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卷二十二 列傳第十: 長孫嵩 長孫道生 長孫肥

Volume 22 Biographies 10: Zhangsun Song, Zhangsun Daosheng, Zhangsun Fei

Chapter 22 of 北史 · History of the Northern Dynasties
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Chapter 22
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Volume 22 Biographies 10: Zhangsun Song, Zhangsun Daosheng, Zhangsun Fei
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Biographies 10
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Zhangsun Song
4
使
Zhangsun Song came from Dai. His father Ren served as Southern Tribal Elder under Emperor Zhaocheng. Song was magnanimous and dignified; Zhaocheng gave him the name Song. At fourteen he took his father's place in command. Late in Zhaocheng's reign the tribes were in turmoil; Fu Jian sent Liu Kuren to govern the realm, and Song with Yuan Ta and others brought their people to join him.
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鹿
When Liu Xian turned traitor, Song led his veterans and the Shushi, over seven hundred households, to break with Xian and escape. Near Wuyuan, Prince Shi's son Wo had raised troops and declared himself leader; Song meant to go to him. He met Wu Wo, who denounced Wo as a rebel against his father and urged Song to submit to Daowu. Song hesitated; Wu Wo turned his ox homeward, and Song bowed and went along, meeting Daowu at Erhan Pavilion. Daowu appointed him Southern Tribal Elder, and he won repeated distinction in the field. He later joined the attack on Zhongshan, was made Governor of Ji Province, and enfeoffed as Duke of Julu. In succession he was Palace Attendant, Minister of Works, and Governor of Xiang Province, and was raised to Duke of Nanping. In every post he earned praise. When Mingyuan succeeded, Xi Jin of Shanyang, An Tong of Beixin, Cui Hong of Baima, and five others sat at the right of the Stop-the-Carriage Gate and governed affairs; the age called them the Eight Dukes.
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西便
When Liu Yu of Jin marched against Yao Hong, Mingyuan gave Song command authority over the eastern armies; he reached Pingyuan and lined his forces along the north bank of the Yellow River, camping at Pancheng. The campaign met reverses. The court issued an edict granting Liu Yu free passage. Liu Yu, aboard ship, sighted Song's standards and sent Ling wine and southern delicacies. Song forwarded everything to the capital. The emperor ordered Song to reply in kind. He further ordered elite troops held in readiness: if Yu marched west, Song was to drive crack units south through Peng and Pei; if Yu did not pass promptly, he was merely to trail him with his army. When Yu reached the ground between Xiao and Shan he would surely grapple with Yao Hong; one side would perish and one be crippled, and both armies exhausted. Come autumn one could strike at ease, and Liu Yu's head might be taken without fighting. Thereupon Sunsun Jian and others were sent. They advanced along the river toward Luoyang and entered the passes. Song and Jian crossed south from Chenggao; Jin border posts broke and ran at their dust. After Yu seized Chang'an, Song marched home.
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Mingyuan, on his sickbed, asked Song about the succession. Song said, "To set up the eldest son is to follow order; to choose by virtue is to win obedience. The eldest imperial son is worthy and the rightful heir; Heaven has chosen him. I beg that he be enthroned." The decision was made; Taiwu was ordered to preside at court and oversee the realm, with Song as his left-hand counselor.
8
西 西 使 輿
When Taiwu succeeded, Song was raised to Prince of Beiping and made Director of the Right for Si Province. The emperor asked his ministers, "Helian and Rouran—which should we attack first?" Song, the Prince of Pingyang Zhangsun Han, and Minister of Works Xi Jin said, "Helian sits on settled ground and is not yet a great danger. Rouran has long plagued the frontier; Datan should be attacked first. If we catch him in time we can take his herds and enrich the treasury; if not, we can hunt Yin Mountain, slaughter game, and stock the army with meat, hides, sinew, and horn—better still than wasting force on a small realm." Minister of Ceremonies Cui Hao said, "Datan moves like a fleeing bird; hot pursuit cannot last, and a mass army cannot catch him. Helian Qubugai holds less than a thousand li; his laws are savage and men and gods have abandoned him—strike him first." Director Liu Jie and Marquis of Wujing An Yuan urged pacifying Feng Ba first. The emperor said nothing and went west on inspection. Later, when word came that Qubugai was dead and Guanzhong in chaos, the court debated a western campaign. Song and others said, "If they shut their walls and wait while we tire ourselves, Datan will hear and strike our emptiness—that road is perilous." The emperor then consulted the Celestial Master Kou Qianzhi. Qianzhi urged action; Du Chao agreed; Cui Hao again pressed the gains of a western war. Song and others protested that it must not be done; the emperor raged, charged Song with corruption, and had guards shame him before the court. He was soon made Grand Commandant. In time he was also made Pillar of State and Grand General. After that, whenever the emperor marched out, Song as a senior pillar mostly stayed to guard the capital, presiding in court to decide criminal suits. He died at eighty; his posthumous name was Xuan. Later Xiaowen honored founders of earlier reigns and granted Song joint offerings in the imperial temple.
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His son Tui excelled in horsemanship and archery and could bend a three-hundred-jin bow. He inherited the rank and was made Palace Attendant and General Who Pacifies the South. For a crime he was reduced to garrison duty. His title was later restored. He died; his posthumous name was An.
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His son Dun, styled Xiaoyou, became Northern Garrison Commander-in-Chief. For corruption he was demoted from prince to duke. Under Xiaowen he argued that his ancestors' service was great and recovered his princely title. He died. His posthumous name was Jian.
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His son Dao, styled Nianseng, succeeded to the title. In time, by the usual rule, he was demoted to duke and made Left Guards General. He died; his posthumous name was Shen.
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祿
His son Yue inherited the title. At the opening of Jianyi he regained his princely rank; soon he was again demoted to duke and made Vice Director of the Imperial Household. He died and was posthumously made Minister of Works.
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Fifth-generation descendant Jian
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Song's fifth-generation descendant Jian won fame serving the Zhou. Jian had originally been named Qingming. His great-grandfather Difen was General Who Pacifies the East and Duke of Linchuan. His grandfather Zhuo was Governor of Heng Province. His father Yi was Outer Gentleman Attendant at the Palace Library and died young.
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宿 西 西
Jian was upright and principled, grave in manner; even at home he sat in formal bearing all day. He made no casual friendships; unless they shared his principles, even grandees at his door went unseen. In the Taichang era, when the border stirred, Jian was first Acting Grand Commander for Defense of East Xia Province; he followed Erzhu Tianhe in defeating Su Qin Mingda and was enfeoffed Marquis of Suolu. When Zhou Wen arrived at Xia Province he made Jian Recording Secretary and held him in high regard. After Heba Yue was slain, Zhou Wen went to Pingliang; on every plan for rule Jian was consulted. After Hou Mo Chen Yue was pacified, Jian was left Chief Administrator of Qin and Grand Commander for Defense, entrusted with the rear, and enfeoffed Baron of Xindu. When Wei Governor Kezhu Hunyuan fled to Eastern Wei, loyalty between the Yellow and Wei rivers frayed. Governor Li Bi put Jian in temporary charge of Wei Province. Jian rode out with a dozen men through danger to reach it. He then pacified as the moment required; Qiang and Hu submitted willingly. He was transferred to Governor of Xia Province. He won deep goodwill among the people. Western Xia Province had not yet joined the realm; Eastern Wei sent Xu He as its governor. Jian won him with faith and duty; He then came over. He was immediately made Governor of Western Xia and supreme commander of the three Xia provinces.
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滿
When Jing and Xiang first submitted, Zhou Wen memorialized making Jian commander of twelve provinces including the three Jings, Governor of Jing, and Vice Director of the Southeast Circuit. The magistrate of Zheng County, Quan Can, was accused by the people and investigation proved him guilty. Jian immediately assembled his staff, confessed his own fault before the investigation hall, stripped and flogged himself, and released Can without punishment. Subordinate districts were awed into order and none dared offend the law. Emperor Wen of Wei sent a sealed letter of praise. Zhou Wen also wrote to Jian: "I have just heard that a magistrate under you offended, and you yourself took thirty strokes to awe your staff. I rejoiced and sighed a long while at the news—words fail me." Jian led with integrity and mixed strictness with mercy. When thieves were taken, if circumstances warranted leniency he lectured them and let them go. Among the Jing tribes the old custom slighted elders. Jian urged them patiently; the custom changed deeply. He promoted farming and silkworms and trained the people in arms, so the frontier knew no alarm and men kept their livelihoods. Officials and commoners asked to raise a Tower of Pure Virtue for Jian and carve a praise stele; the court agreed. When his term neared its end the people feared a replacement and petitioned at court to keep Jian; the throne approved, and he held the province seven years running.
