Yu, whose given name was Wenming. Yu's father is Gun, Gun's father is Emperor Zhuanxu, Zhuanxu's father is Changyi, and Changyi's father is Huangdi. Therefore, Yu is Huangdi's great-grandson and also Emperor Zhuanxu's grandson. Yu's great-grandfather Changyi and father Gun both did not become emperors; they were both officials.
During the reign of Yao, the floodwaters were catastrophic, overwhelming mountains and engulfing hills. The people were devastated. Yao sought someone who could control the waters, and both officials and regional leaders recommended Gun. Yao said, "Gun's undisciplined and he's brought shame on his family. He's not the right man for the job!" The regional leaders insisted, "Right now, there's no one more suitable than Gun; please let him try!" After hearing them, Yao allowed Gun to control the waters. However, after nine years, Gun still could not stop the floods, to no avail.
Yao then sought another talent and found Shun. Shun was appointed to act on behalf of the emperor and traveled around inspecting the country. Seeing that Gun's efforts were in vain, Shun had Gun executed and his body cast onto Mount Yu. The people universally agreed that Shun had done the right thing. Shun then promoted Gun's son Yu to continue his father's unfinished work.
After Yao's death, Shun asked the regional leaders, "Who's the right person to take over from Yao?" Everyone said, "Yu's the Minister of Works now; he can inherit Yao's achievements." Shun replied, "Yes, that's right!" He then ordered Yu, "You go and manage the land and water; you must work hard!" Yu thanked him and humbly declined, suggesting Qi, Houji, and Gaoyao were more suitable. Shun said, "You go and do your job!"
Yu was efficient and hardworking, a man of high moral character, kindness, and integrity. His actions set an example for all, embodying the very principles of good governance.
Yu the Great accepted Emperor Shun's command and, with Yi and Houji, rallied the nobles and commoners of the whole country to work together to control the floods. They measured the mountains and rivers, marked the trees, and mapped the mountains and rivers. Yu the Great was very sad because his father Gun had been executed due to the failure of water control, so he worked very hard, toiling day and night for thirteen years, never daring to return home. He wore coarse clothes, ate simple food, and made sacrifices to the spirits with all his heart and soul; his residence was simple, and he spent all his money on flood control. He traveled on land by cart, on water by boat, on muddy ground by sled, and in the mountains by mountain sled. He held a measuring cord and square, opened up the nine provinces according to the changes of the four seasons, cleared the nine waterways, drained the nine marshes, and measured the nine great mountains. He also ordered Yi to teach the people to plant rice, telling them they could plant it in low-lying wet areas; and ordered Houji to teach the people to plant some rare grain crops. Food shortages were addressed by redistribution among the vassal states. Yu the Great also set the tribute according to the different geographical conditions and products of each region, and leveraged the natural advantages of the mountains and rivers.
Yu the Great's water control started in Jizhou. In Jizhou, he managed Hukou, regulated Liangshan and Qishan, repaired Taiyuan, and continued to govern all the way to Yueyang. He worked hard, managed Hengshan and Zhanghe, where the region boasted rich, white clay soil; consequently, it was a high-tax area, though the fields themselves were of average quality. Changshan and Weidi also benefited, and the mainland was governed, with the Yi people, clad in furs, also benefiting. Yu the Great also traveled south along Jieshi Mountain until he reached the sea. His thirteen years of tireless work fundamentally reshaped the landscape and laid the foundation for a more prosperous and stable China.
Next, Yu governed the Yanzhou region (now the northern part of Henan Province), which includes the Ji and Yellow River areas. He dredged nine rivers, managed the Leize and Xiaze rivers, and allowed the Yong and Ju rivers to converge. As a result, silkworm farming became possible. The people were finally able to live on higher ground and had stable homes. The soil there is black clay, with lush grass and trees growing. Farming was difficult due to poor soil, and taxes were moderate to low. It took Yu thirteen years to complete the governance. They paid tribute with lacquer, silk, and exquisite textiles. The waterways connected to the Ji and Luo rivers, ultimately flowing into the Yellow River.
