Ban Biao, whose courtesy name was Shu Pi, was from Anling, Fufeng. His grandfather Ban Kuang held the position of Yueqi Xiaowei during the reign of Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, and his father Ban Zhi was the Guangping Prefect during the reign of Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty.
Ban Biao was a calm person who enjoyed studying ancient history. In his twenties, the Xin Dynasty collapsed, leading to chaos in the Sanfu region. At that time, Wei Xiao had gathered a large number of soldiers and horses in the Tianshui area, so Ban Biao sought refuge with him. Wei Xiao asked Ban Biao, "After the fall of the Zhou Dynasty, the states of the Warring States period fought each other, leading to division and unification after several generations. Do you think the situation of the states vying for hegemony will reappear, or will the world be unified by a certain outstanding leader as before? I would like to hear your thoughts."
Ban Biao replied, "The rise and fall of the Zhou Dynasty differs from that of the Han Dynasty. The Zhou Dynasty implemented a system of five noble ranks, where the vassals governed themselves, and the Zhou Dynasty's foundation was inherently weak, while the power of the vassals grew stronger. Therefore, the period of vassals vying for hegemony appeared in the later Zhou Dynasty, which was an inevitable trend of historical development. The Han Dynasty inherited the system of the Qin Dynasty, changing it to the commandery-county system, and the emperor had supreme power, with ministers not having the opportunity to hold power for long periods. During the reign of Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, the influence of the imperial relatives was strong, and Emperor Ai of Han and Emperor Ping of Han had short reigns, with three discontinuities in the imperial succession, leading to Wang Mang usurping power and seizing the throne. The turmoil originated from the upper echelons, and the common people did not suffer much harm, so after Wang Mang usurped the throne, people everywhere sighed and lamented. Over the next decade, there were wars and uprisings all over the country, with various rebel forces claiming to be descendants of the Liu family. Although they did not discuss it with each other, they all spoke in unison. Now, the powerful factions controlling the provinces do not have as strong a foundation as the Seven States, and the common people are all hoping for the revival of the Han Dynasty, which speaks volumes."
Kuai Xiao said, "Your analysis of the situation in the Zhou and Han dynasties is correct, but you only see that the common people have become accustomed to the title of the Liu family and think that the Han Dynasty will revive, which is a bit one-sided. In the past, the Qin Dynasty lost the world, and it was only then that Liu Bang seized the world. Did the people back then know that the Han Dynasty would emerge?"
Ban Biao felt that Kuai Xiao's words were wrong, and he was also very worried about the situation at that time, so he wrote "Wang Ming Lun" (On the Mandate of Heaven), believing that the Han Dynasty inherited the virtues of Yao and Shun, possessed the mandate of heaven, and the rise and fall of kings was determined by the mandate of heaven, not by military force. He wanted to persuade Kuai Xiao with this, but Kuai Xiao never understood his meaning, so Ban Biao fled to the Hexi region. The General of Hexi, Dou Rong, treated him as a counselor, respected him very much, and regarded him as both a teacher and a friend. Ban Biao helped Dou Rong strategize, assisting him in loyalty to the Han Dynasty, allowing him to command the Xihe Commandery and resist Kuai Xiao.
Later, Dou Rong was summoned back to the capital, and Emperor Guangwu asked him, "Who helped you with the memorials you submitted?" Dou Rong replied, "All were written by my counselor Ban Biao." Emperor Guangwu had long heard of Ban Biao's talent, so he summoned him and appointed him as a talented official of the Ministry of Works, and also appointed him as the magistrate of Xu. He was later dismissed due to illness. He was summoned several times by the Three Dukes, but he refused each time.
Ban Biao was a gifted scholar with a passion for writing, so he focused on studying historical books. During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Sima Qian wrote "Records of the Grand Historian," but he did not cover events from the later years. Later, some people who liked studying history gradually supplemented some events of that time, but most of these accounts were poorly written and fell short of the standards set by the "Records of the Grand Historian."
