Annals of Han, Volume 16
From the year dingwei (74 BC) to the year guihai (58 BC), a total of seven years.
Emperor Xiaozhao (Part Two)
Yuanping Year One (Dingwei, 74 BC)
1 In spring, the second month, an edict was issued reducing the poll tax on the common people by three-tenths.
2 In summer, the fourth month, on the day guiwei, the emperor died in the Weiyang Palace. He had no heir. At that time, among the sons of Emperor Wu, only the Prince of Guangling, Liu Xu, was still alive. General-in-Chief Huo Guang discussed with the assembled officials whom to establish as emperor, and all advocated setting up the Prince of Guangling. The Prince of Guangling had originally been rejected by the late emperor due to his improper conduct, and Huo Guang felt uneasy in his heart. There was a Gentleman of the Palace who submitted a memorial saying: "King Tai of Zhou deposed Taibo and established Wang Ji; King Wen of Zhou abandoned Boyi Kao and established King Wu. It is only about finding the suitable person; even if one sets aside the elder and establishes the younger, it is permissible. The Prince of Guangling is unfit to inherit the ancestral temple." These words matched Huo Guang's intentions. Huo Guang showed this memorial to Chancellor Yang Chang and others, and promoted the Gentleman of the Palace to be the Grand Administrator of Jiujiang. That very day, he received an edict from the Empress, dispatched the Acting Superintendent of State Visitations, the Privy Treasurer Lecheng, the Director of the Imperial Clan Liu De, the Palace Attendant of Brilliant Favor Bing Ji, and the General of the Household of the Center Li Han, to welcome the Prince of Changyi, Liu He, and have him ride in seven relay carriages to the official residence in Chang'an. Huo Guang also informed the Empress and transferred the General of the Right, Zhang Anshi, to be General of Chariots and Cavalry.
Liu He was the son of the Prince Ai of Changyi. In his fiefdom, he had always been willful and unrestrained, with no restraint in his conduct. During the mourning period for Emperor Wu, Liu He continued to wander and hunt without stopping. He once went to Fangyu for amusement, galloping two hundred li in less than half a day. The Commandant of the Interior, Wang Ji of Langye, submitted a remonstrance, saying: "The Great King does not delight in the classics and arts but indulges solely in pleasure and roaming. Leaning on the carriage rail and gripping the bridle, you gallop without ceasing, your mouth weary from shouting, your hands tired from wielding the whip and holding the reins, your body exhausted from the jolting of the carriage. In the morning you brave the mist and dew, by day you endure the dust and grime, in summer you are scorched by the fierce heat, in winter you are attacked by the cold wind. Repeatedly subjecting your delicate frame to toil and affliction is not the foundation for preserving life, nor is it the way to increase benevolence and righteousness. Within a great hall, upon a fine felt mat, with an illustrious teacher before you and diligent recitation behind, discussing from the times of Yao and Shun down to the flourishing ages of Shang and Zhou, investigating the models of benevolence and sagehood, and learning the principles of governing the state, cheerfully and with such enthusiasm that you forget to eat, daily renewing your virtuous conduct—how could such joy be compared to galloping in a chariot! During rest, bend and stretch to benefit your form; in advancing and retreating, walk briskly to strengthen your lower limbs; exhale the old and inhale the new to exercise your five viscera; concentrate your mind and accumulate your essence to harmonize your spirit. Using these methods to nurture life—is that not the way to long life! If the Great King can truly pay attention to these things, then within your heart you will have the aspirations of Yao and Shun, and your body will enjoy the longevity of Wangzi Qiao and Chisongzi. Fine fame and broad renown will reach the ears of Heaven above, and then blessings and emoluments will descend, and the state will be at peace. The Emperor is benevolent and sage-like, and to this day his thoughts of the late emperor have not ceased. He has no fondness for the pleasures of palaces, lodges, parks, ponds, or hunting. The Great King should day and night contemplate this to carry on the imperial intent. Among the bones and flesh of the feudal lords, none is closer than the Great King. In terms of lineage, you are a son; in terms of status, you are a minister. One person bears two responsibilities. If there is the slightest deficiency in virtue and benevolence, and it is heard by those above, it will not be a blessing for enjoying your fiefdom." The Prince of Changyi then issued an order, saying: "My conduct cannot be without negligence. The Commandant of the Interior is truly loyal, repeatedly correcting my faults." He sent the Intermuncius Qianqiu to bestow on the Commandant of the Interior five hundred jin of beef, five shi of wine, and five bundles of dried meat. Afterward, he again indulged himself as before.
The Palace Attendant of the Interior, Gong Sui of Shanyang, was loyal and generous, firm and resolute, with great integrity. Within the palace, he remonstrated with the Prince of Changyi; outside, he criticized the Grand Tutor and the Chancellor, citing the classics and principles, stating the consequences of fortune and disaster, even to the point of weeping and shedding tears. He was unwaveringly loyal and directly pointed out the Prince of Changyi's faults. The Prince of Changyi would even cover his ears and rise to flee, saying, "The Palace Attendant of the Interior truly knows how to shame people!" The Prince of Changyi had long associated with his servants and cooks in feasting and amusement, bestowing rewards without limit. Gong Sui entered to see the Prince of Changyi, weeping and walking on his knees, and all the attendants wept as well. The Prince of Changyi said, "Why is the Palace Attendant of the Interior crying?" Gong Sui said, "My heart aches for the danger to the altars of the state! I beg you to grant me a quiet and leisurely moment, so that I may exhaust my humble opinions!" The Prince of Changyi dismissed those around him. Gong Sui said, "Does the Great King know why the Prince of Jiaoxi perished because of his unprincipled conduct?" The Prince of Changyi said, "I do not know." Gong Sui said, "I have heard that the Prince of Jiaoxi had a flattering and sycophantic minister named Hou De. The Prince of Jiaoxi's conduct was comparable to that of Jie and Zhou, yet Hou De said it was like Yao and Shun. The Prince of Jiaoxi delighted in his flattery and often slept and stayed with him, listening only to Hou De's words, until he came to this end. Now the Great King draws close to many petty men, gradually becoming steeped in evil habits. This is a crucial point for survival or ruin, and it must not be taken lightly! I beg to select from among the Gentlemen those who are versed in the classics and possess virtuous conduct and integrity, to live and act with the Great King. When seated, they can recite the Book of Songs and the Book of Documents; when standing, they can learn the rites and deportment. This should be beneficial." The Prince of Changyi agreed. Gong Sui then selected ten men, including Gentleman Zhang An, to attend the Prince of Changyi. After a few days, the Prince of Changyi drove them all away.
The Prince of Changyi once saw a large white dog, whose neck was like a human's, wearing a fangshan crown but without a tail. He asked Gong Sui about it, and Gong Sui said, "This is a warning from Heaven, saying that those around you are dogs wearing hats. Drive them away, and you will survive; if you do not, you will perish." Later, he heard a human voice saying, "Bear!" He looked and saw a large bear, but none of those around him saw it. He asked Gong Sui, and Gong Sui said, "The bear is a wild beast, yet it comes to the palace. Only the Great King alone sees it. This is Heaven warning the Great King; I fear the palace will soon be empty. This is an omen of danger and ruin." The Prince of Changyi looked up to Heaven and sighed, saying, "Why do inauspicious things come so repeatedly!" Gong Sui kowtowed and said, "I dare not hide my loyalty; I have repeatedly spoken of the warnings of danger and ruin, but the Great King is not pleased. The survival or ruin of the state—does it lie in my words! I hope the Great King will reflect within his own heart. The Great King chants the three hundred and five poems of the Book of Songs, through which human affairs are understood and the kingly way is complete. To which poem in the Book of Songs does the Great King's conduct correspond? The Great King occupies the position of a feudal lord, yet his conduct is more sullied than that of a commoner. With such conduct, seeking survival is difficult, but seeking ruin is easy. You should deeply ponder and clearly observe!" Later, blood stained the Prince of Changyi's mat. The Prince of Changyi asked Gong Sui, and Gong Sui cried out loudly, wailing, "The palace will soon be empty! Portents and omens come repeatedly. Blood is a sign of yin and sorrow. You should be fearful and cautious, and examine yourself!" The Prince of Changyi ultimately did not reform.
