文言文	现代汉语	English
汉兴，接秦之弊，丈夫从军旅，老弱转粮饟，作业剧而财匮，自天子不能具钧驷，而将相或乘牛车，齐民无藏盖。	汉朝兴起后，承继的是秦朝的破败局面，壮年男子参加军队，老弱运送粮饷，事务繁剧而又财政匮乏，自天子以下备不齐一辆四匹同样颜色马拉的车子，大将丞相有的乘坐牛车，老百姓家无余粒。	When the Han dynasty came to power,it inherited the evils left by the Qin.The able-bodied men were all away with the army,while the old and underage busily transported supplies for them.There was much hard work and little wealth.The Son of Heaven himself could not find four horses of the same colour to draw his carriage,many of his generals and ministers were reduced to getting about in ox carts,and the common people had nothing to lay away in their storehouses.
於是为秦钱重难用，更令民铸钱，一黄金一斤，约法省禁。	于是因秦钱太重不便流通，命老百姓另铸荚钱，规定一金为黄金一斤重，简化法令，省约禁条。	Because the currency of the Qin was heavy and cumbersome to use,the Han ordered the people to mint new coins.The unit for gold was one catty.The laws and prohibitions of the Qin having been simplified or done away with.
而不轨逐利之民，蓄积馀业以稽市物，物踊腾粜，米至石万钱，马一匹则百金。	而那些不守法令、惟利是图的商人囤积居奇以操纵物价，以致物价飞涨，粮价腾踊，米价涨到每石一万钱，马一匹价值百金。	People who were intent upon making a profit by underhanded means began to hoard their wealth,buying up the commodities on the market,so that the price of goods shot up.Grain put up for sale brought as much as 10000 cash a picul,and a horse fetched 100 catties of gold.
天下已平，高祖乃令贾人不得衣丝乘车，重租税以困辱之。	天下平定后，高祖便下命令，商人不许穿丝绸，不许乘车行路，加重征收他们的租税，使他们经济遭困境，人格受侮辱。	After peace had been restored to the empire,Gaozu issued an order forbidding merchants to wear silk or ride in carriages,and increased the taxes that they were obliged to pay in order to hamper and humiliate them.
孝惠、高后时，为天下初定，复弛商贾之律，然市井之子孙亦不得仕宦为吏。	孝惠帝、高后时期，因为天下初得安定，重又放宽对商人的法律，然而商人子孙仍不许当官作吏。	During the reigns of Emperor Hui and Empress Lu,because the empire had only just begun to recover from the period of war and confusion,the laws concerning the merchants were relaxed,though the sons and grandsons of merchant families were prohibited from holding government office.
量吏禄，度官用，以赋於民。	国家计算官吏俸禄和其他用度，向百姓按需收税。	The salaries of officials and the costs of the administration were estimated and the necessary funds collected from the people in the form of a poll tax.
而山川园池市井租税之入，自天子以至于封君汤沐邑，皆各为私奉养焉，不领於天下之经费。	而山林、河川、园囿、陂地、市场的租税收入，以及自天子以下至于大小封君汤沐邑的收入，都作为各主管官员的私人费用，不从国家经费中支出。	Revenues from the natural resources of mountains,rivers,parks,and lakes,as well as those from the government marketplaces and from other kinds of taxes,were all used for the private maintenance of the Son of Heaven or the feudal lords and princesses from whose lands they were collected,and were not entered in the budget for the empire as a whole.
漕转山东粟，以给中都官，岁不过数十万石。	所以从山东漕运粮食，以供给京都中的官员，每年不过数十万石。	The amount of grain transported from east of the mountains each year to supply the officials of the capital did not exceed 200,000 or 300,000 piculs.
至孝文时，荚钱益多，轻，乃更铸四铢钱，其文为“半两”，令民纵得自铸钱。	到孝文帝时，荚钱越来越多，而且轻，于是另铸四株钱，钱文是“半两”，命百姓可以随意自铸钱。	In the time of Emperor Wen,because the"elm-pod"coins,minted earlier had grown too numerous and light in weight,new coins were cast weighing four zhu and inscribed with the words banliang or"half-tael".The people were allowed to mint them at will.
故吴诸侯也，以即山铸钱，富埒天子，其後卒以叛逆。	所以吴是个诸侯国，但它依铜山铸钱，富可与天子相比拟，后来终于成了叛逆。	As a result the king of Wu,though only a feudal lord,was able,by extracting ore from the mountains in his domain and minting coins,to rival the wealth of the Son of Heaven.It was this wealth which he eventually used to start his revolt.
邓通，大夫也，以铸钱财过王者。	邓通是个大夫，因自铸钱，财产超过了诸侯王。	Similarly,Deng Tong,who was only a high official,succeeded in becoming richer than a vassal king by minting coins.
故吴、邓氏钱布天下，而铸钱之禁生焉。	所以吴、邓氏钱遍布天下，导致了禁止私铸钱命令的产生。	The coins of the king of Wu and Deng Tong were soon circulating all over the empire,and as a result the private minting of coinage was finally prohibited.
匈奴数侵盗北边，屯戍者多，边粟不足给食当食者。	匈奴常常侵挠北部边境，在那里屯驻很多戍守的士兵，边境屯粮不足供给。	At this time the Xiongnu were making frequent raids across the northern border,and farming garrisons had to be set up along the frontier to stop them.The grain produced by these garrisons alone,however,was not sufficient to feed all the border troops.
於是募民能输及转粟於边者拜爵，爵得至大庶长。	于是招募百姓能纳粮给官府或者运送粮食到边地的封拜爵位，最高的可至大庶长。	The government then called upon the people to supply grain,offering honourary ranks to those who were prepared to send grain to the frontier.The ranks varied with the amount of grain but reached as high as the eighteenth rank,called dazhushang.
孝景时，上郡以西旱，亦复脩卖爵令，而贱其价以招民；	孝景帝时，上郡以西发生旱灾，又重新修定了卖爵令，降低价格以招徕百姓；	Later,during Emperor Jing's reign,because of the drought which prevailed in Shang Province and the west,the order concerning the sale of ranks was revived,but the price of the ranks was reduced in order to attract more people.
及徒复作，得输粟县官以除罪。	遇赦的罪徒犯重罪罚为官作的，能向官府缴纳粮食以免除罪过。	In addition men who had been condemned to duty on the frontier for a year,together with the women of their families who were sentenced to menial service in the government workshops,were permitted to buy off their sentences by transporting grain to the government.
益造苑马以广用，而宫室列观舆马益增脩矣。	更大造苑囿多养厩马以扩大用度，而官殿、列观、车马等也大量增修起来。	More pastures for raising horses were opened up in order to supply the needs of the nation,and the number of palaces and pleasure towers,carriages and horses at the disposal of the emperor was increased.
至今上即位数岁，汉兴七十馀年之间，国家无事，非遇水旱之灾，民则人给家足，都鄙廪庾皆满，而府库馀货财。	今上（按：指汉武帝）即位不几年，那时自汉朝建国七十多年之间，国家无大事，除非遇到水旱灾害，老百姓家给人足，天下粮食堆得满满的，少府仓库还有许多布帛等货材。	By the time the present emperor had been on the throne a few years,a period of over seventy years had passed since the founding of the Han.During that time the nation had met with no major disturbances so that,except in times of flood or drought,every person was well supplied and every family had enough to get along on.The granaries in the cities and the countryside were full and the government treasuries were running over with wealth.
京师之钱累巨万，贯朽而不可校。	京城积聚的钱币千千万万，以致穿钱的绳子朽烂了，无法计数。	In the capital the strings of cash had been stacked up by the hundreds of millions until the cords that bound them had rotted away and they could no longer be counted.
太仓之粟陈陈相因，充溢露积於外，至腐败不可食。	太仓中的粮食大囤小囤如兵阵相连，有的露积在外，以至腐烂不能食用。	In the central granary of the government,new grain was heaped on top of the old until the building was full and the grain overflowed and piled up outside,where it spoiled and became unfit to eat.
众庶街巷有马，阡陌之间成群，而乘字牝者儐而不得聚会。	普通街巷中的百姓也有马匹，田野中的马匹更是成群，以至乘年轻母马的人受排斥不许参加聚会。	Horses were to be seen even in the streets and lanes of the common people or trooping in great numbers along the paths between the fields,and anyone so poor as to have to ride a mare was disdained by his neighbours and not allowed to join the gatherings of the villagers.
守闾阎者食粱肉，为吏者长子孙，居官者以为姓号。	居住里巷的普通人也吃膏粱肥肉，为吏胥的老死不改任，做官的以官为姓氏名号。	Even the keepers of the community gates ate fine grain and meat.The local officials remained at the same posts long enough to see their sons and grandsons grow to manhood,and the higher officials occupied the same positions so long that they adopted their official titles as surnames.
故人人自爱而重犯法，先行义而後绌耻辱焉。	因此人人知道自爱，把犯法看得很重，崇尚行义，厌弃做耻辱的事。	As a result,men had a sense of self-respect and regarded it as a serious matter to break the law.Their first concern was to act in accordance with what was right and to avoid shame and dishonour.
当此之时，网疏而民富，役财骄溢，或至兼并豪党之徒，以武断於乡曲。	那时候，法网宽疏而百姓富实，因而产生了利用财物作骄奢不法事的人，兼并土地的人家以及土豪巨党，以威势武力横行于乡里。	At this time,however,because the net of the law was slack and the people were rich,it was possible for men to use their wealth to exploit others and to accumulate huge fortunes.Some,such as the great landowners and powerful families,were able to do anything they pleased in the countryside.
宗室有土公卿大夫以下，争于奢侈，室庐舆服僭于上，无限度。	宗室有封地的以至公卿大夫以下，争相奢侈，房屋车服超过了自身等级，没有限度。	While the members of the imperial house and the nobility,the high officials and the lesser government officers,strove to outdo each other in luxurious living;there was no limit to how far each would go in aping the houses,carriages,and dress of his social superiors.
物盛而衰，固其变也。	物盛则衰，本来是事物应有的变化。	But it has ever been the law of change that when things reach their period of greatest flourishing,they must begin to decay.
自是之後，严助、硃买臣等招来东瓯，事两越，江淮之间萧然烦费矣。	从此以后，严助、朱卖臣等招徕东瓯，发生了对两越的战事，江淮之间费用浩大，从而变得萧条而烦乱。	Shortly after this time Zhuang Zhu,Zhu Maichen,and others invited the people of the region of Eastern Ou to move to China,intervening in the war between the two kingdoms of Yue,and the area between the Huai and Yangtze rivers,to which they were transferred was put to great trouble and expense.
唐蒙、司马相如开路西南夷，凿山通道千馀里，以广巴蜀，巴蜀之民罢焉。	唐蒙、司马相如开通西南夷的道路，为此凿山劈岭，修路一千多里，以扩大巴蜀与外界的联系，巴蜀的百姓疲惫不堪了。	Tang Meng and Sima Xiangru opened up a road to the land of the barbarians in the southwest,cutting a passage over 1,000 li long through the mountains in order to broaden the provinces of Ba and Shu,but the undertaking exhausted the people of these regions.
彭吴贾灭朝鲜，置沧海之郡，则燕齐之间靡然发动。	彭吴开通入秽貊、朝鲜的道路，设置了沧海郡，燕齐之间如风靡草偃一般骚动起来。	Peng Wu established relations with the peoples of Weimo and Chaoxian and set up the province of Canghai on the Korean Peninsula,but the move caused great unrest among the inhabitants of the neighbouring states of Yan and Qi.
及王恢设谋马邑，匈奴绝和亲，侵扰北边，兵连而不解，天下苦其劳，而干戈日滋。	及至王诙在马邑设计谋袭击匈奴，匈奴与汉断绝和亲关系，不断侵扰北部边境，兵连祸结，无法和解，天下人为此烦劳，叫苦不迭，而战争还是日甚一日。	After Wang Hui made his unsuccessful attempt to ambush the Xiongnu at Mayi,peaceful relations with the Xiongnu came to an end and they began to invade and plunder the northern border.Army had to be dispatched time and again and could not be disbanded,causing extreme hardship to the empire.As the conflicts became fiercer day by day.
