Shaodian’s son was the Yellow Emperor. His surname was Gongsun, and his given name was Xuanyuan. He was born as a spirit, weak yet capable of speech, youthful and devoted, long and agile, mature and intelligent. During the Xuanyuan period, the Shennong family declined. The princes invaded and attacked each other, tyrannizing the people, but Shennong was unable to conquer them. So Xuanyuan was accustomed to fighting to conquer without enjoying it, and the princes and guests came to follow him. Chi You, known for his violence, remained unconquerable. Emperor Yan wanted to invade the princes in Ling, but they returned to Xuanyuan. Xuanyuan cultivated virtues and mobilized troops, cured the five qi, cultivated the five kinds of grass, comforted all the people, and conquered the four directions. He taught bears, braves, and tigers how to fight Emperor Yan in Banquan’s wilderness. He instructed them to engage in combat three times before achieving their goals. You caused trouble without the emperor’s permission. So the Yellow Emperor conscripted the princes, fought with Chi You in Zhuolu’s wilderness, and then killed Chi You. And the prince Xian respected Xuanyuan as the emperor and replaced the Shennong clan as the Yellow Emperor. Huang Di will conquer the disobedient and send away the peaceful. They will pass through the mountains and live in peace.
Go east to the sea, climb Wanshan Mountain, and then reach Daizong. To reach Kongtong in the west, climb the chicken head. Go south to the Yangtze River and climb Xiong and Xiang. Chasing the meat porridge in the north, it aligns with Busan, and the city is situated in Zhuolu People migrate to and from temporary locations, with division soldiers serving as camp guards. All official names bear Yun’s name, Yunshi. Set up the left and right eunuchs to supervise all nations. Zen has enshrined numerous ghosts, gods, mountains, and rivers, bringing harmony to all countries. Retrieve the treasure tripod and welcome the sun. The people are led by Jufenghou, Limu, Changxian, and Dahong. Follow the order of heaven and earth, the occupation of the bright light, the theory of life and death, and the difficulty of survival. Simultaneously, we sow crops and grass, transform birds, beasts, insects, and moths, and scatter the sun, moon, stars, water, earth, stone, gold, and jade everywhere. We work hard, ears, and eyes, and save water, fire, materials, and supplies. He has the auspiciousness of earthly virtue, so he is named Huangdi.
The Yellow Emperor gave the surname to fourteen of his twenty-five sons.
Living on the hill of Xuanyuan, the Yellow Emperor married Leizu, the daughter of Xiling. Lei Zu, the Yellow Emperor’s official concubine, gave birth to two famous sons: Xuanxiao, also known as Qingyang, who descended to the river, and Changyi, who descended to Ruoshui. Changyi married a daughter of the Shushan clan, named Changpu, and she was born in Gaoyang. Gaoyang was a saintly person. The Yellow Emperor passed away and laid to rest in Qiaoshan. His grandson Changyi’s son, Gao Yangli, became Emperor Zhuanxu.
Emperor Zhuanxu Gaoyang was Huangdi’s grandson, as well as Changyi’s son. Jingyuan relies on planning and dredging for guidance, relies on the land for nourishing materials, uses the sky to convey time, relies on ghosts and gods to regulate righteousness, regulates qi to teach, and makes sacrifices for sincerity. It reaches Youling in the north, Jiaozhi in the south, Liusha in the west, and Panmu in the east. Moving and still things, big and small gods illuminated by the sun and moon, are all in harmony with each other.
Emperor Zhuanxu gave birth to a son named Qiongchan. Zhuan Xu died, and Gao Xin, Xuan Xiao’s grandson, became emperor.
Emperor Ku Gaoxin is the great-grandson of the Yellow Emperor. Xiuji was the father of Gao Xin, Xuanxiao was the father of Xiuji, and Huangdi was the father of Xuanxiao. Since Xuan Xiao and Xiu Ji were both unable to reign, Gao Xin ascended the throne. Gao Xin became Zhuanxu’s son.
Gao Xin was born a god and named himself. Give alms to others, but don’t take them personally. Cong senses distance, while Ming discerns subtleties. Follow the principles of heaven and understand the needs of the people. Benevolence leads to power, benefit leads to trust, and self-cultivation leads to acceptance of the world. Take the wealth from the land and use it prudently; care for and teach the people and benefit them; welcome and send them off through the sun and the moon; understand the ghosts and gods; and serve them with respect. Its color is gloomy, and its virtue is impressive. When it moves, it also obeys. The emperor’s irrigation system spreads all over the world. Wherever the sun and moon shine and where the wind and rain come, everyone obeys.
