Annals of Han, Volume 22
From the year of Tuwei Chifenruo to the year of Zhuyong Yanmao, a total of ten years.
Emperor Xiaocheng, Part One, First Half
Jianshi First Year (Jichou, 32 BCE)
1 Spring, first month, on the day Yichou, a fire broke out in the Temple of the Revered Deceased Father.
2 Shi Xian was transferred to the position of Chief Eunuch of the Changxin Palace, with a salary of two thousand bushels. Having lost his support and been stripped of power, the Chancellor and the Imperial Secretary separately submitted memorials detailing Shi Xian's past crimes; along with his partisans Lao Liang and Chen Shun, all were dismissed from office. Shi Xian, along with his wife and children, was sent back to his home commandery. He grew anxious and resentful, could not eat, and died on the road. All those who had obtained positions through association with Shi Xian were deposed and removed. The Junior Tutor Wulu Chongzong was demoted to the post of Grand Administrator of Xuantu, and the Imperial Secretary's Aide Yin Jia was demoted to the Commandant of Yanmen.
The Colonel of the Sili, Wang Zun of Zhuo Commandery, submitted an impeachment stating: "Chancellor Kuang Heng and Imperial Secretary Zhang Tan knew that Shi Xian and his ilk monopolized power, wielded authority arbitrarily, and greatly exercised might and favor, becoming a scourge to the realm. Yet they did not promptly report and punish them; instead, they flattered and followed, currying favor, attaching themselves to subordinates and deceiving their sovereign, harboring treachery and confusing the state. They failed to uphold the duty of a minister to assist the ruler, and their actions all constitute great insubordination! These offenses occurred before the amnesty. After the amnesty, Kuang Heng and Zhang Tan reported and impeached Shi Xian, but did not themselves confess their disloyalty. Instead, they loudly proclaimed that the late emperor had employed a treacherous villain, recklessly saying, 'The hundred officials feared Shi Xian more than they feared the ruler.' This diminishes the ruler and exalts the minister—words not befitting a minister, and a loss of proper ministerial deportment!"
Thereupon, Kuang Heng, ashamed and fearful, removed his cap and apologized, returning the seals and ribbons of the Chancellorship and his marquisate. The Son of Heaven, having only recently ascended the throne and unwilling to excessively humiliate a high minister, demoted Wang Zun to the post of Magistrate of Gaoling. Nevertheless, most of the officials considered Wang Zun's actions correct. Kuang Heng, uneasy in his heart, repeatedly requested retirement and the surrender of his post whenever there were floods or droughts; the emperor always issued edicts of comfort and reassurance, refusing his requests.
3 The late King of Hejian, Liu Yuan's younger brother, Liu Liang, the Storehouse Commandant of Shang Commandery, was established as King of Hejian.
4 A comet appeared near the constellation Ying Room.
5 A general amnesty was granted across the realm.
6 On the day Renzi, the emperor's maternal uncle, the Various Officials, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and Marquis Within the Passes, Wang Chong, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Ancheng. The emperor's other maternal uncles, Wang Tan, Wang Shang, Wang Li, Wang Gen, and Wang Fengshi, were granted the title of Marquis Within the Passes.
Summer, fourth month, a yellow haze spread across all directions. The emperor issued an edict broadly inquiring opinions from the Dukes and Ministers and Grand Masters, instructing them not to be reserved. The Remonstrant Grandee Yang Xing, the Erudite Si Sheng, and others all said: "This is an omen of excessive yin encroaching upon yang. The late Emperor Gao made a covenant that those who were not meritorious ministers should not be enfeoffed as marquises. Now, all the younger brothers of the Empress Dowager have been enfeoffed as marquises without merit. Such enfeoffments of imperial relatives have never occurred before, so Heaven has manifested this anomaly." Thereupon, the Grand General Wang Feng, in fear, submitted a memorial requesting retirement and resignation from his post. The emperor issued a generous edict to comfort him but did not grant his request.
7 The Imperial Secretary's Aide, Xue Xuan of Donghai Commandery, submitted a memorial stating: "Your Majesty's virtue is supremely benevolent, yet the harmonious qi remains congealed and does not disperse, and yin and yang are not harmonized. I fear this is because officials often enforce harsh decrees. The various Regional Inspectors sometimes do not adhere to the regulations of their offices; their actions follow their own inclinations, excessively interfering in the affairs of commanderies and prefectures, even opening private avenues, heeding slanderous and sycophantic words, and thereby searching for the faults of officials and commoners. Their reprimands and admonishments extend to the most trivial matters, demanding obligations from others without measuring their abilities. The commanderies and prefectures press and urge each other, and internally they are also harsh towards one another, with this atmosphere then spreading to the common people. For this reason, villages lack the joy of receiving guests, clans forget the kindness between relatives, and the generous customs of providing food and drink in times of need daily decline. The rites of seeing off and welcoming, and comforting travelers, are no longer practiced. When the way of human relations is obstructed, then yin and yang become blocked, and the harmonious qi cannot circulate. This is perhaps not caused by these things! The Book of Songs says: 'When the people lose their virtue, it is often because of faults over such small matters as dry provisions.' The common saying goes: 'Under harsh government, the people do not become close; vexation and toil harm kindness.' When the Regional Inspectors report affairs to the court, they should be clearly admonished so that they clearly understand the essential tasks of this court." The emperor approved and adopted his advice.
8 Eighth month, two moons appeared overlapping each other, manifesting in the east at dawn.
9 Winter, twelfth month, the altars for the Southern and Northern Suburbs of Chang'an were constructed. The sacrifices at Ganquan and Fenyin were abolished, along with the false ornaments, female musicians, phoenix chariots, red foals, dragon horses, and stone altars of the Purple Altar.
Jianshi Second Year (Gengyin, 31 BCE)
1 Spring, first month, the Five Altars of Yong and the Chen Bao Shrine were abolished, all in accordance with Kuang Heng's request. On the day Xinsi, the emperor began performing the suburban sacrifice at the Southern Suburb of Chang'an. Those guilty of the Nai punishment from the suburban counties and the Zhongdu Offices were pardoned. The realm's poll tax was reduced by forty cash per person.
2 Intercalary month, the site of Yanling Tingbu in Weicheng was established as the initial location for the imperial tomb.
3 Third month, on the day Xinchou, the emperor began sacrificing to the Earth Sovereign at the Northern Suburb.
4 On the day Bingwu, Lady Xu was established as Empress. The Empress was the daughter of the Chariot and Horse General, Xu Jia. Emperor Yuan, grieving that his mother, Empress Gong'ai, had reigned briefly and suffered calamity at the hands of the Huo clan, chose Xu Jia's daughter to match the Heir Apparent.
5 From the time he was the Heir Apparent, the emperor had been known for his fondness for women. After he ascended the throne, the Empress Dowager issued an edict selecting women from good families to fill the harem. The Armory Commandant of the Grand General, Du Qin, advised Wang Feng, saying: "According to ritual, the Son of Heaven takes nine women in one marriage. This is to broadly seek progeny and honor the ancestors. Even if nieces and younger sisters are lacking, they are not replaced. This is to preserve long life and prevent jealousy. Therefore, if the consorts have chaste and virtuous conduct, then future generations will have sage and enlightened rulers. If the institutions have dignified regulations, then the ruler will have the blessing of longevity. If these are abandoned and not followed, then women's virtue will not be sufficient. If women's virtue is not sufficient, then longevity cannot reach old age. A man at fifty, his desire for beauty has not yet declined; a woman at forty, her appearance has already changed. To serve an age that has not yet declined with a changed appearance, without restraining it with ritual, then the source of calamity cannot be saved, and later, strange events will arise. When strange events arise later, then the principal consort will become suspicious of herself, and the secondary sons will conceive the intention of replacing the legitimate heir. Therefore, Duke Xian of Jin suffered slanderous accusations, and Shen Sheng suffered an undeserved death. Now, the sage and enlightened ruler is in his prime, has no legitimate heir, and is still devoted to learning, not yet having the intention of approaching the consorts. General, you assist in court governance. You should take advantage of this initial flourishing to establish the system of taking nine women in one marriage. Carefully select families with moral conduct, seek women with virtuous qualities, not necessarily those with mere appearance or skills. This should be made a great law for ten thousand generations. What youth should guard against is women's beauty. The composition of the poem 'Xiao Bian' is truly chilling. I hope the General will constantly take this as a concern!" Wang Feng reported this to the Empress Dowager, who considered that there was no precedent for such a thing. Wang Feng could not initiate a new system himself and could only follow the old practice. Wang Feng had always respected Du Qin, so he placed him in his staff. State policies and plans were often deliberated with Du Qin. He frequently praised and recommended famous and worthy men, making up for the court's deficiencies. At that time, much of the good governance came from Du Qin's suggestions.
