General Huo Qubing wrote a memorial to the Emperor, starting with: "Your Majesty, I, Huo Qubing, prostrate myself in apology once again and submit this memorial. Your Majesty, you are overworked, keeping me in constant fear."
"You should focus all your thoughts on the defense of the border. Even if I die in battle and my bones are exposed in the wilderness, it doesn't matter to me, but I feel compelled to make a suggestion. I risk my life to give you advice because I see you are overworking for the people, worrying excessively. You've even cut back on your meals and entertainment, and reduced the prince's staff. The prince is now old enough to dress and behave himself, yet he still has no official position or teacher! Your Majesty's modesty in this matter is causing concern, and your courtiers are too afraid to speak up."
"I can't help it anymore. I earnestly request Your Majesty to order the relevant departments to confer an official position on the prince on a lucky day this summer. I hope Your Majesty will consider my suggestion."
On the day of Yihai in the third month, the Chief Imperial Censor Chen Guang, who was the current Chancellor, submitted this memorial to Weiyang Palace. The Emperor instructed: "Refer it to the Chief Imperial Censor."
One day, over a century BCE, on the first day of the third month, the Imperial Censor Chen Guang (Lord Guang), holding the official document from the Minister of Public Works, handed over a memorial. The memorial read: Prime Minister Qing Zhai, Imperial Censor Tang, Minister of Ceremonies Chong, Chief Commandant Xi, and the Prince's Tutor An—these top officials risked their necks to petition jointly, stating that General Huo Qubing mentioned in the memorial: "Your Majesty is killing yourself with overwork! You're letting me, Qubing, suffer on the border. You should focus on border defense matters. Even if I die in battle, I have no complaints, but Your Majesty, working day and night, neglecting your own food and daily life for the sake of the people, even reducing the palace staff—it breaks my heart. Your sons have grown up, old enough to dress properly and pay their respects, but they still have no titles and mentors. You're too humble, Your Majesty. We're all worried sick, but we didn't dare say anything. I can't stand it anymore, risking my neck to ask Your Majesty to order the relevant departments to confer titles on the princes on an auspicious day in midsummer. We hope Your Majesty will consider this." The Emperor's response? "Give it to the Imperial Censor."
We, including me, the high-ranking officials, and Mr. He, after discussion, believe that in ancient times, enfeoffing princes was to honor the ancestral temple and strengthen the state. Now General Huo Qubing's memorial shows that he does not forget his duties, and also reflects Your Majesty's humility and hard work for the world, as well as the current situation where the princes still do not have titles. Qing Zhai, Tang, and the rest of us—we might be dumb, but we're loyal! It is an auspicious day in midsummer, and we risk our lives to request Your Majesty to enfeoff the princes Hong, Dan, and Xu as princes, and name their fiefdoms.
The Emperor snapped, "I heard that the Zhou Dynasty enfeoffed eight hundred lords, all with the surname Ji, with varying statuses, some merely being vassals. According to ritual and law, 'a branch son does not offer sacrifices' (meaning that only the main line of descendants can perform ancestral sacrifices). You say enfeoffing lords is to strengthen the kingdom, but I've never heard of it. Besides, people aren't born to serve the emperor, you know? My virtue is insufficient, the world is not yet stable, and to forcefully enfeoff land to underage princes—how can the court officials work hard? So, reconsider this; just make them lords."
