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黄帝者，少典之子，姓公孙，名曰轩辕，生而神灵，弱而能言，幼而徇齐，长而敦敏，成而聪明，神农氏世衰，诸侯相侵伐，而神农氏弗能徵，于是轩辕乃习用干戈，修德振兵，以与炎帝战于阪泉之野，三战然后得其志，蚩尤作乱，乃杀蚩尤而代神农氏，是为黄帝，东至于海，西至于空桐，南至于江，北逐荤粥，邑于涿鹿之阿，迁徙往来无常处，以师兵为营衞，置左右大监，监于万国，举风后，力牧，常先，大鸿以治民，顺天地之纪，时播百谷，劳勤心力耳目，节用水火材物，有土德之瑞，故号黄帝。 |
| | The Yellow Emperor was the son of Shaodian and surnamed Gongsun, His given name was Xuan Yuan. He was born with divine wisdom, could speak at an early age despite his frailty, and as a child he was quick-witted and intelligent. As he grew older, he became earnest and perceptive; as an adult, he was wise and intelligent. In the later years of the Shennongshi dynasty, its power waned, and feudal lords began to attack one another. The Shennongshi were unable to quell these conflicts, so Xuan Yuan trained in the use of weapons, cultivated virtue, and strengthened his military forces. He then fought against the Emperor Yandi on the plains of Banquan. After three battles, he achieved his goal. When Chiyou rebelled, Xuan Yuan killed him and succeeded the Shennongshi, thus becoming the Yellow Emperor. His dominion extended eastward to the sea and westward to Kongsong Mountain. Southward to the Yangtze River, and northward he drove out the Hunyueh. He established a settlement in the area of Zhuolu, but he moved frequently without fixed residence. He used his military forces as guards and set up Left and Right Grand Supervisors to oversee all nations. He appointed Fenghou, Limu, Changxian, and Dahan to govern the people. He followed the order of heaven and earth, timely sowed various grains, diligently applied his mind, strength, ears, and eyes, regulated the use of water, fire, materials, and resources. With the auspicious virtue of the Earth element, he was thus called the Yellow Emperor.
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帝颛顼高阳者，黄帝之孙，昌意之子也。养材以任地，载时以象天，依鬼神以制义，治气以教化，洁诚以祭祀，北至于幽陵，南至于交趾，西济于流沙，东至于蟠木，动静之物，大小之神，日月所照，莫不砥属。 |
| | Emperor Zhuanxu Gaoyang was the grandson of the Yellow Emperor and the son of Changyi. He cultivated resources to make use of the land, arranged time according to celestial patterns, relied on spirits and deities to establish moral principles, regulated vital energies for education and transformation, maintained sincerity in rituals and sacrifices. His influence extended northward to Youling, southward to Jiaozhi, westward across Liusha River, and eastward to Panmu. All things in motion or stillness, all deities great and small, wherever the sun and moon shine—none failed to submit.
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帝喾高辛者，高阳，黄帝之曾孙也。生而神灵，聪以知远，明以察微，仁而威，惠而信，修身而天下服，取地之财而节用之，抚教万民而利诲之，历日月而迎送之，明鬼神而敬事之，其色郁郁，其德嶷嶷，其动也时，其服也士，日月所照，风雨所至，莫弗从服。 |
| | Emperor Ku Gaixin was of the Gaoyang lineage. He was the great-grandson of the Yellow Emperor. He was born with divine wisdom; he was intelligent and could foresee the distant future, perceptive enough to discern subtle details. He combined benevolence with authority, kindness with trustworthiness. By cultivating his own virtue, he won the submission of all under heaven. He took resources from the land but used them sparingly. He nurtured and taught the people for their benefit. He observed the movements of the sun and moon, greeting and bidding farewell to them in accordance with time. He understood spirits and deities and honored them with reverence. His appearance was dignified; his virtue was lofty. His actions were timely; his attire was modest. Wherever the sun and moon shone, wherever wind and rain reached, none failed to follow him and submit.
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帝尧放勋，其仁如天，其智如神，就之如日，望之如云，富而不骄，贵而不舒。 |
| | Emperor Yao Fangxun was as kind as heaven and as wise as a deity. Approaching him felt like basking in the sun, while gazing at him seemed like looking upon clouds. He was rich but not arrogant, noble yet never complacent.
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虞舜名曰重华，父瞽叟顽，母嚚，弟象傲，皆与杀舜，舜顺适不失子道以孝闻，于是尧乃以二女妻舜，以观其内，使九男与处，以观其外，二女不敢以贵骄，九男皆益笃，舜耕历山，历山之人皆让畔，渔雷泽，雷泽上人皆让居，陶河滨，河滨器皆不苦窳，一年而所居成聚，二年成邑，三年成都，于是尧乃试舜五典，百官皆治，以揆百事，莫不时序，流四凶族，以御螭魅，尧乃使舜摄行天子政，尧崩，天下归舜。 |
| | Yu Shun was given the name Zhonghua. His father, Gusu, was stubborn; his mother, Yinyin, was scheming; and his younger brother Xiang was arrogant. All of them conspired to kill Shun. Yet Shun remained obedient and never failed in filial conduct and thus became renowned for his filial piety. Therefore, Yao gave him his two daughters as wives to observe how he would manage within the household; he also placed nine sons with Shun to see how he conducted himself externally. The two princesses did not behave with arrogance due to their noble status, and the nine sons all became even more sincere. When Shun farmed on Lishan Mountain, the people there gave up disputes over field boundaries. When he fished at Leizhe Lake, the local fishermen yielded their best spots. When he made pottery by the Yellow River, the quality of wares improved and none were defective. After one year, the place where he lived became a gathering of people; after two years, it became a town; and after three years, a city. Thus Emperor Yao tested Shun with the Five Constants, and all officials were well governed. He managed all affairs so that nothing was out of order. He banished four wicked clans to control demons and evils. Then Emperor Yao appointed Shun as regent for the Son of Heaven. After Yao's death, all under heaven submitted to Shun.
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夏禹名曰文命，当尧之时，洪水滔天，舜登用，乃命禹平水土，劳身焦思，居外十三年，过家门不敢入，薄衣食，致孝于鬼神，卑宫室，致费于沟洫，以开九州，通九道，陂九泽，度九山，行相地宜所有以贡，东渐于海，西被于流沙，朔南曁，朔，北方也。声教讫于四海，于是帝锡禹玄圭，以告成功于天下，于是大平治，帝舜荐禹于天，舜崩，遂即天子位，国号曰夏后，十七世，帝履癸立，是为桀，不务德而武伤百姓，百姓弗堪，汤修德，诸侯皆归汤，汤遂伐桀，桀走鸣条，遂放而死。 |
| | Xia Yu was given the name Wenming. In Yao's time, floods surged to the heavens. When Shun came to power, he appointed Yu to control the waters and level the land. Yu labored tirelessly with intense thought, living outside for thirteen years without daring to enter his home even when passing by it. He wore thin clothing and ate simple food, offering filial devotion to spirits and deities. He kept his palace modest but spent lavishly on ditches and irrigation works. Through these efforts, he opened up the Nine Provinces, connected nine waterways, built embankments around nine lakes, measured the topography of nine mountain ranges, and traveled to survey the land for its suitability in tribute contributions. His work extended eastward into the sea, westward across Liusha, reaching as far north and south as Jishu. Shuo refers to the northern regions. His influence and teachings reached all four seas. Thus the emperor bestowed on Yu a black jade tablet, announcing his success to the world. Then great peace was achieved. Emperor Shun recommended Yu to heaven. After Shun's death, Yu ascended the throne as Son of Heaven, establishing the state with the title Xia Hou. This dynasty lasted seventeen generations until King Liu Kui came to power; he became known as Jie. He neglected virtue and used military force that harmed the people, who could no longer endure it. Tang cultivated virtue, and feudal lords submitted to him. Thus Tang attacked Jie, who fled to Mingtiao. And was exiled until he died.
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汤始居亳，征诸侯，葛伯不祀，汤始伐之。汤曰：予有言，人视水视形，视民知治不。伊尹曰：明哉言，能听，道乃进，君国子民，为善者在王官，勉哉勉哉。汤出，见野张网四面。祝曰：自天下四方，皆入吾网。汤曰：嘻，尽之矣。乃去其三面。祝曰：欲左，左，欲右，右，不用命，乃入吾网。诸侯闻之曰：汤德至矣。及禽兽，当是时，夏桀为虐政淫荒，汤乃伐桀，践天子位。 |
| | Tang first settled in Bo, where he campaigned against feudal lords. Gebo neglected sacrifices; Tang began his campaign by attacking him. Tang said: "I have a saying: When people look at water, they see their reflection; when they observe the people, they know whether governance is effective or not." Yi Yin said: "How clear and wise your words are! If one can listen, the Way will advance. Governing a state and leading its people, those who do good should hold official positions. Strive diligently, strive earnestly." Tang went out and saw a hunter setting up a net in all four directions of the field. The hunter prayed: "From above, below, and from all directions, may they all fall into my net." _limited_ Tang said: "Ah, you are trying to capture everything!" So he removed the nets from three sides. The hunter prayed: "Those who wish to go left, go left; those who wish to go right, go right. Only those who do not obey the will of heaven shall fall into my net." The feudal lords heard about this and said: "Tang's virtue is truly profound!" When it came to capturing wild beasts, at that time, Jie of Xia was imposing cruel and licentious policies. Tang then attacked Jie and ascended the throne as Son of heaven.
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帝太戊立，伊陟为相，伊陟，伊尹子也。亳有祥，桑谷共生于朝，一暮大拱，太戊惧，问伊陟。曰：臣闻妖不胜德，帝之政，其有阙与，帝其修德，太戊从之，而祥桑枯死，殷复兴，故称中宗。 |
| | Emperor Taipu came to power, and Yi Zhi was appointed prime minister; Yi Zhi was the son of Yi Yin. There were omens in Bo: mulberry and millet trees grew together in the court, growing from a sapling to a large tree overnight. Taipu was frightened and asked Yi Zhi. Yi Zhi said: "I have heard that omens cannot overcome virtue. Perhaps there are deficiencies in the emperor's governance. The emperor should cultivate virtue." Taipu followed his advice, and the miraculous mulberry tree withered and died; the Yin dynasty revived, hence he was honored as Zhongzong.
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帝辛立，天下谓之纣，帝纣资辨捷疾，闻见甚敏，材力过人，手格猛兽，智足以拒谏，饰是非之端，矜人臣以声，以为皆出已之下，好酒淫乐，嬖于妇人，爱妲己，妲己之言是从，于是使师涓作新淫声，北里之舞，靡靡之乐，厚赋税，以实鹿台之钱，而盈钜桥之粟，益收狗马奇物，充仞宫室，益广沙丘苑台，多取野兽飞鸟置其中，慢于鬼神，以酒为池，悬肉为林，使男女倮，相逐其间，为长夜之饮，百姓怨望，而诸侯有叛者，于是纣乃重辟刑，有炮烙之法。 |
| | Emperor Xin came to power and was known by the world as Zhou. Emperor Zhou possessed keen intelligence, quick reflexes, and sharp perception; his talents and strength surpassed others, enabling him to wrestle fierce beasts with his bare hands. His wisdom was sufficient to resist advice, twisting right from wrong for personal gain. He boasted among his ministers through grand displays of power, believing himself superior to all. He loved wine and indulgent pleasures, favoring women, especially Daji. He followed Daji's words, and thus ordered Shijuan to compose new licentious music, the "Beili" dance, and soft, sensuous melodies. He imposed heavy taxes to fill the treasury of Lutai. and filled Juqiao with grain. He collected more dogs, horses, and rare objects to fill his palaces; he expanded the Shaqu Yuantai. He captured many wild beasts and birds to place within them, showing disrespect toward spirits and deities. He filled pools with wine and hung meat like trees; he made men and women go naked, chasing each other among the revelry for all-night drinking sessions. The people resented this, and some feudal lords rebelled. Thus Zhou imposed severe punishments, including the method of cauldron roasting (paoluo).
