1
顯祖文宣帝廢帝孝昭帝
Emperor Xianzu Wenxuan, the Deposed Emperor, and Emperor Xiaozhao.
2
顯祖文宣帝
Emperor Xianzu Wenxuan.
3
顯祖文宣皇帝諱洋，字子進，神武第二子，文襄之母弟也。 武明太后初孕帝，每夜有赤光照室，太后私怪之。 及產，命之曰侯尼于。 鮮卑言有相子也。 以生於晉陽，一名晉陽樂。 時神武家徒壁立，后與親姻相對，共憂寒餒。 帝生始數月，尚未能言，欻然曰：「得活。」 太后及左右大驚，不敢言。
Emperor Xianzu Wenxuan, taboo name Yang, style name Zijin, was Shenwu's second son and Wenxiang's full younger brother. When Empress Dowager Wuming first conceived the Emperor, red light filled her chamber every night, and she privately marveled at the omen. At his birth she named him Hou Niyu. In Xianbei this meant "a son of noble aspect." Born at Jinyang, he was also called Jinyang Le. Shenwu's house was bare as a whitewashed wall; the Empress and her kin sat facing one another, dreading cold and hunger. Only months old and not yet able to speak, he suddenly said, "We shall live. The Empress Dowager and her attendants were stunned and dared say nothing.
4
及長，黑色，大頰兌下，鱗身重踝，瞻視審定，不好戲弄，深沈有大度。 晉陽有沙門，乍愚乍智，時人不測，呼為阿禿師。 太后見諸子焉，歷問祿位。 至帝，再三舉手指天而已，口無所言，見者異之。 神武嘗從諸子過鳳陽門，有龍在上，唯神武與帝見之。
Grown, he was dark of complexion, with heavy cheeks and jaw, scaly skin and thick ankles; his gaze was steady, he shunned childish games, and his nature was deep and far-reaching. At Jinyang lived a monk, now dull and now sharp, whom none could read; they called him Master Atou. The Empress Dowager brought him before her sons and asked each about his destined rank. At the Emperor he only lifted his finger to the sky again and again and said no word; the onlookers were astonished. Once Shenwu passed Fengyang Gate with his sons; a dragon appeared overhead, seen by Shenwu and the Emperor alone.
5
內雖明敏，貌若不足，文襄每嗤之曰：「此人亦得富貴，相法亦何由可解。」 神武以帝貌陋，神彩不甚發揚，曾問以時事，帝略有所辨，儻語一事，必得事衷。 又嘗令諸子，各使理亂絲，帝獨抽刀斬之，曰：「亂者須斬。」 神武以為然。 又各配兵四出，而使彭樂率甲騎偽攻之，文襄等怖撓，帝勒红與彭樂相格，樂免冑言情，猶禽之以獻。 由是神武稱異之，謂長史薛琡曰：「此兒意識過吾。」 琡亦私怪之。 幼時，師事范陽盧景裕，默識過人，未嘗有所自明，景裕不能測也。 天平二年，封太原郡公，累遷尚書左僕射。 後從文襄行過遼陽山，獨見天門開，餘無人見者。
Inwardly he was keen, yet he looked unremarkable; Wenxiang often jeered, "How can such a face ever win fortune? What use is physiognomy? Finding the Emperor homely and outwardly dull, Shenwu once tested him on affairs of the day; he answered sparingly, yet each remark struck true. He once set each son to unravel tangled silk; the Emperor alone drew his knife and severed it, saying, "Tangles must be cut. Shenwu agreed. He gave each son troops and sent them forth, then had Peng Le feign an attack with armored cavalry; Wenxiang and the rest quailed, but the Emperor rallied his men, fought Peng Le face to face, and though Le bared his head and pleaded, still seized him and brought him in. Shenwu then wondered at him and told Chief Administrator Xue Ju, "This boy's understanding exceeds my own. Ju too was privately astonished. As a boy he studied under Lu Jingyu of Fanyang; he remembered without effort and never showed his learning, so that Jingyu could not measure him. In Tianping year two he received Taiyuan Commandery and rose through the ranks to Left Vice Minister of the Masters of Writing. Later, passing Liaoyang Mountain with Wenxiang, he alone saw Heaven's Gate open; none beside him saw it.
6
武定五年，神武崩，猶祕凶事，红情疑駭。 帝雖內嬰巨痛，外若平常，人情頗安。 魏帝授帝尚書令、中書監、京畿大都督。
In Wuding year five Shenwu died; the death was still concealed, and Yang was inwardly fearful and unsettled. Though grief tore at him within, outwardly he seemed unchanged, and hearts grew steadier. The Wei Emperor made him Director of the Masters of Writing, Supervisor of the Masters of Writing, and Grand Commander of the Capital Region.
7
七年八月，文襄遇賊，帝在城東雙堂，事出倉卒，內外震駭。 帝神色不變，指麾部分，自臠斬戝賊而漆其首，祕不發喪。 徐言奴反，大將軍被傷，無大苦也。 當時內外，莫不驚異。 乃諷魏朝立皇太子，因以大赦。 乃赴晉陽總庶政。 帝內雖明察，外若不了，老臣宿將皆輕帝。 於是帝推誠接下，務從寬厚，事有不便者咸蠲省焉，戝情始服。
In the seventh year, eighth month, Wenxiang fell to assassins; the Emperor was at Shuang Hall east of the city; the blow came without warning and panic seized court and camp. His face never changed; he deployed the troops, himself hacked the assassin apart and lacquered the head, and hid the death. Calmly he said the slave Xu had rebelled and the Grand General was hurt, but not gravely. Court and camp alike were astonished. He then moved the Wei court to install the crown prince and proclaimed a general amnesty. Then he went to Jinyang to govern all affairs. Keen within yet seeming dull without, he was underestimated by old ministers and seasoned generals. He then dealt sincerely with those below, favoring leniency, repealed what burdened the people, and won the soldiers' trust.
8
八年正月辛酉，魏帝為文襄舉哀於東堂。 戊辰，詔進帝位使持節、丞相、都督中外諸軍、錄尚書事、大行臺、齊郡王，食邑一萬戶。 三月庚申，又進封齊王，食冀州之勃海、長樂、安德、武邑、瀛州之河間五郡，邑十萬戶。 帝自居晉陽，寢室每夜有光如晝。 既為王，夢人以筆點己額。 旦日，以語館客王曇哲，曰：「吾其退乎？」 曇哲拜賀曰：「王上加點為主，當進也。」
On xinyou of the first month in year eight the Wei Emperor mourned Wenxiang at the Eastern Hall. On wuchen an edict raised him to Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Chancellor, Commander-in-Chief of All Armies Within and Without, Recorder of Affairs of the Masters of Writing, Grand Commissioner, and Prince of Qi Commandery, with ten thousand households. On gengshen in the third month he became Prince of Qi, receiving Bohai, Changle, Ande, and Wuyi in Ji Province and Hejian in Ying Province—ten thousand households. At Jinyang his bedchamber shone each night bright as noon. Once prince, he dreamed a man marked his brow with a brush. At dawn he told his guest Wang Tanzi, "Am I to step back? Tanzi bowed and said, "Add a dot to the character for prince and it becomes lord—you are to rise."
9
五月辛亥，帝如鄴。 光州獲九尾狐以獻。 甲寅，魏帝遣兼太尉彭城王韶、司空潘相樂奉冊，進帝位相國，總百揆，以冀州之勃海、長樂、安德、武邑、瀛州之河間、高陽、章武、定州之中山、常山、博陵十郡，邑二十萬戶，加九錫殊禮，齊王如故。 丙辰，魏帝遜位別宮，又使兼太尉彭城王韶、兼司空敬顯侊奉冊禪位，致璽書於帝，并奉皇帝璽綬，禪代之禮，一依唐、虞、漢、魏故事。 帝累表固辭，詔不許。 於是尚書令高隆之率百僚勸進。
On xinhai of the fifth month he went to Ye. Guang Province sent up a nine-tailed fox. On jiayin the Wei Emperor sent Concurrent Grand Commandant Prince of Pengcheng Shao and Minister of Works Pan Xiangyue with the seal, making him Prime Minister over all affairs, granting ten commanderies and two hundred thousand households, the Nine Bestowals, and the title Prince of Qi unchanged. On bingchen the Wei Emperor retired to a separate palace and again sent Concurrent Grand Commandant Prince of Pengcheng Shao and Concurrent Minister of Works Jing Xianghong with the abdication seal, the imperial letter, and the imperial seal and cord, following the rites of Tang, Yu, Han, and Wei. He memorialized again and again to refuse; the edict would not allow it. Director of the Masters of Writing Gao Longzhi then led the hundred officials in urging acceptance.
10
天保元年夏五月戊午，皇帝即位於南郊，升壇，柴燎告天。 是日，鄴下獲赤雀，獻于郊所。 事畢還宮，御太極前殿，大赦，改元。 百官進兩大階，六州緣邊職人三大階。 自魏孝莊已後，百官絕祿，至是復給焉。 己未，詔封魏帝為中山王。 追尊皇祖文穆王為文穆皇帝，皇祖妣為文穆皇后，皇考獻武王為獻武皇帝，皇兄文襄王為文襄皇帝。 命有司議祖宗以聞。 辛酉，尊王太后為皇太后。 乙丑，降魏朝封爵各有差； [一]其信都從義，及宣力霸朝者，又西來人，并武定六年以來南來投化者，不在降限。 辛未，遣大使於四方觀察風俗，問人疾苦。 甲戌，遷神主於太廟。
On wuwu of the fifth month, Tianbao year one, he ascended the throne at the Southern Altar, mounted the mound, and offered burnt sacrifice to Heaven. That day a vermilion sparrow was taken below Ye and offered at the altar. When the rites ended he returned, sat in the Hall of Supreme Pole, pardoned the realm, and changed the era name. All officials rose two full ranks; frontier officials of six provinces, three. Since Wei Emperor Xiaozhuang officials had gone without pay; now pay was restored. On jiwei an edict made the Wei Emperor Prince of Zhongshan. He raised his grandfather King Wenmu to Emperor Wenmu and his grandmother to Empress Wenmu; his father King Xianwu to Emperor Xianwu; his brother King Wenxiang to Emperor Wenxiang. He ordered the officials to settle the imperial temple and report. On xinyou he raised the Queen Dowager to Empress Dowager. On yichou he lowered Wei court ranks and fiefs by degree; Exempt from reduction were men of Xindu who had kept faith, those who had served the founding court, newcomers from the west, and southerners who had submitted since Wuding year six. On xinwei he sent great envoys abroad to observe customs and ask after the people's hardships. On jiaxu the spirit tablets entered the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
11
六月辛巳，詔改封崇聖侯孔長為恭聖侯，邑一百戶，以奉孔子祀，并下魯郡，以時修葺廟宇。 又詔：吉凶車服制度，各為等差，具立條式，使儉而獲中。 分遣使人致祭於五岳、四瀆，其堯祠、舜廟下及孔父、老君等載於祀典者，咸秩罔遺。 又詔：冀州之勃海、長樂二郡，先帝始封之國，義旗初起之地； 并州之太原、青州之齊郡，霸朝所在，王命是基。 君子有作，貴不忘本，齊郡、勃海，可並復一年，長樂復二年，太原復三年。
On xinsi of the sixth month he changed Venerable Sage Kong Chang to Reverent Sage Kong Chang, with one hundred households for Confucian rites, and ordered Lu Commandery to keep the temple in repair. Another edict graded carriages, dress, and rites for joy and mourning by rank, setting rules so that thrift would still be fitting. Envoys were dispatched to sacrifice at the Five Peaks and Four Rivers; shrines to Yao, temples to Shun, Kong the Father, Lord Lao, and all canonized worthies received their due rites. Another edict: Bohai and Changle in Ji Province were the Former Emperor's first fief and the birthplace of the righteous cause; Taiyuan in Bing Province and Qi Commandery in Qing Province were the seat of the founding court and the root of the royal mandate. A gentleman does not forget his origins: Qi Commandery and Bohai received one year's tax remission, Changle two, Taiyuan three.
