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孝文皇帝，高祖中子也。高祖十一年春，已破陈豨军，定代地，立为代王，都中都。太后薄氏子。即位十七年，高后八年七月，高后崩。九月，诸吕吕产等欲为乱，以危刘氏，大臣共诛之，谋召立代王，事在吕后语中。 |
| | Emperor Xiaowen was the second son of Gaozu. In spring, in the eleventh year of Gaozu's reign, after defeating Chen Xi's army and pacifying Dai territory, he was enfeoffed as King of Dai, with his capital at Zhongdu. The son of Empress Dowager Bo Shi. Seventeen years after ascending the throne, in the seventh month of the eighth year of Gaohou's reign, Empress Dowager Gao died. In September, the Lü clan members such as Lü Chan wanted to start a rebellion and endanger the Liu family. The senior ministers jointly exterminated them and plotted to summon and install King Dai; this event is recorded in the biography of Empress Lü.
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丞相陈平、太尉周勃等使人迎代王。代王问左右郎中令张武等。张武等议曰：“汉大臣皆故高帝时大将，习兵，多谋诈，此其属意非止此也，特畏高帝、吕太后威耳。今已诛诸吕，新啑血京师，此以迎大王为名，实不可信。愿大王称疾毋往，以观其变。”中尉宋昌进曰：“群臣之议皆非也。夫秦失其政，诸侯豪桀并起，人人自以为得之者以万数，然卒践天子之位者，刘氏也，天下绝望，一矣。高帝封王子弟，地犬牙相制，此所谓盘石之宗也，天下服其强，二矣。汉兴，除秦苛政，约法令，施德惠，人人自安，难动摇，三矣。夫以吕太后之严，立诸吕为三王，擅权专制，然而太尉以一节入北军，一呼士皆左袒，为刘氏，叛诸吕，卒以灭之。此乃天授，非人力也。今大臣虽欲为变，百姓弗为使，其党宁能专一邪？方今内有朱虚、东牟之亲，外畏吴、楚、淮南、琅邪、齐、代之强。方今高帝子独淮南王与大王，大王又长，贤圣仁孝，闻于天下，故大臣因天下之心而欲迎立大王，大王勿疑也。”代王报太后计之，犹与未定。卜之龟，卦兆得大横。占曰：“大横庚庚，余为天王，夏启以光。”代王曰：“寡人固已为王矣，又何王？”卜人曰：“所谓天王者乃天子。”于是代王乃遣太后弟薄昭往见绛侯，绛侯等具为昭言所以迎立王意。薄昭还报曰：“信矣，毋可疑者。”代王乃笑谓宋昌曰：“果如公言。”乃命宋昌参乘，张武等六人乘传诣长安。至高陵休止，而使宋昌先驰之长安观变。 |
| | Chancellor Chen Ping, Grand Commandant Zhou Bo, and others sent envoys to welcome King Dai. King Dai consulted his attendants, the Left and Right Attendants Zhang Wu and others. Zhang Wu and others deliberated, saying: "The senior ministers of Han are all former great generals from Emperor Gaozu's time. They are experienced in military affairs and full of schemes and deceptions. Their intentions go beyond this; they merely fear the authority of Emperor Gaozu and Empress Dowager Lü." "Now that they have exterminated the Lü clan, fresh blood has been shed in the capital. Their claim to welcome Your Majesty is merely a pretext; it cannot be trusted." "We hope Your Majesty will feign illness and not go, so as to observe how events develop." The Minister of Justice Song Chang advanced and said: "All the ministers' opinions are wrong." "When the Qin lost their governance, feudal lords and powerful men rose up together; countless people believed they could seize power. Yet in the end, only Liu Shang was able to ascend the throne as emperor. The world had given up hope—this is one reason." "Emperor Gaozu enfeoffed his sons and brothers, with their territories interlocking like the teeth of a dog; this is what is called an unshakable clan. The world submitted to its strength—this is the second reason." "When Han rose, it abolished Qin's harsh policies, simplified laws and decrees, and implemented benevolence and grace. Everyone found peace in their own lives; the regime was hard to shake—this is the third reason." "Despite the severity of Empress Dowager Lü, who enfeoffed members of her clan as three kings and seized power for herself, when the Grand Commandant entered the Northern Army with a single token, he called out once and all the soldiers responded by exposing their left sleeves in support of Liu Shang, rebelling against the Lüs, and ultimately exterminating them." "This was a gift from Heaven, not achieved through human effort." "Now even if the senior ministers wish to instigate change, the common people will not follow them. Can their faction possibly remain united?" "At present, internally there are the relatives of Zhuxu and Dongmu, while externally they fear the strength of Wu, Chu, Huainan, Langya, Qi, and Dai." "Now, among Emperor Gaozu's sons, only King Huainan and Your Majesty remain. Your Majesty is also the elder one; you are virtuous, wise, kind, and filial, renowned throughout the world. Therefore, the senior ministers have followed the will of the people to welcome and install Your Majesty as emperor. Your Majesty should not doubt this." King Dai reported the matter to Empress Dowager for deliberation, still hesitating and undecided. They divined with tortoise shells; the hexagram omen was "Da Heng." The interpretation said: "Great transverse line, strong and firm. I shall be the Son of Heaven; Xia Qi will bring glory." King Dai said, "I have already been a king; how can I become another one?" The diviner said: "What is meant by 'Son of Heaven' is the emperor." Thus, King Dai sent Empress Dowager's younger brother Bo Zhao to visit Marquis of Jianghou; Jianghou and others fully explained their intentions for welcoming and installing the king to Zhao. Bo Zhao returned and reported, "It is indeed true; there is nothing to doubt." King Dai then smiled and said to Song Chang, "Indeed as you said." He then ordered Song Chang to accompany him in the carriage, while Zhang Wu and five others traveled by official relay carriages to Chang'an. Upon arriving at Gaoling, they halted for rest, sending Song Chang ahead in haste to Chang'an to observe developments.
