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西域以漢孝武時始通，本三十六國，皆在匈奴之西，烏孫之南。南北有大山，中央有河，東西六千餘里，南北千餘里。東則接漢，阨以玉門、陽關，西則限以蔥嶺。諸國大率土著，有城郭田畜，與匈奴、烏孫異俗，故皆役屬匈奴。匈奴西邊日逐王領西域，賦稅取足焉。其南山，東出金城，與漢南山屬焉。自玉門、陽關出西域，有兩道。從鄯善傍南山北，陂河西行，至莎車，為南道；西踰蔥嶺，則出大月氏、安息，自車師前王庭隨北山，陂河西行至疏勒，為北道。西踰蔥嶺，則出大宛、康居、奄蔡焉。 |
| | The Western Regions first established contact during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, originally consisting of thirty-six states, all located to the west of the Xiongnu and south of the Wusun. There are great mountains to the north and south, with a river running through the center; it stretches more than 6,000 li from east to west and over 1,000 li from north to south. To the east it connects with Han, blocked by Yumen and Yangguan passes. To the west it is bounded by the 葱岭 (Congling Mountains). Most of these states were inhabited by settled people, who had walled cities, farmland, and livestock; they differed in customs from the Xiongnu and Wusun, so they were all subject to the rule of the Xiongnu. The westernmost Dayu Wang (Dayuzhu Wang) of the Xiongnu governed the Western Regions, collecting sufficient tribute and taxes from them. Its southern mountain range extends eastward to Jincheng, and is connected to the southern mountain range of Han. From Yumen and Yangguan Passes leading out to the Western Regions there are two routes. Starting from Shanshan along the southern mountain range to the north, following the Pei River and heading west, reaching Suocha, this is the southern route; going west across Congling Mountains leads to Duyuezhi and Anxi, From the former capital of Qucheshi Qianwangting Jiahe Commandery. Following the northern mountain range and heading west along the Pei River to Shule constitutes the northern route. Going west across the Congling Mountains, it leads out to Dawan, Kangju, and Yancai.
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自張騫開西域之跡，其後霍去病擊破匈奴右地，降渾邪、休屠王，遂空其地，始築令居以西，初置酒泉郡，後稍發徙人充實之，分置武威張掖燉煌酒泉四郡，據兩關焉。自李廣利伐大宛之後，西域震懼，多遣使來貢獻。於是東自燉煌，西至鹽澤，往往起亭障。 |
| | Since Zhang Qian first opened contact with the Western Regions, later Huo Qubing defeated and broke the Xiongnu's western territories, subduing the Huanxia and Qiutu kings. thus leaving their land empty; construction of fortifications began west of Lingju, Initially the Jiuquan Commandery was established, and later gradually more people were relocated there to populate it; subsequently four commanderies—Wuwei, Zhangye, Dunhuang, and Jiuquan—were divided and set up. They controlled the two passes. After Li Guangli's campaign against Dawan, the Western Regions were frightened and many sent envoys to present tribute. At that time, from the east at Dunhuang to the west as far as Yanzhe, watchtowers and defensive barriers were often built along the way.
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是時軍旅連出，師行二三十年，海內虛耗。征和中，貳師李廣利以軍降匈奴。帝既悔遠征伐，而搜粟都尉桑弘羊與丞相御史奏言：「故輪臺以東捷枝、渠犁，皆故國，地廣，饒水草，有溉田五千頃以上，處溫和，田美，可益通溝渠，種五穀，與中國同時熟。田一歲，有積穀，募人壯健有累重敢徙者詣田所，就畜積為本業，益墾溉田，稍築列亭，連城而西，以威西國。」帝乃下詔，深陳既往之悔，曰：「前有司奏，欲益人賦三十助邊用，是重困老弱孤獨也。而今又請遣卒田輪臺。輪臺西於車師千餘里，前開陵侯擊車師時，危須、尉犁、樓蘭六國皆發畜食迎漢軍，又自發兵，凡數萬人，王各自將，共圍車師，降其王。諸國兵便罷，力不能復至道上食漢軍。漢軍破城，食至多，壯士自載不足以竟師，強者盡食畜產，羸者道死數千人。朕發酒泉驢、橐駝負食，出玉門迎軍。吏卒起張掖，不甚遠，然尚冢留甚眾。曩者，朕之不明，以軍候弘上書言『匈奴縛馬足，置城下，馳言「秦人，我乞若馬」』，又漢使者久留不還，故遣貳師將軍，欲以為使者威重也。古者卿大夫與謀，參以蓍龜，不吉不行。乃者，丞相御史二千石諸大夫郎為文學者，皆言祥善，而易之卦得大過，爻在九五，匈奴困敗。公車方士、太史理星占氣及太卜龜蓍，皆以為吉，匈奴必破，時不可得也。卦諸將，貳師最吉。故朕親發貳師。今計謀卦兆皆反繆。失一狼，走千羊。乃者貳師敗，軍士死略離散，悲痛常在朕心。今請遠田輪臺，欲起亭隧，是擾勞天下，非所以優人也。朕不忍聞。且匈奴得漢降者，常提掖搜索，問以所聞。今邊塞未正，闌出不禁，鄣候長吏使卒獵獸，以皮肉為利，辛苦而烽火乏，失亦上集不得，後降者來，若捕生口虜，乃知之。當今務在禁苛暴，止擅賦，力本農，脩馬復令，以補缺，無乏武備而已。郡國二千石各上進畜馬方略補邊狀，與計對。」由是不復出軍。而封丞相車千秋為富人侯，以明休息，思富養人也。 |
| | At that time, military expeditions continued to be launched; campaigns lasted for two or three decades, draining the resources of the empire. During the Zhongzheng period, the general Ershi Li Guangli surrendered his troops to the Xiongnu. The emperor regretted the distant military campaigns, and Sou Su Duyi Sang Hongyang, together with the Chancellor and the Grand Censor, submitted a memorial stating: "Previously, to the east of Luntai such as Jiezhi and Quli were all former states; their lands are rich in water and grass, with irrigated fields of more than 50,000 qing; the climate is temperate, the land fertile, and it would be beneficial to further open irrigation channels for planting the five grains, which mature at the same time as those in China. After one year of farming, there would be accumulated grain; people who are strong and healthy, have family burdens, and dare to relocate should be recruited to go to the farmland. They should settle down and focus on accumulating resources as their fundamental occupation, further cultivating irrigated farmland, gradually building watchtowers in succession, linking cities to the westward direction, so as to project authority over the western states." The emperor then issued an edict, deeply expressing regret for past actions, stating: "Previously, officials submitted a proposal requesting to add thirty coins per person in taxes to assist the frontier expenditures, This would place an additional burden on the elderly, the weak, and orphans. And now they are also requesting to send soldiers for farming in Luntai. Luntai is more than 1,000 li west of Chushi. When the previous Kai Ling Hou attacked Chushi, the states of Weixu, Yuli, Loulan and six others all mobilized livestock and provisions to support the Han army, and also raised their own troops, totaling tens of thousands. Each ruler personally led his forces, jointly surrounding Chushi and capturing its king. After the campaign ended, these states lacked the strength to continue providing food for the Han army along the route. When the Han army captured the city, they consumed a great deal of supplies; even if strong soldiers carried their own rations, it was still insufficient to complete the campaign. The strong ones ate all the livestock and produce available, while thousands of the weak perished along the way. I dispatched donkeys and Bactrian camels from Jiuquan to carry food, sending them out through Yumen Pass to meet the army. The officials and soldiers set off from Zhangye; although not very far away, there were still many people left behind in the fields. Previously, it was my lack of discernment that led to the military officer Hong's letter stating, "The Xiongnu tied up horse feet and placed them under the city walls, then galloped forward saying 'Qin people, I beg you for your horses!'" Moreover, because Han envoys had been detained for a long time without returning, we sent General Ershi to demonstrate the authority and prestige of our envoys. In ancient times, when high officials and ministers planned matters, they would consult yarrow stalks and tortoise shells; if the omens were not auspicious, they would not proceed. Recently, the Chancellor, Grand Censor, officials of the rank of 2000-dan, various ministers, and scholars serving as Lang officers all stated that omens were auspicious; however, when divining with the Yijing (Book of Changes), the hexagram "Daguo" was obtained, with the line at Jiuyou. The Xiongnu are in a state of hardship and defeat. Official messengers, Daoist scholars, the Grand Historian who interpreted stars and atmospheric signs, as well as the Grand Diviner using tortoise shells and yarrow stalks, all considered it auspicious, believing that the Xiongnu must be defeated and that this was an opportunity not to be missed. When divining among the generals, General Ershi was considered the most auspicious. Therefore, I personally dispatched General Ershi. Now, the strategies and divination omens are all contradictory and erroneous. Losing one wolf causes a thousand sheep to run away. At that time, General Ershi's defeat led to the deaths of soldiers and their capture or plundering, with many also scattering on their own. The sorrow and grief remain in my heart. Now, the request is to send troops far away to Luntai for farming and to build watchtowers and tunnels. This would trouble and exhaust the people of the realm, which is not a way to show concern for them. I cannot bear to hear it. Moreover, the Xiongnu, upon capturing Han defectors, often lift up their clothes and thoroughly search them, interrogating them about what they have heard. Now, the frontier defenses are not properly established; unauthorized crossings go unchecked. The watchtower officers and local officials send soldiers to hunt animals for profit from their hides and meat, causing hardship while neglecting beacon fires, so that even when losses occur, they cannot be reported or addressed. Only when defectors come later or captured prisoners are taken can we learn of these things. At present, the priority is to prohibit harsh and oppressive practices, stop unauthorized levies of taxes, focus on agriculture as the foundation, and repair or reinstate horse-rearing policies. This would help to fill the gaps and ensure that military preparedness does not fall short. All commandery and kingdom officials of the 2000-dan rank should submit reports detailing strategies for raising livestock and horses to support the frontier, along with their annual census records." Thus, no further military expeditions were launched. The Chancellor Che Qianqiu was enfeoffed as Hou of Furen, to emphasize the policy of rest and recovery, reflecting a desire for prosperity and nurturing the people.
