Chapter 35 6. Expansion of territory
The Western Han Dynasty revived China from the chaos of war, and the Huns Khanate in the north rose. This behemoth continued to invade the north and west of China.In order to resist this aggression, the Western Han government launched many defensive attack wars.
In the 1960s of this century (the first 2nd century), the government of the Western Han Dynasty determined that Confucianism was the only correct thought, and its influence on the Chinese people did not stop until the 20th century AD, for two thousand years.
1. In the spring, the star Porpoise appears in the eastern sky.
2. In summer, in May, the Western Han Dynasty (capital Chang'an) pardoned the world.
3. At first, when Liu An, the king of Huainan (the capital city of Shouchun), conspired to defect from the central government, Liu Ji, the king of Jiaodong (Kang) (the capital of Jimo), heard some news and immediately rectified his military equipment secretly.Later, during the interrogation process by officials of the Ministry of Justice (Ting Wei), Liu Ji was implicated in the confessions of some suspects.Liu Ji was so worried that he would become ill that he died, so he dared not appoint an heir.Liu Ji's mother is the younger sister of the Empress Dowager Wang Zhi, so Liu Ji has the closest relationship with the current emperor (seventh emperor) Liu Che (37 years old this year).After Liu Che got the report, compassion arose spontaneously.Therefore, Liu Xian, the eldest son of Liu Ji, was appointed as King of Jiaodong; the former Hengshan State (capital of Zhu County) was changed to Liu'an State, and Liu Ji's favorite youngest son, Liu Qing, was granted the title of King of Liu'an (capital of six counties).
4. In autumn, tens of thousands of cavalry from the Huns Khanate (the king’s court was located in Harhelin City, Mongolia) attacked Youbeiping County (southwest of Ningcheng County, Inner Mongolia) and Dingxiang County (in Inner Mongolia and Linge County) in two directions, massacred and plundered More than a thousand people.
5. Shandong (east of Xiaoshan) was flooded and the people were starving.Emperor Liu Che of the Western Han Dynasty sent envoys to order all the countries and counties to take out all the grain stored in the warehouse for relief, and no grain was allowed to be kept, but there was still not enough supply.It also encourages landlords, rich people or officials and people, as long as they can lend money to the poor, the local government will report his name to the central government, and the central government will reward them exceptionally. death, the catastrophe caused people to cry).As a result, the central government ordered the poor to migrate to Guanxi (west of Hangu Pass, which is Guanzhong in a broad sense), and some of the poor moved to the newly established Shuofang County (South Bank of the North Yellow River in Hangjin Banner, Inner Mongolia) and Xinqinzhong (Hetao of the Yellow River). For a total of more than 700,000 people, food and clothing are provided by the local government, and the industry is rationed for several years.The central government sent envoys one after another to take care of each other.The cost is in "100 million", which is too much to calculate.
6. China has acquired the territory of Hunxie King of the Hun Khanate - the Hexi Corridor (central and western Gansu Province).In Longxi County (Lintao County, Gansu Province), Beidi County (Maling Town, northwest of Qingyang County, Gansu Province), and Shang County (Nanyuhebao, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province), there are fewer and fewer enemy invasions.Liu Che issued an edict: "The border guards in the three counties will be cut in half." This is to reduce the burden of the people's recruitment.
7. Liu Che is determined to conquer the barbarian tribes in the Kunming area (central part of Yunnan Province) (because they continue to kill the envoys sent by the Han Dynasty to Shendu and plunder the treasures).There is an endless Dianchi Lake (Kunming Lake) with a width of about 300 miles, and it is possible to fight on water in the future.Therefore, he was ordered to excavate an artificial lake in the southwest of the capital Chang'an, named Kunming Pool, to train the navy.
At this time, the law was more severe. Many low-level officials were convicted or dismissed, and the army continued to march. People with a little wealth paid money to the government to buy the privilege of tax exemption, or paid money to buy the rank of "five doctors" (The Western Han Dynasty still inherited the official rank system of the Qin Dynasty. Starting from the twelfth-level "five doctors", they can be exempted from being recruited as servants.) Under such circumstances, the government can recruit fewer and fewer people.The government of the Western Han Dynasty then raised the ranks of exempt officials. "Five Dafus" (twelfth level of civil officials) and "Thousands of Ministers" (seventh level of military officials. Refer to June 123). Pay the horses again.Officials who were not loyal to their duties or who played with laws and regulations were sent to the imperial garden (Shanglin Garden) in the capital Chang'an (Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province) to cut thorns and dig Kunming Pool.
8. This year, in the far western wilderness Wowashui (wowa, sound wowa. Wowashui, an oasis in the southeast of Yangguan) got Shenma (a native of Xinye County, Nanyang County) who made huge profits and was sent to Dunhuang Tuntian for breaking the law Reclamation, I often see a very strange horse in the wild horses of Owashui, which is different from other wild horses. Huo Lichang often captures wild horses with the local aborigines, so he also captures the strange horse and presents it to the emperor, in order to exaggerate the horse Different from ordinary products, it is said that it came out of the water on purpose, and it is called Shenma), Liu Che is setting up the Music Department (Yuefu. This is the first time "Yuefu" appeared in history books, and later evolved into the name of the movement), by Sima Xiangru and others wrote "poems" and "fu", appointed eunuch Li Yannian as the music director (Xielu Duwei), and wore a seal of two thousand stones (stone, sound dan two thousand stones, ministerial salary).Compose new poems and fu into songs so that they match the eight-tone melody (eight tones: gold, stone, silk, bamboo, gourd, earth, leather, wood). , "Li", "Yi", "Spring and Autumn"], I can't understand it at all. It is necessary to gather experts from various classics and study together to understand its meaning (a song is so profound , I don’t know who to sing to).Later, the "God Horse" was obtained, so it was used as a theme, and Sima Xiangru and others wrote poems and Fu, and Li Yannian composed songs.Ji An protested and said: "The sage king made music, respecting the ancestors at the top, and educating the people at the bottom. Now, your majesty has got a horse, so he composes poems and songs, and plays them in the royal ancestral temple (taimiao). The late emperor (Liu Che) ancestors) and the people, can they know what they are singing?" Liu Che didn't speak, but he was very upset.
9. Liu Che is eager to recruit high-level intellectuals, fearing that he will not be able to recruit them.However, his character is harsh and mean, and he does not miss old feelings.Among the important officials, some people are usually trusted and loved, but occasionally they make a small mistake, or are occasionally found to be deceiving, and they will be beheaded immediately, and they will not be forgiven at all.Ji Angui persuaded: "Your Majesty has spared no effort in seeking talents. But before he can display his talents, he will be killed. The number of high-level intellectuals in the world is limited. If you supply unlimited killings, I am afraid that high-level intellectuals will become extinct." , who else will help you govern the country together?" Ji An became more and more distressed as he spoke, and his face turned angry.Seeing his tense expression, Liu Che couldn't help laughing, and explained: "How do you say that high-level intellectuals will become extinct? Let me tell you, there are many such people, and I'm afraid they won't be discovered. As long as they are carefully discovered, are they afraid that there will be no talents? Talents, It is a useful tool. Having talent but not fully displaying it is exactly the same as not having talent. If you don’t kill him, who will you kill?” Ji An said, “Although I can’t convince His Majesty with words, I think His Majesty is wrong in my heart. May Your Majesty never Review and correct, don't think I'm stupid and don't understand the truth." Liu Che said to the senior officials present: "Ji An claims to be in love with others, of course he is not. He claims to be stupid, but it is true."
