Emperor Ming Shizong (明世宗), whose personal name was Yang Jian and whose childhood name was Tongwantu, was the eldest son of Yang Zhong, the founder of the Northern Zhou dynasty. His mother was Lady Yao, his mother. In the third year of the Yongxi era, when his father was in Xiazhou, Yang Jian was born in Tongwan City, which is why he was given the childhood name Tongwantu. In the fourteenth year of Datong, he was granted the title of Duke of Ningdu (宁都郡公). In the sixteenth year, he went to Huazhou to hold an official position. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to the position of Minister of State and also served as the military governor and governor of Yizhou (宜州). By the third year of Emperor Gong of Northern Wei (北魏恭帝), he was appointed as Grand General, stationed in the Longyou area. After Emperor Xiaomin ascended to the throne, Yang Jian was promoted to the title of Pillar of the State and transferred to be the military governor and governor of Qizhou. While serving in Qizhou, he achieved significant political accomplishments and was beloved by the people. Later, after Emperor Xiaomin was deposed, Duke Jin, Yuwen Hu (宇文护), sent someone to Qizhou to welcome Yang Jian. On the Guihai day in September, Yang Jian arrived in the capital and took up residence in his former home. On the day of Jiazi, the ministers submitted a petition urging him to ascend the throne and arranged a ceremonial welcome for him. Yang Jian declined their request, but the ministers insisted, and that day, Yang Jian ascended the throne and issued a decree granting amnesty across the realm. On the day of Yichou, Yang Jian met with the officials in the Yan Shou Hall (延寿殿).
On the Guiyou day in October, Grand Tutor Duke of Zhao, Li Bi, passed away. On the Jimao day, General Wei Chigang, Duke of Changping, was promoted to Pillar of the State. On the Yiyou day, Yang Jian held a sacrifice at the Round Mound. On the Bingxu day, a sacrifice was made at the Square Mound. On the Jiawu day, a sacrifice was made at the Great Earth. Li Yuan, Duke of Yangping and Pillar of the State, was sentenced to death. This month, Chen Baxian, the Prime Minister of the Liang Dynasty, deposed the last emperor of Liang, Xiao Fangzhi, and declared himself emperor, known as Emperor Wu of Chen. On the Gengzi day in November, Yang Jian held a sacrifice at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. On the Dingwei day, a sacrifice was made at the Round Mound. On the Dingsi day, Yang Jian issued a decree stating: "The emperor's way of governing is rooted in leniency and kindness. Those officials and common people of the Wei Dynasty who committed minor offenses or were exiled due to connections should all be pardoned." On the Gengwu day in December, Yang Jian went to pay respects at Chengling. On the Guiyou day, he returned to the palace. On the Gengchen day, General Yong, Duke of Fucheng, was promoted to Pillar of the State. On the Wuzi day, prisoners in the Chang'an prison were pardoned. On the Jiawu day, Yang Jian issued a decree saying: "The descendants of good families can receive forgiveness across several generations; how much more so for the Wei Dynasty, which voluntarily abdicated? How can we not show some consideration? Those descendants of the Yuan family whose property was confiscated as officials and servants due to the issues involving Zhao Gui and others should all be released."
In the first month of the year 582, on the Yuwei day, the Grand Chancellor, Duke of Jin, Yuwen Hu, was appointed as Grand Tutor. On the Xinhai day, the emperor personally farmed the state-owned fields and conducted a sacrifice to the land deity. On the Guichou day, the Dugu clan was named empress. On the Dingsi day, twelve counties were established in Yongzhou. Simultaneously, Puzhou was founded in Hedong, Yuzhou in Hebei, Shanzhou in Hongnong, Jiangzhou in Zhengping, Xiongzhou in Yiyang, and Shaozhou in Shaojun. This was truly a significant administrative overhaul!
