《皇極經世》Vol. 16

Interpretation

Volume Six, Part One of the Jing of the Supreme Ultimate (Huangji Jingshi), “Singing the Four”

Written by Shao Yaofu of Sanchuan

Using “Cycles” to Trace the Course of Human Affairs, Part Seven: “Treatise on Observing Things,” Chapter Thirty-One

Jing Yuan: Jia, Cycle One

Jing Hui: Wu, Cycle Seven

Jing Yun: Si, Cycle 186

Jing Shi: Zi, Cycle 2,221

Jing Shi: Zi, Cycle 2,221

In the Jiazi year, the ninth year of King Weilie of Zhou, the state of Wei built a city at Shaoliang.

In the Yichou year, Duke Ling of Qin died. His uncle succeeded him and was known as Duke Jian of Qin.

In the Bingyin year.

In the Dingmao year, Wei attacked Qin, and Han attacked Zheng.

In the Wuchen year, Qi attacked Jin, and Wei attacked Zhongshan.

In the Jisi year.

In the Gengwu year, Tian Zhuangzi of Qi died. His son Tian He succeeded him and was later known as Grand Duke He of Qi. Zhao built a city at Pingcheng.

In the Xinwei year, Duke Yuan of Lu died. His son succeeded him and was known as Duke Mu of Lu.

In the Renshen year, Han Wuzi of Jin died, and his son Han Jinghou, named Qian, succeeded him. Zhao Xianzi died, and his son Zhao Liehou, named Ji, succeeded him. Wei attacked Qin.

In the Guiyou year, Han captured Yongqiu from Zheng. Wei destroyed Zhongshan. King Jian of Chu died, and his son Xiong Dang succeeded him, known as King Sheng of Chu.

In the Jiaxu year, Zheng attacked Han and seized Fushu.

In the Yihai year, Duke Zhao of Song died, and his son Duke Dao of Song, named Gou, succeeded him. Zhao appointed Bai Gongzhong as chancellor.

In the Bingzi year, Duke Xuan of Qi died, and his son Duke Kang of Qi, named Dai, succeeded him. Tian Hui occupied Linqiu and rebelled.

In the Dingchou year.

In the Wuyin year, Han, Zhao, and Wei—the three states that had emerged from Jin—petitioned the Zhou court to recognize them as feudal lords.

In the Jimao year, King Weilie of Zhou died. Crown Prince Jiao succeeded him, known as King An of Zhou. King Sheng of Chu was murdered by bandits. His son Xiong Yi succeeded him, known as King Dao of Chu.

In the Gengchen year, Qin attacked Yanghu in Wei.

In the Xinsi year, Duke Jian of Qin died, and his son Duke Hui of Qin succeeded him. Han Jinghou died, and his son Han Liehou succeeded him. Zhao Liehou died, and his younger brother, Marquis Wu of Zhao, succeeded him. Marquis Wen of Wei invited Bu Zixia and Duangan Mu to serve as tutors and appointed Ximen Bao as a general to defend Ye. He appointed Wu Qi as a general to defend Xihe, Wei Chengzi as chancellor, and Yue Yang as a general. Together with Han and Zhao, they attacked Chu and advanced to Chengqiu.

In the Renwu year.

In the Guiwei year.

In the Jiashen year, bandits in Han killed the chancellor, Xia Lei.

In the Yiyou year.

In the Bingxu year, Duke Lie of Jin died, and his son Duke Xiao of Jin succeeded him.

In the Dinghai year.

In the Wuzi year, Wei attacked Zheng and built a city at Suanzao. It also defeated Qin’s army at Zhu. Chu attacked Han and seized Fushu.

In the Jichou year.

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Interpretation

In the Gengyin year, Tian He of Qi moved Duke Kang, the ruler of Qi, to the coast, granting him only one city as his fief. Qin attacked Yiyang in Han and captured six towns. Han and Zhao then inflicted a major defeat on Chu at Daliang.

In the Xinmao year, Lu attacked Qi at Pinglu. Qi attacked Wei and captured Xiangling.

In the Renchen year, Qin attacked Yinjin in Wei.

In the Guisi year, Tian He of Qi met with Marquis Wen of Wei at Zhuoze and asked to be enfeoffed as a feudal lord. Wei petitioned the Zhou royal house, which, along with the other lords, agreed.

The 2,222nd year in the Chou section of the Jingji chronology.

In the Jiawu year, the fifteenth year of King An of Zhou, Duke Hui of Qin died and his son, Prince Chu, succeeded him. Marquis Lie of Han died and his son, Marquis Wen of Han, succeeded him. Marquis Wen of Wei died and his son, Marquis Wu of Wei, succeeded him. Marquis Wu of Zhao died and Marquis Jing of Zhao succeeded him.

In the Yiwei year, Tian He took the title of lord in Qi and was entered into the Zhou royal house’s chronology. Wei attacked Zhao and advanced as far as Handan.

In the Bingshen year, Han attacked Zheng and captured Yangcheng. Han then attacked Song and captured the Duke of Song at Pengcheng. Wei built up the defenses of Anyi and Wangyuan. Zhao defeated Qi’s army at Lingqiu. Grand Duke Tai of Qi, Tian He, died, and his son, Duke Huan of Qi, Wu, succeeded him. The Qin noble Chang, a senior officeholder of the Qin royal clan, deposed and killed Prince Chu and his mother. He then went to the Yellow River to bring back the son of Duke Ling of Qin and installed him as ruler. This was Duke Xian of Qin.

In the Dingyou year, Zhao defeated Qi’s army at Linqiu.

In the Wuxu year, Wei defeated Zhao’s army at Tutai.

In the Jihai year, Qi allied with Wei and Wei’s ally, the state of Wei, to attack Zhao and captured Gangping.

In the Gengzi year, Zhao joined forces with Chu to attack Wei and captured Jipu. After King Dao of Chu died, members of the Chu royal clan rebelled and killed Wu Qi. A prince succeeded to the throne as King Su of Chu. King Su executed those involved in Wu Qi’s death, implicating more than seventy families.

In the Xinchou year, Qi attacked Yan and captured Sangqiu.

In the Renyin year, Duke Kang of Qi died on the coast. After Marquis Huan of Qi died, his son, Yin Qi, succeeded him and was known as King Wei of Qi.

In the Guimao year, Duke Xiao of Jin died and his son, Duke Jing of Jin, Jujiu, succeeded him. Han, Zhao, and Wei attacked Qi and advanced all the way to Lingqiu.

In the Jiachen year, Marquis Wen of Han died and his son, Marquis Ai of Han, succeeded him. Zhao attacked the state of Zhongshan and fought a battle at Fangzi. Duke Mu of Lu died and his son, Duke Gong of Lu, succeeded him.

In the Yisi year, King An of Zhou died. His crown prince, Xi, succeeded him as King Lie of Zhou. Marquis Wu of Wei, Marquis Ai of Han, and Marquis Jing of Zhao together destroyed Jin and divided its territory among themselves. They demoted Duke Jing of Jin to a commoner and granted him only the city of Duanshi as his fief.

In the Bingwu year, Han destroyed Zheng and moved its capital to Zheng’s former territory. Marquis Jing of Zhao died and his son, Marquis Cheng of Zhao, succeeded him. Duke Xiu of Song died and his son, Duke Bi of Song, succeeded him.

In the Dingwei year.

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Interpretation

In the year Wushen, Lu attacked Qi and occupied Yang Pass. Zhao also attacked Qi, advancing as far as Boling.

In the year Jiyou, Wei captured Xueling in Qi and attacked Beilin in Zhao. Zhao captured a town belonging to Wei.

This was the seventy-third year. Duke Pi of Song died, and his son Ticheng succeeded him.

In the year Gengxu, Yan of Han assassinated its ruler, Marquis Ai, and enthroned Marquis Ai’s son, Marquis Yi. Marquess Wu of Wei died, and the princes fought over the throne. Zhao attacked Wei and enthroned Prince Ying as its ruler; he was King Hui of Wei. Zhao’s army defeated Qin’s at Gao.

In the year Xinhai, Zhao attacked Qi and seized Zhen. Wei defeated Zhao’s army at Qinhuai. King Wei of Qi had the official in E boiled alive and enfeoffed the magistrate of Jimo as a marquis with ten thousand households. King Su of Chu died, and his younger brother Liangfu succeeded him; he was King Xuan of Chu.

In the year Renzi, King Lie of Zhou died, and his younger brother Bian succeeded him; he was King Xian of Zhou. Qi’s army defeated the combined forces of Zhao and Wei west of Zhuoze. Zhao ceded the area along the Great Wall, and Wei’s army entered Guan. Qi and Wei then defeated Han’s army at Maling.

In the year Guichou, Han and Wei attacked the Zhou royal house.

In the year Jiayin, Zhao and Han divided the Zhou royal lands between them.

In the year Yimao, Wei joined forces with Zhao to attack Qin, but was defeated at Zhaiyang.

In the year Bingchen, Qi attacked Qin and was defeated at Shimen. Wei attacked Song and seized Yitai.

In the year Dingsi, King Xian of Zhou traveled west to congratulate Duke Xian of Qin. Wei and Qin made an alliance at Duping.

In the year Wuwu, nothing was recorded.

In the year Jiwei, Duke Xian of Qin died, and his son, Duke Xiao, succeeded him. Qin’s army defeated Wei’s at Shaoliang; Wei’s army then defeated Han’s at Hui.

In the year Gengshen, Wei captured Pilao from Zhao.

In the year Xinyou, the Zhou royal house sent Duke Xiao of Qin sacrificial meat from the rites for King Wen and King Wu of Zhou. Duke Hui of Eastern Zhou died, and his son Jie succeeded him. Han, Zhao, and Wei attacked Qi.

In the year Renxu, Qin appointed Wei Yang, also known as Shang Yang. Marquis Yi of Han died, and his son, Marquis Zhao, succeeded him.

In the year Guihai, nothing was recorded.

Here begins the year 2,223 of the Yin cycle in the “Jingshi” chronology.

In the year Jiazi, the twelfth year of King Xian of Zhou, Song seized Huangchi from Han, and Qi enfeoffed Zou Ji as the Marquis of Cheng.

In the year Yichou, Zhao met Yan by the river and later met Qi at Pinglu. Lu, Wei, Song, and Zheng came to pay court to Wei.

In the year Bingyin, Duke Gong of Lu died, and his son, Duke Kang, succeeded him. Qi made alliances in turn with Zhao at Jiao, with Wei at Pinglu, and with Qin at Duping.

In the year Dingmao, Qin’s army defeated Wei’s at Yuanli and seized Shaoliang. Wei’s army besieged Handan, the capital of Zhao.

In the year Wuchen, Han attacked the ruler of Eastern Zhou and seized Lingguan and Xingqiu. Tian Ji and Sun Bin of Qi led troops to aid Zhao and defeated Wei’s army at Guiling. That year, Qi began calling itself a kingdom.

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Interpretation

In the year jisi, Wei Yang of Qin, the Grand Liangzao—that is, Shang Yang, a senior Qin official—joined forces with the armies of Han and Zhao to besiege Xiangling in Wei.

In the year gengwu, Han appointed Shen Buhai as its chief minister. Qin and Zhao attacked Wei. Wei returned Handan to Zhao, and the three states concluded an alliance beside the Zhang River.

In the year xinwei, Marquis Cheng of Zhao died. His heir succeeded him, taking the title Marquis Su of Zhao. Qin opened up roads through the fields and measured the land. It also built the Jishi on a large scale at Xianyang and moved its capital from Yong to Xianyang.

In the year renshen.

In the year guiyou, Zhao seized the fief of the Jin ruler at Duanshi and moved him to Tunliu. Qin began levying taxes.

In the year jiaxu.

In the year yihai, Duke Kang of Lu died, and his son succeeded him as Duke Jing.

In the year bingzi.

In the year dingchou.

In the year wuyin, King Xian of Zhou granted Duke Xiao of Qin an official title, recognizing him as the hegemon among the feudal lords. King Wei of Qi died. His son Tian Pijiang succeeded him, taking the title King Xuan of Qi.

In the year ji mao, the rulers of the various states traveled west to Qin to offer congratulations.

In the year gengchen, Qi sent troops to aid Han. Tian Ji, Tian Ying, and Sun Bin led the army to a decisive victory over Wei at Maling, capturing Wei general Pang Juan and Wei’s heir apparent, Shen.

In the year xinsi, King Xuan of Chu died, and his son succeeded him as King Wei of Chu. Qin seized seven hundred li of Wei’s territory west of the Yellow River. Wei abandoned Anyi and moved its capital to Daliang.

In the year renwu.

In the year guiwei, Duke Xiao of Qin died. His son, the Lord Huiwen, succeeded him and took the title King Huiwen of Qin. Shang Yang fled to Wei, but Wei refused to receive him, so he returned to Qin.