When the document summoning him arrived, the night water-clock had not yet reached the last quarter; they used firelight to open the document. That same day at noon, the Prince of Changyi departed. By dusk, he reached Dingtao, traveling one hundred and thirty-five li. The horses of his attendants fell dead on the road, one after another. Wang Ji submitted a memorial to warn the Prince of Changyi, saying: "I have heard that during the mourning period, King Gaozong of Yin remained silent for three years. Now the Great King is summoned on account of mourning. You should only weep and grieve day and night, and absolutely not undertake any action! The virtues of benevolence, courage, wisdom, and faithfulness of the General-in-Chief are known throughout the realm. He served Emperor Xiaowu for over twenty years without any fault. The late emperor abandoned the flock of his ministers and departed, entrusting the world to him and placing the young lord in his care. The General-in-Chief held the young ruler in swaddling clothes, administered governance, and brought peace to the realm. Even the Duke of Zhou and Yi Yin could not surpass him. Now the emperor has died without an heir, and the General-in-Chief, only considering who can serve the ancestral temple, has chosen and established the Great King. How can his benevolence be measured! I hope the Great King will serve him, respect him, and in all affairs of government listen entirely to him. The Great King need only fold his hands and face south, assuming the title. I beg you to take heed and always keep this in mind!"
When the Prince of Changyi reached Jiyang, he sought a long-crowing rooster and purchased a staff bound with bamboo along the road. When passing through Hongnong, he sent his chief servant Shan to carry a woman in a clothing cart. When they reached Hu County, an envoy used this to rebuke the Chancellor, Anle. Anle told Gong Sui, and Gong Sui went in to question the Prince of Changyi. The Prince of Changyi said, "There is no such thing." Gong Sui said, "Since there is not, why begrudge a single Shan and ruin your own virtuous conduct and integrity! Please arrest him and hand him over to the officials to cleanse the Great King's stain." He immediately seized Shan and handed him over to the Chief of the Guard to be dealt with according to law.
When the Prince of Changyi reached Ba Shang, the Grand Herald met him in the suburbs, and attendants presented the imperial carriage. The prince ordered Shou Cheng to drive, with Langzhong Ling Gong Sui accompanying him as a chariot companion. As they were about to reach Guangming Gate and the Eastern Capital Gate, Gong Sui said, "According to ritual, when one is hastening to a funeral and sees the capital, one must weep. This is the eastern outer gate of Chang'an." The prince said, "My throat hurts; I cannot weep." When they reached the city gate, Gong Sui spoke again, and the prince said, "The city gate and the outer gate are the same." When they were about to reach the eastern watchtower of Weiyang Palace, Gong Sui said, "The tent for the Prince of Changyi is on the north side of the carriage road outside this watchtower, and before reaching the tent’s location, there is a north-south road, a few paces from the horses' feet. The king should descend from the carriage, face west toward the palace watchtower, prostrate himself, and weep, giving full vent to his grief and then stopping." The prince said, "Very well." After arriving, he wept according to ritual. On the day Bingyin of the sixth month, the Prince of Changyi received the imperial seal and ribbon, succeeded to the title, and honored the empress as Empress Dowager.
On the day Renshen, Emperor Xiao Zhao was buried in Pingling.
After the Prince of Changyi ascended the throne, he indulged in debauchery and pleasure without restraint. The officials of Changyi were all summoned to Chang'an, often receiving promotions and appointments beyond their rank. Prime Minister An Le was promoted to Colonel of the Changle Palace Guard. Gong Sui saw An Le, wept, and said to him, "The king has been established as the Son of Heaven, and he grows daily more arrogant. Admonitions are no longer heeded. Now, before the mourning period is over, he daily drinks and revels with his close ministers, fights tigers and leopards, summons the feathered carriage with nine pennants, and races about east and west, acting contrary to the proper way. In ancient times, the regulations were lenient, and ministers could retire; now, though I wish to leave, I cannot, and if I feign madness, I fear being discovered, dying and being reviled by the world. What can be done? You, sir, were the king's former prime minister; you should strive earnestly to admonish and remonstrate."
The Prince of Changyi dreamed that fly droppings were piled up on the east side of the western steps, about five or six shi, covered with roof tiles. He asked Gong Sui, who said, "Has your Majesty not read in the Book of Odes: 'The buzzing blue flies, alight on the fence. The harmonious and gentle nobleman, do not heed slanderous words.' The slanderous and sycophantic people by your Majesty's side are numerous, like the stench of blue flies. You ought to promote the descendants of the former emperor's great ministers and draw them close as your attendants. If you cannot bear to abandon your old associates from Changyi and trust and employ these flatterers, there will surely be disaster. I hope you will turn calamity into fortune and banish them all! I should be the first to be banished." The prince did not listen.
The Grand Coachman's Deputy, Zhang Chang of Hedong, submitted a memorial admonishing: "Emperor Xiao Zhao died young without an heir. The great ministers were anxious and fearful, choosing a worthy and sage person to inherit the ancestral temple. When they went east to welcome your Majesty, they feared only that the attendant carriages moved too slowly. Now that the Son of Heaven, in his prime, has just ascended the throne, all under heaven are wiping their eyes and pricking up their ears, observing the teachings and hearing the customs. The state's supporting ministers have not yet been rewarded, but the petty associates of Changyi have been promoted first. This is the greatest of errors." The prince did not listen.
General-in-Chief Huo Guang was worried and distressed. He privately consulted his close former subordinate, the Grand Minister of Agriculture Tian Yannian. Tian Yannian said, "You, General, are the pillar of the state. Since you see that this man is unfit, why not report it to the Empress Dowager and choose another worthy to be established as emperor?" Huo Guang said, "Now, if we want to do this, is there a precedent in ancient times?" Tian Yannian said, "When Yi Yin was prime minister of the Shang dynasty, he deposed Tai Jia to stabilize the ancestral temple, and later generations all praised his loyalty. If you, General, can do this, you will be the Yi Yin of the Han dynasty." Huo Guang then recommended Tian Yannian to be a Palace Attendant, and secretly plotted with General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhang Anshi.
The Prince of Changyi went out on an excursion. Guanglu, Xiahou Sheng of Lu, blocked the front of the carriage and admonished, saying, "Heaven has been overcast for a long time without rain, signifying that there is a plot against the sovereign among the ministers. Your Majesty is leaving the palace—where do you intend to go?" The Prince of Changyi grew angry, said that Xiahou Sheng was spreading evil rumors, bound him, and handed him over to the officials. The officials reported this to Huo Guang, who did not handle it according to the law. Huo Guang blamed Zhang Anshi, believing that he had leaked the secret discussion. Zhang Anshi in fact had not said anything, so they summoned Xiahou Sheng and questioned him. Xiahou Sheng replied, "In the Hongfan Zhuan it says: 'If the king's governance is not proper, the punishment is constant overcast, and then there will be a minister plotting against the sovereign.' I was afraid to speak too clearly, so I only said 'a minister has a plotting heart.'" Huo Guang and Zhang Anshi were greatly startled, and from then on they valued scholars of the classics even more. Attendant-in-ordinary Fu Jia admonished many times, and the Prince of Changyi also bound him and threw him into prison.
Having finalized their plans, Huo Guang and Zhang Anshi sent Tian Yannian to inform Prime Minister Yang Chang. Yang Chang was terrified and did not know what to say; he was drenched in sweat and merely said "yes, yes." Tian Yannian rose to go to the latrine, and Yang Chang's wife hurried out from the eastern side-room and said to Yang Chang, "This is a great state affair. Now the General-in-Chief has already settled the plan and sent a Nine Minister to inform you, Lord Marquis. If you do not quickly agree and act in concert with the General-in-Chief, but hesitate, you will be the first to be executed!" When Tian Yannian returned from the latrine, Yang Chang's wife joined them in discussing and agreed, saying, "We obey the General-in-Chief's command!"
