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Tag: Huhanye Chanyu

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 216): Gong Yu Dusting His Cap

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 20 Scroll 28

    Duration of 7 years

    Zhucheng, Gong Yu’s hometown, Shandong Province. Photo by Rolfmueller

    The 1st year of Emperor Yuan’s Chuyuan Era (48 B.C.)

    In the spring, on January 4, Emperor Xuan was buried at Duling, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.

    On March 10, Empress Wang Zhengjun was established; her father, Wang Jin, was ennobled as Marquis of Yangping.

    The surplus yield from the public lands of the Three Metropolitan Districts(Jingzhao, Pingyi, Fufeng), the office of the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, and the public fields of the commanderies and principalities was allocated to aid the impoverished; those whose assets were worth less than a thousand coins were granted seed and grain loans.

    Attendant-in-Ordinary Xu Jia, nephew of the Emperor’s maternal grandfather, Marquis Dai of Ping’en Xu Guanghan, succeeded to the marquisate of Ping’en.

    In June of summer, as epidemic afflicted the people, the Emperor ordered the Imperial Kitchen to reduce meals, diminished the number of performers in the Music Bureau, and curtailed the horses of the imperial stables, saving expenditure to relieve those in distress and want.

    In September of autumn, eleven commanderies and principalities east of Hangu Pass suffered great inundation, leading to famine, and some among the people turned to cannibalism. Funds and grain were dispatched from neighboring commanderies to provide relief.

    The Emperor had long heard that Wang Ji and Gong Yu of Langya were learned in the classics and of upright conduct; he therefore sent envoys to summon them. Wang Ji died of illness on the road. When Gong Yu arrived, he was appointed Grandee of Remonstration. The Emperor frequently humbled himself to inquire of him regarding affairs of state.

    Gong Yu presented his counsel, saying: “In antiquity, rulers were frugal, taking but a tenth of the people’s produce, and imposing no other levies; thus households were well supplied and the people had abundance. Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Wen, and Emperor Jing of Han kept no more than a dozen palace women and only a hundred horses in their stables. In later generations extravagance increased, and ministers followed in its wake. In my humble view, though it is difficult to return wholly to ancient ways, one should strive to emulate them in part for the sake of self-restraint. The palaces now stand completed and cannot be altered, yet other expenditures may certainly be reduced.”

    He continued: “In former times, the Three-Season Garment Officer of Qi produced no more than ten hampers of apparel. Now, the Three-Season Officer commands several thousand artisans, expending vast sums each year to fashion garments for the three seasons of spring, summer, and winter; and the nearly ten thousand horses in the royal stables consume enormous stores of grain. In the reign of Emperor Wu, countless beauties, numbering in the thousands, were taken to fill the harem. At his death, much gold, treasure, and rare curios—birds, beasts, fish, turtles, in all one hundred and ninety items—were sealed away; moreover, palace women were confined to garden lodges and tomb precincts. When Emperor Xuan was buried, the same was done. Your Majesty dislikes being reproached for altering precedent, and thus ministers cleave to this practice. This is deeply lamentable.

    “Moreover, to reform the realm and foster a new way of life, taking so many women into the palace is exceedingly excessive. The princes keep several hundred wives and concubines, and wealthy officials and commoners maintain dozens of female entertainers, so that resentful women crowd the inner chambers, while celibate men fill the outer quarters. Further, at their burials, the wealthy and renowned hollow the earth above to fill below, exhausting the land for their tombs. These excesses all arise from the upper ranks and are the ministers’ fault for clinging to outworn customs.

    “May Your Majesty diligently examine the ways of antiquity and adopt their frugality. Greatly reduce imperial carriages, personal garments, and luxurious goods by two-thirds; choose twenty worthy women to remain in the harem and dismiss the rest, including the childless women kept in mausoleum gardens. Let the stables maintain no more than several dozen horses, and preserve only the hunting park south of Chang’an. In this time of famine, it is fitting sharply to cut and diminish expenditures, to save the people and accord with Heaven’s intent. Heaven raises sages for the benefit of the people, not for their private pleasure.”

    The Emperor approved his counsel, issued an edict halting repairs on palaces rarely used, reduced the grain-fed horses of the imperial stables, and curtailed the meat-fed beasts kept by the Water Management Bureau, which oversaw the royal menagerie.

    Sima Guang’s commentary: When a loyal minister serves his sovereign, he must first address matters that are difficult, that the easier may thereafter be corrected without exertion; he must remedy what is lacking, that what is strong may proceed without further admonition. At the beginning of Emperor Yuan’s reign, His Majesty humbly sought counsel from Gong Yu. Gong Yu ought to have placed what was urgent before what was secondary. Yet Emperor Yuan lacked firmness and resolve in rectifying governance, allowing slanderous and deceitful officials to grasp authority—this was the great peril of the age—yet Gong Yu spoke not of it. Reverence, caution, and frugality were ever Emperor Yuan’s forte, yet Gong Yu again and again urged him only in these—why so? If Gong Yu’s insight was insufficient to perceive the greater matters, how could he be deemed worthy? And if he knew them yet failed to speak, then his fault is all the heavier.

