夏本纪 — Shiji

Yu was named Wenming. His father was Gun, his grandfather was Emperor Zhuanxu, and his great-grandfather was Changyi, whose father was the Yellow Emperor. Thus Yu was both the great-great-grandson of the Yellow Emperor and the grandson of Emperor Zhuanxu. His great-grandfather Changyi and his father Gun had both been denied the throne and served as ministers. During the reign of Emperor Yao, floods raged across the land, swelling over the mountains and overwhelming the hills, causing the people great distress. Yao sought someone capable of controlling the waters, and his ministers and the regional lords all recommended Gun. Yao replied, "Gun is a man who defies orders and brings ruin to his clan—this will not do." The regional lords responded, "Among all those we know, none is more capable than Gun. We implore Your Majesty to give him a trial." Thereupon Yao heeded the regional lords and employed Gun to control the floods. After nine years, the waters showed no decrease, and his efforts met with no success.

Emperor Yao then sought other candidates and found Shun. When Shun rose to prominence and assumed regency over the empire, he traveled on inspection tours. Upon observing Gun's utter failure in flood control, Shun banished him to Yushan, where he died. The realm accepted Shun's judgment as just. Shun then appointed Gun's son Yu and charged him with continuing his father's work.

Yu was gifted with quick intelligence and tireless industry. His virtue never wavered, his benevolence drew others to him, and his words carried conviction. His voice set the rhythm, his body established the standard, and his actions served as a model. He labored with steadfast devotion, maintaining order throughout the realm.

Yu then joined with Yi and Hou Ji in carrying out the emperor's commands. He instructed the lords and the hundred officials to mobilize workers for the task of surveying the land. They marked the mountains and set up signs on the heights, determining the courses of rivers and streams. Yu grieved over his father Gun's failure and the shame of his execution, and so he devoted himself utterly to the task, laboring in body and wearying his mind. For thirteen years he worked abroad, never daring to enter his own home. He kept his food and clothing plain to fulfill his devotion to the spirits. He lived in humble dwellings and spent his resources on the waterways. On land he traveled by carriage, on water by boat, on mud by sled, on mountains by sedan chair. He carried the measuring line and carpenter's square, the plumb bob and compass, and he bore the seasons with him. In this way he opened up the nine provinces, cleared the nine river systems, dammed the nine marshes, and surveyed the nine mountain ranges.

He instructed Yi to provide the common people with rice seeds suitable for planting in low-lying wetlands. He commanded Hou Ji to distribute scarce foods among the people. When provisions fell short, he redistributed surpluses to supplement deficiencies, thus maintaining balance among the feudal lords. Yu traveled throughout the land, examining what each region could produce and what goods were available for tribute, as well as the conveniences of river and mountain transport.

Yu's journey began from Ji Province. In Ji Province: after completing work at the Hukou, he governed Liang and Qi. He repaired the Taiyuan plains as far as Yueyang. He brought order to Tanhuai and extended his efforts to the Heng and Zhang rivers. The soil was white and loamy. The tax assessment was highest first with some admixture, and the land rated middle second. The Chang and Wei rivers followed their courses, and the Great Marsh was reclaimed. The Yiqi people brought fur garments as tribute. Passing Mount Yanshi on the right, they proceeded to the sea.

Hai and Dai comprised Qing Province: the Yuyi had been pacified, and the Wei and Zi rivers followed their courses. The soil was white and rich; the seacoast was broad and saline, and the fields were mostly barren. The land rated upper middle, the tax assessment upper middle. Its tribute included salt, fine and coarse hemp cloth, and various sea products. From the valleys of Dai came silk, hemp, lead, pine, and rare stones. The Laiyi were pastoralists, and their baskets held silkworm silk. Goods traveled by the Wen River to reach the Ji. From the sea to Mount Tai and the Huai River was Xu Province: the Huai and Yi rivers were regulated, and Mount Meng and Mount Yu were cultivated. The Great Wild Marsh was contained, and the Dongyuan plain was leveled. The soil was red clay, rich and fertile; plants gradually grew luxuriant. The land rated upper middle, the tax assessment middle middle. Its tribute included five-colored earth, pheasants from the valleys of Mount Yu, the solitary tong tree from the southern slopes of Mount Yi, floating musical stones from the banks of the Si, and pearl oysters and fish from the Huai Yi. Their baskets held black and white fine silks. Goods traveled by the Huai and Si rivers to reach the Yellow River.