In the year jiashen, King Huiwen of Qin exterminated Shang Yang’s entire clan. Su Qin went to Qin but was not given a post.

In the year yiyou, King Xian of Zhou traveled west to congratulate Qin. Meng Ke, known as Mencius, served as a high minister in Wei.

In the year bingxu, Qin seized Yiyang from Han. King Hui of Wei died, and his son succeeded him as King Xiang. King Xuan of Qi met King Xiang of Wei at Juan.

In the year dinghai, Su Qin assembled troops from the six states of Zhao, Yan, Han, Wei, Qi, and Chu. They formed an alliance beside the Huan River to join forces against Qin, advancing as far as Hangu Pass. Han built the Gaomen Gate. That same year, Chu destroyed Yue, captured King Wujiang of Yue, and occupied all of Yue’s territory, extending eastward to the region around the Zhejiang River. Wei began calling itself a kingdom, and Tian Ying of Qi became chief minister.

In the year wuzi, Duke Wen of Yan died, and his son succeeded him as King Yi. Marquis Zhao of Han died, and his son succeeded him as King Hui. Chu defeated Qi’s army at Xuzhou. Tian Ying of Qi deceived Chu, leaving Qi in a disadvantageous position.

In the year jichou, Qi joined forces with Wei to attack Zhao, then attacked Yan and seized ten cities.

In the year gengyin, Qin attacked Wei.

In the year xinmao, unrest broke out in Song. The Duke of Song’s younger brother, Yan, murdered the ruler and took the throne himself, becoming King Yuan of Song.

In the year renchen, King Wei of Chu died. His son Huai succeeded him as King Huai of Chu. Wei attacked Chu and seized Mount Xing. Qin attacked Wei and seized Fenyin.

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Interpretation

In the year Guisi, the state of Qin appointed Zhang Yi as its prime minister, and Chen Zhen went to the state of Chu. Chu conquered Shu, and Wei ceded Shang Commandery to Qin.

Jingshi, Mao Cycle, year 2,224.

In the year Jiawu, the forty-second year of King Xian of Zhou, Qi joined forces with Wei to attack Sangqiu in Han.

In the year Yiwei, Zhao Suhou died, and his son Zhao Ding succeeded him. He was known as King Wuling of Zhao. Qi appointed Meng Ke (Mencius) as its Senior Minister.

In the year Bingshen, Meng Ke left Qi.

In the year Dingyou, Qin began calling itself a kingdom. King Xuan of Qi died, and his son Tian Di succeeded him. He was known as King Min of Qi. Qin built frontier fortifications in Shang Commandery.

In the year Wuxu, Han and Yan declared themselves kingdoms. Chu defeated Wei at Xiangling, seized eight cities, and then turned its forces against Qi. Zhang Yi of Qin met the chief ministers of Qi and Chu at Niesa.

In the year Jihai, Zhang Yi left his post as Qin’s prime minister and became prime minister of Wei. Yan met with the rulers of Han and Wei at Qushu.

In the year Gengzi, King Xian of Zhou died, and his son Ji Ding succeeded him. He was known as King Shenjing of Zhou. That same year, Zhao began calling itself a kingdom, and Qi enfeoffed Tian Ying at Xue. Su Qin was killed by an assassin in Qi. Su Dai again became prime minister of Yan. King Yi of Yan died, and his son Ji Kuai succeeded him, allowing Zizhi to take sole control of state affairs. Su Dai was sent as an envoy to Qi.

In the year Xinchou, Song attacked Chu, seized three hundred li of territory, and began calling itself a kingdom. Qin and Qi arranged a marriage alliance.

In the year Renyin, King Xiang of Wei died, and his son King Ai of Wei succeeded him. Zhang Yi again became prime minister of Qin.

In the year Guimao, Chu joined forces with Qi, Zhao, Han, Wei, and Yan to attack Qin, but they were unsuccessful, with Qi lagging behind on its own. The Qin general Chuli Ji decisively defeated the armies of the six states, capturing the general Shen Cha and princes from Han and Wei.

In the year Jiachen, Qi defeated Wei’s army at Guanjin and challenged Qin for supremacy. Duke Jing of Lu died, and his son Duke Ping of Lu succeeded him. Qin defeated Han’s army at Zhuoze, and Han sought peace by offering to cede a famous city.

Qin then attacked Han again and defeated its army at Anmen. Chu was unable to come to Han’s aid. King Ji Kuai of Yan handed state affairs over to Zizhi.

In the year Yisi, Qi attacked Yan. Qin attacked Zhao and captured Zhongdu and Xiyang.

In the year Bingwu, King Shenjing of Zhou died, and his son Ji Yan succeeded him. He was known as King Nan of Zhou and was called the Lord of Western Zhou. Qin captured twenty-five cities from Yiqu and also seized Shizhang from Han.

In the year Dingwei, Chu and Qi made peace. Yan fell into internal turmoil, and Shi was attacked. Zizhi was unable to hold out, so he turned against the crown prince, but failed again and was ultimately killed.

In the year Wushen, Chu’s attack on Qin failed. Qin attacked Qi, and Chu did not come to its aid. Zhang Yi of Qin formed an alliance with Chu; Chuli Ji attacked Zhao.

In the year Jiyou, King Huai of Chu launched a major attack on Qin but failed. He attacked Qin again soon afterward, but was unsuccessful once more.

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Interpretation

Wei Zhang, a senior noble of Wei, joined the armies of Qi and Han and inflicted a major defeat on the Chu army at Lantian. He defeated them again south of the Dan River and captured the Chu general Qu Gai. Wei Zhang then seized the Hanzhong region and established Qianzhong Commandery. King Xuan of Han died, and Crown Prince Cang succeeded him, taking the title King Xiang of Han. Qi sent troops from its five capitals to attack Yan. Civil unrest broke out in Yan, and the people raised Crown Prince Ping to the throne as King Zhao of Yan.

In the year Gengxu, Qu Yuan of Chu went as an envoy to Qi, while Zhang Yi of Qin went as an envoy to Chu. The six states of Chu, Qi, Han, Zhao, Wei, and Yan successively went west to engage with Qin and arrived in Xianyang. King Hui of Qin died, and Crown Prince Wu succeeded him as King Wu of Qin. King Zhao of Yan built the Golden Terrace and showed respect to Guo Wei and Yue Yi, who had come from Wei, Zou Yan, who had come from Qi, and Ju Xin, who had come from Zhao.

In the year Xinhai, Qin and Wei formed an alliance at Linjin. Zhang Yi and Wei Zhang went to Wei. Chuli Ji and Gan Mao became chancellors of Qin.

In the year Renzi, Chu formed an alliance with Qi and cultivated friendly relations with Han.

In the year Guichou, King Wu of Qin met King Ai of Wei at Ying and King Xiang of Han at Linjin.

In the year Jiayin, the rulers of Eastern Zhou and Western Zhou attacked one another. Chu laid siege to Yongqiu in Han, while Gan Mao of Qin captured Yiyang in Han. King Wu of Qin tried to lift one of the Zhou dynasty’s great bronze tripods, injured his knee, and soon died. The people of Qin brought back his younger half-brother Ji from Zhao and enthroned him as King Zhao of Qin. Dowager Xuan, King Zhao’s mother, took charge of the government, and Wei Ran assumed great power. King Wuling of Zhao adopted the clothing of the Hu peoples and introduced Hu-style dress.

In the year Yimao, Qin returned Wusui to Han. Yan Junji and Xiang Shou became chancellors of Qin, and Gan Mao went to Wei.

In the year Bingchen, Chu broke off relations with Qi and turned to closer ties with Qin.

In the year Dingsi, King Zhao of Qin met King Huai of Chu at Huangji and returned Shangyong to Chu.

In the year Wuwu, Qi, Han, and Wei attacked Chu, which appealed to Qin for help. Duke Ping of Lu died, and his son, Duke Wen Jia, succeeded him. Qin seized Wusui from Han and captured Pufan from Wei.

In the year Jiwei, Qin returned Pufan to Wei and formed an alliance with Han at Wusui.

In the year Gengshen, Chu’s attack on Qin ended in defeat. King Zhao of Qin joined forces with Qi, Han, and Wei to attack Chu and defeated its army at Zhongqiu.

In the year Xinyou, Meng Changjun of Qi went to Qin as a hostage.

In the year Renxu, King Huai of Chu banished the official Qu Yuan to the riverside. He later met King Zhao of Qin at Wuguan but was unable to return to Chu. The people of Chu brought back Crown Prince Heng from Qi and enthroned him as King Qingxiang of Chu. King Huai’s younger brother, Zilan, became the Lingyin, Chu’s chief minister. Qi retrieved Lord Jingyang, who had been held hostage in Qin. Meng Changjun escaped from Qin and returned to Qi. Qin joined forces with Qi and Wei to attack Chu and seize eight cities. Zhao captured towns belonging to Yan.

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Interpretation

Zhongshan conquered territory, advancing north as far as the lands west of Dai and west as far as Jiuyuan.

In the year guihai, Qi joined with Han and Wei to attack Qin, advancing to Hangu Pass. Qin attacked Chu and captured sixteen cities. King Wuling of Zhao called himself “Lord Father” and summoned his ministers to the Eastern Palace. He deposed Crown Prince Zhang and made He, his son by a secondary wife, crown prince. He later succeeded to the throne as King Huiwen of Zhao. King Wuling appointed Fei Yi as chancellor, expanded Zhao’s territory northward, then entered Qin from the south and sent envoys abroad.

The Jing of the Supreme Ultimate (Huangji Jingshi) dates this as the 2,225th year.

In the year jiazi, the eighteenth year of King Nan of Zhou, King Huai of Chu escaped from Qin and returned to Chu, but his attempt failed.

In the year yichou, King Huai of Chu died in Qin, and relations between Chu and Qin were severed. Wei Ran of Qin was dismissed as chancellor, and a son of King Zhao succeeded him. Qi joined with the armies of Han, Wei, Zhao, and Song to attack Qin. They advanced as far as Yanshi, then withdrew. Qin made peace with Han and Wei, returning the area around Hebei and Fengling to them. King Xiang of Han died, and his son succeeded him as King Li. King Wuling of Zhao destroyed Zhongshan and moved its king to Fushi. He also enfeoffed the deposed Crown Prince Zhang in Dai, giving him the title Lord Anyang, and appointed Tian Buli as his chancellor.

In the year bingyin, Qin dismissed Lou Huan as chancellor. Marquis Rang, Wei Ran, again became chancellor and led an army to attack Wei. Lord Anyang of Zhao and Tian Buli rebelled, but Prince Cheng and the grandee Li Dui put down the revolt. King Wuling of Zhao died at the Palace of Sand Dunes.

In the year dingmao, the Qin general Xiang Shou attacked Han and captured Wushi.

In the year wuchen, Chu and Qin restored friendly relations. Han’s attack on Qin failed. Bai Qi, senior commandant of Qin, decisively defeated Han and the allied feudal states at Yique, captured cities, and buried 240,000 soldiers alive. He also captured their general, Gongsun Xi.

In the year jisi, Chu took a woman from Qin as its queen. Wei Ran of Qin was dismissed as chancellor. Bai Qi became Grand Commandant and attacked Wei, capturing Yuancheng. He then attacked Chu and captured Wancheng.

In the year gengwu, Wei Ran again became chancellor of Qin and was enfeoffed at Tao. The Qin general Sima Cuo attacked Han and captured Zhi and Deng.

In the year xinwei, the Tian Jia rebellion broke out in Qi, and Mengchang Jun was dismissed as chancellor. Wei ceded 400 li of land in Hedong and submitted to Qin; Han ceded 200 li of land at Wusui and submitted to Qin. Zhao joined with Qi to attack Han.

In the year renshen, Qi reinstated Mengchang Jun as chancellor. Qin attacked Han and captured sixty-one cities.

In the year guiyou, Qi and Qin agreed to call themselves the “Eastern Emperor” and the “Western Emperor,” respectively, but later abandoned the agreement.

In the year jiaxu, Mengchang Jun of Qi resigned, citing illness. King Zhaoxiang of Qin toured the areas of Hanzhong and Shang Commandery. On the north bank of the Yellow River, he also seized Xinyuan and Quyang from Wei.

In the year yihai, Qi destroyed Song, extending its territory to the Sishui region. Twelve feudal states, along with Zou and Lu…

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Interpretation

The rulers of every state claimed to submit to Qin. Qin advanced south and seized the lands north of the Huai River in Chu, then invaded Han and Zhao from the west.

Wei ceded Anyi to Qin. Qin’s army seized Henei in Wei and attacked Xiashan in Han.

In the bingzi year, Meng Changjun (Tian Wen) of Qi handed Xue over to Wei. King Zhaoxiang of Qin met King Qingxiang of Chu at Wan, then met King Huiwen of Zhao at Zhongyang. Qin’s army attacked Qi and captured nine cities.