On a Bingzi day in the third month, I presented a memorial to the court at Weiyang Palace. I said to the ministers, "Prime Minister Qingzhai and Grand Master Teng risked their lives to speak out: after discussing with Marquis Yingqi, He, a high-ranking official holding the rank of 2000 shi, Adviser and scholar An, and others, we have heard that the Zhou Dynasty divided eight hundred fiefdoms, all of which were of the Ji clan, to assist the Emperor together. Due to the distinguished merits of Kang Shu's ancestors, and the merits of Duke Qin being enfeoffed as the ruler of the Lu state because of Duke Zhou, they both became feudal lords who established their own states and assisted the Emperor. With each official performing their duties, the state's political power is complete. Privately, we believe that the division of fiefdoms is to strengthen the state, with all the feudal lords fulfilling their responsibilities and offering sacrifices to the ancestors. Members of the imperial family are not allowed to participate in ancestral sacrifices, as this is the ritual. Dividing the fiefdoms allows them to guard their respective territories, which is a way for the Emperor to consolidate his power and influence through virtue and education. Your Majesty has inherited the mandate of heaven, established a foundation of sagacity, honored the wise and capable, recognized merits, revived a declining state, and continued the extinguished lineage. You have continued the line of Xiao Wenzhong in Zengdi and rewarded officials such as Pingjun Hou. You have demonstrated the proper order of imperial kinship, displayed the Emperor's grace, and allowed the princes and feudal lords to bestow lands and cities as personal favors to their descendants, enfeoffing over a hundred feudal states. However, if royal descendants are all enfeoffed as marquises, the noble order will be disrupted and the hierarchy thrown into disarray, which is not beneficial for the enduring prosperity of the empire. Therefore, we request that Hong, Dan, and Xu be appointed as princes."
The Emperor decreed, "Although Kang Shu has many relatives, he alone is honored because of his virtue. It is thanks to Zhou Gong's management of the sacrificial rites that Lu State can offer sacrifices using white oxen and sacrificial oxen. The difference between the virtuous and the unworthy among the feudal lords is significant. 'I look up to the high mountains and strive to emulate their excellence,' I admire virtuous individuals like Zhou Gong. Therefore, we cannot grant large-scale titles at the moment; it is sufficient to grant titles of marquis to the imperial family members."
On the first day of the fourth month, I submitted a memorial to the court in Weiyang Palace. Prime Minister Qing Zhai and Grand Master Tang submitted a memorial stating: I, along with marquises, high-ranking officials, advisors, and scholars Qing, discussed together and urgently requested the establishment of the crown prince as a king of a vassal state.
The Emperor said, "Kang Shu has ten relatives, but only he is honored because of his virtue! Zhou Gong presided over the grand sacrificial rites, allowing Lu State to have white oxen and sacrificial oxen for sacrifices. But now, the virtuous and unworthy amongst the ministers are indistinguishable! 'I look up to the high mountains and strive to emulate their excellence,' I admire such virtue, but the time is not ripe yet, so it is enough to grant the crown prince the title of marquis."
The historical precedent of Kang Shu's relatives illustrates the complexities of enfeoffment. We have all heard that Kang Shu has ten relatives, King Wu inherited the throne, Zhou Gong assisted King Cheng, and those eight individuals were granted titles as great lords due to their ancestors' achievements. Kang Shu is still young, Zhou Gong holds a high position, and Bo Qin was only enfeoffed in Lu State because they were not of age when titles were granted. Kang Shu later resisted the rebellion of Lu Fu, and Bo Qin pacified the rebellion of Huai Yi.
The five Emperors each had different systems, with five ranks of nobility during the Zhou Dynasty and three levels during the Spring and Autumn Period, all adjusted according to the situation at that time. The Emperor Gaozu pacified the world, restored normal order, demonstrated supreme virtue, stabilized the country, and therefore created a two-tiered princely system. Some imperial sons, mere infants, are being made princes, serving the emperor, which will become the law for generations and cannot be easily changed.
Your Majesty personally practices benevolence and righteousness, is a paragon of virtue, and excels in civil and military achievements. You demonstrate filial piety and kindness, promote talents, honor virtuous individuals within the country, and suppress tyranny abroad. Your power reaches as far as the North Sea and the Yuezhi lands, with the Xiongnu and Western Regions submitting to you. The expenses of your wars do not burden the people; instead, you reward the soldiers with treasury funds, open granaries to aid the poor, and reduce half of the garrison troops. All the regional barbarian leaders happily submit, satisfied with your rule. Distant foreign tribes journey from afar to pay homage to you, spreading your grace overseas. Rare birds and beasts pay tribute; the harvest is bountiful; Heaven smiles upon us.
Now, the sons of nobles can all be enfeoffed as princes, while the imperial sons hold only the title of marquis. Tang and I have carefully considered this, and we fear this rank inversion will disillusion the people. This is unacceptable! Therefore, we request the enfeoffment of Hong, Dan, and Xu as princes.
