1
李弼宇文貴侯莫陳崇王雄
Li Bi, Yuwen Gui, Houmo Chenchong, and Wang Xiong
2
列傳第四十八
Biographies 48
3
李弼曾孫密宇文貴子忻愷侯莫陳崇子穎崇兄順王雄子謙
Li Mi, great-grandson of Li Bi; Yuwen Xin and Yuwen Kai, sons of Yuwen Gui; Houmo Ying, son of Houmo Chenchong, and Houmo Shun, Chenchong's elder brother; Wang Qian, son of Wang Xiong
4
李弼，字景和，隴西成紀人。 六世祖振，慕容垂黃門郎。 父永，魏太中大夫，贈涼州刺史。 弼少有大志，膂力過人。 屬魏亂，謂所親曰：「大太夫生世，會須履鋒刃，平寇難，以取功名，安能碌碌依階以求仕。」 初為別將，從爾硃天光西討，破赤水蜀，以功封石門縣伯。 又與賀拔岳討萬俊醜奴、萬俊道洛、王慶雲，皆破之。 賊咸畏之曰：「莫當李將軍前也。」
Li Bi, courtesy name Jinghe, was from Chenji in Longxi. His sixth-generation ancestor Zhen had served Murong Chui as a Yellow Gate Gentleman. His father Yong had been a Grand Master of Palace Attendants under Wei and was posthumously enfeoffed as Governor of Liang Province. From youth Bi nursed great ambitions, and his strength surpassed that of ordinary men. When the Wei realm fell into chaos, he told those close to him, "A true man born into such times must walk amid drawn blades, quell rebellion, and win fame through merit. How could he plod up the ladder of office in dull obscurity? He first served as a separate commander under Erzhu Tianguang on the western campaign, defeated the Chishui Shu, and was enfeoffed Baron of Shimen County for his achievements. He also campaigned with Heba Yue against Moqi Chounu, Moqi Daoluo, and Wang Qingyun, defeating them all. The rebels all feared him, saying, "No one can stand against General Li."
5
及天光赴洛，弼隸侯莫陳悅，征討屢有克捷。 及悅害賀拔岳，周文帝自平涼討悅。 弼諫悅，令解兵謝之。 悅惶惑，計無所出。 弼知悅必敗。 周文帝至，悅乃棄秦州南出，據險以自固。 是日，弼密通于周文，許背悅。 至夜，弼乃勒所部，雲悅欲向秦州，命皆裝束。 弼妻，悅之姨也，時為悅所親委，眾咸信之，人皆散走。 弼慰輯之，遂擁以歸周文。 悅由此敗。 周文謂曰：「公與吾同心，天下不足平也。」
When Tianguang marched to Luoyang, Bi served under Houmo Chenyue and won repeated victories on campaign. After Yue murdered Heba Yue, Emperor Wen of Zhou marched from Pingliang to punish him. Bi urged Yue to disband his army and submit in apology. Yue was alarmed and at a loss for any plan. Bi knew Yue was doomed to defeat. When Emperor Wen of Zhou arrived, Yue abandoned Qin Province, marched south, and entrenched himself in difficult terrain. That same day Bi secretly contacted Emperor Wen and pledged to betray Yue. That night Bi mustered his troops, claiming Yue meant to march on Qin Province, and ordered everyone to pack up. Bi's wife was Yue's aunt and enjoyed Yue's trust; the soldiers believed her, and the men scattered in flight. Bi rallied and reassured them, then brought them over to Emperor Wen. From this Yue was ruined. Emperor Wen told him, "With you and me of one mind, the realm will not long remain unconquered."
6
子曜居長，以次子暉尚文帝女義安長公主，故遂以為嗣。
His eldest son was Yao, but because the second son, Hui, married Emperor Wen's daughter, the Princess of Chang of Yi'an, Hui was made heir instead.
7
初賜爵義城郡公，嘗臥疾期年，文帝憂之，賜錢一千萬，供其藥石之費。 魏恭帝二年，加驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。 出為岐州刺史。 從文帝西巡，率公卿子弟別為一軍。 後襲趙國公，改襲魏國公。 天和六年，進位柱國。 建德元年，出為梁州總管。 時渠、蓬二州生獠積年侵暴，至州綏撫，並來歸附。 璽書勞之。
He was first enfeoffed Duke of Yicheng Commandery. When he once lay ill for a full year, Emperor Wen, anxious for him, granted ten million cash to cover his medical expenses. In the second year of Emperor Gong of Wei he was promoted to General of Agile Cavalry with the status of a Grand Master of the Office equal to the Three Excellencies. He was appointed Governor of Qi Province. On Emperor Wen's western tour he commanded a separate force made up of the sons of high officials. He later inherited the title Duke of Zhao, which was then changed to Duke of Wei. In the sixth year of Tianhe he was promoted to Pillar of the State. In the first year of Jiande he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Liang Province. The tribal peoples of Qu and Peng Provinces had raided the region for years; once he arrived and pacified them, they all submitted. The emperor sent him an edict of commendation.
8
暉弟衍，字拔豆，少專武藝，慨慷有志略。 仕周，為義州刺史，封真鄉公。 王謙作亂，以行軍總管從梁睿擊平之，進上大將軍。 隋開皇元年，以行軍總管討平叛蠻，進位柱國。 後拜安州總管，以疾還京，卒。 子仲威嗣。
Hui's younger brother Yan, courtesy name Badou, devoted himself to martial arts from youth and was bold, generous, and full of strategic ambition. Under Zhou he served as Governor of Yi Province and was enfeoffed Duke of Zhenxiang. When Wang Qian rebelled, he served as campaign commander under Liang Rui, helped put down the revolt, and was promoted to Grand General. In the first year of Kaihuang under Sui he served as campaign commander, suppressed rebellious tribes, and was promoted to Pillar of the State. He was later appointed Commander-in-Chief of An Province, returned to the capital because of illness, and died there. His son Zhongwei succeeded him.
9
衍弟綸，最知名，有文武才用。 以功臣子少居顯職，位至司會中大夫、開府儀同三司，封河陽郡公。 為聘齊使主，卒。
Yan's younger brother Lun was the most famous of the brothers and possessed both civil and military talent. As the son of a meritorious minister he rose early to high office, eventually reaching Director of the Department of State Affairs with the rank of Grand Master of the Office equal to the Three Excellencies, and was enfeoffed Duke of Heyang Commandery. He served as chief envoy on a marriage mission to Qi and died in office.
10
子長雅嗣，尚隋文帝女襄國公主，位內史侍郎、河州刺史、檢校秦州總管。
His son Changya succeeded him, married Emperor Wen of Sui's daughter, the Princess of Xiangguo, and served as Vice Director of the Secretariat, Governor of He Province, and acting Commander-in-Chief of Qin Province.
11
綸弟晏，開府儀同三司、趙郡公，從平齊，歿并州。 子憬，以晏死王事，即襲其官爵。
Lun's younger brother Yan held the rank of Grand Master of the Office equal to the Three Excellencies and the title Duke of Zhao Commandery; he took part in the conquest of Qi and died at Bing Province. His son Jing, because Yan had died in the service of the state, immediately inherited his offices and title.
12
曜既不得嗣，朝廷以弼功重，封曜邢國公，位開府。
Because Yao could not inherit the main line, the court, honoring Bi's great service, enfeoffed Yao as Duke of Xing with the rank of Grand Master of the Office.
13
子寬，幹略過人，自周及隋，數經將領，位柱國、蒲山郡公，號為名將。
His son Kuan surpassed others in ability and strategic insight; from Zhou through Sui he repeatedly held command, rose to Pillar of the State and Duke of Poshan Commandery, and was renowned as a leading general.
14
摽時跨馬運矛，沖堅陷隱陣，隱身鞍甲之中。 敵人見之，皆曰「避此小兒」。 不知摽之形貌，正自如此。 周文初亦聞摽驍悍，未見其能，至是方嗟歎之。 謂曰：「但問膽決如何，何必要須八尺之軀也。」 以功進爵為公。 武成初，從豆盧甯征稽胡，進爵汝南郡公。 出為總管延綏丹三州諸軍事、延州刺史，卒官。
In battle Bi would ride forth wielding a spear, smash through strongpoints and hidden formations, and conceal himself amid saddle and armor. Enemies who saw him would say, "Keep clear of that little fellow." They did not realize that Bi's appearance was exactly as they described. Emperor Wen of Zhou had heard that Bi was fierce and bold but had not yet seen him in action; only now did he sigh in admiration. He told him, "What matters is courage and resolve—why must a warrior stand eight feet tall? For his achievements his title was advanced to duke. At the beginning of the Wucheng era he campaigned against the Ji Hu under Doulu Ning and was enfeoffed Duke of Runan Commandery. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief over Yan, Sui, and Dan Provinces and Governor of Yan Province, and died in office.
15
無子，以弼子椿嗣，位開府儀同大將軍、右宮伯，改封河東郡公。
He had no son, so Bi's son Chun succeeded him as Grand Master of the Office, General of the Same Rank, and Right Palace Guard, and was re-enfeoffed Duke of Hedong Commandery.
16
密字法主，蒲山公寬之子也。 才兼文武，志氣雄遠，少襲爵蒲山公。 養客禮賢，無所愛吝。 與楊玄感為刎頸交。 後更折節耽學，尤好兵書，謂皆在口。 師事國子助教包愷，受史記、漢書。 愷門徒皆出其下。 大業初，授親衛大都督，以疾歸。
Mi, courtesy name Fazhu, was the son of Kuan, Duke of Poshan. He combined civil and military gifts, his ambitions were bold and far-reaching, and from youth he inherited the title Duke of Poshan. He kept a household of retainers and treated men of talent with lavish generosity. He and Yang Xuangan were sworn friends. Later he applied himself to study with renewed discipline, especially devouring books of war, which he could recite from memory. He studied under Bao Kai, assistant instructor at the Imperial Academy, and mastered the Records of the Grand Historian and the Book of Han. He surpassed all of Kai's other pupils. At the beginning of the Daye era he was appointed Grand Commander of the Personal Guard, but returned home because of illness.
17
及玄感有逆謀，召密，令與弟玄挺赴黎陽，以為謀主。 密進三計曰：「今天子遠在遼外，公長驅入薊，直扼其喉，前有高麗，退無歸路，不戰而禽，此計上也。 又關中四塞，衛文升不足為意，今率眾務早入西，萬全之勢，此計中也。 若隨近先向東都，以引歲月，此計之下也。」 玄感曰：「公下計乃上策矣。 今百官家口並在東都，若不取之，安能動物？ 且經城不拔，何以示威？」 密計不行。 玄感既至東都，自謂功在朝夕。 及獲韋福嗣，既非同謀，設籌皆持兩端。 玄感後使作檄文，固辭不肯。 密揣知其情，請斬之。 玄感不從。 密退謂所親曰：「楚公好反而不欲勝，吾屬今為虜矣。」 後玄感將西入，福嗣晚亡歸東都。 時李雄勸玄感速稱尊號，玄感以問密，密以為不可。 玄感笑而止。 及宇文述、來護等軍且至，玄感謂密計將安出。 密曰：「元弘嗣統強兵於隴右，今可揚言其反，遣使迎公，因此入關，可得紿眾。」 玄感遂用密謀號令。 西至陝縣，圍弘農不拔，西至閿鄉，追兵至，玄感敗。 密間行入關，與玄感從叔詢相隨，匿馮翊詢妻家。 尋為鄰人告，被捕，與其黨俱送帝所。 在途，與其眾謀逃。 其徒多金，密令出示使者曰：「吾等死日，此金留付公，幸用相瘞，其餘即皆報德。」 使者利金，遂相許。 及出關，密每夜宴飲。 行次邯鄲，夜宿村中，密等七人皆穿牆而遁。 與王仲伯亡抵平原賊帥郝孝德，孝德不甚禮之。 備遭饑饉，削樹皮而食之。 仲伯潛歸天水。 密詣淮陽，舍於村中，變姓名稱劉智遠，聚徒教授。 經數月，鬱鬱不得志，為五言詩，詩成，泣下數行。 時人有怪之，以告太守趙他，下縣捕之。 密亡抵其妹夫雍丘令丘君明。 君明從子懷義後告之，密得遁去，君明竟坐死。
When Xuangan plotted rebellion, he summoned Mi and ordered him and his younger brother Xuanting to Liyang to serve as chief strategist. Mi offered three plans: "The emperor is far away in Liaodong. If you drive straight into Ji and seize his throat, with Goguryeo ahead and no line of retreat behind, he can be captured without a battle. That is the best plan. Guanzhong is protected on four sides, and Wei Wensheng is no serious threat. If you march west at once with your full force, the position will be secure. That is the second plan. If you turn first toward the nearby Eastern Capital and drag matters out for months, that is the worst plan. Xuangan said, "Your worst plan is actually the best strategy. The families of all the officials are in the Eastern Capital. If we do not take it, how can we move men's hearts? And if we pass a city without capturing it, how can we show our power?" Mi's plan was rejected. Once Xuangan reached the Eastern Capital, he thought victory was only days away. When he captured Wei Fusi, who was not a fellow conspirator, every plan Fusi offered was equivocal. Later, when Xuangan ordered him to draft a proclamation, he firmly refused. Mi read his intentions and asked that he be executed. Xuangan refused. Mi withdrew and told those close to him, "The Duke of Chu loves rebellion but does not want victory. We are prisoners already. Later, when Xuangan was about to march west, Fusi escaped by night and returned to the Eastern Capital. At the time Li Xiong urged Xuangan to declare himself emperor at once. Xuangan asked Mi, who thought it unwise. Xuangan laughed and let the matter drop. When the armies of Yuwen Shu, Lai Hu, and others were about to arrive, Xuangan asked Mi what plan he had. Mi said, "Yuan Hongsi commands strong troops in Longyou. We can spread word that he has rebelled and send envoys to welcome you. That way we can enter the passes and deceive the army. Xuangan then adopted Mi's plan and issued the orders accordingly. He marched west to Shan County and besieged Hongnong without success, then continued west to Wenxiang; pursuing troops caught up and Xuangan was defeated. Mi slipped into the passes by secret routes with Xuangan's cousin Xun and hid at Xun's wife's family home in Fufeng. Soon a neighbor reported them; Mi was arrested and sent with his followers to the emperor. On the road he plotted escape with his companions. His companions had a good deal of gold. Mi showed it to the escort and said, "When we die, this gold is yours—please use it to bury us properly, and keep the rest as your reward. The escort, tempted by the gold, agreed. After they left the passes, Mi held feasts and drank every night. When they reached Handan and lodged in a village one night, Mi and six others escaped through holes in the wall. With Wang Zhongbo he fled to the bandit leader Hao Xiaode of Pingyuan, who did not treat them well. They endured famine and survived by stripping bark from trees to eat. Zhongbo secretly made his way back to Tianshui. Mi went to Huaiyang, lodged in a village under the name Liu Zhiyuan, gathered pupils, and taught. After several months of frustration he composed a five-character poem; when he finished it, tears streamed down his face. Someone found this odd and reported it to Governor Zhao Ta, who ordered the county magistrate to arrest him. Mi fled to his brother-in-law Qiu Junming, magistrate of Yongqiu. Later Junming's nephew Huaiyi reported them. Mi escaped, but Junming was executed for harboring him.
