Records of Wei 20: Biographies of the Princes of Emperors Wu and Wen

Records of Wei 20: Biographies of the Princes of Emperors Wu and Wen

The Sons of Emperor Wu

武帝諸子

Emperor Wu had twenty-five sons. Empress Bian bore Emperor Wen; Cao Zhang, King Wei of Rencheng; Cao Zhi, King Si of Chen; and Cao Xiong, King Huai of Xiao. Lady Liu bore Cao Ang, King Min of Feng, and Cao Shuo, King Shang of Xiang. Lady Huan bore Cao Chong, King Ai of Deng; Cao Ju, King of Pengcheng; and Cao Yu, King of Yan. Lady Du bore Cao Lin, King Mu of Pei, and Cao Gun, King Gong of Zhongshan. Lady Qin bore Cao Xuan, King Huai of Jiyang, and Cao Jun, King Gong of Chenliu. Lady Yin bore Cao Ju, King Min of Fanyang. Lady Wang, the Zhaoyi, bore Cao Gan, King of Zhao. Concubine Sun bore Cao Shang, Duke Shang of Linyi; Cao Biao, King of Chu; and Cao Qin, Duke Shang of Gang. Concubine Li bore Cao Cheng, Duke Shang of Gucheng; Cao Zheng, Duke Dai of Mei; and Cao Jing, Duke Shang of Ling. Concubine Zhou bore Cao Jun, Duke An of Fan. Concubine Liu bore Cao Ji, Duke Shang of Guangzong. Concubine Song bore Cao Hui, King Ling of Dongping. Concubine Zhao bore Cao Mao, King of Leling.

武皇帝二十五男：卞皇后生文皇帝、任城威王彰、陳思王植、蕭懷王熊；劉夫人生豐愍王昂、相殤王鑠；環夫人生鄧哀王衝、彭城王據、燕王宇；杜夫人生沛穆王林、中山恭王衮；秦夫人生濟陽懷王玹、陳留恭王峻；尹夫人生范陽閔王矩；王昭儀生趙王幹；孫姬生臨邑殤公子上、楚王彪、剛殤公子勤；李姬生谷城殤公子乘、郿戴公子整、靈殤公子京；周姬生樊安公均；劉姬生廣宗殤公子棘；宋姬生東平靈王徽；趙姬生樂陵王茂。

Cao Ang, King Min of Feng

豐愍王昂

Cao Ang, King Min of Feng, had the courtesy name Zixiu. At twenty he was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt. He followed Taizu on the southern campaign and was killed by Zhang Xiu. He had no son. In the second year of Huangchu he was posthumously enfeoffed and given the posthumous title Duke Dao of Feng. In the third year, Cao Wan, a son of Cao Jun, Duke An of Fan, was made Cao Ang's heir and enfeoffed as Duke of Zhongdu. That same year he was moved to the fief of Duke of Zhangzi. In the fifth year Cao Ang's title was posthumously raised to King Dao of Feng. In the third year of Taihe Cao Ang's posthumous name was changed to King Min. In the sixth year of Jiaping Cao Wan inherited Cao Ang's rank and became King of Feng.

豐愍王昂字子脩。弱冠舉孝廉。隨太祖南征，爲張繡所害。無子。黃初二年追封，諡曰豐悼公。三年，以樊安公均子琬奉昂後，封中都公。其年徙封長子公。五年，追加昂號曰豐悼王。太和三年改昂諡曰愍王。嘉平六年，以琬襲昂爵爲豐王。

During the Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching two thousand seven hundred households including what he had before. When Cao Wan died he was given the posthumous name King Gong. His son Cao Lian succeeded him.

正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前二千七百戸。琬薨，諡曰恭王。子廉嗣。

Cao Shuo, King Shang of Xiang

相殤王鑠

Cao Shuo, King Shang of Xiang, died young; in the third year of Taihe he was posthumously enfeoffed and given a posthumous name. In the first year of Qinglong his son Cao Qian, King Min, succeeded him, but died that same year. In the second year Cao Qian's son Cao Yan, King Huai, succeeded, with a fief of two thousand five hundred households, and died in the fourth year. He had no son, and the state was abolished. In the second year of Zhengyuan, Cao Song, Duke of Yangdu District, a son of Cao Mao, King of Leling, was made Cao Shuo's heir.

相殤王鑠，早薨，太和三年追封諡。靑龍元年，子愍王潛嗣，其年薨。二年，子懷王偃嗣，邑二千五百戸，四年薨。無子，國除。正元二年，以樂陵王茂子陽都鄕公竦繼鑠後。

Cao Chong, King Ai of Deng

鄧哀王沖

Cao Chong, King Ai of Deng, had the courtesy name Cangshu. From childhood he was perceptive and remarkably precocious; at five or six years old his understanding reached as far as a grown man's. At that time Sun Quan once sent a huge elephant, and Taizu wanted to know its weight. He asked his subordinates, but none of them could come up with a way. Cao Chong said, “Put the elephant on a large boat and mark where the water line reaches. Then weigh things and load them on until the boat sinks to the same mark, and you can work it out by comparison.” Taizu was delighted and had it done at once.

鄧哀王沖字倉舒。少聰察岐嶷，生五六歳，智意所及，有若成人之智。時孫權曾致巨象，太祖欲知其斤重，訪之群下，咸莫能出其理。沖曰：「置象大船之上，而刻其水痕所至，稱物以載之，則校可知矣。」太祖大悅，卽施行焉。

At that time military and state affairs were pressing, and punishments were applied severely. A saddle of Taizu's in the storehouse was gnawed by rats. The storehouse clerk feared he would surely be put to death and thought of binding himself and going to confess his offense, yet he still feared he would not be spared. Cao Chong told him, “Wait three days, then give yourself up.” Cao Chong then pierced his own unlined robe with a knife so that it looked as if rats had gnawed it, pretended to be downcast, and wore a worried look. When Taizu asked him about it, Cao Chong replied, “People commonly believe that when rats gnaw someone's clothes, misfortune will befall the owner.

