2
Duan Rong, styled Zimao, was a native of Guzang in Wuwei. His grandfather Xin served the Juqu clan; later he entered Wei and, as a prominent clan, was relocated to the northern frontier, settling in Wuyuan Commandery. His father Lian served as military aide of the Anbei headquarters. From youth Duan Rong loved calendrical arts and devoted himself to stars and portents. At the beginning of Zhenguang, he told people, "The Book of Changes says, 'Observe the heavens to discern changes in the times,' and also says, 'Heaven displays signs, revealing fortune and calamity.' Now observing the dark heavens and examining human affairs, within ten years there will be turmoil." Someone asked, "Where will it begin — can one avoid it?" Duan Rong said, "The source of strife will begin here; I fear the realm will be swept along in the torrent — there is nowhere to escape." Before long, it happened just as he said. When turmoil came, Duan Rong, with his fellow townsmen, took wife and children and hurried south toward Pingcheng. Just then Du Luozhou rebelled; Duan Rong and Gao Huan plotted to kill him, but the matter failed, and together they fled to Erzhu Rong.
3
後高祖建義山東，榮贊成大策。 為行臺右丞，西北道慰喻大使，巡方曉喻，所在下之。 高祖南討鄴，留榮鎮信都，仍授鎮北將軍，定州刺史。 時攻鄴未克，所須軍資，榮轉輸無闕。 高祖入洛，論功封姑臧縣侯，邑八百戶。 轉授瀛州刺史。 榮妻，皇后姊也，榮恐高祖招私親之議，固推諸將，竟不之州。 尋行相州事，後為濟州刺史。 天平三年，轉行泰州事。 榮性溫和，所歷皆推仁恕，民吏愛之。 初，高祖將圖關右，與榮密謀，榮盛稱未可。 及渭曲失利，高祖悔之，曰：「吾不用段榮之言，以至於此。」 四年，除山東大行臺、大都督，甚得物情。 元象元年，授儀同三司。 二年五月卒，年六十二。 贈使持節、定冀滄瀛四州諸軍事、定州刺史、太尉、尚書左僕射，諡曰昭景。 皇建初，配饗高祖廟庭。 二年，重贈大司馬、尚書令、武威王。 長子韶嗣。
Later, when Gao Huan raised the righteous banner in Shandong, Duan Rong helped bring the great plan to fruition. He served as right deputy of the mobile office, ambassador to pacify and instruct the northwest circuit, touring the regions to enlighten and persuade; wherever he went, people submitted. When Gao Huan marched south to attack Ye, he left Duan Rong to garrison Xindu and concurrently appointed him general who pacifies the north and governor of Ding Province. At that time the attack on Ye had not yet succeeded; whatever military supplies were needed, Duan Rong transported them without shortfall. When Gao Huan entered Luoyang, for merit Duan Rong was enfeoffed marquis of Guzang County with a fief of eight hundred households. He was transferred to governor of Ying Province. Duan Rong's wife was the empress's elder sister; fearing Gao Huan would draw criticism for favoring private kin, Duan Rong firmly yielded to other generals and in the end never went to the province. Soon he acted as administrator of Xiang Province; later he became governor of Ji Province. In the third year of Tianping, he was transferred to act as administrator of Tai Province. Duan Rong was mild by nature; everywhere he served he practiced benevolence and forbearance, and officials and common people alike loved him. At first, when Gao Huan planned to take the Guanxi region, he secretly consulted Duan Rong, who strongly argued it was not yet feasible. When they suffered defeat at Weiqu, Gao Huan regretted it and said, "I did not heed Duan Rong's counsel, and so came to this." In the fourth year he was appointed grand commissioner of Shandong and grand commander; he won the hearts of all greatly. In the first year of Yuanxiang, he was granted Equal to the Three Dukes. In the fifth month of the second year he died, aged sixty-two. Posthumously he was granted bearer of the staff of authority, commander-in-chief of military affairs in the four provinces of Ding, Ji, Cang, and Ying, governor of Ding Province, grand commandant, and left vice director of the masters of writing; his posthumous title was Zhaojing. At the beginning of Huangjian, he was given associated sacrifice in Gao Huan's temple court. In the second year he was again posthumously granted grand marshal, director of the masters of writing, and prince of Wuwei. His eldest son Shao succeeded.
4
Shao, styled Xiaoxian, had the childhood name Tiefa. From youth he was skilled at mounted archery and possessed the talent and strategy of a commander. Gao Huan, because Shao was the nephew of Empress Lou Wuming, fully treasured and loved him, kept him constantly at his side, and regarded him as a trusted confidant.
