Emperor Xiaowudi, son of Emperor Jing, was born to Lady Wang (Wang Meiren). At the age of four, he was made King of Jiaodong, and at seven, he became the Crown Prince, with his mother becoming the Empress. When Emperor Jing passed away, Xiaowudi was sixteen, and he ascended to the throne, with his grandmother Dou Shi becoming Grand Empress Dowager and his mother Empress Dowager. Three months later, Xiaowudi created his maternal uncles Tian Fei and Tian Sheng marquises, granting them fiefs as feudal lords.
In the winter of the first year of the Jianyuan era, in the tenth month, the Emperor ordered the Prime Minister, imperial censors, marquises, and high-ranking officials to recommend talented individuals who were upright and brave enough to speak their minds and offer advice. The Prime Minister objected, saying, "Those guys are pushing the ideas of Shen Buhai, Shang Yang, and the rest – that whole Legalist school of thought. It could really mess things up, so I'd say let's not go there." The Emperor agreed with the Prime Minister's opinion.
In the second year of spring, in the second month, the Emperor issued a general amnesty, giving everyone a bump up in rank, exempting those over eighty from taxes, and those over ninety from forced labor. At the same time, a new currency system of three zhu coins was implemented. In April, the Emperor decreed, "Look, back in the day, everyone valued filial piety, respecting elders was a big deal, and the court cared about rank. But the most important thing is being a good person. Villages should always respect their elders – that's how it's always been. I know a lot of good sons and grandsons want to take care of their parents, but between work and not having enough money, it's tough. That breaks my heart! Those over ninety are already tax-exempt, so let's give them some extra cash to help them out."
In May, the emperor issued another decree, saying, "The rivers and seas nurture a thousand miles of land, so the officials responsible for the rites should perform the rituals for the mountains and rivers properly. This is an annual event of the utmost importance." He also forgave the debts owed to the court by the seven states of Wu and Chu. In July, the emperor ordered, "The imperial guard is too large; reduce it by ten thousand personnel! There are also too many horses in the royal stables; give these horses to the needy!" Then, the emperor began planning to build the Mingtang and sent someone with gifts to invite Lord Sheng of Lu to assist.
In the winter of the second year, in October, Grand Secretary Zhao Wan and Langzhongling Wang Zang were imprisoned and later took their own lives because they suggested not reporting political matters to the Empress Dowager. The Prime Minister and the Grand Commandant were dismissed. In the spring of the second year, on the first day of the second month, there was a solar eclipse. In April, there appeared an unusually bright sky. That year, construction of Maoling began.
In the spring of the third year, the Yellow River flooded, causing famine in the plains, resulting in many deaths from starvation, and even leading to cannibalism. The emperor ordered the distribution of two hundred thousand cash and two hectares of land to the families relocated to Maoling. He also ordered the construction of a bridge for convenience. In July, a comet appeared in the sky.
Jichuan Wang directly killed the Grand Tutor and the Middle Tutor, with the Middle Tutor being sent into far-flung exile. Later, the Minyue Kingdom besieged Dongou Kingdom, causing Dongou to urgently send envoys for help. The emperor then sent Senior Official Yan Zhu to gather troops in Kuaiji and then sail to rescue Dongou. However, before they arrived, Minyue retreated on its own, and the army was withdrawn.
On the last day of September in the fourth year, there was a solar eclipse. In the summer of the fourth year, a blood-red wind swept across the land, frightening! In June, there was a severe drought, and in September of autumn, a comet appeared in the northeast direction, adding to the woes. In the spring of the fifth year, the court abolished the three zhu currency and switched to half liang currency.
There were also professors who taught the "Five Classics" to cultivate talents.
In April of the fourth year, Lord Pingyuan passed away—what a loss! A true great statesman.
In May, there was a locust plague, and all the crops were eaten.
In the autumn of August, both King Guangchuan and King Qinghe also passed away.
On the second day of the second month in the sixth year of Yiwei, the High Temple in Liaodong burned down.
In the fourth month of Renzi, the imperial palace's main hall also caught on fire. The emperor observed five days of mourning.
In the fifth month of Dinghai, the Empress Dowager passed away, a great national loss.
In the autumn of August, another comet appeared in the east, a long one that shot right up into the sky—spooky!
King Ying of Minyue went to attack Nanyue, and the emperor sent King Huai with troops departing from Yuzhang, and also sent Han Anguo with troops departing from Kuaiji to fight Minyue. But before they even got there, Nanyue killed King Ying, forcing Minyue's surrender and the army's withdrawal.
In the first year of Yuanguang, in the eleventh month of winter, the court began to stipulate that each county had to nominate a model citizen.
Li Guang, the Wei commander, was appointed as the General of the Valiant Cavalry stationed in Yunzhong; Cheng Bushi, the Middle commander, was appointed as the General of the Chariot Cavalry stationed in Yanmen. However, they got the boot after six months.
In the fourth month of the fourth year, the emperor granted a general amnesty and raised the status of commoners' eldest sons. The seven noble families who'd been cut off were reinstated.
In May, the emperor decreed to summon wise men, saying: "I have heard that in ancient times during the era of Tang, Yao, Yu, and Shun, as long as their portraits were displayed, the people would not commit crimes. Everywhere, people obeyed the law. During the reigns of King Cheng and King Kang of the Zhou Dynasty, punishments were rarely used, and their benevolence extended even to animals. Education spread throughout the world, and tribes like the Sushen, the Qu Suo in the north, and the Di and Qiang all submitted. There were auspicious signs in the sky, no eclipses of the sun and moon, peace in the mountains and rivers, qilins and phoenixes appearing in the wild, and auspicious omens appeared in the He Luo region. How can we achieve that prosperous era! I am now inheriting the ancestral foundation, getting up early and staying up late every day, striving to think about the great plans for governing the country. It feels like floundering, not knowing when I will reach the other shore. It is truly difficult! What measures should be taken to carry forward the achievements and virtues of the ancestors, to emulate the virtuous rule of Yao and Shun and the Three Kings? My abilities are limited, unable to implement great governance. This is evident to all of you. You virtuous men are very knowledgeable about the ways of governing ancient and modern times. Please accept my inquiry, submit your written opinions, and I will personally read them." Dong Zhongshu, Gong Sunhong, and others then spoke up.
In the seventh month of autumn, a solar eclipse occurred. In the second year, in the winter month of October, the emperor performed sacrifices at the Five Altars in Yongdi. In the spring, the emperor asked the officials and ministers: "I offered a lavish dowry of gold, silver, jewels, and silk to marry the princess to the Xiongnu Chanyu. However, the Chanyu not only did not appreciate it but further harassed the border, looting the people and causing great losses to the border areas. I am very distressed about this. Now I want to attack the Xiongnu. What do you think?" The Grand Minister Hui suggested that they should go to war.
