Book of Wei · Annals of Emperor Ming (Cao Rui)

Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) <Bright Emperor; a posthumous imperial title>, whose personal name was Rui and courtesy name Yuanzhong, was the crown prince of Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) <Civil Emperor; a posthumous imperial title>. Taizu (Cao Cao) <Great Ancestor; Cao Cao's posthumous temple name> loved him from birth and often kept him at his side.

At fifteen he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Wude (Cao Rui). In Huangchu's second year he became Duke of Qi (Cao Rui), and in the third, King of Pingyuan (Cao Rui). Because his mother had been executed, he had not yet been established as heir.

In summer of the seventh year, in the fifth month, Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) became gravely ill and established him as imperial crown prince. On the dingsi day he ascended the imperial throne and proclaimed a general amnesty. He honored the empress dowager as Grand Empress Dowager (Lady Bian), and the empress as Empress Dowager (Lady Guo). Ministers received titles in varying degrees.

On the guiwei day, he posthumously honored his mother, Lady Zhen, as Empress Wenzhao (Lady Zhen) <Civil and Illustrious Empress; a posthumous title>. On the renchen day he established his younger brother Rui (曹蕤) as King of Yangping (Cao Rui [曹蕤]).

In the eighth month, Sun Quan attacked Jiangxia Commandery, whose administrator Wen Pin defended it firmly. The court proposed sending reinforcements. The Emperor (Cao Rui) said, 'Quan is accustomed to fighting on water. He dares leave his boats to attack by land because he hopes to catch the defenders unprepared. Now that he and Pin are engaged, the attacker requires twice the defender's strength; he will certainly not dare remain long.' Earlier, Attending Imperial Clerk for Judicial Affairs Xun Yu [荀禹, distinct from 荀彧] had been sent to comfort the frontier regions. Arriving at Jiangxia, Yu mobilized county troops along his route and the infantry and cavalry accompanying him, a thousand men in all, ascended the hills, and lit fires. Quan withdrew.

On the xinsi day, imperial son Jiong was established as King of Qinghe (Cao Jiong). Wu's generals Zhuge Jin, Zhang Ba, and others raided Xiangyang. General-in-Chief Who Pacifies the Army King Xuan (Sima Yi) <a posthumous royal designation; Sima Yi later received imperial honors under Jin> defeated them and beheaded Ba. General-in-Chief Who Conquers the East Cao Xiu also defeated a detached enemy force at Xunyang. Merits were assessed and rewards varied accordingly. In winter, in the tenth month, the King of Qinghe (Cao Jiong) died. In the twelfth month, Grand Commandant Zhong Yao became Grand Tutor; Cao Xiu, General-in-Chief Who Conquers the East, became Grand Marshal; Cao Zhen, Central Army General-in-Chief, became General-in-Chief; Minister over the Masses Hua Xin became Grand Commandant; Minister of Works Wang Lang became Minister over the Masses; Chen Qun, General-in-Chief Who Guards the Army, became Minister of Works; and Sima Yi, General-in-Chief Who Pacifies the Army, became General-in-Chief of Valiant Cavalry.

In spring of Taihe's first year, in the first month, Emperor Wu (Cao Cao) was honored as Heaven's associate in suburban sacrifice, and Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) as the Supreme Power's associate in ancestral sacrifice at the Hall of Light. Jiangxia's southern section was separated off and assigned a commandant. Qu Ying rebelled at Xiping and killed the Magistrate of Linqiang and the head of Xidu County. Generals Hao Zhao and Lu Pan were sent to attack and behead him. On the xinwei day of the second month, the Emperor (Cao Rui) plowed the ceremonial field. On the xinsi day a funerary temple for Empress Wenzhao (Lady Zhen) was established at Ye. On the dinghai day the rising sun was worshiped in the eastern suburb. In summer, on the yihai day of the fourth month, five-zhu coins were put into circulation. On the jiashen day construction of the ancestral temple began. In autumn, in the eighth month, the evening moon was worshiped in the western suburb. In winter, on the bingyin day of the tenth month, troops were reviewed in the eastern suburb. The king of Yanqi sent a son to attend at court. In the eleventh month Lady Mao was established as empress. Each man throughout the realm received two grades of rank; grain was granted to widowers, widows, orphans, and the childless elderly who could not support themselves. In the twelfth month the empress's father Mao Jia was enfeoffed as a ranked marquis. Meng Da, Administrator of Xincheng, rebelled. An edict ordered General of Valiant Cavalry King Xuan (Sima Yi) to attack him.

