Book of Han, Volume 41
"Zizhi Tongjian" Volume 049
[Han Record 41] From the year Bingwu (106 AD) to the year Yimao (115 AD), a total of ten years.
Emperor Xiaoshang, Yanping First Year (Bingwu, 106 AD)
Spring, first month, on the day Xinmao, the Grand Commandant Zhang Yu was appointed Grand Tutor, and Minister of Works Xu Fang was appointed Grand Commandant, participating in overseeing the affairs of the Secretariat. The Empress Dowager, because the emperor was still in swaddling clothes, wanted high officials to reside within the palace. Thus, she issued an edict allowing Zhang Yu to live in the palace, returning to his residence only once every five days; each time he had an audience with the emperor, a special announcement was made to announce his presence, and he was not seated on the same mat as the Three Dukes.
The emperor's elder brother Liu Sheng was enfeoffed as the Prince of Pingyuan.
On the day Guimao, the Supervisor of the Imperial Household Liang You was appointed Minister of Works.
Third month, on the day Jiashen, Emperor Xiaohe was buried at Shen Mausoleum, with the temple name of Muzong.
On the day Bingxu, Liu Qing, Prince of Qinghe, Liu Shou, Prince of Jibei, Liu Kai, Prince of Hejian, and Liu Zhang, Prince of Changshan, began to proceed to their respective fiefdoms; the Empress Dowager specially bestowed special rites upon Liu Qing. Liu Qing's son, Liu Hu, was thirteen years old. Because the emperor was young and frail, and considering long-term precautions against unforeseen events, the Empress Dowager kept Liu Hu and his legal mother, Geng Ji, residing in the residence of the Prince of Qinghe. Geng Ji was the great-granddaughter of Geng Kuang; Liu Hu's mother was Zuo Ji of Qianwei Commandery.
Summer, fourth month, the Xianbei raided Yuyang Commandery. The Grand Administrator of Yuyang, Zhang Xian, led several hundred men out of the passes to pursue them. The Military Adjutant Yan Shou admonished, saying, "The road ahead is dangerous, and the situation of the bandits is difficult to assess. We should temporarily set up camp and first send light cavalry to reconnoiter them." Zhang Xian's will was very firm; he became angry and wanted to execute Yan Shou, then advanced. The foolish barbarians launched an ambush, and the soldiers scattered in flight. Only Yan Shou fought fiercely, suffering ten wounds and killing several men with his own hands before dying in battle. The Recorder Wei Fu and the Merit Officer Xu Xian both threw themselves into going to Zhang Xian's aid and died together in the battle array.
On the day Bingyin, Deng Zhi, Colonel of the Feathered Forest Guard, was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry, with rank and emoluments equal to the Three Dukes. Deng Zhi's younger brother, the Attendant at the Yellow Gate Deng Li, was made Colonel of the Feathered Forest Guard, while Deng Hong and Deng Chang both served as Palace Attendants.
Minister of Works Chen Chong died.
Fifth month, on the day Xinmao, a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire.
On the day Renchen, a mountain collapsed in Yuan County, Hedong Commandery.
Sixth month, on the day Dingwei, the Grand Master of Ceremonies Yin Qin was appointed Minister of Works.
Floods occurred in thirty-seven commanderies and principalities.
On the day Jiwei, the Empress Dowager issued an edict reducing various items such as clothing, carriages, precious foods, and elaborately made objects from the offices of the Grand Provisioner, the Grain Office, the Imperial Workshops, and the Inner Bureau. Unless needed for offerings at the imperial tombs, rice and millet were not to be finely selected, and morning and evening meals were to consist of only one meat dish and one serving of rice. Previously, the annual expenses of the Grand Provisioner and the Soup Office were nearly two hundred million cash; from then on, they were reduced to several tens of millions. As for tribute items from commanderies and principalities, all were reduced by more than half. All the hawks and dogs from the Shanglin Park were sold off. The grain, firewood, and charcoal stored in detached palaces and separate lodges were all ordered to be reduced.
On the day Dingmao, an edict was issued to release and send away the palace women of the Lateral Courts and those from imperial clans who had been confiscated by the government, all becoming commoners.
Autumn, seventh month, on the day Gengyin, an edict was issued to the Captain of the Capital Police and the Regional Inspectors, saying: "Recently, some commanderies and principalities have suffered floods, harming and damaging the autumn crops. The court blames itself, feeling anxious and fearful. But the commanderies and principalities, wanting to gain false praise for a bountiful harvest, have concealed and covered up disasters, over-reported the amount of cultivated land, not counted the displaced population, competed to increase household numbers, hidden and sheltered bandits, causing evil people to go unpunished, appointed officials out of order, made selections and recommendations contrary to reason, and been greedy, harsh, cruel, and venomous, bringing calamity to the common people. The Regional Inspectors have hung their heads and stopped their ears, currying favor and colluding with each other privately, not fearing Heaven and not feeling ashamed before men. The favor of loans and leniency cannot be relied upon repeatedly; from now on, I will investigate and punish them. The two-thousand-stone officials should each verify the damage and exempt them from land tax and fodder."
Eighth month, on the day Xinmao, the emperor died. On the day Guichou, his coffin was placed in the front hall of Chongde. The Empress Dowager, together with her elder brother, General of Chariots and Cavalry Deng Zhi, and the Colonel of the Feathered Forest Guard Deng Li, made a decision within the palace. That night, she sent Deng Zhi with a tally to use the king's blue-canopied carriage to welcome Liu Hu, the son of the Prince of Qinghe, and he fasted in the hall. The Empress Dowager personally went to the Chongde Hall, where all the officials wore auspicious garments and stood in attendance. She led Liu Hu forward to be presented and enfeoffed him as the Marquis of Chang'an. Then an edict was issued, making Liu Hu the heir of Emperor Xiaohe, and a document of appointment was also prepared. After the relevant officials finished reading the appointment document, the Grand Commandant presented the imperial seal and ribbon, and Liu Hu ascended the throne as emperor. The Empress Dowager still held court and administered affairs.
An edict was issued to the Captain of the Capital Police, the Grand Administrator of Henan, and the Grand Administrator of Nanyang, saying: "Whenever I read the history of previous dynasties, the guests of imperial relatives disturbed public affairs, becoming a calamity and suffering for the people. The fault lies in lax and slack law enforcement, and the failure to impose punishments promptly. Now, though General of Chariots and Cavalry Deng Zhi and others harbor intentions of respect and obedience, their clans and families are vast, and their in-laws are numerous. Their guests are cunning and treacherous, often violating prohibitions and laws. They should be publicly investigated and admonished, and not mutually shielded or tolerated." From then on, when relatives committed crimes, there was no leniency.
Ninth month, six provinces suffered major floods.
On the day Bingyin, Emperor Xiaoshang was buried at Kang Mausoleum. Because of successive major funerals, the people were burdened with labor services. The secret treasures in the tomb chamber and various construction tasks were all reduced and economized by ten percent.
On the day Yihai, a meteorite fell in Chenliu Commandery.