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以西伯昌，九侯，鄂侯为三公，九侯有好女，入之纣，九侯女不憙淫，纣怒，杀之，而醢九侯，鄂侯争之强，并脯鄂侯，西伯昌闻之窃叹，纣囚西伯羑里，西伯之臣闳夭之徒，求美女，奇物，善马以献纣，纣乃赦西伯，用费中为政，费中善谀，好利，殷人弗亲，又用恶来，善毁谗，诸侯以此益疏，多叛纣，微子数谏不听，乃遂去，比干强谏，纣怒，剖比干，观其心，箕子惧，乃佯狂为奴，纣又囚之，周武王于是遂率诸侯伐纣，纣走，衣其宝玉衣，赴火而死，武王遂斩纣头，悬之白旗，杀妲己，殷民大悦。 |
| | He imprisoned Xi Bo Chang, Jiuhou, and Ehou as the Three Dukes. Jiuhou had a beautiful daughter, whom he presented to Zhou. The Jiuhou's daughter refused to indulge in lust; Zhou became angry and killed her, then dismembered Jiuhou into pieces. Ehou strongly protested this act, so Zhou also punished him by drying his body like jerky. When Xi Bo Chang heard of it, he secretly sighed with sorrow. Zhou imprisoned Xi Bo at Youli. Xi Bo's ministers, Hongyao and others, sought beautiful women, rare objects, and fine horses to present to Zhou. Zhou then released Xi Bo from prison. He appointed Feizhong as an official; Feizhong was good at flattery and loved wealth, so the people of Yin did not trust him. Zhou also used E'lai, who excelled in slander and calumny, causing feudal lords to grow even more distant and many rebelled against Zhou. Weizi repeatedly advised Zhou but was ignored, so he left. Bi Gan strongly remonstrated with Zhou; Zhou became furious and had his chest cut open to examine his heart. Ji Zi feared for his life and pretended to be mad, pretending to be a slave. Zhou imprisoned him as well. King Wu of Zhou then led the feudal lords in attacking Zhou. Zhou fled, wearing his precious jade robes, and threw himself into fire to die. King Wu cut off Zhou's head, hung it on a white flag, killed Daji, and the people of Yin rejoiced greatly.
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周后稷名弃，好耕农，天下得其利，有功，封于邰，曾孙公刘修后稷之业，民赖其庆，古公复修后稷，公刘之业，积德行义，国人皆戴之，古公卒，季历立，季历卒，子昌立，是为西伯，西伯遵后稷，公刘之业，则古公之法，敬老慈少，礼下贤者，日中不暇食以待士，士以此多归之，诸侯皆来决平，于是虞，芮之人有狱不能决，乃如周，入界，耕者皆让畔，民俗皆让长，虞，芮皆惭，俱让而去，诸侯闻之。曰：西伯盖受命之君也。 |
| | Zhou Houji, named Qi, loved farming and agriculture. The world benefited from his efforts; he achieved great merit and was enfeoffed in Tai. His great-grandson Gong Liu continued the legacy of Houji, and the people relied on the blessings he brought. Gu Gong further restored the achievements of Houji and Gong Liu, accumulating virtue and practicing righteousness, so that all the citizens revered him. After Gu Gong died, Jili succeeded to the throne; after Jili's death, his son Chang ascended the throne, becoming known as Xi Bo. Xi Bo followed the legacy of Houji and Gong Liu and adhered to Gu Gong's laws. He respected the elderly and cared for children, treated the virtuous with courtesy, and was so busy receiving scholars at midday that he had no time to eat. Because of this, many scholars came to him, and feudal lords all came to seek his arbitration. At one point, people from Yu and Rui states who could not resolve a legal dispute went to Zhou. Upon entering the territory, they saw farmers giving way on field boundaries; local customs emphasized yielding to elders. Both Yu and Rui felt ashamed and left without further conflict. The feudal lords heard of this event. They said: "Xi Bo must be the one who has received the Mandate of Heaven."
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武王即位，太公望为师，周公旦为辅，召公，毕公之徒，左右王师，修文王绪业，闻纣昏乱暴虐滋甚，于是伐纣，纣师皆倒兵以战，武王遂入斩纣，散鹿台之钱，发巨桥之粟，以振贫弱，封诸侯，班赐殷之器物，纵马于华山之阳，放牛于桃林之墟，偃干戈，振兵释旅，入曰振旅也。示天下不复用。 |
| | King Wu ascended the throne. Tai Gong Wang served as his military commander, and Zhou Gong Dan was his chief advisor. Zhao Gong, Bi Gong, and others assisted on both sides of King Wu's court, continuing the legacy left by King Wen. When they heard that Zhou had become increasingly corrupt, tyrannical, and cruel, they launched a campaign against him. The forces under Zhou turned their weapons around to fight for King Wu. Thus, King Wu entered the capital, beheaded Zhou, distributed the money from Lutai, released grain stored at Juqiao to relieve the poor and weak, enfeoffed feudal lords, bestowed gifts of Yin dynasty treasures, let horses roam freely on the southern slopes of Mount Hua, and released cattle in Taolin. They laid down weapons, dismissed their troops, and ceased military campaigns—this was called "Zhenlv," meaning to disband the army. This demonstrated to all under heaven that warfare would no longer be used.
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成，康之际，天下安宁，刑措四十馀年不用，穆王即位，将征犬戎，祭公谋父谏，曰：不可，先王耀德不观兵，戢而时动，动则威，观则玩，玩则无震，先王之于民也。茂正其德，而厚其性，阜其财求，而利其器用，明利害之鄕，以文修之，使务利而避害，怀德而畏威，故能保世以滋大。 |
| | During the reigns of Kings Cheng and Kang, peace prevailed throughout the land; punishments were not needed for over forty years. When King Mu came to power, he planned to campaign against the Quanrong. Jia Gong Moufu advised him. He said: "No, it is not advisable. The former kings demonstrated virtue rather than displaying military might; they kept their forces restrained and only acted when necessary. When action was taken, it brought authority; when merely displayed, it led to complacency. Complacency breeds no fear." The former kings treated the people... They cultivated virtue, strengthened the people's moral character, enriched their resources and needs, and ensured that tools and utensils were beneficial to them. They clarified what was advantageous or harmful, They refined this through culture and education, guiding the people to pursue benefits while avoiding harm, to cherish virtue and respect authority. Thus they were able to preserve their dynasty and grow in prosperity.
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昔我先王世后稷，以服事虞，夏，奕世载德，不忝前人，至于文王，武王，昭前之光明，而加之以慈和，事神保民，无不欣喜，商王帝辛大恶于民，庶民不忍，欣戴武王，以致戎于商牧，非务武也。勤恤民隐而除其害也。夫先王之制，邦内甸服，邦外侯服，侯衞宾服，夷蛮要服，戎狄荒服，甸服者祭，侯服者祀，宾服者享，要服者贡，荒服者王，日祭，月祀，时享，岁贡，终王，先王之顺祀，有不祭则修意，有不祀则修言，，有不享则修文，有不贡则修名，有不王则修德，序成而有不至则修刑，于是有刑不祭，伐不祀，征不享，让不贡，告不王，于是有刑罚之辟，有攻伐之兵，有征讨之备，有威让之命，有文告之辞，布令陈辞，而有不至，则增修于德，无勤民于远，是以近无不听，远无不服，今犬戎氏以其职来王，天子曰予必以不享征之，且观之兵，无乃废先王之训而几顿乎。王遂征之，得四白狼，四白鹿以归，自是荒服者不至，诸侯有不睦者。 |
| | In the past, our ancestors, beginning with Houji, served the Shun and Xia dynasties in succession. Generation after generation carried forward virtue without disgracing their forebears. By the time of King Wen and King Wu, they illuminated the achievements of their predecessors while adding benevolence and harmony to their governance. They honored deities and protected the people; all were delighted. The Shang king Di Xin committed great evils against the people, who could not bear it any longer and joyfully supported King Wu in his campaign at Muye against the Shang—not for war's sake, but out of necessity. It was to diligently care for the people's hardships and remove their suffering. The system established by former kings divided territories into the inner "dianfu" region within the state, outer "houfu" regions of vassal lords, and distant "binfu" regions for tribute. Yiman and Yao Fu were the "yao fu" regions, while Rongdi belonged to the "huangfu" regions. Those in the dianfu region offered sacrifices; those in the houfu region performed ancestral rites, those in the binfu region offered tribute; those in the yao fu region paid annual tributes; those in the huangfu region submitted to the Son of Heaven; Daily sacrifices, monthly ancestral rites, seasonal tributes, annual offerings, and ultimate homage to the Son of Heaven—this was the orderly system of worship established by former kings. If a vassal failed to offer sacrifices, he would reflect on his own conduct; If a vassal neglected ancestral rites, he would revise his words; Yan means decrees or commands. If tribute was not offered, then one must improve the system of laws and regulations; If a vassal did not pay tribute, then one must correct the titles; If a vassal refused homage, then one must cultivate virtue; If the above five measures were properly arranged yet still some did not come, then punishments must be applied; Thus, there were punishments for those who did not offer sacrifices; attacks on those who neglected ancestral rites; military campaigns against those who failed to pay tribute; warnings issued to those who refused to present annual offerings; and formal declarations sent to those who would not submit. Therefore, laws of punishment existed, armies prepared for attack or suppression, forces ready for expedition, commands issued with authority and admonition, and official proclamations made public. If after all this some still did not comply, then the ruler should further cultivate virtue without burdening distant people. Hence, nearby vassals would always obey, and those far away would submit. Now, the Quanrong clan has come to pay homage with their tribute as required by duty. Yet the Son of Heaven says: "I must attack them for failing to offer tribute," and intends to test his troops in battle. Is this not abandoning the teachings of former kings and risking a sudden collapse? The king proceeded to launch the campaign, capturing four white wolves and four white deer before returning. From then on, those from the huangfu regions no longer came; some feudal lords became disunited.
