太祖 Tàizǔ

When Shizong came to the throne, Taizu again commanded palace troops. The Northern Han invaded, and Shizong led the army to resist them; they fought at Gaoping. As the armies were about to meet, the commander Fan Aineng and others fled first, and the army was in danger. Taizu signalled to his fellow officers, and they galloped their horses straight at the enemy's spearhead; the Han troops were utterly routed. Taking advantage of the victory, they attacked the city of Hedong and burned its gate. Taizu's left arm was struck by a stray arrow, and Shizong stopped him. On his return he was made Chief Military Inspector of the Palace Command, holding the title of Prefect of Yan Prefecture. Edit

The Xiande years

In the spring of the third year, he followed the campaign against Huainan. He first defeated a force of ten thousand at Guokou and beheaded the Army Supervisor He Yanxi and others. The Southern Tang commanders Huangfu Hui and Yao Feng, whose host was said to number one hundred and fifty thousand, blocked the Qingliu Pass; Taizu attacked and drove them off. He pursued them to the foot of the city wall, and Hui said, "Each man serves his own lord. I ask that we draw up our lines and settle victory and defeat." Taizu laughed and agreed. Hui put his ranks in order and came out; Taizu, clasping his horse's neck, charged straight in, struck Hui on the head with his own blade, and captured him together with Yao Feng. Xuanzu arrived beneath the city wall with troops at midnight and called for the gate to be opened. Taizu said, "Father and son are close indeed, but opening and shutting the gate is the king's business." Only at dawn was he let in. When Han Lingkun had pacified Yang Prefecture and the Southern Tang came to its relief, Lingkun proposed to withdraw. Shizong ordered Taizu to lead two thousand troops to Liuhe. Taizu issued an order: "Any soldier from Yang Prefecture who dares to pass Liuhe will have his feet cut off." Only then did Lingkun hold fast. Soon after, Taizu defeated Jingda, the Prince of Qi, east of Liuhe, taking more than ten thousand heads. On his return he was made Commander-in-chief of the Palace Command, and soon after Military Commissioner of the Dingguo Army. Edit

In the spring of the fourth year, he followed the campaign against Shouchun, took the Lianzhu stockade, and then captured Shou Prefecture. On his return he was made Military Commissioner of the Yicheng Army and Acting Grand Guardian, remaining Commander-in-chief of the Palace Command. In the winter he followed the campaign against Hao and Si prefectures, serving as the vanguard. At that time the Southern Tang had a stockade at the Eighteen-li Shoal; Shizong was just discussing using camels to carry the army across, when Taizu alone spurred his horse into the current and crossed first, his horsemen following him, and so broke their stockade. Using the warships he had taken, he pressed on with the victory, attacked Si Prefecture and took it. The Southern Tang camped at Qingkou; Taizu followed Shizong east down both banks of the Huai, pursued by night as far as Shanyang, captured the Tang Military Commissioner Chen Chengzhao and presented him, and then took Chu Prefecture. He advanced and defeated the Tang troops at the mouth of the Yingluan River, went straight to the southern bank and burned their camps and palisades, and defeated them again at Guabu. Huainan was pacified. The ruler of the Tang, fearing Taizu's prestige, tried to sow discord between him and Shizong: he sent an envoy with a letter to Taizu and a gift of three thousand taels of silver. Taizu handed it all over to the palace treasury, and the scheme came to nothing. Edit

In the fifth year, he was transferred to Military Commissioner of the Zhongwu Army. Edit

In the sixth year, when Shizong campaigned in the north, Taizu was Area Commander of land and water forces. At Mo Prefecture he reached the Waqiao Pass first and received the surrender of its commander Yao Neibin; he beat back several thousand horsemen, and the region south of the pass was pacified. On the road Shizong, looking through documents from all quarters, found a leather bag holding a piece of wood more than three feet long, inscribed "The Chief Inspector will become Son of Heaven", and thought it strange. At that time Zhang Yongde was the Chief Inspector. Shizong fell ill and returned to the capital, and made Taizu Acting Grand Mentor and Chief Inspector of the Palace Command in place of Yongde. When Emperor Gong came to the throne, Taizu was transferred to Military Commissioner of the Guide Army and Acting Grand Commandant. Edit

In the spring of the seventh year, the Northern Han joined with the Khitan to invade, and Taizu was ordered to lead out the army to resist them. He halted at the Chenqiao post station. Miao Xun, a man in the army who understood the stars, took the gate officer Chu Zhaofu to look: below the sun there was another sun, and a black light swirled against it for a long time. At the fifth watch of the night, soldiers gathered at the gate of the post station and declared that they would make the Chief Inspector Son of Heaven. Someone tried to stop them, but the crowd would not listen. Toward dawn they pressed up to where he slept. Taizong went in and told him, and Taizu rose. The officers stood ranged in the courtyard with bared blades and said, "The armies have no lord. We wish to make the Grand Commandant Son of Heaven." Before he could reply, someone put a yellow robe on Taizu's body; the crowd all bowed around him and cried "Ten thousand years!", and at once helped Taizu onto his horse. Taizu took the reins and said to the generals, "I have orders to give. Can you obey them?" They all dismounted and said, "We await your command." Taizu said, "The Empress Dowager and the sovereign I have both served facing north; you are not to alarm or offend them. The great ministers are all my peers; you are not to mistreat them. The court's storehouses and the homes of officials and commoners you are not to plunder. Those who obey these orders will be richly rewarded; those who disobey will be put to death with their wives and children." The generals all bowed twice and entered the city in orderly ranks. The Vice Commander-in-chief Han Tong planned to resist them, but Wang Yansheng swiftly killed Tong at his residence. Taizu went up the Mingde Gate, ordered the armoured soldiers back to their camps, and withdrew to his office. After a while the generals came escorting the chief ministers Fan Zhi and others. When Taizu saw them, he sobbed and wept and said, "I have betrayed Heaven and Earth, and now it has come to this!" Before Fan Zhi and the others could reply, the officer Luo Yangui gripped his sword and said to them sternly, "We have no lord. Today we must have a Son of Heaven." Fan Zhi and the others looked at one another, and seeing no way out, they came down the steps and bowed in rows. The civil and military officials were summoned, and by late afternoon their ranks were set. The Hanlin Recipient of Edicts Tao Gu drew from his sleeve the edict of abdication of Emperor Gong of the Zhou. The Commissioner of the Xuanhui Court led Taizu into the courtyard, where he faced north, bowed and received it; then he was helped up into the Chongyuan Hall, put on the imperial robe and crown, and took the throne as emperor. Emperor Gong and Empress Fu were moved to the Western Palace; his imperial title was changed to Prince of Zheng, and Empress Fu was honoured as Empress Dowager of the Zhou. Edit

First year of Jianlong (960)

In the first year of Jianlong, in the spring, the first month, on the day yisi, there was a great amnesty and the reign title was changed; the dynasty's name for the realm was fixed as Song. Ranks and rewards were granted to officials and soldiers at the capital and in the provinces; those who had been demoted were restored, those who had been exiled were released, and the parents of those entitled to the favour were given titles, living or posthumous. Envoys were sent to proclaim it throughout the commanderies and states. On bingwu, an edict was issued to the generals and commanders of the regional commands. On wushen, a letter was sent to the Southern Tang. Han Tong was posthumously made Secretariat Director, and it was ordered that he be buried with due rites. On jiyou, officials were sent to announce the change in sacrifice to Heaven and Earth and to the altars of soil and grain. An, Hua and Yan prefectures were restored as military commands. On xinhai, merit for supporting the throne was assessed: Shi Shouxin, Military Commissioner of the Yicheng Army of the Zhou and Commander-in-chief of the Palace Command, was made Military Commissioner of the Guide Army and Vice Commander-in-chief of the Infantry and Cavalry of the Imperial Guard; Gao Huaide, Military Commissioner of the Jiangning Army and Commander-in-chief of the Cavalry of the Imperial Guard, was made Military Commissioner of the Yicheng Army and Vice Chief Inspector of the Palace Command; Zhang Lingduo, Military Commissioner of the Wuxin Army and Commander-in-chief of the Infantry of the Imperial Guard, was made Military Commissioner of the Zhen'an Army and Chief Inspector of the Infantry and Cavalry of the Imperial Guard; Wang Shenqi, Chief Military Inspector of the Palace Command, was made Military Commissioner of the Taining Army and Commander-in-chief of the Palace Command; Zhang Guanghan, Chief Inspector of the Right Wing of the Hujie Army, was made Military Commissioner of the Jiangning Army and Commander-in-chief of the Cavalry of the Imperial Guard; and Zhao Yanhui, Commander-in-chief of the Right Wing of the Longjie Army, was made Military Commissioner of the Wuxin Army. All the others who commanded troops were raised in rank. On renzi, the chief ministers, the Bureau of Military Affairs and the officers of the armies were given sets of clothing, belts of rhinoceros horn and jade, and saddled horses, each according to rank. On guichou, Zhou Cheng and other generals of the Southern Tang who had surrendered were released to return to their country. On yimao, envoys were sent out separately to give relief to the prefectures. On dingsi, Guo Qi, Chamberlain for the Imperial Clan of the Zhou, was ordered to sacrifice at the tombs and temples of the Zhou, and to keep up the seasonal offerings. On jiwei, the chief ministers presented a memorial asking that the sixteenth day of the second month be made the Changchun Festival. On guihai, Fu Yanqing, Military Commissioner of the Tianxiong Army of the Zhou and Prince of Wei, was made provisional Grand Preceptor; Wang Jing, Military Commissioner of the Xiongwu Army, was made provisional Grand Guardian and Prince of Taiyuan Commandery; Li Yiyin, Military Commissioner of the Dingnan Army, provisional Grand Mentor and Prince of Xiping, was made provisional Grand Commandant; Gao Baorong, Military Commissioner of Jingnan, was made provisional Grand Mentor; and all the others who held military commands were raised in rank. On jiazi, the emperor's younger brother Kuangyi, Chief Military Inspector of the Palace Command, was given the name Guangyi. On jisi, the Imperial Ancestral Temple was established. Guo Chong at Zhen Prefecture reported that the Khitan and the Northern Han armies had both fled. Edit

In the second month, on yihai, the emperor's mother, the Lady of Nanyang Commandery, of the Du family, was honoured as Empress Dowager. Fan Zhi, chief minister of the Zhou, was kept on as before as provisional Grand Minister of Education and concurrently Chancellery Director; Wang Pu was made provisional Grand Minister of Works, concurrently Vice Director of the Chancellery and Joint Manager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery; Wei Renpu was made Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, concurrently Vice Director of the Secretariat and Joint Manager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery; and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs Wu Tingzuo was made Equal in Second Rank to the Secretariat-Chancellery. On bingxu, the Changchun Festival, each of the officials was given a set of clothing. Edit

In the third month, on yisi, the names of commanderies and counties throughout the realm that infringed on the emperor's personal name or the taboo names of the ancestral temple were changed. On bingchen, Li Jing, ruler of the Southern Tang, and Qian Chu, Prince of Wuyue, sent envoys with imperial robes, brocades and silks, gold and fabrics to offer congratulations. There was a fire in Su Prefecture, and an envoy was sent to relieve the victims. On renxu, it was fixed that the dynasty ruled by the virtue of Fire, that its colour was to be red, and that the La sacrifice was to be held on a xu day. On guihai, Song Yanwo, Military Commissioner of the Wusheng Army, and others were ordered to lead a fleet to patrol the river frontier. This spring, in Jun, Fang, Shang and Luo prefectures, rats ate the young crops. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on guiyou, Dou Yan presented the names of the tunes and the words for the two dances and twelve pieces of music. On yiyou, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden. Envoys were sent separately to the gates of the capital to give gruel to the hungry. On bingxu, the Cai River was dredged. On guisi, Li Yun, Military Commissioner of the Zhaoyi Army, rebelled, and Shi Shouxin, Military Commissioner of the Guide Army, was sent to put him down. Edit

In the fifth month, on the first day, jihai, there was an eclipse of the sun. On gengzi, Murong Yanzhao, Military Commissioner of the Zhaohua Army, and Wang Quanbin, Military Commissioner of the Zhangde Army, were sent to lead troops out by the eastern road and join Shouxin in the campaign against Li Yun. On renyin, Dou Yan presented the names of the dance tunes for the Imperial Ancestral Temple. On guimao, Shi Shouxin defeated Li Yun at Changping. On jiachen, the circuits were ordered to advance against him. On bingwu, the emperor went to Wei Renpu's residence to visit him in his illness. On jiyou, the six temples of the Zhou built at the Western Capital were completed, and officials were sent to move the spirit tablets there with reverence. On dingsi, an edict announced that the emperor would lead the campaign in person; the Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs Wu Tingzuo was left as regent of the capital, the Chief Inspector Guangyi was made Chief Inspector of the Inner Palace, and Han Lingkun, Military Commissioner of the Tianping Army, was ordered to station troops at Heyang. On jiwei, the emperor set out from the capital. On dingmao, Shi Shouxin and Gao Huaide broke Yun's forces at Ze Prefecture, captured his false Military Commissioner Fan Shoutu, and killed several thousand of the Northern Han relief troops who had surrendered. Yun fled into Ze Prefecture. On wuchen, the imperial army besieged it. Edit

In the sixth month, on guiyou, a red star appeared out of the Heart lodge. On xinwei, Ze Prefecture was taken; Yun threw himself into the fire and died. It was ordered that the corpses and bones be buried. Wei Rong, the chief minister of Hedong, was released, and plundering was forbidden. On jiashen, Ze Prefecture was excused this year's land tax. A red star appeared out of the Supreme Subtlety Enclosure and passed the Senior Chancellor star. On yiyou, the emperor attacked Shangdang. On dinghai, Yun's son Shoujie surrendered the city and was pardoned. The emperor went to Lu. On xinmao, there was a great amnesty, death sentences were reduced, the land within thirty li of Lu was excused this year's land tax, the sons and grandsons of officers who had died in battle were recorded for appointment, and conscript labourers were exempted from service for three years. On jiawu, Zhe Deyi, Military Commissioner of the Yong'an Army, broke the Northern Han stockade at Shagu. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on wushen, the emperor returned from Lu. On renzi, he went to Fan Zhi's residence to visit him in his illness. On jiazi, the Vice Minister of Works Ai Ying was sent to pay homage at the Song and Qing tombs. On yichou, the Southern Tang presented silver in congratulation on the pacification of Ze and Lu. On dingmao, the Southern Tang presented carriages and robes for the emperor's use. Edit

In the eighth month, on the first day, wuchen, the emperor came to the Chongyuan Hall and performed the ceremony of entering the inner hall. On xinwei, Guo Qi was sent to make offerings at the temples of the Zhou. On renshen, Bei Prefecture was restored as the military command of the Yongqing Army. On jiaxu, the chief ministers were ordered to pray for rain. On xinsi, Hou Zhang, Military Commissioner of the Wusheng Army of the Zhou, was made Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent. On renwu, Guangyi was made Military Commissioner of the Taining Army, remaining Chief Military Inspector of the Palace Command as before. On jiashen, the Lady of Langya Commandery, of the Wang family, was made empress. On wuzi, the Southern Tang presented, in congratulation on the pacification of Ze and Lu, vessels of gold and silver and gauzes and patterned silks by the thousand. Edit

