In the third year after Wang Mang ascended the throne, he said: "Now that the positions of officials have been reorganized and their duties redistributed, the new laws and systems have not yet been fully established. Therefore, for now, we will continue to use the laws and rituals from the Han dynasty to manage affairs. Additionally, I order dukes, ministers, marquises, and officials of two thousand bushels rank to each recommend one person of noble character, proficient in governance, eloquent, and well-versed in scholarship, to report to one of the four city gates of the capital."
He sent the Grand Master of the Secretariat, Zhao Bing, to the northern border to console the soldiers. Upon his return, Zhao Bing reported that there was a fertile area north of Wuyuan Commandery, suitable for growing grain, and that it had previously been managed by agricultural officials. Wang Mang then appointed Zhao Bing as the "General of Agriculture" and ordered border soldiers to cultivate the land in northern Wuyuan to increase the supply of military provisions.
At that time, the generals stationed at the borders required a large number of soldiers, but these soldiers were undisciplined and acted recklessly. Meanwhile, the counties and commanderies in the interior suffered from frequent conscription of labor and resources, leaving the people in misery. Many abandoned their homes, becoming refugees and bandits, with the situation particularly severe in Bingzhou and Youzhou. Wang Mang issued an order for the seven dukes and six ministers to also serve as generals, dispatching General Zhuowu, Lu Bing, and others to guard major cities. He also sent fifty-five middle-ranking officers and embroidered-clad law enforcement officials to the large commanderies along the borders to monitor corrupt officials who mobilized troops without authorization and disrupted local governance. However, these officials instead abused their power, causing further chaos in the regions, accepting bribes, and exploiting the people. In response, Wang Mang issued an edict stating: "These criminals deserve to have their families exterminated. Therefore, I have dispatched fierce generals to form twelve divisions to strike simultaneously and eliminate them in one sweep. Internally, I have set up 'Commanders of Fate,' while externally, I have appointed twelve 'Military Supervisors,' intending to discipline those who disobey orders and enforce strict military discipline. However, these individuals have instead become power-hungry, intimidating good people, falsely accusing others, extorting bribes, and then fleeing. Such actions have fostered social decay and displaced farmers. Can such supervisors be considered competent? From now on, anyone guilty of these crimes will be arrested and imprisoned, and dealt with according to the law." Nevertheless, despite his decree, the behavior of these officials remained unchanged.
At this time, Lin Bao and Dai Ji went to the border and lured the Xiongnu Chanyu's younger brother, Xian, and Xian's son, Deng, into surrendering. They forced Xian to accept the title of "Filial Chanyu," rewarded him with a thousand catties of gold and numerous silks, and sent him back to the Xiongnu. Meanwhile, Deng was brought to Chang'an, given the title "Obedient Chanyu," and settled in an official residence in the capital.
Grand Preceptor Wang Shun, who had been in ill health due to anxiety and fear since Wang Mang usurped the throne, eventually passed away. Wang Mang said: "In the past, Duke of Qi's virtuous lineage assisted the Zhou dynasty for generations, serving as Grand Preceptor. This is my example to follow. Therefore, I decree that Wang Shun's son, Wang Yan, inherit his father's title as 'Duke of Anxin,' and appoint Wang Yan's younger brother, Wang Kuang, as 'Marquis of Baoxin,' while also naming him 'General of the Grand Preceptor,' to forever serve as loyal ministers of the Xin dynasty."
To educate the crown prince, Wang Mang appointed four mentors, each with the rank of "Grand Master." He selected former Grand Minister of Works Ma Gong as "Mentor of Doubts," former Chamberlain for the Imperial Insignia Zongbo Feng as "Assistant Tutor," scholar Yuan Sheng as "Assistant Mentor," and Jingzhao Administrator Wang Jia as "Guardian and Guide," collectively called the "Four Mentors." Additionally, he appointed Tang Lin, former Secretary of the Secretariat, as "Assistant Advisor," scholar Li Chong as "Attendant," Censor-in-chief Zhao Xiang as "Predecessor and Follower," and General Lian Dan as "Defender Against Insults," collectively called the "Four Companions." Furthermore, he added nine instructors for the crown prince, including sacrificial wine instructors, palace attendants, advisors, and instructors for the Six Classics, all with the rank of "Senior Grand Master." For example, Zuo Xian from Langya lectured on the *Spring and Autumn Annals*, Man Chang from Yingchuan lectured on the *Book of Songs*, Guo You from Chang'an lectured on the *Book of Changes*, Tang Chang from Pingyang lectured on the *Book of Documents*, Chen Xian from Pei Commandery lectured on the *Book of Rites*, and Cui Fa lectured on *Music*. Wang Mang also sent emissaries carrying carriages and seals to personally invite Gong Sheng of Chu to serve as the sacrificial wine instructor for the crown prince, but Gong Sheng refused the summons and died by fasting.
