Volume 57 Biographies 45: The Northern Zhou Imperial Family

邵惠公顥子什肥導護叱羅協馮遷杞簡公連莒莊公洛生虞國公仲廣川公測弟深深子孝伯東平公神舉弟慶

Duke Hui of Shao Yuwen Hao; his sons Shifen, Yuwen Dao, and Yuwen Hu; Chi Luoxie; Feng Qian; Duke Lian of Qi; Duke Luosheng of Ju; Duke Zhong of Yuguo; Duke Ce of Guangchuan, his younger brother Shen, Shen's son Xiaobo; Duke Shenju of Dongping, and his younger brother Qing.

邵惠公顥，周文帝之長兄也。德皇帝娶樂浪王氏，是為德皇后。生顥，性至孝，居德皇后喪，哀毀過禮。德皇帝與衛可瑰戰，墜馬，顥與數騎奔救，乃免。顥遂戰歿。保定初，追贈大塚宰，封邵國公，諡曰惠。三子，什肥、導、護。

Duke Hui of Shao Yuwen Hao was the eldest elder brother of Zhou Emperor Wen Yuwen Tai. Emperor De Yuwen Gong married Lady Wang of Lelang; she became Empress De. She bore Yuwen Hao, who was supremely filial; while mourning Empress De, his grief went beyond what ritual allowed. When Emperor De fought Wei Keugui and fell from his horse, Yuwen Hao galloped to his aid with a few riders and enabled him to escape. Yuwen Hao then fell in battle. At the beginning of Baoding (561), Yuwen Hao was posthumously granted grand chancellor, enfeoffed as Duke of Shao, and given the posthumous title Hui (Benevolent). He had three sons: Shifen, Yuwen Dao, and Yuwen Hu.

什肥事母以孝聞。文帝入關，不能離母，遂留晉陽。文帝定秦、隴，什肥為齊神武所害。保定初，追贈大將軍、小塚宰，襲爵邵國公，諡曰景。子胄嗣。

Shifen served his mother with a filial devotion that became renowned. When Zhou Emperor Wen Yuwen Tai entered Guan, Shifen could not leave his mother and remained at Jinyang. After Yuwen Tai had pacified Qin and Long, Shifen was killed by Gao Huan, Duke of Qi Shenwu. At the beginning of Baoding (561), Shifen was posthumously granted grand general and junior grand chancellor, succeeded to the title Duke of Shao, and was given the posthumous title Jing (Resplendent). His son Yuwen Zhou succeeded.

胄少孤，頗有幹略。景公之見害，以年幼下蠶室。保定初，詔以晉公護子會紹景公封。天和中，與齊通好，胄歸，襲爵邵國公。及隋文帝輔政，胄為滎州刺史，舉兵應尉遲迥，為清河公楊素所殺。國除。

Yuwen Zhou was orphaned young and showed considerable drive and strategic ability. When Duke Jing was killed, Yuwen Zhou, because of his youth, was sent to the castration quarters. At the beginning of Baoding (561), an edict ordered that Yuwen Hui, son of Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu, should succeed to Duke Jing's enfeoffment. In the Tianhe era (566–572), when peace was made with Northern Qi, Yuwen Zhou returned and inherited the title Duke of Shao. When Yang Jian served as regent, Yuwen Zhou was governor of Xing Province; he raised troops to support Yuchi Jiong and was killed by Yang Su, Duke of Qinghe. The ducal fief was abolished.

會字乾仁，胄至自齊，改封譚國公。後與護同誅。建德三年，追復封爵常武公。

Yuwen Hui, style name Ganren; when Yuwen Zhou returned from Northern Qi, Hui's enfeoffment was changed to Duke of Tan. Later he was executed together with Yuwen Hu. In the third year of Jiande (574), his title was posthumously restored as Duke of Changwu.

導字菩薩，少雄豪。初與諸父在葛榮中，榮敗，遷晉陽。與文帝隨賀拔岳入關，常從征伐。文帝討侯莫陳悅，導追斬之牽屯山，以功封饒陽縣伯。及魏文帝東征，留導為華州刺史。既而趙青雀、於伏德、慕容思慶等作亂，導禽伏德，斬思慶，屯渭橋會文帝軍。及事平，進爵章武郡公，加侍中。及高仲密以北豫州降，文帝東征，復以導為大都督，行華州刺史，甚得守扞之方。及大軍不利，東魏追至稠桑，知關中有備，乃退。侯景來附，詔征隴右大都督獨孤信東下，令導代信為秦州刺史、大都督、十五州諸軍事。及齊氏稱帝，文帝討之，魏文帝遣齊王廓鎮隴右，征導拜大將軍、大都督、二十三州諸軍事，屯咸陽。大軍還，乃旋舊鎮。

Yuwen Dao, style name Pusa, was bold and heroic in youth. At first he was with his uncles in Ge Rong's army; when Ge Rong was defeated, they were relocated to Jinyang. He followed Yuwen Tai with Helba Yue into Guan and constantly joined the campaigns. When Yuwen Tai campaigned against Houmochen Yue, Yuwen Dao pursued and beheaded him at Qiantun Mountain; for this merit he was enfeoffed as Baron of Raoyang county. When Western Wei Emperor Wen marched east, Yuwen Dao was left as governor of Hua Province. When Zhao Qingque, Yu Fude, Murong Siqing, and others rebelled, Yuwen Dao captured Yu Fude, beheaded Murong Siqing, camped at Wei Bridge, and joined Yuwen Tai's army. When the affair was pacified, he was advanced to Duke of Zhangwu commandery and appointed palace attendant. When Gao Zhongmi surrendered Beiyu and Yuwen Tai marched east, Yuwen Dao was again made grand commander and acting governor of Hua Province, and mastered methods of defense. When the main army suffered a setback, Eastern Wei pursued to Chousang; finding Guanzhong ready, they withdrew. When Hou Jing came over, an edict summoned Longyou grand commander Dugu Xin east; Yuwen Dao was ordered to replace him as governor of Qin Province, grand commander, and commander of military affairs in fifteen provinces. When Northern Qi declared itself emperor, Yuwen Tai campaigned against it; Western Wei Emperor Wen sent Prince of Qi Yuwen Kuo to guard Longyou, summoned Yuwen Dao, and appointed him grand general, grand commander, and commander of military affairs in twenty-three provinces, stationing him at Xianyang. When the main army returned, he returned to his former post.

導性寬明，善撫禦，文帝每出征，導恆居守，深為吏人所附，朝廷重之。薨于上邽，魏帝遣侍中、漁陽王綱監護喪事，贈尚書令，諡曰孝。朝議以導撫和西戎，威恩顯著，欲令世鎮隴右，以彰厥德。乃葬上邽城西無疆原，華戎會葬者萬餘人，奠祭于路，悲號振野，皆曰「我君舍我乎」。大小相與負土成墳，高五十餘尺，周回八十餘步。為官司所止，然後泣辭而去。天和五年，重贈太師、柱國、豳國公。

Yuwen Dao was magnanimous and clear-sighted and skilled at governing; whenever Yuwen Tai campaigned, Dao stayed behind to guard the rear; officials and commoners were deeply attached to him, and the court valued him. He died at Shanggui; the Wei emperor sent palace attendant Prince of Yuyang Yuwen Gang to oversee the funeral, granted him Minister over the Masses posthumously, and gave him the posthumous title Xiao (Filial). The court held that because Yuwen Dao had pacified the western Rong and his authority and kindness were conspicuous, they wished his line to command Longyou for generations to manifest his virtue. He was buried on Wujiang plain west of Shanggui; more than ten thousand Chinese and frontier peoples attended the funeral; offerings lined the road and wailing shook the countryside; all cried, "Has our lord abandoned us?" Young and old together carried earth to build a mound more than fifty chi high and more than eighty paces around. Government officers stopped them; only then did the mourners weep and depart. In the fifth year of Tianhe (568), he was again posthumously granted Grand Preceptor, pillar-of-state, and Duke of Bin.

導五子，廣、亮、翼、椿、眾。亮、椿出後於杞。

Yuwen Dao had five sons: Guang, Liang, Yi, Chun, and Zhong. Liang and Chun were given in adoption to the Qi line.

廣字乾歸，少方嚴，好文學。武成初，位大將軍、梁州總管，進封蔡國公，累遷秦州刺史、總管十三州諸軍事。性明察，善撫綏，人庶畏悅之。時晉公護諸子及廣弟杞公亮等侈靡逾制，廣獨率禮，又折節待士，朝野稱焉。曾侍于武帝所，食瓜美，持以奉進，帝悅之。廣以晉公護擅權，勸令挹損，護不能納。後除陝州總管，以病免。及孝公追封豳國公，召廣襲爵。初、廣母李氏以廣患，憂而成疾，遂歿。廣居喪加篤，乃以毀薨。世稱母為廣病，廣為母死，慈孝之道，極於一門。武帝素服親臨。其故吏儀同李克信等上表褒述，申其宿志，庶存儉約。詔曰：「昔河間才藻，追敘于中尉；東海謙約，見稱於身後。可斟酌前典，率由舊章，使易簀之言，得申遺志，黜殯之請，無虧令終。」於是贈本官，加太保、隴右十四州諸軍事、秦州刺史，諡曰文。葬于隴右，所司一遵儉約之典。子洽嗣，隋文輔政，被害，國除。

Yuwen Guang, style name Qiangui, was stern and proper in youth and loved literature. In the early Wucheng era (559), he was grand general and area commander of Liang Province, was advanced to Duke of Cai, and later became governor of Qin Province and area commander of military affairs in thirteen provinces. He was clear-sighted and skilled at comforting and governing; the people revered him and were pleased with his rule. At the time the sons of Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu and Guang's younger brother Duke of Qi Yuwen Liang and others lived beyond their rank; Guang alone kept to ritual, humbled himself to treat scholars, and won praise in court and countryside. Once while attending Emperor Wu Yuwen Yong, he found the melon delicious, presented it to the emperor, and pleased him. Because Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu monopolized power, Guang urged him to restrain himself; Hu would not heed him. He was later appointed area commander of Shaan Province but was dismissed because of illness. When Duke Xiao was posthumously enfeoffed as Duke of Bin, Yuwen Guang was summoned to inherit the title. At first Yuwen Guang's mother Lady Li, because Guang's illness had worn on, worried herself into sickness and died. Yuwen Guang having entered mourning, his illness grew still worse, and he died from grief-induced destruction. People said the mother died of Yuwen Guang's illness and Guang died for his mother—filial devotion in that household reached its utmost. Emperor Wu Yuwen Yong in plain white mourning garb personally attended. His former subordinates commissioner-equal Li Kexin and others submitted a memorial praising him and stating his longstanding wish that his funeral remain frugal. The edict read: "In the past, Hejian's literary gifts were praised by the Commandant of Justice; Donghai's modest restraint was praised after his death. Let former canons be consulted and old regulations followed, so that his wish to change the mat may be honored and his request for a plain burial may not mar a worthy end." Thereupon he was granted his former offices and additionally made Grand Tutor, commander of military affairs in fourteen Longyou provinces, and governor of Qin Province; his posthumous title was Wen (Cultured). He was buried in Longyou, and every responsible office followed the regulations for a plain funeral. His son Qia succeeded; when Yang Jian served as regent, Qia was killed and the ducal fief was abolished.

