1
高祖神武帝世宗文襄帝
Emperor Gaozu the Divine Martial; Emperor Shizong the Cultured and Assisting.
2
齊高祖神武皇帝姓高氏，諱歡，字賀六渾，勃海蓚人也。 六世祖隱，晉玄菟太守。 隱生慶，慶生泰，泰生湖，三世仕慕容氏。 及慕容寶敗，國亂。 湖率眾歸魏，為右將軍。 湖生四子。 第三子謐，仕魏，位至侍御史，坐法徙居懷朔鎮。 謐生皇考樹生，性通率，不事家業。 住居白道南，數有赤光紫氣之異。 鄰人以為怪，勸徙居以避之。 皇考曰：「安知非吉？」 居之自若。 及神武生而皇妣韓氏殂，養於同產姊婿鎮獄隊尉景家。 神武既累世北邊，故習其俗，遂同鮮卑。 長而深沈有大度，輕財重士，為豪俠所宗。 目有精光，長頭高權，齒白如玉，少有人傑表。 家貧，及娉武明皇后，始有馬，得給鎮為隊主。 鎮將遼西段長常奇神武貌，謂曰：「君有康濟才，終不徒然。」 便以子孫為托。 及貴，追贈長司空，擢其子寧而用之。 神武自隊主轉為函使。 嘗乘驛過建興，雲務書晦，雷聲隨之，半日乃絕，若有神應者。 每行道路，往來無風塵之色。 又嘗夢履眾星而行，覺而內喜。 為函使六年，每至洛陽，給令史麻祥使。 祥嘗以肉啖神武。 神武性不立食，坐而進之。 祥以為慢己，笞神武四十。
Northern Qi's founding Emperor Shenwu, of the Gao clan, bore the taboo name Huan and the courtesy name Heliuhun; he came from Lou in Bohai commandery. Six generations back, his forebear Yin had served the Jin as governor of Xuantu. Yin fathered Qing, Qing fathered Tai, and Tai fathered Hu; all three generations held office under the Murong. When Murong Bao met defeat, the realm dissolved into chaos. Hu brought his men over to Wei and was made General of the Right. Hu had four sons. The third son, Mi, entered Wei service and reached Attending Censor before he was exiled to Huai-shuo garrison for breaking the law. Mi fathered the late emperor's father Shusheng, a man of blunt, easy manners who cared nothing for household affairs. His home lay south of White Road, where crimson light and purple mists were seen again and again. Neighbors took it for an omen and urged him to move elsewhere and escape it. His father replied, "Who says this is not a blessing?" He stayed on without concern. Shenwu was born; his mother Lady Han died at once, and he was raised in the household of his elder uterine sister's husband Jing, captain of the garrison prison. Generations on the northern marches had taught him frontier ways, and he grew up almost as one of the Xianbei. In manhood he was grave and far-seeing, open-handed with talent and light with money; men of daring spirit took him for their leader. His gaze was sharp, his skull long and his cheekbones high, his teeth white as jade; even young he had the bearing of one marked for greatness. Poverty held the household until his marriage to Empress Wuming brought him his first horse and a post as squad leader at the garrison. Duan Chang of Liaoxi, the garrison commander, was struck by Shenwu's looks and told him, "You have what it takes to steady an age; you will not die obscure." He entrusted his sons and grandsons to Shenwu's care. Once Shenwu had risen, he posthumously enfeoffed Duan Chang as Minister of Works and raised his son Ning to office. Shenwu rose from squad leader to courier of the sealed dispatches. Once on post-horse through Jianxing, ink-dark clouds swallowed the sky and thunder rolled at his heels for half a day, as if heaven itself answered him. Wherever he walked the road lay still, without a speck of dust. He dreamed once that he walked upon the stars; waking, he was glad in his heart. Six years as courier brought him to Luoyang again and again, each time under the clerk Ma Xiang. Xiang once offered him meat to eat. Shenwu would not eat on his feet; he sat down to take the food. Xiang read this as insolence and had Shenwu beaten forty strokes.
3
及自洛陽還，傾產以結客。 親故怪問之，答曰：「吾至洛陽，宿衛羽林相率焚領軍張彜宅，朝廷懼其亂而不問，為政若此，事可知也。 財物豈可常守邪？」 自是乃有澄清天下之志。 與懷朔省事雲中司馬子如及秀容人劉貴、中山人賈顯智為奔走之友。
Back from Luoyang, he spent his whole fortune gathering allies. Relatives marveled and asked why; he said, "In Luoyang the Feathered Forest guards together burned Director Zhang Yi's house, and the court, afraid of riot, let it pass. Rule like that tells you everything. What use is wealth if you cling to it forever?" From that day he set his mind on clearing the realm. He bound himself to Sima Ziru of Yunzhong, a Huai-shuo clerk, and to Liu Gui of Xiurong and Jia Xianzhi of Zhongshan as friends who would go anywhere at his call.
4
懷朔戶曹史孫騰、外兵史侯景亦相友結。 劉貴嘗得一白鷹，與神武及尉景、蔡俊、子如、賈顯智等獵於沃野。 見一赤兔，每搏輙逸，遂至迥澤。 澤中有茅屋，將奔入，有狗自屋中出噬之，鷹兔俱死。 神武怒，以鳴鏑射之，狗斃。 屋中乃有二人出，持神武襟甚急。 其母兩目盲，曳杖，呵其二子，曰：「何故觸大家！ 出甕中酒，烹羊以待客。 因自言善暗相，遍捫諸人，言皆貴，而指麾俱由神武。 又曰：「子如歷位顯，智不善終。」 飲竟，出行數里，還更訪之。 則本無人居，乃向非人也。 由是諸人益加敬異。
Sun Teng of the Huai-shuo household register and Hou Jing of the external military desk joined them as well. Liu Gui once caught a white hawk; with Shenwu, Jing, Cai Jun, Ziru, and Jia Xianzhi he hunted the wilds of Woye. A red hare appeared; every chase ended in escape, until they came to Jiong Marsh. A hut stood in the marsh; the hare bolted for it, but a dog burst out and killed it, and hawk and hare died together. Shenwu in fury loosed a whistling arrow and dropped the dog. Two men came out and seized Shenwu by the collar with sudden force. Their mother, blind in both eyes, hobbled forward on her staff and cried at her sons, "How dare you lay hands on the great lord! She drew wine from the jar and killed a sheep to feast them. She claimed skill in hidden physiognomy, passed her hands over each man and called every one destined for rank, all to rise through Shenwu. She added, "Ziru will rise high; Zhi will come to no good end." When the cups were empty they rode on for miles, then turned back to call again. No one lived there at all; what they had met was not of this world. After that his companions revered him still more deeply.
5
孝昌元年，柔玄鎮人杜洛周反於上谷，神武乃與同志從之。 醜其行事，私與尉景、段榮、蔡俊圖之，不果而逃，為其騎所追。 文襄及魏永熙後皆幼，武明後於牛上抱負之。 文襄屢落牛，神武彎弓將射之以決去，後呼榮求救，賴榮透下取之以免。
In Xiaochang year one Du Luozhou of Rouxuan garrison rose at Shanggu, and Shenwu and his friends went with him. He loathed Luozhou's ways; with Jing, Duan Rong, and Cai Jun he plotted in secret, failed, and fled while Luozhou's riders gave chase. Wenxiang and the Yongxi empress were still infants; Empress Wuming bore them on her back upon the ox. Wenxiang kept slipping from the ox; Shenwu strung his bow as if to shoot the boy and decide the matter; the empress cried to Rong, who leaned down and snatched the child up in time.
6
遂奔葛榮，又亡歸爾朱榮於秀容。 先是劉貴事榮，盛言神武美，至是始得見。 以憔悴故，未之奇也。 貴乃為神武更衣，復求見焉。 因隨榮之廄，廄有惡馬，榮命剪之，神武乃不加羈絆而剪，竟不蹄嚙。 已而起曰：「禦惡人亦如此馬矣。」 榮遂坐神武於床下，屏左右而訪時事。 神武曰：「聞公有馬十二谷，色別為群，將此竟何用也？」
He fled next to Ge Rong, then broke away again and sought Erzhu Rong at Xiurong. Liu Gui had long served Rong and praised Shenwu; only now did Shenwu win an audience. His worn, travel-stained look left Rong unimpressed. Gui had him dress anew and asked for another meeting. He followed Rong to the stables, where a savage horse waited; Rong ordered its mane trimmed; Shenwu cut it without tying the beast, and it never struck or bit. When he finished he said, "Breaking wicked men is like breaking this horse." Rong set him below the couch, sent attendants away, and questioned him on affairs of the day. Shenwu said, "They say you keep twelve valleys of horses, color sorted into herds; what do you mean to do with them?"
7
榮曰：「但言爾意。」 神武曰：「方今天子愚弱，太后淫亂，孽寵擅命，朝政不行。
Rong said, "Say what you yourself intend." Shenwu said, "The Son of Heaven is weak and dull, the empress dowager corrupt, minions hold the reins, and nothing sound comes from court.
8
以明公雄武，乘時奮發，討鄭儼、徐紇而清帝側，霸業可舉鞭而成。 此賀六渾之意也。」 榮大悅，語自日中至夜半乃出。 自是每參軍謀。 後從榮徙據并州，抵揚州邑人龐蒼鷹，止圍焦中。 每從外歸，主人遙聞行響動地。 蒼鷹母數見圍焦，上赤氣赫然屬天。 又蒼鷹嘗夜欲入，有青衣人拔刀叱曰：「何故觸王？」 言訖不見。 始以為異，密覘之。 唯見赤蛇蟠床上，乃益驚異。 因殺牛分肉，厚以相奉。 蒼鷹母求以神武為義子。 及得志，以其宅為第，號為南宅。 雖門巷開廣，堂宇崇麗，其本所住團焦，以石堊塗之，留而不毀。 至文宣時，遂為宮。 既而榮以神武為親信都督。 於時魏明帝銜鄭儼、徐紇，逼靈太后。 未敢制，私使榮舉兵內向。 榮以神武為前鋒。 至上黨，明帝又私詔停之。 及帝暴崩，榮遂入洛。 因將篡位，神武諫恐不聽，請鑄像卜之。 鑄不成，乃止。 孝莊帝立，以定策勛，封銅鞮伯。 及爾朱榮擊葛榮，令神武喻下賊別稱王者七人。 後與行臺於暉破羊侃於太山。 尋與元天穆破邢杲於濟南。 累遷第三鎮人酋長。 嘗在榮帳內，榮嘗問左右曰：「一日無我，誰可主軍？」 皆稱爾朱兆。 榮曰：「此正可統三千騎以還。 堪代我主眾者，唯賀六渾耳。」 因誡兆曰：「爾非其匹，終當為其子穿鼻。」 乃以神武為晉州刺史。 於是大聚斂，因劉貴貨榮下要人，盡得其意。 時州庫角無故自鳴，神武異之，無幾而孝莊誅榮。
With your valor, if you rise now, cut down Zheng Yan and Xu Chi, and cleanse the emperor's flank, empire is yours for a lifted whip. That is what Heliuhun would do." Rong was delighted; they talked from noon deep into night before Shenwu left. After that he sat in on every council of war. Later he followed Rong to Bing province and lodged with Pang Cangying of Yangzhou in the round walled compound. Each time he came in from outside, his host heard footsteps that shook the earth from far off. Cangying's mother often saw red vapor crown the compound and climb to the sky. Cangying tried to enter one night; a man in green pulled a sword and cried, "Why do you trouble the king? The voice ceased and the figure was gone. He took it for a marvel and watched in secret. He saw only a red serpent coiled on the bed, and wondered the more. He killed an ox, divided the meat, and sent Shenwu a generous portion. Cangying's mother asked to take Shenwu as a ritual son. When power was his, he made that house his mansion and called it the Southern Residence. Though his gates ran wide and his halls stood tall, the old round compound where he had lived he whitewashed with lime and left standing. Under Emperor Wenxuan it became part of the palace. Then Rong named him trusted commander. Then Emperor Ming of Wei hated Zheng Yan and Xu Chi and pressed the empress dowager. He dared not move openly and secretly ordered Rong to march inward with an army. Rong put Shenwu in the van. At Shangdang, Ming again sent a secret order to halt. When the emperor died suddenly, Rong entered Luoyang. He was set to usurp the throne; Shenwu urged caution, fearing he would not listen, and asked to cast an image and divine the omen. The casting failed, and Rong abandoned the plan. Xiaozhuang took the throne; for helping settle the succession Shenwu was made Baron of Tongdi. When Erzhu Rong struck Ge Rong he sent Shenwu to win over seven rebel chiefs who called themselves kings. Later, with Yu Hui of the Mobile Secretariat, he broke Yang Kan on Mount Tai. Soon after, with Yuan Tianmu, he defeated Xing Gao at Ji'nan. He rose in turn to chieftain of the third garrison. Once in Rong's tent Rong asked his staff, "If I were gone a day, who could lead this host?" All named Erzhu Zhao. Rong said, "He is fit to lead three thousand horse home again. Only Heliuhun could stand in my place over the whole host." He warned Zhao, "You are not his equal; in the end his son will run a rope through your nose." He then made Shenwu governor of Jin. He gathered wealth on a vast scale; through Liu Gui he bought Rong's inner circle and learned every mind there. The state horn in the treasury sounded by itself; Shenwu took it for a sign; soon Xiaozhuang killed Rong.