In June, the Justice Minister Han Anguo was appointed as the General of the Guard, the Guard Lieutenant Li Guang was appointed as the Cavalry General, the Steward Gongsun He was appointed as the General of the Light Chariot, the Grand Commandant Wang Hui was appointed as the General of the Garrison, and the Grand Master Li Xi was appointed as the General of Material Resources, leading a force of 300,000 troops stationed in the valley of Mayi, hoping to lure the Chanyu to come forward and then launch an attack. The Chanyu discovered the ambush and fled. In June, the army withdrew. General Wang Hui, having first planned the attack but failed, was sentenced to death.
In September, the emperor ordered a nationwide five-day celebration.
In the spring of the third year, the Yellow River changed its course, flowing from Dunqiu to the southeast into the Bohai Sea.
In May, the emperor enfeoffed the descendants of five founding heroes as marquises.
The Yellow River burst its banks in Puyang, submerging sixteen counties. The court mobilized one hundred thousand soldiers to repair the breach. At the same time, the emperor ordered the construction of the Longyuan Palace.
In the winter of the fourth year, the Marquis of Wei, Dou Ying, committed a crime and was executed.
In the third year, during the third month of Yimao, the Prime Minister Tian Fen passed away.
In April, there was a sudden frost, killing all the grass. In May, there was an earthquake. The emperor issued a general amnesty.
In the spring of the fifth year, the King of Hejian passed away.
In summer, the emperor sent troops to Bashu to build a road to the Southern peoples. Another ten thousand troops were mobilized to repair the defenses of Yanmen Pass. In July, a strong wind blew down all the trees.
On the day of Yisi, Empress Chen was deposed, and those implicated in the matter of witchcraft were beheaded. In August, a locust plague occurred.
The emperor recruited officials and common people who understood current affairs and had studied the ways of governing the country from the sages of the past. Local government offices were to provide them with food to participate in the governance of the country together.
In the sixth year, winter saw a census of merchant caravans, while spring brought the digging of a canal to connect the flow of the Wei River.
The Xiongnu invaded Shanggu County, killing and plundering the local people. The Emperor sent General Wei Qing to lead troops from Shanggu, General Gongsun Ao from Daijun, General Gongsun He from Yunchu, and General Li Guang from Yanmen. Wei Qing reached Longcheng, where he claimed seven hundred enemy scalps. However, Li Guang and Gongsun Ao came back with nothing to show for it.
The Emperor said, "Those barbarians are always causing trouble; it's nothing new. Recently, the Xiongnu have repeatedly invaded the borders, which is why I sent the generals to lead the troops. In ancient times, warfare emphasized organizing the army and taking advantage of the enemy's invasion. The generals had just gathered, and coordination was not yet in place. Generals Gongsun Ao of Daijun and Li Guang of Yanmen appointed incompetent officers. The lieutenants behaved unethically and recklessly, abandoning the army and fleeing. Many lower-ranking officers also violated military discipline. The principle of using troops is clear: if the generals are not diligent in training and not strict in teaching, that’s their fault; if the orders are clear but the soldiers are not fully committed, that’s the soldiers' fault. The generals are facing trial, and the soldiers must be punished as well; doing both at the same time isn't right. I feel for my people, and I want to restore honor and justice, but I'm at a loss for what to do. Therefore, I'm pardoning the undisciplined soldiers from Yanmen and Daijun."
In the summer, there was a terrible drought and a plague of locusts. In June, the Emperor visited Yongdi. In the autumn, the Xiongnu again attacked the border, and the Emperor sent General Han Anguo to guard Yuyang.
In the winter of the eleventh month of 128 BC, the emperor decreed: "Hey, you guys, all you officials and ministers, you've been entrusted with managing the country's affairs, to bring everything in line, spread good learning, and make life better for everyone. This is how the Five Emperors and Three Kings built their great empires. I'm working my tail off, hoping that all people under heaven can follow this righteous path. So, I call on the elderly to revive filial piety, select outstanding talents, study the classics, and examine political affairs, to lift people's spirits. I hereby decree to really push for honesty and respect for elders, hoping to gradually form a good atmosphere and inherit our glorious traditions. As the saying goes, 'In every small village, there are bound to be honest and loyal folks; when three people walk together, one of them is bound to be my teacher.' But now, in some places, not a single talent is recommended in the entire county, which shows that education hasn’t really penetrated the hearts of the people, and those with noble character have been buried. You guys in charge, responsible for managing social customs, how can you help me find out what's really going on, get people to do the right thing, and help spread good behavior? Furthermore, it's always been the case that those who recommend talented individuals will be rewarded, while those who conceal them will be punished. So, talk to the other officials and scholars about what punishment should be given to those who have not recommended talents."
The relevant departments reported: "In ancient times, vassals recommended virtuous officials to the emperor. The first recommendation was considered 'demonstrating virtue', the second, 'promoting virtue', and the third, 'demonstrating merit'; then they would receive the reward of nine imperial gifts. If the vassals did not recommend officials, they would be demoted after the first time, have their fiefdoms reduced after the second time, and lose their titles and fiefdoms after the third time. Those who deceived superiors faced execution; those who deceived inferiors faced punishment. Those who participated in state affairs but did not benefit the people would be dismissed. Those in high positions who could not recommend talented individuals would be demoted, in order to encourage good deeds and punish evil deeds. The imperial edict now inherits the holy intentions of the previous emperor, ordering two thousand officials to recommend loyal and upright officials, with the aim of educating the people and changing the social atmosphere. Failure to make these recommendations was considered an act of disrespect, punishable accordingly; those who were not careful in their assessments and were incompetent should be dismissed." The emperor approved this memorial.
In November, Prince Liu Fei of Jiangdu passed away.
On the first day of the third month of the following year, Empress Wei was crowned. The emperor decreed: "I have heard that unchanging heaven and earth yield no effective governance, and unchanging yin and yang bring no prosperity to all things. The Book of Changes says 'to follow changes, so that the people do not tire', and the Book of Songs says 'nine changes are repeated, knowing the selection of words'. I have studied the prosperous eras of Tang, Yao, and Shun, and learned from the experiences of the Yin, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, taking history as a lesson to create a new situation. I hereby grant a general amnesty, allowing the people to start anew. All debts and lawsuits incurred during the final three years of Emperor Xiaojing's reign are hereby annulled."
In the autumn, the Xiongnu invaded Liaoxi, killing the governor; they also invaded Yuyang and Yanmen, defeating the commandants and killing over three thousand people. The emperor sent General Wei Qing to march from Yanmen and General Li Xi to march from Daijun, capturing thousands of captives. The Xiongnu incursions were met with decisive military victories.
Nanlu, the leader of the Dongyi, and others, totaling 280,000 troops, surrendered. The court arranged a place for them and established it as Canghai County.
Oh, this is big news, 280,000 troops! The Kings of Lu and Changsha have both died.
In the second year of winter, the Emperor rewarded the Kings of Huainan and Zichuan, granting them retirement and exempting them from attending court.
He is quite considerate of his old ministers.