In the ninth month, on renyin, Li Jixun, Military Commissioner of the Zhaoyi Army, burned Pingyao County of the Northern Han. On guimao, the state of Srivijaya sent an envoy with tribute of local products. On bingwu, with jade books, the emperor's great-great-grandfather was given the posthumous title Emperor Wenxian with the temple name Xizu, and his wife, of the Cui family, Empress Wenyi; his great-grandfather Emperor Huiyuan with the temple name Shunzu, and his wife, of the Sang family, Empress Huiming; his grandfather Emperor Jiangong with the temple name Yizu, and his wife, of the Liu family, Empress Jianmu; and his late father Emperor Wuzhao with the temple name Xuanzu. On jiyou, the emperor went to the Yichun Park. The Secretariat Drafter Zhao Feng was found guilty of shirking danger while following the campaign, and was demoted to Revenue Administrator of Fang Prefecture. On jiwei, Li Chongjin, Military Commissioner of Huainan, rebelled with Yang Prefecture, and Shi Shouxin and others were sent to put him down. On jiazi, the captives from Taiyuan were sent back. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on the first day, dingmao, winter clothing was given to the civil and military officials at the capital and in the provinces, each according to rank. On renshen, counties were graded as eminent, important, upper, middle and lower, and it was ordered that the grading be reviewed once every three years. On renwu, the Yellow River breached its banks at Yanci. On yiyou, Jing Hanru, Military Director of Jin Prefecture, raided Fen Prefecture of the Northern Han and died there; Shi Jin and others of the Longjie Army, twenty-nine men, were found guilty of failing to rescue him and were executed in the marketplace. On dinghai, an edict announced that the emperor would lead the campaign against Yang Prefecture in person; the Chief Inspector Guangyi was made Area Commander of the Inner Palace, and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs Wu Tingzuo was made acting regent of the capital. On wuzi, an edict ordered that where the chief officials or deputies of a circuit had governed with distinction and the people jointly asked to keep them or to erect a stele, the administrative officers were to verify the facts and report them. On gengyin, the emperor set out from the capital. Edit

In the eleventh month, on dingwei, the army closed on the city of Yang Prefecture and took it, and Chongjin burned himself to death with all his household. On wushen, Chongjin's partisans were executed, and Yang Prefecture was pacified. The armies were ordered to practise with warships at Yingluan, and the ruler of the Southern Tang was greatly afraid. His subjects Du Zhu and Xue Liang came over to the Song by stealth; the emperor detested their disloyalty, had Zhu beheaded in the market of Xiashu, and sent Liang to serve as a garrison officer in Lu Prefecture. On jiyou, the people in the city of Yang Prefecture were given relief of one hu of rice each, half that for those aged ten and under. Those who had been forced into the army were given clothing and shoes and sent home. On gengxu, the families of labourers who had died in the siege were given three bolts of silk each and exempted from service for three years. On yimao, the ruler of the Southern Tang sent an envoy to reward the army with provisions. On gengshen, he sent his son Congyi to court. Edit

In the twelfth month, on jisi, the imperial carriage set off for home. On dinghai, the emperor returned from Yang. On xinmao, Liu Congxiao, Military Commissioner of Quan Prefecture, declared himself a vassal. Edit

Second year of Jianlong (961)

In the second year, in the spring, the first month, on the first day, bingshen, the emperor went to the gate of the Empress Dowager's palace to offer congratulations. On gengzi, the king of Champa sent an envoy to court. On renyin, the emperor went to the Shipyard to watch naval exercises. On wushen, the temporary palace at Yang Prefecture was made the Jianlong Monastery. The Vice Chief Minister of the Court of the Imperial Stud Wang Chengzhe was found guilty of recommending officials falsely and was demoted to Assistant Director of the Palace Administration. On renzi, rats ate the young crops in Shang Prefecture, and an edict excused its taxes. The emperor said to the chief ministers, "Of late the envoys sent to survey the fields have mostly sought credit for themselves and done harm to the people. They must be chosen with care, so that my intention is made plain." On dingsi, the Cai River was led into the Ying. On jiwei, Guo Qi was sent to make offerings at the temples of the Zhou. Feng Jiye, Military Commissioner of Lingwu, presented five hundred horses, a hundred camels and two wild horses. On jiazi, Zhang Chonggu, Prefect of Ze Prefecture, was found guilty of siding with Li Chongjin and was executed in the marketplace. Edit

In the second month, on bingyin, the emperor went to the Feishan Camp to review the catapults. On renshen, the Wuzhang River was dredged. On guiyou, the authorities reported that eleven candidates had passed the presented scholar examination. Gao Baoxu of Jingnan presented vessels of gold. On jiaxu, the emperor went to the south of the city to watch the building of reservoirs. On dingchou, the Southern Tang presented imperial robes, a gold belt and vessels of gold and silver for the Changchun Festival. On jimao, grain was given to Fu Yanqing, Military Commissioner of the Tianxiong Army. Fishing and the shooting of birds in spring and summer were forbidden. On jichou, the law on theft was fixed. Edit

In the third month, on bingshen, there was a fire at the palace wine workshop; more than thirty wine workers died, and fifty people took advantage of the fire to steal. Thirty-eight were caught and beheaded; the rest were spared on the remonstrance of the chief ministers. The Commissioner of the Wine Workshop Zuo Chenggui and his deputy Tian Chuyan were found guilty because the wine workers had stolen, and were executed in the marketplace. Edit

In the intercalary month, on jisi, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden. He said to the officials in attendance, "Drunkenness is not seemly conduct. When I happen to get drunk at a banquet, I always regret it." On renchen, the Southern Tang presented vessels of gold and gauzes and patterned silks in thanks for the gifts on its ruler's birthday. On dingchou, there was famine in Jin, Shang and Fang, three prefectures, and relief was given. On guiwei, the emperor went to the Yingchun Park for a banquet and archery. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on the first day, guisi, there was an eclipse of the sun. On renyin, an edict ordered the commanderies and states to assign households to guard the tombs of the emperors and worthy ministers of earlier dynasties. On jiyou, Zhao Yu, a man of Wudi, falsely claimed to be the emperor's younger brother and was put to death. On jiwei, Li Yao, magistrate of Shanghe County, was found guilty of taking bribes and was beaten to death, and the Left Admonisher of the Heir Apparent Shen Wenwei was found guilty of failing to detect it and was struck from the register. On gengshen, the laws on privately refining salt for trade and on selling and making wine yeast were promulgated. Edit

In the fifth month, on the first day, guihai, because the Empress Dowager was ill, those guilty of miscellaneous crimes carrying the death penalty or less were pardoned. On yichou, a Heavenly Dog [a great meteor] fell in the southwest. On bingyin, the state of Srivijaya came to present local products. On dingchou, salt from the two salt lakes of Anyi and Xie was supplied to Xu, Su, Yun and Ji prefectures. On gengyin, the Palace Attendant Li Jizhao was found guilty of stealing and selling official boats and was executed in the marketplace. An edict ordered that the post relays of the circuits be carried by soldiers. Edit

In the sixth month, on jiawu, the Empress Dowager died in the Zide Hall. On jihai, the officials asked the emperor to attend to government, and he agreed. On gengzi, because of the Empress Dowager's mourning, the seasonal offerings were suspended for the time being. On xinchou, the emperor received the officials at the gate of the Zichen Hall. On renzi, there were prayers for rain. On gengshen, the emperor put off mourning dress. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on renxu, because the Empress Dowager lay in her coffin awaiting burial, the emperor did not receive the court. On xinwei, in Shenshan County of Jin Prefecture, iron welled up out of the Gu River, two zhang three chi around and weighing seven thousand jin. On renshen, Guangyi was made Governor of Kaifeng Prefecture, and Guangmei acting Governor of Xingyuan. On jimao, Long Prefecture presented a yellow parrot. Edit

In the eighth month, on the first day, renchen, the emperor did not hold court. On renyin, an edict ordered that all capital cases be sent to the prefecture or military district concerned for judgment. On jiachen, Li Jing, ruler of the Southern Tang, died, and his son Yu succeeded him; Yu sent an envoy asking that Jing be given an imperial title posthumously, and the emperor agreed. On jiyou, Sun Xingyou, Military Commissioner of Yiding and Joint Manager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery, was arrested, stripped of office and sent back to his private residence. On xinhai, the emperor went to the Chongxia Monastery to watch the building of its triple gate. The state of the Jurchen sent an envoy to court with presents. Guo Yi, Recorder of Yongji in Daming Prefecture, was found guilty of taking bribes and was executed in the marketplace. On gengshen, the Veritable Records of Shizong of the Zhou were completed. Edit

In the ninth month, on the first day, renxu, the emperor did not come to the hall. The Southern Tang sent an envoy to present gold, silver and coloured silks. On jiazi, Xieli of the Khitan came to surrender. Gao Baoxu, Military Commissioner of Jingnan, sent his younger brother Baoyin to court. On wuzi, an envoy was sent to the Southern Tang with funeral gifts and offerings. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on guisi, the Southern Tang sent its subjects Han Xizai and Tian Lin to attend the burial of the Empress Dowager. On bingshen, the Recipient of Edicts of the Bureau of Military Affairs Wang Renshan was sent with gifts for the Southern Tang. On wuxu, the people of the border were forbidden to steal horses from beyond the frontier. On xinchou, there was heavy rain and hail in Dan Prefecture. On bingwu, Empress Dowager Mingxian was buried at the An Tomb. Edit

In the eleventh month, on the first day, xinyou, the emperor did not hold court. On jiazi, the Empress Dowager's tablet was placed in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. On jisi, the emperor went to the Xiangguo Monastery and then to the Directorate of Education. On guiyou, Cao Yuanzhong, Military Commissioner of Sha Prefecture, Cao Yanji, Militia Commissioner of Gua Prefecture, and others sent envoys to present jade saddles and bridled horses. Edit

In the twelfth month, on renshen, Jingqiong, Khagan of the Uighurs, sent an envoy to present local products. On yiwei, Li Jixun defeated the Northern Han army and captured Fu Tingyan, Prefect of Liao Prefecture, and his younger brother Xun, and presented them. On xinchou, the emperor went to the newly built river granary. On gengxu, he hunted in the near suburbs. On guichou, envoys were sent with horses, sheep and camels for the Southern Tang and Wuyue, each in its measure. Edit

Third year of Jianlong (962)

In the third year, in the spring, the first month, on the first day, gengshen, because of mourning, the emperor did not receive the New Year congratulations of the court. On jisi, there was famine in Huainan, and relief was given. On gengwu, the emperor went to the Yingchun Park for a banquet and archery. On jiaxu, the palace city was enlarged. An edict ordered the chief officials of the commanderies and states to encourage the people to sow. On bingzi, Cao Yuanzhong, Military Commissioner of the Guiyi Army of Gua and Sha, presented horses. On gengchen, the state of the Jurchen sent the envoy Zhigu to present gifts. An edict forbade the commanderies and states to put the people living along the roads to forced labour. On guiwei, the emperor went to the Directorate of Education. Edit

In the second month, on bingchen, the emperor went again to the Directorate of Education, and then to the Yingchun Park to banquet the officials in attendance. On gengyin, an edict ordered each civil official to recommend one man fit to serve as an aide on a governor's staff or as a magistrate or recorder; anyone who recommended an unfit man would be punished along with him in the same degree. On jiawu, an edict ordered that from now on, when officials came before the emperor, they must set out what was beneficial and harmful in current government, without fear of offending taboos. On yiwei, Zhang Jianfeng, Military Commissioner of Hua Prefecture, was found guilty of letting a fire break out and was dismissed from office. On jihai, the law on theft was revised. On renwu, the emperor said to the officials in attendance, "I want all my military officials to read books so as to understand the way of government. What do you think?" Those around him did not know how to answer. On jiayin, the Northern Han raided Lu and Jin, and the commanders there drove them off. Edit

In the third month, on the first day, wuwu, frost fell at Yanci and killed the mulberry trees. On renxu, the state of Srivijaya sent an envoy with gifts. On guihai, there were prayers for rain. On dingmao, the emperor went to the Taiqing Temple, and then to the rear garden of the Governor of Kaifeng for a banquet and archery. On jisi, there was heavy rain. An edict restated the text of the law to the commanderies and states: cases of crimes carrying the death penalty were to be reviewed by the Ministry of Justice. On yihai, an envoy was sent with birthday gifts for the ruler of the Southern Tang. On dingchou, the state of the Jurchen sent an envoy with gifts. On dinghai, it was ordered that the people who had surrendered from the Northern Han be moved to Xing and Ming prefectures. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on yiwei, there was heavy rain and snow in Yan Prefecture, and drought in Zhao and Wei, two prefectures. On bingshen, there was heavy rain and snow in Ning Prefecture, and the ditches and canals froze. On wuxu, the emperor went to the Taiqing Temple. On gengzi, Adu and others of the Uighurs came to present local products. On renyin, two feet of snow fell in Dan Prefecture. On yisi, the emperor's elder brother Guangji was posthumously made Prince of Yong, and his younger brother Guangzan Prince of Kui, and his late wife, of the He family, was posthumously named empress. Edit

In the fifth month, on jiazi, the emperor went to the Xiangguo Monastery to pray for rain, and then to the Yingchun Park for a banquet and archery. On yihai, there was a fire in Hai Prefecture. The transport road through the Taihang Mountains was opened. On guiwei, envoys were ordered to inspect the drought in the prefectures of Hebei. On jiashen, an edict ordered that household labour service be shared fairly, and that anyone who dared to hide households or shelter them would be punished. The emperor went again to the Xiangguo Monastery to pray for rain. On yiyou, the inner palace was enlarged. In Qi, Bo, De, Xiang and Ba, five prefectures, no rain had fallen since spring; because of the drought the emperor reduced his meals and dispensed with music. Edit

In the sixth month, on xinmao, relief was given for the famine in Su Prefecture. On guisi, Wu Tingzuo was removed from office and made Military Commissioner of the Xiongwu Army. On yiwei, wine was given to the Directorate of Education. On dingyou, the emperor went to the Taiqing Temple. On jihai, sentences for crimes carrying the death penalty or less were reduced in the capital region and Hebei. On renyin, it rained in the capital. On renzi, Shang Boyu and others of the Tibetan tribes, contending for the Timber Procurement Office, crossed north of the Wei River with troops; Gao Fang, acting Prefect of Qin Prefecture, drove them off. On yimao, the emperor went to the Yingchun Park for a banquet and archery. In Huangpi County elephants came from the south and ate the crops. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on gengshen, the Southern Tang sent its subject Zhai Rubi to give thanks for the birthday gifts, with tribute of gold, silver, brocades and patterned silks by the ten million. On renxu, several thousand of the weaker Southern Tang soldiers who had surrendered were released to go home. On yichou, the new tax on wild rice and cattails in Shu Prefecture was remitted. On dingmao, there was heavy hail in Lu Prefecture. Lawless men in the armies at the capital and in the provinces were sought out and sent to Shamen Island. On jimao, Lu Gui, Commander of the Captive-taking Troops of the Northern Han, and others came to surrender. On xinsi, ten officials in attendance were sent to inspect the drought in Hebei. On guiwei, there were locust larvae in Yan, Ji, De, Ci and Ming, five prefectures. Edit

In the eighth month, on guisi, Wang Xun and three others, convoy officers of the Cai River Office, were found guilty of mixing chaff and earth into the army's grain and were dismembered in the marketplace. On yiwei, on the advice of the Drafter of Edicts Gao Xi, it was allowed to denounce anyone who had obtained a recommendation by bribery, and slaves, neighbours or kin who could denounce such a man were to be rewarded. An edict ordered that the Law Administrators of the circuits all be appointed after an examination in judging cases by the commentary on the code. An edict ordered the Ministry of Personnel of the Department of State Affairs to hold the examination for outstanding writing and judgments. Edit

In the ninth month, on gengwu, Shang Boyu and others of the Tibetans returned the land of Fuqiang County. On renshen, the Temple of King Wucheng was repaired. On bingzi, the state of Champa came to present gifts. The felling of mulberry and jujube trees was forbidden. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on the first day, yiyou, winter clothing was given to the officials, each according to rank. On bingxu, the emperor went to the Taiqing Temple and then to the Shipyard to watch naval exercises. On jihai, he went to Yuetai and ordered the armies to practise mounted archery, and went again to the Yujin Garden. On xinchou, the Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs Zhao Pu was made Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs. On xinhai, the emperor hunted in the near suburbs. Edit

