Volume 25 Biographies 13: Gu Bi, Zhang Li, Liu Jie, Qiu Dui, E Qing, Yi Xu, Yi Gui, Zhou Ji, Dou Daitian, Che Yiluo, Wang Luo'er, Che Lutou, Lu Luyuan, Chen Jian, Lai Dagan, Su Shi, Wan Anguo, Zhou Guan, Wei Bo, Lu Zhen, Lu Luoba, Xue Biaozi, Wei Yuan, Murong Baiyao, He Qinu, Guo Tui, Yu Wenfu

古弼張黎劉潔丘堆娥清伊珝乙瑰周幾豆代田車伊洛王洛兒車路頭盧魯元陳建來大干宿石萬安國周觀尉撥陸真呂洛拔薛彪子尉元慕容白曜和其奴苟頹宇文福

Gu Bi, Zhang Li, Liu Jie, Qiu Dui, E Qing, Yi Xu, Yi Gui, Zhou Ji, Dou Daitian, Che Yiluo, Wang Luo'er, Che Lutou, Lu Luyuan, Chen Jian, Lai Dagan, Su Shi, Wan Anguo, Zhou Guan, Wei Bo, Lu Zhen, Lu Luoba, Xue Biaozi, Wei Yuan, Murong Baiyao, He Qinu, Guo Tui, and Yu Wenfu

列傳第十三古弼張黎劉潔丘堆娥清伊珝乙瑰周幾豆代田車伊洛王洛兒車路頭盧魯元陳建來大幹宿石萬安國周觀尉撥陸真呂洛拔薛彪子子琡尉元慕容白曜和其奴苟頹宇文福

Biographies 13: Gu Bi, Zhang Li, Liu Jie, Qiu Dui, E Qing, Yi Xu, Yi Gui, Zhou Ji, Dou Daitian, Che Yiluo, Wang Luo'er, Che Lutou, Lu Luyuan, Chen Jian, Lai Dagan, Su Shi, Wan Anguo, Zhou Guan, Wei Bo, Lu Zhen, Lu Luoba, Xue Biaozi, Ziyu, Wei Yuan, Murong Baiyao, He Qinu, Guo Tui, Yu Wenfu

宋將裴方明克仇池，立楊玄庶子保熾。於是假弼節，督隴右諸軍討仇池，平之。未幾，諸氐復推楊文德為主，圍仇池。弼攻解其圍，文德走漢川。時東道將皮豹子聞仇池圍解，議欲還軍。弼使謂曰：「若其班師，寇眾復至，後舉為難。不出秋冬，南寇必來，以逸待勞，百勝之策也。」豹子乃止。太武聞之曰：「弼言長策也。制有南秦，弼謀多矣。」景穆總攝萬機，徵為東宮四輔，與宜都王穆壽並參政事。遷尚書令。弼雖事務殷湊，而讀書不輟。端謹慎密，口不言禁中事。功名等於張黎，而廉不及也。

The Song general Pei Fangming seized Chouchi and installed Yang Xuan's younger son Baochi. Bi was then given the staff of authority, took command of the Longyou armies, attacked Chouchi, and pacified it. Before long the Di clans again made Yang Wende their leader and besieged Chouchi. Bi struck, raised the siege, and Wende fled to Hanchuan. Eastern-route general Pi Baozi, hearing the siege on Chouchi was raised, debated withdrawing his army. Bi sent word: "If you withdraw now, the enemy will return and a later campaign will be harder. Before autumn and winter are out the southern foe will surely come; to meet the weary with the rested is the strategy of a hundred victories. Baozi held his ground. When Taiwu heard, he said, "Bi's words are the long view. In holding Southern Qin, Bi's stratagems were many. When Crown Prince Jing took overall charge of affairs, Bi was summoned as one of the Eastern Palace's four supports, joining Prince of Yidu Mu Shou and others in government. He was made director of the masters of writing. Though his duties pressed hard, Bi never stopped reading. Correct, careful, and close-mouthed, he never spoke of inner-palace affairs. His fame and merit matched Zhang Li's, but not his integrity.

上谷人上書，言苑囿過度，人無田業，宜減大半，以賜貧者。弼入欲陳奏，遇帝與給事中劉樹棋，志不聽事。弼侍坐良久，不獲申聞。乃起，於帝前捽樹頭，掣下床，以手搏棋耳，以拳毆其背，曰：「朝廷不理，實爾之罪！」帝失容，放棋曰：「不聽奏事，過在朕，樹何罪？置之！」弼具狀以聞。帝奇弼公直，皆可其奏，以與百姓。弼曰：「為臣逞志於君前者，非無罪也。」乃詣公車，免冠徒跣，自劾請罪。帝召之，謂曰：「卿其冠履。吾聞築社之役，蹇蹶而築之，端冕而事之，神與之福。然則卿有何罪？自今以後，苟利社稷，益國便人者，雖復顛沛造次，卿則為之，無所顧也。」

Men of Shanggu memorialized that the parks and preserves were excessive, the people had no land to farm, and begged to cut them by more than half for the poor. Bi entered to memorialize but found the emperor playing go with Attendant Liu Shu, with no mind for business. Bi sat in attendance a long while and could not get a hearing. He rose, seized Shu's head before the emperor, dragged him off the couch, boxed his ears and beat his back, crying, "The court does not govern—and the fault is yours! The emperor lost composure, set down the stones, and said, "Not hearing memorials is my fault—what crime has Shu? Let him go! Bi laid the full case before him. The emperor marveled at Bi's blunt integrity, approved all he had urged, and granted the land to the people. Bi said, "For a minister to vent his will before his lord is not without guilt. He went to the masters of carts, removed cap and shoes, and impeached himself, begging punishment. The emperor summoned him and said, "Put on cap and shoes. I have heard that in building an altar one may limp yet still build it, yet attend it in full regalia—and the spirits bless it. What crime have you, then? From now on, whatever profits the altars of state and eases the people—even in overturn and haste—you shall do it without looking back."

太武大閱，將校獵於河西，弼留守。詔以肥馬給騎人，弼命給弱者。太武大怒曰：「尖頭奴敢裁量朕也！朕還台，先斬此奴！」弼頭尖，帝常名之曰：「筆頭」，時人呼為「筆公」。屬官懼誅。弼告之曰：「吾謂事君使田獵不過盤遊，其罪小也。不備不虞，使戎冠恣逸，其罪大也。今北狄孔熾，南虜未滅，狡焉之志，窺伺邊境，是吾憂也。故選肥馬備軍實，為不虞之遠慮。苟使國家有利，吾寧避死乎？明主可以理幹，此自吾罪。」帝聞而歎曰：「有臣如此，國之寶也。」賜衣一襲，馬二疋，鹿十頭。後車駕田於山北，獲麋鹿數千頭，詔尚書發車牛五十乘運之。帝尋謂從者曰：「筆公必不與我，汝輩不如馬運之速。」遂還。行百餘里而弼表至，曰：「今秋谷懸黃，麻菽布野，豬鹿竊食，鳥雁侵費，風波所耗，朝夕參倍。乞賜矜緩，使得收載。」帝謂左右曰：「筆公果如朕卜，可謂社稷之臣。」初，楊難當之來也，詔弼悉送其子弟于京師。楊玄少子文德，以黃金三十斤賂弼。弼受金留文德，而遇之無禮，文德亡入宋。太武以其正直，有戰功，弗加罪責。太武崩，吳王立，以弼為司徒。文成即位，與張黎並坐議不合旨，俱免。有怨謗之言，其家人告巫蠱，俱伏法。時人冤之。

Taiwu held a great review and was about to hunt in Hexi with his officers; Bi remained on guard. An edict ordered fat horses for the mounted men, but Bi gave them the weak ones. Taiwu flew into a rage and cried, "Pointed-head slave—you dare measure me! When I return to the capital I will behead this fellow first! Bi had a pointed head; the emperor nicknamed him Brush Head, and people called him Pen Lord. Bi's staff were terrified they would all be executed. Bi told them, "Serving the throne, giving the emperor poor horses for a hunt is a small fault. Failing to guard against surprise and letting enemies raid at will is a grave fault. The northern tribes blaze with strength and the south is not yet pacified; they watch our frontiers with hungry eyes—that is what troubles me. So I kept the strong horses for the army and looked far ahead against the unexpected. If the realm gains by it, why should I shrink from death? An enlightened ruler can be reached by reason; the blame is mine alone. Taiwu heard and sighed, "A minister like this is a treasure to the realm!" He received a suit of clothes, two horses, and ten deer. Later the emperor hunted north of the mountains and killed thousands of elk; he ordered the secretariat to send fifty ox-carts to haul the game. The emperor soon told his escort, "Pen Lord will never let this pass—you are slower than horses for hauling game. He turned back at once. A hundred li on, Bi's memorial arrived: "Autumn grain ripens in the fields, hemp and beans cover the countryside, boar and deer devour the crop, birds waste it, and wind and flood take more still—losses double by the day; grant a stay of mercy so the harvest can be brought in. The emperor told his attendants, "Pen Lord is just as I predicted—a true pillar of the realm." When Yang Nan dang first submitted, an edict ordered Bi to send all his sons and younger brothers to the capital. Yang Xuan's son Wende gave Bi thirty jin of gold. Bi accepted it, detained Wende, treated him roughly, and Wende fled to the Song. Taiwu, weighing his uprightness and battle service, imposed no punishment. After Taiwu's death the Prince of Wu took the throne and made Bi minister of works. When Wencheng came to the throne, he and Zhang Li sat in council together; their advice displeased the throne and both were removed. Resentful talk followed; their families were accused of witchcraft; both were executed. Contemporaries called it a miscarriage of justice. Zhang Li was from Pingyuan in Yanmen commandery.