In the dingchou year, the Yan general Yue Yi joined forces with the armies of Qin, Chu, Han, Zhao, and Wei to attack Qi. They decisively defeated the Qi army west of the Ji River, then entered Linzi and captured seventy cities. Yue Yi was appointed Senior Minister, enfeoffed as Lord of Changguo, and left to besiege the only places still held by Qi: Jimo and Ju. King Min of Qi fled to Ju to save himself. Chu sent Nao Chi to aid Qi, but Nao Chi killed King Min at Ju. The people of Ju installed King Min’s son, Fazhang, as ruler; he was later known as King Xiang of Qi. Xun Qing took up the post of libationer, an official responsible for overseeing sacrificial rites.

In the wuyin year, King Qingxiang of Chu met King Zhaoxiang of Qin at Yan. Wei Ran, the Lord of Rang and a minister of Qin, led troops through Wei and reached its capital.

In the jimao year, King Zhaoxiang of Qin met King Li of Han at Xincheng, then met King Zhaoxiang of Wei at Xinming. Qin’s army attacked Zhao and captured two cities; it then attacked Han and seized six cities.

In the gengchen year, Chu joined forces with Wei and Zhao to attack Qin. Qin attacked Chu. Wei Ran again became Qin’s prime minister. Zhao sent Lin Xiangru on a diplomatic mission to Qin, presenting a jade disc.

In the xinsi year, Chu ceded Shangyong and Hanzhong and sought peace with Qin. The Qin general Bai Qi captured two cities from Zhao. Sima Cuo seized Shangyong in Chu. King Zhaowang of Yan died, and his son King Hui succeeded him. King Hui sent Qi Jie to replace Yue Yi as commander of the army. Yue Yi fled to Zhao. King Huiwen of Zhao met King Zhaoxiang of Qin at Mianchi, and Lin Xiangru became Zhao’s prime minister.

In the renwu year, the Qi general Tian Dan decisively defeated the Yan army at Jimo, captured the Yan general Qi Jie, and recovered seventy cities. He welcomed King Xiang of Qi back from Ju to Linzi. Tian Dan was enfeoffed as Lord of Anping. The Qin general Bai Qi captured Xiling in Chu.

In the guiwei year, King Qingxiang of Chu fled to Chen. The Qin army captured Ying, the capital of Chu. Bai Qi, Qin’s Grand Minister of Works, broke through Chu’s defenses and entered Ying, burned Yiling, and made Ying the seat of the Southern Commandery. Bai Qi was enfeoffed as Lord of Wu’an.

In the jiashen year, Qin seized Wu and Qianzhong in Chu and established Qianzhong Commandery. King Zhaoxiang of Wei died, and his son King Anli succeeded him.

In the yiyou year, Chu recovered fifteen cities along the Yangtze River to the east, in order to resist Qin. Wei captured two cities from Qin. Wei Wuji was enfeoffed as Lord of Xinling.

In the bingxu year, Qin’s army surrounded Daliang, the capital of Wei. Wei ceded Wen and sued for peace. Qin sent the Lord of Rang…

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Interpretation

Han chancellor Bao Yuan led troops to aid Wei, but did not win. Zhao general Lian Po captured Fangzi and Anyang in Wei.

In the year Dinghai, Wei general Meng Mao attacked Han but failed to prevail. Qin troops came to Han’s aid and defeated the allied forces of Zhao and Wei at Huayang, annihilating 150,000 enemy soldiers. Wei retreated into Nanyang, sued for peace, and ceded the Nanyang area to Qin. Qin established Nanyang Commandery there.

In the year Wuzi, King Xi of Han died, and his son, King Huanhui, succeeded him. Zhao seized territory from the Eastern Hu.

In the year Jichou, Huang Xie of Chu escorted Crown Prince Wan to Qin as a hostage, using the occasion to seek peace between Qin and Chu. Chu also aided Han and Wei in attacking Yan. Qi general Tian Dan captured Zhongyang in Yan. Qin joined forces with Chu, Han, Zhao, and Wei to attack Yan. King Hui of Yan died, and his son, King Wucheng, succeeded him. Zhao general Lin Xiangru attacked Qi.

In the year Gengyin, Qin’s Lord Rang attacked Qi and seized Gang and Shou, enlarging his fief at Tao. Fan Sui came from Wei to Qin.

In the year Xinmao, Qin troops attacked Han, bringing them closer to the royal house of Zhou.

In the year Renchen, Hu Shang, a Qin officer of the rank of Zhonggeng, attacked Eyu in Zhao. Zhao general Zhao She met him in battle and won. Zhao She was therefore enfeoffed as Lord Mafu, placing him on an equal footing with Lian Po. This caused the people of Qin to feel somewhat apprehensive.

In the year Guisi, Qin captured Huai in Wei.

According to the chronology in the Jing Shi, this was the 2,226th year.

In the year Jiawu, the forty-eighth year of King Nan of Zhou, the Qin crown prince died in Wei.

In the year Yiwei, Qin captured Ciuqiu in Wei. Lord Rang was removed from the office of chancellor, and Queen Dowager Xuan’s power was diminished. Qin appointed the guest minister Fan Sui as chancellor and enfeoffed him as Lord Ying. Wei Ran returned to his fief. King Huiwen of Zhao died, and his son Dan succeeded him as King Xiaocheng of Zhao. The queen dowager held power in Zhao.

In the year Bingshen, King Xiang of Qi died, and his son Jian succeeded him. Tian Dan sent troops to aid Zhao. Qin made Lord Anguo crown prince. Queen Dowager Xuan died. Qin captured three cities from Zhao and then besieged the Zhao capital, Handan. Zhao sent Lord Chang’an to Qi as a hostage and asked Qi to send troops to its aid. Zhao Sheng became chancellor of Zhao and was enfeoffed as Lord Pingyuan.

In the year Dingyou, Qi appointed Tian Dan as chancellor. Qin general Bai Qi attacked Han and captured nine cities.

In the year Wuxu, King Qingxiang of Chu died. Crown Prince Wan escaped from Qin, returned to Chu, and took the throne as King Kaolie of Chu. He appointed Huang Xie, a Zuo Tu official of Chu, as Lingyin, the highest executive official in the state. Huang Xie was titled Lord Chunshen and received a fief at Wu, with an estate that included the Huai River region north of the river. Qin general Bai Qi captured Nanjun in Han.

In the year Jihai, Chu ceded territory to Qin and sought peace. Qin’s Fifth-Rank Officer Ben attacked Han, captured fifty cities, and cut off the Taihang Road. Feng Ting of Han offered Shangdang Commandery to Zhao, which accepted the territory. Lian Po led troops to garrison Changping.

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Interpretation

In the year Gengzi, the state of Chu attacked Lu and occupied Xuzhou. Bai Qi of Qin attacked Zhao at Changping.

In the year Xinchou, Bai Qi, Lord Wu’an of Qin (his title of enfeoffment), routed the Zhao army at Changping, then advanced and laid siege to Handan. Zhao replaced Lian Po with Zhao Kuo as commander, and Changping consequently fell. The Qin army buried alive 400,000 Zhao soldiers.

In the year Renyin, Qin divided its forces into three armies, removed Lord Wu’an Bai Qi from command, and appointed Wang He to lead the troops instead. The Qin army captured Wuan and Pilao in Zhao, while Sima Geng advanced north and pacified Shangdang. Zhao sent Su Dai as an envoy to Qin.

In the year Guimao, Qin appointed Fan Ju chancellor. Wang He besieged Handan, while Zhang Tang attacked Wei and Yan. King Wucheng of Yan died, and his son, King Xiao, succeeded him. Pingyuan Jun of Zhao sought aid from Chu and Wei.

In the year Jiachen, Lord Chunshen of Chu and Lord Xinling of Wei came to Zhao’s aid. Qin recalled Lord Wu’an Bai Qi to service, but he failed to win. The Qin king then had him killed at Duyou.

In the year Yisi, King Nan of Zhou joined the armies of Qi, Han, Zhao, and Wei and marched from Yique to attack Qin. The campaign failed, and King Nan fled west to Qin. King Zhaoxiang of Qin destroyed Zhou and annexed all its territory, taking thirty-six cities. He moved the Zhou king to Danhu. Chu destroyed Lu, and Xun Qing of Qi became magistrate of Lanling.

In the year Bingwu, Qin moved the people of Zhou and the Nine Tripods to Xianyang. Cai Ze came from Yan to Qin and succeeded Fan Ju as chancellor. King Xiao of Yan died, and his son Xi succeeded him.

In the year Dingwei, Chu, Qi, Han, Yan, and Zhao submitted to Qin, while Wei remained unconquered. Qin sent the general Jiu to attack Wei and captured Wucheng.

In the year Wushen, Qin offered sacrifices to the Lord of Heaven at Yongqiu. Zhao moved its capital to Julu.

In the year Jiyou, Pingyuan Jun of Zhao died.

In the year Gengxu, King Zhaoxiang of Qin died. Crown Prince Anguo succeeded him and became known as King Xiaowen. King Xiaowen died just three days after ascending the throne, and his son Chu succeeded him as King Zhuangxiang. King Zhuangxiang made Lady Huayang his queen, named his son Zheng crown prince, and appointed Lü Buwei as chancellor. He enfeoffed Lü Buwei as Lord Wenxin, granting him a fief in Henan with 100,000 households. Lord Chunshen of Chu came to Qin to mourn the king’s death. The Yan general Li Fu attacked Zhao but was defeated. Lian Po of Zhao routed the Yan army at Hao and was enfeoffed as Lord Xinping.

In the year Xinhai, the ruler of Eastern Zhou joined with the feudal lords to attack Qin. Their campaign failed, and the ruler eventually died in Qin. Lü Buwei, chancellor of Qin, pacified Eastern Zhou and annexed all its territory, establishing the Sanchuan Commandery and moving the ruler of Eastern Zhou to Yangren. Lian Po of Zhao attacked Yan and besieged its capital.

In the year Renzi, the Qin general Meng Ao captured Taiyuan in Zhao, then took Xingyang and Chenggao in Han.

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Interpretation

In the year Guichou, the Qin general Meng Ao attacked and captured Gaodu in the state of Wei, then took thirty cities from the state of Zhao. The six states of Chu, Qi, Wei, Han, Yan, and Zhao joined forces to attack Qin but were defeated.

In the year Jiayin, King Zhuangxiang of Qin died. His crown prince, Zheng, succeeded him and was later known as Qin Shi Huang. Lü Buwei served as chancellor and was honored with the title “Father of the State.” He and the Queen Mother shared power. Li Si served as a household attendant, an official responsible for duties such as attending on his superiors. Tian Dan of Qi captured Liaocheng. Wei Wuji returned from Zhao to Wei and led the armies of five states—Chu, Qi, Han, Zhao, and Yan—in an attack on Qin. They fought in Hedong and drove back the Qin army. Meng Ao pursued the allied forces as far as Hangu Pass.

In the year Yimao, the Qin general Meng Ao pacified Jinyang.

In the year Bingchen, King Xiaocheng of Zhao died. His son Yan succeeded him and became King Daoxiang of Zhao. He appointed Yue Cheng to replace Lian Po as general, so Lian Po fled to Wei.

In the year Dingsi, the Qin general Meng Ao attacked Wei and captured two cities. He then attacked Han and captured twelve cities.

In the year Wuwu, King Anxi of Wei died, and his son King Jingmin succeeded him. Lord Xinling also died that year. The Zhao general Li Mu captured two cities from Yan.

In the year Jiwei, Qin captured twenty cities from Wei and established Dong Commandery. Zhao attacked Yan and captured the Yan general Ju Xin.

In the year Gengshen, King Kaolie of Chu joined forces with the armies of Qi, Han, Zhao, Wei, and Yan to attack Qin. They advanced as far as Hangu Pass but could not win. Chu moved its capital east to Shouchun, and Lord Chunshen returned to his fief in Wu.

In the year Xinyou, Qin captured Ji in Wei, while Zhao captured Ye in Wei.

In the year Renxu, the King of Qin enfeoffed Lao Ai as Marquis Changxin and allowed him to take part in state affairs within the palace. King Huanhui of Han died, and his son An succeeded him.

In the year Guihai, Marquis Changxin Lao Ai rebelled and attacked Qinian Palace, where King Zheng of Qin was staying, but failed and was ultimately executed. The King of Qin moved the Queen Mother to Yong and exiled four thousand households to Shu. King Kaolie of Chu died, and his son, King You of Chu, succeeded him.

This is the 2,227th year of the “Wu” era, as recorded in Huangji Jingshi.