9
及爾朱兆自晉陽將舉兵赴洛，召神武。 神武使長史孫騰辭以絳蜀、汾胡欲反，不可委去。 兆恨焉。 騰復命，神武曰：「兆舉兵犯上，此大賊也，吾不能久事之。」
When Erzhu Zhao prepared to march from Jinyang on Luoyang he summoned Shenwu. Shenwu sent his chief clerk Sun Teng to plead that Jiang and Fen barbarians were about to rise and he could not abandon his post. Zhao was furious. When Teng returned, Shenwu said, "Zhao marches against his lord; that is treason on the largest scale, and I cannot follow him much longer."
10
自是始有圖兆計。 及兆入洛，執莊帝以北。 神武聞之大驚。 又使孫騰偽賀兆，因密覘孝莊所在，將劫以舉義，不果。 乃以書喻之，言不宜執天子以受惡名於海內。 兆不納，殺帝而與爾朱世隆等立長廣王曄。 改元建明，封神武為平陽郡公。 及費也頭紇豆陵步籓入秀容，逼晉陽，兆征神武。 神武將往，賀拔焉過兒請緩行以弊之。 神武乃往逗留，辭以河無橋，不得渡。 步籓軍盛，敗走。 初，孝莊之誅爾朱榮，知其黨必有逆謀，乃密敕步籓，令襲其後。 步籓既敗兆等，以兵勢日盛，兆又請救於神武。 神武內圖兆，復慮步籓後之難除，乃與兆悉力破之，籓死。 深德神武，誓為兄弟。 時世隆、度律、彥伯共執朝政，天光據關右，兆據并州。 仲遠據東郡，各擁兵為暴，天下苦之。 葛榮眾流入並、肆者二十餘萬，為契胡陵暴，皆不聊生。 大小二十六反，誅夷者半，猶草竊不止。 兆患之，問計於神武。 神武曰：「六鎮反殘，不可盡殺，宜選王素腹心者，私使統焉。 若有犯者，罪其帥，則所罪者寡。」 兆曰：「善！ 誰可行也？」 賀拔允時在坐，請神武。 神武拳毆之，折其一齒，曰：「生平天柱時，奴輩伏處分如鷹犬。 今日天下安置在王，而阿鞠泥敢誣下罔上，請殺之。」
From that moment he began plotting Zhao's downfall. When Zhao entered Luoyang he seized Emperor Zhuang and dragged him north. The news struck Shenwu like a blow. He sent Sun Teng to feign congratulations while secretly learning where Xiaozhuang was held, planning to snatch the emperor and raise the righteous banner; the plan failed. He wrote urging Zhao not to hold the Son of Heaven and win infamy across the realm. Zhao refused; he killed the emperor and with Shilong and others set up the Prince of Changguang, Ye. The era was renamed Jianming, and Shenwu was made Duke of Pingyang. When Buban of the Feiyetou He entered Xiurong and threatened Jinyang, Zhao summoned Shenwu. As Shenwu prepared to march, Heba Yaguor urged delay to exhaust the foe. Shenwu went but lingered, claiming the river had no bridge and he could not cross. Bupan's host was strong but broke and fled. When Xiaozhuang killed Rong he knew the clan would rebel and secretly ordered Buban to strike from behind. After Buban beat Zhao, his strength swelled daily, and Zhao again begged Shenwu for aid. Shenwu plotted against Zhao inwardly yet feared Buban would be hard to root out later; he joined Zhao with full force and destroyed him; Buban died. Zhao owed Shenwu a deep debt and swore brotherhood. Shilong, Dulü, and Yanbo held court; Tianguang held the western passes; Zhao held Bing. Zhongyuan held Dongjun; each hoarded armies and ravaged the land, and the realm groaned. More than two hundred thousand of Ge Rong's men had poured into Bing and Si; the Toba oppressed them until life was unbearable. Twenty-six revolts rose large and small; half the people were killed in reprisal, yet banditry never ceased. Zhao was at his wits' end and asked Shenwu for counsel. Shenwu said, "The six-garrison rebels cannot all be killed; choose princes you trust and set them secretly to command them. Punish the commander when men offend, and few need die. Zhao said, "Good! Who can do it? Heba Yun sat by and named Shenwu. Shenwu punched him and broke a tooth, crying, "When the pillar Tianzhu lived, you slaves crouched under orders like hawks and hounds. Today the realm rests on the king, yet you Aju-ni dare lie up and down the ranks; kill him."
11
兆以神武為誠，遂以委焉。 神武以兆醉，恐醒後或致疑貳，遂出，宣言：「受委統州鎮兵，可集汾東受令。」 乃建牙陽曲川，陳部分。 有款軍門者，絳巾袍，自稱梗楊驛子，願廁左右。 訪之，則以力聞，嘗於并州市搤殺人者，乃署為親信。 兵士素惡兆而樂神武，於是莫不皆至。
Zhao took Shenwu for loyal and gave him the command. Fearing Zhao would sober and doubt him, Shenwu went out and proclaimed, "I am commissioned to command the provincial garrisons; gather east of the Fen for orders. He raised his standard at Yangqu River and arrayed the divisions. A man came to camp in red headcloth and robe, called himself the Gengyang courier, and begged to serve at his side. Inquiry showed him famed for strength; he had once strangled a man in the Bingzhou market; Shenwu made him a trusted follower. The soldiers hated Zhao and loved Shenwu; none failed to come.
12
居無何，又使劉貴請兆。 以並、肆頻歲霜旱，降戶掘黃鼠而食之，皆面無谷色，徒汙人國土。 請令就食山東，待溫飽而處分之。 兆從其議。 其長史慕容紹宗諫曰：「不可，今四方擾擾，人懷異望，況高公雄略，又握大兵，將不可為。」 兆曰：「香火重誓，何所慮邪？」 紹宗曰：「親兄弟尚難信，何論香火！」 時兆左右已受神武金，因譖紹宗與神武舊隙，兆乃禁紹宗而催神武發。 神武乃自晉陽出滏口。 路逢爾朱榮妻鄉郡長公主自洛陽來，馬三百匹，盡奪易之。 兆聞，乃釋紹宗而問焉。
Before long he sent Liu Gui to summon Zhao again. Bing and Si had known frost and drought for years; surrendered households ate yellow rats and starved white; they only fouled the realm. He asked to send them east to Shandong to eat and settle them once they were full. Zhao agreed. Chief clerk Murong Shaozong warned, "Do not; the realm is in turmoil and hearts waver; Gao is bold in counsel and holds a great army; this cannot be done. Zhao said, "We swore a heavy oath over incense; what is there to fear?" Shaozong said, "Even blood brothers are hard to trust; how much less incense oaths!" By then Zhao's men had taken Shenwu's gold; they slandered Shaozong for old grudges with Shenwu; Zhao jailed Shaozong and pressed Shenwu to march. Shenwu marched out of Jinyang through Fukou. On the road he met Princess Xiangjun, Rong's wife, coming from Luoyang with three hundred horses; he seized them all. When Zhao heard, he freed Shaozong and questioned him.
13
紹宗曰：「猶掌握中物也。」 於是自追神武，至襄垣。 會漳水暴長，橋壞。 神武隔水拜曰：「所以借公主馬，非有他故，備山東盜耳。 王受公主言，自來賜追，今渡河而死，不辭，此眾便叛。」 兆自陳無此意，因輕馬渡，與神武坐幕下，陳謝，遂授刀引頭，使神武斫己。 神武大哭，曰：「自天柱薨背，賀六渾更何所仰！ 願大家千萬歲，以申力用。 今旁人構間至此，大家何忍復出此言？」 兆投刀於地，遂刑白馬而盟，誓為兄弟，留宿夜飲。 尉景伏壯士欲執兆，神武嚙臂止之，曰：「今殺之，其黨必奔歸聚結。 兵饑馬瘦，不可相支。 若英雄屈起，則為害滋甚。 不如且置之。
Shaozong said, "He is still something in the palm of your hand. He rode after Shenwu himself and reached Xiangyuan. The Zhang River rose in flood and broke the bridge. Shenwu bowed across the water and said, "I borrowed the princess's horses only to guard against Shandong bandits. You believed the princess and came yourself to pursue me; cross the river and I die gladly, but this host will rebel at once. Zhao swore he meant no harm; he crossed lightly, sat with Shenwu beneath the tent, apologized, handed over his sword, and offered his neck. Shenwu wept and said, "Since the pillar Tianzhu died, whom has Heliuhun to lean on! I pray you live ten thousand years and lend your strength again. Meddlers have set us at odds; how can you bear to speak so again? Zhao threw down the sword, slew a white horse and swore alliance, vowed brotherhood, and stayed drinking through the night. Jing had hidden men to seize Zhao; Shenwu bit his arm and stopped them, saying, "Kill him now and his faction will scatter and regather. Hungry troops and lean horses cannot hold. If heroes rise, the harm will be worse. Better to let him go for now.
14
兆雖勁捷，而凶狡無謀，不足圖也。」 旦日，兆歸營，又召神武。 神武將上馬詣之，孫騰牽衣乃止。 隔水肆罵，馳還晉陽。 兆心腹念賢領降戶家累別為營。 神武偽與之善，觀其佩刀，因取之以殺其從者，盡散。 於是士眾咸悅，倍願附從。
Zhao was fierce and quick but cruel and witless; he was not worth plotting against." Next day Zhao returned to camp and summoned Shenwu again. Shenwu was about to ride to him; Sun Teng seized his robe and stopped him. He cursed Zhao across the water and galloped back to Jinyang. Zhao's man Nian Xian held the surrendered households' families in a separate camp. Shenwu feigned friendship, watched the blade at his belt, seized it, killed his attendants, and dispersed them. Soldiers rejoiced and flocked to him in greater numbers.
15
初，魏真君中，內學者奏言上黨有天子氣，雲在壺關大王山。 武帝於是南巡以厭當之。 累石為三封，斬其北鳳皇山以毀其形。 後上黨人居晉陽者號上黨坊，神武實居之。 及是行，舍大王山，六旬而進。 將出滏口，倍加約束，纖毫之物，不聽侵犯。 將過麥地，神武輙步牽馬。 遠近聞之，皆稱高儀同將兵整肅，益歸心焉。 遂前行屯鄴北，求糧於相州刺史劉誕，誕不供。 有軍營租米，神武自取之。
In Wei's Zhenjun era inner-court scholars reported Shangdang bore the aura of a Son of Heaven; clouds gathered at King Mountain in Huguan. Emperor Wu toured south to face it down. He piled stones into three mounds and cut North Phoenix Mountain to break its form. Later Shangdang men in Jinyang called their quarter the Shangdang ward; Shenwu lived there. On this march he lodged at King Mountain and advanced after sixty days. Leaving Fukou he tightened discipline; not the smallest thing might be taken. Passing wheat fields, Shenwu always walked and led his horse. Near and far praised Director Gao for strict troops; hearts turned to him the more. He camped north of Ye and asked grain of Inspector Liu Yan; Yan refused. There was rent rice in the camps; Shenwu took it himself.
