Emperor Xiaomin, whose personal name was Yuanjue and courtesy name was Tuo Luoni, was the third son of Emperor Taizu of Northern Zhou. His mother was Empress Yuan. In the eighth year of the Datong period, he was born in a government residence in Tongzhou. At the age of nine, he was bestowed the title of Duke of Lueyang. At that time, a skilled physiognomist named Shi Yuanhua was present, who privately remarked to an acquaintance, "This child will attain a very noble status in the future, but unfortunately, his lifespan will likely be too short to match such wealth and honor." In March of the third year of Emperor Weigong's reign, Yuanjue was appointed as the heir apparent to Duke Anding. In April, he was elevated to the position of Grand General.
In October of the year of the Boar, the founding emperor of Northern Zhou died. On the day of Bingzi, Yuanjue succeeded to the roles of Grand Preceptor and Grand Chancellor. In December, on the day of Dinghai, Emperor Gong of Wei issued an edict, granting the Qiyang region to Yuanjue, so that he could become the Duke of Zhou. On the day of Gengzi, Emperor Gong of Wei abdicated the throne to him. The edict stated: "I have heard that the will of the Heavenly Emperor is not absolute, but is given to virtuous people. Thus, Yao abdicated to Shun, and Shun abdicated to Yu, all in accordance with the will of heaven. Heaven has turned its back on our Wei state, indicating that a change is to come, and you must be aware of this. Although I have not governed the country properly, how can I defy heaven's will and not follow the virtuous? Now, I follow the traditions of Yao and Shun, abdicating the throne to the Duke of Zhou, and hereby announce it to the world." He then sent the Grand Minister Zhao Gui to present the ceremonial staff and the edict to confer the title to Yuanjue. The edict read: "Hear me, Duke of Zhou, the position of emperor is not eternal and unchanging; only those with virtue can receive the mandate of heaven, which is the way of heaven. I follow the will of heaven, recognizing that the Wei state’s fortunes have run their course. All officials, great and small, are aware of this; can we really go against heaven's will and not pass the throne to a virtuous person? I consulted everyone, and they all agreed that your father, Duke Wen, had remarkable achievements, his virtue spread across heaven and earth, and he benefited the people. You have inherited your father's greatness. Therefore, heaven has given us auspicious signs, and the people are joyful; this is all part of heaven's mandate. How can I dare to go against the will of heaven? Thus, I adhere to the sacred texts and pass the throne to you. You must hold this heavy responsibility dear, protect the country, and be extremely cautious!" Emperor Gong of Wei, in the court, sent the Minister of Civil Affairs, Duke Yuan Di from Jibei, to deliver the emperor's seal and ceremonial robes. Yuanjue firmly refused. The ministers in the court all urged him to accept, and the Grand Historian reported that auspicious signs were present, so Yuanjue finally accepted the abdication. On that day, Emperor Gong of Wei abdicated the throne in the Grand Marshal's residence.
On the first day of the first month in the year 557, on the Xin Chou day, I took the throne. Following the rituals, I offered sacrifices to the heavens and summoned the officials at the city gate. I honored my father posthumously as King Wen and my mother as Queen Wen. A general amnesty was proclaimed across the realm. The emperor of Wei was given the title Duke of Song. On this day, four red sparrows were offered from Huai Li. The officials discussed together, saying: "Throughout history, no emperor has risen without changing the calendar; this is a symbol of being mandated by heaven and also meant to change the people's customs. Since the time of Confucius, the lunar calendar has been in use, following the Xia calendar, and no emperor has altered it. Now that the Wei dynasty has fallen and the Zhou dynasty has been mandated, it's like trying to carry water with a wooden bucket; we should follow the Xia calendar to be in line with the teachings of the sages. Furthermore, when King Wen was born, there were auspicious signs, along with a prophecy of black water, therefore, the attire should be black." I agreed with their suggestions. I appointed Duke Li Bi of Zhao Commandery as the Grand Tutor; Duke Zhao Gui of Nanyang as the Grand Mentor; Duke Dugu Xin of Henei as the Grand Guardian; and the State Pillar, Duke Yu Wenhu of Zhongshan, as the Grand General. I appointed the Grand General, Duke Yu Wenyun of Ningdu, Duke Da Xi Wu of Gaoyang, Duke Dou Lu Ning of Wuyang, Minor Minister, Duke Li Yuan of Yangping, Minor General Duke He Lan Xiang of Boling, and Minor Zongbo Duke Wei An of Weichi Jiong, and others, as State Pillars.