12
壬午，詔故太傅孫騰、故太保尉景、故大司馬婁昭、故司徒高敖曹、故尚書左僕射慕容紹宗、故領軍万俟干、故定州刺史段榮、故御史中尉劉貴、故御史中尉竇泰、故殷州刺史劉豐、故濟州刺史蔡侊等，並左右先帝，經贊皇基，或不幸早殂，或隕身王事，可遣使者就墓致祭，并撫問妻子。 又詔封宗室，太尉高岳為清河王，太保高隆之為平原王，開府儀同三司高歸彥為平秦王，徐州刺史高思宗為上洛王，營州刺史高長弼為廣武王，兼武纫將軍高普為武興王，兼武纫將軍高子瑗為平昌王，兼北中郎將高顯國為襄樂王，前太子庶子高叡為趙郡王，揚州縣開國公高孝緒為脩城王。 又詔封功臣，太師厙狄干為章武王，大司馬斛律金為咸陽王，并州刺史賀拔仁為安定王，殷州刺史韓軌為安德王，瀛州刺史可朱渾道元為扶風王，司徒公彭樂為陳留王，司空公潘相樂為河東王。 癸未，詔封諸弟，青州刺史浚為永安王，尚書左僕射淹為平陽王，定州刺史浟為彭城王，儀同三司演為常山王，冀州刺史渙為上黨王，儀同三司淯為襄城王，儀同三司湛為長廣王，湝為任城王，湜為高陽王，濟為博陵王，凝為新平王，潤為馮翊王，洽為漢陽王。 丁亥，詔立王子殷為皇太子，王后李氏為皇后。 庚寅，詔以太師厙狄干為太宰，司徒彭樂為太尉，司空潘相樂為司徒，開府儀同三司司馬子如為司空。 己亥，以皇太子初入東宮，赦畿內及并州死罪已下，降餘州死罪己下囚。
On renwu an edict named the late Sun Teng, Wei Jing, Lou Zhao, Gao Aocao, Murong Shaozong, Wan Qigan, Duan Rong, Liu Gui, Dou Tai, Liu Feng, Cai Hong, and others who had served the Former Emperor and built the throne—some dying young, some in battle—and ordered envoys to sacrifice at their tombs and comfort their families. Another edict enfeoffed the clan: Gao Yue as Prince of Qinghe, Gao Longzhi as Prince of Pingyuan, Gao Guiyan as Prince of Pingqin, Gao Sizong as Prince of Shangluo, Gao Changbi as Prince of Guangwu, Gao Pu as Prince of Wuxing, Gao Ziyuan as Prince of Pingchang, Gao Xianguo as Prince of Xiangle, Gao Rui as Prince of Zhao Commandery, and Gao Xiaoxu as Prince of Xiucheng. Another edict enfeoffed the great ministers: Kudie Gan as Prince of Zhangwu, Hulu Jin as Prince of Xianyang, Heba Ren as Prince of Anding, Han Gui as Prince of Ande, Kezhuhun Daoyuan as Prince of Fufeng, Peng Le as Prince of Chenliu, and Pan Xiangyue as Prince of Hedong. On guiwei he enfeoffed his brothers: Jun as Prince of Yong'an, Yan as Prince of Pingyang, You as Prince of Pengcheng, Yan as Prince of Changshan, Huan as Prince of Shangdang, Yu as Prince of Xiangcheng, Zhan as Prince of Changgang, Sheng as Prince of Rencheng, Shi as Prince of Gaoyang, Ji as Prince of Boling, Ning as Prince of Xinping, Run as Prince of Fengyi, and Qia as Prince of Hanyang. On dinghai he made Prince Yin crown prince and Lady Li empress. On gengyin he made Kudie Gan Grand Mentor, Peng Le Grand Commandant, Pan Xiangyue Minister of Works, and Sima Ziru Minister of Works. On jihai, when the crown prince first entered the Eastern Palace, he pardoned capital-region and Bing prisoners down from capital crimes and the rest of the provinces down from capital crimes.
13
秋七月辛亥，尊文襄妃元氏為文襄皇后，宮曰靜德。 又封文襄子孝琬為河間王，孝瑜為河南王。 乙卯，以尚書令、平原王隆之為錄尚書事，[二]尚書左僕射、平陽王淹為尚書令，改御史中尉還為中丞。 詔魏御府所有珍奇雜綵常所不給人者，悉送內後園，以供七日宴賜。
In the seventh month, on xinhai, he raised Wenxiang's consort Lady Yuan to Empress Wenxiang; her palace was Jingde. He enfeoffed Wenxiang's sons Xiaowan as Prince of Hejian and Xiaoyu as Prince of Henan. On yimao he made Prince of Pingyuan Longzhi Recorder of Affairs of the Masters of Writing, Prince of Pingyang Yan Director of the Masters of Writing, and restored the Imperial Censor to Censor-in-Chief. An edict sent every rare treasure and special silk from the Wei storehouse, ordinarily withheld from grant, to the inner garden for seven days of feasting and gifts.
14
八月，詔郡國修立黌序，廣延髦俊，敦述儒風。 其國子學生，亦依舊銓補。 往者文襄皇帝所運蔡邕石經五十二枚，移置學館，依次修立。 又詔求直言正諫之士，待以不次； 命牧人之官，廣勸農桑。 庚寅，詔曰：「朕以虛薄，嗣弘王業，思所以贊揚盛績，播之萬古。 雖史官執筆，有聞無墜，猶恐緒言遺美，時或未書。 在位王公、文武大小，降及庶人，爰至僧徒，或親奉音旨，或承傳旁說，凡可載之文籍，悉條封上。」 甲午，詔曰：「魏世議定麟趾格，遂為通制，官司施用，猶未盡善。 戝官可更論討新令。 未成之間，仍以舊格從事。」
In the eighth month he ordered commanderies and kingdoms to build schools, gather eminent scholars, and advance Confucian learning. Directorate students were also appointed under the old selection rules. The fifty-two Cai Yong stone classics Wenxiang had moved were placed in the academy and restored in order. Another edict sought blunt speakers and straight remonstrators for preferment beyond the usual order; and ordered pastoral officials to urge farming and mulberry cultivation. On gengyin an edict read, "We, thin in virtue, have inherited the great enterprise and wish to praise its glory for ten thousand ages. Though scribes record what they hear, we fear fine deeds and words may still be lost if not written in time. From princes, dukes, and officers high and low to commoners and monks—any who heard our words directly or indirectly—let all recordable writings be listed, sealed, and submitted. On jiawu an edict read, "Wei's Linzhi Code became the universal law, yet officials still find it imperfect. Let officials draft a new code. Until then the old code remains in force."
15
九月癸丑，以領東夷校尉、遼東郡開國公、高麗王成為使持節、侍中、驃騎大將軍、領護東夷校尉，王、公如故。 丁卯，詔以梁侍中、使持節、假黃鉞、都督中外諸軍事、大將軍、承制邵陵王蕭綸為梁王。 庚午，幸晉陽。 是日，皇太子入居涼風堂，監國。
On guichou he confirmed Goguryeo King Gwang as Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Palace Attendant, General of Fast Cavalry, and Commander of the Eastern Yi, with kingly and ducal titles unchanged. On dingmao he enfeoffed Liang Palace Attendant Prince of Shaoling Xiao Lun, acting Golden Battle-Axe and Grand General, as Prince of Liang. On gengwu he went to Jinyang. That day the crown prince entered Cool Wind Hall to govern in his stead.
16
冬十月己卯，法駕，御金輅，入晉陽宮，朝皇太后於內殿。 辛巳，曲赦并州太原郡晉陽縣及相國府四獄囚。 乙酉，以特進元韶為尚書左僕射，[三]并州刺史段韶為右僕射。 壬辰，罷相國府，留騎兵、外兵曹，各立一省，別掌機密。
In the tenth month, on jimao, he rode the golden chariot into Jinyang Palace and attended the Empress Dowager in the inner hall. On xinsi he pardoned prisoners in the four prisons of Taiyuan, Jinyang County, and the Prime Minister's office. On yiyou he made Yuan Shao Left Vice Minister of the Masters of Writing and Duan Shao of Bing Province Right Vice Minister. On renchen he dissolved the Prime Minister's office but kept separate Bureaus of Cavalry and External Military Affairs for confidential matters.
17
十一月，周文帝帥師至陝城，分騎北度至建州。 甲寅，梁湘東王蕭繹遣使朝貢。 丙寅，帝親戎出次城東，周文帝見軍容嚴盛，歎曰：「高歡不死矣！」 遂班師。
In the eleventh month Zhou's Wen led troops to Shancheng and sent cavalry north to Jian Province. On jiayin Liang's Prince of Xiangdong Xiao Yi sent envoys with tribute. On bingyin the Emperor took the field and camped east of the city; Zhou's Wen saw the army's stern array and sighed, "Gao Huan is not dead! Then he withdrew.
18
十二月辛丑，車駕至自晉陽。
On xinchou of the twelfth month the emperor returned from Jinyang.
19
是歲，高麗、蠕蠕、吐谷渾、庫莫奚並遣使朝貢。
That year Goguryeo, Rouran, Tuyuhun, and Kumo Xi all sent tribute.
20
二年春正月丁未，梁湘東王蕭繹遣使朝貢。 辛亥，祀圓丘，以神武皇帝配。 癸亥，親耕籍田。 乙丑，享太廟。 二月壬辰，太尉彭樂謀反，伏誅。 三月丙午，襄城王淯薨。 己未，詔梁承制湘東王繹為梁使持節、假黃鉞、相國，建梁臺，總百揆、承制梁王。 庚申，司空司馬子如坐事免。 是月，梁交、梁、義、新四州刺史，各以地內附。 西魏文帝崩。
In spring of year two, on dingwei, Liang's Prince of Xiangdong Xiao Yi sent envoys with tribute. On xinhai he sacrificed at the Round Mound with Emperor Shenwu as associate. On guihai he plowed the sacred field himself. On yichou he offered at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. On renchen of the second month Grand Commandant Peng Le rebelled and was put to death. On bingwu Prince of Xiangcheng Yu died. On jiwei an edict made Liang's Prince of Xiangdong Yi Prime Minister with Acting Golden Battle-Axe, established the Liang Terrace, and granted him overall authority as Prince of Liang. On gengshen Minister of Works Sima Ziru was dismissed for an offense. That month Liang's governors of Jiao, Liang, Yi, and Xin each submitted their territories. Western Wei's Emperor Wen died.
21
夏四月壬辰，梁王蕭繹遣使朝貢。 六月庚午，以前司空司馬子如為太尉。
In the fourth month, on renchen, Prince of Liang Xiao Yi sent tribute. In the sixth month, on gengwu, former Minister of Works Sima Ziru became Grand Commandant.
22
秋七月己卯，改顯陽殿還為昭陽殿。 辛卯，改殷州為趙州以避太子之諱。 是月，侯景廢梁簡文帝，立蕭棟為主。 [四]九月壬申，免諸伎作屯牧雜色役隸之徒為白戶。 癸巳，行幸趙、定二州，因至晉陽。
In the seventh month, on jimao, Xianyang Hall was renamed Zhaoyang Hall. On xinmao Yin Province became Zhao Province to avoid the crown prince's taboo. That month Hou Jing deposed Liang's Emperor Jianwen and set up Xiao Dong. On renshen of the ninth month performers, corvée workers, herdsmen, and bond servants were freed as common households. On guisi he visited Zhao and Ding provinces and continued to Jinyang.
23
冬十月戊申，起宣光、建始、嘉福、仁壽諸殿。 庚申，蕭繹遣使朝貢。 丁卯，文襄皇帝神主入于廟。 十一月，侯景廢梁主棟，僭即偽位於建鄴，自稱曰漢。 十二月，中山王殂。
In the tenth month, on wushen, he began the Xuanguang, Jianshi, Jiafu, and Renshou halls. On gengshen Xiao Yi sent tribute. On dingmao Emperor Wenxiang's spirit tablet entered the temple. In the eleventh month Hou Jing deposed Dong, seized the throne at Jiankang, and called his state Han. In the twelfth month the Prince of Zhongshan died.