行者赍，居者送，中外骚扰而相奉，百姓抏弊以巧法，财赂衰秏而不赡。	行人为战事运载物资，居住的则忙于送行，内外扰嚷骚动，都为战争而忙碌，百姓舞弊钻法律的空隙，财物衰竭消耗而不足于用。	Men set off to war carrying their pack of provisions,while those left behind at home had to send more and more goods to keep them supplied.Those at home and those on the frontier were kept busy serving the empire and supplying rations until the common people were exhausted and began to look for some clever way to evade the laws.The funds of the government were soon used up.
入物者补官，出货者除罪，选举陵迟，廉耻相冒，武力进用，法严令具。	缴纳财物的做官，出具货赂的除罪，选官制度被破坏，廉耻不分，有武力者被重用，法律严酷而命令繁琐。	And in order to supply the deficiencies it was agreed that men who presented goods would be appointed to official positions,and those who made appropriate contributions would be pardoned for their crimes.The old system of selecting officials on the basis of merit fell into disuse,and modesty and a sense of shame became rare qualities.Military achievement was now the key to advancement.The laws were made stricter and more detailed.
兴利之臣自此始也。	善于为国刮财谋利的官员从此产生了。	And officials whose main job was to make a profit for the government for the first time appeared in office.
其後汉将岁以数万骑出击胡，及车骑将军青取匈奴河南地，筑朔方。	后来汉将每年以数万骑出击胡人，终至车骑将军卫青攻占匈奴河套以南的土地，修筑了朔方城。	After this the Han generals every year led forces of 20,000 or 30,000 cavalry in attacks on the barbarians and the general of carriage and cavalry Wei Qing seized the region south of the bend of the Yellow River from the Xiongnu and fortified Shuofang.
当是时，汉通西南夷道，作者数万人，千里负担馈粮，率十馀锺致一石，散币於邛僰以集之。	那时候，汉朝正在打通西南夷的道路，动用数万人，从千里之外肩扛担挑运送粮食，大约每十余钟运到的只有一石，将钱币散于邛、僰地区以招徕那里的人民。	At the same time the Han government was building the road through the region of the southwestern barbarians,employing a force of 20,000 or 30,000 labourers.Provisions for them had to be carried for a distance of 1,000 li,and often ten or more zhong sent out,only one picul,or less than one tenth of the original amount,reached its destination.In addition gifts of money were distributed to the inhabitants of Qiong and Bo in order to win their support.
数岁道不通，蛮夷因以数攻，吏发兵诛之。	一连数年道路不通，那里的蛮夷人乘机屡次进攻，官吏发兵诛杀他们。	Several years passed,however,and the road was still not completed.In the meantime,the barbarians several times attacked the labourers,and the Han officials were forced to call out troops to control them.
悉巴蜀租赋不足以更之，乃募豪民田南夷，入粟县官，而内受钱於都内。	以巴蜀地区的全部租税不足以维持这种局面，于是招募豪民在南夷地区种田，将收获的粮食卖给当地县官，而到京都内府支取粮款。	All the taxes from the region of Ba and Shu were insufficient to cover the expenses of the road,and it was decided to invite wealthy families to open up farms in the region of the southern barbarians;for any grain which they turned over to the government,they would be reimbursed in cash by the financial officers of the ministry of agriculture in the capital.
东至沧海之郡，人徒之费拟於南夷。	向东开凿通向沧海郡的道路，人工的费用与南夷相仿佛。	Again,when the road was opened up to the province of Canghai in the east,the expenditures for labourers were just as great.
又兴十万馀人筑卫朔方，转漕甚辽远，自山东咸被其劳，费数十百巨万，府库益虚。	又调发十万多人修筑并守卫朔方郡，水陆运输的路程极为辽远，自山以东都承受了这个负担，花费数十万以至百万万，府库更加空虚。	In addition,a force of over 100,000 men was conscripted to build the fortifications at Shuofang and guard them.Provisions for all these undertakings had to be transported great distances over land and water,and the burden fell upon all the regions east of the mountains.Expenditures ran from two to three to ten billions of cash and the government treasuries became emptier than ever.
乃募民能入奴婢得以终身复，为郎增秩，及入羊为郎，始於此。	于是招募百姓能向政府缴纳奴婢的，得以终身免除租赋徭役，原是郎官的增加品级，以及纳羊者得郎官，就始于此时。	An order was issued allowing those who presented male or female slaves to the government to be exempted from military and labour services for life or,if the donor was already a palace attendant and therefore exempt,to receive an advancement in rank.It even reached the point where men were made palace attendants because of donations of sheep!
其後四年，而汉遣大将将六将军，军十馀万，击右贤王，获首虏万五千级。	过了四年，汉派遗大将率领六位将军，十多万军队，出击匈奴右贤王，杀死及俘获共一万五千人。	Four years later(124 BC)the general in chief Wei Qing,commanding six generals and an army of over 100,000,attacked the Xiongnu leader known as the Wise King of the Right,beheading or capturing 15,000 of the enemy.
明年，大将军将六将军仍再出击胡，得首虏万九千级。	第二年，大将军率六将再次出击胡人，杀死及俘获一万九千人。	The following year Wei Qing again led six generals in another attack on the barbarians,beheading or capturing 19,000 men.
捕斩首虏之士受赐黄金二十馀万斤，虏数万人皆得厚赏，衣食仰给县官；	赏赐给杀获敌人的将士黄金多达二十多万斤，投降的胡虏数万人也得到很厚的赏赐，衣服、食物全都仰仗县官供给。	Those who had beheaded or captured enemy soldiers were presented with gifts totalling over 200,000 catties of gold.Generous gifts were also given to the tens of thousands of enemy captives,and food and clothing were supplied to them by the government.
而汉军之士马死者十馀万，兵甲之财转漕之费不与焉。	而汉军士、马匹死了十多万，兵器甲仗等物水陆运输的费用还都不计算在内。	The men and horses killed on the Han side amounted to over 100,000.In addition there were the expenses for weapons and the cost of provisions transported to the armies.
於是大农陈藏钱经秏，赋税既竭，犹不足以奉战士。	于是大农条陈说，倾尽库藏钱和赋税收入仍不足以供给战士的费用。	By this time the reserves of cash stored up by the ministry of agriculture from earlier years had been exhausted and the revenue from taxes had likewise been used up,so that there was not enough money left to support the troops.
有司言：“天子曰‘朕闻五帝之教不相复而治，禹汤之法不同道而王，所由殊路，而建德一也。北边未安，朕甚悼之。日者，大将军攻匈奴，斩首虏万九千级，留蹛无所食。议令民得买爵及赎禁锢免减罪’。	负责人员道：“天子说：‘朕听说五帝的教命不相重复天下同样得到治理，禹和汤法律不同都是一代之王，走的路子不同，建立的功德则完全相同。北部边境未得安宁，朕深念于此。这些日子以来，大将军攻匈奴，斩首并俘获一万九千人，而富人屯积财物，贫者没有粮食吃。你们商量一下，命百姓出钱买爵并得以缴纳赎金减免禁锢等罪刑。’”	When the officials reported this fact to the emperor,he replied,"I have been told that the Five Emperors of antiquity did not necessarily follow the same policies,and yet they all achieved good government;that the rulers Yu and Tang did not necessarily use the same kind of laws,though they were both worthy kings.The roads they followed were different,but all led to the same ultimate goal of establishing virtue.Now peace has not yet been restored to the northern frontier,a fact which grieves me deeply.Recently the general in chief attacked the Xiongnu and beheaded or captured 19,000 of the enemy,and yet the reward and supplies due him and his men are held back and they have not yet received them.Let deliberations begin on a law to allow the people to purchase honourary ranks and to buy mitigations of punishments or freedom from prohibition against holding office."
请置赏官，命曰武功爵。级十七万，凡直三十馀万金。	据此，请准于设置赏官，名为武功爵。每级价十七万，共值三十多万金。	The officials responded by requesting the establishment of honourary official positions,to be known as"ranks of military merit".One grade of the rank was to be priced at 10,000 cash,the total value of the sale amounting to over 300,000 catties of gold.
诸买武功爵官首者试补吏，先除；千夫如五大夫；其有罪又减二等；爵得至乐卿：以显军功。	凡买武功爵到官首一级的，可通过测试补为吏，并优先除授；千夫一级与五大夫相当；有罪的降二等；武功爵最高可至乐卿。以此使军功显荣。	Among the purchasers of"ranks of military merit"those of the guanshou or fifth grade or above were to be accorded the same privileges as regular government officials of the fifth lord class.Those guilty of some crime were to have two grades deducted from the ranks they purchased but were to be allowed to purchase as high as leqing,the eighth grade.The purpose of this was to honour military achievements.
军功多用越等，大者封侯卿大夫，小者郎吏。	而实际军功爵有许多超过了这个等级，大者封侯或封卿大夫，小者为朗为吏。	But where such achievements were particularly numerous,the awards exceeded the limits set for the various grades,so that those with the most distinguished records were enfeoffed as marquises or appointed as high government officials.
吏道杂而多端，则官职秏废。	吏制杂乱多端，官员名位变轻，职任也荒废了。	As a result,so many avenues to official position were opened and such confusion reigned that the whole system of government offices broke down in chaos.
自公孙弘以春秋之义绳臣下取汉相，张汤用唆文决理为廷尉，於是见知之法生，而废格沮诽穷治之狱用矣。	自从公孙弘以《春秋》大义绳治官民，从而取得汉丞相的职位，张汤以峻文苛法断事当上了延尉，于是产生了因“见知不举报”、“不遵天子之命”、“沮格、诽谤”等罪名，便穷治不休，以致入监入狱的事。	After Gongsun Hong secured the post of chancellor because of his recommendations for correcting the conduct of ministers according to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals,and after Zhang Tang was made commandant of justice because of his enforcement of decisions on the basis of severe laws,the legal principle that anyone who allows a criminal act to go unreported is as guilty as the criminal himself came into being,and the law officials were busily engaged in conducting investigations of officials who ignored,impeded,or criticized the orders of the government.
其明年，淮南、衡山、江都王谋反迹见，而公卿寻端治之，竟其党与，而坐死者数万人，长吏益惨急而法令明察。	第二年出现了淮南、衡山、江都王谋反的事，公卿寻根究底，审理此案，把他们的党羽一网打尽，获罪而死的达到数万人，从此官吏更加惨急，法今更加苛细了。	The following year(122 BC)the plans for revolt laid by the kings of Huainan,Hengshan,and Jiangdu came to light.The high ministers conducted a thorough investigation of everyone connected with the affair and ferreted out all the conspirators.Twenty or thirty thousand persons were tried and executed.The government authorities became increasingly cruel and exacting and the laws more precise and detailed than ever.
当是之时，招尊方正贤良文学之士，或至公卿大夫。	那时候，朝廷正在招揽、尊崇方正、贤良、文学等士人，有的升任为卿大夫。	At this time the emperor had sent out a call for men of unusual character and learning to take positions in the government,and some of them had reached the highest offices.
公孙弘以汉相，布被，食不重味，为天下先。	公孙弘以汉朝丞相的身份，盖布被，饭食也很简单，欲以此作天下人的榜样。	Among them Gongsun Hong,who became chancellor,made a point of using coarse bedding and refusing to eat highly spiced food,hoping to set an example for the empire.
然无益於俗，稍骛於功利矣。	但是对世人影响很小，从此便渐渐以功利为务了。	His efforts,however,had no effect upon the customs of the time and men only devoted themselves with greater energy to the pursuit of reward and gain.
其明年，骠骑仍再出击胡，获首四万。	第二年，骠骑将军再次出击胡人，斩敌首四万级。	The following year the general of swift cavalry Huo Qubing led another attack on the Xiongnu,returning with 40,000 enemy heads.
其秋，浑邪王率数万之众来降，於是汉发车二万乘迎之。	当年秋天，匈奴浑邪王率领数万人投降，于是，汉朝廷调发二万辆车迎接。	In the autumn the Hunye king,leading 30,000 or 40,000 of his barbarian subjects,came to surrender to the Han.The Han despatched 20,000 carriages to meet them.
既至，受赏，赐及有功之士。是岁费凡百馀巨万。	降人到京城后，受到赏赐，连同有功将士也一并受了赏。这一年花费达一百多万万钱。	When they arrived in the capital,gifts and rewards were bestowed upon them,as well as upon the Han soldiers who had distinguished themselves.This year the total expenditures amounted to over ten billion cash.
