Chapter 8 4. The death of Ma Yuan

In the middle of this century, the extremely corrupt regime of the Western Han Dynasty ran downhill, and was finally completely taken over by his assistant minister Wang Mang.Liu Bang's Western Han Dynasty fell, and Wang Mang's new dynasty was established.Wang Mang is a great Confucian of the Confucian school. After he came to power, he deliberately implemented the ancient political system most admired by the Confucian school. As a result, he caused chaos in the whole country and forced all ethnic minorities, including the Huns, to become enemies of the Han people.The new dynasty collapsed after only fifteen years.Liu Xiu, a Miao descendant of the royal family of the Western Han Dynasty, unified the country after the melee and established the Eastern Han Dynasty. Although the Qiang people fought and the Western Regions were lost, the Eastern Han Dynasty remained quite strong.

1. In spring, on March 9th, Liu Xiu (forty years old), the emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty (the capital Luoyang) (the first Guangwu Emperor), went to Nanyang County (Nanyang City, Henan Province).Later, go to Zhangling tomb (the tomb is in the south of Zaoyang City, Hubei Province. Next year, the tomb of Liu Xiu’s ancestors will be named Changling, and then Zhangling. At this time there is no name of "ling"). On March 30, Liu Xiu returned to the capital Luoyang. 2. Cen Peng, the general who conquered the South in the Eastern Han Dynasty, was stationed in Jinxiang (east of Jiangling County, Hubei Province), and attacked the Chengjia Empire (capital Chengdu) Yijiang Wang Tianrong and others several times, so he could not take his surname.Liu Xiu sent Wu Han, the supreme commander of the country's armed forces (Da Sima), to lead three generals including Liu Long, the general who killed the captives, to enlist more than 60,000 armed forces and 5,000 cavalry in Jingzhou (Hubei and Hunan provinces), and follow Cen Peng joined forces at Jingmen (on the west bank of the Yangtze River in the northwest of Zhicheng City, Hubei Province).

Cen Peng assembled thousands of warships. Wu Han thought that the sailors sent by the counties would only consume food and was ready to be dismissed.Cen Peng believed that the Cheng family had a strong force, so he resolutely opposed it, so he issued an edict to Liu Xiu, and Liu Xiu issued an edict, saying: "The supreme commander (Da Sima Wu Han) is used to land warfare and knows water warfare. The affairs of Jingmen are all up to the levy. General Nanda (Cen Peng) is in charge." In the third month of leap, Cen Peng recruited soldiers in the army to attack the pontoon bridge, and those who climbed first were rewarded first.General Lu Qi stepped forward and organized a special commando.When the attack began, the east wind was strong, and Lu Qi led the commando boats, headed upstream on the Yangtze River, and headed straight for the pontoon bridge.Unexpectedly, the bridge pillars were covered with iron hooks, which hooked the boat, making it impossible to advance or retreat. Lu Qi had no choice but to fight to the death and throw the torch onto the pontoon bridge. The fire burned rapidly under the strong wind and could not be stopped.The bridge building where the headquarters of the Chengjia garrison was located collapsed in the flames.Cen Peng led the main fleet to attack against the wind, invincible.The defending army was in chaos, and thousands of people fell into the water and drowned.Cen Peng killed Cheng Fan on the battlefield and captured Cheng Fan alive.Yijiang Wang Tianrong of the Cheng family retreated to Jiangzhou (Chongqing City, the county where the Berkshire County Government is located) and continued to hold on.

Cen Pengzuo asked Liu Long to be the magistrate of Nanjun County (Jiangling County, Hubei Province) (he arrived first, and then made a report). City Fengjie County East), ordered soldiers not to rape and burn.In the counties and counties they passed, the people offered beef and wine to comfort the army, but Cen Peng refused all of them and refused to accept them.The people were overjoyed and rushed to open the city gate and surrender. Liu Xiu ordered Cen Peng to act as the governor (shepherd) of Yizhou (Sichuan Province and Yunnan Province) with full authority.If you seize a certain county, you will also serve as the county magistrate.When the military advances and it is necessary to leave the country, the post of county chief is handed over to the generals who will be in charge of the defense.State government officials are selected by Cen Peng from the army.

When Cen Peng arrived in Jiangzhou (Chongqing City), he might not be able to capture it quickly because the city of Jiangzhou was strong and the food was sufficient, so he adopted the leapfrog tactic, leaving Feng Jun to encircle Jiangzhou, and led his own army to point directly at Dianjiang ( Hechuan City, Chongqing City), captured Pingqu (probably Donglongdong Township, Hechuan City according to the geology), and plundered hundreds of thousands of rice stones (sound dan). At this time, Wu Han was stationed in Yiling (Yichang City, Hubei Province). After receiving news from Cen Peng, he led his troops on a concealed warship and continued to advance ("Concealed Warship", the original text is "Luyu", similar to the Western "slave ship", the sailor's sealed cabin Bottom, only oar paddles can be seen outside).

3. In summer, the Xiqiang Xianling tribe (northeast of Qinghai Province) attacked Lintao (Min County, Gansu Province), and the Royal Guard Commander (General Zhonglang) came to She, and recommended Ma Yuan as the sheriff of Longxi County (Lintao County, Gansu Province) .After Ma Yuan took office, he counterattacked and broke the first zero tribe. 4. Gongsun Shu, Emperor Chengjia (one term), appointed Wang Yuan as a general (when Wang Yuan’s army collapsed in Shuoning, he defected to Chengjia. Refer to last year), and sent him to guard Hechi (Hui County, Gansu Province) with the commander (leader) of the Imperial Army Huan’an ).

In June, the Royal Guard Commander of the Eastern Han Dynasty (General Zhonglang) came to She, together with Huya General Gai Yan, etc., attacked Wang Yuan and Huan'an.The Cheng family government panicked and dispatched killers to assassinate Lai She. The knife hit the vital point, but he did not die immediately.Laishe ordered people to summon Gai Yan urgently. Gai Yan saw the murderous knife still in Laishe's abdomen, fell to the ground in grief, and could not raise his head.Lai She said angrily to Gai Yan: "How dare you act like this? I was shot by an assassin and I couldn't continue to serve the country, so I taught you to come and entrust you with important military and state affairs. But you are crying like a child. It's not over. Although the knife is still on you, can't you use military law to kill you?" Gai Yan wiped away his tears, stood up reluctantly, and waited for his orders.

He wrote the memorial in person, saying: "I was stabbed at night and I was wounded. I didn't dare to cherish myself. I only wished that I hadn't fulfilled my duty. Instead, I brought shame for the government. Govern the country and appoint talented people. , the most basic. Duan Xiang, a middle-level state official (Taizhong doctor), is loyal and upright, and can be reused. Please inspect it. My brothers are not successful, and I am afraid that one day they will break the law and commit crimes. blame." After finishing writing, he put down the pen in his hand, drew out the murderous knife, and died immediately.