Later, Ning Shi General Yao Xun was dismissed, and Chamberlain Kong Yong succeeded him as Ning Shi General. That same year, a strange little man appeared in Chiyang County. He was only about one foot tall, sometimes traveling by carriage and sometimes on foot, holding various objects that matched his size. After three days, he disappeared.
That year, counties near the Yellow River suffered from locust plagues. The Yellow River burst its banks in Wei Commandery, flooding the area and submerging several counties east of Qinghe. Previously, Wang Mang had worried that a breach in the Yellow River might threaten his ancestral tombs in Yuancheng. However, this flood flowed eastward and did not affect Yuancheng, so Wang Mang took no measures to repair the breach.
In the fourth year, during the second month, Wang Mang issued a general amnesty. That summer, red clouds appeared in the southeastern sky, stretching across the heavens.
General Chen Xin reported that captured prisoners and raiders on the border were all instigated by Jiao, the son of Filial Chanyu Xian. Enraged, Wang Mang executed Xian's son Deng in Chang'an and displayed the execution to the southern barbarians. Subsequently, Grand Marshal Zhen Han passed away, and Ning Shi General Kong Yong succeeded him as Grand Marshal, while Chamberlain Marquis Fu was appointed the new Ning Shi General.
Before Wang Mang traveled anywhere, he would send people to search the city, calling this practice "Hengchun." That year, the Hengchun searches lasted five days.
Later, Wang Mang went to the Mingtang (Bright Hall) and conferred land to the marquises. In an edict, he wrote: "Although my virtue is insufficient, I have inherited the legacy of the sage ancestors and become the ruler of all nations. I often reflect on how to ensure the people's well-being. Therefore, I have decided to enfeoff marquises and divide commanderies to improve customs and governance."
The court official, Zhonglang Qu Bo, advised Wang Mang, saying: "The well-field system was indeed an institution of the ancient sage kings, but it has been abandoned for a long time. By the end of the Zhou dynasty, the world was in chaos, and the people no longer adhered to this system. The Qin dynasty understood the people's sentiments and realized that following public opinion would bring great benefits. Thus, they abolished the well-field system, replaced it with the rectangular field system, and thereby unified the Central Plains. To this day, the people have not grown tired of this system. Now, you wish to go against the people's will and restore a system from over a thousand years ago. Even if Yao and Shun were alive today, it would take at least a hundred years to implement such a system successfully. The world has only just stabilized, and the people have only recently submitted to your rule. This is certainly not the time to implement such a system." Wang Mang, aware of the widespread discontent among the people, issued an edict stating: "All those occupying royal lands may now freely buy and sell them without legal restrictions. As for those who previously violated the law by privately trading land, they will not be prosecuted."
Earlier, when the Five Mighty Generals went on their campaigns, they demoted the King of Jutong to the rank of Marquis, which greatly angered King Han of Jutong, causing him to refuse submission. Wang Mang then secretly instructed the Chief Administrator of Zangke, Zhou Xin, to fabricate charges and kill King Han. However, King Han's brother, Wang Cheng, raised an army in rebellion and killed Zhou Xin. Previously, Wang Mang had conscripted soldiers from Goguryeo to prepare for a campaign against the Xiongnu. These soldiers, unwilling to fight, were forced into service by local officials. As a result, many fled beyond the border and later became bandits. Liaoxi Chief Administrator Tian Tan led troops to pursue them but was killed by the rebels. Local officials shifted the blame onto the Marquis Zou of Goguryeo. Yan You submitted a memorial stating: "These Mohe people rebelled not because of Marquis Zou's instigation, but due to their own grievances. The local officials should temporarily pacify them. If we assign them a major crime now, we risk pushing them into full rebellion. At that point, the states of Buyeo and others will surely align with them. The Xiongnu have not yet been subdued, and if Buyeo and the Mohe people also rise in rebellion, it will be a major disaster for the state." However, Wang Mang ignored this advice, and the Mohe people indeed rebelled. Wang Mang ordered Yan You to suppress the Mohe rebellion and lured Marquis Zou of Goguryeo into a trap, killing him and sending his head to Chang'an. Wang Mang was delighted and issued an edict: "I commanded fierce generals to carry out the heavenly punishment, dividing into twelve divisions to suppress the enemy. Some severed the enemy's right arm, some cut off their left side, some split open their chests, and others tore apart their ribs. This year, punishment was directed toward the east, beginning with the Mohe people. Now that Marquis Zou has been executed and the eastern region pacified, the enemy has been annihilated in a single stroke. This is the blessing of heaven, the gods, the ancestral temples, and the spirits of the land and grain, as well as the result of the united efforts of ministers, officials, and the people. I am very pleased with this." He renamed Goguryeo as "Lower Goguryeo" and made the announcement to the world. However, the Mohe people rebelled even more frequently, and minority groups in the northeast and southwest also began to revolt.
