Book of Han, Volume 45
Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government, Volume 53 [Han Annals 45], covering the year bingxu () to bingshen (), a total of eleven years.
Emperor Xiaozhi, First Year of the Benchu Era (Bingxu, 146 AD)
Summer, fourth month, day Gengchen: An order was issued commanding each commandery and kingdom to recommend persons versed in the classics to the Imperial Academy. All officials from the Grand General down were to send their sons and younger brothers to the Imperial Academy to receive instruction. After completing one year of study, an examination was to be held, and those who passed were to be granted official rank with graded distinctions. It was also stipulated that officials with salaries of one thousand shi and six hundred shi, the subordinate officials of the four bureaus, the Gentlemen of the Three Directorates, and the Four Clans of Lesser Marquises who were first able to master the classics were each to have them study according to their family traditions. Those with outstanding achievements were to be registered and promoted in due order with rewards. From this time, the number of traveling scholars increased, reaching over thirty thousand.
Fifth month, day Gengyin: Liu Hong, the Prince of Lean, was enfeoffed as the Prince of Bohai.
The sea waters overflowed, flooding the homes of the common people.
Sixth month, day Dingsi: A general amnesty was granted to the empire.
The emperor was young but intelligent. Once during an audience, he looked at Liang Ji and said, "This is an overbearing general!" When Liang Ji heard this, he greatly resented it. Intercalary month, day Jiashen: Liang Ji had someone poison the emperor by placing poison in boiled cakes and presenting them to him. The emperor seemed extremely agitated and urgently summoned the Grand Commandant Li Gu. Li Gu entered and approached, inquiring about the cause of the emperor's illness. The emperor could still speak and said, "I ate boiled cakes. Now my abdomen is bloated. If I can drink some water, I might survive." At that time, Liang Ji was also by the side and said, "He might vomit; he cannot drink water." Before the words were finished, the emperor passed away. Li Gu threw himself over the emperor's corpse, wailing loudly, and investigated and impeached the attending physicians. Liang Ji, fearing that the matter would be exposed, greatly detested Li Gu.
When it came time to discuss the establishment of a successor, Li Gu, together with Minister over the Masses Hu Guang and Minister of Works Zhao Jie, first sent a letter to Liang Ji, saying: "The empire is unfortunate. Within successive years, the imperial succession has been severed three times. Now we are to establish an emperor. This is a great matter for the empire. We truly know the Empress Dowager's careful thoughts and the General's exertion of spirit in meticulously selecting a suitable person, striving to obtain a sage and enlightened sovereign. However, in our foolish sincerity, we have some private thoughts. Looking far back to the precedents of deposing and establishing in former dynasties, and examining recent events of the empire's accession, there has never been a case where the nobles and high ministers were not consulted and the opinions of the multitude broadly sought, so that it might accord with Heaven's will above and comply with the people's hopes below. The Zhuan says: 'Giving the empire to someone is easy; finding the right person for the empire is difficult.' Formerly, when the Prince of Changyi was established, his disorder grew daily. Huo Guang was ashamed and distressed, venting his anger, and regretted it so deeply that it pierced his bones. If not for the loyalty and bravery of the Marquis of Boyu, Huo Guang, and the energetic efforts of Tian Yannian, the sacrifices of the Great Han would have nearly been overturned. This is a matter of utmost concern and utmost importance; how can it not be deeply considered! Amid the myriad affairs, only this is the greatest; the rise and fall of the state rest on this one act." After Liang Ji received the letter, he summoned the Three Dukes, officials of the two-thousand-shi rank, and the various marquises for a large discussion on whom to establish as emperor. Li Gu, Hu Guang, Zhao Jie, and the Grand Herald Du Qiao all believed that Liu Suan, the Prince of Qinghe, had virtuous conduct and a fine reputation and was the closest imperial relative, and thus should be established as successor. The court officials were unanimously inclined toward him. However, the Regular Palace Attendant Cao Teng had once visited Liu Suan, and Liu Suan had not treated him with proper courtesy, so the eunuchs despised him. Initially, when Liu Yi, the Prince of Pingyuan, was demoted and returned to Hejian, his father requested that the county of Liwu be separated and granted to him; Emperor Shun agreed. Liu Yi died, and his son Liu Zhi inherited the title. Liang the Empress Dowager wished to marry her younger sister to Liu Zhi and summoned Liu Zhi to the Xiamen Pavilion. It happened that the emperor died, and Liang Ji wished to establish Liu Zhi. The public discussion was already divided. Liang Ji was resentful and dissatisfied but had no way to change it. Cao Teng and others, upon hearing this, went at night to persuade Liang Ji, saying: "For generations, the General's family has had an affinity with the empresses, controlling all affairs in the Eastern Palace. Your guests act with arrogance and have many transgressions. The Prince of Qinghe is strict and clear-sighted. If he is truly established as emperor, then the General will soon suffer disaster! It is better to establish the Marquis of Liwu, Liu Zhi, so that wealth and honor can be preserved for a long time." Liang Ji agreed with their words. The next day, he reconvened the assembled nobles and high ministers. Liang Ji was fierce and imposing, his words intense and direct. From Hu Guang and Zhao Jie below, there was none who did not fear him. They all said, "We only follow the Grand General's command!" Only Li Gu and Du Qiao persisted in their original position. Liang Ji said sternly, "The meeting is adjourned!" Li Gu still hoped that the multitude's hearts could establish Liu Suan, and again wrote to persuade Liang Ji, which further enraged him. Day Dinghai: Liang Ji persuaded the Empress Dowager to first issue an edict removing Li Gu from his post. Day Wuzi: Hu Guang, the Minister over the Masses, was appointed Grand Commandant; Zhao Jie, the Minister of Works, was appointed Minister over the Masses, sharing with the Grand General Liang Ji the role of overseeing the affairs of the Chancellery; Yuan Tang, the Grand Herald, was appointed Minister of Works. Yuan Tang was the grandson of Yuan An. Day Gengyin: The Grand General Liang Ji was sent, bearing the imperial credentials, to welcome the Marquis of Liwu, Liu Zhi, into the Southern Palace in a royal carriage with a blue canopy. That same day, he ascended the throne as emperor, at the age of fifteen. The Empress Dowager continued to hold court and administer affairs.
Autumn, seventh month, day Yimao: Emperor Xiaozhi was buried in the Jing Mausoleum.
Zhu Mu, a subordinate official of the Grand General, submitted a memorial to admonish Liang Ji, saying: "Next year is the year Dinghai. Punishment and virtue will combine in the qian trigram. It is the time of the dragon's battle in the Yi Jing; the yang way is about to prevail, and the yin way is about to fail. I hope the General will concentrate on the affairs of the court, cut off selfish desires, broadly seek worthy and capable men, expel and distance treacherous and evil persons, and appoint tutors for the emperor, obtaining men of caution, loyalty, sincerity, and devotion to ritual. Let the General enter the palace with them, participate in admonition and tutoring, and take the worthy as teachers, emulating antiquity. This would be like relying on Mount Tai or sitting on a level plain—who could overturn it! The positions of Consultant and Grandee were originally meant to arrange for men of Confucian learning and high conduct in due order. Now many are not fit for their posts. Among the Nine Ministers, there are also those who are not equal to their duties. I hope the General will examine this clearly!" He also recommended Zhong Hao and Luan Ba, but Liang Ji was unable to employ them. Zhu Mu was the grandson of Zhu Hui.
