Before the Xia and Shang dynasties, the records of the imperial harem system were relatively brief. The "Rites of Zhou" states that the Zhou dynasty emperor should have one empress, three consorts, nine concubines, twenty-seven wives, and eighty-one female attendants, each responsible for different tasks in the palace. The empress holds the highest position in the palace, being equal to the emperor. The consorts are responsible for teaching etiquette, the nine concubines teach the Four Virtues to the palace women, the wives are responsible for funerals, ceremonies, and hosting guests, while the female attendants serve the emperor in his daily life. Each individual has specific responsibilities and departments, with female historians tasked with recording their merits and faults. The conduct of the concubines in the palace is strictly regulated; they present talented individuals to assist the emperor, maintain dignity, and avoid indulging in beauty. This promotes the virtues of women, improves the affairs of the palace, and keeps the palace in order, preventing schemers from gaining power. For example, the poem "Guo Ju" critiques King Kang for attending court late; Queen Xuan of King Xuan was punished for waking up too late. However, after the Zhou dynasty moved east, the ritual system gradually deteriorated, vassals became more indulgent, and the system was in disarray. Duke Huan of Qi maintained six consorts, and Duke Xian of Jin elevated a woman from the Rong tribe to a principal consort, leading to succession disputes and chaos in subsequent generations. By the Warring States period, the moral decay became increasingly severe; people indulged in desires and disregarded etiquette, ultimately leading to the downfall of the country. These examples illustrate the dire consequences of prioritizing beauty over virtue and neglecting the importance of etiquette.
After the unification of the Qin Dynasty, the rulers became increasingly extravagant and indulgent, with a palace that surpassed even those of the Seven Kingdoms, and the ranks of concubines were categorized into eight grades. After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, the system of the Qin Dynasty was followed, but the rules regarding concubines were not clearly established. Emperor Gaozu of Han led a more relaxed lifestyle, and Emperor Wen of Han's court life was similarly simple and laid-back. However, the selection process for concubines and maids in the early Han Dynasty was quite straightforward, and the decorations were also simple. But after Emperor Wu of Han and Emperor Yuan of Han, the palace's extravagance gradually escalated, with as many as three thousand palace maids, and the ranks expanded to fourteen levels. Historical records detail instances of favoring corrupt officials and allowing relatives to meddle in politics, leading to national turmoil.
After Emperor Guangwu restored the Han Dynasty, palace life became simpler, and the titles for concubines were streamlined to just Empress and Noble Consort. Although Noble Consorts had gold seals and purple ribbons, their annual stipend amounted to only a few dozen bushels of grain. Additionally, there were categories for beauties, palace maids, and selected girls, who held no titles and received rewards only during holidays and festivals. According to the system of the Han Dynasty, every August, a selection of beauties took place, where officials, palace eunuchs, and diviners traveled to the countryside near Luoyang to select young women from reputable families aged thirteen to twenty, who were not only beautiful but also met the criteria. The selected candidates would be brought back to the palace, where the emperor would make his final choices before they entered. This process made the selection of concubines more deliberate and placed greater emphasis on morality.
Emperor Ming inherited Emperor Guangwu's will and placed significant emphasis on the education of the imperial harem. When selecting concubines, he would first carefully assess their virtues. The imperial harem would not interfere in political affairs, and the emperor would not favor someone excessively due to personal reasons, which can be seen as a correction of past shortcomings. If at that time an imperial decree prohibiting relatives from interfering in politics could have been established, relevant laws enacted, and the system of imperial concubines reformed, what a difference that could have made! While the emperor could show restraint himself, the safeguards were still inadequate. Therefore, after Emperor Xiaozhang, the imperial harem gradually began witnessing instances where beauty won favor, and the emperor and his concubines were so affectionate that they forgot the harm of the imperial harem. Throughout history, if the emperor was young, the country was prone to turmoil, and the royal family often faced upheaval. Generally, power would be handed over to the prime minister, who would select loyal and virtuous subjects to assist, with no precedent for granting power to women. Only Queen Dowager Mi of the Qin state had once held court and governed, so the Marquis Rang held significant power during King Zhao's reign and was immensely wealthy. The Han Dynasty continued this misguided practice, knowing the danger but never correcting it. The imperial line in the Eastern Capital faced repeated interruptions, with power falling into the hands of women. Four relatives claimed the title of emperor, and six empresses ruled in court, most of whom relied on their fathers' and brothers' influence. To consolidate their power, they sought to eliminate dissent, even at the cost of national interests. This practice carried significant responsibilities and potential benefits, yet disasters were sure to follow. They lived in magnificent palaces, but their family members risked imprisonment due to their actions.
There are countless examples of this, one after another, ultimately leading to the decline of the country and the shift in dynasties. Both the "Book of Songs" and the "Book of Documents" have records of this, and the principles are the same. Therefore, I meticulously researched the deeds of empresses throughout history and wrote this "Annals of Empresses." Although their fortunes varied, they all once held the position of empress, so they are all included in this book. Those empresses who were posthumously honored due to the emperor's personal feelings were not empresses in the true sense during their lifetimes, so their stories are told in other chapters. The life stories of the empresses' relatives are documented in their respective biographies. The remaining unrecorded content is included here, following the tradition of the "Biographies of the Imperial Relatives" in the Western Capital.
Guo Shengtong, a native of Zhending, hailed from a prominent family. Her father, Guo Chang, was a noble man who bequeathed his vast fortune to his half-brother, earning praise from the common people for his integrity. Guo Chang had served as an official in the local area. Guo Shengtong married the daughter of the Prince of Zhending, who would later be known as Guo Zhu, and gave birth to Guo Kuang and the future emperor Liu Xiu. Guo Chang passed away early. Although Guo Zhu was a princess, she was very thrifty and had the demeanor of a mother. In the spring of the second year of the Gengshi era, Liu Xiu defeated Wang Lang and passed through Zhending, where he married Guo Shengtong and lavished affection upon her. After Liu Xiu became emperor, he elevated Guo Shengtong to the rank of honored concubine.
In the first year of Jianwu, Guo Shengtong gave birth to Prince Liu Qiang. Liu Xiu appreciated Guo Kuang's cautious and careful nature and appointed him as a Yellow Gate Attendant at the age of sixteen. In the second year of Jianwu, Guo Shengtong was appointed as the Empress, Liu Qiang as the Crown Prince, and Guo Kuang was granted the title of Marquis of Mianman. As the Empress's family's power grew, guests came in droves. Despite this, Guo Kuang remained humble and treated people well, earning a great reputation. In the fourteenth year, Guo Kuang was promoted to City Gate Colonel. Later on, as the Empress's favor began to fade, she became somewhat resentful. In the seventeenth year of Jianwu, Guo Shengtong was demoted to the Empress Dowager of Zhongshan, her son Liu Fu was granted the title of Prince of Zhongshan, and Changshan County was allocated to Zhongshan State. Guo Kuang was also transferred to a larger fief and became the Marquis of Yang'an. The Empress's brother Guo Jing, due to his military achievements, was granted the title of Marquis of Xinqi and later rose to the position of Minister of Eastern Sea. Guo Jing's brother Guo Kuang was granted the title of Marquis of Fagan and rose to the position of Grand Master of the Palace. The Empress's uncle, Guo Liang, died young and left no sons, and his son-in-law Chen Mao from Nanyang was granted the title of Marquis of Nandun due to his relationship with the Empress.