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退 使 使 使
He was summoned as Director of the Grand Secretariat and concurrently Chief Secretary to the Chancellor. He often sat with the great lords in audience; when they left, Zhou Wen told his attendants, "This man is grave and elegant; every talk with him leaves me in respectful fear lest I fall short." Another day Zhou Wen said to Jian, "Name and deed must accord. As Director you love poverty and simplicity; take the name Jian to show your character." He was made Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and Palace Attendant. Later he was Vice Director of the Southeast Circuit, Grand Commander of fifteen provinces, and Governor of Jing. When Liang's Prince of Yueyang, Xiao Cha, came over, he first sent envoys to court. At Jingzhou, Jian drew up military formation at the investigation hall, wore full armor, and received the envoys as honored guests. Towering in build, voice like a bell, he spoke largely in Xianbei and had interpreters relay his replies. The envoys trembled and dared not raise their eyes. At dusk he changed to skirt, jacket, and gauze cap and feasted them in a side chamber. He spoke of Liang's chaos and the court's wish to gather the loyal; his words impressed. The envoys were delighted and said on leaving, "We could not fathom such a man."
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In the second year of Emperor Fei of Wei he was Grand Commander of the Southeast and defender of thirty-three provinces including Jing and Xiang. When Liang's Emperor Yuan took the throne at Jiangling he was courteous abroad but schemed within. Jian secretly proposed a plan to take him. He was summoned to court and asked for strategy. Jian presented his design; Zhou Wen strongly agreed and sent him back to prepare in secret. Soon the Pillar of State Yu Jin was sent against Jiangling. After victory, for Jian's original plan he received three hundred households of slaves and maids. He was ordered to hold Jiangling and was raised to Duke of Changning. Later he shifted to Jing Province as overall commander of fifty-two provinces including Jing and Xiang and Acting Governor. At the start of Emperor Min of Zhou, Zhao Gui and others plotted against the Duke of Jin, Yuwen Hu; Jian's eldest son Sengyan joined them and was put to death. Hu then summoned Jian and made him Junior Director of the Imperial Mausoleum. In the fourth year of Baoding he was made Pillar of State. The court judged Jian's conduct pure and his service great; an edict praised him and gave silks and grain to honor his virtue.
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At the opening of Tianhe he was transferred to Shan Province as commander of seven provinces and its governor. Once, coming to report at court in heavy snow, he waited for answer from dawn to dusk without slackening. So scrupulous was he. When illness sent him to the capital, an edict found his old house too small and gave him a mansion of the first rank.
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He later died as overall commander at Xia Province. His last charge: bury him in ordinary dress, carry the coffin in a plain cart without guard of honor, and accept no funeral gifts from kin or friends. His sons obeyed in full. He also asked to be buried beside Zhou Wen and to return the granted house to the state; both were approved. He kept his former offices posthumously, was made commander of ten provinces including Liang and Gua and Governor of Liang, posthumously enfeoffed Duke of Zeng with posthumous name Wen. Six hundred ninety-seven men of Jing Province, including Zhao Chao, petitioned for a temple and stele; the court agreed.
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In the first year of Jiande an edict said, "The late Pillar of State, Duke of Zeng Jian, facing death was exact in virtue and spoke words of integrity. The house he lived in had been a royal gift, splendid beyond what his sons should keep; he asked to return it and move elsewhere. Sunshu Ao of old refused fertile land; Xiao He chose a mean district. By ancient and modern measure he need not blush before the wise of old. Yet the offices missed the larger point and quickly gave the mansion away. To honor merit is the ancient kings' law—how indulge his modesty and break the rule of reward! Let the house return to his wife and sons, so his purity may spread far and his virtue never fade."
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西
His second son Long was Director within the Ministry of Metals. He followed the Prince of Chang west against Chen, was lost south of the Yangtze, and died there. Long's younger brother Ping was the most famous.
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Jian's son Ping
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使
Ping, styled Chujun, was handsome and capable, well read in records, and Reader to Zhou's Prince of Wei. Then Emperor Wu was constrained by Yuwen Hu; he and the Prince of Wei plotted Hu's death, and the prince often sent Ping to speak for him to the emperor. After Hu was killed, Ping was made Opening Office, Equal in Rank to Three Ministers. Emperor Xuan established Eastern Capital offices and made Ping Junior Minister of Justice, sharing the six ministries with Zhao Fen, Minister of Rites. When Wen of Sui was still in the wings, he and Ping were close friends. When Wen became Chancellor, favor and courtesy deepened. He Ruo Bi then held Shouyang; Wen feared treason and sent Ping to replace him as Overall Commander of Yang Province and made him Duke of Xiangyang. Bi refused obedience; Ping sent strong men to seize him and escort him to the capital.
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' ' 使
In Sui's third year of Kaihuang he was summoned as Director of Revenue. Seeing floods and droughts everywhere and the people in want, he memorialized that each autumn every household should set aside up to one picul of grain and wheat by wealth, stored in the village against famine—righteous granaries. The emperor warmly approved. Districts thereafter grew plentiful. Later he was Director of Works and was judged fit for office. Someone reported Grand Commander Bing Shao had mocked the court as muddled; the emperor raged and would kill him. Ping remonstrated: "The proverb says that without deafness or folly one cannot head a great household. This saying is small, yet it applies to great matters. Shao's words should never have reached Your Majesty. If you kill him too, I fear posterity will find a stain on your sacred virtue." The emperor pardoned Shao. He then ordered that slander need not be reported. Later the Tujue khagans Datou and Dulan fought; each asked for aid. The emperor sent Ping with authority to proclaim peace. Ping explained profit and peril; both then stood down. The khagans gave him two hundred horses. Returning, he offered the horses; the emperor returned them all to Ping. Soon he was censured, made Director inspecting Bian, then Governor of Bian, and later Xu and Bei—good rule in each.
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Ye's folk were fickle; earlier governors mostly failed. The court made Ping Governor of Xiang; he won great fame for competence. After years in office, on the fifteenth of the first month the people staged a great show in painted armor; the emperor in anger removed him. Soon remembering Ping's guard of the Huai, the emperor raised him to Grand General and made him Minister of Ceremonies and Director of the Masters of Writing. He died in office; his posthumous name was Kang.
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使 簿
His son Shixiao was frivolous and greedy and broke the law again and again. Judging him unfit to carry the house, the emperor sent envoys to mourn Ping. Shixiao was made Chief Clerk of Bohai. In late Daye he plundered freely and the commandery groaned. He was later killed by Wang Shichong.
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Zhangsun Daosheng
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使
Zhangsun Daosheng was Song's clan-nephew. He was loyal, generous, incorrupt, and careful. Daowu valued his prudence and put him in charge of confidential affairs. Together with He Pi and the other four men, he served at court beside the ruler and transmitted edicts. When Mingyuan took the throne, Daosheng was appointed General of Southern Command and Inspector of Ji Province. Later he took beautiful women from others and presented them. Mingyuan harshly reproached him but, because he was an old minister, did not punish or dismiss him. When Taiwu took the throne, he was advanced to Duke of Ruyin and transferred to Chamberlain for Law Enforcement. He followed the campaign against the Rouran. With Wei Juan and others, he led troops between the White and Black deserts and returned with a great victory. When Taiwu campaigned against Helian Chang, Daosheng, Minister over the Masses Zhangsun Han, and Director of the Imperial Clan E Qing served as the vanguard and pacified his state. Chang's younger brother Ding fled to defend Pingliang. Song sent the generals Dao Yanzhi and Wang Zhongde to raid Henan in order to rescue him. An edict ordered Daosheng and Prince Taizhi of Danyang to garrison the river to resist them. He then lured the Song general Tan Daoji, cut him off front and rear, pursued him to Licheng, and returned. He was appointed Minister of Works, additionally made Palace Attendant, and advanced to Prince of Shangdang. He died at eighty-two and was posthumously granted Grand Commandant, with the posthumous name Jing.