Ninth month, day Wuxu: The Prince of Hejian, the Filial King, was posthumously honored as Filial and August Emperor Mu, and his consort, Lady Zhao, as Filial and August Empress Mu, with a temple named the Qing Temple and a tomb called the Lecheng Mausoleum. The Late Marquis of Liwu was honored as Filial and August Emperor Chong, with a temple named the Lie Temple and a tomb called the Bo Mausoleum. Offices of Prefect and Assistant were established for each, and the Minister over the Masses was sent, bearing the imperial edict, seal, and ribbon, to offer the Grand Sacrifice.
Winter, tenth month, day Jiawu: The emperor's mother, Lady Yan, was honored as the Dame of Boyuan.
Teng Fu had a straightforward and upright nature and did not associate with the powerful; he was hated by the eunuchs. For his merit in quelling the rebels, he should have been enfeoffed as a marquis, but the Grand Commandant Hu Guang, following the imperial will, impeached and dismissed him. He finally died at home.
Emperor Xiaohuan, Part One, Part One
Emperor Xiaohuan, First Year of the Jianhe Era (Dinghai, 147 AD)
Spring, the first month, on the Xinhai day (new moon), a solar eclipse occurred. On the Wuwu day (the eighth), a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire. In the third month, a dragon appeared in Qiao County. Summer, the fourth month, on the Gengyin day (the eleventh), an earthquake struck the capital, Luoyang. Liu Bian, the elder brother of the Prince of Fuyin, Liu Dai, and Marquis of Botongting, was enfeoffed as Prince of Fuyin. In the sixth month, Grand Commandant Hu Guang was dismissed. The Glorious Attendant Du Qiao was appointed Grand Commandant. Ever since Li Gu was dismissed, both court and commoners were disheartened; all officials trod cautiously, standing as if on tiptoe. Only Du Qiao maintained a stern countenance and refused to yield, so the entire court relied on and looked to him. Autumn, the seventh month, the Filial King of Bohai, Liu Hong, died without an heir. The Empress Dowager established the emperor's younger brother, the Marquis of Liwu, Liu Kui, as Prince of Bohai, to continue Liu Hong's sacrifices. An edict was issued, citing the merit of establishing the emperor, adding ten thousand three hundred households to Liang Ji's fief, enfeoffing Liang Ji's younger brother, Liang Buyi, as Marquis of Yingyang, Liang Meng as Marquis of Xiping, Liang Ji's son, Liang Yin, as Marquis of Xiangyi, Hu Guang as Marquis of Anle, Zhao Jie as Marquis of Chuting, and Yuan Tang as Marquis of Anguo. Additionally, the Regular Attendants Liu Guang and others were all enfeoffed as marquises. Du Qiao remonstrated, saying: "The sage sovereigns of antiquity made employing the worthy and clarifying rewards and punishments their first priority. As for the rulers of fallen states, did their courts lack worthy ministers and the canons and admonitions of former kings? The trouble lay in obtaining worthy men but not using their strategies, storing up writings but not implementing their teachings, hearing good words but not believing their righteousness, and listening to slander but not examining its truth or falsehood. Your Majesty ascended the throne from the status of a vassal; Heaven and the people all turned their hearts to you. Yet you do not hasten to show courtesy to the loyal and worthy, but first bestow rewards on your close attendants. The Liang family, along with the lowly figures among the eunuchs, all wear seals and ribbons for merits they never earned, and are enfeoffed with lands meant for those who have rendered service. Such confusion and excess in rewards cannot be fully described! If merit goes unrewarded, those who do good will lose hope; if wickedness goes unpunished, those who do evil will grow bolder. Thus, even if axes are displayed, people will not fear; even if ranks are conferred, people will not be encouraged. If this continues, how could it merely harm governance and cause turmoil? In the end, it will lead to the loss of one's person and the ruin of the state—how can this not be taken seriously?" The memorial was submitted, but the emperor paid no heed. In the eighth month, on the Yiwei day (the eighteenth), Empress Liang was established. Liang Ji wanted to use lavish ceremonies for the wedding, but Du Qiao cited old precedents and refused. Liang Ji asked Du Qiao to recommend Fan Gong as a Minister of Works, but Du Qiao, believing Fan Gong guilty of corruption, did not employ him. From this point on, Du Qiao increasingly opposed Liang Ji. In the ninth month, on the Dingmao day (the twenty-first), an earthquake struck the capital, Luoyang. Du Qiao was dismissed due to calamities and anomalies. Winter, the tenth month, Minister over the Masses Zhao Jie was appointed Grand Commandant, Minister of Works Yuan Tang was appointed Minister over the Masses, and former Grand Commandant Hu Guang was appointed Minister of Works.
The eunuchs Tang Heng and Zuo Guan together slandered Du Qiao to the emperor, saying: "Before Your Majesty was about to ascend the throne, Du Qiao and Li Gu opposed it, claiming that you were not fit to uphold the ancestral sacrifices of the Han dynasty." The emperor also harbored resentment against them. In the eleventh month, a man from Qinghe, Liu Wen, colluded with the southern commandery's demonic bandit Liu Wei, falsely claiming that the Prince of Qinghe should rule the empire, and they plotted together to establish Liu Su. The matter was discovered, and Liu Wen and his associates then seized the Chancellor of Qinghe, Xie Hao, saying: "The Prince of Qinghe should be made the Son of Heaven, with Xie Hao as a duke." Xie Hao cursed them, and Liu Wen stabbed him to death. Liu Wen and Liu Wei were then arrested and executed. The relevant officials impeached Liu Su; as a result, Liu Su was degraded to the rank of Marquis of Weishi, exiled to Guiyang, and committed suicide. Liang Ji then falsely accused Li Gu and Du Qiao of colluding with Liu Wen, Liu Wei, and others, requesting their arrest and punishment. The Empress Dowager, knowing Du Qiao's loyalty, did not agree. Liang Ji then arrested Li Gu and threw him into prison. Li Gu's disciple, Wang Diao of Bohai, presented a memorial while wearing shackles, attesting to Li Gu's innocence. Zhao Cheng of Henei and several dozen others also came to the palace gate with axes and execution blocks, pleading his case. The Empress Dowager issued an edict pardoning Li Gu. When Li Gu was released from prison, the people in the markets of the capital all shouted "Long live!" Liang Ji, hearing this, was greatly alarmed and feared that Li Gu's reputation and virtue would ultimately become a threat to him. He then revived the previous accusation. The Grand General's Chief Clerk, Wu You, grieved over Li Gu's injustice and argued with Liang Ji. Liang Ji was furious and refused to listen. The Secretariat's Gentleman, Ma Rong, was responsible for drafting the memorial for Liang Ji and was present at the time. Wu You said to Ma Rong: "Li Gong's crime is determined by your hand. If Li Gong is killed, with what face will you look upon the people of the world?" Liang Ji, enraged, rose and went into the inner chamber; Wu You also left abruptly. Li Gu thus died in prison. Before his death, he wrote a letter to Hu Guang and Zhao Jie, saying: "I, Li Gu, have received the state's great favor, and therefore have exhausted my heart and strength, disregarding death, intent on supporting the royal house to make it flourish like the times of Emperors Wen and Xuan. How could I have expected that in a single morning, the Liang family would become confused and absurd, and that you would bend and follow them, turning good fortune into calamity, and success into failure? The decline of the Han house begins from this day. You enjoy the ruler's generous emoluments, yet when the state topples, you do not support it; when great affairs collapse, will the good historians of later ages show any partiality? I, Li Gu, am already dead; in righteousness I have gained something—what more is there to say?" Hu Guang and Zhao Jie, upon receiving the letter, were grieved and ashamed, but only sighed and wept. Liang Ji sent someone to threaten Du Qiao, saying: "Submit early, and your wife and children can be spared." Du Qiao refused. The next day, Liang Ji sent cavalry to Du Qiao's gate; hearing no sound of mourning, he reported to the Empress Dowager and had Du Qiao arrested. Du Qiao also died in prison.
