Emperor Xiaocheng was the son of Emperor Yuan. Born in the Jia Guan Huatang of the Crown Prince's Palace, he was the legitimate grandson of the emperor. Emperor Xuan loved him very much and gave him the style name "Taisun," often keeping him by his side. When Emperor Xiaocheng was three years old, Emperor Xuan passed away, and Emperor Yuan ascended the throne, making him the crown prince. He was a studious child, generous and cautious. Summoned to the palace from Gui Palace, the crown prince, instead of taking a shortcut, meticulously followed the proper route via Zhicheng Gate and Zuoshi Gate. The emperor waited for him for a long time and asked him why he was so late. He explained in detail what had happened along the way. Pleased, the emperor granted the crown prince permission to use shortcuts. Later, the crown prince developed a liking for drinking and revelry, which the emperor felt was not appropriate. The talented Duke Gong of Dingtao, whose mother Lady Fu Zhao enjoyed imperial favor, was the emperor's preferred heir. However, thanks to Shi Dan's staunch support and the late emperor's affection for the prince, he remained heir apparent. In the first year of Jingning, Emperor Yuan passed away. On the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, the crown prince ascended the throne and became the emperor, offering sacrifices at the Gao Temple. He honored the Empress Dowager as the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress as the Empress Dowager. He also appointed his uncle, the attendant and Marquis of Yangping, Wang Feng, as the Grand Marshal and Grand General in charge of the affairs of the Shangshu. On the sixth day of the sixth lunar month that year, someone submitted a memorial saying, "The emperor's funeral procession violated ritual and should be scaled back." The emperor approved this suggestion. In the seventh month, the emperor ordered a general amnesty. In the second month of the first year of Jianshi, a fire broke out at the ancestral temple of the deceased emperor. The emperor appointed Liang, the brother of the late Wang of Hejian, as the king of Shangjun. The Yingshi star showed an ominous sign. The emperor ordered the cessation of hunting in Shanglin Park.
In February, Yao Yin, chief of staff to the Right General, and his party were on a mission to the Xiongnu. They had just left the border more than a hundred miles when they encountered a sudden, violent storm that ignited a fire. Yao Yin and seven others were burned to death. The emperor bestowed gold on the kings, prime ministers, generals, marquises, queen mothers, princesses, lords, and high-ranking officials. He also bestowed money and silk on members of the imperial family, mid-level officials, the elderly, the dutiful, the working class, and the vulnerable, each in varying amounts; and also bestowed a cow and wine for every fifty households.
The emperor issued a decree saying, "Recently, the ancestral temple suffered a fire, and a comet appeared in the east, initially bright and then gradually dimming. This disaster is truly too great! The Classic of Documents says, 'Only the ancient kings can handle things well.' All the ministers work diligently, setting a good example and assisting in governing the country, but I have not done well enough. We must prioritize compassion and harmony, always examining our own shortcomings and avoiding harsh measures. Therefore, I decree a general amnesty to allow everyone to reform themselves."
Then, the emperor appointed Wang Chong as the Marquis of Ancheng, and appointed Wang Tan, Wang Shang, Wang Li, Wang Gen, and Wang Fengshi as Inner Pass Marquises, all of whom were the emperor's uncles and officials.
In April, thick yellow fog pervaded the four directions, prompting the emperor to extensively inquire of the court officials, leaving no information concealed, to determine the cause.
In June, countless green flies gathered in the Weiyang Palace, fluttering in the places where the courtiers sat, a rather frightening sight.
In autumn, the emperor ordered the abolition of twenty-five rarely used palaces and buildings in the Shanglin Garden to cut costs.
In August, a spectacle of two moons appearing simultaneously in the eastern sky was visible early in the morning.
On the ninth day of the ninth month, a meteor, four or five zhang long (approximately 13 to 16 meters), blazed across the sky, its light illuminating the earth. It twisted and turned like a serpent, passing through the Purple Micro Palace (the abode of the Heavenly Emperor), its meaning unclear.