6 Summer, a great drought occurred.
The Xiongnu Huhanye Chanyu favored the two daughters of his elder brother Yizhici; the elder daughter was Zhuanqu Yanzhi, who bore two sons, the elder named Qiemoche and the younger named Nangzhiyasi; the younger daughter was Da Yanzhi, who bore four sons, the eldest Diaotaomogao, next Qiemixu, both older than Qiemoche, and the younger sons Xian and Le, both younger than Nangzhiyasi. There were also over ten sons from other Yanzhi. Zhuanqu Yanzhi held a high status, and Qiemoche was favored. When Huhanye grew gravely ill and was about to die, he wished to make Qiemoche the Chanyu. Zhuanqu Yanzhi said: "The Xiongnu have been in turmoil for over ten years, as weak and fragile as hair, relying on the Han court's help to regain stability. Now that peace has only recently been restored, the people are still fearful of war. Qiemoche is young, and the people have not yet submitted to him; I fear this may again endanger the state. I and Da Yanzhi are of one family, and together we raise the children; it would be better to establish Diaotaomogao." Da Yanzhi said: "Although Qiemoche is young, the ministers can jointly manage the state affairs. Now if we abandon the noble and establish the lowly, later generations will surely face turmoil." The Chanyu ultimately followed Zhuanqu Yanzhi's plan, establishing Diaotaomogao and agreeing to pass the state to younger brothers. After Huhanye died, Diaotaomogao succeeded and became Fuzhuleiruodi Chanyu. Fuzhuleiruodi Chanyu appointed Qiemixu as Left Wise King, Qiemoche as Left Luli King, and Nangzhiyasi as Right Wise King. Fuzhulei Chanyu also married Wang Zhaojun, who bore two daughters; the elder named Yun, the Xubu Princess, and the younger the Dangyu Princess.
In the third year of Jianshi (Xinmao, 30 BCE)
1 In spring, the third month, amnesty was granted to all prisoners under heaven.
2 In autumn, within the Guanzhong region, it rained continuously for over forty days. The people of the capital frightened one another, spreading rumors that a great flood was coming; the populace fled, trampling each other, with the old and weak crying out in alarm, throwing the city of Chang'an into chaos. The Son of Heaven himself came to the front hall and summoned the high officials to deliberate. General-in-Chief Wang Feng proposed: "The Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, and the rear palace can take boats, and the officials and people should be ordered to ascend the walls of Chang'an to take refuge from the flood." All the ministers followed Wang Feng's opinion. Only Left General Wang Shang said: "Since ancient times, even in lawless states, floodwaters have never inundated city walls; now the government is peaceful, there is no war in the world, and superiors and inferiors are at ease with one another. How could a great flood suddenly arrive in a single day? This must be a rumor! The people should not be allowed to ascend the walls, lest it further alarm them." The Emperor then abandoned this plan. After a short while, order gradually returned to Chang'an; upon inquiry, it was indeed a rumor. The Emperor therefore praised Wang Shang for holding to his view and repeatedly commended his suggestion; Wang Feng was deeply ashamed and regretted his mistaken words.
3 The Emperor wished to entrust affairs solely to Wang Feng. In the eighth month, he issued an edict removing Cheqi General Xu Jia from office and allowing him to participate in court audiences as a Special Advanced Marquis.
4 Zhang Tan was removed from office for the crime of making false recommendations during the selection process. In winter, the tenth month, Guanglu Daifu Yin Zhong became Imperial Censor.
5 On the first day of the twelfth month, a solar eclipse occurred. That night, an earthquake struck within the Weiyang Palace hall. The Emperor issued an edict calling for the recommendation of worthy and upright scholars capable of speaking frankly and remonstrating without restraint. Du Qin and Taichang Cheng Gu Yong responded, both arguing that this was a calamity caused by excessive favor toward women in the rear palace, jealousy and monopolization of imperial favor, and the harm that would befall the succession.
6 A mountain collapsed in Yuexi Commandery.
7 On the Dingchou day, Kuang Heng was removed from office and reduced to commoner status for taking an additional four hundred qing of fief land and for embezzling property under his supervision worth over ten jin of gold.
In the fourth year of Jianshi (Renchen, 29 BCE)
1 In spring, the first month, on the Guimao day, four meteors fell at Bo and two at Feilei.
2 The post of Zhongshu eunuch was abolished. For the first time, five Shangshu officials were established. In the third month, on the Jiashen day, Left General, the Marquis of Lecheng, Wang Shang, was appointed Chancellor.
3 In summer, Emperor Cheng summoned all the previously recommended outspoken scholars to the Baihu Hall for policy discussions. At that time, the Emperor entrusted government affairs to Wang Feng, and most of the discussants blamed Wang Feng. Gu Yong knew that Wang Feng was in favor and secretly wished to attach himself to him. He therefore said: "Now the four directions and barbarian tribes all submit and serve as subjects; to the north there is no calamity from Xunyun or Modun, to the south no disaster from Zhao Tuo or Lü Jia; the three borders are peaceful, with no war alarms. The largest of the feudal lords only hold a few counties as fiefs, and Han officials control their authority; they cannot act independently, lacking the power of Wu, Chu, Yan, or Liang. The hundred officials interweave with each other, close and distant mingled; the bone-and-flesh ministers have the loyalty of Shen Bo, respectful and cautious, fearful and careful, with no rebellion like Chonghe, Anyang, or Bolu. In these three aspects, there is not a single iota of fault. I privately fear that Your Majesty will cast aside the clear faults, ignore the clear warnings of Heaven and Earth, listen to dark and unclear wild talk, blame the innocent, entrust affairs to those of a different mind, and gravely lose Heaven's intent—this cannot be allowed. If Your Majesty can deeply consider my words, suppress indulgent desires, dissolve partial favor, rouse the stern authority of the Qian hexagram, fairly extend Heaven's covering grace, allow the various consorts and concubines to take turns serving, broadly accept women suitable for bearing sons, not choose by beauty or ugliness, not avoid those who have been betrothed before, and not discuss age. According to the law, obtaining an heir from among the lowly is a blessing; only obtaining an heir matters, the mother is not base. Among the rear palace's female scribes and attendants, if there are those with suitable intentions, broadly seek them among the lowly, to meet what Heaven opens and protects, to comfort and dispel the Empress Dowager's sorrow and resentment, to dissolve Heaven's reproach and anger—then the heir will multiply and calamities will cease!" Du Qin also followed this meaning. The Emperor showed their memorials to the rear palace and promoted Gu Yong to Guanglu Daifu.
