Emperor Gaozong, whose name was Jun, was the eldest son of Emperor Gongzong of Jingmu. His mother was Lady Lu. In June of the first year of Zhenjun, he was born in the Eastern Palace. He was exceptionally intelligent as a child, and Emperor Shizu doted on him, often keeping him close and referring to him as the "heir apparent." When he was five years old, Emperor Shizu went on a northern tour, and the young emperor accompanied him. On the way, they encountered an enemy general who intended to punish a slave. The young emperor addressed the general, saying, "Now that this slave has encountered me, you should let him go." The general complied and freed the slave. When Emperor Shizu heard about this, he said, "Though still a child, he is already contemplating his future as emperor!" and thought he was extraordinary. As he grew older, Emperor Gaozong had a distinctive style. Whenever major political matters arose, he always participated in decision-making and expressed his opinions. On Wushen Day in October of the second year of Zhengping, he ascended the throne at Yong'an Hall, proclaimed himself emperor, granted a general amnesty, and changed the era name.
In the winter of the first year of Xing'an, in October, Emperor Gaozong appointed Cavalry General Yuan Shoule as Grand Chancellor, Commander of Military Affairs both domestically and abroad, and Registrar of the Ministry of Personnel Affairs; Grand Secretary Changsun Kehou was appointed as Grand Secretary and additionally granted the title of Minister of the Three Departments. After eleven months, on the day of Bingzi, these two individuals were both sentenced to death for their power struggle. On the day of Guiwei, Prince Guangyang Jian and Prince Linhuai Tan died one after another. On the day of Jiachen, the Empress Dowager passed away. Grand Marshal Zhang Li and Minister of Engineering Gu Bi were demoted to high-ranking officials in remote provinces for their disagreement with the Emperor. General Pingnan, Lord Zhou Niu, was granted the title of King of Leling, and Minister of the South, Lord Lu Li, was granted the title of King of Pingyuan, while all civil and military officials were all elevated by one rank. On the day of Renyin, the late Crown Prince Jingmu was posthumously revered as Emperor Jingmu, and the Empress Dowager was posthumously honored as Empress Gong; the Empress Dowager's mother, Lady Chang, was honored as Dowager Empress. King Jingwen of Longxi rebelled against the Emperor, and the Emperor ordered General Tongwan, Prince Nanyang Huishou, to suppress the rebellion. On the day of Wushen in the twelfth month, Empress Gong was buried in Jinling. On the day of Yimao, the court restored Buddhism. On the day of Dingsi, King Zhou Niu of Leling was appointed as Grand Marshal, King Lu Li of Pingyuan as Minister of Engineering, and General Du Yuanbao of Zhenxi as Minister of Engineering. Both Ba Da Kingdom and Sha Lie Kingdom sent envoys to pay their respects. On the day of Wuyin, Duke Jianye Lu Si was granted the title of King of Dongping, and Duke Guangping Du Yi was also granted the title of king. On the day of Guihai, in response to a locust disaster in Yingzhou, the Emperor ordered the granaries to be opened to distribute grain to relieve the disaster victims. On the day of Jiazi, Grand Marshal King Zhou Niu of Leling committed a crime and was sentenced to death. Duke Puyang Lu Ruowen was conferred the title of king.
On the eighth day of the first month in the year 454, Du Yuanbao was promoted and granted the title of King of Jingzhao. Unfortunately, King Guangping Du Yi passed away. On the same day, Liu Ni was also promoted and became a king, with the title of King of Dong'an. Additionally, the son of King Jianing, Chong, also received a grant and was titled King of Jinan. On the thirteenth day of the first month, the court issued an order for the citizens and the government to jointly pay a tax of fifteen. On the sixteenth day of the first month, Yuan He was also promoted and granted the title of King of Xiping.
On the sixth day of the second month, Duke Du Yuanbao of Jingzhao rebelled and was killed. As a result of Du Yuanbao's rebellion, Prince Chong of Jianing and his son Prince Li were also executed. On the eleventh day of the second month, the court dispatched five thousand men to construct the Tianyuan Pool. In that month, Liu Jun, the son of Liu Yilong, killed his father and took the throne in his place.
