I always feel that from Tang Yao and Yu Shun to the three dynasties of Xia, Shang, and Zhou, the history recorded in the *Shijing* and *Shujing* is considered historically based. Therefore, even monarchs as prosperous as Yao and Shun must have their writings passed down for future generations to praise their achievements and rank them among the top emperors of all time. Their accomplishments were magnificent, their words enduring. The Han Dynasty claimed the Mandate of Heaven, established a dynasty, and when it reached the sixth generation of emperors, imperial historians later compiled records of previous emperors. They secretly compiled a history, placing it after the records of all previous emperors, alongside Qin Shihuang and Xiang Yu. The Han emperors after the Taichu era were not included in official records. Therefore, I researched existing records and oral histories to compile this *History of the Han*, starting from Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang and continuing until the execution of Emperor Ping of Han and Wang Mang, covering twelve emperors over a period of two hundred and thirty years. I synthesized their reigns with insights from the Five Classics, creating a comprehensive history, and included annals, tables, treatises, and biographies, all in the style of the *Chunqiu*, totaling one hundred chapters.
The book describes: Emperor Gaozu, Liu Bang, inherited the Mandate of Heaven from Yao and Shun, with heaven-sent virtue and talent. He was intelligent, wise, brave, and martial. The Qin Dynasty was weak and riddled with corruption, allowing the Chu State to rise. Liu Bang began to rise, leading the army bravely forward by starting the rebellion that began with the incident of the severed snake. His mother received divine guidance and raised a crimson flag. He led the army onto the land of the Qin State, where the Qin army surrendered en masse. He overthrew the Qin Dynasty, established a new dynasty, and his political achievements included the Three Chapters Law. He followed the will of heaven, gained the support of the people, and the auspicious conjunction of five stars foretold his success. Xiang Yu betrayed the Chu State, expelled the troops from Bashu and Hanzhong regions, and Liu Bang established a base in the west, where his soldiers were filled with righteous indignation. Seizing the opportunity of Xiang Yu's rebellion, Liu Bang swept through the land of Sanqin, occupied the rivers and mountains, and protected the people. Xiao He and Cao Shen were his key advisors and pillars of the state; Fan Kuai, Zhou Bo, and Xiahou Ying were his loyal generals; Chen Ping, Zhang Liang, and Li Shang were his strategists and confidants, all of whom were instrumental in Liu Bang's success. This is the record of "The Annals of Gaozu." Emperor Xiaohui's reign was short, and Empress Dowager Lü took control, ignoring the Mandate of Heaven, and the Lü clan ultimately failed. This is the record of "The Annals of Xiaohui" and "The Annals of Empress Dowager Lü." Emperor Wen of Han was gentle and modest, leading by example to educate the people with virtue. He lightened the tax burden and abolished the practice of collective punishment. His virtuous rule brought prosperity to the land, and the country was strong and prosperous, with clear laws guiding the people. This is the record of "The Annals of Emperor Wen." During the reign of Emperor Jing of Han, the vassal states were in open rebellion; he quelled the Rebellion of the Seven States and consolidated the rule of the central dynasty. He was diligent, did not neglect government affairs, focused on agricultural development, enacted laws, and the people lived in peace and contentment. This is the record of "The Annals of Emperor Jing."
Emperor Han Shizong, ah, truly sharp as a tack and tough as nails! With the sole intention of building on his ancestors' legacy, he recruited talents widely, and the court prospered, with lots of talented people popping up. What did he accomplish? He quelled the rebellion of the southern tribes, expanded the country's territory, gained a reputation far and wide, and struck fear into the hearts of his enemies. Not only was he renowned for his military achievements, but he also brought order to scholarship, streamlining the education system. He performed religious ceremonies and prayed for the long-term stability of the country. You can read all about it in Chapter Six of "The Annals of Emperor Wu of Han."
Emperor Han Xiaozhao, who lost his parents as a child, relied on loyal ministers to successfully ascend the throne. The princes of Yan and Gai were real troublemakers, but Emperor Xiaozhao was wise and clever, handling them cleverly and restoring stability and unity to the country. This historical account is recorded in the seventh chapter of "The Annals of Emperor Zhao of Han."
Emperor Han Zhongzong, ah, a truly great leader! He was well-versed in the law, conducted trials fairly, knew a good man when he saw one, and ran the government like a well-oiled machine. He was adept at keeping the peace with distant tribes and could also deter those who were disobedient, gaining fame far and wide with tribes from all over coming to pay their respects. He inherited and expanded upon the achievements of his ancestors, leading the country to greater prosperity and flourishing. This is detailed in the eighth chapter of "The Annals of Emperor Xuan of Han."
Emperor Han Xiaoyuan, careful, talented, and kind, respected his elderly ministers and promoted upright officials. He cut back on palace building and royal spending, even leaving some palaces unguarded and keeping his tomb simple. Unfortunately, corrupt eunuchs took over, ruining the court's reputation. Chapter Nine of "The Annals of Emperor Yuan of Han" sums it all up.
