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“大司马臣去病昧死再拜上疏皇帝陛下：陛下过听，使臣去病待罪行闲。宜专边塞之思虑，暴骸中野无以报，乃敢惟他议以干用事者，诚见陛下忧劳天下，哀怜百姓以自忘，亏膳贬乐，损郎员。皇子赖天，能胜衣趋拜，至今无号位师傅官。陛下恭让不恤，群臣私望，不敢越职而言。臣窃不胜犬马心，昧死愿陛下诏有司，因盛夏吉时定皇子位。唯陛下幸察。臣去病昧死再拜以闻皇帝陛下。”三月乙亥，御史臣光守尚书令奏未央宫。制曰：“下御史。” |
| | "Da Sima Chen Qiubing meisi zai bai shang shu Huangdi Bixia: Your Majesty's excessive trust has placed Minister Qiubing in the position of Da Sima, entrusted with duties among the ranks." "It is appropriate for me to devote my thoughts and concerns solely to the defense of our borders. To lie unburied in the wilderness without having made any contribution would be a failure on my part, yet I dare not offer alternative suggestions that might interfere with those already entrusted with responsibilities. In truth, I have seen Your Majesty laboring tirelessly for the welfare of the realm and showing deep compassion toward the people at your own expense, neglecting meals, diminishing pleasures, and reducing the number of attendants." "The imperial son relies on Heaven's grace; he is capable of dressing himself and performing bows in court, yet to this day has not been granted a title or assigned a mentor or official." "Your Majesty's humility and restraint have prevented the ministers from voicing their private hopes, as we dare not overstep our duties to speak on this matter." "I secretly cannot contain my devotion, and I dare to implore Your Majesty with the utmost submission: May the Emperor issue an edict through the appropriate officials to establish the imperial son's status at a propitious time during this season of summer." "May His Majesty kindly take this into consideration." "Minister Qiubing, with utmost submission and prostration, respectfully presents these words to the Emperor, Your Majesty." "On the Yihai day of the third month, the Minister of the Secretariat, Minister Guang, presented a memorial at Weiyang Palace." The imperial decree stated: "Refer it to the Office of the Censorate."
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| | 三王世家: |
六年三月戊申朔，乙亥，御史臣光守尚书令、丞非，下御史书到，言：丞相臣青翟、御史大夫臣汤、太常臣充、大行令臣息、太子少傅臣安行宗正事昧死上言：大司马去病上疏曰：‘陛下过听，使臣去病待罪行闲。宜专边塞之思虑，暴骸中野无以报，乃敢惟他议以干用事者，诚见陛下忧劳天下，哀怜百姓以自忘，亏膳贬乐，损郎员。皇子赖天，能胜衣趋拜，至今无号位师傅官。陛下恭让不恤，群臣私望，不敢越职而言。臣窃不胜犬马心，昧死愿陛下诏有司，因盛夏吉时定皇子位。唯愿陛下幸察。’制曰‘下御史’。臣谨与中二千石、二千石臣贺等议：古者裂地立国，并建诸侯以承天于，所以尊宗庙重社稷也。今臣去病上疏，不忘其职，因以宣恩，乃道天子卑让自贬以劳天下，虑皇子未有号位。臣青翟、臣汤等宜奉义遵职，愚憧而不逮事。方今盛夏吉时，臣青翟、臣汤等昧死请立皇子臣闳、臣旦、臣胥为诸侯王。昧死请所立国名。” |
| | On the first day of the third month of the sixth year, on the Wushen day, and on the Yihai day, Minister Guang, serving as Keeper of the Secretariat and Assistant Chancellor, received a document from the Office of the Censorate. It stated: "Chancellor Chen Qingzhi, Grand Censor Minister Chen Tang, Minister of Ceremonies Minister Chong, Director of the Ministry of Rites Minister Xi, Deputy Tutor to the Crown Prince Minister Anxing, acting as Minister of Imperial Kinship, respectfully submitted with utmost submission: The Da Sima Qiubing presented a memorial stating: 'Your Majesty has shown excessive trust by appointing me, Minister Qiubing, in this position among the ranks.'" "It is appropriate for me to focus my thoughts and concerns entirely on the defense of our frontiers. To die unburied in the wild without having made any recompense would be a failure, yet I dare not raise other suggestions that might interfere with matters already entrusted to others. Indeed, I have witnessed Your Majesty laboring diligently for the realm, showing compassion toward the people at great personal sacrifice, neglecting meals and pleasures, and reducing staff." "The imperial prince relies on Heaven's favor; he is now capable of dressing himself and bowing in court, yet to date has not been granted a title, nor have mentors or officials been assigned." "Your Majesty's humility and self-restraint prevent the ministers from expressing their private hopes; we dare not overstep our roles to speak on this matter." "I, with utmost sincerity and devotion, dare to implore His Majesty to issue an imperial decree through the appropriate officials, so that at a propitious moment during this season of summer, the status of the imperial prince may be established." "We only hope Your Majesty will kindly take it into consideration.'" The imperial decree stated, "Refer this to the Office of the Censors." "We, with due caution, together with the Zhong Erqianshi and Erqianshi officials such as Minister He, have deliberated: In ancient times, territories were divided to establish states, and feudal lords were enfeoffed to uphold Heaven's mandate; this was done in order to honor the ancestral temples and safeguard the state." Now Minister Qiubing has submitted a memorial, not forgetting his duties, and through this he spreads the Emperor's grace. Yet in doing so, he implies that His Majesty humbles himself excessively at the expense of personal dignity to labor for the realm, while considering that the imperial prince still lacks a title or official designation. Ministers Qingzhi and Tang, among others, should uphold righteousness and abide by our duties; we are but foolish and inexperienced in matters beyond our capacity. At this present propitious time of summer, Ministers Qingzhi and Tang respectfully implore with utmost submission that the imperial sons Chen Hong, Chen Dan, and Chen Xu be enfeoffed as feudal lords. "With utmost submission, we also request to propose names for the states they shall rule."
