Book of Han, Volume 25

《Zizhi Tongjian》Volume 033

[Han Record 25] From the year of Yanfeng Sheti Ge to the year of Zhimeng Dan E, a total of two years.

Emperor Xiaocheng, the second year of Suihe (Year Jia Yin, 7 BCE)

Spring, first month: The emperor traveled to the Ganquan Palace and performed sacrifices at Tai Zhi.

On the Renzi day of the second month, Chancellor Zhai Fangjin died. At that time, Mars lingered in the celestial field of the Heart Mansion. Li Xun, a clerk from the Chancellor’s bureau and a native of Pingling, submitted a memorial to Zhai Fangjin, saying: "Disasters and portents are so urgent, and the heavy reproaches grow daily heavier; how can one simply hope for the punishment of demotion and exile! In the entire bureau of over three hundred people, I hope you will select someone among them to share your loyalty and integrity, and turn away the misfortune." Zhai Fangjin was troubled by this and did not know what to do. It happened that a gentleman attendant named Ben Li was skilled in astrology and said that a high minister should bear this calamity. The emperor then summoned Zhai Fangjin. When Zhai Fangjin returned to his residence, before he had time to commit suicide, the emperor sent a decree reproaching him for poor governance, with disasters arriving simultaneously and the people suffering hardship, saying: "I wish to dismiss you from your post, yet I cannot bear it. I have sent the Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat to grant you ten measures of fine wine and one ox. Consider this well!" Zhai Fangjin committed suicide that same day. The emperor kept this secret, sent the Nine Ministers with a decree to bestow the seal and ribbon, granted an imperial coffin and funeral goods, and ordered the Steward of the Palace to supply curtains and such, with the pillars and thresholds of the hall wrapped in white cloth. The emperor personally went to mourn many times, and the rites and rewards were different from the precedents of other chancellors.

Your servant Sima Guang comments: Yan Ying once said: "The mandate of Heaven does not change; it does not alter its commands." How can the arrival of fortune or misfortune be transferred! In the past, King Zhao of Chu and Duke Jing of Song could not bear to transfer calamity to their ministers and high officers, saying: "What benefit is there in moving a disease of the heart and belly to the limbs!" Even if disasters could be transferred, a benevolent ruler would still not do it, let alone when they cannot be transferred! If Zhai Fangjin’s crime did not warrant death but he was executed to bear the great calamity, this was deceiving Heaven; if Zhai Fangjin had a crime deserving punishment, yet his cause of death was concealed and he was given lavish burial, this was deceiving the people. Emperor Xiaocheng wished to deceive both Heaven and the people, but in the end it was utterly useless; one may say he did not understand the mandate of Heaven.

Third month: The emperor traveled to Hedong and performed sacrifices to the Earth God.

On the Bingxu day, the emperor passed away in the Weiyang Palace.

The emperor had always been robust and had no illness. At this time, Prince Si of Chu, Liu Yan, and Prince of Liang, Liu Li, came to court. The next morning, they were to take leave and depart. The emperor stayed overnight in the curtains of the Baihu Hall; he also wished to appoint Left General Kong Guang as Chancellor, and had already engraved the marquis seal and written the eulogy. At dusk and during the night, the emperor was still well. Approaching dawn, when he was about to put on his trousers and socks and rise, he suddenly dropped his clothes and could not speak. At the tenth ke of the day, he passed away. The common people were in an uproar and blamed Zhao Zhaoyi. The Empress Dowager issued an edict ordering Grand Minister Wang Mang, together with the Imperial Secretary, the Chancellor, and the Commandant of Justice, to investigate the emperor’s daily life and the circumstances of his illness; Zhao Zhaoyi committed suicide.

Ban Biao comments: My aunt served as a Jieyu in the rear palace, and my father and brothers served in the palace. They often told me: "Emperor Cheng was skilled in adorning his appearance. When mounting his carriage, he stood upright, did not look back, did not speak hastily, and did not point with his own hand. When at court, he was deeply silent and dignified as if a spirit. He may be said to have been a man of solemn bearing and imperial majesty. He was well-read in ancient and modern affairs, could tolerate straightforward speech, and the memorials of his ministers were worthy of praise. He encountered a time of peace and prosperity, with harmony above and below. Yet he indulged in wine and women, the Zhao family caused chaos in the inner palace, and relatives by marriage usurped power—it is lamentable to speak of it!" From the Jianshi era onward, the Wang family began to hold the destiny of the state. Emperors Ai and Ping were brief in their reigns, and Wang Mang then usurped the throne. Their authority and blessings accumulated gradually over a long time!

On this day, Kong Guang received the seals of Chancellor and Marquis of Boshan before the spirit of the deceased emperor.

The Marquis of Fuping, Zhang Fang, heard of the emperor’s death and died of grief due to longing.

Xun Yue comments: Zhang Fang was not without love for the emperor, but loyalty did not exist within him. Therefore, to love without loyalty is a harm to virtue!

The Empress Dowager issued an edict: The rituals of the southern suburban sacrifice to Heaven and the northern suburban sacrifice to Earth in Chang’an were to remain as before.

Summer, fourth month: On the Bingwu day, the Crown Prince ascended the throne as emperor and visited the Temple of Gaozu. He honored the Grand Empress Dowager as Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress as Empress Dowager. A general amnesty was granted to the empire.

Emperor Ai, upon ascending the throne, personally practiced frugality and economy, reduced various expenditures, and decided all government affairs himself. The court and the people uniformly hoped for great order.

On the Jimao day, Emperor Xiaocheng was buried in the Yanling.

The Grand Empress Dowager ordered Empress Dowager Fu and Ding Ji to visit the Weiyang Palace every ten days.