初，先是往十馀岁河决观，梁楚之地固已数困，而缘河之郡隄塞河，辄决坏，费不可胜计。	起初，于十数年前黄河决口于观县，梁楚地区原已数次遭困，而缘河诸郡筑堤塞河，每每重又堤坏河决，费用之多无法计算。	Some ten or more years previous to this the Yellow River had broken its banks in the region of Guan,and during the years that followed,the regions of Liang and Chu suffered repeatedly from floods.The provinces bordering the river would no sooner repair the embankments then the water would break through again,so that an incalculable amount of money was spent in vain.
其後番系欲省底柱之漕，穿汾、河渠以为溉田，作者数万人；	此后番系欲节省砥柱漕运的费用，引汾水、黄河水为渠造渠田，开渠的达数万人；	Some time after this Pan Xi,hoping to avoid the difficulties involved in transporting grain past Mt.Dizhu on the Yellow River,began work on irrigation canals from the Yellow and Fen rivers which were intended to open up the region between the two rivers for farming,a project requiring a labour force of 20,000 or 30,000 men.
郑当时为渭漕渠回远，凿直渠自长安至华阴，作者数万人；	郑当时因渭水漕运曲折路远，自长安到华阴开凿一条直渠，有数万人施工；	Zheng Dangshi,considering the transport of grain via the Wei River to be too lengthy and circuitous,began work on a canal running directly from Chang'an to Huayin,a project which required a similar number of labourers.
朔方亦穿渠，作者数万人：各历二三期，功未就，费亦各巨万十数。	朔方郡也开凿水渠，数万人参加。各自都历时二三年之久，功且未成，花费也都达到数十万万。	Still other canals were under construction at Shuofang,requiring the same number of labourers.Each of these projects had been in progress for two or three years without reaching completion and each necessitated expenditures ranging into billions of cash.
天子为伐胡，盛养马，马之来食长安者数万匹，卒牵掌者关中不足，乃调旁近郡。	天子为讨伐胡人，大量养马，到长安就食的马多达数万匹，养马士卒关中不足，就从附近诸郡调发。	The emperor also turned his attention to the large-scale raising of horses for use in campaigns against the barbarians.Twenty or thirty thousand horses were brought to the region of Chang'an to be pastured,but as there were not enough conscripts in the area within the Pass to train and take care of them,men were recruited from the neighbouring provinces.
而胡降者皆衣食县官，县官不给，天子乃损膳，解乘舆驷，出御府禁藏以赡之。	而投降的胡人都靠县官供给衣食，县官财力不足，天子就减少膳食费用，解下自己乘车上的马匹，从私人仓库御府中拿出钱财养活他们。	The Xiongnu barbarians who had surrendered were all supposed to be fed and clothed by the government,but funds in the government offices proved insufficient,and the emperor was obliged to reduce the expenses of his own table,dispense with his carriage drawn by four horses of matched colour,and pay out money from his private reserves in order to make up the deficiency.
其明年，山东被水菑，民多饥乏，於是天子遣使者虚郡国仓廥以振贫民。	第二年，山以东地区遭受水灾，老百姓大多陷于饥饿困乏之中，于是天子派遗使者，尽出郡国仓库中的物资赈济贫民。	The next year(120 BC)the lands east of the mountains were troubled by floods and many of the people were reduced to starvation.The emperor despatched envoys to the provinces and kingdoms to empty the granaries and relieve the sufferings of the poor.
犹不足，又募豪富人相贷假。	仍不够用，又招募豪富人家借贷予贫民。	But there was not enough food to go around.He then called upon wealthy families to make loans to the needy.
尚不能相救，乃徙贫民於关以西，及充朔方以南新秦中，七十馀万口，衣食皆仰给县官。	还是不能救灾民脱困境，就把贫民迁徙到关西，或充实到朔方郡以南的新秦中去，约七十余万人，衣食都靠县官供给。	But even this did not remedy the situation.At last he ordered some 700,000 of the poor to emigrate and resettle in the lands west of the Pass and the region of New Qin south of Shuofang.Food and clothing were to be supplied to them for the first few years by the government officials.
数岁，假予产业，使者分部护之，冠盖相望。	数年之间，借给他们产业，派使者分部保护他们，一批批的天子使者，冠盖相望，道路不绝。	who were also instructed to lend them what they needed to start a livelihood.Envoys sent to supervise the various groups of emigrants poured out of the capital in such numbers that their cart and carriage covers were constantly in sight of each other on the roads.
其费以亿计，不可胜数。於是县官大空。	费用以亿计，多不可计算。于是县官财力告竭。	The expenses of the move were estimated in the billions,the final sum reaching incalculable proportions.By this time the funds of the government officials were completely exhausted.
而富商大贾或蹛财役贫，转毂百数，废居居邑，封君皆低首仰给。	然而富商大贾有的蓄积财物，奴役贫民；前呼后拥，车乘百余辆；屯积居奇，封君对他们也都伏首低眉，仰仗他们供给物资。	The rich merchants and big traders,however,were busy accumulating wealth and forcing the poor into their hire,transporting goods back and forth in hundreds of carts,buying up surplus commodities and hoarding them in the villages;even the feudal lords were forced to go to them with bowed heads and beg for what they needed.
冶铸煮盐，财或累万金，而不佐国家之急，黎民重困。	有的冶铸煮盐，家财积累到万金，而不帮助国家的急难，黎民百姓陷于重困之中。	Others who were engaged in smelting iron and extracting salt from sea water accumulated fortunes amounting to tens of thousands of catties of gold,and yet they did nothing to help the distress of the nation,and the common people were plunged deeper and deeper into misery.
於是天子与公卿议，更钱造币以赡用，而摧浮淫并兼之徒。	于是天子与公卿商议，另造钱币以足用，并打击摧折那些浮华荒淫的兼并之徒。	With this the emperor consulted his high ministers on plans to change the coinage and issue a new currency in order to provide for the expenses of the state and to suppress the idle and unscrupulous landlords who were acquiring such huge estates.
是时禁苑有白鹿而少府多银锡。	那时皇帝苑囿中有白鹿，少府有许多银锡。	At this time there were white deer in the imperial park,while the privy treasury was in possession of a considerable amount of silver and tin.
自孝文更造四铢钱，至是岁四十馀年，从建元以来，用少，县官往往即多铜山而铸钱，民亦间盗铸钱，不可胜数。	自孝文帝另造四铢钱以来，已有四十多年，从建元年间以来，用度不足，县官往往在产铜多的山旁冶铜铸钱，百姓也乘机偷铸，数目很大。	It had been over forty years since Emperor Wen changed over to the four-zhu copper coins.From the beginning of Emperor Wu's reign,because revenue in coin had been rather scarce,the government officials had from time to time extracted copper from the mountains in their areas and minted new coins,while among the common people there was a good deal of illegal minting of coins until the number in circulation had grown beyond estimate.
钱益多而轻，物益少而贵。	钱越来越多而且轻，货物越来越少而且贵。	As the coins became more numerous and of poorer quality,goods became scarcer and higher in price.
有司言曰：“古者皮币，诸侯以聘享。金有三等，黄金为上，白金为中，赤金为下。”	有关机构的官员说：“古时候有皮币，诸侯骋享时使用。金有三等，黄金是上等，白金为中等，赤金为下等。”	The officials therefore advised the emperor,saying,"In ancient times,currency made of hides was used by the feudal lords for gifts and presentations.At present there are three types of metal in use:gold,which is the most precious;silver,which ranks second;and copper,which is third."
今半两钱法重四铢，而奸或盗摩钱里取鋊，钱益轻薄而物贵，则远方用币烦费不省。”	如今的半两钱法定重量是四铢，而奸盗人等摩钱里以取铜屑，钱更轻薄物价更贵，远方用钱很不方便。”	The"half-tael"coins now in use are supposed by law to weigh four zhu,but people have tampered with them to such an extent,illegally filing off bits of copper from the reverse side,that they have become increasingly light and thin and the price of goods has accordingly risen.Such currency is extremely troublesome and expensive to use,especially in distant regions."
乃以白鹿皮方尺，缘以藻缋，为皮币，直四十万。	于是以白鹿皮一尺见方，饰以绣文，制成皮币，直四十万钱。	The white deer in the imperial park were accordingly killed and their hides cut into one-foot squares,embroidered at the borders with silk thread of different colours,and made into deer currency.Each square was valued at 400,000 cash.
王侯宗室朝觐聘享，必以皮币荐璧，然后得行。	规定王侯宗室来朝觐聘享，玉璧都必须以皮币作衬垫进献，然后礼仪得行。	When members of the imperial house and the nobility appeared at court in the spring and autumn and offered their gifts to the throne,they were required to present their insignia upon one of these deerskin squares before they were allowed to proceed with the ceremony.
又造银锡为白金。以为填用莫如龙，地用莫如马，人用莫如龟，故白金三品：	又杂铸银锡制成白金，认为天所用最重要的是龙，地所用最重要的是马，人所用最重要的是龟，所以把白金分作三品：	In addition,"white metal"coins were made from an alloy of silver and tin.Since the dragon is most useful in the heavens,the horse most useful on earth and the tortoise most useful to mankind,the coins were made in three grades.
其一曰重八两，圜之，其文龙，名曰“白选”，直三千；	第一品重八两，圆形，花纹为龙，名为“白选”，值三千钱；	The first was inscribed“weight eight taels”and was round,with a picture of a dragon on it.It was called a"white choice"and was valued at 3,000 cash.
二曰以重差小，方之，其文马，直五百；	第二品重量较小，方形，花纹是马，值五百钱；	The second was inscribed less in weight,was square,and bore a picture of a horse;it was worth 500 cash.
三曰复小，撱之，其文龟，直三百。	第三品又小一些，椭圆形，花纹是龟，值三百钱。	The third was inscribed"still less in weight",was oval in shape,and bore a picture of a tortoise.It was valued at 300 cash.
令县官销半两钱，更铸三铢钱，文如其重。	命令县官销毁半两钱，另铸三铢钱，钱文与重量相同。	Orders were sent to the government officials to melt down the old“half-tael”coins and mint new three-zhu coins,inscribed with their weight.
盗铸诸金钱罪皆死，而吏民之盗铸白金者不可胜数。	盗铸各种金钱的一律是死罪，但是盗铸白金的吏民仍是不可胜数。	Orders were also given that all persons found guilty of illegally minting any of the new silver or copper coins should be put to death.In spite of this,however,any number of persons in the government and among the people were apprehended for illegally minting silver coins.
於是以东郭咸阳、孔仅为大农丞，领盐铁事；桑弘羊以计算用事，侍中。	于是任命东郭咸阳、孔仅为大农丞，兼领盐铁事；桑弘羊以计算被任命为侍中。	At this time Dongguo Xianyang and Kong Jin were appointed assistants to the ministry of agriculture and put in charge of the control of salt and iron,while Sang Hongyang,because of his experience in money matters,was given a post in the palace.
咸阳，齐之大煮盐，孔仅，南阳大冶，皆致生累千金，故郑当时进言之。	咸阳，是齐地煮盐的大商人，孔仅是南阳地区冶铸业的首户，产业都积累到千金以上的规模，所以郑当时才向朝廷推荐他们。	Dongguo Xianyang was a leading salt manufacturer of Qi,and Kong Jin a great iron smelter of Nanyang;both of them had accumulated fortunes amounting to 1,000 catties of gold and for that reason had been recommended for office by Zheng Dangshi.
弘羊，雒阳贾人子，以心计，年十三侍中。故三人言利事析秋豪矣。	弘羊，是雒阳商人的儿子，因善于心算，十三岁就当了侍中。这三人讲求财利的事那真可说是精细入微，察见毫末了。	Sang Hongyang was the son of a merchant of Luoyang who,because of his ability to work sums in his head,had been made a palace attendant at the age of thirteen.When it came to a question of how to make a profit,therefore,the three of them knew their business down to the smallest detail.
法既益严，吏多废免。兵革数动，民多买复及五大夫，徵发之士益鲜。	法律既然越来越严酷，官吏多因罪免官。加上不断打仗，百姓买爵以求免赋役，大多买到五大夫一级，官府可徵发的人越来越少了。	By this time the laws had been made much stricter,and many of the lesser officials had been dismissed from office as a result.Military expeditions were frequent,but since many people had bought exemption from military service,purchasing ranks as high as the equivalent of fifth lord,there were fewer and fewer men left who could be called into service.
