Emperor Gaozu, named Yang Yong, with the courtesy name Ni Luotu, was the fourth son of Emperor Taizu, his grandfather. His mother was Empress Chinu. He was born in 543 AD in Tongzhou, and it is said that divine light illuminated the house at that time! From a young age, he was filial, sensible, clever, and astute, demonstrating significant leadership potential. His grandfather, Emperor Taizu, felt he was extraordinary and said, "The one who can fulfill my wishes must be this child!" At the age of twelve, he was conferred the title of Duke of Fucheng. Later, when Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he appointed him as a general and sent him to guard Tongzhou. When Emperor Shizong ascended the throne, Yang Yong was promoted again, becoming Grand General and concurrently serving as the military governor and the governor of Puzhou.
In 550 AD, Yang Yong returned to the capital and was appointed Grand Minister of Works, responsible for the repairs of the palace, and was also granted the title of Duke of Lu, overseeing ancestral temple sacrifices. Emperor Shizong particularly favored him, involving him in many significant court decisions. He was calm and had great foresight; he generally didn’t express his opinions unless asked. Emperor Shizong often remarked, "This person, when he doesn’t speak, it’s fine; but when he does, he gets right to the point!"
In April of 551 AD, during the summer, Emperor Shizong passed away, leaving a final decree to bequeath the throne to Yang Yong. Yang Yong repeatedly declined, but all the officials urged him to accept, and he finally agreed. On the seventh day of the fifth lunar month, he officially ascended the throne as emperor and ordered a general amnesty. That same winter, he also ordered the construction of the Lumon and Yingmen. In the same year, Gao Yan, the King of Changshan in Northern Qi, deposed his emperor, Yinxiaozu, and proclaimed himself as emperor, taking the title Emperor Xiaozhao of Northern Qi.
In the first month of the first year of Baoding, on the day of Wushen (exact date), the emperor issued an edict stating: "The four seasons flow swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, another new year has arrived. Changing the era name is a significant matter of state, and I sincerely adhere to the teachings of my ancestors. I have decided to change the third year of Wucheng to the first year of Baoding. Since the era name has been changed, we must bestow grace; therefore, all civil and military officials will be promoted by four ranks." He then appointed Hu, the Grand Chancellor and Duke of Jin, as the commander of military affairs both within and beyond the realm, and ordered the five ministries to comply with the directives of the Minister of Heaven.
On the Gengxu day (specific date), the emperor conducted a sacrifice at the Circular Mound; on the Renzi day (specific date), he performed a sacrifice at the Square Altar; on the Jiayin day (specific date), he held a sacrifice to the God of Birth at the southern suburb; on the Yimao day (specific date), he sacrificed to the Great God of the Land. On the Xinyou day (specific date), envoys from the Turkic tribes presented local specialties as tribute. On the Wuchen day (specific date), the emperor issued an edict stating: "The rise and fall of the nation depend entirely on the empress; the success or failure of the dynasty rests with the chancellor. King Wen of Zhou, with his extraordinary wisdom, assisted the Zhou dynasty and established the Six Classics, allowing the prosperous era of the Zhou dynasty to last for seven hundred years. Since then, successive rulers have failed to inherit King Wen's legacy, preventing the Zhou dynasty's prosperity from lasting a thousand years, and the virtuous customs of the Zhou dynasty have not been carried on to future generations. Our founding emperor, Emperor Wen, upheld principles of purity and harmony, possessed innate talent, whose virtues were in harmony with those of the Heavenly Emperor, and his achievements could be compared to the creation of the world. Thus, he was able to overcome the shortcomings of later times, follow the statutes of the Zhou dynasty, and establish the bureaucratic system, ensuring its completeness and effectiveness. This is akin to the rebuilding of the cosmos; how could it merely be compared to the grand statutes of emperors? After inheriting the great authority, I wish to promote and expand his achievements. Now, these ceremonial systems can be implemented in the shrine of our founding emperor." On the Jisi day (specific date), the emperor conducted a sacrificial ceremony at the ancestral temple and formally implemented the Six Offices system established by the founding emperor. On the Guiyou day (specific date), the Tuyuhun and Gaochang also sent envoys to present local specialties as tribute. On the Jiaxu day (specific date), the emperor issued an edict stating that all veterans over sixty who had served in wars, as well as civilians over seventy, would be exempt from corvée labor and were granted official positions. On the Yihai day (specific date), the emperor personally tilled the designated fields. On the Bingzi day (specific date), an archery contest took place at the Zhengwu Hall, and various officials were rewarded differently.
On the day of the己卯 in February (specific date), the emperor dispatched special envoys to inspect the entire country; Taozhou was established in Taoyang. On the甲午 day (specific date), the emperor held a morning ceremony in the eastern outskirts. On the乙未 day (specific date), both the Turks and the Dangchang sent envoys to pay tribute with local specialties. On the丙午 day (specific date), the emperor streamlined the royal procession and canceled all entertainment performances. The Hongnong Prefecture reported sightings of a nine-tailed fox.
On the丙寅 day in March (specific date), the emperor ordered the transformation of the eight Ding soldiers into twelve Ding soldiers, with a service period of one month each year.
On the first day of April, which was the丙子 day, a solar eclipse occurred. On the庚寅 day, the minor minister Wu Gong Weichi Gang was appointed Grand Minister of Works. On the丁酉 day, the kingdom of Bailan sent envoys to pay tribute with rhinoceros hide armor and iron armor.
On the丙午 day in May (specific date), Kang, the son of Emperor Xiaomin, was granted the title of Duke of Jiguo, and the prince Yun was granted the title of Duke of Lu. Duke Jin presented a piece of jade. On the戊辰 day, both the Turks and Kucha sent envoys to pay tribute with a variety of items.
On the乙酉 day in June, officials Zhi Yuzheng, Yin Bu Hai, and others were dispatched to the state of Chen.
On the戊申 day in July, the emperor issued a decree stating, “The drought has persisted for a long time, and the crops have withered. Is there a problem with the management of prisons, and are the punishments unjust? All prisoners sentenced to less than death and more than one year will have their charges reduced by one level; all punishments of less than one hundred lashes will be pardoned!” A new currency, called “Buquan,” was then minted, with one Buquan equal to five Wuzhu coins, and both currencies circulated simultaneously.
On the己酉 day, the emperor posthumously honored his uncle Hao with the title Duke of Shao, with Duke Jin’s son Jiangling Gonghui as the heir; posthumously honored his second uncle Lian as the Duke of Qi, with Yongchang Gongliang, the son of Zhangwu Xiaogong, as the heir; posthumously honored his third uncle Luosheng as the Duke of Ju, with Duke Jin’s son Chongye Gongzhi as the heir; and posthumously honored Wuyi Gongzhen as the Duke of Song, with the son of Shizong as his heir; all these titles were hereditary. On the己巳 day, the planet Mars entered the Yugu constellation, committing the offense of the star associated with accumulated corpses.
On the Jiachen day in September, the Nanning Prefecture sent envoys to offer tribute of Dian horses and armor crafted in Shu. On the Yisi day, a comet appeared in the Wing constellation.
On the Jiaxu day in October, a solar eclipse occurred. On the Wuyin day, the planet Mars transited the general star in the Taiwei courtyard, and the two aligned.
On the Yisi day in November, Grand General Duke Wei Guo was appointed Governor of Yongzhou. The Chen state sent envoys to pay homage. Duke Dou Chi of Zhu Guo was promoted to Duke of Deng. On the Dingsi day, the emperor hunted in Qiyang. This month, Emperor Xiao Zhao of Qi passed away, and his brother, Prince Changguang Zhan, ascended to the throne as Emperor Wu Cheng of Qi.