翼字乾宜，封西陽郡公，早薨，曰昭。無子，以杞公亮子溫嗣，後坐亮反誅，國除。眾字乾道，少不慧，封天水郡公，為隋文所誅。

Yi, style name Qianyi, was enfeoffed as Duke of Xiyang commandery; he died young and was given the posthumous title Zhao (Luminous). He left no son, so Wen, son of Duke of Qi Yuwen Liang, succeeded; later, because Liang rebelled, Wen was executed and the fief was abolished. Zhong, style name Qiandao, was not clever in youth; he was enfeoffed as Duke of Tianshui commandery and was executed by Yang Jian.

護字薩保，幼方正有志度，特為德皇帝所愛。文帝之入關，以年小不從。普泰初，始自晉陽至平涼，時年十七。文帝諸子並幼，遂委以家務，內外無不嚴肅。文帝歎之，以為類已。及臨夏州，留護事賀拔嶽。嶽被害。文帝至平涼，以護為都督，從破侯莫陳悅。後以迎魏帝功，封水池縣伯。從文帝禽竇泰，復弘農，破沙苑，戰河橋，並有功。芒山之役，為敵人所圍，賴都督侯伏龍恩救，乃免。坐免官，尋復本位。大統十三年，進封中山公。十五年，遷大將軍。與於謹征江陵，進兵徑至江陵城下，以待大軍至，圍而克之。師還，護又討平襄陽蠻帥向天保等萬餘落。初行六官，拜司空。

Yuwen Hu, style name Saba, was upright and principled in youth; Emperor De Yuwen Gong especially loved him. When Yuwen Tai entered Guan, Hu was still too young to accompany him. At the beginning of Putai (531), he first came from Jinyang to Pingliang; he was seventeen years old. Yuwen Tai's sons were all still young; he entrusted household affairs to Hu, and within and without the household all was solemn and orderly. Yuwen Tai sighed and thought him much like himself. When Yuwen Tai went out to govern Xia Province, he left Yuwen Hu to serve Heba Yue. Heba Yue was murdered. When Yuwen Tai reached Pingliang, he made Yuwen Hu commander; Hu followed him and helped defeat Houmochen Yue. Later, for helping welcome the Wei emperor, he was enfeoffed as Baron of Shuichi county. He followed Yuwen Tai in capturing Dou Tai, recovering Hongnong, defeating at Shawei, and fighting at Heqiao—all with merit. In the battle of Mount Mang, he was surrounded by the enemy; only with the rescue of commander Hou Fulongen did he escape. He was dismissed from office for the fault but soon restored to his former post. In the thirteenth year of Datong (547), he was advanced to Duke of Zhongshan. In the fifteenth year (549), he was transferred to grand general. With Yu Jin he campaigned against Jiangling; he advanced directly to the walls of Jiangling, waited for the main army to arrive, then besieged and captured the city. When the army returned, Yuwen Hu again suppressed and pacified the Xiangyang Man chieftain Xiang Tianbao and more than ten thousand families under him. When the Six Offices were first instituted, he was appointed Minister of Works.

文帝西巡，至牽屯山遇疾，召護至涇州，見文帝。帝曰：「吾形容若此，必不濟。諸子幼，天下事以屬汝。」護涕泣奉命。行至雲陽，文帝崩，護秘之，至長安乃發喪。時嗣子沖幼，強寇在近，人情不安。護綱紀內外，撫循文武，眾心乃定。先是，文帝常云「我得胡力」，當時莫曉其指，時人以「護」字當之。尋拜柱國。文帝山陵畢，護以天命有歸，遣諷魏帝以禪代事。孝閔踐阼，拜大司馬，封晉國公，邑萬戶。趙貴、獨孤信等將謀襲護，護因貴入朝，執之，黨與皆伏誅。拜大塚宰。

When Yuwen Tai toured west to Qiantun Mountain he fell ill; he summoned Hu to Jing Province to see him. The emperor told him: "I look like this; I surely will not recover. My sons are still young; I entrust the realm's affairs to you." Yuwen Hu wept and accepted the command. When they reached Yunyang, Yuwen Tai died; Yuwen Hu kept it secret and announced mourning only after reaching Chang'an. At the time the heir Yuwen Chong was young; powerful enemies were near; people's hearts were unsettled. Yuwen Hu maintained order inside and outside and comforted civil and military officers; the hearts of the multitude were then settled. Earlier Yuwen Tai had often said, "I obtain Hu's strength"; at the time no one understood what he meant; people later matched it to the character hu in Yuwen Hu's name. He was soon appointed pillar-of-state, one of the highest honors of the realm. When Yuwen Tai's tomb rites were completed, Yuwen Hu, believing the Mandate had found its bearer, sent men to hint to the Wei emperor about abdication and succession. When Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, Yuwen Hu was appointed grand marshal, enfeoffed as Duke of Jin, with a fief of ten thousand households. Zhao Gui, Dugu Xin, and others plotted to attack Yuwen Hu; when Zhao Gui entered court, Hu seized him; accomplices were all executed. He was appointed grand chancellor.

時司會李植、軍司馬孫恆等密要宮伯乙弗鳳、張光洛、賀拔提、元進等為腹心，說帝，言護不守臣節，宜圖之。帝然之，數將武士于後園，為執縛勢。護微知之。出植為梁州，恆為潼州，欲遏其謀。後帝思植等，每欲召之。護諫曰：「天下至親，不過兄弟。若兄弟自構嫌隙，他人何易可親？但恐除臣後，奸回得逞其欲，非唯不處陛下，亦危社稷。」因泣涕，久之乃止。帝猶猜，鳳等益懼，密謀滋甚，遂克日將誅護。光洛告護，護乃召柱國賀蘭祥、小司馬尉遲綱等以鳳謀告之。祥並勸廢帝。時綱總領禁兵，護乃遣綱入宮，召鳳等議事，以次執送護第。因罷散宿衛兵，遣祥逼帝，幽于舊邸。於是召公卿畢集護第。護曰：「先王勤勞王業三十餘年，寇賊未平，奄棄萬國。寡人地則猶子，親受顧命，以略陽公既居正嫡，與公等立而奉之，革魏興周，為四海主。自即位已來，荒淫無度，昵近群小，疏忌骨肉，大臣重將，咸欲誅夷。若此謀遂行，社稷必致傾覆。寡人若死，將何面目以見先王？今日甯負略陽公，豈可負社稷！寧都公年德兼茂，仁孝聖慈，今欲廢昏立明，公等以為何如？」群公咸曰：「此公之家事，敢不唯命是聽！」於是斬鳳等於門外，並誅植、恆。尋弑帝，迎明帝於岐州而立之。

At the time Director of Audits Li Zhi, army secretary Sun Heng, and others secretly recruited palace guards Yifu Feng, Zhang Guangluo, Heba Ti, and Yuan Jin as confidants, told the emperor that Yuwen Hu did not keep a minister's conduct, and urged that he be removed. The emperor agreed; he repeatedly led warriors in the rear garden to drill in the posture of binding and seizing. Yuwen Hu had some inkling of it. He sent Li Zhi out as governor of Liang Province and Sun Heng out as governor of Tong Province, wishing to check their plot. Later the emperor missed Li Zhi and the others and often wished to summon them. Yuwen Hu remonstrated, saying: "The closest kin under Heaven is nothing beyond brothers. If brothers themselves build suspicion and rifts, how easily can others be trusted?. But I fear that after I am removed, treacherous men will have their way—not only failing to serve Your Majesty properly, but also endangering the altars of state. Thereupon he wept; only after long did he stop. The emperor still suspected him. Yifu Feng and the others grew all the more afraid, and their secret plotting intensified until they fixed a day to kill Yuwen Hu. Zhang Guangluo fully reported their earlier and later plot to Yuwen Hu; Yuwen Hu thereupon summoned Pillar-of-State Helan Xiang, junior marshal Yuchi Gang, and others, and told them of Yifu Feng's plot. Helan Xiang and the others all urged Yuwen Hu to depose the emperor. At the time Yuchi Gang commanded the forbidden troops; Yuwen Hu thereupon sent Gang into the palace to summon Feng and the others to discuss affairs, and when they came out, seized them in order and sent them to Yuwen Hu's residence. He thereupon dismissed and dispersed the night-guard troops, sent Helan Xiang to compel the emperor, and confined him in the old residence. Thereupon Yuwen Hu summoned all the nobles and ministers to assemble at his residence. Yuwen Hu said: "The late king toiled at the royal enterprise for more than thirty years; bandits and enemies were not yet pacified when suddenly he abandoned the myriad states. I in status was like a younger son and personally received the deathbed charge; because the Duke of Lueyang already held the legitimate succession, together with you gentlemen we enthroned and served him, replaced Wei with Zhou, and made him sovereign of the four seas. Since ascending the throne he has been dissolute without measure, intimate with petty men, distant and jealous of kin, and great ministers and important generals—all wished to be executed and destroyed — so the record states. If this plot had been carried out, the altars of state would surely have been overturned — so the record states. If I die, with what face could I see the late king?. Today I would rather fail Duke of Lueyang than fail the altars of state — so the record states. The Duke of Ning is mature in years and virtue, benevolent, filial, and sage-like; we now wish to depose the unworthy ruler and establish a worthy one—what do you gentlemen think? The assembled ministers all said: "This is your Grace's family affair—we dare not but obey your command.". Thereupon Yifu Feng and the others were beheaded outside the gate; Li Zhi, Sun Heng, and the others were also executed. Soon they assassinated the emperor and welcomed Emperor Ming from Qi Province to enthrone him.

二年，拜太師，賜路車冕服，封子至為崇業郡公。初改雍州刺史為牧，以護為之，並賜金石之東。

In the second year Yuwen Hu was appointed Grand Preceptor, granted carriage and court robes, and his son Zhi was enfeoffed as Duke of Chongye commandery. When the post of governor of Yong Province was first changed to governor-general, Yuwen Hu was appointed to it and was also granted the stone-and-metal orchestra.