Emperor Xiaocheng of the Han Dynasty—man, what a truly impressive emperor! He ruled with such grace and brilliance, like a shining jade. However, he overly favored the Zhao clan, which ultimately led to the nation's downfall—a real shame! The tenth chapter of the "Chronicles of Emperor Cheng of Han" records this in detail. But his reign wasn't the only one marked by challenges.
Alright, let's dive into this history book. It starts with Emperor Jing and Wu's wars against Wu and Chu. Later on, the Han Dynasty enjoyed peace, and that spirit's still with us today. This is the fifth section, titled "The Big Shots of the Jing, Wu, Zhao, Xuan, Yuan, Cheng, and Ai Eras."
Next, it discusses those who made mistakes but were not punished, which affected two generations. Lesson for all those prime ministers and royals! This is the sixth section, "Biographies of Marquises of the Imperial Clan."
The Han Dynasty inherited some things from the Qin Dynasty but also made many reforms and innovations. The book lists all the official positions and introduces them one by one. This is the seventh section, "Who's Who in the Han Dynasty."
There are many character introductions in this book, from ancient times to the present. Although some names may not be accurate, the descriptions of the nine ranks of official positions are quite comprehensive. This is the eighth section, "A Who's Who Through History."
Next, it discusses some basic things, starting from counting, and talking about music, measurements, calendars, and so on. Originally, these things were all systematic, but later they became chaotic, divided into several factions, each with their own opinions. This book organizes and clarifies them to help everyone understand. This is the first section, "The Lowdown on Music and Calendars."
Then comes the system of rites and music. These rites and music? Straight from the heavens, set down by ancient kings following the spring thunder and the stars. However, later on, Zheng and Wei really trashed the whole system. This book focuses on the main content and organizes the previous materials. This is the second section, "Records of Rites and Music."
Next, it discusses criminal law. That lightning? Straight from the heavens! The Five Punishments were supposed to keep everyone in line. However, later on, no one followed these rules anymore, and each did their own thing. Sun Quan and his Wu crew were masters of trickery, while the Shang were all about cruel punishments. Emperor Zhang of Han established nine types of criminal laws, which were later modified by Emperor Taizong of Tang. Each dynasty had its own take on punishments, some harsher, some more lenient. This is the third section, "Records of Criminal Law."
Further on, it talks about people's livelihood issues, which is a top priority! Land division, tax collection, and making the common people prosperous are essential for a strong nation. From the earliest shell money to the later five-zhu coins, this book covers it all and summarizes the experiences and lessons of past dynasties. This is the fourth section, "Treatise on Agriculture and Finance."
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Next, it discusses sacrifices. The wise monarchs of ancient times placed great importance on sacrifices, offering to the heavens and the earth in prayer for a good harvest. However, as time went on, sacrifices became disordered and chaotic. This book organizes the subject and summarizes the correct methods of suburban sacrifices. This is the fifth section, "Records of Suburban Sacrifices."
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Lastly, it addresses astronomy, the workings of the sun, moon, and stars in the heavens, all of which influence the earthly realm. Ancient people formulated laws and built palaces based on celestial phenomena. Later on, these practices also became disordered. This book compiles past observational data and conducts new research. This is the sixth section, "Records of Astronomy."
"The River Chart" and "The Lo Book" (legendary texts believed to contain cosmological secrets) were respectively given to Fu Xi and Yu. The Eight Trigrams were arranged, and the Nine Categories were clearly described. These texts, treasured throughout history, informed the reigns of King Wen and King Wu. Divinations and omens of disasters recorded in the "Spring and Autumn Annals" are all documented in them. By studying the past, one can understand the future, which is an important reference for imperial governance. This is an overview of the seventh section, "Records of the Five Elements."
The Earth Trigram represents the grounded reality of governance, encompassing a hierarchy with nine levels of elevation. Starting from the ancient times of the Yellow Emperor and Emperor Yao, they have governed all nations, coordinating the east and west and managing the north and south. Through continuous adjustments in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, all the way to the Qin and Han dynasties, the system was reformed into five levels of titles and the establishment of the system of prefectures and counties. It briefly introduces the geography of mountains and rivers and clarifies their divisions. This is an overview of the eighth section, "Records of Geography."
The Xia Dynasty used seasonal patterns to regulate the rivers. However, the Yellow River was difficult to control, and disasters continued to plague future generations. The Shang Dynasty made every effort, the Zhou Dynasty relocated, and the Qin Dynasty breached the south bank of the Yellow River. From then on, the Yellow River floods continued to trouble the Han Dynasty, causing the decline of the eight northern nomadic tribes. Emperor Wen undertook flood control works in Zao Ye, and Emperor Wu created the *Hu Ge* and achieved a bountiful harvest, but later there was a major flood. Turning to the subject of canals, they have all benefited our country. This is an overview of the ninth section of "The Records of Canals and Irrigation."
