Emperor Xiaowen was the second son of Emperor Gaozu. In the spring of the eleventh year of Emperor Gaozu's reign, after defeating the army of Chen Xi and pacifying the Dai territory, he was made King of Dai and established the capital in Zhongdu. His mother was Empress Dowager Bo. He ruled as emperor for seventeen years. In the seventh month of the eighth year of Empress Gao's reign, Empress Gao died. In the ninth month, members of the Lu clan, including Lu Chan, planned to rebel, threatening the Liu family's power. The ministers teamed up to kill them. Actually, there were plans to recall the King of Dai to inherit the throne, which Empress Dowager Lu had hinted at.
After Empress Dowager Lu's death, things were chaotic at court. The Lu clan's power expanded, and they were gunning for power, endangering the Liu clan's rule. The ministers, worried about the country, quickly took out the Lu clan, averting a larger disaster. Even while Empress Dowager Lu was alive, there were secret plots to put King Dai on the throne, maybe with a few hints from Empress Dowager Lu to make the transition smoother.
Prime Minister Chen Ping and General Zhou Bo sent people to welcome the King of Dai. The King of Dai asked his attendants, including Commander Zhang Wu, for advice. They discussed and said, "These Han ministers were all old soldiers from Gaozu's army. They knew their military stuff and were sneaky. They were up to more than just being scared of Gaozu and the Empress Dowager. Now that the Lus are gone and the city's just been through a bloodbath, they can't be trusted. The King should fake being sick and stay put. He needs to see what happens first."
Lieutenant Song Chang continued, "The opinions of all the ministers are wrong. The Qin Dynasty lost the people's hearts, and the feudal lords rebelled one after another. Countless people thought they could be emperor, but in the end, it was the Liu family who ascended the throne. The people had lost hope in the Qin Dynasty; this is the first point. Emperor Gaozu appointed his royal brothers to various regions, creating a system of checks and balances; this is known as the cornerstone of power. The people respected their strength; this is the second point. After the Han Dynasty was established, it abolished the harsh policies of the Qin Dynasty, established clear laws, and ruled with kindness, allowing everyone to prosper; this is the third point. Although Empress Dowager Lu was strict and appointed the Lü clan as kings, exercising absolute power, all it took was a word from the Grand Commandant for the soldiers of the Northern Army to turn against the Lü clan, betraying them and ultimately destroying them. This was fate, not something that could be achieved by human effort. Even if the ministers now want to rebel, the people won’t listen to them. Can they count on their supporters to stick together? Currently, within the Han Dynasty, there are princes like Zhu Xu and Dong Mou, while externally, they fear the powerful princes of Wu, Chu, and others in the east and north. Among the sons of Emperor Gaozu, only the Prince of Huainan and the Prince of Dai remain. The Prince is the eldest son, known throughout the land for his wisdom, virtue, and filial piety. Therefore, the ministers see this as divinely ordained to welcome the Prince's ascension to the throne, and the Prince should not doubt this."
Dai Wang told the Empress Dowager about this matter, but still couldn't make up his mind. So he got his fortune read, and the reading was Da Heng. The diviner said, "The reading, Da Heng, spoke of a great king, a glorious reign like that of Xia Qi." Dai Wang replied, "I'm already king, what more do I need?" The diviner clarified, "It means Emperor." So Dai Wang sent the Empress Dowager's younger brother Zhao to meet with the Marquis of Jiang, and they explained why everyone wanted him to be emperor. Zhao came back and reported, "It's all true, no doubt about it." Dai Wang smiled at Song Chang and said, "Exactly as you said." He then ordered Song Chang to accompany him in the carriage, while Zhang Wu and the others took a post carriage to Chang'an. They stopped at Gaoling, and sent Song Chang ahead to scout Chang'an.
When they reached Wei Bridge, officials under the Prime Minister came out to greet them. Song Chang went back. Dai Wang rushed to Wei Bridge, and the courtiers all knelt and pledged allegiance. Dai Wang also knelt. Prime Minister Zhou Bo stepped forward and said, "I have a few words to say." Song Chang replied, "If it's official business, say it; otherwise, the Emperor won't care." The Prime Minister then knelt down and presented the emperor's jade seal and token. Dai Wang declined, saying, "Let's talk at my place." So, he made haste into the Dai Mansion, with all the courtiers following.