On the Renwu day in December, the emperor returned from Qiyang. That year, the royal ancestor, Zhong, was posthumously honored with the title Duke of Yu.
On the first day of the first month in a certain year, which was the Renyin day, I began digging irrigation channels in Puzhou, and also dug the Longshou Channel in Tongzhou, to expand irrigation and facilitate agricultural production. By the Dingwei day, I conferred the title of Zhu Guo to Chen Xu, a member of the Chen royal family, and then sent him back to Jiangnan. On the leap month Jichou day, the court ordered that all officials of Zhu Guo rank and below, as well as the mothers and wives of officials of the rank of Dudu and above, be granted titles such as Tai Fu Ren, Fu Ren, Junjun, and Xianjun, with specific ranks determined by their official positions. On the Guisi day, that night, I witnessed the spectacle of Venus entering the Miao constellation. On the Jihai day, Zhu Guo, Grand Marshal, and Duke of Liang, Helan Xiang, passed away. In Luozhou, there was a commoner named Zhou Gong who spread heretical ideas and impersonated a minister, and as a result, the matter was exposed, and he was executed.
On the Renyin day in February, I observed that the planet Mars crossed the star Xiang in the Taiwei Palace, which was an ominous sign. On the Guichou day, due to a long period without rain, the court granted amnesty to some criminals and prohibited the sale of alcohol within thirty miles of the capital. That year, Emperor Xiao Chai of the Liang Dynasty also passed away. I appointed Yuwen Guang, Grand General and Duke of Cai, as the Governor of Qinzhou.
On the day of Renwu in March, Mars once again clashed with the star of law enforcement, indicating that something bad is about to happen. On the day of Jiachen in April, because of drought, the court ordered a ban on the slaughter of livestock. On the day of Dingsi, Nanyang offered a three-legged crow. Huzhou reported that someone had seen two white deer following a beast with three horns. On the day of Jiwèi, I established Hezhou in Fuliu City. On the day of Guihai, I issued an edict that said: "Due to the ongoing wars, the country has not yet unified, and many civil and military officials have made significant contributions. Although they have been granted land, their taxes have not been reduced. High-ranking officials like Zhuguo, who have made outstanding contributions, should be given generous treatment. Therefore, different preferential policies should be developed according to their specific circumstances, allowing them to register their households in other counties."
On the day of Gengwu in May, because of the many auspicious signs appearing in the southern mountains, I ordered a general amnesty, and all officials and soldiers were promoted two ranks. In the place in Nanyang's Wan County where the three-legged crow appeared, this year’s corvée and taxes were reduced by half. On the day of Renchen, I appointed Yang Zhong, the Zhuguo Duke of Sui, as the Grand Minister of Works, and the Duke of Wu, Wei Chigang, as the Governor of Shan Prefecture.
On the day of Jihai in June, I appointed Wei Jiong, the Zhuguo Duke of Shu, as Grand General, and Wei Xiaokuan, the Duke of Shao, as the Governor of Pu Prefecture. At the same time, I divided the four states of Jingzhou, Anzhou, Xiangzhou, and Jiangling in the southern mountains into four administrative regions for individual management.
By the day of Jisi in July during autumn, I conferred the title of Duke of Huo upon He Bawei. On the day of Yihai, Venus clashed with the star of the chariot, which is another ominous sign. On the day of Wuchen in September, which was the first day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred. The Chen Dynasty sent envoys to pay tribute, signifying a temporary peaceful coexistence.
On the day of Wuxu in October, the emperor issued a decree saying: "As the head of state, I should govern the people with righteous and enlightened teachings, allowing them to live and work in peace; how can I only focus on my own noble status and comfortable life? Consider the legendary Emperor Yao from ancient times, who wore coarse linen garments and ate simple meals, yet sighed in Fen Yang and found enlightenment on Mount Guya. Moreover, I lack the virtues of a sage, yet indulge myself excessively in pleasure; how can I command respect and be content in my esteemed position? I am deeply ashamed of this. Now, with strong enemies still unsettled, military expenses are enormous, and the people's lives are difficult, how can I possibly meet their needs? Therefore, from my personal clothing, food, living arrangements, to all expenditures of the court, I will personally cut back. Even if I cannot fully emulate the ancients, I can at least express my intentions! You officials, should you not seriously consider frugality to help me make up for the shortcomings?"
On the day of Xinhai, the emperor held an archery competition at Taiwu Palace, with civil and military officials in attendance. On the day of Wuwu, the emperor conducted military exercises at Shaoling Plain. At the same time, Nanning Prefecture was separated to establish Gong Prefecture.
On the day of Dingmao in November, the emperor appointed General Wei Guogong Zhi and Zhao Guogong Zhao as Grand Generals of the Pillar State. He also appointed Zhao Guogong Zhao as the Governor of Yizhou. On the day of Renwu, the comet appeared near the annual star in the southern part of the Wei constellation.
In December, Yizhou offered a rare red crow.
In the third year, on the day of Xinwei in January, the Guangqian State was renamed Qianzhou. On the day of Yiyou, Grand Tutor Liang Guogong Hou Mochen Chong was executed. On the day of Renchen, Yinzhu was established in Qiyincheng.
In February, on the Gengzi day, the new decree was just promulgated. By the Xinchou day, the emperor ordered that all officials who held positions above the governor and had died before the ninth year of the Era of Great Unity (543 AD), whose descendants had not yet received titles, should be awarded positions according to their ranks. On that day, Weizhou also presented a three-legged crow. On the Xinyou day, the emperor issued an edict saying: "In the beginning of heaven and earth, yin and yang were clearly distinguished, the three powers were in place, and the calendar had been refined. The Classic of Documents states that one must respect and fear the heavenly mandate and earnestly execute it; the Book of Changes also teaches that governance should follow the calendar and align with the times. This is a system that emperors of all generations have adhered to, a principle that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Emperor Taizu, the 文皇帝, respected heaven and was diligent in governance; he carefully studied the six families of calendars and prioritized the yin-yang calendar. However, I, as a humble ruler, have not been able to follow these ancestral teachings well, and I have felt uneasy, remaining vigilant day and night. Recently, court affairs have been busy, and matters have often been handled hastily, failing to adhere to the yin-yang calendar and violating the wishes of my ancestors, leading to erratic weather, the spread of diseases, poor harvests, and all things struggling to grow. I am very saddened by this. From now on, in handling major affairs and implementing significant policies, unless it is urgent military matters, everything must be carried out according to the lunar calendar to comply with the heavenly mandate."
On the first day of March, Yichou day, a solar eclipse occurred. On the day of Bingzi, Dangchang presented two ferocious beasts as tribute, and the emperor ordered them to be released into the South Mountain. On the day of Yiyou, Yizhou also offered a three-legged raven. On the day of Yimei in April, Zhu Guo and Duke Zheng, Daxi Wu, were appointed as Taibao, and General Han Guo was appointed as Zhu Guo. On the day of Jihai, the emperor personally presided over cases in the Zhengwu Hall. On the day of Guimao, a large-scale rain prayer ceremony took place. On the day of Guichou, a cow was discovered with hooves growing on its back! On the day of Wuwu, the emperor inspected the Taixue and consulted with Grand Tutor Yu Jin and Duke Yan on matters of statecraft. During this period, a decree was issued prohibiting private revenge throughout the country, with violators being punished as murderers. On the day of Renxu, the emperor issued an edict allowing officials and common people to submit their opinions and speak freely about the gains and losses of the country.
On the first day of May, Jiazi day, the emperor avoided the main hall and did not attend court due to the drought. On the day of Jiaxu, it finally rained.
