📖 Hangzhou Local Gazetteer

The Commandery of Kuaiji registered 223,038 households and a population of 1,032,604. It governed twenty-six counties: Wu, Qu'e, Wushang, Piling, Yuyi, Yangxian, Zhuji, Wuxi, Shanyin, Dantu, Yuyao, Lou, Shangyu, Haiyan, Shan, Youquan, Damei, Wucheng, Gouzhang, Yuhang, Yin, Qiantang, Mao, Fuchun, Ye, and Huipu.

History of Sui - Records of Emperor Gaozu II, Part II: In the ninth year, spring, the first month, Ji Si, a Rainbow Burst appeared beside the sun. Xin Wei, He Ruobi captured Chen's Jingkou, Han Qinhu captured Chen's southern Yuzhou. Gui You, Yu Qingze, the Right Assistant Minister of the Department of State Affairs, was appointed as the Grand General Tier of the Right Guard. Bing Zi, He Ruobi defeated Chen's army at Jiang Mountain, capturing their general Xiao Mohe. Han Qinhu advanced his troops into Jiankang, capturing their general Ren Mannu and Chen's ruler Shubao. Chen was pacified, comprising thirty prefectures, one hundred counties, and four hundred districts. Gui Si, envoys were dispatched with credentials to inspect and comfort the people. In the second month, Yi Wei, the Huainan Administrative Office was abolished. Bing Shen, five hundred households were organized into a township, with one leader; one hundred households into a village, with one head. Ding You, Wei Shikang, the Chief Administrator of Xiangzhou, was appointed as the Chief Administrator of Anzhou. In the summer, the fourth month, Ji Hai, the Emperor visited Li Mountain, personally rewarding the returning troops. Yi Si, the triumphant army entered, offering captives at the Grand Temple. Jin Wang Guang was appointed as Grand Commandant. Geng Xu, the Emperor hosted a banquet for the officers at Guangyang Gate, granting rewards according to rank. Xin Hai, a general amnesty was declared across the nation. Ji Wei, Chen's Minister of Works Kong Fan, Cavalry Attendants Wang Cuo and Wang Yi, Inspector Shen Guan, and others were banished to the borders for their deceitful conduct towards their ruler, leading to downfall. Xin You, Yang Su, the Chief Administrator of Xinzhou, was appointed as the Chief Administrator of Jingzhou, Yuwen Bi, the Deputy Minister of Personnel, was appointed as the Minister of Justice, and Yang Yi, the Assistant Minister of the Ancestral Rites, was appointed as the Minister of Works.

During the reign of Emperor Dezong of Tang, Li Bi, then demoted to Prefect of Hangzhou, diverted the waters of West Lake to various parts within the region. He opened six wells at the outlets to supply drinking water for the residents of Hangzhou. Later appointed as Chancellor, Li Bi was honored by the people of Hangzhou, who named the well "Grand Chancellor's Well" in his memory. The New Book of Tang praises Li Bi's tenure in Hangzhou, noting: "Transferred to serve as Prefect of Hangzhou, he governed with remarkable virtue and accomplishments."

According to the Comprehensive History of Wu and Yue, in the first year of the Zhenming era, the Office of Waterworks Command was established to oversee water affairs. Laborers were recruited into units known as the "Shallow-Dredging Corps"... totaling some seven to eight thousand men. They were primarily engaged in agricultural duties ... serving the people by transporting water to irrigate fields during droughts and draining excess water during floods. Thus, the people could focus on sericulture and farming. From that point on, Wu and Yue became prosperous, flourishing as the wealthiest lands of the Southeast.