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Daosheng lived plainly; though one of the Three Excellencies, he wore no finery and ate no second dish. One bear-hide mud-guard he kept decades unchanged; his age compared him to Yan Ying. His house was humble. After he marched out, his sons repaired it and raised halls and galleries. On his return Daosheng sighed: "Huo Qubing once said that while the Xiongnu were unbeaten he would not make a home. Now fierce enemies still roam the northern desert; how can I sit amid comfort and splendor!" He sharply rebuked his sons and had the house torn down. Under Taiwu he distinguished himself wherever he served; his great counsels usually matched the time. As a commander he was resourceful and kind to troops. The emperor had singers praise his ministers in turn: "Wise as Cui Hao, pure as Daosheng." In old age he was much ruled by his wife Lady Meng and was ridiculed for it. He and his cousin Song both reached the Three Excellencies—the glory of their day.
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西西 殿
His son Xian was Vice Minister and died young. Xian's son Guan was famed in youth for courage; later he inherited the title Prince of Shangdang. Alien princes were usually demoted to duke; because his grandfather Daosheng had aided the founding reign, the emperor did not demote him. As General Who Pacifies the West and Acting Minister of Works he commanded the seven western garrisons against Tuyuhun. Chief Shiyin fled and hid, burning his cities before withdrawing. At Xiaowen's accession he was Director of the Palace Secretariat and Palace Attendant. When Tuyuhun invaded again he was again lent the seal of Acting Minister of Works to subdue them. Later he was General Who Pacifies the South. He died; his posthumous name was Ding. His funeral followed his grandfather the Tranquil Prince and he was buried at the Golden Tomb in Yunzhong.
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Great-grandson You
33
殿
His son Jigui at six inherited the title and was demoted to duke. Xiaowen, seeing him bear the house while still young, gave him the name You, styled Chengye. Chengye was clever, talented, humble, and loved scholars; as Forward General he followed Xiaowen south. Under Emperor Xuanwu he was Governor of Yang, Acting General Who Guards the South, and commander of Huainan. Liang's Pei Sui and Yu Hong seized Shouchun; Chengye's sons were ferocious and Sui called them the "little irons." An edict ordered the Prince of Hejian to lead reinforcements. The prince wanted battle; Chengye, with rains prolonged, urged patience. The prince refused, fought, was exploited by the foe; Chengye covered the retreat.
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At first, since Chengye held a strong host and would not fight, some suspected ulterior motives. The court sent the Prince of Hejian, Prince of Huaiyang Yu, and Li Xian as three commanders—ostensibly to help Chengye, in truth to watch him.
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使使 鹿 西
When Xianyu Xiuli rebelled at Zhongshan, Chengye was made Grand Commander of the Northern Expedition. Soon, reaching Ye as chief envoy, an edict stripped him of the mobile secretariat and grand envoy rank and made the Prince of Hejian Grand Commander with Li Daoyuan as secretariat. Chengye sent his son Ziyu with a memorial: he and the prince were both in Huainan facing national crisis. The prince was beaten while he stayed intact, and private bitterness grew. Moreover, snatching command at the critical hour was no skill of his. The memorial was rejected. Prince and Chengye reached Hulu; Chengye would not fight and the prince would not heed him. At Wulu, Xiuli ambushed them; the prince would not aid; rebels massed and they were routed. Chengye and the prince were both removed from office. Soon Zhengping in Shu rebelled; Chengye was again lent General Who Pacifies the West and Commander against Shu. Repeated victories won him General Who Pacifies the East and restoration of his title. Later he was Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing. Soon Yong Governor Xiao Baoyin rebelled; Chengye was again mobile secretariat against him. Chengye's back sore was not yet healed. Empress Dowager Ling comforted him, saying, "Your illness is like this; I wished to let you rest, but there is no one else I can entrust. What is to be done?" Chengye answered, "I serve until death—how dare I not strive?" His son Yan had foot sores too; leaning on a staff he came to bid farewell. Vice Director of the Masters of Writing Yuan Shun turned to the others and said, "We are all chief ministers, each occupying favored positions. On a day of danger, can it be right for the sick to go first?" No one answered.
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西 調 便 祿調
Xue Fengxian rebelled in Zhengping; Xue Xiuyi massed in Hedong, seized the salt pools, besieged Puban, and linked east and west with Baoyin. Chengye held Hedong. An edict abolished the salt tax; Chengye memorialized: "The salt pools are Heaven's wealth, hard by the capital—they must be treasured, guarded, and fairly shared. Now alarms ring on every side and the treasury is bare; Ji and Ding are dying in chaos and their silk dues cannot be gathered. The coffers spend without receiving—accounts must be balanced, outgo matched by income. In one year the salt levy, reckoned in silk, should not fall below three hundred thousand bolts. That is like keeping Ji and Ding within the royal domain; to abolish it now is double loss. I earlier defied the stern order and did not strike the border rebels first but relieved Hedong—not because I slighted Chang'an and rushed to Puban. Once Puban fell the salt pools were lost and the armies' mouths had no supply—the lifeline was cut. Heaven aided Great Wei and the plan held. Even in Gaozu's peaceful years, when want was unknown, he set salt officers and guardians. Not to wring profit from goods but lest profit corrupt custom. Today lords feast without serving and officers draw pay without labor; rent takes six years' grain and corvée eats next year's stock. All is private spending of public muscle—not our wish but our bind. I have ordered the supervising office and commandant to return with their troops and collect the tax as usual, pending further command." When Yong was pacified he was made its governor.
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椿 使
At Xiaozhuang's accession he was Prince of Shangdang, soon Prince of Fengyi, later demoted to commandery duke. He became Duke of Works, Palace Attendant, Concurrent Director and Grand Secretariat, still holding Chang'an. When Jiemin succeeded he was Grand Commandant and recorded affairs of the Masters of Writing. After defeat at Hanling, Husijun seized Heyang Bridge and plotted to kill the Erzhu clan. Chengye was sent to Luoyang to tell Jiemin of the plan to kill Shilong and his brothers. At Xiaowu's accession he was Grand Tutor; for fixing the succession he was further enfeoffed Baron of the Opening State. He asked to transfer the enfeoffment to his cousin's son Yun, second son of Vice Director Yuan Hongchao. His mother died at his birth; Hongchao's mother raised him—hence the request. It was granted.
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When Emperor Wu entered the passes Chengye held Wulao and followed to Chang'an as Grand Preceptor, recording affairs, and Prince of Shangdang. In the first year of Datong he died, posthumously given the golden axe, Grand Chancellor, commander of thirty provinces and Governor of Yong, posthumous name Wensuan.
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In youth Chengye was rakish—cockfights, horses, brawls that killed—and fled to Longmen garrison commander Chen Xingde. An amnesty spared him. He married his stepmother Luo's stepdaughter, a Lü, to Xingde's brother Xingen in gratitude. Luo was more than ten years Chengye's senior and fiercely jealous. Chengye still honored and loved her and kept no concubines. Several boy attendants at his side were suspected and killed. His first wife Lady Zhang bore Ziyan and Ziyu. Luo bore Shaoyuan, Shiliang, and Jiliang. The brothers were all fierce in battle.
40
Ziyan, originally Jun, was immensely strong; for repeated campaigns with his father he was Baron of Huaili. When Xiaowu quarreled with Qi Shenwu, Ziyan was made Grand Commander of the Center Army and Vice Director, garrisoning Hengnong as his right hand. Following the emperor into the passes he was Duke of Gaoping and Equal in Rank to Three Ministers. For campaigning against Dou Tai and fighting at Shayuan he was made Opening Office and Palace Attendant. When the east was recovered he was Concurrent Director and Acting Governor of Si, left to hold Luoyang. Later, when affairs turned bad, the army withdrew. In the seventh year of Datong he was Grand Tutor to the Heir Apparent.
41
In youth Ziyan often fell and broke his arm; bone rose an inch above the elbow. He had the flesh opened and the bone sawed; blood poured in sheng yet he jested calmly. His age thought him bolder than Guan Yu. In his last years stony growths broke out; kin took it for a foul disease. Ziyan said, "With such a disease I cannot prove my innocence. There is no skilled doctor in the world—I am as good as dead! I have heard that with this disease a viper's bite does not hurt—let us find one so my brothers know I am myself." They found a snake on South Mountain; he touched it to his thigh, cried in pain, and the swelling soon subsided. When Emperor Wen heard of it. He wept and said, "I have lost my fine general!" He was posthumously made Governor of Yong.