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厉王即位，好利，近荣夷公。芮良夫谏曰：王室其将卑乎。夫荣公好专利，而不知大难，夫利，百物之所生也。天地之所载也。而有专之，其害多矣。天地百物皆将取焉。何可专也。所怒甚多，而不备大难，以是教王，王其能久乎。夫王人者，将道利而布之上下者也。使神人百物无不得极，犹日怵惕，惧怨之来，今王学专利，其可乎。匹夫专利，犹谓之盗，王而行之，其归鲜矣。荣公有有作若，用，周必败，王不听，卒以荣公为卿士，用事。 |
| | King Li ascended the throne and loved wealth; he favored Rong Yigong. Ruiliangfu advised: "The royal house is about to decline, I fear." "Ronggong loves monopolizing benefits without understanding great dangers. Benefits are the source of all things; they are what heaven and earth bear. To monopolize them brings many harms. Heaven and earth, along with all things, will take from it. How can one monopolize them? He will provoke great anger from many, yet fails to prepare for major calamities. Teaching the king in this way, how can he endure long? A ruler of people should guide benefits and distribute them both above and below. He should ensure that gods, humans, and all things receive their proper measure; Even so, one must remain constantly vigilant and fearful of resentment arising. Now the king is learning to monopolize benefits—how can this be acceptable? Even an ordinary man who monopolizes benefits is called a thief; if the king does so, few will remain loyal to him. Ronggong acted as if he had authority and was put into use; the Zhou dynasty would surely collapse. The king did not listen, but eventually appointed Ronggong as a high official in charge of affairs.
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王行暴虐侈傲，国人谤王，召公谏曰：民不堪命矣。王怒，得衞巫，使监谤者，以告则杀之，其谤鲜矣。诸侯不朝，王益严，国人莫敢言，道路以目，王喜。告召公曰：吾能弭谤矣。乃不敢言。召公曰：是鄣之也。防民之口，甚于防水，水壅而溃，伤人必多，民亦如之，是故为水者，决之使导，为民者，宣之使言，故民之有口，犹土之有山川也。财用于是乎出，犹其有原隰衍沃也。衣食于是乎生，口之宣言也。善败于是乎兴，夫民虑之心，而宣之口，成而行之，若壅其口，其与能几何，王不听，于是国莫敢出言，三年，乃相与叛，袭王，王出奔于彘，宣王即位，修政，法文，武，成，康遗风，诸侯复宗周。 |
| | The king acted with cruelty, extravagance, and arrogance; the people criticized him. Zhao Gong advised Saying: "The people can no longer bear their burdens." The king became angry and obtained a witch from the State of Wei, He ordered them to supervise those who criticized him; if they reported someone, that person would be killed. Thus, criticism became rare. The feudal lords ceased to pay homage; the king grew even more severe, and no one in the capital dared speak. People on the roads exchanged glances, The king was pleased. He told Zhao Gong: "I have succeeded in silencing criticism." And so, they dared not speak. Zhao Gong said: "This is merely blocking it." Blocking the people's mouths is worse than blocking water. When water is dammed, it bursts forth and causes great harm; so too with the people. Therefore, those who manage water must open channels to guide its flow, while those who govern the people should encourage them to speak openly. Thus, the people having mouths is like the land having rivers and mountains. From this comes wealth and resources; it is just as the land has its sources, lowlands, fertile plains, and rich fields. From this arise clothing and food; it is through the mouth that words are spoken. Good and bad policies thus arise. The people conceive thoughts in their minds, express them through their mouths, and then act upon them. If you block their mouths, how long can such a state endure? The king did not listen; as a result, no one in the country dared to speak. After three years, the people united and rebelled, attacking the king. The king fled to Zhi. King Xuan ascended the throne, reformed governance, followed the legacy of Kings Wen, Wu, Cheng, and Kang, and feudal lords once again revered the Zhou dynasty.
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幽王嬖爱裦姒，欲废后，并去太子，用裦姒为后，以其子伯服为太子，裦姒不好笑，幽王欲其笑，万方，故不笑，幽王为举烽火，诸侯悉至，至而无寇，裦姒乃大笑，幽王欲悦之，为数举烽火，其后不信，益不至，王之废后去太子也。申侯怒，乃与绘，西夷犬戎共攻王，王举烽火徵兵，兵莫至，遂杀幽王骊山下。 |
| | King You favored Bao Si and wished to depose the queen, along with her son, the crown prince. He made Bao Si his new queen and appointed her son Bo Fu as heir apparent. Bao Si did not like to laugh; King You tried every means to make her smile, but she would not. So he ordered the beacon fires lit. The feudal lords arrived in response, only to find no enemy approaching. At this sight, Bao Si laughed heartily. To please her, King You repeatedly set off the beacons. Later, when real danger arose, the lords no longer believed and did not come. This was because of the king's decision to depose his queen and remove the crown prince. Shen Hou became furious and allied with Pei, the western Yi tribes, and Quanrong to attack the king. When King You lit the beacon fires to summon troops, none came. He was then killed beneath Lishan Mountain.
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秦缪公与晋惠公合战，为晋军所围，于是岐下食善马者三百人，驰冒晋军解围，遂脱缪公，而反生得晋君，初，缪公亡善马，岐下野人共得而食之者三百馀人，吏逐得，欲法之。缪公曰：君子不以畜産害人，吾闻食善马肉不饮酒，伤人，乃皆赐酒而赦之，三百人者，闻秦击晋，皆求从，从而见缪公窘，亦皆推锋争死，以报食马之德，于是缪公虏晋君以归。 |
| | King Mu of Qin and King Hui of Jin engaged in battle, where the Jin forces surrounded him. At that time, over three hundred men at Qi who had eaten the fine horses rushed forward through the Jin army to break the siege, allowing King Mu to escape. In return, they captured the ruler of Jin alive. Originally, King Mu's prized horses were lost; more than three hundred common people from the area around Qi found and ate them. Officials caught up with them and intended to punish them according to law. King Mu said: "A gentleman should not harm people for the sake of livestock. I have heard that eating fine horse meat without drinking wine harms one's health." So he gave them all wine and pardoned them. When these three hundred men learned that Qin was attacking Jin, they all requested to join the campaign. Upon witnessing King Mu in a desperate situation, they rushed forward with determination, vying for death, as repayment for his kindness when he had allowed them to eat the horse meat. Thus, King Mu captured the ruler of Jin and returned him.
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戎王使由余于秦，缪公示以宫室，积聚。由余曰：使鬼为之，则劳神矣。使人为之，则苦民矣。缪公怪之。问曰：中国以诗书礼乐法度为政，然尚时乱，今戎夷无此，何以为治，不亦难乎。由余笑曰：此乃中国所以乱也。夫自上圣黄帝，作为礼乐法度，身以先之，仅以小治，及其后世，日以骄淫，阻法度之威，以责督于下，下疲极，则以仁义怨望于上，上下交争怨，而相篡弑，至于灭宗，皆以此类也。夫戎夷不然，上含淳德以遇其下，下怀忠信以事其上，一国之政，犹一身之治，不知所以治，此真圣人之治也。于是缪公退而问内史廖曰：孤闻邻国有圣人，敌国之忧也。今由余贤，寡人之害，将奈何。廖曰：戎王处僻匿，未闻中国之声，君试遗其女乐，以夺其志，为由余请，以疏其间，君臣有间，乃可虏也。缪公曰：善，因以女乐二八遗戎王，戎王受而悦之，于是秦乃归由余，由余数谏不听，遂去降秦，缪公以客礼礼之，用由余谋伐戎王，益国十二，开地千里，遂霸西戎。 |
| | The Rong king sent You Yu to Qin. King Mu showed him the palaces and accumulated wealth. You Yu said: "If ghosts built these, they would be greatly exhausted." "If humans did it, then the people must have suffered greatly." King Mu was surprised by this. He asked: "In the Central States, governance is based on poetry, books, rites, music, and laws. Yet disorder still occurs from time to time. Now, among the Rong and Yi tribes there are none of these things—how can they govern? Is it not difficult?" You Yu smiled and said: "This is precisely why the Central States fall into disorder." "Since the sage Yellow Emperor, rites, music, and legal codes were established, with he himself leading by example. This brought only minor order. In later generations, however, rulers became increasingly arrogant and indulgent, relying on the authority of laws to oppress those below. When the people grew exhausted, they resented their superiors for failing in benevolence and righteousness. Thus, resentment arose between ruler and subject, leading to mutual betrayal and regicide, until entire clans were destroyed—this is all due to such causes." "The Rong and Yi are not like this. Their rulers embody pure virtue in dealing with their subjects, while the people hold loyalty and trust to serve their superiors. The governance of a single state is as harmonious as the regulation of one body. They do not know how they achieve order—this truly represents the rule of sages." At this, King Mu withdrew and asked Neishi Liao: "I have heard that a neighboring state has a sage—this is an enemy's concern." "Now You Yu is virtuous, and thus a threat to me. What should I do?" Liao said: "The Rong king resides in a remote and obscure place, having never heard of the culture of the Central States. Your Majesty should try sending him female musicians to distract his mind. Request for You Yu on your behalf to create discord between them. Once there is division among their ruler and minister, he can be captured." King Mu said: "Good idea." He then sent sixteen female musicians to the Rong king. The Rong king accepted them and was delighted. Thus, Qin returned You Yu. You Yu repeatedly advised but was not heeded; so he left and surrendered to Qin. King Mu received him with guestly courtesy and employed his strategies to attack the Rong king, expanding his territory by twelve states and opening up a thousand li of land, thereby establishing dominance over the western Rong tribes.
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秦始皇帝，庄襄王子也。名政，二十六年，初并天下，自号曰皇帝，事皆决于法，刻削无仁恩，收天下兵，聚之咸阳，销以为钟鐻，金人十二，置廷宫中，每破诸侯，写放其宫室，作之咸阳北坂上，南临渭，自雍门以东至泾，渭，殿屋，复道，周阁相属，所得诸侯美人，钟鼓，以充入之，三十二年，燕人卢生奏録图书。曰：亡秦者胡也。始皇乃使将军蒙恬发兵三十万人，北击胡。 |
| | Qin Shi Huangdi was the son of Zhuangxiang Wangzi. His name was Zheng. In the twenty-sixth year, he first unified all under heaven and declared himself emperor. All affairs were decided by law; his rule was harsh with no mercy or grace. He collected weapons from across the land, gathered them in Xianyang, melted them down to cast bells and chimes, and made twelve golden statues, which were placed in the palace courtyards. Whenever he conquered a feudal state, he had replicas of its palaces built on the northern slope of Xianyang. To the south, they bordered the Wei River. From Yongmen eastward to Jing and Wei rivers, palaces, halls, and elevated causeways connected in a continuous line. Beauties from conquered feudal states, along with bells and drums, were brought into these buildings for occupancy. In the thirty-second year, Lu Sheng of Yan submitted records of maps and books. Saying: "The one who will destroy Qin is Hu." The First Emperor then dispatched General Meng Tian with an army of 300,000 men to attack the northern Hu tribes.