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昌至渭桥，丞相以下皆迎。宋昌还报。代王驰至渭桥，群臣拜谒称臣。代王下车拜。太尉勃进曰：“愿请闲言。”宋昌曰：“所言公，公言之。所言私，王者不受私。”太尉乃跪上天子玺符。代王谢曰：“至代邸而议之。”遂驰入代邸。群臣从至。丞相陈平、太尉周勃、大将军陈武、御史大夫张苍、宗正刘郢、朱虚侯刘章、东牟侯刘兴居、典客刘揭皆再拜言曰：“子弘等皆非孝惠帝子，不当奉宗庙。臣谨请（与）阴安侯列侯顷王后与琅邪王、宗室、大臣、列侯、吏二千石议曰：‘大王高帝长子，宜为高帝嗣。’愿大王即天子位。”代王曰：“奉高帝宗庙，重事也。寡人不佞，不足以称宗庙。愿请楚王计宜者，寡人不敢当。”群臣皆伏固请。代王西乡让者三，南乡让者再。丞相平等皆曰：“臣伏计之，大王奉高帝宗庙最宜称，虽天下诸侯万民以为宜。臣等为宗庙社稷计，不敢忽。愿大王幸听臣等。臣谨奉天子玺符再拜上。”代王曰：“宗室将相王列侯以为莫宜寡人，寡人不敢辞。”遂即天子位。 |
| | When Song Chang arrived at Weiqiao, the Chancellor and those below him all came out to welcome him. Song Chang returned with a report. King Dai hurried to Weiqiao, where the ministers kowtowed and paid homage, addressing him as their sovereign. King Dai stepped down from his carriage to bow in return. Grand Commandant Zhou Bo advanced and said, "I would like to speak privately." Song Chang said, "If what you have to say is public business, then please speak openly." "If it is private, a sovereign does not entertain private matters." Grand Commandant Zhou Bo then knelt and presented the imperial seal and symbols. King Dai replied, "Let us discuss it when I arrive at my residence in Dai." He then hurried into the Dai residence. The ministers followed him there. Chancellor Chen Ping, Grand Commandor Zhou Bo, General-in-Chief Chen Wu, Minister of Justice Zhang Cang, Keeper of the Royal Clan Liu Ying, Marquis of Zhuxu Liu Zhang, Marquis of Dongmu Liu Xingju, and Director of Guests Liu Jie all kowtowed twice and said: "Zi Hong et al. are not sons of Emperor Xiaohui; they should not be entrusted with upholding the ancestral temple." "We respectfully request, together with Marquis Yin Anhou, the marquises of King Qingwang Hou, King Langya, the imperial clan, senior ministers, marquises, and officials of the rank of 2000-dan salary: 'Your Majesty is Emperor Gaozu's eldest son; you should succeed as his heir.'" "We respectfully request that Your Majesty ascend to the throne of Son of Heaven." King Dai said, "Upholding Emperor Gaozu's ancestral temple is a matter of great importance." "I am not eloquent or capable enough to be worthy of the ancestral temple." "I wish to consult King Chu on what is appropriate; I dare not accept this position." The ministers all knelt and insisted with great urgency. King Dai turned westward to decline three times, then southward to decline twice. Chancellor Chen Ping and others all said, "We have carefully considered the matter; it is most appropriate for Your Majesty to uphold Emperor Gaozu's ancestral temple. Even the feudal lords and common people throughout the empire believe this to be so." "For the sake of the ancestral temple and state, we dare not act carelessly." "We humbly request Your Majesty to kindly listen to our entreaty." "We respectfully present the imperial seal and symbols, kowtowing twice in submission." King Dai said: "The imperial clan, generals, ministers, marquises and dukes believe no one is more suitable than I. I dare not refuse." He then ascended the throne of Son of Heaven.
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群臣以礼次侍。乃使太仆婴与东牟侯兴居清宫，奉天子法驾，迎于代邸。皇帝即日夕入未央宫。乃夜拜宋昌为卫将军，镇抚南北军。以张武为郎中令，行殿中。还坐前殿。于是夜下诏书曰：“闲者诸吕用事擅权，谋为大逆，欲以危刘氏宗庙，赖将相列侯宗室大臣诛之，皆伏其辜。朕初即位，其赦天下，赐民爵一级，女子百户牛酒，酺五日。” |
| | The ministers attended in accordance with ceremonial protocol. He then ordered Tai Pu Ying and Marquis of Dongmu Xingju to clear the palace, prepare the imperial procession according to regulations, and welcome him at his residence in Dai. On the same day, the emperor entered Weiyang Palace in the evening. That night he conferred Song Chang as Wei Jiangjun, to pacify and command both the Northern and Southern Armies. He appointed Zhang Wu as Attendant-in-Charge of the Left and Right, overseeing affairs within the palace. He then returned to sit in the Front Hall. At night, he issued an edict saying: "Recently, the Lü clan seized power and plotted a great rebellion, attempting to endanger the Liu family's ancestral temple. Fortunately, thanks to the generals, ministers, marquiss, and members of the imperial clan, they were exterminated, all receiving their due punishment." "Now that I have just ascended the throne, I decree a general pardon for all under heaven. Each household shall be granted one rank of nobility; every hundred households will receive an ox and wine, with five days of public revelry."
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辛亥，皇帝即阼，谒高庙。右丞相平徙为左丞相，太尉勃为右丞相，大将军灌婴为太尉。诸吕所夺齐楚故地，皆复与之。 |
| | On the Xinhai day, the emperor ascended to the throne and paid homage at Gao Temple. The Right Chancellor Ping was transferred to become Left Chancellor; Grand Commandant Bo became Right Chancellor, and General-in-Chief Guan Ying became Grand Commandant. All the former territories of Qi and Chu that had been seized by the Lü clan were restored to them.
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壬子，遣车骑将军薄昭迎皇太后于代。皇帝曰：“吕产自置为相国，吕禄为上将军，擅矫遣灌将军婴将兵击齐，欲代刘氏，婴留荥阳弗击，与诸侯合谋以诛吕氏。吕产欲为不善，丞相陈平与太尉周勃谋夺吕产等军。朱虚侯刘章首先捕吕产等。太尉身率襄平侯通持节承诏入北军。典客刘揭身夺赵王吕禄印。益封太尉勃万户，赐金五千斤。丞相陈平、灌将军婴邑各三千户，金二千斤。朱虚侯刘章、襄平侯通、东牟侯刘兴居邑各二千户，金千斤。封典客揭为阳信侯，赐金千斤。” |
| | On the Rensi day, he dispatched General Bo Zhao, commander of cavalry, to welcome Empress Dowager at Dai. The emperor said: "Lü Chan appointed himself as Chancellor, and Lü Lu became Supreme General. They arbitrarily ordered General Guan Ying to lead troops against Qi in an attempt to replace the Liu family; however, Guan Ying stayed at Xingyang without attacking, instead joining forces with the feudal lords to plot the extermination of the Lü clan." Lü Chan intended to do evil, and Chancellor Chen Ping conspired with Grand Commandant Zhou Bo to seize the armies of Lü Chan et al. Marquis of Zhuxu Liu Zhang was the first to capture Lü Chan and others. Grand Commandant Zhou Bo personally led Marquis Xiangping Hou Tong, holding an imperial token, to enter the Northern Army in accordance with the emperor's decree. Director of Guests Liu Jie personally seized the seal from King Zhao Lu Lu. The Grand Commandant Bo was further enfeoffed with 10,000 households and granted 5,000 catties of gold. Chancellor Chen Ping and General Guan Ying were each granted fiefs over 3,000 households, along with 2,000 catties (jin) of gold. Marquis of Zhuxu Liu Zhan, Marquis Xiangping Tong, and Marquis Dongmu Liu Xingju were each granted fiefs over two thousand households, along with one thousand catties (jin) of golden. "Director of Guests Jie was enfeoffed as Marquis Yangxin and granted a thousand catties of gold."
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十二月，上曰：“法者，治之正也，所以禁暴而率善人也。今犯法已论，而使毋罪之父母妻子同产坐之，及为收帑，朕甚不取。其议之。”有司皆曰：“民不能自治，故为法以禁之。相坐坐收，所以累其心，使重犯法，所从来远矣。如故便。”上曰：“朕闻法正则民悫，罪当则民从。且夫牧民而导之善者，吏也。其既不能导，又以不正之法罪之，是反害于民为暴者也。何以禁之？朕未见其便，其孰计之。”有司皆曰：“陛下加大惠，德甚盛，非臣等所及也。请奉诏书，除收帑诸相坐律令。” |
| | In the twelfth month, the emperor said: "Laws are the foundation of governance; they serve to restrain violence and guide people toward virtue. "Now, those who commit crimes have already been judged, yet we still make their innocent parents, spouses, children, and siblings suffer the same punishment, as well as confiscating their property. I find this unacceptable." "Discuss it among you." The officials all said: "The people are unable to govern themselves, so laws were established to restrain them. "Collective punishment and property confiscation serve to weigh heavily on their hearts, making them fear breaking the law; this practice has a long history." "It is convenient as it was before." The emperor said: "I have heard that when laws are just, the people will be upright; and when punishments fit the crimes, the people will follow." "Moreover, it is the officials who guide the people toward goodness." "If they cannot properly guide them and then punish them with unjust laws, this is to harm the people and become tyrannical." "How can such tyranny be prevented?" "I do not see the benefit in this; you must carefully deliberate on it." The officials all said: "Your Majesty has shown great grace and virtue is most abundant, which we cannot match. "We respectfully request to issue an edict abolishing the laws and decrees regarding collective punishment and property confiscation."