24
是歲，蠕蠕、室韋、高麗並遣使朝貢。
That year Rouran, Shiwei, and Goguryeo sent tribute.
25
三年春正月丙申，帝親討庫莫奚於代郡，大破之，以其口配山東為百姓。 二月，蠕蠕主阿那镬為突厥所破，镬自殺。 其太子菴羅辰及镬從弟登注俟利、[五]登注子庫提並擁红來奔。 蠕蠕餘红立注次子鐵伐為主。 辛丑，契丹遣使朝貢。 三月戊子，詔清河王岳、司徒潘相樂、行臺辛術帥師南伐。 癸巳，詔進梁王蕭繹為梁主。
In the third year, first month, on bingshen, he attacked the Kumo Xi in Dai Commandery, crushed them, and settled their people in Shandong. In the second month Rouran khan Anagui was broken by the Turks and killed himself. Crown prince Yanluochen, Anagui's cousin Dengzhu Houli, and Dengzhu's son Kuti led their tribes to surrender. Rouran survivors made Dengzhu's son Tiefa khan. On xinchou the Khitan sent tribute. On wuzi an edict sent Prince of Qinghe Yue, Minister of Works Pan Xiangyue, and Commissioner Xin Shu south with armies. On guisi an edict made Prince of Liang Xiao Yi ruler of Liang.
26
夏四月壬申，東南道行臺辛術於廣陵送傳國八璽。 甲申，以吏部尚書楊愔為尚書右僕射。 六月已亥，清河王岳等班師。 乙卯，車駕幸晉陽。
In the fourth month, on renshen, Commissioner Xin Shu of the Southeastern Circuit presented the eight imperial seals at Guangling. On jiashen Director of Personnel Yang Yin became Right Vice Minister of the Masters of Writing. In the sixth month, on jihai, Prince of Qinghe Yue and the rest returned. On yimao the emperor went to Jinyang.
27
是歲，西魏廢帝元年。
That year was Western Wei Deposed Emperor year one.
28
四年春正月丙子，山胡圍離石戍，帝親討之。 未至而逃，因巡三堆戍，大狩而旋。 戊寅，庫莫奚遣使朝貢。 自魏末用永安錢，又有數品，皆輕濫，己丑，鑄新錢，文曰常平五銖。 二月，送蠕蠕鐵伐父登注及子庫提還北。 鐵伐尋為契丹所殺，國人復立登注為主，仍為其大人阿富提等所殺，國人復立庫提為主。
In year four, first month, on bingzi, the Shanhu besieged Lishi; the Emperor attacked in person. They fled before he arrived; he inspected the three-stack garrisons, hunted greatly, and returned. On wuyin the Kumo Xi sent tribute. Since late Wei the debased Yongan coin had circulated; on jichou new coin was cast reading Changping Five Zhu. In the second month Rouran's Dengzhu and Kuti were sent north. Tiefa was soon killed by the Khitan; the people made Dengzhu khan, then Afuti killed him; they made Kuti khan.
29
夏四月，車駕還宮。 戊午，西南有大聲如雷。 五月庚午，校獵於林慮山。 戊子，還宮。 六月甲辰，章武王厙狄干薨。
In the fourth month the emperor returned to the palace. On wuwu a thunderous sound rose in the southwest. In the fifth month, on gengwu, he hunted on Mount Linlu. On wuzi he returned to the palace. In the sixth month, on jiachen, Prince of Zhangwu Kudie Gan died.
30
秋，北巡冀、定、幽、安，仍北討契丹。 冬十月丁酉，車駕至平州，遂西道趣長塹。 甲辰，帝步踰山嶺，為士卒先，指麾奮擊，大破契丹。 是行也，帝露頭袒身，晝夜不息，行千餘里，唯食肉飲水，氣色彌厲。 丁巳，登碣石山，臨滄海。 十一月己未，帝自平州還，遂如晉陽。 閏月壬寅，梁人來聘。
In autumn he toured Ji, Ding, You, and An, then marched north against the Khitan. In the tenth month, on dingyou, he reached Ping Province and turned west toward the Long Rampart. On jiachen he crossed the ridges ahead of his men, directed the charge, and broke the Khitan. On this march he went bareheaded and bare-chested, never resting day or night, covering a thousand li on meat and water alone, his vigor only sharpening. On dingsi he climbed Jieshi Mountain and gazed on the sea. On jiwei of the eleventh month he returned from Ping Province to Jinyang. In the intercalary month, on renyin, Liang envoys arrived.
31
十二月己未，突厥復攻蠕蠕，蠕蠕舉國來奔。 癸亥，帝北討突厥，迎納蠕蠕。 乃廢其主庫提，立阿那瓌子菴羅辰為主，置之馬邑川。 追突厥於朔方，突厥請降，許之而還。 自是貢獻相繼。
On jiwei of the twelfth month the Turks attacked Rouran again and all Rouran fled to surrender. On guihai he marched north against the Turks to receive the Rouran. He deposed Kuti, installed Anagui's son Yanluochen as khan, and settled him on the Mayi River. He pursued the Turks to Shuofang; they surrendered and he returned. From then on tribute came in steady stream.
32
五年春正月癸丑，帝討山胡大破之，男子十二已上皆斬，女子及幼弱以賞軍士，遂平石樓。 石樓絕險，自魏代所不能至。 於是遠近山胡，莫不懾伏。 是役也，有都督戰傷，其什長路暉禮不能救，帝命刳其五藏，使九人分食之，肉及穢惡皆盡。 自是始行威虐。 是月，周文帝廢西魏帝而立齊王廓，是為恭帝。
In year five, first month, on guichou, he crushed the Shanhu, beheaded all males twelve and up, gave women and children to the troops, and pacified Shilou. Shilou was impregnable; since Wei none had taken it. Then Shanhu far and near submitted in fear. On this campaign a commander was wounded; squad leader Lu Huili failed to save him; the Emperor had his entrails cut out and divided among nine men until all was eaten. From this he began his reign of terror. That month Zhou's Wen deposed Western Wei's emperor and set up Prince of Qi Kuo as Emperor Gong.
33
三月，蠕蠕菴羅辰叛，帝親討大破之，辰父子北遁。 太保賀拔仁坐違緩，拔其髮，免為庶人，使負炭輸晉陽宮。
In the third month Rouran's Yanluochen rebelled; the Emperor crushed them in person; Chen and his son fled north. Grand Mentor Heba Ren was punished for delay; his hair was torn out, he was made a commoner, and set to carry charcoal to Jinyang Palace.
34
夏四月，蠕蠕寇肆州。 丁巳，帝自晉陽討之，至恒州。 時虜騎散走，大軍已還，帝帥麾下二千餘騎為殿，夜宿黃瓜堆。 蠕蠕別部數萬騎，扣鞍而進，四面圍逼，帝安睡，平明方起，神色自若，指畫軍形，潰圍而出。 虜走，追擊之，伏尸二十里，獲菴羅辰妻子、生口三萬餘。 五月丁亥，地豆干、契丹並遣使朝貢。 丁未，北討蠕蠕，又大破之。 六月，蠕蠕遠遁。
In the fourth month Rouran raided Si Province. On dingsi he marched from Jinyang against them to Heng Province. The barbarians had scattered and the main army was gone; he led two thousand horsemen as rearguard and camped at Cucumber Mound. Tens of thousands of Rouran horsemen surrounded him; he slept until dawn, rose calm, deployed his men, and broke out. He pursued the fleeing barbarians for twenty li of corpses and took Yanluochen's family and thirty thousand captives. On dinghai Didougan and the Khitan sent tribute. On dingwei he marched north and again crushed the Rouran. In the sixth month Rouran fled far away.
35
冬十月，西魏攻陷江陵，殺梁元帝。 梁將王僧辯在建業，推其晉安王蕭方智為太宰、都督中外諸軍事、承制置百官。 十二月庚申，車駕北巡，至達速嶺，親覽山川險要，將起長城。
In the tenth month Western Wei took Jiangling and killed Liang's Emperor Yuan. At Jiankang Liang general Wang Sengbian made Prince of Jin'an Xiao Fangzhi Grand Mentor and Commander-in-Chief with imperial authority and set up the offices. On gengshen of the twelfth month he toured north to Dasu Ridge, surveyed the terrain, and planned the Long Wall.
36
是歲，西魏恭帝元年。
That year was Western Wei Emperor Gong year one.
37
六年春正月壬寅，清河王岳度江，剋夏首。 梁司徒、郢州刺史陸法和請降。 詔以梁貞陽侯蕭明為梁主，遣尚書右僕射、上黨王渙送之江南。 二月甲子，以陸法和為使持節、都督十州諸軍事、太尉、大都督、西南道大行臺。 三月丙戌，上黨王渙剋東關，斬梁將裴之橫。 丙申，車駕至自晉陽。 封文襄二子，孝珩為廣寧王，延宗為安德王。 戊戌，帝臨昭陽殿決獄。 是月，發寡婦以配軍士築長城。
In year six, first month, on renyin, Prince of Qinghe Yue crossed the river and took Xia Head. Liang Minister of Works and Inspector of Ying Lu Fahe surrendered. An edict made Liang's Marquis of Zhenyang Xiao Ming ruler of Liang and sent Prince of Shangdang Huan to escort him to Jiangnan. On jiazi of the second month Lu Fahe became Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Commander of Ten Provinces, Grand Commandant, Grand Commander, and Grand Commissioner of the Southwestern Circuit. On bingxu Prince of Shangdang Huan took East Pass and beheaded Liang general Pei Zhiheng. On bingshen the emperor returned from Jinyang. He enfeoffed Wenxiang's sons Xiaohang as Prince of Guangning and Yanzong as Prince of Ande. On wuxu the Emperor judged cases at Zhaoyang Hall. That month widows were assigned to soldiers to build the Long Wall.
38
夏五月，蕭明入于建業。 六月甲子，河東王潘相樂薨。 壬申，帝親討蠕蠕。 甲戌，諸軍大會祁連池。 乙亥，出塞，至厙狄谷，百餘里無水泉，六軍渴乏，俄而大雨。
In the fifth month Xiao Ming entered Jiankang. In the sixth month, on jiazi, Prince of Hedong Pan Xiangyue died. On renshen the Emperor attacked Rouran in person. On jiaxu the armies gathered at Qilian Pool. On yihai they crossed the frontier to Kudi Valley; for a hundred li there was no water and the army thirsted, then rain fell in torrents.
39
秋七月己卯，帝頓白道，留輜重，親率輕騎五千，追蠕蠕。 壬午，及之懷朔鎮。 帝躬犯矢石，頻大破之，遂至沃野。 壬辰，還晉陽。 九月己卯，車駕至自晉陽。
In the seventh month, on jimao, he halted at White Road, left the baggage, and led five thousand light horse in pursuit. On renwu he overtook them at Huaishuo Garrison. He himself braved arrow and stone, broke them again and again, and reached Woye. On renchen he returned to Jinyang. In the ninth month, on jimao, the emperor returned from Jinyang.
40
是歲，高麗、庫莫奚並遣使朝貢。 詔發夫一百八十萬人築長城，自幽州北夏口，西至恒州，九百餘里。
That year Goguryeo and Kumo Xi sent tribute. An edict conscripted 1.8 million men to build the Long Wall from Beixia Pass in You Province west to Heng Province, over nine hundred li.
