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卷十八 列傳第六: 景穆十二王下

Volume 18 Biographies 6: Jingmu's Twelve Sons 2

Chapter 18 of 北史 · History of the Northern Dynasties
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Jingmu's Twelve Sons (Part 2)
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Biographies 6 — Jingmu's Twelve Sons (Part 2)
3
西
Yun, Prince of Rencheng, received his fief in the fifth year of Heping. Clever even as a boy, at five when Jingmu died he wept without stopping. Taiwu took him in his arms and wept. "How is it you already have a grown man's heart? Under Xianwen he commanded all armies at court and in the field, directed the Inner Palace at the Center, heard civil suits, and won wide renown. When Xianwen wished to abdicate to Zitui, Prince of Jingzhao, none among kings, dukes, and grandees dared speak first. Yun stepped forward. "Father passing rule to son is an ancient way; since Imperial Wei rose, that line has never been broken. Grand Commandant Yuan He added that it could not be done and begged the throne to heed the Prince of Rencheng. Yuan Pi of Dongyang and others said, "The crown prince's virtue is plain, yet he is still a child. Your Majesty seeks private ease—what becomes of the ancestral temples? The emperor said, "The heir holds the orthodox line; the lords will assist him—what could be impossible? Thereupon the throne passed to Emperor Xiaowen.
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When the Rouran raided the frontier Yun was made Grand Commander of the Center Army and followed Xianwen to war. Crossing the Great Marsh, Yun said, "Their horses have never seen the Wu-head shield; put it in front and we are sure to break them. The emperor agreed, ordered the Tiele chiefs, and took their hands in farewell. They sang as one and drove forward in formation. The army won a great victory and took their chieftains. When the Chouchi Di rebelled he was again sent to campaign and pacify them. He was then given an open office and made inspector of Xuzhou. When his grand consort Lady Gai died, Yun asked to resign his post. Xianwen refused. Yun wailed until he fell ill; only then was he released. He was skilled at winning men and deeply won Xu; the people clung to him and sent money and goods, but he accepted none.
5
使
Made inspector of Jizhou, he won the common people's hearts even more. The whole province then asked each household to give five feet of silk and five sheng of grain in thanks for Yun's grace. Xiaowen praised it and proclaimed an edict through the realm as encouragement. He was transferred to grand general of Chang'an Garrison and inspector of Yongzhou. Yun lived with integrity, minded common lawsuits, checked the powerful, and robbery ceased; more than a thousand in the province praised him. In Taihe year 5 he died in the province, ordering a plain burial and no funeral gifts; his sons obeyed. He was given the posthumous title Kang and buried with honor at Jinling in Yunzhong.
6
西
His eldest son Cheng, styled Daojing, loved learning from youth, had fine hair and beard, graceful bearing, and a clear, bell-like voice. When Prince Kang died, his mourning was famed for filial piety. He inherited the title and was further made Grand General Who Pacifies the North. When the Di and Qiang rebelled he was made Grand General Who Conquers the South and inspector of Liangzhou. Empress Dowager Wenming received and warned him, then told Director of the Secretariat Li Chong, "This boy's spirit shines; he will lead the imperial kin. He will not disgrace this mission—I do not speak idly. At the province he guided and won men; the southwest submitted in good faith. He was made palace attendant, granted a suit of robes and a yellow horse, to mark his ability. Made commander with an open office and inspector of Xuzhou, he won great fame and achievement. At the capital he was received in the Hall of Imperial Trust. Xiaowen said to Cheng, "Long ago Zichan of Zheng cast the penal code and Shu Xiang of Jin opposed it. Both were worthy—who was right in the end? He replied, "Zheng was few and weak, subject to a strong neighbor; the people's going and staying needed penal law, so he cast the code to show authority. Though it departed from antiquity, it fit the age's expedient. The emperor was reforming institutions and deeply approved, smiling, "Prince of Rencheng would be Wei's Zichan. I am now creating new court institutions and shall share enduring achievement with Prince of Rencheng. Later he was summoned as director of the Secretariat and then director of the Masters of Writing. Yu Bi of Qi came to court; seeing Cheng's resonant voice and refined bearing, he told Chief of Guests Zhang Yi, "Once Wei's Prince of Rencheng was famed for war; now he is praised for letters."
7
An edict then gathered sons of the four temples down to great-great-grandsons for a clan feast in the Hall of Imperial Trust. They were not ranked by title but ordered by zhao and mu, with family rites. The emperor said, "The rites are done; let each of the clan speak his heart—compose poems as you will. He ordered Cheng to make linked seven-character rhyme; he and Xiaowen wagered until joy peaked and night ended the feast.
8
便 忿 便
Later he outwardly showed a southern campaign but meant to plan the move, with Qi at the Bright Hall's left bay. He ordered Grand Master of Rites Wang Chen to divine by tortoise and yarrow a southern campaign; the omen was Ge. Cheng advanced. "The Changes says Ge means change—it would change the mandate between ruler and subject; Tang and Wu found that auspicious. Your Majesty already holds the realm; to divine a campaign today cannot be wholly revolution—this cannot be wholly auspicious. The emperor said sternly, "This image says the great man changes by force—how is it not auspicious? The carriage returned and Cheng was summoned; before he mounted the steps Xiaowen called, "That Ge just now—I wish to discuss it again. My anger at the Bright Hall was fear the crowd would thwart my great plan, so I showed a stern face to frighten court and army. Then he spoke to Cheng alone. "The state rose in the north and dwelt at Pingcheng; though it held the four seas, culture and the cart-track were not one. This is a field for war—not where civilization is raised. Between Xiao and Han lies the imperial seat; He and Luo are the royal capital—by this great move to glorify the central plain, what does Prince of Rencheng think? Cheng deeply approved. The emperor said, "Prince of Rencheng is my Zifang. He was added Grand General Who Pacifies the Army and junior tutor of the heir, and also left vice director of the Masters of Writing. When the carriage reached Luoyang and settled the capital move, Cheng was ordered to ride post north and ask the hundred offices whether it could be done. He said, "We lately discussed Ge; now this is truly Ge. At the northern capital all who heard the move edict were startled. Cheng cited present and past and slowly enlightened them; the crowd then submitted. He galloped south to report and met the carriage at Huatai. The emperor was greatly pleased. "Without Prince of Rencheng my undertaking would not have been achieved. He followed in attendance at the Ye palace. He was made director of the Ministry of Personnel.
9
When the carriage toured north from the northern capital, Cheng was left to grade the old officials. At first, from dukes and marquises down, tens of thousands in Wei were idle and without duties. Cheng graded them in three ranks, measured each by ability, and used all without resentment. When the carriage returned to Luoyang he again held the right vice directorship.
10
使
The emperor reached North Mang and visited Hong Pool, ordering Cheng to attend aboard the dragon boat. The emperor said, "Last night I dreamed an old man bowing by the road, saying he was Jin's Palace Attendant Ji Shao come to meet me; my spirit was low and fearful, as though he had a request. Cheng said, "Your Majesty mourned Bi Gan at Yin's ruins and met Ji Shao at Luoyang in dream—longing for grace must have moved the dream. The emperor said, "Since I had this dream, perhaps it is as Prince of Rencheng said. His tomb domain was sought and envoys sent to mourn and sacrifice.