    The Xiongnu Chanyu Huhanye again submitted a memorial, declaring that his people suffered hardship and want. An edict ordered the transport of twenty thousand bushels of grain from Yunzhong and Wuyuan Commanderies to supply their needs.

    In that year, for the first time, the office of Wuji Colonel was established, assigned to garrison the former territory of the Jushi kingdom and in charge of military farming.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 215): The Emperor from Plebs

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 19 Scroll 27 (continued)

    Duling Tomb of Emperor Xuan of Han, Shaanxi Province

    The 4th year of Emperor Xuan’s Ganlu Era (50 B.C.)

    In summer, the Prince of Guangchuan, Liu Haiyang, was deposed and exiled to Fangling for engaging in lascivious and incestuous behavior and the unjust killing of innocent people.

    In October of winter, a fire broke out in the Xuanshi Hall of the Weiyang Palace.

    In this year, Prince of Dingtao, Liu Xiao was relocated and became the Prince of Chu.

    Both Xiongnu Chanyu Huhanye and Zhizhi sent envoys to the Han court with tributes. The Han treated the envoys of Huhanye with extra respect.

    The 1st year of Emperor Xuan’s Huanglong Era (49 B.C.)

    In January of spring, the Emperor went on a journey to Ganquan and performed a suburban sacrifice at the Taizhi altar.

    Xiongnu Chanyu Huhanye came to the Han court; in February, he returned to his country. 

    Zhizhi Chanyu thought that Huhanye‘s forces were weak and, subjugated by the Han, would not return to his territory. He then led his people westward, intending to annex the west region. Additionally, the younger brother of Tuqi Chanyu, who originally served Huhanye Chanyu, also fled to the west territory, gathered the remaining troops of his two brothers, and with several thousand men, declared himself Yilimu Chanyu. On the way, he encountered Zhizhi Chanyu, and they fought; Zhizhi Chanyu killed him and consolidated his forces, gaining more than fifty thousand men.

    Zhizhi Chanyu heard that the Han had sent troops through the valley to assist Huhanye and decided to remain in the west territory. Realizing that he could not establish control over all the Xiongnu, he moved further west, closer to Wusun, intending to form an alliance. He sent envoys to the Junior Kunmi, Wujiutu, but Wujiutu killed his envoys and dispatched eight thousand cavalry to confront Zhizhi Chanyu. Zhizhi Chanyu detected their plan, mobilized his troops, and attacked Wusun, defeating them. He then moved north to attack Wujie, Jiankun, and Dingling, conquering the three nations. He repeatedly sent troops to attack Wusun and always emerged victorious. Jiankun was seven thousand li east of the Chanyu court and five thousand li south of Jushi.  Zhizhi Chanyu established his capital at Jiankun.

    In March, a comet appeared in the constellations of Wangliang(Beta Cassiopeia) and Gedao(Epsilon Cassiopeiae), entering the constellation of Purple Forbidden Enclosure.

    The Emperor fell gravely ill and assembled his trusted senior ministers. He summoned his maternal relative and Privy Counselor, the Marquis of Leling Shi Gao, the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince Xiao Wangzhi, and the Junior Tutor Zhou Kan to the forbidden inner palace. He appointed Shi Gao as Grand Marshal and General of Chariots and Cavalry, Xiao Wangzhi as General of the Van and Chamberlain, and Zhou Kan as Grandee of Merit. They all received the Emperor’s posthumous edict to assist in governance and oversee the State Secretariat. 

    In winter, on December 7, the Emperor Xuan passed away in Weiyang Palace.

    Ban Gu’s praising commentary: During Emperor Xuan’s reign, rewards and punishments were delivered with certainty, reputation and performance were meticulously examined. Those involved in administration, literature, and law enforcement were all highly competent. In terms of technical skills, craftsmanship, and tools, few subsequent reigns such as Emperor Yuan and Emperor Cheng’s could match the standards set during the eras of Emperor Xuan, which demonstrated what may look like when officials fulfilled their duties and the people lived in peace. 

    Encountering the time when the Xiongnu were riven by discord, He pressed down the one with lost moral compass and secured the one with moral standing, and with trusted might overawed the northern barbarians. The Chanyus, admiring his virtue, bowed their heads and declared themselves vassals. 

    His merit illumined the ancestors, his enterprise descended to his heirs; he may be said to have wrought a mid-renaissance era comparable in virtue to that of King Gaozong of Shang and King Xuan of the Zhou.

