Let’s talk about Liu Hu, known as Emperor Gongzong Xia'an, the grandson of Emperor Xian of Han. His father, Liu Qing, was the Prince of Qinghe, and his mother was Lady Zuo. When Liu Hu was young, magical lights often shone into his room, and a red snake would coil around his bed. By the age of ten, he had developed a love for reading history books, which caught the attention of Emperor Han He, and he often summoned Liu Hu to the palace.
In the first year of Yanping, Liu Qingcai officially set out for his fiefdom to take up his post, but Empress Dowager Deng specifically ordered Liu Hu to remain at the residence in Qinghe. In August, Emperor Han Shang passed away. Empress Dowager Deng and her brother, General Deng Zhong, secretly conspired in the palace to determine the successor. That night, Deng Zhong was ordered to take the imperial insignia and a blue-covered carriage to welcome Liu Hu, and the palace had prepared a place for him to fast and purify himself. The Empress Dowager was in Chongde Hall, all officials wore ceremonial robes, and ministers stood by, and then she officially proclaimed Liu Hu as the Marquis of Chang'an. The Empress Dowager issued a decree saying, "The late emperor was virtuous and good, but passed away at a young age, leaving the world. I raised the emperor, hoping day and night for him to achieve great things, but unexpectedly faced misfortune. I am utterly heartbroken. After much consideration, I note that Prince Ping (Liu Yi) is gravely ill. Considering the continuity of the ancestral temples and the succession of the throne, only Liu Hu, the Marquis of Chang'an, who is loyal, filial, cautious, and prudent, well-versed in the Book of Songs and the Analects, diligent in his studies, compassionate towards the people, and already thirteen years of age, possesses aspirations and virtues befitting someone ready to inherit the throne. According to the Li Ji, 'a brother's son is as dear as one's own,' and the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals similarly state that a successor to the throne is akin to a son and should not refuse the command of the father. Therefore, Liu Hu is appointed as the successor of the filial emperor, to honor the ancestors and adhere to the rituals." The Empress Dowager also read the proclamation of his appointment: "In the autumn of the first year of Yanping, on the day of Guichou in August, the Empress Dowager decreed: Consult Marquis of Chang'an Hu: The filial emperor's virtues are noble, and his grace extends throughout the world; the late emperor (Emperor Shang) did not enjoy a full life. I believe that as the legitimate grandson of Emperor Xiaozhang (Emperor An), you are humble, respectful, kind, and obedient, diligent and hardworking since childhood, and should inherit the throne, offer sacrifices to the ancestors, and continue the grand rule. You are now established as the successor to the filial emperor. You must govern the Han Dynasty wisely and uphold justice. 'One person's fortune benefits all people,' Emperor, you must work hard!" After the decree was read, the Grand Preceptor presented the imperial seal and sash, and Liu Hu officially ascended the throne as emperor at the tender age of thirteen. The Empress Dowager continued to exercise power in court.
On the Gengzi day in September, I went to pay my respects at Gaomiao. The next day, on the Xinchou day, I went to worship at Guangwu Temple. During this period, six provinces were hit by severe flooding. On the Jiwei day, I dispatched envoys to various regions to assess the disaster situation and understand the conditions on the ground, then organized disaster relief to assist those in need of food and clothing. On the Bingyin day, I buried the young emperor in Gengling. On the Yihai day, a meteor shower fell over the Chenliu region.
Numerous states in the Western Regions revolted against our protectorate, Ren Shang. I promptly dispatched Vice Colonel Liang Qin to aid Ren Shang, and Liang Qin defeated the rebels.
In October, during the winter months, floods occurred in four provinces, and there was also hail. Due to the flooding, many wheat crops were lost, so I ordered the distribution of stored wheat to assist impoverished families.
On the Jiazi day in December, the Prince of Qinghe died, and I appointed the Minister of Works to oversee the funeral ceremony, designating General Deng Zhong to take charge of the funeral. On the Yixu day, I ordered the suspension of performances like the fish-dragon and man-yan.
On the first day of the first month of the first year of Yongchu, a general amnesty was declared. The Qiang people at the border of Shu commandery pledged their allegiance to the court. On the Wuyin day, I designated the southern part of Jianwei as a vassal state. I ordered all regions, including the Ministry of the Colonel Commandant, Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Xuzhou, Jizhou, and Bingzhou, to properly care for the impoverished.
On the Bingwu day in February, I temporarily allocated the hunting grounds of Guangcheng Palace and the public fields of the disaster-stricken regions for the poor to cultivate. On the Dingmao day, I partitioned Qinghe Kingdom, appointing my brother Changbao as the King of Guangchuan. On the Gengwu day, Liang Wei, the Minister of Works, passed away.
On the 3rd day of the third month in the Guiyou year, a solar eclipse occurred. I ordered officials of the court, prefects, and county magistrates from various regions to recommend individuals who are virtuous, capable, knowledgeable, and able to speak frankly and offer honest advice. Each region was to recommend one person. On the day of Jimao, the Jiao people on the border of Yongchang Commandery also came to submit to the court. On the day of Jiashen, I buried the Filial King of Qinghe and bestowed the Dragon Banner and Tiger Elite Guards to accompany him to his final resting place.
On the 5th day of the fifth month in the Jiaxu year, I appointed Lu Gong, the Commandant of Changle Guards, as the Minister of Works. On the day of Dingchou, I ordered the enfeoffment of Pu, the grandson of the Prince of Beihai, as the new Prince of Beihai. The Yi tribes on the border of Jiu Zhen Commandery also submitted to the court.
On the 6th day of the sixth month in the Wushen year, I enfeoffed the mother of the Empress Dowager as the Lady of Xinye. On the day of Dingsi, a sinkhole appeared in the Hedong region. On the day of Renxu, I abolished the office of the Protector General of the Western Regions.
The Xianbei and Qiang tribes rebelled, cutting off the Long Mountain route and wreaking havoc. I dispatched General Deng Zhong and Colonel Ren Shang to quell the rebellion. On the day of Dingmao, I ordered the pardon of those who conspired with the Qiang tribes.