11
After Qi's Emperor Ming deposed and murdered his lord, Cao Wu, inspector of Yongzhou, asked to bring Xiangyang within. The carriage was about to go in person; Cheng, Prince of Xianyang Xi, Prince of Pengcheng Xie, Director of the Secretariat Feng Yan, Minister of Works Mu Liang, and Grand General Who Guards the South Li Chong were summoned to deliberate. Some said go, some said stop. The emperor said, "Views differ; let guest and host stir each other. Prince of Rencheng and Li Chong argue to stay; I shall argue to go. You all sit and listen; the elder side prevails. The emperor debated back and forth; the carriage then marched south, not following Cheng and Li Chong. Later, on campaign at Xianhu, severe illness made him return to the capital.
12
' '' '殿 西 退 退
When the carriage returned to Luo, kings, dukes, and ministers were received at the Clear Splendor Hall. The emperor said, "Since this hall was finished I have not feasted with kings and dukes. Today with you worthies I wish none too high to ascend, none too small to enter. They followed the Transforming Flow channel. The emperor said, "This winding water takes Qian's way curving to completion—ten thousand things without stagnation. Next they reached the Wash-Weariness Pool. The emperor said, "This pool also has fine fish. Cheng said, "As the ode says, 'Fish there in the weeds, with heads well shown. The emperor said, "Then take 'The king is at the Spirit Marsh; how the fish leap in multitudes.' Next they reached the View-Virtue Hall.' The emperor said, "Archery is to view virtue—therefore the name. Next they reached the Serene-Leisure Hall. The emperor said, "This hall takes the Master's at-ease meaning. One must not indulge luxury and forget frugality, settle in ease and forget peril—therefore behind it stands the Thatched Hall. He told Li Chong, "East is the Pace-Origin Gallery; west is the Roaming-Triumph Gallery. Though we lack a ruler like Tang Yao, you should not be shamed before Yuan and Kai. Chong replied, "Your servant has met a ruler like Tang Yao—how dare I decline Yuan and Kai's praise? The emperor said, "Light is falling; I share with the clan vigil for elders—you are about to leave; how can you be silent? He ordered Palace Attendant Cui Guang, Guo Zuo, Unimpeded Attendant Xing Luan, Cui Xiu, and others to compose poems. When candles came, dukes and ministers withdrew; Li Chong bowed again and offered long life. The emperor said, "You take the candle as leave and again offer long life; I repay you with Southern Mountains. He said, "Candle comes and guests withdraw—that is commoners' rite; to keep vigil at night is the clan's meaning. Return; I with the kings and clan will finish this night's drinking. Later he was removed from office over public affairs. Soon he held the Ministry of Personnel again.
13
使 鹿
Mu Tai, inspector of Hengzhou, plotted rebellion; Cheng was given tallies, imperial guards, and still ran Hengzhou. Reaching Yanmen he sent Palace Attendant Li Huan ahead. On arrival he seized Tai and exhausted his faction; all culprits were taken. Duke of Julu Lu Rui, Marquis of Anle Yuan Long, and more than a hundred others were imprisoned. The full report was memorialized. The emperor read it and was greatly pleased. "My Prince of Rencheng is a pillar of the state; even Gao Yao judging cases could not surpass this! He turned to Prince of Xianyang and the rest. "In his place you could not have managed this. The carriage soon visited Pingcheng. Cheng was rewarded with audience; rebels were led before him and not one claimed injustice. At the time none did not sigh in admiration. The emperor told those at his side, "Confucius said there would be no lawsuits—today I have seen it. Cheng was made regular director of the Masters of Writing.
14
便
On the southern campaign the carriage left Cheng to guard the capital, again with right vice directorship. Cheng asked to give one year's state-fief rent in silk for the army; an edict took half. The emperor again visited Ye. Seeing ministers he said, "Yesterday entering the city I saw women in carts wearing caps and small jackets—why did the Masters of Writing not investigate? Cheng said, "Those who wear them are still few. The emperor said, "Does Prince of Rencheng wish all to wear them? One word can lose a state—this is what is meant. Order the historiographers to record it. He also said, "A king does not lower himself to the blue heavens but raises talent and employs it. I failed in choosing men and put women in charge—I must grade again. Prince of Rencheng is in the capital as the realm's warp—does he only sign documents? Cheng said, "Your servant truly only signs documents. The emperor said, "If so, one clerk suffices—why wait for Prince of Rencheng? Soon he was made left vice director and followed the southern campaign. When Xiaowen died he received the final charge.
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At the start of Xuanwu, a surrendered man Yan Shumao reported Director of the Masters of Writing Wang Su sent Kong Sida in secret contact with Qi as rebellion. Cheng believed it and memorialized that Su would rebel, and at once detained him. Princes of Xianyang and Beihai memorialized that Cheng detained a chief minister on his own; he was removed to his residence. Soon he was made commander with an open office and inspector of Yangzhou. On taking his post he sealed Sun Shuao's tomb and destroyed Jiang Ziwen's shrine; he memorialized to restore the Imperial Clan School and open the Four Gates teaching. An edict followed.
16
Earlier the court planned southern campaign; Xiao Baoyin was made inspector of Eastern Yangzhou, holding the eastern city; Chen Bozhi was made inspector of Jiangzhou, garrisoning Yangshi. Cheng was made overall commander of the two garrisons with full regulation. Cheng sent Commander Fu Shuyan, Wang Shennian, and others to Da Xian, Dongguan, Jiushan, and Huailing, generals in division at double pace. Cheng led the great host in continuous array; wherever he went he conquered; edicts praised him. Then rain came and the Huai flooded; Cheng withdrew to Shouchun. The return was disordered; more than four thousand soldiers were lost. Cheng repeatedly asked to resign the province; the emperor refused. The relevant office memorialized to strip his open office; he was demoted three ranks.
17
調
Transferred to Grand General Who Guards the North and inspector of Dingzhou. At first the people had many forced levies and constantly suffered. Former inspectors could not remove them; Cheng removed many. He clarified promotion and punishment, reduced parklands for the landless poor, and forbade cloth unfit for clothing—the people rejoiced. When Grand Consort Meng died his mourning exceeded measure; the age praised him. When mourning ended he was made junior tutor of the heir.
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Gao Zhao then held court and was jealous of worthy kin. Cheng was slandered by Zhao and constantly feared for his life, so he drank all day to show ruin. What he did was bizarre; the age called him mad. When Xuanwu died suddenly affairs were rushed; Gao Zhao held troops outside. Emperor Ming was young; court and countryside were unsettled. Though kept at a distance, court hope rested on Cheng. Commander of the Guards Yu Zhong, Palace Attendant Cui Guang, and others memorialized Cheng as director; hearts were pleased. Soon he was minister of works with palace attendance; soon an edict had him lead the Masters of Writing.