張黎，雁門平原人也。善書計，道武知待之。明元器其忠亮，賜爵廣平公，管綜機要。太武以其功舊，任以輔弼，除大司農卿。軍國大議，黎常與焉。以征赫連定功，進號征北大將軍。與樂安王範、濟南公崔徽鎮長安。清約公平，甚著聲稱，代下之日，家無餘財。太武征涼州，蠕蠕吳提乘虛入寇，黎與司空長孫道生拒擊走之。景穆初總百揆，黎與崔浩等輔政，忠於奉上，非公事不言。詔賜浩、黎布帛各千疋，以褒舊勳。吳王余立，以黎為太尉。後文成即位，與古弼俱誅。

Skilled in accounts, he won Daowu's notice and favor. Mingyuan prized his loyal candor, made him duke of Guangping, and gave him charge of state secrets. Taiwu, honoring his long service, used him as a chief counselor and grand minister of agriculture. In the weightiest military and civil deliberations Li often took part. For campaigning against Helian Ding he was promoted to general who campaigns north. With Prince of Le'an Fan and Duke of Jinan Cui Hui he held Chang'an. He won high repute for frugality and fairness; when he left office his household had no surplus wealth. While Taiwu campaigned in Liangzhou, Rouran Wuti struck in his absence; Li and Minister of Works Changsun Daosheng beat him back. When Crown Prince Jing first directed government, Li with Cui Hao and others aided the rule, loyal to the throne and speaking only on state affairs. An edict granted Hao and Li each a thousand bolts of cloth and silk in reward for long service. When Prince of Wu Yu was enthroned, Li was made grand commandant. Later, when Wencheng came to the throne, he was executed in the same case as Gu Bi. Liu Jie was from Xindu in Chang Le commandery.

劉潔，長樂信都人也。昭成時，慕容氏獻女，潔祖父生為公主家臣，乃隨入魏。賜以妻妾，生子堤，位樂陵太守，封信都男。卒。潔襲堤爵。數從征討，進爵會稽公。後與永安侯魏勤及功勞將軍元屈等擊吐京叛胡，為其所執，送赫連屈丐。潔聲氣不撓，呼其字而與之言，神色自若。屈丐壯而釋之。後得還國，典東部事。明元寢疾，太武監國，潔與古弼等選侍東宮，對綜機要。

In Zhaocheng's reign the Murong sent a princess; his grandfather Sheng became a household retainer and followed her into Wei. He was given a wife and concubines; a son Ti was born, who rose to administrator of Leling and was enfeoffed baron of Xindu. Ti died. Jie inherited Ti's title. He campaigned again and again with merit and was raised to Duke of Kuaiji. Later he with Wei Qin, Marquis of Yong'an, and Meritorious General Yuan Qu struck the rebel Hu at Tujing; the enemy seized him and sent him to Helian Qubing. Jie's voice never broke; he called Qubing by his style and spoke freely, his face unchanged. Qubing admired his spirit and let him go. Later he returned and oversaw the eastern administration. When Mingyuan fell ill and Taiwu oversaw the realm, Jie with Gu Bi and others were chosen to serve the Eastern Palace and handle secrets. At Taiwu's accession the court, seeing a pillar of state in him, gave him heavy trust.

太武即位，奇其有柱石用，委以大任。及議軍國，朝臣咸推其能。遷尚書令，改為钜鹿公。車駕西伐，潔為前鋒。沮渠牧犍弟董來距戰于城南，潔信卜者之言，以日辰不協，擊鼓卻陣，故董來得入城。太武微嫌之。潔久在樞密，恃寵自專，帝心稍不平。時議伐蠕蠕，潔言不如廣農積穀。以待其來，群臣皆從其議。帝決行，乃從崔浩議。既出，與諸將期會鹿渾穀。而潔恨其計不用，欲沮諸將，乃矯詔更期，諸將不至。時虜眾大亂，景穆欲擊之，潔執不可。停鹿渾穀六日，諸將猶不集，賊已遠遁，追至石水，不及而還。師次漠中，糧盡，士卒多死。潔陰使人驚軍，勸帝棄軍輕還，帝不從。潔以軍行無功，奏歸罪於崔浩。帝曰：「諸將後期，及賊不擊，罪在諸將，豈在於浩？」又潔矯詔事遂發，輿駕至五原，收潔幽之。

In council on war and state, every minister praised his capacity. He was raised to director of the masters of writing and made Duke of Julu. On the western campaign Jie led the van. Juqu Mujian's brother Donglai resisted south of the city; Jie trusted a diviner that the day and hour were ill-omened, beat the drums and drew the line back, and Donglai entered the city. Taiwu was somewhat displeased. Jie had long held the privy council and leaned on favor; the emperor's heart turned somewhat against him. When the court debated a Rouran campaign, Jie said they should widen the fields and heap up grain and wait for the enemy to come; the ministers all sided with him. The emperor resolved to march anyway and followed Cui Hao's advice. Once the army was out, he set a rendezvous with the generals at Luhun Valley. Jie, bitter that his plan was ignored and wanting to thwart the generals, forged an edict and moved the rendezvous, so the generals never came. The barbarian hosts were then in turmoil; Crown Prince Jing wanted to strike, but Jie forbade it. They waited six days at Luhun Valley, and still the generals did not gather; the enemy had already fled far off; the army chased to Shishui, failed to catch them, and turned back. The army halted in the desert; grain ran out and many soldiers died. Jie secretly had men panic the troops and urged the emperor to abandon the army and ride back lightly; the emperor refused. Because the campaign had failed, Jie memorialized to lay the blame on Cui Hao. The emperor said, "The generals were late, and when the enemy came they would not strike—the fault is the generals', not Hao's. " Jie's forged edict was exposed; at Wuyuan the emperor seized Jie and imprisoned him. Jie's forged edict was exposed; at Wuyuan the emperor seized Jie and imprisoned him.

太武之征也，潔私謂親人曰：「若軍出無功，車駕不返，即吾當立樂平王。」潔又使右丞張嵩求圖讖，問：「劉氏應王，繼國家後，我審有名姓不？」嵩對曰：「有姓而無名。」窮驗款引，搜嵩家，果得讖書。潔與南康公秋鄰及嵩等皆夷三族，死者百餘人。潔既居勢要，內外憚之，側目而視。籍其家，財產钜萬。太武追忿，言則切齒。

Before the march Jie had told his kin in private, "If the campaign fails and the carriage does not return, I shall set up the Prince of Leyeping. Jie also had Right Assistant Director Zhang Song seek prognostic books and ask, "The Liu house is fated to rule and succeed the state—do I truly have a name and surname among them? Song answered, "There is a surname but no name. Under exhaustive investigation confessions were drawn out; they searched Song's house and indeed found the prognostic book. Jie, Duke of Nankang Di Lin, Song, and the rest were all exterminated to the third degree; more than a hundred people died. Once Jie held power, inside and outside the court all feared him—men watched him sidelong. When his household was inventoried, his wealth ran to tens of millions. Taiwu, looking back in fury, spoke of him with gnashing teeth.

丘堆，代人也。美容儀。初以忠謹入侍。明元即位，拾遺左右，稍遷散騎常侍。太武監國臨朝，堆與太尉穆觀等為右弼。及即位，賜爵臨淮公，位太僕。與宗正娥清略地關右，而宜城王奚斤表留堆，合軍與赫連昌相拒。斤進擊赫連定，留堆守輜重。斤為定禽，堆聞而棄甲走長安。帝大怒，遣西平公安頡斬堆。

Qiu Dui came from Dai. He was fine in appearance. At first he entered service through loyal care. When Mingyuan took the throne he attended as remonstrator at the ruler's side and rose to regular attendant at the secretariat. When Taiwu oversaw affairs at court, Dui with Grand Commandant Mu Guan and others were right assistants. At his accession Dui was made Duke of Linhuai and grand master of the stud. He with Director of the Imperial Clan E Qing surveyed land in Guanzhong; Prince of Yicheng Xi Jin asked to keep Dui, and they joined forces against Helian Chang. Jin advanced against Helian Ding and left Dui to guard the baggage train. Jin was taken by Ding; hearing of it, Dui threw off his armor and fled to Chang'an. The emperor flew into a rage and sent Duke of Xiping An Yi to execute Dui.