In the eleventh month, on guihai, envoys sent on missions were forbidden to take private requests. The evaluation of county magistrates was to demote or promote them according to the rise or fall in the number of households. On bingyin, the Southern Tang sent its subject Gu Yi to court. On bingzi, the state of Srivijaya sent envoys, Li Lilin and others, with gifts, and the state of Goryeo sent Li Xingyou and others to court. On jimao, the emperor hunted in the near suburbs. On renwu, the calendar for the fourth year of Jianlong was given to the Southern Tang. Edit

In the twelfth month, on bingxu, an edict ordered that each county have one sheriff to deal with theft and lawsuits. Archers were to be enrolled, their number set by the number of households in the county. On wuxu, there was famine in Pu, Jin, Ci, Xi, Xiang and Wei, six prefectures, and relief was given. On gengzi, the ordinance on catching thieves was promulgated. On jiachen, Zhang Wenbiao, Prefect of Heng Prefecture, rebelled. Edit

This year, the Prince of Zheng of the Zhou left the capital to live in Fang Prefecture. Edit

First year of Qiande (963)

In the first year of Qiande, in the spring, the first month, on the first day, jiayin, the emperor did not come to the hall. On yimao, the local militia of Guanxi were sent to Qing Prefecture. On dingsi, the river dikes within the capital region were repaired. On jiwei, envoys were sent with horses, camels and sheep for the Southern Tang and Wuyue, each in its measure. On gengshen, Murong Yanzhao, Military Commissioner of Shannan East Circuit, was sent to lead the troops of ten prefectures against Zhang Wenbiao. On yichou, the emperor went to the Shipyard to watch warships being built. On jiaxu, an edict ordered Jingnan to send three thousand marines to support Yanzhao at Tan. On jimao, the state of the Jurchen sent an envoy with gifts. Edit

In the second month, on renchen, Yang Shifan, a general of Zhou Baoquan, beheaded Wenbiao and displayed his head in the market of Langling. On jiawu, Murong Yanzhao entered Jingnan; Gao Jichong asked to submit to the court, and three prefectures and seventeen counties were gained. On yiwei, Tan Prefecture was taken. On xinhai, there was famine in Chan, Hua, Wei, Wei, Jin, Jiang, Pu and Meng, eight prefectures, and it was ordered that the granaries be opened for relief. Edit

In the third month, on xinwei, the emperor went to the Jinfeng Garden to practise archery, and hit the mark with all seven shots. Fu Yanqing and others presented horses in congratulation, and the emperor gave fine horses and silver vessels to all the officials in attendance, each according to rank. On renshen, Gao Jichong registered his money, silks, fodder and grain and presented them. On guiyou, the newly fixed laws were promulgated. On wuyin, Murong Yanzhao broke through at Sanjiangkou, took Yue Prefecture and recovered Lang Prefecture, and Hunan was pacified. Fourteen prefectures, one directorate and sixty-six counties were gained. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, there was drought. On jiashen, prayers were offered at all the shrines and temples of the capital, and in the evening it rained. Death sentences in Jingnan and within the jurisdictions of Lang and Tan prefectures were reduced by one degree, and plundered goods were returned to their owners. On yiyou, an envoy was sent to sacrifice to the Southern Peak. On dinghai, the emperor went to the Directorate of Education and then to the Temple of King Wucheng, and held a banquet and archery at the Yujin Garden. On gengyin, money from the palace treasury was given out to hire the sons and younger brothers of the soldiers to dig a pool for naval training. On xinmao, the Jianlong Yingtian Calendar was completed, with a preface written by the emperor himself. On renchen, the officers and soldiers who had won merit in Hunan were rewarded. On guisi, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden. On bingshen, Cao Feigong, Director in the Ministry of War, was executed in the marketplace, and Zhang Ai, Vice Commissioner of Military Colonies of Hailing and Yancheng, was struck from the register, both for breaking the law. On gengzi, Gao Jichong, Military Commissioner of Jingnan, presented gold and silver, gauzes and fine silks, pillar coverings, screens and other things to help pay for banquets. On guimao, Chen, Jin, Xu and other prefectures submitted. On jiachen, an edict ordered that the Sanmen gorge be dredged and cut. Jing, Yuan, Bin, Qing and other prefectures were forbidden to appoint tribesmen as commanders of frontier garrisons. Li Yixing of Xia, Prince of Xiping, presented a yak. On yisi, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden to review the mounted archery of the armies. On bingwu, the tea tax of Hunan was remitted, and the salt wells of Xia Prefecture were closed. On xinhai, seed and food were lent to the people of Chan Prefecture. Edit

In the fifth month, on the first day, renzi, prayers for rain were offered in the capital. On jiayin, envoys were sent to pray for rain at the sacred peaks and rivers. On yichou, the inner palace was enlarged. On gengwu, tallies and seals were issued to the offices within the jurisdiction of Jingnan. On guiyou, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden. Edit

In the sixth month, on yiyou, the irregular levies in the counties of Tan Prefecture were remitted. On renchen, because of the heat, building work was stopped, and the craftsmen were given shirts and shoes. On yiwei, an edict said: soldiers of Jingnan who wish to return to farming are to be allowed to do so. On bingshen, an edict ordered that the emperors of past dynasties be given offerings once every three years, and that temples be established for Guangwu of the Han and Taizong of the Tang. On jihai, there were locusts in Chan, Pu, Cao and Jiang, and it was ordered that sacrifices of animals be offered. On gengzi, the officials three times submitted memorials asking that music be performed again, and the emperor agreed. The numbers of the Qianniu guards of the Left and Right Escorts were reduced. On bingwu, it rained. An edict ordered that for the Zha sacrifice, the temples and the altars of the soil all use the day of the La sacrifice, a xu day. On jiyou, it was ordered that naval exercises be held on the new pool. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on the first day, xinhai, the titles and numbers of the miscellaneous functionaries, summons-bearers, hall attendants and others employed by prefectures and counties were fixed. On jiayin, Chengxun, son of Jin Yanlang, who had died in the emperor's service in Hunan, and others, thirty men, were appointed Palace Duty Officers. On bingchen, the emperor went to the new pool and gave money to the labourers, and then went to the Yujin Garden. On dingsi, Wang Quanbin, Military Commissioner of the Anguo Army, and others led troops into the territory of Taiyuan and presented the captives they took; the emperor gave the captives money and rice and released them. On jiwei, an edict ordered that when people fell ill and their kin abandoned them and went away, the kin be punished. On guihai, there was an epidemic in Hunan, and medicines were given to the officers of the field army. On dingmao, the emperor went to the Temple of King Wucheng and then to the new pool to watch naval exercises. On jisi, Wang Duan, a rebel general of Lang Prefecture, attacked the city of the prefecture, and the Army Supervisor Yin Chongrui drove him off. An edict remitted half the summer tax in the jurisdiction of Jingnan. On jiaxu, Zhou Baoquan was pardoned. On yihai, an edict ordered that the city of Lang Prefecture be repaired, and remitted the summer tax in its jurisdiction. On dingchou, close officials were sent separately to pray for rain. On jimao, the revised Penal Code and other books were promulgated. Edit

In the eighth month, on renwu, Zhang Qiong, Chief Military Inspector of the Palace Command, who had insulted and abused the army officers Shi Gui, Shi Hanqing and others, was falsely accused by them and handed over to the law officers, and Qiong killed himself. On bingxu, the Supervising Secretary Liu Zai was sent to pay homage at the An Tomb. On dinghai, Wang Quanbin attacked Leping County of the Northern Han and received its surrender. On xinmao, Leping County was made the Pingjin Army, and the eighteen hundred soldiers who had surrendered were made the Xiaoshun Army, each man being given money and silk. On renchen, an edict allowed candidates in the Nine Classics examination who had failed to sit it again. On guisi, the state of the Jurchen sent an envoy to present fine horses. The taxes of the people of Shamen Island in Deng Prefecture were remitted, and they were ordered to devote themselves to building boats and ferrying horses. On bingshen, the chiefs of the eighteen stockades of Jingyang of the Northern Han came to surrender. Chen Hongjin of Quan Prefecture sent an envoy to court with tribute. The Yellow River breached its banks in Qi Prefecture. It rained in the capital. On jihai, Chai Tinghan, Commissioner of the Qigou Pass in You Prefecture of the Khitan, and others came to surrender. On guimao, the chief minister Zhi led the officials in offering the emperor an honorific title, but he would not accept it. Edit

In the ninth month, on jiayin, after they had memorialized three times, he agreed. On bingyin, there was a banquet in the Guangzheng Hall, and music was used for the first time. On dingmao, Li Chuyun, Commissioner of the Southern Xuanhui Court and concurrently Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, was demoted to Prefect of Zi Prefecture. On wuchen, the state of the Jurchen sent an envoy to present fine haidongqing falcons. On bingzi, officials of the court were forbidden to recommend examination candidates openly. Ten thousand sheep were given to the Southern Tang. Wang Duan was dismembered at Lang Prefecture. On wuyin, the Northern Han brought Khitan troops to attack Pingjin, and Guo Jin, Defence Commissioner of Ming Prefecture, and others were sent to relieve it. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on gengchen, an edict ordered prefectures and counties to keep registers of the taxes they levied. On jihai, the emperor hunted in the near suburbs. On dingwei, the King of Wuyue presented, for the suburban sacrifice, gold and silver, vessels set with pearls, rhinoceros horn and ivory, incense and medicines, all by the ten thousand. Edit

In the eleventh month, on yimao, Gao Jichong, Military Commissioner of Jingnan, presented ten thousand taels of silver for the suburban sacrifice. On jiazi, the emperor performed the sacrifice at the southern suburb, there was a great amnesty, and the reign title was changed to Qiande. The officials presented jade books conferring the honorific title Yingtian Guangyun Rensheng Wenwu Zhide Huangdi. On bingyin, the Southern Tang presented silver and silk by the ten thousand in congratulation on the southern suburban sacrifice and the honorific title. On dingmao, close officials were given sets of clothing, gold belts, vessels and silks, and saddled horses, each according to rank. On yihai, the emperor hunted in the near suburbs. Edit

In the twelfth month, on gengchen, Li Lin, an attendant of the Palace Command, killed the officer Chen You to avenge his father. Lin gave himself up, and the emperor, thinking him righteous, released him. On xinsi, Guangyi, Governor of Kaifeng Prefecture, and Guangmei, Governor of Xingyuan, each had their fiefs increased and were given the title of meritorious minister; the chief ministers Zhi, Pu and Renpu were all made Specially Advanced, had their enfeoffments changed and their fiefs increased; the Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs Pu was further made Grand Master for Glorious Happiness and had his meritorious-minister title changed; and the civil and military officials were each raised in prestige rank, merit rank, noble rank and fief. On jiashen, Empress Wang died. On xinmao, the post of Area Commander-in-chief of Deng Prefecture was abolished. On jihai, Chen Hongjin of Quan Prefecture sent an envoy with tribute of a thousand taels of silver, and frankincense, tea and medicines all by the ten thousand. On jisi, the ruler of the Southern Tang submitted a memorial asking to be addressed by his personal name; an edict refused. Edit

In the intercalary month, on the first day, jiyou, the court physicians were examined, and twenty-two whose skill was poor were dismissed. On jiayin, close officials were ordered to pray for snow. On dingmao, there was a second examination for the outstanding category, and Tian Kefeng, Song Bai, Tan Liyong and others pleased the emperor and were given gifts, each in his measure. On xinwei, divination chose a site for the An Tomb in Gong County. On yihai, Zhe Deyi defeated the Northern Han army beneath the city of Fu Prefecture and captured its general Yang Lin. On the advice of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, the Red Thearch was honoured as the Thearch who Engendered the dynasty. Edit

Second year of Qiande (964)

In the second year, in the spring, the first month, on xinsi, the chief officials of the commanderies and states were instructed to encourage the people in farming. An elephant came into Nanyang; the forester killed it and presented its tusks and hide. In the capital there was rain and snow, and thunder. On guiwei, the emperor went to the Yingchun Park for a banquet and archery. On jiashen, an edict ordered that regulations be drawn up for the selection of officials in the four seasons. The Uighurs sent an envoy to present local products. On wuzi, Zhi was dismissed as chief minister and made Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent, Pu was dismissed and made Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent, and Renpu was dismissed, remaining Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. On gengyin, Zhao Pu was made Vice Director of the Chancellery and Joint Manager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery, and Li Chongju Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs. On renchen, an edict announced that the emperor would personally examine candidates in the three decree examinations, open to officials and commoners alike, who might go straight to the Audience Gate to submit their applications. On jiachen, an edict ordered that the records of criminal cases from the circuits be examined in detail by the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice; where delay or error made it necessary for the Secretariat-Chancellery to correct them, the punishment would be heavy. On yisi, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden for a banquet and archery. On dingwei, an edict ordered that county magistrates, registrars and sheriffs not go into the villages except on official business. Any magistrates, recorders, registrars, sheriffs or other officials who were aged and infirm or gravely ill were to be reported and impeached. Edit

In the second month, on the first day, wushen, Du Yantao, Prefect of Liao Prefecture of the Northern Han, came to surrender with his city. On guichou, an envoy was sent to give relief for the famine in Shan Prefecture. The Yi River was led into the capital. On dingsi, in the work on the An Tomb, the tunnel collapsed and two hundred soldiers working there were crushed to death; the authorities were ordered to bury them and give relief to their families. On gengwu, Fu Prefecture presented Yang Lin, Prefect of Wei Prefecture of the Northern Han, whom it had captured. On jiaxu, the Southern Tang presented silver, damask and silk, each by the ten thousand, for the reburial at the An Tomb. The Bian River was dredged. Edit

In the third month, on xinsi, the emperor went to the naval training pool and gave clothing to the officers and men of the navy, each according to rank; on his way back he went to the Yujin Garden for a banquet and archery. On yiwei, Zhou Shenyu, Militia Commissioner of Yao Prefecture of the Northern Han, and others came to surrender. On dingyou, envoys were sent to pray for rain at the Five Peaks. Officials travelling to and fro were forbidden to borrow government troops as escorts. On xinchou, Guangyi, acting Grand Commandant, was sent to present the book and seal giving Empress Dowager Mingxian the posthumous name Zhaoxian, Empress He the posthumous name Xiaohui, and Empress Wang the posthumous name Xiaoming. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on the first day, dingwei, the decree examination for the Worthy and Good, Square and Upright, Outspoken and Unflinching in Remonstrance was held by policy questions, and Ying Zhi, Administrative Assistant of Bo Prefecture, passed. On wushen, relief was given for the famine in Hezhong. On jiyou, the circuits were excused this year's summer tax on land that had no crop. On yimao, Empress Dowager Zhaoxian and Empress Xiaoming were buried at the An Tomb. On yichou, the post of Assisting Civil Councillor was established for the first time, and the Vice Ministers of War Xue Juzheng and Lü Yuqing were appointed to it. On jisi, there was famine in Lingwu, and grain from Jing was shipped there for food. On renshen, the tablets of the two empresses were placed in a separate temple. Three hundred and twenty-six families in the counties of Yong Prefecture that kept gu poison were moved to remote places in their counties and were no longer to be counted among the people of their villages. Edit

In the fifth month, on jimao, the Drafter of Edicts Gao Xi was found guilty of taking bribes from regional commanders and was demoted to Adjutant of Lai Prefecture. On xinsi, Zhao Li, Chief Minister of the Court of the Imperial Clan, was found guilty of taking bribes, was beaten and struck from the register. On guiwei, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden for a banquet and archery. Edit