時軍國多事，用刑嚴重。太祖馬鞍在庫，而爲鼠所齧，庫吏懼必死，議欲面縛首罪，猶懼不免。沖謂曰：「待三日中，然後自歸。」沖於是以刀穿單衣，如鼠齧者，謬爲失意，貌有愁色。太祖問之，沖對曰：「世俗以爲鼠齧衣者，其主不吉。

Now my robe has been gnawed, and that is why I am troubled.” Taizu said, “That is nonsense; there is nothing to worry about.” Shortly afterwards the storehouse clerk reported the gnawed saddle, and Taizu laughed and said, “My son's clothes were right at his side and still got gnawed; how much more a saddle hanging on a pillar?” He asked no further questions. Cao Chong's kindness and understanding were all of this sort. Of those who ought to have been punished or executed but were saved and pardoned because Cao Chong quietly set out their case, there were several dozen in all. Taizu often praised him before his ministers and intended him to be his successor.

今單衣見齧，是以憂戚。」太祖曰：「此妄言耳，無所苦也。」俄而庫吏以齧鞍聞，太祖笑曰：「兒衣在側，尙齧，況鞍縣柱乎？」一無所問。沖仁愛識達，皆此類也。凡應罪戮，而爲沖微所辨理，賴以濟宥者，前後數十。¹太祖數對群臣稱述，有欲傳後意。

At thirteen, in the thirteenth year of Jian'an, he fell ill, and Taizu himself prayed for his life. When he died, Taizu grieved deeply. When Emperor Wen tried to console him, Taizu said, “This is my misfortune, but it is good fortune for the rest of you.” Whenever he spoke of it he wept. He arranged a marriage for him with a deceased daughter of the Zhen family and had them buried together, conferred on him the seal and ribbon of Chief Commandant of Cavalry, and ordered Cao Cong, son of Cao Ju, Marquis of Wan, to be Cao Chong's heir. In the twenty-second year Cao Cong was enfeoffed as Marquis of Deng.

年十三，建安十三年疾病，太祖親爲請命。及亡，哀甚。文帝寛喩太祖，太祖曰：「此我之不幸，而汝曹之幸也。」¹言則流涕，爲聘甄氏亡女與合葬，贈騎都尉印綬，命宛侯據子琮奉沖後。二十二年，封琮爲鄧侯。

In the second year of Huangchu Cao Chong was posthumously given the name Marquis Ai of Deng, and his title was further raised to duke. In the third year Cao Cong's rank was advanced and he was moved to the fief of Duke of Guanjun. In the fourth year he was moved to Duke of Jishi. In the fifth year of Taihe Cao Chong's title was raised to King Ai of Deng. In the first year of Jingchu Cao Cong was found guilty of having forbidden articles made at the Central Imperial Workshop; three hundred households were cut from his fief and he was demoted to Marquis of a Chief District. In the third year he was restored as Duke of Jishi. In the seventh year of Zhengshi he was transferred to Duke of Pingyang. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching one thousand nine hundred households including what he had before.

黃初二年，追贈諡沖曰鄧哀侯，又追加號爲公。¹三年，進琮爵，徙封冠軍公。四年，徙封己氏公。太和五年，加沖號曰鄧哀王。景初元年，琮坐於中尙方作禁物，削戸三百，貶爵爲都鄕侯。三年，復爲己氏公。正始七年，轉封平陽公。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前千九百戸。

Cao Ju, King of Pengcheng

彭城王據

Cao Ju, King of Pengcheng, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Fanyang in the sixteenth year of Jian'an. In the twenty-second year he was moved to Marquis of Wan. In the second year of Huangchu his rank was raised to duke. In the third year he became King of Zhangling, and that same year he was moved to Yiyang. Because the south was low-lying and damp, and also because the Consort Dowager Huan was a native of Pengcheng, Emperor Wen moved his fief to Pengcheng. He was then moved again to Jiyin. In the fifth year an edict said, “When the former kings founded states, they set the system according to the times. The Han founder Gaozu increased the commanderies Qin had established, but by the time of Guangwu, because the realm was depleted, commanderies and counties were merged and reduced.

彭城王據，建安十六年封范陽侯。二十二年，徙封宛侯。黃初二年，進爵爲公。三年，爲章陵王，其年徙封義陽。文帝以南方下濕，又以環太妃彭城人，徙封彭城。又徙封濟陰。五年，詔曰：「先王建國，隨時而制。漢祖增秦所置郡，至光武以天下損耗，幷省郡縣。

Compared with that time, we have even less today. Let all the kings be re-enfeoffed as kings of counties.” Cao Ju was re-enfeoffed with Dingtao County. In the sixth year of Taihe the kings were re-enfeoffed, all with commanderies as their states, and Cao Ju was again enfeoffed with Pengcheng. In the first year of Jingchu Cao Ju was found guilty of privately sending men to the Central Imperial Workshop to have forbidden articles made, and counties totaling two thousand households were cut from his fief. In the third year the households cut from his fief were restored. During the Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching four thousand six hundred households including what he had before.

以今比之，益不及焉。其改封諸王，皆爲縣王。」據改封定陶縣。太和六年，改封諸王，皆以郡爲國，據復封彭城。景初元年，據坐私遣人詣中尙方作禁物，削縣二千戸。¹三年，復所削戸邑。正元、景元中累增邑，幷前四千六百戸。

Cao Yu, King of Yan

燕王宇

Cao Yu, King of Yan, had the courtesy name Pengzu. In the sixteenth year of Jian'an he was enfeoffed as Marquis of a Chief District. In the twenty-second year he was re-enfeoffed as Marquis of Luyang. In the second year of Huangchu his rank was raised to duke. In the third year he became King of Xiapi. In the fifth year he was re-enfeoffed with Shanfu County. In the sixth year of Taihe he was re-enfeoffed as King of Yan. Emperor Ming had lived with Cao Yu when young and always loved him especially. When he took the throne, the favors and gifts he gave Cao Yu set him apart from the other kings. In the third year of Qinglong he was summoned to court.

