"The Book of Han: Geography" records the origins and changes of all counties in the country, as well as the unique landscapes, customs, and habits of the mountains and rivers, with great detail. However, in this book, I have only extracted the changes of counties after the rise of the Eastern Han Dynasty, as well as the geographical locations related to wars recorded in the "Spring and Autumn Annals" and the Three Histories, compiling this "Records of Counties and Regions." Any counties that were previously recorded in the "Geography" and can no longer be found were either merged or abolished during Emperor Guangwu's reign. Counties that did not exist before but do now were established later. For each county name, the first one listed is the location of the county seat.
Henan Prefecture, formerly known as Sanchuan County during the Qin Dynasty, was renamed by the founding emperor Liu Bang. Emperor Guangwu changed its name to Henan Prefecture in the fifteenth year of Jianwu after establishing the capital in Luoyang. Henan Prefecture governed twenty-one cities, with a population of 284,886 households and 1,182,277 people as recorded in the fifth year of Yonghe. Luoyang, which was known as Chengzhou during the Zhou Dynasty, included places such as Di Spring, Tangju, Shangchengju, Shixiangju, Chushi, Rongyijian, Qianting, Yuxiang, and Dajiecheng. Henan, originally built as Luoyi during the time of Duke Zhou of the Zhou Dynasty, was referred to as Wangcheng during the Spring and Autumn period. The east gate was known as Dingmen, while the north gate was known as Qianji. Additionally, there were also places such as Gancheng and Kuaixiang. Liang, the ancient state of Liang, was founded by the descendants of Boyi. This area includes Huoyang Mountain and Zhucheng.
Yingyang, with Honggou Water, Guangwu City, Guoting (the fief of Guoshu), Longcheng, Boting, Aoting, and Yingze. In Juan County, the Great Wall extends all the way from Yangwu to Mixian. There is also Yuanyong City; some say it is the ancient Hengyong. Additionally, there is Hu City Pavilion. Yuanwu, Yangwu, and Zhongmou have Putianze, Qingkou Water, Guancheng, Quyujv, and Caiting Pavilion. Kaifeng, Wanling, which features Feilin, Zhize, and Suohou Pavilion. Pingyin, Gucheng, where Gucheng is the source of the Chan River, and there is also Hangu Pass. In Goushi, you can find Wuju and Huanyuan Pass. Gong has Xungu Water, Dongziju (now called Zicheng), Kanju, Huangting, Huangshui, and Mingxi Spring. Chenggao has Zhanran Water, Pingqiuju, Manshui, and Sishui. Jing, Mi, and Mixian have Dafu Mountain, Meishan, and Xingshan.
In Xincheng, there is Gaoducheng, Guangchengju, and Manju, which is the ancient territory of the Manshi, now called Manzhong. Yanshi has Shixiang, which was known as Shishi during the Spring and Autumn Period. Xinzheng, the Zheng State mentioned in the Book of Songs, is the former site of Zhurong. Henan Prefecture, founded by Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang, is 120 li north of Luoyang, with a total of 18 cities, 159,770 households and a population of 801,558. Huaixian features Xicheng; Heyang has Zhancheng; Zixian has Yuanxiang and Jingliang; Boxian has Chicheng; Qinshui... Yewang features Taihang Mountain, Shequju, and Yucheng. Wenxian is where Su Shi once served as a local official, and the Ji River originates here. During the Wang Mang period, a severe drought caused the Ji River to dry up. Zhou... Pinggao County features Xingqiu, the former Xing State that was a fief of a Zhou Dynasty prince, along with Licheng. Shanyang County features Yongcheng and Caicheng. Wude... Huojia is designated as a marquisate.
Xiuwu County, formerly known as Nanyang, was renamed by Emperor Qin Shihuang. Here there is Nanyang City, as well as Yangfan and Zaomaotian, a small gathering in Xiuwu, and also a Tuocheng. The county is the location of the ancient Gong State, where the Qi River originates here, and there is also a Fanting. Chaoge, which was where King Zhou of Shang lived, has the Muye to the south, the State of Bei to the north, and Ningxiang to the south. Dangyin County has a Youli City; Linluo County, formerly known as Longluo, was renamed by Emperor Shang and is known for its iron production.