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制曰：“盖闻周封八百，姬姓并列，或子、男、附庸。礼‘支子不祭’。云并建诸侯所以重社稷，朕无闻焉。且天非为君生民也。朕之不德，海内未洽，乃以未教成者强君连城，即股肱何劝？其更议以列侯家之。” |
| | The imperial decree stated: "I have heard that in the Zhou dynasty, eight hundred fiefs were established, with Ji surname lords standing side by side, some as zi, nan, or vassal states. "According to rites, 'a collateral son does not preside over ancestral sacrifices.'" "It is said that establishing feudal lords together was done in order to safeguard the state; yet I have heard nothing of this." Moreover, Heaven did not create the people solely for the ruler. lodash "Due to my lack of virtue, harmony has yet to be achieved throughout the realm; how then can I enfeoff those who are not yet properly educated as rulers over vast territories? What encouragement would this offer to my trusted ministers?" "Let there be further deliberation, and they shall instead be granted the status of marquises."
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| | 三王世家: |
三月丙子，奏未央宫。“丞相臣青翟、御史大夫臣汤昧死言：臣谨与列侯臣婴齐、中二千石二千石臣贺、谏大夫博士臣安等议曰：伏闻周封八百，姬姓并列，奉承天子。康叔以祖考显，而伯禽以周公立，咸为建国诸侯，以相傅为辅。百官奉宪，各遵其职，而国统备矣。窃以为并建诸侯所以重社稷者，四海诸侯各以其职奉贡祭。支子不得奉祭宗祖，礼也。封建使守藩国，帝王所以扶德施化。陛下奉承天统，明开圣绪，尊贤显功，兴灭继绝。续萧文终之后于酂，褒厉群臣平津侯等。昭六亲之序，明天施之属，使诸侯王封君得推私恩分子弟户邑，锡号尊建百有馀国。而家皇子为列侯，则尊卑相逾，列位失序，不可以垂统于万世。臣请立臣闳、臣旦、臣胥为诸侯王。”三月丙子，奏未央宫。 |
| | On the Bingzi day of the third month, a memorial was presented at Weiyang Palace. "Chancellor Minister Qingzhi and Grand Censor Minister Tang, with utmost submission, respectfully state: We have carefully deliberated together with Marquis Minister Yingqi, Zhong Erqianshi/Erqianshi Minister He, Counselor Doctor Minister An, and others. We humbly heard that in the Zhou dynasty eight hundred fiefs were enfeoffed, with Ji surname lords ranked side by side to serve and uphold the Son of Heaven." "Kang Shu became prominent through his ancestors, while Bo Qin was enfeoffed due to the virtue of King Zhou; both were established as feudal lords and served as assistants in governance." "All officials abide by the law, each fulfilling their duties, thus ensuring the completeness of state administration." "We secretly believe that establishing feudal lords is a way to safeguard the realm, for through this, marquises throughout the empire each fulfill their duties by offering tribute and conducting ancestral sacrifices." "It is against ritual for collateral sons to preside over ancestral rites," is a principle of propriety. "Establishing feudal lords to govern their fiefs was how emperors upheld virtue and spread moral influence." "Your Majesty upholds Heaven's mandate, clearly establishes the sacred lineage, honors the virtuous and highlights meritorious service, reviving what has been extinguished and continuing what was lost." "Continuing the legacy of Xiao Wenzhong in Zan, we honor and reward officials such as the Pingjin Hou for their contributions." "Clarifying the order of six kinships and defining familial relationships, we allow feudal lords and enfeoffed nobles to extend their private benevolence by granting fiefs and titles to their kinsmen, thus establishing over a hundred states." "But if the imperial sons are merely enfeoffed as marquises, it would result in a reversal of rank and disorder among positions, which cannot serve as an enduring model for future generations." "We respectfully request that the imperial sons Hong, Dan, and Xu be enfeoffed as kings of feudal states." On the Bingzi day of March, a memorial was submitted at Weiyang Palace.
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制曰：“康叔亲属有十而独尊者，褒有德也。周公祭天命郊，故鲁有白牡、騂刚之牲。群公不毛，贤不肖差也。‘高山仰之，景行向之’，朕甚慕焉。所以抑未成，家以列侯可。” |
| | The imperial decree stated: "Among the ten relatives of Kang Shu, only one was honored with special distinction; this was to commend virtue. "Grand Duke Zhou offered sacrifices to Heaven at the altar of Jiao, hence the state of Lu possessed white bulls and red rams as sacrificial offerings." "The nobles did not all possess equal virtue; this was due to differences in their moral character, whether virtuous or otherwise." "'High mountains are revered, and noble paths are followed'—this is something I greatly admire." "Therefore, to restrain those who have not yet matured, it is acceptable to enfeoff them as marquises."
