1
盧玄盧柔盧觀盧同盧誕
Lu Xuan, Lu Rou, Lu Guan, Lu Tong, and Lu Dan
2
列傳第十八
Biographies 18
3
盧玄玄孫思道昌衡元明潛盧柔子愷盧觀弟仲宣彪從子文偉盧同子斐兄子景裕景裕弟辯光光子賁光從弟勇盧誕
Lu Xuan; his great-grandson Sidao, Changheng, Yuanming, and Qian; Lu Rou and son Kai; Lu Guan, brothers Zhongxuan and Biao, and nephew Wenwei; Lu Tong and son Fei, and brother's son Jingyu; Jingyu's brothers Bian and Guang, Guang's son Ben, and Guang's cousin Yong; and Lu Dan
4
盧玄，字子真，范陽涿人也。 曾祖諶，晉司空劉琨從事中郎。 祖偃，父邈，並仁慕容氏。 偃為營丘太守，邈為范陽太守，皆以儒雅稱。
Lu Xuan, styled Zizhen, came from Zhuo in Fanyang. His great-grandfather Chen had served Liu Kun, Jin's Minister of Works, as Attendant Gentleman. His grandfather Yan and father Miao both took office under the Murong. Yan governed Yingqiu and Miao Fanyang, each renowned for cultured learning.
5
神蒨四年，太武辟召天下儒俊，以玄為首。 授中書博士，遷侍郎，本州大中正。 使馮弘，稱臣請附。 外兄司徒崔浩每與言輒歎曰：「對子真，使我懷古之情更深。」 浩大欲齊整人倫，分明姓族。 玄曰：「創制立事，各有其時，樂為此者，詎幾人也？ 宜三思。」 浩當時雖無以異之，竟於不納。 浩敗，頗亦由此。 後賜爵固安子，散騎常侍，使宋。 宋文帝與之言，嘉歎良久，曰：「中郎，卿曾祖也！」 還，遇疾，歸鄉卒。 贈平東將軍、幽州刺史、固安侯，諡曰宣。
In Shenqi year 4, Taiwu called up the empire's leading scholars and placed Xuan first among them. He received the post of Secretariat Doctor, rose to Gentleman, and became his province's Grand Rectifier. On embassy to Feng Hong he offered allegiance and asked to join the court. His wife's brother Cui Hao, Minister of Works, would sigh in conversation: "In Zizhen's company my nostalgia for the ancients grows keener." Hao was bent on ordering society and sorting surnames and lineages. Xuan replied: "Founding customs and offices has its proper hour—how many would truly relish such work? Think thrice. Hao could not refute him then, yet never took his advice. Hao's ruin owed something to that refusal too. Later he was made Viscount of Gu'an and Regular Attendant, then sent as envoy to Song. Song's Emperor Wen talked with him, admired him long, and said: "The Palace Attendant was your great-grandfather! (end of quotation) Returning, he fell ill, went home, and died there.
6
子度世，字子遷。 幼聰達，有計數。 為中書學生，應選東宮。 弱冠，與從兄遐俱以學行為時流所重。 遐特為崔浩所敬，位至尚書、光祿大夫、范陽子。
He was posthumously General Who Pacifies the East, Inspector of You, and Marquis of Gu'an, with the temple name Xuan. His son Dushi, styled Ziqian. Even as a boy he was sharp and resourceful. He studied at the Secretariat and was chosen for the crown prince's household. At twenty he and cousin Xia won the day's respect for scholarship and character.
7
度世後以崔浩事，棄官逃于高陽鄭羆家，羆匿之。 使者囚羆長子，將加捶楚。 羆誡之曰：「君子殺身以成仁，汝雖死勿言。」 子奉父言，遂被拷掠，乃至火爇其體，因以物故，卒無所言。 度世後令弟娶羆妹，以報其恩。 太武臨江，宋文使其殿上將軍黃延年至。 帝問曰：「盧度世坐與崔浩親通，逃命江表，應已至彼。」 延年對曰：「都下無聞，當必不至。」 帝詔東宮赦度世宗族逃亡籍沒者，度世乃出。 拜中書侍郎，襲爵。
Xia in particular won Cui Hao's regard and reached Minister, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and Viscount of Fanyang. When the Cui Hao affair broke, Dushi quit his post and hid with Zheng Pi of Gaoyang, who sheltered him. Officers seized Pi's eldest son to beat him. Pi warned him: "A gentleman gives his life for humaneness—die if you must, but say nothing." The boy obeyed, was tortured and even burned, died, and never spoke. Dushi later had a younger brother marry Pi's sister in gratitude. As Taiwu camped on the Yangzi, Song's emperor sent Palace General Huang Yannian. Taiwu asked: "Lu Dushi, close to Cui Hao, fled south—he must be there by now." Yannian said: "The capital hears nothing; he surely never went." An edict from the Eastern Palace pardoned Dushi's fleeing kin; he emerged from hiding.
8
興安初，兼太常卿，立保太后父遼西獻王廟，進爵為侯。 後除散騎侍郎，使宋，應對宋侍中柳元景失衷。 還，被禁劾，經年乃釋。 除濟州刺史。 州接邊境，將士數相侵掠。 度世乃禁勒所統，還其俘虜，二境以寧。 後坐事免。 尋除青州刺史，未拜，卒，諡曰惠。 四子，伯源、敏、昶、尚之。
He was made Secretariat Gentleman and inherited the fief. Early in Xing'an he doubled as Grand Minister of Ceremonies, built the temple to the Dowager Protector's father the Liaoxi King, and was raised to marquis. Later he was Regular Attendant on embassy to Song and answered Palace Attendant Liu Yuanjing awkwardly. Back home he was held and impeached; a year passed before release. He was appointed Inspector of Ji. The province lay on the frontier; troops on both sides kept raiding. Dushi tightened discipline, returned prisoners, and both sides calmed. Later he was removed for a fault. He was named Inspector of Qing but died before assuming it; his posthumous name was Hui.
9
初，玄有五子，唯度世嫡，餘皆別生。 崔浩之難，其庶兄弟恆欲害之，度世常深忿恨。 及度世有子，每誡絕妾孽，以防後患。 至伯源兄弟，婢妾生子，雖形貌相類，皆不舉接。 為識者所非。
Four sons: Boyuan, Min, Chang, and Shangzhi. Xuan had five sons; only Dushi was legitimate—the rest were by concubines. During the Cui Hao affair his half-brothers repeatedly tried to destroy him; he never forgave it. Once he had sons he warned them to reject sons by slave women, lest trouble follow. Boyuan's generation would not acknowledge sons by maids even when the boys looked like them.
10
伯源小名陽烏，性溫雅寡欲，有祖父風。 敦尚學業，閨門和睦。 襲侯爵，降為伯。 累加秘書監、本州大中正。 時孝文帝將立馮後，先問伯源。 請更簡卜。 帝曰：「以先後之侄，朕意已定。」 伯源曰：「雖奉敕如此，然臣心實有未盡。」 及朝臣集議，執意如前。 馮誕有盛寵，深以為恨，伯源不以介懷。 及孝文議伐齊，伯源表以為萬乘親戎，轉運難繼。 詔雖不從，而優答之。 尋以齊武帝殂，停師。
The knowing faulted them for it. Boyuan, childhood name Yangwu, was gentle, cultured, and sparing of desire—his grandfather's air. He cherished scholarship and kept the family at peace. He inherited the marquisate, later reduced to a barony. He rose to Secretariat Director and provincial Grand Rectifier. When Xiaowen meant to make Lady Feng empress he asked Boyuan first. Boyuan asked for fresh divination. The emperor said: "She is the empress dowager's niece—my choice stands." Boyuan said: "I obey, yet my heart is not wholly at ease." At court debate he held the same line. Feng Dan, deeply favored, hated him for it; Boyuan was unbothered. When Xiaowen planned war on Qi, Boyuan argued that the emperor's personal campaign would strain logistics. The throne did not agree but answered him kindly.
11
時涇州羌叛，殘破城邑。 伯源以步騎六千號三萬，徐行而進。 未經三旬，賊眾逃散。 降者數萬口，唯梟首惡，餘悉不問。 詔兼侍中。
Soon Qi Emperor Wu died and the campaign stopped. Then Qiang in Jing rebelled and smashed walled places. Boyuan led six thousand foot and horse, claimed thirty thousand, and marched slowly. Within thirty days the rebels broke and fled. Tens of thousands surrendered; only leaders were killed, the rest spared.
12
初，伯源年十四，嘗詣長安。 將還，餞送者五十餘人，別於渭北。 有相者扶風人王逵曰：「諸君皆不如此盧郎，雖位不副實，然得聲名甚盛，望逾公輔。 後二十餘年，當制命關右，願不相忘。」 此行也，相者年過八十，詣軍門請見，言敘平生。 未幾，守儀曹尚書。
He was also made Palace Attendant. At fourteen Boyuan had once visited Chang'an. Returning, over fifty men saw him off north of the Wei. The physiognomist Wang Kui of Fufeng said: "None of you matches this Lu youth—rank may lag talent, yet his name will thunder and his horizon exceed the Three Ducal Ministers. In twenty years he will govern the west—remember me." On this campaign Kui, past eighty, came to camp, asked audience, and reminisced.
13
及齊雍州刺史曹武請降，乃以伯源為使持節、安南將軍，督前鋒諸軍，徑赴樊、鄧。 辭以儒生不行軍事，帝不許。 伯源曰：「臣恐曹武為周魴耳。 陛下宜審之。」 武果偽降。 伯源乃進攻赭陽，師敗，坐免官爵。 尋曹母憂。 服闋，兼太尉長史。
Soon he was Minister of Ceremonies. When Qi's Yong inspector Cao Wu offered surrender, Boyuan was given full powers as General Who Pacifies the South to lead the vanguard to Fan and Deng. He pleaded that a scholar should not wage war; the emperor refused. Boyuan said: "I fear Cao Wu is another Zhou Fang." Your Majesty should look closely." Wu did feign surrender. Boyuan attacked Zheyang, was beaten, and lost office and title. Soon Cao entered mourning for his mother.
14
後為徐州京兆王愉兼長史。 愉時年少，事無巨細，多決于伯源。 伯源以誠信禦物，甚得東南人和。 南徐州刺史沈陵密謀叛，伯源屢有表聞，朝廷不納。 陵果逃叛。 陵之餘黨，伯源皆撫而赦之，唯歸罪於陵，由是眾心乃安。
When mourning ended he was Chief Clerk to the Grand Minister of War. Later he was chief clerk to Prince Yu of Xuzhou and Jingzhao. Yu was young; Boyuan decided everything great or small. He ruled through sincerity and won the southeast's hearts. Southern Xuzhou inspector Shen Ling plotted treason; Boyuan reported again and again, but court ignored him. Ling did flee and rebel.
15
景明初，卒于秘書監，年四十八，贈幽州刺史，復本爵固安伯。 諡曰懿。
He pardoned Ling's followers, blaming only Ling, and the region calmed. Early in Jingming he died as Secretariat Director at forty-eight; made posthumous Inspector of You and Baron of Gu'an.
16
初，諶父志，法鐘繇書，子孫傳業，累世有能名。 至邈以上，兼善草跡。 伯源習家法，代京宮殿，多其所題。 白馬公崔宏亦善書，世傳衛瓘體。 魏初工書者，崔、盧二門。 伯源與李沖特相友善，沖重伯源門風，伯源私沖才官，故結為婚姻，往來親密。 至於伯源荷孝文意遇，頗亦由沖。 伯源有八子。
His posthumous name was Yi. Chen's father Zhi had studied Zhong You's script; the family kept the art and for generations were famed calligraphers. From Miao's generation they also mastered cursive. Boyuan learned the house style and inscribed many capital palaces. Duke of Baima Cui Hong was skilled too; the age knew the Wei Guan style through him. Early Wei counted the Cui and Lu clans among its finest calligraphers. Boyuan and Li Chong were close friends—Chong prized the Lu house, Boyuan admired Chong's talent, they married kin and met constantly. Boyuan's standing with Xiaowen owed something to Chong.
17
長子道將，字祖業。 應襲父爵而讓第八弟道舒，詔不許。 道將引清河王國常侍韓子熙讓弟采魯陽男之例，詔乃許之。 道將涉獵經史，風氣謇諤，頗有文才，為一家後來之寇，諸父並敬憚之。 彭城王勰、任城王澄皆虛衿相待。 勰為中軍大將軍，辟行參軍。 累遷燕郡太守。 道將下車表樂毅、霍原之墓，為之立祠。 優禮儒生，厲勸學業，敦課農桑，墾田歲倍。 卒于司徒司馬，贈太常卿，諡曰獻。 所為文筆數十篇。
Boyuan had eight sons. The eldest, Daojiang (Zuye), should have inherited but yielded to the eighth brother Daoshu; the throne refused. Daojiang cited Han Zixi yielding his younger brother the fief of Luyang—then the throne allowed it. Daojiang read widely in the classics and histories, carried himself with blunt integrity, wrote well, and was the family's rising terror—uncles both respected and feared him. Princes Xie of Pengcheng and Cheng of Rencheng treated him with unfeigned respect. As Grand General of the Central Army, Xie took him on as Traveling Aide. He rose step by step to Administrator of Yan. At his post he marked the tombs of Yue Yi and Huo Yuanzhi and raised shrines. He honored scholars, urged study, and pushed farming—reclaimed land doubled each year. He died as the Minister of Works' secretary, was posthumously Grand Minister of Ceremonies with the name Xian. Several dozen of his compositions survive.
18
子懷祖，太學博士、員外散騎侍郎，卒。 子莊，少有美名，位都水使者，卒官。
Son Huainzu was University Erudite and supernumerary Regular Attendant, then died. Son Zhuang won early fame, served as Commissioner of Waterways, and died in office.
19
懷祖弟懷仁，字子友，涉學有辭。 性恬靜，蕭然有閒雅致。 曆太尉記室、弘農郡守，不之任，卜居陳留界。 所著詩賦銘頌二萬餘言，撰《中表實錄》二十卷。 懷仁有行檢，善與人交。 與琅邪王衍、隴西李壽之情好相得。 常語衍云：「昔太丘道廣，許劭知而不顧； 嵇生峭立，鐘會遇而絕言。 吾處季、孟之間，去其太甚。」 衍以為然。
Huainzu's brother Huairen, styled Ziyou, was learned and articulate. Tranquil by nature, he had an air of unhurried elegance. He was Recorder to the Grand Minister of War and named to Hongnong but never went, living on the Chenliu border. He wrote over twenty thousand words of verse and prose and compiled twenty juan of Records of Central Tables. Huairen was disciplined in conduct and gifted at friendship. He was close to Wang Yan of Langye and Li Shou of Longxi. He told Yan: "Once Taqiu walked a broad path and Xu Shao knew him yet turned away; Ji Kang stood aloof and Zhong Hui met him yet would not speak. I keep between those extremes and trim the excess. Yan agreed.
20
子彥卿，有學尚，仕隋位御史。 撰《後魏紀》三十卷。 貞觀中位石門令、東宮學士。 道將弟道亮，字仲業，隱居不仕。 子思道。
Son Yanqing was scholarly and in Sui became Censor. He wrote thirty juan of Annals of Later Wei. Under Zhenguan he was Magistrate of Shimen and Eastern Palace academician. Daojiang's brother Daoliang, styled Zhongye, lived in hiding and never took office. His son was Sidao.
21
思道字子行，聰爽俊辯，通侻不羈。 年十六，中山劉松為人作碑銘，以示思道。 思道讀之，多所不解。 乃感激讀書，師事河間邢子才。 後復為文示松，松不能甚解。 乃喟然歎曰：「學之有益，豈徒然哉！」 因就魏收借異書。 數年間，才學兼著。 然不持操行，好輕侮人物。 齊天保中，《魏史》成，思道多所非毀。 由是前後再被笞辱，因而落泊不調。
Sidao, styled Zixing, was bright, quick-tongued, and famously unbound by convention. At sixteen, Liu Song of Zhongshan showed him an inscription he had written for another. Sidao read it and could not follow much of it. Stung to shame, he threw himself into books under Xing Zicai of Hejian. Later he showed Song his own writing; Song could barely follow it. Song sighed: "So study does profit a man—it was not for nothing! (end of quotation) He borrowed rare books from Wei Shou. In a few years talent and learning both shone. Yet he kept loose morals and loved to mock people. When Qi's History of Wei was finished in Tianbao, Sidao tore it apart in many places.
22
後左僕射楊遵彥薦之于朝，解褐司空行參軍、長兼員外散騎侍郎，直中書省。 文宣帝崩，當朝文士各作輓歌十首，擇其善者而用之。 魏收、陽休之、祖孝征等不過得一二首，唯思道獨有八篇。 故時人稱為「八米盧郎」。 後漏泄省中語，出為丞相西閣祭酒。 曆太子舍人、司徒錄事參軍。 每居官，多被譴辱。 後以擅用庫錢，免歸家。 嘗於薊北，悵然感慨，為五言詩見意，世以為工。 後為給事黃門侍郎，待詔文林館。
He was beaten repeatedly for it and fell into shabby neglect. Later Yang Zunyan recommended him; he entered service as the Minister of Works' attendant, supernumerary Regular Attendant, and Secretariat duty. At Wenxuan's death every leading writer submitted ten dirges; the best were kept. Wei Shou, Yang Xiuzhi, and Zu Xiaozheng won one or two at most; Sidao alone had eight. Hence his nickname: "Eight-Rice Lu Lang." He leaked inner-court talk and was exiled as Libationer of the Chancellor's Western Pavilion. He was heir's household attendant and recorder under the Minister of Works. Every office brought rebuke. Later he was dismissed for dipping into treasury funds. North of Ji he wrote pentasyllabic verse of regret that the age praised.