In the year Jiazi, the tenth year of Qin Shi Huang’s reign, Lü Buwei was found guilty in connection with the affair of Lao Ai and removed from the post of chancellor; Li Si became chancellor. Qi and Zhao sent envoys to offer congratulations, and a banquet was held to celebrate. The King of Qin brought the Queen Dowager Huayang back to Ganquan Palace.

In the year Yichou, the Qin generals Wang Jian and Huan Yi captured nine cities from Zhao. King Daoxiang of Zhao died, and his son Qian succeeded him. The Qin army attacked Ye.

In the year Bingyin, Qin joined forces with Wei to attack Chu and Han. Marquis Wenxin Lü Buwei died by suicide.

In the year Dingmao, the Qin general Huan Yi decisively defeated the Zhao army at Pingyang, killing or wounding one hundred thousand soldiers. Han Fei, a prince of Han, went on a mission to Qin but did not return.

In the year Wuchen, the Qin general Huan Yi captured Yi’an and Chili in Zhao. King An of Han came to the Qin court.

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Interpretation

In the year of the Earth Snake, Qin attacked Zhao: one army advanced on Ye, and another on Langmeng. Crown Prince Dan of Yan fled from Qin back to Zhao. The Zhao general Li Mu distinguished himself in resisting the Qin army.

In the year of the Metal Horse, Wei ceded Liyi to Qin.

In the year of the Metal Goat, Neishi Teng, a Qin commander, destroyed Han, captured its king, and made Han territory Yingchuan Commandery.

In the year of the Water Monkey, the Qin general Wang Jian captured Jingxing and routed the Zhao army, then laid siege to Julu. Zhao appointed Zhao Cong in place of Li Mu and Yan Ju in place of Sima Shang to command its forces.

In the year of the Water Rooster, the Qin general Wang Jian destroyed Zhao and captured its king, making Zhao territory Zhao Commandery. King You of Chu died, and his younger brother by the same mother, You, succeeded him. Their elder half-brother Fuchu killed You and took the throne. King Jingmin of Wei died, and his son Jia succeeded him. After Zhao fell, Crown Prince Xi proclaimed himself King of Dai and joined forces with the Yan army at Shanggu.

In the year of the Wood Dog, the Qin general Wang Jian defeated the Yan army at the Yi River. Yan sent Jing Ke as an envoy to Qin, but Jing Ke never returned.

In the year of the Wood Pig, the Qin generals Wang Jian and Wang Ben destroyed Yan and captured Crown Prince Dan. Citing his age and illness, Wang Jian resigned and returned home. The Qin army captured ten cities from Chu.

In the year of the Fire Rat, the Qin general Wang Ben destroyed Wei, breached the Yellow River dikes to flood Daliang, and captured the king of Wei.

In the year of the Fire Ox, the Qin general Wang Jian defeated the Chu army and killed its general Xiang Yan. Chu suffered a crushing defeat at Qi and retreated to Shouchun.

In the year of the Earth Tiger, the Qin generals Wang Jian and Meng Wu destroyed Chu and captured its king, making Chu territory Chu Commandery.

In the year of the Earth Rabbit, the Qin general Wang Ben pacified Liaodong and captured the king of Yan. He then pacified Dai and captured Zhao’s crown prince. Wang Jian pacified Yue and established Kuaiji Commandery there.

In the year of the Metal Dragon, the Qin general Wang Ben destroyed Qi and captured its king, making Qi territory Qi Commandery.

The Qin realm stretched east to the sea and Joseon, west to Lintao and Qiangzhong, south to Beixianghu, and north to the Yin Mountains and Liaodong. The First Emperor divided the empire into thirty-six commanderies, abolished the fiefs of the feudal lords, and appointed commandery administrators. He confiscated weapons throughout the realm and melted them down to cast twelve bronze statues. He relocated wealthy and influential families from across the land to Xianyang, a total of 120,000 households. He undertook vast construction projects, building the Epang Palace as a foundation for his successors. He called himself the “First Emperor” and designated the month of Jianhai as the beginning of the year.

In the year of the Metal Snake, the First Emperor toured the western regions, reaching Longyou, Beidi, and Huizhong, then returned.

In the year of the Water Horse, the First Emperor toured the eastern regions, reaching Zouyi Mountain. At Mount Tai, he performed the Fengshan rites, the imperial ceremonies for making offerings to Heaven and Earth, and then performed the Chan sacrifice at Mount Liangfu. He next traveled south and climbed Mount Langya. The chancellors Kui Lin and Wang Wan, the senior officials Li Si and Wang Wu, the Five-Rank Grandee Zhao Ying, and the general Yang Jiu and others had inscriptions praising the First Emperor’s achievements carved in metal and stone and erected by the seashore. The First Emperor then continued south, reaching Mount Heng.

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Interpretation

Mountains rose from the river. Qin Shi Huang returned from Nanjun by way of Wuguan.

In the year Guiwei, Qin Shi Huang traveled east on an inspection tour. When he reached Bolangsha, an assassin attacked him. He then climbed the ping-si—a screen wall or similar structure outside a palace gate—and carved an inscription commemorating his achievements. He returned north by way of Shangdang.

The year Jiashen.

The year Yiyou.

In the year Bingxu, Qin Shi Huang traveled north on an inspection tour to Jieshi, then returned by way of Shangjun. He sent Meng Tian to attack the Xiongnu and seize the land south of the Yellow River.

In the year Dinghai, Qin forces seized the Lingliang region in the south and established the commanderies of Guilin and Xiang. In the north, they drove back the Xiongnu, extending eastward along the Yellow River from Yuzhong as far as the Yin Mountains. They divided this territory into thirty-four counties and built fortified posts along the Yellow River. Meng Tian was also sent across the river to seize Ga que, Taoshan, and the Beijia region, where he built watchposts and defensive barriers.

In the year Wuzi, Qin Shi Huang held a banquet at the Xianyang Palace, summoned the books collected throughout the realm, and had them burned.

In the year Jichou, he summoned scholars from across the realm to Mount Li and had them buried alive. He also undertook a vast construction project for the Epang Palace, extending from Xianyang to the south of the Wei River.

The year Gengyin.

In the year Xinmao, Qin Shi Huang traveled south on an inspection tour to Yunmeng. Left Chancellor Feng Quji remained behind, while Right Chancellor Li Si accompanied him. Qin Shi Huang’s youngest son, Hu Hai, asked to join the tour. After the party reached Mount Jiuyi, it traveled downriver eastward to Kuaiji, then north to Langya, and on by way of Pingyuan to Shaqiu. Qin Shi Huang died there. Left Chancellor Li Si and the eunuch Zhao Gao forged the emperor’s edict, appointing the youngest son, Hu Hai, as heir, and ordered the crown prince and General Meng Tian, who were stationed in Shangjun, to die. The party then returned to Xianyang. Hu Hai took the throne and became known as the Second Emperor. Qin Shi Huang was buried at Mount Li.

In the year Renchen, the eunuch Zhao Gao became Director of the Palace Secretariat and took control of the government. The Second Emperor traveled east on an inspection tour to Kuaiji and then to Liaodong before returning. He carried out mass killings of the royal family and court officials and continued expanding the Epang Palace. He conscripted fifty thousand able-bodied men from across the realm to serve as garrison officers. Grain from within three hundred li of Xianyang was forbidden from being supplied to the troops on garrison duty.

The conscript Chen Sheng declared himself king in Chu. Counties and commanderies east of the passes rose in response, killing their local officials and marching west to attack Qin. Chen Sheng’s general Wu Chen declared himself king in Zhao; Wei Jiu did so in Wei; Tian Dan, a man of the Di people, in Qi; and Xiang Liang, a man of Chu, in Kuaiji. Liu Ji (that is, Liu Bang), a man from Xu, raised an army in Feng and Pei. Chen Sheng’s forces marched west against Qin and reached Xi.

In the year Guisi, Qin executed Right Chancellor Feng Quji and General Feng Jie, and imprisoned Left Chancellor Li Si, because they had advised the emperor to stop construction of the Epang Palace. General Zhang…

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Interpretation

Zhang Han defeated Chen Sheng at Chengfu and then defeated Xiang Liang at Dingtao. After Tian Dan was killed in battle at Linji, his younger brother Tian Rong installed Tian Dan’s son, Tian Shi, as king. Chen Sheng’s deputy general Qin Jia installed Chen Sheng’s son Jing Ju as king. Xiang Liang killed Jing Ju, found Xiong Xin, the grandson of King Huai of Chu, and installed him as king, establishing his regime at Xuyi. After Xiang Liang died, his nephew Xiang Yu stationed troops at Pengcheng, while Xiang Liang’s deputy general Liu Ji (that is, Liu Bang) stationed troops at Dangshan.

King Xiong Xin of Chu incorporated Xiang Liang’s troops, moved the capital from Xuyi to Pengcheng, appointed Liu Ji governor of Dang Commandery, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Wu’an, and ordered him to seize territory to the south before attacking Qin to the west. He appointed Xiang Yu Duke of Lu, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Chang’an, and ordered him to go north to relieve Zhao before attacking Qin to the west. The king of Chu and his generals agreed that whoever first entered the Guanzhong region would become king.

The 2,228th year since the beginning of the world.

In the year Jiawu, the third year of the Second Qin Emperor, Zhao Gao, Director of the Palace Guards, declared himself chancellor, killed Li Si, and then murdered the Second Qin Emperor, Hu Hai, at Wangyi Palace. He intended to take the throne for himself, but failed to establish himself as ruler. He therefore installed Ziying, the son of the Second Emperor’s elder brother, as king. After ascending the throne, Ziying exterminated Zhao Gao’s three clans in Yi.

Pei Gong led an army of one hundred thousand through Wuguan into Qin and reached Xianyang. King Ziying of Qin surrendered at Zhidao. Pei Gong took possession of Qin’s maps, household registers, and documents, sealed the palaces, offices, and treasuries, and announced to the people of Qin a three-clause agreement. He then withdrew his troops to Bashang and awaited the eastern lords.

Xiang Yu went north to relieve Zhao. At Julu, he killed Song Yi, the senior general, then routed Zhang Han’s army at the Huan River. The two hundred thousand Qin soldiers who surrendered were all buried alive at Xin’an. Xiang Yu then joined forces with the troops of the five states of Qi, Zhao, Wei, Han, and Yan. Together, their four hundred thousand men entered the pass through Hangu Pass and met Pei Gong at Xi. They stormed and looted Xianyang, killed Ziying, seized the palace women, jade, silk, and other valuables, and burned down the palaces and treasuries.

In the year Yiwei, Xiang Yu broke his agreement and appointed kings on his own. He honored Xiong Xin, king of Chu, as Righteous Emperor and moved him to the south of the Yangtze, with his capital at Chen. He enfeoffed Pei Gong Liu Ji as King of Han and moved him to Hanzhong, with his capital at Nanzheng.

Xiang Yu divided the former Qin territory in Guanzhong into three parts. He enfeoffed Zhang Han, the Qin general who had surrendered, as King of Yong, with his capital at Feiqiu; Sima Xin, another surrendered Qin general, as King of Sai, with his capital at Liyang; and Dong Yi, also a surrendered Qin general, as King of Zhai, with his capital at Gaonu.

He also divided Qi into three parts. He enfeoffed Tian Du, a general of Qi, as King of Linzi, with his capital at Linzi; Tian An, another general of Qi, as King of Jibei, with his capital at Boyang; and the remaining part to the king of Qi …

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Interpretation

Tian Shi was enfeoffed as King of Jiaodong and moved to Jimo. The lands of Chu were divided into three parts. The Chu general Ying Bu was enfeoffed as King of Jiujiang, with his capital at Liu. The Chu general Gong Ao was enfeoffed as King of Linjiang, with his capital at Jiangling. Wu Rui, ruler of Fan, was enfeoffed as King of Hengshan and moved his capital to Zhu.

The lands of Zhao were divided into two parts. The Chu general Zhang Er was enfeoffed as King of Changshan, with his capital at Xiangguo. King Xie of Zhao was enfeoffed as King of Dai and moved to Yanmen. Han was also divided into two parts: the Chu general Shen Yang was enfeoffed as King of Henan, with his capital at Luoyang; the Han general Han Cheng was enfeoffed as King of Han, with his capital at Yangzhai.

The lands of Wei were divided into two parts. The Zhao general Sima Ang was enfeoffed as King of Yin, with his capital at Chaoge. King Bao of Wei remained King of Wei, but moved his capital to Pingyang. Yan was also divided into two parts: the Yan general Zang Tu was enfeoffed as King of Yan, with his capital at Ji; King Guang of Yan was enfeoffed as King of Liaodong and moved to Wuzhong.

Mei Xuan, a subordinate of Wu Rui, was enfeoffed as a marquis with a fief of one hundred thousand households. Chen Yu, a subordinate of King Xie of Zhao, received three counties around Huan. Tian Rong, a subordinate of Tian Shi, received no fief. Xiang Yu styled himself Hegemon-King of Western Chu, ruled nine commanderies in the Liang region, and established his capital at Pengcheng.