In December, the emperor built sacrificial sites in the north and south suburbs of Chang'an City, while abolishing the sacrificial activities at Ganquan Palace and Fenyin Palace. On that day, a fierce gale swept through, causing all the trees of immense girth at the Ganquan Palace sacrificial site to fall. Disasters occurred frequently throughout the country, with over a quarter of the empire's counties affected. The emperor exempted these areas from agricultural levies.
In the second year of January, the emperor also abolished the sacrificial activities at the five sacrificial sites at Yongdi. On the day of Xinsi, the emperor began to hold a grand suburban sacrifice ceremony in the south suburbs of Chang'an. The emperor issued a decree saying, "Recently, I moved the sacrificial sites of Taishi and Houtu to the south and north suburbs, and personally presided over the ceremony of sacrificing to the God of the Suburbs. Heaven and Earth themselves seemed to smile upon me. The people of the Sanfu region (the region around Chang'an) no longer bear heavy corvée labor, and pardons were granted to criminals and prisoners serving in the counties of Fengjiao, Chang'an, Changling, and Zhongdu. At the same time, national taxes were reduced, totaling 400,000 coins."
In the intercalary month, the emperor designated the area around the Yanling Pavilion near Weinan as the location of the imperial mausoleum.
In February, the emperor ordered each county in the Sanfu region to recommend one truly capable and honest person.
In March, the well at the Beigong suddenly burst forth, its waters overflowing.
On the day of Xinchou, the emperor began to sacrifice to Houtu in the north suburbs.
On the day of Bingwu, the emperor appointed Xu Shi as the empress.
Subsequently, the emperor ordered the abolition of the six royal stables and some specialized technical offices.
In the summer, a severe drought occurred.
Prince Yu, the King of Dongping, committed a crime and was deprived of his fiefdom in Fan County and Kangfu County.
In the autumn, the emperor abolished the Bowang Garden where the crown prince resided, and rewarded it to members of the royal family who served as royal officials; at the same time, the number of royal carriages and horses was reduced.
In the third year of March, the emperor granted amnesty to prisoners throughout the country and rewarded those who were filial to their parents and diligent in farming by raising their rank by two levels. All overdue rents and debts were forgiven.
In the autumn, there was a major flood in the Guannei region (the region within the passes).
In July, a little girl named Chen, who lived in a small village near Si Shang, heard that there was a flood and ran in panic to Hengcheng Gate, then to Shangfang Yamen, and finally hid at the Goudun (a guardhouse) in Weiyang Palace. Officials and commoners ran to the city wall in a panic.
In September, the emperor announced, "Recently, various provinces and prefectures have suffered from floods, and many people have died—tens of thousands! Even the capital city is in turmoil due to rumors of a flood, causing officials and commoners to panic and flee, climbing onto the city wall to seek refuge. It seems that the negligent officials have not stopped, and many commoners have been wronged because of their failures! I am sending Lin and other admonishers to inspect the situation nationwide."
In December, on the day of Wushen, the first day of the month, there was a solar eclipse in the sky. In the evening, there was an earthquake in the palace of Weiyang. The emperor stated, "I have heard that Heaven created the people, but they cannot manage themselves, so monarchs were established to govern them. If a monarch governs well, then even plants and insects can thrive; if a monarch lacks virtue, Heaven will send disasters as a warning, indicating poor governance. I have not been in power for long and have made many mistakes, which is why the solar eclipse and earthquake occurred on the day of Wushen. I am very afraid! All you ministers, you must reflect on my faults and honestly tell me. 'Women often speak more freely in private.' Prime Ministers, Imperial Censors, Generals, Marquises, and officials from various regions, recommend those who are upright and dare to speak out to the court; I will personally examine them."
There was a landslide in Yuegui Mountain.
In the spring of the fourth year, the emperor dismissed the eunuchs of the Zhongshu Province and appointed five Shangshu for the first time.
In April, there was a mix of rain and snow.
In May, the attendant Chen Lin killed the Colonel Yuan Feng in the palace.