18
密投東郡賊帥翟讓，乃因王伯當以策幹讓。 遣說諸小賊，所至輒降，讓始敬焉，召與計事。 密以兵眾無糧，勸讓直趣滎陽，休兵館穀，然後爭利。 讓從之，乃掠下滎陽。 太守郇王慶及通守張須陀以兵討讓。 讓數為須陀敗，將遠避之。 密勸讓列陣以待，密以奇兵掩擊，大破之，斬須陀於陣。 讓於是令密建牙，別統所部。 復說讓以廓清天下為事，令掩據興洛倉，發粟以振窮乏。 於是興讓以義甯元年春出陽城，北逾方山，自羅口襲興洛倉，破之，開倉振百姓。 越王侗遣武賁郎將劉長恭討密。 密一戰破之，長恭僅以身免。 讓於是推密為主。 密城洛口周回四十城以居之。 讓上密號為魏公，設壇場即位，稱元年。 以房彥藻為左長史，邴元真為右長史，楊德方為左司馬，鄭德韜為右司馬。 拜讓為司徒，封東郡公。 長白山賊孟讓掠東郡，燒豐都市而歸。 密攻下鞏縣，獲縣長柴孝和，拜為護軍。 武賁郎將裴仁基以武牢歸密，密因遣仁基與孟讓襲破回洛倉，據之。 俄而德韜、德方俱死，筆以鄭頲為左司馬，鄭虔象為右司馬。
Mi joined Zhai Rang, the bandit leader of Dong Commandery, and through Wang Bodang offered strategies to win him over. He sent envoys to win over lesser bandit bands, and wherever they went the bands surrendered. Rang then began to respect him and summoned him to discuss strategy. Because the army lacked provisions, Mi urged Rang to march straight to Xingyang, rest the troops, stockpile grain, and then fight for advantage. Rang agreed and raided south into Xingyang. Governor Xing Wang Qing and Assistant Governor Zhang Xutuo marched against Rang with government troops. Rang was repeatedly defeated by Xutuo and prepared to flee far away. Mi urged Rang to form battle lines and wait; then Mi struck with a flanking force, routed the enemy, and killed Xutuo in battle. Rang then allowed Mi to raise his own command banner and lead his own troops independently. He again urged Rang to set his sights on pacifying the realm, seize Xingluo Granary by surprise, and distribute grain to relieve the poor. In the spring of the first year of Yining, Rang marched out from Yangcheng, crossed Fang Mountain to the north, struck Xingluo Granary from Luokou, captured it, opened the stores, and fed the people. Prince of Yue Yang Tong sent Martial Guard General Liu Changgong to attack Mi. Mi routed him in a single battle; Changgong barely escaped alive. Rang then acknowledged Mi as leader. Mi fortified Luokou, a settlement forty li in circumference, and made it his base. Rang gave Mi the title Duke of Wei; Mi set up an altar, took office, and proclaimed the first year of his reign. He appointed Fang Yanzao Left Chief Clerk, Bing Yuanzhen Right Chief Clerk, Yang Defang Left Major, and Zheng Detao Right Major. He made Rang Minister over the Masses and enfeoffed him Duke of Dong Commandery. Meng Rang, a bandit leader from Mount Changbai, raided Dong Commandery, burned Fengdu Market, and withdrew. Mi captured Gong County, took its magistrate Chai Xiaohe prisoner, and made him Protector of the Army. Martial Guard General Pei Renji surrendered Wulao to Mi; Mi then sent Renji with Meng Rang to seize Huiluo Granary, which they captured and held. Soon Detao and Defang both died; Mi then appointed Zheng Ting Left Major and Zheng Qianxiang Right Major.
19
柴孝和說密令裴仁基守回洛，翟讓據洛口，身率精銳，西襲長安，不然他人我先。 密曰：「此誠上策，然我之所部並山東人，既見未下洛陽，恐不肯西入。」 孝和請間行觀隙，乃與數十騎至陝縣，賊歸之者萬餘人。 密時兵鋒甚銳，每入苑與官軍連戰。 會密為流矢所中，臥于營內，東都出兵擊之，密眾大潰，棄回洛倉歸洛口。 孝和之眾聞密敗，各分散而去，孝和輕騎歸密。 煬帝遣王世充率江淮勁卒五萬討密，敗之。 孝和溺洛水，密甚傷之。
Chai Xiaohe urged Mi to leave Pei Renji to hold Huiluo, Zhai Rang to hold Luokou, and himself to lead elite troops west against Chang'an—otherwise someone else would get there first. Mi said, "That is indeed the best plan, but my followers are all men from the east. Seeing that Luoyang has not yet fallen, I fear they will refuse to march west. Xiaohe asked to travel by secret routes and watch for an opening; he went with several dozen horsemen to Shan County, and more than ten thousand rebels joined him. At the time Mi's army was at its peak; whenever it entered the imperial park it fought continuously with government troops. When Mi was struck by a stray arrow and lay wounded in camp, the Eastern Capital sent troops against him; his army was routed, abandoned Huiluo Granary, and retreated to Luokou. When Xiaohe's followers heard of Mi's defeat, they scattered; Xiaohe returned to Mi with a small escort. Emperor Yang sent Wang Shichong with fifty thousand elite troops from the Jianghuai region against Mi and defeated him. Xiaohe drowned in the Luo River, and Mi grieved deeply.
20
世充營於洛西，與密相拒百餘日。 武陽郡丞元寶藏、黎陽賊帥李文相、洹水賊帥張升、清河賊帥趙君德、平原賊帥郝孝德並歸密，共襲破黎陽倉，據之。 周法明舉江、黃之地以附密。 齊郡賊帥徐圓朗、任城大俠徐師仁、淮陽太守趙他等前後款附以千百數。
Shichong encamped west of the Luo and remained locked in stalemate with Mi for more than a hundred days. Yuan Baocang, assistant administrator of Wuyang; Li Wenxiang, bandit leader of Liyang; Zhang Sheng, bandit leader of Huanshui; Zhao Junde, bandit leader of Qinghe; and Hao Xiaode, bandit leader of Pingyuan—all submitted to Mi, joined in seizing Liyang Granary, and held it. Zhou Faming brought the lands along the Yangtze and Han rivers over to Mi's side. Xu Yuanlang, bandit leader of Qi Commandery; Xu Shiren, a chivalrous hero of Rencheng; Zhao Ta, governor of Huaiyang; and others submitted in succession, numbering in the thousands.
21
翟讓所部王儒信勸讓為太宰，總眾務以奪密權。 兄寬復謂讓曰：「天子止可自作，安得與人？ 汝若不作，我當為之。」 密聞，惡之。 會讓拒世充，軍退數百步，密與單雄信等赴之，世充敗走。 讓欲乘勝破其營，會日暮，固止之。 明日，讓與數百人至密所，欲為宴樂。 其所將左右各就食，諸門並設備，讓不覺。 密引讓入坐，令讓射。 引滿將發，密遣壯士蔡建自後斬之。 遂殺其兄寬及儒信等，從者亦有死焉。 讓部將徐世勳為亂兵所斫，中重創，密止之，僅得免。 雄信等皆叩頭求哀，密並釋而慰之。 於是詣讓營，遣王伯當、邴元真、單雄信等告以殺讓意，令世勳、雄信、伯當分統其眾。
Wang Ruxin, one of Zhai Rang's officers, urged Rang to become Grand Minister, take control of all affairs, and seize power from Mi. His elder brother Kuan again told Rang, "A man makes himself emperor—how can he share that role with another? If you will not do it, I will. When Mi heard of this, he was alarmed. When Rang was holding off Shichong and his line had fallen back several hundred paces, Mi rushed to his aid with Shan Xiongxin and others; Shichong was defeated and fled. Rang wanted to press the victory and destroy Shichong's camp, but night fell and Mi firmly stopped him. The next day Rang came to Mi's quarters with several hundred men for a feast. The attendants Rang brought each went off to eat; at every gate Mi's men stood ready, but Rang noticed nothing. Mi invited Rang to sit and asked him to shoot. As Rang drew the bow full and was about to release, Mi had the strongman Cai Jian cut him down from behind. He then killed Rang's elder brother Kuan, Ruxin, and others; some of Rang's attendants were killed as well. Rang's officer Xu Shiji was struck down in the melee and badly wounded; Mi stopped the attack, and Shiji barely survived. Xiongxin and the others all kowtowed and begged for mercy; Mi released them and offered reassurance. He then went to Rang's camp and sent Wang Bodang, Bing Yuanzhen, and Shan Xiongxin to explain why Rang had been killed; he had Shiji, Xiongxin, and Bodang each take command of part of Rang's forces.
22
世充夜襲倉城，密拒破之，斬武賁郎將費青奴。 世充復營洛北，于洛水構浮橋，悉眾擊密。 密拒之，不利而退。 世充因薄其城下，密擊之，大潰，爭橋，橋陷，溺水者數萬人。 武郎將楊威、王辨、霍世舉、劉長恭梁德重、董智通等皆沒於陣。 世充僅而獲免，不敢還東都，遂走河陽。 其夜大雪，餘眾死亡殆盡。 密乃修金墉故城居之，眾三十餘萬，攻上春門。 留守韋津出戰，被執。 其黨勸密即尊號，密不許。 及義師圍東都，密出軍爭之，交綏而退。
Shichong raided the granary city by night; Mi repulsed him, won the battle, and killed Martial Guard General Fei Qingnu. Shichong encamped again north of the Luo, built a pontoon bridge across the river, and attacked Mi with his full army. Mi resisted but fared poorly and fell back. Shichong pressed close to the walls; Mi counterattacked and routed him. Men scrambled for the bridge, the bridge collapsed, and tens of thousands drowned. Martial Generals Yang Wei, Wang Bian, Huo Shiju, Liu Changgong, Liang Dezhong, Dong Zhitong, and others were killed in battle. Shichong barely escaped with his life, dared not return to the Eastern Capital, and fled to Heyang. That night heavy snow fell, and nearly all of Shichong's remaining troops perished. Mi restored the old city of Jinyong and made it his base; his forces numbered more than three hundred thousand, and he attacked the Shangchun Gate. Garrison commander Wei Jin went out to fight and was captured. His followers urged Mi to declare himself emperor at once; Mi refused. When the righteous armies besieged the Eastern Capital, Mi marched out to contest the city, clashed briefly, and withdrew.