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四月戊寅，奏未央宫。“丞相臣青翟、御史大夫臣汤昧死言：臣青翟等与列侯、吏二千石、谏大夫、博士臣庆等议：昧死奏请立皇子为诸侯王。制曰：‘康叔亲属有十而独尊者，褒有德也。周公祭天命郊，故鲁有白牡、騂刚之牲。群公不毛，贤不肖差也。“高山仰之，景行向之”，朕甚慕焉。所以抑未成，家以列侯可。’臣青翟、臣汤、博士臣将行等伏闻康叔亲属有十，武王继体，周公辅成王，其八人皆以祖考之尊建为大国。康叔之年幼，周公在三公之位，而伯禽据国于鲁，盖爵命之时，未至成人。康叔后捍禄父之难，伯禽殄淮夷之乱。昔五帝异制，周爵五等，春秋三等，皆因时而序尊卑。高皇帝拨乱世反诸正，昭至德，定海内，封建诸侯，爵位二等。皇子或在繦緥而立为诸侯王，奉承天子，为万世法则，不可易。陛下躬亲仁义，体行圣德，表里文武。显慈孝之行，广贤能之路。内褒有德，外讨强暴。极临北海，西（凑）［溱］月氏，匈奴、西域，举国奉师。舆械之费，不赋于民。虚御府之藏以赏元戎，开禁仓以振贫穷，减戍卒之半。百蛮之君，靡不乡风，承流称意。远方殊俗，重译而朝，泽及方外。故珍兽至，嘉谷兴，天应甚彰。今诸侯支子封至诸侯王，而家皇子为列侯，臣青翟、臣汤等窃伏孰计之，皆以为尊卑失序，使天下失望，不可。臣请立臣闳、臣旦、臣胥为诸侯王。”四月癸未，奏未央宫，留中不下。 |
| | On the Wuyin day of April, a memorial was presented at Weiyan Palace. "Chancellor Minister Qingzhi, Grand Censor General Minister Tang, respectfully submit with utmost submission: Ministers Qingzhi and others have deliberated together with marquises, officials of the rank of Erqianshi, Counselors, Doctor Ministers such as Minister Qing. We dare to present a memorial requesting that the imperial sons be enfeoffed as Kings of Feudal States." The imperial decree stated: "Among the ten relatives of Duke Kang, only one was uniquely honored; this was to commend those with virtue. "Grand Duke Zhou conducted sacrifices at the altar for Heaven's Mandate, hence the State of Lu had white bulls and red rams for sacrificial rites." "The nobles were not all equally virtuous; this was a distinction between the worthy and the unworthy." "'High mountains are revered, noble paths are followed.' This is something I deeply admire." "Therefore, to restrain the immature and grant them a place as marquises is acceptable.'" Minister Qingzhi, Minister Tang, Doctor Minister Jiangxing and others humbly learned that Duke Kang had ten relatives; King Wu succeeded to the throne, while Grand Duke Zhou assisted King Cheng. Of these eight individuals, all were enfeoffed as rulers of major states due to their ancestral virtue. "Kang Shu was still young, and while Grand Duke Zhou held the position of one of the Three Dukes, Bo Qin governed Lu. At that time, when they were granted their titles, they had not yet reached adulthood." "Later, Duke Kang defended against the rebellion of Lu Fu, while Bo Qin quelled the chaos caused by the Huai Yi." "In ancient times, the Five Emperors had different systems; during the Zhou dynasty there were five ranks of nobility, and in the Spring and Autumn period three ranks—each system established hierarchical distinctions according to its time." "Emperor Gao, having quelled the chaotic era and restored order, demonstrated supreme virtue, stabilized the realm, established feudal lords, and set two ranks of noble titles." "Imperial sons were sometimes enfeoffed as kings while still infants, to serve and uphold the Son of Heaven. This became an eternal model for future generations and must not be changed." "Your Majesty personally embodies benevolence and righteousness, practicing the virtue of sages, and demonstrates both literary and martial excellence in governance." "You highlight filial piety and kindness, and broaden the path for virtuous talent to rise." "Within, you honor those of virtue; without, you punish the strong and violent." "You have extended your rule to the northern sea, westward to the Yuezhi (possibly intended as Qin or Cui), and among the Xiongnu and Western Regions, entire nations submit with their armies." "The cost of chariots and weapons is not levied from the people." "You have emptied the imperial treasuries to reward meritorious generals, opened restricted granaries to relieve the poor, and reduced the number of garrison troops by half." "Among the hundred barbarian chieftains, none but look toward your virtue, receiving your grace and expressing their satisfaction." "Distant peoples of different customs arrive through multiple interpreters to pay homage; your benevolence reaches even beyond the borders of the realm." "Therefore, rare beasts appear and bountiful grains flourish—Heaven's response is clearly evident." "Now, when collateral sons of feudal lords are enfeoffed as kings, yet the imperial sons are only granted marquis titles, Ministers Qingzhi and Tang have carefully considered this matter and all believe that such a reversal in rank will cause disappointment among the people and must not be allowed." "We respectfully request that the imperial sons, Hong, Dan, and Xu, be enfeoffed as King of Feudal States." On the Kuwei day of April, a memorial was submitted to Weiyang Palace and remained in the palace without being issued.
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“丞相臣青翟、太仆臣贺、行御史大夫事太常臣充、太子少傅臣安行宗正事昧死言：臣青翟等前奏大司马臣去病上疏言，皇子未有号位，臣谨与御史大夫臣汤、中二千石、二千石、谏大夫、博士臣庆等昧死请立皇子臣闳等为诸侯王。陛下让文武，躬自切，及皇子未教。群臣之议，儒者称其术，或悖其心。陛下固辞弗许，家皇子为列侯。臣青翟等窃与列侯臣寿成等二十七人议，皆曰以为尊卑失序。高皇帝建天下，为汉太祖，王子孙，广支辅。先帝法则弗改，所以宣至尊也。臣请令史官择吉日，具礼仪上，御史奏舆地图，他皆如前故事。”制曰：“可。” |
| | "Chancellor Minister Qingzhi, Director of the Imperial Carriage Office Minister He, Acting Grand Censor General and Minister of Ceremonies Minister Chong serving in that capacity, Deputy Tutor to the Crown Prince and acting Minister of Imperial Kinship Minister An, respectfully submit with utmost submission: Previously, Ministers Qingzhi et al. presented a memorial from Da Sima Minister Qiubing stating that the imperial sons had yet to be granted titles. We have carefully deliberated with Grand Censor General Minister Tang and officials such as Zhong Erqianshi, Erqianshi, Counselor Doctors, and Doctor Minister Qing, and respectfully implore that the imperial son Hong and others be enfeoffed as Feudal Kings." "Your Majesty humbly yields to literary and martial virtues, personally taking great care in governance, yet the imperial sons have not been properly instructed." "The discussions among ministers: Confucian scholars praise their methods, while others may contradict their intentions." "Your Majesty firmly declined and refused to grant the imperial sons titles as marquises." "We, Minister Qingzhi together with Marquis Shoucheng and twenty-seven others have secretly deliberated; all believe this results in a disorder of rank." "Emperor Gao established the empire as the founding ancestor of Han, and his sons and descendants were widely enfeoffed to serve as collateral support." "The laws and precedents set by the late emperor should not be altered; this is how we uphold supreme authority." "We respectfully request that the historians select a propitious day, prepare all rites and ceremonies accordingly, and have the Office of Censors submit maps of territories; other matters should follow previous precedents." The imperial decree stated: "Approved."