In the sixth month, on jiyou, Guangyi was made Secretariat Director, Guangmei Joint Manager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery, and the emperor's son Dezhao Defence Commissioner of Guizhou. On gengshen, the emperor went to the Xiangguo Monastery, and then to the naval training pool and the Yujin Garden. On xinwei, there were locusts in the prefectures north and south of the Yellow River and in Qin; only in Zhao Prefecture did they not eat the crops. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on yihai, a sudden flood in Chun Prefecture drowned people. On gengchen, there was hail at Heyang. On xinsi, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden. On the way back he went to the new pool to watch naval exercises. On xinmao, an edict ordered the Hanlin Academicians Tao Gu and Dou Yi each to recommend one man fit to serve as Controller-general of a regional prefecture; if the man proved unfit, they would be punished with him. Edit

In the ninth month, on the first day, jiaxu, Xi Yu, Erudite of the Book of Changes, was demoted to Revenue Administrator of Qian Prefecture, and Wang Yisun, Vice Director of the Equipment Bureau, was demoted to Left Admonisher of the Heir Apparent, both for unfairness in examining the sons of officials for protected appointment. On wuzi, there was hail in Yan Prefecture. On yiwei, the emperor went to the northern suburb to look at the crops. On xinchou, Zhi, Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent, died. On renyin, Pan Mei and others took Chen Prefecture. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on wushen, Xijin, Prince of Ji of the Zhou, died, and the emperor suspended court audiences. Edit

In the eleventh month, on jiaxu, Wang Quanbin, Military Commissioner of the Zhongwu Army, was made Area Commander of the forces of the Vanguard of the Xichuan Field Army, with Cui Yanjin, Military Commissioner of the Wuxin Army, as his deputy, to lead thirty thousand foot and horse out by the Feng Prefecture road; and Liu Guangyi, Military Commissioner of the Jiangning Army, was made Vice Area Commander of the forces of the Vanguard of the Xichuan Field Army, with the Recipient of Edicts of the Bureau of Military Affairs Cao Bin as his deputy, to lead twenty thousand foot and horse out by the Gui Prefecture road, to attack Shu. On yihai, the emperor banqueted the officers of the Xichuan Field Army in the Chongde Hall, showed them maps of the Sichuan and Gorges region, gave them the plan of attack, and gave them belts of gold and jade and clothing, each according to rank. On renchen, he hunted in the near suburbs. Edit

In the twelfth month, on yisi, Chen Xuan, Army Supervisor of Chen Prefecture of Guangnan, and others, two hundred men, were released. On wushen, Liu Guangyi took Kui Prefecture, and the Shu Military Commissioner Gao Yanchou burned himself to death. On dingsi, the autumn tax of Gui and Xia was remitted. On xinyou, Wang Quanbin took the two stockades of Wanren and Yanzi, captured Xing Prefecture, and in succession took Shichuan and more than twenty other stockades. On jiazi, Guangyi took Wushan and other stockades, killed the Shu general Nan Guanghai and others, eight thousand heads, and captured their Commander-in-chief of war boats Yuan Dehong and others, twelve hundred men. Quanbin's vanguard commander Shi Jinde defeated the men of Shu at the Sanquan stockade and captured their Military Commissioners Han Baozheng, Li Jin and others. The Southern Tang presented twenty thousand taels of silver and several hundred vessels of gold and silver. On gengwu, an edict called those who had gathered and hidden in the mountains and forests to come back to their homes. On xinwei, the emperor hunted in the northern suburb. Edit

Taizu II Edit

Third year of Qiande (965)

In the third year, in the spring, the first month, on the first day, guiyou, because the army was on campaign, the emperor did not come to the hall. On jiaxu, Wang Quanbin took Jianmen, took more than ten thousand heads, and captured Wang Zhaoyuan, Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs of Shu, and Zhao Chongtao, Military Commissioner of Ze Prefecture. On yihai, an edict ordered that the soldiers who had died in the campaign against Shu be buried, and that the wounded be given silk. On renwu, Quanbin took Li Prefecture. On yiyou, Meng Chang, ruler of Shu, surrendered. Forty-five prefectures, one hundred and ninety-eight counties and 534,039 households were gained. The king of Goryeo sent an envoy to court with gifts. On wuzi, Deng Shouzhong, Director in the Ministry of Personnel, was found guilty of examining officials improperly and was demoted to Vice Director in the same bureau. On guisi, Liu Guangyi took Wan, Shi, Kai and Zhong, four prefectures, and Chen Yu, the official in charge of Sui Prefecture, surrendered. On yiwei, an edict was issued to reassure the officials, officers and people of Xichuan. On bingshen, Shu was given an amnesty: captives were returned, arrears of tax within its jurisdiction were cancelled, and half the summer tax and of the goods levied along with it was remitted. Edit

In the second month, on guimao, the Southern Tang and Wuyue presented imperial robes, vessels of gold and silver, and brocades and patterned silks by the thousand for the Changchun Festival. On jiachen, the Commissioner of the Imperial City Dou Siyan was sent to meet Meng Chang and welcome him. On dingwei, there was a great flood in Quan Prefecture. On gengshen, Wang Quanbin killed twenty-seven thousand Shu soldiers who had surrendered at Chengdu. Edit

In the third month, on guiyou, an edict ordered that charity granaries be set up. This month, bandits rose in swarms in the two Chuan circuits; the Commander-in-chief of the vanguard Gao Yanhui died fighting them, and an edict ordered that they be attacked wherever they were. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on yisi, the Uighurs sent an envoy to present local products. On guichou, Li Yue, Vice Director of the Bureau of Operations, was found guilty of taking bribes and was executed in the marketplace. The Southern Tang presented silver and silk by the ten thousand in congratulation on the taking of Shu. On wuwu, palace envoys were sent to give saddled horses and carriages to the officials of Shu at Jiangling. On guihai, the sons and younger brothers of the soldiers were hired to lead the Wuzhang River through to the palace city to make a pool. Edit

In the fifth month, on the first day, xinwei, an edict sent back to their posts the staff officials, magistrates and recorders of the circuits who had been brought to audience, and reduced their waiting period for reappointment to a degree according to the distance they had travelled. On renshen, the emperor went to the Yingchun Park for a banquet and archery. On yihai, Guangyi, Governor of Kaifeng, was sent to welcome Meng Chang at the Yujin Garden. On bingxu, the emperor received Meng Chang in the Chongyuan Hall, and banqueted Chang and his party in the Daming Hall. On dinghai, the officers and soldiers were given clothing, money and silk. On wuzi, there was a great amnesty, and death sentences were reduced by one degree. On renchen, the emperor banqueted Meng Chang and his sons and younger brothers in the Daming Hall. Edit

In the sixth month, on jiachen, Meng Chang was made Secretariat Director and Duke of Qin, and Chang's sons and younger brothers and his ministers were given noble ranks, each in his measure. On gengxu, Meng Chang died. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, Tian Jingqian, Prefect of Zhen Prefecture, submitted to the Song. On renchen, Meng Chang was posthumously made Prince of Chu. On dingyou, the emperor went to the naval training pool, and then to the Yujin Garden for a banquet and archery. Edit

In the eighth month, on the first day, wuxu, an edict ordered that the brave and strong soldiers of the commanderies and states be registered and sent to the capital. On guimao, the Yellow River breached its banks in Yangwu County. On gengxu, an edict ordered Wang Quanbin and others to give grain to the families of Shu soldiers who had fled. On yimao, the Yellow River overflowed at Heyang and destroyed people's homes. On wuwu, the Palace Duty Officer Cheng Dejun was found guilty of taking bribes and was executed in the marketplace. On jiwei, the Yellow River overflowed in Yun Prefecture and flooded the fields. On xinyou, the Star of Longevity appeared. Edit

In the ninth month, on jisi, the troops of the circuits were reviewed; the cavalry were made the Xiaoxiong Army and the infantry the Xiongwu Army, both attached to the Imperial Guard. On renshen, an edict ordered each commandery of Shu to establish a Kening Army of five hundred men. On xinsi, the Yellow River breached its banks at Chan Prefecture. On wuzi, the emperor went to the western water mill. Edit

In the tenth month, on the first day, dingyou, there was a heavy fog. On jiwei, Wang Zhi, Secretary to the Heir Apparent, was found guilty of taking bribes and killing a man, and was executed in the marketplace. On bingyin, the Ji River overflowed at Zouping. Edit

In the eleventh month, on bingzi, the Khagan of the Uighurs of Gan Prefecture sent a monk to present a tooth of the Buddha and precious vessels. On yiwei, Zhang Renqian, Prefect of Jian Prefecture, was found guilty of killing men who had surrendered and was demoted to drill instructor of Song Prefecture. Edit

In the twelfth month, on the first day, dingyou, an edict ordered that a wife mourning her husband's parents wear mourning of the zicui and zhancui grades. On jihai, an edict ordered that the army supervisors and police inspectors within the jurisdiction of Xichuan not interfere in the affairs of the prefectures and counties. On wuwu, the Khagan of the Uighurs of Gan Prefecture, the king of Khotan and others sent envoys to court, presenting a thousand horses, five hundred camels, five hundred lumps of jade and five hundred jin of amber. Edit

Fourth year of Qiande (966)

In the fourth year, in the spring, the first month, on bingzi, envoys were sent separately to Jiangling and Fengxiang to give money and silk to the families of the officials of Shu. On dinghai, Ding Deyu and others were ordered to lead troops to tour and pacify Xichuan. On jichou, the emperor went to the Yingchun Park for a banquet and archery. Edit

In the second month, on guimao, the emperor inspected the work on the palace city. On bingchen, the king of Khotan sent his son Decong to present gifts. Luo Yangui, Military Commissioner of the Anguo Army, and others defeated the Northern Han at Jingyang and captured its general Lu Ying. On xinyou, the candidates who had failed the examination were examined again. On jiazi, half of this year's summer tax and of the various levies in Xichuan was remitted, and on fields that could not be farmed they were remitted entirely. There was a fire in Yue Prefecture. Edit

In the third month, on guiyou, the charity granaries were abolished. On jiaxu, the state of Champa sent an envoy with gifts. On guiwei, the monk Xingqin and others, one hundred and fifty-seven men, were each given thirty thousand cash to travel to the Western Regions. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on dingyou, Champa sent an envoy with gifts. On bingwu, there was a fire in Tan Prefecture. On renzi, Guang Prefecture's tribute of hawks and sparrowhawks was abolished. On dingsi, Yu Yanchao, Military Commissioner of the Tiande Army of the Khitan, came with his son to surrender. The presented scholar Li Ai was found guilty of slandering the Buddhists in insolent language; he was tattooed, beaten and sent to Shamen Island. On gengshen, the emperor went to the residence of the Grand Princess of Yan to visit her in her illness. Edit

In the fifth month, the Southern Tang, in congratulation on the completion of the Wenming Hall, presented ten thousand taels of silver. On jiaxu, Guo Qi, Vice Chief Minister of the Court of Imperial Entertainments, was found guilty of taking bribes and was executed in the marketplace. On yihai, the emperor looked over the ritual regalia, maps and books of Shu. On dingchou, an edict ordered that anyone in the commanderies of Shu who dared to neglect a parent's illness be punished. On xinsi, there was a fire in Tan Prefecture. On renwu, Chan Prefecture presented one hundred and sixty-five stalks of wheat with from two to six ears on a stalk. On xinmao, Mars encroached on Xuanyuan. Edit

In the sixth month, on jiawu, the Yellow River overflowed at Dong'e. On jiachen, the Yellow River breached its banks at Guancheng. The moon encroached on the front star of the Heart lodge. On bingwu, Bai Quanshao, Prefect of Li Prefecture, was found guilty of letting his retainers seek profit within his jurisdiction and was dismissed from office. An edict said: the households of officials may not privately keep eunuchs; palace eunuchs aged thirty or more may adopt one son; and any official or commoner who dares to castrate a boy will not be pardoned. On jiyou, Guo Prefecture presented grain with thirteen ears on one stalk. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on bingyin, an edict said: when officials, officers and functionaries of Shu, or their relatives by marriage, fall ill, the local authorities are to give them medicine, money and silk. On wuchen, Dong Gao and other chiefs of the southwestern barbarians submitted to the Song. On jisi, the emperor went to the Shipyard, and then to the northern garden of the Governor of Kaifeng for a banquet and archery. On guiyou, the officers and soldiers of the Xichuan Field Army were given money and silk, each according to rank. On gengchen, the levy of rice and wheat in Jiannan and Shu was abolished. There was drought in Hua Prefecture, and this year's land tax was remitted. Households were assigned to provide the salaries of prefectural and county officials. Edit

In the eighth month, on dingyou, an edict abolished the doubled interest in Shu. On gengzi, floods destroyed the city of Gaoyuan County. On renyin, an edict ordered that censorial officials and officials of the Ministries of Personnel and Justice, on completing three full years, be at once transferred and given marks of favour. On gengxu, Feng Zan, Academician of the Bureau of Military Affairs, Li Mei, Vice Commissioner of the Damask and Brocade Office, and Li Yan, Palace Censor, were entrapped by the chief minister Zhao Pu and sentenced to death for taking bribes; an amnesty intervening, they were exiled to Shamen Island, not to return even under later acts of grace. On xinhai, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden for a banquet and archery. Jingzhao Prefecture presented cocoons of wild silkworms. On renzi, there was a fire in Heng Prefecture. On yimao, the cases of prisoners were reviewed. On bingchen, the Yellow River breached its banks in Hua Prefecture and destroyed the great dike of Linghe. In Pu Prefecture hares ate the crops. Edit

In the intercalary month, on yichou, the Yellow River overflowed into Nanhua County. On jisi, there was a fire in Heng Prefecture. On yihai, an edict said: people who plant crops and trees or open up new land will not be taxed more for it, and magistrates and their assistants who can encourage people to come and do so will be rewarded. Edit

In the ninth month, on the first day, renchen, there were floods. Sun Jin, Commander of the Hujie Army, Wu Gui, Commander of the Longwei Army, and others, twenty-seven men, were found guilty of joining Lü Han's rebellion and were put to death, and Jin's clan was exterminated. On gengzi, Champa presented tame elephants. On yisi, the emperor went to the naval training pool, and then to the Yujin Garden to watch the guards' mounted archery. On bingwu, an edict ordered Wuyue to build a temple to Yu at Kuaiji. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on the first day, xinyou, the Court of Imperial Sacrifices was ordered to restore the two dances. On guihai, an edict ordered the commanderies to build temples at the tombs of the ancient emperors and kings and to assign households to them, each in its measure. On jisi, officials and soldiers were forbidden to harass the people under the pretext of patrols and inspections. Edit

In the twelfth month, on gengchen, the sorcerer Zhang Long'er and others, twenty-four men, were put to death, and the clans of Long'er, Li Yu, Yang Mi and Nie Yun were exterminated. Edit

Fifth year of Qiande (967)

In the fifth year, in the spring, the first month, on wuxu, the river dikes were repaired. On dingwei, Hanchu County of He Prefecture presented a piece of green jiu wood, in the grain of which were the words "Da lian Song" [Great, joined to Song]. On jiayin, Wang Quanbin and others were found guilty of greed for plunder and of killing men who had surrendered in the campaign against Shu; Quanbin was demoted to Military Commissioner of the Chongyi Army, Cui Yanjin to Military Commissioner of the Zhaohua Army, and Wang Renshan to Grand General of the Right Guard. On bingchen, an edict ordered that any officers of the campaign against Shu who had taken money or goods from the people of Shu return them at once to their owners. On dingsi, merit in the campaign against Shu was rewarded, and Cao Bin, Liu Guangyi and others were raised in rank, each in his measure. Edit

In the second month, on the first day, gengshen, the emperor went to the Shipyard, and then to the west of the city to watch the guards' mounted archery. On jiazi, Xue Juzheng and Lü Yuqing were both made Vice Ministers of Personnel, remaining Assisting Civil Councillors as before. On jichou, the emperor went to the naval training pool. Edit