In September of a few years before the Emperor's reign, on Gengwu day, the Emperor ordered the three high ministers to reiterate the old laws, prohibit extravagance and waste, prohibit the creation of ostentatious but impractical items, and not to spend a large amount of money for extravagant burials. On that day, Grand Commandant Xu Fang was dismissed. The next day, on Xinwei day, Minister of Works Yin Qin was also dismissed. On Guiyou day, the court allocated grain from five counties in Yangzhou to aid Dongjun, Jiyin, Chenliu, Liangguo, Xiapai, and Shanyang. On Dingchou day, the Emperor decreed: "From now on, if officials at any level fail to report their assessments and leave their positions without reason, except for the death of parents, they shall be punished for ten years in important counties and for more than five years in general counties before being reappointed." On Renwu day, the Emperor ordered the Grand Herald and the Minister of Finance to reduce the size of the Yellow Gate Guards' music band to supplement the soldiers of the Imperial Guards; the horses in the stables, except those used by the Emperor, were to have half of their feed reduced; all other construction projects not related to ancestral temples and tombs were to be halted. On Bingxu day, the Emperor ordered reductions in penalties for non-capital offenses and fugitive criminals based on circumstances. On Gengyin day, Zhang Yu was appointed as the Grand Tutor, and Zhou Zhang was appointed as the Minister of Works.
In the winter month of October, emissaries from the Kingdom of Wo came to pay tribute. On Xinyou day, a large spring suddenly gushed forth on Xincheng Mountain.
On Dinghai day in the eleventh month, Minister of Works Zhou Zhang plotted to depose the Emperor, was dismissed, and committed suicide. On Wuzi day, the Emperor ordered the Colonel of the Slaves and the Inspectors of Jizhou and Bingzhou, saying: "Common people are spreading rumors, panicking, abandoning their homes, and the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled are helping each other, facing difficulties on the road. You must instruct your subordinates to personally comfort them. If they want to return to their original homes, provide them with travel allowances and documentation; if they choose not to return, do not compel them."
On the Yimao day of the twelfth month, Zhang Min was appointed as the Governor of Yingchuan. "In the twelfth month on the Yimao day, Zhang Min was appointed as the Governor of Yingchuan." That year, earthquakes occurred in eighteen counties and states across the country; forty-one places experienced heavy rain, some places even experienced flash floods; twenty-eight places were hit by strong winds and hail. "In that year, eighteen counties experienced earthquakes; forty-one places had heavy rain, some even experienced flash floods; twenty-eight places had strong winds and hail." In the first month of spring in the second year, the court provided relief to the poor people in Henan, Xiapi, Donglai, and He'nan. "In the second year of spring in the first month, relief was provided to the poor people of Henan, Xiapi, Donglai, and He'nan." General Deng Zhao of Chariots and Cavalry was defeated by the Qiang people in the western part of Jizhou. "General Deng Zhao of Chariots and Cavalry was defeated by the Qiang people in the west of Jizhou." On the Yichou day of the second month, the court dispatched the Imperial Household Grandee Fan Zhun and Lv Cang to Jizhou and Yanzhou respectively to provide relief to the displaced people. "In the second month on the Yichou day, the Imperial Household Grandee Fan Zhun and Lv Cang were dispatched to Jizhou and Yanzhou to provide relief to the displaced people." On the Jiayin day of the fourth month in summer, a fire broke out in Hanyang City, claiming the lives of three thousand five hundred and seventy people. "In the fourth month of summer on the Jiayin day, a fire broke out in Hanyang City, claiming the lives of three thousand five hundred and seventy people." In May, the region faced a drought. "In May, the region faced a drought." On the Bingyin day, the Empress Dowager inspected the Luoyang Temple and Ruolu Prison, pardoned some prisoners, reviewed the prisoners, bestowed rewards upon the Intendant of Henan, the Court Commandant, and other officials, and it started raining that same day. "On the Bingyin day, the Empress Dowager visited the Luoyang Temple and Ruolu Prison, pardoned some prisoners, reviewed the prisoners, bestowed rewards upon the Intendant of Henan, the Court Commandant, and other officials, and it rained on the same day." In June, floods occurred in the capital and more than forty counties and states nationwide, accompanied by strong winds and hail. "In June, floods occurred in the capital and forty counties and states, accompanied by strong winds and hail."
In 23 B.C., on the Wuchen day of the seventh month, the emperor issued a decree saying: "In the past, those emperors who inherited the mandate of heaven and governed the people never failed to rely on astronomical instruments to calculate the solar terms and arrange national affairs. My abilities are insufficient; I have inherited this great responsibility, but I have encountered an imbalance of yin and yang, with various disasters occurring frequently, people starving and displaced, and Qiang tribes rebelling. I reflect on my actions day and night, consumed with worry. I have previously ordered court and county officials to recommend talents who are upright and virtuous, to search widely and to create channels for open dialogue, hoping to obtain good strategies to compensate for my shortcomings, but all I have received are hollow words that lack any practical suggestions. If there are officials among court and county officials who are proficient in Daoism, familiar with disasters, yin and yang, and astronomical calculations, I urge you to share your insights promptly. Officials ranked 2000 shi and above must carefully communicate this decree, extensively gather various confidential information; I will personally review it, and for those who contribute, I will promote and employ them beyond the usual standards, in hopes of receiving valuable advice to address the warnings from above."
On Xinchou day of the intercalary month, King Changbao of Guangchuan passed away with no son, leading to the revocation of his kingdom. On Guiwei day, the Qiang tribes at the Shu border held a submission ceremony, expressing their willingness to comply. On Gengzi day in the ninth month, the emperor issued a decree, ordering kingdom officials, from those wearing black sashes to attendants and courtiers, that those who are knowledgeable, have served as scholars, have a good reputation in their hometown, are known for their integrity and filial piety, and have the ability to govern the people, the prime minister is to recommend their names annually, along with their achievements, to the Ministry of Personnel, and all court departments must coordinate to provide them opportunities for external appointments.
On the day of the tenth month of the year of Gengyin, the court provided relief to the impoverished in the three commanderies of Jiyin, Shanyang, and Xuantu. Ren Shang, the Commandant of the West, fought against the Xianling Qiang at Pingxiang and was defeated. On the day of the eleventh month of the year of Xinyou, the emperor appointed Deng Zhi as the Grand General, summoned him back to the capital, and left Ren Shang to guard Longyou. Dian Ling, the leader of the Xianling Qiang, declared himself emperor and incited rebellion in the north, attacking the eastern states of Zhao and Wei and the southern region of Yizhou, and even killing the Administrator of Hanzhong, Dong Bing. On the day of the twelfth month of the year of Xinmao, the court provided relief to the impoverished in Dong commandery, Julu, Guangyang, Anding, Dingxiang, and Peiguo. The Chelang Qiang tribes outside Guanghan commandery surrendered, and the court designated the northern area of Guanghan commandery as a territory governed by a Commandant. That year, twelve commanderies and states across the country experienced earthquakes.