    On December 26, the Crown Prince(Liu Shi) ascended to the throne. He paid worship at the Emperor Gaozu Temple, honoring the Empress Dowager as the Grand Empress Dowager and the former Empress as the Empress Dowager.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 213): From Maid to Diplomat

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 19 Scroll 27 (continued)

    Chigu[Red Valley](Issyk-Kul Lake), Kyrgyzstan. Photo by Dan Lundberg

    The 1st year of Emperor Xuan’s Ganlu Era (53 B.C. continued)

    When the Xiongnu‘s Chanyu Huhanye was defeated, the Left Yizhizi King advised Huhanye, suggesting that he should submit to the Han court, seek their assistance, and thus stabilize the Xiongnu. Huhanye Chanyu consulted his ministers, who all opposed the idea. They said, “This is impossible. The customs of the Xiongnu have always valued strength and despised being subjugated. We are a nation that fights on horseback, which has earned us our fame among all the aliens. To die in battle is the destiny of a warrior. Now, in the struggle for the throne, it will either go to an elder brother or to a younger brother. Even in death, we would still have our might, and our descendants would continue to rule over the other nations. Though the Han are strong, they still cannot annex Xiongnu. Why should we abandon our ancient customs, submit to the Han, disgrace the previous Chanyu, and become a laughing stock among the nations? Even if it brings peace, how can we continue to lead all the nomads?”

    Left Yizhizi King countered, “This is not true. The balance of power changes over time. Now, the Han are at their peak, and the states of Wusun and other fortified cities have all become their subjects. Since Qiedihou Chanyu time, the Xiongnu have been declining day by day, unable to recover. Even if we struggle mightily here, we have not had a single day of peace. Now, submitting to the Han will ensure our survival; otherwise, we face downfall and destruction. What better plan is there?”

    After a prolonged debate when other leaders challenged the Left Yizhizi King, Huhanye Chanyu accepted his  advice. He moved his people south closer to the Han border and sent his son, the Right Tuqi King Shulouqutang, to serve at the Han court. Zhizhi Chanyu also sent his son, the Right General Juyulishou, to serve at the Han court.

    On February 21, Marquis Xucheng, Xu Yanshou, passed away.

    In April of summer, a yellow dragon was seen in Xinfeng.

    On April 1, Emperor Gaozu‘s shrine caught fire; on April 9, the Emperor Wen‘s temple caught fire; the Emperor wore plain clothes and mourned for five days.

    The king of Wusun, known as the “Mad King,” married Princess Liu Jieyou of the Han, and they had a son named Chimi. However, he did not get along with the princess and was violent and cruel, losing the support of his people. The Han envoys, Guard Marshal Wei Heyi and his assistant, Ren Chang, arrived in Wusun. The princess said, “The Mad King is a disaster to Wusun and killing him should be easy..” 

    They then plotted to kill him during a banquet by having a soldier draw his sword and strike him. The sword struck off target, slipping to his side, only wounding the Mad King, who then mounted his horse and fled. His son Xishenshou gathered troops and surrounded Wei Heyi and Ren Chang, along with the princess, in Chigu(Yshtyk) City. After several months, Protector-General Zheng Ji led allied forces to rescue them, and the siege was lifted. The Han sent General of Household Zhang Zun with medicine to treat the Mad King and bestowed him gold and silk. Subsequently, Wei Heyi and Ren Chang were arrested, shackled, brought back to Chang’an in a wooden cage cart, and executed.

    Earlier the Fat King Wengguimi‘s son by a Xiongnu woman, Wujiutu, was frightened when the Mad King was injured. He fled with other Wusun chiefs(Yabghu) to live in the northern mountains, spreading rumors that the Xiongnu forces of his mother’s family were coming, thus regaining people’s support. Later, he attacked and killed the Mad King and established himself as Kunmi (King of Wusun). That same year, the Han sent General of Smashing Qiang, Xin Wuxian with an army of 15,000 to Dunhuang, to open canals and stockpile grain in preparation for an expedition against Wujiutu.

    Princess Liu Jieyou‘s former maid, Feng Liao, was skilled in document processing and familiar with state affairs of the Han. She had previously carried the Han envoy’s scepter for the princess, earning the respect and trust of the walled cities and states, who called her Madame Feng. She became the wife of the Right Grand General of Wusun. The Right Grand General and Wujiutu were close. Protector-General Zheng Ji sent Madame Feng to persuade Wujiutu that the Han army was advancing and would surely annihilate them, urging him to surrender. Terrified, Wujiutu said, “I wish to receive a junior title to settle myself!”

    The Emperor summoned Madame Feng to personally inquire about the situation. He sent Madame Feng as the envoy, Court Usher Zhu Ci and Court Guard Gan Yanshou as deputies, escorting Madame Feng. Madame Feng, in a brocade carriage with the envoy’s scepter, issued an imperial edict to Wujiutu, ordering him to meet Marquis Changluo, Chang Hui, in Chigu(Yshtyk) City. The Emperor then appointed Yuanguimi as the Great Kunmi and Wujiutu as the Junior Kunmi, bestowing upon them seals and ribbons. The General of Smashing Qiang(Xin Wuxian), without crossing the border, returned. Later, Wujiutu did not fully return with all the chiefs (Yabghu), so the Han court sent Marquis Changluo Chang Hui with three battalions to garrison Chigu and reassign the territories and populations. The Great Kunmi was assigned over 60,000 households, while the Junior Kunmi had over 40,000 households. However, the people’s allegiance remained with the Junior Kunmi.