41
七年春正月辛丑，封司空侯莫陳相為白水郡王。 車駕至自晉陽。 於鄴城西馬射，大集衆庶觀之。 二月辛未，詔常山王演等於涼風堂讀尚書奏案，論定得失，帝親決之。 三月丁酉，大都督蕭軌等帥衆濟江。
In year seven, first month, on xinchou, Minister of Works Houmochen Xiang became Prince of Baishui Commandery. The emperor returned from Jinyang. West of Ye he held mounted archery before a great crowd. On xinwei of the second month Prince of Changshan Yan and others debated memorials at Cool Wind Hall while the Emperor decided. On dingyou of the third month Grand Commander Xiao Gui crossed the river with troops.
42
六月乙卯，蕭軌等與梁師戰於鍾山西，遇霖雨失利，軌及都督李希光、王敬寶、東方老、軍司裴英起並沒，士卒還者十二三。 乙丑，梁湘州刺史王琳獻馴象。
On yimao of the sixth month Xiao Gui fought Liang west of Mount Zhong, lost in heavy rain; Gui, Li Xiguang, Wang Jingbao, Dongfang Lao, and Pei Yingqi died; only one or two soldiers in ten returned. On yichou Liang's Inspector of Xiang Wang Lin presented a tame elephant.
43
秋七月。 乙亥，周文帝殂。 是月，發山東寡婦二千六百人配軍士，有夫而濫奪者十二三。 十一月壬子，併省州三，郡一百五十三，縣五百八十九，鎮三，戍二十六。 十二月庚子，魏恭帝遜位於周。
Autumn, seventh month. On yihai Zhou's Wen died. That month 2,600 Shandong widows were assigned to soldiers; one or two in ten were wrongly taken from husbands. On renzi of the eleventh month three provinces, 153 commanderies, 589 counties, and 29 posts were consolidated. On gengzi of the twelfth month Wei's Emperor Gong abdicated to Zhou.
44
是歲，庫莫奚、契丹遣使朝貢。 脩廣三臺宮殿。 先是，自西河總秦戍築長城東至海，前後所築，東西凡三千餘里，六十里一戍，其要害置州鎮凡二十五所。
That year Kumo Xi and the Khitan sent tribute. The Three Terraces palace was enlarged. Earlier the Long Wall ran from Zongqin Garrison in Xihe east to the sea, three thousand li in all, a post every sixty li, with twenty-five provincial garrisons at key points.
45
八年春三月，大熱，人或暍死。
In the eighth year, third month, heat was so fierce that some died of sunstroke.
46
夏四月庚午，詔禁取蝦蟹蜆蛤之類，唯許私家捕魚。 乙酉，詔公私禁取鷹鷂。 以太師、咸陽王斛律金為右丞相，以前大將軍、扶風王可朱渾道元為太傅，以開府儀同三司賀拔仁為太保，尚書令、常山王演為司空、錄尚書事，以長廣王湛為尚書令，以尚書右僕射楊愔為左僕射，以并省尚書右僕射崔暹為右僕射，以上黨王渙為錄尚書事。 是月，帝在城東馬射，敕京師士女悉赴觀，不赴者，罪以軍法，七日乃止。 五月辛酉，冀州人劉向於鄴謀逆，黨與皆伏誅。
On gengwu of the fourth month an edict forbade taking shellfish; only private fishing was allowed. On yiyou an edict forbade taking hawks and falcons. Hulu Jin became Right Chancellor, Kezhuhun Daoyuan Grand Tutor, Heba Ren Grand Mentor, Prince of Changshan Yan Minister of Works and Recorder, Prince of Changgang Zhan Director of the Masters of Writing, Yang Yin Left Vice Minister, Cui Xian Right Vice Minister, and Prince of Shangdang Huan Recorder. That month he held archery east of the city and ordered all capital men and women to watch; absentees faced military punishment for seven days. On xinyou of the fifth month Liu Xiang of Ji Province rebelled at Ye and his party was executed.
47
秋八月己巳，庫莫奚遣使朝貢。 庚辰，詔丘郊禘祫時祭，皆市取少牢，不得刲割，有司監視，必令豐備； 農社、先蠶，酒肉而已； 雩、禖、風、雨、司人、司祿、靈星雜祀，果餅酒脯。 唯當務盡誠敬，義同如在。 辛巳，制榷酤。 自夏至九月，河北六州、河南十三州、畿內八郡大蝗，飛至鄴，蔽日，聲如風雨。 甲辰，詔今年遭蝗處，免租。
On jisi of the eighth month Kumo Xi sent tribute. On gengchen an edict required market purchase of sacrificial animals for state rites, with no on-site slaughter, under official supervision; agricultural altars and First Silkworm received only wine and meat; miscellaneous rites received fruit, cakes, wine, and dried meat. Only sincerity was required, as if the spirits were present. On xinsi wine monopolies were established. From summer through the ninth month locusts ravaged Hebei, Henan, and the capital region; swarms darkened Ye like a storm. On jiachen rent was remitted where locusts had struck.
48
冬十月乙亥，梁主蕭方智遜位於陳。 陳武帝遣使稱藩朝貢。
On yihai of the tenth month Liang's Xiao Fangzhi abdicated to Chen. Chen's Emperor Wu sent envoys declaring vassalage and tribute.
49
是歲，周閔帝元年。 周冢宰宇文護殺閔帝而立明帝，又改元焉。 初於長城內築重城，庫洛拔而東，至於塢紇戍，凡四百餘里。
That year was Zhou Emperor Min year one. Zhou Chancellor Yuwen Hu killed Emperor Min, set up Emperor Ming, and changed the era name. First an inner wall was built within the Long Wall from Kuluo east to Wuge Garrison, over four hundred li.
50
九年春二月丁亥，降罪人。 己丑，詔燎野限以仲冬，不得他時行火，損昆蟲草木。 三月丁酉，車駕至自晉陽。
In year nine, second month, on dinghai criminals were pardoned. On jichou an edict limited field-burning to mid-winter to spare insects and plants. On dingyou of the third month the emperor returned from Jinyang.
51
夏四月辛巳，大赦。 是月，北豫州刺史司馬消難以城叛于周。 大旱，帝以祈雨不降，毀西門豹祠，掘其冢。 五月辛丑，以尚書令、長廣王湛為錄尚書事，以驃騎大將軍、平秦王歸彥為右僕射。 甲辰，以前左僕射楊愔為尚書令。 六月乙丑，帝自晉陽北巡。 己巳，至祁連池。 戊寅，還晉陽。 是夏，山東大蝗，差人夫捕而坑之。
On xinsi of the fourth month the realm was pardoned. That month Beiyu Inspector Sima Xiaonan surrendered his city to Zhou. In great drought, when rain prayers failed, he destroyed Ximen Bao's shrine and dug up his tomb. On xinchou of the fifth month Prince of Changgang Zhan became Recorder and Prince of Pingqin Guiyan Right Vice Minister. On jiachen former Left Vice Minister Yang Yin became Director of the Masters of Writing. On yichou of the sixth month he toured north from Jinyang. On jisi he reached Qilian Pool. On wuyin he returned to Jinyang. That summer Shandong swarmed with locusts; laborers were sent to catch and bury them.
52
秋七月辛丑，給畿內老人劉奴等九百四十三人版職及杖帽，各有差。 戊申，詔趙、燕、瀛、定、南營五州，及司州廣平、清河二郡，去年螽澇損田，兼春夏少雨，苗稼薄者，免今年租稅。 八月乙丑，車駕至自晉陽。 甲戌，行幸晉陽。 先是，發丁匠三十餘萬人營三臺於鄴，因其舊基而高博之，大起宮室及遊豫園。 至是，三臺成。 改銅爵曰金鳳，金武曰聖應，冰井曰崇光。
On xinchou of the seventh month 943 elderly men including Liu Nu received rank, staffs, and caps by degree. On wushen rent was remitted in five provinces and two commanderies where locusts, flood, and drought had ruined the harvest. On yichou of the eighth month the emperor returned from Jinyang. On jiaxu he went to Jinyang. Earlier 300,000 craftsmen had been conscripted to raise the Three Terraces at Ye and build palaces and pleasure gardens. Now the Three Terraces were finished. Bronze Sparrow became Golden Phoenix, Golden Martial Sacred Response, Ice Well Chongguang.
53
冬十一月甲午，車駕至自晉陽。 登三臺，御乾象殿，朝宴羣臣。 以新宮成，丁酉，大赦內外，文武官並進一大階。 丁巳，梁湘州刺史王琳遣使請立蕭莊為梁主，仍以江州內屬，令莊居之。 十二月癸酉，詔以梁王蕭莊為梁主，進居九派。 戊寅，太傅以可朱渾道元為太師，以司徒尉粲為太尉，以冀州刺史段韶為司空，以錄尚書事、常山王演為大司馬，以錄尚書事、長廣王湛為司徒。 起大莊嚴寺。
On jiawu of the eleventh month the emperor returned from Jinyang. He ascended the Three Terraces, sat in Qianxiang Hall, and feasted his ministers. On dingyou, with the new palace complete, he pardoned the realm and raised all officials one rank. On dingsi Liang's Wang Lin asked that Xiao Zhuang be made ruler of Liang with Jiang Province submitting. On guiyou an edict made Prince of Liang Xiao Zhuang ruler of Liang at Jiupai. On wuyin Kezhuhun Daoyuan became Grand Preceptor, Wei Can Grand Commandant, Duan Shao Minister of Works, Prince of Changshan Yan Grand Marshal, and Prince of Changgang Zhan Minister of Works. Work began on the Great Zhuangyan Monastery.
54
是歲，殺永安王浚、上黨王渙。
That year Princes Yong'an Jun and Shangdang Huan were killed.
55
十年春正月戊戌，以司空侯莫陳相為大將軍。 辛丑，太尉長樂郡公尉粲、肆州刺史濮陽公婁仲遠並進爵為王。 甲寅，行幸遼陽甘露寺。 二月丙戌，帝於甘露寺禪居深觀，唯軍國大政奏聞。 三月戊戌，以侍中高德正為尚書右僕射。 丙辰，車駕至自遼陽。 是月，梁主蕭莊至郢州，遣使朝貢。
In year ten, first month, on wuxu, Minister of Works Houmochen Xiang became Grand General. On xinchou Grand Commandant Wei Can and Si Inspector Lou Zhongyuan were both raised to prince. On jiayin he visited Ganlu Monastery in Liaoyang. On bingxu of the second month he withdrew to Chan at Ganlu Monastery; only great state and military affairs were reported. On wuxu of the third month Palace Attendant Gao Dezheng became Right Vice Minister. On bingchen the emperor returned from Liaoyang. That month Liang's Xiao Zhuang reached Ying Province and sent tribute.
56
夏閏四月丁酉，以司州牧、彭城王浟為兼司空，以侍中、高陽王湜為尚書左僕射。 乙巳，以兼司空、彭城王浟為兼太尉，攝司空事，封皇子紹廉為長樂王。 五月癸未，誅始平公元世、東平公元景式等二十五家，禁止特進元韶等十九家。 尋並誅之，男子無少長皆斬，所殺三千人，並投漳水。
In the intercalary fourth month, on dingyou, Prince of Pengcheng You became Concurrent Minister of Works and Prince of Gaoyang Shi Left Vice Minister. On yisi Prince of Pengcheng You became Concurrent Grand Commandant acting Minister of Works, and Prince Shaolian was enfeoffed as Prince of Changle. On guiwei twenty-five Yuan clans including Princes Shiping and Dongping were executed and nineteen clans including Yuan Shao were confined. Soon all were killed; every male was beheaded; 3,000 bodies were thrown into the Zhang River.
57
六月，陳武帝殂。
In the sixth month Chen's Emperor Wu died.
58
秋八月戊戌，封皇子紹義為廣陽王。 以尚書右僕射、河間王孝琬為左僕射。 癸卯，詔諸軍人，或有父祖改姓冒入元氏，或假託攜認，妄稱姓元者，不問世數遠近，悉聽改復本姓。 是月，殺左僕射高德正。 九月己巳，行幸晉陽。
On wuxu of the eighth month Prince Shaoyi was enfeoffed as Prince of Guangyang. Prince of Hejian Xiaowan became Left Vice Minister. On guimao an edict let soldiers who had falsely taken the Yuan surname restore their original names. That month Left Vice Minister Gao Dezheng was killed. On jisi of the ninth month he went to Jinyang.