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調 調使 滿
He submitted Imperial Instructions on Clan Regulation and Glosses, one scroll each, for the empress dowager's admonition. He memorialized ten items for state and people: first, laws, measures, and scales differ public and private and should be one; second, raise schools to clarify promotion and demotion; third, continue extinct lines, each recommending what he knows; fourth, beyond the five levies nothing should trouble the people; labor should not exceed three days; fifth, officials must be promoted or demoted to mark reward and punishment; sixth, fugitives paying substitute tax, if away years and not artisans, let them stay; seventh, fleeing frontier soldiers or those truly lost must be checked; if three chiefs and kin hide them, collect substitute tax—if not hidden, do not punish; eighth, artisan and merchant households again pay rent and cannot bear it—ask exemption so they keep their trades; ninth, three chiefs forbid crime and must not oversee across lines; short households merge with the nearest; tenth, armored guards—when the frontier has affairs they may fight for a time; regular garrison should send rotating troops. Empress Dowager Ling sent down his memorial; offices deliberated; some agreed, some not.
20
西
The four central commanders' troops were few, insufficient to gird the capital. Cheng memorialized the eastern center hold Yingyang, southern Luoyang, western Hengnong, northern Henei, with worthy kin of second and third rank. Cut non-urgent work and attach strong troops. Thus deep roots and solid trunk—strengthen the trunk, weaken the branches. Empress Dowager Ling was about to follow; other views differed, and it stopped. Soon illness made him ask to resign; it was refused.
21
Cheng feared frontier selection grew light, barbarians would spy the border and tombs be endangered, and asked to weight commanders and tighten guard—the edict did not follow. Later barbarians invaded to the old capital; commanders were mostly wrong men; rebellion rose everywhere, pressing the tombs, as Cheng had feared.
22
Cheng memorialized, "Capital offices are not complete; the army is newly quiet—do not mobilize the people; take from functionaries and Si Province criminals from ten blows to a hundred lashes who redeem: one bolt of silk equals two hundred bricks, to repair step by step. An edict followed. Grand Tutor Prince of Qinghe Yi memorialized to reject it; it slept and was not carried out.
23
便 西
Cheng again memorialized, "Inspector of Si Province Prince of Gaoyang Yong beat Court Attendant Han Yuanzhao and former Gate recorder Yao Jingxian to death—though public business, reason was not exhausted. How so? If Zhao and the rest's guilt was manifest, death was fixed—they should be executed in the market and abandoned with the crowd. If suspicion was not divided and reason not exhausted, officials of the three pure ranks and nine currents should not die under the staff at once, lightly cutting life and ruining law. Years past in the province he flogged five to death in the great market; checking the bandits' case, not an inch of truth. Now again cruel harm reaches this. Court and countryside murmur; all hold alarm. If life and death lie below and cruelty is monopolized by a subject, where is the ruler's power used? Ask that the present matter go to the Court of Justice, verifying robbery and examining beating to death. An edict followed. In office he avoided nothing. He memorialized eight articles on granting and receiving reclaimed land, very coherent. The West
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使駿
Yezhada, Persia, and other states on embassy each sent Cheng one fine horse. Cheng asked they be given to the Imperial Stud for state herds. An edict said, "The king's integrity exceeds the Chu minister; order them to the stables to complete the gentleman's great beauty."
25
簿殿 簿
Censor-in-Chief Prince of Dongping Kuang asked registers from Jingming onward—examinations, appointments, merit records, grade rankings—to verify men who stole rank. Empress Dowager Ling permitted it. Cheng memorialized that "the censor's body is to hear wind and report. False merit and reckless rank each have their place. If in one place there is rumor, seize that register and investigate truth. If difference shows, fraud shows itself; then apply statutes—who will not submit? How move one ministry's affairs and exhaust a generation's faults—seeking fault thus, who bears the crime? This is what the sage court should heavily caution. Empress Dowager Ling accepted and stopped. Later he was minister of works; palace attendance and leading the Masters of Writing unchanged.
26
祿 便
The empress dowager was keen on construction; in the capital she raised Yongning and other temples at great cost; outer provinces each built five-story pagodas. Again and again she held universal fasts; gifts reached tens of thousands. The people were worn by earth and wood; gold and silver prices leaped. Officials' salaries were stripped; the treasury drained. She also bent gifts to those at her side—several thousand a day. Cheng memorialized at length on gain and loss. Though not followed in the end, she always answered with courteous favor. Policy great and small drew his participation. Cheng gave his heart to support; what harmed the people he admonished again and again; inside and outside respected and feared him.
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Yi, styled Zilun, born of stepmother Lady Feng, had much of his father's manner. He was made Unimpeded Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. When Yuan Cha monopolized power Yi was ashamed to cling and did not win prominent office. At the start of Zhuang he was killed at Heyin. Posthumously given Equal in Honor to the Three Excellencies and inspector of Qingzhou; posthumous title Wen.
28
便
Yi's elder brother by a concubine, Shun, styled Zihe. At nine he took Chen Feng of Le'an; he copied Wang Xizhi's Elementary Primer, several thousand words, reciting day and night; in fifteen days he penetrated all. Feng marveled. He told Cheng, "From fifteen I followed teachers to white hair; never seen the like—Jiangxia's yellow boy cannot be without a pair. Cheng smiled, "Lantian produces jade—how could it not be so. At sixteen he mastered the Du clan Spring and Autumn; he lowered the curtain to read, loving antiquity. Blunt and startled by nature, indifferent to glory, fond of wine, skilled at zither. He often long-chanted and sighed, entrusting song to an empty room. Under Xuanwu he submitted the Wei Way Eulogy; much is not recorded. He began as Court Gentleman of the Imperial Clan. Gao Zhao held power; men bowed in the dust. Shun carried a calling card to Zhao's gate; the gatekeeper, seeing him young, said, "Inside sit many great guests." He would not announce him. Shun rebuked him, "Can the son of Prince of Rencheng be base? On meeting he went straight to the couch with equal courtesy; kings and dukes marveled; yet Shun's words were proud, as though he saw no one. Zhao told guests, "This boy's spirit is still so—how much more his father! When he left Zhao added respect and saw him off. Cheng heard and was greatly angry; he caned him tens of blows. Later junior master of rites; he left for his father's mourning, weeping until he vomited blood, carrying earth himself. At twenty-five he had white hair; when mourning ended he plucked it and it did not grow—the age thought filial thought.
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忿 殿 西 使
Soon he was made Attendant of the Yellow Gate. Commander of the Guards Yuan Cha's power was especially great; on transfer none failed to visit and pay court. Shun only submitted a memorial; he never called on Cha. Cha said, "How can you simply not see me? Shun said sternly, "The Son of Heaven is young and entrusts government to clan helpers; uncle should take fairness as heart and raise men for the state. How sell favor and demand private thanks—is that what is hoped? On court debate Shun often spoke straight and never bent. Therefore he was feared and sent out as inspector of Hengzhou. Shun told Cha, "Northern garrisons are in turmoil, the state's thorn—grant me overall command as screen. Cha suspected and did not wish to give a military post; he said, "This is the court's affair—not mine to decide. Shun said, "Uncle holds life and death and says the mandate should be on me—how can there still be a court? Cha grew angrier and feared him. Transferred to inspector of Qizhou. Confident in talent, he could not stay within and nursed resentment in face and speech. He drank for pleasure and did not mind government. Cha was removed from the guards; Shun was summoned as Attendant of the Yellow Gate. Kin met him at the suburbs, congratulating entry. Shun said, "I do not fear not entering—only fear entering and leaving again. Soon he held the Palace Directorate; transferred to palace attendant. Prince of Zhongshan Xi raised troops against Yuan Cha, failed, and was executed. When Empress Dowager Ling returned to government, burial could be changed. Shun sat in the Western Tour Garden and told the empress dowager, "Yesterday I viewed Prince of Zhongshan's burial—not only kin mourned; travelers seeing ten dead in one house wore green flags and wept. Cha's wife was at her side; Shun pointed. "How for one younger sister not subdue Yuan Cha and let the realm harbor injustice? The empress dowager was silent.