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三十四年，始皇置酒咸阳宫。仆射周青臣曰：他时秦地不过千里，赖陛下神灵明圣，平定海内，日月所照，莫不宾服，以诸侯为郡县，人人自安乐，无战争之患，传之万世，自上古不及陛下威德，始皇悦。博士齐人淳于越进曰：臣闻殷，周王千馀岁，封子弟功臣，自为枝辅，今陛下有海内，而子弟为匹夫，卒有田常，六卿之臣，无辅弼，何以相救哉。事不师古，而能长久者，非所闻也。今青臣又面谀，以重陛下之过，非忠臣也。始皇下其议。丞相斯曰：五帝不相复，三代不相袭，各以治，非其相反，时变异也。今陛下创大业，建万世之功，固非愚儒所知也。且越言，乃三代之事，何足法也。今诸生不师今而学古，以非当世，惑乱黔首，闻令下，则各以其学议之，入则心非，出则巷议，率羣下以造谤，如此弗禁，则主势降于上，党与成乎下，禁之便，臣请史官非秦记皆烧之，天下敢有藏诗书，百家语者，悉诣守，尉杂烧之，有敢偶语诗书，弃市，以古非今者，族，吏见知不举，与同罪，令下三十日不烧，黥为城旦，若欲有学法令，以吏为师。 |
| | In the thirty-fourth year, the First Emperor held a banquet at Xianyang Palace. Puye Zhou Qingchen said: "In the past, Qin's territory did not exceed a thousand li. Thanks to Your Majesty's divine wisdom and virtue, you have pacified all under heaven; wherever the sun and moon shine, none do not submit. You have replaced feudal lords with commanderies and counties, allowing people to live in peace and happiness without the threat of war. This can be passed on for ten thousand generations. Since ancient times, no one has matched Your Majesty's power and virtue." The First Emperor was pleased. The Doctor of Literature, Chunyu Yue from Qi, stepped forward and said: "I have heard that the Yin and Zhou dynasties lasted for over a thousand years because they enfeoffed their sons, brothers, and meritorious ministers as branches to support the central authority. Now Your Majesty rules all under heaven, yet your own kinsmen are commoners. Should sudden dangers arise—like those of Tian Chang or the Six Ministers—who will assist you? How can one rescue the situation?" "Those who do not follow ancient precedents and yet manage to endure for a long time—this I have never heard of." "Now, Zhou Qingchen flatters you openly, furthering Your Majesty's mistakes. He is not a loyal minister." The First Emperor referred the matter for discussion. Chancellor Li Si said: "The Five Emperors did not repeat each other, and the Three Dynasties did not follow one another. Each governed successfully in their own way—not because they were opposed, but because times changed." "Now Your Majesty has established a great cause and laid the foundation for achievements to last ten thousand generations; this is naturally beyond the understanding of ignorant Confucian scholars." "Moreover, what Chunyu Yue said refers only to matters from the Three Dynasties—how could that be worth following?" "Now, the scholars do not learn from present times but study antiquity to criticize current affairs. They confuse and mislead the common people. When they hear an edict issued, each one comments on it according to their own learning; in private, they criticize it, and in public, they discuss it in alleyways, leading the masses into spreading slander. If this is not prohibited, then authority will weaken at the top while factions form below. It would be beneficial to forbid such behavior. I request that all historical records not from Qin be burned by the historians. Throughout the land, anyone who dares to possess poetry, books, or writings of the Hundred Schools must deliver them to the local magistrates and assistants for burning. Those who dare to discuss poetry and books in pairs shall face public execution." Those who criticize the present by citing antiquity shall be executed along with their entire clan. Officials who know of such acts but fail to report them will share the same punishment. If within thirty days after the decree is issued, books are not burned, the offenders shall receive facial branding and be conscripted for labor at dawn on city walls. If anyone wishes to study laws and decrees, they must take officials as their teachers.
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三十五年，作前殿阿房，东西五百步，南北五十丈，上可以坐万人，下可以建五丈旗，周驰为阁道，自殿下直抵南山，表南山之颠以为阙，为复道，自阿房渡渭，属之咸阳，以象天极阁道绝汉抵营室也。隐宫徒刑者七十馀万人，分作阿房宫，或作骊山，发北山石椁，乃写蜀，荆地材，皆至关中，计宫三百，关外四百馀，于是立石东海上，以为秦东门，因徙三万家骊邑，五万家云阳，皆复不事十岁。 |
| | In the thirty-fifth year, construction began on the Qian Hall of Afang. It was five hundred bu wide from east to west and fifty zhang long from north to south. The upper hall could seat ten thousand people; below it, a five-zhang flag could be raised. Around its perimeter were elevated causeways connecting to pavilions. From beneath the palace, these roads extended directly up to Nanshan Mountain, with markers at the mountain's peak serving as gate towers. Elevated corridors crossed over the Wei River from Afang and connected to Xianyang, symbolizing the celestial axis' passage across the Milky Way to reach the Yingshi constellation. More than 700,000 convicts and laborers were conscripted to work on the Afang Palace or 骊山. Stones for coffins were taken from northern mountains; materials from Shu and Jing regions were transported all the way to Guanzhong. Altogether, there were three hundred palaces within the pass and over four hundred outside it. Thus, stone pillars were erected along the eastern sea to serve as Qin's eastern gate. Three thousand families were relocated to Lishi, and five thousand to Yunyang; they were exempted from taxes for ten years.
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卢生说始皇曰：臣等求芝，奇药，仙者，常弗遇，类物有害之者，人主所居，而人臣知之，则害于神，愿上所居宫，无令人知，然后不死之药，殆可得也。于是始皇乃令咸阳之旁二百里内宫观二百七十，复道，甬道相连，帷帐钟鼓美人充之，案署不移徙，行所幸，有言其处者罪死，自是后，莫知行所在，侯生。卢生相与谋曰：始皇为人，天性刚戾，以为自古莫及己，专任狱吏，狱吏得亲幸，博士虽七十人，特备员弗用，乐以刑杀为威，天下畏罪持禄，莫敢尽忠，上不闻过而日骄，下慑伏谩欺以取容，天下之事，无小大，皆决于上，贪于权势至如此，未可为求仙药，于是乃亡去，始皇闻亡。乃大怒曰：卢生等，吾尊赐之甚厚，今乃诽谤我也。诸生在咸阳者，或为訞言，以乱黔首，于是使御史悉案问诸生，诸生传相告引，犯禁者四百六十馀人，皆坑之咸阳，使天下知之，以惩后，长子扶苏谏，始皇怒，使扶苏北监蒙恬于上郡。 |
| | Lu Sheng advised the First Emperor: "We have sought for long, searching for rare herbs and elixirs of immortality, yet we never find them. Often, such things are ruined by harmful influences. The place where a sovereign resides is known to his ministers; this harms divine power. We hope that Your Majesty's palace may remain unknown to others. Only then might the elixir of eternal life be attainable." Thus, the First Emperor ordered that within two hundred li around Xianyang there be built 270 palaces and pavilions, connected by elevated causeways and covered corridors. These were filled with curtains, bells, drums, and beautiful women. Each palace was assigned for specific use without relocation; wherever he traveled to stay, those who revealed his location would face capital punishment. From then on, no one knew where the emperor resided. Hou Sheng. Lu Sheng and others plotted together, saying: "The First Emperor is by nature rigid and cruel. He believes no one since ancient times can match him. He entrusts all matters to prison officials, who thus gain his favor. Though there are seventy scholars of the Doctorate, they serve only as placeholders and are not used. The emperor takes pleasure in using punishment and killing to establish authority; people throughout the land fear crime and cling to their positions, daring not to offer full loyalty. Above, he hears no criticism and grows increasingly arrogant; below, officials cower, flattering and deceiving him for favor. All matters, great or small, are decided by himself alone. His greed for power has reached such extremes that we cannot seek elixirs of immortality for him." Thus, they fled. When the First Emperor heard of their escape. He became furious and said: "Lu Sheng and others, I have honored them with great rewards, yet now they dare to slander me." Those scholars in Xianyang were accused of spreading false words to confuse the common people. Thus, he ordered all the scholars investigated by the imperial censors. The scholars passed accusations among themselves, and over 460 individuals who violated the law were arrested and buried alive in Xianyang so that all under heaven would know it, as a warning for those who followed. Crown Prince Fu Su advised against this action; the First Emperor became angry and sent Fu Su to the northern border of Shangjun Commandery to supervise Meng Tian.
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三十六年，荧惑守心，有坠星下东郡，至地为石。黔首或刻其石曰：始皇帝死而地分，始皇闻之，遣御史逐问，莫服，尽取石旁居人诛之，三十七年，始皇出游，丞相斯，少子胡亥从，至平原津而病，病益甚，乃为玺书。赐公子扶苏曰：与丧会咸阳而葬，始皇崩，赵高乃与胡亥，李斯阴谋，更诈为始皇遗诏，立子胡亥为太子，赐扶苏，蒙恬死。 |
| | In the thirty-sixth year, Mars remained stationary in the constellation of Shen (Heart). A falling star descended over Dongjun and struck the earth as a stone. Some common people carved the stone, writing: "When the First Emperor dies, the land will be divided." Upon hearing this, the emperor sent imperial censors to investigate and question everyone. No one confessed, so he executed all residents living near where the stone was found. In the thirty-seventh year, the First Emperor embarked on a tour; Chancellor Li Si and his youngest son Huhai accompanied him. When they reached Pingyuanjin, he fell ill, and his condition worsened. He then composed an imperial decree sealed with his personal seal. He issued a decree to the crown prince Fu Su, saying: "Join the funeral procession in Xianyang for burial." After the First Emperor's death, Zhao Gao conspired secretly with Huhai and Li Si, forging an imperial edict as if from the late emperor. They declared Prince Huhai as heir apparent and ordered the deaths of Fu Su and Meng Tian.
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二世皇帝元年，赵高为郎中令，任用事。二世与高谋曰：先帝巡行郡县以示强，威服海内，今晏然不巡行，即见弱，无以臣畜天下，二世东行郡县，遵用赵高。乃阴与高谋曰：大臣不服，官吏尚强，及诸公子必与我争，为之奈何。高曰：臣固愿言，而未敢也。先帝之大臣，皆天下累世名贵人也。积功劳，世以相传久矣。今高素小贱，陛下幸称举，令在上位，管中事，大臣鞅鞅，特以貌从臣，其心实不服也。今上出，不因此时案郡县守尉有罪者诛之，上以振威天下，下以除上生平所不可者，今时不师文，而决于武力，愿陛下遂从时无疑，即羣臣不及谋矣。明主收举馀民，贱者贵之，贫者富之，远者近之，则上下集而国安矣。二世曰：善，乃行诛大臣，及诸公子，以罪过连逮，无得立者，而六公子戮死于杜，羣臣谏者，以为诽谤，大吏持禄取容，黔首振恐。 |
| | The first year of Emperor Er Shi's reign, Zhao Gao was appointed Langzhongling, He held authority over affairs. Emperor Er Shi and Zhao Gao plotted: "The late emperor toured the commanderies and counties to demonstrate strength, subduing all under heaven. Now that we remain at ease without touring, it will appear weak; there is no way to maintain control over the people of the world." Thus, Emperor Er Shi traveled eastward through the commanderies and counties, following Zhao Gao's guidance. He secretly plotted with Zhao Gao: "The high ministers are not obedient, the officials remain powerful, and among the imperial princes, some will surely oppose me. How should we deal with this?" Zhao Gao said: "I have long wished to speak of it but dared not." "The late emperor's high ministers were all renowned and noble men from generations in the land. Their accumulated achievements have been passed down for a long time." "Now, I am by nature lowly and humble. Your Majesty has shown favor in promoting me to a high position where I oversee important matters. The ministers are proud and arrogant; they only outwardly obey me, but their hearts do not truly submit." "Now that the emperor is away, you should not miss this opportunity to investigate and execute county magistrates and military officers who have committed crimes. This will demonstrate authority over all under heaven above, and eliminate those who were always a problem in your past below. In these times, one need not follow written law but decide by force. I hope Your Majesty seizes the moment without hesitation; then no minister will dare to plot." A wise ruler gathers and uplifts the people, elevating the lowly to honor, enriching the poor, and bringing distant ones near. In this way, harmony between rulers and subjects is achieved, and the state remains at peace. Emperor Er Shi said: "Good." Thus, he proceeded to execute high ministers and imperial princes on fabricated charges of wrongdoing. No one was allowed to remain in power; six imperial princes were killed at Du. Those officials who dared to advise against this were labeled as slandering the emperor. High-ranking officials merely sought to preserve their positions by flattery, while common people trembled with fear.