Prime Minister Chen Ping, Grand Commandant Zhou Bo, Grand General Chen Wu, Grand Historian Zhang Cang, Director of the Imperial Clan Liu Ying, Marquis Zhu Liu Zhang, Marquis Dongmou Liu Xingju, and Chancellor Liu Jiedu all kowtowed again and said, "The Lü clan are not Emperor Xiaohui's legitimate heirs and should not inherit the throne or offer sacrifices to the ancestors. We have carefully consulted the opinions of Marquis Yin'an, the various Marquises, Empress Dowager Qiang, Prince Langye, royal relatives, ministers, and high-ranking officials, and they all said, 'The King is the eldest son of Emperor Gaozu and should inherit the throne of Emperor Gaozu.' We hope the King will ascend to the throne immediately." The King declared, "Inheriting the ancestral temple of Emperor Gaozu is a major event. I am not capable and cannot bear the heavy responsibility of performing ancestral sacrifices. I would like to ask for suggestions from King Chu. I dare not make decisions on my own." The courtiers all knelt down and pleaded repeatedly. The King repeatedly and humbly declined the throne. Prime Minister Chen Ping and others said, "After careful consideration, it is most appropriate for the King to inherit the ancestral temple of Emperor Gaozu, and all the feudal lords and people of the world also consider it appropriate. We act for the sake of the state and its ancestors, and dare not be remiss. We hope the King will follow our advice. We respectfully present the imperial seal and scepter, kowtow again, and earnestly request." The King said, "The royal relatives, generals, and marquises all believe that no one is more suitable than me, so I dare not refuse." And so, he became emperor.
The courtiers followed proper protocol. Then they sent the imperial stable master Ying and the Marquis of Dongmou, Liu Xingju, to clean the palace and prepare the emperor's carriage to fetch him from the temporary palace. That evening, the emperor entered the Weiyang Palace. That night, he appointed Song Chang as the Commander of the Guards to command the northern and southern armies; appointed Zhang Wu as the Palace Commander to oversee the palace's security. Then he returned to the front hall. That night, he issued a decree saying, "Some time ago, the Lu family usurped power, plotted treason, and threatened the Liu ancestral temple. Fortunately, the generals, marquises, royal family members, and ministers executed them, and they received the punishment they deserved. I have just ascended the throne, declared a nationwide amnesty, granted titles to the common people, given a cow and wine to every hundred households, and held a five-day celebration."
On the day of Geng Xu in October of 180 BC, Emperor Xiaowen of Han moved the former Prince of Langya, Liu Ze, to the state of Yan and appointed him as the King of Yan.
The next day, on Xin Hai, Emperor Xiaowen officially ascended the throne and performed sacrificial rites at the ancestral temple. He then transferred Chen Ping from Right Chancellor to Left Chancellor, promoted Zhou Bo to Right Chancellor, and appointed General-in-Chief Guan Ying as the new Grand Commandant. The lands of Qi and Chu, previously seized by the Lu clan, were restored to their rightful owners.
On this day of Renzi, Emperor Xiaowen sent General Bo Zhao to Dai to welcome the Empress Dowager. Emperor Xiaowen said, "Lü Chan had proclaimed himself Chancellor, and Lü Lu had become the Grand General. They ordered General Guan Ying to attack Qi without authorization, aiming to usurp the throne and establish the Lü dynasty. Fortunately, Guan Ying stayed in Xingyang and did not send troops, and conspired with the princes to kill the Lü family. Lü Chan plotted treason, and Chancellor Chen Ping and Grand Commandant Zhou Bo planned to seize the military power of Lü Chan and others. Marquis Zhu Xu, Liu Zhang, was the first to arrest Lü Chan and others. Grand Commandant Zhou Bo personally led Marquis Xiangping Tong to enter the Northern Army. Liu Jie, the Master of Guests, personally seized the seal of Prince Zhao Lü Lu. To reward their loyalty, I have specially promoted Grand Commandant Zhou Bo to command 10,000 households and awarded him 5,000 jin of gold; Chancellor Chen Ping and General Guan Ying each received 3,000 households and 2,000 jin of gold; Marquis Zhu Xu, Liu Zhang, Marquis Xiangping Tong, and Marquis Dongmou, Liu Xingju, each received 2,000 households and 1,000 jin of gold; and Liu Jie, the Master of Guests, was created Marquis of Yangxin and awarded 1,000 jin of gold."