Hedong Commandery, established during the Qin Dynasty, is located five hundred li northwest of Luoyang, with a total of twenty cities, 93,543 households and a population of 578,803. Iron is produced in Anyi, along with a salt pond; Yang County has a Gaoliang Pavilion; Pingyang was a marquisate, also producing iron, and it is said that Emperor Yao once lived here; Linfen has a Dongting; Fenyin has a Jieshan; Pupan has Leishou Mountain and Shaqiu Pavilion; Dayang has Wushan, with the city of Yushun on the mountain, as well as Xiayang City, Maoting, and Dianlian Slope; Jie County has Sangquan City, Jiu City, Jie City, and Xia City; Pishi County has Gengxiang, also producing iron, and there is a Jiting; Wenxi County, formerly known as Quwo, has a Dongchi Pond, which is the ancient Dongze, as well as Jishan Pavilion, with the Su River and Tao River also here.
Jiangzhou has a city called Yicheng. Yong'an, formerly known as Zhi, was renamed in the second year of the Yangjia era. There is Mount Huoda. Hebei, the region of the Wei State mentioned in the Book of Songs, has a Hanting. Yishi County is also notable. Yuan County features Wangwu Mountain, where the Yanshui River originates. There is also Huqiu Pavilion and Shaoting Pavilion. Puzi County. Huozhe, which was formerly a marquisate, has a Xichengmen. Duanshi County.
Hongnong County was established by Emperor Wu, which governed two counties. It only became part of Hongnong County in the fifteenth year of Jianwu. It is located 450 li to the southwest of Luoyang, comprising nine cities, 46,815 households, and a population of 199,113. Hongnong was originally home to the Hangu Pass of the Qin State, along with Kuzong Mountain, Taohuiju (formerly known as Taolin), Wuxiang, and Caoyangting.
Shan County was formerly part of the Guozhong State, with Jiaocheng and Shanmo located here.
Minchi County is the source of the Gu River, and there are also two Xiaos here.
Xinan County is where the Jian River originates.
Yiyang County.
Luhun County, which lies to the west of the former territory of the Guo State.
Lushi County features Xionger Gate, with both the Yi River and Qing River originating here.
Hu County was formerly part of Jingzhao Prefecture, with Yinxiang located here.
Huayin County was previously under the jurisdiction of Jingzhao Prefecture, with Mount Taihua located here.
Jingzhao Prefecture was formerly the seat of the interior historian for the Qin State, renamed by Emperor Wu. It had four counties under its jurisdiction, only belonging to Jingzhao Prefecture in the fifteenth year of Jianwu. It is located 950 li west of Luoyang, with a total of ten cities, 53,299 households, and a population of 285,574.
Chang'an was the capital established by Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang. Gaojing was located in the Shanglin Park at that time. It also includes Xiliuju, Lanchi, Quyou, and Duyou.
Baling County features Zhi Dao Pavilion and Changmen Pavilion.
Duling County, located southwest of Feng.
Zheng County.
Xinfeng County is home to Lishan, with Hongmen Pavilion and Xiting to the east, as well as Zoucheng.
Lantian County is known for its high-quality jade.
Changling County was previously part of the Fengyi Prefecture.
Shang County was formerly part of Hongnong County.
Shangluo County was once a marquisate, where Zhonglingshan and Luoshui originate. It also includes Tuhe Mountain and Cangyeju.
Yangling County was formerly part of Fengyi Prefecture.
Zuofengyi, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Qin Dynasty, was reorganized and renamed during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. It governed thirteen cities, with a total of 37,090 households and 145,195 people. These cities included: Gaoling, Chiyang, Yunyang, Shuhu (re-established in the ninth year of Yongyuan), Pinyang, Wannian, Lianshao, Chongquan, Linjin (originally named Dali, which features a river temple, along with Ruixiang and Wangcheng), Heyang (re-established in the second year of Yongping), Xiayang (with Liangshan and Longmen Mountain), Ya, Suyi (re-established in the ninth year of Yongyuan).
Youfufeng, also the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Qin Dynasty, was reorganized and renamed during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. It governed fifteen cities, with a total of 17,352 households and 93,091 people. These cities included: Huaili (formerly known as Dajiu during the Zhou Dynasty and renamed by Emperor Gaozu), Anling, Pingling, Maoling, Hu (the Fengshui originated here, with a Gan Pavilion), Mei (with Tai Pavilion), Wugong (re-established in the eighth year of Yongping, with Mount Taiyi, originally called Zhongnan Mountain; also with Chui Mountain, originally called Guowu Mountain; and Xiegu), Chencang, Qian (Wuyue Mountain is located here, originally called Qian, with the Qian River originating here, along with Huicheng, also called Huizhong), Yumi (Marquisate), Yong (iron production here), Xunyi (with Binxiang), Meiyang (with Qishan and the city of the Zhou Dynasty), Qi (with Qishui, also producing iron), Duyang (re-established in the second year of Yonghe).
