪來朝，帝敕以宮女五人賜之。昭君入宮數歲，不得見御，積悲怨，乃請掖庭令求行。呼韓邪臨辭大會，帝召五女以示之。昭君豐容靚飾，光明漢宮，顧景裴回，竦動左右。帝見大驚，意欲留之，而難於失信，遂與匈奴。生二子。及呼韓邪死，其前閼氏子代立，欲妻之，昭君上書求歸，成帝敕令從胡俗，遂復為後單于閼氏焉。 |
| | Initially, the Chanyu's younger brother Yougouli Wang Yitu Zhiyashi was next in line to become Zuoxian Wang (Left Xian King). The position of Zuoxian Wang was the Chanyu's designated heir. The Chanyu wanted to pass on his position to his son, so he killed Zhiyashi. Zhiyashi was the son of Wang Zhaojun. Wang Zhaojun, courtesy name Chong, was a native of Nan Jun. Initially, during the reign of Emperor Yuan, she was selected into the palace as a daughter of an esteemed family. 藟 At that time, Huhanye came to pay homage, and the emperor ordered five palace ladies to be bestowed upon him. After several years in the palace, Wang Zhaojun did not receive imperial favor and accumulated deep sorrow and resentment; thus, she requested through the Yeting Ling (palace official) to be assigned on a mission. When Huhanye held a grand farewell ceremony, the emperor summoned his five daughters and showed them to him. Wang Zhaojun was elegantly adorned with beautiful appearance; her brilliance shone in the Han palace, and as she glanced around gracefully, those present were greatly moved. The emperor was greatly surprised upon seeing her and wished to keep her, but found it difficult to break his promise; thus, he gave her in marriage to the Xiongnu. She bore two sons. After Huhanye died, his son from a previous Yeshi succeeded him and wished to marry her. Wang Zhaojun petitioned the court for permission to return home, but Emperor Cheng ordered that she follow Xiongnu custom; thus, she once again became the Yeshi of the Later Chanyu.
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比見知牙師被誅，出怨言曰：「以兄弟言之，右谷蠡王次當立；以子言之，我前單于長子，我當立。」遂內懷猜懼，庭會稀闊。單于疑之，乃遣兩骨都侯監領比所部兵。二十二年，單于輿死，子左賢王烏達鞮侯立為單于。復死，弟左賢王蒲奴立為單于。比不得立，既懷憤恨。而匈奴中連年旱蝗，赤地數千里，草木盡枯，人畜飢疫，死耗太半。單于畏漢乘其敝，乃遣使詣漁陽求和親。於是遣中郎將李茂報命。而比密遣漢人郭衡奉匈奴地圖，二十三年，詣西河太守求內附。兩骨都侯頗覺其意，會五月龍祠，因白單于，言薁鞬日遂夙來欲為不善，若不誅，且亂國。時比弟漸將王在單于帳下，聞之，馳以報比。比懼，遂斂所主南邊八部眾四五萬人，待兩骨都侯還，欲殺之。骨都侯且到，知其謀，皆輕騎亡去，以告單于。單于遣萬騎擊之，見比眾盛，不敢進而還。 |
| | Bi saw that Zhiyashi had been executed and expressed resentment, saying: "In terms of brotherhood, Yougouli Wang was next in line for succession; in terms of being a son, I am the eldest child of my predecessor Chanyu, so I should be enthroned." As a result, he harbored suspicions and fears within himself, and his attendance at court assemblies became infrequent. The Chanyu suspected him and therefore sent two Guduhou to supervise the troops under Bi's command. In the twenty-second year, Chanyu Yu died and his son Zuoxian Wang Wudadihou was enthroned as Chanyu. He soon died, and his younger brother Zuoxian Wang Punu was enthroned as Chanyу. Bi did not succeed to the chieftainship and thus harbored resentment and anger. Meanwhile, in the Xiongnu realm there were years of consecutive droughts and locust plagues; thousands of miles of land turned barren. Grass and trees withered completely, and people and livestock suffered from famine and disease, resulting in a death rate exceeding half the population. The Chanyu feared that Han forces would take advantage of their weakened state and thus sent envoys to Youyang to seek a peace marriage. At this time, the court dispatched Zhonglangjiang Li Mao as an envoy in return. Meanwhile, Bi secretly sent a Han Chinese named Guo Heng bearing Xiongnu maps to the Taihou of Xihе in the twenty-third year, requesting to submit and be incorporated into Han territory. The two Guduhou had somewhat sensed his intentions. During the May dragon sacrifice ceremony, they informed the Chanyu, saying that Yuejinruzui had long harbored evil intentions; if he were not executed, he would soon cause chaos in the state. At that time, Bi's younger brother Jianjiang Wang was serving under the Chanyu's tent and heard of this. He hurried to inform Bi. Bi was afraid, so he gathered the forces of his eight southern tribes under his command—some forty to fifty thousand people—and waited for the two Guduhou's return, intending to kill them. When the Guduhou were about to arrive and learned of Bi's plan, they fled on light horseback to report to the Chanyu. The Chanyu sent ten thousand cavalrymen to attack Bi, but upon seeing that Bi's forces were strong, they dared not advance and returned.
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二十四年春，八部大人共議立比為呼韓邪單于，以其大父嘗依漢得安，故欲襲其號。於是款五原塞，願永為蕃蔽，扞禦北虜。帝用五官中郎將耿國議，乃許之。其冬，比自立為呼韓邪單于。 |
| | In spring of the twenty-fourth year, eight tribal elders jointly deliberated and decided to enthronе Bi as Huhanye Chanyu, since his great-grandfather had once relied on Han protection to achieve stability; thus they wished to adopt that title. At this time, they approached the Wuyuan frontier garrison, expressing a wish to forever serve as vassals and barriers, defending against northern raiders. The emperor followed the advice of Wu Guan Zhonglangjiang Geng Guo and thus accepted their request. That winter, Bi declared himself Huhanye Chanyu on his own initiative.
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二十五年春，遣弟左賢王莫將兵萬餘人擊北單于弟薁鞬左賢王，生獲之；又破北單于帳下，并得其眾合萬餘人，馬七千匹、牛羊萬頭。北單于震怖，卻地千里。初，帝造戰車，可駕數牛，上作樓櫓，置於塞上，以拒匈奴。時人見者或相謂曰：「讖言漢九世當卻北狄地千里，豈謂此邪？」及是，果拓地焉。北部薁鞬骨都侯與右骨都侯率眾三萬餘人來歸南單于，南單于復遣使詣闕，奉藩稱臣，獻國珍寶，求使者監護，遣侍子，修舊約。 |
| | In spring of the twenty-fifth year, Bi sent his younger brother Zuoxianwang Mo with more than ten thousand troops to attack Yuejin Zuo Xian Wang, the younger brother of the Northern Chanyu; they captured him alive. They also defeated forces under the Northern Chanyu's command, capturing a combined total of more than ten thousand people, along with seven thousand horses and ten thousand cattle and sheep. The Northern Chanyu was greatly frightened and retreated, abandoning territory stretching for a thousand li. Initially, the emperor had war chariots constructed that could be pulled by several oxen. Towers were built on top of them and stationed along the frontier to resist the Xiongnu. At that time, people who saw them sometimes said to one another: "The prophecy stated that in the ninth generation of Han, the northern Di would lose a thousand li of territory. Could this be what it meant?" And indeed, at this time, such expansion did occur. The northern tribal Yuejin Guduhou and Youguduhou led more than thirty thousand people to submit to the Southern Chanyu. The Southern Chanyu then sent envoys again to court, declaring himself a vassal and subject, presenting national treasures, requesting Han officials for supervision, sending tribute sons, and renewing former agreements.
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二十六年，遣中郎將段郴、副校尉王郁使南單于，立其庭，去五原西部塞八十里。單于乃延迎使者。使者曰：「單于當伏拜受詔。」單于顧望有頃，乃伏稱臣。拜訖，令譯曉使者曰：「單于新立，誠慚於左右，願使者眾中無相屈折也。」骨都侯等見，皆泣下。郴等反命，詔乃聽南單于入居雲中。遣使上書，獻駱锓二頭，文馬十匹。夏，南單于所獲北虜薁鞬左賢王將其眾及南部五骨都侯合三萬餘人畔歸，去北庭三百餘里，共立薁鞬左賢王為單于。月餘日，更相攻擊，五骨都侯皆死，左賢王遂自殺，諸骨都侯子各擁兵自守。秋，南單于遣子入侍，奉奏詣闕。詔賜單于冠帶、衣裳、黃金璽、盭緺綬，安車羽蓋，華藻駕駟，寶劍弓箭，黑節三，駙馬二，黃金、錦繡、繒布萬匹，絮萬斤，樂器鼓車，棨戟甲兵，飲食什器。又轉河東米糒二萬五千斛，牛羊三萬六千頭，以贍給之。令中郎將置安集掾吏將弛刑五十人，持兵弩隨單于所處，參辭訟，察動靜。單于歲盡輒遣奉奏，送侍子入朝，中郎將從事一人將領詣闕。漢遣謁者送前侍子還單于庭，交會道路。元正朝賀，拜祠陵廟畢，漢乃遣單于使，令謁者將送，賜綵繒千匹，錦四端，金十斤，太官御食醬及橙、橘、龍眼、荔支；賜單于母及諸閼氏、單于子及左右賢王、左右谷蠡王、骨都侯有功善者，繒綵合萬四。歲以為常。 |
| | In the twenty-sixth year, the court sent Zhonglangjiang Duan Chen and Fuxiaoyue Wang Yu as envoys to the Southern Chanyu, establishing his court at a location eighty li from the western frontier garrison of Wuyuan. The Chanyu then extended a welcome for the envoys. The envoy said, "Chanyu should kneel and bow to receive the imperial decree." For a moment, the Chanyu hesitated and looked around before finally kneeling and declaring himself subject. After the ceremony, he ordered the interpreter to tell the envoy: "The Chanyu has just been enthroned and feels truly ashamed before you all. I hope that in front of your entourage, you will not treat me with undue harshness." The Guduhou present saw this and wept bitterly. After Duan Chen returned with his report, the emperor issued an edict allowing the Southern Chanyu to settle in Yunzhong. Envoys were sent to submit a letter and presented two lu Qin (a type of camel or horse) and ten Wenma (fine horses). In summer, the Yuejin Zuo Xianwang captured by the Southern Chanyu led his followers and five southern Guduhou totaling more than thirty thousand people in rebellion. They fled over three hundred li from the northern court and jointly enthroned Yuejin Zuo Xian wang as a new Chanyu. After more than ten days, they attacked each other in turn; all five Guduhou died, and Zuo Xianwang committed suicide. The sons of the various Guduhou then each took command of their own forces to defend themselves. In autumn, the Southern Chanyu sent his son as a tribute envoy and submitted reports at court. The emperor issued an edict to bestow the Chanyu with a crown and sash, robes, a golden seal, a purple silk ribbon, a ceremonial carriage with feathered canopy drawn by four horses adorned with ornate harnesses, a jeweled sword and bow and arrows, three black staffs of authority, two fumahorse (a type of horse), ten thousand bolts of gold-threaded brocade and fine cloth, ten thousand jin of down feathers, musical instruments and drum wagons, ceremonial halberds, armor, weapons, as well as utensils for food and daily use. In addition, twenty-five thousand hu of rice and provisions were transported from Hedong, along with thirty-six thousand cattle and sheep, to provide for their needs. The emperor ordered Zhonglangjiang to appoint Anji officials and release fifty convicts from their sentences, arming them with weapons and crossbows to accompany the Chanyu wherever he went. They were responsible for assisting in legal disputes and monitoring developments. At the end of each year, the Chanyu would send envoys with reports and tribute sons to court, accompanied by one Zhonglangjiang official who led them to present themselves at the imperial palace. The Han dynasty sent Yezha (a type of envoy) to escort the previous tribute son back to the Chanyu's court, where they would meet along the way. On the first day of the lunar new year, after performing court greetings and offering sacrifices at the imperial mausoleums and temples, the Han dynasty would then dispatch envoys for the Chanyu. Yezha were assigned to escort them, bestowing a thousand bolts of colored silk, four pieces of brocade, ten jin of gold, delicacies from the imperial kitchen such as sauce, along with oranges, tangerines, longan fruit, and lychees; The emperor also bestowed gifts of silk and brocade totaling ten thousand four bolts upon the Chanyu's mother, various Yeshi, the Chanyu's sons, as well as those on the left and right Zuo Xian Wang (Left/Right Xian Kings), Yougouli Wang (Right Gouli Kings), and any Guduhou who had rendered meritorious service or shown virtue. This became an annual custom.