1. In winter, the official in charge of the Western Han government (capital Chang’an) reported: “Government funds are very difficult. The wealthy businessman Da Jia (sound gu) mines and smelts iron to cast coins, boils seawater to make salt, accumulates wealth, and gold is in the hundreds of thousands More than two, but never used it to help the country's urgent needs. Please re-mint new coins to crack down on those who are frivolous and treacherous and embezzle other people's property."
At this time, there were white deer in the garden of the Forbidden Palace, and the palace supply department (Shaofu) had more silver and tin.Therefore, one square foot of white deerskin is used, and colorful patterns are embroidered on the four sides, which are called "leather coins".A leather coin is priced at 400,000 yuan.Emperor Liu Che (38 years old this year) of the Western Han Dynasty ordered that all kings, marquises, and royal families who went to the capital Chang'an for pilgrimage, or asked each other, or participated in sacrificial ceremonies, and when presenting gifts or tributes, should be placed on white deer skin. over the currency. (When giving a gift or presenting a tribute, it should be placed on a luxurious plate, which is called "recommended bi". Now, it is stipulated that the white buckskin coins should be placed on the luxurious plate first, as "recommended bi". .That is to say, you have to spend 400,000 yuan to buy a white buckskin coin before you can present a tribute or send a gift. It is also strange that the head of state publicly extorts money.)
The Western Han government also used silver and tin to make three kinds of "platinum coins" (alloy coins): large round ones with dragon patterns, worth three thousand yuan.The square in the middle, the pattern is a horse, worth five hundred coins.A small oval shaped like a turtle, worth three hundred renminbi.The government of the Western Han Dynasty ordered the whole country to destroy half taels of money (the three baht coins were abolished, and the half baht coins were recast, refer to the previous 136 years), and the three baht coins were restored.The law is strict: anyone who steals or forges any kind of coin will be executed.However, there are innumerable low-level officials and the people who steal and mint "platinum coins".
2. The government of the Western Han Dynasty appointed Dong Guo Xianyang (Dong Guo, double surname) and Kong Ji to serve as the director secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Da Nong Cheng) in charge of minerals and salt production.Sang Hongyang was also reused with his sophisticated knowledge of economics.Dongguo Xianyang was originally a famous salt merchant in Qi State (the capital Linzi); Kong Chi was originally a famous mine owner in Nanyang County (Nanyang City, Henan Province), and his family property accumulated tens of thousands of taels of gold.Sang Hongyang, the son of a merchant in Luoyang (the county where the Henan County Government is located, east of Dongbaima Temple in Luoyang City, Henan Province), is good at mental arithmetic. When he was thirteen years old, he became a court attendant (servant).These three people got together to discuss ways to open up the country's financial resources, analyzing down to the smallest detail.
3. Liu Che issued an edict: "Anyone who casts ironware privately or uses seawater to make salt without permission shall wear iron shoes on his left foot (釱 punishment.釱, sound di. "釱 punishment" is a severe punishment that replaces "cutting punishment". Use four-kilogram iron tongs to clamp the toes), and the equipment was confiscated."
Ministerial officials also suggested to Liu Che that people engaged in business and other low-end skills should evaluate their own property, write it into account books, and report it to the government.For two thousand strings of money (ancient coin, there is a square hole in the center, which is threaded with a rope, and one thousand money is called "Yi Mian", or "Yi Guan", and it is called "Yi Chuan" in folk colloquialism), one hundred and twenty money ( One calculation) taxes.People who have small carriages (轺车), or boats with a length of more than five feet, are required to pay taxes.Hidden properties that are not appraised, or whose appraised value is inaccurate, will be exiled to the frontier for one year, and the property will be confiscated.Anyone who informs and denounces will use half of the confiscated property as a reward.
Most of the above-mentioned decrees and implementation rules were written by Zhang Tang, the Chief Inspector (Censor Doctor). Zhang Tang reported to the court meeting every day, discussing the state's finances, and even discussed it so late that Liu Che would even forget the time for eating.Prime Minister (Prime Minister) Li Cai, just stay in his seat to make up his mind, all affairs in the world are decided by Zhang Tang.Because of the harsh laws, the people were in turmoil and unable to live, and they all resented Zhang Tang.
4. Initially, the people of Henan County (to the east of Dongbaima Temple, Luoyang City, Henan Province) donated family property to the local government many times as food for the border defense army.Liu Che sent an envoy to ask Bu Shi, "Do you want to be an official?" Bu Shi said, "I grew up farming and herding sheep. I don't know the rules of being an official, so I don't want to be an official." Appeal to the emperor?" Bu Shi said, "I was born to live peacefully with people without any disputes. I will lend money to poor people, and educate them patiently to those who do evil. The people in the village respect my ideas. Who will wrong me! I have nothing to say to the emperor." The envoy said: "Then, what is the purpose of donating so much property?" Bu Shi said: "The country's war against the Huns is a kind of righteous war against aggression. I think worthy people should die in battle. In the frontier, rich people should donate to the country. Only in this way can the Huns be wiped out.”
Liu Che believed that Bu Shi was a virtuous person, and planned to respect him to inspire the people of the whole country.Therefore, Bu Shi was recruited to be a royal guard officer (Zhonglang), the official rank was Zuo Shuchang (the eleventh level of civil officials), and ten hectares of farmland were rewarded: it was announced to the world, so that the whole country knew about it.Soon after, Bu Shi was promoted to be the master of the prince of Qi (the capital Linzi). The king of Qi, Liu Cichang, died in 126 years ago. ).
5. In spring, the star Porpoise appears in the northeast sky.
In summer, long stars appear in the northwest sky.
6. At the military meeting, Liu Che announced that he would launch another attack on the Huns Khanate (the royal court set up Khalhelin City, Mongolia).He said: "The Xiongnu adopted Zhao Xin's suggestion (refer to 123 years ago), and went far to the north of the vast desert, thinking that the Han army could not pass through the desert, and even if they did, they would not dare to stay for a long time. This time We will make a big attack, and we must get what we want." One hundred thousand war horses were selected to be raised with millet (that is, corn, called "millet" in the north) (the common feed of horses is grass, and today they are raised with millet eaten by humans, and their physique Strong), the country's supreme commander (general) Wei Qing, hussars general Huo Qubing, each led 50,000 elite cavalry, the officers and soldiers also brought 40,000 private horses, and hundreds of thousands of infantry transported food and supplies, followed closely Move out after the cavalry regiment.
Those who are brave and good at fighting, who dare to go deep into the fight, are handed over to Huo Qubing.
