| | 匈奴列傳: |
匈奴，其先祖夏后氏之苗裔也，曰淳維。唐虞以上有山戎、獫狁、葷粥，居于北蠻，隨畜牧而轉移。其畜之所多則馬、牛、羊，其奇畜則橐駞、驢、驘、駃騠、騊駼、騨騱。逐水草遷徙，毋城郭常處耕田之業，然亦各有分地。毋文書，以言語為約束。兒能騎羊，引弓射鳥鼠；少長則射狐兔：用為食。士力能毋弓，盡為甲騎。其俗，寬則隨畜，因射獵禽獸為生業，急則人習戰攻以侵伐，其天性也。其長兵則弓矢，短兵則刀鋋。利則進，不利則退，不羞遁走。茍利所在，不知禮義。自君王以下，咸食畜肉，衣其皮革，被旃裘。壯者食肥美，老者食其餘。貴壯健，賤老弱。父死，妻其後母；兄弟死，皆取其妻妻之。其俗有名不諱，而無姓字。 |
| | The Xiongnu were descendants of the Xia Hou Shi clan; their ancestor was Chunwei. Before the Tang and Yu dynasties, there were the Shan Rong, Xianyun, and Hunyue, who lived among the northern Yi people, moving about according to where their livestock could be pastured. Their common livestock included horses, cattle, and sheep; their more unusual animals were camels, donkeys, mules, quail-tailed horses, tamed wild horses, and hybrid horses. They moved about in pursuit of water and grass, without fixed cities or permanent fields for farming; yet they also had their own designated territories. They did not use written documents but relied on spoken words as agreements. Boys could ride sheep and draw their bows to shoot birds and mice; When they grew a little older, they shot hares and foxes: these were used as food. Those who had the strength could not do without bows; all became armored cavalrymen. Their custom was such that in times of peace they followed their herds, relying on hunting birds and beasts for a living; but in times of crisis, people became accustomed to warfare and attacks as means of aggression—this was their nature. Their long weapons were bows and arrows, while their short weapons were knives and chans. If the situation was favorable, they advanced; if not, they retreated, without shame in fleeing. They pursued whatever was advantageous, knowing nothing of rites and righteousness. From the kings downward, they all ate meat from their livestock, wore clothes made of animal hides, and covered themselves with felt and furs. The strong ones ate the fat and tender parts; the elderly ate what was left over. They valued strength and vigor, looked down upon the old and weak. When a father died, his son married his stepmother; The Xiongnu had thirty-six titles in total. Their custom was to have names without taboos, and they did not use surnames or courtesy names.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
夏道衰，而公劉失其稷官，變于西戎，邑于豳。其後三百有餘歲，戎狄攻大王亶父，亶父亡走岐下，而豳人悉從亶父而邑焉，作周。其後百有餘歲，周西伯昌伐畎夷氏。後十有餘年，武王伐紂而營雒邑，復居于酆鄗，放逐戎夷涇、洛之北，以時入貢，命曰「荒服」。其後二百有餘年，周道衰，而穆王伐犬戎，得四白狼四白鹿以歸。自是之後，荒服不至。於是周遂作甫刑之辟。穆王之後二百有餘年，周幽王用寵姬褒姒之故，與申侯有卻。申侯怒而與犬戎共攻殺周幽王于驪山之下，遂取周之焦穫，而居于涇渭之閒，侵暴中國。秦襄公救周，於是周平王去酆鄗而東徙雒邑。當是之時，秦襄公伐戎至岐，始列為諸侯。是後六十有五年，而山戎越燕而伐齊，齊釐公與戰于齊郊。其後四十四年，而山戎伐燕。燕告急于齊，齊桓公北伐山戎，山戎走。其後二十有餘年，而戎狄至洛邑，伐周襄王，襄王奔于鄭之氾邑。初，周襄王欲伐鄭，故娶戎狄女為后，與戎狄兵共伐鄭。已而黜狄后，狄后怨，而襄王後母曰惠后，有子子帶，欲立之，於是惠后與狄后、子帶為內應，開戎狄，戎狄以故得入，破逐周襄王，而立子帶為天子。於是戎狄或居于陸渾，東至於衛，侵盜暴虐中國。中國疾之，故詩人歌之曰「戎狄是應」，「薄伐獫狁，至於大原」，「出輿彭彭，城彼朔方」。周襄王既居外四年，乃使使告急于晉。晉文公初立，欲修霸業，乃興師伐逐戎翟，誅子帶，迎內周襄王，居于雒邑。 |
| | As the virtue of the Xia dynasty declined, Gong Liu lost his position as grain official and changed to the customs of the western Rong people, establishing a settlement in Bin. More than three hundred years later, the Rong and Di attacked Da Wang Danfu; Danfu fled to Qixia, and all the Bin people followed Danfu in establishing a settlement there, founding the Zhou. More than one hundred years later, King Xi Bo Chang of Zhou attacked the Quanyi clan. More than ten years later, King Wu attacked Zhou and established Luoyi as a capital; the people returned to Feng and Hao. The Rong and Yi were driven north of the Jing and Luo rivers, entering tribute at regular intervals. They were called "Huangfu." More than two hundred years later, as the virtue of Zhou declined, King Mu attacked the Quanrong and captured four white wolves and four white deer to return with. From then on, the Huangfu no longer came. Thus, the Zhou dynasty established the Fu Xing legal code. More than two hundred years after King Mu, King You of Zhou, because of his favored concubine Baosi, had a conflict with Shen Hou. Shen Hou, enraged, allied with the Quanrong to attack and kill King You of Zhou beneath Lishan Mountain. They then captured Jiao Hu of Zhou and settled between the Jing and Wei rivers, invading and oppressing the Central States. Duke Xianggong of Qin came to rescue Zhou; thus King Ping of Zhou left Feng and Hao and moved eastward to Luoyi. At that time, Duke Xianggong of Qin attacked the Rong as far as Qi and was first enfeoffed as a feudal lord. Sixty-five years after that, the Shan Rong crossed Yan to attack Qi; Duke Ligong of Qi fought them in the outskirts of Qi. Forty-four years later, the Shan Rong attacked Yan. Yan urgently appealed to Qi for help; Duke Huan of Qi launched a northern campaign against the Shan Rong, who fled. More than twenty years later, the Rong and Yi reached Luoyi and attacked King Xiang of Zhou; King Xiang fled to Fan Yi in Zheng. Initially, King Xiang of Zhou wanted to attack Zheng; thus he married a daughter of the Rong and Yi as his queen and allied with their troops to attack Zheng. Later, King Xiang deposed the Yi queen. The Yi queen resented this; King Xiang's stepmother was Queen Hui, who had a son named Zidai and wanted to install him as king. Thus, Queen Hui conspired with the deposed Yi queen and Zidai from within, opening the gates for the Rong and Yi. Because of this, the Rong and Yi entered, defeated King Xiang, drove him out, and installed Zidai as emperor. At that time, the Rong and Yi either settled in Luhun, extending eastward to Wei, where they invaded and plundered the Central States with violence and cruelty. The Central States were greatly troubled by this, hence the poets sang of it, saying: "We respond to the Rong and Yi," "lightly attacking Xianyun until reaching Dayuan," and "marching forth in great numbers, building a city at Shufang." After living outside for four years, King Xiang of Zhou sent envoys to urgently appeal to Jin. Duke Wen of Jin had just ascended the throne and wished to establish his hegemony, so he raised an army to drive out the Rong and Di, killed Zidai, welcomed King Xiang back into Zhou territory, and settled him in Luoyi.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
當是之時，秦晉為彊國。晉文公攘戎翟，居于河西圁、洛之閒，號曰赤翟、白翟。秦穆公得由余，西戎八國服於秦，故自隴以西有綿諸、緄戎、翟、獂之戎，岐、梁山、涇、漆之北有義渠、大荔、烏氏、朐衍之戎。而晉北有林胡、樓煩之戎，燕北有東胡、山戎。各分散居谿谷，自有君長，往往而聚者百有餘戎，然莫能相一。 |
| | At that time, Qin and Jin were powerful states. Duke Wen of Jin drove back the Rong and Di and settled them between the western bank of the Yellow River, Yen, and Luo rivers; they were called Chidi and Baodi. Duke Mu of Qin gained Youyu, and the eight western Rong states submitted to Qin. Thus, from Long westward were the Mianzhu, Yanrong, Di, and Huang Rong; north of Qi, Liangshan, Jing, and Qi was the Yiqu, Dali, Wuzhi, and Quyan Rong. To the north of Jin were the Linhu and Loufan Rong; to the north of Yan was the Donghu and Shan Rong. They were scattered in valleys, each having their own chieftains; often gathering together, there were more than a hundred Rong groups, yet none could unite them.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
自是之後百有餘年，晉悼公使魏絳和戎翟，戎翟朝晉。後百有餘年，趙襄子踰句注而破并代以臨胡貉。其後既與韓魏共滅智伯，分晉地而有之，則趙有代、句注之北，魏有河西、上郡，以與戎界邊。其後義渠之戎筑城郭以自守，而秦稍蠶食，至於惠王，遂拔義渠二十五城。惠王擊魏，魏盡入西河及上郡于秦。秦昭王時，義渠戎王與宣太后亂，有二子。宣太后詐而殺義渠戎王於甘泉，遂起兵伐殘義渠。於是秦有隴西、北地、上郡，筑長城以拒胡。而趙武靈王亦變俗胡服，習騎射，北破林胡、樓煩。筑長城，自代并陰山下，至高闕為塞。而置雲中、鴈門、代郡。其後燕有賢將秦開，為質於胡，胡甚信之。歸而襲破走東胡，東胡卻千餘里。與荊軻刺秦王秦舞陽者，開之孫也。燕亦筑長城，自造陽至襄平。置上谷、漁陽、右北平、遼西、遼東郡以拒胡。當是之時，冠帶戰國七，而三國邊於匈奴。其後趙將李牧時，匈奴不敢入趙邊。後秦滅六國，而始皇帝使蒙恬將十萬之眾北擊胡，悉收河南地。因河為塞，筑四十四縣城臨河，徙適戍以充之。而通直道，自九原至雲陽，因邊山險塹谿谷可繕者治之，起臨洮至遼東萬餘里。又度河據陽山北假中。 |
| | More than one hundred years after that, Duke Dao of Jin sent Wei Jiang to pacify the Rong and Di; the Rong and Di paid homage to Jin. More than one hundred years later, Zhao Xiangzi crossed Guozhu, defeated Bing and Dai, and confronted the Hu He. Afterward, having joined Han and Wei to destroy the Zhi clan, they divided Jin's territory among themselves; thus Zhao controlled the area north of Dai and Guozhu, Wei held Youxi and Shangjun, bordering the Rong. Later, the Yiqu Rong built city walls to defend themselves, but Qin gradually encroached upon their territory. By King Huai of Qin, they captured twenty-five cities from Yiqu. King Huai attacked Wei, and Wei ceded the entire Xihé region and Shangjun to Qin. During the reign of King Zhao of Qin, the Yiqu Rong king had an affair with Queen Dowager Xuan, and they had two sons. Queen Dowager Xuan tricked the Yiqu Rong king and killed him at Ganquan, then launched a campaign to destroy and conquer the remnants of Yiqu. Thus, Qin controlled Longxi, Beidi, and Shangjun, building a Great Wall to resist the Hu people. At the same time, Duke Wu Ling of Zhao also changed customs by adopting Hu clothing and trained in mounted archery, defeating the northern Linhu and Loufan. He built a Great Wall from Dai along Yanshan to Gaoque as a frontier defense. And he established the commanderies of Yunzhong, Yanmen, and Dai. Later, Yan had a capable general named Qin Kai, who was held as a hostage by the Hu people, whom they greatly trusted. After returning, he launched a surprise attack and drove out the Donghu, pushing them back more than one thousand li. The Qin Wuyang who accompanied Jing Ke in his assassination attempt on King Qin was the grandson of Qin Kai. Yan also built a Great Wall, stretching from Zaoyang to Xiangping. It established the commanderies of Shanggu, Yuyang, Youbeiping, Liaoxi, and Liao dong to resist the Hu. At that time, there were seven warring states wearing caps and sashes, three of which bordered the Xiongnu. Later, during General Li Mu's time in Zhao, the Xiongnu dared not enter Zhao's borders. Later, after Qin destroyed the six states, Emperor Qin Shi Huang sent Meng Tian to lead ten thousand troops northward against the Hu and completely reclaimed the area south of the Yellow River. Using the river as a barrier, he built forty-four county cities along its banks and relocated convicts to garrison them. He also constructed a straight road from Jiuyuan to Yunyang, taking advantage of the natural dangers along the border mountains and deep ravines that could be fortified; it stretched fromlintao to Liaodong for more than ten thousand li. He also crossed the Yellow River, occupying the area north of Yangshan and Jiazhong.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
當是之時，東胡彊而月氏盛。匈奴單于曰頭曼，頭曼不勝秦，北徙。十餘年而蒙恬死，諸侯畔秦，中國擾亂，諸秦所徙適戍邊者皆復去，於是匈奴得寬，復稍度河南與中國界於故塞。 |
| | At that time, the Donghu were strong and the Yuezhi were flourishing. The Xiongnu Chanyu was Touman; Touman could not withstand Qin, so he moved northward. More than ten years later Meng Tian died, the feudal lords rebelled against Qin, and China fell into chaos. All those convicts who had been relocated to guard the borders under Qin were forced to leave; thus the Xiongnu gained breathing room and gradually crossed back south of the Yellow River to border former Chinese territories along the old frontier defenses.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
