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孝文皇帝，高祖中子也。高祖十一年春，已破陳豨軍，定代地，立為代王，都中都。太后薄氏子。即位十七年，高后八年七月，高后崩。九月，諸呂呂產等欲為亂，以危劉氏，大臣共誅之，謀召立代王，事在呂后語中。 |
| | 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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丞相陳平、太尉周勃等使人迎代王。代王問左右郎中令張武等。張武等議曰：「漢大臣皆故高帝時大將，習兵，多謀詐，此其屬意非止此也，特畏高帝、呂太后威耳。今已誅諸呂，新啑血京師，此以迎大王為名，實不可信。願大王稱疾毋往，以觀其變。」中尉宋昌進曰：「群臣之議皆非也。夫秦失其政，諸侯豪桀并起，人人自以為得之者以萬數，然卒踐天子之位者，劉氏也，天下絕望，一矣。高帝封王子弟，地犬牙相制，此所謂盤石之宗也，天下服其彊，二矣。漢興，除秦苛政，約法令，施德惠，人人自安，難動搖，三矣。夫以呂太后之嚴，立諸呂為三王，擅權專制，然而太尉以一節入北軍，一呼士皆左袒，為劉氏，叛諸呂，卒以滅之。此乃天授，非人力也。今大臣雖欲為變，百姓弗為使，其黨寧能專一邪？方今內有朱虛、東牟之親，外畏吳、楚、淮南、瑯邪、齊、代之彊。方今高帝子獨淮南王與大王，大王又長，賢聖仁孝，聞於天下，故大臣因天下之心而欲迎立大王，大王勿疑也。」代王報太后計之，猶與未定。卜之龜，卦兆得大橫。占曰：「大橫庚庚，余為天王，夏啟以光。」代王曰：「寡人固已為王矣，又何王？」卜人曰：「所謂天王者乃天子。」於是代王乃遣太后弟薄昭往見絳侯，絳侯等具為昭言所以迎立王意。薄昭還報曰：「信矣，毋可疑者。」代王乃笑謂宋昌曰：「果如公言。」乃命宋昌參乘，張武等六人乘傳詣長安。至高陵休止，而使宋昌先馳之長安觀變。 |
| | 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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昌至渭橋，丞相以下皆迎。宋昌還報。代王馳至渭橋，群臣拜謁稱臣。代王下車拜。太尉勃進曰：「願請閒言。」宋昌曰：「所言公，公言之。所言私，王者不受私。」太尉乃跪上天子璽符。代王謝曰：「至代邸而議之。」遂馳入代邸。群臣從至。丞相陳平、太尉周勃、大將軍陳武、御史大夫張蒼、宗正劉郢、朱虛侯劉章、東牟侯劉興居、典客劉揭皆再拜言曰：「子弘等皆非孝惠帝子，不當奉宗廟。臣謹請（與）陰安侯列侯頃王后與瑯邪王、宗室、大臣、列侯、吏二千石議曰：『大王高帝長子，宜為高帝嗣。』願大王即天子位。」代王曰：「奉高帝宗廟，重事也。寡人不佞，不足以稱宗廟。願請楚王計宜者，寡人不敢當。」群臣皆伏固請。代王西鄉讓者三，南鄉讓者再。丞相平等皆曰：「臣伏計之，大王奉高帝宗廟最宜稱，雖天下諸侯萬民以為宜。臣等為宗廟社稷計，不敢忽。願大王幸聽臣等。臣謹奉天子璽符再拜上。」代王曰：「宗室將相王列侯以為莫宜寡人，寡人不敢辭。」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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群臣以禮次侍。乃使太仆嬰與東牟侯興居清宮，奉天子法駕，迎于代邸。皇帝即日夕入未央宮。乃夜拜宋昌為衛將軍，鎮撫南北軍。以張武為郎中令，行殿中。還坐前殿。於是夜下詔書曰：「閒者諸呂用事擅權，謀為大逆，欲以危劉氏宗廟，賴將相列侯宗室大臣誅之，皆伏其辜。朕初即位，其赦天下，賜民爵一級，女子百戶牛酒，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，謁高廟。右丞相平徙為左丞相，太尉勃為右丞相，大將軍灌嬰為太尉。諸呂所奪齊楚故地，皆復與之。 |
| | 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，遣車騎將軍薄昭迎皇太后於代。皇帝曰：「呂產自置為相國，呂祿為上將軍，擅矯遣灌將軍嬰將兵擊齊，欲代劉氏，嬰留滎陽弗擊，與諸侯合謀以誅呂氏。呂產欲為不善，丞相陳平與太尉周勃謀奪呂產等軍。朱虛侯劉章首先捕呂產等。太尉身率襄平侯通持節承詔入北軍。典客劉揭身奪趙王呂祿印。益封太尉勃萬戶，賜金五千斤。丞相陳平、灌將軍嬰邑各三千戶，金二千斤。朱虛侯劉章、襄平侯通、東牟侯劉興居邑各二千戶，金千斤。封典客揭為陽信侯，賜金千斤。」 |