    The 2nd year of Emperor Xuan’s Ganlu Era (52 B.C.)

    In January of spring, the Emperor established his son Liu Xiao as the Prince of Dingtao.

    A general amnesty was declared across the empire, and the head tax on the people was reduced by a quarter(30 out of 120).

    The Zhuya Commandery rebelled. In April of summer, Protector Commandant Zhang Lu led troops to suppress the rebellion.

    Du Yannian was relieved of his duties due to old age and illness. On May 1, Yu Dingguo was appointed as the Grand Master of Censorate.

    In September of autumn, the Emperor established his son Liu Yu as the Prince of Dongping.

    In December of winter, the Emperor traveled to Fuyang Palace and Shuyu Tower.

    Zhao Chongguo, the Marquis of Yingping and Marquis Zhuangwu, passed away this year. Previously, Zhao Chongguo had requested to retire due to old age, and he was granted a seated carriage drawn by four horses, and gold, and he was allowed to retire to his home. Whenever the court faced major issues involving the border tribes, he was often consulted for military strategies and planning.

    The Xiongnu Chanyu Huhanye approached the Wuyuan border, offering tribute, and the willingness of paying homage in January of next year. The Emperor ordered officials to discuss the appropriate rituals. The Chancellor and the Imperial Censor said, “According to the ancient system of the sage kings, the central court is prioritized over the principalities, and the principalities are above the barbarian tribes. When the Xiongnu Chanyu pays homage, his ceremonial rites should be equal to those of the princes and vassal kings, with his rank positioned just below them.”

    The Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor, Xiao Wangzhi, argued, “The Chanyu is not subject to our court system, and is thus considered a foreign power. We should treat him as a foreign guest, placing his rank above the princes and vassal kings. When foreign tribes bow and acknowledge their vassal status, and the Han accepts their submission without treating them as subjects, this embodies the principles of reining in cattle through kindness and enjoying the blessings of modesty. The ‘Book of Documents’ states: ‘The Rong and Di barbarians are untameable;’ indicating that their allegiance is fickle. If a future Xiongnu ruler hides and avoids appearing at court, they won’t be treated as rebellions.  This would be a long-term strategy for lasting peace.”

    The Emperor adopted this advice and issued an edict: “The Xiongnu Chanyu, referred to himself as the Northern Vassal, pays homage on January 1st of our calendar. Due to my lack of virtue, We cannot fully accept this enormous honor. Thus, he shall be treated with the respect due to a guest of the nation, with his rank above the princes and vassal kings. He will address himself as a subject but does not have to mention his name.”

    Xun Yue‘s commentary: The principle expressed in “Spring and Autumn Annals” is that the king has no external enemies, desiring to unify all under Heaven. The Rong and Di tribes are situated far away, and human contact is limited, so they are not influenced by our calendar system or ceremonial education. This is not out of respect, but due to the circumstances. The “Book of Songs” says, “From those Di and Rong tribes, none dare not come to see the king.” Therefore, the rulers of distant lands must present tribute to the king. If they do not fulfill their duties, then reprimands and commands are issued to them. They are not on equal footing  with our nation.

    Xiao Wangzhi wanted to treat them with respect due to foreign guests, placing them above princes and dukes, which is an overstep of authority, disrupting the natural order, and violation of propriety. If it were a temporary expedient, that would be a different matter.

    The Emperor issued an edict to send the Commandant of Chariots and Cavalry, Han Chang, to welcome the Chanyu. He dispatched 2,000 cavalrymen from the seven commanderies to line the road which Huhanye Chanyu passed through.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 211): Subsidizing Grain Market

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 19 Scroll 27 (continued)

    Xiyue Temple, Huayin(Yang Yun’s hometown), Shaanxi Province. Photo by: Acstar

    The 4th year of Emperor Xuan’s Wufeng Era (54 B.C.)

    In the spring, Prince Li of Guangling Liu Xu committed suicide.

    The Xiongnu Huhanye Chanyu declared himself a vassal and sent his younger brother, the Right Guli King, to serve at the Han court as hostage. Because there were no more marauders at the border, the garrison troops were reduced by twenty percent.

    The Chief Associate of the Agriculture Ministry, Geng Shouchang, submitted a memorial stating: “In years of abundant harvests, grain is cheap, and farmers earn little profit. According to precedent, each year, four million bushel of grain are transported from the East of Hangu Pass to supply the capital, using sixty thousand laborers. It would be better to purchase grain from the regions of the Three metropolises, Hongnong, Hedong, Shangdang, and Taiyuan to supply the capital. This would reduce the number of laborers needed for transporting grain from the east of Hangu Pass by more than half.” The Emperor approved his plan. 