Fu Xi drew the trigrams, which later evolved into written characters. The reigns of Yu, Xia, Shang, and Zhou saw Confucius build upon their legacy, compiling the classics, including the *Book of Documents*, *Book of Songs*, *Book of Rites*, and *Book of Music*, interpreting the *Book of Changes* with the "Commentary on the Appended Judgments" and "The Great Treatise," and formulating laws based on historical records. The Six Arts thrived, but their influence waned, with competing schools of thought proliferating. The Qin Dynasty conquered the six states, and the Han Dynasty addressed these deficiencies. Liu Xiang was responsible for compiling the classics and distinguishing the nine schools of thought. He then wrote a catalog, summarizing these works. This is an overview of the tenth section of "The Records of Arts and Culture."
Rebellions arose as brutal rulers oppressed the populace, and only uprisings could overthrow them. Chen Sheng and Wu Guang rebelled, and Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu also rose up. War eventually consumed Xianyang, fragmented the empire, established feudal kings, massacred children, exiled King Huai, and ultimately, their cruelty led to their downfall. This is an overview of the first section of "The Biography of Chen Sheng and Xiang Yu."
Zhang Er and Chen Yu were like father and son, fleeing and rising up together. Later, in order to compete for territory, they turned on each other, their relationship ending in violence. In the end, Zhang Er assisted Liu Bang in establishing the Han Dynasty. This is an overview of the second section of "The Biography of Zhang Er and Chen Yu."
Those three rebellions were built on rotten foundations; how could they possibly last? A dead tree doesn't magically blossom in spring, does it? Wei Bao, Tian Dan, and Han Xin, although very talented, all ultimately failed, met untimely ends, and submitted to the north. Their followers died loyal to them, their loyalty was legendary, surpassing even the tale of the Yellow Bird. This is an overview of the third chapter of "The Biographies of Wei Bao, Tian Dan, and Han Xin."
Those of humble origins, some just hungry soldiers, some even branded criminals, along with thieves from Yue and recluses from Rui, were all able to achieve great things with their own abilities. Take Long Qi, for example. He rose up and became a vassal king, expanding his territory to include Qi and Chu, and controlling the Huai River and Liang regions. However, those like Wan, although guarding the northern border, were in over their heads and brought disaster upon themselves. Only someone as loyal and capable as Wu Qi could ensure his descendants' prosperity. This is the content of the fourth chapter of "The Biographies of Han, Peng, Ying, Lu, and Wu."
Jia Yi first served in the army, later becoming an official stationed in Huainan and Chu. At that time, King Langya Liu Ze clashed with the Lü family over power. King Wu Liu Bi inherited the land of Wu and kept expanding his power beyond what was allowed. Despite repeated warnings, the Han army crushed him. This is the story told in the fifth chapter of "The Biographies of Jing, Yan, and Wu."
Liu Bang's four sons: the eldest died young, the second inherited the throne and settled in Chu. His third son was a libertine, and the fourth son, Pinglu Hou, inherited the throne. His descendants served as Zongzheng in the capital for generations, eventually becoming the Marquis of Yangcheng. Liu Bang's son Liu Zheng was brilliant, and his family produced famous ministers for three generations. This is the content of the sixth chapter of "The Biography of King Yuan of Chu."
Ji Bu, although he once faced hardship, always maintained his integrity, enjoying the general's deep trust and being highly respected by court officials. When Luan Bu mourned the fall of Liang and Tian Shu sacrificed himself for Zhao, their spirit of selflessness moved the benevolent ruler, and their achievements spread throughout Yan and Qi. Tian Shu also served as the prime minister of Lu, and the people remembered his good governance, with temples and statues erected in his honor. This concludes the seventh chapter of "Biographies of Ji Bu, Luan Bu, and Tian Shu."
Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang had eight sons, two of whom became emperors and six princes. Three Zhao kings did not make mistakes, but the Huainan King and Li King sealed their own fates, the Yan Ling King died childless, and the Qi Dao King flourished. The Han Dynasty controlled the vast eastern territories, from Mount Tai to the sea. Nine of Liu Bang's descendants became princes. The six states were all eliminated by the Han Dynasty, with only the Qi State completely dying out. The King of Chengyang and the King of Jibei later inherited the Han throne. Emperor Jing of Han, a strong and decisive ruler, consolidated the prosperity of the Han Dynasty. This concludes the eighth chapter of "Biographies of the Five Kings."
Xiao He and Cao Shen were both founding meritorious officials of the Han Dynasty. They protected Guanzhong, secured the army's supplies, built the capital and palaces, implemented various systems, and advanced culture. Marquis Pingyang Cao Shen inherited Xiao He's aspirations, did not change Xiao He's policies, and the people composed songs in their honor, extolling their merits. They were both loyal Han officials, known as prime ministers. This concludes the ninth chapter of "Biographies of Xiao He and Cao Shen."