In spring of the second year, in the first month, King Xuan (Sima Yi) stormed Xincheng, beheaded Da, and sent his head.

Shangyong, Wuling, and Wu counties were separated from Xincheng to form Shangyong Commandery, while Xi County became Xi Commandery.

Shu's senior general Zhuge Liang raided the frontier. Officials and people of Tianshui, Nan'an, and Anding commanderies rebelled in his support.

General-in-Chief Cao Zhen was sent to supervise the region west of the passes, and the armies advanced together. General of the Right Zhang He attacked Liang at Jieting and defeated him decisively. Liang fled, and the three commanderies were pacified. On the dingwei day, the Emperor (Cao Rui) visited Chang'an.

In summer, on the dingyou day of the fourth month, the Emperor (Cao Rui) returned to Luoyang Palace.

Prisoners below the category of capital offenders were pardoned. On the yisi day, merits in the campaign against Liang were assessed, with ranks and fiefs increased in varying degrees. In the fifth month there was severe drought. In the sixth month an edict said, 'Honoring scholars and valuing learning are the foundations of royal instruction. Recently some scholarly officials have been unsuited to their positions. How can they illuminate the sages' Way? Select Erudites of high quality, men whose ability would qualify them as Palace Attendants or Regular Attendants. Instruct the commanderies and kingdoms again to give priority to classical learning in recommending candidates.' In autumn, in the ninth month, Cao Xiu led the armies to Wan, fought Wu's general Lu Yi (Lu Xun) at Shiting, and was defeated. On the yiyou day imperial son Mu was established as King of Fanyang (Cao Mu). On the gengzi day Grand Marshal Cao Xiu died. In winter, in the tenth month, high ministers and intimate officials were each ordered to recommend one good general. In the eleventh month Minister over the Masses Wang Lang died. In the twelfth month Zhuge Liang besieged Chencang; Cao Zhen sent General Fei Yao and others to resist him.

Yuan, nephew of Gongsun Gong, Administrator of Liaodong, forcibly seized Gong's position. Yuan was then appointed concurrent Administrator of Liaodong.

In summer of the third year, in the fourth month, the King of Yuancheng (Cao Li) died. On the guimao day of the sixth month the King of Fanyang (Cao Mu) died. On the wushen day the Emperor (Cao Rui) posthumously honored his great-great-grandfather, the Chamberlain of the Empress, as Emperor Gao (Cao Teng) <Exalted Emperor; a posthumous imperial title>, and Lady Wu as Empress Gao (Lady Wu).

In autumn, in the seventh month, an edict said, 'According to ritual, when a royal line lacks an heir, a son of a collateral branch is chosen to continue the principal line. He must inherit its legitimate succession and uphold public duty. How could he turn back to his own birth parents? Emperor Xuan of Han (Liu Xun) <a ruler of the Western Han dynasty> succeeded Emperor Zhao (Liu Fuling) <a ruler of the Western Han dynasty> but added an imperial designation to his deceased father. Emperor Ai (Liu Xin) <a ruler of the Western Han dynasty> was brought from a collateral fief to the throne. Dong Hong and others cited the fallen Qin and misled the court: his father was honored as Emperor Gong (Liu Kang) <a posthumous imperial designation>, with a temple in the capital; a consort from his former fief was elevated to equality with Changxin's occupant; ancestral generations were arranged in the front hall, and four exalted positions combined in the eastern palace. These unbounded excesses won no favor from men or spirits. Yet Shi Dan's loyal and upright remonstrance was condemned as criminal, bringing destruction upon the Ding and Fu houses. Thereafter others followed these precedents. Duke Wen of Lu (Ji Xing) <a ruler of the Spring and Autumn state of Lu> reversed the sacrificial order through Xia Fu's fault; Song's improper measures drew criticism upon Hua Yuan. Let the high ministers and authorities take past events as a profound warning. If a later successor should come from a feudal state to inherit the supreme succession, he must understand the duty of becoming another's heir. Should flattering men mislead their ruler and arbitrarily establish illegitimate titles that violate the proper succession, calling his birth father emperor and mother empress, the great ministers shall execute them without pardon. Inscribe this on a gold document, store it in the ancestral temple, and enter it among the current statutes.'

In winter, in the tenth month, Pingwang Pavilion was renamed the Pavilion for Hearing Cases. The Emperor (Cao Rui) often said, 'Judicial proceedings determine the lives of the realm.' Whenever a major case was decided, he went to the pavilion and heard it in person.