23
周武帝平齊，授儀同三司，追赴長安。 與同輩陽休之等數人作《聽蟬鳴篇》。 思道所為，詞意清切，為時人所重。 新野庾信遍覽諸同作者，而深歎美之。 未幾，母疾，還鄉。 遇同郡祖英伯及從兄昌期等舉兵作亂，思道豫焉。 柱國宇文神舉討平之。 思道罪當斬，已在死中。 神舉素聞其名，引出，令作露布。 援筆立成，文不加點。 神舉嘉而宥之。 後除掌教上士。 隋文帝為丞相，遷武陽太守。 位下，不得志，為《孤鴻賦》以寄其情。 其序曰：
Later he was Supervising Secretary and attendant at the Forest of Literature. When Zhou's Emperor Wu conquered Qi he was made Colonel Third Class and hurried to Chang'an. With Yang Xiuzhi and others he wrote "On Hearing the Cicada." Sidao's lines were clear and piercing and won the age's regard. Yu Xin of Xinye read every contributor and marveled at his. Soon his mother fell ill and he went home. He fell in with Zu Yingbo and cousin Changqi raising troops; Sidao joined them. Pillar of State Yuwen Shenju crushed the rising. Sidao deserved beheading and was as good as dead. Shenju, knowing his name, pulled him out and ordered a victory bulletin. He wrote at a stroke, flawless. Shenju admired him and spared his life. Later he was Director of Instruction, senior grade. When Sui's Wendi was Chancellor he was sent to Wuyang. Low in rank and thwarted, he wrote "Rhapsody on the Lone Goose" for his mood.
24
餘志學之歲，自鄉里游京師，便見識知音，曆受群公之眷。 年登弱冠，甫就朝列； 談者過誤，遂竊虛名。 通人楊令君、邢特進以下，皆分庭致敬，倒屣相接，翦拂吹噓，長其光價。 而才本駑拙，性實疏懶，勢利貨殖，淡然不營。 雖籠絆朝市，且三十載，而獨往之心，未始去懷抱也。
The preface runs: In the year I vowed myself to learning I left home for the capital, found patrons at once, and passed from one great man's favor to another. At twenty I had barely joined the court rolls; gossips erred, and I stole a hollow name. From Vice Minister Yang and Special Advance Xing downward, men of insight met me at the gate, shoes in hand, polished my name, and inflated my price. Yet talent in me was dull and nature lazy—I would not chase profit or power.
25
攝生舛和，有少氣疾。 分符坐嘯，作守東原。 洪河之湄，沃野彌望，囂務既屏，魚鳥為鄰。 有離群之鴻，為羅者所獲，野人馴養，貢之于餘。 置諸池庭，朝夕賞玩，既用銷憂，兼以輕疾。 《大易》稱「鴻漸于陸」，羽儀盛也。 揚子曰「鴻飛冥冥」，騫翥高也。 《淮南子》云「東歸碣石」，違溽暑也。 平子賦「南翔衡陽」，避祁寒也。 若其雅步清音，遠心高韻，鵷鸞已降，罕見其儔。 而鎩翮牆陰，偶影獨立，唼喋秕稗，雞鶩為伍，不亦傷乎。
Though the court held me thirty years, the lone heart never left my breast. Care of life went awry and I had a slight breath sickness. With seal in hand I governed the eastern plain. Along the great river fertile fields ran to the horizon; noise fell away and fish and birds were my neighbors. A stray goose was netted; a countryman tamed it and gave it to me. I kept it in the pool court, admired it dawn and dusk; it eased grief and lightened sickness. The Changes says the goose "advances on the land"—ceremonial splendor. Yang Xiong says "the goose flies in the dark"—lofty flight. Huainanzi says "east to Jieshi"—escaping summer's steam. Zhang Heng's rhapsody says "south to Hengyang"—fleeing bitter cold. In grace of gait and clarity of song, heart distant and tone high—even phoenix birds stoop; few match him.
26
餘五十之年，忽焉已至，永言身事，慨然多緒，乃為之賦，聊以自慰云。
Yet wings clipped in the courtyard shade he stands alone, pecking chaff beside barnyard fowl—is it not pitiable?
27
開皇初，以母老，表請解職，優詔許之。 思道恃才地，多所陵轢，由是官途淪滯。 既而又著《勞生論》，指切當世。 歲餘，奉詔郊勞陳使。 頃之，遭母憂。 未幾，起為散騎侍郎，參內史侍郎事。 于時，議置六卿，將除大理。 思道上奏曰：「省有駕部，寺留太僕； 省有刑部，寺除大理。 斯則重畜產而賤刑名，誠為不可。」 又陳殿庭非杖罰之所，朝臣犯笞罪，請以贖論。 上悉嘉納之。 是歲，卒于京師。 上甚惜之，遣使弔祭焉。 集二十卷，行於世。 子赤松，大業中，位河東縣長。
Fifty years come sudden; brooding on life's business stirs many threads—thus this fu, to comfort myself. Early in Kaihuang, his mother being old, he asked to resign; a kind edict allowed it. Sidao leaned on talent and rank, bullied many, and his career stalled. He then wrote "On Toiling Life," skewering his own times. A year on, edict ordered him to greet Chen's envoy in the suburbs. Soon he mourned his mother. Soon he was Regular Attendant assisting the Secretariat vice director. Court debated the Six Ministers and meant to seat the Minister of Justice. Sidao wrote: "The ministry keeps Transport while the temple keeps the Stud— the ministry keeps Punishments while the temple drops Justice. That exalts herds and cheapens law—unacceptable." He also said the throne hall is no beating ground—when courtiers deserve the rod, let them redeem the blow. The emperor praised and took all of it. That year he died in the capital. The emperor mourned him and sent envoys to sacrifice. Twenty juan of his works circulate.
28
道亮弟道裕，字甯祖。 少以學尚知名，風儀兼美。 尚獻文女樂浪長公主，拜駙馬都尉。 歷位中書侍郎、太子中庶子、幽州大中正，卒于涇州刺史，諡曰文。
Son Chisong in Daye was Magistrate of Hedong. Daoliang's brother Daoyu, styled Ningzu. Young he was famed for scholarship and handsome bearing. He married Emperor Xianwen's daughter, Princess of Lelang, and became Commandant of the Horse Guards.
29
道虔好《禮》學，難齊尚書令王儉《喪服集記》七十餘條。 為尚書同寮于草屋下設雞黍之膳，談者以為高。 昧旦將上省，必見其弟然後去。 奴在馬上彈琵琶，道虔聞之，杖奴一百。 公主二子，昌寓宇、昌仁。 昌宇不慧，昌仁早卒。 道虔又娶司馬氏，有子昌裕。 後司馬氏見出，更娉元氏，甚聰悟，常升高座講《老子》。 道虔從弟元明隔紗帷以聽焉。 元氏生二子，昌斯、昌衡，昌衡最知名。
Daoqian loved ritual studies and challenged more than seventy articles in Wang Jian's "Collected Notes on Mourning Garments." Ministerial colleagues served him plain chicken and millet in a thatched hut—men of taste admired it. Before dawn, heading to the ministry, he always visited his brother first. Hearing a slave play pipa on horseback, Daoqian had him beaten a hundred blows. The princess bore Changyu and Changren. Changyu lacked wit; Changren died young. He also married a Sima and had Changyu. Later he dismissed the Sima wife and married a clever Yuan who lectured on the Laozi from a high seat. Cousin Yuanming listened behind a gauze screen. She bore Changsi and Changheng; Changheng was best known.
30
昌衡字子均，小字龍子。 沈靖有才識，風神淡雅，容止可法。 博涉經史，工草行書。 從弟思道，小字釋奴，宗中稱英妙，昌衡與之俱被推重。 故幽州語曰：「盧家千里，釋奴、龍子。」 仕魏，兼太尉外兵參軍。 齊受禪，曆平恩令。 右僕射祖孝征薦為尚書金部郎。 孝征每曰：「吾用盧子均為尚書郎，自謂無愧幽明。」 始天保中，尚書王昕以雅談獲罪，諸弟尚守而不墜。 自茲以後，此道浸微。 昌衡與頓丘李若、彭城劉瑉、河南陸彥師、隴西辛德源、王循並為後進風流之士。 後兼散騎侍郎，迎勞周使。 周武平齊，授司玉中士，與大宗伯斛斯征修《禮令》。
Changheng, styled Zijun, childhood name Longzi. Calm, perceptive, elegant in spirit—his bearing was a model. He read classics and histories and excelled at cursive and running script. Cousin Sidao, childhood name Shinu, was the clan's prodigy; Changheng stood beside him in renown. You Province said: "A thousand li of Lu—Shinu and Longzi. Under Wei he was Outside Army Aide to the Grand Minister of War. When Qi took the throne he was Magistrate of Ping'en in turn. Right Vice Minister Zu Xiaozheng made him Revenue Gentleman. Xiaozheng said: "Using Lu Zijun as Minister Gentleman I owe nothing to living or dead. Since Tianbao, when Minister Wang Xin was punished for salon talk, the younger men still kept the tradition. After that the fashion waned. Changheng, Li Ruo, Liu Min, Lu Yanshi, Xin Deyuan, and Wang Xun were the new salon set. Later he was Regular Attendant greeting Zhou envoys. When Zhou conquered Qi he was Director of Jade and with Husi Zheng revised the Rites Code.
31
隋開皇初，拜尚書祠部侍郎。 文帝嘗大集群下，令自陳功，人皆競進，昌衡獨無所言。 左僕射高熲目而異之。 陳使賀徹、周濆相繼來聘，朝廷每令昌衡接對之。 未幾，出為徐州總管長史，甚有能名。 吏部尚書蘇威考之曰：「德為世表，行為士則。」 論之者以為美談。 常行至浚儀，所乘馬為人牛所觸致死。 牛主陳謝，求還價直。 昌衡謂曰：「六畜相觸，自關常理，此豈人情也，君何謝焉？」 拒而不受。 性寬厚不校，皆此類也。 轉壽州總管長史。 宇文述甚敬之，委以州務。 歲餘，遷金州刺史。 仁壽中，奉詔持節為河南道巡省大使。 及還，以奉使稱旨，授儀同三司，賜物二百段。 昌衡自以年在縣車，上表乞骸骨，優詔不許。 大業初，徵為太子左庶子，行詣洛陽，道卒。 子寶素、寶胤。
Early in Sui Kaihuang he was Vice Minister of Rites. Wendi once gathered officials to boast of merit; all pushed forward but Changheng was silent. Left Vice Minister Gao Jiong eyed him in wonder. Chen envoys He Che and Zhou Fen came in turn; court always sent Changheng. Soon he was chief clerk to Xuzhou's grand governor and famed for competence. Su Wei of Personnel wrote: "His virtue is the age's yardstick; his conduct the gentleman's rule. Talkers made a proverb of it. Passing Junyi, another man's ox killed his horse. The owner apologized and offered payment. Changheng said: "Beasts collide by nature—not a human affair. Why apologize? He refused payment. Generous and uncontentious—he was always thus. He became chief clerk at Shouzhou. Yuwen Shu respected him and gave him the province's business. A year on he was Inspector of Jin. In Renshou he toured Henan circuit with full powers. Returning with a mission that pleased the throne, he was Colonel Third Class with two hundred rolls of goods. Thinking himself at retirement age, he begged to retire; a kind edict refused. Early in Daye he was summoned as the heir's left companion and died on the road to Luoyang. Sons Baosu and Baoyin.
32
道虔弟道侃，字希祖，沈雅有學尚，位州主簿，卒。 以弟道約子正達為後。
Brother Daokan, styled Xizu, scholarly and refined, was prefectural clerk and died. Daoyue's son Zhengda was made his heir.
33
道侃弟道和，字叔雍，兄弟之中，人望最下。 位冀州中軍府中兵參軍，卒。 子景猷，弘農太守。 景猷子士彥，有風概，隋開皇中，為蜀王秀屬。 以秀所為不軌，辭疾，終於家。
Brother Daohe, styled Shuyong, ranked lowest among the brothers. He was army aide in Ji's central staff and died. Son Jingyou was Administrator of Hongnong. Son Shiyan had force of character; early in Kaihuang he served Prince Xiu of Shu. When Xiu turned lawless he pleaded sickness and died at home.
34
道和弟道約，字季恭，位司徒屬、幽州大中正。 興和末，除衛大將軍、兗州刺史，在州頗得人和。 卒，贈儀同三司、幽州刺史。
Brother Daoyue, styled Jigong, was the Minister of Works' attendant and You Grand Rectifier. Late in Xinghe he was Grand General of the Guard and Yan inspector and won the province. He died; posthumously Colonel Third Class and You inspector.
35
子正通，少有令譽，位開府諮議，卒。 妻謝氏，與正通弟正思淫亂，為御史所劾，人士疾之。 正思弟正山字公順，早以文學見知，為符璽郎，待詔文林館。 正思兄弟以齊太后舅氏，武平中，並得優贈。
Son Zhengtong had early fame, was Opening Office counselor, and died. Wife Lady Xie lay with brother Zhengsi; censors impeached them and gentlemen despised the house. Brother Zhengshan, styled Gongshun, was known for letters, seal clerk, Forest of Literature attendant. As the Qi empress dowager's kin, the brothers received lavish posthumous honors in Wuping.
36
道約弟道舒，字幼安，襲父爵，位中書侍郎，卒。 子熙裕襲。 熙裕清虛守道，有古人風，為親表所敬。
Brother Daoshu, styled You'an, inherited the title, was Secretariat Gentleman, and died. Son Xiyu inherited. Xiyu was pure, held the Way, seemed a man of old times, and kin revered him.
37
伯源弟敏，字仲通，小字洪崖，少有大量。 孝文器之，納其女為嬪。 位儀曹郎，早卒，贈威遠將軍、范陽太守，諡曰靖。 五子。
Boyuan's brother Min, styled Zhongtong, childhood name Hongya, was magnanimous from youth. Xiaowen prized him and took his daughter as consort. He was Ceremonies Gentleman, died young, posthumously General of Awesome Far Reach and Fanyang Administrator with posthumous name Jing. Five sons.
38
長義僖，字遠慶，早有學尚，識度沈雅。 年九歲喪父，便有至性，少為僕射李沖所歎美。 起家秘書郎，累遷冠軍將軍、中散大夫，以母憂去職。 幽州刺史王誦與之交款，每與故舊李神俊等書曰：「盧冠軍在此，時復惠存，輒連數日，得以諮詢政道。」 其見重若此。 後拜征虜將軍、太中大夫，散秩多年，澹然自得。 李神俊勸其幹謁當途，義僖曰：「既學先王之道，貴行先王之志，何得苟求富貴也？」 孝昌中，除散騎常侍。 時靈太后臨朝，黃門侍郎李神軌勢傾朝野，求結婚姻。 義僖慮其必敗，拒而不許。 王誦謂義僖曰：「昔人不以一女易五男，卿易之也？」 義僖曰：「所以不從，正為此耳。 從，恐禍大而連速。」 誦乃握義僖手曰：「我聞有命，不改以告人。」 遂適他族。 臨婚之夕，靈太后遣中常侍服景就家敕停，內外惶怖，義僖夷然自若。 普泰中，除都官尚書、驃騎大將軍、左光祿大夫。
Eldest Yixi, styled Yuanqing, was early scholarly, deep and elegant in judgment. At nine he lost his father and showed perfect filial piety; young he won Li Chong's praise. He began as Secretariat Gentleman, rose to General Who Overcomes Barbarians and Palace Leisure Grand Master, then mourned his mother. You inspector Wang Song was close and wrote Li Shenjun: "General Lu is here—when he favors us we consult on government for days. Such was his esteem. Later he was General Who Punishes Barbarians and Palace Grand Master. Many years on idle salary he was content. Li Shenjun urged him to court the powerful; Yixi said: "I study the former kings' Way—how can I grub for rank and gold? In Xiaochang he was Regular Attendant. Empress Dowager Ling ruled; Li Shengui's power bent the court and he sought a marriage alliance. Yixi feared ruin and refused. Wang Song said: "Men once would not trade one daughter for five sons—will you? Yixi said: "I refuse for exactly that reason. Song seized his hand: "I have heard fate—do not change what I tell you. He married elsewhere. On the wedding eve Ling sent Fu Jing to halt it; the household panicked; Yixi was unmoved. In Putai he was Minister of Justice, General of Agile Cavalry, and Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness.