23
俄而宇文化及弑逆，自江都北指黎陽，密拒之。 會越王侗稱尊號，遣使授密太尉、尚書令、東南道大行台、行軍元帥、魏國公，令先平化及，然後入朝輔政。 化及至黎陽，徐世勳守倉城不下。 密共化及隔水語，密數之曰：「卿本匈奴阜隸破野頭耳，父與兄弟皆受隋恩，豈容躬行殺虐？ 今若速來歸義，尚可全後嗣。」 化及默然，俯仰良久，乃嗔目大言曰：「共你論相殺事，何須作書傳雅語！」 密謂從者曰：「化及庸懦如此，忽欲圖帝王，吾當折杖驅之。」 知其糧且盡，在偽與之和。 化及大喜，恣其兵食，冀密饋之。 會密下有人獲罪，亡投之，具言密情。 化及大怒，又食盡，與密戰於童山下。 自辰達酉，密中流矢，頓於汲縣。 化及掠汲郡，北趣魏縣，以輜重留於東郡，遣其刑部尚書王軌守之。 軌以郡降，密以軌為滑州總管。
Soon Yuwen Huaji murdered the emperor and marched north from Jiangdu toward Liyang; Mi blocked his advance. When Prince of Yue Yang Tong assumed the imperial title, he sent envoys appointing Mi Grand Commandant, Director of the Department of State Affairs, Grand Commissioner of the Southeast Circuit, Campaign Marshal, and Duke of Wei, with orders to pacify Huaji first and then enter court to assist in government. When Huaji reached Liyang, Xu Shiji held the granary city and refused to surrender. Mi spoke with Huaji across the water and rebuked him: "You are nothing but a Xiongnu slave, a Poyetou by birth. Your father and brothers all received favor from Sui—how can you personally commit murder and cruelty? If you submit now, your descendants may still be spared. Huaji fell silent. After a long pause he glared and shouted, "When we talk about killing each other, why speak in the elegant language of books and histories!" Mi told those with him, "Huaji is this mediocre and cowardly, yet he suddenly wants to become emperor. I shall drive him off with a broken staff." Knowing Huaji's supplies were nearly exhausted, he feigned a truce. Huaji was delighted, let his troops eat freely, and hoped Mi would feed him. Then a man under Mi who had been punished fled to Huaji and revealed Mi's entire plan. Huaji was furious; his supplies were also exhausted, and he fought Mi at Mount Tong. They fought from morning until evening; Mi was struck by a stray arrow and halted at Ji County. Huaji plundered Ji Commandery and marched north toward Wei County, leaving his baggage train at Dong Commandery under the guard of his Minister of Justice Wang Gui. Gui surrendered the commandery, and Mi appointed him Commander-in-Chief of Hua Province.
24
密引兵而西，遣記室參軍李儉朝於東都，執弑帝人于弘達以獻越王侗。 侗以儉為司農少卿，使召密入朝。 密至溫縣，聞世充已殺元文都、盧楚等，乃歸金墉城。 世充既擅要權，乃厚賜將士。 時密兵少衣，世充乏食，乃請交易。 邴元真等各求私利，遽勸密，密許焉。 初東都絕糧，人歸密者日有數百，至此得食，降人益少。 密悔而止。 密雖據倉，無府庫，兵數戰不賞，又厚撫初附兵，於是眾心漸怨。 時邴元真守洛口倉，性貪鄙。 宇文溫每謂密曰：「不殺元真，公難未已。」 密不答。 而元真知之，謀叛。 楊慶聞而告密，密因疑焉。 會世充悉眾來戰，密留王伯當守金墉，自就偃師，北阻芒山以待之。 世充令數百騎度御河，密遣裴行儼等逆之。 會日暮，行儼、孫長樂、程咬金等驍將十數人皆重創，密甚惡之。 世充夜潛，詰朝而陣，密方覺之。 狼狽出戰，敗績，馳向洛口。 世充夜圍偃師，守將鄭頲為其部下，翻城而降世充。 密將入洛口倉城，元真已遣人引世充。 密陰知之，不發其事，欲待世充兵半度洛水，然後擊之。 密候騎不時覺，比將出戰，世充軍悉已濟。 密引騎而遁，元真以城降世充。
Mi marched west and sent Staff Officer Li Jian to court at the Eastern Capital with Yu Hongda, one of the emperor's murderers, as a captive for Prince of Yue Yang Tong. Yang Tong made Jian Vice Director of the Directorate of Agriculture and sent him to summon Mi to court. When Mi reached Wen County he learned that Shichong had already killed Yuan Wendu, Lu Chu, and others, and returned to Jinyong. Shichong, having seized real power, lavished rewards on his officers and soldiers. Mi's army lacked clothing and Shichong lacked food, so they proposed to trade. Bing Yuanzhen and the others, each seeking private profit, urgently urged Mi to agree, and Mi consented. At first the Eastern Capital had no grain, and hundreds of people defected to Mi each day; once they could obtain food there, fewer and fewer came over. Mi regretted the decision and halted the trade. Although Mi held the granaries, he had no treasury; his troops fought repeatedly without reward while he treated newly submitted soldiers generously, and discontent spread. At the time Bing Yuanzhen guarded Luokou Granary and was greedy and corrupt by nature. Yuwen Wen often told Mi, "If Yuanzhen is not killed, your troubles will not end. Mi did not answer. Yuanzhen learned of this and plotted to defect. Yang Qing heard of it and reported to Mi, who grew suspicious. When Shichong marched against him with his full army, Mi left Wang Bodang to guard Jinyong and went to Yanshi, taking position north of Mang Mountain to await him. Shichong sent several hundred horsemen across the Yu River; Mi sent Pei Xingyan and others to intercept them. By nightfall Xingyan, Sun Changle, Cheng Yaojin, and more than ten other fierce generals had all been badly wounded; Mi was deeply alarmed. Shichong moved by night in secret; by dawn his battle lines were formed before Mi realized what was happening. Mi rushed out to fight in disarray, was defeated, and galloped toward Luokou. Shichong besieged Yanshi by night; garrison commander Zheng Ting was betrayed by his subordinates, who opened the city and surrendered to Shichong. As Mi was about to enter Luokou Granary city, Yuanzhen had already sent men to guide Shichong in. Mi secretly knew this but said nothing, intending to wait until half of Shichong's army had crossed the Luo and then attack. Mi's scouts failed to notice in time; by the time he prepared to attack, Shichong's entire army had already crossed. Mi fled with his cavalry; Yuanzhen surrendered the city to Shichong.
25
密眾漸離，將如黎陽。 人或曰：「殺翟讓之際，徐世勳幾死，其心安可保？」 密乃止。 時王伯當棄金墉城，保河陽，密自武牢濟，歸之。 謂曰：「久苦諸君，我今日自刎以謝眾。」 眾皆泣，莫能仰視。 密復曰：「諸君幸不相棄，當共歸關中。 密身雖愧無功，諸君必保富貴。」 其府掾柳燮曰：「明公與長安宗族，有疇昔之遇，雖不陪起義，然阻東都，斷隋歸路，使唐國不戰而得京師，此公之功也。」 眾咸曰：「然。」 密遂歸朝，封邢國公，拜光祿卿。 尋奉使出關安撫，至熊州而逃叛，見殺。
Mi's followers gradually deserted him; he prepared to go to Liyang. Someone said, "When Zhai Rang was killed, Xu Shiji nearly died himself—how can his loyalty be trusted? Mi then abandoned the plan. Wang Bodang had abandoned Jinyong and held Heyang; Mi crossed from Wulao and joined him. He told them, "I have long burdened you all; today I shall take my own life to make amends. All wept, and none could bear to look at him. Mi then said, "If you are willing to stay with me, we shall return together to Guanzhong. Though I have achieved nothing and am ashamed, you will all surely preserve your wealth and rank. His staff officer Liu Xie said, "My lord and the clans of Chang'an have long-standing ties. Though you did not join the uprising, you blocked the Eastern Capital and cut off Sui's retreat, allowing the Tang to take the capital without a battle. That is your achievement." All agreed. Mi then submitted to the court, was enfeoffed Duke of Xing, and appointed Director of the Imperial Household. Soon he was sent beyond the passes on a pacification mission; when he reached Xiong Province he rebelled and fled, and was executed.
26
宇文貴，字永貴，其先昌黎大棘人也，徙居夏州。 父莫豆幹，保定中，以貴勳追贈柱國大將軍、少傅、夏州刺史、安平郡公。 貴母初孕貴，夢老人抱一子授之曰：「賜爾是子，俾壽且貴。」 及生，形類所夢，故以永貴字之。 貴少從師受學，嘗輟書歎曰：「男兒當提劍汗馬以取公侯，何能為博士也！」 魏正光末，破六韓拔陵圍夏州，刺史源子邕嬰城固守，以貴為統軍。 後從爾硃榮禽葛榮於滏口，加別將。 又從元天穆平邢杲，轉都督。 元顥入洛，貴率鄉兵從爾硃榮有功，封革融縣侯。 除郢州刺史，入為武衛將軍、關內大都督。 從魏孝武西遷，進爵化政郡公。 貴善騎射，有將帥才。 周文帝又以宗室，甚親委之。
Yuwen Gui, courtesy name Yonggui, came from a family originally of Daji in Changli that had moved to Xia Province. His father Modougan was posthumously enfeoffed Pillar of the State, Grand General, Junior Tutor, Governor of Xia Province, and Duke of Anping Commandery during Baoding for Gui's achievements. When Gui's mother first conceived him, she dreamed that an old man handed her a child, saying, "I give you this child, that he may live long and attain high rank. When he was born, he resembled the child in the dream, and so was given the courtesy name Yonggui. Gui studied under teachers from youth, but once he put down his books and sighed, "A man should take sword in hand and horse under him to win noble rank. How can he become a mere scholar! At the end of the Zhenguang era under Wei, Poliuhan Baling besieged Xia Province; Governor Yuan Ziyong held the city and appointed Gui a commander. He later followed Erzhu Rong in capturing Ge Rong at Fukou and was promoted to separate commander. He also followed Yuan Tianmu in pacifying Xing Gao and was made commandant. When Yuan Hao entered Luoyang, Gui led local troops under Erzhu Rong with distinction and was enfeoffed Marquis of Gerong County. He was appointed Governor of Ying Province, then entered court as General of the Martial Guard and Grand Commandant of Guannei. He followed Emperor Xiaowu of Wei in the move west and was enfeoffed Duke of Huazheng Commandery. Gui was skilled in horsemanship and archery and had the talent of a commander. Emperor Wen of Zhou also trusted him deeply because he was a member of the imperial clan.
27
大統初，與獨孤信入洛陽。 東魏潁州長史賀若統據潁川來降，東魏遣將堯雄、趙育、是雲寶率眾二萬攻潁川。 貴自洛陽率步騎二千救之，軍次陽翟。 雄等去潁川四十里，東魏行台任祥又率眾四萬，將與雄合。 諸將咸以彼眾我寡，不可爭鋒。 貴曰：「若賀若一陷，吾輩坐此何為？」 遂入潁川。 雄等稍進，貴率千人背城為陣，與雄合戰。 貴馬中流矢，乃短兵步鬥，雄大敗輕走，趙育於是降。 任祥聞雄敗，遂不敢進。 貴乘勝逼祥，敗之。 是雲寶亦降。 師還。 魏文帝在天遊園，以金卮置侯上，令公卿射中者即賜之。 貴一發而中。 帝笑曰：「由基之妙，正當爾耳。」 進侍中、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。 十六年，遷中外府左長史，進位大將軍。
At the beginning of Datong he entered Luoyang with Dugu Xin. He Ruo Tong, chief clerk of Ying Province under Eastern Wei, held Yingchuan and submitted; Eastern Wei sent generals Yao Xiong, Zhao Yu, and Shiyun Bao with twenty thousand men against Yingchuan. Gui led two thousand infantry and cavalry from Luoyang to the rescue and halted at Yangdi. Xiong and the others were forty li from Yingchuan; Eastern Wei Commissioner Ren Xiang also led forty thousand men and was about to join them. The generals all argued that the enemy outnumbered them and that they should not give battle. Gui said, "If He Ruo falls, what are we doing sitting here? He then marched into Yingchuan. Xiong and the others advanced; Gui led a thousand men with their backs to the city wall and engaged Xiong in battle. Gui's horse was struck by a stray arrow; he fought on foot with short weapons; Xiong was routed and fled, and Zhao Yu surrendered. When Ren Xiang heard of Xiong's defeat, he dared not advance. Gui pressed his victory against Xiang and defeated him. Shiyun Bao also surrendered. The army returned. Emperor Wen of Wei was at the Tianyou Garden; he placed a golden goblet on a target and promised it to whichever minister hit the mark. Gui hit it on the first shot. The emperor laughed and said, "The skill of Yang Youji is exactly like this. He was promoted to Attendant-in-Ordinary, General of Agile Cavalry, and Grand Master of the Office equal to the Three Excellencies. In the sixteenth year he was transferred to Left Chief Clerk of the Central and Outer Office and promoted to Grand General.