Finally, Yu governed the Qingzhou region (part of Shandong Province). He pacified the Yuyi tribe and dredged the Wei and Zi rivers. The soil there is white clay, with vast shallow beaches by the sea, and many fields were salty and not very good for farming. Some land was fertile, while other areas were poor, and taxes were moderately high. The tribute included salt, fine hemp cloth, a variety of seafood, as well as silk, hemp, lead, pine trees, and unique stones from Daishan. The Laiyi people were responsible for grazing, and their tribute was fine hemp cloth. The waterways connected to the Wen River, ultimately flowing into the Ji River.
The area around the Hai and Dai Rivers is Xuzhou, where the Huai and Yi rivers were well managed, and the Meng and Yu mountains were developed and utilized. The vast plains became the location of the prefectural capital, and the eastern wilderness was also leveled. The soil there is red clay, with vegetation gradually thriving. The land conditions are on the higher end of the middle level, with taxes also moderately high. They offered five different colored soils as tribute, along with feather arrows, a musical instrument called Xia Di, some Yishan solitary paulownia trees, floating chimes from the Si River, pearls and fish from the Huaiyi people, and black fine hemp cloth and white raw silk packed in bamboo baskets. The waterways of Xuzhou pass through the Huai and Si rivers, directly connecting to the Yellow River.
The area around the Huai River and the sea is Yangzhou, with Pengli Lake (Poyang Lake) serving as the location of the prefectural capital, a place where sunbirds nest. Three tributaries of the Yangtze River converge here, and Lake Tai was also calm. Bamboo and arrows are extensively cultivated. The grass there is very tender, the trees are very tall, and the soil is silt. The land quality is poor, but the taxes are high and varied. Tribute items include gold (three varieties), jade, kun (two types of beautiful jade), bamboo arrows, ivory, leather, feathers, cow tails, various flower fabrics from coastal peoples, as well as woven shells, oranges, pomelos, and tin packed in bamboo baskets. Yangzhou's waterways connect the Huai and Si Rivers, extending to the Jianghai.
The area around Jing Mountain and Heng Mountain is Jingzhou, where the Yangtze River and Han River flow into the sea. The Jiujiang region is centrally located, with the Tuo River and Cen River already having navigable waterways, and Yunmeng Marsh has also been well managed. The soil there is silt. The land quality is fair to poor, with varying taxes. Tribute items include feathers, cow tails, ivory, leather, gold (three varieties), cedar, cypress, catalpa, whetstone, grindstone, cinnabar, as well as specific types of bamboo and wood, with tributes from all three kingdoms, each with different names. There are also jingmao, a type of plant, packed in wooden boxes, along with black silk thread, red silk thread, pearls, and ropes packed in bamboo baskets. Jiujiang even tributes a large turtle. The waterways of Jingzhou pass through the Yangtze River, Tuo River, Cen River, and Han River, crossing over Luoyang to reach the Nan River.
The area around Jing Mountain and the Yellow River is Yuzhou, where the Yi River, Luo River, Chan River, and Jian River all flow into the Yellow River, with Xingyang as the location of the prefectural capital, connecting to Heze and close to the capital. The topsoil consists of burial mounds and kiln sites, overlying a layer of earth. The land quality is fair to good, with varying taxes and a higher variety of goods. Tribute items include lacquer, silk, various silk fabrics, fine cotton wool packed in bamboo baskets, and tributes of stone chimes and gilded silverware. The waterways of Yuzhou pass through the Luo River, directly reaching the Yellow River.
Huayang Mountain and the area around Heishui River are part of Liangzhou. The Wen River and Mount Bozhou have been developed and utilized, while the Tu River and Cen River have opened up waterways. Caizhou and Meng Mountain have been pacified, and the Yi people have also submitted. The soil there is dark grayish-green. The fields are mostly of middling quality, with middling taxes and a variety of crops. Tribute items include sonorous stone, iron, silver, engraved objects, nu stone, and qing, as well as bear, brown bear, fox, and marten skins, along with various leather goods.
The city of Qincheng in the west rose up because of Duke Huan. The Liangzhou waterways flow through Qianchuan. They cross the Mian River, then enter the Wei River, finally reaching the Yellow River.