16
魏晉泰元年二月，神武軍次信都，高幹、封隆之開門以待，遂據冀州。 是月，爾朱度律廢元曄而立節閔帝。 欲羈縻神武，三月，乃白節閔帝，封神武為勃海王，征使入覲。 神武辭。 四月癸巳，又加授東道大行臺、第一鎮人酋長。 龐蒼鷹自太原來奔，神武以為行臺郎，尋以為安州刺史。 神武自向山東，養士繕甲。 禁兵侵掠，百姓歸心。 乃詐為書，言爾朱兆將以六鎮人配契胡為部曲，眾皆愁。 又為并州符，征兵討步落稽。 發萬人將遣之，孫騰、尉景偽請留五日，如此者再。 神武親送之郊，雪涕執別。 人號慟，哭聲動地。 神武乃喻之，曰：「與爾俱失鄉客，義同一家，不意在上乃爾徵召！ 直向西已當死，後軍期又當死，配國人又當死，奈何？」 眾曰：「唯有反耳！」 神武曰：「反是急計，須推一人為主。」 眾願奉神武。 神武曰：「爾鄉里難制，不見葛榮乎？ 雖百萬眾，無刑法，終自灰滅。 今以吾為主，當與前異。 不得欺漢兒，不得犯軍令，生死任吾，則可。 不爾，不能為取笑天下。」 眾皆頓顙，死生唯命。 神武曰：「若不得已，明日，椎牛饗士，喻以討爾朱兆之意。」
In the second month of Jin-Wei Tai year one Shenwu halted at Xindu; Gao Gan and Feng Longzhi opened the gates and he seized Ji. That month Dulü deposed Ye and enthroned Emperor Jiemin. Wishing to bind him, in the third month they reported to Jiemin, made Shenwu Prince of Bohai, and summoned him to court. Shenwu declined. On guisi of the fourth month he was further named Grand Commander of the Eastern Circuit and chieftain of the first garrison. Pang Cangying came from Taiyuan; Shenwu made him Mobile Secretariat clerk and soon governor of An. Shenwu turned to Shandong, nurturing men and repairing armor. He forbade plunder; the people gave him their hearts. He forged a letter saying Zhao would assign six-garrison men as Toba household troops; the host grieved. He also forged a Bingzhou dispatch calling up troops against the Buluoji. Ten thousand men were mobilized to march; Sun Teng and Jing falsely asked five days' delay; twice they did so. Shenwu escorted them to the suburbs with tears as he took leave. Men wailed until the earth shook with crying. Shenwu addressed them: "We share exile from home; we are one family; I never thought those above would summon you so! March west and you die; miss the deadline and you die; be assigned to Toba households and you die; what then? The host cried, "Nothing but rebellion!" Shenwu said, "Rebellion is urgent; we must set one man above us." The host wished to follow Shenwu. Shenwu said, "Your villages are hard to rule; remember Ge Rong? A million men without law ended in ashes. Take me as leader and it must differ from before. Do not cheat Han men, do not break military law; life and death are mine; then we can proceed. Otherwise I will not make the realm laugh at us." All bowed their foreheads; life and death were his to command. Shenwu said, "If we must, tomorrow we slaughter oxen, feast the troops, and declare war on Erzhu Zhao."
17
封隆之進曰：「千載一時，普天幸甚。」 神武曰：「討賊，大順也。 拯時，大業也。
Feng Longzhi stepped forward: "A moment that comes once in a thousand years; the realm is fortunate." Shenwu said, "To punish rebels is righteous. To rescue the age is great work.
18
吾雖不武，以死繼之，何敢讓焉。」 六月庚子，建義於信都，尚未顯背爾朱氏。 及李元忠與高幹平殷州，斬爾朱羽生首來謁，神武撫膺曰：「今日反決矣！」 乃以元忠為殷州刺史。 是時，兵威既振，乃抗表罪狀爾朱氏。 世隆等秘表不通。 八月，爾朱兆攻陷殷州，李元忠來奔。 孫騰以為朝廷隔絕，不權立天子，則眾望無所系。 十月壬寅，奉章武王融子勃海太守朗為皇帝，年號中興，是為廢帝。 時度律、仲遠軍次晉陽，爾朱兆會之。 神武用竇泰策，縱反間。 度律、仲遠不戰而還，神武乃敗兆於廣阿。 十一月，攻鄴。 相州刺史劉誕嬰城固守。 神武起土山，為地道，往往建大柱，一時焚之，城陷入地。 麻祥時為湯陰令，神武呼之曰麻都，祥慚而逃。
I am not martial, but I will follow to the death; how dare I refuse?" On gengzi of the sixth month he raised the banner at Xindu, though he had not yet openly broken with the Erzhu. When Li Yuanzhong and Gao Gan took Yin province and presented Erzhu Yusheng's head, Shenwu struck his breast and cried, "Today the break is final!" He made Yuanzhong governor of Yin. His armies were strong now, and he sent up a memorial listing the Erzhu crimes. Shilong and others blocked the memorial. In the eighth month Zhao took Yin province; Li Yuanzhong fled to Shenwu. Sun Teng argued that with the court severed they must set up an emperor or the host would have nothing to follow. On renyin of the tenth month they enthroned Lang, son of Prince Rong of Zhangwu, as emperor with era Zhongxing; this is the Deposed Emperor. Dulü and Zhongyuan camped at Jinyang; Zhao joined them. Shenwu used Dou Tai's plan and sowed discord. Dulü and Zhongyuan retreated without battle; Shenwu beat Zhao at Guang'a. In the eleventh month he attacked Ye. Inspector Liu Yan barred the gates and held firm. Shenwu raised earthworks and dug tunnels, set great posts and burned them at once; the wall sank into the ground. Ma Xiang was magistrate of Tangyin; Shenwu called him "Magistrate Ma"; Xiang fled in shame.
19
永熙元年正月壬午，拔鄴城，據之。 廢帝進神武大丞相、柱國大將軍、太師。
On renwu of the first month, Yongxi year one, he took Ye and held it. The Deposed Emperor made Shenwu Grand Chancellor, Pillar of State Grand General, and Grand Preceptor.
20
是時，青州建義大都督崔靈珍、大都督耿翔皆遣使歸附，行汾州事劉貴棄城來降。
Cui Lingzhen of Qing and Geng Xiang sent envoys to submit; Liu Gui abandoned Fen and came over.
21
閏三月，爾朱天光自長安，兆自并州，度律自洛陽，仲遠自東郡，同會鄴。 眾號二十萬，挾洹水而軍。 節閔以長孫承業為大行臺，總督焉。 神武令封隆之守鄴，自出頓紫陌。 時馬不滿二千，步兵不至三萬，眾寡不敵。 乃於韓陵為圓陣，連牛驢以塞歸道。 於是將士皆為死誌，四面赴擊之。 爾朱兆責神武以背己。 神武曰：「本戮力者，共輔王室，今帝何在？」 兆曰：「永安枉害天柱，我報仇耳。」 神武曰：「我昔日親聞天柱計，汝在戶前立，豈得言不反邪？ 且以君殺臣，何報之有？ 今日義絕矣。」 乃合戰，大敗之。 爾朱兆對慕容紹宗叩心曰：「不用公言，以此。」 將輕走，紹宗反旗鳴角，收聚散卒，成軍容而西上。 高季式以七騎追奔，度野馬崗，與兆遇。
In the intercalary third month Tianguang came from Chang'an, Zhao from Bing, Dulü from Luoyang, Zhongyuan from Dongjun; all converged on Ye. They claimed two hundred thousand and camped along the Huan. Jiemin named Changsun Chengye Grand Mobile Secretariat to command them. Shenwu left Feng Longzhi to hold Ye and camped at Zimo. He had fewer than two thousand horses and under three thousand foot; the odds were impossible. At Hanling he formed a ring, chaining oxen and donkeys to cut off retreat. Officers and men resolved to die and struck from every side. Zhao reproached Shenwu for betrayal. Shenwu said, "We joined to support the throne; where is the emperor now?" Zhao said, "Yongan murdered the pillar Tianzhu; I seek revenge." Shenwu said, "I heard Tianzhu's plan myself; you stood at the door; will you deny you rebelled? When a lord kills his minister, what revenge is owed? Today our bond is dead." They fought and routed them utterly. Zhao beat his breast before Shaozong: "Because I ignored you, this happened. He was about to flee; Shaozong turned the banners, sounded horns, gathered the scattered, and marched west in order. Gao Jishi with seven riders chased the rout, crossed Wild Horse Ridge, and met Zhao.
22
高昂望之不見，哭曰：「喪吾弟矣！」 夜久，季式還，血滿袖。 斛斯椿倍道先據河橋。 初，普泰元年十月，歲星、熒惑、鎮星、太白聚於觜、參，色甚明。 太史占雲，當有王者興。 是時，神武起於信都，至是而破兆等。 四月，斛斯椿執天光、度律以送洛陽。 長孫承業遣都督賈顯智、張歡入洛陽。 執世隆、彥伯斬之。 兆奔并州。 仲遠奔梁州，遂死焉。 時凶蠹既除，朝廷慶悅。 初，未戰之前月，章武人張紹夜中忽被數騎將逾城至一大將軍前，敕紹為軍導向鄴。 雲佐受命者除殘賊。 紹回視之，兵不測，整疾無聲。 將至鄴，乃放焉。 及戰之日，爾朱氏軍人見陣外士馬四合，蓋神助也。 既而神武至洛陽，廢節閔及中興主而立孝武。 孝武既即位，授神武大丞相、天柱大將軍、太師，世襲定州刺史，增封並前十五萬戶。 神武辭天柱，減戶五萬。
Gao Ang could not see him and wept, "I have lost my brother! Deep into night Jishi returned, blood soaking his sleeves. Husi Chun by forced marches seized the River Bridge. In Putai year one, tenth month, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Venus gathered at Zi and Shen, blazing bright. Court astronomers read that a king would rise. Shenwu had risen at Xindu; now he had broken Zhao. In the fourth month Husi Chun seized Tianguang and Dulü and sent them to Luoyang. Changsun Chengye sent Jia Xianzhi and Zhang Huan into Luoyang. They seized Shilong and Yanbo and beheaded them. Zhao fled to Bing. Zhongyuan fled to Liang province and died there. When the villains were gone, the court rejoiced. The month before battle, Zhang Shao of Zhangwu was seized by horsemen, carried over the wall before a great general, and ordered to guide the army to Ye. He said heaven's chosen would aid in destroying the wicked. Shao looked back: troops beyond count, marching in perfect silence. Near Ye they released him. On battle day Erzhu soldiers saw hosts closing on four sides beyond the lines; heaven itself aided Shenwu. Shenwu reached Luoyang, deposed Jiemin and the Zhongxing ruler, and set up Xiaowu. Xiaowu made Shenwu Grand Chancellor, Pillar of Heaven Grand General, Grand Preceptor, hereditary governor of Ding, and raised his fief to one hundred fifty thousand households. Shenwu declined the Pillar of Heaven and cut fifty thousand households from his fief.
23
壬辰，還鄴，魏帝餞於幹脯山，執手而別。 七月壬寅，神武帥師北伐爾朱兆。 封隆之言，侍中斛斯椿、賀拔勝、賈顯智等往事爾朱，普皆反噬。 今在京師寵任，必構禍隙。 神武深以為然。 乃歸天光、度律於京師，斬之。 遂自滏口入。 爾朱兆大掠晉陽，北保秀容，并州平。 神武以晉陽四塞，乃建大丞相府而定居焉。 爾朱兆既至秀容，分兵守險，出入寇抄。 神武揚聲討之，師出止者數四，兆意怠。 神武揣其歲首當宴會，遣竇泰以精騎馳之。 一日一夜行三百里，神武以大軍繼之。
On renchen he returned to Ye; the Wei emperor saw him off at Dried Meat Mountain and clasped his hand in farewell. On renyin of the seventh month Shenwu marched north against Zhao. Feng Longzhi said Husi Chun, Heba Sheng, and Jia Xianzhi had served the Erzhu and now bit their masters. Favored at court now, they would surely breed trouble. Shenwu agreed completely. He sent Tianguang and Dulü to the capital and had them beheaded. He entered through Fukou. Zhao plundered Jinyang, fled north to Xiurong, and Bing was pacified. Jinyang was sealed on four sides; Shenwu built the Grand Chancellor's mansion and settled there. At Xiurong Zhao split troops to hold passes and raided abroad. Shenwu proclaimed war; his army marched and halted four times; Zhao grew careless. Shenwu guessed a New Year feast and sent Dou Tai with elite horse to strike. In one day and night they rode three hundred li; Shenwu followed with the main host.