Earlier, because Luoyang's ancestral temple was unfinished, the spirit tablets remained in the temple at Ye. In the eleventh month the temple was completed. Grand Minister of Ceremonies Han Ji was sent with credentials to bring the spirit tablets of Emperor Gao (Cao Teng), Emperor Tai (Cao Song) <Grand Emperor; a posthumous imperial title>, Emperor Wu (Cao Cao), and Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) from Ye. They arrived on the jichou day of the twelfth month and were respectfully installed in the temple.

On the guimao day, Bodiao, king of the Great Yuezhi, sent an envoy with offerings. He was appointed King of the Great Yuezhi, Friendly to Wei (Bodiao).

In spring of the fourth year, on the renwu day of the second month, an edict said, 'The simplicity or refinement of an age changes with its teaching. Since warfare began, classical learning has been abandoned, and young men seek advancement without following the canonical instructions. Is instruction not yet widespread, or are appointments failing to honor virtue? Let Erudites examine palace gentlemen and officers who understand one classic and have the ability to govern people. Promote the highest-ranked and employ them promptly. Dismiss all who pursue superficial brilliance without attending to the foundations of the Way.' On the wuzi day the Grand Tutor and Three Excellencies were ordered to have Emperor Wen (Cao Pi)'s Authoritative Discourses engraved on stone and erected outside the temple gate. On the guisi day General-in-Chief Cao Zhen became Grand Marshal, General of Valiant Cavalry King Xuan (Sima Yi) became General-in-Chief, and Gongsun Yuan, Administrator of Liaodong, became General of Chariots and Cavalry. In summer, in the fourth month, Grand Tutor Zhong Yao died. On the wuzi day of the sixth month the Grand Empress Dowager (Lady Bian) died. On the bingshen day Shangyong Commandery was abolished. In autumn, in the seventh month, Empress Wuxuan (Lady Bian) <Martial and Proclaiming Empress; a posthumous title> was buried with her husband at Gaoling. An edict ordered Grand Marshal Cao Zhen and General-in-Chief King Xuan (Sima Yi) to attack Shu. On the xinsi day of the eighth month the Emperor (Cao Rui) began an eastern tour and sent an envoy to sacrifice a single bull to the Central Sacred Mountain.

On the yiwei day the Emperor (Cao Rui) visited Xuchang Palace. In the ninth month heavy rain caused the Yi, Luo, Yellow, and Han rivers to overflow, and Zhen and the others were ordered to withdraw their armies. In winter, on the yimao day of the tenth month, the Emperor (Cao Rui) returned to Luoyang Palace. On the gengshen day an order allowed offenses other than capital crimes to be redeemed at varying rates. In the eleventh month Venus encroached upon Jupiter. On the xinwei day of the twelfth month Empress Wenzhao (Lady Zhen) was reburied at Chaoyang Mausoleum. On the bingyin day the high ministers were ordered to recommend worthy and capable men.

In spring of the fifth year, in the first month, the Emperor (Cao Rui) plowed the ceremonial field. In the third month Grand Marshal Cao Zhen died. Zhuge Liang raided Tianshui, and General-in-Chief King Xuan (Sima Yi) was ordered to resist him. No rain had fallen from the previous tenth month to this month. On the xinsi day a great rain-seeking sacrifice was held. In summer, in the fourth month, the Xianbei King Who Adheres to Righteousness (Kebineng) led his people and the Dingling chief Erchan [兒禪; the reading requires review] to You Province with tribute of fine horses. The office of General of the Gentlemen of the Household Protecting the Xiongnu was restored. In autumn, on the bingzi day of the seventh month, because Liang had withdrawn, titles and positions were advanced in varying degrees.

On the yiyou day, imperial son Yin was born, and a general amnesty was proclaimed.

In the eighth month an edict said, 'In antiquity the feudal lords' audiences and visits strengthened affection among relatives and harmony among the states. The late emperor's regulation excluding kings from the capital concerned times when a young ruler reigned and the empress dowager governed. It guarded against danger in its beginnings and bore upon the dynasty's prosperity and decline. I have not seen the kings for twelve years. With such lasting longing, how could I not think of them? Let the kings and the imperial clan's dukes and marquises each bring one legitimate son to court. Hereafter, when a young ruler and empress dowager are in the palace, the late emperor's regulation shall again apply. Clarify and enter this in the statutes.' On the yiyou day of the eleventh month the moon encroached upon the great star of Xuanyuan. On the wuxu day, the month's last, there was a solar eclipse. On the jiachen day of the twelfth month the moon encroached upon Saturn. On the wuwu day Grand Commandant Hua Xin died.