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昭帝時，乃用桑弘羊前議，以給使外國者。 |
| | During Emperor Zhao's reign, they adopted Sang Hongyang's earlier proposal to provide supplies for envoys sent abroad.
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至宣帝，遣衛司馬使護鄯善以西數國。及破姑師，未盡殄，分以為車師前後王及山北六國。時漢獨護南道，未能盡并北道也。神爵三年，匈奴日逐王來降，護鄯善以西使者鄭吉迎之，乃因使吉并護北道，故號曰都護。都護之起，自吉置矣。由此匈奴益弱，不得近西域。於是徙屯田，田於北胥鞬，披莎車之地，屯田校尉始屬都護。都護督察烏孫、康居諸外國。都護理烏壘城，去陽關二千七百四十里，與渠犁田官相近，土地肥饒，於西域為中，故理焉。 |
| | By the time of Emperor Xuan, Wei Sima was dispatched as an envoy to protect several states west of Shanshan. After defeating Gushi, they were not completely annihilated; instead, the territory was divided into Chushi Qianwang and Houwang (the Front and Rear Kings of Chushi) as well as six other states in the northern mountains. At that time, Han controlled only the southern route, but had not yet fully incorporated the northern route. In Shenjue three, the Xiongnu Dayuzhu Wang surrendered. The envoy Zheng Ji, who was responsible for protecting the region west of Shanshan, welcomed him and thus assigned Ji to also oversee the northern route; hence he was titled Du Hu (Protector). The establishment of the position of Protector began with Zheng Ji. From this point on, the Xiongnu became increasingly weak and could no longer approach the Western Regions. At that time they relocated their garrison farming operations, cultivating land in Beixu Jian and spreading out across the territory of Suocha. The commandant of garrison farming (Tuntian Jiao Wei) first came under the authority of the Protector. The Protector oversaw and inspected Wusun, Kangju, and other foreign states. The Protector was stationed at Wulei City, located 2,740 li from Yangguan Pass. It was near the farmland offices of Quli, where the land was fertile and abundant; it was considered central within the Western Regions, so it became the administrative center.
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至元帝，復戊己二校尉，屯田於車師前王庭。哀平閒，自相分割為五十五國。 |
| | By Emperor Yuan's reign, two garrison farming commandants—Wu and Ji Jiao Wei—were reestablished, stationed for farming at the former capital of Chushi Qianwang. During the reigns of Emperors Ai and Ping, the region divided itself into fifty-five states.
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凡國，自譯長、城長、君、監、吏、大祿、百長、千長、都尉、且渠、當戶、將、相至侯、王，皆佩漢印綬，凡三百七十六人。而康居、大月氏、安息、罽賓、烏弋之屬，皆以絕遠，不在數中。其來貢獻，則與相報，不督錄總領也。 |
| | All the states, from Yichang, Chengchang, Jun, Jian, Li, Dalu, Banchang, Qianchang, Duyi, Qie , Qu, Danghu, Jiang, Xiang up to Hou and Wang, were all granted Han seals and sashes; in total there were 376 such officials. However, states like Kangju, Duyuezhi, Anxi, Jipin, and Wuyi were located too far away and thus not included in this count. When they came to present tribute, Han would reciprocate with gifts, but did not supervise or centrally manage them.
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至王莽時，四邊擾亂，與中國遂絕，並復役屬匈奴。 |
| | By the time of Wang Mang, unrest broke out along all frontiers, and contact with China was severed; as a result, they once again came under Xiongnu rule.
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前往西域有二道，自元始以後有三道。從玉門關西出，經婼羌轉西，越蔥嶺，經懸度，入大月氏，為南道。從玉門關西出，發都護井，迴三隴沙北頭，經居盧倉，從沙西井轉西北，過龍堆，到故樓蘭，轉西詣龜茲，至蔥嶺，為中道。從玉門關西北出，經橫坑，辟三隴沙及龍堆，出五船北，到車師界戊己校尉所理高昌，轉西與中道合龜茲，為新道。 |
| | Previously there were two routes to the Western Regions, but after Yuanshi there were three routes. Starting from Yumen Pass and heading westward, passing through Ruoqiang turning westward, crossing the Congling Mountains and passing through Xuandu, entering Duyuezhi—this is the southern route. Starting westward from Yumen Pass, departing from Duhu Well, circling around the northern end of Sanlong Sha, passing through Julucang, turning northwest from Shaxi Well, crossing Longdui, arriving at old Loulan, then heading west to Kuche, reaching Congling—this is the central route. Going northwest from Yumen Pass, passing through Hengkeng, crossing Sanlong Sha and Longdui, emerging north of Wochuan, arriving at Gaochang in the territory of Cheshi under the jurisdiction of Wuji Jiao Wei, then turning west to meet the central route at Kuche—this is the new route.
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至後漢永平中，匈奴脅服諸國，共寇河西郡縣，城門晝閉。明帝乃命將北征匈奴，取伊吾盧地，置宜禾都尉以屯田，遂通西域于闐諸國。西域自絕六十五載，乃復通焉。明年，始復置都護、戊己校尉。及明帝崩，焉耆、龜茲攻沒都護陳睦，匈奴、車師圍戊己校尉。 |
| | By the middle of Emperor Ming's Yongping era in the Later Han, the Xiongnu forced various states to submit and together they raided the commanderies and counties of Hexi. City gates were closed during the day. Emperor Ming then ordered generals to launch a northern campaign against the Xiongnu, capturing the land of Yulu, He established Yihe Duyi for garrison farming, thus reestablishing contact with the states of Khotan and others in the Western Regions. After a break of sixty-five years, contact with the Western Regions was once again restored. The following year, the posts of Duhu and Wuji Jiao Wei were reestablished for the first time. After Emperor Ming's death, Yanqi and Kuche attacked and killed Duhu Chen Mu; the Xiongnu and Cheshi surrounded Wuji Jiao Wei.
