Volume 61 Biographies 49: Wang Meng, Du Guxin, Dou Chi, He Lanxiang, Chilie Fugui, Yan Qing, Shi Ning, Quan Jingxuan

王盟獨孤信竇熾賀蘭祥叱列伏龜閻慶史寧權景宣

Wang Meng, Dugu Xin, Dou Chi, Helan Xiang, Chiliefu Gui, Yan Qing, Shi Ning, and Quan Jingxuan

列傳第四十九

Biographies 49

王盟子勱從孫誼獨孤信子羅竇熾兄子榮定毅賀蘭祥叱列伏龜閻慶子毗史寧子雄祥權景宣

Wang Meng, his son Bo, and his grand-nephew Yi; Dugu Xin and his son Luo; Dou Chi and his brother's son Rongding Yi; Helan Xiang; Chiliefu Gui; Yan Qing and his son Pi; Shi Ning and his son Xiongxiang; and Quan Jingxuan

王盟，字仵，明德皇后之兄也，其先樂浪人。六世祖波，前燕太宰。祖珍，魏黃門侍郎，贈并州刺史、樂浪公。父羆，伏波將軍，以良家子鎮武川，因家焉。魏正光中，破六韓拔陵攻陷諸鎮，盟亦為其所擁。拔陵平後，流寓中山，復以積射將軍從蕭寶夤西征。寶夤僭逆，盟遂逃匿人間。及爾硃天光入關，盟從之。隋賀拔岳禽萬俊志願奴，平秦隴，常先登力戰。及周文帝平侯莫陳悅，除盟原州刺史。孝武至長安，封魏昌縣公。大統三年，徵拜司空，轉司徒。迎文帝悼後於蠕蠕，加侍中，遷太尉。魏文帝東征，以留後大都督行雍州事，節度關中諸軍。趙青雀之亂，盟與開府李虎輔太子出頓渭北。事平，進長樂郡公，賜姓拓王氏。遷太保。九年，進位太傅，加開府儀同三司。盟姿度弘雅，仁而汎愛。雖居師傅，禮冠群後，而謙恭自處，未嘗以勢位驕人。魏文帝甚尊重之，及疾，數幸其第，親問所欲。十一年，薨，贈本官，諡曰孝定。

Wang Meng, courtesy name Wu, was the elder brother of Empress Mingde. His family originally came from Lelang. His sixth-generation ancestor Bo had served as Grand Minister under Former Yan. His grandfather Zhen had been a Gentleman Attendant at the Yellow Gate under Wei and was posthumously granted the title of Governor of Bing Province and Duke of Lelang. His father Pi was General Who Quells the Waves. Posted to Wuchuan as a soldier from a respectable family, he settled there and made it the family home. During the Zhenguang era of Wei, when Poliuhan Baling overran the frontier garrisons, Meng was swept up into his forces as well. After Baling's rebellion was put down, Meng wandered to Zhongshan and later joined Xiao Baoyin's western campaign as General of Accumulated Archers. When Baoyin rebelled and seized power, Meng went into hiding among the common people. When Erzhu Tianguang marched into the Guanzhong region, Meng joined his cause. Serving under Helba Yue, he helped capture Wan Jun Zhiyuan Nu and pacify Qin and Long, repeatedly leading the charge in the fiercest fighting. After Emperor Wen of Zhou defeated Houmochen Yue, Meng was appointed Governor of Yuan Province. When Emperor Xiaowu reached Chang'an, Meng was enfeoffed as Duke of Weichang County. In the third year of Datong, he was summoned to court and appointed Minister of Works, then promoted to Minister over the Masses. After escorting Emperor Wen's consort Empress Daohou back from the Rouran, he was additionally appointed Palace Attendant and then promoted to Grand Commandant. When Emperor Wen of Wei marched east on campaign, Meng was left behind as Grand Commander administering Yong Province and directing all military forces in Guanzhong. During Zhao Qingque's rebellion, Meng and Li Hu, Director of the Department of State Affairs, escorted the crown prince to a camp north of the Wei River. Once the crisis was resolved, he was promoted to Duke of Changle Commandery and granted the surname Tuo-Wang. He was then appointed Grand Tutor. In the ninth year, he was promoted to Grand Preceptor and additionally granted the ceremonial rank of Director of the Department of State Affairs, equal to the Three Excellencies. Meng carried himself with broad, refined dignity and was benevolent and warmly generous to all. Though he held the exalted rank of imperial tutor and took ceremonial precedence over the other nobles, he remained humble and never lorded his power and status over anyone. Emperor Wen of Wei held him in the highest regard. When Meng fell ill, the emperor visited his home repeatedly and asked in person what he might wish for. In the eleventh year he died. His existing offices were confirmed posthumously, and he was given the posthumous name Xiaoding, "Filial and Steadfast."