30
使
De Xing of Yingzhou rebelled; Lu Tong was sent to campaign and returned in great defeat. Palace Attendant Mu Shao sat with Shun; they discussed Tong's crime. Tong had borrowed a nearby residence from Shao; Shao wished to speak for him. Shun suddenly said, "Lu Tong in the end will be without crime! The empress dowager said, "How can it be as the attendant says? Shun said, "Tong gave a fine house to a powerful attendant—why worry about crime? Shao was ashamed and dared not speak.
31
Empress Dowager Ling adorned herself and often toured; Shun remonstrated, "By rites a widow calls herself not-yet-dead, removes pearls, wears no colored dress. Your Majesty mothers the realm and nears forty—excessive adornment, how show later ages? She was ashamed and returned; she summoned Shun. "I summoned you a thousand li—did you wish to shame me before the crowd? Shun said, "Your Majesty dazzles the realm and does not fear laughter—why shame at one word of mine?"
32
西
Prince of Chengyang Hui admired Shun's talent and favored him. But Prince of Guangyang Shenthe cited text Hui's wife Lady Yu-a great rift opened. When Shen was summoned from Dingzhou as director of the Ministry of Personnel with central guards, Shun drafted the edict, wording beautiful. Hui suspected Shun was Shen's man; with Xu Chi he slandered Shun to the empress dowager. Shun was sent out as Grand General Who Protects the Army and grand master of rites. Shun took leave in the Western Tour Garden; Hui and Chi attended. Shun pointed and told her, "This man is Wei's Bo Pi—if Wei is not destroyed he will not die." Xu He hunched his shoulders and walked out. Shun shouted after him, "A brush-and-knife clerk, fit only for a desk—how dare he bear a halberd here and shame our kinship!" He flung his robe aside and stood. The Empress Dowager said nothing. The court was then reviewing Shun's father's merit in the imperial entrustment; Prince of Rencheng Yi received two thousand additional households, and five hundred of Yi's fief was carved out to make Shun Duke of Dong'a. Fearing Hui and the others were undermining him, Shun wrote "The Flies." Illness kept him at home; he refused all congratulations and condolences.
33
He was later made Director of the Masters of Writing and concurrent right vice director, taking office the same day as Prince of Chengyang Hui. Gentleman-in-Attendance Zheng Yan first paid court to Hui outside the Halting Carriage Gate, then bowed to Shun. Shun said in anger, "You are a flatterer—you should bow to a flatterer's prince. I am an upright man and will not accept a crooked bow. Yan apologized deeply. Shun said, "You are a son of a great house, yet a favorite of the Northern Palace; Vice Director Li Sichong still shares a scroll with Wang Luocheng—by that measure you belong on the next roll too. Onlookers were shaken; Shun remained perfectly at ease. Going up to the Secretariat and climbing toward the couch, he found it very old and asked the chief clerical officer Xu Wuqi. Wuqi said, "The late emperor once sat on this couch. Shun choked up; tears streamed; long he could not speak, and he ordered it replaced.
34
殿 殿 殿 便忿
Zhu Hui, chief clerical officer of the Three Offices Cao, had long served Recording Director Prince of Gaoyang Yong; Yong wished to make him a Court of Justice reviewer and repeatedly pressed Shun, but Shun refused. Yong issued an order appointing him; Shun threw it to the floor. Yong was furious; at dawn he sat in the metropolitan review hall and summoned the director and all section chiefs, intending to humble Shun before them when he arrived. Shun arrived only when the sun stood high. Yong rolled up his sleeves, struck the table, and said, "I am the Son of Heaven's son, brother, uncle, and chief minister—within the four seas none stands higher. What sort of man is Yuan Shun, to throw my written order to the ground! Shun's beard bristled; he looked up at the rafters; rage surged; he sighed long and said nothing. After a long while he waved a white feather fan and said slowly to Yong, "The High Ancestor moved the capital to the central lands and fixed the nine ranks; grades were set clear and dark, a model for ten thousand ages. Yet Zhu Hui is a petty man, a Secretariat clerk—how is he fit for a clean post in the Court of Justice? Your Highness shares the late emperor's blood; you ought to follow the edict and keep to the constant rule—why overstep it again? Yong said, "As chief minister and recording director, how may I not appoint one man to office?" Shun said, "Though the cook does not manage the kitchen, the corpse-blesser does not step past the wine-vessel and stand in for him. I have not heard of any separate edict ordering Your Highness to participate in selections. Shun said sharply again, "If Your Highness insists, Shun will memorialize the matter to the throne." Yong laughed and said, "How can one grow angry over a petty man like Zhu Hui." He rose, called Shun into the inner room, and drank with him to the utmost. Shun's lofty firmness and refusal to bend were all of this kind. He was later made concurrent left vice director.
35
便
When Erzhu Rong received Emperor Zhuangdi, he summoned all the hundred officials to Heyin. He had long heard Shun often remonstrated; he prized his bright integrity and told Zhu Rui, "Tell Vice Director Yuan to stay at the Secretariat—he need not come. Shun did not grasp his meaning; hearing that the officials were to be harmed, he fled and was killed by tomb-guard Xianyu Kangnu. His house had bare walls and nothing to store—only several thousand volumes of books. Gentleman-in-Attendance Wang Caida tore his robe to cover him. When Emperor Zhuangdi returned to the palace, he sent Yellow Gate Attendant Shan Wei to tour the capital and announce the restoration. Wei came to Shun's mourning hall and wept without end. On his return the emperor wondered at his broken voice; Wei reported what he had seen. The emperor ordered Attendant-in-Ordinary Yuan Zhi, "The imperial clan has lost more than one man—it cannot all be compensated. Vice Director Yuan's integrity in poverty shines brighter in death; grant a special gift of a hundred bolts of silk—let no other case follow. He was posthumously made Director of the Masters of Writing and Duke of the Secretariat, posthumous title Wenlie.
