Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Han Book 14 Scroll 22 (continued)
The 3rd year of Emperor Wu’s Taishi Era (94 B.C. continued)
Jiang Chong of Zhao, was appointed as the Commandant of the Water and Revenue Management. Initially, Jiang Chong had been a client of Prince Jingsu of Zhao, but due to a conflict with Crown Prince Liu Dan of Zhao, he fled and sought refuge. Upon reaching the imperial court, Jiang Chong disclosed the secret misdeeds of Liu Dan, which led to the banishment of the Crown Prince of Zhao.
The Emperor summoned Jiang Chong for an audience. Jiang Chong, with his imposing appearance, dressed in light and luxurious attire, astonished the Emperor. They discussed matters of state, and the Emperor, greatly pleased, found much satisfaction in the conversation. As a result, Jiang Chong gained the Emperor’s favor and was appointed as an embroidery-robed special agent, granted the authority to inspect and scrutinize the extravagance of the nobles and close attendants. Jiang Chong, fearless in his accusations and reports, acted without hesitation, and the Emperor came to view him as loyal and straightforward, finding that his words resonated with the Emperor’s own thoughts.
On one occasion, during an excursion to Ganquan in the company of the Emperor, Jiang Chong encountered an envoy from the Crown Prince‘s household speeding along the imperial express road in a carriage. Jiang Chong, without hesitation, arrested the rule-breaker and brought him to the authorities. Upon hearing of this, the Crown Prince(Liu Ju) sent someone to apologize to Jiang Chong, saying, “It is not that I cherish my chariots and horses, but I truly did not wish for this matter to reach the Emperor’s ears, for it gives the impression that I have failed to properly teach and discipline my attendants. Only Lord Jiang could show such leniency.”
Ignoring the Crown Prince’s plea, Jiang Chong proceeded to report the incident to the Emperor, who, upon hearing the account, praised him, saying, “A minister should indeed act this way!” As a result, Jiang Chong gained immense trust and influence, evoking both awe and fear throughout the capital.
The 4th year of Emperor Wu’s Taishi Era (93 B.C.)
In March of spring, the Emperor traveled to Mount Tai. On March 25, he conducted sacrificial rites at the Temple of Heaven to honor Emperor Gaozu, as a complement to the worship of the Supreme Deity, followed by receiving the financial records of the principalities and commanderies.
On the following day, March 26, he performed sacrificial rites at the Bright Hall to honor Emperor Jing. On March 27, he oversaw the repair and expansion of the Heaven Altar. On March 29, he made offerings at Mount Shilǘ for the Earth Deity.
In April of summer, he traveled to Mount Buji. In May, he returned and visited the Jianzhang Palace, issuing a general amnesty.
During the winter, on October 30, a solar eclipse occurred.
In December, the Emperor traveled to Yong and conducted sacrifices at the Five Deity Altars, proceeding westward to An’ding and Beidi.
The 1st year of Emperor Wu’s Zhenghe Era (92 B.C.)
In January of spring, the Emperor returned and visited the Jianzhang Palace.
In March, Prince Jingsu of Zhao, Liu Pengzu, passed away.
Liu Pengzu married Consort Nao, a consort favored by King Yi of Jiangdu(Liu Fei), and gave birth to a son named Liu Naozi. At that time, Consort Nao’s brother was an eunuch in the Han court. The Emperor summoned him and inquired about Liu Naozi’s character. He responded, “He has excessive desires.”
The Emperor commented, “Excessive desires are unsuitable for a Prince who rules over his subjects.”
He then asked about the Marquis of Wushi, Liu Chang, and the response was, “Neither Notorious nor distinguished.”
The Emperor remarked, “That would be acceptable,” and thus appointed Liu Chang as the Prince of Zhao.
In the summer, a severe drought afflicted the land. While residing in the Jianzhang Palace, the Emperor observed a man bearing a sword entering the Middle Longhua Gate. Suspecting him to be an intruder, the Emperor ordered his arrest. The man, dropping the sword, fled and evaded pursuit. Enraged by this incident, the Emperor commanded the execution of the gatekeeper.
In November of winter, the Three Metropolitan Mounted Guard conducted a thorough search of Shanlin Park. The gates of Chang’an were sealed for eleven days during this operation. Thus commenced the prosecution of witchcraft Gu(Kodoku) poisoning throughout the realm.
Chancellor Gongsun He’s wife, Wei Junru, was the elder sister of Empress Wei, by whose favor Gongsun He gained prominence. His son, Gongsun Jingsheng, succeeded him as Grand Coachman but behaved with extravagance and lawlessness, misappropriating nineteen million coins from the treasury of the Northern Army. Upon discovery, he was arrested.
At that time, an urgent order was issued to apprehend the valiant knight-errant Zhu Anshi of Yangling. Gongsun He volunteered to capture Zhu Anshi in hopes of redeeming his son’s crime, and the Emperor consented.
Subsequently, Zhu Anshi was captured. Mocking Gongsun He with a smirk, he declared, “The Chancellor’s misfortune shall extend to his household!” From prison, Zhu Anshi submitted a memorial accusing Gongsun Jingsheng of an illicit affair with Princess Yangshi, the Emperor’s daughter, and of plotting nefarious deeds during the Emperor’s sojourn at Ganquan. He further charged that Gongsun Jingsheng instructed a witch to bury figurines along the road, casting a wicked spell against the Emperor.