Emperor Ku married Chen Feng’s daughter, and Fangxun was born. Marrying a daughter of the Qozi family will lead to true love. Emperor Ku died, and Zhi succeeded him. It is not good to establish an emperor sincerely, but to establish a younger brother with honors is to be Emperor Yao.
The Emperor Yao showed his honor. His benevolence is like heaven, and his knowledge is like god. Look at it like the sun; look at it like clouds. Be rich but not arrogant; be noble but not comfortable. Have a yellow harvest, wear pure clothes, and ride a white horse in a chariot. be able to understand and tame virtues, as well as be close to the nine tribes. Because the nine tribes are in harmony, they will govern the people. All nations unite, and the people attain enlightenment.
He ordered Xi and He to respect and obey Haotian, count the sun, moon, and stars, and teach the people the time. Xizhong, his assigned name, resides in Yuyi and is known as Yanggu. Respect the sunrise, and then move to the east. In the middle of the day, there are stars and birds, and in the middle of Yin, there is spring. According to its folk analysis, the characters for birds and beasts are slight. Deuteronomy Uncle Xi lived in Nanjiao. I asked Cheng Nan to pay me respects. Riyong sparks in the middle of summer. The reason for its population is the presence of birds and beasts. Shen Ming and Zhong lived in Shibuya, which was in the west. The day will mark the completion of the journey to the west. The Mid-Autumn Festival occurs at night, when the stars are empty. Its people are easy to live with, and its birds and animals are like feathers. Deuteronomy, along with his uncle, resided in the northern region known as Youdu. Then he was hiding things. The days are short, and the stars are in the Pleiades, making it the middle of winter. Its people are in ruin, as are its birds and beasts. On the 366th day of the year, it is the fourth o’clock in the leap month. Trust the officials, and all the achievements will be prosperous.
Yao said, “Who can comply with this matter?” Fang Qi said, “Your heir, Danzhu Kaiming.” Yao said, “Excuse me! If you are stubborn, don’t use it.” Yao asked again, “Who can do it?” Xiudou said, “Together. Yao remarked, “You can use Gon Gong’s good words in a remote way, and they are as respectful as the sky.” Yao said it again: “Sigh, the floods in the four mountains are overwhelming to the sky, and the mountains and Xiangling are vast.” “People are worried about it.” “Is there anyone who can rule it out?” They all said, “Gun Ke.” Yao said, “It’s impossible for Gun to betray his destiny and destroy his clan.” Yue said, “It’s strange; it just won’t work if you try it.” Yao then listened to Yue and used the gun. At nine years old, the function is useless.
Yao said, “Alas! Siyue: “I’ve been on the throne for seventy years; can you live up to it with mediocrity?” Yue Ying said, “You are despicable and disdainful of the throne.” Yao responded, “All noble relatives and those who are estranged and hidden are here.” Everyone said to Yao, “There is a man named Yu Shun.” Yao said, “Well, I heard about it.” Yue said, “The father is stubborn, the mother is proud, and the younger brother is proud. With filial piety and good governance, there will be no treachery. Yao said, “Let me try it.” So Yao’s wife’s two daughters looked at their virtues. Shun ordered his two daughters to go to Guirui as if they were women. Yao demonstrated his skill by carefully harmonizing Shun with the five canons, ensuring their adherence. It is included in all official orders. The guests are at the four gates; they are silent, and the guests from all over the world are respectful. Yao sent Shun into the mountains, forests, rivers, and swamps. Despite the storm, thunder, and rain, Shun remained unscathed. Yao, believing he was a saint, summoned Shun and declared, “My daughter’s plan has been complete for three years.” She ascended the throne.” Shun refused to give in to De. On the first day of the first lunar month, Shun Shou finally died. Wenzu is Yao’s great ancestor.
So Emperor Yao ordered Shun to take charge of the emperor’s affairs in order to observe the destiny of heaven. Shun was on his way from Xingji Yuheng to Qi Qizheng. Then he is like God: obsessed with the six sects, looking at the mountains and rivers, and arguing with the gods. Bowing to the five auspicious signs, choose an auspicious month and day, and see the herdsmen of the four mountains, Ban Rui. In the second month of the year, I patrolled the east to hunt. In Daizong, Qi, I hope to rank among the mountains and rivers. At the appointed time, on the first day of the month, I witnessed Lord Dongfang, adhering to the same rules of weights and measures, performing five rituals: five jades, three silks, two lives, and one death, akin to five utensils, which resulted in the restoration of the deceased. In May, the hunting tour is in the south; in August, the hunting tour is in the west; in November, the hunting tour is in the north; all are as before. When you return, go to your ancestors’ temple and perform the special cow ceremony. When he was five years old, he went on a hunting tour, and the group followed him four times. Use words to tell people everywhere, use merit to test clearly, and use mediocrity to serve individuals. Zhaoshi and Juechuan have two states. The dagger is the punishment; the five punishments are exorcism; the whip is the official punishment; the beating is the teaching punishment; and the gold is the ransom punishment. If the disaster has passed, we will pardon him; if he is a thief, we will punish him. Oh, oh, oh. How quiet is the punishment?