5
建義初，領親信都督。 中興元年，從高祖拒尒朱兆，戰於廣阿。 高祖謂韶曰：「彼衆我寡，其若之何？」 韶曰：「所謂衆者，得衆人之死； 強者，得天下之心。 尒朱狂狡，行路所見，裂冠毀冕，拔本塞源，邙山之會，搢紳何罪，兼殺主立君，不脫旬朔，天下思亂，十室而九。 王躬昭德義，除君側之惡，何往而不克哉！」 高祖曰：「吾雖以順討逆，奉辭伐罪，但弱小在強大之間，恐無天命，卿不聞之也？」 答曰：「韶聞小能敵大，小道大淫，皇天無親，唯德是輔，尒朱外賊天下，內失善人，知者不為謀，勇者不為鬭，不肖失職，賢者取之，復何疑也。」 遂與兆戰，兆軍潰。 攻劉誕於鄴。 及韓陵之戰，韶督率所部，先鋒陷陣。 尋從高祖出晉陽，追尒朱兆於赤谼嶺，平之。 以軍功封下洛縣男。 又從襲取夏州，擒斛律彌娥突，加龍驤將軍、諫議大夫，累遷武衛將軍。 後恩賜父榮姑臧縣侯，其下洛縣男啟讓繼母弟寧安。
At the beginning of the righteous enterprise, he commanded trusted bodyguards. In the first year of Zhongxing, he followed Gao Huan in resisting Erzhu Zhao; they fought at Guang'a. Gao Huan said to Shao, "They are many and we are few — what is to be done?" Shao said, "What is called 'many' is winning the people's willingness to die; what is called 'strong' is winning the hearts of the realm. Erzhu is reckless and cunning — what everyone on the road sees: they tear off caps and destroy crowns, uproot foundations and block the source. At the assembly at Mount Mang, what crime did the gentry commit? Yet they also killed their lord and set up another — within no more than ten days and a month the realm yearns for disorder; nine of ten households. Your Highness personally displays virtue and righteousness, removing evil at the ruler's side — where could you go without prevailing!" Gao Huan said, "Although I take righteousness against rebellion and go forth with a mandate to punish crime, we are weak amid the strong — I fear we lack Heaven's mandate. Have you not heard of this?" He answered, "Shao has heard that the small can overcome the large, and the way that is small may yet overcome one that is great and excessive; August Heaven is not partial — only virtue receives its aid. Erzhu outwardly harms the realm and inwardly loses good men; the wise will not plan for him, the brave will not fight for him. The unworthy lose their offices; the worthy take them — what doubt remains?" They then fought Zhao; Zhao's army collapsed. They attacked Liu Dan at Ye. At the Battle of Hanling, Shao commanded and led his division as vanguard, breaking through the enemy lines. Soon he followed Gao Huan out of Jinyang, pursued Erzhu Zhao to Chihong Ridge, and pacified him. For military merit he was enfeoffed baron of Xialuo County. He also followed in the surprise capture of Xia Province, taking Hulu Mi'etuo prisoner; he was promoted to dragon-courser general and remonstrating grandee, rising in succession to general of martial guards. Later, by grace his father Duan Rong was given the title marquis of Guzang County; Shao petitioned to yield his barony of Xialuo County to his younger half-brother Ning'an.
6
In the fourth year of Xinghe, he followed Gao Huan in opposing Yuwen Tai at Mount Mang. Gao Huan was personally among the ranks; recognized by the Western Wei general Heba Sheng, Sheng led crack troops to press close. Shao galloped up from the side, drew his bow and shot back; one arrow killed Sheng's lead rider. The pursuers were awed and dared not press forward. When the Western army withdrew, he was granted horses and gold and his rank was advanced to duke.