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正月，有司言曰：“蚤建太子，所以尊宗庙。请立太子。”上曰：“朕既不德，上帝神明未歆享，天下人民未有嗛志。今纵不能博求天下贤圣有德之人而禅天下焉，而曰豫建太子，是重吾不德也。谓天下何？其安之。”有司曰：“豫建太子，所以重宗庙社稷，不忘天下也。”上曰：“楚王，季父也，春秋高，阅天下之义理多矣，明于国家之大体。吴王于朕，兄也，惠仁以好德。淮南王，弟也，秉德以陪朕。岂为不豫哉！诸侯王宗室昆弟有功臣，多贤及有德义者，若举有德以陪朕之不能终，是社稷之灵，天下之福也。今不选举焉，而曰必子，人其以朕为忘贤有德者而专于子，非所以忧天下也。朕甚不取也。”有司皆固请曰：“古者殷周有国，治安皆千馀岁，古之有天下者莫长焉，用此道也。立嗣必子，所从来远矣。高帝亲率士大夫，始平天下，建诸侯，为帝者太祖。诸侯王及列侯始受国者皆亦为其国祖。子孙继嗣，世世弗绝，天下之大义也，故高帝设之以抚海内。今释宜建而更选于诸侯及宗室，非高帝之志也。更议不宜。子某最长，纯厚慈仁，请建以为太子。”上乃许之。因赐天下民当代父后者爵各一级封将军薄昭为轵侯。 |
| | In the first month, the officials said: "Establishing a crown prince at an early date is essential for upholding the ancestral temple. "We respectfully request that a crown prince be enfeoffed." The emperor said: "I am lacking in virtue; Heaven and the gods have not yet accepted my offerings, nor has the people of the empire shown satisfaction. "Now even if I cannot widely seek out virtuous and sage men from across the world to whom I might cede power, saying that I should prematurely establish a crown prince would only emphasize my lack of virtue. "What would this say about me before all under Heaven?" "Let it be left as is." The officials said: "Establishing a crown prince in advance is to honor the ancestral temple and state; it shows that we do not forget the empire." The emperor said: "King Chu is my uncle, and he is of advanced age. He has seen much of the principles governing the world and understands the fundamentals of state affairs." "Wu Wang is my elder brother, kind and benevolent with a love for virtue. "King Huainan is my younger brother; he upholds virtue to accompany me." "How could this not be sufficient preparation!" "There are many virtuous and meritorious ministers among the feudal lords, imperial clan members, and my brothers. If we were to select those with virtue to assist me in governance when I am no longer able to rule, this would be a blessing for the state and all under Heaven." "Now, if we do not select from among them but insist it must be my son, people will think I have forgotten the virtuous and talented in favor of my own child. This is not how one should care for all under Heaven." "I find this most unacceptable." The officials all firmly requested, saying: "In ancient times, the Shang and Zhou dynasties ruled their states, enjoying peace for over a thousand years. Among those who held power in antiquity, none lasted longer than these two dynasties; they followed this principle." "Succession must pass to the son; this practice has a long history." "Emperor Gao led the scholars and officials in person, first pacifying the empire and establishing feudal lords; he was the founding ancestor of the imperial house." "The feudal lords and marquises who initially received their fiefs also became ancestors for their respective states." "Descendants succeeding to the title, generation after generation without interruption—this is a great principle of all under Heaven. Therefore, Emperor Gao established this system to govern within the seas." "Now, abandoning what should be established and instead choosing from among the feudal lords or imperial clan is not in accordance with Emperor Gao's will." "Therefore, further discussion is unnecessary." "Prince Mou is the eldest; he is sincere, kind, and compassionate. We respectfully request that he be designated as crown prince." The emperor then agreed to it. He therefore bestowed a rank of one level upon all commoners in the empire who were to succeed their fathers, and enfeoffed General Bao Zhao as Hou of Zhi.
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三月，有司请立皇后。薄太后曰：“诸侯皆同姓，立太子母为皇后。”皇后姓窦氏。上为立后故，赐天下鳏寡孤独穷困及年八十已上孤儿九岁已下布帛米肉各有数。上从代来，初即位，施德惠天下，填抚诸侯四夷皆洽驩，乃循从代来功臣。上曰：“方大臣之诛诸吕迎朕，朕狐疑，皆止朕，唯中尉宋昌劝朕，朕以得保奉宗庙。已尊昌为卫将军，其封昌为壮武侯。诸从朕六人，官皆至九卿。” |
| | In the third month, the officials requested that an empress be established. Empress Dowager Bao said: "The feudal lords are all of the same surname; we should establish the mother of the crown prince as empress." The empress was surnamed Dou. Because the emperor had established an empress, he bestowed cloth, silk, rice, and meat in specified amounts upon all widowers, widows, orphans, destitute people, those over eighty years of age, as well as children under nine who were left without parents. Since the emperor came from Dai, upon his initial accession to the throne, he extended virtue and grace throughout the empire. He pacified the feudal lords as well as the four barbarian groups, achieving harmony and joy among them; thus, he followed the example of those who had come with him from Dai and rewarded their meritorious subjects. The emperor said: "When the great ministers were 诛 ing the Lu clan and welcoming me, I was hesitant. All of them urged me to stop, but only the Commander-in-Chief Song Chang advised me to proceed; thus, I was able to preserve and serve the ancestral temple." He had already honored Chang as Wei Jiangjun. Now he enfeoffed Chang as Zhuangwu Hou. "The six men who followed me, their official ranks all reached the level of Nine Ministers."
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上曰：“列侯从高帝入蜀、汉中者六十八人皆益封各三百户，故吏二千石以上从高帝颍川守尊等十人食邑六百户，淮阳守申徒嘉等十人五百户，卫尉定等十人四百户。封淮南王舅父赵兼为周阳侯，齐王舅父驷钧为清郭侯。”秋，封故常山丞相蔡兼为樊侯。 |
| | The emperor said: "Sixty-eight marquises who followed Emperor Gao into Shu and Hanzhong shall each have their fiefs increased by three hundred households. Ten former officials of the rank of two-thousand-dan who accompanied Emperor Gao, including Yu Zun, the governor of Yingchuan, shall receive six hundred households as stipend; ten others, including Shen Tu Jia, the governor of Huaiyang, shall receive five hundred households each; and ten others, including General Wei Wei Ding, shall receive four hundred households each." "Enfeoff Uncle Zhao Jian of King Huainan as Hou of Zhouyang, and Uncle Si Jun of King Qi as Hou of Qingguo." In autumn, the former Chancellor of Changshan, Cai Jian, was enfeoffed as Hou of Fan.
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人或说右丞相曰：“君本诛诸吕，迎代王，今又矜其功，受上赏，处尊位，祸且及身。”右丞相勃乃谢病免罢，左丞相平专为丞相。 |
| | Someone advised the Right Chancellor, saying: "Originally, you were responsible for 诛 ing the Lu clan and bringing in King Dai. Now you are again taking pride in your achievements, receiving top rewards and occupying a position of great honor; disaster is about to befall you." The Right Chancellor Bo then resigned on grounds of illness, and the Left Chancellor Ping became the sole chancellor.