An edict was issued appointing Liang Qin of Beidi Commandery as Deputy Colonel of the Western Regions. When Liang Qin reached the west of the Yellow River, he happened to encounter rebellions in the various states of the Western Regions, which attacked the Protector General Ren Shang at Shule State. Ren Shang submitted a memorial asking for help, and an edict was issued ordering Liang Qin to lead five thousand Qiang and Hu cavalry from the four commanderies west of the Yellow River to rush to the rescue at top speed. Before Liang Qin arrived, Ren Shang had already lifted the siege. An edict was issued summoning Ren Shang to return, and the Cavalry Commandant Duan Xi was appointed Protector General, while the Senior Clerk of the Western Regions Zhao Bo was made Cavalry Commandant. Duan Xi and Zhao Bo defended the city of Tigan, but the city was small. Liang Qin believed it could not be held, so he deceived and persuaded the King of Qiuci, Bai Ba, wanting to enter and jointly defend his city. Bai Ba agreed, but the officials and people strongly admonished him, and Bai Ba did not listen. After Liang Qin entered, he sent generals to quickly welcome Duan Xi and Zhao Bo, combining the troops to eight or nine thousand men. The officials and people of Qiuci together rebelled against their king, and united with tens of thousands of troops from Wensu and Gumo to rebel, collectively besieging the city. Liang Qin and his men went out to fight and heavily defeated the rebels. After continuous battles for several months, the Hu troops were defeated and fled. Taking advantage of the victory, they pursued, cutting off over ten thousand heads and capturing several thousand alive. Qiuci was thus pacified.
Winter, tenth month, four provinces suffered major floods and hailstorms.
Liu Qing, Prince Qinghe the Filial, was seriously ill and submitted a memorial requesting to be buried beside the tomb of Song Guiren at Fan Zhuo. Twelfth month, on the day Jiazi, the Prince of Qinghe died.
On the day Yiyou, the performances of fish-dragon and man-yan acrobatics were stopped.
The Gentleman of the Secretariat from Nanyang, Fan Zhun, because Confucian learning was gradually declining, submitted a memorial, saying: "I have heard that a ruler cannot fail to learn. Emperor Guangwu received the Mandate of Heaven and restored the Han dynasty, fighting campaigns in all directions without leisure to rest, but still he laid down his weapons to study arts and literature, and halted his horses to discuss the Way. Emperor Xiaoming managed the myriad affairs of government, personally attending to everything, yet he devoted himself to the classics and fixed his mind on the scriptures and arts. Every time after the archery and feasting ceremonies, he would straighten his mat and personally lecture, with all the scholars listening together, and the people of the four directions rejoiced. He also extensively summoned famous scholars, placing them in the court. At every banquet, they discussed and debated happily and harmoniously, jointly seeking governance and education. Even the armored warriors of the Qimen and Yulin guards all understood the 'Classic of Filial Piety.' Transformation began from the ruler himself and spread to the barbarian lands. Therefore, those who discussed always praised the prosperous age, all calling it the Yongping era. Now, scholars are becoming fewer, especially in distant places. The Erudites sit idly in their lecture seats without teaching, while scholars compete in discussing frivolous and ornate matters, forgetting integrity and loyalty, and learning flattering words. In my humble opinion, a clear edict should be issued, widely seeking reclusive talents, honoring and promoting the refined and learned, to await the time when Your Majesty will lecture on the classics." The Empress Dowager deeply adopted his words and issued an edict: "The Dukes, Ministers, and officials of the two-thousand-stone rank should each recommend recluses and great scholars, carefully selecting those of high moral character to encourage later generations, and meticulously choose Erudites, ensuring that suitable people are obtained."
Emperor Xiaoan, Part One
Emperor Xiaoan, Yongchu First Year (Dingwei, 107 AD)
Spring, first month, guisi new moon day; a general amnesty was granted under Heaven.
The Qiang people from outside Shu Commandery submitted and returned to the interior.
Second month, dingmao day; land from Qinghe State was enfeoffed to grant the emperor’s younger brother Liu Changbao as King of Guangchuan.
Gengwu day; Minister over the Masses Liang Wei died.
Third month, guisi day; a solar eclipse occurred.
Jimao day; the Jiaoyao Yi barbarians from outside Yongchang Commandery, led by Lu Lei and others, submitted with their entire clan.
Jiashen day; Qinghe Xiao King was buried at Guangqiu. The Minister of Works and the Director of the Imperial Clan oversaw the funeral rites, which followed the precedents set for Donghai Gong King.
Since the mourning for Emperor He, Deng Zhi and his brothers had often resided in the palace. Deng Zhi did not wish to remain there long and repeatedly requested to return to their residence; the Empress Dowager consented. Summer, fourth month; Grand Tutor Zhang Yu, Grand Commandant Xu Fang, Minister of Works Yin Qin, General of Chariots and Cavalry Deng Zhi, Colonel of the City Gates Deng Li, Tiger Ben General of the Palace Deng Hong, and Yellow Gate Attendant Deng Chang were all enfeoffed as marquises, each with a fief of ten thousand households. Deng Zhi, for his merit in establishing the succession, received an additional three thousand households. Deng Zhi and his brothers declined and yielded, but were not permitted; they then evaded the envoys, twisting and turning to reach the palace gate, where they submitted memorials stating their intentions. Only after five or six attempts were they finally granted permission.
Fifth month, jiaxu day; the Chief of the Changle Guard, Lu Gong, was appointed Minister over the Masses. Lu Gong submitted a memorial: “According to the old system, minor punishments were only carried out at the beginning of autumn. Since the fifteenth year of Yongyuan, this was changed to the first month of summer. But the inspectors and grand administrators, in the height of summer, summon farmers, imprison, interrogate, and verify them, dragging things out without end. Above, this violates the seasonal timings; below, it harms agricultural production. According to the Monthly Ordinances, ‘In the first month of summer, minor penalties are decided’—this refers to light offenses that have already been examined, and it is to avoid prolonged detention that judgments are made promptly. In my ignorance, I believe the current system for the first month of summer can follow these Monthly Ordinances. All examinations and verifications of cases should be bounded by the beginning of autumn.” He further memorialized: “Emperor Xiao Zhang wished to aid the subtle workings of the three beginnings, so he established laws and issued edicts, ordering that all case judgments be made before the winter solstice. Minor officials who are not of one mind with the state generally, upon entering the eleventh month, encounter death-row prisoners and, without inquiring into right or wrong, immediately execute them. Even if there is doubt about the crime, they no longer examine or correct it. It could be stipulated that all capital cases be decided only in the winter month.” The court followed his advice.
Dingchou day; an edict enfeoffed Liu Pu, the grandson of Beihai King Liu Mu and Marquess of Shouguang, as King of Beihai.
The Man Yi of the Yelang state outside Jiuzhen Commandery submitted with all their territory.
The Protector General of the Western Regions, Duan Xi, and others had preserved Qiuci, but the roads were blocked and impassable, and correspondence could not get through. Among the high officials, those who debated said: “The Western Regions are remote and distant, have repeatedly rebelled, and the garrison of officials and soldiers and the farming colonies have no limit to their expenses.” Sixth month, renxu day; the office of Protector General of the Western Regions was abolished, and Colonel of Charioteers Wang Hong was sent to levy troops from Guanzhong to welcome Duan Xi, along with Liang Qin, Zhao Bo, and the officials and soldiers stationed at Yiwulu and Liuzhong for farming, to return.
Initially, the chieftain of the Burning Dang Qiang, Donghao, had a son, Manu, who had followed his father in surrendering and lived in Anding Commandery. At that time, the various surrendered Qiang were scattered across the commanderies and counties, all being exploited by officials and powerful families, accumulating much bitterness and resentment. When Wang Hong went west to welcome Duan Xi, he levied several hundred to a thousand Qiang cavalry from Jincheng, Longxi, and Hanyang to go with him, and the commanderies and counties again pressured and forced them to depart. The various Qiang, fearing they would be sent to distant garrisons and never return, when they reached Jiuquan, many scattered and rebelled. The commanderies and counties sent troops to intercept them, and some even burned their huts. Thus, the great chieftains of the Lejie and Dangjian, Dong’an and others, became even more frightened and fled in disorder. Manu and his brothers then led their tribe westward out of the frontier. The separate branch of the Xianling, Dianling, and the Zhong Qiang tribes plundered widely, cutting off the Long road. At that time, the Qiang had submitted long ago and no longer had weapons or armor; some held bamboo poles and wooden sticks as substitutes for spears and halberds, others carried boards on their backs as shields, and some held bronze mirrors to pass for weapons. The commanderies and counties were fearful and unable to stop them. Dingmao day; those Qiang who had conspired to rebel were pardoned.