On the eighth day of the third month, the court honored Empress Dowager Bao as the Empress Dowager. Duke Lu Hupi of Anfeng was appointed as the King of Hejian. On the eleventh day of the third month, an envoy from the country of Shule came to pay tribute. On the tenth day of the fifth month, the emperor visited Mount Guo. On the sixteenth day of the fifth month, the emperor returned to the palace. That month, Liu Shao, Liu Jun's brother, killed Liu Jun and took the throne himself. On the twenty-ninth day of the intercalary month, Empress Dowager Helian passed away.
In the autumn of a certain year, on the Xinhai day of the seventh month, the emperor went to inspect Yinshan. Consequently, Prince Lu Ruowen of Puyang and General Ren of Yongchang rebelled. On the Yichou day of the seventh month, the emperor ordered Ren's execution in Chang'an, and Lu Ruowen was also executed. On the Jisi day of the seventh month, the emperor returned to the palace. That month, they also constructed a horse shooting platform in the southern suburbs.
On the Xinyou day of the eighth month, envoys from the country of Kapantho came to offer tribute. On the Wuxu day, the emperor proclaimed, "As someone humble, I have inherited the great achievements of my ancestors, and I am worried that I might not be able to show kindness, rule with compassion, and bring stability to the world. That's why I work diligently day and night, being cautious and careful, as if walking on a cliff's edge. However, since I ascended the throne, the people have enjoyed peace and prosperity, the weather has been favorable, the borders have been peaceful, and auspicious signs have been abundant. Furthermore, I found a small jade seal about the size of a square inch, engraved with the words 'Longevity for descendants.' All the courtiers exclaimed, 'How wonderful!' How could I have accomplished all this alone? This is all thanks to the blessings of heaven, earth, and our ancestors! I want to share this joy with everyone across the nation, so I hereby decree that the common people may celebrate joyfully for three days, and all criminals sentenced to death will have their penalties reduced by one level."
On the Renzi day in September, the emperor reviewed the army in the southern outskirts. In the winter, on the Xinyou day in November, the emperor went to Xindu and Zhongshan to inspect and learn about the local customs. In December, the emperor executed those involved in bandit activities in Hejian's Mao County, pardoning all males under fifteen and rewarding his followers with different amounts. On the Jiawu day in December, the emperor returned to the palace. More than ten countries, including the Khitan kingdom and Jibin, sent envoys to pay tribute. The emperor also restored the title of Wang to Changsun Dun, the Duke of Northern Ping.
In the first year of Xingguang, on the Yichou day of the first month in spring, the emperor appointed Shi Zhong and Duke Yi of Henan as Sikong. On the Jiawu day in February, the emperor went to the Daoist altar and received a Taoist talisman; after the ceremony, the emperor granted amnesty to the capital city, rewarding his ministers with varying amounts. In the summer, on the Bingyin day in June, the emperor went to inspect the Yinshan area.
On the Gengzi day in July, Prince Hong was born into the royal family. The next day, on the Xinchou day, the emperor granted amnesty to the realm and changed the era name. On the Jiaxu day in early August, Prince Zhao Shen passed away. The next day, on the Yihai day, the emperor's carriage made its way back to the palace. On the Yichou day in November, Uncle Hu Tou and Long Tou also passed away.
On the Gengshen day in September, the Khitan kingdom sent tribute horses, one of which had a single horn resembling a unicorn! This month, the palace shut the city gates for three days, conducting a massive search operation that captured several hundred criminals and fugitives.
In November, General Fang Zhang from Beizhen defeated the Rouran tribes, captured their leaders Douhun and Ju, and seized more than a thousand horses. On the Wuxu day, the emperor visited Zhongshan for leisure and then went to Xindu. On the Bingzi day in December, the emperor traveled to Lingqiu and stayed at the Wenspring Palace. On the Gengchen day, the emperor's carriage finally made its way back to the palace. Oh, and envoys from foreign nations, including the Chiman state, also arrived to pay tribute.