Liu Che originally ordered Huo Qubing to leave the fortress from Dingxiang County (Helinger County, Inner Mongolia) to directly attack the Xiongnu Shanyu (fifth term) Tongda Yizhixie.Later, it was learned from the captives that Yizhi was far away in the east.As a result, the order of battle was readjusted.Liu Che ordered Huo Qubing to leave the fortress from Dongfangdai County (Yu County, Hebei Province), and ordered Wei Qing to leave the fortress from Dingxiang County.
Li Guang, Commander of the Imperial Guard (Lang Zhong Ling), repeatedly requested to go on the expedition.Liu Che thought he was old, so he was not allowed.After a long time, he reluctantly agreed to appoint Li Guang as the current general, Gongsun He, the Minister of Communications (employee), as the left general, Zhao Shiqi, the director of the reception of the princes (Lord Duwei), as the right general, and Cao Xiang, the Marquis of Pingyang, as the rear general. , are under the Supreme Commander (General) Wei Qing.
Xiongnu Xiong Zhao Xin suggested to Shan Yu (fifth term) Yi Zhixie: "The Han army does not know how powerful they are, but they plan to cross the vast sea and desert. At that time, the people are exhausted and the Xiongnu sit on the bench, and they can capture them." Yes, order all the tribes and supplies to retreat northward and leave the elite troops in ambush at the northern edge of the Hanhai Desert.
After Wei Qing's army left Dingxiang County, he got the information about where Yi Zhixie was, and personally led the elite cavalry to advance.Order the former general Li Guang's troops to merge with the right general Zhao Shiqi, and guard the right wing - the right wing must make a big circle to the east, the road is far away, and there are few aquatic plants.Li Guang asked: "My mission was to be a pioneer, but the marshal changed his deployment and transferred me to the east to serve as the right wing. Since I was sixteen years old, I have been fighting against the Huns. Until today, I have the opportunity to face the Shanyu. I would like to remain in the vanguard, and I will fight to the death to capture Shanyu alive." Wei Qing changed his deployment because Liu Che secretly ordered Li Guang to be old and have a bad fate, so don't let him face Shanyu. To make Shanyu escape and fail to achieve the purpose of capture.And Gongsun Ao recently lost the Marquis, Wei Qing planned to let Gongsun Ao be the vanguard and deal with Shan Yu at the same time as himself, so he transferred Li Guang (Gongsun Ao lost the Marquis, refer to the year before last. Gongsun Ao is a friend of Wei Qing, he once rescued Wei Qing, refer to 139 years ago. Wei Qing used this to make him perform meritorious service and restore his title).Knowing the inside story, Li Guang repeatedly asked Wei Qing to allow him to remain a pioneer, but Wei Qing refused.Knowing that there was no hope, Li Guang turned around and left without saluting, making no effort to hide his gaffe and anger.
Wei Qing went out of the fortress (Dingxiang County) and marched northward for more than a thousand li before crossing the vast sea and desert. He found that the Xiongnu corps under the Xiongnu Shanyu Yizhixie's relatives was waiting in line.Wei Qing ordered armored chariots (Wugang chariots) to quickly form a solid position and sent 5,000 cavalry to attack. The Xiongnu dispatched more than 10,000 cavalry to fight.The battle was fierce, fighting until dusk, when suddenly a storm blew up, sand and gravel were swept into the air, hit people's faces, the dust was billowing, and it was dark, and the two armies could not tell each other apart.Wei Qing ordered the army staying at the position of the armored vehicles to spread out to the left and right wings respectively, and attack the rear guard of the Xiongnu Corps with a large detour.Yi Zhixie found that there were so many troops in the Han Dynasty, and the people were strong and the horses were fat. Not as good as a horse, but far more tenacious than a horse), broke through under the protection of hundreds of elite cavalry, and galloped northwest.
At this time, night had fallen, and the Han and Hungarian soldiers on the battlefield were still fighting bloody battles, shouting loudly, and the casualties on both sides were almost the same.The commander of the left wing of the Han army (Zuo Xiao) got the news from the prisoners: Yi Zhixie had fled before dark.Immediately sent light cavalry to pursue overnight, Wei Qing led the army and then rushed forward.The Xiongnu officers and soldiers who were fighting bloody on the battlefield found that they were abandoned by Shan Yu, and their morale was in turmoil.Wei Qing's army advanced by night.At dawn, they had marched for more than 200 li, looked around in the vast expanse, and could not see the Xiongnu regiment, but killed and captured 19,000 Xiongnu civilians, and then entered Zhiyan Mountain (that is, Lushan, the current location is unknown) Zhao Xincheng (diwang In the southeast of Harhelin City in present-day Mongolia. Xin Zhao surrendered to the Xiongnu, refer to 123 years ago), seized the food and fodder accumulated by the Huns Khanate, supplied his own army, stayed for one day, set fire to the city, and the houses and remaining food and fodder were completely destroyed. Turn into scorched earth, and then class teacher.
7. The former general Li Guang and the right general Zhao Shiqi led the army forward without a guide. They lost their way in the vast sea desert and could not catch up with Wei Qing. Therefore, they did not catch up with the big battle with the Xiongnu Shanyu Yizhixie.Wei Qing's class was on the way to the southern part of the Hanhai Desert, and only then did they get in touch with them.Wei Qing sent the secretary-general (Chang Shi) to question the reasons for the failure of the two, and ordered Li Guang's staff to go to the command headquarters immediately for interrogation.Li Guang said: "My commander (the lieutenant) is not guilty. I lost my way. I have to report to the command headquarters in person." Then he said to his subordinates: "I have been with the Huns since I was sixteen More than ten battles, and now, I have the honor to follow the Supreme Commander (General Wei Qing) to send troops to fight Shanyu, but the Supreme Commander transferred me to the right guard, the distance is far away, and I lost my way. Didn’t God want me to do this. I this year I'm over sixty, and I can't face those petty officials like military judges who play with words." After saying that, he drew his sword and killed himself.
Li Guang was honest and generous, and all the rewards he got were distributed to his subordinates, food and lodging, just like soldiers, sharing joys and sorrows.As a general (two thousand stones) for more than forty years, after his death, his family had no extra property.His arms are like that of an ape, long and powerful, he is proficient in riding and shooting, he never shoots an arrow if he is not sure of hitting the target.When the army was in trouble on the march and found a source of water, the soldiers did not drink enough, and Li Guang did not drink a drop; the soldiers did not have enough to eat, and Li Guang would not eat.Officers and soldiers love him and are willing to accept his drive.When the news of the death came out, the whole army wept bitterly.When the folks heard the news, whether they knew it or not, whether they were old or in their prime, they shed tears.The right general, Zhao Shiqi, was handed over for trial alone, paid a ransom, was saved from death, and was demoted as a commoner.
*Sima Qian said:
There is a saying in the ancient book: "Practice yourself as an example. Even if there is no order, your subordinates will follow it; if you can't practice yourself, you can't set an example. Even if you shout your throat, your subordinates will not obey." This is the portrayal of General Li Guang.I have seen General Li Guang with my own eyes. He is gentle and easy-going, just like a small person, not good at words.After his death, those who knew him or those who did not know him mourned for him. His loyalty and reputation live in the hearts of the people.The proverb says: "Peach trees and plum trees can't speak, but the path is stepped under the tree." Although it refers to small things, it can be used to observe big things.