7
武定四年，從征玉壁。 時高祖不豫，攻城未下，召集諸將，共論進止之宜。 謂大司馬斛律金、司徒韓軌、左衛將軍劉豐等曰：「吾每與段孝先論兵，殊有英略，若使比來用其謀，亦可無今日之勞矣。 吾患勢危篤，恐或不虞，欲委孝先以鄴下之事，何如？」 金等曰：「知臣莫若君，實無出孝先。」 仍謂韶曰：「吾昔與卿父冒涉險艱，同獎王室，建此大功。 今病疾如此，殆將不濟，宜善相翼佐，克茲負荷。」 即令韶從顯祖鎮鄴，召世宗赴軍。 高祖疾甚，顧命世宗曰：「段孝先忠亮仁厚，智勇兼備，親戚之中，唯有此子，軍旅大事，宜共籌之。」 五年春，高祖崩於晉陽，秘不發喪。 俄而侯景構亂，世宗還鄴，韶留守晉陽。 世宗還，賜女樂十數人，金十斤，繒帛稱是，封長樂郡公。 世宗征潁川，韶留鎮晉陽。 別封真定縣男，行幷州刺史。 顯祖受禪，別封朝陵縣，又封霸城縣，加位特進。 啟求歸朝陵公，乞封繼母梁氏為郡君。 顯祖嘉之，別以梁氏為安定郡君。 又以霸城縣侯讓其繼母弟孝言。 論者美之。
In the fourth year of Wuding, he followed the campaign against Yubi. At that time Gao Huan was unwell; the siege had not succeeded, and he summoned the generals to discuss together whether to advance or halt. He said to grand marshal Hulu Jin, minister of education Han Gui, left guard general Liu Feng, and others, "Whenever I discuss warfare with Duan Xiaoxian, he shows remarkable strategic brilliance. Had I used his plans all along, I might have been spared today's toil. I fear my illness is grave and dread some unforeseen turn; I wish to entrust Xiaoxian with affairs below Ye — what do you think?" Jin and the others said, "No one knows a subject better than the lord — truly none surpasses Xiaoxian." He then said to Shao, "Long ago your father and I braved danger and hardship together, jointly upheld the royal house, and built this great achievement. Now my illness is such that I may not recover; you should well assist each other and bear up under this burden." He thereupon ordered Shao to follow Gao Yang in garrisoning Ye and summoned Gao Cheng to the army. When Gao Huan's illness grew severe, he entrusted Gao Cheng, saying, "Duan Xiaoxian is loyal, upright, benevolent, and generous, combining wisdom and courage. Among kinsmen, only this man — on great military matters, you should plan together." In the spring of the fifth year Gao Huan died at Jinyang; the death was kept secret and mourning was not announced. Before long Hou Jing provoked rebellion; Gao Cheng returned to Ye and Shao remained to hold Jinyang. When Gao Cheng returned, he granted more than ten female musicians, ten jin of gold, and silk and brocade in corresponding measure, and enfeoffed Shao as duke of Changle Commandery. Gao Cheng campaigned against Yingchuan; Shao remained to garrison Jinyang. Separately he was enfeoffed baron of Zhending County and acted as governor of Bing Province. When Gao Yang received the abdication, Shao was separately enfeoffed in Chaoling County, again enfeoffed in Bacheng County, and granted special advancement. He petitioned to return the dignity of duke of Chaoling and begged that his stepmother Lady Liang be enfeoffed as commandery lady. Gao Yang approved; separately Lady Liang was made lady of Anding Commandery. He also yielded the marquisate of Bacheng County to his younger half-brother Xiaoyan. Commentators praised him.
8
天保三年，為冀州刺史、六州大都督，有惠政，得吏民之心。 四年十二月，梁將東方白額潛至宿預，招誘邊民，殺害長吏，淮、泗擾動。 五年二月，詔徵韶討之。 既至，會梁將嚴超達等軍逼涇州； 又陳武帝率衆將攻廣陵，刺史王敬寶遣使告急； 復有尹思令率衆萬餘人，謀襲盱貽。 三軍咸懼。 韶謂諸將曰：「自梁氏喪亂，國無定主，人懷去就，強者從之。 霸先等智小謀大，政令未一，外託同德，內有離心，諸君不足憂，吾揣之熟悉矣。」 乃留儀同敬顯儁、堯難宗等圍守宿預，自將步騎數千人倍道赴涇州。 途出盱眙，思令不虞大軍卒至，望旗奔北。 進與超達合戰，大破之，盡獲其舟艦器械。 謂諸將士曰：「吳人輕躁，本無大謀，今破超達，霸先必走。」 即回赴廣陵。 陳武帝果遁去。 追至楊子柵，望揚州城乃還，大獲其軍資器物，旋師宿預。 六月，韶遣辯士喻白額禍福，白額於是開門請盟。 韶與行臺辛術等議，且為受盟。 盟訖，度白額終不為用，因執而斬之，並其諸弟等並傳首京師。 江淮帖然，民皆安輯。 顯祖嘉其功，詔賞吳口七十人，封平原郡王。 清河王岳之克郢州，執司徒陸法和，韶亦豫行，築層城，於新蔡立郭默戍而還。 皇建元年，領太子太師。
In the third year of Tianbao, he served as governor of Ji Province and grand commander of six provinces; his benevolent administration won the hearts of officials and people. In the twelfth month of the fourth year, the Liang general Dongfang Baie secretly reached Suyu, recruited and enticed frontier people, killed local officials, and stirred turmoil along the Huai and Si rivers. In the second month of the fifth year an edict summoned Shao to suppress them. When he arrived, the Liang generals Yan Chaoda and others were pressing Jing Province; Chen Baxian was also leading a host of generals to attack Guangling; governor Wang Jingbao sent envoys in urgent appeal; Yin Siling too led more than ten thousand men, plotting