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章帝不欲疲弊中國以事夷狄，乃迎還戊己校尉，不復遣都護，復罷屯田，匈奴因遣兵守伊吾地。時軍司馬班超留于闐，綏集諸國。 |
| | Emperor Zhang did not wish to exhaust the Chinese state by dealing with foreign tribes, so he recalled Wuji Jiao Wei and no longer sent Duhu; garrison farming was once again discontinued. As a result, the Xiongnu dispatched troops to occupy Yiwu territory. At that time, Jun Sima Ban Chao remained in Khotan, pacifying and uniting the various states.
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和帝永元初，竇憲大破匈奴，因遣副校尉閻盤掩擊伊吾，破之。三年，班超遂定西域，因以超為都護，居龜茲。復置戊己校尉。於是五十餘國悉納質內屬。其條支、安息諸國至於海濱四萬里外，皆重譯貢獻。九年，班超遣掾甘英窮臨西海而還，皆前代所不至，莫不備其風土，傳其珍怪焉。及超被徵，以任尚為都護，尚謂超曰：「猥承君後，宜以誨之。」超曰：「塞外吏士，本非孝子順孫，皆罪過徙補邊屯。而蠻夷懷鳥獸之心，難養易敗。今君性嚴急，水清無大魚，察政不得下和，宜蕩佚簡易，寬小過，總大綱而已。」超去後，尚私謂所親曰：「我以班君當有奇策，今所言平平耳。」尚至數年，安帝初，西域背叛，如超所誡。頻攻圍都護任尚、段禧等，朝廷以其險遠，難相應赴，詔罷都護，由此遂棄西域。北匈奴即復收屬諸國，共為邊寇十餘歲。燉煌太守曹宗請出兵擊匈奴，復欲進取西域。鄧太后不許，但令置護西域副校尉，居燉煌，羈縻而已。 |
| | In the early Yongyuan era of Emperor He, Dou Xian heavily defeated the Xiongnu. Taking advantage of this, he dispatched Fu Jiao Wei Yan Pan to launch a surprise attack on Yiwu and defeated them. In the third year, Ban Chao thus pacified the Western Regions; he was then appointed Duhu and stationed in Kuche. The post of Wuji Jiao Wei was once again established. At this time, more than fifty states all submitted by sending hostages and became subject to Han rule. Even countries such as Tiaozhi and Anxi, located over 40,000 li beyond the seacoast, all sent tribute through multiple interpreters. In the ninth year, Ban Chao sent his clerk Gan Ying to reach as far as the western sea and return; these were places not reached by previous generations. All of them recorded their customs and geography, transmitting accounts of their rare and wondrous treasures. When Ban Chao was recalled to court, Ren Shang was appointed Duhu. Shang said to Chao: "I now humbly succeed you; I should receive your instruction." Chao replied, "The officials and soldiers beyond the frontier are originally not filial sons or obedient grandsons; they have all been exiled to garrison the border as punishment for their crimes. Moreover, the barbarians and Yi people possess fickle hearts like birds and beasts; they are hard to manage but easy to lose control of. Your nature is strict and hasty; clear water holds no big fish, and overzealous governance cannot achieve harmony with the people. You should be relaxed and easygoing, overlook minor faults, and focus only on the major outlines." After Chao left, Shang privately told his close associates: "I thought Ban Gong would have some extraordinary strategy, but what he said was rather ordinary." After several years, in the early reign of Emperor An, the Western Regions rebelled, just as Ban Chao had warned. They frequently attacked and surrounded Duhu Ren Shang, Duan Xi, and others. The court considered the region remote and difficult to respond to, so it issued an edict to abolish the post of Duhu; from then on, the Western Regions were abandoned. The northern Xiongnu once again brought the various states under their control and together they became border raiders for more than ten years. Tunhuang Taishou Cao Zong requested to send troops against the Xiongnu and once again wished to advance into the Western Regions. Empress Dowager Deng refused, but merely ordered the establishment of a deputy commander for protecting the Western Regions, stationed in Dunhuang, to maintain nominal control.
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其後匈奴連與車師入寇河西，漢不能禁，議者因欲閉玉門、陽關，以絕其患。尚書陳忠上疏曰：「臣聞八蠻之寇，莫甚北虜。高祖窘平城之圍，文帝屈供奉之恥。故孝武憤怒，深惟久長之計，命遣武臣，浮河絕漠，窮破虜庭。遂開河西四郡，以隔絕南羌，收三十六國，斷匈奴右臂。是以單于孤特，竄跡遠藏。由此觀之，戎狄可以威服，難以化狎。西域內附日久，區區東向扣關者數矣，此其不樂匈奴、慕漢之效也。今北虜已破車師，勢必南攻鄯善，棄而不救，則諸國從矣。若然，則虜財賄益增，膽勢益殖，威臨南羌，與之交連。如此，河西四郡危矣。河西既危，不得不救，則百倍之役興，不訾之費發矣。議者但念西國絕遠，卹之煩費，不見先代苦心勤勞之意也。臣以為燉煌宜置校尉，按舊增四郡屯兵，以西撫諸國。庶足折衝萬里，震怖匈奴。」太后又召班超之子勇問之。勇議曰：「昔者孝武皇帝患匈奴強盛，開通西域，諸論者以為奪匈奴府藏，斷其右臂。遭王莽篡盜，徵求無厭，胡夷忿毒，遂以背叛。光武中興，未遑外事，故匈奴負強，驅率諸國。及至永平，再攻燉煌、河西郡，城門晝閉。明帝命武臣出征西域，故匈奴遠遁，邊境得安。及至永元，莫不內屬。會閒者羌亂，西域復絕，北虜遂遣責諸國，備其逋租，高其價直，嚴以期會。鄯善、車師皆懷忿怒，思樂事漢，其路無從。前所以時有叛者，皆由牧養失宜，還為其害。舊燉煌郡有營兵三百人，宜復之，復置護西域副校尉，居於燉煌，如永元故事。又宜遣西域長史將五百人屯樓蘭，西當焉耆、龜茲徑路，南強鄯善、于闐心膽，北扞匈奴，東近燉煌。如此誠便。」長樂衛尉譚顯等難曰：「朝廷前所以棄西域者，以其無益於中國而費難供也。今車師已屬匈奴，鄯善不可保信，一朝反覆，班將軍能保北虜不為邊害乎？」勇對曰：「今中國置州牧者，以禁郡縣姦猾盜賊也。若州牧能保盜賊不起者，臣亦願以腰斬保匈奴之不為邊害也。今通西域則虜勢必弱，虜勢弱則為患微矣。孰與歸其府藏，續其右臂哉！為置校尉以扞北撫西，設長史以招懷諸國，若棄而不立，則西域屈就北虜，緣邊之郡將受困苦，恐河西城門復有晝閉之儆矣。今不廓開朝廷之德，而拘屯戍之費，若北虜遂熾，豈安邊久長之策哉！」大尉屬毛軫難曰：「今若置校尉，則西域絡繹遣使，求索無厭，與之則費難供，不與則失其心。一朝為匈奴所迫，當復求救，則為役大矣。」勇對曰：「今設以西域歸匈奴，而使其因西域租入之饒，兵馬之眾，以擾動緣邊，是為富仇讎之財，增暴夷之勢也。置校尉者，宣威布德，以繫諸國內向之心，以疑匈奴覬覦之情，而無費財耗國之慮也。且西域之人無他求索，其來入者，不過廩食而已。今若拒絕，勢必北屬，夷虜并力以寇并、涼，則中國之費不止十億。」於是從忠、勇議。乃以勇為西域長史，將五百人西屯柳中。勇遂破平車師。自建武至於延光，西域三絕復通。 |
| | Later on, the Xiongnu repeatedly allied with Cheshi to raid Hexi; Han was unable to stop them. Some advisors therefore proposed closing Yumen and Yangguan passes in order to cut off this threat. Shangshu Chen Zhong submitted a memorial saying, "I have heard that among the bandit tribes, none are more dangerous than the northern Xiongnu. Emperor Gaozu was trapped in the siege of Pingcheng, and Emperor Wendi endured the humiliation of offering tribute. Therefore, Emperor Wu was enraged and deeply considered a long-term strategy; he ordered the dispatch of military officials to cross rivers and deserts, ultimately defeating the Xiongnu court. He thus established four commanderies in Hexi to isolate the southern Qiang, incorporated thirty-six states, and severed the Xiongnu's right arm. Thus, the Chanyu became isolated and fled into distant hiding. From this we can see that Rong and Di tribes may be subdued by strength but are difficult to civilize or bring close through leniency. The Western Regions have long been attached to Han, and on many occasions they have humbly turned eastward to knock at the gates—this is clear evidence of their dislike for the Xiongnu and yearning for Han. Now that the northern Xiongnu have already defeated Cheshi, they will inevitably launch a southern attack on Shanshan. If we abandon them without rescue, all the other states will follow suit. If that happens, then the Xiongnu's wealth and bribes will increase further, their courage and power will grow stronger, and they will impose dominance over the southern Qiang and form alliances with them. In that case, the four commanderies of Hexi would be in grave danger. Once Hexi is endangered, we will have no choice but to send aid, and then a hundredfold military campaign would be launched, with incalculable expenses incurred. Those who argue only consider the Western Regions to be remote and distant, thinking that aiding them would be troublesome and