1
寇洛趙貴李賢梁禦
Kou Luo; Zhao Gui; Li Xian; and Liang Yu.
2
列傳第四十七
Biography 47
3
寇洛趙貴從祖兄善李賢子詢崇孫敏弟遠穆穆子渾梁禦子睿
Kou Luo; Zhao Gui; his elder cousin Shan; Li Xian; Li Xian's sons Xun and Chong, grandson Min, and younger brothers Yuan and Mu, and Mu's son Hun; Liang Yu; and Liang Yu's son Rui.
4
寇洛，上穀昌平人也。 累世為將吏。 父延壽，魏和平中，以良家子鎮武川，因家焉。 洛性明辯，不拘小節。 賀拔嶽西征，洛與嶽鄉里，乃募從入關。 以功封安鄉縣子。 及嶽為大行台，以洛為右都督。 侯莫陳悅既害嶽，欲並其眾。 時初喪元帥，洛于諸將中最為舊齒，素為眾信，乃收集將士，志在復讎。 既至原州，眾推洛為盟主，統嶽之眾，至平涼。 周文帝至，以洛為右都督。 從討侯莫陳悅，平之。 拜涇州刺史。 大統初，詔加開府，進爵京兆郡公，封洛母宋為襄城郡君。 四年，鎮東雍州。 五年，卒於鎮，贈太尉、尚書令，諡曰武。
Kou Luo was from Changping in Shanggu commandery. His family had produced generals and officials for generations. His father Yan Shou was posted to garrison Wuchuan during Emperor Xiaowen's Heping reign as a son of a good family, and the clan made its home there. Luo was quick-witted and articulate by nature and cared little for petty formalities. When Heba Yue marched west, Luo—who was from the same district as Yue—raised men to follow him through the passes into Guan. For his achievements he was enfeoffed as Viscount of Anxiang. When Yue became Grand Mobile Headquarters, Luo was appointed right commander-in-chief. Once Hou Mo Chen Yue had killed Yue, he sought to take over his army. The army had just lost its commander; of all the generals Luo was the senior and had long enjoyed the men's trust, so he rallied the troops with revenge in mind. At Yuanzhou the troops chose Luo as covenant leader, took command of Yue's forces, and marched on to Pingliang. When Emperor Wen of Zhou arrived, Luo was again appointed right commander-in-chief. He took part in the campaign against Hou Mo Chen Yue and brought him down. He was appointed governor of Jing province. Early in the Datong era an edict granted him an opened government office, raised him to Duke of Jingzhao, and ennobled his mother, Lady Song, as Lady of Xiangcheng. In the fourth year he was posted to garrison eastern Yong province. In the fifth year he died on duty; he was posthumously made Grand Commandant and Director of the Imperial Secretariat, with the posthumous name Martial.
5
子和嗣。 明帝二年，錄舊勳，以洛配享文帝廟庭，賜和姓若引氏，改封松陽郡公。
His son He succeeded him. In the second year of Emperor Ming, when former merit was recorded, Luo was given collateral worship in Emperor Wen's temple, granted the surname Ruo Yin of the imperial clan, and his title was changed to Duke of Songyang.
6
趙貴，字元寶，天水南安人也。 祖仁，以良家子鎮武川，因家焉。 貴少有節概，爾硃榮以為別將，從討元顥有功，賜爵燕樂縣子。 從賀拔岳平關中，累遷大都督。 岳為侯莫陳悅所害，將吏奔敗，莫有守者。 謂其黨曰：「吾聞仁義豈有常哉，行之則為君子，違之則為小人。 硃伯厚、王修感意氣微恩，尚能蹈履名節，況吾等荷賀拔公國士之遇，寧可自同眾人乎？」 因涕泣噓唏，從之者五十人。 乃詣悅詐降，悅信之。 因請收葬嶽，言辭慷慨，悅壯而許之。 貴乃收岳屍還營，與寇洛等奔平涼，共圖拒悅。 貴乃首議迎周文帝。 周文至，以貴為大都督，領府司馬。 悅平，行秦州事。
Zhao Gui, courtesy name Yuanbao, was a native of Nan'an in Tianshui commandery. His grandfather Ren was posted to garrison Wuchuan as a son of a good family, and the family settled there. In youth Gui showed integrity and spirit; Erzhu Rong appointed him a separate general, and in the campaign against Yuan Hao he distinguished himself and was enfeoffed as Viscount of Yanle. He followed Heba Yue in pacifying Guanzhong and rose through repeated promotions to grand commander-in-chief. When Yue was killed by Hou Mo Chen Yue, officers and clerks scattered in defeat and no one held the line. He said to his followers, "I have heard that benevolence and righteousness have no fixed rule—live by them and you are a gentleman; turn from them and you are a base man. Zhu Boxhou and Wang Xiu, moved by a trifling debt of honor, still upheld their reputations and integrity; how much more should we, who received from Lord Heba the treatment due a man of the state's esteem, make ourselves no better than the common run?" With that he wept aloud, and fifty men followed him. He then went to Hou Mo Chen Yue and pretended to surrender, and Yue believed him. He asked permission to recover and bury Yue's body, speaking with such fervor that Yue was moved and consented. Gui recovered Yue's body and returned to camp, then fled with Kou Luo and the rest to Pingliang to plot resistance against Hou Mo Chen Yue. Gui was the first to propose welcoming Emperor Wen of Zhou. When Emperor Wen of Zhou arrived, Gui was made grand commander-in-chief and placed in charge of the headquarters marshal's office. After Hou Mo Chen Yue was defeated, Gui acted as administrator of Qin province.
7
後以預立魏文帝勳，進爵為公。 梁ＧＣ定稱亂河右，以貴為隴西行台討破之。 從復弘農，戰沙苑，進爵中山郡公。 河橋之戰，貴與怡峰為左軍，戰不利，先還。 及高仲密以北豫州降，周文迎之，與東魏人戰於芒山。 貴為左軍，失律，坐免官。 尋復官爵。 後拜柱國大將軍，賜姓乙弗氏。 六官建，為太保、大宗伯，改封南陽郡公。 周孝閔帝踐阼，遷大塚宰，進封楚國公，邑萬戶。
Later, for his role in enthroning Emperor Wen of Wei, he was raised to duke. When Liang Qiding rebelled west of the river, Gui was made Longxi mobile headquarters commander and crushed him. He took part in recovering Hongnong and fighting at Shaya, and was raised to Duke of Zhongshan. At the battle of Heqiao, Gui and Yi Feng commanded the left wing; the fight went badly and they withdrew first. When Gao Zhongmi surrendered northern Yuzhou, Emperor Wen of Zhou went to receive him and fought Eastern Wei at Mangshan. Gui commanded the left wing but broke discipline and was stripped of office. Before long his rank and office were restored. He was later made pillar-of-state grand general and granted the surname Yifu. When the Six Offices were established, he became Grand Guardian and Grand Clan Elder, and his title was changed to Duke of Nanyang. When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou took the throne, Gui was made Grand Overseer of the Ancestral Temple, raised to Duke of Chu, with a fief of ten thousand households.
8
初，貴與獨孤信等皆與文帝等夷。 及晉公護攝政，貴自以元勳，每懷怏怏，與信謀殺護，為開府宇文盛告，被誅。
At first Gui, Dugu Xin, and the others had stood on equal footing with Emperor Wen. When Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu became regent, Gui, counting himself a founding merit-holder, grew resentful; he plotted with Dugu Xin to kill Hu, was reported by Acting Three Excellencies Yuwen Sheng, and was put to death.
9
善，字僧慶，貴之從祖兄也。 少好學，美容儀，沉毅有遠量。 爾硃天光討邢杲、万俟醜奴，以為長史。 普泰初，為大行台尚書，封山北縣伯。 天光拒齊神武于韓陵，敗，見殺。 善請收葬其屍，齊神武義而許之。 賀拔嶽總關中，迎善，復以為長史。 岳為侯莫陳悅所殺，善共諸將翊戴周文帝。 魏孝武西遷，改封襄城縣伯。 歷位尚書左右僕射，進爵為公。 善性溫恭，有器局，雖位居端右，而愈自謙退。 其職務克舉，則曰某官之力； 有罪責，則曰善之咎也。 時人稱其有公輔量。
Shan, courtesy name Sengqing, was Zhao Gui's elder cousin on the paternal side. As a youth he loved learning, was handsome in bearing, and was steady and far-sighted. When Erzhu Tianguang campaigned against Xing Gao and Moqi Chounu, Shan served as chief clerk. Early in the Putai era he became Director of the Imperial Secretariat under the Grand Mobile Headquarters and was enfeoffed as Earl of Shanbei. Tianguang met Gao Huan at Hanling, was defeated, and was killed. Shan asked to recover and bury his body; Gao Huan, approving the request on grounds of righteousness, allowed it. When Heba Yue took command of Guanzhong, he welcomed Shan back and again appointed him chief clerk. After Yue was killed by Hou Mo Chen Yue, Shan and the other generals rallied to support Emperor Wen of Zhou. When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, Shan's title was changed to Earl of Xiangcheng. He rose through the posts of left and right vice director of the Imperial Secretariat and was advanced to duke. Shan was gentle and courteous by nature and possessed real breadth of vision; though he held the highest offices, he grew only more modest. When a task was well done, he would say it was that official's achievement; when there was fault or blame, he would say the fault was his own. Contemporaries said he had the makings of a chief minister.