In the first month of the first year of the Tai'an era, on the Xinyou day, the emperor enshrined the ancestral tablets of the two emperors, Shizu and Gongzong, in the ancestral temple. On the same day, the Grand General Prince Le Ping was convicted of a crime and executed. On the Guiwei day in the second month, the King of Wuchang passed away. On the Jihai day in the third month, the emperor issued a decree saying: "Today, we have enshrined the ancestral tablets of the two emperors, Shizu and Gongzong, in the ancestral temple and conducted a sacrifice to the gods in the Western Park. To celebrate this joyous occasion, I have granted rewards to all officials. However, those who have committed crimes will still face execution. This isn’t a good way to govern with virtue or show compassion to the people. The teachings of the sages begin with the people closest to them. Even King Wen of Zhou, who was known for his wisdom, strictly disciplined his wife and brothers to govern the country. Since teaching should start with those closest to us, so should kindness! So, I’m granting a pardon to all criminals in the capital who are facing the death penalty."
On the 29th day of the 6th month, the emperor named the prince Hong and granted amnesty to the capital, and changed the era name. On the 30th day, the emperor issued a decree saying, "To govern the country, official positions should be established based on the actual circumstances, and talented individuals should be selected to take up positions. Only then can harmony be achieved between the upper and lower classes, and the common people will not have grievances. If the official positions are not appropriate, corrupt and evil individuals will prevail, resulting in the decline of government authority and a deteriorating society. In order to ensure the country's prosperity, officials must be carefully assessed; demotions and executions should be carried out as necessary. Now, I am sending thirty officials, led by the chief secretary Mu Fuzhen, to investigate local customs and public sentiment in various regions. If they find that in a certain place, farmers are not cultivating the land and fields are barren, it indicates that the labor duties are too burdensome and the people are too exhausted to work; if the elderly are eating wild vegetables to stave off hunger, and the young have no clothes to wear, it indicates that taxes are too burdensome and the people are left with no money; if villages are empty and people are fleeing, it indicates that the government's pacification work is not well done and the people do not feel the benefits; if thieves are rampant and robbery is continuous, it indicates that the deterrent power of the law is insufficient; if grievances are widespread and complaints are everywhere, good people are hiding and corrupt and evil individuals are in power, it indicates that the law is chaotic and politics are dark. In such cases, severe punishment is warranted. Officials who govern well should be commended and rewarded. If someone is wronged and is unable to appeal, they can go to the inspectors to file a complaint, and the inspectors must conduct a thorough investigation. If the inspectors determine that it was a false accusation, they must punish the accuser. If the inspectors engage in corruption, accept bribes, or pervert the law, complaints can be made to the court. Those who are unfilial, disrespectful to their parents and elders, corrupt in office, and those who are thieves, must be recorded and reported to the court. If anyone shelters these criminals, they will face punishment for harboring criminals." This month, the country of Zheyi sent envoys to pay tribute. On the 23rd day, the emperor went hunting at Dunishi Mountain. On the 1st day of the 7th month, the emperor returned to the palace.
In a certain year of the Common Era, on the Bingchen day of July, the emperor made an inspection tour to Hexi. In August, on the Dinghai day, he returned to the palace. In simple terms, the emperor went on a tour to Hexi and then came back. During this time, in October, emissaries from Persia and Shule came to pay tribute, which was a diplomatic highlight. The emperor also promoted and raised the salary of Gongchang Ying from Liaoxi, appointing him as the Grand Chancellor and elevating him to the rank of king, a guaranteed way to rise in rank and wealth.
The following year, in the Yimao month, the emperor established Feng as the empress. In February, on the Dingsi day, he also named his son Hong as the crown prince and granted a general amnesty, sparking celebrations across the nation! However, the good times were short-lived; thousands of households from the Dingling tribe fled to Jingxing Mountain and turned into bandits. The emperor dispatched Xu Zongzhi, the governor of Dingzhou, and Qi Fochenglong, the governor of Bingzhou, to take down the bandits. By summer, in June, a conspiracy by palace guards Yu Pan, Yuan Ti, and others was uncovered, and they were all executed.