28
宕昌王梁彌定為宗人獠甘所逐，來奔。 又有羌酋傍乞鐵忽，因梁ＧＣ定反後，據有渠株川，擁隸數千家，與渭州人鄭五醜同反。 周文令貴與豆盧甯、史寧討之，貴等禽斬鐵忽及五醜，史寧又別擊獠甘破之。 乃納彌定，並于渠株川置岷州。 朝廷重功，遂於粟阪立碑，以紀其績。
Liang Miding, King of Dangchang, was driven out by his clansman, the tribal chief Gan, and fled to submit. There was also the Qiang chieftain Pangqi Tiehu, who after Miding's rebellion held Qizhu Valley, controlled several thousand households, and rebelled together with Zheng Wuchou of Weizhou. Emperor Wen of Zhou ordered Gui, Doulu Ning, and Shi Ning to suppress them; Gui and the others captured and killed Tiehu and Wuchou, and Shi Ning separately defeated the tribal chief Gan. They then received Miding and established Min Province at Qizhu Valley. The court honored their achievements and erected a stele at Suban to commemorate them.
29
廢帝三年，詔貴代尉遲迥鎮蜀。 時隆州人開府李光易反於鹽亭，攻圍隆州； 而隆州人李拓亦聚眾反，開府張道應之。 貴乃命開府叱奴與牧隆州，又令開府成亞擊拓及道降之，並送京師。 除益州刺史，未就拜小司徒。 先是蜀人多劫盜，貴乃召任俠傑健者署為遊軍二十四部，令其督捕，由是頗息。
In the third year of Emperor Fei, an edict ordered Gui to replace Yuchi Jiong as commander in Shu. At the time Li Guangyi of Longzhou, a Grand Master of the Office, rebelled at Yanting and besieged Longzhou; Li Tuo of Longzhou also gathered followers and rebelled, and Grand Master of the Office Zhang Dao joined him. Gui ordered Grand Master of the Office Chinu to guard Longzhou and Grand Master of the Office Cheng Ya to attack Tuo and Dao, subdue them, and send them to the capital. He was appointed Governor of Yi Province but before taking office was made Junior Minister over the Masses. Previously the people of Shu were much given to robbery; Gui summoned bold and able men and appointed them to twenty-four patrol units to hunt down bandits, and the trouble largely ceased.
30
周孝閔帝踐阼，進位柱國，拜禦正中大。 武成初，與賀蘭祥討吐谷渾。 軍還，進封許國公、邑萬戶，舊爵回封一子。 遷大司空，行小塚宰，曆大司徒，遷太保。
When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou ascended the throne, Gui was promoted to Pillar of the State and appointed Grand Master of the Imperial Household. At the beginning of the Wucheng era he campaigned against Tuyuhun with Helan Xiang. When the army returned, he was enfeoffed Duke of Xu with a fief of ten thousand households, and his former title was transferred to one son. He served as Grand Minister of Works, acting Junior Minister of State, then Grand Minister over the Masses, and finally Grand Tutor.
31
貴好音樂，耽奕棋，留連不倦。 然好施愛士，時人頗以此稱之。 保定末，使突厥，迎皇后。 天和二年，還至張掖，薨。 贈太傅，諡曰穆。
Gui loved music and was absorbed in chess, lingering over them tirelessly. Yet he was generous and loved men of talent, and people of the time praised him for this. At the end of Baoding he was sent to the Turks to escort the empress back. In the second year of Tianhe he died on returning to Zhangye. He was posthumously enfeoffed Grand Tutor with the posthumous title Mu.
32
子善嗣。 善紘厚有武藝。 大象末位上柱國，封許國公。 隋文帝受禪，遇之甚厚，拜其子穎上儀同。 及善弟忻誅，並廢於家。 善未幾卒。
His son Shan succeeded him. Shan was generous and possessed martial skill. At the end of the Daxiang era he held the rank of Upper Pillar of the State and was enfeoffed Duke of Xu. When Emperor Wen of Sui accepted the throne, he treated Shan very generously and appointed his son Ying Upper Master of the Same Rank. When Shan's younger brother Xin was executed, both were stripped of office and confined at home. Shan died soon after.
33
穎，大業中，位司農少卿，後沒李密。 善弟忻。
Ying, during the Daye era, served as Vice Director of the Directorate of Agriculture and later died in Li Mi's service. Shan's younger brother was Xin.
34
忻字仲樂，幼而敏慧，為童兒時，與群輩戲，輒為部伍，進止行列，無不用命者。 年十二，能左右馳射，驍捷若飛。 恆謂所親曰：「自古名將，唯以韓、白、衛、霍為美談，吾察其行事，未足多尚，使與僕並時，不令豎子獨擅高名。」 年十八，從周齊王憲討突厥，以功拜儀同三司，賜爵興固縣公。 韋孝寬以忻驍勇，請與鎮玉壁，以戰功加開府，進爵化政郡公。 從武帝攻拔晉州。 齊後主親總兵，六軍憚之，欲旋。 忻諫曰：「以陛下之聖武，乘敵人之荒縱，何往而不克？ 若齊人更得令主，君臣協力，未易平也。」 帝從之，乃戰，遂大克。 及帝攻陷并州，先勝後敗。 帝為賊所窘，挺身而遁。 諸將多勸帝還，忻勃然曰：「破城士卒輕敵，微有不利，何足為懷？ 今破竹形已成，奈何棄之而去！」 帝納其言，明日復戰，拔晉陽。 齊平，進位大將軍。 尋與烏丸軌破陳將吳明徹于呂梁，進位柱國，除豫州總管。
Xin, courtesy name Zhongle, was clever from childhood. As a boy, when playing with companions he would organize them into ranks, and in marching, halting, and forming lines none failed to obey. At twelve he could shoot while riding to either side, swift and agile as a bird in flight. He often told those close to him, "Famous generals of old are praised only for Han Xin, Bai Qi, Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing. Examining their deeds, I find little to admire. Had they lived in my time, I would not let those fellows monopolize fame. At eighteen he followed Prince of Qi Xian of Zhou against the Turks and for his achievements was appointed Master of the Same Rank as the Three Excellencies and enfeoffed Duke of Xinggu County. Because Xin was fierce and bold, Wei Xiaokuan asked him to garrison Yubi; for his battle achievements he was promoted to Grand Master of the Office and enfeoffed Duke of Huazheng Commandery. He followed Emperor Wu in capturing Jin Province. The Later Lord of Qi personally commanded the army; the six armies feared him and wished to withdraw. Xin remonstrated, "With Your Majesty's sage martial prowess, taking advantage of the enemy's dissolute neglect, where could you not conquer? If Qi should again obtain a worthy ruler and ruler and ministers cooperate, it will not be easy to conquer. The emperor agreed, gave battle, and won a great victory. When the emperor attacked and took Bing Province, he first won and then was defeated. The emperor was hard pressed by the enemy and broke through alone to escape. Many generals urged the emperor to withdraw; Xin angrily said, "The troops who took the city despise the enemy. A slight setback is nothing to worry about. The momentum is like splitting bamboo—how can we abandon it now! The emperor accepted his advice; the next day they fought again and took Jinyang. When Qi was pacified, he was promoted to Grand General. Soon, with Wuyuan Gui, he defeated the Chen general Wu Mingche at Lüliang, was promoted to Pillar of the State, and was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Yu Province.
35
隋文帝龍潛時，與忻情好甚協，及為丞相，恩顧彌隆。 尉遲迥作亂，以忻為行軍總管，隋韋孝寬擊之。 時兵頓河陽，帝令高熲馳驛監軍，與穎密謀進取者，唯忻而已。 迥遣子惇盛兵武陟，忻擊走之。 進臨相州，迥遣精甲三千伏野馬岡，忻以五百騎襲之，斬獲略盡。 進至草橋，迥又拒守，忻以奇兵破之，直趨鄴下。 迥背城結陣，大戰，官軍不利。 時鄴城士庶觀戰者數萬人，忻謂左右曰：「事急矣，吾當以權道破之。」 於是時觀者走之，轉相騰籍，聲如雷霆。 忻乃傳呼曰：「賊敗矣」。 眾復振，齊力急擊之，迥軍大敗。 及平鄴，以功遷上柱國。 文帝謂「尉遲迥傾山東之眾，連百萬之師，公舉無遺算，策無全陣，誠天下英傑也。」 進封英國公。
When Emperor Wen of Sui was still in obscurity, he and Xin were close friends; when he became chancellor, his favor toward Xin grew ever greater. When Yuchi Jiong rebelled, Xin was made campaign commander and marched with Wei Xiaokuan of Sui against him. The army halted at Heyang; the emperor sent Gao Jiong by express relay to supervise the campaign, and of those who secretly plotted strategy with Jiong, only Xin was trusted. Jiong sent his son Dun with a strong force to Wuzhi; Xin attacked and drove him off. Advancing to Xiang Province, Jiong sent three thousand elite troops to ambush at Yema Hill; Xin with five hundred horsemen raided them and killed or captured nearly all. Advancing to Caobridge, Jiong again held the line; Xin broke through with a flanking force and drove straight toward Ye. Jiong formed battle lines with his back to the city; in the great battle the government army fared poorly. Tens of thousands of people from Ye watched the battle; Xin told those beside him, "The situation is urgent. I shall use a stratagem to break it. He then set the spectators running; they trampled one another, and the noise was like thunder. Xin then shouted through the crowd, "The rebels are defeated!" The army rallied, struck together with renewed force, and Jiong's army was routed. When Ye was pacified, he was promoted to Upper Pillar of the State for his achievements. Emperor Wen said, "Yuchi Jiong marshaled the hosts of Shandong and linked armies of a million. In your every move nothing was miscalculated, in your every plan no formation was left intact. You are truly a hero of the realm. He was enfeoffed Duke of Ying.
36
自是每參帷幄，出入臥內，禪代之際，忻有力焉。 後拜右領軍大將軍，寵顧彌重。 忻解兵法，馭戎齊整，當時六軍有一善事，雖非忻建，在下輒相謂曰：「此必英公法也。」 其見推服如此。 後改封祀國公。 上嘗欲令忻擊突厥，高潁曰：「忻有異志，不可委以大兵。」 乃止。 忻既佐命功臣，頻經將領，甚有威名，上由是微忌之，以譴去官。 與梁士彥昵狎，數相往來。 士彥時亦怨望，陰圖不軌。 忻謂士彥曰：「帝王豈有常乎？ 相扶即是。 公于蒲州起事，我必從征，兩陣相當，然後中連結，天下可圖也。」 謀泄伏誅，家口籍沒。 忻弟愷。
From then on he attended every council in the command tent and entered the inner quarters; at the time of the dynastic transition, Xin played a major role. He was later appointed Right General of the Leading Army, and imperial favor toward him grew ever greater. Xin understood military methods and kept troops in good order. Whenever the six armies adopted some good practice, even if Xin had not instituted it, the men would say, "That must be Duke of Ying's method. Such was the esteem in which he was held. Later his title was changed to Duke of Si. The emperor once wished to send Xin against the Turks; Gao Jiong said, "Xin has rebellious intentions and cannot be entrusted with a great army. The plan was dropped. As a founding minister who had repeatedly held command and enjoyed great renown, Xin aroused the emperor's suspicion, and he was removed from office through censure. He was on intimate terms with Liang Shiyan and visited him frequently. Shiyan was also resentful at the time and secretly plotted rebellion. Xin said to Shiyan, "Are emperors fixed forever? Supporting one another is enough. If you raise rebellion at Pu Province, I shall join the campaign. When our two armies face each other, we can link up in the middle, and the realm may be taken. The plot leaked and he was executed; his household and dependents were confiscated. Xin's younger brother was Kai.
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愷字安樂，在周以功臣子，年三歲賜爵雙泉伯，七歲進封安平公。 愷少有器局，諸兄並以弓馬自達，愷獨好學。 博覽書記，解文，多伎藝，為名公子。 累遷禦正中大夫、儀同三司。 隋文帝為丞相，加上開府，近師中大夫。 及踐阼，誅宇文氏，愷亦將見殺，以與周本別，又兄忻有功，故見赦。 後拜營宗廟副監、太子左庶子。 廟成，別封甑山縣公。 及遷都，上以愷有巧思，詔領營新都副監。 高熲雖總大綱，凡所規畫，皆出於愷。 及決渭水達河以通運漕，詔愷總督其事。 後拜萊州刺史，甚有能名。 坐兄忻誅，除名於家，久不得調。
Kai, courtesy name Anle, as the son of a meritorious minister under Zhou, was granted the title Baron of Shuangquan at three and enfeoffed Duke of Anping at seven. Kai from youth had breadth of vision. His elder brothers all distinguished themselves through archery and horsemanship, but Kai alone loved learning. He read widely in books and records, understood writing, and had many skills, and was acclaimed as a famous young nobleman. He was repeatedly promoted to Grand Master of the Imperial Household and Master of the Same Rank as the Three Excellencies. When Emperor Wen of Sui was chancellor, Kai was promoted to Upper Grand Master of the Office and Master of the Palace Attendants. When the emperor ascended the throne and executed the Yuwen clan, Kai was also about to be killed, but because he was of a separate branch of Zhou and his elder brother Xin had rendered service, he was pardoned. He was later appointed Deputy Supervisor of the Ancestral Temple Construction and Left Assistant to the Heir Apparent. When the temple was completed, he was separately enfeoffed Duke of Zengshan County. When the capital was moved, the emperor, recognizing Kai's ingenuity, ordered him to serve as deputy supervisor of the new capital's construction. Although Gao Jiong held overall authority, every plan came from Kai. When the Wei River was diverted to reach the Yellow River for transport, an edict ordered Kai to supervise the project. He was later appointed Governor of Lai Province and gained a reputation for ability. Because his elder brother Xin was executed, he was stripped of rank and confined at home, and for a long time received no appointment.