In spring of the sixth year, in the second month, an edict said, 'The emperors and kings of antiquity enfeoffed lords to defend the royal house. Do the Odes not say, "Cherishing virtue brings peace; sons of the ancestral line are a city wall"? Qin and Han succeeded Zhou, but one was too strong and the other too weak: both lost the proper balance. At great Wei's founding, royal states were established according to immediate needs, without a settled system. This cannot provide an enduring model for later generations. Re-enfeoff all the kings, assigning a commandery as each kingdom.' On the guiyou day of the third month, the Emperor (Cao Rui) toured east, inquiring after the aged, widowers, widows, orphans, and childless elderly along his route and granting grain and silk. On the yihai day the moon encroached upon Xuanyuan's great star. In summer, on the renyin day of the fourth month, he visited Xuchang Palace. On the jiazi day the season's first new fruit was presented at the temple. In the fifth month imperial son Yin died and was posthumously enfeoffed as King Ai of Anping (Cao Yin) <Lamented King of Anping; a posthumous title>. In autumn, in the seventh month, Minister of the Guards Dong Zhao became Minister over the Masses. In the ninth month the Emperor (Cao Rui) visited Mobei. Xuchang Palace was repaired, and Jingfu and Chengguang halls were built. In winter, in the tenth month, General Who Exterminates the Foreign Peoples Tian Yu led troops against Wu's general Zhou He at Chengshan and killed him. On the bingyin day of the eleventh month Venus was visible by day. A comet appeared in the Wings lodge near the Supreme Enclosure's Chief General star. On the gengyin day King Si of Chen (Cao Zhi) <Thoughtful King of Chen; a posthumous designation> died. In the twelfth month the Emperor (Cao Rui) returned to Xuchang Palace.

In spring of Qinglong's first year, on the jiashen day of the first month, an azure dragon appeared in a well at Mobei in Jia County. On the dingyou day of the second month the Emperor (Cao Rui) visited Mobei to see the dragon and changed the era name. Mobei was renamed Longbei. Each man received two grades of rank, while widowers, widows, orphans, and the childless elderly were exempted from that year's rent and taxes. On the jiazi day of the third month, the high ministers were each ordered to recommend one worthy man of earnest conduct. In summer, on the renshen day of the fifth month, an edict ordered sacrifices in Taizu (Cao Cao)'s temple courtyard to the late General-in-Chief Xiahou Dun, Grand Marshal Cao Ren, and General of Chariots and Cavalry Cheng Yu.

On the wuyin day the King of Beihai (Cao Rui [曹蕤]) died. On the gengyin day, the first of the intercalary month, there was a solar eclipse. On the dingyou day, women of the imperial clan who were not kings' daughters were all retitled Ladies of Towns. Commanderies and kingdoms were ordered not to sacrifice to mountains and rivers absent from the sacrificial canon. In the sixth month the ball-game hall of Luoyang Palace burned.

The Xianbei chief Budugen, who guarded the frontier, secretly communicated with the rebellious Xianbei chief Kebineng. Bi Gui, Inspector of Bing Province, memorialized and immediately led out an army, intending to intimidate Kebineng outside and restrain Budugen within. Reading his memorial, the Emperor (Cao Rui) said, 'Enticed by Kebineng, Budugen is suspicious of his own position. Gui's advance will only frighten the two groups into uniting. Whom will he intimidate or restrain?' He urgently instructed Gui that, if he had already marched, he must not cross the frontier beyond Gouzhu. Before the edict arrived, Gui had advanced to Yinguan and sent Generals Su Shang and Dong Bi to pursue the Xianbei. Kebineng sent his son with more than a thousand cavalry to receive Budugen's people. They encountered Shang and Bi and fought at Loufan; both generals were defeated and killed. All Budugen's people rebelled, left the frontier, and joined Kebineng in raiding. General of Valiant Cavalry Qin Lang was sent with the central army, and the enemy fled north of the desert.

In autumn, in the ninth month, the Xiongnu frontier chief Hubojuzizhi [胡薄居姿職; the division of the name is uncertain] and others rebelled in Anding. King Xuan (Sima Yi) sent General Hu Zun and others in pursuit, defeated them, and accepted their surrender.

