242 A11. Emperor Xiaojing

A11

Sima Qian: Historical Records 11 Emperor Xiaojing 

A11.1…4

Sima Qian: Historical Records 11 Emperor Xiaojing 

Emperor Xiaojing was the middle son of Emperor Xiaowen. His mother was Empress Dowager Dou. When Emperor Xiaowen was in Dai, the previous queen had given birth to three sons. When Empress Dowager Dou was in favor, the previous queen died, and her three sons also died one after another, so Emperor Xiaojing was able to succeed to the throne.

On the Yimao day of the fourth month of the first year of Emperor Xiaojing (156 BC), he issued a general amnesty. On the Yisi day, he granted each citizen one class higher title. In May, he reduced the land rent of farmers across the country by half and established the Taizong Temple for Emperor Xiaowen. He asked the ministers not to come to the court to congratulate him on his accession to the throne. He allowed the Huns to enter Dai and agreed to a marriage with them.

In the spring of the second year (155 BC), Xiao Xi, the grandson of Xiao He, the former prime minister, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Wuling. It was stipulated that men should be recorded in the book when they turned 20. On the Renwu day of the fourth month, Empress Dowager Xiaowen died. The King of Guangchuan and the King of Changsha both went to their own fiefdoms. Prime Minister Shentu Jia died. In August, the Imperial Censor Tao Qing, Marquis of Kaifeng, was appointed as Prime Minister. A comet appeared in the northeast. In the autumn, hail fell on Hengshan Mountain, the largest hailstones could reach a diameter of five inches, and the deepest place could reach two feet. Mars moved in the reverse direction and approached the North Star. The moon appeared in the position of the North Star. Jupiter moved in the reverse direction in the heaven. The emperor set up Nanling, Neishi and Xixi as counties.

On the Yisi day of the first month of the third year (154 BC), a general amnesty was declared. A long-tailed comet appeared in the west. Fire from heaven burned down the main hall and tower of the East Palace in Luoyang. King Liu Bi of Wu, King Liu Wu of Chu, King Liu Sui of Zhao, King Liu Ang of Jiaoxi, King Liu Piguang of Jinan, King Liu Xian of Zichuan, and King Liu Xiongqu of Jiaodong rebelled and marched westward. The emperor killed Chao Cuo to appease the rebellious kings and sent Yuan Ang to inform the seven kingdoms, but the seven kingdoms still did not withdraw their troops and continued to besiege Liang Kingdom to the west. Therefore, the emperor sent General Dou Ying and Grand Commandant  Zhou Yafu to lead the army to attack and eliminate them. On the Yihai day of the sixth month, the emperor pardoned the soldiers who fled in battle and those who participated in the rebellion, including Liu Zhi, the son of King Yuan of Chu. The emperor conferred the title of Marquis of Weiqi on General Dou Ying. He made Liu Li, the Marquis of Pinglu, the son of King Yuan of Chu, the King of Chu. He made the prince Liu Duan the King of Jiaoxi and the prince Liu Sheng the King of Zhongshan. The title of King of Jibei Liu Zhi was changed to King of Zichuan, the title of King of Huaiyang Liu Yu was changed to King of Lu, and the title of King of Runan Liu Fei was changed to King of Jiangdu. King of Qi Liu Jianglu and King of Yan Liu Jia both died.

司马迁·史记卷十一·孝景本纪第十一

孝景皇帝者，孝文之中子也。母窦太后。孝文在代时，前后有三男，及窦太后得幸，前后死，及三子更死，故孝景得立。

元年四月乙卯，赦天下。乙巳，赐民爵一级。五月，除田半租，为孝文立太宗庙。令群臣无朝贺。匈奴入代，与约和亲。

二年春，封故相国萧何孙系为武陵侯。男子二十而得傅。四月壬午，孝文太后崩。广川、长沙王皆之国。丞相申屠嘉卒。八月，以御史大夫开封侯陶青为丞相。彗星出东北。秋，衡山雨雹，大者五寸，深者二尺。荧惑逆行，守北辰。月出北辰间。岁星逆行天廷中。置南陵及内史祋祤为县。

三年正月乙巳，赦天下。长星出西方。天火燔雒阳东宫大殿城室。吴王濞、楚王戊、赵王遂、胶西王卬、济南王辟光、菑川王贤、胶东王雄渠反，发兵西乡。天子为诛晁错，遣袁盎谕告，不止，遂西围梁。上乃遣大将军窦婴、太尉周亚夫将兵诛之。六月乙亥。赦亡军及楚元王子蓺等与谋反者。封大将军窦婴为魏其侯。立楚元王子平陆侯礼为楚王。立皇子端为胶西王，子胜为中山王。徙济北王志为菑川王，淮阳王余为鲁王，汝南王非为江都王。齐王将庐、燕王嘉皆薨。

A11.5…10

In the summer of the fourth year (153 BC), the crown prince was appointed. Prince Liu Che was appointed as the King of Jiaodong. On the Jiaxu day of the sixth month, a general amnesty was declared. In the intercalary ninth month, Yiyang was renamed Yangling. Checkpoints were set up at the ferry and the pass again, and people entered and exited with documents. In the winter, the State of Zhao was abolished and established as Handan County.

In March of the fifth year (152 BC), Mausoleum Yangling and Wei Bridge were built. In May, 200,000 coins was allocated to recruit people from all over the country to move to Yangling. Jiangdu was hit by a strong storm from the west, and the city wall was destroyed by the wind. On the Dingmao day, the emperor conferred the title of Marquis of Longlu on the son of his sister, the eldest princess. The title of King Guangchuan was changed to King Zhao.

In the spring of the sixth year (151 BC), Lieutenant Wei Wan was made Marquis of Jianling, Prime Minister Cheng Jia of Jiangdu was made Marquis of Jianping, Longxi County Governor Gongsun Hunxie was made Marquis of Pingqu, Prime Minister Su Jia of Zhao was made Marquis of Jiangling, and former general Luan Bu was made Marquis of Shu. The King of Liang and the King of Chu both passed away. In the intercalary ninth month, the trees on both sides of the Chidao expressway were cut down and the Orchid Pond was filled in.

In the winter of the seventh year (150 BC), the Crown Prince Liu Rong was deposed and made the King of Linjiang. On the last day of the eleventh month, a solar eclipse occurred. In the spring, prisoners and slaves who were building Yangling were pardoned. Prime Minister Tao Qing was dismissed. On the Yisi day of the second month, the Grand Commandant Zhou Yafu was appointed as Prime Minister. On the Yisi day of the fourth month, the mother of the King of Jiaodong was enthroned as the Queen. On the Dingsi day of the third month, the King of Jiaodong was enthroned as the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince's name was Che.