單于有太子名冒頓。後有所愛閼氏，生少子，而單于欲廢冒頓而立少子，乃使冒頓質於月氏。冒頓既質於月氏，而頭曼急擊月氏。月氏欲殺冒頓，冒頓盜其善馬，騎之亡歸。頭曼以為壯，令將萬騎。冒頓乃作為鳴鏑，習勒其騎射，令曰：「鳴鏑所射而不悉射者，斬之。」行獵鳥獸，有不射鳴鏑所射者，輒斬之。已而冒頓以鳴鏑自射其善馬，左右或不敢射者，冒頓立斬不射善馬者。居頃之，復以鳴鏑自射其愛妻，左右或頗恐，不敢射，冒頓又復斬之。居頃之，冒頓出獵，以鳴鏑射單于善馬，左右皆射之。於是冒頓知其左右皆可用。從其父單于頭曼獵，以鳴鏑射頭曼，其左右亦皆隨鳴鏑而射殺單于頭曼，遂盡誅其後母與弟及大臣不聽從者。冒頓自立為單于。 |
| | The Chanyu had a crown prince named Modu. Later, he developed affection for a Yishi and had a younger son; the Chanyu wanted to depose Modu and install his younger son as heir, so he sent Modu as a hostage to the Yuezhi. While Modu was held hostage by the Yuezhi, Touman suddenly attacked the Yuezhi with urgency. The Yuezhi wanted to kill Modu; instead, Modu stole a fine horse and rode it back in flight. Touman thought him brave and ordered him to command ten thousand cavalrymen. Modu then made a whistling arrow, trained his cavalry in mounted archery and gave orders: "Whoever does not shoot at the target indicated by the whistling arrow will be executed." During hunting expeditions for birds and beasts, anyone who failed to shoot at what the whistling arrow targeted was immediately beheaded. Later, Modu shot his own fine horse with the whistling arrow; those on either side who hesitated to shoot were immediately executed by Modu for not shooting. After a short while, he again shot his beloved wife with the whistling arrow. Those on either side were now somewhat frightened and dared not shoot; Modu executed them once more. After a short time, when Modu went hunting and shot the Chanyu's fine horse with his whistling arrow, those on either side all shot it. Thus, Modu knew that those around him were all loyal and reliable. When accompanying his father, the Chanyu Touman, on a hunting expedition, Modu shot him with the whistling arrow and those around him also followed suit by shooting and killing the Chanyu. He then executed all of his stepmother, brothers, and ministers who had refused to obey. Modu declared himself Chanyu on his own.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
冒頓既立，是時東胡彊盛，聞冒頓殺父自立，乃使使謂冒頓，欲得頭曼時有千里馬。冒頓問群臣，群臣皆曰：「千里馬，匈奴寶馬也，勿與。」冒頓曰：「柰何與人鄰國而愛一馬乎？」遂與之千里馬。居頃之，東胡以為冒頓畏之，乃使使謂冒頓，欲得單于一閼氏。冒頓復問左右，左右皆怒曰：「東胡無道，乃求閼氏！請擊之。」冒頓曰：「柰何與人鄰國愛一女子乎？」遂取所愛閼氏予東胡。東胡王愈益驕，西侵。與匈奴閒，中有棄地，莫居，千餘里，各居其邊為甌脫。東胡使使謂冒頓曰：「匈奴所與我界甌脫外棄地，匈奴非能至也，吾欲有之。」冒頓問群臣，群臣或曰：「此棄地，予之亦可，勿予亦可。」於是冒頓大怒曰：「地者，國之本也，柰何予之！」諸言予之者，皆斬之。冒頓上馬，令國中有後者斬，遂東襲擊東胡。東胡初輕冒頓，不為備。及冒頓以兵至，擊，大破滅東胡王，而虜其民人及畜產。既歸，西擊走月氏，南并樓煩、白羊河南王。［侵燕代］悉復收秦所使蒙恬所奪匈奴地者，與漢關故河南塞，至朝那、膚施，遂侵燕、代。是時漢兵與項羽相距，中國罷於兵革，以故冒頓得自彊，控弦之士三十餘萬。 |
| | After Modu ascended the throne, at that time the Donghu were powerful and prosperous. Upon hearing of Modu's killing his father to seize power, they sent envoys to tell him they wanted the thousand-li horse from the time of Touman. Modu consulted his ministers, who all said: "The thousand-li horse is a precious steed of the Xiongnu; do not give it away." Modu said: "How can we, living next to another state, be so attached to a single horse?" And thus he gave them the thousand-li horse. After a short while, the Donghu thought Modu feared them and sent envoys to say they wanted one of the Chanyu's Yishi. Modu again asked his attendants, who were all angry and said: "The Donghu are lawless to demand a Yishi!" "Please allow us to attack them." Modu said: "How can we, living beside another state, be so attached as to one woman?" And thus he took his beloved Yishi and gave her to the Donghu. The Donghu king became even more arrogant and launched western invasions. Between the Donghu and Xiongnu, there was an abandoned land in between, uninhabited for more than one thousand li; each side occupied their respective borders as Ouduo. The Donghu sent envoys to Modu, saying: "The abandoned land beyond the Ouduo boundary that we have set with the Xiongnu is a place the Xiongnu cannot reach; I want it." Modu asked his ministers, some of whom said: "This is abandoned land. Giving it away or not giving it away is acceptable." At this, Modu became greatly enraged and said: "Land is the foundation of a state. How can we give it away!" Those who had spoken in favor of giving it away were all executed. Modu mounted his horse and ordered that anyone lagging behind the army would be executed; thus, he launched a sudden eastern attack on the Donghu. The Donghu initially looked down upon Modu and did not prepare for defense. 藟 When Modu's troops arrived, they attacked and completely destroyed the Donghu king, capturing his people and livestock. After returning, he moved westward to drive out the Yuezhi and southward to annex Loufan and Baiyang, the king of the Yellow River region. [Invading Yan and Dai] He completely recovered the lands that had been taken from the Xiongnu by Meng Tian, whom the Qin dynasty had sent. This included the old Han frontier fortifications in the Yellow River region, reaching as far as Chouna and Fushi, thus invading Yan and Dai. At that time, Han forces were engaged in conflict with Xiang Yu; the central regions were exhausted from warfare. For this reason, Modu was able to grow strong, commanding more than 300,000 archers.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
自淳維以至頭曼千有餘歲，時大時小，別散分離，尚矣，其世傳不可得而次云。然至冒頓而匈奴最彊大，盡服從北夷，而南與中國為敵國，其世傳國官號乃可得而記云。 |
| | From Chunwei to Touman, more than a thousand years passed. During this time, the Xiongnu waxed and waned in strength, splitting apart and reuniting many times; their lineage has been transmitted for so long that it cannot be arranged chronologically. However, it was not until Modu that the Xiongnu became most powerful and strong. They fully subjugated the northern tribes and confronted the Chinese states to the south as an enemy power; from this time onward, their hereditary state titles and official designations could be recorded.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
置左右賢王，左右谷蠡王，左右大將，左右大都尉，左右大當戶，左右骨都侯。匈奴謂賢曰「屠耆」，故常以太子為左屠耆王。自如左右賢王以下至當戶，大者萬騎，小者數千，凡二十四長，立號曰「萬騎」。諸大臣皆世官。呼衍氏，蘭氏，其後有須卜氏，此三姓其貴種也。諸左方王將居東方，直上谷以往者，東接穢貉、朝鮮；右方王將居西方，直上郡以西，接月氏、氐、羌；而單于之庭直代、雲中：各有分地，逐水草移徙。而左右賢王、左右谷蠡王最為大（國），左右骨都侯輔政。諸二十四長亦各自置千長、百長、什長、裨小王、相、封都尉、當戶、且渠之屬。 |
| | They established positions for the Left and Right Xianwang, the Left and Right Guli Wang, the Left and Right Dajiang, the Left and Right Dadouwei, the Left and Right Daganghu, and the Left and Right Geduhou. The Xiongnu referred to "Xian" as "Tuqi," so they often appointed their crown prince as the Left Tuqi Wang. From positions such as the Left and Right Xian Wang down to the Daganghu, those with large commands had ten thousand cavalrymen, while smaller ones had several thousand. Altogether there were twenty-four chieftains, each holding a title called "Wanqi." All the major ministers held hereditary offices. The Huyan Shi, Lan Shi, and later the Xubu Shi were these three clans; they were considered noble lineages. The left-side kings and generals resided in the eastern regions, directly facing Shanggu and beyond; they bordered the east to connect with Huihe and Chaoxian. The right-side kings and generals resided in western regions, directly facing the area west of Shangjun, connecting with Yuezhi, Di, and Qiang; while the Chanyu's court was directly facing Dai and Yunzhong: each had their own assigned territories, moving with the water and grasslands. Among them, the Left and Right Xianwangs and the Left and Right Guliwangs were the most powerful (states), while the Left and Right Geduhous assisted in governance. Each of these twenty-four chieftains also established their own ranks of thousand-man leaders, hundred-man leaders, ten-man leaders, minor kings (Bixiaowang), magistrates (Xiang), appointed Duwei, Daganghu, Quchu and other subordinate positions.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
歲正月，諸長小會單于庭，祠。五月，大會蘢城，祭其先、天地、鬼神。秋，馬肥，大會蹛林，課校人畜計。其法，拔刃尺者死，坐盜者沒入其家；有罪小者軋，大者死。獄久者不過十日，一國之囚不過數人。而單于朝出營，拜日之始生，夕拜月。其坐，長左而北鄉。日上戊己。其送死，有棺槨金銀衣裘，而無封樹喪服；近幸臣妾從死者，多至數千百人。舉事而候星月，月盛壯則攻戰，月虧則退兵。其攻戰，斬首虜賜一卮酒，而所得鹵獲因以予之，得人以為奴婢。故其戰，人人自為趣利，善為誘兵以冒敵。故其見敵則逐利，如鳥之集；其困敗，則瓦解雲散矣。戰而扶輿死者，盡得死者家財。 |
| | Every year in the first lunar month, all chieftains of various ranks would gather at the Chanyu's court for a minor assembly and perform sacrifices. In May, they held a grand assembly in Longcheng to worship their ancestors, heaven and earth, as well as gods and spirits. In autumn, when the horses were fat, they held a grand gathering at Tailin to assess and tally people and livestock. Their law stipulated that anyone drawing a blade one chi long would be executed, and those caught stealing had their families confiscated; those with minor crimes were punished by Yaxi (a form of corporal punishment), while those with serious crimes were put to death. Prisoners held for long periods did not exceed ten days, and the number of prisoners in the entire nation never exceeded several people. The Chanyu would go out from his camp at dawn to pay homage to the rising sun, and in the evening he would bow to the moon. When they sat, the most honored position was on the left side facing north. They observed the days of Wu and Ji as auspicious for daily affairs. When they buried their dead, coffins, caskets, silver, gold, clothing, and furs were provided, but there were no funerary mounds, trees planted, or mourning attire. Those who were favored servants and concubines following the deceased in death could number as many as several hundred to a thousand people. When undertaking military actions, they observed stars and the moon; when the moon was full and strong, they would attack, but when it waned, they withdrew their troops. During battle, for each head cut off or enemy captured, they were granted a gourd of wine; the spoils obtained from the enemy were given to them as well, and captives were taken as slaves and concubines. Therefore, in battle, each soldier fought for personal gain, and they were skilled at using decoy forces to lure the enemy into ambushes. Thus, when facing an enemy, they pursued profit like birds gathering; but if they were cornered and defeated, they would disintegrate like clouds scattering. Those who died while supporting the war effort or in battle could claim all the property of the deceased.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
後北服渾庾、屈射、丁零、鬲昆、薪犁之國。於是匈奴貴人大臣皆服，以冒頓單于為賢。 |
| | Later, they subdued to the north the states of Hunge, Qushie, Dingling, Ge Kun, and Xinli. At this time, all the noble leaders and ministers of the Xiongnu submitted to him, regarding Modu Chanyu as a wise ruler.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
是時漢初定中國，徙韓王信於代，都馬邑。匈奴大攻圍馬邑，韓王信降匈奴。匈奴得信，因引兵南踰句注，攻太原，至晉陽下。高帝自將兵往擊之。會冬大寒雨雪，卒之墮指者十二三，於是冒頓詳敗走，誘漢兵。漢兵逐擊冒頓，冒頓匿其精兵，見其羸弱，於是漢悉兵，多步兵，三十二萬，北逐之。高帝先至平城，步兵未盡到，冒頓縱精兵四十萬騎圍高帝於白登，七日，漢兵中外不得相救餉。匈奴騎，其西方盡白馬，東方盡青駹馬，北方盡烏驪馬，南方盡騂馬。高帝乃使使閒厚遺閼氏，閼氏乃謂冒頓曰：「兩主不相困。今得漢地，而單于終非能居之也。且漢王亦有神，單于察之。」冒頓與韓王信之將王黃、趙利期，而黃、利兵又不來，疑其與漢有謀，亦取閼氏之言，乃解圍之一角。於是高帝令士皆持滿傅矢外鄉，從解角直出，竟與大軍合，而冒頓遂引兵而去。漢亦引兵而罷，使劉敬結和親之約。 |