In winter, in the tenth month, Daihu Alangni [戴胡阿狼泥; name division and reading remain uncertain] and other chiefs of Budugen's people went to Bing Province and surrendered. Qin Lang withdrew his army.

In the twelfth month Gongsun Yuan beheaded Sun Quan's envoys Zhang Mi and Xu Yan and sent their heads. Yuan was appointed Grand Marshal and Duke of Lelang (Gongsun Yuan).

In spring of the second year, on the yiwei day of the second month, Venus encroached upon Mars. On the guiyou day an edict said, 'Whipping was established as an official punishment to correct negligence and idleness, but recently many innocent people have died from it. Reduce the prescribed use of whips and staffs and enter this in the statutes.' On the gengyin day of the third month the Duke of Shanyang (Liu Xie) died. The Emperor (Cao Rui) put on plain clothing to mourn and sent an envoy with credentials to oversee the funeral. On the jiyou day a general amnesty was proclaimed. In summer, in the fourth month, there was a great epidemic. Chonghua Hall burned. On the bingyin day the authorities were ordered to announce the matter with an ox, sheep, and pig at Emperor Wen (Cao Pi)'s temple. The Duke of Shanyang (Liu Xie) was posthumously honored as Emperor Xiaoxian of Han (Liu Xie) <Filial and Dedicated Emperor; a posthumous title> and buried according to Han rites.

That month Zhuge Liang came out through Xie Valley and camped south of the Wei. King Xuan (Sima Yi) led the armies against him. An edict instructed King Xuan (Sima Yi), 'Remain behind strong defenses and blunt his advance. Unable to attain his aims by advancing or obtain battle by retreating, he will exhaust his grain by remaining and gain nothing by plunder. He must withdraw. Pursue him then: meeting the weary with rested troops is the way to complete victory.'

In the fifth month Venus was visible by day. Sun Quan entered the mouth of Juchao Lake and advanced toward Hefei's New City. He also sent Lu Yi (Lu Xun) and Sun Shao, each with more than ten thousand men, into the Huai and Mian regions. In the sixth month General Who Conquers the East Man Chong advanced to resist. Chong wished to evacuate New City's garrison and draw the enemy toward Shouchun. The Emperor (Cao Rui) refused: 'Emperor Guangwu of Han (Liu Xiu) <the Eastern Han restorer> sent troops far forward to hold Lüeyang and thereby ultimately defeated Kui Xiao. The late emperor established Hefei in the east, held Xiangyang in the south, and secured Mount Qi in the west. Enemies coming to these three cities were repeatedly defeated because some places must be contested. Even if Quan attacks New City, he certainly cannot take it. Order the generals to defend firmly. I shall go against him myself, though I fear he will flee before I arrive.' In autumn, on the renyin day of the seventh month, the Emperor (Cao Rui) personally boarded the Dragon Boat and campaigned east. Quan attacked New City, where General Zhang Ying and the others defended and fought hard. Before the Emperor (Cao Rui)'s army came within several hundred li, Quan fled; Yi, Shao, and the others also withdrew. The ministers thought that, with the General-in-Chief still confronting Zhuge Liang, the Emperor (Cao Rui) might go west to Chang'an. He said, 'Quan's flight will break Liang's courage. The General-in-Chief can control him, and I have no concern.' He advanced to Shouchun, recorded the generals' merits, and granted titles and rewards in varying degrees. On the jiwei day of the eighth month, he held a great troop review, feasted the six armies, and sent envoys with credentials to reward the armies of Hefei and Shouchun. On the xinsi day he returned to Xuchang Palace.

King Xuan (Sima Yi) and Zhuge Liang confronted one another, remaining in their fortified positions for many days. Zhuge Liang repeatedly challenged him to battle, but King Xuan (Sima Yi) held his defenses and would not respond. Zhuge Liang then died, and his army withdrew.

In winter, on yichou in the tenth month, the moon approached Saturn and the Xuanyuan asterism. On wuyin, the moon approached Venus. In the eleventh month, an earthquake struck the capital, coming from the southeast with a low rumbling sound and shaking the roof tiles. In the twelfth month, an edict ordered the responsible officials to revise and settle the provisions for capital punishment and reduce the offenses punishable by death.