On the day of Wucheng in July, the emperor inspected Yuanzhou. On the day of Gengwu, Chen State sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Dingchou, the emperor inspected Jinmen, visited centenarians, rewarded them with money, granted them different official titles according to their ages, and reduced the punishment for death row inmates by one level.
On the day of Dingwei in August, the emperor began working in the open-air palace.
On the first day of September, I set out from Yuanzhou and crossed the Long Mountains. That night, Mars moved through the stars of Taiwei. On the day of Bingxu, we arrived in Tongzhou. On the day of Wuzi, the emperor commanded Zhu Guo Yang Zhong to lead ten thousand cavalry in an attack on Qi State alongside the Turks. On the day of Jichou, Puzhou presented excellent rice, with several uniform ears of wheat growing in a single acre! The emperor also ordered the hereditary system of states, counties, and districts was to be replaced by a five-rank nobility system, with governors titled as counts, county magistrates as viscounts, and county officials as barons.
In early October, Mars again opposed the left enforcement star. On the day of Yisi, Yuwen Liang was appointed as the governor of Liangzhou. On the day of Gengxu, the state of Chen sent envoys to pay their respects. On the day of Xinyou in December, I returned from Tongzhou. The emperor dispatched the Grand Protector, Duke Zheng Daxi Wu, to lead thirty thousand cavalry from Pingyang to support Yang Zhong. This month, someone gave birth to a son, but the child's scrotum was located on his rear end, resembling a tail, and his toes looked like beast claws. Additionally, someone else's dog gave birth to puppies, but the puppies were split in two below the waist, having two tails and six legs; truly, strange occurrences happen every year, but this year there are especially many!
On the day of Gengshen in the first month of the following year, Yang Zhong broke through the Great Wall of Qi and returned only after reaching Jinyang. On the first day of the second month, on the day of Gengyin, there was a solar eclipse. On the day of Jiawu, Mars again opposed the right chariot star of the Fang constellation. On the day of Jiwei in March, Mars opposed the right chariot star of the Fang constellation once more. On the day of Gengchen, the emperor mandated that officials must bring a tablet when attending court.
On the day of Guiyin in April, Duke Dou Chi was appointed as the Grand Minister. On the day of Renxu in May, the late emperor's eldest son was conferred the title of Duke of Bi. On the day of Dingmao, the Turks sent envoys bearing treasures. On the day of Guiyou, General Li Mu was appointed as the Pillar of State. On the day of Dinghai, the Ministry of Rites was renamed the Office of Ancestral Affairs, the Grand Minister of Rites became the Ministry of Rites, and the Grand Minister of Music became the Ministry of Music.
On the day of Gengyin in June, the Grand Guardian was renamed the Chancellor. On the day of Wuwu in July, the Sogdian state sent envoys bearing treasures. On the day of Wuyin, the Yanchi state sent envoys to present fine horses. On the first day of August, on the day of Dinghai, there was a solar eclipse. The emperor ordered Pillar of State Yang Zhong to lead the army eastward in an attack with the Turks, returning after reaching the North River. On the day of Wuzi, Pillar of State Duke Yuwen Xian was appointed as the governor of Yongzhou, and Duke Yuwen Gui of Xu was appointed as the Grand Minister of Construction.
On the day of Ding Si in September, Zhu Guo and Wei Guo Gong Yu Wen Zhi were appointed as Grand Minister, and Li Bing, the Duke of Tang, was granted the title of Duke of Kai Fu, and several others were conferred the title of Duke of Xu. The Chen Kingdom also sent envoys to pay their respects. This month, the emperor's mother, Lady Yan, returned from Qi, and the emperor issued a general amnesty. On the day of Ji Hai in the leap month, General Wei Xiao Kuan and General Chang Sun Jian were both appointed as Zhu Guo.
On the tenth day of October in a certain year, which was Gui Hai day, the emperor promoted the three generals Lu Tong, Yu Wen Sheng, and Guang to the rank of Zhu Guo General. The next day, on Jia Zi day, the emperor personally presented him with an axe and halberd in the Grand Ancestral Hall, formally appointing him as commander to lead the army to attack Qi. Yu Wen Hu set off with a grand army from Tong Pass, General Quan Jing Xuan led the troops from the southern mountains departing from Yu Zhou, and General Yang Tiao set out from Zhi Guan. On the fourteenth of October, Ding Mao day, the emperor also personally went to Sha Yuan to boost the morale of the troops. On the twentieth of October, Gui You day, the emperor finally returned to the palace.
On the seventeenth of November, Jia Wu day, Duke Wei Chi Qiong led his troops to besiege Luoyang, while Duke Qi and Duke Yu Wen Hu were stationed at Mang Mountain and Shan Zhou, respectively. By December, Quan Jing Xuan attacked Qi's Yu Zhou, and Wang Shi Liang, the governor of Yu Zhou, surrendered immediately. On the twenty-seventh of December, Ren Xu day, Qi's army crossed the Yellow River and attacked Luoyang early in the morning, causing our troops to panic and fall apart. General Wei Chi Qiong managed to hold off the enemy with just a handful of cavalry and retreated only at night. Duke Yong Guo, General Wang Xiong, fought bravely and was killed in action. Thus, we had no choice but to retreat. General Yang Tiao was also killed in battle at Zhi Pass, and Quan Jing Xuan abandoned Yu Zhou and withdrew his troops.
On the first day of the first month in the second year, Jia Shen day, the court did not convene because Duke Wang Xiong of Yongguo had died in battle, so mourning ceremonies had to be held. On the eighth day of the first month, Xin Miao day, a celestial phenomenon featuring a white rainbow spanning the sun appeared. On the twelfth day, Geng Zi day, the emperor ordered the governors of Jingzhou, Anzhou, Jiangling, and other regions to report to the governor's office of Xiangzhou, and appointed Duke Yu Wen Zhi of Wei as the governor of Xiangzhou. On the fifteenth day, Jia Chen day, the stars Venus, Mars, and Jupiter gathered in the Lou constellation! On the sixteenth day, Yi Si day, the Tuyuhun Kingdom sent envoys to offer tribute. To honor Wang Xiong, the emperor bestowed the title of Grand General of the Pillar State upon his son Wang Qian. On the eighth day of the second month, Xin You day, the emperor dispatched Duke Chen Chuan, Duke Yu Wen Gui, Duke Dou Yi, and Duke Yang Jian to confront the rebellious princess of the Turks. On the tenth day, Jia Zi day, a green turtle was captured in Yingzhou. On the twelfth day, Bing Yin day, the emperor appointed Li Mu as the Grand Minister of Works and Lu Tong as the Grand Minister of Justice. On the eighteenth day, Ren Shen day, the emperor went on a secret visit to Qizhou in disguise.
On a certain day in March of a certain year, Duke Dou Lu Ning of Chu passed away. Alas, what a loss. Then, in the fourth month of summer, Emperor Wu Cheng of Qi abdicated the throne to Crown Prince Wei and became the Grand Emperor himself. It's unclear what all this throne passing is meant to achieve. On the day of Bing Xu in May, the emperor appointed the royal family member, Father Xing, as the Grand General and allowed him to inherit the title of Duke of Yu. On the day of Ji Hai in the same month, the emperor decreed the establishment of a Central Minister position in both the left and right Martial Minister's offices.
In June of the Gengshen year, a comet appeared in the sky. It passed through the San Tai star, crossed the Wenchang star, and even collided with the Shangjiang star. It then went past the Western Wall of the Purple Enclosure and finally fell into the Wei star. The comet grew longer, eventually stretching over ten feet, pointing toward the Shisu and Bisu stars. More than a hundred days later, the comet gradually shortened, finally shrinking to only two feet and five inches long, and ultimately disappeared between the Xu and Wei stars. This celestial phenomenon was truly remarkable!