4 In summer, the fourth month, it snowed.
5 In autumn, peach and plum trees bore fruit.
6 It rained continuously for over ten days, and the Yellow River breached its dikes at Jindi in Dong Commandery. Before this, the Commandant of Qinghe, Feng Xun, had memorialized: "Qinghe Commandery lies downstream of the Yellow River, with light and fragile soil easily damaged. The recent long absence of major harm was because the Tunshi River was open, with two rivers dividing the flow. Now that the Tunshi River is blocked, and the Lingming Du mouth is even more disadvantageous, only one river bears the burden of several rivers at once. Even if the dikes are heightened, in the end they cannot drain the water. If there is continuous rain, not clearing for ten days, it will surely overflow. The old courses of the Nine Rivers are now silted up and hard to discern; the Tunshi River has only recently been cut off, and its course is easy to dredge; moreover, its mouth is high in terrain, useful for dividing the water force, and the route is convenient. It can be reopened to assist the main river, to drain the floodwaters and prepare for emergencies. If it is not repaired in advance, a breach to the north will harm four or five commanderies, and a breach to the south will harm over ten commanderies. By then, worrying will be too late!" The matter was referred to the Chancellor and Imperial Censor, who reported sending Academician Xu Shang to inspect. He considered that "the funds are insufficient for now, and it can be temporarily left undredged." Three years later, the Yellow River indeed breached at Guantao and Jindi in Dong Commandery, flooding Yanzhou and Yuzhou, and flowing into Pingyuan, Qiancheng, and Jinan, altogether covering four commanderies and thirty-two counties, with floodwaters covering over one hundred fifty thousand qing of land, reaching depths of three zhang; it destroyed nearly forty thousand government offices and houses.
7 In winter, the eleventh month, Imperial Censor Yin Zhong, due to a careless response in his policy discussion, was severely rebuked by Emperor Cheng for not attending to his duties, and he committed suicide. The Emperor sent Grand Minister of Agriculture Fei Diao to allocate money and grain to the commanderies flooded by the Yellow River breach, and sent two Receptionists to requisition five hundred boats from east of the Yellow River, relocating the people to high hills and mounds to avoid the floodwaters, a total of over ninety-seven thousand people.
8 On the Renxu day, Junior Treasurer Zhang Zhong was appointed Imperial Censor.
9. The bandit Zong Zong and several hundred others in the southern mountains became a scourge to officials and commoners. Emperor Cheng issued an edict to summon one thousand soldiers to pursue and capture them, but after more than a year, they could not be apprehended. Someone advised the Grand General Wang Feng, saying, "A few hundred bandits in the vicinity of the capital cannot be suppressed; this is difficult to show to the barbarians of the four directions. Only by selecting a capable Metropolitan Governor can this be resolved." Thus, Wang Feng recommended the former Gaoling Magistrate Wang Zun, who was summoned as a Palace Counselor, acting as Commandant of the Capital Region, and exercising the authority of the Metropolitan Governor. Within about a month, the bandits were eliminated; subsequently, he was appointed Metropolitan Governor.
10. At the beginning of Emperor Cheng's reign, Chancellor Kuang Heng further submitted a memorial: "Chen Tang, as an official with a salary of two thousand stones, was sent on a mission. Among the barbarians, he acted on his own authority, failed to set an example for his subordinates, and instead stole the plundered goods from Kangju, warning his officers, saying, 'Matters in distant regions need not be investigated.' Although the incident occurred before a general amnesty, he is unfit to hold office." Consequently, Chen Tang was convicted and dismissed. Later, Chen Tang submitted a statement saying, "The son sent as a hostage by the King of Kangju is not a prince." Upon investigation, it was confirmed that he was indeed a prince. Chen Tang was imprisoned and sentenced to death.
The Grand Palace Attendant Gu Yong submitted a memorial on Chen Tang's behalf, saying: "I have heard that when the state of Chu had Ruo'ao and Cheng Dechen, Duke Wen of Jin could not sit comfortably. When Zhao had Lian Po and the Lord of Maju, the powerful Qin dared not eye the Jingxing Pass. In recent times, the Han dynasty had Xi Du and Wei Shang, and the Xiongnu dared not cross the desert southward. From this, it can be said that generals who achieve victory are the claws and teeth of the state and must not be taken lightly. When a gentleman hears the sound of war drums, he thinks of the generals and ministers. I humbly observe that the Marquis of Guannei, Chen Tang, previously beheaded the Chanyu Zhizhi, his might shaking the hundred barbarians, and his military achievements extending to the Western Sea. Since the founding of the Han dynasty, no general on expedition beyond the borders has ever achieved such merit. Now, Chen Tang is convicted for a false statement, imprisoned for a long time without a verdict, and the judicial officials seek to put him to death. In the past, Bai Qi served as a general of Qin, capturing Ying to the south and burying Zhao Kuo alive to the north; for a minor fault, he was ordered to die at Duyou, and the people of Qin pitied him, none without tears. Now, Chen Tang personally took command of troops, swept away the enemy, shed blood ten thousand li away, presented his achievements at the ancestral temple, and proclaimed them to the Supreme Emperor; all armored soldiers admire his deeds. For a mere statement, he is convicted, without any heinous crime. The Book of Zhou says: 'Remember others' merits, forget their faults; this is what a ruler should do.' A dog or horse, having rendered service, is still repaid with curtains and covers. How much more so for a meritorious minister of the state! I privately fear that Your Majesty has overlooked the sound of war drums, not discerned the intent of the Book of Zhou, and forgotten the bestowal of curtains and covers, treating Chen Tang as an ordinary minister, ultimately heeding the officials' arguments, causing discontent among the people and creating regrets like those of the Qin people. This is not the way to inspire ministers to face death for the state!"
The memorial was submitted, and the Son of Heaven released Chen Tang, stripping him of his title and reducing him to a common soldier. At that time, the Protector General of the Western Regions, Duan Huizong, was besieged by the Wusun army. A courier on horseback sent an urgent message, requesting the mobilization of troops from the city-states and Dunhuang to rescue himself. Chancellor Wang Shang, Grand General Wang Feng, and the hundred officials debated for several days without reaching a decision. Wang Feng said, "Chen Tang is resourceful and familiar with foreign affairs; we can consult him." Emperor Cheng summoned Chen Tang in the Xuan Chamber. Chen Tang had suffered from wind-cold during his campaign against Zhizhi, and both his arms were diseased and could not bend or stretch. When Chen Tang entered the audience, the emperor decreed that he need not perform the kneeling ceremony and showed him Duan Huizong's memorial. Chen Tang replied, "I believe this is certainly not a cause for concern." The emperor asked, "Why do you say that?" Chen Tang said, "Five barbarian soldiers can match one Han soldier; why is that? Because their weapons are crude and their bows and arrows are not sharp. Now I have heard they have learned many Han techniques, but still, it takes three to match one. Moreover, the Art of War says: 'The attacking force must be double the defending force, and then they can be evenly matched.' Now, the forces besieging Duan Huizong are insufficient to overcome him. Your Majesty need not worry! Furthermore, a lightly armed army advances fifty li per day, a heavily laden one thirty li. Now Duan Huizong wants to mobilize troops from the city-states and Dunhuang; it will take time for them to arrive. This is merely a retaliatory force, not one for an emergency." The emperor said, "What then? Can the siege definitely be lifted? When do you estimate it will be lifted?" Chen Tang knew that the Wusun troops were a rabble and could not sustain a long assault, so the matter would be resolved in a few days. Thus, he replied, "The siege has already been lifted!" Counting on his fingers, he said, "Within no more than five days, good news should arrive." After four days, a military dispatch arrived, reporting that the siege had been lifted. Grand General Wang Feng memorialized to appoint Chen Tang as a Secretary in the General's Office, and all affairs of the headquarters were decided by Chen Tang.
First year of Heping reign (Guisi year, 28 BCE)
1. In spring, Du Qin recommended to Wang Feng a man from Qianwei named Wang Yanshi to block the breach of the Yellow River. Wang Feng appointed Wang Yanshi as the River Bank Commissioner. Wang Yanshi used bamboo cages, four zhang long and nine arm-spans in circumference, filled with small stones, and transported them between two boats to sink them. After thirty-six days, the riverbank was repaired. In the third month, Emperor Cheng issued an edict appointing Wang Yanshi as Grand Master of the Palace, with a salary of two thousand shi, granting him the title of Marquis of Guannei, and one hundred jin of gold.