In autumn, peaches and plums ripened. However, there was another flood, and the Yellow River breached the Jindi in Dongjun. In October, the Grand Imperial Censor Yin Zhong committed suicide for failing to fulfill his responsibilities due to the breach of the Yellow River.
In the first year of Heping, in the third month, the emperor decreed: "The Yellow River burst its banks in Dongjun, flooding two prefectures. Commander Wang Yanshi timely repaired the embankments and successfully controlled the flood, so the reign title became Heping. Officials and people throughout the land received rewards, varying by rank." At the end of the fourth month, there was a solar eclipse. The emperor decreed: "I have preserved the ancestral temples with great caution, without the slightest slackness. Ancient books say: 'If a ruler does not govern with virtue, there will be portents in the heavens, leading to a solar eclipse.' The responsibility for the adverse celestial events lies with me. All officials, you must assist me, an imperfect ruler. All officials must fulfill their duties, promote talented and virtuous individuals, and stay away from evildoers. Point out my faults to me, do not hide anything." Then, the emperor issued a general amnesty. In the sixth month, the emperor dismissed the officials of Dianshu and Tai Honglu. In the ninth month, the mausoleum and gardens of the late Emperor were renovated. In the spring of 122 BC, during the first month, while iron smelting in Pei County, molten iron splashed, as recorded in the "Five Elements Records." In the following month of June, the emperor created his uncles Tan, Shang, Li, Gen, and Feng marquises, all high-ranking officials. On the day of Bing Xu in February of 121 BC, an earthquake occurred in the Jianwei region, causing a landslide and the Yong River flowed backward! At the end of the eighth month of autumn, there was another solar eclipse. At this time, Grand Master Liu Xiang began to proofread the imperial library and sent envoy Chen Nong to collect lost books from all over the country. In January of 120 BC, the Xiongnu Chanyu came to pay tribute! This was a major event. The emperor ordered the release of all prisoners in the country, rewarded those who were filial to their parents and worked hard in agriculture, and promoted them by two ranks. Tax payments were temporarily suspended for those in arrears. In February, the Xiongnu Chanyu returned to his country. On the first day of the third month, there was another solar eclipse! This year witnessed an unusual number of ominous celestial events.
The emperor sent eleven officials, including the Minister of the Imperial Household and scholars, to survey the damage in the severely affected areas along the Yellow River, distribute relief funds, and help the flood's unburied victims, providing proper burials with 2,000 coins for each. Refugees in other counties must be properly cared for and fed. Officials at all levels need to pull their weight and do their jobs. At the same time, the emperor also ordered the recommendation of individuals with high moral character and the courage to speak up.
On Ren Shen day, the riverbank of Changling Linjing collapsed, causing flooding of the Yongjing River.
In the sixth month of summer, King Xiao of Chu died.
Rocks in Shanyang spontaneously combusted, prompting the emperor to change the era name to Yangshuo.
At the end of the second month of the first year of Yangshuo (119 BC), there was a solar eclipse! That year saw several solar eclipses.
In the third month, the emperor ordered a nationwide amnesty for prisoners.
In winter, Wang Zhang, the Jingzhao prefect, committed a crime, was imprisoned, and eventually died.
In the spring of 118 BC, the weather was particularly cold. The emperor issued a decree saying, "Emperor Yao established the offices of Xi and He to manage the seasons, ensuring their orderly operation. Therefore, the Book of Documents states, 'the common people prosper and society is stable,' which shows that yin and yang balance is key! Many court officials now do not believe in the theory of yin and yang and the five elements, and they disregard it, leading to many untimely reports. They do not understand it themselves, yet they want to govern the world and still expect harmony between yin and yang. That's ridiculous! Everyone must follow the seasons!"
In the third month, there was a general amnesty across the country.
In the fifth month of summer, the emperor dismissed several eight hundred and five hundred shi officials.
In autumn, the Guandong region experienced a major flood, with many refugees trying to enter the interior through Hangu Pass, Tianjing Pass, Hukou Pass, and Wuruan Pass. Let them through. The emperor also sent officials to the disaster area to assess the situation.
