Emperor Wen of Han Liu Heng and Records of the Grand Historian: Annals of Emperor Wen: A Historical Interpretation of Benevolent Governance

Brief Introduction

Emperor Wen of Han, Liu Heng (203 BC – 157 BC), was the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty, with the temple name Taizong. In popular history, he is commonly referred to as "Emperor Wen of Han," but in Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), his dedicated chapter is titled 《Annals of Emperor Wen》 (Xiao Wen Ben Ji). He was the pioneer of the "Reign of Wen and Jing," known for "governing with benevolence and filial piety," and is recognized as a model of wise rulership in Chinese history. It is worth noting that Han Dynasty emperors often added the character "Xiao" (Filial) to their posthumous names to demonstrate filial piety. Thus, the title "Xiao Wen" in the Shiji refers to the same person as the commonly known "Emperor Wen of Han."

Core Knowledge Points

1. Light Corvée and Low Taxes, Resting the People: After ascending the throne, facing the devastated economy following the wars at the end of the Qin Dynasty, Emperor Wen implemented a low tax rate of "one-thirtieth," and even exempted land tax completely for over ten consecutive years. This policy greatly restored agricultural productivity and laid the economic foundation for the strength of the Western Han.
2. Abolishing Corporal Punishment, Civilization of Rule of Law: Moved by the story of the young girl Ti Ying saving her father, Emperor Wen issued an edict abolishing cruel corporal punishments such as tattooing, nose-cutting, and cutting off left and right toes, replacing them with beating or death penalty. This was a significant milestone in Chinese legal history, marking the transition from barbarism to civilization and reflecting a spirit of humanitarianism.
3. Advocating Frugality, Leading by Example: Emperor Wen lived an extremely simple life, wearing coarse silk clothing, and stipulated that his mausoleum, Baling, should not be decorated with gold, silver, copper, or tin, but only with pottery vessels. This frugal style not only saved treasury expenses but also set a moral example, curbing the extravagance of the time.

Connection to Content in Records of the Grand Historian

In Records of the Grand Historian: Annals of Emperor Wen, Sima Qian depicts Liu Heng's character through numerous details. The character "Xiao" (Filial) in the chapter title has a double meaning: it refers to his filial piety towards his mother, Empress Dowager Bo (such as personally tasting her medicine), and metaphorically implies his "great filial piety" towards the common people, treating them like his own children. In the "Comment by the Grand Historian" at the end of the chapter, Sima Qian evaluates: "Since the rise of Han, until Emperor Wen, over forty years passed, and virtue reached its peak." This evaluation places Emperor Wen at the height of the Confucian ideal ruler.

Events recorded in the book, such as "Abolishing the Pavilion" and "Stopping the Pavilion," vividly demonstrate his philosophy of restraining private desires and putting the people first. Additionally, the Shiji records the process of Emperor Wen succeeding to the throne from the Prince of Dai, as well as his cautious attitude in handling border crises with the Xiongnu, reflecting his pragmatic political wisdom. Sima Qian's brushwork not only records political achievements but also, by contrasting with the harsh rule of the Qin Dynasty, highlights the historical value of Emperor Wen's "governance by virtue."

In summary, Emperor Wen of Han, Liu Heng, was not only a political success but also an ideal ruler image shaped in the Records of the Grand Historian. Understanding the Annals of Emperor Wen helps us gain deep insight into the governance concepts of the early Western Han, the infiltration of Confucian ethics, and the historical logic behind the formation of the "Reign of Wen and Jing."

Keywords: Emperor Wen of Han Liu Heng, Shiji, Annals of Emperor Wen, Reign of Wen and Jing, Abolishing Corporal Punishment, Light Corvée and Low Taxes