In the twentieth year of Jianwu, Prince of Zhongshan Liu Fu was further granted the title of Prince of Pei, which made Guo Shengtong the Dowager of Pei. Guo Kuang was promoted to Grand Herald. The Emperor often visited Guo Kuang's home and frequently invited ministers and nobles to Guo Kuang's home for feasting and entertainment, showering them with countless gifts of gold and silk. The whole capital buzzed with rumors that Guo Kuang's home was a gold mine. In the twenty-sixth year of Jianwu, Guo Shengtong's mother Guo Zhu passed away, and the Emperor personally presided over the funeral, with all officials in attendance. The Emperor also sent people to escort Guo Chang's coffin, burying him together with Guo Zhu, and posthumously granting Guo Chang the title of Marquis of Yang'an, with the posthumous title of Lord of Thought. In the twenty-eighth year of Jianwu, Guo Shengtong passed away and was laid to rest in Beimang.
The Guo family received the Emperor's favor, and the Emperor ordered Guo Kuang's son, Guo Huang, to marry Princess Yuyang, and appointed Guo Huang as a palace official. After Emperor Xianzong took the throne, Guo Kuang, the Emperor's uncle Yin Shi, and Yin Jiu were all granted the title of Special Advisor, and the Emperor continuously showered them with favors. The Emperor showed great favor to both the Yin and Guo families, and everything was handled with equal regard. In the second year of the Yongping era, Guo Kuang passed away. The Emperor bestowed numerous honors upon him, attended the funeral in person, and posthumously conferred the title of Marquis on him. His son, Guo Huang, succeeded him in the title.
In the third year of the Yuanhe era, Emperor Suzong went on a northern inspection and passed through Zhending. There, he met members of the Guo family who came to pay their respects and wish the Emperor well on his birthday. The Emperor drank and celebrated with them, in high spirits. He also used the highest sacrificial offerings to honor the ancestors of the Guo family, rewarding them with 10,000 hu of grain and 500,000 coins. In the early years of Yongyuan, Guo Huang served as the Prefect of Chang Le, and his son Guo Ju served as an Attendant and concurrently held the position of Commandant of the Archers. Later, General Duan Xian was executed, and Guo Ju, being Duan Xian's son-in-law, was implicated in the rebellion case. Both father and son were imprisoned and executed, while their family members were exiled to Hepu, and all officials from the Guo family were dismissed. Guo Kuang's younger brother Guo Jing, who initially served as a cavalry general, earned military accolades and was appointed as the Duke of Donghai. He passed away during the Yongping era, and his son Guo Song inherited his title. After Guo Song's death, he was investigated for his involvement in the case of Prince Chu Ying, and his title was abolished. In the second year of Jianchu, Emperor Zhang reinstated Guo Song's son, Guo Qin, as Marquis of Yiting. Since Guo Qin had no sons, the title became extinct. Guo Kuang's other younger brother, Guo Kuang, served as Grand Master of the Palace and passed away in the thirtieth year of the Jianwu era, and his son Guo Xun inherited his title. After Guo Xun's death, his son Guo Jun inherited the title; however, in the thirteenth year of Yongping, Guo Jun's title was revoked due to the case involving Prince Chu Ying. In the third year of Jianchu, Guo Jun was reinstated as Marquis of Guandu, but after his death without an heir, the title became extinct. The Guo family produced a total of three marquis titles, all of which ultimately became extinct.
The article says: Everything in the world rises and falls, and people's emotions also fluctuate; this is the natural order. However, those who undergo particularly drastic changes in fortune often lose themselves due to being favored. When they are favored by the emperor and enjoying wealth and luxury, even if their behavior is improper, they are still regarded as virtuous. When the emperor's favor shifts and the affection is gone, even if they behave well, they will be seen as disgraceful. Once favored, the world has no patience for their arrogance; once out of favor, they find no refuge anywhere. This is indeed a pitfall for the righteous and benevolent, and few have managed to escape this fate throughout history. Empress Guo was demoted due to aging and falling out of favor, harboring resentment, but the emperor still placed her in another palace and continued to favor her relatives. In Donghai County, the Guo family conducted themselves properly and observed etiquette, hiding the stark contrast between favor and disfavor for future generations; isn't that an improvement over what the ancients did?
Yin Lihua, a native of Xinye, Nanyang, she was named Lihua. While he was still in Xinye, Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu became infatuated with her after hearing about her beauty. Later, when Yin Lihua arrived in Chang'an and saw the grandeur of the Imperial Guards, she sighed and remarked, "Officials should aspire to the grandeur of the Imperial Guards, and husbands should seek brides like Yin Lihua." In June of the first year of the Ming Dynasty, Liu Xiu married Yin Lihua in a place in Wancheng, when she was just nineteen.
When Liu Xiu became the Colonel of the Commandant, preparing to head to Luoyang, he sent Yin Lihua back to her hometown in Xinye. Later, when Deng Feng rebelled, Yin Lihua's brother Yin Shi became Deng Feng's general, and Yin Lihua relocated with her family to Yuyin, where they lived in Deng Feng's camp.
After Liu Xiu became emperor, he sent Fu Jun, the court attendant, to welcome Yin Lihua, along with palace maids Hu Yang, Ning Pingzhu, and others, to Luoyang, where Yin Lihua was appointed as a noble consort. The emperor found Yin Lihua's character to be gentle and kind-hearted and wanted to make her empress, but she resolutely declined, choosing instead to remain a mere concubine since Empress Guo had already given birth to a son. Ultimately, Empress Guo was established as the empress. In the fourth year of Jianwu, Liu Xiu led troops to attack Peng Chong, during which time Yin Lihua gave birth to Liu Zhuang, who later became Emperor Han Ming. Nine years later, bandits attacked and murdered Yin Lihua's mother Deng Shi and her brother Yin Shi. The emperor, deeply saddened, issued a decree to the Grand Minister expressing his admiration for Yin Lihua's humility and virtue and wanted to make her empress, but she declined and preferred to remain a concubine. He promised to ennoble her brothers as marquises, but before he could bestow the titles, this tragic incident occurred. He mourned their untimely deaths and posthumously honored Yin Lihua's father as Marquis Xuan'en'ai and her brother as Marquis Xuanyigong, ensuring that Yin Shi's son would inherit the title of Marquis Xuan'en'ai. The emperor also made arrangements for appropriate funeral rites and honors, demonstrating his profound sorrow and deep admiration for Yin Lihua.
Seventeen years ago, the emperor deposed Empress Guo and appointed Lady Yin as the new Empress. He issued a decree to the three chief ministers, stating: "The empress harbors resentment, has repeatedly disobeyed my orders, failed to properly care for the other imperial sons, and even scolded the descendants of other imperial sons. The atmosphere in the palace is tense, like the presence of eagles and falcons. She lacks the virtues extolled in 'Guan Ju' and instead has the style of Empress Lu and Huo Guang. How can she be entrusted with caring for young imperial sons and presiding over ancestral sacrifices? Now, I am sending Grand Tutor Xue and Minister of Rites Ji to retrieve the empress's seal and ribbons." Lady Yin came from a commoner family and rose from a humble position. "I have not seen my family for three years." She is well-suited to preside over ancestral sacrifices and become the mother of the people. Relevant departments should carefully review historical texts to determine appropriate titles. Unusual matters that do not serve the country's interests should not be reported for celebrations.