King Kang of Dingtao died on Jia Shen day of the eighth month.
In September, the emperor felt that the emissaries he had dispatched were not quite appropriate. The imperial decree came down: "In ancient times, the establishment of the Imperial College was to carry on the legacy of the previous kings and let it spread throughout the world. The Confucian officials are the source of national knowledge, and they should be proficient in both the past and the present, learn from the past and apply it to the present, and understand the national system, which is why they are called learned officials. Otherwise, scholars will have no one to guide them; they will be disrespected by the common people, and this is not a way to honor morality. 'A craftsman must first sharpen his tools.' Prime Minister, Imperial Censor, along with the high-ranking officials, must select suitable candidates to serve as learned officials, ensuring that each of them is outstanding!"
That year, the Grand Imperial Censor Zhang Zhong died.
In the third year of spring, on the day of Renxu in March, eight falling stars fell in Dongjun. In the summer of June, more than 180 people, including the Iron Official Tu Sheng from Yingchuan, killed their commander, seized weapons from the armory, declared themselves as generals, ran riot, and passed through nine counties. The emperor dispatched the Prime Minister's chief clerk and the Grand Imperial Censor to pursue and capture them, using the military to handle the situation, and ultimately all these people were executed.
On the day of Dingsi in August of autumn, the Grand Marshal and Grand General Wang Feng died.
In the fourth year of spring, in the first month, the imperial decree came down: "The eight principles of good governance outlined in the 'Hong Fan,' with food as the top priority, this is indeed the fundamental basis for a prosperous country and effective laws. The late emperor valued agriculture, reduced taxes, favored the strong labor force, and valued them as highly as those who were filial to their parents and siblings. Recently, the common people have become increasingly lazy; fewer people are farming, and more people are engaged in commerce. How can this issue be resolved? Now is the time for spring plowing; you two thousand stone officials must work hard to persuade the people to cultivate mulberry trees and raise silkworms, and personally go to the fields to work hard. As the 'Book of Documents' says, 'Diligent farming brings a bountiful harvest.' You must urge them well!"
In February, there was a general pardon.
On the day of Renshen in September of autumn, the King of Dongping, Yu, died.
In the intercalary month of Renxu, the Grand Imperial Censor Yu Yong died.
In the spring of 154 BC, the emperor issued a decree saying, "I have inherited the ancestral heritage and guarded the country and its people, but my governing ability is limited, my virtue is not enough to appease the people, and the use of punishment is inappropriate, resulting in many wrongful cases. The number of people coming to petition and complain is endless. Therefore, nature is out of kilter, the climate is abnormal, the heavens are dark, and the people are suffering. I am deeply saddened by this. Doesn't the 'Book of Documents' say, 'If I cannot govern the country well and cannot enjoy long life, the responsibility lies with me'? Now is the season when all things are growing in spring. I have specially sent inspectors to investigate and handle wrongful cases in the regions of Sanfu, Sanhe, and Hongnong. All officials and governors must carry out my orders diligently and handle this matter well." Then, the emperor ordered that all the people in the country be promoted by one rank, and for every hundred households, women were given wine and cattle, while clothing was given to widows, orphans, and the poor. As for tax delinquents, they should temporarily not be collected.
On the fifth day of the fifth month of the same year, the emperor went to the Chuling mausoleum to offer sacrifices and pardoned those who were serving labor. At the same time, Xinfeng Xiang was renamed Changling County to serve as the guardian of Chuling, and wine and cattle were given to the local hundred households. The emperor traveled incognito on this trip. In the winter of that year, a yellow dragon appeared in Zhending.
In the spring of the following year, the emperor went to Yunyang for inspection. In March, the scholars held a wine offering ceremony, and a wild chicken, inexplicably, flew from the courtyard, up the steps, into the hall, where it crowed before flitting through the government offices and finally landing in the Chengming Hall.