In December, Emperor Xiao Wen of Han said, "Laws are the rules of the land, used to keep people from doing wrong and encourage them to do right. Those who have broken the law have already been punished, but to also punish their whole families and confiscate their property, I feel this is inappropriate. Let's discuss this together." The officials replied, "People lack self-control, so laws are needed to restrain them. Punishing their whole families and confiscating property is to scare them straight, so they dare not break the law again. That's how it's always been, so let's continue to follow the old rules." Emperor Xiao Wen said, "I have heard that when laws are just, people will be law-abiding; when responsibilities are clear, they will obey. Furthermore, it is the officials who educate the people and guide them towards goodness. If the officials cannot guide the people well and use unjust laws to punish them, wouldn't this harm the people and become tyranny? How can we promote good and forbid evil in this way? I think this is inappropriate; let's think of another solution." Those officials said, "Your Majesty's so kind and wise, we're nowhere near your level! Please order the cancellation of the relevant laws regarding punishing families and confiscating property!" In January, the officials said, "It is time to appoint a crown prince to honor the ancestral temple. Please make him crown prince!" The emperor said, "My own virtue is insufficient; Heaven hasn't shown its favor yet, and the people have not yet lived a good life. Even if I'm not ready to give up the throne, rushing to appoint a crown prince now will only show my lack of virtue. What will the people think? How can they trust me then?"
Officials said, "Establishing the Crown Prince early is to show respect for the ancestors and the people!" The emperor said, "The King of Chu is my uncle, old in age, rich in experience, and very knowledgeable about state affairs; the King of Wu is my elder brother, kind and virtuous; the King of Huainan is my younger brother, of noble character, assisting me. They are perfectly suitable, are they not? Among the princes, royal brothers, and meritorious officials, there are many worthy men. If I were to select those with virtues to assist me due to my own shortcomings, it would be beneficial for the welfare of the state and the people. Now, if I do not select them and insist on appointing my own son, others will think that I have forgotten those talented individuals and only care about my son, which is not exactly showing the country any love, is it? I strongly disagree."
The officials persisted, saying, "In ancient times, the Shang Dynasty and the Zhou Dynasty were able to govern the country for thousands of years, with very few rulers having longer reigns, all because of this method. The heir must be a son, a long-standing tradition. The founding emperor unified the land, established the feudal states, and became emperor. When the princes and marquises were newly enfeoffed, they also became the ancestors of their respective states. Sons inherit the throne, generation after generation, without interruption, which is the greatest principle of the world. Therefore, the founding emperor established this system to pacify the world. Now, abandoning the practice of appointing a Crown Prince and selecting someone else from the princes and royal family is not in line with the intentions of the founding emperor! There's no need for further discussion. Your son, so-and-so, is the oldest and has a gentle and kind heart; please appoint him as the Crown Prince!"
Finally, the emperor relented. He then ordered that all those who had mourned for their fathers be granted a noble title one level higher. And they made General Bao Zhao the Marquis of Zhi.
In March, court officials suggested the establishment of an empress. Empress Dowager Bo (薄太后) said, "The princes are all of the same clan and surname, so the mother of the crown prince should be made empress." This empress's surname is Dou. To celebrate her establishment, the emperor bestowed cloth, silk, grain, and meat to widows, widowers, young orphans (under nine), the elderly (over eighty), and the poor throughout the country, each in specified amounts. The emperor, who had just ascended to the throne, showed kindness to the whole world and pacified the surrounding peoples, delighting the neighboring tribes. He followed the advice of the meritorious officials who had come from the Dai region. The emperor said, "In the past, the ministers killed the Lv clan and supported me as emperor. At that time, I was still hesitant, and they all advised me. Only Commander Song Chang (宋昌) persuaded me, allowing me to preserve the ancestral temple and state. I have promoted Song Chang to General of the Guards and granted him the title of Zhuangwu Marquis. The six people who followed me in the past have all reached the rank of Nine Ministers (the highest-ranking officials)." The emperor also said, "The marquises who followed Emperor Gaozu into Shu and Hanzhong, a total of sixty-eight people, I have increased their lands by three hundred households each. The officials who followed Emperor Gaozu from his time as Commandant (a high-ranking local official) in Yingchuan, with a rank of two thousand shi or above, ten people, each have a fief of six hundred households. The ten people, including the Huaiyang Commandant Shen Tu Jia, each have five hundred households. The ten people, including the Guard Captain Ding, each have four hundred households. I have also granted the uncle of the King of Huainan, Zhao Jian (赵兼), the title of Zhouyang Marquis, and the uncle of the King of Qi, Si Jun (驷钧), the title of Qingguo Marquis." In autumn, the former Prime Minister of Changshan, Cai Jian (蔡兼), was posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Fan. Someone said to the Right Prime Minister Bo (勃), "You were the one who killed the Lv clan and supported the King of Dai, and now you are being rewarded for your merits, holding a high position. Disaster may befall you." The Right Prime Minister Bo then called in sick and quit, leaving the Left Prime Minister Ping (平) to act as Prime Minister alone.