costly; they fail to see the painstaking efforts of previous generations. I believe that a Jiao Wei should be stationed in Dunhuang and the garrison troops of the four commanderies should be increased according to past precedents, in order to pacify the various states further west. This would surely enable us to repel enemies from ten thousand li away and instill fear in the Xiongnu." Empress Dowager Deng also summoned Ban Chao's son, Ban Yong, for consultation. Yong argued: "In the past, Emperor Wu of Han was troubled by the Xiongnu's strength and opened up the Western Regions. Various commentators believed this deprived the Xiongnu of their treasury and severed their right arm. However, during Wang Mang's usurpation, excessive demands were made without limit, causing resentment among the Hu and Yi tribes, who then rebelled. When Emperor Guangwu revived Han rule, he had no time for external affairs; thus the Xiongnu grew strong and led various states under their command. By the Yongping era, they launched another attack on Dunhuang and Hexi commanderies, forcing city gates to close during the day. Emperor Ming ordered military officials to campaign in the Western Regions; thus the Xion-gnu fled far away and the border regained peace. By the Yongyuan era, all of them had submitted internally. During the intervening years when Qiang rebels caused chaos, contact with the Western Regions once again broke off; as a result, the northern Xiongnu sent envoys to demand tribute from various states, strictly enforcing overdue payments and raising prices. Shanshan and Cheshi all harbored resentment and wished to serve Han, but had no way of doing so. Previously, the reason for occasional rebellions was due to improper governance, which turned into harm for them. The old Dunhuang commandery once had 300 garrison troops; it is advisable to restore them and reestablish the deputy commander for protecting the Western Regions stationed in Dunhuang, following the precedent of the Yongyuan era. It is also advisable to dispatch a Western Regions Changshi with 500 men to garrison Loulan, strategically controlling the direct route westward toward Yanqi and Kuche; this would strengthen Shanshan and Khotan in the south, guard against the Xiongnu in the north, and remain close to Dunhuang in the east. This would truly be advantageous." Changle Weiyu Tan Xian and others raised objections, saying: "The reason the court previously abandoned the Western Regions was because they were of no benefit to China and their costs could not be sustained. Now that Cheshi has already submitted to the Xiongnu, Shanshan cannot be trusted; should they suddenly turn against us, can General Ban guarantee that the northern Xion-gnu will not become a border threat?" Yong replied: "Now, China establishes zhoumu (state governors) to prevent corruption and banditry in the commanderies and counties. If a zhoumu can guarantee that no bandits arise, I would also be willing to offer my head as security that the Xiongnu will not become a border menace. Now, if we reestablish contact with the Western Regions, the Xion-gnu's power will inevitably weaken; and when their strength is weakened, the threat they pose will also diminish. How does this compare to restoring their treasury and reattaching their right arm! Establishing a Jiao Wei to guard the north and pacify the west, and appointing a Changshi to attract and conciliate the various states—if we abandon these posts instead of establishing them, then the Western Regions will submit to the northern Xiongnu; border commanderies will suffer hardship. I fear that once again the city gates of Hexi will be forced to close during the day as a warning. Now, if we do not expand the virtue of our court and instead fixate on the costs of garrisoning troops, should the northern Xiongnu grow strong, how can this be a long-term strategy for securing the border!" Da Wei Shu Mao Zhen raised an objection, saying: "Now if we establish a Jiao Wei, the Western Regions will send envoys in endless succession, making demands without limit. Granting their requests would be costly and unsustainable; refusing them would alienate their loyalty. Should they one day be pressured by the Xiongnu and seek our aid, it will result in a massive military burden." Yong replied: "Now, if we allow the Western Regions to fall under Xiongnu control and let them benefit from their tribute revenues and large numbers of troops to disturb our border regions, this would be enriching our enemies and strengthening the power of violent barbarians. Establishing a Jiao Wei is to proclaim our might and spread virtue, binding the hearts of the various states toward Han, creating doubt in the Xiongnu's ambitions, without concern for draining wealth or exhausting the state. Moreover, the people of the Western Regions do not make other demands; those who come in seek nothing more than food rations. If we now refuse them, they will inevitably submit to the north; the Hu and Xiongnu forces uniting would attack Bing and Liang commanderies, and then China's expenses would not be limited to ten billion." Thus, they followed the advice of Chen Zhong and Ban Yong. They appointed Ban Yong as Changshi for the Western Regions and dispatched him with 500 troops to garrison Liu Zhong in the west. Yong then defeated and pacified Cheshi. From the Jianwu era to the Yanguang era, contact with the Western Regions broke off and was restored three times.
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順帝永建二年，勇復擊降焉耆。於是龜茲、疏勒、于闐、莎車等十七國皆來服從，而烏孫、蔥嶺以西遂絕。六年，帝以伊吾舊膏腴之地，傍近西域，匈奴資之以為抄暴，復令開設屯田如永元時事，置伊吾司馬一人。自陽嘉以後，朝威稍損，諸國驕放，轉相陵伐矣。 |
| | In the second year of Emperor Shun's Yongjian era, Yong once again attacked and subdued Yanqi. At this time, Kuche, Shule, Khotan, Suocha and seventeen other states all came to submit; however, Uyghur and the regions west of Congling were once again cut off. In the sixth year, Emperor Shun, considering Yiwu an old fertile region adjacent to the Western Regions and used by the Xiongnu as a base for raids, ordered garrison farming to be reestablished there in accordance with the Yongyuan-era precedent, appointing one Sima of Yiwu. After the Yangjia era, Han's imperial authority gradually declined, and the various states grew arrogant and unruly, turning against one another in mutual aggression.
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自魏及晉，中原多故，西域朝貢不過三數國焉。 |
| | From the Wei to the Jin dynasties, due to frequent troubles in Zhongyuan, tribute from the Western Regions came only from three or four states at most.