娥清，代人也。少有將略，累著戰功，稍遷給事黃門侍郎。明元南巡，幸鄴，以清為中領軍將軍。與宋兵將軍周幾等度河，略地至湖陸，以功賜爵須昌侯。與幾等遂鎮枋頭。太武初，乃還京師，進為東平公。後從平統萬，遂與奚斤討赫連昌，至安定。及昌弟定西走，斤追之。清欲尋水往，斤不從，遂與斤俱為定禽。克平涼，乃得還。後與古弼等東討馮弘，以不急戰，弘奔高麗。檻車征，黜為門卒而卒於家。子延，賜爵南平公。

E Qing came from Dai. From youth he showed military talent, won repeated battle honors, and rose to attendant of the yellow gate. When Mingyuan toured south to Ye, Qing was made general of the central army. With Song general Zhou Ji and others he crossed the river, raided to Hulu, and was made marquis of Xuchang for his merit. He then garrisoned Fangtou with Ji and the others. At the opening of Taiwu's reign he returned to the capital and was raised to duke of Dongping. Later he joined the pacification of Tongwan and with Xi Jin campaigned against Helian Chang as far as Anding. When Chang's brother Ding fled west, Jin pursued. Qing wished to follow along the water; Jin refused, and both were taken by Ding. When Pingliang fell he was able to return. Later he campaigned east with Gu Bi against Feng Hong; because he would not press the attack, Hong fled to Goryeo. He was hauled back in a prison cart, demoted to gate guard, and died at home. His son Yan was granted the title duke of Nanping.

伊珝，代人也。少勇健，走及奔馬，善射，力曳牛卻行。神抅初，擢為侍郎。轉三郎，賜爵汾陽子。太武將討涼州，議者咸以無水草諫，唯司徒崔浩勸行。群臣出後，珝曰：「涼州若無水草，何得為國？宜從浩言。」帝善之。及克涼州，大會于姑臧。帝謂群臣曰：「崔公智計有餘，吾亦不復奇之。正奇珝弓馬士，所見能與崔同耳。」顧謂浩曰：「珝智力如此，終至公相。」浩曰：「何必讀書，然後為學。衛青、霍去病亦不讀書而致公輔。」帝欲以珝為尚書，封郡公。珝以尚書務殷，公爵至重，辭之；中、秘二省，多諸文士，請參其次。帝賢之，遂拜秘書監，賜爵河南公。拜司空。清約自守，為政舉大綱而已，不為苛碎。大安二年，領太子太保。三年，與司徒陸麗等並平尚書事。薨。子蘭襲爵，位庫部尚書。卒。

Yi Xu came from Dai. As a youth he was brave and swift as a galloping horse, skilled at the bow, and strong enough to drag an ox walking backward. At the start of the Shengui era he was promoted to gentleman. He was transferred to inner palace guard of the third rank and made baron of Fenyang. When Taiwu was about to campaign against Liangzhou, every adviser said there was no grass or water; only Minister of Works Cui Hao urged the march. After the ministers withdrew, Xu said, "If Liangzhou lacked grass and water, how could it sustain a state? We should follow Hao's advice. The emperor approved. When Liangzhou fell, a great assembly was held at Guzang. The emperor told the ministers, "Master Cui's stratagems are more than enough—I am no longer surprised by them. I am only surprised that Xu, a bow-and-horse man, sees as Hao does. He turned to Hao and said, "With intelligence such as this, Xu will in the end reach minister and duke rank. Hao said, "Why must one read books before one may be learned? Wei Qing and Huo Qubing also did not read books yet reached high office. The emperor wished to make Xu director of the masters of writing and enfeoff him as duke of a commandery. Xu said the director's duties were pressing and a commandery duke's rank too weighty, and declined; the central and secretariat bureaus had many literary men, and he asked to serve in the second rank. The emperor admired him and made him director of the secretariat and duke of Henan. He was appointed minister of works. Frugal and self-restrained, in government he set forth only the great outlines and was not harsh in petty matters. In the second year of Da'an he served as grand tutor to the crown prince. In the third year he with Minister of Works Lu Li and others jointly oversaw the masters of writing. He died. His son Lan inherited the title and held office as director of the treasury. Lan died.

子盆生，驍勇有膽氣，累有戰功，遂為名將。以勳賜爵平城子。為西道都督，戰歿。贈雍州刺史。

His son Pensheng was valiant and bold, won repeated battle honors, and became a famed general. For merit he was granted the title baron of Pingcheng. As commander of the western route he died in battle. He was posthumously made inspector of Yong province.

乙瑰，代人也。其先世統部落。太武時，瑰父匹知遣瑰入貢，帝留之。瑰善騎射，手格猛獸。尚太武女上谷公主，除駙馬都尉，賜爵西平公。從駕南征，都督前鋒諸軍事，勇冠三軍。後進爵為王，又為西道都將。薨，年二十九，贈太尉公，諡曰恭。子乾歸襲爵。

Yi Gui came from Dai. His forebears for generations led the tribe. In Taiwu's time Gui's father Pizhi sent Gui to present tribute; the emperor detained him. Gui was skilled at mounted archery and could grapple fierce beasts with his hands. He married Taiwu's daughter Princess Shanggu, was made commandant of the horse guards, and granted the title duke of Xiping. He followed the southern campaign as commander-in-chief of the vanguard; his courage topped the three armies. Later he was advanced to prince and also made commander of the western route. He died at twenty-nine; posthumously he was made duke of the grand commandant with the posthumous name Gong. His son Qiangui inherited the title.

海子瑗，字雅珍，尚孝文女淮陽公主，除駙馬都尉，累遷西兗州刺史。天平元年，舉兵應樊子鵠，戰敗死。

His son Yuan, styled Yazhen, married Wencheng's daughter Princess Huaiyang, was made commandant of the horse guards, and rose to inspector of western Yan province. In the first year of Tianping he raised troops in support of Fan Zihe, was defeated in battle, and died.

豆代田，代人也。明元時，以善騎射為內細射。從攻武牢，詔代田登樓射賊，矢不虛發。以功遷內三郎。從討赫連昌，乘勝追賊，入其宮門。門閉，代田逾宮而出。太武壯之，拜勇武將軍。後從討平涼，破赫連定，得奚斤等，以定妻賜之。詔斤膝行授酒于代田。敕斤曰：「全爾身命者，代田功也。」以從討和龍戰功，封長廣公。卒于統萬鎮大將。贈長廣王，諡曰恭。子周求襲爵。

Dou Daitian came from Dai. In Mingyuan's time, for skill at mounted archery he was made inner fine archer. In campaigning against Wulao an edict ordered Daitian to mount the tower and shoot the rebels; not an arrow missed. For merit he was promoted to inner palace guard of the third rank. In campaigning against Helian Chang he pursued the enemy in victory and entered their palace gate. The gate was shut; Daitian climbed over the palace wall and came out. Taiwu admired him and made him general of martial valor. Later, in campaigning against Pingliang, he broke Helian Ding, recovered Xi Jin and the rest, and Ding's wife was granted to him. An edict ordered Jin to advance on his knees and present wine to Daitian. The edict told Jin, "He who preserved your life was Daitian's merit. For merit in campaigning against Helong he was enfeoffed duke of Changgang. He died as commander of Tongwan garrison. Posthumously he was made prince of Changgang with the posthumous name Gong. His son Zhouqiu inherited the title.

車伊洛，焉耆胡也。世為東境部落帥，恆修職貢。延和中，授平西將軍，封前部王。伊洛規欲歸闕，為沮渠無諱斷路，伊洛連戰破之。無諱卒。伊洛前後遣使招喻其子乾壽等，及其戶五百餘家，送之京師。又率部眾二千餘人伐高昌，討破焉耆東關七城。正平二年，伊洛朝京師，拜都官尚書，將軍、王如故。卒，諡康王，葬禮依盧魯元故事。子歇襲爵。

Che Yiluo was of Yanqi Hu stock. For generations his line had been chieftain of the eastern-border tribes and had constantly paid tribute. In the Yanhe era he was made general who pacifies the west and enfeoffed king of the front division. Yiluo planned to return to court; Juqu Wuji cut the road, and Yiluo fought him repeatedly and broke him. Wuji died. Yiluo repeatedly sent envoys to win over Wuji's son Qianshou and the rest, and more than five hundred households were sent to the capital. He also led more than two thousand of his tribesmen against Gaochang and broke seven cities of Yanqi's eastern pass. In the second year of Zhengping, Yiluo came to court and was made director of the ministry of justice; his general's rank and kingship were unchanged. He died; posthumous name King Kang; burial followed the precedent of Lu Luyuan. His son Xie inherited the title.

車路頭，代人也。少以忠厚選給東宮，為帳下帥。天賜末，明元出於外，路頭隨侍竭力。及即位，封宣城公、忠意將軍。帝性明察，群臣多以職事遇譴，至有杖罰，故路頭優遊不任事。性無害，每評獄處理，常獻寬恕之議，以此見重於朝，帝亦敬納之。卒，明元親臨哀慟，贈太保、宣城王，諡曰忠貞。喪禮一依安城王叔孫俊故事。陪葬金陵。子眷襲爵。

Che Lutou came from Dai. In youth, for loyal honesty he was chosen to serve the Eastern Palace and was made commander of the tent guard. At the end of the Tiansi era, when Mingyuan went abroad, Lutou followed and served with all his strength. On his accession Lutou was made Duke of Xuancheng and General of Loyal Intent. The emperor was sharp-eyed; ministers were often punished for official faults, even beaten — so Lutou kept to an easy life and took on no duties. Harmless by nature, in every trial he urged mercy — and was valued at court; the emperor heeded him. At his death Mingyuan mourned in person, posthumously made him Grand Guardian and Prince of Xuancheng, styled Loyal and Upright. His funeral followed Prince of Ancheng Uncle-Sun Jun's precedent. He was buried with honor at Jinling. His son Juan inherited the title.