On the Guiwei day in February, the Emperor issued an edict saying: "As the ruler of the world, I must love all the people as I would my own children, treating everyone equally regardless of how far away they are. Anything that is lost from its rightful place is as regrettable as being tossed into a moat. The lands taken by bandits rightfully belong to our Great Zhou Dynasty. In the past, wars hindered communication between the east and west, leading to mutual plundering in border areas, which is truly a sad thought. Those who have been captured by bandits since the first year of Jianyuan may now return home!" That winter, there was little rain, and it wasn't until February that a heavy snowfall occurred. On the Jiawu day in March, Sima Xiaonan, the governor of Beiyuzhou in Qi, led the entire province to pledge allegiance to Great Zhou. The Emperor dispatched Zhuguo, Duke Gaoyang, Daxi Wu, and General Yang Zhong to welcome him with an army. At the same time, the Emperor renamed the governor of Yongzhou to the title of Yongzhou Shepherd, and the governor of Jingzhao to the title of Jingzhao Yin, merged Guangye County and Xiucheng County to establish Kangzhou, and established Wenzhou by merging Jialu County. On Wushen day, Chang'an presented a white sparrow. On the Gengshen day, the Emperor issued another edict saying: "Historically, the thirty-six states and ninety-nine surnames, since the Wei state moved south, had all claimed to be from Henan. Now that the Zhou Dynasty has set its capital in Guanzhong, they should now be called Jingzhao people." This renaming is indeed a significant event!
On the day of Ji Si in April, Yuwen Hu, the Grand Tutor and Duke of Jin, was appointed as the Governor of Yongzhou. On the day of Geng Wu, Mars entered the constellation Xuanyuan (this celestial phenomenon was seen as an ominous sign by the ancients). On the day of Xin Wei, the Emperor ordered a reduction of death sentences by one degree and granted amnesty for all punishments of five years or less. On the day of Jia Xu, Empress Dugu passed away, which was deeply mourned. On the day of Jia Shen, the respectful Empress was laid to rest. On the day of Yi Wei in May, Hou Mo Chen Chong, the Grand Minister of Works and Duke of Liang, was appointed as the Grand Ancestor. On the day of Gui Hai in June, Gada sent envoys bearing treasures. On the day of Ji Si, the Emperor offered condolences to elderly officials, including governors and county magistrates, providing different compensations based on their situations. The city of Chang'an was divided into Wannian County, while the county seat of Wannian was set up in the capital. On the day of Xin Wei, the Emperor visited Kunming Pool for recreation. On the day of Ren Shen, Chang'an offered a white crow. The Emperor also dispatched envoys to various states and counties to manage prisoners, look into local customs, and bury unclaimed bodies. This Emperor really works hard, juggling a lot of responsibilities! On the seventh day of the seventh month, the Emperor sent General Wei Chi Jiong with troops to build Anle City. Two days later, Shunyang offered a three-legged crow.
On the first day of August, the ministers all submitted memorials to celebrate this auspicious omen. The emperor issued an edict saying: "Heaven is not sparing with treasures, and the earth also reveals auspicious signs; this is all a testament to the wise ruler and a symbol of national peace. Just as the phoenix perches high in the palace and the dragon leaps in the deep waters, let alone the harmonious conjunction of sun and moon, along with gentle winds and rains? The ancient book 'Gou Ming Jue' states, 'When the ruler is most filial, auspicious signs will appear,' and 'Yuan Ming Bao' also says, 'When the sovereign governs with utmost righteousness, there will be auspicious signs.' During the time of Yu Shun, there appeared strange beasts; during the time of King Wen of Zhou, divine birds also came. My father's virtue stirs heaven and earth, and his benevolence spreads across the world; this auspicious omen corresponds to his virtuous deeds from a thousand years ago. Heaven has bestowed a three-legged crow to win the hearts of the people and ensure national stability. This is all for the welfare of the common people. How could I dare to fail the grace of my ancestors and not spread blessings widely? Therefore, I hereby decree a general amnesty, and all civil and military officials shall be promoted two ranks!"
On the ninth day of September, the emperor conferred the title of Grand General of the Pillar State on Generals Yang Zhong and Wang Xiong. Two days later, he conferred the title of Duke of Han on Yuan Luo, allowing him to inherit the rank of the Wei dynasty. Two days later, the emperor went to Tongzhou for an inspection, passing by his old residence, and wrote a poem: “Jade candles adjust the autumn air, golden carriages traverse the old palace. It is still like passing through white waters, even more akin to entering new Feng. Frosty ponds soak the late chrysanthemums, cold wells drop the sparse parasol trees. Raising a cup in honor of the elders, let them hear the song 'Great Wind.'”