Zhang Liang assisted Liu Bang, serving as an essential pillar of the Han Dynasty. He devised strategies to break through Wuguan and navigated the Hongmen Banquet crisis. He declined the seal of the King of Qi, expelled Ying Bu and Chen Xi, and recruited four veteran advisors to assist Liu Bang, allowing him to peacefully inherit the throne. Chen Ping rode out the storm before finally submitting to the Han Dynasty and finding stability. He was instrumental in defeating Fan Zeng and Xiang Yu, capturing Ying Bu, and arresting Han Xin, enabling the successful implementation of six brilliant moves for the Han Dynasty to overcome difficulties. Later on, due to intense court conflicts, Chen Ping retired from public life. Zhou Bo, also known as the Marquis of Jiang, was a man of integrity who ruthlessly executed Lu's supporters, maintaining order in the Han Dynasty. Zhou Yafu remained loyal to his duties and played a crucial role in suppressing the rebellion in Wu and Chu. All this is detailed in Chapter Ten of *Biographies of Zhang, Chen, Wang, and Zhou*.
Fan Kuai, a butcher from Wuyang, Teng Yong, a horseman of Teng, Li Shang, a merchant from Yingyin, and Guan Ying, a commoner from Quzhou, all made their mark with their talents. These stories are documented in the eleventh chapter of *Biographies of Fan, Li, Teng, Guan, Fu, Jin, and Zhou*.
Zhao Chongguo conducted historical research in the Beiping area and served as a historian under the Qin Dynasty. He laid the groundwork for the Han legal system. Liu Zhang, the Marquis of Jianping, was upright and resolute, daring to challenge authority, and ultimately preserved his position due to his merits. Zhang Shizhi, the Marquis of Gu'an, was a stickler for the law but also pragmatic. He was a just court minister who never let personal gain cloud his judgment. All this is detailed in Chapter Twelve of *Biographies of Zhang, Zhou, Zhao, Ren, and Shentu*.
Li Shang was originally just a gatekeeper for the Han King, but later he flattered the Han King, offered advice to attack Chenliu, and suggested collecting the grain stores at Aocang. In the strategically important Duling, he laid a solid foundation for the Han King. Jia Yi served as the chief advisor, subjugating the southern Yue region under Han control. With his outstanding literary talent, he contributed to the stability of the Han Dynasty. Jing Shi started as a common worker, but later participated in the construction of the capital Chang'an, strengthening the Guanzhong region and helping keep the peace with the Xiongnu. Shusun Tong served as the Court Ritualist, adjusting the ceremonial system according to the situation at the time and establishing new norms, playing an important role in the stability and development of the Han Dynasty. Some of these people were masters of strategy, others of wisdom, all contributing to the prosperity of the Han Dynasty. You can read all about them in chapter thirteen of *Biographies of Li, Lu, Zhu, Lou, and Shusun*.
Prince Huainan Liu Chang lived the high life, ultimately leading to his two sons being implicated. His excuses didn't wash, and his wild partying ultimately led to his execution for treason, causing his family to decline. These stories are recorded in the fourteenth chapter of *Huainan Hengshan Jibei Zhuan*.
Kuai Tong's persuasion led to the failure of the three forces in the Chu-Han War. He helped Liu Bang defeat Xiang Yu and Han Xin, but later Tian Heng rebelled, bringing Kuai Tong down with him, leading to his imprisonment and even more chaos. The actions of Chongguo and Gongguo caused even greater turmoil. These stories are recorded in the fifteenth chapter of *Kuai Wu Jiang Xifu Zhuan*.
Lord Wanshi was gentle and Emperor Wen's favorite since he was a boy. His descendants also received favor, serving the court in Qi without bothering anyone. Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, Zhou Yafu, Zhang Qian, and others were all top-notch guys. These stories are recorded in the sixteenth chapter of *Wanshi Wei Zhi Zhou Zhang Zhuan*.
First, let's talk about the sons of Emperor Xiao Wen, as well as the two sons of Emperor Xiao Jing and Liang Xiaowang. Alas, one by one, they didn't fare well; it's really a pity! Emperor Xiao Wen originally wanted to pass the throne to his brothers, but each of them, scrambling for power in the court, were at odds with Wu and Chu. Relying on the emperor's favor and their great achievements, they became more and more arrogant, wanting to usurp the throne. In the end, they all met a bad end, truly fulfilling the saying "too much pride will lead to a downfall." The emperor wanted to be close to his relatives, but the country fractured into five pieces, showing that without virtue, no matter how favored one is, it won't last long, and their descendants suffered. This is mentioned in "Biographies of the Three Princes."
Next is the story of Jia Yi, a talented individual who became an official before he was twenty. Encountering such a wise emperor as Emperor Wen, he often advised the emperor to learn from the downfall of the Qin Dynasty and to follow the governance of the three previous dynasties. He suggested strengthening border defenses and avoiding an alliance between Wu and Chu to attack the Han Dynasty. These were his accomplishments, as recorded in "Biography of Jia Yi."
Now, let's talk about Yuan Ang, a straight-shooter who always spoke his mind in the court, skillfully weighing the pros and cons. However, he was a bit of a dreamer—more talk than action—which ultimately led to his downfall. This is the content of "Biography of Yuan Ang's Mistakes."