於是除千夫五大夫为吏，不欲者出马；故吏皆適令伐棘上林，作昆明池。	于是除授有千夫、五大夫爵位的人为吏，不愿为吏的向官府交马匹求免；原来为吏的都免去职务，责令到上林苑砍伐荆棘，或去开凿昆明池。	The government therefore decided to demote men of the qianfu or fifth lord rank to the level of petty officials,making them subject to conscription;anyone who wished to avoid service was then obliged to present a horse to the government.The petty officials who had been dismissed were punished by being made to cut underbrush in the Shanglin Park or work on the construction of the Kunming Lake.
其明年，大将军、骠骑大出击胡，得首虏八九万级，赏赐五十万金，汉军马死者十馀万匹，转漕车甲之费不与焉。	第二年，大将军、骠骑将军大规模出兵与胡人作战，捕获斩杀敌人八九万，赏赐有功将士五十万金，汉军死于战场的马多达十余万匹，运输和制造兵车衣甲的费用还不计算在内。	The following year(119 BC)the general in chief Wei Qing and the general of swift cavalry Huo Qubing marched in great force to attack the Xiongnu,capturing or killing 80,000 or 90,000 of the barbarians.Rewards handed out to the expedition amounted to 50,000 catties of gold.The Han armies lost over 100,000 horses.In addition,there were the usual costs for transporting provisions and for carriages and weapons.
是时财匮，战士颇不得禄矣。	当时财政匮乏，战士有许多人得不到俸禄。	At this time the government treasuries were so depleted that the fighting men received hardly any of their pay.
有司言三铢钱轻，易奸诈，乃更请诸郡国铸五铢钱，周郭其下，令不可磨取鋊焉。	有关机构的人说三铢钱重量小，容易从中舞弊，于是请准于诸郡铸五铢钱，将钱背面四周加厚为钱郭，使人无法磨取铜屑。	The officials,complaining that the three-zhu coins were too light and easy to tamper with,proposed that the provinces and feudal kingdoms be ordered to mint five-zhu coins with rims around the edge of the reverse side so that it would be impossible to file them down without detection.
大农上盐铁丞孔仅、咸阳言：“山海，天地之藏也，皆宜属少府，陛下不私，以属大农佐赋。	大农奏上盐铁丞孔仅、东郭咸阳的话说：“山海是天地藏物的大仓库，都应该属于少府，陛下不为私有，命属于大农作为赋税的补充。	The minister of agriculture also brought to the emperor's attention a proposal of his assistants in charge of salt and iron,Kong Jin and Dongguo Xianyang,which read:"Mountains and seas are the storehouses of heaven and earth,and it is proper that any revenue from them should go to the privy treasury of the Son of Heaven.Your Majesty,however,being of an unselfish nature,has turned over the control of these natural resources to the ministry of agriculture to supplement the income from taxes.
原募民自给费，因官器作煮盐，官与牢盆。	请准于招募百姓自备经费，使用官府器具煮盐，官府供给牢盆。	We propose,therefore,that the manufacture of salt be permitted to any of the common people who are willing to supply their own capital and agree to use implements furnished by the government,Evaporating pans will be rented to them by the officials.
浮食奇民欲擅管山海之货，以致富羡，役利细民。其沮事之议，不可胜听。	一些浮游无籍的人欲独占山海的利益，求取财富，奴役贫民取利。他们阻挠此事的议论，听不胜听。	At present there are people with no fixed residence or occupation who attempt without authority to gain control of the resources of the mountains and seas,accumulating enormous fortunes and exploiting the poor.Countless proposals have already been made on ways to prevent this situation.
敢私铸铁器煮盐者，釱左趾，没入其器物。	建议敢于私铸铁器、煮盐的，钛其左脚趾，没收其器物用具。	We suggest that anyone who dares to cast his own iron vessels and engage in the evaporation of salt be condemned to wear fetters on his left foot,and that his vessels and other equipment be confiscated by the government.
郡不出铁者，置小铁官，便属在所县。”	不产铁的郡设置小铁官，隶属于所在县。”	In provinces which do not produce iron,suboffices for the control of iron goods should be set up,subject for convenience's sake to the jurisdiction of the district in which they are located."
使孔仅、东郭咸阳乘传举行天下盐铁，作官府，除故盐铁家富者为吏。	于是使孔仅、东郭咸阳乘着传舍的车子到各地去督促实行官办盐铁，建立官府，除授原来经营盐铁的富家为吏。	As a result of this proposal,Kong Jin and Dongguo Xianyang were sent by post carriage to travel about the empire and put into effect their scheme for salt and iron monopolies,establishing the necessary government bureaus.Wealthy men who had previously been engaged in the salt and iron industries were appointed as officials in the bureaus.
吏道益杂，不选，而多贾人矣。	吏制更加杂乱，不再行选举制，官吏中有许多是商人。	so that the way to official position became even more confused,depending less and less upon the older methods of selection,and many merchants actually got to be government officials.
商贾以币之变，多积货逐利。	商人因钱经常改变，就多积货物以追逐利润。	The merchants,taking advantage of the frequent changes in currency,had been hoarding goods in order to make a profit.
於是公卿言：“郡国颇被菑害，贫民无产业者，募徙广饶之地。	于是公卿建议说：“郡国颇受灾害，贫民没有产业的，招募他们迁徙到地多而富饶的地方。	The high officials therefore announced to the emperor:"The provinces and kingdoms have suffered from repeated disasters and many of the poorest people who had no means of livelihood have been moved to broader and more fertile lands.
陛下损膳省用，出禁钱以振元元，宽贷赋，而民不齐出於南亩，商贾滋众。	陛下为此降低膳食等级、节省费用，拿出皇宫中的钱来赈济百姓，放宽借贷的利率和赋税等级，然而百姓仍不能都去田亩中耕作，商人数目不断增加。	To effect this,Your Majesty has economized on food and other expenses and paid out funds from the privy treasury to relieve the sufferings of your subjects,liberalizing the terms of loans and taxes.And yet there are still some who do not turn to the work of the fields,while merchants grow more numerous than ever.
贫者畜积无有，皆仰县官。	贫民没有积蓄，都仰赖县官供给衣食。	The poor have no stores of provisions left and must look to the government for support.
异时算轺车贾人缗钱皆有差，请算如故。	以前轺车、商人所有的缗钱都要征收多少不等的算赋，请准许像往时一样出算赋。	Formerly graded taxes were levied on small carts and on the strings of cash in the possession of merchants.We request that these taxes be levied again in the same way as before.
诸贾人末作贳贷卖买，居邑稽诸物，及商以取利者，虽无市籍，各以其物自占，率缗钱二千而一算。	那些属于末作的商人凡赊贷买卖，屯积居奇，以及营商取利的人，即使没有市籍，也要各自按自己的货物，赀产认定应占的算赋等级，通常是缗钱二千为一算。	All merchants and those engaged in secondary occupations,all those who lend money to interest,who buy up goods and hoard them in the villages,and who travel about in search of profit,although their names are not listed on the market registers,should be required to make a declaration of their possessions and should be taxed at the rate of one suan(120 cash)for each 2,000 cash.
诸作有租及铸，率缗钱四千一算。	诸种手工行业有租税以及冶铸业的人家，大抵四千缗为一算。	For all craftsmen and founders who have already paid a tax to carry on their occupation,the rate should be one suan on each 4,000 cash.
非吏比者三老、北边骑士，轺车以一算；商贾人轺车二算；船五丈以上一算。	不属于官吏的三老、北部边境的骑士，有轺车一辆为一算；商人有轺车一辆为二算；有船长五丈以上的为一算。	All those who are not equal in rank to petty officials,or who are not"elders"or soldiers engaged in the defence of the northern frontier,should be required to pay one suan for each cart:but for merchants the rate should be two suan per cart.Boats five zhang or more in length should be taxed one suan.
匿不自占，占不悉，戍边一岁，没入缗钱。	有隐匿不自度赀产，或隐瞒部分赀产的，罚到边境戍守一年，没收赀产。	Anyone hiding his possessions and failing to report them,or failing to make a complete report,should be sent to a frontier post to serve for a year and his wealth should be confiscated.
有能告者，以其半畀之。	有能告发的，给予被告发者赀产的一半。	Anyone who can produce evidence that a false report has been made should receive half of the wealth confiscated as a reward.
贾人有市籍者，及其家属，皆无得籍名田，以便农。	商人有市籍的，连同他的家属，都不许占有土地，以有利于农民。	Merchants who are enrolled in the market registers,as well as the members of their families,should be forbidden to register any farm lands in their names.The purpose of this would be to benefit the farmers.
敢犯令，没入田僮。”	有敢违犯此令的，没收为他种田的田仆入官。”	Anyone found guilty of violating this law should have his lands and field labourers confiscated."
天子乃思卜式之言，召拜式为中郎，爵左庶长，赐田十顷，布告天下，使明知之。	天子于是想起卜式的话，封他官为中郎，爵为左庶长，赐给农田十顷，还布告天下，使每个人都知道这件事。	The emperor,impressed by the words of a man named Bu Shi,summoned him to court and made him a palace attendant,giving him the honourary rank of zuoshuchang and presenting him with ten qing of land.These rewards were announced throughout the empire so that everyone might know of Bu Shi's example.
初，卜式者，河南人也，以田畜为事。	卜式是河南人，以种田养畜为业。	Bu Shi was a native of Henan,where his family made a living by farming and animal raising.
亲死，式有少弟，弟壮，式脱身出分，独取畜羊百馀，田宅财物尽予弟。	当初，父母去世后，留下一个年少的弟弟。等弟弟长大成人，就与他分了家，自己只要了百余只羊，其余田地、房屋等全都留给弟弟。	When his parents died,Bu Shi left home,handing over the house,the lands,and all the family wealth to his younger brother,who by this time was full grown.For his own share he took only 100 or so of the sheep they had been raising,which he led off into the mountains to pasture.
式入山牧十馀岁，羊致千馀头，买田宅。	从此卜式入山牧羊，经过十多年，羊繁育到一千多只，买了田地宅舍。	In the course of ten years or so,Bu Shi's sheep had increased to over 1,000 and he had bought his own house and fields.
而其弟尽破其业，式辄复分予弟者数矣。	他的弟弟却家业尽破，卜式每每再分给他一些。	His younger brother in the meantime had failed completely in the management of the farm,but Bu Shi promptly handed over to him a share of his own wealth.This happened several times.
是时汉方数使将击匈奴，卜式上书，原输家之半县官助边。	这时候汉朝廷正数次遣将出兵对匈奴作战，卜式上书说，愿意把一半家产交给官府作为边境作战费用。	Just at that time the Han was sending its generals at frequent intervals to attack the Xiongnu,Bu Shi journeyed to the capital and submitted a letter to the throne,offering to turn over half of his wealth to the government to help in the defence of the border.
天子使使问式：“欲官乎？”式曰：“臣少牧，不习仕宦，不原也。”	天子派使者问他：“你是想做官吗？”卜式说：“为臣自幼放牧，不熟习官场的事，不愿做官。”	The emperor dispatched an envoy to ask if Bu Shi wanted a post in the government.“From the time I was a child,"Bu Shi replied,"I have been an animal raiser.I have had no experience at government service and would certainly not want such a position."
使问曰：“家岂有冤，欲言事乎？”式曰：“臣生与人无分争。	使者问：“是家中有冤屈，有话要对天子说？”卜式道：“臣生来与人无争。	"Perhaps then your family has suffered some injustice that you would like to report?"inquired the envoy.But Bu Shi answered,"I have never in my life had a quarrel with anyone.
式邑人贫者贷之，不善者教顺之，所居人皆从式，式何故见冤於人！无所欲言也。”	同邑人有贫穷的我就借贷给他，不善良的我就教导他，使他驯良，邻里人都愿听我的话，我怎会受人冤屈！没有要对天子说的话。”	If there are poor men in my village,I lend them what they need,and if there are men who do not behave properly,I guide and counsel them.Where I live everyone does as I say.Why should I suffer any injustice from others?There is nothing I want to report!"
使者曰：“苟如此，子何欲而然？”	使者说：“那么，你捐了这么多家产，究竟为了何事？”	“If that is the case,"said the envoy,"then what is your objective in making this offer?"