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二年十月，丞相平卒，复以绛侯勃为丞相。上曰：“朕闻古者诸侯建国千馀（岁），各守其地，以时入贡，民不劳苦，上下驩欣，靡有遗德。今列侯多居长安，邑远，吏卒给输费苦，而列侯亦无由教驯其民。其令列侯之国，为吏及诏所止者，遣太子。” |
| | In the tenth month of the second year, Chancellor Ping died; they again appointed Marquis Jiao Bo as chancellor. The emperor said: "I have heard that in ancient times, feudal lords established their states for over a thousand (years), each guarding their own territory and making timely tributes. The people were not burdened with toil; both rulers and subjects lived in joy and harmony, without any virtue being neglected." "Now many marquises reside in Chang'an; their fiefs are far away. Officials and soldiers tasked with transporting supplies suffer hardships, and the marquises also have no means to educate and govern their people." "Therefore, let all marquises return to their fiefs. Those who are officials or have been ordered by imperial decree to remain shall send their crown princes instead."
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十一月晦，日有食之。十二月望，日又食。上曰：“朕闻之，天生蒸民，为之置君以养治之。人主不德，布政不均，则天示之以灾，以诫不治。乃十一月晦，日有食之，适见于天，灾孰大焉！朕获保宗庙，以微眇之身托于兆民君王之上，天下治乱，在朕一人，唯二三执政犹吾股肱也。朕下不能理育群生，上以累三光之明，其不德大矣。令至，其悉思朕之过失，及知见思之所不及，匄以告朕。及举贤良方正能直言极谏者，以匡朕之不逮。因各饬其任职，务省繇费以便民。朕既不能远德，故憪然念外人之有非，是以设备未息。今纵不能罢边屯戍，而又饬兵厚卫，其罢卫将军军。太仆见马遗财足，馀皆以给传置。” |
| | On the last day of the eleventh month, there was a solar eclipse. On the fifteenth day of the twelfth month, another solar eclipse occurred. The emperor said: "I have heard that Heaven created all people and appointed rulers to nurture and govern them." "If a sovereign lacks virtue, or if his administration is unjust, Heaven will show signs of disaster to warn against misrule." "Thus on the last day of the eleventh moon, there was a solar eclipse, clearly visible in the heavens. What greater disaster could there be!" "I have been entrusted with the ancestral temple, and though I am but a humble person placed above millions of subjects as their sovereign, whether the empire is at peace or in chaos depends solely on me. The few ministers who hold power are like my arms and legs." "I am unable to govern and nurture the people below, thus burdening the brilliance of the three lights above; this is a great failure in virtue." "When my decree reaches you, I order that you all reflect on my faults and shortcomings. If there are matters beyond your knowledge or understanding, please offer them to me in petition." "And recommend those who are virtuous, upright, and capable of speaking out frankly with bold remonstrance to help correct my shortcomings." "Therefore, each official must diligently perform their duties, striving to reduce corvée labor and expenses for the convenience of the people." "I am unable to extend virtue far enough, so I anxiously worry about criticisms from outsiders; therefore, my preparations for defense have not ceased." "Now even if we cannot yet disband the border garrisons and guards, further strengthening troops and heavy protection is unnecessary; therefore, dismiss the army of the Wei Jiangjun." "The Tai Pu shall inspect the horses and remaining supplies. If they are sufficient, the rest should be used to supply relay stations for official messengers."
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正月，上曰：“农，天下之本，其开籍田，朕亲率耕，以给宗庙粢盛。” |
| | In the first month, the emperor said: "Agriculture is the foundation of all under Heaven; therefore, let us open the imperial fields for cultivation. I shall personally lead the plowing to provide offerings of grain for the ancestral temple."
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三月，有司请立皇子为诸侯王。上曰：“赵幽王幽死，朕甚怜之，已立其长子遂为赵王。遂弟辟强及齐悼惠王子朱虚侯章、东牟侯兴居有功，可王。”乃立赵幽王少子辟强为河闲王，以齐剧郡立朱虚侯为城阳王，立东牟侯为济北王，皇子武为代王，子参为太原王，子揖为梁王。 |
| | In the third month, officials requested that the emperor's sons be enfeoffed as feudal lords. The emperor said: "King You of Zhao died in sorrow; I feel deeply for him, and have already enfeoffed his eldest son Sui as King of Zhao." "Su's younger brother Pijiang, and Zhu Xu Hou Zhang, son of King Dao Hui of Qi, as well as Dong Mou Hou Xingju, have all rendered meritorious service; they may be enfeoffed as kings." Thus, they enfeoffed the younger son of King You of Zhao, Pijiang, as King Hejian; established Zhu Xu Hou in Jiju Commandery of Qi as King Chengyang; enfeoffed Dong Mou Hou as King Jinbei; and enfeoffed Prince Wu as King Dai, Prince Can as King Taiyuan, and Prince Yi as King Liang.
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上曰：“古之治天下，朝有进善之旌，诽谤之木，所以通治道而来谏者。今法有诽谤妖言之罪，是使众臣不敢尽情，而上无由闻过失也。将何以来远方之贤良？其除之。民或祝诅上以相约结而后相谩，吏以为大逆，其有他言，而吏又以为诽谤。此细民之愚无知抵死，朕甚不取。自今以来，有犯此者勿听治。” |
| | The emperor said: "In ancient times, those who governed the empire had banners in court to encourage good counsel and wooden posts for criticism; these were used to open channels of governance and invite remonstrances." "Now, the law imposes punishment for slander or superstitious speech; this causes officials to dare not speak their true thoughts, and prevents me from learning of my faults." "How then can I attract virtuous men from afar?" "Therefore, abolish this law." "Some commoners cursed the emperor in oaths with others, and then insulted each other. Officials regarded this as great treason; if there were any other remarks, officials also considered them slander." "These are ignorant commoners who deserve no death for their foolishness. I find this unacceptable." "From now on, if anyone is accused of such offenses, do not permit the case to be heard in court."
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九月，初与郡国守相为铜虎符、竹使符。 |
| | In September, for the first time, he issued bronze tiger seals and bamboo envoy tokens to the governors of commanderies and states.
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三年十月丁酉晦，日有食之。十一月，上曰：“前日（计）［诏］遣列侯之国，或辞未行。丞相朕之所重，其为朕率列侯之国。”绛侯勃免丞相就国，以太尉颍阴侯婴为丞相。罢太尉官，属丞相。四月，城阳王章薨。淮南王长与从者魏敬杀辟阳侯审食其。 |
| | On the day Dingyou of the tenth month in the third year (the last day), there was a solar eclipse. In the eleventh month, the emperor said: "Previously, I (ordered) [issued an edict] to send marquises back to their fiefs, but some have delayed and not yet departed." "The chancellor is the one I value most; he must lead the marquises in returning to their fiefs for me." Marquis Jiao Bo was dismissed from his post as chancellor and returned to his fief. The Grand Marshal Ying Yin Hou Ying became the new chancellor. The position of Grand Marshal was abolished, its duties transferred to the chancellor. In April, King Zhang of Chengyang died. King Chang of Huainan and his attendant Wei Jing killed Hou Shenyi Ji.