In the first month of spring, the Emperor issued a decree stating: "The bond between the Princes of Liang and Chengyang is deep; they wish to divide their land between themselves, and I approve! If other princes want to divide their fiefdoms among their offspring, they can also submit a request. I will personally review it and arrange the hierarchy of the fiefdoms." From then on, the land of the vassal states began to be divided, and the offspring of the princes became vassals.
This Emperor is truly a good elder brother and a shrewd politician.
The Xiongnu attacks continued unabated, entering Shanggu and Yuyang, killing over a thousand officials and civilians. The Emperor then sent Generals Wei Qing and Li Xi to lead troops from Yunzhong to Gaoque, all the way to Fuli, capturing thousands of prisoners. The court recovered the Henan region and established Shuofang County and Wuyuan County.
However, we have also recovered a lot of lost territory.
At the end of March, there was a solar eclipse.
In the summer, the court recruited 100,000 people to migrate to Shuofang and also relocated the ultra-wealthy in the counties and states, with assets exceeding three million coins, to Maoling.
This Emperor is strengthening his control!
In the autumn, Prince Dingguo of Yan committed a crime and took his own life.
In the third year of spring, the court revoked Canghai County.
In March, the Emperor issued a decree stating: "Punishment serves as a deterrent, and these decrees demonstrate my concern for the people. Because the people are not yet fully aware of education, I am very happy to be able to continuously progress with the scholars, work diligently, and not shy away from hard work. Therefore, I have decided to grant a general pardon!"
This is good news, a general pardon for all!
In the summer, the Xiongnu invaded Daijun, killing the governor; they then invaded Yanmen, killing over a thousand people.
On the day of Gengwu in the sixth month, the Empress Dowager passed away.
In autumn, the court abolished the governance of the southwestern Yi, built Shuofang City, and ordered the people to hold a five-day feast. In the fourth year of winter, the Emperor toured Ganquan. In summer, the Xiongnu invaded Daijun, Dingxiangjun, and Shangjun, killing thousands of people. In the fifth year of spring, a severe drought occurred. General Wei Qing led six generals, commanding over ten thousand troops, marched from Shuofang and Gaoque, and captured fifteen thousand prisoners. The drought was a major disaster, but fortunately, General Wei Qing won the battle, somewhat offsetting the losses. In June, the Emperor decreed: "I've heard that good governance relies on proper ritual and music. But these are now in disrepair, and it grieves me. So, we'll be recruiting scholars from across the land to serve the court. I order the ritual officials to promote learning and discussion of the classics, to restore and strengthen our rituals and music, setting an example for the whole country. The Ministry of Rites should increase the number of students studying under the scholars, strengthening moral standards throughout the land, and fostering exceptional talent." Prime Minister Hong's request to increase the number of students led to a rise in enrollment. In autumn, the Xiongnu invaded Daijun and killed the commandant. In the second year of spring in February, General Wei Qing led six generals, commanding over ten thousand cavalry, set out from Dingxiang and killed over three thousand Xiongnu. The army returned to Dingxiang, Yunzhong, and Yanmen to regroup. The Emperor issued a general pardon. In April, Wei Qing led six generals on another expedition, crossed the desert, and won a resounding victory. Former General Zhao Xin's army was defeated and surrendered to the Xiongnu. Right General Su Jian lost his army and escaped back alone, and was demoted to commoner status.
In June, the emperor announced, "I have heard that what the Five Emperors did was different, and how things were done in the Three Dynasties was also different. Although they took different paths, their ultimate goal was to establish merit. Confucius once taught Duke Ding about making friends with distant countries and attacking nearby ones, discussed the duties of commoners with Duke Ai, and advised Duke Jing on frugality. Although these methods were different, they all aimed at addressing the most pressing issues at that time. Now the country is unified, but the northern border is still unstable, which worries me a lot. The Grand General recently went to inspect the northern border, defeated the Xiongnu, and killed eighteen thousand enemies. Prisoners and those who'd made mistakes received generous rewards, allowing them to avoid punishment or get lighter sentences. Now the Grand General has achieved another victory, killing nineteen thousand enemies. Those who'd been given titles and rewards and wanted to sell them should not be pursued further. Let's make this the law." Officials suggested a system of military awards to commend the achievements of soldiers and officers.
In the winter of the first year of Emperor Wu's reign, in the tenth month, the emperor toured the Yong region and sacrificed at the Five Altars. He captured a white unicorn and composed the "Song of the White Unicorn."
In November, the Kings of Huainan and Hengshan were involved in a plot to rebel and were executed. Thousands upon thousands were killed.
In December, the heavy snow killed many.
In the second year, in April, the emperor declared a general amnesty.
In the year of Dingmao, I appointed the Crown Prince. At the same time, I also granted a substantial promotion to the Right Chief, and those who emulated their fathers were also elevated in their official positions. I decreed, "I have heard that Jiu Yao said to Yu, governing a country lies in knowing and using the right people. Only by knowing and employing talent can one become a sage ruler, which is a difficult task! A ruler is to his people as the heart is to the body; when the body suffers, the heart suffers too. Recently, the countries of Huainan and Hengshan have been lacking in virtue, and rampant corruption and bribery have become widespread. Being adjacent to each other and swept up in rebellious sentiment, they even plotted a rebellion; this is all my fault. In the Book of Songs, it says, 'Anxious and worried, fearing that the country will be in chaos.' I've pardoned everyone in the land and want to wipe the slate clean. I admire those who honor their parents and work diligently, and I also sympathize with the elderly, the infirm, the vulnerable, and the lonely. They lack for food and clothing, and my heart goes out to them. Therefore, I want to send messengers to inspect the whole country, comfort them, and give rewards. The order is as follows: 'The Emperor orders the messengers to reward the village elders and filial sons of each county with five bolts of cloth each; brothers living in harmony and hardworking individuals with three bolts of cloth each; those over ninety, widows, orphans, and the lonely with two bolts of cloth and three catties of cotton each; and those over eighty with three stones of rice each. If there are any grievances or officials derelict in their duties, the messengers must report immediately. Distribute these rewards promptly, without delay.'"
On the last day of the fifth month of the year Yisi, the sun was swallowed by darkness. The Xiongnu invaded Shanggu, killing hundreds of people. In the tenth month of the following winter, I went to Yongdi to inspect and offered sacrifices at Wuzhi. In the spring of the third year, on the day of Wuyin in the third month, the Prime Minister Hong passed away. I sent the Cavalry General, Huo Qubing, to expedition to Longxi, reaching Gaolan and slaughtering over eight thousand enemy soldiers. In the summer, a foal was born in the Yuwu River. Nanyue presented tamed elephants and talking birds as tribute.