59
帝沈敏有遠量，外若不遠，內鑒甚明。 文襄年長英秀，神武特所愛重，百僚承風，莫不震懼。 而帝善自晦迹，言不出口，恒自貶退，言咸順從，故深見輕，雖家人亦以為不及。 文襄嗣業，帝以次長見猜嫌，帝后李氏色美，每預宴會，容貌遠過靖德皇后，文襄彌不平焉。 帝每為后私營服翫，小佳，文襄即令逼取。 后恚，有時未與。 帝笑曰：「此物猶應可求，兄須，何容吝。」 文襄或愧而不取，便恭受，亦無飾讓。 每退朝還第，輒閉閤靜坐，雖對妻子，能竟日不言。 或袒跣奔躍，后問其故，對曰：「為爾漫戲。」 此蓋習勞而不肯言也。 所寢至夜曾有光，巨細可察，后驚告帝，帝曰：「慎勿妄言。」 自此唯與后寢，侍御皆令出外。
He was deep and far-sighted; outwardly dull, inwardly piercingly clear. Wenxiang was elder, brilliant, and Shenwu's favorite; officials quaked before him. Yet the Emperor hid his light; he seldom spoke, always deferred, and even his family thought him lesser. When Wenxiang succeeded, the younger Emperor aroused suspicion; Empress Li, surpassing Empress Jingde in beauty at banquets, displeased Wenxiang. The Emperor secretly obtained finery for the Empress; Wenxiang seized whatever pleased him. The Empress sometimes refused. The Emperor laughed, "Brother wants it? How can I refuse? Sometimes Wenxiang was ashamed and declined; sometimes he took it without pretense. Returning from court he shut his doors and sat silent all day, even before wife and children. Sometimes he ran barefoot; asked why, he said, "Just playing with you. This was discipline he would not speak of. His bedchamber sometimes shone at night; the Empress was alarmed; he said, "Tell no one. Thereafter he slept only with the Empress and dismissed all attendants.
60
文襄崩，祕不發喪，其後漸露，魏帝竊謂左右曰：「大將軍此殂，似是天意，威權當歸王室矣。」 及帝將赴晉陽，親入辭謁於昭陽殿，從者千人，居前持劒者十餘輩。 帝在殿下數十步立，而衞士升階已二百許人，皆攘袂扣刃，若對嚴敵。 帝令主者傳奏，須詣晉陽，言訖，再拜而出。 魏帝失色，目送帝曰：「此人似不能見容，吾不知死在何日。」 及至并州，慰諭將士，措辭款實。 衆皆欣然，曰：「誰謂左僕射翻不減令公。」 令公即指文襄也。
When Wenxiang died the secret leaked; the Wei Emperor whispered, "Heaven has taken the Grand General; power should return to the throne. Going to Jinyang, he took leave at Zhaoyang Hall with a thousand followers, a dozen swordsmen ahead. Below the hall he stood while two hundred guards on the steps bared blades as for battle. He announced his departure for Jinyang, bowed twice, and withdrew. The Wei Emperor paled and said, "This man will not spare me; I know not the day of my death. At Bing Province he comforted the troops in plain, honest words. All rejoiced: "Who says Vice Minister Fan falls short of the Duke?" The Duke" meant Wenxiang.
61
時訛言上黨出聖人，帝聞之，將徙一郡。 而郡人張思進上言，殿下生於南宮，坊名上黨，即是上黨出聖人，帝悅而止。 先是童謠曰：「一束藁，兩頭然，河邊羖437d飛上天。」 藁然兩頭，於文為高； 河邊羖437d為水邊羊，指帝名也。 於是徐之才盛陳宜受禪。 帝曰：「先父亡兄，功德如此，尚終北面，吾又何敢當。」 之才曰：「正為不及父兄，須早升九五，如其不作，人將生心。 且讖云『羊飲盟津角拄天』，盟津水也，羊飲水，王名也，角拄天，大位也。 又陽平郡界面星驛傍有大水，土人常見羣羊數百，立卧其中，就視不見，事與讖合，願王勿疑。」 帝以問高德正，德正又贊成之，於是始決。 乃使李密卜之，遇大橫，曰：「大吉，漢文帝之卦也。」 帝乃鑄象以卜之，一寫而成。 使段韶問斛律金於肆州，金來朝，深言不可，以鎧曹宋景業首陳符命，請殺之。 乃議於太后前。 太后謂諸貴曰：「我兒獰直，必自無此意，直高德正樂禍，教之耳。」 帝意決，乃整兵而東。 使高德正之鄴，諷喻公卿，莫有應者。 司馬子如逆帝於遼陽，固言未可。 杜弼亦抱馬諫，帝欲還，尚食丞李集曰：「此行事非小，而言還？」 帝偽言使向東門殺之，而別令賜絹十疋。 四月，夜，禾生於魏帝銅研，旦長數寸，有穗。 五月，帝復東赴鄴，令左右曰：「異言者斬。」 是月，光州獻九尾狐。 帝至鄴城南，召入，并齎板策。 旦，高隆之進謁曰：「用此何為？」 帝作色曰：「我自作事，若欲族滅耶！」 隆之謝而退。 於是乃作圓丘，備法物，草禪讓事。
Rumor said a sage had risen in Shangdang; the Emperor nearly moved a whole commandery. Zhang Sijin said, "You were born in the Southern Palace ward called Shangdang—that is the sage." The Emperor was pleased and desisted. A rhyme ran: "A bundle of straw burns at both ends; a ram by the river flies to heaven. Burning at both ends forms the character for Gao; a ram by the river is a sheep by water, the Emperor's name. Xu Zhicai then urged acceptance of the throne. The Emperor said, "Father and brother achieved such merit yet served another; how dare I? Zhicai said, "Because you fall short of them you must rise early, or hearts will turn. Meng Ford is water; a ram drinking water is the king's name; horns to heaven is the throne. At Jie Star Post locals saw hundreds of sheep in the water that vanished when approached; the prophecy matched; he begged the prince not to doubt." He asked Gao Dezheng, who agreed; then he decided. Li Mi divined Great Horizontal: "Great fortune—the hexagram of Han Emperor Wen. He cast an image to divine; it formed at once. Duan Shao asked Hulu Jin at Si Province; Jin opposed it; Song Jingye urged killing him. They deliberated before the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager said, "My son is blunt; he has no such intent—only Gao Dezheng teaches him mischief. His mind was set; he arrayed troops and marched east. Gao Dezheng went to Ye to persuade ministers; none responded. Sima Ziru met him at Liaoyang and said it could not be done. Du Bi held the horse and remonstrated; the Emperor wished to turn back; Li Ji said, "This is no small matter—return? He pretended to send Li Ji to the eastern gate for execution, then gave him ten bolts of silk. In the fourth month grain sprouted on the Wei Emperor's inkstone, several inches with ears by dawn. In the fifth month he went east to Ye and said, "Contrary speech means death. That month Guang Province sent a nine-tailed fox. South of Ye he summoned them in with tablets and edicts. At dawn Gao Longzhi asked, "What is this for? The Emperor flushed and said, "I act alone—wish your clan destroyed?" Longzhi apologized and withdrew. He built the Round Mound, prepared ritual objects, and drafted abdication rites.
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及登極之後，神明轉茂，外柔內剛，果於斷割，人莫能窺。 又特明吏事，留心政術，簡靖寬和，坦於任使，故楊愔等得盡於匡贊，朝政粲然。 兼以法馭下，不避權貴，或有違犯，不容勳戚，內外莫不肅然。 至於軍國機策，獨決懷抱，規謀宏遠，有人君大略。 又以三方鼎峙，繕甲練兵，左右宿衞，置百保軍士。 每臨行陣，親當矢石，鋒刃交接，唯恐前敵不多。 屢犯艱厄，常致剋捷。 嘗追及蠕蠕，令都督高阿那肱率騎數千，塞其走道。 時虜軍猶盛，五萬餘人。 肱以兵少請益，帝更減其半騎。 那肱奮擊，遂大破之。 虜主踰越巖谷，僅以身免。 都督高元海、王師羅並無武藝，先稱怯弱，一旦交鋒，有踰驍壯。 嘗於東山游宴，以關隴未平，投盃震怒，召魏收於前，立為詔書，宣示遠近，將事西行。 是歲，周文帝殂，西人震恐，常為度隴之計。
After enthronement his spirit flourished; outwardly soft, inwardly hard, decisive beyond reading. He mastered official business, favored simple rule, and let Yang Yin and others govern brilliantly. He ruled by law without sparing kin or merit; all were awed. On military and state affairs he decided alone with a ruler's grand vision. With three realms contending he trained troops and established the Hundred Guards. In battle he faced arrows and stones himself and wished only for more enemies ahead. Through hardship he often won. Pursuing Rouran he sent Gao Anaguzhi with thousands of horse to block their escape. The barbarians still numbered fifty thousand. Anaguzhi asked for more troops; the Emperor halved his cavalry. Anaguzhi charged and broke them utterly. The khan fled over the mountains barely alive. Commanders Gao Yuanhai and Wang Siluo, called timid, fought like the brave when blades met. Feasting on the eastern hills, angry that Guanlong was not pacified, he summoned Wei Shou and proclaimed a western campaign. That year Zhou's Wen died; the west was shaken and planned to cross Long.
63
旣征伐四剋，威振戎夏，六七年後，以功業自矜，遂留情耽湎，肆行淫暴。 或躬自鼓舞，歌謳不息，從旦通宵，以夜繼晝。 或袒露形體，塗傅粉黛，散髮胡服，雜衣錦綵，拔刃張弓，游行巿肆。 勳戚之第，朝夕臨幸。 時乘鹿車、白象、駱駞、牛、驢，並不施鞍勒。 或盛暑炎赫，日中暴身，隆冬酷寒，去衣馳走，從者不堪，帝居之自若。 街坐巷宿，處處游行。 多使劉桃枝、崔季舒負之而行。 或擔胡鼓而拍之。 親戚貴臣，左右近習，侍從錯雜，無復差等。 徵集淫嫗，悉去衣裳，分付從官，朝夕臨視。 或聚棘為馬，紐草為索，逼遣乘騎，牽引來去，流血灑地，以為娛樂。 凡諸殺害，多令支解，或焚之於火，或投之於河。 沈酗旣久，彌以狂惑，每至將醉，輒拔劒挂手，或張弓傅矢，或執持牟槊。 游行巿廛，問婦人曰：「天子何如？」 荅曰：「顛顛癡癡，何成天子。」 帝乃殺之。 或馳騁衢路，散擲錢物，恣人拾取，爭競諠譁，方以為喜。
After six or seven years of conquest he grew proud, then turned to drink, debauchery, and cruelty. Sometimes he danced and sang from dawn through the night without cease. Sometimes he painted his face, wore barbarian dress, drew bow and blade, and roamed the markets. He visited kin and merit morning and evening. He rode deer carts, elephants, camels, oxen, and donkeys without saddles. In summer heat he bared himself at noon; in winter he ran naked while followers suffered. He sat in streets and slept in lanes. Liu Taozhi and Cui Jishu often carried him. Or he beat a barbarian drum. Kin, nobles, and attendants mingled without rank. He stripped licentious women and had attendants watch them day and night. He made thorn horses and grass ropes, forced women to ride until blood soaked the ground for sport. Killings were often by dismemberment, fire, or drowning. Drunken, he hung swords on his hand, strung bows, or held spears. In the markets he asked women, "What is the Son of Heaven like? They said, "Mad and foolish—how is that a Son of Heaven?" He killed them. He scattered money in crossroads and delighted in the scramble.