| | At this time, early in its founding, the Han dynasty relocated King Hán Wáng Xìn to Dai, where he established his capital at Mayi. The Xiongnu launched a major attack and surrounded Mayi; King Hán Wáng Xín surrendered to the Xiongnu. After capturing King Xin, the Xiongnu led their troops south across Juzhu and attacked Taiyuan, reaching beneath Jianyang. Emperor Gaozu personally led his army to attack them. At that time, it happened to be winter with severe cold and snowfall; about one out of every ten or twelve soldiers lost their fingers from the cold. Taking advantage of this, Modu pretended to retreat in defeat, luring Han troops into a trap. The Han forces pursued Modu, but Modu concealed his elite troops and displayed only the weak and exhausted. Thus, the entire Han army, consisting mainly of infantry totaling 320,000 men, advanced north in pursuit. Emperor Gaozu arrived first at Pingcheng, but the infantry had not yet fully arrived when Modu launched his elite force of 400,000 cavalry to surround Emperor Gaozu at Baiceng. For seven days, Han troops inside and outside the siege could neither rescue nor supply each other. The Xiongnu cavalry, on their western side were all white horses; on the eastern side, all qingmang horses; to the north, all black horses; and to the south, all chestnut-colored horses. Emperor Gaozu then sent envoys secretly to give generous gifts to Yizhi, who in turn told Modu: "Two rulers should not be mutually exhausted. Now that you have captured Han territory, the Chanyu will ultimately never be able to hold it permanently. Moreover, King Han also has divine protection; Chanyu should observe this." Modu had previously made an appointment with Wang Huang, a general of King Hán Wáng Xīn, and Zhao Li; however, the troops of Huang and Li did not arrive. Suspecting that they might have conspired with Han, Modu also heeded Yizhi's words and opened one side of the encirclement to lift the siege. Thus, Emperor Gaozu ordered his soldiers to hold their bows drawn and arrows nocked, facing outward. They advanced directly from the opening in the siege line and finally joined up with the main Han army; at this point, Modu withdrew his troops. The Han forces also withdrew their troops and sent Liu Jing to establish a treaty of marriage alliance.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
是後韓王信為匈奴將，及趙利、王黃等數倍約，侵盜代、雲中。居無幾何，陳豨反，又與韓信合謀擊代。漢使樊噲往擊之，復拔代、鴈門、雲中郡縣，不出塞。是時匈奴以漢將眾往降，故冒頓常往來侵盜代地。於是漢患之，高帝乃使劉敬奉宗室女公主為單于閼氏，歲奉匈奴絮繒酒米食物各有數，約為昆弟以和親，冒頓乃少止。後燕王盧綰反，率其黨數千人降匈奴，往來苦上谷以東。 |
| | After this, King Hán Wáng Xǐn became a general for the Xiongnu; along with Zhao Li, Wang Huang and others, they repeatedly violated agreements and raided Dai and Yunzhong. Not long after this, Chen Xi rebelled and once again conspired with King Hán Xìn to attack Dai. The Han dynasty sent Fan Kuai to attack them, recapturing the commanderies and counties of Dai, Yanmen, and Yunzhong without crossing the frontier. At this time, because many Han generals had surrendered to them, the Xiongnu frequently launched raids into Dai territory under Modu's leadership. Thus, the Han dynasty became concerned and Emperor Gaozu sent Liu Jing to present a princess from the imperial family as a daughter-in-law for the Chanyu. Annually, they provided the Xiongnu with fixed amounts of flaxen cloth, silk, wine, rice, food, and other supplies. They established an agreement of brotherhood through marriage alliances, and Modu consequently somewhat ceased his raids. Later, King Yan Lu Wan rebelled, leading several thousand of his followers to surrender to the Xiongnu and frequently raided areas east of Shanggu.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
高祖崩，孝惠、呂太后時，漢初定，故匈奴以驕。冒頓乃為書遺高后，妄言。高后欲擊之，諸將曰：「以高帝賢武，然尚困於平城。」於是高后乃止，復與匈奴和親。 |
| | After Emperor Gaozu died, during the reigns of Xiao Hui and Empress Dowager Lü, the Han dynasty was newly established; thus, the Xiongnu grew arrogant. Modu then wrote a letter to Gaohou (Empress Dowager Gao), making outrageous remarks. Gaohou wanted to attack them, but the generals said: "Even with Emperor Gaozu's wisdom and martial prowess, he was still trapped at Pingcheng." Thus Gaohou ceased her plans and once again renewed the marriage alliance with the Xiongnu.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
至孝文帝初立，復修和親之事。其三年五月，匈奴右賢王入居河南地，侵盜上郡葆塞蠻夷，殺略人民。於是孝文帝詔丞相灌嬰發車騎八萬五千，詣高奴，擊右賢王。右賢王走出塞。文帝幸太原。是時濟北王反，文帝歸，罷丞相擊胡之兵。 |
| | When Emperor Xiaowen first ascended the throne, he resumed the practice of marriage alliances. In the third year (of Emperor Xiaowen's reign), in May, the Right Xianwang of the Xiongnu entered and occupied the Yellow River region, raided Shangjun's frontier fortifications inhabited by the southern barbarians, killing and capturing civilians. Thus Emperor Xiaowen issued an edict to Chancellor Guan Ying, ordering him to mobilize 85,000 chariots and cavalrymen to proceed to Gaonu and attack the Right Xianwang. The Right Xianwang withdrew beyond the frontier. Emperor Xiaowen visited Taiyuan in person. At this time, Prince of Jibei rebelled; Emperor Xiaowen returned and disbanded the chancellor's troops that had been sent to attack the Hu.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
其明年，單于遺漢書曰：「天所立匈奴大單于敬問皇帝無恙。前時皇帝言和親事，稱書意，合歡。漢邊吏侵侮右賢王，右賢王不請，聽後義盧侯難氏等計，與漢吏相距，絕二主之約，離兄弟之親。皇帝讓書再至，發使以書報，不來，漢使不至，漢以其故不和，鄰國不附。今以小吏之敗約故，罰右賢王，使之西求月氏擊之。以天之福，吏卒良，馬彊力，以夷滅月氏，盡斬殺降下之。定樓蘭、烏孫、呼揭及其旁二十六國，皆以為匈奴。諸引弓之民，并為一家。北州已定，願寢兵休士卒養馬，除前事，復故約，以安邊民，以應始古，使少者得成其長，老者安其處，世世平樂。未得皇帝之志也，故使郎中系雩淺奉書請，獻橐他一匹，騎馬二匹，駕二駟。皇帝即不欲匈奴近塞，則且詔吏民遠舍。使者至，即遣之。」以六月中來至薪望之地。書至，漢議擊與和親孰便。公卿皆曰：「單于新破月氏，乘勝，不可擊。且得匈奴地，澤鹵，非可居也。和親甚便。」漢許之。 |
| | The following year, the Chanyu sent a letter to Han saying: "Respectfully inquired by the Xiongnu Great Chanyu, established by Heaven, after Emperor of Han is well. Previously, when Your Majesty spoke about marriage alliances and sent letters expressing goodwill, it was pleasing to us and we were happy with the harmony. However, Han border officials insulted the Right Xianwang; without requesting permission from us, the Right Xianwang followed the advice of Hou Yilu Hou Nanshi and others to resist Han officials. This broke the agreement between our two rulers and severed the bond of brotherhood. Your Majesty sent letters twice to reprimand us, and dispatched envoys with written replies. We did not respond, and Han envoys did not come; because of this, the relationship between our two states became strained, and neighboring countries no longer pledged allegiance. Now, due to a minor official's breach of the agreement, we have punished the Right Xianwang and sent him westward to seek out the Yuezhi for battle. With Heaven's blessing, our officials and soldiers are capable, and our horses strong; we have completely annihilated the Yuezhi, killing all who resisted and subduing those who surrendered. We have pacified Loulan, Wusun, Hujie, and twenty-six other neighboring states; all of them now belong to the Xiongnu. All archer-people in the region have been united into one family. Now that the northern region is pacified, we wish to lay down arms and allow our soldiers and horses to rest. We hope to forget past grievances, restore former agreements, bring peace to border people, follow ancient customs, so that the young may grow up safely and the elderly can live in tranquility, achieving lasting peace and happiness for generations. Since we have not yet received Your Majesty's response, I now send Langzhong Xi Yuqian to deliver this letter and present one tuota horse, two riding horses, and a carriage drawn by four horses. If Your Majesty does not wish for the Xiongnu to approach the frontier, then please issue an order for officials and civilians to move further away. Once envoys arrive, they will be sent off immediately." In the middle of the sixth month, he arrived at Xinwang. When the letter arrived, Han officials debated whether it was more advantageous to attack or maintain a marriage alliance. The ministers and high officials all said: "The Chanyu has just defeated the Yuezhi, is riding on his momentum, and cannot be attacked. Moreover, even if we captured Xiongnu territory, it is barren and saline; not suitable for habitation. Therefore, maintaining the marriage alliance would be most advantageous." The Han dynasty agreed to this.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
孝文皇帝前六年，漢遺匈奴書曰：「皇帝敬問匈奴大單于無恙。使郎中系雩淺遺朕書曰：『右賢王不請，聽後義盧侯難氏等計，絕二主之約，離兄弟之親，漢以故不和，鄰國不附。今以小吏敗約，故罰右賢王使西擊月氏，盡定之。願寢兵休士卒養馬，除前事，復故約，以安邊民，使少者得成其長，老者安其處，世世平樂。』朕甚嘉之，此古聖主之意也。漢與匈奴約為兄弟，所以遺單于甚厚。倍約離兄弟之親者，常在匈奴。然右賢王事已在赦前，單于勿深誅。單于若稱書意，明告諸吏，使無負約，有信，敬如單于書。使者言單于自將伐國有功，甚苦兵事。服繡袷綺衣、繡袷長襦、錦袷袍各一，比余一，黃金飾具帶一，黃金胥紕一，繡十匹，錦三十匹，赤綈、綠繒各四十匹，使中大夫意、謁者令肩遺單于。」 |
| | In the sixth year before Emperor Xiaowen, the Han sent a letter to the Xiongnu saying: "Respectfully inquired after the Great Chanyu of the Xiongnu if he is well. The envoy Langzhong Xi Yuqian sent a letter to me saying: 'The Right Xianwang acted without permission, following the advice of Hou Yiluhou Nanshi and others. This has broken the agreement between our two sovereigns and severed the bond of brothers; because of this, Han is not in harmony with us, and neighboring states do not pledge allegiance. Now, due to the breach of agreement by a minor official, we have punished the Right Xienwang and ordered him westward to attack the Yuezhi until they are completely pacified. We wish to lay down our arms, allow soldiers and horses to rest, forget past grievances, restore the former agreement, bring peace to the border people, so that the young can grow up safely and the old may live in tranquility, ensuring lasting peace and happiness for all generations." I am greatly pleased by this; it is the intention of ancient sage rulers. Han and the Xiongnu have established a brotherhood, so we have given the Chanyu generous gifts. Those who break agreements and sever bonds of brotherhood are often found among the Xiongnu. However, since the Right Xianwang's offense occurred before the amnesty was declared, Chanyu should not punish him too severely. If the Chanyu honors the spirit of this letter, he should clearly inform his officials and ensure that no agreements are violated. Let there be trust, and treat our correspondence with respect as we have treated yours. The envoy mentioned that the Chanyu personally led a campaign against a country and achieved success, but was greatly burdened by military affairs. One embroidered double-layered silk robe, one embroidered double-layered long tunic, and one brocade double-layered coat; for the rest of them, one each. One belt decorated with gold ornaments, one golden xupi (a type of ornament), ten bolts of embroidered fabric, thirty bolts of brocade, forty bolts each of red fine silk and green zeng cloth. These were sent to the Chanyu by Zhongdafa Yi and Yezhaling Jian."