Yao said that “gonggong” is a work-in-progress. When the Four Mountains tried to use guns to control Hongshui, Yao thought it was impossible. Yue Qiang asked to try it, but it failed, so the people were inconvenienced. In Jianghuai and Jingzhou, Sanmiao was in a state of chaos. So Shun returned to the emperor and asked Liu Gonggong to work in Youling to transform Beidi; to move Huandou to Chongshan to transform Southern Barbarians; to move Sanmiao to Sanwei to transform Western Rong; and to kill Gun in Yushan to transform Eastern Rong. Yi: The world acknowledges the four sins.
Yao obtained Shun in his seventyth year, and when he was twenty years old, he ordered Shun to take charge of the affairs of the Son of Heaven and recommended him to Heaven. Yao died twenty-eighth years after assuming the throne. The people mourned as if they had lost their parents. For three years, there was no music in the four quarters to think of Yao. Yao knew that his son Danzhu was not worthy enough to wield power over the world, so he wielded power over Shun. Give it to Shun, and the world will benefit from it, and Danzhu will be sick; grant Danzhu, and the world will be sick, and Danzhu will benefit from it. “In the end, the world’s disease will not benefit one person,” Yao declared, leading to his death and handing over the world’s rule to Shun. Yao died, and after three years of mourning, Shun sent Bi Danzhu to the south of Nanhe. The princes who went on pilgrimage did not praise Danzhu but welcomed Shun; those who were in prison did not praise Danzhu but praised Shun; and those who sang songs praised Shun instead of Danzhu. Shun uttered the words “Heaven,” and consequently, China ascended to the throne and assumed the title of Emperor Shun.
Yu and Shun were christened Chonghua. Gusou was the father of Chonghua, Qiao Niu was the father of Gusou, Gowang was the father of Qiao Niu, Jingkang was the father of Gowang, Qiongchan was the father of Jingkang, Zhuanxu was the father of Qiongchan, and Changyi was the father of Zhuanxu. They were all ordinary people, from Qiongchan to Emperor Shun.
Shun’s father, Gusou, was blind, and Shun’s mother died. Gusou married a wife and gave birth to Xiang and Xiang Ao. Gusou loved his wife and often wanted to kill Shun, but Shun fled. If he committed a minor offense, he would suffer the consequences. I served my father, stepmother, and younger brother well, and I worked diligently and diligently every day, and there was no solution to the problem.
Shun was a native of Jizhou. Shun plowed Mount Li, fished Lei Ze, and Tao Riverside. He made various utensils in Shouqiu and arrived in Fuxia. Shun’s father, Gusou, was stubborn; his mother was arrogant; and his younger brother, Xiang, was proud; all of them wanted to kill Shun. Shun was obedient and did not lose his sonship, while his brothers were filial and kind. If you want to kill, you can’t get it; if you ask for it, you will taste it.
When Shun was twenty years old, he heard of his filial piety. At the age of thirty, Emperor Yao asked who was available, and the Four Mountains recommended Yu and Shun, saying that it was acceptable. So Yao gave Shun, his two daughters, to observe the inside, and nine men with Chu to observe the outside. Shun lived in Guirui and was an expert and careful person. The two daughters of Yao did not dare to serve Shun’s relatives with dignity and arrogance, and they were very virtuous. Yao and his nine sons all benefited. When Shun plowed Mount Li, everyone from Lishan gave way; when he fished at Leize, everyone from Master Leize gave way; when he cultivated by the river, all the utensils on the riverside were not bitter. It took one year to live in Ju, two years to form a town, and three years to become a capital. Yao then gave Shun raiment, harp, and harp to build a barn, and gave him cattle and sheep. Gusou still wanted to kill him, so he ordered Shun to paint the den from above, while Gusou set fire to it from below. Shun then defended himself with two hats and descended, ensuring his survival. Later, Gusou asked Shun to go through the well, and Shun went out to hide in it. After Shun went deep into the well, Gusou and Xiang went down to the well. Shun came out from hiding and left. Gusou and Xiang were delighted, thinking that Shun was dead. Xiang said, “The original plan is with Xiang.” Xiang was separated from his parents, so he said, “Shun’s wife, Yao’s two daughters, and the harp, Xiang took it. The cattle and sheep are in the barn and are given to his parents.” Xiang then stayed in Shun’s palace and played his harp. Shun went to see him. Xiang’e was dissatisfied and said, “I think Shun is Zheng Yutao!” Shun said, “Of course, you are a common man!” Shun resumed his duties, and Gusou loved his younger brother, Mijin. So Yao tried Shun’s five canons and hundreds of officials, and he governed them all.