2. In summer, the fourth month, on the Jihai day (last day of the month), a solar eclipse occurred. Emperor Cheng issued an edict ordering the dukes, ministers, and hundred officials to state their faults without avoidance. A general amnesty was granted throughout the empire. The Grand Master of the Palace, Liu Xiang, replied, "The fourth month borders on the fifth month; the month of the solar eclipse is the same as that of Emperor Xiaohui, and the day is the same as that of Emperor Xiaozhao. This omen likely portends harm to the heir." At that time, Empress Xu alone was favored, and the palace ladies rarely gained an audience; both within and outside the court, there was concern that Emperor Cheng had no heir. Therefore, the responses of Du Qin, Gu Yong, and Liu Xiang all touched upon this point.
The emperor then reduced the expenses of the empress’s palace (Jiaofang) and the consorts’ quarters (Yeting). All clothing, carriages, and other items supplied and manufactured by the various offices, as well as gifts given to the empress’s relatives and the wives and concubines of officials, were to follow the precedents established before the Jingning era. The empress submitted a memorial stating: “Times differ, and regulations vary; the long and short complement each other, as long as they do not exceed the overall scope of Han law—minor discrepancies need not be identical. If we compare the time before Jingning with that before Huanglong, can they be expected to mirror each other? The officials in my household do not understand the situation. Now, upon receiving this edict, I find myself unable to move freely in any action. If I wish to make a screen and place it in a certain spot, they will say, ‘There is no precedent for this.’ Or if I cannot obtain what I need, they will surely use the edict to restrain me. This is truly unworkable. I beg Your Majesty to consider it carefully! According to precedent, one ox was used to sacrifice to my grandparents. Dai Hou and Jing Hou were graciously permitted to use the Tai lao (ox, sheep, and pig). Now this precedent should be followed. I implore Your Majesty to show mercy! Now the officials, upon receiving the edict, have read and recorded it, then immediately proclaimed it in advance, so that later generations will know. This already prevents me from drawing freely from the private treasury as before. This nascent restriction imposed on me may contravene the principles of human relations. I earnestly ask Your Majesty to examine this deeply!” The emperor then adopted the views of Gu Yong and Liu Xiang, who said that the portents of calamities were all manifested in the inner palace, and replied to the empress, saying: “Officials are bound by laws and decrees—how can they be overly blamed? Generally, those who correct crookedness often exceed the standard of straightness; this has been the same in ancient and modern times. Moreover, saving expenses and using one ox for sacrifice is precisely a way for the empress to support virtue and add glory. If the root of calamity is not removed, disasters will come one after another. Even the ancestors cannot receive sacrifices—how much less Dai Hou! Does not the classic say: ‘Few are those who err through frugality’? Does the empress wish to pursue luxury? I, too, should emulate Emperor Xiaowu. If so, then the Ganquan Palace and Jianzhang Palace could be rebuilt. Emperor Xiaowen is my model. The Empress Dowager is the example the empress should follow. If the Empress Dowager had not been worthy in her time, and now receives close favor, how could she be surpassed? The empress should bear this in mind, uphold virtue, prioritize humility and frugality, set an example for all consorts, and give them a standard to follow.”
3 The Court Secretary for the Palace, Pingdang of Pingling, submitted a memorial saying: “The Grand Supreme Emperor is the founding ancestor of Han. Abolishing his temple and garden is improper.” The emperor, also because he had no heir, adopted Pingdang’s suggestion. In autumn, the ninth month, the temple and garden of the Grand Supreme Emperor were restored.
4 An edict said: “Now the articles of the death penalty exceed one thousand, and the statutes and ordinances are numerous and complex, totaling over a million characters. In addition, analogies and special cases are increasing daily. Even those well-versed in law cannot understand them fully—how difficult it is to make these clear to the common people! To use these legal nets to entrap ordinary folk, causing the innocent to die prematurely, is this not lamentable! It should be discussed how to reduce the death penalty and simplify and eliminate provisions, making them easy to understand, and report them item by item!” At that time, the relevant officials could not broadly promote the emperor’s intent. They merely picked out trivial details, listing a few matters as fine as hairs, to perfunctorily fulfill the edict.
5 The Xiongnu Chanyu sent the Right Gaolin King Yixiemoyan and others to present tribute and pay court in the first month.
Heping Second Year (Jiawu year, 27 BCE)
1 In spring, Yixiemoyan, after completing his court visit, prepared to return to his country. He himself said he wished to surrender to Han: “If you do not accept me, I will commit suicide. I ultimately dare not return.” The envoy reported this, and it was submitted to the high officials for discussion. Some suggested: “According to precedent, we should accept his surrender.” The Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Gu Yong, and the Court Gentleman for Consultation, Du Qin, considered: “Since the rise of Han, the Xiongnu have repeatedly been a border menace. Therefore, rewards of gold and rank were set to attract those who surrendered. Now the Chanyu has bent his neck and submitted as a vassal, ranking us as a northern protectorate, sending envoys to pay court and tribute without duplicity. Han’s reception of them should differ from the past. Now that we have accepted the Chanyu’s sincere tribute, yet also take in his fugitive subject, this is to covet one man’s submission while losing the heart of an entire state, and to harbor a guilty minister while cutting off a ruler who admires righteousness. If the Chanyu, having just ascended the throne, wishes to attach himself to Han but is unaware of the consequences, and secretly sent Yixiemoyan to feign surrender to test fortune—if we accept him, it will impair virtue and obstruct goodwill, causing the Chanyu to distance himself voluntarily and not be close to border officials. Or if someone has laid a plan of sowing discord, hoping to create a rift, accepting him would exactly play into their scheme, enabling them to blame us and accuse us of being in the wrong. This truly is the foundation of border security and the pivot of military action—it must be carefully considered. It would be better not to accept him, to manifest our good faith as bright as the sun and moon, to suppress deceitful schemes, to cherish the hearts of those who submit and draw near—this would be advantageous!” The memorial was submitted, and the Son of Heaven followed their advice. He sent the Zhonglang General Wang Shun to inquire about the circumstances of the surrender. Yixiemoyan said: “I suffered a bout of madness and spoke nonsense.” Thereupon he was sent away. After returning to Xiongnu, his rank remained as before, but he was not allowed to meet with Han envoys.
2 In summer, the fourth month, the state of Chu hailstones, as large as cauldrons.
3 The Prince of Shanyang, Liu Kang, was enfeoffed as the Prince of Dingtao.
4 In the sixth month, the emperor enfeoffed all his maternal uncles: Wang Tan as the Marquis of Ping’e, Wang Shang as the Marquis of Chengdu, Wang Li as the Marquis of Hongyang, Wang Gen as the Marquis of Quyang, and Wang Fengshi as the Marquis of Gaoping. The five were enfeoffed on the same day, so the world called them the “Five Marquises.” The Empress Dowager’s mother, née Li, had remarried and become the wife of Gou Bin of Henei, bearing a son named Gou Can. The Empress Dowager wished to enfeoff him by analogy with the precedent of enfeoffing the Tian clan. The emperor said: “Enfeoffing the Tian clan was not in accordance with proper principle.” Thereupon he appointed Gou Can as a Palace Attendant and Superintendent of Water and Forests.