武成元年，護上表政，帝許之，軍國大事尚委於護。帝性聰睿，有識量，護深憚之。有李安者，本以鼎俎得寵於護，擢為膳部下大夫。至是，護令安因進食加毒，帝遂崩。護立武帝，百官總已以聽護。

In the first year of Wucheng (559), Yuwen Hu submitted a memorial returning government; the emperor permitted it. The emperor by nature was clever and perceptive, with judgment and capacity; Yuwen Hu deeply feared him. There was one Li An who originally through kitchen service gained Yuwen Hu's favor; gradually he was promoted and reached the post of lower grandee of the victuals ministry. At this time Yuwen Hu secretly ordered Li An, when presenting food to the emperor, to add poison. Yuwen Hu enthroned Emperor Wu (Yuwen Yong); all officials deferred to Yuwen Hu in governing.

先是，護母閻與皇第四姑及諸戚屬並沒齊，皆被幽縶。護居宰相後，每遣間使尋求，莫知音息。至是，並許還朝，且請和好。四年，皇姑先至。齊主以護權重，乃留其母，以為後圖。仍令人為閻作書與護曰：

Earlier, Yuwen Hu's mother Lady Yan and the imperial fourth aunt and various kin, all were captured in Northern Qi and were all imprisoned. After Yuwen Hu held the chancellor's post, he repeatedly sent secret envoys to seek them; no word of their fate was heard. At this time all were permitted to return to court and Northern Qi also sought reconciliation. In the fourth year, the imperial aunt arrived first — so the record states. The Northern Qi ruler, because Yuwen Hu already held heavy power, thereupon detained his mother as a plan for later. He still had someone write a letter for Lady Yan reporting to Yuwen Hu, saying:

吾念十九入汝家，今以八十矣。凡生汝輩三男二女，今日目下，不睹一人，興言及此，悲纏肌骨。賴皇齊恩恤，差安衰暮。又得與汝楊氏姑及汝叔母紇幹、汝嫂劉及汝新婦等同居，頗以自適。但為微有耳疾，大語方聞，行動飲食，幸無多損。

I myself recall entering your household at nineteen; now I am already eighty — so the record states. In all I bore you three sons and two daughters; today before my eyes I do not see a single one. To speak of this binds grief into my very bones. Relying on Great Qi's gracious pity, I am somewhat at ease in my declining years — so the record states. I also have your Yang paternal aunt and your uncle's wife Hegan and your sister-in-law Lady Liu Xinfu and others living together; it is also rather comfortable — so the record states. I only have a slight ear ailment and can hear only when speech is loud; in moving about and in eating and drinking, fortunately I suffer little impairment.

汝與吾別之時，年尚幼小，以前家事，或不委曲。昔在武川鎮，生汝兄弟，大才屬鼠，第二屬兔，汝身屬蛇。鮮于修禮起日，吾闔家大小先在博陵郡住，相將欲向左人城。至唐河北，被定州官軍打敗。汝祖及第二叔時俱戰亡。叔母賀拔及兒元寶、汝叔母紇幹及兒菩提並吾與汝六人，同被禽捉入定州城。未幾間，將吾及汝送與元寶掌，賀拔、紇幹各別分散。寶掌軍營在唐城內，經停三日。寶掌所掠得男夫女婦可六七千人，悉送向京。吾時與汝同被送限。至定州城南，夜宿同鄉人姬庫根家。蠕蠕奴望見鮮于修禮營火。語吾云：「今走向本軍。」既至營，遂告吾輩在此。明旦日出，汝叔將兵邀截，吾及汝等還得向營。汝時年十二，共吾並乘馬隨軍，可不記此事由緣也？後吾共汝在壽陽任。時元寶、菩提及汝姑兒賀蘭盛洛，並汝身四人同學。博士姓成，為人嚴惡，汝等四人謀欲加害。吾共汝叔母聞知，各捉其兒打之。唯盛洛無母，獨不被打。後爾硃天柱亡歲，賀拔阿斗泥在關西，遣人迎家累。汝叔亦遣奴來富迎汝及盛洛等。汝時著緋綾袍、銀裝帶，盛洛著紫纖成纈通身袍，黃綾裏，並乘騾同去。盛洛小於汝，三人並喚吾作阿摩敦。如此之事，當分明記之。今又寄汝小時所著錦袍表一領，至宜撿看，知吾含悲抱戚，多歷年祀。

When you parted from me, you were still young; regarding earlier household affairs, perhaps you do not know the full details — so the record states. Formerly at Wuchuan garrison your brothers were born—the eldest belongs to the rat, the next to the rabbit, and you yourself to the snake — so the record states. On the day Xianyu Xiuli rose in rebellion, my whole household, great and small, was then living in Boling commandery and was about to set out together for Zuoren city. We were about to go together toward Zuoren city; when we reached north of the Tang River, we were defeated by Ding Province government troops — so the record states. Your grandfather and two uncles at the time all died in battle — so the record states. Your uncle's wife Heba and son Yuanbao, your uncle's wife Hegan and son Puti, together with me and you six people, were all captured and taken into Ding Province city — so the record states. Before long they handed me and you over to Yuanbao's custody, while Heba and Hegan were each sent away separately. Baozhang's army encamped inside Tang city and remained there three days. After stopping three days, the men and women Baozhang had plundered, about sixty or seventy people, were all sent toward the capital — so the record states. At the time I and you were sent together under guard — so the record states. Reaching south of Ding Province city, at night we lodged at fellow townsman Ji Kugen's house — so the record states. Ruru slave saw Xianyu Xiuli's camp fires and said to me: "I now will go toward the main army.". He said to me: "Now I will go back to our original army. When he reached the camp, he thereupon reported that we were here — so the record states. The next morning at sunrise your uncle led troops to intercept; I and you and the others were able to return toward the camp. You at the time were twelve; together with me you both rode horses following the army—you surely remember this matter's origin, do you not?. Afterward I and you lived at Shouyang — so the record states. At the time Yuanbao, Puti, and your aunt's son Helan Shenglo, together with you yourself, four people studied together — so the record states. The instructor surnamed Cheng was stern and harsh by nature; the four of you plotted to harm him. I and your uncles' wives and others heard of it; each seized her son and beat him — so the record states. Only Shenglo had no mother; alone he was not beaten — so the record states. Afterward, in the year Erzhu Tianzhu died, Heba Adouni was in Guanxi and sent men to welcome family dependents — so the record states. At the time your uncle also sent a slave named Laifu to welcome you and Shenglo and the others — so the record states. You at the time wore a crimson gauze robe and silver-decorated belt; Shenglo wore a purple woven patterned robe over the whole body with yellow gauze lining; you both rode mules and went together — so the record states. Shenglo was younger than you; you three all called me "Amodun.". Matters like this—you should clearly remember them — so the record states. Now I also send you the brocade robe with facing you wore in childhood, one piece; when it arrives you should inspect it and know my grief and sorrow have lasted many years — so the record states.

禽獸草木，母子相依，吾有何罪，與汝分隔，今復何福，還望見汝。世間所有，求皆可得，母子異國，何處可求！假汝貴極公王，富過山海；有一老母，八十之年，飄在千里，死亡旦夕，不得一朝暫見，不得一日同處，寒不得汝衣，饑不得汝食，汝雖窮榮極盛，光耀世間，汝何用為？于吾何益？吾今日之前，汝既不得申其供養，事往何論。今日以後，吾之殘命，唯系於汝。戴天履地，中有鬼神，勿雲冥昧，而可欺負。

Birds and beasts and plants and trees—mother and child rely on each other; what crime have I that I am separated from you; what blessing now that I again may hope to see you?. All that exists in the world, if sought, can all be obtained; mother and son in different states—where can it be sought?. Suppose you were noble to the utmost of kings and dukes, rich beyond mountains and seas;. There is an old mother of eighty, cast a thousand li away, with death imminent, unable to see you even once, unable to share a single day under one roof—cold without your garment, hungry without your food; though you were exalted to the utmost in rank and glory, shining over the world, what good is that to me? What benefit to me?. Before today you already could not perform your support; what is past, what need to discuss — so the record states. From today onward my remaining life depends entirely on you. From today afterward my remaining life is only bound to you; you tread Heaven and stand on earth—within are ghosts and spirits; do not say darkness and obscurity and so may be deceived and wronged — so the record states.

楊氏姑今雖炎暑，猶能先發。關、河阻遠，隔絕多年，書依常體，慮汝致惑，是以每存款質，兼亦載吾姓名，當識此理，勿以為怪。

Your Yang paternal aunt, though now it is blazing summer, still can set out first — so the record states. Passes and rivers lie far apart and we have been cut off for many years; the letter follows the usual form, but fearing you might be puzzled I therefore add pledges each time and also give my name—you should understand this and not find it strange.

護性至孝，得書悲不自勝，左右莫能仰視。報書云：

Yuwen Hu by nature was supremely filial; receiving the letter, grief could not be overcome; those at his side none could look up. His reply letter said:.

區宇分崩，遭遇災禍，違離膝下，三十五年。受形稟氣，皆知母子，誰知薩保，如此不孝！宿殃積戾，唯應賜鍾，豈悟綱羅，上嬰慈母。但立身立行，不負一物，明神有識，宜先哀憐。而子為公侯，母為俘隸，熱不見母熱，寒不見母寒，衣不知有無，食不知饑飽，泯如天地之外，無由暫聞。晝夜悲號，繼之以血，分懷冤酷，終此一生，死若有知，冀奉見於泉下耳。不謂齊朝解綱，惠以德音，摩敦、四姑，並許哀放。初聞此旨，魂爽飛越，號天叩地，不能自勝。四姑即蒙禮送，平安入境，以今月十八日於河東拜見。遙奉顏色，崩慟肝腸。但離絕多年，存亡阻隔，相見之始，口未忍言。唯敘齊朝寬弘，每存大德，雲與摩敦雖處宮禁，常蒙優禮，今者來鄴，恩遇彌隆。重降矜哀，聽許摩敦垂敕，曲盡悲酷，備述家事。伏讀未周，五情屠割。書中所道，無一事敢忘。摩敦年尊，又加憂苦，常謂寢食貶損，或多遺漏。伏奉論述，次第分明。一則以悲，一則以喜。當鄉里破敗之日，薩保年以十餘歲，鄰曲舊事，猶自記憶；況家門禍難，親戚流離？奉辭時節，先後慈訓，刻肌刻骨，常纏心府。

The realm split and collapsed; I encountered disaster and calamity; parted from beneath your knees thirty-five years. Receiving form and inheriting breath, all know mother and son—who like Saba is so unfilial!. Accumulated misfortune and piled guilt—only death should be granted; who expected the net and snare would reach up to afflict my compassionate mother — so the record states. But in establishing body and establishing conduct I have not failed a single thing; the bright spirits have knowledge—they should see pity — so the record states. Yet the son is duke and marquis while the mother is captive slave; hot yet not seeing mother's heat, cold yet not seeing mother's cold; clothes not knowing whether there are any, food not knowing hunger or fullness—vanished as beyond Heaven and earth, without means briefly to hear — so the record states. Day and night wailing, continuing with blood; parting harbors bitter cruelty—through this one life; if death has knowledge, I hope to serve and see you beneath the springs — so the record states. I did not expect Northern Qi court would release the net, grace with virtuous word; Modun and the fourth aunt were all permitted compassionate release — so the record states. On first hearing this intent, soul and spirit flew and leaped; I cried to Heaven and knocked on earth and could not overcome — so the record states. The fourth aunt immediately received ceremonial escort, peacefully entered the border; on the eighteenth of this month at Hedong I paid respects and saw her. From afar receiving her countenance, liver and intestines collapsed and shook — so the record states. But after years of separation and the barrier between life and death, at the first meeting I could not bear to speak. She said that though Modun was in palace confinement, he constantly received generous rites; now coming to Ye, gracious treatment was ever more abundant — so the record states. Pitying and hearing permission for Modun to send down command, fully narrating bitter cruelty, fully relating household affairs — so the record states. Humbly reading, not yet finished, the five emotions were butchered and cut — so the record states. What the letter stated—no matter I dare forget — so the record states. Modun is advanced in years and again added worry and suffering; I often supposed sleep and meals were diminished or many omissions;. Humbly receiving your narration, sequence clear and distinct. One part grief, one part joy — so the record states. When the hometown was broken and ruined, Saba was already more than ten years; neighborhood old affairs still himself remembers;. How much more so the calamities at our family gate and the scattering of our kin in exile? How much more household gate disaster and difficulty, kin scattered and displaced, times of parting words, earlier and later compassionate instruction—carved in flesh and carved in bone, constantly binding heart and bowels.