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匈奴俗，歲有三龍祠，常以正月、五月、九月戊日祭天神。南單于既內附，兼祠漢帝，因會諸部，議國事，走馬及駱锓為樂。其大臣貴者左賢王，次左谷蠡王，次右賢王，次右谷蠡王，謂之四角；次左右日逐王，次左右溫禺鞮王，次左右漸將王，是為六角：皆單于子弟，次第當為單于者也。異姓大臣左右骨都侯，次左右尸逐骨都侯，其餘日逐、且渠、當戶諸官號，各以權力優劣、部眾多少為高下次第焉。單于姓虛連題。異姓有呼衍氏、須卜氏、丘林氏、蘭氏四姓，為國中名族，常與單于婚姻。呼衍氏為左，蘭氏、須卜氏為右，主斷獄聽訟，當決輕重，口白單于，無文書簿領焉。 |
| | According to Xiongnu tradition, there were three dragon sacrifices held annually, usually on the Wu day of the first, fifth, and ninth months to worship the sky gods. After the Southern Chanyu submitted, he also performed sacrifices to the Han emperor. During these gatherings of various tribes to discuss state affairs, horse races and camel processions were held as entertainment. Among the Xiongnu, the most important officials were the Zuoxian Wang. Next in rank came the Zuogouli Wang, then Youxian Wang, and finally Yougouli Wang; these four positions were collectively known as the "Four Corners." Next in rank were the Youzuo Ruzhu Wang, followed by the Youzuo Wenyudidi Wang and the Youzuo Jianjiang Wang; these formed what was known as the "Six Corners." All of them were sons or brothers of the Chanyu and were next in line to succeed him. Among non-royal clan officials, the Youzuo Guduhou ranked highest, followed by the Youzua Shizhu Guduhou. Other titles such as Ruzhu, Qiequ, and Danghu were arranged in order of their authority and the size of the tribes they commanded. The Chanyu bore the surname Xulianti. Among non-royal clans, there were four prominent families: Huyan Shi, Xubu Shi, Qiulin Shi, and Lan Shi. These were the most renowned families in the nation and often formed marital alliances with the Chanyu. The Huyan Shi held the left side, while the Lan Shi and Xubu Shi held the right. They were in charge of adjudicating legal cases and hearing disputes; they would orally report to the Chanyu whether a case was minor or serious, without using written records or official documents.
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冬，前畔五骨都侯子復將其眾三千人歸南部，北單于使騎追擊。悉獲其眾。南單于遣兵拒之，逆戰不利。於是復詔單于徙居西河美稷，因使中郎將段郴及副校尉王郁留西河擁護之，為設官府、從事、掾史。令西河長史歲將騎二千，弛刑五百人，助中郎將衛護單于，冬屯夏罷。自後以為常，及悉復緣邊八郡。 |
| | In winter, the sons of five previously rebellious Guduhou once again led their followers—some three thousand people—to return to the southern court. The Northern Chanyu sent cavalry forces in pursuit and attacked them. They captured all of their followers. The Southern Chanyu dispatched troops to resist them, but the initial battle was unfavorable. The court then issued another decree ordering the Chanyu to relocate to Meiji in Xihе. It also ordered Zhonglangjiang Duan Chin and Fuxiaoyue Wаng Yu to remain in Xihе to provide protection, establishing an official office along with officials such as Congshi and Yuan Shi. The court ordered the Xihе Changshi to lead two thousand cavalrymen and five hundred convicts released from their sentences each year to assist Zhonglangjiang in guarding the Chanyu, with these forces stationed during winter and dismissed in summer. From then on, this became a regular practice, and eventually all eight border commanderies were fully restored.
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南單于既居西河，亦列置諸部王，助為扞戍。使韓氏骨都侯屯北地，右賢王屯朔方，當于骨都侯屯五原，呼衍骨都侯屯雲中，郎氏骨都侯屯定襄，左南將軍屯鴈門，栗籍骨都侯屯代郡，皆領部眾為郡縣偵羅耳目。北單于惶恐，頗還所略漢人，以示善意。鈔兵每到南部下，還過亭候，輒謝曰：「自擊亡虜薁鞬日逐耳，非敢犯漢人也。」 |
| | After the Southern Chanyu settled in Xihе, he also established various tribal kings to assist with frontier defense and garrison duties. He assigned Han Shi Guduhou to station in Beidi, Youxianwang in Shuofang, Dangyu Guduhou in Wuyuan, Huyan Guduhou in Yunzhong, Lang Shi Guduhou in Dingxiang, Zuonan Jiangjun in Yanmen, and Lujie Guduhou in Dai Jun. All of them commanded their tribal forces to serve as scouts and informants for the commanderies and counties. The Northern Chanyu, alarmed and fearful, returned many of the Han people he had previously captured as a gesture of goodwill. Whenever their raiding forces approached the Southern Chanyu's territory, they would pass by Han beacon towers and always apologize, saying: "We are only attacking fugitive bandits like Yuejinruzhu; we dare not provoke the Han people."
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二十七年，北單于遂遣使詣武威求和親，天子召公卿廷議，不決。皇太子言曰：「南單于新附，北虜懼於見伐，故傾耳而聽，爭欲歸義耳。今未能出兵，而反交通北虜，臣恐南單于將有二心，北虜降者且不復來矣。」帝然之，告武威太守勿受其使。 |
| | In the twenty-seventh year, the Northern Chanyu sent envoys to Wuli to request a peace marriage. The Son of Heaven summoned ministers and officials for a court discussion, but no decision was reached. The Crown Prince said: "The Southern Chanyu has recently submitted, and the northern raiders fear being attacked. Therefore, they are listening attentively and competing to show their loyalty." "Now, we are unable to send out troops, yet if we instead establish contact with the northern raiders, I fear that the Southern Chanyu will develop second thoughts and that those among the northern Xiongnu who wish to surrender will no longer come." The emperor agreed with this view, and instructed the Taihou of Wuli not to accept their envoys.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
二十八年，北匈奴復遣使詣闕，貢馬及裘，更乞和親，并請音樂，又求率西域諸國胡客與俱獻見。帝下三府議酬荅之宜。司徒掾班彪奏曰： |
| | In the twenty-eighth year, the Northern Xiongnu once again sent envoys to court, offering horses and furs. They requested a peace marriage anew, also asking for musical instruments, and further requesting permission to bring with them various foreign guests from the Western Regions to present themselves together. The emperor referred the matter to the three official departments to deliberate on an appropriate response. Shitushuan Ban Biao submitted a memorial stating:
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
臣聞孝宣皇帝敕邊守尉曰：「匈奴大國，多變詐。交接得其情，則卻敵折衝；應對入其數，則反為輕欺。」今北匈奴見南單于來附，懼謀其國，故數乞和親，又遠驅牛馬與漢合巿，重遣名王，多所貢獻，斯皆外示富強，以相欺誕也。臣見其獻益重，知其國益虛，歸親愈數，為懼愈多。然今既未獲助南，則亦不宜絕北，羈縻之義，禮無不荅。謂可頗加賞賜，略與所獻相當，明加曉告以前世呼韓邪、郅支行事。 |
| | "I have heard that Emperor Xuan of the Former Han once instructed frontier commanders and weiyu: 'The Xiongnu are a powerful nation, full of deceptions and treachery. If contact with them is handled properly to understand their true intentions, then we can repel the enemy without battle; if our responses fall into their calculations, we will instead be looked down upon and deceived." Now, the Northern Xiongnu see that the Southern Chanyu has come to submit and fear that their own state will be plotted against. Therefore, they frequently request peace marriages, and also drive large numbers of cattle and horses from afar to trade with Han, sending prominent chieftains repeatedly and making many tributary offerings. All these are outward displays of wealth and strength meant to deceive us. I observe that the more their tributes increase, the weaker their state must be; and the more frequent their requests for peace marriages become, the greater their fear. However, since we have not yet secured support from the South, it is also inappropriate to sever relations with the North. According to the principle of managing them through a policy of leniency and restraint, there should be no refusal in terms of courtesy. It is suggested that we may grant them a moderate amount of rewards and gifts, roughly equivalent to what they have presented. We should clearly inform them about the past actions of Huhanye and Zhizhi Chanyu to make our position clear.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
報荅之辭，令必有適。今立稿草并上，曰：「單于不忘漢恩，追念先祖舊約，欲修和親，以輔身安國，計議甚高，為單于嘉之。往者，匈奴數有乘亂，呼韓邪、郅支自相讎隙，並蒙孝宣皇帝垂恩救護，故各遣侍子稱藩保塞。其後郅支忿戾，自絕皇澤，而呼韓附親，忠孝彌著。及漢滅郅支，遂保國傳嗣，子孫相繼。今南單于攜眾南向，款塞歸命。自以呼韓嫡長，次第當立，而侵奪失職，猜疑相背，數請兵將，歸埽北庭，策謀紛紜，無所不至。惟念斯言不可獨聽，又以北單于比年貢獻，欲修和親，故拒而未許，將以成單于忠孝之義。漢秉威信，總率萬國，日月所照，皆為臣妾。殊俗百蠻，義無親疏，服順者褒賞，畔逆者誅罰，善惡之效，呼韓、郅支是也。今單于欲修和親，款誠已達，何嫌而欲率西域諸國俱來獻見？西域國屬匈奴，與屬漢何異？單于數連兵亂，國內虛耗，貢物裁以通禮，何必獻馬裘？今齎雜繒五百匹，弓鞬韥丸一，矢四發，遣遺單于。又賜獻馬左骨都侯、右谷蠡王雜繒各四百匹，斬馬劍各一。單于前言先帝時所賜呼韓邪竽、瑟、空侯皆敗，願復裁。念單于國尚未安，方厲武節，以戰攻為務，竽瑟之用不如良弓利劍，故未以齎。朕不愛小物於單于，便宜所欲，遣驛以聞。」 |
| | The wording of our reply must be carefully measured and appropriate. Now, a draft of the reply has been prepared and submitted: "The Chanyu does not forget Han's kindness, remembering the old covenant with his ancestors. He wishes to restore peace marriages in order to strengthen himself and stabilize his state; this is a most prudent plan, and I commend the Chanyu for it. In the past, when chaos arose in Han territory, the Xiongnu took advantage of the situation. Huhanye and Zhizhi were at odds with each other, yet both received kindness and protection from Emperor Xuan of Former Han. Therefore, they each sent their sons as hostages to submit as vassals and defend the frontier. Later on, Zhizhi became resentful and defiant, cutting himself off from imperial grace; while Huhanye remained attached to Han, his loyalty and filial piety becoming even more evident. When the Han dynasty eliminated Zhizhi, Huhanye was thus able to preserve his state and pass on his lineage, with descendants succeeding one another. Now, the Southern Chanyu is leading his people southward, opening the frontier to submit and pledge allegiance. He considers himself the legitimate eldest son of Huhanye, and thus next in line for succession. However, due to conflicts over power and loss of position, suspicions have arisen between them; they have repeatedly requested Han troops and commanders to clear out the northern court, devising various strategies with no limit to their schemes. We consider that these words cannot be accepted alone, and also note that the Northern Chanyu has been making annual tributes in recent years and wishes to restore peace marriages. Therefore, we have rejected but not yet approved their request; this is done in order to complete the Chanyu's virtue of loyalty and filial piety. The Han dynasty upholds authority and credibility, leading all nations under its rule; wherever the sun and moon shine, all are subjects of Han. Though the customs and peoples of distant lands differ, there is no distinction in loyalty; those who submit are rewarded, while those who rebel are punished. The examples of Huhanye and Zhizhhi illustrate this clearly. Now, the Chanyu wishes to restore peace marriages; his sincerity has already been conveyed. Why is there suspicion that he wants to bring with him chieftains from various Western Regions states to present themselves together? The Western Regions are subject to the Xiongnu, just as they would be if they were under Han rule—what is the difference? The Chanyu has repeatedly engaged in warfare, causing internal depletion and weakness. His tributes are merely to fulfill the formality of courtesy—why then must he offer horses and furs? Now, we are sending 500 bolts of silk fabric, one bow case with quiver and a set of balls for play, and four arrows to be given as gifts to the Chanyu. Additionally, we are granting 400 bolts of silk each to Zuo Gudouhou and You Gulu Wang, the chieftains who presented horses, as well as a horse-slaying sword for each. The Chanyu previously stated that the yu, se, and konghou instruments granted by the late emperor to Huhanye were all damaged, and he wished for replacements. Considering that the Chanyu's state is still not stable, and he is now strengthening his martial virtue with warfare as a priority, musical instruments such as yu and se are less useful than fine bows and sharp swords. Therefore, we have not sent them. "I do not withhold small gifts from the Chanyu; if there is anything you desire that would be beneficial, send word through the relay stations and let me know."