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五月，匈奴入北地，居河南为寇。帝初幸甘泉。六月，帝曰：“汉与匈奴约为昆弟，毋使害边境，所以输遗匈奴甚厚。今右贤王离其国，将众居河南降地，非常故，往来近塞，捕杀吏卒，驱保塞蛮夷，令不得居其故，陵轹边吏，入盗，甚敖无道，非约也。其发边吏骑八万五千诣高奴，遣丞相颍阴侯灌婴击匈奴。”匈奴去，发中尉材官属卫将军军长安。 |
| | In May, the Xiongnu invaded Beidi Commandery and took up residence in the southern part of the Yellow River to raid settlements. The emperor first visited Ganzhuang. In June, the emperor said: "Han and the Xiongnu had an agreement to be like brothers, not allowing harm to our borders. For this reason, we have given them generous gifts." "Now, the Right Chanyu has left his territory and led a large force to reside in the southern region of Han's surrendered lands. This is abnormal; they move near our frontier, capturing and killing officials and soldiers, driving away the border-dwelling barbarians from their homes, insulting local officers, committing thefts, and acting with great arrogance and lawlessness—this violates our agreement." "Therefore, mobilize eight thousand five hundred cavalry from the border officials to Gaonu, and dispatch Chancellor Ying Yin Hou Guan Ying to attack the Xiongnu." After the Xiongnu withdrew, troops of the Commander-in-Chief's material forces were assigned to General Wei's army in Chang'an.
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辛卯，帝自甘泉之高奴，因幸太原，见故群臣，皆赐之。举功行赏，诸民里赐牛酒。复晋阳中都民三岁。留游太原十馀日。 |
| | On the Xinmao day, the emperor traveled from Ganzhuang to Gaonu and then visited Taiyuan. There he met with former ministers and bestowed gifts upon them all. He awarded rewards for meritorious service, bestowing cattle and wine to the people in each village. The tax burden on the people of Jinyang Zhongdu was suspended for three years. He stayed and toured Taiyuan for more than ten days.
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济北王兴居闻帝之代，欲往击胡，乃反，发兵欲袭荥阳。于是诏罢丞相兵，遣棘蒲侯陈武为大将军，将十万往击之。祁侯贺为将军，军荥阳。七月辛亥，帝自太原至长安。乃诏有司曰：“济北王背德反上，诖误吏民，为大逆。济北吏民兵未至先自定，及以军地邑降者，皆赦之，复官爵。与王兴居去来，亦赦之。”八月，破济北军，虏其王。赦济北诸吏民与王反者。 |
| | King Xingju of Jinbei, hearing that the emperor was going to Dai, wanted to go and attack the Hu people. Instead, he rebelled, raising troops to launch a surprise attack on Yingyang. The emperor then issued an order to disband the chancellor's troops and dispatched Ji Pu Hou Chen Wu as Grand General, commanding ten thousand men to attack him. Qi Hou He was appointed general and stationed at Yingyang. In the seventh month, on the Xinhai day, the emperor returned from Taiyuan to Chang'an. He then issued an edict to the officials saying: "King Jinbei betrayed virtue and rebelled against his sovereign, misleading officials and commoners; this constitutes great treason." "Those among the Jinbei officials, people, or soldiers who had not yet arrived but resolved themselves on their own, as well as those who surrendered with their military garrisons and fiefs, shall all be pardoned and restored to their official positions and ranks." "Those who went away or returned with King Xingju will also be pardoned." In August, the Jinbei forces were defeated and its king captured. The emperor pardoned all officials and commoners from Jinbei who had rebelled with the king.
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六年，有司言淮南王长废先帝法，不听天子诏，居处毋度，出入拟于天子，擅为法令，与棘蒲侯太子奇谋反，遣人使闽越及匈奴，发其兵，欲以危宗庙社稷。群臣议，皆曰“长当弃市”帝不忍致法于王，赦其罪，废勿王。群臣请处王蜀严道、邛都，帝许之。长未到处所，行病死，上怜之。后十六年，追尊淮南王长谥为厉王，立其子三人为淮南王、衡山王、庐江王。 |
| | In the sixth year, officials reported that King Chang of Huainan had violated the laws of the previous emperor and disobeyed imperial edicts. His manner of living was without restraint, his comings and goings resembled those of an emperor, he arbitrarily issued decrees, and conspired with Prince Qi, son of Ji Pu Hou, to rebel. He sent envoys to Minyue and the Xiongnu, mobilizing their troops in order to endanger the ancestral temple and state. The ministers deliberated and all said, "Chang should be executed in the public square." The emperor, however, could not bear to subject the king to legal punishment. He pardoned his crime but deposed him from kingship. The ministers requested that King Chang be exiled to Yandao or Qiongdu in Shu, and the emperor agreed. Before he could reach his place of exile, King Chang fell ill and died on the way; the emperor felt pity for him. Sixteen years later, he posthumously honored King Chang of Huainan with the title "King Li," and enfeoffed his three sons as King of Huainan, King of Hengshan, and King of Lujiang.
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十三年夏，上曰：“盖闻天道祸自怨起而福繇德兴。百官之非，宜由朕躬。今秘祝之官移过于下，以彰吾之不德，朕甚不取。其除之。” |
| | In the summer of the thirteenth year, the emperor said: "I have heard that according to Heaven's way, calamity arises from resentment and blessings come through virtue." "If there are faults among officials, they should be attributed to me personally." "Now the secret priests transfer blame onto subordinates in order to highlight my lack of virtue; I find this most unacceptable." "Let it be abolished."
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五月，齐太仓令淳于公有罪当刑，诏狱逮徙系长安。太仓公无男，有女五人。太仓公将行会逮，骂其女曰：“生子不生男，有缓急非有益也！”其少女缇萦自伤泣，乃随其父至长安，上书曰：“妾父为吏，齐中皆称其廉平，今坐法当刑。妾伤夫死者不可复生，刑者不可复属，虽复欲改过自新，其道无由也。妾愿没入为官婢，赎父刑罪，使得自新。”书奏天子，天子怜悲其意，乃下诏曰：“盖闻有虞氏之时，画衣冠异章服以为僇，而民不犯。何则？至治也。今法有肉刑三，而奸不止，其咎安在？非乃朕德薄而教不明欤？吾甚自愧。故夫驯道不纯而愚民陷焉。《》曰‘恺悌君子，民之父母’。今人有过，教未施而刑加焉？或欲改行为善而道毋由也。朕甚怜之。夫刑至断支体，刻肌肤，终身不息，何其楚痛而不德也，岂称为民父母之意哉！其除肉刑。” |
| | In the fifth month, Chunyu Gong, the Tai Cang commandant of Qi, was guilty and sentenced to corporal punishment. The imperial court ordered his arrest and transfer for imprisonment in Chang'an. Commander Tai Cang had no sons, only five daughters. As Commander Tai Cang was about to be taken into custody, he scolded his daughters and said: "You bore me daughters but no sons; in times of crisis, they are of no help at all!" His youngest daughter, Tiying, was deeply distressed and wept. She followed her father to Chang'an and submitted a petition saying: "My father served as an official; he was universally praised in Qi for his integrity and fairness. Now he has been sentenced to corporal punishment due to legal violations. "I am distressed that the dead cannot be brought back to life, and those who have been punished cannot regain their former state. Even if they wish to reform themselves and start anew, there is no way for them to do so." "I humbly request to be conscripted as a palace servant in order to redeem my father's punishment and allow him the chance to reform himself." The emperor read the petition and was moved by her filial devotion. He issued an edict saying: "I have heard that in the time of Youyu, people were marked with distinctive clothing to distinguish them as criminals, yet the people did not commit offenses. "Why was this so?" "Because it was a time of perfect governance." "Now, with three forms of corporal punishment in the law, yet crimes still do not cease—where lies the fault?" "Is it not because my virtue is shallow and my teachings are unclear?" "I am deeply ashamed." "Therefore, the moral guidance is not pure, and ignorant people fall into misdeeds." "The Book of Songs says: 'A kind and benevolent gentleman is the father and mother of the people.'" "Now, when a person commits an offense, punishment is imposed before instruction has been given? "Some may wish to reform and do good but have no way to do so." "I feel deeply for them." "Corporal punishment, which cuts off limbs and scars the flesh, causes lifelong suffering. How cruel and lacking in virtue is this? Could it possibly align with the meaning of being a father or mother to the people?" "Therefore, let corporal punishment be abolished."
