Nanhai, Cangwu, Yulin, Hapu, Jiaozhi, Jiuzhen, Rinnan—these names of places sound far away and distinctly southern.
Hanzhong Commandery, established by the Qin Dynasty, is located 1,990 li from Luoyang. It comprises nine cities, with 57,344 households and a population of 267,420. Specifically, it includes Nanzheng, Chenggu (which has a Guixu to the northwest), Xicheng, Baozhong, Mianyang (noted for its iron), Anyang, Xi (noted for its tin, called Xixue in the Spring and Autumn Period), Shangyong (formerly the Yongguo), and Fangling.
Baling Commandery, also established by the Qin Dynasty, is located 3,700 li from Luoyang. It has fourteen cities, 31,691 households, and a population of 108,649, which includes Jiangzhou, Dangqu (noted for its iron), Quren, Langzhong, and Yufu (home to a Hanguan on the water), Linjiang, Zhi, Fuling (noted for its cinnabar), Dianjiang, Anhan, Pingdu, Chongguo (which was separated from Langzhong in the second year of the Yongyuan era), Xuanhan (established during the Yongyuan period), and Hanchang (established during the Yongyuan period).
Guanghan Commandery, established by Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang, is located 3,000 li from Luoyang. It has eleven cities, 139,865 households, and a population of 509,438. The commandery's administrative center is located in Luoxian, with places like Xindu, Mianzhu, Shifang, Fu, Zitong, Baishui, Jiameng, Qi, Guanghan (noted for its Shen water), and Deyang.
Shu Commandery, established by the Qin Dynasty, is located 3,100 li from Luoyang. It has eleven cities, 30,452 households, and a population of 135,476, which includes Chengdu, Pi, Jiangyuan, Fan, Guangdu, and Linqiong (noted for its iron), Jiandi Road (Minshan is outside the western boundary), Wenjiang Road, Baliang, Guangrou, and Miansi Road.
Jianwei Commandery, established during the reign of Emperor Wu, is located 3,270 li from Luoyang. Liu Zhang later divided it, establishing Jiangyang Commandery. It has nine cities, 137,713 households, and a population of 411,378, which includes Wuyang (with a Pengwang settlement), Zizhong, Niuping, and Nan'an (with Yufu Ferry).
Wow, these are all place names! First of all, we need to know that this is about the situation in the Yizhou region during the Han Dynasty. "Zangke County (established during the reign of Emperor Wu, 5,700 li west of Luoyang.) Sixteen cities, a total of 31,523 households, and a population of 267,253." In plain language, during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Zangke County was established, 5,700 li west of Luoyang, overseeing sixteen cities, with a total of 31,523 households and a population of 267,253. This place includes Qielan, Pingyi, Ji, Wulian, and a place called Tanzhi, famous for its cinnabar production. Yelang is known for its production of realgar and orpiment. Other notable locations include Tongbing, Tangao, Loujiang, Wudan, Wanwen, Xinfeng, Louwo, Juting, Jincheng, and Xisui.
Next, we have Yuegui County. "Yuegui County (established during the reign of Emperor Wu, 4,800 li west of Luoyang.) Fourteen cities, a total of 131,120 households, and a population of 623,418." Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty established Yuegui County, 4,800 li west of Luoyang, with fourteen cities, a total of 131,120 households, and a population of 623,418. In this county, copper is mined from the mountains south of Qiongdu, and other notable locations include Suijiu, Lingguandao, Taideng (is known for its iron production), Qingling (commonly referred to as the land of golden horses and green chickens), Beishui, Sanfeng, Huiwu (is known for its iron production), Dingya, Chan, Sushi, Daya, Yaqin, and Gufu.