    Geng Shouchang further proposed: “The border regions should all build granaries. When grain is cheap, the government should buy it at higher prices to benefit the farmers; when grain is expensive, the government should sell it at lower prices to stabilize the market. This system would be called ‘Always-Fair Granaries’.” 

    The people found this beneficial. The Emperor then issued an edict granting Geng Shouchang the title of Marquis within the Passes.

    On April 1 of the summer, there was a solar eclipse.

    Yang Yun, having lost his rank and title, lived at home purchasing real estates and found amusement in his wealth. His friend, Sun Huizong of Xihe, the Prefect of An’ding, wrote to Yang Yun advising and warning him, stating that “a high-ranking official who has been dismissed should shut his doors in fear and humility, drawing sympathy; he should not be purchasing real estates, entertaining guests, and seeking accolades.” 

    Yang Yun, being the son of the former chancellor, had talents and abilities and had gained prominence in the court from a young age. Having been suddenly dismissed due to innuendos, he harbored resentment and wrote back to Sun Huizong:

    “I have deeply reflected, realizing my great errors and shortcomings, and resolved to live the rest of my life as a farmer. Thus, I have led my wife and children to dedicate ourselves to farming and mulberry cultivation, not expecting this to be a cause for criticism. Human emotions cannot be entirely restrained, and even sages do not prohibit them. Therefore, when mourning the death of one’s lord or father, there is a timebox to end it. It has been three years since my punishment. The work of farming is toiling of four seasons, and at the end of the year, we slaughter sheep, roast lamb, and share wine to comfort ourselves. After drinking, feeling warm and tipsy, I look up to the sky, beat earthenware, and sing loudly for emotional relief. 

    “As the poem goes: ‘In the fields by the southern mountain, weeds grow unkempt; planting one hectare of beans, they fall and become stalks.’ Life is meant for the pursuit of joy today, why wait for wealth and status tomorrow? Indeed, such indulgence is excessive, but I do not realize its inappropriateness.”

    Yang Yun‘s nephew, Marquis of Anping, Yang Tan, said to Yang Yun: “Your offense was minor, and you have greater merit; you will be employed again!” 

    Yang Yun replied: “What good is merit! The Emperor is not worthy of serving my whole life.” 

    Yang Tan said: “The Emperor is indeed as you say. Officials like Colonel Gai Kuanrao and Left Pingyi Han Yanshou, who gave their all, were executed based on some accusation.”

    There was an eclipse, and a palace horseman named Cheng memorialized an accusation, “Yang Yun is proud and extravagant, unrepentant for his errors. The blame for the eclipse lies with him.” 

    The case was handed over to the Minister of Justice, who found Yang Yun‘s letter to Sun Huizong. The Emperor read it and was greatly offended. The Minister of Justice deemed Yang Yun guilty of grave treason and sentenced him to be waist-chopped; his wife and children were exiled to Jiuquan Commandery. Yang Tan was stripped of his title and made a commoner. Those in office who were close friends with Yang Yun, including Wei Xuancheng, the Guard Commandant of Weiyang Palace, and Sun Huizong, were all dismissed from their positions.

    Sima Guang’s commentary: Considering the wisdom of Emperor Xuan of Han, the fact that Wei Xiang and Bing Ji were chancellors, Yu Dingguo was the minister of Justice, and yet the deaths of Zhao Guanghan, Gai Kuanrao, Han Yanshou, and Yang Yun did not satisfy public opinion’s muster is indeed lamentable. This greatly tarnished his good governance. According to the Rites of Zhou, the law of the Minister of Justice includes discussions on virtuousness and capability. How could the governance of Zhao Guanghan and Han Yanshou not be considered capable? How could the integrity of Gai Kuanrao and Yang Yun not be considered virtuous? Thus, even if they had committed capital crimes, they should still have been pardoned, let alone for crimes not worthy of death. Yang Xiong considered Left Pingyi Han Yanshou‘s accusation of Xiao Wangzhi to be a self-inflicted wound by a minister. What caused Han Yanshou to commit such an offense to his superior was pushed by Xiao Wangzhi. The Emperor did not investigate this, and Han Yanshou alone bore the blame. Isn’t that unwarranted!

    The Xiongnu leader Runchen Chanyu led his troops eastward to attack Zhizhi Chanyu. Zhizhi Chanyu fought back, killed him, and merged his forces; then he advanced to attack Huhanye Chanyu. Huhanye Chanyu’s troops were defeated and fled, and Zhizhi Chanyu took Xiongnu‘s court as his headquarters.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 209): Xiongnu with Five Chanyus

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 19 Scroll 27 (continued)

    Huifeng Pagoda, Puyang(Dongjun), Henan Province

    The 1st year of Emperor Xuan’s Wufeng Era (57 B.C.)