盧魯元，昌黎徒河人也。曾祖副鳩，仕慕容氏，為尚書令、臨澤公。祖、父並至大官。魯元寬和有雅度。明元時，選為通直郎，以忠謹給侍東宮，太武親愛之。即位，以為中書侍郎，寵待彌渥。而魯元益加謹肅，帝愈親待之。內外大臣，莫不敬憚。性多容納，善與人交，好掩人過揚人美，由是公卿咸親附之。以工書有文才，累遷中書監，領秘書事。賜爵襄城公，贈其父為信都侯。從征赫連昌，太武親追擊，入其城門，魯元隨帝出入。是日微魯元，幾至危殆。後遷太保、錄尚書事。帝貴異之，臨幸其第，不出旬日。欲其居近，易往來，乃賜甲第于宮門南。衣食車馬皆乘輿之副。真君三年，駕幸陰山，魯元以疾不從。侍臣問疾，醫藥傳驛，相屬於路。及薨，帝甚悼惜之，還臨其喪，哭之哀慟。東西二宮，命大官日送奠。晨昏哭臨，訖則備奏鐘鼓伎樂。輿駕比葬三臨之。喪禮依安城王叔孫俊故事而賵送有加。贈襄城王，諡曰孝。葬於崞山，為建碑闕。自魏興，貴臣恩寵，無與為比。

Lu Luyuan came from Tuhe in Changli. His great-grandfather Fuzhou served Murong Yan as Minister Director and Duke of Linze. Grandfather and father both rose to Grand Provisioner. Luyuan was easy in manner and measured in grace. Under Mingyuan he became Direct Attendant; loyal and careful in the Eastern Palace, Taiwu cherished him. On accession he was made Secretariat Gentleman; favor deepened. Luyuan grew only more grave; the emperor drew closer still. Inside and outside the court, every great minister feared him. He bore much, befriended well, covered faults and praised merit — nobles and ministers all clung to him. Skilled in calligraphy and letters, he rose to Secretariat Supervisor and oversaw the archives. He was made Duke of Xiangcheng; his father was enfeoffed Marquis of Xindu. Campaigning against Helian Chang, Taiwu charged in person; Luyuan went in and out at his side. That day without Luyuan he would nearly have been lost. Later he became Grand Guardian and Recorder of the Masters of Writing. The emperor prized him; within ten days he visited his house. Wanting him near at hand, he gave a fine mansion south of the palace gate. Food, dress, carriages, and horses matched the imperial train. In Zhenjun year three the emperor went to Yinshan; Luyuan stayed behind, ill. Courtiers asked after him; medicine came by relay, one courier after another. At his death the emperor grieved; on return he came to the bier and wept bitterly. Both palaces ordered daily offerings from the Grand Provisioner. Morning and evening he came to mourn; when he left, bells, drums, and music were made ready. The imperial carriage came thrice to the burial. Funeral rites followed Uncle-Sun Jun's precedent, with added gifts of condolence. Posthumously made Prince of Xiangcheng, styled Filial. Buried at Guo Mountain with stele and gate-towers raised. Since the Wei rose, no minister had known such favor.

魯元少子內，給侍東宮。景穆深昵之，常與臥起，同衣食。父子有寵兩宮，勢傾天下。內性寬厚，有父風，而恭慎不及。正平初，宮臣伏誅。太武以魯元故，唯殺內而厚撫其兄弟。

His younger son Nei served the Eastern Palace. Jingmu doted on him — they slept and woke together, shared food and dress. Father and son held both palaces; their power bent the realm. Nei was open-hearted like his father, but less careful. At the start of Zhengping, palace officers were put to death. For Luyuan's sake Taiwu killed only Nei and treated his brothers generously.

來大幹，代人也。父初真，從道武避難叱候山，參創業功。官至後將軍，武原侯，與在八議。大幹驍果善騎射。永興初，襲爵，位中散。至於朝賀之日，大幹常著禦鎧，盤馬殿庭，朝臣莫不嗟歎。遷內三郎、幢將，典宿衛禁旅。大幹用法嚴明，上下齊肅。嘗從明元校獵，見獸在高岩上，持槊直前刺之，應手而死，帝嘉其勇壯。太武踐阼，與襄城公盧魯元等七人俱為常侍，常持仗侍衛，晝夜不離左右。累從征伐，以戰功賜爵廬陵公，鎮雲中，兼統白道軍事。太武以其壯勇，數有戰功，兼悉北境險要，詔使巡撫六鎮，以防寇虜。經略佈置，甚得事宜。後吐京胡反，以大幹為都將，討平之。在吐京卒。喪還，停于平城南。太武出遊還，見而問之，左右以對，帝悼歎者良久。詔聽其喪入殯城內。贈司空，諡莊公。子丘頹襲爵，降為晉興侯。

Lai Dagan was a man of Dai. His father Chuzhen fled with Daowu to Chihou Mountain and shared in founding the state. He rose to Rear General and Marquis of Wuyuan, among the Eight Clans of Punishment. Dagan was fierce and masterful on horseback with bow. At Yongxing's start he inherited the title as Central Attendant. On congratulation days he wore imperial armor and wheeled his horse in the hall; ministers sighed in wonder. He became Inner Third Baron and Pennon General, commanding the night guard. He enforced the law sternly; all ranks stood in order. Hunting with Mingyuan he saw game on a high cliff, ran his spear straight in, and killed it at a stroke; the emperor praised his courage. When Taiwu acceded, he and Lu Luyuan and six others became Regular Attendants, armed at the emperor's side day and night. On repeated campaigns he was made Duke of Luling, garrisoned Yunzhong, and commanded the White Road. For courage, merit, and knowledge of the northern passes Taiwu sent him to tour the six garrisons against raiders. His dispositions suited the terrain well. When the Tujing Hu rebelled, Dagan was chief commander and pacified them. He died at Tujing. The coffin returned and halted south of Pingcheng. Taiwu came back from an outing, saw it, asked, and sighed long in grief. An edict let the coffin enter the city for encoffining. Posthumously Minister of Works, styled Duke Zhuang. His son Qiutui inherited, reduced to Marquis of Jinxing.

宿石，朔方人，赫連屈丐弟文陳之曾孫也。天興中，文陳父子歸魏，道武嘉之，以宗女妻焉，拜上將軍。祖若豆根，明元時賜姓宿氏，襲上將軍。父遝幹，從太武征平涼有功，賜爵漢安男。後從討蠕蠕，戰沒。石年十三襲爵，擢為中散，遷內行令。從于苑中游獵，石走馬引前，道峻馬倒，殞絕，久之乃蘇。由是御馬得制。文成嘉之，賜以綿帛、駿馬，改爵義陽子。又常從獵，文成親欲射猛獸。石叩馬諫，引帝至高原上。後猛獸騰躍殺人。褒美其忠，許後有犯罪，宥而勿坐，賜駿馬一疋。尚上谷公主，拜駙馬都尉。位吏部尚書，進爵太山公，為北征中道都大將。卒，追贈太原王，諡康，葬禮依盧魯元故事。太和初，子倪襲爵。

Su Shi was from Shuofang, great-grandson of Wenchen, Helian Qubukan's younger brother. In Tianxing, Wenchen and his son came to Wei; Daowu praised them, married them an imperial clanswoman, and made Senior General. Grandfather Ruodougen took the surname Su under Mingyuan and inherited Senior General. Father Diggan followed Taiwu to Pingliang with merit and was made Baron of Han'an. Later campaigning against the Rouran he fell in battle. At thirteen Shi inherited, rose to Central Attendant, then Inner Conduct Director. Hunting in the park Shi rode ahead; the path was steep, his horse fell, and he lay as dead long before waking. From this the imperial horse was mastered. Wencheng praised him, gave silk and fine horses, and made him Viscount of Yiyang. Again on a hunt Wencheng meant to shoot fierce beasts himself. Shi checked his horse and urged him to a high plateau. Later the beast sprang and killed a man. For his loyalty he was promised future crimes pardoned, and given a fine horse. He married the Princess of Shanggu and became Commandant of the Horse Guards Consort. He was Minister of Personnel, Duke of Mount Tai, and Grand General of the Northern Expedition's middle route. At death he was posthumously Prince of Taiyuan, styled Kang; funeral rites followed Luyuan's precedent. At Taihe's start his son Ni inherited.

萬安國，代人也。世為酋帥。父振，尚高陽長公主，拜駙馬都尉，位長安鎮將，爵馮翊公。安國少明敏，以國甥復尚河南公主，拜駙馬都尉。獻文特親寵之，與同臥起。拜大司馬、大將軍，封安城王。安國先與神部長奚買奴不平，承明初，矯詔殺買奴于苑中。孝文聞之，大怒，遂賜死，年二十三。子翼襲王爵。有嵇根者，世為紇奚部帥。皇始初，率部歸魏，尚昭成女。生子拔，位尚書令。拔尚華陰公主，生子敬。元紹之逆也，主有功，超授敬大司馬，封長樂王。薨，子護襲，拜外都大官。根事蹟遺落，故略附云。

Wan Anguo was a man of Dai. His line were chiefs for generations. His father Zhen married the Princess of Gaoyang, was Commandant of the Horse Guards Consort, Chang'an Garrison Commander, Duke of Fengyi. Clever in youth, as imperial nephew he again married the Princess of Henan and became Commandant of the Horse Guards Consort. Xianwen favored him especially — they shared bed and rising. He was made Grand Marshal, Grand General, and Prince of Ancheng. He had quarreled with Divine Tribe chief Xi Mainu; in Chenming's start he forged an edict and killed Mainu in the park. Xiaowen heard and was furious; he was ordered to die at twenty-three. His son Yi inherited the princely title. One Ji Gen, for generations chief of the Xi tribe. At Huangshi's start he led his tribe to Wei and married Zhaocheng's daughter. His son Ba held Minister Director. Ba married the Princess of Huayin and begot Jing. In Yuan Shao's rebellion the princess had merit; Jing was raised to Grand Marshal and Prince of Changle. He died; son Hu inherited and was Outer Palace Grand Provisioner. Gen's deeds are lost; hence this brief note.