Next is Yizhou Commandery. "Yizhou Commandery (established by Emperor Wu, formerly part of the Dian Kingdom, located 5,600 li west of Luoyang. Zhuge Liang submitted a memorial mentioning Danwen Mountain, Zeshan Mountain, Simiyi Mountain, Lou Mountain, and Bilong Mountain, but their exact locations remain unclear.) Seventeen cities, 29,036 households, and 118,200 people." Yizhou Commandery, established by Emperor Wu, was formerly part of the Dian Kingdom, located 5,600 li away from Luoyang, with seventeen cities, a total of over 29,000 households, and over 118,000 people. The exact locations of Danwen Mountain, Zeshan Mountain, Simiyi Mountain, Lou Mountain, and Bilong Mountain mentioned in Zhuge Liang's memorial are still unclear. Yizhou Commandery produces iron from Dian Lake, which is located near a large lake with the Blackwater Shrine to its north.
The following places are also found in this area:
- Shengxiu
- Yuyuan (Yuyuan produces copper from Mount Zhuang)
- Lügao (Lügao produces tin from Shishi Mountain; Xuting Mountain produces silver and lead)
- Bengu (Bengu mines copper and tin from Caishan; Yangshan produces silver and lead)
- Wuchuo
- Jianling
- Guchang
- Mumi
- Wei
- Kunze
- Tonglei
- Tonglao
- Shuangbai (Shuangbai produces silver)
- Lianran
- Longdong
- Qinzang
In summary, this passage introduces the geography, city count, population, and mineral resources of several commanderies in the Han Dynasty's Yizhou region. There are many place names mentioned, many of which are no longer identifiable. Yongchang Commandery was split from Yizhou in the twelfth year of Emperor Ming's Yongping era, at a considerable distance of 7,260 li away! This place has eight cities, with a registered population of 231,897 households and a total population of a staggering 1,897,344 people. In this commandery, iron ore is mined in Wei, as well as in Xitang, Bisu, Yeyu, Xielong, Yunnan, and Ailao. Ailao even had a kingdom established during the Yongping era. Bonan was also established during the Yongping era, and the southern part of this area produces gold!
Guanghan is a vassal state, originally under the jurisdiction of the northern prefecture, belonging to the Guanghan commandery. It was only during the reign of Emperor An that it was changed to a vassal state governor, overseeing three cities. There are 37,110 households and a population of 205,652 people in this vassal state, which includes Yinping Road, Dian Di Road, and Gang Di Road.
Shu Commandery is a vassal state, previously under the jurisdiction of the western prefecture, and only became a vassal state governor in the first year of the Yanguang era, overseeing four cities. There are 115,568 households and a population of 475,629 people in this area, formerly known as Qingyi before being renamed in the second year of Yangjia. There is a Mount Meng, Yan Dao with the Qiong Di Jiu Zhe Slope, and Qiong You established there, as well as Xihe and Maoniu, which are also notable locations.
Jianwei is a vassal state, previously under the jurisdiction of the southern prefecture, only becoming a vassal state governor in the first year of Yongchu, overseeing two cities. There are 7,938 households and a population of 37,187 people in this area, known for its silver and copper production at Zhuti Mountain, as well as Hanyang.
In summary, the area governed by the Yizhou Inspector includes a total of twelve commanderies and vassal states, with a total of 118 counties and roads.
Longxi Commandery, a commandery established during the Qin Dynasty, is 2,220 miles from Luoyang. This commandery has eleven cities, 5,628 households, and a population of 29,637 people. Within this commandery are Didi, Angu, Di Dao where the water source is located, Shouyang with the Niaoshu Tongxue Mountain, Wei River also originates here, as well as Daxia, Xiangwu with the Five Chickens Gathering, Lintao with the Xiqing Mountain, Fuhang, Baishi, Zhang, and Hekou, all of which were previously part of Jincheng Commandery. Southwest of Hekou is Jishi Mountain, where the river begins.
Hanyang County was founded during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. It was originally named Tianshui County and was renamed Hanyang County in the 17th year of the Yongyuan era. It is located 2,000 li (approximately 1,000 kilometers) west of Luoyang and governs thirteen cities, with a total of 27,423 households and a population of 131,138. Notable places in the county include Mount Zhuyu, Tiqun Mountain, and Luomenju Village, among others. Other cities include Wangheng, Ayang, Luoyang, which features a street pavilion, Yongshi, Chengji, Long, the governor's seat, which features a large slope known as Longdi and a settlement called Hundi within it, Wudao, Langang, Pingxiang, Xianqin, Shanggui, which was formerly part of Longxi County, and Xi, which also was formerly part of Longxi County and includes Baozhong Mountain and the Xihanshui River.