燕王宇字彭祖。建安十六年，封都鄕侯。二十二年，改封魯陽侯。黃初二年，進爵爲公。三年，爲下邳王。五年，改封單父縣。太和六年，改封燕王。明帝少與宇同止，常愛異之。及卽位，寵賜與諸王殊。靑龍三年，徴入朝。

In the first year of Jingchu he returned to Ye. In summer of the second year he was again summoned to the capital. In winter, in the twelfth month, when Emperor Ming fell gravely ill, he appointed Cao Yu Grand General and entrusted him with affairs after his death. Four days after receiving the appointment, Cao Yu firmly declined it; the Emperor too changed his mind, and in the end dismissed Cao Yu from the post. In summer of the third year he returned to Ye. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching five thousand five hundred households including what he had before. Cao Huan, Duke of Changdao District, was Cao Yu's son; he entered the main line as the imperial successor.

景初元年，還鄴。二年夏，復徴詣京都。冬十二月，明帝疾篤，拜宇爲大將軍，屬以後事。受署四日，宇深固讓；帝意亦變，遂免宇官。三年夏，還鄴。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前五千五百戸。常道鄕公奐，宇之子，入繼大宗。

Cao Lin, King Mu of Pei

沛穆王林

Cao Lin, King Mu of Pei, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Raoyang in the sixteenth year of Jian'an. In the twenty-second year he was moved to Qiao. In the second year of Huangchu his rank was raised to duke. In the third year he became King of Qiao. In the fifth year he was re-enfeoffed with Qiao County. In the seventh year he was moved to Juancheng. In the sixth year of Taihe he was re-enfeoffed with Pei. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching four thousand seven hundred households including what he had before. When Cao Lin died, his son Cao Wei succeeded him.

沛穆王林，建安十六年封饒陽侯。二十二年，徙封譙。黃初二年，進爵爲公。三年，爲譙王。五年，改封譙縣。七年，徙封鄄城。太和六年，改封沛。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前四千七百戸。林薨，子緯嗣。¹

Cao Gun, King Gong of Zhongshan

中山恭王衮

Cao Gun, King Gong of Zhongshan, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Ping District in the twenty-first year of Jian'an. From childhood he loved learning, and at a little over ten years old he could already compose writings. Whenever he read, his Literary Scholars and attendants feared he would fall ill from overexertion and repeatedly urged him to stop, but it was what his nature delighted in, and he could not give it up. In the twenty-second year he was moved to Marquis of Dong District, and that same year was re-enfeoffed as Marquis of Zan. In the second year of Huangchu his rank was raised to duke, and his officials all offered congratulations. Cao Gun said, “One born deep within the palace who does not know the hardships of sowing and reaping is prone to the faults of arrogance and idleness.

中山恭王衮，建安二十一年封平鄕侯。少好學，年十餘歳能屬文。毎讀書，文學左右常恐以精力爲病，數諫止之，然性所樂，不能廢也。二十二年，徙封東鄕侯，其年又改封贊侯。黃初二年，進爵爲公，官屬皆賀，衮曰：「夫生深宮之中，不知稼穡之艱難，多驕逸之失。

Since you worthy gentlemen have congratulated me on my good fortune, you should help make up my shortcomings.” Whenever his brothers went off to amuse themselves, Cao Gun alone pondered deeply over the classics. His Literary Scholars and Guardian Advisers said to one another, “We were ordered by edict to observe the duke's conduct. If he errs we must report it; and when he does good we should also make it known and not hide his merits.” So they jointly submitted a memorial praising Cao Gun's virtues. When Cao Gun heard of it he was greatly alarmed and reproached the Literary Scholars, saying, “To cultivate oneself and keep to the right is simply how an ordinary man behaves, yet you gentlemen have reported it to the throne; this only adds to my burden.

諸賢旣慶其休，宜輔其闕。」毎兄弟遊娯，衮獨覃思經典。文學防輔相與言曰：「受詔察公舉錯，有過當奏，及有善，亦宜以聞，不可匿其美也。」遂共表稱陳衮美。衮聞之，大驚懼，責讓文學曰：「脩身自守，常人之行耳，而諸君乃以上聞，是適所以增其負累也。

Besides, if there is any good in me, why worry that it will not be heard of? To rush to do this all together is no way to benefit me.” Such was his caution. In the third year he became King of Beihai. That year a yellow dragon appeared in the Zhang River west of Ye, and Cao Gun submitted a eulogy. An edict granted him ten jin of gold and said, “Of old, Tang Shu presented the grain, and the King of Dongping offered a eulogy; these were praises from flesh and blood that displayed the bond of close kinship. You, King, have studied the ancient canons closely and savored the truth of the Way, and your literary elegance shines brightly. We commend it highly.

且如有善，何患不聞，而遽共如是，是非益我者。」其戒愼如此。三年，爲北海王。其年，黃龍見鄴西漳水，衮上書贊頌。詔賜黃金十斤，詔曰：「昔唐叔歸禾，東平獻頌，斯皆骨肉贊美，以彰懿親。王硏精墳典，耽味道眞，文雅煥炳，朕甚嘉之。

May you, King, carefully uphold your bright virtue and keep your good name to the end.” In the fourth year he was re-enfeoffed as King of Zan. In the seventh year he was moved to Puyang. In the second year of Taihe he went to his state. He valued frugality, and instructed his consort and concubines to spin and weave, practicing the work of an ordinary household. In winter of the fifth year he came to court. In the sixth year he was re-enfeoffed with Zhongshan.

王其克愼明德，以終令聞。」四年，改封贊王。七年，徙封濮陽。太和二年就國，尙約儉，教敕妃妾紡績織紝，習爲家人之事。五年冬，入朝。六年，改封中山。

Earlier, when Cao Gun came to court, he had violated a prohibition of the capital. In the first year of Qinglong the officials in charge impeached him. An edict said, “The King has always been respectful and careful; this happened by mischance. Let it be judged under the statute for deliberating on imperial kin.” The officials held firm, and an edict cut two counties, seven hundred and fifty households, from his fief. Cao Gun was anxious and afraid, and admonished his officials to be all the more careful. The Emperor commended his attitude, and in the second year restored the counties that had been cut. In autumn of the third year Cao Gun fell ill. An edict sent the Imperial Physician to examine him, palace attendants and Rapid as Tigers guards came one after another bearing edicts in the Emperor's own hand and gifts of rare delicacies, and the Consort Dowager and Cao Lin, King of Pei, were also sent to visit him together.