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四月丙申，奏未央宫。“太仆臣贺行御史大夫事昧死言：太常臣充言卜入四月二十八日乙巳，可立诸侯王。臣昧死奏舆地图，请所立国名。礼仪别奏。臣昧死请。” |
| | On the Bingshen day of April, a memorial was delivered at Weiyang Palace. "Director of the Imperial Carriage Office, Minister He, acting as Grand Censor General, respectfully submits with utmost submission: The Minister of Ceremonies, Minister Chong, stated that divination on the Yisi day, the twenty-eighth day of April, indicates it is auspicious to enfeoff feudal kings." "With utmost submission, I present maps of territories and request names for the fiefs to be established." "The rites and ceremonies will be separately presented." "I respectfully implore with utmost submission."
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制曰：“立皇子闳为齐王，旦为燕王，胥为广陵王。” |
| | The imperial decree stated: "Enfeoff the imperial son Hong as King of Qi, Dan as King of Yan, and Xu as King of Guangling."
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四月丁酉，奏未央宫。六年四月戊寅朔，癸卯，御史大夫汤下丞相，丞相下中二千石，二千石下郡太守、诸侯相，丞书从事下当用者。如律令。 |
| | On the Dingyou day of April, a memorial was sent to Weiyang Palace. On the first day of April in the sixth year, on Wuyin day; on Kimao day, Grand Censor General Tang issued orders to the Chancellor, who then passed them down to Zhong Erqianshi officials and Erqianshi ministers. These were further transmitted by the provincial governors and feudal lords' chancellors, with clerks responsible for implementation among those designated. "As prescribed by law."
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“维六年四月乙巳，皇帝使御史大夫汤庙立子闳为齐王。曰：于戏，小子闳，受兹青社！朕承祖考，维稽古建尔国家，封于东土，世为汉藩辅。于戏念哉！抱朕之诏，惟命不于常。人之好德，克明显光。义之不图，俾君子怠。悉尔心，允执其中，天禄永终。厥有愆不臧，乃凶于而国，害于尔躬。于戏，保国艾民，可不敬与！王其戒之。” |
| | "On the Yisi day of April in the sixth year (of this reign), Emperor commissioned Grand Censor General Tang to establish a temple and enfeoff his son Hong as King of Qi." "He said: 'Oh, young master Hong, receive this green earth altar!'" "I have inherited from my ancestors and carefully followed ancient precedents to establish your state. You are enfeoffed in the eastern lands, where you shall serve as a Han dynasty vassal for generations." "Oh, how important this is!" "Carry out my decree with care; remember that imperial commands are not to be taken for granted." "One who cherishes virtue will surely achieve distinction and honor." "To disregard righteousness causes even the virtuous to grow weary." "Be sincere in your heart, steadfastly uphold the middle path, and Heaven's blessings will endure forever." "If you commit faults or act unworthily, calamity shall befall your state and harm yourself personally." "Oh! To preserve the state and care for its people—how can this not be taken with utmost reverence!" "King, take heed of these words."
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右齐王策。 |
| | The above is the edict for King Qi.
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“维六年四月乙巳，皇帝使御史大夫汤庙立子旦为燕王。曰：于戏，小子旦，受兹玄社！朕承祖考，维稽古，建尔国家，封于北土，世为汉藩辅。于戏！荤粥氏虐老兽心，侵犯寇盗，加以奸巧边萌。于戏！朕命将率徂征厥罪，万夫长，千夫长，三十有二君皆来，降期奔师。荤粥徙域，北州以绥。悉尔心，毋作怨，毋恤德，毋乃废备。非教士不得从徵。于戏，保国艾民，可不敬与！王其戒之。” |
| | "On the Yisi day of the fourth month, sixth year (April 18, 94 AD), Emperor sent the Grand Censor-in-Chief Tang Miao to establish his son Dan as King Yan." "He said: 'Oh! Young man Dan, receive this sacred mandate of the black earth!' " "I have inherited from my ancestors and followed ancient precedents to bestow upon you a state, enfeoffing you in the northern lands, where your descendants shall serve as Han dynasty vassals for generations." "Oh!" "The Hunyuzhu Shi are cruel and beastly in heart, committing invasions and banditry, and furthermore, they have begun to employ deceitful schemes along the borders." "Oh! Reflect well, King. You must revere Heaven's mandate and show sincere reverence to the illustrious deities." "I have ordered generals to march forth and punish their crimes. Thirty-two chieftains, including commanders of ten thousand men and commanders of a thousand men, all came forward, surrendering in droves." "The Hunyuzhu have moved their territory northward, thus pacifying the northern regions." "Be sincere in your heart. Do not foster resentment; do not neglect virtue; and do not fail to maintain preparedness." "No one who has not been properly trained as a soldier may accompany the expedition." "Oh! To preserve your state and care for its people, how can this not be done with utmost reverence!" "King, take heed of these words."
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右燕王策。 |
| | The above is the edict for the King of Yan.