The kings under Xiang Yu were all ordered to disband their armies and return to their respective fiefs. Xiang Yu also set out eastward. He sent people to kill Yi Di, the nominal ruler of All Under Heaven, by the riverside. He also killed King Cheng of Han and appointed Zheng Chang in his place. Zang Tu killed Han Guang in Yan and annexed his territory. In Qi, Tian Rong killed Tian Du, Tian An, and Tian Shi, annexed their lands, and declared himself King of Qi.

Peng Yue accepted Tian Rong’s military tally and seized the Liang region. Chen Yu accepted Tian Rong’s troops and defeated Changshan. King Xie of Zhao left Dai and moved his capital to Julu. Zhang Er fled to Han territory. Xiang Yu marched north and defeated Tian Rong in Qi. After Tian Rong was killed in battle, his younger brother Tian Heng installed Tian Guang, Tian Rong’s son, as ruler and once again held Chengyang.

In the year Bingshen, the King of Han, Liu Bang, marched east from Nanzheng and took the lands of the Three Qins. Joining forces with troops from Han and those of five other allied lords, he commanded a total of 560,000 men and advanced east to attack Chu. He entered Pengcheng, seized its treasures and beautiful women, and held a banquet to celebrate. Xiang Yu hurried back from the front in Qi and inflicted a crushing defeat on the Han army at the Sui River, killing more than 100,000 men. He also captured the King of Han’s parents, wife, and children. The King of Han retreated to Xingyang and built a covered corridor so that grain from Aocang could be brought in. He sent Han Xin and Zhang Er to attack Wei and Zhao. Troops dispatched from Guanzhong by the chancellor Xiao He also arrived. From then on, Han and Chu fought daily around Jing and Suo.

In the year Dingyou, the Chu army besieged the Han army at Xingyang and captured the city. Jixin, Zhou Ke, Zong Gong...

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Interpretation

The Han army retreated to Chenggao. Ying Bu, King of Jiujiang, surrendered to the Han. The Han general Peng Yue defeated Chu forces at Xiapi. After pacifying Wei and Zhao, Han Xin and Zhang Er returned with their troops to Xiuwu. Liu Bang, the King of Han, crossed the Yellow River north from Chenggao and reached Xiuwu. He sent Zhang Er to Zhao to gather its troops. Han Xin attacked Qi. Lu Wan and Liu Jia crossed south over the White Horse Ford, joined Peng Yue, and together attacked the Chu army. The Chu army captured Chenggao from the Han once again.

In the year Wuxu, the Han army recaptured Chenggao and faced the Chu army at Guangwu. After pacifying Qi, Han Xin asked to be appointed its acting king. Xiang Yu sought peace, agreeing to divide the realm along the Honggou and return the King of Han’s parents and wife. The Han army withdrew to Yangxia. It later attacked again, but the Chu army defeated it once more. The King of Han then summoned Han Xin, Peng Yue, Ying Bu, and the armies of the feudal lords to assemble at Gaixia.

In the year Jihai, the Han dynasty destroyed Chu. Xiang Yu died at Dongcheng. The King of Han buried him at Gucheng with the rites due to the Duke of Lu. The feudal lords in Chu successively surrendered, and the King of Han reduced their ranks to marquises. He made Han Xin, King of Qi, King of Chu, with his seat at Xiapi; made Peng Yue, Marquis of Jiancheng, King of Liang, with his seat at Dingtao; made Ying Bu, King of Jiujiang, King of Huainan, with his seat at Guangling; made Han Xin, King of Han, King of Han, with his seat at Yangzhai; and made Wu Rui, King of Hengshan, King of Changsha, with his seat at Linxiang. Liu Bang ascended the throne as emperor on the north bank of the Si River, established his capital at Chang’an, and undertook large-scale palace construction. Zang Tu, King of Yan, defied the emperor’s orders. The Han army captured Dai Commandery and set out to pacify Yan, taking Zang Tu prisoner. The King of Han appointed the Grand Commandant Lu Wan as King of Yan. After Tian Guang, King of Qi, died, Shu Suntong enthroned Tian Heng; Tian Heng later went out to sea.

In the year Gengzi, the emperor toured Yunmeng and met the feudal lords at Chen, where he captured Han Xin, King of Chu. Han Xin surrendered and was demoted to Marquis of Huaiyin. The Han court divided his fief into two parts: one was given to Liu Jia, who became King of Jing with his seat east of the Huai River; the other was given to Liu Jiao, Liu Bang’s younger brother, who became King of Chu with his seat west of the Huai. Liu Fei, Liu Bang’s son, was also made King of Qi. Han Xin, King of Han, was transferred to the title of King of Taiyuan. The Xiongnu raided Mayi, and Han Xin, King of Taiyuan, led his followers in rebellion against Han. The emperor honored his father, the Grand Retired Emperor, with the title Supreme Emperor.

In the year Xinchou, the emperor marched north to campaign against Han Xin, King of Han, at Tongdi. Han Xin fled to the Xiongnu. The Han army then campaigned against the Xiongnu and advanced to Pingcheng. The Xiongnu besieged the emperor at Pingcheng for seven days. Fan Kuai pacified Dai in the north, and the Han court made his elder brother Fan Zhong King of Dai.

In the year Renyin, the Han court built Weiyang Palace. Liu Zhong, King of Dai, fled from Yanmen and returned; he was stripped of his title and made Marquis of Heyang. The Han court appointed Chen Xi King of Dai.

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Interpretation

In the Gui Mao year, the emperor summoned the feudal lords in large numbers to Weiyang Palace, a Han dynasty palace. The plot by Guan Gao, chancellor of Zhao, was exposed.

In the Jia Chen year, the Retired Emperor and the Retired Empress died. Chen Xi launched a rebellion in Yanmen.

The emperor marched north to suppress the revolt, executed Han Xin, Marquis of Huaiyin, and exterminated his three kinship groups. Xiao He became chancellor.

In the Yi Si year, Peng Yue, king of Liang, launched a rebellion at Dingtao. The revolt was put down, and Peng Yue’s three kinship groups were exterminated. Ying Bu, king of Huainan, rebelled at Guangling and took control of lands on both sides of the Huai River.

In the Bing Wu year, the emperor campaigned against Huainan, suppressed the revolt, and exterminated Ying Bu’s three kinship groups. Zhou Bo pacified the region of Dai and captured Chen Xi at Dangcheng. The emperor died, and Crown Prince Liu Ying took the throne.

This was Emperor Hui. Empress Dowager Lü (Lü Zhi) governed from court, exercising the emperor’s authority in his place. Xiao He, Cao Can, Chen Ping, and Zhou Bo assisted in governing. Gaozu was buried at Changling. Lu Wan launched a rebellion in Yan.

In the Ding Wei year, Empress Dowager Lü killed Liu Ruyi, king of Zhao, and his mother, Lady Qi. Liu Fei, king of Qi, ceded Yangcheng as the bathing and washing estate of Princess Luyuan, a fief from which she could collect taxes for her living expenses.

In the Wu Shen year, Chancellor Xiao He died, and Cao Can succeeded him.

In the Ji You year, work began on the walls of Chang’an.

In the Geng Xu year, the law prohibiting private ownership of books was abolished.

In the Xin Hai year, Chancellor Cao Can died. Wang Ling became right chancellor, and Chen Ping became left chancellor.

In the Ren Zi year, Grand Marshal Fan Kuai died, and Zhou Bo became grand marshal.

In the Gui Chou year, Emperor Hui died. The court placed an unnamed child on the throne and buried Emperor Hui at Anling. Four members of the Lü family were made kings and six were made marquises. Wang Ling was dismissed, Chen Ping was promoted to right chancellor, and Shen Shiqi became left chancellor and took part in affairs of state within the palace. Empress Dowager Lü held supreme power; her personal name was Zhi.

No major events are recorded for the Jia Yin, Yi Mao, or Bing Chen years.

In the Ding Si year, Empress Dowager Lü confined the unnamed child in Yongxiang, the part of the palace where female attendants were imprisoned, and then killed him. She made the king of Hengshan emperor in his place; he was called Emperor Yi.

In the Wu Wu year, Zhao Tuo proclaimed himself emperor in Nanyue.

In the Ji Wei year, the Xiongnu invaded Didao.

In the Geng Shen year, Empress Dowager Lü killed Liu You, king of Zhao. She appointed Lü Chan, king of Liang, as chancellor and Lü Lu, king of Zhao, as supreme general, placing them in command of the Southern and Northern Armies respectively.

In the Xin You year, Empress Dowager Lü died. Chancellor Chen Ping, Grand Marshal Zhou Bo, the Marquis of Zhuxu Liu Zhang, the Marquis of Quzhou Li Shang, and Li Shang’s son Li Ji, among others, killed Lü Chan, seized command of the Southern and Northern Armies, and exterminated the Lü family’s three kinship groups. They deposed the king of Hengshan and brought back Liu Heng, the middle son of Gaozu and king of Dai, from Yanmen to take the throne.

This was Emperor Wen. He appointed Song Chang as General of the Guards, with exclusive command of the Southern and Northern Armies.

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Interpretation

Chancellor Chen Ping yielded the office of Right Chancellor to Zhou Bo and became Left Chancellor.

Guan Ying served as chancellor, and Zhang Wu as a Gentleman of the Palace (a court attendant).

In the year renxu, Prince Liu Qi was made Crown Prince. Zhou Bo was removed from the chancellorship, and Chen Ping took charge of both the left and right chancellorships.

In the year guihai, Chancellor Chen Ping died, and Zhou Bo once again became chancellor. The court began making bronze tiger tallies, credentials for moving troops. Each tally was divided into two halves; troops could be moved only when the halves were brought together.

This is the 2,229th year of the Shen position as recorded in the Huangji Jingshi.

In the year jiazi, the third year of Emperor Xiaowen of Han, Zhou Bo was removed from the chancellorship, and Guan Ying succeeded him. Wang Xingju raised a rebellion in Jibei, which was put down. The Xiongnu raided Beidi Commandery.

In the year yichou, the Marquis of Jiang, Zhou Bo, was handed over to the Commandant of Justice, the official responsible for judicial and penal affairs, for trial.

In the year bingyin.

In the year dingmao, Wang Chang raised a rebellion in Huainan and was exiled to Shu. Jia Yi was banished to Changsha.

In the year wuchen.

In the year jisi.

In the year gengwu.

In the year xinwei.

In the year renshen.

In the year you.

In the year jiaxu, corporal punishment—penalties that injured the body—was abolished.

In the year yihai.

In the year bingzi, a ceremony was held to sacrifice to the Supreme Deity.

In the year dingchou.

In the year wuyin, the reign era was changed to the first year and called “Later Yuan.”

In the year jimao.

In the year gengchen.

In the year xinsi.

In the year renwu.

In the year guiwei, the Xiongnu raided Yunzhong and Shang Commanderies. The court ordered six generals to garrison the frontier in readiness; Zhou Yafu stationed his troops at Xiliu.

In the year jiashen, Emperor Wen died. Crown Prince Liu Qi ascended the throne as Emperor Xiaojing. Emperor Wen was buried at Baling, and his temple name was Taizong.

In the year yiyou, the Han court and the Xiongnu agreed to a marriage alliance.

In the year bingxu.

In the year dinghai, the kings of Wu, Liu Bi; Jiaoxi, Liu Ang; Chu, Liu Wu; Zhao, Liu Sui; Jinan, Liu Piguang; Zichuan, Liu Xian; and Jiaodong, Liu Xiongqu, joined forces in rebellion. The court executed Grand Censor Chao Cuo, and the Rebellion of the Seven Kingdoms was eventually put down. King Xiao of Liang, Liu Wu, grew powerful and controlled a vast region in the east.

In the year wuzi, Prince Liu Rong was made Crown Prince.

In the year jichou, a princess was sent to the Xiongnu in a marriage alliance.

In the year gengyin.

In the year xinmao, Crown Prince Liu Rong was deposed, and the King of Jiaodong, Liu Che, was made Crown Prince in his place. Grand Commandant Zhou Yafu became chancellor.

In the year renchen, the reign era was changed to the first year and called “Middle Yuan.”

In the year guisi.

This is the 2,230th year of the You position as recorded in the Huangji Jingshi.

In the year jiawu, the tenth year of Emperor Xiaojing of Han, Zhou Yafu was removed from the chancellorship.

In the year yiwei.

In the year bingshen.

In the year dingyou.

In the year wuxu, the reign era was changed again to the first year and called “Later Yuan.” Zhou Yafu was imprisoned and later died in prison.

In the year jihai.