The emperor issued a decree, saying: "In ancient times, talent was selected based on their words, actions, and achievements. By doing so, officials will not be lazy, the people will not be idle, education will be smoothly spread, the weather will be harmonious, crops will be abundant, the people will live and work in peace, and the world will be at peace. I have inherited the throne for more than ten years and have repeatedly encountered floods, droughts, and pestilence, causing the people to suffer from hunger and cold. Restoring proper governance is easier said than done! I have not done well enough myself, and the way of the emperor is declining day by day. Is it because the path of recruiting talents is blocked, or because suitable talents have not been found? Therefore, we should select those with high moral character, upright behavior, and the courage to speak the truth, hoping to hear their true opinions to make up for my shortcomings."
In the summer, the emperor moved those powerful local figures from counties with assets exceeding five million and more than five thousand households to Changling. At the same time, he rewarded the prime minister, censor, general, marquis, princesses, and high-ranking officials with tombs and mansions. In June, Sun Yunkè, the grandson of the King of Zhongshan, was appointed as the King of Guangde.
In the fourth month of the third year of summer, the emperor ordered a general pardon and allowed the purchase of titles for 1,000 coins each; that year was marked by a severe drought. On August 2nd, Emperor Xiaojing's temple burned down.
One day in November, Empress Xu was deposed.
News of the Empress's deposition sparked a rebellion when Zheng Gong of Guanghan County, along with over sixty others, stormed the government offices, released the prisoners, stole weapons from the arsenal, and even claimed to be the "Mountain King," a truly audacious move!
In the first month of spring, in the fourth year of the reign, the Emperor issued a decree, saying: "I have repeatedly ordered officials to treat the people kindly and not to be harsh, but my orders have been ignored. When one person makes a mistake, the whole family is arrested, farmers are unemployed, and folks are up in arms. Disasters are everywhere, and there are many refugees in the eastern regions. The situation in Qingzhou, Youzhou, and Jizhou is particularly severe, and this grieves me deeply! None of the officials truly care about the people; who's gonna help me out here? I have sent envoys to inspect various places, and those who've lost more than forty percent of their property and whose assets are less than thirty thousand coins will be exempt from taxes; we'll also temporarily suspend tax and loan collections. Refugees seeking entry will be registered, and local officials need to get these folks settled and help them get back on their feet. This is my intention!"
In autumn, Bohai and Qinghe Counties were hit by major floods, and the affected people received relief.
In winter, Zheng Gong's rebellion in Guanghan was growing bolder, having attacked four counties with nearly ten thousand people. The Emperor sent Zhao Hu, the Commandant of Hedong, to be the Prefect of Guanghan and mustered thirty thousand troops from Guanghan and Shu County to suppress the rebels. After a decisive campaign, the rebellion was crushed within a month, prompting the Emperor to promote Zhao Hu to Chief Commandant and reward him with a hundred catties of gold—a testament to his efficiency!
In the first month of the first year of Yongshi, the Tai'an Hall in the Imperial Palace caught fire; a few days later, the garden where the Empress resided also caught fire—what bad luck!
In April, the Emperor made Zhao Shi's father the Marquis of Chengyang.
In May, the Emperor appointed the Empress's uncle, Wang Mang, as the Marquis of Xindu, with the title of High-ranking Official.
On the Bingyin day of the sixth month, Zhao Shi was enthroned as the Empress, and a general pardon was declared, and the whole empire rejoiced!
In July, the emperor issued another imperial decree, saying: "I haven't been a strong enough ruler, and I haven't thought things through properly. I believed the words of the imperial architect, Wan Nian, who said that Changling could be completed in three years. However, it has been five years now, and the gates of Zhongling and Sima Palace have not been completed. It's cost a fortune, the people are worn out, and the whole thing's a mess; it'll never get finished. I find it very difficult, and I am very upset. The real mistake is not fixing it. Therefore, I am now stopping the construction of Changling. Everyone working on the tomb should go home. We don't need to scare everyone." At the same time, the emperor appointed Prince Li as the King of Chengyang.