On the eighth day of October, the emperor returned to the palace. Two days later, he dispatched General Wei Chi Jiong to guard the border in Longyou. Chang'an presented a white rabbit. On the eighth day of December, the Turks sent envoys bearing various treasures. On the tenth day of December, the Grand Ancestral Temple was completed. On the fourteenth day of December, the emperor posthumously honored He Baisheng and thirteen other distinguished officials, permitting them to partake in sacrifices alongside Emperor Taizu. On the fifteenth day of December, another general amnesty was declared.
In the first month of the first year of the Wucheng era, on the Yiyou day, Grand Chancellor Jin Gong Yuwen Hu submitted a memorial requesting to relinquish power back to the government, and only then did the Emperor begin to personally handle state affairs. However, Yuwen Hu continued to be responsible for military affairs. During this period, the Emperor also changed the title of the former governor to that of the Chief Administrator.
Next, on the Bingchen day, the Emperor conferred the title of Duke of Yongchang upon Yuwen Liang, the son of Grand General Zhangwu Xiaogong Yuwen Dao, and conferred the title of Xiyang Duke upon Yuwen Yi. By the Guisi day in March, after showcasing the six armies, the Emperor personally donned armor and went east to welcome Venus. The Duke of Qin Jun (referring to a certain Duke of Qin Jun, the specific name is not mentioned in the original text) was stationed at Puzhou. During this time, the Tuyuhun tribe launched another invasion on the borders.
On the Gengxu day, the Emperor dispatched Grand Marshal Helan Xiang, Duke of Boling, to lead the army to attack the Tuyuhun. On the fifteenth of April, Wudang Jun sent a red crow. On the seventeenth, the sky was overcast. Qinzhou sent a white horse that had a red mane.
On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the emperor proclaimed: "The imperial dynasty's calendar is not set in stone; it evolves with the times. The calendar is used to regulate state affairs, arrange social order, and calculate the years, months, days, and hours. From the time of the Yellow Emperor when Rong Cheng established the calendar, to the era of Tang Yao when Xi He formulated the calendar, the 'Nine Categories of the Great Plan' and the five significant laws, the 'I Ching' also says: 'In the marsh, there is fire; transformation occurs, and a wise man uses this to manage the calendar and clarify the seasons.' This shows the importance of the calendar! However, the calendar is calculated based on astronomical phenomena, which themselves have subtle differences. Over time, these discrepancies accumulate, leading to increasingly larger errors in time calculation. From the creation of the heavens and the earth to the discovery of the Qilin, two million seven hundred sixty thousand years have gone by, and the passage of time has led to significant discrepancies in the cycles. In the past, no one paid attention to this issue, nor did anyone record it. As the seasons change, we should follow the correct solar terms to guide agricultural production, but now the errors are too great! During the Han Dynasty, Luo Xiahong of Ba County was skilled in formulating calendars, and it was said that a sage would perfect it eight hundred years later. Now we have entered the era of Wood Virtue, and I can't wait any longer! I order the relevant departments to review the six previous calendars, observe the seven luminaries, carry out thorough research on both ancient and modern calendars, develop our own calendar for the Great Zhou, and then report your findings back to me."
On the seventh day of the fifth month, the emperor presided over court cases in the Zhengwu Hall. On the ninth day of the fifth month, he appointed Mo Chen Chong, Duke of Liang, as the Grand Minister of Education, and Da Xi Wu, Duke of Gao Yang, as the Grand Minister of Justice, and Dou Lu Ning, Duke of Wu Yang, as the Grand Minister of Justice, and Zhu Guo, Duke Fu Cheng Gong Yong, as the Grand Minister of Works. On the twelfth day of the fifth month, the emperor issued an edict that read: "Recently, there have been frequent inquiries into cases prior to the amnesty decree. Although this is done to combat evil, the former kings established the amnesty system to enable the people to reform. If we keep pursuing past crimes, how can people truly reform? For these individuals, the relevant departments should no longer pursue them. Only matters concerning the national treasury, warehouses, and assets shared by the public, as the emperors of the Han Dynasty said, 'I guard the wealth for the world,' if someone encroaches on public funds, and if it pertains to matters before the Wei Dynasty, which are too far in the past, there is no need to pursue them. Since the Zhou Dynasty, although there have been multiple amnesties, for those whose crimes have clear evidence, the relevant departments should thoroughly investigate and verify them, and after confirming, they should be pardoned, but fines should be collected according to regulations." The general He Lan Xiang captured the cities of Taoyang and Honghe, and the Tuyuhun army fled. On the twenty-third day of the intercalary month, the kingdom of Gaochang sent envoys to pay tribute.