On the third day of the third month in the emperor's third year of reign, he held a ceremony for the coming of age. A general amnesty was proclaimed. Princes, princesses, nobles, officials, and officials below the rank of court ministers were granted gold and silk, each in varying amounts; men who observed filial piety for their fathers, as well as those who exemplified the virtues of the Three Bonds and Five Constants, as well as excellence in agriculture, were each promoted by two ranks; those willing to cultivate land among the refugees were each promoted by one rank. The court dispatched the Cavalry Commandant Ren Ren to suppress the Xianling Qiang, but the campaign was unsuccessful, as the Qiang forces breached Lintao. An envoy from Gaojuli arrived to present tribute.
In March, there was a great famine in the capital, and the common people were so hungry they resorted to cannibalism. On the tenth day of March, the court officials all went to the palace gates to plead for forgiveness. The emperor issued a decree saying, "I ascended to the throne at a young age, but failed to govern the country properly, violating the natural order, causing the people to starve and even resort to cannibalism. I am deeply pained, as if I have fallen into an endless abyss. This is all my responsibility, not the fault of the ministers, but I will still demote myself to accept responsibility for the court's mistakes. Everyone must find a way to change the situation and make up for my shortcomings." On the eleventh day of March, the emperor ordered that the land of Hongchi be allocated to the poor for cultivation. On the thirteenth day of March, Minister Lu Gong was dismissed.
On the third day of April, Da Honglu Jiujiang Xia Qin was appointed Minister. Due to the empty state treasury, the three chief ministers proposed that officials contribute money and grain. In return, they could be awarded various official titles, such as Marquis of Guannei, Hu Ben Yulin Lang, Wudafu, government officials, Tiki, camp soldiers, etc. On the sixth day of April, the emperor ordered that arable land in Shanglin Yuan and Guangcheng Yuan be allocated to the poor for farming. On the eleventh day of April, Prince Qinghe Huwei passed away.
On the third day of May, the emperor appointed the son of Prince Le'an, Yanping, as Prince of Qinghe. On the fourth day of May, Prince Pei Zheng passed away. On the tenth day of May, a fierce wind swept through the capital. In June, the Wuhuan tribe invaded Daijun, Shanggu, and Zhuo counties. In July, pirates led by Zhang Boru attacked nine coastal counties. The court dispatched Imperial Censor Pang Xiong to lead the local military in their suppression, eventually defeating them. On July 20th, the emperor ordered all local officials to personally till the land, plant wheat and vegetables, and supply seeds and food to the needy.
In September, the Wuhuan and Xianbei people in the Yanmen region rebelled and defeated the forces of Wuyuan County at Gaoqu Valley. In October, the Southern Xiongnu Chanyu rebelled and surrounded Geng Zhong, the General of the Palace Guards, in Meiji. In November, the court sent General He Xi to suppress them. On December 18th, earthquakes struck many regions across the country. On December 22nd, a comet appeared in the sky in Tianyuan. That year, the capital and various regions experienced 41 instances of rain and hail. There was also a severe famine in Bingzhou and Liangzhou, resulting in widespread violence among the populace.
On the first day of the second year, a banquet was held with music, but the ceremonial chariot was not displayed. On the eighth day of the first month, the emperor ordered the exemption of three years' worth of overdue taxes, additional taxes, the population census, and fodder collection due to the continuous unrest in the Sanfu region, where people were displaced. Relief was also granted to the impoverished in Shangzhou.
Pirate Zhang Bolu, along with thieves Liu Wenhe and Zhou Wenguang from Bo Sea and Pingyuan, attacked Yanci County and killed the county magistrate. The court sent Wang Zong, the Chief Imperial Censor, to instruct the Governor of Qingzhou, Fa Xiong, to suppress them, ultimately defeating them. General Liang Jin and Governor Geng Kui also dispatched troops and defeated the Southern Xiongnu Chanyu in the former capital of a vassal state. This day was Bingwu day, and the court ordered a reduction in offerings from officials and provinces, prefectures, and counties, with varying amounts.
On the day of Dingsi in February, the court addressed the grievances of the impoverished residents of Jiujang. The Southern Xiongnu again invaded Changshan County. On the day of Yichou, the court established the official positions of Commanders of Chang'an and Yong and Er Camps. On the day of Yihai, the court issued a decree allowing those exiled to the border due to superstitions to return to their original counties, and those who had been confiscated as government slaves were restored to their status as free citizens.
The court ordered the imperial attendant Liu Zhen and the scholars of the Five Classics to collate the "Five Classics" alongside various texts from the Hundred Schools of Thought, historical records, and other classics stored in the Dongguan, correcting errors and revising the text.
In March, the Chanyu of the Southern Xiongnu surrendered. The Xianbei Qiang invaded Baozhong again, and Prefect Zheng Qin of Han Zhong was killed in battle. The court ordered the capital of Jincheng Commandery was moved to Xiangwu. On the Wuzi day, the imperial gardens in Duling caught fire. On the Guisi day, nine commanderies across the country suffered earthquakes.
In April, a locust plague occurred in six provinces. On the Dingchou day, the court declared a nationwide general amnesty.
On the Yiyu day in July, three commanderies experienced severe flooding. On the Jimao day, Cavalry Captain Ren Ren was imprisoned and later executed.
On the Jiashen day in September, an earthquake occurred in Yizhou Commandery.
On the Jiaxu day in October, Lord Xinye Yin died, and the court sent the Minister of Works to oversee the funeral arrangements. General Deng Zhong was relieved of his duties.
On the Gengchen day of the fifth year of the reign, a solar eclipse occurred. On the Bingxu day, ten commanderies suffered earthquakes.
On the Jichou day, the Grand Commandant Zhang Yu was dismissed. On the Jiashen day, the Palace Attendant Li Xiu was appointed as the Grand Commandant.
On the Dingmao day in February, the court ordered a reduction in the tribute items from commanderies and the provisions for the imperial household. The Xianbei Qiang invaded Hedong Commandery again, advancing into Henan Commandery.
In March, the court ordered the capital of Longxi Commandery was moved to Xiangwu, Anding Commandery to Meiyang, Beidi Commandery to Chiyang, and Shang Commandery to Ya. The Fuyu people invaded the border, resulting in the deaths of many officials and civilians.
In the leap month of Dingshen, the court granted pardons to the people of the four commanderies in Hexi of Liangzhou.
