Note 13 — Chapter XV · Mythical and Legendary Kings
Reading edition
After Yu had finished his work, Heaven presented him with a dark-coloured mace.13 He was destined to become Emperor of the nine provinces, we are told, but it is doubtful if the Empire was really so large during his reign. After Shun resigned, Yu ascended the throne. The vegetation then became luxuriant, and green dragons lay on the borders of the Empire. Yellow dragons rose from the rivers when Yu crossed them. His reign lasted for forty-five years.