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戍卒陈胜等反，山东郡县，皆杀其守尉令丞，反以应陈涉，不可胜数也。谒者使东方来，以反者闻，二世怒，下吏，后使者至，上问。对曰：羣盗，郡守尉方逐捕，今尽得，不足忧，上悦。 |
| | The conscripted soldiers Chen Sheng and others rebelled; in the commanderies and counties of Shandong, local magistrates, military officers, and officials were all killed, with many rising up to support Chen She. The number was too great to count. An imperial envoy returning from the east reported the rebellion, and Emperor Er Shi became angry, handing him over to officials for punishment. When a later envoy arrived, the emperor inquired. The envoy replied: "These are merely bandits; local magistrates and military officers are already pursuing them. They have all been captured now—there is no need to worry." The emperor was pleased.
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三年。章邯等围巨鹿，邯等数却，二世使人让邯，邯使长史欣请事，赵高弗见，又弗信，欣恐，亡去。欣见邯曰：赵高用事于中，将军有功亦诛，无功亦诛，邯等遂以兵降诸侯。 |
| | Third year. Zhang Han and others besieged Julu, but Han's forces were repeatedly repelled. Emperor Er Shi sent someone to reprimand Zhang Han. Han dispatched his chief clerk Xin to inquire about the matter, but Zhao Gao neither received him nor trusted him. Xin became fearful and fled. Xin told Han: "Zhao Gao holds power in the court. If a general has merit, he will be executed; if he has no merit, he too will be executed." . Hearing this, Zhang Han and others surrendered their troops to the feudal lords.
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赵高欲为乱，恐羣臣不听，乃先设验。持鹿献于二世曰：马也。二世笑曰：丞相误耶，谓鹿为马，问左右，左右或言马，以阿顺赵高，或言鹿，高因阴中以法，后羣臣畏高。 |
| | Zhao Gao wanted to instigate rebellion but feared that officials would not obey him, so he first devised a test. He presented a deer before Emperor Er Shi and said: "This is a horse." Emperor Er Shi laughed and said: "Is the chancellor mistaken? Calling a deer a horse." He asked those around him. Some of them answered that it was indeed a horse, flattering Zhao Gao; others said it was a deer. Zhao Gao then secretly used legal means to punish those who spoke out against this. Afterward, all officials feared Zhao Gao.
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高前数言关东盗无能为，及项羽虏将王离等，自关以东，大氐尽叛，高恐二世怒，诛及其身，乃谢病不朝见，二世梦白虎啮其骖马杀之，心不乐，怪问占梦，卜泾水为祟，二世乃斋望夷宫，欲祠泾，沈四白马，使使责让高以盗贼事，高惧，乃阴与其壻咸阳令阎乐，其弟赵成谋，使郎中令为内应，诈为有大贼，令乐召发吏卒追，乐将吏卒千馀人至望夷宫，前即二世。数曰：足下骄恣，诛杀无道，天下叛足下，足下其自为计。二世曰：丞相可得见否。乐曰：不可。二世曰：吾愿得一郡为王，弗许。又曰：愿为万户侯，弗许。曰：愿与妻子为黔首，比诸公子。阎乐曰：臣受命于丞相，为天下诛足下，足下虽多言，臣不敢报，二世自杀。 |
| | Zhao Gao had previously claimed many times that the rebels in Guandong were incapable of achieving much. However, when Xiang Yu captured General Wang Li and others, most areas east of the Pass rebelled. Zhao Gao feared Emperor Er Shi would become angry and punish him, so he feigned illness to avoid court appearances. One night, Emperor Er Shi dreamed that a white tiger bit his horse and killed it; this disturbed him greatly. He consulted diviners about the dream, who interpreted it as an omen from the Jing River. The emperor then held purification rites at Wangyi Palace in preparation for worshiping the river. Four white horses were sacrificed to the water. Meanwhile, he sent envoys to reprimand Zhao Gao over the matter of bandits and rebels. Fearing for his life, Zhao Gao secretly conspired with his son-in-law Yan Le, the county magistrate of Xianyang, and his brother Zhao Cheng. He arranged for the Langzhongling (Minister of Palace Guards) to act as an inside supporter, falsely claiming there was a major bandit threat. He ordered Yan Le to summon officials and soldiers to pursue them. Yan Le led over 1,000 officers and troops to Wangyi Palace, where they confronted Emperor Er Shi directly. They repeatedly said: "Your Majesty has been arrogant and tyrannical, committing unjust killings; the whole world now rebels against you. You must make your own decision." Emperor Er Shi asked: "Is it possible to see the chancellor?" Yan Le replied: "No." Emperor Er Shi said, "I wish to be granted a commandery as a king," but it was not permitted. He then said: "Then I would like to become a marquis of ten thousand households," which was also refused. He added, "I wish only to live as an ordinary commoner with my wife and children, like the other imperial sons." Yan Le said: "I have received orders from the chancellor to kill you on behalf of the empire. No matter how much you say, I dare not respond." Emperor Er Shi then committed suicide.
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赵高乃立二世之兄子公子婴为秦王，令子婴斋，当庙见，受玉玺。斋五曰：子婴称病不行。高自往曰：宗庙重事，王奈何不行，子婴遂刺杀高于斋宫，三族高家，以徇咸阳。 |
| | Zhao Gao then installed Ying, the nephew of Emperor Er Shi (the son of his elder brother), as King of Qin and ordered Prince Ying to observe a purification ritual. He was supposed to appear at the ancestral temple for an audience and receive the jade seal. After five days of purification, Ziying claimed illness and refused to proceed. Zhao Gao went in person and said: "The ancestral temple ceremony is a matter of great importance. How can the king refuse to attend?" Hearing this, Ziying assassinated Zhao Gao at the purification palace and executed all members of his clan (the three generations), displaying their corpses publicly in Xianyang as an example.
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子婴为秦王四十六日，沛公破秦军至霸上，子婴奉天子玺符降轵道旁，诸侯兵至，项籍杀子婴及秦诸公子宗族，遂屠咸阳，烧其宫室，虏其子女，收其珍宝货财，诸侯共分之。 |
| | Ziying reigned as King of Qin for only forty-six days when Peigong (Liu Bang) defeated the Qin forces and advanced to Bashi. Ziying presented the imperial seal and symbols of authority on the roadside at Zhi, surrendering himself. When feudal lords' troops arrived, Xiang Yu killed Ziying along with all remaining members of the royal family and clan of Qin. He then razed Xianyang to the ground, burned its palaces, took captive its women and children, seized its treasures and wealth, and these were divided among the feudal lords.
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太史公曰：秦自穆公以来，稍蚕食诸侯，竟成始皇，始皇自以为功过五帝，地广三王，而羞与之侔，足已不问，遂过而不变，二世受之，因而不改，暴虐以重祸，子婴孤立无亲，危弱无辅，三主惑，而终身不悟，亡不亦宜乎。当此时也。世非无深虑知化之士也。然所以不敢尽忠拂过者，秦俗多忌讳之禁，忠言未卒于口，而身为戮没矣。故使天下之士，倾耳而听，重足而立，钳口而不言，是以三主失道，忠臣不敢谏，智士不敢谋，天下已乱，奸不上闻，岂不哀哉。先王知雍蔽之伤国也。故置公，卿，大夫，士，以饬法设刑，而天下治，其强也。禁暴诛乱，而天下服，其弱也。五伯徵而诸侯从，其削也。内守外附，而社稷存，故秦之盛也。繁法严刑而天下振，及其衰也。百姓怨而海内叛矣。故周得其道，千馀岁不绝，秦本末并失，故不长久，由此观之，安危之统，相去远矣。野谚曰：前事之不忘，后事之师，是以君子为国，观之上古，验之当世，参以人事，察盛衰之理，审权势之宜，去就有序，变化应时，故旷日长久，而社稷安矣。 |
| | Grand Historian said: Since Duke Mu of Qin, the state gradually devoured neighboring feudal lords and eventually became Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The First Emperor believed his achievements surpassed those of the Five Emperors and that his territory exceeded that of the Three Kings; he was ashamed to be compared with them. Arrogant and self-satisfied, he ignored advice and persisted in error without change. Second Emperor inherited this legacy but made no reforms, worsening the cruelty and deepening the calamity. Ziying stood alone, isolated from support or kinship, weak and without assistance. Three rulers were deluded yet never realized their mistakes; was it not inevitable that Qin would fall? At this time. The world was not lacking in wise and enlightened men who understood the ways of transformation. However, these individuals dared not offer complete loyalty or correct the emperor's mistakes because the customs of Qin were filled with prohibitions and taboos. Before a loyal word could leave their mouths, they had already been executed and perished. Therefore, scholars throughout the empire listened with bated breath and stood in fear, their mouths sealed in silence. Thus, three rulers lost the right path; loyal ministers dared not advise, wise men dared not plan. When chaos had already spread across the land, no one reported the treachery to the throne—how tragic! The former kings understood that being misled and isolated from truth would harm the state. Therefore, they appointed officials such as gong (ministers), qing (high ministers), dafu (grandees), and shi (scholars) to establish laws and set punishments, thus achieving order in the world. That was how their strength came about. By suppressing violence and punishing rebellion, they brought all under heaven to submission—this is where their weakness lay. The Five Hegemons issued commands and the feudal lords obeyed—but this was also how their power was gradually eroded. By maintaining internal stability and securing external allegiance, the state's ancestral temple and territory were preserved—thus was Qin at its height. With complex laws and harsh punishments, all under heaven trembled—but when it declined, the people resented the rule and rebellion broke out throughout the realm. Thus, Zhou followed the right path and lasted for over a thousand years without interruption. Qin lost both its foundation and governance, so it could not endure long. From this we see that the principles of stability and peril are vastly different from each other. A folk saying goes: "He who does not forget the past will serve as a teacher for the future." Therefore, when governing a state, a wise man observes ancient times, verifies with contemporary events, and considers human affairs. He examines the principles of rise and decline, carefully weighs what is appropriate in terms of power and influence, decides to act or withdraw in order, and adapts his actions to the time. Thus he can maintain stability for a long period, ensuring peace and security for the state.
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秦孝公据淆，函之固，拥雍州之地，君臣固守，而窥周室，有席卷天下，包举宇内，囊括四海之意，并吞八荒之心，当是时，商君佐之，内立法度，务耕织，修守战之备，外连衡而鬬诸侯，于是秦人拱手而取西河之外，惠王，武王蒙故业，因遗册，南兼汉中，西举巴蜀，东割膏腴之地，收要害之郡，诸侯恐惧，会盟而谋弱秦，不爱珍器重宝肥美之地，以致天下之士，合从缔交，相与为一。 |
| | King Xiao of Qin occupied the strongholds of Xiaohan and controlled Yongzhou. Rulers and officials firmly held their positions, watching for an opportunity to challenge the Zhou dynasty. They harbored ambitions to sweep across the world, encompass all within its borders, enclose the four seas, and swallow up the eight directions. At that time, Shang Jun assisted him by establishing laws and systems internally, encouraging agriculture and weaving, and preparing defenses for both peace and war. Externally, he pursued a policy of horizontal alliances to divide and weaken the feudal lords. Thus, the Qin people easily captured territory beyond the Xihe River. King Hui and King Wu inherited this legacy and followed previous strategies. They annexed southern Hanzhong, conquered western Bashu, carved out fertile lands in the east, and seized strategically important commanderies. The feudal lords were alarmed and formed alliances to weaken Qin. They spared no precious treasures or rich territories to attract scholars from across the land, uniting them through vertical pacts. They united as one.
