A Model of a Wise Ruler in the Records of the Grand Historian: Emperor Wen of Han, Liu Heng

Brief Introduction

Emperor Wen of Han, also known as Emperor Xiaowen (203 BC – 157 BC), was the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty and the fourth son of Emperor Gaozu (Liu Bang). He reigned for twenty-three years and, together with his son Emperor Jing, established the "Rule of Wen and Jing," laying the foundation for the prosperity of the Western Han. Sima Qian included him in the Basic Annals of the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), viewing him as a model for emperors. As a topic for knowledge popularization, understanding Emperor Wen helps in grasping the origins of "benevolent governance" in ancient China and the transformation of political culture during the Han Dynasty.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Practicing Frugality, Leading by Example
Emperor Wen lived an extremely simple life and is famous in history for his frugality. The Records of the Grand Historian records that he wore coarse silk fabric (yi ti), his favorite concubines wore clothes that did not drag on the ground, and his curtains had no embroidered patterns. He even abandoned the plan to build a terrace after learning it would cost 100 gold pieces (equivalent to the assets of ten middle-class households). This culture of frugality influenced the entire court, reduced fiscal waste, and alleviated the burden on the common people.

2. Abolishing Corporal Punishment, Benevolent Governance
In the thirteenth year of his reign, prompted by the incident of Ti Ying saving her father, Emperor Wen issued an edict abolishing corporal punishments such as tattooing, nose-cutting, and foot-cutting. This was a significant progress in Chinese legal history, reflecting the governing philosophy of "thick benevolence and filial piety." It marked the transition of punishment from barbarism to civilization, demonstrating the ruler's respect for life.

3. Light Taxes and Levies, Governance through Non-Action
Influenced by Huang-Lao thought, Emperor Wen advocated for tranquility and non-action (Wuwei). He repeatedly reduced land taxes, even exempting land taxes for twelve consecutive years. By lightening the burden on the people, the social economy recovered rapidly, the population grew, and the national treasury became full. This accumulated the material foundation for Emperor Wu's later campaigns against the Xiongnu.

Connection with the Content of the Records of the Grand Historian

In the Basic Annals of Emperor Xiaowen within the Records of the Grand Historian, Sima Qian not only recorded Emperor Wen's political measures but also focused heavily on his personal virtues. The text frequently includes records such as "The Emperor said" and "The Emperor praised it," showcasing his attitude of accepting advice readily. For example, although Emperor Wen was displeased with Zhang Shizhi's impartial enforcement of the law, he ultimately acknowledged it, reflecting respect for the law.

In the concluding commentary (Zan) at the end of the chapter, Sima Qian wrote: "Emperor Xiaowen ascended the throne for twenty-three years; there was no increase in palaces, gardens, dogs, horses, clothing, or carriages... His benevolence and filial piety were not surpassed even by the Three Dynasties." This evaluation established Emperor Wen's lofty status in the Chinese historical evaluation system. By contrasting the tyranny of the Qin Dynasty, Sima Qian highlighted the value of Emperor Wen's "governance by virtue." In the narrative logic of the Records of the Grand Historian, Emperor Wen represents the Han rulers' reflection on tyranny and return to people-oriented governance after the fall of Qin and the rise of Han.

Through the records in the Records of the Grand Historian, Emperor Wen is not only a political ruler but also a moral exemplar. His governing strategies proved the importance of being "people-oriented," having a profound influence on later Confucian governing philosophies. Studying Emperor Wen is not only a review of history but also a key to understanding the "people-oriented" thought in traditional Chinese political culture. For modern readers, Emperor Wen's frugality and benevolent governance still hold significant inspirational meaning.