During her reign as empress, she lived frugally, rarely indulged in luxury, and did not enjoy jests and laughter. She was kind, filial, and deeply compassionate toward others. She lost her father at the age of seven, and even after decades, she would still tear up at the mention of his name. The emperor would sigh deeply upon seeing this.
Upon the ascension of Emperor Xianzong, she was honored as Empress Dowager. In the winter of the third year of Yongping, the emperor took the Empress Dowager to Zhangling to pay his respects, hosted a banquet at her former residence, invited acquaintances from the Yin and Deng families and their descendants, and presented them with gifts. In the seventh year of Yongping, Empress Dowager passed away at the age of sixty after a reign of twenty-four years, and was buried in the original mausoleum alongside the emperor.
Emperor Ming was extremely filial, always thinking of the late emperor and empress dowager. In the first month of the seventeenth year of his reign, he wanted to go to the ancestral tomb to pay his respects. That night, he dreamt of the late emperor and empress dowager, appearing just as joyful as they had in life. Upon waking up, he was so sad that he couldn't sleep, immediately checked the calendar, and found that the following day was an auspicious date. So he led the officials and friends of the empress dowager to the ancestral tomb for the ceremony. That day, dew fell from the trees in the tomb, and the emperor ordered the officials to collect the dew for the sacrifice. After the ceremony, the emperor lay on the imperial bed, looked at the items on the empress dowager's dressing table, overcome with emotion, and ordered the replacement of the empress dowager's cosmetics and grooming items. The attendants also wept uncontrollably, unable to lift their heads.
Empress Ma, I won't mention her full name, was the daughter of General Ma Yuan. Her parents died when she was young, a tragic fate. Her brother, Ma Huimin, held the position of guest minister and passed away early as well. Her mother, Lady Lin, was overwhelmed with grief and fell ill, seeming lost in thought. Empress Ma was only ten years old at the time, but she was already able to oversee household chores, command servants, handle internal and external affairs, and was as capable as an adult. At first, no one recognized her situation, but later they were astonished and praised her once they learned of her abilities. Empress Ma was once seriously ill, and her grandmother had someone fortune-tell. The fortune-teller said, "Although this girl is currently sick, she will definitely be wealthy and noble in the future. The specifics of how noble, I can't say now." Later, her grandmother also had a fortune teller read the fortunes of several daughters, and when the fortune teller laid eyes on Empress Ma, he was taken aback and said, "I will surely serve this girl one day! Though her nobility is beyond compare, she will have very few sons. If she can raise other people's children, her accomplishments will far exceed those of her biological children."
When Ma Yuan died in battle while suppressing the Man tribes of Wuxi, his family, including the Tiger Guard General Liang Song and the Yellow Gate Officer Dou Gu, falsely accused him. Consequently, the Ma family lost favor and often faced oppression from the powerful. Ma Queen's brother, Ma Yan, could no longer endure this pain and injustice, so he pleaded with his grandmother to end the marriage alliance with the Dou family and send his sister to the palace as a maid. He wrote to the emperor, "My uncle Ma Yuan sacrificed himself for the country yet received no proper recognition, while his family members escaped punishment. We are all deeply grateful to you, treating you as our heaven and father. Naturally, when someone survives, they seek a better life. I heard that the crown prince and the princesses have not yet chosen their spouses. My uncle Ma Yuan has three daughters: the eldest is fifteen, the middle one is fourteen, and the youngest is thirteen. They are all exceptionally beautiful and talented. They are filial, sensible, gentle, quiet, and polite. I hope you will send someone to assess them. If they are suitable, it would also serve to honor my uncle's spirit in the afterlife. Moreover, my uncle's aunt and sister were both concubines of Emperor Cheng and were buried in Yanling. I owe my survival today to their blessings, so I want to send my sister to serve the emperor in the palace." And so, Ma Queen was chosen and entered the Crown Prince's palace at the age of thirteen. She was respectful to the Crown Princess and friendly with her colleagues, impressing everyone with her impeccable manners. Before long, she won the Crown Prince's favor and frequently resided in the harem.
After Emperor Xianzong ascended the throne, he appointed Lady Ma as his noble concubine. At that time, the daughter of Lady Ma's former mother-in-law's sister, Jia, also entered the palace through a selection process and later gave birth to Emperor Suzong. Since the Emperor had no children of his own, he allowed Lady Ma to raise Emperor Suzong. The Emperor once said, "One does not necessarily have to have their own children, as long as they are loved and well cared for." Lady Ma wholeheartedly raised Emperor Suzong, putting in more effort than even a biological mother. Emperor Suzong was devoted from a young age, with a kind nature, and the mother and son had a deep bond, always loving each other without any barriers.
Lady Ma often worried and sighed about the lack of royal heirs. She repeatedly expressed this concern to those around the Emperor, hoping they could persuade him. When other concubines came to visit her, she always offered them gentle comfort. If the Emperor preferred any concubine, she would treat them with even more respect. In the spring of the third year of Yongping, a proposal to build the Changqiu Palace was put forward, and before the Emperor had a chance to respond, the Empress Dowager said, "Lady Ma's virtues are the best in the harem, she is the one!" And so Lady Ma was appointed Empress.
A few days before this, Lady Ma dreamed that countless small flying insects were swarming all over her, even burrowing into her skin and then flying out. After becoming Empress, she became even more humble and cautious. Standing at seven feet two inches tall, with a square face and beautiful hair, she could recite the Book of Changes, enjoyed reading the Spring and Autumn Annals and the Songs of Chu, and was particularly skilled in the Rites of Zhou and the Collected Works of Dong Zhongshu. She usually wore coarse clothes, with plain skirts. On the first and fifteenth of each month, other concubines would come to pay their respects to her, and from a distance, they mistook the Empress's rough clothing for luxurious silk. It was only upon getting closer that they realized it was coarse fabric. The other concubines in the harem couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
The emperor sometimes goes to the imperial gardens and the detached palace for leisure, but Empress Ma always declines, using the cold and dampness as an excuse, speaking earnestly and considerately. One time, when the emperor was playing at Zhaolong Pond, he also gathered other concubines, and the princes ranked below King Xiaoping were all present. The emperor wanted to call the empress over. The emperor smiled and said, "This family doesn't enjoy crowds; even if they come, there is no fun." Therefore, the empress rarely participated in the emperor's recreational activities.
Fifteen years later, the emperor was in the study looking at maps, preparing to bestow titles upon the princes, intending to divide half of the country's land among them. At this time, the empress said, "Your Majesty, each prince only gets a few counties; isn't that a bit too stingy?" The emperor said, "My sons, how can they be like the sons of the previous emperor? Giving them two million a year is enough." At that time, the number of prisoners in the Chu prison had been rising year after year, with prisoners accusing each other, leading to a significant number of detainees. The empress was worried that there were too many detainees, feeling that it was unjust, so she took the opportunity to tell the emperor about this, and the emperor felt uncomfortable after hearing it. Touched by the empress, the emperor rose in the middle of the night to review the petitions, carefully considering the empress's opinion, and ultimately pardoned many of the detainees.
At that time, when issues were brought up in court or when the opinions of the court officials were divided and difficult to decide, the emperor often asked the empress for her opinion. The empress was always able to analyze things clearly, sort things out, and help everyone grasp the truth of the matter. Every time the empress served the emperor, she would discuss state affairs, make many good suggestions, but never sought personal gain for her family. Therefore, the emperor's love and respect for her grew stronger with each passing day, and it never changed until the end.