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至後魏太武帝，使董琬使西域，還，具言其地為三域：自蔥嶺以東，流沙以西為一域；姑墨以南，月氏以北為一域；兩海之閒，水澤以南為一域。三域之內，諸小渠長蓋以百數。其出西域，更為四道：自玉門度流沙，西行二千里至鄯善，為一道；自玉門度流沙，北行二千二百里至車師，為一道；從莎車西行一百里至蔥嶺，西千三百里至伽部，為一道；自莎車西南五百里至蔥嶺，西南千三百里至波路，為一道焉。於是貢獻者十有六國。 |
| | It was not until the reign of Emperor Taiwu of the Later Wei that Dong Wan was sent as an envoy to the Western Regions. Upon his return, he detailed the region into three areas: from Congling Mountain in the east to the Flowing Sands in the west formed one area; from Kumu in the south to Duyuezhi in the north formed another area; between the two seas, from the water sources and marshes in the south formed a third area. Within these three regions, there were likely hundreds of small chieftains and leaders. The route to the Western Regions was divided into four paths: starting from Yumen, crossing the Flowing Sands and traveling west for 2000 li to Shanshan—this formed one path; from Yumen, crossing the Flowing Sand and traveling north for 2200 li to Cheshi—this formed another path; from Suocha, traveling west for 100 li to Congling and then another 1300 li westward to Jiabu—this formed a third path; from Suocha, traveling southwest for 500 li to Congling, and then another 1300 southwestward to Bolu—this formed the fourth path. At this time, sixteen states sent tribute.
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孝文延興中，尚書奏以燉煌一鎮，介遠西北，寇賊路衝，慮或不固，欲移就涼州。群官會議。給事中韓秀曰：「此蹙國之事，非闢土之宜。愚謂燉煌之立，其來久矣。雖土鄰強寇，而兵人素習，縱有姦竊，不能為害，循常置戍，足以自全，進斷北狄之覘途，退塞西夷之闚路。若徙就姑臧，慮人懷異意，或貪留重遷，情不願徙，脫引寇內侵，深為國患。且燉煌去涼卅及千餘里，拾遠就近，防制有闕。一朝廢置，是啟戎心，則夷狄交構，互相來往。恐醜徒協契，侵竊涼土，邊役繁興，艱難方甚。」乃從秀議。 |
| | In the middle of Emperor Xiaowen's Yanying era, a Shangshu submitted a memorial stating that Dunhuang garrison was located in an isolated and distant area to the northwest, on a route vulnerable to bandits and enemies. He feared it might not be secure enough and proposed relocating it closer to Liangzhou. The officials held a meeting to discuss this matter. Han Xiu, an official of the Gezhi Zhong office, said: "This is a matter that would shrink our territory; it is not appropriate for expanding our land. In my view, the establishment of Dunhuang has been longstanding. Although the land is adjacent to powerful enemies, its people have long been accustomed to military service. Even if there are occasional bandits or thieves, they cannot cause serious harm. By maintaining regular garrisons as usual, we can ensure our own safety—advancing to cut off the northern Hu's routes of reconnaissance and retreating to block the western barbarians' paths for probing." If we were to relocate and settle in Guzang, I fear that people might harbor different intentions. Some may be greedy for staying or reluctant to move again; their unwillingness could lead them to invite enemies into our territory, which would become a serious threat to the state. Moreover, Dunhuang is more than 1300 li away from Liangzhou; moving closer would mean abandoning a distant location for one nearby and create gaps in our defenses. Abandoning it suddenly would provoke the enemy's ambitions, leading to collusion among the Hu and Di tribes, who would then interact with each other. I fear that these barbarians might form alliances to invade and plunder Liangzhou territory, leading to frequent border conflicts and even greater difficulties." The court then followed Han Xiu's recommendation.
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隋煬帝時，遣侍御史韋節、司隸從事杜行滿使於西蕃諸國。至罽賓，得瑪瑙杯；王舍城，得佛經；史國，得十舞女、師子皮、火鼠毛而還。帝復令裴矩於武威、張掖閒往來以引致之，皆啗以厚利，令轉相諷諭。大業中，相率而來朝者四十餘國，帝因置西戎校尉以應接之。自燉煌西出玉門、陽關，涉鄯善，北通伊吾千里。自伊吾北通車師前部高昌壁千二百里。自高昌壁北通車師後部金蒲城五百里。此其西域之門戶內地，故漢戊己校尉更互屯焉。伊吾地宜五穀、桑、麻、蒲萄，其北及柳中皆膏腴之地。故漢帝與匈奴爭車師、伊吾，以制西域。至隋，有商胡雜居，勝兵千餘人，附於鐵勒，人甚驕悍，厥田良沃。隋末內屬，置伊吾郡。屬天下亂，又臣突厥。 |
| | During the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, he dispatched Shi Yushi Wei Jie and Silizhongshi Du Xingman as envoys to various Western Regions states. They arrived at Jipin and obtained a carnelian cup; at Wancheng, they acquired Buddhist scriptures; from Shiguo, they obtained ten dancing girls, lion skins, and fire rat fur before returning. The emperor then ordered Pei Ju to travel back and forth between Wuli and Zhangye in order to attract them, offering generous profits to encourage mutual persuasion. In the Daye period, more than forty states came successively to pay homage; in response, the emperor established the Xirong Jiaowei (Western 戎尉) office to receive and accommodate them. From Dunhuang, heading west through Yumen Pass and Yangguan Pass, passing through Shanshan, one could travel north to Liyu for a thousand li. From Liyu, traveling northward to the former Cheshi Qianbu and Gaochang Bi was 1200 li. From Gaochang Bi, traveling north to the rear Cheshi and Jinping Cheng 500 li. This was the gateway and interior region of the Western Regions, so during the Han dynasty, the Wuji Jiaowei officers alternated in garrisoning this area. Liuyu was suitable for growing the five grains, mulberry trees, hemp, and grapes; its northern area and Liu Zhong were all fertile land. Therefore, the Han emperors vied with the Xiongnu for control of Cheshi and Liuyu in order to dominate the Western Regions. By the Sui dynasty, there were merchants and Hu people living in mixed communities; they had more than a thousand able-bodied soldiers and were attached to the Tiele. The people were very proud and fierce, and their land was fertile and productive. At the end of the Sui dynasty, they submitted internally and the Liuyu Jun (Liuyu Commandery) was established. During the chaos that followed the collapse of the Sui, they once again became subjects of the Tujue.
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大唐貞觀四年，以頡利破滅，遂舉其屬七城來降，因列其地為西伊州，同於編戶。至武太后如意初，武威軍總管王孝傑大破吐番，復龜茲、于闐、疏勒、碎葉四鎮，自是諸國朝貢，侔於前代矣。神龍以後，黑衣大食強盛，漸并諸國，至於西海，分兵鎮守焉。今之所纂，其小國無異聞者，則不暇錄焉。 |
| | In the fourth year of the Zhenguan era of the Great Tang, with the defeat and destruction of Qilibi, they brought their seven cities under submission. The dynasty then established this area as Xiyizhou (Western Yizhou) and incorporated it into the regular household registration system. In the early Ruyi era of Empress Wu, General Wang Xiaojie of the Wuwei Army heavily defeated the Tubo forces and restored Kucha, Yutian, Shule, and Suiye as four garrisons. From then on, various states paid homage and tribute to the Tang dynasty in a manner comparable to previous dynasties. After the Shenlong era, the Black-robed Abbasid Caliphate grew powerful and gradually annexed various states, reaching as far west as the western sea, where they stationed troops to garrison. What is compiled here excludes small states without notable events or records, as there was no time to document them.
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車師前王、後王，並漢時通焉。前王國一曰前部，理交河城。水分流繞城下，故為號。去長安八千一百里。戶千五百。西南至都護理所千八百里。西域長史及戊己校尉並理於此。去燉煌十三日行。其地東西三百里，南北五百里，四面多大山。後王國理務塗谷，去長安八千九百里。戶六百。西南至都護理所一千二百三十餘里，北與匈奴接。 |
| | The Qianwang and Houwang of Cheshi both had relations with the Han dynasty. The state of Qianwang, also known as Qiandu, was located in Jiaohe Cheng. The water divided into streams flowing around the base of the city, hence its name. It was 8100 li away from Chang'an. There were 1500 households. To the southwest, it was 1800 li to the seat of the Protector General. Both the Western Regions Director and the Wuji Commandant were stationed here. It took thirteen days' journey to Dunhuang. The land stretched 300 li from east to west and 500 li from north to south, with large mountains on all four sides. The Houwang state was located at Wutu Gu, It was 8900 li away from Chang'an. There were six hundred households. loth To the southwest, it was more than 1230 li to the seat of office of the Protector General; to the north, it bordered the Xiongnu.