The Right Commandant of the Capital had jurisdiction over seven commanderies, 160 counties, towns, and marquisates. The Chief Commandant held a rank equivalent to 2,000 stones. According to historical records, he was responsible for the security outside the imperial palace, as well as handling sudden water and fire incidents. He had to patrol around the imperial palace three times a month and manage weapons. The character "吾" here refers to the emperor. There was one Deputy Chief, a position higher than a thousand stones, commanding two hundred riders. It is said in the books: they had no rank, and their salary was the same as other officials. The Keeper of the Arsenal held a rank equivalent to 600 stones. Historical texts state that he was responsible for managing weapons. He also had a Deputy under him.
Originally, under the Zhijinwu, there were several positions, namely Shidao and left and right Zhonghou, each earning a salary of 600 stones. When the emperor traveled, they were responsible for clearing the way ahead, and upon returning, they held the command flag at the palace gate for it to open. During the Zhongxing period of the dynasty, only one position was retained, and it was not regularly set up. Each time the emperor traveled, a person was temporarily selected from the court officials to serve, and once the task was completed, they were no longer subordinate to the Zhijinwu. Positions such as Zhonglei, Si Hu, Douchuan Ling, Cheng, Wei, and left and right Jingfu Weis were all abolished.
There was only one Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, with a salary of two thousand stones. His duty was to mentor the Crown Prince, holding a position similar to a teacher without managing subordinates.
There was only one Grand Chancellor, with a salary of two thousand stones. This position dates back to the Qin Dynasty and was held by eunuchs. During the reign of Emperor Jing, it was renamed Grand Chancellor and was occasionally held by scholars. During the Zhongxing period, it was usually held by eunuchs, responsible for conveying the empress's commands. Members of the royal family needed to request rewards or an audience with the emperor through him, and he also accompanied the empress when she traveled. Below the Grand Chancellor was a subordinate with a salary of six hundred stones, also a eunuch.
There was one Middle Palace Steward, with a salary of one thousand stones, a eunuch responsible for managing vehicles. Originally, the rank of Grand Equerry was two thousand stones, but during the Zhongxing period, the "Grand" was removed, and the rank was reduced to one thousand stones, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chancellor.
There was one Middle Palace Ceremonial Officer, with a salary of six hundred stones, a eunuch. There were also three other Middle Palace Ceremonial Officers, each with a salary of four hundred stones, also eunuchs responsible for conveying the empress's wishes.
There were five Middle Palace Secretaries, each with a salary of six hundred stones, all eunuchs responsible for handling the empress's documents.
There was one Middle Palace Steward, with a salary of six hundred stones, a eunuch responsible for managing the empress's private treasury of money, fabrics, and other valuables, including the making, repairing, and cleaning of the empress's garments. There was also a subordinate below him, also a eunuch.
There was one officer in charge of the Middle Palace Everlasting Lane, with a salary of six hundred stones, a eunuch responsible for managing the palace maids. There was also a subordinate below him, also a eunuch.
There was one Middle Palace Yellow Gate Officer, with a salary of six hundred stones, a eunuch responsible for managing the palace's yellow gate personnel.
The Central Palace Office, one person, six hundred stones, is a eunuch tasked with recording the matters the empress raises with the emperor. There are also six female attendants, as well as a chief aide and a deputy chief aide, all eunuchs. The deputy chief aide is responsible for overseeing the palace corridors. The Chief Medic of the Central Palace, one person, four hundred stones, is a eunuch in charge of the empress's medical needs. This passage describes the establishment and responsibilities of some official positions in ancient imperial palaces. First mentioned is the position known as "Da Changqiu." The book explains that during the Qin Dynasty, there was a position called "Zhanshi" which held a higher status than Da Changqiu, also a eunuch, mainly responsible for managing other officials in the palace. Later, Emperor Cheng merged the authority of Zhanshi into Da Changqiu. Thus, when the empress left the palace, officials such as Zhongye and Zhonghuan took on the responsibilities of Zhanshi, guiding and guarding until the empress returned to the palace. Later, when the eunuchs killed the empress, the Minister of Personnel appointed an official to assume the guiding role. Changxin Palace and Changle Palace each had a shao fu, with responsibilities comparable to those of Da Changqiu, and other officials were named after palace names, with similar numbers and ranks to those of officials in the imperial palace. The book explains that because the emperor's grandmother lived in Changxin Palace, the positions of Changxin Shao Fu and Changle Shao Fu were created, with a higher status than that of Da Changqiu, both eunuchs, with ranks similar to officials in the imperial palace. Changle Palace also had a weiwei and taipu, both positions of two thousand stones, higher in status than shao fu, but following the emperor's death, these two positions were abolished and were not permanent.