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是時將復古制明堂，議者皆不能決。 愷博考群籍，為明堂圖樣奏之。 又以「張衡渾象用三分為一度，裴秀輿地以一寸為千里，臣之此圖以一分為一尺，推而演之」。 又引于時議者，或以綺井為重屋，或以圓楣為隆棟，將為臆說，事不經見。 今錄其疑難，為之通釋，皆出證據，以相發明。 為議曰：
At that time they wished to restore the ancient Bright Hall system, and the debaters could not reach a decision. Kai examined many texts and submitted a diagram of the Bright Hall. He also wrote, "Zhang Heng's armillary sphere uses one degree for every three parts; Pei Xiu's map of the land uses one inch for a thousand li; in my diagram one part equals one chi, extended and calculated accordingly." He also cited contemporary debaters, some of whom took patterned ceiling wells for double-roofed halls or round lintels for lofty beams as speculative talk unsupported by evidence. He now recorded their doubts and difficulties and explained them, all with evidence to illuminate one another. His memorial states:
39
臣愷謹按《淮南子》曰：「昔者神農之禦天下也，甘雨以時，五穀蕃植，春生夏長，秋收冬藏，月省時考，終歲獻貢，以時嘗谷，祀於明堂。 明堂之制，有蓋而無四方，風雨不能襲，燥濕不能傷，遷延而入之。」 臣愷以為上古樸略，創立典刑。 《尚書帝命驗》曰：「帝者承天，立五府以尊天重象，赤曰文祖，黃曰神鬥，白曰顯紀，黑曰玄矩，蒼曰靈府。」 注云：「唐虞之天府，夏之世室，殷之重屋，周之明堂，皆同矣。」 《屍子》曰：「有虞氏曰總章。」 《周官考工記》曰：「夏後氏世室，堂修二七，博四修一。」 注云：「修，南北之深也。 夏度以步，合堂修十四步，其博益以四分修之一，則堂博十七步半也。」 臣愷案：三王之世，夏最為古，從質尚文，理應漸就寬大，何因夏室乃大殷堂？ 相形為論，理恐不爾。 《記》云：「堂修二七，博四修一。」 若夏度以步，則應修七步。 注云：「今堂修十四步。」 乃是增益《記》文。 殷、周二堂，獨無加字，便是義類例不同。 山東《禮》本輒加二七之字，何得殷無加尋之文，周闕增筵之義？ 研窮其趣，或是不然。 讎校古書，並無「二」字。 此乃桑間俗儒，信情加減。 《黃圖》議云：「夏後氏益其堂之大百四十四尺，周人明堂以為兩杼間。」 馬宮之言，止論堂之一面。 據此為准，則三代堂基並方，得為上圖之制。 諸書所說，並為下方，鄭注《周官》，獨為此義，非直與古違異，亦乃乖背《禮》文。 尋文求理，深恐未愜。
Your subject Kai respectfully notes the Huainanzi: "In antiquity when Shennong ruled the realm, timely sweet rain fell, the five grains flourished, spring begot and summer grew, autumn harvested and winter stored; at each month and season he examined affairs, and at year's end tribute was presented; at the proper season grain was tasted and sacrifice was offered in the Bright Hall. The form of the Bright Hall had a covering but no four sides; wind and rain could not penetrate, dryness and damp could not harm it, and one entered by a winding approach. Your subject Kai considers that in high antiquity things were plain and simple, and institutions were first established. The Apocryphal Documents on the Mandate of the Emperor states: "The emperor receives Heaven and establishes the Five Offices to honor Heaven and respect the celestial signs: the red is Wen Zu, the yellow is Shen Dou, the white is Xian Ji, the black is Xuan Ju, and the green is Ling Fu. The commentary states: "The Celestial Treasury of Tang and Yu, the World Chamber of Xia, the Double Roof of Yin, and the Bright Hall of Zhou are all the same." The Shizi states: "The Youyu clan called it Zong Zhang." The Artificers' Record in the Offices of Zhou states: "The World Chamber of the Xia had a hall depth of two sevens and a width of one fourth beyond four times the depth." The commentary states: "Depth is the north-south measurement. The Xia foot-measure being in paces, the hall depth would be fourteen paces; adding one fourth of four times the depth to the width gives a hall width of seventeen and a half paces." Your subject Kai notes: among the Three Dynasties Xia is most ancient; moving from substance toward refinement, reason would gradually broaden—why then was the Xia chamber larger than the Yin hall? Comparing forms in argument, the principle is probably not so. The Record states: "Hall depth two sevens, width four times depth plus one fourth. If the Xia measure is in paces, the depth should be seven paces. The commentary states: "Now the hall depth is fourteen paces. This is an augmentation of the text of the Record. The Yin and Zhou hall entries have no added characters, showing that the categories and examples differ. The Shandong Ritual text arbitrarily adds the character for seven; how can Yin lack added xun text and Zhou lack added banquet text? Examining the trend of the argument, it is probably not so. Collating ancient books, none has the character for two. These are vulgar scholars of the mulberry groves, adding and subtracting at will. The Yellow Chart discussion states: "The Xia enlarged their hall to one hundred forty-four chi; the Zhou Bright Hall took this as the space between two tie-beams. Ma Gong's words discuss only one face of the hall. Taking this as standard, the hall foundations of the three dynasties were all square, matching the form in the diagram above. All books speak of the lower square; Zheng's commentary on the Offices of Zhou alone gives this meaning—not only contrary to antiquity but also at odds with Ritual texts. Searching the text for principle, I deeply fear it is unsatisfactory.
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《屍子》曰：「殷人陽館。」 《考工記》曰：「殷人重屋，堂修七尋，堂崇三尺，四阿重屋。」 注云：「其修七尋，五丈六尺。 放夏周，則其博九尋，七丈二尺。」 又曰：「周人明堂，度和尺之筵，東西九筵，南北七筵，堂崇一筵，五室，凡室二筵。」 《禮記明堂位》曰：「天子之廟，復廟重簷。」 鄭注云：「復廟，重屋也。」 注《玉藻》云：「天子廟及路寢，皆如明堂制。」 《禮圖》云：「于內室之上，起通天之觀，觀八十一尺，得宮之數，其聲濁，君之象也。」 《大戴禮》曰：「明堂者，古有之。 凡九室，室有四戶八牖，以茅蓋，上圓下方。 外水曰璧雍。 赤綴戶，白綴牖。 堂高三尺，東西九仞，南北七筵。 其宮方三百步。」 「凡人疾、六畜疫、五穀災。 生於天道不順。 天道不順，生於明堂不飾。 故有天災則飾明堂。」 《周書》曰：「明堂方百一十二尺，高四尺，階博六尺三寸，室居內，方百尺，室內方六十尺，高八尺，博四尺。」 《作洛》曰：「明堂、太廟、路寢咸有四阿，重亢重廊。」 孔氏注云：「重亢累棟，重廓累屋。」
The Shizi states: "The Yin people had the Yang Lodge. The Artificers' Record states: "The Yin Double Roof had hall depth seven xun, hall height three chi, and four eaves with double roofs." The commentary states: "Its depth seven xun is five zhang six chi. Following Xia and Zhou, its width would be nine xun, seven zhang two chi." It also states: "The Zhou Bright Hall measured banquets in degrees and chi: nine banquets east-west, seven banquets north-south, hall height one banquet, five chambers, each chamber two banquets." The Record of Ritual, Bright Hall Position, states: "The Son of Heaven's temple had double eaves and layered rafters." Zheng's commentary states: "Double temple means double roof." Commentary on the Jade Regalia states: "The Son of Heaven's temple and road sleeping quarters all follow Bright Hall form." The Ritual Diagram states: "Above the inner chamber rises a tower reaching Heaven; the tower is eighty-one chi, obtaining the number of the gong pitch, its sound dull, the image of the ruler." The Greater Dai Record states: "The Bright Hall existed in antiquity. In all nine chambers, each chamber had four doors and eight windows, thatched covering, round above and square below. The outer water was called the Jade Ring. Red trim on doors, white trim on windows. The hall was three chi high, nine ren east-west, seven banquets north-south. Its precinct was three hundred paces square. When people fall ill, when the six livestock suffer plague, when the five grains fail, it arises from Heaven's Way being out of order. Heaven's Way being out of order arises from the Bright Hall not being properly adorned. Therefore when there is a heavenly calamity the Bright Hall is adorned. The Book of Zhou states: "The Bright Hall was one hundred twelve chi square, four chi high, steps six chi three inches broad, chambers within one hundred chi square, inner chamber sixty chi square, eight chi high, four chi broad." Making Luo states: "Bright Hall, Grand Temple, and Road Quarters all had four eaves, double ridges, and double corridors." Kong's commentary states: "Double ridge means piled rafters; double corridor means piled roofs."
41
《禮圖》曰：「秦明堂，九室十二階，各有所居。」 《呂氏春秋》「有十二堂。」 與《月令》同。 並不論尺丈。 臣愷案：十二階雖不與《禮》合，一月一階，非無理思。
The Ritual Diagram states: "The Qin Bright Hall had nine chambers and twelve steps, each with its own place. The Spring and Autumn of Master Lü has twelve halls. This matches the Monthly Ordinances. Neither discusses measurements in chi and zhang. Your subject Kai notes: although twelve steps do not accord with the Ritual, one step per month is not without rational design.
42
《黃圖》曰：「堂方百四十四尺，坤之策也，方象地； 屋圓，楣徑二百一十六尺，乾之策也，圓象天。 室九宮，法九州； 太室方六丈，法陰之變數； 十二堂，法十二月； 三十六戶，法極陰之變數； 七十二牖，法五行所得日數； 八達象八風，法八卦； 通天台徑九尺，法乾以九覆六； 高八十一尺，法黃鍾九九之數； 二十八柱，象二十八宿； 堂高三尺，土階三等，法三統； 堂四向五色，法四時五行； 殿門去殿七十二步，法五行所行。 門堂長四丈，取太室三之二。 垣高無蔽目之照，牖六尺，其外之。 殿垣方，在水內，法地陰也； 水四周于外，象四海，圓法陽也； 水闊二十四丈，應二十四氣； 水內徑三丈，應《覲禮經》。 武帝元封二年，立明堂汶上，無室，其外略依此制。 《泰山通義》今亡，不可得而辨也。
The Yellow Chart states: "The hall is one hundred forty-four chi square, the number of Kun's tally, square symbolizing earth; The roof is round, lintel diameter two hundred sixteen chi, the number of Qian's tally, round symbolizing heaven. Nine chambers correspond to the Nine Provinces; The Grand Chamber six zhang square corresponds to the number of yin's changes; Twelve halls correspond to the twelve months; Thirty-six doors correspond to the number of extreme yin's changes; Seventy-two windows correspond to the number of days obtained from the five phases; Eight thoroughfares symbolize the eight winds and correspond to the eight trigrams; The Tower Reaching Heaven is nine chi in diameter, Qian using nine to cover six; Eighty-one chi high corresponds to the number of the yellow bell, nine times nine; Twenty-eight pillars correspond to the twenty-eight lunar lodges; The hall is three chi high, earth steps in three grades, corresponding to the three systems; The hall faces four directions in five colors, corresponding to the four seasons and five phases; The palace gate is seventy-two paces from the hall, corresponding to what the five phases traverse. The gate hall is four zhang long, taking two thirds of the Grand Chamber. The wall is high enough that sunlight cannot pass over; windows six chi, projecting outward. The palace wall is square, within the water, following earth yin; water surrounds it on the outside, symbolizing the four seas, round following yang; the water is twenty-four zhang wide, corresponding to the twenty-four qi; the inner diameter of the water is three zhang, corresponding to the Classic of Ritual for Viewing the Son of Heaven. In the second year of Yuanfeng under Emperor Wu, a Bright Hall was erected on Mount Wen with no chambers; its exterior roughly followed this form. The Comprehensive Meaning of Mount Tai is now lost and cannot be examined.