24
二年正月，竇泰奄至爾朱兆庭。 軍人因宴休惰，忽見泰軍，驚走。 追破之於赤洪嶺。 兆自縊。 神武親臨，厚葬之。 慕容紹宗以爾朱榮妻子及余眾自保烏突城。 降，神武以義故待之甚厚。
In the second year, first month, Dou Tai burst upon Zhao's camp. Feasting in idleness, the army fled at sight of Tai. They pursued and broke them at Red Flood Ridge. Zhao hanged himself. Shenwu came in person and buried him with honor. Shaozong held Wutu with Rong's wife, children, and the remnant. They surrendered; Shenwu treated them generously for old ties.
25
神武之入洛也，爾朱仲遠部下都督橋寧、張子期自滑臺歸命。 神武以其助亂，且數反覆，皆斬之。 斛斯椿由是內不自安，乃與南陽王寶炬及武衛將軍元毗、魏光祿、王思政構神武於魏帝。 舍人元士弼又奏神武受敕大不敬，故魏帝心貳於賀拔嶽。
When Shenwu entered Luoyang, Qiao Ning and Zhang Ziqi of Zhongyuan's command came from Huatai to submit. Because they had aided rebellion and turned coat repeatedly, Shenwu beheaded them all. Husi Chun, uneasy within, joined Prince Baoju of Nanyang, Yuan Pi, Wei Guanglu, and Wang Sizheng to slander Shenwu to the emperor. Attendant Yuan Shibi memorialized Shenwu's disrespect toward edicts; the emperor turned his heart to Heba Yue.
26
初，孝明之時，洛下以兩拔相擊，謠言：「銅拔打鐵拔，元家世將末」。 好事者以二拔謂拓拔、賀拔，言俱將衰敗之兆。」
In Xiaoming's day Luoyang struck two hairpins together; a song ran, "Bronze hairpin strikes iron hairpin; the Yuan generals end." Wits read the two hairpins as Toba and Heba, both doomed to fall."
27
時司空高幹密啟神武，言魏帝之貳。 神武封呈，魏帝殺之。 又遣東徐州刺史潘紹業密敕長樂太守龐蒼鷹，令殺其弟昂。 昂先聞其兄死，以槊刺柱，伏壯士執紹業於路。 得敕書於袍領，遂來奔。 神武抱其首哭曰：「天子枉害司空。」 遽使以白武幡勞其家屬。 時幹次弟慎在光州，為政嚴猛。 又縱部下取納，魏帝使代之。 慎聞難，將奔梁。 其屬曰：「公家勛重，必不兄弟相反。」 乃弊衣推鹿車歸勃海。 逢使者，亦來奔。 於是魏帝與神武隙矣。 阿至羅虜正光以前常稱籓，自魏朝多事，皆叛。 神武遣使招納，便附款。 先是，詔以寇賊平，罷行臺。 至是以殊俗歸降，復授神武大行臺，隨機處分。 神武賫其粟帛，議者以為徒費無益。 神武不從。 撫慰如初。 其酋帥吐陳等感恩，皆從指麾。 救曹泥，取万俟受洛幹，大收其用。 河西費也頭虜紇豆陵伊利居苦池河，恃險擁眾。 神武遣長史侯景屢招不從。
Minister of Works Gao Gan secretly told Shenwu the emperor was divided. Shenwu sealed the report and sent it up; the emperor killed Gan. He sent Pan Shaoye with a secret order to Pang Cangying to kill Ang. Ang heard of his brother's death, drove his spear into a pillar, hid men, and seized Shaoye on the road. He found the edict in the robe lining and fled to Shenwu. Shenwu held his head and wept: "The Son of Heaven wrongly killed the Minister of Works." He sent white martial banners at once to comfort the family. Gan's brother Shen governed Guang province with severity. His men took bribes; the emperor sent a replacement. Hearing of the trouble, Shen prepared to flee to Liang. His men said, "Your house's merit is too great; brothers will not turn on each other." He wore rags, pushed a deer cart, and returned to Bohai. He met the envoy on the road and came to Shenwu as well. From that day the Wei emperor and Shenwu were estranged. The Azhi-luo had been vassals before Zhenguang; when the Wei court fell into turmoil they all rebelled. Shenwu sent envoys and they submitted at once. Earlier, with bandits pacified, an edict had abolished the Mobile Secretariat. Now foreign peoples submitted, and Shenwu was again given the Grand Mobile Secretariat with full discretion. Shenwu sent grain and silk; critics called it waste. Shenwu refused. He comforted them as before. Chieftains such as Tuchen were grateful and obeyed his command. He rescued Cao Ni, took Wanqishou Luogan, and put both to great use. Yili of the Feiyetou He held the Ku River in Hexi, trusting the terrain and hoarding followers. Shenwu sent Hou Jing to summon him again and again; he refused.
28
天平元年正月壬辰，神武西伐費也頭虜紇豆陵伊利於河西，滅之。 遷其部落於河東。 二月，永寧寺九層浮屠災。 既而人有從東萊至。 雲及海上人咸見之於海中，俄而霧起，乃滅。 說者以為天意。 若曰：「永寧見災，魏不寧矣。 飛入東海，勃海應矣。」 魏帝既有異圖，時侍中封隆之與孫騰私言。 隆之喪妻，魏帝欲妻以從妹。
On renchen of the first month, Tianping year one, Shenwu campaigned west against Yili in Hexi and destroyed him. He moved their tribes east of the river. In the second month the nine-story pagoda of Yongning Temple burned. Then someone arrived from Donglai. Clouds and seafarers saw it on the ocean; mist rose and it vanished. Observers called it heaven's intent. As if to say, "Yongning burns and Wei will not rest. It flies to the Eastern Sea; Bohai answers. The emperor already plotted; Feng Longzhi spoke privately with Sun Teng. Longzhi's wife had died; the emperor wished to give him a cousin in marriage.
29
騰亦未之信。 心害隆之，泄其言於斛斯椿。 椿以白魏帝。 又孫騰帶仗入省，擅殺御史。 並亡來奔。 稱魏帝撾舍人梁續於前。 光祿少卿元子幹攘臂擊之，謂騰曰：「語爾高王，元家兒拳正如此。」 領軍婁昭辭疾歸晉陽。 魏帝於是以斛斯椿兼領軍，分置督將及河南、關西諸刺史。 華山王鷙在徐州，神武使邸珍奪其管龠。 建州刺史韓賢、濟州刺史蔡俊皆神武同義，魏帝忌之。 故省建州以去賢，使御史中尉綦俊察俊罪，以開府賈顯智為濟州，俊拒之。 魏帝逾怒。 五月，下詔，雲將征句吳，發河南諸州兵，增宿衛，守河橋。 六月丁巳，密詔神武曰：「宇文黑獺自平破秦、隴，多求非分，脫有變非常，事資經略。 但表啟未全背戾，進討事涉匆匆。 遂召群臣，議其可否。 僉言假稱南伐，內外戒嚴。 一則防黑獺不虞，二則可威吳楚。」 時魏帝將伐神武。 神武部署將帥，慮疑，故有此詔。 神武乃表曰：「荊州綰接蠻左，密邇畿服。 關隴恃遠，將有逆圖。 臣今潛勒兵馬三萬，擬從河東而渡。 又遣恒州刺史庫狄幹，瀛州刺史郭瓊，汾州刺史斛律金，前武衛大將軍彭樂擬兵四萬，從其來違津渡。
Teng did not believe it either. He resented Longzhi and leaked his words to Husi Chun. Chun told the emperor. Sun Teng entered the palace armed and killed a censor. Both fled to Shenwu. They said the emperor had beaten attendant Liang Xu before the court. Yuan Zigan struck him and told Teng, "Tell the Duke of Gao: a Yuan fist is just like this. Lou Zhao pleaded illness and returned to Jinyang. The emperor made Husi Chun acting commander and posted supervisors across Henan and Guanxi. Prince Zhi of Huashan held Xuzhou; Shenwu sent Di Zhen to seize his seals. Han Xian of Jian and Cai Jun of Ji had risen with Shenwu; the emperor resented them. He abolished Jian to remove Xian, sent Qi Jun against Cai Jun, and named Jia Xianzhi governor of Ji; Jun refused. The emperor grew still angrier. In the fifth month he announced a campaign against Wu, mobilized Henan, increased the guard, and held the River Bridge. On dingsi of the sixth month he secretly wrote Shenwu that Yuwen Heituo demanded too much since Qin and Long fell, and any rebellion would need planning. His memorials were not yet openly rebellious; to strike would be rash. I have summoned ministers to debate. All said to feign war in the south and alert the realm. One, to guard against Heituo; two, to overawe Wu and Chu. The emperor was about to march against Shenwu. Shenwu deployed generals; fearing suspicion, he used this edict. Shenwu memorialized: "Jing borders barbarians and lies near the capital. Guan and Long rely on distance and will rebel. I now lead thirty thousand horse to cross east of the river. He sent Kudili Gan, Guo Qiong, Hulu Jin, and Peng Yue with forty thousand to hold the ford.
30
遣領軍將軍婁昭，相州刺史竇泰，前瀛州刺史堯雄，并州刺史高隆之擬兵五萬，以討荊州。 遣冀州刺史尉景，前冀州刺史高敖曹，濟州刺史蔡俊，前侍中封隆之，擬山東兵七萬，突騎五萬，以征江左。 皆約勒所部，伏聽處分。」 魏帝知覺其變，乃出神武表，命群官議之，欲止神武諸軍。 神武乃集在並僚佐，令其博議。 還以表聞，仍以信誓自明忠款曰：「臣為嬖佞所間，陛下一旦賜疑，令猖狂之罪，爾朱時計。
He sent Lou Zhao, Dou Tai, Yao Xiong, and Gao Longci with fifty thousand against Jing. He sent Jing, Gao Aocao, Cai Jun, and Feng Longzhi with seventy thousand foot and fifty thousand raiders against the Jiang left. All were ordered to await his command. The emperor produced the memorial and ordered debate, wishing to halt the armies. Shenwu gathered his Bing staff and ordered debate. He swore loyalty: "Favored minions set us at odds; Your Majesty suddenly doubted me; this charge of recklessness repeats the Erzhu day.
31
臣若不盡誠竭節，敢負陛下，則使身受天殃，子孫殄絕。 陛下若垂信赤心，使干戈不動，佞臣一二人，願斟量廢出。」
If I fail in loyalty, may heaven punish me and my line end. If you trust me and let weapons rest, remove one or two slanderers."
32
辛未，帝復錄在京文武議意，以答神武。 使舍人溫子升草敕，子升逡巡未敢作。
On xinwei the emperor recorded capital opinion and replied. He ordered Wen Zisheng to draft the edict; Zisheng hesitated.
33
帝據胡床拔劍作色，子升乃為敕曰：前持心血，遠以示王，深冀彼此共相禮悉。 而不良之徒，坐生間貳。 近孫騰倉卒向彼，致使聞者疑有異謀。 故遣御史中尉綦俊，具申朕懷。 今得王啟，言誓懇惻。
The emperor drew his sword in anger; Zisheng then wrote: I sent my heart to you hoping for mutual trust. Wicked men bred division. Sun Teng's hasty visit made hearers suspect treason. I sent Qi Jun to state my heart. Your memorial's oath is earnest.