Now, let's go through the classical Chinese text line by line.
“黑水西河惟雍州” means that both Heishui River and the West River are within Liangzhou. In short, this indicates that Liangzhou has both Heishui River and the West River.
“弱水既西，泾属渭汭” states that the Ruoshui River is in the west, and the Jing River flows into the Wei River. Basically, it means there is a Ruoshui River to the west, and the Jing River eventually flows into the Wei River.
“漆、沮既从，沣水所同” indicates that the Qishui and Jushui rivers also flow into the Wei River, along with the Feng River. This means several rivers—Qishui, Jushui, and Feng—flow into the Wei River.
“荆、岐已旅，终南、敦物至于鸟鼠” describes the continuous mountain ranges of Jing and Qi mountains, with Zhongnan and Dunwu mountains extending to Niaoshu Mountain. This refers to the orientation of the mountain ranges, indicating several mountains are connected in an unbroken line.
“原隰厎绩，至于都野” explains that the plains and marshlands stretch continuously to the outskirts of the city. In short, the plains and wetlands extend out to the areas beyond the city.
“三危既度，三苗大序” means that crossing the Sanwei Mountain leads to the territory of the Sanmiao tribe. Essentially, after passing Sanwei Mountain, you arrive at the area where the Sanmiao people reside.
“其土黄壤。田上上，赋中下” indicates that the soil there is yellow earth, and the land is fertile, but the taxes are on the lower end. In summary, the soil is yellow, the land is quite fertile, but the taxes are not very high.
"Tribute included beautiful jade, green jade, and langgan (a type of jade). It means that the place produces good jade, which is offered to the court.
They floated down from Jishi Mountain, through the Longmen section of the West River, finally reaching the Wei River. It is said that these jade stones float down from Jishi Mountain and eventually flow into the Wei River.
Next is a description of the mountain ranges:
"Nine mountain ranges are listed: The first range runs from Mount Qian and Mount Qi to Mount Jing, crossing the Yellow River. The second range extends from Mount Hukou and Mount Leishou to Mount Tai. The third range goes from Dizhu and Xicheng to Wangwu. The fourth range stretches from Taihang and Changshan to Jieshi, entering the sea. The fifth range is from Xiqing, Zhuyu, and Niaoshu to Mount Taihua. The sixth range runs from Xionger, Waifang, and Tongbai to Fuwei. The seventh range goes from Bozhong to Jing Mountain. The eighth range extends from Neifang to Dabie. The ninth range is from the south side of Wenshan to Hengshan, crossing the Jiujiang, and reaching Fuqianyuan."
Finally, a description of the rivers: This passage details the major river systems of the Yongzhou region."
"The Jiuchuan River flows from Ruo Shui to He Li Mountain, with its overflow reaching Liu Sha. The Hei Shui River begins at San Wei Mountain and flows into the South China Sea. The Yellow River, originating from Ji Shi Mountain, travels to Longmen and ultimately empties into the sea. This passage details the courses of nine rivers and where they ultimately flow into the ocean, providing a thorough description of their directions and final destinations near Yongzhou.
In conclusion, this passage presents a detailed account of the topography and hydrology of ancient Yongzhou, showcasing the complexity and diversity of its geographical environment.
The empire is now unified! The esteemed ministers from all corners are in place, roads have been built to all nine mountains, the nine rivers have been dredged, and the nine marshes have been effectively managed, fostering unity across the nation. The six ministries functioned effectively, land throughout the country is well-planned, financial management is conducted with great caution, and taxes are collected smoothly nationwide. The emperor even granted surnames to the people in the Central Plains, proclaiming, 'May your virtue be a model, and never oppose my will.'"