式曰：“天子诛匈奴，愚以为贤者宜死节於边，有财者宜输委，如此而匈奴可灭也。”	卜式道：“天子要讨伐匈奴，我认为应该有力的出力，有钱的出钱，这样才能灭掉匈奴。”	Bu Shi replied."The Son of Heaven has set out to punish the Xiongnu.In my humble opinion,every worthy man should be willing to fight to the death to defend the borders,and every person with wealth ought to contribute to the expense.If this were done,then the Xiongnu could be wiped out!"
使者具其言入以闻。天子以语丞相弘。	使者把他的话回报了天子。天子又转告公孙弘丞相。	The envoy made a complete record of Bu Shi's words and reported them to the emperor.The emperor discussed the matter with the chancellor Gongsun Hong.
弘曰：“此非人情。不轨之臣，不可以为化而乱法，原陛下勿许。”	公孙弘说：“这不合人情。不守法度的人，不可以作天下楷模以扰乱了法纪，原陛下不要再去理会他。”	but the latter said,“The proposal is simply not in accord with human nature!Such eccentric people are of no use in guiding the populace,but only throw the laws into confusion.I beg Your Majesty not to accept his offer!"
於是上久不报式，数岁，乃罢式。式归，复田牧。	于是天子很久没给卜式答复，数年后，打发他离开京城。卜式回家后，依旧种田放牧。	For this reason the emperor put off answering Bu Shi for a long time,and finally,after several years had passed,turned down the offer,whereupon Bu Shi went back to his fields and pastures.
岁馀，会军数出，浑邪王等降，县官费众，仓府空。	过了一年多，正赶上汉军屡次出征，浑邪王等人投降，县官花费很大，仓库空虚。	A year or so later the armies marched off on several more expeditions,and the Hunye king and his people surrendered to the Han.As a result the expenditures of the government increased greatly and the granaries and treasures were soon empty.
其明年，贫民大徙，皆仰给县官，无以尽赡。	第二年，贫民大迁徙，都靠县官供给，县官没有力量全部负担起来。	The following year a number of poor people were transferred to other regions,all of them depending upon the government for their support,and there were not enough supplies to go around.
卜式持钱二十万予河南守，以给徙民。	卜式拿着二十万钱交给河南太守，作为被迁百姓的花费。	At this point Bu Shi took 200,000 cash of his own and turned the sum over to the governor of Henan to assist the people who were emigrating to other regions.
河南上富人助贫人者籍，天子见卜式名，识之，曰“是固前而欲输其家半助边”，乃赐式外繇四百人。	河南呈上富人资助贫人的籍账，天子见到上面卜式的名子，尚能记得，说道：“这是前些日子，要献一半家产助边的那个人”，于是赐给卜式免戍边徭役四百人的权力。	A list of the wealthy men of Henan who had contributed to the aid of the poor was sent to the emperor and he recognized Bu Shi's name."This is the same man who once offered half his wealth to aid in the defence of the border?"he exclaimed,and presented Bu Shi with a sum of money equivalent to the amount necessary to buy off 400 men from military duty.
式又尽复予县官。	卜式又把它全都交给县官。	Bu Shi once more turned the entire sum over to the government.
是时富豪皆争匿财，唯式尤欲输之助费。	那时富豪人家为了逃税争着隐匿家产，唯有卜式热衷于输资帮助官府。	At this time the rich families were all scrambling to hide their wealth:only Bu Shi,unlike the others,had offered to contribute to the expenses of the government.
天子於是以式终长者，故尊显以风百姓。	天子于是认为卜式的确是位有德长者，才给他显官尊荣以诱导百姓。	The emperor decided that Bu Shi was really a man of exceptional worth after all,and therefore bestowed upon him the honours mentioned above in order to hint to the people that they might well follow his example.
初，式不原为郎。上曰：“吾有羊上林中，欲令子牧之。”	起初，卜式不愿做郎官。天子说：“我有羊在上林苑中，想请你替我放牧。”	At first Bu Shi was unwilling to become a palace attendant,but the emperor told him,"I have some sheep in the Shanglin Park which I would like you to take care of."
式乃拜为郎，布衣屩而牧羊。	卜式才做了郎官，却是穿着布衣草鞋的放羊郎。	Bu Shi then accepted the post of palace attendant and,wearing a coarse robe and straw sandals,went off to tend the sheep.
岁馀，羊肥息。上过见其羊，善之。	一年多后，羊群肥壮且繁殖了很多。天子路过这里看到羊群，夸奖他一番。	After a year or so,the sheep had grown fat and were reproducing at a fine rate.The emperor,when he visited the park and saw the flocks,commended Bu Shi on his work.
式曰：“非独羊也，治民亦犹是也。以时起居；恶者辄斥去，毋令败群。”	卜式道：“不但是羊，治理百姓与这是同一道理：让他们按时起居，不断把凶恶的除掉，不要让他败了群。”	"It is not only with sheep,"Bu Shi commented."Governing people is the same way.Get them up at the right time,let them rest at the right time,and if there are any bad ones,put them out at once before they have a chance to spoil the flock!"
上以式为奇，拜为缑氏令试之，缑氏便之。	天子听了很是惊奇，封他为缑氏令试一试他的本领，果然缑氏百姓反映很好。	The emperor,struck by his words,decided to give him a trial as magistrate of the district of Goushi.When his administration proved beneficial to the people of Goushi.
迁为成皋令，将漕最。	升任为成皋令，办理漕运的政迹又被评为“最”好。	the emperor transferred him to the post of magistrate of Chenggao and put him in charge of the transportation of supplies,where his record was also outstanding.
上以为式朴忠，拜为齐王太傅。	天子认为卜式为人朴实忠厚，封他做了齐王太傅。	Because of his simple,unspoiled ways and his deep loyalty,the emperor finally appointed him grand tutor to his son Liu Hong,the king of Qi.
而孔仅之使天下铸作器，三年中拜为大农，列於九卿。	而孔仅由于出使各地铸作铁器，三年之中升任为大农令，位列于九卿。	Meanwhile Kong Jin had been sent throughout the empire to establish the government monopoly on the casting of iron vessels,and in the course of three years had reached the position of minister of agriculture,ranking as one of the nine highest officers in the government.
而桑弘羊为大农丞，筦诸会计事，稍稍置均输以通货物矣。	而桑弘羊当上了大农丞，管理有关会计事务，慢慢设置起均输制度来流通货物了。	Sang Hongyang acted as his assistant and had charge of all affairs pertaining to accounts.Little by little they set up the offices for equalization of goods through transportation,by which they hoped to achieve an equal distribution of goods.
始令吏得入穀补官，郎至六百石。	这时期开始允许吏缴纳谷物补为官，补为郎官缴纳的谷物多至六百石。	For the first time an order was issued allowing the petty officials to purchase promotion to higher posts by the presentation of grain;in the case of palace attendants they were allowed to advance as high as posts paying 600 piculs of grain.
自造白金五铢钱後五岁，赦吏民之坐盗铸金钱死者数十万人。	自从制造白金和五铢钱以后五年，赦免官民因盗铸金钱获死罪的数十万人。	Five years after the minting of the silver coins and the five-zhu cash some 200,000 or 300,000 officials and commoners who had been condemned to death for illegal minting of coins were pardoned by a general amnesty.
其不发觉相杀者，不可胜计。	天子没有发觉而被地方处死的，不可胜数。	while the number whose crimes were hushed up and never came to light is beyond computing.
赦自出者百馀万人。	自出赎金经赦免罪的有百余万人。	At the time of the amnesty (in 115 BC)over 1,000,000 persons came forward to confess their crimes.
然不能半自出，天下大抵无虑皆铸金钱矣。	然而犯罪又能出得起赎金的连一半人也没有，普天之下大约所有人都无顾忌地盗铸金钱了。	but this can hardly be half of the number who were actually guilty.In effect,the whole empire was engaged in minting silver and copper coins.
犯者众，吏不能尽诛取，於是遣博士褚大、徐偃等分曹循行郡国，举兼并之徒守相为者。	犯罪的人太多，官吏不可能把他们全都诛死，于是派遣博士褚大、徐偃等人按照尚书诸曹职司的不同划分权限，巡察郡国，揭发，举报兼并之徒以及身为郡守、国相等职，却利用职权图谋私利的人。	Those guilty of violations of the laws were so numerous that the officials could not get around to punishing them all.The emperor therefore dispatched the erudites Chu Da,Xu Yan and others to journey in groups to the various provinces and feudal kingdoms and apprehend the great landholders and governors or prime ministers who were conniving for their own profit.
而御史大夫张汤方隆贵用事，减宣、杜周等为中丞，义纵、尹齐、王温舒等用惨急刻深为九卿，而直指夏兰之属始出矣。	而御史大夫张汤这时正处在官势显赫、大权在握的时候，减宣、杜周等人任御史中丞，义纵、尹齐、王温舒等人以执行法律惨急深刻被提升为九卿，在这种局面下，如直指夏兰这类人开始出现了。	At this time the imperial secretary Zhang Tang was at the height of his power,with Jian Xuan and Du Zhou as his assistants,Men such as Yi Zong,Yin Qi,and Wang Wenshu were winning high ministerial posts because of their harsh and stern administration,and the imperial inquisitors such as Xia Lan appeared for the first time.
而大农颜异诛。	因而有大农令颜异被杀的事发生。	And the minister of agriculture Yan Yi had been put to death.
初，异为济南亭长，以廉直稍迁至九卿。	起初，颜异是济南的一个亭长，因办事清廉直率慢慢升迁到九卿的地位。	Yan Yi had originally been a village head in Jinan.Because of his honesty and integrity,he was gradually promoted in office until he became one of the nine highest ministers.
上与张汤既造白鹿皮币，问异。	天子与张汤既已制造了白鹿皮币，问颜异有什么看法。	After the emperor and Zhang Tang had made the“deer money"out of the hides of the white deer,the emperor questioned Yan Yi on his opinion of the move.
异曰：“今王侯朝贺以苍璧，直数千，而其皮荐反四十万，本末不相称。”天子不说。	颜异说：“如今诸侯王朝见天子有苍璧，价值不过数千钱，而作为垫衬的皮币反而值四十万，本末不相称。”天子听了很不高兴。	Yan Yi replied,"When the kings and marquises come to court to offer their congratulations,they are expected to present their insignia of green jade,which are worth several thousand cash apiece.Now,however,they will be required to present the insignia on deer hides worth 400,000 cash.There seems to be a certain lack of balance between the basic elements of the ceremony and those that are only secondary."The emperor was not at all pleased by these words.
张汤又与异有卻，及有人告异以它议，事下张汤治异。	张汤又与颜异平素有些过节，适巧有人以其他事告发颜异，此事交给张汤审理。	In addition,Yan Yi was on bad terms with Zhang Tang.When someone brought an accusation against Yan Yi for some other affair,the matter was referred to Zhang Tang for investigation.
异与客语，客语初令下有不便者，异不应，微反脣。	颜异曾经与客人闲谈，客人说到某法令初颁下时有些弊病，颜异没有说话，客人以为他与己见不同，反唇讥刺几句。	Earlier Yan Yi had been talking with one of his guests,when the guest remarked that some new law that had just been put into effect did not seem very practical,ran it had made no answer,but given only a subtle wry twist of his lips.
汤奏当异九卿见令不便，不入言而腹诽，论死。	张汤知道此事后上奏天子说，颜异身为九卿，见法令有不妥处，不向朝廷进言，只在心中诽谤非难，其罪当死。	Zhang Tang sent a memorial to the throne relating this affair and stating,"Yan Yi,one of the nine highest ministers,having seen that the law was impractical,did not state his opinion to the emperor but nevertheless disapproved of it in his heart.For this offence he is deserving of death?"
自是之後，有腹诽之法，而公卿大夫多谄谀取容矣。	从此之后，有了“腹诽”的罪名，而公卿大夫多以谄媚逢迎、阿谀奉承取悦于人了。	From this time on,the crime known as"disapproval in the heart"became a part of the law,and most of the high ministers and officials resorted to gross flattery in order to stay in the good graces of the emperor.