In the first year of Zhongyuan (149 BC), Zhou Ping, the grandson of Zhou Ke, the former imperial censor, was granted the title of Marquis of Sheng, and Zhou Zuoche, the grandson of Zhou Chang, the former imperial censor, was granted the title of Marquis of Anyang. On the Yisi day of the 4th month, a general amnesty was declared, and each citizen was granted a higher level title. The prohibition on merchants, sons-in-law marrying into the family, and officials who had committed crimes being allowed to serve as officials again was abolished. An earthquake occurred. Hailstones fell in Hengshan and Yuandu, with the largest reaching a diameter of one foot and eight inches.

In February of the second year of Zhongyuan (148 BC), the Huns invaded Yan territory, and the court refused to make peace with the Huns. In March, an order was issued to summon King Linjiang Liu Rong to the capital to be questioned. He soon died in the residence of Lieutenant Zhidu. In summer, the prince Liu Yue was enthroned as King Guangchuan, and the prince Liu Ji as King Jiaodong. Four marquises were enfeoffed. On the Jiaxu day of September, a solar eclipse occurred.

四年夏，立太子。立皇子彻为胶东王。六月甲戌，赦天下。后九月，更以易阳为阳陵。复置津关，用传出入。冬，以赵国为邯郸郡。

五年三月，作阳陵、渭桥。五月，募徙阳陵，予钱二十万。江都大暴风从西方来，坏城十二丈。丁卯，封长公主子蟜为隆虑侯。徙广川王为赵王。

六年春，封中尉绾为建陵侯，江都丞相嘉为建平侯，陇西太守浑邪为平曲侯，赵丞相嘉为江陵侯，故将军布为鄃侯。梁楚二王皆薨。后九月，伐驰道树，殖兰池。

七年冬，废栗太子为临江王。十一月晦，日有食之。春，免徒隶作阳陵者。丞相青免。二月乙巳，以太尉条侯周亚夫为丞相。四月乙巳，立胶东王太后为皇后。丁巳，立胶东王为太子。名彻。

中元年，封故御史大夫周苛孙平为绳侯，故御史大夫周昌孙左车为安阳侯，四月乙巳，赦天下，赐爵一级。除禁锢。地动。衡山、原都雨雹，大者尺八寸。

中二年二月，匈奴入燕，遂不和亲。三月，召临江王来。即死中尉府中。夏，立皇子越为广川王，子寄为胶东王。封四侯。九月甲戌，日食。

A11.11…14

In the winter of the third year of Zhongyuan (147 BC), the position of the Chief Censor in the vassal kingdoms was abolished. In the spring, two kings of Huns led their tribes to surrender and were both granted the title of Marquis. The prince Liu Fangcheng was enthroned as the King of Qinghe. In March, a comet appeared in the northwest of the sky. Prime Minister Zhou Yafu was dismissed and Liu She, the Marquis of Tao, was appointed as Prime Minister. In April, an earthquake occurred. On the last day of the ninth month, a solar eclipse occurred. Troops were stationed outside the Dongdu Gate of the capital.

In March of the fourth year of Zhongyuan (146 BC), the Deyang Palace was built. A great locust plague occurred. In the autumn, the prisoners who were building Yangling were pardoned.

In the summer of the fifth year of Zhongyuan (145 BC), the emperor enthroned the prince Liu Shun as the King of Changshan. He enfeoffed ten marquises. On the Dingsi day of the sixth month, he granted amnesty to the whole country and granted each citizen a higher class title. Severe floods occurred throughout the country. The prime minister (Cheng Xiang) of each vassal state was renamed as Xiang. In the autumn, an earthquake occurred.

On the Jimao day of February of the sixth year of Zhongyuan (144 BC), the emperor came to Yong County and offered sacrifices to the Five Emperors Temple. In March, hail fell. In April, King Xiao of Liang, King Gong of Chengyang and King of Runan all died. King Xiao of Liang’s son Liu Ming was made the King of Jichuan, Liu Pengli was made the King of Jidong, Liu Ding was made the King of Shanyang, and Liu Bushi was made the King of Jiyin. The original Liang State was divided into five. Four people were enfeoffed as marquises. The official title of Tingwei was renamed Dali, Jiangzuo Shaofu was renamed Jiangzuo Dajiang, the Zhongwei of Zhujue was renamed Duwei, the Changxin Zhanshi was renamed Changxin Shaofu, the Jiangxing was renamed Dachangqiu, the Daxing was renamed Xingren, the Fengchang was renamed Taichang, the Dianke was renamed Daxing, and the Zhisu Neishi was renamed Danong. The Danei, who was in charge of the Danei warehouse, was made an official of the 2,000-stone level, and the left and right Neiguan were set up to make them subordinate to the Danei. On the day of Xinhai in July, there was a solar eclipse. In August, the Huns invaded Shangjun.

中三年冬，罢诸侯御史中丞。春，匈奴王二人率其徒来降，皆封为列侯。立皇子方乘为清河王。三月，彗星出西北。丞相周亚夫免，以御史大夫桃侯刘舍为丞相。四月，地动。九月戊戌晦，日食。军东都门外。

中四年三月，置德阳宫。大蝗。秋，赦徒作阳陵者。

中五年夏，立皇子舜为常山王。封十侯。六月丁巳，赦天下，赐爵一级。天下大潦。更命诸侯丞相曰相。秋，地动。

中六年二月己卯，行幸雍，郊见五帝。三月，雨雹。四月，梁孝王、城阳共王、汝南王皆薨。立梁孝王子明为济川王，子彭离为济东王，子定为山阳王，子不识为济阴王。梁分为五。封四侯。更命廷尉为大理，将作少府为将作大匠，主爵中尉为都尉，长信詹事为长信少府，将行为大长秋，大行为行人，奉常为太常，典客为大行，治粟内史为大农。以大内为二千石，置左右内官，属大内。七月辛亥，日食。八月，匈奴入上郡。

A11.15…18

In the winter of the first year of Houyuan (143 BC), the Zhongdafu Ling was renamed Weiwei. On the Dingyou day of March, a general amnesty was issued, and each citizen was granted a higher-level title. All the officials of 2,000 Stones and the prime ministers of the vassal states were granted the title of Youshuzhang. In April, an order was issued to allow the people to gather and drink. On the Bingxu day of May, an earthquake occurred, and another earthquake occurred during breakfast. The earthquake in Shangyong County lasted for 22 days and the city wall was damaged. On the Yisi day of July, a solar eclipse occurred. Prime Minister Liu She was dismissed. On the Renchen day of August, the Imperial Censor Wei Wan was appointed as Prime Minister and was canonized as Marquis Jianling.

