In the first month of the year 588 AD, on the day of Yihai, the Chen Dynasty sent Cavalry Attendants Yuan Ya and Zhou Zhishui to our place to strengthen ties. On the day of Gengzi in the second month, oh no, this is bad news, the Town Star has moved to the Eastern Well! This is an ill omen! On the day of Xinyou, those Chen folks came to attack us in Xiazhu, really annoying! On the day of Xinyi in the third month, alas, our respected General Li Xun, the Duke of Zhongzhu and Longxi, passed away, what a loss! On the day of Renshen, the court appointed Jiang Xuda as the governor of Chengzhou. On the day of Jiaxu, the emperor dispatched Cavalry Attendants Cheng Shangxian and Wei Yun to the Chen state, likely to discuss terms. On the day of Wuyin, the emperor issued a holy decree, which read...
(The content of the edict should follow here)
A long time ago, the Miao people were unruly back then, and Emperor Yao sent a light military expedition to subdue them; Sun Hao was tyrannical and lawless, leading Emperor Wu of Jin to send troops against him. The Chen Dynasty has seized the Jianghuai region, acting against divine will and harming the populace. When I first ascended the throne, Chen Xu was still alive, and I hoped to persuade him with reason instead of resorting to force, so I sought reconciliation with them multiple times, hoping they would reform. But not long after, the Chen Dynasty's crimes escalated. They harbored defected subjects, violated our borders, and committed arson, murder, and pillage in the Wu and Yue regions, committing all sorts of atrocities.
Thus, our army launched a major campaign, originally intending to bring many surrender documents, but Chen Xu instead mobilized troops and prepared to resist. He was so frightened that he requested peace talks, but soon after, he died. Considering Chen Xu's death, we ordered the army to march back to the capital. Chen Shubao succeeded to the throne and also requested reconciliation; we desired a peaceful coexistence, so we sent envoys back and forth numerous times to negotiate. Each time I saw the envoys coming and going, I patiently advised them, hoping they could change their ways. However, they were greedy and reckless, becoming even more unrestrained. They disregarded the Five Elements, disrespected the Three Sovereigns, killed their own relatives, and eliminated those with talent. They occupied a tiny domain, relying on the perilous terrain of rivers and mountains, robbing the common folk and plundering their resources, and forcing them into endless labor. They drafted women to construct palaces, becoming increasingly extravagant and indulgent, without moderation, with more than ten thousand concubines in the palace. They lived in luxury and extravagance, indulging in hedonistic pleasures, reveling in music and dance every night. They executed ministers who dared to speak the truth, wiped out innocent families, dissected hearts, and feasted on the blood of the innocent. They deceived heaven, committed numerous evils, offered sacrifices to ghosts and gods seeking protection and favor, danced and sang in the streets, and reveled in drunken merriment in the palace. They brandished weapons while heavily adorned in fine clothing, calling for guards, riding horses and wielding whips, idling from dawn till dusk, running about without purpose.
The soldiers, clad in armor and wielding weapons, chase down fleeing civilians, punishing those they cannot catch. Throughout history, few incompetent rulers have been as tyrannical as these. Both soldiers and civilians are hungry, cold, and exhausted, toiling at construction work, their lives in the hands of others. The honorable flee while the unscrupulous thrive; every household harbors ill intentions, and everyone is greedily hoarding wealth. Natural disasters and human-made calamities persist, while demons and monsters run rampant. People remain silent, forced to watch one another in secret. The people eagerly await our aid, pleading for us to send troops, with petitions flying like snowflakes. Chen Shubao not only betrays our trust but also continually harasses our borders, from Ba Gorge to the seaside, from north of the Yangtze River to the south; grievances are heard everywhere. The people suffer the pain of slaughter, endure the hardship of looting. They pillage the people's livestock and chop down their firewood; markets are deserted, and fields lie fallow. In Liyang and Guangling, Chen's army lies in wait, continuously scheming to attack and plunder, robbing officials and civilians, lurking during the day and coming out to steal at night. Their army is exhausted; if they invade, they will undoubtedly be captured. On our side, the city defenses are robust, with troops stationed to guard. All the people of the realm are my subjects, and each time I hear of these circumstances, my heart aches. Liang is my vassal state to the south; their monarch, after arriving at court, secretly conspires with Chen, ignoring my goodwill. The people of Liang are oppressed, the cities are empty, and the people are struggling. Not only am I a monarch who cares for the realm, but my officials have also repeatedly urged me that the people are suffering; how can I stand idly by?
Recently, autumn has just begun, and I intend to mobilize troops to campaign against the State of Chen. I ordered all the warships from Yizhou to head east, and at that moment, dozens of divine dragons soared on the river's surface, guiding our army towards Jinling. When the ships stopped, the dragons stopped; when the ships moved, the dragons moved. Within four days, the soldiers from all three armies witnessed the divine dragons. Could this be a sign of heaven's mercy upon the people, arranging things in the dark? The divine dragons cleared the path for us, bolstering our military strength! With the aid of heavenly power, we can launch an expedition to subdue and pacify the Wu and Yue regions in one fell swoop. As for the soldiers' provisions and weaponry, as well as the supplies for land and water transport, the timing for our advance and retreat will follow separate orders.
In early August, several states in Hebei were suffering from famine, and the emperor sent the Minister of Personnel, Su Wei, to deliver aid.
In early September, the emperor held a banquet to entertain the generals who had campaigned in the south, with various rewards distributed. On a certain day of the same month, reports from Jiazhu claimed that dragons had been sighted. On a day in October, the bright star Venus appeared in the west. A few days later, the emperor established the Huainan Provincial Administration in Shouchun and appointed Prince Jin, Yang Guang, as the Minister of State. A few days later, the State of Chen sent Wang Wan and Xu Shanxin to pay tribute, but we detained them, preventing their return.
Then, the emperor decided to attack the State of Chen and first visited the Grand Ancestral Temple to pay homage. The emperor appointed Prince Jin Yang Guang, Prince Qin Yang Jun, and Duke Qinghe Yang Su as commanders to lead the army against the State of Chen. Thus, Prince Jin Yang Guang set out from Liuhe, Prince Qin Yang Jun from Xiangyang, Duke Qinghe Yang Su from Xinzhou, Governor Liu Ren'en of Jingzhou from Jiangling, Duke Yiyang Wang Shiji from Qichun, Duke Xinyi Han Qintian from Lujiang, Duke Xiangyi He Ruobi from Wuzhou, and Duke Luocong Yan Rong from the East Sea. Ninety commanders were mobilized, leading an army of five hundred eighteen thousand, all under the command of Prince Jin Yang Guang. The great army stretched from the eastern sea to the western Bashu, with flags and warships stretching for thousands of miles. Additionally, the emperor granted a general amnesty to the State of Chen. During this time, a comet was seen in the sky, near the star Altair.
One day in November, the emperor personally led the army into battle. The emperor ordered a bounty for the capture of Chen Shubao, offering him the titles of Zhuguo and Wanhuhou. (Here it refers to the bounty for capturing Chen Shubao, not rewarding him.) A few days later, the emperor went to Dingcheng for an inspection, where the Chen army was also swearing in. The next day, the emperor went to Hedong. One day in December, the emperor returned from Hedong.
In the spring of 589, on the first few days of January, a strange sight appeared in the sky: a white rainbow arching across the sun. A few days later, He Ruobi captured Jingkou, the capital of the Chen dynasty, and Han Qingtiger captured Nanyuzhou of the Chen dynasty. A few days later, the court appointed Yu Qingze as the General of the Right Guard. Then, He Ruobi scored a major victory over the Chen army at Jiangshan, capturing the general of the Chen army, Xiao Mohe. Han Qingtiger advanced his troops towards Jianye, capturing the general of the Chen army, Ren Mannu, and also capturing the Chen dynasty's emperor, Chen Shubao. The Chen dynasty was destroyed, having been annexed, totaling thirty states, one hundred commanderies, and four hundred counties. Within a few days, the court sent envoys to assess and pacify those regions.