On the Wuxu day, the court issued an edict:
Alas, I feel inadequate and feel ashamed before my ancestors for inheriting this great responsibility but have failed to govern the country properly and cannot pray for the people's well-being. In recent years, disasters have been relentless, thievery is rampant, foreign invaders are attacking, wars are endless, and the common people are suffering in poverty and exhaustion from forced labor. To make matters worse, the locust plague has become severe, crops are being eaten up, and the autumn harvest is approaching, which is truly devastating! I have struggled to govern the country effectively, have made errors in selecting officials, and have few loyal and talented advisors by my side. As the ancients taught us, "In times of national crisis, if timely support and rescue are not provided, what are those ministers for?" Ministers, how can you assist me in overcoming this crisis and respond to the warnings from above? The foundation of effective governance lies in selecting talents and promoting the capable and virtuous, which all wise rulers in history have valued. "With a multitude of talented people, King Wen brought peace." What I desire most now is to find loyal and upright ministers to support me. Therefore, I command the Three Excellencies, the Grand Commandant, the Nine Ministers, the Colonel Director, the Commandant of Justice, the Prefects, and the Marquises to each recommend a virtuous and upright person with talent, knowledgeable in political affairs, willing to speak candidly and advise, as well as filial to parents and of noble character, to be sent to the court for my review!
In the sixth month of the Jia Chen year, King Le Cheng passed away.
In the seventh month of the year of Ji Si, I ordered the Three Excellencies, the Grand Commandant, the Nine Ministers, and the Colonel Director to recommend talented individuals among the descendants of generals who are familiar with military affairs and capable of assuming important military responsibilities.
In the ninth month, the people of Hanyang, led by Du Qi and Wang Xin, rebelled, in alliance with the Xianling Qiang, and captured Shanggui City.
In the twelfth month, Zhao Bo, the Prefect of Hanyang, ordered an assassination of Du Qi.
This year has seen locust plagues across various parts of the country, and many regions have suffered from heavy rainfall.
In the first month of the sixth year of Geng Shen, I commanded the establishment of three royal gardens in the Yue Xi region: Changli, Gaowang, and Shichang, and commanded Yizhou Prefecture to establish the Wansui Garden and Jianwei to establish the Hanping Garden.
In the third month, ten states experienced locust plagues.
In the fourth month of the year of Yi Chou, Zhang Min, the Minister of Works, was dismissed. In the Ji Mao year, Liu Kai succeeded Zhang Min as the Minister of Works.
In May, a drought occurred. On the day of Bingyin, I ordered that all officials, from the rank of 2,000 shi to the Huangshou officials, should be reinstated to their original positions and titles, and titles would be granted according to the situation. On the day of Wuchen, the Empress Dowager visited prisoners at Luoyang Temple and addressed wrongful convictions.
In the sixth month of the year Renchen, eighteen counties experienced earthquakes. On the day of Xinsi, a general amnesty was declared. I also dispatched Imperial Censor Tang Xi to quell the rebel Wang Xin in Hanyang, ultimately killing him.
In the eleventh month of Xinchou, Wu Zhi, the Protector of the Wuhuan, was imprisoned and executed.
In a certain year, the leader of the Xianling Qiang, Dianling, passed away, and his son Lingchang inherited his father's position and continued to cause trouble.
Next, on the first day of the first month of the seventh year, Gengxu, the Empress Dowager led the ministers and consorts to the ancestral temple for sacrifices. On the day of Bingwu in the second month, earthquakes occurred in eighteen counties. On the day of Yiwu in the fourth month, King Sheng of Pingyuan died. On the day of Bingshen in the same month, which fell at the end of the month, a solar eclipse occurred. On the day of Gengzi in May, a large-scale rain prayer ceremony took place in the capital. In the autumn, Hou Ba, the Protector of the Qiang, and Cavalry Captain Ma Xian defeated the Xianling Qiang. On the day of Bingyin in August, a strong wind swept through the capital, and locusts flew over Luoyang. The court ordered that the common people would be granted titles, and for those counties severely affected, in counties with disaster areas exceeding one-fifteenth of their land, this year's land rent would be exempted; for those with smaller disaster areas, reductions would be made based on the actual damage. In September, the court collected grain from the four counties of Lingling, Guiyang, Yuzhang, and Kuaiji to assist disaster victims in the seven counties of Nanyang, Guangling, Xiapai, Pengcheng, Shanyang, Lujiang, and Jiujiang; at the same time, grain from counties along the river was transported to Aocang.
In the first month of the first year of the Yuan Chu era, on the Jiazi day, the era was renamed Yuan Chu. The court ordered that common people were granted noble titles, with each person receiving an increase of two levels. Those who were filial to their parents, respected their elders, and worked diligently in farming were granted an increase of three levels. Those without household registration and refugees, provided they were willing to settle down and live peacefully, were granted a one-level increase in title. Widowers, widows, orphans, elderly living alone, and the poor and disabled who were unable to support themselves were each provided with three hu of grain. Chaste women received one piece of cloth each. On the Jimao day of the second month, a ground fissure occurred in Jinan Commandery. On the Guiyou day of the third month, a solar eclipse took place. On the Dingyou day of the fourth month, the court declared a general amnesty. Both the capital and various commanderies and states faced droughts and locust plagues. The court ordered that each of the Three Excellencies, Special Advisors, Marquises, Central 2,000-bushel Officials, 2,000-bushel Officials, and Prefects were to recommend a person of high moral character and integrity. In the fifth month, the Xianbei and Qiang tribes launched an attack on Yongcheng. On the Dingsi day of the sixth month, a ground collapse occurred in the Hedong region. In the seventh month, the Yi people from Shu Commandery attacked Cangling County and killed the county magistrate. On the Yichou day of the ninth month, Grand Commandant Li Xiu was removed from office. The Xianbei and Qiang tribes attacked Wudu and Hanzhong again, cutting off the Long Road. On the Xinwei day, Shanyang Sima Bao, the Minister of Agriculture, was appointed Grand Commandant. On the first day of the tenth month, a solar eclipse took place. The Xianbei tribe defeated the Governor of Liangzhou, Pi Yang, in Didi. On the Yimao day, the court ordered the exemption of three border regions and six counties in Bingzhou and Liangzhou from three years of land rent, additional taxes, and population taxes. In November, earthquakes struck fifteen commanderies and states across the country that year.
In the second year, in the first month, the court ordered aid for refugees, surplus population, and the poor in the three border regions and six counties of Bingzhou and Liangzhou. The Yi people of Qingyi Dao in Shu Commandery pledged allegiance to the court. The court ordered the repair of the Zhangshui Canal originally constructed by Ximen Bao to irrigate farmland.