| | 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。今犯法已論，而使毋罪之父母妻子同產坐之，及為收帑，朕甚不取。其議之。」有司皆曰：「民不能自治，故為法以禁之。相坐坐收，所以累其心，使重犯法，所從來遠矣。如故便。」上曰：「朕聞法正則民愨，罪當則民從。且夫牧民而導之善者，吏也。其既不能導，又以不正之法罪之，是反害於民為暴者也。何以禁之？朕未見其便，其孰計之。」有司皆曰：「陛下加大惠，德甚盛，非臣等所及也。請奉詔書，除收帑諸相坐律令。」 |
| | 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，所以尊宗廟。請立太子。」上曰：「朕既不德，上帝神明未歆享，天下人民未有嗛志。今縱不能博求天下賢聖有德之人而禪天下焉，而曰豫建太子，是重吾不德也。謂天下何？其安之。」有司曰：「豫建太子，所以重宗廟社稷，不忘天下也。」上曰：「楚王，季父也，春秋高，閱天下之義理多矣，明於國家之大體。吳王於朕，兄也，惠仁以好德。淮南王，弟也，秉德以陪朕。豈為不豫哉！諸侯王宗室昆弟有功臣，多賢及有德義者，若舉有德以陪朕之不能終，是社稷之靈，天下之福也。今不選舉焉，而曰必子，人其以朕為忘賢有德者而專於子，非所以憂天下也。朕甚不取也。」有司皆固請曰：「古者殷周有國，治安皆千餘歲，古之有天下者莫長焉，用此道也。立嗣必子，所從來遠矣。高帝親率士大夫，始平天下，建諸侯，為帝者太祖。諸侯王及列侯始受國者皆亦為其國祖。子孫繼嗣，世世弗絕，天下之大義也，故高帝設之以撫海內。今釋宜建而更選於諸侯及宗室，非高帝之志也。更議不宜。子某最長，純厚慈仁，請建以為太子。」上乃許之。因賜天下民當代父後者爵各一級封將軍薄昭為軹侯。 |
| | 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，有司請立皇后。薄太后曰：「諸侯皆同姓，立太子母為皇后。」皇后姓竇氏。上為立后故，賜天下鰥寡孤獨窮困及年八十已上孤兒九歲已下布帛米肉各有數。上從代來，初即位，施德惠天下，填撫諸侯四夷皆洽驩，乃循從代來功臣。上曰：「方大臣之誅諸呂迎朕，朕狐疑，皆止朕，唯中尉宋昌勸朕，朕以得保奉宗廟。已尊昌為衛將軍，其封昌為壯武侯。諸從朕六人，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：「列侯從高帝入蜀、漢中者六十八人皆益封各三百戶，故吏二千石以上從高帝潁川守尊等十人食邑六百戶，淮陽守申徒嘉等十人五百戶，衛尉定等十人四百戶。封淮南王舅父趙兼為周陽侯，齊王舅父駟鈞為清郭侯。」秋，封故常山丞相蔡兼為樊侯。 |
| | 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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人或說右丞相曰：「君本誅諸呂，迎代王，今又矜其功，受上賞，處尊位，禍且及身。」右丞相勃乃謝病免罷，左丞相平專為丞相。 |
| | 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，復以絳侯勃為丞相。上曰：「朕聞古者諸侯建國千餘（歲），各守其地，以時入貢，民不勞苦，上下驩欣，靡有遺德。今列侯多居長安，邑遠，吏卒給輸費苦，而列侯亦無由教馴其民。其令列侯之國，為吏及詔所止者，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：「朕聞之，天生蒸民，為之置君以養治之。人主不德，布政不均，則天示之以菑，以誡不治。乃十一月晦，日有食之，適見于天，菑孰大焉！朕獲保宗廟，以微眇之身託于兆民君王之上，天下治亂，在朕一人，唯二三執政猶吾股肱也。朕下不能理育群生，上以累三光之明，其不德大矣。令至，其悉思朕之過失，及知見思之所不及，匄以告朕。及舉賢良方正能直言極諫者，以匡朕之不逮。因各飭其任職，務省繇費以便民。朕既不能遠德，故憪然念外人之有非，是以設備未息。今縱不能罷邊屯戍，而又飭兵厚衛，其罷衛將軍軍。太仆見馬遺財足，餘皆以給傳置。」 |
| | 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：「農，天下之本，其開籍田，朕親率耕，以給宗廟粢盛。」 |