In the first month of the second year of Houyuan (142 BC), three earthquakes occurred in succession within one day. General Zhidu led his army to attack the Huns. An order was issued to allow the people to gather and drink for five days. The imperial edict ordered the internal historians and the counties not to feed horses with grain, and those who violated the order would have their horses taken back by the government. It was stipulated that criminals and slaves were only allowed to wear rough clothes. It was strictly forbidden to use horses to pound rice. Due to the poor harvest that year, the emperor ordered the people of the world not to eat up the food they had harvested that year within a year. Reduce the number of marquises stationed in the capital and let them all return to their fiefdoms. In March, the Huns invaded Yanmen County. In October, the farmland around Changling, the tomb of Emperor Gaozu, was rented to farmers for cultivation. A severe drought occurred. Plagues were prevalent in Hengshan State, Hedong County, and Yunzhong County.

In October of the third year of Houyuan (141 BC), there was a solar and lunar eclipse, and the sun and moon appeared red for five consecutive days. On the last day of December, there was a thunderstorm. The sun turned purple. The five planets, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, and Saturn, all retrograde and stay near the Taiwei Palace. The moon crossed the sky horizontally. On the Jiayin day of the first month, the crowning ceremony of Crown Prince Liu Che was held. On the Jiazi day, Emperor Xiaojing died. His will granted a higher level title to each of the heirs of his father among the princes and the common people, and 100 coins to each household of the people across the country. The palace maids were sent back to their hometowns and exempted from taxes and corvée for life. The crown prince ascended the throne and became Emperor Xiaowu. In March, the Empress Dowager's younger brother Tian Niu was canonized as Marquis of Wu'an and Tian Sheng as Marquis of Zhouyang. The coffin of Emperor Jing was placed in Yangling.

Taishigong the Grand Historian said: After the rise of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Xiaowen showed great kindness, and the people of the world were able to live in peace. By the time of Emperor Xiaojing, there was no need to worry about the rebellion of the princes of different surnames. However, Chao Cuo severely deprived the princes of the same surname as their fiefs, which led to the rebellion of the seven states of Wu and Chu, and they jointly attacked the court to the west. This was because the princes were still too powerful, and Chao Cuo did not take the approach of gradually weakening them. It was not until Zhufu Yan made suggestions and gradually weakened the power of the princes that the country was able to stabilize. Isn't the key to national security and danger determined by strategy? 

后元年冬，更命中大夫令为卫尉。三月丁酉，赦天下，赐爵一级，中二千石、诸侯相爵右庶长。四月，大酺。五月丙戌，地动，其蚤食时复动。上庸地动二十二日，坏城垣。七月乙巳，日食。丞相刘舍免。八月壬辰，以御史大夫绾为丞相，封为建陵侯。

后二年正月，地一日三动。郅将军击匈奴。酺五日。令内史郡不得食马粟，没入县官。令徒隶衣七緵布。止马舂。为岁不登，禁天下食不造岁。省列侯遣之国。三月，匈奴入雁门。十月，租长陵田。大旱。衡山国、河东、云中郡民疫。

后三年十月，日月皆食赤五日。十二月晦，雷 ，日如紫。五星逆行守太微。月贯天廷中。正月甲寅，皇太子冠。甲子，孝景皇帝崩。遗诏赐诸侯王以下至民为父后爵一级，天下户百钱。出宫人归其家，复无所与。太子即位，是为孝武皇帝。三月，封皇太后弟蚡为武安侯，弟胜为周阳侯。置阳陵。

太史公曰：汉兴，孝文施大德，天下怀安，至孝景，不复忧异姓，而晁错刻削诸侯，遂使七国俱起，合从而西乡，以诸侯太盛，而错为之不以渐也。及主父偃言之，而诸侯以弱，卒以安。安危之机，岂不以谋哉？

The end of A11

241 Gao’s Merits and Xiao’s Virtues

A10.37..40

On the Yisi day of the sixth month, all the ministers kowtowed and gave the emperor the title of Emperor Xiaowen.

The crown prince ascended the throne in the temple of Gao Emperor. On the day of Dingwei, he inherited the title of emperor.

In October of the first year of Emperor Xiaojing (156 BC), the imperial edict said: "I heard that in ancient times, the emperors with merits were called ancestors Zu , and the emperors with virtues were called ancestors Zong. There were reasons for establishing rituals and music. I heard that songs are used to praise virtues, and dances are used to show merits. When offering wine in Gao Temple, the music and dance of martial bravery, literacy skills and five elements are performed. When offering wine in Xiaohui Temple, the music and dance of literacy skills and five elements are performed. Emperor Xiaowen governed the world, opened the pass and bridges, and made no difference in the distance. He abolished the crime of slander, abolished corporal punishment, rewarded the elderly, adopted orphans and the elderly, and He reduced his desires, did not accept tributes, and did not take advantage of others. He did not implicate the wives and children of criminals, and did not punish innocent people. He abolished castration, released concubines, and paid attention to the issue of the line of succession being cut off. I am not diligent and cannot understand. These things were things that the ancient emperors could not do, but Emperor Xiaowen did them himself. His merits were as great as the heaven and the earth, and his grace was spread all over the world. No one did not enjoy the blessing. His brilliance was like the sun and the moon, but the music and dance used in the ancestral temple sacrifices were not commensurate, and I was very afraid. A temple should be built for Emperor Xiaowen. The emperor's merits and virtues should be recorded in the annals of history and passed down through the ages. I agree with this approach. This matter should be handed over to the prime minister, the marquises, the officials of the middle rank of 2,000 stone, and the officials in charge of etiquette to jointly draft the etiquette and submit it. "The prime minister Shen Tujia and others said: "Your Majesty has always considered filial piety and created the music and dance of the display of virtues to show the great merits and virtues of Emperor Xiaowen. We are ignorant and could not think of it. We respectfully suggest that no one in the world has surpassed Emperor Gao's achievements and no one has surpassed Emperor Xiaowen's virtues. The Temple of Emperor Gao should be the temple of Great Zu (Taizu), and the Temple of Emperor Xiaowen should be the temple of Great Zong (Taizong). The emperor should worship the Taizu Temple and the Taizong Temple for generations. The princes of the counties and states should build the Taizong Temple for Emperor Xiaowen. The princes and marquises send envoys to accompany the emperor in the sacrifice and offer sacrifices to the Taizu Temple and the Taizong Temple every year. Please record these regulations and announce them to the people of the world. "The decree said: "Yes." 

Taishigong the Grand Historian said: Confucius said: "It must take thirty years to spread benevolence. Good people can also defeat cruelty and abolish punishment and killing if they govern the country for a hundred years." This sentence really makes sense! It has been more than 40 years since the rise of the Han Dynasty to Emperor Xiaowen, and the benevolent government has reached its most powerful level.

Logically, it should have been possible to change the calendar, establish the colors of official uniforms and carriages, and hold the Zennobling (Fengshan) ceremony to worship heaven and earth. However, it has not been completed to this day just because Emperor Xiaowen was modest. Ah, isn't this a manifestation of benevolence and righteousness! 