Wang Mang, with grand ambitions, believed that the four barbarian regions were not worth worrying about, so he focused on studying ancient texts. He issued another edict: "I reflect on the great ancestor Emperor Yu and inherit the aspirations of Emperor Wen. I govern the world using astronomy and calendrical systems, offering sacrifices to the Supreme God and the Six Deities, paying homage to mountains and rivers, worshiping the myriad gods, and conducting inspection tours of the Five Sacred Mountains. During these tours, I meet with vassals, examine their words and deeds, and assess their achievements. It has been five years since I ascended the throne. The disasters of the ninth year cycle have passed, and the fate of the 120-year cycle has also been completed. This year, Jupiter is in the constellation Shou (Longevity), a celestial sign of good fortune. Therefore, I have decided to conduct an eastern tour in the second month during the Jianyin festival, performing sacrifices and inspections according to ancient rites." The ministers submitted a proposal to mobilize officials and the people to provide horses, cloth, and grain. They also planned to purchase horses from twelve commanderies in the interior, preparing 450,000 bolts of cloth to be transported to Chang'an in batches. However, when only half of the materials had arrived, Wang Mang suddenly issued an edict stating: "The Empress Dowager Wenmu is unwell, so the inspection tour will be postponed for now and carried out at a later time."
In the same year, Wang Mang changed the title of the "Eleven Dukes" from "Xin" (New) to "Xin" (Heart), and later changed it again to "Xin" (Trust).
In the fifth year, in the second month, Empress Dowager Wenmu passed away and was buried in Weiling, alongside Emperor Yuan, but with a trench separating their tombs. Wang Mang established a temple for her in Chang'an, where she would be worshiped by the Xin dynasty for generations. Emperor Yuan was included as an accompanying deity but was placed in a lower position beneath the main altar. Wang Mang observed a three-year mourning period for the Empress Dowager.
Grand Marshal Kong Yong requested to retire and live in peace. Wang Mang granted him a carriage with four horses and allowed him to participate in court meetings with the honorary title of Tejin. Marquis Lu Bing succeeded him as Grand Marshal.
At that time, the people of Chang'an heard rumors that Wang Mang planned to move the capital to Luoyang. As a result, they refused to repair their houses, and some even dismantled them. Wang Mang declared: "The inscription on the Black Dragon Stone reads, 'Establish the emperor's virtue, and the nation will be in Luoyang.' This is a divine mandate, and how can I dare to disobey it? The plan is to move the capital to Luoyang in the eighth year of the founding of the state. However, we must also seriously repair the capital city of Chang'an. Destruction is not permitted. Anyone who violates this order must report their name and will be punished according to the law."
In the same year, the Great and Lesser Kunmi of Wusun sent envoys to present tribute. The Great Kunmi was the grandson of a Han princess, while the Lesser Kunmi was the son of a Hu wife. Wusun had submitted to the Lesser Kunmi. Seeing that the Xiongnu were constantly harassing the border, Wang Mang hoped to win over Wusun. He ordered that the envoy of the Lesser Kunmi be seated above the envoy of the Great Kunmi. Sacrificial Wine Instructor Man Chang submitted a memorial accusing the envoy of misconduct, saying: "The reason that the barbarians submit to us is because China values ritual propriety. The Great Kunmi is the ruler of Wusun, yet his envoy was placed beneath that of a subordinate. This is a great insult to the barbarians!" Wang Mang, upon hearing this, grew furious and dismissed Man Chang from his position.