In October of the second year, Prime Minister Ping passed away, and the Emperor appointed Marquis Bo of Jiang as the new Prime Minister. The Emperor said, "I have heard that in ancient times, there were over a thousand feudal lords who each guarded their own territories, paid tribute on time, and life was easy for the people. Both the rulers and the ruled were happy, and there were no bad customs left behind. Now, most marquises live in Chang'an, their fiefdoms are in remote areas, and it is very difficult to supply officials and soldiers, while the marquises are unable to govern their subjects. The marquises should return to their fiefdoms; the Crown Prince will oversee those officials and others remaining in the court."
On the last day of November, a solar eclipse occurred. On the fifteenth day of December, another solar eclipse occurred. The Emperor said, "I have heard that Heaven created the people and established kings to govern them. If the king is not virtuous and the politics are unjust, Heaven will use disasters to warn and admonish him not to govern the country in such a way. Look, on the last day of November, there was a solar eclipse; is this not a significant warning? I will safeguard the ancestral temple and bear the responsibility of the king with my humble body. The rise and fall of the country all depend on me alone; only a few ministers are my right-hand men. I cannot govern the people below properly, and I have damaged the brightness of the sun, moon, and stars above. I have gravely erred! Order everyone to reflect on my mistakes, as well as what they know, see, and think about, but I do not know, and tell me quickly. At the same time, recommend virtuous and upright people who dare to speak frankly to correct my shortcomings. Everyone should do their own jobs well, strive to reduce taxes and corvée labor, and make it easier for the people. Given my shortcomings, I am always worried that someone outside will make a mistake, so I have not stopped preparing. Even if I cannot withdraw the border troops now, I must strengthen the military defenses and dismiss the General of Guards. The surplus funds from the imperial stables will be sufficient, and the rest will be used to supplement the expenses of the post stations."
In January, the Emperor said, "Agriculture is the foundation of the world. We must open up and cultivate fields; I will personally lead the farming to offer sacrifices to the ancestors."
In March, the relevant departments requested appointing a prince as a vassal king. The emperor said, "Zhao You Wang died a tragic death, and I feel for him. I have already established his eldest son as King of Zhao. You Wang's younger brother, Pi Qiang, and Zhu, Marquis of Xuxu, and Xingju, Marquis of Dongmou, both from Qi, have all made contributions and can be appointed as kings." Therefore, Pi Qiang, the second son of King You of Zhao, was established as the King of Hejian. Zhu, Marquis of Xuxu, was established as the King of Chengyang in Qi's Ju county. The Marquis of Dongmou was established as the King of Jibei. The prince, Wu, was appointed as the King of Dai, the son, Can, as the King of Taiyuan, and the son, Yi, as the King of Liang.
The emperor said, "In ancient times, to govern the world, the court used merit-based awards and suggestion boxes to facilitate the political process and allow everyone to offer advice. Nowadays, there is a crime of slander, which makes the ministers afraid to speak freely, and I do not know my faults. How can we attract virtuous people from afar? This charge should be abolished. Commoners muttering curses behind the Emperor's back, or even deceiving each other, was considered treason. If they say something else, the officials consider it as defamation. It's just common folk being ignorant and superstitious, and I strongly disagree with it. From now on, let's drop the charges against them."