General Huo Qubing and Gongsun Ao headed north, traveling over two thousand miles, crossing Juyan, and massacring and looting over thirty thousand enemies. The Xiongnu invaded Yanmen, killing and plundering hundreds of people. I dispatched Wei Wei Zhang Qian and Langzhong Li Guang to march from the right of Beiping. Li Guang killed over three thousand Xiongnu soldiers. His entire four-thousand-strong army was wiped out, leaving only him alive. They should have been executed, but were pardoned and demoted to commoners.
Prince Liu Jian of Jiangdu committed suicide after committing a crime. Prince Liu Ji of Jiaodong passed away. In the autumn, Kunxie, the Xiongnu king, killed King Xiutu and surrendered with over forty thousand of his people. I set up five vassal states for them, incorporating their lands into Wuwei and Jiuquan counties.
In the third year of spring, a comet appeared in the east. In May, the emperor granted a general amnesty! Then, the youngest son of King Kang of Jiaodong was appointed as King of Luan. The great-grandson of the former Prime Minister Xiao He was also appointed as a marquis, boosting the Xiao family's prestige.
In the autumn, the Xiongnu people invaded again, penetrating Beiping and Dingxiang, killing over a thousand people, a truly infuriating event! The court promptly sent officials to the counties affected by floods, urging them to plant drought-resistant wheat. They also called on capable officials and people to lend food to the poor, and praising them for it. To ease the pressure on the border, the emperor reduced the garrison in Longxi, Beidi, and Shangjun by half. Furthermore, officials who made mistakes were ordered to dig the Kunming Pool as punishment.
In the fourth winter, someone reported to the emperor that many poor people in Guandong had moved to Longxi, Beidi, Xihe, Shangjun, and Kuaiji, totaling 725,000 people! The local government was broke and could not support so many people, so they requested the emperor's permission to mint platinum coins using silver and tin, as well as some leather coins for emergency use. Also, a new currency unit called "wénqián" (缗钱) was officially introduced that year. In the spring, a comet resembling a broom appeared in the northeast, and in the summer, a long comet appeared in the northwest, which was thought to be a bad omen.
General Wei Qing led four generals from Dingxiang, while General Huo Qubing led troops from Daijun, each with 50,000 cavalry and hundreds of thousands of infantry. Wei Qing marched to Mubei, surrounded the Chanyu (the title for the Xiongnu leader), and beheaded over 19,000 enemies before making a victorious return after reaching Tianyanshan. Huo Qubing fought against the Xiongnu King, capturing over 70,000 prisoners, and then performed a sacrificial ceremony on Langjuxu Mountain before returning in triumph to the capital. These two battles resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands on both sides, a tragic outcome! Former General Li Guang and later General Li Xi were delayed in battle, with Li Guang committing suicide as a result, and Li Xi redeeming himself with money.
In the fifth year, on March *甲午日* (Jiǎwǔ rì), Prime Minister Li Cai made a mistake and committed suicide. That year, there was a shortage of horses, so the emperor ordered the breeding of 200,000 pairs of horses. At the same time, the half liang coin was abolished, and the five zhu coin was introduced. Additionally, corrupt officials and troublesome commoners were exiled to the border regions.
In the tenth month of the sixth winter, the emperor rewarded officials below the prime minister with gold for officials of 2000-stone rank and above, and silk for officials of under 1000-stone rank and their attendants. People in the frontier regions were also rewarded with brocade according to their circumstances. That winter, there was so much rain that even ice didn't form. On the day of Bing Si (the Bing Si day), in the fourth month of summer, the emperor appointed Prince Liu Hong as the King of Qi, Liu Dan as the King of Yan, and Liu Xu as the King of Guangling, and a decree was specifically issued for this. In June, the emperor issued a decree saying, "Recently, it has been said that due to the lightness of the coins, there has been an increase in evil-doers. Although the farmers have suffered, it is not too much, and the act of land consolidation has been prohibited, so we will change the coins to control them. According to the ancient classics, this system is now very applicable. It has been a month since the old coins were abolished, but people in the mountains and marshes have not yet understood. Good government guides people to do right, and justice changes people's ways. Why aren't officials doing a better job of guiding the people? Have the common people taken the wrong path to peace and prosperity, while the greedy officials take advantage of oppressing them? This is truly chaotic! Now, I am dispatching six doctors to tour the country, to comfort the widowed, disabled, and sick, and to provide relief to those who cannot sustain themselves. Inform the elders and filial sons, let them be teachers of the common people, recommend those of noble character, and let them come to the court. I greatly admire talented individuals, and I am pleased to know them. Promote their excellent virtues widely; those with special talents can be specially recommended, as this is the duty of the envoys. Investigate in detail those who are discouraged, as well as those who have been wronged and dismissed, the wicked, and those who neglect the land and govern harshly, and report them. Report any helpful suggestions from the counties to the prime minister and the censor." In September, the Grand Marshal and General of Chariots and Cavalry, the brother of Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, passed away.
In May of the first year of the Yuanding era, the emperor granted a general amnesty, and the whole country celebrated for five days. A bronze tripod was discovered near the Fen River. Prince Pengli of Jidong was deposed and exiled to Shangyong for a crime. In the second year, in the winter of the eleventh month, Imperial Grand Secretary Zhang Tang committed a crime and died in prison. In the twelfth month, Prime Minister Qing Zhai died after being imprisoned. In the spring, construction of Boliang Terrace began. In the third month, a heavy snowfall occurred. In the summer, there was a flood, and thousands perished from starvation in the Guandong region.
In September, the emperor issued a decree saying, "My compassion knows no bounds, and justice will not be deterred by hardship. While the capital hasn't yet seen a bountiful harvest, the resources of our mountains, forests, and lakes are available to all. The floods have ravaged Jiangnan, and winter approaches; I fear for their lives. Jiangnan, with its unique fire-plowing and water-hoeing methods, is receiving grain shipments from Bashu to Jiangling. I've dispatched scholars to oversee the relief efforts and ensure no further suffering. All officials and citizens who aid the starving and distressed must submit detailed reports."
In the winter of the third year, the location of Hangu Pass was changed to Xin'an, and the original Hangu Pass was renamed Hongnong County. In November, it was ordered that informers reporting illegal hoarding would receive half the confiscated goods as a reward. A fire broke out at Yangling Garden on the Wuzi day of the first month (January). In April, there was a hailstorm, and over ten counties in Guandong were ravaged by famine, resulting in acts of cannibalism. Prince Shun of Changshan died, and his son Be Pu inherited the throne, but later committed a crime and was deposed and exiled to Fangling.
In the winter of October in 121 BC, the emperor went to Yong County to worship the Five Zhis. He elevated the common people by one rank and rewarded every hundred households with cattle and wine. His journey began in Xiayang, proceeding eastward to Fenyin.
On the day of Jiazi in November, an Earth God Shrine was built on the banks of the Fen River in Fenyin. After the sacrifice was completed, the emperor went to Xingyang. Upon returning to Luoyang, the emperor issued a decree saying, "When worshiping the Earth God, I looked at the Yellow River and Luo River, toured Yuzhou, saw the old site of the Zhou Dynasty, but found no sacrifices. I asked the wise old men in the area, only to find out that the descendants of Jia, the disgraced son of the Zhou Dynasty, were still there. I appointed the descendants of Jia as Lord Zinan of Zhou and had him in charge of sacrificing to the ancestors of the Zhou Dynasty."