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当是时，齐有孟尝，赵有平原，楚有春申，魏有信陵，此四君者，皆明智而忠信，宽厚而爱人，尊贤而重士，约从离衡，并韩，魏，燕，赵，宋，衞，中山之衆，于是六国之士，有宁越，徐尚，苏秦，杜赫之属为之谋，陈轸，楼缓，苏厉，乐毅之徒通其意，吴起，孙膑，田忌，廉颇之朋制其兵，常以十倍之地，百万之衆，叩关而攻秦，秦人开关延敌，九国之师逡巡而不敢进，秦无亡矢遗镞之费，而天下诸侯已困矣。于是从散约解，争割地而奉秦，秦有馀力，而制其弊，因利乘便，宰割天下，分裂河山，强国请服，弱国入朝。 |
| | At that time, Qi had Mengchang; Zhao had Pingyuan; Chu had Chunshen; and Wei had Xinling. These four lords were all wise, intelligent, loyal, trustworthy, broad-minded, kind-hearted, respected the virtuous, and valued scholars. They formed vertical alliances to break horizontal ones, uniting Han, Wei, Yan, Zhao, Song, Wei, and Zhongshan. At that time, among the six states' scholars, there were figures such as Ningyue, Xushang, Su Qin, and Du He who provided strategies; Chen Zhen, Lou Huan, Su Li, and Yue Yi who communicated their intentions; Wu Qi, Sun Bin, Tian Ji, Lian Po, and others who commanded the armies. They often attacked Qin with ten times more territory and a million soldiers, knocking at its gates. The people of Qin opened the pass to meet the enemy, but the forces from nine states hesitated and dared not advance. Not even a single arrow or spear was lost by Qin, yet all the feudal lords were already exhausted. Thus, the vertical alliances collapsed and treaties were broken. The states competed to offer territory in submission to Qin. With remaining strength, Qin exploited their weaknesses, taking advantage of favorable circumstances to carve up the world and divide mountains and rivers. Stronger states requested subordination; weaker ones came to court as vassals.
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及至秦王，续六世之馀烈，振长策而御宇内，吞二周而亡诸侯，履至尊而制六合，执棰拊，以鞭笞天下，威振四海，南取百越之地，北筑长城，胡人不敢南下而牧马，士不敢弯弓而报怨，于是废先王之道，焚百家之言，以愚百姓，隳名城，杀豪俊，收天下之兵，聚之咸阳，销锋铸鐻，以为金人十二，以弱黔首之民，然后斩华为城，因河为津，据亿丈之城，临不测之溪，以为固，良将劲弩守要害之处，信臣精卒，陈利兵而谁何，秦王之心，自以为关中之固，金城千里，子孙帝王万世之业也。秦王既没，馀威振殊俗。 |
| | When the First Emperor of Qin came to power, he continued the legacy and achievements of six previous generations. He raised the long whip to rule over all under heaven, swallowed the two Zhou dynasties and eliminated the feudal lords, ascended to the supreme throne and controlled the six directions. He wielded a stick and struck, He ruled the world with a whip, his authority shaking all four seas. To the south he annexed the lands of Baiyue; to the north he built the Great Wall. The Hu people dared not descend to pasture their horses in the south, and soldiers did not dare bend their bows to take revenge. At this time, the First Emperor abolished the ways of former kings, burned the writings of all schools of thought to confuse the common people, destroyed famous cities, killed outstanding individuals, confiscated weapons from across the land, gathered them at Xianyang, melted sharp blades into bells and cast twelve golden statues in order to weaken the ordinary people. Then he cut through Mount Hua to build a wall, He used the Yellow River as a natural barrier and constructed a city of ten thousand zhang in height, overlooking deep ravines to serve as fortifications. Skilled generals with powerful crossbows guarded key locations; loyal officials and elite soldiers stood ready with sharp weapons, questioning all who passed. The First Emperor of Qin believed that the security of Guanzhong, with its impregnable walls and a thousand li of defenses, would ensure his descendants' rule for ten thousand generations. After Emperor Qin Shi Huang's death, the remaining might of Qin still shook distant lands.
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陈涉，瓮牖绳枢之子，氓隶之人，氓，民，才能不及中人，非有仲尼，墨翟之贤，陶朱，猗顿之富，蹑足行伍之间，而倔起什佰之中，率疲散之卒，将数百之衆，斩木为兵，揭竿为旗，天下云集响应，赢粮而景从，山东豪俊遂并起，而亡秦族矣。 |
| | Chen She was the son of a man who tied his door hinges with ropes and used clay pots as windows. A common peasant, no more talented than an average person, lacking the virtue of Confucius or Mozi and not possessing the wealth of Tao Zhu or Yidun. Rising from among the ranks of foot soldiers, he suddenly emerged as a leader within groups of ten and hundred men. He led a group of weary and scattered soldiers, commanding only hundreds of men. They cut down trees for weapons and raised poles as banners. The whole world gathered like clouds in response, carrying provisions to follow him like shadows. Outstanding leaders from the lands east of the Pass rose up together, and thus the Qin dynasty was destroyed.
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且夫天下非小弱也。雍州之地，淆函之固自若，陈涉之位，非尊于齐，楚，韩，魏之君，锄耰棘矜，非锬于长铩矛戟，适戍之衆，非抗于九国之师，深谋远虑，行军用兵之道，非及向时之士也。然而成败异变，功业相反，试使山东之国与陈涉度长洁大，比权量力，则不可同年而语矣。然秦以区区之地，千乘之权，招八州而朝同列，百有馀年矣。然后以六合为家，淆函为宫，一夫作难，而七庙堕，身死人手，为天下笑者，仁义不施，而攻守之势异也。 |
| | Moreover, the empire had not become smaller or weaker. The territory of Yongzhou and the strongholds of Xiaohan remained as they were. Chen She's position was no more exalted than that of rulers of Qi, Chu, Han, or Wei. His weapons consisted only of hoes, spades, and thorny branches—. You is a tool for breaking up soil, made from wooden blocks or stones. }} They were not superior to long spears and halberds. The conscripted soldiers were no match for the armies of nine states. Their strategies, long-term planning, and military tactics fell far short of those of former generations. Yet their successes and failures were vastly different, with achievements completely opposite in outcome. Suppose the states of Shandong had compared their length and breadth to Chen She's forces— In terms of power and strength, they could not even be mentioned in the same breath. Yet Qin, with its small territory and power of only a thousand chariots, had summoned the eight regions to submit and made its peers bow in homage for more than one hundred years. Then, regarding the six directions as its home and Xiaohan as its palace, when a single man rose in rebellion, the seven ancestral temples were destroyed. The emperor died at another's hand, becoming an object of ridicule for all under heaven—this was because benevolence and righteousness had not been practiced, and the balance between attack and defense had changed.
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秦兼诸侯，南面称帝，天下之士，斐然向风，元元之民，冀得安其性命，莫不虚心而仰上，当此之时，守威定功，安危之本，在于此矣。秦王怀贪鄙之心，行自奋之智，不信功臣，不亲士民，废王道，立私权，禁文书而酷刑法，先诈力而后仁义，以暴虐为天下始，孤独而有之，故其亡可立而待，借使秦王计上世之事，并殷周之迹，以制御其政，后虽有淫骄之主，而末有倾危之患也。故三王之建天下，名号显美，功业长久。 |
| | When Qin annexed the feudal lords and faced south to assume imperial status, scholars from all over the world eagerly followed its example. The common people hoped for peace and safety, and none failed to look up with reverence. At this time, preserving power and securing achievements—this was the foundation of stability or peril. The First Emperor of Qin harbored greedy and narrow-minded ambitions, acted with self-serving intelligence, did not trust his meritorious ministers or care for the people. He abandoned the ways of kingship in favor of private authority, banned writings while enforcing harsh laws, valued deceit and force over benevolence and righteousness, and began a reign of tyranny that spread across all under heaven. Because he ruled alone without support, his downfall was inevitable and could be expected at any moment. Had Emperor Qin studied the affairs of previous generations and followed the examples of Yin and Zhou to regulate governance, even if later rulers became corrupt or arrogant, there would have been no danger of collapse. Therefore, the Three Kings who established their rule over the world were honored with illustrious titles and achieved enduring achievements.
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今秦二世立，天下莫不引领而观其政，夫寒者利短褐，而饥者甘糟糠，天下之嗷嗷，斯新主之资也。此言劳民之易为仁也。向使二世有庸主之行，而任忠贤，臣主一心，而忧海内之患，缟素而正先帝之过，裂地分民以封功臣之后，建国立君以礼天下，虚囹圄而免刑戮，除去收帑污秽之罪，使各反其鄕里，发仓廪，散财币，以振孤独穷困之士，轻赋少事，以佐百姓之急，约法省刑，以持其后，使天下之人皆得自新，更节修行，各慎其身，塞万民之望，而以威德与天下，天下集矣。即四海之内，皆欢然各自安乐其处，唯恐有变，虽有狡猾之民，无离上之心，则不轨之臣，无以饰其智，而暴乱之奸止矣。二世不行此术，而重之以无道，更始作阿房之宫，繁刑严诛，赋敛无度，天下多事，百姓困穷，然后奸僞并起，而上下相遁，蒙罪者衆，而天下苦之，自君卿以下，至于衆庶，人怀自危之心，咸不安其位，故易动也。是以陈涉不用汤武之贤，不藉公侯之尊，奋臂于大泽，而天下响应者，其民危也。故先王见始终之变，知存亡之机，是以牧民之道，务在安之而已，天下虽有逆行之臣，必无响应之助矣。故曰：安民可与行义，而危民易与为非，此之谓也。贵为天子，富有天下，身不免于戮杀者，正倾非也。是二世之过也。 |
| | Now, when Emperor Er Shi of Qin took the throne, all under heaven looked forward eagerly to see his governance. A person in cold weather benefits from a short coat— A starving man finds satisfaction in bran and chaff; the suffering people of the world are a resource for this new ruler. This illustrates how easy it is to show benevolence by relieving the hardships of the people. Had Emperor Er Shi possessed the conduct of an average ruler and entrusted power to loyal, virtuous ministers, with emperor and officials united in concern for the people's suffering; had he mourned in plain clothes while correcting his predecessor's mistakes; divided land and people to enfeoff the descendants of meritorious subjects; established states and appointed rulers according to rites to govern all under heaven; emptied prisons and abolished punishments; removed laws that punished entire families or defiled reputations, allowing those affected to return to their hometowns; opened granaries and distributed wealth to support the lonely and impoverished; reduced taxes and burdens to assist the people in times of need; simplified laws and lessened penalties for future stability—then all under heaven would have had a chance to reform themselves. People would have improved their conduct, carefully guarded their behavior, fulfilled the expectations of the common folk, and ruled with authority and virtue over the world. Thus, unity across the realm could have been achieved. Then within the four seas, all would joyfully find peace and contentment in their own places, fearing only change. Even if there were cunning people, they would have no desire to oppose the throne; unscrupulous ministers could not display their schemes, and violent rebellion would cease. Emperor Er Shi did not follow this path but instead worsened the situation with tyranny. He initiated new projects, such as the Afang Palace, imposed harsh punishments and severe retributions, levied taxes without restraint, and caused endless troubles for the world. The people became impoverished and desperate. Then, treachery and deceit arose together, while officials at all levels evaded responsibility. Many were punished, and the whole realm suffered. From ministers and high officials down to commoners, everyone harbored fears of danger and felt insecure in their positions—thus, it was easy for unrest to arise. Therefore, Chen She did not need the virtue of Tang and Wu or the prestige of dukes and marquises. By raising his arm in a marshland, he inspired an echo across all under heaven—because the people were on the brink of peril. Therefore, former kings who understood the transformations from beginning to end and recognized the keys to survival or destruction knew that governing the people required nothing more than ensuring their peace. Even if there were rebellious ministers in the world, they would certainly find no support or response. Therefore it is said: "A peaceful people can be guided toward righteousness, while a desperate people are easily led to wrongdoing." This is what that means. Even if one becomes emperor and possesses the wealth of all under heaven, if he cannot escape being killed or executed, it is because his governance was corrupt. This was Emperor Er Shi's fault.