In September, bronze tiger tallies and bamboo tallies began to be made for the county officials. A solar eclipse fell on the last day of October, 139 BC (Dingyou day). In November, Emperor Han Wu said, "I ordered the marquises back to their lands a few days ago, but some are dragging their feet. My Prime Minister's the one I trust most, so let him urge the marquises to return to their fiefdoms on my behalf." Therefore, Zhou Bo, Marquis of Jiang, got the boot as Prime Minister and returned to his fiefdom, and Guan Ying, Marquis of Yingyin, succeeded him as Prime Minister. The Grand Commandant's office was also done away with, its duties absorbed into the Prime Minister's. In April, Prince Liu Zhang of Chengyang died. Prince Liu Chang of Huainan and his man Wei Jing offed Shen Shiqi, Marquis of Biyang.
In May, the Xiongnu invaded the northern region, burning, killing, and looting in the Henan area. Emperor Wu of Han initially went to Ganquan Palace for a vacation. In June, Emperor Wu of Han said, "The Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu agreed to be brotherly countries and should not invade each other's borders. Therefore, we used to offer the Xiongnu generously. Now, the Right Worthy King and his troops have occupied the surrendered lands in Henan, which is very unusual. They often roamed near the border, killing officials and soldiers, driving out the border folk, not allowing them to live in their original places, harassing border officials, and frequently looting, blatantly disregarding our agreement! He ordered 85,000 border cavalry to Gao Nu and sent Prime Minister Yingyin Hou Guanying to attack the Xiongnu!" After the Xiongnu withdrew their troops, Emperor Wu of Han mobilized the officers and men, assigned them to the General of the Guards, and stationed them in Chang'an. On the day of Gengzi, Emperor Wu of Han set off from Ganquan to Gao Nu, passing through Taiyuan on the way, meeting the local old ministers, and rewarding them. He rewarded their achievements, giving each household cattle and wine. He also exempted Jinyang from three years of taxes. Emperor Wu of Han spent more than ten days in Taiyuan for leisure.
Prince Liu Xingju of Jibei heard that Emperor Han Wu was not in Chang'an, so he wanted to take the opportunity to take on the Xiongnu. Instead, he launched his own rebellion and led his troops to attack Yingyang. Therefore, Emperor Han Wu ordered the Prime Minister's military actions to be stopped, appointed Marquis Chen Wu of Jipu as the Grand General, and led a hundred thousand troops to quell the rebellion. Marquis Qi He also served as a general and stationed his troops in Yingyang. In July, on the Xinhai day, Emperor Han Wu returned to Chang'an from Taiyuan. Then Emperor Han Wu ordered, "Prince Liu Xingju broke the law, rebelled against the court, cheated the people, and committed high treason. The officials and people of Jibei, who had already quelled the rebellion before the arrival of the court army, as well as those surrendered troops and cities, are forgiven their crimes. Their official positions and titles are restored. Those who aided him were also pardoned." In August, the Han army defeated Prince Liu Xingju's army and captured him. Emperor Han Wu pardoned all the officials and people of Jibei, as well as those involved in the rebellion. Six years ago, someone reported that Prince Huainan Liu Chang broke his grandpa's laws, did not obey the emperor's decrees, lived the high life, just like the emperor, made laws on his own, plotted with Prince Qi of Jipu to rebel, and even contacted Minyue and the Xiongnu to mobilize their armies, threatening the empire. The ministers discussed and all agreed that Liu Chang should be executed. The emperor couldn't bring himself to execute him, so he pardoned his crime and abolished his title. The ministers suggested exiling him to Yandao and Qiongdu in Shu, and the emperor agreed. But Liu Chang kicked the bucket before he got there, which the emperor regretted. Sixteen years later, the emperor posthumously named Liu Chang the Prince Li and his three sons as Prince Huainan, Prince Hengshan, and Prince Lujiang.