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“维六年四月乙巳，皇帝使御史大夫汤庙立子胥为广陵王。曰：于戏，小子胥，受兹赤社！朕承祖考，维稽古建尔国家，封于南土，世为汉藩辅。古人有言曰：‘大江之南，五湖之闲，其人轻心。杨州保疆，三代要服，不及以政。’于戏！悉尔心，战战兢兢，乃惠乃顺，毋侗好轶，毋迩宵人，维法维则。《》云：‘臣不作威，不作福，靡有后羞。’于戏，保国艾民，可不敬与！王其戒之。” |
| | "On the Yisi day of the fourth moon, sixth year (April 28, 94 AD) Emperor sent the Grand Censor Tang Miao to enfeoff his son Xu as King Guangling." "He said: 'Oh! Young man Xu, receive this sacred red earth!' " "I have inherited from my ancestors, and following ancient precedents I have established your state. You are now enfeoffed in southern lands, where you will serve as a Han vassal for generations." "There is an old saying: 'To the south of the great river, between the Five Lakes, its people are light-hearted.'" "Yangzhou guards the frontier; it is a key region in the Three Dynasties, and cannot be governed by ordinary policies.'" "Oh!" "Be sincere in your heart; be cautious and reverent. Be kind and obedient. Do not indulge in idle pleasures, do not associate with wicked people at close quarters—adhere only to law and principle." "The Book of Documents says: 'Ministers who do not wield undue power, nor seek personal fortune will have no disgrace in the future.'" "Oh! To preserve your state and cherish its people—how can one not be reverent!" "King, take heed of this."
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右广陵王策。 |
| | The above is the edict of King Guangling.
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太史公曰：古人有言曰“爱之欲其富，亲之欲其贵”。故王者壃土建国，封立子弟，所以褒亲亲，序骨肉，尊先祖，贵支体，广同姓于天下也。是以形势强而王室安。自古至今，所由来久矣。非有异也，故弗论箸也。燕齐之事，无足采者。然封立三王，天子恭让，群臣守义，文辞烂然，甚可观也，是以附之世家。 |
| | Grand Historian said: "There was an old saying among ancient people, 'To love someone is to wish for their wealth; to be close to someone is to desire their honor.'" "Therefore, the Son of Heaven divides land to establish states and enfeoffs his sons and brothers. This is done in order to honor close relatives, maintain familial hierarchy, venerate ancestors, value kinship, and thus extend the same surname throughout the realm." "This is why a strong position ensures stability for the royal house." "From ancient times to the present, this practice has been in place for a long time." "There is nothing unusual about it; therefore, I do not elaborate on it here." "Matters concerning Yan and Qi are not worth recording." "However, the enfeoffment of these three kings was marked by the Son of Heaven's respectful humility and the ministers' adherence to righteousness. The literary style is splendid and truly admirable; therefore, it is appended here in the Biographies of the Clans."
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褚先生曰：臣幸得以文学为侍郎，好览观太史公之列传。传中称三王世家文辞可观，求其世家终不能得。窃从长老好故事者取其封策书，编列其事而传之，令后世得观贤主之指意。 |
| | Master Chu said: "I am fortunate to have served as a Shilang through my literary attainments, and I enjoy reading the biographies of Grand Historian." "In those accounts it is said that the Biographies of these three kings are worth reading, yet I could never find their complete biographies." "I secretly sought out the enfeoffment edicts from elderly men who loved to recount old stories, compiled their accounts and transmitted them so that future generations might understand the intentions of wise rulers."
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盖闻孝武帝之时，同日而俱拜三子为王：封一子于齐，一子于广陵，一子于燕。各因子才力智能，及土地之刚柔，人民之轻重，为作策以申戒之。谓王：“世为汉藩辅，保国治民，可不敬与！王其戒之。”夫贤主所作，固非浅闻者所能知，非博闻强记君子者所不能究竟其意。至其次序分绝，文字之上下，简之参差长短，皆有意，人莫之能知。谨论次其真草诏书，编于左方。令览者自通其意而解说之。 |
| | "I have heard that during Emperor Wu's reign, three of his sons were enfeoffed as kings on the same day: one in Qi, another in Guangling, and a third in Yan." "Each was enfeoffed according to his talent, intelligence, and ability, as well as the strength or softness of the land and the character of its people. Edicts were composed for them to serve as warnings." "They addressed each king: 'You are destined to be a Han dynasty vassal, preserving the state and governing its people—how can you not be reverent!'" "King, take heed of these words." "What a wise ruler composes is naturally beyond the understanding of those with shallow knowledge, and only learned gentlemen with broad knowledge and strong memory can fully grasp its meaning." "As for the sequence, divisions, and arrangement of words—whether they appear above or below—the varying lengths of the slips all carry meaning; no one can fully understand them." "I have carefully arranged and compiled their original and draft edicts, placing them on the left side." "Let those who read it understand its meaning and explain it for themselves."