42
Ziyu was Vice Director of the Imperial Guards. He gave up seventeen ranks of ordinary salary to seek office for his son Yizhen. Yizhen was made Left General and Regular Attendant and Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. For his father's merit he was also Baron of Pingyuan.
43
西
Yizhen's younger brother Si, styled Ruohan. Quick-witted and eloquent, with a formidable memory and wide learning, he cherished guests and companions and excelled in debate. He followed Emperor Xiaowu of Wei in the western migration and was separately enfeoffed as Marquis of Ye County. At the opening of Zhou's Tianhe era he was promoted to General of Agile Cavalry with the ceremonial standing of the Three Excellencies. He governed Xiong and Jiang in turn, winning a name for competence in each. He inherited the ducal title of Pingyuan. When he died, his son Chi succeeded him.
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Chi, a great-grandson of You
45
姿 祿
Chi, styled Zhongguang, was clever and handsome, had dipped into many books, and was skilled in arms as well. When Emperor Wu of Zhou, at the start of Jiande, sought scholars versed in classics and histories for the Passage Hall, Chi was among those chosen. When Wen of Sui was still prime minister, Chi rose from Superior Gentleman of the Imperial Rectitude to merit officer in the chancellor's office, was made grand commandant, enfeoffed Viscount of Yangping, and promoted to junior grand master of the lesser earl. For helping crush Wang Qian, Prince of Qi, he received the ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies. At the founding of Sui, Chi led the officials into the cleared palace first and was made palace attendant of the inner secretariat with superior ceremonial rank, acting right vice heir apparent of the eastern palace—trusted in both courts. He rose to vice minister of ceremonies, had his fief changed to Raoyang, was given director's ceremonial rank, and became vice minister of personnel. Under Daye he served in turn as minister of justice and minister of revenue. When Tuyuhun raided Zhangye, Chi pursued them to Qinghai and, for his merit, was made grand master of splendid brightness with silver seal. In year six the emperor went to the Jiangdu palace and left Chi at the eastern capital as commandant, acting left commander of the waiting guard. He died in office and was posthumously titled Jing. His son Anshi served as attendant for miscellaneous matters. Chi had a younger brother, Sheng.
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Sheng, younger brother of Chi
47
使 使
Sheng, styled Jisheng, was quick and keen, had some schooling, excelled at archery, and moved with uncanny agility. At eighteen he entered Zhou's service as superior gentleman of the palace guards. At first he was unknown, but Emperor Wen of Sui met him once and was deeply struck, saying, "Zhangsun's martial skill surpasses the crowd, and he also has many singular stratagems. The famous general of later days—will it not be this man?" When the Türk qaghan Shetu sought a marriage alliance, Zhou gave him the daughter of Prince Zhao. Zhou and Shetu each tried to outshine the other by selecting the boldest warriors as envoys, and Sheng was sent as deputy to Duke of Runan Yuwen Shenqing to escort the Princess of a Thousand Gold to Shetu's headquarters. Dozens of envoys had come before and after, and Shetu treated most of them with little courtesy, but he took a special liking to Sheng, hunted with him constantly, and kept him for an entire year. Once two eagles were fighting in the air over meat; he gave Sheng two arrows and asked him to shoot them down. Sheng galloped up, found the eagles locked together, and brought down both with a single shot. Delighted, Shetu had his younger kinsmen and nobles befriend Sheng so that they might stay close to him and learn his archery. His younger brother Chuluohou, titled Tuli She, especially won the people's hearts and was envied by Shetu; he secretly entrusted himself to confidants and made a covert alliance with Sheng. Sheng hunted with him and surveyed mountains, rivers, terrain, and the strength of the tribes. He came to know them all thoroughly. On his return he was made Master of the Imperial Carriages.
48
In the first year of Kaihuang, Shetu said, "I am kin to the house of Zhou. Now the Duke of Sui has set himself up and I cannot control him—what face have I to show the kehuden!" He joined Gao Baoning in storming Lin Prefecture's Yu Pass and conspired with the tribal chiefs of the various departments for a joint southern invasion. Emperor Wen had only just taken the throne and was deeply alarmed; he repaired the Long Wall and sent troops to the northern frontier. He ordered Yin Shou to hold Youzhou and Yu Qingze to hold Bingzhou, stationing troops as preparation.
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使 使
Sheng had long known that Shetu, Dianjue, Abo, Tuli, and their uncles, nephews, and brothers each commanded strong armies, all styled themselves qaghan, occupied the four quarters, harbored suspicions within while showing harmony without, and were hard to conquer by force but easy to divide. He therefore memorialized, "At the end of Zhou your servant was honored to serve abroad; the Türks' strengths and weaknesses are matters I know in detail. Dianjue stands to Shetu with strong forces but inferior rank; though linked in name, the breach within is already plain, and if their passions are provoked they will turn on each other. Chuluohou is Shetu's younger brother; he is crafty, weak in power, wins the people's hearts by crooked means, and is loved by the tribes, so Shetu envies him. Abo, caught between them, is timid and irresolute, somewhat afraid of Shetu and pulled along in his wake, siding with whoever is stronger and never firm in allegiance. The policy should be to ally with those far away and attack those nearby, to split the strong and join with the weak. Send envoys to Dianjue and draw Abo to our side, and Shetu will turn his army back to guard the west himself. Win over Chuluohou and connect him with the Xi and Mohe as well, and Shetu will have to split his forces to guard the east. With suspicion at head and tail and estrangement in the heart, after a dozen years or so, when occasion offers, a single campaign can empty their state."
50
使 使使
The emperor read the memorial with great delight and summoned him for a private audience. Sheng described the situation aloud, sketched mountains and rivers with his hand, and laid out strength and weakness as if on his palm. The emperor marveled and adopted every point. He therefore dispatched Grand Master of the Stud Yuan Hui by the Yiwu route to Dianjue, presenting him with a wolf-head banner and feigning deep respect. When Dianjue's envoy arrived, he was seated above Shetu's envoy. Once the policy of sowing discord took effect, the Türks indeed turned suspicious and divided among themselves. Sheng was made General of Chariots and Cavalry, marched out by the Yellow Dragon route, presented gifts to the Xi, Ji, Khitan, and others, used them as guides, reached Chuluohou, won his confidence, and induced him to submit.
51
In the second year Shetu, claiming four hundred thousand horsemen, entered from Lanzhou and reached Zhoupan, where he defeated Daxi Changru's army. He wished to press farther south, but Dianjue refused and led his troops away. Sheng also had Rangan send a false report to Shetu: "The Tiele tribes have risen and mean to attack your headquarters." Terrified, Shetu wheeled his army back beyond the border.
52
使 便 使 使 西 使
Several years later the Türks invaded in force, and eight route marshals were sent out to resist them. Abo reached Liang Prefecture and fought Dou Rongding; the Türk leader was beaten back again and again. Sheng, then a subordinate commander, sent word to Abo: "Whenever Shetu takes the field he wins a great victory. Abo has only just entered and at once suffered defeat; this is the Türks' shame. Moreover Shetu and Abo were originally equal in military strength; now Shetu wins day by day and is honored by the masses, while Abo fares badly and brings disgrace on the state. Shetu will surely use this to lay the blame on Abo and accomplish his old plan to destroy the northern headquarters." When Abo's envoy arrived, Sheng again told him, "Datou is now allied with Sui, and Shetu cannot control him. Why does the qaghan not attach himself to the Son of Heaven, join with Datou, and combine into strength? This is the plan of perfect safety. Is it wiser to lose your army, bear disgrace, and return to Shetu only to be killed and shamed?" Abo accepted this and remained beyond the border. Later he sent men to accompany Sheng to court. At the time Shetu met Prince Wei's army at Baidao, fought, and fled in defeat. When he reached the desert and heard that Abo was of two minds, he suddenly attacked the northern headquarters, captured all its people, and killed Abo's mother. Abo returned with nowhere to go. He fled west to Dianjue, borrowed more than a hundred thousand troops, then struck Shetu in the east and recovered his old lands. He gathered scattered soldiers and fought Shetu. Abo won again and again, and his power grew ever stronger. Shetu again sent tribute to court; the princess asked to take the imperial surname and be adopted as the emperor's daughter, and the emperor agreed.
