《旧五代史·后周·世宗纪一》
本姓柴，父亲柴守礼，以太子少保的官爵退休。世宗于唐朝天祐十八年九月二十四日，出生于邢州的别墅。尚未成年时，因为侍奉圣穆皇后，在周太祖身边，当时太祖没有儿子，家道沦落，因为世宗谨慎厚重，所以将众多事务交付与他。世宗尽心管理，资用不乏，得以度过艰难。
世宗怒，厉声曰： 法者自古帝王之所制，本以防奸，朕立法杀赃吏，非酷刑也。 质曰： 陛下杀之则可，若付有司，臣不敢署敕。 
His surname was Chai, and his father was Chai Shouli, who retired as a junior secretary to the crown prince. Shizong was born in Xingzhou on September 24th in the 18th year of Tianyou during the Tang Dynasty. Before he became an adult, he served Empress Shengmu at the side of Zhou Taizu. At that time, Taizu had no sons, and his family was in decline. Since Shizong was prudent and steadfast, many matters were entrusted to him. Shizong managed with all his heart, and his resources were never scarce, so he was able to get through the difficult times.