In the past, there were eight talented people in the Gaoyang family who benefited from their talents and were called “Eight Kai.” The Gaoxin family has eight talented people, who are known as the “Eight Yuans” in the world. These sixteen tribes have contributed to their beauty for generations to come and will not lose their reputation. As for Yao, he could not lift it. When Shun raised eight emperors, he made the emperor the ruler of the country and ordered everything to be done in a timely and orderly manner. Take the eight elements and disseminate the five teachings in all directions: the righteousness of fathers, the kindness of mothers, the respect of brothers and friends, the filial piety of sons, and the attainment of inner and outer peace.
In the past, Emperor Hong’s family had an untalented man who concealed his righteousness, hid as a thief, and was fond of committing evil acts. The world called him chaos. The Shaochun family had a man who was not talented, who broke faith, was loyal, and worshiped evil words. He was regarded as the strangest man in the world. Zhuanxu’s family had a man who was not talented, could not be taught, and did not know how to speak. The world called him Yongzhu. These three tribes are worried about this. As for Yao, Yao could not go. There were some untalented people in the Jinyun family who were greedy for food and drink and took bribes in exchange for goods. They were called gluttons around the world. There are three evils in the world. Shun Bin was at the four gates, so the four evil tribes moved to the four descendants to ward off Chi Mei, so the four gates were opened, saying that there would be no evil people.
When Shun entered the foothills of Dalu, strong winds and thunderstorms did not stop him, but Yao knew that Shun’s ability was enough to guide the world. Yao Lao sent Shun to take charge of the emperor’s administration and patrol hunting. Shun Deju served for twenty years, but Yao made him regent. After eight years of regency, Yao died. After three years of mourning, he left Danzhu, and the world returned to Shun. However, Yu, Gaotao, Qi, Houji, Boyi, Kui, Long, Chui, Yi, and Pengzu all used them since Yao, and there was no division of responsibilities. So Shun even went to Wenzu to plan the four mountains, open four gates, and have clear eyes and ears in all directions. He instructed twelve pastors to discuss the emperor’s virtues, practice high virtues, and keep away from sycophants, fearing that the barbarians would lead them into submission. Shun said to the Four Mountains, “Is there anyone who can improve the mediocre and beautiful Yao and make him an official?” They all said, “Bo Yu is Sikong, and he can be a beautiful emperor.” Shun said, “Oh, yes! Yu, you! “The water and soil are flat, and Wei is Mianzai.” Yu bowed to Jishou and gave way to Ji, Qi, and Gaotao. Shun said, “Yes, let’s go.” Shun said, “Abandon, the people are beginning to be hungry, and you will sow hundreds of grains in Houji.” Shun said, “I agree, the people are not close to each other, and the five grades are untamed. You are a Situ, and I respect you.” “The five teachings are to be tolerant.” Shun said: “Gaotao, barbarians and cunning Xia, bandits and traitors, you are a scholar; you have to serve the five punishments, serve the five punishments, and serve three times; the five streams have the temper; the five degrees have the three residences: Wei Ming Neng: “Trust.” Shun said, “Who can tame me?” Everyone said Chui Ke. So Chui became a co-worker. Shun said, “Who can tame the grass, trees, birds, and beasts above and below?” Everyone said Yi Ke. Therefore, benefit is my concern. Yi bowed to Jishou and surrendered to his ministers, Zhu Hu and Xiong Zhen. Shun said, “Go ahead; you are harmonious.” We used Zhu Hu and Xiong Zan as assistants. Shun said, “Hey! “Can any of the four mountains show me the three rituals?” They were all called Boyi Ke. Shun said, “Hey! Boyi, I regard you as the Zhizong. You have been respectful all day and night, and you have been the only one to maintain peace and tranquility.” Boyi gave way to Kui and Long. Shun said, “Yes. With Kui as the classic music, I taught Zhen Zi to be straight but gentle, broad and chestnut, strong but not abusive, simple but not proud; poems convey meaning, songs have long words, sounds are eternal, and rhythms are harmonious. The eight tones are harmonious, and they do not interfere with each other. The gods and men harmonize.” Kui said, “I will hit the stone and pick up the stone, and all the beasts will dance.” Shun said, “Dragon, I am afraid of the slander, and I am shocked. Everyone, I told you to accept my orders and come in and out all night long. Just trust me.” Shun said, “Oh! There are two women in their twenties. It’s just a matter of time.” When you are three years old, you will be tested for merit. Many contributions from near and far have been made. Divided into three seedlings in the north.