An edict asked the Chancellor and Grand Minister of Works: "Where should the Queen Dowager of Dingtao, King Gong, reside?" Chancellor Kong Guang had always heard that Empress Dowager Fu was strong and violent in nature and skilled in stratagems. Since the emperor was an infant, she had raised and taught him until adulthood, and she had contributed to his ascension. Kong Guang feared that Empress Dowager Fu would interfere in government affairs and did not want her to be near the emperor day and night. He thus suggested: "The Queen Dowager of Dingtao should have a separate palace built." Grand Minister of Works He Wu said: "She may reside in the North Palace." The emperor followed He Wu’s advice. The North Palace had a covered walkway called the Zifang Fudao leading to the Weiyang Palace. Empress Dowager Fu indeed used this walkway to go to the emperor’s residence morning and evening, requesting to be honored with a title and to make her relatives noble and favored, causing the emperor to be unable to act according to proper principles. The Marquis of Gaochang, Dong Hong, catered to her intentions and submitted a memorial saying: "The mother of King Zhuangxiang of Qin was originally of the Xia clan, but she was adopted by Lady Huayang. When King Zhuangxiang ascended the throne, both were called Empress Dowager. It is fitting to establish the Queen of Dingtao, King Gong, as Empress Dowager of the Emperor." The matter was referred to the relevant departments for consideration. Grand Minister Wang Mang, Left General and Marquis of Guan Nei, and Director of the Secretariat, Shi Dan, impeached Dong Hong, saying: "He clearly knows that the Empress Dowager is the most honored title, and the empire is unified, yet he cites the fallen Qin as an analogy to mislead the sacred court. This is not proper speech and constitutes the great crime of impiety!" The emperor, newly ascended, was modest and adopted the words of Wang Mang and Shi Dan, dismissing Dong Hong as a commoner. Empress Dowager Fu was greatly enraged and demanded that the emperor must honor her with a title. The emperor then informed the Grand Empress Dowager and issued an edict to honor Dingtao, King Gong, as Gong Huang.

On the Bingxu day of the fifth month, Empress Fu was established. She was the daughter of Fu Yan, the cousin of Empress Dowager Fu.

An edict said: "The Spring and Autumn Annals say that the mother is honored because of the son. It is fitting to honor the Queen Dowager of Dingtao as Empress Dowager Gonghuang, and Ding Ji as Empress Gong, each establishing a Left and Right Steward, with their fiefs equal to those of the Changxin Palace and the Zhonggong." Posthumous honors were given: Empress Dowager Fu’s father was made Marquis of Chongzu, and Ding Ji’s father was made Marquis of Baode. Enfeoffments were granted: the emperor’s uncle, Ding Ming, was made Marquis of Yang’an; Ding Ming’s son, Ding Man, was made Marquis of Pingzhou; the emperor’s father-in-law, Fu Yan, was made Marquis of Kongxiang; and the emperor’s maternal uncle, serving as Attendant and Guanglu Grandee, Zhao Qin, was made Marquis of Xincheng. The Grand Empress Dowager issued an edict ordering Grand Minister Wang Mang to return to his residence to make way for the emperor’s relatives by marriage. Wang Mang submitted a memorial requesting retirement. The emperor sent the Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat with an edict to recall Wang Mang and also sent Chancellor Kong Guang, Grand Minister of Works He Wu, Left General Shi Dan, and Commandant of the Palace Guards Fu Xi to inform the Grand Empress Dowager, saying: "The emperor has heard the Grand Empress Dowager’s edict and is deeply grieved! If the Grand Minister does not resume his duties, the emperor dares not handle government affairs!" The Grand Empress Dowager then ordered Wang Mang to resume his administration.

During Emperor Cheng’s reign, the music of Zheng was especially prevalent. Famous musicians from the Yellow Gate, such as Bing Qiang and Jing Wu, became wealthy and prominent in the world, and noble relatives even competed with the ruler for female musicians. The emperor, from the time he was Prince of Dingtao, detested this situation and also by nature did not enjoy music. In the sixth month, he issued an edict: "Did Confucius not say: ‘Prohibit the music of Zheng, for it is licentious’? The Music Bureau should be abolished. For the music of the suburban sacrifices and the ancient military music in the Classics that is not the music of Zheng or Wei, list them for reassignment to other officials." In total, more than half were abolished. However, the people had long been immersed in this music, and no elegant music was composed to change it. Wealthy officials and commoners continued to indulge in the music as before.

Wang Mang recommended the Zhonglei Colonel Liu Xin for his talent and conduct, appointing him as a Palace Attendant. He gradually rose to be a Grand Master of the Palace, becoming honored and favored; he changed his name to Liu Xiu. The Emperor also ordered Liu Xiu to oversee the Five Classics, completing the unfinished work of his father. Liu Xiu then took charge of all books and submitted the "Seven Summaries," which included the "Summary of Summaries," the "Summary of the Six Arts," the "Summary of the Various Philosophers," the "Summary of Poetry and Rhapsodies," the "Summary of Military Texts," the "Summary of Techniques and Numerology," and the "Summary of Prescriptions and Arts." In total, there were six summaries, thirty-eight categories, five hundred ninety-six schools, and thirteen thousand two hundred sixty-nine scrolls. Among these, the discussion of the various philosophers was divided into nine schools: called the Confucian, Daoist, Yin-Yang, Legalist, Logician, Mohist, Political Strategist, Syncretist, and Agriculturalist. It held: "The nine schools all arose when the kingly way had already declined, and the feudal lords used force against each other. The rulers of that time had different likes and dislikes, so the teachings of the nine schools burst forth and rose simultaneously. Each cited one aspect, extolling what they were good at, and with this they rushed about to persuade, seeking to please the feudal lords. Though their words differed, like water and fire they opposed each other, yet they also mutually generated one another; benevolence and righteousness, respect and harmony, oppose each other yet complete each other. The Book of Changes says: 'The world's paths diverge but return to the same goal; a hundred thoughts end in unity.' Today, the different schools promote their own strengths, exhaust their thoughts to clarify their purposes, and though they have blind spots and shortcomings, when their main aims are synthesized, they are also branches and offshoots of the Six Classics. If these people had met an enlightened ruler and wise sovereign, and received a balanced approach, they would all have been capable assistants. Confucius said: 'When the rites are lost, seek them in the countryside.' Now, far removed from the age of the sages, the Way and its arts are broken and abandoned, with nowhere else to seek them. Are these nine schools not better than the countryside? If one can cultivate the learning of the Six Arts and observe the teachings of these nine schools, discarding the short and taking the long, one can understand the strategies of all directions under heaven."

King Hui of Hejian, Liu Liang, was able to cultivate the virtues of King Xian. When his mother, the Grand Empress Dowager, died, he observed mourning according to the rites. An edict was issued adding ten thousand households to his fief, making him a model for the imperial clan.