Autumn, ninth month, wu day; Grand Commandant Xu Fang was dismissed by edict due to calamities and bandit uprisings. The dismissal of the Three Dukes due to calamities began with Xu Fang. Xinwei day; Minister of Works Yin Qin was dismissed by edict due to flood damage.
Zhongchang Tong, in his Changyan, said: “Emperor Guangwu, angered by the loss of imperial authority over several generations and resenting powerful ministers usurping power, overcorrected and did not delegate government affairs to subordinates. Although he established the Three Dukes, all matters were controlled by the Department of State Affairs. From then on, the positions of the Three Dukes were merely to fill the ranks; yet when governance was not well managed, they were still blamed. But power shifted to the families of maternal relatives, and favor was monopolized by eunuchs at the emperor’s side. They drew close to their own factions and appointed their own confidants, filling the capital within and spreading across the commanderies without, overturning the worthy and the foolish, manipulating appointments, sending the weary and incompetent to guard the borders, and sending the greedy and cruel to govern the people, harassing the populace, provoking the four barbarian tribes, inviting betrayal and disorder. Calamity arose from this, resentment erupted together, yin and yang were unbalanced, the three lights—sun, moon, and stars—were damaged and diminished, strange phenomena appeared repeatedly, insects devoured the crops, floods and droughts caused disasters. These were all brought about by maternal relatives and eunuchs, yet the blame was placed on the Three Dukes by edict, even to the point of execution or dismissal—this is indeed a cause to cry out to Heaven and weep bitterly! Furthermore, in the middle period, when selecting the Three Dukes, only those who were cautious and followed routine habits were valued—these were no more than the restraints of women and ordinary village folk—how could they be sufficient for such positions! The circumstances were already like that, and the selection was like this, yet it was hoped that the Three Dukes would establish merit for the state and achieve results for the people—was this not far off? In former times, Emperor Wen’s favor toward Deng Tong could be called extreme, yet he still allowed Shen Tu Jia to fulfill his intentions. With such employment, why worry about petty officials at the side? As for recent times, maternal relatives and eunuchs, if their requests were not granted or their desires not satisfied, could immediately inflict harm through unpredictable disasters—how could one then impeach or correct them? In former times, responsibilities were heavy but blame was light; now responsibilities are light but blame is heavy. Emperor Guangwu stripped the Three Dukes of their power, and it has become even more severe up to now; not delegating authority to the Empress’s family has not been implemented for several generations—this is due to differing circumstances of closeness and distance! If today the sovereign could truly entrust the Three Dukes exclusively, assign them duties, and demand results, and if the Three Dukes, while in office, caused the people to suffer, made improper appointments and recommendations, made the people uneasy, caused endless litigation, brought about frequent changes in Heaven and Earth, and produced many anomalies in people and things, only then could they share the blame!”
Renwu day; an edict: The Grand Coachman and the Lesser Treasury were to reduce the Yellow Gate Drummers to supplement the Feathered Forest troops; horses in the stables, if not those customarily ridden by the emperor, were to have their feed halved; all various manufactures, if not for use in the ancestral temples or imperial tombs, were to be temporarily stopped.
Gengyin day; Grand Tutor Zhang Yu was appointed Grand Commandant, and Grand Master of Ceremonies Zhou Zhang was appointed Minister of Works.
The Grand Prolonger of Autumn Zheng Zhong, the Central Attendant Cai Lun, and others all relied on their power to involve themselves in government affairs. Zhou Zhang repeatedly remonstrated directly, but the Empress Dowager did not adopt his advice. Initially, the Empress Dowager, because King of Pingyuan, Liu Sheng, had a stubborn illness, and coveting the youth of Emperor Shang, adopted him as her own son, and thus established him. When Emperor Shang died, the various officials believed Liu Sheng’s illness was not stubborn, and their hearts all inclined toward him. The Empress Dowager, because she had not previously established Liu Sheng, feared he would bear a grudge later, so she welcomed Emperor An to the throne. Zhou Zhang, because the people’s hearts were not with the new emperor, secretly plotted to close the palace gates, execute Deng Zhi and his brothers, along with Zheng Zhong and Cai Lun, seize the Secretary of State, depose the Empress Dowager in the Southern Palace, enfeoff Emperor An as a king in a distant place, and establish the King of Pingyuan. The plot was discovered. Winter, eleventh month, dinghai day; Zhou Zhang committed suicide.
Wuzi day; an edict was issued to the Colonel Director of the Retainers and the Inspectors of Ji Province and Bing Province: “The common people, alarmed by rumors, have abandoned their old homes. The old and weak support each other, suffering exhaustion on the roads. You are each to order the officials in your jurisdictions to go personally and explain: if they wish to return to their original commanderies, the local authorities are to issue them long travel permits; if they are unwilling, do not compel them.”
Twelfth month, yimao day; the Grand Administrator of Yingchuan, Zhang Min, was appointed Minister of Works.
An edict ordered the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Deng Zhi, and the Colonel Who Subdues the West, Ren Shang, to lead the Five Battalions along with troops from various commanderies, totaling fifty thousand men, to station at Hanyang to guard against the Qiang.
That year, eighteen commandery states experienced earthquakes, forty-one suffered major floods, and twenty-eight were hit by severe windstorms and hail.
The Xianbei chieftain Yanliyang came to the capital to pay court. The Empress Dowager bestowed upon Yanliyang a royal seal and ribbon, a vermilion chariot, and a three-horse team, and ordered him to reside below Ningcheng, where the Colonel of the Wuhuan had his seat, opening a trading market with the Hu people, whereupon two hostels for hostages were built in the north and south. One hundred and twenty Xianbei tribes each sent hostages.
Emperor Xiao’an, the Second Year of Yongchu (Year Wushen, AD 108)
Spring, first month. Deng Zhi reached Hanyang. Before the troops from the various commanderies had arrived, the Zhong Qiang, several thousand strong, defeated Deng Zhi’s army east of Ji County, killing over a thousand men. Liang Qin returned and reached Dunhuang. An imperial edict ordered Liang Qin to remain as a rear guard for the various armies. Liang Qin arrived at Zhangye and defeated over ten thousand men of the various Qiang; only two or three out of ten escaped. Advancing to Guzang, over three hundred Qiang great chieftains surrendered to Liang Qin, who comforted and pacified them all, sending them back to their original places.
The Palace Secretary, Fan Zhun, because the commandery states had suffered successive years of floods and droughts and the common people were mostly starving and distressed, submitted a memorial saying: “I request that the offices of the Grand Provisioner, the Palace Workshops, the Examiner of Merit, and the Imperial Parks and Ponds truly reduce those items that are of no use; the Five Bureaus reduce and dismiss the officials in the central government and the artisans in the capital. Moreover, in the disaster-stricken commanderies, the people are ruined and scattered; I fear that relief supplies alone cannot fully support them. Although there is the name, there is ultimately no real effect. It would be advisable to follow the precedent of the first year of Zhenghe, sending envoys bearing credentials to offer condolences and soothe them, and to relocate the especially destitute to the fertile commanderies of Jingzhou and Yangzhou. Although there is now the Western Campaign, the urgent needs of the eastern provinces should be addressed first.” The Empress Dowager followed his advice. She granted all the public fields to the poor, and immediately promoted Fan Zhun and Consultant Lü Cang to act concurrently as Gentlemen of the Palace. On the yichou day of the second month, Fan Zhun was sent to Ji Province and Lü Cang to Yan Province to distribute relief loans, and the wandering people were all able to rest and recover. Summer. Drought. On the bingyin day of the fifth month, the Empress Dowager visited the Luoyang Prison and the Ruolu Prison to review the cases of prisoners. In Luoyang, there was a prisoner who had actually not killed anyone but had been tortured into a false confession. Emaciated and exhausted, he was carried in to see her. Fearing the officials, he dared not speak, but as he was about to leave, he raised his head as if wanting to appeal. The Empress Dowager observed this and immediately called him back to inquire about the circumstances, fully obtaining the truth of the injustice. She promptly arrested the Luoyang magistrate and sent him to prison to pay for the crime. Before the Empress Dowager had returned to the palace, a timely heavy rain fell.