Next, the emperor established the zones of tribute outside his jurisdiction for five hundred miles, specifically: within 100 miles, they paid in silk fabrics; within 200 miles, they presented bronze wares; within 300 miles, they contributed grain and straw; within 400 miles, they supplied millet; and within 500 miles, they provided rice. Beyond these zones were another five hundred miles of marquis territory: within 100 miles, special products were to be offered; within 200 miles were the marquis states; and within 300 miles were also marquis states. Beyond the marquis territory were another five hundred miles of areas of pacification: within 300 miles, moral and cultural instruction was to be implemented, and within 200 miles, military defense was to be strengthened. Beyond the areas of pacification were another five hundred miles of areas under control: within 300 miles were peripheral tribes, and within 200 miles were nomadic regions. Beyond these areas were another five hundred miles of wilderness zones: within 300 miles were uncivilized regions, and within 200 miles were unsettled lands.
Yu the Great tamed the floods, his influence extending from the eastern sea to the western deserts, from the northern borders to the southernmost reaches, and his teachings spread to every corner of the world! Then, the emperor bestowed the mysterious jade tablet upon Yu the Great, proclaiming to the world the news of his successful water control. And so, an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity dawned.
Gao Tao served as an official, governing the people with reason. During the reign of Emperor Shun, Yu, Boyi, and Gao Tao discussed matters together in front of Emperor Shun. Gao Tao proposed his governance strategy, saying: "Believe in their morality, assist them with wise strategies, and help them get along." Yu replied, "Right, but how specifically?" Gao Tao responded, "Well! Cultivate yourself carefully, think long-term, ensure family harmony, and make the people smart and capable. This way, the nearby can be governed well, and the distant will naturally be stable." Yu praised his words, saying, "Exactly." Gao Tao continued, "Well! The key to governance lies in understanding the people and comforting them." Yu sighed, "If everyone could do these things, only the heavens could achieve it! Understanding the people reflects your wisdom, allowing you to assign them to suitable positions; comforting the people shows your benevolence, and they will support you. Knowing what the people need and showing them kindness—what's to fear from Huan Dou's rebellion, the Miao migration, or those sycophants?"
Gao Tao said, "Right! We must also practice the Nine Virtues and promote them." Then he continued, "When starting work, one must be tolerant but serious, gentle but firm, hopeful but cooperative, governing but respectful, dealing with chaos but decisive, honest but gentle, simple but clean, strong but practical, tough but loyal. If we make these standard practices, things will go well. Every day, promote kindness, justice, and proper conduct, and strive morning and evening to ensure the people live in peace and contentment. Every day, strictly enforce the virtues of loyalty, honesty, filial piety, and respect for elders, bringing prosperity to the nation. Listen to the people and treat them well. Ensure the Nine Virtues are upheld, appoint only the most capable officials, and demand respect and diligence from all. Do not incite evil and immoral conspiracies. Only the right people should hold office; otherwise, it's defying Heaven's will. Heaven will punish the guilty, and the five punishments and five laws must be rigorously enforced! Can my words be implemented?" Yu said, "Your words make sense and can certainly be implemented." Gao Tao said, "I'm not as wise as you, but I'll do my best to help you."
Emperor Shun said to Yu, "You should also speak about your thoughts." Yu replied, "What can I say? I've been thinking about it a lot." Gao Tao asked Yu, "What do you mean by pondering?" Yu said, "The great flood was overwhelming, submerging mountains and hills, and the people were trapped in water. I traveled by land and water, navigating mountains and marshes. Together with Yi, we ensured the people had plenty to eat, while Ji and I managed the food distribution. We also dredged the nine great rivers and canals, connecting them to the four seas. When food was scarce, we redistributed from wealthy areas to poor areas and helped them relocate. Then, finally, peace and order were restored." Gao Tao said, "Yes, this is truly immeasurable merit!"
Da Yu said to Emperor Ku: "Your Highness, you must handle state affairs carefully and govern the country steadily. If you promote virtue, the world will respond vigorously. Await Heaven's mandate with a clear conscience, and Heaven will appoint you again, allowing you to enjoy an era of peace and prosperity." Emperor Ku said: "Ah, I am your loyal subject! I am at your service! I want the people to live in peace and happiness, and you will assist me; I want to understand the examples of ancient sages, the symbolism of the sun, moon, stars, and courtly attire, and you will help me understand; I want to know about the six pitches, five sounds, eight tones, and the playing techniques of various musical instruments, and you will listen for me; if I neglect anything, you will help me correct and make up for it. Don't flatter me, even after I step down; speak your mind. Respect the four assistant ministers, and beware of flatterers; as long as you adhere to good governance, the world will naturally be clear."