子勱，字醜興，性忠果有材幹。年十七，從周文帝入關。及平秦隴，定關中，周文嘗謂曰：「為將坐見成敗者上也，被堅執銳者次也。」勱曰：「意欲兼被之。」周文大笑。尋拜散騎常侍，賜爵梁甫縣公。大統初，為千牛備身直長，領左右，出入臥內，小心謹厚。魏文帝常曰：「王勱可謂不二心臣也。」沙苑之役，勱以都督領禁兵，居左翼，當其前者死傷甚眾。勱亦被傷重，遂卒於行間。周文深悼焉。贈使持節、太尉、尚書令、十州諸軍事、雍州刺史，追封咸陽郡公，諡曰忠武。

His son Bo, courtesy name Chouxing, was loyal and resolute by nature and possessed real ability. At seventeen he followed Emperor Wen of Zhou into the Guanzhong region. After Qin and Long were pacified and Guanzhong secured, Emperor Wen once told him, "The finest general is one who can read the tide of battle from his command post; the next best is the one who dons armor and takes up arms himself. Bo replied, "I mean to do both." Emperor Wen laughed heartily. He was soon appointed Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry and enfeoffed as Duke of Liangfu County. At the beginning of Datong he served as Chief of the Thousand-Ox Guard of the Body, commanding the emperor's personal guard and attending him even in the inner chambers. He was careful, cautious, and utterly dependable. Emperor Wen of Wei often said, "Wang Bo is a minister whose loyalty never wavers. At the Battle of Shayuan, Bo commanded the imperial guard on the left wing. The men who stood in the path of the enemy ahead of him suffered terrible losses. Bo himself was gravely wounded and died on the field. Emperor Wen mourned him deeply. He was posthumously granted the titles of Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand Commandant, Director of the Department of State Affairs, Commander of Military Affairs in Ten Provinces, and Governor of Yong Province, and was posthumously enfeoffed as Duke of Xianyang Commandery with the posthumous name Zhongwu, "Loyal and Martial."

子弼襲爵，尚魏安樂公主，位大都督、通直散騎常侍。

His son Bi inherited the title, married Princess Anle of Wei, and served as Grand Commander and Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry for Direct Communication.

子悅嗣，位大將軍、同州刺史，改封濟南郡公。

His son Yue succeeded to the line, served as Grand General and Governor of Tong Province, and was re-enfeoffed as Duke of Jinan Commandery.

盟兄子顯，幼而敏悟，沉靜少言。初為周文帳內都督，累遷驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、光祿卿、鳳州刺史。賜爵洛邑縣公，進位大將軍，卒。子誼。

Meng's nephew Xian, the son of his elder brother, was bright and perceptive from childhood, calm and reserved, and spoke little. He began as a commander in Emperor Wen's personal guard and rose through the ranks to General of Agile Cavalry, Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, Minister of Imperial Brightness, and Governor of Feng Province. He was enfeoffed as Duke of Luoyi County, promoted to Grand General, and later died. His son was Yi.

誼字宜君，少有大志，便弓馬，博覽群言。周閔帝時，為左中侍上士。時大塚宰宇文護執政，帝拱默無所關預。有朝士於帝側微不恭，誼勃然而進，將擊之，其人惶懼請罪，乃止。自是朝臣無敢不肅。遷禦正大夫。丁父艱，毀瘁過禮，廬於墓側，負土成墳。

Yi, courtesy name Yijun, had lofty ambitions from youth. He was skilled in archery and horsemanship and read widely across many fields of learning. During the reign of Emperor Min of Zhou, he served as Senior Attendant of the Left Central Guard. At that time Grand Minister Yuwen Hu held real power, and the emperor remained silent and took no part in governing. When a court official beside the emperor showed slight disrespect, Yi surged forward in anger and was about to strike him. The man, terrified, begged forgiveness, and Yi relented. After that, no court official dared show anything but the utmost deference. He was promoted to Grand Master of Imperial Rectitude. When his father died, his grief exceeded what the rites required. He built a mourning hut beside the tomb and carried earth by hand to complete the burial mound.