初，衮來朝，犯京都禁。靑龍元年，有司奏衮。詔曰：「王素敬愼，邂逅至此，其以議親之典議之。」有司固執。詔削縣二，戸七百五十。¹衮憂懼，戒敕官屬愈謹。帝嘉其意，二年，復所削縣。三年秋，衮得疾病，詔遣太醫視疾，殿中、虎賁賫手詔、賜珍膳相屬，又遣太妃、沛王林幷就省疾。

When Cao Gun's illness grew grave, he instructed his officials, “I, with little virtue, have unworthily enjoyed favor, and my allotted life is about to end. I have always loved frugality, and the sagely court has issued its ordinance on final arrangements as the law for the realm. On the day my breath ceases, from laying out my body to burial, strive to follow that edict. Of old, Qu Yuan, a grandee of Wei, was buried at Puyang. I have gazed at his tomb and always thought of the example he left behind. I wish to entrust my worn hair and teeth to that worthy spirit; when you build my grave, be sure to place it near his so that I may follow him.

衮疾困，敕令官屬曰：「吾寡德忝寵，大命將盡。吾旣好儉，而聖朝著終誥之制，爲天下法。吾氣絶之日，自殯及葬，務奉詔書。昔衞大夫蘧瑗葬濮陽，吾望其墓，常想其遺風，願託賢靈以弊髮齒，營吾兆域，必往從之。

The rites say, ‘A man does not die in the hands of women.’ Hurry and finish the East Hall in time.” When the hall was finished, he named it the Hall of Fulfilled Resolve and had himself carried there in his sickness to stay. He also instructed his heir, “You are young and have not yet learned the way of right conduct, yet you will early become a ruler of men. You know only pleasure and not hardship; not knowing hardship, you will surely go wrong through arrogance and extravagance. In receiving great ministers, be sure to observe the proper courtesies. Even with those who are not great ministers, you should return the bows of the elderly. Serve your elder brothers with respect and care for your younger brothers with kindness. If any of your brothers behaves badly, sit knee to knee with him and remonstrate.

禮：男子不卒婦人之手。亟以時成東堂。」堂成，名之曰遂志之堂，輿疾往居之。又令世子曰：「汝幼少，未聞義方，早爲人君，但知樂，不知苦；不知苦，必將以驕奢爲失也。接大臣，務以禮。雖非大臣，老者猶宜答拜。事兄以敬，恤弟以慈；兄弟有不良之行，當造膝諫之。

If he will not listen, weep and reason with him; if reasoning does not change him, tell his mother. If he still does not change, you must report it to the throne and at the same time resign your state. Rather than cling to favor and meet disaster, it is better to be poor and humble and keep oneself whole. But this applies only to great crimes; small faults and minor lapses you should cover over. Ah, my child, be careful to cultivate yourself; serve the sagely court with loyalty and constancy, and serve the Consort Dowager with filial reverence. Within the women's quarters, follow the Consort Dowager's orders; beyond the gate, take instruction from the King of Pei.

諫之不從，流涕喩之；喩之不改，乃白其母。若猶不改，當以奏聞，幷辭國土。與其守寵罹禍，不若貧賤全身也。此亦謂大罪惡耳，其微過細故，當掩覆之。嗟爾小子，愼脩乃身，奉聖朝以忠貞，事太妃以孝敬。閨闈之內，奉令於太妃；閫閾之外，受教於沛王。

Do not let your heart grow slack, so that you may comfort my spirit.” He died that year. An edict had Cao Lin, King of Pei, stay until the burial was over, and sent the Grand Herald bearing the imperial tally to take charge of the funeral; the Director of the Imperial Clan offered condolences and sacrifices, and the funeral gifts were very generous. The writings he composed came to more than twenty thousand words in all; his talent did not match that of the King Si of Chen, but he liked to vie with him. His son Cao Fu succeeded him. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching three thousand four hundred households including what he had before.

無怠乃心，以慰予靈。」其年薨。詔沛王林留訖葬，使大鴻臚持節典護喪事，宗正弔祭，贈賵甚厚。凡所著文章二萬餘言，才不及陳思王而好與之侔。子孚嗣。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前三千四百戸。

Cao Xuan, King Huai of Jiyang

濟陽懷王玹

Cao Xuan, King Huai of Jiyang, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xi District in the sixteenth year of Jian'an. He died young, without a son. In the twentieth year Cao Zan, a son of Cao Lin, King of Pei, inherited Cao Xuan's rank and fief, but he too died young, without a son. Emperor Wen then made Cao Zan's younger brother Cao Yi Cao Xuan's heir. In the second year of Huangchu he was re-enfeoffed as Marquis of Jiyang. In the fourth year his rank was raised to duke. In the fourth year of Taihe Cao Xuan's rank was posthumously advanced and he was given the posthumous name Duke Huai. In the sixth year his title was raised again to King Huai, and Cao Zan was posthumously named Marquis Ai of Xi District.

濟陽懷王玹，建安十六年封西鄕侯。早薨，無子。二十年，以沛王林子贊襲玹爵邑，早薨，無子。文帝復以贊弟壹紹玹後。黃初二年，改封濟陽侯。四年，進爵爲公。太和四年，追進玹爵，諡曰懷公。六年，又進號曰懷王，追諡贊曰西鄕哀侯。

When Cao Yi died he was given the posthumous name Duke Dao. His son Cao Heng succeeded him. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching one thousand nine hundred households including what he had before.

壹薨，諡曰悼公。子恆嗣。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前千九百戸。

Cao Jun, King Gong of Chenliu

陳留恭王峻

Cao Jun, King Gong of Chenliu, had the courtesy name Zian. He was enfeoffed as Marquis of Mei in the twenty-first year of Jian'an. In the twenty-second year he was moved to Xiangyi. In the second year of Huangchu his rank was raised to duke. In the third year he became King of Chenliu. In the fifth year he was re-enfeoffed with Xiangyi County. In the sixth year of Taihe he was again enfeoffed with Chenliu. He died in the fourth year of Ganlu. His son Cao Ao succeeded him. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching four thousand seven hundred households including what he had before.