10
大統九年，從戰芒山，屬大軍不利，善為敵所獲，卒於東魏。 建德初，周、齊通好，齊人乃歸其柩。 其子詢表請贈諡。 詔贈大將軍、大都督、四州諸軍事、岐州刺史，諡曰敬。
In the ninth year of Datong he fought at Mangshan; when the main army fared badly, Shan was taken by the enemy and died in Eastern Wei territory. Early in the Jiande era, when Zhou and Qi were on friendly terms, the Qi returned his coffin. His son Xun submitted a memorial requesting a posthumous title. An edict posthumously made him Grand General, Grand Commander-in-Chief, commander of military affairs in four provinces, and governor of Qi, with the posthumous name Reverent.
11
李賢，字賢和，自雲隴西成紀人，漢騎都尉陵之後也。 陵沒匈奴，子孫因居北狄。 後隨魏南遷，復歸氵幵、隴。 曾祖富，魏太武時以子都督討兩山屠各，歿於陣，贈甯西將軍、隴西郡守。 大統末，以賢兄弟著勳，追贈司空公。
Li Xian, courtesy name Xianhe, claimed descent from Chengji in Longxi and from Han Cavalry Commandant Li Ling. When Ling was lost among the Xiongnu, his descendants settled among the northern peoples. Later they followed the Wei court south and returned to the Qian and Long region. His great-grandfather Fu, under Emperor Taiwu of Wei, campaigned as a sub-commander against the Tuge of Liangshan, fell in battle, and was posthumously made General Who Pacifies the West and administrator of Longxi. Late in the Datong era, because the Xian brothers had distinguished themselves, Fu was posthumously made Duke of the Excellency of Works.
12
賢幼有志節，不妄舉動。 嘗出遊，逢一老人，鬢眉皓白，謂曰：「我年八十，觀士多矣，未有如卿。 卿必為台牧，努力勉之。」 九歲，從師受業，略觀大指而已。 或譏其不精，答曰：「賢豈能領徒授業？ 至如忠孝之道，實銘於心。」 問者慚服。 十四遭父憂，撫訓諸弟，友愛甚篤。
From boyhood Xian showed resolve and restraint and never acted rashly. Once while out walking he met an old man with white temples and brows who said, "I am eighty and have seen many men of talent, but none like you. You are sure to become a provincial governor—work hard at it." At nine he began study under a teacher, but only skimmed the main outlines. When some mocked his lack of mastery, he replied, "How could Xian lead pupils and teach for a living? As for the way of loyalty and filial piety, that is engraved in my heart." His questioners were ashamed and silenced. At fourteen he lost his father, raised and guided his younger brothers, and showed them deep affection.
13
魏永安中，萬俊醜奴據岐、涇等州反，孝莊遣爾硃天光擊破之。 天光令都督長孫邪利行原州事，以賢為主簿。 累遷高平令。 賀拔岳為侯莫陳悅所害，周文帝西征，賢與其弟遠、穆等密應侯莫陳崇。 以功授都督，仍守原州。 及大軍至秦州，悅棄城走。 周文命兄子導追之，以賢為先鋒，至牽屯山及之。 以功授假節、撫軍將軍、大都督。
During Emperor Xiaozhuang's Yong'an reign, Moqi Chounu rebelled holding Qi, Jing, and other provinces; the emperor sent Erzhu Tianguang, who defeated him. Tianguang put Commander Zhangsun Xieli in charge of Yuan province and made Xian his chief clerk. He rose through promotion to magistrate of Gaoping. After Heba Yue was killed by Hou Mo Chen Yue, Emperor Wen of Zhou marched west; Xian and his brothers Yuan and Mu secretly supported Hou Mo Chen Chong. For his service he was made commander-in-chief and continued to hold Yuan province. When the main army reached Qin province, Hou Mo Chen Yue abandoned the city and fled. Emperor Wen ordered his nephew Dao to pursue; Xian led the vanguard and caught up with Yue at Qian Tun Mountain. For this achievement he was granted acting credentials, the title General Who Pacifies the Army, and grand commander-in-chief.
14
武帝及齊王憲之在繈褓，不利居宮中，周文令於賢家處之，六載乃還宮。 因賜賢妻吳姓宇文氏，養為侄女，賜與甚厚。 及武帝西巡原州，幸賢第，詔曰：「朕昔沖幼，爰寓此州。 使持節、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、大都督、瓜州諸軍事、瓜州刺史賢，斯土良家，勳德兼著，受委居朕，輔導積年。 念其規弼，功勞甚茂。 今巡撫屆此，不殊代邑，舉目依然，益增舊想。 賢雖無屬籍，朕處之若親，凡厥昆季，乃至子侄等，可並預宴賜。」 於是令中侍上士尉遲愷往瓜州，降璽書勞賢。 賜衣一襲及被褥，並禦所服十三環金帶一腰、中廄馬一疋、金裝鞍勒、雜彩五百段、銀錢一萬。 賜賢弟申國公穆亦如之。 子侄男女中外諸孫三十四人各賜衣一襲。 拜賢甥庫狄樂為儀同。 賢門生昔經侍奉者，二人授大都督，四人授帥都督，六人別將。 奴已免賤者五人，授軍主； 未免賤者十二人，酬替放之。
While Emperor Wu and Prince Xian of Qi were still infants, it was deemed ill-omened for them to live in the palace; Emperor Wen placed them in Xian's household, and only after six years did they return to court. Xian's wife, Lady Wu, was granted the surname Yuwen, adopted as an imperial niece, and showered with gifts. When Emperor Wu toured west to Yuan province and visited Xian's home, he issued an edict saying, "In my youth I lived in this province. Bearer of credentials, Grand General of Fast Cavalry, acting three excellencies with court equipage, grand commander-in-chief, commander of military affairs in Guazhou, and governor of Guazhou—Xian, a worthy son of this region, distinguished in merit and virtue, was entrusted with my care and instructed me for many years. Remembering his guidance, his service has been abundant indeed. Now on my tour I have come here; it is no different from the place of my youth—every sight is unchanged, and my old memories only grow stronger. Though Xian is not on the imperial register, I treat him as family; all his brothers, sons, and nephews alike may share in the feast and gifts." He then sent Palace Attendant Senior Gentleman Yuchi Kai to Guazhou with an imperial letter commending Xian. He was given a suit of clothes and bedding, the emperor's own thirteen-ring gold belt, a horse from the imperial stables with gold-mounted saddle and bridle, five hundred bolts of mixed silks, and ten thousand in silver cash. The same gifts were given to Xian's younger brother Mu, Duke of Shen. Thirty-four sons, nephews, and grandsons by blood and marriage each received a suit of clothes. Xian's nephew by marriage Kudi Le was appointed acting three excellencies. Of Xian's former disciples who had served him, two were made grand commanders-in-chief, four commanders-in-chief of the host, and six separate generals. Five former slaves who had already been freed were made army leaders; Twelve who had not yet been freed from bondage were paid off and released.
15
四年，王師東討，西道空虛，慮羌、渾侵擾，乃授賢河州總管。 河州舊非總管，至是創置。 賢乃大營屯田，以省運漕，多設斥候，以備寇戎，於是羌、渾斂跡。 五年，宕昌寇邊，乃於洮州置總管府以鎮遏之。 遂廢河州總管，改授賢洮州總管。 屬羌寇侵擾，賢頻破之，虜遂震懾，不敢犯塞。 俄廢洮州總管，還于河州置總管府，復以賢為之。
In the fourth year, as the imperial army marched east and the western frontier lay exposed, fearing raids by the Qiang and Hun, Xian was made area commander of He province. He province had never before had an area command; one was established for the first time on this occasion. Xian then established large-scale garrison farms to cut transport costs, posted many scouts against raiders, and the Qiang and Hun thereafter kept their distance. In the fifth year, when Dangchang raided the frontier, an area command headquarters was set up at Tao province to hold them in check. The He province command was then abolished, and Xian was reassigned as area commander of Tao province. When Qiang raiders struck repeatedly, Xian defeated them again and again until the enemy was awestruck and dared not breach the border. Before long the Tao command was abolished, the headquarters was moved back to He province, and Xian was again appointed to it.
16
武帝思賢舊恩，徵拜大將軍。 于京師薨，帝親入，哀動左右。 贈使持節、柱國大將軍、大都督、十州諸軍事、原州刺史，諡曰桓。 子端嗣。
Emperor Wu of Zhou, mindful of Xian's past service, summoned him and appointed him Grand General. He died at the capital; the emperor came in person to mourn, and his grief moved all who were present. He was posthumously granted the staff of authority, the ranks of Pillar of State and Grand General, the title Grand Commander over military affairs in ten provinces, and the governorship of Yuan province, with the posthumous name Huan. His son Duan succeeded him.
17
端位開府儀同三司，從平齊，戰沒，贈上大將軍，追封襄陽公，諡曰果。
Duan held the rank of Opening-the-Fu with Pillar-of-State-equivalent Three Excellencies; he took part in the conquest of Qi, fell in battle, and was posthumously made Senior Grand General and Duke of Xiangyang, with the posthumous name Guo.
18
端弟吉，儀同三司。
Duan's younger brother Ji held Pillar-of-State-equivalent Three Excellencies.
19
吉弟孝軌，開府儀同大將軍、升遷縣伯，後封奇章公。 孝軌弟詢。
Ji's younger brother Xiaogui was Grand General with Opening-the-Fu and Pillar-of-State-equivalent rank, Earl of Shengqian, and was later enfeoffed as Duke of Qizhang. Xiaogui's younger brother was Xun.