Liang Ji exposed the corpses of Li Gu and Du Qiao at the crossroads north of the city wall and issued an order: "If anyone dares to come and mourn, they will be severely punished." Li Gu's disciple, Guo Liang of Runan, who had not yet undergone the capping ceremony, carried a memorial and an axe in his left hand and an execution block in his right. He went to the palace gate to submit a petition requesting permission to collect Li Gu's corpse, but received no reply. Together with Dong Ban of Nanyang, he went to mourn and kept vigil, refusing to leave. The Summer Gate Pavilion Chief rebuked them, saying: "You rotten scholars! Openly defying the imperial edict—are you trying to test the authorities?" Guo Liang replied: "Moved by righteousness, how could I care for my life? Why do you threaten me with death?" The Empress Dowager, hearing of this, pardoned them both and did not execute them. Du Qiao's former subordinate, Yang Kuang of Chenliu, wept as he traveled through the night, reaching Luoyang. He wore an old red headcloth, pretended to be a clerk of the Summer Gate, and guarded the corpse for twelve days. The Commandant of the Capital Arrests seized him and reported the matter; the Empress Dowager pardoned him. Yang Kuang then went to the palace gate to submit a memorial, requesting the bones of both Li Gu and Du Qiao so they could be returned for burial. The Empress Dowager agreed. Yang Kuang escorted Du Qiao's coffin back to his hometown, completed the burial, observed mourning, and then, along with Guo Liang and Dong Ban, went into seclusion, never serving in office again. Liang Ji sent Wu You away to be the Chancellor of Hejian. Wu You resigned from office and returned home, where he died. Because of the rebellion of Liu Wei, Liang Ji recalled Zhu Mu's words and requested that Zhong Hao be appointed as a Secretariat Gentleman, recommended Luan Ba as a Consultant, and promoted Zhu Mu to the highest rank, making him a Palace Attendant.
In this year, the Southern Xiongnu Chanyu Doulou Chu died, and Yiling Shijujiuzhu Chanyu Che'er succeeded him.
[Year of the Filial and Pacifying Emperor, Jianhe reign, second year (Wuzi, 148 CE)]
Spring, the first month, on the Jiazi day (the nineteenth), the emperor underwent the capping ceremony. On the Gengwu day (the twenty-fifth), a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire. In the third month, on the Wuchen day (the twenty-fourth), the emperor accompanied the Empress Dowager to the residence of Grand General Liang Ji. The White Qiang people invaded Guanghan Dependent State, killing its senior officials. The Inspector of Yi Province led the Ban Dun Man people to attack and defeat them. Summer, the fourth month, on the Bingzi day (the second), the emperor's younger brother, Liu Gu, was enfeoffed as Prince of Pingyuan, to continue the sacrifices of the Filial and Reverent Emperor; the wife of the Filial and Reverent Emperor, Lady Ma, was honored as Noble of the Filial and Reverent Park. In the fifth month, on the Guichou day (the tenth), a fire broke out in the Deyang Hall and the Left Side Gate of the Northern Palace's rear courtyard. The emperor's carriage moved to the Southern Palace. In the sixth month, Qinghe State was renamed Ganling State. Liu Li, the son of the Filial King of Anping, Liu De, and Marquis of Jing, was established as Prince of Ganling, to continue the sacrifices of the Filial and Virtuous Emperor. Autumn, the seventh month, the capital, Luoyang, suffered a great flood.
[Year of the Filial and Pacifying Emperor, Jianhe reign, third year (Jichou, 149 CE)]
Summer, fourth month, Dingmao, the last day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred. Autumn, eighth month, Yichou, a comet appeared in the Tianxi star region. A great flood occurred in the capital. Ninth month, Jimao, an earthquake struck. Gengyin, another earthquake struck. Five commanderies and fiefs experienced mountain collapses. Winter, tenth month, Grand Commandant Zhao Jie was dismissed; Yuan Tang was appointed Grand Commandant, and Minister of Finance Zhang Xin of Henei was appointed Minister over the Masses. In the same year, the former chancellor of Langling Marquisate, Xun Shu, passed away. Xun Shu was learned and of lofty character from a young age; the renowned scholars and worthies of the time, Li Gu and Li Ying, both honored him as their teacher. When he served in Langling, his governance was clear and thorough, earning him the title “Divine Lord.” He had eight sons: Xun Jian, Xun Gun, Xun Jing, Xun Tao, Xun Wang, Xun Shuang, Xun Su, and Xun Zhuan, all of whom were highly esteemed, and contemporaries called them the “Eight Dragons.” The lane where they lived was originally named “Western Hero,” but the magistrate of Yingyin County, Yuan Kang of Bohai, believing that the ancient Gaoyang clan had eight talented sons, renamed the lane “Gaoyang Lane.” Li Ying was solitary and upright by nature, associating with few; he only took Xun Shu as his teacher and treated his fellow commandery native Chen Shi as a friend. Xun Shuang once visited Li Ying and took the opportunity to drive his carriage; upon returning, he said happily, “Today I finally got to drive for Lord Li!” Such was the admiration he inspired. Chen Shi came from a humble background and served as the gatekeeper of the western post station in the commandery. His fellow commandery native Zhong Hao was renowned for his pure and virtuous conduct; he had been summoned by the imperial offices nine times, and his age and seniority far exceeded Chen Shi’s, yet he actively sought friendship with him. When Zhong Hao served as the Merit Evaluator of the commandery, he was summoned by the’s office; before leaving, the Grand Administrator asked him, “Who can succeed you in your post?” Zhong Hao said, “If Your Excellency must find the right person, Chen Shi, the gatekeeper of the western post station, is capable.” Chen Shi, upon hearing this, said, “Lord Zhong seems not to know people well; why does he single me out?” Thereupon, the Grand Administrator appointed Chen Shi as Merit Evaluator. At that time, the Palace Attendant of the Regular Attendants, Hou Lan of Shanyang, entrusted the Grand Administrator Gao Lun to appoint a certain person as a clerk. Gao Lun then signed a document appointing him as a Literary Official. Chen Shi, knowing this person was unqualified, held the document and requested an audience with the Grand Administrator, saying, “This person should not be appointed, but Lord Hou’s request cannot be defied. I request that I handle the appointment from outside, so that your pure reputation will not be tarnished.” Gao Lun agreed. Consequently, local opinion blamed Chen Shi for recommending an unsuitable person, but Chen Shi never explained. Later, when Gao Lun was summoned to serve as Palace Secretary, the scholar-officials of the commandery escorted him to Lunshi County. Gao Lun said to the crowd, “Formerly, I appointed a clerk for Lord Hou, and Chen Jun secretly returned my signed document, then made the appointment himself from outside. I have heard recently that discussions of this matter have caused him to be slighted. This is actually because I feared the powerful; Chen Jun can be said to be one who ‘attributes merit to his superior and takes blame upon himself.’” Chen Shi, however, insisted on bearing the fault. Those who heard this then sighed, and from then on, everyone in the realm admired his virtue. Later, Chen Shi served as the Chief of Taiqiu County, cultivating virtue and governing through non-action, so the people lived in peace and contentment. People from neighboring counties came to seek refuge, and Chen Shi always instructed and persuaded them, sending them back to their own counties. When high officials inspected the region, subordinate officials, fearing that the people might bring lawsuits, proposed forbidding them from lodging complaints. Chen Shi said, “Lawsuits are for seeking justice; if they are forbidden, where can principle be upheld? Do not restrict them.” The high official, upon hearing this, sighed and said, “Lord Chen’s words are so correct; could there possibly be anyone wronged?” In the end, there were indeed no lawsuits. Later, because the Chancellor of Pei levied taxes in violation of the law, Chen Shi removed his seal and resigned; the officials and people all cherished him. Zhong Hao was always as renowned as Xun Shu. Li Ying often sighed and said, “Xun Jun’s clear insight is hard to reach; Zhong Jun’s supreme virtue can serve as a teacher.” The mother of Zhong Hao’s brother’s son Zhong Jin was Li Ying’s aunt. Zhong Jin was fond of learning and admired antiquity, with a modest and retiring demeanor; he was the same age as Li Ying and both were famous. Li Ying’s grandfather, Grand Commandant Li Xiu, often said, “Zhong Jin resembles our family’s nature—‘when the state has the Way, he will not be abandoned; when the state lacks the Way, he can avoid punishment and execution.’” He also married Li Ying’s younger sister to him. Li Ying said to Zhong Jin, “Mencius believed that ‘a person without a sense of right and wrong is not human.’ How is it that in this matter you make no distinction between right and wrong?” Zhong Jin once relayed Li Ying’s words to Zhong Hao. Zhong Hao said, “Yuanli’s (Li Ying’s courtesy name) grandfather and father both held office, and the entire clan was prosperous, so he could speak thus! In the past, Guo Wuzi liked to seize upon others’ faults, thereby attracting resentment. Is this the right time for that? If one must preserve oneself and one’s family, your way is the valuable one.”