Initially, Dong Zhongshu advised Emperor Wu of Han, asserting: "The Qin dynasty adopted Shang Yang's laws, abolished the well-field system, and allowed people to buy and sell land. As a result, the rich had fields stretching in unbroken connections, while the poor had not even a place to stand an awl. In the cities, there were those as noble as a ruler; in the countryside, those as wealthy as a duke or marquis. How could the common people not be distressed! The ancient well-field system, though difficult to implement hastily, should be approximated to ancient regulations. Limit the amount of land people can own to supplement the insufficient, block the path of land annexation, abolish the system of slaves, eliminate the power of arbitrary executions, reduce taxes, lessen corvée labor, to ease the people's strength—only then can good governance be achieved!" By the time the Emperor ascended the throne, Shi Dan again proposed: "Today, after several generations of peace, wealthy officials and commoners have assets of tens of millions, while the poor and weak become more distressed. It would be advisable to impose some restrictions." The Emperor referred his proposal to the high ministers for discussion. Chancellor Kong Guang and Grand Minister of Works He Wu submitted a memorial requesting: "From the feudal kings, marquises, and princesses, each has established limits on land holdings. Neiguan Marquises, officials, and commoners may not own more than thirty qing of land, and slaves not more than thirty persons. The deadline is three years. Those who violate this will have their property confiscated by the authorities." At that time, the prices of land, houses, and slaves consequently fell. But the imperial relatives and those close to the Emperor did not find this convenient, so an edict was issued saying: "Wait for a later time." This matter was shelved and not implemented. Another edict was sent to the Three Service Offices of Qi: "All government offices that weave brocade and embroidery, which are difficult to complete and harm women's work, shall stop and not produce or send them. Abolish the law of appointing sons and the law against slander and deceit. Palace women in the Lateral Courts under thirty years of age shall be released to marry. Government slaves over fifty shall be freed as commoners. Increase the salaries of officials below three hundred bushels."

The Emperor held a banquet at the Weiyang Palace. The Palace Steward set up a tent and seat for Empress Dowager Fu, placing it next to the seat of the Grand Empress Dowager. Grand Marshal Wang Mang inspected and examined the arrangements, rebuking the Palace Steward, saying: "The Dingtao Empress Dowager is the consort of a vassal king. How can she be placed alongside the Supreme One?" He removed the tent and set up another seat. When Empress Dowager Fu heard of this, she was extremely angry, refused to attend the banquet, and harbored deep resentment against Wang Mang. Wang Mang then requested retirement. In autumn, the seventh month, on the day Dingmao, the Emperor bestowed upon Wang Mang five hundred jin of gold, a comfortable carriage and a team of four horses, and allowed him to resign and return home. The high ministers and grand masters mostly praised Wang Mang, so the Emperor showed him favor by installing a Central Yellow Gate Attendant to serve Wang Mang's household, granting him a meal every ten days. He also issued an edict increasing the fiefs of Quyang Marquis Wang Gen, Anyang Marquis Wang Shun, Xindu Marquis Wang Mang, Chancellor Kong Guang, and Grand Minister of Works He Wu, each by different amounts. He appointed Wang Mang as a Special Advanced and Palace Attendant, allowing him to attend court on the first and fifteenth of each month, with court ceremonial equal to that of the Three Dukes. He also ordered Hongyang Marquis Wang Li to return to the capital.

Empress Dowager Fu's younger cousin, Right General Fu Xi, was fond of learning and had ambition and conduct. After Wang Mang was dismissed, the public placed their hopes on Fu Xi. Initially, when the Emperor enfeoffed and appointed his maternal relatives, Fu Xi alone remained modest, claiming illness and not appearing. When Empress Dowager Fu began to involve herself in government affairs, he repeatedly remonstrated. Therefore, Empress Dowager Fu did not want Fu Xi to assist in governance. On the day Gengwu, he appointed Left General Shi Dan as Grand Marshal, enfeoffing him as Gaoxiangting Marquis. He bestowed upon Fu Xi one hundred jin of gold, took back his Right General seal and ribbon, and allowed him to recuperate as a Grand Master of the Palace. He appointed the Grand Master of the Palace, Huaiyang native Peng Xuan, as Right General. Grand Minister of Works He Wu and Palace Secretary Tang Lin both submitted memorials saying: "Fu Xi's conduct and principles are pure and clean, he is loyal and concerned for the state, and he is a pillar of support within the court. Now, because of illness, he is being sent home all at once, and the masses are disappointed. They all say: 'The virtuous son of the Fu family, because his discussions did not meet the Dingtao Empress Dowager's intentions, was therefore demoted and dismissed.' The hundred officials have no one who does not regret this on behalf of the state. A loyal minister is the guardian of the altars of state. Lu was ordered or chaotic because of Ji You, Chu's fate was determined by Zi Yu, Wei repelled enemies because of Wuji, and Xiang's survival depended on Fan Zeng. A million troops are not worth one worthy man. Therefore, Qin used a thousand jin to sow discord between Lian Po, and Han scattered gold to alienate Yafu. Fu Xi's presence at court is Your Majesty's glory, and also the key to the Fu clan's rise or fall." The Emperor also valued him greatly, so he soon promoted him again.

Jianping Marquis Du Ye submitted a memorial slandering Quyang Marquis Wang Gen, Gaoyang Marquis Xue Xuan, and Anchang Marquis Zhang Yu, and recommended Zhu Bo. The Emperor had known since youth that the Wang clan was arrogant and overbearing, and he was dissatisfied in his heart. But because he had just ascended the throne, he temporarily treated them with leniency. After more than a month, the Colonel of the Sili School, Xie Guang, submitted a memorial: "Quyang Marquis, before the late Emperor's tomb was completed, openly married the original Lateral Court female musicians Wuguan Yinyan and Wang Feijun, among others, set up wine and dancing, and furthermore, Wang Gen's elder brother's son, Chengdu Marquis Wang Kuang, also married an original Lateral Court noblewoman as his wife. They all lacked the decorum of subjects, committed great disrespect, and great treason!" Thereupon, the Son of Heaven said: "The late Emperor treated Wang Gen, Wang Kuang, and his father extremely generously, yet now they have betrayed his kindness and forgotten his righteousness!" Because Wang Gen had previously made meritorious contributions in establishing the dynasty, he was sent back to his fief. Wang Kuang's title was stripped, he was degraded to commoner status, and he returned to his original place of origin. All the officials recommended and promoted by Wang Gen and Wang Kuang's father, Wang Shang, were dismissed.