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
帝悉納從之。二十九年，賜南單于羊數萬頭。三十一年，北匈奴復遣使如前，乃璽書報荅，賜以綵繒，不遣使者。 |
| | The emperor fully accepted and followed this advice. In the twenty-ninth year, the Son of Heaven bestowed tens of thousands of sheep upon the Southern Chanyu. In the thirty-first year, the Northern Xiongnu again sent envoys as before. The emperor then responded with an imperial edict and granted them colored silk fabrics, but did not send a diplomatic envoy.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
單于比立九年薨，中郎將段郴將兵赴弔，祭以酒米，分兵衛護之。比弟左賢王莫立，帝遣使者齎璽書鎮慰，拜授璽綬，遺冠幘，絳單衣三襲，童子佩刀、緄帶各一，又賜繒綵四千匹，令賞賜諸王、骨都侯已下。其後單于薨，弔祭慰賜，以此為常。 |
| | The Chanyu Bi reigned for nine years before dying. Zhonglangjiang Duan Chen led troops to attend the mourning ceremony, offering wine and rice as a sacrifice, while also stationing soldiers to guard and protect him. Bi's younger brother, Zuo Xianwang Mo, was enthroned. The emperor sent envoys carrying an imperial decree to console and stabilize the situation, bestowing the jade seal sash, presenting a ceremonial headdress, three sets of crimson robes, one boy's ceremonial dagger, and one embroidered belt for him. Additionally, 4,000 bolts of colored silk were granted, with instructions that these be distributed as rewards among the chieftains, Gudouhou, and those below them. Thereafter, whenever a Chanyu died, mourning ceremonies, sacrifices, consolations, and gifts were carried out according to this established practice.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
丘浮尤鞮單于莫，中元元年立，一年薨，弟汗立。 |
| | Qiu Fu Youdi Chanyu Mo was enthroned in the first year of Zhongyuan, and died after one year. His younger brother Han succeeded him.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
伊伐於慮鞮單于汗，中元二年立。永平二年，北匈奴護于丘率眾千餘人來降。南部單于汗立二年薨，單于比之子適立。 |
| | Yifa Yulvdi Chanyu Han was enthroned in the second year of Zhongyuan. In the second year of Yongping, Hu Yuqiu of the Northern Xiongnu led over a thousand followers to surrender. The Southern Chanyu Han reigned for two years before dying, and was succeeded by Di, the son of Chanyu Bi.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
虾僮尸逐侯鞮單于適，永平二年立。五年冬，北匈奴六七千騎入于五原塞，遂寇雲中至原陽，南單于擊卻之，西河長史馬襄赴救，虜乃引去。 |
| | Xiatong Shizhu Houdi Chanyu Di was enthroned in the second year Yongping. In winter of the fifth year, several thousand cavalrymen from the Northern Xiongnu entered Wuyuan Pass and proceeded to raid Yunzhong up to Yuanyang. The Southern Chanyu repelled them, while Zhangshi Ma Xiang of Xihedao rushed to provide relief, prompting the raiders to withdraw.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
單于適立四年薨，單于莫子蘇立，是為丘除車林鞮單于。數月復薨，單于適之弟長立。 |
| | Chanyu Di reigned for four years before dying; he was succeeded by Su, the son of Chanyu Mo. He became known as Qiuchu Che Lindi Chanyu. After several months, he died again and was succeeded by Zhang, the younger brother of Chanyu Di.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
胡邪尸逐侯鞮單于長，永平六年立。時北匈奴猶盛，數寇邊，朝廷以為憂。會北單于欲合巿，遣使求和親，顯宗冀其交通，不復為寇。乃許之。 |
| | Huyeshi Zhu Houdi Chanyu Zhang was enthroned in the sixth year of Yongping. At that time, the Northern Xiongnu were still strong and frequently raided the borders, causing concern for the imperial court. Coincidentally, the Northern Chanyu wished to establish trade and sent envoys seeking a peace marriage. Emperor Xianzong hoped that by engaging in contact with them, they would no longer launch raids. Thus, he agreed to their request.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
八年，遣越騎司馬鄭眾北使報命，而南部須卜骨都侯等知漢與北虜交使，懷嫌怨欲畔，密因北使，令遣兵迎之。鄭眾出塞，疑有異，伺候果得須卜使人，乃上言宜更置大將，以防二虜交通。由是始置度遼營，以中郎將吳棠行度遼將軍事，副校尉來苗、左校尉閻章、右校尉張國將黎陽虎牙營士屯五原曼柏。又遣騎都尉秦彭將兵屯美稷。其年秋，北虜果遣二千騎候望朔方，作馬革船，欲度迎南部畔者，以漢有備，乃引去。復數寇鈔邊郡，焚燒城邑，殺略甚眾，河西城門晝閉。帝患之。 |
| | In the eighth year, Yueqi Sima Zheng Zhong was sent north as an envoy to deliver a reply. At that time, in the Southern Chanyu territory, Xubu Gudouhou and others learned of Han's diplomatic contact with the Northern raiders; they became resentful and wished to rebel, secretly contacting the northern envoys and requesting them to send troops to meet them. Zheng Zhong had just crossed the frontier when he suspected something unusual. Keeping a close watch, he indeed captured an envoy sent by Xubu and thus reported to the throne that it was advisable to appoint another general in order to prevent communication between the two groups of raiders. As a result, the Du Liao Camp was established for the first time. Zhonglangjiang Wu Tang was appointed to serve as acting commander of the Du Liao General's forces, with Fuxiaowei Lai Miao, Zuoxiaowei Yan Zhang, and Youxiaowei Zhang Guo commanding the Liyang Huyaying troops stationed at Wuyuan Manbo. Additionally, Qidouwei Qin Peng was sent to lead troops and station them in Meiji. That same autumn, the northern raiders indeed sent 2,000 cavalrymen to scout Shuofang, building leather-covered boats in preparation for crossing over to meet those from the southern Xiongnu who had rebelled. However, upon realizing that Han forces were on alert, they withdrew. They then repeatedly raided the border commanderies, setting fire to cities and towns, killing and capturing many people. As a result, city gates in the Hexi region remained closed during the day. The emperor was greatly concerned about this situation.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
十六年，乃大發緣邊兵，遣諸將四道出塞，北征匈奴。南單于遣左賢王信隨太僕祭肜及吳棠出朔方高闕，攻皋林溫禺犢王於涿邪山。虜聞漢兵來，悉度漠去。肜、棠坐不至涿邪山免，以騎都尉來苗行度遼將軍。其年，北匈奴入雲中，遂至漁陽，太守廉范擊卻之。詔遣使者高弘發三郡兵追之，無所得。 |
| | In the sixteenth year, he therefore mobilized a large force along the border and dispatched several generals to lead four divisions beyond the frontier for a northern campaign against the Xiongnu. The Southern Chanyu sent Zuo Xianwang Xin to accompany Taifu Jirong and Wu Tang out through the Shuping Gaoque Pass, attacking Gaolin Wenyudou Wang of the Xiongnu at Zhuoye Mountain. Upon hearing that Han troops were coming, the raiders crossed the desert and withdrew completely. Jirong and Wu Tang were relieved of their posts for failing to reach Zhuoye Mountain, and Qidouwei Lai Miao was appointed as acting commander of the Du Liaojun. In that same year, the Northern Xiongu entered Yunzhong and proceeded as far as Yuyang, where they were repelled by Taihou Lian Fan. The emperor issued an edict dispatching envoy Gao Hong to mobilize troops from three commanderies in pursuit, but they captured nothing of value.
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建初元年，來苗遷濟陰太守，以征西大將軍耿秉行度遼將軍。時皋林溫禺犢王復將眾還居涿邪山，南單于聞知，遣輕騎與緣邊郡及烏桓兵出塞擊之，斬首數百級，降者三四千人。其年，南部苦蝗，大飢，肅宗稟給其貧人三萬餘口。七年，耿秉遷執金吾，以張掖太守鄧鴻行度遼將軍。八年，北匈奴三木樓訾大人稽留斯等率三萬八千人、馬二萬匹、牛羊十餘萬，款五原塞降。 |
| | In the first year of Jianchu, Lai Miao was transferred to serve as Taihou of Jiyin, and Zhengxi Da Jiangjun Geng Bing was appointed acting commander of Du Liaojun. At that time, Gaolin Wenyudou Chieftain once again led his followers back to Zhuoye Mountain. Upon learning of this, the Southern Chanyu dispatched light cavalry together with border commandery troops and Wuhuan forces beyond the frontier to attack them, beheading hundreds and capturing several thousand who surrendered. In that same year, there was a severe locust plague in the southern territory, causing great famine; Emperor Suzong provided relief to over 30,000 poor people. In the seventh year, Geng Bing was transferred to serve as Zhijinwu, and Taihou of Zhangye Deng Hong was appointed acting commander of Du Liao Jun. In the eighth year, Sanmulouzi Daren Jiliusi and others from the Northern Xiongnu led 38,000 people, 20,000 horses, and over 100,000 cattle and sheep to submit at Wuyuan Pass.
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元和元年，武威太守孟雲上言北單于復願與吏人合市，詔書聽雲遣驛使迎呼慰納之。北單于乃遣大且渠伊莫訾王等，驅牛馬萬餘頭來與漢賈客交易。諸王大人或前至，所在郡縣為設官邸，賞賜待遇之。南單于聞，乃遣輕騎出上郡，遮略生口，鈔掠牛馬，驅還入塞。 |
| | In the first year of Yuanhe, Taihou Meng Yun of Wuli submitted a memorial stating that the Northern Chanyu once again expressed his wish to conduct trade with Han officials and civilians. The emperor issued an edict permitting Yun to send relay envoys to welcome and console them. The Northern Chanyu then sent Da Qiqu Yimozhi Wang and others, driving over 10,000 head of cattle and horses to trade with Han merchants. Some chieftains and prominent figures arrived in advance, and wherever they went, the local commanderies and counties provided official guesthouses for them, offering rewards and hospitality. Upon hearing of this, the Southern Chanyur sent light cavalry out from Shangjun to intercept and capture people, raiding cattle and horses before driving them back into Han territory.
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二年正月，北匈奴大人車利、涿兵等亡來入塞，凡七十三輩。時北虜衰耗，黨眾離畔，南部攻其前，丁零寇其後，鮮卑擊其左，西域侵其右，不復自立，乃遠引而去。 |
| | In the first month of the second year, prominent figures from the Northern Xiongnu such as Cheli and Zhuobing fled into Han territory; altogether, there were 73 groups. At that time, the northern Xiongnu were in decline and their people had scattered. The southern group attacked from the front, Dingling raided from behind, Xianbei struck on the left, and Western Regions forces invaded from the right. No longer able to stand independently, they withdrew far away.
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單于長立二十三年薨，單于汗之子宣立。 |
| | Chanyu Zhang reigned for 23 years before dying; he was then succeeded by Xuan, the son of Chanyu Han.