Da Yu replied: "Yes, Your Highness. If Your Highness cannot handle state affairs in a timely manner and treat good and evil equally, nothing will be accomplished." Emperor Ku said: "Do not be like Danzhu, proud and idle, indulging in pleasure, neglecting official duties, and ultimately ruining your future. I cannot tolerate such behavior." Da Yu said: "I married a woman from the Tu Shan clan and had Qi. He is not my heir, but I can still complete the task of managing water and governing the world. I assisted you in the governance of the Five Services (a system of administrative divisions), covering a range of five thousand li (approximately 2,000 kilometers), established twelve states and armies, expanded the territory to the four seas, appointed five officials, and each region made contributions. The Miao people are stubborn and refuse to submit; Your Highness must consider this carefully." Emperor Ku said: "Promoting my good governance is your credit."
Gaoyao admired Da Yu's achievements and ordered the people to emulate him. If anyone violated the order, they would be punished according to the law. Emperor Shun's virtuous reign was renowned.
Then Kui began to play music, and the spirits of the ancestors descended. The lords showed each other deference, birds and beasts danced together, the *xiao* and *shao* music was sublime, the phoenix came to pay respects, all the beasts danced together, and the officials lived in harmony. Emperor Ku sang a song: "**Following the mandate of Heaven, abiding by the times and regulations.**" Then he sang: "**My ministers rejoice! The leader rises, all craftsmen are happy!**" Gaoyao clasped his hands together, bowed, and said loudly, "Remember, prosperity depends on upholding the laws with diligence and respect!" He sang another song: "**The leader is wise, my ministers are good, all matters are well!**" He then sang: "**The leader falters, his ministers slack, and all things decay.**" Emperor Ku bowed and said, "Yes, I will definitely remember that!" Thus, Yu's wisdom, talent, and music were revered, and he was deified as a mountain and river god.
It is said that Emperor Shun recommended Yu to Heaven, allowing him to inherit his position. Seventeen years later, Emperor Shun passed away. After the three-year mourning period, Yu respectfully refused Shang Jun, the son of Emperor Shun, indicating that he did not want to inherit. As a result, all the lords abandoned Shang Jun and came to pay homage to Yu. Thus, Yu inevitably became emperor, sitting in the south to receive the worship of the world, with the country named Xiahou and the surname Si.
After becoming emperor, Yu promoted Gaoyao and entrusted him with handling government affairs. Unfortunately, Gaoyao passed away shortly after. Yu then enfeoffed Gaoyao's descendants in Ying and Liu, or possibly Xudu. Later, Yu also promoted Yi and entrusted him with governance.
Ten years later, Yu, the Great, went on an inspection tour and died in Kuaiji. Before he died, he handed the world over to Yi. After the three-year mourning period ended, Yi passed the throne to Yu's son, Qi, and retired to the slopes of Mount Ji. Yu's son Qi was very capable and won the hearts of the people. Although Yu had entrusted the world to Yi before his death, Yi's time assisting Yu was relatively short, and the people's loyalty had not completely turned to him. Therefore, the lords abandoned Yi and went to pay homage to Qi, saying, "He's Yu's son!" So, Qi inherited the throne and became Emperor Qi of the Xia Dynasty.
Emperor Qi of the Xia Dynasty was Yu's son, and his mother was a daughter of the Tu Shan clan. The Youhu clan did not submit to the rule of the Xia Dynasty, so Qi led troops to attack them, and a major battle took place in Gande. Before the battle began, Qi wrote the "Gan Oath" and then gathered six ministers to read it aloud. Qi said, "Right, my six ministers, listen up: the Youhu clan is disrespectful, having broken five laws and ignored three government edicts. Heaven's will is to destroy them. Now I’m acting under Heaven's mandate to attack them. You must obey my orders; the left wing must not attack the right wing, and the right wing must not attack the left wing. If you disobey orders, I will punish you! Those who obey orders will be rewarded at the ancestral temple; those who disobey will be punished at the altar of the land and grain. I will definitely see to it that you are punished!" As a result, the Youhu clan was destroyed, and the whole country submitted to the Xia Dynasty.