In April, we resubmitted our petition to the Palace of Eternal Joy, but the Emperor shelved it.
Prime Minister Qing Zhai and several other ministers said to the emperor: We previously petitioned Grand Marshal Wei Qing, arguing that since the princes were un-enthroned, we, along with Minister of Justice, Tang, and many other officials, risked our necks to request that you confer the title of princes upon them. Your Majesty, you personally handled this, noting the princes' lack of education. Ministers disagreed; the Confucian scholars offered their theories, though their true feelings might have been different. Your Majesty firmly disagreed and only made them marquises. We privately conferred with Marquis Shoucheng and twenty-six others; we all agreed this undermined the proper order of precedence. The founding Emperor, having conquered the world, established the Han Dynasty. His descendants flourished and supported each other. We can't change the late Emperor's rules; the royal family's dignity depends on it. Therefore, we request that the court historians pick a good day, the ceremony is prepared, and the Minister of Justice presents the map, following precedent. Your Majesty agreed.
On the day of Bingshen in the fourth month, the ministers presented their case at the Palace of Unending Peace. The Grand Steward, who also served as Minister of Justice, risked his neck to report: The Minister of Rites determined the twenty-eighth, an Yisi day, to be auspicious for conferring the title of prince. I risked my neck to present the map and request your decision on the name of the new kingdom. Details of the ceremony will be reported separately.
The emperor said: Prince Hong shall be titled as the King of Qi, Prince Dan as the King of Yan, and Prince Xu as the King of Guangling.
On the first day of the fourth month of the sixth year, another report was submitted at the Palace of Unending Peace. The Minister of Justice, Tang, passed on the decree to the Prime Minister, who then passed it on to the middle-ranking officials, who then passed it on to the county magistrates and the princes' ministers, with the Prime Minister's staff handling further implementation. Proceed according to law.
In the year 141 BC, on the day of Yisi in the fourth month, the emperor sent the Imperial Grand Historian, Tang Miao, to handle an important matter: the appointment of the prince. First, he had Tang Miao invest the prince Hong as the King of Qi. The emperor said, "Now, Hong, listen carefully. Today you receive the title of the Qing She (the title of the Azure Society, a ceremonial honor). I inherit the legacy of my ancestors, follow ancient customs, and establish your kingdom, so you may be crowned king in the eastern lands, serving the Han dynasty for generations to come." The emperor's tone was deep and full of anticipation: "Remember this! Obey my orders well; this is no trivial matter. Everyone admires virtuous people, and your virtue must shine brightly. Don't let righteous anger cause you to neglect your duties. You must govern the country diligently to enjoy the blessings bestowed by heaven and ensure the nation's long-term stability. If you make mistakes or do wrong, it will endanger both the country and yourself. Defending the country and comforting the people—shouldn't this command your utmost respect? You must remember my words!" That was the edict appointing Hong King of Qi.
Next, the emperor conferred the title of King of Yan upon Prince Dan. The emperor said, "Now, my child Dan, today you have received this title from the Mysterious Society! I inherit the legacy of my ancestors, follow ancient customs, establish your realm, and allow you to be crowned king in the northern territories, serving the Han Dynasty for generations to come."
The emperor then addressed the situation in Yan: "In the past, the Hunzhou clan was cruel and ruthless, like wild beasts; they invaded, plundered, and resorted to treachery, leaving the border in turmoil. I dispatched troops to punish their crimes, and commanders of ten thousand and commanders of a thousand, along with thirty-two feudal lords, all rushed to provide support. The Hunzhou clan was relocated, and the northern region was finally stabilized."
The emperor again urged Dan, "You must be diligent, do not blame others, do not be arrogant, and do not let your guard down. Without my permission, no one may accompany the army on expeditions." Finally, the emperor stated, "Defending the country and comforting the people—surely this is worthy of your respect? You must remember my words!" Thus concludes the imperial decree appointing the King of Yan.