36
西 便西 殿西 西
Earlier, while the emperor was still in his princedom, Shun dreamed a stretch of black cloud came straight from the northwest, struck the sun and moon in the southeast and broke them, veiled all the stars, and left heaven and earth wholly dark. Soon cloud and mist dispersed; the sun came out from the southwest corner, bright and clear—the cloud was long, the Prince of Changle's sun. Presently he saw Emperor Zhuangdi enter from Changhe Gate, ascend the Hall of Supreme Ultimate, and "ten thousand years" ring out three times; officials all donned court dress to attend, while Shun alone in the Secretariat's western corridor by the locust tree removed cap and robe and lay down. When he woke he told Yuan Huiye, "My dream last night was very bad for me. He told the dream and interpreted it: "Black cloud is ill qi, the color of the north—a northern enemy will surely disorder the capital, harm the two palaces, and ruin the hundred officials. How so? The sun is the image of the ruler. The moon is the image of the empress. The host of stars are the image of the hundred officials. By this reasoning, will not the capital suffer calamity? Formerly Liu Yao destroyed the Jin house and made a platform of skulls—will not what lies ahead be like this? Even so, Prince of Pengcheng Xie had civil virtue throughout the realm; now the dream shows his son as Son of Heaven—accumulated virtue must be rewarded; this is certain. I only regret he will not hold it long. The reason is he comes from the southwest; by season changing year, it will not exceed three years. I only regret I will not see it. How so? I dreamed I lay under a locust tree; locust has 'tree' beside 'ghost'—my person and a ghost together; again I removed cap and robe—will this not mean death? Yet after death I shall receive the three dukes' posthumous gift. All came about as in the dream. Shun compiled Records of Emperors in twenty scrolls and several tens of poems, rhapsodies, memorials, and eulogies—most are now lost.
37
His eldest son Lang, then seventeen, lay with a blade in hiding for years, then with his own hand cut down Kangnu and offered the head at Shun's tomb, then went to the palace gate to confess. The court praised him and did not punish him. Lang held the office of Secretariat Attendant. In the Tianping era he was killed by a slave and was posthumously made right vice director of the Masters of Writing.
38
Shun's younger brother Ji, courtesy name Zigang, followed Emperor Xiaowu into Guanzhong and held left vice director of the Masters of Writing and the title Prince of Huashan.
39
Prince of Nan'an Zhen was enfeoffed in the second year of Huangxing. Under Emperor Xiaowen he rose to Grand General of the Chang'an Garrison and Governor of Yong. Zhen was loyal and careful by nature. When his mother's illness grew grave, his grief and emaciation were extraordinary; then a white pheasant wandered in his courtyard. The emperor heard how he had moved heaven and earth and gave a thousand bolts of silk in praise. Summoned to lecture on military affairs and received in the Hall of Imperial Trust, he was admonished: "Your filial conduct shows at home and your fair name in the realm; as close kin of the state you will never know poverty. What you should beware of is roughly three things: first, relying on kinship, acting arrogant, violating ritual and overstepping measure; second, arrogance, greed, and luxury, not caring for government; third, drinking, roaming in pleasure, and not choosing whom you befriend. Cast off none of these three and disaster will be born. Zhen could not follow and obey; afterward he gathered wealth and indulged his desires. Emperor Xiaowen, because Zhen's filial nurture was famed within and without, especially pardoned him, stripped his enfeoffment, sent him home as a commoner, and confined him for life.
40
使
Because he took part in deciding the move of the capital, he was again enfeoffed Prince of Nan'an, made Grand General Who Pacifies the North and Governor of Xiang. The emperor saw Zhen off at the Hualin Metropolitan Pavilion and ordered all to compose poems. Those who could not might still shoot arrows—warriors would bend the bow, men of letters take up the brush. The emperor escorted Zhen down the steps, parting in tears. In the fifth month of the twentieth year of Taihe he reached Ye. On the day of the imperial birthday, violent wind and rain struck; several tens froze to death. Zhen again, because of drought, prayed for rain to the host of spirits. In Ye stood the temple of Shi Jilong; the people worshipped it. Zhen told the spirit-image, "If in three days there is no rain, I will add the whip's punishment. The prayer for rain failed; he whipped the image a hundred strokes. That month a carbuncle broke on his back and he died; posthumous title Hui. When Governor of Heng Mu Tai plotted rebellion, Zhen knew and did not report it. Though dead, his rank and fief were still stripped posthumously and the state abolished.
41
His son Ying was clever and keen by nature, skilled at riding and shooting, understood music, and knew a little medicine. Under Emperor Xiaowen he was Governor of Liang. When the emperor campaigned south he was separate-route commander-in-chief of Hanzhong. Later, when the great host reached Zhongli, Ying—seeing the emperor move in person, momentum tilt southeast, and Hanzhong open to exploit—memorialized asking to pursue and strike; the emperor approved. For merit he was promoted to Grand General Who Pacifies the South and enfeoffed Earl of Guangwu.
42
便 沿 便 使 退 使
Soon afterward Liang invaded Feiliang; an edict ordered Ying to lead a hundred thousand men to attack; wherever he went he was to act as circumstances required. Ying memorialized the timing of events, broke Yinling, beheaded twenty-five Liang generals, and took more than five thousand heads. He again repeatedly defeated Liang armies at Liangcheng, beheading forty-two detached generals; killed, captured, and drowned came to nearly fifty thousand. Liang central-army grand general Prince of Linchuan Xiao Hong, left vice director Liu Yan, and five other great generals fled east along the Huai. In all they took four hundred thousand piculs of grain. Ying pursued to Matou; the Matou garrison commandant entrusted the city and fled; he then besieged Zhongli. An edict said the army had been out long and ordered Ying to withdraw the host. Ying memorialized, "The term runs to late second month and early third month; victory is sure by principle. But from the first of this month rain has joined day after day—heaven goes against men's wish. Yet when the king's army moves, its action is not easy to change; one must not, for a little delay, raise dissent. I wish the court would open a far-reaching plan, grant a little breadth, lend days and months, and not let the work of moving a mountain stop halfway. By the fourth month the water swelled and broke the bridge; Ying and the generals fled in disorder; one or two soldiers in ten drowned. Ying reached Yang Province and sent an envoy to deliver his tally, seals, sable tail, cicada insignia, and ribbon of rank; an edict ordered them handed to the keeper of regalia. The relevant offices memorialized that Ying's calculations failed and impeached him for death. An edict pardoned him from death and made him a commoner.
43
使
Later when Prince of Jingzhao Yu rebelled, Ying's princely enfeoffment was restored; he was made bearer of the staff of authority, acting eastern campaign general, and commander-in-chief of Ji military affairs. Before Ying set out, Ji was already pacified.
44
使 使西
At the time Ying middle attendant Supervisor Rongzu secretly led Liang troops; Yiyang responded; garrisons of the Three Passes all held their cities and surrendered to Liang. Governor of Ying Lou Yue shut the city and held it. Men of Xianbi, Bai Zaosheng and others, killed Governor of Yu Sima Yue and held the south of the city in rebellion. Liang general Qi Gou'er led a host to hold Xianbi. Yue's son Shang had married Princess Huayang; both were seized as hostages. An edict made Ying bearer of the staff, commander-in-chief of southern campaign military affairs, and acting southern campaign general; he set out from Runan. The emperor, because Xing Luan had repeatedly defeated Zaosheng, ordered Ying south to Yiyang. Ying, his troops being few, repeatedly memorialized for reinforcements; the emperor did not permit. Yet Ying on his own authority joined Xing Luan in dividing troops to attack Xianbi, captured it, then led the army south. Having halted at Yiyang, he was about to take the Three Passes. Ying calculated, "The three passes depend on one another like left and right hands; capture one pass and the other two need not wait for attack to be settled. Hard attack is not as good as easy; the eastern pass is easy—you should first take it, as Huang Shigong said: battle like wind rising, attack like a river breaking its banks. Ying feared they would combine in the east; he sent Chief Clerk Li Hua with five detachments toward the western pass to divide their strength, while he directed the host toward the eastern pass. It was indeed as Ying had calculated. In all they captured six great generals, twenty detached generals, seven thousand soldiers, four hundred thousand piculs of grain, and military stores in full measure. On return to court he was made vice director of the Masters of Writing. He died; posthumously made duke of the Secretariat, posthumous title Xianwu.