陳留恭王峻字子安，建安二十一年封郿侯。二十二年，徙封襄邑。黃初二年，進爵爲公。三年，爲陳留王。五年，改封襄邑縣。太和六年，又封陳留。甘露四年薨。子澳嗣。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前四千七百戸。

Cao Ju, King Min of Fanyang

范陽閔王矩

Cao Ju, King Min of Fanyang, died young, without a son. In the twenty-second year of Jian'an, Cao Min, a son of Cao Jun, Duke An of Fan, was made Cao Ju's heir and enfeoffed as Marquis of Linjin. In the third year of Huangchu Cao Ju was posthumously enfeoffed and named Duke Min of Fanyang. In the fifth year Cao Min was re-enfeoffed as King of Fanyang. In the seventh year he was moved to Gouyang. In the sixth year of Taihe Cao Ju's title was posthumously raised to King Min of Fanyang, and Cao Min was re-enfeoffed as King of Langya. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching three thousand four hundred households including what he had before. When Cao Min died he was given the posthumous name King Yuan. His son Cao Kun succeeded him.

范陽閔王矩，早薨，無子。建安二十二年，以樊安公均子敏奉矩後，封臨晉侯。黃初三年追封諡矩爲范陽閔公。五年，改封敏范陽王。七年，徙封句陽，太和六年，追進矩號曰范陽閔王，改封敏琅邪王。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前三千四百戸。敏薨，諡曰原王。子焜嗣。

Cao Gan, King of Zhao

趙王幹

Cao Gan, King of Zhao, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaoping Pavilion in the twentieth year of Jian'an. In the twenty-second year he was moved to Marquis of Lai Pavilion, and that same year was re-enfeoffed as Marquis of Hongnong. In the second year of Huangchu his rank was raised and he was moved to Duke of Yan. In the third year he became King of Hejian. In the fifth year he was re-enfeoffed with Lecheng County. In the seventh year he was moved to Julu. In the sixth year of Taihe he was re-enfeoffed as King of Zhao. Cao Gan's mother had been a favorite of Taizu, and when Emperor Wen was made heir, she had given him her support.

趙王幹，建安二十年封髙平亭侯。二十二年，徙封賴亭侯。其年改封弘農侯。黃初二年，進爵，徙封燕公。¹三年，爲河間王。五年，改封樂城縣。七年，徙封鉅鹿。太和六年，改封趙王。幹母有寵於太祖。及文帝爲嗣，幹母有力。

Because Emperor Wen had left a testamentary edict on his deathbed, Emperor Ming always showed him special favor. In the second year of Qinglong he privately associated with retainers and was impeached by the officials in charge, and the Emperor sent Cao Gan a sealed letter admonishing him, which said, “The Book of Changes says, ‘In founding a state and continuing a house, do not employ petty men,’ and the Book of Odes records the warning, ‘Push not the great carriage; it only raises dust.’ Ever since Taizu received the mandate and founded our enterprise, he looked deeply into the sources of order and disorder and took warning from the turning points of survival and ruin. When he first enfeoffed the lords, he instructed them with the most earnest words on respect and caution, gave them the upright men of the realm as their aides, often cited the admonition that Ma Yuan left behind, and made strict the ban on lords associating with retainers, treating it the same as the crime of sorcery and wickedness.

文帝臨崩，有遺詔，是以明帝常加恩意。靑龍二年，私通賓客，爲有司所奏，賜幹璽書誡誨之，曰：易稱『開國承家，小人勿用』，詩著『大車惟塵』之誡。自太祖受命創業，深睹治亂之源，鑑存亡之機，初封諸侯，訓以恭愼之至言，輔以天下之端士，常稱馬援之遺誡，重諸侯賓客交通之禁，乃使與犯妖惡同。

Was this meant to slight his own flesh and blood? He only wished that his sons and brothers commit no faults, and that officials and commoners have no cause to regret harm done to them. When Gaozu ascended the throne, he was reverently careful over the myriad affairs of state and reaffirmed the ordinance that the lords were not to come to court. We, moved by the poet's ode ‘Changdi’ and approving the sense of ‘Cai Shu,’ and also following the words of the edict, ‘If there is an edict, they may come to the capital,’ ordered the kings to perform the rites of court audience. Yet the Kings of Chu and Zhongshan both violated the ban on associations, and Zhao Zong and Dai Jie were both punished for their crimes.

夫豈以此薄骨肉哉？徒欲使子弟無過失之愆，士民無傷害之悔耳。髙祖踐阼，祗愼萬機，申著諸侯不朝之令。朕感詩人常棣之作，嘉采菽之義，亦縁詔文曰『若有詔得詣京都』，故命諸王以朝聘之禮。而楚、中山幷犯交通之禁，趙宗、戴捷咸伏其辜。

Recently the King of Dongping again had his officials beat a clerk of Shouzhang, and when the officials in charge impeached him, We decided to cut a county from his fief. Now the officials report that Cao Zuan, Wang Qiao and others gathered at your house on the pretext of the seasonal festivals of the nine degrees of kin, sometimes not at the proper times, all in violation of the prohibitions. We consider that from youth you have had a respectful and obedient nature, and moreover you received the late Emperor's last charge; We wish to honor you with favor and courtesy that will extend even to your descendants, and all the more to your own person. Besides, who but a sage can be without fault?

近東平王復使屬官毆壽張吏，有司舉奏，朕裁削縣。有司以曹纂、王喬等因九族時節，集會王家，或非其時，皆違禁防。朕惟王幼少有恭順之素，加受先帝顧命，欲崇恩禮，延乎後嗣，況近在王之身乎？且自非聖人，孰能無過？

We have already ordered the officials to pardon your error. The ancients said, ‘Be watchful over what is not seen and fearful of what is not heard. Nothing is more visible than what is hidden, and nothing more manifest than what is minute; therefore the gentleman is watchful when he is alone.’ Uncle, follow these canons of the former sages and carry on the testament of the late Emperor; be ever fearful and cautious, keep to your place with reverence, and fulfill Our wishes.”

已詔有司宥王之失。古人有言：『戒愼乎其所不睹，恐懼乎其所弗聞，莫見乎隱，莫顯乎微，故君子愼其獨焉。』叔父茲率先聖之典，以纂乃先帝之遺命，戰戰兢兢，靖恭厥位，稱朕意焉。

During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching five thousand households including what he had before.

景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前五千戸。

Cao Shang, Duke Shang of Linyi

臨邑殤公子上

Cao Shang, Duke Shang of Linyi, died young. In the fifth year of Taihe he was posthumously enfeoffed and given a posthumous name. He left no heir.