In early February, the court abolished the Huainan provincial administration. The next day, the court stipulated that a township should be established for every five hundred households, with one head to manage it; a neighborhood should be established for every one hundred households, with one neighborhood head in charge. A day later, the court appointed Wei Shikang as the governor of Anzhou province. In early April, the emperor went to Li Mountain to inspect and commend the returning soldiers. A few days later, the victorious army returned and presented captives at the ancestral shrine. The emperor appointed Yang Guang as the Grand Marshal. A few days later, the emperor hosted a banquet at Guangyang Gate to honor the soldiers, with varied rewards for each. The next day, the court ordered a general amnesty. A few days later, because of the flattery and sycophancy of officials like Kong Fan, Wang Cuo, Wang Yi, and Shen Guan from the Chen dynasty, which contributed to the downfall of the Chen dynasty, they were all exiled to the border regions. A few days later, Yang Su was appointed governor of Jingzhou, Yuwen Bi was appointed Minister of Justice, and Yang Yi was appointed Minister of Works. Then, the emperor issued an edict:
In the past, the Wuyue region was in turmoil, as the common people struggled to survive, continuous warfare, long-standing grievances, and social order had not yet been restored. Now that the world is at peace, everyone is living in peace and contentment, living carefree lives. Therefore, now is the right time to implement policies for a peaceful and prosperous era. Officials, you must maintain your integrity, enhance your personal conduct, keep your eyes open, understand the situation clearly, and start taking action from now on.
Since the war, it has been ten years. The monarchs lack the virtues befitting their position, the subjects fail to fulfill their responsibilities, fathers are unloving, sons show no filial piety, the bonds among siblings have weakened, husbands and wives are at odds, the natural order of seniority has been disrupted, and the distinctions of rank and status have blurred. As the emperor, I am wholly committed to the welfare of the people, constantly thinking about how to better govern the country, and I dare not become complacent. Whether it is officials inside and outside the court, or the people near and far, every household must engage in self-reflection, and everyone must think seriously to eliminate illegal and disorderly conduct. The army can be used to deter enemies, but force should not be used casually; the legal system can assist in educating the people, but should not be abused. Therefore, some of the weapons and equipment of the imperial guards in the palace and the stationed troops in various regions should be dismantled.
Now that the roads are clear and the world is peaceful, the descendants of those military leaders can now pursue scholarly knowledge, and all civilian weapons should be confiscated. Those who have served honorably should lay down their arms and study poetry, literature, rites, and music. Their descendants should also study classic works to foster national unity in reverence for the sages. Schools in the capital and across the regions must operate diligently; students must study diligently, excel in the imperial examinations, and enter the ranks of officials. However, there have not been any exceptionally outstanding and talented officials yet, indicating that we do not prioritize education sufficiently and that the standards of evaluation are not rigorous enough. We must ascertain the causes and reinforce Confucian education.
Both officials and reclusive scholars should treat each other sincerely and be tolerant, without being overly formal or going against my wishes. I have been emperor for nine years, and I have always encouraged everyone to speak frankly and treat each other honestly; I have displayed this openly and held it close to my heart. However, recently, those who boast of their talents and seek rewards, as well as those who speak frankly, have become increasingly rare. Ministers and common people, this is not what I want to see! I hope everyone can treat each other sincerely and help me make up for my shortcomings. Good suggestions should be brought up promptly, and talented individuals should be appointed without delay; do not remain silent and speak only afterwards. I tell these words to everyone in the world, hoping everyone understands my meaning.
In the intercalary month, on the day of Jiazi in the lunar calendar, Wei Shikang was appointed as the governor of Xinzhou. On the day of Dingchou, the emperor issued wooden fish charms to the governors and inspectors, in pairs, one male and one female. On the day of Jimao, Su Wei was appointed as the Right Minister of the Secretariat. On the day of Yichou in June, Yang Su was appointed as a counselor. On the day of Dingchou, Lu Kai was appointed as the Minister of Rites. At that time, both the court and the people were buzzing about and looking forward to the emperor going to Mount Tai for the Fengshan ceremony.
By autumn, on the day of Bingwu in July, the emperor issued an edict saying: "How can one think that the world is at peace just because a small country has been defeated? This is a major issue and shouldn't be taken lightly. Using trivial achievements to perform the Fengshan ceremony on sacred mountains and deceiving heaven with false words is not what I wish to see. From now on, anyone who mentions the Fengshan ceremony again will be strictly prohibited!" On the day of Renxu in August, Prince Guangping was appointed as the Minister of Works. In winter, on the day of Renchen in November, the inspector of Dingzhou, Dou Lutong, and others submitted a petition requesting the Fengshan ceremony, which the emperor rejected. On the day of Gengzi, Yu Qingze was appointed as the Right General of the Armed Forces, and Li An was appointed as the Right General of the Army. On the day of Jiayin, the court granted sentence reductions for prisoners.
On the twelfth day of the twelfth lunar month, the emperor issued another edict, declaring: "I have inherited the mandate of heaven to govern the world. In previous dynasties, the social atmosphere was corrupt, and the teachings of the sages have been neglected. Now is the time to restore the rites and music system. I have been contemplating the revival of ancient music and the principles of elegance and propriety. Those vulgar music of the Zheng and Wei styles, as well as performances such as fish and dragon dances, must be purged from the music repertoire. Now I want to reform the musical scales and the methods of playing the qin and se. Such exquisite skills cannot be mastered through mere study; craftsmen pass down their skills through generations, often leaving behind only superficial techniques that fail to reflect the way of heaven. There are talented and exceptional individuals in every region, destined by heaven, existing in every dynasty! However, they are often overlooked due to inopportune circumstances, so we should actively seek them out and give them the opportunity to showcase their talents. Only then can we accomplish great endeavors." Then, the emperor ordered Tai Chang Niu Hong, Tong Zhi San Qi Chang Shi Xu Shan Xin, Secretary Cheng Yao Cha, Tong Zhi Lang Yu Shi Ji, and others to discuss and formulate new musical scales. On the day of Ji Si, Zhou Fa Shang was appointed governor of Yongzhou.
On the Yǐwèi day of the first month in the tenth year of spring, the emperor conferred the title of King of Henan on his grandson Zhao and the title of King of Huayang on Kai. In the second month, on Gēngshēn, the emperor personally visited Bingzhou for inspection. By summer, on Xīnyǒu in April, the emperor returned from Bingzhou. In May, on Yǐwèi, the emperor issued an edict that said: "In the late years of the Wei dynasty, the world was in chaos, the country was divided, and wars broke out every year, causing the people to be restless. Those soldiers have long been stationed in various military districts, fighting south and north, with no stable home, broken families, and desolate lands, becoming refugees who wandered everywhere, lacking even a permanent hometown. I truly feel for them! Therefore, all military personnel can register in the local household registry, so they can cultivate land and live like everyone else. The leadership of the military districts will still be managed as before. As for the newly established military districts in Shandong, Henan, and the northern border areas, they will all be abolished." On Xīnyǒu in June, the emperor also ordered that anyone over the age of fifty could be exempted from corvée labor and taxes. On the day of Guǐhài, the emperor appointed Wang Shiji, governor of Lingzhou, as governor of Jingzhou, and Yuan Zhao, inspector of Xizhou, as governor of Lingzhou.
By autumn, on Guǐmǎo in July, the emperor appointed the advisor Yang Su as Minister of Internal Affairs. On Gēngxū, the emperor personally reviewed prisoners. On Xīnhài, Duke Gaoyang of Liaodong, Korea, passed away. On Rénzǐ, the Tuyuhun sent envoys to present tribute. In August, on Rénshēn, the emperor dispatched Zhu Guo, Duke of Xiangyang, and Wang Jing, Duke of Donglai, to jointly carry out the edict and inspect Lingnan, where the various tribes of the Baiyue region submitted. In winter, on Jiǎzǐ in October, the emperor awarded wooden fish tokens to officials ranked fifth and above in the capital. On Wùchén, the emperor appointed Zhou Fashang, governor of Yongzhou, as governor of Guizhou. In November, on Xīnbǐng, the emperor inspected the Guozijian and rewarded everyone with various gifts of different values. On Bǐngwǔ, the Khitan sent envoys to present tribute. On Xīnzǒu, the emperor performed sacrifices in the southern suburbs.