When the emperor died, Emperor Suzong ascended the throne, and the Empress was elevated to the rank of Empress Dowager. Some royal relatives expressed their desire to relocate to the Southern Palace. The Empress Dowager felt pained and was reluctant to see them go, so she gave them royal red ribbons, comfortable carriages with four horses, three thousand bolts of fine white Yue cloth, two thousand bolts of assorted silk, and ten taels of gold. The Empress Dowager personally authored the "Record of Emperor Xianzong's Reign," omitting any mention of her brother's involvement in the late emperor's medical affairs. The emperor inquired, "The Yellow Gate Attendant has served the late emperor day and night for over a year without any reward or acknowledgment for his efforts. Isn't that a bit excessive?" The Empress Dowager replied, "I didn't want future generations to learn that the late emperor frequently visited the concubines in the harem, so I chose not to include it." In the first year of Jianchu, the emperor sought to confer titles upon his uncles, but the Empress Dowager opposed the idea.
In the summer of the second year, there was a severe drought. Some people said it was because the relatives of the imperial family were not given noble titles, so the relevant officials suggested that it should be handled according to established practices. The Empress Dowager declared: "Those who reported to me were just trying to please me and seek good luck. Five members of the Wang family were granted noble titles on the same day in the past, and there was a thick yellow haze, and not a drop of rain fell. There were also Tian Fen and Dou Ying, who wielded great power and were powerful and overbearing, ultimately leading to their families' downfall. This is a lesson well-known to all! Therefore, the late emperor was always wary of the relatives and prevented them from gaining power. My sons were only granted half the fiefs of Chu and Huaiyang, and I have always said, 'My sons should not follow in the footsteps of the late emperor's sons.' Now why do the relevant officials want to compare my family, the Mas, with the Yins? As the mother of the realm, I wear simple clothes and do not indulge in lavish meals, and the people around me wear ordinary clothes without any extravagant embellishments. I aim to set an example by living simply. I think when the relatives see me like this, they should feel ashamed and reconsider their actions, but they just laughed and said the Empress Dowager has always been thrifty. Last time I passed through the Zhaolong Gate and saw visitors from the outside families, there was a constant stream of carriages and horses, and the servants were dressed in extravagant attire, even more impressive than the royal entourage! So I refrained from scolding them and merely reduced their annual allowance, hoping this would bring them to shame, but they remain unmotivated, showing no concern for the nation, only indulging in their own pleasures. A monarch knows their subjects well, especially their own relatives, right? How could I betray the late emperor's wishes, tarnish the virtues of our ancestors, and repeat the mistakes that led to the fall of the Western Han Dynasty?" Thus, the Empress Dowager resolutely opposed it.
After reading the edict, the emperor sighed deeply and once again requested, "Since the establishment of the Han Dynasty, relatives have been enfeoffed as marquises, holding a status akin to that of princes. Although Your Majesty is humble and cautious, why do you refuse to allow me to enfeoff my three uncles? Furthermore, the Grand Commandant is old, and the two Commandants are seriously ill. If they were to pass away, I would carry this regret forever. We should act quickly on this matter, without further delay."
The Empress Dowager replied, "I have contemplated this matter thoroughly, seeking a solution that satisfies both sides. I do not wish to gain a reputation for humility while risking the emperor's reputation for neglecting the populace! Previously, Empress Dou wanted to enfeoff the brother of Empress Wang as a marquis, but the Chancellor of State said that there was a previous agreement with the founding emperor, and without military achievements, he could not be enfeoffed. Now, the Ma family has not made any contributions to the country; how can they be compared to the Yin and Guo families, who have significantly contributed? I often observe that in wealthy families, official titles and positions accumulate like the branches and leaves of a tree, inevitably damaging the foundation. Moreover, the desire for enfeoffment primarily serves to honor ancestors and provide for family. The offerings for sacrifices are treasures from across the land, and their living conditions are already enjoying the benefits of the palace. Isn't that sufficient? Why must they receive a county as a fief? My position is clear; do not question it any further. True filial piety begins with comforting one's mother. With consecutive disasters and food prices soaring, I worry day and night, feeling restless, yet I must prioritize securing a fief for my family. Isn't this contrary to a mother's genuine intentions? I have always been steadfast, with a temperament as fiery as that of the Xiongnu; you must respect my wishes. Only when the realm is at peace and the borders secure can we entertain our son's wishes. I now wish only to enjoy my grandchildren and will no longer concern myself with state matters."
The official vehicle of the Xinping household caught fire and spread to the back hall of the North Pavilion. The Empress Dowager blamed herself for this, feeling very distressed and unable to eat or sleep. At that time, she was supposed to visit the tomb, but feeling she had not done her duty, she felt ashamed and decided not to go. Initially, the tomb of the late Empress was built slightly higher, and the Empress Dowager reprimanded her brother Liao and others for this, so they immediately lowered the tomb. The Empress Dowager always encouraged those relatives with good conduct, humility, and politeness with gentle words, rewarding them with gifts and official titles. If someone made a mistake, she would first adopt a stern demeanor before reprimanding them. If military officers did not dress according to regulations, the Empress Dowager would immediately strip them of their positions and send them home to work the land. The carriages of the Guangping King, Julu King, and Lecheng King were very simple, without gold or silver decorations. When the Emperor told the Empress Dowager about this, she rewarded each of them with five million coins. Consequently, officials from both inside and outside the court began to dress uniformly, leading to widespread unease, even greater than during the Yongping period. The Empress Dowager also set up weaving workshops and raised silkworms at Zhaolong Pond, frequently visiting for entertainment. The Empress Dowager often discussed state affairs with the Emperor, personally taught the young kings, studied classical texts together, shared stories from her life, and the mother and son spent their days harmoniously together. After four years, there was a bountiful harvest across the land, and a peaceful scene prevailed. The Emperor planned to confer marquis titles upon his three uncles Liao, Fang, and Guang, allowing them to enjoy high positions and generous salaries. Upon hearing this, the three uncles quickly declined, stating they preferred to remain marquises within Guannei and saw no need for such a grand ceremony.
The Empress Dowager knew about this matter and said, "Sages teach people, each with different methods. How can we expect everyone to be the same? When I was young, I only focused on reading the classics. For the sake of my ideals, I didn't care about anything else. Although I am old now, I still remember the saying, 'Be cautious in gaining.' So every day, I am cautious and endeavor to humble myself, not seeking a comfortable life or overeating. I hope to honor the late emperor's expectations in this way, so I also want to guide my brothers to work together. When I die, I will have no regrets. Why don't you young people listen to me? If you continue like this until death, it will be a great regret!" Liao, Fang, and Guang, the three uncles, had no choice but to accept the titles before returning home.