34
反覆思之，猶所未解。 以朕眇身，遇王武略，不勞尺刃，坐為天子。 所謂生我者父母，貴我者高王。 今若無事背王，規相攻討，則使身及子孫。 還如王誓。 皇天后土，實聞此言。 近慮宇文為亂，賀拔勝應之。 故纂嚴，欲與王俱為聲援。 宇文今日使者相望，觀其所為，更無異跡。 賀拔在南，開拓邊境，為國立功，念無可責。 君若欲分討，何以為辭？ 東南不賓，為日己久。 先朝已來，置之度外，今天下戶口減半，未宜窮兵極武。
Turning it over, I still do not understand. By your strategy I became Son of Heaven without drawing a blade. They say my parents gave me life; the Duke of Gao ennobled me. If I turn against you without cause, may the oath fall on me and my sons. As you swore. Heaven and earth hear. I feared Yuwen's disorder and Heba Sheng's answer. Therefore I gathered troops to support you. Yuwen's envoys come and go; I see no other sign. Heba in the south serves the state; he cannot be blamed. If you wish to strike separately, what excuse have you? The southeast has long refused submission. Former courts ignored it; households are halved; we must not exhaust arms.
35
朕既暗昧，不知佞人是誰。 可列其姓名，令朕知也。 如聞庫狄幹語王云：「本欲取懦弱者為主，無事立此長君，使其不可駕御。 今但作十五日行，自可廢之，更立余者。」 如此議論，自是王間勛人，豈出佞臣之口？ 去歲封隆之背叛，今年孫騰逃走，不罪不送，誰不怪王？ 騰既為禍始，曾無愧懼。 王若事君盡誠，何不斬送二首？ 王雖啟圖西去，而四道俱進。 或欲南度洛陽，或欲東臨江左。 言之者猶應自怪，聞之者寧能不疑？ 王若守誠不貳，晏然居北，在此雖有百萬之眾，終無圖彼之心。
I am dim; I do not know the slanderers. Name them so I may know. I hear Kudili Gan told you, "We meant a weakling; instead we set up this tall lord impossible to control. March fifteen days and we can depose him and set up another. Such talk comes from your own men, not from slanderers. Feng Longzhi rebelled last year; Sun Teng fled this year; neither punished; who does not wonder? Teng began the disaster yet felt no shame. If you are loyal, why not send their heads? Though you declare the west, four routes advance. Some aim at Luoyang; some at the Jiang left. Speakers should find it strange; hearers must doubt. If you keep faith in the north, though I have a million I will never plot against you.
36
王脫信邪棄義，舉旗南指，縱無匹馬只輪，猶欲奮空拳而爭死。 朕本寡德，王已立之，百姓無知，或謂實可。 若為他所圖，則彰朕之惡。 假令還為王殺，幽辱齏粉，了無遺恨。 何者？ 王既以德見推，以義見舉，一朝背德舍義，便是過有所歸。 本望君臣一體，若合符契，不圖今日，分疏到此！ 古語云：「越人射我，笑而道之； 吾兄射我，泣而道之。」 朕既親王，情如兄弟，所以投筆拊膺，不覺歔欷。
If you abandon righteousness and march south, I will fight with empty fists. I lack virtue; you established me; the people may think it possible. If another plots me, it shows my wickedness. Even if you kill me, ground to powder, I will not regret. Why? You were raised for virtue and righteousness; to abandon both in one morning is fault. I hoped ruler and minister would be one; I never thought we would come to this! The old saying says, "When a Yue man shoots me, I laugh; when my brother shoots me, I weep. You are my kin as to a brother; I throw down the brush and sob.
37
初，神武自京師將北，以為洛陽久經喪亂，王氣衰盡。 雖有山河之固，土地褊狹，不如鄴，請遷都。 魏帝曰：「高祖定鼎河洛，為永永之基。 經營制度，至世宗乃畢。 王既功在社稷，宜遵太和舊事。」 神武奉詔。 至是，復謀焉。 遣兵千騎鎮建興，益河東及濟州兵，於白溝虜船，不聽向洛，諸州和糴粟，運入鄴城。 魏帝又敕神武曰：「王若厭伏人情，杜絕物議，唯有歸河東之兵，罷建興之戍，送相州之粟，追濟州之軍，令蔡俊受代，使邸珍出徐。 止戈散馬，各事家業。 脫須糧廩，別遣轉輸。 則讒人結舌，疑悔不生。 王高枕太原，朕垂拱京洛，終不舉足渡河，以干戈相指。 王若馬首南向，問鼎輕重，朕雖無武，欲止不能。 必為社稷宗廟，出萬死之策。
When Shenwu was about to leave the capital for the north, he thought Luoyang's royal aura was spent. Though defended by mountains and rivers, the land was narrow; Ye was better; he asked to move the capital. The emperor said, "Gaozu fixed the tripod at He and Luo forever. Institutions were completed only under Shizong. Your merit is to the state; follow Taihe precedent. Shenwu obeyed. Now he plotted again. He garrisoned Jianxing, increased eastern troops, seized White Ditch boats, barred the road to Luo, and shipped grain to Ye. The emperor wrote: return eastern troops, disband Jianxing, send grain, recall Ji, replace Cai Jun, remove Di Zhen from Xu. Lay down arms; each return home. If grain is needed, send it separately. Then slanderers will fall silent. Rest at Taiyuan; I rule from the capital; I will never cross the river in arms. If you turn south and seize the realm, I cannot stop myself. For state and temple I must risk death.
38
決在於王，非朕能定。 為山止簣，相為惜之。」
The decision is yours, not mine. To stop one basket short is mutual pity."
39
魏帝時以任祥為兼尚書左僕射，加開府。 祥棄官走至河北，據郡待神武。 魏帝乃敕文武官，北來者任去留。 下詔罪狀神武，為北伐經營。 神武亦勒馬宣告曰：「孤遇爾朱擅權，舉大義於四海。 奉戴主上，義貫幽明。 橫為斛斯椿讒構，以誠節為逆首。 昔趙鞅興晉陽之甲，誅君側惡人。 今者南邁，誅椿而已。」 以高昂為前鋒，曰：「若用司空言，豈有今日之舉！」 司馬子如答神武曰：「本欲立小者，正為此耳。」 魏帝征兵關右。 召賀拔勝赴行在所，遣大行臺長孫承業、大都督潁川王斌之、斛斯椿共鎮武牢。 汝陽王暹鎮石濟，行臺長孫子彥帥前恒農太守元洪略鎮陜，賈顯智率豫州刺史斛斯元壽伐蔡俊。 神武使竇泰與左箱大都督莫多婁貸文逆顯智，韓賢逆暹。 元壽軍降泰。 貸文與顯智遇於長壽津，顯智陰約降，引軍退。 軍司元玄覺之，馳還請益師。 魏帝遣大都督侯幾紹赴之。 戰於滑臺東。 顯智以軍降，紹死之。
The emperor made Ren Xiang acting Left Vice Director with Grand Opening. Xiang fled to Hebei and held a commandery for Shenwu. The emperor allowed northern officials to stay or leave. He listed Shenwu's crimes and marched north. Shenwu proclaimed: I met Erzhu tyranny and raised righteousness across the seas. I supported the sovereign; my righteousness was clear. Husi Chun framed me; sincerity was called treason. Zhao Yang raised Jinyang to punish evil at the ruler's side. Today I march south only to kill Chun. He made Gao Ang vanguard: "Had we listened to the Minister of Works, we would not march today!" Ziru said, "We meant a lesser man for this very reason." The emperor mobilized western troops. He summoned Heba Sheng and sent Chengye, Prince Binzhi, and Chun to hold Wulao. Prince Xian held Shiji; Sun Ziyan and Yuan Honglue held Shaan; Jia Xianzhi and Husi Yuanshou struck Cai Jun. Shenwu sent Dou Tai and Daiwen against Xianzhi; Han Xian against Xian. Yuanshou surrendered to Tai. At Longevity Ford Xianzhi secretly agreed to surrender and withdrew. Yuan Xuan noticed and galloped for reinforcements. The emperor sent Hou Jishao. They fought east of Huatai. Xianzhi surrendered; Shao died.
40
七月，魏帝躬率大眾屯河橋。 神武至河北十餘里，再遣口申誠款，魏帝不報。
In the seventh month the emperor camped at the River Bridge. Within ten li of Hebei Shenwu sent loyalty twice; the emperor did not answer.
41
神武乃引軍度河。 魏帝問計於群臣。 或雲南依賀拔勝，或云西就關中，或云守洛口死戰，未決。 而元斌之與斛斯椿爭權不睦，斌之棄椿徑還，紿帝雲神武兵至。 即日，魏帝遜於長安。 己酉，神武入洛，停於永寧寺。 八月甲寅，召集百官謂曰：「為臣奉主，匡救危亂。 若處不諫爭，出不陪隨，緩則耽寵爭榮，急便竄失，臣節安在！」
Shenwu crossed the river. The emperor asked his ministers. Some said rely on Heba Sheng, some go to Guanzhong, some die at Luokou; none decided. Binzhi quarreled with Chun, fled back, and lied that Shenwu had arrived. That day the emperor fled to Chang'an. On jiyou Shenwu entered Luo and stopped at Yongning Temple. On jiayin he summoned officials: ministers must rescue danger. Without remonstrance at court and company on campaign, where is integrity?"
42
遂收開府儀同三司叱列延慶、兼尚書左僕射辛雄、兼吏部尚書崔孝芬、都官尚書劉廞、兼度支尚書楊機、散騎常侍元士弼，並殺之，誅其貳也。 士弼籍沒家口。
He seized Yanqing, Xin Xiong, Cui Xiaofen, Liu Yin, Yang Ji, and Yuan Shibi and killed them for disloyalty. Shibi's household was confiscated.
43
神武以萬機不可曠廢，乃與百僚議。 以清河王亶為大司馬，居尚書下舍而承制決事焉。 王稱警蹕，神武醜之。 神武尋至弘農，遂西克潼關，執毛洪賓。 進軍長城，龍門都督薛崇禮降。 神武退舍河東，命行臺尚書長史薛瑜守潼關。 大都督庫狄溫守封陵。 於蒲津西岸築城守華州。 以薛紹宗為刺史。 高昂行豫州事。 神武自發晉陽至此，凡四十啟，魏帝皆不答。
Shenwu deliberated with officials because affairs could not halt. He made Prince Dan of Qinghe Grand Marshal to decide affairs below the Secretariat. The prince called out guards of honor; Shenwu despised it. He reached Hongnong, took Tong Pass, and seized Mao Hongbin. At the Long Wall Xue Chongli surrendered. He camped east of the river and ordered Xue Yu to hold Tong Pass. Kudili Wen held Fengling. West of Pu Ford he built a city to hold Hua. He made Xue Shaozong governor. Gao Ang acted for Yuzhou. From Jinyang to here he sent forty memorials; none were answered.
44
九月庚寅，神武還至洛陽。 乃遣僧道榮奉表關中，又不答。 乃集百寮沙門耆老，議所推立。 以為自孝昌衰亂，國統中絕，神主靡依，昭穆失序。 永安以孝文為伯考。
On gengyin of the ninth month he returned to Luoyang. He sent Daorong with a memorial to Guanzhong; again no answer. He gathered officials, monks, and elders to choose an emperor. Since Xiaochang the line was cut and the temple was out of order. Yongan made Xiaowen an uncle in the temple.
45
永熙遷孝明於夾室。 業喪祚短，職此之由。 遂議立清河王世子善見。 議定，白清河王。 王曰：「天子無父，茍使兒立，不惜余生。」 乃立之，是為孝靜帝。 魏於是始分為二。
Yongxi moved Xiaoming to a side chamber. Short reign came from this. They resolved to enthrone Shan Jian, son of Prince Xuan of Qinghe. They informed the Prince of Qinghe. The prince said, "A Son of Heaven has no father; set up my son and I give my life gladly. They enthroned him as Emperor Xiaojing. Wei was divided in two.