39
義僖寬和畏慎，不妄交款。 性清儉，不營財利。 少時，幽州頻遭水旱，先有數萬石穀貸人，義僖以年穀不熟，乃燔其契，州閭悅其恩德。 雖居顯位，每至困乏，麥飯蔬食，怡然甘之。 卒，贈大將軍、儀同三司、瀛州刺史，諡曰孝簡。
Yixi was broad, gentle, cautious, and slow to befriend. Pure and frugal, he did not chase wealth. You had floods and drought; he had lent tens of thousands of bushels—when grain failed he burned the IOUs and the district blessed him. Though high in office, in want he ate wheat gruel and greens gladly. He died; posthumously Grand General, Colonel Third Class, Ying inspector, posthumous name Xiaojian.
40
子遜之，清靖寡欲，位太尉記室參軍。 義僖四弟，並遠不逮兄也。
Son Xunzhi was pure, quiet, without craving, Recorder to the Grand Minister of War. Four younger brothers never matched him.
41
敏弟昶，字叔達，小字師顏，學涉經史，早有時譽。 太和中，兼員外散騎常侍，使于齊。 孝文詔昶曰：「密邇江揚，不早當晚，會是朕物。 卿等欲言便言，無相疑難。」 又敕副使王清石曰：「卿莫以南人語致疑盧昶。 若彼先有知識，欲見但見，須論即論。 昶正寬柔君子，無多文才，或主客命卿作詩，莫以昶不作，便罷也。 凡使人以和為貴，勿相矜誇，見於色貌。」 及至彼，遇齊明立，孝文南討，昶兄伯源為別道將。 而齊明以朝廷加兵，遂酷遇之。 昶等本非骨鯁，大怖，淚汗橫流。 齊明以腐米臭魚莝豆供之。 而謁者張思寧，辭氣謇愕，遂以壯烈死於館中。 昶還，孝文責之曰：「銜命之禮，有死無辱，雖流放海隅，猶宜抱節致殞。 卿不能長纓羈首，已是可恨。 乃俛眉飲啄，自同犬馬。 有生必死，修短幾何？ 卿若殺身成名，貽之竹素，何如甘彼芻菽，以辱君父。 縱不能遠慚蘇武，寧不近愧思寧！」 遂見罷黜。
Min's brother Chang, styled Shuda, childhood name Shiyan, read widely and was famed early. In Taihe he was supernumerary Regular Attendant on embassy to Qi. Xiaowen told Chang: "Hard by Jiang and Yang—sooner or later it is mine. Speak freely; do not hold back. He charged deputy Wang Qingshi: "Do not let southern talk make you doubt Lu Chang. If they know someone and wish a meeting, meet; if debate is wanted, debate. Chang is a mild gentleman, no great poet—if the host demands verse, do not end the feast because Chang stays silent. Envoys should prize harmony, not strut and sneer in each other's faces. In Qi, Qi Ming had just risen; Xiaowen marched south while Chang's brother Boyuan led another column. Qi Ming, seeing more Northern Wei troops, treated them harshly. Chang's party were no iron spines—they shook, wept, and sweated. Qi Ming fed them rotten rice, foul fish, and bean husks. The usher Zhang Sining spoke bluntly and died heroically in the hostel. Chang returned, and Xiaowen rebuked him: "An envoy may die but must not be shamed; exiled to the sea's edge, he should still die holding his integrity. You would not even bind your hair and offer your head—that was hateful enough. Then you bowed and ate like a dog or horse. All who live must die; how long does it matter? Had you died for a name in the histories, how would that compare to eating fodder and shaming your lord and father? If you cannot match Su Wu from afar, can you not be ashamed before Sining beside you! He was dismissed.
42
景明初，除中書侍郎，遷給事黃門侍郎、本州大中正、散騎常侍，兼尚書。 時洛陽縣獲白鼠。 昶奏，以為案《瑞典》，外鎮刺史二千石令長不祗上命，刻暴，百姓怨嗟，則白鼠至。 因陳時政，多所勸誡。 詔書褒美其意。 轉侍中，又兼吏部尚書，尋即正，仍侍中。 昶守職而已，無所激揚，與侍中元暉等更相朋附，為宣武所寵，時人鄙之。 出為徐州刺史。 昶既儒生，本少將略，又羊社子燮為昶司馬，專任戎事，掩昶耳目，將士怨之。 朐山戍主傅文驥糧樵俱罄，以城降梁。 昶見城降，先走退，諸軍相尋奔遁。 遇大寒，軍人凍死及落手足者太半。 自魏經略江右，唯中山王英敗于鐘離，昶於朐山失利，最為甚焉。 宣武遣黃門甄琛馳驛鎖昶，窮其敗狀，詔以免官論。 自餘將統以下，悉聽依赦復任。 未幾，拜太常卿，仍除雍州刺史，進號鎮西將軍，加散騎常侍。 卒官，諡曰穆。
In early Jingming he became Vice Director of the Secretariat, then Yellow Gate Supervisor, provincial rectifier, regular attendant, and concurrent Director of the Masters of Writing. Luoyang County then caught a white rat. Chang memorialized that the canon of auspicious omens says white rats appear when frontier governors and two-thousand-bushel magistrates defy orders, act brutally, and the people groan. He then addressed current affairs, mostly in admonition. An edict praised his meaning. He became Palace Attendant and concurrent Minister of Personnel, soon regular minister while still attendant. Chang only kept his post without stirring things up; he and Attendant Yuan Hui cliqued together, won Xuanwu's favor, and contemporaries despised them. He was sent out as Governor of Xuzhou. Chang was a scholar by birth and knew little of war; Yang Sheo's son Xie was his major, monopolized military affairs, kept Chang in the dark, and the troops resented it. Fu Wenyi, garrison chief at Mount Xiong, ran out of grain and fuel and surrendered the city to Liang. Seeing the surrender, Chang fled first; the armies then broke and ran. In bitter cold more than half the men froze to death or lost hands and feet. Since Wei began campaigning south of the Yangtze, only Prince of Zhongshan Ying had lost at Zhongli; Chang's defeat at Mount Xiong was worse. Xuanwu sent Yellow Gate Attendant Zhen Chen by post relay to bind Chang and investigate the defeat; an edict stripped him of office. Other commanders and leaders were all allowed restoration by amnesty. Soon he was Minister of Ceremonies, then Governor of Yong, Defender-General of the West, and regular attendant. He died in office; posthumous title Mu.
43
昶寬和矜恕，善於綏懷。 其在徐州，戍兵有疾，親自檢恤，至番兵年滿不歸，容充後役，終昶一政，然後始還，人庶稱之。
Chang was gentle, forgiving, and skilled at soothing people. At Xuzhou he personally tended sick garrison troops; when frontier men whose terms had expired did not return, he let them serve later terms—only after his tenure ended did they go home, and the people praised him.
44
子元聿，字仲訓，無他才能。 尚孝文女義陽長公主，拜駙馬都尉。 位太尉司馬、光祿大夫。 卒，贈中書監。 子士晟，儀同開府掾。
His son Yuan Yu, styled Zhongxun, had no other ability. He married Xiaowen's daughter Princess Yiyang and became Commandant of Horse Caparisons. He held posts as Grand Marshal's major and grand master of splendid happiness. He died and was posthumously made Director of the Secretariat. His son Shi Sheng was aide to a minister with protocol equal to the Three Excellencies.
45
元聿第五弟元明，字幼章。 涉曆群書，兼有文義，風彩閑潤，進退可觀。 永安初，長兼尚書令、臨淮王彧欽愛之。 及彧開府，引為兼屬，仍領部曲。 孝武登阼，以郎任行禮，封城陽縣子，遷中書侍郎。 永熙末，居洛東緱山，乃作《幽居賦》焉。 于時，元明友人王由居潁川，忽夢由攜酒就之言別，賦詩為贈。 及明，憶其詩十字，云：「自茲一去後，市朝不復遊。」 元明歎曰：「由性不狎俗，旅寄人間，乃有今夢，詩復如此，必有他故。」 經三日，果聞由為亂兵所害。 尋其亡日，乃是發夢之夜。 天平中，兼吏部郎中，副李諧使梁，南人稱之。 還，拜尚書右丞，轉散騎常侍，監起居。 積年在史館，了不措意。 又兼黃門郎、本州大中正。
Yuan Yu's fifth brother Yuan Ming, styled Youzhang. He read widely and wrote well; his manner was easy and polished, his bearing admirable. At the start of Yong'an he long served as concurrent Director of the Masters of Writing and was cherished by Prince of Linhuai Wang Yu. When Yu opened a staff he became concurrent aide and still led his own troops. When Xiaowu ascended the throne he performed ceremonial duties as Lang, was enfeoffed Baron of Chengyang, and promoted to Vice Director of the Secretariat. At the end of Yongxi he lived on Mount Gou east of Luoyang and wrote his Rhapsody on Secluded Dwelling. Yuan Ming's friend Wang You was in Yingchuan; suddenly You dreamed Wang came with wine to say farewell and left a parting poem. At dawn he recalled ten lines: "From this day I go—/ no more the markets and courts. Yuan Ming sighed: "You never kept company with the vulgar; you only lodged among men—and now this dream and poem. Something else must be at hand." Three days later he learned You had been killed by mutinous troops. The date of his death was the night of the dream. In Tianping he served concurrently as director in the Ministry of Personnel and assisted Li Xie's embassy to Liang; Southerners praised him. On return he became Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing, then regular attendant supervising the diarists. He spent years in the historiography office and paid it no heed. He also held Yellow Gate Attendant and provincial rectifier concurrently.
46
元明善自標置，不妄交遊，飲酒賦詩，遇興忘返。 性好玄理，作史子雜論數十篇，諸文別有集錄。 少時，常從鄉還洛，途遇相州刺史、中山王熙。 熙，博識之士，見而歎曰：「盧郎有如此風神，唯須誦《離騷》，飲美酒，自為佳器。」 遂留之數日，贈帛及馬而別。 元明凡三娶，次妻鄭氏與元明兄子士啟淫汙，元明不能離絕。 又好以世地自矜，時論以此貶之。
Yuan Ming held himself apart; he did not socialize lightly, but drank and wrote poetry and forgot to return when inspiration took him. He loved metaphysics and wrote dozens of essays on history, masters, and miscellany; other works are collected elsewhere. As a youth returning from his district to Luoyang, he met on the road Xiangzhou Governor Prince of Zhongshan Xi. Xi, a learned man, saw him and exclaimed: "Young Master Lu has such spirit—he need only recite the Encountering Sorrow, drink good wine, and he is a vessel fit for use. He kept him several days and on parting gave silk and a horse. Yuan Ming married three times; his second wife Lady Zheng had relations with his elder brother's son Shi Qi, and Yuan Ming could not sever her. He also boasted of his family's standing, for which contemporaries looked down on him.
47
元明弟元緝，字幼緒，凶粗好酒，曾於婦氏飲宴，小有不平，手刃其客。 位輔國將軍、司徒司馬，贈驃騎大將軍、吏部尚書、幽州刺史，諡曰宣。
Yuan Ming's brother Yuan Ji, styled Youxu, was brutal and fond of wine; once at his wife's kin he killed a guest over a slight. He reached General Who Assists the State and Grand Marshal's major; posthumously he was made General-in-Chief of Fast Cavalry, Minister of Personnel, Governor of Youzhou, posthumous title Xuan.
48
昶弟尚之，字季儒，小字羨夏。 亦以儒素見重，位司徒左長史、前將軍、濟州刺史、光祿大夫。
Chang's brother Shangzhi, styled Jiru, childhood name Xianxia. He too was valued for scholarly purity and reached left chief clerk of the Grand Marshal, vanguard general, Governor of Jizhou, and grand master of splendid happiness.
49
長子文甫，字元祐，涉曆文史，有名譽于時。 位司空行參軍。 文甫弟文翼，字仲祐，少甚輕躁，晚頗改節。 以軍功賜爵范陽子，位太中大夫。 文翼弟文符，字叔偉，性通率，位通直散騎侍郎。 子潛。
His eldest son Wenfu, styled Yuanyou, ranged through literature and history and was renowned. He was aide in the Minister of Works' secretariat. Wenfu's brother Wenyi, styled Zhongyou, was very rash in youth but reformed much in later years. For military merit he was enfeoffed Baron of Fanyang and made grand master of palace counsel. Wenyi's brother Wenfu, styled Shuwei, was frank by nature and reached regular cavalier attendant attached to the secretariat. His son was Qian.
50
潛容貌瑰偉，善言談，少有成人志尚，累遷大將軍府中兵參軍，機事強濟，為文襄所知，言其終可大用。 王思政見獲於潁川，文襄重其才識。 潛常從容白文襄：「思政不能死節，何足可重？」 文襄謂左右曰：「我有盧潛，便是更得一王思政。」 天保中，除左戶郎中。 坐譏議《魏書》，與王松年、李庶等俱被禁止。 會清河王嶽救江陵，特赦潛為岳行台郎。 還，曆中書、黃門侍郎。 為奴誣告謀反，文宣明之，以奴付潛，潛不之責。 黃門鄭子默奏潛從清河王岳南討，嶽令潛說梁將侯瑱，大納瑱賂遺，還不奏聞。 文宣杖潛一百，仍截其須，潛顏色不變。 曆魏尹丞、懷州別駕、江州刺史，所在有善政。
Qian was striking in appearance and eloquent; in youth he had a man's ambition; he rose to military service aide in the grand general's office, was forceful in affairs, and Wen Xiang said he would prove greatly useful. Wang Sizheng was captured at Yingchuan; Wen Xiang prized his talent. Qian calmly told Wen Xiang: "Sizheng could not die holding his integrity—why prize him? Wen Xiang told his attendants: "With Lu Qian I have gained another Wang Sizheng." In Tianbao he was appointed director of the left household bureau. For criticizing the Wei History he was, with Wang Songnian and Li Shu, placed under prohibition. When Prince of Qinghe Wang Yue rescued Jiangling, Qian alone was specially pardoned to serve on Yue's mobile staff. On return he served as vice director of the secretariat and yellow gate attendant. A slave falsely accused him of rebellion; Wenxuan cleared him and gave the slave to Qian, who did not punish him. Yellow Gate Attendant Zheng Zimo memorialized that on the southern campaign with Prince of Qinghe Wang Yue, Yue had Qian persuade Liang general Hou Tian; Qian took large bribes from Tian and did not report it on return. Wenxuan had Qian beaten a hundred strokes and cut off his beard; Qian's face did not change. He served as vice director of Luoyang prefecture, administrator of Huai, and governor of Jiang—wherever he went his rule was good.
51
孝昭作相，以潛為揚州道行台左丞。 先是，梁將王琳擁其主蕭莊歸壽陽，朝廷以琳為揚州刺史，敕潛與琳為南討經略。 後除行台尚書、儀同三司。 王琳銳意圖南，潛以為時事未可，由是與琳有隙，更相表列。 武成追琳入鄴，除潛揚州刺史，領行台尚書。 潛在淮南十三年，大樹風績，為陳人所憚。 陳主與其邊將書云：「盧潛猶在，卿宜深備之。」 文宣初平淮南，給復十年，年滿後，逮天統、武平中，徵稅頗雜。 又高元海執政，斷漁獵，人家無以自資。 諸商胡負官責息者，宦者陳德信縱其妄注淮南富家，令州縣征責。 又敕送突厥馬數千匹于揚州管內，令土豪貴買之，錢直始入。 便出敕括江、淮間馬並送官廄。 由是百姓騷擾，切齒嗟怨。 潛隨事撫慰，兼行權略，故得寧靖。 武平三年，徵為五兵尚書。 揚州吏人以潛斷酒肉，篤信釋氏，大設僧會，以香花緣道流涕送之。 潛歎曰：「正恐不久復來耳！」 至鄴未幾，復為揚州道行台尚書。
When Xiaozhao became chancellor, Qian was made left aide of the Yangzhou mobile staff. Earlier Liang general Wang Lin had brought his lord Xiao Zhuang to Shouyang; the court made Lin governor of Yangzhou and ordered Qian to strategize the southern campaign with him. Later he was made mobile staff director of the masters of writing with protocol equal to the Three Excellencies. Wang Lin was bent on advancing south; Qian held the time not ripe, so they quarreled and repeatedly memorialized against each other. Wucheng recalled Lin to Ye and made Qian governor of Yangzhou, concurrently mobile staff director. Qian spent thirteen years in Huainan and built a great record; the Chen feared him. The Chen ruler wrote his frontier generals: "Lu Qian is still there—you must prepare deeply. When Wenxuan first pacified Huainan, tax relief was granted for ten years; after it expired, under Tiantong and Wuping levies grew tangled. Moreover Gao Yuanhai held power and banned fishing and hunting, so households could not support themselves. Merchant Hu owed the state interest; eunuch Chen Dexin let them post reckless claims against rich Huainan families and had prefectures collect. An edict also sent several thousand Turkish horses into Yangzhou and ordered local magnates to buy them dear—the money had barely entered. Then came an edict to round up horses between the Jiang and Huai and send them to government stables. The people were in turmoil and gnashed their teeth in rage. Qian soothed matters as they arose and used expedients, so the region grew calm. In the third year of Wuping he was recalled as director of the five armies bureau. Yangzhou clerks and people, because Qian abstained from wine and meat and devoutly believed in Buddhism, held great assemblies and with incense and flowers lined the road weeping to send him off. Qian sighed: "I fear I shall soon be back! At Ye, before long, he was again made mobile staff director on the Yangzhou circuit.