In autumn, on the Jiashen day in August, the emperor went hunting in Hexi again. This month, General Pingxi, Wei Juan of Yuyang, defeated Yiyu and returned home with a bounty of spoils. In September, on the Xinsi day, Gong Lupi of Hedong and Gong Luhe of Lingling were made kings.
In October, on the Jiashen day, the emperor was back in the palace. On the Jiwu day, the emperor issued a special pardon for the capital's residents. In November, Wang Yuanhe of Xiping was reappointed as Wang of Longxi, and the shuffling of official positions was routine. At this time, Yeda and Pulang also sent envoys to pay their respects, and the diplomatic situation was very favorable. Additionally, Jiang Longju, the governor of Puyang under Liu Jun, and Yang Bolun, the governor of Xinping, surrendered along with their followers and the local populace to the court.
In the third year, on the first day of the lunar new year, the emperor went hunting in Guo Mountain. On the fifth day, he returned to the palace. The Sogdian and Yutian kingdoms also sent envoys to pay tribute. The emperor also transferred the Prefect of Yuyang, Juan, to the court, appointed him as Grand Commander, and elevated him to the rank of prince, allowing him to handle the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel. On the fifth day of the fifth month, the emperor went hunting in Song Mountain again and returned to the palace on the sixth day. The emperor also conferred the title of Prince of Yangping to his brother, who had just been elevated. On the second day of the sixth month, the emperor went to inspect Yin Mountain. In August, the emperor hunted north of Yin Mountain and returned to the palace on the ninth day.
In the winter month of October, the emperor planned to inspect the eastern regions, so he ordered the Grand Chancellor Chang Ying to build a temporary palace in Huang Mountain, Liaoxi. In November, King Wenhu Long of the barbarians brought thousands of households to submit. In December, due to severe locust plagues in various places, the people were starving, so the emperor ordered opening the granaries to relieve the disaster victims. This month, more than fifty countries, including Yutian and Fuyu, sent envoys to pay tribute, a truly prosperous and peaceful time for the nation!
In a certain year, on the first day of the first month of spring, the emperor decreed a ban on alcohol consumption. A few days later, the emperor visited the Guangning Hot Spring Palace for relaxation, then toured east to Pingzhou. A few days later, he arrived at Huang Mountain Palace in Liaoxi, where he spent several days there and personally met with some elderly locals to understand their hardships.
On a certain day in February, the emperor ascended Jieshi Mountain, looked out at the sea, and held a banquet at the foot of the mountain to host his officials, rewarding them with titles according to their merits. The emperor also renamed Jieshi Mountain as Leyou Mountain and erected a monument by the sea to commemorate the journey. Afterwards, the emperor traveled south to Xindu, hunting and having fun in the Guangchuan area.
On a certain day in March, the emperor watched a polo game in Zhongshan. All the states and counties the emperor passed through were granted a year's tax exemption. Afterwards, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace, and construction on Taihua Palace began. During this period, King Lu Si of Dongping passed away.
One day in May, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Since I ascended the throne, I have issued decrees multiple times to reduce taxes, simplify burdensome regulations, and abolish unnecessary measures, hoping that the people can live and work in peace. However, many local officials have not been able to carry out my will properly, being greedy and pocketing public funds, leading to insufficient tax collection, yet they make up all sorts of excuses to blame the people. To avoid punishment, they don’t even try to hold back. The state’s tax system has always been lenient, and in recent years, miscellaneous taxes have also been greatly reduced, yet there are still cases of tax arrears in various places, not due to the officials' diligence, but because of their corruption. From now on, if the long-term insufficient tax collection leads to the people being unable to live and work in peace, those local officials will be sentenced to death! I want everyone to know my resolve!"
In June, the emperor went hunting in Songshan.