乙巳，群臣皆顿首上尊号曰孝文皇帝。

太子即位于高庙。丁未，袭号曰皇帝。

孝景皇帝元年十月，制诏御史：“盖闻古者祖有功而宗有德，制礼乐各有由。闻歌者，所以发德也；舞者，所以明功也。高庙酎，奏武德、文始、五行之舞。孝惠庙酎，奏文始、五行之舞。孝文皇帝临天下，通关梁，不异远方。除诽谤，去肉刑，赏赐长老，收恤孤独，以育群生。减嗜欲，不受献，不私其利也。罪人不帑，不诛无罪。除宫刑，出美人，重绝人之世。朕既不敏，不能识。此皆上古之所不及，而孝文皇帝亲行之。德厚侔天地，利泽施四海，靡不获福焉。明象乎日月，而庙乐不称。朕甚惧焉。其为孝文皇帝庙为昭德之舞，以明休德。然后祖宗之功德著于竹帛，施于万世，永永无穷，朕甚嘉之。其与丞相、列侯、中二千石、礼官具为礼仪奏。”丞相臣嘉等言：“陛下永思孝道，立昭德之舞以明孝文皇帝之盛德。皆臣嘉等愚所不及。臣谨议：世功莫大于高皇帝，德莫盛于孝文皇帝，高皇庙宜为帝者太祖之庙，孝文皇帝庙宜为帝者太宗之庙。天子宜世世献祖宗之庙。郡国诸侯宜各为孝文皇帝立太宗之庙。诸侯王列侯使者侍祠天子，岁献祖宗之庙。请著之竹帛，宣布天下。”制曰：“可。”

太史公曰：孔子言“必世然后仁。善人之治国百年，亦可以胜残去杀”。诚哉是言！汉兴，至孝文四十有余载，德至盛也。廪廪乡改正服封禅矣，谦让未成于今。呜呼，岂不仁哉！

The end of A10

240 Emperor Xiaowen’s Passing

A10.36

On the 15th day of the sixth month of the seventh year of the later era of Xiaowen emperor’s reign (157 BC), Emperor Wen died in the Weiyang Palace. His will said: "I have heard that all things in the world will eventually die. Death is the common sense between heaven and earth, and the natural law of all things in the world. What is there to be overly sad about? In this era, people love life and hate death. After death, they want to be buried lavishly to squander their family property and mourn excessively to harm their bodies. I think this is not advisable. Moreover, my virtue is shallow and I cannot help the people. Now that I have passed away, I want to make people mourn excessively for a long time and suffer from severe cold and heat, make other people's fathers and sons mourn for me, hurt the hearts of the old and the young, reduce their food, and prohibit the worship of ghosts and gods, making my virtue even shallower, how can I explain to the people of the world! I have been able to guard the ancestral temple and be held high by the princes of the world with my insignificant body for more than 20 years. Relying on the power of heaven and earth and the well-being of the country, the country has been peaceful and there is no war. I was not diligent enough, and I was always worried that my behavior would bring shame to the virtues left by the previous emperor. As time went on, I was afraid that I would not have a good end. Now I am fortunate enough to live out my life and be enshrined in the high temple again. I am not virtuous but I can have a good end, what is there to be sad about! Now I order the officials and people of the world to leave after the order is issued. After three days of mourning, everyone should take off their mourning clothes. Marrying a wife or daughter, offering sacrifices, drinking, or eating meat should not be prohibited. People who are supposed to attend the funeral and are wearing mourning clothes should not go barefoot. The width of the hemp belt of the mourning clothes should not exceed three inches. Do not display chariots and weapons, and do not mobilize men and women from the public to come to the palace to cry and mourn. Those who are supposed to mourn in the palace should cry fifteen times in the morning and evening, and stop after the ceremony is completed. It is not allowed to cry without permission when it is not the time to mourn in the morning or evening. After the burial, those who should wear the big mourning clothes for nine months should only wear them for fifteen days, those who should wear the small mourning clothes for five months should only wear them for fourteen days, and those who should be in mourning for three months should only wear mourning clothes for seven days, and then take off the mourning clothes. Other matters not within the prescribed scope shall be handled in accordance with this decree. The decree shall be announced to the world so that the people of the world can understand my intention. The mountains and rivers around the tomb of the emperor should remain as they are, and no changes should be made. The concubines from the harem to the junior eunuchs should be sent back home. " The court appointed Lieutenant Zhou Yafu as General of Chariots and Cavalry, Xu Han, the Minister of the State, as General of Garrison, and Zhang Wu, the Imperial Supervisor Attendant, as General of Restoration of Soil. 16,000 active soldiers from the counties near Chang'an and 15,000 officers and soldiers from the palace were put in use, and General Zhang Wu was in charge of directing the digging of the tomb, burying the coffin, and filling the burial mound.

后七年六月己亥，帝崩于未央宫。遗诏曰：“朕闻盖天下万物之萌生，靡不有死。死者天地之理，物之自然者，奚可甚哀。当今之时，世咸嘉生而恶死，厚葬以破业，重服以伤生，吾甚不取。且朕既不德，无以佐百姓；今崩，又使重服久临，以离寒暑之数，哀人之父子，伤长幼之志，损其饮食，绝鬼神之祭祀，以重吾不德也，谓天下何！朕获保宗庙，以眇眇之身讬于天下君王之上，二十有余年矣。赖天地之灵，社稷之福，方内安宁，靡有兵革。朕既不敏，常畏过行，以羞先帝之遗德；维年之久长，惧于不终。今乃幸以天年，得复供养于高庙。朕之不明与嘉之，其奚哀悲之有！其令天下吏民，令到出临三日，皆释服。毋禁取妇嫁女祠祀饮酒食肉者。自当给丧事服临者，皆无践。绖带无过三寸，毋布车及兵器，毋发民男女哭临宫殿。宫殿中当临者，皆以旦夕各十五举声，礼毕罢。非旦夕临时，禁毋得擅哭。已下，服大红十五日，小红十四日，纤七日，释服。佗不在令中者，皆以此令比率从事。布告天下，使明知朕意。霸陵山川因其故，毋有所改。归夫人以下至少使。”令中尉亚夫为车骑将军，属国悍为将屯将军，郎中令武为复土将军，发近县见卒万六千人，发内史卒万五千人，藏郭穿复土属将军武。

239 Etiquette and Morality

A10.34|35

When drought and locust plagues occurred throughout the country, the emperor showed favors, ordered the princes to stop paying tribute to the court, lifted the ban on exploiting mountains and swamps, and allowed the people to enter and exit freely, reduced the emperor's many costumes, carriages, and toys, reduced the number of officials around the emperor, opened the government warehouse to help the poor, and the people could also sell their titles in exchange for food.