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
後頃之，冒頓死，子稽粥立，號曰老上單于。 |
| | Not long after, Modu died, and his son Jiyu was enthroned, who took the title Laoshang Chanyu.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
老上稽粥單于初立，孝文皇帝復遣宗室女公主為單于閼氏，使宦者燕人中行說傅公主。說不欲行，漢彊使之。說曰：「必我行也，為漢患者。」中行說既至，因降單于，單于甚親幸之。 |
| | When Laoshang Jiyu Chanyu was first enthroned, Emperor Xiaowen once again sent a princess from the imperial family to be the Chanyu's Yanzhi (consort), and dispatched the eunuch Zhonghang Yue, an official from Yan, to serve as her tutor. Zhonghang Yue did not wish to go, but the Han authorities compelled him to do so. Zhonghang Yue said: "If I must go, it will be a source of trouble for Han." After Zhonghang Yue arrived, he defected to the Chanyu, who held him in great favor and trusted him highly.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
初，匈奴好漢繒絮食物，中行說曰：「匈奴人眾不能當漢之一郡，然所以彊者，以衣食異，無仰於漢也。今單于變俗好漢物，漢物不過什二，則匈奴盡歸於漢矣。其得漢繒絮，以馳草棘中，衣袴皆裂敝，以示不如旃裘之完善也。得漢食物皆去之，以示不如湩酪之便美也。」於是說教單于左右疏記，以計課其人眾畜物。 |
| | Initially, the Xiongnu favored Han silk, cotton wadding, and food. Zhonghang Yue said: "The population of the Xiongnu cannot match even one commandery of Han, yet they remain strong because their clothing and food are different from ours, so they do not depend on Han for supplies. Now that the Chanyu has changed customs and taken a liking to Han goods, if Han goods make up no more than one-tenth of their needs, then all the Xiongnu will eventually return to Han." They would ride through grass and thorns wearing the Han silk and wadding, tearing their clothes to show that they were not as durable or suitable as felt and fur garments. They would discard the Han food, showing it was not as convenient or delicious as milk and curd." Thus, Zhonghang Yue taught the Chanyu's attendants how to keep written records in order to calculate and assess their population and livestock.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
漢遺單于書，牘以尺一寸，辭曰「皇帝敬問匈奴大單于無恙」，所遺物及言語云云。中行說令單于遺漢書以尺二寸牘，及印封皆令廣大長，倨傲其辭曰「天地所生日月所置匈奴大單于敬問漢皇帝無恙」，所以遺物言語亦云云。 |
| | When Han sent letters to the Chanyu, they used wooden tablets one chi and one cun in length. The message would read: "The Emperor respectfully inquires if the Great Chanyu is well," followed by descriptions of the gifts and other words accordingly. Zhonghang Yue instructed the Chanyu to send letters to Han using wooden tablets one chi and two cun in length, and he also ordered that the seals and envelopes be made larger. The tone of the letter was arrogant, reading: "The Great Chanyu of Xiongnu, appointed by the sun and moon under heaven's mandate, respectfully inquires if Emperor of Han is well," followed by descriptions of gifts and words accordingly.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
漢使或言曰：「匈奴俗賤老。」中行說窮漢使曰：「而漢俗屯戍從軍當發者，其老親豈有不自脫溫厚肥美以齎送飲食行戍乎？」漢使曰：「然。」中行說曰：「匈奴明以戰攻為事，其老弱不能鬬，故以其肥美飲食壯健者，蓋以自為守衛，如此父子各得久相保，何以言匈奴輕老也？」漢使曰：「匈奴父子乃同穹廬而臥。父死，妻其後母；兄弟死，盡取其妻妻之。無冠帶之飾，闕庭之禮。」中行說曰：「匈奴之俗，人食畜肉，飲其汁，衣其皮；畜食草飲水，隨時轉移。故其急則人習騎射，寬則人樂無事，其約束輕，易行也。君臣簡易，一國之政猶一身也。父子兄弟死，取其妻妻之，惡種姓之失也。故匈奴雖亂，必立宗種。今中國雖詳不取其父兄之妻，親屬益疏則相殺，至乃易姓，皆從此類。且禮義之敝，上下交怨望，而室屋之極，生力必屈。夫力耕桑以求衣食，筑城郭以自備，故其民急則不習戰功，緩則罷於作業。嗟土室之人，顧無多辭，令喋喋而佔佔，冠固何當？」 |
| | Some Han envoys remarked: "The Xiongnu custom despises the elderly." Zhonghang Yue challenged the Han envoys, saying: "In your Han custom, when conscripts are sent to garrison or join the army, do their elderly parents not personally give up warm and nutritious food to prepare meals for them on their journey?" The Han envoys replied: "Yes." Zhonghang Yue said: "The Xiongnu clearly prioritize warfare. Since the elderly and weak cannot fight, they provide their nutritious food to the strong and healthy so that they may serve as defenders. In this way, fathers and sons can protect each other for a long time. How then can you say the Xiongnu despise the elderly?" The Han envoy said: "Among the Xiongnu, fathers and sons sleep in the same felt tent. When a father dies, they marry their stepmother; when brothers die, they take all their wives as their own. They have no adornments like hats and sashes, nor do they observe the rituals of courtly decorum." Zhonghang Yue replied: "The custom of the Xiongnu is for people to eat livestock meat, drink its broth, and wear their hides; livestock graze on grass and drink water, so they move according to the seasons. Therefore, in times of urgency, people become skilled in horseback riding and archery; in peaceful times, they enjoy a life free from burdens. Their rules are light and easy to follow. The relationship between ruler and subject is simple, so the governance of the entire nation functions like that of a single body. When fathers, sons, or brothers die, they marry their widows to prevent the loss of family lineage and surname. Therefore, even though the Xiongnu may appear disorderly, they always establish a line of succession from the clan's descendants. Now in China, although it is considered refined not to marry one's father or brother's wife, as relatives become more distant they kill each other. Eventually, surnames change—this all stems from such practices. Moreover, the drawbacks of Confucian rites and moral codes lead to mutual resentment between rulers and subjects; when houses and palaces reach their peak in luxury, productive forces must inevitably be strained. Those who till the fields and raise mulberry trees to seek clothing and food, build city walls for their own defense—thus, when in urgent need, their people are not skilled in warfare; in times of ease, they grow weary from labor. Alas! People who dwell in houses made of earth and wood, you have no need for many words, yet you chatter on endlessly about trivialities. What use is a hat to them?"