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初漢武帝征和四年中，遣重合侯馬通將諸國之兵，共圍車師，車師王降服。後其王烏貴與匈奴結親，遂教之遮漢道通烏孫者。宣帝地節二年，遣侍郎鄭吉、校尉司馬埙將免刑罪人田渠犁，積穀，欲以攻車師。至秋收穀，吉、埙發城郭諸國兵共擊車師，攻交河城，破之。王尚在北石城中，未得，會吉食盡，歸渠犁田。秋收後，更往攻石城。王乃輕騎奔烏孫焉。吉還田渠犁及車師，益積穀以安西國，侵匈奴。匈奴大臣皆曰：「車師地肥美，近匈奴，使漢得之，多田積穀，必害我國，不可不爭也。」遣騎來擊吉，吉將田士卒保車師城。匈奴圍城數日乃解。吉上書：「車師去渠犁千餘里，閒以山河，北近匈奴，漢兵在渠犁者勢不能相救，願益田卒。」於是召故車師太子軍宿在焉耆者，立以為王，盡徙車師國人令居渠犁，遂以車師故地與匈奴。車師王得近漢田官，與匈奴絕，亦安樂親漢。其後置戊己校尉，屯田車師故地。 |
| | In the middle of the fourth year of Zhenghe during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, Zhonghe Hou Matong led troops from various states to surround Cheshi; the king of Cheshi surrendered. Later, its king Wugui formed a marital alliance with the Xiongnu and thus taught them to block the Han route leading to Wusun. In the second year of Dijie during the reign of Emperor Xuan, the court sent Shilang Zheng Ji and Jiao Wei Sima Xun to lead convicts with reduced sentences to cultivate Tianqulv, stockpile grain, and prepare for an attack on Cheshi. By the time autumn harvest arrived, Ji and Xun mobilized troops from various city-state nations to attack Cheshi, capturing Jiaohe Cheng and defeating them. The king was still in Beishi Cheng and had not yet been captured when Ji's supplies ran out, so he returned to cultivate Tianqulv. After the autumn harvest, they went back to attack Shi Cheng. The king then fled lightly mounted toward Wusun. Ji returned to cultivate Tianquliv and Cheshi, accumulating more grain to stabilize the Western Regions and encroach upon the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu ministers all said, "The land of Cheshi is fertile and close to the Xiongnu. If the Han obtain it, they will cultivate more fields and accumulate grain, which will certainly harm our country; we cannot afford not to contend for it." They sent cavalry to attack Ji, who led the farming soldiers to defend Cheshi Cheng. The Xiongnu besieged the city for several days before withdrawing. Ji submitted a memorial: "Cheshi is over 1000 li away from Tianqulv, separated by mountains and rivers. It lies close to the Xiongnu in the north; Han troops stationed at Tianqulv are unable to provide timely aid. I request additional farming soldiers." Thus, they summoned the former crown prince of Cheshi, Jun Su, who was in Yanchi, and installed him as king. They relocated all the people of Cheshi to settle at Tianqulv and ceded the former territory of Cheshi to the Xiongnu. The king of Cheshi, having gained proximity to Han farming officials, cut ties with the Xiongnu and also became peaceful and loyal to the Han. Later on, the Wuji Commandant was established to station farming troops in the former territory of Cheshi.
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平帝元始中，車師後王國有新道，出五船北，通玉門關，往來差近，戊己校尉徐普欲開以省道里，避白龍堆之阨。車師後王姑句以道通當為拄置，心不便也。地又頗與匈奴南將軍地接，其後舉國降匈奴。是時，王莽易匈奴單于璽，單于怒，大擊北邊，而西域亦瓦解。焉耆國近匈奴，先叛，殺都護但欽，莽不能討，西域因絕。 |
| | During the Yuanshi period of Emperor Ping, the state of Houwang in Cheshi had a new route emerging north of Wuchuan and connecting to Yumen Pass. This route was somewhat shorter for travel; Wuji Commandant Xu Pu wanted to open it up to shorten the distance and avoid the straits of Bailing Dui. The Houwang of Cheshi, Guju , considered the route to be under his jurisdiction and was unwilling for it to become a relay station. . He said that if something were to be established there, it would obstruct his own authority, hence he was unwilling in heart. Zhu is pronounced Zhuyu fan.}} The territory also bordered closely with the southern general of the Xiongnu, and later the entire state surrendered to the Xiongnu. At that time, Wang Mang changed the seal of the Xiongnu Chanyu, which enraged the Chanyu. He launched a major attack on the northern borders, and as a result, the Western Regions also collapsed. Yanqi state, which was close to the Xiongnu, rebelled first and killed the Protector General Dan Qin. Wang Mang could not launch a campaign against them, so relations with the Western Regions were severed as a result.
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至後漢和帝永元二年，大將軍竇憲破北匈奴，車師震慴，前後王各遣子入侍。其後屢叛。至安帝延光四年，長史班勇擊其後王軍就，大破，斬之。桓帝永興初，後部王阿羅多攻圍漢屯田且固城，殺傷吏士。後部候炭遮領餘人叛阿羅多，詣漢降。阿羅多從百餘騎亡走北匈奴中。漢立後部故王軍就質子卑君為後部王。阿羅多復從匈奴中來降，於是更立阿羅多為王，將卑君還燉煌，以後部人三百帳別屬役之。 |
| | It was not until the second year of Yongyuan during Emperor He's reign in the Later Han dynasty that Grand General Dou Xian defeated the Northern Xiongnu, causing Cheshi to be terrified. The Qianwang and Houwangs each sent their sons as attendants to court. Later on, they rebelled repeatedly. In the fourth year of Yanguang during Emperor An's reign, Director Ban Yong attacked the Houwang Junjiu and utterly defeated him, beheading him. In the early years of Yongxing during Emperor Huan's reign, Houbu Wang Aluoduo besieged the Han farming garrison at Jiagu Cheng, killing and wounding officials and soldiers. Later, Houbu Hou Tanzhe led a group of remaining people in rebellion against Aluoduo and surrendered to the Han. Aluoduo fled with over one hundred mounted men into the territory of the Northern Xiongnu. The Han installed Bi Jun, a hostage son of the former Houwang Junjiu, as the new Houwang. Aluoduo later returned from the Xiongnu to surrender, so they replaced Bi Jun and instead appointed Aluoduo as king. They sent Bi Jun back to Dunhuang and assigned 300 yurts of Houbu people separately under his control for labor service.
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至魏時，賜其王壹多離守魏侍中，號大都尉。晉以交河城為高昌郡。張軌、呂光、沮渠蒙遜在河西，皆置太守以統之。 |
| | During the Wei dynasty, its king Yiduo Li was granted the title of Shouwei Shizhong and honored with the designation Daduyi. The Jin dynasty established Jiaohe Cheng as Gaochang Jun. Zhang Gui, Lü Guang, and Juqu Mengxun in the western Hexi region all appointed Tai Shou to govern it.