    In January of spring, the Emperor traveled to Ganquan to perform the suburban sacrifice to Heaven at the Taizhi Altar.

    The Crown Prince, Liu Shi, underwent the formal ceremony of capping and was invested with the rites of manhood.

    In autumn, the Xiongnu Tuqi Chanyu sent the Right Aojian King—brother of Xianxianchan—and the Wuji Commandant, each leading twenty thousand cavalry, eastward to guard against Huhanye Chanyu. At this time, King Hujie of the western division conspired with the Weili’danghu, falsely accusing the Right Tuqi King of plotting to make himself Chanyu. Tuqi Chanyu thereupon killed the Right Tuqi King and his son. When their innocence was later discovered, he executed Weili’danghu as well.

    Terrified, King Hujie rebelled and proclaimed himself Hujie Chanyu. Upon hearing this, the Right Aojian King also declared himself Cheli Chanyu. The Wuji Commandant followed suit, calling himself Wuji Chanyu.

    Thus, among the Xiongnu there arose five Chanyus at once.

    Tuqi Chanyu personally led his forces eastward to strike at Cheli Chanyu, sending Dulongqi to attack Wuji Chanyu. Both Wuji and Cheli Chanyu were defeated and fled northwest, joining Hujie Chanyu, forming a combined force of forty thousand. Wuji Chanyu and Hujie Chanyu then renounced their titles and supported Cheli Chanyu in unison.

    When Tuqi Chanyu learned of this, he dispatched the Left Grand General and Commandant with forty thousand cavalry east to guard against Huhanye Chanyu, while he himself led forty thousand cavalry west to attack Cheli Chanyu. Cheli Chanyu was defeated once more and fled to the northwest. Tuqi Chanyu then marched his army southwest and encamped in the Tadun region.

    At this time many advisers at the Han court said: “The Xiongnu have long harmed the frontier. Now, amid their internal chaos, we should seize the opportunity to mobilize troops and destroy them.”

    The Emperor asked the Grand Master of the Censorate, Xiao Wangzhi, for his view. Xiao Wangzhi wrote:

    “In the Spring and Autumn Annals, when Shi Gai of Jin invaded Qi, he withdrew his troops upon hearing that the Marquis of Qi had just died. The gentlemen esteemed this—attacking not during mourning—holding that benevolence wins the hearts of filial sons, and righteousness moves the feudal lords.

    “The late Chanyu admired our culture, sought harmony, called himself our younger brother, and sent envoys requesting peace and marriage alliance. The whole nation rejoiced, and the tribes of all directions heard of it. Yet before these accords could be fulfilled, he was slain by traitorous ministers.

    “If we now strike them, it would be taking advantage of their misfortune. They will surely scatter and flee. To deploy the army for an unjust cause is to labor in vain and fail to achieve success.

    “It is fitting instead to send envoys to offer condolences, aid the weak, and relieve them in their calamity. When all the tribes hear of this, they will revere the benevolence and righteousness of the Middle Kingdom. Should the rightful Chanyu receive our support and be restored, he will surely submit and serve, manifesting the greatness of our virtue.”

    The Emperor accepted his counsel.

    In winter, on December 1, there was a solar eclipse.

    Han Yanshou succeeded Xiao Wangzhi as Intendant of Pingyi. When Xiao Wangzhi heard that Han Yanshou had allegedly squandered more than ten million coins of public funds during his term in Dongjun, he dispatched an imperial censor to investigate. When Han Yanshou learned of this, he immediately ordered his subordinates to investigate Xiao Wangzhi’s use of over one million coins of public funds during his own tenure in Pingyi.

    Xiao Wangzhi reported: “My duty is to supervise the realm. I dare not disregard a reported case—yet now Han Yanshou retaliates against me.”

    The Emperor, displeased with both, ordered that each be thoroughly investigated. No substantive evidence was found against Xiao Wangzhi. However, the imperial censor sent by Xiao Wangzhi to investigate Dongjun discovered that Han Yanshou had extravagantly exceeded his official allowance in hosting guests; had taken copper from public warehouses to cast swords during lunar eclipses, imitating the operations of the imperial armories; and had used state funds and silk to recruit officers responsible for levying labor, outfitting his carriages with armor—all costing the state more than three million coins.

    Han Yanshou was ultimately convicted of deception and improper conduct, and was executed in the marketplace.

    Thousands of officials and commoners accompanied him to Weicheng. Elders and children pushed his carriage, vying to offer him wine and meat. Unable to refuse their kindness, Han Yanshou drank from each vessel, consuming more than a dou (roughly 10 liters) of wine. He instructed his clerks and scribes to thank the people who escorted him, saying: “I am grateful for the trouble you have taken to see me off. I die without regret!”

    All the common people present wept.

    The 2nd year of Emperor Xuan’s Wufeng Era (56 B.C.)