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Interpretation

In the Gengzi year, Emperor Jing died, and the crown prince Liu Che ascended the throne. He was the Filial and Martial Emperor, known as Emperor Wu of Han. Emperor Jing was buried at Yangling.

In the Xinchou year, the era name was changed to the first year of Jianyuan.

In the Renyin year, Dou Ying was dismissed from the post of chancellor, and Tian Fen was dismissed from the post of grand commandant.

No major events were recorded in the Guimao, Jiachen, or Yisi years.

In the Bingwu and Dingwei years, the era name was changed to Yuanguang. The court began ordering the commanderies and kingdoms to recommend people who were filial to their parents and upright in conduct, known as “filial and incorrupt” (xiaolian). Dong Zhongshu was summoned and appointed as a result.

In the Wushen year, the court appointed generals and mobilized three hundred thousand troops for a major campaign against the Xiongnu, but the outcome was unfavorable.

No major events were recorded in the Jiyou year.

In the Gengxu year, Dou Ying was executed in the marketplace, and Tian Fen died.

In the Xinhai year, Empress Chen was deposed and Wei Zifu was made empress. Wei Zifu’s younger brother, Wei Qing, was appointed a general.

In the Renzi year, the court appointed generals to launch a major attack against the Xiongnu along four routes, but they achieved no victories.

In the Guichou year, the era name was changed to Yuanshuo.

In the Jiayin year, Wei Qing attacked the Xiongnu and won military victories, recovering the region south of the Yellow River. The court established Shuofang and Wuyuan commanderies there.

No major events were recorded in the Yimao year.

In the Bingchen year, the Xiongnu raided Shang Commandery.

In the Dingsi year, the Xiongnu raided Yanmen. Wei Qing led troops against them and won military victories. He was appointed grand general, while Gongsun Hong became chancellor and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Pingjin.

In the Wuwu year, Wei Qing campaigned against the Xiongnu and won a great victory. Huo Qubing was appointed Commandant of the Swift Cavalry. Zhang Qian served as an envoy to the Western Regions and distinguished himself, earning enfeoffment as Marquis of Bowang.

In the Jiwei year, the era name was changed to Yuanshou after a white qilin was captured. Liu An, King of Huainan, and Liu Ci, King of Hengshan, rebelled; their uprising was suppressed. Liu Ju was made crown prince.

In the Gengshen year, Huo Qubing campaigned against the Xiongnu, reached Juyan, and was appointed General of the Agile Cavalry. Li Guang achieved no military victories in his campaign against the Xiongnu and was demoted to commoner.

No major events were recorded in the Xinyou year.

In the Renxu year, Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, and Li Guang launched a major attack against the Xiongnu. Li Guang died by suicide.

In the Guihai year, Chancellor Li Cai died by suicide.

This is the Xu year in the chronological record of the Jingshi, 2,231 years after the designated starting point.

In the Jiazi year, the twenty-fourth year of the reign of the Filial and Martial Emperor of Han, Grand Marshal Huo Qubing died.

In the Yichou year, the era name was changed to Yuanding.

In the Bingyin year, Chancellor Zhai Qing was imprisoned and died in prison.

In the Dingmao year, Hangu Pass was moved to Xin’an.

In the Wuchen year, the fangshi Luan Da was enfeoffed as Marquis of Letong.

In the Jisi year, Lü Jia, chancellor to the King of Nanyue, rebelled. A total of 160 nobles lost their titles because the gold they presented as sacrificial offerings to the ancestral temples was of insufficient purity or weight. Chancellor Zhao Zhou was imprisoned and died in prison.

Luan Da, Marquis of Letong, was executed in the marketplace for deceiving the court. The Western Qiang and the Xiongnu raided Wuyuan.

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Interpretation

In the Gengwu year, the rebellion in the south was suppressed, and King Yushan of Dongyue rebelled. Bu Shi became Imperial Censor-in-Chief, an official responsible for oversight and financial affairs.

In the Xinwei year, the reign era was changed to Yuanfeng. Emperor Wu campaigned against the Xiongnu and reached the Northern Sea. Dongyue killed Yushan and surrendered. The emperor performed sacrifices at Mount Tai, Mount Song, and Mount Hua, then went to Mount Liangfu to perform the earth-offering rite, part of the Fengshan ceremony. He traveled east as far as Jieshi, then went west through Jiuyuan and returned to Ganquan.

In the Renshen year, Emperor Wu again made a tour of Mount Tai and had the Huzi embankment built. Joseon raided Liaodong.

In the Guiyou year, Joseon killed its king, Ugeo, and surrendered. Emperor Wu performed a sacrifice to Houtu, the Earth Deity, at Fenyin.

In the Jiaxu year.

In the Yihai year, Emperor Wu toured the south as far as Shengtang. Grand Marshal Wei Qing died.

In the Bingzi year, Emperor Wu traveled west to Huizhong and again performed a sacrifice to Houtu at Fen yin.

In the Dingchou year, the reign era was changed to Taichu. Emperor Wu toured east to Mount Tai and changed the calendar so that the Yin month began the year. He campaigned west against Dayuan and began construction of Jianzhang Palace.

In the Wuyin year, Emperor Wu traveled north to Hedong and sacrificed to Houtu. He also sent twenty thousand cavalry to campaign against the Xiongnu, but they did not return.

In the Jimao year, Emperor Wu traveled east to the coast. The Xiongnu raided Zhangye and Jiuquan.

In the Gengchen year, Li Guangli pacified Dayuan, captured its king, and obtained the famous blood-sweating horses, said to sweat blood.

In the Xinsi year, the reign era was changed to Tianhan. Su Wu, a Gentleman Attendant, was sent on a mission to the Xiongnu. Emperor Wu traveled north to Hedong.

In the Renwu year, Emperor Wu traveled east to the coast, then west to Huizhong. General Li Ling campaigned against the Xiongnu and did not return.

In the Guiwei year, Emperor Wu toured east to Mount Tai, then traveled north to Mount Chang. The Xiongnu raided Yanmen.

In the Jiashen year, a major campaign against the Xiongnu went badly. Emperor Wu received the feudal lords at Ganquan Palace.

In the Yiyou year, the reign era was changed to Taishi.

In the Bingxu year, Emperor Wu traveled west to Huizhong.

In the Dinghai year, Emperor Wu traveled east to the coast.

In the Wuzi year, Emperor Wu toured east to Mount Tai.

In the Jichou year, the reign era was changed to Zhenghe. The witchcraft affair broke out: people accused one another of crimes such as using sorcery to curse others, setting off a political crisis.

In the Gengyin year, the Crown Prince killed Jiang Chong. Chancellor Liu Quli sent troops to attack the prince, and the two sides fought in Chang’an. The prince was defeated and died, and the empress took her own life. Princess Zhuyi and others were also convicted and executed in connection with the witchcraft case.

In the Xinmao year, a major campaign against the Xiongnu was launched. The witchcraft case was brought to light, and Chancellor Liu Quli was executed.

In the Renchen year, Emperor Wu traveled east to the coast. The realm was exhausted by years of warfare.

In the Guisi year, the reign era was changed to Houyuan. Marquis Ma Tong of Chonghe rebelled.

The Jingshi chronology: the Hai cycle, year 2,232.

In the Jiawu year, the fifty-fourth year of Emperor Xiaowu of Han’s reign, he installed his son Fuling as Crown Prince. Emperor Wu visited the Wuzuo Palace at Zhuzhi and died soon afterward. The Grand Marshal…

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Interpretation

Huo Guang accepted Emperor Wu’s final instructions to assist the Crown Prince Fuling (Liu Fuling, later Emperor Zhao of Han) in succeeding to the throne. This was Emperor Zhao. He buried Emperor Wu at Maoling, while the General-in-Chief Huo Guang took sole control of the government.

In the year Yǐwèi, the reign title was changed to Shiyuan.

In the year Bǐngshēn.

In the year Dīngyǒu.

In the year Wùxū.

In the year Jǐhài.

In the year Gēngzǐ.

In the year Xīchǒu, the reign title was changed to Yuanfeng. Princess Eyi, Liu Dan, the Prince of Yan, and Shangguan Jie, the Left General, plotted to murder Huo Guang. Their plot was exposed, and they were executed.

In the year Rényín.

In the year Guǐmǎo.

In the year Jiǎchén, Chancellor Tian Qianqiu died.

In the year Yǐsì, Chancellor Wang Xin died.

In the year Bǐngwǔ.

In the year Dīngwèi, the reign title was changed to Yuanping. Emperor Zhao died, and Liu He, the Prince of Changyi, ascended the throne. He buried Emperor Zhao at Pingling. After Liu He’s conduct as emperor proved improper, Huo Guang deposed him and brought Liu Xun, grandson of the former Crown Prince Li, to the throne. This was Emperor Xiaoxuan, known as Emperor Xuan of Han. Bing Ji became chancellor.

In the year Wùshēn, the reign title was changed to Benshi.

In the year Jǐyǒu, the Han court ordered its generals to lead an army of 150,000 in a major campaign against the Xiongnu.

In the year Gēngxū.

In the year Xīnhài, Empress Xu died after being poisoned. Huo Guang brought his own daughter into the palace and had her installed as empress.

In the year Rénzǐ, the reign title was changed to Dijie.

In the year Guǐchǒu, Huo Guang, Grand Marshal and General-in-Chief, died. His son Huo Yu succeeded to his father’s position.

In the year Jiǎyín, the emperor’s son Liu Shi was invested as crown prince.

In the year Yǐmǎo, Huo Yu, Grand Marshal, plotted a rebellion. The plot was exposed, and the Huo clan was exterminated to the third degree of kinship. Empress Huo was also deposed.

In the year Bǐngchén, the reign title was changed to Yuankang.

In the year Dīngsì, Lady Wang was installed as empress.

In the year Wùwǔ, the Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor Shu Guang and Junior Tutor Shu Shou pleaded illness, resigned from office, and returned to Donghai.

In the year Jǐwèi.

In the year Gēngshēn, the reign title was changed to Shenjue. Zhao Chongguo campaigned against the Western Qiang.

In the year Xīnyǒu.

In the year Rénxū, Xiao Wangzhi became Grandee Secretary.

In the year Guǐhài, Huang Ba, Governor of Yingchuan, was granted the rank of Marquis within the Passes; Yan Yannian, Governor of Henan, was executed.

The Book of Supreme Mystery, Volume Six, the eighth chapter recording worldly events by “cycles,” “Viewing Things,” Chapter Thirty-Two. The chronological markers are: Classic Origin, Jia 1; Classic Assembly, Wu 7; Classic Cycle, Geng 187; Classic Age, Zi 2,233.

In the year Jiǎzǐ, the seventeenth year of Emperor Xiaoxuan of Han’s reign, the reign title was changed to Wufeng. Han Yanshou, Governor of the Left Fengyi, was executed, and Xiao Wangzhi was demoted to the post of Grand…

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Interpretation

In the Year of the Rat, the Grand Tutor was found guilty of showing disrespect to Chancellor Bing Ji. Yang Yun, Marquis Ping, was condemned to public execution for harboring resentment.

In the Year of the Ox.

In the Year of the Tiger, Chancellor Bing Ji died, and Huang Ba succeeded him.

In the Year of the Hare.

In the Year of the Dragon, the era name was changed to Sweet Dew.

In the Year of the Snake.

In the Year of the Horse, the Xiongnu Chanyu Huhanye came to pay court. Yu Dingguo became chancellor.

In the Year of the Sheep.

In the Year of the Monkey, the era name was changed to Yellow Dragon. Emperor Xuan died at Weiyang Palace. Crown Prince Liu Shi ascended the throne and became Emperor Xiaoyuan.

In the Year of the Rooster, the era name was changed to Beginning of the First Year. Emperor Xuan was buried at Duling, and his temple name was Zhongzong.

In the Year of the Dog, Prince Liu Ao was made crown prince. Someone plotted to kill Xiao Wangzhi.

In the Year of the Pig.

In the Year of the Rat, the emperor traveled to Hedong.

In the Year of the Ox.

In the Year of the Tiger, the era name was changed to Eternal Light.

In the Year of the Hare.

In the Year of the Dragon, the revolt of the Western Qiang was suppressed.

In the Year of the Snake.

In the Year of the Horse.

In the Year of the Sheep, the era name was changed to Establishing Brightness.

In the Year of the Monkey.

In the Year of the Rooster, Kuang Heng became chancellor.

In the Year of the Dog.

In the Year of the Pig.

In the Year of the Rat, the era name was changed to Complete Peace. The emperor died, and Crown Prince Liu Ao ascended the throne as Emperor Xiaocheng. Emperor Yuan was buried at Weiling, and his temple name was Gaozong. Wang Feng became Grand Marshal and Grand General, taking control of the court.

In the Year of the Ox, the era name was changed to Establishing the Beginning.

In the Year of the Tiger.