Due to Wang Mang's long-standing betrayal of trust with the Western Regions, Yanqi was the first to rebel, killing the Protector General, Dan Qin.
In the same year, in November, a comet appeared and lasted for over twenty days before disappearing.
That year, due to widespread illegal hoarding of copper and charcoal, Wang Mang abolished the related laws.
In the second year, Wang Mang changed the era name to "Tianfeng." In the first month of the first year of Tianfeng, he announced a general amnesty for the empire and declared: "In the second month, during the Jianyin festival, I will perform the rites of an imperial inspection tour. The Imperial Kitchen shall prepare dry rations and preserved meat, and no supplies shall be requisitioned from local regions along the route. During my eastern tour, I will personally carry a plow and till the fields in each county to encourage spring plowing; during the southern tour, I will carry a hoe and weed the fields in each county to promote weeding; during the western tour, I will carry a sickle and harvest crops in each county to encourage autumn harvesting; and during the northern tour, I will carry a winnowing basket and winnow grain in each county to promote grain storage. After the inspection tours, I will settle in Luoyang. Anyone who causes disturbances or violates laws will be punished according to military law."
The ministers submitted a memorial, stating: "Your Majesty is exceptionally filial. Last year, due to the illness of the Empress Dowager Wenmu, you personally attended to her day and night, never removing your court attire, grieving excessively, and eating less. To this day, Your Majesty has not fully recovered. Now, planning four inspection tours in a single year, with such long journeys, may be too much for Your Majesty, given your advancing age. We hope the inspection tours can be postponed to safeguard your health." Wang Mang replied: "Since my ministers are willing to take responsibility for governing the people, I am also willing to follow your advice. The inspection tours will be postponed until the seventh year of Tianfeng." He then dispatched Grand Tutor Ping Yan and Minister of Works Wang Yi to Luoyang to plan the construction of palaces and ancestral temples.
On the day Ren Shen in the third month, a solar eclipse occurred. Wang Mang announced another general amnesty and dismissed Grand Marshal Lu Bing, appointing Xin, the Marquis of Limiao, as the new Grand Marshal.
After Wang Mang ascended the throne, he treated his ministers with extreme harshness and suppressed their authority. Court officials who dared to criticize others' mistakes were often promoted. Kong Ren, Zhao Bo, Fei Xing, and others gained Wang Mang's trust and were appointed to important positions because they dared to impeach high-ranking officials. In the court, the number of attendants accompanying ministers entering the palace was strictly regulated. On one occasion, Grand Tutor Ping Yan's entourage exceeded the limit and was questioned by the guards at the palace gate. The guards acted rudely, and an officer of the Wu Cao division arrested the guard. When Wang Mang learned of this, he became furious and sent law enforcement officials with hundreds of cavalry to surround the Grand Tutor's residence, arresting the Wu Cao officer and executing him on the spot.
One night, Minister of Works Wang Yi passed through the Fengchang Pavilion. The pavilion chief, unaware of Wang Yi's identity, acted arrogantly. After Wang Yi revealed his position, the drunken pavilion chief responded disrespectfully. Wang Yi struck the pavilion chief with his horsewhip, but the pavilion chief retaliated and killed Wang Yi before fleeing. Local officials failed to capture him, and Wang Yi's family submitted a formal complaint. However, Wang Mang stated: "The pavilion chief acted impartially and should not be pursued." He then ordered Wang Yi's family to apologize.
The national general Ai Zhang was dismissed for misconduct, and Wang Mang appointed He Shu as his replacement, issuing an order: "Not only should the national general's household be protected, but their relatives in the western regions should also be safeguarded." Over time, people began to lose respect for Wang Mang, and Ai Zhang's reputation became particularly tarnished.
In April, frost descended, killing many plants, with coastal regions suffering the most severe damage. By June, yellow fog enveloped the land. In July, a strong wind uprooted trees and blew off the roof tiles of the northern gate and the Zhicheng Gate. This was followed by a hailstorm that killed many cattle and sheep.