Wudu County, also founded by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, is situated 1,960 li (approximately 980 kilometers) west of Luoyang. It governs seven cities with a total of 21,202 households and a population of 81,728. Prominent cities in the county are Xiabian, Wududao, Shanglu, Gudao, Hechi, Ju, which flows out of Donglanggu, and Qiangdao.
Jincheng County, established by Emperor Zhao of the Han Dynasty, is located 2,800 li (approximately 1,400 kilometers) west of Luoyang. It governs ten cities with a total of 3,858 households and a population of 18,947. Notable cities in the county include Yunwu, Haowei, Lingju, Zhiyang, Jincheng, Yuzhong, Linqiang, which is home to Kunlun Mountain, Poqiang, Anyi, and Yunjie.
Anding County, established by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, is located 1,700 li (approximately 850 kilometers) west of Luoyang. It governs eight cities with a total of 6,094 households and a population of 29,060. Notable cities in the county include Linjing, Gaoping, which is home to the first city, Chaona, Wuzhi, which has Wating, which leads to the scenic Boluo Valley, Sanshui, Yinpai, Pengyang, and Chongu, which was formerly part of Beidi County.
Beidi Commandery, established during the Qin Dynasty, is located 1,100 li west of Luoyang. It governs six cities, with a total of 3,122 households and a population of 18,637. The notable cities in the commandery include Fuping, Niyang (home to Wuzha Pavilion), Yiju (renowned for its iron production), Lian, Canmo (which previously belonged to Anding Commandery), and Lingzhou.
Wuwei Commandery, formerly the territory of the Xiongnu chieftain Xiutu, was established as a commandery by Emperor Wu of Han, located 3,500 li west of Luoyang. The commandery has a total of fourteen cities, 14,220 households, and a population of 34,226. These cities include Guzang, Zhangye, Wuwei, Xiutu, Xuci, Luanniao, Pu, Aowei, Xuanwei, Cangsongs, Zhan Yin (formerly belonged to Anding Commandery), Zuli (formerly belonged to Anding Commandery), Xianmei (formerly belonged to Zhangye Commandery), and a Left Cavalry unit of one thousand men.
Zhangye Commandery, formerly the territory of the Xiongnu chieftain Kunxie, was established as a commandery by Emperor Wu of Han, located 4,200 li west of Luoyang. During the reign of Emperor Xian, a Western Commandery was established. Zhangye Commandery has eight cities, 6,552 households, and a population of 26,040. These cities include Lude, Zhaowu, Shandan (the source of the Ruo River), Dichi, Wulan, Rile, Lijian, and Fanhe.
Jiuquan Commandery, established by Emperor Wu of Han, is located 4,700 li west of Luoyang. It has nine cities and 12,706 households. The cities include Fulv, Biaoshi, Leilan, Yumen, Huishui, Shatou, Anmi (formerly called Suimi), Ganqi, and Yanshou.
Dunhuang Commandery, also established by Emperor Wu of Han, is located 5,000 li west of Luoyang. It has six cities, 748 households, and a population of 29,170. These cities include Dunhuang (formerly called Guazhou, famous for its melons), Ming'an, Xiaogu, Pinqi, Guangzhi, and Longle (home to Yumen Pass).
Zhangye is a vassal state established by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, specifically tasked with overseeing the surrendered tribes. During the reign of Emperor An of Han, five additional cities were incorporated into its jurisdiction. It has a total of 4,656 households and 16,952 inhabitants. The vassal state includes the following areas: Houguan, Zuoqi, Qianren, Sima Guan, and Qianren Guan.
Zhangye Juyan is also a vassal state, previously governed by the county magistrate, and later reassigned to another city during the reign of Emperor An of Han. There are 1,560 households and 4,733 people in total. The city under the jurisdiction of this vassal state is called Juyan, which features Juyan Lake, historically referred to as "Flowing Sands."