On the fifteenth day of the second month, the emperor ordered the palace's middle-ranking officials to collect and bury the impoverished individuals who died away from home in the capital, whose coffins had rotted, and conduct a memorial service for them. If the deceased have family members but are too poor to afford the funeral, each family will be given five thousand coins. On the eighteenth day, the emperor ordered repairing old water channels and dredging waterways in several places including Sanfu, Henan, Hedong, Shangdang, Zhao, and Taiyuan to facilitate irrigation of fields. On the tenth day of the third month, a strong wind blew through the capital. The Xianbei and Qiang tribes revolted, launching an attack on Yizhou, and the emperor dispatched General Yin Ji to quell the uprising. On the twenty-seventh day of the fourth month, the emperor appointed Yan Shi as the empress. In May, the capital faced a drought, while Henan and several other counties experienced locust plagues, affecting a total of nineteen areas. On the twenty-seventh day of May, the emperor issued a decree saying, "The court's governance is not good, many things have been mishandled, disasters one after another, I am very worried and afraid. This locust plague has been going on for seven years, but the various provinces and counties have concealed and not reported it, always claiming that the affected areas were minimal. Now the locusts are flying everywhere, causing great harm; what they reported does not align with reality, does it? The officials of the Three Departments, both internally and externally, are under supervision, yet they did not report or correct it. The natural disaster is so severe, yet they dare to deceive and conceal; the offense is too severe! As we are now in midsummer, distribute relief grain temporarily and monitor how the situation unfolds. Officials at all levels need to devise strategies to alleviate the disasters and reassure the populace."
On June 14th, the Grand Commandant Sima Bao died. The ground split open in the new city of Luoyang. On July 26th, the Grand Protector Ma Ying was appointed as the Grand Commandant. In August, the Xianbei tribes from Liaodong surrounded Wulvxian. In September, they attacked Fuli Camp and killed the county governor. On September 30th, there was a solar eclipse. In October, the Emperor ordered Commandant Ren Shang to station troops in the three auxiliary regions. The Emperor decreed that the death penalty for prisoners held in various places be reduced to a lower level, without corporal punishment, and they were to be sent to Fengyi and Fufeng to serve their sentences through labor, with their families allowed to accompany them and arrangements made for their accommodation; women were not required to perform labor. Escapees who committed crimes below the level of a capital offense could pay to redeem themselves, with the specific amount determined based on individual circumstances. Those who had formed gangs as bandits would have their sentences commuted as long as they repented and turned over a new leaf. On November 9th, the Right Commandant of Fufeng, Du Hui, the Administrator of Anding, Du Huai, and the Commandant of Jingzhao, Geng Pu, fought against the Xianbei Qiang and were all slain in battle. The Left Commandant of Fengyi, Sima Jun, was imprisoned and then committed suicide. On November 27th, several counties experienced earthquakes. In December, the barbarians in Liling, Wuling, rebelled but were defeated by the local military forces. On December 27th, Minister Xia Qin was dismissed. On December 28th, the Minister of Works Liu Kai was appointed as the Minister Over the Masses, and the Palace Attendant Yuan Chang was appointed as the Minister of Works.
In the spring of 113 BC, on the first day of the first month, a Jiaxu day, we began repairing the old ditches in Taiyuan so that both official and private fields could be irrigated. It is said that in Lu County, Dongping, there is a tree with branches that are all connected, truly a sight to behold! Oh, the barbarians from Cangwu, Yulin, and Hapu have rebelled again! In February, the court dispatched Imperial Censor Ren Chuo with troops from various prefectures to quell the rebellion. As a result, earthquakes struck over a dozen counties nationwide, leading to widespread chaos!
On March 20th, there was a solar eclipse. On Bingchen, the imperial court issued a general amnesty throughout the country, pardoning officials in Cangwu, Yulin, Hapu, and Nanhai who had committed crimes under pressure from bandits. Ah, what a tumultuous time we’re having! In April, the capital suffered from a drought and ran out of water! In May, the Wuling barbarians rebelled again, and the local military was dispatched to quell the rebellion and ultimately defeated them. On Guiyou, General Du Liao led the army of the Southern Xiongnu to defeat the Xianling Qiang at Lingzhou. The barbarians outside Yuesui also submitted to the court one after another. In June, Colonel Ren Shang led the troops to defeat the Xianling Qiang at Dingxi City.
In July, the Wuling barbarians rebelled again! They never seem to learn their lesson! Fortunately, the local military forces were able to suppress them once again. The ground in Goushi County cracked open; earthquakes are happening way too often! On Xinsi in September, Prince Zhao Hong died. In November, the barbarians in Cangwu, Yulin, and Hapu finally laid down their arms. On Bingxu, the court permitted ministers, 2,000-stone officials, and governors to observe a three-year mourning period. On Guimao, nine counties in the country experienced earthquakes. On Dingsi in December, Ren Shang led the troops to defeat the Xianling Qiang in the northern region.
In the spring of the second year, on the first day of the second month, there was another solar eclipse on Yisi! On Yimao, the court issued a general amnesty. On Renxu, the armory caught fire; what a string of bad luck! In April, on Wushen, Minister Yuan Chang passed away. On Jisi, the Xianbei launched an invasion into western Liao but were defeated by the military forces of Liao and the Wuhuan people. On Dingchou in May, Li He became the Grand Minister. On Wuchen in June, three counties were struck by hailstorms. In July, on Xinchou, Prince Chen Jun passed away.
Once upon a time in that year, there were many days of rain in the capital and across the provinces. The emperor issued a decree saying, "The crops this autumn have grown so well, they can be harvested soon, but the rain just keeps pouring. I'm worried the crops might get flooded. I’m restless day and night, wondering what's going on. This heavy rain is all due to the people's grievances! Those officials—military officers are so overbearing and domineering, civil officials are arbitrary and harsh, and local officials abuse their power to do bad things, causing the common people to suffer. The authorities must deal with them harshly! Besides, the 'Monthly Ordinances' say that 'in mid-autumn, we should care for the elderly, give them canes, and feed them porridge.' Now is the right time, but many counties haven't put this into action. Even when they do have porridge, it’s just a mix of bran and rice. The officials are slacking off, and no one is taking it seriously. This totally goes against my wishes to look after the elderly! You need to show kindness and do the right thing, and take good care of the elderly; this is what I desire!"
The following September, the Protector-General of the Qiang, Ren Shang, sent someone to assassinate the rebel Qiang leader, Ling Chang. In November, Prince Gong of Pengcheng passed away. In December, the barbarians in the Zhaoxi region had been causing trouble for a long time and killed the county magistrate. Later, Ren Shang and Cavalry Captain Ma Xian fought a huge battle against the Xianbei Qiang and won a resounding victory. The Qian and Qiang folks surrendered one after another, and the Longyou region was finally pacified. That year, the country experienced thirteen earthquakes.