5 The Imperial Secretary Zhang Zhong submitted an impeachment accusing the Metropolitan Intendant Wang Zun of cruelty and arrogance; Wang Zun was consequently dismissed from office. Most officials and commoners felt regret on his behalf. The elders of Hu County, including Gongcheng Xing and others, submitted a memorial pleading for him: “Wang Zun governed the capital, handling difficulties and rectifying chaos, executing the violent and prohibiting evil—achievements rarely seen before, which even famous generals could not surpass. Although he was formally appointed as Metropolitan Intendant, no special commendation or reward was bestowed upon him. Now the Imperial Secretary impeaches Wang Zun for ‘harming the yin and yang qi, becoming a worry to the state, and failing to carry out the intent of imperial decrees,’ and for ‘speaking respectfully but acting perversely, with crimes as great as Gong Gong’s, reaching heaven.’ Tracing the cause, it stems from the Assistant Imperial Secretary Yang Fu, who has long harbored private grievances against Wang Zun. He outwardly used public affairs to devise this proposal, fabricated charges to compose the memorial, and gradually slandered him. We feel this deeply in our hearts. Wang Zun cultivated his person, maintained integrity, sharpened his moral principles, prioritized public affairs, criticized without fear of generals or chancellors, executed evil without avoiding the powerful, killed ungovernable bandits, and relieved the state’s troubles. His merits were conspicuous, his duties well performed, and his authority intact. He is truly a capable general of the state and a minister who resists foreign aggression. Now, once innocent, he is controlled by an enemy, injured by slanderous documents; above, he cannot exchange his merits for punishment; below, he cannot obtain a fair trial. He is alone, obscured by his enemy’s biased memorial, bearing the great crime of Gong Gong, with no place to appeal his grievance or clear his name. Wang Zun, because the capital was in disrepair and chaos, with bandits rising in swarms, was selected from his home and appointed as a high minister. Now that the bandits have been pacified and the powerful and corrupt officials have been punished, he is dismissed due to slanderous words. The same Wang Zun, within three years, is suddenly worthy and suddenly treacherous—is this not excessive! Confucius said: ‘To wish him to live when you love him, and to wish him to die when you hate him—this is delusion.’ ‘When slander that seeps like water does not work, it can be called insight.’ We hope this matter will be handed over to the dukes, ministers, grand masters, erudites, and court gentlemen for deliberation to judge Wang Zun’s usual conduct! As a minister, to ‘harm the yin and yang qi’ is a capital crime; to ‘speak respectfully but act perversely’ is a punishment of exile or death. If indeed it is as the Imperial Secretary’s memorial states, Wang Zun should be executed before the palace gates, exiled to an uninhabited place, and cannot be spared through leniency; as for those who recommended Wang Zun, they should also bear the guilt of improper selection and cannot be let off. If it is not as the memorial states, but the words are embellished and deeply slanderous to accuse an innocent person, there should be corresponding punishment to warn those who speak slander, and to cut off the path of fraud and false accusation. We hope the enlightened ruler will examine this carefully, so that black and white are made distinct!” The memorial was submitted, and the Son of Heaven again appointed Wang Zun as Inspector of Xuzhou.
6 The King of Yelang, Xing; the King of Juding, Yu; and the Marquis of Louwo, Yu, repeatedly raised troops to attack each other. The Grand Administrator of Zangke requested to send troops to execute Xing and the others. The discussants considered the route too distant to attack, so they sent Grand Master of the Palace, Zhang Ku of Shu Commandery, bearing an imperial staff to reconcile them. Xing and the others disobeyed the order, carved wooden images resembling Han officials, set them up by the roadside, and shot arrows at them.
Du Qin advised General-in-Chief Wang Feng, saying: “The barbarian kings and marquises slight Han envoys and do not fear the state’s authority. I fear the discussants will be weak and retreat, insisting again on reconciliation. The Grand Administrator, observing the situation and changes, will then report to the court. Thus, it will drag on for another season, allowing the kings and marquises to gather their tribes, consolidate their plots, and as their factions grow numerous, each unable to restrain their anger, they will certainly kill each other. Knowing their guilt is already formed, they will madly attack the commandants and defenders, then flee far to hot, humid, and poisonous places. Even if there were generals like Sun Wu or Wu Qi, or warriors like Meng Ben or Xia Yu, entering there would be like casting into water or fire—once gone, they would surely be burned or drowned, with no place for wisdom or courage to be applied. If we station troops and farm, the expense would be incalculable. We should, while their crimes are not yet fully formed and they have not yet suspected Han will punish them, secretly order the commandants and defenders of nearby commanderies to train soldiers and horses, and have the Grand Minister of Agriculture pre-allocate grain to store at key points, and select a capable Grand Administrator to go. When autumn cools, enter and execute the most lawless among the kings and marquises. If it is considered that this is barren land and useless people, and that the sage king need not trouble the Central States for this, we should abolish the commandery, abandon the people there, and cut off relations with the kings and marquises. If it is considered that the accumulated achievements of the former emperors over generations should not be destroyed, we should also cut it off while it is still sprouting, early. Once it has taken shape and we send troops to fight, then the people will suffer.” General-in-Chief Wang Feng then recommended Chen Li, the Jin Cheng Major of Linqiong, as Grand Administrator of Zangke. Chen Li arrived at Zangke and admonished the King of Yelang, Xing, but Xing did not obey. Chen Li requested permission to execute him but received no reply. He then led several dozen followers on an inspection tour of subordinate counties, and when he reached Xing’s capital, Qietongting, he summoned Xing. Xing led several thousand men to the station, bringing several dozen tribal chiefs to pay respects to Chen Li. Chen Li rebuked him and then cut off his head. The tribal chiefs said: “The general has executed the unjust man, removing harm for the people. We are willing to go out and inform the troops!” They displayed Xing’s head to them, and all laid down their weapons and surrendered. The King of Juding, Yu, and the Marquis of Louwo, Yu, were shocked and frightened, offering a thousand hu of grain and cattle and sheep to reward the officials and soldiers. Chen Li returned to his commandery. Xing’s father-in-law, Weng Zhi, together with Xing’s son, Ye Wu, gathered the remaining troops and coerced twenty-two nearby settlements into rebellion. By winter, Chen Li submitted a memorial to recruit the various Yi peoples, and together with the Chief Commandant and the Chief Scribe, he divided his forces to attack Weng Zhi and the others. Weng Zhi held a strategic point and built a fort. Chen Li sent elite troops to cut off his supply route and used spies to lure his followers. The Chief Commandant, Wan Nian, said: “The army has been unable to decide victory for a long time; the expense cannot be borne.” He then advanced alone with his troops. He was defeated and fled, running to Chen Li’s camp. Chen Li was angry, shouted loudly, and ordered his men to attack him. The Chief Commandant turned again to fight, and Chen Li rescued him. At that time, there was a great drought. Chen Li attacked and cut off their water supply. The barbarians together killed Weng Zhi, took his head, and surrendered. The Western Yi were thus pacified.
Heping 3rd Year (Yiwei, 26 BCE)
1 Spring, first month. The King of Chu, Liu Ao, came to court. Second month, on the day Yihai, the Emperor issued an edict. Because Liu Ao’s usual conduct was pure and excellent, he was given special distinguished treatment, and his son, Liu Xun, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Guangqi.
2 On the day Bingxu, there was an earthquake in Qianwei Commandery. Mountains collapsed, blocking the Yangtze River and causing its waters to flow backward.
3 Autumn, eighth month. On the day Yimao, the last day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.
4 The Emperor, because many of the palace’s archival books were lost, sent the Court Gentleman for Missions, Chen Nong, to search the realm for lost texts. He issued an edict appointing the Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Liu Xiang, to collate the classics, commentaries, the hundred schools, and poetry and rhapsodies; the Infantry Commandant, Ren Hong, to collate military texts; the Grand Astrologer, Yin Xian, to collate texts on numbers and arts; and the Palace Physician, Li Zhuguo, to collate texts on prescriptions and techniques. After each book was collated, Liu Xiang would list its chapters, extract its essentials, record them, and submit them to the Emperor.
Because the Wang family’s power was too great and the Emperor was inclining toward the ancient texts like the Book of Documents and the Book of Songs, Liu Xiang took the “Great Plan” chapter of the Book of Documents and collected records of auspicious omens and disasters from high antiquity, through the Spring and Autumn period, the Six States, and into Qin and Han. He investigated their events, linked them to fortune and misfortune, wrote out their divinatory results, categorized them by type, each with its own entries, in eleven chapters. He called this work the Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan Lun and submitted it to the Emperor. The Son of Heaven knew in his heart that Liu Xiang was loyal and sincere, and that this treatise was inspired by the brothers Wang Feng; but in the end, he could not strip the Wangs of their power.