In the same month, on the Xinyou day, the emperor proclaimed: "All official servants and slaves aged sixty-five and older in the Jiangling region are hereby ordered to be freed. Among those public and private slaves, those over seventy years old should be redeemed by local governments, allowing them to become free citizens."
In the autumn, on the Xinsi day of the seventh month, a solar eclipse occurred. On the Gengyin day, the emperor went to Qinzhou for an inspection and also pardoned criminals sentenced to death and lesser penalties. On the Xinchou day, the emperor sent special envoys to inspect different parts of the country. In the eighth month, on the Bingzi day, the emperor came back from Qinzhou. In September, on the Yisi day, Yizhou presented a three-legged crow, which was a rare sight.
In the winter, on the Xinhai day of the tenth month, the emperor ordered the walls of Hangu Pass to be rebuilt to strengthen defenses against Luo. On the Gengchen day of the eleventh month, Qizhou reported sighting a unicorn. On the Jiawu day, the Tuyuhun sent envoys bearing rare treasures as tribute. On the Dingwei day, the Chen Kingdom sent envoys to pay their respects.
In the first month of the Tianhe era, on the Jimao day, another solar eclipse occurred. On the Xinsi day, the emperor's new palace was finished, and he joyfully moved in. He also had his officials compose ancient poems to celebrate, and the elders in the capital joined in this grand celebration. The emperor rewarded everyone with varying amounts of gifts. On the Guiwei day, the emperor granted a general amnesty, changed the era name, and promoted all officials by four ranks. On the Jihai day, the emperor personally tilled the fields, symbolizing his dedication to the people. On the Dingwei day, he established Dangzhou in Dangchang and appointed the Duke of Changning, Zhangsun Jian, as the governor of Shanzhou. The emperor also sent the envoy Du Gao to the Chen Kingdom.
On the day of Wushen in February, the emperor appointed Xun, the Grand Minister of Zhongshan, as the governor of Puzhou. On the day of Wuchen, the emperor ordered officials ranked below San Gong to recommend talented individuals they were acquainted with. On the day of Gengwu, the sun and the Dou constellation appeared in the sky together, the sun's brightness faded, and people also saw the solar eclipse. On the day of Bingwu in March, the emperor held a sacrificial ceremony in the southern suburbs.
On the day of Jiyou in April, Yizhou presented a three-legged raven. On the day of Xinhai, the emperor held a rain prayer ceremony. On the day of Jiazi, a solar halo appeared, accompanied by a white rainbow arching through it. This month, Emperor Wen of Chen passed away, and his son Bozong ascended to the throne.
On the day of Gengchen in May, the emperor studied the "Book of Rites" with a group of ministers in the Zhengwu Hall. The King of Longhe from Tuyuhun, Mo Chang, came to surrender with his people, and the emperor designated his domain as Fuzhou. On the day of Jiawu, the emperor issued an edict stating: "When morality declines, etiquette must thrive. Praising four fundamental behaviors can be summed up in one phrase, while praising three thousand behaviors is all about respect. Therefore, leaders should not be arrogant or complacent; even in wealth and nobility, one should not be excessive. Only by doing this can wealth be sustained over time, ensuring the country remains stable. Thus, one can follow the will of heaven and the earth, care for the people, revere the spirits, shine as brightly as the sun and moon, and follow the seasonal laws. Although I am foolish, I aspire to learn from ancient sages. In the years of Jiazi and Yimao, rites and music were not flourishing. Chang Hong recorded the grand events of Kunwu, and Du Yu wrote the "Ode to the Yang Zhi." Since the world has been in chaos, rituals have been destroyed, and these codes and systems have become vague and have been lost. In the past, the Zhou king was commanded by heaven and consulted with Emperor Zhuanxu. In the temple, there were objects warning against arrogance and excess, and in the palace, inscriptions called for the revival of rituals. Moreover, how can we, as later scholars, forget these lessons? Starting today, we should reduce affairs and stop music. Let everyone understand that it is not easy to be a monarch, nor is it easy to be a minister. Let these serve as profound lessons for future generations."
In June of the year of Bingwu, the Emperor appointed General Xin Wei, Duke of Fuhan, as the Pillar of the Nation. In July, the Emperor began to construct the cities of Wugong, Mai, Xiegu, Wudu, Liugu, Jinkeng, and others to garrison troops. On the day of Renwu, the Emperor issued a decree stating: "All students participating in learning only need to provide their teachers with a stipend, and there is no need to hold the ritual of Shidian anymore. Shidian is a sacrificial ceremony conducted after achieving academic success, and from now on, this ceremony will be abolished."
In August, on the day of Jiwai, the Emperor issued a decree saying: "Those who observe filial piety for three years; some build their own graves, while others wear mourning clothes and stand before the graves. As long as they act sincerely and appropriately, they deserve praise, and officials in various places should report this in a timely manner. The court will provide consolation and encouragement to promote good social customs."
In September, on the day of Yihai, the tribal leader Ran Lingxian from Xinzhu and Wang Zao from Xiang Wuzi revolted, and the Emperor ordered the opening of the office of Lu Teng to suppress the rebellion. In October, on the day of Yimao, during the day, the star Tai Bai appeared, crossing the sky. On the day of Jiazi, the court began composing "Shan Yun Wu" to enhance the music of the six dynasties.
In November, on the day of Bingxu, the Emperor inspected the newly built cities, including Wugong. In December, on the day of Gengshen, the Emperor returned to the palace.
In the following year, on the first day of the lunar month of Guiyou, there was a solar eclipse. On the day of Jihai, the Emperor personally tilled the fields for sacrificial offerings. In March, on the day of Guiyou, the Emperor renamed Wuyou Garden as Daohui Garden. On the day of Dinghai, the court officially established the system for the sacrificial altar at the outskirts.
On a few days in April, I ordered adjustments to the administrative affiliations of some states. Yingzhou, Guizhou, Yuanzhou, and Junzhou were placed under the jurisdiction of Tangzhou; Youzhou was placed under Chunzhu; Hongzhou was placed under Huaizhou; Dongzhou was placed under Huzhou; Suizhou was placed under Xiangzhou; and Xianzhou was placed under Changzhou. At the same time, I promoted General Chun, Duke of Chen, to be a Pillar of the Nation.
On a certain day in May, the nations of Turkic, Tuyuhun, and Parthia sent envoys to pay tribute. A few days later, I promoted the Pillar of the Nation, Duke Anwu Li Mu, to Duke of Shengu. A few days later, unfortunately, the celestial phenomena were unfavorable, as the planet of fortune and the comet met in the Well constellation.
On a certain day in June, I honored my biological mother, Shi Nushi, as Empress Dowager. A few days later, the moon also went to the constellation of Bi Xiu (lunar eclipse). On a day in the intercalary month, there was an earthquake! Even worse, Hua Jiao, the governor of Xiangzhou from the Chen Dynasty, surrendered to us with his troops. I quickly dispatched Duke Wei Guo Zhi, the governor of Xiangzhou, along with Duke Zhu Guo Sui De Lu Tong, General Tian Hong, Quan Jing Xuan, Yuan Ding, and others to support Hua Jiao and take the opportunity to march south to attack Chen. During this time, I also promoted General and Duke Qiao Guo Jian Jin to Duke Zhu Guo. Additionally, the planet Venus and the planet Jupiter aligned in the Liu constellation, which was also considered an inauspicious omen. Xiangzhou reported seeing auspicious clouds, hoping it was a good sign.