In February of 120 BC, King Sheng of Zhongshan passed away.
In the summer, the emperor appointed the sorcerer Luan Da as the Marquis of Letong and promoted him to General.
In June, a magnificent tripod was obtained next to the Earth God Shrine. In the autumn, a superb horse was born in the Wo Wa water. The emperor composed two songs, "Precious Tripod" and "Heavenly Horse," for this occasion.
The emperor appointed Prince Shang of Changshan as the King of Sashi.
In October of the winter of 119 BC, the emperor went to Yong County to sacrifice at Wuzhi. Then he crossed Longshan, climbed onto Kongtong Mountain, and inspected the banks of Zuli River before returning.
On the day of Xinsi in November, which is both the first day of the month and the winter solstice, a Taizhi was built in Ganquan. The emperor personally went to the outskirts to worship the heavens and earth, witness the sun and moon's passage. The emperor issued a decree saying, "Despite my high position, I haven't done enough for my people. Many still go hungry and cold, so I toured to sacrifice to the Earth God and pray for a good harvest. A Xianwen Ding was unearthed in Jizhou and recommended for sacrifice. A superb horse was born in Wo Wa water, which I will ride. I'm scared stiff I'm not up to the job, so I want to proclaim to the heavens and earth and reflect on myself. As the *Shi Jing* says, 'strong horses conquer rebels.' I personally inspected the border, handled government affairs until late at night. I saw the Qinling Mountains and observed astronomical phenomena. On the night of Xinmao, I saw a light as bright as twelve moons. As the *Yi* says, 'three days before and after.' I am very worried that the harvest will not be good, so I observed a period of fasting and purification, and on the day of Dingyou, I worshipped the heavens and earth outside the city."
In April of 119 BC, the grandson of the King of Nanyue, Lü Jia, rebelled, killing the envoys of the Han Dynasty as well as the King and Dowager Queen of Nanyue. The Emperor ordered a nationwide pardon throughout the empire. On the last day of the month of Dingchou, a solar eclipse occurred. In autumn, frogs and toads engaged in a bizarre mass brawl.
The old Emperor dispatched several armies: General Fubo, Lu Bode, led his troops south from Guiyang along the Huang River; General Lou Chuan, Yang Pu, followed the Zhen River from Yuzhang; the Marquis of Guiyi, Yan Ze, advanced from Lingling along the Li River as the General of Gechuan; and another general named Jia was in charge of Xialai, marching south along the Cangwu River. These generals led soldiers who had committed crimes, with just the southern naval forces numbering one hundred thousand! In addition, the Marquis of Yuechi also sent troops, pressing Bashu convicts into service, along with soldiers from Yelang, marching south along the Zangke River, eventually converging in Panyu.
In September, over 160 Marquises were stripped of their titles because the golden wine they offered at the ancestral rites was deemed substandard. Prime Minister Zhao Zhou was even imprisoned for this and eventually died. Luan Da, the Marquis of Letong, was almost beheaded for falsely accusing others.
To the west, one hundred thousand Qiang people rebelled, colluding with the Xiongnu to attack Guan'an (a strategically important location) and besiege Fanghan (another important city). The Xiongnu even directly invaded Wuyuan County, killing the Commandant!
In October of the sixth year of winter, the Emperor assembled cavalry from Longxi, Tianshui, and Anding Counties, along with infantry from the Commandant's command, Henan County, and He'nan County, totaling one hundred thousand men. He sent General Li Xi and Prefect Xu Ziwei to suppress the Western Qiang rebellion, finally quelling the uprising.
The Emperor took an eastern tour, planning to go to Goushi. When he reached Tongxiang in Zuoyi, he heard that Nanyue had been pacified, and in celebration, renamed the place Wenzhi County.
In spring, in the new Zhongxiang Township of Jixian, Lu Jia was found, so the place was renamed Huojia County. Before the troops sent by the Marquis of Yuechi were fully in place, the emperor ordered the conquest of the southwestern barbarians and swiftly quelled the rebellion. Afterwards, the emperor conquered the southern Yue area and established Nanhai, Cangwu, Yulin, Hepu, Jiaozhi, Jiuzhen, Rinan, Zhuyai, and Dan'er counties. After conquering the southwestern barbarians, five counties were established: Wudu, Zangke, Yuexi, Shenli, and Wenshan.
In autumn, King Yu Shan of Dongyue rebelled, slaughtering Han generals and officials. The emperor sent General Han Shuo and Captain Wang Wenshu from Kuaiji, and General Yang Pu from Yuzhang to attack him. General Gongsun He was sent from Jiuyuan, and General Zhao Pono was sent from Lingju. Both of these forces traveled over two thousand li but found no trace of the Xiongnu and returned. Finally, the emperor created Zhangye and Dunhuang counties from parts of Wuwei and Jiuquan, resettling people there.
In the tenth month of winter, 113 BC, Emperor Wu of Han issued a decree saying: "The Southern Yue and Dong'ou have already been subdued, but the tribes of the west and the Northern Xiongnu have not completely submitted. I intend to inspect the borders, select elite soldiers, personally command the army, appoint twelve generals, and march together." Emperor Wu of Han departed from Yunyang, traveled north through Shangjun, Xihe, and Wuyuan, crossed the Great Wall, ascended the Chanyu Terrace, reached Shuofang, and camped by the North River. Leading 180,000 cavalry, his banners stretched for miles, intimidating the Xiongnu. Emperor Wu of Han sent envoys to inform the Xiongnu Chanyu: "The Southern Yue king's head's already decorating the north gate of the Han! If you dare to fight, I, the Son of Heaven, will personally lead the troops at the border waiting for you; if you do not dare, hurry up and surrender! Why hide out in the freezing wasteland up north?" The Xiongnu were too scared to respond. Emperor Wu of Han returned, sacrificed to the Yellow Emperor at Qiaoshan, and then returned to Ganquan Palace. The Dong Yue people killed their king, and the rest surrendered. Emperor Wu of Han decreed: "The Dong Yue region is tricky and unstable – a future problem. We'll move the people to the Jianghuai area." Thus, the land of Dong Yue became empty. At the start of spring, Emperor Wu of Han visited Goushi. Emperor Wu of Han issued a decree: "I have visited Mount Hua all the way to Mount Song." He hunted a boar (a type of wild animal) and saw the statue of the mother of the Xia Dynasty's King Qi. The next day, Emperor Wu of Han personally ascended Mount Song, and the officials and soldiers at the temple heard the crowd cheer "Long live the Emperor!" three times. Emperor Wu of Han responded to their cheers one by one. He ordered an increase in sacrificial officials at Taishi Mountain, prohibited cutting down trees and grass on the mountain, allocated three hundred households at the foot of the mountain as a sacrificial township, named Chonggao, dedicated to Taishi Mountain, exempting them from taxes. Then, he continued east towards the coast.