In the summer of the thirteenth year, the emperor said: "I have heard that disasters caused by acts of God are due to resentment, while blessings come from virtue. The faults of the officials are my responsibility. Now the officials in charge of sacrifices are shifting the blame to their subordinates to cover up my faults, and I can't stand for this. Therefore, this official position should be abolished." In May, the Taicang official of the State of Qi committed a crime and was to be punished. The prison sent people to escort him to Chang'an. The Taicang official had no sons, only five daughters. When he was about to be taken away, he scolded his daughters, saying, "Having all of you daughters and no sons, you're useless to me now!" His youngest daughter, Tiying, was very upset when she heard this and cried. She followed her father to Chang'an and wrote to the emperor: "My father was a clean and just official, praised by the people of Qi. Now he faces punishment for his crime. I am very saddened. You can't bring back the dead, and once you're punished, it's done. Even if someone wants to reform, they have no chance. I am willing to be a servant to redeem my father's sins and give him a chance to reform." Her petition reached the emperor, who was moved by her filial piety and issued a decree: "I have heard that during the time of Yu Shun, different styles of clothing and headgear were used to warn the people, and as a result, the people did not commit crimes. Why is that? Because it was a time of peace and prosperity! Now, there are still corporal punishments in the law, but crime is everywhere. What is the reason for this? Is it not because of my lack of virtue and unclear education? I feel terrible about this. Therefore, if education is not pure, the people will make mistakes. A good ruler is like a parent to their people. Now, when the people make mistakes, punishment is imposed before they can be educated? Or perhaps someone wants to reform, but cannot find a way? I sympathize with them. Corporal punishment cuts off limbs, scars the skin, and causes lifelong pain. How can this be considered education and virtue? How can it be said to be like a parent to the people? We need to get rid of corporal punishment!"
The emperor said, "Agriculture is the foundation of the country; there is nothing more important than this. Now the farmers work hard to cultivate the land, yet they still have to pay taxes. This is putting the cart before the horse, and the methods to encourage agricultural production are still not perfect. I decree that land taxes be abolished!" In the winter of the fourteenth year, the Xiongnu planned to invade the border and plunder, attacking the pass and killing the Beidi Prefect. The emperor then dispatched three armies to station in Longxi, Beidi, and Shangjun, appointing General Wei Zhou She and General Cheqi Zhang Wu to lead thousands of war chariots and a hundred thousand cavalry to the north bank of the Wei River. The emperor personally reviewed the troops, issued his commands, and rewarded them. The emperor originally wanted to lead the troops to fight the Xiongnu himself, but the ministers all advised against it, which the emperor did not heed. Only the Empress Dowager's firm dissuasion made the emperor relent. He then appointed Zhang Xiangru, the Marquess of Dongyang, as the Grand Marshal, the Duke of Chenghou Chi as the Interior Minister, and Luan Bu as the General to attack the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu eventually fled. In the spring, the emperor said, "For fourteen years, I have offered sacrifices to Heaven, Earth, and our ancestors. It has been a long time; my abilities and knowledge are insufficient, yet I have been governing the world for a long time, and I am very ashamed. The scale of our sacrifices must be increased. The ancient kings bestowed favors expecting nothing in return, and when worshipping the ancestors, they did not seek blessings in return. Respecting the wise and elderly, placing our ancestors first, this is the highest wisdom. I hear the sacrificial prayers attribute all blessings to me, neglecting the people. I am very ashamed. My conduct is not good, yet I enjoy blessings alone; the people do not share in them, which further highlights my lack of virtue. I order the sacrificial officials to conduct the rites with reverence and seek nothing in return."
At that time, Zhang Cang, the Marquis of Beiping, was busy improving the laws and calendar. Gongsun Chen, a man from Lu, submitted a memorial outlining the Five Virtues theory, stating that it was currently the era of the Earth element and that a yellow dragon should appear, and that the calendar, clothing, and government should be reformed. The Emperor referred the matter to the Prime Minister for discussion. The Prime Minister believed it was currently the era of the Water element and that it was correct to offer sacrifices to the black deities in the first ten days of October in the past. He rejected Gongsun Chen's proposal, deeming it incorrect.
In the fifteenth year, the Emperor saw auspicious omens in Chengji, so he summoned Gongsun Chen back and appointed him as a scholar to explain the significance of the auspicious signs indicating the prosperity of the Earth element. Then the Emperor issued a decree saying, "Chengji has seen auspicious omens, promising good harvests and no harm to the people. I shall personally perform the autumn sacrifices." The officials advised against troubling me with this. The officials said, "The summer imperial sacrifices are traditionally performed outside the capital." So the Emperor went to Yongdi, performed the reciprocal rites to the Five Emperors outside the capital, and returned the courtesy in the fourth month of summer. A man from the State of Zhao, Xinyuan Ping, flattered the Emperor with his astronomical observations and advised him to build five temples in Wei Yang, predicting that sacrificing to the Zhou tripod would bring forth a jade flower.