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上曰：“农，天下之本，务莫大焉。今勤身从事而有租税之赋，是为本末者毋以异，其于劝农之道未备。其除田之租税。” |
| | The emperor said: "Agriculture is the foundation of the empire; there can be no greater priority than this. "Now, those who toil diligently in farming still bear the burden of taxes and levies. This makes no distinction between fundamentals and peripherals; it is not yet complete as a means of encouraging agriculture." "Therefore, let land taxes be abolished."
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十四年冬，匈奴谋入边为寇，攻朝那塞，杀北地都尉卬。上乃遣三将军军陇西、北地、上郡，中尉周舍为卫将军，郎中令张武为车骑将军，军渭北，车千乘，骑卒十万。帝亲自劳军，勒兵申教令，赐军吏卒。帝欲自将击匈奴，群臣谏，皆不听。皇太后固要帝，帝乃止。于是以东阳侯张相如为大将军，成侯赤为内史，栾布为将军，击匈奴。匈奴遁走。 |
| | In the winter of the fourteenth year, the Xiongnu plotted to invade the border and attacked Chouna Pass, killing Duwei Ang of Beidi. The emperor then dispatched three generals to station troops in Longxi, Beidi, and Shangjun. Zhongwei Zhou She was appointed as Wei General, Langzhongling Zhang Wu as Chaji General, stationed north of the Wei River with a thousand chariots and ten thousand cavalry soldiers. The emperor personally visited the troops to encourage them, inspected the forces, reiterated military orders, and bestowed rewards upon officers and soldiers. The emperor wished to lead his own campaign against the Xiongnu; ministers advised against it, but he would not listen. The empress dowager strongly urged the emperor, and so he finally desisted. Therefore, Zhang Xiangru, Marquis of Dongyang, was appointed as Grand General; Cheng Hou Chi as Neishi; and Luan Bu as General to attack the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu retreated.
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春，上曰：“朕获执牺牲圭币以事上帝宗庙，十四年于今，历日（县）［绵］长，以不敏不明而久抚临天下，朕甚自愧。其广增诸祀墠场圭币。昔先王远施不求其报，望祀不祈其福，右贤左戚，先民后己，至明之极也。今吾闻祠官祝厘，皆归福朕躬，不为百姓，朕甚愧之。夫以朕不德，而躬享独美其福，百姓不与焉，是重吾不德。其令祠官致敬，毋有所祈。” |
| | In spring, the emperor said: "I have been entrusted with sacrificial jade and offerings to serve Heaven and the ancestral temple. Fourteen years have passed since then; my reign has lasted long, yet I am slow-witted and lacking in clarity while governing the empire for so long. I feel deeply ashamed." "Therefore, let the altars and fields of various sacrifices be expanded, along with jade and offerings." "In the past, sage kings extended their benevolence without seeking reward; they honored distant deities in ritual offerings without praying for blessings. They valued virtue over kinship, placed the people before themselves—this was the ultimate manifestation of wisdom." "Now I have heard that officials in charge of sacrifices and blessings pray for benefits to be bestowed upon me personally, not for the people. This deeply shames me." "That I, lacking virtue, should personally enjoy such exclusive blessings while the people receive none—this only compounds my lack of virtue." "Therefore, let officials in charge of sacrifices offer their respects without making any prayers for personal gain."
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是时北平侯张苍为丞相，方明律历。鲁人公孙臣上书陈终始传五德事，言方今土德时，土德应黄龙见，当改正朔服色制度。天子下其事与丞相议。丞相推以为今水德，始明正十月上黑事，以为其言非是，请罢之。 |
| | At this time, Zhang Cang, Marquis of Beiping, was Chancellor and was just clarifying the laws and calendar. Gongsun Chen of Lu submitted a memorial discussing the theory of the Five Virtues and their cyclical succession, stating that at present it was the time of Earth virtue. According to this doctrine, when Earth virtue prevailed, yellow dragons would appear, and thus the calendar, colors, dress code, and systems should be changed accordingly. The emperor referred the matter to the Chancellor for discussion. The Chancellor argued that it was currently the time of Water virtue, and had already established the tenth month as the beginning of the year with emphasis on black. He considered Gongsun Chen's claims incorrect and requested to dismiss them.
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十五年，黄龙见成纪，天子乃复召鲁公孙臣，以为博士，申明土德事。于是上乃下诏曰：“有异物之神见于成纪，无害于民，岁以有年。朕亲郊祀上帝诸神。礼官议，毋讳以劳朕。”有司礼官皆曰：“古者天子夏躬亲礼祀上帝于郊，故曰郊。”于是天子始幸雍，郊见五帝，以孟夏四月答礼焉。赵人新垣平以望气见，因说上设立渭阳五庙。欲出周鼎，当有玉英见。 |
| | In the fifteenth year, a yellow dragon appeared in Chengji; the emperor then summoned Gongsun Chen of Lu again and appointed him as a Doctor to elaborate on the doctrine of Earth virtue. Therefore, the emperor issued an edict stating: "A divine being in the form of a strange creature has appeared in Chengji. It has caused no harm to the people and this year has been one of good harvests." "I have personally conducted suburban sacrifices to Heaven and all deities." "The ritual officials deliberated, saying that I should not be spared the labor of these ceremonies." The officials and ritual officers all said: "In ancient times, emperors personally performed sacrifices to Heaven in the suburbs during summer; hence it was called 'jiao' (suburban sacrifice)." Thus, the emperor first visited Yong to perform a suburban sacrifice to the Five Emperors, offering formal rites in the first month of summer, on the fourth lunar month. Xinyuan Ping of Zhao presented himself to the emperor by interpreting atmospheric signs and advised the emperor to establish five ancestral temples in Weiyang. He claimed that if the Zhou dynasty's Tripod were to be unearthed, jade flowers would appear as a sign.
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十六年，上亲郊见渭阳五帝庙，亦以夏答礼而尚赤。 |
| | In the sixteenth year, the emperor personally performed a suburban sacrifice at the Five Emperors Temple in Weiyang, offering formal rites during summer and emphasizing red as the favored color.
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十七年，得玉杯，刻曰“人主延寿”。于是天子始更为元年，令天下大酺。其岁，新垣平事觉，夷三族。 |
| | In the seventeenth year, a jade cup was found, inscribed with "The ruler's longevity is extended." Therefore, the emperor began anew as the first year of his reign and decreed a grand public feast for all under heaven. In that year, Xinyuan Ping's deception was uncovered, and he was executed along with three generations of his family.