Zhang Shizhi, Feng Jingshu, Ji An, and Zheng Dangshi were all key figures in the Han Dynasty. Zhang Shizhi was a stickler for the law, ensuring the country's laws were well executed; Feng Jingshu was a brilliant advisor, helping the emperor govern wisely; Ji An was known for his outspokenness and willingness to criticize; Zheng Dangshi was a master talent scout who made great contributions to the country. This is recorded in "Biographies of Zhang, Feng, Ji, and Zheng."
Next, let's talk about Jia Yi, Zou Yang, Mei Cheng, and Lu Wenshu – these guys. Their lives were a rollercoaster – highs and lows, you know? However, they always stuck to their principles and, relying on their loyal and upright character, eventually gained recognition. That's what the *Jia Zou Mei Lu Zhuan* says.
The stories of Dou Ying, Tian Fen, Guan Fu, and Han Anguo were one heck of a story. Dou Ying and Wang Hui were loyal ministers, but Guan Fu and Han Anguo ultimately failed due to their pride and arrogance. Some things are just fate, others are your own doing. That's what the *Dou Tian Guan Han Zhuan* says.
Emperor Jing's thirteen kids inherited the golden age of the Wen and Jing eras, but their outcomes were vastly different. Some of these princes were total wastrels, others were quiet, and some even died without heirs. Only Prince Hejian excelled by governing diligently and inheriting the cultural traditions of the Han dynasty, becoming an outstanding figure of the Han dynasty. That's what the *Shi San Wang Zhuan* says.
Lastly, let's talk about Li Guang and Su Wu. General Li Guang was a badass, fighting till he was seventy, but he died in battle. Even though he hated Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, the court still got him in the end, leading to the decline of his descendants. On the other hand, Su Wu remained loyal and unwavering, enduring hardships under the Xiongnu without ever submitting, earning admiration from all. You can read all about them in the *Li Guang Su Jian Zhuan*.
During the Han Dynasty, Wei Qing and Huo Qubing were amazing generals, the real deal! They launched multiple campaigns against the Xiongnu, securing our northern borders. In seven battles, the wheels of their chariots thundered, surrounding the Chanyu and striking deep into the heart of the Xiongnu. Their cavalry charged bravely, with banners flying as they advanced, striking fear into the Xiongnu. In the end, they let their horses drink from the 瀚海 (Hanhai), immortalizing their victories on Wolf Mountain, and pushed westward to the Yellow River and southward to the Qilian Mountains, displaying great might! That's from the *Biographies of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing*.
Next, Dong Zhongshu served as prime minister several times, a man of integrity, and under his rule, the country prospered. After resigning, he returned home to focus on studying and writing, always speaking his mind, becoming a famous scholar of his time. That's from the *Biography of Dong Zhongshu*.
Then there is Sima Xiangru, known for his beautiful and rich language in his writings, filled with romanticism and broad knowledge, his unique literary style making him considered the father of *ci fu* poetry by later generations. That's from the *Biography of Sima Xiangru*.
Following are Gongsun Hong, Bu Shi, and Er Kuan. Gongsun Hong only became a big shot later in life, living frugally and modestly. Bu Shi devoted himself to farming and herding for the country, winning the emperor over. Er Kuan diligently studied from a young age, growing up to be an outstanding official helping run the country. That's from the *Biographies of Gongsun Hong, Bu Shi, and Er Kuan*.
As for Zhang Tang, he held high office but only cared about sucking up to the bigwigs, neglecting national affairs, but it all came crashing down on him in the end despite his eventual wealth. His colleague An Shi, on the other hand, was a really nice guy, passing down his values to his descendants who kept their family's good name. That's from the *Biography of Zhang Tang*.
Du Zhou was good at handling documents, only knowing how to cater to the emperor's preferences, and relied on these means to save his own skin. Yan Nian was generous and also a famous official; he had his own ideas and was different from others. That's how it is written in "Biography of Du Zhou."
Zhang Qian and Li Guangli: one went to the Western Regions, opening the door to the Western Regions for the Han Dynasty; the other led troops into battle but suffered repeated defeats and eventually lost his life. This shows that sometimes, even if you're doing the right thing, things don't work out! This is what is said in "Biography of Zhang Qian and Li Guangli."
Finally, let's talk about Sima Qian. He endured a brutal punishment for defending Li Ling, but he did not give up; instead, he worked even harder to complete "Records of the Grand Historian." He devoted himself to it, integrating ancient and modern history, and wrote a great historical work—truly admirable! This is the content of "Biography of Sima Qian."
Emperor Han Wu's several sons—Emperor Zhao, Prince Qi, Prince Yan, Prince Guangling, and Prince Changyi—each met a different fate. Some died young, some rebelled, and some were deposed; their stories ended very differently. This is recorded in "Biography of the Five Sons of Wu."