In the third month, on jiachen, an edict ordered the Hanlin Academicians and the officials attending regular audiences each to recommend one man, from among staff officials, prefectural and county officials and capital officials, fit to be an official attending regular audiences; if the man proved unfit, they would be punished with him. On yisi, an edict ordered the circuits to recommend officials within their jurisdictions of outstanding ability and virtue. On bingwu, Pu was made Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and concurrently Vice Director of the Chancellery and Joint Manager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery, and Chongju Acting Grand Mentor. That day the emperor went to the naval training pool, and then to the Yujin Garden for a banquet and archery. On bingchen, Yan Zhang, Commander of Recruits at the Shipen stockade of the Northern Han, came to surrender with his stockade. The five planets gathered in the Kui lodge. Edit

In the summer, the fifth month, on yisi, clothing was given to the poor of the capital. Fan Hui, Commander of Recruits at the Hongtang stockade of the Northern Han, came to surrender with his stockade. On jiayin, Wang Pu was made Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent. Edit

In the sixth month, on the first day, wuwu, there was an eclipse of the sun. On xinsi, the emperor went to the Jianlong Abbey, and then to the Flying Dragon Stables. On dinghai, the Prince of Shunhua of Zangke and others came to present local products. Edit

In the seventh month, on dingyou, the destruction of bronze images of the Buddha was forbidden. On jiyou, households struck by flood or drought were excused this year's land tax. Edit

In the eighth month, on jiashen, the Yellow River overflowed into the city of Wei Prefecture, and several hundred people drowned. Edit

In the ninth month, on renchen, Chen Yan, Vice Director of the Granaries Bureau, was found guilty of taking bribes and was executed in the marketplace. On jiawu, Bucai, Prince of Shunhua of the southwestern tribes, and others sent envoys to present local products. On jiyou, the emperor hunted in the near suburbs. Edit

In the eleventh month, on the first day, yiyou, Wu Shousu, Vice Minister of Works, was found guilty of taking a concubine while in mourning and was dismissed. The Palace Attendant Wu Renhai was found guilty of wrongfully killing a man and was executed in the marketplace. Edit

In the twelfth month, on bingchen, new small coins of iron, pewter and the like were forbidden, as was coarse cloth and silk filled out with powder. On guiyou, Lin Prefecture was raised to be the military command of the Jianning Army. Zhao Pu left his post to mourn his mother; on bingzi, he was recalled to office before the end of mourning. Edit

First year of Kaibao (968)

In the first year of Kaibao, in the spring, the first month, on jiawu, the walls of the capital were extended. There was famine at Jijin in Shan, Yuanqu in Jiang and Wuzhi in Huai, and relief was given. On jihai, Ren En, Commander of Recruits at the Piancheng stockade of the Northern Han, and others came to surrender. Edit

In the third month, on gengyin, the ordinance on catching thieves by county magistrates and sheriffs was promulgated. On guisi, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden. On yisi, a tame elephant came to the capital of its own accord. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on yimao, the emperor went to the residence of the Military Commissioner Zhao Yanhui to visit him in his illness. Edit

In the fifth month, on dingwei, one hundred thousand hu of rice and wheat were given to the Southern Tang. Edit

In the sixth month, on the first day, guichou, an edict ordered that people's fields ruined by long rains or by river floods be excused this year's summer tax and the goods levied along with it. On guihai, an edict said: among the people of Jing and Shu, while grandparents or parents are living, their sons and grandsons may not divide the property and live apart. On dingchou, Venus appeared by day. On wuyin, it appeared again. On xinsi, a dragon came out of a well in a commoner's house in Shanfu; there was a great storm of wind and rain, four hundred houses were swept away, and several tens of people died. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on bingshen, the emperor went to the camp of the Iron Cavalry and gave the soldiers money, sheep and wine, each according to rank. Hu Yu, master of the Yingzhou stockade of the Northern Han, and others came to surrender. On bingwu, the emperor went to the camp of the Iron Cavalry, and then to the Yujin Garden. On wushen, Li Huaijie, Prefect of Fang Prefecture, was found guilty of forcing the people under him to sell him goods, and was demoted to Commandant of the Left Guard of the Heir Apparent. Liu Jun, ruler of the Northern Han, died, and his adopted son Ji'en succeeded him. Edit

In the eighth month, on yimao, the emperor flew falcons in the near suburbs, and on his way back went to the Xiangguo Monastery. On wuwu, he again flew falcons in the northern suburb, and on his way back went to the Flying Dragon Stables. On bingyin, Lu Huaizhong, Commissioner of the Visitors' Bureau, and others, twenty-two men, were sent to lead palace troops to assemble at Lu Prefecture. On wuchen, Li Jixun, Military Commissioner of the Zhaoyi Army, and others were ordered to campaign against the Northern Han. Edit

In the ninth month, on the first day, xinsi, the export of coin beyond the frontier was forbidden. On guiwei, the Investigating Censor Yang Shida was found guilty of killing men without cause while trying cases, and was executed in the marketplace. On gengzi, Li Jixun defeated the Northern Han at the Tongwen River. On jiyou, Hou Barong, a Palace Attendant of the Northern Han, murdered his ruler Ji'en, and Jiyuan succeeded. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on jiwei, the emperor hunted in the near suburbs, and on his way back went to the Flying Dragon Stables. On bingzi, the King of Wuyue sent his son Weijun to court with tribute. Edit

In the eleventh month, on guimao, the day of the winter solstice, the emperor performed the sacrifice at the southern suburb, and the reign title was changed to Kaibao. There was a great amnesty, from which the Ten Abominations, murder and officials' taking of bribes were excluded. The chief minister Pu and others presented jade books and a seal conferring the honorific title Yingtian Guangyun Dasheng Shenwu Mingdao Zhide Renxiao Huangdi. Edit

In the twelfth month, on jiazi, rewards were given in celebration: from the Governors of Kaifeng and Xingyuan, the chief ministers and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs down to the regional lords of the circuits, all were raised in merit rank and noble rank, each in his measure. On yichou, the state of the Arabs sent an envoy to present local products. Edit

Second year of Kaibao (969)

In the second year, in the spring, the first month, on the first day, jimao, because the army was on campaign, the emperor did not come to the hall. Edit

In the second month, on yimao, Li Jixun, Military Commissioner of the Zhaoyi Army, was made Area Commander of the Vanguard of the Hedong Field Army, with Dang Jin, Commander of the Infantry of the Imperial Guard, as his deputy, and Cao Bin, Commissioner of the Southern Xuanhui Court, as Army Supervisor; He Jiyun, Defence Commissioner of Di Prefecture, was made Area Commander at the Shiling Pass, and Zhao Zan, Military Commissioner of the Jianxiong Army, Area Commander for the Fen Prefecture route, to attack the Northern Han. There was a banquet in the Changchun Hall. Han Chongyun, Military Commissioner of the Zhangde Army, was made Area Commander of the Northern Front, with Guo Yanyi, Military Commissioner of the Zhangyi Army, as his deputy, to guard against the Khitan. On wuwu, an edict announced that the emperor would lead the campaign in person. On jiyou, Guangyi, Governor of Kaifeng, was made regent of the capital, and the Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs Shen Yilun Area Commander of the Inner Palace and in charge of the affairs of the Finance Commission left at the capital. On jiazi, the emperor set out from the capital. On yihai, it rained, and he halted at Lu Prefecture. Edit

In the third month, on renchen, the emperor set out from Lu Prefecture. On yiwei, Li Jixun defeated the Northern Han army beneath the walls of Taiyuan. On wuxu, the imperial carriage reached the foot of the walls. On gengzi, the emperor reviewed the troops south of the city, and a long continuous wall was built around it. On xinchou, he went to the Fen River, where a new bridge was made. Several tens of thousands of able-bodied men were called up from the counties of Taiyuan and gathered beneath the walls. On guimao, Shi Zhaowen of the Northern Han came to surrender with Xian Prefecture. On yisi, the emperor came to the south of the city and said that the Fen River could be used to flood the city; he ordered a long dike built to dam it, and the waters of the Jin Shrine cut through to pour into it. Then stockades were set up on all four sides of the city: Jixun's army to the south, Zan's to the west, Bin's to the north and Jin's to the east; and the Fen River was led north to flood the city. On xinhai, Sun Fangjin, Prefect of Hai Prefecture, was sent to lead troops to besiege Fen Prefecture. Edit

In the fourth month, on wushen, the emperor went to the east of the city to watch the building of the dike. On renzi, he went again to the east of the city. On jiwei, He Jiyun defeated the Khitan at Yangqu, took several thousand heads, and captured Wang Yanfu, Prefect of Wu Prefecture, and presented him; the emperor ordered the heads and armour taken to be displayed beneath the city walls. On renxu, he went to the Fen River to watch the building of boats. On wuchen, he went to the Shangsheng Cloister west of the city. On bingzi, he went again to the west of the city. Edit

In the fifth month, on guiwei, Han Chongyun defeated the Khitan north of Ding Prefecture. From wuzi to gengyin, the navy was ordered to carry crossbows and attack all around the city; Wang Tingyi, Militia Commissioner of Heng Prefecture, and Shi Hanqing, Chief Military Inspector of the Palace Command, died in the fighting. On jiawu, Zhao Wendu of the Northern Han came to surrender with Lan Prefecture. On jiachen, the Chief Inspector Zhao Tinghan reported that the armies wished to scale the walls and attack to the death; the emperor took pity on them and would not allow it. Edit

In the intercalary month, on wushen, a stretch of the battlements collapsed and water poured into the city; the emperor at once went up on the dike to watch. On jiyou, the Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs Wei Renpu died. On renzi, on the advice of Li Guangzan, Erudite of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, it was discussed whether to withdraw the army. On jiwei, the soldiers were ordered to move ten thousand households of the people of Hedong to Shandong. On gengshen, commissioners were sent separately to lead troops to Zhen and Lu. On renxu, the imperial carriage set off for home. On wuchen, it halted at Zhen Prefecture. Edit

In the sixth month, on the first day, bingzi, the emperor set out from Zhen Prefecture. On guisi, he returned from Taiyuan. A special amnesty was given to the prisoners of the capital. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on dingsi, the emperor went to the Fengshan Monastery. An edict ordered that walls be built for all the towns, stockades and counties within the jurisdictions of Zhen, Shen, Zhao, Xing and Ming, five prefectures. On jiazi, there was a great banquet. The chief ministers, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, the Hanlin Academicians, the Military Commissioners and the Surveillance Commissioners were given sets of clothing and gold belts. On wuchen, Wucai, Prince of Shunhua of the southwestern barbarians, and others came to present local products. On guiyou, the emperor went to the new water mill. The Bian River breached its banks at Xiayi. On yihai, the Star of Longevity appeared. Edit

In the eighth month, on dinghai, an edict ordered the prefectures of Sichuan and the Gorges to look into people who registered separately and divided the property while their parents were living, and to sentence them to death. Edit

In the ninth month, on the first day, yisi, the emperor went to the Temple of King Wucheng. On renxu, he went to the Yujin Garden for a banquet and archery. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on wuzi, the emperor hunted in the near suburbs. On gengyin, Du Yanjin, Chief of the Sanzhihui Guard, and others plotted rebellion and were put to death, and their clans were exterminated. An edict said: the families of conscript labourers from Xiang, Shen and Zhao, three prefectures, who died beneath the walls of Taiyuan are to be exempted from taxes and service. On gengzi, Wang Pu was made Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, and Wu Hengde Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent. On guimao, Zhang Yantong, Military Director of Xichuan, the eunuch Zhang Yu, and Wang Jue, Vice Commissioner for Visitors' Introductions, were slandered by Ding Deyu; Yantong was found guilty of insolence and put to death, and Yu and Jue were both beaten and banished. Edit

In the eleventh month, on bingwu, the emperor went to the residence of Zhang Lingduo, Military Commissioner of the Zhenning Army, to visit him in his illness. On jiayin, he hunted in the near suburbs, and on his way back went to the Jinfeng Garden. On gengshen, the Uighurs and Khotan sent envoys to present local products. Edit

In the twelfth month, on guiwei, the emperor went to the Secretariat to visit the chief minister Zhao Pu in his illness. On jihai, the Right Admonisher of the Heir Apparent Wang Zhao, who supervised the Daying Granary, was found guilty because his son had colluded with the granary clerks in fraud and embezzlement; he was stripped of two offices and sent to serve in bondage at Ru Prefecture. Ding Deyu falsely accused Li Xuan, Fiscal Commissioner of Xichuan, of speaking against the emperor; when the matter was cleared, Li was still found guilty of misconduct in drink and was demoted to Right Admonisher of the Heir Apparent. Edit

Third year of Kaibao (970)

In the third year, in the spring, the first month, on the first day, guimao, it rained and snowed, and the emperor did not come to the hall. On guichou, the river dikes were raised. On xinyou, an edict said: for every five thousand households, the people are to recommend one man famed for filial and fraternal conduct and of pure and abundant virtue, though men of rare talent or extraordinary conduct are not bound by this limit; the villages and the commanderies and states are to examine them in turn and report them under joint signature, and are also to fit them out for the journey and send them to the court. Edit

In the second month, on gengyin, the emperor went to the western tea storehouse, and then to the Jianlong Abbey. Edit

In the third month, on gengxu, an edict ordered that Sima Pu and others, one hundred and six presented scholar candidates who had sat the examination fifteen times or more, be reviewed, and all were granted the status of graduates in their category. On xinhai, the recluse Wang Zhaosu was made Erudite of the Directorate of Education and allowed to retire. On bingchen, Zhang Yong, Assistant Director of the Palace Administration, was found guilty of unjust government when he was earlier acting Prefect of Ying Prefecture, and was dismissed from office. On jiwei, the emperor went to the residence of the chief minister Zhao Pu to visit him in his illness. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on the first day, xinwei, there was an eclipse of the sun. On dinghai, the emperor went to the Buddhist and Daoist temples to pray for rain. On xinmao, it rained. On jiawu, he went to the naval training pool. On jihai, the salt prohibitions in the prefectures of Hebei were lifted. An edict ordered the commanderies and states not to send as tribute anything that was not a product of their own land. Edit

In the fifth month, on dingwei, the people of the capital were forbidden to keep weapons. On guichou, the emperor went north of the city to look at the water mills. On guihai, money was given, each according to rank, to the guard companies whose barracks had been damaged by rain. Edit

In the sixth month, on yiwei, the personal followers of the chief officials of the prefectures were forbidden to take charge of the offices of the wards and market towns. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on yisi, deadlines and forms for reporting floods and droughts were fixed. On renzi, an edict ordered that in the prefectures and counties of Shu the officials be graded by the number of households, their numbers reduced and their salaries raised; soon after, an edict ordered the same for all the circuits. On wuchen, the emperor went to the naval training pool, and then to the Yujin Garden for a banquet and archery. Edit

In the eighth month, on wuzi, the emperor went to the naval training pool, and then to the Yujin Garden. Edit

In the ninth month, on the first day, jihai, Pan Mei, Defence Commissioner of Tan Prefecture, was made Area Commander of the Field Army of the He Prefecture route, with Yin Chongke, Militia Commissioner of Lang Prefecture, as his deputy. Envoys were sent to call out the troops of ten prefectures to assemble at He Prefecture, to attack the Southern Han. On jiachen, an edict said: of the tombs in the Western Capital, Fengxiang, Xiong, Yao and other prefectures, those of King Wen, King Cheng and King Kang of the Zhou; the First Emperor of Qin; seven emperors of the Han, Gao, Wen, Jing, Wu, Yuan, Cheng and Ai; Xiaowen of the Later Wei; Emperor Wen of the Western Wei; Taizu of the Later Zhou; and Gaozu, Taizong, Zhongzong, Suzong, Daizong, Dezong, Shunzong, Wenzong, Wuzong, Xuanzong, Yizong, Xizong and Zhaozong of the Tang, twenty-seven tombs in all, which have been opened by robbers: the authorities are to provide a set each of ceremonial and ordinary dress, furnish inner and outer coffins and rebury them, and the chief officials of the localities are to offer sacrifice. On jiyou, the emperor went to the Kaibao Monastery to see its new bell. On bingchen, the state of the Jurchen sent an envoy bearing a memorial from Lie Wanhua, king of Ding'an, and presenting local products. On dingmao, Pan Mei and others defeated ten thousand men of the Southern Han army at Fu Prefecture and took it. Edit

