佛祖歷代通載 16.56

16.56

資治通鑑曰。宣宗少歷艱難。長年踐祚。人之情偽靡不周知。盡心民事精勤治道。賞簡而當。罰嚴而必。故方內樂業。殊俗順軌。求之漢世。其孝宣之流亞歟。

The Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government says: "Emperor Xuanzong experienced hardships in his youth and ascended the throne in his mature years. There was nothing of human feelings and deceit that he did not fully know. He devoted his mind to the people's affairs and was diligent in the way of governance. His rewards were simple and appropriate; his punishments were severe and certain. Therefore, within the realm, people delighted in their occupations, and those of foreign customs conformed to standard ways. If one sought his equal in the Han dynasty, he would perhaps be in the same rank as Emperor Xiaoxuan."