20
詢，字孝詢，深沉有大略，頗涉書記。 仕周，累遷司衛上士。 武帝幸雲陽宮，委以留府事。 衛王直作亂，焚肅章門，詢於內益火，故賊不得入。 武帝善之。 累遷英果中大夫，屢以軍功，加位大將軍，賜爵平高郡公。 隋文帝為丞相，尉遲迥作亂，遣韋孝寬擊之，以詢為元帥長史，委以心膂。 軍至永橋，諸將不一。 詢密啟請重臣監護。 文帝令高熲監軍。 與熲同心，唯詢而已。 及迥平，進位上柱國，改封隴西郡公。 開皇初，歷位隰州總管，以疾征還京師。 卒，帝悼惜者久之，諡曰襄。 子元方嗣。
Xun, courtesy name Xiaoxun, was deep and reserved, possessed great strategic insight, and was well versed in letters and records. He served the Zhou court and rose through repeated promotions to Senior Attendant of the Guard Office. When Emperor Wu visited the Cloud Yang Palace, Xun was entrusted with affairs at the capital in his absence. When Prince Wei Zhi rebelled and burned the Su Zhang Gate, Xun set counterfires inside the palace, preventing the rebels from breaking in. Emperor Wu praised him for it. He rose through repeated promotions to Heroic Outstanding Senior Grandee, and through repeated military merit was raised to Grand General and enfeoffed as Duke of Pinggao. When Emperor Wen of Sui was still Chancellor, Yuchi Jiong rebelled; he sent Wei Xiaokuan against him and made Xun marshal chief of staff, trusting him as his right-hand man. When the army reached Yong Bridge, the generals could not agree. Xun secretly memorialized asking that a senior minister be sent to supervise the army. Emperor Wen ordered Gao Jiong to take command of supervision over the army. Gao Jiong had only one true ally of one mind with him—Xun. After Jiong was defeated, Xun was promoted to Senior Pillar of State and his title was changed to Duke of Longxi. Early in the Kaihuang era he served as area commander of Xi province, then was recalled to the capital because of illness. He died; the emperor mourned him at length, and gave him the posthumous name Xiang. His son Yuanfang succeeded him.
21
隋文帝為丞相，加授上開府儀同大將軍、懷州刺史，進爵郡公。 尉遲迥反，遣使招之。 崇初欲相應，後知叔父穆以并州附文帝，慨然太息曰：「闔家富貴數十人，遇國有難，竟不能扶傾繼絕，何面目處天地間乎！」 韋孝寬亦疑之，與俱臥起。 其兄詢時為元帥長史，每諷諭之。 崇由是亦歸心焉。 及迥平，授徐州總管，進位上柱國。
When Emperor Wen of Sui was Chancellor, Chong was additionally made Senior Opening-the-Fu Grand General and Governor of Huai province, and advanced to commandery duke. Yuchi Jiong rebelled and sent envoys to win him over. Chong at first meant to join Jiong, but when he learned that his uncle Mu had sided with Emperor Wen at Bingzhou, he sighed and said, "Our whole clan counts dozens in wealth and rank—yet when the state is in peril we cannot shore up what is falling or carry on what is broken. With what face can we remain under heaven and earth! Wei Xiaokuan also distrusted him and kept him under close watch, sharing his bed and board. His elder brother Xun, then marshal chief of staff, repeatedly urged him to do right. Chong thereby gave his loyalty as well. After Jiong was defeated, Chong was appointed area commander of Xu province and promoted to Senior Pillar of State.
22
開皇三年，除幽州總管。 突厥犯塞，崇輒破之。 奚、霄、契丹等讋嚇其威略，爭來內附。 後突厥大為侵掠，崇率步騎三千拒之。 轉戰十餘日，師人多死，遂保於沙城。 突厥圍之，死亡略盡。 突厥欲降之，謂曰：「降者封為特勤。」 崇知不免，令其士卒曰：「吾喪師徒，罪當萬死，今效命以謝國家。 看吾死，且可降賊，方便散走。 還見至尊，道此意也。」 乃挺刃突賊，復殺二人，沒於陣。 主州諸軍事、豫州刺史，諡曰壯。 子敏嗣。
In the third year of Kaihuang he was appointed area commander of You province. Whenever the Turks raided the frontier, Chong defeated them. The Xi, Kumo Xi, Khitan, and other peoples were awed by his martial reputation and vied to submit and join the empire. Later the Turks launched a major raid; Chong led three thousand foot and horse to resist them. After more than ten days of fighting, most of his men were dead, and he withdrew to hold Sha fortress. The Turks besieged the fortress until nearly all inside were dead. The Turks offered to accept his surrender, saying, "Surrender, and you will be enfeoffed as tegin. Knowing he could not escape, Chong told his men, "I have lost my army and deserve death ten thousand times over; now I shall give my life to repay the state. Watch me die; then you may surrender to the enemy and make your escape as best you can. When you return to the emperor, tell him what I have said. Then he drew his blade and charged the enemy, killed two more men, and fell on the battlefield. He was posthumously granted command over military affairs in the province and the governorship of Yu province, with the posthumous name Zhuang. His son Min succeeded him.
23
敏字樹生，文帝以其父死王事，養于宮中。 及長，襲爵廣宗公，起家左千牛。 美姿容，善騎射，工歌舞弦管。 開皇初，周宣帝后樂平公主有女娥英，妙擇婚對，敕貴公子弟集弘聖宮者，日以百數。 公主選取敏，禮儀如尚帝女。 後將侍宴，公主謂敏曰：「我以天下與至尊，唯一女夫，當為汝求柱國。 若授餘官，慎無謝。」 及進見上，上親禦琵琶，遣敏歌舞，大悅，謂公主曰：「敏何官？」 對曰：「一白丁耳。」 謂敏曰：「今授儀同。」 敏不答。 上曰：「不滿爾意耶？ 今授開府。」 又不謝。 上曰：「公主有大功于我，我何得向其女婿惜官，今授卿柱國。」 敏乃拜而蹈舞。 遂於坐發詔授柱國，以本官宿衛。
Min, courtesy name Shusheng, was raised in the palace because his father had died in the service of the throne. When he came of age he inherited the title Duke of Guangzong and entered service as Left Qianniu. He was handsome, skilled at riding and archery, and accomplished in song, dance, and string and wind music. Early in Kaihuang, Princess Leping, empress of Emperor Xuan of Zhou, had a daughter named Eying; seeking a worthy match, she summoned noble youths to Hongsheng Palace by the hundreds each day. The princess chose Min, and the wedding rites were conducted as for an imperial son-in-law. Before a banquet at court, the princess told Min, "I gave the empire to His Majesty; you are my only son-in-law, and I shall secure the rank of Pillar of State for you. If they grant any lesser office, be sure not to accept it. When Min was presented at court, the emperor himself played the pipa and had him sing and dance; greatly pleased, he asked the princess, "What rank does Min hold? She answered, "He is nothing but a commoner. He said to Min, "I now grant you Pillar-of-State-equivalent rank. Min made no reply. The emperor said, "Not to your liking? I now grant you Opening-the-Fu rank. Min still did not thank him. The emperor said, "The princess rendered me great service—how could I begrudge her son-in-law an office? I now grant you Pillar of State. Min then bowed and danced in gratitude. An edict was issued on the spot granting Pillar of State, and he continued on palace guard duty in his existing post.
24
時或言敏一名洪兒，帝疑「洪」字當讖，嘗面告之，冀其引決。 敏由是大懼，數與金才、善衡等屏人私語。 宇文述知而奏之，竟與渾同誅。 其妻宇文氏尋亦賜鴆而終。
Some said Min also went by the name Hong'er; the emperor suspected the character "Hong" fulfilled a prophecy and once told him so to his face, hoping he would take his own life. Min was terrified and often met privately with Jin Cai, Shanheng, and others, speaking with no one else present. Yuwen Shu learned of this and reported it; in the end Min was executed together with Hun. His wife, a Yuwen, was soon given poisoned wine and died.
25
賢弟遠。 遠字萬歲，幼有器局，嘗與群兒為戰鬥戲，指麾便有軍陣之法。 郡守見而異之，召使更戲。 群兒散走，遠持杖叱之，復為向陣，意氣雄壯，殆甚於前。 郡守曰：「此小兒必為將帥，非常人也。」
Xian's younger brother was Yuan. Yuan, courtesy name Wansui, showed talent and breadth of mind even as a boy; once, playing at war with other children, his commands already displayed the logic of real battle formations. The prefect saw this and was astonished; he summoned the boys to play again. The other boys scattered, but Yuan seized a staff, shouted them back into line, and re-formed the ranks with a boldness that surpassed what had come before. The prefect said, "This boy will surely become a commander—he is no ordinary child."
26
及長，涉獵書傳。 魏正光末，天下鼎沸，敕勒賊胡琮侵逼原州。 遠昆季率勵鄉人，欲圖拒守，而眾情頗有異同。 遠乃按劍喻以節義，因曰：「有異議者，請斬之。」 眾懼，乃聽命，相與盟歃，深壁自守。 無援，城隱，其徒多被害，唯遠兄弟並為人所匿，得免。 遠乃使賢晦跡和光，潛身間行，入朝求援。 魏朝嘉之，授武騎常侍，俄轉別將。 及爾硃天光西伐，配遠精兵為鄉導。 天光欽遠才望，除為長城郡守。 後以應侯莫陳崇功。 遷高平郡守。 周文見面悅之，令居麾下。
When he grew up, he read widely in the classics and histories. At the end of the Zhenguang era, the realm was in turmoil; the Tiele bandit Hu Cong pressed upon Yuan province. Yuan and his brothers rallied the local people to resist and hold out, but opinion among them was sharply divided. Yuan drew his sword and appealed to their sense of duty, saying, "Whoever disagrees, step forward and be beheaded. Terrified, the people submitted; they swore a blood oath together and fortified the walls to hold out. With no relief coming, the city fell; many of their followers were killed, but Yuan and his brothers were hidden by others and escaped. Yuan then sent Xian to keep a low profile and travel by hidden routes to the capital to seek aid. The Wei court commended this and made him Regular Palace Cavalry Attendant; soon he was transferred to Separate General. When Erzhu Tianguang marched west, Yuan was assigned elite troops to serve as local guide. Tianguang admired Yuan's talent and reputation and appointed him Prefect of Changcheng. He was later promoted for his service under Hou Mo Chen Chong. He was transferred to Prefect of Gaoping. Yuwen Tai was pleased when he met him and kept him in his own service.