In the tenth month, on gengchen, He Prefecture was taken. Edit

In the eleventh month, on renyin, Zhao and Gui, two prefectures, were taken. On yisi, the quota of silver sent each year as tribute by Guiyang was reduced. On guichou, Shi Yanzuo, General of the Right Army Guard, was found guilty of colluding with the clerks in fraud and embezzlement while supervising a granary, and was executed in the marketplace. On guihai, Tian Qinzuo, Resident Army Supervisor of Ding Prefecture, defeated the Khitan at Suicheng. On bingyin, Kong Chan, whom Cao Prefecture had recommended for his virtuous conduct, was made Registrar of Zhangqiu. Edit

In the twelfth month, on renshen, Pan Mei and others took Lian Prefecture. On xinmao, they utterly defeated more than ten thousand men of the Southern Han army at Shao Prefecture and took it. On guisi, the river dikes were raised. Edit

Fourth year of Kaibao (971)

In the fourth year, in the spring, the first month, on the first day, wuxu, because the army was on campaign, the emperor did not hold court. On bingwu, the acting officials of the prefectures and counties of the circuits were dismissed. On dingwei, Sang Jinxing, Grand General of the Right Qianniu Guard, was found guilty of taking bribes and was executed in the marketplace. On guichou, Pan Mei and others took Ying and Xiong prefectures. Edit

In the second month, on dinghai, Liu Chang of the Southern Han sent his Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs Xiao Cui and others to bring up a memorial. On jichou, Pan Mei took Guang Prefecture and captured Liu Chang, and Guangnan was pacified. Sixty prefectures, two hundred and fourteen counties and 170,263 households were gained. On xinmao, there was a great amnesty for Guangnan, the two taxes were remitted, and the officials appointed by the illegitimate regime kept their posts. Edit

In the third month, on yiwei, the emperor went to the Flying Dragon Stables and gave horses to the officials in attendance. On bingshen, an edict said: in Guangnan, all men and women who have been sold as slaves or hired out for profit are to be set free; any measures of the illegitimate regime that harm the people are to be reported in full and abolished. The households guarding the tombs of the emperors of earlier dynasties were increased by two. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on the first day, bingyin, Zhao Pin, former General of the Left Gate Guard, brought charges against the chief minister Zhao Pu; he was found guilty of slandering a great minister and placed under supervision at Ru Prefecture. On dingmao, the state of Srivijaya sent an envoy to present local products. On jisi, an edict ordered that the commercial taxes and the monopolies on salt and yeast in Lingnan follow the law of Jinghu. On xinwei, the emperor went to the residence of Wu Tingzuo, Military Commissioner of the Yongxing Army, to visit him in his illness. On guiwei, he went to the Kaibao Monastery. On xinmao, the Southern Tang sent the ruler's younger brother Congjian to court with tribute. A thousand men of the Prefectural Army were called up to repair the tombs of earlier dynasties in the Qin region. On renchen, the Investigating Censor Lüqiu Shunqing was found guilty of embezzling public money in his previous post and was executed in the marketplace. Edit

In the fifth month, on the first day, yiwei, the emperor came to the Mingde Gate to receive Liu Chang as a captive, and released him; his powerful ministers Gong Chengshu, Li Tuo and Xue Chongyu were beheaded. There was a great banquet in the Daming Hall, and Chang took part in it. On dingyou, merit in the campaign against Guangnan was rewarded, and Pan Mei, Yin Chongke and others were raised in rank, each in his measure. Edit

In the sixth month, on guiyou, an envoy was sent to sacrifice to the Southern Sea. On dingchou, the Hanlin Academy was ordered to examine the officials of the Southern Han, and those whose writing and judgments were somewhat better were appointed magistrates, recorders, registrars and sheriffs. On renwu, the filial son Luo Jutong was made Registrar of Yan Prefecture. Liu Chang was enfeoffed as Marquis of Grace and Pardon. On yiyou, the silver mines of He Prefecture were closed. Liu Chang was given, in addition to his monthly salary, fifty thousand cash and five thousand hu of rice and wheat. The Yellow River breached its banks at Yuanwu, and the Bian River at Gushu. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on wuxu, Guangyi, Governor of Kaifeng, was given fourteen halberds for his gate. On gengzi, the emperor went to the newly built water mill and gave money and silk to the labourers, each according to rank. On wuwu, the ordinance on the adoption of sons by palace eunuchs was issued again. On guihai, the emperor went to the residence of He Jiyun, Military Commissioner of the Jianwu Army, to visit him in his illness. The Bian River breached its banks at Songcheng. Edit

In the eighth month, on renshen, the civil and military officials offered the emperor an honorific title, but he would not accept it. On xinmao, the Bright Star appeared. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on the first day, guihai, there was an eclipse of the sun. On jisi, an edict ordered that those who counterfeited gold be executed in the marketplace. On gengwu, Wang Yuanji, Librarian of the Heir Apparent, was found guilty of taking bribes and was executed in the marketplace. On xinsi, the old irregular levies of Guangnan were abolished. On jiashen, an edict ordered that those who committed robbery or theft after the tenth month not be pardoned in the amnesty of the suburban sacrifice. On bingxu, the people of Guangnan who had been forcibly drafted into the army were released. Edit

In the eleventh month, on the first day, guisi, the Southern Tang sent the ruler's younger brother Congshan, and the King of Wuyue sent his son Weijun, to court with tribute for the suburban sacrifice. Yu, ruler of the Southern Tang, submitted a memorial asking to give up the name of his state and to be addressed by his personal name, and the emperor agreed. On gengxu, an edict ordered the circuits to report those among the dismissed acting officials who had served three terms without fault. The Yellow River breached its banks at Chan Prefecture; the Controller-general Yao Shu was found guilty of failing to report it at once and was executed in the marketplace. On jiwei, the day of the winter solstice, the emperor performed the sacrifice at the southern suburb, and there was a great amnesty, from which the Ten Abominations, deliberate robbery with murder and officials' taking of bribes were excluded. An edict ordered that households be assigned to provide the salaries of the staff officials of the prefectures. On renxu, forty men of the Shu Company of Inner Palace Duty Officers, citing the precedent of the Imperial Horse Guard, asked for rewards and beat the Complaints Drum; they were ordered to be given twenty strokes each. The next day all of them were beheaded at their camp, and their Commander-in-chief Shan Bin and others were all beaten and demoted. Edit

In the twelfth month, on the first day, guihai, the officials who had served at the southern suburban sacrifice were given vessels and silks, each according to rank. On dingmao, rewards were given in celebration: Guangyi, Governor of Kaifeng, Guangmei, Governor of Xingyuan, Dezhao, Defence Commissioner of Guizhou, and the chief minister Zhao Pu all had their fiefs increased. On jisi, the civil and military officials at the capital and in the provinces were raised in turn in merit rank and noble rank. On xinwei, Li Fu of the Nine Classics examination was granted the status of graduate in his category. On renwu, the emperor hunted in the near suburbs. Edit

Taizu III Edit

Fifth year of Kaibao (972)

In the fifth year, in the spring, the first month, on the first day, renchen, it rained and snowed, and the emperor did not come to the hall. The casting of stupas and images of the Buddha in iron was forbidden. On gengzi, Xu Yong of Yanling, former sheriff of Lushi County, aged seventy-five, said that his father Qiong was ninety-nine years old and his two elder brothers both over eighty, and asked for an office so that he could look after them. The emperor therefore summoned Qiong and gave him generous gifts, and appointed Yong magistrate of Yanling. On renyin, the petty clerks and paid labourers of the prefectures and counties were reduced. On yisi, the yearly tribute of fish from Xiang Prefecture was abolished. Edit

In the second month, on bingzi, an edict ordered each of the seventeen prefectures along the Yellow River to appoint one Administrative Assistant for the river dikes. On gengchen, the Qifang silver works of Feng Prefecture were made the Kaibao Directorate. On gengyin, the Vice Minister of War Liu Xigu was made Assisting Civil Councillor. Edit

In the intercalary month, on renchen, the Ministry of Rites examined An Shouliang and others, thirty-eight presented scholar and other candidates in all; they were summoned to answer questions in the Jiangwu Hall, and only then was the list of passes published. On gengxu, Mi Prefecture was raised to be the military command of the Anhua Army. Edit

In the third month, on gengwu, money was given to Qiu Xing, Commander of the Longqi Army at Ying Prefecture, and his soldiers. On xinwei, Bomeishui, king of Champa, sent an envoy to present local products. On renshen, the emperor went to the naval training pool for exercises. On yiyou, the Palace Censor Zhang Mu was found guilty of taking bribes and was executed in the marketplace. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on the first day, gengyin, Shili Wuye, the ruler of the state of Sanfoqi, sent an envoy to present local products. On bingwu, envoys were sent to inspect fields damaged by floods. On bingyin, envoys were sent to the prefectures to hunt tigers. Edit

In the fifth month, on gengshen, Liu Chang, the Marquis of Grace and Pardon, was granted 1,500,000 cash. On yichou, close officials were ordered to pray for clear skies. Thirteen prefectures and thirty-nine counties of Guangnan were merged into others. On bingyin, the Meichuan pearl-diving companies of Lingnan were disbanded and made into the Jingjiang Army. On xinwei, the Yellow River breached its dykes at Puyang, and Cao Han, Militia Commissioner of Ying Prefecture, was ordered to go and close the breach. On jiaxu, because of incessant rain, more than fifty women of the rear palace were released, given gifts and sent away. On dinghai, there was excessive rain south and north of the Yellow River, and great floods in the six prefectures of Chan, Hua, Ji, Yun, Cao and Pu. Edit

In the sixth month, on jichou, the Yellow River breached its dykes at Yangwu, and the Bian breached at Gushu. On dingyou, an edict said: because of the incessant rain and the breaches of the River, wherever the people's fields along the River have been damaged by the water, the officials concerned are to report them in full and remit their tax. On wushen, the dyke at Yangwu was repaired. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on jiwei, the Right Reminder Zhang Xun was convicted of taking bribes and executed in the marketplace. On guiwei, the Lao people of Yong, Rong and other prefectures rebelled. Edit

In the eighth month, on gengyin, Wang Zhao, the King of Goryeo, sent an envoy to present local products. On jihai, Zhu Xian, Army Supervisor of the Guangzhou Field Headquarters, crushed the Lao bandits at Rong Prefecture. On guimao, Su Prefecture was raised to a military commissionership as the Baojing Army, and the military commissionership of Mi Prefecture was abolished, the prefecture reverting to a defence prefecture. Edit

In the ninth month, on the first day, dingsi, there was an eclipse of the sun. On guiyou, Li Chongju was dismissed, keeping the post of Military Commissioner of the Zhenguo Army. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on gengzi, the emperor went to the residence of Zhang Renchao, Military Commissioner of Heyang, to visit him in his illness. On jiachen, the Daoist priests were examined, and those without ability were made to return to lay life. Edit

In the eleventh month, on jiwei, Li Jiming and Yao Jiqing crushed the Lao bandits at Ying Prefecture. On guihai, Buddhist monks and Daoist priests were forbidden to study astronomy and geomancy. On jisi, candidates were forbidden to sit the examinations away from where they were registered. On gengchen, the Assisting Civil Councillors Xue Juzheng and Lu Yuqing were ordered to serve concurrently as Fiscal Commissioners of Huai, Hu, Ling and Shu. Edit

In the twelfth month, on the first day, yiyou, prayers were offered for snow. On jihai, the emperor hunted in the near outskirts. Guangyi, Governor of Kaifeng, fell suddenly ill, and the emperor went to his residence to see him. On jiayin, Dong Yan'e of the Inner Duty Group, convicted of stealing fodder and grain from the office he supervised, was beaten to death. An edict ordered that those due to be appointed county magistrates or recorders be presented in audience before they were assigned. On yimao, there was heavy snow. Edit

That year there was a great famine. Edit

Sixth year of Kaibao (973)

In the sixth year, in the spring, the first month, on the first day, bingchen, the emperor did not hold court in the hall. A Fiscal and Accounting Commissioner for Water and Land Transport of Shu was established. On guiyou, the river at Wei County was repaired. Edit

In the second month, on the first day, bingxu, Fu Yanhan, Military Supervisor of Di Prefecture and Palace Attendant, plotted rebellion and was executed. On bingshen, as there was famine in Cao Prefecture, 20,000 shi of rice from the Great Granary were shipped there to relieve it. On jihai, the state of Wuyue presented a pleasure barge decorated with silver and gold incense lions. Edit

In the third month, on the first day, yimao, the Prince of Zheng of the Zhou died at Fang Prefecture. The emperor put on plain clothes and proclaimed mourning, suspended court for ten days, gave him the posthumous title Emperor Gong, and ordered that he be brought back and buried beside the Qing Mausoleum, his own tomb to be called the Shun Mausoleum. On jiwei, Mi Prefecture was restored as a military commissionership, the Anhua Army. On gengshen, the jinshi candidates were examined again in the Jiangwu Hall, and degrees were granted to one hundred and twenty-seven men in all the fields, Song Zhun among them and also Xu Shilian and others who had failed. On yihai, Song Zhun and the others were given 200,000 cash for a banquet. The state of Dashi sent an envoy to present tribute. Li Fang, Hanlin Academician and Administrator of the Examinations, was held responsible for the unfair conduct of the examination and demoted to Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Lu Tan and other sons of court officials who had died in the service of the state were examined and granted the status of jinshi. On bingzi, the emperor went to the Xiangguo Monastery to view the newly repaired pagoda. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on dinghai, Guangyi, Governor of Kaifeng, Shi Shouxin, Military Commissioner of the Tianping Army, and others were summoned to admire the flowers and practise archery in the park. On xinchou, Lu Duoxun was sent as envoy to the state of Jiangnan. On jiachen, Xilituopanyincha, the King of Champa, sent an envoy to present local products. On bingwu, the Baosai Man of Li Prefecture came to submit. On wushen, an edict ordered the compilation of the History of the Five Dynasties. Edit

In the fifth month, on gengshen, Liu Xigu retired as Minister of Revenue. An edict said: since the clerks of the Secretariat have abused their power and much of their conduct is corrupt, officials of the regular ranks from the prefectures and counties are to be employed alongside them. On jisi, Ding Lian of Jiao Prefecture sent an envoy to bring local products as tribute. The emperor went to the Yujin Garden to watch the wheat being cut. On xinsi, the Right Reminder Ma Shi was put to death. Edit

In the sixth month, on xinmao, the clerks of the hundred offices in the capital were reviewed, and four hundred of them were dismissed to become farmers. On guisi, the state of Champa sent an envoy to present local products. Li Qianpu, Military Inspector of Xi Prefecture, took seven stockades of the Northern Han. On guimao, Lei Youlin accused Hu Zan and other clerks of the Secretariat, partisans of the Chief Minister Zhao Pu, of breaking the law; Zan and Li Kedu were both beaten and their property confiscated. On gengxu, an edict ordered that the Assisting Civil Councillors share with the Chief Minister Zhao Pu in keeping the seal, leading the ranks of officials at court and presenting matters to the throne. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on the first day, renzi, an edict ordered every prefecture and superior prefecture to establish an Administrator for Law, the post to be filled by men with the jinshi or mingjing degree. On bingchen, the irregular levies of cash in Guangnan were reduced. Edit