| | 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，有司請立皇子為諸侯王。上曰：「趙幽王幽死，朕甚憐之，已立其長子遂為趙王。遂弟辟彊及齊悼惠王子朱虛侯章、東牟侯興居有功，可王。」乃立趙幽王少子辟彊為河閒王，以齊劇郡立朱虛侯為城陽王，立東牟侯為濟北王，皇子武為代王，子參為太原王，子揖為梁王。 |
| | 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，朝有進善之旌，誹謗之木，所以通治道而來諫者。今法有誹謗妖言之罪，是使眾臣不敢盡情，而上無由聞過失也。將何以來遠方之賢良？其除之。民或祝詛上以相約結而後相謾，吏以為大逆，其有他言，而吏又以為誹謗。此細民之愚無知抵死，朕甚不取。自今以來，有犯此者勿聽治。」 |
| | 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，初與郡國守相為銅虎符、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（計）［詔］遣列侯之國，或辭未行。丞相朕之所重，其為朕率列侯之國。」絳侯勃免丞相就國，以太尉潁陰侯嬰為丞相。罷太尉官，屬丞相。四月，城陽王章薨。淮南王長與從者魏敬殺辟陽侯審食其。 |
| | 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，居河南為寇。帝初幸甘泉。六月，帝曰：「漢與匈奴約為昆弟，毋使害邊境，所以輸遺匈奴甚厚。今右賢王離其國，將眾居河南降地，非常故，往來近塞，捕殺吏卒，驅保塞蠻夷，令不得居其故，陵轢邊吏，入盜，甚敖無道，非約也。其發邊吏騎八萬五千詣高奴，遣丞相潁陰侯灌嬰擊匈奴。」匈奴去，發中尉材官屬衛將軍軍長安。 |
| | 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，見故群臣，皆賜之。舉功行賞，諸民里賜牛酒。復晉陽中都民三歲。留游太原十餘日。 |
| | 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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濟北王興居聞帝之代，欲往擊胡，乃反，發兵欲襲滎陽。於是詔罷丞相兵，遣棘蒲侯陳武為大將軍，將十萬往擊之。祁侯賀為將軍，軍滎陽。七月辛亥，帝自太原至長安。乃詔有司曰：「濟北王背德反上，詿誤吏民，為大逆。濟北吏民兵未至先自定，及以軍地邑降者，皆赦之，復官爵。與王興居去來，亦赦之。」八月，破濟北軍，虜其王。赦濟北諸吏民與王反者。 |
| | 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，有司言淮南王長廢先帝法，不聽天子詔，居處毋度，出入擬於天子，擅為法令，與棘蒲侯太子奇謀反，遣人使閩越及匈奴，發其兵，欲以危宗廟社稷。群臣議，皆曰「長當棄市」帝不忍致法於王，赦其罪，廢勿王。群臣請處王蜀嚴道、邛都，帝許之。長未到處所，行病死，上憐之。後十六年，追尊淮南王長謚為厲王，立其子三人為淮南王、衡山王、廬江王。 |
| | 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：「蓋聞天道禍自怨起而福繇德興。百官之非，宜由朕躬。今祕祝之官移過于下，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，齊太倉令淳于公有罪當刑，詔獄逮徙系長安。太倉公無男，有女五人。太倉公將行會逮，罵其女曰：「生子不生男，有緩急非有益也！」其少女緹縈自傷泣，乃隨其父至長安，上書曰：「妾父為吏，齊中皆稱其廉平，今坐法當刑。妾傷夫死者不可復生，刑者不可復屬，雖復欲改過自新，其道無由也。妾願沒入為官婢，贖父刑罪，使得自新。」書奏天子，天子憐悲其意，乃下詔曰：「蓋聞有虞氏之時，畫衣冠異章服以為僇，而民不犯。何則？至治也。今法有肉刑三，而姦不止，其咎安在？非乃朕德薄而教不明歟？吾甚自愧。故夫馴道不純而愚民陷焉。《》曰『愷悌君子，民之父母』。今人有過，教未施而刑加焉？或欲改行為善而道毋由也。朕甚憐之。夫刑至斷支體，刻肌膚，終身不息，何其楚痛而不德也，豈稱為民父母之意哉！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：「農，天下之本，務莫大焉。今勤身從事而有租稅之賦，是為本末者毋以異，其於勸農之道未備。其除田之租稅。」 |