On the 8th day of the eighth month, Empress Dowager Wang died. On the 12th day of the first month of the following year, Grand Marshal and General Wang Yin passed away. At the end of the month, the sky darkened, and a solar eclipse occurred. The emperor issued a decree saying: "First, a dragon showed up in Donglai, and then – bam! – a solar eclipse. These crazy things in the sky are a warning to me, and frankly, I'm scared stiff! All ministers and officials, you must seriously reflect on the warning from the heavens. If you guys have any ideas to make things easier and better for everyone, let me know! Forget about collecting the loans to the poor." The emperor also said: "The harvest in the eastern region has been poor for several years. Those officials and people who, out of moral duty, have donated grain to help the poor and handed over grain to the government for disaster relief, I have rewarded them. Anyone donating a significant amount of grain or money will be handsomely rewarded, with the amount of the reward depending on the size of the donation."
In November, the emperor went to Yongdi to sacrifice at Wuzhi.
In December, the Emperor issued a decree saying: "The Grand Architect Wan Nian, who was previously responsible for building Changling, built it too low, which wasn't fit for an emperor. He just went ahead and requested the construction of the tomb, the building of walls and houses, and deliberately added all sorts of fancy stuff, piled up dirt to make it taller, imposed heavier taxes and forced labor, and carried out large-scale construction projects. Those poor workers were treated like dirt, and they kept dying one after another; the people were exhausted, and the country was practically broke. The former Agriculture Minister, Hong, repeatedly advised against the completion of Changling. The Imperial Guard Minister also advised multiple times to stop the construction early and send the people back to their hometowns. I took Hong's advice, and the other ministers agreed. Hong was mainly responsible for saving expenses, so the people could live in peace. I rewarded Hong with the title of 'Marquis of Guannei' and one hundred catties of gold. I also rewarded Chang with the title of 'Marquis of Guannei,' a food estate of one thousand households, and Hong with five hundred households. That two-faced Wan Nian, treacherous and disloyal, caused suffering to the people, and people were complaining all over the country; even though he has been pardoned, he is not suitable to stay in the capital. Get him out of here and send him to Dunhuang!"
That year, Grand Secretary Wang Jun died.
At the end of the third month of the third year, there was a solar eclipse. The Emperor issued a decree saying: "We've had one natural disaster after another, and I am very afraid! It's all because the people haven't done their part! Send officials across the land to check on the elderly and see how everyone's doing. Have them and the governors each pick one honest, humble, and virtuous person."
On the day of Gengchen in October in winter, the Empress Dowager ordered the relevant departments to resume the sacrificial activities at Ganquan Taizhi, Fenyin Houtu, Yongwu Zhi, and Chencang Chen Bao Ci. You can find the details in the *Jiaosi Zhi*.
In November, there was a fellow named Fan Bing in Yushi County who gathered more than ten accomplices to plot a rebellion. They killed the magistrate of Chenliu County, plundered the populace, and even claimed to be generals. Their audacity was breathtaking! In the end, five prisoners, perhaps called Li Tan, killed Fan Bing and his group! The emperor was delighted and directly created them marquises, showering them with rewards!
In December, the prisoner Su Ling from Tieguan in Shanyang County rebelled with over two hundred people! They killed local officials, looted the arsenal, also claimed to be generals, and ran riot across a dozen or so counties, even killing the magistrate of Dongjun and the commandant of Runan! The emperor was furious and sent the Prime Minister's chief scribe and the Chief Censor with troops to pursue them. Finally, a certain Yan, the magistrate of Runan, captured Su Ling and his group, all of whom were beheaded! In order to commend Yan's merit, the emperor promoted him to Minister of Agriculture and rewarded him with one hundred pounds of gold!
In the first month of the fourth year, the emperor went to Ganquan to offer sacrifices and held a ceremony at Taizhi, where it was said that a celestial omen appeared over the Purple Hall! The emperor was overjoyed and ordered a general amnesty! He also rewarded the people of Yunyang County, especially women, widows, and the elderly, with cattle, wine, cloth, and other supplies, resulting in widespread rejoicing!