Xiaohuang Emperor, Heping first year (Gengyin, 150 CE)
In the spring, the first month, on the jiazi day, a general amnesty was granted under heaven. The reign title was changed. On the yichou day, the Empress Dowager issued an edict returning governmental authority to the Emperor, and she ceased acting as regent and holding court. In the second month, on the jiayin day, Empress Dowager Liang passed away. In the third month, the Emperor’s carriage moved to the Northern Palace. On the jiawu day, the Shunlie Empress was buried. The fief of Grand General Liang Ji was increased by ten thousand households, making a total of thirty thousand households including the previous grant. Liang Ji’s wife, Sun Shou, was enfeoffed as the Lady of Xiangcheng, and she was granted the land tax of Yangzhai County, with an annual income of fifty million cash. She was also given a red ribbon, her treatment being equal to that of a Grand Princess. Sun Shou was skilled at making seductive gestures to beguile Liang Ji, and Liang Ji both doted on her and feared her. Liang Ji favored his household steward Qin Gong, who rose to the post of Grand Granary Prefect and could enter Sun Shou’s residence; his power and influence were immense, and Regional Inspectors and two-thousand-bushel officials all went to pay him respects and bid him farewell. Liang Ji and Sun Shou each built mansions across the street from one another, exhausting the utmost in wood and earth, competing to outdo each other in splendor. Gold, silver, jewels, and rare curiosities filled their storehouses. They also constructed extensive gardens, piling up earth to make artificial mountains, with nine slopes within ten li, deep forests and sheer ravines as if naturally formed, with rare birds and tame beasts flying and running among them. Liang Ji and Sun Shou rode together in a carriage, touring and admiring the mansions, accompanied by many entertainers and singing girls, drinking and singing all the way. Sometimes they indulged in pleasure day and night without cease. When guests arrived at the gate, they were not allowed to announce themselves; they had to bribe the gatekeepers, who amassed wealth amounting to a thousand in gold. They further expanded the hunting parks, spreading them across nearby counties, and built a rabbit park west of Henan City, extending for several tens of li. They issued documents to various places to procure live rabbits and carved marks on the rabbits’ fur as identification. Anyone who offended against this was sentenced to death. Once, a Western Region merchant, unaware of the prohibition, accidentally killed a rabbit. The matter was reported and denounced repeatedly, resulting in more than ten people being executed. They also built another mansion west of the city to harbor evil and fugitive individuals. Sometimes they forcibly seized good families’ daughters, all making them into slaves, numbering several thousand, and called them “self-sellers.” Following Sun Shou’s advice, Liang Ji extensively pushed aside and demoted those of the Liang clan who held office, outwardly showing modesty, but in fact elevating the Sun family. Among the Sun clan, more than ten people falsely claimed titles and served as Attendants, Ministers, Commandants, Commandery Governors, and Chief Officials. They were all greedy and vicious, each sending retainers to register wealthy people in the counties under their jurisdiction, fabricating other crimes, imprisoning them and torturing them, forcing them to pay ransom. Those with little property were even executed or exiled. A man from Fufeng, Shi Sunfen, was wealthy but stingy by nature. Liang Ji gave him a horse and asked to borrow fifty million cash; Shi Sunfen gave only thirty million. Liang Ji was greatly angered, so he reported to the commandery and county, falsely accusing Shi Sunfen’s mother of being his family’s warehouse slave who stole ten hu of white pearls and a thousand jin of purple gold and fled. He then arrested and interrogated Shi Sunfen and his brothers. They died in prison, and all his family property, amounting to one hundred seventy million cash, was confiscated. Liang Ji also sent retainers to travel in all directions, even as far as beyond the frontier, to extensively seek rare and exotic items. These retainers, relying on their power, acted tyrannically, seizing women, beating officials and soldiers, and wherever they went, the common people bore them bitter resentment. Attendant Censor Zhu Mu, considering himself an old subordinate of Liang Ji, submitted a memorial remonstrating, saying: “Illustrious General, you hold the honored position of a Shen Bo, ranking first among the Three Dukes. If you do good for one day, all under heaven will turn to benevolence; if you do evil all day, the four seas will topple. Recently, officials and people alike are in distress, compounded by floods and insect plagues. The expenses of the various offices in the capital have increased. When imperial edicts requisition resources, sometimes they demand ten times the usual amount. They all say the government has no ready cash, and everything must be levied from the people. Consequently, officials impose exorbitant taxes and forcibly extract enough. The public taxes are already heavy, and private extortion is even deeper. The provincial governors, commandery governors, and chief officials are mostly not selected for their virtue; they are insatiably greedy and treat the people as if they were enemies. Some die under the rod, some commit suicide under urgent pressure. Furthermore, they plunder the people, all falsely claiming it is by order of the General’s office. Thus, the General has incurred the enmity of all under heaven; officials and people are in anguish, sighing along the roads. In former times, at the end of the Yonghe era, the disciplinary net was somewhat loose, greatly losing the people’s hearts. Within only four or five years, resources were exhausted and households scattered, with disaffection below. Ma Mian and his ilk took advantage to rebel, and between Jingzhou and Yangzhou it nearly became a great disaster. Fortunately, relying on the Shunlie Empress’s initial governance of purity and quiet, with inner and outer harmony, it was pacified. Now the people’s sorrows are even more severe than during the Yonghe era. Internally, it is not something that a benevolent heart can tolerate; externally, it is not a way to secure long-term stability for the state. The generals, ministers, and high officials are one body with the ruler, riding the same chariot and crossing the same river. If the chariot overturns or the boat capsizes, the calamity is shared. How can one leave the light and walk into darkness, place oneself in danger and think oneself safe, while the ruler is isolated and the times are difficult, without any concern! You should promptly replace those incompetent provincial governors and commandery governors, reduce expenses on mansions, gardens, and ponds, reject all tribute and gifts from commanderies and kingdoms, internally show your own purity, and externally eliminate people’s doubts. Let those officials who harbor evil have nothing to rely on, and let the supervising officials fulfill their duties of being eyes and ears. Once the laws are established, far and near will be peaceful and unified. Then your position, General, will be honored, your achievements will be illustrious, and your virtue will shine without end!” Liang Ji did not adopt his advice. Although Liang Ji monopolized power and acted tyrannically, he still maintained connections with the eunuchs around the Emperor, appointing their sons, younger brothers, and retainers to key positions in provinces and commanderies, seeking to solidify his favor. Zhu Mu again submitted a memorial earnestly remonstrating, but Liang Ji remained unenlightened. He replied in a letter, saying: “According to what you say, I have not a single point worthy of merit?” However, he had always valued Zhu Mu and did not punish him severely. Liang Ji sent a messenger with a letter to the Grand Administrator of Le’an, Chen Fan, making some request, but it was not announced. The messenger falsely claimed to be another guest seeking an audience with Chen Fan. Chen Fan was greatly angered and beat him to death with a club. Consequently, he was demoted to be the Prefect of Xiuwu. At that time, the imperial prince was ill, and an edict was issued ordering commanderies and counties to purchase rare medicines. Liang Ji sent a retainer with a letter to the Capital Region, while also selling bezoar. The Capital Region Intendant, Nanyang man Yan Du, opened the letter and then arrested the retainer, saying: “The Grand General is related to the Empress through her maternal family, and when the imperial prince is ill, it is proper to present medical prescriptions. How could he send a retainer a thousand li to seek profit?” So he killed him. Liang Ji was ashamed and dared not speak of it. The relevant officials, currying favor with Liang Ji’s intentions, investigated the matter, and Yan Du was dismissed from office due to illness. In the summer, the fifth month, on the gengchen day, the Boyuan Lady Ying was honored as Xiaochong Empress, and her palace was named Yongle. Officials from Grand Coachman and Junior Treasurer downward were established, all following the precedent of the Changle Palace. Nine counties from Julu Commandery were set apart as her bathing and fief revenue county. In the autumn, the seventh month, there was a landslide on Zitong Mountain.