| | 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，匈奴謀入邊為寇，攻朝那塞，殺北地都尉卬。上乃遣三將軍軍隴西、北地、上郡，中尉周舍為衛將軍，郎中令張武為車騎將軍，軍渭北，車千乘，騎卒十萬。帝親自勞軍，勒兵申教令，賜軍吏卒。帝欲自將擊匈奴，群臣諫，皆不聽。皇太后固要帝，帝乃止。於是以東陽侯張相如為大將軍，成侯赤為內史，欒布為將軍，擊匈奴。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：「朕獲執犧牲珪幣以事上帝宗廟，十四年于今，歷日（縣）［綿］長，以不敏不明而久撫臨天下，朕甚自愧。其廣增諸祀墠場珪幣。昔先王遠施不求其報，望祀不祈其福，右賢左戚，先民後己，至明之極也。今吾聞祠官祝釐，皆歸福朕躬，不為百姓，朕甚愧之。夫以朕不德，而躬享獨美其福，百姓不與焉，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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是時北平侯張蒼為丞相，方明律歷。魯人公孫臣上書陳終始傳五德事，言方今土德時，土德應黃龍見，當改正朔服色制度。天子下其事與丞相議。丞相推以為今水德，始明正十月上黑事，以為其言非是，請罷之。 |
| | 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，黃龍見成紀，天子乃復召魯公孫臣，以為博士，申明土德事。於是上乃下詔曰：「有異物之神見于成紀，無害於民，歲以有年。朕親郊祀上帝諸神。禮官議，毋諱以勞朕。」有司禮官皆曰：「古者天子夏躬親禮祀上帝於郊，故曰郊。」於是天子始幸雍，郊見五帝，以孟夏四月答禮焉。趙人新垣平以望氣見，因說上設立渭陽五廟。欲出周鼎，當有玉英見。 |
| | 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，上親郊見渭陽五帝廟，亦以夏答禮而尚赤。 |
| | 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「人主延壽」。於是天子始更為元年，令天下大酺。其歲，新垣平事覺，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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後二年，上曰：「朕既不明，不能遠德，是以使方外之國或不寧息。夫四荒之外不安其生，封畿之內勤勞不處，二者之咎，皆自於朕之德薄而不能遠達也。閒者累年，匈奴并暴邊境，多殺吏民，邊臣兵吏又不能諭吾內志，以重吾不德也。夫久結難連兵，中外之國將何以自寧？今朕夙興夜寐，勤勞天下，憂苦萬民，為之怛惕不安，未嘗一日忘於心，故遣使者冠蓋相望，結軼於道，以諭朕意於單于。今單于反古之道，計社稷之安，便萬民之利，親與朕俱棄細過，偕之大道，結兄弟之義，以全天下元元之民。和親已定，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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| | 孝文本紀: |
後六年冬，匈奴三萬人入上郡，三萬人入雲中。以中大夫令勉為車騎將軍，軍飛狐；故楚相蘇意為將軍，軍句注；將軍張武屯北地；河內守周亞夫為將軍，居細柳；宗正劉禮為將軍，居霸上；祝茲侯軍棘門：以備胡。數月，胡人去，亦罷。 |
| | 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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天下旱，蝗。帝加惠：令諸侯毋入貢，弛山澤，減諸服御狗馬，損郎吏員，發倉庾以振貧民，民得賣爵。 |
| | 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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| | 孝文本紀: |