In the fourth month of summer, on the day of Gui Mao, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty returned and ascended Mount Tai, holding a ceremony in the Mingtang. Emperor Wu issued a decree, saying: "I inherited this mighty throne with humble means, constantly worried I wasn't up to the job, lacking in virtue and musical knowledge. Therefore, I have sacrificed to the eight gods, received blessings from heaven, and seen auspicious signs, as if heaven is responding to me. These signs spooked me so bad I couldn't even think of stopping the tour, so I ascended Mount Tai and reached Liangfu; only then did I feel at ease. I want to start anew, and with all the scholars, reform ourselves, and declare October as the first year of Yuanfeng. In the counties I visited – Bo, Fenggao, Sheqiu, Licheng, and Liangfu – the land rent, taxes, and loans owed by the people have all been forgiven. Widows over seventy get two extra bolts of cloth. Taxes will no longer be collected in these four counties this year. Everyone in the empire gets a promotion! I also give each hundred households a cow and wine."
From Mount Tai, Emperor Wu headed east again, all the way to Jieshi. Then he passed through the west of Liao and the north of Jiuyuan, returning to Ganquan Palace.
In autumn, a comet appeared in the sky, first near Dongjingxing, and then near Santai. Prince Qi Hong died.
The next winter, in October, the emperor went to Yongdi to sacrifice at Wuzhi.
In spring, the emperor went to Goushi, and then to Donglai. In the fourth month of summer, the emperor returned to sacrifice at Mount Tai. Reaching Huzi, he found the Yellow River flooding; he ordered everyone from the generals down to pitch in and block the breach, and even composed the "Song of Huzi" for this occasion. He pardoned prisoners along the way and gave orphans, widows, and old folks four stones of rice each. Back home, he built the Ganquan Tongtiantai and the Chang'an Feilian Pavilion.
The Korean king offed the Liaodong prefect, so the emperor rounded up every death row inmate to attack Korea.
In June, the emperor issued a decree saying, "Magical fungus has grown in Ganquan Palace, with nine branches connected to the leaves. Heaven has shown its favor, even the palace has been given auspicious signs, all because of my great virtue. Therefore, I pardon the world and reward the people of Yunyang's hundred households with cattle and wine." The emperor also composed the "Song of the Lingzhi Chamber" for this occasion.
In autumn, the emperor built the Mingtang under Mount Tai. The emperor sent General Yang Pu and Left General Xun Zhi to lead recruited criminals to attack Korea by ship. He also sent General Guo Chang and Middle General Wei Guang to lead the army of Ba Shu to pacify the disobedient tribes of the southwestern barbarians and established Yizhou Prefecture there.
In the third year of spring, the emperor held a performance of Jiadi (a form of ancient Chinese wrestling), with people from three hundred miles around coming to watch. In summer, Korea killed their king and surrendered, so the emperor established the territories of Lelang, Lintun, Xuantu, and Zhenfan in Korea. General Yang Pu was dismissed as a commoner due to a crushing defeat, while Left General Xun Zhi was executed for claiming excessive credit.
In July, King Duan of Jiaoxi died. The Di people of Wudu rebelled, so the emperor relocated them to Jiuquan Prefecture. In the fourth year of winter in October, the emperor went to Yongdi to offer sacrifices to the Five Deities (Wuzhi). The emperor then traveled north from Xiaoguan, passed through Mingze, returned from Dai, and arrived in Hedong.
In the third month of spring, the emperor sacrificed to the Earth Goddess Hou Tu. The emperor issued a decree saying, "I personally sacrificed to the Earth Goddess and saw the light gathering on the altar, with three candle lights appearing overnight. When I arrived at the Zhongdu Palace, light also appeared in the hall. Therefore, I pardon the death row inmates in Fenyin, Xiayang, and Zhongdu, and grant tax exemption to these three counties and the Yang family for this year."
In summer, there was a severe drought, and many common people died of thirst. In autumn, taking advantage of the weakness of the Xiongnu, the emperor sent envoys to persuade them to submit. The Xiongnu leader sent envoys, who died in the capital. The Xiongnu invaded the border, so the emperor sent General Guo Chang to guard the northern borderlands.
Five years ago in winter, I went on a winter hunting trip down south and arrived in the Tang Dynasty. I went to Jiuyi Mountain to offer sacrifices to Yu Shun. I also climbed Tianzhu Mountain, traveled down the river from Xunyang by boat, and I even managed to shoot a dragon in the river! My fleet stretched for miles and miles and only stopped after reaching Zongyang. I commemorated the event with a song called "The Song of Zongyang in the Tang Dynasty." Afterwards, I traveled north to Langya, reached the seaside, and paid my respects at every famous mountain and river along the way.
A few months later, in March, I returned to Mount Tai and beefed up the Fengshan ceremony. On that day, I offered sacrifices to my ancestors in the Mingtang and then called in the princes and marquises for the county reports.
In April, I issued a decree saying, "I'd toured Jingzhou and Yangzhou, cleaned up the Yangtze and Huai River, seen the awesome power of the ocean, and finished the big Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai. Everything was going great, so I decided to make the whole thing even bigger! So, a big amnesty! No taxes this year for any county, and free cloth for widows, widowers, orphans, and the elderly, plus food for poor families." Afterwards, I returned to Ganquan Palace and offered sacrifices to heaven and earth at Taizhi.
Grand Marshal Qing died.
We'd just set up thirteen provincial governorships. The court was brimming with talent – brilliant civil and military officials everywhere. However, I issued a decree saying, "To do great things, you need great people. Think of a thoroughbred – it takes constant work to make it run a thousand miles. Some people are quiet, but they can rise to the occasion. Great talent is like a thoroughbred – use it right, and it'll do amazing things. So, I ordered every province and county to find the best and brightest – people who could be generals, ambassadors, anything!"
In the winter of the sixth year, I went to the Huizhong Palace.
That spring, I started building the Shoushan Palace.
In March, I went to Hedong to sacrifice to Hou Tu. I proclaimed, "My sacrifice at Mount Shoushan was followed by the appearance of treasures, even gold, from Mount Kunlun. When offering sacrifices to Hou Tu, divine light shone brightly, three times as bright as a burning candle. Therefore, I pardon all but death-row prisoners in Fenyin, and grant one bolt of cloth to every poor person in the land." Yizhou and Kunming rebelled, and I ordered the pardon of deserters in the capital who did not obey orders to join the army, appointing General Hu Guo Chang to lead the army to suppress the rebellion. In the summer, the people of the capital watched gladiatorial contests at Shanglin Pingle Pavilion. In the autumn, there was drought and a plague of locusts. In October of the first year of the Taichu era, I went to Mount Tai. On the winter solstice (November 1st), I offered sacrifices to the God in the Mingtang. On the Yiyou day, Bailiangtai caught fire. In December, I offered sacrifices to Hou Tu at Gaoli, and then went to the east of Bo Sea to offer a distant sacrifice to Mount Penglai. In the spring, I returned to Ganquan and listened to reports from various places. In February, I started construction on the Jianzhang Palace. In May, I reformed the calendar, with the first month as the beginning of the year, using yellow as the color and five as the number, reorganized the official ranks, and harmonized them with music. I sent General Gongsun Ao (of the Yindou command) to build a city for surrender outside the border. That August, Emperor Wu ordered Second Division General Li Guangli to lead a large contingent of convicts westward to the Dawan kingdom.