5 The Yellow River broke its banks again in Pingyuan Commandery. The waters entered Jinan and Qiancheng Commanderies, and the damage was half of what it had been in the Jianshi era. Wang Yanshi was again sent, together with the Assistant to the Chancellor, Yang Yan; the Grand Court Architect, Xu Shang; and the Remonstrance Grand Master, Cheng Ma Yanian, to jointly oversee the repair work. It was completed in the sixth month. Wang Yanshi was again rewarded with one hundred jin of gold. Among the laborers on the Yellow River, those who had not received the market-rate wages were compensated by having six months of frontier garrison service recorded to their credit.
Heping 4th Year (Bingshen, 25 BCE)
1 Spring, first month. The Xiongnu Chanyu came to court.
2. A general amnesty was granted to all prisoners serving sentences throughout the empire.
3. In the third month, on the day guichou, which was the first day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.
4. Yang Rong, the Grand Administrator of Langya, was related by marriage to Wang Feng. When disasters occurred in his commandery, Chancellor Wang Shang investigated the matter. Wang Feng interceded on Yang Rong's behalf, but Wang Shang refused to listen and ultimately submitted a memorial requesting Yang Rong's dismissal. The memorial was indeed suppressed and never acted upon. Wang Feng therefore resented Wang Shang and secretly sought out his faults. He instigated Geng Ding, a man from Pinyang, to submit a memorial stating, "Wang Shang committed adultery with his father's concubine; moreover, his sister was licentious, and a household slave killed her secret lover. It is suspected that Wang Shang instigated and directed this." The Son of Heaven considered this an obscure and unclear offense, insufficient to harm a great minister. Wang Feng argued stubbornly, and the matter was referred to the Commandant of Justice. Zhang Kuang, a Grand Palace Grandee from Shu Commandery, who had always been fawning and cunning, also submitted a memorial fiercely slandering Wang Shang. The relevant office submitted a request to summon Wang Shang to the imperial prison for interrogation. The Emperor had always valued Wang Shang and knew that Zhang Kuang's words were largely malicious. He issued an edict saying, "Do not punish him!" Wang Feng persisted in his argument.
In summer, in the fourth month, on the day renyin, an edict was issued stripping Wang Shang of his Chancellor's seal and ribbon. Three days after being removed from the Chancellorship, Wang Shang fell ill, vomited blood, and died. His posthumous title was Marquis Li. Wang Shang's sons, younger brothers, and relatives who held positions such as Commandant of the Equipage, Palace Attendant, Central Regular Attendant, Various Cao Officials, Grandee, and Gentleman-Lang were all transferred to fill local posts outside the capital. None were able to remain in service within the palace or serve as palace guards. The relevant office submitted a request to reduce his fief and stipend; the Emperor issued an edict saying, "Let his eldest son, Wang An, inherit his title and become Marquis of Lechang."
5. When the Emperor was Crown Prince, he studied the Analects with Zhang Yu of Lianshao. After he ascended the throne, he granted Zhang Yu the title of Marquis of Guannei, appointed him as a Court Secretary and Grand Master of the Palace, with a salary of two thousand bushels, added him as a Palace Attendant, and put him in charge of the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat. Zhang Yu and Wang Feng jointly managed the Imperial Secretariat. Zhang Yu felt uneasy in his heart and repeatedly claimed illness, submitting memorials requesting retirement, wishing to yield to Wang Feng. The Emperor did not consent and treated him with even greater favor. In the sixth month, on the day bingxu, Zhang Yu was appointed Chancellor and enfeoffed as Marquis of Anchang.
6. On the day gengxu, Liu Xiao, King Xiao of Chu, died.
7. Initially, when Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty opened up communications with the Western Regions, the Kingdom of Jibin, considering itself extremely remote and beyond the reach of Han armies, was the only one that refused to submit. It repeatedly plundered and killed Han envoys. After a long time, the Han envoy Wen Zhong, together with Yinmofu, the son of the King of Rongqu, plotted to attack and kill the King of Jibin. They established Yinmofu as the King of Jibin. Later, the Army Marquis Zhao De was sent as an envoy to Jibin, but relations with Yinmofu broke down. Yinmofu put Zhao De in chains, killed the vice-envoy and over seventy others, and then sent an envoy to submit a memorial apologizing. Emperor Yuan of Han considered it an extremely distant region and paid no heed. He banished their envoy to Xiandu and severed relations, ceasing all contact. When the current Emperor ascended the throne, Jibin again sent an envoy to present tribute and apologize. The Han court wanted to send an envoy to escort their envoy back. Du Qin advised Wang Feng, saying: "Previously, Yinmofu, the King of Jibin, was originally established by Han, but in the end he turned rebellious. No kindness is greater than granting someone a state and ruling over its people; no crime is greater than seizing and killing envoys. The reason they do not repay kindness and do not fear punishment is that they know they are in an extremely remote place, beyond the reach of Han armies. When they have something to ask of Han, their words are humble; when they have no desire, they are arrogant and insolent. In the end, they cannot be controlled or subdued. Generally, the reason the Central States show goodwill and generous treatment to the barbarians, satisfying their requests, is that they border our territory and could easily become bandits. Now, the dangers of Xiandu are not something Jibin can cross. Their admiration and submission are insufficient to stabilize the Western Regions. Even if they do not submit, they cannot harm the city-states. Previously, they personally violated righteousness, and their evil deeds were exposed throughout the Western Regions, so relations were severed and contact ceased. Now they regret their faults and come, but they have no relatives or nobles among them. Those presenting tribute are all lowly traveling merchants who wish to trade and do business, using tribute as a pretext. Thus, to trouble envoys to escort them to Xiandu would likely result in losing the truth and being deceived. Generally, sending envoys to escort guests is to protect them from bandit attacks. Starting from Pishan, going south, one passes through four or five states not belonging to Han. A hundred or more scout soldiers, divided into five shifts, strike gongs at night to defend themselves, yet they are still often plundered and raided. Using donkeys and pack animals to transport grain requires each state to provide food to sustain themselves. Some states are poor and weak and cannot provide food; some are fierce and cunning and refuse to supply it. Envoys, holding the tallies of mighty Han, starve in the mountain valleys, begging but obtaining nothing. After leaving for ten or twenty days, both men and animals are abandoned in the wilderness, unable to return. They must also pass through the Great Headache Mountain and the Small Headache Mountain, the Red Earth Slope and the Body Fever Slope. These places cause the body to heat up and the face to lose color, with headaches and vomiting, and the same for donkeys and pack animals. There are also the Three Pools Plate and the Stone Plate Road, where narrow sections are only one foot six or seven inches wide, stretching for thirty li. Facing sheer cliffs and bottomless abysses, travelers on horseback or on foot support each other, using ropes to pull each other along, traveling over two thousand li before reaching Xiandu. When pack animals fall, they shatter into pieces before reaching halfway down the cliff. When men fall, it is impossible to retrieve or even see their bodies. The dangers and hardships are beyond description. The Sage Kings divided the nine provinces and established the five service zones, striving to enrich the interior and not seeking from the exterior. Now, sending envoys to carry out the supreme command, escorting barbarian merchants, wearying numerous officials and soldiers, traversing dangerous and difficult roads, exhausting the manpower and resources on which the state depends, to engage in useless activities—this is not a long-term plan. Since the envoys have already received their tallies, they can return upon reaching Pishan." Thereupon, Wang Feng reported this to the Emperor, who followed Du Qin's advice. Jibin was in fact greedy for rewards and trade, and their envoys came only once every few years.
Yanshuo First Year (Dingyou, 24 BCE)
1. Spring, in the second month, on the day dingwei, which was the last day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.