a surprise attack on Xuyi. The whole army was afraid. Shao said to the generals, "Since the Liang house fell into disorder, the state has had no fixed ruler; people weigh where to go and where to stay, following whichever side seems stronger. Chen Baxian and the like have small minds and large ambitions; their orders are not unified — outwardly claiming unity, inwardly divided at heart. You need not worry, gentlemen; I know them thoroughly." He left Equal-to-the-Three-Dukes Jing Xianjun, Yao Nazong, and others to besiege and hold Suyu; he himself led several thousand infantry and cavalry by forced march toward Jing Province. Passing through Xuyi, Yin Siling did not expect the main army to arrive so suddenly; at sight of the banners he fled north. Advancing, he joined battle with Chaoda and routed them utterly, capturing all their boats and equipment. He told the officers and soldiers, "The Wu people are rash by nature and never had great plans. Now that Chaoda is broken, Chen Baxian will surely flee." He at once turned back toward Guangling. Chen Baxian indeed fled. Pursuing as far as Yangzi stockade, he sighted Yangzhou city and turned back; he captured a great store of military supplies and equipment, then wheeled his army back to Suyu. In the sixth month, Shao sent eloquent envoys to explain fortune and disaster to Baie; Baie thereupon opened the gates and requested an alliance. Shao discussed with the mobile commissioner Xin Shu and others and provisionally accepted the alliance. When the alliance was concluded, judging that Baie would never be useful, he seized and executed him, and together with his brothers sent their heads to the capital. The Huai and Yangzi regions grew calm; the people were all settled. Gao Yang applauded his merit; an edict granted seventy Wu captives and enfeoffed him as prince of Pingyuan Commandery. When Prince Qinghe Yue captured Ying Province and took minister of education Lu Fazhe prisoner, Shao also took part in the expedition, built tiered fortifications, established the Guo Mo garrison at Xincai, and returned. In the first year of Huangjian, he served as grand preceptor of the crown prince.
9
In the second year of Daining, he was appointed governor of Bing Province. When Gao Guiyan rebelled in Ji Province, an edict ordered Shao and Prince Dong'an Lou Rui to lead troops to suppress and pacify him; Shao was transferred to grand preceptor, granted ten female musicians, and also given Guiyan's orchard of a thousand mu. He still went to Bing Province; in governing he upheld broad principles and did not dwell on petty scrutiny, winning great harmony among the people.
10
In the twelfth month, Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou dispatched generals leading Qiang and tribal forces together with the Turks in a combined host pressing Jinyang; Emperor Wucheng hurried from Ye by forced march to the rescue. The Turks advanced from the north in battle formation, touching the Fen River on the east and Wind Valley on the west. Events had come in a rush; troops and horses were not yet in order. Seeing the field, Emperor Wucheng wished to withdraw eastward. Soon he accepted Prince of Hejian Xiaowan's plea and put Prince of Zhao Commandery in overall charge of the generals. After heavy snow, the Zhou made infantry their vanguard, descending from the western hills two li from the city. Every general wanted to meet them with a counterattack. An edict ran, "Infantry can only push so far. With snow this deep, a meeting fight is ill advised — hold your lines and wait. They will be weary and we rested — the victory is certain." Battle was joined and the enemy was routed. The vanguard was annihilated to the last man; the rest fled through the night. Shao was ordered to lead cavalry in pursuit — he could not overtake them before the frontier and turned back. Emperor Wucheng commended his merit, separately enfeoffed him duke of Wude Commandery in Huai Province, and advanced him to grand preceptor.