Next, let's talk about the official positions of the crown prince. The Crown Prince's Grand Tutor holds a 2,000-stone position. According to the books, his responsibility is to assist the crown prince and manage all the officials in the crown prince's residence. The Crown Prince's Attendant holds a 1,000-stone position, responsible for overseeing the junior attendants and rotating duty with the chamberlains, with duties similar to those of the Ministry of Rites. The Crown Prince's Junior Attendant holds a 400-stone position, with no fixed number of personnel, similar to the Three Palace Chamberlains. The Crown Prince's Chamberlain holds a 200-stone position, with no fixed number of personnel, rotating duty to guard, similar to the Deputy Chamberlains of the Two Offices. The Crown Prince's Steward holds a 1,000-stone position, responsible for managing the crown prince's warehouses, food, and drink, with duties similar to those of the Minister of Agriculture and the Steward. The Crown Prince's Warehouse Steward holds a 600-stone position, responsible for managing the warehouses and food. The Crown Prince's Food Steward holds a 600-stone position, responsible for managing the food. The Crown Prince's Attendant holds a 1,000-stone position, responsible for managing the carriage and horses, with duties similar to the Grand Equerry. The Crown Prince's Master of the Stables holds a 400-stone position, responsible for managing the carriage and horses. The Crown Prince's Chief of the Palace holds a 600-stone position, and the books say that this position is similar to the Commandant of the Guards. In the past, there were also Left and Right Door Commandants, who respectively managed the officials at the left and right palace gates, but these positions were abolished during the Jianwu era. The Crown Prince's Chief Attendant holds a 600-stone position, with five individuals, with duties similar to the Palace Attendants. The Crown Prince's Groom is equivalent to 600 stones, and the books say that there are sixteen individuals, with duties similar to the Courtiers, who guide the crown prince and maintain the ceremonial escort when he leaves the palace. The Crown Prince's Chief Shield holds a 400-stone position, responsible for patrolling and guarding the palace. The Crown Prince's Guard Commander holds a 400-stone position, responsible for guarding the palace gates. Wow, these are quite a few official positions! Let's go through them one by one. First, let's talk about the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor. This role is only filled when the crown prince is present. If the emperor has just ascended to the throne and has not yet appointed a crown prince, then this position stays vacant, and only the chamberlain can keep working, overseeing the duties of the Steward.
Then there is the position of Chief Artisan, which is a high-ranking official with an annual salary of two thousand shi (a unit of measurement)! This official position has existed since the Qin Dynasty, originally known as Jiangzuoshao Fu, and later Emperor Jing changed its name to Chief Artisan. It is mainly responsible for the construction of ancestral temples, imperial palaces, and tombs, and is also responsible for planting trees, such as tong and zi trees, which must be planted along the roadsides. The Chief Artisan also has a subordinate, called Cheng, with an annual salary of six hundred shi.
Next is the position of Left Supervisor, with an annual salary of six hundred shi, responsible for the craftsmen on the left; similarly, the Right Supervisor has the same responsibilities, with an annual salary of six hundred shi, and they also have a Cheng under them. The Left Supervisor and Right Supervisor are both under the Chief Artisan's authority.
Next is the position of City Gate Commander, with a rank comparable to that of the Chief Artisan, responsible for managing the twelve city gates of Luoyang. There is a Sima under him, with an annual salary of one thousand shi, responsible for the military defense of the city gates. Each city gate is assigned a guard earning an annual salary of six hundred shi. The twelve gates of Luoyang include Pingcheng Gate in the south, the North Palace Gate, overseen by the Guard Commander, and the other gates are Shangximen, Yongmen, Guangyangmen, Jinmen, Xiaoyuanmen, Kaiyangmen, Jiamen, Zhongdongmen, Shangdongmen, Gumen, and Xiamen. The City Gate Commander is also quite important, overseeing all these gates.