Biao continued to gather information that had not been recorded in earlier historical texts, and also referred to various intriguing anecdotes, composing numerous "continuations." He organized the previous history while commenting on right and wrong. He likely summarized it as follows: during the three dynasties of Tang, Yao, and Shun, and the events documented in the "Book of Songs" and the "Book of Documents," there were officials tasked with recording history at that time, and each vassal state also had its own historian. As stated in the "Mencius": "The 'Tao Tu' of Chu, the 'Cheng' of Jin, the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' of Lu, all record the same events." During the time of Duke Ding and Duke Ai of Lu, the prominent official Zuo Qiuming of Lu compiled these historical records and authored thirty chapters of the "Zuo Zhuan," and he also authored another work titled "Guo Yu," which consists of twenty-one chapters. From that point on, works like "Cheng" and "Tao Tu" fell out of favor, while "Zuo Zhuan" and "Guo Yu" gained classic status. Additionally, there is the "Shiben," which chronicles the emperors and generals from the Yellow Emperor to the Spring and Autumn period, a total of fifteen chapters. Following the Spring and Autumn period, the seven states engaged in conflict, culminating in the "Strategies of the Warring States," consisting of thirty-three chapters. After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, the Grand Historian Lü Jia documented the events of the time and produced nine chapters of the "Annals of Chu and Han." During the rule of Emperor Wu of Han, the Imperial Historian Sima Qian consulted "Zuo Zhuan" and "Guo Yu," omitted "Shiben" and "Strategies of the Warring States," and, drawing upon the historical facts of Chu, Han, and various vassal states, wrote from the Yellow Emperor to the discovery of the qilin in the time of Emperor Wu of Han, resulting in the "Records of the Grand Historian," comprising a total of one hundred thirty chapters, of which ten are missing. The historical account documented by Sima Qian concludes with the reigns of Emperor Yuan of Han and Emperor Wu of Han, marking his significant achievement.
However, Sima Qian had many omissions in collecting and organizing various historical materials, as well as recording the affairs of various schools, which were inferior to the original historical records. He was single-minded in collecting materials and recording content, but he neglected to provide in-depth analysis and commentary on it. He praised the study of Huang-Lao while dismissing the "Five Classics"; in his discussions on commerce, he dismissed benevolence and righteousness, showing contempt for the poor; in his portrayal of knights-errant, he scorned those who upheld integrity and praised those with fame and achievements. These were significant flaws that violated ethical principles, which led to him receiving severe punishment. However, he excelled in narrating the ins and outs of things, expressing his ideas clearly and fluently, avoiding both ornate and vulgar language, with just the right balance of literary style and content. This truly establishes him as an outstanding historian. If Sima Qian could write history in accordance with the standards of the "Five Classics" and follow the moral standards set by the sages, his achievements would be even greater.
Ah, those various books are definitely worth checking out. Books like "Zuo Zhuan," "Guoyu," "Shiben," "Strategies of the Warring States," "Chu-Han Chunqiu," and "Records of the Grand Historian" help us understand ancient events today, and future generations can also learn about past events through these works. They're like the eyes and ears of the sages! Sima Qian wrote the biographies of emperors, known as the "Basic Annals," the biographies of feudal lords called "Hereditary Houses," and the biographies of lower-ranking officials called "Records of the Historian." He particularly praised Xiang Yu and Chen Sheng, but belittled the Prince of Huainan and the Prince of Hengshan, writing in great detail, but with a unique style. Sima Qian's "Records of the Grand Historian" gathered information from both ancient and modern times, connecting the classics and historical records, covering a wide range of topics! Writing is taxing, and energy is limited, so there are parts that are incomplete, with unnecessary words and inconsistencies. For example, when he wrote the biography of Sima Xiangru, he included the names of counties and wrote their styles, but when writing about Xiao He, Cao Shen, Chen Ping, and others from the same period as Dong Zhongshu, he did not include their styles, and in some places wrote names of counties without the names of the feudal states, likely due to time constraints. When writing the later parts, it's important to carefully verify the accuracy of the events, write the articles more neatly, and there's no need to stick to the "Hereditary Houses" format; just write "Basic Annals" and "Records of the Historian." The book states, "To expose the false is to reveal the truth; being straightforward and upright is the essence of the 'Spring and Autumn Annals.'" And that's the essence of the "Spring and Autumn Annals."