11
The mother of Zhou chancellor Yuwen Hu, Lady Yan, had first been assigned to Zhongshan Palace. Learning she still lived, Hu sent a letter through the border asking for her return and proposing neighborly peace. At that time the Turks repeatedly raided the frontier; Shao encamped below the passes. Emperor Wucheng sent Attendant of the Yellow Gate Xu Shirong by fast relay with the Zhou letter to consult Shao. Shao said the Zhou were fickle and had never kept faith — the affair at Jinyang had already shown as much. Hu outwardly styled himself chancellor but was in truth a king. He asked peace for his mother's sake, yet sent not a single envoy to state his case — and we would return her on the strength of a letter alone. That would look like weakness. In my humble view, we should agree outwardly and release her later — that would not be too late. He was not heeded. An envoy was sent to escort her back with full ceremony.
12
護既得母，仍遣將尉遲迥等襲洛陽。 詔遣蘭陵王長恭、大將軍斛律光率衆擊之，軍於邙山之下，逗留未進。 世祖召謂曰：「今欲遣王赴洛陽之圍，但突厥在此，復須鎮禦，王謂如何？」 韶曰：「北虜侵邊，事等疥癬，今西羌窺逼，便是膏肓之病，請奉詔南行。」 世祖曰：「朕意亦爾。」 乃令韶督精騎一千，發自晉陽。 五日便濟河，與大將共量進止。 韶旦將帳下二百騎與諸軍共登邙阪，聊觀周軍形勢。 至大和谷，便值周軍，即遣馳告諸營，追集兵馬。 仍與諸將結陣以待之。 韶為左軍，蘭陵王為中軍，斛律光為右軍，與周人相對。 韶遙謂周人曰：「汝宇文護幸得其母，不能懷恩報德，今日之來，竟何意也？」 周人曰：「天遣我來，有何可問。」 韶曰：「天道賞善罰惡，當遣汝送死來耳。」 周軍仍以步人在前，上山逆戰。 韶以彼徒我騎，且却且引，待其力弊，乃遣下馬擊之。 短兵始交，周人大潰。 其中軍所當者，亦一時瓦解，投墜溪谷而死者甚衆。 洛城之圍，亦即奔遁，盡棄營幕，從邙山至榖水三十里中，軍資器物彌滿川澤。 車駕幸洛陽，親勞將士，於河陰置酒高會，策勳命賞，除太宰，封靈武縣公。 天統三年，除左丞相，永昌郡公，食滄州幹。
Once Hu had his mother, he still sent generals Yuchi Jiong and others to strike at Luoyang. An edict dispatched Prince of Lanling Gao Chang Gong and Grand General Hulü Guang with troops to attack them. They encamped below Mount Mang and lingered without advancing. Emperor Wucheng summoned Shao and said, "I wish to send you to the siege at Luoyang — but the Turks are here and must still be held in check. What do you think?" Shao said, "Northern raiders on the frontier are scabies; the Western Qiang pressing in are a disease in the vitals. I beg leave to go south as ordered." Emperor Wucheng said, "My mind is the same." He ordered Shao to command a thousand elite cavalry and set out from Jinyang. In five days he had crossed the river and joined the grand generals in weighing advance and halt. At dawn Shao led two hundred cavalry from his personal retinue and climbed the Mang slopes with the other armies to take a brief look at the Zhou disposition. At Dahe Valley they ran straight into the Zhou army; he at once sent riders racing to the camps to muster troops and horses. He then formed battle lines with the generals and waited. Shao took the left wing, Prince of Lanling the center, and Hulü Guang the right — facing the Zhou. Shao shouted across to the Zhou, "You, Yuwen Hu — you have just recovered your mother and cannot repay kindness with gratitude. What do you mean by coming today?" The Zhou answered, "Heaven sent us — what is there to ask?" Shao said, "Heaven rewards the good and punishes the evil — it has sent you here to die." The Zhou army again put infantry in front and came up the hill to fight. Shao, seeing foot soldiers against his cavalry, withdrew step by step and drew them on until their strength failed — then ordered his men to dismount and strike. Close combat had barely begun when the Zhou broke completely. Those who met the center wing collapsed at once as well; very many fell into ravines and gullies and died. The siege of Luoyang also broke and fled, abandoning all camps and tents. From Mount Mang to Gushui for thirty li, military stores and equipment filled the streams and marshes. The imperial carriage visited Luoyang and personally encouraged the soldiers. At Heyin a great feast of wine was set out; merits were assessed and rewards given — Shao was made grand steward and enfeoffed duke of Lingwu County. In the third year of Tiantong he was made left chancellor, duke of Yongchang Commandery, with revenue from Cang Province.