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
自是之後，漢使欲辯論者，中行說輒曰：「漢使無多言，顧漢所輸匈奴繒絮米糱，令其量中，必善美而己矣，何以為言乎？且所給備善則已；不備，苦惡，則候秋孰，以騎馳蹂而稼穡耳。」日夜教單于候利害處。 |
| | From then on, whenever Han envoys wished to argue, Zhonghang Yue would say: "Han envoy, do not speak much. As long as the silk, wadding, rice, and malt that Han sends to the Xiongnu are measured properly and of good quality, what is there left to discuss? Moreover, if the supplies provided are sufficient and well-prepared, then that is enough; if they are insufficient or of poor quality, we will wait until autumn harvest and simply ride in with our cavalry to trample their crops." Day and night, Zhonghang Yue instructed the Chanyu on how to identify advantageous or disadvantageous situations.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
漢孝文皇帝十四年，匈奴單于十四萬騎入朝那、蕭關，殺北地都尉卬，虜人民畜產甚多，遂至彭陽。使奇兵入燒回中宮，候騎至雍甘泉。於是文帝以中尉周舍、郎中令張武為將軍，發車千乘，騎十萬，軍長安旁以備胡寇。而拜昌侯盧卿為上郡將軍，甯侯魏遬為北地將軍，隆慮侯周灶為隴西將軍，東陽侯張相如為大將軍，成侯董赤為前將軍，大發車騎往擊胡。單于留塞內月餘乃去，漢逐出塞即還，不能有所殺。匈奴日已驕，歲入邊，殺略人民畜產甚多，雲中、遼東最甚，至代郡萬餘人。漢患之，乃使使遺匈奴書。單于亦使當戶報謝，復言和親事。 |
| | In the fourteenth year of Emperor Xiaowen's reign, a Xiongnu force of 140,000 cavalry led by the Chanyu entered Chaona and Xiaoguan, killing Duwei Ang of Beidi Commandery, capturing many civilians and livestock, and advancing as far as Pengyang. They sent a detachment to burn the Hui Zhong Palace, with scouting cavalry reaching Yong and Ganquan. Thus, Emperor Wen appointed Zhongwei Zhou She and Langzhong Ling Zhang Wu as generals, mobilizing a thousand chariots and 100,000 horsemen to station troops near Chang'an in preparation for Xiongnu raids. He also appointed Chang Hou Lu Qing as Shangqu General, Ning Hou Wei Su as Beidi General, Longlv Hou Zhou Zao as Longxi General, Dongyang Hou Zhang Xiangru as Grand General, and Cheng Hou Dong Chi as Vanguard General, mobilizing a large force of chariots and cavalry to attack the Xiongnu. The Chanyu remained within the frontier for over a month before departing, while Han forces pursued them beyond the border and then returned without achieving any significant kills. The Xiongnu grew increasingly arrogant, raiding the borders annually and killing or capturing a large number of civilians and livestock. Yunzhong and Liaodong were hit hardest, with over 10,000 people affected in Dai Jun alone. Han was greatly troubled by this and thus sent envoys to deliver a letter to the Xiongnu. The Chanyu also dispatched Danghu as an envoy in return, expressing gratitude and once again discussing the matter of a peace marriage alliance.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
孝文帝後二年，使使遺匈奴書曰：「皇帝敬問匈奴大單于無恙。使當戶且居雕渠難、郎中韓遼遺朕馬二匹，已至，敬受。先帝制：長城以北，引弓之國，受命單于；長城以內，冠帶之室，朕亦制之。使萬民耕織射獵衣食，父子無離，臣主相安，俱無暴逆。今聞渫惡民貪降其進取之利，倍義絕約，忘萬民之命，離兩主之驩，然其事已在前矣。書曰：『二國已和親，兩主驩說，寢兵休卒養馬，世世昌樂，闟然更始。』朕甚嘉之。聖人者日新，改作更始，使老者得息，幼者得長，各保其首領而終其天年。朕與單于俱由此道，順天恤民，世世相傳，施之無窮，天下莫不咸便。漢與匈奴鄰國之敵，匈奴處北地，寒，殺氣早降，故詔吏遺單于秫糱金帛絲絮佗物歲有數。今天下大安，萬民熙熙，朕與單于為之父母。朕追念前事，薄物細故，謀臣計失，皆不足以離兄弟之驩。朕聞天不頗覆，地不偏載。朕與單于皆捐往細故，俱蹈大道，墮壞前惡，以圖長久，使兩國之民若一家子。元元萬民，下及魚鱉，上及飛鳥，跂行喙息蠕動之類，莫不就安利而辟危殆。故來者不止，天之道也。俱去前事：朕釋逃虜民，單于無言章尼等。朕聞古之帝王，約分明而無食言。單于留志，天下大安，和親之後，漢過不先。單于其察之。」 |
| | In the second year after Emperor Xiaowen, an envoy was sent to deliver a letter to the Chanyu of Xiongnu saying: "The Emperor respectfully inquires whether the Great Chanyu is in good health. Danghu Qiju Diaoqunan and Langzhong Han Liao sent two horses to me, which have already arrived; I respectfully received them. The late emperor's decree stated: north of the Great Wall, the bow-drawing nations are subject to the Chanyu; within the Great Wall, where people wear hats and sashes in settled dwellings, I also govern them. I ensure that the ten thousand people till fields, weave cloth, hunt, and provide for their clothing and food; fathers and sons remain together without separation, subjects and rulers live in peace, and none commit violence or rebellion. Now I have heard that some wicked people, driven by greed for the benefits of conquest, have violated righteousness and broken our agreement. They have forgotten the lives of the ten thousand people and severed the goodwill between our two rulers; however, these matters occurred in the past. The letter said: "Now that our two nations have established a peace and marriage alliance, the two rulers are pleased. We will lay down arms, rest our soldiers, and raise horses for generations to come, enjoying lasting prosperity and happiness, beginning anew with harmony." I am greatly pleased by this. A sage ruler brings daily renewal, initiating reforms and new beginnings so that the elderly may rest in peace, the young may grow up safely, and all may preserve their lives to live out their natural years. I and the Chanyu both follow this path, aligning with Heaven's will and showing compassion for our people. This way of governance shall be passed down through generations, continuing endlessly, bringing benefit to all under heaven. Han and the Xiongnu are neighboring states. The Xiongnu dwell in northern lands, where it is cold and harsh winds arrive early; therefore, I have ordered officials to send the Chanyu millet malt, gold, silk, wadding, and other goods on an annual basis according to set amounts. Now that the world is at peace and all people live in harmony, I and the Chanyu are their parents. I recall past events with reflection; trivial matters or minor mistakes made by my advisors were never sufficient to sever the bond of brotherhood between us. I have heard that Heaven does not favor one side over another in its coverage, and Earth does not show partiality in what it bears. I and the Chanyu will both set aside past minor grievances, walk together on the great path, abandon former evils, and seek lasting peace so that the people of our two nations may be as one family. All the countless people, from the lowest creatures like fish and turtles to flying birds, crawling beings with legs or mouths, and even those that move slowly—none do not seek safety and benefit while avoiding danger. Therefore, those who come will not stop—it is the way of Heaven. Let us both forget past matters: I shall release the escaped captives, and you, Chanyu, should not mention Zhang Ni and others. I have heard that ancient emperors and kings made clear agreements and never broke their word. If the Chanyu remains committed, peace will prevail throughout the land; after a marriage alliance is established, Han shall not be the first to commit an offense. The Chanyu should take this into careful consideration."
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
單于既約和親，於是制詔御史曰：「匈奴大單于遺朕書，言和親已定，亡人不足以益眾廣地，匈奴無入塞，漢無出塞，犯（令）［今］約者殺之，可以久親，后無咎，俱便。朕已許之。其布告天下，使明知之。」 |
| | After the Chanyu had agreed to the peace and marriage alliance, Emperor Xiaowen issued an imperial decree to the Grand Historian: "The Great Chanyu of 匈奴 sent me a letter stating that the peace has been settled. Escaped people are not sufficient to increase population or expand territory; therefore, the Xiongnu shall not enter the frontier, nor shall Han cross it. Whoever violates this agreement shall be put to death. This will ensure lasting harmony and prevent future blame, benefiting both sides. I have already agreed to it. Announce this throughout the empire so that all may be clearly informed."
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
後四歲，老上稽粥單于死，子軍臣立為單于。既立，孝文皇帝復與匈奴和親。而中行說復事之。 |
| | Four years later, Laoshang Jiyu Chayu died and his son Junchen was enthroned as the new Chanyu. After ascending the throne, Emperor Xiaowen again established a peace marriage alliance with the Xiongnu. Zhonghang Yue once again served under him.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
軍臣單于立四歲，匈奴復絕和親，大入上郡、雲中各三萬騎，所殺略甚眾而去。於是漢使三將軍軍屯北地，代屯句注，趙屯飛狐口，緣邊亦各堅守以備胡寇。又置三將軍，軍長安西細柳、渭北棘門、霸上以備胡。胡騎入代句注邊，烽火通於甘泉、長安。數月，漢兵至邊，匈奴亦去遠塞，漢兵亦罷。後歲餘，孝文帝崩，孝景帝立，而趙王遂乃陰使人於匈奴。吳楚反，欲與趙合謀入邊。漢圍破趙，匈奴亦止。自是之後，孝景帝復與匈奴和親，通關市，給遺匈奴，遣公主，如故約。終孝景時，時小入盜邊，無大寇。 |
| | Four years after Junchen Chanyu ascended the throne, the Xiongnu once again broke off the peace and marriage alliance. They launched a large-scale invasion with 30,000 cavalry each into Shangjun and Yunzhong Commanderies, killing and capturing many people before withdrawing. In response, Han dispatched three generals to station troops: one in Beidi, another in Guzhu of Dai Commandery, and a third at Feihu Kou. Along the border regions as well, strong defenses were maintained to guard against Xiongnu raids. Additionally, three more generals were stationed at Xi Liliu west of Chang'an, Jimen to the north of Wei River, and Bashang to guard against the Xiongnu. Xiongnu cavalry entered Dai Commandery near Guzhu, with beacon fires visible all the way from Ganquan to Chang'an. After several months, Han troops arrived at the frontier; the Xiongnu had already retreated far beyond the border, so Han forces withdrew as well. A year or more later, Emperor Xiaowen died and was succeeded by Emperor Xiaojing. At this time, Prince Zhao You secretly sent envoys to the Xiongnu. During the rebellion of Wu and Chu, they wished to conspire with Prince Zhao to launch an attack on Han's border regions. When Han forces surrounded and defeated Zhao, the Xiongnu also ceased their activities. From then on, Emperor Xiaojing once again established a peace and marriage alliance with the Xiongnu, reopened border markets, provided gifts to them, sent princesses as consorts, all in accordance with previous agreements. Throughout Emperor Xiaojing's reign, the Xiongnu occasionally raided the border for small-scale plunder but did not launch large-scale invasions.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
今帝即位，明和親約束，厚遇，通關市，饒給之。匈奴自單于以下皆親漢，往來長城下。 |
| | Now that this emperor has ascended the throne, he clearly upholds the peace and marriage agreements, treats them kindly, reopens border markets, and generously provides for them. From the Chanyu down to his subjects, the Xiongnu all became friendly with Han, traveling back and forth under the Great Wall.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
漢使馬邑下人聶翁壹奸蘭出物與匈奴交，詳為賣馬邑城以誘單于。單于信之，而貪馬邑財物，乃以十萬騎入武州塞。漢伏兵三十餘萬馬邑旁，御史大夫韓安國為護軍，護四將軍以伏單于。單于既入漢塞，未至馬邑百餘里，見畜布野而無人牧者，怪之，乃攻亭。是時鴈門尉史行徼，見寇，葆此亭，知漢兵謀，單于得，欲殺之，尉史乃告單于漢兵所居。單于大驚曰：「吾固疑之。」乃引兵還。出曰：「吾得尉史，天也，天使若言。」以尉史為「天王」。漢兵約單于入馬邑而縱，單于不至，以故漢兵無所得。漢將軍王恢部出代擊胡輜重，聞單于還，兵多，不敢出。漢以恢本造兵謀而不進，斬恢。自是之後，匈奴絕和親，攻當路塞，往往入盜於漢邊，不可勝數。然匈奴貪，尚樂關市，嗜漢財物，漢亦尚關市不絕以中之。 |