Liu Xiu was shocked when he got the news.While reading the memorial, weeping at the same time.He ordered Ma Cheng, the general of Yangwu, to act as the commander of the royal guard to replace Laishe.When Laishe's coffin was transported back to Luoyang, the capital, Liu Xiu changed into mourning clothes and hung the funeral in person. 5. Liu Liang, King Zhao (capital of Handan) of the Eastern Han Dynasty, followed Liu Xiu to attend Laishe's funeral, and entered the city through Xiacheng Gate (that is, Xiamen, the first gate in the west of the north of Luoyang).In order to compete for the road, he clashed with Zhang Han, the commander of the royal guard.Relying on his noble status, Liu Liang ordered Zhang Han loudly to turn his convoy back.He also scolded the gate guard (menhou) and punished him as a leader, walking dozens of steps forward to show his prestige.

Bao Yong, the commander-in-chief of the Gyeonggi garrison (Lieutenant of Sili), impeached Liu Liang, saying: "If you don't observe the etiquette of the vassal, you will commit a crime of disrespect." Liu Liang was the most noble royal family at that time (Liu Xiu lost his father when he was young, brothers He was brought up by his uncle Liu Liang, similar to his father), Bao Yong dared to propose impeachment, and all the central government officials respected him.Bao Yong appointed Bao Hui, a native of Fufeng (Xingping City, Shaanxi Province), as a staff officer for law enforcement (capital officials).Bao Hui also has integrity and is not afraid of powerful people.Liu Xiuchang said: "The royal relatives should restrain themselves a bit, and be careful of the two surnamed Bao."

Bao Yong went to Baling (the tomb of Liu Heng, the fifth emperor of the Eastern and Western Han Dynasties in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province) to inspect. He passed by the tomb of Liu Xuan, the former emperor of the Han Dynasty (the first term), dismounted and kowtowed, weeping and mourning (Bao Yong is Liu Xuan's former department. Refer to 26 years).When they arrived in Fufeng (Xingping City, Shaanxi Province), they sacrificed a cow to the tomb of Gou Jian (Wang Mang killed Bao Yong's father Bao Xuan, and Lu Ping, commander of the militia in Shangdang County, wanted to kill Bao Yong again. He was the sheriff of Shangdang County, who tried his best to protect Bao Yongcai and escaped to death. Refer to February 2004).The small report was immediately submitted to Liu Xiu, and Liu Xiu felt very upset.At the court meeting, I asked the civil and military officials, saying: "How can you do such a thing when you are ordered by the emperor?" Zhang Zhan, a middle-level state official (Taizhong doctor), replied: "Renyi is the driving force of behavior. Loyalty and filial piety are morality. A benevolent person never forgets the past, and a loyal and filial person never forgets the king. What Bao Yong did was out of noble sentiments.” Liu Xiu’s unhappiness was resolved. 6. Liu Xiu, Emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, personally led the army to launch a general attack on the Cheng Family Emperor Gongsun Shu. In autumn, in July, Liu Xiu arrived in Chang'an (Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province). 7. Gongsun Shu, Emperor Chengjia, sent generals Yancen, Lu Tuan, Wang Yuan, and Gongsun Hui to mobilize all troops and station them in Guanghan (Southeast Liushu Town, Shehong County, Sichuan Province) and Zizhong (Ziyang City, Sichuan Province).Another general, Hou Dan, led more than 20,000 people, to station in Huangshi (Zhenxi Town, northeast of Fuling City, Sichuan Province). Cen Peng, the general who conquered the South in the Eastern Han Dynasty, ordered Zang Gong, the general of Fuwei, to lead 50,000 surrendered troops to the north along the Fushui (Luojiang River), and entered Pingqu to contain Yan Cen, the general of Cheng family who was stationed in Guanghan.Cen Peng led his own army and returned to Jiangzhou from Dianjiang. "Go up against the Dujiang River (the Pijiang River, which flows through Chengdu City, Sichuan Province), attack Hou Dan, and smash the enemy army." (The geographical location of this section is a bit confusing. Hou Dan is guarding Huangshi. It is difficult to reach Jiangzhou. Of course, he may jump over it first, and after obtaining Jiangzhou, he will go back and clear the way. However, that is "going down the Yangtze River" instead of "going up the capital river".) Take advantage of the victory to start a family The capital, Chengdu, was advancing day and night, marching more than 2,000 miles in a hurry, and captured Wuyang (Pengshan County, Sichuan Province, the air distance between Wuyang and Chengdu is 60 kilometers).Then immediately dispatched elite cavalry to attack Guangdu (South Huayang Town, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province).Guangdu is located tens of miles southeast of Chengdu.The expeditionary force of the Eastern Han Dynasty was like a violent storm, and all the Chengjia corps collapsed within the reach of the soldiers. Earlier, Cheng Family Emperor Gongsun Shu got the information that the Eastern Han Expeditionary Army attacked Pingqu, so they sent a general to intercept it. When Cen Peng arrived in Wuyang, he went behind the Cheng Family General Yan Cen to intercept the army, and the whole country was shocked.Gongsun Shu was surprised, and knocked with his cane and said, "Why is it so fast?" Yancen built a camp in Yuanshui (Yuanshui, "The Book of the Later Han Benji" as sinking water, which is now Yangxi River, in Shehong County, Sichuan Province into the Fujiang River in the southeast). Zang Gong, General Fuwei of the Eastern Han Dynasty, went north from Pingqu.50,000 people are a huge corps, the food and fodder are not available, and the logistics transportation cannot arrive in time. The officers and soldiers who surrendered began to waver, preparing to flee back to the counties to which they belonged, and then gathered in the castle for self-defense, creating a situation of watching tigers fighting across the mountain, waiting Big picture clarification.Zang Gong planned to retreat, but he knew that once he retreated, he would lose control