13
In the first month of the second year of Wuping he marched out by the Jinzhou route, reached Dinglong, built the two fortresses Weidi and Pingkou, and returned. In the second month Zhou troops came raiding; Shao was sent with Right Chancellor Hulü Guang and Grand Commandant Prince of Lanling Gao Chang Gong to repel them. At the end of the third month they marched and reached the western frontier. There was a fortress called Baigu — an enemy stronghold of absolute peril, a stone citadel a thousand ren high — and none of the generals would agree to besiege it. Shao said, "North of the Fen and east of the Yellow River are lands the state must hold. If Baigu is not taken, the matter is like a chronic disease. I reckon their relief will come by the southern road; if we cut that vital route, rescue cannot arrive. And though the fortress stands high, within it is very narrow — fire-arrows shot into it could destroy it in a day." The generals approved; drums were sounded and the attack began. The fortress fell; Yitong Xue Jingli was captured; heads and captives were taken in great numbers. They then walled Huagu, garrisoned it, and returned. He was enfeoffed duke of Guangping Commandery.
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是月，周又遣將寇邊。 右丞相斛律光先率師出討，韶亦請行。 五月，攻服秦城。 周人於姚襄城南更起城鎮，東接定陽，又作深塹，斷絕行道。 韶乃密抽壯士，從北襲之。 又遣人潛渡河，告姚襄城中，令內外相應。 渡者千有餘人，周人始覺。 於是合戰，大破之，獲其儀同若干顯寶等。 諸將咸欲攻其新城，韶曰：「此城一面阻河，三面地險，不可攻，就令得之，一城地耳。 不如更作一城壅其路，破服秦，並力以圖定陽，計之長者。」 將士咸以為然。 六月，徙圍定陽，其城主開府儀同楊範固守不下。 韶登山望城勢，乃縱兵急攻之。 七月，屠其外城，大斬獲首級。 時韶病在軍中，以子城未克，謂蘭陵王長恭曰：「此城三面重澗險阻，並無走路，唯恐東南一處耳。 賊若突圍，必從此出，但簡精兵專守，自是成擒。」 長恭乃令壯士千餘人設伏於東南澗口。 其夜果如所策，賊遂出城，伏兵擊之，大潰，範等面縛，盡獲其衆。
That month Zhou again sent generals to raid the frontier. Right Chancellor Hulü Guang led troops out first to attack; Shao also asked to go. In the fifth month they captured and subdued Qincheng. The Zhou south of Yaoxiang raised a new walled town, linking east to Dingyang, and dug a deep trench to cut the road. Shao then secretly selected strong men and struck from the north. He also sent men to cross the river in secret and notify those inside Yaoxiang to coordinate inside and out. More than a thousand crossed — only then did the Zhou realize. Battle was joined and the enemy was routed; Yitong Ruogan Xianbao and others were captured. The generals all wished to attack the new fortress; Shao said, "That fortress has the river on one side and perilous ground on three — it cannot be taken. Even if we took it, it would be only one town. Better to build another fortress to block their route, break Qincheng, and join forces against Dingyang — that is the longer plan." Officers and soldiers all agreed. In the sixth month they shifted the siege to Dingyang; the fortress commander, Kaifu Yitong Yang Fan, held firm and would not yield. Shao climbed a height to survey the fortress and then unleashed troops in a fierce assault. In the seventh month the outer city was taken and heads and captives were heaped up. Shao was then ill in camp; the inner citadel had not yet fallen. He told Prince of Lanling Gao Chang Gong, "This fortress is bound by deep ravines and steep peril on three sides — there is no way out save one point in the southeast. If the enemy breaks out, it will surely be there. Post elite troops to hold that spot alone and capture is assured." Chang Gong then set more than a thousand strong men in ambush at the southeastern ravine mouth. That night it happened exactly as he had foreseen: the enemy came out of the city, the ambush struck, and they broke completely. Fan and the rest were bound and led away; the whole force was taken.
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Shao became gravely ill and returned ahead of the army. For his merit he received a separate enfeoffment as Duke of Leling Commandery. In the end he died of the illness. The emperor mourned him in the Eastern Hall and bestowed one thousand bolts of goods, an imperial lacquered coffin, and a state funeral carriage. Officers and men of the army formed an honor guard and escorted him to the burial ground at Ping'en, and soldiers were conscripted to raise the tomb mound. Posthumously he was granted the acting yellow battle-axe, bearer of the staff of authority, overall command of military affairs in the twelve provinces of Shuo, Bing, Ding, Zhao, Ji, Cang, Qi, Yan, Liang, Luo, Jin, and Jian, and the titles Chancellor of State, Grand Commandant, Recorder of the Department of State Affairs, and Inspector of Shuo Province. His posthumous name was Zhongwu.