Sixth month. The capital and forty commandery states suffered great floods, windstorms, and hail. Autumn, seventh month. Venus entered the Dipper constellation. Intercalary month, on the xinchou day, Liu Changbao, the King of Guangchuan, died. He had no son, and his kingdom was abolished.
On the guiwei day, the Qiang beyond the Shu commandery border surrendered in their entirety.
Winter. Deng Zhi sent Ren Shang and the Attendant Officer of the Central Office, Henei man Sima Jun, leading troops from the various commanderies, to engage Dianling and several tens of thousands of others at Pingxiang. Ren Shang’s army was severely defeated, with over eight thousand dead. The Qiang forces thus became very powerful, and the court could not control them. In the counties of Huangzhong, a single shi of millet was worth ten thousand cash. The people’s deaths were incalculable, and transportation was extremely difficult. The former Prefect of the Left Workshop, Henan man Pang Can, who had earlier broken the law and was sentenced to hard labor in the Ruolu Prison, had his son Pang Jun submit a memorial saying: “Now the western provinces are in turmoil with wandering people, and conscriptions are unending. The floods have not yet subsided, and the land’s strength has not recovered. Added to this are the great armies, which exhaust the soldiers on distant garrison duty, drain agricultural labor through transport, deplete resources through levies, leave fields unplowed, and crops unharvested. With their hands tied and in dire straits, there is no hope of reaching next autumn. The people’s strength is exhausted; they can no longer bear this fate. Your servant believes that transporting grain over ten thousand li to distant Qiang and Rong lands is not as good as concentrating forces, resting the troops, and waiting for the enemy to tire. The General of Chariots and Cavalry, Deng Zhi, should temporarily halt and rest the army, leaving the Colonel of the Western Expedition, Ren Shang, to oversee the transfer of the soldiers and people of Liang Province to the Three Auxiliary Regions, exempting them from corvée labor to help them not miss the farming season, stopping oppressive taxes to increase their wealth, so that men can plow and women can weave. Then, when the elite are rested and the enemy is dispirited and slack, we can strike when they are unprepared. Then the border people’s grievances can be avenged, and the shame of defeat can be washed away.” When the memorial was submitted, it happened that Fan Zhun recommended Pang Can in a memorial. The Empress Dowager immediately summoned Pang Can from among the prisoners, appointed him as a Messenger, and sent him west to supervise the garrisons of the Three Auxiliary Regions. On the xinyou day of the eleventh month, an edict ordered Deng Zhi to withdraw his army, leaving Ren Shang to garrison Hanyang as the overall commander of the various armies. An envoy was sent to welcome Deng Zhi and appoint him Grand General. When Deng Zhi arrived, the Grand Herald was sent to greet him in person, the Palace Attendant Regular Attendant to comfort him in the suburbs, and kings, princesses, and others lined the roads to wait on him. His favor was conspicuous, and his glory shook the capital and its surroundings.
Dianling proclaimed himself Son of Heaven, assembled the Canlang Qiang of Wudu and various miscellaneous Qiang of Shang Commandery and Xihe in Beidi, cut off the Long Road, plundered the Three Auxiliary Regions, and then advanced south into Yi Province, killing the Grand Administrator of Hanzhong, Dong Bing. Liang Qin received an edict to garrison Jincheng, but hearing that the Qiang were plundering the Three Auxiliary Regions, he immediately led his troops to attack them. He fought in turn between Wugong and Meiyang, repeatedly breaking and driving them back, and the Qiang gradually scattered and withdrew.
Twelfth month. The Canlang Qiang beyond Guanghan commandery border surrendered.
That year, twelve commandery states experienced earthquakes.
Emperor Xiao’an, the Third Year of Yongchu (Year Jiyou, AD 109)
Spring, first month. On the gengzi day, the Emperor came of age and was capped. A general amnesty was granted.
The Cavalry Commandant Ren Ren was sent to supervise the garrison troops of the various commanderies to rescue the Three Auxiliary Regions. Ren Ren fought many battles but was repeatedly defeated. The Dangjian and Leijie Qiang attacked and captured Poqiang County. The Zhong Qiang captured Lintao County, taking prisoner the Colonel of the Southern Part of Longxi.
Third month. A great famine occurred in the capital, with people eating one another. On the renchen day, the Three Dukes and high officials came to the palace gate to apologize. An edict said: “We must seek methods of recovery and restoration to help make up for Our inadequacies.”
On the renyin day, the Minister over the Masses, Lu Gong, was dismissed. Lu Gong had twice held the office of a high minister. Among those he selected and recommended, those who advanced to the ranks of the Nine Ministers or commandery governors numbered several tens, yet some of his old private students were not recommended, to the point that some harbored resentment. When Lu Gong heard of this, he said: “If learning is not pursued, that is what I worry about. Do these students not have the opportunity to be recommended by their home districts?” He never said anything further, nor did he use this matter to make pronouncements. When students received instruction from him, he would always have them delve deeply into difficult questions; only after their studies were completed would he dismiss them and send them off. The students said: “Lu Gong’s dismissals and discussions are not to be easily obtained.”
Summer, fourth month, on the bingyin day, the Grand Herald, Jiujiang man Xia Qin, was appointed Minister over the Masses.
The Three Dukes, because the state’s resources were insufficient, submitted a memorial requesting that officials and common people be allowed to contribute cash and grain, and thereby receive ranks such as Marquis of the Interior, Tiger Rush Gentlemen, Feathered Forest Gentlemen, Five Offices, Grandees, government clerks, Grooms, and Barrack Soldiers, each with graded distinctions.
On the jiashen day, Liu Huwei, the Min King of Qinghe, died without a son. On the bingshen day of the fifth month, Liu Yanping, son of Liu Chong, the King of Le’an, was enfeoffed as King of Qinghe, to serve as the successor of King Xiao.
Sixth month. The Wuhuan of Yuyang and the Hu of Youbeiping, over a thousand strong, invaded Dai Commandery and Shanggu.
A Han man, Han Cong, followed the Southern Xiongnu Chanyu to court for an audience. After returning, he advised the Southern Chanyu, saying: “The region east of the Pass has suffered floods, and the people are starving to death, almost gone. It can be attacked.” The Chanyu believed him and therefore rebelled.
Autumn, seventh month. The pirate Zhang Bolu and others invaded the nine coastal commanderies, killing officials of the two-thousand-shi rank, county magistrates, and county chiefs. The court sent the Attendant Secretary, Bazhong man Pang Xiong, to lead the troops of the provinces and commanderies to attack them. Zhang Bolu and his followers requested to surrender, but soon gathered together again.
Ninth month. The Wuhuan King of the Multitude, Wuhe Yuyun, of Yanmen, together with the Xianbei chieftain Qiulun and others, and the Southern Xiongnu Guduhou, allied seven thousand cavalry to invade Wuyuan. They fought with the Grand Administrator at Gaogu Valley, and the Han army was severely defeated.