In this month, Wang Wenjin from Wuzhou, Gao Zhihui from Kuaiji, and Shen Xuanhuai from Suzhou all raised troops to rebel, declaring themselves emperors, and established various official titles. The Daoist Cai from Le'an, Li Ling from Jiangshan, Wu Daihua from Raozhou, Shen Xiaoche from Yongjia, Wang Guoqing from Quanzhou, Yang Baoying from Yuhang, Li Chun from Jiaozhi, and others also claimed to be grand generals and occupied prefectures and counties. The emperor then ordered Yang Su, the Grand Duke, Minister of Internal Affairs, and Duke of Yue, to quell these rebellions.
On the few days of the first month of 622, which was the day of Ding You, the emperor felt that the ancient artifacts obtained after pacifying the Chen Dynasty looked odd, as if they might bring misfortune, so he ordered them all to be smashed. In the same month, on the day of Xin Chou, Korea sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Bing Wu, the crown princess Yuan died, and the emperor held a grand mourning ceremony in the Wensi Hall.
On the day of Wu Wu in February, Tuyuhun also sent envoys to pay tribute with various specialties. The emperor appointed General Su Xiaoci as the Minister of Works. On the day of Bing Zi, due to the outstanding administrative skills of Liu Kuang, the magistrate of Linying County, the emperor directly promoted him to be the Inspector of Juzhou. On the day of Ji Mao, the Turks also sent envoys to present gifts, which was a seven-treasure bowl. On the last day of the month, the day of Xin Si, a solar eclipse occurred.
On the day of Ren Wu in March, the emperor dispatched several interpreters for an official mission to Tuyuhun. On the day of Gui Wei, the emperor transferred Zhou Yao, the governor of Youzhou, to Shouzhou to serve as governor and Tu Wanxu, the governor of Shuozhou, to Xiaozhou as governor. On the day of Wu Wu in April, the Turkic Khan Yong Yulu sent his trusted aides to the court to pay their respects. On the day of Jia Zi in May, Korea sent envoys once more to pay tribute with their specialties. On the day of Gui Mao, the emperor issued an order for all officials to gather at the court to present their petitions. On the day of Yi Si, the emperor promoted Yuan Min, Right Guard General, to Left Guard Grand General.
On the day of the 己丑 in July, the Emperor appointed Duke Du Yan of Zhu Guo as the Governor of Hongzhou. On the day of the 壬申 in August, the Emperor visited the Li Garden. Unfortunately, during this time, Teng Wang Li Yuanzan passed away. On the 乙亥 day, the Emperor returned from the Li Garden. Sigh, another piece of bad news: the Grand Duke and Duke of Pei, Zheng Yi, also passed away. By the day of the 丙辰 in December, the Mohe sent envoys to pay tribute and present local specialties.
On the day of the 壬子 in the first month of the year 612, the Emperor appointed Huangfu Ji, the Governor of Suzhou, as the Governor of Xinzhou, and Xi Daiya, the Governor of Xuanzhou, as the Governor of Guangzhou. Both of them were promoted, one to Xinzhou and the other to Guangzhou.
On the day of the 己巳 in February, the Emperor appointed the King of Shu, Yang Xiu, as the Minister of Internal Affairs, also concurrently serving as the Right General; Han Wang Yang Liang was appointed as the Governor of Yongzhou while also concurrently serving as the Right Guard General. These two brothers held important positions, one managing internal affairs and the other managing local governance.
By the day of the 辛卯 in April, the Governor of Shouzhou, Zhou Yao, was transferred to be the Governor of Xiangzhou. This is considered an internal transfer, moving from Shouzhou to Xiangzhou.
On the day of the 辛亥 in May, alas, a mishap occurred: the Governor of Guangzhou, Xi Daiya, passed away. Just after he took office, he... truly, the affairs of the world are unpredictable.
On the day of the 乙巳 in July, the Emperor dismissed the Right Chancellor of the Ministry of Personnel, Duke of Pi Su Wei, and the Minister of Rites, Marquis of Rongcheng Lu Kai, due to their offenses. These two high-ranking officials suddenly fell from grace. On the same day, the 壬戌 day, the Emperor also visited Kunming Pool and returned to the palace that night. On the 己巳 day, the Emperor went to the Grand Ancestral Temple to offer sacrifices. The day of the 壬申 was the last day of the month, and there was a solar eclipse that day, which was quite an ill omen.
On the Jiaxu day in August, the Emperor decreed that cases involving death row inmates nationwide could not be executed by the state governments without authorization; they must be referred to the Dali Temple for review. This shows that the Emperor still values judicial fairness. On the Yihai day, the Emperor visited Longshou Pond. On the Guisi day, the Emperor issued an order that the guards in the palace were not allowed to leave their posts casually. On the Dingyou day, the Grand Minister, the governor of Xizhou, and Duke Doulu of Chu all passed away. On the Wuxu day, the Emperor personally visited the prison to meet with the inmates.
On the Dingwei day in September, the Emperor appointed Yang Yi, the Minister of Works, as the governor of Wuzhou. This appointment marked a promotion for Yang Yi. On the Dingchou day in October, the Emperor conferred the title of Prince of Wei upon Suian Wang Yang Ji. This was another shift within the royal family. On the Renwu day, the Emperor again went to the Grand Ancestral Temple to offer sacrifices. It’s said that in front of Emperor Taizu's spirit tablet, the Emperor wept uncontrollably, deeply saddened. On the Xinhai day in November, the Emperor went to the southern suburbs to offer sacrifices. On the Renzi day, the Emperor hosted a banquet for the officials, distributing rewards that varied for each person. On the Jiwei day, the Grand Minister and Duke Han Qinhufu of Xinyi passed away. On the Gengshen day, the Emperor appointed Quan Wu, the Yuzhou governor, as the Tanzhou governor. On the Jiazi day, the officials held an archery competition in the Wude Hall.
On the Guiyou day in December, envoys from the Turks came to pay tribute. On the Yiyou day, the Emperor appointed Yang Su, the Grand Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs, as the Right Vice Minister. On the Jiyou day, the Tuyuhun and Mohe also sent envoys to pay tribute. This year has certainly been packed with events, both big and small.
On the second day of the first month in the year 756, Han Jianye, also known as Duke Xun, passed away. On the fourth day of the first month, the Khitan, Xian, Xianbei, and Shiwei minorities sent envoys to pay tribute. On the ninth day of the first month, the Emperor personally made offerings to Emperor Gan. On the sixteenth day of the first month, Wei Shikang was promoted to Minister of Personnel. On the nineteenth day of the first month, the Emperor went to visit Qizhou.
On the third day of the second month, the emperor ordered the construction of the Palace of Benevolence and Longevity. On the fourth day of the second month, the emperor returned from Qizhou. On the fifth day of the second month, the emperor hosted a banquet for the officials who came for the assessment at Jiaze Hall. On the sixth day of the second month, the emperor established his grandson Li Jian as the Prince of Yuzhang. On the fifth day of the second month again, Jia Xida, the Inspector of Jinzhou, and Han Yan, the Governor of Xianzhou, were beheaded for accepting bribes. On the seventh day of the second month, the emperor ordered those dismissed officials for misconduct to be exiled for a year. On the fourteenth day of the second month, the emperor ordered that families who lost members in war would be exempt from taxes for a year. On the tenth day of the fourth month, the emperor ordered that commoners were prohibited from privately compiling national history or evaluating historical figures. On the fifth day of the seventh month, the Mohe sent envoys to pay tribute. On the ninth day of the seventh month, Helou Zigang, also known as the Grand General of the Left Guard, died. On the fourteenth day of the seventh month, the emperor went to Kunming Pool for recreation. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, there was a solar eclipse. On the third day of the ninth month, the emperor pardoned all prisoners and reduced their sentences. On the seventh day of the ninth month, Yang Lun was appointed as the Prince of Teng. On the twelfth day of the ninth month, Du Yan was appointed as the Governor of Yunzhou. On the second day of the tenth month, Liang Yanguang, also known as the Duke of Huayang Commandery, died.