In March, the emperor went to Hedong to offer sacrifices and also rewarded the local people in a manner similar to that of Yunyang County, exempting them from one year of land rent, making the populace overjoyed!
On the day of Guichou in April, the Changle Palace, Linhua Palace, and the Eastern Sima Gate of the Weiyang Palace in the imperial palace caught fire!
In June, the Yuanmen Gate of Balin also caught fire! The emperor even had some unused palaces at Duling demolished and dismissed the palace staff. The emperor also issued a decree saying, "Recent seismic activity and the spate of fires in the capital have caused me grave concern. A thorough investigation into their causes is imperative, and I expect a full report!"
The emperor said again: "Wise monarchs all pay attention to etiquette to distinguish between high and low status, and emphasize vehicles and attire to commend meritorious officials. Even if you have money, without the corresponding status, you cannot surpass etiquette. Only in this way can the people live in peace and prosperity. Nowadays, society is decaying, the trend of extravagance is prevailing, and people are unrestrained. The nobility and their associates are all examples in society, but they do not know how to cultivate virtue, care for their families, and serve the state. Instead, they indulge in luxury, build lavish estates, maintain large households, wear gorgeous clothes, display bells and drums, seek pleasure, and exceed the prescribed standards in terms of transport, attire, and ceremonies. The common people emulate them, and the trend of extravagance is increasingly prevalent. It's difficult to encourage frugality and widespread prosperity. As the classic text says, the people look to their leaders for guidance. Therefore, you must strictly enforce the ban and gradually prohibit the trend of extravagance. Blue and green clothing is common among the people, so we'll exempt it for now. The nobility and their associates must reform their behavior, and the Imperial Censors must deal with those who do not change!"
On the day of Xinyou in the seventh month, a solar eclipse occurred. On January 1st, 8 BC, the sun was eclipsed. In the third month of that year, the emperor went to Yong County to offer sacrifices at the Five Altars. In early April, a clear sky was unexpectedly struck by a brilliant, resounding clap of thunder. The emperor ordered a general amnesty throughout the country.
In July, a star appeared strangely near the Eastern Well constellation. The Emperor announced, "Recently, eclipses and falling stars—these ominous signs have all appeared in the sky, happening one after another; it is truly very unusual! The court was eerily silent; few dared to speak their minds. Now this star has appeared near the Eastern Well, and I am very afraid. All you ministers and advisors, you must seriously consider and find ways to change the current situation; explain these events using classical texts, and do not hide anything. Each county was to recommend an honest, outspoken official, and the twenty-two northern counties must each recommend a brave and skilled general."
Then, the Emperor made Xiao Xiangguo the Marquis of Zanxi. One day in December, Grand Marshal and General Wang Shang died. That year, Consort Zhao murdered the imperial princes in the harem. In January of the second year, the Emperor went to Ganquan to worship Taizhi. In March, the Emperor went to Hedong to worship Houtu. In April, Prince Xiaowang's son inherited the title of Prince of Guangling. In winter, the Emperor went hunting at Changyang Palace and even brought along Xiongnu hunters. He spent the night at Fuyang Palace and then rewarded the accompanying officials.
In the first few days of the third year, Minshan Mountain in Shu County suffered a landslide, and the Yongjiang River ran dry for three days. In February, the Emperor made Wei Chunyu Chang the Marquis of Dingling. In March, the Emperor went to Yong County to worship Wuzhi. In January of the fourth year, the Emperor went to Ganquan to worship Taizhi. In February, the Emperor dismissed the Commander of the Imperial Guard. In March, the Emperor went to Hedong to worship Houtu again. That year, sweet dew rained down on the capital, and the Emperor rewarded the people of Chang'an with cattle and wine. In January of the Suihe era, the Emperor ordered a general amnesty.