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Shao went out to command the armies and came in to counsel at the inner court; his merit stood highest, and with marriage ties besides, his prestige tilted court and realm. He excelled in stratagem and was skilled at commanding troops; he won the hearts of officers and soldiers, and on the day of battle every man strove to outdo the rest. By nature he was gentle and cautious, with the bearing of a chief minister. He trained his sons and younger brothers; his household was orderly and solemn; he was famed for filial duty toward his stepmother — among the meritorious great houses of Qi, few could match him. Yet he was partial to women; though he held weighty office, he would go about in plain dress. There was a Lady Huangfu, wife of Wei Attendant Gentleman Yuan Yu; when Yu's younger brother Jin plotted rebellion, Lady Huangfu was confiscated to the state. Shao admired her beauty and memorialized a firm request; Gao Cheng greatly disliked to refuse him and therefore bestowed her upon him. He was especially stingy with wealth; even kin and old friends he scarcely gave anything. His son Shen had married a princess and served more than ten days at home as a provincial assistant — when the business was done and he took leave to return, Shao gave him only a cup of wine. His eldest son Yi succeeded him.
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Yi, styled Deyou, had fine presence, understood music fairly well, and was also skilled at riding and archery. At the beginning of Tianbao he married the Princess of Yingchuan. He rose in succession to acting right vice director of the branch secretariat, concurrent palace master of writing, and was sent out as governor of Yan Province. He died. His son Baoding succeeded him. He married the Princess of Zhongshan; at the end of Wuping he held rank equal to the three excellencies. Under Sui in the Kaihuang era he was kaifu yitong sansi and general of fast cavalry; at the beginning of Daye he died as governor of Rao Province.
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Shao's second son Shen, styled Deshen. Handsome in appearance, broad and careful — he had his father's manner. In the Tianbao era he received his father's enfeoffment as duke of Guzang County. At the beginning of Daning he was made regular attendant of the palace cadet. In the second year an edict betrothed him to the Princess of Yongchang; before the marriage the princess died. In the third year of Heqing he was again betrothed by edict to the Princess of Dong'an. Because his father repeatedly achieved great merit, he rose in succession to palace attendant, general, grand rectifier of Yuan Province, with revenue from Zhao Commandery. When Shao fell gravely ill, an edict enfeoffed Shen prince of Jibei to comfort him. At the end of Wuping he was left vice director of the Xuzhou branch secretariat and governor of Xuzhou. After entering Zhou he was made grand general and duke of a commandery; he was executed for an offense.
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Rong's second son Xiaoyan, from youth, was quick-witted and had a graceful bearing. At the end of the Wei Wuding era he began his career as an army aide to the Minister over the Masses (Situ). When Qi received the mandate, his elder brother Shao transferred to him the separate enfeoffment as marquis of Bacheng County. Through successive promotions he rose to rank equal to the three excellencies, minister of revenue, and magistrate of Qingdu.
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Xiaoyan had risen to eminence on the lingering credit of a martial clan — and once there he turned arrogant and unrestrained, afraid of nothing. Once on a night journey he passed the house where his guest Song Xiaowang was lodging and called out the ward watchmen; when they did not come at once, he had them beaten to death. He also kept secret company with adulterous women; when a husband caught him at it, Xiaoyan again leaned on his office and beat the man until he died. When the palace gardens needed fruit trees, levies were laid on common households and Buddhist temples to supply them — yet Xiaoyan had the whole levy split off and planted at his private residence. When the palace halls and gardens needed stone, cart oxen were sent to haul it from the Zhang River — and again he diverted the carts on the return trip for his own use. When every detail reached the throne, he was sent out as governor of Haizhou. Soon, on account of his elder brother, he was recalled and made minister of justice, drawing income from Yangcheng Commandery, with an opening establishment added. He was transferred to grand minister of ceremonies, then appointed governor of Qi Province — and impeached by the censorate for bribery and embezzlement. It happened that Emperor Wucheng died; he was pardoned in the general amnesty. He was made grand minister of ceremonies, transferred to income from Henan Commandery, and promoted to minister of personnel.