天子既下缗钱令而尊卜式，百姓终莫分财佐县官，於是告缗钱纵矣。	天子既颁发了算缗钱令并尊崇卜式为天下人的榜样，而百姓终究不肯拿出钱财帮助县官，于是发生了怂恿告缗钱的事。	The emperor had already issued the order for levies on strings of cash and had also heaped honours on Bu Shi,but it was soon found that no other private citizens were willing to imitate Bu Shi's example by donating wealth to the government officials.The emperor therefore began to listen to as many accusations as could be brought forward against persons attempting to hide their wealth in order to avoid the levy.
郡国多柬铸钱，钱多轻，而公卿请令京师铸锺官赤侧，一当五，赋官用非赤侧不得行。	郡国有许多盗铸的金钱，大多不够分量，因而公卿请求命京城铸造钟官赤侧钱，一个当五个，向官府缴纳赋税以及其他对官方使用的场合，不是赤侧钱不许使用。	In the provinces and kingdoms there was so much illegal minting going on that the cash had become extremely numerous and light in weight.The high officials therefore asked that the officials in the capital who were in charge of casting metal be ordered to mint coins with red rims,each of which would be worth five of the five-zhu cash presently in circulation.No taxes or other payments to the government were to be accepted unless made in these coins.
白金稍贱，民不宝用，县官以令禁之，无益。	从此白金的价值降低了，百姓不在珍视它，县官下令禁止，仍无作用。	The silver coins had likewise little by little become debased in value until the people no longer regarded them as worth using.The government attempted to halt this tendency by laws,but these had no effect.
岁馀，白金终废不行。	一年多后，白金终于废止不用。	and by the time a year or so had passed,the silver coins had gone completely out of circulation.
是岁也，张汤死而民不思。	这一年，张汤死，而百姓对他毫无思念之情。	This same year(116 BC)Zhang Tang died,an occurrence which grieved the common people not at all.
其後二岁，赤侧钱贱，民巧法用之，不便，又废。	此后二年，赤侧钱又贱，老百姓千方百计把它花出去，这对市场很不利，赤侧钱又废弃了。	Two years later,the red-rimmed coins had become worthless,the people having managed to use them while cleverly evading the intention of the law.They were declared impractical and withdrawn from circulation.
於是悉禁郡国无铸钱，专令上林三官铸。	于是下令所有郡国都不许再铸钱，专门命上林苑三官铸造。	With this an order was issued forbidding any further minting of coins in the provinces and feudal kingdoms.All minting was to be done by three offices set up in the Shanglin Park.
钱既多，而令天下非三官钱不得行，诸郡国所前铸钱皆废销之，输其铜三官。	流行的钱既已很多，下令天下，凡不是三官铸造的钱币不许使用，诸郡国以前铸造的钱币全都销毁，把销钱得到的铜上缴三官。	Since there were already a number of coins in circulation,it was ordered that no cash other than those minted by the three offices should be accepted as legal tender anywhere in the empire.All copper coins previously minted in the provinces and kingdoms were withdrawn from circulation and melted down,the copper being turned over to the three offices.
而民之铸钱益少，计其费不能相当，唯真工大奸乃盗为之。	百姓铸钱的事更少了，铸钱所获利益还没有花费大，只有巧工匠和大奸商才有能力盗铸。	After this there were fewer and fewer people who attempted to mint their own cash,since the cost of making a passable imitation did not repay the effort.Only highly skilled professional criminals continued to produce counterfeit coins.
卜式相齐，而杨可告缗遍天下，中家以上大抵皆遇告。	卜式做了齐国诸侯相，而杨可掀起的告发隐匿缗钱的事遍及天下，中等人家以上大约都被告发。	Bu Shi was transferred to the post of prime minister of Qi.At the instigation of Yang Ke,charges were brought forward all over the empire against men who attempted to conceal their wealth from the levy;practically every family of middling means or over found itself under accusation.
杜周治之，狱少反者。	由杜周加以审理，很少有能反案的。	Du Zhou was put in charge of the investigations and,of those brought to trial,very few got off with a light sentence.
乃分遣御史廷尉正监分曹往，即治郡国缗钱，得民财物以亿计，奴婢以千万数，田大县数百顷，小县百馀顷，宅亦如之。	于是分别派遣御史、廷尉、正监等官员按不同使命出使诸国，顺便治理郡国隐匿缗钱的案子，所得没收老百姓的钱物以亿计，奴婢上千万，田地大县数百顷，小县百余顷，房产也与这些数字相当。	The emperor dispatched parties of assistants under the imperial secretary and the commandant of Justice to go to the various provinces and kingdoms and examine the charges of concealed wealth.The wealth confiscated from the people as a result of their investigations was calculated in the billions of cash,with male and female slaves numbering in the thousands;the confiscated lands amounted to several hundred qing in the larger districts,over 100 qing in the smaller ones,with a proportionate number of houses.
於是商贾中家以上大率破，民偷甘食好衣，不事畜藏之产业，而县官有盐铁缗钱之故，用益饶矣。	于是商人中等以上人家大约全都破了家，从此老百姓满足于美衣美食，得吃就吃，得喝就喝，谁也不再经营买卖、蓄藏等事业了，而县官因为有官办盐铁和告缗钱这两件事，财政宽裕多了。	Practically all the merchants of middling or better means were ruined and the people,deciding that they had better indulge in tasty food and fine clothing while they still had the opportunity,made no effort to lay away any wealth for the future.The government officials for their part found themselves with more and more funds at their disposal,due to the salt and iron monopolies and the confiscations of wealth.
益广关，置左右辅。	接着，把函谷关东迁三百多里扩大关中地域，设置了京都左右辅都尉。	The customs barrier at the Hangu Pass was moved east to enlarge the area within the Pass,and the left and right districts of the capital were established.
初，大农筦盐铁官布多，置水衡，欲以主盐铁；	起初，大农有许多经管的盐铁官布，因而设置了水衡都尉，想让他主管盐铁事。	Originally the minister of agriculture had charge of the salt and iron monopolies,but the number of government offices and the expenses involved proved so large that an official called the director of waterworks was set up to take charge of the salt and iron monopolies.
及杨可告缗钱，上林财物众，乃令水衡主上林。	等到杨可告发隐匿缗钱的事发生后，上林有许多财物，就命水衡主管上林。	Later,when the confiscation of concealed wealth was initiated by Yang Ke,the goods and funds stored in the Shanglin Park became so numerous that the director of waterworks was ordered to take charge of the park.
上林既充满，益广。	上林财物既满，便扩大上林的规模。	The treasuries of the park were already full by this time and had to be continually enlarged.
是时越欲与汉用船战逐，乃大修昆明池，列观环之。	这时越国打算与汉朝用船决战，于是大规模修建昆明池，池周筑观宇环绕。	At this time the kingdom of southern Yue was preparing to use its ships to attack and drive out the Han forces in its territory.For this reason extensive alterations were made on the Kunming Lake,rows of observation towers built along its borders.
治楼船，高十馀丈，旗帜加其上，甚壮。	建造楼船，有十丈多高，上面插着旗子，很是壮观。	and ships constructed with superstructures rising ten zhang or more and topped with banners and flags,forming a most impressive spectacle.
於是天子感之，乃作柏梁台，高数十丈。	天子受这气派的感染，建造了柏梁台，高达数十丈。	The emperor was so stirred by the sight that he ordered the construction of the Terrace of Cypress Beams,which measured twenty or thirty zhang in height.
宫室之修，由此日丽。	修建的宫室，也从此日趋于富丽。	From this time on the building of imperial palaces proceeded on a more lavish scale day by day.
乃分缗钱诸官，而水衡、少府、大农、太仆各置农官，往往即郡县比没入田田之。	于是把缗钱分给各官府，而水衡、少府、大农、太仆还各自设置了农官，往往就地在各郡县整治没收来的土地，加以耕种。	The wealth confiscated as a result of the accusations was divided among the director of waterworks,the privy treasurer,the minister of agriculture,and the master of carriage.Each of these appointed agricultural officials who traveled from time to time about the provinces and directed the cultivation of the confiscated fields as soon as they were taken over from their former owners.
其没入奴婢，分诸苑养狗马禽兽，及与诸官。	没收来的奴婢，则分给诸苑囿，使喂养狗马禽兽，或者分给诸官府。	The male and female slaves who had been seized were assigned to the imperial parks to raise dogs,horses,other animals,and birds,or were sent to the various government offices for employment.
诸官益杂置多，徒奴婢众，而下河漕度四百万石，及官自籴乃足。	诸官府更设置了做各种事情的奴婢，罪徒奴婢众多，因而由黄河漕运至京的粮食大约增加到每年四百万石，并且还要官府自籴一部分粮食才能足用。	The government offices became increasingly confused in function and were set up in greater and greater number,while the number of slaves moved from the provinces to the capital was so large that only by transporting 4,000,000 piculs of grain up from the lower reaches of the Yellow River,and adding it to the grain bought up by the officials,was the capital able to keep itself adequately supplied.
所忠言：“世家子弟富人或斗鸡走狗马，弋猎博戏，乱齐民。”	所忠上书说：“世家子弟和富人或斗鸡赛狗赛马，或射猎赌博游戏，扰乱齐民的生活。”	When Suo Zhong informed the emperor that among the sons of the old established families and the rich merchants there were many who engaged in cockfighting,horseracing,hunting,and gambling,thereby setting a bad example for the common people.
乃徵诸犯令，相引数千人，命曰“株送徒”。	于是惩罚诸罪犯，命他们互相攀引，牵连达到数千人，称为“株送徒”。	the emperor ordered the officials to arrest such persons for violation of the laws and regulations,by getting one suspect to implicate his associates as well,they managed to drag in several thousand persons,who were called“rooted-out convicts".
入财者得补郎，郎选衰矣。	入财的既得以补为郎官，郎官的选拔从此衰退了。	If those arrested were willing to pay a sufficient price to the government,however,they were pardoned and even appointed as palace attendants.This marked the ruin of the old system of selecting palace attendants on the basis of merit.
是时山东被河菑，及岁不登数年，人或相食，方一二千里。	这时山以东遭受黄河水灾，并且一连数年粒米不收，方圆一二千里之间，易子而食。	At this time the lands east of the mountains were suffering from floods caused by the Yellow River,and for several years the harvests had been poor.Within an area of 1,000 or 2,000 li square the distress was so great that people were reduced at times to cannibalism.
天子怜之，诏曰：“江南火耕水耨，令饥民得流就食江淮间，欲留，留处。”	天子心中怜悯，下诏书说：“江南火耕水耨，命饥民可流亡到江淮之间寻口饭吃，想留在那里的，可在那里定居。”	The emperor,taking pity upon the plight of the people,issued an edict which read:"In the region of the Yangtze the farmers burn the fields before ploughing and flood them before hoeing.Let the famine victims now be permitted to leave their homes and emigrate to the area between the Huai and the Yangtze rivers in search of food,and if they wish to settle there let them do so."
遣使冠盖相属於道，护之，下巴蜀粟以振之。	派遣的使者冠盖相连，来往于道路，护送这些饥民，并从巴蜀运来粮食赈济他们。	He dispatched a veritable stream of officials along the roads to look out for the people and had grain sent down from Ba and Shu to relieve the crisis.
其明年，天子始巡郡国。东度河，河东守不意行至，不辨，自杀。	明年，天子开始巡察郡国。东渡黄河，河东太守没有想到天子的车驾会来到这里，供具不备，失了礼教，畏罪自杀。	The following year(114 BC)the emperor for the first time made a tour of the provinces and kingdoms,traveling east across the Yellow River.The governor of Hedong Province east of the river,not expecting the emperor to visit his territory,had made no preparations.He committed suicide.
行西逾陇，陇西守以行往卒，天子从官不得食，陇西守自杀。	西行穿过陇山，陇西太守因车驾来去仓猝，准备不足，以致天子从官连饭也吃不上，陇西太守自杀。	(In the following year)the emperor traveled west,crossing the Long Mountains.The imperial entourage arrived so suddenly that the governor of Longxi was unable to provide food or fodder for the emperor's attendants,and he too committed suicide.
於是上北出萧关，从数万骑，猎新秦中，以勒边兵而归。	于是天子北出萧关，随从数万骑，在新秦中射猎，以此布勒边兵，然后回到京城。	The emperor then journeyed north through the Xiao Pass and,accompanied by 20,000 or 30,000 cavalry,hunted in the region of New Qin,where he inspected the disposition of the troops along the border before returning to the capital.
