A Journey Through Chinese Governance

“From Ancient Dynasties to Imperial Heights: ”

Since ancient times, the rise of emperors and kings has never been without the support of loyal ministers who contributed jointly to their celestial achievements! The Han dynasty began in the autumn of the first year of Qin’s Second Emperor, during the Chu and Chen years. Initially, Liu Bang commanded an army and rose to prominence. In three years, he conquered the west and defeated Qin, establishing himself as the King of Han. Within five years, he conquered Xiang Yu in the east and ascended to the imperial throne. After eight years, the realm was pacified, and discussions on achievements and noble titles began. By the twelfth year, there were 143 marquisates. At that time, the major cities were in disarray, with scattered and displaced populations. The population was scarce and could be counted by the tens or hundreds. Therefore, the large marquises had no more than ten thousand households, while the smaller ones had five or six hundred households. The oath of enfeoffment proclaimed, “May the Yellow River be like a belt, and Mount Tai like a ridge. May the state endure forever, reaching the descendants of the Miao people.” Thus, they confirmed it with cinnabar-inscribed documents and sealed it with oaths on white horses, establishing eighteen ranks of marquisates.

In the second year of Emperor Gaozu’s reign, Chancellor Chen Ping was again ordered to compile the achievements of the marquises, documenting them in ancestral shrines and coordinating with officials. Initially, they sought to strengthen their foundations, but over time, branches and leaves began to fall. Therefore, during the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, as refugees returned and populations stabilized, the major marquises had up to thirty or forty thousand households, and smaller states saw their wealth double or triple. However, their descendants became arrogant and indulgent, forgetting the hardships of their ancestors. Many fell afoul of the law, lost their lives, and destroyed their states or families. By the beginning of Emperor Xiaowu’s reign, none were left, everything was exhausted, and the empire was in decline. Nonetheless, a little was still concealed. Hence, Emperor Xiao Xuan took pity and recorded their achievements, opening ancestral shrines, reviewing ancient records, and ordering officials to seek their descendants. They were all released from their obligations, some were given gold and silk, and their merits were celebrated in history.

Through Emperor Xiao Cheng, this compassion continued to grow, though it gradually faded. Nonetheless, their virtues were as unbroken as a line. It was truly a respectful act of preserving the past and planning for the future. It was said, “Ancient Tang brought myriad nations to enjoy the governance of Emperor Yang. The Yu and Xia dynasties managed numerous subjects, enjoying the peace. The laws of the Three Sages of Zhou ensured prosperity, while the Yin dynasty achieved great peace. The Zhou dynasty enfeoffed eight hundred states and revised it accordingly.” Thus, they expressed internal forgiveness, enjoying the continuation of their prosperous lineage. The names of the rulers were respected, and they restored lost countries.

When it came to the Han dynasty’s achievements, all of them cut the symbol of the world and the world’s vows, maintaining their names and showing their souls. The rewards were also generous. Over a hundred years, those who inherited the title were lost or lacked a surname. Orphaned bones lay in the graves, and descendants traveled the road. They were born as pitiful slaves and died as rotating corpses. In the past, it was worse than now, very sad. The Holy Court pitied the people and ordered to find their descendants, and people from all over the country were overjoyed. Several years passed without inspection, and it was feared that those who discussed would not consider the great principles and set up empty words. Therefore, they concealed their virtues, spread their instructions, and did not encourage others to follow them. There were three people, and even if it was difficult to continue, it should be praised for its good deeds.”

So Emperor Cheng continued to continue. During the times of Ai and Ping, he added to the roster of Cao and Zhou’s contributions, and it was appropriate to find the succession of the front. All stories follow the sequence. At the time of Emperor Xiao, the golden book was opened.