On the day of Xin Chou, I performed a sacrifice at the Round Hill. I issued an edict saying: "My ancestors originated from the Shennong clan, and it is appropriate to offer sacrifices at both the Round Hill and the Square Mound. Our forefather, Duke Xian, expanded vast territories and established the foundation of our nation, sharing in the sacrifices at the southern and northern altars. My father, King Wen, exhibited virtues in accordance with the principles of the Five Elements and was ordained by heaven, so I enshrined him in the Hall of Brightness, sharing in the offerings to the Supreme Deity, with the temple name of Taizu." On the day of Gui Mao, I performed a sacrifice at the Square Mound. On the day of Jia Chen, I performed a sacrifice at the Great Society. On that day, the market gate tax was abolished. On the day of Yi Si, I performed a sacrifice at the Grand Ancestral Temple. On the day of Ding Wei, I summoned the officials to Qian'an Hall to bestow varying rewards. On the day of Wu Shen, I issued an edict saying: "Heaven has commanded me to overthrow the Wei dynasty and establish the Zhou dynasty, allowing me to bear this supreme title alone. I recognize that ancient sage kings did not govern effectively without first examining the customs and practices of the people and understanding their hardships. Furthermore, my abilities are limited, and I am at the beginning of my endeavors; if I do not prioritize gathering opinions widely, how can I govern the state well? Each department should send people to various places to inspect and understand the situation. Which of the Five Schools of Thought has not been adequately promoted? What current government affairs are still inconvenient? Are there talented individuals with both virtue and ability who are unknown to the court? Are there those who have been wronged, unjustly punished, or humiliated, yet not valued by the court? Are there filial, righteous, and chaste individuals who have not been recognized by the authorities? Are there widows, orphans, and the impoverished who have not been assisted by the authorities? Are the common people's clothing and food sufficient? Are the taxes and corvée burdensome? The details of disasters, including the conditions of water and drought, should all be reported in detail. All elders over the age of eighty should receive special care and provisions." On the day of Xin Hai, I performed a sacrifice at the southern outskirts. On the day of Ren Zi, I conferred the title of Empress to Yuan.
On Yimao day, I issued an edict that said: "When heaven and earth were first opened, everything was in chaos. To stabilize the world, we can actively develop the vassal states to protect the Zhou Dynasty." Thus, I appointed Chancellor Li Bi as Duke of Zhao, Advisor Zhao Gui as Duke of Chu, Guardian Dugu Xin as Duke of Wei, Justice Minister Yu Jin as Duke of Yan, Works Minister Hou Mochen Chong as Duke of Liang, and Marshal Yuwen Hu as Duke of Jin, each granted a fief of ten thousand households. On Xinyou day, I held a ceremony at the ancestral temple. On Guihai day, I personally plowed the registry land. On Bingyin day, I set up Lingzhou in Jian'nan, Zizhou in Wukang County, and Suizhou in Suining County. On Guiyou day in the second month, I held a morning ceremony in the eastern suburbs of the capital. On Yihai day, I renamed Duke Guang of Yongchang County to Duke of Tianshui County. On Wuyin day, I held a sacrificial ceremony at the Grand Altar. On Dinghai day, Duke Zhao Gui of Chu planned a rebellion and was executed.
My father, in the past, worked hand in hand with the ministers and generals to govern the realm. Throughout the entire period of twenty-three years, everyone helped each other, and there were no complaints from top to bottom. That is why you all supported me in becoming emperor. Although I may lack ability, I have not forgotten this kindness. Therefore, I treat ministers with the same surname like brothers, and those with different surnames like close kin. I hope we can unite as one to bring peace to the realm, so that future generations can continue our legacy. However, I am too incompetent and have failed to unite everyone, leading to dissatisfaction from Duke Yuwen Gui of Chu, who conspired with Wanqi Jitong, Chinu Xing, Wang Longren, and Changsun Sengyan to plot against the state. In the end, their plot was uncovered and reported by Yuwen Sheng and others. After investigation, they all confessed. At this moment, my heart feels as if it is being cut by a knife. However, the law is the law; since I am the emperor, I must abide by the law. How can I set aside the law for personal reasons? The Book of Documents says: "Good deeds should influence future generations, while bad deeds should stop with oneself." The crimes of Yuwen Gui, Wanqi Jitong, Chinu Xing, and Wang Longren only affect their families, and Changsun Sengyan only implicates his household; I will not hold others accountable. I hope all of you, civil and military officials, can understand this principle.
Dugu Xin, the Tai Bao, is guilty but pardoned. On the Jiawu day, I appointed the Grand Minister of Works, Duke of Liang, Hou Mocheng Chong as Tai Bao, Grand Marshal, Duke of Jin, Yuwen Hu as Grand Zongzhai, Pillar State, Duke of Boling, Helan Xiang as Grand Marshal, Duke of Gaoyang, Daxi Wu as Grand Sikao, and Grand General, Duke of Huazheng, Yuwen Gui as Pillar State. On the Jihai day, both Qinzhou and Jingzhou offered up intertwined trees. Venus lingered near the Shaowei star for sixty days.
On the Gengzi day in March, the emperor summoned the civil and military officials to bestow various rewards. In the Gengzi year, Jiyou month, Dugu Xin, Duke of Wei and Pillar State, was sentenced to death.
On Renzi Day, the Emperor issued a decree stating: "Last year, Zhejiang had a poor harvest, and the people are suffering from hunger. I am deeply concerned. Those who have not yet paid their taxes will be exempted entirely. Additionally, I will send envoys to inspect the situation, and those who are impoverished and hungry will receive relief." On Guihai Day, the court reduced the number of officials in the six ministries by one-third.