In July, the emperor went on an inspection tour in Hexi. In September, the emperor returned to the palace. The Taihua Hall was finished. Then, the emperor hosted a banquet for the officials and ordered a general amnesty for the world.
In October, the emperor made a northern tour, reaching Yanshan, where he found that some ancient tombs were damaged, so he issued a decree stating: "In ancient times, King Wen of the Zhou buried the bones thickly, and all the people in the world submitted to him, reflecting benevolence and righteousness. From now on, anyone who damages tombs will be executed!" At the same time, Liu Jun sent Yin Xiaozu to build two cities east of Qingshui, and the emperor ordered General Zhenxi and others to mobilize troops against them. The emperor's carriage reached Wheel Mountain, where he piled stones and set up a monument to commemorate the event. In November, the emperor ordered the mobilization of General Pi Baozi and two other generals, leading thirty thousand cavalry to assist in the attack against Yin Xiaozu. The emperor's carriage crossed the desert, and the Wuru people were scared stiff and ran away, with tribal leaders Wuzhu He Tui and Ku Shitui leading their people to surrender. In December, General Zhengdong and Tuo Zhen, the King of Zhongshan, passed away.
In a certain year, during the Common Era, on the first day of spring, General Pibaozi led troops to attack Gaoping, achieving a great victory and killing over five thousand enemy soldiers. In the second month, Duke Yi died. In the third month, the capital city granted amnesty to all criminals sentenced to less than death. Several months later, in the fourth month, the emperor granted titles to royal descendants as Kings of Jingzhao. In the fifth month, emissaries from Juchang State came to pay tribute. In the sixth month, the emperor visited Yingshan. In the ninth month, the emperor issued a decree declaring, "Reward those who merit it, punish those who are guilty; this is a timeless principle that has persisted through the ages. Those local officials who embezzle public funds and line their own pockets, failing to collect taxes properly, will still be held accountable for their past misdeeds and punished according to the law. However, if supervising officials fail to fulfill their duties of oversight and correction promptly, allowing the guilty to evade justice while the innocent suffer, this fosters corruption and breeds greed and tyranny. How can this be justified as punishment meant to correct the world? From now on, all officials must adhere strictly to regulations, rewarding the meritorious and punishing the guilty without leniency, differentiating between the capable and the incapable, with clear distinctions between rewards and punishments. Supervising officials must establish clear rules and regulations to serve as future guidelines." That winter, Li Bao died. In December, the emperor issued another decree, declaring, "I have inherited my ancestors' legacy, ruling over the people of the world, seeking to restore a stable political environment and ensure the people live in peace and contentment. Therefore, taxes and labor services will be reduced, hoping the people can live comfortably without lacking food or clothing. However, regions such as Liuzhen, Yunchuan, Gaoping, Eryong, and Qinzhou have faced drought, leading to failed harvests. Therefore, the granaries will be opened to assist those affected by the disaster, to facilitate the return of the displaced to their homes. Furthermore, food will be sourced from other regions, and trade routes between nearby counties and counties near the passes will be established. If supervising officials neglect their duties, preventing the emperor's benevolence from reaching the people and causing them hardship, they will face severe punishment."
In the first year of the era of peace, on the first day of the first month, a general pardon was declared and the era name was changed. On this day, the emperor sent Feng Chan to meet Liu Jun. In the second month, Prince Liang of Le'an led the armies from Dongyong, Tujing, Liubi, and other regions to advance westward into Hexi, while General Pibaozi led the Hexi armies to march southward towards Shilou to quell the Hu rebels in Hexi.
In a certain year of our Lord, on the day of Wuxu in the fourth month, the Empress Dowager Changshi passed away in Shou'an Palace. On the day of Guiyou in the fifth month, the Empress Dowager was buried at Mingji Mountain in Guangning. On the day of Jiawu in the sixth month, the emperor ordered General Xin Cheng, the Grand General of the West, to lead the armies from places like Wanzhou and Gaoping to depart from the southern front, while Duke of Nanjun Li Hui and others led the troops from Liangzhou to depart from the northern front to jointly confront the Tuyuhun leader, Shiyin. After Cui Hao's death, the position of historian remained abolished until now. The rebellious Hu from Hexi came to Chang'an to plead guilty, and the emperor sent envoys to comfort them.