The Southern Chanyu besieged the Colonel of the Central Army, Geng Zhong, at Meiji. Winter, eleventh month. The Grand Minister of Agriculture, Chen man He Xi, was appointed acting General of Chariots and Cavalry, with the Colonel of the Central Army, Pang Xiong, as his deputy, leading the Five Camps and over twenty thousand troops from the border commanderies. An edict was also sent ordering the Grand Administrator of Liaodong, Geng Kui, to lead the Xianbei and troops from the various commanderies to attack them together. Liang Qin was appointed acting Colonel of the Du Liao. Pang Xiong and Geng Kui attacked the Southern Xiongnu Yujue Rizhu King and defeated him.
Twelfth month, on the xinyou day, nine commandery states experienced earthquakes.
In the year Yi Hai, a comet appeared near the constellation Tianyuan.
That same year, the capital and forty-one commanderies and principalities suffered damage from excessive rain, while Bingzhou and Liangzhou experienced severe famine, leading to instances of cannibalism.
The Empress Dowager, citing the imbalance of yin and yang and the repeated outbreaks of war, issued an edict that during the year-end banquet to see off the palace guards, no theatrical performances or music should be arranged, and the number of exorcist boys used to drive away plague spirits should be reduced by half.
Yongchu Fourth Year of Emperor Xiao'an (Gengxu, AD 110)
Spring, first month, on the New Year's Day court assembly, the music was removed, and the chariots for display were not arranged.
During Deng Zhi's tenure in office, he was very adept at recommending worthy and capable men. He recommended He Xi, Li He, and others to serve at court, and also summoned Yang Zhen of Hongnong and Chen Chan of Ba Commandery to serve in his own (administrative staff), earning praise from the realm. Yang Zhen, orphaned and poor but fond of learning, was well-versed in the Ouyang version of the Book of Documents, his knowledge broad and his insight penetrating. For this, Confucian scholars praised him, saying: "Yang Boqi of Guanzhong is the Confucius of the region." He taught students for over twenty years and never accepted appointments or summons from the commanderies or kingdoms. Everyone thought he was old, but Yang Zhen's resolve only grew firmer. When Deng Zhi heard of him and summoned him, Yang Zhen was already over fifty years old. He was promoted several times to serve as Inspector of Jingzhou and Grand Administrator of Donglai. On his way to take up his post in Donglai, he passed through Changyi. Wang Mi, whom Yang Zhen had previously recommended as a Maocai (cultivated talent) from Jingzhou, was serving as the magistrate of Changyi. At night, Wang Mi came with ten catties of gold in his bosom to present to Yang Zhen. Yang Zhen said, "An old friend knows you, but you do not know your old friend—why is this?" Wang Mi replied, "At night, no one will know." Yang Zhen said, "Heaven knows, Earth knows, I know, and you know—how can you say no one knows?" Wang Mi left in shame. Later, Yang Zhen was transferred to serve as Grand Administrator of Zhuo Commandery. By nature, he was upright and incorruptible. His descendants often ate vegetables and traveled on foot. Among his old friends, some wanted him to acquire property for his descendants, but Yang Zhen refused, saying: "Let future generations call them the descendants of an incorruptible official. Leaving them this legacy—is that not generous enough?"
Zhang Bolu again attacked commanderies and counties, killing officials, and his followers grew more numerous. The court issued an edict dispatching the Palace Assistant Secretary Wang Zong, bearing credentials, to mobilize several tens of thousands of troops from the commanderies of Youzhou and Jizhou. They also summoned Fuxiong, the magistrate of Wanling County and a native of Fufeng, to serve as Inspector of Qingzhou, and together with Wang Zong, they coordinated efforts to suppress them.
The Southern Chanyu besieged Geng Zhong for several months. Liang Qin and Geng Kui attacked and killed one of his separate generals at the old city of the Dependent State. The Chanyu personally led his forces to meet them in battle, but Liang Qin and his men defeated him again. The Chanyu then led his troops back to Huze.
On the day Bingwu, an edict was issued reducing the salaries of all officials, from the central government down to the commanderies and counties, according to various grades and differences. In the second month, the Southern Xiongnu invaded Changshan.
Dianling sent troops to invade Bao Zhong. The Grand Administrator of Hanzhong, Zheng Qin, moved his forces to station at Bao Zhong. Ren Shang's army had been in the field for a long time without achieving merit, and the people had neglected farming and sericulture. An edict was therefore issued ordering Ren Shang to lead his officers and troops back to garrison Chang'an and disband the officers and soldiers from Nanyang, Yingchuan, and Runan. On the day Yichou, for the first time, the position of Jingzhao Huyang Colonel was established at Chang'an, and the Fufeng Colonel was established at Yong, following the precedent of the Three Auxiliary Colonels of the Western Capital.
The Intermuncio Pang Can advised Deng Zhi to relocate the common people of the border commanderies who could not sustain themselves to live in the Three Auxiliary regions. Deng Zhi thought this was correct and wanted to abandon Liangzhou to concentrate forces on the northern border. He then summoned the high ministers for a council meeting. Deng Zhi said, "It is like a torn garment: using one piece to patch another still leaves one part intact. If we do not do this, both will be lost." The high ministers all thought this correct. Yu Xu, a Gentleman of the Interior from Chen Commandery, said to Grand Commandant Zhang Yu: "If the Grand General's strategy is implemented, there are three reasons it cannot be done: First, the late emperor opened up territories, endured hardships, and then pacified them. Now, fearing small expenses, we abandon everything—this is the first unacceptability. Second, since Liangzhou is abandoned, the Three Auxiliaries will serve as the border, and thus the imperial tombs and mausoleums will be exposed to the outside—this is the second unacceptability. Third, a proverb says: 'Guanzhong produces generals; Guandong produces chancellors.' The stalwart men and martial officials mostly come from Liangzhou. The local people are vigorous, brave, and familiar with military affairs. The reason the Qiang and Hu do not dare to enter and occupy the Three Auxiliaries as a threat to the heartland is because Liangzhou lies behind them. The reason the officers and commoners of Liangzhou can charge into battle, face arrows and stones in the ranks, with fathers dying in front and sons continuing the fight without any thought of turning back, is because they are subjects of the Han dynasty. Now if we push them away and abandon them, sever and discard them, the people, who are attached to their land and loath to move, will inevitably stretch their necks in resentment and say: 'The court has cast us off to the barbarians!' Even those inclined to righteousness and goodness cannot but feel resentment. If suddenly someone plots rebellion, taking advantage of the realm's famine and ruin, exploiting the empire's weakness, heroes and bold men gather together, assess their abilities, and choose a leader, driving the Di and Qiang as the vanguard, and sweeping eastward—even if we had warriors like Meng Ben and Xia Yu as soldiers and strategists like Jiang Ziya as generals, I fear we would still be unable to resist and defend against them. If this happens, then everything west of Hangu Pass, including the imperial parks and old capital, will no longer belong to the Han—this is the third unacceptability. Those who argue compare it to patching a garment to keep part intact, but I fear it is like a spreading sore that will never stop!" Zhang Yu said, "My thoughts never reached this point. Without your words, I would have nearly ruined the state's great affairs!" Yu Xu then advised Zhang Yu: "Gather the heroes and bold men of Liangzhou, recommend the sons and younger brothers of their provincial governors and grand administrators to the court, and order each government office to summon several men. Externally, this will encourage and reward them for their efforts and hardships; internally, it will restrain and prevent their evil schemes." Zhang Yu thought his words good and again summoned the four offices (Grand Tutor, Grand Commandant, Minister over the Masses, and Minister of Works) to discuss together. They all followed Yu Xu's advice. Thus, they summoned the bold men of the Western Provinces to serve as subordinate officials and appointed the sons and younger brothers of provincial governors, grand administrators, and chief officials as Gentlemen of the Palace to pacify them.