53
使 使
In the fourth year Sheng accompanied Yu Qingze to Shetu's camp, gave the princess the surname Yang, and enfeoffed her as Princess Dayi. Shetu received the edict but refused to rise and bow. Sheng stepped forward and said, "The Türks and Sui are both great powers under Heaven; if the qaghan will not rise, how dare I disobey his will? But the kehuden is the emperor's daughter, which makes the qaghan Great Sui's son-in-law; how can he fail to respect his wife's father-in-law?" Shetu laughed and told his nobles, "One must bow to the wife's father-in-law." He then bowed and received the edict. On their return, with the mission deemed successful, Sheng was appointed a general with the ceremonial equipage of the Three Excellencies and General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Left Merit Guard.
54
西
In the seventh year Shetu died; Sheng was dispatched with credentials to invest his younger brother Chuluohou as Qaghan Mohe and his son Yonglu as Yabghu Qaghan. Chuluohou reported through Sheng, "Abo has been brought low by Heaven and is in the mountain valleys with five or six thousand horsemen; he should be seized and presented." The court then summoned civil and military officials to debate the matter. Yuan Xie of Le'an said, "Please behead him there, to punish his evil." Duke Li Chong of Wuyang asked to bring him alive to court and execute him publicly as a display to the people. The emperor asked Sheng, and Sheng said, "Abo's evil was not a betrayal of our state. To take him in his distress and execute him, I fear, is not the way to attract distant peoples. Better to let both survive." The emperor said, "Well said."
55
In the eighth year Chuluohou died; Sheng was sent to mourn him and carried treasures that Chen had presented to bestow upon Yonglu.
56
使 使 使
In the thirteenth year the exile Yang Qin fled to the Türks and falsely claimed that Duke of Peng Liu Chang and a Yuwen daughter plotted against Sui, sending him to secretly inform the princess. Yonglu believed it and stopped sending tribute. Sheng was again sent as envoy to observe him closely. The princess saw Sheng with insolent speech and also sent her private Turk An Suijia with Qin to plot, stirring Yonglu. Sheng returned and memorialized the facts. He again sent Sheng to demand Qin; Yonglu wished to withhold him and lied, "Among the guests within there is no man of this complexion." Sheng bribed his nobles, learned where Qin was, seized him in a night raid, and showed him to Yonglu. He thereby exposed the princess's private affairs. The people of the state were deeply ashamed. Yonglu arrested Ansuijia and the rest and delivered them to Sheng. When the envoy returned, the emperor was delighted, promoted Sheng to General-in-Chief, and sent him back among the barbarians to execute Princess Dayi. Yonglu again petitioned for a marriage alliance, and the court was inclined to agree. Sheng memorialized, "I observe that Yonglu is fickle and untrustworthy; he only relies on our state because he has a rift with Dianjue. Grant him a princess and he will rebel in the end. Once he has an imperial princess and borrows her prestige, Dianjue and Rangan will again be subject to his demands. When he grows strong he will turn on us again, and then he will be hard to control. Moreover Rangan is the son of Chuluohou and has shown sincere loyalty through two reigns now. When I met him before, he too asked for a marriage alliance; better to grant it and summon him to move south. His troops are few and weak, easy to soothe and train; set him against Yonglu as a border shield." The emperor said, "Well said." He sent envoys to reassure Rangan and promised him an imperial princess.
57
使
In the seventeenth year Rangan sent envoys with Sheng to receive the bride. A woman of the imperial clan was enfeoffed as Princess Anyi and given to him in marriage. Sheng persuaded Rangan to move south and settle at the old Dujin garrison. Yonglu resented this and raided again and again. Rangan reported every movement to court, so the frontier was forewarned whenever Yonglu struck.
58
使 紿 使 殿 使 鹿 西
In the nineteenth year Rangan, through Sheng, reported that Yonglu was making siege equipment. He intended to attack Datong City. The emperor ordered six area commanders, all under Prince Han, to march beyond the border on separate routes against him. Yonglu was afraid and again allied with Datou; together they launched a surprise attack on Rangan and fought a great battle below the Great Long Wall. Rangan was defeated; his brothers, sons, and nephews were all killed, and his tribes scattered and fled. Rangan and Sheng alone fled south through the night with five horsemen. By dawn they had traveled more than a hundred li and gathered several hundred riders. They plotted together, saying, "Now, defeated in battle, if we enter court we are only surrendered men—will the Son of Heaven of Great Sui treat us with ceremony? Dianjue may come, but originally we had no grievance with him; if we go to him, he will surely preserve and aid us." Sheng knew Rangan was of two minds and secretly sent a messenger into Fuyuan Fort, ordering the beacons raised quickly. Rangan saw all four beacons lit and asked Sheng, "Why are the beacons on the wall burning?" Sheng answered, "The walls are high and the plain wide—they must see the enemy from far off. The law of our state is this: if there are few enemies, two beacons are raised; if many come, three beacons; if they press hard, four beacons. This makes them see that the enemy are many and close." Rangan was terrified and told his men, "The pursuers are upon us—we must take refuge in the fort." Inside the fort Sheng left Rangan's noble Zhishi in command of the troops and himself escorted Rangan by relay horse to the capital. The emperor was delighted and promoted Sheng to General of Agile Cavalry of the Left Merit Guard, with credentials as commissioner protecting the Türks. Sheng sent surrendered captives to spy on Yonglu and learned that calamities repeatedly occurred within his camp; at night a crimson rainbow was seen, its light shining for several hundred li. The heavenly hound fell, and blood rained for three days; a meteor fell into his camp with a sound like thunder. Each night he woke in alarm, saying the Sui army was coming. He sent memorials reporting all this. Soon Rangan was made Yimi Dou Qiren Qaghan. At the Hall of Martial Peace the emperor bestowed an archery contest, choosing twelve skilled archers and dividing them into two teams. The qaghan said, "Through Master Zhangsun I have seen the Son of Heaven; grant me a place on his team in today's contest." Permission was given. Arrows were supplied; all six shots struck the deer, and Qiren's team won in the end. At the time a flock of kites was flying, and the emperor said, "You are skilled with the sling; fetch them for me." Ten shots all struck; every bird fell. That day the officials all received gifts, but Sheng received the largest share. Soon he was sent with fifty thousand men to build the great city of Dali at Shuozhou to house Rangan. When Princess Anyi died, he bore credentials, escorted Princess Yicheng, and gave her to Rangan in marriage. Sheng memorialized again, "Rangan's followers are already numerous; though inside the Long Wall, they are still raided by Yonglu. They suffer hardship coming and going and cannot live in peace. Please move them to Wuyuan, using the Yellow River as a stronghold. Between Xia and Sheng provinces, east and west to the river and four hundred li north and south, dig a transverse trench. Let them live inside it, pasture freely, and avoid raids, and the people will surely settle themselves." The emperor approved every point.
59
In the twentieth year Dulan fell into great disorder and was killed by his subordinates. Sheng therefore memorialized, "The enemy are divided within, and their lord has been killed. Use this moment to summon and entice them, and they will all come to surrender. Please send Rangan's subordinates in separate parties to summon and comfort them." The emperor agreed, and they all submitted. Datou was terrified and massed a great army again. An edict ordered Sheng to lead the surrendered people as campaigning commander-in-chief of Qin Province under Prince Guang of Jin's command and go out to attack Datou. Facing Datou, Sheng proposed, "The Türks drink from springs—it is easy to poison the water." He therefore took various drugs and poisoned the upstream water. Datou's men and beasts drank it and many died. In great alarm he said, "Heaven rains foul water—will it destroy me?" He fled in the night. Sheng pursued him, taking more than a thousand heads and capturing more than a hundred people. The prince was delighted, brought Sheng within, and feasted with him in high spirits. A Türk noble came to surrender and was also seated at the feast. He said that within the Türks they greatly feared Commander Zhangsun: hearing his bow, they called it thunder; seeing his horse run, they called it lightning. The prince laughed and said, "Your anger, General, awes the outer realms and rivals the thunderclap—how splendid!" When the army returned he was made Senior General-in-Chief with the ceremonial equipage of the Three Excellencies and sent back to Dali to pacify the new submissions.