及隋文帝為丞相，鄖州總管司馬消難舉兵反，帝以誼為行軍元帥討之，未至而消難奔陳。于時北至商、洛，南拒江、淮，東西二千餘里，巴蠻多叛，共推渠帥蘭洛州為主。洛州自號河南王以附消難，北連尉遲迥。誼分兵討之，旬月皆平。帝遣使勞問，冠蓋不絕，以第五女妻其子奉孝。尋拜大司徒。誼自以與帝有舊，亦歸心焉。及隋受禪，顧遇彌厚，帝親幸其第，與之極歡。

When Emperor Wen of Sui was still Chancellor, Sima Xiaonan, Area Commander of Ying Province, rose in rebellion. The emperor appointed Yi as Campaign Commander to suppress him, but before Yi arrived Xiaonan had already fled to Chen. At that time, from Shang and Luo in the north to the Yangtze and Huai in the south—a stretch of more than two thousand li east to west—many Ba tribes rebelled and together made the chieftain Lan Luozhou their leader. Luozhou proclaimed himself King of Henan and joined Xiaonan's cause, while in the north he linked up with Yuchi Tong. Yi divided his forces to suppress the rebels, and within a month had pacified them all. The emperor sent envoys to congratulate him in an unbroken stream of official visits, and gave his fifth daughter in marriage to Yi's son Fengxiao. He was soon appointed Grand Minister over the Masses. Yi, believing himself to share a long friendship with the emperor, gave him his wholehearted loyalty as well. When the Sui dynasty was founded, the emperor's favor toward him grew even deeper. The emperor visited his home in person and they shared the warmest companionship.

太常卿蘇威議，以為戶口滋多，人田不贍，欲減功臣之地以給人。誼奏曰：「百官者，曆世勳賢，方蒙爵土，一旦削之，未見其可。」帝以為然，竟寢威議。帝將幸岐州，諫曰：「陛下初臨萬國，人情未洽，何用此行。」上戲之曰：「吾昔與公位望齊等，一朝屈節為臣，或當恥愧，是行也，振揚威武，欲以服公心耳。」誼笑而退。尋奉使突厥。帝嘉其稱旨，進郢國公。

Minister of Ceremonies Su Wei proposed that as the population grew and commoners' fields could no longer sustain them, the lands granted to meritorious officials should be reduced and reallocated to the people. Yi submitted a memorial saying, "These officials are meritorious servants of the dynasty who have only just received titles and fiefs. To strip them away all at once—I cannot see how that would be right. The emperor agreed, and in the end Su Wei's proposal was set aside. When the emperor planned a visit to Qi Province, Yi remonstrated, "Your Majesty has only just ascended to rule the realm. The people's hearts are not yet fully won—what purpose would this journey serve? The emperor teased him, saying, "You and I were once equals in rank and standing. Now you have bent your will to serve as my subject—perhaps that still stings. This journey is meant to display imperial might and win your wholehearted submission." Yi smiled and withdrew. He was soon dispatched on a mission to the Turks. The emperor praised him for carrying out the mission to his satisfaction and promoted him to Duke of Ying State.

未幾，其子奉孝卒。逾年，誼上表言公主少，請除服。御史大夫楊素劾誼曰：「臣聞喪服有五，親疏異節；喪制有四，降殺殊文。王者之所常行，故曰不易之道也。而儀同王奉孝既尚蘭陵公主，以去年五月身喪，始經一周，而誼便請除釋。竊以雖曰王姬，終成下嫁之禮；公則主之，猶在移天之義。況復三年之喪，自上達下，及期釋服，在禮未詳。然夫婦之則，人倫攸始，喪紀之制，人道至大，苟不重之，取笑君子。故鑽燧改火，責以居喪之速；朝祥暮歌，譏以忘哀之早。然誼雖不自強，爵位已重，欲為無禮，其可得乎？乃薄俗傷教，為父則不慈；輕禮易喪，致婦於無義。若縱而不正，恐傷風俗。」有詔不問。然恩禮稍薄，誼頗怨望。