天長喪亂，四海橫流，太祖乘時，齊朝撫運，兩河三輔，各遇神機。源其事蹟，非相負背。太祖升遐，未定薩保，薩保屬當猶子之長，親受顧命。雖身居重任，職當憂責，至於歲時稱慶，子孫在庭，顧視悲摧，心情斷絕，胡顏履戴，負愧神明。齊朝霈然之恩，既已沾洽，愛敬之至，施及傍人。草木有心，禽魚感澤，況在人倫，而不銘戴？有國有家，信義為本，伏度來期，已應有日。一得奉見慈顏，永畢生願。生死肉骨，豈過今恩，負山戴嶽，未足勝荷。二國分隔，理無書信，主上以彼朝不絕母子之恩，亦賜許奉答。不期今日，得通家問，伏紙嗚咽，言不宣心。蒙寄薩保別時所留錦袍表，年歲雖久，宛然猶識，抱此悲泣，至於拜見，事歸忍死，知復何心！

Heaven endured long ages of chaos and the four seas were swept by turmoil; the Grand Progenitor seized the moment, the Northern Qi court received the mandate, and the two capitals and three auxiliaries each met their destined opening. Examining the matter's traces, it was not mutual betrayal — so the record states. When Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai passed away, the post of Sabao had not yet been fixed; Sabao happened to be the eldest among the younger sons and personally received the final charge. Though I bear heavy responsibility and the duties of office bring worry and blame, when the seasons call for celebration and descendants gather in the hall, I look back in crushing grief and my heart is torn apart; how can I face Heaven and earth without shame, or bear my guilt before the spirits? The sudden, sweeping grace of the Northern Qi court has already reached us fully; the utmost love and reverence extend even to those standing beside us. Plants and trees have hearts; birds and fish feel kindness; how much more among human bonds—how could we fail to inscribe it and bear it upon our heads? For those who hold a state and a household, faith and righteousness are the foundation; humbly reckoning the day of your return, it ought already to be near. Once obtaining to serve and see your compassionate countenance, forever completing life's wish — so the record states. To restore life to the dead and flesh to bone—what could surpass this grace of today? Bearing mountains on my back and wearing peaks on my head would not be enough to repay it. The two states are divided, and by principle there should be no correspondence; yet our sovereign, because that court did not sever the bond between mother and son, also granted permission to send a reply. I did not expect today to obtain communication of family news; humbly before the paper I sob and choke; words cannot express the heart — so the record states. You also sent the brocade robe and collar you had left when Sabao parted; though many years have passed, I still recognize them at once, and holding them I weep in grief. As for bowing and meeting you in person, I must simply endure and live on—what heart can I have after that!

齊朝不即發遣，更令重與護書，要護重報。護復書，往返至於再三，而母竟不至。朝議以其失信，令有司移齊，移未送而母至。舉朝慶悅，大赦天下。護與母暌隔多年，一朝聚集，凡所資奉，窮極華盛。每四時伏臘，武帝率諸親戚，行家人禮，稱觴上壽，榮貴之極，振古未聞。

Northern Qi did not send her off at once, but had her exchange letters with Yuwen Hu again, demanding a further reply from him. Yuwen Hu wrote back; after several rounds of correspondence, his mother still did not arrive. The court, judging them faithless, ordered the offices to send a letter to Qi; the letter had not yet been sent when his mother arrived. The whole court rejoiced, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. Yuwen Hu and his mother had been separated many years; once reunited, all that was supplied and served reached the utmost splendor. At each seasonal fast and year-end sacrifice, Emperor Yuwen Yong led the kinsmen in family rites, raising cups and offering long life—glory and honor at the extreme, unheard of since antiquity.

護性甚寬和，然暗於大體。自恃建立功，久當權軸，所任皆非其人。兼諸子貪殘，僚屬縱溢，莫不蠹政害人。以其暴慢，密與衛王直圖之。七年三月十八日，護自同州還，帝御文安殿見護訖，引入含仁殿，朝皇太后。先是，帝於禁中見護，常行家人禮。護謁太后，太后必賜之坐，帝每立侍。至是，護將入，帝謂曰：「太后春秋既尊，頗好酒，諸親朝謁，或廢引進。喜怒有時乖爽。比諫，未蒙垂納。兄今願更啟請。」因出懷中酒誥授護曰：「以此諫太后。」護入，如帝所誡，讀示太后。未訖，帝以玉珽自後擊之，踣地，又令宦者何泉以禦刀斫之。泉懼，斫不能傷。時衛王直先匿於戶內，乃出斬之。

Yuwen Hu's nature was very mild and harmonious, yet he was dim regarding the larger pattern. Relying on his achievements at the founding, he long held the pivot of power; none of those he appointed were the right men. Moreover his sons were greedy and cruel and his subordinates ran wild; none failed to corrupt government and harm the people. Because of his arrogance and insolence, Emperor Yuwen Yong secretly plotted with Prince of Wei Yuwen Zhi against him. In the seventh year, third month, eighteenth day, Yuwen Hu returned from Tong Province; the emperor received him at Wen'an Hall, and when the audience was finished, led him into Hanren Hall to attend upon the Empress Dowager. Before this, when the emperor saw Yuwen Hu within the palace, he always observed family rites. When Yuwen Hu attended upon the Empress Dowager, she always granted him a seat, and the emperor each time stood in attendance. At this, as Yuwen Hu was about to enter, the emperor said to him: "The Empress Dowager's years are already advanced, and she greatly loves wine; when kinsmen attend court audiences, sometimes reception is omitted. Between joy and anger there are at times departures from propriety — so the record states. Recently I remonstrated but was not granted acceptance — so the record states. Elder brother, now that you are attending court, I wish you would raise the matter again — so the record states." Thereupon he took the "Admonition on Wine" from his bosom and gave it to Yuwen Hu, saying: "Use this to remonstrate with the Empress Dowager." Yuwen Hu having entered, as the emperor had instructed, read and showed it to the Empress Dowager. Before he finished, the emperor struck him from behind with a jade tablet, and Yuwen Hu fell to the ground; he also ordered the eunuch He Quan to hack at him with the imperial blade. He Quan, in fear, hacked but could not wound him. At the time Prince of Wei Yuwen Zhi had first hidden inside the door, then came out and beheaded him.

初，帝欲圖護，王軌、宇文神舉、宇文孝伯頗預其謀。是日，軌等並在外，更無知者。殺護訖，乃召宮伯長孫覽等，即令收護子柱國譚國公會、大將軍莒國公至、崇業公靜、正平公乾嘉及乾基、乾蔚、乾祖、乾威等，並柱國侯伏侯龍恩、龍恩弟大將軍萬壽、大將軍劉勇、中外府司錄尹公正、袁傑、膳部下大夫李安等，於殿中殺之。齊王憲曰：「安出自阜隸，所典庖廚而已，未足加戮。」帝曰：「汝不知耳，世宗之崩，安所為也。」十九日，乃詔暴護等罪，大赦，改天和七年為建德元年。護世子訓為蒲州刺史，其夜遣柱國越公盛乘傅鎮蒲州，征訓赴京師，至同州賜死。護長史叱羅協、司錄馮遷及所親任者皆除名。護子昌城公深使突厥，遣開府宇文德齊璽書就殺之。三年，詔復護及諸子先封，諡護曰蕩，並改葬之。

At first, when the emperor wished to plot against Yuwen Hu, Wang Gui, Yuwen Shenju, and Yuwen Xiaobo had all taken part in the plan. That day, Wang Gui and the others were all outside, and no one else knew. When Yuwen Hu was killed, he summoned the palace masters Zhangsun Lan and others and at once ordered the arrest of Hu's sons Pillar-of-State Tan Duke Hui, Grand General Ju Duke Zhi, Duke of Chongye Jing, Duke of Zhengping Qianjia, and Qianji, Qianwei, Qianzu, and Qianwei, together with Pillar-of-State Houfu Hou Longen, Longen's younger brother Grand General Wanshou, Grand General Liu Yong, Palace and Exterior Bureau registrar Yin Gongzheng, Yuan Jie, Kitchen Service subordinate grand master Li An, and others, and killed them in the hall. Yuwen Xian, Duke of Qi, said: "Li An came from the black-clad ranks; what he managed was only the kitchen—not enough to merit execution — so the record states." The emperor said: "You do not know—Emperor Shizong's death was Li An's doing — so the record states." On the nineteenth day, an edict exposed the crimes of Yuwen Hu and his faction, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm, and the seventh year of Tianhe was changed to the first year of Jiande. Yuwen Hu's heir Xun was governor of Pu Province; that night Pillar-of-State Yuwen Sheng, Duke of Yue, was sent by post relay to garrison Pu Province and summon Xun to the capital; when he reached Tong Province he was granted death. Yuwen Hu's chief administrator Chi Luoxie, registrar Feng Qian, and those he personally favored and entrusted were all struck from the rolls. Yuwen Hu's son Yuwen Shen, Duke of Changcheng, was on mission to the Turks; Palace Opener Yuwen De was sent with an imperial-seal letter to kill him on the spot. Third year, an edict restored Yuwen Hu and his sons' former enfeoffments, posthumously titled Hu Dang, and reburied them all.