45
祿 婿
Ying's son Xi, courtesy name Zhenxing, loved learning, was handsome and bright, had literary talent, and his fame resounded in the age. Yet he was frivolous and restless; Ying deeply feared he was not a man to preserve the house and often wished to depose him and establish the fourth son Lue. Lue firmly begged and only then did he stop. He was repeatedly promoted to director of the imperial household. At the time Commander of the Guards Yu Zhong held power. Xi was Zhong's son-in-law; therefore within the year he was suddenly promoted. He was later made governor of Xiang. Xi took office in the seventh month; that day great wind and cold rain struck; more than twenty froze to death, and several tens of donkeys and horses. Xi heard of his grandfather's earlier affair and hated it in his heart. Again maggots were born in his courtyard. Earlier, Xi and his brothers had all been favored by Prince of Qinghe Yi; when Liu Teng and Yuan Cha cut off the two palaces and forged an edict to kill Yi, Xi raised troops to punish them. Ten days after Xi raised troops, his chief clerk Liu Yuanzhang, vice director You Jing, and Wei commandery administrator Li Xiaoyi seized Xi and placed him in a high tower, together with his sons and younger brothers. Cha sent left assistant director Lu Tong to behead him in the streets of Ye and send the head to the capital. At first Xi's consort Lady Yu, knowing he would surely fail, did not follow his plans; from the first she wept without cease until his death.
46
Xi was a frontier prince and moreover had literary learning; his bearing was very high. When he first garrisoned Ye, learned friends Yuan Fan, Li Yanzhi, Li Shenjun, the Wang Song brothers, Pei Jingxian, and others all saw him off at the River Bridge and composed farewell poems. When he was about to die he again wrote to old acquaintances, regretting that his will was not fulfilled. Men of the time prized him. Also, before Prince of Rencheng Cheng died, Xi dreamed someone told him, "Rencheng is about to die; two hundred days after his death you too will not escape. If you do not believe it, try looking at Rencheng's house. In the dream Xi looked back at Rencheng's residence; walls on four sides collapsed; not one piece remained. Xi hated it; waking, he told those close to him. When Xi died it was indeed as in the dream. Xi's three brothers each followed Ying on campaign; in the army they were greedy and violent; sometimes in welcoming surrender and pursuing the routed they cut down the innocent and inflated head counts on the merit rolls. Again, when Yu Zhong slandered Guo Zuo and Pei Zhi, Zhong's mind had not yet settled on killing them; Xi urged and encouraged him until they reached the extreme penalty—men of the age considered it wrongful death. When Xi's calamity came, those who understood thought there was retribution. When the Empress Dowager restored the government, he was posthumously made grand duke of the Secretariat, posthumous title Prince Wenzhuang.
47
便 西
Xi's younger brother Lue, courtesy name Juanxing, held the office of gentleman attendant of the yellow gate. When Xi failed, Lue fled in secret and entrusted himself to an old acquaintance, interior minister of Henei Sima Shibin. Shibin made a reed raft; at night he and Lue crossed the Meng Ford and went to Li Faguang's house in Tunliu, Shangdang. Faguang honored faith and righteousness by nature; he rejoiced and received him. Lue's old acquaintance Diao Shuang was then governor of Xihe; Lue went to him again. He stayed more than a year; Shuang then had his nephew Chang escort Lue to slip away south of the Yangtze. Emperor Wu of Liang treated him with great courtesy, enfeoffed him Prince of Zhongshan, and made him governor of Xuancheng. Soon afterward Governor of Xuzhou Yuan Faseng held the south of the city in rebellion; Liang made Lue grand commander-in-chief and ordered him to Pengcheng to receive the newly submitting. Presently Lue was summoned back together with Faseng. Though Lue was in Jiangnan, because of his family's calamity he wept morning and night; his person was as if in mourning. He also hated Faseng's person; speaking with Faseng he never once smiled.
48
祿 西 宿
Liang again made him governor of Heng; he did not go. It happened that his Prince of Yuzhang Zong returned to the state with the city; Zong's chief clerk Jiang Ge, marshal Zu Huanheng, and five thousand soldiers were all taken captive. Emperor Ming ordered the relevant offices to send Ge and the rest back south; thereby they summoned Lue, and Liang sent him off with full ceremony. Emperor Ming ordered Director of the Imperial Household Diao Shuang to meet and comfort him at the border; he made Lue attendant-in-ordinary and Prince of Yiyang. On reaching Shiren Post Pavilion, an edict ordered imperial kinsmen and inside and outside officials who knew him to welcome him in the near suburbs. His marshal Shibin was made gentleman-in-attendance and chief gentleman of the direct attendance; Li Faguang magistrate of his native county; Diao Chang administrator of Dongping; Diao Shuang governor of Western Yan. Every place where Lue ate one meal or lodged one night was rewarded.
49
Soon he was changed to Prince of Dongping; later he was made director of the Masters of Writing. The Empress Dowager greatly favored and trusted him; the trust shown him nearly equaled Yuan Hui's. At the time the realm had many affairs; military and civil matters were myriad. Lue kept to constancy and preserved himself; he had no other benefit—only a compliant minister. Erzhu Rong was Lue's uncle by marriage; Lue had always looked down on him lightly. Lue again sided with Zheng Yan and Xu He; Rong harbored resentment on both counts. When Rong entered Luoyang, Lue was killed at Heyin. He was posthumously made grand guardian and duke of works, posthumous title Wenzhen.
50
Ying's younger brother Yi held the office of general of the Shanshan garrison. In the garrison he was greedy and violent; the relevant offices impeached him; he fled, escaped punishment, and died. At the beginning of Emperor Zhuangdi's reign, because he was Erzhu Rong's wife's elder brother, he was posthumously made grand duke of the Secretariat and Prince of Fufeng. His son Su was enfeoffed Prince of Lu.
51
Su's younger brother Ye, courtesy name Huaxing, childhood name Penzi. By nature he was frivolous and restless and had physical strength. At the beginning of Emperor Zhuangdi's reign he was enfeoffed Prince of Changgang. When Erzhu Rong died, Shilong and the others set up Ye as ruler; the era name was Jianming. Presently Shilong deposed him. When Emperor Jiemin was established, he was enfeoffed Prince of Donghai. At the beginning of Emperor Xiaowu's reign he was killed.
52
Prince of Chengyang Changshou was enfeoffed in the second year of Huangxing and held grand general of the Woye garrison; he had a very great reputation for martial prowess. He died; posthumous title Kang. His son Luan inherited.