Hai, Dai, and Huai comprised Xu Province: the Huai and Yi rivers had been controlled, and the Meng and Yu valleys had been cultivated. The Great Marsh had become a marsh, and the eastern plains were level. The soil was red and clayey, with thriving vegetation. The land rated upper middle, the tax assessment middle. Its tribute included multicolored soil, pheasants from the valley, tong trees from Yiyang, floating musical stones from the banks of the Si River, and pearls and fish from the Huaiyi, with baskets of fine black silk and white silk cloth. Goods traveled by the Huai and Si rivers to reach the Yellow River.

Huai and Hai comprised Yang Province: Pengli had become a marsh, the southern islands were habitats for migratory birds. The three rivers had emptied into the sea, and Zhenze had been stabilized. Bamboo arrows were abundant. The grass grew luxuriantly, the trees stood tall, and the soil was muddy. The land rated lowest, the tax assessment lowest first with some admixture. Its tribute included gold and silver, jade andite, bamboo arrows, ivory, leather, plumes, and yak tails, the cotton clothing of the island peoples, and baskets of woven shells. Boxes of oranges and grapefruits were sent as tribute. The province balanced the seas and connected with the Huai and Si rivers.

Jing and Hengyang comprised Jing Province: the Jiang and Han rivers rushed eastward to the sea. The nine rivers converged at the central area, and the Tuo and Cen rivers had been channeled. Yuntu and Meng were brought under cultivation. The soil was muddy. The land rated lower middle, the tax assessment upper. Its tribute included plumes and yak tails, ivory and leather, gold and silver, cedar, sandalwood, cypress, and poplar, whetstones and millstones, chert and cinnabar, bamboo from Jun and Lu, and oak from Ku. The three states sent tribute under their proper names, with packages of jade and thatch palm. Baskets held black and red strings of pearls, and the nine rivers provided large turtles as tribute. Goods traveled by the Jiang, Tuo, and Cen rivers to the Han, then crossed the Luo to reach the southern bank of the Yellow River.

South of Mount Hua to the Blackwater comprised Liang Province: the Wen River and Mount Bo were cultivated, the Tuo and Cen rivers were dredged, Mount Cai and Mount Meng were leveled, and the Heyi lands were brought under control. The soil was dark bluish-black. The land rated lower upper, the tax assessment lower middle with some irregularity. Its tribute included fine jade, iron, silver, carved metal, arrowhead flints, musical stones, and furs of bears, brown bears, foxes, and wildcats. Woven hides and products from the western slopes came by the Huan River, floated on the Qian, crossed overland to the Mian, entered the Wei, and crossed the Yellow River. This was Liang Province.

Huayang and Heishui comprised Liang Province: the Wen and Bo rivers had been cultivated, the Tuo and Cen rivers had been channeled, the Cai and Meng plateaus had been leveled, and the Heyi people had achieved success. The soil was bluish black. The land rated upper middle, the tax assessment lower middle with some admixture. Its tribute included qiu jade, iron, silver, engraved steel, chert, and musical stones, as well as bear, panther, fox, and raccoon furs. The woven furs came via Xiqiong and Heng, traveled by the Qian River, crossed the Mian, and entered the Wei, then crossed the river. Heishui and the western river comprised Yong Province: the Weak River flowed west, and the Jing joined the Wei at its bend. The Qi and Ju rivers followed their courses, and the Feng River joined them. Jing and Qi had been pacified, and the journey continued from Mount Zhongnan and Dunwu to Bird-Mouse Mountain. The highlands and wetlands achieved success, extending to Dubu. The Three Dangerous places had been crossed, and the Miao tribes had been thoroughly reorganized. The soil was yellow loam. The land rated highest, the tax assessment lower middle. Its tribute included qiu jade, lin jade, and langgan jade. Goods traveled from Jishi to Dragon Gate on the western bank, converging at the Wei bend. The woven furs came from Kunlun, Xizhi, and Qusou, and the western Rong peoples were brought into order.