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王夫人者，赵人也，与卫夫人并幸武帝，而生子闳。闳且立为王时，其母病，武帝自临问之。曰：“子当为王，欲安所置之？”王夫人曰：“陛下在，妾又何等可言者。”帝曰：“虽然，意所欲，欲于何所王之？”王夫人曰：“愿置之雒阳。”武帝曰：“雒阳有武库敖仓，天下冲阸，汉国之大都也。先帝以来，无子王于雒阳者。去雒阳，馀尽可。”王夫人不应。武帝曰：“关东之国无大于齐者。齐东负海而城郭大，古时独临灾中十万户，天下膏腴地莫盛于齐者矣。”王夫人以手击头，谢曰：“幸甚。”王夫人死而帝痛之，使使者拜之曰：“皇帝谨使使太中大夫明奉璧一，赐夫人为齐王太后。”子闳王齐，年少，无有子，立，不幸早死，国绝，为郡。天下称齐不宜王云。 |
| | "Wang Fu Ren was a native of Zhao. She shared imperial favor with Wei Fu Ren during Emperor Wu's reign and bore him a son named Hong." "When Hong was about to be enfeoffed as king, his mother fell ill, and Emperor Wu personally visited her in person." "He said: 'Your son is destined to become a king. Where would you like him placed?'" "Wang Fu Ren replied: 'While the Emperor lives, what right do I have to speak?'" "The emperor said: 'Even so, tell me where you would like him enfeoffed?'" "Wang Fu Ren said: 'I wish for him to be placed in Luoyang.'" "Emperor Wu said: 'Luoyang has the Wuku military storehouse and Aocang granary. It is a strategic crossroads, the great capital of the Han state." "Since the reign of the late emperor, no son has been enfeoffed as King in Luoyang." "Therefore, I will not place him in Luoyang; all other places are acceptable.'" "Wang Fu Ren did not respond." "Emperor Wu said: 'Among the states east of the Guan Pass, none is greater than Qi.'" "Qi lies to the east of the sea with large walled cities. In ancient times, Linzi alone had a population of 100,000 households; there is no region more fertile than Qi in all under Heaven." "Wang Fu Ren struck her head with her hand and apologized: 'How fortunate!'" "After Wang Fu Ren's death, the emperor mourned deeply and sent envoys to bestow honors upon her. He said: 'With utmost reverence, Emperor has dispatched Tai Zhong Da Fu Ming to present a jade tablet as a gift, conferring on you the title of Queen Dowager of Qi.'" "Her son Hong was enfeoffed as King of Qi, but he was young and had no children. After his early death, the state ceased to exist and became a commandery." "People throughout the land remarked that Qi should not have been made a kingdom."
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所谓“受此土”者，诸侯王始封者必受土于天子之社，归立之以为国社，以岁时祠之。春秋大传曰：“天子之国有泰社。东方青，南方赤，西方白，北方黑，上方黄。”故将封于东方者取青土，封于南方者取赤土，封于西方者取白土，封于北方者取黑土，封于上方者取黄土。各取其色物，裹以白茅，封以为社。此始受封于天子者也。此之为主土。主土者，立社而奉之也。“朕承祖考”，祖者先也，考者父也。“维稽古”，维者度也，念也，稽者当也，当顺古之道也。 |
| | "What is meant by 'receiving this land' is that when a feudal lord first receives an enfeoffment, he must receive soil from the Son of Heaven's ancestral shrine. Upon returning to his fief, he establishes it as the state's ancestral shrine and offers sacrifices to it at seasonal intervals." "The Great Commentary on Spring and Autumn says: 'The Son of Heaven's capital has a Grand Ancestral Shrine.'" "Eastern is green, southern red, western white, northern black, and the upper (central) one yellow." "Therefore, those enfeoffed in the east receive green soil; those in the south receive red soil; those in the west receive white soil; those in the north receive black soil; and those in the center (the Son of Heaven) receive yellow soil." "They take objects corresponding to each color, wrap them in white rush grass, and establish them as ancestral shrines for their states." "This is the practice for those who first receive enfeoffment from the Son of Heaven." "This is called 'receiving the soil' (shou tu)." "To receive the soil means to establish an ancestral shrine and offer it reverence." "'I have inherited from my ancestors'—the word 'zu' refers to forefathers, while 'kao' means father." "'I have followed ancient precedents'—the word 'wei' means to measure or consider, and also implies remembrance. The term 'ji' means appropriateness; it signifies acting in accordance with the ways of antiquity."
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齐地多变诈，不习于礼义，故戒之曰“恭朕之诏，唯命不可为常。人之好德，能明显光。不图于义，使君子怠慢。悉若心，信执其中，天禄长终。有过不善，乃凶于而国，而害于若身”。齐王之国，左右维持以礼义，不幸中年早夭。然全身无过，如其策意。 |
| | "The land of Qi is known for its frequent deceptions and lack of familiarity with rites and righteousness, so they were warned: 'Carry out my decree reverently; imperial commands are not to be treated as routine.'" "One who cherishes virtue can surely achieve distinction and honor." "To disregard righteousness causes even virtuous men to become lax and careless." "Be sincere in your heart, firmly uphold the middle path; Heaven's blessings will last forever." "If you commit faults and act unworthily, disaster shall befall your state, and harm yourself personally.'" "The Kingdom of Qi was maintained by its officials through rites and righteousness; yet unfortunately, the king died young in middle age." "Nevertheless, he preserved his life without fault, fulfilling the intent of the edict given to him."
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传曰“青采出于蓝，而质青于蓝”者，教使然也。远哉贤主，昭然独见：诫齐王以慎内；诫燕王以无作怨，无修德；诫广陵王以慎外，无作威与福。 |
| | "The saying 'Blue dye is extracted from indigo plants, yet it becomes bluer than the plant itself' refers to how education and cultivation bring about such transformation." "How far-reaching were the wise rulers, whose insight was clear and singular: they warned King Qi to be cautious within his court;" "they cautioned King Yan not to foster resentment or neglect virtue;" "and they warned King Guangling to be cautious in external affairs, and not to wield undue power or seek personal fortune."