That year, the Empress Dowager fell seriously ill. She did not believe in the wizards and mediocre doctors, only constantly praying for divine protection. In June, the Empress Dowager passed away, after reigning for twenty-three years, at the age of over forty. She was buried alongside the emperor in the Xianjie Tomb. Jia Guiren was from Nanyang. Towards the end of the Jianwu period, she was chosen to serve in the Crown Prince's palace and gave birth to Emperor Suzong in the second year of Zhongyuan. Later, she was conferred the title of Concubine by Emperor Xianzong. Because the emperor was raised by the Empress Dowager, the emperor placed great importance on the Ma family, the Empress Dowager's family. Therefore, Jia Guiren was never made empress, and her family did not receive much favor. After the Empress Dowager's death, the emperor issued an edict posthumously conferring Jia Guiren the title of Wang Chishou, granting her a luxurious carriage with four coachmen, two hundred palace maids to serve her, as well as twenty thousand various silk fabrics, one thousand catties of gold, and twenty million coins. Few historical records exist about Jia Guiren's later life, so her ultimate fate remains unknown.
Empress Dou, I can't quite recall her name, was from Pingling, Fufeng, and was the great-granddaughter of Grand Minister Dou Rong. Her grandfather was Dou Mu, and her father was Dou Xun, who died due to a crime he committed. For more information, see "The Biography of Dou Rong." Dou Xun married Princess Biyang, the daughter of Liu Qiang, the Duke of Donghai, and the Empress was their eldest child. Her family later fell into decline and often sought out fortune tellers to read their fortunes. These fortune tellers all said that she would be very honored in the future, elevating her status above that of ordinary concubines. She could write at the age of six, which her family considered miraculous. In the second year of Jianchu, she and her sister were selected to enter Changle Palace, where they comported themselves well and were exceptionally beautiful. Emperor Zhang heard about the Empress's talent and beauty, and inquired about her several times from palace maids and tutors. After seeing her, Emperor Zhang found her to be truly beautiful, and the Empress Dowager also held her in high regard. As a result, she was brought into the imperial palace and resided in the Zhandedian Hall of the Northern Palace. The Empress was intelligent and knew how to win the Emperor's favor, which earned her increasing praise from him. In her second year at court, she was named Empress, and her sister was granted the title of noblewoman. In the seventh year of Jianchu, her father Dou Xun was posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Anchengsi. The Empress was greatly favored and held a prominent position in the palace.
At first, Lady Song gave birth to Crown Prince Liu Qing, while Lady Liang gave birth to Emperor Liu Zhao of Han. The Empress herself had no children, so she envied them and often spoke ill of them in front of the Emperor, gradually causing the Emperor to grow distant from them. She even falsely accused Lady Song of using sorcery to enchant the Emperor, resulting in Lady Song's suicide and Liu Qing's demotion to Prince of Qinghe. These events are documented in the "Qing Zhuan." Regarding Lady Liang, she was the daughter of the Marquis of Baoqin, Liang Song. She lost her mother when she was young and was raised by her aunt, Princess Wuyin Chang. At the age of sixteen, she and her sister were selected to enter the palace together as noble ladies in the second year of Jianchu. In the fourth year of Jianchu, she gave birth to Emperor Liu Zhao. Later, the Empress raised Liu Zhao as her own son. The Empress desired to consolidate the power of her family, so she resented the Liang family. In the eighth year of Jianchu, the Empress wrote an anonymous letter framing Liang Song, leading to his execution and the deaths of Lady Liang's sisters from overwhelming grief. From then on, the harem grew significantly quieter, and the Empress's favoritism increasingly flourished.
When Emperor Zhang of Han passed away and Emperor Liu Zhao ascended the throne, he elevated the Empress to the rank of Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager ruled the court, bestowed the title of Grand Princess upon her birth mother, Princess Biyang, and also expanded the Tangmu Prefecture by three thousand households. The Empress's brothers, Dou Xian, Dou Du, and Dou Jing, all achieved prominence and wielded significant power. Later, the Empress Dowager conspired to rebel, but her plot was uncovered in the fourth year of Yongyuan, and they were all executed.
After nine years, it is said that the Empress Dowager passed away without having been buried. Lady Liang's sister submitted a petition claiming that Lady Liang had been wronged. General Zhang Pu, Minister Liu Fang, and Minister Zhang Fen also presented memorials, stating that following the precedent of Emperor Guangwu downgrading Empress Lv, her title as Empress Dowager should be downgraded and she should not be buried with the late Emperor. Many officials in the court also submitted petitions expressing the same opinion. The Emperor personally wrote a decree stating, "Although Lady Dou (referring to the Empress Dowager) did not abide by the laws, she was always thrifty. I served her for ten years and understand the importance of righteousness, and the rituals and laws do not permit disrespecting elders. Out of grace, I cannot bear to abandon her; out of righteousness, I cannot bear to mistreat her. Take the former Empress Dowager as an example; she was not degraded, so let's not discuss this matter further." In the end, the Empress Dowager was buried with the late Emperor in the Jingling Mausoleum. The Emperor had her reburied at Chengguang Palace due to her tragic death and the simplicity of her funeral rites, bestowing upon her the posthumous title of Gonghuai Empress. Following mourning rituals, all officials donned white mourning attire and mourned alongside her sister, the Grand Lady, who were buried together in Xiling Mausoleum, with similar honors to those in Jingyuan Mausoleum. Emperor He's Yin Empress, whose name I shall refrain from mentioning, was the great-granddaughter of the brother of Emperor Guanglie. This Empress had been intelligent and talented in calligraphy and painting from a young age. In the fourth year of Yongyuan, she was selected to enter the palace because of her relationship with the Emperor, where she was titled as a Lady and became deeply favored. Eight years later, she was elevated to Empress.
Since Empress He entered the palace, Empress Yin's favor gradually decreased, and she was deeply resentful. Empress Yin's maternal grandmother, Deng Zhu, frequently visited the palace. In the summer of the fourteenth year of the Yongyuan era, it was reported that the Empress and Deng Zhu were engaging in witchcraft. After the matter was exposed, the Emperor sent the eunuch Zhang Shen and the official Chen Bao to the Yeting Prison to subject them to harsh interrogation. Deng Zhu, her two sons Deng Feng and Deng Yi, as well as Empress Yin's brothers Yin Yi, Yin Fu, and Yin Chang, implicated one another in their testimonies, claiming they were involved in sacrificial curses and had committed grave offenses. Deng Feng, Deng Yi, and Yin Fu perished during interrogation in prison. The Emperor ordered Minister Lu Gong to issue an edict against the Empress, revoke her seal, and transfer her to Tong Palace. The Empress died from grief and indignation. She had been Empress for seven years and was buried at Linpingtingbu. Her father, Yin Gang, took his own life. Yin Yi, Yin Chang, and Deng Zhu's family were exiled to Bijing County in Jinan. Empress Yin's immediate and extended family members were all stripped of their positions and forced to return to their hometowns to work the land. In the fourth year of the Yongchu era, Empress Dowager Deng issued a decree to pardon the exiled members of the Yin family, allowing them to return to their home counties and restoring their property valued at over five million.
Empress Deng, named Sui, is the granddaughter of Grand Tutor Deng Yu. Her father Deng Xun is the Guardian of the Qiang Prefecture, and her mother is Yin, a cousin of Empress Yin Lihua of Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu. When Empress Deng was five years old, the Grand Tutor's wife was very fond of her and even cut her hair herself. The Grand Tutor's wife was old and her eyesight was failing, accidentally nicking Empress Deng's forehead. She endured the pain without making a sound. People nearby were puzzled and asked her what happened. Empress Deng said, "It’s not that it doesn’t hurt, but I didn’t want to upset the Grand Tutor’s wife, who loves me and cut my hair." By six, she was already reading history books, and by twelve, she had read the Book of Songs and the Analects. Her brothers would often throw difficult questions at her while reading the classics, and she always had the answers. She focused on her studies and ignored household chores completely. Her mother often scolded her, saying, "You’re not learning needlework properly to make clothes, but you read books all day. Do you want to be a scholar?" Although Empress Deng defied her mother's wishes, she studied needlework during the day and read classic books at night. Her family called her "Scholar." Her dad, Deng Xun, really admired her and would ask for her opinion on everything in the family.