In July, Liangzhou reported that a phoenix landed on a maple tree, with over ten thousand birds gathered around it; this was certainly a good omen! This month, I ordered the establishment of the Lu Men Academy and enrolled seventy-two students. Alas, the celestial signs were again unfavorable, as Venus was in conjunction with Xuan Yuan. This month, I also appointed the Grand Tutor, Duke Yan Guo Yu Jin, as the governor of Yongzhou. In September, Duke Wei Guo Zhi and his men fought against Chen Dynasty's generals Chun Yu Liang and Wu Ming Che at Dun Kou, and we lost; Yuan Ding was also trapped in Jiangnan with thousands of infantry and cavalry.
In October, when the sun rose and set, a mass of dark vapor appeared in the sky, roughly the size of a cup, right next to the sun. A few days later, another one appeared. This dark vapor lingered for six days before dissipating. In November, there was a solar eclipse. This month, the Grand Protector, Duke Xu Guo Yu Wen Gui, passed away.
In the first month of the following year, I performed sacrifices in the southern suburbs. In February, I visited Wu Gong for leisure before returning to the palace.
In early March, Empress Ashina returned from the Turkic tribes. The next day, the Emperor issued a general pardon, allowing those who had lost their positions and titles to be restored to their original offices and ranks. A few days later, the Emperor held a banquet at the palace for officials and guests from various regions, bestowing clothing, horses, and money, with varying rewards for each person. After a few more days, the Emperor appointed Duke Chun of Chen as the Governor of Qinzhou and Duke Guang of Cai as the Governor of Shanzhou. Sadly, Duke Yu Jin of Yan passed away. That night, there was an astronomical phenomenon, as the planet Venus entered the first star of the Northern Xuan in the Well constellation.
On a certain day in April, the Emperor appointed Duke Da Xi Wu of Zheng as the Grand Preceptor, Duke Wei Chi Qiong of Shu as the Grand Protector, and Duke Xian of Qi as the Grand Marshal. During this time, another celestial phenomenon occurred, as Venus entered the Ghost constellation and also aligned with the Accumulated Corpses star.
On a certain day in May, the Emperor conducted a ritual at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. A few days later, the Emperor visited the Lichuan Palace for recreation.
On a certain day in June, a comet appeared in the Eastern Well constellation, moving north for a month before vanishing after reaching the Ghost constellation. In July, Duke Yang Zhong of Sui passed away. The Emperor returned from the Lichuan Palace. That night, another celestial body appeared in the Room constellation, slowly moving east, entering the Heavenly Market, affecting the Camp Chamber, and finally reaching the Kui constellation, disappearing after more than forty days.
On a certain day in August, Duke Yuan Luo of Han passed away. The state of Qi sought a marriage alliance and sent envoys to propose. The Emperor then dispatched Lu Cheng and Gong Zheng to visit Qi in return. On that day, the Emperor convened officials and monks in the Great Virtue Hall to personally explain the "Book of Rites."
One day in September, Venus and the Zhen star met in the Horn constellation.
On a certain day in October, the Emperor held a sacrificial ceremony at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. A few days later, the Emperor personally led military drills south of the city, and the city was filled with onlookers, a sea of people, including foreign envoys who came to observe.
On the first day of November, a solar eclipse occurred. A few days later, the emperor traveled to Qiyang. After a few more days, the emperor sent Cui Yanmu and Yuan Hui as envoys to the Qi state. In Chen, King Xu deposed his brother Bozong and declared himself king, thus taking the title of Chen Xuan Emperor.
One day in December, the emperor returned from Qiyang. This month, Emperor Wu of Qi passed away.
In the first month of the following year, a few days after the first day, the court did not convene for morning court because of Emperor Wu of Qi's death. The emperor sent envoys to Qi to attend the funeral and bring offerings.
On the 10th of the second month, the emperor appointed Changsun Jian as the governor of Xiazhou. On the 15th of the same month, the emperor gathered civil and military officials, Taoists, and monks at Dade Hall to discuss the tenets of Buddhism and Daoism. During that time, Venus was in retrograde, obscuring the stars in the Taiwei constellation. On the 17th, a meteor appeared in the sky, as large as a dipper, traveling from the Sheti constellation to the Tianjin constellation, and after disappearing, it emitted a thunderous sound.
On the fourth day of April, the Qi state sent envoys to pay tribute. On May 6th, the emperor completed the compilation of the "Book of Elephants" and gathered officials to discuss the book. The emperor bestowed the title of Duke of Han upon Yuan Qian, the son of Wei Guangping, to inherit the descendants of the Wei state. On the 10th of the same month, the emperor visited Liquan Palace. On the 23rd, Duke Wei of Wu, Wei Chi Gang, passed away.
In June, the court ordered the construction of the eastern cities of Yuanzhou and Jingzhou.
On the eighth day of July, the emperor returned from Liquan Palace. On the 23rd, the Turks sent envoys bearing tribute horses.
On the seventh day of August, an assassin killed the commander of Kongcheng, which was subsequently occupied by the Qi state.
On the second day of September, the emperor dispatched Duke Yu Wenxian of Qi to lead troops to Yiyang to construct Chongde and other cities.
On the eighth day of November, Duke Changning, Changsun Jian, passed away. On the 13th of December, the court abolished the administrative system of Longzhou.
On the sixth day of the second month in the fifth year, Sun Zhou, a descendant of Duke Shao Hui, returned to court from the State of Qi. The court changed the title of Duke Shao to Duke Tan and bestowed the title of Duke Shao on Sun Zhou. On the second day of the third month, the court announced the promotion of Wei Xiaokuan to Duke Yun. On the fifth, the court stipulated that guard officials stationed outside the passes could bring their families to the capital; those who did not wish to could resign from their posts.
On the first day of the fourth month, the Emperor appointed Yu Wen Sheng as Grand Minister of the Clan Affairs. The Emperor then visited Li Quan Palace and restructured local military leadership. On the third day, the Emperor dispatched envoys to inspect the entire country. The Emperor appointed Duke Chen Chuan as the Governor of Shan Prefecture.
On the ninth day of the sixth month, the Emperor conferred the title of Duke Jiang upon Liang Rui. On the seventeenth, the Emperor issued a general amnesty, pardoning criminals and also exempting them from taxes and corvée labor due to the illness of the princess. In July, Yanzhou offered a white rabbit. On the second day, the Emperor returned from Li Quan Palace. On the eighth, the Emperor appointed Duke Qiao Changsun Jian as the Governor of Yizhou. On the second day of September, the Tai Bai star and the Sui star aligned in the Kang constellation.
On the first day of October, a solar eclipse took place. On the sixth, the Tai Bai star and the Zhen star met in the Di constellation. On the seventh, the Grand Teacher Da Xi Wu passed away.
On the day of Yi Chou in November, the court posthumously conferred the title of Duke Bin on Zhang Wu Xiaogong Dao and integrated the State of Cai into Bin. On the day of Ding Mao, Zhu Guo and Duke Bin Guang passed away. Alas, it is truly a case of white-haired sending off the black-haired.
On the day of Gui Si in December, General Zheng Ke led troops to quell the rebellion in the Yue Qi region and established Xining Prefecture there. That winter, the general of Qi, Hu Lu Mingyue, invaded the border, building a series of fortifications north of the Fen River, extending from Hua Gu all the way to Longmen; this show of force was alarming.
On the first day of the first month in the sixth year, also known as the Jiyou new moon, the court did not hold court, claiming that the Luomen of the palace had not yet been completed. The emperor was eager to send General Zhu Guo and Duke Xian of Qi to lead troops to resist Huli Mingyue. On the day of Dingmao, the emperor promoted General Zhang Ye, Duke Wang Jie, Duke Tan Guo, Duke Huan, Duke Yan Men, Tian Hong, and Duke Wei, Li Hui, among others, to the rank of Zhu Guo (柱国), as a way to boost morale at the front lines. On the night of the second month, Ji Chou, a strange cloud appeared in the sky, roughly three feet wide, stretching from the Xu position to the Chen position. It was uncertain whether it was a good omen or a bad one, truly leaving people feeling anxious and unsettled.