Bo Yang said:
Li Guang is a generation of heroes, one of the greatest generals in Chinese history.Commanding battles, coming and going like the wind, the Xiongnu Khanate praised him as a "flying general". Nine hundred years later, Wang Changling, a poet of the Tang Dynasty, wrote a poem: "But let the flying generals in Dragon City stay, and don't teach Huma to go to Yinshan Mountain." It shows how deeply the people miss him.
However, Li Guang was not allowed to die. It is a pity that this is an eternal mystery.Li Guang has been in the army for 40 years, and has fought more than 70 times. Even if he marched on the plains in his own country, he still has a guide. This time, he has an important mission, not only going deep into the enemy's country, but also going deep into the desert. Even an idiot knows that there must be a guide, so why is there no guide?It is possible to be misled by a guide, but absolutely impossible without a guide, and there must be something strange in it.Wei Qing claimed that he transferred Li Guang to the right guard after accepting Liu Che's secret order.If Liu Che was so sure of his own judgment, he should have appointed Li Guang as the right back, or even appointed Li Guang as the rear guard from the very beginning. Could it be that Li Guang dared not accept it and contradicted him in the Golden Palace?At that time, Liu Che appointed Li Guang as the vanguard, so why bother?
We cannot explain these.If it must be explained, we believe that this is a conspiracy to fight each other in the officialdom.If the guide was either killed, or was hastily transferred away, Li Guang had no time to find someone to replace him.Sima Qian was full of grief and indignation. Due to political pressure, he dared not speak out, but only emphasized "no guidance" for future generations to ponder.As for the stern attitude of the Secretary-General, it is only Zhou Ba and his ilk (refer to the first two or three years), but it may also be Wei Qing's instruction.
There are not many historical materials, and we are not confident that this judgment is correct, but the death of this famous general does bring us a cloud of suspicion.
8. After the Xiongnu Khanate broke through the siege, the organized battle on the battlefield collapsed, and the soldiers fled in all directions. They often mixed with the attacking troops of the Han Dynasty and marched forward, hoping to find their leaders.But Yi Zhixie's whereabouts have been unknown, the dragons have no leader, and the tribes are shocked.King Youguli mistakenly thought that Tongdan Yizhixie was dead, so he called himself Shanyu.It wasn't until more than ten days later that Yizhixie appeared after the initial shock and gathered his tribe, and King Youguli removed the title of Shanyu.
9. Hussar General Huo Qubing led cavalry troops and supplies equal to those led by his uncle, the country’s supreme commander (General) Wei Qing, but there was no lieutenant general, so some mid-level officers Li Gan (son of Li Guang), etc. Order them to act as commanders.From Dai County (Yu County, Hebei Province) and Youbeiping County (southwest of Ningcheng County, Inner Mongolia) to the cold, marched northward for more than 2,000 miles, crossed the vast desert, and encountered the Eastern Corps of the Huns The territory stretches from the Xiliao River in the east to the northern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the west. It has a huge area and is not easy to administer. Therefore, it is divided into three military regions. The central military region is directly presided over by Shan Yu, the eastern military region is presided over by King Zuoxian, and the western military region is presided over by King Youxian. Host, Huo Qubing encountered King Zuo Xian's troops).Huo Qubing launched a fierce attack, and King Zuoxian's Eastern Army was defeated and scattered.Huo Qubing chased after him, and captured three princes, including King Tuntou and King Han, as well as 83 people including generals, prime ministers, military officers (Dang Lu), and military commanders (Du Wei).So worship the god of heaven in Langjuxu Mountain (East Kent Mountain, Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia), and worship the god of earth in Guyan Mountain (30 kilometers southeast of Ulaanbaatar City) (this is the famous "Wolf Sealing Mountain") Juxu Mountain, Zen Guyan"), looking back at the vast sea and desert, he went up to Xiaohan with arrogance, killed and captured 70,443 Hun officers and soldiers.
10. Liu Che granted Huo Qubing 5,800 households, and his generals: Youbeiping county magistrate (prefect) Lu Bode and other four marquises (Lu Bode was named Pilihou, Weishan was named Yiyanghou, Fu Luzhi granted Duhou, and Yijiqian granted Zhonglihou).From Piaohou (jue name) Zhao Ponu and other two, increase the number of households (Zhao Ponu and Changwu Hou Anji each increased by 300 households).Commander (School Lieutenant) Li Gan was enfeoffed as Marquis of Guannei, and he was granted fiefdom (Li Gan conferred 200 households, but Marquis of Guannei had no fiefdom).Small officials and soldiers in the army were promoted one after another, and many people received rewards.And Wei Qing, the supreme commander of the country, no longer confers rewards, and none of the generals is promoted to Marquis.
In this attack, the Han army won a complete victory, but suffered heavy losses.When the two armies set off, there were a total of 140,000 military and private horses. When the troops entered the fortress, there were only less than 30,000 horses left (110,000 horses were killed outside the fortress. Although there is no report on the personnel, it can be inferred that the casualties were heavy).
Therefore, the post of Supreme Commander of the National Armed Forces (Da Sima) was added, which was held by Wei Qing, General of the National Armed Forces, Huo Qubing, General Hussars, and two uncles and nephews.Liu Che ordered that the ranks and salaries of Hussar General and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country be completely equal.
Since then, Wei Qing's power has gradually declined, and Huo Qubing's power has become more and more dignified.Wei Qing's tail-waving system - some old friends and retainers turned around one after another and went to seek refuge with Huo Qubing, and they could all get official positions.Only Ren An was proud and still went in and out of Wei Qing's family.
Huo Qubing was steady and composed, he didn't talk much, but he was bold and quick to respond.Liu Che once wanted to teach him "Sun Wu Art of War" (Sun, Sun Wu. Wu, Wu Qi), Huo Qubing said: "Battle is only about strategy, and should not be bound by ancient art of war." Liu Che ordered the relevant units to build a house for him and teach him how to fight. Look, Huo Qubing said: "The Xiongnu haven't been wiped out yet, why do you want a family?" Liu Che doted on him even more.However, Huo Qubing was wealthy since he was a child (uncle Wei Qing, aunt Wei Zifu), and he didn't know the suffering of the people and the lower classes, so he didn't cherish his subordinates.When the army went to battle, Liu Che sent the imperial kitchen (taiguan) to lead a kitchen convoy of dozens of vehicles to follow and supply.When marching, there was still a lot of grain and meat left in the kitchen team, all of which were discarded, but the soldiers were hungry.During the march outside the Great Wall, supplies were not easy. The army was often short of food, and the soldiers were exhausted and could not even walk. Huo Qubing also ordered the construction of a temporary stadium for him to play football for entertainment (hundreds of years after the Western Han Dynasty, football games were very popular. Universal. Original text: "Taju", Ju, a ball stuffed with hair; the rules of the game have been lost).Everything else is similar to these.But Wei Qing, the supreme commander of the country, was just the opposite (he grew up from a humble background). He was kind, respected intellectuals, cared for his subordinates, humbled and retreated when things happened, gentle and kind, and won Liu Che's joy.