On the day Guisi, Huo Guang summoned the Chancellor, the Imperial Secretary, the Generals, the Marquises, the officials of the rank of two thousand shi, the Grand Masters, and the Erudites to meet in Weiyang Palace. Huo Guang said, "The Prince of Changyi's conduct is chaotic and confused; he will likely endanger the state. What is to be done?" All the ministers were startled and changed color; no one dared to speak, merely saying "yes, yes." Tian Yannian stepped forward, left his mat, and, with his hand on his sword, said, "The former emperor entrusted the young orphan to you, General, and entrusted the realm to you, General, because you were loyal and worthy, able to stabilize the Liu clan's dynasty. Now the ministers are in a tumult, and the state is about to topple. Moreover, the Han dynasty's posthumous titles are always called 'Xiao' [Filial] for the sake of long-lasting possession of the realm and so that the ancestral temple may enjoy sacrifices. If the Han house's sacrifices are cut off, even if you, General, die, what face will you have to go down to the underworld and see the former emperor? Today's discussion must not be delayed. If among the ministers there is any who lags behind or does not respond, I beg permission to execute him with my sword!" Huo Guang apologized, saying, "The Nine Minister's reproach is correct! The realm is in turmoil and unsettled; I ought to bear the calamity." Then all those in the discussion kowtowed and said, "The lives of the myriad people are in the General's hands. We obey only the General-in-Chief's command!"
Huo Guang immediately went with the ministers to see the Empress Dowager and fully explained the situation of the Prince of Changyi being unable to continue the ancestral temple. The Empress Dowager then rode in her carriage to the Chengming Hall of Weiyang Palace and issued an edict that all palace gates were not to allow the Changyi ministers to enter. After the Prince of Changyi had attended court and paid respects to the Empress Dowager, he returned, riding in the imperial carriage, intending to go to the Wensheng Hall. The eunuchs of the Central Yellow Gate each held the palace gates. After the Prince of Changyi entered, the palace gates were closed, and the Changyi ministers were not allowed to enter. The Prince of Changyi said, "What is this?" General-in-Chief Huo Guang knelt and said, "There is an edict from the Empress Dowager forbidding the Changyi ministers from entering!" The Prince of Changyi said, "Slow down! Why must you be so frightening!" Huo Guang sent people to drive out all the Changyi ministers and place them outside the Golden Horse Gate. General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhang Anshi led the Feather Forest Cavalry, arrested and bound more than two hundred people, and sent them all to the Court of the Imperial Prison. Orders were given for the former Emperor Zhao's attendants and inner palace attendants to guard the Prince of Changyi. Huo Guang warned those around him: "Guard carefully! If he should commit suicide, you will make me unfaithful to all under heaven and burden me with the name of killing a sovereign." The Prince of Changyi, still unaware that he was to be deposed, said to those around him, "What crime have my former ministers and attendants committed? Why has the General-in-Chief arrested them all?"
Soon afterward, a decree from the Grand Empress Dowager summoned the King of Changyi. Upon hearing the summons, the king became fearful and said, “What crime have I committed that I should be summoned?” The Grand Empress Dowager, wearing a short pearl-embroidered jacket and dressed in formal attire, sat in the martial tent. Several hundred attendants all held weapons, and the Qimen guards stood with halberds arrayed below the hall. The assembled ministers ascended the hall in order, and the King of Changyi was summoned to kneel before the tent to hear the decree. Huo Guang, together with the assembled ministers, jointly submitted an indictment against the King of Changyi. The Prefect of the Masters of Writing read the memorial aloud: “Minister Yang Chang and others, risking death, address Her Majesty the Grand Empress Dowager: The Filial and Illustrious Emperor prematurely abandoned the world. A messenger was sent to summon the King of Changyi to preside over the mourning rites. He wore the sackcloth mourning garments but showed no grief. He abandoned ritual propriety, did not observe vegetarianism on the road, and sent his attendant officers to abduct women, hiding them in a covered carriage and bringing them into the lodging at the post station. Upon his first audience, he was established as the Heir Apparent, yet he often privately bought chickens and pigs to eat. Before the spirit coffin, he received the imperial seal and the traveling seal, and upon returning to his residence, he opened the seal cases and did not seal them again. His attendant officers took turns holding credentials to lead over two hundred of the King of Changyi’s attendants, horse officials, and official slaves, often living with them within the forbidden palace and engaging in games and amusements. He wrote a letter saying: ‘The Emperor asks the Attendant-in-Ordinary Junqing: Send the Prefect of the Central Palace’s Household Provisioners, Gao Chang, to present a thousand catties of gold, bestowed upon Junqing to take ten wives.’ While the spirit coffin was still in the front hall, he opened the instruments of the Music Bureau, brought in musicians from Changyi to beat drums, sing, and play pipes, and performed farces. He summoned the musicians of Taiyi and the ancestral temples to play all kinds of music. He rode in the imperial carriage, galloping at the Northern Palace and the Laurel Palace, and made pigs and tigers fight. He summoned the small carriage used by the Grand Empress Dowager, had official slaves ride in it, and played games in the Lateral Courts. He debauched women, including Meng, a palace lady of the Filial and Illustrious Emperor, and issued an edict to the Prefect of the Lateral Courts: ‘Whoever dares to leak this word will be cut in two at the waist!’” The Grand Empress Dowager said, “Stop! As a subject, should one act so perversely?” The King of Changyi left his mat and prostrated himself. The Prefect of the Masters of Writing continued reading: “…He took the seal ribbons of the feudal kings, marquises, and officials of the two-thousand-bushel rank, along with the black and yellow seal ribbons, and had them all worn by the pardoned slaves among the Lang officers of Changyi. He opened the imperial treasuries of gold, silver, swords, jade, and colored silks, bestowing them on those who played with him. He drank wine at night with his attendant officers and official slaves, indulging in drunkenness. He alone, at night, set up the rites of the Nine Guests in the Warmth Hall and received his brother-in-law, the Marquis of Changyi within the Passes. Before the sacrifices had been performed at the ancestral temples, he prepared an imperial letter, sent a messenger with credentials to sacrifice three victims at the tomb of King Ai of Changyi, and called himself the ‘Son of Heaven and Heir.’ In the twenty-seven days since receiving the seal, messengers came and went incessantly, and he sent credential-bearing edicts to various offices, requisitioning a total of one thousand one hundred and twenty-seven matters. Dissolute and deluded, he lost the ritual propriety of an emperor and disturbed the laws of the Han dynasty. Your ministers, Yang Chang and others, have remonstrated with him many times, but he does not repent; instead, it grows worse daily. We fear he will endanger the state and cause unrest in the empire. Your ministers, Yang Chang and others, have carefully deliberated with the academicians, and all say: ‘Now, His Majesty succeeded the Filial and Illustrious Emperor, yet his conduct is depraved and unlawful. Among the Five Punishments, none is greater than unfilial conduct. King Xiang of Zhou could not serve his mother, and the Spring and Autumn Annals say: “The Heavenly King went out and dwelt in Zheng,” because he was expelled for unfilial conduct and abandoned by the world. The ancestral temples are more important than the ruler. His Majesty cannot receive the Mandate of Heaven, serve the ancestral temples, or nourish the myriad people. He should be deposed!’ We beg that the relevant office prepare one victim of a grand sacrifice to announce this to the Temple of the Eminent Founder.” The Grand Empress Dowager issued an edict saying, “Approved.” Huo Guang had the King of Changyi rise and bow to receive the edict. The King of Changyi said, “I have heard that ‘if there are seven worthy remonstrating ministers in the empire, even a ruler without the Way will not lose the empire.’” Huo Guang said, “The Grand Empress Dowager has decreed your deposition—how can you still call yourself the Son of Heaven?” Then he stepped forward, took his hand, removed his imperial seal and ribbon, presented them to the Grand Empress Dowager, and helped the King of Changyi down from the hall. They left through the Golden Horse Gate, and the assembled ministers followed to see him off. The King of Changyi bowed to the west and said, “Stupid and benighted, I am unfit to manage the affairs of the House of Han!” He rose, mounted the secondary carriage, and Grand General Huo Guang escorted him to the residence of the King of Changyi. Huo Guang apologized, saying, “Your Majesty’s conduct has cut yourself off from Heaven. I would rather betray Your Majesty than betray the state! I hope Your Majesty will take care. I can never again attend you in your presence.” Huo Guang wept and departed.