臨邑殤公子上，早薨。太和五年，追封諡。無後。

Cao Biao, King of Chu

楚王彪

Cao Biao, King of Chu, had the courtesy name Zhuhu. In the twenty-first year of Jian'an he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Shouchun. In the second year of Huangchu his rank was raised and he was moved to Duke of Ruyang. In the third year he was enfeoffed as King of Yiyang, and that same year was moved to King of Wu. In the fifth year he was re-enfeoffed with Shouchun County. In the seventh year he was moved to Baima. In winter of the fifth year of Taihe he came to court at the capital. In the sixth year he was re-enfeoffed with Chu. Earlier, when Cao Biao came to court, he had violated a prohibition; in the first year of Qinglong he was impeached by the officials in charge, and an edict cut three counties, one thousand five hundred households, from his fief.

楚王彪字朱虎。建安二十一年，封壽春侯。黃初二年，進爵，徙封汝陽公。三年，封弋陽王。其年徙封呉王。五年，改封壽春縣。七年，徙封白馬。太和五年冬，朝京都。六年，改封楚。初，彪來朝，犯禁，靑龍元年，爲有司所奏，詔削縣三，戸千五百。

In the second year there was a general amnesty, and the counties that had been cut were restored. In the third year of Jingchu five hundred households were added, bringing the total to three thousand. In the first year of Jiaping Linghu Yu, Inspector of Yan Province, and the Grand Commandant Wang Ling plotted to welcome Cao Biao and establish the capital at Xuchang. The account is in the Biography of Wang Ling. The Tutor and an Attending Censor were then sent to his state to investigate, and all those implicated were arrested and dealt with. The Commandant of Justice requested that Cao Biao be summoned to answer for his crime. So, following the precedent of Liu Dan, King of Yan under the Han, the Grand Herald, acting as Commandant of Justice, was sent bearing the imperial tally to deliver a sealed letter to Cao Biao that sternly rebuked him and left him to take his own measures.

二年，大赦，復所削縣。景初三年，增戸五百，幷前三千戸。嘉平元年，兗州刺史令狐愚與太尉王凌謀迎彪都許昌。語在《凌傳》。乃遣傅及侍御史就國案驗，收治諸相連及者。廷尉請徴彪治罪。於是依漢燕王旦故事，使兼廷尉大鴻臚持節賜彪璽書切責之，使自圖焉。¹

Cao Biao then killed himself. His consort and sons were all reduced to commoners and moved to Pingyuan. Biao's officials, from the highest down, and the Internuncio who supervised his state, were convicted of knowing what was afoot while failing in their duty to guide and assist him, and were all executed. The state was abolished and became Huainan Commandery.

彪乃自殺。妃及諸子皆免爲庶人，徙平原。彪之官屬以下及監國謁者，坐知情無輔導之義，皆伏誅。國除爲淮南郡。

In the first year of Zhengyuan an edict said, “The late Cao Biao, King of Chu, turned against the state and joined with traitors; he died and his line was cut off. Although he brought it on himself, We still pity him. To bear with shame and cover over faults is the way of treating kin as kin. Let Cao Biao's heir Cao Jia be enfeoffed as King of Zhending in Changshan.” In the first year of Jingyuan his fief was increased to two thousand five hundred households including what he had before.

正元元年詔曰：「故楚王彪，背國附姦，身死嗣替，雖自取之，猶哀矜焉。夫含垢藏疾，親親之道也，其封彪世子嘉爲常山眞定王。」景元元年，增邑，幷前二千五百戸。¹

Cao Qin, Duke Shang of Gang

剛殤公子勤

Cao Qin, Duke Shang of Gang, died young. In the fifth year of Taihe he was posthumously enfeoffed and given a posthumous name. He left no heir.

剛殤公子勤，早薨。太和五年追封諡。無後。

Cao Cheng, Duke Shang of Gucheng

谷城殤公子乘

Cao Cheng, Duke Shang of Gucheng, died young. In the fifth year of Taihe he was posthumously enfeoffed and given a posthumous name. He left no heir.

谷城殤公子乘，早薨。太和五年追封諡。無後。

Cao Zheng, Duke Dai of Mei

郿戴公子整

Cao Zheng, Duke Dai of Mei, was made heir to his father's cousin Cao Shao, a Gentleman of the Palace. In the twenty-second year of Jian'an he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Mei. He died in the twenty-third year without a son. In the second year of Huangchu his rank was posthumously advanced and he was given the posthumous name Duke Dai. Cao Fan, a son of Cao Ju, King of Pengcheng, was made Cao Zheng's heir. In the third year he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Pingshi. In the fourth year he was moved to Chengwu. In the third year of Taihe his rank was raised to duke. He died in the third year of Qinglong and was given the posthumous name Duke Dao. He left no heir.

郿戴公子整，奉從叔父郎中紹後。建安二十二年，封郿侯。二十三年薨。無子。黃初二年追進爵，諡曰戴公。以彭城王據子范奉整後。三年，封平氏侯。四年，徙封成武。太和三年，進爵爲公。靑龍三年薨。諡曰悼公。無後。

In the fourth year an edict made Cao Fan's younger brother Cao Chan, Duke of Dongan District, Duke of Mei and heir to Cao Zheng. During the Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching one thousand eight hundred households including what he had before.

四年，詔以范弟東安鄕公闡爲郿公，奉整後。正元、景元中、累增邑，幷前千八百戸。

Cao Jing, Duke Shang of Ling

靈殤公子京

Cao Jing, Duke Shang of Ling, died young. In the fifth year of Taihe he was posthumously enfeoffed and given a posthumous name. He left no heir.

靈殤公子京，早薨。太和五年追封諡。無後。

Cao Jun, Duke An of Fan

樊安公均

Cao Jun, Duke An of Fan, was made heir to his uncle Cao Bin, Duke Gong of Ji. In the twenty-second year of Jian'an he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Fan. He died in the twenty-fourth year, and his son Cao Kang succeeded him. In the second year of Huangchu Cao Jun was posthumously advanced to the rank of duke and given the posthumous name Duke An. In the third year Cao Kang was moved to Duke of Ji. In the fourth year he was moved to Duke of Tunliu. He died in the first year of Jingchu and was given the posthumous name Duke Ding. His son Cao Chen succeeded him. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching one thousand nine hundred households including what he had before.