In March of the Year of the Rooster, Duke Xian of the State of Qi crossed the Yellow River at Longmen and took the initiative to attack. Huli Mingyue, realizing the situation was dire, retreated to Huagu. General Xian, capitalizing on his success, pursued and captured five newly built cities by Huli Mingyue in one go; this battle was fought exceptionally well! On the first day of April, the new moon of Wuyin, a solar eclipse occurred. On the day of Jimao, Mars aligned with the Ghost Star, which was an ominous omen. On Xinchou, the tribal leaders from Xinzou, Ran Zuxi and Ran Longxiang, rebelled, prompting the court to swiftly dispatch General Zhao Yan to suppress the uprising. On Jiawu, the emperor appointed Zhu Guo, Duke Yu Shi, as the governor of Liangzhou, and General Liang, Duke of Qi, as the governor of Qinzhou. On Gengzi, General Ma Xiaonan of Xingyang was also granted the title of Zhu Guo. Duke Chun of Chen and Duke Tian Hong of Yanmen led their troops to capture nine cities, including Yiyang in Qi, with reports of victories pouring in! The emperor also conferred the title of Zhu Guo to Generals Duke Wu'an and Hou Mo Chenqiong, Duke Tai'an, Yan Qing, Duke Shenwu, Dou Yi, Duke Nanyang, Chi Luo Xie, Duke Pinggao, Hou Fu Hou Long'en. At the same time, Minister Husi Zheng was granted the title of Duke of Qiguo, and Right Minister Chang Sunlan was conferred the title of Duke of Xue. On the Gui Mao of May, the court dispatched Minister Zheng Xu to Chen. On the day of Bingyin, the emperor conferred the title of Zhu Guo on General Tang, Duke Li Bang, Duke Xun of Zhongshan, Duke Liang, Lu Teng, Duke Anyi, Yuwen Qiu, Duke Beiping, Kou Shao, Duke Xuguo, Yuwen Shan, Duke Qianwei, Gao Lin, Duke Zhengguo, Da Xi Zhen, Duke Longdong, Yang Zuan, and Duke Changshan, Yu Yi; it appears the court intends to recruit extensively! In June, on the day of Yimai, General Wang Jian of Taiyuan was also conferred the title of Zhu Guo. This month, the Qi general, Duan Xiaoxian, captured Fen Prefecture, and the war is still at a stalemate!
On a day in early July, the emperor promoted Grand General Sheng, Duke of Yue, to the position of Grand General of the Pillar State, raising his official rank by one level. On a certain day in August, the stars Zhenxing, Suixing, and Taibaixing aligned near the Di constellation. On a certain night in September, the moon was positioned in the Lou constellation, and a lunar eclipse occurred, causing the moon's light to completely disappear. A few days later, the emperor dismissed the ethnic minority band from the Yeting and the craftsmen who made clothes for the imperial harem, totaling more than five hundred people. On a certain day in October, Duke of Ji, Tong, passed away. A few days later, the emperor dispatched Right Martial Minister Gu Huikun and Imperial Inspector Cai Bin to send an envoy to the State of Qi. A few days later, the emperor personally led the army in military exercises south of the city.
On a certain day in November, the emperor again promoted Grand General Hou Mochen Rui, Duke of Liang, and Grand General Li Yi to the position of Grand General of the Pillar State. A few days later, the State of Qi sent envoys to pay their respects. Following that, the emperor made a discreet visit to Sanguan. On a certain day in December, the emperor returned to the palace. That winter, the cattle plague was particularly severe, resulting in the deaths of hundreds.
On a certain day in the first month of the first year of Jiande, the emperor went to Xuandu Temple and personally sat on the teaching seat to give teachings. Civil and military officials, along with monks and Taoists, attended to engage in discussion and debate, and only returned to the palace afterward. The emperor also announced that the death penalty and exile for criminals would be downgraded, and all sentences of five years or less would be pardoned.
On a certain day in February, the emperor dispatched Grand General Shen, Duke of Changcheng, to send an envoy to the Turks, while also sending Minister of Ceremonies Li Ji and the envoy He Suili to the State of Qi. A few days later, Yuwen Qiu, Duke of Anyi and Pillar State, passed away.
On a few days in early March, there was a solar eclipse. The State of Qi sent envoys to arrange a marriage alliance with us. Then, they executed the Grand Chancellor of Jin, Duke Hu, Duke Zhu of Tan, General Zhi of Ju (Duke Hui's younger brother), Duke Jing of Chongye, Marquis Fu Long'en of Zhu, his brother General Wanshou, and General Liu Yong. After that, a general amnesty was granted, the era name was altered, and the central and local governments were dissolved. On a specific day in March, Duke Yuchi Jiong of Shu was appointed as Grand Preceptor; Duke Dou Chi of Deng was appointed as Grand Tutor; Duke Li Mu of Shen, the Grand Minister of Works, was appointed as Grand Guardian; Duke Xian of Qi was appointed as Grand Chancellor; Duke Zhi of Wei was appointed as Grand Minister of Education; Duke Zhao of Zhao was appointed as Grand Minister of Works; Duke Xin Wei of Baohan was appointed as Grand Minister of Justice; and Duke Lu of Suide was appointed as Grand General. The emperor also proclaimed: "The common people are worn out; even the stars seem to shift. If we don’t do things in accordance with the seasons, even stones will start talking. Therefore, I know that to govern the country, stability is essential; to achieve stability, the people must have a peaceful and prosperous life. To ensure national peace, we must reduce corvée labor. In the past, I foolishly focused on construction, endlessly drafting laborers, and over the years, constant warfare has left the fields fallow. Last autumn, there was a locust plague, and the harvest was poor; some common people fled from famine, and many families could not afford to eat. I reflect on myself every day and sleep poorly at night. From now on, aside from regular taxes, no more arbitrary conscription of laborers will be permitted. I hope for good weather and prosperity for the nation; this is what I long to see."
In early April, Duke of Da and Duke of You were appointed as Pillars of the State. It was also ordered that the governors of Jingzhou, Anzhou, Jiangling, and other regions would come under the jurisdiction of Xiangzhou. On a certain day in April, Duke Wang Jie of Zhangye was appointed as the governor of Jingzhou, and Duke Li Hui of Wei was appointed as the governor of Liangzhou. Then, all officials and those beneath them were ordered to recommend talented individuals they knew. The Minister of Works, Duke Da, and the Minister of Rites, Xin Yanzhi, were sent as envoys to the State of Qi. On a certain day in April, it was ordered that all officials, military personnel, and common people could submit petitions and express their views freely. On a certain day in April, an order was issued to halt unnecessary tributes from various regions. On a certain day in April, Duke Lueyang was posthumously revered as Emperor Xiaomin. On a certain day in April, Duke Ru was established as the Crown Prince. Then, a general amnesty was granted, and all officials were promoted and given titles.
In May, the Emperor conferred the title of Duke of Ju on the eldest son of Duke Wei, who inherited the title of Duke of Ju Zhuang, Luo Sheng. This day was Renxu. Due to a severe drought, the Emperor summoned all officials to the palace and said, "It is now the busy farming season, yet the weather is so dry with no rain at all. This abnormal climate cannot be coincidental! Is it because my virtue is lacking and my rewards and punishments are unjust? Or are there incompetent officials among the courtiers? You must speak the truth and not hide anything!" The ministers reflected on their actions and accepted responsibility. That night, it rained heavily.