and cause a large-scale rebellion.Just in time, Liu Xiu sent the royal protocol officer (the visitor) to the headquarters of Cenpeng with 700 horses.Zang Gong falsely preached the imperial decree and accepted them all.So regardless of the morning or evening, they continued to advance northward, setting up banners everywhere, sending troops to climb mountains and ridges, beating drums and shouting.The infantry on the east bank and the cavalry on the west bank sandwiched the Fujiang River, escorting warships and troop carriers, their voices shook the valley, and finally arrived at Guanghan, where General Yancen was stationed.Yan Cen didn't expect the Eastern Han army to come suddenly like Mount Tai. When he climbed the mountain and looked over, he saw the Eastern Han army's flags all over the mountains and fields, and the sound of killing shook the sky.Zang Gong took advantage of the momentum to attack, beheaded and drowned more than 10,000 Yancen troops, and the Fujiang River became a muddy blood slurry.Yancen was defeated and rushed back to Chengdu (Chengdu City, Sichuan Province). The remaining tribes all surrendered.Zang Gong captured all of Yancen's soldiers, horses and treasures, took advantage of the victory and continued to pursue. Those who married and surrendered were counted in units of 100,000.Finally, Zang Gong arrived in Yangxiang (Santai County, Sichuan Province), married General Wang Yuan, and led his army to surrender. Liu Xiu wrote a letter to Gongsun Shu, analyzed the misfortunes and fortunes, and then made oaths and guarantees.Gongsun Shu sighed at the letter and circulated it to his cronies.Chang Shao, Minister of Sacrifice (Taichang), and Zhang Long, Commander of the Imperial Guard (Guang Luxun), all persuaded Gongsun Shu to surrender.Gongsun Shu said: "It's the destiny to prosper and destroy. How can there be an emperor who surrenders?" The left and right dare not persuade.Chang Shao and Zhang Long knew that the ending was tragic, and died of excessive sorrow. 8. Liu Xiu, Emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, returned to Luoyang from Chang'an. 9. In winter, in October, Gongsun Shu, the emperor of the Cheng family, sent assassins, pretending to be fugitive servants, to surrender to the Eastern Han Expeditionary Army; and at night, took the opportunity to assassinate Cen Peng.Zheng Xing, a middle-level state official and military supervisor, took over the army and waited for Wu Han, the supreme commander of the national armed forces, to lead the army to arrive before handing over. Cen Peng led the army, the military discipline was strict, and he did not commit any crimes against the people.Rengui, the king of Qionggu granted by Chengjia (Rengui guarded Yuexiang in the 16th year and surrendered to become a family, refer to 25th year), worshiped Cen Peng's prestige and reputation, and sent envoys thousands of miles away to welcome the surrender, but Cen Peng was killed .Liu Xiu rewarded all the tributes from Ren Gui to Cen Peng's wife and children.Later, people from Shu County (Chengdu City, Sichuan Province) built a temple for Cen Peng to worship and pray for blessings. 10. Ma Cheng, General Yangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty, attacked the tribes of the Western Qiang (Eastern Qinghai Province), captured Hechi, and the chaos in Wudu County (Chengxian County, Gansu Province) all subsided.The Xianling tribe (south of the Huangshui River in the east of Qinghai Lake) and other Qiang tribes united tens of thousands of people to plunder the people and guard the key pass of Haotai (Heqiao Town, southwest of Yongdeng County, Gansu Province).Ma Cheng and Ma Yuan, the governor of Longxi County, went deep into the wilderness and defeated the Qiang army.The surrendered Qiang people were resettled in Tianshui (Gangu County, Gansu Province), Longxi, and Fufeng counties respectively. At this time, officials of the central government of the Eastern Han Dynasty believed that the road to the west of Jincheng County (northwest of Yongjing County, Gansu Province) and Poqiang County (Minhe County, Qinghai Province) was far away, with frequent turmoil and many thieves, so it was better to give up.Ma Yuan expressed his dissent and wrote a letter saying: "To the west of Poqiang County, the city is strong, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and the land is fertile, and the water conservancy project is complete. Once it falls into the hands of the Qiang people, it will breed greater and more endless disasters. You shouldn't give up." Liu Xiu accepted.More than 3,000 people returned one after another. Ma Yuan set up officials in the newly recovered areas, built cities, built fortresses and pavilions, dug ditches for irrigation, and encouraged the people to cultivate fields and herd cattle, so that the county lived and worked in peace and contentment.Ma Yuan also recruited the Di people and Qiang people outside the border, and joined the Eastern Han Dynasty.The central government was asked to restore their original honorary titles such as princes and marquises. Liu Xiu approved them one by one and ordered Ma Cheng to be a class teacher. In 11 and December, Wu Han led 30,000 people from Yiling and went up the Yangtze River to attack the Chengjia Empire. 12. Guo Ji, the plenipotentiary governor of Bingzhou (Shanxi Province and the Hetao area of ​​the Yellow River) in the Eastern Han Dynasty, went to the capital Luoyang.Liu Xiu asked him about the gains and losses of the government. Guo Ji said: "Government officials, no matter whether they are appointed or promoted, should select talented people from all over the country, and should not only use your Majesty's fellow villagers in Nanyang County." At this time, most of the government officials belonged to Liu Xiu. Guo Jizheng is talking about the same hometown or old friends. 