周觀，代人也，驍勇有膂力。太武以軍功賜爵金城公，位高平鎮將。善撫士卒，號有威名。後拜內都大官，出為秦州刺史。撫馭失和，部人薛永宗聚眾汾曲以叛。觀討永宗，為流矢所中。太武幸蒲阪，觀聞帝至，驚怖而起，瘡重遂卒。帝怒，絕其爵云。

Zhou Guan of Dai was fierce, brave, and strong. For merit Taiwu made him Duke of Jincheng and Garrison Commander of Gaoping. He comforted troops well and won a name for awe. Later Inner Palace Grand Provisioner, then Governor of Qinzhou. Governing poorly, tribesman Xue Yongzong gathered men in the Fen bend and rebelled. Guan attacked Yongzong and was hit by a stray arrow. Taiwu came to Puban; Guan heard, started up in fright, his wound worsened, and he died. The emperor was furious and stripped his title.

子延，字契胡提，頗有氣幹。襲爵河南公，例降，改封汝陽侯。位懷朔鎮大將、太僕卿。受使綏慰秀容，為牧子所害

His son Yan, styled Qihuti, had real backbone. He inherited Duke of Henan; by rule it was lowered to Marquis of Ruyang. He was Great General of Huaishuo Garrison and Minister of the Imperial Stud. Sent to pacify Xiurong, he was killed by herdsmen.

呂洛拔，代人也。曾祖渴侯，昭成時率戶五千歸魏。父匹知，太武時為西部長，封榮陽公。洛拔以壯勇知名。文成末，為平原鎮都將。隨尉元攻宋將張永，大敗之，賜爵成武侯。卒。

Lu Luoba was a man of Dai. Great-grandfather Kehou in Zhaocheng's time led five thousand households to Wei. His father Pizhi under Taiwu was western tribal chief, Duke of Xingyang. Luoba was known for courage. At Wencheng's end he was Chief Commander of Pingyuan Garrison. With Wei Yuan against Song's Zhang Yong he won a great rout and was made Marquis of Chengwu. He died.

長子文祖，獻文以其勳臣子，補龍牧曹奏事中散。以牧產不滋，坐徙武川鎮。後文祖以舊語譯注皇誥，辭義通辯，為外都曹奏事中散。後坐事伏法。

Eldest son Wenzu — Xianwen, as a hero's son, made him supplemental Memorial Drafter in the Dragon Herds Office and Central Attendant. When herds failed to thrive he was sent to Wuchuan Garrison. Later Wenzu translated the imperial edicts in the old tongue with fluent clarity and became Outer Office Memorial Drafter. Later he was executed for an offense.

薛彪子，代人也。祖達頭，自姚萇時率部落歸魏。道武賜爵聊城侯，待以上客禮，賜妻鄭氏。卒，贈冀州刺史，諡曰悼。父野潆者，並、太二州刺史，封河東公，有聲稱。卒，諡曰簡。彪子姿貌壯偉，明斷有父風。為內行長，典奏諸曹事。當官正直，內外憚之。及文明太后臨朝，出為枋頭鎮將。素剛簡，為近臣所嫉；因小過，黜為鎮門士。及獻文南巡，次山陽，彪子拜訴于路，復除枋頭鎮將。累遷開府、徐州刺史。在州甚多惠政，百姓便之。沛郡太守邵安、下邳太守張攀，咸以贓汙，彪子案之於法。安等遣子弟上書，誣彪子南通賊虜。孝文曰：「此妄矣。」推案果虛。卒，諡曰文。子琡。

Xue Biaozi was a man of Dai. Grandfather Datou in Yao Chang's time led the tribe to Wei. Daowu made him Marquis of Liaocheng, treated him as honored guest, and gave him Lady Zheng. At death posthumously Governor of Jizhou, styled Mournful. His father Yeying was Governor of Bing and Tai, Duke of Hedong, well spoken of. He died, styled Simple. Biaozi was imposing, clear-judging, his father's son. He was Inner Conduct Director, overseeing the offices' memorials. Upright in office — all feared him. When Empress Dowager Wenming ruled, he went out as Fangtou Garrison Commander. Stern and plain by nature, near ministers envied him; for a small fault he was reduced to garrison gate guard. When Xianwen went south and stopped at Shanyang, Biaozi appealed on the road and was again Fangtou commander. He rose to Opening Office and Governor of Xuzhou. In the province he ruled with mercy; the people were at ease. Pei Administrator Shao An and Xiapi Administrator Zhang Pan were corrupt; Biaozi tried them by law. They sent younger kin to accuse Biaozi of secretly aiding southern bandits. Xiaowen said, "This is nonsense. Investigation proved it empty. He died, styled Literary. His son Zhu.

琡字曇珍，形貌瑰偉。少以幹用為典客令。每引見，儀望甚美。宣武謂曰：「卿風度峻整，姿貌秀異，後當升進，何以處官？」琡答曰：「宗廟之禮，不敢不敬；朝廷之事，不敢不忠。自此之外，非庸臣所及。」正光中，行洛陽令，部內肅然。時以久旱，京師見囚悉召集於都亭，理問冤滯。洛陽獄唯有三人。孝明嘉之，賜縑百疋。琡本附元叉，叉廢，憂懼，由是政教廢弛，坐免官。李神軌有寵于靈太后，琡復事之。累遷吏部郎中。

Zhu, styled Tanzhen, was striking to look upon. Young, capable, he was made Director of Guests. Each audience found his bearing fine. Xuanwu said, "Your bearing is whole, your looks outstanding — you will rise; how do you see your post? Zhu answered, "In ancestral rites I dare not fail in reverence; in court affairs I dare not fail in loyalty. Beyond that, a mediocre minister cannot reach. In Zhengguang he acted Luoyang Magistrate; the district was orderly. In long drought, capital prisoners were gathered at the capital pavilion to clear delayed wrongs. Luoyang's prison held only three men. Xiaoming praised this and gave a hundred bolts of silk. Zhu had clung to Yuan Cha; when Cha fell he was afraid — rule slackened and he was dismissed. Li Shengui had Ling Empress Dowager's favor; Zhu served him again. He rose to Bureau Director in the Ministry of Personnel.

先是，吏部尚書崔亮奏立停年格，不簡人才，專問勞舊。琡乃上書曰：「臣聞錦縠雖輕，不委之以學割；瑚璉任重，豈寄之以弱力。若使選曹唯取年勞，不簡賢否，使義均行雁。次若貫魚，勘簿呼名，一吏足矣。數人而用，何謂銓衡？今黎元之命系於守長。若其得人，則蘇息有地；任非其器，為患更深。請郡縣之職，吏部先盡擇才，並學通古今曉達政職者，以應其選。不拘入職遠近，年勳多少，其積勞之中，有才堪牧人者，自在先用之限。其餘不堪者，既壯藉其力，豈容老而棄之。將佐丞尉去人稍遠，小小當否，未為多失，宜依次補敘，以酬其勞。」書奏，不報。後因引見，復陳之曰：「今四方初定，務在養人。臣請依漢氏更立四科，令三公宰貴各薦時賢，以補郡縣。明立條格，防其阿黨之端。庶令塗炭之余，戴仰有地。」詔下公卿議之，事亦寢。

Earlier Minister Cui Liang had proposed the seniority-stop rule — no sorting by talent, only years and old service. Zhu memorialized: "I hear that though brocade is light, one does not use it to learn cutting; though ritual vessels are heavy, one does not set them on weak shoulders. If selection takes only seniority, not worth, it makes merit a line of geese. Strung like fish on a skewer, one clerk calling names from the register suffices. Why then keep a Ministry of Personnel? Now the people's lives hang on prefects and magistrates. If the right men are found, the land can breathe again; if the wrong men are set, harm runs deeper. Let commandery and county posts be filled first from talent who know classics, histories, and rule. Do not bind by years alone; among the long-serving, any fit to govern should be used first. The rest, unfit but still strong — how cast them off when old? Deputies and aides are farther from the people; small errors matter less — fill them in order to repay labor. The memorial went in; no reply. Later at audience he said again, "The realm is newly settled; the task is to nurture the people. I ask to follow Han and renew the four categories, letting Three Dukes and nobles each recommend talent for commanderies and counties. Set clear rules against factions. Then perhaps those in ashes may have something to look up to. An edict went to the Three Dukes for discussion; the matter also died.