52
四年，陳將吳明徹來寇，領軍封輔相赴援。 陳兵及峴，輔相不從，潛固爭不得，憂憤發病，臥幕下，果敗。 陳人遂圍壽陽，壅芍陂，以水灌之。 詔王長春為南討都督。 長春軍次河南，多給兵士糧，便鳴角欲引，而賤糴其米； 及頓兵，更貴糶其米。 乃與皮景和擁眾十萬於淮北，不進。 壽陽城中青黑龍升天，城尋陷。 潛及行台僕射王貴顯、特進巴陵王王琳、扶風王可硃渾孝裕、武衛將軍奚永樂、儀同索景和、仁州刺史酈伯偉、霍州刺史封子繡、泰州刺史高子植、行台左丞李騊駼等督將五十八，軍士一萬，皆沒焉。 陳人殺王琳，餘皆囚於東冶。 陳主欲知齊之虛實，乃出潛，曰：「囚本屬幽州，于河北最小，口有五十萬，落陳者，唯與酈伯偉二人耳。」
In the fourth year Chen general Wu Mingche raided; army commander Feng Fuxiang went to rescue. Chen troops reached Xian; Fuxiang would not follow; Qian argued in vain, fell ill with worry and anger, lay under the tent, and defeat followed. The Chen then besieged Shouyang, dammed the Shao Pond, and flooded the city. An edict appointed Wang Changchun commander-in-chief of the southern campaign. Changchun's army halted south of the river, issued much grain to the troops, then sounded horns to withdraw while selling rice cheap; When he encamped he sold rice dear again. He and Pi Jinghe held a hundred thousand on the north bank of the Huai and did not advance. A blue-black dragon rose from Shouyang; the city soon fell. Qian, mobile staff vice director Wang Guixian, special advancement Prince of Baling Wang Lin, Prince of Fufeng Kezhuhun Xiaoyu, martial guard general Xi Yongle, peer Suo Jinghe, governors Li Bowei, Feng Zixiu, and Gao Zizhi, mobile staff left aide Li Taotu, and fifty-eight other supervising generals with ten thousand soldiers were all lost. The Chen killed Wang Lin; the rest were imprisoned in the eastern foundry. The Chen ruler wished to know Qi's strength and released Qian, saying: "Prisoners belong to Youzhou; of Hebei's smallest districts there are five hundred thousand people—those who fell to Chen are only you and Li Bowei."
53
時李騊駼將逃歸，並要潛。 潛曰：「我此頭面，何可誑人？ 吾少時，相者云：沒在吳越地。 死生已定，弟其行也。」 因寄書與弟士邃曰：「吾夢汝以某月某日得患，某月某日漸損。」 皆如其言。 既而歎曰：「壽陽陷，吾以頸血濺城而死，佛教不聽自殺，故荏苒偷生，今可死矣！」 於是閉氣而絕。 其家購屍歸葬，贈開府儀同三司、尚書左僕射、兗州刺史。 無子，以弟士邃子元孝嗣。
Li Taotu was about to escape and urged Qian to come. Qian said: "With this face, how could I deceive anyone? In youth a physiognomist said I would die in Wu-Yue. Life and death are fixed; brother, go. He sent a letter to his brother Shi Sui: "I dreamed you would fall ill on such a day and recover on such a day." It all came true. Then he sighed: "Shouyang has fallen; I should have dyed the walls with my neck's blood, but Buddhism forbids suicide, so I dragged on—now I may die! He held his breath and died. His family bought back the corpse for burial; he was posthumously peer with protocol equal to the Three Excellencies, left vice director of the masters of writing, and governor of Yanzhou. He had no son; his brother Shi Sui's son Yuan Xiaosi was made heir.
54
潛雅性貞固。 祖珽常要潛陷仁州刺史劉逖，許以高位。 潛曰：「如此事，吾不為也。」 行台慕容恃德常所推重，有疾，謂其子曰：「盧尚書教我為人，有如昆弟。 我死，持上騂馬與之。」 其子以他馬往。 恃德柩出門自停，不可動，巫祝以為恃德聲怒曰：「何不與盧尚書我所騎騂馬？」 其子遽奉命，柩乃行。 潛以馬價為營福事。 其為時重如此。
Qian was upright and firm by nature. His grandfather Ting often wanted Qian to entrap Renzhou governor Liu Di and promised high office. Qian said: "I will not do such a thing. Mobile staff chief Murong Shide often valued him; when ill he told his son: "Director Lu taught me to live like brothers. When I die, give him my best chestnut horse." The son brought another horse. Shide's bier stopped at the gate and would not move; the shaman said Shide angrily asked why they had not given Director Lu the chestnut horse he rode. The son obeyed at once, and the bier moved. Qian used the horse's price for merit-making. Such was the esteem he commanded.
55
士邃字子淹，少為崔昂所知。 昂云：「此昆季足為後生之俊，但恨其俱不讀書耳。」 位尚書左右丞、吏部郎中、中山太守帶定州長史。 齊亡後，卒。
Shi Sui, styled Ziyan, was known in youth to Cui Ang. Ang said: "These brothers could be the finest of their generation—only it is a pity they do not read. He reached left and right vice director of the masters of writing, director in the ministry of personnel, and administrator of Zhongshan with concurrent chief clerk of Dingzhou. After Qi fell he died.
56
度世之為濟州也，魏初平升城。 無鹽房崇吉母傅，度世繼外祖母兄之子婦也，兗州刺史申纂妻賈氏，崇吉之姑女也，皆亡破，老病憔悴。 而度世推計中表，致其供恤。 每覲見傅氏，跪問起居，隨時奉送衣被食物； 亦存賑賈氏，供其服膳。 青州既陷，諸崔墜落，多所收贖。 及伯源、昶等，並循父風。 遠親疏屬，敘為尊行長者，莫不畢拜致敬。 閨門之禮，為世所推。 謙退簡約，不與世競。 父母亡後，同居共財，自祖至孫，家內百口。 在洛時，有饑年，無以自贍，然尊卑怡穆，豐儉同之。 親從昆季，常旦省諸父，出坐別室，暮乃入內。 朝府之外，不妄交遊。 其相勖以禮，如此。 又一門三主，當世以為榮。 伯源兄弟亡，及道將卒後，家風衰損。 子孫多有非法，幃薄混穢，為時所鄙。
When Dushi was in Jizhou, in early Wei Shengcheng was pacified. Fang Chongji's mother Fu of Wuyan—Dushi's wife by succession through his maternal cousin's son's wife—and Jia, wife of Yanzhou governor Shen Zuan, Chongji's aunt's daughter, were ruined in war, old, ill, and wasted. Yet Dushi reckoned kinship and sent them support. Whenever he saw Lady Fu he knelt to ask after her and sent clothing and food each season; he also relieved Lady Jia and supplied her meals. When Qingzhou fell many Cui were ruined and he ransomed many. Boyuan, Chang, and the rest all followed their fathers' ways. Distant and close kin he treated as elders; all bowed to him in respect. Household ritual was praised in the age. He was humble, retiring, and simple and did not compete with the world. After his parents died they lived together sharing property—from grandfather to grandson, a hundred mouths in one house. In Luoyang in a famine year they could not support themselves, yet elders and juniors were harmonious and rich and poor shared alike. Close cousins each morning visited their fathers, sat in a separate room, and only at evening entered within. Outside court and office they did not socialize lightly. They urged one another with ritual thus. Moreover one household had three lords, a glory of the age. After Boyuan's brothers and Daojiang died, the family manner declined. Descendants often broke the law; inner chambers were foul, and contemporaries despised them.
57
度世從祖弟神寶，位中書博士。 孝文為弟高陽王雍納其女為妃。
Dushi's cousin Shenbao was doctor of the palace secretariat. Xiaowen for his brother Prince of Gaoyang Wang Yong took Shenbao's daughter as consort.
58
初，玄從祖兄溥，慕容寶之末，統攝鄉部屯海濱，殺其鄉姻諸祖十餘人，稱征北大將軍、幽州刺史，攻掠郡縣。 天興中，討禽之。
Earlier Xuan's elder cousin's brother Pu, at the end of Murong Bao's reign, controlled the coast district, killed more than ten village kin and elders, styled himself defender-general of the north and governor of Youzhou, and raided prefectures. In Tianxing he was captured in the punitive campaign.
59
溥玄孫洪，字曾孫。 太和中，位中書博士，樂陵、陽平二郡太守，幽州中正。 洪三子。 長子崇，少立美名，有識者許之以遠大，卒於驃騎府法曹參軍。 崇子柔。
Pu's great-grandson was Hong, styled Zengsun. In Taihe he was doctor of the palace secretariat, administrator of Leling and Yangping, and rectifier of Youzhou. Hong had three sons. The eldest Chong early won a fine name; discerning men promised him a great future, but he died as legal affairs aide in the fast cavalry office. Chong's son was Rou.
60
柔字子剛。 少孤，為叔母所養，撫視甚於其子。 柔盡心溫清，亦同己親，親族歎重之。 性聰敏好學，未冠解屬文。 但口吃，不能持論。 頗使酒誕節，為世所譏。 司徒、臨淮王彧見而器之，以女妻焉。
Rou was styled Zigang. Orphaned young, he was raised by his aunt, who cared for him more than her own sons. Rou served her with full devotion as to his own kin; kin praised him. Clever and fond of learning, before the cap he could compose linked prose. But he stammered and could not sustain debate. He indulged wine and wild conduct, for which the age mocked him. Prince of Linhuai Wang Yu valued him and gave him his daughter.
61
及魏孝武與齊神武有隙，詔賀拔勝出牧荊州。 柔謂因此可著功績，遂從勝之荊州。 以柔為大行台郎中，掌書記，軍之機務，柔多預之。 及勝為太保，以柔為掾。 孝武后召勝引兵赴洛，勝以問柔。 柔曰：「高歡托晉陽之甲，意實難知。 公宜席捲赴都，與決勝負，存沒以之，此忠之上策也。 若北阻魯陽，南並舊楚，東連兗、豫，西接關中，帶甲十萬，觀釁而動，亦中策也。 舉三荊之地，通款梁國，可以庇身，功名去矣，策之下者。」 勝輕柔年少，笑而不應。
When Xiaowu of Wei and Qi Shenwu quarreled, an edict sent Heba Sheng to govern Jingzhou. Rou thought merit could be won thereby and followed Sheng to Jingzhou. Rou was made director of the great mobile staff in charge of records; he largely shared in military affairs. When Sheng became grand tutor, Rou was made his aide. Later Xiaowu summoned Sheng to bring troops to Luoyang, and Sheng consulted Rou. Rou said: "Gao Huan with Jinyang's armies behind him—his intent is hard to know. You should sweep to the capital and decide victory with him, staking life and death on it—that is the loyal man's best plan. Block north at Luyang, join south with old Chu, link east with Yan and Yu, connect west with Guanzhong, keep a hundred thousand in armor and move when the moment comes—that is the middle plan. Raise the three Jing provinces and treat with Liang—you may save yourself, but fame and merit are gone; that is the worst plan. Sheng deemed Rou too young and laughed without reply.
62
及孝武西遷，東魏遣侯景襲穰。 勝敗，遂南奔梁，柔亦從之。 勝頻表梁武帝，求歸關中。 梁武帝覽表，嘉其辭彩，既知柔所制，因遣舍人勞問，並遺縑錦。 後與勝俱還，行至襄陽。 齊神武懼勝西入，遣侯景以輕騎邀之。 勝及柔懼，乃棄船山行，贏糧冒險，經數百里。 時屬秋霖，徒侶凍餒者，太半至於死。 大統二年，至長安，封容城縣男。 周文帝引為行台郎中，除從事中郎。 與郎中蘇綽掌機密。 時沙苑之役，大軍屢捷，汝、潁之間，多舉義來附。 書翰往反，日百餘牒，柔隨機報答，皆合事宜。 進爵為子。 累遷中書侍郎，兼著作，撰直居注。 後為黃門侍郎，周文知其貧，解衣賜之。 後遷中書監。 周孝閔帝踐阼，拜小內史大夫，進位開府儀同三司，卒於位。 所作詩、頌、碑、銘、檄、表、啟行於世者數十篇。 子愷嗣。
When Xiaowu fled west, Eastern Wei sent Hou Jing against Xiang. Sheng was beaten and fled south to Liang, Rou with him. Sheng repeatedly memorialized Liang Wudi asking to return to Guanzhong. Wudi read the memorials, admired their style, learned Rou had written them, sent an attendant to console him, and gave silk brocade. He later returned with Sheng; at Xiangyang, Qi Shenwu feared Sheng would go west and sent Hou Jing with light cavalry to intercept. Sheng and Rou were afraid, abandoned their boats, went by mountain carrying grain on their backs through danger for several hundred li. It was autumn rain; more than half the party froze and starved, many unto death. In the second year of Datong they reached Chang'an; he was enfeoffed Baron of Rongcheng. Zhou Wendi brought him in as mobile staff director, then attendant gentleman. With director Su Chuo he managed secrets. At the Shaye campaign the army won repeatedly; between Ru and Ying many rose in allegiance. Letters went back and forth, more than a hundred a day; Rou answered as occasion required, all fitting the matter. He was advanced to baronet. He rose to vice director of the secretariat, concurrently writing the straight residence annals. Later he was yellow gate attendant; Zhou Wen knew he was poor and gave him his robe. Later he was promoted to director of the secretariat. When Zhou Xiaomin Di ascended he was junior inner history grandee, advanced to peer with protocol equal to the Three Excellencies, and died in office. Poems, eulogies, steles, inscriptions, proclamations, memorials, and reports circulating in the world number several tens. His son Kai succeeded.
63
愷字長仁。 性孝友，神情穎悟，涉獵經史，有當世幹能，頗解屬文。 周齊王憲引為記室。 從憲伐齊，說齊柏社鎮下之。 遷小吏部大夫。 時染工王神歡者，以賂自進，塚宰宇文護擢為計部下大夫。 愷諫曰：「古者，登高能賦，可為大夫； 求賢審官，理須詳慎。 今神歡出自染工，更無殊異，徒以家富自通，遂與晉紳並列，實恐鵜翼之刺，聞之外境。」 護竟寢其事。 轉內史下大夫。 武帝在雲陽宮，敕諸屯簡老牛，欲以享士。 愷諫曰：「昔田子方贖老馬，君子以為美談。 向奉明敕，欲以老牛享士，有虧仁政。」 帝美其言而止。 轉禮部大夫，為聘陳使副。 先是，行人多從其國禮，及愷為使，一依本朝，陳人莫能屈。 建德四年，李穆攻拔軹關、柏崖二鎮，命愷作露布。 帝讀大悅曰：「盧愷文章大進，荀景茜故是令君之子。」 大象元年，拜東都吏部大夫。
Kai was styled Changren. Filial and friendly, keen and quick to understand, he ranged through classics and histories, had talent for the age, and could compose linked prose fairly well. Prince of Qi Wang Xian brought him in as recorder. Following Xian's campaign against Qi he persuaded Qi to surrender Baishe garrison. He was promoted to junior director of the ministry of personnel. At the time dyer Wang Shenhuan advanced by bribery; Grand Minister Yuwen Hu made him director under the ministry of revenue. Kai remonstrated: "In antiquity one who from a high place could compose rhapsodies might become a grandee; seeking the worthy and examining officeholders demands careful scrutiny. Now Shenhuan came from dyeing with nothing extraordinary; he merely bought his way among Jin gentry—a thing that truly fears the pelican's sting will reach foreign borders. Hu in the end shelved the matter. He was transferred to junior inner history grandee. Wu Di was at Yunyang Palace and ordered the garrisons to pick old oxen to feast the troops. Kai remonstrated: "Formerly Tian Zifang ransomed an old horse—the gentleman praised it. Now following the edict to feast the troops with old oxen harms humane government. The emperor praised his words and stopped. He was transferred to grandee of the ministry of rites and served as deputy on the embassy to Chen. Earlier envoys mostly followed Chen ritual; when Kai was envoy he followed his own court entirely, and the Chen could not bend him. In the fourth year of Jiande Li Mu captured Zhiguan and Baiya garrisons and ordered Kai to compose a victory bulletin. The emperor read it and rejoiced: "Lu Kai's writing has greatly advanced—Xun Jingqian is indeed Lord Ling's son. In the first year of Daxiang he was grandee of the eastern capital ministry of personnel.