Speaking of these six emperors, they were power-hungry, constantly at war, yet just scraping by. Like those important ministers assisting the emperor, Yan, Prince Huainan, and others, they paid lip service while secretly furthering their own agendas. ("Biography of Yan Zhu Wu Qiu Zhu Fu Xu Yan Zhong Wang Jia" Chapter Thirty-Four)
Dongfang Shuo was a natural comedian, with a quick wit, but he also satirized those who flatter, dared to speak bluntly, and was willing to offend the powerful; he thrived in the court's cutthroat environment. ("Biography of Dongfang Shuo" Chapter Thirty-Five)
That young Ge Yi, relying on the emperor's favor, actually suppressed the prince. The future of the dynasty fell into the hands of these old ministers in Yichun. Chang and Yi, relying on the Huo family, really made a name for themselves. Hong, devoted to political affairs, should have a peaceful life. I wonder if they were truly loyal, though? (From "Biographies of Gongsun, Liu, Tian, Yang, Wang, Cai, Chen" Chapter 36)
The prince was buried alive, and Jian even killed a great general. Yunting exposed Yu's crimes, while Fu became famous for assassinating Feng; those two were a couple of real go-getters, and Chang is a bit like them. (From "Biographies of Yang, Hu, Zhu, Mei, Yun" Chapter 37)
Huo Guang, that Marquis of Bolu, was a real stand-up guy who received the posthumous order of Emperor Wu, assisted Emperor Xiaozhao, and eventually supported Emperor Xuan of Han. The Cao family weren't exactly known for their brains, yet they were able to depose emperors and control the court; man, that kind of power was something else. Unfortunately, in his later years, Huo Guang got too comfortable, surrounded himself with bad eggs, and ended up done in by his own daughter-in-law, and even his son died. On the other hand, Hou Dini, loyal and honest, and his descendants benefited greatly. (From "Biographies of Huo Guang and Jin Ridai" Chapter 38)
The best way to win a war is to avoid fighting one. That old Camp General, despite his age, achieved great success and used strategies to subdue the enemy without fighting, earning the trust of the emperor. Wu Xian and his son, along with those tiger ministers, were all pillars of the state. (From "Biographies of Zhao, Chongguo, Xin, Qingji" Chapter 39)
Yiyang took down Loulan, Changluo smashed Kunmi, Anyuan beat the Xiongnu, and Yicheng wiped the floor with Zhizhi Chanyu. Chen Tang, now there was a real hero; he saved three loyal ministers, and Huizong, ever the diligent one, put down the border rebellions. (From "Biographies of Fu, Chang, Zheng, Gan, Chen, Duan" Chapter 40)
Jun Shu was quick to react and handled affairs with grace. He rejected the marriage proposal from Huo Guang and then resigned from his official position to live in seclusion, dissipating his wealth and enjoying his later years. His family had been loyal to the court for generations, all thanks to his father's achievements. Guang De, Dang, and Xuan were known for their sense of shame. ("Biography of Jun Shu, Yu Bi, Ping", 41)
Speaking of ancient hermits, such as the Four Haos, they avoided the chaos of the Qin Dynasty, not seeking fame or fortune, and maintained a life of integrity and self-respect, just like Yan Ping and Zheng Zhen. They were like Ji Yin and He, pure as jade, unsullied by the world; and like Da Yu, who only came out to serve the people in old age. They believed that maintaining personal integrity was more important than death; this was their guiding principle. People like Guo Qin and Jiang Xu were also representatives of this reclusive style. ("Biography of Wang Gong, Liang Gong, Bao", 42)
Moving on to the Han Dynasty, the talents in Fu Yang were abundant, and everyone was well-versed in the Book of Songs and the Book of Rites. Although Xuan Cheng resigned from his official position and lived in seclusion, he was later asked to serve as prime minister. During the sacrifices at the ancestral temple of the Han Dynasty, Shu Sun Wu Ji once provided advice and strategies. Starting from Emperor Xiao Yuan, the court began to value Confucianism, and many Confucian scholars participated in the decision-making of national affairs. Many individuals contributed to the nation's growth. ("Biography of Wei Xian", 43)
In the Gao Ping area, there was a man named Shi Shi who, with his abilities, suppressed evil, assisted the emperor, and rid the country of harm. In the Bo Yang area, there was a magnanimous man whose sincerity moved heaven, and as a result, his descendants received blessings. ("Biography of Wei Xiang, Bing Ji", 44)
Whether a person can succeed depends on their foresight and insight, and their ability to perceive the workings of fate. If this person is not capable, even the best methods cannot be implemented. Some people have shallow knowledge but think highly of themselves, or only see the surface of things, which can easily lead to mistakes. If they go against the grain, they will bring disaster upon themselves. ("Biography of Sui Liang Xia Hou Jing Yi Li", 45)
Yinjing of Guanghan, a brilliant and wise man; with Yanshou's support, the emperor ruled, and the country enjoyed peace and stability. However, some were arrogant enough to criticize the emperor and paid the ultimate price. But Weng Gui, known for his honesty, earned the emperor's praise. Chang was honest and humble; Zun, a pillar of the state, was incorruptible; and though Zhang died unjustly, he gained the people's sympathy. ("Biographies of Zhao, Yin, Han, and Zhang" Chapter 46)
Those who dared to speak truth to power were the backbone of the nation. Fengyi and Fu were both men of unwavering integrity. But their uncompromising honesty led to misfortune and untimely deaths. Those who did their duty and stuck to their principles deserve our respect. Baoqu and Dingling both have such ambitious individuals. ("Biographies of Gai, Zhuge, Liu, Zheng, Wu, Jiang, Sun, and He" Chapter 47)
Xiao Wang was an unknown until Emperor Xuan recognized his talent, after which he served Emperor Yuan. He was a hard worker, never one for boasting, and eventually made a name for himself. ("Biography of Xiaowang" Chapter 48)
Feng Fengshi rose through the ranks on the Western Frontier, a distinguished soldier who defended the borders; his son followed in his footsteps. ("Biography of Feng Fengshi" Chapter 49)
Emperor Xuan's sons had mixed fortunes: Liu Qin was bright, but his uncle Qu Chai narrowly escaped execution; Liu Xiao was volatile and reckless; Liu Yu was wayward; and Liu Xiu died young, leaving his mother to return to her family. Emperor Yuan's sons—Emperor Cheng's uncles—held important titles but lacked real influence, ultimately losing their power. That's Chapter 50 of the *Biographies of the Six Kings of the Xuan and Yuan Eras*.