Yuanjia First Year of the Xiaohuan Emperor (Xinmao, 151 AD)
In the spring, the first day of the first month, the assembled officials came to pay court homage. Grand General Liang Ji entered the palace forbidden area with his sword. The Minister of Finance, Shu commandery man Zhang Ling, shouted and ordered him out, commanding the Feathered Forest and Tiger Ben guards to seize his sword. Liang Ji knelt and apologized, but Zhang Ling did not accept it. He immediately impeached Liang Ji, requesting that he be handed over to the Commandant of Justice for punishment. The Emperor issued an edict allowing him to redeem his crime with one year’s salary. The hundred officials were all awed into solemn respect. The Intendant of Henan, Liang Buji, had once recommended Zhang Ling as Filial and Incorrupt, so he said to Zhang Ling: “Formerly, I recommended you, and now it has turned out to punish myself!” Zhang Ling said: “Your Excellency did not consider Zhang Ling unworthy and mistakenly promoted and employed me. Now I am upholding the state’s laws to repay private kindness!” Liang Buji showed a look of shame.
On the guiyou day, a general amnesty was granted under heaven, and the reign title was changed.
Liang Buji was fond of the classics and enjoyed treating scholars with courtesy. Liang Ji was jealous of him, so he transferred Liang Buji to be the Glorious Merit Attendant, and appointed his own son, Liang Yin, as Intendant of Henan. Liang Yin was sixteen years old, extremely ugly in appearance, and could not bear the official robes and cap. Those who saw him on the road all laughed at him. Liang Buji, ashamed of the discord between brothers, resigned from his post and returned to his residence, closing his doors with his younger brother Liang Meng. Liang Ji did not want them to associate with guests, so he secretly sent people in disguise to their gate to record all those who came and went. The Grand Administrator of Nan Commandery, Ma Rong, and the Grand Administrator of Jiangxia, Tian Ming, had just been appointed and went to pay respects to Liang Buji. Liang Ji hinted to the relevant officials to impeach Ma Rong for corruption in the commandery and to frame Tian Ming on other matters. Both men were shaved, flogged, and exiled to Shuofang. Ma Rong attempted suicide but did not die; Tian Ming died on the road.
In summer, the fourth month, on the jisi day, the emperor traveled in plain clothes, going to the residence of Liang Yin, the Intendant of Henan. On this day, a great wind uprooted trees, and daylight grew dim. Minister of Works Yang Bing submitted a memorial saying: "Your servant has heard that Heaven uses words, through disasters and anomalies to rebuke and warn. The sovereign is most honored; his comings and goings have regular rules. Only after clearing the way with warnings and purifying the palace does he travel or stay. Unless it is for suburban sacrifices or ancestral temple affairs, he does not ride in the carriage with the bell-banner. Thus, when a feudal lord entered a minister's home, the Spring and Autumn Annals still recorded it as a warning. How much more so, using the ancestral court robes ordained by former kings to go out secretly for pleasure, degrading the order of honor and rank, with gradations of dignity and authority disordered, the guards and attendants left in an empty palace, and the seal and ribbon handed over to a female attendant! Suppose an extraordinary incident occurs, like Ren Zhang's conspiracy, then above you would betray the former emperors, and below you would regret it too late!" The emperor did not accept this. Yang Bing was Yang Zhen's son.
The capital suffered drought; Ren City and Liang Commandery experienced famine, with people eating one another.
Minister over the Masses Zhang Xin was dismissed, and the Glorious Gentleman Attendant Wu Xiong was appointed Minister over the Masses.
The northern Xiongnu's Prince Huyan invaded Yiwu, defeated Yiwu Colonel Mao Kai, and attacked the garrison city of Yiwu. An edict ordered Ma Yuan, the Grand Administrator of Dunhuang, to lead troops to rescue them. When he reached Lake Pulei, Prince Huyan led his army away.
In autumn, the seventh month, the Wuling Man rebelled.
In winter, the tenth month, Minister of Works Hu Guang retired.
On the xinsi day of the eleventh month, there was an earthquake in the capital. An edict ordered the hundred officials to recommend men of solitary conduct. Zhuo Commandery recommended Cui Shi. He arrived at the Reception Office, claimed illness, and did not respond to the policy questions. After retiring, he discussed worldly affairs, producing a work called Political Discourse. In it he said: "The reason the world is not at peace is often because the ruler, after a long period of peace and stability, does not realize that customs are gradually deteriorating, does not notice that governance is gradually decaying, becomes accustomed to chaos and complacent in danger, and is numb and unobservant. Sometimes he is dissolute and indulges in desires, not attending to the myriad affairs of state. Sometimes his ears are blocked by admonitions and teachings, and he loathes the false and neglects the true. Sometimes he hesitates at a crossroads, not knowing which way to go. Sometimes the trusted assistants close their mouths to preserve their salaries. Sometimes remote ministers have their words dismissed because of their low status. Therefore, the king's net slackens above, and wise scholars are depressed below. How lamentable! Since the rise of the Han dynasty, more than three hundred and fifty years have passed. The decrees are corrupt and neglected, superiors and inferiors are lax, the people are clamorous, and everyone yearns again for the salvation of a restoration! Moreover, the method for rescuing the times and saving the world lies in mending torn clothes and cutting away decayed parts, propping up what is tilting, tailoring according to the situation, and merely placing this age on peaceful ground. Therefore, the sage grasps expediency, sets regulations according to the era, and the differences in steps and measures each have their proper place. He does not force people to do what they cannot, nor turn away from urgent matters while admiring what one has heard. Confucius answered the Lord of She by discussing attracting distant peoples, answered Duke Ai by discussing governing the people, and answered Duke Jing by discussing frugality in rites. It was not that they were different, but that the urgent matters were different. Commoners are bound by texts and constrained by ancient meanings, not understanding expedient measures. They are amazed by what they hear and slight what they see. How can one discuss state affairs with them! Thus, those who speak of affairs, even if they accord with sage virtue, are always obstructed and plundered. Why is this? Those stubborn scholars are blind to the expediency of the times, content with what they are accustomed to seeing, and do not know to delight in seeing success, let alone consider beginnings. They merely say to follow old statutes. Those who are informed sometimes are proud of their reputations and jealous of the worthy, ashamed that a plan was not their own, and wield their brushes and stir up words to destroy others' proposals. The few cannot overcome the many, and thus are discarded and rejected. Even if Ji and Xie were alive again, they would be trapped. This is why the words of the worthy and wise are often indignant and depressed and cannot be extended.