On the Yichou day of the seventh month, Liu Jun sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Renwu in the seventh month, the emperor toured Hexi. In the eighth month, the western expedition army arrived at Xiping, where Shiyin took refuge in the Nanshan Mountains. In the ninth month, the army crossed the Yellow River in pursuit but encountered miasma, causing many soldiers to fall ill, so they had to retreat to the capital; however, they captured over twenty thousand livestock during the campaign. On the day of Gengwu in the ninth month, the emperor returned to the palace in his carriage.
In the tenth month, Prince Juchang presented three trained elephants. In the eleventh month, the emperor ordered the Cavalry Attendant Lu Dushi and the Assistant Minister Zhu Anxing to undertake a mission to Liu Jun.
On the day of Yiyou in the first month of the second year, the emperor issued a decree stating: "The inspector is responsible for managing the people and is the fatherly official from thousands of miles away. Recently, every time taxes are levied, the people are being forced to borrow money, while wealthy merchants are exploiting the situation to hike prices and rake in exorbitant profits, making ten times their investment in just ten days to two weeks. Officials at all levels are colluding to share in this ill-gotten wealth. As a result, the common people are impoverished and struggling to meet their basic needs; meanwhile, wealthy families are becoming increasingly rich, accumulating wealth. This is the most serious flaw in governing the country. All of these actions are strictly forbidden, and those who violate this rule will be executed if they possess more than ten bolts of cloth. This order will be made public for everyone to know." On the day of Xinyou in the second month, the emperor toured Zhongshan. On the day of Bingwu in the second month, he arrived at Ye City and then proceeded to Xindu for another inspection. In March, Liu Jun sent envoys to pay tribute again. Wherever the emperor went, he personally met with elders to ask about the people's hardships. The emperor decreed that anyone over eighty with at least one son would be exempt from military service. To the south of Lingqiu, there's a mountain over four hundred zhang tall. The emperor commanded his officials to shoot arrows at the mountain peak, but no one managed to hit the peak. The emperor took up his bow and shot an arrow that flew over thirty zhang, surpassing the mountain by two hundred and twenty steps, and then he carved an inscription into a stone. This month, the emperor drafted five thousand men from Bingzhou and Sizhou to fix up the hunting roads in Hexi. On the day of Xinsi in March, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace. On the day of Yiyu in April, Lu Pi, the Minister of the Interior, General of the Eastern Campaign, and King of Hedong, passed away. On the day of Guiwei in May, the emperor ordered Ministers Huang Lutou and Li Fu to evaluate the situation in each state.
In July, on the Wu Yin day, the emperor bestowed the title of King of Jiyin upon his younger brother Xiaoxin and also appointed him as the General of the Eastern Expedition, sending him to guard Pingyuan; Tian Ci was granted the title of King of Ruyin and appointed as the General of the Southern Expedition, stationed in Hulao; Wan Shou was granted the title of King of Lelang and appointed as the General of the Northern Expedition, stationed in Helong; and Luo Hou was granted the title of King of Guangping. On the Ren Wu day, the emperor commenced his inspection of the northern mountainous regions. In August, on the Wu Chen day, the Persian Empire sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Ding Chou day, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace.
In October, the emperor issued an edict, sending the official You Minggen, a Senior Attendant of the Imperial Court, along with Yuangweilang Changyi Hou and Tiande to Liu Jun as envoys. In Shenze County of Boling and Shuzhou County of Zhangwu, there were incidents where bandits killed the county magistrates, and the state’s military later quelled these uprisings. Unfortunately, King Luo Hou of Guangping passed away.