The assembled ministers submitted a memorial saying: “In ancient times, those who were deposed and exiled were sent to distant places, not allowed to participate in government affairs. We request that Liu He, the King of Changyi, be relocated to Fangling County in Hanzhong Commandery.” The Grand Empress Dowager issued an edict allowing Liu He to return to Changyi, granting him a fief of two thousand households from the revenues of his bath-town. The original property of the King of Changyi’s household was all returned to him. To the four daughters of King Ai, each was granted a fief of one thousand households. The Kingdom of Changyi was abolished and made into Shanyang Commandery.
All the ministers of Changyi, because while in the fief they had not reported the King of Changyi’s crimes, causing the Han court to be unaware, and because they had not been able to assist or guide him, leading the king into great evil, were all imprisoned and over two hundred were executed. Only the Commandant of the Palace, Wang Ji, and the Supervisor of the Household, Gong Sui, because they had loyally and uprightly remonstrated many times, were spared death and sentenced to the shaved-head punishment and hard labor as wall-builders. The teacher Wang Shi was imprisoned and sentenced to death. The interrogating envoy asked him, “As his teacher, why did you not submit a remonstrating letter?” Wang Shi replied, “I taught the king the three hundred and five odes of the Book of Songs morning and evening, and as for passages about loyal ministers and filial sons, I never failed to recite them repeatedly for him. As for rulers who were lost in peril and abandoned the Way, I never failed to weep and profoundly explain them for him. I used the three hundred and five odes as my remonstrance, so I had no separate remonstrating letter.” The envoy reported this, and he too was spared from execution.
Because the assembled ministers presented matters at the Eastern Palace and the Grand Empress Dowager administered government affairs, Huo Guang considered that she ought to understand the classics. He therefore reported and had Xiahou Sheng teach the Grand Empress Dowager the Book of Documents, promoted Xiahou Sheng to be the Grand Steward of the Long Trust Palace, and bestowed upon him the title of Marquis of the Inner Pass.
Initially, the Heir Apparent of Wei took as his consort Shi Liangdi of the State of Lu, who bore a son named Jin, known as Historial Imperial Grandson. Historial Imperial Grandson took as his wife Lady Wang of Zhuo Commandery, who bore a son named Bingyi, known as the Imperial Great-Grandson. The Imperial Great-Grandson was born only a few months old when the witchcraft incident occurred. The Heir Apparent’s three sons, one daughter, and all his wives and concubines were killed, and only the Imperial Great-Grandson survived. He too was implicated, arrested, and imprisoned in the commandery prison in the capital. The former Superintendent of Trials, a man from Lu, Ji Ji, received an imperial edict to investigate the witchcraft case. Ji Ji knew in his heart that the Heir Apparent had not been guilty in fact, and he deeply pitied the Imperial Great-Grandson’s innocence. He selected two careful and kind female prisoners, Hu Zu from Weicheng and Guo Zhengqing from Huaiyang, and had them nurse the Imperial Great-Grandson, placing him in a dry and well-ventilated place. Ji Ji visited him twice every day.
The witchcraft case dragged on for years without resolution. Emperor Wu fell ill and traveled between the Changyang Palace and the Wuzuo Palace. A diviner of vapors said that within the prisons of Chang’an there was an aura of the Son of Heaven. Emperor Wu then sent messengers to search separately the prisons of the central offices, edicting that all prisoners held in custody, regardless of the gravity of their crimes, be put to death. The Prefect of the Inner Palace Messengers, Guo Rang, came to the commandery prison at night. Ji Ji closed the main gate, refused to admit the messenger, and said, “The Imperial Great-Grandson is here. Even if others were innocent, they could not be killed, let alone the emperor’s own great-grandson!” They held out against each other until dawn, and Guo Rang was unable to enter. Guo Rang returned and reported the matter to Emperor Wu, and took the opportunity to impeach Ji Ji. Emperor Wu also came to his senses and said, “This is Heaven making him do this.” He then issued a general amnesty throughout the empire. The prisoners held in the commandery prison were saved solely because of Ji Ji.
Soon afterward, Ji Ji said to the Assistant Magistrate Shuiru, “The Imperial Grandson should not remain in the government office.” He sent Shuiru to deliver a document to the Governor of the Capital, requesting that the Imperial Grandson be sent away together with Hu Zu. The Governor of the Capital did not accept him, and he was sent back. When Hu Zu’s term of service expired and she was due to leave, the Imperial Grandson missed and clung to her. Ji Ji used his own money to hire Hu Zu to stay and, together with Guo Zhengqing, to continue raising the Imperial Grandson. After raising him for a month, he then let Hu Zu leave. Later, the Minor Intendant of the Inner Palace said to Ji Ji, “There is no edict for supporting the Imperial Grandson.” At that time, Ji Ji obtained grain and meat and supplied them to the Imperial Great-Grandson each month. The Imperial Great-Grandson fell ill and several times nearly did not survive. Ji Ji repeatedly ordered the nursing women to attend to his medical treatment, showing great kindness to the Imperial Great-Grandson. Ji Ji heard that Shi Liangdi had a mother, Zhenjun, and a brother, Shi Gong, so he loaded the Imperial Great-Grandson into a cart and entrusted him to them. Zhenjun was old, and seeing her grandson orphaned and suffering, she pitied him deeply and raised and cared for him herself.
Later, an imperial edict ordered the palace attendants to raise and care for the imperial great-grandson and to register him in the imperial clan registry. At that time, Zhang He, the director of the palace attendants, had once served Crown Prince Li. Remembering past kindness and pitying the imperial great-grandson, he provided for him very diligently, using his own money to support him and teaching him to read. When the imperial great-grandson grew up, Zhang He wanted to marry his granddaughter to him. At this time, Emperor Zhao had just come of age and was eight feet two inches tall. Zhang He's younger brother, Zhang Anshi, served as General of the Right and assisted in governing the court. Hearing Zhang He praise the imperial great-grandson and wanting to marry his daughter to him, he said angrily, "The great-grandson is the descendant of Crown Prince Wei. It is already enough that he is fortunate enough to rely on the court's provisions as a commoner. Do not mention marrying your daughter to him again!" So Zhang He stopped the matter. At that time, Xu Guanghan, the warden of the violent chamber, had a daughter. Zhang He then set up a banquet and invited Xu Guanghan. When the wine was flowing freely, he said to Xu Guanghan, "The imperial great-grandson is closely related to the imperial house, and at the very least, his status will be that of a Marquis of the Interior. You can marry your daughter to him." Xu Guanghan agreed. The next day, Xu Guanghan's wife heard about this and was very angry. Xu Guanghan then had a matchmaker arrange it, and so his daughter was married to the imperial great-grandson. Zhang He used his family wealth to prepare the betrothal gifts. The imperial great-grandson then relied on the Xu Guanghan brothers and his grandmother’s Shi family, following Master Fu Zhongweng of Donghai to study the Book of Songs. He was exceptionally talented and loved learning; but he also enjoyed wandering among knights-errant, cockfighting, and dog racing. Therefore, he thoroughly understood the evil deeds among the common people and the successes and failures of official governance. He frequently traveled back and forth among the various imperial tombs, roaming throughout the Three Auxiliary Regions. He once fell into trouble in the salt marsh of Lianshao, and he particularly loved the area between Du County and Hu County, often living in Xiadu. When the time came for court audiences, he stayed in Shangguan Ward of Chang’an.
When the Prince of Changyi was deposed, Huo Guang, Zhang Anshi, and other high officials discussed who to establish as emperor, but no decision was reached. Bing Ji submitted a memorial to Huo Guang, saying: "General, you served Emperor Xiaowu and accepted the entrustment of the infant, bearing the heavy responsibility of the realm. Emperor Xiaozhao died young without an heir, and the people of the world were anxious and fearful, longing to hear news of a successor as soon as possible. On the day of the funeral, you established an heir based on righteousness, and when the one chosen was unsuitable, you again deposed him on the same principle; no one in the world is unimpressed. Now, the fate of the altars of state, the ancestral temples, and all living beings lies in your every move, General. I have privately observed among the masses and listened to their discussions about the princes and imperial clan members currently in positions, but I have heard no good reputation among the people. However, the great-grandson of Emperor Wu, named Bingyi, whom the testamentary edict ordered to be raised, is in the palace attendants' quarters and his maternal family. When I previously had him stay in the commandery lodgings, I saw he was young; now he is eighteen or nineteen years old, versed in the classics, has excellent talent, and his conduct is serene and his character is peaceful. I hope the General will carefully consider the great principle, divine whether he is suitable with yarrow stalks and tortoise shells, praise and exalt him, first have him enter the palace to serve, so that the world may clearly know of this matter, and then decide the great plan. The world will be very fortunate!" Du Yannian also knew of the imperial great-grandson's virtuous character and urged Huo Guang and Zhang Anshi to establish him as emperor.