60
使
In the first year of Renshou, Sheng memorialized, "At night your servant climbed the city tower and saw north of the desert a crimson aura more than a hundred li long, all like rain feet hanging down to cover the ground. I have carefully checked the military manuals: this is called spilled blood. The state beneath it is sure to be destroyed. If we mean to destroy the northern foe, the moment is now." Yang Su was made campaigning commander-in-chief and Sheng commissioner for receiving surrenders, escorting Rangan north.
61
使 西
In the second year, the army halted at North River and met the enemy commander Silijin and others leading troops to resist; Sheng and Grand General Liang Mo routed them, and many of the enemy surrendered. Sheng also had Rangan send envoys north to the Tiele and other tribes to win them over. In the third year more than ten tribes—the Tiele, Sijie, Fugu, Hun, Huxue, Aba, Pugu, and others—all abandoned Datou and came to submit. Datou's forces collapsed and fled west to the Tuyuhun. Sheng escorted Rangan and settled him at Qikou. When the matter was finished, he entered court.
62
宿
He encountered Emperor Wen's death, which was hidden and not yet announced. Emperor Yang took Sheng before the late emperor's bier and entrusted him with the inner palace guard and control of the gates; that day he was made General of the Left Guards. When Yang Liang rebelled, Sheng was ordered to remain in his post but become governor of Xiang Prefecture, raise Shandong troops, and plan the campaign with Li Xiong and others. Sheng declined because his son Xingbu was in rebel territory. The emperor said, "You will never let a son harm duty; do not decline." Thereupon Sheng was sent swiftly to Xiang Province. When Liang was defeated he was recalled and made General of the Martial Guard.
63
耀涿
third year of In of Daye (607) Emperor Yang visited Yulin, planned to march beyond the border in full array through the Türk lands toward Zhuo commandery. Fearing Rangan would be alarmed, he sent Sheng ahead to explain the emperor's purpose. Rangan summoned the tribes under him; dozens of chieftains of the Xi, Mohe, Shiwei, and others assembled. Sheng saw that the camp grass was foul and wished Rangan to clear it himself before the tribes to make imperial authority plain. He then pointed at the grass before the tent and said, "This root is very fragrant." Rangan hastily took it and smelled it, saying, "It is not fragrant at all." Sheng said, "By the law of the state, wherever the Son of Heaven travels, the feudal lords all personally sprinkle and sweep, weeding the imperial road to show utmost reverence. Your camp is overgrown—you have left weeds as if they were fragrant herbs." Rangan understood: "Your slave has offended. This slave's flesh and bone were all given by the Son of Heaven. If I may offer sinew and strength, how dare I refuse? It is only that those beside me did not know the law." He then drew the blade at his belt and personally cut the grass. His nobles and all the tribes vied to imitate him. They then opened an imperial road from Yulin's northern border to the qaghan's camp, and east to Ji, three thousand li long and more than a hundred paces wide, with the whole state laboring on the corvée. When the emperor heard, he was still more pleased. He was later made governor of Huaiyang but did not take up the post and was again made General of the Right Valiant Cavalry.
64
使
In the fifth year he died, aged fifty-eight; the emperor mourned him. Later, when the Türks besieged Yanmen, the emperor sighed, "Had Zhangsun Sheng lived, he would not have let the Xiongnu come to this!"
65
Sheng loved ingenious plans and strove to establish merit and fame. He was deeply filial; in mourning he wasted away, and the court praised him. In the Zhenguan era of Great Tang he was posthumously made Minister of Works and Supreme Pillar of State, with the posthumous name Xian. His youngest son Wuji inherited the line. His eldest son Xingbu was resourceful and had his father's manner. He began his career as a treasury attendant to Prince Han Yang Liang. Later, when Liang rebelled at Bing Province, Xingbu led followers south to resist the imperial army and left Xingbu to hold the city. He then joined Dou Luyu in shutting the gates to resist Liang; when the city fell, he was killed. The second son Heng'an, through his brother's service, was appointed General of the Hawkish Valor.
66
Sheng's elder kinsman Shaoyuan.
67
Shaoyuan, styled Shi, bore the childhood name Ren. He was tolerant and magnanimous, loved the classics and histories, and was unusually intelligent. When his father Chengye was governor of Shouchun, Shaoyuan was thirteen. Among Chengye's clerks was Wang Shuo, a man of letters. Hearing that Shaoyuan had a strong memory, he reported it to Chengye and asked to test him. Chengye ordered him tested. Shuo then tested him with the Monthly Ordinances chapter of the Book of Rites. Shaoyuan read several pages once and recited them fluently. Shuo sighed in admiration. He began his career as an aide in the Chancellor's Office. Later, as a subordinate general, he campaigned to pacify the Shu Xue of Hedong and was enfeoffed as Earl of Dong'e County.
68
西 使
When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, Shaoyuan followed Chengye in haste to join him and, for his merit, was separately enfeoffed as Viscount of Wen'an County. In the second year of Datong, he was appointed Minister of Ceremonies, transferred to Director of the Palace Secretariat, and still inherited his father's title. Later, by precedent, his title was reduced to duke and changed to Fengyi Commandery. In the second year of Emperor Gong, he rose successively to Recorder of the Masters of Writing. Yuwen Tai often told the assembled ministers, "Wherever Duke Zhangsun is placed in office, men have no worry of looking back; the Xiao and Kou of Han are hardly worth praising beside him. His bearing is stately enough to be a model for the present age." When the Six Offices were established, he was made Grand Minister of Music. When Emperor Min of Zhou took the throne, he was again enfeoffed as Duke of Shangdang Commandery.
69
調 使調 調
Earlier, when Shaoyuan was Minister of Ceremonies, he widely summoned craftsmen to make musical instruments, but only the Yellow Bell would not harmonize, and he always regretted it. Once, passing Han Shijun's Buddhist temple, he heard a bell on the third story of the pagoda. Its tone matched the gong scale, so he took it for performance, and only then did the music harmonize. He then reported to Emperor Ming, "The house of Wei came to dwell in Qin and Yong. Although it followed ancestral musical chapters, the Yellow Bell is sovereign, the Son of Heaven's proper position, and through years of making instruments it has not been achieved. Only now do we know that the Water phase is about to end and the Wood cycle is beginning; Heaven's mandate has a destination, and numinous music descends of itself. This is surely the aid of Heaven and Earth and the response of the ancestral temples. Things will descend into harmony, spirits will be at peace, and the dynasty's fortune will flourish for ten thousand generations." The edict said, "I am slight in virtue; what merit could match this? This is surely the blessing of Heaven, Earth, and the ancestors, and also due to your penetrating discernment." Soon he was transferred to Grand Master of the Ministry of Rites. At the time they still followed Wei's old music and had not yet had leisure to remake it; they only removed Xiaolu and added Dalu. Shaoyuan submitted a memorial setting forth elegant music, and an edict ordered it all carried out. The music Shaoyuan submitted used eight as its number. Pei Zheng, former Gentleman at the Yellow Gate of Liang, submitted a memorial saying that in antiquity Great Shun wished to hear the Seven Beginnings, and down to King Wu of Zhou the seven tones were made. He took Linzhong as Huangzhong and made it the head of the proper scale. An edict ordered him and Shaoyuan to deliberate in detail.
70
便
Zheng said, "The Son of Heaven's use of eight is not without precedent; to suspend it without striking it, I have not heard the principle. Moreover, Huangzhong is Heaven, Dalu is Earth, and Taicu is Man. Now to suspend Huangzhong and strike Taicu is to leave Heaven's position empty and use Man alone."
71
Shaoyuan said, "Heaven does not speak, yet the four seasons proceed. Earth does not speak, yet the ten thousand things are born. Humans respond to the qi of central harmony and dwell in the way of change and adaptation. Now suspending Huangzhong and striking Taicu is the Son of Heaven sitting upright while the officials perform their duties. If we deliberate from this, where would it not be acceptable?"
72
' '調調 便
Zheng said, "According to Master Lu's Spring and Autumn Annals, when Chu declined, they made shaman music; when Qi declined, they made Dalu. Moreover, the seven bells below Dalu all belong to the Linzhong scale; how can they be called the eleventh-month scale? To use only the sixth-month temperament is to wish to welcome midwinter while still performing late-summer music. To perform it on this basis is deeply contrary to ultimate principle."