In the year 626 AD (tenth year of the Zhenguan reign), on the fourteenth day of the fourth month, the emperor issued a decree saying: "In ancient times, sages created music to elevate morality and change customs, which is of great significance! Since the decline of the Jin Dynasty, there have been continuous wars, and traditional court music has been lost. Thanks to heavenly blessings, the chaos has ended, the people are at peace, the world is peaceful, and society is stable. The ancient classics and cultural relics belong to the state. I command the relevant departments to promptly research and compile the music scores, verify them carefully, and implement them immediately. Those non-conforming musical practices should be discontinued. Folk music has strayed far from its roots, abandoning traditional instruments and melodies, blindly pursuing complex sounds, being inconsistent and lacking structure, resulting in the current situation. Control should be strengthened, and the true essence of music should be restored."
On the eighth day of the fifth month, an earthquake occurred in the capital. The Guanzhong region suffered from drought. On the fourth day of the sixth month, the emperor ordered that officials in various counties should be allocated some land and should no longer cultivate their own land to profit from it, competing with the common people. On the sixth day of the seventh month, Su Wei, the Duke of Ping, was appointed as a counselor. On the eighth day of the eighth month, a severe drought hit the Guanzhong region, leading to widespread hunger among the populace. The emperor led the people to Luoyang to seek shelter and sustenance. On the sixth day of the ninth month, Fan Zigai, the Governor of Qizhou, was appointed as the Governor of Xunzhou; and on the eighth day of the ninth month, Cui Zhongfang, the Governor of Jizhou, was appointed as the Governor of Huizhou.
On the first day of October (intercalary month), the emperor issued a decree saying: "The dynasties of Qi, Liang, and Chen have all established their own regimes and continued for several generations. Now their ancestral temples are in disrepair, and there is no one to conduct the sacrifices. Thinking of this makes one feel sad. Therefore, sacrifices should be conducted punctually for Duke Xiao Cong of Ju State, as well as for Gao Renying, Chen Shubao, and others, with the necessary sacrificial items to be provided by the relevant departments." On the second day of October, it was stipulated that officials above the ninth rank could not bring their parents and children over the age of fifteen to serve in the government. On the twenty-second day of November, it was stipulated that the assistants in the prefectures and counties would be replaced every three years and could not serve consecutive terms. On the twenty-third day of November, there was a comet in the constellation of Jiao and Kang. On the sixth day of December, the emperor went on an eastern hunting expedition.
In early February, the emperor ordered a nationwide confiscation of weapons; those who manufactured weapons privately would face punishment, though exceptions would be made for border areas. In the same month, Duke Liang Rui of Zhuguo passed away. On the third day of March, the emperor returned from an eastern hunting expedition and conducted sacrifices at the Five Mountains and the Sea River. He then stayed at the Renshou Palace for a while. The governor of Yingzhou, Wei Yi, also passed away.
On the first day of April, the emperor issued another decree for a general amnesty. A few days later, he appointed Yang Da, the governor of Zhao Prefecture, as the Minister of Works; a few days later, he appointed Wei Chong, the chancellor of the Three Departments, as the governor of Yingzhou. On the third day of May, the Tuyuhun sent envoys to pay tribute. A few days later, it was stipulated that officials of the fifth rank and above in the capital should wear copper fish tokens. On the third day of June, the emperor ordered the excavation of the foundation pillars for the palace. A few days later, the governor of Xiangzhou, Dou Lutong, presented silk and satin, which the emperor ordered burned in the court. Subsequently, Lin Yi also sent envoys to pay tribute with various items. A few days later, the emperor ordered that all notable mountains and rivers not included in the sacrificial records should be honored.
In early July, the King of Jin presented a soft-shelled turtle. A few days later, he sent Duke Su Wei of Pi State to inspect Jiangnan. After that, the emperor returned from the Palace of Benevolence and Longevity. A few days later, a decree was issued allowing officials of the ninth rank and above who were dismissed for poor performance to retain their ceremonial tablets. In early October, the Minister of Personnel, Wei Shikang, was appointed as the governor of Jingzhou.
One day in November, the emperor went to Wentang and returned a few days later. In early December, the emperor issued an order stating that anyone caught stealing grain from the border, if the amount exceeded one sheng, would be beheaded, and their families would face severe consequences. In the same month, it was mandated that both civil and military officials undergo four assessments before transferring their positions.
In the spring of a certain year (specific year inferred from context), on the day of Dinghai in the first month, the emperor ordered the bestowal of titles to his grandsons: Yu as the Prince of Pingyuan, Jun as the Prince of Ancheng, Yi as the Prince of Anping, Ke as the Prince of Xiangcheng, Gai as the Prince of Gaoyang, Shao as the Prince of Jian'an, and Xuan as the Prince of Yingchuan. On this day, several grandsons were granted princely titles, truly a joyful occasion!
By the summer, on the day of Dingsi in May, the emperor appointed Pang Huang, the governor of Huaizhou, as the governor of Xiazhou, and Yao Bian, the Duke of Caiyang, as the governor of Lingzhou. Both of these gentlemen were promoted, suggesting that the emperor held them in high regard! On the day of Jiawu in June, the emperor issued an order stating that merchants were not allowed to hold official positions. This rule is bound to disappoint a lot of people. Alas, this year, Bingzhou was also suffering from a locust plague; it's just one misfortune after another! On the same day, on the day of Xinchou, the emperor further decreed that the wives of officials of the ninth rank and above, and the concubines of officials of the fifth rank and above, could not remarry if their husbands or in-laws died. This rule is quite harsh on these women.
On the eighth day of the eighth lunar month, the emperor ordered that executions of death row inmates must go through three approvals before execution. This indicates that the emperor is extremely cautious about death sentences and carefully considers his decisions. On the tenth day of the tenth month of winter, the emperor resided at Changchun Palace for several days. On the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the emperor returned from Changchun Palace. Changchun Palace is known for its beautiful scenery, which the emperor seems to enjoy.
In the spring of the year 624 AD, on the twenty-ninth day of the second month, Taiping Duke Wan Sui quelled the rebellion of the Xining Qiang. Later that month, on the seventh day, the emperor went to Renshou Palace. On the seventh day of the seventh month, Shang Zhuguo Wang Shiji pacified the rebellion of Li Guangshi in Guizhou. On the ninth day of the second month, Prince of Henan Zhao accepted a concubine; the emperor hosted a banquet for his ministers, rewarding them with different gifts according to their ranks.
On the third day of the third month, the emperor issued a decree saying, "Everyone should work together to handle state affairs; there are hierarchical distinctions among official positions. If officials of different levels do not respect each other and act with disregard for their responsibilities, things will be difficult to accomplish. Even if there are relevant regulations, sometimes the punishment may be lighter according to the law, but it is actually serious. If there is no immediate punishment, it will fail to serve as a warning. Departments may impose corporal punishment on their subordinates at their discretion, beyond the legal penalties specified." On the sixth day of the tenth month, the emperor personally presided over the trials of prisoners. On the twelfth day of the twelfth month, Shang Zhuguo, Duke Liu Chang of Pengguo, was executed for his crimes. On the seventh day of the seventh month, the emperor sent imperial censors Liu Yu and Huang Fudan to conduct inspections in Henan and Hebei.
On the Wu Yin day of April, the new calendar was officially announced. On the Ren Wu day, the emperor proclaimed: "The calendar of the Zhou Dynasty has ended, various rebellions have erupted across the regions, war has spread, and the people are suffering. I have been commanded by heaven to bring peace to the world, having received heavenly blessings, and with the collective efforts of civil and military officials. The Duke of Shen, Duke of Yunxiang, King of Guangping, Duke of Jiangguo, Duke of Chuguo, Duke of Qiguo, Duke of Yueguo, Duke of Luguo, Duke of Xinning, Duke of Yiyang, Duke of Zhaoguo, Duke of Longxi, Duke of Guangye, Duke of Zhenchang, Duke of Peiguo, Duke of Xiangcheng, and Duke of Julu, among others, at the beginning of the nation, have made significant contributions to the state, showing unwavering loyalty and dedication, tirelessly serving the country with remarkable achievements. Their family legacies should be honored, so that they may share in the nation's fortunes and misfortunes. If their descendants have not yet held any official positions, they should be appointed and promoted based on their abilities, enabling them to enjoy wealth and prosperity, and receive stipends for generations to come." In May, the emperor held a banquet for the officials at Yunu Spring, bestowing various gifts according to their ranks. On the Ji Si day, King Xiu of Shu came to pay his respects. Korea sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Jia Xu day, General Du Guo Luo Yun was appointed as the governor of Liangzhou. On the Ji Mao day of the leap month, a herd of deer burst through the palace gates and ran wildly among the guards.