46
神武以孝武既西，恐逼崤陜，洛陽復在河外，接近梁境。 如向晉陽，形勢不能相接。 依議遷鄴。 護軍祖瑩贊焉。 詔下三日，車駕便發，戶四十萬，狼狽就道。 神武留洛陽部分，事畢還晉陽。 自是軍國政務，皆歸相府。 先是童謠曰：「可憐青雀子，飛來鄴城裏。 羽翮垂欲成，化作鸚鵡子。」 好事者竊言，雀子謂魏帝清河王，鸚鵡謂神武也。 初，孝昌中，山胡劉蠡升自稱天子，年號神嘉，居雲陽谷。 西土歲被其寇，謂之胡荒。
Xiaowu had gone west; Luoyang lay outside the river near Liang. Turned toward Jinyang it could not connect. Counsel moved the capital to Ye. Zu Ying praised the move. Three days later the court moved; four hundred thousand households fled in distress. Shenwu arranged Luoyang and returned to Jinyang. Military and state affairs went to the chancellor's office. A song said, "Pity the green sparrow flying into Ye. Wings nearly grown, it turns into a parrot. Wits said sparrow meant the Wei emperor and parrot meant Shenwu. In Xiaochang Liu Lin Sheng of the mountain Hu styled himself Son of Heaven at Cloudyang Valley. The west was raided yearly; they called it Hu wasteland.
47
二年正月，西魏渭州刺史可朱渾道元擁眾內屬，神武迎納之。 壬戌，神武襲擊劉蠡升，大破之。 己巳，魏帝褒詔，以神武為相國，假黃鉞，劍履上殿，入朝不趨。
Daoyuan of Weizhou submitted; Shenwu received him. On renxu he struck Lin Sheng and broke him. On jisi the emperor made Shenwu chancellor with full honors.
48
神武固辭。 三月，神武欲以女妻蠡升太子，候其不設備。 辛酉，潛師襲之。 其北部王斬蠡升首以送。 其眾復立其子南海王。 神武進擊之，又獲南海王，及其弟西海王、北海王、皇后、公卿已下四百餘人，胡、魏五萬戶。 壬申，神武朝於鄴。 四月，神武請給遷人廩各有差。 九月甲寅，神武以州、郡、縣官多乖法，請出使問人疾苦。
Shenwu declined. In the third month he wished to marry his daughter to Lin Sheng's heir and catch him off guard. On xinyou he struck secretly. The northern king beheaded Lin Sheng and sent the head. The host set up his son the Prince of Nanhai. He took the Prince of Nanhai, his brothers, the empress, four hundred officials, and fifty thousand households. On renshen he attended court at Ye. In the fourth month he asked grain rations for migrants. On jiayin of the ninth month he asked envoys to inquire into hardship.
49
三年正月甲子，神武帥庫狄幹等萬騎襲西魏夏州。 身不火食，四日而至。 縛槊為悌，夜入其城。 擒其刺史費也頭賀拔俄彌突，因而用之。 留都督張瓊以鎮守，遷其部落五千戶以歸。 西魏靈州刺史曹泥，與其婿涼州刺史劉豐，遣使請內屬。 周文圍泥，水灌其城，不沒者四尺。 神武命阿至羅發騎三萬，徑度靈州，繞出西軍後。
On jiazi of the third year he led ten thousand horse against Xia province. He ate no cooked food for four days until arrival. He bound spears as ladders and entered by night. He seized Governor Heba Emitu and employed him. He left Zhang Qiong to hold it and moved five thousand households back. Cao Ni and Liu Feng sent envoys asking to submit. Zhou Wen flooded the city until only four feet remained dry. Shenwu sent thirty thousand Azhi-luo horse around behind the western army.
50
獲馬五十匹。 西師乃退。 神武率騎迎泥、豐生，拔其遺戶五千以歸，復泥官爵。 魏帝詔加神武九錫，固讓，乃止。 二月，神武令阿至羅逼西魏秦州刺史建忠王万俟普撥，神武以眾應之。 六月甲午，普撥與其子太宰受洛幹、豳州刺史叱干寶樂、右衛將軍破六韓常及督將三百餘人，擁部來降。 八月丁亥，神武請均鬥尺，班於天下。
They captured fifty horses. The western army withdrew. Shenwu met Ni and Feng, brought back five thousand households, and restored Ni's rank. The emperor offered the nine bestowals; Shenwu declined. In the second month he ordered the Azhi-luo against Puba; Shenwu followed with the host. On jiawu of the sixth month Puba and more than three hundred officers surrendered with their tribes. On dinghai of the eighth month he standardized weights and measures for the realm.
51
九月辛亥，汾州胡王迢觸、曹貳龍聚眾反。 署立百官，年號平都，神武討平之。 十二月丁丑，神武自晉陽西討，遣兼僕射行臺、汝陽王暹、司徒高昂等趣上洛。 大都督竇泰入自潼關。
On xinhai of the ninth month Yaochu and Erlong rebelled. They named an era Pingdu; Shenwu pacified them. On dingchou he marched west and sent Prince Xian and Gao Ang toward Shangluo. Dou Tai entered from Tong Pass.
52
四年正月癸丑，竇泰軍敗自殺。 神武軍次蒲津，以冰薄不得赴救。 乃班師。 高昂攻克上洛。 二月乙酉，神武以並、肆、汾、建、晉、東雍、南汾、秦、陜九州霜旱，人饑流散，請所在開倉振給。 六月壬申，神武如天池。 獲瑞石，隱起成文曰「六王三川」十一月壬辰，神武西討。 自蒲津濟，眾二十萬。 周文軍於沙苑。 神武以地厄少卻，西人鼓噪而進。 軍大亂，棄器甲十有八萬。 神武跨駝，候船以歸。
On guichou Dou Tai's army was defeated and he killed himself. At Pu Ford the ice was thin and he could not rescue. He withdrew. Gao Ang took Shangluo. On yiyou he asked granaries opened in nine frost-stricken provinces. On renshen he went to Heaven Pool. He found a stone marked "Six kings, three rivers." On renchen of the eleventh month he marched west. He crossed at Pu Ford with two hundred thousand. Zhou Wen camped at Sha Gardens. The ground was narrow; Shenwu retreated; the westerners shouted and advanced. The army broke and abandoned one hundred eighty thousand sets of arms. Shenwu crossed on a camel and waited for a boat home.
53
元象元年三月辛酉，神武固請解丞相，魏帝許之。 四月庚寅，神武朝於鄴。 壬辰，還晉陽。 請開酒禁，並振恤宿衛武官。 七月壬午，行臺侯景、司徒高昂圍西魏將獨孤信於金墉。 西魏帝及周文並來赴救。 大都督庫狄幹帥諸將前驅，神武總眾繼進。 八月辛卯，戰於河陰，大破西魏軍，俘獲數萬。 司徒高昂、大都督李猛、宗顯死之。 西師之敗，獨孤信先入關，周文留其都督長孫子彥守金墉，遂燒營以遁。 神武遣兵追奔至崤，不及而還。 初，神武知西師來侵，自晉陽率眾馳赴。 至孟津，未濟，而軍有勝負。 既而神武渡河，子彥亦棄城走。 神武遂毀金墉而還。 十一月庚午，神武朝於京師。 十二月壬辰，還晉陽。
On xinyou of Yuanxiang year one he resigned the chancellorship; the emperor permitted. On gengyin he attended court at Ye. On renchen he returned to Jinyang. He lifted the wine ban and relieved guard officers. On renwu Hou Jing and Gao Ang besieged Dugu Xin at Jinyong. The Western Wei emperor and Zhou Wen came to rescue. Kudili Gan led the vanguard; Shenwu followed with the host. On xinmao at Heyin they broke the western army and took tens of thousands. Gao Ang, Li Meng, and Zong Xian died. Dugu Xin fled into the passes; Zhou Wen burned camp and fled. Pursuit reached Xiao but failed and returned. When the western army invaded he rushed from Jinyang. At Meng Ford he had not crossed when fortune turned. After he crossed, Ziyan abandoned the city. He destroyed Jinyong and returned. On gengwu he attended court. On renchen he returned to Jinyang.
54
興和元年七月丁丑，魏帝進神武為相國、錄尚書事。 固讓，乃止。 十一月乙丑，神武以新宮成，朝於鄴。 魏帝與神武宴射，神武降階下稱賀。 又辭勃海王及都督中外諸軍事，詔不許。 十二月戊戌，神武還晉陽。
On dingchou of Xinghe year one the emperor promoted him chancellor. He declined and it stopped. On yichou, with the new palace complete, he attended court at Ye. The emperor feasted with him; Shenwu congratulated from below the steps. He declined Bohai and supreme command; the edict refused. On wuxu he returned to Jinyang.
55
二年十二月，阿至羅別部遣使請降，神武帥眾迎之，出武州塞，不見。 大獵而還。
A branch of the Azhi-luo asked to surrender; he went out Wuzhou pass and did not see them. He hunted greatly and returned.
56
三年五月，神武巡北境，使使與蠕蠕通和。
In the fifth month he inspected the north and treated with the Rouran.
57
四年五月辛巳，神武朝於鄴。 請令百官，每月面敷政事。 明揚仄陋，納諫屏邪。
On xinsi of the fourth year he attended court at Ye. He asked officials to expound government monthly. He sought talent and barred deceit.
58
親理獄訟，褒黜勤怠。 牧守有愆，節級相坐。 椒掖之內，進禦以序。 後園鷹犬，悉皆棄之。 六月甲辰，神武還晉陽。 九月，神武西征。 十月己亥，圍西魏儀同三司王思政於玉壁城。 欲以致敵，西師不敢出。 十一月癸未，神武以大雪，士卒多死，乃班師。
He judged lawsuits and rewarded diligence. Faulty governors were punished in linked ranks. Palace consorts were presented in order. Rear-garden hawks and hounds were abandoned. On jiachen he returned to Jinyang. In the ninth month he campaigned west. On jihai he besieged Wang Sizheng at Yubi. He meant to draw the enemy; the western army would not come out. On guiwei heavy snow killed many; he withdrew.
59
武定元年二月壬申，北豫州刺史高慎據武牢西叛。 三月壬辰，周文率眾援高慎，圍河橋南城。 戊申，神武大敗之於芒山。 禽西魏督將以下四百餘人，俘斬六萬計。
On renshen Gao Shen held Wulao and rebelled west. On renchen Zhou Wen besieged the River Bridge south city. On wushen he defeated Zhou Wen at Mang Mountain. He took four hundred officers and killed or captured sixty thousand.
60
是時，軍士有盜殺驢者，軍令應死。 神武弗殺，將至并州決之。 明日，復戰，奔西軍，告神武所在，西師盡銳來攻。 眾潰，神武失馬，赫連陽順下馬，以授神武，與蒼頭馮文洛扶上，俱走。 從者步騎六七人。 追騎至，親信都督尉興慶曰：「王去矣，興慶腰邊百箭，足殺百人。」 神武勉之曰：「事濟，以爾為懷州； 若死，則用爾子。」
A soldier killed a donkey; by law he should die. Shenwu spared him for judgment at Bingzhou next day. Next day he fled to the western army and revealed Shenwu's position. The host broke; Yangshun gave Shenwu his horse; he fled with Feng Wenluo. Six or seven followers remained. Wei Xingqing said, "Go, my lord; a hundred arrows will kill a hundred men. Shenwu said, "Succeed and you are governor of Huai; die and I use your son."
61
興慶曰：「兒小，願用兄。」 許之。 興慶鬥，矢盡而死。 西魏太師賀拔勝以十三騎逐神武，河州刺史劉洪徽射中其二。 勝槊將中神武，段孝先橫射勝馬殪，遂免。 豫、洛二州平，神武使劉豐追奔徇地，至恒農而還。 七月，神武貽周文書，責以殺孝武之罪。 八月辛未，魏帝詔神武為相國、錄尚書事、大行臺，余如故。 固辭，乃止。
Xingqing said, "My son is small; use my brother. Shenwu permitted it. Xingqing fought until his arrows were spent and died. Heba Sheng pursued with thirteen riders; Liu Honghui shot two down. Duan Xiaoxian shot Sheng's horse dead and Shenwu was spared. Yu and Luo were pacified; Liu Feng pursued to Hengnong and returned. In the seventh month he reproached Zhou Wen for killing Xiaowu. On xinwei the emperor issued an edict appointing him chancellor as before. He declined and it stopped.