Emperor Xiaowen came to Chang'an from Dai State. During his 23 years in office, he did not increase the number of palaces, gardens, dogs and horses, clothing, and carriages. He abolished the prohibitions that were inconvenient for the people to make life easier for them. Emperor Wen wanted to build a terrace and summoned craftsmen to calculate the cost, which was worth 100 gold. Emperor Wen said, "100 gold is equivalent to the property of ten middle-class families. I am always worried about bringing shame to the previous emperor while guarding the palace of the previous emperor. What is the point of building a terrace?" Emperor Wen usually wore coarse silk clothes. His favorite wife Shen was not allowed to wear clothes that dragged on the ground. The curtains of the palace were not allowed to be embroidered with patterns, in order to show his honesty and frugality and set an example for the world. When Emperor Wen built the Mausoleum of Baling, he used earthenware as burial objects, and was not allowed to use gold, silver, copper, or tin as decorations. He did not build a tall tomb mound, in order to save money and not bother the people. Zhao Tuo, the King of Nanyue, proclaimed himself Emperor Wu, but Emperor Wen summoned his brothers and granted them titles and salaries to repay him with kindness. Zhao Tuo then gave up his title of emperor and became a vassal of the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty made peace with the Huns, but the Huns broke the agreement and entered the country to plunder. However, Emperor Wen only ordered the border guards to strengthen their defenses and did not send troops deep into the Huns territory, fearing that it would disturb the people. The King of Wu lied that he was sick and did not come to the court, and Emperor Wen gave him a side table and a walking stick. Although the words of the ministers such as Yuan Ang were fierce, Emperor Wen often accepted their suggestions with tolerance. Among the ministers, such as Zhang Wu, when they accepted money from others, when they were discovered, Emperor Wen rewarded them with money from the palace treasury, so that they would feel ashamed in their hearts and not hand it over to the officials for punishment. Emperor Wen was committed to educating his subjects with morality, so the four seas were prosperous and etiquette and morality prevailed in the world.

天下旱，蝗。帝加惠：令诸侯毋入贡，弛山泽，减诸服御狗马，损郎吏员，发仓庾以振贫民，民得卖爵。

孝文帝从代来，即位二十三年，宫室苑囿狗马服御无所增益，有不便，辄弛以利民。尝欲作露台，召匠计之，直百金。上曰：“百金中民十家之产，吾奉先帝宫室，常恐羞之，何以台为！”上常衣绨衣，所幸慎夫人，令衣不得曳地，帏帐不得文绣，以示敦朴，为天下先。治霸陵皆以瓦器，不得以金银铜锡为饰，不治坟，欲为省，毋烦民。南越王尉佗自立为武帝，然上召贵尉佗兄弟，以德报之，佗遂去帝称臣。与匈奴和亲，匈奴背约入盗，然令边备守，不发兵深入，恶烦苦百姓。吴王诈病不朝，就赐几杖。群臣如袁盎等称说虽切，常假借用之。群臣如张武等受赂遗金钱，觉，上乃发御府金钱赐之，以愧其心，弗下吏。专务以德化民，是以海内殷富，兴于礼义。

238 Marriage with Huns

A10.30…33

In the 16th year (164 BC), Emperor Wen personally went to the Five Emperors Temple in Weiyang to hold a suburban sacrifice, and also thanked heaven for the auspiciousness in the summer, and the clothing advocated red.

In the 17th year (163 BC), Emperor Wen got a jade cup with "Longevity of the Lord" engraved on it. So Emperor Wen began to change the current year to the first year as the later era, and ordered the people of the world to gather and feast. That year, Xin Yuanping's conspiracy was exposed and his three clans were exterminated.

In the second year of later era of Xiaowen emperor (162 BC), Emperor Wen said: "I am not wise enough to extend my kindness to distant places, so some countries outside the border cannot be stable and harmonious. The people in the remote areas of the four directions cannot live and work in peace, and the people in the country work hard and cannot rest. These two faults are due to my shallow virtue and cannot benefit distant places. In recent years, the Huns have come to the border to cause trouble, killing many officials and civilians, and the officers and soldiers guarding the border cannot tell the Huns my thoughts, which makes my virtue even shallower. With such long-term grievances and wars, what will the countries in the world rely on to be peaceful? Now I have already I got up early and went to bed late, and I was busy with the world's affairs and worried about the millions of people. I was anxious and uneasy, and I never forgot this matter. So I sent envoys to tell the Chanyu my thoughts. Now the Chanyu has returned to the previous friendly path, considering the peace of the country and seeking benefits for the people. He has forgotten the small festivals with me, walked on the road together, and forged a brotherly friendship to protect the millions of people in the world. The marriage has been decided, starting right this year. "

In the winter of the sixth year of later era of Xiaowen (158 BC), 30,000 Huns entered Shangjun and 30,000 entered Yunzhong. Emperor Wen appointed Middle Minister Ling Mian as the general of chariots and cavalry, stationed in Feihu; appointed Su Yi, the former prime minister of Chu, as a general, stationed in Juzhu; ordered General Zhang Wu to station in Beidi; appointed Zhou Yafu, the governor of Henei County, as a general, stationed in Xiliu; appointed Liu Li, the chief of the clan, as a general, stationed in Bashang; and ordered Songzi Hou to station in Jimen to guard against the Huns people. A few months later, the Huns people withdrew, and the various armies also withdrew.

十六年，上亲郊见渭阳五帝庙，亦以夏答礼而尚赤。

十七年，得玉杯，刻曰“人主延寿”。于是天子始更为元年，令天下大酺。其岁，新垣平事觉，夷三族。

后二年，上曰：“朕既不明，不能远德，是以使方外之国或不宁息。夫四荒之外不安其生，封畿之内勤劳不处，二者之咎，皆自于朕之德薄而不能远达也。间者累年，匈奴并暴边境，多杀吏民，边臣兵吏又不能谕吾内志，以重吾不德也。夫久结难连兵，中外之国将何以自宁？今朕夙兴夜寐，勤劳天下，忧苦万民，为之怛惕不安，未尝一日忘于心，故遣使者冠盖相望，结轶于道，以谕朕意于单于。今单于反古之道，计社稷之安，便万民之利，亲与朕俱弃细过，偕之大道，结兄弟之义，以全天下元元之民。和亲已定，始于今年。”

后六年冬，匈奴三万人入上郡，三万人入云中。以中大夫令勉为车骑将军，军飞狐；故楚相苏意为将军，军句注；将军张武屯北地；河内守周亚夫为将军，居细柳；宗正刘礼为将军，居霸上；祝兹侯军棘门：以备胡。数月，胡人去，亦罢。

237 The Virtue of Earth

A10.26…29

In the winter of the 14th year (166 BC), the Huns planned to enter the border to plunder, they attacked the pass fortress and killed military head Sun Ang of Beidi. Emperor Wen then sent three generals to station in Longxi, Beidi, and Shangjun respectively, and appointed Zhou She as the General of Guards, and Supervisor Attendant Zhang Wu as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, stationed north of the Wei River, with 1,000 chariots and 100,000 cavalry. Emperor Wen personally comforted the soldiers, rectified the army, issued instructions, and rewarded the soldiers of the whole army. Emperor Wen wanted to lead the soldiers to attack the Huns in person, but the ministers dissuaded him, and Emperor Wen refused to listen. The Queen Mother resolutely stopped Emperor Wen, and Emperor Wen gave up. So he appointed Zhang Xiangru, Marquis of Dongyang, as the general, Dong Chi, Marquis of Cheng, as the internal historian, and Luan Bu as the general, and sent troops to attack the Huns. The Huns fled.