On Wuzi day in June, a heavy downpour occurred. The emperor issued an edict that read: "In the past, Tang Yao consulted the Four Mountains, and Yin Shang warned of six types of disasters; upon seeing disasters, they were fearful and governed the country well. I govern the country like a parent to the people, and I dare not be negligent, wanting to relieve the people's suffering. However, now the heavy rains have caused disasters, the wheat seedlings have been damaged, houses have collapsed, walls have been washed away, and even some have drowned. All of this is my fault; what fault do the common people have? My governance has errors, yet I do not know where the problem lies. All officials, scholars, local leaders, and the common people should now write to express their opinions and boldly offer advice without any concealment. I will carefully review it to respond to Heaven's condemnation. As for the affected people, the relevant departments should promptly conduct inspections, keep detailed records, and report their findings."
On this day of the Gengzi year, the emperor issued another edict stating: "Yingchuan has followed me; these are the founding heroes of our nation. Do not forget the cities built by our ancestors; they are the foundation of our kingdom's rise. My late father, at the dawn of time, when everything was still new, saved the chaotic situation of the time and rectified the disorder. Thanks to the efforts of the wise and virtuous, the civil and military officials worked together with one heart to assist in completing the great undertaking and inheriting the imperial throne. They put on armor and faced the elements, enduring wind, sun, rain, and harsh conditions; thinking back to the past truly evokes deep emotions! Regarding our success in establishing the nation and conferring titles on the lords, I am truly pleased. I am deeply saddened for those who sacrificed their lives for the country, leaving their wives without homes. All those from the time of the former kings up to Xia Prefecture, and those who began to fight from Xia Prefecture, whether they are alive or deceased, will receive appropriate monetary and silk rewards as I have decreed."
This month, Emperor Wu of Chen passed away, and his nephew Chen Qian ascended to the throne, becoming Emperor Wen of Chen.
On the Jihai day in August, the former Tianwang officially declared himself emperor, posthumously enfeoffing Wenwang as emperor, and granted a general amnesty to the world, changing the era name. The next day, on Renzi, he appointed General Huan, Duke of Ancheng, as the governor of Yizhou. On the day of Guichou, four more Imperial Officials were added, with the title of Shang Dafu.
In September of the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac, General Guang from Tianshui was appointed as the governor of Liangzhou. On Xinwei day, Duke Yong from Fucheng was elevated to Duke of Lu, Duke Xian from Ancheng was promoted to Duke of Qi, Duke Zhi from Qin was promoted to Duke of Wei, and Duke Zhao from Zhengping was promoted to Duke of Zhao. The emperor's brothers were also granted titles: Jian was made Duke of Qiao, Chun was made Duke of Chen, Sheng was made Duke of Yue, Da was made Duke of Dai, Tong was made Duke of Ji, and You was made Duke of Teng. Additionally, Duke Guang from Tianshui was further promoted to Duke of Cai, Duke Daxi from Gaoyang was promoted to Duke of Zheng, Duke Doulu Ning from Wuyang was promoted to Duke of Chu, Duke Helan Xiang from Boling was promoted to Duke of Liang, Duke Weichi Qiong from Ning Shu was promoted to Duke of Shu, Duke Yuwen Gui from Huazheng was promoted to Duke of Xu, Duke Yang Zhong from Chenliu was promoted to Duke of Sui, Duke Weichi Gang from Changping was promoted to Duke of Wu, and Duke Wang Xiong from Wuwei was promoted to Duke of Yong. Each of them received a fief consisting of ten thousand households. In October, Duke Weichi Gang, the Pillar of the State and Duke of Wu, was appointed as the governor of Jingzhou. This month, Emperor Wenxuan of Qi died, and his son Yin succeeded to the throne. Duke Weichi Qiong, the Pillar of the State and Duke of Shu, was appointed as the governor of Qinzhou.