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伊屠於閭鞮單于宣，元和二年立。其歲，單于遣兵千餘人獵至涿邪山，卒與北虜溫禺犢王遇，因戰，獲其首級而還。冬，孟雲上言：「北虜以前既和親，而南部復往鈔掠，北單于謂漢欺之，謀欲犯塞，謂宜還南所掠生口，以慰安其意。」肅宗從太僕袁安議，許之。乃下詔曰：「昔獫狁、獯粥之敵中國，其所由來尚矣。往者雖有和親之名，終無絲髮之效。墝埆之人，屢嬰塗炭，父戰於前，子死於後。弱女乘於亭障，孤兒號於道路。老母寡妻設虛祭，飲泣淚，想望歸魂於沙漠之表，豈不哀哉！傳曰：『江海所以能長百川者，以其下之也。』少加屈下，尚何足病？況今與匈奴君臣分定，辭順約明，貢獻累至，豈宜違信自受其曲。其敕度遼及領中郎將龐奮倍雇南部所得生口，以還北虜。其南部斬首獲生，計功受賞如常科。」於是南單于復令薁鞮日逐王師子將輕騎數千出塞掩擊北虜，復斬獲千人。北虜眾以南部為漢所厚，又聞取降者歲數千人。 |
| | Yitu Yulvdi Chanyur Xuan was enthroned in the year Yuanhe 2. In that year, the Chanyur dispatched over a thousand troops to hunt in Zhuoye Mountain; they unexpectedly encountered Wenyudou Wang of northern Xiongnu and engaged in battle, capturing his head before returning. In winter, Meng Yun submitted a memorial: "Previously, the northern Xiongnu had already established peace marriages with Han. However, the southern group has again raided and plundered them. The Northern Chanyur believes that Han is deceiving him and is now plotting to invade our frontier. It would be advisable to return the captives taken by the south so as to pacify his anger." Emperor Suzong followed the suggestion of Taifu Yuan An and agreed. The emperor then issued an edict: "In ancient times, enemies such as Xionyuan and Hunyue threatened the Central Kingdoms; their conflicts with us have a long history. Although in the past there was the name of peace marriages, ultimately they bore no result, not even the slightest benefit. The people in border regions have repeatedly suffered hardships and miseries; fathers fought at the front, while sons died behind them. Weak women were left to guard beacon towers, and orphans cried out on the roads. Elderly mothers and widowed wives held empty sacrifices, drinking their tears as they longed for the souls of the departed to return from beyond the desert—how sorrowful this is! The Classic says: "Rivers and seas are able to hold so many streams because they remain below them." A little humility, then, is not a great burden. Moreover, now that the relationship between Han and the Xiongnu has been clearly established with defined roles of ruler and subject, our words are respectful and agreements clear; tributes have come repeatedly. How could we possibly break faith and bear the blame ourselves? Therefore, I order Du Liao Jun and Ling Zhonglangjiang Pang Fen to double the compensation for captives obtained by the southern group and return them to the northern Xiongnu. Those from the south who behead enemies or capture prisoners will still receive rewards according to standard regulations." As a result, the Southern Chanyur once again ordered Yueji Ruzhu Wang Shizi to lead several thousand light cavalry beyond the frontier to launch an ambush on the northern Xiongnu, killing and capturing over 1,000 of them. The northern raiders believed that the southern group was favored by Han, and also heard that thousands surrendered to Han each year.
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章和元年，鮮卑入左地擊北匈奴，大破之，斬優留單于，取其匈奴皮而還。北庭大亂，屈蘭、儲卑、胡都須等五十八部，口二十萬，勝兵八千人，詣雲中、五原、朔方、北地降。 |
| | In the first year of Zhanghe, Xianbei forces entered Zuo Di to attack the Northern Xiongnu and achieved a great victory, beheading Youliu Chanyur and taking his pelt back with them. The northern court fell into great chaos, and 58 tribes including Qulan, Chubi, and Huduxu, totaling 200,000 people with 8,000 able-bodied soldiers, submitted at Yunzhong, Wuyuan, Shuping, and Beidi.
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單于宣立三年薨，單于長之弟屯屠何立。 |
| | Chanyur Xuan reigned for three years before dying; he was followed by Tun Tuhe, the younger brother of Charyu Zhang.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
休蘭尸逐侯鞮單于屯屠何，章和二年立。時北虜大亂，加以飢蝗，降者前後而至。南單于將并北庭，會肅宗崩，竇太后臨朝。其年七月，單于上言：「臣累世蒙恩，不可勝數。孝章皇帝聖思遠慮，遂欲見成就，故令烏桓、鮮卑討北虜，斬單于首級，破壞其國。今所新降虛渠等詣臣自言：『去歲三月中發虜庭，北單于創刈南兵，又畏丁令、鮮卑，遯逃遠去，依安侯河西。今年正月，骨都侯等復共立單于異母兄右賢王為單于，其人以兄弟爭立，並各離散。』臣與諸王骨都侯及新降渠帥雜議方略，皆曰宜及北虜分爭，出兵討伐，破北成南，并為一國，令漢家長無北念。又今月八日，新降右須日逐鮮堂輕從虜庭遠來詣臣，言北虜諸部多欲內顧，但恥自發遣，故未有至者。若出兵奔擊，必有響應。今年不往，恐復并壹。臣伏念先父歸漢以來，被蒙覆載，嚴塞明候，大兵擁護，積四十年。臣等生長漢地，開口仰食，歲時賞賜，動輒億萬，雖垂拱安枕，慚無報效之義。願發國中及諸部故胡新降精兵，遣左谷蠡王師子、左呼衍日逐王須訾將萬騎出朔方，左賢王安國、右大且渠王交勒蘇將萬騎出居延，期十二月同會虜地。臣將餘兵萬人屯五原、朔方塞，以為拒守。臣素愚淺，又兵眾單少，不足以防內外。願遣執金吾耿秉、度遼將軍鄧鴻及西河、雲中、五原、朔方、上郡太守并力而北，令北地、安定太守各屯要害，冀因聖帝威神，一舉平定。臣國成敗，要在今年。已敕諸部嚴兵馬，訖九月龍祠，悉集河上。唯陛下裁哀省察！」太后以示耿秉。秉上言：「昔武帝單極天下，欲臣虜匈奴，未遇天時，事遂無成。宣帝之世，會呼韓來降，故邊人獲安，中外為一，生人休息六十餘年。及王莽篡位，變更其號，耗擾不止，單于乃畔。光武受命，復懷納之，緣邊壞郡得以還復。烏桓、鮮卑咸脅歸義，威鎮西夷，其效如此。今幸遭天授，北虜分爭，以夷伐夷，國家之利，宜可聽許。」秉因自陳恩，分當出命效用。太后從之。 |
| | Xiu Lan Shizhu Houdi Tuntuohe was enthroned as Chanyur in the second year of Zhanghe. At that time, the northern raiders were in great turmoil; compounded by famine and locusts, those who surrendered arrived one after another. The Southern Chanyur was about to unify the northern court when Emperor Suzong died; Empress Dowager Dou then assumed power. In July of that year, the Chanyur submitted a memorial stating: "My family has been repeatedly favored by Your Majesty's grace through generations; it is beyond count. "Emperor Xiaozhang was a sage with far-reaching foresight, and thus wished to see our success. Therefore, he ordered the Wuhuan and Xianbei to attack the northern raiders, beheading their Chanyur and destroying their state." "Now, the newly surrendered tribes of Xuqu and others have come to me and said: 'Last year in the third month we left the northern court. The Northern Chanyur fled from the southern forces, and fearing Dingling and Xianbei, he escaped far away and took refuge at Anhou He Xi." "In January of this year, Guduhou and others again jointly enthroned Youxianwang, the half-brother of the former Chanyur. Because of their struggle for succession between brothers, they have all dispersed."' "I and the various kings, Guduhou, as well as leaders of the newly surrendered groups, discussed strategies together. All agreed that we should take advantage of the internal strife among the northern raiders to launch a campaign against them, destroy the north while strengthening the south, unify into one state, and ensure the Han court has no further concerns in the north." "Moreover, on the eighth day of this month, Youxu Ruzhu Xiantang from among the newly surrendered arrived at my court from far away in the northern court and said that many tribes of the northern raiders desire to submit inwardly, but are ashamed to send themselves forward, hence none have yet come." "If we launch a military campaign and rush in for an attack, there will certainly be a response." "If we do not act this year, I fear they may once again unite into one force." "I humbly recall that since my late father returned to Han, we have been protected and nurtured by your grace. The frontier has been strictly guarded with clear command posts, and the great army has provided protection for forty years." "We have grown up in Han territory, opening our mouths to receive food. Yearly rewards and gifts amounting to tens of millions are bestowed upon us; even though we sit idly with peaceful minds, we feel ashamed for lacking the virtue of repayment." "We wish to mobilize the finest troops from our nation and various tribes, both old Xiongnu subjects and newly surrendered forces. We will dispatch Zu Guoli Wang Shizi and Zu Huyan Ruzhu Wang Xuzi with 10,000 cavalry to depart from Shuping; Zu Xianwang Anguo and You Dajiuqu Wang Jiaolesu will lead another 10,000 riders departing from Juyan. We plan to converge in the northern territory by December." "I will personally lead the remaining 10,000 troops to garrison at Wuyuan and Shuping frontier posts as a defense." "I am inherently shallow in wisdom and my forces are few, insufficient to defend against both internal and external threats." "I wish to dispatch Zhijinwu Geng Bing, Du Liao Jiangjun Deng Hong, as well as the Tai Shou of Xihed, Yunzhong, Wuyuand, Shuping and Shang Jun to unite their forces in a northern campaign. I also request that the Tai Shous of Beidi and Dinging each station troops at key locations. May we rely on the might and divine power of Your Majesty's reign to achieve a decisive victory." "The success or failure of my nation depends entirely on this year." "I have already ordered all the tribes to prepare their troops and horses, and by the Longsi in September, they will gather completely along the river." "Only Your Majesty may decide with compassion and careful consideration!" Empress Dowager showed it to Geng Bing. Geng Bing submitted a memorial saying: "In the past, Emperor Wu was determined to subjugate the Xiongnu with his full might, but due to unfavorable timing, he failed in his endeavor. During the reign of Emperor Xuan, it was only when Huhanye submitted that the frontier people gained peace and the empire achieved unity. For over sixty years, the people lived in tranquility. When Wang Mang usurped power, he altered their titles and caused ceaseless disturbances; thus, the Chanyur rebelled. Emperor Guangwu received his mandate and once again welcomed them in, allowing the ruined border commanderies to be restored. Wuhuan and Xianbei all submitted voluntarily; thus, Han's authority was established in the western frontier with such effectiveness. "Now we are fortunate to be granted this opportunity by heaven, as the northern raiders quarrel among themselves. To use one barbarian force against another is in the state's interest; it should therefore be approved." Geng Bing then voluntarily offered his own services, stating that he owed a debt of gratitude and was ready to risk his life for the cause. Empress Dowager agreed with him.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
永元元年，以秉為征西將軍，與車騎將軍竇憲率騎八千，與度遼兵及南單于眾三萬騎，出朔方擊北虜，大破之。北單于奔走，首虜二十餘萬人。事已具竇憲傳。 |
| | In the first year of Yongyuan, Geng Bing was appointed as Zhongxi Jiangjun (General Who Subdues the West), and together with Cheqi Jiangjun Dou Xian led 8,000 cavalry. Combined with Du Liao forces and the Southern Chanyur's troops totaling 30,000 horsemen, they launched a campaign from Shuping against the northern raiders and achieved a decisive victory. The Northern Chanyur fled in panic, with over 200,001 captives taken from the enemy. Details of this event are fully recorded in the biography of Dou Xian.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
二年春，鄧鴻遷大鴻臚，以定襄太守皇甫棱行度遼將軍。南單于復上求滅北庭，於是遣左谷蠡王師子等將左右部八千騎出雞鹿塞，中郎將耿譚遣從事將護之。至涿邪山，乃留輜重，分為二部，各引輕兵兩道襲之。左部北過西海至河雲北，右部從匈奴河水西繞天山，南度甘微河，二軍俱會，夜圍北單于。大驚，率精兵千餘人合戰。單于被創，墯馬復上，將輕騎數十遁走，僅而免脫。得其玉璽，獲閼氏及男女五人，斬首八千級，生虜數千口而還。是時南部連剋獲納降，黨眾最盛，領戶三萬四千，口二十三萬七千三百，勝兵五萬一百七十。故從事中郎將置從事二人，耿譚以新降者多，上增從事十二人。 |
| | In spring of the second year, Deng Hong was promoted to Dahanlu (Grand Master of Ceremonies), and Huangfu Ling, Tai Shou of Dingxiang, was appointed acting Du Liao Jiangjun. The Southern Chanyur again petitioned for the destruction of the northern court, so Han dispatched Zu Guoli Wang Shizi et al. to lead 8,000 horsemen from both left and right wings through Jilu Sai (Jilu Pass). Zhonglangjiang Geng Tan sent an official to accompany and protect them. Upon reaching Zhuoye Mountain, they left behind the supply wagons and divided into two groups, each leading light troops along two routes to launch a surprise attack. The left group moved north across the western sea to Heyunbei, while the right group followed the Xiongnu River westward around Tianshan Mountain and then turned south across Ganwei He. The two forces converged and launched a night attack on the Northern Chanyur's camp. The enemy was greatly alarmed, and led over 1,000 elite soldiers to join in battle. The Chanyur was wounded, fell from his horse but remounted, and fled with several dozen light cavalry. He barely escaped capture. They captured his jade seal, seized the Yeshi and five men and women, beheaded 8,000 enemies, took thousands of prisoners alive, and returned. At that time, the southern group had achieved consecutive victories and accepted surrenders; their faction was at its strongest. They governed 34,000 households, with a population of 237,313 people and 50,170 able-bodied soldiers. Therefore, the Zhonglangjiang office was authorized to appoint two officials as Chushang (attendants). Geng Tan, considering that many of the newly surrendered were involved, requested an increase of twelve additional attendants.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
三年，北單于復為右校尉耿夔所破，逃亡不知所在。其弟右谷蠡王於除鞬自立為單于，將右溫禺鞬王、骨都侯已下眾數千人，止蒲類海，遣使款塞。大將軍竇憲上書，立於除鞬為北單于，朝廷從之。四年，遣耿夔即授璽綬，賜玉劍四具，羽蓋一駟，使中郎將任尚持節衛護屯伊吾，如南單于故事。方欲輔歸北庭，會竇憲被誅。五年，於除鞬自畔還北，帝遣將兵長史王輔以千餘騎與任尚共追誘將還斬之，破滅其眾。 |
| | In the third year, the Northern Chanyur was once again defeated by You Xiao Wei Geng Kui and fled into hiding with his whereabouts unknown. His younger brother, You Guoli Wang Yuchujian, declared himself Chanyur and led several thousand people under the command of You Wenyu Jianwang, Guduhou, and others to stop at Pulei Hai. He sent envoys to submit to Han. Grand General Dou Xian submitted a memorial recommending the enthronement of Yuchujian as Northern Chanyur, and the imperial court approved. In the fourth year, Geng Kui was dispatched to bestow the seal and sash of authority upon him. Four jade swords, one feathered canopy, and a team of four horses were granted as gifts. Zhonglangjiang Ren Shang was ordered to hold the imperial scepter and station troops in Yiwu to guard and support him, following the precedent set for the Southern Chanyur. Just as preparations were being made to assist his return to the northern court, Dou Xian was executed. In the fifth year, Yuchujian rebelled and returned north. The emperor dispatched Jiangbing Changshi Wang Fu with over 1,000 cavalry together with Ren Shang to pursue him, lured him back, and executed him, destroying his forces.