In spring, Emperor Wen said, "I have been able to offer sacrifices and jade to the Emperor of Heaven and the ancestral temple for fourteen years, which is a long time. I am not diligent and wise, but I have been able to govern the world for a long time. I feel ashamed for this. The altar should be expanded and more sacrifices should be provided. In the past, the former kings showed favors from afar without asking for returns, offered sacrifices to mountains and rivers from afar without praying for blessings, put talents prior to relatives, considered the people first and themselves next, and were extremely wise. Now I heard that the officials in charge of sacrifices prayed for blessings from the gods, but all of them were attributed to me, but they did not consider the people. I feel ashamed for this. People like me with shallow virtues enjoy the blessings of the gods alone, while the people cannot enjoy them, which makes my virtues even shallower. Now I order the officials in charge of sacrifices to express respect to the gods and not pray for me." 

At that time, Zhang Cang, the Marquis of Beiping, was the prime minister and was formulating music and calendar. Gongsun Chen, a native of Lu County, wrote a letter to explain the theory of the end and beginning of the five virtues, and proposed that the current one is the earth virtue, which corresponds to the appearance of the yellow dragon, and the calendar and clothing systems should be changed. The emperor referred the matter to the prime minister and other officials for discussion. After studying it, the prime minister believed that the present was the water virtue, and began to stipulate that October was the beginning of the year and that the clothing should be black. He believed that Gongsun Chen's theory was incorrect and requested that it should not be adopted.

In the 15th year (165 BC), a yellow dragon appeared in Chengji. The emperor then summoned Gongsun Chen of Lu County again, appointed him as a doctor, and asked him to explain the relevant theories of the earth virtue. So Emperor Wen issued an edict saying: "A strange divine creature appeared in Chengji, but it did not harm the people. This year's harvest is very good. I will personally go to the suburbs to sacrifice to the Emperor of Heaven and the gods. The officials in charge of etiquette will discuss it, and don't worry about my fatigue." The officials in charge of etiquette all said: "In ancient times, the emperor personally went to the suburbs in summer to sacrifice to the Emperor of Heaven according to etiquette, so it was called suburban sacrifice." So Emperor Wen personally visited Yong County for the first time, sacrificed to the Five Emperors in the suburbs, and thanked the heaven for the auspicious signs in the fourth month of summer. Xin Yuanping, a native of Zhao, was summoned because of his skill in the art of observing qi. He took the opportunity to persuade Emperor Wen to build the Temple of the Five Emperors in Weiyang. At the same time, he wanted to instigate the emperor to salvage the Nine Tripod Cauldrons of the Zhou, saying that there would definitely be a brilliant gem to be found.

十四年冬，匈奴谋入边为寇，攻朝冉阝塞，杀北地都尉卬。上乃遣三将军军陇西、北地、上郡，中尉周舍为卫将军，郎中令张武为车骑将军，军渭北，车千乘，骑卒十万。帝亲自劳军，勒兵申教令，赐军吏卒。帝欲自将击匈奴，群臣谏，皆不听。皇太后固要帝，帝乃止。于是以东阳侯张相如为大将军，成侯赤为内史，栾布为将军，击匈奴。匈奴遁走。

春，上曰：“朕获执牺牲珪币以事上帝宗庙，十四年于今，历日绵长，以不敏不明而久抚临天下，朕甚自愧。其广增诸祀墠场珪币。昔先王远施不求其报，望祀不祈其福，右贤左戚，先民后己，至明之极也。今吾闻祠官祝釐，皆归福朕躬，不为百姓，朕甚愧之。夫以朕不德，而躬享独美其福，百姓不与焉，是重吾不德。其令祠官致敬，毋有所祈。”

是时北平侯张苍为丞相，方明律历。鲁人公孙臣上书陈终始传五德事，言方今土德时，土德应黄龙见，当改正朔服色制度。天子下其事与丞相议。丞相推以为今水德，始明正十月上黑事，以为其言非是，请罢之。

十五年，黄龙见成纪，天子乃复召鲁公孙臣，以为博士，申明土德事。于是上乃下诏曰：“有异物之神见于成纪，无害于民，岁以有年。朕亲郊祀上帝诸神。礼官议，毋讳以劳朕。”有司礼官皆曰：“古者天子夏躬亲礼祀上帝于郊，故曰郊。”于是天子始幸雍，郊见五帝，以孟夏四月答礼焉。赵人新垣平以望气见，因说上设立渭阳五庙。欲出周鼎，当有玉英见。

236 Corporal Punishment Abolished

A10.23|24|25

In the summer of the 13th year (167 BC), Emperor Wen said: "I have heard that disasters arise from resentment, and good fortune arises from benevolence. This is in accordance with the way of heaven. I should bear the responsibility for the mistakes of all officials. Now the 

Mizhu office has blamed all the faults onto his subordinates, which shows my lack of humanity. I think this is unacceptable. I am abolishing this position."

In May, Chunyu Yi, Taicang magistrate of Qi, committed a crime and was about to be punished. The imperial court issued an edict to arrest him and escort him to Chang'an. Taicang Gong had five daughters but no son. When he was about to be taken away, he scolded his daughters, saying, "Giving birth to children without sons is useless in an emergency." His youngest daughter, Tiying, cried alone and followed her father to Chang'an, where she wrote a letter to the court, saying, "My father was an official, and the people of Qi praised him for his integrity and justice. Now he has committed a crime and should be punished. I am sad that the dead cannot come back to life, and the limbs of the punished cannot be reassembled. Even if they want to reform, there is no other way. I am willing to be punished as an official slave to atone for my father's sins so that he can reform." Tiying's letter was sent to the emperor, who sympathized with her filial piety and issued an edict saying, "I heard that in the time of You Yu, the criminals were punished by drawing patterns of corresponding punishments on their clothes and hats to distinguish them from the clothes of ordinary people, but the people did not violate the laws. Why was this? Because it was a peaceful and prosperous era. There are three things in the current laws. Is it because I have a shallow moral character and do not teach people clearly? I feel ashamed that my teaching methods are imperfect and have led to the ignorant people falling into lawlessness. The Book of Songs says: 'A harmonious and happy gentleman is the parent of the people.' Now when people commit crimes, they are punished before they are taught. Even if someone wants to change his ways, there is no chance. I feel very sorry for them. Punishment leads to the mutilation of limbs and tattoos on the skin, which cannot be restored for life. How painful and immoral, how can it meet the wishes of parents! Corporal punishment should be abolished. "

Emperor Wen said: "Agriculture is the foundation of the world. There is no more important matter than this. Now people have to pay taxes for hard work, which makes people who are engaged in the main industry and those who are engaged in the secondary industry the same. This is because the method of encouraging farming is not perfect. Immediately exempt farmland from taxes.”