樊安公均，奉叔父薊恭公彬後。建安二十二年，封樊侯。二十四年薨。子抗嗣。黃初二年，追進公爵，諡曰安公。三年，徙封抗薊公。四年，徙封屯留公。景初元年薨，諡曰定公。子諶嗣。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前千九百戸。

Cao Ji, Duke Shang of Guangzong

廣宗殤公子棘

Cao Ji, Duke Shang of Guangzong, died young. In the fifth year of Taihe he was posthumously enfeoffed and given a posthumous name. He left no heir.

廣宗殤公子棘，早薨。太和五年追封諡。無後。

Cao Hui, King Ling of Dongping

東平靈王徽

Cao Hui, King Ling of Dongping, was made heir to his grand-uncle Cao Yu, Marquis Ai of Langling. In the twenty-second year of Jian'an he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Licheng. In the second year of Huangchu his rank was raised to duke. In the third year he became King of Lujiang. In the fourth year he was moved to King of Shouzhang. In the fifth year he was re-enfeoffed with Shouzhang County. In the sixth year of Taihe he was re-enfeoffed with Dongping. In the second year of Qinglong Cao Hui had his officials beat a clerk of Shouzhang County and was impeached by the officials in charge. An edict cut one county, five hundred households, from his fief.

東平靈王徽，奉叔公朗陵哀侯玉後。建安二十二年，封歴城侯。黃初二年，進爵爲公。三年，爲廬江王。四年，徙封壽張王。五年，改封壽張縣。太和六年，改封東平。靑龍二年，徽使官屬撾壽張縣吏，爲有司所奏。詔削縣一，戸五百。

That same year the county that had been cut was restored. He died in the third year of Zhengshi, and his son Cao Xi succeeded him. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching three thousand four hundred households including what he had before.

其年復所削縣。正始三年薨。子翕嗣。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前三千四百戸。¹

Cao Mao, King of Leling

樂陵王茂

Cao Mao, King of Leling, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Wansui Pavilion in the twenty-second year of Jian'an. In the twenty-third year he was re-enfeoffed as Marquis of Pingyu. In the third year of Huangchu his rank was raised and he was moved to Duke of Chengshi. In the seventh year he was moved to Zhongqiu. Cao Mao was arrogant and perverse by nature, and when young he enjoyed no favor with Taizu. In Emperor Wen's reign, too, he alone was not made a king. In the first year of Taihe he was moved to Duke of Liaocheng, and that same year he became a king. The edict said, “Of old, Xiang's cruelty was extreme, yet the great Shun still made him lord of Youbi.

樂陵王茂，建安二十二年封萬歳亭侯。二十三年，改封平輿侯。黃初三年，進爵，徙封乘氏公。七年，徙封中丘。茂性慠佷，少無寵於太祖。及文帝世，又獨不王。太和元年，徙封聊城公，其年爲王。詔曰：昔象之爲虐至甚，而大舜猶侯之有庳。

More recently, under the Han, the Kings of Huainan and Fuling were both rebellious subjects and unfilial sons, yet one had his state restored in his own lifetime and the other saw land granted to his son. The Lord of Yu established this in high antiquity, and Emperors Wen, Ming and Zhang of the Han practiced it in former ages; all of these honored the deep duty of treating kin as kin. Cao Mao, Duke of Liaocheng, was not versed in propriety and teaching as a youth, and as a grown man did not strive for the good way. The late Emperor held that when the ancients set up lords, they always appointed the worthy, so that among those of the Ji surname some were not necessarily made lords; for this reason he alone did not make Cao Mao a king.

近漢氏淮南、阜陵，皆爲亂臣逆子，而猶或及身而復國，或至子而錫土。有虞建之於上古，漢文、明、章行之乎前代，斯皆敦敍親親之厚義也。聊城公茂少不閑禮教，長不務善道。先帝以爲古之立諸侯也，皆命賢者，故姬姓有未必侯者，是以獨不王茂。

The Grand Empress Dowager has spoken of this several times. We hear that Cao Mao has lately come somewhat to regret his past wrongs and wishes to cultivate goodness in the future. The gentleman welcomes a man's progress and does not hold his past against him. We now enfeoff Cao Mao as King of Liaocheng, to comfort the Grand Empress Dowager in her concern for her descendants.”

太皇太后數以爲言。如聞茂頃來少知悔昔之非，欲脩善將來。君子與其進，不保其往也。今封茂爲聊城王，以慰太皇太后下流之念。

In the sixth year he was re-enfeoffed as King of Quyang. In the third year of Zhengshi, when Cao Hui, King Ling of Dongping, died, Cao Mao claimed to have a sore throat and refused to raise the mourning lament, going about his daily life as usual. When the officials in charge proposed abolishing his state, an edict cut one county, five hundred households, from his fief. In the fifth year he was moved to Leling, and because Cao Mao's tax income was small and his sons many, an edict restored the households that had been cut and added seven hundred more. During the Jiaping, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching five thousand households including what he had before.

六年，改封曲陽王。正始三年，東平靈王薨，茂稱嗌痛，不肯發哀，居處出入自若。有司奏除國土，詔削縣一，戸五百。五年，徙封樂陵，詔以茂租奉少，諸子多，復所削戸，又增戸七百。嘉平、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前五千戸。

The Sons of Emperor Wen

文帝諸子

Emperor Wen had nine sons. Empress Zhen bore Emperor Ming. Honored Lady Li bore Cao Xie, King Ai of Zan. Lady Pan, the Shuyuan, bore Cao Rui, King Dao of Beihai. Lady Zhu, the Shuyuan, bore Cao Jian, King Huai of Dongwuyang. Lady Qiu, the Zhaoyi, bore Cao Lin, King Ding of Donghai. Concubine Xu bore Cao Li, King Ai of Yuancheng. Concubine Su bore Cao Yong, King Huai of Handan. Concubine Zhang bore Cao Gong, King Dao of Qinghe. Concubine Song bore Cao Yan, King Ai of Guangping.