27
及魏孝武西遷，封安定縣伯。 魏文帝嗣位之始，思享遐年，以遠字可嘉，令扶帝升殿。 進爵為公，仍領左右。 從征竇泰，復弘農，並有殊勳。 授都督、原州刺史。 周文謂遠曰：「孤有卿，若身之有臂。 本州之榮，乃私事爾。」 遂令遠兄賢代行州事。 沙苑之役，遠功居最，進爵陽平郡公。 尋除大丞相府司馬，參軍國機務。 時河東初復，人情未安。 周文以河東為國之要領，乃授河東郡守。 遠敦獎風俗，勸課農桑，肅遏奸非，兼修守之備。 曾未期月，百姓懷之。 周文降書勞問。 徵為侍中，遷太子少師。
When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, Yuan was enfeoffed as Earl of Anding. At the beginning of Emperor Wen of Wei's reign, wishing long life for himself, he found Yuan's courtesy name auspicious and had Yuan assist him in ascending the hall. He was advanced to duke and continued to lead the imperial guard. He followed the campaigns against Dou Tai and the recapture of Hongnong, distinguishing himself in both. He was appointed Commander and Governor of Yuan province. Yuwen Tai said to Yuan, "With you at my side I am as a body with arms. The honor of governing one's home province is a private matter. He therefore had Yuan's elder brother Xian administer the province in his place. At the Battle of Shaye Yuan's merit ranked first, and he was advanced to Duke of Yangping. Soon he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Grand Chancellor's Office and took part in the state's military affairs. Hedong had only recently been recovered, and the people were still unsettled. Yuwen Tai considered Hedong a vital artery of the realm and appointed Li Yuan Prefect of Hedong. Li Yuan worked to restore local custom, urged agriculture and sericulture, sternly suppressed crime, and at the same time readied the defenses. In less than a month the people had come to trust him. Yuwen Tai sent an edict of commendation and inquiry. He was recalled to serve as Palace Attendant and appointed Junior Tutor of the Crown Prince.
28
東魏北豫州刺史高仲密請舉州來附，周文以仲密所據遼遠，難為應接。 諸將皆憚此行。 遠曰：「北豫遠在賊境，高歡又屯兵河陽，常理而論，實難救援。 但不入獸穴，不得獸子，若以奇兵出其不意，事或可濟。 脫有利鈍，故是兵家之常。 如其顧望不行，便無克定之日。」 周文喜曰：「李萬歲所言，差強人意。」 乃授行台尚書，前驅東出。 周文率大軍繼進。 遠乃潛師而往，拔仲密以歸。 仍從周文戰於芒山，時大軍不利，遠獨整所部為殿。
Gao Zhongmi, Governor of Beiyu in Eastern Wei, offered to surrender his entire province; Yuwen Tai judged the territory too distant for easy relief. Every general shrank from the mission. Li Yuan said, "Beiyu lies deep in enemy territory, and Gao Huan holds Heyang with his army—by ordinary reckoning relief would be all but impossible. Yet one must enter the tiger's den to take the cubs—if we strike with a surprise force where they do not expect us, the enterprise may yet succeed. Gain and loss alike are the common lot of war. If we hang back and refuse to go, there will never be a day of victory. Yuwen Tai was pleased and said, "Li Yuan Wansui's words are most heartening. He appointed Li Yuan Director of the Mobile Directorate and sent him ahead as vanguard marching east. Yuwen Tai followed with the main army. Li Yuan marched in secret and brought Zhongmi safely out. He fought with Yuwen Tai at Mount Mang; when the main army faltered, Li Yuan alone kept his troops in order as rearguard.
29
尋授都督義州弘農等二十一郡諸軍事。 遠善撫馭，有幹略，戰守之備，無不精銳。 每厚撫境外之人，使為間諜，敵中動靜，必先知之。 至有事泄被誅，亦不以為悔。 嘗獵於莎柵，見石于叢薄中，以為伏兔，射之，鏃入寸餘，視之乃石。 周文聞面異之，賜書曰：「昔李將軍親有此事，公今復爾，可謂世載其德矣。」 東魏將段孝先趣宜陽，以送糧為名，實有窺窬之意。 遠密知其計，遣兵襲破之。 孝先遁走。 周文賜所乘主金帶床帳衣被等，並彩二千匹，拜大將軍。 頃之，除尚書左僕射，固辭。 周文不許，遠不得已，方拜職。 周文又以第十一子代王達令遠子之，其見親待如此。
Soon he was made Commander-in-Chief over military affairs in twenty-one commanderies including Yizhou and Hongnong. Li Yuan governed with skill and had both talent and resolution; every measure for offense and defense was honed to a keen edge. He generously cultivated people beyond the border as spies, so he always knew the enemy's movements before they happened. Even when informants were exposed and executed, he never regretted the method. Once while hunting at Shazha he spotted something in the brush, took it for a hiding rabbit, and shot it—the arrowhead sank more than an inch into what proved to be stone. Yuwen Tai heard of it and marveled; he wrote, "Long ago General Li did the same, and you have done it again—truly virtue runs in the blood. The Eastern Wei general Duan Xiaoxian marched on Yiyang under the pretext of delivering supplies, but in truth meant to seize it. Li Yuan learned his plan in secret and sent troops to surprise and rout him. Xiaoxian fled. Yuwen Tai gave him the gold belt, bed, hangings, clothing, and bedding from his own carriage, two thousand bolts of colored silk, and the rank of Grand General. Before long he was named Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing, but firmly declined. Yuwen Tai would not hear of it; Li Yuan had no choice and at last accepted the post. Yuwen Tai also had his eleventh son, Prince Dai, Wang Da, take Li Yuan as mentor—such was the depth of his trust and favor.
30
時周文嫡嗣未建，明居長，已有成德； 孝閔處嫡，年尚幼沖。 乃謂群公曰：「孤欲立子以嫡，恐大司馬有疑。」 大司馬即獨孤信，明帝敬後父也。 眾未有答。 遠曰：「立子以嫡不以長，略陽公為嗣，公何疑焉？ 若以人為嫌，請即斬信。」 便起拔劍。 周文亦起曰：「何事至此！」 信又自陳產，遠乃止。 於是群公並從遠議。 遠出外，拜謝信曰：「臨大事不得不爾。」 信亦謝遠曰：「今日賴公決此大議。」 六官建，授小司寇。 周孝閔帝踐祚，進位柱國大將軍，復鎮弘農。
Yuwen Tai had not yet designated a legitimate heir; Ming, the eldest, already showed mature virtue; Xiaomin was the legitimate son, but still very young. He told the assembled lords, "I wish to install the legitimate son as heir, but I fear the Grand Marshal may object. The Grand Marshal was Dugu Xin, father of Emperor Ming's empress. No one answered. Li Yuan said, "The heir is chosen by legitimacy, not age—the Duke of Lueyang is the rightful successor. Why hesitate? If a man stands in the way, I shall cut down Xin here and now. He rose and drew his sword. Yuwen Tai rose as well and cried, "What need is there for this! Xin pleaded that his daughter was in labor, and Li Yuan desisted. Thereupon the lords all sided with Li Yuan. Li Yuan went out and bowed to Xin in apology, saying, "In so grave a matter I had no choice. Xin in turn apologized to Li Yuan, saying, "Today we owe this great decision to you. When the Six Offices were created, he was made Minor Director of Punishments. When Emperor Xiaomin took the throne, Li Yuan was promoted to Duke of the State and Grand General and again garrisoned Hongnong.
31
遠子植，文帝時已為相府司錄，參掌朝政。 及晉公護執權，密欲誅護，頗泄，護乃出植為梁州刺史。 尋而廢帝，召遠及植還朝。 遠恐有變，沉吟良久，乃曰：「大丈夫寧為忠鬼，安能作叛臣乎！」 遂就征，至京師。 護以遠功名素重，猶欲全宥之，謂曰：「公兒遂有異謀，可早為之所。」 乃以植付遠。 遠素愛植，植又有口辯，雲初無此謀。 遠信之，詰朝將植謁護。 護謂植已死，乃曰：「陽平公何意自來？」 左右云：「植亦在門外。」 護大怒曰：「陽平公不信我矣！」 召入，命遠同坐，令帝與植相質於遠前。 植辭窮，謂帝曰：「本為此謀，欲安社稷，利至尊耳。 今日至此，何事云云。」 遠聞之，自投於床，曰：「若爾，誠合萬死。」 於是護乃害植，並逼遠自殺。 建德元年，晉公護誅，贈本官，加太保，諡曰忠。 隋開皇初，追贈上柱國，改諡曰懷。 植及諸弟並加諡。
Li Yuan's son Zhi had already served in Emperor Wen's time as Chief Recorder of the Chancellor's Office and helped run the government. When Yuwen Hu seized power as Duke of Jin, Zhi secretly plotted to kill him; the plot leaked, and Hu posted Zhi to Governor of Liang. Soon the emperor was deposed, and Li Yuan and Zhi were recalled to court. Li Yuan feared treachery and brooded a long while, then said, "A true man would rather die a loyal ghost than live a rebel! He obeyed the summons and went to the capital. Because Li Yuan's reputation was great, Hu still meant to spare him and said, "Your son has indeed plotted rebellion—you had best deal with him yourself. He handed Zhi over to Li Yuan. Li Yuan had always loved Zhi, and Zhi was glib of tongue and at first denied any such plot. Li Yuan believed him, and the next morning took Zhi to call on Hu. Hu had thought Zhi already dead and said, "Duke of Yangping, why have you come in person? His attendants said, "Zhi is at the gate as well. Hu flew into a rage and cried, "The Duke of Yangping no longer trusts me! He had them brought in, seated Li Yuan beside him, and made the emperor and Zhi confront each other before Li Yuan. Zhi could say no more and told the emperor, "We plotted only to secure the realm and serve Your Majesty. And now it has come to this—what more is there to say? Li Yuan heard this and fell upon the bed, crying, "If that is so, I deserve to die ten thousand deaths. Hu then killed Zhi and forced Li Yuan to take his own life. In the first year of Jiande, after Yuwen Hu was executed, Li Yuan was posthumously restored to his former rank with the added title Grand Guardian and the posthumous name Loyal. Early in the Kaihuang era of Sui, he was further enfeoffed as Duke of the Upper State and his posthumous name was changed to Pondering. Zhi and Li Yuan's other sons all received posthumous titles as well.