53
使 退 祿
Luan, courtesy name Xuanming, stood eight chi; his belt measured ten arm-spans around. He was famed for martial arts and repeatedly served as grand general of the northern capital. At the beginning of Emperor Xiaowen's reign he was made bearer of the staff and southern campaign grand general. With Grand General Who Pacifies the South Lu Yangwu and Li Zuo he attacked Zhiyang but could not take it; defeated, they withdrew; he was reduced to Prince of Dingxiang County. Later, for merit in holding the rear, he was restored to his original enfeoffment. Under Emperor Xuanwu he was governor of Ding. Luan loved Buddha's Way; he repaired temples, urged and led the people, and greatly labored them with earth and timber; public and private were troubled and he was much a nuisance. When Emperor Xuanwu heard of it, an edict stripped his salary for one cycle. He died; posthumous title Huai.
54
His son Hui, courtesy name Xianshun, had slight knowledge of literature and history and considerable talent for administration. Under Emperor Xuanwu he inherited the enfeoffment and was administrator of Henei. In the commandery he was clear and orderly and had a reputation in the age. Under Emperor Ming he was governor of Bing. Earlier, within the province summer frost had fallen; those secure in livelihood were few; Hui at once opened the granaries to relieve them; civil and military officials all remonstrated and stopped him. Hui said, "Formerly Ji Changru, though only a commandery administrator, still opened the granary to save men from disaster. How much more I, close kin of the house, entrusted with a great frontier—how can I cling to the law and not save men in distress? He gave out first and memorialized afterward. Emperor Ming praised him and added the title General Who Pacifies the North. The mountain Hu of Fen had long plundered heavily; from the time Hui governed the province the Hu groups warned one another not to disturb neighboring provinces. Men of Fen and Si came in great numbers to lodge complaints with Hui, wishing to obtain his oral judgment. He was made governor of Qin; on returning to the capital, officials and people wept, clinging to his carriage, unable to stop themselves. Hui's carriage and horses were worn and thin—all old things from the capital; onlookers sighed at his integrity and frugality.
55
He was transferred to director of revenue and concurrent director of the Masters of Writing; soon he was made regular director. Hui held that the law of selection aimed at obtaining the right men; limiting by years of service departed from the old body. But it had been practiced long and was hard to change at once; those equal in virtue received full years, those equal in merit advanced in virtue—men of the time called this middling fairness. He was made attendant-in-ordinary; the rest of his offices remained as before. Hui memorialized asking to hold only one office. Scholars throughout the realm sighed and said, "Chengyang leaves selection—what may the poor still hope for! The sound of complaint and lament soon reached the heights. He was ordered back to hold concurrent director of the Masters of Writing. He was repeatedly promoted to director of the Masters of Writing.
56
忿
At the time the Empress Dowager held sole power; court discipline was in ruins; though Hui occupied a favored post, he offered no correction. With Zheng Yan and his sort he mutually formed factions. Outwardly he seemed gentle and careful; inwardly he was full of suspicion; the smallest grudge he was sure to repay—those who understood detested him. He also could not restrain his wife Lady Yu; she then had illicit relations with Prince of Guangyang Shen. When Shen received command of the military government, in every memorial he discussed Hui's faults; though it involved slander, much was also true.
57
婿 使 使
When Emperor Zhuangdi ascended the throne, Hui was made governor of Si. Presently he was made duke of the Secretariat, still holding the governorship. When Yuan Hao entered Luoyang, Hui followed Emperor Zhuangdi on the northern tour. When the imperial carriage returned to the palace, for merit in the plot he was made attendant-in-ordinary, grand marshal, and grand duke of the Secretariat, with plumed canopy and war drums, fief increased to twenty thousand households in all. Hui memorialized declining office and enfeoffment repeatedly. Hui was personally favored by Emperor Zhuangdi; inwardly he feared Erzhu Rong and the others; therefore he declined. The emperor understood his meaning; he permitted decline of enfeoffment but not of office. Hui's later wife was the emperor's maternal uncle's daughter. Attendant-in-Ordinary Li Yu was the emperor's elder sister's husband. Hui by nature was fawning and ingratiating, skilled at winning favor; he relied on inside and outside connections—among the imperial clan none was more favored. Thereupon with Yu and the others he urged the emperor to plot against Rong. Emperor Zhuangdi too had long had the intention. When Rong died, Shilong and the others held their troops and would not disband. Hui was made grand guardian, still grand marshal, grand preceptor, and recording director, presiding over inside and outside affairs. Hui's original expectation was that after Rong's death the branches would scatter. When the Erzhu clan gathered and plotted trouble, Hui's stratagems had no outcome; he was only fearful. By nature he was very jealous and did not wish others to stand before him. Whenever he entered to discuss strategy he alone decided with the emperor. If court officials memorialized military and state plans, he urged the emperor not to accept. He would say, "What worry is there that small bandits cannot be eliminated? He was also stingy with wealth; whenever there were rewards they were thin and few, or if many they were cut down midway, given and then pursued for return. Emperor Zhuangdi by nature was narrow and sparing; Hui especially approved and shaped this. Junior Director of the Imperial Treasury Li Miao, when Hui was duke of the Secretariat, had been his marshal; Hui treated him generously. Miao often offered loyal words; Hui mostly did not adopt them. Miao told others, "Chengyang by nature has the eyes of a wasp, and now the voice of a jackal will also show. When Erzhu Zhao entered, palace guards scattered; Emperor Zhuangdi walked out the Cloud Dragon Gate; Hui mounted and fled across; the emperor repeatedly called; Hui did not look back. He fled to the south of the mountains, to the house of his former subordinate Kou Mi. Mi outwardly received him but inwardly was uneasy; he frightened Hui, saying, "Official arrest is about to arrive. He ordered him to another place; he had men lie in wait on the road and kill him, then sent the corpse to Erzhu Zhao. At the beginning of Emperor Xiaowu's reign he was posthumously made bearer of the staff, attendant-in-ordinary, grand preceptor, recording director, and governor of Si, posthumous title Wenxian. His son Yan inherited the title. When Qi received the mandate, by precedent the rank was reduced.
58
Prince of Zhangwu Tailuo died in the second year of Huangxing; posthumously made northern campaign grand general and Prince of Zhangwu, posthumous title Jing. He had no son. At the beginning of Emperor Xiaowen, the second son of Prince of Nan'an Hui, Bin, was made his heir.
59
Bin, courtesy name Bao'er, was brave and strong and had the talent of a general. He was governor of Xia; for greed his enfeoffment was stripped. He was later made governor of Fen. More than six hundred Hu held difficult terrain and plotted rebellion. Bin asked for twenty thousand troops; the emperor was greatly angered and said, "If a great host is truly needed, first behead the governor, then raise the army! Bin received the edict in great fear; he himself led the soldiers first and pacified the Hu. He died; posthumously made regular attendant of the scattered cavalry.