On the ninth month, day Gengshen, an earthquake occurred, from the capital to the northern commanderies and kingdoms in more than thirty places, destroying city walls, and crushing more than four hundred people to death. The Emperor, because of the calamity, inquired of the Expectant Official Li Xun, and Li Xun replied: "The sun is the chief of all yang and the manifestation of the ruler. If the ruler does not cultivate virtue, the sun will lose its regularity, becoming dim and without light. Recently, the sun has been particularly dim, its brilliance invaded and its luster lost, with evil qi appearing as solar prominences and rainbows appearing many times. Your humble servant does not know the internal affairs of the court, but privately observing the sun, I perceive that Your Majesty's ambition and conduct have diminished greatly from the time of your accession. I hope Your Majesty will uphold the firm virtue of qian, strengthen your will, abide by the laws and regulations, and not listen to the forms of women and evil ministers. The sweet words and sorrowful entreaties of wet nurses and nursemaids should be firmly rejected and not heeded. Strive for great righteousness, cut off minor forbearances; if there is truly unavoidable necessity, you may bestow wealth, but must not privately grant official positions. This is indeed a taboo of the August Heaven."

"I have heard that the moon is the chief of all yin forces, symbolizing empresses and consorts, high ministers, and feudal lords. Recently the moon has undergone numerous anomalies—this indicates that the empress dowager is interfering in government and unsettling the court, harming both yin and yang so that neither benefits. Outer officials do not understand court affairs, yet they privately trust celestial omens; if this is so, the close ministers can no longer be relied upon. I hope Your Majesty will personally seek out worthy scholars, not force yourself to employ those you detest, in order to honor the altars of state and strengthen the present dynasty.

"I have heard that among the Five Phases, water is the root; water represents leveling and impartiality. When the kingly way is just and enlightened, the hundred rivers are ordered, their channels flowing freely; when there is partiality and loss of proper standards, water overflows and causes calamities. Now the Ru and Ying Rivers are flooding, joining with the rains to harm the people—this is precisely what the Book of Odes means by 'the hundred rivers boil over,' and the blame lies with men like the Minister of the Huangfu clan. I hope Your Majesty will somewhat restrain the consort clans and great ministers.

"I have heard that the Way of Earth is gentle and still, the constant principle of yin. Recently there have been repeated earthquakes in the Guandong region. We should devote ourselves to exalting yang and suppressing yin to remedy faults, firm our resolve and establish authority, cut off the paths of private influence, select and advance talented men, and dismiss the incompetent, in order to strengthen the present dynasty! When the present dynasty is strong, its spirit is sufficient to repel attacks; when it is weak, it invites calamities and is bullied by treacherous schemes. I have heard that when the King of Huainan formerly plotted rebellion, the only man he feared was Ji An; he considered men like Gongsun Hong beneath notice. Gongsun Hong was a famous chancellor of Han, unmatched today, yet he was still despised—how much more so when there is no one even of Gongsun Hong's caliber! Therefore it is said: if the court lacks worthy men, it will be held in contempt by rebels and disorderly persons—this is the natural way."

The Cavalry Commandant Ping Dang was ordered to oversee river dike repairs. He submitted a memorial: "The Nine Rivers have now all silted up and disappeared. According to the classics, the method of controlling floods involves dredging channels and deepening riverbeds; there is no record of building dikes to block them. The Yellow River has repeatedly overflowed and burst its banks east of Wei Commandery; the traces of the water's course are difficult to distinguish, and the multitude of the four seas cannot be deceived. We should broadly seek out men capable of opening waterways." The emperor followed his advice.

The Expectant Official Jia Rang submitted a memorial: "There are three strategies—upper, middle, and lower—for controlling the Yellow River. In antiquity, when founding states and settling the people, dividing territories and governing the land, they always left room for rivers and lakes, estimating areas that the waters could not reach. The great river was not diked, so smaller streams could flow into it; low-lying places were built into ponds and marshes to store floodwaters, allowing autumn floods a place to rest and linger, so that the wandering waters spread broadly and gently without urgency. The land having a river is like a person having a mouth; to govern the land by blocking the river is like stopping a baby's cry by plugging its mouth—though it may stop momentarily, its death will soon follow. Hence it is said: 'Those skilled in water control guide it to let it flow freely; those skilled in governing the people open channels of speech to let them speak.' The building of dikes began only in the Warring States period, when they dammed and blocked all rivers, each for their own benefit. Qi bordered the Yellow River with Zhao and Wei; Zhao and Wei were near the mountains, while Qi was low-lying. They built dikes twenty-five li from the Yellow River; when the river waters rushed east against Qi's dikes, they would overflow west into Zhao and Wei. Zhao and Wei also built dikes twenty-five li from the Yellow River. Though not directly opposing the current, the water still had room to roam. When the floods came seasonally and receded, they left behind fertile silt, and the people cultivated this land; sometimes for long periods there were no calamities, so they gradually built houses and dwellings, forming settlements. When great floods suddenly arrived and swept everything away, they again built dikes to save themselves, gradually moving away from their former towns and cities, draining marshes to live in—being flooded was only natural. Now the dikes, in narrow places, are several hundred paces from the current, and in wide places several li; there are multiple layers of dikes within the original great dikes, and the people live among them—these are lands that former generations forced the waters to yield. The Yellow River from Liyang in Henei Commandery to Zhaoyang in Wei Commandery has stone dikes on both east and west banks, forcing the current to swirl and turn; within a hundred li, the river bends twice west and three times east, oppressed and obstructed like this, unable to find peace. If we now implement the upper strategy, we should relocate the people of Jizhou who face the current, cut open the dikes at Liyang's Zhexian Pavilion, and release the Yellow River's waters north into the sea. The Yellow River is flanked by mountains to the west and the Golden Dike to the east, so the waters will not spread far; within a month they will naturally settle. Objectors will say: 'If this is done, ruined city walls, fields, homes, and graves will number in the tens of thousands, and the people will resent it.' In antiquity, when Yu the Great controlled the floods, he destroyed mountains and hills that blocked the way, thus cleaving Dragon Gate, splitting Yi Que, piercing Dizhu, and breaking Jieshi—he damaged and severed the natural forms of heaven and earth, and these were merely human constructions—what is there to say about them? Now the ten commanderies near the Yellow River spend nearly a hundred million cash each year on dike maintenance; when the river bursts, the losses are incalculable. If we take several years' worth of river-control expenses to resettle the relocated people, follow the methods of the ancient sages, fix the positions of mountains and rivers, and allow spirits and people to dwell in their proper places without interfering with each other—besides, the great Han dynasty's territory extends ten thousand li—must we really contend with the river over a few feet of land? Once this work is accomplished, the Yellow River will be stable and the people at peace, with no calamities for a thousand years—this is called the upper strategy. As for digging many irrigation canals in Jizhou to let the people irrigate their fields, dispersing and weakening the current, though not the sages' method, it is still a way to remedy disasters. We could build stone dikes east of the Qi Estuary and install many water gates. I fear that discussants will doubt the Yellow River is too great to control, but the Cao Canal at Xingyang is sufficient proof. The sources of all Jizhou's canals rely on these water gates, and each channel draws water like a tributary: in drought, open the eastern low-level gates to irrigate Jizhou; in high water, open the western high-level gates to divert the Yellow River's flow. The people's fields will be properly managed, and the river dikes will be completed. This is truly a way to enrich the state, pacify the people, promote benefits, and eliminate harm, sustainable for several hundred years—this is called the middle strategy. As for repairing and strengthening the old dikes, raising the low ones and thickening the thin ones, exhausting the people and wasting resources without end, while still suffering frequent disasters—this is the lowest strategy."