On the 7th day of July, Li Daixian, a resident of Guizhou, rebelled, and the Emperor dispatched General Yu Qingze to suppress the rebellion. On the 4th day of the 9th month, Prince Qin Jun of Bingzhou was dismissed for misconduct and returned to his residence. On the 5th day of August, emissaries from the Turks came to pay tribute. On the 8th day of August, Wei Shikang, the Governor of Jingzhou and Duke of Shangyong County, passed away. On the 1st day of the 9th month, the Emperor returned from Renshou Palace. On the 7th day of September, the Emperor said to his attendants: "Respect is of utmost importance in rituals; everyone should do their best. The grains used in sacrifices do not necessarily have to be fragrant; what's important is to be respectful and devout. Playing music in the temple courtyard is to welcome the spirits, and the days of fasting and sacrifices evoke deep emotions. At this time, how can we not be cautious? Playing music while traveling is not in keeping with the rituals. All ministers should seriously consider this issue." On the 5th day of the 10th month, the Emperor issued bronze animal tokens to the Bieqi and Cheqi offices. On the 9th day of the 10th month, Prince Jing passed away. On the 10th day of the 10th month, the Emperor decreed: "The music of the Five Emperors and the rituals of the Three Kings are different, and they are adjusted according to specific circumstances. Ancestors should be worshipped as if they were still alive; the feelings of longing are even stronger on the day of sacrifice. However, after the rituals are over, on the way back to the palace, drum music should be played; the sound of the drums is overwhelming. This clash of mourning and joy is at odds with the mood, leaving people feeling uneasy. We should change the previous practices to uphold the principles of ritual etiquette. From now on, on the day of ancestral worship, drum music need not be prepared, and no music should be played in the palace." On the 6th day of the 11th month, a large-scale search was conducted in the capital. On the 4th day of the 11th month, emissaries from the Turks came to the court. On the 12th day of the 12th month, Yu Qingze, the Prince of Lu, and the Right Martial Marshal, was executed for his crimes.
In the year 688 AD (the first year of Wu Zetian's Guangzhai), in the first few days of the first month, the emperor issued a decree saying: "People of the Wu and Yue areas have long followed bad customs, privately building large ships and colluding with each other, leading to significant harm. Therefore, across all the regions of Jiangnan, any ship longer than three zhang will be confiscated by the state!"
In the first few days of the second month, the emperor went to Renshou Palace and stayed for a while. Then, he appointed Han Wang Li Liang as the commander of the troops, leading 300,000 troops on land and water to attack Goguryeo. In the first few days of the third month, the emperor appointed Du Yan as the governor of Shuozhou Province. In the first few days of the fourth month, he appointed Guo Yan as the governor of Hongzhou. In the first few days of the fifth month, the emperor ordered that those who practiced cat sorcery, engaged in witchcraft, performed charm spells, or engaged in dark arts be exiled to remote areas. In the first few days of the sixth month, the emperor ordered the revocation of all official titles of King Gao Yuan of Goguryeo. In the first few days of the seventh month, the emperor ordered the tax exemption for the eight states of Henan affected by flooding. Then, the emperor ordered that officials of the fifth rank and above in the capital, as well as governors and magistrates of various states, be selected based on both integrity and notable political achievements.
In the first few days of the ninth month, the army led by Han Wang Li Liang encountered an epidemic and had to retreat, suffering heavy casualties, with eight or nine out of ten dead. Then, the emperor ordered that if any travelers were found without proper identification, local officials and magistrates would be held accountable. At the end of September, the emperor returned to the capital from Renshou Palace. In November, the emperor personally handled prisoner cases. Then, at the end of November, the emperor went to the southern suburbs to conduct a sacrifice. In December, the emperor ordered the execution of Wang Jing, governor of Xiaozhou and Duke of Rencheng. That month, the emperor also constructed twelve palaces between the capital and Renshou Palace!
In the spring of the year 619, in the first few days of the first month, the emperor issued a general amnesty. A few days later, he held an archery competition in the Wude Hall, followed by a banquet for the officials.
One day in the second month, Prince Jin Guang came to pay his respects to the emperor. After that, he appointed Yuwen Bi as the governor of Shuozhou Province. Not long after, the emperor also went to Renshou Palace to stay for a while.
In April, the Turkic leader Li Kehan surrendered to the Tang Dynasty. However, another Turkic Khan, Datou Khan, launched an incursion at the border, and the emperor sent General Shi Wansui to confront them, resulting in their defeat. In June, the emperor appointed Prince Yuzhang Xuan as the Minister of Internal Affairs.
In August, Gao Jiong was dismissed due to misconduct; he was a significant figure then, serving as the Prime Minister, Left Chancellor, and Duke of Qi! During this period, two other Prime Ministers, Zhang Wei and Li Che, also died. In September, Niu Hong was appointed as the Minister of Personnel.
In October, the emperor conferred the title of Qiren Khan upon the Turkic leader Li Kehan and had Dali City constructed for him to settle his tribe. After that, Yuwen Bi was reassigned as the governor of Daizhou. By the end of December, the Turkic Dulan Khan was assassinated by his subordinates. In the same month, there was also a report of a falling star in the Bohai region.
Speaking of the first day of the first month in a certain year of the Tang Dynasty, it was a Xinyou day, and the emperor was at the Renshou Palace. It was quite a lively day, as envoys from the Turkic, Goryeo, and Khitan came to pay tribute, bringing treasures. A few days later, on a Guihai day, the emperor transferred Yuwen Bi, the governor of Daizhou, to Wu Province as the governor. On a Jisi day in February, he also transferred Prime Minister Cui Hongdu to Yuanzhou as the governor. Strangely, on a Dingchou day, there was thunder in a clear sky!
On a Xinmao day in March, a man named Li Yinglin from Xizhou rebelled, and the emperor quickly sent General Zhang Heng to quell the rebellion, and it was swiftly resolved. By April on a Renshu day, the Turkic people invaded the border again, and the emperor immediately appointed Prince Jin Guang as the commander-in-chief, resulting in a crushing defeat for the Turkic forces. On a Yihai day, it rained heavily, the sound resembling a waterfall, echoing from the south to the north. On a Dingchou day in June, bad news arrived—Prince Jun of Qin passed away.
In August, the Vega Star appeared in the sky, and it’s a good omen! On September 10th, the emperor returned from the Renshou Palace. On the Gui Chou day, the governor of Wuzhou, Yang Yi, died. On October 6th, it was a rare sight to see the Venus star during the day! On the day of Yi Chou, the emperor demoted Crown Prince Yong and the other princes to commoners and executed Zhu Guo, Duke of Taiping; Shi Wansui; and General Zuo Wei, Yuan Min, Duke of Wuyuan.
On November 5th, there was an earthquake throughout the country, and the capital experienced a heavy snowstorm—what a string of disasters this has been! However, the emperor decided to appoint Prince Jin Guang as the new crown prince. On December 5th, the emperor issued an order that officials in the Eastern Palace were no longer allowed to pay homage to the new crown prince. On the day of Xin Si, the emperor issued another imperial decree; the decree reads as follows:
"The Buddhist teachings are profound and subtle, and the Daoist teachings are ethereal and harmonious, all embodying great compassion, aiding and guiding all beings. Those with awareness are all under protection. Therefore, we carve and cast spiritual images, depicting true forms, for all under heaven to gaze upon and express sincere respect. The Five Mountains and Four Towns regulate clouds and rain, rivers and seas nourish the regions, giving birth to all things and benefiting countless people. Thus, we build temples and establish sacrifices, honoring them at the right time. Anyone who dares to destroy or steal images of the Buddha and celestial deities, or the spirits of the mountains and rivers, shall be judged as unfilial. Monks who damage Buddha images and Daoists who harm celestial deities shall be deemed as rebellious."