| | A Han envoy named Nie Wengyi, a native of Mayi, secretly traded goods with the Xiongnu and pretended to sell them the city of Mayi in order to lure the Chanyu. The Chanyu believed this and, lured by the wealth of Mayi, led 100,00 cavalry into Wuzhou Pass. Han had over 300,000 troops lying in ambush near Mayi. Grand Historian Yan An Guo served as the commander-in-chief, overseeing four generals to lie in wait for the Chanyu. After entering Han territory, before reaching Mayi by more than a hundred li, the Chanyu saw livestock scattered in the fields without any herders and found this strange. He then attacked the watchtowers. The Chanyu wanted to kill him, but 尉史 revealed to the Chanyu where the Han troops were stationed. The Chanyu was greatly alarmed and said, "I have long suspected this." He then withdrew his troops. As he left, he said, "I captured Weishi by fate; it was Heaven's will that you spoke." He appointed 尉史 as the "Tianwang" (King of Heaven). The Han forces had planned to let the Chanyu enter Mayi and then launch an attack, but since the Chanyu did not arrive, the Han troops achieved nothing. General Wang Hui of the Han army led a detachment from Dai to attack the Xiongnu's supply convoy. Upon hearing that the Chanyu had returned with a large force, he dared not advance. The Han court executed Wang Hui because he originally devised the military plan but failed to carry it out and did not advance. From then on, the Xiongnu severed peace and marriage relations, attacked key passes, and frequently raided Han's borders for plunder, too numerous to count. However, the Xiongnu were greedy and still enjoyed border trade, craving Han goods; thus, Han also continued to maintain the border markets in order to pacify them.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
自馬邑軍後五年之秋，漢使四將軍各萬騎擊胡關市下。將軍衛青出上谷，至蘢城，得胡首虜七百人。公孫賀出雲中，無所得。公孫敖出代郡，為胡所敗七千餘人。李廣出鴈門，為胡所敗，而匈奴生得廣，廣后得亡歸。漢囚敖、廣，敖、廣贖為庶人。其冬，匈奴數入盜邊，漁陽尤甚。漢使將軍韓安國屯漁陽備胡。其明年秋，匈奴二萬騎入漢，殺遼西太守，略二千餘人。胡又入敗漁陽太守軍千餘人，圍漢將軍安國，安國時千餘騎亦且盡，會燕救至，匈奴乃去。匈奴又入鴈門，殺略千餘人。於是漢使將軍衛青將三萬騎出鴈門，李息出代郡，擊胡。得首虜數千人。其明年，衛青復出雲中以西至隴西，擊胡之樓煩、白羊王於河南，得胡首虜數千，牛羊百餘萬。於是漢遂取河南地，筑朔方，復繕故秦時蒙恬所為塞，因河為固。漢亦棄上谷之什辟縣造陽地以予胡。是歲，漢之元朔二年也。 |
| | In the autumn five years after the Mayi campaign, Han sent four generals, each commanding 10,000 cavalrymen, to attack the Xiongnu near the border markets. General Wei Qing marched out from Shanggu and reached Longcheng, capturing 700 Xiongnu warriors. Gongsun He marched out from Yunzhong but captured no one. Gongsun Ao marched out from Dai Jun and was defeated by the Xiongnu, suffering losses of more than 7,000 men. Li Guang marched out from Yanmen and was defeated by the Xiongu, who captured him alive; later, Li Guang managed to escape back. Han imprisoned Ao and Guang, and both Ao and Guang were ransomed and demoted to commoners. That winter, the Xiongnu frequently raided Han's border regions, with Yuyang suffering particularly heavily. Han dispatched General Yan An Guo to station troops in Yuyang to guard against the Xiongnu. The following autumn, 20,000 Xiongu cavalrymen invaded Han territory, killing the governor of Liaoxi and capturing more than 2,000 people. The Xiongnu then entered again and defeated the garrison of Yuyang's governor, killing more than 1,000 soldiers. They surrounded General Yan An Guo, whose force of over 1,000 cavalry was nearly wiped out when reinforcements from Yan arrived just in time, forcing the Xiongu to withdraw. The Xiongnu once again invaded Yanmen, killing and capturing more than 1,00 people. At this time, Han dispatched General Wei Qing to lead 30,000 cavalry out from Yanmen, while Li Xi marched out from Dai Jun to attack the Xiongu. They captured several thousand enemy warriors. The following year, General Wei Qing once again marched out from Yunzhong westward to Longxi and attacked the Loufan and Baiyang kings of the Xiongnu in Henan. He captured several thousand enemy warriors as well as over a million cattle and sheep. Thus, Han took control of the Henan region, built Shuofang, and restored the frontier defenses originally constructed by Meng Tian during the Qin dynasty, using the Yellow River as a natural barrier for defense. Han also abandoned Shapian Xian and Zaoyang territory in Shanggu to give it to the Xiongnu. This year was Yuanshuo Year 2 of Han.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
其后冬，匈奴軍臣單于死。軍臣單于弟左谷蠡王伊稚斜自立為單于，攻破軍臣單于太子於單。於單亡降漢，漢封於單為涉安侯，數月而死。 |
| | That winter, Chanyu Junchen of the Xiongnu died. Junchen's younger brother, Zuogulv Wang Yizhixie, declared himself Chanyu and attacked and defeated Junchen's crown prince at Yu Dan. Yu Dan fled and surrendered to Han, who enfeoffed him as the Marquis of Shean. He died several months later.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
伊稚斜單于既立，其夏，匈奴數萬騎入殺代郡太守恭友，略千餘人。其秋，匈奴又入鴈門，殺略千餘人。其明年，匈奴又復復入代郡、定襄、上郡，各三萬騎，殺略數千人。匈奴右賢王怨漢奪之河南地而筑朔方，數為寇，盜邊，及入河南，侵擾朔方，殺略吏民其眾。 |
| | After Yizhixie Chanyu ascended the throne, in that summer, tens of thousands of Xiongu cavalry invaded and killed Tai Shou Gong You of Dai Jun, capturing more than 1,0 people. That autumn, the Xion-gnu once again entered Yanmen and killed or captured over a thousand people. The following year, the Xiongnu again invaded Dai Jun, Dingxiang, and Shang Jun, each with 30,00 cavalrymen, killing or capturing several thousand people. The Xiongnu Youxian Wang resented Han for seizing the Henan territory and building Shuofang. He frequently launched raids, plundering along the border and even entering Henan to harass Shuofang, killing or capturing many officials and civilians.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
其明年春，漢以衛青為大將軍，將六將軍，十餘萬人，出朔方、高闕擊胡。右賢王以為漢兵不能至，飲酒醉，漢兵出塞六七百里，夜圍右賢王。右賢王大驚，脫身逃走，諸精騎往往隨后去。漢得右賢王眾男女萬五千人，裨小王十餘人。其秋，匈奴萬騎入殺代郡都尉朱英，略千餘人。 |
| | The following spring, Han appointed Wei Qing as Grand General, commanding six generals and more than 100, people, to launch an attack on the Xiongnu from Shuofang and Gaoque. Youxian Wang believed that Han troops could not reach him, so he was drinking and became drunk. The Han forces marched out of the frontier for 600 to 700 li at night and encircled Youxian Wang. Youxian Wang was greatly alarmed, escaped alone, and many of his elite cavalrymen followed him in retreat. Han captured 15,000 men, women, and children from Youxian Wang's forces, as well as more than ten minor chieftains. That autumn, 10,00 Xiongnu cavalrymen invaded and killed Du Wei Zhu Ying of Dai Jun, capturing over a thousand people.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
其明年春，漢復遣大將軍衛青將六將軍，兵十餘萬騎，乃再出定襄數百里擊匈奴，得首虜前后凡萬九千餘級，而漢亦亡兩將軍，軍三千餘騎。右將軍建得以身脫，而前將軍翕侯趙信兵不利，降匈奴。趙信者，故胡小王，降漢，漢封為翕侯，以前將軍與右將軍并軍分行，獨遇單于兵，故盡沒。單于既得翕侯，以為自次王，用其姊妻之，與謀漢。信教單于益北絕幕，以誘罷漢兵，徼極而取之，無近塞。單于從其計。其明年，胡騎萬人入上谷，殺數百人。 |
| | The following spring, Han once again dispatched Grand General Wei Qing to command six generals and over 100, cavalrymen. They marched hundreds of li out from Dingxiang to attack the Xiongnu, capturing a total of more than 19, enemy warriors in successive campaigns; however, Han also lost two generals and more than 3, cavalrymen. General You Jiangjun Jian managed to escape with his life, but General Qian Jiangjun Xihu Zhao Xin suffered a defeat and surrendered to the Xiongnu. Zhao Xin was originally a minor Xiongnu chieftain who had surrendered to Han. Han enfeoffed him as Marquis Xihu, and he served as Qian Jiangjun alongside You Jiangjun, commanding separate forces. He encountered the Chanyu's troops alone, which is why his entire force was wiped out. After capturing Marquis Xihu, the Chanyu appointed him as a secondary king, married his sister to him, and used him to plot against Han. Zhao Xin advised the Chanyu to move further north beyond the desert, luring Han troops into exhaustion and then striking when they were at their limit, avoiding areas near the frontier. The Chanyu followed his plan. The following year, 10, Xiongnu cavalrymen entered Shanggu and killed hundreds of people.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
其明年春，漢使驃騎將軍去病將萬騎出隴西，過焉支山千餘里，擊匈奴，得胡首虜（騎）萬八千餘級，破得休屠王祭天金人。其夏，驃騎將軍復與合騎侯數萬騎出隴西、北地二千里，擊匈奴。過居延，攻祁連山，得胡首虜三萬餘人，裨小王以下七十餘人。是時匈奴亦來入代郡、鴈門，殺略數百人。漢使博望侯及李將軍廣出右北平，擊匈奴左賢王。左賢王圍李將軍，卒可四千人，且盡，殺虜亦過當。會博望侯軍救至，李將軍得脫。漢失亡數千人，合騎侯後驃騎將軍期，及與博望侯皆當死，贖為庶人。 |
| | The following spring, Han dispatched the General of Horsemen Wei Qing to lead 10, cavalry out from Longxi. He crossed more than a thousand li beyond Yanzhi Mountain and attacked the Xiongnu, killing over 18, enemy warriors (cavalry). He captured the Jintian Jinren statue used by King Qiutu for sacrificial rites. That summer, the General of Horsemen once again joined Heqi Hou with tens of thousands of cavalry and marched 2, li from Longxi and Beidi to attack the Xiongnu. They passed through Juyan, attacked Qilian Mountain, and captured more than 30, enemy warriors as well as seventy minor chieftains and below. At this time, the Xiongnu also invaded Dai Jun and Yanmen, killing or capturing hundreds of people. Han dispatched Bo Wang Hou and General Li Guang to march out from Youbeiping to attack the Xiongnu Left Xian Wang. The Left Xian Wang surrounded General Li, whose force of about 4, soldiers was nearly wiped out; however, the number of enemy killed and captured also exceeded their losses. Just then, reinforcements from Bo Wang Hou arrived, allowing General Li to escape. Han suffered the loss of several thousand men. Heqi Hou was late in joining the General of Horsemen, and both he and Bo Wang Hou were sentenced to death but ransomed themselves and demoted to commoners instead.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
其秋，單于怒渾邪王、休屠王居西方為漢所殺虜數萬人，欲召誅之。渾邪王與休屠王恐，謀降漢，漢使驃騎將軍往迎之。渾邪王殺休屠王，并將其眾降漢。凡四萬餘人，號十萬。於是漢已得渾邪王，則隴西、北地、河西益少胡寇，徙關東貧民處所奪匈奴河南、新秦中以實之，而減北地以西戍卒半。其明年，匈奴入右北平、定襄各數萬騎，殺略千餘人而去。 |
| | That autumn, the Chanyu was furious that Hunye Wang and Qiutu Wang in the western regions had suffered heavy losses of tens of thousands killed or captured by Han forces. He wanted to summon them for execution. Hunye Wang and Qiutu King were terrified, so they plotted to surrender to Han. Han sent the General of Horsemen to go and receive them. Hunye Wang killed Qiutu Wang and led his entire force in surrendering to Han. A total of more than 40, people were involved, claiming a number of 100,. With the surrender of Hunye Wang, Han saw a significant reduction in Xiongnu raids in Longxi, Beidi, and Hexi. The government relocated poor people from Guandong to settle in the former Xiongnu territories of Henan and Xin Qin Zhong that had been seized by Han, thereby reducing the number of garrison troops stationed west of Beidi by half. The following year, tens of thousands of Xiongnu cavalry entered Youbeiping and Dingxiang respectively, killing or capturing over a thousand people before withdrawing.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
其明年春，漢謀曰「翕侯信為單于計，居幕北，以為漢兵不能至」。乃粟馬發十萬騎，（負）私［負］從馬凡十四萬匹，糧重不與焉。令大將軍青、驃騎將軍去病中分軍，大將軍出定襄，驃騎將軍出代，咸約絕幕擊匈奴。單于聞之，遠其輜重，以精兵待於幕北。與漢大將軍接戰一日，會暮，大風起，漢兵縱左右翼圍單于。單于自度戰不能如漢兵，單于遂獨身與壯騎數百潰漢圍西北遁走。漢兵夜追不得。行斬捕匈奴首虜萬九千級，北至闐顏山趙信城而還。 |
| | The following spring, Han plotted and said, "Xihu Xin advised the Chanyu to settle north of the desert, believing that Han troops could not reach them." Thus, they mobilized 100, cavalry and (carried) private [private] horses for a total of 140, horses; this did not include the supply wagons. They ordered Grand General Qing and the General of Horsemen Weiqing to divide their forces. Grand General would march out from Dingxiang, while the General of Horsemen would depart from Dai, both agreeing to cross the desert to attack the Xiongnu together. Upon hearing this, the Chanyu moved his supply convoy far away and stationed his elite troops north of the desert in anticipation. They engaged Grand General's forces in battle for a day, and as dusk fell, a strong wind arose. The Han troops launched their left and right wings to encircle the Chanyu. alone with several hundred elite cavalry broke through the Han encirclement and fled northwest. The Han forces pursued at night but failed to catch up. They killed and captured a total of 19, Xiongnu warriors, advancing as far north as Tanyan Mountain's Zhao Xin Cheng before returning.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