In early February, the emperor issued a decree saying, "I have inherited the glorious legacy of the Taizu Emperor and have served the ancestral temples for twenty-five years, but my virtue is not enough, and I have not been able to bring peace to the world. The people are grumbling. Heaven has not seen fit to grant me a son and heir, leaving the people anxious. Looking at the lessons from ancient times to the present, this is how great chaos always begins. Dingtao Wang Xin is my son, pious and benevolent, and can inherit the throne to continue the ancestral sacrifices. Therefore, I create the Marquisate of Yixiang and bestow it upon my uncle, Feng Can, and increase Zhongshan's holdings by thirty thousand households to reward his loyalty. At the same time, the princes and marquises will receive gold rewards. Those showing filial piety to their fathers and brothers will be promoted; the elderly, filial children, and diligent farmers will also be rewarded."
Furthermore, he said, "I have heard that an emperor must ensure the continuation of two royal lines in order to maintain rule for three generations. In the past, Shang Tang's mandate lasted three generations, but the sacrifices ceased. We have located his descendants, including Kong Ji. Therefore, I appoint Ji as the Marquis of Yinshaoguo." In March, his title was elevated to Duke, and Zhou Chengxiu was also elevated to Duke, with each receiving a hundred li of land.
In March, the emperor went to Yongdi to offer sacrifices at the Five Altars.
In April, Grand Marshal Piao Qi was appointed as the Grand Marshal, and the title of general was abolished. The Grand Historian was promoted to Grand Minister of Works and appointed as a marquis. The salary of the Grand Marshal and Grand Minister of Works was increased to be the same as that of the Prime Minister.
In early August, Zhongshan Wang Xing passed away.
In November, the grandson of King Xiao of Chu, Jing, was appointed as the King of Dingtao.
Hou Chunyu Chang of Dingling committed a grave crime and was imprisoned, eventually dying. The Imperial Court Officer Kong Guang was ordered to give poison to the noblewoman Xu Shi, who then took her own life by drinking it.
In December, the position of Provincial Inspector was abolished and replaced with Provincial Governor, with a rank of two thousand stones.
In the second year of January, the emperor went to Ganquan to offer sacrifices at Taizhi.
In early February, Prime Minister Zhai Fangjin passed away.
In March, the emperor went to Hedong to offer sacrifices to Houtu.
On the Bing Xu day, the Emperor died in Weiyang Palace. The Empress Dowager ordered renewed sacrifices at the Chang'an North and South Suburbs. Early in April, the Emperor was buried in Yanling.
Ah, my aunt was one of the Emperor's women back then, and my father and brothers served by the Emperor's side. They often told me: Emperor Cheng's appearance and behavior were beyond reproach! He was always impeccable in his carriage, never looking back, speaking calmly, and never making a fuss. When attending court, he was dignified and solemn, regal like a god! Truly the appearance of a majestic emperor!
He was well-read and open to various opinions, willing to listen to honest counsel. The ministers in court each performed their duties well, and their reports were excellent. At that time, the world was peaceful, with prosperity and harmony. Unfortunately, he was obsessed with wine and women, and the Zhao sisters wreaked havoc in the harem, while the imperial family ran the court. That's when things went south!
Since the beginning of the Jian Shi era, the Wang Mang family began to hold sway. Emperors Ai and Ping had brief reigns, and eventually, Wang Mang seized the throne of the Han Dynasty, all due to the problems accumulated during Emperor Cheng's reign. "The commentary says: My aunt was a lady-in-waiting in the harem, my father and brothers served by the Emperor's side, and they always said: Emperor Cheng maintained good appearance and behavior, standing straight when getting on a carriage, not looking back, speaking calmly, not gesturing, presiding over court solemnly, dignified like a god, truly the appearance of a majestic emperor! He was well-read in history, open to honest counsel. The officials were competent, and their reports were excellent. The world was peaceful, with prosperity and harmony. However, he was drowned in wine and women, the Zhao family created chaos in the palace, and the imperial family controlled the court. Since the beginning of the Jian Shi era, the Wang family began to hold the fate of the country, Ai and Ping had brief reigns, and Wang eventually usurped the throne. The seeds of his downfall were sown during his reign!"