This year, locusts flew from the east all the way to Dunhuang; it was absolutely horrifying! In January of the following year, the Prime Minister, Gongsun Qing, passed away. In March, Emperor Han Wu went to Hedong to perform a ritual sacrifice to the Earth God, and then ordered a nationwide amnesty, with a five-day holiday, followed by another five-day holiday to worship the household door gods; it was almost like a festival. In the fourth month of summer, Emperor Han Wu decreed, "I personally go to Jieshan to worship the Earth God, and there are always miraculous responses! Therefore, pardon the criminals below the death penalty in Fenyin and Anyi!" In May, they began drafting horses from the populace to supplement the war horses in the army. In autumn, another swarm of locusts arrived! Emperor Han Wu sent General Junji Zhao Pono with twenty thousand cavalry to fight the Xiongnu in Shuofang, but this army never returned... In December, the Chief Minister Er Kuan also passed away.
In January of the third year, Emperor Han Wu went on another tour to the east, as far as the coast. After returning in the fourth month of summer, he repaired the sacrificial site of Mount Tai and erected a stone monument. Afterwards, he sent the high-ranking official Xu Ziwei to build a series of cities outside the Wuyuan Pass, all the way to Luju, and then sent General Han Shuo to garrison the troops; the Strong Crossbow Captain Lu Bode was responsible for building the Juyan Pass. In autumn, the Xiongnu invaded again, attacking Dingxiang and Yunzhong, killing thousands of people, destroying the official buildings and fortifications, and even reaching Zhangye and Jiuquan, killing the local commandants.
In the spring of the fourth year, General Li Guangli finally killed the King of Dawan and captured a sweat-blooded horse! For this, he even specially wrote an ode, "Ode to the Celestial Steed of the West," to celebrate. In autumn, Emperor Han Wu began to build the Mingguang Palace. In winter, he went to stay in a royal hunting lodge for a period of time. He also moved the office location of the Hongnong Commandant to Wuguan and stipulated that taxes should be collected from those entering and leaving Wuguan to pay for the food of the guards.
In the first month of the first year of the Tianhan era, Emperor Wu of Han went to Ganquan to perform sacrifices at the Taizhi altar. In the third month, he then went to Hedong to sacrifice to the Earth Goddess. During this period, the Xiongnu sent envoys to offer tribute to the Han court, which improved relations. In the fifth month of summer, Emperor Wu of Han ordered a nationwide pardon throughout the empire. In autumn, he ordered the closure of city gates, conducted a massive manhunt, and arrested the criminals who had been exiled to Wuyuan.
In the second year of spring, Emperor Wu of Han took a trip east to the coast, then returned to stay at his palace in Huizhong. In the fifth month of summer, General Li Guangli led thirty thousand cavalrymen from Jiuquan and fought a battle with the Right Valiant King of the Xiongnu at Tianshan, killing thousands of enemy soldiers. At the same time, Emperor Wu of Han sent General Yindou from Xihe to lead five thousand foot soldiers from Juyan to the north to fight the Xiongnu Chanyu, also killing a massive number of enemy soldiers. Unfortunately, Li Ling's army was defeated in the end, and he surrendered to the Xiongnu. In autumn, Emperor Wu of Han ordered the prohibition of worshipping witch gods on the roads and conducted another large-scale search. That year, the six Quli states also sent envoys to offer tribute to the Han court.
Bandits under the leadership of Xu Bo and others blocked the mountains and attacked cities in the Taishan and Langye areas, causing roads to be blocked. The emperor sent messengers such as Baosheng, dressed in embroidered robes and armed with axes, to capture these bandits. Many officials below the prefectural level were killed.
In the eleventh month of winter, the emperor ordered the Guandu captain, saying, "These capable folks are in cahoots with the eastern bandits; you must carefully inspect those entering and leaving the pass."
In the second month of spring in the third year, the Grand Minister Wang Qing committed a crime and killed himself. The government started a liquor monopoly.
In the third month, the emperor went to Taishan to offer sacrifices, repaired the facilities for the Enthronement Ceremony, sacrificed at the Mingtang, and then accepted the suggestions of the ministers. He then went to Beidi to offer sacrifices at Changshan and buried a dark jade there.
In the fourth month of summer, there was a nationwide pardon throughout the empire. The emperor's travels exempted areas from paying land taxes.
In autumn, the Xiongnu invaded Yanmen, and the governor of Yanmen fled in fear, and was executed. In the first month of the fourth year, the emperor summoned the princes to Ganquan Palace. Then he mobilized the elite troops nationwide, sending General Li Guangli with sixty thousand cavalrymen and seventy thousand infantrymen from Shuofang, General Gongsun Ao with ten thousand cavalrymen and thirty thousand infantrymen from Yanmen, General Han Shuo with thirty thousand infantrymen from Wuyuan, and Commander of the Crossbow Corps Lubode with over ten thousand infantrymen to join Li Guangli. Li Guangli fought against the Xiongnu Chanyu for several days on the Yuwu River; Gongsun Ao suffered losses in the battle against the Xiongnu's Left Worthy King, and both withdrew their troops. In the fourth month of summer, the emperor appointed Prince Liu Bo as the King of Changyi. In the ninth month of autumn, it was stipulated that those guilty of capital crimes could reduce their punishment by paying fifty thousand coins. In the first month of the first year of Taishi, General Gongsun Ao was sentenced to be beheaded for his crime. Some officials and powerful figures from various counties were relocated to Maoling and Yunling. In the sixth month of summer, there was a general amnesty throughout the country. In the first month of the second year, the emperor went on a tour to the Huai River. In the third month, it was suggested by officials that when I went to the outskirts to worship the deity, I went west to Longshan and obtained a white unicorn to offer to the ancestral temple, a divine horse appeared in the Wowa water, and gold was found on Mount Tai. We should change the original names. Now let's rename the gold as 'Línzhǐ' (footprint of a unicorn) to match the auspicious signs. These items were then given as rewards to the princes. In autumn, there was a drought. In September, it was stipulated that those guilty of capital crimes could reduce their punishment by paying fifty thousand coins. The Chief Censor, Du Zhou, passed away. In the first month of the third year, the emperor went to Ganquan Palace to entertain foreign envoys. In the second month, he ordered a nationwide celebration for five days. The emperor went to the East Sea, obtained a red goose, and wrote a song called "The Song of the Vermilion Goose." The emperor also went to Langye to worship Rucheng Mountain, climbed Zhifu Mountain, and gazed at the sea, while the people cried out, "Long live the emperor."