On the Ren Wu day in the first month of the third year, the emperor appointed Yi Hun, the General of Chariots and Cavalry and Duke of Dongjun, as King of Taiyuan. On the Gui Wei day, King Wan Shou of Lelang passed away. In February, on the Gui You day, the emperor went on a hunting expedition at Guoshan and then went to Xuanhong Pond to watch fishermen at work. In March, on the Jia Shen day, Liu Jun sent envoys to pay tribute. Countries including Goguryeo, Xiwang, Qie Nie, Si Yan Yu Shi, Shule, Shi Na, Xi Ju Ban, and Ke Pan Ta also sent envoys to pay tribute. In June, on the Geng Shen day, the emperor conducted an inspection tour of Yin Mountain. The emperor ordered General Lu Zhen to campaign against the rebellious Di people led by Qiu Nuo Tan in Yongzhou, ultimately suppressing the rebellion.
In July, on the Ren Yin day, the emperor journeyed to the Hexi region. In September, on the Ren Chen day, the General of the Western Expedition, King Su of Changshan, passed away.
On the Bingchen day in October, the emperor issued a decree saying, "I have inherited my ancestors' legacy and now lead all nations, sitting in the palace managing government affairs, delegating power to various departments, in hopes of establishing a transparent and just political system to bring peace to the realm. The flourishing of the ancient Three Dynasties was due to their respect for the wisdom of the elders. Nowadays, in selecting officials, many do not adhere to qualifications, pushing experienced individuals to the back while newcomers are placed in front. How can this possibly align with ethical standards? When selecting officials in various departments, priority should be given to those experienced and capable old officials." This month, the emperor issued another decree sending the external courtiers You Minggen, Changyi Hou, and Tiande to Liu Jun as envoys. On the Renyin day in November, the emperor returned to the palace. On the Yimao day in December, the emperor devised over ten military strategies. A grand Nuo ceremony was then held to display the military might, featuring auspicious signs like flying dragons, soaring serpents, and beautiful fish. On the Wuwu day, Prince Lu of Lingling passed away. In the spring of the fourth year AD, on the Yiwu day in March, the emperor provided food from the Tai Guan to the citizens over seventy in the capital, which they could enjoy until the year's end. Prince Huren passed away and was posthumously granted the title of Prince of Leling. On the Yisi day, the emperor issued a decree saying, "I adhere to my ancestors' rules and establish various official positions to promote education and ensure the people's peace and well-being. However, those officials entrusted with significant responsibilities by the court must hold themselves to high standards, exerting all their efforts to strive to reduce taxes and labor burdens so that soldiers and citizens can lead easier lives, with harmonious families and prosperity. Currently, officials from various departments, prefectures, and counties often withhold resources and compel soldiers and citizens to labor in various ways. From now on, anyone who unlawfully conscripts labor, coerces citizens into work, or violates regulations will face legal consequences!"
On the Guihai day in April, the emperor went to Xiyuan to hunt and personally shot and killed three old tigers. On the Renchen day in May, the attendant, Prince Wei Juan of Yujian, passed away. On the Renyin day, the emperor went on an outing to Yingshan.
On the Renwu day in July, the emperor issued a decree saying, "Every autumn, I will use my free time to have the ministers drill the army in the Pyongyang area. Every time we go, we have to build palaces and altars, which is costly and burdensome for the people. Let's stick to the old rules; why bother to change?" On the Bingyin day in August, the emperor went hunting in Hexi. The emperor issued another decree saying, "I hunt according to the season, but the officials who follow me kill excessively, not only killing all the prey but also violating the rules of hunting. I order the officials and officers in charge of hunting to stop killing indiscriminately immediately. The meat from the hunt will be distributed separately." On the Renshen day, the emperor issued another decree saying, "In the past, because the people suffered from hunger and cold and couldn't help themselves, some people resorted to selling their children. I ordered them to return home. However, some people abused their power or privately sought favors, sheltering each other, and did not investigate in a timely manner, resulting in respectable young men and women still becoming slaves. Now, I will thoroughly investigate this matter; no ransoms will be permitted, and those who violate will be severely punished. If they still do not be returned in a timely manner, their parents and siblings are allowed to appeal, and they will be punished according to the crime of trafficking in human beings." On the Xinsi day in September, the emperor returned to the palace.