The meaning of this decree is that both Buddhism and Daoism are valuable, and everyone should respect the deities and protect the images of the gods. Anyone caught damaging the images will face severe punishment!
In the first month of the year 601, on the first day, it was the Yiyou day. The court granted a general amnesty and changed the era name across the land. Yang Su was promoted to Left Chancellor, and Su Wei was promoted to Right Chancellor. On the seventeenth day of the first lunar month, Prince Yang Zhao of Henan was reassigned as Prince of Jin. The Turks invaded Heng'an, prompting the court to dispatch General Han Hong to fight, but the troops were defeated. Subsequently, Prince Yang Zhao was appointed as the Minister of Internal Affairs. On the twenty-second day of the first lunar month, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Gentlemen establish their place in the world. Although there are many codes of conduct, the most important values are honesty and filial piety. Therefore, sacrificing for one's country has always been a rare and commendable act throughout history. Those who die for the country will receive greater honors from the court. However, some people today fail to understand the greater righteousness; they die in battle for the country but cannot be buried in their ancestral graves. This not only goes against the feelings of a devoted son but also pains the hearts of loyal subjects. Whenever I think about this, it saddens me greatly. Moreover, during ancestral temple sacrifices, we always remember those soldiers who gave their lives for the country. Why do they have graves but not rest in the ancestral graves? From now on, all soldiers who fall on the battlefield should be laid to rest in the ancestral graves."
On the first day of February, a solar eclipse occurred. On February 22, Dugu Kai was appointed the governor of Yuanzhou. On March 22, Wang Yangyan of Yuzhang was appointed the governor of Yangzhou. In April, Su Xiaoci was appointed the governor of Hongzhou. On May 6, ninety thousand Turkic men and women surrendered. On May 9, a sudden heavy rain began, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Strong winds knocked down trees, and the water from Yijun Qiao flowed into Shiping. On June 10, Su Xiaoci, the governor of Hongzhou, died. On June 12, the court dispatched sixteen envoys to various regions to inspect local customs and conditions. On June 10, the emperor issued an edict stating: "Confucian education should cultivate the people, helping them understand the principles of familial and ruler-subject relationships, as well as the order of respect for elders and juniors; only such people can serve in the court, handle state affairs, and promote good customs. As I govern the world, I wish to promote education, gather scholars, establish schools, and provide pathways for talented individuals, while awaiting virtuous and outstanding talents. However, nearly a thousand students attend the Imperial Academy, and many more are in the counties and prefectures, yet they are merely names without substance, wasting their time instead of becoming the pillars of the nation; this is due to the unreasonable establishment of schools and a lack of focus on quality. Now, we should streamline the schools and enhance the rewards." Thus, the Imperial Academy retained only seventy students, while the Taixue, the Four Schools, and all county and prefecture schools were abolished. On the same day, the court distributed relics throughout various regions. On July 25, the Imperial Academy was renamed the Taixue. On September 6, Du Yan was appointed the governor of Yunzhou. On November 6, the emperor held a sacrificial ceremony in the southern suburbs. On November 9, Wei Xuan was appointed the governor of Suizhou.
In the year 604 AD, during the fourth year of Emperor Wen's reign, on the eighth day of the second month, Emperor Wen appointed Hou Mochen Ying as the Governor of Guizhou and Yang Wenji as the Governor of Jingzhou. On the sixth day of the third month, the Emperor stayed at Renshou Palace for a while. On the ninth day of the third month, Zhang Qiao was appointed Governor of Tanzhou. On the seventh day of the fourth month, earthquakes struck Qizhou and Yongzhou. On the fourth day of the seventh month, the Emperor instructed all officials to recommend talented individuals. On the sixth day of the seventh month, Dugu Kai was appointed Governor of Yizhou. On the fifth day of the eighth month, Empress Dugu passed away, which was a significant event. On the fourth day of the ninth month, the Emperor returned to court from Renshou Palace. On the ninth day of the ninth month, many regions along the Yellow River were hit by floods, and the Emperor sent Yang Da to provide disaster relief. On the fifteenth day of the ninth month, Zhou Yao passed away; he was a significant figure, holding titles such as Grand Preceptor, Governor of Xiangzhou, and Duke of Jinshui County. At the same time, there was an earthquake in Longxi. On the ninth day of the tenth month, the Emperor granted amnesty to Yizhou and its territories. On the tenth day of the tenth month, Yang Da was promoted to the position of Minister. On the first day of the intercalary month, the Emperor ordered Yang Su and several experts in astronomy and calendars to revise the calendar and clear up the confusion. On the sixth day of the intercalary month, the Emperor issued a decree stressing the importance of the ritual system for maintaining social order, ethics, and morality, especially in light of the recent chaos. He appointed Yang Su, Su Wei, Niu Hong, Xue Daoheng, Xu Shanxin, Yu Shiji, and Wang Shao—respected scholars—to revise the rituals. On the twenty-seventh day of the tenth month, the Emperor laid the late Empress to rest in the Tailing Mausoleum. On the twelfth day of the twelfth month, Prince Yang Xiu of Shu was deposed and relegated to commoner status. A rebellion broke out in Jiaozhou, prompting the Emperor to send Liu Fang to quell it.
In a certain year of our Lord, on the second day of the third month, Pang Huang died. He was the governor of Yuanzhou and the Duke of Biayang. On this day, which was Wuzi Day, the court appointed General Yao Bian, the Duke of Caiyang, to serve as the Left Martial General.
On the ninth day of the fifth month, the emperor issued a decree saying: "Oh, my dear parents, who raised me with such toil, I wish to repay their kindness, but how can I ever repay such immense grace!" Alas, the debt of gratitude I owe my parents is profound, and I long to repay it, but how can I ever repay such a great favor? "Yet the wind and trees are restless, and strict respect cannot be pursued; with frost and dew already falling, my heart is overwhelmed with longing and regret." Unfortunately, my parents are no longer here, and it is too late for me to fulfill my filial duties. Now, as the autumn wind blows and the cold frost descends, my heart is filled only with endless longing and regret. The thirteenth day of the sixth month is my birthday, and the whole nation should cease all killing in honor of Emperor Wuyuan and Empress Yuanming.
On the fifth day of the sixth month, the emperor issued another edict:
(Original text needed here to continue translation)
The "Book of Rites" states: "When the closest relatives pass away, one should observe mourning for a year." This is because the seasons change and all things undergo cycles, as established by the sages. Mourning for three years is an even more solemn expression. However, one cannot have two elders mourning simultaneously; if the mother passes away, the father should mourn afterward, which is proper according to the rites. How can one hold a lesser mourning within a year?
Although a lesser mourning is to be held after three years of mourning, the "Book of Rites" states: "A year's sacrifice is a rite; removing mourning clothes after a year is the way." Therefore, even if it has not yet been two years, the heavens and earth have already changed once; one must not neglect sacrifices nor fail to remove mourning clothes. Thus, practices have been established to preserve the essence of mourning and sacrifice. However, holding a lesser mourning after just one year lacks logical sense. Although it is said that practices are held in November, there is no basis for this; it neither aligns with the end of the mourning period nor the appropriate season. How can one remove mourning clothes for sacrifices? The Confucian scholars merely imitate the three-year mourning period to establish the rituals of lesser mourning, which awkwardly preserves the changes but loses the essence, intending to reduce the mourning period gradually, yet ultimately belittling the mourning rites.
The son wore ceremonial attire to participate in the mourning rites, dressed in mourning clothes with a yellow background and black edges, but the mourning attire was made of coarse linen, and the simple clothing remained unchanged. This indicates that, while the sorrow associated with the mourning attire persists, the son's emotions have vanished, resulting in an imbalance in familial relationships and a distortion of priorities. This contradicts human sentiment and is certainly not the intention of the sages. Thus, it is evident that the rites established by the ancient sages have been abandoned by people; even the traditional three years of mourning are not observed by some, let alone the ceremonial practices. The "Book of Rites" states: "When parents pass away, regardless of status, it is the same." However, when the parents of nobles and scholars die, there are distinctions in mourning attire based on rank. Therefore, the decline of rites and music has been a longstanding problem.
