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卷三十一 列傳第十九: 高允 高祐 盧曹

Volume 31 Biographies 19: Gao Yun, Gao Yu, Lu Cao

Chapter 31 of 北史 · History of the Northern Dynasties
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Chapter 31
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Gao Yun, Gao You, and Lu Cao
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Biographies 19
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Gao Yun; his second cousin once removed Gao You; You's great-grandson Dezheng; and You's grandnephews Qian, Ang, and Jishi
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Gao Yun, courtesy name Bogong, came from Liaoxian in Bohai and traced his line to Gao Yuan, Grand Tutor of Han. His great-grandfather Qing had been Minister of Works under Murong Chui. His grandfather Tai had held the post of Minister of Personnel. His father Tao won early renown for brilliance and candor, and Feng Yi of the same commandery held him in high esteem. Tao likewise served Murong Chui as Attendant-in-Ordinary to the Grand Marshal. When Emperor Daowu conquered Zhongshan, Tao was appointed a staff officer to the Chancellor but died while still young.
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Yun lost his parents young yet showed precocious judgment and unusual breadth of mind. Cui Hong of Qinghe met him and marveled, saying, "Master Gao has gold within and light without—he is bound to become a pillar of his generation, though I doubt I shall live to see it. While still in his teens he went home to his commandery for his grandfather Tai's funeral. Yun gave the estate to his two younger brothers, took monastic vows as Fajing, and soon afterward returned to lay life. By nature he loved letters and traveled a thousand li with books on his back to study. He gained a thorough command of the classics and histories, astronomy, and numerology, above all the Gongyang Commentary to the Spring and Autumn Annals. He once composed "The Lord on the Frontier," a poem that mingled joy and grief and left behind both gain and loss.
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In the third year of Shenqi, Emperor Taiwu's uncle by marriage, the Prince of Yangping Du Chao, marched south as generalissimo and encamped at Ye, taking Yun as Attendant-in-Ordinary; Yun was already past forty. It was spring, yet prisoners in the provinces still awaited judgment, so Chao sent Yun with Palace Gentleman Lü Xi and others to tour the provinces and adjudicate cases together. Xi and the rest were all convicted of graft, while Yun alone was commended for clean and even-handed conduct. After his term he went home to instruct disciples, and more than a thousand students followed him.
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西 西
In the fourth year he was called up with Lu Xuan and others, made Academic Language of the Secretariat, and later promoted to Gentleman. He and Zhang Wei of Taiyuan both served in their original posts as attendants to the Prince of Le'an, who held the rank of Collected Corps Lieutenant General. Fan was a cherished younger brother of Emperor Taiwu and commanded the west from Chang'an; Yun gave him much sound counsel, and the people of Qin praised Yun. Before long he was recalled to court. When the Prince of Le'ping Pi marched west against Shanggui, Yun again joined his headquarters in the same capacity. For his part in the pacification of Liang Province he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Wenyang. Later an edict made him head Compiler, and with Minister of Works Cui Hao he finished the National Chronicle.
8
Hao then assembled experts to check eclipses and the motions of the five planets from the Yuan reign of Han onward, criticized the old histories, and prepared a Wei calendar to present to Yun. Yun said, "Anyone who speaks confidently of remote times must first verify his claims against what is near at hand. Besides, the gathering of the five planets in the Well in the tenth month of the first year of Han is a matter every calendarist knows. You fault the Han historians yet miss this mistake—later ages may fault us just as we fault them today. Hao asked, "What mistake do you mean?" Yun said, "The Canon of Stars tells us that Venus and Mercury normally keep with the sun. In the tenth month, at dawn the sun stands in the Tail and Basket; at dusk it sets south of Shen, while the Well is only rising north of Yin—how could two planets run counter to the sun? The clerks wanted to magnify the omen and stopped reasoning from the pattern of the heavens." Hao said, "If heaven means to show a portent, what is impossible? You do not question three stars gathering, yet you balk at two appearing. Yun replied, "That will not do in bare disputation—we must look into it again." Everyone present was startled; only You Ya, Junior Tutor of the Eastern Palace, said, "Master Gao excels at calendrical science—he will not speak idly." More than a year later Hao told Yun, "Our earlier dispute I had not really weighed; when I looked into it again, it was exactly as you said. The planets met in the Well in the third month, not the tenth. He also said to Ya, "Gao Yun's skill is like Yang Yuan's bowmanship." He also told You Ya, "Gao Yun's mastery is like Yang Yuan's skill with the bow." At that the whole assembly sighed in admiration. Though Gao Yun was masterful in calendrical science, he at first never performed calculations or offered opinions on such matters. Only You Ya kept pressing Yun with questions about omens and calamities. Yun said, "Men of old remarked that knowing is hard indeed. Once you know, you fear letting it slip—better not to know at all. Heaven's subtle truths are endless—why fix on this? You Ya said no more. Before long he was made tutor to Prince Han of Qin while retaining his present post. Later the throne ordered him to teach the classics to Crown Prince Jingmu, who treated him with the highest respect. An edict also charged Yun, together with Gentlemen of the Palace Gongsun Zhi, Li Ling, and Hu Fanghui, to draft laws and regulations.
9
Emperor Taiwu summoned Yun to discuss punishments and governance, and Yun's counsel pleased him deeply. He then asked Yun, "Of all the business of empire, what should come first?" At the time fertile lands were widely sealed from cultivation, and the capital swarmed with idle dependents. Yun answered, "I was born to humble station and know only the fields. May I speak of agriculture? The ancients said that a square li holds three hundred seventy mu of cropland, and a square hundred li holds thirty-seven thousand qing. If the state encourages farming, each mu yields three sheng more; if it does not, each mu loses three sheng. Across a square hundred li, the swing amounts to two million two hundred twenty thousand hu of grain—what then for the whole realm? If both the state and the people keep grain in store, even in famine there is nothing to fear. The emperor approved. He abolished the ban on cultivation and opened all such lands to the people.
10
使 使
Earlier Cui Hao had recommended several dozen men of learning from Ji, Ding, Xiang, You, and Bing; each had taken his first office as a prefectural chief. Crown Prince Jingmu told Hao, "The men you called up earlier were provincial appointees too. They have served a long while without reward for their diligence. Fill the earlier cohort first with county and commandery posts abroad; and let the new men take their places as secretarial clerks. Magistrates and local chiefs, too, ought to be men with prior experience. Hao stubbornly objected and sent the new appointees out all the same. When Yun heard this, he told the Eastern Palace academician Guan Tian, "Surely Cui cannot escape ruin. When a man insists on his own way and tries to best his betters, how can he endure? Duke of Liaodong Zhai Heizi enjoyed Emperor Taiwu's favor. On a mission to Bing Province he had accepted a thousand bolts of cloth. When the affair came to light, Heizi asked Yun, "When the emperor questions me, should I confess at once? Or should I hide it? Yun said, "You are a trusted confidant at the inner court. When you reply to the throne, speak the truth." The Secretariat Gentleman Cui Jian, Gongsun Zhi, and the rest all urged him to lie. Heizi took Jian and the others for friends, turned on Yun in anger, and lied to the emperor. In the end he was punished and put to death.
11
At that time the recording clerks Min Zhan and Xi Yi were clever flatterers in whom Cui Hao placed great trust. Having seen Hao's commentaries on the Poetry, Documents, Analects, and Changes, they memorialized that the work of Ma, Zheng, Wang, and Jia could not match Hao's refinement, and asked that every book in the realm be gathered and Hao's versions made the standard. They also asked that Hao be commanded to annotate the Ritual Canon and the Zuozhuan. Hao in turn recommended Zhan as a man of literary talent. Zhan and the others also pressed Hao to have the dynastic history he had compiled cut into stone, to display the historian's honest pen. When Yun heard of this, he told the Authoring Gentleman Zong Qin, "In the petty schemes Min Zhan is hatching I see disaster for the House of Cui for generations—none of us may escape. Before long the trouble erupted.
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使宿 殿 使 忿
When Hao was first arrested, Yun was on duty in the Secretariat. Crown Prince Jingmu sent for Yun and had him stay overnight in the palace. The next day he had Yun ride beside him to the palace gate and said, "When you enter and face the sovereign I will guide you. If he questions you, say only what I tell you. After they entered, Jingmu told the emperor that Yun was cautious and lowly in station, that Hao had dictated his part in the work, and asked that he be spared. The emperor called Yun forward and asked, "Was the entire national history Hao's doing? Yun said, "The Annals of the Founding Emperor was the work of the former Authoring Gentleman Deng Yanhai; the Annals of the Late Emperor and the Present Annals were written by Hao and myself together—and I wrote more than Hao. The emperor flew into a rage. "This is worse than Hao! What hope of life is there for you? Jingmu said, "Your Majesty's awe is overwhelming. Yun spoke out of confusion. When I questioned him before, he said Hao had written it all. The emperor asked, "Is it as the Crown Prince says? Yun said, "I deserve death for my whole clan and dare not lie. The Crown Prince, who has had me as his teacher for many years, pitied me and pleaded for my life—that is all. If he had not truly questioned me, I would not have spoken at random. The emperor said to Jingmu, "What integrity! Even facing death, he would not bend—such steadfastness is rare among men. A subject who speaks truth to his sovereign is a loyal minister. Better to spare one guilty man than punish such honesty—he should be pardoned. In the end Yun was spared. Hao was then brought forward and questioned, but in panic and confusion he could not answer. Yun answered every question with clarity and in perfect order. The emperor's fury was at its height. He ordered Yun to draft an edict sentencing all one hundred twenty-eight persons—from Hao on down to his household servants and clerks—to execution of their entire clans to the fifth degree. Yun hesitated and refused. The emperor sent repeated urgent summons; Yun asked to see him once more before he would draft the edict. Summoned before the emperor, Yun said, "If Hao is guilty of further offenses beyond what is known, I cannot say. He merely gave offense; the offense does not merit death." The emperor flew into a rage and ordered armored guards to seize Yun. Jingmu prostrated himself and begged for mercy. The emperor said, "Had this man not defied me, several thousand souls would already be dead!" Hao's clan was exterminated to the last, while the others were put to death individually. At the moment of his execution, Zong Qin sighed, "Gao Yun is nearly a sage!"
13
殿
Later Jingmu took Yun to task for refusing to follow his coached testimony and provoking the emperor's wrath. Yun replied, "History is the true record of emperors, a bright warning to future ages. By it we study the past today, and by it posterity will understand our own time. Every word and deed is recorded in full; that is why a ruler must watch his conduct. Yet Hao had enjoyed exceptional favor generation after generation and basked in glory. Private desire drowned his integrity, and personal likes and dislikes clouded his judgment—that is Hao's fault. But to record the court's doings and speak frankly of the state's successes and failures—that is the very essence of history, and it is no great transgression. Yet Hao and I shared the same work. There is no reason I alone should be spared while he faces death. I am deeply grateful to Your Highness for saving my life, but to lie to save myself goes against everything I stand for." Jingmu was visibly moved and praised him. Later Yun told others, "I refused the Crown Prince's coached testimony because I could not betray Zhai Heizi."
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殿 殿 殿 使 使
In his later years Jingmu kept close company with his personal attendants, establishing private estates and gardens for profit. Yun admonished him: "Your Highness is the heir to the throne; the whole realm watches you. Your every word and deed sets the example for ten thousand realms. Yet you have established private fields, keep chickens and dogs, and even sell wine and haggle over market fees, competing with common folk for profit. The talk has spread far and wide and cannot be undone. The empire is yours, Your Highness—you possess all within the four seas. What could you want that you cannot have? Why compete over pennies with street peddlers? I beg Your Highness to consider my blunt words, dismiss the flatterers and the corrupt, and divide your estates among the poor. Do so, and your good name will grow daily while the scandal fades away." Jingmu paid no heed. After Jingmu's death, Yun stayed away from court for a long time. When he finally came before the emperor and climbed the steps, he wept uncontrollably. The emperor wept and ordered Yun to leave. The attendants, not knowing why, whispered among themselves: "Why is Yun weeping for no apparent reason and grieving the emperor?" The emperor overheard and summoned them. "Do you not understand Gao Yun's grief?" he said. When Cui Hao was put to death, Yun should have died with him. The Crown Prince pleaded desperately on his behalf, and so he was spared. Now the Crown Prince is gone—when Yun sees me, he remembers that grief." Earlier, the emperor had ordered Yun to compile records of celestial portents and omens, grouping them by category in a concise and readable form. Drawing on the Commentary on the Hong Fan and the Astronomical Treatise, Yun distilled the essentials and trimmed the prose, producing eight chapters in all. The emperor read the work and praised it. "Gao Yun's mastery of portents—is it any less than Cui Hao's?" he said. When Emperor Wencheng took the throne, Yun had played a significant role in the succession. Lu Li, Minister over the Masses, and others received rich rewards, but Yun received no honors and never spoke of his own contribution. Such was his loyalty without self-promotion.
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殿 西 ' '
Guo Shanming, Attendant-in-Ordinary, was clever and ambitious. Wishing to show off his abilities, he urged Emperor Wencheng to launch massive palace construction. Yun remonstrated: "I have heard that when Emperor Daowu, the Founding Ancestor, had pacified the realm, he began building the capital. Whatever he built was done only in the slack seasons of farming. The state has stood for many years now, and the palaces are already sufficient. The Yong'an Front Hall is ample for audiences with envoys from every land; the Western Hall and its heated chambers are sufficient to shelter the sacred person; and the Purple Tower, rising above the capital, affords a view in every direction. If Your Majesty wishes to raise grand and splendid edifices as marvels, it should be done gradually—not in haste. I estimate that felling timber, soldiers, and assorted laborers would require twenty thousand men; with corvée workers and those supplying provisions for the young and old, the total would reach forty thousand—and even then the work would take half a year. The ancients said, 'If one man does not plow, someone may go hungry; if one woman does not weave, someone may go cold. How much greater still would be the loss when tens of thousands are taken from the fields!" The emperor accepted his advice.
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Seeing that Emperor Wencheng had inherited a realm at peace yet customs remained unchanged—weddings and funerals observing none of the ancient rites—Yun submitted a remonstrance:
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' '
In the previous reign, edicts were repeatedly issued forbidding music at weddings. At funerals, singing, dancing, drum-beating, slaughter of livestock, and cremation were all strictly banned. Yet though these laws were long on the books, nothing had changed—because those above would not amend their ways and those below had made custom of disobedience. Moral instruction had fallen so low as to come to this. The Book of Songs says, 'You have taught—and the people have followed your example. ' A sovereign's conduct must never be careless. The Rites prescribe: in the household giving a daughter in marriage, the hearth-fire must burn for three days; in the household receiving a bride, no music is played for three days. Yet today when princes take wives, the Music Bureau supplies performers for their entertainment, while commoners alone are forbidden music. This is the first inconsistency.
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便
In ancient times marriages were arranged with families of virtue, selecting daughters of chastity and modesty; first the matchmaker's visit, then ritual gifts; kinsmen were gathered to honor the parting, and the groom himself held the carriage wheel in respect. Today princes are given wives at fifteen and set up in separate households. Yet those paired with them are sometimes grossly mismatched in age, sometimes women condemned to the inner palace—and to wed them to royal princes as imperial consorts is a grievous breach of ritual without parallel. Today imperial princes take wives chiefly from the inner palace, while ordinary folk are commanded to follow ritual propriety. This is the second inconsistency.
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All living things must die; burial means concealment—the dead cannot be seen again, and so they should be laid deep in the earth. When Yao was buried in the Forest Valley, no farmer had to shift his furrows; when Shun was buried in Cangwu, no shopkeeper had to move his stall. Qin Shihuang built an underground palace and sealed it beneath three rivers—and before he was cold in his grave, his body was burned and his tomb looted. From this the contrast is plain: Yao and Shun's frugality against the First Emperor's extravagance. Today state burials cost hundreds of millions—and then the corpses are cremated to ash in an instant. The court practices cremation without restraint, yet forbids the common people from doing the same. This is the third inconsistency.
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使
In antiquity sacrifices required a corpse-figure representing the dead, arranged in proper ancestral order; so the departed might have one to rely on and the rites of offering food could be performed. Today, for the already buried, people seek look-alikes and treat them as parents, even sharing marital intimacy with them—debasing morality and corrupting ritual propriety. Nothing exceeds this in depravity. The court has not forbidden it, and the people have not abandoned the practice. This is the fourth inconsistency.
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Grand royal feasts establish ritual and instruct the realm; sage kings therefore held them in the highest regard. At such feasts, goblets might stand full yet remain untouched, dishes dried yet untouched; no music was played unless it was proper ceremonial music, and no offerings displayed unless they were ritually correct. Today's great assemblies mix courtiers and commoners alike—men drunk and shouting without a trace of ceremony, while vulgar comedians pollute what eyes and ears must endure. The court treats such coarseness as refinement, yet demands moral purity from the people. This is the fifth inconsistency.
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Your Majesty stands at the end of a long line of kings, inheriting the disorder left by Jin, yet does not sternly reform customs to revive a failing morality. I fear the people of this realm may never again know the teaching of ritual.
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便 使
Yun offered such remonstrances more than once, and the emperor always listened patiently. When Yun touched on something the emperor could not bear to hear, he would have attendants escort him out. Whenever something troubled the state, Yun would request an audience. Knowing his purpose, the emperor would dismiss his attendants in advance and wait for him. He was honored with the utmost respect—entering at dawn and leaving at dusk, sometimes remaining within for days on end, while the courtiers knew nothing of what was said. When someone submitted a memorial listing the state's strengths and failings, the emperor reviewed it and said to his ministers, "The sovereign and the father are one. When a father errs, why does a son not write openly to correct him before others, so that the wrong may be known—instead of hiding his remonstrance within the family? Does he not do so out of filial concern—fearing to expose his father's faults to the world? Today ministers cannot speak face to face of the state's right and wrong, yet submit memorials for all to see—does this not expose the sovereign's faults while proclaiming one's own virtue? As for Gao Yun—there is a true loyal minister. When I err, he speaks plainly. Even on matters I least wish to hear, he argues forthrightly, never flinching. I alone hear his corrections, while the realm never knows he challenged me—is that not the mark of a loyal minister? You attend me daily yet never speak an honest word—you only watch my mood to win promotion. You guard me with bow and blade, mere attendants in waiting—yet you have all risen to dukes and princes. This man corrects me with his brush and holds no rank higher than Compiler. Are you not ashamed?" At this he appointed Yun Director of the Central Secretariat, while retaining his post as Compiler. Lu Li, Minister over the Masses, said, "Though Gao Yun enjoys Your Majesty's favor, his home is humble—he and his family wear plain cloth and have scarcely a livelihood. The emperor said angrily, "Why did you not tell me this before? You wait until I appoint him, and only then mention his poverty! That very day the emperor visited Yun's home and found only a few thatched cottages, cotton bedding and a padded robe, and in the kitchen nothing but salt and pickled vegetables. The emperor sighed. "Even the austere poverty of the ancients—was it ever like this?" He immediately granted five hundred bolts of silk and a thousand bushels of grain, and appointed Yun's eldest son Chen Administrator of Changle. Yun repeatedly memorialized to decline, but the emperor would not allow it.
24
祿使
Those who had served alongside Yun in the early years—You Ya and others—mostly rose to high office and were enfeoffed as marquises; of the hundred-odd clerks who had served under him, many became Regional Inspectors or administrators at the two-thousand-bushel rank; Yet Yun remained a Gentleman for twenty-seven years without ever changing posts. In those days officials received no stipends, and Yun regularly sent his sons out to cut wood and forage for the household. Earlier, Attendant-in-Chief Dou Jin had been executed for a crime. His son Zun fled into the wilds, and Zun's mother Jiao was confiscated by the government. Later Jiao was freed because of her age, yet none of Jin's relatives or old associates offered her any help. Yun took pity on the aged Jiao and sheltered her in his household. Six years passed before Zun at last received a pardon. Such was the depth of his moral constancy. He was made Grand Minister of Ceremonies while keeping his former post as well. Yun presented his "Rhapsody on the Capital of Dai," turning it to admonition in the manner of the "Two Capitals" rhapsodies. At the time Suo Chang, Erudite of the Secretariat, and Attendants-in-Ordinary Fu Mo and Liang Zuo argued over whether names were high or low in rank, and their written opinions were wildly at odds. Yun thereupon composed "Discourse on Personal Names" to clear up their doubts, drawing on abundant canonical proof. He again held his original post while also serving as Director of the Secretariat, resigned as Grand Minister of Ceremonies, and was ennobled as Marquis of Liangcheng.
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'' ' '
In his early years Yun studied with You Ya and Zhang Wei of Taiyuan and formed a close friendship with them. You Ya once said of Yun: "Joy and anger are feelings no living man can wholly escape. Yet the old histories tell us of Zhuo Gong's magnanimity and Wenrao's great breadth of spirit, and the small-souled may refuse to credit it. I have kept company with Master Gao for more than forty years without once seeing approval, disapproval, anger, or pleasure cross his face—is that not proof enough? Master Gao is luminous within yet gentle without; his words come slowly and with difficulty, and I often call him 'Master Wen.' Minister Cui once told me, 'Master Gao is richly gifted and widely learned—a true gentleman of the age. All he lacks is that hard, unyielding moral spine.' I agreed with him then, as I do now. When the Grand Tutor's rebuke arose from a trifle and swelled into an imperial denunciation, Minister Cui's voice broke, his legs shook, and he could not utter a single word. From Zong Qin on down, men fell prostrate and drenched themselves in sweat until their faces lost all color. Master Gao set out the facts of the case, explained what was right and wrong, and spoke with such clarity and force that every phrase rang clear. The enlightened ruler was visibly moved, and everyone who heard him praised what he had said. His kindness extended to his colleagues and preserved their safety—and the stiff uprightness we had spoken of was found here, was it not! When Zong Ai held power his authority filled the realm. Once he summoned every office to the imperial hall; kings and dukes and all below bowed the moment they saw the courtyard, but Master Gao alone climbed the steps and gave a formal bow with clasped hands. Seen in that light, Ji Changru could receive Wei Qing while lying at ease—what offense was there in withholding a full prostration! The moral bearing we had meant earlier—could it have been anything but this! To know others is hard; and others are not easily known in return. I had failed to see it in my own heart, and Cui had missed it in what showed on the surface. Zhong Ziqi would listen to no one but Bo Ya; Guan Zhong's worth was recognized by Bao Shuya—and there is good reason for such things. Such was the esteem in which others held him.
26
Emperor Wencheng valued Yun so highly that he seldom used his personal name, always calling him "Lord Ling" instead. The name "Lord Ling" was known in every quarter of the realm.
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After Emperor Wencheng's death, Emperor Xiaowen withdrew into mourning seclusion while Yifu Hun seized control of court orders and plotted against the state. Empress Dowager Wenming had him executed, brought Yun into the inner palace, and had him take part in deciding major affairs of government. She also issued an edict to Yun: "I have looked into the ancient statutes and wish to place school officers in the commanderies and principalities. You are the senior patriarch of the Confucian tradition. You should consult with the two secretariat bureaus and submit your recommendations. Yun memorialized as follows: large commanderies should appoint two Erudites, four Assistant Instructors, and one hundred students; secondary commanderies two Erudites, two Assistant Instructors, and eighty students; medium commanderies one Erudite, two Assistant Instructors, and sixty students; small commanderies one Erudite, one Assistant Instructor, and forty students. Erudites were to be men broadly learned in the classics, loyal and pure in conduct, fit to serve as teachers, and at least forty years of age. Assistant Instructors were to meet the same standards as Erudites and be at least thirty years old. If a man had already mastered the Way and his talent qualified him to teach, the age limits did not apply. Students were to be drawn from families of good standing in the commandery—men of careful conduct who could live by the rites—first from the highest houses, then from those of middling rank. The emperor approved the plan, and schools in the commanderies and principalities date from that time.
28
Later, afflicted by age and illness, Yun repeatedly memorialized asking to retire from office. The throne refused each request. He then composed his "Poem on Requesting Retirement." And because the companions of his early campaigns were nearly all gone, grieving for the dead and remembering the living, he wrote the "Eulogy for the Campaign Scholars." It included only those who answered the imperial summons; anyone summoned who failed to appear is left out.
29
西西鹿西西簿
Those honored in the Eulogy were thirty-four men: Lu Xuan, styled Zizhen, of Fanyang, Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Secretariat and Marquis of Gu'an; Cui Chuo, styled Maozu, of Boling, Commandery Merit Officer; Yan Chong, styled Xuanlue, of Guangning, Administrator of Henei and Marquis of Xiale; Chang Zhi, styled Gongshan, of Guangning, Administrator of Shangdang and Marquis of Gaoyi; Gao Pi, styled Ziyi, of Bohai, Staff Officer to the General Who Conquers the South; Li Jin, styled Daoci, of Bohai, Staff Officer to the General Who Conquers the South; Xu Kan, styled Zugen, of Boling, Administrator of Hexi and Viscount of Raoyang; Du Quan, styled Shiheng, of Jingzhao, Attendant of the Secretariat and Marquis of Xinfeng; Wei Lang, styled Yougui, of Jingzhao, Staff Officer to the General Who Conquers the West; Li Shen, styled Lingsun, of Zhao commandery, Administrator of Jingzhao; Li Ling, styled Wufu, of Zhao commandery, Erudite of the Grand Minister of Ceremonies and Duke of Julu; Li Xia, styled Zhongxi, of Zhao commandery, Director of the Secretariat Bureau and Viscount of Jiqiu; Zhang Wei, styled Zhongye, of Taiyuan, Regional Inspector of Yingzhou and Duke of Jian'an; Zu Mai of Fanyang, Staff Officer to the General Who Assists the State; Zu Kan, styled Shilun, of Fanyang, Staff Officer to the General Who Conquers the East; Liu Ce of Zhongshan, Administrator of Dong commandery and Viscount of Puyin; Xu Chen of Changshan, Administrator of Puyang and Viscount of Zhengding; Song Xuan, styled Daomao, of Xihe, Acting Regional Inspector of Sili and Marquis of Zhongdu; Liu Xia, styled Yanjian, of Yan commandery, Attendant of the Secretariat; Xing Ying, styled Zongjing, of Hejian, Attendant of the Secretariat and Viscount of Wuheng; Gao Ji, styled Shuren, of Bohai, Administrator of Cangshui and Marquis of Fuyang; Li Xi, styled Shiyuan, of Yanmen, Administrator of Taiping and Viscount of Yuanping; You Ya, styled Baidu, of Guangping, Director of the Secretariat and Duke of Liang commandery; Cui Jian, styled Xingzu, of Boling, Director of Corrections in the Court of Judicial Review and Viscount of Anping; Song Yin of Xihe, Administrator of Guangping and Marquis of Lieren; Pan Fu of Changle, Prefecture Clerk; Du Xi of Changle, Commandery Merit Officer; Zhang Gang of Zhongshan, Staff Officer to the General Who Conquers the East; Zhang Yan, styled Shushu, of Shanggu, Attendant of the Secretariat; Wang Daoya of Yanmen, Secretary; Min Bi of Yanmen, Secretary; Lang Miao of Zhongshan, Staff Officer to the General Guard; Hou Bian of Shanggu, Staff Officer to the Grand Marshal; and Lu Jicai of Zhao commandery, Administrator of Chen commandery and Viscount of Gaoyi.
30
The eulogy runs thus:
31
竿
Purple omens filled the heavens; rival warlords threw the realm into chaos; the king set out on campaign, and chariots rolled forth again and again. Wandering turmoil was swept away, usurping tyrants were cut down, the four seas turned with the wind, and the eight directions were slowly transformed. Rule and teaching extended without limit; the realm settled into peace; weapons were sheathed and armies disbanded; only learning was tended. The emperor then searched in earnest for talent, gathering the worthy and drawing out recluses; hermits left their cliffs and put down their fishing poles, and remarkable men came forth together.
32
西 姿
Diligent Master Lu, broad in vision and pure in mind, drilled into the Way, rooted himself in virtue, and moved through the arts with humaneness as his guide; When the imperial summons came, he put aside plain dress and entered service; straightening his robes he took his place in court, and sound counsel was offered day after day; From the east to the south he rode hard and drove fast; the rebel Feng clung like a shadow, and Liu was brought over through marriage ties. Maozu was solitary, bereft since youth of family guidance; by disciplining himself and laboring in earnest he lifted up his household; He gave his heart to the Six Classics and wandered among the refinements of letters, yet in the end refused preferment and so preserved his integrity. Yan and Chang were steadfast in faith; in conduct of every kind they left nothing wanting; they did not rush into office, but accepted duty and waited their time; They lived in modesty and held to simplicity; they loved to yield and knew how to step back; they longed for the worthy and rejoiced in antiquity, hungry as for food, thirsty as for drink. Ziyi looked to what lay far ahead; Daoci saw deeply into things; they bound themselves to one another in righteousness and lived in harmony like lute and zither; Both served in military staffs, both gave voice to virtue; they passed the years at ease, finding in that enough for their hearts. Zugen met the tide of fortune and made his designs shine; he rose on imperial grace and stood on the friendship of good men; Though his achievements came later, his ennoblement came sooner; his honors matched those of veteran ministers, his rank stood with the highest. Shiheng stood apart; looking within, he found no cause for shame; his speech did not chase finery, and in friendship he did not cast off old ties; By worldly goods he was poor; by the Way he was rich—the man of whom this is said was truly the glory of the realm. Yougui stood above the rest, bearing this noble breadth; he held to the larger way and set aside small concessions; His spirit moved in accord with principle; his body went where the current carried it; though he served among lords, he never abandoned what he upheld. Zhao was a land of renown, producing strange and brilliant men generation after generation; what the hills and rivers nurtured brought forth three Lis; Clear and upright was their moral wind; measured and restrained their bearing; hidden at first like the ninth line, they rose when the clouds appeared. Shen governed the western capital; Ling alone became tutor to the heir; one trained the palace, one put the drifting affairs of state in order; Xi died before his time, yet his path had already reached the secretariat; the traces he left can still be taken up—in the end he too won distinction. Zhongye was deep and enduring, clear and refined by nature; he made antiquity his standard and gave careful form to the court's edicts; In hard and dangerous times he held to one unchanging course; he gathered men through humaneness and taught those below him through filial example; His teaching permeated Longchuan, and the people came back to his rule. Mai was a man of heroic worth; Kan too was a chosen talent; famed in the realm, their names and conduct had long stood clear; Their aim was to help the world together—how could they be satisfied with private good alone? The master craftsman did not look their way, and their achievements went unrealized. Liu and Xu lived by loyalty, giving their strength and their very selves; abroad they argued their case, at court they offered up their accomplishments; When the envoy's carriage went forth once, Yan was bent and brought low before Chong; their fame blazed in the Wei age, and the estates they enjoyed were great as well. Daomao matured early; while still young his name rang out; with friends he was faithful, in every action he was sincere; Brothers lived in harmony; the household was grave and orderly; his reputation sounded from the distant marshes, his writing soared to the highest court. He served repeatedly in the inner offices and also governed in the capital; in law he struck the proper balance, in administration he brought order. How fine was Yanjian, aspiring to the elegance of letters; true to his nature and free of artifice, his talent was his own and not borrowed; He did not boast of high station, nor was he ashamed of humble place; he left the crimson gates and went back to the forests and fields. Zongjing won wide praise and was numbered among the Four Outstanding Men; his literary grace rose like clouds, his golden voice sounded early; In midlife he was struck by grave illness; he wrote a poem to question his fate; loyalty showed in what he wrote, and right principle rose from the cadence. Langda was bright and far-reaching; he understood without being told; grasping what was new and discerning what was strange, he brought it forth from his own heart; In quality he matched the jade of harmony; in letters he shone like the carved dragon; his brilliance filled the capital, and he went home to his native commandery clothed in glory. Shiyuan saw early and stood firm, never in doubt; brushing his sleeves he came to court and was among the first to serve the kingdom as a guest; He walked the square path and kept to the straight line; a virtuous man and a true gentleman, his conduct never missed the mark. Confucius praised Ziyou and Zixia; Han glorified Gongqing and Ziyun; how far above the rest was Baidu, exceeding his peers and standing beyond the crowd; He held speech for the secretariat and governed along the He and Fen; he changed custom and shifted the winds, putting disorder in order and undoing conflict. He dissolved meanings that had stagnated and spread texts that had lain hidden; the Confucian Way was clarified through him, the Nine Schools were sorted through him. The two worthies Cui and Song were born heroic and grand; they drew forth their talent from common lanes and made their names heard at the court gate; Stern was their deportment, lofty their moral bearing; eminent yet never arrogant, simple yet truly worthy of honor. Pan Fu held to his ideals; Du Xi loved concord; one was clear yet not stained by the current, the other turbid yet not swept along by the same tide; They cut off desire for the ford of dragons and rested in ordinary rank; in obscurity they shone the more, in self-denial they gained the more. Zhang Gang was soft-spoken and humble; Shushu stood straight; Daoya was learned in all he heard; Biwei united many fields of knowledge; Chosen from humble doorways, together they slowly gained the wings of great birds; burning with resolve they forgot their meals—how could they be content with a petty livelihood? They led by ritual and walked in benevolence, never missing the standard; defeat did not cling to their hearts, success did not alter their bearing. Langmiao was first raised up; his use was weighed and tried; intelligence filled his person; his speech was enough to declare his aim; His character accorded with the times; his mind was quick in action; he matched the present yet stood apart from the past. Goods move men through gain; wine muddles men through drink; Hou Sheng kept himself undefiled and honored only righteousness; Day after day he poured out rich wine, yet grew more respectful and more mild; even in his private rooms he was as one entering the public gate. Jicai by nature was soft yet held to rivalry; when he reached Southern Qin he asserted power and laid down his life on imperial command; Led by authority yet straightened by right principle, the imperial Way shone forth and frontier lords rejoiced within; The assembled worthies met their times and made their names shine in their own age. Their intent spent itself in loyalty; their gifts spent themselves in full measure. They wore crimson robes on their persons and double pendants at their belts; honor blazed in their day, their fame high for a thousand years; When lord and minister truly meet, reason and fact alike are hard to bring together. Long ago, by the court's order, we found accord together; we opened our collars and let our thoughts go free, loosened our belts and eased our hearts. That morning is still as yesterday, yet life and death were suddenly torn apart; in quiet I think on it and my inmost heart is broken nine times over. To lift the brush and hymn their virtue only adds to my hidden sorrow.
33
During Huangxing, an edict appointed Yun, concurrently Grand Minister of Ceremonies, to go to Yan Province and offer sacrifice at the temple of Confucius. The emperor said to Yun, "This mission chooses you for your moral worth—go, and do not refuse. Later Yun accompanied Emperor Xianwen on the northern expedition and returned in great triumph; at Wuchuan garrison he submitted the "Ode to the Northern Expedition," and the emperor read it with approval. The emperor was then unwell; because Emperor Xiaowen was still young, he wished to set up Prince Tui of Jingzhao as heir and summoned the chief ministers one by one to ask their views. Yun came forward, knelt before the throne, and weeping said, "Your servant dares not say much and burden Your Majesty's hearing. May Your Majesty look upward to the heavy trust of the ancestral temple and remember how the Duke of Zhou held the infant King Cheng in his arms. The emperor then passed the throne to Emperor Xiaowen and granted Yun a hundred bolts of silk to honor his loyal forthrightness. He was further made Director of the Secretariat with the additional rank of Regular Attendant. Though he had long overseen the work of the historians, he could not give himself wholly to drafting and editing. At the time he joined Collator Liu Mo in some editorial work, broadly continuing Cui Hao's model, following the form of the Spring and Autumn Annals while revising where needed. From Emperor Wencheng down to Emperor Xianwen, most military and state dispatches were composed by Yun. In the end he recommended Gao Lu to take his place. For his service in settling the succession, he was ennobled as Duke of Xianyang. Not long after he was made Governor of Huaizhou.
34
In the autumn month Yun made a circuit of inspection, asking after the people's suffering. When he reached Shao County and saw Duke Shao's shrine ruined and left unrepaired, he sighed and said, "Duke Shao's virtue is neglected and unhonored—what can those who do good still hope for? He submitted a memorial requesting that it be restored. Yun was then close to ninety; he encouraged men in their studies, and moral influence spread widely. Yet as a Confucian he moved at an easy pace and did not take judgment and decision as his chief task. Later, in the Zhengguang era, Palace Attendant Chang Jing of Henei, remembering Yun, led the old men of the commandery to build a shrine to Yun south of Yewang and raise a stele to record his virtue.
35
殿 綿 退
In Taihe year 2 he again asked to retire home because of old age; he sent up more than ten memorials, but at last was not allowed, so he reported illness and returned. That year an edict summoned Yun in a comfort carriage and instructed the provinces and commanderies to escort him forth. On reaching the capital he was again made General Who Pacifies the Army and placed in charge of the Palace Secretariat. He declined firmly, but permission was refused. Helped in and led within, he revised and settled the Imperial Edict; He was also commanded to gather and discuss how wine had destroyed virtue in former ages, and from this he made the "Admonition on Wine." Emperor Xiaowen read it with delight, kept it constantly at his side, and ordered that Yun might ride in a carriage to the hall and need not bow at court felicitations. The next year an edict had Yun join in deliberating on laws and ordinances. Though his years drew near a full century, his will and understanding were undiminished; he still held his former office in mind and examined historical writings. Another edict said, "Yun's years have entered dangerous ground, yet his home is poor and his support meager; let ten musicians of the Music Bureau visit Yun every five days to delight his heart. He was specially granted one Shu ox, one four-canopied Shu carriage, one plain armrest and one plain staff, and one Shu knife. Fine foods were also granted and delivered each spring and autumn. Soon an edict provided imperial fare morning and evening, beef and wine on the new and full moon, and cotton and silk garments sent every month. Yun divided all of it among kin and old friends. At that time the households of great ministers were lined with eminent posts, yet none of Yun's sons or younger relatives held rank or title—such was his modest withdrawal. He was made Minister of the Secretariat and Regular Attendant. From time to time he was invited in; armrest and staff were prepared and he was questioned on affairs of government.
36
祿 西殿 忿
In the tenth year he was given the additional rank of Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with golden seal and purple cord. On great matters debated at court, all sought his counsel. That year, in the fourth month, when rites were held at the Western Suburb, an edict sent the imperial carriage to bring Yun to the plank hall at the suburban altar to watch. The horse suddenly panicked and ran; the carriage overturned and he was wounded in three places on his brow. Emperor Xiaowen and Empress Dowager Wenming sent doctors and medicine to treat him, and inquiries of concern came in unbroken succession. The Master of Carriages was about to impose severe punishment; Yun memorialized that he was unhurt and asked that the driver's crime be forgiven. Earlier the court had ordered Inner Gate Attendant Su Xingshou to support Yun; once in the snow he was startled by a dog and fell, and the attendant was greatly afraid—Yun comforted him and would not allow the matter to be reported. Xingshou said that in three years of attending Yun together, he had never once seen anger on his face. Gentle and skilled at guiding others, never weary in teaching, day and night his hand always held a book as he chanted and read. Deep in affection for kin and mindful of old friends, empty of self and open to others—though he stood in high honor, his heart was like that of the poor and plain. He loved music by nature; whenever musicians played strings and sang and dancers performed, he would beat time and praise them. He also deeply honored the Buddhist Way, often set out vegetarian feasts and lectures, loved life and abhorred killing.
37
In the early Wei the law was strict and many court officials were beaten. Yun served five emperors, entering and leaving the Three Departments for more than fifty years, and from the beginning never met censure or punishment. Starting in the Zhenjun era, because court cases were backlogged, it was first ordered that the Secretariat decide doubtful matters by classical principle. Yun assessed punishments according to the statutes for more than thirty years, and inside and outside the court he was called even-handed. Because prisons bind up men's lives, Yun often sighed and said, "Gao Yao was of the utmost virtue, yet afterward Ying and Liao perished first; In the age of Liu and Xiang, Ying Bu was branded yet became king. Though generations have passed, the lingering taint of punishment still remains. How much less can common men be free of blame? His character was simple and upright; he did not make friends lightly. When Emperor Xianwen conquered Qing and Qi, he moved their leading clans to Dai. At the time many scholars, displaced from afar, were almost all starving and freezing. Among the relocated were many linked to Yun by marriage, and all came to his door on foot. Yun scattered his wealth and emptied his property to feed and succor them; his inquiries were thorough, and none failed to feel his kindness and depth. He also, according to each man's talent, memorialized to have them put to use. At the time critics said the newly submitted should be treated as outsiders; Yun said one should choose material and assign ability—there was no call to hold them down.
38
使 綿
Earlier, when Yun was summoned to Fangshan to compose an ode, his vigor was still little diminished; he spoke of old affairs and forgot nothing. In the first month of the eleventh year he died at the age of ninety-eight. From the first Yun often told people, "When I served in the Secretariat I built up hidden virtue and saved men's lives; if open reward does not err, my years should reach a full century. More than ten days before his death he felt slight illness, yet still did not lie down; he summoned doctors and asked for medicine, coming and going and moving about, chanting as always. When Emperor Xiaowen and Empress Dowager Wenming heard of it, they sent Physician Li Xiu to examine his pulse and were told he was unharmed. When Xiu went in he secretly reported that Yun's pulse and protective qi were abnormal and feared he would not long survive. Thereupon messengers were sent bearing a full grant of imperial delicacies—from wine and grain to salt and pickles, more than a hundred kinds, all at the height of season. Beds and curtains, clothing, mats and covers, armrests and staffs were lined up in the courtyard. Palace officers went back and forth, and inquiries of concern came in unbroken succession. Yun showed joy in his face and told people, "Heaven's favor, seeing my great age, has sent rich gifts—I can now entertain my guests. He submitted a memorial of thanks and nothing else; he had no other concern. After several days in this way, he died in the middle of the night, and his family did not know. An edict granted a thousand bolts of silk, two thousand bolts of cloth, five hundred jin of cotton, fifty bolts of brocade, a hundred bolts of mixed colored silk, and a thousand hu of grain to cover the funeral costs. Since the founding of Wei, none honored in life or death had received such gifts; the court gloried in it. When he was about to be buried, he was posthumously made Palace Attendant, Duke of Works, and Governor of Ji Province; his generalship and ducal title remained unchanged. He was given the posthumous name Wen, and one set of court robes was granted.
39
Yun's works—poems, rhapsodies, songs, eulogies, admonitions, treatises, memorials, praises, and dirges; "Explication of the Zuo Tradition," "Explication of the Gongyang Tradition," "Recovered Fragments of the Mao Odes," "Miscellaneous Explications," and "Discussion of the Terminal Illness of He and Zheng"—more than a hundred pieces in all, were gathered in a separate collection and circulated in the world. Yun was especially versed in computational methods and composed Arithmetic in three fascicles.
40
退
His son Chen, styled Shihe, served as Governor of Chang'an; his rule was generous and kind, and the people lived in peace under him. Later, by precedent his title was reduced to marquis; when he died, his son Guibin inherited the title. Chen's younger brother Huai, styled Shiren, was quiet and withdrawn by nature and served as Staff Adviser to the Grand Commander, Prince Pi of Dongyang.
41
His son was Chuo, styled Sengyu. Orphaned in youth, he was respectful and attentive and made his own way in the world. He stood eight chi tall, with a waist ten wei around. Deeply cultured and magnanimous, he read widely in the classics and histories. He rose by degrees to Magistrate of Luoyang, where his rule was firm and straight; he never flinched before the great clans, and the capital stood in awe of him. At the opening of the Yanchang era, he was appointed Right Vice Director of the Secretariat. Later the Censor-in-Chief Yuan Kuang accused Gao Cong and Chuo of attaching themselves to Gao Zhao; an edict pardoned them both. He served in turn as Inspector of Yu and Bing provinces; when he died, he was given the posthumous name Wenjian.
42
使 使
Yun's younger brother Tui, styled Zhongrang, won renown early in life. During Taiyan, successive southern envoys had proved inadequate, so the court carefully chose new emissaries; You Ya recommended Tui for the mission. An edict appointed him concurrently Attendant Cavalier-in-Ordinary and envoy to Song; the southerners praised his wit and eloquence. He died at Jianye and was posthumously ennobled as Marquis of Linyi, with the posthumous name Gong.
43
簿
Tui's younger brother Xie, styled Jihe, had literary gifts as well. Whenever Emperor Taiwu summoned him by edict, he pleaded illness and refused to come; he often mocked Yun for bending to long years in office and lingering in the capital, while he himself lived at leisure at home. The province recruited him as Chief Clerk; he died in that post. His grandson Shibin, during Yongxi, served as Attendant-in-Ordinary on the staff of a general who had opened an office.
44
In the early Shenqi period, Yun was summoned along with his uncle Ji, his clansman cousin Pi, and Jin Li of the same commandery. Ji held office as Governor of Cangshui and was ennobled as Marquis of Fuyang. When he died, he was posthumously made Inspector of Jizhou and given the posthumous name Xuan. His son Jiao inherited the title.
45
殿 使
Jiao's younger brother was Zun, styled Shili. Born to a concubine, he was often bullied by his elder brothers Jiao and the rest; when their father died, they refused to let him take his proper place in mourning. Zun rode at once to Pingcheng and sought refuge with Yun. Yun laid a plan: he arranged mourning for Zun's father, installed Zun as chief mourner, and the whole capital turned out to condole; the great officials of the court all came to know him. Only then did he slowly make his way home. When the mourning period ended, Yun opened the way to office for him. Grateful for the favor that had established him, Zun treated Yun as he would his own uncles. He had read widely in literature and history and wrote with considerable skill. He followed the capital garrison general, Prince Changguang Hou Qiongqi, and others in the pacification of the Three Qis. For his service he was ennobled Baron of Gaochang and appointed Chancellor to the Prince of Anding. He compiled illustrated records of the Taihe and Anchang palace halls. Later he joined Director of the Secretariat Gao Lu in revising the statutes and ordinances and was promoted to Vice Director of the Secretariat. Serving temporarily as Director of the Secretariat, he went to Chang'an to cut the memorial stele for Prince Xuan of Yan and was raised to Marquis of Anchang. He was dispatched to Ji, Yan, and Xu provinces to inspect local customs and settle lawsuits. He was promoted to Director of the Central Capital. When new ceremonial robes and caps were introduced and Emperor Xiaowen reverently presented offerings at the ancestral temple, Zun's bearing was solemn and clean and his voice strong and clear; he regularly served concurrently as Director of Sacrifices; kneeling to recite the ritual praises, he governed the motions of bowing and rising and roughly matched proper ceremony; the emperor took notice and treated him with favor. Later he joined You Minggen, Gao Lu, Li Chong, and others in deliberating on statutes and ordinances, speaking face to face before the throne and submitting proposals as occasion arose. He was sent out to serve as Inspector of Qi Province. He returned to his home province bearing the insignia of office, and kin and neighbors looked on him with new respect; yet Jiao and his faction grew only more envious and spread slander against him.
46
滿
Zun was neither clean nor upright in character. While serving at the Secretariat, each leave back to Shandong saw him requisition mules and horses and more than a hundred followers; he billeted them on private households, and unless he got silk to his liking he cursed and reviled the hosts and refused to move on. Within a month or two he extorted thousands of bolts of silk and cloth, to the misery of every commandery and district. Once installed as a provincial governor, his old habits did not abate; in choosing subordinates he accepted bribes from many of them. His wife belonged to the Ming clan of Qi Province; her brothers, maternal kin, and nephews leaned on one another to grab profits. He was brutal and violent, and a great many were killed without cause. Word of his greed and cruelty gradually reached the emperor. When the emperor visited Ye, Zun came from his province to attend court. An amnesty happened to be proclaimed; on the eve of returning to his province, Zun asked leave to depart. The emperor received him at the traveling palace and rebuked him to his face. Zun protested that he had done nothing wrong. The emperor said sharply: "But for the amnesty tied to the relocation of the capital, Gao Zun would be finished! And you are not merely greedy—you are brutal in your use of the law." He added: "Consider the Prince of Jiyin—even he could not escape the law. Who are you, to act as you have! Hereafter you must discipline yourself. When he returned to his province, he still did not mend his ways. Meng Zhen of Qi Province traveled to Luoyang to bring suit against Zun; an edict ordered Vice Director of the Court of Judicature Deng Shu to investigate to the end, and every charge was confirmed. Earlier the monk Daodeng had passed through Zun's jurisdiction. Knowing that Daodeng enjoyed Emperor Xiaowen's favor, Zun showered him with gifts and leaned on him heavily. Daodeng repeatedly interceded for Zun in conversation, but the emperor would not listen; an edict then ordered Deng to sentence Zun to death. At the time Zun's son Yuanrong had come to Luoyang to plead his father's case; still counting on Daodeng, he did not return in time. Only when Daodeng knew the outcome was sealed did he send him on his way. Zun hated his wife, refused a parting word, bathed apart, and killed himself by drinking pepper poison.
47
西
Yuanrong was learned and had literary talent, and excelled at administrative work. He served concurrently as Right Vice Director of the Secretariat and on the Western Route Army Staff; at Gaoping garrison he was caught in a city revolt and killed.
48
Zun's younger brother Ciwen held no office, yet his wealth ran to tens of thousands. Zun constantly squeezed him for money, and Ciwen came to bear a grudge; they ceased exchanging visits in times of joy or mourning. Public opinion condemned him for it. Pi, styled Ziyi, was known in his home district as a man of virtue and served as Attendant-in-Ordinary on the Southern Campaign Staff.
49
At the beginning, Liu Mo—whom Yun had recruited—was from Xindu in Changle and had read widely in the classics. When Yun undertook the National History, Mo was chosen as Proofreader and worked with him on the compilation. Yun regularly had Mo carry the archive keys; each day they entered the Historical Archives together, sitting knee to knee at their desks to set down current affairs. Yun was already ninety; his hand and eyes were failing, and he often had Mo write while he dictated and decided—this went on for five or six years. Mo contributed substantially to the fascicles Yun completed. During Taihe he was appointed Governor of Southern Yingchuan.
50
When Wang Su returned to court, he passed through Xiangfu as a destitute traveler in wretched straits, and no one recognized him. Mo alone supplied his needs and received him with full courtesy; Wang Su was deeply moved. When Wang Su became Inspector of Yuzhou, Mo was still in the district; Wang summoned him to repay the kindness, and Mo was appointed Governor of Xincai. For more than ten years across two commanderies he mixed leniency with severity and won a strong reputation. He was transferred to Governor of Chenliu. By then he was over seventy, yet he disguised his age and concealed his years, defying the age limit to keep serving. He settled in Southern Yingchuan and never returned to his old home.
51
使
You, styled Ziji, was Yun's second cousin once removed. His original name was Xi; because it matched the name of the Prince of Xianyang, Emperor Xiaowen gave him this new name. His grandfather Zhan served Murong Bao as Palace Attendant. When Emperor Daowu pacified Zhongshan, the family was relocated to the capital. He died in office as Director of the Three Kitchens. His father Dan followed Emperor Taiwu in the destruction of Helian Chang and, for his service, was ennobled Marquis of Nanpi. With Cui Hao he helped compile historical works and held office as Vice Director of the Secretariat, Palace Provisioner, and Rectifier for Ji and Qing provinces. Serving as Acting Attendant Cavalier-in-Ordinary and Marquis of Liu County, he was dispatched as envoy to Goguryeo. When he died, he was posthumously made Inspector of Jizhou and provisionally ennobled Duke of Cangshui, with the posthumous name Kang. You's elder brother Zuo inherited the title and served as Inspector of Eastern Qing Province.
52
''
You read widely in books and histories, loved philology and miscellaneous learning, and was by nature expansive and unconstrained by petty rules. Rising from Secretariat student, he was promoted twice to Vice Director of the Secretariat and ennobled Marquis of Jiankang. Near the end of Emperor Wencheng's reign, an official of Dongjun in Yan Province caught a strange beast and sent it to the capital; no one could identify it, and the court asked You. You said, "This creature comes from the Three Wu region; it is called the lingli. Nowhere else has it in any numbers; now that we have caught one, perhaps the lands of Wu and Chu are destined to return to the realm? Later someone at Lingqiu found a jade seal and presented it; an edict ordered it shown to You. You said, "The seal bears two characters in seal script reading 'Song Shou.' Shou means mandate; we have gained their mandate—this too is a sign that they will come back to us. At the opening of Emperor Xianwen's reign, Liu Chang, Prince of Yiyang of Song, fled north to surrender, and Xue Andu and others brought five provinces over; people of the time said You's prophecy had been fulfilled.
53
At the opening of Emperor Xiaowen's reign, he was appointed Director of the Secretariat. Later he joined Vice Director Li Biao and others in a memorial: "The Documents is a form for recording words; the Spring and Autumn Annals is language for recording events. When one looks back at earlier chronicles, these are all true records kept by the Director of Merit. Our dynasty established its institutions in high antiquity and founded its rule with the Chang Fa; from the Founding Ancestor down to Emperor Wencheng, the generations in between are far removed in time, and history could not transmit them fully. We are unworthy in our post as historians, yet in reading the National Records we have privately felt the ambition to act. We venture to say that from the first laying of the royal enterprise, when all affairs were newly created, and from Huangshi onward, when the realm was established in the Central Land— it would be fitting to follow the great model of Sima Qian and Ban Gu, group related events together, distinguish annals from biographies, and keep tables and treatises in separate sections; organized in this way, the record could be made complete. From Compiler down, we ask that men of talent and ability be chosen to help compile the National History. If the right men are found, the work can be finished in three years. The emperor approved.
54
調 西
Emperor Xiaowen once asked You, "Recently floods and droughts have fallen out of balance—how can disasters be halted and abundance restored? You said, "Even in the age of Yao and Tang, the cycle could not escape the yang-nine calamity. Your Majesty's Way matches the earlier sages—what is a minor drought beside that? You need only honor the worthy and assist in governance, and disasters will vanish and abundance will follow. He also asked how theft might be stopped. You said, "If instruction is properly applied, would it not easily cease? What is needed is upright and capable prefects and governors—then bandits and thieves will cease. You also submitted a memorial saying, "Today in selection and promotion the quality of performance in office is not taken into account; only years of service are weighed—this is not what is meant by employing talent to the full. That worn-out seniority should be set aside, and only talent should be promoted. Again, for meritorious old ministers whose years of service are worth recording but whose talent is not suited to governing men, titles and rewards may be granted, but they should not be entrusted with regional command. This is what is meant by saying that a king may give a man wealth in private, but may not give him office in private. The emperor approved all of this. He was additionally appointed Palace Provisioner and Chief Rectifier of Ji Province. At the time Li Biao alone controlled compilation; You was Director in name only and was occasionally consulted. He was sent out as Inspector of Western Yan Province, provisionally ennobled Marquis of Dongguang, and stationed at Huatai.
55
His son Hebi, styled Sengshou, was learned and principled, served as Doctor of the Secretariat, and died young. Hebi's son Hao, styled Menxian, was broadly learned and enjoyed repute in his time. He inherited the title Marquis of Jiankang, served as General Who Assists the State and Grand Master of Palace Leisure, and when he died was posthumously made Governor of Cang Province and given the posthumous name Hui. His son Dezheng inherited the title.
56
Dezheng was clever and bright from childhood and had a spirited bearing and dignified presence. At first he served as Army Aide on the staff of Equal in Rank to the Three Dukes for Northern Qi's Emperor Wenxuan; soon he was put in charge of record-keeping and grew very close to him. He rose step by step to staff officer of the chancellor's office, and Gao Huan entrusted him as a confidant. He was transferred to Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Yellow Gate; upright, refined, thorough, and careful, his conduct was always praised. When Gao Cheng succeeded to the enterprise, he went to Jinyang. Wenxuan remained at Ye to hold the capital; Dezheng was admitted to confidential affairs and was treated with even greater intimacy and favor. When Gao Cheng died, the meritorious generals, considering the weight of continuing the military enterprise, urged Wenxuan to go quickly to Jinyang. Wenxuan could not decide; in the middle of the night he summoned Yang Yin, Du Bi, Cui Jishu, Dezheng, and others, and only then was the plan settled. Yin accompanied him; Dezheng was ordered to remain and hold the capital. He was made Chief Administrator of the chancellor's office and given sole charge of gate affairs.
57
便 西 西
Dezheng and Wenxuan had long been on affectionate terms, and in speech nothing was held back. Attendant Cavalier-in-Ordinary Xu Zhicai's house guest Song Jingye had earlier studied astronomy, charts, and prognostic texts; Chen Shanti's house guest Yang Zishu also had material he cited; all, through Dezheng, urged Wenxuan to carry out the abdication and succession. Dezheng again pressed the request firmly. Wenxuan feared Yin would not decide. He asked to go himself to Ye to speak with Yin, and then it was settled. On the return, before he arrived Wenxuan had already set out from Jinyang. When he reached the capital at Pingcheng, he summoned the meritorious generals in and told them of the abdication; none of the generals dared reply. At the time Du Bi was Chief Administrator; he secretly reported to Wenxuan, "I fear that because of this Guanxi will proclaim itself a righteous army, seize the Son of Heaven, and march east—how will we meet that?" Zhicai said, "If we now accept Wei's abdication first, Guanxi by itself ought to quiet its heart. Even if it wishes to resist by force, at most it will only drive us to declare ourselves emperor." Bi had nothing with which to reply. Wenxuan, because the multitude's will was not united, had also earlier received the empress dowager's instruction: "Your father was like a dragon, your elder brother like a fierce beast; both, despite the weight of imperial rank, did not dare seize it rashly and still ended as subjects. Why do you wish to do what Shun and Yu did? This is precisely what Gao Dezheng is teaching you. Others also said that in former times King Wu of Zhou twice drove to Mengjin before he finally changed the mandate. Thereupon he turned back to Jinyang.
58
便
From then on he was often displeased in daily life. Xu Zhicai, Song Jingye, and others repeatedly said that in divination, miscellaneous prognostication, yin-yang theory, and celestial portents, the fifth month was surely the time to answer Heaven's mandate. Dezheng also urged without ceasing and reported to Wenxuan to summon Wei Shou back. When Shou arrived, he was ordered to draft the abdication edicts and proclamations, the Nine Bestowals, the establishment of the imperial platform, and the memorials urging accession. At the beginning of the fifth month Wenxuan set out from Jinyang. Dezheng also compiled a list of all affairs at Ye and forwarded it to Wenxuan. Wenxuan ordered Chen Shanti to ride post-haste and deliver the list of affairs together with a secret letter to Yang Yin. Shanti reached Ye in the fifth month; Yang Yin at once summoned Director of Ceremonial Xing Shao, Minister of the Seven Armies Cui Yan, Minister of Revenue Lu Cao, Steward of the Heir Apparent Wang Xin, Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Yellow Gate Yang Xiuzhi, Vice Director of the Secretariat Pei Rangzhi, and others to discuss and draft the ritual regulations. On the sixth day he required Wei Grand Tutor Prince Tan of Xianyang, Recorder of Affairs Prince Huiye of Jiyin, and others to assemble; they were brought into the Northern Palace, kept in the Eastern Study, and only after the abdication were released to their homes. When Wenxuan set out and reached Qianting, the horse he was riding suddenly fell, and he took this as a very bad omen. When he reached the capital at Pingcheng, he would no longer go forward. Dezheng and Xu Zhicai pleaded bitterly, "Shanti went ahead first; we fear the matter has leaked and will fail. He thereupon ordered Sima Ziru and Du Bi to ride post-haste after them and observe the mood of the people. On the seventh day Ziru and the others reached Ye; the people, seeing that the matter was already decided, dared raise no dissent. On the ninth day Wenxuan reached the encampment south of the city. At the time edicts and orders had not yet been issued; all official documents from the various offices spoke only of obeying restrictions, and Dezheng and Yang Yin handled announcements and signatures. On the day of receiving the mandate, Yao Nanzong dyed a red sparrow and presented it as an omen. The emperor soon learned of it but did not reproach him. That same day Dezheng was appointed Palace Attendant and also made Director of the Imperial Clan. Soon he was transferred to Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, retaining his post as Palace Attendant, and was enfeoffed Duke of Lantian County. In the seventh year of Tianbao he was transferred to Right Vice Director of the Secretariat, concurrently Palace Attendant, with salary drawn from Bohai commandery. Dezheng, together with Director of the Secretariat Yang Yin, regulated court governance and brought many broad benefits.
59
退 使 輿 滿
In Wenxuan's later years he gave himself to wine and drunkenness. Dezheng repeatedly offered loyal remonstrance; the emperor was displeased. He also told those around him, "Gao Dezheng always uses his spirit to overbear and press upon people. Dezheng was deeply fearful; he thereupon pleaded illness, withdrew to live in a Buddhist temple, and also studied seated meditation as a plan to retreat. The emperor said to Yang Yin, "I am greatly worried about Gao Dezheng—what of his illness? Yin knew the emperor inwardly resented him and therefore answered, "If Your Majesty appoints him Governor of Ji Province, the illness will cure itself. The emperor agreed; when Dezheng saw the appointment order he rose. The emperor was greatly angered and said, "I heard you were ill—I came to give you acupuncture! He personally stabbed him with a knife, and blood flowed to the ground. He also had him dragged down and his toes cut off. Liu Taozhi took up the knife but did not dare strike; the emperor rose and went to the steps, sharply rebuked Taozhi, and Taozhi then cut off three toes. The emperor's anger did not subside, and Dezheng was confined in the Gate Department. That night the city gate was opened and he was sent home in a felt carriage. At dawn Dezheng's wife brought out treasures filling four beds, intending to deposit them with others. The emperor suddenly arrived at the house, saw them, and angrily said, "Even my treasury does not have such things. He interrogated where they had been obtained; all had been bribes from the Yuan clan." He had Dezheng dragged out and executed; the wife came out to bow and plead, and she too was executed. Together with them his son Bojian, Libationer of the Eastern Pavilion under the Minister of Works, was also killed.
60
Later Wenxuan said to the assembled ministers, "Gao Dezheng often spoke of adopting Han customs and abolishing Xianbei ways—that alone deserved death. He also urged me to execute the Yuan clan; now that I have killed him, I have avenged the Yuan clan." The emperor later regretted it and posthumously granted him Grand Tutor and Governor of Jizhou, with the posthumous title Kang. His eldest grandson's son Wang Chen inherited the title Duke of Lantian County and served as Palace Attendant and Regular Attendant of the Secretariat. Dezheng's second son Zhongwu served as Metropolitan Area Military Administrator and Administrator of Pingyuan Commandery.
61
Hao's younger brother Ya, styled Xingxian, had presence and bearing and served as Chief Administrator of the Pacification Army Headquarters in Ding Province. During the Tianping era he was posthumously granted Governor of Jizhou. His son Defan was famed from youth for fine reputation and served as Administrator of Rencheng; he died.
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西 使
Ya's younger brother Liang, styled Xiuxian, loved learning from youth, was widely learned with a strong memory, and was famed for filial piety while in mourning. At the end of the Taihe era, when the Prince of Jingzhao Yu opened his office and recruited staff, Emperor Xiaowen carefully selected aides; Liang was chosen alongside Longxi's Li Zhongshang and Zhao commandery's Li Fengqi. During the Zhengguang era he was appointed General of Valiant Cavalry and served at the Xuzhou Mobile Headquarters. When he reached Pengcheng, Yuan Faseng rebelled and tried to force Liang to join; Liang refused and was killed. He was posthumously granted Governor of Cangzhou. An edict also said that because Liang had entrusted his life at the hour of crisis, he was further posthumously granted Bearer of the Staff of Authority, General Who Pacifies the North, and Governor of Youzhou; one son was granted privileged entry into official service, and his posthumous title was Marquis of Zhong.
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Liang compiled the Genealogical Records of Close and Distant Kin in more than forty juan; from the fifth generation onward, both inner and outer relations were exhaustively set forth, and readers admired his erudition.
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使
You's younger cousin Yi, styled Citong, was bold and chivalrous with spirited bearing. At the end of the Xiaochang era, when Ge Rong raised rebellion, the court, because Yi was a leading magnate east of the mountains, appointed him Administrator of Bohai at his home. Yi led the entire district to migrate and settle between the Yellow and Ji rivers. The Wei court therefore established Eastern Jizhou, appointing Yi governor and enfeoffing him Marquis of Lecheng County. Soon he was removed and appointed Governor of Ding Province, but because of bandit chaos he could not take up the post. When Erzhu Zhao murdered Emperor Zhuang, Yi held his territory and maintained self-defense; he died. At the beginning of the Zhongxing era he was posthumously granted Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Palace Attendant, Grand Tutor, Minister Overseeing the Masters of Writing, Commander-in-Chief of the Six Provinces, and Governor of Jizhou, with the posthumous title Wenxuan. His son was Qian.
65
祿
Qian was styled Qianyong. By nature he was bright, perceptive, handsome, and imposing, with strategic talent; his voice and appearance were fine, and in movement and deportment he was altogether elegant. In youth he was reckless and chivalrous; growing older he corrected himself, held wealth lightly and valued righteousness, and formed many friendships. He first entered service as Supernumerary Attendant Cavalier Gentleman and was gradually promoted to Supernumerary Attendant Cavalier-in-Ordinary. When Emperor Xiaozhuang of Wei held a princely fief, Qian secretly attached himself to him. When Erzhu Rong entered Luoyang, Qian fled east to Yi. Qian and his brothers had originally harbored ambitions of independent action; seeing Rong kill cultivated men, they judged that the realm would soon fall into chaos, so they gathered refugees from north of the Yellow River between the Yellow and Ji rivers and accepted office and titles from Ge Rong. Emperor Zhuang dispatched Right Vice Director of the Secretariat Yuan Luo to inspect and pacify the three Qi regions; Qian and his brothers led their followers out to surrender. The court appointed Qian Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gates, concurrently General of the Martial Guard. Erzhu Rong, because of Qian's earlier offense, held that he should not again hold a post near the center of power; Emperor Zhuang permitted Qian to resign office and return to his home district. Thereupon he recruited fierce warriors and amused himself with archery and hunting. When Rong died, he galloped to Luoyang. Emperor Zhuang was greatly pleased to see him and appointed Qian concurrent Palace Attendant, with additional titles General Who Pacifies the Army and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with the Golden Seal and Purple Cord, to guard Hebei. He also made Qian's younger brother Ang Regular Attendant Cavalier-in-Ordinary and General Who Pacifies the North. He ordered them both to return home, gather their native districts, and provide inner and outer support. The emperor personally saw them off at the He Bridge, raised his cup, pointed to the water, and said, "You brothers are magnates of Ji province; you can make your soldiers die for the cause. If the capital should meet with upheaval, you may raise a cloud of dust for me on the north bank of the River. Qian received the command with tears; Ang drew his sword and danced, vowing to follow him to the death.
66
宿
When the Erzhu clan had murdered the emperor, they sent their military overseer Sun Baiji with more than a hundred horsemen to Jizhou. On the pretext of registering horses, they in fact intended to seize Qian and his brothers when they came to deliver the horses. Qian had long harbored a desire for revenge, and when Baiji arrived suddenly he knew they meant to destroy him. Intending to strike first, he told the former Administrator of Henei Feng Longzhi. Longzhi's father had earlier been killed by Erzhu Rong; hearing this he said with joy, "The shame of the state and the grievance of the family cut to the marrow; to seize this moment and rise—now is exactly the time. I respectfully await your command."
67
殿
In the second month, Qian and Ang secretly mustered stalwart men, attacked the provincial city by night, seized Governor Yuan Yi, shot and killed Baiji. At Ge Rong's hall they performed mourning rites for Emperor Zhuang in plain dress; Qian ascended the platform and swore before the host, his words impassioned and tears mingling, and none of the officers and soldiers was not moved to indignation. They wished to install Citong as king. Citong said, "In winning over the countryside, I am not the equal of Feng Pi. They therefore pushed Longzhi to be Grand Commandant, acting in provincial affairs. When Longzhi wished to flee, Ang flushed with anger, drew his sword and was about to hack Longzhi down; Longzhi in fear accepted the command. To the north they submitted to the command of Governor of Youzhou Liu Lingzhu; before long Lingzhu was captured by the Erzhu clan.
68
At that time Qi Shenwu came out from east of the mountains, proclaiming as his purpose the suppression of Qian, and popular sentiment was panic-stricken. Qian said to them, "Gao of Jin Province is a hero whose talent covers the age and who will not remain beneath others. Moreover the Erzhu murdered their lord and rampaged—this is exactly the time for heroes to devote themselves; that he comes now must mean he has a deep design. Do not worry; I shall lead you to meet him. Thereupon he went by secret routes with Feng Longzhi's son Zihui to welcome him at Fuyang. He therefore urged Shenwu, saying, "The Erzhu clan are cruelly rebellious; their evil binds gods and men alike, and every living creature longs to rise against them. Your Grace's prestige and virtue have long been manifest and the whole realm inclines to you; if you raise arms in the name of loyalty, then the stubbornly powerful will not be worthy opponents for Your Grace. My humble province is small, but its registered households are no fewer than one hundred thousand, and grain-and-straw taxes are enough to supply the army. I pray Your Grace will consider this plan carefully. Shenwu laughed greatly and said, "My affair is settled! He then shared a tent with Qian to sleep and called Qian "Uncle." At dawn the next day Qian received his orders and departed.
69
At the time Shenwu had far-reaching designs within but his outward tracks had not yet appeared. Erzhu Yusheng was Governor of Yin Province; Shenwu secretly sent Li Yuanzhong to raise troops at Mount Fenglong and press the city, ordering Qian to lead troops in a feigned rescue. Qian therefore entered with a light escort to see Yusheng and feigned counsel for him. When Yusheng came out to review the troops, Peng Le, at his side, seized and beheaded him from horseback; they then pacified Yin Province. They also jointly settled the plan to install the Restoration Emperor. Qian was appointed Palace Attendant and Duke of Works. At that time the state and army were newly founded; Qian's father had died and he could not complete the full mourning period. When Emperor Xiaowu was established and the realm was first settled, Qian memorialized requesting resignation to observe the three-year rites. An edict permitted him to resign the post of Palace Attendant while retaining the Ministry of Works; he was enfeoffed Duke of Changle commandery.
70
退便 便
Although Qian had sought withdrawal, he had not expected such ready consent; once removed from inner attendance, court affairs were left vacant and he was often discontent. Emperor Xiaowu was about to turn against Shenwu and wished to use this occasion to win Qian over; after a banquet at Hualin Garden he kept Qian alone and said, "The Minister of Works' house has generation after generation served in loyalty; today he has again achieved extraordinary merit. Though in name we are sovereign and subject, in righteousness we are truly like brothers and ought to establish a sworn alliance together. He pressed him to it. Qian said, "I have devoted my person to the state—how would I dare be of two minds? Although Qian answered thus, it was not from his true heart; the matter arose in haste, and he did not think Emperor Xiaowu already harbored a different intent, so he did not firmly decline, nor did he inform Shenwu. The emperor believed Qian was sincere toward him.
71
使 使 椿
At the time he secretly kept retainers in the forbidden garden until they reached a thousand men; he suddenly ordered Yuan Shibi and Wang Sizheng to go consult with Helu Yue, and again made Yue's elder brother Sheng Governor of Jingzhou. Qian said to those close to him, "Disaster is about to break out; calamity is sure to reach me. He then secretly reported this to Shenwu. Shenwu summoned Qian to question him; Qian thereupon urged Shenwu to accept the abdication. Shenwu covered Qian's mouth with his sleeve and said, "Speak no more of that. From this day I report to Uncle that he is again Palace Attendant; all affairs of the Secretariat I entrust entirely to you. When he repeatedly requested it but the emperor did not answer, Qian feared a turn in events, reported to Shenwu, and requested appointment to Xuzhou. Qian was therefore appointed Honorary Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with the Golden Seal and Purple Cord with privileges equal to a Three Excellencies office and Governor of Xuzhou. As he was about to depart, the emperor heard of his words with Shenwu and in anger sent word to Shenwu, saying, "Gao Qian made a private alliance with me, yet now he turns again. When Shenwu heard of his alliance with the emperor he also came to detest him, and sealed Qian's former and later secret reports and sent them to the throne. The emperor had Shenwu's envoy interrogate Qian. Qian said, "I have devoted my person to serving the state and exhausted righteousness in loyalty. Your Majesty already harbors a different design, yet you say I have turned again. When ordinary men impose charges, one can scarcely escape; how much less when the sovereign harbors ill will—how could one preserve one's life? Is this not the saying, 'When one wishes to impose a crime, is there ever a lack of pretext?' Great merit brings peril to the person—thus it has always been. If in death there is awareness, I shall be somewhat less unfaithful to Emperor Zhuang. An edict thereupon ordered him to die by poison in the Secretariat Department; he was thirty-seven. At the hour of death, General of the Martial Guard Yuan Zheng oversaw the execution and asked, "Do you have any writings or messages for your family? Qian said, "My younger brothers are scattered, each in a different place; given today's affair, I think none will survive whole. My sons are still young and understand nothing; I fear too that when the nest falls the eggs will be crushed—what more can I say! Later, when Shenwu campaigned against Husi Chun and others, he said to Gao Ang, "If we had taken the Minister of Works' counsel sooner, would we be facing this campaign now? At the beginning of the Tianping era he was posthumously granted Grand Tutor, Director of the Department of State Affairs, and Governor of Jizhou, with the posthumous title Wen Zhao. His eldest son Jishu inherited his grandfather Cikou's title as Marquis of Lecheng County, and his second son Lü'er inherited Qian's rank.
72
Qian's younger brother Shen, styled Zhongmi, had a fair grounding in literature and history. His ambitions differed from his brothers', and his father doted on him. He served in succession as Governor of Cangzhou, Secretary of the Southeast Route Mobile Headquarters, and Governor of Guangzhou, and was further promoted to Grand General of Agile Cavalry with Honorary Three Excellencies privileges. As the realm was newly pacified, Shen was allowed to take several thousand men from his home district as his personal following. He ruled with harsh severity and indulged his attendants, and officials and commoners alike groaned under him. When Qian died, Zhongmi abandoned his province and set out to rejoin Shenwu. Emperor Xiaowu ordered Qing Province to block his way home, but Shen stole through by back routes and reached Jinyang. Shenwu made him Left Assistant Director of the Great Mobile Headquarters, then transferred him to the Secretariat, where he handled every matter without evasion. He rose in succession to Censor-in-Chief, but in choosing censors he favored relatives and men of his home district, falling short of what the court expected; Wenxiang memorialized for a new selection.
73
西
Shen's first wife was the younger sister of Cui Xian, a Langzhong in the Bureau of Personnel; Shen had abandoned her. Xian was then in Wenxiang's confidence, so Shen arranged a grand remarriage for Xian's sister and attended the wedding night in person. Shen's second wife was a daughter of Li Huibo of Zhao commandery—beautiful and clever, skilled at correspondence, and expert in riding. While governing Cangzhou, Shen held the monk Xiangong in high regard and often talked with him far into the night without sleeping. Lady Li resented this, slandered Xiangong to Shen, and the monk was seized and killed. Wenxiang heard of her beauty and tried to force himself on her; she refused, and her clothes were torn to rags. Li told Shen, who nursed a deep grievance; believing Xian had set him up, he rarely prosecuted wrongdoing and often let offenders go. Shenwu rebuked him in displeasure, and Shen grew ever more uneasy. He was posted as Governor of North Yuzhou, then seized Wulao and defected to Western Wei.
74
西
Shen had entered the Pass ahead of the army; Zhou Wen led troops east and was defeated at Mount Mang, and Shen's wife and children were all taken captive. Shenwu, honoring the family's past service, reported that only Shen's own household should be confiscated and enslaved. Zhongmi's wife walked with a cloth over her mouth; Wenxiang received her in full ceremonial dress, and she submitted to him. Western Wei appointed Shen Palace Attendant and Minister of Education, then promoted him to Grand Commandant. Shen's younger brother Ang.
75
使
Ang, styled Ao Cao. His mother, Lady Zhang, had borne a son; when he was two she ordered a maid to heat water and bathe him. The maid set the water down and left; a pet monkey's tether came loose, and it threw the child into the cauldron, where he was scalded to death. Zhang had firewood piled outside the village, bound the maid and the monkey, and burned them alive; she scattered their ashes on the Zhang River, and only then did she weep.
76
便 姿
Ang took after his mother in temperament; even as a boy he had a bold, fierce spirit. Grown to manhood he was bold and free-spirited, with courage and strength beyond ordinary men—dragon brow, rhinoceros forehead, leopard neck; his frame was heroically striking. His father found him a strict tutor and ordered that the rod be used freely. Ang ignored his tutor and gave himself over to riding hard; he often said, "A man should ride roughshod across the world and seize fortune for himself—who wants to sit bolt upright over books and end a doddering doctor of letters? His father said, "This boy will not destroy our clan—he will enlarge our house. Because he was lofty-spirited and fierce as an Ao Cao, they gave him that style name.
77
In youth he often joined his elder brother Qian in raiding and plunder; the countryside feared them, and none dared stand against them. His elder brother Qian sought the daughter of Cui Shengnian of Boling in marriage, but the Cui family refused. Ang went with his brother to seize her, left the girl outside the village, and said to his brother, "Why not go through with the rites? So they consummated the marriage in the open country and returned home. Qian, Ang, and the rest all plundered; their father Cikou was often in prison and only got out when an amnesty was declared. Cikou told people, "My four sons are all five-eyed men—when I die, will anyone throw me so much as a shovelful of earth? When Cikou died, Ang built him a great tomb mound. Facing the mound he said, "Old man! All your life you feared you would not get a single shovelful of earth—now you're buried under a mountain of it. Do you finally know what it means to be a man?"
78
At the beginning of the Jianyi era the brothers raised troops together, then obeyed Emperor Zhuang of Wei's order and disbanded their forces. Ang was then appointed Regular Attendant Cavalier-in-Ordinary and enfeoffed as Marquis of Wucheng County. He and his elder brother Qian were both dismissed by Erzhu Rong and sent home without office. In secret he gathered bold men and took to raiding again. Rong heard of it and took offense; he secretly ordered Governor Yuan Zhongzong to lure Ang in and seize him, then had him sent at once to Jinyang. When Rong entered Luoyang he brought Ang with him and held him in the Camel-Ox Office. Before long Rong was dead; Emperor Zhuang summoned Ang at once, consoled him, and praised his courage. At that time Erzhu Shilong had turned back and was pressing the palace; the emperor went in person to the Great Summer Gate to direct the defense. Ang, freed from his bonds, armored himself and levelled his spear; with his nephew Changming he charged straight ahead and swept all before him. The emperor and every onlooker admired his prowess; Ang was immediately made General of the Direct Gate and given a thousand bolts of silk. With rebellion still rife, Ang asked to return to his home district to raise a following; he was further appointed Regular Attendant Cavalier-in-Regular Attendance and General Who Pacifies the North.
79
使
When he learned that Emperor Zhuang had been killed and the capital could not be held, he joined his father and brothers in raising troops at Xindu. Erzhu Shilong's cousin Yusheng, Governor of Yin Province, led five thousand men in a surprise strike against Longwei Slope. Ang took a dozen horsemen and charged without bothering to arm himself. Qian held the city and lowered five hundred men by rope to reinforce him, but before they arrived Ang was already fighting and Yusheng fled in defeat. Ang's skill with the mounted spear was unmatched; each man at his side fought as if worth a hundred, and his contemporaries compared him to Xiang Yu. When Shenwu reached Xindu, they opened the gates and welcomed him in. Ang was away securing territory; when he heard of it he mocked Qian as a woman and sent him a cloth skirt. Shenwu had his heir Cheng receive Ang with the courtesy due a grandson, and Ang then came in with him. When the Deposed Emperor was enthroned, Ang was appointed Governor of Jizhou for life. He also served as Grand Commander and led troops with Shenwu to defeat Erzhu Zhao at Guang'a. He also fought the Four Hu at Hanling. Ang personally led three thousand home-district retainers—Wang Taotang, Dongfang Lao, and the rest; Shenwu meant to detach more than a thousand Xianbei soldiers and fold them into the unit. Ang replied, "The men Ao Cao commands have been drilled together for years—there is no need to mix in others. Shenwu agreed. When battle was joined, Shenwu's line gave a little ground and Zhao's men pressed hard. Ang and Cai Jun with a thousand horsemen burst from Liyuan and struck across the enemy line; Zhao's army was smashed. That day, but for Ang and his men, Shenwu would almost certainly have been killed. At the beginning of the Taichang era, Ang took up his post in Jizhou. Soon he was further made Palace Attendant and Grand Master of the Domain, and his title was raised to marquis. When his elder brother Qian was executed, he fled with a dozen horsemen to Jinyang. Shenwu marched on Luoyang and put Ang in the vanguard. Emperor Xiaowu entered Guanzhong; Ang led five hundred horsemen by forced marches to Xiao and Shan, but could not overtake him and turned back. Soon afterward he served as acting Governor of Yuzhou. At the beginning of Tianping he was appointed Palace Attendant and Duke of Works. Ang, because his elder brother Qian had died holding that office, firmly refused it and was transferred to Duke over Masses instead. He liked to wear a small cap, and people thereafter called it the Duke of Masses' cap.
80
西 西
Shenwu made Ang Grand Commander of the Southwest Route and sent him straight toward Shangzhou and Luozhou. Ang crossed the river and made offering to the River Lord, saying, "River Lord, god of the waters— Gao Ao Cao, tiger upon the earth. I pass through your domain, and so we share a farewell cup. The mountain roads were steep and narrow, and Ba bandits held the passes; Ang fought his way forward in battle after battle, and none could stand against his charge. He then took Shangluo, captured Western Wei's Governor of Luozhou Quan Qi along with several dozen commanders, and meant to push through Lantian Pass. When Dou Tai's force was defeated, Shenwu recalled Ang. Ang could not bear to leave his men behind; he fought his way out and brought the whole army back intact. Ang had been hit by a stray arrow and was badly wounded; he turned to those beside him and said, "If I die I have no regret—only that I will not live to see Jishi made governor! When Shenwu heard this, he sent urgent word appointing Jishi Governor of Ji Prefecture.
81
使 使 使 便
When Ang returned he again served as Army Director and Grand Commander over seventy-six area commanders, and with Hou Jing of the Mobile Headquarters he drilled troops at Wulao. Censor-in-Chief Liu Gui was also encamped there with his troops. Ang and Zheng Yanzu, Governor of North Yuzhou, were playing spear-shuo; Gui summoned Yanzu, but Ang did not send him at once and put Gui's messenger in the cangue. The messenger said, "It is easy to put on the cangue, but hard to take it off. Ang had a blade brought to the cangue and cut the man's throat, saying, "Where is the difficulty in that?" Gui did not dare answer back. The next day, as Gui and Ang sat together, word came from outside that many conscripted river laborers had drowned. Gui said, "You buy Han men for the price of a head-tax coin—they die right along with it. Ang flew into a rage, drew his blade, and hacked at Gui. Gui fled back to his camp; Ang immediately beat the drums, mustered his troops, and attacked him. Hou Jing and Moqi Shouluo, Governor of Jizhou, intervened and brought the clash to an end. At that time the Xianbei as a whole looked down on Han court officials; only Ang did they hold in esteem. Whenever Shenwu issued orders to the three armies, he usually spoke in Xianbei; but when Ang was present in the ranks, he spoke in Chinese. Ang once went to the chancellor's residence and tried to walk straight in; the gatekeepers barred him, and Ang in a fury drew his bow and shot at them. Shenwu knew of it but did not rebuke him. By nature he loved to write poetry, though his verses were coarse and vulgar; Shenwu always indulged him all the same. In the first year of the reign he was promoted to Duke of Jingzhao Commandery and, together with Hou Jing and others, attacked Dugu Xin at Jinyong. He fought Emperor Wen of Zhou, was defeated at Mangyin, and died in the battle.
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使西 使 西 穿 西 西
In this campaign Ang sent his slave Jingzhao to scout the Western army. Jingzhao snatched Ang's belt sword from a maid and set off with it; Ang seized him and killed him. Jingzhao said, "Three times I saved you in mortal peril—how can you bear to have me killed over a trifle? That night he dreamed that Jingzhao smeared him with blood. When he awoke he flew into a rage and had both of Jingzhao's shins broken. At that time Liu Taobang was in Bohai and also dreamed that Jingzhao said his grievance had been upheld and that he would deliver his master to the enemy. Taobang knew Ang was doomed and hurried to join him. Ang underestimated the enemy; he raised banners and canopies and charged the enemy line, but the Westerners brought their full strength against him and his whole army was wiped out. Ang fled east on a light horse to Heyang City, but Prefect Gao Yongluo, who had long been at odds with him, shut the gates and refused him entry. Ang looked up and cried for a rope but could get none; he drew his blade to hack through the gate, but before he broke through the pursuers were upon him. He hid beneath a bridge. The pursuers saw his attendant holding a gold belt, asked where Ang was, and the slave pointed him out. Ang thrust out his head and cried, "Come here—I'll make you a Duke Who Founds a State! The pursuers cut off his head and rode away. Earlier Ang had dreamed that this slave would kill him; he told Lu Wu and was about to kill the man. Wu dissuaded him and he desisted; in the end disaster came to pass as foretold. He was forty-eight years old. Taobang met the funeral procession on the road. When Shenwu heard of it he was stricken as though he had lost his very heart; he had Yongluo beaten two hundred strokes with the rod. Western Wei promised the man who beheaded Ang ten thousand bolts of cloth and silk, paying it out in installments year after year; even when the Zhou dynasty fell the reward had still not been fully paid. He was posthumously granted Grand Tutor, Grand Marshal, Duke of Grand Commandant, Director of the Department of State Affairs, and Governor of Jizhou, with the posthumous title Loyal and Martial. Western Wei soon returned Ao Cao's head, and it was still recognizable.
83
Earlier a magpie had built its nest on the ground in the courtyard; the household found it strange, and when the casket bearing his head arrived it was placed exactly where the nest had been. After the burial his wife, Lady Zhang, often saw Ao Cao arrive at night and leave at dawn, just as in life. No one else saw him; only the dog followed and barked at him. After more than a year the visitations ceased. His former subordinate Dongfang Lao, then Governor of South Yanzhou, cherishing his kindness, built a shrine in his honor. Once the spirit image was completed, the head split open; it was remade, yet split again as before, and all who saw it declared it miraculous.
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His son Tuqi succeeded him but died young. Wenxiang again personally chose among Ang's sons and had his third son, Daoe, succeed. At the beginning of the Huangjian era Ang was posthumously enfeoffed as Prince of Yongchang, and Daoe inherited the title. At the end of the Wuping era he held the rank of Honorary Three Excellencies with the privilege of maintaining a full staff. After Zhou conquered Qi he became General of Honorary Equivalence. During the Kaihuang era of Sui he died while serving as Governor of Huangzhou.
85
椿
Ang's younger brother Jishi, styled Zitong, likewise had courage and fighting spirit. At the beginning of the Taichang era he rose in succession to Palace Provisioner and was soon further promoted to Grand General of Agile Cavalry. During the Tianping era he served as Governor of Ji Prefecture. The Jishi brothers were powerful and honored, and both had won distinction in their day; each commanded more than a thousand personal retainers and eight hundred horses, with armor and weapons fully supplied, and so could hunt down bandits within their territories and often win decisive victories. At that time Du Lingchun of Puyang and the factions of Lu Shuwen of Yangping and others each raised disturbances, and Jishi put them all down. A guest once said to Jishi, "Puyang and Yangping lie within the capital region—why do you suddenly dispatch private troops to fight so far afield? Jishi said, "I share the state's safety and peril—how could I see bandits and not attack them? If I am punished for this, I shall have no regret."
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歿 使
After the defeat at Mang Mountain, his close retainers urged Jishi to flee to Liang. Jishi said, "We brothers have received great favor from the state and, together with Prince Gao, helped settle the realm—to flee once it is imperiled would be unrighteous. In that battle his elder brother Ang was killed. During the Xinghe era he served as acting governor of Jin Prefecture. When he left the post he continued to garrison Yong'an. Jishi's elder brother Shen rebelled at Wulao and sent word to Jishi. Jishi rushed to inform Shenwu, and Shenwu treated him exactly as before. During the Wuding era he was appointed Palace Attendant and soon given the additional posts of Chief Rectifier of Jizhou and Area Commander. For his successive achievements he was granted Honorary Three Excellencies. At the beginning of the Tianbao era he was enfeoffed as Viscount of Chengsi County. Soon he was transferred to Minister of Ceremonies. He again served as Area Commander and followed Minister of Education Pan Yue on campaign between the Yangzi and the Huai. He had sent musicians privately to trade at the border; on returning to the capital he was placed under detention for it. He was soon pardoned. In the summer of the fourth year he died of a carbuncle. He was posthumously granted Palace Attendant, Honorary Three Excellencies with the privilege of maintaining a full staff, and Governor of Jizhou, with the posthumous title Reverent and Solemn.
87
婿 退宿 滿 宿 輿
Jishi was bold, free-spirited, and fond of wine; he also relied on his family's collective merit and paid little heed to propriety. He had been close friends all his life with Li Yuanzhong, Governor of Guangzhou. One night while drinking in Ji Prefecture he thought of Yuanzhong, opened the city gates, and sent attendants on post horses with a jar of wine to Guang Prefecture to share a cup with him. The court knew of it and indulged him. After his elder brother Shen's rebellion he was briefly removed from office. Sima Xiaonan, Gentleman at the Yellow Gate, was the son of Left Vice Director of the Masters of Execution Ziru and also Shenwu's son-in-law; his influence was immense at the time. One evening after the meal he sought out Jishi, drank and sang with abandon, and stayed the night. At dawn every gate was barred shut; Xiaonan repeatedly begged to be let out. Jishi said, "Are you trying to threaten me with your territorial power? Xiaonan bowed in apology and begged to leave, but Jishi would not allow it. When wine was brought he refused to drink. Jishi fetched wagon wheel rims and looped one around Xiaonan's neck, then fetched another and looped it around his own, and with brimming cups urged each other to drink. Xiaonan had no choice and, laughing, went along with it. Just as they both removed the wheel rims, Jishi kept him another night. Only after Xiaonan was released did he tell the whole story in detail. While Wenxiang was regent he reported to the Wei emperor, bestowed on Xiaonan several shi of fine wine and ten cartloads of delicacies, and also ordered court officials who were close to Jishi to gather for a banquet at his residence. Such was the favor shown him.
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From the time Ang raised troops, those who served as his wings included Huyan Zu, Liu Guizhen, Liu Changqiu, Dongfang Lao, Liu Shirong, Cheng Wubiao, Han Yuansheng, and Liu Taobang. Those who rallied to his righteous cause included Li Xiguang, Liu Shuzong, Liu Menghe, and others. Those whose names are clearly known are listed below.
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Dongfang Lao, a man of Ande in Ge County, had been a retainer in Ang's service. When Wenxuan accepted the abdication he was enfeoffed as Baron of Yangping County and appointed Governor of South Yanzhou. Later he crossed the Yangzi with Xiao Gui and others and was killed.
90
Li Xiguang, a native of Tiao in Bohai, had first followed Gao Gan in raising troops; later he rose to Honorary Three Excellencies and Governor of Yangzhou. Wenxuan reproached Emperor Wu of Chen for deposing Xiao Ming and ordered Xiao Gui, Equal in Rank to the Three Dukes, to lead Xiguang, Dongfang Lao, Pei Yingqi, and Wang Jingbao with tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry; in the third month of the seventh year of Tianbao they crossed the Yangzi and stormed Shitou City. The five generals were equal in rank and standing; Yingqi served as Army Director in his capacity as Palace Attendant, while Xiao Gui and Xiguang were both area commanders. In the army they refused to defer to one another, and every move bred discord. They encamped below Danyang City, were battered by more than fifty days of steady rain, and so met defeat. Officers and men alike perished; only one or two soldiers in ten made it back.
91
祿
Liu Shuzong, personal name Zuan, a native of Pingchang in Leling, submitted to Ang and rose to General of Chariots and Cavalry and Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness.
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Liu Menghe, personal name Xie, a native of Rao'an in Fuyang, gathered followers and attached himself to the Ang brothers; he eventually became Marshal to the Grand Chancellor and was executed for an offense. As for the rest, their final fates are unknown.
93
When Shenwu first raised troops, Lu Cao of Fanyang was also famed for courage and strength; he had served the Erzhu clan as a defender and held Ji. Shenwu summoned him with generous courtesy, comparing him to Ang, and said, "You should come and stand as the two Caos with your junior uncle. Cao said angrily, "You compare a farm boy to a champion of the realm. Thereupon he led his followers from Ji out to a sea island. He found the bones of a giant and used the skull as a horse manger; the shins, a full zhang and six chi long, he fashioned into two spears. He sent one spear to Shenwu; none of the generals could wield it—only Peng Yue could lift it by main force. Before long Cao fell ill, and his groans could be heard outside. A shaman said the Sea God was tormenting him, and he died. His five hundred followers all wore the deepest mourning hemp; after the burial they quietly dispersed. Cao stood nine chi tall; his beard and face were formidable; the hair on his arms grew against the grain like boar bristles, and his strength was enough to uproot trees. By nature he was magnanimous, resolute, and dignified; he often dressed with elegant restraint, and the northern provinces revered him. Once when he lay ill he could still stretch out a leg and lift two men. When the Rouran raided Fanyang, Cao mounted the wall and shot at them; his arrows carried three hundred paces; he cast his bow outside the wall, and none of the raiders could draw it, whereupon they withdrew. At that time there was a monk named Tanzan, famed for divine strength; only Cao could match him. When Tanzan heard shouting he would win.
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The commentary says: Gao Yun stood at the brink of peril and disaster, withstood the force of thunder and lightning, faced death with calm composure, forgot himself to rescue others from difficulty, and in the end won a wise ruler's understanding and preserved both his life and his good name. Had his inner nature not partaken of knowing fate, and had his discernment not illuminated rise and fall, how could he have done thus? It was fitting that honor should shine upon four generations and that he should live to a hundred years. Since Wei, there has been no one like him. Sengyu was known for his arts and abilities and upheld the principle of continual self-cultivation. Shili was greedy and without the Way—how could he not come to ruin? Ziji's learning excelled in the Way; he was famed among forebears; the manner of Confucian worthies endured, and the family's old standing did not perish. At the time of the abdication Dezheng joined with rebellious ministers; though he met with wanton cruelty, his fame was still great! The Qian-Ou brothers, without inheriting so much as a foot of land, raised their arms in Heshuo, brought about the righteous campaign to rescue the ruler, and Shenwu relied on them to achieve his hegemony. But because they were not original followers from Yingchuan, unlike the old companions from Fengpei, entrusting them with one's innermost counsels was never wholly approved. Exposing their memorials and borrowing Heaven's punishment to destroy them—nothing surpasses this in injustice. Ang's courage and strength topped ten thousand men; below Hanling he swept like wind and lightning. Thus the paramount merit of the Qi house rested in one clan alone. The rest who rallied to his righteous standard also merit mention.
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