十三年夏，上曰：“盖闻天道祸自怨起而福繇德兴。百官之非，宜由朕躬。今秘祝之官移过于下，以彰吾之不德，朕甚不取。其除之。”

五月，齐太仓令淳于公有罪当刑，诏狱逮徙系长安。太仓公无男，有女五人。太仓公将行会逮，骂其女曰：“生子不生男，有缓急非有益也！”其少女缇萦自伤泣，乃随其父至长安，上书曰：“妾父为吏，齐中皆称其廉平，今坐法当刑。妾伤夫死者不可复生，刑者不可复属，虽复欲改过自新，其道无由也。妾愿没入为官婢，赎父刑罪，使得自新。”书奏天子，天子怜悲其意，乃下诏曰：“盖闻有虞氏之时，画衣冠异章服以为僇，而民不犯。何则？至治也。今法有肉刑三，而奸不止，其咎安在？非乃朕德薄而教不明欤？吾甚自愧。故夫驯道不纯而愚民陷焉。诗曰‘恺悌君子，民之父母’。今人有过，教未施而刑加焉？或欲改行为善而道毋由也。朕甚怜之。夫刑至断支体，刻肌肤，终身不息，何其楚痛而不德也，岂称为民父母之意哉！其除肉刑。”

上曰：“农，天下之本，务莫大焉。今勤身从事而有租税之赋，是为本末者毋以异，其于劝农之道未备。其除田之租税。”

235 Rebels of kings

A10.21|22

When King of Jibei Liu Xingju heard that the emperor was in Dai and wanted to attack the Huns, he took the opportunity to rebel and mobilized his troops to launch a surprise attack on Xingyang. So the emperor issued an edict to withdraw the 85,000 cavalry led by the prime minister, and sent Chen Wu, the Marquis of Jipu, as the general to lead an army of 100,000 to counterattack the King of Jibei. Marquis Qi Zeng He was appointed general and stationed in Xingyang. In July, on the day of Xin Hai, the emperor returned to Chang'an from Taiyuan. So he issued an edict to the relevant departments, saying: "The King of Jibei has betrayed my kindness, disobeyed the monarch, and implicated the officials and people who followed him, committing the crime of high treason. If the officials and people of Jibei can settle it down before the arrival of the imperial army, and those who surrendered to the imperial court with the army, fiefdom and capital will be pardoned and restore their original official positions and titles. Those who had exchanges with Liu Xingju, the king of Jibei but did not participate in the conspiracy, will be also pardoned. In August, the imperial army defeated the Jibei army and captured the King of Jibei. The emperor pardoned the officials and people in Jibei who rebelled with the king of Jibei.

In sixth years (174 BC), officials of the relevant departments reported that Liu Chang, the king of Huainan, abandoned the decree of the previous emperor, and did not listen to the imperial order of the emperor. The specifications of the palace where he lived exceeded the limit, and the entrance and exit were similar to that of the emperor. He formulated the decree without authorization, planned to rebel with Chen Qi, the prince of the Marquis of Ji Pu, and sent people to send envoys to Minyue and the Huns, and trying to use the local army to endanger the ancestral temple. After discussion, the ministers all said, "Liu Chang should be executed in public." Emperor Wen couldn't bear to punish the King of Huainan, pardoned his death penalty, and deposed his throne. The ministers requested that the king of Huainan be exiled to Yandao and Qiongdu in Shu, and Emperor Wen approved it. Liu Chang died of illness on the way without arriving at the place of exile. Emperor Wen felt pity for him. Later, in the sixteenth year (164 BC.), Liu Chang was honored as the king of Huainan, nicknamed King Li, and made his three sons the king of Huainan, the king of Hengshan and the king of Lujiang.

济北王兴居闻帝之代，欲往击胡，乃反，发兵欲袭荥阳。于是诏罢丞相兵，遣棘蒲侯陈武为大将军，将十万往击之。祁侯贺为将军，军荥阳。七月辛亥，帝自太原至长安。乃诏有司曰：“济北王背德反上，诖误吏民，为大逆。济北吏民兵未至先自定，及以军地邑降者，皆赦之，复官爵。与王兴居去来，亦赦之。”八月，破济北军，虏其王。赦济北诸吏民与王反者。

六年，有司言淮南王长废先帝法，不听天子诏，居处毋度，出入拟于天子，擅为法令，与棘蒲侯太子奇谋反，遣人使闽越及匈奴，发其兵，欲以危宗庙社稷。群臣议，皆曰“长当弃市”。帝不忍致法于王，赦其罪，废勿王。群臣请处王蜀严道、邛都，帝许之。长未到处所，行病死，上怜之。后十六年，追尊淮南王长谥为厉王，立其子三人为淮南王、衡山王、庐江王。

234 Bronze Tiger and Bamboo Envoy

A10.16…20

The emperor said: "In ancient times, when the country was governed, there were flags for good and wood for slander, so that people could come to advise the government. Now the law has the crime of slandering and making false statements, which makes the ministers afraid to speak freely, and the emperor has no way to hear about mistakes. How can we attract virtuous people from far away? Get rid of it. Some people curse the emperor to make an agreement and then slander each other, and the officials think it is some big rebellion. If they say something else, the officials will think it is slander. This is the ignorance of the common people and they will die. I don't accept it. From now on, those who commit this will not be punished."

In September, bronze tiger talisman and bamboo envoy talisman were first made between the imperial court and governors of the counties and states.

In the third year, on the last day, the Dingyu, of the tenth month of the year, there was a solar eclipse. In November, the emperor said: "The day before yesterday, the emperor issued an edict to send the states of the marquisates, but some of them refused to go. The prime minister is my priority, so he should lead the states of the marquisates for me." Marquis Jiang Zhou Bo was dismissed from the position of the prime minister and returned to his office in his fiefdom, and Guan Ying, the Grand Commandant and Marquis Yingyin,  was appointed as the new prime minister. The position of the Grand Commandant was dismissed and subordinated to the prime minister. In April, King Chengyang Liu Zhang died. King Huainan Liu Chang and his follower Wei Jing killed Marquis Piyang Shen Yiji.