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太后嘗在北宮，坐一小榻，帝時已醉，手自舉牀，后便墜落，頗有傷損。 醒悟之後，大懷慙恨，遂令多聚柴火，將入其中。 太后驚懼，親自持挽。 又設地席，令平秦王高歸彥執杖，口自責疏，脫背就罰。 敕歸彥：「杖不出血，當即斬汝。」 太后涕泣，前自抱之，帝流涕苦請，不肯受於太后。 太后聽許，方捨背杖，笞腳五十，莫不至到。 衣冠拜謝，悲不自勝，因此戒酒。 一旬，還復如初。
Drunk, he lifted the Empress Dowager's couch; she fell and was hurt. Sober, he was ashamed and ordered firewood to burn himself. The Empress Dowager held him back. He had Prince of Pingqin Guiyan beat his bared back while he recited his faults. He ordered Guiyan, "No blood means death. The Empress Dowager wept and embraced him; he wept and begged. She consented; he took fifty strokes on the feet. He bowed in thanks and stopped drinking. After ten days he drank as before.
65
自是耽湎轉劇。 遂幸李后家，以鳴鏑射后母崔，正中其頰，因罵曰：「吾醉時尚不識太后，老婢何事！」 馬鞭亂打一百有餘。 三臺構木高二十七丈，兩棟相距二百餘尺，工匠危怯，皆繫繩自防； 帝登脊疾走，都無怖畏。 時復雅舞，折旋中節，傍人見者，莫不寒心。 又召死囚，以席為翅，從臺飛下，免其罪戮。 果敢不慮者，盡皆獲全； 疑怯猶豫者，或致損跌。
Debauchery grew worse. At Empress Li's home he shot her mother Cui in the cheek and cursed the old woman. He horsewhipped her more than a hundred times. The Three Terraces rose twenty-seven zhang; craftsmen tied ropes in fear; the Emperor ran the ridge without fear. He danced with perfect grace; onlookers shuddered. He had condemned men fly from the terrace on mat wings to win pardon. The bold survived; the timid sometimes fell injured.
66
沈酗旣久，轉虧本性。 怒大司農穆子容，使之脫衣而伏，親射之，不中，以橛貫其下竅，入腸。 雖以楊愔為宰輔，使進廁籌。 以其體肥，呼為楊大肚，馬鞭鞭其背，流血浹袍。 以刀子剺其腹，崔季舒託俳言曰：「老小公子惡戲？」 因掣刀子而去之。 又置愔於棺中，載以轜車，幾下釘者數四。 曾至彭城王浟宅，謂其母尒朱曰：「憶汝辱我母壻時，向何由可耐。」 手自刃殺。 又至故僕射崔暹第，謂暹妻李曰：「頗憶暹不？」 李曰：「結髮義深，實懷追憶。」 帝曰：「若憶時，自往看也。」 親自斬之，棄頭牆外。 嘗在晉陽，以矟戲刺都督尉子耀，應手而死。 在三臺太光殿上，鋸殺都督穆嵩。 又幸開府暴顯家，有都督韓哲無罪，忽衆中召，斬之數段。
Drink further destroyed his nature. He shot at Mu Zirong, missed, and drove a stake through his body. Though Yang Yin was Chancellor he made him present toilet sticks. He called fat Yang Yin Big Belly and whipped him until blood soaked his robe. He cut Yang Yin's belly; Cui Jishu jested, "Does the young master play rough? Thereupon he jerked the knife away. He put Yin in a coffin and nearly nailed it shut several times. At You's house he reminded Erzhu of shaming his mother-in-law and killed her himself. He killed her with his own blade. At Cui Xian's house he asked Li, "Do you miss Xian? Li said, "Our bond was deep; I remember him." He said, "Then go see him." He beheaded her and threw the head over the wall. At Jinyang he speared Commander Wei Ziyao and killed him. On the Great Light Hall he sawed Commander Mu Song to death. At Bao Xian's house he hacked innocent Commander Han Zhe to pieces.
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魏樂安王元昂，后之姊壻，其妻有色，帝數幸之，欲納為昭儀。 召昂令伏，以鳴鏑射一百餘下，凝血垂將一石，竟至於死。 後帝自往弔，哭於喪次，逼擁其妻。 仍令從官脫衣助襚，兼錢綵，號為信物，一日所得，將踰巨萬。 后啼不食，乞讓位於姊，太后又為言，帝意乃釋。 所幸薛嬪，其被寵愛，忽意其經與高岳私通，無故斬首，藏之於懷。 於東山宴，勸酬始合，忽探出頭，投於柈上。 支解其屍，弄其29a96為琵琶。 一座驚怖，莫不喪膽。 帝方收取，對之流淚云：「佳人難再得，甚可惜也。」 載屍以出，被髮步哭而隨之。 至有閭巷庸猥，人無識知者，忽令召斬鄴下。 繫徒罪至大辟，簡取隨駕，號為供御囚，手自刃殺，持以為戲。 凡所屠害，動多支解，或投之烈火，或棄之漳流。
Wei Prince of Le'an Yuan Ang had a beautiful wife whom the Emperor often visited and wished to take. He shot Yuan Ang more than a hundred times until he died in a mass of blood. He mourned Yuan Ang, wept at the bier, and forced his wife. Attendants stripped to dress the corpse; money and silks taken that day exceeded a hundred million. The Empress wept and begged to yield to her sister until the Empress Dowager intervened. Favored Lady Xue he suspected of affair with Gao Yue, beheaded her, and hid the head. At an eastern-hill feast he drew out her head and cast it on the platter. He dismembered her and made her thigh into a pipa. The company was terrified. He wept over it: "A fair woman is hard to meet again. He carried the corpse out, weeping as he walked. He beheaded unknown commoners in the lanes of Ye. Capital prisoners followed the carriage; he killed them for sport. Most victims were dismembered, burned, or thrown in the Zhang River.
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兼以外築長城，內營臺殿，賞費過度，天下騷然，內外憯憯，各懷怨毒。 而素嚴斷臨下，加之默識強記，百僚戰慄，不敢為非。 曾有典御丞李集面諫，比帝有甚於桀紂。 帝令縳置流中，沈沒久之，復令引出，謂曰：「吾何如桀紂？」 集曰：「向來彌不及矣。」 帝又令沈之，引出更問，如此數四，集對如初。 帝大笑曰：「天下有如此癡漢！ 方知龍逢、比干，非是俊物。」 遂解放之。 又被引入見，似有所諫，帝令將出腰斬。 其或斬或赦，莫能測焉。
He built walls and halls at ruinous cost; the realm groaned under fear and hatred. Yet officials trembled before his stern memory and dared not err. Li Ji said the Emperor surpassed Jie and Zhou. He bound Li Ji, drowned him, pulled him out, and asked how he compared to Jie and Zhou. Ji said, "Just now you were worse." He drowned and asked again several times; Ji answered the same. He laughed: "Such a fool! Longfeng and Bigan were no sages. He released him. Brought in again to remonstrate, he was cut in two at the waist. Beheading or pardon—none could predict. At enthronement he changed the era to Tianbao.
69
初帝登阼，改年為天保。 士有深識者曰：「天保之字，為一大人只十，帝其不過十乎。」 又先是謠云：「馬子入石室，三千六百日。」 帝以午年生，故曰「馬子」； 三臺，石季龍舊居，故曰「石室」； 三千六百日，十年也。 又帝曾問太山道士曰：「吾得幾年為天子？」 荅曰：「得三十年。」 道士出後，帝謂李后曰：「十年十月十日，得非三十也？ 吾其畏之，過此無慮。 人生有死，何得致惜，但憐正道尚幼，人將奪之耳。」 帝及期而崩，濟南竟不終位，時以為知命。
Sages said Tianbao means one great man plus ten—he would not reign ten years? Sages said Tianbao means one great man plus ten—he would not reign ten years? A rhyme said: "The horse-son enters the stone chamber—3,600 days." Born in a wu year, he was the horse-son; the Three Terraces were Shi Le's residence—the stone chamber; 3,600 days is ten years. He asked a Mount Tai daoist how many years he would reign. The daoist said thirty years. After the daoist left he told Empress Li: ten years, ten months, and ten days—is that not thirty? He dreaded that date; beyond it he need not worry. Life must end—why grieve? Only young Zhengdao worried him. He died on schedule; Jinan did not finish his reign—men said he knew fate.
70
曾幸晉陽，夜宿杠門嶺。 嶺有數株柏樹，皆將千年，枝葉嫩茂，似有神物所託。 時帝已被酒，向嶺瞋罵，射中一株，未幾，立枯而死。 又出言屢中，時人故謂之神靈。 雖為猖獗，不專云昏暴。 末年遂不能進食，唯數飲酒，麴糱成災，因而致斃。 先是，霍州發楚夷王女冢，尸如生焉，得珠襦玉匣，帝珍之，還以歛焉。
Once at Jinyang he lodged at Gangmen Ridge. Ancient cypresses on the ridge seemed spirit-haunted. Drunk, he cursed the ridge and shot a cypress; it withered at once. His words often came true; men called him numinous. Though wild he was not wholly mindless. In his last years he drank only wine until yeast poison killed him. Opening a Chu princess tomb he found the corpse fresh and reclothed it in her treasures.
71
始祖珽以險薄多過，帝數罪之，每謂為老賊。 及武成時，珽被任遇，乃說武成曰：「文宣甚暴，何得稱文？ 旣非創業，何得稱祖？ 若宣帝為祖，陛下萬歲後將何以稱？」 武成溺於珽說，天統初，有詔改謚景烈，廟號威宗。 武平初，趙彥深執政，又奏復帝本謚，廟號顯祖云。
Progenitor Ting he often called old thief for his treachery. Ting told Wucheng Wenxuan was too violent to be called Wen. He did not found the enterprise—how could he be called Progenitor? If Emperor Xuan is progenitor, what title would Wucheng bear after death? Wucheng changed his posthumous title to Jinglie and temple name Weizong. Zhao Yanshen restored the original posthumous title and temple name Xianzu.
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廢帝殷字正道，小名道人，文宣帝之長子也。 母曰李皇后。 天保元年，立為皇太子，時年六歲。 性敏慧，初學反語，於迹字下注云「自反」。 時侍者未達其故，太子曰：「迹字足傍亦為迹，豈非自反邪。」 嘗宴北宮，獨令河間王勿入，左右問其故，太子曰：「世宗遇賊處，河間王復何宜在此。」 文宣每言「太子得漢家性質，不似我」，欲廢之，立太原王。
Deposed Emperor Yin, style Zhengdao, nickname Daoren, was Wenxuan's eldest son. His mother was Empress Li. In Tianbao year one he became crown prince at six. Clever in fanqie, he wrote "self-reflecting" under the character ji. He explained ji with foot beside is self-reflecting. At a feast he excluded Prince of Hejian because assassins had struck there. Wenxuan said the crown prince was Han-like, not like him, and wished to replace him with Prince of Taiyuan.
73
初詔國子博士李寶鼎傅之，寶鼎卒，復詔國子博士邢峙侍講。 太子雖富於春秋，而溫裕開朗，有人君之度，貫綜經業，省覽時政，甚有美名。 七年冬，文宣召朝臣文學者及禮學官於宮宴會，令以經義相質，親自臨聽。 太子手筆措問，在坐莫不歎美。 九年，文宣在晉陽，太子監國，集諸儒講孝經，令楊愔傳旨謂國子助教許散愁曰「先生在世，何以自資？」 對曰：「散愁自少以來，不登孌童之牀，不入季女之室，服膺簡策，不知老之將至。 平生素懷，若斯而已。」 太子曰：「顏子縮屋稱貞，柳下嫗而不亂，未若此翁白首不娶者也。」 及賚絹百疋。
Li Baoding then Xing Zhi tutored him. Young yet open and kingly, he mastered classics and affairs and won praise. In year seven Wenxuan had scholars debate classics at a palace feast. The crown prince's written questions won admiration. In year nine he oversaw the state and asked Xu San'chou how he supported himself. San'chou said he never entered boys' beds or maidens' chambers and lived by books. His lifelong intent was only this. The crown prince praised his lifelong celibacy over Yanzi and Liuxia. He received a hundred bolts of silk.