Because of this, Deng Zhi came to detest Yu Xu and sought to harm him through legal means. Just then, the bandits of Zhaoge, led by Ning Ji and several thousand others, attacked and killed the chief officials, gathered and camped for years, and the provinces and commanderies could not suppress them. Deng Zhi then appointed Yu Xu as the magistrate of Zhaoge County. His old friends all came to console him, but Yu Xu laughed and said: "Not avoiding difficulties in carrying out one's duties is the responsibility of a subject. Without encountering tangled roots and intertwined knots, one cannot distinguish a sharp blade. This is precisely the time for me to establish merit." Upon arriving at his post, he went to pay respects to the Grand Administrator of Henei, Ma Leng. Ma Leng said: "You are a Confucian scholar; you should be planning state affairs at court. Now you are at Zhaoge—I am deeply worried for you." Yu Xu replied: "These bandits are nothing more than a gathering of dogs and sheep, seeking only food and warmth. I hope you need not worry." Ma Leng asked: "Why do you say this?" Yu Xu said: "Zhaoge lies at the border of the old states of Han and Wei. It backs onto the Taihang Mountains, faces the Yellow River, and is less than a hundred li from Aocang Granary. Moreover, the displaced people from Qingzhou and Jizhou number in the tens of thousands. Yet the bandits do not know to open the granaries to gather the masses, plunder the armories for weapons, occupy Chenggao, and cut off the empire's right arm—so there is no need for concern. Now their followers have recently grown strong, making it difficult to contend with them head-on. In warfare, one should not disdain stratagems. I hope you will exercise lenient control and not place too many restrictions on me." When he took up his post, he established three categories to recruit stout-hearted men. All the subordinate officials, from the clerks and scribes down, each recommended those they knew: those who had committed robbery and murder were placed in the top category; those who had wounded people or stolen were in the middle; and those who did not engage in household occupations were in the bottom. He gathered over a hundred men, feasted them, pardoned all their crimes, and sent them to infiltrate the bandits and lure them out to plunder. He then ambushed them and killed several hundred bandits. He also secretly sent poor men skilled in sewing to make clothes for the bandits, marking them with colored thread sewn into the collars. Whenever such people went to the market, the officials would seize them. As a result, the bandits were terrified and scattered, all praising him as a god. The county was completely pacified.
In the third month, He Xi's army reached Manbai in Wuyuan Commandery, when he suddenly fell ill and could not advance. He sent Pang Xiong together with Liang Qin and Geng Zhong to lead 16,000 infantry and cavalry to attack Huze, linking their camps and gradually pressing forward. The Chanyu, seeing the various armies advancing together, became greatly frightened and turned to rebuke Han Gui, saying: "You said that all the Han people were dead. What are these men?" Thereupon he sent an envoy to request surrender, and the court granted it. The Chanyu removed his cap and went barefoot, kneeling before Pang Xiong and the others to state his submission, declaring himself guilty of a capital offense. Thus he was pardoned and treated as before. He returned the Han men and women he had captured, along with over ten thousand people who had been seized by the Qiang and resold into Xiongnu territory. Just then He Xi died, and Liang Qin was appointed Colonel of Duh Liao. Pang Xiong returned to court and became Grand Herald.
The Xianling Qiang again invaded Baozhong. Zheng Qin wanted to attack them, but his chief clerk Duan Chong remonstrated, saying: "The enemy comes in the wake of victory, and their edge cannot be withstood. You should hold firm and wait for them." Zheng Qin did not listen. He sent out troops to engage in battle, suffered a great defeat, and lost more than three thousand men. Duan Chong, along with the subordinate officials Wang Zong and Yuan Zhan, shielded him with their own bodies and died together with Zheng Qin.
The seat of Jincheng Commandery was moved to Xiangwu.
On the day wuzi, there was a fire in the Duling Garden.
On the day guisi, earthquakes occurred in nine commanderies and kingdoms.
In summer, in the fourth month, a locust plague struck six provinces.
On the day dingchou, a general amnesty was granted.
Wang Zong and Fa Xiong fought successive battles with Zhang Bolu, defeated him, and drove him away. Just then, an amnesty was proclaimed by the court. The bandits, seeing that the government forces had not disarmed, did not dare to surrender and submit. Wang Zong summoned the commandery governors and grand administrators to discuss the matter. All thought it proper to continue the pursuit. Fa Xiong said: "That is not so. Weapons are instruments of ill omen, and war is a dangerous affair. Bravery cannot be relied upon, and victory cannot be guaranteed. If the bandits take to boats and cross the sea, penetrating deep into distant islands, it will not be easy to attack them. Taking advantage of the amnesty, we can temporarily withdraw our troops to soothe and entice their hearts. They are sure to disperse of their own accord. Then we can plan against them and pacify them without battle." Wang Zong considered his words excellent and withdrew the troops. When the bandits heard of this, they were greatly delighted and thereupon returned the people they had captured. But only the army of Donglai Commandery did not disarm. The bandits again became frightened and fled to Liaodong, staying on an island in the sea.
In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day yiyou, great floods occurred in three commanderies.
The Commandant of Cavalry, Ren Ren, fought the Qiang repeatedly without success, and his soldiers acted lawlessly. He was sent to the Commandant of Justice in a prison cart and executed. The Protector of the Qiang, Duan Xi, died, and the former Protector Hou Ba was appointed in his place, moving his garrison to Zhangye.
In the ninth month, on the day jiashen, an earthquake struck Yizhou Commandery.
The Empress Dowager's mother, the Lady of Xinye, fell ill. The Empress Dowager visited her residence and stayed there for several days. The Three Dukes submitted a memorial earnestly remonstrating, and only then did the Empress Dowager return to the palace. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day jiaxu, the Lady of Xinye died. The Empress Dowager sent the Minister of Works to handle the funeral, with rites equal to those for the Prince Gong of Donghai. Deng Zhi and the others requested resignation to observe mourning. The Empress Dowager wished to refuse, and consulted Cao Dagu about it. Cao Dagu submitted a memorial, saying: "I have heard that the virtue of yielding is the greatest of virtues. Now the four maternal uncles deeply uphold loyalty and filial piety, drawing themselves back in retirement. But Your Majesty, because the four quarters are not yet settled, has refused and not permitted it. If later there is the slightest fault greater than the present, I truly fear that the good name of yielding can no longer be obtained." The Empress Dowager then granted their request. When the mourning period ended, she issued an edict summoning Deng Zhi back to assist in governance and again granted him his former titles. Deng Zhi and the others knocked their heads and firmly declined, so the matter was dropped. Thereupon they all merely served as "Attendants at Court," ranking below the Three Dukes but above the Specially Advanced and the Marquises. Only when there was a major court discussion did they go to the court hall and deliberate together with the high ministers.
The Empress Dowager issued an edict ordering all the relatives of Empress Yin to return to their original commanderies and counties, and returning their assets of over five million cash.
Emperor Xiao'an, First Year of Yongchu (Xinhai Year, 111 CE)
In spring, in the first month, the first day of the month was gengchen, and a solar eclipse occurred.
On the day bingxu, earthquakes occurred in ten commanderies and kingdoms.
On the day jichou, Grand Commandant Zhang Yu was dismissed. On the day jiashen, Li Xiu of Yingchuan, the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat, was appointed Grand Commandant.