單于之遁走，其兵往往與漢兵相亂而隨單于。單于久不與其大眾相得，其右谷蠡王以為單于死，乃自立為單于。真單于復得其眾，而右谷蠡王乃去其單于號，復為右谷蠡王。 |
| | As the Chanyu fled, many of his troops became mixed with Han forces and followed the Chanyu in retreat. For a long time, the Chanyu could not regroup with his main force. His Right Gulu Wang believed that the Chanyu was dead and declared himself Chanyu instead. The true Chanyu eventually reunited with his forces, and the Right Gulu Wang then abandoned his claim to the title of Chanyu and returned to being merely the Right Gulu King.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
漢驃騎將軍之出代二千餘里，與左賢王接戰，漢兵得胡首虜凡七萬餘級，左賢王將皆遁走。驃騎封於狼居胥山，禪姑衍，臨翰海而還。 |
| | The Han General of Horsemen marched more than 2, li out from Dai and engaged the Left Xian Wang in battle. The Han forces captured a total of over 70, enemy warriors, and all the commanders under the Left Xian King fled. The General of Horsemen performed a sacrifice at Langju Xu Mountain, held a ceremony on Guyan Hill, and returned after reaching the edge of Khanhai.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
是後匈奴遠遁，而幕南無王庭。漢度河自朔方以西至令居，往往通渠置田，官吏卒五六萬人，稍蠶食，地接匈奴以北。 |
| | After this, the Xiongnu retreated far away, and there was no royal court in the southern desert region. Han crossed the Yellow River from Shuofang in the west to Lingju, frequently building canals and setting up farmland. More than 50, government officials and soldiers were stationed there, gradually encroaching on territory that extended northward into Xiongnu lands.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
初，漢兩將軍大出圍單于，所殺虜八九萬，而漢士卒物故亦數萬，漢馬死者十餘萬。匈奴雖病，遠去，而漢亦馬少，無以復往。匈奴用趙信之計，遣使於漢，好辭請和親。天子下其議，或言和親，或言遂臣之。丞相長史任敞曰：「匈奴新破，困，宜可使為外臣，朝請於邊。」漢使任敞於單于。單于聞敞計，大怒，留之不遣。先是漢亦有所降匈奴使者，單于亦輒留漢使相當。漢方復收士馬，會驃騎將軍去病死，於是漢久不北擊胡。 |
| | Initially, when the two Han generals launched a major campaign to encircle the Chanyu, they killed or captured about 80, enemies. However, tens of thousands of Han soldiers and civilians also perished, and more than 10, Han horses died. Although the Xiongnu were weakened and had retreated far away, Han also suffered a shortage of horses and was unable to launch further campaigns. Following Zhao Xin's strategy, the Xiongnu sent envoys to Han with polite words requesting a peace and marriage alliance. The Son of Heaven put the matter before his ministers for discussion; some advised for a peace and marriage agreement, while others suggested making them Han's vassals. Chen Xiang Changshi Ren Chang said, "The Xiongnu have just suffered a major defeat and are in dire straits; it would be appropriate to make them vassal subjects who pay homage at the border." Han sent Ren Chang as an envoy to the Chanyu. ล The Chanyu heard of Ren Chang's proposal and was greatly angered, detaining him without sending him back. Previously, when Han had captured Xiongnu envoys who had surrendered, the Chanyu also detained Han envoys as equal captives. At this time, Han was just regrouping its troops and horses when the General of Horsemen Weiqu Bing died. Thus, for a long time afterward, Han did not launch northern campaigns against the Xiongnu.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
數歲，伊稚斜單于立十三年死，子烏維立為單于。是歲，漢元鼎三年也。烏維單于立，而漢天子始出巡郡縣。其後漢方南誅兩越，不擊匈奴，匈奴亦不侵入邊。 |
| | Several years later, Yizhixie Chanyuname stood for thirteen years before dying; his son Wwei was then enthroned as the new Chanyu. This year was Yuanding Year 3 of Han. After Wwei Chanyu ascended the throne and became emperor, the Son of Heaven began to tour the commanderies and counties in person. In the following years, as Han was engaged in campaigns against the two Yue states to the south, it did not attack the Xiongnu; likewise, the Xiongnu did not invade Han's borders.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
烏維單于立三年，漢已滅南越，遣故太仆賀將萬五千騎出九原二千餘里，至浮苴井而還，不見匈奴一人。漢又遣故從驃侯趙破奴萬餘騎出令居數千里，至匈河水而還，亦不見匈奴一人。 |
| | Three years after Wwei Chanyu took the throne, when Han had already destroyed Nanyue, it dispatched former Taifu He to lead 15, cavalry out from Jiuyuan for more than 2, li. They reached Fuju Jing and returned without encountering a single Xiongnu soldier. Han also dispatched former Congbiao Hou Zhao Po'nu, leading more than 10, cavalry out from Lingju for thousands of li. They reached the Xionghe River and returned, encountering not a single Xiongnu person as well.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
是時天子巡邊，至朔方，勒兵十八萬騎以見武節，而使郭吉風告單于。郭吉既至匈奴，匈奴主客問所使，郭吉禮卑言好，曰：「吾見單于而口言。」單于見吉，吉曰：「南越王頭已懸於漢北闕。今單于（能）即［能］前與漢戰，天子自將兵待邊；單于即不能，即南面而臣於漢。何徒遠走，亡匿於幕北寒苦無水草之地，毋為也。」語卒而單于大怒，立斬主客見者，而留郭吉不歸，遷之北海上。而單于終不肯為寇於漢邊，休養息士馬，習射獵，數使使於漢，好辭甘言求請和親。 |
| | At this time, the Son of Heaven toured the border and arrived at Suofang, where he mustered an army of 180, cavalry to display military might. He also sent Guo Ji as envoy to deliver a message to the Chanyu in a diplomatic manner. After Guo Ji arrived at the Xiongnu, the host in charge of guests asked about his mission. Guo Ji responded with humble and friendly words, saying, "I will speak to the Chanyu directly when I see him." When the Chanyu met Guo Ji, Ji said, "The head of the King of Nanyue has already been displayed at the northern gate of Han. Now, if the Chanyu is able to advance and fight against Han, the Son of Heaven himself will lead troops to await him at the frontier; if you are not capable, then bow southward and submit as a vassal to Han. Why then flee far away and hide in the cold, harsh land of the northern steppes where there is no water or grass? It serves no purpose at all." As Guo Ji finished speaking, the Chanyu became greatly enraged and immediately beheaded the host who had been present. He detained Guo Ji without sending him back and exiled him to the northern sea. However, the Chanyu ultimately refused to raid Han's borders. He focused on resting and recuperating his troops and horses, trained in archery and hunting, and frequently sent envoys to Han with flattering words and sweet speeches, requesting peace and marriage alliances.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
漢使王烏等窺匈奴。匈奴法，漢使非去節而以墨黥其面者不得入穹廬。王烏，北地人，習胡俗，去其節，黥面，得入穹廬。單于愛之，詳許甘言，為遣其太子入漢為質，以求和親。 |
| | Han dispatched Wang Wu et al. to spy on the Xiongnu. According to Xiongnu law, Han envoys who did not surrender their diplomatic credentials and had not been tattooed on the face with ink were not allowed to enter Qionglu. Wang Wu, a native of Beidi, was familiar with Xiongnu customs. He surrendered his credentials and had his face tattooed, thus gaining entry into Qionglu. The Chanyu favored him and responded with sweet words, pretending to agree. He sent his crown prince to Han as a hostage in order to seek peace and a marriage alliance.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
漢使楊信於匈奴。是時漢東拔穢貉、朝鮮以為郡，而西置酒泉郡以鬲絕胡與羌通之路。漢又西通月氏、大夏，又以公主妻烏孫王，以分匈奴西方之援國。又北益廣田至胘雷為塞，而匈奴終不敢以為言。是歲，翕侯信死，漢用事者以匈奴為已弱，可臣從也。楊信為人剛直屈彊，素非貴臣，單于不親。單于欲召入，不肯去節，單于乃坐穹廬外見楊信。楊信既見單于，說曰：「即欲和親，以單于太子為質於漢。」單于曰：「非故約。故約，漢常遣翁主，給繒絮食物有品，以和親，而匈奴亦不擾邊。今乃欲反古，令吾太子為質，無幾矣。」匈奴俗，見漢使非中貴人，其儒先，以為欲說，折其辯；其少年，以為欲刺，折其氣。每漢使入匈奴，匈奴輒報償。漢留匈奴使，匈奴亦留漢使，必得當乃肯止。 |
| | Han dispatched Yang Xin as an envoy to the Xiongnu. At this time, Han conquered the eastern regions of Huihe and Chaoxian to establish commanderies, while in the west it established the Jiuquan Commandery to block the route connecting the Xiongnu and Qiang. Han also established western connections with Yuezhi and Daxia, and married a princess to the Wusun king in order to divide the Xiongnu's allied states in the west. Furthermore, Han expanded its farmland further north as a frontier defense up to Zhulei, and the Xiongnu never dared to raise any objection. In this year, Xi Hou Xin died. Those in power in Han considered the Xiongnu to have already weakened and believed they could be made vassals. Yang Xin was a man of firmness, integrity, and strength; he had never been a noble official, so the Chanyu did not hold him in high regard. The Chanyu wanted to summon him inside but Yang Xin refused to surrender his credentials, so the Chanyu sat outside Qionglu to meet with Yang Xin. After meeting the Chanyu, Yang Xin said, "If you truly wish for peace and a marriage alliance, then send your crown prince as a hostage to Han." The Chanyu replied, "This was not part of the original agreement. According to the previous agreement, Han would regularly send a princess, along with specified quantities of silk, cotton, and foodstuffs for marriage alliances, while the Xiongnu would not disturb Han's borders. Now you wish to go against this ancient agreement by demanding that my crown prince be sent as a hostage—this is impossible." Among the Xiongnu customs, when they saw Han envoys who were not high-ranking officials but rather scholars or sages, they believed these people wanted to persuade them and would challenge their arguments; if the envoy was young, they thought he wished to provoke a confrontation and would thus undermine his confidence. Whenever Han envoys entered Xiongnu territory, the Xiongnu always responded in kind. If Han detained a Xiongnu envoy, the Xiongnu also detained a Han envoy; they would only release them when an equal exchange was achieved.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
楊信既歸，漢使王烏，而單于復肴甘言，欲多得漢財物，紿謂王烏曰：「吾欲入漢見天子，面相約為兄弟。」王烏歸報漢，漢為單于筑邸于長安。匈奴曰：「非得漢貴人使，吾不與誠語。」匈奴使其貴人至漢，病，漢予藥，欲愈之，不幸而死。而漢使路充國佩二千石印綬往使，因送其喪，厚葬直數千金，曰「此漢貴人也」。單于以為漢殺吾貴使者，乃留路充國不歸。諸所言者，單于特空紿王烏，殊無意入漢及遣太子來質。於是匈奴數使奇兵侵犯邊。漢乃拜郭昌為拔胡將軍，及浞野侯屯朔方以東，備胡。路充國留匈奴三歲，單于死。 |
| | After Yang Xin returned, Han sent Wang Wu as an envoy. The Chanyu once again offered sweet words and desired to obtain more wealth from Han, deceiving Wang Wu by saying, "I wish to enter Han to see the Son of Heaven in person and make a face-to-face pact of brotherhood." Wang Wu returned to report this to Han, and Han built a residence for the Chanyu in Chang'an. The Xiongnu said, "Unless we are sent an envoy of high rank from Han, we will not speak with sincerity." The Xiongnu sent one of their nobles to Han. The noble fell ill, and Han provided medicine in an attempt to cure him; unfortunately, the noble died. Han then dispatched Lu Chongguo, who wore the seal and sash of a rank-two-thousand official, as an envoy to accompany the funeral. He was given a lavish burial worth several thousand gold pieces, with the statement that "this is a noble person from Han." The Chanyu believed that Han had killed his esteemed envoy and thus detained Lu Chongguo without sending him back. All the things that had been said were merely empty deceptions by the Chanyu to Wang Wu; he had no real intention of entering Han or sending his crown prince as a hostage. At this time, the Xiongnu frequently sent small raiding forces to attack the borders. Han then appointed Guo Chang as the Batu General, and together with Zhuoye Hou, he was stationed east of Suofang to guard against Xiongnu raids. Lu Chongguo remained detained in the Xiongnu for three years when the Chanyu died.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