In the spring of the second year, during the first month, the barbarians in the Yue Xi region rebelled. In the second month, King Xian of Zhongshan died. In the third month, the capital and various provinces experienced severe drought, and the emperor ordered relief for the poor affected by the disaster. In the sixth month, the Goguryeo and Buyeo invaded Xuantu county. In the seventh month, the Yue Xi barbarians and the Maoniu tribe revolted, killing local officials. The emperor declared: "Previously, regulations and hierarchies existed in our laws, intended to encourage diligence and frugality among the people. In the Yongchu era, everyone was very poor; the court set an example of frugality, rejecting extravagance. Meals were not fancy, and clothes were not colorful. Although there have been good harvests in recent years, reserves are still insufficient, but those poor people are heedless, failing to plan for the future. Weddings, funerals, and sacrifices are all ostentatious; even common soldiers and servants dress lavishly, adorned with pearls and jewels. If the capital is like this, how can we set an example for distant regions? We have already established laws, clearly stipulating rewards and punishments, but the relevant departments are sluggish and negligent, not executing them at all. Autumn has arrived, and the raptors are ready to hunt; I reiterate, see if you can make improvements!" In August, on the first day, there was a solar eclipse. The Xianbei invaded Dai county and killed the local officials. In October, during winter, the Xianbei attacked Shanggu. On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month, General Ren Shang of the Zhonglang was executed for his crimes. That year, earthquakes struck fourteen provinces across the country. In the spring of the second year, on the second day of the second month, there were earthquakes in the capital and forty-two provinces nationwide, causing some areas to crack open and underground water to surge forth. On the day of Renzi, the emperor ordered the selection of five virtuous officials from the Three Departments' subordinates to benefit the people and ensure their safety; the Guanglu Xun and Zhonglang generals were tasked with selecting fifty filial, generous, wise, and morally upright individuals to serve as local officials in various roles.
On the Yimao day, the emperor issued a decree saying, "To govern the country, we must begin with the capital and then extend throughout the nation. The 'Monthly Ordinances' state that in early spring, we should 'nurture the young and care for the orphans,' and in late spring, we should 'aid the poor, relieve the hungry, reduce the labor of women, and commend chaste women.' This aligns with the natural order and promotes the growth of all living things! Now I command that each person who is particularly impoverished, weak, or living alone will receive three bushels of grain; for those chaste and virtuous women, each will be given ten bushels of grain, and a monument will be erected at their door to honor and celebrate their virtuous qualities."
On the Gengchen day in the third month, six ancestral temples were established, and sacrifices were made in the northwest of Luoyang City.
In April, during the summer, a great epidemic occurred in Kuaiji County, so the court dispatched the Grand Guardian along with imperial physicians to provide care, and also provided coffins, exempting them from land rent and taxes. Pei and Bohai regions were hit by strong winds and hail.
In May, the capital experienced a drought.
On the Dingchou day in the sixth month, Prince Lecheng died. On the Bingxu day, Prince Pingyuan also passed away.
In the autumn month of July, the Xianbei launched another attack on Macheng, but General Deng from the Southern Chanyu led his troops to defeat them.
On the Guisi day in September, Prince Chen Song passed away.
On the Wushuo day in the first month of Yongning, Prince Rencheng An died.
On the Dingyou day in the third month, Prince Jibei Shou passed away.
The king of Cheshi rebelled and killed local officials. The Shen Di Qiang tribe launched an attack on Zhangye County.
In the year [insert year], in early April, Chong, the son of the King of Chen, was established as the Crown Prince, and the era name was changed to Yongning; there was a general amnesty across the country! The Emperor was generous, rewarding everyone from princes and ministers to common officials, even including minor officials with gold and silk; the common people also received titles, cloth, and food, with varying amounts of rewards given. After a few days, the son of the King of Jibei, Chang, was appointed as the King of Lecheng, and the son of the King of Hejian, Yi, was appointed as the King of Pingyuan. A few days later, King Shou of Langye passed away. In June, the Shen, Di, and Qiang rebels looted Zhangye County. Ma Xian, the Protector of the Qiang, led troops to suppress the Shen, Di, and Qiang rebels, defeating them. On the first day of July, there was a solar eclipse. In early October, Li He, the Minister of Works, was dismissed. A few days later, Chen Bao from Lujiang replaced him as the Minister of Works, who had previously served as the Commandant of Justice. From March to October, there were over thirty strong winds and significant rainfall in the capital and across the country. In December, envoys from the Shan Kingdom on the border of Yongchang Commandery came to pay tribute. That month, Liu Kai, the Minister Over the Masses, was dismissed; the Xianbei people in Liaoxi surrendered; finally, Yang Zhen replaced Liu Kai as the Minister Over the Masses, having previously served as the Grand Herald. In that year, there were twenty-three earthquakes across the country. The King of Buyeo also sent his son to the court to pay tribute. The Shaodang Qiang also rebelled. In the first month of the first year of Jianguang, Feng Huan, the Inspector of Youzhou, led two Prefects to suppress the Gaoju Li and Huimou, but they were unsuccessful. In early February, there was another general amnesty. This time, rewards were given to members of the imperial family, nobles, and ministers, as well as common officials, with varying amounts of money and cloth distributed. In early March, Empress Dowager Deng died. A few days later, Empress Hui was buried. A few days later, Prince Chong of Lean died. A few days later, Emperor Xiaode of Qinghe, the Empress Mother Zuo, and the Ancestor Mother Song were posthumously honored as the Xiaode Emperor, the Xiaode Empress, and the Respectful and Concealed Empress.
In April of the year XX, the Huimo and Xianbei peoples again attacked Liaodong, and the Governor of Liaodong, Cai Fang, led troops to fight, which led to his death. A few days later, the court merged Guangchuan County with Qinghe State. A few days later, Empress Dowager Geng, the wife of the Xiaode Emperor, was posthumously bestowed the title of Grand Lady of Ganling. A few days later, Prince Lecheng, Chang, made an error, was deposed, and demoted to the title of Marquis of Linhu. Afterwards, the court ordered officials of all ranks to recommend individuals of high moral character. At the same time, food was distributed to the widowed, orphaned, and impoverished, each receiving three hu. As a result, the Governor of the vassal state of Liaodong, Pang Fen, forged an edict to execute the Governor of Xuantu, Yao Guang.
In May, Special Envoy Deng Zhong and General Deng Zun were falsely accused and subsequently took their own lives. A few days later, Prince Pingyuan Yi was demoted to Marquis Duxiang.
In July, the era was renamed Jianguang, and a general amnesty was declared. The Grand Commandant Ma Ying passed away.
In August, Ma Xian, the Protector of the Qiang, went to Jincheng to quell the Shaodang Qiang uprising but was unable to achieve victory. A few days later, the former Minister of Works, Liu Kai, was appointed as Grand Commandant. The Xianbei attacked Juyong Pass, and in September, the Governor of Yunzhong, Cheng Yan, went to defend against them, but was killed. The Xianbei besieged the Wuhuan Colonel's troops in Macheng, and General Deng Kui went to rescue. On that day, the Emperor also paid a visit to the residence of the Commandant of the Guards, Feng Shi. That autumn, there was heavy rainfall in the capital and many regions of the country.