In autumn, the seventh month, Huo Guang sat in the court hall, summoned officials from the chancellor down to discuss and decide on establishing the emperor, and then together with Chancellor Yang Chang and others submitted a memorial, saying: "The great-grandson of Emperor Xiaowu, Bingyi, is eighteen years old. He has studied the Book of Songs, the Analects, and the Classic of Filial Piety under a teacher. He personally practices frugality and is benevolent and loves people. He is suitable to succeed as the heir of Emperor Xiaozhao, to uphold the ancestral temples, and to treat the myriad people as his children. Your servants report this at the risk of death!" The Empress Dowager issued an edict saying, "It is permitted." Huo Guang sent Imperial Clan Censor Liu De to the great-grandson's home in Shangguan Ward, had him bathe, and bestowed imperial robes upon him. The Grand Coachman used a hunting carriage to welcome the great-grandson and brought him to the Imperial Clan Court to fast. On the day Gengshen, he entered the Weiyang Palace, paid homage to the Empress Dowager, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yangwu. Soon after, the assembled officials presented the imperial seal and ribbon, and he ascended the throne. He paid homage at the Gaozu Temple and honored the Empress Dowager as Grand Empress Dowager.
Attendant Censor Yan Yannian impeached and memorialized, "The Grand General Huo Guang arbitrarily deposed and established a sovereign, lacking the proper conduct of a subject, which is high treason and rebellion." Although the memorial was set aside, the entire court was awed and respectful of him.
On the day Jisi of the eighth month, Anping Jinghou Yang Chang died.
In the ninth month, a general amnesty was granted to the realm.
On the day Wuyin, Cai Yi became chancellor.
Initially, Xu Guanghan’s daughter married the imperial great-grandson. After one year, she gave birth to a son named Liu Shi. A few months later, the imperial great-grandson was established as emperor, and Lady Xu was enfeoffed as Jieyu. At that time, General Huo had a younger daughter who was close to the Grand Empress Dowager. The high ministers and officials discussed changing the empress, and their hearts all inclined toward General Huo's daughter, but no one spoke of it. The emperor then issued an edict seeking the old sword he had used in his days of poverty. The ministers understood the emperor's intent and submitted a memorial requesting that Lady Xu, the Jieyu, be established as empress. On the day Renzi of the eleventh month, Empress Xu was established. Huo Guang believed that the empress's father, Xu Guanghan, was a man who had undergone punishment and was unsuitable to be a ruler of a state; after more than a year, he was only enfeoffed as Marquis of Changcheng.
The Grand Empress Dowager returned to the Changle Palace. The Changle Palace began to establish garrison troops.
Zhongzong Xiaoxuan Emperor, First Part, First
Benshi First Year (Wushen year, 73 BC)
In spring, an edict ordered the relevant departments to assess the merits of those who had established the plan and stabilized the ancestral temple. Grand General Huo Guang's fief was increased by seventeen thousand households, making a total of twenty thousand households together with his original fief. From General of Chariots and Cavalry, Marquis of Fuping Zhang Anshi, downward, ten people had their fiefs increased, five were enfeoffed as marquises, and eight were granted the title of Marquis of the Interior.
Grand General Huo Guang kowtowed and returned the reins of government, but the emperor humbly declined to accept them. All affairs were first reported to Huo Guang and then submitted to the emperor. From the time of Emperor Zhao, Huo Guang's son Huo Yu, as well as his elder brother's grandson Huo Yun, both served as Commandant of the Palace Gentlemen. Huo Yun's younger brother Huo Shan served as Chief Commandant of Equipage, Palace Attendant, commanding the Hu and Yue troops. Huo Guang's two sons-in-law served as Commandants of the East and West Palaces. His brothers, various sons-in-law, and grandsons all served as Court Attendants, holding posts in various bureaus, as Grand Masters, Chief Commandants, and Palace Attendants. Their faction and confidants were united as one, deeply rooted in the court. After the Prince of Changyi was deposed, Huo Guang's power became even more significant. Every time he attended court, the emperor would humbly compose his countenance and treat him with great courtesy.
In summer, the fourth month, on the day Gengwu, an earthquake occurred.
In the fifth month, phoenixes gathered in Jiaodong and Qiansheng. A general amnesty was granted to the realm, and land taxes and levies were not collected.
In the sixth month, an edict said: "The late Crown Prince is buried in Hu County, without a title or posthumous name. Annual seasonal sacrifices should be conducted; a posthumous name and a mausoleum town should be discussed and established." The relevant departments submitted a memorial requesting: "According to ritual, one who becomes the heir of another becomes that person’s son. Therefore, lowering the status of one's own parents and not sacrificing to them is the great principle of honoring ancestors. Your Majesty, as the heir of Emperor Xiaozhao, inherits the sacrifices of the ancestors. Your foolish servant believes that your father’s posthumous name should be Dao, and your mother’s posthumous name should be Daohou. The late Crown Prince’s posthumous name should be Li, and Lady Shi Liangdi’s posthumous name should be Li Furen." All were reburied accordingly.
In autumn, the seventh month, an edict established the Crown Prince of Yan, Liu Jian, as the King of Guangyang, and established the youngest son of the King of Guangling, Liu Hong, as the King of Gaomi.
Initially, Shangguan Jie struggled for power with Huo Guang. After Huo Guang killed Shangguan Jie, he followed Emperor Wu's laws and strictly restrained the officials with penal law. Therefore, worldly officials all revered harshness as a sign of ability. However, the Grand Administrator of Henan, Huang Ba from Huaiyang, stood out only for his leniency and kindness. The emperor, while among the people, knew that the people suffered from the harshness of officials. Hearing that Huang Ba enforced the law fairly, he summoned him to serve as Chief Judge of the Commandant of Justice. He repeatedly decided difficult cases, and the entire Commandant of Justice office praised his fairness.
Benshi Second Year (Jiyou year, 72 BC)
In the spring, the Grand Minister of Agriculture Tian Yannian committed a crime and committed suicide. During the mourning period for Emperor Zhao, the Grand Minister of Agriculture had hired the people’s carts, and Tian Yannian falsely inflated the hiring expenses, embezzling thirty million cash. He was reported by an enemy. General Huo summoned Tian Yannian to question him, intending to exonerate him. Tian Yannian denied it, saying: “There is no such thing!” Huo Guang said: “If there is no such thing, then it should be thoroughly investigated!” The Imperial Secretary Tian Guangming said to the Grand Coachman Du Yannian: “The great principle of the Spring and Autumn Annals is to cover up faults with merit. At the time of deposing the King of Changyi, if it had not been for Tian Zibin’s words, the great affair could not have succeeded. Now the court has paid out thirty million cash and is requesting it for him—why should it be necessary? I hope you will report my words to the Grand General.” Du Yannian told the Grand General, who said: “Indeed, he is a brave man! When he first raised the great argument, it shook the court.” Huo Guang then raised his hand and stroked his chest, saying: “It makes my heart pound to this day. Please tell the Grand Minister of Agriculture to go to the prison and receive a fair judgment.” Tian Guangming sent someone to inform Tian Yannian. Tian Yannian said: “Fortunately, the court has pardoned me, but how could I have the face to enter prison, letting the crowd point and laugh at me, and the jailers spit on my back?” So he closed his doors and lived alone in his study, bared his upper body, and paced back and forth holding a knife. After a few days, an envoy summoned Tian Yannian to the Commandant of Justice. Hearing the drum, Tian Yannian cut his own throat and died.