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夫广陵在吴越之地，其民精而轻，故诫之曰“江湖之闲，其人轻心。杨州葆疆，三代之时，迫要使从中国俗服，不大及以政教，以意御之而已。无侗好佚，无迩宵人，维法是则。无长好佚乐驰骋弋猎淫康，而近小人。常念法度，则无羞辱矣”。三江、五湖有鱼盐之利，铜山之富，天下所仰。故诫之曰“臣不作福”者，勿使行财币，厚赏赐，以立声誉，为四方所归也。又曰“臣不作威”者，勿使因轻以倍义也。 |
| | "Guangling lies in the lands of Wu and Yue, where the people are sharp-witted yet light-hearted. Hence they were warned: 'Between rivers and lakes, its people have a fickle heart.'" "Yangzhou guards the frontier. In the Three Dynasties period, it was a critical region where people were compelled to follow central Chinese customs and dress. It could not be governed through strict political instruction; only by understanding their nature could one manage them." "Do not indulge in idleness, do not associate closely with wicked men—adhere solely to law and principle." "Do not grow fond of idle pleasures, horseback riding, hunting, or indulgence in comfort, nor associate with petty men." "Always remember the laws and regulations, then you will avoid disgrace.'" "The Three Rivers and Five Lakes offer fishery and salt resources; their copper mountains are rich—these are treasures upon which the whole world relies." "Therefore, they were warned: 'Ministers should not seek personal fortune'—do not use wealth and currency or lavish rewards to gain reputation and attract followers from all directions." "It also says: 'Ministers should not wield undue power'—do not allow them to act recklessly and violate righteousness because of their position."
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会孝武帝崩，孝昭帝初立，先朝广陵王胥，厚赏赐金钱财币，直三千馀万，益地百里，邑万户。 |
| | "When Emperor Wu died and Emperor Zhao ascended the throne, the former King Guangling Xu of the previous reign received generous rewards in money and goods worth over thirty million coins, was granted an additional hundred li of territory, and ten thousand households as his fief."
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会昭帝崩，宣帝初立，缘恩行义，以本始元年中，裂汉地，尽以封广陵王胥四子：一子为朝阳侯；一子为平曲侯；一子为南利侯；最爱少子弘，立以为高密王。 |
| | "When Emperor Zhao died and Emperor Xuan came to the throne, following the principle of showing kindness through righteousness, in the middle of the first year of the Ben Shi era, he divided Han territory and fully enfeoffed four sons of King Guangling Xu: one was made Lord Chaoyang;" "one son as Lord Pingqu;" "one son as Lord Nanli;" "He most loved his youngest son Hong, and established him as King Gaomi."
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其后胥果作威福，通楚王使者。楚王宣言曰：“我先元王，高帝少弟也，封三十二城。今地邑益少，我欲与广陵王共发兵云。［立］广陵王为上，我复王楚三十二城，如元王时。”事发觉，公卿有司请行罚诛。天子以骨肉之故，不忍致法于胥，下诏书无治广陵王，独诛首恶楚王。传曰“蓬生麻中，不扶自直；白沙在泥中，与之皆黑”者，土地教化使之然也。其后胥复祝诅谋反，自杀，国除。 |
| | "Afterward, Xu indeed wielded undue power for personal gain and communicated with envoys of the Prince of Chu." "The Prince of Chu declared: 'My ancestor, Yuanwang, was the younger brother of Emperor Gaozu and was granted thirty-two cities." "Now our territory has been reduced; I wish to join forces with King Guangling to raise an army.'" "[We will] make King Guangling the supreme ruler, and I shall once again be king of thirty-two cities in Chu as my ancestor Yuanwang was." "When this plot was discovered, the ministers and officials requested to impose punishment and execute them." "The Son of Heaven, out of consideration for kinship ties, could not bring himself to apply the law against Xu. He issued an edict not to punish King Guangling, but to execute only the principal evildoer, the Prince of Chu." "The Classic says: 'A hemp plant growing among flax will stand straight without support;" "white sand in mud turns black along with it'—this is the result of the influence of environment and moral instruction." "Afterward, Xu plotted rebellion again through curses and sorcery. He committed suicide, and his fief was abolished."
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燕土墝埆，北迫匈奴，其人民勇而少虑，故诫之曰“荤粥氏无有孝行而禽兽心，以窃盗侵犯边民。朕诏将军往征其罪，万夫长，千夫长，三十有二君皆来，降旗奔师。荤粥徙域远处，北州以安矣”。“悉若心，无作怨”者，勿使从俗以怨望也。“无俷德”者，勿使（上）［王］背德也。“无废备”者，无乏武备，常备匈奴也。“非教士不得从徵”者，言非习礼义不得在于侧也。 |
| | "The land of Yan is barren, and to the north it borders the Xiongnu. Its people are brave but lack caution; therefore they were warned: 'The Hunyue clan has no filial conduct and possesses a beastly heart, using theft and aggression to violate border civilians." "I have ordered the general to go and punish their crimes. Thirty-two chieftains, including commanders of ten thousand men and a thousand men, all came forward, lowering their flags and fleeing toward our forces." "The Hunyue have moved far away from their territory; the northern region is now at peace.'" "'Unite your hearts, do not harbor resentment'—do not let them follow worldly ways and develop grievances." " 'Do not violate virtue' means to prevent the king from betraying virtue. " "'Do not neglect preparedness'—do not lack military readiness, always be on guard against the Xiongnu." "'No one without moral instruction may accompany a campaign'—this means that those who have not learned propriety and righteousness cannot be stationed at the side of the ruler."
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会武帝年老长，而太子不幸薨，未有所立，而旦使来上书，请身入宿卫于长安。孝武见其书，击地，怒曰：“生子当置之齐鲁礼义之乡，乃置之燕赵，果有争心，不让之端见矣。”于是使使即斩其使者于阙下。 |
| | "When Emperor Wu grew old, and the crown prince died unfortunately before a successor was appointed, Dan sent envoys to submit a memorial requesting that he himself come to Chang'an for personal service in palace security." "Emperor Wu read his letter, struck the ground in anger, and said: 'If one wishes to raise a son, he should place him in the land of Qi and Lu where propriety and righteousness prevail; instead you placed him in Yan and Zhao. Indeed, there is now ambition for contention—signs of disrespect are evident.'" "Thereupon he ordered the executioner to beheading his envoy at the palace gate."