Finally, the emperor appointed Prince Xu as the Prince of Guangling at the Tang Temple. The emperor said, "Well, my child Xu, today you have accepted the title of this Red Shrine! I inherit the foundation of my ancestors, follow ancient customs, establish your country, let you be crowned in the southern lands, and serve the Han Dynasty for generations to come." The emperor quoted the words of the ancients to admonish Xu: "The ancients said: 'South of the Yangtze River, among the five lakes, the people there are somewhat frivolous. Yangzhou is the country's barrier, an important region for three generations, and it is not easy to govern.' You must be diligent, govern with kindness and respect for the people, do not be frivolous and indulgent, do not associate with those of low character, and always act in accordance with laws and regulations. The book says: 'If ministers avoid arrogance and indulgence, they will avoid future problems.' Shouldn't you feel a deep sense of responsibility towards defending the country and comforting its people? You must remember my words!" This is the edict of the Prince of Guangling. Sima Qian said: The ancients said, "Parents hope their children will prosper, and those close to their elders hope for their advancement." Therefore, emperors built cities and established countries, enfeoffed their descendants, in order to honor family ties, arrange kinship relationships, respect ancestors, value clans, and have branches of the same clan spread throughout the land. In this way, the country will be strong and the royal family will be stable. From ancient times to the present, this practice has been long-standing and nothing special, so I will not elaborate further. The events in Yan and Qi are not particularly noteworthy. However, Emperor Wu of Han enfeoffed three vassal kings; the emperor's humility and courtesy, the officials' diligence, and the exceptional quality of the official documents and ceremonies make these records well worth studying, so I have included these contents in the "Records of the Grand Historian."
Mr. Chu said: I'm very fortunate to have become a minister thanks to my literary talent, and I really enjoy reading Sima Qian's "Records of Grand Historians." The "Records" mention that the accounts of the Three Dynasties are worth reading, but I searched through the "Family" section and couldn't find it. I privately asked the elders who like to collect old stories for relevant investiture decrees, organizing these materials to pass them down so that future generations can also see the intentions of wise monarchs.
During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, he enfeoffed three sons as kings on the same day: one in the Qi Kingdom, one in Guangling, and one in the Yan Kingdom. Based on each son's talents, abilities, wisdom, as well as the geographical environment and the relative strengths and weaknesses of the populace and their local conditions, he wrote separate investiture decrees to advise them. He told the kings: "You are hereditary vassals of the Han, responsible for defending the realm and governing your people—is that not an honor? Let this be a lesson to you!" The writings of wise monarchs are not something that ordinary people can understand; only learned men can fully grasp their meanings. Even the order of these investiture decrees, the division of chapters, the length of the texts, and so on, all carry deep meanings that most people simply do not know. I've meticulously collated these original texts and drafts, presenting them here for the reader's interpretation.
Lady Wang was from the state of Zhao. She and Lady Wei were both favored by Emperor Wu of Han and gave birth to a son named Liu Hong. When Liu Hong was about to be made king, Lady Wang fell ill. Emperor Wu personally visited her and asked, "Your son is going to be king; where do you want him to rule?" Lady Wang replied, "Your Majesty, how could I dare to have any ideas with you here?" Emperor Wu said, "Although you say that, you must have thoughts in your heart. Where do you want him to be king?" Lady Wang said, "I hope to have him appointed in Luoyang." Emperor Wu said, "Luoyang has arsenals and granaries, strategically located in the world; it is the capital of the Han Dynasty. Since the previous emperors, no prince has ruled in Luoyang. Anywhere but Luoyang would do." Lady Wang remained silent. Emperor Wu continued, "Of the kingdoms in the east, none are larger than the state of Qi. Qi is located to the east by the sea, with a large city, ancient Linzi, which once boasted 100,000 households. Nowhere in the world was richer than Qi." Lady Wang tapped her head with her hand and gratefully said, "Oh, that's splendid!" After Lady Wang passed away, Emperor Wu was very saddened. He sent envoys to pay respects to her and ordered, "The Emperor bestowed the title of Queen Dowager of Qi upon Lady Wang, sending Grand Master Ming with a jade *bi* as a token of his respect." Liu Hong was made King of Qi at a young age and without any sons. Unfortunately, he passed away early, leading to the downfall of the state of Qi, which became a commandery. It became common knowledge that Qi was an unsuitable location for a kingdom.