In the eighth month, on yiyou, the tax on dowries imposed by the false Shu in Chengdu Prefecture was abolished. On xinmao, the commoner Wang Zefang was granted a status equal to a classicist degree. On dingyou, Hou Ji, Prefectural Judge of Si Prefecture, convicted of having someone else write his judgments in the examination, was beaten and struck from the rolls. On jiachen, Zhao Pu was dismissed and made Military Commissioner of the Three Cities of Heyang and Joint Manager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery. On xinyou, the emperor went to the Duting Post Station. Edit

In the ninth month, on dingmao, Yuqing was dismissed, keeping the post of Left Assistant Director of the Department of State Affairs. On jisi, Guangyi was enfeoffed as Prince of Jin and concurrently Chancellery Director; Dezhao was made Joint Manager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery; Xue Juzheng was made Vice Director of the Chancellery and Joint Manager of Affairs; Shen Yilun, Vice Minister of Revenue and Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, was made Vice Director of the Secretariat and Joint Manager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery; Shi Shouxin was made concurrently Chancellery Director; and Lu Duoxun was made Secretariat Drafter and Assisting Civil Councillor. On renshen, an edict ordered that Guangyi, Prince of Jin, rank above the chief ministers at court. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on jiashen, Emperor Gong of the Zhou was buried, and the emperor did not hold court. On dinghai, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden to view the crops. On wuzi, meteors came out of Wenchang and the Northern Dipper. On jiachen, a special amnesty was granted to officials and clerks guilty of corruption. Edit

In the eleventh month, on guichou, an edict ordered every regular court official who had passed the jinshi examination to recommend one man of literary learning. Edit

In the twelfth month, on renwu, close officials were ordered to pray for snow. On bingwu, Duoxun, formerly Secretariat Drafter and Assisting Civil Councillor, was recalled from mourning to resume his duties. The Comprehensive Rites of Kaibao were put into effect. A limit was set on the ordination of monks: in each prefecture, for every hundred monks on its register, one ordination was permitted each year. Edit

Seventh year of Kaibao (974)

In the seventh year, in the spring, the first month, on gengxu, the emperor did not hold court in the hall. On gengshen, Bomeishui, the King of Champa, sent an envoy to present local products. In Qi Prefecture wild silkworms formed cocoons. On guihai, the Left Reminder Qin Dan and Lu Hu, Companion of the Heir Apparent, were both convicted of taking bribes; they were spared death, beaten and struck from the rolls. Edit

In the second month, on the first day, gengchen, there was an eclipse of the sun. On bingxu, there were two black spots on the sun. On guimao, close officials were ordered to pray for rain. An edict said: classicists in the three classics of the Songs, the Documents and the Changes are to enter office according to the seniority rules for those of the Three Classics and the Three Commentaries. On yisi, Hu Dechong, Secretary to the Heir Apparent, was convicted of concealing government money and executed in the marketplace. Edit

In the third month, on yichou, the King of Sanfoqi sent an envoy to present local products. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on bingwu, envoys were sent to inspect the people's fields in Lingnan. Edit

In the fifth month, on the first day, wushen, Li Ying, Palace Censor, was convicted of accepting gifts from the Southern Tang and demoted to Right Admonisher to the Heir Apparent. On jiayin, the commoner Qi Deyi was made Registrar of Zhangqiu. On yichou, an edict ordered that those who set two prices in trade be punished for perverting the law. On bingyin, the emperor went to the Jiangwu Pond to watch naval exercises. On bingzi, he went again to the Jiangwu Pond and then went on to the Yujin Garden. Edit

In the sixth month, on bingshen, as there was famine in Hezhong Prefecture, 30,000 shi of grain were issued to relieve it. On jihai, the Huai overflowed into the city of Si Prefecture; and on renyin, the Anyang River overflowed; both destroyed people's homes. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on renzi, the emperor went to the Jiangwu Pond to watch naval exercises, and then went on to the Yujin Garden. On bingchen, Mo Hongyan, chieftain of the stream-and-cave peoples of Nandan Prefecture, submitted to the court. An edict reduced the salt money of Chengdu Prefecture. On gengwu, Li Renyou, Companion of the Heir Apparent, was convicted of breaking the law and executed in the marketplace. Edit

In the eighth month, on wuyin, the King of the state of Wuyue sent an envoy to court with tribute. On dinghai, Wuyue was instructed to attack Jiangnan. On wuzi, Chen Prefecture presented a lingzhi fungus with forty-nine stems on one root. On jichou, the emperor went to the Jiangwu Pond and gave cash to the soldiers practising naval warfare. On wuxu, Zhao Xiang, Assistant in the Palace Administration, was convicted of levying taxes on his own authority and struck from the rolls. On jiachen, the emperor went to the Jiangwu Pond to watch naval exercises, and then went on to the Yujin Garden. Edit

In the ninth month, on guihai, Cao Bin, Commissioner of the Southern Bureau of Palace Affairs and Military Commissioner of the Yicheng Army, was appointed Supreme Commander of the Cavalry, Infantry and War-boats of the Field Headquarters of the Southwest Circuit, Pan Mei, Military Commissioner of Shannan East Circuit, Army Supervisor, and Cao Han, Militia Commissioner of Ying Prefecture, Commander-in-chief of the Vanguard; they were to lead one hundred thousand troops out from Jingnan to attack Jiangnan. As they were about to set out, the emperor summoned Cao Bin and Pan Mei and warned them: "On the day the city falls, take care that there is no killing or slaughter. Even if they fight on in desperation, Li Yu and his family must not be harmed." On dingmao, Li Mu, Drafter of Edicts, was made envoy to the state of Jiangnan. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on jiashen, the emperor went to the Yingchun Park and climbed the dyke of the Bian to watch the warships sail eastward. On bingxu, he went again to the Yingchun Park and climbed the dyke of the Bian to watch the armies practise fighting, then went on to the East Water Gate and sent the war-boats off eastward. Jiangnan presented tens of thousands of bolts of silk and several hundred pieces of imperial clothing, gold belts and utensils. On renchen, Cao Bin and the others led the fleet, the infantry and the cavalry out from Jiangling, advancing by water and land together. On dingyou, Qian Chu, the Prince of Wuyue, was appointed Commissioner for Pacification and Control of the Southeast Field Headquarters for Sheng Prefecture. On jihai, Cao Bin took Xiakou and captured the commanders Wang Renzhen, Wang Yan and Qian Xing. Edit

In the intercalary month, on jiyou, Chi Prefecture was taken. On dingsi, the army of Jiangnan was defeated at Tongling. On gengshen, the chief ministers and Assisting Civil Councillors were ordered to take turns keeping the Daily Record. On renxu, Bin and the others took the two counties of Wuhu and Dangtu and stationed the army at Caishi. On guihai, an edict reduced the levy of newly made tea in Hunan. On jiazi, Xue Juzheng and the others presented the newly compiled History of the Five Dynasties, and were given vessels and silks according to rank. On dingmao, Bin defeated the army of Jiangnan at Caishi, capturing Yang Shou, the Military Commander, Sun Zhen, the Army Supervisor, and others, a thousand men in all, and built a pontoon bridge to cross the river. Edit

In the eleventh month, on guiwei, the men under Li Congshan and the marines of Jiangnan, one thousand three hundred and ninety men, were tattooed and made into the Guihua Army. On jiashen, an edict abolished the posts of registrar in the counties of Jiannan, Shannan and other circuits. On dinghai, as there was drought in Qin and Jin, the arrears of tax were remitted in the six prefectures of Pu, Shan, Jin, Jiang, Tong and Xie, and half of them in the prefectures west of the passes. On jichou, Li Shu, commander of the Hanyang Army, defeated the fleet of Jiangnan at E. On jiawu, Cao Bin defeated the army of Jiangnan at the Xinlin Stockade. On xinchou, Sun Quanxing, acting Prefect of Xiong Prefecture, was ordered to answer a letter from Zhuo Prefecture proposing friendly relations. On renyin, the state of Dashi sent an envoy to present local products. Edit

In the twelfth month, on jiyou, Bin defeated the army of Jiangnan at Bailu Islet. On xinhai, close officials were ordered to pray for snow. On jiazi, the Prince of Wuyue led his troops to besiege Chang Prefecture, capturing its men and horses, and soon took the Licheng Stockade. On bingyin, Bin defeated the army of Jiangnan at Xinlin Harbour. On jisi, the Left Reminder Liu Qi was convicted of taking bribes; he was tattooed on the face, beaten and banished to Shamen Island. On gengwu, the Northern Han raided Jin Prefecture, and the official in command there, Wu Shouqi, defeated them at Hongdong. On renshen, the Prince of Wuyue defeated the army of Jiangnan at the northern border of Chang Prefecture. Edit

Eighth year of Kaibao (975)

In the eighth year, in the spring, the first month, on the first day, jiaxu, because the army was on campaign, the emperor did not hold court in the hall. On bingzi, Fan Ruoshui, acting Prefect of Chi Prefecture, defeated the army of Jiangnan at the border of the prefecture; Tian Qinzuo defeated the army of Jiangnan at Lishui and beheaded its Commander-in-chief, Li Xiong. On yiyou, the emperor, in the Changchun Hall, said to the chief ministers: "I see that of late most of those who serve as ministers cannot keep to the end. Is it that their loyalty and filial piety are thin, so that they have no means to enjoy great blessings?" The chief minister Juzheng and the others kowtowed in apology. On gengyin, Cao Bin took the water stockade south of the city of Sheng Prefecture. Edit

In the second month, on guichou, Bin defeated the army of Jiangnan at Bailu Islet. On yimao, the outer gate-city of Sheng Prefecture was taken. On dingsi, Xu Zhaowen, Companion of the Heir Apparent, was convicted of forcing people to sell him goods and was struck from the register. On jiazi, Hou Zhi, acting Prefect of Yang Prefecture, defeated the army of Jiangnan at the Xuanhua Garrison. On wuchen, the jinshi candidates were examined again in the Jiangwu Hall, and degrees were granted to thirty-one men, Wang Sizong and others, and to thirty-four men in the various fields, Ji Zicheng and others. Edit

In the third month, on yiyou, Wang Sizong and the others were given 200,000 cash for a banquet. On jichou, prayers for rain were ordered. On gengyin, Bin defeated the army of Jiangnan on the river. On jihai, the Khitan sent the envoy Keshagu Shensi with a letter to make peace. Yao Jineng, acting Prefect of Lu Prefecture, took the Yingjian Fort of the Northern Han. On xinchou, the Khitan envoy was summoned to the Jiangwu Hall to watch archery practice. On renyin, the palace eunuch Wang Jien was sent to lead troops to Sheng Prefecture. The state of Dashi sent an envoy to court to present tribute. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on yisi, the emperor went to the East Water Mill. On guichou, he went to the Duting Post Station to review the new warships. On dingsi, the Prince of Wuyue took Chang Prefecture. On renxu, Bin and the others defeated the army of Jiangnan north of the Qinhuai. On wuchen, the emperor went to the Yujin Garden to watch the rice being planted, and then went on to the Jiangwu Pond to watch naval exercises. On gengwu, an edict ordered that in Lingnan anyone whose theft or bribery came to ten strings of cash or more be put to death. The emperor went to the West Water Mill. Edit

In the fifth month, on the first day, renshen, Qian Chu, the King of the state of Wuyue, was made acting Grand Preceptor and Director of the Department of State Affairs, and his fief was increased. Zhang Kan, acting Superintendent of the Guiyang Directorate, exposed the surplus silver that his predecessors had concealed and embezzled; Dong Shu, Director in the Ministry of War, and Kong Lin, Right Admonisher to the Heir Apparent, were charged after the fact and put to death, and Zhao Yu, Librarian of the Heir Apparent, was beaten and banished to an island in the sea; Kan was rewarded and promoted to Vice Director of the State Farms Bureau. On xinsi, prayers were offered for clear skies. On jiashen, the Ningyuan Army of Jiangnan and the stockades along the river all surrendered. On yiyou, an edict ordered that the people of Wugang, Changsha and eight other counties, ten in all, who had been plundered by bandits be excused their arrears of tax and also exempted from labour service for one year. On jiawu, Ding Lian, Protector-general of Annam, sent an envoy to bring tribute. On xinchou, the Yellow River breached its dykes at Pu Prefecture. Edit

In the sixth month, on renyin, Cao Bin and the others sent an envoy to report that they had defeated the army of Jiangnan beneath its city walls. On dingwei, Cui Xuan, Surveillance Judge of Song Prefecture, and Ma Dexiu, Administrator for Records, were both convicted of taking bribes and executed in the marketplace. On xinhai, the Yellow River breached its dykes at Dunqiu in Chan Prefecture. On jiazi, a comet appeared in the lodge Liu, four zhang long, seen in the east in the early morning. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on the first day, xinwei, there was an eclipse of the sun. On gengchen, Hao Chongxin, Commissioner of Audience Ceremonies, and Lu Duan, Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, were sent as envoys to the Khitan. On guiwei, Rangjieshuoluo, a prince of East India in the Western Heaven, came to court to present tribute. On jiashen, an edict ordered the Prince of Wuyue to withdraw his army. On jihai, Wuni, the Ghost Lord of Lianglin beyond the mountains and General Who Cherishes Transformation, and others came to court to present tribute. Edit

In the eighth month, on yimao, the emperor went to the East Water Mill to watch the fish, and then went on to the North Garden. On xinyou, an edict suspended the examinations for that year. On renxu, the Khitan sent Yelu Bade, Grand General of the Left Guard, and others to present imperial clothing, a jade belt and fine horses. Ruofei, son of the Shunhua King of the Southwestern Fan, and others came to present fine horses. On guihai, Ding Deyu defeated the troops of Run Prefecture beneath its city walls. Edit

In the ninth month, on renshen, the emperor hunted in the near outskirts. As he chased a hare his horse stumbled and he fell to the ground, whereupon he drew the knife at his belt and stabbed the horse to death. Soon afterwards he regretted it and said: "I am the ruler of the realm, yet I go hunting lightly; what fault was it of the horse?" From then on he never hunted again. On wuyin, Run Prefecture surrendered. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on the first day, jihai, the ruler of Jiangnan sent Xu Xuan and Zhou Weijian to beg that the campaign be slowed. On xinhai, an edict ordered the magistrates and their assistants in the commanderies and states to look among the people for any who were filial and fraternal and diligent at farming, of rare talent and unusual conduct, or fit for civil or military use, and to send them to the palace. On dingsi, the palaces of the Western Capital were repaired. The ruler of Jiangnan presented as tribute 50,000 taels of silver and 50,000 bolts of silk, begging that the campaign be slowed. On wuwu, the Zhenhai Army military commissionership of Run Prefecture was renamed the Zhenjiang Army military commissionership. The emperor went to the North Garden of the Prince of Jin. On jiwei, Cao Bin sent Liu Yu, Chief Inspector, who routed the army of Jiangnan at Wankou and captured its generals Zhu Lingyun and Wang Hui. Edit

In the eleventh month, on xinwei, the ruler of Jiangnan sent Xu Xuan and others once more to present a memorial begging that the campaign be slowed; there was no reply. On jiashen, Cao Bin defeated the army of Jiangnan by night beneath its city walls. On bingxu, Song Zhun, Collator, and Xing Wenqing, Palace Attendant, were made envoys to congratulate the Khitan on the New Year. On yiwei, Cao Bin took Sheng Prefecture and captured the ruler of the state, Yu, and Jiangnan was pacified; in all, nineteen prefectures, three armies, one hundred and eighty counties and 655,060 households were gained. The emperor went in person to view the new Longxing Monastery. Edit