"Generally, for those who govern the world, unless they possess supreme virtue, strictness leads to order, and leniency leads to disorder. How can this be understood? In recent times, Emperor Xiaoxuan understood the way of the sovereign and was clear about the principles of governance. Therefore, he applied strict laws and harsh punishments, breaking the courage of the wicked, and the realm was pure and quiet, the world was peaceful, and whenever action was taken, results were seen, surpassing Emperor Xiaowen. When Emperor Yuan ascended the throne, he mostly practiced lenient policies, and in the end, because of this, he weakened and declined. Authority and power began to be taken away, and he became the ruler who laid the foundation for disaster for the Han house. The gains and losses of the political path can be taken as a mirror here. In the past, Confucius wrote the Spring and Autumn Annals, praising Duke Huan of Qi, commending Duke Wen of Jin, and admiring the achievements of Guan Zhong. Did he not admire the Way of Kings Wen and Wu? Truly, it was the principle of understanding expediency and rescuing from ills. Therefore, the sage can move with the times, but vulgar scholars suffer from not knowing change. They think that the covenant of knotting ropes can again govern the remnants of the chaotic Qin, and that the dance of shields and axes can suffice to relieve the siege of Baideng. The bear-hanging and bird-stretching exercises, although methods for prolonging life, are not the cure for typhoid fever. Breathing and exhaling, although techniques for extending years, are not the ointment for joining bones. The method of governing a state is somewhat like cultivating one's person: when at peace, nurture it; when ill, attack it. Punishments are the medicine and stone for curing a chaotic age; virtue and teaching are the fine grains and meat for a peaceful era. Using virtue and teaching to remove cruelty is like using fine grains and meat to treat illness; using punishments to govern a peaceful age is like using medicine and stone to nourish. Now, succeeding the ills of a hundred kings, encountering the fate of a time of hardship, from several generations past, governance has mostly been gracious and lenient, and the driver has lost the reins. The horses have slipped their bits, the four steeds run wild, the imperial road is steep and tilting. Just as we are about to put on the bit and bind the yoke to rescue it, where is there time to sound the bells and regulate the rhythm! In the past, Emperor Wen, although he abolished mutilating punishments, changed the penalty for cutting off the right foot to public execution, and those who were flogged often died. This was Emperor Wen achieving peace through strictness, not through leniency." Cui Shi was Cui Yuan's son. Zhongchang Tong of Shanyang once saw his work and sighed, saying: "Every ruler should copy it once and place it beside his seat."
Your servant Sima Guang says: The laws of the Han dynasty were already strict, yet Cui Shi still worried that they were too lenient. Why? Because in a declining age, rulers are mostly weak and timid, and their mediocre and foolish assistants only know to be indulgent. Thus, powerful favorites are not punished when guilty, and wealthy and cunning commoners are not executed when they break the law. Benevolence and grace are only applied to what is immediately in front. The wicked achieve their aims, and the guiding principles are not established. Therefore, Cui Shi's argument was used to correct the crookedness of one era, not a universal principle for a hundred generations. Confucius said: "If decrees are lenient, the people become insolent; when insolent, correct them with strictness. If strict, the people are harmed; when harmed, apply leniency. Leniency supplements strictness, strictness supplements leniency, and thus governance is harmonious." This is an unchanging constant principle.
In the intercalary month, on the gengwu day, Liu Chong, Prince Jie of Rencheng, died. He had no sons, and his fief was terminated.
The Grand Master of Ceremonies Huang Qiong was appointed Minister of Works.
The emperor wished to exalt and honor Liang Ji, and ordered the officials at the 2000-bushel rank and above in the central court to discuss and deliberate on his ceremonial privileges. Specially Advanced Hu Guang, Grand Master of Ceremonies Yang Pu, Colonel of the Capital Police Zhu Hu, and Grand Palace Grandee Bian Shao all praised Liang Ji's merits and virtues, stating that he should be compared to the Duke of Zhou, and granted mountains, rivers, fields, and attached settlements. Only Huang Qiong said: "Liang Ji, formerly due to his merit in personally welcoming and establishing [the emperor], had his enfeoffed revenue increased to three thousand households. Moreover, his son Liang Yin was also granted a title. Now, the feudal lords are regulated by household and revenue, not limited by the number of li. Liang Ji may be compared to Deng Yu, enjoying a total of four counties." The court followed this. Thus, the relevant officials memorialized: "Liang Ji, when entering court, need not walk with small rapid steps; he may wear his sword and shoes when ascending the hall. When presenting congratulations and performing the ritual, his name need not be announced. His ceremonial privileges are to be compared to Xiao He. The remaining households of Dingtao and Yangcheng are all to be added, increasing his grant to four counties, comparable to Deng Yu. He is to be granted gold, money, male and female slaves, silk fabrics, carriages and horses, clothing, and a residence, comparable to Huo Guang, to show that he is different from the founding meritorious officials. At every court assembly, he is to have a separate seat from the Three Excellencies. He is to enter court once every ten days to decide the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat. This is to be proclaimed to the world as a rule for ten thousand generations." Liang Ji still felt that the ceremonial privileges presented were too meager, and was displeased in his heart.
Emperor Xiaohuan, the second year of the Yuanjia reign (Ren Chen year, 152 CE)
In the spring, the first month, Wang Jing, the Senior Scribe of the Western Regions, was killed by men of Yutian. Initially, Zhao Ping, the former Senior Scribe of the Western Regions, had died in Yutian from a poisonous sore. Zhao Ping’s son went to retrieve the coffin and passed through the kingdom of Jugmi. The king of Jugmi, Chengguo, had a long-standing grudge against the king of Yutian, Jian, and said to Zhao Ping’s son: “The king of Yutian ordered a barbarian physician to place poison in the wound, and that is why he died!” Zhao Ping’s son believed these words and, upon returning, told this to the Grand Administrator of Dunhuang, Ma Da. Just then, Wang Jing succeeded as Senior Scribe, and Ma Da ordered Wang Jing to secretly investigate the matter in Yutian. Wang Jing first went to Jugmi, and Chengguo again said to him: “The people of Yutian wish to make me their king; now you can take this crime as a pretext to kill Jian, and Yutian will surely submit.” Wang Jing, greedy for merit and fame, went to Yutian, set up a banquet, invited Jian, and secretly plotted against him. Someone informed Jian of Wang Jing’s plan, but Jian did not believe it, saying: “I have no crime; why would the Senior Scribe Wang kill me?” The next day, Jian brought several tens of his subordinate officials to see Wang Jing. After they sat down, Jian rose to offer a toast, and Wang Jing shouted for his attendants to seize him. The officers and soldiers had no intention of killing Jian, and his subordinates all broke through and fled. At that time, Chengguo’s chief clerk, Qimu, was with Wang Jing at the feast; he drew his sword and said: “The great matter is already settled; why hesitate!” He immediately stepped forward and beheaded Jian. The marquises and generals of Yutian, such as Shubo, then assembled their troops and attacked Wang Jing. Wang Jing took Jian’s head, climbed the city wall, and proclaimed: “The Son of Heaven sent me to kill Jian alone!” Shubo did not listen, ascended the wall, and beheaded Wang Jing, hanging his head in the marketplace. Shubo established himself as king; the people of Yutian killed him and set up Jian’s son, Anguo, as king. When Ma Da heard that Wang Jing had been killed, he wished to lead troops from various commanderies out of the frontier to attack Yutian; Emperor Huan did not agree, summoned Ma Da back to court, and appointed Song Liang to succeed him as Grand Administrator of Dunhuang. After Song Liang arrived, he openly recruited men of Yutian, ordering them to kill Shubo themselves; at that time, Shubo had already been dead for over a month, so they cut off the head of a corpse and sent it to Dunhuang, without stating the truth. Song Liang later realized it was false, but ultimately could not launch an expedition.