In the summer, in the fifth month, Emperor Xuan of Han issued an edict, saying: “The Filial and Martial Emperor personally practiced benevolence and righteousness, inspired martial might, and his achievements and virtue were vast and grand, yet the temple music and dances do not match them—I am deeply grieved. Please discuss this with the marquises, officials of the two-thousand-picul rank, and the erudites.” Thereupon the courtiers broadly debated in the court, all saying: “It should be done according to the intent of the edict.” Only the Grand Master of the Long Trust Palace, Xiahou Sheng, said: “Although the Martial Emperor had the merit of driving back the barbarians in all directions and expanding the territory, he killed a vast number of soldiers and commoners, exhausted the people’s strength and resources, and was extravagantly wasteful without limit, causing the empire to become empty, the people to flee and scatter, with more than half dying, locusts rising in great swarms, and for thousands of li not a blade of grass growing—even cases of people eating each other occurred. The accumulated resources have not yet recovered. He had no grace toward the people, and it is not fitting to establish temple music for him.” The high officials together reproached Xiahou Sheng, saying: “This is the intent of the edict.” Xiahou Sheng said: “The edict cannot be followed. The duty of a minister is to speak straightforwardly and correctly, not to grovel and agree with the imperial will. My words have already left my mouth, and even if I die, I will not regret it!” Thereupon the Chancellor and the Imperial Secretary impeached Xiahou Sheng for criticizing the edict, slandering the former emperor, and committing great disrespect; and the Chancellor’s Chief Clerk Huang Ba for fawning on and indulging Xiahou Sheng, not reporting or impeaching him; both were thrown into prison. The relevant office then requested that the Filial and Martial Emperor’s temple be honored as the Temple of the Hereditary Emperor, and that the dances Shengde and Wenshi Wuxing be performed. Temples were established in all the commanderies and kingdoms that the Martial Emperor had toured, just as for Emperor Gao and Emperor Taizong. Xiahou Sheng and Huang Ba were imprisoned for a long time. Huang Ba wanted to study the Book of Documents with Xiahou Sheng, but Xiahou Sheng declined on the grounds that he was a condemned man. Huang Ba said: “If I hear the truth in the morning, I can die that evening without regret.” Xiahou Sheng considered his words worthy and so taught him. They passed another winter in prison, discussing and lecturing without ever slacking.
At first, the Wusun princess had died, and the Han court again gave the granddaughter of King Wu of Chu, Liu Wu, named Jieyou, as a princess, marrying her to the Cenzou. The son of the Cenzou’s Hu wife, Nimazi, was still young. When the Cenzou was dying, he entrusted the state to the son of his uncle the Daru, Wengguimi, saying: “When Nimazi grows up, return the state to him.” After Wengguimi ascended the throne, he was called the Fat King, and he also married the Chu princess Jieyou, fathering three sons and two daughters. The eldest son was Yuanguimi, the second was Wannian, and the youngest was Dale. During Emperor Zhao’s reign, the princess submitted a memorial saying: “The Xiongnu and the Jushi are jointly harassing Wusun. I hope the Son of Heaven can rescue us.” The Han court raised troops and horses, discussing an attack on the Xiongnu. It happened that Emperor Zhao died. Emperor Xuan of Han sent the Guanglu Chang Hui as an envoy to Wusun. The Wusun princess and the Kunmi both sent envoys with a memorial, saying: “The Xiongnu have again sent out great armies in succession, attacking Wusun. They sent envoys to Wusun, saying: ‘Quickly send the princess over!’ They want to cut off Han. The Kunmi is willing to send out fifty thousand elite cavalry from within the state to attack the Xiongnu with all our strength. We hope the Son of Heaven will send troops to rescue the princess and the Kunmi!” Before this, the Xiongnu had repeatedly invaded the Han border, and the Han court also planned to attack them. In the autumn, a great expedition was launched. The Imperial Secretary Tian Guangming was appointed General of the Qilian Mountains, leading over forty thousand cavalry, departing from Xihe; the General of Crossing the Liao, Fan Mingyou, led over thirty thousand cavalry, departing from Zhangye; the Forward General Han Zeng led over thirty thousand cavalry, departing from Yunzhong; the Rear General Zhao Chongguo was appointed General of the Pulei Mountains, leading over thirty thousand cavalry, departing from Jiuquan; the Grand Administrator of Yunzhong, Tian Shun, was appointed General of the Tiger’s Fang, leading over thirty thousand cavalry, departing from Wuyuan; it was agreed that after leaving the frontier, each would advance over two thousand li. Chang Hui was appointed Colonel, holding the tally to supervise the Wusun army in jointly attacking the Xiongnu.
In the first year of the Benshi reign period (Gengxu, 71 BCE).
In the spring, in the first month, on the Guihai day, the respectful and lamented Empress Xu died. At that time, the wife of Huo Guang, Xian, wanted her younger daughter Chengjun to become honored, but had no way to achieve this. It happened that Empress Xu was pregnant and fell ill. The female physician Chunyu Yan was favored by the Huo family and had entered the palace to attend to the empress’s illness. Chunyu Yan’s husband, Shang, was a household guard of the Lateral Court, and said to Chunyu Yan: “You can go visit Lady Huo and ask for the position of Superintendent of the Anchi for me.” Chunyu Yan followed his words and told Xian. Xian then conceived a plan, dismissed those around her, and said to Chunyu Yan: “Shaofu, you have had the fortune to inform me of matters; I also want to repay you, Shaofu. Is it acceptable?” Chunyu Yan said: “What the lady says—why should it not be possible?” Xian said: “The General has always loved his younger daughter Chengjun and wants her to obtain special honor. I hope to trouble you, Shaofu.” Chunyu Yan said: “What does this mean?” Xian said: “For a woman to give birth is a great matter, with ten chances of death to one of life. Now the empress is about to deliver. You can take the opportunity to administer poison and eliminate her. Chengjun can then become empress. If you, through your efforts, bring this about, wealth and honor will be shared with you, Shaofu.” Chunyu Yan said: “The medicines are mixed and decocted together, and they must first be tasted. How can this be done?” Xian said: “This lies in what you, Shaofu, do. The General commands the empire. Who dares to speak? In an emergency, we will protect each other. I only fear that you, Shaofu, lack the intention.” Chunyu Yan was silent for a long time, then said: “I am willing to do my utmost!” So she pounded aconite, brought it into the Chanding Palace. After the empress gave birth, Chunyu Yan mixed the aconite into the great pills of the Imperial Medical Bureau and had the empress drink them. After a while, the empress said: “My head is dizzy and heavy. Could there be poison in the medicine?” The reply was: “There is not.” She then became more distressed and died. Chunyu Yan came out, went to see Xian, and they exchanged greetings and inquiries. Xian did not dare to reward Chunyu Yan heavily. Later, someone submitted a report accusing the imperial physicians who had attended the illness of failing in their duties, and they were all arrested and sent to the prison of the palace, impeached for great disrespect. Xian, fearing the urgency of the matter, told the whole situation to Huo Guang, saying: “Since we have already blundered and done this deed, do not let the officials pursue Chunyu Yan!” Huo Guang was greatly startled and wanted to expose and impeach her himself, but he could not bear to, and he hesitated. It happened that the memorial was submitted, and Huo Guang endorsed it, ordering that Chunyu Yan not be pursued. Xian then urged Huo Guang to send his daughter into the palace.
On the day wuchen, the five generals set out from Chang’an. The Xiongnu, hearing of the great Han army’s advance, fled with their old and weak, driving their livestock far away, so the five generals achieved little. In summer, the fifth month, the army withdrew. The Dujiang General marched out beyond the frontier more than 1,200 li, reaching the Puli Hou River, where he beheaded or captured over 700 men. The Former General marched out more than 1,200 li, reaching Wuyuan, where he beheaded or captured over 100 men. The Pulei General marched out more than 1,800 li, going west to Mount Hou, where he beheaded, captured, and seized the Xiongnu Shan Yu’s envoy, the Puyin King, and more than 300 others below him. Hearing that the enemy had already withdrawn, they all returned before the appointed date. The Son of Heaven, regarding their faults lightly, pardoned them without punishment. The Qilian General marched out more than 1,600 li, reaching Mount Ji Zhi, where he beheaded or captured nineteen men. He encountered Ran Hong and others, Han envoys returning from the Xiongnu, who said that west of Mount Ji Zhi there was a large enemy force. Qilian immediately warned Ran Hong, telling him to say there were no enemies, intending to withdraw. The Imperial Censor’s subordinate, Gongsun Yishou, advised him, arguing that they could attack. Qilian did not listen and so led the army back. The Huya General marched out more than 800 li, reaching the bank of the Dan Yu Wu River, then halted and advanced no further, beheading or capturing more than 1,900 men, and led the army back. The Emperor, because the Huya General had not reached the appointed date and had falsified the number of captives, and because the Qilian General knew the enemy was ahead but delayed and did not advance, handed both over to the judicial officials for interrogation; the two committed suicide. Gongsun Yishou was promoted to Attendant Censor.