32
威字安人，又改襲遠爵陽平郡公，加上開府。 大象末，地至柱國，封公。
Wei, courtesy name Anren, eventually inherited Li Yuan's title as Duke of Yangping and was given the rank Opening the Government. By the end of the Daxiang era he had risen to Duke of the State and been enfeoffed as duke.
33
賢弟穆，字顯慶，少明敏有度量。 文帝入關，便給事左右，深被親遇。 穆亦小心謹肅，未嘗懈怠。 及侯莫陳悅害賀拔岳，周文自夏州赴難，而悅黨史歸據原州，猶為悅守。 周文令侯莫陳崇襲之，穆時先在城中，與兄賢、遠應崇，遂禽歸。 以功授都督。 從迎魏孝武，封永平縣子。 又領鄉兵。 禽竇泰，復弘農，並有戰功。 沙苑之捷，穆言：「歡今日已喪膽矣，請速逐之，則歡可禽也。」 周文不聽。 論前後功，進爵國公。
Xian's younger brother Li Mu, courtesy name Xianqing, was clever and far-sighted from youth. When Emperor Wen entered the Pass, Li Mu entered his personal service and enjoyed his deep favor. Li Mu was careful and reverent in his duties and never slackened. After Hou Mo Chen Yue killed Heba Yue, Yuwen Tai marched from Xia province to the rescue; Yue's follower Shi Gui still held Yuan province for him. Yuwen Tai sent Hou Mo Chen Chong against him; Li Mu was already in the city and, with his brothers Xian and Li Yuan, supported Chong and captured Shi Gui. For this he was made Commander. He took part in welcoming Emperor Xiaowu of Wei and was enfeoffed Viscount of Yongping. He also commanded local militia. He captured Dou Tai and helped retake Hongnong, distinguishing himself in both campaigns. After the victory at Shaye, Li Mu said, "Gao Huan has lost his nerve today—pursue him at once and he can be taken. Yuwen Tai would not hear it. Accounting for his merits overall, he was advanced to Duke of the State.
34
芒山之戰，周文馬中流矢，驚逸墜地。 敵人追及，左右皆散。 穆下馬，以策擊周文背，因大罵曰：「籠陳軍士，爾曹主何在？ 爾獨住此！」 敵人見其輕侮，不疑是貴人，遂舍而過。 穆以馬授周文，遂俱逸。 是日微穆，周文已不濟矣。 既而與穆相對而泣，自是恩盼更隆。 顧左右曰：「成我事者，其此人乎！」 擢授武衛將軍、儀同三司，進封安武郡公。 前後賞賜，不可勝計。 周文歎其忠節，曰：「人所貴唯命，穆遂輕命濟孤，爵位玉帛，未足為報。」 乃特賜鐵券，恕以十死。 進驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、侍中。 初，芒山之敗，穆授周文炍馬，後中廄此色者，悉以賜之。 又賜穆嗣子惇安樂郡公，姊一人為郡君，自余姊妹並為縣君，兄弟子侄及緦麻已上親並舅氏皆沾厚賜。 其褒崇如此。
At Mount Mang Yuwen Tai's horse was struck by an arrow, bolted in panic, and threw him to the ground. The enemy closed in, and his attendants scattered. Li Mu dismounted, struck Yuwen Tai's back with his whip, and shouted abuse: "Soldiers of Longchen—where is your commander? And you dawdle here alone! The enemy, seeing him treated with contempt, never guessed he was a person of rank and passed on. Li Mu gave Yuwen Tai his horse, and both escaped together. But for Li Mu that day, Yuwen Tai would not have survived. He and Li Mu then wept face to face, and from that day his favor toward Mu only deepened. He turned to his attendants and said, "The man who saved me—is this not he! Li Mu was promoted to General of the Martial Guard, given ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, and advanced to Duke of Anwu. The rewards that followed were beyond counting. Yuwen Tai marveled at his loyalty and said, "Life is what men hold most dear—yet Mu risked his own to save mine. Rank and silk are not reward enough. He therefore granted him an iron tally forgiving ten capital crimes. He was promoted to Cavalry General-in-Chief, given the rank Opening the Government with ceremonial parity to the Three Excellencies, and made Palace Attendant. After the defeat at Mount Mang, Li Mu had given Yuwen Tai a piebald horse; afterward every piebald in the imperial stud was given to him. He also enfeoffed Li Mu's heir Dun as Duke of Anle, made one sister a Commandery Lady and the rest County Ladies, and showered rich gifts on brothers, sons, nephews, kin within the fifth mourning degree, and the maternal clan alike. Such was the honor lavished upon him.
35
從解玉壁圍，拜安定國中尉。 曆同州刺史、太僕卿。 從于謹平江陵，以功別封一子長城縣侯。 尋進位大將軍，賜姓拓拔氏。 又擊曲沔蠻破之。 俄除原州刺史，拜世子惇為儀同三司，以賢子為平高郡守，遠子為平高縣令，並加鼓吹。 穆自以叔侄一家三人皆牧宰鄉里，恩遇過隆，固辭不拜。 周文不許。 後人為雍州刺史，兼小塚宰。 周孝閔帝踐阼，又封一子為升遷縣伯。 穆請回授賢子孝軌，許之。
He took part in raising the siege of Yubi and was made Captain of the State of Anding. He served in turn as Governor of Tong province and Grand Steward. He followed Yu Jin in the pacification of Jiangling and, for his merit, had one son separately enfeoffed as Marquis of Changcheng. Soon he was promoted to Grand General and granted the surname Tabgach. He again attacked the Qu-Mian tribes and defeated them. Soon Li Mu was made Governor of Yuan province. His heir Dun was given the rank of Honorary Three Excellencies Associate; Li Xian's son was appointed Prefect of Pinggao, and Li Yuan's son Prefect of Pinggao county—all with ceremonial retinue music. Li Mu felt that having three men of one uncle-nephew household all governing their native region was excessive favor, and firmly declined the appointments. Yuwen Tai would not allow it. Later he was appointed Governor of Yong province and concurrently made Lesser Grand Tutor. When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou took the throne, Li Mu had another son enfeoffed as Earl of Shengqian. Li Mu asked that the title be transferred to Li Xian's son Xiaogui, and the request was granted.
36
及兄子植謀害宇文護被誅，穆亦坐除名。 先是穆知植非保家主，每勸遠除之，遠不能用。 及遠臨刑，泣謂穆曰：「顯慶，吾不用汝言以至此，將奈何！」 穆以此獲免，及其子弟亦免官。 時植弟基當從坐戮，穆求以子惇、怡等代死，辭理酸切，聞者莫不動容。 護矜之，遂特免基死。
When his nephew Li Zhi plotted against Yuwen Hu and was executed, Li Mu was also struck from the rolls. Li Mu had long known that Li Zhi was no keeper of the family line and repeatedly urged Li Yuan to get rid of him, but Li Yuan would not listen. When Li Yuan faced execution, he wept and said to Li Mu, "Xianqing, I did not listen to you and have come to this—what can I do now? Li Mu was spared on this account, and his sons and younger brothers were merely dismissed from office. Li Zhi's younger brother Ji was bound for execution as an accomplice; Li Mu begged that his sons Dun and Yi die in Ji's place. His plea was wrenching, and all who heard were moved. Yuwen Hu was moved and specially spared Ji.
37
明帝即位，拜驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、大都督，復爵安武郡公，拜直州刺史。 武成中，子弟免官爵者悉復之。 累遷大司空。 天和二年，進封申國公，舊爵回授一子。 建德元年，遷太保，尋出為原州總管。 四年，武帝東征，令穆別攻軹關及河北諸縣，並破之。 後以帝疾班師，棄而不守。 六年，進位上柱國，除并州總管。 時東夏初平，人情尚擾，穆靖以鎮守，百姓懷之。 大象元年，加邑至九千戶，遷大左輔，總管如舊。 二年，詔加太傅，仍總管。
When Emperor Ming took the throne, Li Mu was made General of Agile Cavalry, Grand Secretary with Honorary Three Excellencies Associate, and Great Commander; restored as Duke of Anwu and appointed Governor of Zhi province. During the Wucheng era, all sons and younger brothers who had lost rank were restored. He rose to Grand Minister of Works. In Tianhe 2, he was promoted to Duke of Shen; his former title was transferred to one of his sons. In Jiande 1 he was made Grand Mentor, and soon thereafter sent out as Commander of Yuan province. In year four, when Emperor Wu marched east, Li Mu was ordered to attack Zhiguan Pass and the Hebei counties separately, and overcame them all. When the emperor fell ill the army withdrew, and the gains were abandoned. In year six he was promoted to Preeminent Pillar of State and made Commander of Bing province. Eastern Xia had only recently been pacified and the people were still unsettled; Li Mu kept order through steady garrison duty, and the people came to rely on him. In Daxiang 1 his fief was increased to nine thousand households; he was made Grand Left Assistant while retaining his command. In the second year he was made Grand Preceptor by edict, while continuing as commander.