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齐厘公同母弟夷仲年死，其子曰公孙无知，厘公爱之，令其秩服奉养比太子，襄公立，绌无知秩服，无知怨，数欺大臣羣弟，子纠奔鲁，管仲，召忽傅之，小白奔莒，鲍叔傅之，及雍林人杀无知，高，国先阴召小白于莒，鲁亦发兵送子纠，而使管仲将兵遮莒道，射中小白带钩，小白已立，欲杀管仲。鲍叔曰：君将治齐，则高傒与叔牙足矣。君且欲霸王，非管夷吾不可，于是桓公厚礼以为大夫，任政，齐人皆悦，于是始霸焉。 |
| | Qi King Ling's maternal younger brother, Yizhong Nian, died. His son was Gongsun Wuzhi. King Ling loved him dearly and granted him a rank, clothing, and provisions equal to those of a crown prince. After Duke Xianggong ascended the throne, he reduced Wuzhi's status and privileges. Wuzhi became resentful and often insulted ministers and his younger brothers. Prince Jiu fled to Lu, where Guan Zhong and Zhao Hu served as his tutors. Prince Xiao Bai fled to Ju, where Bao Shu was his tutor. When the people of Yonglin killed Wuzhi, Gao and Guo secretly summoned Xiao Bai from Ju. The state of Lu also sent troops to escort Jiu, sending Guan Zhong ahead with an army to block the road to Ju. Guan Zhong shot an arrow that hit the belt hook on Xiao Bai's waist. After Xiao Bai became king, he wanted to kill Guan Zhong. Bao Shu said: "If Your Majesty wishes only to govern Qi, Gao Xi and Shuya are sufficient." "If Your Majesty aspires to become a hegemon, no one but Guan Yiwu can accomplish this." Thus, Duke Huan of Qi honored him with generous rites and appointed him as an official in charge of state affairs. The people of Qi were all pleased, and it was then that Qi began its dominance.
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管仲病。桓公问曰：羣臣谁可相者。管仲曰：知臣莫如君。公曰：易牙何如。对曰：杀其子以适君，非人情也。不可。公曰：开方何如。对曰：背亲以适君，非人情也。难近，公曰：竪刁何如。对曰：自宫以适君，非人情也。难亲，管仲死，而桓公不用管仲言，卒近用三子，三子专权，桓公卒，易牙与竪刁，因内宠杀羣吏，而立公子无诡为君，太子昭奔宋，桓公病，五公子各树党争立，及桓公卒，宫中空，莫敢棺，桓公尸在床上六十七日，尸虫出于户。 |
| | Guan Zhong fell ill. Duke Huan asked: "Among my ministers, who is suitable to be prime minister?" Guan Zhong replied: "No one knows me better than you, Your Majesty." The duke asked: "What about Yiya?" He replied, "To kill his own son to please the ruler is against human nature." No. The duke asked: "What about Kai Fang?" He replied, "To abandon one's parents to serve the ruler is against human feelings." It would be difficult to trust him closely. The duke asked: "What about Shudiao?" He replied, "To castrate himself to please the ruler is not in line with human nature." It would be difficult to rely on him. After Guan Zhong died, Duke Huan did not heed his advice and eventually employed the three men closely. The three seized power. When Duke Huan died, , Yiya and Shudiao, with the support of favored concubines, killed all officials. They then installed Gongzi Wugui as ruler, while Crown Prince Zhao fled to Song. When Duke Huan fell ill, the five princes each formed factions and vied for power. After Duke Huan's death, no one dared enter the palace to prepare a coffin. The duke's corpse lay on his bed for sixty-seven days until maggots crawled out of the door.
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周公旦者，周武王弟也。封于鲁，成王使其子伯禽代就封于鲁。周公戒伯禽曰：我文王之子，武王之弟，成王之叔父，我于天下亦不贱矣。然我一沐三捉发，一饭三吐哺，起以待士，犹恐失天下之贤人，子之鲁，慎无以国骄人。 |
| | Duke Gong Dan was the younger brother of King Wu of Zhou. He was enfeoffed in Lu, and King Cheng sent his son Bo Qin to take up residence there as the ruler of Lu. Duke Gong warned Bo Qin: "I am the son of King Wen, the brother of King Wu, and the uncle of King Cheng. My status in the world is not low." "Yet I would interrupt my bath three times to tie up my hair and stop eating three times to spit out food in order to welcome scholars, still fearing that I might lose a virtuous man from the world. When you go to Lu, be careful not to let your position make you arrogant toward others."
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武公与长子括，少子戏朝宣王，宣王爱戏，欲立为鲁大子。仲山父谏曰：废长立少，不顺，不顺，必犯王命，犯王命，必诛之，故出令不可不顺也。令之不行，政之不立，今天子建诸侯，立其少，是教民逆也。若鲁从之，诸侯效之，王命将有所壅，若弗从而诛之，是自诛王命也。诛之亦失，不诛亦失，王其图之，弗听，卒立戏为太子，是为懿公，括之子伯御，攻弑懿公，宣王伐鲁，杀伯御，自是后，诸侯多叛王命。 |
| | King Wu of Lu and his eldest son Kuò, along with his younger son Xi, paid homage to King Xuan of Zhou. King Xuan favored Xi and wished to appoint him as the crown prince of Lu. Zhong Shanfu advised: "To depose the eldest and favor the younger is to act against order. To act against order is to defy the king's command, and defying the king's command will invite punishment. Therefore, royal decrees must not be violated." If commands are not carried out, governance cannot be established. Now the Son of Heaven enfeoffs feudal lords and appoints a younger son as heir—this teaches the people to rebel against order. If Lu follows this example, other feudal lords will emulate it, and royal commands will be obstructed. If Lu refuses and is punished, this would be equivalent to punishing a royal decree itself. To punish them is also an error, and not to punish is also a mistake. King Xuan should carefully consider this. Ignoring the advice, he finally appointed Xi as crown prince, who later became Duke Yi of Lu. Kuò's son Boyu attacked and killed Duke Yi. King Xuan then led a campaign against Lu and executed Boyu. From that time onward, many feudal lords defied royal commands.
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燕昭王于破燕之后即位，卑身厚币，以招贤者。谓郭隗曰：齐因孤之国乱，而袭破燕，孤极知燕小力少，不足报，然得贤士与共国，以雪先王之耻，孤之愿也。先生视可者，得身事之。郭隗曰：王必欲致士，先从隗始，况贤于隗者，岂远千里哉。于是昭王为隗改筑宫而师事之，乐毅自魏往，邹衍自齐往，剧辛自赵往，士争趋燕，燕王遂以乐毅为上将军，与秦，楚，三晋合谋以伐齐，齐兵败，泯王出亡于外，燕兵独追北，入至临淄，尽取齐宝，烧其宫室宗庙，齐城之不下者，唯独聊，莒，即墨，其馀皆属燕，昭王卒，惠王为太子时，与乐毅有陈，及即位，疑毅，使骑劫代将，乐毅亡走赵，齐田单以即墨击败燕军，骑劫死，燕兵引归，齐悉复得其故城。 |
| | After the fall of Yan, King Zhao of Yan ascended the throne. He humbled himself and offered generous rewards to attract virtuous men. He said to Guo Wei, "Qi took advantage of my country's chaos and attacked Yan. I am fully aware that Yan is small and weak, insufficient for revenge. However, if I can obtain virtuous men with whom to share governance and thus avenge the disgrace of our former king, this would fulfill my wish." "If you find someone suitable, you may personally serve him." Guo Wei said: "If the king truly wishes to attract virtuous men, he should begin with me. If I can be honored, then those even more virtuous than I will not hesitate to come from afar." Thus, King Zhao rebuilt a palace for Guo Wei and treated him as his teacher. Yue Yi came from the State of Wei, Zou Yan from Qi, Ju Xin from Zhao; scholars competed to go to Yan. King Zhao then appointed Yue Yi as Grand General, uniting with Qin, Chu, and the three Jin states to plan an attack on Qi. The Qi army was defeated, and King Mǐn fled abroad. Yan forces pursued alone into Linzi, seizing all of Qi's treasures and burning its palaces and ancestral temples. Only the cities of Liao, Ju, and Jimo in Qi did not fall; all others belonged to Yan. After King Zhao died, his son Huiwang had been a crown prince when he previously held a grudge against Yue Yi. Upon ascending the throne, he doubted Yue Yi and sent Qi Jie to replace him as general. Yue Yi fled to Zhao. The Qi general Tian Dan defeated the Yan forces from Jimo, killing Qi Jie, and the Yan army retreated. Qi then recovered all its former cities.
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微子开者，纣之庶兄也。纣既立，不明，淫乱于政，微子数谏，箕子者，纣亲戚也。纣为象箸。箕子叹曰：彼为象箸，必为玉杯，为玉杯，则必思远方珍怪之物而御之矣。舆马宫室之渐自此始，不可振也。纣为淫泆，箕子谏，不听，乃被发详狂，王子比干见箕子谏不听，乃直言谏纣。纣怒曰：吾闻圣人之心有七窍，信有诸乎。乃遂杀王子比干，刳视其心。微子曰：人臣三谏不听，则其义可以去矣。于是遂行，周公诛武庚，乃命微子代殷后，奉其先祀曰宋。 |
| | Wei Zi Kai was a younger brother of King Zhou. After King Zhou ascended the throne, he became corrupt and indulged in disorderly governance. Wei Zi repeatedly advised him. Ji Zǐ was a relative of King Zhou. King Zhou made chopsticks from ivory. Ji Zi sighed and said: "If he uses chopsticks made of ivory, then he will surely use jade cups. If he uses jade cups, he must seek out rare and exotic treasures from distant lands to serve himself." The gradual descent into extravagance in carriages, horses, palaces, and dwellings begins here; it cannot be reversed. King Zhou indulged in licentiousness. Ji Zi advised him, but he did not listen; thus, Ji Zi disguised himself as a madman by letting his hair hang loose and acting foolishly. Prince Bi Gan saw that Ji Zi's advice had gone unheeded and directly remonstrated with King Zhou. King Zhou became angry and said, "I have heard that a sage's heart has seven orifices—do you really believe this?" He then had Prince Bi Gan killed and cut open his chest to examine his heart. Wei Zi said, "If a minister advises three times but is not heeded, then according to righteousness, it is appropriate for him to leave." Thus, Wei Zi left. Duke of Zhou executed Wu Geng and then ordered Wei Zi to succeed the Yin dynasty as heir, allowing him to uphold their ancestral rites under the name Song.