Biao was once again appointed as an official in the household of Situ Yukuang. At that time, the Prince's Palace had just been built, and various vassal states were also being established, but the court officials had not yet been completely filled, and there were also many vacancies for positions like teachers and caregivers. Biao presented a memorial stating: Confucius said, "People are similar by nature, but their habits vary." Jia Yi also said, "Being around good people naturally leads to doing good deeds, just like growing up in the state of Qi, you will naturally speak the dialect of Qi. When you are with bad people, you will naturally do bad things, just like growing up in the state of Chu, you will naturally speak the dialect of Chu." Therefore, the wise must choose their companions with care and be cautious about what they learn. When King Cheng was still a child, he had Zhou Gong, Shao Gong, and Taishi Yi accompanying him when he went out, and Dadian, Hongyao, Nangong Kuo, and Sanyi Sheng serving him at home, with great attention to etiquette. Therefore, after King Cheng ascended the throne, the realm enjoyed lasting peace. Therefore, the "Spring and Autumn Annals" state, "Teach your beloved child the ways of righteousness, do not accept anything evil. Arrogance, extravagance, and indulgence stem from within." The "Book of Songs" also says, "He imparted strategies to his grandson to support and safeguard his lineage." This signifies that King Wu bequeathed valuable strategies to his descendants.
During the glorious era of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu instructed Chao Cuo to teach the Crown Prince by means of legal principles, and instructed Jia Yi to teach the Prince of Liang using the Book of Songs and the Book of Documents. During the reign of Emperor Zhongzong, Liu Xiang, Wang Bao, Xiao Wangzhi, and Zhou Kan were also tasked with educating the Crown Prince and other princes using articles and Confucian teachings. Every one of them was valued and nurtured into talented individuals with virtues. Currently, although the Crown Prince and other princes have been studying classics and practicing rituals and music since childhood, their teachers and assisting ministers have not yet encountered talented individuals, resulting in many vacant official positions and a lack of establishment according to the old system. It is necessary to widely select reputable, prestigious, and knowledgeable Confucian scholars to serve as the Crown Prince's tutor, and the official positions in the Eastern Palace and various princes' kingdoms should also be fully equipped. Furthermore, in the past, the Crown Prince received Tangmu Prefecture as his salary from ten counties, with Zhou Wei and Jiaji guards established, holding audiences every five days. On days without audiences, the servants and officials would come to pay their respects every morning, showing respect to the Crown Prince without appearing neglectful.
After submitting his memorial, the Emperor adopted his suggestions.
Later, it was observed that Sima Tu served as the magistrate of Wangdu County and was beloved by the people. In the thirtieth year of Jianwu, at the age of fifty-two, he passed away while in office. He wrote a total of nine pieces including rhapsodies, essays, books, records, and memorials.
He had two sons: Gu and Chao. Chao has a separate biography.
It is commented that Ban Biao, as an outstanding scholar in the field of classics, conducted himself with propriety and spoke righteously during turbulent times. He did not rush for promotion in his official career, upheld his integrity and moral principles, and used magnificent language to explain the national laws and regulations. Even in a humble position, he did not complain. He likely believed that his humble status was due to the era's lack of prosperity, but what was there to be ashamed of? His steadfast commitment to righteousness and a simple, contented life is truly commendable!
Ban Gu, also known as Mengjian, could write articles and recite poetry at the age of nine. As he grew up, he extensively studied various classics and the ideas of various schools, thoroughly researching each one. He did not have a fixed teacher and did not adhere to rigid academic conventions, focusing only on understanding the essence. With a kind and gentle personality, he was accommodating to everyone and was not proud or arrogant about his own talents, which earned him the admiration of many Confucian scholars.
During the early years of the Yongping period, the Prince of Dongping, Cang, who was a royal relative, served as the General of Cavalry to assist the court in political affairs. He established the Dongge and recruited heroes from all over the world. At that time, Ban Gu had just come of age and wrote a letter to Prince Cang, saying:
"General, with the virtues of Zhou Gong and Shao Yong, you have made great achievements in our era, inherited the wise policies of the emperor, and established a distinguished reputation. In the past, there was Zhou Gong, and now there is you. The Book of Songs and the Book of Documents have never recorded anyone like you! As the saying goes, 'Extraordinary achievements require extraordinary people; extraordinary achievements create great accomplishments.' I am fortunate to have been born in this era of peace and prosperity, where even a commoner like me can witness national events.