新秦中或千里无亭徼，於是诛北地太守以下，而令民得畜牧边县，官假马母，三岁而归，及息什一，以除告缗，用充仞新秦中。	见新秦中有的地方千里之间没有一名亭兵徼卒，于是尽杀北地太守以下官员，并命百姓，得以到边境诸县放牧牲畜，官府贷给母马，三年归还，利息十分之一，废除告缗令，以此充实新秦中地区。	He discovered that in New Qin stretches of land measuring as much as 1,000 li or more were being left wide open without guards or patrol posts.To remedy the situation he executed the governor of Beidi and his subordinates,who were responsible for this state of affairs,and gave orders that the people were to be allowed to raise horses in the districts along the border.Mares were lent out by the government officials for a period of three years,after which they were to be returned with an interest of one foal for every ten mares.The people of the region were also exempted from the reports and levies on wealth,so that the region of New Qin was soon filled with immigrants.
既得宝鼎，立后土、太一祠，公卿议封禅事，而天下郡国皆豫治道桥，缮故宫，及当驰道县，县治官储，设供具，而望以待幸。	既得宝鼎以后，设立了后土祠、太一祠，公卿在讨论封禅的事宜，而天下郡国都在预先修桥铺路，缮治原有的宫室，那些临近驰道的县分，在准备官库，储藏物品，设置需供给的用具，巴望并等待着天子车驾的幸临。	By this time the precious cauldron had been found and altars set up to the Earth Lord and the Great Unity,and the high officials were debating on plans for the performance of the feng and shan sacrifices.Throughout the empire the provinces and kingdoms were all busy repairing roads and bridges and putting the old palaces in order,while in the various districts along the imperial highway the district officials laid in provisions and prepared their tableware in anticipation of the imperial visit.
其明年，南越反，西羌侵边为桀。	第二年，南越反叛，西羌侵犯边境以逞凶暴。	The next year (112 BC)the kingdom of southern Yue rebelled and the Qiang barbarians of the west invaded the border,pillaging and murdering.
於是天子为山东不赡，赦天下，因南方楼船卒二十馀万人击南越，	于是天子因山以东年成不好，赦免天下囚犯的罪行，就南方的楼船士卒二十多万人一起进攻南越。	Because the region east of the mountains was suffering from a lack of food,the emperor declared a general amnesty to the empire,with the prisoners thereby released,and the men trained in the south for service on the towered ships—a force of over 200,000 all told—an attack was launched on southern Yue.
数万人发三河以西骑击西羌，又数万人度河筑令居。	数万人调发三河以西的马匹为坐骑进攻西羌，还有数万人西度黄河修筑令居城。	At the same time 20,000 or 30,000 cavalry men from the provinces of Henei,Hedong,and Henan were sent west to attack the Qiang barbarians.Another 20,000 or 30,000 were sent across the Yellow River to fortify the western border at Lingju.
初置张掖、酒泉郡，而上郡、朔方、西河、河西开田官，斥塞卒六十万人戍田之。	这一年设置了张掖、酒泉郡，而在上郡、朔方、西河、河西等地设置田官，使在这里戍守的候卒逻兵六十万人一面戍守，一面耕种。	The provinces of Zhangye and Jiuquan were set up and in the provinces of Shang,Shuofang,Xihe,and Hexi,officials in charge of the opening of new lands,as well as soldiers designated to garrison the lands along the border,numbering 600,000 men,were set to working the lands in garrison farms.
中国缮道餽粮，远者三千，近者千馀里，皆仰给大农。	中国内地则缮治道路以馈运粮饷，路远的达三千里，近的也有一千多里，全都仰仗大农供给。	Roads were repaired and provisions sent to the forces from the central part of the empire.All of the men were dependent upon the ministry of agriculture for their supplies,although the distance over which supplies had to be transported was anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 li.
边兵不足，乃发武库工官兵器以赡之。	边境的兵器不足，就调发武库和工官的兵器来满足那里的需要。	Since there were not enough arms to supply the men on the border,weapons were dispatched from the imperial armoury and workshops to make up the deficiency.
车骑马乏绝，县官钱少，买马难得，乃著令，令封君以下至三百石以上吏，以差出牝马天下亭，亭有畜牸马，岁课息。	兵车和战马不够，县官钱少，很难买到马匹，就制定一项命令：封君以下至于年俸三百石以上的官吏，按等级不同缴纳不同数目的母马，分给天下驻兵的亭牧养，使每亭都有母马，每年考核其喂养繁息的成绩以定尝罚。	There was also a serious lack of horses for carriages and cavalry and,since the government officials had so little money,they found it difficult to buy up enough to keep the troops supplied.The government therefore issued an order to everyone,from the feudal lords down to officials of the 300 picul class,commanding them to donate a specified number of stallions to the government,depending upon their rank.At village posts throughout the empire men were set to breeding colts,for which they received a certain interest each year.
齐相卜式上书曰：“臣闻主忧臣辱。南越反，臣原父子与齐习船者往死之。”	齐国相卜式上书说：“为臣曾闻说天子有忧虑，是臣子的耻辱。如今南越反叛，臣父子情愿与从齐国发来的操船兵卒一起战死于南越战场。”	Bu Shi,at this time the prime minister of Qi,sent a letter to the throne saying,"I have always heard that the distresses of the sovereign are a source of shame to his subjects.Now that the kingdom of southern Yue has revolted,I beg that my sons and I be allowed to join the men of Qi who are skilled in naval warfare to go and die in battle!"
天子下诏曰：“卜式虽躬耕牧，不以为利，有馀辄助县官之用。	天子下诏说：“卜式虽然是个耕田放牧人，并不以此求利，每有剩余就帮助县官缓解经费的困难。	The emperor responded with an edict saying,“Although Bu Shi in person ploughed the fields and pastured his animals,he did not work for private gain.If he had any surplus,he immediately turned it over to the government officials to aid in the expenses of government.
今天下不幸有急，而式奋原父子死之，虽未战，可谓义形於内。	如今天下不幸有危急的事发生，而卜式奋勇请求父子为此献身，虽没有参加战斗，心中的义念可说是已表现出来了。	Now unhappily the empire faces this threat from abroad,and Bu Shi,roused to action,has volunteered to go with his sons to die in battle,Although he has not actually taken part in combat,it is obvious that he bears in his heart a true sense of duty."
赐爵关内侯，金六十斤，田十顷。”	特尝赐给他关内侯的爵位，黄金六十斤，农田十顷。”	The emperor therefore presented Bu Shi with the rank of marquis within the Pass,along with sixty catties of gold and ten qing of farm land.
布告天下，天下莫应。列侯以百数，皆莫求从军击羌、越。	布告天下，但天下没有人响应。诸侯有上百名，没有一人要求从军与羌、越作战。	He had the action widely publicized throughout the empire,but no one responded to the hint.Among all the hundreds of marquises,there was not one who volunteered to join the armies in attacking the Qiang and Yue barbarians.
至酎，少府省金，而列侯坐酎金失侯者百馀人。	于是到九月诸侯朝见，尝酎献酎金时，命少府检查酎金的成色，列侯由于酎金分量不足被削夺侯位的有一百多人。	In the eighth month,when the feudal lords came to present new wine in the ancestral temples of the dynasty,the officials of the privy treasury made a close examination of the tributes of gold which they brought with them.As a result over 100 marquises were tried on charges of having presented insufficient or faulty gold and were deprived of their titles.
乃拜式为御史大夫。	拜卜式为御史大夫。	He then appointed Bu Shi to the post of imperial secretary.
式既在位，见郡国多不便县官作盐铁，铁器苦恶，贾贵，或彊令民卖买之。	卜式既有了这等重要的官位，见到许多郡国反映县官作盐铁的坏处，如铁器质量差，价钱贵，还有的强迫百姓买卖。	Bu Shi,having taken over this position,discovered that in the provinces and kingdoms the system of government salt and iron monopolies was working to great disadvantage.The utensils supplied by the government were poor in quality and high in price,and yet at times the people were actually being forced by the officials to buy them.
而船有算，商者少，物贵，乃因孔仅言船算事。	而船有算赋，以船运货的商人少，商品昂贵，于是通过孔仅上书反映船只征收算赋的事。	In addition,because of the tax on boats,traders had diminished in number and the price of goods gone up.He therefore asked Kong Jin to speak on his behalf to the emperor,recommending the abolition of the boat tax.
上由是不悦卜式。	天子因此对卜式很不满意。	From this time on the emperor began to dislike Bu Shi.
汉连兵三岁，诛羌，灭南越，番禺以西至蜀南者置初郡十七，且以其故俗治，毋赋税。	汉朝接连打了三年仗，杀掉了西羌入侵的军队，灭了南越国，番禺以西直到蜀南初次设了十七郡，姑且按照他们原来的风俗加以治理，不征收赋税。	After three years of continuous fighting,the Han forces managed to suppress the Qiang barbarians and wipe out the kingdom of southern Yue.On the southern border,from Panyu on the coast to the south of Shu,seventeen new provinces were set up.These were governed in accordance with the old customs of the inhabitants and were not required to pay taxes.
南阳、汉中以往郡，各以地比给初郡吏卒奉食币物，传车马被具。	南阳至汉中之间旧有的郡县各自承担与自己毗邻的新设郡中吏卒的薪俸、食品、钱物，以及驿传所用的车马被服等具的一切费用。	The provinces of Nanyang,Hanzhong,and those further on,were ordered to supply food and money to the officials and soldiers of the new provinces which adjoined their respective borders,as well as horses and equipment for the relay service.
而初郡时时小反，杀吏，汉发南方吏卒往诛之，间岁万馀人，费皆仰给大农。	而新设郡县还时常有小规模的反叛，诛杀官吏，汉朝调发南方的官吏兵卒前往镇压，每年有万余人，费用都靠大农支给。	From time to time,however,there were minor uprisings in the new provinces in which Han officials were murdered,so that the central government was obliged to dispatch troops recruited from the south to punish the rebels.In the space of a year over 10,000 men had been dispatched and the expenses for all of this had to be borne by the ministry of agriculture.
大农以均输调盐铁助赋，故能赡之。	大农以均输法调各地盐铁所得，以补充赋税的不足，所以才能应付得了。	Because of its system of equitable transport and its levies on salt and iron,which it used to supplement the revenue from taxes,the ministry of agriculture was able to meet these expenses.
然兵所过县，为以訾给毋乏而已，不敢言擅赋法矣。	然而士兵路过的县城，不过做到供给无缺就是了，再也谈不上遵守赋税成法了。	In the districts through which the troop spassed, however, theortcials, concered only that they should have enough funds to supply the armies without running short, did not dare to complain of the inordinate tax burden placed upon them.
其明年，元封元年，卜式贬秩为太子太傅。	第二年，即元封元年，卜式贬官做了太子太傅。	The following year,the first year of the era yuanfeng(110 BC),Bu Shi was degraded to the post of grand tutor to the heir apparent.
而桑弘羊为治粟都尉，领大农，尽代仅筦天下盐铁。	而桑弘羊任治粟都尉，兼领大农令，完全代替孔仅管理天下盐铁。	Sang Hongyang was made secretary in charge of grain and put in control of the ministry of agriculture,as well as taking over from Kong Jin complete supervision of the salt and iron monopolies throughout the empire.
弘羊以诸官各自巿，相与争，物故腾跃，而天下赋输或不偿其僦费，	由于各地官员们自做买卖，相互间竞争，所以价格涨落很快，而天下所缴赋税有的还不够偿还转运的脚力钱。	Sang Hongyang believed that the reason prices had risen so sharply was that the various government officials were engaging in trade and competing against each other.Furthermore,when goods were transported to the capital as payment for taxes from various parts of the empire,their value often did not equal the cost of transportation.
乃请置大农部丞数十人，分部主郡国，各往往县置均输盐铁官，	桑弘羊于是请求设立大农部丞官数十名，分别掌管各郡国的大农事务，各自又往往在主要县分设立均输官和盐铁官。	He therefore proposed that some twenty or thirty assistants be appointed to the ministry of agriculture who would be sent out to supervise the various provinces and kingdoms,where they would travel about and set up the necessary transport offices for equalizing prices,as well as salt and iron offices.