Kong Guang and He Wu submitted a memorial: "The order of removing ancestral temples from the succession ought to be settled in a timely manner. We request to deliberate with all the officials." Accordingly, the Colonel of the Palace Guard Peng Xuan and fifty-three others all opined: "Though Emperor Xiaowu achieved great merit, his kinship ties are exhausted, and his temple should be removed." The Grand Coachman Wang Shun and the Colonel of the Inner Guard Liu Xin argued: "According to the Rites, the Son of Heaven has seven temples. Seven temples are the regular statutory number, which can be taken as a constant. 'Zong' is not within this number; 'Zong' is an expedient practice. If there is merit and virtue, one is honored as 'Zong,' and the number cannot be predetermined. In our humble opinion, Emperor Xiaowu's merit and virtue were so illustrious, and Emperor Xiaoxuan established his temple title with such veneration, that his temple should not be removed." The emperor reviewed their arguments and issued an edict: "The arguments of Grand Coachman Wang Shun and Colonel of the Inner Guard Liu Xin may be adopted."

He Wu's stepmother was in Shu Commandery. He sent an official back to escort her; just then, Emperor Cheng died. The official feared bandits on the road, so the stepmother stayed where she was. Those around He Wu mocked him for not serving his mother sincerely, and the emperor also wanted to replace high ministers. In winter, the tenth month, an imperial edict was issued dismissing He Wu from his post, allowing him to return to his fief as a marquis. On the day Guiyou, Shi Dan was appointed Grand Minister of Works. Shi Dan saw that the emperor had made many corrections and changes to Emperor Cheng's policies, so he submitted a memorial saying: "In ancient times, the sovereign observed silence during mourning, leaving government affairs to the chief minister, and did not alter his father's policies for three years. Previously, while the late emperor's coffin was still in the hall, titles and offices were bestowed upon ministers and relatives, all suddenly honored and favored. The empress's uncle was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yang'an; before the empress's title was even confirmed, her father was enfeoffed as Marquis of Kongxiang in advance; and Wang Yi, the Attendant of the Palace, and Wang Han, the Colonel of Archery, were transferred out. Edicts came down one after another, changing government affairs, abruptly and without gradual progression. Though I am incapable of clearly stating the great principles, I also failed to resolutely decline my title several times, instead accepting the marquisate in vain, thus adding to Your Majesty's faults. Recently, commanderies and kingdoms have suffered repeated earthquakes and floods, drowning the people; the sun and moon are dim; the five planets move out of order. These are all responses to improper actions, unsettled edicts, chaotic laws, and the confusion of yin and yang.

"I have privately considered: if a man has no son, even if he is sixty or seventy years old, he will still seek widely. Filial and Accomplished Emperor Cheng deeply understood Heaven's mandate, clearly perceived the supreme virtue, restrained himself in his prime, and established Your Majesty as his heir. The late emperor died suddenly; Your Majesty succeeded to the throne. The realm is at peace, the people are not afraid. This is the late emperor's sagely virtue, deserving of an achievement that accords with Heaven and man. I have heard that 'Heaven's majesty is right before your eyes, not a foot away.' I hope Your Majesty will deeply ponder the late emperor's intent in establishing you, and restrain yourself to practice it personally, so as to observe the ministers' compliance with instruction. The realm is Your Majesty's household; why worry that imperial relatives will not be wealthy and honored? There should not be such hasty actions—they will not last long!" Shi Dan submitted his memorial several dozen times, most of them earnest and straightforward.

Fu Taihou's cousin Fu Qian was at the emperor's side and was especially wicked and improper. The emperor detested him, dismissed him from office, and sent him back to his original commandery. Fu Taihou was furious; the emperor had no choice but to keep Fu Qian. Chancellor Kong Guang and Grand Minister of Works Shi Dan submitted a memorial saying: "The edicts contradict each other, causing the realm to doubt and not know what to follow. We request that Fu Qian be sent back to his original commandery to eliminate the clique of evil." In the end, Fu Qian was not sent away; he again became an Attendant of the Palace. The emperor was pressured by Fu Taihou in all such matters.