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後文宣登金鳳臺，召太子使手刃囚。 太子惻然有難色，再三不斷其首。 文宣怒，親以馬鞭撞太子三下。 由是氣悸語吃，精神時復昏擾。
Wenxuan summoned him to behead a prisoner on Golden Phoenix Terrace. The crown prince could not bring himself to strike thrice. Wenxuan horsewhipped him three times. He developed palpitations, stammer, and mental disturbance.
75
十年十月，文宣崩，癸卯，太子即帝位於晉陽宣德殿，大赦，內外百官普加汎級，亡官失爵，聽復資品。 庚戌，尊皇太后為太皇太后，皇后為皇太后。 詔九州軍人七十已上，授以板職； 武官年六十已上，及癃病不堪驅使者，並皆放免； 土木營造金銅鐵諸雜作工，一切停罷。
On guimao after Wenxuan died he ascended at Jinyang, pardoned the realm, and restored ranks. On gengxu the empresses were raised in title. Soldiers seventy and above received rank; officers sixty and above and the crippled were released; all construction and metal crafts halted.
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十一月乙卯，以右丞相、咸陽王斛律金為左丞相，以錄尚書事、常山王演為太傅，以司徒、長廣王湛為太尉，以司空段韶為司徒，以平陽王淹為司空，高陽王湜為尚書左僕射，河間王孝琬為司州牧，侍中燕子獻為右僕射。 戊午，分命使者，巡省四方，求政得失，省察風俗，問人疾苦。 十二月戊戌，改封上黨王紹仁為漁陽王，廣陽王紹義為范陽王，長樂王紹廉為隴西王。
Offices were reshuffled: Hulu Jin, Yan, Zhan, Duan Shao, and others. On wuwu envoys toured the realm for policy and hardship. On wuxu three princes were re-enfeoffed.
77
是歲，周武成元年。
That year was Zhou Wucheng year one.
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乙巳，太師、常山王演矯詔誅尚書令楊愔、尚書右僕射燕子獻、領軍大將軍可朱渾天和、侍中宋欽道、散騎常侍鄭子默。 戊申，以常山王演為大丞相、都督中外諸軍、錄尚書事，以大司馬、長廣王湛為太傅、京畿大都督，以司徒段韶為大將軍，以前司空、平陽王淹為太尉，以司空、平秦王歸彥為司徒，彭城王浟為尚書令。 又以高麗王世子湯為使持節、領東夷校尉、遼東郡公、高麗王。 是月，王琳為陳所敗，蕭莊自拔至和州。
On yisi Prince of Changshan Yan forged an edict and executed Yang Yin and four others. On wushen Prince Yan of Changshan was made grand chancellor, commander-in-chief of all armies, and recorder of the masters of writing; Grand Marshal Prince Zhan of Changgang became grand tutor and metropolitan commander; Minister of Works Duan Shao became grand general; the former minister of works, Prince Yan of Pingyang, became grand commandant; Minister of Works Prince Guiyan of Pingqin became minister of works; and Prince You of Pengcheng became director of the masters of writing. Goguryeo heir Tang received kingly titles. That month Chen defeated Wang Lin; Xiao Zhuang fled to He Province.
79
三月甲寅，詔軍國事皆申晉陽，稟大丞相常山王規筭。 壬申，封文襄第二子孝珩為廣寧王，第三子長恭為蘭陵王。
On jiayin military affairs were referred to Prince of Changshan at Jinyang. On renshen Xiaohang and Changgong were enfeoffed.
80
夏四月癸亥，詔河南定、冀、趙、瀛、滄、南膠、光、南青九州，往因螽水，頗傷時稼，遣使分塗贍恤。 是月，周明帝崩。 五月壬子，以開府儀同三司劉洪徽為尚書右僕射。
On guihai nine provinces struck by locust and flood received relief. That month Zhou's Emperor Ming died. On renzi Liu Honghui became Right Vice Minister.
81
秋八月壬午，太皇太后令廢帝為濟南王，全食一郡，以大丞相、常山王演入纂大統。 是日，王居別宮。 皇建二年九月，殂於晉陽，時年十七。
On renwu the Deposed Emperor became Prince of Jinan; Yan succeeded the throne. That day he moved to a separate palace. In Huangjian year two, ninth month, he died at Jinyang at seventeen.
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初，文宣命邢卲制帝名殷字正道，從而尤之，曰：「殷家弟及，『正』字一止，吾身後兒不得也。」 卲懼，請改焉。 文宣不許，曰：「天也。」 因謂昭帝曰：「奪時但奪，慎勿殺也。」
Wenxuan faulted the name Yin and style Zhengdao: "Yin succeeds younger brothers; zheng has one stop—no son after me. Shao asked to change it. Wenxuan refused: "Heaven's will. He told Emperor Xiao: "Seize power but do not kill."
83
孝昭帝
Emperor Xiaozhao.
84
孝昭皇帝演字延安，神武皇帝弟六子，文宣皇帝之母弟也。 幼而英峙，早有大成之量，武明皇太后早所愛重。 魏元象元年，封常山郡公。 及文襄執政，遣中書侍郎李同軌就霸府為諸弟師。 帝所覽文籍，源其指歸，而不好辭彩。 每歎云：「雖盟津之師左驂震而不衂」，以為能。 遂篤志讀漢書，至李陵傳，恒壯其所為焉。 聦敏過人，所與游處，一知其家諱，終身未嘗誤犯。 同軌病卒，又命開府長流參軍刁柔代之，性嚴褊，不適誘訓之宜，中被遣出。 帝送出閤，慘然歛容，淚數行下，左右莫不歔欷。 其敬業重舊如此。
Emperor Xiaozhao Yan, style Yan'an, was Shenwu's sixth son and Wenxuan's full brother. In youth he showed great promise; Empress Dowager Wuming loved him early. In Wei Yuanxiang year one he received Changshan Commandery. Wenxiang sent Li Tonggui to teach the princes. He read for intent, not ornament. He admired the left horse at Meng Ford that trembled but did not bleed. He read the Book of Han and admired Li Ling's conduct. He knew every associate's taboo names and never once offended them. After Tonggui died, Diao Rou replaced him but was dismissed for harshness. He escorted Rou out in tears while attendants wept. Such was his respect for teachers and old friends.
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天保初，進爵為王。 五年，除并省尚書令。 帝善斷割，長思理，省內畏服。 七年，從文宣還鄴。 文宣以尚書奏事，多有異同，令帝與朝臣先論定得失，然後敷奏。 帝長於政術，割斷咸盡其理，文宣歎重之。 八年，轉司空、錄尚書事。 九年，除大司馬，仍錄尚書事。
In Tianbao year one he was made a prince. In year five he became Director of the Masters of Writing. He decided firmly and deliberated deeply; the ministry feared him. In year seven he followed Wenxuan to Ye. Wenxuan had him debate memorials with ministers before presentation. He mastered policy; Wenxuan admired him. In year eight he became Minister of Works and Recorder. In year nine he became Grand Marshal and still Recorder.
86
時文宣溺於游宴，帝憂憤，表於神色。 文宣覺之，謂帝曰：「但令汝在，我何為不縱樂？」 帝唯啼泣拜伏，竟無所言。 文宣亦大悲，抵盃於地曰：「汝似嫌我，自今敢進酒者斬之！」 因取所御盃，盡皆壞棄。 後益沈湎，或入諸貴戚家，角力批拉，不限貴賤。 唯常山王至，內外肅然。 帝又密撰事條，將諫，其友王晞以為不可，帝不從，因間極言，遂逢大怒。 順成后本魏朝宗室，文宣欲帝離之，陰為帝廣求淑媛，望移其寵。 帝雖承旨有納，而情義彌重。 帝性頗嚴，尚書郎中剖斷有失，輒加捶楚，令史姦慝，便即考竟。 文宣乃立帝於前，以刀環擬脅，召被帝罰者，臨以白刃，求帝之短，咸無所陳，方見解釋。 自是不許笞箠郎中。 後賜帝魏時宮人，醒而忘之，謂帝擅取，遂令刀環亂築，因此致困。 皇太后日夜啼泣，文宣不知所為。 先是禁友王晞，乃捨之，令侍帝。 帝月餘漸瘳，不敢復諫。
Wenxuan's debauchery showed in the Emperor's worried face. Wenxuan said, "With you here, why should I not indulge? He wept and bowed silently. Wenxuan smashed cups and forbade wine on pain of death. He destroyed all his cups. He drank deeper and wrestled in noble houses without distinction of rank. Only Prince of Changshan's arrival restored order. He drafted remonstrance against Wang Xi's advice and was furiously rebuked. Wenxuan sought new consorts to shift the Emperor's favor from Empress Shuncheng. He accepted consorts but loved the Empress more. He beat erring directors and examined wicked clerks harshly. Wenxuan threatened those the Emperor punished until they cleared him. Beating directors was forbidden thereafter. Wenxuan forgot gifting palace women and beat him sick with blade rings. The Empress Dowager wept; Wenxuan was helpless. He released Wang Xi to attend the Emperor. After a month he recovered and dared not remonstrate.
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及文宣崩，帝居禁中護喪事，幼主即位，乃即朝班。 除太傅、錄尚書事，朝政皆決於帝。 月餘，乃居藩邸。 自是，詔敕多不關帝。 客或言於帝曰：「鷙鳥捨巢，必有探卵之患，今日之地，何宜屢出。」
He guarded Wenxuan's mourning then joined court when the young lord ascended. As Grand Tutor and Recorder he decided all governance. After a month he returned to his princely residence. Edicts often bypassed him. A guest warned: leaving the nest invites danger—why go out often?
88
三月甲戌，帝初上省，旦，發領軍府，大風暴起，壞所御車幔，帝甚惡之。 及至省，朝士咸集。 坐定，酒數行，於坐執尚書令楊愔、右僕射燕子獻、領軍可朱渾天和、侍中宋欽道等。 帝戎服與平原王段韶、平秦王高歸彥、領軍劉洪徽入自雲龍門，於中書省前遇散騎常侍鄭子默，又執之，同斬於御府之內。 帝至東閤門，都督成休寧抽刃呵帝。 帝令高歸彥喻之，休寧厲聲大呼不從。 歸彥旣為領軍，素為兵士所服，悉皆弛仗，休寧方歎息而罷。
On jiaxu going to the ministry a storm destroyed his carriage curtains—an ill omen. At the ministry courtiers assembled. After wine he seized Yang Yin, Yan Zixian, Kezhuhun Tianhe, and Song Qindao. In martial dress with Duan Shao, Guiyan, and Liu Honghui he entered and beheaded Zheng Zimo. At the Eastern Gate Cheng Xiuning drew blade and shouted. Guiyan tried to explain; Xiuning refused. Soldiers obeyed Guiyan; Xiuning yielded.
89
帝入至昭陽殿，幼主、太皇太后、皇太后並出臨御坐。 帝奏愔等罪，求伏專擅之辜。 時庭中及兩廊下衞士二千餘人，皆被甲待詔。 武衞娥永樂武力絕倫，又被文宣重遇，撫刃思效。 廢帝吃訥，兼倉卒，不知所言。 太皇太后又為皇太后誓，言帝無異志，唯云逼而已。 高歸彥敕勞衞士解嚴，永樂乃內刀而泣。 帝乃令歸彥引侍衞之士向華林園，以京畿軍入守門閤，斬娥永樂於園。 詔以帝為大丞相、都督中外諸軍、錄尚書事，相府佐史進位一等。 帝尋如晉陽。 有詔，軍國大政，咸諮決焉。
He entered Zhaoyang Hall; the empresses and young lord came out. He reported the crimes of Yin and others. Two thousand armored guards awaited edict. E Yongle, favored by Wenxuan, drew blade to act. The Deposed Emperor stammered helplessly. The Grand Empress Dowager swore he acted only under force. Guiyan stood down the guards; Yongle wept and sheathed his blade. He had Yongle beheaded in Hualin Garden. He was made Grand Chancellor; staff advanced one rank. He soon went to Jinyang. Great affairs were referred to him.