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后二年，上曰：“朕既不明，不能远德，是以使方外之国或不宁息。夫四荒之外不安其生，封畿之内勤劳不处，二者之咎，皆自于朕之德薄而不能远达也。闲者累年，匈奴并暴边境，多杀吏民，边臣兵吏又不能谕吾内志，以重吾不德也。夫久结难连兵，中外之国将何以自宁？今朕夙兴夜寐，勤劳天下，忧苦万民，为之怛惕不安，未尝一日忘于心，故遣使者冠盖相望，结轶于道，以谕朕意于单于。今单于反古之道，计社稷之安，便万民之利，亲与朕俱弃细过，偕之大道，结兄弟之义，以全天下元元之民。和亲已定，始于今年。” |
| | Two years later, the emperor said: "I have been lacking in wisdom and unable to extend virtue, which is why some distant foreign states remain unsettled. "The people beyond the four frontiers do not enjoy peace, and within my capital domain, those who labor diligently find no respite. The fault for both lies in my shallow virtue and inability to extend benevolence far and wide." "In recent years, the Xiongnu have repeatedly ravaged our borders, killing many officials and civilians. Border commanders and soldiers have also failed to convey my inner intentions, further compounding my lack of virtue." "Continued conflict and prolonged warfare will leave both the empire's interior and foreign states without peace. How can they find tranquility?" "Now I rise early and sleep late, toiling for the empire and worrying over the hardships of my people. I have never forgotten this in a single day; thus, I have sent envoys with successive carriages traveling along the roads to convey my intentions to the Chanyu." "Now, Chanyu, you have returned to the ancient way. Considering the safety of your state and the benefit of your people, let us personally set aside minor grievances and walk together on the great path, forming a brotherly bond in order to preserve peace for all the common people under heaven." "The pact of peaceful marriage is now established, beginning this year."
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后六年冬，匈奴三万人入上郡，三万人入云中。以中大夫令勉为车骑将军，军飞狐；故楚相苏意为将军，军句注；将军张武屯北地；河内守周亚夫为将军，居细柳；宗正刘礼为将军，居霸上；祝兹侯军棘门：以备胡。数月，胡人去，亦罢。 |
| | In the winter six years later, 30,000 Xiongnu troops entered Shangjun and another 30,000 entered Yunzhong. The emperor appointed Zhongdafa Ling Mian as Chaji General to command troops at Feihu; the former prime minister of Chu, Su Yi, was made general and stationed at Juzhu; General Zhang Wu garrisoned Beidi; and Zhou Yafu, the governor of Hedong, was appointed general and stationed at Xiliu; Zongzheng Liu Li was made general and stationed in Bashang; and Hou Jun Jipumen of Zhuci: to guard against the Xiongnu. After several months, the Hu people withdrew and so did the troops.
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| | 孝文本纪: |
天下旱，蝗。帝加惠：令诸侯毋入贡，弛山泽，减诸服御狗马，损郎吏员，发仓庾以振贫民，民得卖爵。 |
| | A drought occurred across the empire, accompanied by a locust plague. The emperor extended his grace: he ordered the feudal lords to cease their tributes, relaxed restrictions on mountains and lakes, reduced the number of dogs, horses, and attendants used for personal service, cut down the staff of palace officials, opened granaries to relieve poor people, and allowed commoners to sell noble ranks.
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| | 孝文本纪: |
孝文帝从代来，即位二十三年，宫室苑囿狗马服御无所增益，有不便，辄弛以利民。尝欲作露台，召匠计之，直百金。上曰：“百金中民十家之产，吾奉先帝宫室，常恐羞之，何以台为！”上常衣绨衣，所幸慎夫人，令衣不得曳地，帏帐不得文绣，以示敦朴，为天下先。治霸陵皆以瓦器，不得以金银铜锡为饰，不治坟，欲为省，毋烦民。南越王尉佗自立为武帝，然上召贵尉佗兄弟，以德报之，佗遂去帝称臣。与匈奴和亲，匈奴背约入盗，然令边备守，不发兵深入，恶烦苦百姓。吴王诈病不朝，就赐几杖。群臣如袁盎等称说虽切，常假借用之。群臣如张武等受赂遗金钱，觉，上乃发御府金钱赐之，以愧其心，弗下吏。专务以德化民，是以海内殷富，兴于礼义。 |
| | Emperor Xiaowen, since coming from Dai to the throne, had reigned for twenty-three years. During this time, he made no additions to palaces, parks, dogs, horses, or personal luxuries; whenever something proved inconvenient, he would relax it for the benefit of the people. He once wished to build an open-air pavilion and summoned craftsmen to estimate its cost, which came out to be 100 gold pieces. The emperor said: "One hundred gold pieces is the property of ten middle-class families. I already receive ample provisions for the palace built by my predecessor, and I have always feared bringing shame to it; why would I need a pavilion?" The emperor often wore plain hemp clothing. For the lady-in-waiting Shen Fu, whom he favored, he decreed that her robes must not trail on the ground and that curtains and canopies could not be embroidered with patterns; this was to demonstrate simplicity and set an example for all under heaven. The construction of his tomb, Balin, was to use only earthenware; no gold, silver, copper, or tin decorations were allowed. No large mound would be built for the tomb, as he wished it to be simple and not burden the people. King Wei Tuo of Nanyue declared himself Emperor Wu, but when the emperor summoned and honored his brothers with high status as a gesture of virtue, Tuo abandoned his imperial title and submitted as a vassal. Although the Xiongnu violated the peace treaty by raiding, the emperor ordered border defenses to be maintained but did not send troops for deep incursions, unwilling to trouble and exhaust the people. King Wu of Wu pretended to be ill and refused to attend court; the emperor sent him a stool and walking stick as a gift instead. Ministers such as Yuan Ang, though they spoke bluntly in their advice, were often treated with leniency and tolerance by the emperor. Ministers such as Zhang Wu who accepted bribes and money were discovered, but instead of punishing them, the emperor gave them money from his own treasury to shame their consciences and did not hand them over to officials for prosecution. He focused solely on transforming the people through virtue, so that within the empire wealth flourished and rites and righteousness thrived.