Privately, I believe that you, General, bear a heavy responsibility that spans generations, following in the footsteps of the sages, demonstrating noble character, holding a superior position, being well-read, proficient in the Six Arts, having an open mind, pursuing perfection without end, and even accepting the opinions of some bold individuals and the advice of those of humble status. I see that the government has just been formed, attracting talents from all over the country who are eager to apply. You should take lessons from the methods of Tang Yao and Yu Shun in employing people, refer to Yi Yin and Gao Yao's experience in recommending talents, be impartial, and allow people from far and wide to share their thoughts. The goal is to thoroughly assess talents, recruit them for the country, and ensure national stability."
This way, General, you'll be able to cultivate your character, enjoy a leisurely life at court, achieve fame across the world, and your achievements will be celebrated for generations.
I heard that the former Minister of Works, Mr. Huan Liang, was a well-known scholar in Dezhou, and at seventy years old, he remained upright in his conduct, truly a beacon of integrity, a rare talent in the world. Mr. Feng Jin, the Prefect of Jingzhao, has cultivated his moral character since a young age, never deviating in his old age, loves ancient classics, enjoys discussing principles, is deep and reserved, adheres to his principles, exemplifying the virtues of ancient scholars that are hard to find in today’s world. Mr. Li Yu, the Deputy Magistrate of Fufeng, is knowledgeable, of noble character, has taught over a hundred students, lives in Cailing in a thatched house, treading on muddy ground. Both Jingzhao and Fufeng counties have invited him to take official positions multiple times, but due to his family's poverty, he has repeatedly turned down offers and left because of illness. He reviews old knowledge and learns new things, offers profound insights, is honest and upright, excelling in both character and skill, even surpassing esteemed scholars from the past like Wei, Ping, Kong, and Zhai, who were highly regarded by the state. He should definitely be allowed to take part in the assessment for the court's consideration.
Mr. Guo Ji, the postal supervisor of Jingzhao, is renowned for his filial piety throughout the province. His academic achievements have been recognized by his teachers, and he has also achieved remarkable success in government affairs. If he can catch up with a wise monarch and serve in the court, he will soar like a bird when promoted and, upon retirement, sacrifice for the country like Qi Liang. Mr. Wang Yong, who works in Liangzhou, upholds strong moral integrity and is proficient in various skills. Among the elite families of Liangzhou, Mr. Wang Yong stands out as the most exceptional. The ancients said that even if Duke Zhou did only one thing, it would draw complaints from all sides, saying, "What have you done, and then stopped?" He should be appointed to fill the vacancy in the government to provide comfort to those in distant lands. Mr. Shi Yin, the magistrate of Hongnong, is knowledgeable and talented. He can recite all three hundred poems of the Book of Songs and has been summoned for a private audience with the emperor. These six gentlemen all have extraordinary character and abilities, and if summoned by the court to assist a wise ruler, it would be a momentous occasion. In the past, Bian He was punished for presenting treasures, Qu Yuan committed suicide by the river out of loyalty, but the He Shi Bi has shone brightly for thousands of years, and Qu Yuan's poems have been passed down through the ages. I hope, General, that you can shine your light upon us like the sun, hear my voice as the sun hears the world, kindly lower your stature, consider my humble opinion, so that we, mere mortals, may avoid regrets like those of Jing Mountain and Miluo River.
His father died, so he returned to his hometown. Because his father had not finished writing the historical work he had begun, he wanted to continue writing it. However, someone accused him of privately altering the national history, and the emperor ordered his arrest and imprisonment in the capital’s jail, confiscating all the books in his house. Previously, a man named Su Lang, who pretended to be a fortune teller, was also arrested and died in prison. His younger brother was afraid of being investigated as well, so he hurried to the capital to report to the emperor, telling him about his brother's writing, and the local officials sent his books to the emperor as well. The emperor found him quite impressive, so he let him work in the imperial library, where he became a minor official and, together with several other officials, completed the "Annals of the Emperor Shizu." Later, he was promoted and became responsible for proofreading books. He also wrote about the achievements of Gong Chen, Ping Lin, Xin Shi, and Gongsun Shu, writing twenty-eight biographies, which he presented to the emperor. The emperor then asked him to complete the books he had previously written.