Wang Mang, following the records in *Zhouguan* and *Wangzhi*, established a new system of official titles: he created positions such as "Zuzheng," "Lianshuai," and "Dayin," whose responsibilities were equivalent to those of a governor; he also established "Shuling" and "Shuchang," whose roles were similar to those of commandants. Additionally, he appointed 25 regional governors and supervisors, treating them with the same respect as the Three Excellencies. The supervisors held the rank of "Senior Grand Master," with each overseeing five commanderies. Dukes served as regional governors, marquises as Zuzheng, earls as Lianshuai, viscounts as Shuling, and barons as Shuchang. These positions were hereditary, while those without noble titles served as "Yin." Wang Mang also divided Chang'an into six districts, each led by a district chief; the Three Adjuncts area was divided into six Commandant Commanderies, and the regions of Hedong, Henei, Hongnong, Henan, Yingchuan, and Nanyang were divided into six Division Commanderies, each led by a senior official with responsibilities similar to those of a governor. The responsibilities of Shuzheng were equivalent to those of a commandant. He renamed the Chief Administrator of Henan as "Minister of Loyal Integrity" and increased the subordinate counties of Henan to 30. He also appointed six "Frontier Governors," each overseeing five counties, and renamed many official titles. Large commanderies were even divided into five smaller ones. Nationwide, there were 360 commanderies and counties named after "pavilions," corresponding to prophetic texts. Border regions were managed by "Border Commandants," held by barons. The lands of vassal states were either reduced or expanded. Wang Mang issued an edict: "Chang'an, the western capital, is divided into six districts, with each county called a Commandant District; Yiyang, the eastern capital, is divided into six provinces, with each county called a Division District. Grain-producing areas are called Inner Commanderies, nearby areas are called Adjacent Commanderies, and those with border defenses are called Border Commanderies. The entire nation consists of 125 commanderies. Within the nine provinces, there are 2,203 counties. Dukes manage the 'Diangfu' lands, called 'Weicheng'; marquises manage the 'Houfu' lands, called 'Weining'; earls manage the 'Caiyi' lands, called 'Weihan'; viscounts manage the 'Binfu' lands, called 'Weiping'; those managing cultural education and military defense are called 'Weiyuan'; and regions outside the nine provinces are called 'Weifan.' All regions are named according to their directions and collectively referred to as 'All Nations.'" However, the names and divisions of these commanderies and counties changed frequently, with some commanderies renamed five times before reverting to their original names. Officials and commoners struggled to remember them, so each time an edict was issued, the old names had to be included. For example: "Edict to the Chief Administrator and Commandant of Chenliu: Assign the area south of Yisui to Xinping, which was formerly Huaiyang; assign the area east of Yongqiu to Chending, which was formerly Liang Commandery; assign the area east of Fengqiu to Zhiting, which was formerly Dong Commandery; assign the area west of Chenliu to Qisui, which was formerly Xingyang. The Chenliu Commandery no longer exists. The Chief Administrator and Commandant must report to the designated location." Such frequent changes were the norm under Wang Mang's rule.
Wang Mang also decreed that the national calendar should replace the traditional 60-day cycle starting from Jiazi with one beginning on Wuzi day. Wuzi day was designated as the New Year's Day, and Wuyin day was declared an inauspicious day. However, the people were largely unwilling to follow these changes.
After the death of the Xiongnu Chanyu, his younger brother Xian succeeded him as Chanyu and requested to establish marital ties with Wang Mang. Wang Mang sent an envoy with generous gifts and pretended to agree to return the Xiongnu hostage, Deng, while demanding that the Xiongnu hand over Chen Liang, Zhong Dai, and others. The Chanyu complied, sending Chen Liang and others to Wang Mang's envoy, who escorted them to Chang'an. Wang Mang then burned Chen Liang and the others alive north of Chang'an and ordered officials and commoners to witness the execution.
Severe famine broke out in the border regions, and there were even cases of cannibalism. Censor-in-Chief Ru Pu inspected the frontier troops and reported: "The soldiers have been stationed on the border for a long time, living in hardship, and the frontier commanderies cannot provide for them. Now that the Chanyu has just agreed to peace, this is the perfect opportunity to withdraw the troops." However, Colonel Han Wei argued: "With the power of the Xin dynasty, annexing the Xiongnu would be as easy as eating a louse. I am willing to lead 5,000 warriors without carrying a single bushel of grain—when hungry, we will eat the enemy's flesh; when thirsty, we will drink their blood. This will allow us to sweep through the Xiongnu." Wang Mang greatly admired his bold statement and appointed Han Wei as a general. At the same time, he also accepted Ru Pu's suggestion, recalling the frontier generals and dismissing 18 officials, including Chen Qin, while withdrawing the garrisons at the Four Passes. However, when the Xiongnu envoys returned and the Chanyu learned that his hostage son, Deng, had been executed, he launched attacks on the border. Wang Mang was forced to send troops to guard the frontier once again. At this time, border residents fled inland in large numbers and became the slaves of others. Wang Mang issued an edict forbidding officials and commoners from privately harboring border refugees, with violators punished by death.