In the sixteenth year, the Emperor personally went to the Five Emperors Temple in Wei Yang to offer sacrifices, also returning the courtesy in the summer, and even wore red clothes. In the seventeenth year, he received a jade cup inscribed with the words "Prolongation of the Emperor's Life." So the Emperor changed the era and ordered a nationwide celebration. That year, Xinyuan Ping's conspiracy was exposed, and he was executed with his entire clan.
Two years later, the emperor said, "I'm not cut out to rule this country, and my morals aren't up to snuff. Folks out on the border are scared stiff, and even those closer to the capital are struggling. Both situations stem from my failing and insufficient influence. In recent years, the Xiongnu have been constantly harassing the border, killing officials and common people. The border generals and soldiers cannot convey my thoughts to them, which only proves I'm failing. This endless war is killing the country and the people – how do we stop it? I've been working my tail off, worrying about everyone, and it's been eating me alive. That's why I've sent many envoys to communicate my thoughts to the Xiongnu Chanyu. Now the Chanyu's agreed to peace, to work together for the good of both our peoples, to forget the past, and become brothers in arms, protecting everyone. We've agreed to a marriage alliance, effective immediately."
Six years later, in the winter, thirty thousand Xiongnu invaded both Shangjun and Yuncheng. The emperor quickly appointed key generals to defend the borders: Ling Wei to Feihu, Su Yi to Juzhu, Zhang Wu to Beidi, Zhou Yafu to Xiliu, Liu Li to Bashang, and Zhu Zihou to Jimen to guard against the Xiongnu. After a few months, the Xiongnu withdrew, and the army also retreated.
Drought and locusts hit us hard – a real disaster! The emperor quickly took action to help: he ordered the vassal states to stop offering tributes, opened up mountains, forests, and marshes for the people to use, reduced the imperial family's clothing, vehicles, and horses, streamlined the official team, opened the granaries to help the poor, and allowed the common people to sell their titles for money.
Emperor Wen of Han came to Chang'an from Dai and took the throne. During his twenty-three years in power, he did not increase the imperial palace, parks, vehicles, horses, or clothing. If anything felt unnecessary, he'd scrap it to help the people. Once, he wanted to build a terrace, but when he found out it would cost a hundred gold pieces, he said, "A hundred gold pieces? That's enough to keep ten families fed for a whole year! I already feel guilty living in the palace left by the previous emperor; how can I still have the heart to build a terrace?" He usually wore coarse clothes, and even his beloved Lady Shen's clothes could not drag on the ground, and the curtains could not be made of luxurious silk to set an example of thrift for everyone. His tomb was simple pottery, no gold, silver, copper, or tin. He didn't even bother with repairs – all to save money and spare the people any extra burden.
Zhao Tuo, now calling himself Emperor Wu, was acting pretty high and mighty. However, Emperor Wen of Han summoned Zhao Tuo's brothers and used kindness to influence them. As a result, Zhao Tuo himself abandoned the title of emperor and swore allegiance to the Han again. Despite the Xiongnu breaking their agreement and raiding, Emperor Wen just beefed up the border defenses and didn't retaliate – he didn't want to make things worse for his people. When the King of Wu faked sick and skipped court, Emperor Wen sent him a walking stick. Even blunt ministers like Yuan Ang were tolerated, their advice often used. When Emperor Wen found out about ministers like Zhang Wu taking bribes, he’d actually give them more money from the palace – to shame them, not punish them.
Emperor Wen focused on teaching people right from wrong, and the country prospered. Everyone behaved better, and things were generally more respectful.