In the fourth month of summer, on Jisi Day, Shaoshi and Duke Pingyuan, Mo Chen Shun, were appointed as Chancellors. On Renshen Day, the Emperor decreed that all criminals with death sentences or lesser penalties would see their sentences commuted by one degree. On Renwu Day, the Emperor paid homage at Chengling. On Yiyou Day, the Emperor returned to the palace. On Dinghai Day, the Emperor conducted sacrificial rites at the Grand Ancestral Temple.
On Guimao Day in May, the Year Star was in conjunction with the General of Taiwei, and the Venus Star was in conjunction with Xuanyuan. On Jiyou Day, white swallows were offered from Huaili. The Emperor wished to enjoy fishing at Kunming Pool, but Doctor Jiang Xu cautioned him against it, and the Emperor abandoned the idea.
In the seventh month of autumn, on Renyin Day, the Emperor listened to lawsuits in the eastern chamber and granted leniency to many cases. On Jiachen Day, the moon obscured the star behind the Heart constellation. On Xinhai Day, the Emperor conducted sacrificial rites at the Grand Ancestral Temple. Mars was in conjunction with the second star of the Eastern Well.
On Wuchen Day in August, the Emperor conducted sacrificial rites at the Grand Earth. On Xinwei Day, the Emperor issued a decree stating: "I have just ascended the throne, and the governance and education are not yet perfected, leading many farmers to commit offenses. Now, as the autumn laws are about to be enforced, there will be large-scale executions. I think of the lives of the people; I bear the responsibility. Their offenses should be pardoned, and they should be given the opportunity to reform. Those who should be sentenced to death will have their sentences reduced to exile; those with lesser sentences will also have their penalties reduced by one degree. Those not included in the amnesty will not be subject to this reduction."
On Jiawu Day, the Emperor issued a decree stating: "An emperor governing the realm should actively seek out talent to manage the people. Now, all twenty-four armies must recommend virtuous individuals capable of governing the people, with each army tasked with recommending nine candidates. If the recommended individuals later fail to perform their duties, the officials who made the recommendations will face punishment."
On the Gengshen day in September, the emperor issued an edict saying, "I've heard that a monarch governs the realm not just by relying on one person, but by uniting everyone's hearts. Now, all civil and military officials, as well as soldiers who haven't received titles or rewards, will be promoted two ranks." At the same time, the title of governor was renamed to prefect. The emperor was strong-willed and wary of Duke Jin Hu, who held power. Secretary Li Zhi and Military Officer Sun Heng, who had helped the emperor rise to the throne in the previous dynasty and frequently served him, also disapproved of Hu's grip on power. They secretly plotted with Gong Bo Yi Fu Feng, He Ba Ti, and others, asking the emperor to execute Hu. The emperor agreed. They also involved Gong Bo Zhang Guanglu in the plot. Zhang Guanglu secretly informed Hu of this matter, prompting Hu to swiftly appoint Li Zhi as the governor of Liangzhou and Sun Heng as the governor of Tongzhou, transferring them away from the capital. Seeing this unfold, Yi Fu Feng and the others grew even more anxious and reported to the emperor. The emperor planned to summon the ministers to the palace, hoping to use this opportunity to execute Hu. Zhang Guanglu again informed Hu of this news. At that time, the junior military officer Wei Chi Gang was in charge of the guards, and Hu summoned Wei Chi Gang to conspire to depose the emperor. He had Wei Chi Gang enter the palace and pretend to summon Yi Fu Feng and the others for a meeting. Wh
After Emperor Wu executed Duke Hù, he issued an edict stating: "Be cautious regarding the beginnings and endings of matters; this is the law of the land. Although events have passed, it is wise for a ruler to regard them as if they are still happening. Valuing the remembrance of ancestors and respecting elders is the foundation of etiquette. Therefore, Duke Lueyang, who is Emperor Xiaomin, possessed pure virtue and outstanding intelligence. During a time of national prosperity, when the Wei dynasty's fortune was waning and the throne was about to change hands, the songs celebrating the new dynasty had already begun to emerge, and history had reached this stage. Heaven had revealed auspicious signs and issued the decree for a change of dynasty. However, chaos erupted around, with conflicts arising from within the court, like a white beast attacking the horses of the chariot. The hawk descended upon the palace, and the emperor was imprisoned and humiliated; the throne was usurped, the common people suffered injustices, and poison spread across the land. Now that the rivers are clear and the seas calm, and disasters have been eliminated, the rituals honoring him should elevate his posthumous title." Thus, he dispatched the Grand Preceptor and Duke of Shu, Yuwen Jiong, to hold a ceremony in the southern suburbs, posthumously honoring Emperor Xiaomin with the title of Emperor Xiaomin, with the tomb named Jingling.
The historian said: Emperor Xiaomin inherited the great legacy of stability during a time of national prosperity, ascended to the throne, and proclaimed himself emperor, bringing peace within and without, with no opposition. Even the early years of the Yellow Emperor's great virtue and the peace of the Taishi era cannot compare to him. However, the Ning family held the power, and the emperor was plagued by doubts; during sacrifices, the emperor called himself a mere subject, and the ministers stopped treating him like a son. It was precisely due to these reasons that disaster struck swiftly; it was unavoidable.