He believed the Han Dynasty inherited the rule of Yao and Shun, established imperial power, and lasted through six generations. However, the historians recorded only achievements, writing the annals privately and placing them behind the histories of one hundred emperors, alongside Qin Shihuang and Xiang Yu. After the Taichu period, there were no more records. So he began to research, collect information, and wrote the "History of the Han Dynasty." Starting from Han Gaozu to the killing of Wang Mang, a total of twelve generations spanning two hundred and thirty years, he wrote about their affairs, referencing the "Five Classics," ensuring coherence throughout, and also writing the "Spring and Autumn" style of examination, tables, records, and biographies, totaling one hundred pieces. He started writing during the Yongping period and took over twenty years to finish it by the Jianchu period. At that time, this book became quite renowned, and scholars eagerly sought to study it.
After becoming an official, he became close to the emperor. At that time, the capital was constructing palaces, strengthening city walls, and the elders in Guanzhong hoped the court would relocate back to Chang'an. He recalled figures like Sima Xiangru, Prince Shou, and Dongfang Shuo, who had advised the emperor through their writings, so he wrote the "Comparison of the Two Capitals," praising Luoyang's system while countering those who wished to move the capital back to Chang'an. The article wrote:
A guest from the Western Capital asked the host of the Eastern Capital, "I heard that when the Han Dynasty was first established, there was a plan to build the capital in the Heluo region. However, it was unsuccessful, and they ultimately decided to move the capital to the west, establishing our capital, Chang'an. Have you heard about this and do you know about the layout of Chang'an?" The host replied, "No. I'd love for you to share some stories from the past and express your nostalgia for ancient times, helping me understand more about the governance of the Han Dynasty and the situation of the capital city." The guest said, "Of course."
The Han Dynasty's Western Capital was located in Yongzhou, known today as Chang'an. It was situated on the left side with the strategic terrain of Chenggu and the Xiaoshan Mountains, backed by Mount Taihua and Mount Zhongnan. On the right side, the rugged terrain of Baoshe Road and Longshan provided natural barriers, surrounded by rivers such as the Jing River and Wei River. The land was fertile, making it the richest region in the country; the terrain was strategic, making it the safest area in the world. Therefore, Chang'an was located in the heart of the empire, with the imperial capital surrounded on three sides by mountains, where the Zhou Dynasty prospered and the Qin Dynasty watched closely. When the Han Dynasty was established, the choice of Chang'an as the capital was influenced by the auspicious energy of the Dongjing star and the auspicious signs found in the "River Diagram." The strategy for building the capital was planned in spring, with Zhang Liang involved in the planning, creating harmony between heaven and man, thereby showcasing the prosperity of the Han Dynasty and leading to the ultimate decision to build the capital in the west.
Therefore, they utilized the foundation left by the Qin Dynasty, developed the highlands to the north, occupied the old site of Fenghao, and controlled Longshou Mountain. Planning the grand blueprint of the capital, after countless years, designing a grand blueprint and constructing on a massive scale, starting from high ground, and finally leveling the terrain. Continuously modified by generations, making it more magnificent and luxurious, ruled by twelve emperors, thus achieving unprecedented extravagance. Building city walls soaring high into the sky, digging moats deep and bottomless, constructing three wide avenues, and establishing twelve city gates. Streets inside the city crisscrossed, houses densely packed, nine markets bustling with activity, goods arranged by category, people bustling in an endless stream, the streets alive with activity and smoke swirling.