38
及隋文作相，尉遲迥舉兵，遣使招穆，穆鎖其使，上其書。 穆子士榮以穆所居天下精兵處，陰勸穆應之。 穆弗聽，曰：「周德既衰，愚智共悉，天時若此，豈能違天？」 乃遣使謁隋文帝，並上十三環金帶，蓋天子服也，以微申其意。 時迥子誼為朔州刺史，亦執送京師。 迥今其署行台韓長業攻陷潞州，執刺史趙威，署城人郭子勝為刺史。 穆遣兵討獲子勝。 文帝嘉之，以穆勞同破鄴城第一勳，加三轉，聽分授其二子榮、才及賢子孝軌。 榮及才並儀同大將軍，孝軌進開府儀同大將軍，又別封子雄為密國公。 穆又密表勸進。 文帝既受禪，詔曰：「公既舊德，且又父党，敬惠來旨，便以今月十三日恭膺天命。」 俄而穆來朝，文帝降座禮之。 拜太師，贊拜不名，真食成安縣三千戶。 穆子孫雖在繈褓，悉拜儀同，其一門執象笏者百餘人，貴盛當時無比。 穆上表乞骸骨，詔曰：「公年既耆舊，筋力難煩，今勒所司敬蠲朝集。 如有大事，須共謀謨，別遣侍臣，就第詢訪。」 時太史奏當有移都事，帝以初受命，甚難之。 穆乃上表極言宜移都之便。 帝素嫌台城制度迮小，又宮內多鬼妖。 蘇威嘗勸遷，上不納，遇太史奏狀，意乃惑之。 至是省穆表，帝曰：「天道聰明，已有征應，太師人望，復抗此請，則可矣。」 遂之。
When Yang Jian became regent chancellor, Yuchi Jiong rose in arms and sent an envoy to win Li Mu over; Li Mu imprisoned the envoy and forwarded the letter to Yang Jian. Li Mu's son Shirong, knowing that Bing province held the empire's finest troops, secretly urged his father to join Jiong. Li Mu refused and said, "The Zhou dynasty's mandate is spent—everyone knows it. With the times as they are, how could I defy Heaven? He then sent an envoy to Yang Jian and presented a thirteen-ring gold belt—the badge of imperial rank—hinting at his intentions. Yuchi Jiong's son Yi, then Governor of Shuo province, was also captured and sent to the capital. Jiong ordered his Acting Commissary Han Changye to take Lu province, capture Governor Zhao Wei, and install a local man, Guo Zisheng, as governor. Li Mu sent troops, captured Guo Zisheng, and restored order. Yang Jian commended him; counting Li Mu's service equal to the foremost merit in the fall of Ye, he granted three extra rank steps and allowed Li Mu to divide them among his sons Rong and Cai and Li Xian's son Xiaogui. Rong and Cai were both made Honorary Generals; Xiaogui was promoted to Grand Secretary Honorary General; and another son, Xiong, was separately enfeoffed Duke of Mi. Li Mu also submitted a secret memorial urging Yang Jian to take the throne. After Yang Jian accepted the abdication, he issued an edict: "You are a man of old merit and of my father's generation. Honoring your counsel, on the thirteenth of this month I humbly took Heaven's mandate. Soon Li Mu came to court, and Yang Jian stepped down from the throne to receive him with full ceremony. Li Mu was made Grand Preceptor, granted the privilege of being addressed without his name at court, and given three thousand tax-paying households in Chengan county. Even Li Mu's infant descendants were given Honorary Associate rank; more than a hundred in his clan carried ivory court tablets—none in the age matched their splendor. Li Mu asked leave to retire; the edict replied, "You are aged and your strength is not what it was. Henceforth the offices shall exempt you from the burden of court attendance. On great matters we shall still consult you; I shall send ministers to your home to seek your counsel. The Grand Astrologer then reported that the capital should be moved; the emperor, newly enthroned, was deeply reluctant. Li Mu submitted a memorial strongly urging the advantages of moving the capital. Yang Jian had long disliked the cramped layout of Taicheng, and the palace was said to be haunted. Su Wei had urged relocation before without success; the astrologer's report now made him waver. When he read Li Mu's memorial, the emperor said, "Heaven has already given its sign, and the Grand Preceptor—whom all respect—now urges this as well. It is settled. And so the capital was moved.
39
長子惇字士獻。 周文帝令功臣長子並與略陽公遊處，惇於輩流中特被引接，每有遐方服玩珍奇，無不班賜。 封安樂郡公，位驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、鳳州刺史。 先穆卒。 子筠，襲祖爵。
His eldest son Dun, courtesy name Shixian. Emperor Wen of Zhou had the eldest sons of his great ministers keep company with the Duke of Lueyang; among them Dun was singled out for special favor, and every exotic treasure from afar was shared with him. He was enfeoffed Duke of Anle, and served as General of Agile Cavalry, Grand Secretary Honorary Three Excellencies Associate, and Governor of Feng province. He died before his father. His son Yun inherited the grandfather's title.
40
惇弟怡，位儀同三司，贈渭州刺史。
Dun's younger brother Yi held the rank of Honorary Three Excellencies Associate and was posthumously made Governor of Wei province.
41
怡弟雅，少有識量。 仕周，以軍功封西安縣男，位荊州總管。 開皇初，進爵為公。
Yi's younger brother Ya showed good judgment even as a youth. Under the Zhou he was enfeoffed Baron of Xi'an for military merit and became Commander of Jing province. At the start of the Kaihuang era he was promoted to duke.
42
雅弟恆，位監州刺史，封曲陽侯。
Ya's younger brother Heng was Governor of Jian province and was enfeoffed Marquis of Quyang.
43
恆弟榮，位合州刺史，長城縣公。
Heng's younger brother Rong was Governor of He province and Duke of Changcheng.
44
榮弟直，位車騎將軍、歸政縣侯。
Rong's younger brother Zhi was General of Chariots and Cavalry and Marquis of Guizheng.
45
直弟雄，位柱國、驃騎將軍、密國公。
Zhi's younger brother Xiong was Pillar of State, General of Agile Cavalry, and Duke of Mi.
46
雄弟渾，仁壽初，忿筠忄堯嗇，遣兄子善衡賊之。 求盜不得，文帝大怒，盡追其親族。 初，筠與從父弟瞿曇有隙，渾遂證瞿曇殺之，而善衡獲免。 筠死，帝議立嗣。 邳公蘇威奏筠不軌，請絕其封。 帝不許，乃以渾嗣。
Xiong's younger brother Hun—in Renshou's first year, resenting Yun's miserliness—sent his nephew Shanheng to murder him. When the assassin could not be found, Yang Jian was furious and had the entire clan hunted down. Yun had long feuded with his cousin Qutan; Hun framed Qutan for the murder, and Shanheng went free. After Yun's death the emperor debated who should inherit the title. Su Wei, Duke of Pi, reported Yun's misconduct and asked that the line be extinguished. The emperor refused and made Hun the heir instead.
47
渾字金才，姿貌瑰偉，美須髯。 起家左侍上士。 尉遲迥反于鄴，時穆在并州，隋文帝甚慮迥，遣渾乘驛詣穆遽令渾入京奉熨斗曰：「願執柄以慰天下也。」 文帝大悅。 又遣渾詣韋孝寬所而述穆意。 會鄴平，以功授上儀同三司，封安武郡公。 開皇中，晉王廣出籓，渾以驃騎將軍領親信，從往揚州。
Hun, courtesy name Jincai, was imposing in stature, with a splendid beard. He entered service as Left Attendant Senior Clerk. When Yuchi Jiong rebelled at Ye, Li Mu was in Bing province. Yang Jian, deeply worried, sent Hun post-haste to his father with orders to hurry to the capital bearing an iron—"Take the handle and steady the realm. Yang Jian was delighted. He also sent Hun to Wei Xiaokuan's camp to communicate Li Mu's position. When Ye fell, he was granted Senior Honorary Three Excellencies Associate and enfeoffed Duke of Anwu for his service. During the Kaihuang era, when Prince Jin Guang left for his post, Hun accompanied him to Yang province as General of Agile Cavalry commanding his personal guard.