叱羅協，代郡人，本名與武帝諱同，後改焉。少寒微，嘗為州小吏，以恭謹見知。竇泰為御史中尉，以協為書侍御史。泰向潼關，協為監軍。泰死，協見獲。文帝授大丞相東合祭酒，累遷相府屬、從事中郎。協曆事二京，詳練故事，又深自克勵，文帝頗委任之。然猶以家屬在東，疑其戀本。及河橋戰敗，協隨軍還。文帝知協不貳，封冠軍縣男，進爵為侯。後為大將軍尉遲迥長史，率兵伐蜀，行潼州事。魏恭帝三年，文帝征協入朝，論蜀中事，乃賜姓宇文氏。

Chi Luoxie was a man of Dai commandery; his original given name was the same as Emperor Yuwen Yong's taboo name, and was later changed. In youth he was poor and humble; he once served as a minor clerk in the province and was known for respectful care — so the record states. When Dou Tai became censor-in-chief, he made Chi Luoxie investigating censor — so the record states. When Dou Tai marched toward Tong Pass, Chi Luoxie was army overseer. When Dou Tai died, Chi Luoxie was also captured — so the record states. Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai appointed him eastern pavilion libationer of the grand chancellor's office, and he was repeatedly promoted to staff member of the chancellor's office and attendant gentleman. Chi Luoxie served through both capitals and was thoroughly versed in precedent; moreover he deeply restrained himself, and Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai greatly entrusted him. Yet still, because his family remained in the east, he was suspected of longing for his native place — so the record states. When the battle at He Bridge was lost, Chi Luoxie returned with the army — so the record states. Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai knew Chi Luoxie was not double-minded and enfeoffed him as Baron of Champion county, advancing his rank to marquis. Later he served as chief administrator to Grand General Yuchi Jiong, led troops to attack Shu, and administered Tong Province affairs — so the record states. In the third year of Western Wei Emperor Gong, Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai summoned Chi Luoxie to court to discuss affairs in Shu, then granted the surname Yuwen.

晉公護既殺孫恆、李植等，欲委腹心于司會柳慶、司憲令狐整等，二人並辭，俱薦協。護遂征協入朝，引與同宿，深寄託之。協誓以軀命自效。護大悅，以為得協之晚。稍遷護府長史，進爵為公，常在護側。明帝知其材識庸淺，每按抑之，數謂曰：「汝何知也！」猶以護所親任，每含容之。及明帝崩，便授協司會中大夫、中外府長史。協形貌瘦小，舉措偏急，既以得志，每自矜高；及其所言，多乖事衷，當時莫不笑之。護以其忠己，每提獎之。協既受護重委，冀得婚連帝室，乃求復舊姓叱羅氏，許之。又進位柱國。護以協年老，許其致仕，而協貪榮，未肯告退。及護誅，除名。建德三年，以協宿齒，授儀同三司、賜爵南陽郡公。卒，子金剛嗣。

Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu, having killed Sun Heng, Li Zhi, and others, wished to entrust his inner circle to Director of Retainers Liu Qing and Director of Censors Linghu Zheng and others; both declined and together recommended Chi Luoxie. Yuwen Hu then summoned Chi Luoxie to court, received him to lodge together, and deeply entrusted himself to him. Chi Luoxie vowed to give his life in service — so the record states. Yuwen Hu was greatly pleased and thought he had gained Chi Luoxie too late. Soon he was transferred to chief administrator of Yuwen Hu's office, advanced to duke, and constantly at Yuwen Hu's side. Emperor Ming knew his talent and knowledge were shallow and mediocre, and always cut him down, often telling him: "What do you know!." Yet because Yuwen Hu trusted and relied on him, each time they made allowances. When Emperor Ming died, Chi Luoxie was promptly appointed Director of Audits grand master and chief secretary of the Palace and Exterior Bureau — so the record states. Chi Luoxie was slight in build and small in stature; in manner he was narrow and hasty; once he had achieved his ambitions, he constantly vaunted himself;. What he said often missed the point, and at the time everyone laughed at him. Yuwen Hu, because he was loyal to him, constantly praised and rewarded him. Since Chi Luoxie had received Yuwen Hu's heavy commission, he hoped to marry into the imperial house and therefore asked to restore his former surname, the Chi Luoxie clan; permission was granted. He was again advanced to pillar-of-state — so the record states. Yuwen Hu, considering Chi Luoxie was old, permitted him to retire from office, but Chi Luoxie, greedy for glory, was unwilling to resign. When Yuwen Hu was executed, Chi Luoxie was struck from the rolls. In the third year of Jiande, because Chi Luoxie was advanced in years, he was appointed grandmaster with privilege equal to the Three Excellencies and granted the title Duke of Nanyang Commandery. He died; his son Jingang succeeded him — so the record states.

馮遷字羽化，弘農人。少修謹，有幹能，為護府司錄。性質直，小心畏慎，兼明練時事，善於斷決，每校閱文簿，孜孜不倦，以此甚為護委任。後授陝州刺史。遷本寒微，不為時輩所重。一旦刺舉本州，唯以廉恭接待鄉邑，人無怨者。復入為司錄，累遷小司空。自天和後，以年老，委任稍衰。及護誅，猶除名。卒於家。子恕，位儀同三司。

Feng Qian, styled Yuhua, was a man of Hongnong — so the record states. From youth he was refined and cautious, possessed practical ability, and served as director of records of Yuwen Hu's office. By nature he was upright and cautious; he was also skilled and practiced in current affairs and good at deciding cases; each time he examined documents he was tireless—for this reason Yuwen Hu greatly relied on and entrusted him. Later he was appointed governor of Shaan Province — so the record states. Feng Qian's origins were humble and the men of the age did not greatly esteem him — so the record states. Once he held provincial oversight over his native commandery, he received his home district only with humility and respect, and no one bore resentment — so the record states. He again entered service as director of records and was repeatedly promoted to minor minister of works — so the record states. From Tianhe onward, because Feng Qian was old, his appointments gradually declined — so the record states. When Yuwen Hu was executed, he too was struck from the rolls. He died at home — so the record states. His son Shu held the post of grandmaster with privilege equal to the Three Excellencies — so the record states.

杞簡公連，幼而謹厚，臨敵果毅。隨德皇帝遇定州軍于唐河，俱戰歿。保定初，追贈太傅、柱國大將軍、大司徒，封杞國公，諡曰簡。子元寶，為齊神武所害。保定初，追贈大將軍、小司徒，襲封杞國公，諡曰烈，以章武公導子亮嗣。

Duke Lian of Qi, Yuwen Lian, was careful and honest from childhood and resolute in battle. He followed Emperor De and encountered Ding Province troops at the Tang River; both died in battle — so the record states. At the opening of Baoding, he was posthumously made grand tutor, pillar-of-state general, and grand minister of education; enfeoffed Duke of Qi; and given the posthumous title Jian. His son Yuanbao was killed by Gao Huan, Qi Shenwu. At the opening of Baoding, he was posthumously made grand general and junior minister of education; inherited the dukedom of Qi with posthumous title Lie; Yuwen Liang, son of Duke of Zhangwu Dao, became heir.

椿字乾壽，位上柱國、大司徒。大定中，為隋文帝所害，並其五子。

Chun, styled Qianshou, held the posts of supreme pillar-of-state and grand minister of education — so the record states. In the Dading era he was killed by Yuwen Tai, Emperor Wen of Zhou of Sui, together with his five sons.

莒莊公洛生，少任俠，好施愛士，北州賢俊皆與之遊，而才能多出其下。及葛榮破鮮于修禮，以洛生為漁陽王，仍領德皇帝余眾，時人皆呼為洛生王。洛生善撫將士，是以克獲常冠諸軍。爾硃榮定山東，時洛生在虜中，榮雅聞其名，心憚焉。尋為榮所害。保定初，追贈大將軍，封莒國公，諡曰莊。

Duke Zhuang of Ju Yuwen Yuwen Luosheng in youth was a bravo, generous and fond of nurturing talent; the worthy men of the northern provinces all associated with him, yet most fell short of his ability. When Ge Rong defeated Xianyu Xiuli, he made Yuwen Luosheng Prince of Yuyang and left him in command of Emperor De's remaining troops; contemporaries all called him the Yuwen Luosheng Prince. Yuwen Luosheng knew how to comfort soldiers, and therefore his captures usually topped those of every army. When Erzhu Rong settled Shandong, Yuwen Luosheng was among the captives; Rong had long known his reputation and feared him in his heart. Before long Erzhu Rong had him killed. At the opening of Baoding, he was posthumously made grand general; enfeoffed Duke of Ju; and given the posthumous title Zhuang.

子菩薩，為齊神武所害。保定初，追贈大將軍、小宗伯，襲爵，諡曰穆，以晉公護子至嗣。至字乾附，後坐父護誅，詔以衛王直子賓為穆公後。賓字乾瑞，尋坐直誅，而齊王憲子廣都郡公貢襲。貢字乾貞，宣帝初，被誅，國除。

His son Pusa was killed by Gao Huan, Qi Shenwu. At the opening of Baoding, he was posthumously made grand general and junior clan elder; inherited the title with posthumous title Mu; Yuwen Zhi, son of Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu, succeeded to the line. Zhi, styled Qianfu; later because of his father Yuwen Hu's execution, an edict made Bin, son of Prince of Wei Yuwen Zhi, heir to Duke Mu. Bin, styled Qianrui; soon afterward he was executed for Prince Yuwen Zhi's crime, and Gong, Guangdu commandery duke, son of Duke of Qi Yuwen Xian, succeeded to the title. Gong, styled Qianzhen; at the opening of Emperor Yuwen Yun's reign he was executed and the fief abolished.

虞國公仲，德皇帝從父兄也。卒於代。保定初，追贈太傅、柱國大將軍、大司徒，封虞國公。子興嗣。

Duke Zhong of Yuguo, Yuwen Zhong, was a paternal cousin of Emperor De. He died in Dai — so the record states. At the opening of Baoding he was posthumously made grand tutor, pillar-of-state grand general, and grand minister of education, and enfeoffed as Duke of Yuguo. His son Xing succeeded — so the record states.