The aspirations and integrity of the nephew and uncle are so different.
11. In this battle, the Xiongnu Khanate was killed and taken into captivity, losing 80,000 to 90,000 people, and the Han army also lost tens of thousands.The population of the Huns Khanate was already small, so they could not bear this kind of blow, so they had to retreat further north, and south of the vast sea desert, there was no royal court of the Huns (the seat of the Huns Shanyu).The army of the Western Han Dynasty crossed the Yellow River (Hetao), from Shuofang (the south bank of the North Yellow River in Hangjin Banner, Inner Mongolia) to the west to Lingju (west of Yongdeng County, Gansu Province. The air distance between the two places is 650 kilometers), continuously digging ditches, developing In the farmland, farming officials were set up, 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers were stationed, and they were reclaimed on the spot, gradually encroaching on the territory of the Huns Khanate.However, due to the heavy death of war horses, the Han Dynasty did not have the strength to attack again.
The Xiongnu Khanate adopted Zhao Xin's suggestion and sent envoys to Chang'an to ask for reconciliation with kind words.Liu Che ordered a meeting of senior officials to study. Some advocated agreeing to reconciliation, while others advocated forcing the Huns Khanate to become a vassal of the Han Dynasty.Ren Chang, Secretary-General of the Prime Minister's Mansion (Prime Minister Chang Shi), said: "The Xiongnu has recently been ruined. We should take the opportunity to make it submit. As a subject, teach their Chanyu to worship on the border." Liu Che thought it was a wonderful place. Ren Chang was sent to persuade the Xiongnu to surrender.However, the Xiongnu Khanate was not the Kingdom of Nanyue (refer to 179 BC). Shanyu Yizhixie discovered that the mission of Ren Chang was not to reconcile, but to surrender. He became furious and ordered Ren Chang to be detained.
12. At that time, research officer (doctor) Di Shan insisted that reconciliation is beneficial to the country.Liu Che asked the Chief Inspector (Censor) Zhang Tang, Zhang Tang said: "He is just a stupid nerd, ignorant." Di Shan said: "I am stupid, but I am loyal. Like Zhang Tang, but a fraud. Loyalty." Liu Che pulled his face down and asked: "I appointed you as the county magistrate, can you find a way to prevent the Huns from invading?" Di Shan said: "No." Liu Che asked: "Appoint you as the county magistrate?" Di Shan Said: "No." Liu Che asked: "Send you to guard a pavilion and blockhouse?" Di Shan found out that Liu Che was going to force him to death. I can." Liu Che then sent Di Shan to a pavilion and blockhouse in the frontier fortress.A month later, the Xiongnu attacked, beheaded Dishan and left.Since then, all government officials have been terrified, and no one dares to provoke Zhang Tang.
13. This year (119 years ago), Ji An was dismissed for breaking the law (I don't know what law he broke).Liu Che appointed Yi Zong, the prefect of Dingxiang County, to succeed the special mayor of the capital Chang'an (You Neishi); Wang Wenshu, the prefect of Hanoi County (Wuzhi County, Henan Province), succeeded the commander (lieutenant) of the capital Chang'an Garrison District.
At first, Ning Cheng served as the commander (Captain) of the garrison at Hangu Pass (northeast of Lingbao County, Henan Province), and he was harsh and brutal.Both civilians and low-level officials were horribly abused when they went out and out of the customs. They wailed in unison: "I would rather meet a tigress feeding its cubs than Ning Cheng get angry." Later, the government appointed Yi Zong as Nanyang County (Henan Province) Province Nanyang City) county magistrate, took office, via Hangu pass.Ning Cheng was from Nanyang, he was extremely respectful to Yi Zong, he went to meet Yi Zong from afar, gave him a grand and grand reception, and then sent him far outside the pass, walking sideways on the side of the road, not daring to sit on an equal footing.
After Yi Zong took office in Nanyang County, he investigated the crimes of the Ning Cheng family and arrested them wantonly, killing the Ning Cheng family in an instant.All the officials and people in Nanyang County were so terrified that they couldn't even move a foot.Later, Yi Zong transferred Dingxiang County Magistrate, and as soon as he took office, he conducted a surprise inspection of the prison, including more than 200 prisoners, no matter felony or misdemeanor, or defendants in litigation; More than 200 relatives and friends of my family arrested together, saying: "I will relieve the pain for you damned people!" On the same day, more than 400 people were all executed.When the county people talked about the uprising, their hair stood on end.At that time, Zhao Yu and Zhang Tang were in the high positions of ministers (Jiuqing) because of their brutal law enforcement, but they still acted according to the law.Otherwise, Yi Zong put the law completely to the back of his mind, and delivered a fatal blow at any time like a goshawk fighting a hare.
Wang Wenshu was the militia commander (duwei) in Guangping County (northeast of Quzhou County, Hebei Province), and selected more than ten local tyrants and bullies in the county to be his subordinates.Wang Wenshu grasped their criminal secrets and used them to coerce them to catch thieves.Anyone who obeys orders and makes Wang Wenshu happy, no matter what serious crimes he has committed in the past, don't ask at all.If he doesn't try his best to catch the thieves, Wang Wenshu will overturn the old case and slaughter his whole clan.Therefore, the thieves from Qi (Shandong Province) and Zhao (central and southern Hebei Province) did not dare to approach Guangping County.At that time, Guangping County had good law and order and had a good reputation of "not picking up lost things on the road".Later, Wang Wenshu was transferred to be the governor of Hanoi County. He went on a mission in September and ordered the county government to provide him with fifty stage horses specially for his own use.Reported to the Central Committee: The whole family is punished for serious crimes, and the whole family is punished for minor crimes. All family property will be confiscated in order to repay the stolen goods received.Only two or three days after the memorial was issued, the official document was approved by the central government, and blood flowed for more than ten miles.Until the end of December, the county was silent, no one dared to speak loudly, and no one dared to go out at night; even though the village was deserted, no dog could be heard barking.Wang Wenshu sent people to nearby counties to hunt down criminals who escaped.In a blink of an eye, the first month came, and Wang Wenshu stomped his feet and said, "Too bad, if the winter can be extended for one month, it will be enough for me." (An ancient tradition, after the end of winter, there will be no torture; it will not be restored until the beginning of autumn.)
Bo Yang said:
Wuzhi and Xi'an are more than 400 kilometers away by air, separated by the Yellow River and Wanzhong Xiaoshan.After Wang Wenshu sent out the memorial, two or three days later, he got the official document approved by the central government.What's more, after the central government receives the document, it has to submit it for review, drafting, meeting and giving instructions. Those who are familiar with official operating procedures will know that even if it is processed by the fastest mail, it will take ten and a half days.We suspect that Wang Wenshu holds a blank approval document in his hand, and the stage horse is galloping, but it is only performing to outsiders.Even if the approval document is true, that kind of speed makes people realize that any cruel official cannot do evil alone. But a poor tool of the powerful mafia!