73
' ' 便調 ' ' 調 ' ' 調便
Shaoyuan said, "What you say seems intended to win the argument. If we exhaust principle and fulfill nature, self-assertion becomes still deeper. Why? According to the Rites of Zhou for music in sacrifice to Heaven, Huangzhong is gong and Dalu is jue. This means Dalu's use is fully patterned. Though you know to cite Master Lu's minor text, you do not notice that you lose the Duke of Zhou's great rites. Moreover, if Dalu is now suspended, then Huangzhong and Linzhong are present, and the two temperaments are complete. In spring and summer Linzhong is played; in autumn and winter Huangzhong is played. When Huangzhong is played, Dalu is not struck; when Linzhong is played, Huangzhong is not struck. This is what is meant by the line, left of it, right of it; the gentleman finds it fitting; right of it, left of it, the gentleman has it. But you do not suspend Dalu and have only the one gong of Huangzhong; this is still performing the midwinter scale in the last month of summer. To take this as ultimate principle, is that not unacceptable? Yet the Rites of Zhou also says to play Huangzhong and sing Dalu to sacrifice to the heavenly spirits. This means the Five Emperors and the sun, moon, and stars. Kings each sacrifice to the responding emperor in the southern suburb in the first month of summer. They also greet the sun at the spring equinox and the moon at the autumn equinox; following the proper rites, all use the midwinter scale. It also says to play Taicu and sing Yingzhong to sacrifice to the earth spirits. This means the Divine Land and the altars of soil and grain. For the two middle months of spring and autumn, following the proper rites, only the gong of early spring is played. Aside from these, the sacrifices to the four directions, mountains and rivers, former mothers, and former ancestors each use the Zhou gong and do not change the gong by month. If we briefly raise the main outline, the other three corners can be inferred. Thus although there is meaning in taking turns as gong, when the rites are cited as proof they do not separately change the gong month by month. Moreover, Huangzhong is sovereign, the correct position of yang; if it changes with the seasons, the sovereign has no fixed body. But you use Linzhong as the proper scale; this exchanges the positions of ruler and minister and reverses yin and yang. What would be taken from the proper hierarchy of names and ranks?"
74
Zheng said, "To use the Forest Bell as Yellow Bell now in fact obtains the meaning of mutual generation. Clear and resonant—subtly true to the root pitch. Yet what merit is there in the eight tones' level and muddy notes?"
75
調
Changsun Shaoyuan said: "Heaven holds the yang position, so its tone is level yet muddy; muddy tone is the sovereign's voice. Earth holds the yin position, so its tone is urgent yet clear; clear tone is the minister's mode. Urgent clarity breaks off easily in the body; level mud endures in meaning. Endurance and greatness are the king's foundation. The new sounds of Zheng and Wei are not without clear tone—but to set them in a sage age, I would not take them." Thereupon it was fixed: eight would be the number.
76
Soon he was made Metropolitan Governor of Jingzhao, then Junior Guardian and Junior Minister of Works, and went out as Inspector of Hezhou. On the river's right bank the tribes drew daily toward civilization; marriage within the same surname had become custom. Shaoyuan led them with ritual and greatly reformed corrupt custom. His rule was spare and forgiving; the people gladly obeyed. He entered the capital as Junior Director of the Imperial Clan.
77
調
Emperor Wu was reading histories and saw that when King Wu of Zhou conquered Yin he fashioned the seven beginnings; he also wished to abolish the eight suspended sets for seven, remove the Yellow Bell as the correct palace tone, and make Forest Bell the tuning head. Shaoyuan memorialized: "The Son of Heaven suspends eight sets—hundred kings share this track. Down to Zhou Wu, he had only just perfected the music of the seven beginnings. Examining the classics in detail, there is no canon for abolishing eight. Moreover the Yellow Bell is sovereign—the Son of Heaven's correct position; to abolish it now, I do not see how it can be done. Your servant finds in the Rites of Zhou: "Play the Yellow Bell, sing the Great Lü"—the former sages' great model, proof that cannot be changed. I beg that you not lightly alter the ancient canon or hasten to change the music chapters." The emperor was silent a long while and said: "My wish to abolish eight for seven is to seek the root of the body and pursue what is straight—not to change names carelessly. I shall think further on its meaning." Later he still carried out the seven tones.
78
祿 輿 ' '
It happened that Shaoyuan fell ill and could not present his views in person. Fearing the offices would hastily discard the instruments, he wrote to Qi Shu of the Music Bureau: "I have heard the court lately debated abolishing eight for seven. Yet the Son of Heaven's suspension of eight has been so from antiquity. The ancient sages, though their paths differed, agreed in one; down to Zhou Wu's conquest of Yin, he took by reversal and kept by compliance, using arms alone—affairs contrary to yielding by courtesy. Turning back to seek the classics' meaning, he used the seven tones—hardly a canon unchanging for ten thousand generations. The eight suspended sets of bells and stands must not be destroyed. Wait until my illness clears; I shall memorialize separately." After this Shaoyuan's illness grew grave; he charged his son Lan: "The Yellow Bell is the Son of Heaven's palace. The Great Lü is the empress's position. Now to abolish the Yellow Bell's position is to strip salary from the royal house. If Forest Bell is made head, government issues from private gates. I fear the eight-hundred-year fortune may not match the Zhou's eternity. I have been a minister; in duty I cannot lie silent—I shall surely be carried in my illness to contend at the palace gate." When his illness grew worse he submitted a final memorial: "Your servant respectfully finds in the Spring and Autumn, Duke Yin's Tradition, that the Son of Heaven uses eight. The Rites of Zhou say the Son of Heaven suspends two eights; the Zhui clan's bells number sixteen, the Mugou clan's chime-stones sixteen. Emperor Cheng of Han obtained ancient chime-stones numbering sixteen. The Diagram of the Rites of Zhou shows sixteen suspended. These several matters illuminate the canons. Weighing them and speaking, they suffice as a tortoise mirror. Your servant considers that Your Majesty received the chart from the Blue Emperor and succeeded to the Dark Essence; since Qin and Han, you alone are foremost in renown. As for Zhou Wu, he had recourse to arms—I alone despise him; how much more Your Majesty. Measuring my remaining breath, it is not evening but morning. I humbly beg that you treasure the myriad affairs and not trouble to change eight to seven." When the emperor read the memorial he wept; he posthumously enfeoffed him Grand General of the Pillar of State, posthumous name Xian, title Ancestor of Music, with matching sacrifice in the temple court. His son Lan succeeded.
79
Changsun Shaoyuan's son Lan
80
使
Lan, styled Xiuyin, was by nature magnanimous and refined, with bearing and capacity; joy and anger did not show on his face. He had slight acquaintance with documents and was especially versed in pitch pipes and scales. Under Emperor Ming of Zhou he was Grand Commander. Mingdi, because Lan's nature was pure and harmonious and fit to be a teacher's model, had him attend the Duke of Lu and showed him great favor. When the Duke of Lu took the throne as Emperor Wu, Lan was promoted in one step to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry. Whenever the high ministers submitted memorials, the emperor always had Lan review and read them. Lan had eloquence; his voice was strong and resonant; whatever he announced, the hundred officials fixed their eyes on him. The emperor often praised him in admiration. Lan's original name was Shan; the emperor said to him: "I entrust the myriad affairs to you for prior review." Thereupon he was granted the name Lan. When Yuwen Hu was executed, for merit he was advanced to Duke of Xue and successively made Junior Minister of Works. He followed in the pacification of Qi and was advanced to Pillar of State. When Emperor Wu died, he received the testament and assisted in government. Under Emperor Xuan he was Senior Pillar of State and Grand Minister of Education, and served as Inspector of Tong and Jing provinces. When Emperor Wen of Sui was Chancellor, Lan was transferred to Inspector of Yi Province. In the second year of Kaihuang, when there was to be an expedition against the south, he was summoned as Commander-in-Chief of the Southeast Route Army, commanding eight supreme commanders out of Shouyang, advancing by land and water together. When the army reached the Yangzi, the Chen people were greatly alarmed. It happened that Emperor Xuan of Chen died; Lan wished to seize the chance and destroy them, but the supervising general Gao Jiong, citing the rite of not attacking during mourning, turned back. Emperor Wen ordered Lan to feast together with Prince Andre Yang Xiong, Senior Pillar of State Yuan Xie, Li Chong, Left Vice Director Gao Jiong, Right Guards General Yu Qingze, Wu Prefecture Supreme Commander He Ruo Bi, and others. The emperor said: "In former days in the Zhou court I fully showed my loyalty. But I suffered from suspicion and was constantly chilled at heart. To be a minister like this—what affection can one rely on! I and you gentlemen shall share a fortunate end together. Crimes that are not treasonous plots—nothing will be asked. I also know that you are utterly loyal in serving the crown prince; you should often go to see him. The pillar minister's long-standing repute truly belongs to you. You should understand my intent." His favor and ritual were like this. He also had Prince Xiu of Shu take Lan's daughter as consort. Later he was Inspector of Jing Province. He died in office.