1. In spring, the first month, Wu Han, the supreme commander of the national armed forces (Da Sima) of the Eastern Han Dynasty (capital Luoyang), defeated Wei Dang and Gongsun Yong, generals of the Family Empire (capital Chengdu) in Yufujin (north of Leshan City, Sichuan Province). , surrounded Wuyang (Pengshan County, Sichuan Province).Emperor Chengjia (the first term) Gongsunshu sent his son-in-law Shi Xing to rescue, Wu Han met him, and then defeated Shi Xing, took advantage of the victory to pursue, and then entered the county boundary of Qianwei County (Yibin City, Sichuan Province) (Yufujin has already belonged to Qianwei County, and has already entered the county boundary , the description here is confusing), and the counties closed their cities and refused to defend.Emperor Liu Xiu (41 years old this year) of the Eastern Han Dynasty (the first Guangwu Emperor) ordered Wu Han to seize Guangdu (Nanhuayang Town, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province) and hit the opponent's heart directly.Wu Han then marched, captured Guangdu, and sent lightly equipped cavalry to burn the Chengdu Bridge (in the suburbs of Chengdu).The married generals panicked and defected day and night. Gongsun Shu used cruel means to suppress, massacring the whole family of those who defected and fled.However, fear was like a devil's palm, which made them lose their souls, and they still defected and fled in large numbers.Liu Xiu was determined to ask Gongsunshu to surrender, and once again told Gongsunshu with an imperial edict: "Don't worry about the two incidents of Laishe and Cen Peng being killed. If you express your attitude in time, the family can be preserved. It is not easy to get it repeatedly." But Gongsun Shu still refused to surrender. 2. In autumn and July, General Feng Jun of Weilu in the Eastern Han Dynasty captured Jiangzhou (Chongqing City, the county where Berkshire County Government is located), and captured Yijiang Wang Tianrong alive. 3. Emperor Liu Xiu of the Eastern Han Dynasty warned Wu Han, the supreme commander of the national armed forces (Da Sima), saying: "There are more than 100,000 people in Chengdu, which should not be underestimated. Just stick to Guangdu and wait for the enemy to attack. Remember, don't fight the enemy decisively. If the enemy doesn't attack, you step forward and force them to attack. You have to wait until the enemy is exhausted before you can take the initiative." Wu Han ignored Liu Xiu's instructions, and took advantage of the victory to personally lead a mixed regiment of 20,000 infantry and cavalry to march on Chengdu, the capital of his family, more than ten miles away from the city, cross the Jinjiang River (the South River, which flows through the south of Chengdu), camp on the north bank, and build a pontoon bridge , Liu Shang, the deputy general and general of Wuwei, led more than 10,000 people, and stationed on the south bank, more than 20 miles away from the two places.After Liu Xiu saw the report, he was shocked and blamed Wu Han, saying: "I have told you recently, thousands of words, why is the matter coming to an end, but you are not clear-headed. Now that you have penetrated into the enemy, you will be far away from Liu Shang. Once How can we take care of each other when there is an accident? If the enemy dispatches troops to restrain you and attack Liu Shang with the main force, once Liu Shang is defeated, you will also fail. Fortunately, you are still safe and should return to Guangdu as soon as possible.” Liu Xiu’s edict has not yet arrived , has entered September. As expected, Gongsun Shu, the emperor of the Cheng family, sent the prime minister (Da Situ) Xie Feng, and the commander of the capital Chengdu Garrison (Zhijinwu) Yuan Ji, leading an army of about 100,000 people, divided into more than 20 battalions, to attack Wu Han.They also sent other generals to lead more than 10,000 people to restrain Liu Shang so that he could not rescue him.Wu Han fought fiercely for a day, but could not support him, so he was defeated and returned to the camp.Xie Feng surrounded them with troops.Wu Han summoned the generals and encouraged them: "Everyone, I and I have crossed the poor mountains and rivers, fought thousands of miles, penetrated into the enemy's territory, and entered the city. Now we are trapped in two places with Liu Shang, unable to communicate with each other. Whether a catastrophe will come or not is unknown. I know. I plan to withdraw the camp quietly, go to the south bank of the Jinjiang River, join forces with Liu Shang, and join forces to resist. If we can work together and fight desperately, great achievements can be made. Otherwise, we will be defeated. Life and death depend on this blow." Generals Promise: "At your command." So he rewarded the soldiers, fed the horses, closed the gate of the camp, and did not go out for three days, and set up banners as much as possible, and kept the smoke from the cooking.At night, the soldiers kept silent, and the horses held branches in their mouths (to avoid neighing), and moved quietly to the south to join forces with Liu Shang.The Chancellor of the Chengjia Empire (Da Situ) Xie Feng and others didn't know it yet, but found out the next day that the soldiers were divided into two groups, all the way to the Jinjiang North Ferry, cutting off the support of the Eastern Han Expeditionary Army.The other route, led by Xie Feng himself, crossed the Jinjiang River and attacked Liu Shang on the south bank.Wu Han put all his troops into the battlefield, fighting hand-to-hand in the morning until the evening, when he broke up his regiment, beheaded Xie Feng and Yuan Ji on the battlefield, and then withdrew to Guangdu, leaving Liu Shang on the south bank of the Jinjiang River as a forward base. Wu Han reported to Liu Xiu and condemned himself deeply.Liu Xiu replied: "You go back to Guangdu, the best way is to deal with it. Gongsun Shu never dared to go around Liu Shang and attack you directly. If the enemy attacks Liu Shang first, you should rescue him from Guangdu, which is only fifty miles away. All the infantry and cavalry, just in time to catch up with the enemy's exhaustion, will definitely be able to defeat them." Since then, Wu Han and Cheng Jia's regiment fought in Chengdu and Guangdu, winning eight battles and eight victories.Finally, the army of the Eastern Han Dynasty finally entered the outer city of Chengdu. General Zang Gong of the Eastern Han Dynasty Fuwei captured Mianzhu (Beihuangxu Town, Deyang City, Sichuan Province), and then captured Fu County (Mianyang City, Sichuan Province), beheading Gongsun Hui (Gongsun Shu's younger brother).Then they captured Fanxian County (Xinfan Town, northwest of Xindu County, Sichuan Province) and Pixian County (Pixian County, Sichuan Province) one after another, and joined forces with Wu Han in Chengdu. 