64
隋開皇初，加上儀同三司，除尚書吏部侍郎。 進爵為侯，仍攝尚書左丞。 每有敷奏，侃然正色，雖逢喜怒，不改其常。 加散騎常侍。 八年，上親考百僚，以愷為上，固讓不敢受。 文帝曰：「當仁不讓，何愧之有？ 皆在朕心，無勞飾讓。」 歲餘，拜禮部尚書，攝吏部尚書事。 會國子博士何妥與右僕射蘇威不平，奏威陰事，愷坐與相連。 憲司奏愷曰：「房恭懿者，尉遲迥之党，不當仕進。 威、愷二人，曲相薦達，累轉海州刺史。 吏部預選者甚多，愷不即授官，皆注色而遣。 威之從父弟徹、肅二人，並以鄉正征詣吏部。 徹文狀後至，而先任用。 肅左足攣蹇，才用無算，愷以威故，授朝請郎。 愷之朋黨，事甚明白。」 上大怒曰：「愷敢將天官以為私惠！」 愷免冠頓首曰：「皇太子將以通事舍人蘇夔為舍人。 夔，威之子，臣以夔未當遷，固啟而止。 臣若與威有私，豈當如此？」 上曰：「威子，朝廷共知，卿乃固執，以徼身幸； 至所不知，便行朋附。 奸臣之行也。」 於是除名，卒於家。 自周氏以降，選無清濁。 及愷攝吏部，與薛道衡、陸彥師等甄別士流，故涉黨錮之譖，遂及於此。
At the beginning of Sui he was given superior protocol equal to the Three Excellencies and made vice director of the ministry of personnel. He was advanced to marquis and still held concurrent left vice director of the masters of writing. Whenever he memorialized he spoke forthrightly; even meeting anger or joy he did not change. He was given addition as regular attendant. In the eighth year the emperor personally examined the hundred officials and ranked Kai first; he firmly declined. Wen Di said: "When duty calls one does not yield—what shame is there? All is in my heart; no need for false modesty. After more than a year he was minister of rites, holding charge of the ministry of personnel. When national university erudite He Tuo and right vice director Su Wei quarreled, Tuo memorialized Wei's secret matters and Kai was implicated. The censorate memorialized Kai: "Fang Gongyi was Yuchi Tong's partisan and ought not to advance. Wei and Kai bent the rules to recommend him, repeatedly promoting him to governor of Haizhou. Many were pre-selected in the ministry of personnel; Kai did not immediately grant office but marked their names in color and sent them away. Wei's younger cousins Che and Su were both summoned as village rectifiers to the ministry of personnel. Che's documents arrived late yet he was appointed first. Su's left foot was crippled and his talent unmeasured; Kai because of Wei made him gentleman for palace attendance. Kai's factional conduct was very clear. The emperor was greatly angered: "Kai dares to treat the celestial offices as private favor!" Kai doffed his cap and knocked his head: "The crown prince was about to make Su Kui of the communications office a palace attendant. Kui is Wei's son; I held Kui unfit and firmly remonstrated to stop it. Had I private dealings with Wei, would I have done so?" The emperor said: "Wei's son the court all knows; you were obstinate to seek fortune; what you did not know, you backed as faction. That is the conduct of a treacherous minister." He was removed from office and died at home. From Zhou onward office selection had neither clear nor muddy ranks. When Kai held the ministry of personnel, with Xue Daoheng and Lu Yanshi he sorted the gentry stream—hence he fell into partisan calumny and came to this.
65
崇弟仲義，字小黑，知名於世，位員外散騎侍郎、幽州刺史。 崇兄弟官雖不達，婚姻常與玄家齊等。 洪弟光宗，位尚書郎。 光宗子觀。
Chong's brother Zhongyi, styled Xiaohei, was renowned, reaching supernumerary regular cavalier attendant and governor of Youzhou. Though Chong's brothers never rose high, their marriages always matched Xuan's house. Hong's brother Guangzong was director in the masters of writing. Guangzong's son was Guan.
66
觀弟仲宣，小名金。 才學優洽，乃逾於觀，但文體頗細。 兄弟俱以文章顯，論者美之。 位太尉屬。 魏孝莊帝初，遇害河陰。 及兄觀並無子，文集莫為撰次，罕有存者。 仲宣弟叔彪。
Guan's brother Zhongxuan, childhood name Jin. His learning was broad and surpassed Guan, but his style was rather fine. The brothers all won fame in letters, and opinion praised them. He reached aide in the grand marshal's office. At the beginning of Xiaozhuang of Wei he was killed at Heyin. He and his brother Guan both had no sons; collected works were not compiled and few survive. Zhongxuan's brother was Shubiao.
67
叔彪在鄉時，有粟千石，每至春夏，鄉人無食者，令自載取。 至秋，任還其價而不計。 歲歲常得倍餘。 既在朝通貴，自以年老，兒子又多，遂營一大屋，曰：「歌于斯，哭於斯。」 魏收常來詣之，訪以洛京舊事。 不待食而起，云：「難為子費。」 叔彪留之，良久食至，但有粟飡葵菜，木碗盛之，片脯而已。 所將僕從，亦盡設食，一與此同。
Shubiao kept a thousand piculs in his district; each spring and summer when neighbors had no food he let them load what they needed. In autumn he let them repay the price without counting interest. Year after year he still came out more than double ahead. Once he stood high in court, old and with many sons, he built a great house and said, "Here we sing; here we weep. Wei Shou often came to visit and asked about old Luoyang matters. Without waiting for food he would rise and say: "Hard to burden the young. Shubiao kept him; long after food came—only millet meal and sunflower greens in a wooden bowl, with a slice of dried meat. The servants he brought were all fed the same.
68
齊滅，歸范陽。 遭亂城陷，與族弟士邃皆以寒餒斃。 周將宇文神舉以二人有名德，收而葬之。
When Qi fell he returned to Fanyang. In the chaos the city fell; he and his cousin Shi Sui both perished of cold and hunger. Zhou general Yuwen Shenju, honoring their fame and virtue, gathered and buried them.
69
洪從弟附伯，附伯弟侍伯，並有學識。 附伯位滄州平東府長史，侍伯南岐州刺史。 侍伯從弟文偉。
Hong's cousin Fubo; Fubo's brother Shibo—both had learning. Fubo was chief clerk of Pingdong office in Cangzhou; Shibo was governor of southern Qi. Shibo's cousin was Wenwei.
70
文偉字休族。 父敞，位議郎，後以文偉勳，贈幽州刺史。 文偉少孤，有志尚，頗涉經史。 州辟主簿。 年三十八，始舉秀才，除本州平北府長流參軍。 說刺史裴俊案舊跡修督亢陂，溉田萬餘傾，人賴其利。 俊修立之功，多以委之。 文偉既善於營理，兼展私力，家素貧儉，因此致富。 及北方將亂，文偉積稻穀于范陽城，時經荒儉，多所振贍，彌為鄉里所歸。 及韓樓據薊城，文偉率鄉閭守范陽。 樓平，以功封大夏縣男，除范陽太守。
Wenwei was styled Xiuzu. His father Chang was gentleman for discussion; later because of Wenwei's merit he was posthumously enfeoffed governor of Youzhou. Wenwei lost his father young, had ambition, and read somewhat in the classics and histories. The province summoned him as chief clerk. At thirty-eight he first passed the cultivated-talent examination and was made chief clerk of the long flow in the pacify-the-north office. He persuaded Governor Pei Jun to repair the Duguang embankment by old traces, irrigating more than ten thousand qing; people relied on the benefit. Jun largely entrusted the repair to him. Wenwei was skilled at management and also spent private effort; the family had always been poor and frugal, and thereby grew rich. When the north was about to fall into chaos, Wenwei stored grain in Fanyang; in famine years he gave much relief and was all the more trusted by the district. When Han Lou seized Jicheng, Wenwei led the district in defending Fanyang. When Lou was pacified, for merit he was enfeoffed Baron of Daxia and made administrator of Fanyang.
71
莊帝崩，文偉與幽州刺史劉靈助同謀起義。 靈助克瀛州，留文偉行州事，自率兵赴定州，為爾硃榮將侯深所敗。 文偉走還本郡，仍與高乾兄弟相影響。 屬神武至信都，文偉遣子懷道奉啟陳謝。 中興初，除安州刺史，不之官，尋轉幽州刺史。 安州刺史盧曹亦從靈助舉兵。 靈助敗，因據幽州降爾硃兆。 兆仍以為刺史，據城不下，文偉不得入。 後除青州刺史。
When Zhuang Di of Wei died, Wenwei plotted uprising with Youzhou governor Liu Lingzhu. Lingzhu took Yingzhou and left Wenwei to act for the province; he led troops to Dingzhou and was defeated by Erzhu Rong's general Hou Shen. Wenwei fled home and still acted in concert with the Gao brothers. When Shenwu reached Xindu, Wenwei sent his son Huaidao with an apology. At the beginning of Zhongxing he was made governor of Anzhou but did not take office; soon transferred to governor of Youzhou. Anzhou governor Lu Cao also followed Lingzhu in raising troops. When Lingzhu was defeated, Cao held Youzhou and surrendered to Erzhu Zhao. Zhao still made him governor; he held the city and would not yield, and Wenwei could not enter. Later he was made governor of Qingzhou.
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文偉輕財愛客，善於撫接； 好為小惠。 是以所在頗得人情。 經紀生資，常若不足，致財積聚，承候寵要，餉遺不絕。 卒，贈司徒公、尚書右僕射，諡曰孝威。
Wenwei spent freely and loved guests, and was skilled at winning men; he liked to do small favors. Wherever he went he largely won people's hearts. Managing livelihood he was always as if insufficient; amassing wealth, he attended on favor and power and gifts never ceased. He died; posthumously enfeoffed duke of the secretariat, right vice director of the masters of writing, posthumous title Xiaowei.
73
子恭道，性溫良，頗有文學。 位范陽郡太守，有德惠。 先文偉卒。 贈度支尚書，諡曰定。
His son Gongdao was gentle, kind, and had some learning in letters. He was administrator of Fanyang commandery, with virtue and grace. He died before Wenwei. Posthumously enfeoffed director of revenue, posthumous title Ding.
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子詢祖，襲祖爵大夏男。 有術學，文辭華美，為後生之俊。 舉秀才，至鄴。 趙郡李祖勳嘗宴諸文士。 齊文宣使小黃門敕祖勳母曰：「蠕蠕既破，何無賀表？」 使者待之。 諸賓皆為表，詢祖俄頃便成。 其詞云：「昔十萬橫行，樊將軍請而受屈； 五千深入，李都尉降而不歸。」 時重其工。 後朝廷大遷除，同日催拜。 詢祖立於東止車門外，為二十餘人作表，文不加點，辭理可觀。 詢祖初襲爵，有宿德朝士謂曰：「大夏初成」，詢祖應聲曰：「且得燕雀相賀」。
His son Xunzu inherited his grandfather's barony of Daxia. He had technical learning and splendid style—a outstanding man of his generation. He passed the cultivated-talent examination and went to Ye. Li Zuxun of Zhao commandery once feasted various literary gentlemen. Wensuan sent a minor yellow gate to tell Zuxun's mother: "The Rouran are broken—where is your congratulatory memorial? The envoy waited. All the guests wrote memorials; Xunzu finished his in an instant. His lines read: "Once a hundred thousand swept the land; Fan the general begged and bowed; Five thousand went deep; Commandant Li surrendered and never came back." People then prized his skill. Later the court shuffled many posts and urged same-day appointments. Xun Zu stood at the East Stop-Carriage Gate and wrote twenty-odd memorials at a stroke, all clear and polished. On first inheriting the marquisate, an elder said, "Great Xia is newly built"; Xun Zu shot back, "At least sparrows and swallows can congratulate."
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天保末，為築長城子使。 自負其才，內懷鬱怏，遂毀容服如賤役者以見楊愔。 愔曰：「故舊皆有所縻，唯大夏未加處分。」 詢祖厲聲曰：「是誰之咎？」 既至役所，作《築長城賦》以寄其意。 其略曰：「板則紫栢，杵則木瓜，何期材而斯用也？ 草則離離靡靡，緣岡而殖。 但使十步而有一芳，余亦何辭間於荊棘。」 邢邵常戲曰：「卿小年才學富盛，戴角者無上齒，恐卿不壽。」 對曰：「詢祖初聞此言，實懷惕懼； 見丈人蒼蒼在鬢，差以自安。」 邵甚重其敏贍。 既有口辯，好臧否人物。 眾共嫉之，言其淫于從妹。 宗人思道謂曰：「大夏何為招四海議？」 詢祖曰：「骨肉還相殘，何況執玉帛者萬國。」 與思道俱為北州人俊，魏收楊譽思道而以詢祖為不及。 詢祖謂人曰：「見未能高飛者，借其羽毛； 知逸勢沖天者，翦其翅翮。」 既諸謗毀日至，素論皆薄其為人。 長廣太守邢子廣曰：「詢祖有規檢禰衡，思道無冰稜文舉。」 後頗折節。 曆太子舍人、司徒記室，卒。 有文集十卷，皆遺逸。
Late in Tianbao he was deputy commissioner for the Long Wall. Sure of his gifts but inwardly bitter, he dressed like a laborer to see Yang Yin. Yin said, "Old friends all have some hold on us—only Great Xia has not been handled." Xun Zu snapped, "Whose fault is that?" At the work site he wrote a "Fu on Building the Long Wall" to vent his mood. It says in part, "Planks of purple cypress, pestles of papaya—who thought such wood for this job? Grass grows thick along the hills. If every ten paces had a fragrant blade, I would not mind living among thorns. Xing Shao teased him: "Young as you are, your learning overflows; horned beasts lack upper teeth—I fear you will die young." He replied, "At first I was afraid; but seeing your gray temples, I felt easier." Shao prized his sharp tongue. Eloquent, he loved judging others. Many envied him, claiming an affair with a cousin. Kinsman Simiao asked, "Great Xia, why draw gossip from all under heaven?" Xun Zu said, "Kin still tear each other apart—what of ten thousand states bearing tribute?" He and Simiao were northern stars; Wei Shou praised Simiao and ranked Xun Zu below. Xun Zu said, "Those who see one who cannot fly high borrow his feathers; those who know one destined to soar cut his pinions. Slander piled up daily and opinion turned against him. Prefect Xing Ziguang said, "Xun Zu has Mi Heng's discipline; Simiao lacks Kong Rong's bite. Later he curbed himself somewhat. He was Crown Prince Attendant and Secretariat Recorder, then died. Ten scrolls of writings survive only by report.
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恭道弟懷道，性輕率好酒，頗有慕尚。 既家預義舉，神武親待之。 卒于烏蘇鎮城都督。
Gongdao's brother Huaidao was reckless and fond of wine, yet ambitious. His house had joined the righteous rising and Shenwu favored him personally. He died as Wusu garrison commander.
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懷道弟宗道，性粗率，動作狂俠，位南營州刺史。 嘗于晉陽置酒，賓遊滿座； 中書舍人馬士達目其彈箜篌女妓，雲手甚纖素，宗道即以遺之。 士達固辭，宗道便命其家人，將解其腕，士達不得已而受之。 將赴營州，於督亢城坡，大集鄉人，殺牛聚會。 有一舊門人，醉言疏失，宗道令沈之于水。 後坐酷濫除名。
Brother Zongdao was rough and brash, a wild gallant, and southern Yingzhou inspector. Once in Jinyang he held a feast and the hall was full; Attendant Ma Shida admired his konghou player's slender hands; Zongdao gave her to him at once. Shida refused; Zongdao ordered her wrist cut; Shida had to accept. Before leaving for Yingzhou he feasted the township at Dugu Slope with slaughtered oxen. A drunken old retainer misspoke; Zongdao had him drowned. Later he was removed for cruel excess.
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玄族子輔，字顯光，本州別駕。 子同。
Xuanzu's son Fu, styled Xian-guang, was native vice-governor. Son Tong.
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同字叔倫，身長八尺，容貌魁偉，善於處世。 太和中，起家北海王詳國常侍。 熙平初，累遷尚書左丞。 時相州刺史奚康生征百姓歲調，皆長七八十尺，以邀憂公之譽，部內患之。 同於歲祿，官給長絹。 同乃舉案康生度外徵調。 書奏，詔科康生罪，兼褒同在公之績。 明帝世，朝政稍稀，人多竊冒軍功。 同閱吏部勳書，因加檢核，得竊階者三百餘人。 乃表言：
Tong, styled Shulun, stood eight feet tall, imposing, and skilled in affairs. In Taihe he began as regular attendant to Prince of Beihai Xiang. At Xiping he rose to Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing. Inspector Xi Kangsheng levied annual dues in seventy- or eighty-foot lengths to seem public-spirited; the region groaned. Tong used his salary to have the office supply long silk. Tong impeached Kangsheng for excess levies. The throne punished Kangsheng and praised Tong's public service. Under Emperor Ming discipline slackened and many falsified military merit. Tong checked Personnel merit rolls and found over three hundred false claimants. He then submitted a memorial:
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竊見吏部勳簿，多皆改換，乃校中兵秦案，並復乖舛。 愚謂罪雖恩免，猶須刊定。 請遣一都令史，與令僕省事各一人，總集吏部、中兵二局勳簿，對句奏案。 若名級相應者，即于黃素楷書大字，具件階級數，令本曹尚書以硃印印之。 明造兩通，一關吏部，一留兵局，與奏案對掌。 進則防揩洗之偽，退則無改易之理。
Personnel merit registers are widely altered and still disagree with Central Army Qin records. Though crimes were pardoned, the registers still need correction. Send one chief clerk and one aide from each Vice Director to collate Personnel and Central Army rolls against memorial cases. Where name and rank match, write ranks in large script on yellow silk and have the bureau director vermilion-stamp it. Make two clear copies—one for Personnel, one for the Army bureau—to match the memorial case. Going forward blocks erasures; going back blocks alterations.