興生，屬兵亂，與仲相失，年幼莫知其戚屬遠近，與文帝兄弟，初不相識。沙苑之敗，預在行間，被虜，隨例散配諸軍。興性弘厚，有志度，雖流離世故，而風範可觀。保定二年，詔訪仲子孫，興始附屬籍。武帝以興帝戚近屬，尊禮之甚厚。位開府儀同三司、宗師，襲爵虞國公。薨，武帝親臨慟焉。詔大司空、申國公李穆監護喪事，贈柱國大將軍，諡曰靖。

Xing was born amid the turmoil of war. Separated from Zhong while still young, he did not know how close or distant his kinship was, and he and Emperor Wen's brothers had at first not known one another. At the defeat at Shayuan he was caught in the ranks, taken captive, and by custom parceled out and assigned to various armies. Xing was broad and generous by nature, with breadth of purpose; though he had been adrift through the turns of fortune, his bearing was admirable. In the second year of Baoding an edict sought Zhong's descendants, and Xing was then entered on the clan register. Emperor Wu, seeing that Xing was a close imperial kinsman, honored and treated him with great deference. He held opening-office equal-in-three-departments rank and served as imperial preceptor, and inherited the title Duke of Yuguo. When he died, Emperor Wu came in person to mourn and grieve. An edict appointed Li Mu, Duke of Shen and grand minister of works, to oversee the funeral; Xing was posthumously made pillar-of-state grand general, with posthumous name Jing (Tranquil).

子洛嗣，位儀同三司。隋初為介國公，為隋室賓云。

His son Luo succeeded him and held the rank equal-in-three-departments. At the beginning of Sui he was made Duke of Jie, declared to be a guest of the house of Sui.

廣川公測，字澄鏡，文帝之族子也。高祖中山、曾祖豆頺、祖騏麟、父永，仕魏，位並顯達。測性沉密，少篤學詣，仕魏，位司徒右長史，尚宣武女陽平公主，拜駙馬都尉。及孝武疑齊神武，詔測詣文帝，密為之備。還，封廣川縣伯。尋從孝武西遷，進爵為公。文帝為丞相，以測為右長史，委以軍國，又令測詳定宗室昭穆遠近，附於屬籍。

Duke of Guangchuan Yuwen Ce, styled Chengjing, was a clansman of Emperor Wen Yuwen Tai. His forebears Zhongshan, Doutui, Qilin, and his father Yong had all served Northern Wei and risen to prominent rank. Yuwen Ce was grave and reserved by nature and devoted himself to learning from youth. He served Wei as right chief clerk of the minister of education, married Princess Yangping, daughter of Emperor Xuanwu, and was made commandant of horse guards consort. When Emperor Xiaowu suspected Gao Huan of disloyal intent, he ordered Yuwen Ce to visit Emperor Wen and make secret preparations on his behalf. On his return he was enfeoffed as baron of Guangchuan. He soon followed Emperor Xiaowu west and was raised to duke. When Emperor Wen became chancellor, he made Yuwen Ce right chief clerk and entrusted him with military and state affairs; he also put Yuwen Ce in charge of sorting the imperial clan by seniority and distance and entering them on the register.

歷位侍中、開府儀同三司，行汾州事。政在簡惠，頗得人和。地接東魏，數相抄竊，或有獲其為寇者，多縛送之。測皆命解縛，置之賓館，然後引與相見，如客禮焉。仍宴設，放還其國，衛送出境。自是東魏人大慚，乃不為寇，兩界遂通慶吊，時論方之羊叔子。或有告測懷貳，文帝怒曰：「測為我安邊，何為間骨肉！」乃命斬之。仍許測便宜從事。轉行綏州事。每歲河冰合後，突厥即來寇掠。先是，常預遣居人入城堡以避之。測至，皆令安堵。乃於要路數百處並多積柴，仍遠斥候，知其動靜。是年十二月，突厥從連穀入寇，去界數十里，測命積柴處一時縱火。突厥謂大軍至，懼而遁走，委棄雜畜輜重不可勝數。自是不敢復至。測因請置戍以備之。後卒于太子少保，文帝親臨慟焉，仍令水池公監護喪事，諡曰靖。

He served in succession as palace attendant, opening-office equal-in-three-departments, and acting governor of Fen Province. He governed with simplicity and kindness and won the people to him. The province bordered Eastern Wei, where cross-border theft was frequent; captured raiders were often bound and sent in. Yuwen Ce always had their bonds cut, lodged them as guests, and only then received them with full courtesy. He then feasted them, sent them home, and had them escorted safely across the border. Thereafter the Eastern Wei people were ashamed and stopped raiding; the two sides began to exchange congratulations and condolences, and contemporary opinion ranked him with Yang Hu. Someone reported that Yuwen Ce harbored disloyal intent. Emperor Wen raged: "Yuwen Ce holds my frontier—why would you sow discord among my kin!" He had the accuser executed. He still allowed Yuwen Ce full discretion in local affairs. He was transferred to acting governor of Sui Province. Each year after the Yellow River froze, the Turks came raiding. Before Yuwen Ce arrived, people were routinely sent into walled towns to avoid the raids. When Yuwen Ce arrived, he let everyone stay at home in peace. He stacked firewood at hundreds of key points along the roads and posted scouts far out to watch enemy movements. In the twelfth month that year the Turks invaded through Liangu and came within several tens of li of the border; Yuwen Ce ordered all the firewood piles set ablaze at once. The Turks thought a great army had arrived, fled in panic, and abandoned countless livestock and baggage. After that they did not dare return. Yuwen Ce then asked that garrison troops be posted as a permanent defense. He later died while serving as junior preceptor to the crown prince; Emperor Wen mourned in person, put the Duke of Chishui in charge of the funeral, and gave him the posthumous name Jing (Tranquil).

測性仁恕，好施與。在洛陽之日，曾被竊盜，所失物即其妻陽平公主之衣服也。州縣禽盜，並物俱獲。測恐此盜坐之以死，不認焉，遂遇赦免。盜既感恩，請為測左右、及測從孝武西遷，事極狼狽，盜人亦從測入關，並無異志。子該嗣，位除州刺史。測弟深。

Yuwen Ce was benevolent and forgiving and generous by nature. While living in Luoyang he was once robbed of clothing belonging to his wife, Princess Yangping. The thief was caught and the stolen goods were recovered. Yuwen Ce feared the thief would be sentenced to death if the goods were identified, so he would not claim them; the thief was spared when an amnesty came. Grateful, the thief asked to serve as Yuwen Ce's attendant; when Yuwen Ce followed Emperor Xiaowu's westward flight in chaos, the man followed him through the pass and showed no disloyal intent. His son Gai succeeded him and served as governor of Chu Province. Yuwen Ce's younger brother was Yuwen Shen.

深字奴於，性鯁正，有器局。年數歲，便累石為營，折草作旌旗，佈置行伍，皆有軍陣之勢。父永遇見之，喜曰：「汝自然知此，後必為名將。」孝武西遷，事起倉卒，人多逃散。深時為子都督，領宿衛兵，撫循所部，並得入關。以功賜爵長樂縣伯。大統中，累轉尚書直事郎中。

Yuwen Shen, styled Nuyu, was upright and principled by nature, with breadth of vision. As a small child he stacked stones into camps, fashioned grass into banners, and drew up ranks with the look of real battle formations. His father Yong saw it and said in delight: "You take to this by nature—you will be a famous general someday." When Emperor Xiaowu fled west, the crisis came suddenly and many men scattered. Yuwen Shen was then a guard commander leading palace troops; he kept his command together and brought them all through the pass. For this merit he was enfeoffed as baron of Changle. During the Datong era he rose through repeated promotions to direct-affairs gentleman in the Masters of Writing.

及齊神武屯蒲阪，分遣其將竇泰趨潼關，高敖曹圍洛州。周文帝將襲泰，諸將咸難之。帝隱其事，陽若未有謀，獨問策於深。深曰：「竇氏，高歡驍將，歡每仗之禦侮。今大軍就蒲阪，則歡拒守，竇必援之，內外受敵，取敗道也。不如選輕銳潛出小關，竇性躁急，必來決戰，高歡持重，未即救之，則竇可禽也。虜竇，歡勢自沮，回師禦之，可以制勝。」文帝喜曰：「是吾心也。」軍遂行，果獲泰，齊神武亦退。深又說文帝進取弘農，復克之。文帝大悅，謂深曰：「君即吾家陳平也。」

When Gao Huan encamped at Puban he sent his general Dou Tai toward Tong Pass while Gao Aocao besieged Luo Province — so the record states. Emperor Wen planned a surprise attack on Dou Tai, but the generals all opposed it. The emperor hid his plan, feigning indecision, and consulted Yuwen Shen alone. Yuwen Shen said: "Dou Tai is Gao Huan's fiercest general; Huan always relies on him to hold the frontier. If our main force moves on Puban, Gao Huan will stand on the defensive and Dou Tai will come to his aid; attacked from within and without, that is the road to defeat. Better to take elite light troops and slip out through Xiao Pass. Dou Tai is hot-tempered and will come out to fight; Gao Huan is cautious and will not rescue him at once—then Dou Tai can be taken. Once Dou Tai is taken, Gao Huan's spirit will break; turn back and meet him and you can win." Yuwen Tai, Emperor Wen of Zhou said gladly: "That is exactly my thought." The army marched; Dou Tai was taken and Gao Huan withdrew. Yuwen Shen also urged an advance on Hongnong, which was taken again. Emperor Wen was delighted and told Yuwen Shen: "You are our own Chen Ping."

深少喪父，事兄甚謹。性多奇譎，好讀兵書，既居近侍，每進籌策。及在選曹，頗有時譽。性仁愛，從弟神舉、神慶幼孤，深撫訓之，義均同氣，世亦以此稱焉。卒于位，諡曰成康。子孝伯。

Yuwen Shen lost his father as a boy and served his elder brother Yuwen Ce with scrupulous devotion. Inventive and cunning by nature, he loved military treatises; once at the sovereign's side, he often offered strategic counsel. In the Selection Bureau he won considerable contemporary esteem. Kind by nature, he reared his younger cousins Yuwen Shenju and Yuwen Shenqing, orphaned as boys, with the affection of full brothers; his contemporaries praised him for this. He died in office; his posthumous name was Chengkang. His son was Yuwen Xiaobo.

皇太子既無令德，孝伯言于帝曰：「皇太子德聲未聞，請妙選正人為其師友，調護聖質，不然，悔無所及。」帝斂容曰：「卿世載鯁正，竭誠所事，觀卿此言，有家風矣。」孝伯拜謝曰：「非言之難，受之難也，深願陛下思之。」帝曰：「正人豈復過君？」於是以尉遲運為右宮正，孝伯仍為左宮正、宗師中大夫。累遷右宮伯。嘗因侍坐，帝問：「我兒比進不？」答曰：「皇太子比懼天威，更無罪失。」及王軌因內宴捋帝須，言太子之不善。帝罷酒，責孝伯曰：「公常謂我雲太子無過，今軌有此言，公為誑矣。」孝伯拜曰：「臣聞父子之際，人所難言，臣知陛下不能割情忍愛，遂爾結舌。」帝知其意，默然久之，乃曰：「朕已委公，公其勉之。」

The crown prince already showed little worthy conduct. Yuwen Xiaobo said to the emperor: "We have not heard a virtuous reputation from the crown prince. Please choose worthy upright men as his teachers and friends to nurture his character—otherwise it will be too late for regret." The emperor grew grave and said: "Your house has been upright for generations and you serve with full loyalty. From what you say, I see the spirit of your family." Xiaobo bowed and replied: "The hard part is not speaking, but being heard. I earnestly beg Your Majesty to weigh this." The emperor said: "Where would I find an upright man better than you?" Thereupon Yuchi Yun was appointed right palace tutor and Xiaobo remained left palace tutor and middle grand master of the preceptorate. He was promoted to right palace tutor. Once, while in attendance, the emperor asked: "Has my son been making progress lately?" He answered, "Lately the crown prince has been in awe of your majesty and has not repeated his faults." When Wang Gui at a private banquet seized the emperor's beard and spoke of the crown prince's misconduct, the emperor ended the feast and reproached Xiaobo: "You always told me the crown prince had no faults; now Gui says this—you have misled me." Xiaobo bowed and said: "Between father and son there are things men find hardest to say. I knew Your Majesty could not bear to cut off affection, and so I kept silent." The emperor understood, was silent a long while, then said: "I have already entrusted this to you—do your utmost."