Thus, Yan Pingzhong wore coarse linen mourning clothes, and his elderly friends said this was not in accordance with the rites; Duke Wen of Teng mourned for three years, but his ministers opposed it. This is because the principles of benevolent governance have weakened, and the feudal lords rule autonomously, wanting to surpass the norms, resenting the constraints of the rites, resulting in the destruction of classical texts and the imposition of their own rules. Consequently, familial bonds and the importance of emotions are dictated solely by societal standards, with no unchanging principles; the grandeur and simplicity of rites depend entirely on individual preferences. Furthermore, after Confucius's death, subtle discourses were concealed, and during the Qin Dynasty, scholarship was extinguished and texts were burned. When the Han Dynasty rose, although they sought refined scholars, people had differing interpretations, and the principles were not unified. Since modern times, continuous warfare has focused solely on fighting, leaving little attention to ceremonies.
Rite and law did not fall from the sky nor emerge from the ground; they are merely reflections of human hearts, said to arise from feelings of gratitude. Therefore, when gratitude is deep, the rites are elaborate; when feelings are shallow, the rites are simple. The sages used this to express emotions, establish rites, and distinguish between closeness and rank. Since the moral duties of ministers have vanished, the order between upper and lower has become chaotic; the deepest gratitude has faded with emotions, and the most solemn rites have been simplified over time. This is why the mourning practices do not align with the mourning rites, and the appearance does not conform to the mourning etiquette; it was never the sages' intention to express emotions through rites grounded in feelings of gratitude.
When it comes to funerals and misfortunes, it's better to face sorrow, as this is the essence of proper etiquette. Etiquette has other considerations, but none are as sincere as mourning; this captures the true essence of emotion. Wearing mourning clothes in November goes against the fundamental principles of etiquette and doesn't reflect genuine emotions. So when the father is alive and the mother has passed, it's inappropriate to wear mourning clothes. It's best to stick to the rites, ending the mourning period after thirteen months and holding rituals in between. This way, it aligns with the sages' wishes and shows a filial child's intent.
On the seventh day of the seventh month in autumn, Dingmao, a decree was issued:
(The following text does not require translation, and is quoted directly.)
Regarding the workings of heaven and earth, the alternation of day and night follows natural law; mountains, rivers, and streams are the release of the earth’s energy. When these laws are in order, the seasons are clear; when the earth’s energy flows smoothly, the clouds and rain arrive timely, thus achieving the great virtue of heaven and earth, nourishing all things, and benefiting the people. Moreover, for a king to govern the world well, relying solely on oneself is not enough; one must depend on many talented individuals! Therefore, Emperor Yao was wise and appointed Xihe to manage astronomy and calendar; Emperor Shun was enlightened and heavily relied on Yuankai for governance. Yi Yin was the virtuous minister of the Shang Dynasty, and Lü Shang was a meritorious minister of the Zhou Dynasty; these are examples of virtuous ministers assisting enlightened rulers, just like a crane calling in the marshes, its young will respond; similar to dragons and tigers gathering clouds and wind, wise philosophers support the enlightened. When a ruler has noble virtues, their ministers will naturally be upright, thus achieving harmony between heaven and earth, and order between yin and yang. Isn't it the ruler's wisdom that brings forth capable assistants?
Since the decline of the King's Way, the moral fabric of society has deteriorated. Those in power are unable to govern the country with just and fair principles, and the people below will only seek personal gain, deceiving one another. The relationship between the ruler and the subjects has lost its moral integrity, leading to political chaos and suffering for the common people. Those with talent find it difficult to be employed, while those without ability can occupy high positions, ultimately leading to rampant rumors and unforeseen calamities. Therefore, the virtuous ministers in history chose to resign and retreat into seclusion rather than become corrupt, and even when exiled, they felt no remorse. Talented commoners and learned Confucian scholars are often overlooked among the masses, living quietly and unnoticed, which is truly a pity! Thus, when I see this history, I often sigh deeply.
Today, our country is unified, the people live in peace and contentment, and the foreign tribes are submissive. This is not something that can be achieved by mere human effort, but rather a blessing from heaven. I dare not be complacent and strive to emulate the wisdom of my forebears, being cautious and reflecting on myself daily. I constantly think of the people's sufferings, worry that the country has not yet attained full stability, and keep the nation's important affairs in my heart, fearing even the slightest mistake. Although I long to find a reclusive sage for guidance, I have not yet succeeded and can only aspire to the lofty ideals represented by Kongtong Mountain. I fear I may become lost in indulgence, neglect political affairs, distance myself from the people, and be reduced to a subordinate position. Therefore, I have ordered each state and county to seek out talented individuals, specifically those who are well-versed in both ancient wisdom and modern affairs, can discern order from chaos, grasp the fundamentals of political education, and comprehend the origins of rites and music. Regardless of the number, they must be recommended. There is a deadline of one month, and all recommended individuals must assume office. Both the summons and farewells must be conducted with great ceremony.
On a certain day in early August, that scoundrel Yan Rong was executed for his crimes. He had once served as a pillar of the state and governor of Youzhou, even having been granted the title of Duke of Luocong, yet he ended up in this situation. In early September, a granary was established specifically to regulate grain prices. In the same month, that guy Wei Chong was promoted from governor of Yingzhou to Minister of the Interior. On a day in December, several states in Henan experienced severe flooding, and the emperor sent Yang Da to offer disaster relief assistance.
In the first few days of the first month of the fourth year of his reign, the emperor granted a general amnesty, which was seen as a good omen for the New Year. A few days later, the emperor returned to stay at the Renshou Palace. After that, the emperor delegated all powers of reward and punishment, along with various affairs, to the crown prince. One day in April, the emperor's health began to decline. On a certain day in June, the emperor again granted a general amnesty, though the reason was unclear. During that time, strange celestial phenomena occurred, with stars appearing to enter the moon and not emerging for several days. Additionally, there were reports of giants appearing near Yanmen Pass. On a certain day in July, the sunlight dimmed for a full eight days before it returned to normal. Subsequently, Duan Wenzhen was appointed governor of Yunzhou. The emperor's health continued to decline, leaving him bedridden in the Renshou Palace, saying goodbye to each official, shaking hands and shedding tears, which was quite a poignant scene. Finally, the emperor passed away in the Great Treasure Hall at the age of sixty-four years. Before he died, he left a final edict:
Alas! Since the decline of the Jin Dynasty, the realm has been in turmoil, with constant wars and the country fragmented. From the Zhou Dynasty to the Qi Dynasty and so on, wars have raged on for nearly three hundred years. Countless warlords and multiple emperors and kings emerged, with diverse systems and dialects. The common folk were truly suffering! Fortunately, heaven has smiled upon me, allowing me to ascend to the throne, which is beyond mere mortal control! Therefore, I have been able to restore order, end the wars, foster culture, and finally bring peace to the realm. My teachings have spread throughout the land, all thanks to heaven's desire for stability. That's why I rise early to attend court each day, never allowing myself to slack off, handling thousands of matters personally, rain or shine, hot or cold. I persevere not for my own sake, but for the sake of the people! Every day, civil and military officials come to court to handle affairs, and local officials report back on their duties punctually; everyone is diligent and dedicated. Between us, there exists a bond akin to that of father and son. I aspire to harness the wisdom and strength of all officials to ensure the happiness and prosperity of the people. However, unexpectedly, I have fallen gravely ill and may not have much time left. This is simply a part of life, nothing more to add!
However, the people across the country are still not very well-off in terms of clothing, food, shelter, and transportation. There are also many shortcomings in education, law, and punishment. When I think about these things, I feel a deep sense of regret. I am already over sixty years old; I can't say I've died young, but my energy and strength have waned. I do this not for myself, but to help the people live and work in peace, which is why I am so exhausted. Who doesn’t love their children and grandchildren? But for the good of the realm, I must reluctantly let go. My sons Yong and Xiu have poor character and lack the qualities of loyal subjects, so I have had to depose them. As the ancients wisely said: "To understand a subject, no one understands better than the ruler; to understand a son, no one understands better than the father." If Yong and Xiu were allowed to succeed and govern the country, it would surely bring humiliation to the ministers and cruel oppression to the people. Now, these two unworthy sons have lost the people's support, and my capable son is more than ready to take on this heavy responsibility. Although this is a matter within my family, I must also clarify this to everyone. I have already made it clear to the civil and military ministers.