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唐叔虞者，周成王弟也。成王与叔虞戏，削桐叶为圭以与叔虞。曰：以此封若，史佚因请择日立叔虞。成王曰：吾与之戏耳。史佚曰：天子无戏言，言则史书之，礼成之，乐歌之，于是遂封叔虞于唐。 |
| | Tang Shuyu was a younger brother of King Cheng of Zhou. King Cheng played with his younger brother Shuyu, cutting a piece of the t'ung tree into the shape of a gui (a ceremonial jade tablet) and gave it to Shuyu. He said, "I shall bestow this fief upon you." Shi Yi then requested a suitable date to formally enfeoff Shuyu. King Cheng said, "It was merely a game with him." Shi Yi replied: "The Son of Heaven has no words in jest. When he speaks, the historians record it, rites are performed to complete it, and music is composed for it." Thus, Shuyu was enfeoffed at Tang.
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赵烈侯好音。谓相国公仲连曰：寡人有爱，可以贵之乎。公仲曰：富之可，贵之则否。烈侯曰：然，夫郑歌者枪，石二人，吾赐之田，人万亩。公仲曰：诺，不与，居一月，烈侯从代来，问歌者田。公仲曰：求未有可者，有顷，烈侯复问，公仲终不与，乃称疾不朝，番吾君自代来。谓公仲曰：君实好善，未知所持，今公仲相赵，于今四年，亦有进士乎。公仲曰：未也。番吾君曰：牛畜，荀欣，徐越皆可，公仲乃进三人，及朝，烈侯复问，歌者田何如。公仲曰：方使择其善者，牛畜侍烈侯以仁义，约以王道，明日，荀欣侍以选练举贤，任官使能，明日，徐越侍以节财俭用，察度功德，所与无不充，君悦。烈侯使使谓相国曰：歌者之田且止，官牛畜为师，荀欣为中尉，徐越为内史，赐相国衣二袭。 |
| | Zhao Liehou loved music. He said to the prime minister Gong Zhonglian: "I have a favorite, may I bestow rank upon him?" Gong Zhonglian replied: "You may enrich him, but you must not grant him noble status." Liehou said, "Indeed. The two singers from Zheng, Qiang and Shi, I have granted each of them ten thousand mu of farmland." Gong Zhonglian said, "Yes," but did not give it. After a month, Liehou returned from Dai and inquired about the farmland for the singers. Gong Zhonglian said: "No suitable land has yet been found." After some time, Liehou asked again. Gong Zhonglian still did not give it and then claimed illness to avoid court attendance. Fanwu Jun came from Dai. He said to Gong Zhonglian: "You truly value virtue, yet it is unclear what you uphold. Now that you have served as prime minister of Zhao for four years, have you recommended any virtuous men?" Gong Zhonglian replied: "Not yet." Fanwu Jun said, "Niuxu, Xun Xin, and Xu Yue are all suitable." Gong Zhonglian then recommended the three men. When they attended court, Liehou again asked about the farmland for singers. Gong Zhonglian said: "I am currently selecting the most capable. Niuxu advised King Liehou on benevolence and righteousness, urging him to follow the Way of Kingship. The next day, Xun Xin advised on selecting and promoting virtuous men and appointing officials based on ability. The following day, Xu Yue advised on conserving resources, frugality in expenditure, and examining virtue and merit—everything he recommended was fulfilled." King Liehou was pleased. King Liehou sent an envoy to the prime minister and said: "The farmland for singers will be halted. Appoint Niuxu as Teacher, Xun Xin as Commander of the Center, and Xu Yue as Minister of the Interior. Grant two sets of robes to the Prime Minister."
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魏文侯受子夏经艺，客段干木，过其闾，未尝不轼也。秦尝欲伐魏。或曰：魏君贤人是礼，国人称仁，上下和合，未可图也。文侯由此得誉于诸侯。文侯谓李克曰：先生尝教寡人曰：家贫则思良妻，国乱则思良相，今所置非成则璜，二子何如。对曰：君不察故也。居视其所亲，富视其所与，达视其所举，穷视其所不为，贫视其所不取，五者足以定之矣。何待克哉。文侯曰：寡人相定矣。李克曰：魏成子为相矣。翟璜忿然作色曰：以耳目之所睹记，臣何负于魏成子，西河之守，臣之所进也。君内以邺为忧，臣进西门豹，君谋欲伐中山，臣进乐羊，中山已拔，无使守之，臣进先生，君之子无傅，臣进屈侯鲋，臣何以负于魏成子。李克曰：且子之言克于子之君者，岂将比周以求大官哉。且子安得与魏成子比乎。魏成子以食録千锺，什九在外，什一在内，是以东得卜子夏，田子方，段干木，此三人者，君皆师之，子所进五人者，君皆臣之，子恶得与魏成子比也。翟璜逡巡再拜曰：璜，鄙人也。失对，愿卒为弟子矣。 |
| | Duke Wen of Wei studied the classics with Zixia, hosted Duan Ganmu as a guest, and whenever he passed by his neighborhood, he never failed to lower his carriage's 轼 (a crossbar on the front of a chariot) in respect. Qin once intended to attack Wei. Some said: "The ruler of Wei honors virtuous men; the people praise his benevolence, and harmony exists between rulers and subjects. He cannot be targeted." Thus, Duke Wen earned a reputation among the feudal lords. Duke Wen said to Li Ke: "You once taught me that when a family is poor, it seeks a capable wife; when the state is in chaos, it seeks an able prime minister. Now those we are considering for appointment are either Cheng or Huang, "How are these two men?" Li Ke replied: "It is because you have not observed them carefully." "When in a humble position, observe whom they associate with; when wealthy, see to whom they give; when successful, note whom they recommend; when in hardship, watch what they refuse to do; and when poor, see what they will not take. These five criteria are sufficient to determine their character." "Why wait for me, Li Ke?" Duke Wen said: "I have already decided on my prime minister." Li Ke said, "Wei Chengzi has been appointed as the prime minister." Zhi Huang became angry and changed his expression, saying: "According to what my eyes have seen and my ears have heard, in what way am I inferior to Wei Chengzi? The governor of Xihe was recommended by me." "When you were troubled by the defense of Ye, I recommended Xi Men Bao. When you planned to attack Zhongshan, I recommended Yue Yang. After Zhongshan was captured and there was no one to govern it, I recommended Master [name missing]. When your son had no tutor, I recommended Qu Houfu. In what way am I inferior to Hui Chengzi?" Li Ke said: "Moreover, when you spoke of me before your lord, did you intend to form a faction in order to seek high office?" "And how could you possibly be compared to Wei Chengzi?" Wei Chengzi used his stipend of a thousand dou of grain, spending nine-tenths outside and keeping only one-tenth for himself. Because of this, he gained the loyalty of Bo Zixia, Tian Zi Fang, and Duan Ganmu—these three men were all treated as teachers by you, Your Lordship. The five men you recommended, however, were merely made officials under your rule; how can you compare yourself to Wei Chengzi?" Zhi Huang bowed twice in embarrassment and said: "Huang is a vulgar man." "I have spoken improperly. I wish to remain your disciple henceforth."
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齐威王初即位，九年之间，诸侯并伐，国人不治，于是威王召即墨大夫。语之曰：自子之居即墨也。毁言日至，然吾使人视即墨，田野开，民人给，官无留事，东方以宁，是子不事吾左右以求誉也。封之万家，召阿大夫。语之曰：自子之守阿，誉言日闻，然使使视阿，田野不开，民贫苦，昔日赵攻甄，子弗能救，衞取薛陵，而子弗知，是子以币厚吾左右以求誉也。是日，烹阿大夫，及左右尝誉者，皆并烹之，遂起兵西击赵，衞，败魏于浊泽，于是齐国震惧，人人不敢饰非，务尽其诚，齐国大治，诸侯闻之，莫敢致兵于齐。 |
| | When King Wei of Qi first ascended the throne, within nine years, other states jointly attacked him and his people were in disorder. Thus, King Wei summoned Duke Jimo. He said to him: "Since you have governed Jimo," "defaming words have reached me daily. Yet I sent men to inspect Jimo, and found the fields cultivated, the people well-provided for, no official business delayed, and peace in the east. This shows you did not flatter those around me to gain praise." He enfeoffed him with ten thousand households and summoned Duke A. He said to him: "Since you have governed A, commendations about you reach me daily. Yet when I sent envoys to inspect A, the fields were uncultivated and the people poor and suffering. When Zhao attacked Zhen in the past, you could not save it; when Wei took Xueling, you did not even know of it. This shows that you used bribes to please those around me in order to gain praise." On that day, Duke A was boiled alive, along with those at court who had praised him; they were all executed. King Wei then raised an army and marched west to attack Zhao and Wei, defeating the latter at Zhuoze. Thus, Qi became a state of great alarm and discipline—no one dared conceal faults or falsehoods, but instead strived for sincerity. Under such governance, Qi flourished greatly. The feudal lords heard of this and dared not send armies against Qi.
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二十四年，与魏王会田于郊。魏王问曰：王亦有宝乎。威王曰：无有。梁王曰：若寡人国小也。尚有径寸之珠，照车前后各十二乘者十枚，奈何以万乘之国而无宝乎。威王曰：寡人之所以为宝与王异，吾臣有檀子者，使守南城，则楚人不敢为寇东取，泗上十二诸侯皆来朝，吾臣有盼子者，使守高唐，则赵人不敢东渔于河，吾吏有黔夫者，使守徐州，则燕人祭北门，赵人祭西门，徙而从者七千馀家，吾臣有种首者，使备盗贼，则道不拾遗，将以照千里，岂特十二乘哉。梁惠王惭，不怿而去。 |
| | In the twenty-fourth year, he met King Wei of Wei for a hunting expedition in the suburbs. King Wei asked: "Do you also have treasures?" King Wei replied, "No." Liang Wang said: "My state is small." "Yet I still have pearls the size of an inch, ten of which can illuminate twelve chariots in front and behind. How then can a great state with ten thousand chariots lack treasures?" King Wei said: "What I regard as treasures differs from what Your Majesty values. My minister Tanshi, when stationed at the southern city, made it so that the people of Chu dared not raid eastward; twelve feudal lords in Si Shang all came to pay homage. My official Pansi, when guarding Gaotang, ensured that Zhao people did not fish eastward along the Yellow River. My officer Qianfu, when stationed at Xuzhou, caused the Yan people to make sacrifices before their northern gate and the Zhao people before their western gate." Those who moved and followed him numbered more than seven thousand households. My minister Zhongshou, tasked with guarding against bandits, ensured that nothing was lost on the roads. These are treasures capable of illuminating a realm of a thousand li—how much less would twelve chariots be? King Hui of Liang was shamed and left in sullen silence.
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