81
從前以來，勳書上省，唯列姓名，不載本屬。 致令竊濫之徒，輕為苟且。 今請征職白身，具列本州郡縣三長之所； 其實官正職者，亦列官名曹別錄曆。 皆仰本軍印記其上，然後印縫，各上所司。 統將、都督，並皆印記，然後列上行台。 行台關太尉。 太尉檢練精實，乃始關刺。 省重究括，然後奏申。 奏出之日，黃素硃印，關付吏部。 頃來，非但偷階冒名，改換勳簿而已，或一階再取，或易名受級，凡如此者，其人不少。 良由吏部無法，防塞失方。 何者？ 吏部加階之後，簿不注記，緣此之故，易生僥倖。 自今敘階之後，名簿具注，加補日月，尚書印記，然後付曹，郎中別作抄目，遷代相付。 此制一行，差止奸罔。
Merit books sent up listed only names, not original commands. Hence merit thieves grew bold. Now ask commoners in service to list province, commandery, county, and ward; real officials should list office, bureau, and service record. All should bear the native army seal, then seam-seal and send up. Commanders and area commanders should seal, then send to the Mobile Secretariat. The Mobile Secretariat forwards to the Grand Commandant. The Grand Commandant verifies truth, then passes to the Secretariat. The Secretariat reviews closely, then memorializes. When the memorial issues, stamped yellow silk goes to Personnel. Lately men steal ranks, swap names, or take one grade twice—not a few. Personnel lacks law and the barriers fail. Why? After ranks are added the register is not noted, so fraud is easy. After each grant, note name, date, and director stamp, then hand to the bureau with a copied roster at each transfer. This rule would largely stop fraud.
82
詔從之。 同又奏曰：
The throne accepted. Tong memorialized again:
83
臣伏思黃素勳簿，政可粗止奸偽，然在軍虛詐，猶未可盡。 請自今在軍閱簿之日，行台、軍司、監軍、都督各明立文案，處處記之。 斬首成一階以上，即令給券。 其券，一紙之上，當中大書，起行台、統軍位號，勳人甲乙。 斬三賊及被傷成階以上，亦具書於券，各盡一行，當行豎裂。 其券，前後皆起年號日月，破某處陣，某官某勳，印記為驗。 一支付勳人，一支付行台。 記至京，即送門下，別丞守錄。
Yellow-silk registers only roughly stop register fraud; army fraud remains. On review day, Mobile Secretariat, army secretariat, supervisor, and commander should each keep records. One rank from heads or more gets a warrant at once. The warrant should center the Mobile Secretariat and commander titles and the merit-holder's name in large script. Three rebels slain or wounds earning rank should each get a line on the warrant, torn vertically down the center. Front and back should bear era, date, battle, officer, merit, and seals. One copy to the holder, one to the Mobile Secretariat. At the capital it goes to the Gate Department for filing.
84
又自遷都以來，戎車屢捷，所以征勳轉多，敘不可盡者，良由歲久生奸，積年長偽，巧吏階緣，偷增遂甚。 請自今為始，諸有勳簿已經奏賞者，即廣下遠近，雲某處勳判，咸令知聞。 立格酬敘，以三年為斷。 其職人及出身，限內悉令銓除； 實官及外號，隋才加授。 庶使酬勤速申，立效者勸，事不經久，僥倖易息。 或遭窮難，州無中正者，不在此限。 又勳簿之示，征還之日，即應申送。 然頃來，行台、督將至京始造，或一年二歲，方上勳書。 奸偽之原，實自由此。 於今以後，軍還之日，便通勳簿，不聽隔月。
Since the capital moved, victories multiplied merit grants beyond entry—years bred fraud and clever clerks stole ranks. Announce every judged merit register far and near so all may know. Set rewards on a three-year limit. Commoners and entrants should be ranked out within the limit; real offices and external titles by talent. Reward would be swift, workers encouraged, and opportunism curbed. Provinces without a Rectifier in hardship are excepted. Merit registers should be shown on return day. Lately commanders draft only at the capital, or send books up a year or two late. That is the root of fraud. On return, pass registers at once—no delay past a month.
85
詔復依行。
The throne accepted again.
86
元叉之廢靈太后也，相州刺史、中山王熙起兵於鄴。 敗之。 叉以同為持節兼黃門侍郎慰勞使，乃就州刑熙。 還，授正黃門。 同善事在位，為叉所親。 戮熙之日，深窮黨與，以希叉旨，論者非之。 同兄琇，少多大言，常雲公侯可致。 至此，始為都水使者。 同啟求回身二階以加琇。 琇遂除安州刺史，論者稱之。 營州城人就德興謀反，除同度支尚書，持節使營州慰勞，聽以便宜從事。 同乃遣賊家口三十人，並免家奴為良，齎書喻之。 德興乃降，安輯其人而還。 德興復反，詔同為幽州刺史，兼尚書行台，慰勞之。 同慮德興難信，勒眾而往，為德興所擊，大敗而還。
When Yuan Cha deposed Empress Dowager Ling, Prince of Zhongshan Xi, Xiangzhou inspector, rose at Ye. Xi was defeated. Cha sent Tong as Yellow Gate Attendant to console the province and execute Xi there. He returned and became regular Yellow Gate Attendant. Tong served the powerful well and was Cha's favorite. When Xi was killed he hunted the clique to please Cha; opinion condemned him. Elder brother Xiu had long boasted that marquis and duke were within reach. Only now did he become Director of Waterways. Tong asked to strip two ranks from himself for Xiu. Xiu became Anzhou inspector; opinion praised it. When Jiu Dexing rebelled at Yingzhou, Tong became Minister of Revenue and commissioner to console Yingzhou with full discretion. He sent thirty rebel dependents, freed slaves to commoner status, and wrote instructing them. Dexing surrendered; Tong pacified the region and returned. Dexing rebelled again; Tong was Youzhou inspector and Mobile Secretariat Director to console them. Fearing Dexing, he led troops out, was routed, and fled back.
87
靈太后反政，以同叉黨，除名。 莊帝踐祚，詔復本秩，除都官尚書，復兼七兵。 以前慰勞德興功，封章武縣伯，正除七兵。 轉殿中。 普泰初，除侍中，進號驃騎將軍、左光祿大夫。 同時久病，牽強啟乞儀同。
When Ling regained power, Tong was removed as Cha's man. Zhuang restored his rank, made him Minister of Justice, and again Director of the Seven Arms. For consoling Dexing he was Baron of Zhangwu and regular Director of the Seven Arms. He became Palace Director. Putai made him Palace Attendant, General of Agile Cavalry, and Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. Long ill, he forced himself to beg the Privilege Equal to the Three Excellencies.
88
初同之為黃門也，與節閔帝俱在門下，同異其為人，素相款托。 帝以恩舊，許之，除儀同三司。 永熙初，薨，贈尚書右僕射。 四子，長子斐嗣。
As Yellow Gate Attendant he had known Jiemin at the Gate Department and trusted him. For old ties the emperor granted Privilege Equal to the Three Excellencies. Yongxi he died; posthumously Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing. Four sons; eldest Fei inherited.
89
斐字子章，性殘忍，以強斷知名。 齊文襄引為大將軍府刑獄參軍，謂云：「狂簡，斐然成章，非嘉名字也。」 天保中，稍遷尚書左丞，別典京畿詔獄。 酷濫非人情所為，無問事之大小，拷掠過度，于大棒車輻下死者非一。 或嚴冬至寒，置囚於冰雪之上； 或盛夏酷熱，暴之日下，枉陷人致死者，前後百數人。 伺察官人罪失，動即奏聞。 朝士見之，莫不重跡屏氣，皆目之為校事。 斐揚揚得志，言必自矜。 後以謗史事，與李庶俱病鞭杖，死獄中。 斐弟筠，青州中從事。
Fei, styled Zizhang, was cruel and known for harsh judgment. Wenxiang made him penal commissioner and said, "Reckless and terse, yet your name means patterned—not praiseworthy. In Tianbao he rose to Left Vice Director and handled capital-region cases. His cruelty exceeded humanity; he tortured every case beyond measure, and many died under the great club at the cart wheel. In deep winter he set prisoners on ice; in midsummer he exposed them in the sun—hundreds died wrongfully. He spied on officials and memorialized at once. Court gentlemen walked softly and called him a secret investigator. Fei swaggered and always spoke with pride. Later for slandering the histories he and Li Shu were flogged to death in prison. Brother Jun was Qingzhou vice-inspector.
90
同兄靜，好學有風度，飲酒至數斗不亂。 終於太常丞。 大統初，贈太僕卿、平州刺史。 靜子景裕。
Elder brother Jing loved learning, had bearing, and could drink several dou without disorder. He ended as temple vice director. Datong posthumously made him Grand Master of the Stud and Pingzhou inspector. Son Jingyu.
91
景裕字仲孺，小字白頭。 少敏，專經為學。 居拒馬河，將一老婢作食，妻子不自隨從。 又避地大寧山，不營世事。 居無二業，唯在注解。 其叔父同職居顯要，而景裕止於園舍，情均郊野。 謙恭守道，貞素自得，由是世號居士。 節閔初，除國子博士，參議正聲，其見親遇，待以不臣之禮。 永熙初，以例解。 天平中，還鄉里。 與邢子才、魏季景、魏收、邢昕等同征赴鄴，景裕寓托僧寺，講聽不已。 未幾，歸本郡。
Jingyu, styled Zhongru, nicknamed Whitehead. From youth he was quick and studied the classics. On the Juma River he kept one old maid to cook; wife and children did not follow. He withdrew to Great Peace Mountain and ignored worldly affairs. He had no second trade—only commentary. Uncle Tong was powerful, yet Jingyu stayed in his garden, heart in the wilds. Humble and chaste, he was called Recluse by the world. Jiemin made him National University doctor to discuss pitch; he was favored beyond subject courtesy. Yongxi he was dismissed by rule. Tianping he went home. Summoned to Ye with Xing Zicai, Wei Jijing, Wei Shou, and Xing Xin, he lodged in a monastery and lectured on. Soon he returned home.
92
河間邢摩納與景裕從兄仲禮據鄉作逆，逼其同反，以應西魏。 齊神武命都督賀拔仁討平之。 聞景裕經明行著，驛馬特徵。 既而舍之，使教諸子，在館十日一歸家，隨以鼎食。 景裕風儀言行，雅見嗟賞。
Xing Monuo and cousin Zhongli rebelled in the township and forced him to join Western Wei. Shenwu sent Helu Ren to crush them. Hearing his learning and conduct, the court summoned him by post horse. Soon he taught the sons, went home every ten days from the lodge, and was fed like a noble. His bearing won warm praise.
93
先是，景裕注《周易》、《尚書》、《孝經》、《論語》、《禮記》、《老子》，其《毛詩》、《春秋左氏》未訖。 齊文襄入相，於第開講； 招延時俊，令景裕解所注《易》。 景裕理義精微，吐發閒雅。 時有問難，或相詆訶，大聲厲色，言至不遜。 而景裕神彩儼然，風誦如一，從容往復，無際可尋，由是士君子嗟美之。 初，元顥入洛，以為中書郎。 普泰中，復除國子博士。 進退其間，未曾有得失之色。 性清靜，淡于榮利，弊衣粗食，恬然自安，終日端嚴，如對賓客。 興和中，補齊王開府屬，卒于晉陽。 神武悼惜之。
He had commented on the Changes, Documents, Filial Piety, Analects, Rites, and Laozi; Odes and Zuo were unfinished. When Wenxiang became chancellor he lectured at his residence; he gathered scholars and had Jingyu expound his Changes. His reasoning was subtle and delivery refined. Some challengers abused him with loud, harsh speech beyond courtesy. Yet he remained grave, recited evenly, and replied without gap—gentlemen praised him. When Yuan Hao took Luoyang he was Secretariat Gentleman. Putai he was again National University doctor. Through rise and fall he never showed gain or loss. Quiet, indifferent to profit, in worn clothes and coarse food he stayed grave as before guests all day. Xinghe he was staff to Prince of Qi and died at Jinyang. Shenwu mourned him.
94
景裕雖不聚徒教授，所注《易》大行於世。 又好釋氏，通其大義。 天竺胡沙門道悕，每譯諸經論，輒托景裕為之序。 景裕之敗也，系晉陽獄，至心誦經，枷鎖自脫。 是時，又有人負罪當死，夢沙門教講經，覺時如所夢，謂誦千遍，臨刑刀折。 主者以聞，赦之。 此經遂行，號曰《高王觀世音》。 景裕弟辯。
Though he taught no disciples, his Changes spread widely. He also loved Buddhism and grasped its meaning. Monk Daoxi always asked him to preface his translations. When defeated he was jailed at Jinyang; chanting sutras, his shackles fell away. Another condemned man dreamed a monk taught a sutra; awake, a thousand recitations broke the blade. The officer reported it and he was pardoned. The sutra spread as "High King Avalokitesvara." Younger brother Bian.
95
辯字景宣，少好學，博通經籍。 正光初，舉秀才，為太學博士。 以《大戴禮》未有解詁，辯乃注之。 其兄景裕為當時碩儒，謂辯曰：「昔侍中注《小戴》，今汝注《大戴》，庶纂前修矣。」 節閔帝立，除中書舍人。 屬齊神武起兵信都，既破爾硃氏，遂鼓行指洛。 節閔遣辯持節勞之於鄴。 神武令辯見其所奉中興主，辯抗節不從。 神武怒曰：「我舉大義，誅群醜，車駕在此，誰遣爾來？」 辯抗言酬答，守節不撓。 神武異之，舍而不逼。
Bian, styled Jingxuan, from youth mastered the classics. Zhengguang he was Presented Scholar and Academy erudite. The Greater Dai Rites lacked commentary; Bian supplied it. Elder Jingyu, the age's great scholar, said, "Once the Attendant commented Lesser Dai; now you comment Greater Dai—you follow the forebears. Jiemin made him Secretariat Gentleman. Shenwu raised troops at Xindu, broke the Erzhu, and marched on Luoyang. Jiemin sent Bian with credentials to console Shenwu at Ye. Shenwu made him see the Restoration Sovereign; Bian refused. Shenwu raged: "I raised righteousness and killed the foul; the emperor is here—who sent you? Bian answered sharply and did not yield. Shenwu marveled and let him go.
96
孝武即位，以辯為廣平王贊師。 永熙二年，平等浮屠成，孝武會萬僧於寺。 石佛低舉其頭，終日乃止。 帝禮拜之。 辯曰：「石立社移，自古有此，陛下何怪。」 及帝入關，事起倉卒，辯不及至家，單馬而從。 或問辯曰：「得辭家不？」 辯曰：「門外之道，以義斷恩，復何辭也。」
Xiaowu made him tutor to Prince of Guangping Zan. Yongxi 2 the Equal-Height Buddha was done; Xiaowu gathered ten thousand monks. The stone Buddha slowly raised its head and stopped at day's end. The emperor bowed. Bian said, "Stone statues move in every age—why wonder? When the emperor entered the passes Bian had no time for home and followed alone. Someone asked if he had bid his household farewell. Bian said, "Outside the gate the Way breaks kinship by righteousness—what farewell?"
97
孝武至長安，封范陽縣公。 歷位給事黃門侍郎，領著作，加本州大中正。 周文帝以辯有儒術，甚禮之，朝廷大議，常召顧問。 遷太子少保，領國子祭酒。 趙青雀之亂，魏太子出居渭北，辯時隨從，亦不告家人。 其執志敢決，皆此類也。 尋除太常卿、太子少傅，轉少師，魏太子及諸王等皆行束脩之禮，受業於辯，進爵范陽郡公。
At Chang'an Xiaowu enfeoffed him Duke of Fanyang. He rose to Supervising Secretariat Gentleman, headed the History Office, and was native Grand Rectifier. Wendi honored his learning and often summoned him for great debates. He was Junior Tutor and National University Chancellor. In Zhao Qingque's revolt the crown prince moved north of the Wei; Bian followed without telling home. His firm resolve was always thus. Soon he was temple director, junior tutor, then preceptor; princes studied under him and he became Duke of Fanyang commandery.
98
自孝武西遷，朝儀湮墜，于時朝廷憲章、乘輿法服、金石律呂、晷刻渾儀，皆令辯因時制宜。 皆合軌度，多依古禮。 性強記默識，能斷大事，凡所創制，處之不疑。 加驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，累遷尚書令。 及建門官，為師氏中大夫。 明帝即位，遷小宗伯，進位大將軍。
After Xiaowu moved west ritual collapsed; court law, regalia, pitch pipes, clepsydra, and armillary sphere were all adapted by Bian. All matched standards and largely followed ancient rites. He remembered silently, decided great affairs, and handled his creations without doubt. He became General of Agile Cavalry, Privilege Equal to the Three Excellencies, and Director of the Masters of Writing. When gate offices were set he was Master of the Guard, middle grandee. Ming made him Junior Temple Director and Grand General.