Before long his son Fengxiao died. A year later Yi submitted a memorial saying the princess was still young and asking that she be released from mourning. Censor-in-Chief Yang Su impeached Yi, saying, "I have heard that there are five grades of mourning garments, each with its own period according to the closeness of kinship; and that mourning regulations fall into four categories, each with descending gradations and its own prescribed form. These are what rulers are bound to observe, and are therefore called the unchanging Way. Yet Wang Fengxiao, a Director of the Department of State Affairs, having married Princess Lanling, lost his wife last May. Only one full year of mourning has passed, and already Yi has asked that she be released from it. I would submit that although she is a royal princess, in the end the rites of marriage into a subject's household still apply; and as for the duke, he remains her lord, and the principle that a wife's mourning follows her husband's house still holds. Moreover, for three-year mourning, from the highest to the lowest, release from mourning garments at the end of the prescribed period is nowhere clearly defined in the rites. The bond between husband and wife is where human relations begin, and mourning regulations are among the greatest obligations of human conduct. To treat them lightly is to invite the scorn of all right-minded men. That is why Zengzi was rebuked for changing mourning fires too soon—he had ended his mourning too quickly; and why Yan Yuan was mocked for singing at dawn on the day of the end-of-mourning sacrifice and again at dusk—he had forgotten his grief too soon. Yi may not be forcing the issue himself, but his rank and position are already exalted. To seek exemption from propriety—how can that be permitted? This is vulgar custom that corrupts moral teaching: as a father he shows no kindness; by treating the rites lightly and shortening mourning, he leaves his daughter-in-law without righteousness. If this is indulged and not corrected, I fear it will damage public morals. An edict was issued directing that the matter not be pursued. Yet imperial favor toward him gradually cooled, and Yi grew increasingly resentful.

或告誼謀反，帝令案其事。主者奏誼有不遜之言，實無反狀。帝賜酒而釋之。時上柱國元諧亦頗失意，誼數與往來，言論醜惡。胡僧告之。公卿奏誼大逆不道，罪當死。帝見誼，愴然曰：「朕與公舊同學，甚相憐憫，將奈國法何。」於是詔曰：「誼有周之世，早預人倫，朕共遊庠序，遂相親好。然性懷險薄，巫覡盈門，鬼言怪語，稱神道。朕受命之初，深存戒約，口雲改悔，心實不悛。乃說四天王神道，誼應受命，書有誼讖，天有誼星，桃、鹿二川，岐州之下，歲在辰巳，興帝王之業。密令卜問，伺殿省之災。又說其身是明王聖主。信用左道，所在詿誤。自言相表，當王不疑。此而赦之，將或為亂。禁暴除惡，宜伏國刑。」帝復令大理正趙綽謂誼曰：「時命如此，將若之何！」乃賜死于家，時年四十六。

Someone reported that Yi was plotting rebellion, and the emperor ordered an investigation. The investigating officials reported that Yi had spoken disrespectfully but showed no actual signs of rebellion. The emperor gave him wine and released him. At that time Yuan Xie, a Pillar of the State, was also deeply discontented. Yi frequently associated with him, and their conversations were ugly and seditious. A foreign monk reported them. The high officials reported that Yi's treason and unfilial conduct warranted death. When the emperor saw Yi, he said sorrowfully, "You and I were old schoolmates, and my heart goes out to you—but what can I do against the laws of the state? Thereupon an edict declared, "In the time of Zhou, Yi and I entered society together. We studied at the same academy and became close friends. Yet his nature was treacherous and shallow. Shamans and diviners filled his household, and ghostly talk and strange prophecies claimed the authority of the divine Way. When I first received the Mandate, I warned and restrained him deeply. His mouth promised repentance, but his heart never truly changed. He spoke of the divine Way of the Four Heavenly Kings and claimed that Yi was destined to receive the Mandate. Prophecies in writing named Yi; heaven held a star named for Yi. At the Peach and Deer Rivers below Qi Province, in the years of chen and si, he would raise an imperial enterprise. He secretly ordered divinations and watched for calamities in the palace offices. He also declared that he himself was a bright king and sage ruler. Trusting heterodox practices, he led people astray wherever he went. Judging by his own physiognomy, he declared that he was destined to become king without doubt. If such a man is pardoned, he may yet bring about rebellion. To restrain violence and root out evil, he should submit to the punishment of the state." The emperor again ordered Zhao Chuo, Chief Judge of the Court of Justice, to tell Yi, "Such is fate—what can be done!" He was then granted death at home, at the age of forty-six.