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祖珽執政，將廢趙彥深，引孝言為助。 除兼侍中，入內省，典機密，尋即正，仍吏部尚書。 孝言既無深鑒，又待物不平，抽擢之徒，非賄則舊。 有將作丞崔成，忽於衆中抗言曰：「尚書天下尚書，豈獨段家尚書也！」 孝言無辭以答，惟厲色遣下而已。 尋除中書監，加特進。 又托韓長鸞，共構祖珽之短。 及祖出後，孝言除尚書右僕射，仍掌選舉，恣情用捨，請謁大行。 勑濬京城北隍，孝言監作，儀同三司崔士順、將作大匠元士將、太府少卿酈孝裕、尚書左民郎中薛叔昭、司州治中崔龍子、清都尹丞李道隆、鄴縣令尉長卿、臨漳令崔象、成安令高子徹等並在孝言部下。 典作日，別置酒高會，諸人膝行跪伏，稱觴上壽，或自陳屈滯，更請轉官，孝言意色揚揚，以為己任，皆隨事報答，許有另授。 富商大賈多被銓擢，緃令所進用人士，咸是粗險放縱之流。 尋遷尚書左僕射，特進、侍中如故。
When Zu Ting took power and plotted to remove Zhao Yanshen, he enlisted Xiaoyan as an ally. Xiaoyan was made acting attendant-in-ordinary, entered the inner secretariat to handle confidential affairs, was soon confirmed in the post, and still held minister of personnel. Xiaoyan lacked deep judgment and dealt unfairly with men — those he raised were either bought or old connections. Director of palace construction Cui Cheng suddenly cried out before the assembly: "The minister serves the realm — not the Duan household alone!" Xiaoyan had no answer; he could only darken his face and have Cui sent down. Soon he was made supervisor of the Secretariat and granted extraordinary promotion. He also leaned on Han Changluan to join in fabricating charges against Zu Ting. After Zu was driven out, Xiaoyan was made right vice director of the Masters of Writing, still controlling appointments — disposing of offices as he pleased while petitions and favors poured in. An edict ordered the dredging of the capital's northern moat, with Xiaoyan supervising the work. Yitong of the third rank Cui Shishun, grand master of palace construction Yuan Shijiang, vice minister of the palace store Li Xiaoyu, left bureau director of the people in the Masters of Writing Xue Shuzhao, provincial aide of Sizhou Cui Longzi, vice magistrate of Qingdu Li Daolong, magistrate of Ye County Wei Changqing, magistrate of Linzhang Cui Xiang, magistrate of Cheng'an Gao Ziche, and others all served under Xiaoyan. On days he oversaw the work he set out wine and held a grand feast; the men crawled forward on their knees, raised cups to wish him long life, or pleaded their own grievances and asked for transfer. Xiaoyan's bearing was buoyant — he took it as his proper role — and answered each man as the case required, promising separate appointments. Wealthy merchants were often selected and promoted; even those he advanced on recommendation were coarse, reckless, unrestrained men. Soon he was transferred to left vice director of the Masters of Writing; his extraordinary promotion and attendant-in-ordinary status remained unchanged.
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Xiaoyan was rich, noble, and extravagantly luxurious — and above all fond of women. Later he took Lou Dingyuan's concubine Dong as his wife and became utterly infatuated with her; inside and outside the household turned sour, accusations flew back and forth, and for the quarrel he was stripped of office and banished to Guang Province. After the defeat at Longhua, an edict recalled him. Though Xiaoyan was insatiable in grasping wealth and abandoned himself to wine and women, his bearing was elegant; he gathered famous scholars, and on fine days in fair seasons he never let an hour go idle — composing poetry, summoning performers, draining every cup to the dregs. Even men from the humblest walks of life, if they had some slight skill in letters, he often brought into his guest lodges to share the pleasure; those in poverty and distress he also sometimes gave alms. Public opinion again praised him for this. When Qi fell he entered Zhou and was granted opening-establishment honors equal to the grand general; later he was granted supreme opening establishment.
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The historian says: Duan Rong, by weight of marriage kinship, met the tide of the times — in fields where merit is reckoned, he is worth naming. Shao brightly assisted seven rulers and enlarged the family estate; whenever he went out he held the outer command, or was entrusted with the capital in his absence — and in a court of suspicion he lived out his years to the full. Just when frontier beacons were often alight, that Qi should have such a supreme general — can it have been mere chance? Surely it was because he kept ambition from pride in merit, kept fame from outrunning reality, did not rule men by raw power, and did not seize the moment by cunning stratagem — who, then, could have overturned his bowl? The saying runs, "To follow one's nature is called the Way" — is this not its proof?