In Yizhou, the barbarians killed Chief Administrator Cheng Long, and rebellions erupted across the Three Border Regions. Wang Mang dispatched General Pacifying the Barbarians, Ma Mao, to lead troops to suppress the uprisings.
General Ning Shi, Hou Fu, was dismissed from office, and Daizan, the Sacrificial Wine of the Classic of Changes, was appointed as the new General Ning Shi.
In the second month of the second year of Tianfeng, Wang Mang held a banquet at the Wanglu Hall, with dukes, ministers, and officials attending and assisting with the wine. He also announced a general amnesty for the empire.
At that time, stars appeared in the daytime.
Grand Marshal Miao Xin was demoted to the position of Scribe of Destiny, and Marquis Yan De, Chen Mao, was appointed as the new Grand Marshal.
There was a rumor that a yellow dragon had descended from the heavens and died in the Huangshan Palace. Tens of thousands of commoners rushed to see it. Wang Mang was greatly annoyed by this and ordered the arrest of those spreading the rumor, but the source of the rumor could not be identified.
After the Chanyu Xian entered into marital relations with Wang Mang, he requested the return of his son Deng's corpse. Wang Mang initially planned to send envoys to return the body but feared that the Chanyu would harbor resentment and harm the envoy. Thus, Wang Mang arrested the former general Chen Qin, who had suggested executing Deng, and imprisoned him. Chen Qin remarked, "This is just to use me as an explanation to the Xiongnu," and subsequently committed suicide. Wang Mang selected a scholar skilled in rhetoric, Wang Xian from Jinan, as the chief envoy, accompanied by Five Mighty Generals such as Fu An from Langya, to return Deng's corpse to the Xiongnu. Wang Mang also ordered them to exhume the grave of the deceased Chanyu, flog his corpse with thorned whips, and demand that the Xiongnu withdraw north of the desert, compensate with 10,000 horses, 30,000 cattle, 100,000 sheep, and return the abducted border residents. Wang Mang was always prone to boasting. When Wang Xian reached the Xiongnu, he extolled Wang Mang's virtues and accused the Chanyu of betrayal, confronting the Xiongnu with sharp rhetoric. The Chanyu, unable to refute, reluctantly accepted the terms. Wang Xian successfully completed the mission but fell ill and died on the return journey. His son was granted the title of Earl, and Fu An and others were also granted the title of Viscount.
Wang Mang believed that as long as proper systems were established, the world would naturally become stable. He focused on geographic divisions, the establishment of ritual and music systems, and the study of the Six Classics. Dukes and ministers deliberated from dawn to dusk every day, but after years of discussion, no decisions were made, leaving no time to handle legal cases or address the urgent needs of the people. Many county magistrate positions remained vacant for long periods, with acting officials taking over, leading to increasing corruption. Commandery captains and embroidered-clothed law enforcement officials acted arbitrarily throughout the commanderies, using their power to recommend or impeach one another. The Eleven Officials stationed in various regions were tasked with promoting agriculture and sericulture, issuing seasonal directives, and inspecting documents, but they colluded with local officials, and bribery became rampant. People flocked to file complaints, but no one in the court addressed them.
Because Wang Mang had previously relied on monopolizing power to control the Han dynasty's political situation, he now micromanaged everything, while his officials only sought to go through the motions. Affairs involving treasures, state treasuries, and grain supplies were all managed by eunuchs. Memorials submitted by the people were also opened and reviewed by eunuchs, leaving the secretariat completely uninformed. Wang Mang was extremely distrustful of his subordinates. Meanwhile, he frequently changed policies, and his decrees became overly complex. Each time an order was issued, it had to be repeatedly questioned and revised, resulting in inefficiency. Wang Mang often worked late into the night but still could not finish his tasks. The secretariat took advantage of this to shirk responsibilities, leaving many memorials unaddressed for years. Even prisoners had to wait for general amnesties to be released. Guards had not been rotated for three years, and the common people lived in hardship. Grain prices remained high, and the food and clothing of over 200,000 soldiers stationed at the border depended entirely on the court's provisions, causing local officials great distress. In Wuyuan and Dai Commanderies, the people, unable to bear the burden, rose up as bandits. Thousands of them gathered into groups, and the rebellion spread to neighboring commanderies. Wang Mang dispatched General Suppressing Bandits, Kong Ren, to lead troops in collaboration with local officials to suppress the uprising. It took a year to quell the rebellion, but the frontier commanderies were nearly emptied.