The area under the jurisdiction of the Governor of Liangzhou includes twelve counties, districts, and Houguan.
Let’s begin with Shangdang County, founded during the Qin Dynasty, located 1,500 li north of Luoyang. Shangdang County comprises thirteen cities with a population of 26,222 households and 127,430 people. Notable places in the county include Changzi, Tunliu (the origin of the Jiang River), Tongdi, Zhan, Nie (with En and Julu), Xiangyuan, Huguan (with Liting, the historical site of the Li Kingdom), Xuanshi (with Changping Pavilion), Gaodu, Lu (the ancient location of the Lu Kingdom), Yishi, Yang'a (Marquisate), and Guyuan.
Next, we have Taiyuan County, also founded during the Qin Dynasty, with sixteen cities, 39,202 households, and 201,124 people. The county seat is in Jinyang, formerly the capital of the Tang Kingdom and the source of the Jin River. Additional locations within Taiyuan County include Jiexiu (with Jieshan, Mianshangju, and Qianmuju), Yuci (with Zao Hu), Zhongdu, Yuli, Zishi, Langmeng, Wu, Yu, Pingtao, Jingling (one of the Nine Capitals in the Spring and Autumn Period), Yangqu, Daling (rich in iron), Qi, Lüxi, and Yangyi (with Jicheng).
Shang County, founded during the Qin Dynasty, comprises ten cities with 5,169 households and 28,599 people. It encompasses Fushi, Baitu, Qiyuan, Sheyan, Diaoyin, Zhenlin, Dingyang, Gaonu, the vassal state of Guizi, and Houguan.
Xihe District was established during the reign of Emperor Wu, located approximately 1,200 li north of Luoyang, with thirteen cities, 5,698 households, and a population of 28,838, which includes the following cities: Lishi, Pingding, Meiji, Lejie, Zhongyang, Gaolang, Pingzhou, Pinglu, Yilan, Yuanyin, Lin, Yuanyang, and Guangyan. Lastly, we have Wuyuan District, formerly known as Jiuyuan County during the Qin Dynasty, with ten cities, 4,667 households, and a population of 22,957. This includes Jiuyuan, Wuyuan, Linwo, Wenguo, Heyin, and Wudu. Yiliang, Manbai, Chengyi, Xi'anyang... these place names sound ancient. Xi'anyang is located north of Yinsan.
Yunzhong District was established during the Qin Dynasty, with eleven cities, 5,351 households, and a population of 26,430. This includes Yunzhong, Xianyang, Jiling, Shaling, Shan, Beiyu, Wuquan, Yuanyang, and Dingxiang... these places were once part of Dingxiang District. Dingxiang District, founded by Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang, has five cities, 3,153 households, and a population of 13,571. Shanwu, Tongguo, Wucheng, Luo, and Zhongling... these places all used to belong to Yanmen District. Yanmen District, also established during the Qin Dynasty, is located 1,500 li from Luoyang, with fourteen cities, 31,862 households, and a population of 249,000. Yinguang, Fanshi, Loufan, Wuzhou, Wangtao, Juyang, Guo, Pingcheng, Lei, and Mayi... these places all used to belong to Yanmen District. Lucheng used to belong to Dai District, Guangwu and Yuanping used to belong to Taiyuan District, and Guangwu also has a Xiaowu Mountain. Qiangyin... I find it difficult to recall all these places.
Shuofang District was established during the reign of Emperor Wu, with six cities, 1,987 households, and a population of 7,843. This includes Linrong, Sanfeng, Shuofang, Woye, Guangmu, and Dacheng, with Dacheng previously belonging to Xihe District.
Thus, all the aforementioned are under the jurisdiction of the Bingzhou Governor, with a total of nine districts, ninety-eight counties, and marquisates.