In November, many places across the country experienced earthquakes, with some areas even cracking open. The court ordered officials below the rank of Three Dukes to submit reports on the gains and losses of the country. The court also sent a Grand Minister of Ceremonies to investigate the disaster, providing each victim with two thousand coins in aid, exempting them from this year's field rent, and suspending tax collection in severely affected areas. The Xianbei launched another attack on Xuanfu. After a few days, the three-year mourning period for ministers was reinstated. Later, the court ordered officials including the Three Dukes, Grand Masters, Marquises, Ministers, and Colonels to each recommend five talented individuals with strong martial skills who could serve as generals. After a few more days, the court ordered a reduction in field rent for flood-affected areas, scaled according to the severity of the disaster. On this day, the court established a military camp in Yuyang.
In December, Goguryeo, Mahan, and the Mohe tribe joined forces to besiege Xuanfu City, but the King of Buyeo sent his son and local officials to lead troops and defeat them.
In the first month of the first year of Yongguang, the King of Buyeo sent his son with troops to rescue Xuanfu County, and also defeated Goguryeo, Mahan, and the Mohe tribe, sending envoys to pay tribute.
On Gengsi Day, the era name was officially changed to Yongguang, and a general amnesty was declared. Those previously exiled had their household registration and original status restored. Commoners, elders, and filial individuals were each granted a promotion of two ranks; widows, orphans, the disabled, and those unable to support themselves were each rewarded with three measures of grain; chaste women were each rewarded with two pieces of cloth.
On the fourth day of the fourth month, hail fell in the capital and twenty-one counties across the country. On Gengsi Day, the Minister of Works, Chen Bao, was dismissed from office. On Gengxu Day in May, Liu Shou of Pengcheng was appointed as the Minister of Works. On Jisi Day, the state of Lecheng was officially renamed Anping, and the son of the King of Hejian was appointed as the Prince of Anping. In June, locust swarms ravaged the countryside.
On the Gui Mao day in July, there was an earthquake in the capital and thirteen counties nationwide. The kingdom of Goguryeo surrendered. The Qiang people of the Qianren tribe rebelled and attacked Guluocheng. General Geng Kui led his troops to quell the rebellion. On the Wu Zi day in August, there was a fire in the mausoleum of Yangling. On the Xin Mao day, Jiuzhen County reported seeing a yellow dragon, but it proved to be of no real significance. On the Ji Hai day, the emperor issued a decree requiring the three highest-ranking officials, as well as all officials above the rank of 2000 stones, to recommend those who have served with integrity during their tenure of one to ten years, lead by example, are strong in managing affairs, and beneficial to the people as governors, officials of 2000 stones, county magistrates, county chiefs, and county commanders. Governors recommend officials within their jurisdiction, and county governors recommend officials of noble character and dedication, not those who are flashy but lack substance. On the Jia Xu day in September, earthquakes occurred in twenty-seven counties nationwide. In October, the Xianbei invaded Yanmen and Dingxiang. In November, the Xianbei invaded Taiyuan again. Shao Guang, the leader of the Qiang people, surrendered. In December, barbarian tribes outside the borders of Jiuzhen County paid tribute and pledged allegiance to the court. That year, the capital and twenty-seven counties nationwide experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds, resulting in many deaths. The court ordered that for those over seven years old who died from floods or drowning, each person would be rewarded with two thousand coins; for those whose houses collapsed or suffered food losses, each person would be rewarded with three shu of grain; for those whose fields were flooded and damaged, they would be exempt from land rent; if a family was affected and only a small number of people survived, the counties would be tasked with resettling them. The Qiang people of the Qianren tribe rebelled again and attacked Guluocheng, but General Geng Kui led his troops to suppress them. In the spring of the second year of the era, in the first month, the Maoniu tribe revolted, attacked Lingguan, and even killed the county magistrate. The governor of Yizhou and the military commander of western Shu led troops to suppress the rebellion. The court ordered that one proficient individual each in the "Classic of History," "Book of Songs," and "Spring and Autumn Annals" should be selected from three officials and officials from various places. On the Bing Chen day, strong winds swept through Hedong and Yingchuan.
On Renwu Day in June, strong winds swept across eleven prefectures nationwide. Juzhen County reported the auspicious emergence of Jiahe. On Bingshen Day, King Beihai passed away. In July, a landslide occurred in Danyang Mountain. On Gengwu Day in August, the court decreed that any local magistrate who is knowledgeable in the classics and has served for more than three years is eligible for recommendation for promotion. In September, heavy rainfall was reported in five prefectures nationwide. On Xinwei Day in October, Grand Commandant Liu Kai was dismissed. On Jiaxu Day, Minister over the Masses Yang Zhen was promoted to Grand Commandant, and Palace Attendant Liu Xi from Donglai was promoted to Minister over the Masses. On Jiachen Day in November, the Emperor held a hunting event at Shanglin Garden. The Xianbei defeated the Southern Xiongnu at Manbei. That year, the court divided the western region of Shu County and established a commandant for the newly formed dependent territories. The capital and several prefectures across the country experienced earthquakes. On Bingzi Day in the third year AD, the Emperor went on a hunting expedition to the east. On Dingchou Day, the Emperor conducted a sacrificial ceremony for Southern Dong Jun and Emperor Guangwu in Chenliu, exempting the field rent and fodder in Jiyang for this year. On Gengyin Day, the Emperor sent envoys to Chengyang to worship Tang Yao. On Wuzi Day, Jinan reported that a phoenix had landed on a tree in the home of the county magistrate Huo Shou in Taixian. The magistrate received fifty bolts of silk, the county magistrate received twenty bolts, the county lieutenant received ten bolts, and each soldier received three bolts. In areas where the phoenix flew, this year's field rent was waived. At the same time, local men were awarded titles, each receiving a two-rank promotion. On Xinmao Day, the Emperor went to Mount Tai to hold a ceremony in honor of Daizong (Mount Tai). Prince Qi Wuji, Prince Beihai Yi, and Prince Le'an Yan all came to pay their respects to the Emperor. On Renchen Day, the Emperor worshipped the Five Emperors at Wenshang Mingtang. On Guisi Day, the Emperor honored his ancestors and bestowed rewards upon the counties and prefectures, as well as holding a banquet.
On March 1st, King Chen Chong passed away. On March 5th, the Emperor held a sacrificial ceremony for Confucius and his seventy-two disciples at the palace. Officials, relatives from the State of Lu, Confucius' family, women, and students all participated in the ceremony. The Emperor also bestowed silk rewards of varying amounts to officials below the rank of Marquis. After the ceremony, the Emperor traveled to Dongping, passing through Dongzhou, Weizhou, and Henei. On March 9th, the Emperor returned to the capital in his carriage and went to the Imperial Academy. On the same day, the Grand Commandant Yang Zhen was dismissed from his position.