In the winter of October, severe frost hit Dingzhou and Xiangzhou, and the crops all died. The emperor waived the land rent for the people, truly a benevolent emperor! This month, the emperor also sent the External Cavalier Attendant You Minggen, the Valiant Cavalry General, Lou Neijin, and the General of Ning Shuo, Li Wulin, to Liu Jun's place to attend to affairs.
On a day in December of the year of the Ox, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Different statuses and ranks naturally require different rituals and rules, to distinguish social ranks and set a standard. Nowadays, many people do not follow the proper customs for significant events such as funerals and weddings. Those who are wealthy and powerful are particularly extravagant and wasteful, demonstrating a complete disregard for established norms. The relevant authorities should promptly establish regulations to differentiate the rich from the poor and maintain order between the upper and lower classes, and then write it into law." The next day, on the day of the Tiger, the emperor issued another decree, saying: "Marriage is the beginning of human relationships, so the husband-wife relationship is the cornerstone of the three cardinal guides and five constant virtues, and this is the most important aspect of rituals. There should be clear regulations regarding social status and hierarchy. However, in recent generations, many nobles have not followed the rules; some for wealth, others for personal feelings, carelessly mingling without regard for social compatibility, resulting in a blurring of distinctions between rich and poor, mixing good and bad, corrupting societal values. This is unacceptable! From now on, royal families, teachers, nobles, and common people must not intermarry with craftsmen, artists, and families of low status. Anyone who violates this will be punished!"
On the day of the Pig in the fifth year, the emperor granted his brother the title of King of Rencheng. In February, due to the pestilence and floods that affected fourteen provinces the previous year, the emperor ordered the granaries to be opened to provide relief to the disaster victims.
In April, on the day of the Rabbit, Duke Li Jun of Dunqiu was promoted to king. In the intercalary month of the Rat, due to drought, the emperor reduced his meals as a form of self-restraint. That night, a heavy rain fell from the heavens.
In May, on the day of the Monkey, Liu Jun died, and his son Liu Ziye usurped the throne and became emperor. In June, on the day of the Pig, the emperor went to take in the sights of Yanshan.
In July, on the day of the Ox, the northern army faced a significant defeat by the Ruanruan. On the day of the Tiger, the emperor visited Hexi again. In September, on the day of the Ox, the emperor returned to the palace.
In October, King Sima Chu of Langya died. In December, King Yang Nandang of South Qin also died. The kingdom of Tuhuluo sent envoys to offer tribute.
In the sixth year of his reign, in the first month of the Bing Shen year, the emperor issued a decree of amnesty throughout the country. In the second month of Ding Chou, the emperor visited Loufan Palace for a leisure trip. The countries of Goryeo, Xi Wang, and Duiman sent envoys to pay their respects. In the third month of Wu Xu, Tuyuhun Quan, the governor of Xiangzhou and prince of Xiping, passed away. On the day of Yi Si, the emperor returned to the palace.
In April, the country of Luona sent sweat-blooded horses, and the country of Pulan presented a treasure sword. What a string of joyous events! However, on the Gui Mao day in May, the emperor passed away in Taihua Hall. He was only twenty-six years old that year, which was truly a tragedy.
In June, the emperor was posthumously named Emperor Wencheng, with the temple name of Gaozong. In August, he was buried in Jinling in Yunzhong.
What do the history books say? Well, let's say it this way: although this Emperor Shizu waged wars everywhere and conquered many territories, the country actually drained a lot of resources domestically. Back then, the country was in chaos, with problems everywhere and the court in a state of unrest. After Emperor Gaozong took office, the situation improved significantly. He was calm and composed, drawing on his prestige and benevolence to gradually appease both internal and external affairs, governing the country with order. Had he not been intelligent, wise, and dedicated to the people, how could he have accomplished all this? He was undoubtedly a great emperor!