Zhuojun, established by Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang, is 1,800 li from Luoyang. It comprises seven cities, with 102,218 households and a population of 633,754 people. Zhuo, Qiu (a marquisate), Gu'an (Yishui and Baoshui both originate here), Fanyang (a marquisate), Liangxiang, Beixincheng (with the Fen River Gate), Fangcheng (formerly belonged to Guangyang Jun, with Linxiang and Dukangting)… These places are all under the jurisdiction of Zhuojun.
Guangyang Jun was established during the reign of Emperor Gaozu and was originally part of the Yan Kingdom and was later designated as a jun during the reign of Emperor Zhao. During the reign of Emperor Shizu of the Han Dynasty, Shanggu Jun was merged into Guangyang Jun, but was restored in the eighth year of Yongyuan. Guangyang Jun has a total of five cities, with 44,550 households and a population of 286,000 individuals. Jicheng was the former capital of the Yan Kingdom, where the governor resided. Guangyang, Changping, Jundu, and Anci were all previously part of Shanggu Jun.
Daijun was established during the Qin Dynasty, 2,500 li northeast of Luoyang. It comprises eleven cities, with 21,223 households and a population of 126,188 people. Gaoliu, Sanggan, Daoren, Dangcheng, Macheng, Banshi, Yisheng, Beipingyi (restored in the eighth year of Yongyuan), Donganyang, Pingshu, and Dai are all part of Daijun.
Shanggu Jun, also established during the Qin Dynasty, is situated 3,200 li northeast of Luoyang. It has eight cities, with 13,520 households and a population of 51,240 individuals. Juyang, Pan (restored in the eleventh year of Yongyuan), Ning, Guangning, Juyong, Goumao, Zhuolu, and Xiaoluo are all in Shanggu Jun.
Yuyang Jun, also established during the Qin Dynasty, is located 2,000 li northeast of Luoyang. It has nine cities, with 68,456 households and a population of 435,740 individuals. Yuyang and Quanzhou are renowned for their iron production. In addition to these two places, Hunu, Lu, Yongnu, Pinggu, Anle, Zhi Xi, and Guangping are also part of Yuyang Jun.
Youbei Ping County, established by the Qin Dynasty, is located 2,300 li northeast of Luoyang. It consists of only four cities, with a total of 9,170 households and a population of 53,475. These four cities are Tuyin, Xuwu, Junmi, and Wuzhong.
Liaoxi County, established by the Qin Dynasty, is located 3,300 li northeast of Luoyang. There are five cities with a population of 14,150 households and 81,714 residents. These five cities are Yangle, Haiyang, Lingzhi (with Guzhu City), Feiru, and Linyu.
Liaodong County, established by the Qin Dynasty, is located 3,600 li northeast of Luoyang. There are eleven cities with a population of 64,158 households and 81,714 residents. These eleven cities are Xiangping, Xinchang, Wulv... (other city names are omitted here because they are not listed in the original text).
During the Han Dynasty, Xuanfu County (established by Emperor Wu, located 4,000 li northeast of Luoyang) had six cities under its jurisdiction with a total population of 1,594 households and 43,163 residents. The territory of Xuanfu County included places such as Gaojuli (the source of the Liao Mountain and Liao River), Xigaima, Shangyintai, Gaoxian, Houcheng, and Liaoyang, all of which were previously under the jurisdiction of Liaodong County.
Lelang County (established by Emperor Wu, located 5,000 li northeast of Luoyang) was particularly notable, governing eighteen cities with a population of 61,492 households and 257,050 residents! The territory of Lelang County included areas such as Korea, Ranhan, Peishui, Hanzhi, Zhanchan, Suicheng, Zengdi, Daifang, Suwang, Haiming, Liekou, Changcen, Tunyou, Zhaoming, Loufang, Tiexi, Hunmi, and Ledu.
Liaodong is a tributary state (formerly known as Hanxiang, the western prefect, which was renamed vassal state prefect during Emperor An's reign and governed six cities, located 3,260 miles northeast of Luoyang). It governed areas including Changliao (formerly known as Tianliao, belonging to Liaoxi Prefecture), Bintu, Tuhe, Wulv (which is also home to a mountain called Yiwulv), Xiandu, Fang, and other places all within its jurisdiction. The Inspector of Youzhou oversees a total of eleven prefectures, ninety counties, towns, and marquisates.