Zhang Chang, Marquis of Le'an, was a famous ancient literary figure, revered by the people, but caught in a power struggle between two major factions in the officialdom. Wang Jia, Marquis of Anchang, was a shrewd businessman, while Zhu Yun was known for his integrity. Du Qin, Marquis of Boshan, was a cautious and meticulous man, but became implicated because of Wang Mang. This is the content of Chapter 51 of "Biographies of Kuang, Zhang, Kong, and Ma."
Shi Dan, Marquis of Lechang, was an upright man, but faced many disasters and was eventually dismissed from his official position. Shang Jing, Marquis of Wuyang, was diligent and responsible, loyally and cleverly advising the young lord, thus earning past merits. Wang Shang, Marquis of Gaowu, saved himself through his skill. This is the content of Chapter 52 of "Biographies of Wang Shang, Shi Dan, and Fu Xi."
Zhang Yu, Marquis of Gaoyang, was skilled in grammar, while Zhu Bo, Marquis of Yangxiang, excelled in military affairs. They were both gifted statesmen, but lacked in morality, with their positions being beyond their capabilities, and few being able to maintain high positions consistently. Xue Xuan, Marquis of Boling, excelled in calligraphy and predicted the chaos of Wang Mang's usurpation of the Han Dynasty. This is the content of Chapter 53 of "Biographies of Xue Xuan and Zhu Bo."
Zhai Fangjin, Marquis of Gaoling, was erudite and talented, skilled in criminal law and adept at upholding authority. His abilities met the needs of the time and left valuable experience for future generations. He fought bravely, like a fierce tiger, but advanced cautiously, and ultimately perished because of Wang Mang. This is the content of Chapter 54 of "Biographies of Zhai Fangjin."
The ruler's erroneous policies led to frequent disasters. Remembering these mistakes should serve as a warning. Ding and Fu, Marquis of Ye, had some interest in divination. This is the content of Chapter 55 of "Biographies of Gu Yong and Du Ye."
During the reigns of Emperor Ai and Emperor Ping, Ding, Fu, Wang Mang, and Xian were powerful figures. During the reigns of Emperor Wu and Emperor Jia, many ministers were victims of political purges. Marquis Gaole and others were dismissed from their official positions, but they were all loyal subjects. This is the content of Chapter 56 of "Biographies of He Wu, Wang Jia, and Shi Dan."
Yang Xiong is truly an amazing guy! He absolutely loved literature. Initially, he imitated Sima Xiangru, writing poems for the emperor, but later stopped this practice, buried himself in his books, and wrote "Fa Yan" and "Xuan Lan," carefully studying the "Six Classics," interpreting the hexagrams of the "Book of Changes," and the principles of the "Analects," delving into the classics and expressing his thoughts through his own writings. This is the content of the fifty-seventh chapter of Yang Xiong's bio.
Wang Mang usurped the Han Dynasty, wiping out our country's intellectual heritage. Although the Han Dynasty inherited the foundation of the Qin Dynasty, the six arts were divided as a result. This book lays out Confucianism in a really clear way, explaining the core ideas and rules of Confucianism. Although teacher-student relationships had broken down, this book records the rise and fall of Confucianism. This is the content of the fifty-eighth chapter of The Biographies of Confucian Scholars.
So, about those "Records of the Grand Historian," I really got thinking when reading the later biographies. First, in the fifty-ninth chapter "Great Officials," it talks about those good officials who, regardless of how others evaluate them, as long as they looked after the people, they were considered good officials. When the common people live well, they will naturally remember their kindness; even after they have passed away, they will be remembered by future generations.
Next is the sixtieth chapter "Ruthless Officials," which is completely different. Those ruthless officials were bullies who abused their power and loved using the whip. They might seem powerful for a while, but it always ended badly—for them and everyone else!