Liu Che heard about their achievements (Yi Zong, Ning Cheng, Wang Wenshu) and thought they were talented, so he was specially promoted to the ministerial level (Zhong Erqianshi).
14. A young man (surname unknown) from the state of Qi (Linzi, the capital) can summon ghosts and gods, and Liu Che is greatly favored.It happened that Liu Che's most beloved Mrs. Wang (mother of the prince Liu Hong) passed away, and the young man cast a spell. At midnight, Liu Che was first invited to sit in the curtain, and then the ghost of Mrs. Wang appeared, which was exactly what she looked like in life ("Hanshu" This incident was written in the "Biography of Mrs. Li". It has been passed down from ancient to modern times, and they all thought it was Mrs. Li's soul. But when Mrs. Li passed away, the young man had already died. According to the records in "Historical Records Fengchan Book", it is believed to be Mrs. Wang's thing).Liu Che was overjoyed, and appointed Shaoweng as General Wencheng, gave him many rewards, and treated him as a guest (not as a minister, to show respect).
Shao Weng suggested that Liu Che build the Ganquan Palace and build a high platform in the palace (the Ganquan Palace originally existed in the northwest of Chunhua County, Shaanxi Province, and it may refer to building a high platform at this time).Build houses on the stage to worship the gods of heaven, earth, and the North Star, and set up various ritual instruments for worship, preparing to invite the gods.
For more than a year, the young man's spells became less and less effective, and the gods no longer came, so the young man had no choice but to make mysteries, so he wrote the words on the silk and satin, mixed them into the feed, and let the cows swallow them, pretending not to know, yes Liu Che said: "There is something strange in the belly of this cow." After killing the cow, he took out the silk and satin, and the writing on it was very strange.However, Liu Che saw that it was the young man's handwriting and questioned him severely. The young man had no choice but to admit that it was forged, so he beheaded the young man.为了不愿天下人知道自己被人愚弄，刘彻下令保密。
1、春季，三月十一日，西汉王朝（首都长安）宰相（丞相）李蔡，被指控侵占六任帝（景帝）刘启墓园墙外空隙地（堧地。堧，音ruan。堧地即空地、间隙地、余地），在其中安葬家人。刘彻命交付审判，李蔡自杀。（祭庙外空隙地也好，坟墓外空隙地也好，害人不浅，连皇帝之子，都得杀头，参考前一五〇年，何况宰相？但晁错虽然在上面大动土木，却平安无事，参考前一五五年，这是传统文化里的“说不准学”。）
2、西汉政府下令取消三铢钱（去年，取消半两钱，改铸三铢钱），另铸五铢钱。民间盗铸更多，故楚王国地区（长江、淮河流域）尤其严重。
西汉帝（七任武帝）刘彻（本年三十九岁）认为：淮阳郡（河南省淮阳县）处于故楚王国的边缘，又是交通要冲，于是，征召被免职在家的汲黯，出任淮阳郡长（太守）。汲黯伏在地上坚辞，不肯接受印信。刘彻一再强迫，才不敢拒绝。汲黯流泪说：“我自以为老死无用，身躯将填沟渠，不能再拜见陛下，想不到陛下还会用我。我身染狗马之疾（可怜的摇尾乞怜症，臣之于君，好像狗马之于主人），体力无法处理郡政府的繁重工作。我愿意当一名皇家警卫官（中郎：郡长属郎长级官员，二千石。皇家警卫官属中低级官员，不过六百石。但郡长在外，皇家警卫官常在皇帝身旁，接近权力魔杖），出入宫廷，希望能进言补救陛下的过失，或提醒陛下偶尔忘记的事。”刘彻说：“你瞧不起淮阳郡呀，没有关系，我马上就调你回来。只因淮阳郡官吏人民都不能称职，才借重你的威望，不一定要办公，躺到床上就行。”