It is said that on April 2nd, the Emperor returned to the palace, first visiting the ancestral temple to pay his respects. On the 7th, reports came in that miraculous rain had fallen in Feng County, Pei State, which was seen as an auspicious sign! On the 11th, Feng Shi was promoted to Grand Commandant, a one-level promotion!
In May, the Left Xian King of the Southern Xiongnu revolted, and the Emperor quickly dispatched Ma Yi to quell the rebellion, which was quickly resolved. The border barbarians also came to pay tribute, reflecting the peace across the realm!
In June, the Xianbei people once again troubled Xuantu County, causing a headache. On the 14th, a landslide struck Langzhong, resulting in significant losses. On the 15th, it was reported in Fufeng County that a white deer was seen, another good omen! On the 17th, the Emperor sent an imperial censor to investigate disasters in Qingzhou and Jizhou while also cracking down on thieves, exemplifying the meticulous governance of the state! On July 7th, the court reinstated the positions of Right School Prefect and Left School Prefect. Chiefs of the southern barbarians also came to the capital to pay tribute, reflecting the prosperity of the era!
Fengyi County has also brought good news, reporting that Pingyang and Yaxian have received the heavenly dew! Meanwhile, Yingchuan County reported the discovery of a double tree! Yangzhai County is even livelier, with sightings of white deer and qilins! This is indeed a string of auspicious signs! However, the Xianbei people have caused trouble in Gaoliu County again, which is quite frustrating! Unfortunately, there's also bad news: Prince Liang Jian has passed away. On the 7th day of the 8th month, Geng Baosheng was promoted to the position of Grand General. On the 11th, Yingchuan County reported yet another sighting in Yangzhai County of a qilin and two white tigers!
On the 7th day of the 9th month, the Emperor deposed the Crown Prince, renaming him Prince Jiying. On the 22nd, the Emperor ordered a reduction of one level of punishment for those sentenced to death in the counties and states, and assigned them to serve in Dunhuang, Longxi, and Duluoying; those with disabilities below the toes and fugitives can buy their freedom, and the details of redemption depend on the circumstances. On the 27th, Jinan reported a sighting of a yellow dragon! At the end of the month, a solar eclipse occurred!
In October, the Emperor went to Chang'an. On the 7th of the 11th month, Xinfeng County reported a phoenix perched at Xijie Pavilion. On the 11th, the Emperor gathered officials from the Three Adjuncts regions in Chang'an for a celebration. On the 27th of the 11th month, the Emperor went to Gaomiao to offer sacrifices, then went to worship eleven tombs, and also visited Shanglin Park and Kunming Pool. He also dispatched people to worship the Supreme Emperor at Wannian Palace, offering the finest sacrifices to Xiao He, Cao Shen, and Huo Guang. On the 2nd day of the 12th month, the Emperor returned from Chang'an.
On the 27th of the 12th month, Langye County also reported a sighting of a yellow dragon! That year, there were a total of 23 earthquakes in the capital and various regions, along with 36 instances of heavy rain, storms, and hailstorms; it was truly a year of disasters!
On the 7th of the 1st month of the following year, Dong County reported sightings of two yellow dragons and a qilin in Puyang County! On the 7th of the 2nd month, Prince Xiaoping Yan passed away. On the 13th, the Emperor embarked on a southern inspection tour.
On the first day of March, a Wuwu day, a solar eclipse occurred. Three days later, on a Gengshen day, the emperor went to Wan County and was not feeling well. The next day, on a Xinyou day, the emperor ordered General Geng Bao to serve as the Grand Commandant. Then, the emperor performed sacrifices at Zhangling Temple and ordered the governors of Changsha and Lingling to make sacrifices to Ding Wang, Jie Hou, and Lord Yulin. After a few days, on a Yichou day, the emperor returned from Wan County. On a Dingmao day, the emperor arrived in Ye County, but tragically died in the carriage at the young age of thirty-two. This news was kept quiet at the time; everyone continued to eat as usual, and when asked about the emperor's condition, they pretended everything was normal. On a Gengwu day, the emperor's body was sent back to the palace. It was not until the evening of a Xinwei day that the news of the emperor's death was officially announced. The Empress was honored as the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager held court, and her brother Yan Xian was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry, involved in planning the succession to the throne in the palace, ultimately deciding to enthrone Liu Yi as the new emperor, the son of Prince Huai of Jibei and grandson of Emperor Zhang. On a Jiaxu day, Prince of Jinan Liu Xiang passed away. On a Yiyu day, Liu Yi was formally enthroned as the new emperor.
On the fourth day of April, a Dingyou day, Feng Shi was appointed as the Grand Tutor, Liu Xi was appointed as the Grand Commandant, and both took part in the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat; Li He, who previously served as Minister of Works, was appointed Minister of the Masses. On a Xinmao day, General Geng Bao, Palace Attendant Fan Feng, Attendant Xie Yun, Zhou Guang, and the emperor's wet nurse Lady Wang Sheng were punished for colluding. Fan Feng, Xie Yun, and Zhou Guang were imprisoned and executed, Geng Bao took his own life, and Wang Sheng was exiled to Yanmen. On a Jiyu day, Emperor Xiao'an was buried in Gongling, with the temple name 'Gongzong.'
On the second day of June, a Yisi day, a general amnesty was announced. The emperor ordered that in the places where the late emperor had traveled, half of this year's land rent would be waived.
In July, Ban Yong, the Chief Historian of the Western Regions, attacked and killed the King of Che Shi. On Bingwu day, the King of the Eastern Sea, Liu Su, passed away. On the third day of October, a landslide occurred at Yuegui Mountain on Bingwu day. On Xinhai day, the Young Emperor passed away. That winter, a severe epidemic broke out in the capital. Historical records note that although Emperor Xiaoan lived in privilege, power lay firmly in the hands of the Deng family, even restricting the Emperor's daily life. Even though he wanted to govern effectively, the loss of power and dwindling prestige ultimately weakened the foundation of his rule and led to the country's decline. He resorted to buying officials with money, causing people to flee and resulting in ongoing disasters. He could only shift the blame to court officials in a bid to appease the anger of the heavens. Although the Empress was virtuous, every family has its own struggles. The praise notes: Emperor An's character was lacking, contributing to the decline of the country's laws; the dismissal of the Crown Prince allowed evil to flourish; Feng Shi flattered and Yang Zhen met an unfortunate end; the former glory is long gone, ultimately leading to the nation's downfall.