文皇帝九男：甄氏皇后生明帝，李貴人生贊哀王協，潘淑媛生北海悼王蕤，朱淑媛生東武陽懷王鑑，仇昭儀生東海定王霖，徐姬生元城哀王禮，蘇姬生邯鄲懷王邕，張姬生淸河悼王貢，宋姬生廣平哀王儼。

Cao Xie, King Ai of Zan

贊哀王協

Cao Xie, King Ai of Zan, died young. In the fifth year of Taihe he was posthumously enfeoffed and given the posthumous name Duke Shang of Jing. In the second year of Qinglong his title and posthumous name were changed. In the third year his son Cao Xun, King Shang, succeeded him. In the third year of Jingchu five hundred households were added, bringing the total to three thousand. He died in the ninth year of Zhengshi without a son, and the state was abolished.

贊哀王協，早薨。太和五年追封諡曰經殤公。靑龍二年，更追改號諡。三年，子殤王尋嗣。景初三年，增戸五百，幷前三千戸。正始九年薨。無子。國除。

Cao Rui, King Dao of Beihai

北海悼王蕤

Cao Rui, King Dao of Beihai, was made King of Yangping County in the seventh year of Huangchu, when Emperor Ming took the throne. In the sixth year of Taihe he was re-enfeoffed with Beihai. He died in the first year of Qinglong. In the second year Cao Zan, a son of the King of Langya, was made Cao Rui's heir and enfeoffed as Duke of Chang District. In the second year of Jingchu he was made King of Rao'an. In the seventh year of Zhengshi he was moved to Wen'an. During the Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching three thousand five hundred households including what he had before.

北海悼王蕤，黃初七年，明帝卽位，立爲陽平縣王。太和六年，改封北海。靑龍元年薨。二年，以琅邪王子贊奉蕤後，封昌鄕公。景初二年，立爲饒安王。正始七年，徙封文安。正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前三千五百戸。

Cao Jian, King Huai of Dongwuyang

東武陽懷王鑑

Cao Jian, King Huai of Dongwuyang, was made king in the sixth year of Huangchu and died that same year. In the third year of Qinglong he was granted a posthumous name. He had no son, and the state was abolished.

東武陽懷王鑑，黃初六年立。其年薨。靑龍三年賜諡。無子。國除。

Cao Lin, King Ding of Donghai

東海定王霖

Cao Lin, King Ding of Donghai, was made King of Hedong in the third year of Huangchu. In the sixth year he was re-enfeoffed with Guantao County. When Emperor Ming took the throne, following the late Emperor's wishes, he loved and favored Cao Lin above the other states. But Cao Lin was coarse and violent by nature, and within his household he did much harm to his maids and concubines. In the sixth year of Taihe he was re-enfeoffed with Donghai. He died in the first year of Jiaping, and his son Cao Qi succeeded him. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching six thousand two hundred households including what he had before. Cao Mao, Duke of Gaogui District, was Cao Lin's son; he entered the main line as the imperial successor.

東海定王霖，黃初三年立爲河東王。六年，改封館陶縣。明帝卽位，以先帝遺意，愛寵霖異於諸國。而霖性粗暴，閨門之內，婢妾之間，多所殘害。太和六年，改封東海。嘉平元年薨。子啓嗣。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前六千二百戸。髙貴鄕公髦，霖之子也，入繼大宗。

Cao Li, King Ai of Yuancheng

元城哀王曹禮

Cao Li, King Ai of Yuancheng, was enfeoffed as Duke of Qin in the second year of Huangchu, with Jingzhao Commandery as his state. In the third year he was made King of Jingzhao instead. In the sixth year he was re-enfeoffed as King of Yuancheng. He died in the third year of Taihe. In the fifth year Cao Ti, a son of Cao Kai, King of Rencheng, was made Cao Li's heir. In the sixth year he was re-enfeoffed as King of Liang. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching four thousand five hundred households including what he had before.

元城哀王禮，黃初二年封秦公，以京兆郡爲國。三年，改爲京兆王。六年，改封元城王。太和三年薨。五年，以任城王楷子悌嗣禮後。六年，改封梁王。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前四千五百戸。

Cao Yong, King Huai of Handan

邯鄲懷王邕

Cao Yong, King Huai of Handan, was enfeoffed as Duke of Huainan in the second year of Huangchu, with Jiujiang Commandery as his state. In the third year he was raised to King of Huainan. In the fourth year he was re-enfeoffed with Chen. In the sixth year he was re-enfeoffed with Handan. He died in the third year of Taihe. In the fifth year Cao Wen, a son of Cao Kai, King of Rencheng, was made Cao Yong's heir. In the sixth year he was re-enfeoffed with Luyang. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras his fief was increased several times, reaching four thousand four hundred households including what he had before.

邯鄲懷王邕，黃初二年封淮南公，以九江郡爲國。三年，進爲淮南王。四年，改封陳。六年，改封邯鄲。太和三年薨。五年，以任城王楷子溫嗣邕後。六年，改封魯陽。景初、正元、景元中，累增邑，幷前四千四百戸。

Cao Gong, King Dao of Qinghe

淸河悼王貢

Cao Gong, King Dao of Qinghe, was enfeoffed in the third year of Huangchu. He died in the fourth year. He had no son, and the state was abolished.

淸河悼王貢，黃初三年封。四年薨。無子。國除。

Cao Yan, King Ai of Guangping

廣平哀王儼

Cao Yan, King Ai of Guangping, was enfeoffed in the third year of Huangchu. He died in the fourth year. He had no son, and the state was abolished.

廣平哀王儼，黃初三年封。四年薨。無子。國除。

Appraisal

評

Appraisal: The kings and dukes of the house of Wei had only the name of states and lands, without the substance of the altars of soil and grain. Moreover, they were fenced in by prohibitions and surveillance, as if in prison. Their ranks and titles were never settled, and their fiefs, great and small, changed from year to year. The kindness owed to flesh and blood was violated, and the sense of the ode ‘Changdi’ was abandoned. That the flaws of a system should come to this!

評曰：魏氏王公，旣徒有國土之名，而無社稷之實，又禁防壅隔，同於囹圄；位號靡定，大小歳易；骨肉之恩乖，常棣之義廢。爲法之弊，一至於此乎！¹²