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單于屯屠何立六年薨，單于宣弟安國立。 |
| | Chanyur Tuntuohe reigned for six years before dying; Chanyur An Guo, the younger brother of Xuan, was enthroned.
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單于安國，永元五年立。安國初為左賢王而無稱譽。左谷蠡王師子素勇黠多知，前單于宣及屯屠何皆愛其氣決，故數遣將兵出塞，掩擊北庭，還受賞賜，天子亦加殊異。是以國中盡敬師子，而不附安國。由是疾師子，欲殺之。其諸新降胡初在塞外，數為師子所驅掠，皆多怨之。安國因是委計降者，與同謀議。安國既立為單于，師子以次轉為左賢王，覺單于與新降者有謀，乃別居五原界。單于每龍會議事，師子輒稱病不往。皇甫棱知之，亦擁護不遣，單于懷憤益甚。 |
| | Chanyur An Guo was enthroned in the fifth year of Yongyuan. An Guo initially served as Zu Xianwang but had no notable reputation. Zu Guoli Wang Shizi had always been brave, cunning, and knowledgeable. Former Chanyurs Xuan and Tuntuohe both admired his decisiveness and repeatedly dispatched him to lead troops beyond the frontier for surprise attacks on the northern court; upon returning, he received rewards and gifts from the emperor, who also granted him special honors. Therefore, throughout the nation, all respected Shizi but did not support An Guo. Because of this, he became resentful toward Shizi and wanted to kill him. The various newly surrendered Xiongnu groups, who had originally been in the frontier region and were often raided by Shizi, harbored much resentment toward him. An Guo therefore entrusted plans to these surrendered groups and conspired with them together. After An Guo was enthroned as Charyu, Shizi was successively transferred to the position of Zu Xianwang. Upon realizing that the Chanyur had conspired with the newly surrendered groups, he moved separately and settled in Wuyuan territory. Whenever the Charyu convened a meeting at Longyi, Shizi would always claim illness and refuse to attend. Huangfu Ling knew about this and also supported him by not sending him, which caused the Charyur's resentment to grow even more.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
六年春，皇甫棱免，以執金吾朱徽行度遼將軍。時單于與中郎將杜崇不相平，迺上書告崇，崇諷西河太守令斷單于章，無由自聞。而崇因與朱徽上言：「南單于安國疏遠故胡，親近新降，欲殺左賢王師子及左臺且渠劉利等。又右部降者謀共迫脅安國，起兵背畔，請西河、上郡、安定為之儆備。」和帝下公卿議，皆以為「蠻夷反覆，雖難測知，然大兵聚會，必未敢動搖。今宜遣有方略使者之單于庭，與杜崇、朱徽及西河太守并力，觀其動靜。如無它變，可令崇等就安國會其左右大臣，責其部眾橫暴為邊害者，共平罪誅。若不從命，令為權時方略，事畢之後，裁行客賜，亦足以威示百蠻」。帝從之。於是徽、崇遂發兵造其庭。安國夜聞漢軍至，大驚，棄帳而去，因舉兵及將新降者欲誅師子。師子先知，乃悉將廬落入曼柏城。安國追到城下，門閉不得入。朱徽遣吏曉譬和之，安國不聽。城既不下，乃引兵屯五原。崇、徽因發諸郡騎追赴之急，眾皆大恐，安國舅骨都侯喜為等慮并被誅，乃格殺安國。 |
| | In spring of the sixth year, Huangfu Ling was dismissed and replaced by Zhijinwu Zhu Hui as acting Du Liao Jiangjun (Commander for Pacifying the Frontiers). At that time, Chanyur and Zhonglangjiang Du Chong were at odds. The Chanyur therefore submitted a memorial to report on Du Chong, but Du Chong advised the Tai Shou of Xihu to intercept the Chanyur's petition so he could not directly present his case to the throne. Meanwhile, Du Chong and Zhu Hui jointly submitted a memorial stating: "The Southern Chanyur An Guo has distanced himself from the old Xiongnu tribes and favored the newly surrendered groups. He intends to kill Zu Xianwang Shizi as well as Zu Tai Jiuqu Liu Li and others." "Moreover, the surrendered groups from the right wing are plotting to force and intimidate An Guo into rebellion by raising arms. We request that Xihu, Shangjun, and Dinging prepare for defense." Emperor He summoned the high officials and ministers to deliberate. They all believed: "Barbarians are fickle, and although their intentions may be hard to predict, a large military gathering would certainly deter them from taking action." "We should now dispatch a capable and strategic envoy to the Chanyur's court, together with Du Chong, Zhu Hui, and the Tai Shou of Xiuhe, to work in unison and observe their movements." "If there are no other developments, we may order Du Chong et al. to meet with An Guo and his key ministers, hold them accountable for the misconduct of their subordinates who have caused harm along the frontier, and jointly punish those guilty." "If they refuse to obey orders, then Du Chong may adopt temporary strategies as circumstances require. After the matter is resolved, we will adjust and implement rewards or punishments accordingly; this should be sufficient to demonstrate authority over all barbarian tribes." The emperor followed their advice. Thus, Zhu Hui and Du Chong mobilized troops and marched toward the Chanyur's court. At night, An Guo learned of the arrival of Han forces and was greatly alarmed. He abandoned his tent and fled, then raised troops along with the newly surrendered to attempt to kill Shizi. Shizi had foreknowledge of this and led all his followers into Manbo Cheng (Manbo City). An Guo pursued him to the city walls, but the gates were closed and he could not enter. Zhu Hui sent officials to reason with them in an attempt to reconcile the situation, but An Guo refused to listen. As the city could not be captured, they withdrew their troops and stationed themselves at Wuyuan. Du Chong and Zhu Hui then mobilized cavalry from various commanderies to pursue them urgently. The forces were greatly alarmed, and An Guo's maternal uncle Guduhou Xiweng et al., fearing they would be executed, killed An Guo instead.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
安國立一年，單于適之子師子立。 |
| | An Guo reigned for one year; Shizi, the son of Chanyur Shi, was enthroned as his successor.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
亭獨尸逐侯鞮單于師子，永元六年立。降胡五六百人夜襲師子，安集掾王恬將衛護士與戰，破之。於是新降胡遂相驚動，十五部二十餘萬人皆反畔，脅立前單于屯屠何子薁逊日逐王逢侯為單于，遂殺略吏人，燔燒郵亭廬帳，將車重向朔方，欲度漠北。於是遣行車騎將軍鄧鴻、越騎校尉馮柱、行度遼將軍朱徽將左右羽林、北軍五校士及郡國積射、緣邊兵，烏桓校尉任尚將烏桓、鮮卑，合四萬人討之。時南單于及中郎將杜崇屯牧師城，逢侯將萬餘騎攻圍之，未下。冬，鄧鴻等至美稷，逢侯乃乘冰度隘，向滿夷谷。南單于遣子將萬騎，及杜崇所領四千騎，與鄧鴻等追擊逢侯於大城塞，斬首三千餘級，得生口及降者萬餘人。馮柱復分兵追擊其別部，斬首四千餘級。任尚率鮮卑大都護蘇拔廆、烏桓大人勿柯八千騎，要擊逢侯於滿夷谷，復大破之。前後凡斬萬七千餘級。逢侯遂率眾出塞，漢兵不能追。七年正月，軍還。 |
| | Tingdu Shizhu Houdi Shizi became Chanyur in the sixth year of Yongyuan. Several hundred surrendered Xiongnu attacked Shizi at night, but Anji Yuan Wang Tian led the guards to fight them off and achieved victory. As a result, the newly surrendered Xiongnu were alarmed and agitated. Over 200,00 men from fifteen tribes rebelled, forcing the former Chanyur Tuntuohe's son Yuexun Ruzhu Wang Fenghou to be installed as their new leader. They then killed officials and civilians, burned post stations, dwellings, and tents, took their wagons and supplies toward Shuping, intending to cross into the northern steppes. The emperor then dispatched acting Cheqi Jiangjun Deng Hong, Yueqi Xiao Wei Feng Zhu, and acting Du Liao Jiangjun Zhu Hui to lead the Left and Right Yulin troops, the five schools of the Northern Army, as well as accumulated archers from various commanderies and border forces. Wuhan Xiao Wei Ren Shang led Wuhuan and Xianbei troops. Together they formed an army of 40,000 men to suppress the rebellion. At that time, the Southern Chanyur and Zhong Lang Jiang Du Chong were stationed at Mushi Cheng. Fenghou led over 10,00 riders to attack and surround them, but had not yet captured the city. In winter, Deng Hong et al. arrived at Meiji, and Fenghou took advantage of the frozen river to cross through a narrow pass toward Manyi Gu (Manyi Valley). The Southern Chanyur sent his son with 10,00 cavalry and the 4,000 riders under Du Chong's command to join Deng Hong et al. in a pursuit against Fenghou at Dacheng Sai (Dacheng Pass), where they beheaded over 3,000 enemy soldiers and captured more than 10,00 prisoners or surrendered rebels. Feng Zhu further divided his forces to pursue their splinter groups and beheaded over 4,00 enemy soldiers. Ren Shang led 8,00 cavalry under Xianbei Daduhu Subao Wei and Wuhuan Da Ren Wuke to intercept Fenghou in Manyi Gu, where they achieved another decisive victory. In total, over 17,000 enemy heads were taken in these campaigns. Fenghou then led his forces beyond the frontier; Han troops could not pursue them further. In January of the seventh year, the army returned.