Therefore, Chang'an prospered and was rich, with a variety of entertainment activities. The people in the city dressed differently from ordinary places, with the display of chivalry comparable to dukes, and the luxury of shops comparable to the nobles of the Ji and Jiang families. The heroes in the countryside, the elite among the wandering knights, all took Yuan Xian and Tian Chang as examples, and Chunyu Kun and Dongfang Shuo as models, forming friendships and gathering in Chang'an. Alas, as I carefully look around Chang'an, wandering everywhere, I find this place truly remarkable! Looking to the south, the tombs of Du and Ba are right in front of me; looking to the north, the scenery of the Five Tombs is also within sight. This is indeed a famous city, one after another, a place where talent flourishes, high officials and nobles abound like clouds, with seven prime ministers, five dukes, all over the place! Here gather the heroes of the states and counties, as well as the wealthy merchants of the five capitals. Some have risen to court, others have received fiefdoms, all to consolidate imperial power, make Chang'an more prosperous, and thus control the world.
The fertile land surrounding Chang'an for a thousand miles is spread across various parts of China and is visible at a glance. To the north are towering mountains reaching into the clouds, deep forests and valleys crisscrossed with treasures, and the famous Lantian jade. The Shanghe River and Luo River surround the foothills, while Huxian and Duling lie nestled among the mountains and rivers. Springs and streams converge into ponds and lakes, bamboo forests and orchards, and lush grasses and woodlands blanket the countryside, making it as prosperous like Shu. To the south are nine mountain peaks, where the Ganquan Palace is located. This was a site where emperors of the Qin and Han dynasties would tour and admire, and also a place praised and sung by literati and poets throughout history.
To the south, there are the fertile lands of Zheng County and Bailuyuan, Chang'an's granary, spanning fifty thousand hectares. The fields are well-ordered, with crisscrossing canals and ditches, fields laid out neatly like fish scales, irrigated by streams, thriving farmland, abundant harvests, and flourishing sericulture. The eastern suburbs boast a smooth Grand Canal that allows boats to travel straight to Shandong and connects to the Huai River, Dongting Lake, and even the sea. The western suburbs are home to the royal hunting grounds, filled with forests, foothills, and swamps, with ponds and lakes extending all the way to Shu and Hanzhong, enclosed by hundreds of miles of walls, as well as thirty-six palaces and mansions scattered around the area.
Within the hunting grounds are rare birds and exotic creatures from across the nation, such as the qilin from Jiuzhenshan, the fine steeds from Dawanguo, the rhinoceros from Huangzhiguo, and the exotic birds from Tiaozhiguo, all hailing from far beyond the Kunlun Mountains to the west, across the sea, and even as far as thirty thousand miles away!
Speaking of this palace, its layout is like that of heaven and earth, embodying the laws of yin and yang, occupying the central point of Kunlun (the earth's spirit), and displaying the beauty of the circular and square shapes of Tai Chi and Ziwei Yuan (constellations). The palace soars into the clouds, grand and majestic, built with precious wood, with beams that are as magnificent as a rainbow dragon, and a roof structure, both intricate and towering. The pillars are carved with exquisite jade ornaments, and the doors and windows are inlaid with golden embellishments, colorful and magnificent, shining brightly, extremely luxurious.
Inside the palace, the left and right sides are spacious and open, with layers of pavilions, three levels of terraces, interconnected chambers, doors and windows wide open, a courtyard with chimes, golden statues at the entrance, high walls and thresholds, and steep paths leading to the palace. There are also many other halls and chambers in the palace, towering towers and quiet pavilions, scattered around Ziwei Palace, warm in winter and cool in summer, like a place where immortals reside, magnificent and resplendent, surrounded by various mythical creatures; the palace's scale is so vast it’s hard to describe in detail. The architectural styles throughout the palace are varied, with some tall and some low, each with its own characteristics. The emperor can ride in a sedan chair or walk on foot, enjoying leisure and rest in the palace.
In the palace, there are the Yeting and Jiaofang chambers, where the concubines live, which is filled with a festive and harmonious atmosphere. The air is filled with the scent of orchids and fragrant plants everywhere, with flocks of mandarin ducks and phoenixes fluttering about. The Zhaoyang Hall is particularly magnificent, where Empress Xiaocheng resides. The structure is entirely concealed, with no visible wood, bricks, or stones, but is decorated with exquisite motifs and embroidery, woven with silk threads into patterns, adorned with luminous orbs, glistening like strings of coins, jade and pearls held by gold lamps, shining brightly, hanging precious gems such as Li and Ji, radiating a soft glow at night.