Crown Prince Guang, as the heir to the throne, is benevolent, filial, and has a good reputation. He has the ability to carry out my wishes. I hope everyone in the court can unite to govern the realm, so that even if I die, there will be no regrets. However, state affairs cannot be handled like ordinary matters. Funerals and the appointment and dismissal of officials have had regulations since ancient times, and now they should follow the established customs without alteration. Everything required for the funeral should be kept simple and frugal, without burdening anyone. Officials from all regions should focus on their duties rather than all coming to mourn. Wise rulers throughout history have established systems based on real circumstances, and emperors of all generations have continuously improved these systems. If any laws or regulations are found to be inappropriate, they can be modified based on previous orders, making sure they align with practical needs.
Ah, how admirable! Please remember my instructions!
This is just one sentence; there's no need to break it into paragraphs. "Oh" is an interjection, expressing a sigh and admiration. "How admirable!" is a phrase of admiration, meaning "how admirable!" "Do not disappoint my expectations" is an order, meaning "do not disappoint my expectations." The whole sentence expresses the speaker's feelings of high praise and earnest expectations for someone, with a solemn and dignified tone.
In the year of Yi Mao, my father passed away, and the funeral was completed. Strangely enough, the four willow trees in Hejian Prefecture suddenly turned yellow and lost all their leaves, but later they actually grew flowers and leaves again. This is truly puzzling!
In the eighth month of Ding Mao, my father's coffin was brought from Renshou Palace. On the day of Bing Zi, we held the wake in front of Daxing Hall and buried him. In the tenth month of Ji Mao in winter, my father and mother were finally buried together in Tailing. Although they were buried together, they had separate tombs. "The same grave but different tombs," alas, separated by the realms of the living and the dead, it is truly heartbreaking.
This emperor was inherently strict and imposing, seemingly taciturn on the surface yet agile and wise in his heart, with a broad view. At the beginning of his reign, the people were initially uncooperative, his sons were young, there were power struggles among the six princes vying for power in the court, and there was a three-way battle outside. Those who commanded the main troops and guarded key areas were all old officials of the Zhou dynasty. The emperor treated them with sincerity, allowing each of them to utilize their talents, and within less than a month, he pacified the three border regions, and within ten years, he unified the whole country. He reduced taxes, eased penalties, reformed the system domestically, and appeased minority groups externally. He held court from dawn until dusk without showing signs of fatigue. His lifestyle and clothing were quite frugal, with strict orders that were rigorously enforced, influencing those above and below. During the Kaihuang and Renshou reigns, common people did not wear luxurious silk or satin, nor did they wear gold, silver, or jade ornaments. Their everyday clothes were mostly made of plain cloth and hemp, with belts made of copper, iron, and bone. While he was quite frugal with money, he never skimped on rewarding meritorious officials.
The emperor often went on tours, and whenever he encountered petitioners on the road, he would get off his horse to ask personally. He also secretly sent people to look into local customs and practices, find out how well the officials were doing, and learn about the hardships of the people, keeping a close eye on everything. Once, during a famine in the Guanzhong region, someone reported that people were eating bean dregs and chaff; upon hearing this, the emperor cried and felt guilty in front of his ministers, even skipping meals and avoiding wine and meat for almost a month. When he went on an eastern tour to offer sacrifices at Mount Tai, many people from Guanzhong came to Luoyang to ask for food, and the roads were packed with people. The emperor told his scouts not to chase them away. Men, women, and children were mixed together in the crowd, and when he saw people helping the elderly or carrying kids, he ordered his entourage to make way and offered comfort and encouragement. In dangerous areas, upon seeing someone carrying a load, he immediately ordered his guards to help out. If soldiers died in battle, he made sure to reward them well and send messengers to their families to express his condolences. He worked diligently, day and night, making sure the people were living peacefully and happily, and the national treasury was full. Even though he didn't reach the peak of good governance, he was definitely a wise ruler for his time.
However, he was naturally suspicious, lacked cultural knowledge, liked to quibble over trivial matters, and was unable to see the bigger picture, so loyal ministers and righteous officials could not wholeheartedly serve him. Many of the founding heroes and meritorious generals were killed or demoted by him, and few could meet a natural end. He had no interest in poetry or literature, abolished schools, only listened to his wife's words, and even deposed his own sons. In his later years, his law enforcement became increasingly erratic, and he killed innocent people indiscriminately. Once, he sent envoys from the Western Regions through the Yumen Pass. These envoys were given some minor gifts from local officials along the way, such as parrots, deer hides, and whips. When the emperor heard about it, he flew into a rage. He then inspected the armory and discovered it in disarray, so he took the armory commander and the gift recipients outside the Kaiyuan Gate, personally ordered their execution, and dozens were executed. He often secretly sent people to bribe officials and historians. If anyone accepted a bribe, they would be executed without mercy. Because of this, people did not think highly of him.
Historical texts record: Emperor Yang Jian was born with an emperor's aura, unlike any ordinary person. He kept his true self hidden, so very few truly understood him. At first, he took on the heavy responsibility of assisting the young ruler due to his status as a relative, and proposed his own political ideas, which were not widely accepted at the time, so the old officials of the Zhou Dynasty were all dissatisfied with him. However, shortly thereafter, Wang Qian instigated a rebellion in Shu, which was pacified in less than a month; Wei Jiong led the entire army of the Qi state in rebellion, and the rebellion was swiftly quelled in a single battle. This was not solely the result of human strategy, but also the help of the heavens! With such fortune, Yang Jian eventually replaced the Zhou Dynasty and established the Sui Dynasty.
At that time, the border tribes were causing trouble, and the southern regions of Jingzhou and Yangzhou had not yet been brought under control. Yang Jian toiled day and night, overseeing various matters. Warships from the south set sail, and the strategic stronghold of Jinling fell; northern cavalry advanced northward, and the leaders of the northern nomadic tribes acknowledged the Sui Dynasty's authority. The regions detailed in the "Zhi Fang Tu" became part of the Sui Dynasty's territory; the lands depicted in the "Yu Gong" came under the Sui Dynasty's rule. Even compared to Emperor Wu of Jin who conquered Wu and Emperor Xuan of Han who pacified the Seven States Rebellion, Yang Jian's accomplishments rivaled those of his predecessors.
The Sui Dynasty's benevolent governance was widespread, the realm enjoyed peace, borders were secure, and warfare was absent. Yang Jian implemented frugality, reduced taxes, enriched the national treasury, enforced laws strictly, and high-ranking officials prospered. The common people were also content; the strong refrained from oppressing the weak, and the majority respected the minority. Society prospered, and there was harmony in the court. In just twenty years, peace prevailed and the people thrived. Compared to previous emperors, his achievements were comparable. However, he was deficient in cultural refinement, empathy, and generosity. These shortcomings became increasingly evident in his later years. He was overly superstitious, overlooked fundamental principles, and engaged in grand construction projects, building palaces on a scale similar to those in the capital, leaving people bewildered about their purpose.
He fell for the slanders of the queen and the treacherous ministers, showed favoritism towards his concubines, which led to succession issues. He damaged the father-son relationship, fostered resentment among his brothers, and turned a blind eye to their killing each other, ultimately leading to the Sui Dynasty's downfall. Just when the Sui Dynasty's territory was finally stabilizing, his descendants began to kill each other one after another; shortly after the establishment of the Sui Dynasty, the world was already slipping from its grasp. Alas, what a shame! Looking into the reasons behind the Sui Dynasty's decline and the signs of its downfall all trace back to Emperor Gaozu Yang Jian, leading to total failure under Yang Guang. These reasons have been around for a long time and didn't happen overnight. The Sui Dynasty's eventual downfall wasn't exactly a tragedy.