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馮柱將虎牙營留屯五原，罷遣鮮卑、烏桓、羌胡兵，封蘇拔廆為率眾王，又賜金帛。鄧鴻還京師，坐逗留失利，下獄死。後帝知朱徽、杜崇失胡和，又禁其上書，以致反畔，皆徵下獄死，以鴈門太守龐奮行度遼將軍。逢侯於塞外分為二部，自領右部屯涿邪山下，左部屯朔方西北，相去數百里。八年冬，左部胡自相疑畔，還入朔方塞，龐奮迎受慰納之。其勝兵四千人，弱小萬餘口悉降，以分處北邊諸郡。南單于以其右溫禺犢王烏居戰始與安國同謀，欲考問之。烏居戰將數千人遂復反畔，出塞外山谷閒，為吏民害。秋，龐奮、馮柱與諸郡兵擊烏居戰，其眾降，於是徙烏居戰眾及諸還降者二萬餘人於安定、北地。馮柱還，遷將作大匠。逢侯部眾飢窮，又為鮮卑所擊，無所歸，竄逃入塞者駱驛不絕。 |
| | Feng Zhu led the Huya Ying (Tiger Tooth Camp) to remain stationed at Wuyuan, dismissed and sent back Xianbei, Wuhuan, Qiang, and Hu troops. Su Bao Wei was enfeoffed as Shouzhong Wang (King Who Leads the Multitudes), and also received gold and silk as rewards. Deng Hong returned to the capital, but was punished for delaying action and suffering defeat; he was imprisoned and died there. Later, the emperor learned that Zhu Hui and Du Chong had alienated relations with the Xiongnu and suppressed their petitions to court, leading to rebellion. Both were summoned for trial, imprisoned, and executed. Pang Fen, Tai Shou of Yanmen, was then appointed acting Du Liao Jiangjun in their place. Fenghou divided his forces into two groups beyond the frontier: he personally led the right group to garrison under Zhuoye Mountain, while the left group was stationed northwest of Shuping. The two camps were hundreds of miles apart. In winter of the eighth year, the left group of Xiongnu became suspicious and rebelled among themselves, returning to Shuping frontier. Pang Fen welcomed them with comfort and acceptance. Their able-bodied warriors numbered 4,000, while over 10,000 women and children surrendered. They were resettled among the northern frontier commanderies. The Southern Chanyu, because his Right Wenyudu Wang Wuju Zhan had initially conspired with An Guo, wanted to investigate him. Wuju Zhan led several thousand men and rebelled again, fleeing into the mountain valleys beyond the frontier, where they became a threat to officials and civilians. In autumn, Pang Fen and Feng Zhu, together with troops from various commanderies, attacked Wuju Zhan. His forces surrendered, so the two men led the relocation of over 20,000 people, including Wuju Zhan's followers and other surrendering groups, to Aiding and Beidi. Feng Zhu returned and was promoted to Jiangzuo Dajiang (Minister of Works). Fenghou's followers, suffering from hunger and hardship, were also attacked by the Xianbei. With nowhere to go, they continuously fled into the frontier in caravans without end.
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單于師子立四年薨，單于長之子檀立。 |
| | Chanyu Shizi reigned for four years before dying; Chanyu Chang's son Tan succeeded him as chanyu.
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萬氏尸逐鞮單于檀，永元十年立。十二年，龐奮遷河南尹，以朔方太守王彪行度遼將軍。南單于比歲遣兵擊逢侯，多所虜獲，收還生口前後以千數，逢侯轉困迫。十六年，北單于遣使詣闕貢獻，願和親，脩呼韓邪故約。和帝以其舊禮不備，未許之，而厚加賞賜，不荅其使。元興元年，重遣使詣敦煌貢獻，辭以國貧未能備禮，願請大使，當遣子入侍。時鄧太后臨朝，亦不荅其使，但加賜而已。 |
| | Wanshi Shizhudi Chanyu Tan was enthroned in the tenth year of Yongyuan. In the twelfth year, Pang Fen was transferred to serve as Yinyi of Henan; Wang Biao, Tai Shou of Shuping, became acting Du Liao Jiangjun. Every year, the Southern Chanyu Bi sent troops to attack Fenghou, capturing many prisoners and recovering thousands of captives over time. Fenghou became increasingly desperate and cornered. In the sixteenth year, the Northern Chanyu sent envoys to court with tribute and expressed a desire for peace and marriage alliances, seeking to restore the old agreements of Huhanye. The Emperor He considered their traditional rites incomplete and did not approve, but he generously bestowed rewards without responding to their envoys. In the first year of Yuanxing, they sent envoys again to Dunhuang with tribute, explaining that their country was poor and could not prepare proper rites, but requested a high-ranking envoy from Han, vowing to send his son as an attendant. At that time, Empress Dowager Deng was regent; she also did not respond to their envoys but merely added more gifts.
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永初三年夏，漢人韓琮隨南單于入朝，既還，說南單于云：「關東水潦，人民飢餓死盡，可擊也。」單于信其言，遂起兵反畔，攻中郎將耿种於美稷。秋，王彪卒。冬，遣行車騎將軍何熙、副中郎龐雄擊之。四年春，檀遣千餘騎寇常山、中山，以西域校尉梁慬行度遼將軍，與遼東太守耿夔擊破之。事已具慬、夔傳。單于見諸軍並進，大恐怖，顧讓韓琮曰：「汝言漢人死盡，今是何等人也？」乃遣使乞降，許之。單于脫帽徒跣，對龐雄等拜陳，道死罪。於是赦之，遇待如初，乃還所鈔漢民男女及羌所略轉賣入匈奴中者合萬餘人。五年，梁慬免，以雲中太守耿夔行度遼將軍。 |
| | In summer of the third year of Yongchu, a Han man named Han Cong accompanied the Southern Chanyu to court. After returning, he told the Southern Chanyu: "There is flooding in Guandong; its people are starving and dying off completely. It would be an opportune time for attack." The Chanyu believed his words, so he raised troops in rebellion and attacked Zhonglangjiang Geng Zhong at Meiji. In autumn, Wang Biao died. In winter, the court dispatched Xing Juqiji Jiangjun He Xi and Fu Zhonglang Pang Xiong to attack them. In spring of the fourth year, Tan sent over 1,00 cavalry to raid Changshan and Zhongshan. The court appointed Liang Jin, Xiao Wei of Xiyu, as acting Du Liao Jiangjun, who joined Tai Shou Geng Kui of Liaodong and defeated them. The details are already recorded in the biographies of Liang Jin and Geng Kui. The Chanyu, seeing the combined advance of all the Han forces, was greatly terrified and turned to scold Han Cong: "You said that all the Han people were dead. Now who are these people?" He then sent envoys requesting surrender; this was accepted. The Chanyu removed his hat, walked barefoot, and knelt before Pang Xiong and others to confess his crimes, calling himself a criminal. The court then pardoned him and treated him as before, so he returned over 10,00 men, women, and Han civilians who had been captured or sold into the Xiongnu by the Qiang. In the fifth year, Liang Jin was dismissed; Tai Shou Geng Kui from Yunzhong became acting Du Liao Jiangjun instead.
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元初元年，夔免，以烏桓校尉鄧遵為度遼將軍。遵，皇太后之從弟，故始為真將軍焉。 |
| | In the first year of Yuanchu, Geng Kui was dismissed; Deng Zun, Xiao Wei of Wuhuan, became Du Liao Jiangjun. Deng Zun was the cousin of the Empress Dowager; thus he became a true general for the first time.
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四年，逢侯為鮮卑所破，部眾分散，皆歸北虜。五年春，逢侯將百餘騎亡還，詣朔方塞降，鄧遵奏徙逢侯於潁川郡。 |
| | In the fourth year, Fenghou was defeated by the Xianbei and his followers scattered, all returning to the northern Xiongnu. In spring of the fifth year, Fenghou fled back with over 100 cavalry and surrendered at Shuping frontier; Deng Zun reported to the court and had Fenghou relocated to Yingchuan Jun.
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建光元年，鄧遵免，復以耿夔代為度遼將軍。時鮮卑寇邊，夔與溫禺犢王呼尤徽將新降者連年出塞，討擊鮮卑。還，復各令屯列衝要。而耿夔徵發煩劇，新降者皆悉恨謀畔。 |
| | In the first year of Jianguang, Deng Zun was dismissed and Geng Kui once again took over as Du Liao Jiangjun. At that time, the Xianbei were raiding the frontier; Geng Kui and Wenyudu Wang Huyou Hui, leading newly surrendered forces, repeatedly crossed the frontier for years to attack the Xianbei. After returning, they were again ordered to station themselves at key strategic locations. However, Geng Kui's frequent and heavy conscriptions caused the newly surrendered groups to become resentful and plot rebellion.
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單于檀立二十七年薨，弟拔立。耿夔復免，以太原太守法度代為將軍。 |
| | Chanyu Tan reigned for 27 years before dying; his younger brother Ba succeeded him as chanyu. Geng Kui was again dismissed, and Tai Shou Fa Du of Taiyuan took his place as general.
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烏稽侯尸逐鞮單于拔，延光三年立。夏，新降一部大人阿族等遂反畔，脅呼尤徽欲與俱去。呼尤徽曰：「我老矣，受漢家恩，寧死不能相隨！」眾欲殺之，有救者，得免。阿族等遂將妻子輜重亡去，中郎將馬翼遣兵與胡騎追擊，破之，斬首及自投河死者殆盡，獲馬牛羊萬餘頭。冬，法度卒。四年，漢陽太守傅眾代為將軍。其冬，傅眾復卒。永建元年，以遼東太守龐參代為將軍。 |
| | Wujihoushizhudi Chanyu Ba was enthroned in the third year of Yanguang. In summer, a group of newly surrendered leaders including A Zu rebelled and plotted to force Huyou Hui to leave with them. Huyou Hui said, "I am old now and have received the Han's kindness; I would rather die than follow you!" The rebels wanted to kill him, but he was saved by someone who intervened. A Zu and others then fled with their families, baggage, and supplies. Zhonglangjiang Ma Yi sent troops along with Xiongnu cavalry to pursue them, defeating the rebels; many were beheaded or drowned in the river, nearly all perished, and over 10,0 cattle, horses, and sheep were captured. In winter, Fa Du died. In the fourth year, Tai Shou Fu Zhong of Hanyang became general in his place. That winter, Fu Zhong died again. In the first year of Yongjian, Tai Shou Pang Can of Liaodong became general in his place.
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先是朔方以西障塞多不脩復，鮮卑因此數寇南部，殺漸將王。單于憂恐，上言求復障塞，順帝從之。乃遣黎陽營兵出屯中山北界，增置緣邊諸郡兵，列屯塞下，教習戰射。 |
| | Previously, many frontier defenses west of Shuping had not been repaired; the Xianbei therefore frequently raided the southern Xiongnu and killed Jianjiang Wang. The Chanyu was worried and fearful, so he petitioned for the restoration of frontier defenses; Emperor Shun followed his request. The court then dispatched Liyang Ying troops to station at the northern border of Zhongshan, increased troop deployments in frontier commanderies along the border, and stationed forces under the frontier walls, training them in warfare and archery.
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單于拔立四年薨，弟休利立。 |
| | Chanyu Ba reigned for four years before he died; his younger brother Xiuli succeeded him as chanyu.
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去特若尸逐就單于休利，永建三年立。四年，龐參遷大鴻臚，以東平相宋漢代為度遼將軍。陽嘉二年，漢遷太僕，以烏桓校尉耿曄代為度遼將軍。永和元年，曄病徵，以護羌校尉馬續代為度遼將軍。 |
| | Qute Ruoshizhujiu Chanyu Xiuli was enthroned in the third year Yongjian. In the fourth year, Pang Shen was transferred to serve as Dahanlu; Song Han, Xiang of Dongping, became Du Liao Jiangjun in his place. In the second year of Yangjia, Song Han was transferred to serve as Taifu; Geng Ye, Xiao Wei of Wuhuan became Du Liao Jiangjun in place of him. In the first year of Yonghe, Geng Ye fell ill and was recalled; Ma Xu, Hu Qiang Xiao Wei, became Du Liao Jiangjun to replace him.
