廣弘明集 9.12

9.12

The preface to the Daodejing says: 'Laozi descended to become the preceptor of Zhou in the first year of Shanghuang, dingmao, and departed Zhou to cross the pass in the first year of Wuji, guichou.' I laugh, saying: In ancient times, when the former sovereigns and kings established years, there were no reign titles. It was only with Emperor Wu of the Han that the creation of reign titles began, and later rulers followed it down to the present day. 'Shanghuang' is rash nonsense, deeply laughable.