孝文帝從代來，即位二十三年，宮室苑囿狗馬服御無所增益，有不便，輒弛以利民。嘗欲作露臺，召匠計之，直百金。上曰：「百金中民十家之產，吾奉先帝宮室，常恐羞之，何以臺為！」上常衣綈衣，所幸慎夫人，令衣不得曳地，幃帳不得文繡，以示敦樸，為天下先。治霸陵皆以瓦器，不得以金銀銅錫為飾，不治墳，欲為省，毋煩民。南越王尉佗自立為武帝，然上召貴尉佗兄弟，以德報之，佗遂去帝稱臣。與匈奴和親，匈奴背約入盜，然令邊備守，不發兵深入，惡煩苦百姓。吳王詐病不朝，就賜几杖。群臣如袁盎等稱說雖切，常假借用之。群臣如張武等受賂遺金錢，覺，上乃發御府金錢賜之，以愧其心，弗下吏。專務以德化民，是以海內殷富，興於禮義。 |
| | 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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後七年六月己亥，帝崩於未央宮。遺詔曰：「朕聞蓋天下萬物之萌生，靡不有死。死者天地之理，物之自然者，奚可甚哀。當今之時，世咸嘉生而惡死，厚葬以破業，重服以傷生，吾甚不取。且朕既不德，無以佐百姓；今崩，又使重服久臨，以離寒暑之數，哀人之父子，傷長幼之志，損其飲食，絕鬼神之祭祀，以重吾不德也，謂天下何！朕獲保宗廟，以眇眇之身託于天下君王之上，二十有餘年矣。賴天地之靈，社稷之福，方內安寧，靡有兵革。朕既不敏，常畏過行，以羞先帝之遺德；維年之久長，懼于不終。今乃幸以天年，得復供養于高廟。朕之不明與嘉之，其奚哀悲之有！其令天下吏民，令到出臨三日，皆釋服。毋禁取婦嫁女祠祀飲酒食肉者。自當給喪事服臨者，皆無踐。绖帶無過三寸，毋布車及兵器，毋發民男女哭臨宮殿。宮殿中當臨者，皆以旦夕各十五舉聲，禮畢罷。非旦夕臨時，禁毋得擅哭。已下，服大紅十五日，小紅十四日，纖七日，釋服。佗不在令中者，皆以此令比率從事。布告天下，使明知朕意。霸陵山川因其故，毋有所改。歸夫人以下至少使。」令中尉亞夫為車騎將軍，屬國悍為將屯將軍，郎中令武為復土將軍，發近縣見卒萬六千人，發內史卒萬五千人，藏郭穿復土屬將軍武。 |
| | 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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| | 孝文本紀: |
乙巳，群臣皆頓首上尊號曰孝文皇帝。 |
| | 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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太子即位于高廟。丁未，襲號曰皇帝。 |
| | 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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孝景皇帝元年十月，制詔御史：「蓋聞古者祖有功而宗有德，制禮樂各有由。聞歌者，所以發德也；舞者，所以明功也。高廟酎，奏武德、文始、五行之舞。孝惠廟酎，奏文始、五行之舞。孝文皇帝臨天下，通關梁，不異遠方。除誹謗，去肉刑，賞賜長老，收恤孤獨，以育群生。減嗜欲，不受獻，不私其利也。罪人不帑，不誅無罪。除（肉）［宮］刑，出美人，重絕人之世。朕既不敏，不能識。此皆上古之所不及，而孝文皇帝親行之。德厚侔天地，利澤施四海，靡不獲福焉。明象乎日月，而廟樂不稱。朕甚懼焉。其為孝文皇帝廟為昭德之舞，以明休德。然後祖宗之功德著於竹帛，施于萬世，永永無窮，朕甚嘉之。其與丞相、列侯、中二千石、禮官具為禮儀奏。」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。臣謹議：世功莫大於高皇帝，德莫盛於孝文皇帝，高皇廟宜為帝者太祖之廟，孝文皇帝廟宜為帝者太宗之廟。天子宜世世獻祖宗之廟。郡國諸侯宜各為孝文皇帝立太宗之廟。諸侯王列侯使者侍祠天子，歲獻祖宗之廟。請著之竹帛，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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| | 孝文本紀: |
太史公曰：孔子言「必世然後仁。善人之治國百年，亦可以勝殘去殺」。誠哉是言！漢興，至孝文四十有餘載，德至盛也。廩廩鄉改正服封禪矣，謙讓未成於今。嗚呼，豈不仁哉！ |
| | 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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