Nine mountains were traversed: from Kan and Qi to Jing Mountain, crossing the Yellow River; from Hukou and Leishou to Taiyue; from Dizhu, Xicheng, and Wangwu to Taixing; from Taihang and Changshan to Jieshi, reaching the sea; from Xiqing, Zhuyu, and Bird-Mouse to Taihua; from Xionger, Waifang, and Tongbai to Fuzi; from Bozong via Jing Mountain; from Neifang to Dabie; from the south of Mount Wen to Hengshan, crossing the nine rivers to Fushanyuan.

Nine rivers were channeled: the Weak River to Heli, its remaining currents flowing into the shifting sands; the Black River to the Three Dangers, emptying into the Southern Sea; the Yellow River from Jishi to Dragon Gate, south to Huayin, east to Dizhu, then east to Mengjin, east past the Luo bend to Dapei, north past the Jiangshui to the Great Marsh, splitting into nine channels downstream, merging into the Niran River, and flowing into the sea; the Bozong River gave rise to the Han, which became the Canglang water, passing Sanyi, entering Dabie, south to the Yangtze, east forming a marsh at Pengli, becoming the Northern River, and flowing into the sea; the Wen River channeled the Yangtze, branching east into the Tuo, passing east to Lixian, crossing the nine rivers to Dongling, then bending northeast to converge, becoming the Central River, and flowing into the sea; the Yan River became the Ji River, flowing into the Yellow River, spilling into Ying, emerging north of Taoqiu, then east to He, northeast converging with the Wen, and northeast flowing into the sea; the Huai River from Tongbai, east converging with the Si and Yi, flowing east into the sea; the Wei River from Bird-Mouse where it joins its hole, east converging with the Feng, northeast to the Jing, east passing the Qi and Ju rivers, flowing into the Yellow River; the Luo River from Xionger, northeast converging with the Jian and Chan, east converging with the Yi, northeast flowing into the Yellow River.

Thus the nine provinces were unified, the various regions were settled, the nine mountains were surveyed and marked, the nine rivers were cleared to their sources, the nine marshes were dammed, and the empire was brought into harmony. The six repositories were well maintained, all soils were properly classified, and the assessment of wealth and taxes was carried out with care, all determined by the three grades of land. The central realm granted titles and surnames: respect for virtue and rank took precedence, and none should deviate from the emperor's ways.

In the sovereign's domain, within five hundred li of the capital, the tribute lands were administered: within one hundred li, sheaves of unthreshed grain were delivered; at two hundred li, grain cut with a sickle; at three hundred li, grain with the stalks; at four hundred li, unhusked grain; at five hundred li, husked rice. Beyond the tribute lands, five hundred li of the guardian lands: within one hundred li, the ruler's private domain; at two hundred li, the territory of a minor state; at three hundred li, the domain of feudal lords. Beyond the guardian lands, five hundred li of the pacification lands: at three hundred li, the people were instructed in culture; at two hundred li, they were summoned to martial valor for defense. Beyond the pacification lands, five hundred li of the covenant lands: at three hundred li, the Yi people lived; at two hundred li, they followed the ordinary laws. Beyond the covenant lands, five hundred li of the wild lands: at three hundred li, the barbarians wandered; at two hundred li, they moved about freely.

Thus the empire extended east to the sea, west to the desert, north and south wherever his renown and teaching reached—to the four corners of the earth. Thereupon the emperor granted Yu the black jade tablet, announcing to the realm that his great work was accomplished. Under heaven, peace and good order prevailed. Gao Yao was appointed Minister of Justice to govern the people. At Emperor Shun's court, Yu, Boyi, and Gao Yao conversed before the emperor. Gao Yao set forth his plan, saying, 'Trust in the Way and its virtue, and your plans will be clear and your assistants harmonious.' Yu said, 'Yes, but how?' Gao Yao said, 'Ah!'

Gao Yao served as Minister of Justice to govern the people. When Emperor Shun held court, Yu, Bo Yi, and Gao Yao discussed affairs before the throne. Gao Yao set forth his plans, saying, "Let us act in sincere harmony with virtue, and our counsel will be bright and our assistance harmonious." Yu responded, "Yes, but how?" Gao Yao continued, "Ah! Be vigilant in your personal cultivation, think long and carefully, bring harmony to the nine clans, let wise men rise to high positions—then those nearby will be governed rightly." Yu bowed in approval of these excellent words.