In spring of the third year, on wuzi in the first month, General-in-Chief King Xuan (Sima Yi) was appointed Grand Commandant. On jihai, Shuofang Commandery was reestablished. A great epidemic struck the capital. On dingsi, the Empress Dowager (Lady Guo) died. On yihai, a meteorite fell in Shouguang County. On gengyin in the third month, Empress Wende (Lady Guo) <Civil and Virtuous Empress> was buried. Her tomb was built west of the ravine at Shouyang Mausoleum, in accordance with the final burial instructions.

At this time, extensive work was undertaken on the Luoyang palace: the Zhaoyang and Taiji halls were erected, and the Zongzhang Tower was built. The people lost the proper seasons for farming. Upright officials, including Yang Fu and Gaotang Long, each repeatedly remonstrated in earnest. Although the Emperor (Cao Rui) could not bring himself to follow their advice, he consistently treated them with generous tolerance.

In autumn, in the seventh month, Chonghua Hall at Luoyang burned down. On gengwu in the eighth month, the imperial sons Fang and Xun were established as King of Qi (Cao Fang) and King of Qin (Cao Xun). On dingsi, the imperial party returned to the Luoyang palace. The responsible officials were ordered to rebuild Chonghua Hall and rename it the Nine Dragons Hall. In winter, on jiyou in the tenth month, the King of Zhongshan (Cao Gun) died. On renshen, Venus was visible in daylight. On dingyou in the eleventh month, the Emperor (Cao Rui) visited the palace at Xuchang.

In spring of the fourth year, in the second month, Venus was again visible in daylight. The moon approached Venus and then a star of Xuanyuan, entered the Supreme Palace enclosure, and emerged. In summer, in the fourth month, the Institute for Honoring Literature was established, and men skilled in composition were summoned to staff it. On yimao in the fifth month, Minister over the Masses Dong Zhao died. On dingsi, the Sushen people presented arrows made of hu wood.

On renshen in the sixth month, an edict said: “Under the house of Yu, punishments were represented by images and the people committed no offenses; under Zhou, punishments were laid aside unused. I follow at the end of a hundred kings and look back toward the customs of high antiquity: how immeasurably far apart we are! Laws and ordinances multiply, yet offenders grow more numerous; punishments increase, yet wrongdoing cannot be stopped. Previously, I examined the provisions for capital punishment and abolished many of them, wishing to save the lives of the people. This is my deepest intention. Yet in the commanderies and kingdoms, deaths in prison still exceed several hundred in a single year. Is my instruction insufficiently sound, causing the people to treat crime lightly, or do harsh laws still remain, setting traps for them? “The responsible officials shall deliberate on criminal cases, delay executions, and strive for leniency and simplicity. As for those seeking mercy, sometimes a case is reported and decided before their plea has even been submitted: this does not exhaust either the legal reasoning or the full circumstances. Let the Commandant of Justice and all judicial officials throughout the realm, whenever a capital case has been fully investigated and settled, promptly inform the offender's relatives to make arrangements, unless the offense is plotting rebellion or personally killing someone. If there is a petition for mercy, send it up together with the documents proposing sentence. I shall consider how their lives may be preserved. Proclaim this throughout the realm, so that my intention is understood.”

In autumn, in the seventh month, the King of Goguryeo (Gong [宮; a designation in the source]) had Sun Quan's envoy Hu Wei and the others beheaded and sent their heads to You Province. On jiayin, Venus approached the great star of Xuanyuan. In winter, on jimao in the tenth month, the imperial party returned to the Luoyang palace. On jiashen, a comet appeared at Dachen; on yiyou, another appeared in the east. On jihai in the eleventh month, a comet appeared and approached the stars of the Eunuchs and Heavenly Discipline asterisms. On guisi in the twelfth month, Minister of Works Chen Qun died. On yiwei, the Emperor (Cao Rui) visited the Xuchang palace.

In spring of the first year of Jingchu, on renchen in the first month, Shanchi County reported the appearance of a yellow dragon.

The responsible officials thereupon memorialized that Wei had received the Earth succession and should begin the year with the month whose calendrical indicator was chou. In the third month, the calendar and era designation were changed, and that month became the first month of summer, the fourth month.

Yellow was favored for ceremonial dress, and white animals were used for sacrifice. In military affairs, white horses with black heads were driven and a great red banner raised; at court assemblies, a great white banner was raised.

The Taihe Calendar was renamed the Jingchu Calendar. Although the first, middle, and last months of spring, summer, autumn, and winter differed from those of the standard year, the sequence of calendrical calculations continued to follow the Dipper's monthly indicators of the standard year for the suburban sacrifices, welcoming seasonal qi, seasonal ancestral sacrifices, royal tours, hunting, equinoxes and solstices, the beginnings and endings of seasons, promulgating seasonal ordinances, the timing of the principal solar terms, and respectfully instructing the people in their work.