In the spring of the following year, on the first day of the Year of the Ox, the emperor held a grand court meeting in the Purple Extreme Hall, marking the first time that a hundred performances were showcased at court. On Xinyou day in March, the Chongyang Pavilion was completed, and the emperor hosted a banquet for officials, generals, and Turkic envoys in the Fragrant Forest Garden, distributing varying amounts of money and silk as rewards. In April, while the emperor was dining, he accidentally consumed poison. On Gengzi day, his condition worsened significantly, and the emperor issued a critical edict:
Ah, in this lifetime, being born into this world, one must follow the laws of nature. Yet, both heaven and earth have their limits, and these laws can change; how can anyone expect to live forever? Therefore, aging, illness, and death are all natural and inevitable. Since it is inevitable, what difference does it make how long one lives? There is nothing to regret. Although I have no great abilities, I have enjoyed reading history and studying the works of sages since childhood, and I have long understood these principles. Now that I have reached this point, what more is there to say? My ministers, generals, and soldiers, you have assisted Emperor Taizu for many years and established the foundation of our Zhou family. Now that I have inherited the throne and sit on this imperial seat, I have honored Emperor Taizu and myself. I can face the late emperor with peace of mind and no resentment whatsoever.
If there is anything to regret, it is that I have been emperor for four years but have not managed the country well, ensuring that the common people live well. The nation is still not unified, and there are places in turmoil. Thinking of this makes me feel distressed; I truly can’t sleep! I only hope that you, my ministers, as well as my ancestors, my father, and all my colleagues, can work together, encourage one another, and not forget the will of Emperor Taizu, assisting future generations well. Even if I die, my spirit will live on. Now the throne is vacant, and the country is without a strong leader; my son is still young and cannot take charge. Duke Yong of Lu, my brother, is kind and benevolent, well-known across the land; he is the only one who can revive our Zhou family. When undertaking a task, there should be a clear beginning and end. You assisted Emperor Taizu and now assist me, which is a good start. If you can consider the difficulties of the nation and assist Yong in governing the world, that would be a good outcome. Sacrificing oneself for the country is the highest duty of a minister; I urge you to reflect on these words, so that future generations will commend you.
I have lived a simple life my entire life, not as a façade. I usually sleep under a rough blanket, wear coarse clothes, and use very simple items with no extravagant decorations. After I die, I will not change this habit. The funeral will be kept simple; I will be buried in ordinary clothes without any gold or jade adornments. If it is necessary for the rituals, use earthenware instead. For seven days after my passing, there will be mourning. All officials, both civil and military, will wear mourning attire and conduct affairs in plain clothes. On the day of burial, choose a desolate place, dig a grave on the spot, do not mound the earth or put up a tombstone; a lavish burial goes against nature, as the sages have warned, and I have long remembered this—how could I possibly go against it? All officials should act according to my wishes. Officials from all over must mourn for three days; after mourning, they will change into plain clothes and work according to their duties, without just coming to the capital whenever they please. Rituals should adapt to circumstances; after the burial, both internal and external officials will remove their mourning attire and return to normal life. For three years, there won't be any restrictions on marriage, and meals will be the same as usual. There are too many matters at hand now, and my health is poor; my mind is a bit muddled, so I can only write this much. If there is anything I have not mentioned, just use this as a guide. Being remembered after death is something that has happened to people since ancient times as well. Before I die, I write down these heartfelt words.
The emperor dictated all the edicts himself. In the year of Xinchou, he passed away in the Yan Shou Palace at the age of twenty-seven, given the posthumous title Emperor Ming and the temple name Shizong. In May of the Xinyou year, he was buried in Zhao Ling.
The emperor was generous and kind, getting along well with all nine clans, showing the qualities of a true ruler. He loved learning from a young age, read many books, and was also skilled at writing, with elegant and beautiful prose. After ascending the throne, he summoned all educated officials from the court to the Linzhi Hall, more than eighty of them, to go over classic texts together. He also collected and organized various books from the time of Fuxi and Shennong up to the end of the Wei Dynasty, putting them together into a work called "Shipu," that’s made up of five hundred volumes! He also had a complete set of articles he wrote, totaling ten volumes.
The historian commented: Emperor Shizong was generous and kind, possessing broad insight and exceptional wisdom. Even during his time as crown prince, he had already demonstrated talents reminiscent of King Wenzhao. Although his imperial aura had not yet fully manifested at that time, all the officials were fond of him, and the common people took notice of him. When he ascended the throne and managed state affairs, he honored his loyal ministers, fostered harmony among the nine clans, led a simple life, and prioritized civil governance, reflecting the virtues of an emperor in all his actions. Unfortunately, initially, the powerful ministers wielded too much power, and state affairs were controlled by them; ultimately, he fell victim to a conspiracy and was poisoned, dying at a young age, which is truly a tragedy!