This passage explains the meaning of "the land grant ceremony." When the princes are first enfeoffed, they must take soil from the place where the emperor sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, and then build a shrine to Heaven and Earth in the enfeoffed land for sacrifices, to show reverence for them. The "Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals" states: "The emperor's capital has a great altar. The east is green, the south is red, the west is white, the north is black, and the top is yellow." Therefore, soil of corresponding colors—green for the east, red for the south, white for the west, black for the north, and yellow for the top—was selected. They would wrap this soil in white grass and use it for the shrine's sacrifices. This describes the situation when the princes are first enfeoffed by the emperor; this is called "receiving this soil." "Receiving this soil" means establishing the shrine and making sacrifices to it. "We follow the traditions of our ancestors," where "ancestors" refers to forefathers and "fathers" to fathers. "Following ancient precedent" means adhering to the ancient system.
The people of Qi were notorious for their cunning and did not pay attention to moral principles, so they admonished the King of Qi: "Respectfully accept my orders, but orders cannot remain unchanged. People prefer those with virtues, as virtues can shine brightly. Do not violate righteousness, lest you incur the disdain of the gentlemen. You must sincerely adhere to these principles in your heart to enjoy heavenly blessings and live a long life. If you do something wrong, it will harm the country and also harm yourself." During the reign of the King of Qi, the ministers assisting him all followed proper conduct as their guidelines, but unfortunately, he died young. However, he ruled without significant missteps, in line with the initial admonitions.
As the ancients said, "The student surpasses the master," which captures this principle. Those wise monarchs had truly admirable foresight: He cautioned the King of Qi on domestic affairs, the King of Yan against incurring resentment and neglecting virtue, and the King of Guangling against foreign entanglements, arrogance, and excessive generosity.
Guangling is located in the region of Wu and Yue, where the people are sharp but fickle. Therefore, they advised King Guangling, saying: "Folks around the Jianghuai are a bit flighty. Yangzhou has always been a wealthy place. Back in the Three Dynasties, they made folks wear Central Plains clothes but didn't bother much with education – just ran things however they pleased. Don't get caught up in pleasure, hunting, lavish living, and all that, and don't associate with lowly people; stick to the rules. Keep the rules in mind, and you'll avoid trouble." The Three Rivers and Five Lakes produce fish and salt, and the Tongshan area is rich in minerals, relied upon by the entire country. Therefore, they advised King Guangling, saying: "Don't go handing out favors like candy," meaning do not use money and rewards to seek fame and gain support from all sides; also saying "Don't get all high and mighty," meaning do not violate ethics by despising others.
After Emperor Xiaowu of Han passed away, Emperor Xiaozhao just ascended the throne. The former King of Guangling, Xu, received a large amount of rewards, with over 30 million in cash and goods, and was also granted a hundred square miles of land and ten thousand families.
When Emperor Zhao passed away and Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, King Xu of Guangling, relying on previous favors, in Emperor Xuan's first year, got more land from the Han, all of which went to his four sons: one became the Marquis of Chaoyang, another the Marquis of Pingqu, another the Marquis of Nanli, and his favorite, young Hong, became the King of Gaomi.
Later on, Xuguo got more and more out of hand, even secretly hooking up with the King of Chu's messenger. The King of Chu publicly announced, "My ancestor, King Yuan, was the Emperor's younger brother and got thirty-two cities as his fiefdom. Now my territory is getting smaller and smaller, and I want to rebel with Prince Guangling! Make Prince Guangling Emperor, and I will regain the thirty-two cities from the time of King Yuan." When the plot blew up, the court officials all wanted their heads on a platter. The Emperor, being family, couldn't bring himself to punish Xuguo, so he issued a decree saying they let Guangling off the hook, but the King of Chu got the chop. The ancients said, "Like a weed growing straight among hemp, or white sand turning black in the mud – that's how environment shapes a person." Then Xuguo started cursing people, plotting a rebellion, and finally topped himself, bringing this matter to an end.