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五年夏，南匈奴左部句龍王吾斯、車紐等背畔，率三千餘騎寇西河，因復招誘右賢王，合七八千騎圍美稷，殺朔方、代郡長史。馬續與中郎將梁並、烏桓校尉王元發緣邊兵及烏桓、鮮卑、羌胡合二萬餘人，掩擊破之。吾斯等遂更屯聚，攻沒城邑。天子遣使責讓單于，開以恩義，令相招降。單于本不豫謀，乃脫帽避帳，詣並謝罪。並以病徵，五原太守陳龜代為中郎將。龜以單于本不能制下，逼迫之，單于及其弟左賢王皆自殺。單于休利立十三年。龜又欲徙單于近親於內郡，而降者遂更狐疑。龜坐下獄免。大將軍梁商以羌胡新反，黨眾初合，難以兵服，宜用招降，乃上表曰：「匈奴寇畔，自知罪極，窮鳥困獸，皆知救死，況種類繁熾，不可單盡。今轉運日增，三軍疲苦，虛內給外，非中國之利。竊見度遼將軍馬續素有謀謨，且典邊日久，深曉兵要，每得續書，與臣策合。宜令續深溝高壁，以恩信招降，宣示購賞，明其期約。如此，則醜類可服，國家無事矣。」帝從之，乃詔續招降畔虜。商又移書續等曰：「中國安寧，忘戰日久。良騎野合，交鋒接矢，決勝當時，戎狄之所長，而中國之所短也。強弩乘城，堅營固守，以待其衰，中國之所長也，而戎狄之所短也。宜務先所長，以觀其變，設購開賞，宣示反悔，勿貪小功，以亂大謀。」續及諸郡並各遵行。於是右賢王部抑鞮等萬三千口詣續降。 |
| | In summer of the fifth year, leaders from the southern Xiongnu left group, Goulong Wang Wusi and Cheniu, rebelled. Leading over 3,00 cavalry, they raided Xibo, then further lured Youxianwang to join them; together with about 7,800 riders, they besieged Meiji and killed the Tai Shou of Shupang and Dai Jun. Ma Xu, together with Zhonglangjiang Liang Bing and Wuhuan Xiao Wei Wang Yuan, mobilized frontier troops along with Uighur, Xianbei, Qiang, and other ethnic forces totaling over 20,0 people to launch a surprise attack and defeated them. Wusi and others then regrouped, attacking and seizing cities and towns. The emperor sent envoys to rebuke the Chanyu, appealing to benevolence and righteousness, ordering him to encourage surrender. The Chanyu, who had not originally been involved in the plot, removed his hat and withdrew from the tent to visit Liang Bing personally and apologize for the crime. Liang Bing was recalled due to illness; Chen Gui, Tai Shou of Wuyuan, became Zhonglangjiang in his place. Chen Gui believed that the Chanyu could not control his subordinates and pressured him; as a result, both the Chanyu and his younger brother Youxianwang committed suicide. Chanyu Xiuli reigned for thirteen years. Chen Gui also wanted to relocate the Chanyu's close relatives into interior commanderies, which caused those who had surrendered to become increasingly suspicious. Chen Gui was imprisoned and dismissed from office. Grand General Liang Shang, considering that the Qiang and Hu had just rebelled and their factions were newly united, believed it difficult to subdue them by force. He proposed using persuasion for surrender instead, and submitted a memorial stating: "The Xiongnu rebels know they have committed grave crimes; like cornered birds or beasts, they will fight desperately to survive. How much more so when their numbers are numerous and flourishing—they cannot be completely eradicated." "Now, daily logistical demands are increasing; the three armies are exhausted and suffering. Draining resources from within to support the frontier is not in China's interest." "I have observed that Du Liao Jiangjun Ma Xu has long been experienced in strategy and frontier governance, with deep understanding of military essentials. Every time I received his letters, they aligned perfectly with my own strategies." "It is advisable to order Ma Xu to dig deep trenches and build high walls, use benevolence and trust to encourage surrender, announce generous rewards for captures, and clearly set the terms of agreement." "If this is done, then these hostile groups can be subdued and the state will enjoy peace." The emperor followed this advice and issued an edict ordering Ma Xu to use persuasion for the surrender of rebel Xiongnu forces. Shang also sent letters to Xu and others, saying: "The Central Kingdom has enjoyed peace for so long that it has forgotten the art of war. "Skilled cavalry engagements on open fields, where weapons clash and arrows fly in decisive battles—these are the strengths of the Rong and Di peoples but weaknesses for China. "Strong crossbows defending city walls, holding strong camps and firm defenses to wait for their strength to wane—these are China's strengths but the Rong and Di's weaknesses. "Therefore, you should first focus on your strengths to observe their changes. Set rewards and open bounties for captures; publicly declare that there will be no punishment for those who surrender or regret their rebellion. Do not pursue small victories at the expense of disrupting grand strategies." Ma Xu and officials from various commanderies all followed these instructions accordingly. As a result, Youxianwang's followers Yidi and others, totaling 13,000 households, surrendered to Ma Xu.
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秋，句龍吾斯等立句龍王車紐為單于。東引烏桓，西收羌戎及諸胡等數萬人，攻破京兆虎牙營，殺上郡都尉及軍司馬，遂寇掠并、涼、幽、冀四州。乃徙西河治離石，上郡治夏陽，朔方治五原。冬，遣中郎將張耽將幽州烏桓諸郡營兵，擊畔虜車紐等，戰於馬邑，斬首三千級，獲生口及兵器牛羊甚眾。車紐等將諸豪帥骨都侯乞降，而吾斯猶率其部曲與烏桓寇鈔。六年春，馬續率鮮卑五千騎到穀城擊之，斬首數百級。張耽性勇銳，而善撫士卒，軍中皆為用命。遂繩索相懸，上通天山，大破烏桓，悉斬其渠帥，還得漢民，獲其畜生財物。夏，馬續復免，以城門校尉吳武代為將軍。 |
| | In autumn, Goulong Wusi and others enthroned Goulong Wang Cheniu as Chanyu. They drew in the Xianbei to the east, and gathered tens of thousands from Qiang Rong and other Hu groups to the west. They attacked and captured Jingzhao's Huya Ying (Tiger Teeth Camp), killing the Tai Shou of Shangjun and Jun Sima, then proceeded to raid and plunder the four commanderies of Bing, Liang, You, and Ji. The court then relocated the seat of Xibo to Lishi, that of Shangjun to Xiayang, and that of Shuping to Wuyuan. In winter, the court sent Zhonglangjiang Zhang Dan to lead Yuzhou's Wuhuan and troops from various commandery camps to attack rebel leader Cheniu. They fought a battle at Mayi, beheading 3,000 enemies, capturing numerous prisoners, weapons, cattle, and sheep. Cheniu and other leaders, along with prominent chieftains like Gudu Hou, requested surrender. However, Wusi still led his followers to raid together with the Xianbei. In spring of the sixth year, Ma Xu led 5,00 Xianbei cavalry to Gucheng to attack them, beheading hundreds. Zhang Dan was naturally brave and sharp, yet also skilled at treating his soldiers well; all in the army were willing to lay down their lives for him. They then tied ropes together and climbed up Tiantian Shan, achieving a decisive victory over the Xianbei, killing all their chieftains, rescuing Han civilians, and seizing their livestock and property. In summer, Ma Xu was again dismissed; Wu Wu, Xiao Wei of Chengmen, became general in his place.
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漢安元年秋，吾斯與薁鞮臺耆、且渠伯德等復掠并部。 |
| | In autumn of the first year of Huan'an, Wusi and Youdi Taiqi, Qiequ Bode, among others, once again raided Bingbu.
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呼蘭若尸逐就單于兜樓儲先在京師，漢安二年立之。天子臨軒，大鴻臚持節拜授璽綬，引上殿。賜青蓋駕駟、鼓車、安車、駙馬騎、玉具刀劍、什物，給綵布二千匹。賜單于閼氏以下金錦錯雜具，軿車馬二乘。遣行中郎將持節護送單于歸南庭。詔太常、大鴻臚與諸國侍子於廣陽城門外祖會，饗賜作樂，角抵百戲。順帝幸胡桃宮臨觀之。冬，中郎將馬寔募刺殺句龍吾斯，送首洛陽。建康元年，進擊餘黨，斬首千二百級。烏桓七十萬餘口皆詣寔降，車重牛羊不可勝數。 |
| | Hulan Ruoshizhujiu Chayu Doulouchu had previously been in the capital; he was enthroned as chanyu in the second year of Huanan. The emperor personally stood at the xuan (a ceremonial platform), while Dahanlu held a jade token to bestow the seal and sash, leading him up onto the hall. He was granted a green-roofed carriage drawn by four horses, drum carriages, anan carriage (a type of ceremonial vehicle), horsemen with attendants, jade-mounted swords and daggers, various items, and 2,00 bolts of colored cloth. The Chanyu's Yashi and those below her were also granted gold, brocade, and various items in mixed colors, along with two pinglei carriages and their horses. The court dispatched a Xing Zhonglangjiang holding a jade token to escort the Chanyu back to the southern court. An edict was issued ordering Tai Chang, Dahanlu, and envoys from various states to gather at the gate of Guangyang Cheng for a farewell banquet. They were entertained with music, performances, and acrobatic shows. Emperor Shun visited Hutaogong to personally witness the event. In winter, Zhonglangjiang Ma Shi recruited someone to assassinate Gulong Wusi; the head was sent to Luoyang. In the first year of Jiankang, they launched a campaign against the remaining rebels, beheading 1,200 of them. More than 700,000 Wuhuan people all surrendered to Ma Shi; the number of wagons, oxen, and sheep was beyond count.
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單于兜樓儲立五年薨。 |
| | Chanyu Doulouchu reigned for five years before dying.
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伊陵尸逐就單于居車兒，建和元年立。至永壽元年，匈奴左薁鞮臺耆、且渠伯德等復畔，寇鈔美稷、安定，屬國都尉張奐擊破降之。事已具奐傳。 |
| | Yiling Shizhujiu Chanyu Jucheer was enthroned in the first year of Jianhe. By the first year of Yongshou, Youdi Taiqi and Qiequ Bode of the Xiongnu once again rebelled, raiding Meiji and Pingding. Zhang Huan, Duwei of Zhugu Guo, defeated them and brought about their surrender. The details are already recorded in Zhang Huan's biography.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
延熹元年，南單于諸部並畔，遂與烏桓、鮮卑寇緣邊九郡，以張奐為北中郎將討之，單于諸部悉降。奐以單于不能統理國事，乃拘之，上立左谷蠡王。桓帝詔曰：「春秋大居正，居車兒一心向化，何罪而黜！其遣還庭。」 |
| | In the first year of Yanxi, various tribes under the Southern Chanyu all rebelled. They then allied with the Wuhuan and Xianbei to raid nine border commanderies. Zhang Huan was appointed Beizhonglangjiang to suppress them; all the tribes under the Chanyu surrendered completely. Huan, considering that the Chanyu was unable to govern his people effectively, detained him and recommended the enthronement of Zuogulv Wang. Emperor Huan issued an edict: "The Spring and Autumn Annals emphasize the importance of upholding righteousness. Jucheer has remained wholeheartedly devoted to Han civilization—what crime has he committed to be deposed!" "Send him back to his court."