The Wusun Kunmo personally led 50,000 cavalry together with Colonel Chang Hui, entering from the west, reaching the You Luli King’s court, capturing the Shan Yu’s father, elder sister-in-law, princess, renowned kings, Liwu Duwei, Changan, and cavalry commanders, totaling 40,000 below, and 700,000 head of horses, cattle, sheep, donkeys, and camels. The Wusun took all the captured goods for themselves. The Emperor, because the five generals had all achieved no merit, only Chang Hui, having been sent on a mission, had gained victory, enfeoffed Chang Hui as the Marquis of Changluo. However, the Xiongnu people who were wounded and left behind, as well as livestock that died during the long migration, were beyond counting. From then on, the Xiongnu weakened and declined, and they resented the Wusun.
The Emperor again sent Chang Hui, carrying gold and valuables, back to reward the meritorious nobles of the Wusun. Chang Hui then submitted a memorial requesting that, since the state of Qiuci had once killed Colonel Laidan, which had not yet been punished, he might attack them on the way. The Emperor did not agree. General-in-Chief Huo Guang hinted that Chang Hui could act on his own discretion. Chang Hui, together with 500 officers and men, went to the Wusun. On his return, passing through Qiuci, he mobilized 20,000 troops from the Western Regions states, ordered his deputy envoy to mobilize another 20,000 from the states east of Qiuci, and 7,000 Wusun troops, attacking Qiuci from three sides. Before the armies had assembled, he first sent a messenger to reproach the King of Qiuci for his former crime of killing a Han envoy. The King of Qiuci apologized, saying: “This was done during my predecessor’s reign, when the noble Gu Yi misled him. I am not guilty.” Chang Hui said: “If so, bind Gu Yi and hand him over, and I will spare you.” The King of Qiuci seized Gu Yi and delivered him to Chang Hui, who executed him and then returned.
There was a great drought.
In summer, the sixth month, on the day jichou, Yangping Jie Hou Cai Yi died.
On the day jiachen, the Chief of the Longxin Palace, Wei Xian, became Chancellor.
The Grand Minister of Agriculture, Wei Xiang, became Imperial Censor.
In winter, the Xiongnu Shan Yu personally led several tens of thousands of cavalry to attack the Wusun, capturing many old and weak. As they were about to return, they encountered a great snowfall, with snow accumulating more than ten feet deep in a single day; the people and livestock froze to death, and fewer than one in ten were able to return. Thereupon, the Dingling, taking advantage of their weakness, attacked from the north; the Wuhuan invaded from the east; and the Wusun attacked from the west. The three states killed several tens of thousands of Xiongnu, several tens of thousands of horses, and many cattle and sheep. Added to those who died of starvation, three-tenths of the people died, and five-tenths of the livestock perished. The Xiongnu became greatly weakened. The various states that had previously submitted to them all disintegrated, attacking and plundering each other without being able to govern. After this, the Han sent out more than 3,000 cavalry in three separate columns, simultaneously entering Xiongnu territory, capturing several thousand people and returning. The Xiongnu never dared to retaliate, and increasingly desired peace and marriage with the Han, while the border became somewhat tranquil.
In this year, the Grand Administrator of Yingchuan, Zhao Guanghan, became the Governor of the Capital Region. The custom in Yingchuan was for powerful families to form cliques. Zhao Guanghan established complaint boxes, accepting letters from officials and commoners, allowing them to accuse each other. Thus mutual resentment and accusations arose, the villainous cliques dispersed, and thieves and robbers dared not act. Xiongnu who surrendered said that within the Xiongnu Zhao Guanghan’s reputation was known, and so he entered court to serve as Governor of the Capital Region. Zhao Guanghan treated his subordinates with attentive care, and when tasks were accomplished, he attributed the merit to them. His actions came from a sincere heart, and his subordinates were all willing to serve him, even to the point of not avoiding death. Zhao Guanghan was perceptive; he knew what each person’s abilities were suited for and whether they exerted full effort. If anyone betrayed him, he immediately arrested them, and there was no place for them to flee. When interrogated, their crimes were immediately established, and they were punished on the spot. He was especially skilled in using the “hook and angle” method to uncover the truth, and he knew every bit of villainy among the people, down to the smallest detail. In Chang’an, several young men gathered in a secluded lane in an empty house, plotting a robbery. Before they had finished speaking, Zhao Guanghan sent officials to arrest and interrogate them; they all confessed. His exposure of evil and revelation of hidden matters was like a deity. The Capital Region’s government was pure and orderly, and officials and commoners praised him endlessly. The elders said that since the founding of the Han dynasty, no one who governed the Capital Region could compare with him.
In the fourth year of the Benshi reign period (Xinhai, 70 BCE)
1. Spring, the third month, on the day yimao, Huo Guang’s daughter was established as Empress, and a general amnesty was granted. Initially, Empress Xu came from a humble background; after ascending to the throne, her reign was very short, and her attendants, carriages, and clothing were all extremely frugal. When Empress Huo was established, her carriages, attendants, and retinue were far more lavish, and the rewards to her officials and subordinates amounted to tens of thousands, making the difference from Empress Xu’s time like heaven and earth.
2. Summer, the fourth month, on the day renyin, an earthquake occurred in forty-nine commanderies and kingdoms on the same day. In some places, mountains collapsed, destroying city walls, houses, and killing more than 6,000 people. The ancestral temples in Beihai and Langye were destroyed. The Emperor issued an edict ordering the Chancellor, Imperial Censor, the various marquises, and the officials of the 2,000-bushel rank to consult widely with scholars well-versed in the Classics. If there were any methods to respond to calamities, they should speak without reservation. He ordered the Three Adjuncts, the Grand Progenitor’s Office, and the interior commanderies and kingdoms each to recommend one worthy and upright person. A general amnesty was granted. The Emperor wore plain clothes, avoided the main hall for five days. He released Xiahou Sheng and Huang Ba, appointing Xiahou Sheng as Court Counselor for Remonstrance and Palace Attendant, and Huang Ba as Inspector of Yangzhou.
Xiahou Sheng’s character was simple and upright; he was approachable and without an imposing manner. Sometimes he addressed the Emperor as “Sire,” and even mistakenly used the Emperor’s personal name in his presence. The Emperor, for this reason, was close to and trusted him. Once, after seeing the Emperor, he left the palace and told others what the Emperor had said. The Emperor heard of this and reproached Xiahou Sheng, who said: “What Your Majesty said was excellent, so I spread it. The words of Emperor Yao spread throughout the world and are still praised today. I thought it could be spread, so I spread it.” Whenever there was a major discussion at court, the Emperor, knowing Xiahou Sheng’s uprightness, said to him: “Sir, speak your fair opinion freely, and do not be deterred by past events!” Xiahou Sheng also served as Chief of the Longxin Palace and later was promoted to Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent. He lived to be ninety years old when he died. The Empress Dowager bestowed 2,000,000 cash and wore plain clothes for five days to repay her teacher’s kindness. The Confucians considered this a great honor.
3. In the fifth month, phoenixes gathered at Anqiu and Chunyu in Beihai Commandery.
4. The King of Guangchuan, Liu Qu, was deposed and exiled to Shangyong for killing his tutor and more than ten of his concubines, some by pouring molten lead and tin into their mouths, some by dismemberment, and some by boiling them in poison until they were completely decayed. He later committed suicide.