Yan bordered the Xiongnu to the north. The people there were brave, but also kinda reckless. So the Emperor warned them, "Those Hunzhou folks were totally unfilial, heartless brutes who were always raiding the border. I sent the army after them, and a bunch of their leaders – Wanfuchang, Qianfuchang, and over thirty more – surrendered. We shipped the Hunzhou clan off, and the northern border's finally quiet." "Keep a clear head and don't hold grudges" means not to harbor resentment due to environmental influences; "Don't let virtue slip" means not to let the vassals abandon morality; "Stay sharp on military prep" means not to relax military readiness and to be vigilant against the Xiongnu at all times; "Only the educated can be called upon" means that those who haven't been taught in ritual and righteousness can't participate in military actions.
Later, Emperor Wu grew old, and unfortunately, the Crown Prince passed away before a new one could be appointed. Prince Dan of Yan sent messengers to submit a memorial requesting to come to Chang'an to serve as a guard. When Emperor Xiao Wu saw the letter, he banged his fist on the table in anger and said, "A prince should be raised in a place like Qi and Lu, known for its refined ways. You’ve clearly got your eye on the throne, haven’t you?" He immediately ordered the messenger of Prince Yan to be executed at the palace gate.
After Emperor Wu of Han died and Emperor Zhao just ascended the throne, Prince Dan of Yan was none too pleased and planned to stir up trouble with the officials. He felt that as the eldest son, he should inherit the throne, so he plotted with Prince Liu Ze of Qi and others to seize the throne, openly stating, "I don’t have a younger brother! The emperor's just the Grand General's son!" He intended to rebel.
However, the plot was exposed, and by rights, he deserved to be executed. But Emperor Zhao, considering their brotherly bond, let it slide and decided not to handle the matter publicly. Court officials demanded Prince Yan be punished, so the Imperial Clan Registrar, a high-ranking official, and an Imperial Secretary were sent to persuade Prince Yan in the state of Yan. When they arrived, they each visited Prince Yan on different days and laid into him one after another. The Imperial Clan Registrar, responsible for managing the household registration of the imperial relatives, was the first to meet with Prince Yan and explained that Emperor Zhao was Emperor Wu's son.
Then, the Imperial Secretary went to see Prince Yan and used legal texts to question him, "You're caught red-handed, and you'll face the music. We've got laws in this country, and even small crimes get punished. You think you're going to get away with this?" The stern tone of the Imperial Secretary and the intimidation of the legal texts made Prince Yan even more fearful.
Finally, the scholarly official met with the King of Yan. He laid out the historical precedents and political realities, covering everything from ancient rites to modern governance. "In ancient times, the emperor had to have outsiders to assist him, to balance the power of the royal family; there also had to be insiders to counter the outsiders. Zhou Gong helped King Cheng out by taking care of his troublesome brothers—that's how he kept the kingdom stable. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, he could tolerate you, but now Emperor Zhao's just taken the throne, he's still a kid, hasn't got a grip on things yet, so the ministers run everything. Back then, nobody got away with anything just because they were related to the emperor—that's how they kept the peace. Now the ministers assist the emperor, act in accordance with the law, and no one dares to bend the law for personal gain. They ain't gonna let you off easy. Watch yourself, or you'll end up a laughingstock!"
After hearing the scholarly official's words, King Yan, Liu Dan, was scared stiff, confessed, and begged for mercy. To keep the family together, the ministers let him off with a warning.
Later on, King Yan, Liu Dan, plotted with General Shan Guanjie to rebel, and he went around ranting, "I’m the younger brother of the Crown Prince. Since the Crown Prince isn’t here, I should inherit the throne, but the ministers are all suppressing me and not letting me ascend to the throne!"
Huo Guang, the Grand General, ran the court and told the other ministers, "That Liu Dan, the Prince of Yan, showed no remorse and just kept on doing bad things!" So Huo Guang had him punished. Liu Dan killed himself, and the Kingdom of Yan was done for, just like Huo Guang figured. Then some wanted to off his wife and kids too. But Emperor Xiaozhao felt sorry for them, so he spared their lives and just demoted Liu Dan's family to commoners. It's like a rot that starts small but spreads until it's too late to stop it. When Emperor Xuan took the throne, to show he was a good guy, he gave Liu Dan's two sons new titles in his first year: one became the Marquis of Anding; the other, the former crown prince, Liu Jian, became the King of Guangyang, in charge of the sacrifices for his father.