90
帝旣當大位，知無不為，擇其令典，考綜名實，廢帝恭己以聽政。 太皇太后尋下令廢少主，命帝統大業。
He governed fully while the Deposed Emperor deferentially listened. The Grand Empress Dowager deposed the young lord and made him emperor.
91
壬辰，詔分遣大使，巡省四方，觀察風俗，問人疾苦，考求得失，搜訪賢良。 甲午，詔曰：「昔武王剋殷，先封往代，兩漢魏晉，無廢茲典。 及元氏統歷，不率舊章； 朕纂承大業，思弘古典。 但二王三恪，舊說不同，可議定是非，列名條奏。 其禮儀體式，亦仰議之。」 又詔國子寺可備立官屬，依舊置生，講習經典，歲時考試。 其文襄帝所運石經，宜即施列於學館。 外州大學，亦仰典司，勤加督課。 丙申，詔九州勳人有重封者，聽分授子弟，以廣骨肉之恩。
On renchen envoys toured the realm seeking worthies and hardships. On jiawu he ordered debate on enfeoffing former dynasties. The Yuan house had not followed old statutes; he sought to expand the ancient canon. He ordered debate on the two kings and three respects. Ritual forms were also submitted for debate. Students were restored at the Directorate with yearly exams. Wenxiang's stone classics were set in the academy. Provincial schools were supervised diligently. On bingshen double fiefs could be shared with kin.
92
九月壬申，詔議定三祖樂。
On renshen music for the three progenitors was ordered.
93
冬十一月辛亥，立妃元氏為皇后，世子百年為皇太子，賜天下為父後者，爵一級。 癸丑，有司奏太祖獻武皇帝廟宜奏武德之樂，舞昭烈之舞； 世宗文襄皇帝廟宜奏文德之樂，舞宣政之舞； 高祖文宣皇帝廟宜奏文正之樂，舞光大之舞。 詔曰：「可。」 庚申，詔以故太師尉景、故太師竇泰、故太師太原王婁昭、故太宰章武王厙狄干、故太尉段榮、故太師万俟普、故司徒蔡雋、故太師高乾、故司徒莫多婁貸文、故太保劉貴、故太保封祖裔、故廣州刺史王懷十三人配饗太祖廟庭，故太師清河王岳、故太宰安德王韓軌、故太宰扶風王可朱渾道元、故太師高昂、故大司馬劉豐、故太師万俟受洛干、故太尉慕容紹宗十一人配饗世宗廟庭，故太尉河東王潘相樂、故司空薛脩義、故太傅破六韓常三人配饗高祖廟庭。
On xinhai Empress Yuan and Crown Prince Bainian were installed; fathers received rank. On guichou temples were assigned music and dance; Wenxiang's temple Wende and Xuanzheng; Wenxuan's temple Wenzheng and Guangda. Approved. On gengshen an edict assigned thirteen late ministers—including Wei Jing, Dou Tai, Lou Zhao prince of Taiyuan, Kudie Gan prince of Zhangwu, Duan Rong, Wan Qipu, Cai Jun, Gao Gan, Moduolou Daiwen, Liu Gui, Feng Zuyi, and Wang Huai of Guangzhou—to share sacrifice in the Grand Ancestor's temple court; eleven others—including Prince Yue of Qinghe, Prince Gui of Ande, Kezhuhun Daoyuan prince of Fufeng, Gao Ang, Liu Feng, Wan Qishouluogan, and Murong Shaozong—in Shizong's temple court; and three more—Prince Pan Xiangyue of Hedong, Xue Xiuyi, and Poluhan Chang—in Gaozu's temple court.
94
是月，帝親戎北討庫莫奚，出長城。 虜奔遁，分兵致討，大獲牛馬，括總入晉陽宮。
That month he marched north against Kumo Xi beyond the Long Wall. Barbarians fled; cattle and horses filled Jinyang Palace.
95
十二月丙午，車駕至晉陽。
On bingwu the emperor reached Jinyang.
96
二年春正月辛亥，祀圓丘。 壬子，禘於太廟。 癸丑，詔降罪人各有差。
In year two, on xinhai, he sacrificed at the Round Mound. On renzi he performed di at the temple. On guichou criminals were pardoned.
97
二月丁丑，詔內外執事之官從五品已上、及三府主簿錄事參軍、諸王文學、侍御史、廷尉三官、尚書郎中、中書舍人，每二年之內，各舉一人。
On dingchou officials were ordered to recommend talent every two years.
98
冬十月丙子，以尚書令、彭城王浟為太保，長樂王尉粲為太尉。 己酉，野雉栖于前殿之庭。
On bingzi You became Grand Mentor and Wei Can Grand Commandant. On jiyou pheasants roosted in the front hall court.
99
帝聦敏有識度，深沈能斷，不可窺測。 身長八尺，腰帶十圍，儀望風表，迥然獨秀。 自居臺省，留心政術，閑明簿領，吏所不逮。 及正位宸居，彌所克勵，輕徭薄賦，勤恤人隱。 內無私寵，外收人物，雖后父，位亦特進無別。 日昃臨朝，務知人之善惡。
He was keen, deep, and unfathomable. Eight chi tall, ten spans at the waist, singular in bearing. In the ministry he mastered ledgers beyond any clerk. Enthroned he lightened burdens and succored the people. He favored no private kin; even the empress's father had no special rank. He held court at sunset seeking men's true character.
100
每訪問左右，冀獲直言。 曾問舍人裴澤在外議論得失，澤率爾對曰：「陛下聦明至公，自可遠侔古昔，而有識之士，咸言傷細，帝王之度，頗為未弘。」 帝笑曰：「誠如卿言。 朕初臨萬機，慮不周悉，故致爾耳。 此事安可久行，恐後又嫌疏漏。」 澤因被寵遇。 其樂聞過也如此。 趙郡王叡與厙狄顯安侍坐，帝曰：「須拔我同堂弟，顯安我親姑子，今序家人禮，除君臣之敬，可言我之不逮。」 顯安曰：「陛下多妄言。」 曰：「若何？」 對曰：「陛下昔見文宣以馬鞭撻人，常以為非，而今行之，非妄言邪？」 帝握其手謝之。 又使直言，對曰：「陛下太細，天子乃更似吏。」 帝曰：「朕甚知之，然無法來久，將整之以至無為耳。」 又問王晞，晞荅如顯安，皆從容受納。
He questioned attendants hoping for blunt speech. Pei Ze said he was fair but too meticulous for an emperor's measure. He smiled: "Truly as you say. When I first faced myriad affairs I feared not being thorough. This cannot last—later they will fault laxity. Pei Ze was favored. Such was his joy in hearing faults. He invited family criticism from Rui and Xi'an. Xi'an said, "Your Majesty speaks falsely." He asked how. Xi'an said he now horsewhipped men though he once condemned it. He grasped Xi'an's hand and apologized. Xi'an said he was too meticulous, more clerk than emperor. He said lawlessness required correction toward non-action. Wang Xi answered likewise and was accepted.
101
性至孝，太后不豫，出居南宮，帝行不正履，容色貶悴，衣不解帶，殆將四旬。 殿去南宮五百餘步，雞鳴而去，辰時方還，來去徒行，不乘輿輦。 太后所苦小增，便即寢伏閤外，食飲藥物，盡皆躬親。 太后嘗心痛，不自堪忍，帝立侍帷前，以爪搯手心，血流出袖。 友愛諸弟，無君臣之隔。
When the Empress Dowager was ill he mourned at her gate for forty days. He walked five hundred paces to her at cockcrow daily. He slept outside her curtain and attended her medicine. He dug his nails into his palm until blood soaked his sleeve. He loved his brothers without royal distance.
102
雄勇有謀。 于時國富兵強，將雪神武遺恨，意在頓駕平陽，為進取之策。 遠圖不遂，惜哉。
He was heroic and stratagem-minded. Rich and strong, he planned to avenge Shenwu at Pingyang. The design failed—pity.
103
初，帝與濟南約，不相害。 及輿駕在晉陽，武成鎮鄴，望氣者云「鄴城有天子氣」。 帝恐濟南復興，乃密行鴆毒。 濟南不從，乃扼而殺之。 後頗愧悔。 初苦內熱，頻進湯散。 時有尚書令史姓趙，於鄴見文宣從楊愔、燕子獻等西行，言相與復讎。 帝在晉陽宮，與毛夫人亦見焉。 遂漸危篤，備禳厭之事，或煑油四灑，或持炬燒逐。 諸厲方出殿梁，山騎棟上，歌呼自若，了無懼容。 時有天狗下，乃於其所講武以厭之，有兔驚馬，帝墜而絕肋。 太后視疾，問濟南所在者三，帝不對。 太后怒曰：「殺去邪！ 不用吾言，死其宜矣。」 臨終之際，唯扶服牀枕，叩頭求哀。 遣使詔追長廣王入纂大統。 又手書云：「宜將吾妻子置一好處，勿學前人也。」
He and Jinan agreed not to harm each other. Geomancers said Ye had imperial aura while he was at Jinyang. Fearing Jinan he secretly poisoned him. Jinan refused and was strangled. Later he was ashamed. He suffered inner heat and took medicine. Clerk Zhao at Ye dreamed Wenxuan going west with Yin and Zixian for revenge. At Jinyang he and Lady Mao saw the same vision. Critically ill, he tried exorcism with oil and fire. Spirits on the beams sang without fear. A rabbit startled his horse and he broke a rib. The Empress Dowager thrice asked after Jinan; he would not answer. She said, "You killed him— you ignored my words—dying is fitting. Dying he clutched the bed and begged. He summoned Prince of Changgang to succeed. He wrote: "Protect my wife and children—do not imitate your predecessors."
104
論曰：神武平定四方，威權在己，遷鄴之後，雖主祭有人，號令所加，政皆自出。 文宣因循鴻業，內外協從，自朝及野，羣心屬望，東魏之地，舉國樂推，曾未期月，遂登宸極。 始則存心政事，風化肅然，數年之間，朝野安乂。 其後縱酒肆欲，事極猖狂，昏邪殘暴，近代未有，饗國不永，實由斯疾。
Commentary: Shenwu held all power; after Ye even rites were his to command. Wenxuan inherited universal acclaim and swiftly took the throne. At first his rule brought peace within years. Then debauchery and cruelty unmatched in ages shortened his reign.
105
濟南繼業，大革其弊，風教粲然，搢紳稱幸。 股肱輔弼，雖懷厥誠，旣不能贊弘道德，和睦親懿，又不能遠慮防身，深謀衞主。 應斷不斷，自取其災。 臣旣誅夷，君尋廢辱，皆任非其器之所致爾。
Jinan reformed abuses and gentry rejoiced. Ministers could neither harmonize kin nor protect the ruler. Failure to act decisively invited disaster. Ministers died and the ruler was shamed for unfit appointments.
106
孝昭早居臺閣，故事通明，人吏之間，無所不委。 文宣崩後，大革前弊，及臨尊極，留心更深，時人服其明而譏其細也。 情好稽古，率由禮度，將封先代之胤，且敦學校之風，徵召才賢，文武畢集。 于時周氏朝政，移於宰臣，主將相猜，不無危殆。 乃眷關右，寔懷兼并之志。 經謀宏曠，諒近代之明主。 而降年不永，其故何哉？ 豈幽顯之塗，別有復報； 將齊之基宇，止在於斯，帝欲大之，天不許也？
Xiaozhao early mastered the ministry and all affairs. He reformed Wenxuan's ills yet was mocked for meticulousness. He sought ritual, schools, and talent. Zhou's court was perilous with shifting power. He looked west with intent to merge. His plans marked him a ruler of recent ages. Yet his years were short—why? Are dark and bright paths separately repaid; or did Heaven forbid enlarging Qi's foundation?