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会武帝崩，昭帝初立，旦果作怨而望大臣。自以长子当立，与齐王子刘泽等谋为叛逆，出言曰：“我安得弟在者！今立者乃大将军子也。”欲发兵。事发觉，当诛。昭帝缘恩宽忍，抑案不扬。公卿使大臣请，遣宗正与太中大夫公户满意、御史二人，偕往使燕，风喻之。到燕，各异日，更见责王。宗正者，主宗室诸刘属籍，先见王，为列陈道昭帝实武帝子状。侍御史乃复见王，责之以正法，问：“王欲发兵罪名明白，当坐之。汉家有正法，王犯纤介小罪过，即行法直断耳，安能宽王。”惊动以文法。王意益下，心恐。公户满意习于经术，最后见王，称引古今通义，国家大礼，文章尔雅。谓王曰：“古者天子必内有异姓大夫，所以正骨肉也；外有同姓大夫，所以正异族也。周公辅成王，诛其两弟，故治。武帝在时，尚能宽王。今昭帝始立，年幼，富于春秋，未临政，委任大臣。古者诛罚不阿亲戚，故天下治。方今大臣辅政，奉法直行，无敢所阿，恐不能宽王。王可自谨，无自令身死国灭，为天下笑。”于是燕王旦乃恐惧服罪，叩头谢过。大臣欲和合骨肉，难伤之以法。 |
| | "When Emperor Wu died and Emperor Zhao first ascended the throne, Dan indeed harbored resentment toward the ministers." "He considered himself the eldest son and thus entitled to be emperor, so he conspired with Liu Ze, Prince of Qi, and others to rebel. He said: 'How can I have a younger brother still alive!' " "The one now enthroned is the son of the Grand General.'" "He wished to raise an army." "When this plot was discovered, he should have been executed." "Emperor Zhao, out of kindness and tolerance, suppressed the matter and did not make it public." "The ministers and high officials requested that the Son of Heaven send Zongzheng, along with Tai Zhongdafa Gong Hu Manyi and two Youshi, to Yan together as envoys, to gently advise him." "When they arrived in Yan, each visited the King on different days, alternately confronting and admonishing him." "Zongzheng was in charge of the genealogical records of the imperial clan. He visited first and presented to the King evidence that Emperor Zhao was indeed the son of Emperor Wu." "The Shiyushi then visited the King again, reprimanding him according to the law and asked: 'Your Majesty's intention to raise an army is clear as a criminal offense; you should be held accountable.'" "The Han dynasty has just laws. If Your Majesty commits even a minor offense, the law will be applied directly and without hesitation; how can we show leniency toward you.'" "They were startled by the strict application of legal procedures." "The King's demeanor became increasingly subdued, and he was filled with fear in his heart." "Gong Hu Manyi was well-versed in Confucian classics. When he finally met the King, he cited both ancient and modern principles of universal morality, the great rites of the state, and spoke with refined eloquence." "He told the King: 'In ancient times, the Son of Heaven must have ministers from different surnames within his court; this was to correct relations among close relatives;" "outside he had ministers with the same surname, so as to regulate those of other clans." "Zhong Gong assisted King Cheng and executed his two brothers; thus the state was well governed." "When Emperor Wu was still alive, he could still show leniency to you, King." "Now that Emperor Zhao has just ascended the throne and is young, with many years ahead of him, he does not yet personally govern but entrusts authority to his ministers." "In ancient times, punishment was impartial even toward relatives; thus the realm was at peace." "Nowadays, ministers who assist in governance strictly follow the law and act uprightly without showing partiality; they may not be able to show leniency toward Your Majesty." "Your Majesty should now be cautious and avoid bringing about your own death and the destruction of your state, becoming a laughingstock for all under heaven.'" "Thereupon King Yan Dan became frightened and confessed his crime, kowtowing repeatedly to apologize." "The ministers wished to reconcile the royal family and found it difficult to punish them by law."
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其后旦复与左将军上官桀等谋反，宣言曰“我次太子，太子不在，我当立，大臣共抑我”云云。大将军光辅政，与公卿大臣议曰：“燕王旦不改过悔正，行恶不变。”于是修法直断，行罚诛。旦自杀，国除，如其策指。有司请诛旦妻子。孝昭以骨肉之亲，不忍致法，宽赦旦妻子，免为庶人。传曰“兰根与白芷，渐之滫中，君子不近，庶人不服”者，所以渐然也。 |
| | "Afterward, Dan once again conspired with General Shangguan Jie and others to rebel, declaring: 'I am the next in line for the crown prince. Since the Crown Prince is not present, I should be enthroned; the ministers have jointly suppressed me,' and so on." "Grand General Guang, who assisted in governance, discussed with the ministers: 'King Yan Dan has not repented of his wrongdoing or corrected himself; he continues to act wickedly without change.'" "Therefore, they enforced the law directly and carried out punishment and execution." "Dan committed suicide; his fief was abolished, just as predicted by their strategy." "The officials requested the execution of Dan's wife and children." "Emperor Zhao, out of kinship ties, could not bear to apply the law; he showed leniency and pardoned Dan's wife and children, reducing them to commoners." "The Classic says: 'When the roots of orchid and white 芷 are immersed in stinking broth, even gentlemen will not approach them, nor will commoners wear them'—this illustrates how gradual influence can corrupt."
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宣帝初立，推恩宣德，以本始元年中尽复封燕王旦两子：一子为安定侯；立燕故太子建为广阳王，以奉燕王祭祀。 |
| | "When Emperor Xuan first ascended the throne, he extended grace and proclaimed virtue. In the middle of the first year of Ben Shi era, he fully restored fiefs to two sons of King Yan Dan: one was made Lord Aidong;" "the former Crown Prince Jian of Yan was established as King Guangyang, to continue the ancestral rites for the House of Yan."
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