4. Li Tong, the Supreme Inspector General of the Eastern Han Dynasty (Da Sikong), devoted himself to avoiding power, and has been asking for his resignation for two years.Liu Xiu finally accepted and asked him to participate in the imperial meeting report (invited by the court) as a "special advancer" (at the court meeting, he was under the Sangong and above the princes). Later, the relevant units asked for the title of Prince and Viscount. Liu Xiu recalled the past when Li Tong first expressed his support (refer to 2022). On that day, Li Tong's youngest son Li Xiong was granted the title of Marquis of Zhaoling. 5. Sun Shu, the emperor of the Cheng family, was trapped and urgent. He asked Yancen, the king of Runing, "What should we do?" Yancen said, "How can a man sit and wait for death when he is dying to survive? Treasures are easy to gather, so we should not cherish them." Gongsun Shu then distributed all the gold, silver and cloth, recruited more than 5,000 death squads, and handed them over to Yancen. Yancen raised a banner on Chengdu Bridge, created momentum, beat the drums, and challenged the Eastern Han Expeditionary Army.A surprise attack force was sent to attack Wu Han's rear army. Wu Han was defeated and fell into the water. He grabbed the horse's tail and escaped from danger. At this time, the Eastern Han Expeditionary Army had only seven days of food and fodder left. Seeing that they could not win, they secretly prepared ships and planned to retreat.Zhang Kan, the governor of Shu County (Chengdu City, Sichuan Province) (empty official title. At this time, Shu County belonged to the Cheng Family Empire), and Zhang Kan, a native of Nanyang County (Nanyang City, Henan Province), got the news and rushed to see Wu Han, and analyzed that Gongsun Shu must be defeated. Reasons why you should not retreat.Wu Han accepted it, deliberately showed his weakness, and lured the enemy to attack. In winter, in November, Zang Gong, the general of Fuwei in the Eastern Han Dynasty, stationed at Xianyang Gate in Chengdu (the first gate in the north of Chengdu). On November 18th, Chengjia Emperor Gongsun Shuyu led tens of thousands of people to attack Wu Han and ordered Yancen to attack Zang Palace.Since the war started, Yancen won three battles and three victories. From the bloody battle in the morning to noon, the officers and soldiers had no food and were exhausted.Wu Han ordered Gao Wu and Tang Han, the directors of the army's protection (army guards), to lead tens of thousands of elite troops to counterattack, causing chaos in the family corps.Gao Wu rushed forward, assaulted Gongsun Shu, and pierced Gongsun Shu's chest with a spear. Gongsun Shu fell from his horse and was rescued into the city.Gongsun Shu handed over the army to Yancen, and died at night.In the early morning of the next day, Yancen sacrificed Chengdu and surrendered. On November 21st, Wu Han ordered that Gongsunshu's wife and children be beheaded, the Gongsun family be slaughtered, and the Yancen family be slaughtered.Then, the soldiers raped, burned and killed, and burned Gongsunshu's palace (the twelfth year of the founding of the Chengjia Empire). Liu Xiu was furious at Wu Han's atrocities, and blamed Wu Han; he also blamed Liu Shang, saying: "It has been three days since Chengdu surrendered, and the officials and people have all obeyed. Only babies and mothers are counted in units of 10,000. All of a sudden, soldiers set fire to the fire, and those who heard it felt sad and wept. You are a child of the royal family and once served as an official in the government. How could you have the heart to do such a tragic thing? Looking up at the sky and looking down at the earth, compared to Qin Xiba releasing the deer ("Han Feizi": Meng Sun, the state official of the state of Lu, caught a fawn while hunting, and gave it to Qin Xiba to take care of it. Qin Xiba was exiled. Soon, Qin Xiba was brought back to assist Meng Sun's son), Le Yang ate his son's meat soup, who has a benevolent heart ("Warring States Policy": Wei Si, the king of Wei, sent general Le Yang to eat his son's meat soup) Yang attacked Zhongshan Kingdom, and Leyang’s son was in Zhongshan. Zhongshan King boiled Leyang’s son into meat soup and gave a bowl to Leyang. Leyang ate all of them. His heart)? Cheng lost his original intention of beheading enemy generals and saving the people." Bo Yang said: Without Liu Xiu's edict, we only know that Wu Han slaughtered the city. Of course, under the anger of the bloody battle, the animal nature could not be curbed for a while.However, from Liu Xiu's imperial edict, it can be found that Wu Han's order to massacre the city took place three days after taking over Chengdu. When he was full of gratitude to Wu Han, he suddenly turned his face.Tyrants and officials who persecute the people are always brave.But for captives who have no self-defense and have surrendered, as well as women and children, openly and fearlessly committing such murderous actions on a large scale can only be done by an autocratic feudal government. Obviously, the blood of Wu Han was animal. Deng Feng, the general of the Eastern Han Dynasty, was forced to rebel by his atrocities, but he did not make any corrections.Bai Qi killed the soldiers of the Kingdom of Zhao in Changping Keng (refer to 260 BC), and Xiang Yu killed the soldiers of the Kingdom of Qin in Xin'an Keng (refer to 206 BC). It can also be explained that the soldiers have fighting potential!And what fighting potential do those children and mothers in Chengdu have?But the more important issue is that the field troops under Wu Han's command are the orthodox "King's Division" praised by thousands of people, eradicating tyranny, and punishing the people.Those who resist them are thieves.Gongsun Shu is the same as Wang Mang, but a figure in the officialdom suddenly undertakes a heroic career, which exceeds his ability.What this big doll and frog in a well is thinking about is only his own vested interests!But he caused so many people to die tragically for his vested interests.We worship a hero who maintains dignity and does not bow to power.But Gongsun Shu is just a stubborn caterpillar. Animals and caterpillars caused catastrophe in Chengdu. 