元天穆討邢杲，以琡為行台尚書。軍次東郡，時元顥已據贊阝城，邢杲又逼曆下，天穆議其所先。議者咸以杲盛，宜先經略。唯琡以杲為聚眾無名，雖強猶賊。元顥皇室昵親，來稱義舉。自河陰之役，人情駭怨，今有際會，易生感動。待顥事決，然後回師。天穆以群情所願，遂先討杲。杲降，軍還至定陶，天穆留琡行西兗州事。尋為元顥所陷。顥執琡自隨。爾硃榮破顥，天穆謂琡曰：「不用君言，乃至於此！」

Yuan Tianmu campaigned against Xing Guo and made Zhu Mobile-Office Minister. The army stopped at Dongjun; Yuan Hao held Zancheng, Xing Guo pressed Lixia; Tianmu debated priority. All said Guo was strong and the border should come first. Only Zhu said Guo was a nameless mob — strong, but still bandits. Yuan Hao was imperial kin, coming under the banner of righteous rising. Since Heyin hearts were shocked; now a chance stirs them easily. Settle Hao first, then turn the army. Tianmu followed the crowd and struck Guo first. Guo surrendered; returning to Dingtao, Tianmu left Zhu acting for Western Yanzhou. Soon he was trapped by Yuan Hao. Hao seized Zhu and kept him at his side. Erzhu Rong broke Hao; Tianmu told Zhu, "Had we heeded you, we would not be here!"

天平初，拜七兵尚書。齊神武引為丞相府長史，軍國之事，多所關知。叔亦推誠盡節，屢進忠讜。神武大舉西伐，將度蒲津。琡諫曰：「西賊連年饑饉，故冒死來入陝州。但宜置兵諸道，勿與野戰。比及來年麥秋，人應餓死，寶炬、黑獺自然歸降。願無渡河。」侯景亦曰：「今舉兵極大，萬不一捷，卒難收斂。不如分為二軍，相繼而進，前軍若勝，後軍合力；前軍若敗，後軍承之。」神武皆弗納，遂有沙苑之敗。

At Tianping's start he was Minister of the Seven Arms. Qi Shenwu made him Chief Clerk; he knew much of army and state. Zhu too gave full sincerity, offering loyal remonstrance again and again. Shenwu marched west in force and was about to cross the Pu ford. Zhu urged: "Western foes have starved for years; they risk death to enter Shaanzhou. Only post troops on every road; do not fight in the open. By next harvest they will starve; Bao Ju and Hei Da will submit of themselves. I beg you not to cross the river. Hou Jing also said, "This army is raised to the limit; one chance in ten thousand — hard to pull back. Better split into two armies in succession; if the first wins, the second adds force; if the first loses, the second takes it up. Shenwu took neither counsel and met defeat at Shayuan.

後范陽盧仲禮反，琡與諸軍討平之。轉殷州刺史。為政嚴酷，吏人苦之。後歷位度支、殿中二尚書。天保元年，卒于兼尚書右僕射。臨終，敕其子斂以時服。逾月便葬，不聽幹求贈官。自製喪車，不加雕飾，但用麻為旒蘇，繩網路而已。明器等物，並不令置。

Later Lu Zhongli of Fanyang rebelled; Zhu with other armies pacified him. He was transferred Governor of Yinzhou. He ruled harshly; officials and people suffered. Later he held the ministries of Revenue and Palace in turn. In Tianbao year one he died as Acting Right Vice Minister of the Masters of Writing. Dying, he ordered his sons to bury him in plain timely dress. He was buried within the month; no posthumous offices were granted despite entreaties. He designed his own hearse: no carving, only hemp tassels and rope mesh. Grave goods and bright vessels were forbidden entirely.

琡久在省闥，明閑簿領，當官剖斷，敏速如流。然天性險忌，情義不篤。外若方格，內實浮動。受納貨賄，曲理舞法，深文刻薄，多所傷害。人士畏惡之。魏東平王元匡妾張氏，淫逸放恣。琡初與奸通，後納以為婦。惑其讒言，遂棄前妻于氏，不忍其子允。家人內忿，競相告列，深為世所譏鄙。贈開府儀同三司、尚書左僕射、青州刺史。諡曰威恭。子允嗣。

Yu had long served in the capital, expert in ledgers and registers; on the bench his rulings ran swift as water. Yet he was treacherous and jealous by nature, shallow in friendship and loyalty. Outwardly he looked square and stern; inwardly he was restless. He took bribes, bent law to favor, piled on harsh charges—many were ruined. Men of standing feared and loathed him. Lady Zhang, concubine to Wei's Prince of Dongping Yuan Kuang, was wanton and unbridled. Yu first lay with her in secret, then made her his wife. He heeded her slanders, cast off his first wife of the Yu house, and turned cold to his son Yun. His kin seethed and denounced one another; the world held him in deep contempt. Posthumously he was granted Opening the Government with Three Excellencies' ceremonial rank, Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing, and Governor of Qing. Posthumous title: Majestic and Reverent. His son Yun succeeded.

尉元，字苟仁，代人也。世為豪宗。父目斤，勇略聞於當時，位中山太守。元以善射稱，為羽林中郎，以匪懈見知。稍遷駕部給事中，賜爵富城男。和平中，遷北部尚書，進爵太昌侯。

Wei Yuan, styled Gourou, came from Dai. His clan had been a great house for generations. His father Mukin was famed for courage and stratagem and served as Administrator of Zhongshan. Yuan was known for archery and made Gentleman of the Feathered Forest; tireless service won him notice. He rose to Master of Carriages attendant and was enfeoffed Baron of Fucheng. In the Heping era he became Northern Minister of the Imperial Clan and was advanced to Marquis of Taichang.

天安元年，薛安都以徐州內附，獻文以元為持節、都督東道諸軍事，與城陽公孔伯恭赴之。宋兗州刺史畢眾敬遣東平太守章仇舣歸款，元並納之，遂長驅而進。宋遣將張永、沈攸之等屯于下鹈蓋。安都出城見元。元依朝旨，授其徐州刺史，遣中書侍郎高閭、李璨等與安都俱還入城。別令孔伯恭撫安內外，然後元入彭城。元以永仍據險要，乃命安都與璨等同守。身率精銳，揚兵於外，分擊呂梁，絕其糧運。永遂捐城夜遁。於是遣高閭與張讜對為東徐州刺史；李璨與畢眾敬對為東兗州刺史。拜元開府、都督、徐州刺史、淮陽公。太和初，徵為內都大官。既而出為使持節、鎮西大將軍、開府、統萬鎮都將，甚得夷人之心。三年，進爵淮陽王，以舊老見禮，聽乘步挽，杖於朝。齊高帝既立，多遣間諜，扇動新人；不逞之徒，所在蜂起。以元威名夙振，使總率諸軍以討之。東南清晏，遠近帖然。入為侍中、都曹尚書，遷尚書令，進位司徒。

In Tian'an 1 Xue Andu of Song surrendered Xu Province; Emperor Xiaowen made Yuan bearer of the staff and eastern-route commander, and he set out with Duke of Chengyang Kong Bogong. Bi Zhongjing, Song's Governor of Yan, sent Dongping's administrator Zhang Chouyi to submit; Yuan took them in and pressed on at length. Song sent Zhang Yong, Shen Youzhi, and others to camp at the Xiapi approaches. Andu came out of the city to meet Yuan. Yuan, per the court's order, made Andu Governor of Xu and sent Secretariat Attendants Gao Lu and Li Can into the city with him. He left Kong Bogong to steady Andu within and without, then entered Pengcheng himself. Yong still held the choke points, so Yuan had Andu and Can hold the city together. He led picked troops abroad, struck Liangcheng in detachments, and severed their grain line. Yong abandoned the city and fled by night. He then paired Gao Lu with Zhang Tan as Governors of Eastern Xu; and Li Can with Bi Zhongjing as Governors of Eastern Yan. Yuan was made Opening the Government, Commander-in-Chief, Governor of Xu, and Duke of Huaiyang. At the opening of Taihe he was summoned as Grand Steward of the Inner Court. Soon he went out as bearer of the staff, Grand General Who Guards the West, Opening the Government, and commander at Tongwan, and won the tribes' hearts. In year 3 he was made Prince of Huaiyang; as a veteran he was honored with a palanquin and staff at court. After Gao of Qi took the throne, he sent spies to stir the new subjects; and malcontents swarmed up everywhere. Yuan's name had long carried; he was sent to command all armies against them. The southeast was cleared; far and near lay quiet. He entered as Attendant-in-Ordinary and Director of the Department of State Affairs, became Director of the Masters of Writing, and rose to Minister of Works.