汲黯告辞，拜访外籍官民接待总监（大行）李息，说：“我被抛弃到郡长的位置上，只不过是一个地方官，再不能参与中央高阶层会议。最高监察长（御史大夫）张汤，智谋足以拒绝规劝，狡诈足以颠倒是非（这两句话是周王朝加到商王朝末任帝子受辛头上的评语），用巧妙的马屁跟复杂的言辞，专门迎合皇上的心意，不肯为天下正义说一句话。皇上不喜欢的人，他乘机摧毁；皇上喜欢的人，他乘机赞扬。喜爱扩大事件，卖弄法律知识。内怀奸诈，以左右皇上的心意。外则依靠老奸巨滑的官吏，建立自己的威望。你位居九位部长（九卿）之一，如果不早一天揭发，恐怕会跟他同时受到灾祸。”然而，李息畏惧张汤，不敢张口。后来，张汤事情败露（参考前一一五年），李息牵连在内，受到处分。
刘彻下令提升汲黯的待遇跟封国宰相（诸侯相）相等（郡长年俸“二千石”，实发一千四百四十石，封国宰相年俸“真二千石”，实发一千八百石）。汲黯在淮阳郡十年，逝世。
3、刘彻下诏：凡地痞流氓、土豪劣绅，一律强制放逐到边塞。
4、夏季，四月二日，刘彻任命太子教师（太子少傅）武强侯庄青翟当宰相（丞相）。
5、刘彻在鼎湖宫病重（宫在湖县，传说黄帝姬轩辕开采首阳山铜矿，在湖畔铸鼎今河南省灵宝县西），巫师医师，全都请遍，而仍无起色。之前，游水发根（游水，复姓）介绍上郡（陕西省榆林市南鱼河堡）一位巫师——本来不是巫师，只因生一场大病，神灵附体，才成为巫师。刘彻请他前来，安置在甘泉宫（陕西省淳化县西北）。现在，派人问附体的神灵。经过一番仪式后，神灵回答说：“天子不必担心害病，等病稍好一点，勉强来甘泉宫跟我相会。”不久，刘彻的病果然痊愈，于是前往甘泉宫。等到完全复原，在长安寿宫（特别为神灵兴建）中，供奉感恩酒筵。人们并看不到神灵，但听见他说话，跟人的声音一样。时去时来，降临时略有微风，单独住在帷帐之中。神灵吩咐的话，刘彻派人在帷帐外记录，称“画法”（用刀笔画下法术之意）。所吩咐的话，平淡无奇，世间人人皆知，毫无特别之处，只刘彻一个人心中暗喜。事属宫廷高度机密，外人不知道内情。
当时，刘彻病势刚刚好转，立刻启程从鼎湖宫前往甘泉宫，经过首都长安（右内史）辖境，看见道路败坏，刘彻大怒若狂，说：“义纵（首都长安特别市长）可是认定我再也不走这条路了。”怀恨在心，只等机会报复。
1、冬季，十月，降雨，水不结冰。（阴历冬季十月，中国北方很少降雨，多数降雪，而且定会结冰。此记气候反常。）
2、西汉王朝（首都长安）皇帝（七任武帝）刘彻（本年四十岁）既颁布《缗钱令》（前年，刘彻下诏：要商人自己评估财产，拒绝评估或评估不实的，放逐边疆一年，并没收财产；告密者可得到没收财产一半的赏赐），而又尊崇卜式，希望作为榜样，可是得不到回响，没有人肯老老实实的把财产报告给地方政府。刘彻命杨可负责纠察，并主持告密案件。杨可派出人员，四处调查。义纵认为这些人都是乱民，把他们逮捕。刘彻报复的时机已到，指责义纵拒抗圣旨，逮捕义纵，绑赴街头斩首。
3、宫廷禁卫官司令（郎中令）李敢，怨恨全国最高统帅（大将军）卫青逼死他老爹李广（参考前一一九年），向卫青发动突击，卫青受伤。但卫青为人敦厚，大度包容，不告诉别人。然而，他的外甥骠骑将军霍去病却为舅父报仇。不久，李敢随从刘彻前往雍县（陕西省凤翔县），到甘泉宫（陕西省淳化县西北）打猎，霍去病把李敢射杀。这时霍去病正受宠爱，刘彻特别掩饰这件凶闻，宣称李敢被鹿撞死。
4、夏季，四月二十九日，刘彻在皇家祖庙（太庙）中，封皇子刘闳当齐王（首府临淄）、刘旦当燕王（首府蓟县）、刘胥当广陵王（首府广陵），开始使用一种“诰策”（用艰涩的文言文书写的任命状），表示隆重。
5、自从发行“白金币”（参考前一一九年）、“五铢钱”（参考前一一八年）以来，低级官员和平民们，纷起盗铸，被捕处死的多达数十万人，没有发觉的，更无法计算。可是天下人差不多都在盜铸，几乎人人犯法，政府不能全部诛杀。
6、六月，刘彻派研究官（博士）褚大、徐偃等六人，分别到各郡、各封国视察，纠举并吞贫民耕地的大地主跟违法失职的郡长和封国宰相，以及其他犯罪官员。
7、秋季，九月，冠军侯（景桓侯）霍去病逝世。刘彻十分哀伤，特地给他建一座大墓（墓在陕西省兴平市东北茂陵东侧），形状好像祁连山。
最初，霍仲孺辞职回家（霍仲孺本平阳县小官，调到平阳侯曹家当差，跟婢女卫少儿私通，生霍去病。参考前一二三年）；后来霍仲孺另娶妻子，生子霍光。霍去病一直由娘亲卫少儿抚养，等到长大成人，才知道老爹是谁。后来擢升骠骑将军，率军北上攻击匈奴汗国（王庭设蒙古国哈尔和林市），经过河东郡（山西省夏县），派人把老爹请来相见，给他大肆购买田宅奴婢。班师回来，顺道把异母弟霍光带回长安，担任宫廷禁卫官（郎），逐渐升迁到御车总监（奉车都尉，比二千石，部长级官员）、特级国务官（光禄大夫）。
8、本年（前一一七年），农林部长（大农令）颜异处死。
当初，颜异以廉洁正直深受上级欣赏，升到部长地位。刘彻跟张汤既商定制造“白鹿皮币”（参考前一一九年），询问颜异意见，颜异说：“亲王、侯爵，朝见祝贺的礼物，都是白色璧玉，价值不过数千钱，而用来作为衬垫的白鹿皮，反而价值四十万，主客本末，全不相称。”刘彻大不高兴。张汤对颜异一向不满，现在正是报复良机。于是，遂有人检举颜异某一件事犯法（又一场“有人型”冤狱，这位“有人”，如果不是刘彻，定是张汤），案件交张汤审理。原来有一次，颜异跟朋友聚会，一位客人批评某一项法令不很恰当，颜异没有作声，只微微地把下唇往外翻了一下。张汤认为已足以证明罪大恶极，奏称：“颜异身为部长（九卿），见到法令有不恰当之处，不坦诚向皇上陈述，却邪恶地在肚子里诽谤，应处死刑。”
自这件事后，西汉王朝政府遂有“腹诽”判例。政府高级官员，人人恐惧，只好谄媚阿谀，以求保身。
Bo Yang said:
秦王朝是一个野蛮部落建立的政权，所创立的屠灭三族酷刑，一直保持到公元后十九世纪才算结束。这种惨无人道的法律，虽然不断宣布被废除，但帝王一念之间，立刻就又恢复，没有人敢提出异议。以“仁义”自诩的高级知识分子，二千年来，噤若寒蝉。使中国的政治斗争比世界任何国家（包括被瞧不起的夷狄之邦）都更残忍，也使中国人缺少培养独立自主人格的土壤。每一个人的行为后果，全族都要分担。明哲不但可以保身，还可以保家保族。明哲意义，就是畏缩、圆滑、权势崇拜、丧尽礼义廉耻。
西汉王朝除了继承秦王朝的诛杀三族酷刑外，更发扬光大。在周亚夫案件中，发明了“地下谋反学”。在颜异案件中，发明了“腹诽学”——心理叛变。“诬以谋反”的法宝，遂有七十二种变化，中国人的苦难，古代便已如此，法律尊严被侮辱到如此程度，古圣先贤，从没有人敢兴起改革之念，以致后果由我们这些子孙全部承当。
1、夏季，五月，赦天下。
2、西汉王朝（首都长安）济东王（首府无盐）刘彭离（五任文帝刘恒孙，梁王刘武子。参考前一四四年），骄傲、凶悍；黄昏之后，常率领奴仆跟一批玩命少年数十人，突击行旅，杀人抢劫财物，成为一种娱乐嗜好，仅只被发觉的被害者，就有一百余人之多。于是撤除王爵跟封国，刘彭离贬逐上庸（湖北省竹山县西南田家坝）。