62
是月，神武命於肆州北山築城，西自馬陵戍，東至土隥，四十日罷。 十二月己卯，神武朝於京師。 庚辰，還晉陽。
That month he built a wall on Si's northern mountain in forty days. On jimao he attended court. On gengchen he returned to Jinyang.
63
二年三月癸巳，神武巡行冀、定二州，因朝京師。 以冬春亢旱，請蠲縣責，振窮乏，宥死罪以下。 又請授老人板職各有差。 四月丙辰，神武還晉陽。 十一月，神武討山胡，破平之。 俘獲一萬餘戶，分配諸州。
On guisi he toured Ji and Ding and attended court. He remitted dues, relieved the poor, and pardoned capital crimes. He granted elders honorary offices by rank. On bingchen he returned to Jinyang. In the eleventh month he broke the mountain Hu. He took ten thousand households and distributed them.
64
三年正月甲午，開府儀同三司爾朱文暢、開府司馬任胄、都督鄭仲禮、中府主簿李世林、前開府參軍房子遠等謀賊神武。 因十五日夜打蔟，懷刃而入。 其黨薛季孝以告，並伏誅。 丁未，神武請於并州置晉陽宮，以處配口。 三月乙未，神武朝鄴。
On jiawu Wenchang, Ren Zhou, and others plotted to kill Shenwu. On the fifteenth night they entered with hidden blades. Xue Jixiao informed; all were executed. On dingwei he asked a Jinyang palace for assigned households. On yiwei he attended Ye.
65
丙午，還晉陽。 十月丁卯，神武上言，幽、安、定三州北接奚、蠕蠕，請於險要修立城戍以防之。 躬自臨履，莫不嚴固。 乙未，神武請釋芒山俘桎梏，配以人間寡婦。
On bingwu he returned to Jinyang. On dingmao he asked forts on the northern frontier of You, An, and Ding. He inspected in person; every fort was strict. On yiwei he released Mang Mountain prisoners and paired them with widows.
66
四年八月癸巳，神武將西伐，自鄴會兵於晉陽。 殿中將軍曹魏祖曰：「不可，今八月西方王，以死氣逆生氣，為客不利，主人則可。 兵果行，傷大將。」 神武不從。 自東西魏構兵，鄴下每先有黃黑螘陣鬥。 占者以為黃者東魏戎衣色，黑者西魏戎衣色，人間以此候勝負。 是時黃螘盡死。 九月，神武圍玉壁以挑西師，不敢應。
On guisi of the eighth month he assembled at Jinyang for the west. Wei Chaozu warned: August favors the west; the guest will lose. March and a great general will be wounded. Shenwu refused. After the split, yellow and black ant swarms fought below Ye. Yellow meant Eastern Wei, black Western Wei; people read victory in the ants. Now the yellow ants all died. In the ninth month he besieged Yubi; the western army would not answer.
67
西魏晉州刺史韋孝寬守玉壁。 城中出鐵面。 神武使兀盜射之，每中其目。 用李業興孤虛術，萃其北。 北，天險也。 乃起土山，鑿十道。 又於東面鑿二十一道，以攻之。
Wei Xiaokuan held Yubi. The city used iron masks. Archer Wudao shot; each arrow found an eye. By Li Yexing's method he massed against the north. North is heaven's danger. He raised earthworks and dug ten tunnels. On the east he dug twenty-one tunnels.
68
城中無水，汲於汾。 神武使移汾，一夜而畢。 孝寬奪據土山。 頓軍五旬，城不拔，死者七萬人，聚為一冢。 有星墜於神武營，眾驢並鳴，士皆懾懼。 神武有疾。 十一月庚子，輿疾班師。 庚戌，遣太原公洋鎮鄴。 辛亥，征世子澄至晉陽。 有惡鳥集於亭樹，世子使斛律光射殺之。 己卯，神武以無功，表解都督中外諸軍事。 魏帝優詔許焉。 是時，西魏言神武中弩。 神武聞之，乃勉坐見諸貴。 使斛律金敕勒歌，神武自和之，哀感流涕。
The city had no water and drew from the Fen. He diverted the Fen in one night. Xiaokuan seized the earthworks. Five weeks passed; the city held; seventy thousand died in one mound. A star fell in camp; donkeys brayed; soldiers feared. Shenwu fell ill. On gengzi he withdrew with the sick army. On gengxu he sent Prince Yang to hold Ye. On xinhai he summoned the heir Cheng to Jinyang. Evil birds gathered; the heir had Hulu Guang shoot them. On jimao he resigned supreme command for lack of success. The emperor permitted it. The Western Wei said Shenwu was wounded by a bolt. Hearing this he forced himself to receive the nobles. He had Hulu Jin sing; Shenwu harmonized and wept.
69
侯景素輕世子，嘗謂司馬子如曰：「王在，吾不敢有異。 王無，吾不能與鮮卑小兒共事。」 子如掩其口。 至是，世子為神武書，召景。 景先與神武約，得書，書背微點，乃來。 書至，無點，景不至。 又聞神武疾，遂擁兵自固。 神武謂世子曰：「我雖疾，爾面更有餘憂色，何也？」 世子未對。 又問曰：「豈非憂侯景叛邪？」
Hou Jing despised the heir and told Ziru, "While the king lives I dare not differ. When the king is gone I will not serve a Xianbei boy. Ziru covered his mouth. The heir wrote summoning Jing for Shenwu. Jing and Shenwu agreed: a dot on the back meant come. The letter had no dot; Jing did not come. Hearing Shenwu was ill, Jing secured himself with troops. Shenwu asked the heir, "I am ill, yet you look more worried; why? The heir did not answer. He asked, "Do you fear Hou Jing will rebel?"
70
曰：「然。」 神武曰：「景專制河南十四年矣，常有飛揚跋扈誌。 顧我能養，豈為汝駕御也。 今四方未定，勿遽發哀。 庫狄幹鮮卑老公，斛律金敕勒老公，並性遒直，終不負汝。 可朱渾道元、劉豐生遠來投我，必無異心。 賀拔焉過兒樸實無罪過，潘相樂今本作道人，心和厚，汝兄弟當得其力。 韓軌少戇，宜寬借之。 彭相樂心腹難得，宜防護之。 少堪敵侯景者，唯有慕容紹宗。 我故不貴之，留以與汝，宜深加殊禮，委以經略。
He said, "Yes. Shenwu said, "Jing held Henan fourteen years with overbearing intent. While I lived he obeyed me; he will not obey you. The realm is unsettled; do not hasten mourning. Kudili Gan and Hulu Jin are upright and will not fail you. Daoyuan and Liu Feng came from afar; they are loyal. Heba Yaguor is plain; Pan Xiangle is kind; use them. Han Gui is young and blunt; treat him generously. Peng Xiangle is hard to trust; guard against him. Only Murong Shaozong can match Hou Jing. I left Shaozong for you; honor him and entrust strategy.
71
五年正月朔，日蝕。 神武曰：「日蝕其為我邪？ 死亦何恨。」 丙午，陳啟於魏帝。 是日，崩於晉陽，時年五十二。 秘不發喪。 六月壬午，魏帝於東堂舉哀三日。
On New Year's day the sun was eclipsed. Shenwu said, "Is the eclipse for me? Death is nothing to regret. On bingwu he reported illness to the emperor. That day he died at Jinyang, aged fifty-two. Death was kept secret. On renwu of the sixth month the emperor mourned three days.
72
制緦衰，詔凶禮依漢大將軍霍光、東平王蒼故事。 贈假黃鉞、使持節、相國、都督中外諸軍事、齊王璽紱、辌車、黃屋左纛、前後羽葆鼓吹、輕車介士、兼備九錫殊禮。 謚獻武王。 八月甲申，葬於鄴西北漳水之西，魏帝臨送於紫陽。 天保初，追崇為獻武帝。 廟號太祖，陵曰義平。 天統元年，改謚神武皇帝，廟號高祖。 神武性深密高岸，終日儼然，人不能測。 機權之際，變化若神。 至於軍國大略，獨運懷抱。
Funeral rites followed Huo Guang and Prince Cang of Dongping. He received the full nine bestowals and honors. Posthumous title King Xianwu. On jiashen he was buried west of the Zhang; the emperor attended at Ziyang. Under Tianbao he was honored as Emperor Xianwu. Temple name Taizu; tomb Yiping. Under Tiantong he became Emperor Shenwu, temple Gaozu. Shenwu was deep, secret, and stern; men could not fathom him. In stratagem he changed like a spirit. Grand strategy of army and state he carried alone.
73
文武將吏，罕有預之。 經馭軍眾，法令嚴肅，臨敵制勝，策出無方。 聽斷昭察，不可欺犯，知人好士，全護勛舊。 性周給，每有文教，常殷勤款悉。 指事論心，不尚綺靡。 擢人授任，在於得才。 茍其所堪，乃至拔於廝養； 有虛聲無實者，稀見任用。
Officers rarely shared in it. His laws were strict; facing enemies he won; plans seemed from nowhere. He judged clearly, loved talent, and protected old merit. He was generous and earnest in civil teaching. He spoke to the heart, not to ornament. In office what mattered was talent. He raised even stable boys if they were capable; empty fame he rarely employed.
74
諸將出討，奉行方略，罔不克捷。 違失指畫，多致奔亡。 雅尚儉素，刀劍鞍勒無金玉之飾。 少能劇飲，自當大任，不過三爵。 居家如官。 仁恕愛士。 始范陽盧景裕以明經稱，魯郡韓毅以工書顯，咸以謀逆見禽，並蒙恩置之第館，教授諸子。 其文武之士，盡節所事見執獲而不罪者甚多。 故遐邇歸心，皆思效力。 至南和梁國，北懷蠕蠕。 吐谷渾、阿至羅咸所招納，獲其力用，規略遠矣。
Generals who followed his plans triumphed. Those who missed his direction perished. He loved plainness; arms bore no gold or jade. In youth he drank deep; in power he stopped at three cups. At home he was as at office. He was benevolent and loved scholars. Lu Jingyu and Han Yi, seized for treason, were housed and taught his sons. Many captured loyalists were not punished. Near and far gave their hearts and wished to serve. South he won Liang; north he won the Rouran. Tuyuhun and the Azhi-luo were won and used; his reach was far.
75
世宗文襄皇帝諱澄，字子惠，神武長子也。 母曰婁太后。 生而岐嶷，神武異之。
Shizong Emperor Wenxiang, taboo Cheng, courtesy Zihui, was Shenwu's eldest son. His mother was Empress Dowager Lou. Born gifted, Shenwu marveled at him.
76
魏中興元年，立為勃海王世子。 就杜詢講學，敏悟過人，詢甚嘆服。 二年，加侍中、開府儀同三司，尚孝靜帝妹馮翊長公主。 時年十二，神情俊爽，便若成人。 神武試問以時事得失，辨析無不中理。 自是軍國籌策皆預之。
In Zhongxing year one he was made heir to the Prince of Bohai. He studied with Du Xun and surpassed him. In year two he became Palace Attendant and married the Princess of Fenyang. At twelve he seemed already a man. Shenwu tested him on affairs of the day; he never missed. From then on he joined all military and state planning.
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天平元年，加使持節、尚書令、大行臺、并州刺史。 三年，入輔朝政，加領軍左右、京畿大都督。 時人雖聞器識，猶以少年期之。 而機略嚴明，事無疑滯，於是朝野振肅。
In Tianping year one he became Director of the Secretariat and inspector of Bing. In year three he assisted court and commanded the capital guards. Men heard his talent yet still judged him a youth. Yet his counsel was sharp and affairs never stalled; the court was awed into order.
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元象元年，攝吏部尚書。 魏自崔亮以後，選人常以年勞為制。 文襄乃厘改前式，銓擢唯在得人。 又沙汰尚書郎，妙選人地以充之。 至於才名之士，咸被薦擢。 假有未居顯位者，皆致之門下，以為賓客。 每山園遊宴，必見招攜； 執射賦詩，各盡其所長，以為娛適。
In Yuanxiang year one he acted as Director of Personnel. Since Cui Liang, selection followed years of service. Wenxiang reformed the system; promotion rested on merit alone. He sifted Secretariat gentlemen and chose men of quality. Men of talent and fame were promoted. Those not yet in high office he kept as guests. At garden feasts he summoned them; they shot and composed verse for pleasure.