2. In the third month, a general amnesty was granted to all prisoners serving sentences throughout the empire.
3. Winter, Wang Zhang, the Grand Metropolitan of Jingzhao from Taishan, was imprisoned and died.
At that time, General-in-Chief Wang Feng held power. The Emperor was deferential and lacked the authority to make decisions. A close attendant once recommended Liu Xin, the youngest son of the Grand Master of the Palace Liu Xiang, as being knowledgeable and possessing special talents. The Emperor summoned Liu Xin, had him recite poetry and rhapsodies, and was very pleased with him, wanting to appoint him as a Central Regular Attendant. He summoned him to put on his official robes and cap. When it was time to confer the appointment, the close attendants all said, "We have not yet informed the General-in-Chief." The Emperor said, "This is a minor matter. Why is it necessary to report to the General-in-Chief?" The attendants knocked their heads and argued stubbornly. The Emperor then informed Wang Feng, but Wang Feng considered it unacceptable, and the matter was dropped. The sons and younger brothers of the Wang clan all held positions as Ministers, Grand Masters, Palace Attendants, and Various Cao Officials, each occupying positions of power and influence, filling the court. Du Qin, seeing that Wang Feng's exclusive authority had gone too far, admonished him, saying: "I hope the General will follow the Duke of Zhou's humility and caution, reduce the power of the Marquis of Rang, restrain the greed of the Marquis of Wu'an, and not give someone like Fan Ju an opportunity to slander you." Wang Feng did not listen.
At that time, the Emperor had no heir and was often in poor health. Dingtao Gong Wang came to court for an audience. The Empress Dowager and the Emperor, adhering to the intentions of the late Emperor, treated Gong Wang with great favor, giving him ten times the rewards given to other kings, and disregarding past matters. They kept him in the capital and did not allow him to return to his fief. The Emperor said to Gong Wang, "I have no son. Human life is uncertain. If something unexpected happens, we will never see each other again. You stay here long to accompany me!" Thereafter, the Emperor's illness gradually improved, and Gong Wang remained in the capital's official residence, attending the Emperor morning and evening. The Emperor was very close to and valued him. General-in-Chief Wang Feng considered Gong Wang's presence in the capital detrimental to himself. Just then, a solar eclipse occurred, and Wang Feng took the opportunity to say, "A solar eclipse is a sign of excessive yin energy. Although Dingtao Wang is close, according to ritual, he should be a vassal king in his fief. Now, staying in the capital to serve, he violates the proper way and does not conform to the norm. Therefore, Heaven has shown a warning. Dingtao Wang should be sent back to his fief." The Emperor, yielding to Wang Feng's pressure, agreed. When Gong Wang departed, the Emperor bid him farewell with tears.
Wang Zhang had always been upright and outspoken, daring to speak bluntly. Although he was recommended by Wang Feng, he was not one to align with Wang Feng's monopolization of power and did not draw close or attach himself to Wang Feng. Thus, he submitted a sealed memorial, saying: "The calamity of the solar eclipse is entirely due to Wang Feng's monopolization of power and his deception of the sovereign." Emperor Cheng summoned Wang Zhang and invited him to inquire about this matter. Wang Zhang replied: "The way of Heaven is clear, protecting the good and punishing the evil, using auspicious signs and calamities as evidence. Now, because Your Majesty lacks an heir, you have closely summoned the Prince of Dingtao. This is to continue the ancestral temple and value the altars of state, conforming to Heaven's will above and pacifying the people below. This is correct discourse and a good deed, and auspicious signs should appear. Why, instead, has it brought calamity! The appearance of calamity is due to a great minister monopolizing power. Now I hear that the Grand General has wrongly attributed the fault of the solar eclipse to the Prince of Dingtao and suggested sending him back to his fiefdom, intending to isolate the Son of Heaven in the court and seize control of the government for his own private gain. This is not the conduct of a loyal minister. Moreover, the solar eclipse represents yin encroaching on yang, the fault of a minister monopolizing the sovereign's power. Now, all matters of government, whether great or small, come from Wang Feng; the Son of Heaven has not lifted a hand. Wang Feng does not reflect on himself but instead blames good people, alienating and distancing the Prince of Dingtao. Furthermore, Wang Feng's false accusations and lack of loyalty are not confined to one matter. The former Chancellor, Marquis of Leping, Wang Shang, was originally a relative of the late Emperor's consort clan. His conduct was generous and dignified, and he served as a general and chancellor, being a pillar of the state. He was upright and would not bend his principles to comply with Wang Feng's flattery. Eventually, he was dismissed by Wang Feng due to a domestic matter and died in melancholy; the people all pitied him. Moreover, Wang Feng knew that the younger sister of his minor wife, Zhang Meiren, had already been married. According to ritual, she was unfit to be matched with the supreme sovereign, yet he falsely claimed she was suitable for bearing a son and brought her into the rear palace, only to benefit his wife's sister for private reasons. It is heard that Zhang Meiren has not become pregnant or given birth. Furthermore, the Qiang and Hu peoples still kill their firstborn to cleanse the intestines and rectify the bloodline. How much more so for the Son of Heaven, how can he approach a woman who has already been married! These three matters are great affairs, witnessed by Your Majesty's own eyes, sufficient to know the rest and other unseen matters. Wang Feng cannot be allowed to manage state affairs for long; he should be made to retire and return home, and a loyal and worthy person should be selected to replace him!" Since Wang Feng had suggested dismissing Wang Shang and later sending the Prince of Dingtao back to his fiefdom, Emperor Cheng had been uneasy in his heart. After hearing Wang Zhang's words, the Son of Heaven was awakened and adopted his advice, saying to Wang Zhang: "Without the frank words of the Metropolitan Governor, I would not hear the great plan for the state. Moreover, only the worthy know the worthy. You try to find for me someone who can assist me." Thus, Wang Zhang submitted a sealed memorial, recommending the uncle of the Prince of Xindu, the Governor of Langya, Feng Yewang, saying he was loyal, trustworthy, simple, and upright, with abundant wisdom and strategy. Having served as an official outside due to being the king's uncle, and now reentering the court because of his worthiness, it shows that the enlightened sovereign delights in advancing worthy men. Emperor Cheng, since his time as Crown Prince, had often heard that Feng Yewang was a famous minister of the late Emperor, with a reputation far surpassing Wang Feng's, and he was relying on him to replace Wang Feng. Whenever Wang Zhang was summoned, Emperor Cheng always dismissed the attendants. At that time, the Empress Dowager's cousin, Attendant Wang Yin, was alone nearby eavesdropping and fully learned of Wang Zhang's words, which he reported to Wang Feng. Upon hearing this, Wang Feng was greatly worried and fearful. Du Qin had Wang Feng feign illness and withdraw from court to return home, submitting a memorial requesting retirement, with extremely sorrowful words. When the Empress Dowager heard of this, she wept for him and stopped eating and drinking. Emperor Cheng, having been close to and reliant on Wang Feng since childhood, could not bear to dismiss him. Thus, he issued a gracious edict replying to Wang Feng, urging him to resume his duties; consequently, Wang Feng rose again to handle government affairs.