及大軍東討，拜內史下大夫，令掌留台事。軍還，帝曰：「居守之重，無忝戰功。」於是加授大將軍，進爵廣陵郡公，並賜金帛女妓等。復為宗師。每車駕巡幸，常令居守。後帝北討，至雲陽宮寢疾，驛召孝伯赴行在所，執其手曰：「吾自量必無濟理，以後事付君。」是夜，授司衛上大夫，總宿衛兵馬，令馳驛入京鎮守。

When the main army marched east, he was made under director of the internal secretariat and ordered to hold the capital in the emperor's absence. When the army returned, the emperor said, "You held the capital well—your service matched the fighting merit." He was then given the added rank of grand general, raised to duke of Guangling, and granted gold, silk, and female entertainers. He again served as imperial preceptor — so the record states. Whenever the emperor traveled, Xiaobo was left behind to guard the capital. Later when the emperor marched north and fell gravely ill at Yunyang Palace, he summoned Xiaobo by fast courier to the traveling palace, took his hand, and said: "I know I cannot recover. I leave what follows to you." That same night he was made senior grand master of the palace guard with overall command of the guard troops and ordered to ride posthaste to the capital and hold it.

帝之西征也，在軍有過行，鄭譯時亦預焉。軍還，孝伯及王軌盡以白武帝。武帝怒，撻帝數十，乃除譯名。至是，帝追憾被杖，乃問譯：「我腳上杖痕誰所為也？」譯曰：「事由宇文孝伯及王軌。」譯又說軌捋帝須事，帝乃誅軌。尉遲運懼，私謂孝伯曰：「吾徒必不免禍，奈何？」孝伯曰：「有老母，地下有武帝，為臣為子，知欲何之！且委質事人，本徇名義，諫而不入，將焉逃死？足下若為身計，宜且遠之。」於是各行其志。運尋出為秦州總管。帝荒淫日甚，誅戮無度。孝伯頻諫不從，由是益疏。後稽胡反，令孝伯為行軍總管，從越王盛討平之。及軍還，帝將殺之，乃托以齊王事誚之曰：「公知齊王謀反，何以不言？」對曰：「臣知齊王忠於社稷，為群小媒蘖，加之以罪。臣以言必不用，所以不言。且先帝屬微臣輔陛下，今諫而不從，實負顧托。以此為罪，是所甘心。」帝慚，俯首不語。令賜死于家，時年三十六。

On the western campaign the crown prince, later Emperor Xuan, had behaved badly in camp, and Zheng Yi had joined in. When the army returned, Xiaobo and Wang Gui reported everything to Emperor Wu — so the record states. Emperor Wu was furious, caned the crown prince dozens of times, and removed Zheng Yi from office — so the record states. By then the emperor, brooding over the beating, asked Zheng Yi: "Who left the cane marks on my legs?" Zheng Yi answered: "It was Yuwen Xiaobo and Wang Gui." Zheng Yi also brought up Wang Gui's pulling the emperor's beard; the emperor then had Wang Gui executed. Yuchi Yun was frightened and said privately to Xiaobo: "Our sort will surely not escape harm—what can we do?" Xiaobo replied: "I have an old mother above and Emperor Wu below. As minister and as son, where would I go? Besides, once you have pledged yourself to serve, you live and die for duty. If remonstrance is not heeded, how can you flee death? If you mean to save yourself, you had better keep your distance for now." After that each did as he thought best. Yuchi Yun was soon sent out as area commander of Qin Province. The emperor grew more dissolute by the day and killed without restraint. Yuwen Xiaobo remonstrated again and again, but the emperor would not listen, and Xiaobo was pushed farther away. When the Ji Hu rebelled later, Xiaobo was made campaign marshal and marched with Prince of Yue Yuwen Sheng to put them down. When the army returned the emperor meant to kill him. Using the Prince of Qi as a pretext, he rebuked Xiaobo: "You knew the Prince of Qi was plotting rebellion—why did you say nothing?" Xiaobo replied, "I knew the Prince of Qi was loyal to the state. Petty men slandered him and piled false charges upon him. I knew anything I said would be ignored, so I kept silent. Moreover the late emperor entrusted me only to guide Your Majesty. Now that my remonstrance goes unheeded, I have failed that charge. If that is my crime, I accept it willingly." The emperor was deeply ashamed and looked down without a word. He was ordered to take death at home. He was thirty-six years old.

及隋文帝踐極，以孝伯、王軌忠而獲罪，並令收葬，復其官爵。嘗謂高穎曰：「宇文孝伯實有周良臣，若此人在朝，我輩無措手處。」子歆嗣。

When Emperor Wen of Sui took the throne, he had Xiaobo and Wang Gui reburied with honor and their offices and ranks restored, because both had been loyal men punished unjustly. He also once told Gao Jiong, "Yuwen Xiaobo was a true good minister of Zhou. If he had still been at court, we would have had no opening." His son Xin inherited his place.

東平公神舉，文帝之族子也。高祖普陵、曾祖求男，仕魏位並顯達。祖金殿，魏兗州刺史安喜縣侯。父顯和，少而襲爵，性矜嚴，頗涉經史，膂力絕人，彎弓數百斤，能左右馳射。孝武之在蕃，顯和早蒙眷遇。時屬多難，嘗問計於顯和。顯和具陳宜杜門晦跡，相時而動，帝深納焉。及即位，拜閣內都督，封城陽縣公，以恩舊遇之甚厚。顯和所居隘陋，乃撤殿省賜為寢室，其見重如此。及齊神武專政，帝每不自安，問顯和曰：「天下洶洶，將如之何？」對曰：「莫若擇善而從。」因誦詩云：「彼美人兮，西方之人兮。」帝曰：「是吾心也。」遂定入關策。以其母老，令預為計。對曰：「今日之事，忠孝不並。然臣不密則失身，安敢預為私計。」帝愴然改容曰：「卿，我之王陵也。」遷硃衣直合、合內大都督，改封長廣縣公。從孝武入關。至溱水，周文帝素聞其善射而未之見，俄而水傍有一小鳥，顯和射中之。文帝笑曰：「我知卿工矣。」進位車騎大將軍、儀同三司、散騎常侍。卒。建德三年，追贈驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。

Duke of Dongping Yuwen Shenju was a clansman of Yuwen Tai, Emperor Wen of Zhou. His great-great-grandfather Pul-ing and great-grandfather Qiuman served Wei and both rose to prominent rank. His grandfather Jindian was inspector of Yan Province under Wei and marquis of Anxi county. His father Xianhe succeeded to the title while still young. Stern by nature and well read in the classics and histories, he had strength beyond ordinary men, could draw a bow of several hundred jin, and shoot with equal skill from either hand while riding. While Emperor Xiaowu was still a frontier prince, Xianhe won his early favor. In those troubled times the emperor once asked Xianhe for counsel. Xianhe urged him plainly to withdraw from sight, bide his time, and act when the moment came, and the emperor took this advice to heart. When Xiaowu took the throne he made Xianhe inner guard area commander and enfeoffed him as duke of Chengyang, treating him with great favor from their old bond. When Xianhe's house proved cramped, the emperor tore down part of the palace offices and gave him the space for his quarters—such was the esteem in which he was held. Once Gao Huan dominated the government the emperor grew uneasy and asked Xianhe, "The realm is in turmoil — what shall I do?" Xianhe answered, "The best course is to choose what is right and follow it." and quoted the ode: "That fair one — a man of the west." The emperor said, "That is my own thought." and so the plan to enter Guanzhong was decided. Because Xianhe's mother was elderly, the emperor told him to make arrangements in advance. He replied, "In the present crisis loyalty and filial duty cannot both be satisfied. And if a minister is not discreet he risks his life — how could I make private plans beforehand?" The emperor's face changed with sorrow as he said, "You are my Wang Ling." He was made crimson-robe direct guard and great area commander of the inner guard, and his title was changed to duke of Changguang. He followed Emperor Xiaowu into Guanzhong. At the Qin River, Yuwen Tai had long heard of his archery but had not yet seen it. Soon a small bird appeared by the water, and Xianhe shot it down. Yuwen Tai laughed and said, "I see you are a master." He was promoted to general of chariots and cavalry, equal-in-three-departments, and attendant-in-ordinary. He passed away. In the third year of Jiande he was posthumously honored as grand general of the pillar of state and opening-office equal-in-three-departments.

神舉見待于武帝，處心腹之任，王軌、宇文孝伯等屢言皇太子之短，神舉亦頗預焉。及宣帝即位，荒淫無度，神舉懼及禍，懷不自安。初定范陽之後，威聲甚振，帝亦忌其名望，兼以宿憾，遂使人齎[CＧ]酒賜之，薨于馬邑，時年四十八。

Shenju enjoyed Emperor Wu's trust and stood among his closest advisers; Wang Gui, Yuwen Xiaobo, and others often criticized the crown prince, and Shenju took part as well. Once Emperor Xuan took the throne and gave himself over to boundless excess, Shenju feared he would be caught up in ruin and could not feel secure. After he first pacified Fanyang his reputation soared. The emperor resented his standing as well as an old grudge and sent an envoy with poisoned wine; Shenju died at Mayi at the age of forty-eight.

神舉美風儀，善辭令，博涉經史，性愛篇章，尤工奇射。臨戎對寇，勇而有謀，蒞職當官，每著聲績。兼好施愛士，以雄豪自居，故得任兼文武，聲彰外內。百僚無不仰其風則，先輩舊齒至於今稱之。

Yuwen Shenju was imposing in presence, eloquent, widely read in the classics and histories, fond of writing by temperament, and especially masterful at remarkable mounted archery. In the field against the enemy he was bold and shrewd, and in every post he held he won a name for solid achievement. He was generous to men of talent and carried himself like a great champion, and so he served in both civil and military capacities until his reputation rang at home and abroad. Every official looked up to him as a standard, and older contemporaries still speak of him with praise.