99
帝嘗與諸公幸其第，儒者榮之。 出為宜州刺史，以患不之部。 卒，諡曰獻，配食文帝廟庭。 子慎嗣。 位復州刺史。 慎弟詮，性趫捷，善騎射，位儀同三司。 隋開皇初，以辯前代名德，追封沈國公。
The emperor once visited his house with nobles—scholarly glory. Made Yizhou inspector, he did not take office for illness. He died, posthumous name Xian, with sacrifice in Wendi's temple. Son Shen inherited. He was Fuzhou inspector. Brother Quan was quick, skilled at archery, and held Privilege Equal to the Three Excellencies. Kaihuang posthumously enfeoffed him Duke of Shen for earlier fame.
100
初，周文欲行《周官》，命蘇綽專掌其事。 未幾而綽卒，乃令辯成之。 於是依《周禮》建六官，革漢、魏之法。 以魏恭帝三年，始命行之。 六卿之外，置太師、太傅、太保各一人，是曰三孤。 時未建東宮，其太子官員，改創未畢。 尋又改典命為大司禮，置中大夫。 自茲厥後，世有損益。 武成元年，增禦正四人，位上大夫。 保定四年，改宗伯為納言，禮部為司宗，大司禮為禮部，大司樂為樂部。 五年，左右武伯各置大夫一人。 以建德元年，改置宿衛官員。 二年，省六府諸司中大夫以下官，府置四司，以下大夫為官之長，士貳之。 是歲，又增改東宮官員。 三年，初置太子諫議大夫，員四人，文學十人。 皇弟、皇子友，員各二人，學士六人。 四年，又改置宿衛官員。 其司武、司衛之類，皆後所增改。 太子正宮尹之屬，亦後所創置。 而典章散滅，弗可復知。 宣帝嗣位，事不師古，官員班品，隨情變革。 至如初置四輔官，及六府諸司復置中大夫，並禦正、內史增置上大夫等，則今載於外史。 餘則朝出夕改，莫能詳錄。
Wendi wished to implement the Offices of Zhou and ordered Su Chuo to oversee it. Chuo soon died and Bian was ordered to finish. By the Rites of Zhou six ministries were built, reforming Han and Wei law. Wei Gongdi year three it was first implemented. Outside the six ministers stood one Grand Preceptor, Tutor, and Protector—the Three Solitaries. The Eastern Palace was not built; crown prince offices were unfinished. Soon Canon-Making became Grand Director of Rites with a middle grandee. Each generation thereafter added and cut. Wucheng 1 added four Imperial Rectifiers, senior grandee rank. Baoding 4 renamed temple director to Grand Counselor and reshuffled rites and music bureaus. Year five each Martial Bearer office gained a grandee. Jiande 1 reorganized palace guard offices. Year 2 cut offices below middle grandee; each ministry kept four bureaus headed by junior grandee with gentleman deputy. That year Eastern Palace offices were expanded. Year 3 first set four Crown Prince Remonstrating Counselors and ten Literary Scholars. Princes' Friends, two each, and six Academicians. Year 4 again reorganized palace guard offices. Martial Affairs and Palace Guard were later additions. Eastern Palace stewards were later creations. Statutes scattered and cannot be fully known. Emperor Xuan ignored antiquity and changed ranks at whim. First Four Assistants, restored middle grandees, and added senior grandees are recorded in external histories. The rest changed daily and cannot be fully recorded.
101
于時，雖行《周禮》，內外眾職，又兼用秦、漢等官，今略舉其名號及命數，附之于左。 其紀傳內更有餘官而於此不載者，亦史之闕文也。
Though Zhou rites operated, Qin and Han offices remained; titles and ranks are listed at left. Other offices in the annals but not here are historiographical gaps.
102
柱國、大將軍，建德四年增置上柱國、上大將軍也。 正九命。
Jiande 4 added Superior Pillar and Superior Grand General. Correct ninth rank.
103
驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，建德四年改為開府儀同大將軍，仍增上開府儀同大將軍； 車騎大將軍、儀同三司，建德四年改為儀同大將軍，仍增上儀同大將軍； 雍州牧。 九命。
General of Agile Cavalry and Privilege Equal to the Three Excellencies became Grand General Privilege Equal, with Superior added in Jiande 4; Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and Privilege Equal became Grand General Privilege Equal, with Superior added; Governor of Yong Province. Ninth rank.
104
驃騎大將軍、右光祿大夫，車騎將軍、左光祿大夫，戶三萬以上州刺史。 正八命。
General of Agile Cavalry and Right Grand Master of Splendid Happiness; General of Chariots and Cavalry and Left Grand Master; governors of 30,000+ households. Correct eighth rank.
105
征東、征南、征西、征北等將軍、右金紫光祿大夫； 中軍、鎮軍、撫軍等將軍，左金紫光祿大夫； 大都督； 戶二萬以上州刺史； 京兆尹。 八命。
Campaign generals of the four directions and Right Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon; Central, Garrison, and Pacification generals and Left Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon; Area commander. Governors of 20,000+ households. Intendant of Jingzhao. Eighth rank.
106
平東、平西、平南、平北等將軍，右銀青光祿大夫； 前、右、左、後等將軍，左銀青光祿大夫； 帥都督； 柱國大將軍府長史、司馬、司錄； 戶一萬以上州刺史。 正七命。
Pacification generals of the four directions and Right Grand Master of the Silver Seal and Blue Ribbon; Front, Right, Left, and Rear generals and Left Silver-Seal Blue-Ribbon Grand Master; Commanding colonel. Chief clerk, marshal, and registrar in a Pillar-General's office; Governors of 10,000+ households. Correct seventh rank.
107
冠軍將軍、太中大夫； 輔國將軍、中散大夫； 都督； 戶五千以上州刺史； 戶一萬五千以上郡守。 七命。
Champion General and palace-affairs grand master; Assistant General and Master of Scattered Cavalry; Area commander. Governors of 5,000+ households. Commandery governors of 15,000+ households. Seventh rank.
108
鎮遠將軍、諫議大夫； 建忠將軍、誠議大夫； 別將； 開府長史、司馬、司錄； 戶不滿五千以下州刺史； 戶一萬以上郡守。 正六命。
Pacifying-Distance General and remonstrating counselor; Establishing-Loyalty General and sincere remonstrating counselor; Separate commander. Chief clerk, marshal, and registrar in a Privilege office; Governors below 5,000 households; Commandery governors of 10,000+ households. Correct sixth rank.
109
中堅將軍、右中郎將； 甯朔將軍、左中郎將； 儀同府、正八命州長史，司馬，司錄； 戶五千以上郡守； 大呼藥。 六命。
Stalwart Center General and right gentlemen-attendant; Pacifying North General and left gentlemen-attendant; Privilege office and chief clerk, marshal, and registrar of an eighth-rank province; Commandery governors of 5,000+ households; Senior apothecary. Sixth rank.
110
甯遠將軍、右員外常侍； 揚烈將軍、左員外常侍； 統軍； 驃騎車騎將軍府、八命州長史，司馬，司錄； 柱國大將軍府中郎、掾、屬； 戶一千以上郡守； 長安、萬年縣令。 正五命。
Pacifying-Distance General and right extraordinary attendant; Raising-Fierce General and left extraordinary attendant; Commanding general. Chief clerk, marshal, and registrar of an agile-cavalry or chariots office and eighth-rank province; Gentlemen, clerks, and aides in a Pillar-General's office; Commandery governors of 1,000+ households; Magistrates of Chang'an and Wannian. Correct fifth rank.
111
伏波將軍、奉車都尉； 輕車將軍、奉騎都尉； 四征中鎮撫將軍府、正七命州長史，司馬，司錄； 開府府中郎、掾、屬； 戶不滿一千以下郡守； 戶七千以上縣令； 正八命州呼藥。 五命。
Subduing-Waves General and carriage-serving attendant; Light-Chariot General and cavalry-serving attendant; Chief clerk, marshal, and registrar of campaign, center, garrison, and pacification offices and a seventh-rank province; Gentlemen, clerks, and aides in a Privilege office; Commandery governors below 1,000 households; County magistrates of 7,000+ households; Apothecary of an eighth-rank province. Fifth rank.
112
宣威將軍、武賁給事； 明威將軍、冗從給事； 儀同府中郎、掾、屬； 柱國大將軍府列曹參軍； 四平前左右後將軍府、七命州長史，司馬，司錄； 正八命州別駕； 戶四千以上縣令； 八命州呼藥。 正四命。
Proclaiming-Might General and martial-tiger attendant; Bright Might General and Supernumerary Attendant; Gentlemen, clerks, and aides in a Privilege office; Section clerks of a Pillar-General's office; Chief clerk, marshal, and registrar of pacification and front-right-left-rear offices and a seventh-rank province; Vice-governor of an eighth-rank province; County magistrates of 4,000+ households; Apothecary of an eighth-rank province. Fourth orthodox rank.
113
襄威將軍、給事中； 厲威將軍、奉朝請； 軍主； 開府列曹參軍； 冠軍輔國將軍府、正六命州長史，司馬，司錄； 正七命州別駕； 正八命州中從事； 七命郡丞； 戶二千以上縣令； 正七命州呼藥。 四命。
Displaying Might general, palace attendant; Inspiring Awe general, court attendant; army commander; opening-office staff officer; champion and assistant-state offices: orthodox sixth-rank chief clerk, marshal, recorder; orthodox seventh-rank deputy governor; orthodox eighth-rank senior clerk; seventh-rank commandery aide; magistrate, county of 2,000+ households; orthodox seventh-rank provincial pharmacy master. Fourth rank.
114
威烈將軍、右員外侍郎； 討寇將軍、左員外侍郎； 幢主； 儀同府、正八命州列曹參軍； 柱國大將軍府參軍； 鎮遠建忠中堅甯朔將軍府長史，司馬； 正六命州別駕； 正七命州中從事； 正六命郡丞； 戶五百以上縣令； 七命州呼藥。 正三命。
Displaying Fury general, right assistant master of writing; Punishing Bandits general, left assistant master of writing; banner commander; equal-in-honor office: orthodox eighth-rank department staff; pillar-of-state grand general's staff; those five general's offices: chief clerk and marshal; orthodox sixth-rank deputy governor; orthodox seventh-rank senior clerk; orthodox sixth-rank commandery aide; magistrate, county of 500+ households; seventh-rank provincial pharmacy master. Third orthodox rank.
115
蕩寇將軍、武騎常侍； 蕩難將軍、武騎侍郎； 開府參軍，驃騎車騎將軍府、八命州列曹參軍，寧遠揚烈伏波輕車將軍府長史； 正六命州中從事，六命郡丞； 戶不滿五百以下縣令； 戍主； 正六命州呼藥。 三命。
Sweeping Bandits general, martial cavalry attendant; Sweeping Difficulty general, martial cavalry assistant; opening-office staff; rapid-cavalry and chariot-horse offices' eighth-rank department staff; pacifying-distant and light-chariot offices' chief clerk; orthodox sixth-rank senior clerk; sixth-rank commandery aide; magistrate, county under 500 households; garrison commander; orthodox sixth-rank provincial pharmacy master. Third rank.
116
殄寇將軍、強弩司馬； 殄難將軍、積弩司馬； 四征中鎮撫將軍府、正七命州列曹參軍； 正五命郡丞。 正二命。
Exterminating Bandits general, strong-crossbow marshal; Exterminating Difficulty general, stacked-crossbow marshal; four-campaigns and pacification offices: orthodox seventh-rank department staff; orthodox fifth-rank commandery aide. Second orthodox rank.
117
掃寇將軍、武騎司馬； 掃難將軍、武威司馬； 四平前右左後將軍府、七命州列曹參軍； 五命郡丞； 戍副。 二命。
Sweeping Wilderness general, palace crossbow marshal; Sweeping Wilderness of Difficulty general, martial prestige marshal; four pacifications offices: seventh-rank department staff; fifth-rank commandery aide; deputy garrison commander. Second rank.
118
曠野將軍、殿中司馬； 橫野將軍、員外司馬； 冠軍輔國將軍府、正六命州列曹參軍。 正一命。
Open Wilderness general, palace attendant crossbow marshal; Broad Wilderness general, extra master-of-writing marshal; champion and assistant-state offices: orthodox sixth-rank department staff. First orthodox rank.
119
武威將軍、淮海都尉； 武邪將軍、山林都尉； 鎮遠建忠中堅甯朔寧遠揚烈伏波輕車將軍府列曹參軍。 一命。
Martial Prestige general, Huaihai commandant; Martial Subdual general, mountain-forest commandant; those general's offices: department staff officers. First rank.
120
周制：封郡縣五等爵者，皆加開國； 授柱國大將軍、開府、儀同者，並加使持節、大都督； 其開府又加驃騎大將軍、侍中； 其儀同又加車騎大將軍、散騎常侍； 其授總管、刺史，則加使持節、諸軍事。 以此為常。 大象元年，詔總管、刺史及行兵者，加持節，餘悉罷之。 辯所制定之後，又有改革。 今粗附之云。 辯弟光。
Under Zhou, five-grade commandery and county enfeoffments all added Founder of the State; pillar-of-state, opening-office, or equal-in-honor grants also added Commissioned with Staff and Great Commander; opening office further added rapid-cavalry grand general and palace attendant; equal in honor further added chariot-and-horse grand general and regular attendant; commanders-in-chief and inspectors added Commissioned with Staff and Commander of All Military Affairs. That was the constant rule. Daxiang year 1: commanders, inspectors, and field armies kept staffs; all others lost them. After Bian's codification there were further reforms. They are roughly appended below. Bian's younger brother was Guang.
121
光子景仁。 性溫謹，博覽群書，精於《三禮》，善陰陽，解鐘律，又好玄言。 孝昌初，釋褐司空府參軍事。 及魏孝武西遷，光于山東立義，遙授晉州刺史。 大統六年，攜家西入，除丞相府記室參軍，賜爵范陽縣伯。 俄拜行台郎中，專掌書記，改封安息縣伯。 歷位京兆郡守、侍中、開府儀同三司、匠師中大夫，進爵燕郡公、虞州刺史，行陝州總管府長史，卒官。 周武帝少嘗受業於光，故贈賻有加恆典，贈少傅，諡曰簡。
Guang's son was Jingren. Gentle and careful, widely read, expert in the Three Rites, yin-yang, pitch-pipes, and Dark Learning. In Xiaochang's opening years he entered service as a Ministry of Works staff officer. When Xiaowu moved west, Guang raised forces in Shandong and was remotely made Jin inspector. In Datong 6 he went west with his family, became the chancellor's recorder, and was made Marquis of Fanyang. Soon he was mobile secretariat gentleman in charge of records, enfeoffed Marquis of Anxi. He was Jingzhao administrator, attendant, equal in honor, master of craftsmen, advanced to Duke of Yancheng and Yu inspector, acting chief clerk at Shaanzhou headquarters, and died in office. Zhou Emperor Wu had studied under him, so gifts exceeded custom; he was posthumously junior tutor, posthumous title Jian.
122
光性崇佛道，至誠信敬。 常從周文狩于檀臺山，時獵圍既合，帝遙指山上謂群公曰：「公等有所見不？」 咸曰：無所見。」 光獨曰：「見一桑門。」 帝曰：「是也。」 即解圍而還。 令光于桑門立處造浮圖。 掘基一丈，得瓦缽錫杖各一，帝稱歎，因立寺焉。 及為京兆，而郡舍先是數有妖怪，前後郡將，無敢居者。 光曰：「吉凶由人，妖不妄作。」 遂人居之。 未幾，光所乘馬忽升査事，登床，南首而立。 食器無故自破。 光並不以介懷，其精誠守正如此。 注《道德經章句》行於世。 子賁。
Guang revered Buddhism with utter sincerity. Once on a hunt at Tanshan with Emperor Wen, when the ring closed the emperor pointed uphill and asked, "Do you see anything? All said they saw nothing. Guang alone said, "I see a monk." The emperor said, "So it is." He lifted the encirclement and returned. He had Guang build a pagoda where the monk stood. Digging one zhang down they found a bowl and iron staff; the emperor marveled and founded a monastery. As Jingzhao administrator the yamen had long been haunted and no prefect dared live there. Guang said, "Fortune depends on men; demons do not act without cause. He moved in. Soon his horse climbed the desk platform, mounted the bed, and stood facing south. Food vessels broke without cause. Guang took none of it to heart—such was his sincerity. His Expository Chapters on the Dao De Jing circulated. His son was Ben.