On the day bingchen, an earthquake occurred in the capital.
In summer, the fourth month, on the day jiachen, Empress Dowager Xiaochong, née Yan, passed away; Emperor Huan’s younger brother, the Prince of Pingyuan, Shi, presided over the funeral rites, and the specifications for encoffining and burial were modeled after those of Empress Gonghuai. In the fifth month, on the day xinmao, she was buried at Boding.
In autumn, the seventh month, on the day gengchen, a solar eclipse occurred.
In winter, the tenth month, on the day yihai, an earthquake occurred in the capital.
In the eleventh month, Sikong Huang Qiong was dismissed from office. In the twelfth month, Tejin Zhao Jie was appointed Sikong.
In the first year of the Yongxing reign period of Emperor Xiaohuan (gui si year, corresponding to 153 CE).
In spring, the third month, on the day dinghai, Emperor Huan visited the Hong Pond.
In summer, the fourth month, on the day bingshen, a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire, and the reign title was changed. On the day dingyou, the Prince of Jinan, Dao, named Guang, passed away; he had no sons, and his fief was abolished.
In autumn, the seventh month, locust plagues affected thirty-two commanderies and kingdoms, and the Yellow River flooded. Several hundred thousand households of common people suffered from hunger, cold, destitution, and displacement, with Jizhou being especially severe. An edict appointed the Attendant Censor Zhu Mu as Inspector of Jizhou. When the magistrates and chiefs of the counties under Jizhou heard that Zhu Mu had crossed the Yellow River, more than forty of them untied their seals and left. After arriving, he submitted impeachments against corrupt officials in various commanderies; some of them committed suicide, and others died in prison. The father of the eunuch Zhao Zhong passed away and was buried in Anping, where a jade burial suit was used in violation of regulations; Zhu Mu ordered the commandery to investigate. The officials, fearing his severity, opened the grave, split the coffin, lifted out the corpse, and displayed it. When Emperor Huan heard of this, he was greatly angered, summoned Zhu Mu to the Commandant of Justice, and sentenced him to hard labor at the Left Bureau. Taixue students, including Liu Tao of Yingchuan, along with several thousand others, went to the palace gate to submit a petition on Zhu Mu’s behalf, saying: “We have seen that the convict Zhu Mu, acting with public spirit and concern for the state, when he received the office of a regional governor, set his will on purging evil and villainy. Indeed, because the Regular Attendants are honored and favored, their fathers, brothers, and sons fill the provinces and commanderies, contending like tigers and wolves to devour the people, Zhu Mu therefore upheld the court’s laws and regulations, mended omissions and leaks, and swept away the violent and harmful, to accord with Heaven’s intent. Thus, the eunuchs all resented him, slanderous words arose in profusion, and calumnies and rifts followed one after another, imposing on him the heaviest punishment, sending him to hard labor at the Left Bureau. All discerning men under Heaven consider that Zhu Mu labored as diligently as Yu and Hou Ji, yet suffered the punishments of Gonggong and Gun; if the dead have awareness, then Tang Yao would rage at Mount Chong, and Yu Shun would be angered at his tomb at Cangwu! Now, the inner palace officials and close attendants steal the great authority of the state, holding in their hands the power to confer titles, carrying in their mouths the pronouncements of the law; by applying rewards, they can make a starving slave richer than Jisun; in a single breath, they can turn Yi Yin and Yan Hui into Jie and Dao Zhi. Yet Zhu Mu alone stands upright, heedless of harm to himself—not that he detests glory and loves disgrace, or detests life and loves death, but because he is moved by the collapse of the kingly net and fears the long loss of the heavenly bonds, and so he exhausts his heart and harbors, deeply planning for Your Majesty. We are willing to have our faces tattooed and our feet shackled, to take Zhu Mu’s place in labor and service.” Emperor Huan, after reading the petition, then pardoned Zhu Mu.
In winter, the tenth month, Taiwei Yuan Tang was dismissed, and Taichang Hu Guang was appointed Taiwei. Siwu Wu Xiong and Sikong Zhao Jie were dismissed. Taipu Huang Qiong was appointed Siwu, and Guangluxun Fang Zhi was appointed Sikong.
The Wuling barbarian Zhan Shan and others rebelled; the Grand Administrator of Wuling, Ying Feng of Runan, induced them to surrender.
The Later King of the Jushi Kingdom, Aluoduo, was at odds with the Wu Ji Marquis Yan Hao; enraged, he rebelled, besieged the agricultural colonies, and killed and wounded officers and soldiers. The Hou of the Later Region, Tanzi, led the remaining followers in betraying Aluoduo and surrendered to the Han officials. Aluoduo, in desperate straits, led over a hundred cavalry and fled into the Northern Xiongnu. The Grand Administrator of Dunhuang, Song Liang, memorialized requesting that Beijun, the hostage son of the former Later King of Jushi, be established as king. Later, Aluoduo returned from the Xiongnu and contended with Beijun for the kingship, managing to attract many of his countrymen. The Wu Ji Colonel Yan Xiang, fearing that he would draw in the Northern Xiongnu and disturb the Western Regions, therefore openly informed him and promised to reestablish him as king; Aluoduo then surrendered to Yan Xiang. Consequently, Aluoduo was established as king, Beijun was sent back to Dunhuang, and three hundred tents of the Later Region were granted to him.
In the second year of the Yongxing reign period of Emperor Xiaohuan (jia wu year, corresponding to 154 CE).
In spring, the first month, on the day jiawu, a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire.
In the second month, on the day xinchou, the three-year mourning period for Regional Inspectors and officials of the two-thousand-bushel rank was again permitted.
On the day guimao, an earthquake occurred in the capital.
In summer, locust plagues occurred. Mount Tu in Donghai Commandery collapsed.
On the day yimao, the son of Emperor Huan’s wet nurse, Ma Hui, named Chu, was enfeoffed as a Marquis of the Interior.
In autumn, the ninth month, on the day dingmao, which was the first day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.
Taiwei Hu Guang was dismissed; Siwu Huang Qiong was appointed Taiwei. In the intercalary month, Guangluxun Yin Song was appointed Siwu.
In winter, the eleventh month, on the day jiachen, Emperor Huan hunted in the Shanglin Park, and subsequently arrived at Hangu Pass.
The bandits Gongsun Ju of Taishan and Dongguo Dou of Langye rebelled and killed local officials.
In the first year of the Yongshou reign period of Emperor Xiaohuan (yi wei year, corresponding to 155 CE).
In spring, the first month, on the day wushen, a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire, and the reign title was changed.
In the second month, the Sili region and Jizhou suffered from famine, and there were instances of cannibalism.