On jisi in the fifth month, the imperial party returned to the Luoyang palace. On jichou, a general amnesty was proclaimed. On wushen in the sixth month, an earthquake struck the capital. On jihai, Director of the Masters of Writing Chen Jiao was appointed Minister over the Masses, and Right Supervisor of the Masters of Writing Wei Zhen was appointed Minister of Works. On dingwei, Weiyang of Weixing and Anfu and Shangyong of Xi Commandery were separated to form Shangyong Commandery. Xi Commandery was abolished, and Xi County was assigned to Weixing Commandery.

The responsible officials memorialized: Emperor Wu (Cao Cao), who quelled disorder and restored proper rule, should be the Great Ancestor of Wei (Cao Cao), with the Dance of Martial Beginnings used in his music. Emperor Wen (Cao Pi), who responded to Heaven and received the Mandate, should be the High Ancestor of Wei (Cao Pi) <Gaozu; a temple name>, with the Dance of Universal Prosperity used in his music. The Emperor (Cao Rui), who established institutions and promoted good government, should be the Illustrious Ancestor of Wei (Cao Rui) <Liezu; the temple designation proposed here during his lifetime>, with the Dance of Manifest Martial Achievement used in his music. The temples of these three ancestors should never be dismantled for ten thousand generations. The other four temples should be dismantled in turn when the ancestral relationship became too remote, following Zhou's system for the temples of Hou Ji and King Wen (Ji Chang) <Civil King of Zhou> and King Wu (Ji Fa) <Martial King of Zhou>.

In autumn, on dingmao in the seventh month, Minister over the Masses Chen Jiao died. Sun Quan sent Zhu Ran and other generals with twenty thousand men to besiege Jiangxia Commandery. Inspector of Jing Province Hu Zhi and the others attacked them, and Zhu Ran withdrew in flight. Earlier, Sun Quan had sent envoys by sea to establish relations with Goguryeo, intending to attack Liaodong. Inspector of You Province Guanqiu Jian was sent with the various armies and Xianbei and Wuwan troops to encamp on Liaodong's southern border; an imperial sealed letter summoned Gongsun Yuan. Gongsun Yuan raised troops in rebellion. Guanqiu Jian advanced against him, but continuous rain fell for ten days and the Liao River rose greatly. An edict ordered Guanqiu Jian to withdraw. Kouloudun, the Wuwan chanyu of Youbeiping, and Wang Huliu, the Wuwan commander of Liaoxi, together with others living in Liaodong, led their followers to accompany Guanqiu Jian and submit to the court. On jimao, an edict pardoned without exception the officers, officials, soldiers, and people of Liaodong who had been coerced or seized by Gongsun Yuan and prevented from surrendering. On xinmao, Venus was visible in daylight. After Guanqiu Jian's withdrawal, Gongsun Yuan proclaimed himself King of Yan (Gongsun Yuan), established the full official hierarchy, and called the year the first of Shaohan.

An edict ordered the four provinces of Qing, Yan, You, and Ji to build seagoing ships on a large scale. In the ninth month, when floods struck the people of Ji, Yan, Xu, and Yu provinces, Attending Censors were sent to inspect those who had drowned or lost property, and local granaries were opened to provide relief. On gengchen, Empress Mao (Lady Mao) died. In winter, on dingwei in the tenth month, the moon approached Mars. On guichou, Empress Dao (Lady Mao) <Mourned Empress> was buried at Min Mausoleum. On yimao, Mount Weisu, south of Luoyang, was prepared as the site of the Circular Mound.

On renzi in the twelfth month, the winter solstice, the sacrifices were first performed. On dingsi, the four counties of Linju, Yicheng, Jingyang, and Qi in Xiangyang—

—were separated to establish the Southern Commandant of Xiangyang. On jiwei, the responsible officials memorialized that a temple should be established in the capital for Empress Wenzhao (Lady Zhen). Ruo and Ye counties were transferred from Xiangyang Commandery to Yiyang Commandery.

In spring of the second year, in the first month, an edict ordered Grand Commandant King Xuan (Sima Yi) to lead troops against Liaodong.