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後魏太武時，其前部王為沮渠無諱所攻，遣使上表云：「不能自全，遂捨國東奔，三分免一，在焉耆東界，幸垂賑救。」魏使撫慰，開焉耆倉給之。文成帝末，其地又為蠕蠕所并，立闞伯周為王。孝文太和五年，高車王阿伏至羅殺闞王，以燉煌人張孟明為高昌王。太和二年，孟明為國人所殺，立馬儒為王，以鞏顧禮、麴嘉為左右長史。儒又通使後魏，請內屬。人皆戀土，不願東遷，相與殺儒，立嘉為王。麴嘉字靈鳳，金城郡榆中人。既立為王，會焉耆為缁噠所破，眾不能自立，請主於嘉。嘉遣其第二子為焉耆王，由是始大，益為國人所服。 |
| | During the reign of Taiwu in the Later Wei dynasty, the Qianbu king was attacked by Juqu Wuhui and sent an envoy with a memorial stating: "Unable to defend myself, I had to abandon my country and flee eastward. Only one out of three escaped, taking refuge at the eastern border of Yanqi. I humbly request your mercy and assistance." The Wei dynasty sent envoys to console him and opened the granaries in Yanqi to provide relief. At the end of Emperor Wencheng's reign, its territory was once again annexed by the Ruru and Kan Bozhou was appointed as king. In the fifth year of Taihe during Emperor Xiaowen's reign, Gaocar Wang Afuzhi Luo killed King Kan and appointed Zhang Mengming, a native of Dunhuang, as Gaochang Wang. In the second year of Taihe, Mengming was killed by his countrymen and Ma Ru was installed as king, with Gong Gulv and Qu Jia appointed as Left and Right Directors. Ru again sent envoys to the Later Wei, requesting internal allegiance. The people all loved their homeland and did not wish to migrate eastward; they jointly killed Ru and installed Jia as king. Qu Jia, courtesy name Lingfeng, was a native of Yuzhong, Jincheng Jun. After being installed as king, he coincidentally encountered Yanqi's defeat by Zituo; the people there were unable to establish their own ruler and requested Jia to be their leader. Jia sent his second son as the king of Yanqi; from then on, he began to grow in power and was increasingly respected by his people.
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其都城周迴千八百四十步，於坐室畫魯哀公問政於孔子之像。國內有城十八，置四十六鎮。官有令尹，有交河公，田地公，皆其王子也。餘官多同中國。大事決之於王，小事則太子及二公隨狀斷。平章錄紀，事訖即除，籍書之外，無久掌文案。官人雖有列位，並無曹府，唯每朝集於衙門，評議眾事。諸城各有戶曹、水曹、田曹。每城遣司馬、侍郎相監檢校，名為城令。服飾，丈夫從胡法，婦人略同華夏。兵器有弓、箭、刀、楯、甲、桕。文字亦同華夏，兼用胡書。有毛詩、論語、孝經、歷代子史，集學官弟子，以相教授。雖習讀之，而皆為胡語。賦稅則計田輸銀，無者輸麻布。其刑法、風俗、婚姻、喪葬與華夏大同。其人面貌類高麗，辮髮施之於背，女子頭髮辮而垂。其地高燥，多石磧，氣候溫暖，與益州相似。穀麥再熟，宜蠶，多五果。有草名為羊刺，其上生蜜，而味甚佳。赤鹽如朱，白鹽如玉。多蒲萄酒。俗事天神，兼信佛法。國中羊馬牧於隱僻，以避外寇，非貴人不知其所。又有草實如繭，中絲如細纑，名為白疊子，國人取織以為布，交市用焉。其國北有赤石山，山北七十里有貪汗山，夏有積雪。此山之北，鐵勒界也。從武威西北有捷路，度沙磧一千餘里，四面茫然，無有蹊徑。欲往者，不可準記，唯以人畜骸骨及駝糞為驗。路中或聞歌哭之聲，行人尋之，多致亡失，蓋魑魅魍魎也。故商旅往來，多取伊吾路。 |
| | The capital city had a circumference of 1,840 bu; in the sitting chamber, there was a painting depicting Lord Lu Ai Gong asking Confucius about governance. There were eighteen cities within the country and forty-six garrisons established. The officials included Ling Yin, Jiaohe Gong, Tiandi Gong, all of whom were the king's sons. Other official positions were largely similar to those in China. Major matters were decided by the king, while minor affairs were adjudicated by the crown prince and the two gongs according to their nature. Official records were kept in a register, but once matters were resolved, they were removed; apart from the registry books, there were no long-term stored documents. Although officials had ranks and positions, there were no separate offices; instead, they gathered at the yamen each morning to deliberate on public affairs. Each city had its own household department, water department, and land department. From each city, a Sima and Shilang were dispatched to supervise and inspect, known as Cheng Ling. In terms of clothing and adornment, men followed the Hu customs, while women's styles were roughly similar to those of Hua Xia (Chinese). Weapons included bows, arrows, swords, shields, armor, and jiu. Their script was also the same as that of Hua Xia, with some use of Hu writing added. They had The Mao Shi (Odes), Lunyu (Analects), Xiao Jing (Classic of Filial Piety), and historical works from various dynasties, gathered students under the academic officials to teach and instruct each other. Although they studied them, all were translated into Hu language. Taxes and levies were calculated based on farmland, with silver paid accordingly; those without land paid in hemp cloth instead. Their laws, customs, marriage practices, and funeral rites were largely the same as those of Hua Xia. The people's appearance resembled that of Goguryeo, with braided hair worn on the back; women also had their hair braided and hanging down. The land was high and arid, with many rocky deserts, and the climate was warm, similar to Yizhou. Grain and wheat matured twice a year; sericulture was suitable there, with abundant fruits of five kinds. There was a grass called Yangci, on which honey grew and had an excellent flavor. Red salt resembled cinnabar, while white salt resembled jade. Wine made from grapes was abundant there. The people worshipped the heavenly gods and also believed in Buddhism. Within the country, sheep and horses were pastured in secluded areas to avoid external raiders; only nobles knew their locations. There was also a grass with fruits resembling silkworm cocoons, containing fine silk-like fibers called "baidiezi." The people of the country harvested and wove it into cloth for use in trade. To the north of the country lies Chishi Mountain, 70 li north of which is Tihan Mountain, where snow accumulates in summer. The area to the north of this mountain belongs to the territory of Tiele. From the northwest of Wuwei, there is a shortcut crossing the sandy desert for over 1000 li; all around it is vast and desolate with no clear paths. Those wishing to travel there cannot rely on landmarks, but must use human and animal skeletons as well as camel dung for guidance. Sometimes along the route, travelers hear voices of singing and weeping; those who follow them often get lost or vanish, as these are said to be spirits and ghosts. Therefore, merchants traveling back and forth mostly take the route through Yuwu.
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孝明帝正光中，嘉遣使求借五經、諸史，并請國子助教劉燮以為博士。 |
| | During the Zhengguang period of Emperor Xiaoming, Gaochang sent envoys to request loans of the Five Classics and various historical records, and also requested Liu Xie, a professor from the Guizi Academy, to serve as their doctor.
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隋文帝開皇中，突厥破其四城，有二千人來歸中國。嘉孫伯雅立，其大母本突厥可汗女，其父死，突厥令依其俗，伯雅不從者久之。突厥逼之，不得已而從。煬帝大業五年，伯雅來朝，因從擊高麗。還，尚宗女華容公主。八年，歸蕃。 |
| | During the Kaihuang period of Emperor Wen of Sui, the Turkic people captured four cities in Gaochang, and 2000 people came to China. Gaochang's grandson Boya was enthroned. His grandmother was originally the daughter of a Turkic khan; after his father died, the Turks ordered him to follow their customs, but Boya refused for a long time. Forced by the Turks, he had no choice but to comply. In the fifth year of Daye reign period of Emperor Yang, Boya came to court and participated in the campaign against Goguryeo. Upon his return, he married Huarong Princess, a daughter of the imperial family. In the eighth year (of Daye), he returned to his native land.