After Emperor Qi of the Xia Dynasty passed away, his son Tai Kang took the throne. Tai Kang later lost the throne and lived with his five brothers by the Luo River, where they composed the "Song of the Five Sons." After Tai Kang's death, his brother Zhong Kang took the throne, becoming Emperor Zhong Kang. During Emperor Zhong Kang's reign, Xi and He were drunkards and womanizers, neglecting their duties and throwing the calendar into chaos. Yin went to attack them and wrote the "Yin Expedition."
After Xia Chao Zhong Kang passed away, his son Emperor Xiang succeeded him. Following Emperor Xiang's death, his son Emperor Shao Kang ruled; after Emperor Shao Kang passed away, his son Emperor Yu succeeded; then Emperor Yu passed away, and his son Emperor Huai took the throne; after Emperor Huai's death, his son Emperor Mang succeeded; then Emperor Mang passed away, and his son Emperor Xie ruled; after Emperor Xie died, his son Emperor Bujiang succeeded; after Emperor Bujiang's death, his brother Emperor Jiong took the throne; after Emperor Jiong passed away, his son Emperor Jin succeeded; finally, after Emperor Jin's death, his son Kong Jia became emperor, known as Emperor Kong Jia of Xia.
After Kong Jia became emperor, he became superstitious, lived a wild life, and was incredibly decadent. As a result, the national strength of the Xia Dynasty weakened, and many lords betrayed the Xia Dynasty. At this time, two dragons descended from the sky, one male and one female, but Kong Jia could not keep them alive and could not find anyone from the Huanlong clan (a clan known for their dragon-raising skills) to help. Following the fall of the Taotang clan (Yao), his descendant Liu Lei learned the skill of raising dragons from the Huanlong clan and then went to serve Kong Jia. Kong Jia bestowed upon him the Yulong surname and allowed him to inherit the title of the Shiwei clan. Later, when the mother dragon died, Kong Jia even planned to serve dragon meat to entertain the guests of the Xia court. When the Xia people heard about this, they were very afraid and quickly moved away.
After Kong Jia's death, his son Di Gao succeeded to the throne; after Di Gao's death, his son Di Fa succeeded to the throne; after Di Fa's death, his son Di Lu Gui succeeded to the throne—this was Xia Jie. Starting from Kong Jia, many lords betrayed the Xia Dynasty, and by the time of Jie, it was even worse. Jie did not rule virtuously, only knowing how to oppress his people with brute force, causing them to endure unspeakable hardship. He once imprisoned Shang Tang at Xia Tai, but later released him. Shang Tang was diligent in governing with virtue, and many lords swore allegiance to him. Thus, Shang Tang led his army to attack Xia Jie. Xia Jie fled to Mingtiao and was ultimately overthrown and died in exile. Before his death, Xia Jie lamented, saying, "I should have killed Shang Tang at Xia Tai; now look what's become of me!" Shang Tang then ascended to the throne, replacing the Xia Dynasty's rule over the world. Shang Tang also granted lands and titles to the descendants of the Xia Dynasty, and by the time of the Zhou Dynasty, the descendants of the Xia Dynasty were still enfeoffed in the state of Qi (杞). Sima Qian said: Yu was of the Sì surname, and his descendants were enfeoffed in various places, using the name of the state as their surname, hence the surnames Xiahou, Youhu, Nanshi, Zhunxunshi, Tongchengshi, Baoshi, Feishi, Qishi, Zhengshi, Xinshi, Mingshi, and Zhengeshi. Confucius once examined the Xia calendar, and scholars frequently studied the "Xia Xiaozheng." From the time of Yu and Xia Yu, the system of tribute was already well established. Some say Yu once gathered lords in Jiangnan to confer on matters of governance, then passed away and was buried there, naming it Kuaiji. Kuaiji is derived from the meaning of "gathering accounts."