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元始四年八月，起明堂、璧雍長安城南門，制度如儀。 一殿，垣四面，門八觀，水外周堤，壤高。 四方和會，築作三旬。 五年正月六日辛未，始郊太祖高皇帝以配天。 二十二日丁亥，宗祀孝文皇帝于明堂以配上帝。 及先賢百辟卿士有益者，於是秩而祭之。 親扶三老五更，袒而割牲，跪而進之。 因班時令，宣恩澤。 諸侯宗室、四夷君長、匈奴西國侍子，悉奉貢助祭。
In the eighth month of the fourth year of Yuanshi, the Bright Hall and Jade Ring were begun south of Chang'an's south gate, their forms following the rites. One hall, walls on four sides, eight gate-towers, an outer dike around the water, raised earth. The four directions joined in harmony; construction took thirty days. On the sixth day of the first month, xinwei, he first sacrificed to the Grand Ancestor Emperor Gao with Heaven. On the twenty-second day, dinghai, he performed ancestral sacrifice to Emperor Xiaowen in the Bright Hall with the Supreme God. Worthy former worthies, ministers and officials who had been beneficial were then ranked and sacrificed to. He personally supported the Three Elders and Five Worthies, bared his shoulder and cut the victim, knelt and presented it. He then distributed the seasonal ordinances and proclaimed imperial grace. Princes and imperial clansmen, chieftains of the four barbarians, and hostage sons of the Xiongnu and Western States all presented tribute and assisted in sacrifice.
44
《禮圖》曰：「建武三十年作有堂，堂上圓下方。 圓法天，方法地。 十二堂法日辰，九室法九州，八窗象八風，八九七十二，法一時之王。 室有二戶，二九十八戶，法土王十八日。 內堂正壇高三尺，土階三等。」 胡伯始注《漢官》云：「古清廟蓋以茅，今蓋以瓦，瓦下藉茅，以薦古制。」 《東京賦》曰：「乃營三宮，布政頒常。 復廟重屋，八達九房。 造舟清池，惟水泱泱。」 《薛綜》注云：「復重廟覆，謂屋平覆重棟也。」 《續漢書祭祀志》曰：「明帝永平二年，祀五帝於明堂。 五帝坐各處其方，黃帝在未，皆如南郊之位。 光武位在青帝之南，少退，西面，各一犢，奏樂如南郊。」 臣愷案《詩》云：「《我將》，祀文王於明堂也。 我將我享，維羊維牛。」 據此，則備大牢之祭。 今雲一犢，恐與古殊。 自晉以前，未有鴟尾，其門牆璧水，一依本圖。
The Ritual Diagram states: "In the thirtieth year of Jianwu a hall was built, round above and square below. Round follows heaven, square follows earth. Twelve halls follow the sun and stars, nine chambers follow the Nine Provinces, eight windows symbolize the eight winds; eight times nine is seventy-two, following the king of the season. Each chamber had two doors; two times nine is eighteen doors, following the eighteen days of earth's kingship. The inner hall's central altar was three chi high, with earth steps in three grades. Hu Boqi's commentary on the Han Offices states: "Ancient Pure Temples were thatched with straw; now they are tiled, with straw beneath the tiles to preserve the ancient form." The Rhapsody of the Eastern Capital states: "Then the three palaces were built, government promulgated and constants distributed. Double temple and double roof, eight thoroughfares and nine chambers. Boats were built on the clear pool, with vast waters. Xue Zong's commentary states: "Double temple and double cover means the roof is flat with double rafters." The Continuation of the Book of Han, Treatise on Sacrifice, states: "In the second year of Yongping under Emperor Ming, the Five Emperors were sacrificed to in the Bright Hall. The Five Emperors each sat in his direction; the Yellow Emperor was at wei, all like the positions at the southern suburb. Emperor Guangwu's seat was south of the Green Emperor, slightly withdrawn to the west; each had one bull, with music like the southern suburb. Your subject Kai notes the Odes: "'I Will Ascend'—sacrificing to King Wen in the Bright Hall. I will ascend, I will offer; rams and oxen. According to this, the great offering of ox, sheep, and pig was prepared. Now it says one bull; I fear this differs from antiquity. Before Jin there were no owl-tail ornaments; the gate walls and jade ring water all followed the original diagram.
45
晉《起居注》裴頠議曰：「尊祖配天，其義明著，廟宇之制，理據未分。 直可為一殿以崇嚴祀，其餘雜碎，一皆除之。」 臣愷案：「天垂象，聖人則之。」 辟雍之星，既有圖狀，晉室方構，不合天文。 既闕重樓，又無璧水，空堂乖五室之義，直殿違九階之文。 非古欺天，一何過甚！
The Jin Daily Records, Pei Yan's memorial, states: "Honoring the ancestor with Heaven, the principle is clear; the form of the temple precincts lacks settled evidence. One hall alone may be built to solemnize sacrifice; all other miscellaneous features should be removed. Your subject Kai notes: "Heaven displays signs and the sage takes them as model." The star of the Jade Ring already has a diagram; the Jin court's new construction did not accord with celestial patterns. Lacking double towers and also lacking jade-ring water, an empty hall violated the meaning of five chambers, and a straight hall violated the text of nine steps. Deceiving Heaven by abandoning antiquity—how excessive the fault!
46
後魏於北台城南，造圓牆，在璧水外，門在水內迥立，不與牆相連。 其堂上九室，三三相重，不依古制。 室間通巷，違舛處多。 其室皆用鑿累，極成褊陋。 《後魏樂志》曰：「孝昌二年立明堂，議者或言九室，或言五室，詔斷從五室。 後元叉執政，復改為九室。 遭亂不成。」
Later Wei south of Beitai city built a round wall outside the jade ring; the gate stood within the water apart from the wall, not connected to it. Above the hall were nine chambers in groups of three, not following ancient form. Passageways between chambers violated the design in many places. The chambers all used cut and stacked construction, extremely cramped and crude. The Later Wei Treatise on Music states: "In the second year of Xiaochang the Bright Hall was begun; debaters spoke of nine chambers or five chambers; an edict decided on five chambers. Later when Yuan Cha held power it was changed back to nine chambers. Rebellion prevented completion."
47
宋《起居注》曰：「孝武大明五年立明堂，其牆宇規範，擬同太廟，唯十二間，以應期數。 依漢《汶上圖儀》，設五帝位，太祖文皇帝對饗。 鼎俎簠簋，一依廟禮。」
The Song Daily Records states: "In the fifth year of Daming under Emperor Xiaowu the Bright Hall was begun; its walls and dimensions were modeled on the Grand Temple, with only twelve bays to correspond to the number of seasons. Following the Han diagram and rites of Mount Wen, seats for the Five Emperors were set up, with Grand Ancestor Emperor Wen facing them in shared sacrifice. Tripods, stands, and vessels all followed temple ritual."
48
周齊二代，闕而不修，大饗之典，於焉靡托。
Under Zhou and Qi the work was left undone; the great feast rite had no place to rest.
49
自古《明堂圖》唯有二本。 一是宗周，劉熙、阮諶、劉昌宗等作，三圖略同。 一是後漢建武三十年作，《禮圖》有本，不詳撰人。 臣遠尋《經傳》，傍求子史，研究眾說，總撰今圖。 其樣以木為之，下為方堂，堂有五室，上為圓觀，觀有四門。
Since antiquity there have been only two versions of the Bright Hall diagram. One is Zhou of the ancestral house, by Liu Xi, Ruan Chen, Liu Changzong, and others; the three diagrams are largely the same. One was made in the thirtieth year of Jianwu under Later Han; the Ritual Diagram has the original, author unknown. Your subject searched far in classics and commentaries, sought widely in masters and histories, studied many opinions, and compiled the present diagram. Its model was made of wood: below a square hall with five chambers, above a round tower with four gates.
50
帝可其奏。 會遼東之役，事不果行。
The emperor approved his memorial. When the Liaodong campaign came, the project was not carried out.
51
以度遼之功，進位金紫光祿大夫。 其年卒官，帝甚惜之，諡曰康。 撰《東都圖記》二十卷、《明堂圖議》二卷、《釋疑》一卷，見行於世。
For the merit of pacifying Liaodong he was advanced to Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Girdle. That year he died in office; the emperor deeply regretted it and gave the posthumous title Kang. He compiled twenty fascicles of Records of the Eastern Capital, two fascicles of Discussions on the Bright Hall Diagram, and one fascicle of Resolving Doubts, all circulating in the world.
52
長子儒童，游騎尉。 少子溫，起部承務郎。
His eldest son Rutong was a Cavalry Commandant. His younger son Wen was an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Personnel.
53
侯莫陳崇，字尚樂，代武川人也。 其先魏之別部，居庫斛真水。 祖元，以良家子鎮武川，因家焉。 父興，殿中將軍、羽林監，後以崇著勳，追贈柱國、太保、清河郡公。
Houmo Chenchong, styled Shangle, was a man of Wuchuan in Dai. His ancestors were a separate branch of Wei, dwelling at Kuhuzhen River. His grandfather Yuan, as a good-family son, garrisoned Wuchuan and settled there. His father Xing was a Palace General and Captain of the Feathered Forest; later because of Chenchong's merit he was posthumously made Pillar of the State, Grand Tutor, and Duke of Qinghe Commandery.
54
崇少驍勇，善馳射，謹愨少言。 年十五，隨賀拔嶽與爾硃榮征葛榮。 後從岳入關，破赤水蜀。 又從岳力戰，破万俟醜奴。 崇與輕騎逐北，至涇州長坑及之。 賊未成列，崇單騎入賊中，於馬上生禽醜奴，遂大破之。 封臨涇縣侯。 及岳為侯莫陳悅所害，崇與諸將同謀迎周文帝。 文帝至軍，原州刺史史歸猶為悅守。 周文遣崇襲歸，直到城下，即據城門。 時李遠兄弟在城內，先知崇來，中外鼓澡，伏兵悉起，遂禽歸斬之。 以崇行原州事，仍從平悅，別封廣武縣伯。 累遷儀同三司，改封彭城郡公。 從禽竇泰，復弘農，破沙苑，戰河又另討平稽胡，累戰皆有功，進位柱國大將軍。 六官建，拜大司空。 周孝閔踐阼，進封梁國公，加太保。 曆大宗伯、大司徒。
Chenchong from youth was fierce and brave, skilled in horsemanship and archery, cautious and taciturn. At fifteen he followed Heba Yue with Erzhu Rong against Ge Rong. Later he followed Yue into the passes and defeated the Chishui Shu. He also followed Yue in fierce fighting and defeated Moqi Chounu. Chenchong with light cavalry pursued north to Changkeng of Jing Province and caught up. The rebels had not yet formed ranks; Chenchong alone rode into the enemy host and captured Chounu alive from his horse, routing them completely. He was enfeoffed Marquis of Linjing County. When Yue was killed by Houmo Chenyue, Chenchong with the generals plotted together to welcome Emperor Wen of Zhou. When Emperor Wen reached the army, Governor Shi Gui of Yuan Province still held for Yue. Emperor Wen sent Chenchong to strike Gui; reaching the foot of the city he immediately seized the gate. Li Yuan and his brothers were inside the city and knew Chenchong was coming; inside and outside they beat drums and shouted; hidden troops all rose and captured and beheaded Gui. Chenchong was put in charge of Yuan Province affairs and followed in pacifying Yue; he was separately enfeoffed Baron of Guangwu County. He was repeatedly promoted to Master of the Same Rank as the Three Excellencies and enfeoffed Duke of Pengcheng Commandery. He followed in capturing Dou Tai, recovering Hongnong, breaking Sha Plain, fighting at Heqiao, and separately suppressing the Ji Hu; in repeated battles he had merit and was advanced to Pillar of the State and Grand General. When the Six Offices were established he was appointed Grand Minister of Works. When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou ascended the throne, he was advanced to Duke of Liang and appointed Grand Tutor. He served as Grand Minister of Rites and Grand Minister over the Masses.
55
保定三年，從武帝幸原州。 時帝夜還京師，竊怪其故。 崇謂所親人常升曰：「吾比日聞卜筮者言，晉公今年不利，車駕今忽夜還，不過是晉公死耳。」 於是皆傳之。 或有發其事者，帝集諸公卿於大德殿責崇，崇惶懼謝罪。 其夜，護遣使將兵就崇宅，逼令自殺。 葬禮如常儀，諡曰躁。 護誅，改諡曰莊閔。
In the third year of Baoding he followed Emperor Wu to Yuan Province. The emperor returned to the capital by night; secretly wondering at the reason. Chenchong said to his close associate Chang Sheng: "I have lately heard diviners say that Duke of Jin will meet misfortune this year; the emperor's sudden return by night can only mean Duke of Jin's death. Word of this spread. Someone reported the matter; the emperor assembled ministers and nobles in Dade Hall and rebuked Chenchong, who in alarm begged forgiveness. That night Hu sent men to Chenchong's residence and forced him to kill himself. Burial followed ordinary rites; posthumous title Zao. After Hu was executed the posthumous title was changed to Zhuangmin.