6. At first, Gongsun Shu recruited Li Ye from Guanghan to be a research officer (doctor), but Li Ye insisted that he was ill and refused to accept.Gongsun Shu thought it was a kind of humiliation, so he ordered Yin Rong, the minister of vassal affairs (Da Honglu), to take the edict and go to force him, saying: "If you take office, you will be named a prince; if you don't take office, I will reward you with a cup of poison." Wine." Yin Rong enlightened him and said: "Now, the world is falling apart, which one is 'yes'? Which one is 'wrong'? Who is willing to throw himself into the unfathomable dragon pool and tiger's lair? The government admires Mr. It has been seven years since I stepped down from the official position. The special products of the four seasons have been delivered on time, and I have not forgotten Mr. Mr. You should think about your confidant first, and your descendants second, so that you can save your wealth and life, so you can get both fame and fortune!" Li Ye sighed Said: "The ancients said: 'Don't enter a dangerous country. Do not live in a chaotic place.' (Kongqiu's language) It is for this reason. 'A gentleman does not cherish his life when he encounters danger.' (Zi Zhang's language) Why use high-ranking officials to lure you?" Yin Rong suggested, saying: "Why don't you discuss it with your family?" Li Ye said: "A man has long had rules of conduct, so what do you care about his wife and children?" Then he drank poisoned wine and died.Gongsun Shu didn't want to be thought of as forcing a talented person to death, so he sent a special envoy to pay homage to him, and presented him with a hundred bolts of silk and satin. Li Ye's son, Li Hui, fled and refused to accept it. Gongsun Shu also invited Qiao Xuan from Bajun (Chongqing City), but Qiao Xuan refused. Gongsun Shu also sent envoys to threaten him with poison.The county magistrate went to visit him personally and advised him to leave. Qiao Xuan said, "Stay true to my integrity, why should I hate death?" Then he took the poison.Qiao Ying, the son of Qiao Xuan, wept bitterly and kowtowed to the county magistrate, willing to donate tens of millions of family property to redeem his father's death penalty.The county magistrate reported it, and Gongsun Shu agreed. Gongsunshu also recruited Wang Hao and Wang Jia from Shu County to prevent them from resisting, and arrested their wives and children first.The envoy said to Wang Jia: "Get ready and set off quickly, so that your wife and children can live." Wang Jia said: "A dog and a horse know their master, let alone we are humans?"Gongsunshu smoked from the seven orifices, and killed all Wang Hao's family members.When Wang Jia heard the news, he sighed and said, "I was walking behind!" Just in front of the envoy, he drew his sword and committed suicide. Fei Yi, a native of Qianwei County (Yibin City, Sichuan Province), refused to be an official in the Chengjia government, so he painted his whole body with paint, pretended to be insane, and was covered with leprosy. He pretended to be crazy, and finally escaped.Ren Yong and Feng Xin from Tonghan pretended to have glaucoma and refused to be recruited. Emperor Liu Xiu of the Eastern Han Dynasty (the first Guangwu Emperor) wiped out the Chengjia Empire, and issued an edict: posthumously bestow Chang Shao with the title of Minister of Sacrifice (Taichang), and Zhang Long with the title of Commander of the Imperial Guard (Guang Luxun).Qiao Xuan has passed away, and he was sacrificed in a middle prison (one sheep and one pig each), and ordered the local government to pay back the ransom money of 10 million.Praise Li Ye's neighbors.Recruit Fei Yi, Ren Yong, and Feng Xin.It happened that Ren Yong and Feng Xin passed away, and only Fei Yi became an official, and became the sheriff of Hepu County (northeast of Hepu County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region).Liu Xiu also believed that Cheng Wu and Li Yu, the former generals of the family, were talented, so they appointed and promoted them to official positions, so Xitu (referring to Sichuan Province) was happy, and the people all returned their hearts. Bo Yang said: After the massacre of the city, it was probably impossible for the people to be overjoyed and obedient just by appointing a few small officials and sacrificing a few pigs and sheep.Official figures often overestimate the influence of "officials", thinking that as long as he is given an official job, the people will forget the bloody feud.The child on the left neighbor died tragically under the sword, but seeing a "big Confucian" on the right neighbor became an official, he was very happy from the bottom of his heart.The mothers in the back alley were burned alive to a ball of ashes, but seeing a "Wu Bian" in the front street became an official, she was also sincerely happy. We do not see any good governance after the Eastern Han government seized Yizhou (Sichuan Province and Yunnan Province), which is enough to make the people forget the trauma.Liu Xiu's accusation against Wu Han and Liu Shang was nothing more than a proclamation, just like Wang Mang's reading of the "Golden Cabinet Book" after killing Liu Jizi (refer to June 2003). Good record, that's all.Unfortunately, he does achieve his goal, too, with a tail-wagging system of its own, turning blood into mercy, and according to the performances, valorous praises. 