子同嗣，位至儀同大將軍，神舉弟慶。

His son Tong inherited his place and rose to equal-in-protocol grand general. Shenju's younger brother was Qing.

慶字神慶，沈深有器局，少以敏見知。初受業東觀，頗涉經史。既而謂人曰：「書足記姓名而已，安能久事筆硯為腐儒業乎？」時文州賊亂，慶應募從征，以功授都督。衛王直鎮山南，引為左右。慶善射，有膽氣，好格猛獸，直甚壯之。稍遷車騎大將軍、儀同三司。及誅宇文護，慶有謀焉。時授驃騎大將軍，加開府。從武帝攻河陰，先登攀堞，與賊短兵接，中石乃墜，絕而後蘇。帝勞之曰：「卿勇可以賈人也。」復從武帝拔晉州，齊兵大至，慶與齊王憲輕騎覘之，卒與賊相遇，為賊所窘。憲挺身而遁。慶退據汾橋，眾賊爭進，慶射之，所中人馬必倒，賊乃稍卻。及拔高壁，克并州，下信都，禽高湝，功並居最。進位大將軍，封汝南郡公。尋以行軍總管擊延安反胡，平之。曆延、甯二州總管。

Yuwen Qing, courtesy name Shenqing, was grave and far-seeing in temperament and was noted from youth for his keen mind. He first studied at the Eastern Observatory and gained a solid grounding in the classics and histories. He then said to others, "Books are enough to record one's name. How could one spend one's life at desk and ink and become a bookish pedant? When bandits rose in Wen Province, Qing volunteered for the campaign and was made area commander for his service. When Prince of Wei Yuwen Zhi held the south of the mountains, he took Qing into his inner circle. Qing was an archer of courage who delighted in wrestling fierce beasts, and Zhi thought highly of him. He was gradually promoted to general of chariots and cavalry and equal-in-three-departments. When Yuwen Hu was put to death, Qing had taken part in the planning. At that time he was made grand general of the pillar of state with the added rank of opening-office. Marching with Emperor Wu against Heyin, he was first up the wall. In close fighting he was struck by a stone, fell senseless, and then came to. The emperor praised him: "Your courage could ransom a city." He again followed Emperor Wu in capturing Jinyang. When Qi forces arrived in strength, Qing and Prince of Qi Yuwen Xian rode out with a light escort to scout and suddenly ran into the enemy and were hard pressed. Xian broke free and escaped. Qing fell back to hold Fen Bridge. As the enemy surged forward he shot; every bolt felled man or horse, and the foe drew back a little. When Gaobi was taken, Bingzhou conquered, Xindu subdued, and Gao Hui captured, his merit ranked first among all. He was promoted to grand general and enfeoffed as duke of Runan commandery. Soon afterward, as campaign marshal, he attacked the rebellious Hu in Yan'an and put them down. He served in turn as area commander of Yan and Ning provinces.

隋文帝為丞相，以行軍總管征江表，次白帝，以勞進上大將軍。帝與慶有舊，甚見親待，令督丞相軍事，委以心腹。尋加柱國。開皇初，拜左武衛將軍，進上柱國。數年，除涼州總管。歲余征還，不任以職。

While Yang Jian was chief minister, Qing marched south as campaign marshal against the Jiang region, halted at Baidi, and was advanced to upper grand general for his exertions. Yang Jian and Qing were old associates, and Qing was treated with exceptional intimacy. He was ordered to oversee the chief minister's military affairs and entrusted as a confidant. He was soon given the rank of pillar of state. At the opening of the Kaihuang era he was made general of the left martial guard and advanced to upper pillar of state. Several years later he was appointed area commander of Liang Province. A little more than a year later he was recalled and given no further duties.

初，文帝龍潛時，嘗與慶言，謂曰：「天元質無積德，其相貌壽亦不長，加以法令繁苛，耽恣聲色，以吾觀之，殆將不久。又諸侯微弱，各令就國，曾無深根固本之計，羽翮既翦，何及遠？尉遲迥貴戚，早著聲望，國家有釁，必為亂階。然智量庸淺，子弟輕佻，貪而少惠，終致亡滅。司馬消難反覆之虜，亦非池內之物，變在俄頃。但輕薄無謀，未能為害，不過自竄江南耳。庸蜀險隘，易生艱阻，王謙愚蠢，素無籌略，但恐為人所誤，不足為虞。」未幾，上言皆驗。及此，慶恐上遺忘，不復收用，欲見舊蒙恩顧，具錄前言，為表奏之。上省表大悅，下詔曰：「朕言之驗，自是偶然；公乃不忘，彌表誠節。深感至意，嘉尚無已。」自是上每加優禮。卒於家。

Earlier, while Yang Jian was still biding his time, he once spoke with Qing and said, "Emperor Xuan's nature has no store of virtue; by his looks his life will not be long. With harsh laws and indulgence in pleasure, in my view he will not endure. The princes are weak, each sent to his own domain, with no plan to plant deep roots. Once their wings are clipped, how far can they go? Yuchi Jiong is a noble kinsman of long-standing fame; if the realm shows a breach, he is sure to become a source of rebellion. Yet his mind is shallow, his sons and brothers reckless, greedy and sparing of grace, and he will end in destruction. Sima Xiaonan is a fickle foe, not one to be kept in the pond; his turn will come in an instant. But he is shallow and unresourceful and cannot do real harm—he will only flee south of the Yangtze. Yong and Shu are rugged and easily breed trouble. Wang Qian is dull and has no stratagem; he may be led astray by others, but is hardly worth fearing." Before long, every prediction proved true. By then Qing feared the emperor had forgotten him and would not employ him again. Hoping to remind Yang Jian of past kindness, he set down his earlier words in full and submitted them in a memorial. The emperor read the memorial with great pleasure and issued an edict: "That my words came true was mere chance; yet you have not forgotten—this shows your loyalty all the more. I am deeply moved by your devotion and hold you in unceasing regard." From then on the emperor treated him with added favor. He passed away at his residence.

子靜亂，尚隋文女廣平公主，位儀同、安德縣公、熊州刺史。先慶卒。靜亂子協，位右翊衛將軍。宇文化及之亂，遇害。

His son Jingluan married Emperor Wen's daughter Princess Guangping and held the ranks of equal-in-protocol, duke of Ande county, and inspector of Xiong Province. He died before his father Qing. Jingluan's son Xie served as right assistant guard general. In the uprising of Yuwen Huaji he was killed.

協弟晶，字婆羅門，大業中養于宮內，後為千牛左右。煬帝甚親昵之，每有遊宴，必侍從。至於出入臥內，伺察六宮，往來不限門禁。時人號為宇文三郎。與宮人淫亂，至於妃嬪公主亦有醜聲。蕭後言於帝，晶聞，懼不敢見。協因奏晶壯，不可久在宮掖。帝不之罪，召入，待之如初。化及殺逆際，為亂兵所害。

Xie's younger brother Jing, courtesy name Boluomen, was reared in the palace during the Daye era and later became a thousand-bull left guard. Emperor Yang treated him with great intimacy and always had him attend banquets and outings. He went in and out of the inner apartments, watched over the six palaces, and passed the gates without restriction. Contemporaries called him the Third Son Yuwen. He debauched palace women, and even imperial consorts and princesses were rumored to be involved. When Empress Xiao reported this to the emperor, Jing heard of it and was afraid to show himself. Xie then memorialized that Jing was grown and should not remain long in the inner palace. The emperor did not punish him, summoned him back, and treated him as before. When Huaji carried out his coup, Jing was killed by the mutinous soldiers.

論曰：自古受命之君及守文之王，非獨異姓之輔，亦有骨肉之助焉。其茂親則有魯衛、梁楚，其疏屬則有凡蔣、荊燕，咸能飛聲騰實，不滅於百代之後。至若豳孝公之勳烈，加之以善政，蔡文公之純孝，飾之以儉約，峨峨焉足以轔轢於前載矣。有周受命之始，宇文護實預艱難。及文後崩殂，諸子沖幼，群公懷等夷之士，天下有去就之心，卒能變魏為周，捍危獲義者，護之力也。向使加之以禮讓，經之以忠貞，桐宮有悔過之期，未央終天年之數，同前史所載，焉足道哉？然護寡於學術，昵近群小，威福在已，征伐自出，有人臣無君之心，為人主不堪之事，終於妻子為戮，身首橫分，蓋其宜也。當隋氏之起，假天威而服海內，胄以葭莩之親，據一州而協義舉，可謂忠而能勇。功業不遂，悲夫！亮實庸才，圖非常於巨逆，古人稱不度德、不量力者，其斯之謂歟。宇文測兄弟驅馳于經綸之日，孝伯、神舉盡言于父子之間，觀其智勇忠概，並可追從于古人矣。

The historian writes: From antiquity, founding rulers and heirs who kept the patrimony have relied not only on ministers outside the clan but also on help from royal kin. Close royal houses such as Lu, Wei, Liang, and Chu, and more distant ones such as Fan, Jiang, Jing, and Yan, all won renown and proved their merit and were not forgotten after a hundred generations. Consider Duke Xiao of Bin's feats of arms crowned by good government, and Duke Wen of Cai's pure filial devotion graced by thrift: towering figures, enough to eclipse the worthies of earlier ages. At the beginning when Zhou received the mandate, Yuwen Yuwen Hu truly shared in the hardships. When Empress Wen died, the sons were still young, the great lords harbored ambitions of equal standing, and the realm was ready to turn away; that he ultimately could transform Wei into Zhou and bring order out of peril was Yuwen Hu's strength. If only he had added humility and deference and continued in loyalty and constancy—if the Palace of the Tung tree had had a term for repentance and Weiyang Palace a full span of years—then what the earlier histories record would scarcely be worth mentioning. Yet Yuwen Hu was poor in learning, drew close to petty men, kept favor and punishment in his own hands, and launched campaigns on his own authority; he had the heart of a minister without a lord and did what a sovereign cannot bear. In the end his wife and children were slaughtered and his body was cut apart at the neck—is this not fitting? When the house of Sui rose and, bearing Heaven's might, subdued the realm, Yuwen Zhou, by the closest kinship, held one province and joined the righteous rising—this may be called loyal and brave at once. His enterprise went unfulfilled—alas!. Liang was truly a mediocrity who plotted extraordinary action amid great treason. The ancients spoke of men who do not measure their virtue or their strength—is this not exactly what they meant? Yuwen Ce and his brothers served in the days of founding the state; Yuwen Xiaobo and Yuwen Shenju spoke plainly between father and son. Judging their wisdom, courage, loyalty, and spirit, each could stand comparison with the worthies of antiquity.

Cite this Chapter