In the fourth year of the Yongyuan era, according to regulations, it was time for her to be selected to enter the palace, but her father Deng Xun passed away. Empress Deng wept day and night, refusing to eat salt or vegetables for three years, becoming so thin that her family could hardly recognize her. She once dreamed of touching the sky with her hand, the sky vast and deep blue, with what looked like stalactites, and she drank it in. She consulted a fortune teller, who said, "Emperor Yao dreamed of climbing to the sky, and King Tang dreamed of touching it; these are auspicious signs that herald the reign of a saintly king—very fortunate indeed." Later, a physiognomist saw Empress Deng and exclaimed, "She has the look of King Tang!" The family secretly rejoiced, but they dared not voice their joy. Empress Deng's uncle Deng Gai said, "I’ve heard that saving a thousand lives will earn rewards for future generations. Your brother Deng Xun served as a palace official, who oversaw the construction of Shi Jiu River and saved thousands of lives each year. Heaven's will is reliable; our family is sure to receive blessings." Earlier, Prime Minister Deng Yu once sighed, "I led a million troops and never killed a person at will; my descendants are bound to prosper."
It is said that, after seven years, she and other distinguished young ladies were selected to enter the palace together. This girl was tall and slim, standing seven feet two inches tall, and she was beautiful. She was completely different from the others, stunning everyone in the palace. The following winter, at the age of sixteen, she was granted the title of noblewoman and moved into the inner court. She was respectful and cautious, always adhering to proper conduct. When serving the queen, she was constantly diligent and attentive. She was humble and considerate towards her fellow palace maids, even those of lower status. The emperor greatly favored her. Later, when the queen became ill, the emperor allowed the queen's siblings to visit the palace and care for her with no time limits. However, she respectfully expressed to the emperor, "The palace is heavily guarded. Allowing the queen's family to stay for so long could lead outsiders to say that you are favoring the queen. This could damage both your reputation and mine. I do not wish for this." The emperor said, "Everyone thinks that staying in the palace for a long time is an honor, but you are worried. You restrain yourself in every way, which is quite rare indeed!"
During palace banquets, other concubines dressed extravagantly with luxurious jewelry and gorgeous clothes, while she always wore plain, modest attire. If her clothes matched the queen's, she would immediately change. When serving the emperor with the queen, she never sat upright and always walked with a stooped posture, demonstrating profound humility. When the emperor asked her a question, she always waited for the queen to answer first before responding, never daring to interrupt. The emperor understood her intentions and sighed, "Cultivating virtue is no easy task!" Eventually, her relationship with the queen grew distant, and whenever the emperor called for her, she would claim to be ill. At that time, the emperor had suffered the loss of several sons in a row, and she worried about the royal family's lack of heirs. She often cried and sighed. Additionally, she recommended talented individuals to enter the palace to win the emperor's favor.
The empress became increasingly uneasy as her reputation improved, so she secretly had someone cast a curse on the noble lady, hoping to bring about her death. Once, when the emperor fell seriously ill, the empress secretly said, "I have come into power; I will not allow the Deng family to have descendants!" When the noble lady heard this, she cried and said to those around her, "I have devoted myself entirely to serving the empress, but I have not received her kindness. Instead, I will face punishment from the heavens. Although women do not have the obligation to die for honor, Duke Zhou offered to sacrifice himself for King Wu, and Yue Ji also vowed to die. I am doing this to repay the emperor's kindness, resolve the family's troubles, and prevent the empress from gaining a reputation for harming her own kin." She then tried to drink poison to take her own life, but the palace maid Zhao Yu stopped her, falsely claiming that an envoy had reported that the emperor's illness had already improved. The noble lady believed this and stopped. The next day, the emperor indeed recovered from his illness.
In the summer of the fourteenth year, Empress Yin was deposed due to the witchcraft incident. She tried to seek help but failed, as the emperor had already set his sights on Noble Lady Deng. Empress Yin's condition worsened, and she locked herself away, refusing to see anyone. At this time, someone suggested building Changqiu Palace. The emperor said, "The position of empress is intertwined with my own. To continue the ancestral temple and be the mother of the nation, how can I casually appoint someone? Only Noble Lady Deng, who possesses the greatest virtues, is fit for this role." In winter, Noble Lady Deng was made empress. She turned down the title three times before finally accepting it. She even wrote a thank-you letter in her own hand, stating that her virtues were shallow and she was not worthy of the position of empress. Ever since Deng became empress, all the vassal states offered rare treasures as tribute, but she ordered a ban on this practice and only accepted paper and ink as tribute each year. The emperor wished to elevate members of the Deng family, but Empress Deng always sincerely pleaded and refused, so her brother Deng Zhong held the highest rank of Tiger Elite General during the emperor's reign.
In the first year of the Yuanxing era, the emperor passed away. The eldest son, Prince Pingyuan, was unwell, and over a dozen princes had died young. The surviving princes were secretly brought up among the common folk. When Emperor Ai of Han was just a hundred days old, Empress Dowager Deng immediately declared him emperor. She honored herself as the Grand Empress Dowager, granting her the authority to govern. After Emperor Ai of Han was buried, the palace attendants were sent back to their own quarters. The Grand Empress Dowager gave a decree to the two noblewomen, Zhou and Feng, saying, "I have served the late emperor together with you two noblewomen, sharing glory and wealth for over a decade. Without enjoying any blessings, the late emperor left this world early. I am alone, filled with grief, with nowhere to turn, day and night filled with longing and sorrow. Now, following tradition, I must send you back to your estates; my heart is filled with profound sorrow. What words can capture my sadness? I bestow upon Zhou a lavish green carriage, drawn by a team of horses, thirty pounds of gold, three thousand bolts of silk, and four thousand lengths of white silk." She also granted Feng a red silk belt, since they lacked hairpins and jade pendants, and also granted each of them an additional set.