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| | 孝文本纪: |
后七年六月己亥，帝崩于未央宫。遗诏曰：“朕闻盖天下万物之萌生，靡不有死。死者天地之理，物之自然者，奚可甚哀。当今之时，世咸嘉生而恶死，厚葬以破业，重服以伤生，吾甚不取。且朕既不德，无以佐百姓；今崩，又使重服久临，以离寒暑之数，哀人之父子，伤长幼之志，损其饮食，绝鬼神之祭祀，以重吾不德也，谓天下何！朕获保宗庙，以眇眇之身托于天下君王之上，二十有馀年矣。赖天地之灵，社稷之福，方内安宁，靡有兵革。朕既不敏，常畏过行，以羞先帝之遗德；维年之久长，惧于不终。今乃幸以天年，得复供养于高庙。朕之不明与嘉之，其奚哀悲之有！其令天下吏民，令到出临三日，皆释服。毋禁取妇嫁女祠祀饮酒食肉者。自当给丧事服临者，皆无践。绖带无过三寸，毋布车及兵器，毋发民男女哭临宫殿。宫殿中当临者，皆以旦夕各十五举声，礼毕罢。非旦夕临时，禁毋得擅哭。已下，服大红十五日，小红十四日，纤七日，释服。佗不在令中者，皆以此令比率从事。布告天下，使明知朕意。霸陵山川因其故，毋有所改。归夫人以下至少使。”令中尉亚夫为车骑将军，属国悍为将屯将军，郎中令武为复土将军，发近县见卒万六千人，发内史卒万五千人，藏郭穿复土属将军武。 |
| | Seven years later, on the Jihai day of the sixth month (June 15, 180 AD), the emperor died in Weiyang Palace. The imperial will stated: "I have heard that all living things under heaven, from their first sprout to growth, inevitably face death. "Death is the natural order of Heaven and Earth; it is an inevitable part of life's cycle. Why should one grieve excessively?" "In our time, people generally value life and fear death. Excessive funeral expenses ruin families, and prolonged mourning harms the living; I find this unacceptable." "Moreover, since my virtue has been lacking, I have not been able to assist the people properly; now that I have died, if the people are made to mourn for a long time and endure the hardships of changing seasons, grieving fathers and sons, harming the wills of the young and old, reducing their food intake, and interrupting sacrifices to ancestors and deities, this would only compound my lack of virtue. What justification could I have before all under heaven!" "I have been entrusted with the ancestral temple, and for over twenty years my humble self has occupied a position above all kings and rulers under heaven. "Thanks to the blessings of Heaven and Earth, and the fortune of the state, peace has prevailed within my domain without war or conflict. "I have been slow-witted and always feared making mistakes that would bring shame to the virtue left by my predecessor emperor; "Throughout these many years, I have feared failing to complete my duties properly." "Now, by the grace of Heaven's allotted span, I am fortunate enough to be able to offer sacrifices once more at the High Temple. "If my unworthiness is overlooked and I receive such honor, what sorrow or grief could there possibly be!" "Therefore, I command all officials and commoners throughout the empire to mourn for only three days upon receiving this order, after which they should resume their normal attire." "Do not prohibit those who wish to marry, give in marriage, perform ancestral rites, drink wine, or eat meat." "As for those responsible for funeral arrangements and mourning attire, they should proceed without unnecessary restrictions." "Widow's bands should not exceed three cun in width; do not use funeral carts or weapons, and do not mobilize men and women from the populace to weep at the palace." "Those within the palace who are required to mourn should each raise their voices fifteen times in the morning and evening; after completing these rites, they may disperse." "At any time other than the designated mourning hours, no one is allowed to weep without permission." "After this order has been issued, mourners should wear deep red for fifteen days, light red for fourteen days, and plain mourning attire for seven days, after which they may resume normal clothing." "Those matters not specified in this order should be carried out according to the principles outlined here." "Announce this throughout the empire so that all may clearly understand my intentions." "The mountains and rivers of Baling should remain as they are; do not make any changes. "Return the concubines, from those of high rank down to the attendants." The emperor ordered Zhongwei Yafu as Chaji General, Shuguozhan Han as Jiangtun General, Langzhongling Wu as Futi General, and mobilized 16,000 conscripts from nearby counties and 15,000 soldiers from the Neishi to be placed under General Wu for the tasks of burial construction, excavation, and backfilling.
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| | 孝文本纪: |
乙巳，群臣皆顿首上尊号曰孝文皇帝。 |
| | On the Yisi day (April 12, 180 AD) all ministers kowtowed in unison and bestowed the honored title of Emperor Xiaowen.
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| | 孝文本纪: |
太子即位于高庙。丁未，袭号曰皇帝。 |
| | The crown prince ascended the throne at the High Temple. On the Dingwei day (April 14, 180 AD), he assumed the title of emperor.
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| | 孝文本纪: |
孝景皇帝元年十月，制诏御史：“盖闻古者祖有功而宗有德，制礼乐各有由。闻歌者，所以发德也；舞者，所以明功也。高庙酎，奏武德、文始、五行之舞。孝惠庙酎，奏文始、五行之舞。孝文皇帝临天下，通关梁，不异远方。除诽谤，去肉刑，赏赐长老，收恤孤独，以育群生。减嗜欲，不受献，不私其利也。罪人不帑，不诛无罪。除（肉）［宫］刑，出美人，重绝人之世。朕既不敏，不能识。此皆上古之所不及，而孝文皇帝亲行之。德厚侔天地，利泽施四海，靡不获福焉。明象乎日月，而庙乐不称。朕甚惧焉。其为孝文皇帝庙为昭德之舞，以明休德。然后祖宗之功德著于竹帛，施于万世，永永无穷，朕甚嘉之。其与丞相、列侯、中二千石、礼官具为礼仪奏。”丞相臣嘉等言：“陛下永思孝道，立昭德之舞以明孝文皇帝之盛德。皆臣嘉等愚所不及。臣谨议：世功莫大于高皇帝，德莫盛于孝文皇帝，高皇庙宜为帝者太祖之庙，孝文皇帝庙宜为帝者太宗之庙。天子宜世世献祖宗之庙。郡国诸侯宜各为孝文皇帝立太宗之庙。诸侯王列侯使者侍祠天子，岁献祖宗之庙。请著之竹帛，宣布天下。”制曰：“可。” |
| | In the tenth month of the first year of Emperor Xiaojing's reign, an imperial decree was issued to the Grand Historian: "I have heard that in ancient times, ancestors were honored for their achievements and revered for their virtue; rituals and music were established according to these principles. "Music is used to express virtue; "dance is used to illustrate achievements. At the High Temple, during the zhou wine ceremony, the dances of Wude, Wenshi, and Wuxing were performed. At the Temple of Emperor Xiaohui for the zhou wine offering, the Wenshi and Wuxing dances were performed. Emperor Xiaowen ruled over all under heaven, opening up passes and bridges without distinguishing between distant or nearby regions. He abolished slander laws, removed corporal punishments, rewarded the elderly with gifts, provided care for orphans and widows, and nurtured all living beings. He curbed his desires, refused tributes, and did not seek personal gain. He did not confiscate the property of criminals or execute those who were innocent. He abolished castration, released concubines, and valued preserving family lineages rather than severing them. "I am not wise enough to recognize these things." "These were all beyond the reach of ancient times, yet Emperor Xiaowen personally practiced them. "His virtue was as great as Heaven and Earth; his blessings extended to all under the four seas, and none failed to receive fortune." The emperor's virtues shone like the sun and moon, yet the temple music did not adequately reflect this. "I am deeply troubled by this." "Therefore, a dance called Zhuangde shall be performed at the Temple of Emperor Xiaowen to honor and illuminate his virtuous deeds." "Only then will the achievements and virtue of our ancestors be recorded on bamboo slips and silk, passed down through countless generations, enduring eternally without end. I find this most commendable." "Work together with the Chancellor, Marquises, officials of rank Zhong Erqianshi, and ritual officers to prepare the proper rites and submit them." The Chancellor, Minister Jia, and others stated: "Your Majesty has always deeply considered filial piety by establishing the Zhuangde dance to honor Emperor Xiaowen's great virtue. "This is beyond our humble understanding as ministers." "We humbly propose: the greatest achievement of any generation belongs to Emperor Gaozu, and no virtue surpasses that of Emperor Xiaowen; therefore, the temple of Emperor Gaozu should be honored as the Taizu Temple for emperors, and the temple of Emperor Xiaowen should be designated as the Taizong Temple." "It is appropriate for successive emperors to offer sacrifices at their ancestors' temples. "Prefectures, states, and feudal lords should each establish a Taizong Temple for Emperor Xiaowen." "Feudal kings, marquises, envoys, and attendants should serve in the ancestral rites for the Son of Heaven, offering annual sacrifices at the temples of their ancestors." "We respectfully request that this be recorded on bamboo slips and announced throughout the empire." The imperial decree stated: "Approved."
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| | 孝文本纪: |
太史公曰：孔子言“必世然后仁。善人之治国百年，亦可以胜残去杀”。诚哉是言！汉兴，至孝文四十有馀载，德至盛也。廪廪乡改正服封禅矣，谦让未成于今。呜呼，岂不仁哉！ |
| | Grand Historian said: Confucius said, "It must take a generation before benevolence can be realized. "A hundred years of good governance by virtuous people is also sufficient to overcome cruelty and eliminate killing." How true these words are! Since the founding of the Han dynasty, it took over forty years until Emperor Xiaowen's reign—this was a time of truly great virtue. "Though the people were already prepared for ritual reforms, sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, and changes in ceremonial dress, humility and restraint prevented these from being completed in our time." Alas! Was this not an act of benevolence?
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