These twenty-two people have achieved great success: Gao Tao was Dali, and the people were in peace; Boyi presided over the ceremony, and everyone gave way; he was in charge of the engineers, and the hundreds of works were successful; he benefited Yu, and the mountains and rivers were restored; Abandoned the Lord Ji, all the grains are prosperous; the people are harmonious; the Dragon Lord is a guest, and people from far away arrive; the twelve pastoralists are traveling, and no one in the Nine Provinces dares to break the rules; only Yu’s achievements are great, covering nine mountains, connecting nine rivers, and crossing nine rivers. Jiuzhou is determined, and each one pays tribute according to his position, which is not inappropriate. It’s five thousand miles away, but it’s a wasteland. Fu Jiaozhi in the south, Fa in the north, Rong, Xizhi, Qusui, Di, and Qiang in the west, Rong, Fa, and Xishen in the north, Chang Chang, and Niaoyi in the east—all within the four seas, Emperor Shun’s contribution is honored. So Yu Nai played the music of nine moves, causing foreign objects to fly, and the Phoenix Emperor came to fly. All the good virtues in the world began with Emperor Yu.
At the age of twenty, Shun developed filial piety. At the age of thirty, Yao promoted him. At the age of fifty, he took charge of the affairs of the emperor. At the age of fifty-eight, Yao died. At the age of sixty-one, Yao succeeded to the throne. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign as emperor, he went on a hunting tour in the south and died in the wilderness of Cangwu. He was buried in Jiuyi, Jiangnan, in Lingling. Upon Shun’s enthronement as emperor, he carried the emperor’s flag and accompanied his father, Gusou, to court. Kui Kui was as cautious as a son. He made his brother, Xiang, a prince. Shun’s son Shang Jun was also unworthy, and Shun recommended Yu to heaven. It collapsed after seventeen years. After three years of mourning, Yu also gave way to Shun, just as Shun gave way to Yao. The princes returned, and then Yu became emperor. Yao’s son Danzhu and Shun’s son Shangjun both had territories to worship their ancestors. Be obedient to his attire, and be respectful and happy. When the emperor meets the emperor as a guest, the emperor treats his ministers as guests, showing that he does not dare to be exclusive.
From the Yellow Emperor to Shun and Yu, they all had the same surname but different country names, and their virtues were marked by chapters. Therefore, the Yellow Emperor is Youxiong, Emperor Zhuanxu is Gaoyang, Emperor Ku is Gaoxin, Emperor Yao is Tao Tang, and Emperor Shun is Youyu. Emperor Yu was the Queen of Xia, and his surname was Si. The deed is by Shang, and his surname is Zi. Abandoned to Zhou, he was surnamed Ji.
Tai Shigong said: Scholars mostly call them the Five Emperors, which is still true. However, the book of ministers only records Yao; while hundreds of schools of thought speak of Huangdi, his writing is not elegant and tame, and it is difficult to recommend him to the gentry. Confucius passed down Zaiyu’s question about the virtues of the five emperors and their surnames, but Confucian scholars may not pass it down. I went to Kongtong in the west, Zhuolu in the north, the sea in the east, and the Huaihe River in the south. Even the elders often called Huangdi, Yao, and Shun the place. After observing the Spring and Autumn Periods and Guoyu, I discovered the virtues of the Five Emperors and the surnames of the emperors. Gu Difu made a thorough examination and found out that everything he said was true. There are gaps in the book, but his anecdotes can be seen from time to time. Unless you are eager to learn, think deeply, and know the meaning in your heart, it is hard to be shortsighted and ignorant of the truth. I discussed the following and selected the one whose words were particularly elegant, so he wrote it as the first one in this chronicle.
The emperor came out of Shaodian and lived in Xuanqiu. In the Yanli era, Chi You was born. Gaoyang’s successor is quiet and thoughtful. No matter how big or small, they are all gentle. Emperor Yuanji is here, and all the saints have rested together. He is the younger brother of Emperor Zhi; his nickname is Fangxun. Look at it like the sun; look at it like clouds. Yu Yi is in the east, and Shigu is in the west. Ming Yang is humble, and Xuande is famous. The two virtuous kings can make the world prosper!
Phoenix Lee https://chinese-tradition.com/records-of-the-grand-historian-chronicles-of-the-five-emperors.html