Speaking of that time, it was right in the midst of a recent mourning period for the country, and the court's laws and regulations had not been fully established. A box of large pearls went missing from the palace, which worried the Empress Dowager. She wanted to investigate thoroughly but also feared accusing innocent people. So she took it upon herself to inspect the palace maids, carefully observing their expressions, and it was soon revealed that the real culprit had been found. Later, Ji Cheng, who was favored by the reigning emperor, was falsely accused of practicing witchcraft and was locked up for questioning. It was soon revealed that Ji Cheng was innocent. The Empress Dowager remembered the late emperor's favor towards Ji Cheng and had never heard of her doing anything wrong. It was simply unreasonable to accuse her unjustly in this way, so she personally summoned Ji Cheng to verify the situation, confirming that the officials were scheming. Everyone admired the Empress Dowager's wisdom and praised her for her righteous judgment. The Empress Dowager frequently remarked that matters of ghosts and gods are difficult to verify, and superstitious rituals do not bring blessings. She ordered relevant departments to cancel improper rituals. She also issued a general amnesty, pardoning those who had committed crimes of witchcraft since the Jianwu era, as well as the Ma and Dou families who had been implicated, restoring their commoner status. She also reduced the extravagance in clothing, food, and other expenses of court ministers, attendants, the Imperial Household Department, and palace servants. Apart from items used for ancestral sacrifices, rice and grains could not be selected meticulously, and they only ate a meat dish once a day. Previously, the Tai Guan and Tang Guan spent nearly twenty million coins each year. The Empress Dowager ordered a reduction in spending, saving a substantial amount of money every day, which added up to millions over the year. The tributes from various counties were also halved. The hawks and dogs in the Shanglin Garden were all sold off, and the exquisite artifacts, belts, and swords from the Shu Han region were no longer accepted as tributes. Only thirty-nine types of paintings were retained. The production of embroidered fabrics, brocades, silk fabrics, gold, silver, pearls, rhinoceros horns, ivory, tortoiseshell, and carved toys in the Imperial Household, Shang Fang, and weaving rooms was all stopped. The stored grains and firewood in the palaces and mansions outside the palace were also reduced in quantity. The Empress Dowager also ordered the nobles in various gardens and estates that if there were relatives of the imperial family or those who were weak or elderly and unable to work in the palace, they were required to register and report them. She personally went to the Zengxi Pavilion in the North Palace to inspect, allowing them to leave freely, and released five to six hundred people that very day.
After the death of Emperor Shang, the Empress Dowager decided to install Emperor An and continue to rule on his behalf. Due to the consecutive funerals and the suffering of the people, the construction of Emperor Shang's tomb and other projects was simplified as much as possible, using only one-tenth of the usual budget. The Emperor gave orders to the Capital Commandant, the Henan Intendant, and the Nanyang Administrator, saying, "Every time I review the historical records, those relatives and guests, relying on their power, acted recklessly, engaged in corruption, and oppressed the people, causing many troubles. The issue stemmed from law enforcement's negligence in punishing them promptly. Although General Deng Zhong and others have intentions to abide by the law, they come from large families with many relatives and friends, and there are many cunning individuals among their associates who often break the law. You must investigate rigorously and absolutely not tolerate or condone them." Since then, no one dared to turn a blind eye when members of the imperial family committed crimes. Empress Dowager Yin Shi was deposed for her crimes, and the Emperor pardoned the exiled, allowing them to return home and ordered the return of their confiscated property, totaling over five million. In the first year of Yongchu, the Empress Dowager was granted the title of Lady of Xinye and received the treatment of a marquis overseeing ten thousand households. In the summer of the second year, the capital faced a drought, and the Empress Dowager personally went to Luoyang Temple to investigate wrongful cases. There was a prisoner who had not committed murder but had been tortured into confessing; he was frail and weak, carried in to see the officials, and was about to leave when he appeared to want to speak up. The Empress Dowager noticed his expression and immediately called him back to inquire about the situation, and after a detailed investigation, the truth of the case was revealed, which led to the immediate imprisonment of the magistrate of Luoyang. Just before the Empress Dowager returned to the palace, heavy rain began to pour.
In the autumn three years later, the Empress Dowager became unwell, and everyone in the palace was in a frenzy, praying for her safety and even considering suffering in her stead. When the Empress Dowager heard about this, she was outraged and strictly ordered the palace maids and eunuchs under the Yeting Prefect to only speak words of apology and blessings, prohibiting any words of bad omen.
In previous years, the guards were rewarded at the end of each year, and a grand ritual was held to drive away epidemics. However, believing in an imbalance of yin and yang and amid ongoing wars, she ordered a reduction in the rewards for the guards, the cancellation of song and dance performances, and a halving of the epidemic expulsion ritual, including the elimination of elephants and camels. These activities would resume in years of good harvest.
Since she entered the palace, the Empress Dowager had been studying scriptures with Cao Da, along with astronomy and arithmetic. She handled state affairs during the day and studied at night, but worried that she might misunderstand and violate the rules. She then selected Confucian scholars like Liu Zhen, as well as scholars, chamberlains, and officials from the four departments, totaling over fifty people, to proofread the classics at Dongguan. Once the task was completed, the Empress Dowager rewarded them with varying amounts of cloth. She also ordered the palace officials and courtiers to study the classics at Dongguan, then teach the palace maids, fostering a rich atmosphere of learning in the palace.
When Xinye Jun died, the Empress Dowager personally cared for him until he passed. She was devastated by his passing, mourning deeply and excessively. She posthumously honored Xinye Jun with the title of Princess Chang, granting him various rewards and titles. However, Zhi and others firmly refused to accept the money and cloth. The Empress Dowager then sent the Sikong to escort Xinye Jun's coffin, with honors equivalent to those of Prince Gong of Donghai, bestowing upon him the title of Respected Jun.
After the Empress Dowager passed away, the empire experienced a long drought. During her lifetime, the Empress Dowager visited Luoyang three times, specifically granting pardons to prisoners. She addressed the cases of thirty-six death row inmates, eighty major offenders, and reduced the sentences of the remaining criminals, with the lightest punishment being the amputation of the right big toe. In the seventh year of the first month, the Empress Dowager entered the ancestral temple for the first time to conduct a sacrifice. She fasted for seven days, then rewarded the officials and ministers with varying amounts. On the day of Gengxu, the Empress Dowager went to the ancestral temple to offer sacrifices, leading the palace ladies and maids in rituals alongside the Emperor. After the ceremony, she returned to the palace. The Empress Dowager also issued a decree stating: "Many of the fresh foods offered to the ancestral temple were not in season; some were artificially ripened, some were dug up prematurely, and as a result, they withered before ripening. How can this be considered following the seasons and nurturing all things! As the ancients said, 'Do not eat out of season.' From now on, all foods offered to the mausoleum and the imperial palace must be offered according to the seasons." A total of twenty-three tribute items were reduced. Since the Empress Dowager assumed control of the government, there have been continuous natural disasters, border invasions, and internal banditry for the past ten years. Every time she heard that the people were starving, the Empress Dowager often stayed up all night in worry. She herself lived frugally to help the disaster victims. This is why the empire was able to achieve peace, and there was a bountiful harvest every year. In the fifth year of the Yuan Chu era, the Marquis of Pingwang, Liu Yi, saw that the Empress Dowager had accomplished so many good deeds and believed these achievements deserved to be documented promptly. So he wrote a memorial to Emperor An, saying: "I have heard that ancient wise rulers always kept good records to pass on to future generations. Now, the Empress Dowager has been in power for fifteen years, with frequent droughts and bandit uprisings, yet she worries diligently day and night, personally reducing expenses to aid disaster relief, and the world is peaceful again, with bountiful harvests every year. I believe that a monument should be established, inscribed with her achievements, to be remembered by future generations."
The meaning is: "I have heard that ancient wise rulers would record their good governance and pass it down to future generations. The Empress Dowager has been in power for fifteen years now, during which there have been continuous natural disasters and bandit attacks, but she has toiled day and night, filled with constant worry. She lives frugally to aid those affected by disasters, and as a result, the world has been peaceful and prosperous every year. I believe a monument should be erected in honor of the Empress Dowager to commemorate her achievements, so that future generations will know of them."