48
及筠死，渾規欲紹之，謂妻兄太子左衛率宇文述曰：「若得襲封，當以國賦之半，每歲相奉。」 述因入白皇太子，奏文帝，竟詔渾襲申公以奉穆嗣。 大業六年，追改穆封為郕公，渾仍襲焉。 累加光祿大夫，遷右驍騎衛大將軍渾既紹父業，日增豪侈。 二歲後不以奉物分述。 述大恚，因醉謂其友人于象賢曰：「我竟為金才所賣，死且不忘。」 渾聞之，由是結隙。 及帝討遼東，有方士安伽陀謂帝曰：「李氏應為天子，宜盡誅天下李姓。」 述知之，因構渾於帝曰：「臣與金才夙親，聞其數與李敏、善衡等日夜屏語，或終夕不寢。 渾大臣也，家世隆盛，身捉禁兵，不宜然。」 帝曰：「卿可覓其事。」 述乃遣武賁郎將裴仁基表告渾反，即日遣述掩其家。 遣左丞元文都、御史大夫裴蘊雜推之，數日，不得反狀。 帝更遣述推。 述入獄中召出敏妻宇文氏，謂曰：「夫人，帝甥也，何患無賢夫？ 李敏、金才名當妖讖，夫人當自求全。」 因教言金才嘗告敏云：「汝應圖錄，當為天子。 今主上好兵，勞擾百姓，此亦天亡隋時也。 若復度遼，吾與汝必為大將軍，每軍二萬餘兵，固以五萬人矣。 又發諸房子侄內外親婭並募從征，吾家子弟決為主帥，分領兵馬，散在諸軍。 吾懷汝前發，襲取御營，子弟響赴，一日之間，天下定矣。」 述口自傳授，令敏妻寫表，封云「上密」。 述持入奏云：「已得金才反狀，並有敏妻密表。」 帝覽之，泣曰：「吾宗社幾傾，賴親家公而獲全耳。」 於是誅渾、敏等，自餘無少長皆徙嶺表。
After Yun's death Hun schemed to inherit his title and told his brother-in-law Yuwen Shu, commander of the Crown Prince's Left Guard, "If I succeed to the title, I will pay you half the fief's revenue every year. Shu reported to the crown prince and then to Yang Jian, who finally ordered Hun to succeed as Duke of Shen and continue Li Mu's line. In Daye 6 Li Mu's title was posthumously changed to Duke of Cheng, which Hun continued to hold. He rose to Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and General of the Right Xiaoqi Guard; having inherited his father's wealth, Hun grew daily more extravagant. Within two years he stopped sharing the promised payments with Shu. Shu was furious; drunk, he told his friend Yu Xiangxian, "That scoundrel Jincai cheated me—I will not forget this even in death. Hun heard of it, and from then on they were enemies. During the Liaodong campaign, the occultist An Jiatuo told the emperor, "The Li will rule—every person surnamed Li should be killed. Shu seized on this and denounced Hun to the emperor: "Jincai and I were once close, but I have heard that he meets Li Min, Shanheng, and others in secret night after night, sometimes until dawn. Hun is a great minister of an eminent house and commands the palace guard—this is not fitting." The emperor said, "Investigate it." Shu had Bulwark Commandant Pei Renji accuse Hun of treason, and that same day sent men to surround his house. Yuan Wendu and Censor-in-Chief Pei Yun investigated for days without finding proof of treason. The emperor sent Shu to investigate again. Shu brought Li Min's wife, Lady Yuwen—the emperor's niece—out of prison and said, "You are the emperor's kin. Would you lack for a worthy husband? Li Min and Jincai fit the prophetic curse. Save yourself. He coached her to claim that Jincai had told Li Min, "You are marked in the celestial registers to become emperor. The emperor's wars have exhausted the people—Heaven intends the Sui to fall. If we campaign against Liaodong again, you and I will command armies of twenty thousand each—fifty thousand men in all. Our kinsmen will be conscripted for the campaign; our clan's young men will command troops embedded in every army. We strike first at the imperial camp; our kin will rally—and in a single day the realm is ours." Shu dictated the confession and had Li Min's wife write it into a memorial sealed "Secret for the Emperor." Shu presented it to the throne: "I have proof of Jincai's treason and Lady Li's secret memorial. The emperor read it and wept. "The realm nearly fell—only my father-in-law Yuwen Shu saved it." Hun, Li Min, and the rest were executed; everyone else in the clan, young and old, was exiled to the southern frontier.
49
睿字恃德，少沉敏有行檢。 周文帝時，以功臣子養宮中，復命與諸子遊。 七歲，襲爵廣平郡公。 累加儀同三司、本州大中正、開府，改封五龍郡公，渭州刺史。 周閔帝受禪，徵為禦伯。 出為中州刺史，鎮新安以備齊。 齊人來寇，睿輒挫之。 帝甚嘉歎，拜大將軍。 以禦佐命功，進爵蔣國公。 入為司會。 後從齊王憲拒齊將斛律明月於洛陽，每戰有功，遷小塚宰。 曆敷州刺史、涼、安二州總管，俱有惠政，進位柱國。
Rui, courtesy name Shide, was thoughtful and quick-witted from youth, with firm moral discipline. In the time of Emperor Wen of Zhou he was reared in the palace as the son of a meritorious minister and was allowed to play with the princes. At age seven he inherited the title Duke of Guangping. He was promoted to Honorary Three Excellencies Associate, made chief rectifier of his home prefecture, and granted an open office; his title was changed to Duke of Wulong, and he was appointed governor of Wei province. When Emperor Min of Zhou took the throne, Rui was recalled to serve as Imperial Bearer. He was sent out as governor of Zhong province, garrisoning Xin'an against Qi. When Qi raiders attacked, Rui beat them back at once. The emperor praised him warmly and made him Grand General. For Liang Yu's merit in helping establish the dynasty, he was promoted to Duke of Jiang. He was recalled to the capital as Director of Accounts. Later he followed Prince Xian of Qi against the Qi general Hulu Mingyue at Luoyang, distinguishing himself in every engagement, and was appointed Junior Minister of Works. He served as governor of Fu and as area commander of Liang and An, earning a reputation for good government in both posts, and was promoted to Pillar of State.
50
隋文帝總百揆，代王謙為益州總管。 行至漢川西，謙反，攻始州，睿不得進。 文帝命睿為行軍元帥，率行軍總管于義、張威、達奚長儒、梁升、石孝義步騎二十萬討之。 謙遣開府李三王守通穀，睿使張威擊破之。 進至龍門，謙將趙儼、秦會擁眾十萬，據險為營，周亙三十里。 睿令將士銜枚，出自間道，四面奮擊，力戰破之，遂鼓行而進。 謙將敬豪守劍閣，梁岩拒平林，並懼而來降。 謙又命高阿那瑰、達奚惎等以盛兵攻利州。 聞睿將至，颭分兵據開遠。 睿遣上開府拓拔宗趣、劍閣大將軍宇文瓊指巴西，大將軍趙達水軍入嘉陵。 遣張威、王倫、賀若震、于義、韓相貴、阿那惠等分道攻惎，自午及申，破之。 惎奔歸於謙。 睿逼成都，謙令達奚惎、乙弗虔守城，親帥精兵五萬，背城結陳。 睿擊敗之。 謙將入城，惎、虔以城降。 謙將麾下三十騎遁走，新都令王寶執之，睿斬謙於市，劍南悉平。 進位上柱國，總管如故，賜物五千段、奴婢一千口、金二千兩、銀三千兩，邑千戶。
When Yang Jian assumed control of the government, Rui replaced Wang Qian as area commander of Yizhou. Rui had reached the western Han River when Wang Qian rebelled, attacked Shizhou, and blocked his advance. Yang Jian appointed Rui campaign commander-in-chief and sent him with two hundred thousand foot and horse soldiers under the generals Yu Yi, Zhang Wei, Daxi Changru, Liang Sheng, and Shi Xiaoyi to crush the rebellion. Wang Qian sent Li Sanwang to hold Tonggu Pass; Rui ordered Zhang Wei to break the position. At Longmen, Wang Qian's generals Zhao Yan and Qin Hui massed a hundred thousand men in fortified camps along the defiles, stretching some thirty li. Rui sent his men along hidden paths with gag-sticks in their mouths, struck from all sides at once, broke the enemy line after fierce fighting, and marched forward to the beat of drums. Wang Qian's officers Jing Hao at Jian'ge and Liang Yan at Pinglin both surrendered in fear. Wang Qian then sent Gao Anagong, Daxi Ji, and others with a large force against Lizhou. When Daxi Ji learned that Rui was approaching, he split his force and seized Kaiyuan. Rui sent Tuoba Zong toward Jian'ge, Yuwen Qiong toward Baxi, and Zhao Da with a river fleet up the Jialing. He sent Zhang Wei, Wang Lun, He Ruo Zhen, Yu Yi, Han Xianggui, Anahui, and others against Ji by separate routes and broke his force between noon and dusk. Ji fled back to Wang Qian. Rui pressed on toward Chengdu. Wang Qian ordered Daxi Ji and Yifu Qian to hold the city while he personally led fifty thousand elite troops and drew up his battle line with the walls at his back. Rui defeated him. Wang Qian was about to enter the city, but Ji and Qian surrendered it. Wang Qian escaped with thirty horsemen from his personal guard; Wang Bao, magistrate of Xindu, captured him; Rui executed Wang Qian in the marketplace, and all of Jiannan was pacified. Rui was promoted to Senior Pillar of State while retaining his command; he received five thousand bolts of goods, a thousand slaves and servants, two thousand taels of gold, three thousand taels of silver, and a fief of one thousand households.
51
睿時威振西州，夷獠歸附，唯南寧首帥爨震恃遠不賓。 睿上疏曰：「南寧州，漢牂柯之地。 近代已來，分置興古、雲南、建寧、硃提四郡，戶口殷眾，金寶富饒，二河有駿馬明珠，益、寧出鹽井犀角。 晉泰始七年以益州曠遠，分置寧州。 至偽梁，南寧州刺史徐文盛被湘東征赴荊州。 屬東夏尚阻，未遑遠略，土人爨瓚遂竊據一方。 國家遙授刺史，其子震相承至今。 而震臣禮多虧，貢賦不入。 如聞彼人苦其苛政，思被皇風幸因平蜀士眾，不煩重興師旅，狎獠既訖，即請略定南寧。」 文帝深納之，然以天下初定，恐人心不安，故未之許。 後竟遣史萬歲討平之，並因睿之策也。
By then Rui's prestige dominated the western provinces; the Yi and Liao peoples submitted, but Cuan Zhen, chieftain of Nanning, alone relied on his remoteness and refused allegiance. Rui submitted a memorial: "Nanning Prefecture was Zangke territory in Han times. In recent generations it has been divided into the four commanderies of Xinggu, Yunnan, Jianning, and Zhuti. Its population is dense, its gold and treasure abundant; the Two Rivers yield fine horses and luminous pearls; Yizhou and Ning produce salt wells and rhinoceros horn. In the seventh year of the Jin Taishi era, because Yizhou was vast and remote, Ning Prefecture was established separately. This continued until Xu Wensheng, inspector of Nanning under the puppet Liang, was summoned by Xiangdong to march on Jingzhou. The eastern lands were still unsettled, and the court had no leisure for distant campaigns; the local leader Cuan Zan then seized the region for himself. The court confirmed him as inspector from afar, and his son Zhen has held power in succession down to the present day. Yet Zhen falls far short in vassal propriety, and tribute and taxes never reach the court. I hear that the people there suffer under harsh rule and long to come under the emperor's benevolent sway; with the army that has just pacified Shu, there is no need to raise new forces — once the tribal peoples are brought under control, I ask to move swiftly to settle Nanning. Yang Jian approved the plan in principle, but with the realm only newly settled he feared unsettling public opinion and did not grant permission. Later Shi Wansui was sent to pacify the region, following Rui's strategy.
52
睿威惠兼著，人夷悅服，聲望逾重，文帝陰憚之。 薛道衡從軍在蜀，說睿勸進，文帝大悅。 及受禪，顧待彌隆。 睿復上平陳策，帝善之，下詔曰：「昔公孫、隗囂，漢之賊也，光武與其通和，稱為皇帝。 佗之于高祖，初猶不臣。 孫皓之答晉文，書尚雲'白'。 或尋款服，或即滅亡。 王者體大，義存遵養，雖陳國來朝，示盡蕃節，如公大略，誠須責罪，尚欲且緩其誅，宜如此意。 淮海未滅，必興師旅，若命永襲，終當相屈，以身許國，無足致辭也。」 睿乃止。 睿時見突厥方強，恐為邊患，復陳鎮守之策十餘事。 帝嘉歎久之，答以厚意。
Rui's power and benevolence were equally felt; Han and tribal peoples alike were won over, and his prestige grew until Yang Jian began to fear him in secret. Xue Daheng, who had accompanied the army in Shu, persuaded Rui to urge Yang Jian to take the throne, and Yang Jian was delighted. When Yang Jian accepted the abdication, his regard and favor toward Rui grew ever greater. Rui again submitted a plan for conquering Chen. The emperor approved it and issued an edict: "In the past Gongsun Shu and Wei Xiao were enemies of Han, yet Emperor Guangwu treated with them and addressed them as emperors. Zhao Tuo at first refused to submit to Emperor Gaozu of Han. When Sun Hao replied to Emperor Wen of Jin, his letter still used plain 'bai' — the informal second-person pronoun. Some soon submitted in good faith; others were swiftly destroyed. A true king's stature is great, and the principle is to nurture rather than destroy. Though Chen has sent envoys to court, your plan would indeed call for punishment — yet I still wish to delay action for the present. You should understand my meaning. When the Huai-Hai region has yet to be conquered, troops will surely be raised; when you are ordered to take the field, you will in the end be called upon — devote yourself to the state with your whole being; there is no need to say more. Rui then dropped the matter. Seeing that the Turks were growing strong and fearing a border threat, Rui submitted more than ten measures for frontier defense. The emperor praised it at length and replied with warm appreciation.
53
睿時自以周代舊臣，久居重鎮，內不自安，屢請入朝，於是征還京師。 及引見，上為之興，命睿升殿，握手極歡。 睿退謂所親曰：「功遂身退，今其時也。」 遂謝病，闔門自守，不交當時。 帝賜以板輿，每有朝覲，必令三衛輿上殿。 睿初平王謙之始，自以威名太盛，恐為時所忌，遂大受金賄以自穢。 由是勳簿多不以實，詣朝堂稱屈者，前後百數人。 上令有司案驗其事，主者多獲罪。 睿懼，上表陳謝，請歸大理。 上慰喻遣之。 十五年，從至洛陽而卒，諡曰襄。
Rui, considering himself an old minister of the Zhou who had long held a weighty frontier post, felt uneasy and repeatedly asked to come to court; he was then summoned back to the capital. When he was granted an audience, the emperor rose to receive him, had Rui ascend the hall, and clasped his hand in warm greeting. Afterward Rui told those close to him: "When the work is done, withdraw — now is the time. He then pleaded illness, shut his gates, and kept aloof from public affairs. The emperor granted him a palanquin, and whenever he came to court, the Three Guards were ordered to carry him up to the hall. When Rui had first pacified Wang Qian, he feared that his fame was too great and would excite jealousy, and so he deliberately accepted large bribes to tarnish his own reputation. As a result, the rolls of merit often did not reflect actual deeds, and more than a hundred men came before the court to protest injustice. The emperor ordered the relevant offices to investigate, and many of those chiefly responsible were punished. Rui was alarmed, submitted a memorial of apology, and asked to be handed over to the judicial authorities. The emperor comforted him and sent him home. In the fifteenth year he accompanied the emperor to Luoyang and died; he was given the posthumous title Xiang.
54
子洋嗣，歷位嵩徐二州刺史、武賁郎將。 大業六年，詔追改睿封為戴公，命以洋襲焉。
His son Yang succeeded him and served as governor of Song and Xu provinces and as a commander of the Imperial Guard. In Daye 6 an edict retroactively changed Rui's title to Duke of Dai and ordered that Yang inherit the rank.
55
論曰：賀拔嶽變起倉卒，侯莫陳悅意在兼併，于時人有離心，士無固志。 寇洛撫循散亂，抗禦仇讎，全師而還，敵人絕覬覦之望； 度德而處，霸王建匡合之謀。 趙貴居二闕之險，周室定二分之功。 彼此一時，其功固不細也。
The historian writes: Heba Yue's disaster erupted in an instant; Hou Mo Chen Yue meant to absorb his power; men's loyalty wavered and the army's will was unsteady. Kou Luo rallied a broken army, held off the avenging foe, and brought his troops home intact, ending the enemy's hopes at a stroke; measuring the times and acting accordingly, he helped his lord conceive the strategy of uniting the empire. Zhao Gui held the Two Passes' vital ground and helped the Zhou secure the partition of Wei; each served his moment — and neither man's achievement was small.
56
李賢和兄弟屬亂離之際，居戎馬之間，志略從橫，忠勇奮發，頻摧勍敵，屢涉艱危。 及逢時遇主，策名委質，荷生成之恩，蒙國士之遇，俱縻好爵，各著勳庸。 遂得任兼文武，聲彰出內，位高望重，光國榮家，跗萼連暉，聊椒繁衍，冠冕之盛，當時莫與比焉。 自周迄隋，鬱為西京盛族，雖金、張在漢，不之尚也。 然而周文始崩，嗣君沖幼，內則功臣放命，外則強寇臨邊，晉公以猶子之親，膺負圖之托，遂能撫甯家國，開翦異端，革魏興周，遠安邇悅，功勤已著，過惡未彰。 李植受遇先朝，宿參機務，慮威權之去已，懼將來之不容，生此厲階，成茲貝錦，乃以小謀大，由疏間親。 主無昭帝之明，臣有上官之訴，嫌隙既兆，釁故因之，啟塚宰無君之心，成閔帝廢弑之禍，植之由也。 李遠闕義方之訓，又無先見之明，以至誅夷，非為不幸。 梁禦豫奉興王，參謀締構，驅馳畢力，夷險備嘗，雖遠志未申，亦云遇其時矣。 穆及梁睿皆周室功臣，隋文王業初基，俱受腹心之寄，故穆首登師傅，睿終膺殊寵，觀其見機而動，抑亦人之先覺。 然方魏朝之貞烈，有愧王淩，比晉室之忠臣，終慚徐廣。 穆之子孫，特為隆盛，硃輪華轂，凡數十人，見忌當時，禍難遄及，得之非道，可不戒歟？
Li Xian and his brothers came of age in chaos and war; their minds were bold and far-ranging, their loyalty and courage unmistakable; again and again they broke strong enemies and passed through mortal danger. When fortune brought them to their lord, they pledged their service, owed him their lives, and were honored as his most trusted men; each won high rank and a name for achievement. They came to hold civil and military authority alike; their fame reached court and camp; high in rank and heavy in prestige, they brought glory to their house and their dynasty; their kin spread and flourished like linked blossoms — no clan in the age matched their splendor. From the Zhou through the Sui they were the great house of the western capital; even the Jin and Zhang clans of Han could not match them. Yet when Yuwen Tai died, the heir was still a child; within, the great ministers grew unruly, while without, enemies pressed the frontier. Yuwen Hu, as the founder's kinsman, took up the burden of the throne; he settled the realm, suppressed rivals, replaced Wei with Zhou, and won men near and far — his service was plain, his faults not yet exposed. Li Zhi, favored in the previous reign and long privy to state secrets, feared losing power and being destroyed in turn; he opened the way to disaster and wove false accusations — a lesser man scheming against a greater, a distant relation driving wedges among kin. The ruler lacked Emperor Zhao's clear sight; the minister had his grievance like Shangguan Junde — once suspicion opened a rift, rebellion followed; the regent's disloyalty was unleashed, and Emperor Min was deposed and killed — all through Li Zhi. Li Yuan had neither his family's moral guidance nor foresight; that he was executed was hardly undeserved. Liang Yu early served the founding king, helped shape the new order, and gave his full strength through every hardship; though his larger ambitions went unrealized, he still met his moment. Li Mu and Liang Rui were Zhou founding ministers; when Yang Jian's empire was first taking shape, both held his deepest trust — Mu was raised first to Grand Tutor, Rui received extraordinary favor at the end. In reading how they read the moment and acted, they rank among those who see ahead of others. Yet measured against the steadfast martyrs of Wei, they must feel shame before Wang Ling; measured against the loyal ministers of Jin, they must in the end feel shame before Xu Guang. Mu's descendants flourished beyond measure — several dozen of them rode in carriages with vermilion wheels and ornate hubs. Resented by their contemporaries, disaster swiftly overtook them. Wealth gained by improper means — is this not a lesson to heed?