On guimao in the second month, Grand Central Grand Master Han Ji was appointed Minister over the Masses. On guichou, the moon approached the determinative star of the Heart mansion and then its great central star. In summer, on gengzi in the fourth month, Minister over the Masses Han Ji died. On renyin, ten counties of Pei Kingdom—Xiao (蕭), Xiang, Zhuyi, Fuli, Qi, Zhi, Longkang, Shansang, Xiao (洨), and Jiang (虹)—

—were separated to form Ruyin Commandery. Song County and Ku County of Chen Commandery were both assigned to Qiao Commandery. Pei, Zhuqiu, and Gongqiu, together with Feng and Guangqi of Pengcheng Kingdom, five counties in all, were combined into the Kingdom of Pei. On gengxu, a general amnesty was proclaimed. On yihai in the fifth month, the moon approached the determinative star of the Heart mansion and then its great central star.

In the sixth month, Hunu County in Yuyang Commandery was abolished and Anle County reestablished.

In autumn, in the eighth month, the Shaodang Qiang kings Mangzhong and Zhuyi and others rebelled. The Inspector of Liang Province led the commanderies against them and had Zhuyi beheaded. On guichou, a comet appeared in the Extended Net mansion.

On bingyin, King Xuan (Sima Yi) besieged Gongsun Yuan at Xiangping, inflicted a crushing defeat on him, and sent his head to the capital. The commanderies east of the sea were pacified. In winter, in the eleventh month, the achievements in the campaign against Gongsun Yuan were recorded. Grand Commandant King Xuan (Sima Yi) and those below him received increases in their fiefs and grants of noble rank in varying measure. Earlier, when the Emperor (Cao Rui) discussed sending King Xuan (Sima Yi) against Gongsun Yuan, forty thousand troops were to be mobilized. The ministers taking part in the deliberation all thought forty thousand too many and the expense difficult to supply. The Emperor (Cao Rui) said, “On a campaign four thousand li away, even when employing unexpected maneuvers, we must also rely on strength. We should not reckon the expenses so narrowly.” Forty thousand men were therefore sent. When King Xuan (Sima Yi) reached Liaodong, prolonged rain prevented an immediate attack. Some ministers thought Gongsun Yuan could not be defeated quickly and that King Xuan (Sima Yi) should be recalled. The Emperor (Cao Rui) said, “Sima Yi can adapt his plans in the face of danger. We can count the days until Gongsun Yuan is captured.” Everything ultimately turned out as he had predicted.

On renwu, Minister of Works Wei Zhen was appointed Minister over the Masses, and Director of Retainers Cui Lin was appointed Minister of Works. In the intercalary month, the moon approached the great central star of the Heart mansion. On yichou in the twelfth month, the Emperor (Cao Rui) fell ill. On xinsi, an empress was installed. Every adult male throughout the realm was granted two grades of rank, and grain was given to widowers, widows, orphans, and the solitary elderly. The King of Yan (Cao Yu) was appointed General-in-Chief. On jiashen he was dismissed, and General of the Martial Guard Cao Shuang replaced him.

Earlier, during the third year of Qinglong, a farmer's wife from Shouchun claimed that a heavenly deity had descended upon her and appointed her Dengnü, charged with protecting the imperial house, removing evil, and bringing blessings. She gave people water to drink and washed their wounds with it, and many were reportedly healed. Quarters were therefore established for her in the rear palace, and an edict praised her; she received exceptional favor. When the Emperor (Cao Rui) became ill, however, drinking her water had no effect, and she was put to death.

In spring of the third year, on dinghai in the first month, Grand Commandant King Xuan (Sima Yi) had returned as far as Henei when the Emperor (Cao Rui) summoned him by relay horse. He was brought into the bedchamber, where the Emperor (Cao Rui) took his hand and said, “My illness is severe. I entrust what comes after to you. Assist my young son together with Cao Shuang. Now that I have seen you, I have no regret!” King Xuan (Sima Yi) bowed his head to the ground and wept.

That same day, the Emperor (Cao Rui) died in Jiafu Hall.

He was then thirty-six years old.

On guichou, he was buried at Gaoping Mausoleum.

The Appraisal says: Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) was composed and resolute, decisive and discerning, and acted according to his own judgment. He possessed, perhaps, the highest qualities of command. Yet at that time the people were impoverished and exhausted, and the realm was divided. Instead of first carrying forward the work of his illustrious ancestors and expanding the great foundation, he hastened to emulate the First Emperor of Qin (Ying Zheng) and Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che), devoting himself to palaces and halls. Measured against far-reaching plans, was this not a grave failing?