Looking further south, Nanhai Prefecture, established by Emperor Wu, is located 7,100 miles south of Luoyang and has seven cities, with 71,477 households and a total population of 252,082. Nanhai Prefecture encompasses the cities of Panyu, Boluo, Zhongsu, Longchuan, Sihui, Jieyang, and Zengcheng (which also has a mountain called Laoling).
Cangwu Prefecture, also established by Emperor Wu, is situated 6,410 miles south of Luoyang and governs eleven cities, with 111,395 households and a total population of 466,975. Cangwu Prefecture includes Guangxin, Xiemu, Gaoyao, Fengyang, Linhe, Duanxi, Fengcheng, and Fuchuan.
First, let's look at the situation in Jiaozhou. Jiaozhou, which was formerly called Jiaozhi Prefecture, was established during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, and it is quite a distance from Luoyang, over 10,000 miles away! It has a total of twelve cities.
Next up is Hepu Prefecture, also established during Emperor Wu's reign, located more than 9,000 miles from Luoyang, with five cities, over 20,000 households, and a population exceeding 80,000. Hepu Prefecture includes Hepu, Xuwen, Gaoliang, Linyuan, and Zhuyai.
Next is Jiuzhen Prefecture, also established by Emperor Wu of Han, located over 15,000 miles from Luoyang, with five cities, over 40,000 households, and a population of over 200,000. In the nineteenth year of Jianwu, two new areas named Fengxi and Wanghai were established.
Finally, Rizhao Prefecture, which was renamed by Emperor Wu of Han, was previously Xiang Prefecture of the Qin Dynasty. Located over 13,000 miles from Luoyang, it has five cities, more than 18,000 households, and a population of over 100,000.
In general, the entire Jiaozhou region governs seven prefectures and fifty-six counties. Specific county names include Lipu, Mengling, Zhangping, Yulin, Bushan, Anguang, Alin, Guangyu, Zhongliu, Guilin, Tanzhong, Linchen, Dingzhou, Zengshi, Lingfang, and so on, as well as those places under Hepu County, Xupu, Jufeng, Xianhan, Wugong, Wubian under Jiuzhen County, and Xijuan, Zhuwu, Lurong, Xianglin, Bijing under Rinan County. I won’t list them all here; you can check the original text yourself. In any case, Jiaozhou is vast and sparsely populated, located quite far from the capital.
The Han Dynasty inherited the thirty-six prefectures of the Qin Dynasty, which governed hundreds of counties. Later, after several adjustments, by the time of Emperor Xiaoping, there were a total of one hundred and three prefectures and one thousand five hundred and eighty-seven counties, towns, roads, and marquisates in the whole country. After Emperor Guangwu restored the dynasty, it was found that there were too many officials and the work was too heavy, so he ordered the merging of some counties and towns, reducing ten prefectures and more than four hundred counties, towns, roads, and marquisates. During the reign of Emperor Ming, one prefecture was added, Emperor Zhang added two prefectures, Emperor He added three more, and Emperor An had some subsidiary states manage some counties and towns separately, also separating some of the previously merged counties. By the time of Emperor Xiaoshun, there were a total of one hundred and five prefectures, one thousand one hundred and eighty counties, towns, roads, and marquisates, with a total of nine hundred sixty-nine thousand eight hundred thirty households and a population of four million nine hundred fifteen thousand two hundred twenty.
In conclusion, since the establishment of the Han Dynasty, administrative divisions have undergone continuous adjustments, alternating between mergers and separations, eventually forming the pattern of the Xiaoshun Emperor period.
Original text from "Book of Han, Volume on Geography": Zan commented: "After the reign of Zhongan, the government was fragmented; the marquis stepped down, leaving the people without a consistent leader. Titles were changed, and the fiefs were separated, causing disputes. There were some reductions and increases, which were mostly consistent with previous reports."