In the Year of the Hare, Wang Shang was dismissed as chancellor after being accused of wrongdoing. Kuang Heng was demoted to commoner.

In the Year of the Dragon, the Yellow River burst its banks. Wang Shang became chancellor.

In the Year of the Snake, the era name was changed to River Peace.

In the chronological reckoning by the Jing, the Year of the Ox was the 2,234th year.

In the Year of the Horse, the Han Emperor Xiaocheng was in the sixth year of his reign.

In the Year of the Sheep.

In the Year of the Monkey.

In the Year of the Rooster, the era name was changed to Yangshuo. Wang Zhang, Governor of the Capital Region, was imprisoned and died in prison. Zhang Yu became chancellor.

In the Year of the Dog, Wang Yin became Grand Minister of Works.

In the Year of the Pig, Grand Marshal Wang Feng died, and his younger brother Wang Yin succeeded him in office.

In the Year of the Rat.

In the Year of the Ox, the era name was changed to Vast Auspice.

In the Year of the Tiger, the emperor traveled to Lingyang.

In the Year of the Hare, Empress Xu was deposed.

In the Year of the Dragon.

In the Year of the Snake, the era name was changed to Everlasting Beginning. Wang Mang was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xindu, and Zhao Feiyan was made empress.

In the Year of the Horse, Grand Marshal Wang Yin died. Wang Shang became Grand Marshal, Zhai Fangjin became chancellor, and Kong Guang became Grand Minister of Works.

In the Year of the Sheep.

In the Year of the Monkey, Wang Shang was dismissed as Grand Marshal, and Wang Gen succeeded him.

In the Year of the Rooster, the era name was changed to Origin’s Extension.

In the Year of the Dog.

In the Year of the Pig.

In the Year of the Rat.

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Interpretation

In the year Guichou, the era name was changed to Suihe.

In the year Jiayin, Emperor Cheng died. The crown prince, Liu Xin, ascended the throne and became known as Emperor Xia’ai. Empress Dowager Wang took charge of state affairs, exercising the emperor’s authority on his behalf. Grand Marshal Wang Gen monopolized the government. Emperor Cheng was buried at Yanling. Wang Gen was dismissed after committing an offense, Ding Ming became Grand Marshal, and Kong Guang became chancellor.

In the year Yimao, the era name was changed to Jianping. Lady Fu was installed as empress, Fu Xi was appointed Grand Marshal, and Zhu Bo was appointed Grand Minister of Works.

In the year Bingshen, Fu Xi was dismissed, and Ding Ming resumed the post of Grand Marshal. Kong Guang was dismissed, and Zhu Bo took his own life.

In the year Dingsi, Chancellor Ping Dang died, and Wang Jia succeeded him.

In the year Wuwu, Xifu Gong was arrested and imprisoned, where he died.

In the year Jiwei, the era name was changed to Yuanshou. Wang Jia was arrested and died in prison, and Grand Marshal Ding Ming was dismissed.

In the year Gengshen, Emperor Ai died. Liu Yan, the Prince of Zhongshan and a grandson of Emperor Yuan, ascended the throne and became known as Emperor Xiaoping. He was only nine years old at the time. Empress Dowager Heng Ji took charge of the government and appointed Wang Mang as Grand Tutor to assist with state affairs. In the fifth year of Yuanshi, Wang Mang’s daughter was made empress.

In the year Xinyou, the era name was changed to Yuanshi, and Grand Marshal Wang Mang was enfeoffed as Duke Anhan.

In the year Renxu.

In the year Guihai.

The Jing Shi chronology, Yin section, year 2,235.

In the year Jiazi, it was the fourth year of the reign of Emperor Xiaoping of Han. Wang Mang presented his daughter to the emperor, and she was made empress.

In the year Yichou, Wang Mang killed the emperor at Weiyang Palace and installed Ruzi Ying, a grandson of Emperor Yuan, as emperor. Wang Mang was granted the “Nine Bestowments,” nine honors bestowed by ancient rulers on powerful ministers, often seen as a sign that a minister was preparing to usurp the throne.

In the year Bingyin, Wang Mang changed the era name to Jushe.

In the year Dingmao, Wang Mang declared himself “acting emperor,” meaning a regent ruling in the emperor’s place. Zhai Yi installed Liu Xin, the Marquis of Yanxiang, and launched a revolt in the Eastern Capital. Wang Mang’s general Wang Yi crushed the rebellion.

In the year Wuchen, Wang Mang changed the era name to Chushi.

In the year Jisi, Wang Mang usurped power, ordered the dynasty’s name changed to “Xin,” changed the era name to Jianguo, and demoted Ruzi Ying to Duke of Ding’an.

In the year Gengwu.

In the year Xinwei.

In the year Renshen.

In the year Guiyou.

In the year Jiaxu, Wang Mang changed the era name to Tianfeng. Peoples from the outlying regions repeatedly invaded, and the Central Plains also descended into warfare.

In the year Yihai.

In the year Bingzi.

In the year Dingchou.

In the year Wuyin.

In the year Jimao, Yang Xiong, a collator of books, died.

In the year Gengchen, Wang Mang changed the era name to Dihuang, and the Lulin Army rose in revolt.

In the year Xinsi.

In the year Renwu, Liu Xuan launched an uprising in Wan County. Liu Xiu and his elder brother Liu Bosheng also rose in revolt at Chongling.

In the year Guiwei, Liu Xuan proclaimed himself emperor, changed the era name to Gengshi, and appointed Liu Bosheng as Si… The source text ends here.

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Interpretation

Liu Xiu was appointed Deputy General of the Grand Minister of Ceremonies. That year, he decisively defeated Wang Mang’s forces at Kunyang, routing the great army led by Wang Xun and Wang Yi. The Three Adjuncts region—the area around Chang’an—was pacified, and Wang Mang was killed at the Terrace in the Gradual Waters.

Liu Xuan appointed Liu Xiu General Who Smashes the Barbarians, made him acting Grand Marshal, granted him a tally of authority, and sent him to inspect and pacify Hebei. Wang Lang’s son Lin proclaimed himself emperor at Handan.

In the jiashen year, Liu Xuan moved west into Chang’an and killed Liu Ying, the Han “Child Emperor.” Liu Xiu traveled north as far as Ji, then turned back and captured Handan, executing Wang Lang. Liu Xuan enfeoffed Liu Xiu as the Prince of Xiao. Liu Xiu was also called the “Bronze Horse Emperor,” and defeated the Chimei army at Shequan. The Chimei army moved west through Hangu Pass and attacked Liu Xuan, the Gengshi Emperor. Li Xian declared himself king in Huainan, Qin Feng called himself King Chu Li, Dong Xian raised troops in the East Sea region, and Yan Cen rose in arms in Hanzhong.

In the yiyou year, Liu Xiu, Prince of Xiao, took the throne at Hao in Hebei, naming his state Han and the era Jianwu. He then went south to Luoyang and made it his capital. The Chimei army captured Chang’an, proclaimed an emperor, and killed Liu Xuan. Gongsun Shu proclaimed himself emperor at Chengdu, adopting the era name Longxing; Liu Yong proclaimed himself emperor at Suiyang; Wei Xiao raised troops in Longyou; Lu Fang rose in arms in Anding; and Peng Chong proclaimed himself king at Jimen.

In the bingxu year, the Chimei army burned the palaces and imperial mausoleums at Chang’an. The Tongma, Qingdu, Youlai, and other groups enthroned Sun Deng as emperor in Shangjun. Sun Deng was later killed by his subordinate Le Fang.

In the dinghai year, the Chimei army surrendered to the Han forces at Yiyang, and Chang’an was pacified. Gai Yan defeated Liu Yong at Suiyang. Wei Xiao defied the court, relying on his power in the western provinces. Li Xian proclaimed himself emperor in Huainan.

In the wuzi year, no events were recorded.

In the jichou year, Peng Chong was killed by his household slave. His followers surrendered, and the court posthumously enfeoffed him as the Marquis of the Disloyal. Jimen was pacified. Zhu You subdued Qin Feng at Liqiu and eliminated Zhang Bu at Linzi. Lu Fang proclaimed himself emperor at Wuyuan. Emperor Guangwu summoned Yan Guang, but Yan Guang declined to enter government service.

In the gengyin year, Ma Cheng pacified Li Xian in Huainan, and Wu Han pacified Dong Xian in the East Sea region. Wei Xiao, relying on his power in the western provinces, submitted to Shu.

In the xinmao year, no events were recorded.

In the renchen year, the Han army campaigned west. Feng Yi and Dou Rong defeated Wei Xiao in Longyou.

In the guisi year, Wei Xiao died, and his son Wei Chun succeeded him. Lai Xi and Feng Yi attacked Shu and entered Tianshui.

This is the 2,236th year of the Mao cycle, as recorded in the Huangji Jingshi.

In the jiawu year, the tenth year of Emperor Guangwu of Han’s Jianwu era, the Han army campaigned west and destroyed Wei Chun’s forces in Longyou.

In the yiwei year, the Han army campaigned west against Shu and advanced to Nanyang. Wu Han and Cen Peng decisively defeated the Shu army at Jingmen.

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Interpretation

In the Bing Shen year, Wu Han captured Chengdu and executed Gongsun Shu and his generals Tian Rong and Cen Yan.

In the Ding You year, Lu Fang fled from Wuyuan into the territory of the Xiongnu.

In the Wu Xu year, the realm was pacified.

In the Ji Hai year, Grand Minister of the Masses Ouyang Xi was imprisoned and died.

In the Geng Zi year, Zheng Ce, a woman from Jiaozhi, raised an army in rebellion. Rebels also rose in Qingzhou, Xuzhou, Youzhou, and Jizhou.

In the Xin Chou year, the emperor toured the south. He deposed Empress Guo, demoting her to Grand Empress Dowager of Zhongshan, and installed Lady Yin as empress.

In the Ren Yin year, the emperor toured the west. Shi Xin raised a rebellion in Chengdu, and Wu Han put it down again. Ma Yuan campaigned against Jiaozhi, and the emperor went to Chang’an.

In the Gui Mao year, the emperor toured the south. Ma Yuan pacified Jiaozhi and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xinxiu. Crown Prince Liu Qiang was deposed and made Prince of Donghai; Prince Liu Zhuang of Donghai was appointed crown prince in his place.

In the Jia Chen year, Grand Minister of the Masses Dai She was imprisoned and died.

The Yi Si year.

The Bing Wu year.

The Ding Wei year.

The Wu Shen year.

In the Ji You year, Ma Yuan defeated the Wuling Man, the non-Han peoples of the Wuling region.

In the Geng Xu year, construction began on the Shouling, the emperor’s tomb built during his lifetime.

The Xin Hai year.

The Ren Zi year.

The Gui Chou year.

In the Jia Yin year, the emperor toured the east.

The Yi Mao year.

In the Bing Chen year, the emperor held the fengshan rites on Mount Tai, offering sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, and performed the chan rite on Mount Liangfu. He changed the era name to Zhongyuan. The emperor traveled west to Chang’an, and Feng Fang became Grand Minister of Works.

In the Ding Si year, the emperor died. Crown Prince Liu Zhuang ascended the throne as Emperor Xiaoming. Shizu was buried at Yuanling.

In the Wu Wu year, the era name was changed to Yongping.

The Ji Wei year.

The Geng Shen year.

The Xin You year.

In the Ren Xu year, the emperor toured the north.

In the Gui Hai year, the emperor toured the east.

The year recorded in the Huangji Jingshi is the 2,237th Chen.

In the Jia Zi year, Emperor Xiaoming of Han was in the seventh year of his reign.

The Yi Chou year.

The Bing Yin year.

In the Ding Mao year, the emperor toured the south.

The Wu Chen year.

In the Ji Si year, Mou Rong became Grand Minister of Works.

In the Geng Wu year, the Yellow River suffered a major breach.

The Xin Wei year.

In the Ren Shen year, the emperor toured the east.

In the Gui You year, Situ Xing Mu and Commandant of the Imperial Son-in-Law Han Guang were imprisoned and died.

The Jia Xu year.

In the Yi Hai year, the emperor died. Crown Prince Liu Tan ascended the throne as Emperor Xiaozhang. Xianzong was buried at Jie ling.

In the Bing Zi year, the era name was changed to Jianchu.

The Ding Chou year.

The Wu Yin year.

In the Ji Mao year, Bao Xing became Grand Commandant, and Huan Yu became Situ. The emperor issued an edict convening a discussion at the White Tiger Hall on differences in the wording and interpretation of the Five Classics.

The Geng Chen year.

The Xin Si year.

In the Ren Wu year, the crown prince was deposed and made Prince of Qinghe, and the emperor’s son Liu Zhao was appointed crown prince.

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Interpretation

The Crown Prince toured north as far as Ye and west as far as Chang’an.

In the year Guǐwèi, the emperor toured east.