Yi Lang Geng Yu submitted a memorial pleading Chen Tang's case, saying: "Gan Yanshou and Chen Tang spread the far-reaching and mighty prestige of the great Han, washed away the nation's long-standing shame, punished the unsubmissive ruler in the remotest region, and captured the unconquerable enemy ten thousand li away—what could compare to this! The late emperor praised them, issuing repeated clear edicts to proclaim and glorify their merit, changing the reign title and recording the calendar, to be transmitted without end. In response, the Southern Commandery presented a white tiger, and the borders had no alarms. Just as the late emperor was ill, he still did not forget this matter before his death, repeatedly sending the Minister of Works to question the chancellor and urge him to record their merit. Only Chancellor Kuang Heng rejected and refused to approve it, enfeoffing Gan Yanshou and Chen Tang with only a few hundred households—this is the reason why meritorious officers and soldiers are disappointed. Filial and Accomplished Emperor Cheng inherited the established foundation, relying on the prestige of conquest. Without mobilizing troops, the state was at peace. But the great ministers were wicked and improper, wanting to monopolize the sovereign's authority, rejecting and envying those with merit, causing Chen Tang to be wrongly imprisoned in solitude, unable to defend himself, and eventually cast aside in old age for no crime. Dunhuang is at the strategic pass to the Western Regions; a minister whose fame spread far and who could defeat enemies, in the blink of an eye, brought disaster upon himself, and was also laughed at by the remnants of Zhizhi Chanyu—how pitiful! To this day, envoys to foreign tribes all recount the execution of Zhizhi Chanyu to proclaim Han's strength. To use another's merit to awe enemies, yet discard the person himself to satisfy slanderers—is this not painful! Moreover, in times of peace, do not forget danger; in prosperity, always consider decline. Now the state has never had the abundant reserves of Emperor Wen's years of frugal accumulation, nor the kind of ministers like those Emperor Wu recruited who could capture fierce enemies—there is only one Chen Tang! If future sovereigns are not as capable as Your Majesty, they will still hope the state will record his merit, raise a mound and erect a monument at his grave, to encourage later generations. Chen Tang is fortunate to live in a sage era, and his merit was established not long ago. Yet he is instead whipped and driven to distant places, following the words of treacherous ministers, causing him to flee into exile and die without a burial place. Far-sighted men all reflect, thinking that Chen Tang's merit cannot be matched in several generations, while his faults are common human failings. If Chen Tang is treated thus, even if someone were to shatter their bones and expose their body, they would still be controlled by gossip and bound by jealous ministers. This is what I especially worry about for the state." The memorial was submitted, and the Son of Heaven allowed Chen Tang to return to Chang'an. Chen Tang eventually died in Chang'an.

Emperor Xiao'ai, Part One

Emperor Xiao'ai, Part One: The First Year of the Jianping Era (Year Yi Mao, 6 BCE)

Spring, first month: Sixteen meteorites fell in Beidi Commandery.

A general amnesty was granted to the realm.

The Colonel of the Metropolitan Police, Xie Guang, submitted a memorial: “I have learned that Consort Xu and the former Palace Attendant Cao Gong were both favored by Emperor Xiaocheng and gave birth to children. Yet after the births, the children disappeared. I dispatched officials to investigate, and they uncovered the truth: In the first year of the Yuanyan era, Cao Gong became pregnant; in October of the same year, she gave birth in the quarters of the Bullock Pen Commandant in the Rear Palace. The eunuch Tian Ke, bearing an imperial edict, delivered it to the Warden of the Rear Palace Prison, Ji Wu, ordering him to confine Cao Gong to the Bào Room Prison, and said, ‘Do not ask whether the child is male or female, nor whose child it is!’ Cao Gong said, ‘Keep the child’s placenta well, Warden. You know what kind of child this is!’ Three days later, Tian Ke came again with an edict to Ji Wu and asked, ‘Has the child died?’ Ji Wu replied, ‘No.’ Tian Ke said, ‘The Emperor and the Consort Zhao are furious—why not kill it!’ Ji Wu kowtowed and wept, saying, ‘If I do not kill the child, I know I will die; if I kill it, I will also die!’ So he sent a sealed memorial through Tian Ke, stating, ‘Your Majesty has no heir yet; whether the child is of high or low birth, please take heed!’ After the memorial was submitted, Tian Ke came again specifically with an edict to take the child, handing it over to the eunuch Wang Shun. Wang Shun, receiving the order, brought the child into the palace, selected a wet nurse for him, and instructed, ‘Raise the child well, and there will be rewards, but do not leak this news!’ Wang Shun selected the palace maid Zhang Qi as the wet nurse. Three days later, Tian Ke came again with an edict and poison, forcing Cao Gong to drink it. Cao Gong said, ‘Truly they intend to monopolize the world, those sisters! My child is a boy, with thick hair on his forehead, very like Emperor Xiaoyuan. Where is the child now? Has he been killed already? How can the Grand Empress Dowager be kept from knowing this?’ Then she drank the poison and died. Zhang Qi nursed the child for eleven days, until the Palace Steward Li Nan came with an edict and took the child away; its whereabouts are unknown. Consort Xu became pregnant in the second year of Yuanyan and gave birth in November. Consort Zhao Zhao said to Emperor Cheng, ‘You always deceived me, saying you came from the Central Palace. Since you came from the Central Palace, where did Consort Xu’s child come from! Could it be that the Xu clan is to be re-established as empress?’ She was so enraged that she beat herself with her hands, banged her head against the walls, doors, and pillars, threw herself from the bed to the floor, wept, and refused to eat, saying, ‘Now what do you intend to do with me? I want to go home!’ Emperor Cheng said, ‘I told you this specifically, and you become angry—it is utterly unreasonable!’ Emperor Cheng also refused to eat. Consort Zhao Zhao said, ‘Your Majesty knows what this is about—what use is not eating! Your Majesty once said, “I swear I will not betray you!” Now Consort Xu has given birth to a child, and you have broken your oath—how do you explain this?’ Emperor Cheng said, ‘I have a pact with the Zhao clan, so I will not establish Consort Xu, and I will let no one in the world surpass the Zhao clan—do not worry!’ Later, he issued an edict for the eunuch Jin Yan to take the child from Consort Xu, carried in a reed box, and placed it south of the curtain in the dressing chamber. Emperor Cheng and Consort Zhao Zhao sat together, and ordered the attendant Yu Kezi to unseal the box. Before it was fully opened, Emperor Cheng sent Yu Kezi and the other attendants out, closed the door himself, and stayed inside only with Consort Zhao Zhao. After a while, he opened the door, called Yu Kezi back to reseal the box, and sent the eunuch Wu Gong with an edict to Ji Wu, saying, ‘Tell Ji Wu that there is a dead child in the box; bury it in a hidden place, and let no one know!’ Ji Wu dug a pit under the wall of the prison building and buried the child there. Countless other cases of poisoning or abortion occurred before the general amnesty on the day bingchen in the fourth month. I have carefully verified: In the third year of the Yongguang era, the man Zhong and others looted the tomb of Consort Fu of Changling. This matter occurred after an amnesty, and Emperor Xiaoyuan issued an edict saying, ‘This is a crime I should not pardon.’ So a thorough investigation was conducted, and all criminals were punished. The world considered this appropriate. Consort Zhao Zhao disrupted the sacred court and personally murdered the heir, so her relatives should suffer Heaven’s punishment. Yet her maternal siblings and relatives all occupy high positions, close to the palace, chilling the hearts of the officials. I request a full investigation!” The officials from the Chancellor down discussed punishment according to law, and Emperor Cheng then stripped the Marquis of Xincheng, Zhao Qin, and his nephew, the Marquis of Chengyang, Zhao Xin, of their titles, demoted them to commoners, and exiled their families to Liaoxi Commandery.

