Fortunately, the Great Dao showed mercy, allowing Us to draw breath on the brink of death. We have since relied on Spirit Medicines and rare treasures from the Four Seas to extend Our life until this day.
However, life and death are ruled by fate; how could they be stayed by mere elixirs?
Now, Our energy is spent and Our spirit withered. We know Our time has come. We hereby issue this final edict. Let all civil and military officials listen well and act with caution:
After We have passed, the funeral rites must be simple and frugal.
Do not undertake grand construction to build a new tomb. It is enough to be buried beside the tomb of Empress Shi. No inscription of Merit shall be carved on the stele before the mausoleum.
All eunuchs in the palace shall be granted thirty mu of fertile land and one hundred taels of Silver, and be sent back to their hometowns.
For the task of assisting in the governance of the Imperial Court, We specially promote three individuals:
