Volume 32 Biographies 20: Cui Jian, Cui Bian, Cui Ting

崔鑒崔辯崔挺

Cui Jian, Cui Bian, and Cui Ting.

列傳第二十

Biography 20

崔鑒兄孫伯謙崔辯孫士謙士謙子彭士謙弟說說子弘度

Included in this account are Boqian, grandson of Cui Jian's elder brother; Shiqian, grandson of Cui Bian; Peng, son of Shiqian; Shuo, Shiqian's younger brother; and Hongdu, son of Shuo.

崔挺子孝芬孫宣猷曾孫仲方仲方從叔昂挺從子季舒挺族孫暹

Also treated here are Xiaofen, son of Cui Ting; Xuanyou, his grandson; Zhongfang, his great-grandson; Ang, Zhongfang's cousin; Jishu, Ting's nephew; and Xian, a clansman descendant of Ting.

崔鑒，字神具，博陵安平人也。六世祖贊，魏尚書僕射。五世祖洪，晉吏部尚書。曾祖懿，字世茂，仕燕，位秘書監。祖遭，字景遇，位钜鹿令。父綽，少孤，學行修明，有名於世。與范陽盧玄、勃海高允、趙郡李靈等俱被征，尋以母老固辭。後為郡功曹，卒。鑒頗有文學，自中書博士轉侍郎，賜爵桐廬縣子。出為東徐州刺史。鑒欲安新附，人有年老者，表求假以守令，詔從之。又於州內銅冶為農具，兵人獲利。卒，贈青州刺史、安平侯，諡曰康。子合，字貴和，少有時譽，襲爵桐廬子，位終常山太守。

Cui Jian, whose style name was Shenju, came from Anping in Boling commandery. Six generations back, his ancestor Zan had served as Wei Minister of the Works. Five generations back, Hong had been Jin Minister of Personnel. His great-grandfather Yi, styled Shimao, had served the Yan state as Director of the Secretariat. His grandfather Zao, styled Jingyu, had been magistrate of Julu county. His father Chuo lost his parents early, yet through learning and conduct won renown in his day. He was summoned along with Lu Xuan of Fanyang, Gao Yun of Bohai, Li Ling of Zhao commandery, and others, but soon begged off firmly because his mother was elderly. He later served as commandery merit officer and died in that post. Jian was fairly accomplished in letters. He rose from Erudite of the Secretariat to Attendant and was enfeoffed as Viscount of Tonglu. He left the capital to serve as governor of Eastern Xu province. Wishing to settle the newly attached population, Jian memorialized that elderly men among them be allowed to hold acting prefect and magistrate posts, and the court approved. Within the province he also had copper from smelting forged into farm tools, to the profit of the troops. At his death he was posthumously made governor of Qing province and Marquis of Anping, with the posthumous title Kang. His son He, styled Guihe, won early renown, inherited the Tonglu viscounty, and ended his career as administrator of Changshan.

長子忻，字伯悅，有世幹。以鄭儼之甥，累遷兼尚書左丞。莊帝初，遇害河陰。追贈殿中尚書、冀州刺史。

His eldest son Xin, styled Boyue, possessed the talent of a whole generation. As Zheng Yan's nephew, he rose repeatedly until he served as concurrent vice director of the left in the Ministry of State Affairs. At the beginning of Emperor Zhuang's reign he was killed at Heyin. Posthumously he was made director of the palace and governor of Ji province.

忻弟仲哲，早喪所生，為祖母宋氏所養。六歲，宋亡，啼慕不止，見者悲之。性恢達，常以將略自許。以軍功賜爵安平縣男。及父康于燕被圍，泣訴朝廷，遂除別將，與都督元譚赴援，戰歿。子長瑜，位至開府中兵參軍。

Xin's younger brother Zhongzhe lost his birth mother early and was raised by his grandmother, Lady Song. When he was six and Lady Song died, he wept and mourned her without cease, and all who saw him were moved. By nature he was open and bold, and often prided himself on his military plans. For military merit he was granted the rank of baron of Anping county. When his father Kang was besieged in Yan, he wept and appealed to the court, was appointed separate general, and marched with the commander Yuan Tan to the relief, where he fell in battle. His son Changyu rose to army aide in the secretariat of the grand marshal.

長瑜子子樞，學涉好文詞，經辯有才幹。仕齊，位考功郎中，參議五禮，待詔文林館。兼散騎常侍，聘周。使還，除通直散騎常侍，兼知度支。子樞明解世務，所居稱職。因度支有受納風聞，為御史劾，遇赦免。仕周，位至上士。預尉遲迥事，被誅。

Changyu's son Zishu was broadly learned, loved literary composition, excelled in debate, and had administrative talent. In Qi service he was bureau chief in the Ministry of Personnel, joined deliberations on the five rites, and awaited edicts at the Forest of Literature. He also served as regular attendant cavalier and was sent on a mission to Zhou. On his return he was made regular attendant cavalier in direct service and concurrently oversaw the revenue bureau. Zishu understood worldly affairs clearly and was regarded as competent in every post he held. When the revenue bureau was rumored to have taken bribes, the censorate impeached him, but he was spared by an amnesty. Under Zhou he rose to senior clerk. He took part in Yuchi Tong's rising and was put to death.

子樞次弟子端，亦有才幹，而文藝為優。曆殿中侍御史，卒于通直散騎侍郎。子端弟子博，武平末，為河陽道行台郎。隋開皇末，卒于泗州刺史。

Zishu's next younger brother Duan was also talented and capable, yet excelled in literary accomplishment. He served successively as palace attendant censor and died while regular attendant cavalier in direct service. Duan's nephew Bo, at the end of the Wuping era, was clerk on the Heyang circuit headquarters staff. At the end of Sui's Kaihuang era he died as administrator of Si province.

子博弟子發，有文才，武平末，秘書郎，修起居注。仕隋為秦王文學，卒于國子博士。

Bo's nephew Fa had literary talent; at the end of Wuping he was secretariat gentleman and revised the imperial diary. In Sui service he was literary aide to the Prince of Qin and died as erudite of the imperial university.

長瑜弟叔瓚，頗有學識，性好直言。其妻即齊昭信皇后姊也，文宣擢為魏尹丞。屬蝗蟲為災，帝以問叔瓚。對曰：「案《漢書五行志》：'土功不時，蝗蟲作厲。 '當今外築長城，內興三台，故致此災。」帝大怒，令左右毆之，又擢其發，以溷汁沃其頭，曳以出，由是廢頓久之。後卒于陽平太守，贈本州刺史。

Changyu's younger brother Shuguan was quite learned and by nature loved blunt speech. His wife was elder sister to the Qi empress of Zhaoxin, and Emperor Wenxuan promoted him to vice director of the Wei metropolitan magistracy. When locusts brought disaster, the emperor questioned Shuguan about it. He replied: "According to the Treatise on the Five Phases in the Book of Han: 'When earthworks are untimely, locusts arise as a scourge. At present the Long Wall is built outside and the Three Platforms are raised within—hence this disaster.' The emperor flew into a rage, ordered attendants to beat him, seized his hair, poured night-soil over his head, and had him dragged out; he was laid low by illness for a long time thereafter. He later died as administrator of Yangping and was posthumously made governor of his home province.

仲弟叔彥，位撫軍。

His second younger brother Shuyan served as pacification general.

叔彥弟季通，位司農少卿。季通子德立，好學，愛屬文，預撰《御覽》，位濟州別駕。

Shuyan's younger brother Jitong was vice minister of revenue. Jitong's son Deli loved learning, delighted in composition, helped compile the Imperial Overview, and served as assistant governor of Ji province.

季通弟季良，風望閒雅，位太學博士，以征討功，賜爵蒲陰縣子，累遷太尉長史。及康東還鄉，季良亦去職歸養。後位中軍將軍、光祿大夫，先康卒於家，贈尚書右僕射，諡曰簡。康弟習，字貴禮，有世用，卒于河東太守，贈并州刺史。

Jitong's younger brother Jiliang had an easy, elegant reputation, served as erudite of the imperial university, and for campaign merit was enfeoffed viscount of Puyin and rose to chief clerk of the grand marshal. When Kang returned east to his home district, Jiliang also left office to go home and care for his parents. He later served as general of the central army and grand master of splendid happiness, died at home before Kang, and was posthumously made vice minister of the right with the posthumous title Jian. Kang's younger brother Xi, styled Guili, was useful to his generation; he died as administrator of Hedong and was posthumously made governor of Bing province.

鑒兄舣，字洛祖，行博陵太守。舣子文業，中書郎、钜鹿太守。文業子伯謙。

Jian's elder brother Yi, styled Luozu, served as acting administrator of Boling. Yi's son Wenye was attendant of the secretariat and administrator of Julu. Wenye's son was Boqian.

伯謙字士遜，貧居養母。齊神武召補相府兼功曹，稱之曰：「崔伯謙清直奉公，真良佐也。」轉七兵、殿中、左戶三曹郎中。弟仲讓為北豫州司馬，與高慎同叛。坐免官。後曆瀛州別駕、京畿司馬。文襄將之晉陽，勞之曰：「卿聘足瀛部，已著康歌。督府務總，是用相授。」臨別，又馬上執手曰：「執子之手，與子偕老，卿宜深體此情。」族弟暹當時寵要，伯謙與之舊寮同門，非吉凶未嘗造請，以雅道自居。

Boqian, styled Shixun, lived in poverty while caring for his mother. Emperor Shenwu of Qi summoned him to the chancellor's office as concurrent merit officer and praised him: "Cui Boqian is pure, upright, and devoted to the public good—a true fine assistant. He was transferred to bureau chief in the seventh arms, palace, and left household offices. His younger brother Zhongrang was army aide of Northern Yu province and rebelled with Gao Shen. On that account he was dismissed from office. He later served successively as assistant governor of Ying province and metropolitan commandery army aide. When Wenxiang was about to go to Jinyang, he encouraged Boqian: "Your service has been enough for the Ying region—you have already won songs of peace. The headquarters' affairs are now entrusted to you in full—therefore I confer this charge. At parting he again took his hand from horseback: "'I hold your hand and grow old with you'—you should take that feeling to heart." His clansman Xian was then in favor and power; Boqian had been an old colleague and schoolmate, yet except for fortune or misfortune he never called on him, holding himself to refined standards.

天保初，除濟北太守，恩信大行，富者禁其奢侈，貧者勸課周給。縣公田多沃壤，伯謙咸易之以給人。又改鞭，用熟皮為之，不忍見血，示恥而已。朝貴行過郡境，問人太守政何似？對曰：「府君恩化，古者所無。」誦人為歌曰：「崔府君，能臨政。退田易鞭布威德，人無爭。」客曰：「既稱恩化，何因復威？」對曰：「長吏憚其威嚴，人庶蒙其恩惠，故兼言之。」以相府舊寮，例有加授，征赴鄴。百姓號泣遮道，數日不得前。

At the beginning of Tianbao he was made administrator of Jibei; favor and trust spread widely—the rich he restrained from luxury, the poor he urged on with instruction and relief. The commandery's public fields were mostly fertile; Boqian exchanged them all to give to the people. He also changed the whip to softened leather, unwilling to draw blood—shame alone was the aim. When court nobles passed through the commandery they asked what the administrator's government was like. They replied: "The prefect's favor and transformation are without precedent in antiquity. People sang of him: "Prefect Cui can govern well. Returning fields, changing the whip, spreading authority and virtue—among the people there is no strife." The visitor said: "If you call it favor and transformation, why also authority?" They replied: "Chief officials fear his stern authority while the common people receive his kindness—therefore both are mentioned." As an old colleague of the chancellor's office, by precedent he received an added appointment and was summoned to Ye. The common people wept and blocked the road; for days he could not advance.

以弟仲讓在關中，不復居內任，除南钜鹿太守。下車導以禮讓，豪族皆改心整肅。事無巨細，必自親覽。在縣有貧弱未理者，皆曰「我自告白須公，不慮不決」。在郡七年，獄無停囚。每有大使巡察，恆處上第。徵拜銀青光祿大夫。

Because his younger brother Zhongrang was in Guanzhong, he no longer held an inner appointment and was made administrator of southern Julu. On taking office he guided them with ritual and deference, and the powerful clans all reformed and became orderly. In affairs great and small he always examined them personally. Where poor and weak persons in the county had unsettled cases, all said, "I will report it myself to the prefect—I do not worry it will go undecided." In seven years in the commandery there were no prisoners held in jail. Whenever great envoys came on inspection, he was always ranked in the top grade. He was summoned and appointed grand master with silver seal and blue ribbon.

伯謙少時讀經、史，晚年好《老》、《莊》，容止儼然無慍色，親賓至，則置酒相娛。清言不及俗事，士大夫以為儀錶。卒，贈南充州刺史，諡曰懿。伯謙弟仲讓，仕西魏，位至鴻臚少卿。

In youth Boqian read the classics and histories; in later years he delighted in the Laozi and Zhuangzi; his bearing was always grave without anger, and when kin and guests came he set out wine for their pleasure. In pure talk he did not touch vulgar affairs, and scholar-officials took him as a model. At his death he was posthumously made governor of Nanchong with the posthumous title Yi. Boqian's younger brother Zhongrang served Western Wei and rose to vice minister of the court for diplomatic relations.

崔辯，字神通，鑒之從祖弟也。祖琨，字景龍，行本郡太守。父經，贈兗州刺史。辯學涉經史，風儀整峻，獻文徵拜中書博士、武邑太守。政事之餘，專以勸學。卒，贈安南將軍、定州刺史，諡曰恭。

Cui Bian, styled Shentong, was Jian's younger cousin. His grandfather Kun, styled Jinglong, had acted as administrator of his home commandery. His father Jing was posthumously made governor of Yan province. Bian was broadly learned in classics and histories, with stern, lofty bearing; Emperor Xianwen summoned him as erudite of the secretariat and administrator of Wuyi. Beyond administrative duties he devoted himself solely to encouraging learning. At his death he was posthumously made general who pacifies the south and governor of Ding province, with the posthumous title Gong.

長子景俊，鯁正有高風，好古博涉，以經明行修，徵拜中書博士。曆侍御史、主文中散。孝文賜名為逸。後為員外散騎侍郎，與著作郎韓興宗參定朝儀。雅為孝文所知重，遷國子博士。每有公事，逸常被詔獨進，博士特命自逸始。轉通直散騎常侍、廷尉少卿，卒。

His eldest son Jingjun was upright with lofty integrity, loved antiquity and was broadly learned, and for clarity in the classics and cultivated conduct was summoned as erudite of the secretariat. He served successively as attending censor and principal clerk for drafting in the secretariat. Emperor Xiaowen bestowed on him the name Yi. He later served as extra attendant cavalier and, with drafting gentleman Han Xingzong, helped fix the court ceremonies. Emperor Xiaowen always knew and valued him, and promoted him to erudite of the imperial university. Whenever there was public business, Yi was often summoned to enter alone—the special summons of erudites began with him. He was transferred to regular attendant cavalier in direct service and vice minister of justice, then died.

子巨倫，字孝宗，幼孤。及長，曆涉經史，有文學武藝。叔楷為殷州，巨倫仍為長史、北道別將。在州陷賊，斂恤存亡，為賊所義。葛榮聞其才名，欲用為黃門郎，巨倫心惡之。至五月五日，會集官寮，令巨倫贈詩。巨倫乃曰：「五月五日時，天氣已大熱，狗便呀欲死，牛復喘吐舌。」以此自晦，獲免。結死士，夜中南走，逢賊，俱恐不濟。巨倫曰：「甯南死一寸，豈北生一尺！」便欺賊曰：「吾受敕而行。」賊爇火觀敕，火未然。巨倫手刃賊十餘人，賊乃四潰，得馬數匹。夜陰失道，唯看佛塔戶而行。到洛陽，持節別將北討。初，楷喪之始，巨倫收殯倉卒，事不周固；至是遂偷路改殯，並竊家口以歸。尋授國子博士。

His son Julun, styled Xiaozong, lost his father while still young. When grown, he ranged through classics and histories and possessed both literary and martial accomplishment. His uncle Kai governed Yin province; Julun served as his chief clerk and separate general on the northern route. When the province fell to bandits, he gathered and relieved survivors and the dead alike, and the bandits honored him for it. Ge Rong heard of his talent and wished to make him attendant of the yellow gate; Julun detested the idea. On the fifth day of the fifth month he gathered his officials and ordered Julun to present a poem. Julun said: "On the fifth day of the fifth month the weather is already fiercely hot; dogs pant as though dying, and oxen gasp with their tongues out. By this he concealed his talent and escaped harm. He gathered men sworn to die, fled south by night, met bandits, and all feared they would not survive. Julun said: "Better die an inch to the south than live a foot to the north! He then deceived the bandits: "I am acting on imperial orders." The bandits lit a fire to view the edict, but the fire had not yet caught. Julun personally killed more than ten bandits; they broke and fled in all directions, and he obtained several horses. In the dark of night they lost the road and could only go by watching pagoda doors. Reaching Luoyang, he held credentials as separate general on the northern campaign. Earlier, when Kai first died, Julun had buried him in haste and the arrangements were not thorough; now he secretly changed the burial by another route and also stole away the household to return home. Soon he was appointed erudite of the imperial university.

莊帝即位，除東濮陽太守。時河北紛梗，人避賊，多入郡界。歲儉饑乏，巨倫傾資贍恤，務相全濟。時類高之。元顥入洛，據郡不從，莊帝還宮，封漁陽縣男。後除光祿大夫。卒，子子武襲。

When Emperor Zhuang took the throne, Julun was made administrator of eastern Puyang. At that time Hebei was in turmoil and people fleeing bandits often entered the commandery. In a year of famine he spent his whole fortune on relief, striving to save everyone. People at the time greatly admired this. When Yuan Hao entered Luoyang and held the commandery without submitting, Emperor Zhuang returned to the palace and enfeoffed Julun as baron of Yuyang. Later he was made grand master of splendid happiness. When he died his son Ziwu inherited.

初，巨倫有姊，明慧有才行。因患眇一目，內外親族，莫有求者。其家議欲下嫁之。巨倫姑，趙國李叔胤之妻，聞而悲感曰：「吾兄盛德，不幸早世，豈令此女，屈事卑族！」乃為子翼納之。時人歎其義識。

Earlier Julun had an elder sister, bright and talented in ability and conduct. Because of illness she lost sight in one eye, and neither kin within nor without sought her in marriage. Her family discussed marrying her beneath her station. Julun's aunt, wife of Li Shuyin of Zhao, heard and said in grief: "My brother's great virtue met untimely death—how can we let this girl bow to a mean clan! She thereupon had her son Yi take her in marriage. People of the time praised her righteous understanding.

逸弟模，字叔軌。身長八尺，圍亦如之。出後其叔，雅有志度。蕭寶夤討關、隴，引為西征別將，屢有戰功，封槐里縣伯。後行岐州事，擊賊，歿於陣。永熙中，贈驃騎大將軍、儀同三司、都督、相州刺史。模弟楷。

Yi's younger brother Mo, styled Shugui. He stood eight chi tall and was as broad around as he was tall. He was adopted out to his uncle and by nature had resolve and measure. When Xiao Baoyin campaigned against Guan and Long he took Mo as separate general on the western expedition; Mo repeatedly won merit and was enfeoffed baron of Huaili. Later he acted as administrator of Qi province, struck bandits, and died in battle. In the Yongxi era he was posthumously made general of agile cavalry, equal in honor to the three dukes, commander, and governor of Xiang province. Mo's younger brother was Kai.

楷字季則，為廣平王懷文學。正始中，以王國官非其人，多被戮，唯楷與楊昱以數諫諍獲免。後為太子中舍人、左中郎將。以党附高肇，為中尉所劾。事在《高聰傳》。楷性嚴烈，能摧挫豪強，時人語曰：「莫鋋鬱買反彳解孤楷反，付崔楷。」時冀、定數州頻遭水害，楷上疏導之便宜，事遂施行。

Kai, styled Jize, was literary aide to Prince Huai of Guangping. In the Zhengshi era, because princely household officials were unfit, many were executed; only Kai and Yang Yu were spared through repeated remonstrance. Later he served as household aide to the heir apparent and left central general. For faction with Gao Zhao he was impeached by the chief commandant. The affair is told in the biography of Gao Cong. Kai's nature was stern and fierce; he could break the powerful, and people said: "Do not file down Yu and buy Duke Jie's rebellion—hand it to Cui Kai. At that time Ji, Ding, and other provinces had suffered repeated floods; Kai memorialized on expedient measures and they were carried out.

孝昌初，置殷州，以楷為刺史，加後將軍。楷將之州，人咸勸單身述職。楷曰：「單身赴任，朝廷謂吾有進退之計，將士又誰肯固志？」遂闔家赴州。賊勢已逼，或勸減小弱以避之，乃遣第四女、第三男夜出。既而曰：「一朝送免兒女，將謂吾心不固。」遂命追還。及賊來攻，楷率力拒抗，莫不爭奪，咸稱崔公尚不惜百口，吾等何愛一身？力竭城陷，楷執節不屈，賊遂害之。楷兄弟父子並死王事，朝野傷歎焉。贈侍中、鎮軍將軍、定州刺史。永熙中，又特贈驃騎大將軍、儀同三司、都督、冀州刺史。

At the beginning of Xiaochang Yin province was established and Kai was made governor with the additional title rear general. When Kai was about to go to the province, people urged him to take office alone. Kai said: "If I go alone, the court will think I plan to advance or retreat, and which soldier will hold firm? He thereupon took his whole household to the province. Bandits already pressed close; some urged sending away the weak, and he sent his fourth daughter and third son out by night. Then he said: "To send away my children in one morning—people will say my heart is not firm. He thereupon ordered them brought back. When bandits attacked, Kai led resistance; all strove, saying, "Lord Cui does not spare a hundred mouths—how can we love one body?" Strength exhausted, the city fell; Kai held his credentials and would not bow, and the bandits killed him. Kai's brothers, sons, and father all died in the king's service; court and countryside mourned. He was posthumously made attendant, general who pacifies the army, and governor of Ding province. In the Yongxi era he was specially posthumously made general of agile cavalry, equal in honor to the three dukes, commander, and governor of Ji province.

長子士元，沈雅有學尚。州陷，戰沒，贈平州刺史。

His eldest son Shiyuan was deep, refined, and devoted to learning. When the province fell he died in battle and was posthumously made governor of Ping province.

子育王，少以器幹稱，仕齊至起部郎。子文豹，字蔚，少有文才，本州大中正。士元弟士謙。

His son Yuwang, known young for capacity, in Qi reached bureau chief in the Ministry of Personnel. His son Wenbao, styled Wei, had literary talent young and was chief rectifier of his home province. Shiyuan's younger brother was Shiqian.

士謙，孝昌初解褐著作佐郎。後賀拔勝出鎮荊州，以士謙為行台左丞。孝武西遷，士謙勸勝倍道兼行，謁帝關右，勝不能用。州人劉誕引侯景軍奄至，勝與戰，敗績，遂奔梁。士謙與俱行。及至梁，每乞師赴援。梁武雖不為出軍，而嘉勝等志節，並許其還國。乃令士謙先，且通鄰好。周文素聞其名，甚禮之，賜爵千乘縣男。及勝至，拜太師長史，以功進爵為子，拜尚書右丞。從周文解洛陽圍，經河橋戰，加定州大中正、瀛州刺史。又破柳仲禮於隨郡，討李遷哲于魏興，並有功，進驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、直州刺史。賜姓宇文氏。恭帝初，轉利州刺史。

Shiqian, at the beginning of Xiaochang, left the cloth and became assistant drafting in the secretariat. Later Heba Sheng went out to garrison Jing province and made Shiqian left aide on the headquarters staff. When Emperor Xiaowu moved west, Shiqian urged Sheng to march day and night and call on the emperor in Guanzhong; Sheng would not heed him. Liu Yan of the province led Hou Jing's army in a sudden attack; Sheng fought, was defeated, and fled to Liang. Shiqian went with him. When they reached Liang he repeatedly begged for troops to rescue. Although Emperor Wu of Liang did not send troops, he admired their integrity and permitted all to return home. He then had Shiqian go first to open friendly relations with neighbors. Emperor Wen of Zhou had long heard his name and treated him with great courtesy, granting him baron of Qiancheng. When Sheng arrived, Shiqian was made chief clerk to the grand preceptor; for merit his rank rose to viscount and he was made vice director of the right. Following Emperor Wen in raising the siege of Luoyang, he fought at Heqiao and was made chief rectifier of Ding and governor of Ying. He also defeated Liu Zhongli at Sui and campaigned against Li Qianzhe at Weixing with merit, and was promoted to general of agile cavalry, grand marshal with the same honors as the three dukes, and governor of Zhi. He was granted the surname Yuwen. At the beginning of the Gongdi reign he was transferred to governor of Li province.

士謙性明悟，深曉政術，吏人畏而愛之。周保定二年，遷總管、安州刺史，加大將軍，進爵武康郡公。天和中，授江陵總管、荊州刺史。州既統攝遐長，俗兼夷夏，又南接陳境，東鄰齊寇。士謙外禦強敵，內撫軍人，風化大行，號稱良牧。每年考績，常為天下之最，屢有詔褒美焉。士謙隨賀拔勝之在荊州也，雖被親遇，而名位未顯；及踐其位，朝野以為榮。卒於州，闔境痛惜之，立祠堂，四時祭饗。子曠嗣。

Shiqian was clear and perceptive, deeply understood government, and clerks and people both feared and loved him. In Zhou's second year of Baoding he was made commander and governor of An with the added title great general and advanced to duke of Wukang commandery. In the Tianhe era he was made commander of Jiangling and governor of Jing. The province commanded a long frontier, mixed barbarian and Chinese customs, bordered Chen to the south and Qi raiders to the east. Shiqian outwardly resisted strong enemies and inwardly comforted troops; transformation spread widely and he was called a fine administrator. Every year in performance review he ranked first in the realm, and edicts repeatedly praised him. When Shiqian followed Heba Sheng in Jing, though treated intimately his name and rank were not yet prominent; when he stepped into Sheng's position, court and countryside took it as glory. He died in the province; the whole territory mourned and erected a shrine with sacrifices in the four seasons. His son Kuang succeeded.

士謙性至孝，與弟說特相友愛，雖復年位並高，資產皆無私焉。居家嚴肅，曠及說子弘度並奉其遺訓云。

Shiqian was utmost filial and especially close to his younger brother Shuo; though years and rank both rose high, they kept no private property between them. At home he was stern; Kuang and Shuo's son Hongdu all followed his legacy teachings.

曠少溫雅。大象末，位開府儀同大將軍、浙州刺史。曠弟彭。

Kuang in youth was gentle and refined. At the end of the Daxiang era he held grand marshal with the same honors as the three dukes and governed Zhe province. Kuang's younger brother was Peng.

彭字子彭，少孤，事母以孝聞。性剛毅，有武略，工騎射，善《周官》、《尚書》，並略通大義。仕周，累遷門正上士。隋文帝為相，周陳王純鎮齊州。帝恐其為變，遣彭以兩騎征純入朝。彭未至齊州三十里，因詐病止傳舍，遣人召純。純疑有變，多將從騎至彭所。彭請間，因顧騎士執而鎖之。乃大言曰：「陳王有罪，詔征入朝，左右不得輒動。」左右愕然而去。至，拜上儀同。及踐祚，遷監門郎將，兼領右衛長史，賜爵安陽縣男。再遷驃騎將軍，恆典宿衛。性謹密，在省闥二十餘年，當上，在仗危坐終日，未嘗有墮容。上每謂曰：「卿當上日，我寢處自安。」又嘗曰：「卿弓馬固以絕人，頗知學不？」彭曰：「臣少愛《周禮》、《尚書》，休沐之暇，不敢廢也。」上曰：「試為我言之。」彭因說君臣戒慎之義，上稱善。觀者以為知言。後加上開府，遷備身將軍。

Peng, styled Zipeng, was orphaned young and was known for filial service to his mother. By nature he was firm and resolute, had military plans, was skilled in mounted archery, and was versed in the Rites of Zhou and the Documents with some grasp of their larger meaning. Serving Zhou, he rose repeatedly to senior clerk in the gate office. When Emperor Wen of Sui was chancellor, Prince Chun of Zhou Chen garrisoned Qi province. The emperor feared rebellion and sent Peng with two horsemen to summon Chun to court. Before Peng had come within thirty li of Qi province, he feigned illness and stopped at a post station, then sent someone to summon Chun. Chun suspected trouble and came to Peng's lodging with many attendant horsemen. Peng asked for a private audience, then signaled his knights to seize Chun and put him in shackles. Then he declared loudly, "The Prince of Chen has committed a crime. An edict summons him to court. Those at his side must not stir. Chun's attendants stood stunned and withdrew. When he returned, he was appointed senior inspector with the same honors. When the emperor took the throne, Peng was made gate guard commandant and chief clerk of the right guard, and was granted the title viscount of Anyang county. He was promoted again to flying cavalry general and always held charge of the palace guard. By nature he was cautious and meticulous. For more than twenty years within the palace gates, whenever on duty at court he sat upright at his post all day and never once showed a slack expression. The emperor often told him, "On days when you are on duty, I sleep at ease. He also once asked, "Your bow and horsemanship are already unmatched. Do you know something of learning?" Peng replied, "Your servant has loved the Rites of Zhou and the Documents since youth, and in leisure from official leave I have not dared neglect them." The emperor said, "Then try expounding them for me." Peng then discoursed on the duty of ruler and minister to be vigilant and careful, and the emperor praised his words. Those present considered his words insightful. Later he was given senior opening office and promoted to personal guard general.

上嘗宴達頭可汗使者于武德殿，有鴿鳴于梁上。命彭射之，中，上大悅，賜錢一萬。及使者反，可汗復遣使請崔將軍一與相見。上曰：「此必善射聞於虜庭。」遂遣之。及至，可汗召善射者數十人，因擲肉於野，以集飛鳶，遣其善射者射之，多不中。彭連發數矢，皆應弦而落。突厥莫不嘆服。仁壽末，進爵安陽縣公。煬帝即位，遷左領軍大將軍。時漢王諒初平，令彭鎮遏山東，復領慈州事。卒，贈大將軍，諡曰肅。子寶德嗣。

The emperor once feasted the emissary of Khan Tatou in Wude Hall when a pigeon cried on a beam overhead. He ordered Peng to shoot it. Peng hit the bird, and the emperor was greatly pleased and bestowed ten thousand cash. When the emissary returned, the khan again sent an envoy asking to meet General Cui once. The emperor said, "This must be because his skill in archery is known in the barbarian court. So he sent Peng. When Peng arrived, the khan summoned several dozen skilled archers, threw meat in the open to gather kites, and had his archers shoot at them, but most missed. Peng loosed several arrows in succession, and each bird fell as the bowstring sounded. All the Turks sighed in admiration. At the end of the Renshou era, he was advanced to duke of Anyang county. When Emperor Yang took the throne, Peng was made grand general of the left vanguard. At that time Prince Liang of Han had just been pacified. Peng was ordered to secure Shandong and again took charge of Cizhou. When he died, he was posthumously made great general with the posthumous name Su. His son Baode succeeded him.

士謙弟說。說本名士約。少有氣概，膂力過人，尤工騎射。賀拔勝牧荊州，以為假節、冠軍將軍、防城都督。又隨奔梁。復自梁歸西魏。授武衛將軍、都督，封安昌縣子。從周文復弘農，戰沙苑，皆有功，進爵為侯，除京兆郡守。累遷都官尚書、定州大中正，改封安固縣侯；賜姓宇文，並賜名說焉。進驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，加侍中，進爵萬年縣公。再遷總管、涼州刺史。說蒞政強毅，百姓畏之。後除使持節、能和中三州、崇德等十三防諸軍事，加授大將軍，改封安平縣公。建德四年，卒，贈廓、延等五州刺史，諡曰壯。子弘度。

Shiqian's younger brother was Shuo. Shuo's original name was Shiyue. In youth he had spirit and boldness, his physical strength surpassed others, and he was especially skilled at mounted archery. When Heba Sheng governed Jing province, Shuo was made acting commander, champion general, and frontier defense commander. He again followed in flight to Liang. He returned from Liang to Western Wei. He was appointed martial guard general and commander and enfeoffed as viscount of Anchang county. Following Duke Wen of Zhou he recovered Hongnong and fought at Shawei, earning merit in both. He was advanced to marquis and made administrator of Jingzhao commandery. He rose repeatedly to minister of justice and senior rectifier of Ding province, and his enfeoffment was changed to marquis of Angu county; he was granted the surname Yuwen and the name Shuo. He was advanced to flying cavalry grand general and grand master with opening office and the same honors as the three dukes, made attendant-in-ordinary, and advanced to duke of Wannian county. He was promoted again to commander and governor of Liang province. When Shuo took charge of government he was forceful and resolute, and the common people feared him. Later he was made bearer of the staff of authority and military commander of Neng, Zhong, and He provinces and the thirteen frontier defenses including Chongde. He was further given the title great general and his enfeoffment was changed to duke of Anping county. In the fourth year of Jiande he died. Posthumously he was given the five governorships of Kuo, Yan, and the rest, with the posthumous name Zhuang. His son was Hongdu.

弘度字摩訶衍。膂力絕人，儀貌魁岸，須面甚偉，性嚴酷。年十七，周大塚宰宇文護引為親信，累轉大都督。時護子中山公訓為蒲州刺史，令弘度從焉。嘗與訓登樓，至上層，去地四五丈，俯臨之。訓曰：「可畏也！」弘度曰：「此何足畏？」欻擲下，至地無所損，訓大奇之。後以戰功授儀同。從平齊，進上開府、鄴縣公。尋從汝南公宇文神舉破盧昌期於范陽，鄖公韋孝寬經略淮南。以前後勳進位上大將軍。襲父爵安平縣公。

Hongdu, styled Moheyan. His physical strength was unmatched. He was towering in bearing, imposing in beard and face, and severe by nature. At seventeen, Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu of Zhou took him as a confidant, and he rose repeatedly until great commander. At the time Hu's son, Duke Zhongshan Xun, was governor of Pu province, and Xun had Hongdu follow him. Once he and Xun ascended a tower to the upper story, four or five zhang above the ground, and looked down. Xun said, "How frightening! Hongdu said, "What is there to fear in this?" Suddenly he threw himself down. He reached the ground unhurt, and Xun was greatly astonished. Later for battlefield merit he was given inspector with the same honors. Following the pacification of Qi, he was advanced to senior opening office and duke of Ye county. Soon he followed Duke Yuwen of Runan Shenju in defeating Lu Changqi at Fanyang, while Duke Yun Wei Xiaokuan planned strategy in Huainan. For his earlier and later merit he was advanced to senior great general. He inherited his father's title, duke of Anping county.

及尉遲迥反，弘度以行軍總管從韋孝寬討之，所當無不披靡。弘度妹先適迥子為妻。及破鄴城，迥窘迫升樓，弘度直上龍尾追之。迥將射弘度，弘度脫兜鍪謂曰：「今日各圖國事，不得顧私。事既如此，早為身計，何所待也？」迥擲弓於地，罵大丞相極口，自殺。弘度顧弟弘升，使取迥頭。進位上柱國。時行軍總管例封國公，以弘度不時殺迥，縱致惡言，由是降爵一等為武鄉郡公。

When Yuchi Jiong rebelled, Hongdu served as campaign commander under Wei Xiaokuan to suppress him, and wherever he confronted the enemy none failed to be swept aside. Hongdu's younger sister had earlier been given in marriage to Jiong's son. When Ye city fell, Jiong in distress ascended a tower, and Hongdu went straight up the Dragon Tail ramp in pursuit. Jiong was about to shoot Hongdu. Hongdu removed his helmet and said, "Today each of us seeks the state's interest. We cannot consider private ties. Matters having come to this, make early plans for yourself. What are you waiting for? Jiong threw his bow to the ground, cursed the grand chancellor to the utmost, and killed himself. Hongdu looked to his younger brother Hongsheng and had him take Jiong's head. He was advanced to senior pillar of state. At the time campaign commanders were customarily enfeoffed as state dukes, but because Hongdu did not kill Jiong promptly and thus allowed slander to spread, his rank was lowered one grade to duke of Wuxiang commandery.

開皇初，以行軍總管拒突厥于原州。還，拜華州刺史。納妹為秦孝王妃。尋遷襄州總管。

At the beginning of Kaihuang he served as campaign commander resisting the Turks at Yuan province. On his return he was appointed governor of Hua province. He gave his younger sister in marriage as consort to Prince Xiao of Qin. Soon he was transferred to commander of Xiang province.

弘度素貴，禦下嚴急，所在令行禁止，盜賊屏跡。梁主蕭琮來朝被止，以弘度為江陵總管，鎮荊州。陳人憚之，不敢窺境。以行軍總管從秦孝王平陳，賜物五千段。高智慧等作亂，復以行軍總管隸楊素。弘度與素品同，而年長於素，素每屈下之，一旦隸素，意甚不平。素亦優容之。及還，以行軍總管檢校原州事，以備胡。無虜而還。上甚禮之，復以其弟弘升女為河南王妃。仁壽中，檢校太府卿。

Hongdu had long been honored. He was severe and urgent toward subordinates, and wherever he served orders were executed and prohibitions heeded until bandits vanished. When the Liang ruler Xiao Cong came to court and was detained, Hongdu was made commander of Jiangling and garrisoned Jing province. The Chen people feared him and did not dare peer across the border. As campaign commander he followed Prince Xiao of Qin in pacifying Chen and was granted five thousand bolts of goods. When Gao Zhihui and others rose in rebellion, he again served as campaign commander under Yang Su. Hongdu and Su were of equal rank, but Hongdu was older than Su and Su always yielded to him. Once subordinate to Su, Hongdu was deeply resentful. Su also treated him with forbearance. When he returned he was made campaign commander to inspect and oversee Yuan province, to guard against the barbarians. Finding no enemy, he returned. The emperor treated him with great courtesy and again took Hongsheng's daughter as consort to the Prince of Henan. In the Renshou era he served as acting minister of the palace granary.

自以一門二妃，無所降下。每誡其寮吏曰：「人當誠恕，無得欺誑。」皆曰：「諾。」後嘗食鱉，侍者八九人。弘度問之曰：「鱉美乎？」人懼之，皆曰：「美。」弘度大罵曰：「傭奴！」何敢誑我？汝初未食鱉，安知其美？」俱杖之八十。官屬百工見之，莫不汗流，無敢欺隱。時有屈突蓋為武候車騎，亦嚴刻。長安為之語曰：「寧飲三斗醋，不見崔弘度；甯炙三斗艾，不逢屈突蓋。」然弘度居家，子弟班白，動行捶楚，閨門整肅，為當世所稱。未幾秦王妃以罪誅，河南王妃復被廢，弘度憂恚，謝病於家。諸弟乃與之別居，彌不得志。煬帝即位，河南王為太子。帝將復立崔妃，遣中使就第宣旨。使者詣弘升家，弘度不之知。使者反，帝曰：「弘度有何言？」使者曰：「弘度稱疾不起。」帝默然，其事竟寢。弘度憂憤，未幾卒。

He considered that with two princesses in one family he owed deference to no one. He often admonished his staff officers, "A man should be sincere and forgiving and must not deceive. They all answered, "Yes." Later, once while eating turtle he had eight or nine attendants. Hongdu asked them, "Is the turtle delicious? Fearing him, they all said, "Delicious." Hongdu cursed loudly, "Servile wretches!" How dare you deceive me?" You have not yet eaten turtle. How do you know it is delicious?" He had them all beaten eighty strokes. When officials and craftsmen saw this, none failed to break into a sweat, and no one dared conceal anything. At the time Qutu Gai served as Wuhou chariot and cavalry officer and was also severe. Chang'an had a saying: "Better drink three dou of vinegar than see Cui Hongdu; better endure roasting three dou of mugwort than meet Qutu Gai. Yet at home Hongdu's sons and younger relatives, white-haired among them, were often beaten. His household was sternly ordered and was praised by his contemporaries. Before long the Princess of Qin was executed for a crime and the Princess of Henan was again deposed. Grieving and resentful, Hongdu pleaded illness and stayed home. His younger brothers then separated from him to live apart, and he became even more frustrated. When Emperor Yang took the throne, the Prince of Henan became crown prince. The emperor planned to restore Lady Cui to her status as consort and dispatched a palace emissary to his home to deliver the imperial decree. The emissary went to the residence of Hongsheng, but Hong Du was unaware. When the emissary returned, the emperor asked, "What did Hong Du say? The emissary replied, "Hong Du pleaded illness and refused to rise." The emperor said nothing further, and the matter was dropped altogether. Hong Du, consumed by grief and indignation, died not long after.

崔挺，字雙根，辯之從父弟也。父郁，位濮陽太守。挺幼孤，居喪盡禮，少敦學。五代同居，後頻年饑，家始分析。挺與弟振推讓田宅舊資，惟守墓田而已。家徒壁立，兄弟怡然，手不釋卷。鄉人有贍遺，挺辭而後受，仍亦散之。舉秀才，射策高第。拜中書博士，轉侍郎。以工書，受敕于長安書文明太后父燕宣王碑，賜爵秦昌子。轉登聞令，遷典屬國下大夫。以參議律令，賜帛、谷、馬、牛等。尚書李沖甚重之。孝文以挺女為嬪。宋王劉昶南鎮彭城，詔挺為長史，以疾辭免，乃以王肅為長史，其被遇如此。後拜昭武將軍、光州刺史，風化大行。

Cui Ting, courtesy name Shuanggen, was a younger cousin of Cui Bian. His father Cui Yu served as Administrator of Puyang. Ting was orphaned at an early age. He observed mourning rites with full propriety and devoted himself to study from youth. The family had lived together across five generations, but after repeated years of famine they finally divided the household. Ting and his younger brother Zhen deferred to each other in dividing fields, houses, and family property, each keeping only the land around the ancestral graves. They lived in utter poverty, with nothing but bare walls—yet the brothers were cheerful and never put down their books. When neighbors offered gifts of support, Ting would decline at first but eventually accept them—only to distribute what he received among others. He was recommended as a xiucai and placed at the top of the cice examination. He was appointed Doctor of the Secretariat and later promoted to Gentleman Attendant. For his skill in calligraphy, he was ordered to inscribe at Chang'an the stele for Yan, King of Xuannan, father of Empress Dowager Wenming, and was enfeoffed as Viscount of Qinchang. He was transferred to Director of the Appeals Office and promoted to Grand Master of the Protocol for Dependent States. For his participation in drafting statutes and ordinances, he was rewarded with silk, grain, horses, cattle, and other goods. Li Chong, Minister of Works, held him in high regard. Emperor Xiaowen took Ting's daughter into the palace as a consort. When Liu Chang, Prince of Song, was assigned to the southern garrison at Pengcheng, Ting was ordered to serve as chief administrator, but declined citing illness; Wang Su was appointed in his stead—evidence of how highly he was regarded. He was later appointed General Who Displays Martiality and Governor of Guangzhou, where he achieved broad success in transforming local customs through education.

及車駕幸兗州，召挺赴行在所，問以臨邊之略，因及文章。帝甚悅，謂曰：「別卿以來，倏焉二載。吾所綴文，以成一集，今當給卿副本。」顧謂侍臣曰：「擁旄者皆如此，何憂哉！」復還州。及散騎常侍張彝巡行風俗，謂曰：「彝受使巡方，采察謠訟，入境觀政，實愧清使之名。」州舊掖城西北數里有斧山，峰嶺高峻。北臨滄海，南望岱嶽。挺于頂上欲營觀宇，故老曰：「此嶺上，秋夏之際，常有暴雨。相傳云是龍道，恐此觀不可久立。」挺曰：「人龍相去，何遠之有？虯龍倏忽，豈一路乎？」遂營之。數年間，果無風雨之異。挺既代，即為風雨所毀，遂莫能立。眾以為善化所感。時以犯罪配邊者多有逃越，遂立重制，一人犯罪逋亡，闔門充役。挺上書，以為《周書》父子罪不相及，以一人犯罪，延及闔門，豈不哀哉！辭甚雅切，帝納之。

When the emperor visited Yanzhou, Ting was summoned to the temporary palace, questioned about frontier strategy, and then about literary matters. The emperor was delighted and said, "Since we last met, two years have flown by. I have assembled my writings into a collection, and I shall now give you a copy. Turning to his attendants, he added, "When every frontier commander is like this, what have we to fear?" Ting then returned to Guangzhou. When Palace Attendant Zhang Yi came to inspect local customs, he told Ting, "I was sent to tour the realm, examine popular grievances, and observe governance upon entering each province—and I am embarrassed to call myself an inspector of good government. A few li northwest of the old city of Ye in the province stood Mount Fu, its peaks towering and sheer. It faced the Cang Sea to the north and Mount Tai to the south. Ting planned to erect a pavilion on the summit, but local elders warned, "On this ridge, violent storms often strike between autumn and summer. Legend holds this is the dragon's path—I fear your hall cannot endure long here. Ting replied, "How far apart can men and dragons truly be? Dragons rise and vanish in an instant—must they keep to one road alone?" He built it anyway. For several years, no untoward storms materialized. After Ting departed, storms destroyed the pavilion, and it could never be rebuilt. The people took this as a sign of the power of his virtuous governance. At the time, many criminals sentenced to frontier exile fled, so a harsh rule was imposed: when one person committed a crime and fled, the entire household was conscripted for corvée labor. Ting submitted a memorial arguing that the Book of Zhou holds that fathers and sons are not punished for each other's crimes; to punish an entire household for one person's offense—how lamentable! His language was eloquent and moving, and the emperor accepted his proposal.

先是，州內少鐵，器用皆求之他境。挺表復鐵官，公私有賴。孝文將辨天下氏族，仍亦訪定，乃遙授挺本州大中正。掖縣有人年逾九十，板輿造州。自稱少曾充使林邑，得一美玉，方尺四寸，甚有光采，藏之海島，垂六十歲，忻逢明政，今願奉之。挺曰：「吾雖德謝古人，未能以玉為寶。」遣船隨取，光潤果然，迄不肯受，乃表送都。景明初，見代，老幼泣涕追隨，縑帛送贈，悉不納。

Previously, the province lacked iron, and all tools and utensils had to be imported from elsewhere. Ting memorialized the throne to restore iron production offices, to the benefit of both public and private interests. When Emperor Xiaowen set out to classify the clans of the realm and determine their standing, he appointed Ting from afar as Grand Assessor of his home province. A man of Ye county, more than ninety years old, came to the provincial capital in a carry-chair. He said that in his youth he had served as an envoy to Linyi and obtained a fine jade tablet, a foot square and four inches thick, of remarkable luster; he had kept it hidden on a sea island for nearly sixty years and, delighted to live under enlightened rule, now wished to present it as a gift. Ting said, "Though my virtue falls short of the ancients, I cannot regard jade as a treasure. He sent a boat to retrieve it; the jade proved as lustrous as described, yet he still refused to accept it and instead memorialized the court to have it sent to the capital. Early in the Jingming era, when he was recalled from office, old and young alike wept and followed him, offering silk and cloth as parting gifts—all of which he declined.

散騎常侍趙修得幸宣武，挺雖同州壤，未嘗詣門。北海王詳為司徒、錄尚書事，以挺為司馬，固辭不免。世人皆歎其屈，而挺處之夷然。詳攝選，眾人競稱考第，以求遷敘，挺終無言。詳曰：「崔光州考級並未加授，宜投一牒，當為申請。蘧伯玉恥獨為君子，亦何故默然？」挺曰：「階級是聖朝大例，考課亦國之恆典，至於自炫求進，竊以羞之。」詳大相稱歎。其為司馬，詳未曾呼名，常稱州號，以示優禮。卒，贈輔國將軍、幽州刺史，諡曰景。光州故吏聞凶問，莫不悲感，共鑄八尺銅象，於城東廣固寺赴八關齋，追奉冥福。

Palace Attendant Zhao Xiu won the favor of Emperor Xuanwu; though Ting was from the same province, he never once called at Zhao's residence. When Prince of Beihai Xiang served as Minister of Education and Director of the Department of State Affairs, he appointed Ting as Administrator; Ting repeatedly declined but could not refuse. The world lamented this as a demotion, yet Ting accepted it with perfect composure. When Xiang oversaw official selection, everyone else clamored to claim their merit ratings in hopes of promotion; Ting remained silent throughout. Xiang said, "Governor Cui, your merit rating has not yet been formally conferred; you should submit a petition, and I will apply on your behalf. Qu Boyu was ashamed to be the only gentleman—why do you remain silent? Ting replied, "Rank and merit review are established institutions of our dynasty; as for boasting and seeking advancement, I find that shameful." Xiang praised him greatly. Throughout Ting's tenure as Administrator, Xiang never addressed him by name but always by his provincial title, as a mark of special respect. Upon his death, he was posthumously honored as General Who Assists the State and Governor of Youzhou, with the posthumous name Jing. Former subordinates from Guangzhou, upon hearing of his death, were overcome with grief; together they cast an eight-foot bronze statue and, at Guanggu Temple east of the city, observed the Eight Precepts assembly to pray for his blessings in the afterlife.

初，崔光貧賤，挺贍遺衣食，常親敬焉。又識邢巒、宋弁于童幼，世稱其知人。曆官三十餘年，家資不益，食不重味，室無綺羅，閨門之內，雍雍如也。欲諸子恭敬廉讓，因以孝為字。及葬，親故多有贈賵，諸子推挺素志，一無所受。有子六人，長子孝芬。

In earlier years, when Cui Guang was poor and obscure, Ting supported him with food and clothing and always treated him with personal respect. He also recognized Xing Yan and Song Bian when they were still children; the world praised his eye for talent. Over more than thirty years of official service, he never increased his household wealth; he never ate more than one dish at a meal, kept no silk finery at home, and maintained perfect harmony within his family. Wishing his sons to be respectful, modest, and yielding, he gave them all the courtesy character Xiao (Filial). At his burial, many relatives and friends offered funeral gifts, but his sons, honoring Ting's lifelong wishes, accepted none. He had six sons; the eldest was Xiaofen.

孝芬字恭梓。早有才識，博學好文章。孝文召見，甚嗟賞之。李彪謂挺曰：「比見賢子謁帝，旨喻殊優，今當為絕群耳。」挺曰：「卿自欲善處人父子之間，然斯言吾不敢聞也。」後襲父爵，累遷司空屬、定州大中正。長於剖判，甚有能名，府主任城王澄雅重之。澄奏地制八條，孝芬所參定也。遷廷尉少卿。孝昌初，梁將裴邃等寇淮南，詔行台酈道元、都督河間王榮討之。敕孝芬持節催令赴接，賊退而還。遷荊州刺史，兼尚書、南道行台，領軍司，率諸將以援神俊，因代焉。孝芬遂從恆農道南入，敵便奔散，人還安堵。明帝嘉勞之。

Xiaofen, courtesy name Gongzi. He showed early talent and insight, was broadly learned, and loved literary composition. Emperor Xiaowen summoned him for an audience and greatly admired him. Li Biao told Ting, "I recently saw your worthy son audience the emperor; his understanding was exceptionally fine—he will surely surpass all others. Ting replied, "You simply wish to conduct yourself well between father and son—but I dare not hear such words." He later inherited his father's title and rose through the ranks to become a staff member of the Minister of Works and Grand Assessor of Dingzhou. He excelled at legal adjudication and earned a strong reputation for capability; Wang Cheng, Prince of Rencheng and prefectural chief, held him in high esteem. The eight articles on land regulations that Cheng submitted were drafted with Xiaofen's participation. He was promoted to Vice Director of the Court of Justice. Early in the Xiaochang era, Liang generals Pei Sui and others invaded Huainan; an edict ordered mobile commander Li Daoyuan and Commander Wang Rong of Hejian to suppress them. Xiaofen received imperial credentials to hurry the forces into action; the rebels retreated and he returned. He was appointed Governor of Jingzhou, concurrently serving as Minister and commander of the Southern Route mobile headquarters and military supervisor; he led various generals to aid Shen Jun and then replaced him. Xiaofen marched south along the Hengnong route; the enemy fled and scattered, and the people returned to peaceful lives. Emperor Ming praised and rewarded him.

後以元叉之党，與盧同、李獎等並除名，征還。又除孝芬為廷尉。章武王融以贓貨被劾，孝芬案以重法。及融為都督，北討鮮于修禮，時孝芬弟孝演率宗從在博陵，為賊攻陷，遇害。融密啟雲孝演入賊為逆，遂見收捕。全家投梁，遇赦乃還。後梁將成景俊逼彭城，孝芬兼尚書右丞，為徐州行台。孝芬將發，入辭。靈太后謂曰：「卿女今事我兒，與卿是親。曾何相負，而內頭元叉車內，稱此嫗須了卻！」孝芬曰：「臣蒙國厚恩，義無斯語；假有斯語，誰能得聞？若有此聞，即此人於元叉親密，過臣遠矣。乞對之，足辨虛實。」太后乃有愧色。孝芬既至，景俊等力屈退走。以孝芬兼尚書，為徐、兗二州行台。

Later, as an associate of Yuan Cha's faction, he was stripped of office along with Lu Tong, Li Jiang, and others and recalled to court. Xiaofen was again appointed Director of the Court of Justice. Prince of Zhangwu Rong was impeached for accepting bribes; Xiaofen tried the case under the heavy penalty law. When Rong became commander and marched north against Xianyu Xiuli, Xiaofen's younger brother Xiaoyan was in Boling leading their clan kinsmen; the city was overrun by rebels and he was killed. Rong secretly memorialized that Xiaoyan had joined the rebels in rebellion; Xiaofen was thereupon arrested. His entire family fled to Liang territory and returned only after an amnesty. Later, when Liang general Cheng Jingjun besieged Pengcheng, Xiaofen served concurrently as Right Director of the Ministry and commander of the Xuzhou mobile headquarters. Before departing, Xiaofen went to take leave of the court. Empress Dowager Ling said, "Your daughter now serves my son—we are kin. How have I wronged you, yet inside Yuan Cha's carriage you said this old woman must be eliminated! Xiaofen replied, "I owe the state a profound debt of gratitude; I could never speak such words; even if I had spoken such words, who could have overheard them? If such words were indeed heard, whoever reported them must have been far closer to Yuan Cha than I. I beg to confront the accuser and settle truth from falsehood." The empress dowager flushed with embarrassment. When Xiaofen arrived, Cheng Jingjun and the others, exhausted, retreated. Xiaofen was appointed concurrently as Minister and commander of the mobile headquarters for Xu and Yan provinces.

建義初，太山太守羊侃據郡反，引南賊圍兗州行台。除孝芬散騎常侍、鎮東將軍、金紫光祿大夫，仍兼尚書、東道行台，與大都督刁宣往救援。與行台于侃時相接。至便圍之，侃突圍奔梁。永安中，授西兗州刺史；孝芬倦外役，固辭不行，仍為太常卿。太昌初，兼殿中尚書，後加儀同三司，兼吏部尚書。孝武帝入關，齊神武至洛，與尚書辛雄、劉廞等並被誅。沒其家口，天平中，乃免之。

Early in the Jianyi era, Mount Tai Prefect Yang Kan rebelled and occupied his commandery, drawing southern invaders to besiege the Yanzhou mobile headquarters. Xiaofen was appointed Palace Attendant, General Who Guards the East, and Grand Master of the Golden Seal with Purple Cord, continuing concurrently as Minister and commander of the Eastern Route mobile headquarters; he joined Grand Commander Diao Xuan in the relief effort. His mobile headquarters then made contact with Yu Kan's forces. Upon arrival he immediately laid siege; Yang Kan broke through the encirclement and fled to Liang. During the Yong'an era, he was appointed Governor of Western Yanzhou; Xiaofen, weary of field service, firmly declined the appointment and remained as Minister of Ceremonies. Early in the Taichang era, he served concurrently as Director of the Palace Secretariat; later he was given the rank of Palace Attendant of the Third Order and concurrently appointed Minister of Personnel. When Emperor Xiaowu entered the Pass and Gao Huan of Northern Qi arrived at Luoyang, Xiaofen was executed along with Ministers Xin Xiong, Liu Yin, and others. His household members were confiscated; during the Tianping era, they were at last released.

孝芬博聞口辯，善談論，愛好後進，終日忻然。商榷古今，間以嘲謔，聽者忘疲。文筆數十篇。有子八人。

Xiaofen was broadly learned and eloquent, skilled in conversation, fond of nurturing younger talent, and cheerful throughout the day. He discussed past and present, interspersing wit and banter, so that listeners forgot their fatigue. He left several dozen literary compositions. He had eight sons.

長子勉，字宣祖，頗涉史傳。普泰中，兼尚書右丞。勉善附會，世論以浮競譏之。為尚書令爾硃世隆所親待，而尚書郎魏季景尤為世隆所知，勉與季景內頗不睦。季景於世隆求右丞，奪勉所兼；世隆啟用季景，勉遂帳怏自失。太昌初，除散騎常侍、征東將軍、金紫光祿大夫、定州大中正，敕左右廂出入。其家被收之際，逃免。後見齊神武，勞撫之。天平初，遣勉送勳貴妻子赴定州，因得還。屬母李氏喪亡，勉哀號過性，遇病卒。無子，弟宣度以子龍子為後。勉弟猷。

The eldest son Mian, courtesy name Xuanzu, was fairly versed in historical records and biographies. During the Putai era, he served concurrently as Right Director of the Ministry. Mian was skilled at currying favor; public opinion criticized him for superficial ambition. Erzhu Shilong, Minister of Works, treated him with personal favor, while Gentleman of the Ministry Wei Jijing enjoyed Shilong's special trust; inwardly Mian and Jijing were quite at odds. Jijing asked Shilong for the right directorship and took over Mian's concurrent post; Shilong memorialized to appoint Jijing, and Mian grew resentful and despondent. Early in the Taichang era, he was appointed Palace Attendant, General Who Conquers the East, Grand Master of the Golden Seal with Purple Cord, and Grand Assessor of Dingzhou, with orders to enter and leave through the side gates. When his family was being confiscated, he escaped. Later he met Gao Huan of Northern Qi, who comforted and reassured him. Early in the Tianping era, Mian was dispatched to escort the wives and children of meritorious nobles to Dingzhou, and thereby was able to return home. Just then his mother Lady Li died; Mian grieved beyond all measure and, falling ill, died. He had no sons; his younger brother Xuandu adopted his son Longzi as heir. Mian's younger brother was You.

猷字宣猷。少好學，風度閒雅。性鯁正，有軍國籌略。普泰初，累遷司徒從事中郎。既遭家難，遂間行入關。及謁魏孝武，哀動左右。帝為之改容，目送曰：「忠孝之道，萃此一門。」即以本官奏門下事。大統初兼給事黃門郎、平原縣伯。二年，正黃門。行軍禽竇泰，復弘農，破沙苑，猷常以本官從軍典文翰。五年，除司徒左長史，加驃騎將軍。時太廟初成，四時祭祀猶設俳優角抵之戲；其郊廟祭官，多有假兼。猷上疏諫；書奏，並納焉。遷京兆尹。時婚姻禮嫁聚會之辰，多舉音樂。又廛裏富室，衣服奢淫，乃有織成文繡者。猷請禁斷，事並施行。與盧辯等創修六官。十二年，除浙州刺史。十四年，侯景據河南歸款，遣行台王思政赴之。周文與思政書曰：「崔宣猷智略明贍，有應變之才。若有所疑，宜與量其可不。」思政初頓兵襄城，後於潁川為行台，並致書於猷。猷書曰：「襄城控帶京洛，實當今之要地，如有動靜，易相應接。潁川既鄰寇境，又無山川之固，賊若潛來，徑至城下。莫若頓兵襄城，為行台所。潁川置州，遣郭賢守。則表裏膠固，人心易安，縱有不虞，豈能為患。」使人見周文，其以啟聞。周文令依猷策。思政重啟，求與朝廷立約，賊若水攻，乞一周為斷；陸攻，請三歲為期。限內有事，不煩赴援。過此以往，惟朝廷所裁。乃許之。及潁川沒，周文深追悔焉。以疾去職，屬大軍東征，周文賜以馬，隨軍與之籌略。十七年，進侍中、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、本州大中正，賜姓宇文氏。

You, courtesy name Xuanyou. From youth he loved learning, and his bearing was leisurely and refined. By nature he was upright and principled, with strategic talent for military and state affairs. Early in the Putai era, he rose through the ranks to Attendant of the Minister of Education. After his family was destroyed, he traveled by hidden routes to enter the Pass. When he had an audience with Emperor Xiaowu of Wei, his grief moved all who were present. The emperor's expression changed, and as he watched You depart he said, "The way of loyalty and filial piety is gathered in this one family. He was thereupon allowed to submit matters to the Secretariat in his existing office. Early in the Datong era, he served concurrently as Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and Baron of Pingyuan county. In the second year, he was made regular Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. On campaign they captured Dou Tai, recovered Hongnong, and defeated the enemy at Shayuan; You regularly followed the army in his existing office, managing documents and dispatches. In the fifth year, he was appointed Left Chief Administrator of the Minister of Education and given the additional title General of Agile Cavalry. At the time the Imperial Ancestral Temple had just been completed, yet the seasonal sacrifices still featured performances by actors and wrestling matches; many of the sacrificial officials for the suburban and temple rites held concurrent appointments on temporary assignment. You submitted a memorial remonstrating; when the memorial was submitted, all his proposals were accepted. He was transferred to Prefect of Jingzhao. At the time, music was often performed at marriage rites and wedding gatherings. Moreover, among wealthy households in the market wards, clothing was extravagant and licentious, with some even woven into patterned embroidery. You requested that these be forbidden; the measures were all implemented. Together with Lu Bian and others, he helped create and revise the Six Offices system. In the twelfth year, he was appointed Governor of Zhe province. In the fourteenth year, Hou Jing held Henan and submitted allegiance; mobile commander Wang Sizheng was dispatched to him. Emperor Wen of Zhou wrote to Sizheng, "Cui Xuanyou is intelligent and resourceful, with talent for adapting to changing circumstances. If you have any doubts, you should consult with him and weigh what is feasible. Sizheng first encamped his troops at Xiangcheng, later establishing his mobile headquarters at Yingchuan, and wrote to You on both occasions. You wrote, "Xiangcheng commands the approaches to the capital region and Luoyang; it is truly a vital position of the present day. If anything occurs, response and contact are easily made. Yingchuan borders enemy territory and lacks the protection of mountains and rivers; if bandits come secretly, they can reach the city walls directly. It would be better to encamp troops at Xiangcheng and make it the seat of the mobile headquarters. Establish a province at Yingchuan and send Guo Xian to garrison it. Then front and rear will be firmly joined, hearts will easily be settled, and even if the unexpected occurs, how could it become a calamity? He sent a messenger to see Emperor Wen of Zhou and had the letter reported. Emperor Wen of Zhou ordered that You's plan be followed. Sizheng submitted another memorial, requesting to establish an agreement with the court: if the enemy attacks by water, he asked for one week as the limit; for a land attack, he requested three years as the term. Within these limits, if trouble arose, he would not trouble the court to send relief. Beyond this, all would be at the court's discretion. The request was granted. When Yingchuan fell, Emperor Wen of Zhou deeply regretted not having followed You's advice. He left office due to illness; when the great army marched east, Emperor Wen of Zhou granted him a horse, and he followed the army to discuss strategy with them. In the seventeenth year, he was promoted to Palace Attendant, Grand General of Agile Cavalry, Palace Attendant of the Third Order with an opening office, and Grand Assessor of his home province, and was granted the surname Yuwen.

及陳將蔡皎來附，晉公護議欲南伐，公卿莫敢言。猷獨進曰：「前歲東征，死傷過半，比雖加撫循，而創痍未復。近者長星為災，乃上玄所以垂鑒誡也，豈可窮兵極武，而重其譴負哉？」議不從。後水軍果敗，而裨將元定等遂沒江南。建德六年，拜少司徒，加上開府儀同大將軍。隋文帝受禪，以猷前代舊齒，授大將軍，進爵汲郡公。

When Chen general Cai Jiao came to submit allegiance, Duke of Jin Hu proposed a southern campaign; none of the ministers and nobles dared speak. You alone stepped forward and said, "Last year's eastern campaign left more than half dead and wounded; though care and relief have since been added, the wounds are not yet healed. Recently the broom star appeared as a calamity—this is Heaven's way of bestowing warning and admonition; how can we exhaust troops and push warfare to the extreme and again incur its reproach and burden? The proposal was not accepted. Later the naval force was indeed defeated, and lieutenant generals such as Yuan Ding were lost south of the Yangtze. In the sixth year of Jiande, he was appointed Vice Minister of Education and given the additional title of Grand General with an opening office of the Second Order. When Emperor Wen of Sui accepted the abdication, because You was an elder of the previous dynasty, he was appointed Grand General and advanced to Duke of Ji commandery.

開皇四年，卒，諡曰明。子仲方嗣。

In the fourth year of Kaihuang, he died; his posthumous name was Ming. His son Zhongfang succeeded him.

仲方字不齊。少好讀書，有文武才略。年十五，周文帝見而異之，令與諸子同就學。隋文帝亦在其中。由是與帝少相款密。後以明經為晉公宇文護參軍，轉記室，遷司正大夫，與斛斯征、柳敏等同修禮律。後以軍功授平東將軍、銀青光祿大夫，賜爵石城縣男。時武帝陰有滅齊志，仲方獻二十策，帝大奇之。復與少內史赴芬刪定格式。尋從帝攻下晉州，又令仲方說下翼城等四城，授儀同，進爵范陽縣侯。後以行軍長史從郯國公王軌禽陳將吳明徹于呂梁，仲方策居多。宣帝嗣位，為少內史。

Zhongfang, courtesy name Buqi. From youth he loved reading and possessed both civil and military talent and strategy. At age fifteen, Emperor Wen of Zhou saw him and was struck by his unusual qualities; he ordered him to study together with his sons. Emperor Wen of Sui was also among them. From this he and the future emperor became close and intimate from youth. Later, having passed the classics examination, he became aide to Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu, transferred to be recorder, was promoted to Grand Master of Correct Conduct, and together with Husizheng and Liu Min revised the rites and statutes. Later, for military merit, he was appointed General Who Pacifies the East and Grand Master with the Silver Seal and Blue Cord, and was enfeoffed as Baron of Shicheng county. At the time Emperor Wu secretly harbored the intent to destroy Qi; Zhongfang submitted twenty stratagems, and the emperor was greatly impressed. He again joined Vice Director of the Palace Secretariat Fufen in revising and fixing the administrative regulations. Soon afterward he followed the emperor in capturing Jin province; Zhongfang was also ordered to persuade the surrender of Yicheng and three other cities; he was granted the rank of Palace Attendant of the Fourth Order and advanced to Marquis of Fanyang county. Later, as campaign chief administrator, he followed Duke of Tan Wang Gui in capturing Chen general Wu Mingche at Lüliang; Zhongfang's stratagems contributed the most. When Emperor Xuan succeeded to the throne, he became Vice Director of the Palace Secretariat.

會帝崩，隋文帝為丞相，與仲方相見，握手極歡，仲方亦歸心焉。其夜上便宜十八事，帝並嘉納之。又勸帝應天受命，從之。及受禪，上召仲方與高熲議正朔服色事。仲方曰：「晉為金行，後魏為水，周為木，皇家以火承木德之統。又聖躬載誕之初，有赤光之瑞。車服旗牲，並宜用赤。」又勸上除六官，依漢魏之舊。並從之。進位上開府，授司農少卿，進爵固安縣公。令發丁三萬于朔方、靈武築長城，東至黃河，西拒綏州，南至勃出嶺，綿曆七百里。明年，復令仲方發丁十萬，于朔方已東，緣邊險要，築數十城，以遏胡寇。丁父艱，去職。未期，起為虢州刺史。上書論取陳之策曰：

When the emperor died, Yang Jian became chief minister; he met with Zhongfang, clasped hands in great joy, and Zhongfang also pledged his loyalty. That same night he submitted eighteen timely proposals; the emperor praised and accepted them all. He also urged the emperor to accept Heaven's mandate; the emperor followed his advice. When the abdication was accepted, the emperor summoned Zhongfang and Gao Jiong to discuss the calendar and ceremonial colors. Zhongfang said, "Jin belonged to the Metal phase, Later Wei to Water, Zhou to Wood; the imperial house inherits the Wood virtue with Fire. Moreover, at the beginning of the sacred person's birth, there was an auspicious sign of red light. Chariots, robes, banners, and sacrificial animals should all appropriately use red. He also urged the emperor to abolish the Six Offices and follow the old system of Han and Wei." All were accepted. He was advanced to opening office of the Second Order, appointed Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue, and advanced to Duke of Gu'an county. He was ordered to conscript thirty thousand laborers to build the Great Wall at Shuofang and Lingwu, extending east to the Yellow River, west to Sui province, south to Bochu ridge—a span of seven hundred li. The following year, Zhongfang was again ordered to conscript one hundred thousand laborers east of Shuofang to build several dozen fortresses along strategic frontier points and check barbarian raids. Upon his father's death, he left office. Before the mourning period ended, he was recalled to serve as Governor of Guo province. He submitted a memorial discussing the strategy for conquering Chen, saying:

臣謹案：晉太康元年，歲在庚子，晉武帝平吳。至今開皇六年，歲次丙午，合三百七載。《春秋寶乾圖》云：「王者三百年一蠲法。」今三百之期，可謂至矣。陳氏草竊，起於丙子，至今丙午，又子午為沖，陰陽之忌。昔史趙有言曰：「陳，顓頊之族，為水，故歲在鶉火以滅。」又云：「周武王克商，封胡公滿于陳。」至魯昭九年，陳災，裨灶曰：「歲五及鶉火而後陳亡，楚克之。」楚，祝融後也，為火正，故復滅陳。陳承舜後，舜承顓頊。太歲左行，歲星右轉；鶉火之歲，陳族再亡，戊午之年，媯虞運盡。語跡雖殊，考事無別。皇朝五運相承感火德。而國號為隋，隋與楚同分，楚是火正。午為鶉火，未為鶉首，申為實沈，酉為大梁。既當周、秦、晉、趙之分，若當此分發兵，將得歲之助。以今量古，陳滅不疑。臣謂午、未、申、酉並其數極。蓋聞天時不如地利，地利不如人和。況主聖臣良，兵強國富，陳既主昏於上，人讟於下，險無百二之固，眾非九國之師，獨此島夷，而稽天討！伏度朝廷，自有宏謨，皞蕘所見，冀申螢爝。今唯須武昌以下，蘄、和、徐、方、吳、海等州，更帖精兵，密營渡計；益、信、襄、荊、基、郢等州，速造舟楫，多張形勢，為水戰之具。蜀、漢二江，是其上流，水路沖要，必爭之所。賊雖于流頭、荊門、延洲、公安、巴陵、隱磯、夏口、盆城置船，然終聚漢口、峽口，以水戰火決。若賊必以上流有軍，令精兵赴援者，下流諸將，即須擇便橫度。如擁眾自衛，上江水軍，鼓行以前。雖恃九江五湖之險，非德無以為固；徒有三吳百越之兵，無恩不能自立。

Your servant respectfully observes: In the first year of Taikang of Jin, the year gengzi, Emperor Wu of Jin pacified Wu. From that time to the sixth year of Kaihuang, the year bingwu, three hundred and seven years have elapsed. The Baogan Tu of the Spring and Autumn Annals states, "Every three hundred years a king remits the laws. The period of three hundred years may be said to have arrived. Chen arose through usurpation in bingzi; by the present bingwu year, zi and wu stand in mutual opposition—a yin-yang taboo. Shi Zhao once said, "Chen belongs to the lineage of Zhuanxu and to Water; thus in the year of the Quail Fire it perished. He also said, "King Wu of Zhou conquered Shang and enfeoffed Duke Hu Man at Chen." In the ninth year of Duke Zhao of Lu, Chen suffered a fire; Pi Zao said, "When the year reaches the Quail Fire five times, then Chen will perish and Chu will conquer it." Chu was descended from Zhu Rong and was director of Fire; therefore it again destroyed Chen. Chen traced its descent from Shun, and Shun from Zhuanxu. The Grand Year moves leftward while the Year Star turns rightward; In the year of the Quail Fire the Chen clan fell twice; in wuwu the fortune of the Gui-Yu line ran out. The words and traces differ, yet the underlying facts do not. Our dynasty, with the Five Movements succeeding one another, responds to the virtue of Fire. Yet the dynastic name is Sui, which shares an asterism with Chu—and Chu was director of Fire. Wu is the Quail Fire, wei the Quail Head, shen the Real Shen, and you the Great Bridge. These fall within the divisions of Zhou, Qin, Jin, and Zhao; troops dispatched in these sectors will gain the year star's aid. Judging the present by the past, Chen's fall cannot be doubted. Your servant holds that wu, wei, shen, and you all reach the extremity of their cycle. Heavenly timing is inferior to earthly advantage, and earthly advantage to human harmony—or so it is said. When the ruler is sage and ministers capable, the army strong and state rich, while Chen has a benighted ruler and murmuring subjects, lacks a hundredfold fortress, and fields no army of nine states—what is this island people to delay Heaven's judgment? The court surely has its grand design already; what this humble view offers may yet add a flicker to the flame. From Wuchang downstream through Qi, He, Xu, Fang, Wu, Hai, and other provinces, elite troops should be posted and crossing plans laid in secret; In Yi, Xin, Xiang, Jing, Ji, Ying, and other provinces, ships should be built swiftly and force displayed as preparation for naval war. The Min and Han rivers form the upper reaches—water routes of strategic importance that both sides must fight for. Though the enemy may station fleets at Liutou, Jingmen, Yanzhou, Gongan, Baling, Yinji, Xiakou, and Pencheng, they will ultimately mass at Hankou and Xiakou and settle matters by naval battle. If the enemy sends elite reinforcements upstream, downstream commanders must seize a convenient crossing point. If they mass for self-defense, the upstream fleet should advance to the beat of drums. They may rely on the Nine Rivers and Five Lakes, but without virtue no defense holds; They may field the armies of Three Wu and the Hundred Yue, but without benevolence they cannot endure.

上覽，大悅。轉基州刺史，征入朝。仲方因陳經略，上善之，賜以禦袍褲並羅雜彩五百段，進位開府。及大舉伐陳，以仲方為行軍總管，與秦王會。及陳平，坐事免。未幾，復位。

The emperor read the memorial and was greatly pleased. He was transferred to Governor of Ji province and summoned to court. Zhongfang presented his strategic plan; the emperor approved and granted an imperial robe and trousers plus five hundred bolts of mixed silk, promoting him to opening office. When the great campaign against Chen was launched, Zhongfang served as campaign commander and joined Prince Qin. After Chen was pacified, he was dismissed for an offense. Before long he was restored to office.

後數載，授會州總管。時諸羌猶未賓附，詔仲方擊之，與賊三十餘戰，紫祖、四鄰、望方、涉題、幹碉、小鐵圍山、白男、弱水等赭都諸賊悉平。賜奴婢一百二十口、黃金三十斤。遷代州總管。總被征入朝。會文帝崩，漢王餘黨據呂州不下。煬帝遣周羅碶攻之，中流矢卒。及令仲方代總其眾，拔之，進位大將軍。曆戶部、禮部尚書，坐事免。尋為國子祭酒，轉太常卿。朝廷以其衰老，出拜上郡太守。以母憂去職，歲餘起為信都太守。後乞骸骨，優詔許之，卒於家。子燾，位定陶令。宣猷弟宣度，位齊王開府司馬、恆農太守。宣度弟宣軌，頗有才學，位尚書考功郎中，與弟宣質、宣靜、宣略並早卒。

Several years later he was appointed Commander of Hui province. The Qiang tribes had not yet submitted; ordered to attack, Zhongfang fought more than thirty engagements and pacified the Zhe tribes of Zizu, Silin, Wangfang, Sheti, Gandiao, Little Tiewei Mountain, Bainan, Ruoshui, and others. He received one hundred and twenty slaves and thirty jin of gold. He was made Commander of Dai province. The commander was called to court repeatedly. When Emperor Wen died, Prince Han's remnant followers held Lü province and refused to submit. Emperor Yang sent Zhou Luozi to attack; he was struck by an arrow midstream and died. Zhongfang was ordered to take overall command, captured the city, and was promoted to Grand General. He served as Minister of Revenue and Minister of Rites before being dismissed for an offense. Soon he became Director of the Imperial Academy and was transferred to Minister of Ceremonies. Considering his age, the court sent him out as Administrator of Shang commandery. He left office upon his mother's death; a year later he was recalled as Administrator of Xin commandery. He later requested retirement; a gracious edict permitted it, and he died at home. His son Tao served as magistrate of Dingtao. Xuanyou's younger brother Xuandu served as Administrator of the Prince of Qi's opening office and Administrator of Hengnong. Xuandu's younger brother Xuangui was talented and learned, serving as Gentleman in the Ministry's Merit Examination Bureau; his younger brothers Xuanzhi, Xuanjing, and Xuanlue all died young.

孝芬弟孝偉，趙郡太守。郡經葛榮離亂後，人皆賣鬻兒女。夏椹大熟，孝偉勸戶人多收之，郡內乃安。教其人種殖，招撫遺散，先恩後威，一周之後，流戶大至。興立學校，親加勸厲，百姓賴之。卒郡，贈瀛州刺史，諡曰簡。朝議謂為未申，復贈安北將軍、定州刺史。一子昂。

Xiaowei, younger brother of Xiaofen, governed Zhao commandery. After Ge Rong's chaos, people throughout the commandery sold their children. When summer mulberries ripened, Xiaowei urged households to gather more; peace returned to the commandery. He taught farming, recruited scattered refugees, and applied kindness before severity; within a week displaced households poured in. He founded schools and personally encouraged learning; the people came to rely on him. He died in office and was posthumously granted Governor of Ying province with the posthumous name Jian. The court found this insufficient and additionally granted him General Who Pacifies the North and Governor of Ding province. One son, Ang.

昂字懷遠，七歲而孤，事母以孝聞。伯父吏部尚書孝芬嘗謂親友曰：「此兒終當遠至，是吾家千里駒也。」

Ang, courtesy name Huaiyuan, was orphaned at seven and was known for filial service to his mother. His uncle, Minister of Personnel Xiaofen, once told relatives and friends, "This boy will surely go far; he is our family's thousand-li colt."

昂性端直，頗綜文詞。天平二年，文襄引為記室參軍，季以腹心之任。及輔國政，召為開府長史，並攝京畿長史事。時勳將親族賓客，多行不軌，孫騰、司馬子如之門尤劇。昂受文襄密旨，以法繩之，未幾間，內外齊肅。尋遷司徒右長史。時左府有陽平人吳賓為妄認繼嗣事，披訴經久。長史王昕、郎中鄭憑、掾盧斐、屬王敬寶等窮其獄，始末積年，鞫掠不獲實。司徒婁昭付昂推問，即日詰根緒，獲其真狀。昭歎曰：「左府都官數人，不如右府一長史。」昕、憑甚以為愧。

Ang was upright by nature and well versed in literary composition. In the second year of Tianping, Wen Xiang recruited him as recorder-aide and soon entrusted him with his innermost confidence. When Wen Xiang took charge of state affairs, Ang was summoned as chief administrator of the opening office and concurrently oversaw capital-region administration. Meritorious generals, kin, and retainers often broke the law; the households of Sun Teng and Sima Ziru were worst of all. Acting on Wen Xiang's secret orders, Ang restrained them by law; before long order prevailed inside and out. He was soon promoted to Right Chief Administrator under the Minister of Education. In the left office a man of Yangping, Wu Bin, had long petitioned over a false claim to succession. Chief Administrator Wang Xin, Gentleman Zheng Ping, aide Lu Fei, and clerk Wang Jingbao investigated for years, torturing without finding the truth. Minister Lou Zhao handed the case to Ang, who traced the root cause the same day and found the facts. Zhao sighed and said, "Several men of the left office's judiciary are not equal to one chief administrator of the right office. Xin and Ping were deeply ashamed.

武定中，文襄普令內外極言得失。昂上書曰：「屯田之設，其來尚矣。曹魏破蜀，業以興師。馬晉平吳，兵因取給。朝廷頃以懷、洛兩邑，鄰接邊境，薄屯豐稔，糧儲已贍。准此而論，龜鏡非遠。其幽、安二州，控帶奚賊、蠕蠕；徐、揚、兗、豫，連接吳越強鄰。實藉轉輸之資，常勞私糴之費。諸道別遣使營之，每考其勤惰，則人加勸勵，倉廩充實，供軍濟國，實謂在茲。其次，法獄之重，人命所懸。頃者官司糾察，多不審練，乃聞緣淺入深，未有雪大為小，咸以畏避嫌疑，共相殘刻。至如錢絹粟麥，其狀難分，徑指為贓，罪從此定。乞勒群司，務存獲實。如此則有息將來，必無枉濫。」文襄納之。後除尚書左丞，其年兼度支尚書。左丞之兼尚書，近代未有，朝野榮之。度支水漕陸運，昂設轉輸相入之差，付給新陳之法，有利於人，遂為常式。右僕射崔暹奏請海沂煮鹽，有利軍國。文襄以問昂。昂曰：「亦既官煮，須斷人灶，官力雖多，不及人廣。請准關市，薄為灶稅，私館官給，彼此有宜。」朝廷從之。

During Wuding, Wen Xiang ordered everyone inside and outside to speak freely of strengths and weaknesses. Ang submitted a memorial saying, "The establishment of military colonies has a long history. Cao Wei's conquest of Shu prospered through its armies. Jin's pacification of Wu drew its troops' supplies from the colonies. The court has recently filled granaries from thin colonies and rich harvests in the Huai and Luo districts bordering the frontier. By this precedent the lesson is close at hand. You and An provinces guard against the Xi bandits and Rouran; Xu, Yang, Yan, and Yu border the powerful neighbor Wu and Yue. They depend on transport and are constantly burdened by the cost of buying grain privately. If each route sends envoys to manage colonies and yearly examines diligence, people will be encouraged, granaries filled, and armies and state supplied—here lies the key. Second: the law courts weigh on human lives. Recent investigations often lack thoroughness; officials go from shallow to deep without distinguishing great from small, all fearing suspicion and mutually inflicting cruelty. Money, silk, grain, and wheat are hard to tell apart; they are simply labeled bribes and guilt fixed. I beg all offices to strive for the truth. Then wrongful condemnation will cease and relief will come. Wen Xiang accepted it. He was appointed Left Director of the Ministry and that same year concurrently Director of the Revenue Bureau. A left director holding a concurrent ministry post was unprecedented in recent times; court and country honored the appointment. For water and land revenue transport, Ang devised mutual transfer differentials and methods for issuing new and old supplies—benefiting the people and becoming permanent law. Right Vice Minister Cui Xian proposed boiling salt at Hai and Yi to benefit army and state. Wen Xiang consulted Ang. Ang said, "Once it is officially boiled, private kilns must be cut off; though official labor is great, it cannot match the breadth of private effort. He proposed following frontier-market practice with a light kiln tax and state-supplied private workshops—beneficial to both. The court followed this.

武定六年，甘露降宮闕，文武同賀。魏帝問右僕射崔暹、尚書楊愔、崔甗、邢邵、散騎常侍魏收、御史中丞陸操、國子祭酒李澤曰：「可各言德績感致所由。」次至昂，昂曰：「吉凶兩門，不由符瑞，故桑雉之戒，實啟中興；小鳥孕大，未聞福感。所願陛下，雖休勿休，允答天意。」帝為斂容。後攝都官尚書，上勸田事七條。尋兼太府卿。齊受禪，改散騎常侍，兼大司農卿。二寺所掌，世號繁劇，昂校理有術，下無奸偽。又奏上橫市妄費事三十四條。其年，與太子少師邢邵議定國初禮式，仍封華陽縣男。又詔刪定律令，損益禮樂，令尚書右僕射琡等四十三人在領軍府議定。帝尋幸晉陽。將發，敕遞相遵率；不者，命昂以聞。昂部分科條，校正今古，手所增損，十有七八。轉廷尉卿。

In the sixth year of Wuding, sweet dew fell on the palace gates; civil and military officials rejoiced together. The Wei emperor asked Right Vice Minister Cui Xian, Ministers Yang Yin, Cui Yan, Xing Shao, Palace Attendant Wei Shou, Imperial Censor Lu Cao, and Director of the Imperial Academy Li Ze, "Each may speak of the virtue and achievements by which such a response was sensed. When it came to Ang, Ang said, "The two gates of fortune and calamity do not depend on talismans and omens; therefore the warning of the mulberry pheasant truly inaugurated restoration; Small birds do not gestate large ones—fortune has never been known to respond in such a way. What I wish for Your Majesty is that even in repose you never cease striving, truly answering Heaven's intent. The ruler composed his expression. Later he oversaw the Directorate of Justice and submitted seven articles on agricultural policy. Shortly afterward, he concurrently served as Director of the Imperial Treasury. When Qi accepted the abdication, he became Palace Attendant and concurrently Director of the Grand Granary. The two offices he managed were notoriously complex; Ang regulated them skillfully, and fraud disappeared below him. He also memorialized thirty-four items concerning wasteful spending at the cross-market, as the record states. That year, with Junior Tutor Xing Shao he fixed the rites and forms of the founding of the state, and was enfeoffed as Baron of Huayang. An edict also ordered revision of statutes and ordinances and changes to rites and music; forty-three men including Right Vice Minister Yu were ordered to deliberate at the Commandant's headquarters. The ruler soon visited Jinyang. When he was about to depart, he ordered that compliance be passed along in relay; any who failed were to report to Ang. Ang arranged the sections and articles, corrected present against past, and personally revised seven or eight tenths. He became transferred to Director of the Court of Justice.

昂號深文，世論不以平恕相許。又與尚書盧斐，別典京畿詔獄，並有殘刻之聲。至於推繩大事，理可明言是非，不至冤酷。有濮陽子沈子遐，齎侯景鐵券，告徐州都督府長史畢義緒期舉兵應景；又衛尉卿杜弼門生郝子寬，告弼誹謗，並與元子雄謀逆。帝盛怒，付昂窮鞫。昂皆執正雪免，告者引妄獲罪。天保三年，除度支尚書。時有肴藏小吏，因內臣投書告事，又別有飛書告事者，並付昂窮檢。昂言笑間，咸得情，告者辭窮，並引嫌狀。於是飛書遂絕。轉都官尚書，仍兼都官事，食濟州北郡幹。

Cui Ang was known for severity in law; public opinion did not regard him as fair and forgiving. Along with Minister Lu Fei, he separately oversaw capital-region edict cases, and both had a reputation for cruelty. Still, in major cases where right and wrong could be clearly stated, there was no wrongful severity. A man of Puyang, Shen Zixia, carrying Hou Jing's iron certificate, reported that Chief Administrator Bi Yixu of the Xuzhou Commandant's headquarters planned to raise troops for Hou Jing; Also, Chamberlain Du Bi's disciple Hao Zikuan reported that Bi had slandered the court and plotted rebellion with Yuan Zixiong. The ruler was greatly enraged and handed the cases to Ang for exhaustive interrogation. Cui Ang in each case upheld justice and cleared the accused; the accusers were punished for false reports. During the third year of Tianbao, he was appointed Director of the Revenue Bureau. At the time a provisions-store clerk submitted accusations through an inner-court eunuch, and anonymous letters also appeared—both were handed to Ang for exhaustive investigation. Between words and laughter Ang obtained the truth in each case; the accusers were reduced to silence and implicated by their own suspicion. Anonymous accusations thereupon ceased. He became transferred to Director of Justice, still concurrently overseeing justice affairs, with income from the Gan district of Ji province's northern commandery.

文宣幸東山，謂曰：「舊人多出為州，當用卿為令僕，勿望刺史。卿六十外，當與卿本州。中間，州不可得也。」後九卿以上陪集東宮，帝指昂及尉瑾、司馬子瑞謂皇太子曰：「此是國家名臣，汝宜記之。」未幾，復侍宴金鳳台，歷數諸人，咸有罪負，至昂，曰：「崔昂直臣，魏收才士，婦兄妹夫，俱省罪過。」十年，除兼右僕射，數日，即拜為真，未幾，還為兼。楊愔少時與昂不平，文宣崩後，遂免昂右僕射，除儀同三司、光祿勳。皇建元年，轉太常卿。河清元年，兼御史中丞，太常如故。

Emperor Wenxuan visited Dongshan and told him, "Old men are mostly sent out as governors; I shall use you as Minister and Vice Minister—do not hope for a governorship. After you pass sixty, I shall give you your home province, as the record states. During the meantime, a governorship cannot be obtained. Later, when officials of the Nine Ministers and above accompanied the gathering at the Eastern Palace, the emperor pointed to Ang, Wei Jin, and Sima Zirui and told the crown prince, "These are famous ministers of the state; you should remember them. Before long, at a banquet at Golden Phoenix Terrace, the emperor went through the men one by one, noting each one's faults—when he came to Ang, he said, "Cui Ang is a straight minister, Wei Shou a talented writer; as brother-in-law and sister's husband, both are forgiven their faults. In the tenth year, he was appointed concurrent Right Vice Minister; after several days he was formally appointed, and before long was again made concurrent. Yang Yin had been at odds with Ang from youth; after Emperor Wenxuan died, he removed Ang from Right Vice Minister and appointed him Palace Attendant of the Third Order and Director of the Imperial Household, as the record states. During the first year of Huangjian, he was transferred to Minister of Ceremonies. In the first year of Heqing, he concurrently served as Imperial Censor while remaining Minister of Ceremonies.

昂從甥李公統坐高歸彥事誅。依律，婦人年六十以上免配宮。時公統母年始五十餘而稱六十，公統舅宣寶求吏以免其姊。昂弗知，錄尚書、彭城王浟發其事，竟坐除名。三年，復為五兵尚書，遷祠部。天統元年，卒，贈趙州刺史。

Ang's nephew by marriage Li Gongtong was executed for the Gao Guiyan affair, as the record states. Under the law, women sixty and above were exempt from assignment to palace service. During the time Gongtong's mother was just over fifty yet claimed to be sixty; Gongtong's uncle Xuanbao sought an official to exempt his sister. Cui Ang did not know of it; Director of the Department of State Affairs Prince Pengcheng You exposed the matter, and Ang was ultimately stripped of office. During the third year, he was again appointed Minister of the Five Armies and transferred to Director of Sacrifices. During the first year of Tiantong, he died and was posthumously granted Governor of Zhao province.

昂有風調才識，奮立堅正剛直之名。然好揣上情，感激時主，或陳便宜蠲省，或列陰私罪失。深為文宣所知賞，朝之大事，多以委之。情尚嚴猛，每行鞭撻，雖苦楚萬端，對之自若。前則崔暹、季舒為之親援，後乃高德正是其中表，常有挾恃，意色矜高。以此不為名流歸服。有五子。第三子液，字君洽，頗習文藻，有學涉，風儀器局為時論所許。以奉朝請待詔文林館。隋開皇中，為中書侍郎。

Cui Ang had bearing, judgment, and talent, and established a reputation for standing firm in uprightness and integrity. Yet he liked to gauge the ruler's mood and respond to the times, sometimes presenting timely reductions and savings, sometimes listing secret faults and failures, as the record states. He became deeply known and rewarded by Emperor Wenxuan; major affairs of court were often entrusted to him. His disposition favored severity; whenever he applied the whip, though suffering was extreme, he remained composed, as the record states. Earlier Cui Xian and Ji Shu were his close supporters; later Gao Dezheng was his kinsman by marriage—they constantly gave him backing, and his bearing was proud and lofty, as the record states. Because of this, the leading figures did not defer to him. He fathered five sons. The third son Ye, courtesy name Junqia, was fairly versed in literary composition, had learning and breadth, and his bearing and capacity were approved by contemporary opinion. As a palace attendant he awaited edicts at the Forest of Literature, as the record states. In Kaihuang of Sui, he was Vice Director of the Secretariat, as the record states.

孝偉弟孝演，字則伯，出繼伯父。性通率，美須髯，姿貌魁傑，少無宦情，沈浮鄉里。位瀛州安西府外兵參軍，因罷歸。及鮮于修禮起逆，遇害。無子，弟孝直以子士遊為後。

Xiaowei's younger brother Xiaoyan, courtesy name Zebai, was adopted to succeed his father's elder brother. By nature he was frank and open; he had a fine beard and moustache and a towering, heroic appearance; from youth he had no taste for office and drifted in his home district, as the record states. He held the post of external military aide in the Anxi office of Ying province, then resigned and returned home, as the record states. After Xianyu Xiuli rose in rebellion, he met with disaster and was killed. He fathered no sons; his younger brother Xiaozhi made his son Shiyou the heir.

孝直字叔廣，身長八尺，眉目疏朗，早有志尚。稍遷直閣將軍、通直散騎常侍。爾硃兆入洛，孝直以天下未寧，去職歸鄉里。太昌中，除衛將軍、右光祿大夫，辭不赴。卒于家，誡諸子曰：「吾才疏效薄，于國無功。若朝廷復加贈諡，宜循吾意，不得祗受。若致幹求，則非吾意。」子士順，位太府卿。

Xiaozhi, courtesy name Shuguang, was eight feet tall with sparse, clear brows and eyes; from early on he had lofty aspirations. He became gradually promoted to General of the Direct Gate and Regular Palace Attendant. After Erzhu Zhao entered Luoyang, Xiaozhi, seeing the realm still unsettled, left office and returned to his home district. During Taichang, he was appointed General of the Guard and Grand Master with the Right Seal; he declined and did not go, as the record states. He died at home, admonishing his sons, "My talent is meager and my achievements slight; I have been of no use to the state. If the court again adds posthumous honors, you should follow my wish and not accept them, as the record states. If you importune for them, that is not my intent, as the record states. His son Shishun held the post of Director of the Imperial Treasury.

孝直弟孝政，字季讓。十歲挺亡，號哭不絕，見者為之悲慘。志尚貞立，博學經史，雅好辭賦。喪紀特所留情，衣服制度，手能執造。位太尉汝南王悅行參軍。

Xiaozhi's younger brother Xiaozheng, courtesy name Jirang. After Ting died, Xiaozheng was ten; he wailed without cease, and those who saw him were moved to grief. His aspirations were upright; he was broadly learned in the classics and histories and fond of rhapsodies and fu, as the record states. Mourning rites were what he especially attended to; as for clothing and regulations, he could execute and make them himself. He held the post of traveling aide to Prince Yu of Runan, Grand Minister of War, as the record states.

孝芬兄弟孝義慈厚，弟孝演、孝政先亡，孝芬等哭泣哀慟，絕肉蔬食，容貌毀瘠，見者傷之。孝偉等奉孝芬盡恭順之禮，坐食進退，孝芬不命則不敢也。雞鳴而起，且溫顏色，一錢尺帛，不入私房，吉凶有須，聚對分給。諸婦亦相親愛，有無共之。始挺兄弟同居，孝芬叔振既亡後，孝芬等承奉叔母李氏，若事所生。旦夕溫清，出入啟覲，家事巨細，一以諮決。每兄弟出行，有獲財物，尺寸以上，皆入李之庫；四時分齎，李氏自裁之，如此二十餘歲。撫從弟宣伯、子朗，如同氣焉。挺弟振。

The Xiaofen brothers were filial, righteous, kind, and generous; their younger brothers Xiaoyan and Xiaozheng died first, and Xiaofen and the others wept and mourned, abstaining from meat and eating vegetables, their appearance wasted and emaciated—those who saw them were grieved, as the record states. Xiaowei and the others served Xiaofen with full respectful obedience; in sitting, eating, advancing, and withdrawing, they dared not act without Xiaofen's command, as the record states. They rose at cockcrow and always with gentle countenance; not a coin or foot of silk entered their private rooms—whatever was needed for fortune or calamity they gathered and divided among themselves, as the record states. The wives also loved one another and shared whatever they had, as the record states. At first, Ting's brothers lived together; after Ting's younger brother Zhen died, Xiaofen and the others served their aunt Lady Li as if she were their own mother. Each morning and evening they attended to her comfort; entering and leaving they reported and paid respects; great and small household matters were all referred to her for decision. In sum: whenever the brothers went out and obtained property, anything above an inch in size all went into Lady Li's storehouse; During the four seasons they distributed shares, and Lady Li herself decided the allotments—thus for more than twenty years. They reared their younger cousins Xuanbo and Zilang as if they were full brothers. Ting's younger brother was Zhen.

振字延根。少有學行，居家孝，為宗族所稱。為秘書中散，在內謹敕，為孝文所知。孝文南討，自高陽內史征兼尚書左丞，留京。振既才幹被擢，當世以為榮。遷太子庶子。景明初，除長兼廷尉少卿。振有公斷，以明察稱。河內太守陸琇與咸陽王禧同謀為逆，禧敗事發，振窮案之。時琇內外親黨及當朝貴要咸為言之，振研核切至，終無縱緩，遂斃之於獄。其奉法如此。除肆州刺史，在任有政績。卒于河東太守，贈南兗州刺史，諡曰定。

Zhen, courtesy name Yangen. From youth he had learning and conduct; at home he was filial and was praised by the clan, as the record states. He became Attendant Scribe in the Secretariat; within the palace he was careful and disciplined and was known to Emperor Xiaowen. After Emperor Xiaowen campaigned south, he was summoned from Administrator of Gaoyang to serve concurrently as Left Director of the Ministry and remained in the capital. Since Zhen's talent and ability had been promoted, the age regarded it as an honor, as the record states. He became transferred to Junior Tutor of the Crown Prince. During the beginning of Jingming, he was appointed long-term concurrent Vice Director of the Court of Justice. Cui Zhen had public judgment and was known for clear-sightedness. Administrator of Henei Lu Xiu plotted rebellion together with Prince Xianyang of Wei; when Xi's plot failed and was exposed, Zhen exhaustively investigated the case, as the record states. During the time inner and outer kin of Xiu and the powerful and important of the court all spoke for him, but Zhen's investigation was thorough to the end and he never relaxed; Xiu was thereupon executed in prison. This was his adherence to law. He became appointed Governor of Si province and had achievements in office. He died as Administrator of Hedong; posthumously he was granted Governor of Southern Yan province with the posthumous name Ding, as the record states.

振曆官四十餘載，考課恆為稱職，議者善之。子子朗，美容貌，涉獵經史，少溫厚，有風尚。位侍御史，加平東將軍，卒。挺從父子瑜，字仲璉，少孤，有學業，位鴻臚少卿，封高邑男，贈瀛州刺史。子孟舒，字長才，襲父爵，位廣平太守。卒，贈殷州刺史、鎮東將軍，諡曰康。孟舒弟仲舒，位鄴縣令。仲舒弟季舒，最知名。

Cui Zhen served in office for more than forty years; his merit examinations were constantly rated competent—commentators approved of this. His heir Zilang had a handsome appearance, ranged through the classics and histories, was gentle and mild from youth, and had bearing. He held the post of Attending Censor and was given the additional title General Who Pacifies the East; he died, as the record states. Ting's younger male cousin's son Ziyu, courtesy name Zhonglian, was orphaned early, had learning and achievement, held the post of Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Entertainments, was enfeoffed as Baron of Gaoyi, and was posthumously granted Governor of Ying province. His son Mengshu, courtesy name Changcai, inherited his father's title and held the post of Administrator of Guangping. After he died, he was posthumously granted Governor of Yin province and General Who Guards the East with the posthumous name Kang. Mengshu's younger brother Zhongshu held the post of magistrate of Ye county, as the record states. Among Zhongshu's brothers, Jishu was the most renowned.

季舒字叔正。少孤，性明敏，涉獵經史，長於尺牘，有當世才具。年十七，為州主簿。為大將軍、趙郡公琛所器重，言之齊神武。神武親簡丞郎，補季舒大行台都官郎中。文襄輔政，轉大將軍中兵參軍，甚見親寵。以魏帝左右，須置腹心，擢拜中書侍郎。文襄為中書監，移門下機事，總歸中書。又季舒善音樂，故內伎亦回隸焉。內伎屬中書，自季舒始也。文襄每進書魏帝，有所諫請，或文詞繁雜，季舒輒修飾通之，得申勸戒而已。靜帝報答霸朝，恆與季舒論之，雲崔中書是我妳母。轉給事黃門侍郎，領主衣都統。雖跡在魏朝，而歸心霸府，密謀大計，皆得預聞。於是賓客輻湊，傾身接禮，甚得名譽，勢傾崔暹。暹嘗於朝堂屏人拜之曰：「暹若得僕射，皆叔父之恩。」其權重如此。

Jishu, courtesy name Shuzheng. Orphaned early, he was bright and keen, versed in classics and histories, excelled at official correspondence, and possessed the talent the age demanded. At seventeen he served as chief clerk of the province. Grand General Duke of Zhao Chen valued him and recommended him to Gao Huan of Northern Qi. Gao Huan personally selected assistant directors and appointed Jishu Gentleman in the Justice Bureau of the Great Mobile Headquarters. When Wen Xiang assisted in government, Jishu became military aide under the Grand General and was greatly favored. Indeed, because the Wei emperor needed trusted men at his side, Jishu was promoted to Vice Director of the Secretariat. Wen Xiang served as Director of the Secretariat; all Secretariat Gate affairs were transferred to the Secretariat. Jishu was also skilled in music, so inner-court performers came under his jurisdiction as well. Inner-court performers under the Secretariat began with Jishu. Whenever Wen Xiang submitted memorials to the Wei emperor, if the wording grew complex, Jishu would revise and clarify them so admonition could get through. Emperor Jing, in replying to the hegemonic court, always discussed matters with Jishu, calling Vice Director Cui his wet nurse. He also was transferred to Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and overseer of the Directorate of Imperial Robes. Though he served the Wei court, his heart belonged to the hegemonic headquarters; he was always privy to secret planning of great affairs. Guests then gathered in crowds; he received them with full courtesy and gained great reputation; his power rivaled Cui Xian. Xian once bowed to him in the hall with others dismissed, saying, "If I obtain the post of Vice Minister, it is all thanks to my uncle's grace. Such was the weight of his authority.

時勳貴多不法，文襄無所縱舍，外議以季舒及崔暹等所為，甚被怨嫉。及文襄遇難，文宣將赴晉陽，黃門郎陽休之勸季舒從，曰：「一日不朝，其間容刀。」季舒性愛聲色，心在閑放，遂不請行，欲恣其行樂。司馬子如緣宿憾，及尚食典禦陳山提等列其過狀。由是季舒及暹各鞭二百，徙北邊。天保初，文宣知其無罪，追為將作大匠。再遷侍中，俄兼尚書左僕射、儀同三司，大被恩遇。乾明初，楊愔以文宣遺旨，停其僕射。遭母喪解任。起服，除光祿勳，兼中兵尚書。出為齊州刺史。坐遣人度淮平市，亦有贓賄事，為御史所劾，會赦不問。武成居籓，曾病，文宣令季舒療病，備盡心力。大寧初，追還，引入慰勉。累遷度支尚書、開府儀同三司。營昭陽殿，敕令監造，以判事式。為胡長仁密言其短，出為西兗州刺史。為進典簽於吏部，被責免官。又以詣廣甯王宅，決韋鞭數十。及武成崩，不得預於哭泣。久之，除膠州刺史，遷侍中、開府，食新安、河陰二郡幹。加左光祿大夫，待詔文林館，監撰《御覽》。加特進，監國史。

Meritorious nobles often acted unlawfully; Wen Xiang showed no leniency, and outside opinion blamed Jishu, Cui Xian, and others and greatly resented them. When Wen Xiang met disaster, Wen Xuan was about to go to Jinyang; Gentleman of the Yellow Gate Yang Xiuzhi urged Jishu to follow, saying, "One day absent from court, and a knife may fit between. Jishu by nature loved music and women; his heart was set on leisure, so he did not go, wishing to indulge his pleasures. Indeed, sima Ziru, owing to old resentment, together with Director of Imperial Food Chen Shanti and others listed his faults. Jishu and Xian were each flogged two hundred strokes and exiled to the northern frontier. Indeed, at the beginning of Tianbao, Wen Xuan knew they were innocent and recalled Jishu as Director of Palace Construction. He also was again promoted to Palace Attendant and soon concurrently served as Left Vice Minister and Palace Attendant of the Third Order, greatly favored. Indeed, at the beginning of Ganming, Yang Yin, following Emperor Wenxuan's final instructions, removed him from Vice Minister. After his mother's death he left office. After mourning ended, he was appointed Director of the Imperial Household and concurrently Minister of Military Affairs. He also was sent out as Governor of Qi province. For sending men across the Huai to trade and for accepting bribes, he was impeached by the censor; an amnesty intervened and he was not questioned. When Wucheng was in the princely residence he once fell ill; Wen Xuan ordered Jishu to treat the illness, and he gave all his mind and strength. At the beginning of Daning he was recalled, summoned in, and comforted. He also was repeatedly promoted to Director of the Revenue Bureau and Palace Attendant of the Third Order with an opening office. After constructing Zhaoyang Palace, an edict ordered him to supervise construction and set the pattern for judging affairs. Indeed, hu Changren secretly spoke of his faults, and he was sent out as Governor of Western Yan province. Indeed, for advancing a chief clerk in the Ministry of Personnel he was rebuked and dismissed from office. Indeed, also for going to Prince of Guangning's residence, he was sentenced to several dozen strokes of the leather whip. After Wucheng died, he was not allowed to join in the mourning. Indeed, after a long time he was appointed Governor of Jiao province, promoted to Palace Attendant and opening office, with income from the Gan districts of Xin'an and Heyin commanderies. He also was given the additional title Grand Master with the Left Seal, awaited edicts at the Forest of Literature, and supervised compilation of the Imperial Overview. He also was given special advancement and supervised the national history.

季舒素好圖籍，暮年轉更精勤，兼推薦人士，獎勸文學，議聲翕然，遠近稱美。祖珽受委，奏季舒總監內作。珽被出，韓長鸞以為珽黨，亦欲出之。屬車駕將適晉陽，季舒與張雕議，以為壽春被圍，大軍出拒，言使往還，須稟節度。兼道路小人，或相驚恐，雲大駕向并州，畏避南寇，若不啟諫，必動人情。遂與從駕文官，連名進諫。時貴臣趙彥深、唐邕、段孝言等初亦同心，臨時疑貳，季舒與爭，未決。長鸞遂奏云：「漢兒文官，連名總署，聲雲諫止向并州，其實未必不反，宜加誅戮。」帝即召已署表官人集含章殿，以季舒、張雕、劉逖、封孝琰、裴澤、郭遵等為首，並斬之殿庭。長鸞令棄其屍于漳水。自外同署，將加鞭撻，趙彥深執諫獲免。季舒等家屬男女徙北邊，妻女及子婦配奚官，小男下蠶室，沒入貲產。

Jishu had always loved books; in his later years he grew even more diligent, recommended men of talent, and encouraged literature—opinion united in praise near and far. Indeed, zu Ting received appointment and memorialized that Jishu should overall supervise inner construction. After Ting was sent out, Han Changluan regarded Jishu as Ting's faction and also wished to send him out. As the imperial carriage was about to go to Jinyang, Jishu and Zhang Diao argued that since Shou-chun was besieged and the great army had gone out to resist, messengers required orders from headquarters. Moreover petty men on the road might spread alarm, saying the great carriage was going to Bing province to flee southern invaders; if they did not remonstrate, hearts would surely be shaken. They joined the civil officials accompanying the carriage and submitted a joint memorial of remonstrance. Eminent ministers Zhao Yanshen, Tang Yong, and Duan Xiaoyan were at first of one mind; at the moment they wavered, and Jishu argued with them without resolution. Changluan memorialized, "Han civil officials jointly signed a memorial, claiming to remonstrate against going to Bing province; in fact they may have intended rebellion—they should be put to death. The emperor summoned the officials who had signed to Hanzhang Hall; Jishu, Zhang Diao, Liu Ti, Feng Xiaoyan, Pei Ze, Guo Zun, and others were taken as ringleaders and beheaded in the hall. Han Changluan ordered their corpses thrown into the Zhang River. Indeed, of the others who signed jointly, whipping was to be added; Zhao Yanshen remonstrated firmly and they were spared. The families of Jishu and the others were exiled to the northern frontier; wives, daughters, and daughters-in-law were assigned to the washerwomen's office; young sons were sent to the silkworm chamber; property was confiscated.

季舒本好醫術，天保中於徙所無事，更銳意研精，遂為名手，多所全濟。雖位望轉高，未曾懈怠；縱貧賤廝養，亦為之療護。

Jishu had originally loved medicine; during Tianbao at the place of exile he applied himself even more keenly and became a master, saving many lives. Indeed, though rank and standing grew ever higher, he never slackened; even for poor and lowly servants he treated and cared for them.

庶子長君，尚書右外兵郎中。次鏡玄，著作佐郎。並流于長城。未幾，季舒等六人妻，以年老放出。後南安王思好更稱朝廷罪惡，以季舒等見害為詞，悉召六人兄弟子侄隨軍趣晉陽。事敗，長君等並從戮。六人之妻，又追入官。周武帝滅齊，詔斛律光與季舒等六人同被優贈，季舒贈開府儀同大將軍、定州刺史。

Indeed, his son Changjun held the post of Gentleman in the Right Bureau of Military Affairs of the Ministry. Indeed, the second, Jingxuan, was Assistant Director of the History Bureau. The two were were exiled to the Great Wall. Indeed, before long, the wives of the six men including Jishu were released because of age. Later Prince of Nanan Sihai proclaimed the court's crimes, using the killing of Jishu and the others as a pretext; he summoned all six men's brothers, sons, and nephews to follow the army toward Jinyang. After the affair failed, Changjun and the others were all executed with the army. Indeed, the wives of the six men were again seized into official service. When Emperor Wu of Zhou destroyed Qi, an edict together with Hulu Guang and the other six granted them posthumous honors; Jishu was granted Grand General with an opening office of the Second Order and Governor of Ding province.

挺從祖弟敬邕，性長者，為左中郎將，以軍功賜爵臨淄男，位營州刺史。庫莫奚國有馬數百疋，因風入境，敬邕悉令送還，於是夷人感附。卒于太中大夫，贈濟州刺史，諡曰恭。

Ting's younger male cousin Jingyong was by nature a man of integrity, served as Left Palace Gentleman, was enfeoffed as Baron of Linzi for military merit, and governed Ying province. The Kumo Xi had several hundred horses that entered the border on the wind; Jingyong ordered them all sent back, and the barbarians were moved to submit. He also died as Grand Master of the Palace and was posthumously granted Governor of Ji province with the posthumous name Gong.

敬邕從弟接，字願賓。容貌魁偉，放邁自高，不拘檢。為中書博士、樂陵內史。雅為任城王澄所禮待，及澄為本部，接了無人王敬，王忻然容下之。後為樂陵太守，還鄉卒。

Jingyong's younger male cousin Jie, courtesy name Yuanbin. Indeed, his appearance was towering and heroic; he was unrestrained and self-exalted, not bound by restraint. He also was Doctor of the Secretariat and Internal Administrator of Leling. He was always treated with courtesy by Wang Cheng, Prince of Rencheng; when Cheng was in his home commandery, Jie showed none of a subject's respect, yet the prince gladly accommodated him. Indeed, later he was Administrator of Leling, returned to his home district, and died.

挺族子纂，字叔則。博學有文才，既不為時知，乃著《無談子論》。尋為廷尉正，每有大獄，多所據明，有當官之譽。時太原王靜自廷尉監遷少卿，纂恥居其下，乃與靜書，辭氣抑揚，無上下禮。入啟求解位。後為洛陽令，卒，贈司徒左長史。

Ting's clansman Zuan, courtesy name Shize. Indeed, broadly learned with literary talent, since he was not recognized by the age he wrote the Wutanzi Lun. Indeed, soon he was Director of Justice; in major cases he often clarified the basis and had a reputation for upholding office. At the time Wang Jing of Taiyuan was transferred from prison supervisor to Vice Director; Zuan was ashamed to rank below him and wrote to Jing without the etiquette of superior and inferior. He also entered and memorialized requesting release from his post. Indeed, later he was magistrate of Luoyang, died, and was posthumously granted Left Chief Administrator of the Minister of Education.

纂兄穆，字子和，雅有度量，州辟主簿，卒。穆子暹。

Zuan's elder brother Mu, courtesy name Zihe, had elegant measure; the province recruited him as chief clerk and he died. Mu's son was Xian.

暹字季倫。少為書生，避地勃海，依高乾，以妹妻其弟慎。慎後臨滄、光二州，啟暹為工史，委以職事。趙郡公琛鎮定州，辟為開府諮議，隨琛往晉陽。神武與語悅之，以兼丞相長史。神武舉兵將入洛，留暹佐琛，凡百後事，一以屬暹，握手殷勤，至於三四。琛後以罪被責，暹亦黜免。尉景為并州，起暹為別駕。文襄代景，轉暹為開府諮議，仍行別駕事。從文襄鎮撫鄴都，加散騎常侍，遷左丞、吏部郎，領定州大中正，主議《麟趾格》。暹親遇日隆，好薦人士，言邢邵宜親重。言論之際，邵遂毀暹。文襄不悅，謂暹曰：「卿說子才長，子才專言卿短，此癡人也。」暹曰：「子才言暹短，暹說子才長，皆是實事，不為癡也。」高慎之叛，偽與暹隙，神武后知之，欲發其事而殺暹，文襄苦救得止。遷御史中尉，選畢義雲、盧潛、宋欽道、李愔、崔贍、杜蕤、嵇曄、酈伯偉、崔子武、李廣皆為御史，世稱其知人。文襄欲假暹威勢，諸公在坐朝，令暹後通名，因待以殊禮。暹乃高視徐步，兩人擎裾而入，文襄分庭對揖。暹不讓席而坐，觴再行，便辭退。文襄曰：「下官薄有蔬食，公少留。」暹曰：「適受敕，在台檢校。」遂不待食而去，文襄降送之。旬日後，文襄與諸公出之東山，遇暹在道，前驅為赤棒所擊，文襄回馬避之。

Xian, courtesy name Jilun. Indeed, in youth he was a student; fleeing to Bohai he relied on Gao Gan and married his sister to Gan's younger brother Shen. After Shen later governed Cang and Guang provinces, he recommended Xian as works clerk and entrusted him with duties. Indeed, duke of Zhao Chen garrisoned Ding province and recruited Xian as opening-office adviser; he followed Chen to Jinyang. Indeed, gao Huan spoke with him and was pleased, appointing him concurrent chief administrator under the chief minister. When Gao Huan raised troops to enter Luoyang, he left Xian to assist Chen; all later affairs were entrusted to Xian, with earnest handclasp three or four times. Indeed, chen was later punished for a crime; Xian was also dismissed. Indeed, wei Jing was commander of Bing province and appointed Xian as vice administrator. Indeed, wen Xiang replaced Jing and transferred Xian to opening-office adviser, still acting as vice administrator. Following Wen Xiang in pacifying Ye capital, he was given the additional title Palace Attendant, promoted to Left Director and Gentleman of the Ministry, overseer of Grand Assessor of Ding province, and presided over deliberation of the Linzhi regulations. Indeed, xian's personal favor grew daily; he liked recommending men of talent and said Xing Shao should be treated with special respect. Indeed, in the course of discussion Shao thereupon slandered Xian. Wen Xiang was displeased and said to Xian, "You say Zicai has great merit; Zicai exclusively speaks of your faults—this is a foolish man. Xian replied, "Zicai speaks of my faults; I speak of Zicai's merits—both are true matters, not foolishness. When Gao Shen rebelled he falsely claimed enmity with Xian; Gao Huan later learned of it and wished to expose the matter and kill Xian; Wen Xiang strenuously saved him and it stopped. He also was promoted to Imperial Censor; Bi Yiyun, Lu Qian, Song Qindao, Li Yin, Cui Zhan, Du Rui, Ji Ye, Li Bowei, Cui Ziwu, and Li Guang were all selected as censors—the age praised his discernment of men. Indeed, wen Xiang wished to borrow Xian's authority; when the lords were seated at court audience, he ordered Xian to announce his name afterward and treated him with special ceremony. Xian looked high and walked slowly; two men held his robe skirts as he entered, and Wen Xiang bowed facing him across the hall. Indeed, xian did not yield the seat but sat down; after two rounds of wine he at once took leave. Wen Xiang said, "This humble office has a modest vegetarian meal; please stay a little. Xian said, "I have just received orders to inspect at the headquarters." He left without waiting for the meal; Wen Xiang descended to see him off. Ten days later Wen Xiang went to Dongshan with the lords and met Xian on the road; the vanguard was struck by red clubs and Wen Xiang turned his horse aside.

暹前後表彈尚書令司馬子如，及尚書元羨、殷州刺史慕容獻，又彈太師司州牧咸陽王恆、并州刺史可硃渾道元、冀州刺史韓軌，罪與鄴下諸貴，極言褒美，且誡屬之。先是僧尼猥濫，暹奏設科條篇，沙門法上為昭玄都以檢約之。

Xian repeatedly memorialized against Minister of Works Sima Ziru, Minister Yuan Xian, Administrator of Yin Murong Xian, Grand Preceptor Prince Xianyang of Wei, Governor of Bing Kezhuhun Daoyuan, and Governor of Ji Han Gui—exposing crimes among the Ye nobles, praising some and admonishing others. Previously monks and nuns had proliferated excessively; Xian memorialized to establish regulations, and the monk Fashang was made Director of the Bureau of Buddhism to inspect and restrain them.

神武如鄴，群官迎於紫陌。神武握暹手勞之曰：「小兒任重才輕，非中尉何有今日？榮華富貴，直是中尉自取，高歡父子無以相報。」賜暹馬，使騎之以從，且行且語。暹下拜，馬驚走，神武親為擁之而授轡。魏帝宴華林園，謂神武曰：「自頃所在百司，多有貪暴。朝廷中有用心公平，直言彈劾，不避親戚者，王可勸酒。」神武降階跪言：「唯御史中尉崔暹一人，謹奉明旨，敢以酒勸，並臣所射賜物千段，乞以回賜。」帝又褒美之。於是文襄亦催暹酒，神武親為之抃。文襄退，謂暹曰：「我尚畏羨，何況餘人！」神武將還晉陽，又以所乘馬加彩物賜暹。由是威名日盛，內外莫不畏服。

Indeed, gao Huan went to Ye; officials welcomed him at Zimo Lane. Gao Huan grasped Xian's hand and comforted him, saying, "The boy's burden is heavy and his talent slight; without the Imperial Censor, how could there be today? Indeed, glory, wealth, and honor—you yourself obtained them, Imperial Censor; Gao Huan father and son have nothing with which to repay. He granted Xian a horse and ordered him to ride and follow, talking as they went. Indeed, xian bowed; the horse startled and ran; Gao Huan personally steadied it and handed him the reins. The Wei emperor banqueted at Hualin Garden and said to Gao Huan, "Recently officials everywhere have often been greedy and violent. In the court there are those who use their hearts fairly, speak straight and impeach, and do not avoid kin—you may urge them to drink. Gao Huan descended the steps and knelt, saying, "Only Imperial Censor Cui Xian alone—your servant respectfully follows the clear edict and dares to urge wine, and also the thousand bolts of goods from my archery grant—your servant begs they be returned as gift. Indeed, the emperor again praised him. Wen Xiang also urged Xian to drink; Gao Huan personally clapped for him. Wen Xiang withdrew and said to Xian, "I still fear Xian—how much more others! When Gao Huan was about to return to Jinyang, he again granted the horse he rode plus colored goods to Xian. From this his awesome name grew daily; none inside or outside failed to fear and submit.

神武崩，未發喪，文襄以暹為度支尚書，監國史，兼右僕射，委以心腹之寄，仍為魏帝侍讀。暹憂國如家，以天下為己任。文襄盛寵王昭儀，欲立為正室。暹諫曰：「天命未改，魏室尚存，公主無罪，不容棄辱。」文襄意不悅，苦請乃從之。文襄車服過度，誅戮變常，言談進止，或有虧失。暹每厲色極言，文襄亦為之止。臨淮王孝友被文襄狎愛，數歌舞戲謔于前，顧見暹，輒斂容而止。有獄囚數百，文襄盡欲誅之，每催文帳，暹故緩之，不以時進，文襄意釋，竟免。司州別駕司馬仲粲、中從事陸士佩並被文襄毆擊，付獄將餓殺，暹送食藥，為致言而釋之。

Indeed, when Gao Huan died, mourning was not yet announced; Wen Xiang appointed Xian Director of the Revenue Bureau, supervisor of the national history, concurrent Right Vice Minister, and entrusted him with matters of innermost confidence; he still served as the Wei emperor's reader. Indeed, xian grieved for the state as for his home and took the realm as his own responsibility. Indeed, wen Xiang greatly favored Lady Wang Zhaoyi and wished to establish her as principal consort. Xian remonstrated, "Heaven's mandate has not changed; the house of Wei still exists; the princess is without guilt and cannot be cast aside in disgrace. Wen Xiang was displeased but after strenuous pleading at last followed. Wen Xiang's carriages and robes exceeded measure; executions and killings were irregular; in speech and conduct there were sometimes faults. Indeed, xian each time spoke with stern countenance to the utmost; Wen Xiang also stopped on his account. Indeed, prince of Huaiyang Xiaoyou was treated with familiarity by Wen Xiang and often sang, danced, and jested before him; when he saw Xian he at once composed himself and stopped. There were several hundred prisoners; Wen Xiang wished to execute them all; each time he urged the documents Xian deliberately delayed; Wen Xiang's intent was released and they were ultimately spared. Vice Administrator of Si province Sima Zhongcan and attendant official Lu Shipi were both beaten by Wen Xiang and handed to prison to be starved; Xian sent food and medicine, spoke on their behalf, and they were released.

自出身從官，常日晏乃歸。侵曉則與兄弟跪問母之起居，暮則嘗食視寢，然後至外齋，對親賓論事，或與沙門辯玄理，夜久乃還寢。一生不問家產，魏、梁通和，要貴皆遣人隨聘使交易，暹唯寄求佛經。梁武帝聞之，繕寫，以幡花寶蓋贊唄送至館焉。

From first entering office, he regularly returned only at sunset. Indeed, at dawn he knelt with his brothers to inquire after their mother's comfort; at dusk he tasted food and observed her sleep, then went to the outer study, discussed affairs with kin and guests, or debated Buddhist principles with monks, returning to sleep only late at night. All his life he never inquired about household property; when Wei and Liang made peace, the powerful all sent men to trade with the envoys—Xian only requested Buddhist scriptures. Indeed, emperor Wu of Liang heard of this, had them copied, and sent them to the embassy with banners, flowers, and precious canopies with praise and chanting.

然好大言，調戲無節。嘗密令沙門明藏著《佛論》而署己名，傳諸江表。子達拏，年十三，令儒者權會教其解《周易》兩字，乃集朝貴名流，命達拏高坐開講。同郡眭仲讓陽屈服之，暹用仲讓為司徒中郎。鄴下為之語曰：「講義兩行得中郎。」仲讓官至右丞。此皆暹之短也。

Indeed, yet he liked grand talk and jesting without restraint. Indeed, he once secretly ordered the monk Mingzang to compose a Foulun and affixed his own name, transmitting it to the lands south of the Yangtze. Indeed, his son Dana, age thirteen, was ordered by Confucian Quan Hui to teach him to explain two words of the Book of Changes; he then gathered eminent court figures and ordered Dana to sit high and open lecture. Indeed, suizhongrang of the same commandery pretended submission; Xian employed Zhongrang as Attendant of the Minister of Education. In Ye capital they said, "Two lines of lecture win an Attendant post. Zhongrang reached the post of Right Director. Indeed, these were all Xian's faults.

文宣初嗣霸業，司馬子如、韓軌等挾舊怨，言暹罪重。高隆之亦言宜寬政網，去糾察法官，黜崔暹，則得遠近人意，文宣從之。及踐阼，譖毀者猶不息，帝令都督陳山提、舍人獨孤永業搜暹家。甚貧匱，得神武、文襄與暹書千餘紙，多論軍國大事。帝嗟賞之。仍不免眾口，流暹于馬城，晝則負土供役，夜則置諸地牢。歲餘，奴告暹謀反，鎖赴晉陽，窮驗無實。

Indeed, at the beginning Wen Xuan succeeded to the hegemonic enterprise, Sima Ziru, Han Gui, and others, holding old resentments, said Xian's crimes were heavy. Indeed, gao Longzhi also said the legal net should be broadened, investigative judges removed, and Cui Xian dismissed—then near and far would be pleased; Wen Xuan followed this. Indeed, when he ascended the throne, slander still did not cease; the emperor ordered Commander Chen Shanti and Attendant Dugu Yongye to search Xian's home. It was very poor; they obtained more than a thousand sheets of letters from Gao Huan and Wen Xiang to Xian, mostly discussing military and state affairs. Indeed, the emperor sighed and praised this. Indeed, still he could not escape public censure; Xian was exiled to Macheng, carrying earth by day for corvée and placed in a dungeon at night. Indeed, after more than a year a slave reported Xian plotted rebellion; he was chained and sent to Jinyang; exhaustive investigation found no truth.

先是，文襄疑文宣佯愚，慮其有後變，將陰圖之，以問暹。暹曰：「嘗與二郎俱在行位，試以手板拍其背而不瞋，乃將犀手板換暹竹者，自揩拭而玩視之，以是知其實癡。不足慮也。」帝既鎖暹，責其往昔打背。暹自陳所對文襄之言，明己功以贖死。帝悟曰：「我免禍，乃暹之力。」釋而勞之，使行太原郡事，遷太常卿。謂群臣曰：「崔暹清正，天下無雙，卿等不及也。」初，文襄欲以最小妹嫁與暹子達拏，會崩，遂寢。至是，宴于宣光殿，群臣多在焉，文宣謂暹曰：「賢子達拏甚有才學，亡兄長女樂安公主，魏帝外甥，勝朕諸妹，思成大兄宿志，故欲作婚姻。」乃以主降達拏。暹尋遷中書監，兼併省右僕射。是時法網已嚴，官司難於剖決，系獄者千餘人。暹初上省，便大錄囚，旬月間，斷雪略盡。文襄時欲封暹，神武亦欲封之，暹並固辭。文宣數出遊，多至暹宅，以暹女為皇太子妃，李後不可，乃止。天保八年，遷尚書右僕射、儀同三司。時調絹以七丈為匹，暹言之，乃依舊焉。帝謂左右曰：「崔暹諫我餘酒過多，然我飲酒何所廢？」常山王私謂暹曰：「至尊威嚴多醉，太后尚不能致言，吾兄弟杜口。僕射獨犯顏，內外深相感愧。」十年，卒，帝撫靈哭之，贈開府儀同三司、尚書左僕射、定州刺史，諡曰貞節。

Indeed, previously Wen Xiang suspected Wen Xuan feigned stupidity and feared he might later change; he planned to plot against him secretly and asked Xian. Xian said, "I once stood in the same rank with the Second Lord; I tried slapping his back with a hand board and he did not grow angry; he then exchanged my bamboo board for a rhinoceros board, wiped it himself and examined it—thereby I knew he was truly simple. Indeed, not worth worrying about. When the emperor had chained Xian, he blamed him for the past blow to the back. Indeed, xian himself stated what he had answered Wen Xiang, clarifying his merit to redeem death. The emperor understood and said, "I escaped calamity—it was Xian's power. He released and comforted him, ordered him to conduct Taiyuan commandery affairs, and transferred him to Minister of Ceremonies. He told the ministers, "Cui Xian is upright and pure—unmatched under Heaven; you cannot equal him. Indeed, initially Wen Xiang wished to marry his youngest sister to Xian's son Dana; when he died the matter was suspended. At this time, banqueting at Xuanguang Hall with many ministers present, Wen Xuan said to Xian, "Your worthy son Dana has great talent; the late brother's eldest daughter Princess Le'an, the Wei emperor's niece, surpasses my sisters; I wish to fulfill the elder brother's longstanding wish and make the marriage. He gave the princess in marriage to Dana. Indeed, xian was soon transferred to Director of the Secretariat and concurrently Right Vice Minister of the combined secretariat. Indeed, at the time the legal net was already strict and offices found it hard to decide; more than a thousand were imprisoned. Indeed, when Xian first entered the ministry he at once greatly recorded prisoners; within ten days judgments were cleared almost entirely. Wen Xiang wished to enfeoff Xian; Gao Huan also wished to enfeoff him—Xian firmly declined both. Wen Xuan often toured and often reached Xian's residence; he wished to make Xian's daughter the crown prince's consort, but Empress Li would not allow it, and it stopped. Indeed, in the eighth year of Tianbao he was transferred to Right Vice Minister and Palace Attendant of the Third Order. Indeed, at the time silk for tax was measured at seven zhang per bolt; Xian spoke of this and it returned to the old standard. The emperor told those at his side, "Cui Xian remonstrates that I drink too much—but what does my drinking harm? Prince of Changshan privately said to Xian, "His Majesty is often drunk and awesome; even the empress dowager cannot speak; we brothers keep silent. Indeed, you alone, Vice Minister, offend his countenance—inside and outside we deeply feel gratitude and shame. In the tenth year he died; the emperor stroked the bier and wept, posthumously granting him Grand General with an opening office of the Second Order, Left Vice Minister, and Governor of Ding province with the posthumous name Zhenjie.

達拏溫良廉謹，有識學。位儀同三司、司農卿，周禦府大夫。大象中使鄴，屬尉遲迥起兵，以為總管司馬。迥平，伏誅。初，文宣嘗問樂安公主：「達拏于汝何似？」答云：「甚相敬，唯阿家憎兒。」文宣令宮人召達拏母入而殺之，投漳水。齊滅，達拏殺主以復仇。暹兄謀開。

Indeed, dana was gentle, good, modest, and careful, with discernment and learning. Indeed, he held the rank of Palace Attendant of the Third Order and Director of the Ministry of Revenue, and in Zhou was Grand Master of the Imperial Storehouse. Indeed, in the Elephant era he was sent to Ye; when Yuchi Yong rose in arms he was made campaign chief administrator. Indeed, when Yong was pacified, he was executed. Initially Wen Xuan once asked Princess Le'an, "How does Dana compare to you? She answered, "He treats me with great respect—only his mother-in-law hates me. Wen Xuan ordered palace women to summon Dana's mother in and kill her, throwing her into the Zhang River. Indeed, when Qi was destroyed, Dana killed the princess to avenge his mother. Xian's elder brother was Moukai.

纂從祖弟游，字延叔，少有風概。為東郡太守。郡有鹽戶，常供州郡為兵，子孫見丁從役。矜其勞苦，乃為表聞，請聽更代，郡內感之。太學舊在城內，遊移置城南閑敞處，親自說經，當時學者莫不勸勉，號為良守。正光中，除南秦州刺史。

Zuan's younger male cousin You, courtesy name Yanshu, had bearing and spirit from youth. Indeed, he was Administrator of Dong commandery. Indeed, in the commandery were salt households who regularly supplied the province and commandery with corvée labor; descendants when registered for service followed conscription. Indeed, pitying their toil, he memorialized the court requesting rotation of service; within the commandery they were moved. The Imperial Academy had originally been within the city; You moved it south to open ground, personally lectured on the classics, and scholars were all encouraged—he was called a good administrator. Indeed, during Zhengguang he was appointed Governor of Southern Qin province.

先是，州人楊松柏、洛德兄弟數為反叛，遊深加招慰，兄弟俱至。松柏既郡之豪帥，感恩獎喻，郡賊咸來歸款，且以過在前政，不復自疑，遊乃因宴會，一時俱斬。於是外人以其不信，合境皆反。正光五年，秦州城人殺刺史李彥為逆。數日後，遊知必不安，謀欲出外，尋為城人韓祖香等所攻。游事窘登樓，慷慨悲歎，乃推下小女而殺之，義不為群小所辱，為祖香等害。永安中，贈散騎常侍、鎮北將軍、定州刺史。子伏護。

Indeed, previously in the province Yang Songbai and Luo De and their brothers had repeatedly rebelled; You deeply recruited and reassured them and the brothers both came. Since Songbai was the commandery's powerful chief, moved by gratitude, commandery bandits all came to submit; because the fault lay with the previous administration they no longer doubted; You at a banquet killed them all at once. Outsiders, because he was untrustworthy, rebelled throughout the territory. Indeed, in the fifth year of Zhengguang, Qin province city people killed Governor Li Yan in rebellion. Indeed, several days later You knew he could not remain secure and planned to go outside; soon he was attacked by city men Han Zuxiang and others. Indeed, you, pressed, ascended a tower and sighed with generous grief; he pushed down his young daughter and killed her—he would not be shamed by the mob—and was killed by Zuxiang and the others. Indeed, during Yongan he was posthumously granted Palace Attendant and General Who Pacifies the North and Governor of Ding province. His son was Fuhu.

論曰：崔鑒以文業應利用之秋，世家有業，余慶不已，人位繼軌，亦為盛哉！辯器業著聞，位不遠到；逸德優官薄，仍世恨之。模雄壯之烈，楷忠貞之操，殺身成義，臨難如歸，非大丈夫亦何能若此矣！士謙昆弟非唯武毅見重，忠公之稱，亦足嘉云。挺兄弟風操高亮，懷文抱質，曆事著聞，見重朝野，繼世承家，門族並著，市朝可變，人焉不絕。至若宣猷之立入朝贊務，則嘉謀屢陳，出撫宣條，則威恩具舉。仲方之兼資文武，雅長謀算，伐陳之策，信為深遠。弈世載德，夫豈徒然？昂智足立功，能足幹事，霸朝委遇，良有以焉。而謝彼仁心，安茲苛政，晚途遭躓，理其宜也。季舒蹈龍逢之節，季倫受分庭之遇，雖遭逢異日，得喪不同，考其遺跡，而榮名一也，蓋所謂彼有人焉。

Indeed, commentary says: Cui Jian, with literary achievement responding to the season of opportunity, a family with established enterprise and blessings not exhausted, men and offices succeeding in succession—how flourishing! Indeed, bian's talent and achievement were renowned; his rank did not reach far; Indeed, yi's virtue was excellent but his office thin—generations resented it. Mo's heroic valor, Kai's loyal steadfast integrity—achieving righteousness by giving their lives, facing hardship as if returning home—if not great men, how could they be like this! Indeed, shiqian and his brothers were valued not only for martial resolve; the title of loyal public servant is also worthy of praise. Indeed, the Ting brothers' bearing and integrity were lofty; they embraced culture and possessed substance; serving through successive reigns they were renowned, valued by court and countryside; continuing the family across generations, the clan was illustrious—the marketplace may change, yet the men do not cease. Indeed, as for Xuanyou's establishing himself in court to assist in affairs, excellent plans were repeatedly offered; going out to govern, authority and kindness were both displayed. Indeed, zhongfang's combined civil and military capacity, his elegant mastery of strategy—the plan for conquering Chen was truly far-reaching. Indeed, virtue carried across generations—could it be in vain? Ang had the intelligence to establish merit and the ability to manage affairs; the hegemonic court's trust in him was well founded. Yet he abandoned his humane heart and accommodated harsh governance; to stumble in his later course was only to be expected. Jishu upheld the integrity of Long Feng; Xian received the courtesy of facing his lord across the hall—though they lived in different times and met different fates, examining their traces, their honored names are one; this is what is meant by saying there were true men among them.

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