7. At the beginning, the government of the new dynasty appointed Renwen Qi of Guanghan County (Zitong County, Sichuan Province) as the governor of Yizhou County (Dongjin Township, Jinning County, Yunnan Province).Wen Qi persuaded the farmers to plow the fields, trained the militia, and recruited the barbarians, and the county was harmonious.In the age of the family empire, Wen Qi closed the border and guarded the dangerous points.Sun Shu, the emperor of the Cheng family, arrested Wen Qi's wife and children and promised to be a marquis, but Wen Qi refused to surrender.Later, when I heard that Emperor Liu Xiu of the Eastern Han Dynasty had ascended the throne, he sent someone to present a memorial to Liu Xiu through a shortcut.After the collapse of the Cheng Family Empire, the Eastern Han government recruited him to Luoyang, the capital, where he was appointed General Zhenyuan and named Cheng Yihou. 8. On December 1, the Eastern Han government appointed General Yangwu Ma Cheng to act as the Supreme Inspector General. 9. This year (2036), the Western Qiang Shenlang Tribe (east of Zhouqu County, Gansu Province) united with other tribes to attack Wudu (Cheng County, Gansu Province).The governor of Longxi County (Lintao County, Gansu Province) Ma Yuan counterattacked and defeated the Qiang army. More than 10,000 Qiang troops surrendered.As a result, order in Longyou (west of Longshan) was fully restored. The basic principles of Ma Yuan's work are: establish prestige, treat others with kindness, strictly keep promises, and be very generous to his subordinates.The appointment of officials is completely hierarchical and responsible, and the outline is in charge by oneself. Although the affairs are busy and the guests are old, the gates are crowded every day.The heads of various departments sometimes report to him on business. Ma Yuan always answers: "This is the responsibility of the secretary (Cheng) and the staff (掾). You don't need to bother me. Please take pity on me, old man, so that I can travel the mountains with peace of mind. Playing with water. If there are local tyrants and evil gentry who bully the common people; or if there are officials who are corrupt and pervert the law, then the county chief needs to intervene." Once, someone in a neighboring county retaliated against a personal enmity, gathered a crowd, and bloodshed occurred. The officials and people were greatly shocked.The county magistrate Didao (the county where the county government of Longxi County is located and Lintao County, Gansu Province) rushed to see Ma Yuan and asked to close the city gate and send out troops.Ma Yuan was drinking with the guests, and laughed and said, "How dare the Qiang people attack me again? Tell the county magistrate Didao to ask him to go home and sleep. I'm really scared. You can hide under the bed." Soon, order was established. Back to normal, a county admires. 10. Emperor Liu Xiu of the Eastern Han Dynasty issued an edict: "Frontier officials, if there is no strength to defeat the enemy who invades the country, they will take a defensive position. Chase the enemy, whether it is near or far; judge the enemy, whether it is advancing or retreating, are not subject to the 'Stay Law' 'Restrictions." (The Han Dynasty government stay law: military action, hesitation, fear of not fighting, beheaded.) 11. Shansanghou (Jiehou) Wangchang (Xiajiangbing), Moupinghou (Liehou) Geng Kuang, Dongguanghou (Chenghou) Geng Chun, died successively. Geng Kuang was ill, and Liu Xiu visited his home several times, and appointed Geng Guang and Geng Ju, the younger brothers of Geng Yan (Geng Kuang's son), as the commander of the royal guard (Zhong Lang Jiang).The six Geng Yan brothers (Geng Yan, Geng Shu, Geng Guo, Geng Guang, Geng Ju, and Geng Ba) all wear purple seals and belts, and serve decoctions before the sick bed, which is considered an honor in the world. 12. Lu Fang (Liu Wenbo), supported by Emperor Han (capital of Jiuyuan) supported by the Huns Khanate (Kharhelin City, Mongolia), joined forces with the Huns and Wuhuan (the upper reaches of the West Liao River in Inner Mongolia) to continuously invade the frontier. Emperor Liu Xiu of the Eastern Han Dynasty sent Hushi General Du Mao and others to lead the army to guard the fortresses along the northern border, renovate the ancient Feihu Road (one of the eight Xings of Taihang Mountains in the south of Laiyuan County, Hebei Province), build bunkers and beacon towers, and follow the The Xiongnu and Wuhuan fought hundreds of times, but they were unable to win. 13. Liu Xiu issued an edict to recruit Liangzhou (Gansu Province) Plenipotentiary Governor (Mu) Dou Rong and the county chiefs of the five counties (five counties: Jincheng County, Wuwei County, Zhangye County, Jiuquan County, Dunhuang County. At this time , except for Lu Fang, China has been unified. This call is to uproot local forces such as Dou Rong, and the central government will send another official to take over), and they all went to the capital Luoyang.After Dou Rong and others received the edict, they acted immediately.All the subordinate officials and guests followed, and there were more than a thousand vehicles in the convoy alone, with cattle, horses and sheep all over the mountains and plains. As soon as he arrived in Luoyang, Dou Rong went to the city gate and handed in his seal (Dou Rong held three positions at this time: governor of Liangzhou with full authority, director of Zhangye immigration area, and Marquis of Anfeng).Liu Xiu sent envoys to return the seal of the Marquis (only the governor of Liangzhou and the director of Zhangye's immigration area were removed, and they were still named Marquis).Afterwards, they were received with generous rewards and grand hospitality, which caused a sensation in the capital (the capital Luoyang). Soon, Dou Rong was appointed as the full-fledged governor (mu) of Jizhou (southern central Hebei Province).Appoint Liang Tongzhong as a senior state official (Taizhong doctor); Kong Fen, the county magistrate of Guzang (the county where the Wuwei county government is located), and the director secretary of the Wudu county government (juncheng).Guzang is the most affluent place in the Hexi Corridor (central and western Gansu Province). When the whole country was caught in a chaotic war of regime change, the morals of intellectuals were corrupt. As long as they were county magistrates for a few months, they would immediately become rich and collect gold and silver treasures.Kong Fen served as a county magistrate in Guzang for four years. His integrity and integrity caused people to ridicule him, thinking that his body was soaked in oil but could not moisturize his skin.When he followed Dou Rong to Luoyang for an audience, the chiefs of other counties and counties piled up property, cart after cart, and wished to collect all the underground mines and fish in the water.Only Kong Fen had no property, and the whole family took the same car on the road.For this reason, Liu Xiu specially rewarded him. 14. Liu Xiuzhen was promoted to Ren Yan, the magistrate of Suiyang (the county where Liangjun County Government is located, Shangqiu County, Henan Province), and became the magistrate of Wuwei County. He summoned him and warned him: "Serve the magistrate well and cherish your reputation." Ren Yan replied: “我曾经听说，尽忠职守的人一定跟人不和睦，跟人人都和睦的人，一定无法尽忠职守。