In the Northern Army, the Northern Army Chief has an annual salary of 600 shi, mainly responsible for supervising five military camps. Then there are Garrison Cavalry Commanders, Vanguard Cavalry Commanders, Infantry Commanders, and Longshui Commanders, all of whom are senior officers with a rank similar to 2,000 shi, and are responsible for the garrison troops. They each have a Sima (equivalent to a military officer) under them with an annual salary of 1,000 shi. The Longshui Commander also has a Huqi Sima under him with an annual salary of 1,000 shi, who oversees the Wuhuan cavalry. The Archer Commander, with a rank similar to 2,000 shi, is also responsible for the garrison troops, and also has a Sima under him with an annual salary of 1,000 shi. These Commanders are all under the supervision of the Northern Army Chief. In the past, there was also a Middle Garrison Commander responsible for the garrisons of the Northern Army, as well as the Huqi Commander and the Tiger Elite Commander, all established during the time of the Martial Emperor. Later, during the restoration period, the Middle Garrison Commander was abolished and replaced by the Northern Army Chief, responsible for supervising five military camps, with the Huqi Commander merged into the Longshui Commander, and the Tiger Elite Commander merged into the Archer Commander. Ah, the salary system of ancient official positions sounds so complicated! You see, those officials with 2,000 shi, some of their Deputies (equivalent to deputies) receive 1,000 shi, some receive 600 shi, depending on the specific circumstances. A true official with 2,000 shi, the Deputy and Chief Clerk each receive 600 shi; if they are just officials with more than 2,000 shi, the Deputy receives 600 shi. For Commanders and Chiefs with an official rank of 1,000 shi, the Deputy and the Commanding Officer (akin to a military chief) receive 400 shi; if they are officials with 600 shi, the Deputy and the Commanding Officer receive 300 shi. Those Commanders and Chiefs with 400 shi and 300 shi, the Deputy and the Commanding Officer each receive only 200 shi. As for the Deputies of the princes and princesses, their salaries are similar to those of officials with 100 shi. Commanders stationed at the borders and tombs receive 200 shi each. Those with fixed salaries are not detailed further.
Next, let's talk about the Colonel of the Inspectorate. This is a high-ranking official, equivalent to 2,000 shi. Historical texts indicate that this position was established during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. With the emperor's decree, the Colonel of the Inspectorate was mainly responsible for supervising officials below him, as well as those who committed crimes in the capital and nearby counties. Later, Emperor Yuan abolished the decree, and Emperor Cheng streamlined it. It was not until the Jianwu period of the Eastern Han Dynasty that it was reestablished and had jurisdiction over a province. He had twelve subordinates, each with different responsibilities: the Chief Duties Officer was responsible for monitoring the illegal activities of officials; the Records Officer was responsible for selecting and appointing officials in the province and handling various matters; the Deputy Officer was responsible for guiding and recording various matters when the Colonel of the Inspectorate went on inspection tours; the Finance Officer was responsible for managing finances and documents; in the event of military operations, the Military Affairs Officer was in charge of military affairs; each county had an officer responsible for supervising documents and monitoring illegal activities. These officers were appointed by the province and generally received a salary of one hundred shi. The Colonel of the Inspectorate also had twenty-five auxiliary personnel responsible for recording and processing documents, managing daily affairs of the province, selecting talents, teaching the "Classic of Filial Piety," "Yueling," and laws, as well as handling document records. The Colonel of the Inspectorate had jurisdiction over seven counties.
Finally, let's talk about the Governor of Henan. This is a high-ranking official in charge of the capital, enjoying a special status and generous benefits. The Governors of Jingzhao, Zuo Fengyi, and You Fufeng were all 2,000 shi officials in the early Han Dynasty and collectively known as the "Three Adjuncts." Later, during the Eastern Han Dynasty's relocation to Luoyang, the Henan commandery was changed to an Intendant. However, because the "Three Adjuncts" were the locations of imperial mausoleums, the titles of these officials remained the same, but their salaries were reduced. As for the remaining commanderies of Hongnong, Henan, and Hedong, details about their positions and salaries can be found in the "Geographical Records."