Moving on to the sixty-first chapter "The Business Chapter," it talks about economic matters. If everyone had enough to live on, and there wasn't a huge gap between rich and poor, the country would be stable. But if there are no rules, everyone would be scrambling to get rich by any means necessary, leading to social chaos, widening the wealth gap, and deteriorating societal values.
"Tales of the Knights" Chapter 62 talks about those chivalrous knights who stood up for what's right. When a country has good systems and harmonious families, there won't be so many problems. Those knights, some act chivalrously, some act like bullies; it all depends on how they do it. If they can maintain law and order like a stable city wall, that is also a noble deed.
"The Art of the Flatterer" Chapter 63, sigh, let's talk about those who gain power by flattering others. How did they achieve wealth and glory? They are all engaged in underhanded tactics, and future generations should take this as a warning!
The last two chapters, one is "The Xiongnu Story" Chapter 64, which talks about the wars between the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu. Starting from the reign of King Xuan of Zhou, the Han Dynasty has been at war with the Xiongnu. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, there were full-scale attacks against the Xiongnu, achieving stunning victories and keeping the Xiongnu in check for five generations. But later, Wang Mang usurped power and ruined everything; this is truly a warning!
The other chapter is "The Southwest Tribes, the Yue, and Korea" Chapter 65, which talks about the relationship between the Han Dynasty and the regions of the Southwest Tribes, the Yue, and Korea. The people in these regions have different customs; some submit, while others rebel. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, there were military campaigns against these regions. In short, the Han Dynasty has always been maintaining control in the border areas.
The Western Han traded with the West, and this has been happening since the Xia Dynasty. King Mu of Zhou even led troops to the west to take a look; those wild lands didn't dare to mess with them. Emperor Wu of Han put a lot of effort into expanding his empire, sending troops to defeat the Great Yuezhi country. A Han princess married the king of Wusun, which forged a connection between the Western Regions and the Han Dynasty, extending all the way to the Tiaozhi region. During the reigns of Emperor Zhao and Emperor Xuan, the Han Dynasty established the Protectorate of the Western Regions, governing thirty-six cities, with the Western Regions paying tribute to the Han Dynasty, everyone doing their job. This is the content of Chapter 76 of "History of the Western Regions."
The royal family of the Han Dynasty had its ups and downs, with powerful in-laws being a common occurrence. Empress Lu ruled the country, and the Lu family almost brought down the Han Dynasty. Consort Bo suffered in the Wei Kingdom, later giving birth to Emperor Wen, whose son Emperor Jing succeeded him. Empress Dowager Dou called the shots, and Emperor Jing suffered in Dai. The Wang family was weak, only growing stronger after Emperor Wu took the throne. Wei Zifu rose to power, but it didn't end well for her. Consort Gouyi died of grief, and her son Emperor Zhao succeeded her. Empress Dowager Shang took charge at a young age, leading to her family's prosperity. Empress Shi and Empress Wang's families had a rough time but bounced back under Emperor Xuan. Empress Gong'ai's son, Emperor Yuan, died young. The Qiongcheng Princess's family were big shots for three generations. Both Zhao Feiyan sisters ended up in a bad way. The Ding and Fu families were powerful, but their power didn't last. They whacked Prince Zhongshan Liu Xing, and the Feng and Wei families were wiped out. One after another, powerful families ran the show – the Zhangs, the Bos, the Chens, and so on. But none of it lasted. All that resentment and trouble? You gotta be careful how you live your life, right? This is the content of the 77th chapter of "Empresses and Their Families."
During the Han Dynasty, they said that when empresses were pregnant, the moon's magic showed. After Emperor Cheng of Han died, the court was controlled by powerful relatives. Princess Yangping was a real tyrant, and she had a lot of ministers killed. Emperor Cheng lived it up in the fancy palaces of Chengdu and Quyang. The Xindu Palace was over-the-top, but a rebellion brought it down. This is the content of the 78th chapter of "Empresses and Their Families."
Wang Mang, this wicked tyrant, usurped the Han Dynasty and declared himself emperor, was even more brutal than Xia Jie and Shang Zhou. He falsely claimed the names of the Yellow Emperor, Yao, and Shun, forged laws and systems, resulting in public fury, and even the heavens seemed to turn against him, ultimately leading to his downfall. The rise and fall of emperors throughout history is ultimately due to evil and stupidity. This is the content of the 79th chapter of "Biography of Wang Mang."
In conclusion, the "Book of Han" records the deeds of the emperors of the Han Dynasty, lists the official positions and the enfeoffment of nobles, and explains how the universe and stars work. It maps out the provinces and counties, explores human affairs, and covers the whole empire. It is based on the Six Classics, explains the art of governance, sums up the best ideas from all the different schools of thought, and celebrates the achievements of past dynasties. It contains rich allusions, bridges the gap between ancient and modern times, sets a standard for writing, and is essential reading for any serious student. This is the content of the 80th chapter of "Explanatory Treatises."