The Xianling Qiang invaded Hedong Commandery and reached Henei Commandery. The people were thrown into mutual alarm, and many fled south across the Yellow River. The court sent the Colonel of the Northern Army, Zhu Chong, to lead troops of the five garrisons to encamp at Mengjin. An edict ordered Wei Commandery, Zhao Kingdom, Changshan Kingdom, and Zhongshan Kingdom to construct a total of 616 forts and watchtowers. The Qiang had already become powerful, and the two-thousand-bushel officials, magistrates, and chiefs of the border commanderies were mostly from the interior commanderies. None had the will to defend their cities, and all vied to submit requests to move their commandery and county seats inland to avoid the calamity of the enemy. In the third month, an edict moved the seat of Longxi Commandery to Xiangwu, that of Anding Commandery to Meiyang, that of Beidi Commandery to Chiyang, and that of Shang Commandery to Ya County. The people cherished their old lands and were unwilling to leave their former places. The authorities then cut down their crops, demolished their houses, leveled their ramparts and stockades, and destroyed their accumulated goods. At the time, there were successive droughts, locust plagues, and famines. Driving, pressing, plundering, and looting caused the people to scatter and suffer losses. On the roads, many died. Some abandoned their old and weak family members, and some were sold as slaves. A loss of over half the population occurred. The court again appointed Ren Shang as Palace Attendant. He attacked the Qiang at Yangtou Mountain in Shangdang Commandery, defeated them, and thereupon withdrew the garrison at Mengjin.
The King of Fuyu invaded Lelang Commandery.
The King of Goguryeo, Gong, together with the Yemaek, invaded Xuantu Commandery.
In summer, in the intercalary fourth month, on the day dingyou, a general amnesty was granted in Liang Province and the four commanderies west of the Yellow River.
Zhang Bolu of the Hai Commandery again invaded Donglai Commandery. The Inspector of Qing Province, Fa Xiong, defeated him. The bandits fled back to Liaodong, where Li Jiu and others of Liaodong jointly killed him. Thus the province was cleared and pacified.
In autumn, in the ninth month, Du Qi of Hanyang, together with his younger brother Du Jigong, Wang Xin of the same commandery, and others, conspired with the Qiang, gathered a following, and occupied the city of Shanggui. In winter, in the twelfth month, the Grand Administrator of Hanyang, Zhao Bo, sent a retainer, Du Xi, to assassinate Du Qi. Du Xi was enfeoffed as Marquis of Tao Jian. Du Jigong, Wang Xin, and others led their followers to occupy the Chuguan Camp.
In this year, locust plagues struck nine provinces, and floods occurred in eight commanderies and kingdoms.
Emperor Xiao'an, Sixth Year of Yongchu (Renzi Year, 112 CE)
In spring, in the first month, on the day jiayin, an edict said: "The tribute offerings of fresh food are mostly not in season. Some are forced to ripen by confinement and heat, and some are dug up as sprouts. Their flavor is not worth anything, and yet they interrupt the growth of living things. Is this in accord with the seasons for nurturing the myriad things? The Zhuan says: 'Do not eat what is not in season.' Henceforth, everything that should be offered in sacrifice to the tombs and temples, as well as supplies for the imperial table, must wait until the season is ripe before being presented." In all, twenty-three items were eliminated.
In the third month, locust plagues struck ten provinces.
In summer, in the fourth month, on the day yichou, Minister of Works Zhang Min was dismissed. On the day jimao, Liu Kai, Grand Master of Ceremonies, was appointed Minister of Works.
An edict was issued: All the descendants of the twenty-eight meritorious generals of the Jianwu period of Emperor Guangwu were allowed to inherit their titles.
In the fifth month, there was a drought.
On the day bingyin, an edict ordered all officials from the rank of two thousand bushels down to those with yellow seals to have their original salaries and ranks restored. In the sixth month, on the day renchen, there was a landslide at Yuanxi Yuanshan in Yuzhang Commandery.
On the day xinsi, a general amnesty was granted.
The Imperial Clerk Tang Xi attacked the bandit Wang Xin of Hanyang, defeated him, and killed him. Du Jigong fled and defected to Dianling. In this year, Dianling died. His son Lingchang succeeded him, but was still young. A clansman named Lang Mo planned for him. Du Jigong was appointed General and stationed separately at Dingxi City.
Emperor Xiao'an, Seventh Year of Yongchu (Guichou Year, 113 CE)
In spring, in the second month, on the day bingwu, earthquakes occurred in eighteen commanderies and kingdoms.
In summer, in the fourth month, on the day yiwei, Liu Sheng, Prince Huai of Pingyuan, died without a son. The Empress Dowager established Liu De, son of Liu Chong, Prince Yi of Lean, as Prince of Pingyuan.
On the day bingshen, the last day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.
In autumn, the Protector of the Qiang, Hou Ba, and the Commandant of Cavalry, Ma Xian, attacked a branch of the Xianling Qiang called Lao Qiang in Anding Commandery, beheading and capturing one thousand men.
A locust plague occurred.
Emperor Xiao'an, First Year of Yuanchu (Jiayin Year, 114 CE)
In the spring, in the first month, on the jiazi day, the reign title was changed.
In the second month, on the yimao day, the ground in Rinan Commandery split open for a length of over one hundred li.
In the third month, on the guihai day, a solar eclipse occurred.
An edict was issued to send troops to guard thirty-three strategic passes in Henei Commandery connecting to various regions; all were to build ramparts and fortresses, set up signal drums, and prepare against Qiang incursions.
In the summer, in the fourth month, on the dingyou day, a general amnesty was granted.
The capital Luoyang and five commanderies and kingdoms suffered drought and locust plagues.
In the fifth month, the Xianling Qiang invaded Yong City.
In the autumn, in the seventh month, the Yi people of Shu Commandery invaded Canling County and killed the county magistrate.
In the ninth month, on the yichou day, Grand Commandant Li Xiu was dismissed from office.
The Qiang chieftain Haoduo, together with various tribes, plundered and raided Wudu, Hanzhong, and Ba commanderies. The Bandun Man came to their rescue. Cheng Xin, the wuguan yuan of Hanzhong Commandery, led commandery troops and joined with the Man to defeat them. Haoduo fled back, cut off the Long Road, and joined forces with Lingchang. Hou Ba and Ma Xian engaged them in battle at Fuhan and defeated them.
On the xinwei day, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Shan Yang native Sima Bao, was appointed Grand Commandant.
In the winter, in the tenth month, on the wuzi day of the new moon, a solar eclipse occurred.
The Inspector of Liang Province, Pi Yang, attacked the Qiang at Didao, suffered a great defeat, and lost over eight hundred men.
In this year, fifteen commanderies and kingdoms experienced earthquakes.
In the spring of the second year of the Yuanchu era of Emperor Xiao'an (the yimao year, AD 115), the Protector of the Qiang, Pang Can, used kindness and trust to induce the various Qiang tribes to submit. Haoduo and others led their followers to surrender. Pang Can escorted them to the capital for an audience. The Emperor bestowed on Haoduo the seal of a marquis and then sent him back. Only then did Pang Can return to his headquarters at Lingju, opening the road through the Hexi Corridor.
Lingchang divided his forces to invade Yi Province. The court sent Zhonglang Jiang Yin Jiu to campaign against them.
In the summer, in the fourth month, on the bingwu day, the Noble Consort Yan, a native of Xingyang, was established as Empress. The Empress was naturally jealous. When a palace woman named Li gave birth to the imperial prince Liu Bao, the Empress poisoned Li to death with poisoned wine.
In the fifth month, the capital Luoyang suffered drought. The Intendant of Henan and nineteen commanderies and kingdoms suffered locust plagues.
In the sixth month, on the bingxu day, Grand Commandant Sima Bao died.