In the sixth month of the year 174 BC, Emperor Wen of Han died in the Weiyang Palace. In his will, he wrote: "I have heard that all things in the world are born and will eventually die. Death is the law of nature, a natural phenomenon, so what is there to be more sorrowful about? Nowadays, people like to be born but detest death, spending fortunes on over-the-top funerals, wearing those uncomfortable mourning clothes. I disagree with this. Moreover, I lack virtue and cannot help the people; now that I have died, having everyone wear mourning clothes for a long time messes up the rhythm of life, causing family strife, cutting back on food and disrupting religious rituals. Is this not adding to my faults, and what will people think of me? With my limited abilities, I have governed for over twenty years above all other rulers in the world, thanks to the blessings of heaven and the protection of the state; the country has been stable without any wars. I have always feared making mistakes, ashamed of not living up to my father's example; as time passed, I worried about not being able to end well. Now, I am fortunate to have passed on peacefully, to be enshrined in the Gao Temple. I have no regrets or reasons for sorrow! I decree that everyone in the country remove their mourning clothes within three days after receiving this decree. Don't stop people getting married, having religious ceremonies, drinking, or eating meat. Only officials in charge of funeral affairs need to wear mourning clothes. The mourning sash shouldn't be more than three inches wide, no need to prepare vehicles or weapons, and don't make people come to the palace to mourn. Palace guards should wail fifteen times each morning and evening, then stop after the ritual. Apart from the designated mourning times, crying is prohibited. Other personnel should wear dark red mourning clothes for fifteen days, light red for fourteen days, plain clothes for seven days, then remove the mourning clothes. Anything not covered here, follow these rules. Let everyone know this so they understand my intentions. Do not alter the landscape of the mountains and rivers of Balin. Give the other concubines a simple funeral." The decree also appointed Yafu as General of Chariots and Cavalry, Hanwei as General of the Garrison, and Wufu as General of the Restored Earth, mobilizing sixteen thousand soldiers from nearby counties and fifteen thousand soldiers from the Imperial Guard to assist General Wufu in handling funeral affairs.
On the Yisi day of 174 BC, all the ministers prostrated themselves, bestowing the posthumous title of Emperor Xiaowen on Emperor Wen of Han. The Crown Prince acceded to the throne at the High Temple. On the Dingwei day of 174 BC, the Crown Prince inherited the throne and became Emperor.
In October of 156 BC, the Emperor ordered the censor to say: It is said that in ancient times, ancestors had merits and descendants had virtues, and the rituals and music had their own reasons. Singing and dancing are to express virtues and achievements. When worshipping at the High Temple of Gaozu, the three dances, "Wude," "Wenshi," and "Wuxing," should be performed; when worshipping at the Temple of Xiaohuidi, the two dances, "Wenshi" and "Wuxing," should be performed. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowen, he opened up the passes, eliminating regional disparities; he eliminated slander, abolished corporal punishment, rewarded the elderly, cared for widows and orphans, and nurtured the people; he reduced his own desires, did not accept bribes, and did not seek personal gain; he did not use the national treasury to punish criminals, nor did he kill the innocent; he abolished the palace punishment and released palace women, which was very remarkable at that time. My intellect is insufficient to fully grasp this. These are things that even the ancient sages could not achieve, but Emperor Xiaowen did! His virtue was boundless, his benevolence extended to all under Heaven, and no one is untouched by his blessings. His merits shine as brightly as the sun and moon, but the sacrificial music in the temple does not match his merits, which makes me very uneasy. Therefore, I have decided to add the dance "Zhaode" to the temple of Emperor Xiaowen to highlight his merits. In this way, the merits of our ancestors can be recorded in history, passed down to future generations, and last forever. I am truly pleased by this decision. This matter requires consultation with the Prime Minister, marquises, high-ranking officials, and ritual experts, before formal submission to the court. And so, it shall be done, to the eternal glory of our ancestor.
Chancellor Chen Jia and others said: Your Highness, you have long been devoted to filial piety, specially establishing the "Zhao De" dance to highlight the great virtue of Emperor Xiaowen, which is beyond the reach of your humble servants. We suggest: the Founding Emperor's achievements were unparalleled, and Emperor Xiaowen's virtues unsurpassed. The ancestral temple of the Founding Emperor should be called "Taizu Temple," and the temple of Emperor Xiaowen should be called "Taizong Temple." The emperor should worship the ancestral temple for generations to come; every province and principality should also establish a "Taizong Temple" for Emperor Xiaowen; representatives from the principalities and marquisates should serve the emperor in worshiping the ancestral temple, and annual sacrifices should be made. Please record these suggestions in the historical records and announce them to the whole country. The emperor said, "So ordered!"
Sima Qian said: Confucius once said, "It takes several generations to embody benevolence and virtue. Even if a wise man governs the country for a hundred years, it still takes time to eliminate cruelty and reduce killings." He's got a point! Since the establishment of the Han Dynasty, until Emperor Xiaowen's reign of over forty years, his virtues have reached their peak. Although he has already started to implement reforms in the countryside and is preparing for the Fengshan ceremony, his modest and yielding virtues have not yet been fully realized. Perhaps it simply hasn't been long enough?
