釋鑑稽古略續集 2.7

2.7

The Emperor was born in Haozhou. A draconic luminescence flared so brightly that everyone was astounded. In the third month of the renshen year under Emperor Shun of the Yuan, he raised troops. Later, replacing Guo Zixing, he led the army across the Yangtze River and took Taiping and Jiqing, which served as the foundation of his royal ascent. Next, he extinguished Chen Youliang, Zhang Shicheng, and others, becoming King of Wu. Thereafter, he pacified the Central Plains in the north, unified all under heaven, and assumed the imperial throne. He occupied the throne for thirty-one years and passed away in the Western Palace at the age of seventy-one. He was presented with the posthumous title: Emperor Shengshen Wenwu Qinming Qiyun Junde Chenggong Tongtian Daxiao (Holy and Divine, Civil and Martial, Reverently Brilliant, Opener of Fortune, of Great Virtue and Accomplished Feats, Ruler of Heaven and Utterly Filial). His temple name was Gaozu, and he was buried in Xiaoling. With endowments bestowed by Heaven, without relying upon an inch of land or a single person, the Emperor ultimately accomplished this great undertaking. Although it was called the mandate of Heaven and the turning of the people toward him, it was primarily brought about by his divine martiality that refrained from slaughter.