The Court Gentleman, Geng Yu, submitted a memorial: “I have heard that when the heir loses his proper line, and the legitimate son is deposed in favor of a concubine’s son, this is a prohibition established by the sages and the most important warning from antiquity to the present. Yet Taibo saw that Jili should become the legitimate heir, so he withdrew and yielded, firmly declined, and entrusted himself to the lands of Wu and Yue—this was a strategy of expediency, not following the usual path. Ultimately, it allowed Wang Ji to inherit the throne, to honor the sage heir, and thus to possess the world, with descendants inheriting the foundation for seven or eight hundred years, his achievements surpassing the Three Kings, and his virtue most complete. Therefore, the posthumous title reached back to Taiwang. Thus, the world must have extraordinary changes before extraordinary strategies arise. Emperor Xiaocheng himself knew that the heir had not been established in time. Considering that although there was no imperial son yet, after his death the state could not be maintained, the power was great, and it would fall under the control of a female ruler. A female ruler, arrogant and tyrannical, would have insatiable desires; a young and weak ruler would have ministers who disobey; and there was no minister like the Duke of Zhou to support him—he feared it would harm the altars of state and throw the world into chaos. He knew that Your Majesty possesses the virtue of sage-like understanding and wisdom, the kindness of filial piety and benevolence, and held a unique insight, making a personal decision in his heart. Therefore, he abolished the gradual path of concubine-born heirs and cut off the root of disaster from weak descendants, intending to pass the throne to Your Majesty to stabilize the ancestral temple. I, a foolish minister, could neither deeply consider safety and danger nor devise a stable strategy, nor could I extend the sage virtue or narrate the late emperor’s intentions. Instead, I have repeatedly investigated palace affairs, exposed private secrets, slandered the late emperor’s mistakes of infatuation and confusion, and created the consequence of a favored concubine’s jealousy and murder—greatly losing the wisdom of the sage’s far-reaching vision and violating the late emperor’s original intent to worry for the state! When discussing great virtue, one is not bound by vulgar conventions; when establishing great merit, one does not cater to the crowd. This is precisely how Emperor Xiaocheng’s deep and far-reaching thoughts far exceeded those of his ministers. Your Majesty’s sage virtue, vast and abundant, aligns with Heaven’s will—how could this be matched by the mediocre and shallow ministers of this age! Moreover, to praise and promote the beauty of a father’s virtue and to correct and remedy past faults is a universal principle from antiquity to the present. If matters were not firmly remonstrated at the time to prevent harm before it arose, but each catered and flattered to gain favor and tolerance; then, after the late emperor’s death, when his posthumous title was already fixed and all affairs were concluded, they pursue what cannot be undone and expose hidden faults—this deeply pains me! I hope Your Majesty will submit this to the appropriate department for discussion. If it is truly as I have said, it should be proclaimed to the world so that all know the origin of the late emperor’s sage intention. Otherwise, it would only allow slander and debate to reach the late emperor’s tomb, spread to later generations, extend to the barbarians in all directions, and be distributed within the seas—this is by no means the late emperor’s original intent in entrusting the heir. A filial son is skilled in carrying on his father’s will and in perfecting others’ achievements. I hope Your Majesty will examine this!” Emperor Cheng also considered that the Crown Prince had greatly benefited from Consort Zhao’s assistance, so he pursued the matter no further. Empress Dowager Fu was grateful to Empress Dowager Zhao, and Empress Dowager Zhao also turned her heart toward her, so the Grand Empress Dowager and the Wang clan all resented them.

On the day dingyou, the Grand Master of the Palace, Fu Xi, was appointed Grand Marshal and enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaowu.

In autumn, the ninth month, on the jia-chen day, two meteorites fell in Yu County. The Gentleman-of-the-Palace Ling Bao and the Yellow Gate Gentleman-at-the-Palace Duan You, along with others, again submitted a memorial, saying: "The Grand Empress Dowager of Dingtao Gong and the Empress of Dingtao Gong should no longer use the name of the Dingtao vassal state to crown their honorary titles; their carriages, horses, and garments should all conform to the regulations for an empress dowager; officials at and below the rank of two thousand bushels should be established, each fulfilling their duties; also, a temple should be built for Duke Gong in the capital." Emperor Cheng again submitted this proposal to the assembled officials for discussion, and most of them complied with his intent, saying: "The mother is honored because of her son; honorary titles should be established to manifest filial piety." Only the Chancellor Kong Guang, the Grand Marshal Fu Xi, and the Grand Minister of Works Shi Dan considered it unacceptable. Shi Dan said: "The sage kings established ritual laws, taking the pattern from Heaven and Earth. The distinction between the honored and the lowly is used to rectify the positions of Heaven and Earth and must not be confused. Now, the Grand Empress Dowager of Dingtao Gong and the Empress of Dingtao Gong are titled 'Dingtao Gong,' which is the principle of the mother following the son and the wife following the husband. To wish to establish an office with officials and to have their carriages, horses, and garments equal to those of the Grand Empress Dowager is not a way to manifest the principle that 'there is no two supremes in honor.' The posthumous title of Dingtao Gong has already been determined previously; according to principle, it cannot be changed. The ritual says: 'If the father was a commoner and the son is the Son of Heaven, the sacrifice uses the rites of the Son of Heaven, but the corpse of the deceased wears the garments of a commoner.' There is no principle for the son to honor the father, for this is to respect the parents. One who becomes the successor to another person is that person's son, so one wears the three-year mourning of zhan cui for the one whom one succeeds, and reduces the mourning period for one's own parents to one year; this is to manifest respect for the founding ancestor and to emphasize the legitimate lineage. Emperor Xiaocheng's sage grace was profound and far-reaching, so he established a successor for Duke Gong, allowing him to offer sacrifices, making Duke Gong the founding ancestor of a state that would endure for ten thousand generations without being destroyed; grace and righteousness were already complete. Your Majesty has succeeded the previous emperor, upholding the great lineage, and offers sacrifices to the ancestral temple, Heaven and Earth, and the altars of soil and grain; according to principle, you cannot again offer sacrifices to Dingtao Gong by entering his temple. Now, if you wish to build a temple in the capital and have ministers sacrifice there, this would be a sacrifice without a presiding person. Moreover, when the kinship relationship ends, the temple should be dismantled. To needlessly abolish the sacrifices of a state's founding ancestor that should not be destroyed, and adopt the improper ritual of a temple that has no presiding person and should be dismantled, is not a way to honor and treat Duke Gong with generosity." From this point, Shi Dan gradually fell out of favor with Emperor Cheng's intentions.

