釋鑑稽古略續集 3.8

3.8

North of the Yangtze, locusts appeared, and the authorities requested permission to catch them. The Emperor said, 'It is through our lack of virtue that we have brought about the locusts; to kill the locusts would further compound our fault. Let the officials and people speak exhaustively of our failings so that we may correct them.' He pardoned doubtful court cases, remitted delinquent taxes, and aided the destitute so as to cultivate real governance. The locusts did not cause a calamity, and there was an abundant autumn harvest. In the eighth month, an announcement of the military expedition was made in sacrifices to Heaven, Earth, and the ancestors. Admonishing the generals and soldiers marching north, he said, 'In the past, Xiao Yi raised troops to enter the capital and commanded his subordinates: "Within our own house, military might has reached its limit; this is the height of inhumanity." Now, as you generals and soldiers confront the Prince of Yan, strive to embody this intention, and do not cause us to bear the reputation of having killed our own uncle.' Cheng Ji had earlier been imprisoned for wild talk because he had predicted that troops would arise in the north; he was pardoned, promoted to the Hanlin Academy, and made a military strategist to accompany the northern expedition. Wang Wei was posthumously awarded the title of Hanlin Academician with the posthumous name Wenjie.