81
His son Hong succeeded, holding the posts of Inspector of Song, Shun, and Lin provinces, Vice Minister of Agriculture, and Governor of Beiping.
82
Shaoyuan's younger brother Cheng
83
西
Cheng, styled Shiliang, at age ten was seen by Minister of Education Li Yanzhi and considered extraordinary; he gave him his daughter in marriage. At fourteen he followed his father Chengye on campaign; he had stratagems and his courage topped the generals. For merit he was enfeoffed Marquis of Xihua county. When grown, his appearance was towering and his bearing warm and refined. In the Great Unity era of Wei he successively held the posts of Inspector of Yu and Wei provinces. For military merit he was separately enfeoffed Baron of Yongning county, then advanced to Marquis of Fujin county.
84
西
Emperor Wen of Wei, at a banquet with Yuwen Tai and the assembled dukes, said at ease: "The Classic of Filial Piety in one scroll is the root of human conduct; you gentlemen should each cite a key passage from the Classic of Filial Piety." Cheng answered at once: "Rising early and never slackening, to serve one man." Someone in the assembly next said: "Rescue him from his evil." After leaving the western pavilion, Yuwen Tai deeply sighed at Cheng's hitting the mark and rebuked the one who answered next.
85
輿
When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou took the throne, Cheng was appointed Grand General and advanced to Duke of Yimen commandery. He went out as Supreme Commander of Yubi and had considerable prestige and authority. He died in his post; posthumously enfeoffed Pillar of State, posthumous name Jian. From the first of mourning until the burial, Emperor Ming thrice came in person. Director of Sacrifices Zhongdafu Yuwen Rong remonstrated: "The ruler attending a minister's mourning has its own measure. Now the imperial carriage has repeatedly descended— I fear it strays from the canon." The emperor did not follow him. Such was the sovereign's mourning regret for him. His son Rong succeeded.
86
Fang's younger brother Li, in youth through his father's appointment was Gentleman Attendant at Leisure, and with Duke of Xiangcheng Lu Luyuan and others served within the palace. Respectful, keen, and talented in purpose. Emperor Taiwu favored and trusted him, saying: "His father was close to my grandfather; the son at my side—is it not fitting?"
87
Changsun Fei
88
鹿
Changsun Fei was a man of Dai. In the time of Zhaocheng, at age thirteen he was chosen for inner attendance. In youth he had refined bearing, was resolute and spoke little. When Emperor Daowu was among the Dugu and Helan tribes, Fei constantly attended and followed, guarding against insult at his side; the emperor deeply trusted and relied on him. At the beginning of Dengguo he, with Mo Ti and others, were all great generals and repeatedly won military merit. Later he followed in the pacification of Zhongshan and for merit was granted the title Duke of Langye. He was transferred to Minister Steward and his title changed to Marquis of Luxiang. At that time the Administrator of Zhongshan, Qiu Ru, was unwilling to move inward; he fled and hid in Zhao commandery and set up Zhao Zhun as leader. He falsely made demonic words saying: "Yan tilts east; Zhao shall continue. If you wish to know his name, the Huai River is not enough." Zhun gladly followed him, styled himself Duke of Julu, and Ru served as Chief Clerk. They held Guan city, linked in the Dingling, and killed the chief officials. Fei defeated Zhun at Jiumen, beheaded Qiu Ru, and captured Zhun alive. An edict ordered that Ru's flesh be used to feed Zhun; he was sent to the capital, broken on the wheel at the market, and his clan exterminated. Fei was appointed Inspector of Yan Province.
89
退 西
When Yao Ping raided Pingyang, Emperor Daowu campaigned and made Fei, with Prince of Piling Shun and others, the vanguard. Ping retreated to hold Chaiwall; the emperor advanced and stormed it. He sent Fei back to garrison Yan Province and comfort Henan; his prestige and trust were manifest on the Huai and Si. Skilled in stratagem, his courage topped the generals. In campaigns before and after, he never once failed. Therefore whenever there was great peril they put Fei in charge; in pacifying the central plains southward and crushing Qiang raiders westward, Fei's merit was greatest; rewards numbered in the thousands. Later his title was reduced to Marquis of Lantian. He died; posthumous name Wu, buried with honor at Jinling. His son Han succeeded to the title.
90
Han in youth had his father's manner. Under Emperor Daowu, for skill in mounted archery he was made Hunt Officer. When Mingyuan was abroad, Han with Yuan Mohun and others secretly plotted to welcome and install him. When Mingyuan took the throne, he and Mohun and others attended to remonstrance at the emperor's side. For merit he was repeatedly promoted to General Who Pacifies the South. He led troops to garrison the northern frontier; his martial renown was very great. When Emperor Taiwu took the throne, he was enfeoffed Prince of Pingyang. When the Rouran khan Datan invaded Yunzhong, Emperor Taiwu campaigned in person. He sent Han with Duke of Dongping E Qing out of Changchuan to attack Datan. Datan fled north; they pursued, struck, captured booty, and returned. He was transferred to Minister of Education. He followed in the assault on Helian Chang and defeated him. Han was upright, pure, and strict and bright; he delighted in comforting officers and soldiers; when he died, Emperor Taiwu wept for him and came in person to his mourning. Mourning rites followed the precedent of Prince of Ancheng Shusun Jun. Posthumous name Wei, buried with honor at Jinling.
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His son Cheng succeeded to the title, reduced to duke, and held the post of Director of the Southern Department. He died, buried with honor at Jinling. Han's younger brother Ling held the post of Director of the Imperial Stud. By nature generous and broad; he loved learning and cherished scholars. Enfeoffed Duke of Wu commandery, posthumously made Prince of Wu commandery. Posthumous name Gong, buried with honor at Jinling.
92
歿 祿 祿
The commentators say: At the end of Zhaocheng, subjects rebelled and kin turned away. Changsun Song was generous, deep, and resolute, bearing the weight of the royal house, serving through many reigns, remote as a founding elder. In life a pillar of the state; in death honored in the clear temple—how fine! Jian's capacity and insight were bright and fair, his stratagems penetrating and ample; towering, he had the look of a chief minister; stern and upright, he had a king's minister's integrity. Yet why were his days at court so few and his days on the frontier so many? Ping's knowledge was comprehensive and penetrating; within and without his fame flowed; taken from opening things and completing tasks, he was perhaps also a rafter beam for Sui. Daosheng was respectful, cautious, frugal, and restrained, and together bore a martial name; known to a bright lord, his voice entered song and performance. The two dukes stood side by side, their brilliance dazzling court and countryside; their house's blessing and hereditary salary, glory covering later generations. Though the eight kings of Han cannot match their lush achievements; the seven generations of the Zhang clan cannot compare with this doubled glory. Ziyan's courage and fierceness were unmatched; Shaoyuan's music was uniquely subtle; Chi was early hailed as outstanding; Lan alone excelled in bold eloquence. Otherwise how could they together command armies, jointly oversee the ritual offices, bells and tripods not fallen—and be both duke and marquis? Sheng's person combined heroic martial bearing and embraced singular stratagems. He seized the moment and adapted; he turned on those frontier tribes—their nests overturned and all fell, knees bent and foreheads to the ground. On the border ramparts the whistling arrows fell silent; at the Wei Bridge a chieftain bowed in submission. His grace flowed to the northern frontier; his merit lit the royal house— to preserve this hereditary salary, was it not fitting! Fei bound his hair and served in the inner palace; by martial prowess he stood alone; wherever his army's edge pointed, foes scattered—Guan and Zhang, each a match for ten thousand, are hardly worth extra praise. Han had his father's manner and did not ruin the ancestral house; the emperor's added rites at his mourning—there was cause for that.
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