烏維單于立十歲而死，子烏師廬立為單于。年少，號為兒單于。是歲元封六年也。自此之後，單于益西北，左方兵直雲中，右方直酒泉、燉煌郡。 |
| | Wwei Chanyu had reigned for ten years before dying, and his son Wshilu was enthroned as the new chanyu. He was young and bore the title "E Chanyu." This year was Yuangong Year 6. From this time onward, the Chanyu gradually moved further northwest, with his left forces facing Yunzhong and his right forces facing Jiuquan and Dunhuang commanderies.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
兒單于立，漢使兩使者，一弔單于，一弔右賢王，欲以乖其國。使者入匈奴，匈奴悉將致單于。單于怒而盡留漢使。漢使留匈奴者前後十餘輩，而匈奴使來，漢亦輒留相當。 |
| | After E Chanyu was enthroned, Han sent two envoys: one to console the Chanyu and another to console Youxian Wang, in an attempt to sow discord within Xiongnu territory. When the envoys entered the Xiongnu territories, the Xiongnu brought them all before the Chanyu. The Chanyu was furious and detained all Han envoys. There were more than ten groups of Han envoys detained in the Xiongnu before and after this time, and whenever Xiongnu envoys came to Han, they were also detained as equal captives.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
是歲，漢使貳師將軍廣利西伐大宛，而令因杅將軍敖筑受降城。其冬，匈奴大雨雪，畜多饑寒死。兒單于年少，好殺伐，國人多不安。左大都尉欲殺單于，使人閒告漢曰：「我欲殺單于降漢，漢遠，即兵來迎我，我即發。」初，漢聞此言，故筑受降城，猶以為遠。 |
| | In this year, Han dispatched the General Er Shi Guangli to launch a western campaign against Dayuan, and ordered the Yinyu General Ao to build the Shoujiang Cheng. That winter, heavy snow fell in Xiongnu territory, causing many of their livestock to starve or freeze to death. E Chanyu was young and fond of warfare and killing; the people of his nation were largely unsettled. The Left Dada Wei wanted to kill the Chanyu and sent a message through intermediaries to Han, saying: "I wish to kill the Chanyu and surrender to Han. Since you are far away, if your troops come to welcome me, I will then act." Initially, when Han heard this message, that was why they built the Shoujiang Cheng; still, it seemed too distant.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
其明年春，漢使浞野侯破奴將二萬餘騎出朔方西北二千餘里，期至浚稽山而還。浞野侯既至期而還，左大都尉欲發而覺，單于誅之，發左方兵擊浞野。浞野侯行捕首虜得數千人。還，未至受降城四百里，匈奴兵八萬騎圍之。浞野侯夜自出求水，匈奴閒捕，生得浞野侯，因急擊其軍。軍中郭縱為護，維王為渠，相與謀曰：「及諸校尉畏亡將軍而誅之，莫相勸歸。」軍遂沒於匈奴。匈奴兒單于大喜，遂遣奇兵攻受降城。不能下，乃寇入邊而去。其明年，單于欲自攻受降城，未至，病死。 |
| | The following spring, Han dispatched Zhuoye Hou Po'nu to lead more than 20, cavalry out of Suofang for over 2, li northwestward, with the plan to reach Junji Mountain and return. After Zhuoye Hou reached the planned destination and returned, the Left Dada Wei was about to act but was discovered. The Chanyu executed him and then launched an attack on Zhuoye with his left-wing forces. Zhuoye Hou's forces captured several thousand Xiongnu soldiers during their pursuit. While returning, and still 400 li away from Shoujiang Cheng, Zhuoye Hou's troops were surrounded by 80, Xiongnu cavalry. At night, Zhuoye Hou personally went out to find water; the Xiongnu ambushed him and captured him alive. They then immediately attacked his army. Within the army, Guo Zong served as protector and Wei Wang as commander. They conspired together, saying: "Since all the officers fear losing their general and will execute us if we fail, no one encourages our return." The entire army was thus lost to the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu E Chanyu rejoiced greatly and immediately sent a small raiding force to attack Shoujiang Cheng. Unable to capture it, they instead raided the border before retreating. The following year, the Chanyu wished to personally attack Shoujiang Cheng but died of illness before reaching it.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
兒單于立三歲而死。子年少，匈奴乃立其季父烏維單于弟右賢王呴犁湖為單于。是歲太初三年也。 |
| | E Chanyu reigned for three years before dying. Since his son was still young, the Xiongnu enthroned his uncle, Youxian Wang Xu Lilhu, who was the younger brother of Wwei Chanyu, as the new Chanyu. This year was Taichu Year 3.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
呴犁湖單于立，漢使光祿徐自為出五原塞數百里，遠者千餘里，筑城鄣列亭至廬朐，而使游擊將軍韓說、長平侯衛伉屯其旁，使彊弩都尉路博德筑居延澤上。 |
| | After Xu Lilhu Chanyu was enthroned Han dispatched Guanglu Xu Zwei to leave Wuyuan Pass for hundreds of li, and in some cases over 1, li. He built walls, watchtowers, and beacon towers all the way to Luqu, while also stationing General Youji Yan Yue and Changping Hou Wei Kang nearby. Meanwhile, Qiangnu Duyi Lu Bode was ordered to build a fort on Juyan Lake.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
其秋，匈奴大入定襄、雲中，殺略數千人，敗數二千石而去，行破壞光祿所筑城列亭鄣。又使右賢王入酒泉、張掖，略數千人。會任文擊救，盡復失所得而去。是歲，貳師將軍破大宛，斬其王而還。匈奴欲遮之，不能至。其冬，欲攻受降城，會單于病死。 |
| | That autumn, the Xiongnu launched a large-scale invasion into Dingxiang and Yunzhong, killing and capturing thousands of people. They defeated Han officials of rank two-thousand and withdrew after destroying the walls, beacon towers, and watchtowers built by Guanglu. They also sent Youxian Wang to invade Jiuquan and Zhangye, where he raided and captured several thousand people. Just then, Ren Wen launched a rescue operation, recovering all the lost captives before withdrawing. In this year, General Er Shi defeated Dayuan and beheaded its king before returning. The Xiongnu wanted to intercept them but failed to reach their forces. That winter, the Xiongnu planned to attack Shoujiang Cheng when the Chanyu unexpectedly died of illness.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
呴犁湖單于立一歲死。匈奴乃立其弟左大都尉且鞮侯為單于。 |
| | Xu Lilhu Chanyu reigned for one year before dying. The Xiongnu then enthroned his younger brother, the Left Dada Wei Juzi Hou, as the new Chanyu
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
漢既誅大宛，威震外國。天子意欲遂困胡，乃下詔曰：「高皇帝遺朕平城之憂，高后時單于書絕悖逆。昔齊襄公復九世之讎，春秋大之。」是歲太初四年也。 |
| | After Han had destroyed Dayuan, its power and prestige were feared by foreign nations. The Son of Heaven wished to finally subdue the Xiongnu and thus issued an edict, saying: "Emperor Gaozu left me with the worry of the Pingcheng campaign. During Empress Dowager Gao's reign, the Chanyu sent letters that were utterly disrespectful and rebellious. In ancient times, Duke Xiang of Qi avenged a grudge from nine generations ago, and the Spring and Autumn Annals praised him highly." This year was Taichu 4.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
且鞮侯單于既立，盡歸漢使之不降者。路充國等得歸。單于初立，恐漢襲之，乃自謂「我兒子，安敢望漢天子！漢天子，我丈人行也」。漢遣中郎將蘇武厚幣賂遺單于。單于益驕，禮甚倨，非漢所望也。其明年，浞野侯破奴得亡歸漢。 |
| | After Juzi Hou Chanyu was enthroned he returned all Han envoys who had not surrendered. Lu Chongguo and others were thus able to return. When the new Chanyu first took power, he feared that Han would attack him and thus said to himself: "I am but a son of my father, how dare I compare myself to the Son of Heaven of Han! The Son of Heaven of Han is like an elder brother-in-law to me." Han dispatched the Zhonglangjiang Su Wu with rich gifts and generous bribes for the Chanyu. The Chanyu grew increasingly arrogant, treating Han envoys with great disrespect—this was not what Han had expected. The following year, Zhuoye Hou Po'Nu managed to escape and return to Han.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
其明年，漢使貳師將軍廣利以三萬騎出酒泉，擊右賢王於天山，得胡首虜萬餘級而還。匈奴大圍貳師將軍，幾不脫。漢兵物故什六七。漢復使因杅將軍敖出西河，與彊弩都尉會涿涂山，毋所得。又使騎都尉李陵將步騎五千人，出居延北千餘里，與單于會，合戰，陵所殺傷萬餘人，兵及食盡，欲解歸，匈奴圍陵，陵降匈奴，其兵遂沒，得還者四百人。單于乃貴陵，以其女妻之。 |
| | The following year, Han dispatched General Er Shi Guangli with 30, cavalry out of Jiuquan to attack Youxian Wang in Tianshan Mountain. They captured over 10, Xiongnu soldiers and returned victorious. The Xiongnu launched a massive encirclement against General Er Shi, nearly trapping him in an escapeless situation. Six or seven out of every ten Han soldiers perished. Han then sent General Yinyu Ao to lead troops out of Xhe, where they were to meet with Qiangnu Duyi at Zhuotu Mountain; however, they achieved nothing. Han also sent Li Ling, the Qiduyi, to lead 5, infantry and cavalry out over 1, li north of Juyan. He encountered the Chanyu's forces and engaged in battle. Li Ling killed or wounded more than 10, Xiongu soldiers, but when his troops ran out of supplies and food, he attempted to retreat. The Xiongnu surrounded him, and Li Ling surrendered to them; as a result, his entire force was lost, with only four hundred men managing to return. The Chanyu then held Li Ling in high esteem and married his daughter to him.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
後二歲，復使貳師將軍將六萬騎，步兵十萬，出朔方。彊弩都尉路博德將萬餘人，與貳師會。游擊將軍說將步騎三萬人，出五原。因杅將軍敖將萬騎步兵三萬人，出鴈門。匈奴聞，悉遠其累重於余吾水北，而單于以十萬騎待水南，與貳師將軍接戰。貳師乃解而引歸，與單于連戰十餘日。貳師聞其家以巫蠱族滅，因并眾降匈奴，得來還千人一兩人耳。游擊說無所得。因杅敖與左賢王戰，不利，引歸。是歲漢兵之出擊匈奴者不得言功多少，功不得御。有詔捕太醫令隨但，言貳師將軍家室族滅，使廣利得降匈奴。 |
| | Two years later, Han again dispatched General Er Shi with 60, cavalry and 100, infantry to launch an expedition from Shufang. Qiangnu Duyi Lu Bode led over 10, men and joined up with General Er Shi. Youji Jiangjun Yue led 30, infantry and cavalry to launch an expedition from Wuyuan. Yinyu Jiangjun Ao led 10, cavalry and 30, infantry to launch an expedition out of Yanmen. Upon hearing this, the Xiongnu moved all their baggage and supplies far to the north of Yvushui River. The Chanyu stationed 100, cavalry on the south bank of the river to engage in battle with General Er Shi's forces. General Er Shi then withdrew and retreated, engaging in continuous battles with the Chanyu for over ten days. General Er Shi heard that his family had been exterminated due to accusations of witchcraft and sorcery, so he gathered the remaining troops and surrendered to the Xiongnu. Only one or two thousand men managed to return. Youji Yue achieved nothing in his campaign. Yinyu Ao fought against the Zuoxian Wang but suffered a setback and withdrew. In this year, Han forces that launched campaigns against the Xiongnu could not report any significant achievements; their accomplishments were insufficient to be recognized. An imperial decree was issued ordering the arrest of Taiyilin Sui Dan, who had claimed that General Er Shi's family was exterminated, leading Guangli to surrender to the Xiongnu.
|
| | 匈奴列傳: |
太史公曰：孔氏著春秋，隱桓之閒則章，至定哀之際則微，為其切當世之文而罔褒，忌諱之辭也。世俗之言匈奴者，患其徼一時之權，而務莖讇納其說，以便偏指，不參彼己；將率席中國廣大，氣奮，人主因以決策，是以建功不深。堯雖賢，興事業不成，得禹而九州寧。且欲興聖統，唯在擇任將相哉！唯在擇任將相哉！ |
| | Grand Historian said: Kongzi composed the Spring and Autumn Annals, where events between Yin Huan are clearly recorded, but those during Ding Ai's reign become obscure. This is because he adhered closely to the facts of his time without excessive praise, avoiding expressions that might be considered taboo or sensitive. The common people who speak of the Xiongnu are concerned only with seizing temporary power, and they diligently flatter to promote their own arguments for one-sided purposes, without considering both sides. Commanders, relying on the vastness of China and their own momentum, become overconfident; rulers then make decisions based on this, which is why achievements are not profound. Although Yao was virtuous, his efforts to establish great undertakings were incomplete; it was only with Yu that the nine provinces found peace. Moreover, if one wishes to revive a sacred dynasty, it lies solely in selecting and appointing capable generals and ministers! It all depends on choosing the right generals and ministers!
|