North of Handan, heavy rainfall persisted, shrouding the area in fog. Floodwaters rose to several zhang deep, washing away and drowning thousands of people.
General Establishing the Nation, Sun Jian, passed away, and Scribe of Destiny Zhao Hong succeeded him as General Establishing the Nation. General Ning Shi, Dai Can, stepped down, and General of Nancheng, Lian Dan, succeeded him.
In the second month of the third year, on the day Yiyou, an earthquake occurred, accompanied by heavy rain and snow. The disaster was especially severe in the Guandong region, with snow accumulating up to one zhang deep, freezing even bamboo and cypress trees to death. Grand Minister of Works, Wang Yi, submitted a memorial stating: "I have served in my position for eight years, yet my achievements have not materialized. I have failed in my duties as Minister of Works, and now even an earthquake disaster has occurred. I request to resign." Wang Mang replied: "Earthquakes and ground movements are different. Earthquakes are harmful, while ground movements are not. The *Spring and Autumn Annals* records earthquakes, and the *Book of Changes* states that the stirring of the Earth (Kun) is a natural phenomenon. Movement and stillness complement each other, and all things arise from this. The causes of disasters vary, and this is Heaven's warning to me, not your fault. Your resignation request does not help me." He then sent the Cavalry Scribe of Salaries, Zun, the Earl of Xiuning, to convey his message.
In May, Wang Mang issued a new policy regarding officials' salaries, stating: "I have experienced the misfortunes of the 'Nine Yang Calamities' and the 'Cycle of 106' (referring to disasters and periodic misfortunes), which have led to insufficient national finances and hardship for the people. From dukes and ministers downward, officials have been receiving only ten *huo* of cloth or two bolts of fabric per month. Every time I think of this, I feel deeply distressed. Now that the calamities have passed, although the national treasury is not yet abundant, the situation has slightly improved. Starting from the first day of June, officials' salaries will be restored according to the established system." He divided officials into 15 ranks, from the highest Four Assistants, dukes, ministers, and scholars to ordinary officials. The lowest-ranking officials received an annual salary of 66 *hu* of grain, increasing incrementally, with the highest-ranking Four Assistant officials receiving up to 10,000 *hu* of grain annually.
Wang Mang also proclaimed: "'Under heaven, all land belongs to the king; along the shores, all people are the king's subjects.' Everyone in the world should serve the state. According to the *Rites of Zhou*, there are 120 types of provisions. Now, vassals enjoy food according to their fiefs, while county officials receive food based on the size of their territories. In years of abundance, supplies are sufficient; in times of disaster, they are reduced, sharing hardships with the people. During the annual reports on the state of the nation, if no disasters occur, the meals of the Imperial Kitchen can be fully prepared; if disasters occur, the meals will be proportionally reduced." Wang Mang divided the country into different regions and assigned officials to oversee them. For example, the Eastern Grand Master of Mount Tai and General Establishing the Nation was responsible for three provinces and 25 commanderies in the east; the Southern Grand Tutor of Mount Tai and Former General was responsible for two provinces and 25 commanderies in the south; the Western Grand Teacher of Mount Tai and General Ning Shi was responsible for one province and 25 commanderies in the west; and the Northern Grand General of Mount Tai and Guard General was responsible for two provinces and 25 commanderies in the north. Other officials, such as the Grand Marshal, Grand Minister of Works, and Grand Minister of Agriculture, were also assigned specific regions. In times of disaster, salaries would also be reduced proportionally. Salaries for officials like court attendants, subordinate officials, and capital officers were linked to the provisions of the Imperial Kitchen. Similarly, vassals, county magistrates, and other officials were tasked with disaster management. Wang Mang hoped this system would unite all levels of society, encourage agricultural development, and allow the people to live in peace and prosperity. However, due to the system's excessive complexity, it was difficult to implement in practice. Officials often failed to receive their salaries, leading many to resort to corruption and bribery to sustain themselves.