During the winter, the emperor gives each person passing by his residence five thousand coins, and gives widows, orphans, and those living alone a piece of cloth each.
In the spring of the fourth year, in the third month, the emperor went on a pleasure trip to Mount Tai. On the day of Renwu, he offered sacrifices to his High Ancestor (Gaozu) in the Mingtang, sacrificing together with the gods, and also accepted the advice of the ministers. On the day of Guiwei, he offered sacrifices to Emperor Xiaojing in the Mingtang. On the day of Jiashen, the ancestral tombs were renovated. On the day of Bingxu, sacrifices were made at Shilu.
In the summer of the fourth month, the emperor went to Buqi and offered sacrifices to the spirits at Jiaomen Palace, as if the entire countryside had come to pay their respects. The emperor also wrote a song called "The Song of Jiaomen." In the summer of the fifth month, the emperor returned to Jianzhang Palace, held a grand banquet, and granted a general pardon.
In the autumn of the seventh month, a snake from the state of Zhao entered the city from outside and fought with a multitude of snakes under the Xiaowen Temple, causing all the city's snakes to die. On the night of the first day of the tenth month, a solar eclipse occurred. In the twelfth month, the emperor went to Yongdi to offer sacrifices at Wuzhi, then traveled west to Anding and north to Beidi.
In the first month of the first year of Zhenghe, in the spring, the emperor returned and stayed at Jianzhang Palace. In the third month, King Pengzu of Zhao died. In the winter of the eleventh month, the emperor sent cavalry from the three prefectures to search the Shanglin Garden and sealed off Chang'an, which was only reopened eleven days later. This marked the beginning of the witchcraft accusations.
In the second year, in the first month of spring, Prime Minister He was imprisoned and eventually died. In the summer of the fourth month, a strong wind blew, causing houses to be overturned and trees to be broken. In the intercalary month, Princess Zhuji and Princess Yangshi were both executed due to the witchcraft accusations. In the summer, the emperor went to Ganquan for leisure. In the autumn of the seventh month, Han Shuo, the Marquis of An Dao, and the envoy Jiang Chong went to the Prince's Palace to search for witchcraft. On the day of Renwu, the prince and the empress conspired to kill Jiang Chong, then led troops to battle with Prime Minister Liu Qumao in Chang'an, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands. On the day of Gengyin, the prince fled, and the empress committed suicide. The emperor began to station troops at the city gates and increased the number of yellow banners. The Grand Minister Bao Shengzhi and the judge Tian Ren were held accountable for negligence, with Bao Shengzhi committing suicide and Tian Ren sentenced to death.
On the Xinhai day of the eighth month, the Crown Prince committed suicide by the lake. On the Guihai day, there was an earthquake. In September, Zhao Jingsu's son, Yan, was installed as the King of Pinggan. The Xiongnu invaded Shanggu and Wuyuan, killing many officials and civilians.
In the third year of the spring in the first month, the Emperor toured Yongdi, reaching Anding and Beidi. The Xiongnu invaded Wuyuan and Jiuquan, killing two prefects. In March, the Emperor sent General Guangli with seventy thousand troops from Wuyuan, Grand Master Shangqiu Cheng with twenty thousand troops from Xihe, and General Ma Tong with forty thousand cavalry from Jiuquan to resist the Xiongnu. Shangqiu Cheng fought the Xiongnu at Xunji Mountain, killing many of them. When Ma Tong reached Tianshan, the Xiongnu fled, and the Cheshi surrendered. Their armies returned to the capital. Guangli was defeated and surrendered to the Xiongnu.
In May, the Emperor ordered a general amnesty. In June, Prime Minister Qu Mao was imprisoned and sentenced to death; his wife was also beheaded. In the autumn, a locust plague struck. In September, the rebels Gongsun Yong and Hu Qian were discovered and both executed.
In the first month of the fourth year, the Emperor inspected Donglai and arrived at the seaside. On the Dingyou day of the second month, a meteorite fell in Yongdi, with two pieces; the sound was heard four hundred miles away. In March, the Emperor held a farming ceremony in Juding. He then visited Mount Tai, offering sacrifices and conferring titles. On the Gengyin day, sacrifices were held in the Mingtang. On the Guisi day, sacrifices were held at Shilu. In June, the Emperor returned to Ganquan Palace. On the Xinhai day of the eighth month, a solar eclipse occurred.
In the first month of the Houyuan era, the Emperor went to Ganquan Palace, performed sacrifices to Heaven and Earth at Taizhi, and then inspected Anding. Prince Changyi Liu Bo died. In February, the Emperor issued a decree saying: "Look, I was out doing my duty, sacrificing to Heaven and checking the northern border, and I saw a flock of cranes. Didn't shoot 'em, didn't take anything to offer as a sacrifice. I told Taizhi about it, and Heaven and Earth answered back. So, general amnesty!"
In June, Chief Inspector Shangqiu Cheng committed suicide following a crime. Luo He, Minister of Ceremonies, and his brother, the Marquis of Chonghe, conspired to rebel. Jin Ridian, the Imperial Carriage Prefect, Huo Guang, the Cavalry Commander, and Shangguan Jie worked together to quell the rebellion. In July, an earthquake occurred, and many places saw springs erupt.
During his second year on the throne, the Emperor summoned the princes and rewarded members of the royal family at *Ganquan Palace* in the first month. In the second month, the Emperor inspected *Wu Zuo Palace* in *Zhuxi*. On Yichou, the Emperor appointed Prince Liu Fuling as the Crown Prince. On Dingmao, the Emperor passed away at *Wu Zuo Palace*, and his body lay in state at *Wuyang Palace*. On Jia Shen in the third month, the Emperor was buried at *Maoling*.
Praise: The Han inherited some problems from the old feudal lords. Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang rectified the chaos, and Emperors Wen and Jing focused on recovery. However, there were still some shortcomings in restoring the ancient ritual system. When Emperor Xiaowu ascended the throne, he decisively rejected rival schools of thought and promoted the "Six Classics." He sought talent from all over the country, selected outstanding individuals, and allowed them to make significant contributions. He founded the Imperial Academy, held suburban sacrifices, reformed the calendar, standardized music, created poetry and music, built places for Fengshan sacrifices, worshipped the hundred gods, and inherited the rituals of the Zhou Dynasty. His commands and writings were brilliant and worthy of praise. Later successors were able to follow his great achievements, showcasing the prosperity of three generations. A talented and strategic ruler like Emperor Wu, who maintained the frugal and people-loving style of Emperors Wen and Jing, surpasses even the wise rulers praised in the "Book of Songs" and "Book of Documents."