坚守正道，遵行法令，是官员的基本立场。如果上官跟下级搅和在一起，一个鼻孔出气，那可不是陛下的福气。所以关于'好好侍奉长官'的命令，我不能接受。”刘秀叹息说：“你说的是。” 1、春季，正月一日，东汉王朝（首都洛阳）宰相（大司徒）侯霸逝世。 2、正月二十九日，东汉帝（一任光武帝）刘秀（本年四十二岁）下诏，说：“各郡、各封国，如果进贡特别的山珍海味，御厨房管理官（太官令）再不可接受。远方送来祭祀皇庙的饮食，则依照旧例办理。” 这时，有外国呈献良马，每天可行千里。又有人呈献宝剑，价格高达两千两黄金。刘秀下诏：宝剑赏赐给骑士，马送到皇家仪仗队去拉乐队车辆（鼓车）。 刘秀不喜爱音东，也不喜爱珍珠璧玉。有一次，到郊外打猎，入夜后才回城，上东门（洛阳东城北面第一门）城门守卫官（门候）、汝南郡（河南省平舆县西北射桥乡）人郅恽，拒绝开门。刘秀命他的随从从门缝里跟郅恽见面。郅恽说：“灯光的亮度有限，看不清你是谁！”仍拒绝开门。刘秀无可奈何，只好绕到东中门（东城当中城门）进城。第二天，郅恽上书规劝说：“从前，姬昌（周王朝文王）不敢沉迷打猎，一心一意，服务人民。陛下远到深山丛林之中，夜以继日，岂不是看轻国家和皇庙？” 奏章呈上后，刘秀赏赐郅恽布帛一百匹，把东中门城门守卫官贬逐到参封县（今地不详，属琅邪郡）当警察官（尉）。 3、二月，派捕虏将军马武，进驻滹沱河，戒备匈奴汗国（王庭设蒙古国哈尔和林市）南侵。 4、匈奴汗国支持的汉帝（首都九原）卢芳（刘文伯），围攻东汉所属的云中（内蒙古托克托县），历时很久，无法攻克。卢芳亲信大将随昱，留守首都九原，阴谋劫持卢芳投降东汉。卢芳得到消息，却没有能力对付叛徒，仓促间率领骑兵卫士十余人，逃入匈奴。所有部众全都归附随昱，随昱亲到洛阳朝见。 刘秀任命随昱当五原郡（郡政府九原）郡长，封镌胡侯。 5、建义大将军朱祜奏称：“古时候，除非直系皇族，不封王爵。” 二月二十七日，刘秀下诏：长沙王刘兴、真定王刘得、河间王刘邵、中山王刘茂，一律降封侯爵。（刘兴封临湘侯，刘得封真定候，刘邵封乐成侯，刘茂封单父侯。）二月二十八日，改封赵王刘良当赵公，太原王刘章当齐公，鲁王刘兴当鲁公（刘良是刘秀的叔父，刘辛、刘兴，都是刘秀老哥刘縯的儿子）。这时，刘姓皇族以及原封国撤销而由后裔继承的，凡一百三十七人。 富平侯张纯，是张安世的四世孙（张安世，参考前八〇年）。虽在新王朝，因为特别谨慎小心，所以仍保全爵位。刘秀登基，张纯最先归附，爵位如初。现在，主管单位奏称：“侯爵之中，除非是皇族，其他外姓，不应该恢复封国。”刘秀说：“张纯充当皇家卫士，有十余年，不要废除。”但改封武始侯，采邑只有原来富平县的一半大。 6、二月庚午日（二月庚寅朔，没有庚午），封绍嘉公孔安当宋公，承休公姬常当卫公（四年，西汉政府已封孔安为宋公。二六年，东汉政府封姬常为周承休侯；二九年，儿子姬武继位。此处姬常应是姬武之误）。 7、三月十二日，擢升沛郡（安徽省淮北市）郡长韩歆当宰相（大司徒）。 8、三月十七日，代理最高监察长（行大司空）马成，解除代理职务，专任扬武将军。 9、全国武装部队最高指挥官（大司马）吴汉，从蜀地（四川省）振旅班师，经过宛县（河南省南阳市），刘秀特准他回到故乡，到祖坟祭扫，赏赐谷米二万斛。 夏季，四月，吴汉返抵首都洛阳，刘秀扩大犒赏出征将士、功臣的采邑；重新调整增加的，有三百六十五人。皇亲国戚封爵的，有四十五人。 最大的采邑是：邓禹封高密侯，采邑四个县。李通封固始侯。贾复封胶东侯，采邑六个县。其他侯爵的采邑，各个不等。已经死亡的，增加子孙的采邑，或改封他小老婆生的儿子（庶子）。 10、东汉帝刘秀在军中的生涯太久，对战争已经厌倦，深知人民疲惫贫困，渴望休养。自取得陇右（陇山以西）、蜀郡（四川省成都市）之后，除非有特别紧急情况，从不谈论军事。皇太子刘彊曾经向老爹问及阵战，刘秀说：“从前，卫国国君卫元（三十一任国君灵公），向孔丘请教战争，孔丘不肯答复。这种事，你最好不要问。” 邓禹、贾复，知道刘秀决心追求和平，收藏武器，推广文化教育，不愿有功劳的将领，身在京师（首都洛阳）而拥有重兵。于是，二人自动交出军权，倾心研究儒家学派经典。刘秀也考虑到功臣们的前途，决心保护他们的爵位和采邑（不像他祖先那样，大肆杀戮）。于是，所有侯爵，都不兼政府官职。遂撤销左将军、右将军。耿弇也缴还全国最高统帅（大将军）、将军等印信。大家都以侯爵身份，回到自己家宅，而以“特进”（朝见时，位在三公之下，诸侯之上）地位，参加御前会报（奉朝请）。 邓禹性格敦厚，有十三个儿子，使他们各人至少精通儒家学派的一种经典。邓禹的家教严谨，男女分别，十分清楚，对子女的教育方法，都可以作为后世效法的对象。一切开支，全靠采邑税收，不再从事其他行业营利。 贾复性格刚毅而正直，曾建立大功，既不兼任政府官职，在家里闭门纳福。朱祜等曾推荐贾复担任宰相，而刘秀正督促三公（宰相、全国武装部队最高指挥官、最高监察长）整顿全国文官制度，所以对功臣一律不使他们当官。这时，侯爵群中，唯有邓禹、李通、贾复三人，参与部长级高级官员会议，议论国家大事，恩宠隆重。 刘秀虽然不用功臣当官，但对他们却大度包容，一些小过夫，都特别原谅。远方进贡的金银财宝或山珍海味，一定先行赏赐所有侯爵，有时连御厨房（太官）都没有多余的。所以功臣们都能保持自己的尊贵爵位和财产，没有一人受到诛杀或贬谪。 Bo Yang said: 刘秀是中囯历史上少数不诛杀他亲密战友的元首之一。并不是他跟他亲密的战友道德学问都达顶峰，而是刘秀处理得当：他不赋给他们实质权力，无论是军权或政权。幸而他没有任用贾复当宰相，以贾复的蛮横暴躁，那将会产生不愉快的结局。领兵在外，只要忠心就行了。如果朝夕相处，只靠忠心便不行。当一方面总是否决对方决定时，日久必然爆发冲突。而君臣冲突，一定流血。 政治是一种艺术，政治行为是一种艺术创作，刘秀在这方面有很高的造诣——唯一和他媲美的只有宋王朝一任帝赵匡胤，但赵匡胤的事迹不包括在之中（它出现在《续资治通鉴》）。中国古代元首懂得官场的人多，懂得政治的人少。有政治艺术修养的，更屈指可数。仅就不杀亲密战友这一点，我们真不明白，以后的一些君王，为什么不能以刘秀作为榜样？再一次证明历史的教训在政治运作中，功用甚微。就连刘秀自己，也把不稳舵，不久就又任命马援南征交趾郡（越南河内市东北北宁府），结果被小报告挑拨得嘴歪眼斜，虽然没有大开杀戒，但破坏了他的初衷。 11、益州（四川省及云南省）用政府驿马车把故成家帝国宫廷御用的盲人乐师、皇家祭庙用的乐器、用五色羽毛编成篷盖的车辆（葆车）、人力拉挽的帝王后妃专用的车辆（舆辇）以及各种其他类型的车辆，全部运到洛阳。皇家礼乐方面的器物，才开始完备。这时，全国大乱的局面渐渐平息，安静休养，事情清闲，政府公文书来往跟差役调派，都很简单，而且很少，比起从前，不过十分之一。 Bo Yang said: 自从新王朝末期群雄并起，到东汉王朝扫平群雄，再度统一中国，二十年的改朝换代型战乱，人民死亡一千余万。那时候的武器不过刀枪弓箭而已。一千余万是个可怕的数目，其中包括妇女和儿童，饿死、杀死、淹死、烧死、奸死、病死。每一个人的死，都是一幕悲惨的故事。 根据公元二年的统计，全国户数一千三百二十三万，人口五千四千九百一十五万。户数减少三百余万，人口减少一千余万。一百年间，都不能恢复，则本年的户数和人口，当更要少。 即以长安而论，西汉王朝时人口六十八万，东汉王朝时只剩二十八万，减少三分之二。而最可怜的却是沛郡，西汉王朝时人口二百余万，东汉王朝时只剩下二十余万，减少十分之九。当然他们不见得全部丧生，也可能流离外地。但鉴于全国总人口的减少，他们逃生的机会不多。 哀哀冤魂，只制造出一群内战英雄。 12、四月二十六日，刘秀任命冀州（河北省中部南部）州长窦融，当最高监察长（大司空）。窦融知道他不是皇帝的故旧臣僚，而到了中央政府后，官位却在那些功勋彪炳的功臣之上，就更加谨慎小心；每次朝见，都容貌和气，言谈谦卑，对人恭敬；刘秀对他这种作风，十分欣赏，越发厚待。可是窦融内心不安，不断请求辞去官位跟封爵。上书说：“臣窦融有一个儿子，早晚教他研读儒家学派经典，不准他学习天文，不准他看神秘预言书（谶记）。只盼望心怀恐惧，不敢多事，木讷谦敬，遵守正道。不愿他有才干能力，何况竟要把几个城市跟广大的土地（指侯爵封地）传给他，使他享受？” 因而请求单独召见，刘秀不许。有一次，朝会完毕，窦融故意走在大家后面，试探着要开口。刘秀知道他又要辞职，教左右催促他马上离开。又有一天，刘秀召见他，迎面就说：“那一天，我知道你要辞职，归还采邑，所以教左右告诉你：天气太热，快出去凉快凉快。今天见面，只谈别的事情，不要再辞什么职！”窦融不敢坚持。 13、五月，匈奴汗国攻击河东郡（山西省夏县）。 1、夏季，东汉王朝（首都洛阳）邛穀王任贵，派使节到首都洛阳，呈报三年来的工作报告跟考绩。东汉政府即任命任贵当越雋郡（四川省西昌市）郡长。 2、秋季，会稽郡（江苏省苏州市）瘟疫大起。 3、西域（新疆及中亚东部）莎车王（新疆莎车县）贤、鄯善王（新疆若羌县）安（姓皆不详），都派使节到东汉进贡。西域一直被匈奴汗国（王庭设蒙古国哈尔和林市）控制，捐税苛刻，苦不堪言，都愿意归属东汉，请求恢复西域总督（都护）。东汉帝（一任光武帝）刘秀（本年四十三岁）认为国家刚刚安定，没有能力远顾，不肯答应。 4、中级国务官（太中大夫）梁统，上书说：“我曾经看到，前四四年，死罪减刑的有三十四件。前六年，死罪减刑的有八十件。其中四十二件，是亲手杀人，而作减死一等判决。从那时候起，成为判例。因为处罚太轻，所以人民动不动就犯法，官员也不在乎杀人。我曾经听说，国家元首行事正规，应该以仁义为主要规范。仁者爱人，义者坚持真理。爱人就要把残暴彻底铲除，坚持真理就要排斥祸乱，端正人心。刑罚一定要适中恰当，不能特别偏轻。高帝（西汉一任帝刘邦）承受天命，制定法令，都恰到好处。文帝（西汉五任帝刘恒）只不过撤销肉刑、连坐（前一七九年，撤销连坐法。前一六七年，撤销肉刑），其他的全都依照旧章。至于哀帝（西汉十三任帝刘欣）、平帝（西汉十四任帝刘箕子），在位时间太短，处理刑狱很少。宰相王嘉，牵强附会，擅自改动前辈君王的法令规章，数年之间，竟有一百余件（王嘉于前五年十月当最高监察长，前四年四月当宰相，前二年三月下狱，逝世。在相位不过两年，不应称“数年”，且变更法令规章达一百余件，是一桩大事，而《汉书·王嘉传》跟《刑法志》都没有记载）；有的不合道理，有的不得民心。现在把其中为害最大的，作一报告。请陛下交给有关单位，选择最好的制成法条。” 刘秀交付给高级官员讨论。宫廷禁卫官司令（光禄勋）杜林奏称：“西汉王朝最初兴起时，废除苛政，四海之内，莫不欢欣。等到后来，法令越来越多，连馈赠一点桃李蔬菜，都成了行贿的赃物。小小的过错，跟天下的大义无关，也会判处死刑。最后，法律不能约束，命令不能遏阻，上下互相逃避掩护，弊病更深。我愚昧的认为，仍应使用过去的法条，不要再加调整。” 梁统再上书，说：“我所做的请求，并不是要求严刑峻法，《书经》说：'治理人民，刑法就要适中。'（《尚书·吕刑》：“爰制百姓，于刑之衷。”）适中的意义是：不失之轻，不失之重。从高祖（西汉一任帝刘邦）直到孝宣（西汉十任帝刘病已），社会秩序，井井有条。到了前一世纪五〇年代以及九〇年代，盗贼匪徒，日渐增多，都是刑罚不适中，造成愚昧的人容易触犯法网。由此观察，刑罚过轻，而容易激起大祸。对奸恶的人宽大，就是谋害善良。”但事情仍被搁置，刘秀不再交付审议。 1、春季，正月二十三日，东汉王朝（首都）宰相（大司徒）韩歆免职。 韩歆性情鲠直，说话没有技巧，直来直往，不知道隐讳。东汉帝（一任光武帝）刘秀（本年四十四岁）无法容忍。韩歆在刘秀面前，肯定天下将发生重大的饥馑荒年，指天划地，恳切而过于刚烈，遂被免职，送回家乡（南阳郡·河南省南阳市）。然而，刘秀仍愤愤不平，越想越气，又派使节送去诏书，激烈责备。韩歆跟儿子韩婴，一同自杀。韩歆拥有重名，天下都很尊敬，无罪而被逼死，人心不服。刘秀追赠金钱粮食奠仪，以完整的礼仪安葬（不以死于非命贬降礼数）。 Sima Guang said: 从前，子武丁（商王朝二十三任帝高宗）吩咐他的宰相傅说，说：“药物如果不能使人有苦涩的感觉，病就不会痊愈。”激烈率直的言论，对说话的人，没有利益，但却是国家的福气。所以，君王日夜寻求这种言论，惟恐听不到。可惜的是，在刘秀那个时代，韩歆竟以直言规劝而死，岂不是圣明事迹的一个污点？ Bo Yang said: 司马光这篇评论，有一句话是事实，有一句话不是事实。是事实的一句话是：“激烈率直的言论，对说话的人，没有利益，但却是国家的福气。”不是事实的一句话是：“君王日夜寻找这种言论，唯恐听不到。”一个专制暴君，或一个或大或小的独裁人物，日夜寻找的绝不是激烈率直的批评；恰恰相反，他日夜寻找的却是使他龙心大悦的赞扬，很少有人愿意天天听逆耳之言，连文质彬彬的刘秀都办不到。稍后，在叙述到唐王朝时，更可发现，甚至英明盖世的李世民大帝也办不到。更何况等而下之。孟轲对此有所解释：“朋友数，则疏矣。君臣数，则辱矣。” 司马光所以这么蒙蔽事实真相，是为了套牢君王（他正是对君王说话），有一种鼓励作用。但