Emperor Cheng ordered the Minister over the Masses to impeach Wang Zhang: "He knew that Feng Yewang had previously been appointed as an official outside due to being the king's uncle, yet he privately recommended him, wanting him to be in the court, flattering and attaching himself to the feudal lords. Moreover, he knew that Zhang Meiren had already served the supreme sovereign, yet he recklessly cited the Qiang and Hu practice of killing the firstborn to cleanse the intestines, which is not something that should be said." Wang Zhang was handed over to the officials for interrogation. The Commandant of Justice judged him guilty of great treason, stating that "he compared the sovereign to the barbarians, sought to cut off the prospect of an heir, betrayed the Son of Heaven, and privately plotted for the Prince of Dingtao." Wang Zhang ultimately died in prison, and his wife and children were exiled to Hepu. From then on, when the high ministers saw Wang Feng, they averted their eyes. Feng Yewang was fearful and uneasy, so he feigned illness; after three months, he was granted leave and returned to Duling with his wife and children to seek medical treatment. The Grand General Wang Feng secretly instructed the Censor-in-Chief to impeach: "Feng Yewang, having been granted leave to recuperate from illness, took private advantage, left the boundary and returned home while holding the tiger tally, showing disrespect for the imperial decree." Du Qin sent a letter to Wang Feng, saying: "When officials of the two-thousand-picul rank fall ill and are granted leave to return home, there is precedent. There is no clear regulation prohibiting leaving the commandery post. The Commentary says: 'When in doubt about rewards, grant them,' to broaden grace and encourage merit; 'When in doubt about punishments, set them aside,' to be cautious in applying penalties and leave doubtful matters unresolved. Now, abandoning the law and precedent and invoking the law of disrespect greatly violates the meaning of 'setting aside doubtful punishments.' Even if, because the two-thousand-picul rank guards a thousand-li territory and bears the heavy responsibility of military forces, they should not leave their commandery post, and this punishment is to be established as a model for later generations, then Feng Yewang's crime occurred before the law was established. Punishments and rewards concern great trust and cannot be taken lightly." Wang Feng did not listen and ultimately dismissed Feng Yewang from his office. At that time, many among the people thought that Wang Zhang's criticism of the court was unjust. Du Qin wanted to remedy Wang Feng's fault and again advised Wang Feng: "The matter of the Metropolitan Governor Wang Zhang was secret; even the capital does not know of it, let alone distant places! I fear that the world does not know that Wang Zhang is truly guilty but rather thinks he was punished for speaking frankly. This would block the source of earnest remonstrance and impair the virtue of magnanimity and discernment. I foolishly believe that this matter should be used to encourage frank speech and remonstrance, and to allow the gentlemen of the palace and attendants to fully express their opinions, opening up even more than before, to make it clear to all directions, so that the world knows that the sovereign is enlightened and does not punish his subjects for their words. If this is done, rumors will dissipate and doubts will become clear." Wang Feng reported this and implemented the strategy.
In this year, the Governor of Chenliu, Xue Xuan, served as Left Assistant of the Capital. Xue Xuan governed the commanderies and counties, and wherever he went, he had a reputation for achievements. Xue Xuan's son, Xue Hui, served as the Magistrate of Pengcheng County. Xue Xuan once passed through his son's county and, knowing in his heart that Xue Hui was incompetent, did not inquire about his administrative affairs. Someone asked Xue Xuan: "Why do you not teach Xue Hui the duties of governance?" Xue Xuan laughed and said: "The way of governance takes the law as its teacher; one can ask and know it. As for ability or inability, it depends on one's natural endowment and character; how can it be learned!" People passed on and praised this, considering Xue Xuan's words correct.
Yangshuo Second Year (Wuxu Year, 23 BC)
1 Spring, third month, a general amnesty was granted under Heaven.
2 The Imperial Secretary, Zhang Zhong, died.
In summer, on the day dingmao of the fourth month, the Attendant within the Palace and Grand Coachman Wang Yin was appointed Imperial Censor. From this point on, the Wang clan became even more prosperous; the commandery and kingdom administrators, as well as the regional inspectors, all came from their circle. The five marquises, brothers, competed with one another in extravagance, and bribes and gifts of precious items arrived from all directions. They were all versed in human affairs, favored scholars and cultivated the worthy, exhausting their wealth in almsgiving to outshine each other. Their gates were thronged with guests, who vied to build up their reputations. Liu Xiang said to Chen Tang: “Now calamities and anomalies are like this, yet the clan of the imperial relatives is daily growing stronger. This momentum will surely endanger the Liu clan. I, fortunate to be a distant member of the same clan, have received the Han dynasty’s deep favor for generations. As a surviving elder of the imperial house, I have served three sovereigns. His Majesty, because I am an old servant of the former emperor, always treats me with special courtesy whenever I am received in audience. If I do not speak, who should speak!” Thereupon he submitted a sealed memorial, earnestly remonstrating: “I have heard that no sovereign does not desire stability, yet they often face danger; no sovereign does not desire long survival, yet they often perish—this is because they have lost the method of controlling their ministers. When great ministers seize authority and monopolize state affairs, there is no case that does not bring harm. Therefore the Book of Documents says: ‘If ministers create power and prestige, they will harm your house and bring disaster to your state.’ Confucius said: ‘When emoluments leave the ducal house and government devolves to the grandees,’ this is a sign of peril and ruin. Now, with the single surname of Wang, there are twenty-three persons riding vermilion-wheeled, ornamented carriages. The official robes of green, purple, sable, and cicada ornaments fill the palaces, arrayed like fish scales to left and right. The Grand General holds the government and wields authority; the five marquises are arrogant and overstep their bounds, simultaneously creating power and prestige, making decisions with complete freedom. Their conduct is foul yet they pretend to govern; they are selfish yet they feign public-mindedness. They rely on the honor of the Eastern Palace (the Empress Dowager) and borrow the kinship of nephew to uncle to establish their power. The Masters of Writing, the Nine Ministers, the Regional Governors, and the Commandery Administrators all come from their circle, holding the pivotal posts and forming factions for private gain. Those who praise them are promoted; those who oppose or resent them are executed or harmed. Persuaders help them advocate; those in power speak for them. They exclude the imperial clan, isolating and weakening the ducal house. Those among them with intelligence and ability are especially slandered and cannot advance. They cut off the employment of the imperial clan, not allowing them to serve in the court or government offices, fearing they might share power with them. They repeatedly cite the cases of Yan Wang and Gai Zhu to confuse the sovereign’s mind, and avoid mentioning Lü Hou and Huo Guang, refusing to speak of them. Within, there are sprouts like Guan Shu and Cai Shu; without, they borrow arguments like the Duke of Zhou. Brothers hold heavy power; the clan is deeply entrenched. From high antiquity down to Qin and Han, no consort clan has ever been as arrogantly prominent as the Wangs. When things become strong, there must be extraordinary anomalies that appear beforehand as subtle signs for that person. In the time of Emperor Xiaozhao, a capstone stood up on Mount Tai, and a fallen willow tree revived in the Shanglin Park, and then Emperor Xiaoxuan ascended the throne. Now, at the ancestral tombs of the Wangs in Ji’nan, the catalpa wood pillars have sprouted branches and leaves, growing profusely out above the roof, with roots entering the ground. Even the standing stone and the revived willow were not as obvious as this phenomenon. The situation cannot allow two strong forces to coexist; the Wangs and the Lius will also be unable to stand together. If below there is the stability of Mount Tai, then above there is the danger of piled eggs. Your Majesty, as a son and grandson, guarding the ancestral temple, yet allowing the fortunes of the state to shift into the hands of maternal relatives, and be reduced to slavery—even if you do not consider yourself, what about the ancestral temple! A woman considers her husband’s family as close and her own parents’ family as distant; this is also not the good fortune of the Empress Dowager. Emperor Xiaoxuan did not give power to his uncle, the Marquis of Pingchang, in order to preserve and stabilize him. The wise seek good fortune in the formless and eliminate calamity before it occurs. You should issue a clear edict, send forth virtuous pronouncements, draw near to the imperial clan, trust and accept them, and repulse and distance the consort clan, not giving them government affairs. Dismiss them all and send them home, to emulate the actions of the former emperors, treat the consort clan generously, and preserve their lineages. This is indeed the intent of the Eastern Palace, the good fortune of the maternal family. Let the Wangs endure forever, preserving their ranks and emoluments; let the Lius be secure for long, not losing the altars of state. This is a plan to harmonize and favor both inner and outer relatives, for generations unending. If this plan is not implemented, the Tian clan will reappear today, and the six ministers will surely arise in the Han, becoming a worry for later generations. This is very clear. I hope Your Majesty will deeply ponder this!” When the memorial was submitted, the Son of Heaven summoned Liu Xiang, sighed, and grieved over his intent, saying to him: “You may rest for now; I will consider this matter.” But in the end, he could not adopt his words.
3 In autumn, the region east of the Pass suffered a great flood.
4 On the day jiashen of the eighth month, Dingtao Gong, King Kang, passed away.
5 In this year, Xindu King Xing was transferred to become Zhongshan King.