中英双语话史记 第46期:文景之治

Rule of Wen and Jing

文景之治

When the emperors Wen and Jing in the Western Han Dynasty (206B.C.---- 8 A.D.) came into power, they went on with more moderate and humane policies carried by Emperor Gaozu.

汉文帝与汉景帝执政时，相较于高祖，他们采取了更加温和与人性化的政策。

Historical records show that during their reigns the Han Dynasty (206B.C. ---- 220A.D.) prospered.

历史记录显示，当他们当政时，汉朝（公元前206年至公元220年）繁荣发展。

Untroubled by wars or natural disasters, people lived in peace.

人们平安度日，不受战乱或自然灾害的忧扰。

This resulted in an increase in population and the development of manufacturing industries and commerce.

这最终造成了人口的增长以及制造业和经济的发展。

The emperor Wen attached much importance to agriculture and economy.

汉文帝将注意力更多放在了农业与经济上。

He encouraged agricultural output by further reducing taxes and asked people to grow mulberry and raise silkworms.

他通过不断减少税收以及建议人民种桑树、养蚕来鼓励农业的发展。

Meanwhile, Wen introduced the reform of punishment and abolished many cruel penalties, in the 23 years of his reign, there was no reconstruction of the palace and his carriages remained the same.

同时，文帝提倡惩罚制度的改革并取消了许多残酷的刑罚，在他统治的23年间，他不曾修缮过宫殿，连自己的马车也多年如一日。

According to the historical records, the food supply was so ample that much got perished in the bams.

根据史料记载，那时的食物供给十分充足以至于许多粮食都烂在了谷仓里。

Another important factor that contributed to the prosperity of Han was that Wen and Jing endeavored to maintain a friendly relationship with Han and neighboring countries.

另一个使得汉朝繁荣兴盛的原因在于文帝和景帝致力于与汉朝周边的国家维持良好的关系。