The palace is full of precious decorations, with jade steps, red courtyards, various treasures, and coral with lush green trees all around. Red silk, brocade fabrics, beautiful candlelight—everything looks splendid and magnificent, truly breathtaking.
In the palace, there are fourteen named concubines, along with countless other beautiful and wealthy women. Inside and outside the palace, officials such as Xiao He, Cao Shen, Wei Zheng, and Bing Ji are devising strategies. They support the emperor in maintaining the great dynasty, ushering in a prosperous era, showcasing a scene of benevolence and harmony during the Han Dynasty, thoroughly eradicating the remnants of the Qin Dynasty. As a result, people created songs like "Yang Le He" and composed pieces like "Hua Yi," their contributions documented in history, benefiting the populace.
Let’s discuss the Tianlu Ge and Shiqu Ge, which are places for storing books. The emperor also ordered those highly respected elders, renowned Confucian scholars, and esteemed masters to explain the Six Arts (Liuyi) and compare the similarities and differences in the classics there. The Chengming Hall and Jinma Gate are places for writing, bringing together numerous learned and talented individuals who diligently study, widely learn, create articles, and edit and proofread confidential texts. Within the palace, departments such as Gouchen and Yangeng are tasked with managing ceremonies and overseeing local officials. The Tiger Guards, eunuchs, and palace gate guards each fulfill their roles with precision and order. There are thousands of majestic palace buildings, winding pathways, and meticulously planned royal avenues adorned with soaring pavilions. From the Wuyang Palace to the Guigong, extending north to the Mingguang Palace, then to the Changle Palace, crossing the Lingtai, all the way to the Xigong, connecting to the Jianzhang Palace, there are also Bi Gate and Fengque outside the palace walls, with melon-shaped ornaments and golden sparrows on the palace roof.
Inside the palace, the towering palace structures rise like majestic mountains, exquisite and magnificent, soaring into the clouds. The Wuyang Palace's palaces are grand and magnificent, stacked layer upon layer, reaching high into the sky. Looking from afar, they undulate like waves, where high roofs and sky beams shimmer in harmony, covering the sky and blocking the sun, filtering sunlight through. The grandeur of the palace, towering into the clouds, appears poised to pierce the clouds and ascend to the heavens, with clouds and rain swirling beneath, and a rainbow arching gracefully around the palace eaves. Even the most agile and nimble individuals would stand in awe at this sight, hesitant to draw near.
I was only halfway up the well shaft, my eyes were already blurry, my mind confused. Leaning against the railing, I felt terrified, wandering aimlessly in the palace, at a loss. Afraid to look up again, I hesitated along a winding, dark road devoid of sunlight. Stepping through the palace gates felt like soaring through the sky, and I felt relaxed and at ease. Ahead were the Tang Middle Pool and the Taiye Pool, with rippling waters like the sea, waves crashing against the sacred mountains, Yuezhou, and Penglai Fairy Island, as if in the center. There, the sacred herbs remained lush year-round, the divine trees thrived, the mountain peaks towered, the golden stones glimmered, and the fairy palms caught the heavenly dew. Two tall golden stems rose from the ground, surpassing the dust and dirt, presenting a fresh breath.
Emperor Wen Cheng's achievements were chronicled in history; the Five Punishments were abolished, and various trees, including pines and tall evergreens, thrived here. This was truly a realm where immortals resided, not a place for us ordinary people to stay for long.
Speaking of that grand hunting event, it was nothing short of spectacular! The emperor personally led his troops to showcase his might in the royal hunting grounds, intimidating the barbarians and demonstrating national prestige. He ordered the officials of Jingzhou to release hunting falcons and then commanded the beasts to be driven from Liangye. For a moment, the furry beasts swarmed the ground, and the flurry of feathers filled the sky, with birds and beasts' wings touching, feet close together, gathering in the forbidden garden in large numbers. The officials managing the royal hunting grounds efficiently arranged the camps, organized by type, with each team assigned its own position. Endless large nets stretched across the mountains and fields, and soldiers lined up around like stars on a chessboard.