56
子芮嗣，位柱國。 從武帝東伐，率眾守太行道。 并州平，授上柱國。 仍從平鄴，拜大司馬。 隋大業初，以譴，詔流配嶺南。 芮弟穎。
His son Rui succeeded, holding the rank of Pillar of the State. He followed Emperor Wu on the eastern campaign and led troops guarding the Taihang route. When Bing Province was pacified he was appointed Upper Pillar of the State. He still followed in pacifying Ye and was appointed Grand Minister of War. At the beginning of Daye under Sui, through censure he was exiled to Lingnan. Rui's younger brother was Ying.
57
穎字遵道，少有器量，風神警發，為時輩所推。 魏大統末，以父軍功，賜爵廣平侯，累遷開府儀同三司。 周武帝時，從滕王逌擊龍泉、文城叛胡。 穎與柱國豆盧勣分路而進，穎懸軍五百餘里，破其三柵。 先是稽胡叛亂，輒略邊人為奴婢。 至是，詔胡有厭匿良人者誅，籍沒其妻子。 有人言為胡村所隱匿者，勳將誅之。 穎曰：「將在外，君命有所不行。 諸胡固非悉反，但相迫脅為亂。 今慰撫，自可不戰而定； 如即誅之，轉相驚恐，為難不細。 未若召其渠帥，以隱匿才付之，令自歸首，則群胡可安。」 勣從之，諸胡爭降附，北土以安。 遷司武，加振威中大夫。
Ying, courtesy name Zundao, from youth had capacity and presence, alert in spirit, and was admired by his contemporaries. At the end of Datong under Wei, for his father's military merit he was granted the title Marquis of Guangping and was repeatedly promoted to Grand Master of the Office equal to the Three Excellencies. Under Emperor Wu of Zhou he followed Prince of Teng You in attacking the rebellious Hu of Longquan and Wencheng. Ying and Pillar of the State Dou Lu Xun advanced by separate routes; Ying, operating more than five hundred li from support, broke three stockades. Previously when the Ji Hu rebelled they would seize border people as slaves. At this time an edict decreed that any Hu who concealed innocent people would be executed and their wives and children confiscated. When someone said people were hidden in Hu villages, Xun was about to execute them. Ying said, "A general in the field need not obey every order of his ruler. The various Hu are certainly not all in rebellion; they were forced and coerced into disorder. If we now pacify them, they can be settled without fighting; if we execute them at once, fear will spread and the trouble will be no small matter. It would be better to summon their chieftains, entrust the hidden people to them, and have them surrender themselves; then the Hu can be pacified. Xun agreed; the Hu competed to submit, and the north was pacified. He was transferred to Director of Martial Affairs and promoted to Grand Master of Inspiring Might.
58
隋文帝受禪，加上開府，進爵升平郡公。 平陳之役，以行軍總管從秦王俊出魯山道，與行軍總管段文振度江，安集歸附。 再遷瀛州刺史，甚有惠政。 後坐與秦王俊交通，免官。 百姓送者莫不流涕，因相與立碑，頌穎清德。 後拜邢州刺史。 仁壽中，吏部尚書牛弘持節巡撫山東，以穎為第一，上優詔褒揚。 時朝廷以嶺南刺史縣令多貪鄙，蠻夷怨叛，妙簡清吏。 於是征穎入朝。 上與言及平生，以為歡笑，即日進位大將軍，拜桂州總管、十七州諸軍事。 及至官，大崇恩信，人夷悅服。
When Emperor Wen of Sui accepted the throne, Ying was promoted to Upper Grand Master of the Office and enfeoffed Duke of Shengping Commandery. In the campaign to pacify Chen, as campaign commander he followed Prince of Qin Jun by the Lushan route; with campaign commander Duan Wenzhen he crossed the Yangtze and settled those who submitted. He was again appointed Governor of Ying Province and governed with great benevolence. Later he was dismissed for associating with Prince of Qin Jun. Those who escorted him all wept; they therefore erected a stele together praising Ying's pure virtue. He was later appointed Governor of Xing Province. During Renshou, Minister of Personnel Niu Hong toured Shandong with imperial credentials and ranked Ying first; the emperor issued a commendatory edict. At the time governors and magistrates of Lingnan were mostly greedy and base, the tribes resented and rebelled, and worthy clean officials were carefully selected. Ying was therefore summoned to court. The emperor spoke with him of his whole life and found it amusing; that same day he was advanced to Grand General and appointed Commander-in-Chief of Gui Province over seventeen provinces. When he reached office he greatly extended grace and trust; people and tribes were pleased and submitted.
59
煬帝即位，穎兄梁國公芮坐事徙邊，圾廷恐穎不自安，征還京師。 後拜恆山太。 其年，嶺南、閩越多不附，帝以穎前在桂州有惠政，為南方所信伏，拜南海太守。 卒官，諡曰定。 子虔會最知名。
When Emperor Yang ascended the throne, Ying's elder brother Duke of Liang Rui was banished for a crime; the court feared Ying would be unsettled and summoned him back to the capital. He was later appointed Governor of Hengshan. That year Lingnan and Min-Yue were mostly unsubmissive; the emperor, because Ying had benevolent government at Gui Province and was trusted in the south, appointed him Governor of Nanhai. He died in office; posthumous title Ding. His son Qianhui was most renowned.
60
崇兄順，少豪俠有志度。 初事爾硃榮為統軍。 普泰元年，封木縣子。 後從魏孝武入關。 順與周文帝同里幹，素相友善，且崇先在關中，周文見之甚歡，進爵彭城郡公。 及梁ＧＣ定圍逼河州，以順為大都督，與趙貴討破之，即行河州事。
Chenchong's elder brother Shun from youth was bold and chivalrous with ambition and measure. At first he served Erzhu Rong as commander. In the first year of Putai he was enfeoffed Baron of Mu County. Later he followed Emperor Xiaowu of Wei into the passes. Shun and Emperor Wen of Zhou were from the same district and had long been friendly; moreover Chenchong was already in Guanzhong, and when Emperor Wen saw Shun he was very pleased and enfeoffed him Duke of Pengcheng Commandery. When Liang Miding besieged He Province, Shun was made Grand Commandant and with Zhao Gui defeated and drove him off, then administered He Province affairs.
61
大統四年，魏文帝東討，順與太尉王盟、僕射周惠達等留鎮長安。 時趙青雀反，盟及惠達奉魏太子出次渭北。 順于渭橋與賊戰，頻破之。 魏文帝還，執順手曰：「渭橋之戰，卿有殊力。」 便解所服金鏤玉梁帶賜之。 南岐州氐苻安壽。 遂率部落一千家款附。 時順弟崇又封彭城郡公，遂改封順河間郡公。 六年，加驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，行西夏州事，改封平原郡公。 周孝閔帝踐阼，拜少師，進位柱國。 其年薨。
In the fourth year of Datong, when Emperor Wen of Wei marched east, Shun with Grand Commandant Wang Meng and Vice Director Zhou Huida remained to guard Chang'an. When Zhao Qingque rebelled, Meng and Huida escorted the Wei heir apparent to camp north of the Wei River. Shun fought the rebels at Weiqiao and repeatedly defeated them. When Emperor Wen of Wei returned, he took Shun's hand and said, "At the battle of Weiqiao you showed exceptional strength. He then removed the gold-inlaid jade-buckled belt he was wearing and gave it to him. Fu Anshou of the Di of Southern Qi Province. He then led more than a thousand households of his tribe to submit. At the time Shun's younger brother Chenchong was also enfeoffed Duke of Pengcheng Commandery, so Shun's title was changed to Duke of Hejian Commandery. In the sixth year he was promoted to General of Agile Cavalry, Grand Master of the Office equal to the Three Excellencies, and administered Western Xia Province affairs; his title was changed to Duke of Pingyuan Commandery. When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou ascended the throne, he was appointed Junior Tutor and promoted to Pillar of the State. That year he died.
62
崇弟瓊，歷位荊州總管、上柱國，封修武郡公。
Chenchong's younger brother Qiong held the posts of Commander-in-Chief of Jing Province and Upper Pillar of the State and was enfeoffed Duke of Xiuwu Commandery.
63
瓊弟凱，以軍功賜爵下蔡縣男。 崇以平原州功，賜爵靈武縣侯，詔聽轉授凱。 孝閔踐阼，進位開府儀同三司，進爵為公。 天和中，為司會中大夫。 建德二年，為聘齊使主。
Qiong's younger brother Kai was granted the title Baron of Xiacai County for military merit. Chenchong, for merit at Pingyuan Province, was granted the title Marquis of Lingwu County; an edict allowed transfer to Kai. When Xiaomin ascended the throne, Kai was advanced to Grand Master of the Office equal to the Three Excellencies and promoted to duke. During Tianhe he was Director of the Department of State Affairs. In the second year of Jiande he was chief envoy on a marriage mission to Qi.
64
王雄，字胡布頭，太原人也。 父崘，以雄著勳，追贈柱國大將軍、少傅、安康郡公。 雄儀貌魁梧，少有謀略。 魏末，從賀拔岳入關，除金紫光祿大夫。 孝武西遷，封臨貞縣伯。 大統中，進爵武威郡公，累遷大將軍，行同州事。 恭帝元年，賜姓可頻氏。 周孝閔帝踐阼，授少傅，進位柱國大將軍。 武成初，進封庸國公，邑萬戶。 出為涇州總管。
Wang Xiong, courtesy name Hubutou, was from Taiyuan. His father Song, because of Xiong's merit, was posthumously enfeoffed Pillar of the State, Grand General, Junior Tutor, and Duke of Ankang Commandery. Xiong was imposing in appearance and from youth had strategic insight. At the end of Wei he followed Heba Yue into the passes and was appointed Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Girdle. When Emperor Xiaowu moved west, he was enfeoffed Baron of Linzhen County. During Datong he was enfeoffed Duke of Wuwei Commandery and repeatedly promoted to Grand General, administering Tong Province affairs. In the first year of Emperor Gong he was granted the surname Kepin. When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou ascended the throne, he was appointed Junior Tutor and promoted to Pillar of the State and Grand General. At the beginning of the Wucheng era he was enfeoffed Duke of Yong with a fief of ten thousand households. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Jing Province.
65
謙字敕萬，性恭謹，無他才能，以父功封安樂縣伯。 保定二年，父雄封庸國公，以武威郡公回封謙，安樂伯回封第三弟震。 雄死，朝議以謙父殞行陣，特加殊寵，授柱國大將軍，襲爵庸國公。 建德五年，武帝東征，謙力戰，進位上柱國。
Qian, courtesy name Chimo, was respectful and cautious by nature, without other talent; for his father's merit he was enfeoffed Baron of Anle County. In the second year of Baoding, when his father Xiong was enfeoffed Duke of Yong, the Duke of Wuwei title was transferred to Qian, and the Baron of Anle title was transferred to the third younger brother Zhen. When Xiong died, court discussion because Qian's father had fallen on campaign granted special favor and appointed Qian Pillar of the State and Grand General, inheriting the title Duke of Yong. In the fifth year of Jiande, when Emperor Wu marched east, Qian fought fiercely and was promoted to Upper Pillar of the State.
66
六年，授益州總管十八州諸軍事。 及宣帝崩，隋文帝輔政，以梁睿為益州總管。 時謙使司錄賀若昂奉表詣闕。 昂還，具陳京師事。 謙以父子受國恩，將圖匡復，遂舉兵，署置官司。 總管長史乙弗虔、益州刺史達奚惎勸謙憑險觀變。 隆州刺史高阿那肱為謙畫三策曰：「公親率精銳，直指散關，蜀人知公有勤王之節，必當各思效命，此上策也； 出兵梁、漢，以顧望天下，此中策也； 坐守劍南，發兵自衛，此下策也。」 謙參用其中下之策。
In the sixth year he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Yi Province over eighteen provinces. When Emperor Xuan died and Emperor Wen of Sui served as regent, Liang Rui was made Commander-in-Chief of Yi Province. At the time Qian sent Registrar He Ruo'ang to court with a memorial. When Ang returned he fully reported affairs of the capital. Qian, because father and son had received the state's grace, planned restoration and thereupon raised troops and established offices. Chief Clerk Yifu Qian and Governor of Yi Province Daxi Ji urged Qian to rely on difficult terrain and watch for changes. Governor of Long Province Gao Anagou drew three plans for Qian: "My lord personally leads elite troops straight at Sanguan; the people of Shu, knowing you have the principle of rescuing the ruler, will surely wish to serve—this is the upper plan; send troops through Liang and Han to watch the realm—this is the middle plan; sit and guard Jiannan and raise troops for self-defense—this is the lower plan. Qian adopted the middle and lower plans.