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至大唐武德中，遣使獻狗，雌雄各一，高六寸，長尺餘，性甚惠，能牽馬銜燭，云本生拂菻國。其後不供職貢。貞觀四年，其王文泰來朝。後與西突厥連結，諸國朝貢者，皆路出高昌，文泰稍擁絕之。至十三年，太宗謂其使曰：「高昌數年來朝貢脫略。我使人至彼，文泰云：『鷹飛於天，雉竄於蒿，蝿遊於堂，鼠安於穴，各得其所，豈不快耶！』明年當發兵，以擊汝國。」十四年八月，交河道行軍大總管侯君集平高昌國，下其郡三、縣五、城三十二，戶八千四十六，口萬七千七百三十，馬四千三百疋。太宗以其地為西州，以交河城為交河縣，始昌城為天山縣，田地城為柳中縣，東鎮城為蒲昌縣，高昌城為高昌縣。初，西突厥遣其葉護屯兵於可汗浮圖城，與高昌為影響，至是懼而來降，以其地為庭州，并置蒲類縣，每歲調內地更發千人鎮遏焉。 |
| | During the Wude period of the Tang dynasty, envoys were sent to present dogs, one male and one female. They stood six cun tall and over a chi long. These dogs were very intelligent, capable of pulling horses and holding candles in their mouths; it was said they originally came from the country of Fulin. After that, they no longer paid tribute or fulfilled official duties. In the fourth year of Zhen Guan reign period, its king Wen Tai came to court. Later, Gaochang allied with the Western Turkic Khaganate; all envoys and tribute from various states passing through had to go via Gaochang, but Wen Tai gradually obstructed them. By the thirteenth year (639 AD), Emperor Taizong said to his envoys, "Gaochang has repeatedly neglected its tributes and court visits in recent years. When I sent envoys there, Wen Tai said: 'An eagle flies in the sky, a pheasant hides among the grasses, a fly roams about the hall, and a rat feels secure in its burrow—each is content with its place. Is this not satisfactory?' Next year I will send troops to attack your country." In the eighth month of the fourteenth year (August 640 AD), Hou Junji, the Grand Commander-in-Chief of the Jiaohe Dao military campaign, pacified the Gaochang Kingdom. He captured three commanderies, five counties, and thirty-two cities, with a total of 8,416 households, 17,730 people, and 4,300 horses. Emperor Taizong established the area as Xizhou, making Jiaohetown into Jiaohe County, Shichangcheng into Tianshan County, Tiandicheng into Liu Zhong County, Dongzhen Cheng into Puchang County, and Gaochangcheng into Gaochang County. Initially, the Western Turkic Khaganate had sent its Yehu to station troops at Khan Fotu Cheng, forming a mutual alliance with Gaochang. At this time, fearing Tang forces, they surrendered and their territory was established as Ting Zhou, along with Pulei County. Each year, 1000 men were rotated from the interior to garrison and suppress unrest there.
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黃門侍郎褚遂良上疏曰：「臣聞古者哲后，必先華夏而後戎狄，務廣德化，不事遐荒。是以周宣薄伐，至境而止；始皇遠塞，中國分離。漢武負文景之聚財，翫士馬之餘力，始通西域，將三十年。復得天馬於宛城，采蒲萄於安息。而海內空竭，生人物故，所以租至六畜，算至舟車，因之年凶，盜賊並起。搜粟都尉桑弘羊復希主意，請遣士卒遠田輪臺，築城以威西域。武帝翻然追悔，棄輪臺之野，下哀痛之詔，人神感悅，海內乂康。向使不然，生靈盡矣。是以光武中興，不踰蔥嶺；孝章即位，都護來歸。今誅滅高昌，威加西域，收其鯨鯢，以為州縣。然則王師初發之歲，河西供役之年，飛抵輓粟，十室九空，數郡蕭然，五年不復。陛下歲遣千餘人遠事屯戍，終年離別，萬里思歸。去者資裝，自須營辦，既賣菽粟，傾其機杼。經途死亡，復在言外。兼遣罪人，增其防遏。彼罪人者，生於販肆，終朝惰業，犯禁違公，必能擾於邊城，無益於行陣。所遣之內，復有逃亡，官司捕捉，為國生事。設令張掖塵飛，酒泉烽舉，豈能得高昌一人斗粟而及事乎？終須起發隴右諸州，星馳電擊。由斯而言，此河西者方己腹心，彼高昌者他人手足，豈得麋費中華，以事無用。書曰『不作無益害有益』，此之謂也。陛下平頡利以沙塞，滅吐渾於西海，突厥餘眾，為立可汗，吐渾遺萌，更樹君長。復立高昌，非無前例，此所謂有罪而誅之，既伏而立之。四海百蠻，誰不聞見，蠕動懷生，畏威慕德。宜擇高昌可立者而立之，徵給首領，兼還本國，負戴漢恩，長為藩翰。中國不擾，既富且寧，傳之子孫，以貽永代矣。」不從。 |
| | Huangmen Shilang Chu Suiliang submitted a memorial stating, "I have heard that in ancient times, wise emperors always prioritized the Chinese people over the Rong and Di tribes, striving to spread virtue and moral influence rather than pursuing distant frontiers. Therefore, King Xuan of Zhou launched a campaign against the Huaxia but stopped at their borders; Qin Shi Huang's distant fortifications caused China to become divided. Emperor Wu of Han, relying on the accumulated wealth from Emperors Wen and Jing, and using the remaining strength of his soldiers and horses, first opened communication with the Western Regions, a campaign that lasted thirty years. He obtained heavenly horses in Wencheng and harvested grapes from Anxi. However, the empire's resources were exhausted and people perished; as a result, taxes were levied even on six domestic animals and calculated for boats and carts. Because of this, in years of famine, bandits arose everywhere. Sousu Duyi Sang Hongyang again followed the emperor's wishes and proposed to send soldiers far away to cultivate land in Luntai, building a city to demonstrate authority over the Western Regions. Emperor Wu suddenly repented, abandoned the fields of Luntai, and issued a sorrowful decree. Both people and gods were moved with joy, and peace was restored throughout the empire. Had it not been for this change in policy, all living beings would have perished. Therefore, during the reign of Emperor Guangwu's revival, he did not cross the 葱岭 (Tongling). When Emperor Xiaozhang ascended the throne, the protectorate returned. Now that Gaochang has been destroyed and our power extended to the Western Regions, we have captured its great fish and established them as commanderies and counties. However, in the year when the imperial army first set out, the western regions were burdened with military service; transporting provisions by air and land left ten households nine of them empty. Several commanderies became desolate, taking five years to recover. Your Majesty sends over a thousand people each year to distant garrisons; they are separated for the whole year, longing to return from ten thousand li away. Those departing must prepare their own supplies and equipment; they have already sold beans and grain, exhausting their looms and weaving tools. The deaths along the journey are not even mentioned. In addition, convicts are sent there to increase garrison forces and suppression efforts. Those convicts, born among traders and idlers, are lazy all day long. They break laws and defy public order; they will surely cause disturbances in the border cities and be of no benefit to military operations. Among those sent, some escape again; officials must capture them, creating trouble for the state. Suppose dust rises in Zhangye and beacons are raised in Jiuquan, can one obtain even a single soldier or a measure of grain from Gaochang to respond in time? In the end, it will be necessary to mobilize all states on the Longyou region and rush there like stars and lightning. From this perspective, the Hexi region is like one's own heart and abdomen, while Gaochang is merely another person's hands and feet. How can we waste our Chinese resources on something useless? The Book of Documents says, "Do not engage in what is unbeneficial at the expense of what is beneficial"—this is precisely what it means. Your Majesty pacified Jielili with the sand barriers and eliminated Tuhun in the western sea. For the remaining Turkic tribes, you established a khan; for the surviving descendants of Tuhun, you appointed new chieftains. Reestablishing Gaochang also has precedents; this is what is meant by punishing the guilty and then establishing them again after they submit. All the hundred barbarian tribes across the four seas have heard of this; even the most timid creatures cherish life, fearing power and admiring virtue. It would be appropriate to select someone suitable from Gaochang and establish them as ruler, summoning the leaders for tribute while also returning them to their homeland. Thus they will bear Han's grace and serve as a perpetual vassal state. The Central Kingdom would remain undisturbed, both prosperous and peaceful; passing this on to descendants will ensure lasting peace for generations to come." He did not follow the advice.
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