60
His son Rong, courtesy name Yongxing, had a magnificent appearance and by nature was open and direct with heroic spirit. At the beginning of Emperor Xuanwu his former title was restored; he rose to governor of Henan. Rong was especially greedy; he indulged in gathering wealth and was impeached by the chief commandant; office and rank were stripped. The mountain Hu of Fen and Xia rebelled, linking Zhengping and Pingyang. An edict restored Rong's former enfeoffment; he was made eastern campaign general, bearer of the staff, and commander-in-chief to attack them. Rong was weak in strategy and was defeated by the Hu. Later the bandit chief Xianyu Xiuli raided Ying and Ding; Zhangsun Chengye and others campaigned against him and failed. Rong was made general of the imperial chariots and vanguard left-army commander-in-chief; with Prince of Guangyang Shen and others he jointly attacked Xiuli. The army crossed the Jiao Ford; Ge Rong killed Xiuli and set himself up; he shifted camp to Bainiu Ford; light cavalry struck Rong and killed him in the formation. Posthumously made duke of works. Presently because Rong died in the prince's service, he was advanced posthumously to duke of the Secretariat with front and rear war drums added, posthumous title Zhuangwu. His son Jingzhe inherited. Jingzhe's younger brother Lang was the deposed emperor.
61
Prince of Leling Hu'er died in the fourth year of Heping; posthumously enfeoffed Prince of Leling, posthumous title Kang. He had no son. Emperor Xianwen ordered the second son of Hu'er's elder brother Prince of Ruyin Tiansi, Yongquan, to succeed him. After inheriting the enfeoffment he changed his name to Siyu. Under Emperor Xiaowen he was Grand General Who Pacifies the North. Mu Tai secretly plotted disloyalty; Siyu knew and did not report it; his enfeoffment was stripped and he was made a commoner. At the end of Taihe his princely enfeoffment was restored. He died and was posthumously titled Prince Mi. His son Jinglüe succeeded and served as governor of Binzhou. He died and was posthumously titled Prince Hui.
62
使
Prince of Anding Xiu was enfeoffed in Huangxing 2. As a youth he was clever and quick. As Grand Judge of the Outer Capital he won fame for judging cases. When the court campaigned south, he headed the Grand Marshal's office. Emperor Xiaowen reviewed the armies in person and found Xiu parading three thieves before the six armies to behead them; an edict pardoned the men. Xiu held fast and said, "If they are not beheaded, how will theft be stilled? The edict answered, "A king may show extraordinary grace; though this breaks military law, spare them." Xiu then obeyed the edict. The emperor told Minister of Education Feng Dan, "The Grand Marshal is stern in law—the armies must take care. Thereupon the six armies stood in awe. When the capital moved to Luoyang, Xiu followed the court to Ye, led the following officials to fetch their families from Pingcheng, and was seen off by the emperor north of the Zhang River. In the eighteenth year Xiu fell ill; the emperor visited his house in tears, and envoys with physicians crowded the road. From his death until the encoffining the emperor visited three times. The emperor came to his gate, changed into coarse hemp mourning dress, plain cap with headband. The crown prince and all officials followed in the mourning rites. His posthumous name was Prince Jing. An edict granted him posthumously the golden axe, feathered canopy, and martial pipes, all matching Elder of State Wei Yuan. The emperor escorted him beyond the wall and returned weeping. No other prince was honored with such rites. Under Emperor Xuanwu he received sacrifice in the ancestral temple.
63
His son Chao, courtesy Huasheng, succeeded. At the time Hu Guozhen held Duke of Anding; Chao was shifted to Prince of Beiping, then restored to Anding. When Erzhu Rong entered Luoyang, he was killed while seeking refuge.
64
Jingshan, courtesy Baoyue, had capacity and vision in youth and ability beyond most men. Under Emperor Jing of Zhou he rose by military merit to Commissioner with the Golden Seal, equal to the Three Excellencies. Following Emperor Wu in pacifying Qi, he was made Grand General, Duke of Pingyuan, and Commander of Bozhou. His laws were clear and stern, bandits vanished, and his district grew quiet. He was summoned to be Director of Attendants. When Emperor Xuan succeeded, he followed Senior Pillar of State Wei Xiaokuan in planning for Huainan. Commander of Yunzhou Yuwen Liang rebelled and struck Xiaokuan with light troops. Xiaokuan was hard pressed; Jingshan struck and broke Liang. For merit he was again made Commander of Bozhou.
65
使
When Emperor Wen of Sui was chief minister, Yuchi Jiong rose in rebellion. Governor of Rongzhou Yuwen Zhou conspired with Jiong and secretly urged Jingshan by letter. Jingshan seized the envoy, sealed the letter, and sent it to the chief minister's office, and was advanced to Grand General Supreme. For military merit he was made Commander of Anzhou and advanced to Pillar of State. When Emperor Wen of Sui received the throne, he was made Senior Pillar of State. The next year, in the great campaign against Chen, Jingshan was commander-in-chief and marched from Hankou. About to cross the Yangzi, he learned that Emperor Xuan of Chen had died; an edict ordered withdrawal. Jingshan's fame was so great that enemies deeply feared him. Several years later he was dismissed for an offense. He died at home and was posthumously made Commander of Liangzhou, posthumous name Xiang. His son Chengshou succeeded.
66
便 西
Chengshou was skilled with bow and horse and served as armory attendant to the Prince of Qin. In the Daye era he was Commandant of Xiping commandery.
67
Xie's younger brother Yuanping was wild and unrestrained. At the start of Emperor Xuanwu's reign he was made Supervising Attendant; his depravity grew daily in murder and robbery until all suffered. Because he was close kin, the emperor could not bear to punish him by law; he was removed from office and confined in a separate lodge. The lodge was named Hall of Complete Reflection, in hope he would restrain his thoughts. When the emperor died, he was allowed out. When Empress Dowager Ling held court, because he would not reform, he was returned to the lodge and confined as before. After long confinement he was released home and handed to the Imperial Clan Director for strict guidance. Later he was made Regular Attendant of Scattered Cavalry on the Direct Path and Forward General. For stripping his wife Lady Wang before their children and raping her sister before her mother, Chief Commandant Hou Gang judged unnatural conduct and sentenced him to strangulation. An amnesty spared him; he was demoted to Regular Attendant Outside the Sequence. He died.
68
The appraisal says: Among the sons of Yangping, Yi alone was loyal and stalwart. Of the Jingzhao line, Xun truly had a name. Kuang's blunt uprightness is well worth praise! When Emperor Xianwen was about to abdicate, it was the great test of the state's integrity. Prince Kang remonstrated firmly in court; his virtuous words shone—one sentence raised the state; is this not the thing? Wenxuan was upright, firm, lofty, and far-seeing, a luxuriant hero of the clan who served many reigns in person. Calm in ease and danger alike, he bore the altars of state—the very hope of beam and pillar. Shun was blunt in remonstrance and free in spirit, with the air of Ji An; unused in his time, he met violent death by chance—a pity! Song had the spirit of the battle line; Jun was a man who tore the cap. Nan'an traced beginning and end; good did not cover evil. Ying's use as commander made a name in his time. The brothers Xi and Lüe won early praise; one had talent but aims too large, one narrow in capacity yet given wide charge. None could finish their fame; all met untimely death—a pity! Prince Kang was not long-lived; Luan raised the family's name. Hui adorned his wit and bent his feelings, fawning outside while jealous within—the disaster of Yong'an: who bore the blame? When he died, it was surely fitting! Zhangwu and Leling scarcely count. Prince Jing judged decisively and bore stern authority, praised in the Taihe era—beautiful!
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