67
梁睿未至大劍，謙先遣兵鎮始州。 隋文帝即以睿為行軍元帥，便發利、鳳、文、秦、成諸州兵討之。 謙所署柱國達奚惎、高阿那肱、大將軍乙弗虔、楊安、任峻、侯翕、景孱等眾號十萬，盡銳攻利州，總管、楚國公豆盧勣拒戰將四旬。 惎等諸軍聞睿將至，眾遂潰。 謙所署大將軍苻子英攻巴州，又為刺史呂珍所破。 睿乘其弊，縱兵深入。 棋、虔密遣使詣睿，請為內應以贖罪。 謙不知惎、虔之反己也，並令守成都。 謙先無籌略，且所任用多非其才，及聞睿兵奄至，惶懼計無所出，乃自率眾逆戰，又以惎、虔之子為左右軍。 行數十里，左右軍皆叛，謙奔新都，縣令王寶執而斬之，傅首京師。 惎、虔以成都降。 隋文帝以惎、虔首謀，令殺之於蜀市。 餘眾並散。 阿那肱尋亦被誅。
Before Liang Rui reached Great Sword Pass, Qian first sent troops to garrison Shizhou. Emperor Wen of Sui immediately made Rui campaign marshal and sent troops from Li, Feng, Wen, Qin, and Cheng Provinces against him. Qian's appointed Pillar of the State Daxi Ji, Gao Anagou, Grand Generals Yifu Qian, Yang An, Ren Jun, Hou Xi, Jing Can, and others numbered one hundred thousand in name; with full strength they attacked Li Province; Commander-in-Chief Duke of Chu Dou Lu Xun resisted for nearly forty days. When Ji and the other armies heard Rui was coming, the host collapsed. Qian's appointed Grand General Fu Ziying attacked Ba Province and was again defeated by Governor Lu Zhen. Rui exploited their weakness and sent troops deep in pursuit. Ji and Qian secretly sent envoys to Rui asking to serve as inside collaborators to atone. Qian did not know Ji and Qian had turned against him and ordered them both to guard Chengdu. Qian had no strategy beforehand and mostly appointed men without talent; when he heard Rui's army had suddenly arrived he was alarmed with no plan, led his host to meet the attack himself, and placed Ji and Qian's sons in the left and right armies. After marching several tens of li, both left and right armies rebelled; Qian fled to Xindu, and Magistrate Wang Bao seized and beheaded him and sent his head to the capital. Ji and Qian surrendered Chengdu. Emperor Wen of Sui, because Ji and Qian were the chief plotters, ordered them executed in the Shu market. The remaining host all scattered. Anagou was also executed soon after.
68
論曰：李弼懷佐時之略，逢興運之期，締構艱難，綢繆顧遇，方面宣其庸績，帷幄盡其謀猷，非唯攀附成名，抑亦材謀自取。 密遭風雲之會，奮其鱗翼，思封函谷，將割鴻溝，期月之間，眾數十萬。 威行萬里，聲動四方。 雖事屈興王，運乖天眷，而雄名克振，何其壯歟！ 然志性輕狡，終致顛覆，固其宜也。 宇文貴負將帥之材，蘊剛銳之氣，遭逢喪亂，險阻備嘗，自致高位，亦云美矣。 忻武藝之風，名高一代。 及晚節遇禍，雖鳥盡弓藏，然亦器盈斯概，夷戮非為不幸。 愷學藝兼該，思理通贍，規矩之妙，參從班、爾，當時缺席，咸取則焉。 其起仁壽宮，營建洛邑，要求時幸，窮侈極麗，使文皇失德，煬帝亡身，危亂之原，抑亦由此。 至於考覽書傳，定《明堂圖》，雖意過其通，有足觀者。 侯莫陳崇以勇悍之氣，逢戰爭之秋，輕騎啟高平之扉，疋馬和長坑之俊。 以宏材遠略，附鳳攀龍，茂績元勳，位居上袞，而識慚明哲，遂以凶終，惜哉！ 王雄身參佐命，謙寵列山河，及投袂勤王，志匡社稷，雖忠君之效未宣，與夫懷祿圖存者異也。
The commentators say: Li Bi possessed the strategy to assist his age and met the season of rising fortune; he built through hardship and received careful favor; in the regions he displayed his achievements, in the command tent he exhausted his plans—not only did he win fame through attachment, he also earned it through talent and strategy. Mi met the season of storm and cloud and spread his scales and wings, intending to seal Hangu Pass and cut the Hong Canal; within months his host numbered hundreds of thousands. His authority reached ten thousand li, his renown shook the four quarters. Although affairs went against the rising king and fortune opposed Heaven's favor, his fierce name could still resound—how magnificent! Yet his disposition was frivolish and cunning, and in the end he was overthrown—as was fitting. Yuwen Gui possessed the material of a general and the spirit of firm sharpness; meeting disorder and passing through dangers, he rose to high position himself—this too was admirable. Xin's martial style made his name tower over a generation. When in his later years he met disaster, although the bow is stored when the birds are gone, his vessel was full to bursting, and execution was not undeserved. Kai's learning and arts were comprehensive, his thought clear and ample; in the subtlety of rules and measures he followed Ban and Er, and when the age lacked models all took him as standard. In building Renshou Palace and constructing Luoyang, seeking the emperor's favor, extravagance reached its extreme, causing Emperor Wen to lose virtue and Emperor Yang to lose his life—the root of peril and disorder arose from this as well. As for examining books and records and fixing the Bright Hall diagram, although his intent exceeded his mastery, it is still worth viewing. Houmo Chenchong with fierce and bold spirit met the season of war; with light cavalry he opened the gate of Gaoping, and with a single horse he matched the excellence of Changkeng. With great talent and far-reaching strategy he attached to the phoenix and climbed the dragon; with splendid achievements and primary merit he stood at the highest rank of nobility—yet lacking the discernment of the wise, he met a violent end in the end. Pity! Wang Xiong personally shared in founding merit; Qian enjoyed noble rank and fief; when he raised his sleeve to serve the ruler in loyalty and wished to restore the state, although the effect of loyal service was not proclaimed, he differed from those who cherish salary and plot survival.
69
初，魏孝莊帝以爾硃榮有翊戴之功，拜榮柱國大將軍，位在丞相上。 榮敗後，此官遂廢。 大統三年，魏文帝復以周文帝建中興之業，始命為之。 其後功參佐命，望實俱重者亦居此職。 自大統十六年已前，任者凡有八人。 周文帝位總百揆，都督中外軍事。 魏廣陵王欣，元氏懿戚，從容禁闥而已。 此外六人，各督二大將軍，分掌禁旅，當爪牙禦侮之寄。 當時榮盛，莫與為比。 故今之稱門閥者，咸推八柱國家。 今並十二大將軍錄之于左：
At first Emperor Xiaozhuang of Wei, because Erzhu Rong had merit in supporting and establishing him, appointed Rong Pillar of the State and Grand General, ranking above the chancellor. After Rong's defeat this office was abolished. In the third year of Datong, Emperor Wen of Wei again because Emperor Wen of Zhou had established the enterprise of revival first ordered it restored. Thereafter those whose merit shared in founding and whose reputation and substance were both weighty also held this post. Before the sixteenth year of Datong there were eight who held it. Emperor Wen of Zhou held overall direction of all affairs and was commander-in-chief over central and outer military affairs. Prince of Guangling Xin of the Yuan clan, an imperial relative, merely attended at the inner palace. The other six each commanded two grand generals, dividing command of the palace guard—the charge of claws and fangs to repel insult. The glory of the time had no equal. Therefore those who today speak of great clans all honor the eight Pillar-of-the-State families. Now the twelve Grand Generals are recorded below:
70
使持節、太尉、柱國大將軍、大都督、尚書左僕射、隴右行台、少師、隴西郡開國公虎。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand Commandant, Pillar of the State and Grand General, Grand Commandant, Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs on the Left, Commissioner of the Longyou Circuit, Junior Tutor, Duke of Longxi Commandery Yuwen Tai.
71
使持節、太傅、柱國大將軍、大宗師、大司徒、廣陵王元欣。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand Tutor, Pillar of the State and Grand General, Grand Master of the Ancestral Temple, Grand Minister over the Masses, Prince of Guangling Yuan Xin.
72
使持節、柱國大將軍、大都督、大宗伯、趙郡開國公李弼。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Pillar of the State and Grand General, Grand Commandant, Grand Minister of Rites, Duke of Zhao Commandery Li Bi.
73
使持節、柱國大將軍、大都督、大司馬、河內郡開國公獨孤信。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Pillar of the State and Grand General, Grand Commandant, Grand Minister of War, Duke of Henei Commandery Dugu Xin.
74
使持節、柱國大將軍、大都督、大司寇、南陽郡開國公趙貴。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Pillar of the State and Grand General, Grand Commandant, Grand Minister of Justice, Duke of Nanyang Commandery Zhao Gui.
75
使持節、柱國大將軍、大都督、大司空、常山郡開國公於謹。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Pillar of the State and Grand General, Grand Commandant, Grand Minister of Works, Duke of Changshan Commandery Yu Jin.
76
使持節、柱國大將軍、大都督、少傅、彭城郡開國公侯莫陳崇。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Pillar of the State and Grand General, Grand Commandant, Junior Tutor, Duke of Pengcheng Commandery Houmo Chenchong.
77
與周文帝為八柱國。
With Emperor Wen of Zhou they were the Eight Pillars of the State.
78
使持節、大將軍、大都督、少保、廣平王元贊。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Junior Guardian, Prince of Guangping Yuan Zan.
79
使持節、大將軍、大都督、淮安王元育。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Prince of Huai'an Yuan Yu.
80
使持節、大將軍、大都督、齊王元廓。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Prince of Qi Yuan Kuo.
81
使持節、大將軍、大都督、平原郡開國公侯莫陳順。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Duke of Pingyuan Commandery Houmo Shun.
82
使持節、大將軍、大都督、七州諸軍事、秦州刺史、章武郡開國公宇文導。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Commander-in-Chief over seven provinces, Governor of Qin Province, Duke of Zhangwu Commandery Yuwen Dao.
83
使持節、大將軍、大都督、雍州諸軍事、雍州刺史、高陽郡開國公達奚武。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Commander-in-Chief over Yong Province, Governor of Yong Province, Duke of Gaoyang Commandery Daxi Wu.
84
使持節、大將軍、大都督、陽平郡開國公李遠。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Duke of Yangping Commandery Li Yuan.
85
使持節、大將軍、大都督、范陽郡開國公豆盧寧。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Duke of Fanyang Commandery Doulu Ning.
86
使持節、大將軍、大都督、化政郡開國公宇文貴。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Duke of Huazheng Commandery Yuwen Gui.
87
使持節、大將軍、大都督、荊州諸軍事、荊州刺史、博陵郡開國公賀蘭祥。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Commander-in-Chief over Jing Province, Governor of Jing Province, Duke of Boling Commandery Helan Xiang.
88
使持節、大將軍、大都督、陳留君開國公楊忠。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Duke of Chenliu Commandery Yang Zhong.
89
使持節、大將軍、大都督、岐州諸軍事、岐州刺史、武威群開國公王雄。
Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General, Grand Commandant, Commander-in-Chief over Qi Province, Governor of Qi Province, Duke of Wuwei Commandery Wang Xiong.
90
是為十二大將軍。 每大將軍督二開府，凡為二十四員，分團統領，是二十四軍。 每一團，儀同二人。 自相督率，不編戶貫。 都十二大將軍。 十五日上，則門欄陛戟，警晝巡夜； 十五日下，則教旗習戰。 無他賦役。 每兵唯辦弓刀一具，月簡閱之。 甲槊戈弩，並資官給。
These were the Twelve Grand Generals. Each Grand General commanded two Grand Masters of the Office, twenty-four in all, divided into regiments for command—the twenty-four armies. Each regiment had two Masters of the Same Rank. They supervised one another and were not registered in household rolls. All were under the twelve Grand Generals. For the first fifteen days of the month they guarded the gate, halberds at the threshold, patrolling by day and night; for the last fifteen days they drilled flags and practiced battle. They had no other levies or corvée. Each soldier provided only one bow and blade; they were inspected monthly. Armor, spears, halberds, and crossbows were all supplied by the state.
91
自大統十六年以前，十二大將軍外，念賢及王思政亦拜大將軍。 然賢作牧隴右，思政出鎮河南，並不在領兵之限。 此後功臣位至柱國及大將軍者眾矣，不限此秩，無所統御。 六柱國、十二大將軍之後，有以位次嗣掌其事者，而德望素在諸公之下，並不得預於此例。
Before the sixteenth year of Datong, outside the twelve Grand Generals, Nian Xian and Wang Sizheng were also appointed Grand General. But Xian governed Longyou and Sizheng garrisoned Henan, neither within the limit of leading troops. After this many meritorious ministers reached Pillar of the State and Grand General without limit to this rank and without command. After the Six Pillars of the State and Twelve Grand Generals, some succeeded to these posts by rank, but because their virtue and reputation had always been below the great lords, none could participate in this precedent.