I have heard that the Book of Changes, or Yijing, records the virtues of Emperor Fuxi and Emperor Shennong, and the Book of Documents describes the principles of governance of Emperor Tang and Emperor Yu. Therefore, even the wisest rulers must document their achievements on bamboo slips and spread their good names through music.
I have heard that you, Empress Dowager, were born with the qualities of a sage, with virtues as great as those of the consorts of Emperor Shun and Empress Renzhi. You are filial to your parents, loving towards your siblings, kind and benevolent, humble and frugal, eliminating extravagance and preventing indulgence. Your virtues in the palace have a profound influence on the entire realm.
During the Yuanxing and Yanping eras, the country lacked an heir to the throne. You observed the signs in the heavens, sought the opinions of the people, and supported His Majesty as the ruler of the world, ensuring the peace and stability of the Han Dynasty. Later, there was a flood and famine in the eastern provinces. You showed great kindness to the people, and officials and commoners alike came to pay their respects. You wore simple clothes and ate modest meals, cut back on your own meals, and even cut down on the number of horses in your carriage to help the people. Your care for the people was akin to that of a parent. You were able to restrain yourself, take on responsibilities, and shine a light on the contributions of those who often go unnoticed. You enacted policies of kindness and compassion, revived the fallen state, continued the broken lineage, honored the heroes, restored the status of the royal family, recalled the exiled people, and absolved them of their guilt. Your governance did not seek kindness and harmony for their own sake; it came from the heart; your system was not simply copying old rules and regulations, but was the result of deliberation in the court. Your virtues were renowned across the land, resonating throughout the universe; your kindness extended to all directions, benefiting all people. The land of Huaxia enjoyed peace, and all ethnic groups were united. You established immortal achievements for the Great Han Dynasty, bringing great blessings to the people. Your achievements stood like towering mountains—impressive yet hard to attain; your merits were like vast seas, admirable but hard to describe. Ancient emperors appointed historians to document their deeds; the precedents of the Han Dynasty were recorded by generations. Governance has its highs and lows, its progress and setbacks. If good governance goes unrecorded, while only minor discrepancies are noted, then Yao and Shun would be faulted for floods and droughts without the credit for the peaceful era of the Xianxi reign; Gaozong and Chengwang would be blamed for the sounds of pheasants and swift winds without the credit for the prosperous era of the Zhengxing reign.
We read the "Book of Songs" and the "Book of Documents." The two consorts from the era of Yu Shun and the three matriarchs of the Zhou Dynasty all assisted the king with their own cultivation; their contributions are worthy of being remembered for generations. However, no empress dowager has ever managed to coordinate the overall situation and govern the country during times of internal and external strife as you have, with such exceptional merit. Thus, historians should compose the "Changle Palace Commentary" and the "Ode to Holy Virtue" to celebrate your illustrious achievements, etch your merits in stone, and ensure your legacy is as immortal as the sun and moon. May your grace be remembered by future generations to commend your filial piety to His Majesty.
The Emperor agreed.
Six years later, the Empress Dowager ordered the gathering of the Emperor's younger brothers, the descendants of the Prince of Jibei, and the Prince of Hejian, totaling over forty individuals, along with more than thirty relatives from the Deng family. They were all accommodated in a newly constructed residence within the palace to study the classics, with the Empress Dowager personally overseeing the examinations. For the younger ones, teachers and nurses were arranged to care for them, and they entered the palace every morning and evening. The Empress Dowager personally nurtured and taught them, demonstrating profound affection.
Then the Empress Dowager ordered her brother, Intendant of Henan Bao, and Colonel Kang of the Cavalry to be summoned, saying, "The reason I have gathered all these children together and placed them under the supervision of the imperial tutors for learning is that we have inherited the failings of the past hundred kings; society is in decline, deceit and hypocrisy are rampant, and the study of the Five Classics is also declining. Without education and guidance, the situation will worsen. Therefore, I want to strongly promote the teachings of the wise to correct the corrupt customs and evil influences of society. As it is written in the books, 'It is truly difficult to be well-fed yet not apply oneself diligently!' Nowadays, the officials and nobles of today are dressed in luxury, riding in fine carriages and fast horses, yet they are ignorant in their studies, unable to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, good and evil. This is the root of the chaos we face! During the Yongping era, those young lords from the four prominent families were all sent to school to reform the customs, promote frugality, and make them loyal and filial individuals. Our ancestors established their achievements through martial prowess and were recorded in history. We must educate our descendants in moral virtues, teaching them self-restraint and respect for the law. As long as the children can remember the achievements of their ancestors and understand the intentions of the Empress Dowager, that is enough. You must strive hard!"
Kang, fearful of the Empress Dowager's long reign, pretended to be sick and did not attend court. The Empress Dowager sent palace maids to inquire about him. At that time, many of the palace maids who came and went in the palace could gossip about things outside. Those old palace maids all praised the Empress Dowager, and the maid the Empress Dowager sent was a former servant from Kang's family, who also spoke well of the Empress Dowager to others. When Kang found out about this, he scolded the palace maid, saying, "You came from my family, how dare you!" The palace maid was very angry and went back to report to the Empress Dowager about Kang's pretended illness and disrespectful remarks. Enraged, the Empress Dowager dismissed Kang from office, sent him back to his hometown, and revoked his title.
In the second month of the second year of Yongning, the emperor's condition deteriorated. He was carried in a sedan chair to the front hall to summon the ministers and then went to see the newly constructed palace of the crown prince. Upon his return, he ordered a general amnesty and rewarded the imperial relatives, nobles, high officials, and common people with varying amounts of money and fabric. The imperial edict stated: "My moral character is lacking, entrusted by heaven and earth with the responsibility of governing the realm. However, without divine protection, I must depart early, bearing this great concern. During the Yanping era, the country was in chaos, the people were suffering, and the situation was critical, like a precarious heap of eggs that could break at any moment. I have labored diligently, avoiding the indulgences of royalty, not disappointing heaven or my predecessors, not betraying the will of the people, and not betraying my inner convictions. I only wanted to relieve the people and stabilize the Liu family's rule. I believed that my efforts should have earned divine blessings, but calamities kept coming, and the suffering never ceased. Recently, due to illness, I have been unable to perform ancestral sacrifices. I strained to visit the imperial tomb, but I coughed up blood and my condition worsened. I am now beyond hope of recovery. Life and death are fated, and I have no choice. Ministers, please assist the court with all your heart and effort!" In the third month, the emperor passed away. He ruled for twenty years, passing away at the age of forty-one, buried alongside the empress in the Shunling Mausoleum.
Next is a commentary on the historical records: Empress Dowager Deng held power for her entire life, giving orders herself. Although she abolished some good systems of the previous dynasty and lacked the virtues of a wise ruler, this led to the crown prince feeling discontent towards her. He seemed respectful outwardly, but felt deeply frustrated inside, even going so far as to write letters of complaint in secret. Those who exploited her power were likely misled by her! However, after the Jianguang era, imperial power gradually returned, resulting in the execution of virtuous officials and the rise of corrupt individuals; signs of the nation's decline began to emerge. Thus, those in power, even when slandered, do not gain any benefit; only the nation truly benefits from those who genuinely care for it and strive for self-improvement. Thus, Ban Zhao's mother resigned from her position to protect her family from any repercussions; Ban Zhao's nephew committed a minor offense and was made to shave his head as a form of apology. Was it really necessary to execute Du Gen? However, those who had encroached on land were definitely given too lenient a punishment.