On Gengzi day in June, the Emperor reorganized the palace guard. On Xinchou day in July, the State of Chen sent envoys to pay their respects. On Bingwu day, the stars Chenxing and Taibai aligned in the Eastern Well constellation. On Jiyou day, the moon was affected by the Heart Star. On the first of September, Gengzi day, a solar eclipse took place. On Gengshen day, while digging in the Fufeng area, a jade cup was unearthed and presented to the Emperor. On Gengwu day in October, the Emperor ordered the release of all those who had been captured in Jiangling and forced to serve as slaves for the government, restoring their status as free citizens. On Xinwei day, the Emperor sent Master Craftsman Yang Xie and charioteer Tang Ze from the State of Qi as envoys to the State of Chen. On this day, Lu Tong, the Pillar of the State, Grand Marshal, and Duke of Suide, passed away.
On Bingwu day in November, the Emperor personally led six armies in military drills south of the city. On Gengxu day, the Emperor visited Qiangqiao and summoned all generals above the rank of commander east of the capital, bestowing gifts on them. On Yimao day, the Emperor returned to the palace. On Renxu day, the Emperor appointed the Grand Minister of Works, Duke Zhao Guo, as the Grand General. On Yimai day, the moon again eclipsed the Heart Star.
On Renshen day in December, the Emperor visited Xiegu and summoned all generals above the rank of commander west of the capital, bestowing gifts on them. On Bingxu day, the Emperor returned to the palace. On Jichou day, the Emperor personally heard cases involving prisoners in the Zhengwu Hall, working until evening before finishing. On Gengyin day, the Emperor visited Daohui Garden and found the Shangshan Hall too beautiful, and ultimately ordered it to be burned.
On Xinchou day in the first month of the following year, the Emperor held a sacrifice at the southern outskirts. On Yisi day, the Emperor appointed Tian Hong, Duke of Yanmen, as the Grand Minister of Works, and appointed the Grand General, Duke Xu, Ruo Gan Feng, as Zhu Guo. On Gengxu day, the Emperor reinstated the Commander-in-Chief position. On Yimao day, the Emperor held a sacrifice at the Grand Ancestral Temple. In the intercalary month on Jisi day, Chen State sent envoys to pay homage again.
On Xinhai day in February, a celestial phenomenon featuring a white rainbow crossing the sun occurred. On Jiayin day, the Emperor ordered Crown Prince Yang Yong to inspect the western lands. On Renxu day, the Emperor dispatched the Minister of Ceremonies, Hou Mocheng, and Kai, the Crown Prince's Palace Minister, Zheng Yi, to envoy to Qi State. The comet Mars passed over the Ghost Star and entered the Corpse Star constellation. The Emperor abolished eight counties within Yongzhou, merging them into the counties of Jingzhao, Fengyi, Fufeng, and Xianyang.
On the fifth day of the third month, the Crown Prince obtained two white deer in Qizhou and presented them to the Emperor. The Emperor replied, "The key lies in virtue, not in auspicious signs." A few days later, the Emperor streamlined the ranks below minister in the six departments, reducing each bureau to just four departments, with original middle ministers as department heads and upper scholars as deputies. On the fifth day of the fourth month, the Emperor held a sacrifice at the Grand Ancestral Temple. A few days later, officials at the Eastern Palace (the Crown Prince's residence) were also adjusted and supplemented.
On a certain day in May, the planet Mars was in conjunction with the Right Ruling Star (a celestial phenomenon). In the same month, the emperor appointed Duke Zhou Chang and Mo Chen Qiong as the Grand Minister of the Great Ancestor, and Ma Xiao Nan from Xingyang as the Grand Minister of Justice, while Duke Lu Teng of Shangyong was appointed as the Grand Minister of Works. On a certain day in June, the officials of the six ministries were all re-designated as Ministers. A few days later, the moon was in conjunction with the Heart Star (Xīn Sù Er) (a celestial phenomenon). The imperial grandson was born into the family, and all civil and military officials were promoted by one rank. The emperor also held a large-scale selection of generals and military leaders. On a certain day in June, the emperor convened all the generals in the Luchin Hall, encouraging them to prepare for military readiness. Afterwards, the emperor issued an order that all military flags must bear the images of fierce beasts and birds of prey.
On the first few days of July, the emperor also held sacrificial rites at the Grand Ancestral Temple. It had not rained since late spring, and it finally rained this month. On a certain day in July, the emperor summoned all officials to the Taiji Hall for self-critique and reflection on the successes and failures of governance. Afterwards, it finally rained.
On a certain day in August, the emperor changed the title from "Three Ladies" to "Three Concubines." A locust plague broke out in the interior. On a certain day in September, the state of Chen dispatched envoys to pay their respects. A few days later, the planet Venus was in conjunction with the Right Ruling Star (a celestial phenomenon). The emperor appointed Da Xi Zhen as the Governor of Jinzhou and issued an edict stating: "To govern the country, one must be frugal, and ceremonies should be simple. Recently, weddings and funerals have been too extravagant and wasteful, incurring huge expenses, which goes against ancestral teachings. Relevant departments must strengthen regulation to ensure everyone adheres to the ceremonial system." In the same month, the crown prince married Yang as a concubine.
On a certain day in October, the state of Qi sent envoys to pay homage. A few days later, the performance of music and dance from the Six Dynasties was a success, and the emperor gathered officials in the Chongxin Hall to watch. On a certain day in November, the emperor personally led the army in drills east of the city. A few days later, the emperor summoned fifty generals of the rank of commandant and above to participate in an archery competition at Daohui Garden, where the emperor personally attended the archery field, demonstrating a formidable military presence.
On the day of Gui Si in December, the Emperor summoned ministers, monks, and Taoists to gather together. The Emperor sat in a high seat and explained the status of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, ranking Confucianism first, Taoism second, and Buddhism third. Then, the Emperor promoted General He Lian Da to the title of Zhu Guo. The imperial decree stated: "Respecting the elderly and honoring the virtuous has always been the custom; recognizing past contributions is the hallmark of a wise ruler. I carry on the great legacy of my ancestors and lead countless subjects, hoping that everyone can live and work in peace and enjoy a happy life. Now, many elderly people among the military and civilians are quite advanced in age, and given their advanced age, they should receive generous treatment. Therefore, I hereby issue an order to grant them honorary positions, allowing them to bring glory to their hometowns."
On the day of Wu Wu, the Emperor heard cases in the Zhengwu Hall from morning until night, working late into the evening.
In the spring of the third year, on the day of Ren Xu in the first month of spring, the Emperor summoned the ministers at the Lu Men. He then bestowed the title of Zhu Guo upon Qi Guo Gong Xian, Wei Guo Gong Zhi, Zhao Guo Gong Zhao, Qiao Guo Gong Jian, Chen Guo Gong Chun, Yue Guo Gong Sheng, Dai Guo Gong Da, and Teng Guo Gong You, elevating their ranks to that of kings. On Ji Si, the Emperor conducted a sacrifice at the Grand Ancestral Temple. On Geng Wu, the Turks sent envoys to present tributes of horses. On Gui You, the Emperor issued a decree: "From now on, all men over the age of fifteen and women over the age of thirteen, including widowers and widows, among all military and civilians, must marry in a timely manner, and the ceremonies must be simple; do not let the dowry hold up the marriage." On Yi Hai, the Emperor personally tended to the registered fields. On Bing Zi, the Emperor wore a short robe for the first time and hosted a banquet for officers below the rank of twenty-four military supervisors, celebrating with wine and enjoying themselves. Due to the poor harvests of recent years that had made life hard for the people, the Emperor issued a decree allowing everyone, regardless of their status—whether officials or civilians, monks or laypeople—who had stored food to keep a portion for themselves while selling the rest.