Su Shi's "Inscription for the Temple of Loyalty": In the tenth year of Xining, on the day of Wuzi in October, the Grand Scholar of the Zizheng Hall, Right Censor-in-Chief, and Military Governor of Hangzhou, submits: The tombs and temples of the former King Qian of Yue, along with those of his father, ancestors, consorts, wives, and descendants, number twenty-six in Qiantang and eleven in Lin'an, all neglected and unkempt. Elders passing by shed tears. According to records: The former King Wu Su Wang Liu initially used local troops to defeat Huang Chao, gaining fame in Jianghuai. He later used troops from eight districts to subdue Liu Han Hong, annexed Yuezhou to serve Dong Chang, and established himself in Hangzhou. When Chang rebelled in Yue, he executed Chang and annexed Yue, controlling the lands of Zhejiang and Dongxi, passing them to his son, King Wen Mu Wang Yuan Guan. His grandson, King Zhong Xian Wang Ren Zuo, defeated Li Jing's forces and took Fuzhou. Ren Zuo's brother, King Zhong Yi Wang Shu, launched a major offensive against Jing to welcome the army of Emperor Shizong of Zhou, eventually surrendering the state to the court. Three generations and four kings, intertwined with the Five Dynasties. During the great chaos, heroes rose like bees, and at that time, countless bandits claimed names over several states, exterminating their clans and implicating innocent people, leaving no survivors. Yet, Wu Yue, with a thousand miles of territory and an army of a hundred thousand, rich in ivory, rhinoceros, pearls, and jade, never lost its loyalty, offering tributes continuously. Thus, its people lived to old age without knowing war, enjoying leisure and festivities, with songs and dances heard even now. Their virtue towards the people was profound. The Emperor received the mandate, pacifying rebellions in all directions. Western Shu and Jiangnan relied on their distant and perilous positions, surrendering only when besieged and exhausted. Meanwhile, the Liu clan of Hedong fought to the death, resisting the royal army, building fortresses with corpses and moats with blood, exhausting the nation's strength to barely conquer them. Only Wu Yue did not await orders, sealing its treasury, registering counties, requesting officials from the court, viewing departure from the state as a temporary stay, greatly contributing to the court. In the past, Dou Rong returned Hexi to Han, and Emperor Guangwu ordered the Right Assistant Wind to repair his ancestors' tombs and offer sacrifices. Now, the merits of the Qian clan surpass Rong, yet within a century, their tombs and temples are neglected, causing distress to passersby, which is not the way to encourage loyal ministers or comfort the people's hearts. I wish to use the abandoned Buddhist temple Longshan called Miaoyin Institute as a temple, allowing the Qian clan's grandson, a Daoist named Ziran, to reside there. All tombs and temples in Qiantang should be entrusted to Ziran. Those in Lin'an should be entrusted to the monk Dao Wei of the county's Pure Land Temple. Each year, select one disciple to manage them, register the income from the land to repair the shrines and plant trees in due time. If neglected, the county magistrate should investigate promptly, and if severe, replace the person, ensuring eternal preservation to reflect the court's regard for the Qian clan. I humbly report this. The inscription reads: The mountains of Tianmu, from which the Tiao River flows. Dragons fly and phoenixes dance, gathering in Lin'an. Extraordinary individuals are born, distinct and unique. They shout loudly, followers gather like clouds. Swearing to the heavens and rivers, the moon and stars dim. Strong crossbows shoot tides, rivers and seas turn east. Killing Hong and executing Chang, encompassing Wu Yue. Golden contracts and jade records, tiger talismans and dragon seals. Building great cities, encompassing mountains and rivers. Left with rivers, right with lakes, controlling islands and barbarians. Returning home annually, feasting with elders. Radiant like divine beings, with jade belts and horses. Forty-one years, cautious and vigilant. Gifts exchanged, great shells and southern gold. The chaos of the Five Hu, unable to entrust the nation. Three kings succeeded, with virtue as their symbol. Having found their return, without planning or consulting. The former king's ambition, we carry it out. Heaven blesses loyalty and filial piety, generations have titles and lands. Truly literary and martial, descendants in the billions. The Emperor instructs the officials to manage their tombs and shrines. Do not let woodcutters and shepherds shame their descendants. On the sunny side of Longshan, stands this palace. Not for private gain, but to encourage loyalty. Without loyalty, there is no ruler; without filial piety, there is no parent. All those in positions should view this inscription.

Southeast of grace, where rivers entwine, three Wu's heart, Qiantang divine. Mist veils willows, bridges fair, ten thousand homes in the scented air. Clouds and trees encircle sandy banks, raging waves roll frost and snow, the boundless natural moat. Markets lined with jewels, households filled with silks, competing in luxury. Layered lakes and stacked peaks, clear and beautiful. There are autumn osmanthus and lotus flowers stretching for miles. Qiang Flute plays in the clear weather, water chestnut songs float through the night, merry old fisherman and lotus maid. A thousand riders surround the high banners. In drunkenness, they listen to flutes and drums, reciting poetry and admiring the misty clouds. Someday, these beautiful scenes will be painted, to boast upon returning to the Phoenix Pool.

The Sea-view Tower shines bright with dawn's glow, the riverbank is guarded by white sand under clear skies. The sound of waves enters Wu Yuan Temple at night, willow hues hide Su Xiao's home in spring. Red sleeves weave brocade, boasting persimmon stems; green flags sell wine, chasing pear blossom whims. Who opened the path southwest of the lake temple? The green grass skirts a slanted line.

Jiangnan is beautiful, its scenery once familiar. The river flowers at sunrise are redder than fire, and in spring, the river's green is like blue. How can one not remember Jiangnan? Memories of Jiangnan, fondest memories of Hangzhou. Searching for osmanthus in the mountain temple under the moon, watching the tide from the county pavilion's pillow. When will I visit again? Memories of Jiangnan, next fondest are the Wu Palace. A cup of Wu wine with spring bamboo leaves, Wu dancers perform a double dance, intoxicated among lotus blooms. When will we meet again?

North of Solitary Hill Temple, west of Jia Pavilion, the water lies calm, low clouds brushing its face. Early orioles vie for the sun-warmed trees, while swallows from new nests peck at spring mud in haste. A riot of blossoms nearly dazzles the eye, and tender grass just begins to veil the horse's pace. But dearest of all is the path east of the lake The White Sand Embankment beneath green willow's grace.