It happened that someone submitted a memorial saying: "In ancient times, tortoise shells and cowrie shells were used as currency; now, they have been replaced by coins, and the common people have become impoverished as a result; the currency system should be changed." Emperor Cheng asked Shi Dan about this, and Shi Dan replied that it could be changed. The memorial was handed to the relevant departments for discussion, and they all considered that coins had been used for a long time and could not be changed abruptly. Shi Dan was old and had forgotten what he had previously said, so he again went along with the opinions of the high officials. Additionally, Shi Dan had a subordinate write a memorial, and the subordinate privately copied the draft. Members of the Ding and Fu families heard of this and had someone submit a report accusing Shi Dan of "presenting a sealed memorial, but the draft of it was held by people on the road." Emperor Cheng consulted the generals and the officials of the Central Court on this matter, and they all replied: "A loyal minister does not remonstrate publicly. When a high official presents a memorial, it should not be leaked; he should be handed over to the Commandant of Justice for handling." The matter was referred to the Commandant of Justice, who impeached Shi Dan for the crime of great disrespect. Before the matter was decided, the Palace Steward for Consultation, Doctor Shen Xian, and Doctor Kuai Qin submitted a memorial, saying: "Shi Dan's knowledge of the classics and his conduct are matchless; among recent high officials, few can compare with him. He vented his indignation by presenting a sealed memorial, but did not have time to think deeply and plan far ahead; he had the chief clerk write it, and the fault of the leak does not lie with Shi Dan. To demote him because of this would probably not satisfy the hearts of the multitude." Emperor Cheng reduced the salaries of Shen Xian and Kuai Qin by two grades each. Thereupon, he issued an edict dismissing Shi Dan from his post, saying: "I consider that your position is honored and your responsibility great, yet you harbor treachery and delude the state; you advance and retreat in violation of commands, and your words change repeatedly; I am deeply ashamed of you! Because you once relied on the position of Empress Dowager Fu, I cannot bear to have you tried according to law; you shall hand over the seal and ribbon of Grand Minister of Works and Marquis of Gaole, and be dismissed to your home!"

The Master of Writings Tang Lin submitted a memorial, saying: "I have seen the edict dismissing the Grand Minister of Works Wang Dan; it is truly too harsh and cutting! When a gentleman writes an essay, he should avoid mention of the virtuous. Wang Dan's knowledge of the classics is the teacher of the Confucian scholars of the age; his virtue is the elder of the state; he personally served as Your Majesty's tutor and held the position of one of the Three Dukes; the fault he committed is very small, and the people of the world have not seen any great error in him. Since the matter is already past, the punishment of removing his title is too severe; knowledgeable people in the capital all consider that Wang Dan's title and fief should be restored, allowing him to attend court audiences. I hope Your Majesty will consider the hearts of the multitude when making a decision, in order to console and restore the position of the tutor minister!" The emperor followed Tang Lin's words and issued an edict granting Wang Dan the title of Marquis within the Passes.

The emperor adopted Du Ye's suggestion and summoned Zhu Bo, allowing him to leave his home and resume service as a Palace Attendant of Brilliant Light; he also promoted him to be Governor of the Capital. In winter, the tenth month, on the renwu day, he appointed Zhu Bo as Grand Minister of Works.

The King of Zhongshan, Liu Jizi, had suffered from an eye condition since childhood. His grandmother, Empress Dowager Feng, personally cared for and raised him, and she frequently prayed and sacrificed to avert calamities. The emperor sent the Palace Steward Intermuncius Zhang You to lead physicians to treat him. Zhang You had long suffered from a mad and erratic illness; when it attacked, he angrily left and returned west to Chang'an. The Master of Writings questioned Zhang You, according to the records, about the circumstances of his unauthorized departure. Zhang You, frightened, then falsely accused the Empress Dowager of Zhongshan of cursing the emperor and Empress Dowager Fu. Empress Dowager Fu and Empress Dowager Feng had once both served Emperor Yuan, and she had long harbored resentment. Therefore, she sent the Metropolitan Secretary Ding Xuan to investigate; after several tens of days, nothing was found. She then sent the Prefect of the Yellow Gate Internuncius Shi Li to conduct the trial; Shi Li, receiving Empress Dowager Fu's instructions and hoping to obtain a marquisate, interrogated Empress Dowager Feng's younger sister Feng Xi and her sister-in-law Junzhi, implicating and executing several tens of people, and falsely reported, saying: "She cursed and plotted to murder the emperor, and establish the King of Zhongshan as emperor." They interrogated Empress Dowager Feng, but she refused to confess. Shi Li said: "Back then, when the bear climbed up the hall, how brave you were! Why are you so timid now?" Empress Dowager Feng turned to her attendants and said: "These are words spoken within the palace; how could an official know about events from a previous reign? This is an attempt to frame me and force me to confess!" Thereupon, she took poison and killed herself. The Marquis of Yixiang, Feng Can, Junzhi, Feng Xi's husband, and their sons who were subject to punishment by association either killed themselves or were executed; in total, seventeen people died. There was no one who did not sympathize with them.

The Colonel of the Sili, Sun Bao, submitted a memorial requesting a reinvestigation of the Feng family case. Empress Dowager Fu was greatly enraged and said: "The emperor established the Colonel of the Sili specifically to spy on me! The Feng family's rebellion is clear and obvious, yet Sun Bao wants to pick it out and publicize my wrongdoing; I should punish him!" The emperor then complied with Empress Dowager Fu's intent and imprisoned Sun Bao. The Master of Writings of the Imperial Secretariat, Tang Lin, argued on Sun Bao's behalf. The emperor considered Tang Lin to be forming a faction and demoted him to be the Marquis of the Dunhuang Yuzhang Barrier. The Grand Marshal Fu Xi and the Palace Attendant of Brilliant Light Gong Sheng insisted on arguing, and the emperor interceded for them with the empress dowager, releasing Sun Bao and restoring his office. Zhang You, because he was the first to report, was granted the title of Marquis within the Passes; Shi Li was promoted to be Grand Chief of the Palace Gentlemen.