十年，例降庶姓王爵，封山陽郡公。其年，頻表以老乞身，詔許之。元詣闕謝老，引見於庭；命升殿勞宴，賜玄冠、素服。又詔曰：「前司徒山陽郡公尉元、前大鴻臚卿新泰伯游明根，並元亨利貞，明允誠素，位顯台宿，歸老私第。可謂知始知卒，希世之賢也。公以八十之年，宜處三老之重；卿以七十之齡，可充五更之選。」於是養三老、五更於明堂，國老、庶老於階下。孝文再拜三老，親袒割牲，執爵而饋；於五更行肅拜之禮；賜國老、庶老衣服有差。既而元言曰：「自天地分判，五行施則，人之所崇，莫重于孝順。然五孝六順，天下之所先，願陛下重之，以化四方。臣既年衰，不究遠趣，心耳所及，敢不盡誠。」帝曰：「孝順之道，天地之經。今承三老明言，銘之於懷。」明根言曰：「夫至孝通靈，至順感幽，故《詩》云：'孝悌之至，通於神明，光于四海。 '如此則孝順之道，無所不格。願陛下念之，以濟黎庶。臣年志朽弊，識見昧然，在於愚慮，不敢不盡。」帝曰：「五更助三老以言至范，敷展德音。當克己復禮，以行來授。」禮畢，乃賜步挽一乘。詔曰：「夫尊老尚更，列聖同致，欽年敬德，綿哲齊軌。朕雖道謝玄風，識昧睿則，然仰稟先誨，企遵猷旨。故推老以德，立更以元；父焉斯彰，兄焉斯顯矣。前司徒西元、前鴻臚卿明根，並以沖德懸車，懿量歸老，故尊老以三，事更以五。雖老、更非官，耄耋罔祿，然況事既高，宜加殊養。三老可給上公祿，五更可食元卿俸。供食之味，亦同其例。」十七年，元疾篤，帝親省疾。薨，諡景桓公，葬以殊禮，給羽葆鼓吹，假黃鉞，班劍四十人。

In year 10, by precedent princely houses were reduced to common rank; he was enfeoffed Duke of Shanyang. That year he repeatedly begged to retire on account of age; the edict allowed it. Yuan came to court to thank the emperor for release and was received in the hall; ordered up the hall for a feast of honor and given a dark cap and plain robes. Another edict read: "Former Minister of Works Wei Yuan of Shanyang and former Grand Herald You Minggen of Xintai—both embody the four virtues of the Changes, bright in trust and plain in heart, eminent at court, now retiring to their homes. They know the start and the finish—worthies rare in their time. Sir, at eighty, should bear the weight of the three elders; Minister, at seventy, may serve among the five elders. Then the three elders and five elders were honored in the Bright Hall, state and common elders on the steps below. Emperor Xiaowen bowed twice to the three elders, bared shoulder and cut the victim himself, held the cup and fed them; to the five elders he performed the bow of respect; robes were granted to state and common elders by rank. Yuan then said: "Since heaven and earth split and the Five Agents ran their course, nothing men honor weighs more than filial piety. The five filial acts and six harmonies lead the realm; I pray Your Majesty will weight them to transform the four quarters. I am old and cannot see far; what heart and ear reach, I dare not withhold truth. The emperor said: "Filial obedience is the warp of heaven and earth. Now I receive the three elders' clear words and inscribe them in my breast. Minggen said: "Utmost filial piety moves spirits; utmost harmony touches the unseen—the Odes say: 'When filial piety and brotherly duty reach their height, they reach spirits and gods and shine across the four seas. So filial obedience leaves nowhere untouched. I pray Your Majesty will keep it in mind to succor the people. My years are rotten timber, my sight dim; in foolish counsel I dare not spare effort.' The emperor said: "The five elders aid the three elders in speaking the highest pattern and spreading virtue. I shall restrain myself and restore ritual, to carry what you teach. When the rites ended, each was granted a palanquin. An edict said: "Honoring elders and esteeming the five elders—the sacred kings shared this; revering years and honoring virtue—sages through the ages held one path. Though my way falls short of the dark wind and my sight is dim to the bright pattern, I look up to earlier teaching and bend my steps to follow it. So I exalt the aged through virtue and establish the five elders through primacy; the father shines forth, the elder brother stands clear. Former Minister of Works Wei Yuan and former Grand Herald Minggen—both hung up their virtue and retired in honor, so I made three for the aged and five for the elders. Though elders and five elders are not offices and the hoary receive no salary, the matter stands high and deserves special nurture. The three elders may take a senior lord's stipend; the five elders a prime minister's pay. The fare offered shall match the same standard. In year 17 Yuan fell gravely ill; the emperor visited him himself. At his death he was titled Duke Huan of Jing; burial with special rites, feathered canopy and martial pipes, yellow battle-axe on loan, forty sword guards.

子翊襲爵。遷洛，以山陽在畿內，改為博陵郡公。卒于恆州刺史，諡曰順。

His son Yi succeeded. After the move to Luoyang, Shanyang lying within the inner circuit, his house was retitled Duke of Boling. He died as Governor of Heng; posthumous title: Compliant.

慕容白曜，慕容晃之玄孫也。父琚，歷官以廉清著稱，賜爵高都侯。終尚書左丞，諡曰簡。白曜少為中書吏，以敦直給事宮中。襲爵，稍遷北部尚書。文成崩，與乙渾共執朝政，遷尚書右僕射，進爵南鄉公。

Murong Baiyao was the great-great-grandson of Murong Huang. His father Ju was famed in office for integrity and was enfeoffed Marquis of Gaodu. He ended as Left Assistant Director of the Masters of Writing; posthumous title: Simple. In youth Baiyao was a Secretariat clerk; honest and upright, he served in the palace. He inherited the rank and rose to Northern Minister of the Imperial Clan. At Wencheng's death he and Yi Hun seized court power; he became Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and Duke of Nanxiang.

宋徐州刺史薛安都、兗州刺史畢眾敬並以城內附，詔鎮南大將軍尉元、鎮東將軍孔伯恭赴之。而宋東平太守申纂屯無鹽，并州刺史房崇吉屯鬥城，遏絕王使。皇興初，加白曜使持節、都督軍事、征南大將軍，進爵上黨公。屯碻磝，為諸軍後繼。白曜攻纂於無鹽，拔其東郭。纂遁，遣兵追執之。回攻鬥城。肥城戍主聞軍至，棄城遁走，獲粟三十萬石。又下襲破麋溝、垣苗二戍，得粟十餘萬斛。由是軍糧充足。先是，淮陽公皮豹子再征垣苗不克，白曜一旬內頻拔四城，威震齊土。獻文下詔褒美之。鬥城不降，白曜縱兵陵城，殺數百人，崇吉夜遁。白曜撫其人，百姓懷之。獲崇吉母妻，待之以禮。宋遣將吳喜公欲冠彭城，鎮南大將軍尉元請濟師，獻文詔白曜赴之。白曜到瑕丘，遇患，因停。會崇吉與從弟法壽盜宋盤陽城以贖母妻。白曜遣將軍長孫觀等率騎入自馬耳關赴之。觀至盤陽，諸縣悉降。白曜自瑕丘進攻曆城。二年，崔道固及兗州刺史梁鄒守將劉休賓並面縛而降。白曜皆釋之。送道固、休賓及其僚屬于京師。後乃徙二城人望於下館，朝廷置平齊郡懷甯、歸安二縣以居之。自余悉為奴婢，分賜百官。白曜雖在軍旅，而接待人物，寬和有禮。所獲崇吉母妻、申纂婦女，皆別營安置，不令士卒喧雜。及進克東陽，擒沈文秀。凡獲倉粟八十五萬斛。始末三年，築圍攻擊，雖士卒死傷，無多怨叛。三齊欣然，安堵樂業。克城之日，以沈文秀抗倨不為之拜，忿而撾撻，唯以此見譏。以功拜開府儀同三司、都督、青州刺史，進爵濟南王。初，乙渾專權，白曜頗所挾附，後緣此以為責。四年，見誅，雲謀反叛，時論冤之。

Song's Governors Xue Andu of Xu and Bi Zhongjing of Yan surrendered their cities; the court ordered Wei Yuan, Grand General Who Guards the South, and Kong Bogong, Grand General Who Guards the East, to go. Yet Song's Dongping administrator Shen Zuan held Wuyan, and Bing Inspector Fang Chongji held Doucheng, blocking the king's envoys. At Huangxing's opening Baiyao was made bearer of the staff, military commander, and Grand General Who Campaigns South, and advanced to Duke of Shangdang. He encamped at Que'ao as army reserve. Baiyao attacked Shen Zuan at Wuyan and stormed the eastern wall. Zuan fled; troops pursued and seized him. He turned to attack Doucheng. Feicheng's garrison chief, hearing the army approach, fled; they took three hundred thousand shi of grain. He next stormed Migou and Yuanmiao, gaining more than a hundred thousand hu of grain. Army provisions were ample thereafter. Earlier Pi Baozi of Huaiyang had twice failed against Yuanmiao; Baiyao took four cities in ten days, and his name shook Qi. Emperor Xiaowen issued an edict of praise. Doucheng would not yield; Baiyao stormed the walls and killed hundreds; Chongji fled by night. Baiyao comforted the people; the folk clung to him. He took Chongji's mother and wife and treated them with ritual propriety. Song sent Wu Xi to relieve Pengcheng; Wei Yuan asked for reinforcements, and Xiaowen ordered Baiyao there. Baiyao reached Xianqiu, fell ill, and halted. Chongji and his cousin Fashou then seized Song's Panyang to ransom mother and wife. Baiyao sent Zhangsun Guan and cavalry through Ma'er Pass to their aid. Guan reached Panyang; every county submitted. Baiyao advanced from Xianqiu against Licheng. In year 2 Cui Daogu and Yan's Liangzou garrison chief Liu Xiubin came bound to surrender. Baiyao released them all. He sent Daogu, Xiubin, and their staffs to the capital. Later the leading families of both cities were moved to Xiaguan; the court set Pingqi Commandery with Huaining and Gui'an to house them. The rest were enslaved and given to officials. Though at war, Baiyao received men with broad courtesy. Chongji's mother and wife and Shen Zuan's women were quartered apart; he kept soldiers from disorder. When he took Dongyang he captured Shen Wenxiu. In all they took eight hundred fifty thousand hu from granaries. Three years of siege and assault cost many lives, yet little mutiny. The three Qi districts were glad; people settled in peace. When the city fell Shen Wenxiu would not bow; Baiyao in anger had him beaten—only this drew blame. For merit he was made Opening the Government with Three Excellencies' ceremonial rank, Commander-in-Chief, Governor of Qing, and Prince of Jinan. When Yi Hun held sole power Baiyao had leaned on him; later that became his charge. In year 4 he was executed for alleged rebellion; opinion called it unjust.