獨孤信，雲中人也，本名如願。魏初有四十六部，其先伏留屯者為部落大人，與魏俱起。祖俟尼，和平中，以良家子自雲中鎮武川，因家焉。父庫者，為領人酋長，少雄豪有節義，北州咸敬服之。信美容儀，善騎射。正光末，與賀拔度等同斬衛可瑰，由是知名。後為葛榮所獲。信既少年，自修飾服章，軍中號為獨孤郎。及爾硃氏破葛榮，以信為別將。從征韓婁，信匹馬挑戰，禽賊漁陽王袁肆周。後以破元顥黨，賜爵受德縣侯，遷武衛將軍。賀拔勝出鎮荊州，乃表信為大都督。及勝弟岳為侯莫陳悅所害，勝乃令信入關，撫岳餘眾。屬周文帝已統嶽兵，與信鄉里，少相友善，相見甚歡，因令信人洛請事。至雍州，大使元毗又遣信還荊州。尋征入朝，魏孝武雅相委任。

Dugu Xin was a native of Yunzhong. His original name was Ruyuan. At the founding of Wei there were forty-six tribal divisions. His ancestors, who had settled at Fuliutun, served as tribal chieftains and rose to power together with the Wei state. His grandfather Sini, during the Heping era, was posted from Yunzhong to garrison Wuchuan as a soldier from a respectable family and settled there. His father Kuze was a tribal chieftain. Bold and heroic from youth and possessed of a strong sense of honor, he was respected and obeyed throughout the northern provinces. Xin was handsome in bearing and skilled in horsemanship and archery. At the end of the Zhenguang era, he and Helba Du and others jointly beheaded Wei Kei, and thereby won renown. He was later captured by Ge Rong. Still a young man, he took care with his appearance and dress, and in the army he was known as Young Master Dugu. When the Erzhu clan defeated Ge Rong, Xin was appointed a separate commander. On campaign against Han Lou, Xin challenged the enemy alone on horseback and captured the bandit Prince of Yuyang, Yuan Sizhou. For his role in defeating the faction of Yuan Hao, he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Shoude County and promoted to General of the Military Guard. When Helba Sheng was posted to garrison Jing Province, he recommended Xin for appointment as Grand Commander. When Sheng's younger brother Yue was killed by Houmochen Yue, Sheng ordered Xin to enter the Guanzhong region and take command of Yue's remaining forces. By then Emperor Wen of Zhou had already assumed command of Yue's army. He and Xin came from the same region and had been friends since youth; delighted to see each other, he sent Xin to Luoyang to report on affairs. When he reached Yong Province, Grand Ambassador Yuan Pi sent him back to Jing Province. He was soon summoned to court, and Emperor Xiaowu of Wei placed great trust in him.

及孝武西遷，事起倉卒，信單騎及之於瀍澗。孝武歎曰：「武衛遂能辭父母，捐妻子從我，世亂識忠良，豈虛言哉！」進爵浮陽郡公。時荊州雖隱東魏，人心猶戀本朝，乃以信為衛大將軍、都督三荊州諸軍事，兼尚書右僕射、東南道行台、大都督、荊州刺史，以招懷之。既至，東魏刺史辛纂出戰，信縱兵擊纂，大敗之。都督楊忠等前驅斬纂，於是三荊遂定。

When Emperor Xiaowu fled west, the crisis erupted suddenly. Xin rode alone and caught up with him at Chan Stream. Emperor Xiaowu sighed and said, "The Military Guard was able to leave his parents and abandon wife and children to follow me—in times of chaos one truly learns who is loyal. That is no empty saying! He was promoted to Duke of Fuyang Commandery. Although Jing Province was then under Eastern Wei control, the people still yearned for the former dynasty. Xin was therefore appointed Grand General of the Guard, Commander of Military Affairs in the Three Jing Provinces, concurrently Vice Director of the Right in the Department of State Affairs, Commissioner of the Southeast Circuit, Grand Commander, and Governor of Jing Province, to win their loyalty. When he arrived, Eastern Wei Governor Xin Zuan came out to give battle. Xin unleashed his troops, attacked Zuan, and inflicted a crushing defeat. Commander Yang Zhong and others, leading the vanguard, beheaded Zuan, and the Three Jing provinces were thereby secured.