In the year Jiǎshēn, the era name was changed to “Yuanhe,” and the emperor toured south. Zheng Hong was appointed Grand Commandant, the highest military official.

In the year Yǒuyǒu, the emperor toured east.

In the year Bǐngxū, the emperor toured north.

In the year Dīnghài, the era name was changed to “Zhanghe,” and the emperor toured south.

In the year Wùzǐ, the emperor died. Crown Prince Zhao ascended the throne; he was Emperor Xiaohé.

Empress Dowager Dou ruled from court, handling state affairs and issuing edicts on the emperor’s behalf. Dou Xian was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry and took control of the government. Emperor Suzong was buried at Jingling. Deng Biao was appointed Grand Commandant and also placed in charge of the Secretariat.

In the year Jǐchǒu, the era name was changed to “Yongyuan.” Dou Xian defeated the Xiongnu at Mount Jiluo and was subsequently appointed General-in-Chief.

In the year Gēngyín.

In the year Xīnmǎo, the emperor underwent the capping ceremony, marking his coming of age. Ban Chao pacified the Western Regions.

In the year Rénchén, Dou Xian’s plot to rebel was exposed, and he was executed. From then on, the emperor personally handled state affairs.

In the year Guǐsì.

This was the 2,238th year of the jǐ cycle, as recorded in the Jing of the Supreme Principle (Huangji Jingshi).

In the year Jiǎwǔ, the sixth year of Emperor Xiaohé of Han.

In the year Yǐwèi.

In the year Bǐngshēn.

In the year Dīngyǒu, Situ Liu Fang was found guilty and committed suicide.

In the year Wùxū.

In the year Jǐhài.

In the year Gēngzǐ, Zhang Pu was relieved of his post as Grand Commandant, and Zhang Yu succeeded him.

In the year Xīnchǒu, Lu Gong was appointed Situ.

In the year Rényín, Empress Yin was deposed, and Lady Deng was installed as empress. Xu Fang was appointed Sikong, a senior official responsible for matters including oversight and justice.

In the year Guǐmǎo, the emperor toured south.

In the year Jiǎchén, Situ Lu Gong was dismissed, Xu Fang was appointed Situ, and Chen Chong was appointed Sikong.

In the year Yǐsì, the era name was changed to “Yuanxing.” The emperor died, and Prince Long ascended the throne; he was Emperor Shang. Empress Dowager Deng ruled from court, while General of Chariots and Cavalry Deng Zhi took control of the government.

In the year Bǐngwǔ, the era name was changed to “Yanping.” Emperor Muzong was buried at Shenling. The emperor died soon afterward, and Deng Zhi installed You, the grandson of Emperor Zhang, as emperor; he was Emperor Xia’ān. Emperor Shang was buried at Kangling. Yin Qin was appointed Sikong.

In the year Dīngwèi, the era name was changed to “Yonghe.” Lu Gong was appointed Situ, Zhang Yu Grand Commandant, and Zhang Min Sikong. Zhou Zhang plotted to depose the emperor and install another, but failed and committed suicide.

In the year Wùshēn, Deng Zhi was appointed General-in-Chief.

In the year Jǐyǒu, the emperor underwent the capping ceremony.

In the year Gēngxū, pirates caused unrest along the coast.

In the year Xīnhài, the Western Qiang invaded, and Zhang Yu was relieved of his post as Grand Commandant.

In the year Rénzǐ, Empress Dowager Deng went to the Grand Ancestral Temple to perform sacrifices. Liu Kai was appointed Sikong.

In the year Guǐchǒu.

In the year Jiǎyín, the era name was changed to “Yuanchu,” and Sima Bao was appointed Grand Commandant.

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Interpretation

This passage records significant historical events during the reigns of Emperor An and Emperor Shun of the Eastern Han Dynasty, primarily concerning imperial succession, official appointments, and era name changes. Here is a chronological interpretation:

In the Yimao year, the court enfeoffed Lady Yan as empress, appointed Liu Kai as Minister over the Masses (equivalent to chancellor), and Yuan Chang as Minister of Works (a high-ranking official overseeing construction projects). The following year, Bingchen, Li Xian succeeded Yuan Chang as Minister of Works.

In the Gengshen year, the era name was changed to "Yongning," and Yang Zhen was appointed Minister over the Masses. The Xinyou year saw another era name change to "Jianguang," followed by the death of Empress Dowager Deng and the emperor's assumption of personal rule. Members of the Deng clan, Deng Zhi and Deng Zun, were imprisoned and executed. The Renshu year brought the era name "Yanguang," and in the Guihai year, Yang Zhen was promoted from Minister over the Masses to Grand Commandant (supreme military commander).

In the Jiazi year (the 18th year of Emperor An's reign), during an eastern tour, the emperor deposed Crown Prince Liu Bao, demoting him to Prince of Jiyin. Yang Zhen was dismissed as Grand Commandant and replaced by Feng Shi. The following Yichou year witnessed the emperor's death during a southern tour at Ye County. Empress Dowager Yan assumed regency, with her brother Yan Xian wielding power as General of Chariots and Cavalry. They enthroned Liu Yi, a great-great-grandson of Emperor Zhang, as the Northern Marquis, while executing General-in-Chief Geng Bao. After Liu Yi's brief reign ended with his death, eunuch Sun Cheng and eighteen others staged a coup, killing Jiang Jing and restoring the deposed crown prince Liu Bao (Emperor Shun). The Yan faction was purged, stabilizing the political situation.

The Bingyin year introduced the "Yongjian" era name. Following Empress Dowager Yan's death, the court appointed Huan Yan as Grand Tutor (imperial preceptor), Zhu Chong as Grand Commandant, and Zhu Chang as Minister over the Masses. In the Jisi year, the emperor underwent the capping ceremony (coming-of-age ritual), with Pang Can, Wang Gong, and Liu Jun assuming the Three Excellencies' positions.

The Renshen year changed the era name to "Yangjia," establishing Lady Liang as empress. Subsequent years saw frequent rotations among the Three Excellencies: Shi Yan, Huang Shang, Wang Zhuo, and others successively held office. The Bingzi year adopted the "Yonghe" era name with Wang Gong as Grand Commandant. In the Jimao year, eunuch Zhang Da was executed. The Xinsi year's crucial personnel change saw Liang Ji appointed General-in-Chief (supreme military commander), planting seeds for the later Liang clan's dominance.

This chronicle reflects the turbulent mid-Eastern Han political landscape characterized by alternating dominance between imperial relatives and eunuchs. The frequent era name changes (Yongning, Jianguang, Yanguang, Yongjian, Yangjia, Yonghe) further attest to the period's social instability.

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Interpretation

In the Renwu year, the era name was changed to “Han’an.” The court sent Zhang Gang and seven other envoys carrying tally tokens to inspect the various regions. Rebellion by bandits broke out in Guangling. Zhao Jun was appointed Grand Commandant, and Hu Guang was appointed Minister over the Masses.

In the Guiwei year, rebellion by bandits broke out at Pengmen.

In the Jiashen year, the era name was changed to “Jiankang.” The emperor died, and the crown prince Liu Bing succeeded him; this was Emperor Chong. Empress Dowager Liang ruled as regent, while Grand General Liang Ji monopolized state affairs. Emperor Chong was buried at Xianling, which was later robbed. Shangshu Luan Ba was dismissed from office and reduced to commoner status.

In the Yiyou year, the era name was changed to “Yongjia.” The emperor died. Empress Dowager Liang and Grand General Liang Ji enthroned Liu Zuan, a grandson of Emperor Suzong, as emperor; this was Emperor Zhi. Emperor Chong was buried at Huailing. Rebellion by bandits broke out in the Jianghuai region. The bandits of Jiujiang proclaimed themselves the “Yellow Emperor,” while those of Liyang proclaimed themselves the “Black Emperor.”

In the Bingxu year, the era name was changed to “Taichu.” Liang Ji murdered the emperor and enthroned Liu Zhi, a great-grandson of Emperor Suzong; this was Emperor Huan. Li Gu was dismissed, and Liang Ji monopolized state affairs.

In the Dinghai year, Liang Ji sent his daughter into the palace, where she was made empress. Du Qiao was appointed Grand Commandant, and Hu Guang was dismissed. Li Gu and Du Qiao were imprisoned and later died.

In the Wuzi year, the emperor underwent the capping ceremony, marking his coming of age. Zhao Jie was appointed Grand Commandant, and Yuan Tang was appointed Minister over the Masses.

In the Jichou year.

In the Gengyin year, the era name was changed to “Heping.” Empress Dowager Liang died.

In the Xinmao year, Huang Qiong was appointed Minister of Works and was dismissed soon afterward.

In the Renchen year.

In the Guisi year, the era name was changed to “Yongxing.” Yuan Cheng and Feng Kui served as the Three Excellencies.

The Jingshi records: In the Wei year, 2,240 years had passed since the starting point of the chronology it used.

In the Jiawu year, the eighth year of the reign of Emperor Xiaohuan of Han. Huang Qiong was appointed Grand Commandant, and Yin Song was appointed Minister over the Masses.

In the Yiwei year, the era name was changed to “Yongshou.” Han Yan was appointed Minister of Works.

In the Bingshen year.

In the Dingyou year.

In the Wuxu year, the era name was changed to “Yanxi.”

In the Jihai year, Empress Dowager Liang died. Grand General Liang Ji plotted rebellion, but the plot was exposed, and the three branches of the Liang clan were exterminated. The eunuch Shan Chao seized power and acted arbitrarily. Hu Guang and Han Yan were executed.

In the Gengzi year, Li Yun, magistrate of Baima County, was imprisoned and died for speaking frankly in remonstrance. Rebellion by bandits broke out in Taishan and Changsha.

In the Xinchou year, a fire broke out in the armory.

In the Renyin year.

In the Guimao year.

In the Jiachen year, the emperor made a southern tour, and Yang Bing was appointed Grand Commandant.

In the Yisi year, Empress Deng was deposed, and Lady Dou was installed as empress. Chen Fan was appointed Grand Commandant, and Dou Wu was appointed Grand General.

In the Bingwu year, the disaster of factional prohibition began. Li Ying, Commandant of the Capital, and three hundred others were imprisoned.

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Interpretation

In the year Dingwei (167), the reign title was changed to Yongkang. Emperor Huan died, and Empress Dowager Dou took charge of the government.

In the year Wushen (168), Dou Wu welcomed Liu Hong, Marquis of Xiedu and a great-grandson of Emperor Zhang of the Han dynasty, posthumously known as Emperor Suzong, to the throne. He became Emperor Ling. Dou Wu took charge of the Secretariat and governed with unchecked authority; the reign title was changed to Jianning. Emperor Huan was buried at Xuanling. The palace attendants Cao Jie and Wang Fu had Grand Tutor Chen Fan, General-in-Chief Dou Wu, and the officials Yin Xun, Liu Yu, and Feng Shu killed, along with their families. Empress Dowager Dou was moved to the Southern Palace. The court had plotted to kill the eunuchs, but the plan failed, bringing about these upheavals. Hu Guang became Grand Commandant, and Liu Chong became Minister over the Masses.

In the year Jiyou, factional strife arose again, and Li Ying and more than a hundred others were killed.

In the year Gengxu, no major events were recorded.

In the year Xinhai, Emperor Ling underwent the capping ceremony, marking his coming of age, and appointed Lady Song empress.

In the year Renzi, the reign title was changed to Jiaping. Empress Dowager Dou died, and false accusations and fabricated charges became widespread at court.

In the year Guichou, Duan Jiong became Grand Commandant, and Yang Ci became Minister of Works.

In the year Jiayin, Li Xian became Grand Commandant.

In the year Yimao, the texts of the Five Classics were engraved on stone steles and erected at the Imperial Academy. Yuan Wei became Minister over the Masses.

In the year Bingchen, Liu Kuan became Grand Commandant, and Yang Ci became Minister of Works.

In the year Dingsi, a major campaign was launched against the Xianbei. Meng Yu became Grand Commandant, and Chen Dan became Minister of Works.

In the year Wuwu, the reign title was changed to Guanghe. Internal rebellions broke out in Hepu and Jiaozhi. Empress Song was deposed. The court put many official posts up for sale, with the highest price reaching the rank of one of the Three Excellencies. Yuan Pang became Minister over the Masses.

In the year Jiwei, many powerful ministers were imprisoned, and one after another died; it was said that eunuchs had framed them. Liu He became Minister over the Masses, Duan Jiong became Grand Commandant, and Zhang Ji became Minister of Works.

In the year Gengshen, Chen Dan became Minister over the Masses, and Lady He was appointed empress.

In the year Xinyou, the court established the Palace Market, run by palace offices. When Emperor Ling went out, he rode in a carriage drawn by donkeys.

In the years Renxu and Guihai, no major events were recorded.

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