On the day *Wuchen* of the same month, the west bank of the Changping Pavilion collapsed, causing the Yong River and Jing River to stop flowing and change course to the north. Wang Mang sent the Grand Minister of Works, Wang Yi, to investigate. After returning, Wang Yi reported the situation. The court officials congratulated Wang Mang, interpreting this as a sign from the *Hetu* (River Diagram) that "earth fills water," symbolizing the impending destruction of the Xiongnu. Wang Mang then dispatched the governor of Bingzhou, Song Hong, and the Commandant of Guerrilla Warfare, Ren Meng, to lead troops to attack the Xiongnu. However, the army only stationed itself at the border and did not advance further.
On the day *Xinyou* in July, a fire broke out at the Bachen Gate, which was commonly referred to as the "Green Gate" by the people.
On the last day of the month, *Wuzi*, a solar eclipse occurred, prompting Wang Mang to announce a general amnesty. He also ordered dukes, ministers, vassals, and officials of 2,000 *shi* rank to each recommend a person of upright character. Due to the solar eclipse, Grand Marshal Chen Mao was dismissed, and Wu Jianbo Yan You was appointed as the new Grand Marshal.
On the day *Wuchen* in October, the Vermilion Bird Gate of the Wanglu Palace began to emit continuous sounds, day and night. Cui Fa and others explained, "The Emperor Yu once opened four gates to welcome virtuous talents from all directions. Now, the Vermilion Bird Gate's sounds indicate that we should practice the rituals of the ancient sages and recruit virtuous talents from all directions." Wang Mang ordered the court to celebrate and instructed that the recommended virtuous individuals enter through the Vermilion Bird Gate to present their strategies and answer questions.
General Pacifying the Barbarians, Feng Mao, led troops to attack Juting, but a severe epidemic broke out among the soldiers, killing six or seven out of every ten. He also levied excessive taxes on the people, taking half of their wealth, leaving the people of Yizhou exhausted. As a result, the campaign failed. Upon his return, Feng Mao was imprisoned and executed. Wang Mang then sent General Ning Shi, Lian Dan, and Governor of Yongbu, Shi Xiong, to lead troops against Juting. Although they achieved some victories, Lian Dan and Shi Xiong requested additional troops and supplies, promising to achieve complete victory before returning. Wang Mang agreed and imposed additional taxes on the people. Even the Chief Administrator of the capital, Feng Ying, refused to cooperate. Feng Ying submitted a memorial, stating: "Since the tribes of Jiuchou Niu and Tongting Xiedou in the Yuexi region rebelled, it has been ten years. Commanderies and counties have continuously sent troops to suppress them, but they remain undefeated. Feng Mao once employed all means, forcing the people to relocate to remote areas at great expense, with 70% of the soldiers dying from poisonous gases. Now, Lian Dan and Shi Xiong, to avoid missing their military deadlines, have requisitioned grain and troops from various commanderies, taxing the people at a rate of one-fourteenth, nearly exhausting Liangzhou. Yet they still cannot complete their mission. I suggest we cease military campaigns, establish agricultural colonies, and implement clear reward and punishment systems." Wang Mang was furious and dismissed Feng Ying. However, he later reflected and said, "Feng Ying cannot be entirely blamed." He reappointed him as Commandant of Changsha.
Wang Mang captured Wang Sunqing, a follower of Zhai Yi, and ordered imperial physicians, craftsmen, and butchers to dissect him alive. They measured his internal organs and used bamboo tubes to trace his blood vessels, claiming it was for medical research to study blood circulation and treat illnesses.
That year, Wang Mang sent Five Mighty General Wang Jun and Protector-General of the Western Regions Li Chong, along with the *Wuji* Colonels, to visit the Western Regions. Various states greeted them at the borders and presented tributes. These states had previously killed Protector-General Dan Qin, and Wang Jun sought revenge. He ordered Commandant He Feng and *Wuji* Colonel Guo Qin to lead separate forces. Yanqi feigned surrender but ambushed and killed Wang Jun and others. Guo Qin and He Feng later arrived, attacked Yanqi's vulnerable forces, and returned to the interior from the territory of Jushi. Wang Mang granted Guo Qin the title of "Filling the Outer General" and the honorary title of "Hu Slayer Viscount," while He Feng was titled "Gathering Hu Earl." From then on, the Western Regions were cut off from the Central Plains.