In the twelfth month, on gengzi, the emperor went to the Huimin River to watch a weir being built. On xinchou, an amnesty was granted to Jiangnan, with exemption from labour service for one year, and for two years where the armies had passed. On wushen, Sanfoqi sent an envoy to present local products. On jiyou, the emperor went to the Longxing Monastery. On xinhai, three tenths of that year's autumn tax were remitted in the counties of Kaifeng Prefecture. On jiwei, Liu Chang, the Marquis of Grace and Pardon, was made Duke of Pengcheng Commandery. On jiazi, the Khitan sent the envoy Yelu Wuzheng to offer congratulations on the New Year. On dingmao, the King of the state of Wuyue asked to come to court for the Changchun Festival, and this was granted. Edit

Ninth year of Kaibao (976)

In the ninth year, in the spring, the first month, on xinwei, the emperor went to the Mingde Gate and received Li Yu beneath the tower, without the ceremony of presenting captives. On renshen, there was a general amnesty, and sentences of death were reduced by one degree. On yihai, Li Yu was enfeoffed as Marquis of Disobeyed Commands, and his sons, brothers and ministers were given ranks and titles according to their grade. On jimao, Lu Jiang, Acting Military Commissioner of the Zhaowu Army of Jiangnan, burned and plundered prefectures and counties. On gengchen, an edict announced that the suburban sacrifice would be held at the Western Capital. On guisi, the Prince of Jin led the civil and military officials in offering the emperor an honorific title; he did not accept it. Edit

In the second month, on guimao, they submitted a memorial for the third time, and he did not accept it. On gengxu, Cao Bin was made Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs. On xinhai, Dezhao was ordered to go and welcome Qian Chu, the King of the state of Wuyue, at Song Prefecture and thank him for his labours. The Khitan sent the envoy Yelu Yanning with imperial clothing, a jade belt, fine horses, ordinary horses and white falcons to offer congratulations on the Changchun Festival. On yimao, the Prince of Wuyue reported that Ding Deyu, Commissioner of the Inner Office of Guest Affairs, was greedy and violent, and he was demoted to Prefect of Fang Prefecture. On dingsi, the emperor viewed the Lixian Residence. On wuwu, Lu Duoxun was made Vice Minister of Personnel, remaining Assisting Civil Councillor. On jiwei, Qian Chu, the King of the state of Wuyue, with his son Weijun and others, came to court in the Chongde Hall and presented silver and silk in tens of thousands. Chu was given clothing, a belt, a saddle and a horse, was lodged in the Lixian Residence, and was feasted in the Chang'an Hall. On renxu, Qian Chu presented, in congratulation on the pacification of Sheng Prefecture, silver and silk, frankincense, Wu damask, pongee and floss, cash and tea, rhinoceros horn and ivory, and aromatics and medicines, all in hundreds of millions. On jiazi, the Prince of Jin and the King of the state of Wuyue with his son and others were summoned to shoot in the park, and Chu presented imperial clothing, a figure of the Star of Longevity, a belt of clear rhinoceros horn and gold vessels. On dingmao, the emperor went to the Lixian Residence and gave Chu gold vessels and silver and silk, twice ten thousand. Edit

In the third month, on jisi, Chu presented silver, silk and frankincense in tens of thousands to help with the southern suburban sacrifice. On gengwu, Chu was granted the right to come up into the hall wearing his sword and shoes, and to be addressed in edicts without his personal name. On guiyou, the imperial son Defang was made Acting Grand Guardian and Defence Commissioner of Guizhou; Shen Yilun, Vice Director of the Secretariat and Joint Manager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery, was made Chief Administrator of the Palace; and Wang Renshan, Grand General of the Right Guard, was put provisionally in charge of the Regency Office and the Finance Commission and also of the administration of Kaifeng Prefecture. On bingzi, the emperor went to the Western Capital. On jimao, he halted at Gong County and paid homage at the An Mausoleum, wailing until he fainted, for a long time. On gengchen, the people of Henan Prefecture were granted half of that year's land tax, and the households that tended the mausoleums were exempted from labour service for one year. On xinsi, he arrived at Luoyang. On gengyin, there was heavy rain, and close officials were sent separately to the shrines and temples to pray for clear skies. On xinmao, the emperor went to the Guanghua Monastery and opened the pagoda of the Tripitaka master Wuwei. Edit

In the summer, the fourth month, on jihai, the rain stopped and the sky cleared. On gengzi, the emperor performed the sacrifice at the Round Altar, and on his return went up the Wufeng Tower and proclaimed a general amnesty: those guilty of the Ten Abominations or of deliberate murder were not pardoned; those who had been demoted, punished or dismissed were to be moved nearer and given posts according to their case; all who had been exiled or banished were released and all arrears forgiven; and all officials who had not yet received posthumous honours for their forebears were given them. On renyin, there was a great banquet, and the imperial princes, close officials and officers were given sets of clothing, gold belts, saddles and horses, vessels and silks according to rank. On bingwu, the imperial carriage set out for home. On xinhai, the emperor arrived back from Luoyang. On dingsi, Cao Han took Jiang Prefecture and massacred its people, capturing the guard officers Song Deming, Hu Ze and others. An edict increased the fief of the Prince of Jin; Guangmei and Dezhao were both given the additional title of Commander Unequalled in Honour; Defang's fief was increased; Xue Juzheng and Shen Yilun were given the additional title of Grand Master for Splendid Happiness; Cao Bin, Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, and Pan Mei, Commissioner of the Northern Bureau of Palace Affairs, were given the additional title of Specially Advanced; the fief of Qian Chu, the King of the state of Wuyue, was increased; and all civil and military officials, at court and in the provinces, were advanced in rank and title. On jiwei, it was made law that the holiday every ten days be a day of rest and bathing. On bingyin, Kelifu, the King of the state of Dashi, sent the envoy Puximi to present local products. Edit

In the fifth month, on jisi, the emperor went to the East Water Mill, then went on to the Flying Dragon Stables and watched fishing in the Jinshui River. On jiaxu, He Xian, Vice Director of the Bureau of Merit Titles, was sent to Jiangnan Circuit to inquire into conditions. Lu Jiang was put to death. On gengchen, the emperor went to the Jiangwu Pond, and then went on to the Yujin Garden to view the crops. In Song Prefecture a great wind wrecked the city towers and nearly five thousand rooms of official buildings and people's houses. On jiashen, Tian Shouqi, Vice Commissioner of Audience Ceremonies, and others were made envoys to congratulate the Khitan ruler on his birthday. Jin Prefecture sent to court Wang Hongwu, Military Inspector of the three prefectures of Lan, Shi and Xian of the Northern Han, and others. Edit

In the sixth month, on gengzi, the emperor walked to the residence of the Prince of Jin and ordered a water-wheel built to draw the Jinshui River into the residence to make a pool. On guimao, the Prince of Wuyue presented silver, silk and floss, twice ten thousand. On yimao, Mars entered the Southern Dipper. Edit

In the autumn, the seventh month, on wuchen, the emperor went to the residence of the Prince of Jin to view the new pool. On bingzi, he went to the residence of Guangmei, Governor of Jingzhao, to visit him in his illness. On wuyin, he went again to Guangmei's residence. Chen Hongjin, Military Commissioner of Quanzhou, asked to come to court. On bingxu, close officials were ordered to pray for clear skies. On dinghai, orders were given to repair the shrines and temples of the emperors and kings of former ages and of the Five Sacred Peaks and the Four Great Rivers. On gengyin, the emperor went to Guangmei's residence. Edit

In the eighth month, on the first day, yiwei, the King of the state of Wuyue presented soldiers skilled at shooting fire-arrows. On jihai, the emperor went to the new Longxing Monastery. On xinchou, Guo Siqi, Companion of the Heir Apparent, was convicted of taking bribes and executed in the marketplace. On yisi, the emperor went to the Dengjue Cloister, then to the Eastern Dyeing Office, where he gave cash to the workmen. He went on to the Konghe Barracks to watch archery practice and gave silk according to rank. He went also to the Kaibao Monastery to view the scriptures. On dingwei, Dang Jin, Commander-in-chief of the Cavalry of the Imperial Guard, and Pan Mei, Commissioner of the Northern Bureau of Palace Affairs, were sent to attack the Northern Han. On bingchen, envoys were sent leading troops by five routes into Taiyuan. Edit

In the ninth month, on jiazi, the emperor went to the Damask and Brocade Office. On gengwu, Wang Zhou, acting administrator of the affairs of the state of Goryeo, sent an envoy to court to present tribute. Dang Jin defeated the army of the Northern Han north of the city of Taiyuan. On xinsi, Guo Jin, Army Supervisor of the Field Headquarters of Xin and Dai, was ordered to move the people of the prefectures beyond the mountains. On gengyin, the emperor went to the pool pavilion south of the city, then to the Lixian Residence, and then to the residence of the Prince of Jin. Edit

In the winter, the tenth month, on the morning of the first day, jiawu, the civil and military officials were given clothing according to rank. On dingyou, Ma Jien, Military Supervisor, led troops into the territory of Hedong and burned and swept away more than forty stockades. On jihai, the emperor went to the Western Drill Ground. On gengzi, Guo Jin, Military Inspector of Zhen Prefecture, burned Shouyang County and captured nine thousand people. On xinchou, Mu Yanzhang, Military Inspector of Jin and Xi, entered Hedong and captured more than two thousand people. Dang Jin defeated the army of the Northern Han north of the city of Taiyuan. On jiyou, the Prince of Wuyue presented tame elephants. In the evening of guichou, the emperor died in the Wansui Hall, at the age of fifty. He lay in state at the western steps of the hall, was given the posthumous title Heroic, Martial, Sage, Cultured and Divinely Virtuous Emperor, and the temple name Taizu. In the second year of Taiping Xingguo, the fourth month, on yimao, he was buried in the Yongchang Mausoleum. In the first year of Dazhong Xiangfu, his posthumous title was extended to Emperor Who Opened the Destiny and Established the Pole, Heroic, Martial, Wise, Cultured, Divinely Virtuous, Sage in Achievement, Supremely Enlightened and Greatly Filial. Edit

The emperor was by nature filial, affectionate to his brothers and frugal, simple and natural, with no affectation or display. In the early days after he received the abdication, he was fond of going out in disguise, and some remonstrated with him for going out so lightly. He said: "The rise of an emperor comes from the Mandate of Heaven. Shizong of the Zhou killed every one of his generals who had a square face and large ears, yet I waited on him all day long and he could not harm me." Later, when he went out in disguise more and more often and someone remonstrated, he would say: "If someone has the Mandate of Heaven, let him try it; I will not stop you." One day, after court was dismissed, he sat in the side hall, unhappy for a long time. Those around him asked the reason. He said: "Do you think it is easy to be the Son of Heaven? This morning I acted in haste and decided a matter wrongly, and that is why I am unhappy." When the new palace at Bianjing was finished, he sat in the main hall and ordered all the gates thrown wide open, and said to those around him: "This is like my heart: if there is the least crookedness in it, everyone will see it." Edit

When Qian Chu of Wuyue came to court, everyone from the chief ministers down asked that Chu be detained and his land taken, but the emperor would not listen and sent Chu back to his state. When Chu took his leave, the emperor took out several dozen scrolls of memorials from his ministers asking that Chu be detained, sealed and marked them, and gave them to Chu, telling him to look at them privately on the road. On the way Chu opened them and saw that they were all memorials asking that he be detained and not sent back. From then on Chu was both grateful and afraid, and when Jiangnan was pacified he asked to surrender his land. Liu Chang of the Southern Han, while in his own state, had liked to set out poisoned wine to poison his ministers. After he had come over to the court, he accompanied the emperor to the Jiangwu Pond, and the emperor poured a cup of wine and gave it to Chang. Chang suspected it was poisoned and, holding the cup, said in tears: "My crimes are beyond pardon. Since Your Majesty has spared my life, I wish to be a commoner of Daliang and look upon the splendour of the age of great peace; I dare not drink this wine." The emperor laughed and said to him: "I place my sincere heart in other men's breasts; how could I do such a thing?" He at once took Chang's wine and drank it himself, and poured another cup for Chang. Edit

Wang Yansheng killed Han Tong on his own authority, and though he had helped in founding the dynasty, he was never in his life given the tally and axe of a military commissioner. Wang Quanbin, when he entered Shu, was greedy and unrestrained and killed men who had surrendered, and though his achievements were great, he was at once demoted. Edit

The reed blinds in the palace were edged with plain blue cloth, and the clothes the emperor wore every day were washed again and again. When the Elder Princess of the State of Wei wore a jacket trimmed with kingfisher feathers, he told her not to wear it again, and taught her: "You were born and raised in wealth and rank; you should think of treasuring your good fortune." When he saw Meng Chang's chamber pot decorated with jewels, he smashed it to pieces, saying: "You decorated this with the seven treasures; what vessel then would you use to hold your food? Acting like this, what could you expect but ruin!" Edit

In his later years he liked to read, and once, reading the two Canons, he sighed and said: "When Yao and Shun punished the Four Evil Ones, they only banished them. Why is the net of the law so tight in recent ages!" He said to the chief ministers: "Under the Five Dynasties, the regional lords were overbearing, and when one of them twisted the law and killed someone, the court let it pass without question. Human life is of the greatest weight; should the military governors be indulged like that? From now on, when any prefecture passes a sentence of death, the record of the case is to be reported to the throne and sent to the Ministry of Justice for review." This was then made law. Edit

Before the reign title was changed to Qiande, he told the chief ministers in advance: "The reign title must be chosen from among those that no former age has used." In the third year, when Shu was pacified and palace women of Shu entered the inner palace, the emperor saw on the back of one of their mirrors the inscription "Cast in the fourth year of Qiande", and he summoned Dou Yi and others to question them. Yi replied: "This must be a thing from Shu; the ruler of Shu once had this reign title." The emperor was greatly pleased and said: "A chief minister must be a man who reads books." From then on he greatly valued Confucian scholars. Edit

At the command of the Empress Dowager Du, he passed the throne to Taizong. Once, when Taizong was gravely ill, the emperor went to see him and burned moxa on him with his own hands; when Taizong felt the pain, the emperor took moxa and burned it on himself as well. He often said to his close officials that Taizong walked like a dragon and strode like a tiger, that there had been wonders at his birth, that one day he would surely be a Son of Heaven of great peace, and that his good fortune and virtue were beyond his own. Edit

Appraisal

The appraisal says: Of old, Yao and Shun succeeded one another by abdication, and Tang and Wu by conquest, and all of them faced south and possessed the realm. Since those four sages passed away, the way of the world has risen and fallen, and bad times and good have followed one another. In an age when the people are in mud and ashes, august Heaven looks with favour for a lord of the people, and asks of him only that he rescue his age. Were it necessary to find a man with the gifts of the four sages before entrusting the work to him, the people would scarcely ever see a day of peace and order. Edit

The Five Dynasties had brought disorder to its extreme. Taizu of the Song rose from among men in armour and helmets and ascended the throne. If we trace how he came to possess the state, was it so very different from the Jin, the Han or the Zhou? Yet once he issued his commands, the great generals of the famous military provinces bowed their heads and obeyed, and the states on every side were levelled one after another; this is not something human strength achieves easily. From the Jianlong years on, he took away the military governors' command of troops and bound corrupt officials with heavy laws, so blocking the springs of corruption and disorder. The governors of prefectures and commanderies, down to county magistrates, recorders and staff officials, he received in audience himself. He devoted himself to farming and promoted schools, was careful in punishment and light in taxation, and gave the age rest, until great peace was reached; when order was settled and the work was done, he made rites and music. In seventeen years on the throne he laid a foundation of more than three hundred years and passed it on to his descendants, generation after generation having laws and rules to follow. So it was that, of all the ages since the Three Dynasties, when one examines the government of fame and culture and the spirit of morality, humanity and righteousness, the Song gives way perhaps to neither the Han nor the Tang. Ah, a ruler who founded a dynasty and handed down its line on such a scale may truly be called far-seeing! Edit