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
單于居車兒立二十五年薨，子某立。 |
| | Chanyu Jucheer reigned for 25 years before dying; his son, a certain person, was enthroned after him.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
屠特若尸逐就單于某，熹平元年立。六年，單于與中郎將臧旻出鴈門擊鮮卑檀石槐，大敗而還。是歲，單于薨，子呼徵立。 |
| | Tute Ruoshizhujiu Chanyu (unnamed), was enthroned in the first Year of Xiping. In the sixth year, the Chanyu and Zhonglangjiang Zang Min led an expedition through Yanmen to attack Tanshihuai of the Xianbei but were heavily defeated and returned. In this year, the Chanyu died; his son Huzheng was enthroned.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
單于呼徵，光和元年立。二年，中郎將張脩與單于不相能，脩擅斬之，更立右賢王羌渠為單于。脩以不先請而擅誅殺，檻車徵詣廷尉抵罪。 |
| | Chanyu Huzheng, enthroned in the first year Guanghe. In the second year, Zhonglangjiang Zhang Xiu and the Chanyu were at odds; Xiu executed him without authorization and enthroned Youxianwang Qiangqu as the new Chanyu. Xiu, having acted without prior approval by executing a chieftain on his own authority, was placed in a cage cart and summoned to Tingwei for punishment.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
單于羌渠，光和二年立。中平四年，前中山太守張純反畔，遂率鮮卑寇邊郡。靈帝詔發南匈奴兵，配幽州牧劉虞討之。單于遣左賢王將騎詣幽州。國人恐單于發兵無已，五年，右部虾落與休著各胡白馬銅等十餘萬人反，攻殺單于。 |
| | Chanyu Qiangqu was enthroned in the second year of Guanghe. In the fourth year of Zhongping, former Tai Shou of Zhongshan Zhang Chun rebelled and led Xianbei forces to raid border commanderies. Emperor Ling issued an edict to mobilize Southern Xiongnu troops and assigned them under Youzhou Shu Liu Yu for the campaign. The Chanyu dispatched Youxianwang to lead cavalry forces to Youzhou. The people feared that the Chanyu would continue to raise troops without end. In the fifth year, Xialuo and Xiuzhu of the Right Wing, along with more than 100,000 Hu people including Baoma Tong, rebelled, attacking and killing the Chanyu.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
單于羌渠立十年，子右賢王於扶羅立。 |
| | Chanyu Qiangqu reigned for ten years; his son Youxianwang Yufuluo was enthroned after him as Chanyu.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
持至尸逐侯單于於扶羅，中平五年立。國人殺其父者遂畔。共立須卜骨都侯為單于，而於扶羅詣闕自訟。會靈帝崩，天下大亂，單于將數千騎與白波賊合兵寇河內諸郡。時民皆保聚，鈔掠無利，而兵遂挫傷。復欲歸國，國人不受，乃止河東。須卜骨都侯為單于一年而死，南庭遂虛其位，以老王行國事。 |
| | Chizhi Shizhu Hou Chanyu Yufuluo, enthroned in the fifth year of Zhongping. Those who had killed his father immediately rebelled. They jointly enthroned Subu Guduhou as Chanyu, while Yufuluo went to the imperial court to appeal his case. Coinciding with the death of Emperor Ling and the ensuing chaos across the land, the Chanyu led several thousand cavalry to join forces with the Baibo rebels in raiding various commanderies of Hedong. At that time, the people had all formed defensive communities; raids yielded no profit, and their forces were gradually weakened. They then attempted to return to their homeland, but the people refused them entry; they halted instead in Hedong. Subu Guduhou reigned as Chanyu for one year before dying; the southern court then left the position vacant and had an elder king temporarily manage state affairs.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
單于於扶羅立七年死，弟呼廚泉立。 |
| | Chanyu Yufuluo reigned for seven years before dying; his younger brother Huchuquan was enthroned after him.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
單于呼廚泉，興平二年立。以兄被逐，不得歸國，數為鮮卑所鈔。建安元年，獻帝自長安東歸，右賢王去卑與白波賊帥韓暹等侍衛天子，拒擊李傕、郭汜。及車駕還洛陽，又徙遷許，然後歸國。二十一年，單于來朝，曹操因留於鄴，而遣去卑歸監其國焉。 |
| | Chanyu Huchuquan, enthroned in the second Year of Xingping. Because his elder brother had been driven out, he could not return to his homeland and was repeatedly raided by the Xianbei. In the first year of Jianshan, Emperor Xian departed from Chang'an and returned east. Youxianwang Qubei, along with Baibo rebel leader Han Xian and others, served as imperial guards, resisting Li Jue and Guo Si. After the imperial procession returned to Luoyang and then moved again to Xu, he finally returned to his homeland. In the twenty-first year, the Chanyu came to court; Cao Cao detained him in Ye and sent Qubei back as a supervisor over his homeland.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
論曰：漢初遭冒頓凶黠，種眾強熾。高祖威加四海，而窘平城之圍。太宗政鄰刑措，不雪憤辱之恥。逮孝武亟興邊略，有志匈奴，赫然命將，戎旗星屬，候列郊甸，火通甘泉，而猶鳴鏑揚塵，出入畿內，至於窮竭武力，單用天財，歷紀歲以攘之。寇雖頗折，而漢之疲耗略相當矣。宣帝值虜庭分爭，呼韓邪來臣，乃權納懷柔，因為邊衛，罷關徼之儆，息兵民之勞。龍駕帝服，鳴鍾傳鼓於清渭之上，南面而朝單于，朔、易無復匹馬之蹤，六十餘年矣。後王莽陵篡，擾動戎夷，續以更始之亂，方夏幅裂。自是匈奴得志，狼心復生，乘閒侵佚，害流傍境。及中興之初，更通舊好，報命連屬，金幣載道，而單于驕踞益橫，內暴滋深。世祖以用事諸華，未遑沙塞之外，忍愧思難，徒報謝而已。因徙幽、并之民，增邊屯之卒。及關東稍定，隴、蜀已清，其猛夫扞將，莫不頓足攘手，爭言衛、霍之事。帝方厭兵，閒脩文政，未之許也。其後匈奴爭立，日逐來奔，願脩呼韓之好，以禦北狄之衝，奉藩稱臣，永為外扞。天子總攬群策，和而納焉。乃詔有司開北鄙，擇肥美之地，量水草以處之。馳中郎之使，盡法度以臨之。制衣裳，備文物，加璽紱之綬，正單于之名。於是匈奴分破，始有南北二庭焉。讎釁既深，互伺便隙，控弦抗戈，覘望風塵，雲屯鳥散，更相馳突，至於陷潰創傷者，靡歲或寧，而漢之塞地晏然矣。後亦頗為出師，并兵窮討，命竇憲、耿夔之徒，前後並進，皆用果譎，設奇數，異道同會，究掩其窟穴，躡北追奔三千餘里，遂破龍祠，焚罽幕，阬十角，梏閼氏，銘功封石，倡呼而還。單于震懾屏氣，蒙氈遁走於烏孫之地，而漠北空矣。若因其時埶，及其虛曠，還南虜於陰山，歸河西於內地，上申光武權宜之略，下防戎羯亂華之變，使耿國之筭不謬於當世，袁安之議見從於後王，平易正直，若此其弘也。而竇憲矜三捷之效，忽經世之規，狼戾不端，專行威惠。遂復更立北虜，反其故庭，並恩兩護，以私己福，棄蔑天公，坐樹大鯁。永言前載，何恨憤之深乎！自後經綸失方，畔服不一，其為疢毒，胡可單言！降及後世，翫為常俗，終於吞噬神鄉，丘墟帝宅。嗚呼！千里之差，興自毫端，失得之源，百世不磨矣。 |
| | Commentary: In the early Han period, the Xiongnu under Modu were fierce and cunning; their population and military strength grew formidable. Emperor Gaozu, whose authority extended across all under heaven, was still trapped in the siege of Pingcheng. Emperor Taizong, whose governance was so effective that punishments were rarely needed, did not seek to avenge the humiliation and disgrace. It was not until Emperor Wu intensified border strategies and set his sights on the Xiongnu that he issued decisive military commands. His banners were as numerous as stars, outposts were stationed in the suburbs, and fires reached Ganhquan; yet still, enemy arrows flew and dust rose within the imperial territory. It took exhausting all military resources and relying solely on Heaven's blessings to suppress them over many years. Although the invaders were somewhat defeated, Han resources and strength had also been greatly depleted in the process. Emperor Xuan encountered internal strife within the Xiongnu court, and Huhanye came to submit as a vassal. The Han then adopted a policy of conciliation, using this opportunity to strengthen border defenses while relaxing frontier alerts and easing the burdens on soldiers and civilians. The emperor, adorned in imperial robes and seated on a dragon-drawn chariot, sounded bells and drums along the clear Wei River, facing south to receive homage from the Xiongnu Chanyu. For over 60 years, not even a single horse of the northern tribes was seen near Shuo or Yi. Later, Wang Mang usurped power and disturbed the Rong and Yi peoples; this was followed by chaos under Guangwu, leading to the fragmentation of the empire. From then on, the Xiongnu regained their strength; their wolf-like ambitions reawakened as they took advantage of Han weakness to launch raids and spread destruction along the borders. In the early years of the renewed Han dynasty, old alliances were reestablished; envoys and gifts traveled continuously along the roads. Yet the Chanyu became increasingly arrogant and oppressive, with internal violence growing more severe. Emperor Guangwu, preoccupied with consolidating power within the Han heartland, had no time to attend to affairs beyond the northern frontier. He bore this humiliation in silence and merely responded with expressions of regret. He then relocated civilians from You and Bing commanderies to strengthen garrisons along the frontier with additional troops. When the eastern regions were gradually pacified and Long and Shu had been cleared, many bold generals stood on tiptoe and clenched their fists, vying to speak of the deeds of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing. The emperor, however, was weary of war and focused instead on cultivating civil governance; he did not approve their proposals. Later, when the Xiongnu were embroiled in succession struggles, Ruzhu fled to Han and expressed a desire to restore the alliance of Huhanye, using it as a defense against northern Di incursions. He pledged vassalage and submission, hoping for eternal service as an outer shield. The emperor gathered and considered various strategies, accepting the proposal with a conciliatory approach. The emperor then issued an edict ordering officials to open up the northern border, selecting fertile and pleasant land, measuring water sources and pastures for their settlement. He dispatched Zhonglang envoys, enforcing strict adherence to laws and regulations in overseeing the arrangement. They were provided with ceremonial robes, supplied with cultural artifacts, granted seals and sashes of rank, and formally recognized as Chanyu. Thus, the Xiongnu split apart, and from then on there were two courts: the Northern and Southern. With enmity deeply entrenched, both sides constantly watched for opportunities to strike. Bows were drawn and weapons raised; they observed the dust of war, gathering like clouds or scattering like birds, clashing in repeated surges. Year after year, there was no peace as battles led to collapse and wounds. Yet Han frontier lands remained peaceful. Later, Han also launched major campaigns, mobilizing combined forces to pursue the enemy relentlessly. Commanders such as Dou Xian and Geng Kui led coordinated offensives from multiple directions, employing bold strategies and ingenious tactics. They converged on different routes to encircle the enemy's strongholds, pursued their fleeing forces for over 3,000 li northward, destroyed sacred sites, burned tents, buried ten horns (a symbol of Xiongnu power), captured Yashi women, inscribed their achievements on stone tablets at the frontier mountains, and returned in triumphal celebration. The Chanyu, terrified and breathless with fear, fled northward under a felt covering into Wusun territory, leaving the northern steppes of the desert completely empty. Had the Han taken advantage of this moment, capitalizing on the enemy's weakness and empty steppes by resettling southern Xiongnu back behind Yanshan Mountain and incorporating Hexi into the heartland—this would have both honored Emperor Guangwu's pragmatic strategy from above and prevented future Rong and Jie uprisings that threatened Han civilization. It would have ensured that Geng Guo's plans were not mistaken in his time, and Yuan An's advice was followed by later kings, achieving peace through fairness and integrity on such a grand scale. Yet Dou Xian, proud of his three victories, neglected long-term planning and governance principles. He acted recklessly without restraint, relying solely on displays of power and favor to control the situation. He then proceeded to reinstate the northern Xiongnu, restoring their old court. By showing equal favor to both factions, he sought personal gain at the expense of justice and defied Heaven's will, planting a major obstacle for future generations. Reflecting on these past events, how profound is the regret and anger! Since then, governance has been mismanaged; rebellions and submissions have alternated without consistency. The resulting turmoil and suffering—how can it be described in simple terms! This pattern continued into later generations, becoming an accepted norm—until finally the Xiongnu devoured sacred lands and reduced imperial capitals to ruins. Alas! A thousand-li difference originates from a single hair's breadth; the source of gains and losses remains indelible for generations to come.
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| | 南匈奴列... : |
贊曰：匈奴既分，羽書稀聞。野心難悔，終亦紛紜。 |
| | Eulogy: After the Xiongnu had split into factions, urgent military reports became rare. Yet their ambitions proved difficult to curb, leading eventually to renewed chaos.
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