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興和二年，加大將軍，領中書監，仍攝吏部尚書。 自正光已後，天下多事。 在任群官，廉潔者寡。 文襄乃奏吏部郎崔暹為御史中尉，糾劾權豪，無所縱舍。 於是風俗更始，私枉路絕。 乃榜於街衢，具論經國政術，仍開直言之路。 有論事上書苦言切至者，皆優容之。
In Xinghe year two he became Grand General and Director of the Secretariat. Since Zhenguang the realm had known trouble. Few officials were clean. He made Cui Xian censor and impeached the powerful without mercy. Customs renewed; private wrongs ceased. He posted statecraft in the streets and opened blunt speech. Bitter memorialists were treated generously.
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武定四年十一月，神武西討，不豫，班師。 文襄馳赴軍所，侍衛還晉陽。
In Wuding year four Shenwu campaigned west, fell ill, and withdrew. Wenxiang galloped to the army and returned with him to Jinyang.
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五年正月丙午，神武崩，秘不發喪。 辛亥，司徒侯景據河南反，潁州刺史司馬世雲以城應之。 景誘執豫州刺史高元成、襄州刺史李密、廣州刺史暴顯等。 遣司空韓軌率眾討之。 四月壬申，文襄朝於鄴。 六月己巳，韓軌等自潁州班師。 丁丑，文襄還晉陽，乃發喪，告喻文武，陳神武遺誌。 七月戊戌，魏帝詔以文襄為使持節、大丞相、都督中外諸軍、錄尚書事、大行臺、勃海王。 文襄啟辭位，願停王爵。 壬寅，魏帝詔太原公洋攝理軍國，遣中使敦喻。 八月戊辰，文襄啟申神武遺令，請減國邑，分封將督各有差。 辛未，朝於鄴，固辭丞相。 魏帝詔曰：「既朝野攸憑，安危所系，不得令遂本懷，須有權奪。 可復前大將軍，余如故。」 壬辰，尚書祠部郎中元瑾、梁降人茍濟、長秋卿劉思逸及淮南王宣洪、華山王大器、濟北王徽等謀害文襄，事發伏誅。 九月己亥，文襄請舊勛灼然未蒙齒錄者，悉求旌賞。 朝士名行有聞，或以年耆疾滿告謝者，準其本秩。 授以州郡，不得蒞事，聽廕子孫。 自天平元年以來，遇事亡官者，聽復本資。 豪貴之家，不得占護山澤。 其第宇車服婚姻送葬奢僭無限者，並令禁斷。 從太昌元年以來，將帥有殊功異效者，其子弟年十歲以上，請聽依第出身。 其兵士從征，身殞陣場者，蠲其家租課。 若有藏器避世者，以禮招致，隨才擢敘。 罷營構之官。 在朝百司，怠惰不勤，有所曠廢者，免所居官。 若清幹克濟，皎然可知者，即宜超敘，不拘常式。 辛丑，文襄還晉陽。
On bingwu of the fifth year Shenwu died; death was secret. On xinhai Hou Jing rebelled in Henan; Sima Shiyun opened Ying. Jing seized Yuancheng, Li Mi, Bao Xian, and others. He sent Han Gui against him. On renshen Wenxiang attended court at Ye. On jisi Han Gui withdrew from Ying. On dingchou he returned to Jinyang, announced mourning, and stated the last will. On wuxu the emperor made Wenxiang chancellor and Prince of Bohai. Wenxiang declined and wished to stop the princely rank. On renyin the emperor set Prince Yang to administer state and urged him. On wuchen he asked to reduce the fief and reward generals. On xinwei he attended Ye and declined the chancellorship. The emperor said court and realm relied on him and refused his decline. Resume Grand General; the rest as before. On renchen Yuan Jin, Gou Ji, Liu Siyi, and princes plotted against Wenxiang and were executed. On jihai he asked reward for old merit not yet recorded. Men of name who resigned kept rank. They received provinces in name; sons held office. From Tianping year one office-losers might restore salary. Great houses might not monopolize mountains and marshes. Excess in mansions, dress, and funerals was forbidden. Sons of meritorious generals might enter office by rank. Families of soldiers dead in battle were remitted rent. Recluses were welcomed and promoted by ability. Construction offices were abolished. Idle officials were removed. The pure and able were promoted beyond rule. On xinchou he returned to Jinyang.
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武定六年正月己未，文襄朝於鄴。 二月己卯，梁遣使慰文襄，並請通和。 文襄許其和而不答書。 侯景之叛也，南兗州刺史石長宣頗相影響，諸州刺史、守、令、佐史多被詿誤。 景破後，悉被禽獲，尚書咸處極刑，文襄並請減降。 於是斬長宣，其餘並從寬宥。 三月戊申，文襄請朝臣及牧、守、令、長各舉賢良及驍武膽略堪守邊城者，務在得才，不拘職素。 其稱事六品、散官五品以上，朝廷所悉，不在舉限。
On jiwei of Wuding year six he attended Ye. On jimao Liang sent envoys and asked peace. He permitted peace but did not reply. When Jing rebelled many officials were misled. After Jing fell the Secretariat sought extreme punishment; Wenxiang asked mercy. Changxuan was beheaded; the rest were pardoned. On wushen he asked all to recommend talent for the frontier. Sixth rank and above were outside the limit.
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其稱事七品、散官六品以下，並及州、郡、縣雜白身，不限在官、解職，並任舉之，隨才進擢。 辛亥，文襄南臨黎陽，濟於武牢。 自洛陽，從太行而反晉陽。 於路遺書朝士，以相戒厲。 於是朝野承風，莫不震肅。 六月，文襄巡北邊城戍，振賜各有差。
Seventh rank and below and commoners might all be recommended. On xinhai he went south to Liyang and crossed at Wulao. From Luoyang he returned to Jinyang by Taihang. On the road he wrote letters admonishing the court. Court and country were shaken into order. In the sixth month he inspected northern forts and rewarded each.
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七月乙卯，文襄朝於鄴。 八月庚寅，還晉陽。 使大行臺慕容紹宗與太尉高嶽、大都督劉豐討王思政於潁川。 先是，文襄遣行臺尚書辛術率諸將略江淮之北。 至是，凡所獲二十三州。
On yimao he attended Ye. On gengyin he returned to Jinyang. He sent Shaozong, Yue, and Feng against Wang Sizheng at Yingchuan. Earlier Xin Shu had swept north of the Jiang and Huai. By now twenty-three provinces had been taken.
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七年四月甲辰，魏帝進文襄位相國，封齊王，綠綟綬。 贊拜不名，入朝不趨，劍履上殿。 食冀州之勃海、長樂、安德、武邑、瀛州之河間五郡，邑十五萬戶，使持節、都督中外諸軍事、錄尚書、大行臺並如故。 丁未，文襄入朝。 固讓，魏帝不許。 五月戊寅，文襄帥師自鄴赴潁川。 六月丙申克潁川，禽西魏大將軍王思政，以忠於所事，釋而待之。 七月，文襄朝於鄴，請魏帝立皇太子，復辭爵位殊禮，未報。
On jiachen the emperor made him Prince of Qi. He received praise without naming, no hastening at court, and sword in the hall. Fief of five commanderies and one hundred fifty thousand households; command as before. On dingwei he entered court. He declined; the emperor refused. On wuyin he led troops to Yingchuan. On bingshen he took Yingchuan and spared the loyal Wang Sizheng. In the seventh month he asked for a crown prince and declined special rank.
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八月辛卯，遇盜而崩。 初，梁將蘭欽子京見虜，文襄以配廚。 欽求贖之，不許。 京再訴，文襄使監廚蒼頭薛豐洛杖之，曰：「更訴，當殺汝。」 京與其黨六人謀作亂。
On xinmao he was slain by robbers. Liang general Lan Qin's son Jing was captured and assigned to the kitchen. Qin asked to ransom him; Wenxiang refused. Jing appealed again; Xue Fengluo beat him and threatened death. Jing and six comrades plotted murder.
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時文襄將受魏禪，與陳元康、崔季舒屏左右謀於北城東柏堂。 太史啟言宰輔星甚微，變不一月。 時京將進食，文襄卻之，謂人曰：「昨夜夢此奴斫我。」 又曰：「急殺卻。」 京聞之，置刀於盤下，冒言進食。 文襄見之，怒曰：「我未索食，何遽來？」
Wenxiang was about to receive abdication and plotted with Chen Yuankang and Cui Shushu. Astronomers said the minister star was faint; change within a month. As Jing brought food Wenxiang recalled a dream of being cut. He said, "Kill him at once." Jing heard, hid a knife, and entered with food. Wenxiang angrily said he had not asked for food.
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京揮刀曰：「將殺汝！」 文襄自投，傷足，入床下。 賊黨至，去床，因見弒，時年二十九。 秘不發喪。 明年正月辛酉，魏帝舉哀於太極東堂。 詔贈物八萬段，凶事依漢大將軍霍光、東平王蒼故事。 贈假黃鉞、使持節、相國、都督中外諸軍事、齊王璽紱，巉辌車、黃屋左纛、後部羽葆鼓吹、輕車介士，備九錫禮，謚曰文襄王。 二月甲申，葬於義平陵之北。 天保初，追尊曰文襄皇帝，廟號世宗，陵曰峻成。
Jing swung the knife: "I will kill you! Wenxiang fell, wounded his foot, and crawled under the bed. The band pulled away the bed and killed him, aged twenty-nine. Death was kept secret. Next year on xinyou the emperor mourned at the Grand Ultimate east hall. Edict bestowed eighty thousand bolts; funeral followed Huo Guang. He received the nine bestowals; posthumous title King Wenxiang. On jiashen he was buried north of Yiping tomb. Under Tianbao he became Emperor Wenxiang, temple Shizong, tomb Juncheng.
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文襄美姿容，善言笑，談謔之際，從容弘雅。 性聰警，多籌策，當朝作相，聽斷如流。 愛士好賢，待之以禮，有神武之風焉。 然少壯氣猛，嚴峻刑法。 高慎西叛，侯景南翻，非直本懷狼戾，兼亦有懼威略。 情欲奢淫，動乖制度。 嘗於宮西造宅，墻院高廣，聽事宏壯，亞太極殿。 神武入朝，責之，乃止。
Wenxiang was handsome, witty, and refined in banter. Clever and stratagem-rich, as chancellor he decided like flowing water. He loved scholars and had Shenwu's manner. Yet in youth he was fierce and his law severe. Gao Shen and Hou Jing rebelled from wolfish nature and fear of his prestige. His passions were extravagant and often broke regulation. He built a mansion west of the palace rivaling the Grand Ultimate Hall. Shenwu reproached him and he stopped.
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論曰：昔魏氏失馭，中原蕩析。 齊神武爰從晉部，大號冀方。 屢戰而翦凶徒，一麾以清京洛。 尊主匡國，功濟天下。 既而魏武帝規避權逼，歷數既盡，適所以速關、河之分焉。 文襄嗣膺霸道，威略昭著。 內除奸逆，外拓淮夷，擯斥貪殘，存情人物。 而志在峻法，急於禦下，於前王之德，有所未同。 蓋天意人心，好生惡殺，雖吉凶報應，未皆影響。 總而論之，積善多慶。 然文襄之禍生所忽，蓋有由焉。
The commentary says: Wei lost the reins and the central plains were torn apart. Qi's Divine Martial arose in Jin and raised his standard in Ji. In battle he cut down villains; with one wave he cleared the capital. He honored the sovereign and righted the state; his merit saved the realm. Then Emperor Wu of Wei fled coercive power; the mandate was spent, and Guan and He were divided. Wenxiang succeeded to overbearing rule; his prestige was manifest. Within he removed traitors; without he reached the Huai; he cherished talent. Yet he aimed at severe law and harsh control; in virtue he differed from former kings. Heaven and men love life and hate killing; fortune does not always answer at once. In sum, accumulating good brings many blessings. Yet Wenxiang's calamity arose from neglect; there was cause.