Imperial College student Liu Tao submitted a memorial discussing state affairs, saying: “Heaven and the emperor, the emperor and the common people, are like the head and the feet—they depend on each other to act. Your Majesty’s eyes have not seen the defeat of Jie at Mingtiao, nor have your ears heard the sounds of chariots and warfare; heavenly disasters have not pierced your skin and flesh, and earthquakes and solar eclipses do not immediately harm your sacred person. Thus you treat lightly the anomalies of the sun, moon, and stars, and are casual toward Heaven’s anger. I reflect that when the House of Gao arose, it began from commoner status, gathering the scattered and supporting the wounded, and finally achieved imperial enterprise—its toil and hardship were extreme! It bequeathed blessings and left the imperial legacy down to Your Majesty. Your Majesty can neither enhance and exalt the laws of the former emperors, but instead neglects the toil of the House of Gao, rashly entrusting authority to others, handing over the great power of the state to a group of vile, mutilated men, who cruelly harm the common people. Tigers and leopards nest in the ruins of battlefields; jackals and wolves nurse their young in the gardens of spring. Merchants become poor and wronged ghosts; the impoverished and hungry become those who die from cold and starvation. The dead grieve in their pits; the living sorrow at court and among the people. This is why this foolish subject sighs and harbors long-lasting regret! Moreover, when Qin was about to fall, those who gave frank remonstrances were killed, while flatterers and sycophants were rewarded. Loyal words were blocked by the tongues of loyal ministers; the fate of the state issued from the mouths of slanderers. Yanle monopolized power in Xianyang; Zhao Gao was entrusted with the office of the chariot master. Power left him, yet he did not know it; authority departed from him, and he paid it no heed. The same principle holds for ancient and modern times; the same circumstances lead to success or failure. I hope Your Majesty will look far to the overturning of mighty Qin and examine closely the upheavals of Emperors Ai and Ping. The gain and loss are clear; the misfortune and blessing are visible. I also hear that peril cannot be supported without virtue, and chaos cannot be saved without wisdom. I privately see that the former Inspector of Jizhou, Nanyang man Zhu Mu, and the former Colonel of the Wuhuan, my fellow commandery man Li Ying, both uphold the true Way, are pure and fair, and their integrity and honor surpass the vulgar. These truly are good aides for a revival and pillars of state. They should be returned to the court to assist the royal house. I dare to speak loyal and righteous words that are out of season in a court that shuns frank speech. It is like ice or frost meeting the sun—it will inevitably melt. I began by lamenting what is lamentable in the world; now the world also laments my foolish confusion.” The memorial was submitted but received no reply.
In summer, a great flood occurred in Nanyang Commandery.
Sikong Fang Zhi was dismissed from office; the Grand Master of Ceremonies, Han Yan, was appointed Sikong.
Landslides occurred in Ba Commandery and Yizhou Commandery.
In autumn, the Southern Xiongnu’s Left Aoqiantai and Qiequ Bode rebelled and invaded Meiji; the Eastern Qiang again led their entire tribes to respond to them. The Colonel of the Dependent State of Anding, Dunhuang man Zhang Huan, had just taken office, and his camp had only over two hundred men. Hearing of this, he immediately led his troops to march out. The military clerks considered the force insufficient to match the enemy and kowtowed, vying to dissuade him. Zhang Huan did not listen, but advanced and camped at the Great Wall, gathered soldiers, and sent the officer Wang Wei to entice the Eastern Qiang. He then occupied the Qiuci County, preventing the Southern Xiongnu from communicating with the Eastern Qiang. The tribal leaders of the Eastern Qiang consequently joined with Zhang Huan one after another to attack Aoqiantai and the others, defeating them. Bode, in fear, led his troops to surrender, and the commandery’s borders were pacified. The Qiang leaders presented Zhang Huan with twenty horses and eight jin vessels. Zhang Huan poured wine on the ground before the various Qiang and said: “Even if horses were as numerous as sheep, I would not lead them into the stable; even if gold were as plentiful as millet, I would not put it into my bosom.” He returned all of them. Previously, eight successive colonels had mostly been greedy for property, hated by the Qiang. By the time Zhang Huan rectified himself and maintained incorruptibility, no one was not sincerely convinced, and his prestige and instruction were greatly promoted.
Emperor Xiaohuan, the second year of the Yongsou era (Bing Shen, 156 CE)
Spring, third month. The Yi people in the Dependent State of Shu Commandery rebelled.
Earlier, the Xianbei man Tanshihuai was brave and strong, with wisdom and strategy. The people of his tribe all feared and submitted to him. He then established laws and prohibitions, judged right and wrong, and no one dared to violate them. Consequently, he was elected as the tribal leader. Tanshihuai established his royal court at Mount Tanhan and by the River Chuochou, over three hundred li north of Gaoliu. His military forces were extremely strong. The leaders of the eastern and western tribes all submitted to him. Therefore, he raided the borders to the south, repelled the Dingling to the north, drove back the Fuyu to the east, and attacked the Wusun to the west, completely occupying the former territory of the Xiongnu, stretching over fourteen thousand li from east to west.
Autumn, seventh month. Tanshihuai invaded Yunzhong Commandery. The court appointed the former Colonel of the Wuhuan, Li Ying, as General of Dulao. When Li Ying reached the border, the Qiang and Hu peoples all feared and submitted at the sight of him. Previously captured men and women were all sent to the border passes to be returned.
Gongsun Ju and Dongguo Dou gathered followers numbering as many as thirty thousand, invading the three provinces of Qing, Yan, and Xu, and breaking into commanderies and counties. The court campaigned against them for several years but could not overcome them. The Minister of Personnel selected someone capable of handling difficult affairs and appointed the Clerk of the Minister of Revenue, Yingchuan man Han Shao, as the Magistrate of Ying County. The bandits, hearing that he was virtuous, warned each other not to enter Ying County. Refugees from other counties, numbering over ten thousand households, entered Ying County’s borders. Han Shao opened the granaries to relieve them. The supervising officials argued that this should not be done. Han Shao said: “If I can save those trapped in ditches and gullies, and thus be punished, I will go to the grave smiling.” The Grand Administrator, who had long known Han Shao’s reputation and virtue, ultimately did not pursue the matter. Han Shao, together with the same commandery’s Xun Shu, Zhong Hao, and Chen Shi, all served as magistrates and were known for their virtuous governance wherever they went. People at the time called them the “Four Elders of Yingchuan.”
Earlier, the Xianbei invaded Liaodong. The Colonel of the Dependent State, Wudu man Duan Jiong, led his troops on a rapid march. Subsequently, fearing the bandits would be alarmed and flee, he sent a courier bearing a forged imperial edict recalling him. Duan Jiong pretended to retreat along the way, secretly setting an ambush on the return route. The barbarians, believing the situation to be genuine, entered to pursue Duan Jiong. Duan Jiong then launched a major attack, capturing or killing them all. For the crime of forging an imperial edict, he should have received heavy punishment, but due to his merit, he was sentenced to the penalty of judicial servitude. After completing his term, he was appointed as a Consultant. At this time, the court issued an edict, because the eastern bandits were rampant, ordering the dukes and ministers to recommend generals with both civil and military talent. The Minister of the Masses, Yin Song, recommended Duan Jiong, who was appointed as General of the Household, attacking Gongsun Ju, Dongguo Dou, and others. He greatly defeated them and beheaded them, cutting off over ten thousand heads. The remaining followers either surrendered or scattered. The court enfeoffed Duan Jiong as a marquis.
Winter, twelfth month. An earthquake occurred in the capital.
The court enfeoffed Liang Buyi’s son, Liang Ma, as the Marquis of Yingyin, and Liang Yin’s son, Liang Tao, as the Marquis of Chengfu.