Gao Yao said, "Ah! The key lies in knowing men and in securing the people's welfare." Yu replied, "Alas! This is difficult even for the emperor—to know men is wisdom, and to employ them well; to secure the people's welfare is benevolence, and the common people will be devoted to such a ruler. If one possesses wisdom and benevolence, why worry about Huandou? Why relocate the Miao? Why fear smooth-tongued flatterers?" Gao Yao replied, "Yes, indeed! There are nine virtues in conduct, and when these are spoken of, there is virtue. They are: begin affairs with generosity yet be awe-inspiring; be gentle yet decisive; be earnest yet respectful; be obedient yet well-ordered; be receptive yet firm; be straightforward yet temperate; be simple yet modest; be resolute yet practical; be strong yet righteous. How splendid when these virtues remain constant! Day by day embody three of these virtues, and you will be fit to rule a family. Maintain them with solemn vigor, and you will be fit to govern a state. If all accept and practice these nine virtues, capable men will hold office and all officials will be diligent and cautious. Do not encourage wicked schemes and devious plots. If the wrong man holds office, heaven's work will be disordered. Heaven punishes the guilty with the five punishments and applies them to the five offenses. Do you find my words acceptable?" Yu answered, "Your words will bring achievements when put into practice." Gao Yao said, "I have no great wisdom, but I seek to assist the Way."

Emperor Shun said to Yu, "You too should speak wisely." Yu bowed and replied, "Ah, what can I say? I think only of unceasing toil." Gao Yao challenged, "What do you mean by unceasing toil?" Yu answered, "When floods surged to heaven, swelling over the mountains and overwhelming the hills, all the people were subject to the waters. I traveled by carriage on land, by boat on water, by sled on mud, by sedan chair on mountains—clearing the forests and marking the land. I gave the people rice seeds and fresh food. I cut channels through the nine rivers to reach the sea, dredged the drainage ditches to feed the streams. I worked with Hou Ji to distribute scarce foods among the people. When provisions fell short, I took from surplus areas to supply the deficient, and relocated populations. Only then were the people settled, and the ten thousand states brought to order." Gao Yao declared, "Yes, this is truly admirable!"

Yu said, "Ah, emperor! Be vigilant in your position, steady in your conduct. Support virtue, and the realm will respond to you. Purify your intentions and await heaven's commands— heaven will greatly bless you." The emperor replied, "Alas! O ministers, O ministers! You are my limbs and eyes and ears. When I wish to guide the people, you must assist me. I wish to observe the ancient patterns—the sun, moon, and stars—to create embroidered garments and colors, and you must illuminate them. I wish to hear the six pitches, five tones, and eight timbres, and the flowing meanings in the songs, and you must heed them. When I err, you must correct me. Do not flatter me to my face, then revile me behind my back. Honor the four vice-regents. If all ministers and favorites are sincere in their virtue, all will be pure." Yu replied, "Yes."

The emperor said, "My virtue leads the way; your meritorious service follows."

Thereupon Gao Yao revered Yu's virtue and commanded the people to model themselves on him. Those who refused were punished accordingly. Yao's virtue shone forth brilliantly.

Thereupon the entire realm revered Yu's laws, measures, and music, and he was recognized as lord of the mountains and rivers. Emperor Shun recommended Yu to heaven as his successor. Seventeen years later, Emperor Shun died. After the three-year mourning period ended, Yu withdrew to Yangcheng to avoid succeeding Shun's son Shangjun. The lords of the realm all abandoned Shangjun and came to pay homage to Yu. Yu then ascended the throne, facing south to receive the world, and established his dynasty, calling it Xia after the sovereign, with the surname Si.

He then elevated Yi and put him in charge of affairs of state. Ten years later, Emperor Yu made an eastern inspection tour and arrived at Kuaiji, where he died. He granted the empire to Yi.

Emperor Xia Hou Qi was the son of Yu and his mother was a woman of the Mount Tu clan. The clan of Youhu refused to submit, and Qi marched against them. The great battle was joined at Gan. Before the engagement, he composed the "Declaration at Gan" and summoned the six chief ministers to hear it.

Emperor Xia Hou Qi died, and his son Tai Kang succeeded him. Tai Kang lost the empire. His five brothers waited at the bend of the Luo River and composed the "Songs of the Five Sons." When Tai Kang died, his brother Zhong Kang succeeded him as Emperor Zhong Kang.