In the first year of the Dijie reign period (Renzi, 69 BCE)
1. Spring, the first month, a comet appeared in the west.
2. The King of Chu, Liu Yanshou, believing that the King of Guangling, Liu Xu, was a son of Emperor Wu and, if there were a change in the realm, would surely be established as Emperor, secretly attached himself to and assisted him. He married his younger half-brother’s mother, Zhao Heqi, to the King of Guangling’s daughter, taking the opportunity to have Zhao Heqi send a letter to the King of Guangling, saying: “I hope you will pay close attention and not fall behind others and lose the empire!” Zhao Heqi’s father, Zhao Changnian, submitted a memorial exposing this matter. The matter was handed over to the relevant authorities for investigation, and the facts were confirmed. In winter, the eleventh month, Liu Yanshou committed suicide. Liu Xu was not prosecuted.
3. The twelfth month, on the day guihai, the last day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.
That year, Yu Dingguo served as Commandant of Justice. Yu Dingguo adjudicated difficult cases, enforced the law impartially, devoted himself to showing compassion to widowers and widows, gave lenient treatment to those with doubtful crimes, and acted with even greater caution. The court praised him, saying: "When Zhang Shizhi served as Commandant of Justice, there were no wronged people in the empire. When Yu Dingguo serves as Commandant of Justice, the people consider themselves unlikely to be wronged."
In the second year of the Dijie era (guichou, 68 BCE):
1. In spring, Huo Guang fell gravely ill. The emperor personally drove to Huo Guang's home to visit him and wept for him. Huo Guang submitted a memorial thanking the emperor and expressing his wish to allocate three thousand households from his state fief to enfeoff his elder brother's grandson, Fengche Duwei Huo Shan, as a marquis, in order to continue the sacrifices to his elder brother Huo Qubing. That same day, the emperor appointed Huo Guang's son, Huo Yu, as General of the Right. In the third month, on the day gengwu, Huo Guang died. The emperor and the empress dowager personally attended Huo Guang's funeral. Officials of the rank of Zhong Er Qian Shi were ordered to oversee the construction of his tomb. He was granted a coffin and burial goods, all in accordance with imperial regulations, and his posthumous title was Xuancheng Hou. Soldiers from the three river commanderies were conscripted to dig the tomb chamber and cover it with earth. A garden settlement of three hundred households was established, with directors and assistants appointed to guard it. An edict was issued exempting his descendants from taxes and corvée, allowing them to inherit his title and fief for generations without change.
The Imperial Secretary Wei Xiang submitted a sealed memorial, saying: "The state has just lost the Grand General. It is fitting to honor the meritorious officials to stabilize the vassal states, and not to leave important positions vacant, to prevent struggles for power. It would be appropriate to appoint the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Zhang Anshi, as Grand General, but not to have him concurrently serve as Superintendent of the Palace Attendants; and to appoint his son, Zhang Yanshou, as Superintendent of the Palace Attendants." The emperor also intended to employ Zhang Anshi. In summer, the fourth month, on the day wushen, the emperor appointed Zhang Anshi as Grand Marshal and General of Chariots and Cavalry, concurrently overseeing the affairs of the Masters of Writing.
2. A phoenix gathered in Lu, with flocks of birds following it. A general amnesty was declared throughout the empire.
3. The emperor wished to repay Grand General Huo Guang's kindness, so he enfeoffed Huo Guang's elder brother's grandson, Huo Shan, as the Marquis of Leping, allowing him to concurrently oversee the affairs of the Masters of Writing in his capacity as Fengche Duwei. Wei Xiang, through the Marquis of Changcheng, Xu Guanghan, submitted a sealed memorial, saying: "The Spring and Autumn Annals criticizes hereditary high officials, abhorring the three generations of ministers in Song and the monopolization of power by the Ji-sun clan in Lu, both of which endangered the state. Since the Houyuan era, salaries and ranks have left the royal house, and government orders have been controlled by the chief minister. Now Huo Guang is dead. His son serves as General of the Right, and his elder brother's son controls the pivot of authority. His brothers and various sons-in-law occupy positions of power and serve as military officers. Huo Guang's wife Xian and his daughters all have names registered for entry into the Changxin Palace. Some even open the palace gates at night with edicts, acting arrogantly and extravagantly. I fear this may gradually become difficult to control. Steps should be taken to weaken and strip their power, to crush their schemes, to consolidate the foundation for ten thousand generations, and to preserve the descendants of the meritorious ministers." Additionally, under the old precedent, all those submitting memorials were required to prepare two copies, one of which was marked as a "duplicate." The official overseeing the Masters of Writing would first open the duplicate; if the content was unfavorable, he would set it aside and not present it. Wei Xiang, again through Xu Guangbo, suggested abolishing the duplicate system to prevent concealment. The emperor considered this excellent and issued an edict appointing Wei Xiang as a Courtier in Attendance, fully adopting his proposals.
4. The emperor, having risen from among the common people, understood the hardships of civilian affairs. After Huo Guang died, he began to personally handle state affairs, striving for vigorous governance, holding court hearings every five days. From the chancellor downward, each official performed his duties and reported on affairs, presenting their opinions. The emperor examined their abilities and achievements. For palace attendants and masters of writing who had merit warranting promotion or who had performed exceptional good governance, he granted generous rewards, sometimes extending these rewards to their descendants, and never altering this practice. The central administrative machinery was meticulous, laws and regulations were complete, superiors and subordinates were at peace, and there were no thoughts of seeking temporary ease. When appointing regional inspectors, commandery governors, or chancellors of kingdoms, the emperor always personally received and questioned them, observing their backgrounds, and later examining their actions to verify their words. If there were discrepancies between reputation and reality, he invariably discovered the reasons. He often said: "The reason the common people can live in peace and contentment, without sighs or resentment, is because governance is fair and litigation is reasonable. Those who can achieve this with me are probably only the excellent officials of the Er Qian Shi rank!" He believed that commandery governors were the foundation of officials and people, and that frequent changes would unsettle those below. Since the people knew these officials would serve long terms, they dared not deceive or exploit them, and thus submitted to their. Therefore, if an Er Qian Shi official achieved good governance, the emperor would encourage him with an imperial letter, increase his salary, grant him gold, and sometimes even enfeoff him as a Marquis of the Interior. When senior ministerial positions fell vacant, he would select and promote those officials who had been commended, in order of merit. Consequently, outstanding officials during the Han dynasty were most numerous in this period, which came to be called the Restoration.
5. The Xiongnu Chanyu Huyanti died. His younger brother, the Left Virtuous King, succeeded him as Xuluquanqu Chanyu. He installed the daughter of the Right General as his Great Yan-zhi, and deposed the previous Chanyu's favored Juanqu Yan-zhi. The father of Juanqu Yan-zhi, the Left Great Danghu, harbored resentment. At this time, the Han dynasty considered the Xiongnu incapable of causing trouble on the border, so they withdrew the garrisons from the various fortresses beyond the frontier to give the people rest. When the Chanyu heard this, he was delighted. He summoned his nobles to discuss the matter, wanting to seek peace and marriage with the Han. The Left Great Danghu, harboring misgivings about this, said: "In the past, when Han envoys came, their armies followed behind. Now we should imitate the Han and dispatch troops, sending envoys first to enter." He then requested that he and the King of Huluzi each lead ten thousand cavalry, heading south along the border to hunt, and if they encountered each other, they would enter together. Before the troops had arrived, it happened that three Xiongnu cavalrymen deserted and surrendered to the Han, reporting that the Xiongnu planned to invade. Consequently, the Son of Heaven issued an edict mobilizing border cavalry to station at strategic points. He sent the Grand General's military supervisor, Zhizhong, and three others, leading five thousand cavalry in three detachments, each advancing several hundred li beyond the frontier. They captured several dozen prisoners and then returned. At that time, the Xiongnu, having lost those three cavalrymen, dared not invade and promptly withdrew. That year, a famine struck the Xiongnu, with sixty to seventy percent of their people and livestock dying. They also mobilized two garrisons of ten thousand cavalry each to guard against the Han. In autumn of that year, the Xixiao people, whom the Xiongnu had previously captured and settled in the east, with several thousand of their leaders and followers, drove their livestock forward, engaged in battle with the Ou-tuo border outposts, inflicting and suffering heavy casualties, and then surrendered to the Han in the south.