On the first day of February, a Renchen day, a solar eclipse occurred. A few days later, on a Dingyou day, the Dukes of the States of Ji, Bi, Feng, Song, Han, Qin, and Cao were all promoted to kings. On a Bingwu day, the emperor issued an order for the six departments to recommend some virtuous and honest talents. On a Guichou day, the Duke of Zhuguo, Yuwen Shan, and the Duke of Xuguo made a mistake and were dismissed from their positions. On a Yimao day, the emperor went to Yunyang Palace to relax.
On a Bingchen day, the emperor issued a decree stating, "The common people are inherently simple and kind; this is human nature. However, influenced by external factors, various desires arise. Whether in ancient times with the lark or in modern times with scholars, there are no exceptions, as there are corresponding rules and regulations. As the emperor, I must govern the world, nurture the people, and think about revitalizing the country so that everyone can abide by the law. Recently, due to someone’s wrongdoing, they have been cast aside, and some officials in various departments have also made mistakes. I hope everyone will take the initiative to confess all mistakes, big or small, openly. In doing so, a good atmosphere can be formed, and everyone will be willing to follow the laws, achieving a harmony of morality and propriety. However, the issues at the top have been around for a while; the country has been in decline for quite some time, and there is no way to restore it to its former state, so a thorough reorganization is necessary, and we need to start fresh alongside the common people. Therefore, I have decided to grant a general amnesty!" On a Gengshen day, the Empress Dowager, known as Lady Chi, was unwell.
On the Xinyou day of March, the emperor returned from Yunyang Palace. On a Guiyou day, the Empress Dowager passed away. The emperor stayed in a humble residence next to the mourning hall, eating just one liter of rice a day, accompanying the Empress Dowager morning and evening. The ministers petitioned for advice, and it took a long time to persuade him. The emperor issued an edict appointing Crown Prince Yang Yong to handle state affairs.
On the second day of April, a Yimao day, the state of Qi sent envoys to express condolences and brought offerings for the memorial. On the fourth day of April, a Dingsi day, a comet was spotted in the northeast corner of the Purple Palace, measuring seven feet long.
On the day of Gengshen in May, the emperor, barefoot and shirtless, personally escorted Empress Wenxuan to her burial at Yonggu Tomb. The next day, on Xinyou, he issued an edict stating, "According to ancient texts and the evolution of modern ceremonial practices, the rites for the empress's funeral have been forgotten. I follow the empress's last wishes and will cancel the mourning period after the funeral. Although I deeply miss her, it's truly hard to let go of the three years of mourning. It is a timeless principle that the Emperor observes filial piety for three years, as has been done by emperors throughout history. However, given the current busy state affairs, I need to get to court early to deal with political matters. Regarding the details like wearing mourning clothes, setting up tents, and other customs, I will carry them out according to previous precedents to express my endless sorrow for the empress. All officials below should comply with the empress's last wishes."
The ministers all submitted memorials, pleading with the emperor to be a bit flexible and return to normalcy after the funeral. But the emperor disagreed, citing ancient rites in response to them, and the ministers then ceased their requests. Thus, the three-year mourning period was observed as usual, and royal family members also observed mourning according to the rites. The court also established four advisors for the Crown Prince and ten scholars; each younger brother and prince had two attendants, along with six scholars appointed.
On Dingmao day, Jingzhou offered a rare white crow. On Wuchen day, the emperor issued an edict to restore the titles of the late Duke of Jin, Hu, and his descendants, and to reinter them with posthumous honors. On Bingzi day, the emperor ordered the abolition of Buddhism and Taoism; all Buddha statues and scriptures were destroyed, monks and Taoists were dismissed to return to secular life, and all forms of improper worship were banned; any sacrificial activities not recorded in the rites were all canceled.
In June of the Dingwei year, the emperor summoned generals from various regions to impart the skills of battle formation to them. On the day of Renzi, the court minted new cloth coins based on the five elements, where one of these coins is worth ten cloth spring coins, which circulated simultaneously with the cloth spring coins. On the day of Wuwu, the emperor issued another edict, stating: "The ultimate truth is deep and mysterious, encompassing all things, and its principles are profound and arcane. However, due to the many branches of different doctrines and their intricate origins, conflicts arise among them, resulting in a multitude of conflicts and disputes. Thus, the Confucian and Daoist schools engage in ongoing debates, and various doctrines attack one another. This situation has endured for quite some time, and if not reconciled, these disputes will never end. Now, I have decided to establish the Tongdao Guan, to gather and organize the profound teachings of the sages, the wisdom of the ancients, and various classical texts, to promote and disseminate them, to serve as guiding principles for the people and as a means of education for the world. Let those who only focus on immediate, minor gains recognize higher ideals; and let those who dwell on trivial matters gain a broader perspective. Isn't that a beautiful thought?"
In July, on the Geng Shen day, the Emperor went to Yunyang Palace. On the Yi You day, Prince Wei Wang Zhi rebelled in the capital, trying to break into the Suzhang Gate. Commander of the Guards Yuchi Yun and his men held the city gate firmly. Prince Wei Wang Zhi was defeated and fled with over a hundred cavalrymen. The capital had seen three weeks of continuous rain, and finally, the weather cleared up on this day. On the Wu Zi day, the Emperor returned from Yunyang Palace. On the Xin Mao day in August, Prince Wei Wang Zhi was captured in Jingzhou and was demoted to a commoner. On the Yi Wei day, the Emperor issued an edict stating that anyone who had committed crimes before August in the first year of Jiande and had not yet been discovered, and those who lost their official positions due to later revelations, could restore their original positions. On the Bing Shen day, the Emperor went to Yunyang Palace again. On the Geng Shen day in September, the Emperor went to Tongzhou. On the Wu Chen day, he appointed Zhu Guo, Da Zong Bo, and Duke Mo Chen Qiong as the governors of Qinzhou. On the Bing Shen day in October, the Emperor dispatched the Imperial Censor Yang Shangxi and the Minister of Rites Lu Kai to the State of Chen. On the Wu Xu day, Yongzhou presented a rare Cangwu. On the Geng Zi day, the Emperor issued an edict allowing the people of Puzhou, unable to survive due to famine, to go west of Maicheng and to areas under Jingzhou's jurisdiction to beg for food. On the Jia Yin day, the Emperor went to Puzhou. On the Yi Mao day, the Emperor granted amnesty to all prisoners held in Puzhou, pardoning those sentenced to death and lesser penalties. On the Bing Chen day, the Emperor went to Tongzhou. In Shizhou, a local named Wang Yang led a rebellion that was suppressed by General Zheng Ke. On the Wu Wu day in November, he appointed Zhu Guo, Da Si Kong, and Duke Lu Teng as the governors of Jingzhou. The Yutian Kingdom sent envoys to present renowned horses. On the Ji Si day, the Emperor held a grand military parade in the city's eastern part. On the Jia Xu day, the Emperor returned from Tongzhou.
On the Wuzi day in December, the Emperor summoned senior guards and military officials to reward them with varying amounts of money and silk. On the Xinmao day, the moon obscured the Taibai star, known as Venus. The Emperor issued an edict stating that the governors of the five states of Jingzhou, Xiangzhou, Anzhou, Yanzhou, and Xiazhou would receive official positions based on their merits if they brought troops to help. The impoverished commoners were exempt from taxes for three years. On the Bingshen day, the Emperor reorganized all soldiers into attendants. On the Dingyou day, Lizhou reported sighting a Zouyu, a legendary creature. On the Guimao day, the Emperor gathered the troops for training at Lingaoze. Liangzhou endured several years of earthquakes, which caused city walls to collapse, the ground to crack, and springs to gush forth.
