Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Han Book 7 Scroll 15 (continued)
The 2nd year of the Emperor Wen’s Later Era (162 B.C.)
In the summer, the Emperor embarked on a journey to visit the Yuyang Palace in Yong County.
In June, Prince Xiao of Dai, Liu Can, passed away.
For several consecutive years, the Xiongnu had raided the border regions, causing extensive casualties and the plundering of both people and livestock. The most severely affected areas were Yunzhong and Liaodong, with over ten thousand people in each commandery. Troubled by this, the Emperor sent envoys with a letter to the Xiongnu. In response, the Chanyu (leader of the Xiongnu) dispatched a chieftain as an emissary to express gratitude. The court then renewed the peace treaty and marriage alliance with the Xiongnu.
On July 1, Chancellor Zhang Cang resigned from his position. The Emperor, considering Dou Guangguo, the Empress’ younger brother, to be capable and virtuous, wished to appoint him as the new Chancellor. However, he hesitated, concerned that such a move might be seen as favoritism towards his own family, potentially stirring discontent among the people.
The Emperor could not find any other suitable candidates among the remaining ministers who had served during the reign of Emperor Gaozu.
The Grand Master of the Censorate, Shentu Jia of the principality of Liang, had previously served under Emperor Gaozu as a strong-bow archer, capable of drawing a stiff bow with his feet. He had been granted the title of Marquis within Passes. On August 4, Shentu Jia was appointed Chancellor and received the title of Marquis of Gu’an. He was known for his integrity and uprightness, refusing to accept private audiences at his residence.
At that time, the Grandee of the Palace, Deng Tong, was held in great favor by the Emperor and was rewarded with lavish gifts and grants, amassing immense wealth. The Emperor often held banquets at Deng Tong‘s home, showing him exceptional favor.
Once, when Shentu Jia entered the court, Deng Tong peremptorily took a position close to the Emperor, displaying disrespectful behavior. After Shentu Jia presented his report, he remarked, “Your Majesty favors your darling associates, generously bringing them wealth and prestige as you please. But when it comes to court decorum, it must be observed with the utmost solemnity.”
The Emperor replied, “You need not speak further; this is my personal matter.”
After the court session, Shentu Jia, now in his office, sent an urgent message summoning Deng Tong. When Deng Tong did not appear, Shentu Jia ordered his execution. Fearing for his life, Deng Tong rushed to the Emperor and explained the situation. The Emperor responded, “Go to him first; I will send for you shortly.”
Deng Tong went to the Chancellor’s office, barefoot and uncapped, bowing deeply to plead for mercy to the Chancellor. Shentu Jia, however, remained seated, showing no courtesy, and sternly reprimanded him: “This court is that of Emperor Gaozu. You, a lowly official, behaved playfully and flippantly on the palace platform. By the rules, you should be executed! Officials, carry out the sentence!”
Deng Tong kowtowed incessantly, with blood dripping from his head, but Shentu Jia did not relent. Thinking that the Chancellor had given Deng Tong a hard time, the Emperor sent an envoy bearing the imperial insignia to summon Deng Tong and apologize to the Chancellor, “He is my playful servant. Please let him off.”
When Deng Tong returned, he wept and said to the Emperor, “The Chancellor almost had me killed!”
The 3rd year of the Emperor Wen’s Later Era (161 B.C.)
In February of that spring, the Emperor embarked on a journey to visit Dai Commandery.
This year, Xiongnu Laoshang Chanyu passed away, and his son Junchen succeeded him as the new Chanyu.
The 4th year of the Emperor Wen’s Later Era (160 B.C.)
On April 30, there was a solar eclipse.
In May, there was a general amnesty declared throughout the entire empire.
The Emperor embarked on a journey to visit Yong County.
The 5th year of the Emperor Wen’s Later Era (159 B.C.)
In January of spring, the Emperor embarked on a journey to visit Longxi.
In March, he traveled to Yong County.
In July of autumn, the Emperor journeyed to Dai.
The 6th year of the Emperor Wen’s Later Era (158 B.C.)
In winter, 30,000 Xiongnu cavalry entered Shanggu County, and another 30,000 entered Yunzhong. They caused widespread killings and looting, with beacon fire signals reaching Ganquan County and Chang’an. The court appointed the Grandee of the Palace, Ling Mian, as General of Chariots and Cavalry, stationing him in Feihu Pass. Su Yi, the former Prime Minister of Chu, was appointed general at Gou’zhu Pass. General Zhang Wu was stationed in Beidi, while Zhou Yafu, Prefect of Henei, was appointed general at Xiliu. Liu Li, the Minister of the Imperial Clan, was stationed as general at Bashang, and Xu Li, the Marquis of Zhuzi, as general at Jimen—all in preparation against the Xiongnu threat.
The Emperor personally visited and encouraged the troops, starting from Bashang and moving to Jimen and other military camps. He rode directly into the camps, accompanied by the general and his officers on horseback. However, upon reaching the Xiliu camp, the soldiers and officers were fully armed with sharp weapons and loaded crossbows, refusing to allow the Emperor entry. The lead of the Emperor’s cavalcade announced, “The Emperor is arriving!” but the camp gate officer replied, “The general’s orders state that no one is allowed to gallop through the military camp.”
When the Emperor arrived, he still couldn’t enter. He then sent an envoy with the imperial insignia and a decree to the generals, stating, “I wish to enter the camp and personally show my appreciation to the troops.” Zhou Yafu transmitted the order to “open the camp gate.” The soldiers guarding the gate told the Chariots and Cavalry attendants, “The general has decreed that no galloping is allowed within the camp.” Thus, the Emperor proceeded slowly, holding the reins himself.
Upon arriving at the camp, General Zhou Yafu greeted him with his weapon in hand and saluted, saying, “Armored warriors do not bow. I request to greet you with military courtesy.” The Emperor, showing respect, solemnly placed his hands on the rail of the carriage and observed the military formation before expressing his gratitude to General Zhou: “The Emperor respectfully greets the General.” After leaving the camp, the court officials were amazed.
The Emperor remarked, “This is a real general indeed! The behavior of the generals at Bashang and Jimen was like child’s play. They are vulnerable to surprise attacks and capture. But Zhou Yafu is truly invincible!” The Emperor praised him constantly.
After a month, both the Han forces and the Xiongnu withdrew from the border, and peace was restored. Zhou Yafu was then appointed Commandant of the capital guard.
In April of summer, a severe drought and locust infestation struck. An order was issued for the principalities to suspend their tributary offerings. Restrictions on exploiting mountains and marshes were relaxed to allow more hunting and fishing, and expenses for imperial clothing and transportation were reduced. The number of government officials and attendants was also decreased. Granaries were opened to provide relief to the people, and citizens were permitted to sell or buy ranks and titles.
Reflection by Rio Grande 
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