白曜少子真安，年十一，聞父被執，將自殺。家人止之曰：「輕重未可知。」真安曰：「王位高功重，若小罪，終不至此。我不忍見父之死。」遂自縊。太和中，著作佐郎成淹上表理白曜，孝文覽表嘉湣之。

His youngest son Zhen'an, eleven, hearing his father seized, meant to kill himself. Kin stopped him: "The charge is not yet known. Zhen'an said: "Prince's rank and great merit—if a small fault, it would never come to this. I cannot bear to see my father die. He hanged himself. In Taihe Author Cheng Yan memorialized for Baiyao; Xiaowen read it and was moved to pity.

白曜弟子契，輕薄無檢。太和初，以名家子擢為中散，遷宰官中散。南安王楨有貪暴之響，遣中散閭文祖詣長安察之。文祖受楨金寶之賂，為楨隱而不言。事發，太后引見群臣，謂曰：「前論貪清，皆云克修。文祖時亦在中，後竟犯法。以此言之，人心信不可知。」孝文曰：「卿等自審不勝貪心者，聽辭位歸第。」契進曰：「小人之心無定，而帝王之法有常。以無恆之心奉有常之法，非所克堪。乞垂退免。」帝曰：「契若知心不可常，即知貪之惡矣，何為求退？」遷宰官令，賜爵定陶男。後卒于都督、朔州刺史，諡曰克。初，慕容氏破後，種族仍繁。天賜末，頗忌而誅之。時有免者，不敢復姓，皆以輿為氏。延昌末，詔復舊姓。而其子女先入掖庭者，猶號慕容，特多於他族。

Nephew Qi was frivolous and unrestrained. At Taihe's opening, as a great-house son he became Palace Cadet, then Palace Cadet of the Palace Steward. Prince of Nan'an Zhen was known for greed and cruelty; he sent Lu Wenzu to Chang'an to investigate. Wenzu took Zhen's gold and treasure and concealed the truth. When it broke, the empress dowager received the ministers and said: "When we discussed greed and purity, all claimed discipline. Wenzu was among them—yet he broke the law. So the human heart cannot be known. Xiaowen said: "Who judges himself unable to master greed may resign and go home." Qi stepped forward: "The small man's heart has no fixity; the emperor's law is constant. To serve constant law with an inconstant heart is beyond me. I beg dismissal. The emperor said: "If Qi knows the heart cannot be constant, he knows greed's evil—why resign? He became Director of the Palace Steward and Baron of Dingtao. He later died as Commander-in-Chief and Governor of Shuo; posthumous title: Victorious. After the Murong house fell, the clan remained numerous. At Tianshi's end they were feared and many were killed. Survivors dared not resume the surname; all took Yu as clan name. At Yanchang's end an edict restored the old surname. Sons and daughters already in the rear palace still bore Murong—more than any other clan.

宇文福，其先南單于之遠屬也。世為擁部大人。祖活撥，仕慕容垂為唐郡內史、遼東公。道武之平慕容氏，活撥入魏，為第一客。福少驍果，有膂力。太和中，累遷都牧給事。及遷洛，敕福檢牧馬所。福規石濟以西，河內以東，拒黃河南北千里為牧地，今之馬場是也。及徙代移雜畜牧於其所，福善於將養，並無損耗。孝文嘉之。尋補司衛監。後以勳封襄樂縣男，歷位太僕卿、都官尚書、營州大中正、瀛州刺史。性忠清，在公嚴毅，以信御人，甚得聲譽。後除都督懷朔、沃野、武川三鎮諸軍事、懷朔鎮將。至鎮卒，諡曰貞惠。

Yu Wenfu descended from the Southern Chanyu's distant line. For generations his house were chiefs of the Yong department. Grandfather Huobo served Murong Chui as Tang Commandery's inner secretary and Duke of Liaodong. When Daowu pacified the Murong house, Huobo entered Wei as foremost guest. Fu in youth was valiant and powerfully built. In Taihe he rose to Master of Pasturage attendant. At the move to Luoyang he was ordered to inspect the horse pastures. He marked west of Shiji to east of Henei, a thousand li along the Yellow River north and south—the present horse grounds. When mixed herds were moved from Dai there, Fu tended them without loss. Xiaowen praised him. Soon he was Supervisor of the Palace Guard. Later for merit he was Baron of Xiangle, then Grand Herald, Director of the Department of State Affairs, Grand Umpire of Ying, and Governor of Ying. Loyal and pure by nature, stern in office, he ruled by trust and won great repute. Later he commanded the three garrisons of Huaishuo, Woye, and Wuchuan and was Garrison Commander of Huaishuo. He died at his post; posthumous title: Loyal and Kind.

子延，字慶壽，體貌魁岸，眉目疏朗。位員外散騎侍郎。以父老，詔聽隨侍在瀛州。屬大乘妖黨突入州城，延率奴客逆戰，身被重瘡。賊縱火燒齋閣，福時在內。延突火入，抱福出外，支體灼爛，鬢髮盡焦。於是勒眾與賊苦戰，賊乃散走，以此見稱。累遷直寢。與万俟晗鬼奴戰，沒。

Son Yan, styled Qinghou, was tall and broad, with open, sparse brows. He was Supernumerary Cavalier Attendant. His father being old, an edict let him wait on him in Ying. When Mahayana fanatics burst into the city, Yan led slaves and guests to fight and was heavily wounded. They set fire to the study; Fu was inside. Yan rushed through flame, carried Fu out; limbs burned raw, hair and temples scorched away. He rallied men and fought bitterly; the bandits scattered—he won praise for this. He rose to Direct Attendant of the Inner Quarters. Fighting Wanqi Han the Ghost Slave, he fell in battle.

論曰：古弼軍謀經國，有柱石之量；張黎誠謹廉方，以勳舊見重。並纖介之間，一朝隕覆。宥及十世，乃徒言耳。劉潔咎之徒也；丘堆敗以亡身。娥清、伊珝俱以材力見用，而珝以謀猷取異，其殆優乎。乙瑰之驍猛，周幾之智勇，代田之騎射，其位遇豈徒然也。車伊洛宅心自遠，豈常戎乎。王洛兒、車路頭、盧魯元、陳建、來大幹、宿石，或誠發於衷，竭節危難；或忠存衛主，義足感人。苟非志烈，亦何能若此。宜其生受恩遇，歿盡哀榮。至如安國，以至覆亡，害盈之義也。周觀、尉撥、陸真、呂洛拔等，咸以勇毅自進，而觀竟致貶黜，異夫數子者矣。薛彪子世載強正，曇珍克盛家聲，美矣乎！魏之諸將，罕方面之績。尉元以寬雅之風，膺將帥之任，威名遠被，位極公老，自致乞言之地，無乃近代之一人歟！白曜出專薄伐，席捲三齊，考績圖勞，固不細矣。而功名難處，追猜嬰戮。宥賢議勤，未聞於斯日也。和其奴之貞正，苟頹之剛直，宇文福之氣幹，咸亦有用之士乎！

Commentary: Gu Bi's stratagems sustained the state—he had a pillar's measure; Zhang Li was sincere, careful, pure, and square, honored among old merit-holders. Both fell in a fiber's breadth in a single morning. Pardon to ten generations—only empty words. Liu Jie was a man of blame; Qiu Dui failed and lost his life. E Qing and Yi Xu were used for strength; Xu won distinction by stratagem—perhaps the better? Yi Gui's fierceness, Zhou Ji's wit and courage, Dou Daitian's riding and bow—hardly accidental posts. Che Yiluo's heart stood far from common tribesmen—hardly a routine warrior. Wang Luo'er, Che Lutou, Lu Luyuan, Chen Jian, Lai Dagan, Su Shi—some sincere to the bone, loyal in peril; some guarding the ruler, righteousness enough to move men. Without fierce will, how could they? No wonder they were favored in life and mourned in full glory at death. Anguo reached ruin—the meaning of harm overflowing. Zhou Guan, Wei Bo, Lu Zhen, Lu Luoba advanced by courage; yet Guan was demoted—unlike the rest. Xue Biaozi bore stern rectitude through generations; Yan Zhen sustained the house—beautiful! Among Wei's generals, few won regional achievement. Wei Yuan's broad, elegant manner bore command; prestige reached far, rank topped the elders, and he won on his own the place of one who begs to speak—perhaps the one man of recent times! Baiyao went forth on lean campaigns, swept the three Qi—in merit reckoned on the map his service was no small thing. Yet merit and fame are hard to hold; suspicion pursued him to the blade. Pardoning worth and weighing merit—that day it was not heard. He Qinu's uprightness, Gou Tui's stern rectitude, Yu Wenfu's force of spirit—they too were useful men!

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