Then, the emperor rode in the imperial carriage, leading hundreds of civil and military officials, wearing feather-light armor, and entered the garden gate. Winding through Fenghao, passing through Shanglan, six armies were mobilized, sending the beasts fleeing in terror. The spectacle was immense, like thunder and lightning, as grass was trampled and valleys were overturned. After a series of chases, they paused briefly. Then, the elite soldiers shot arrows, chasing prey. Birds collided with silk threads, while wild animals panicked and collided with sharp arrowheads. The arrows were accurate, hitting two animals with one shot. Arrows fell like a storm, intertwining with nets in a deadly snare. Fur and blood rained down, blanketing the field and obscuring the sky.
The plains were stained red with blood; the warriors fought valiantly, monkeys lost their trees, and wolves fled in fear. The army then ventured into treacherous terrain, wading through mud in pursuit of fleeing tigers and buffalo. Expert hunters employed cunning techniques, strong force, or individual strength to subdue cunning prey, seize their horns, break their necks, or take down fierce beasts single-handedly. Some hoisted leopards, dragged bears, subdued rhinos and yaks, and dragged giant boars, crossing deep valleys, climbing steep mountains, and causing rocks to tumble, leaving destruction in their wake, with birds and beasts slaughtered.
The emperor ascended the magnificent Shuyuguan Pavilion, then climbed the high Changyang Terrace, carefully observing the lay of the land, inspecting the spoils of war captured by the three armies. The wilderness was desolate, the view stretched to the horizon; the birds nestled together, while the beasts jostled, creating a truly magnificent scene. Then, the emperor summoned the crowd, discussed achievements and rewards, and distributed the spoils of war. Roast meat was served, fine wine was prepared, and succulent wild game was served, torches were lit, and toasts were made to celebrate. After the banquet, the emperor, enjoying a balance of work and leisure, rode in a magnificent carriage, slowly moving forward, arriving at Yuzhang Palace and then at Kunming Pond. On the left was the Cowherd Star, on the right was the Weaver Girl Star, as if it were an endless expanse of the Milky Way, lush trees covering the sky, fragrant grasses carpeting the banks, orchids and grass filling the air with their sweet scent, vibrant and radiant, like brocade, shimmering on the pond. Cranes, egrets, herons, storks, cormorants, bustards, orioles, teal, and wild geese set off from the rivers and seas in the morning, returning to the Yangtze River at dusk, sometimes soaring, sometimes flitting about, gathering together only to scatter, presenting a myriad of scenes.
Next, the concubines of the palace rode in light vehicles, boarded the dragon boats, raised the phoenix-shaped canopy, erected bright flags, and lowered curtains embroidered with patterns, all reflected in the clear, flowing water, gently brushed by the breeze, with the water's surface as calm as a mirror. The women rowing sang songs, and the sound of drums and music filled the air; their passionate voices soared into the sky, while birds flew above and fish peeked in the water. The emperor threw down white silk to attract white cranes, shot down two wild geese, raised a literary flag adorned with feathers, held a bow and arrow, rode a small boat, played with the flying birds, and enjoyed himself to the fullest. As the wind and clouds surged, the emperor toured by boat, with the Qinling Mountains in front and the Jiuyu Mountains behind, from Hehua in the east to Qiyong in the west, continuously touring day and night, passing through more than a hundred palaces and buildings, with logistical support never ceasing. The emperor also personally sacrificed to heaven and earth, inspected the living and working conditions of the people across the regions, appreciated the folk songs from different areas, and listened to the praises of his subjects.
At this time, cities faced each other, villages connected, the country established a foundation for a century, the people lived and worked in harmony, scholars inherited the achievements of their ancestors, farmers cultivated the fields of their forefathers, merchants inherited ancestral businesses, craftsmen continued ancestral skills, social order was well-maintained, and everyone got what they deserved.
As a courtier like me, I can only search for remnants of the past at the old site, hear some stories from the elderly, and only understand a small part of it, so I cannot provide a detailed account.