1、冬季，十一月，西汉王朝（首都长安）最高监察长（御史大夫）张汤有罪，自杀。最初，总监察官（御史中丞）李文，跟张汤怀有宿怨。张汤最宠信的小职员鲁谒居，为了替主人铲除政敌，暗中派人上书皇帝，检举李文。案件交给张汤审理，张汤引用法律条文，诛杀李文。张汤知道是鲁谒居干的勾当，心存感激。
西汉帝（七任武帝）刘彻（本年四十二岁）偶尔问起案发原因，张汤假装毫不知情，而且还作大吃一惊状：“可能是李文的仇家干的。”后来，鲁谒居卧病，张汤前往探视，亲自给他按摩双脚。消息传到赵王（首府邯郸）刘彭祖（刘彻的老哥）耳朵里，刘彭祖素来怨恨张汤，于是向刘彻告发说：“张汤身为国家重要高官，竟然给一个卑贱的小职员按摩双脚，必有隐情，可能有不可告人的阴谋。”刘彻交付司法部（廷尉）调查。而鲁谒居正好病死，牵连到鲁谒居的弟弟，囚禁在宫廷供应部（少府）的看守所（导官），恰巧张汤到看守所审理其他案件，看见鲁谒居的弟弟。张汤打算暗中营救，所以表面上假装并不相识，大模大样，不打招呼。鲁谒居的弟弟不知道张汤的心意，既害怕又愤怒，一不做，二不休，索性教他的家人上书皇帝，揭发张汤跟他哥哥鲁谒居共同陷害李文经过。
刘彻交付减（姓）宣审理，而减宣跟张汤之间，素有宿怨，也到了报复的时候。就穷追猛查，决心把张汤置于死地，但还没有结案奏报。就在这时候，有人盗取刘恒（五任文帝）坟墓陪葬的钱币。宰相（丞相）庄青翟，跟张汤约定晋见刘彻，一同自请处分。想不到见了刘彻之后，庄青翟自请处分，张汤却在旁边一语不发。刘彻下令张汤审理庄青翟在盗取陪葬钱币案件里应负的责任。在审理过程中，张汤企图把庄青翟罗织到“知情不报”法网，庄青翟惊恐忧虑。
宰相府秘书长（丞相长史）朱买臣、王朝、边通，从前都做过部长级（二千石）高级官员（朱买臣当过诸侯接待总监，王朝当过首都长安特别市长，边通当过济南国宰相），他们已是高官的时候，张汤还不过是一位低级职员。张汤当了最高监察长（御史大夫）后，曾经数次代理宰相，知道这三位秘书长一向尊贵，却故意把他们当做小职员看待，三位秘书长深为怨恨，想置张汤于死地。于是，乘机跟宰相庄青翟密商，派人逮捕商人田信等，散布消息说：“张汤向皇帝奏报任何事情，田信都事先知道，所以囤积居奇，成了富豪，然后再把油水分给张汤。”
如所预料的，消息终于传到刘彻耳朵。刘彻问张汤说：“我做什么事，商人们都先知道，事先囤积居奇，好像有人把我的话告诉他。”张汤知道明是指他，但他并不马上认罪，反而假装吓了一跳，回答说：“可能有这回事。”而就在这当口，减宣把鲁谒居弟弟的口供呈报上来。刘彻认为张汤心怀狡诈，当面欺骗。派总监察官（御之中丞）赵禹向张汤严厉诘责。张汤无法解释，遂写下遗书，向刘彻自请处分，并且说：“陷害我的，是宰相府的三位秘书长（朱买臣、王朝、边通）。”自杀身亡。
张汤死后，家产并不富裕，总共不过价值黄金十二万两。家属兄弟子侄们都主张厚葬，张汤的娘亲说：“张汤是天子的大臣，受到恶言伤害，为什么要厚葬？”遂把尸体放到牛车上，拉到墓地，只有一具棺木，没有外椁（古代埋葬，至为隆重，棺材外还有一个棺材，外棺称“椁”）。刘彻得到报告，把宰相府二位秘书长，全体处死。
十二月二十五日，再逮捕宰相（丞相）庄青翟，投入监狱，庄青翟自杀。
Bo Yang said:
这是第一次就官场上的权力斗争，作细致的报道。人，一旦进入权力漩涡，就跟车辆进入交通混乱的十字街头一样，你不碰人，别人可能会碰你。一句话或一举手，几乎都是陷阱。仁义、道德、人格，在这个领域里，没有重要地位，有的只是阴谋倾轧。一面跟对方歃血结盟，一面把对方出卖；一面向对方誓言铁肩担道义，一面在背后举起钢刀。官场遂成为世界上最黑暗的一个角落，鬼影憧憧，群魔乱舞。
张汤是一位最骠悍的官场斗士，他不断在斗，用最残酷卑鄙的手段打击他的政敌。目的只在夺取更高权力，所以虽然鲁谒居案件爆发，他正需要助力的时候，仍忍不住使用诈术陷害庄青翟。
这场权力斗争，像一群争夺骨头的疯狗一样，在主人的巨棒之下，逐一倒毙。显示一种现象：有些当主人的，也乐意于他属下的群狗互相龇牙，只偶尔大声吆喝，用来提醒互斗中的官崽，谁是老大！而另一个节目——摇尾帖耳的谄媚功夫，也突出层面。官场的无耻和不确定性，更使人眼花缭乱，叹为观止。
2、春季，刘彻兴筑柏梁台（用香柏树作建材），台上用铜铸出“承露盘”，高二十丈，直径要七个人才抱得住，盘上铸一个神仙的手掌，掌心向上，承接露水，搅拌璧玉的粉末喝下去，据说可以长生不死。宫廷建设，从此扩大。
3、二月，刘彻任命太子师傅（太子太傅）赵周当宰相（丞相）。
4、三月十日，任命太子师傅（大概是赵周擢升后的继任人）石庆，当最高监察长（御史大夫）。
5、大雨，大雪。
6、夏季，水灾，关东（函谷关以东）饿死数千人。
7、本年（前一一五年），孔仅当农林部长（大农令），桑弘羊当农林部主任秘书（大农中丞）。开始选择性的在郡跟封国中，设立“物资调节官”（均输）调节各地物资，使各地物资互相交流。（物资调节是国家经济上一项重要措施。一个重农的政府，终于承认商业的功能，而兼干商人的勾当。由郡政府或封国政府，收购农民多余的产物，贵的时候卖出，使巨商大贾无法操纵市场图利。）
8、白金价值下降，“白金币”（参考前一一九年）没有人乐意接受，终于完全废除。西汉中央政府严厉禁止郡政府和封国政府铸钱，而由中央水利总监（水衡都尉）所属的“三官”：钱币铸造厂管理官（钟官）、矿业官（辨铜）、物资调节官（均输），负责统一铸钱。下令天下，非“三官”铸的钱不准使用，于是民间盗铸行为遂逐渐消失，因成本太高，无利可图，只有手艺高强的大奸巨滑，才去盗铸。
9、匈奴汗国（王庭设蒙古国哈尔和林市）浑邪王不久以后投降汉朝（参考前一二一年），汉朝武装部队把匈奴驱逐到瀚海沙漠以北，从盐泽（新疆维吾尔自治区罗布泊）以东，直到中国边塞，成为真空，不见匈奴踪迹，前往西域的道路，畅通无阻。
于是，张骞向刘彻提出建议：“乌孙王国（首都赤谷城）的国王昆莫（乌孙王国原来立国河西走廊，后来被月氏王国驱逐，向西流浪，在中亚伊赛克湖东南定居，领土扩张到今伊犁河流域及楚河下游），木来是匈奴汗国的藩属，逐渐强盛后，不肯再接受匈奴支配。匈奴屡次进攻，都不能取胜，因而舍它远去。而今，匈奴正受到汉朝重创，而故浑邪王居住的地区（河西走廊·甘肃省中西部），已成真空。蛮夷习俗，依恋旧居，又贪图汉朝赏赐的财物，如果乘着这个机会，用厚重的礼物诱惑他们，请他们迁居浑邪王故土，跟汉朝结盟，成为兄弟之邦，势将听从汉朝，那将切断匈奴汗国的右臂。既然能得到乌孙王国，它的西方大夏国（阿富汗）等，都可能成为汉朝的藩属。”
刘彻认为有理，任命张骞当皇家警卫指挥官（中郎将），率领三百人，每