    In January of spring, the Emperor traveled to Ganquan and performed the suburban sacrifice to Heaven at the Taizhi Altar.

    The General of Chariots and Cavalry, Han Zeng, passed away. In May, Xu Yanshou was appointed Grand Marshal and General of Chariots and Cavalry.

    Chancellor Bing Ji, advanced in age, was greatly esteemed by the Emperor. Xiao Wangzhi, however, frequently spoke to him with disrespect, which displeased the Emperor. The Chancellor’s Assistant reported that Xiao Wangzhi had treated the Chancellor insolently and had also used his subordinates for private trade, gaining profits amounting to 103,000 coins. He petitioned that Xiao Wangzhi be arrested and investigated.

    In autumn, on August 2, an edict demoted Xiao Wangzhi to serve as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. Huang Ba, who had previously held that post, was appointed Grand Master of the Censorate.

    The Huhanye Chanyu sent his younger brother, the Right Guli King, and others westward to attack the garrison of Tuqi Chanyu, killing more than ten thousand. Upon hearing of this, Tuqi Chanyu led sixty thousand cavalry to retaliate against Huhanye Chanyu. Tuqi’s forces were defeated, and he took his own life. Dulongqi and Tuqi Chanyu’s young son, the Right Guli King Gumouloutou, fled to the Han. In the east, Cheli Chanyu surrendered to Huhanye Chanyu.

    In August of winter, Huhanye’s Left General Wuli Qu, together with his father—the Husulei (title) Wuli Wendun—observed the disorder among the Xiongnu and led tens of thousands of their people to surrender to the Han. Wuli Qu was granted the title Marquis of Xincheng, and Wuli Wendun was granted the title Marquis of Yiyang.

    At this time, the son of Li Ling reinstated the Wuji Commandant as Wuji Chanyu, but Huhanye Chanyu captured him and had him beheaded. Huhanye Chanyu then returned to the central Chanyu court, yet his following numbered only in the tens of thousands. Tuqi Chanyu’s cousin, the Xiuxun King, declared himself Runzhen Chanyu in the western region. Huhanye’s elder brother, the Left Tuqi King Hutuwusi, likewise proclaimed himself Zhizhi Guduhou Chanyu in the eastern region.

    The Chamberlain, Marquis of Pingtong, Yang Yun, was honest and impartial, but proud of his own virtue and talent. He was naturally abrasive and sharp-tongued, enjoyed exposing the faults of others, and thus provoked many resentments at court. He fell into enmity with the Grand Coachman Dai Changle. When someone submitted a memorial accusing Dai Changle of crimes, Dai Changle suspected that Yang Yun had instigated it.

    Dai Changle, in turn, submitted a memorial accusing Yang Yun, stating:

    “Yang Yun submitted a memorial defending Han Yanshou. The Court Assistant Manager Qiu Chang said to him: ‘I hear you, Marquis, spoke in defense of the Intendant of Pingyi—can you save his life?’

    Yang Yun replied: ‘Such matters are difficult; even a man of integrity may not survive! I cannot even protect myself—just like the saying, a mouse cannot hide in its hole because it is nibbing a grass crown in its mouth.’

    He also said to me: ‘Since January the skies have remained overcast without rain—so recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals, and as Master Xiahou Sheng explained—this is the omen of a minister’s rebellion.’”

    The case was referred to the Minister of Justice. Yu Dingguo, Minister of Justice, ruled that Yang Yun harbored malice and uttered pernicious words, constituting grave treason. The Emperor, unwilling to execute him, ordered instead that both Yang Yun and Dai Changle be dismissed from office and reduced to commoner status.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 208): Mother Knows Best

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 19 Scroll 27

    Duration of 10 years

    Confucius Temple in Linyi(Donghai), Shandong Province

    The 4th year of Emperor Xuan’s Shenjue Era (58 B.C.)

    In February of spring, phoenixes and sweet dew descended upon the capital; in celebration of these auspicious omens, the Emperor proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the empire.

    Huang Ba, Prefect of Yingchuan, had governed for eight years, during which time his administration brought remarkable improvement. Throughout the realm, phoenixes and other auspicious birds appeared frequently in the commanderies and counties; Yingchuan was especially blessed with these manifestations.

    In April of summer, an edict declared:

    “Prefect Huang Ba of Yingchuan has diligently carried out imperial commands, and the people have been transformed by his virtue. Filial sons, loyal brothers, virtuous wives, and obedient grandchildren have greatly increased. Farmers yield their fields to one another; no one takes lost property along the roads. Widows and orphans are cared for; the poor receive support. For eight years there have been no death-row criminals nor vicious offenders confined. He is hereby appointed Marquis Within the Passes, granted one hundred cattie of gold, and awarded a stipend of two thousand piculs of grain.”