123
賁字子征。 略涉書記，頗解鐘律。 在周，襲爵燕郡公，歷位魯陽太守、太子少宮尹、儀同三司、司武上士。 時隋文帝為大司馬，賁知帝非常人，深自推結。 宣帝嗣位，加開府。 及文帝被顧托，群情未一，引賁置左右。 帝將之東第，百官皆不知所去，帝潛令賁部伍仗衛，因召公卿而謂曰：「欲富貴者當相隨來！」 往往偶語，欲有去就。 賁嚴兵而至，眾莫敢動。 出崇陽門至東宮，門者拒不內，賁諭之不去，瞋目叱之，門者遂卻。 既而帝得入，賁恆典宿衛，承間進說以應天順人之事，帝從之。 及受禪，命賁清宮，因典宿衛。 賁乃奏改周旗幟，更為嘉名，其青龍、騶虞、硃雀、玄武、千秋、萬歲之旗，皆賁所創也。 尋拜散騎常侍，兼太子左庶子、左領軍將軍。
Ben, styled Zizheng. He knew writing somewhat and understood pitch-pipes. Under Zhou he inherited Yancheng, was Luyang administrator, junior palace master, equal in honor, and senior master of martial display. When Yang Jian was grand marshal, Ben saw he was no ordinary man and attached himself deeply. When Emperor Xuan succeeded, Ben received an opening office. When Wen was entrusted on his deathbed and opinion was divided, he kept Ben close. About to go to the Eastern Residence while officials wavered, the emperor secretly had Ben array guards, then told the lords, "Who wants wealth and honor should follow me! Men whispered, unsure whether to stay or go. Ben came with stern troops and none dared move. At Chongyang Gate the Eastern Palace gatekeepers refused entry; Ben urged, then shouted, and they fell back. Once inside, Ben ran the night guard and urged responding to Heaven and the people; the emperor followed. On receiving the throne he had Ben clear the palace and again run the night guard. Ben memorialized to change Zhou banners to auspicious names—the Azure Dragon, Zouyu, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, Thousand Autumns, and Ten Thousand Years were all his. Soon he was regular attendant, left tutor of the heir, and left palace guard commander.
124
及高熲、蘇威共掌朝政，賁甚不平。 時柱國劉昉被疏忌，賁諷昉及上柱國元諧、李詢、華州刺史張賓等謀黜熲、威，五人相與輔政。 又以晉王上之愛子，謀行廢立。 復私謂皇太子曰：「賁將數謁殿下，恐為上譴，願察區區之心。」 謀泄，昉等委罪於賓、賁。 公卿奏二人坐當死，帝以龍潛之舊，不忍加誅，並除名。 賓未幾卒。 歲餘，賁復爵位，檢校太常卿。 以古樂宮縣七八，損益不同，歷代通儒，議無定準，乃上表曰：「殷人以上，通用五音。 周武克殷，得鶉火天駟之應，其音用七。 漢興，加應鐘，故十六枚而在一虡。 鄭玄注《周禮》，「二八十六為虡」，此則七八之義，其來遠矣。 然世有沿革，用舍不同。 至周武帝復改縣七，以林鐘為宮。 夫樂者，政之本也，故移風易俗，莫善於樂，是以吳劄觀而辯興亡。 然則樂也者，所以動天地，感鬼神，情發於聲，安危斯應。 周武以林鐘為宮，蓋將亡之征也。 且林鐘之管，即黃種下生之義。 黃鐘，君也，而生於臣，明於皇朝九五之應。 又陰者臣也，而居君位，更顯國家登極之祥。 斯實冥數相符，非關人事。 臣聞五帝不相沿樂，三王不相襲禮，此蓋隨時改制而不失雅正者也。」 帝竟從之，改七縣八，黃鐘為宮。 詔賁與儀同楊慶和刊定周、齊音律。
When Gao Jiong and Su Wei held power together, Ben was deeply resentful. Pillar Liu Fang was estranged; Ben urged Fang, senior pillar Yuan Xie, Li Xun, and Huazhou inspector Zhang Bin to oust Jiong and Wei and rule together. They also plotted to depose the heir because Prince of Jin was the emperor's favorite. He told the crown prince privately, "I shall often visit you and fear blame from above; please see my humble heart. When the plot leaked, Fang and the others blamed Bin and Ben. The lords said both deserved death; the emperor, remembering ties before he rose, spared them and only struck their names. Bin soon died. After a year Ben recovered rank and was acting grand master of ceremonies. Because palace bell-stands numbered seven or eight with no fixed standard, he memorialized, "From Yin upward five tones were common. When Zhou King Wu conquered Yin he got the Quail Fire and Heavenly Team response—seven tones. When Han arose the responding bell was added—sixteen bells on one stand. Zheng Xuan on the Rites of Zhou says two eights make sixteen on a stand—the seven-or-eight meaning is ancient. Yet ages changed and use differed. Emperor Wu of Zhou again set seven bells and made Forest Bell keynote, music is the root of government; to shift custom nothing beats music—hence Wu Zha watched and judged rise and fall. Music moves heaven and earth and touches spirits; feeling becomes sound and safety or peril responds. Zhou Wu's Forest Bell keynote was a sign of ruin. The Forest Bell pipe is Yellow Bell generating below. Yellow Bell is ruler yet generated from subject—clear for the house's nine-five. Yin, the subject, occupies the ruler's place—further showing the throne omen. This matches hidden numbers, not human affairs. I hear the Five Emperors did not continue one another's music nor the Three Kings one another's rites—reforming to the times without losing correctness. The emperor followed, changed seven stands to eight, and made Yellow Bell keynote. He ordered Ben and equal-in-honor Yang Qinghe to revise Zhou and Qi pitch-pipes.
125
未幾，曆郢、虢、懷三州刺史。 在懷州決沁水東注，名曰利人渠，又派入溫縣，名曰溫潤渠，以溉舄咸，人賴其利。 後為齊州刺史，糶官米而自糶，坐除名。
Soon he was inspector of Ying, Guo, and Huai in turn. At Huai he diverted the Qin east as the Benefit-the-People Canal and into Wen as the Warm-Moist Canal to irrigate salty fields. Later as Qi inspector he sold official grain for himself and was struck off.
126
後從幸洛陽，帝從容謂曰：「我始為大司馬，及總百揆，頻繁左右，與卿足為恩舊。 卿若無過，位與高熲齊。 坐與凶人交構，由是廢黜。 言念疇昔之恩，復處牧伯之位，何乃不思報效，以至於此！ 吾不忍殺卿，是屈法申私耳。」 賁俯伏陳謝。 詔復本官。 後數日，對詔失旨，又自敘功績，有怨言。 帝大怒，謂群臣曰：「吾將與賁一州，觀此，不可復用。」
Later at Luoyang the emperor said, "When I was grand marshal and directed all affairs I kept you at my side—we were old friends in grace. Without fault your rank would have equaled Gao Jiong's. Because you joined wicked men you were dismissed. Remembering past grace I gave you a province again—why not repay instead of this! I could not kill you—that was bending law for private favor. Ben prostrated and apologized. An edict restored his office. Days later in audience he missed the mark, recounted merits, and spoke with resentment. The emperor was furious and told the lords, "I would give Ben one province—seeing this, he cannot be used again."
127
後皇太子為其言曰：「此輩並有佐命功，雖性行輕險，誠不可棄。」 帝曰：「我抑屈之，全其命也。 微劉昉、鄭譯及賁、柳裘、皇甫績等，則我不至此。 然此等皆反覆子也。 當周宣帝時，以無賴得幸。 及帝大漸，顏之儀等請以趙王輔政，此輩行詐，顧命於我。 我將為政，又欲亂之，故昉謀大逆於前，譯為巫蠱於後。 如賁之例，皆不滿志，任之則不遜，致之則怨，自難信也，非我棄之。 眾人見此，或有竊議，謂我薄于功臣，斯不然矣。」 蘇威進曰：「漢光武欲全功臣，皆以列侯奉朝請，至尊仁育，復用此道以安之。」 上曰：「然。」 遂廢，卒於家。
Later the crown prince said, "These men helped establish the mandate; though frivolous, they should not be cast away. The emperor said, "I bent them down and kept them alive. Without Liu Fang, Zheng Yi, Ben, Liu Qiu, Huangfu Ji, and the like I would not be here. Yet they are all turncoats. Under Zhou Emperor Xuan they gained favor through rascality. When the emperor was gravely ill, Yan Zhiyi asked the Prince of Zhao to assist; this crowd cheated and entrusted the mandate to me. When I was about to govern they wanted chaos again—hence Fang's treason before and Yi's witchcraft after. Men like Ben were dissatisfied; employed they were insubordinate, sent away they resented—hard to trust; I did not cast them away lightly. Some whisper I was stingy toward merit—that is not so. Su Wei said, "Han Guangwu wished to preserve merit-holders as marquises attending court; Your Majesty may use that way to settle them." The emperor said, "So." He was dismissed and died at home.
128
勇字季禮，景裕從弟也。 父璧，魏下邳太守。 勇初與景裕俱在學，其叔同曰：「白頭必以文通，季禮當以武達。 興吾門者，二子也。」 幽州反者僕骨邢以勇為本郡范陽王，時年十八。 後葛榮又以勇為燕王。 齊神武起兵，盧文偉召之，不應。 爾硃氏滅，乃赴晉陽。
Yong, styled Jili, was Jingyu's cousin. His father Bi was Wei's Xiapi administrator. Yong first studied with Jingyu; uncle Tong said, "The white-haired will excel in letters, Jili in arms. To raise our house—these two. Youzhou rebel Pugu Xing made Yong King of Fanyang at eighteen. Later Ge Rong also made him King of Yan. When Qi Emperor Shenwu raised troops, Lu Wenwei summoned him and he did not come. After the Erzhu were destroyed he went to Jinyang.
129
神武署丞相主簿。 屬山西霜儉，運山東租輸，皆令實載，違者罪之。 令勇典其事。 鄉郡公主虛僦千餘車，勇劾之。 公主訴于神武，而勇守法不虧。 神武謂郭秀曰：「盧勇懍懍，有不可犯色，真公人也。 方當委之大事，豈止納租而已。」 後行洛州事。
Shenwu made him chief clerk in the chancellor's office. When Shanxi had frost famine, Shandong rent was transported—loads must be full or punished. Yong was ordered to oversee it. Xiangjun commandery princess falsely hired 1,000+ carts; Yong impeached her. She complained to Shenwu, yet Yong held to law. Shenwu told Guo Xiu, "Lu Yong is stern and unoffendable—a true public man. I shall entrust great affairs—not only rent. Later he acted for Luozhou.
130
元象初，官軍圍廣州，未拔，行台侯景聞西魏救兵將至，集諸將議之。 勇請進觀形勢，於是率百騎，各攏一馬。 至大騩山，知西魏將李景和將至。 勇乃多置幡旗於樹頭，分騎為數十隊，鳴角直前。 禽西魏儀同程華，斬儀同王征蠻而還。
At Yuanxiang's opening the army besieged Guangzhou; Hou Jing, hearing Western Wei relief was near, called the generals. Yong asked to scout; he led a hundred horsemen, each with a spare horse. At Mount Daqiu he learned Li Jinghe was coming. Yong set banners in trees, split into dozens of squads, sounded horns, and charged. He captured equal-in-honor Cheng Hua, beheaded equal-in-honor Wang Zhengman, and returned.
131
再遷陽州刺史，鎮宜陽。 叛人韓木蘭、陳忻等常為邊患，勇大破之。 啟求入朝，神武賜勇書曰：「吾委卿陽州，安枕高臥，無西南之慮矣。 表啟宜停，當使漢兒之中，無在卿前者。」 卒，年三十二。 勇有馬五百匹，私造甲仗，遺啟盡獻之。 贈司空、冀州刺史，諡武貞。
He was made Yang inspector and garrisoned Yiyang. Rebels Han Mulan and Chen Xin troubled the border; Yong routed them. He asked to enter court; Shenwu wrote, "I entrusted Yangzhou to you to sleep high without southwest worry. Stop memorials—among Han men none should rank before you. He died at thirty-two. Yong had 500 horses and private armor; his final memorial presented all. He was posthumously minister of works and Ji inspector, posthumous title Wuzhen.
132
誕本名恭祖。 曾祖晏，博學，善隸書，有名於世； 仕慕容氏，位給事黃門侍郎，營丘、成周二郡守。 祖壽，太子洗馬； 慕容氏滅，入魏為魯郡守。
Dan was originally named Gongzu. Great-grandfather Yan was erudite, skilled in clerical script, famed in the world; he served Murong as yellow-gate attendant and Yingqiu and Chengzhou administrator. Grandfather Shou was crown prince's reader; when Murong fell he entered Wei as Lu administrator.
133
父叔仁，年十八，州辟主簿，舉秀才，除員外郎。 以親老乃辭歸就養。
Father Shuren at eighteen was commandery chief clerk, nominated outstanding talent, made extra gentleman; his parents were old so he declined and returned to nurture them.
134
父母既沒哀毀六年，躬營墳壟，遂有終焉之志。 景明中，被征入洛，授武賁中郎將，非其好也。 尋除鎮遠將軍、通直散騎常侍，並稱疾不朝。 乃出為幽州司馬，又辭歸鄉里。 當時咸稱其高尚焉。
After they died he mourned six years, built tombs himself, and meant to end his days there. In Jingming he was summoned to Luoyang as martial tiger central commander—not his liking. Soon pacifying-distant general and regular attendant—both times illness kept him from court. He went out as Youzhou marshal and again returned home. All praised his lofty conduct.
135
誕於度世為族弟。 幼而通亮，博學，有祠彩。 郡辟功曹，州舉秀才，不得。 起家侍御史，累遷輔國大將軍、太中大夫、幽州別駕、北豫州都督府長史。 時刺史高仲密以州歸西魏，遣大將軍李遠率軍赴援，誕與文武二千餘人奉候大軍。 以功授鎮東將軍、金紫光祿大夫，封固安縣伯。 尋加散騎侍郎，拜給事黃門侍郎。
Dan was cousin to Dushi. Clever from youth, erudite, with literary color. Commandery summoned him as merit officer; province nominated outstanding talent—he did not obtain office. He began as attending censor, rose to assistant-state general, grand master, Youzhou deputy, and Beiyu headquarters chief clerk. When Gao Zhongmi surrendered to Western Wei and Li Yuan came with troops, Dan with 2,000+ civil and military men received the army. For merit he was pacifying-east general, grand master with golden seal, Marquis of Gu'an. Soon regular attendant and yellow-gate attendant.
136
魏帝詔曰：「經師易求，人師難得。 朕諸兒稍長，欲令卿為師。」 於是親幸晉王第，敕晉王以下皆拜之於帝前，因賜名曰誕。 加征東將軍、散騎常侍。 周文帝又以誕儒宗學府，為當世所推，乃拜國子祭酒，進車騎大將軍、儀同三司。 恭帝二年，除秘書監，後以疾卒。
The Wei emperor issued an edict, "A classics teacher is easy; a human teacher is hard. My sons are growing; I wish you to teach them. He visited the Prince of Jin's residence and ordered the prince and below to bow before the emperor; he was therefore named Dan. Added pacifying-east general and regular attendant. Emperor Wen, because Dan was a praised Confucian head, made him national university director and chariot-and-horse grand general, equal in honor. In Emperor Gong year 2 he was secretariat director; later he died of illness.
137
論曰：盧玄緒業著聞，首應旌命，子孫繼跡，為世盛門。 其文武功列殆無足紀，而見重于時，聲高冠帶，蓋德業儒素有過人者。 伯源兄弟亦有二方之風流，雅道家聲，諸子不逮。 思道一代俊偉，而宦途寥落，雖曰窮通有命，抑亦不護細行之所致乎！ 潛及昌衡，雅素之紀，家風克嗣，堂構無虧。 子剛使酒誕節，蓋亦明珠之類。 長仁諫說可重，一簣而傾，惜矣！ 伯舉、仲宣，文雅俱劭。 叔彪志尚宏遠，任俠好謀。 文偉望重地華，早有志尚，間關夷險之際，終遇英雄之主，雖禮秩未弘，亦為佐命之一也。 詢祖辭情豔發，早著聲名，負其才地，肆情矜矯，位遇未聞，弱年夭逝。 若得終介眉壽，通塞未可量焉。 叔倫質器洪厚，卷舒兼濟。 子章殘忍為志，咎之徒也。 景裕兄弟，雅業可宗，雖擇木異邦，而立名俱劭。 辯捐益成務，其殆優乎。 勇雖文武異趣，各其美也。 賁二三其德，雖取悅於報己，而移之在我，亦安能其罵人。 見遣末路，尚何足怪？ 誕不殞儒業，亦足稱云。
Commentary: Lu Xuan's inherited fame led the summons; descendants followed as a great house. Their civil and military deeds scarcely merit record, yet they were valued and famed among gentry—virtue and Confucian plainness surpassed others. Boyuan's brothers had two-region elegance and refined family voice—the sons did not match. Sidao was an age's peerless talent yet sparse in office; though fortune has mandate, perhaps not guarding small conduct. Qian and Changheng modeled refined plainness; family style continued and the frame unimpaired. Zigang's wine eccentricity was still bright-pearl kind. Changren's remonstrance was weighty—one basket-tip and toppled; pity! Boju and Zhongxuan were both strong in refinement. Shubiao aimed broad and far, delighted in chivalry and stratagem. Wenwei's standing was weighty with early resolve; through hardship he met a heroic lord—rank not grand, yet one who aided the mandate. Xunzu's words were brilliant and fame early; trusting talent he indulged pride—no office heard, young death. Had he lived full years, blocked or open could not be measured. Shulun's substance was vast, bending and extending together. Zizhang aimed at cruelty—the blameworthy kind. Jingyu's brothers had elegant work worth honor; though in different states, both made strong names. Bian's additions completed the task—perhaps superior. Yong, civil and martial differing, each had beauty. Ben's fickleness pleased those who repaid him, yet shifted to himself—how revile others? Driven off at the end—what wonder? Dan did not ruin Confucian work—that is praise enough.