令远方各以其物贵时商贾所转贩者为赋，而相灌输。	命边远地区都以物价贵时，商人从该地区向外地贩运的物品为赋税，而由政府互相转输。	In the case of distant regions,orders were to be given that local products commanding a high price,such as would ordinarily be carried away and sold by the traders in other regions should be transported to the capital in lieu of taxes.
置平准于京师，都受天下委输。	在京城设立平准机构，总受天下输纳来的物品。	In the capital a balance standard office was to be set up which would receive and store these goods brought in from various parts of the empire.
召工官治车诸器，皆仰给大农。	召雇工官制造车辆等器物，都由大农供给费用。	The government artisans were to be ordered to make carts and other equipment needed to put the system into effect.All expenses would be borne by the ministry of agriculture.
大农之诸官尽笼天下之货物，贵即卖之，贱则买之。	大农所属各个机构全部垄断了天下的货物，物贵则卖出，贱则买入。	whose officials would then have complete control over all the goods in the empire,selling when prices were high and buying when they were low.
如此，富商大贾无所牟大利，则反本，而万物不得腾踊。	这样，富商大贾无从牟取大利，就会反本为农，而所有商品都不会出现价格忽涨忽落的现象。	In this way the wealthy merchants and large-scale traders,deprived of any prospect of making huge profits,would go back to farming,and it would become impossible for any commodity to rise sharply in price.
故抑天下物，名曰“平准”。	由于天下物品价格都受其抑制的缘故，所以称之为“平准”。	Because the price of goods would thereby be controlled throughout the empire,the system was to be called the"balance standard".
天子以为然，许之。	天子认为有道理，答应了他的请求。	The emperor agreed with this idea and gave permission for it to be put into effect.
於是天子北至朔方，东到太山，巡海上，并北边以归。	于是天子巡游向北到朔方郡，向东到太山，又巡行海上，以及北部边郡，然后归来。	Following this,the emperor travelled north as far as Shuofang;from there he proceeded to Mt.Tai,journeyed along the seacoast and the northern border and returned to the capital.
所过赏赐，用帛百馀万匹，钱金以巨万计，皆取足大农。	所过之处都有赏赐，用去帛一百多万匹，钱、金以亿计，全由大农支出。	He handed out gifts and awards to the places he visited along the way,doling out over 1,000,000 rolls of silk as well as cash and gold in the hundreds of millions,all of which the ministry of agriculture was able to supply.
弘羊又请令吏得入穀补官，及罪人赎罪。	弘羊又请求允许吏得以缴纳粮食补官，以及罪人纳粮赎罪。	Sang Hongyang proposed that petty officials be allowed to buy office by presenting grain to the government,and that men accused of crimes be permitted to purchase their ransom in the same way.
令民能入粟甘泉各有差，以复终身，不告缗。	命百姓能向甘泉宫的仓库缴纳多少不等的粮食，得以免除终身赋役，不受告缗令的影响。	He also suggested that the common people be allowed to present varying quantities of grain to the granary at Sweet Springs in exchange for lifetime exemption from military service and a guarantee that they would not be subject to accusations leading to confiscation of their wealth.
他郡各输急处，而诸农各致粟，山东漕益岁六百万石。	其他郡县的百姓则各自向急需处交纳，而各处的农民都各自纳粮，山东漕运到京的粮食每年增加了六百万石。	Areas that were in need were immediately supplied by shipments of grain from other provinces,and the various officials of the ministry of agriculture all drew grain from east of the mountains,so that the amount transported to the capital increased to 6,000,000 piculs annually.
一岁之中，太仓、甘泉仓满。	一年之中，太仓、甘泉宫仓堆满了粮食。	Within a year the granary at Taicang in the capital and that at Sweet Springs had been filled.
边馀穀诸物均输帛五百万匹。	边境剩余的粮食和其他物品，按均输法折为帛五百万匹。	the frontier enjoyed a surplus of grain and other goods,and the transportation forces had 5,000,000 rolls of silk.
民不益赋而天下用饶。	不向百姓增收赋税而天下用度得到满足。	Though taxes on the people had not been increased,there was now more than enough to cover the expenditures of the empire.
於是弘羊赐爵左庶长，黄金再百斤焉。	于是赐给桑弘羊爵为左庶长，黄金二百斤。	As a result Sang Hongyang was rewarded with the rank of zuoshuchang and once more presented with 100 catties of gold.
是岁小旱，上令官求雨，卜式言曰：“县官当食租衣税而已，今弘羊令吏坐市列肆，贩物求利。亨弘羊，天乃雨。”	这一年有轻微的旱灾，天子派遣官员求雨。卜式说道：“县官应该以租税为衣食，如今桑弘羊使官吏坐于列肆中买卖货物，求取利润，将桑弘羊下锅煮了，天才会下雨。”	This year there was a minor drought and the emperor ordered the officials to pray for rain.Bu Shi remarked to the emperor,“The government officials are supposed to collect what taxes they need for their food and clothing,and that is all?Now Sang Hongyang has them sitting in the market stalls buying and selling goods and scrambling for a profit.If Your Majesty were to boil Sang Hongyang alive,then I think Heaven might send us rain!"
太史公曰：农工商交易之路通，而龟贝金钱刀布之币兴焉。	太史公说：农工商之间相互贸易的路子沟通了，就有龟贝金钱刀布等货币产生。	The Grand Historian remarks:When the farmers,the artisans,and the merchants first began to exchange articles among themselves,that was when currency came into being—tortoise shells and sea shells,gold and copper coins,knife-shaped money and spade-shaped money.
所从来久远，自高辛氏之前尚矣，靡得而记云。	这是很久的历史了，自高辛氏以前年代太远，无从记述。	Thus its origin is very old.Concerning the time of Emperor Ku and the ages before him we can say nothing,for they are too far away.
故书道唐虞之际，诗述殷周之世，安宁则长庠序，先本绌末，以礼义防于利；	所以《尚书》最早讲到唐虞时期事，《诗经》最早讲到殷周时期事，一般是世道安宁则按庠序中的长幼序尊卑，先农本而后商末，以礼义为限制物利的堤防。	The Book of Documents,however,tells us something about the reigns of Emperors Yao and Shun,while the Book of Odes describes the Shang and Zhou dynasties.Thus we know that in times of peace and security,stress was laid upon the system of schools;agricultural pursuits which are the basis of the nation,were honoured;secondary occupations such as trade were disparaged,and the people were taught a sense of propriety and duty in order to discourage them from the search for profit.
事变多故而亦反是。	世道变乱就会与此相反。	In periods of war and unrest,however,the opposite situation prevailed.
是以物盛则衰，时极而转，一质一文，终始之变也。	所以物太盛就会转为衰落，时事达到极点就会转变，一质之后有一文，与终后有始，始后有终的终始之变是一样的。	When a thing has reached its height it must begin to decay,and when an age has gone to one extreme it must turn again in the opposite direction;therefore we find periods of rude simplicity and periods of refinement alternating with each other endlessly.
禹贡九州，各因其土地所宜，人民所多少而纳职焉。	《禹贡》中的九州，各自根据其土地所适宜、人民所多所少缴纳职贡。	From the description of the nine provinces in the"Tribute of Yu"we learn that,in the time of that ruler,each region submitted as its tribute to the throne whatever goods it was best fitted to produce and whatever the people had the most of.
汤武承弊易变，使民不倦，各兢兢所以为治，而稍陵迟衰微。	商汤和周武王承前朝弊政之后有所改易，使百姓不致疲弊困乏，各自都小心谨慎地致力于自己所从事的事业，而与禹时相比，已稍微有缓慢衰落的气象了。	King Tang,the founder of the Shang dynasty,and King Wu,the founder of the Zhou dynasty,both heirs to the chaos of the dynasties which preceded them,worked to put the empire into order,causing the people to be untiring in their efforts,and both of them,by their diligence and circumspection,succeeded in establishing firm rule.And yet little by little the ages after them sank into weakness and decay.
齐桓公用管仲之谋，通轻重之权，徼山海之业，以朝诸侯，用区区之齐显成霸名。	齐桓公采用管仲的计谋，统一货币，从山海的事业中求取财富，以朝会诸侯，利用区区齐国成就了霸主的威名。	Duke Huan of Qi,following the advice of his minister Guan Zhong,initiated the system of buying up goods when the price was low and selling when it was high,and of exploiting the resources of the mountains and seas,until he had the other feudal lords paying court to him and,with what had up until then been the little and out-of-the-way state of Qi,had won for himself the title of dictator.
魏用李克，尽地力，为彊君。	魏国任用李克，充分利用地力，发展农业生产，成了强国。	Similarly the king of Wei,by following the theories of Li Ke,was able to secure the maximum yield from his lands and become a powerful ruler.
自是以後，天下争於战国，贵诈力而贱仁义，先富有而後推让。	从此以后，在战国时期天下互相争夺，以诡诈武力为贵，轻视仁义道德，以富有之道为先，以推让等礼仪为后。	From the time of these men on,the empire was torn by the strife of the warring kingdoms.Men honoured deceit and power and scoffed at benevolence and righteousness;they put wealth and possession first and courtesy and humility last.
故庶人之富者或累巨万，而贫者或不厌糟糠；	所以百姓中间富有的积财产上亿计，而贫穷的糟糠之食尚不能满足。	Thus it happened that commoners grew so rich that their wealth was counted in the hundreds of millions,while among the poor there were those who could not even get enough dregs and chaff to fill their bellies.
有国彊者或并群小以臣诸侯，而弱国或绝祀而灭世。	诸侯国强大的或至并吞诸小国而使诸侯称臣，弱小者有的至于断绝祭祀而亡国。	The more powerful rulers annexed the smaller fiefs and made subjects of their lords,while in the weaker states the ruling families were wiped out and the sacrifices to their ancestors cut off forever.
以至於秦，卒并海内。	延续到秦，终于使海内统一。	So it continued until the Qin finally united all the land within the four seas under a single rule.
虞夏之币，金为三品，或黄，或白，或赤；或钱，或布，或刀，或龟贝。	虞、夏时的货币，金有三种，或者黄、或者白、或者赤；此外或者用钱，或者用布、或者用刀，或者用龟贝。	The currency of the times of Emperor Shun and the Xia dynasty consisted of three types of metal:gold,silver,and copper;while in Zhou times there was copper cash,knife-shaped money,cloth-shaped money,and money made of tortoise shells or sea shells.
及至秦，中一国之币为等，黄金以溢名，为上币；	及至到秦朝，一国货币分为二等：黄金以溢为单位，是上等货币。	When the Qin united the world,only two kinds of currency were used throughout the nation.The more valuable was that made of gold in denominations of twenty taels.
铜钱识曰半两，重如其文，为下币。	铜钱上的文识为“半两”，重量与文识相同，是下等货币。	The less valuable was the copper cash inscribed with the words“half-tael”and weighing that amount.
而珠玉、龟贝、银锡之属为器饰宝藏，不为币。	而珠玉、龟贝、银锡之类只作为器物的装饰、作为宝藏，不作货币使用。	Pearls,jade,tortoise shells,sea shells,silver,tin,and similar materials,though used for ornaments or stored away as treasures,were not employed as currency.
然各随时而轻重无常。	然而其价格随时不同，高低无常。	The currency,however,fluctuated according to the times,having no fixed value.
於是外攘夷狄，内兴功业，海内之士力耕不足粮饟，女子纺绩不足衣服。	于是外对夷狄作战，内部兴利除弊建立功业，天下百姓尽力耕种不够供给粮饷，女子纺织不足穿衣。	At that time the ruler was busy driving back the barbarians from the borders of the empire,while within the empire he was carrying out various construction works and projects,so that although the men who remained at home worked the fields,they could not supply enough food,and though the women wove and spun,they could not produce enough clothing.
古者尝竭天下之资财以奉其上，犹自以为不足也。	古时曾经竭尽天下的资财以奉献给天子，天子仍以为不够使用。	And so we see that in antiquity there was once a time when the entire wealth and resources of the nation were exhausted in the service of the ruler,and yet he found them insufficient.
无异故云，事势之流，相激使然，曷足怪焉。	没有别的缘故，主要是当时各种事务互相影响，共同作用造成的，有什么可奇怪呢。	There was but one reason for this: the stream of circumstances flowed so violently at that time that it made such a situation inevitable.Surely there is nothing strange about this!