The 2nd year of Emperor Wu’s Zhenghe Era (91 B.C.)
In January of spring, Gongsun He was imprisoned. Officials were dispatched to interrogate and investigate the case. Both father and son perished in custody, and their family was eradicated. The Prefect of Zhuojun, Liu Quli, was appointed Left Chancellor and granted the title Marquis of Peng. Liu Quli was a son of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, Liu Sheng.
In April of summer, a great windstorm arose, blowing off roofs and toppling trees.
In the intercalary month, Princess Zhuyi, Princess Yangshi, both were daughter of Express Wei, and Wei Kang, Marquis of Changping and son of Wei Qing, were all implicated in the witchcraft Gu Poison case and subsequently executed.
The Emperor then embarked on a tour to Ganquan.
At the age of twenty-nine, the Emperor begot a son, Liu Ju, whom he dearly cherished and designated as Crown Prince. As the prince grew, he exhibited qualities of benevolence, forgiveness, warmth, and prudence. Yet the Emperor harbored suspicions that the prince lacked the abilities and talents befitting a ruler and was unlike himself. The Emperor’s favor gradually shifted toward the sons born of Madame Wang, Liu Hong, and of Consort Li, Liu Dan, Liu Xu, and of Madame Li, Liu Bo.
The Empress Wei and the Crown Prince, as a consequence, fell from favor and lived in constant apprehension. Perceiving this, the Emperor confided in Grand Marshal Wei Qing, saying, “The foundation of the Han remains fragile. With the four barbarians encroaching upon our lands, unless I reform the system, future generations will lack legal means to govern. Without campaigns to conquer, the realm will not know peace. Such undertakings necessarily burden the people. Should my successors follow my path, they will repeat the fall of Qin. The Crown Prince is diligent, respectful, and a peace-lover. He will surely bring stability and relieve me of anxiety. Who better than the Crown Prince to seek as ruler, one who cherishes culture and virtue? I hear murmurs that the Empress and Crown Prince harbor unease. Is this true? You must explain my intent to them.”
The Grand Marshal Wei Qing bowed deeply and expressed gratitude. Upon learning of this, the Empress removed her hairpin and entreated forgiveness. Whenever the Crown Prince counseled against campaigns to conquer neighboring barbarians, the Emperor would laugh, saying, “I will take the hardship, so that you may live a carefree life. Isn’t that nice?”
When the Emperor embarked on his tours, he often entrusted the affairs of state to the Crown Prince and domestic matters to the Empress. Once decisions were made, upon the Emperor’s return, the Crown Prince would report the most important matters. For the most part, the Emperor showed no dissent, though occasionally he overlooked certain items.
The Emperor enforced strict laws and entrusted officials known for their ruthlessness and severity. On the other hand, the Crown Prince’s leniency and fairness in many judgments earned him favor among the people, which those ministers inclined towards harsh enforcement took umbrage. The Empress, fearing the long-term consequences, repeatedly admonished the Crown Prince to heed the Emperor’s intentions and not act upon his own preferences. When the Emperor learned of this, he sided with the Crown Prince over the Empress.
Many tolerant and seasoned courtiers supported the Crown Prince, while the harsh law enforcers disparaged him. Corrupt officials formed alliances, resulting in the Crown Prince receiving little praise and abundant criticism. After the passing of Wei Qing, with no external support to check these alliances, they conspired against the Crown Prince.
The Emperor seldom interacted with his sons, and the Empress rarely saw him. On one occasion, when the Crown Prince visited the Empress and remained for a lengthy time, the Yellow Gate Attendant Su Wen reported to the Emperor, “The Crown Prince frolics with palace maids.” In response, the Emperor increased the number of palace maids to two hundred for the Crown Prince. When the Crown Prince later learned of this, he bore a grudge against Su Wen.
Su Wen, together with the inner Yellow Gate Attendants Chang Rong, Wang Bi, and others, frequently kept close watch on the Crown Prince’s actions, reporting even the slightest impropriety to the Emperor. Enraged, the Empress instructed the Crown Prince to execute Su Wen and his cohorts. Yet the Crown Prince replied, “If I have committed no fault, why should I fear Su Wen? The Emperor is wise and does not heed deceitful words. There is no cause for concern.”
Once, when the Emperor felt faintly unwell, he commanded Chang Rong to summon the Crown Prince. Upon Chang Rong’s return, he reported, “The Crown Prince appeared happy,” which displeased the Emperor, though he spoke no word. When the Crown Prince arrived, the Emperor observed his demeanor and detected traces of tears beneath his feigned cheerfulness. Puzzled, the Emperor inquired further, and upon learning the truth, ordered the execution of Chang Rong.
Though long fallen from favor, the Empress remained skilled in self-preservation, avoiding suspicion and continuing to receive respectful treatment.
At that time, diviners, shamans, and witches swarmed the capital, practicing deceitful black magic and leading the people astray with their cunning arts. Female witches often visited the palace, instructing the beauties of the harem in methods to avert misfortune, burying wooden figurines as offerings in every house. Spurred by jealousy and resentment, they traded accusations and malicious slanders, alleging that curses had been cast upon the Emperor—an offense most heinous.
Reflection by Rio Grande 
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