In the autumn, in the seventh month, on the xinsi day, the Grand Coachman, Tai Shan native Ma Ying, was appointed Grand Commandant.
In the eighth month, the Xianbei people of Liaodong Commandery surrounded Wulu County. In the ninth month, they attacked Fuli Camp and killed the county magistrate.
On the renwu day, the last day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.
Yin Jiu attacked the Qiang confederates Lü Shudu and others. The Shu natives Chen Sheng and Luo Heng, having answered the call for recruits, assassinated Lü Shudu. Both were enfeoffed as marquises and rewarded with money.
An edict was issued ordering Colonel of Garrison Cavalry Ban Xiong to garrison the Three Auxiliary Regions. Ban Xiong was the son of Ban Chao. The Left Assistant of the Left Fengyi, Sima Jun, was appointed Acting General Who Conquers the West, commanding over eight thousand troops from various commanderies in Guanzhong. Pang Can led over seven thousand Qiang and Hu troops and, together with Sima Jun, attacked Lingchang by separate routes. Pang Can's army reached the east of Yongshi County, where they were defeated by Du Jigong and withdrew their troops. Sima Jun and the others advanced alone and captured Dingxi City. Du Jigong led his followers in a feigned retreat. Sima Jun ordered the Right Assistant of the Right Fufeng, Zhong Guang, and others to harvest the Qiang's crops. Zhong Guang and the others disobeyed Sima Jun's orders, scattered their forces, and advanced deep into enemy territory. The Qiang then set up an ambush and attacked them. Sima Jun was in the city but, in his anger, did not go to their rescue. In the winter, in the tenth month, on the yiwei day, Zhong Guang's army was defeated and completely annihilated, with over three thousand dead. Sima Jun then fled back. Pang Can, having already missed the appointed rendezvous, claimed illness and led his troops back. Both were found guilty, summoned back, and imprisoned. Sima Jun committed suicide. At that time, Du Liao General Liang Qin was also convicted of some offense and sentenced to penal servitude. The Collator of the Imperial Library, Fufeng native Ma Rong, submitted a memorial stating that Pang Can and Liang Qin were talented and wise, and that their faults should be pardoned, and they should be ordered to redeem themselves by establishing merit. An edict was issued pardoning Pang Can and the others. Ma Xian was appointed to replace Pang Can as acting Protector of the Qiang. Ren Shang was appointed Zhonglang Jiang to replace Ban Xiong in garrisoning the Three Auxiliary Regions.
The Prefect of Huai County, Yu Xu, advised Ren Shang, saying: "The Art of War says that the weak do not attack the strong, and the foot do not pursue the winged—this is a natural principle. Now the enemy are all cavalry, covering several hundred li a day. When they come, it is like wind and rain; when they go, it is like a released arrow. If we pursue them with infantry, the situation is impossible to match. Therefore, although we have over two hundred thousand troops, we have dragged on for a long time without achieving results. For your lordship's consideration, it would be better to dismiss the troops of the various commanderies, have each of them contribute several thousand cash, and have twenty men together buy one horse. With a force of ten thousand cavalry, we can pursue several thousand of the enemy. By following their tracks and striking them from the flanks, their path will naturally be cut off. This will benefit the people and be advantageous for the war effort, and great merit can be established." Ren Shang immediately memorialized the court, adopted his strategy, and sent light cavalry to attack Du Jigong at Dingxi City, defeating him.
The Empress Dowager heard that Yu Xu had the strategic talent of a general and appointed him Grand Administrator of Wudu. Several thousand Qiang intercepted Yu Xu at the Xiao Gorge in Chencang. Yu Xu immediately halted his advance and announced: "I have already sent a memorial requesting reinforcements; I will set out when they arrive." When the Qiang heard this, they divided their forces to attack neighboring counties. Taking advantage of the Qiang's scattered forces, Yu Xu traveled day and night, covering over one hundred li each day. He ordered his officers and men to each build two cooking stoves, increasing the number daily, so the Qiang dared not approach. Someone asked: "Sun Bin reduced the number of stoves, but you increase them. The Art of War says not to march more than thirty li a day to guard against the unexpected, yet today you have traveled nearly two hundred li. Why is this?" Yu Xu replied: "The enemy are numerous, our forces are few. If we go slowly, we can easily be overtaken; by advancing rapidly, they cannot fathom our movements. When the enemy sees our stoves increasing daily, they will surely think that the commandery's reinforcements have arrived. With many men moving swiftly, they will inevitably be afraid to pursue us. Sun Bin deliberately showed weakness; I am now deliberately showing strength—this is because the circumstances are different."
After reaching the commandery, Yu Xu's forces numbered less than three thousand, while the Qiang had over ten thousand. They attacked Chiting for several tens of days. Yu Xu then ordered his troops not to fire their strong crossbows, but secretly to fire the smaller ones. The Qiang thought the arrows were too weak to reach them, so they concentrated their forces for a fierce assault. At this point, Yu Xu ordered twenty strong crossbows to shoot at a single man; every shot hit its target. The Qiang were greatly shocked and withdrew. Yu Xu then took the opportunity to sally forth and vigorously pursue them, inflicting many casualties. The next day, he arrayed all his troops in full view, ordering the soldiers to go out of the east gate and enter through the north gate, changing their clothes, and circling around several times. The Qiang could not determine the number of his troops and became even more frightened and unsettled. Yu Xu estimated that the enemy would retreat, so he secretly sent over five hundred men to set up an ambush in shallow water, waiting along their escape route. The Qiang indeed fled in great numbers. Yu Xu then attacked them, inflicting a great defeat and capturing many. From then on, the bandits were scattered and defeated. Yu Xu then surveyed the terrain, built one hundred and eighty fortifications, summoned back the displaced people, provided relief to the poor, and opened water transport. When Yu Xu first arrived in the commandery, grain was priced at one thousand cash per shi, salt at eight thousand cash per shi, and there were only thirteen thousand registered households. After he had served for three years, rice was priced at eighty cash per shi, salt at four hundred cash per shi, the population had increased to over forty thousand households, everyone was prosperous and well-off, and the entire commandery was at peace.
On the gengshen day of the eleventh month, ten commanderies and kingdoms experienced earthquakes.
In the twelfth month, the Man of the Lizhong area in Wuling Commandery rebelled. The provincial and commandery troops campaigned against them and pacified them.
On the jiyou day, Minister over the Masses Xia Qin was dismissed. On the gengxu day, Minister over the Masses Liu Kai was appointed, and Superintendent of the Imperial Household Yuan Chang was appointed Minister of Works. Yuan Chang was the son of Yuan An.
The former Leader of the Gentlemen of the Tiger Ben Guard, Deng Hong, died. Deng Hong was naturally frugal and plain. He studied the Ouyang version of the Book of Documents and had once taught the Emperor in the palace. The relevant authorities memorialized requesting that Deng Hong be posthumously appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry, with the rank of tejin, and enfeoffed as Marquis of Xiping. The Empress Dowager, recalling Deng Hong's lifelong aspirations, did not increase his rank or posthumous gifts of clothing, only granting one thousand cash and ten thousand bolts of cloth. His elder brother Deng Zhi and the others again declined and did not accept. The Emperor issued an edict enfeoffing Deng Hong's son Deng Guangde as Marquis of Xiping. When the time for burial approached, the relevant authorities again memorialized requesting that light charioteers from the five camps be summoned, with the ceremonial procedures following the precedent of Huo Guang. The Empress Dowager did not consent. They only used the ceremonial of a white canopy and paired horses, with his disciples escorting the funeral cortege. Later, out of respect for his position as the Emperor's teacher, the Duxiang district was separated from the Marquisate of Xiping to enfeoff Deng Guangde's younger brother Deng Fude as Marquis of Duxiang.