In May, the Huns entered the northern land and lived in Henan as a bandit. The emperor first visited Ganquan. In June, the emperor said: "Han and the Huns agreed to be brothers and not to harm the border, so they gave generous gifts to the Huns. Now the Virtuous King of the Right left his country and led his people to live in the surrendered land in Henan. He is not doing what he always does. He travels near the border, captures and kills officials and soldiers, drives away the local barbarians who protect the border and prevents them from living in their hometowns, bullies border officials, invades and steals, and is very arrogant and unruly. Immediately have the border officials recruit 85,000 cavalry to Gaonu, and sent the prime minister Marquis Yingyin Guan Ying to attack the Huns." The Huns retreated, and the emperor conscripted a number of lieutenant officers under the command of the general guard and stationed them in Chang'an.

On the day of Xinmao, the emperor went from Ganquan to Gaonu, and visited Taiyuan. He met all the old ministers and gave them gifts. He rewarded the people for their merits and gave cattle and wine to the people in the village. At the same time, he exempted the people of Jinyang and Zhongdu from taxes and corvee for three years, and stayed in Taiyuan for more than ten days.

上曰：“古之治天下，朝有进善之旌，诽谤之木，所以通治道而来谏者。今法有诽谤妖言之罪，是使众臣不敢尽情，而上无由闻过失也。将何以来远方之贤良？其除之。民或祝诅上以相约结而后相谩，吏以为大逆，其有他言，而吏又以为诽谤。此细民之愚无知抵死，朕甚不取。自今以来，有犯此者勿听治。”

九月，初与郡国守相为铜虎符、竹使符。

三年十月丁酉晦，日有食之。十一月，上曰：“前日诏遣列侯之国，或辞未行。丞相朕之所重，其为朕率列侯之国。”绛侯勃免丞相就国，以太尉颍阴侯婴为丞相。罢太尉官，属丞相。四月，城阳王章薨。淮南王长与从者魏敬杀辟阳侯审食其。

五月，匈奴入北地，居河南为寇。帝初幸甘泉。六月，帝曰：“汉与匈奴约为昆弟，毋使害边境，所以输遗匈奴甚厚。今右贤王离其国，将众居河南降地，非常故，往来近塞，捕杀吏卒，驱保塞蛮夷，令不得居其故，陵轹边吏，入盗，甚敖无道，非约也。其发边吏骑八万五千诣高奴，遣丞相颍阴侯灌婴击匈奴。”匈奴去，发中尉材官属卫将军军长安。

辛卯，帝自甘泉之高奴，因幸太原，见故群臣，皆赐之。举功行赏，诸民里赐牛酒。复晋阳中都民三岁。留游太原十余日。

233 Agriculture is the Foundation

A10.13|14|15

At the end of November, there was a solar eclipse. On December 15, there was another solar eclipse. The emperor said: "I have heard that Heaven first created the common people and then appointed a king to rule them. If a monarch is immoral and his policies are unfair, then Heaven will use natural disasters to warn him and remind him that he has not governed the country well. So at the end of November, a solar eclipse occurred, expressing Heaven's intention of condemnation. Is there any greater natural disaster than this! I have obtained the qualification to protect the ancestral temple and the state, and I am above the people and the king with my insignificant strength and body. The stability and chaos of the world depend on me alone. Only two or three ministers can assist me with all their strength like my arms and legs. I am unable to govern and educate all living beings, and I have also diminished the brilliance of the sun, moon and stars. This is a great lack of virtue. When an order is issued, you should think carefully about my mistakes as well as the limitations of my knowledge, insights and thoughts, and report them to me. And recommend those who are virtuous, upright and capable of speaking frankly to strongly advise me to correct the mistakes I made. You must manage your respective duties well and reduce corvée and taxes to facilitate the people. Since I am unable to travel far away to implement benevolent policies, I am extremely fearful and uneasy in my heart, always worrying that the barbarians outside will do wrongful things without scruples. Therefore, the military alert on the border cannot be lifted yet. Even though I cannot withdraw the troops stationed on the border now, but I have so many strict palace guards around me, so I have to withdraw the guards that General Wei has set up for me. The horses under the charge of the Imperial Coachman should only be kept as many as needed, and the rest should be placed in the post stations."

In January, the Emperor said: "Agriculture is the foundation of the world. Immediately open up the land for cultivation. I will personally lead the princes and the people to cultivate the land in order to provide grain for the ancestral temple for sacrifices."

In March, some officials requested to enthronize the prince as a vassal king. The emperor said, "King You of Zhao was imprisoned until his death. I feel very sorry for him. I have already enthroned King Zhao's eldest son Liu Sui as the new King of Zhao. Liu Sui's younger brother Liu Pijiang and King Daohui of Qi’s sons Liu Zhang, Marquis of Zhuxu, and Liu Xingju, Marquis of Dongmu, have made contributions to the country and can also be enfeoffed as princes. " So he made Liu Pijiang, the youngest son of King You of Zhao, the King of Hejian; several busy prefectures and counties of Qi were divided among Zhuxu Marquis, who was named the King of Chengyang; he made Dongmu Marquis the King of Jibei; he made the prince Liu Wu the King of Dai, the prince Liu Can the King of Taiyuan, and the prince Liu Yi the King of Liang. 

十一月晦，日有食之。十二月望，日又食。上曰：“朕闻之，天生蒸民，为之置君以养治之。人主不德，布政不均，则天示之以菑，以诫不治。乃十一月晦，日有食之，適见于天，菑孰大焉！朕获保宗庙，以微眇之身讬于兆民君王之上，天下治乱，在朕一人，唯二三执政犹吾股肱也。朕下不能理育群生，上以累三光之明，其不德大矣。令至，其悉思朕之过失，及知见思之所不及，匄以告朕。及举贤良方正能直言极谏者，以匡朕之不逮。因各饬其任职，务省繇费以便民。朕既不能远德，故闲然念外人之有非，是以设备未息。今纵不能罢边屯戍，而又饬兵厚卫，其罢卫将军军。太仆见马遗财足，余皆以给传置。”

正月，上曰：“农，天下之本，其开籍田，朕亲率耕，以给宗庙粢盛。”

三月，有司请立皇子为诸侯王。上曰：“赵幽王幽死，朕甚怜之，已立其长子遂为赵王。遂弟辟强及齐悼惠王子朱虚侯章、东牟侯兴居有功，可王。”乃立赵幽王少子辟强为河间王，以齐剧郡立朱虚侯为城阳王，立东牟侯为济北王，皇子武为代王，子参为太原王，子揖为梁王。