    Village educators (Three-Elders), those known for filial piety, fraternal devotion, and righteous conduct, as well as exemplary farmers, were likewise granted ranks and silk. Several months later, Huang Ba was elevated to Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince.

    In May, Xiongnu Chanyu sent his younger brother, Huliuruo King Shengzhi, to pay tribute to the Han court.

    In October of winter, eleven phoenixes appeared at the imperial mausoleum at Duling.

    The Prefect of Henan, Yan Yannian of Donghai, governed with extreme severity and caprice. Heinous criminals fated for death were sometimes released without cause, while petty offenders were sometimes executed senselessly. None could discern his intentions; the people trembled in fear, not daring to transgress. In winter, when prisoners from subordinate counties were brought for sentencing, blood was said to run for several miles. The people of Henan called him the “Butcher Chief.”

    Yan Yannian had long despised Huang Ba. When the two served as prefects of neighboring commanderies, Huang Ba received honors far surpassing him, leaving Yan Yannian jealous and uneasy. During a locust infestation, his Associate Yi went out to combat the plague. Upon returning, he spoke to Yan Yannian, who remarked coldly, “Are these locusts a feast for the phoenix birds?” Yi, aged and timid, feared being harmed.

    Yi and Yan Yannian had both served in the Chancellor’s office, and Yan Yannian had once treated him generously with lavish gifts. But Yi’s fear deepened. Casting a divination, he received an omen of death, which left him in despair. He went to Chang’an and submitted a memorial listing ten crimes committed by Yan Yannian. After delivering it, he swallowed poison, killing himself to show he did not speak falsely.

    The case was investigated by the Associate Imperial Censor, who found evidence of grievances, slander, and political impropriety in Yan Yannian’s words and conduct. In November, Yan Yannian was convicted of malfeasance and sacrilege, and executed in the marketplace.

    Earlier, Yan Yannian’s mother had traveled from Donghai hoping to spend the New Year’s Day with him and worship their ancestors. Arriving in Luoyang, she witnessed prisoners being executed and was horrified. She refused to enter the commandery guest house, staying instead at a travelers’ lodge. Yan Yannian came to greet her, but she shut the door, refusing to see him. Hat in hand, he bowed repeatedly to the ground outside her door.

    After a long while, his mother admitted him and sternly rebuked: “You are blessed to serve as the prefect over a thousand-li domain, yet I hear of no acts of benevolence or moral instruction that bring peace to the people. Instead, you rely on punishments, constantly taking lives to assert authority. Is this the conduct of a parent of the people?”

    Yan Yannian confessed his wrongdoing and repeatedly prostrated himself in apology. He escorted his mother to the prefect residence. After the New Year’s Day, she told him: “Heaven’s Way is clear and impartial; one must not kill recklessly. Never did I imagine that in my old age I would witness my own grown son face punishment and death! I return east now, to watch over the family graves and await the arrival of your body.”

    She departed and told her other sons and relatives what had transpired. A little more than a year later, Yan Yannian indeed met his downfall, and throughout Donghai all praised the mother’s prescience.

    The Xiongnu Chanyu Woyanqudi was violent and fond of war, stirring widespread resentment throughout the nation. The Crown Prince and the Left Tuqi King frequently defamed the nobles of the Eastern Division, deepening their anger. When the Wuhuan attacked Guxi King on the Xiongnu eastern frontier and captured many people, the Chanyu flew into a rage. Fearing for his life, Guxi King allied with Wuchanmu and the nobles of the Eastern Division to enthrone Jihoushan as Huhanye Chanyu. They mobilized forty to fifty thousand troops from the Eastern Division and marched west to attack Woyanqudi, advancing to the region north of the Guqieshui River. Before battle was joined, the forces of Woyanqudi collapsed and fled.

    Woyanqudi sent a message to his brother, the Right Tuqi King, saying: “The Xiongnu are united against me. Will you send troops to aid me?”

    The Right Tuqi King replied: “You have no regard for your kin, murdering brothers and nobles. Meet your fate yourself—do not come to pollute me!”

    In fury and despair, Woyanqudi Chanyu took his own life.

    The Left Grand Juqu, Dulongqi, fled to the Right Tuqi King, and their followers all surrendered to Huhanye Chanyu. Huhanye returned to the central court and, after several months, disbanded the troops, sending them back to their original territories. He then summoned his brother Hutu’wusi, who had been living among the common people, and appointed him Left Guli King. At the same time, he dispatched agents to sow dissension among the nobles under the Right Tuqi King, attempting to incite them to kill him.

    That winter, however, Dulongqi and the Right Tuqi King jointly established Rizhu King Boxutang as Tuqi Chanyu, and mobilized tens of thousands of troops to strike eastward against Huhanye Chanyu. Huhanye’s forces were defeated and scattered. Tuqi Chanyu returned to the central court and appointed his eldest son Dutu’wuxi as the Left Guli King and his younger son Gumou’loutou as the Right Guli King, establishing both in the Xiongnu’s court.