東魏又遣其將高敖曹、侯景等奄至。信以眾寡不敵，遂率麾下奔梁。居三載，梁武帝方許信還北。信父母既在山東，梁武帝問信所往，答以事君無二。梁武義之，禮送甚厚。大統三年至長安，以虧損國威，上書謝罪。魏文帝付尚書議之。七兵尚書、陳郡王玄等議，以為既經恩降，請赦罪復職。詔轉驃騎大將軍，加侍中、開府。尋拜領軍將軍。仍從復弘農，破沙苑，改封河內郡公。俘虜中有信親屬，始得父凶問，乃發喪行服。尋起為大都督，與馮翊王元季海入洛陽，潁、豫、襄、廣、陳留之地並款附。四年，東魏將侯景等圍洛陽，信據金墉城，隨方拒守然有餘日。及周文帝至瀍東，景等退走。信與李遠為右軍，戰不處，東魏遂有洛陽。六年，侯景寇荊州，周文令信與李弼出武關，景退。即以信為大使，尉撫三荊。尋除隴右十一州大都督、秦州刺史。先是守宰闇弱，政令乖方，人有冤訟，歷年不能斷決。及信在州，事無擁滯。示以禮教，勸以耕桑，數年之中，公私富實，流人願附者數萬家。周文以其信著遐邇，故賜名為信。七年，岷州刺史赤水蕃王梁ＧＣ定舉兵反，詔信討之。ＧＣ定尋為其部下所殺，而ＧＣ定子弟仍收其餘眾。信乃勒兵向萬年，頓三交穀口。賊並力拒守。信因詭道趣稠松嶺。賊不虞信兵之至，望風奔潰。乘勝逐北，徑至城下，賊並出降。加授太子太保。

Eastern Wei sent its generals Gao Aocao, Hou Jing, and others, who suddenly arrived. Finding his forces too few to match the enemy, Xin led his followers and fled to Liang. After three years, Emperor Wu of Liang finally permitted Xin to return to the north. Since Xin's parents were in Shandong, Emperor Wu of Liang asked where he intended to go. He answered that in serving one's lord there could be no second allegiance. Emperor Wu of Liang admired his loyalty and sent him off with great honor. In the third year of Datong he reached Chang'an and, having diminished the state's prestige, submitted a memorial asking forgiveness. Emperor Wen of Wei referred the matter to the Department of State Affairs for deliberation. Minister of the Seven Armies Prince Xuan of Chen Commandery and others held that, since he had already been shown imperial grace in being permitted to return, his crime should be pardoned and his office restored. An edict transferred him to General of Agile Cavalry and additionally appointed him Palace Attendant and Director of the Department of State Affairs. He was soon appointed General of the Palace Guard. He then took part in the recapture of Hongnong and the Battle of Shayuan, and was re-enfeoffed as Duke of Henei Commandery. Among the captives were Xin's relatives, and only then did he receive word of his father's death. He began mourning and donned mourning garments. He was soon recalled to serve as Grand Commander and entered Luoyang with Prince Yuan Jihai of Fengyi. The regions of Ying, Yu, Xiang, Guang, and Chenliu all submitted in good faith. In the fourth year, Eastern Wei generals Hou Jing and others besieged Luoyang. Xin held Jinyong City and resisted from every direction for many days. When Emperor Wen of Zhou reached the east bank of the Chan River, Hou Jing and the others withdrew. Xin and Li Yuan commanded the right wing, but could not prevail in battle, and Eastern Wei then took Luoyang. In the sixth year, Hou Jing raided Jing Province. Emperor Wen ordered Xin and Li Bi to march out through Wuguan Pass, and Hou Jing withdrew. He was then appointed Grand Ambassador to comfort and pacify the Three Jing provinces. He was soon appointed Grand Commander of the Eleven Provinces of Longyou and Governor of Qin Province. Previously the governors and magistrates had been weak and incompetent, government orders had been misapplied, and lawsuits could go unresolved for years. Once Xin took office in the province, no affairs were blocked or delayed. He displayed the teachings of ritual and encouraged farming and sericulture. Within a few years both public and private stores were rich and full, and tens of thousands of refugee families wished to settle under his jurisdiction. Emperor Wen, because his trustworthiness was known near and far, granted him the name Xin, "Trust." In the seventh year, Liang Ding, king of the Chishui tribes in Min Province, raised troops in rebellion, and an edict ordered Xin to suppress him. Liang Ding was soon killed by his subordinates, but his younger kinsmen still gathered his remaining followers. Xin then led his troops toward Wannian and encamped at the mouth of Sanjiao Valley. The rebels combined their strength to resist and defend. Xin then took a deceptive route toward Chousong Ridge. The rebels did not expect Xin's troops to arrive and fled in rout at the sight of them. Pressing the victory in pursuit, he went straight to the city walls, and the rebels all came out to surrender. He was additionally appointed Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince.

芒山之戰，大軍不利。信與于謹帥散卒自後擊之，齊神武追騎驚擾，國因此得全。及涼州刺史宇文仲和據州不受代，周文令信率開府怡峰討之。仲和嬰城固守，信夜令諸將以沖梯攻其東北，信親率壯士襲其西南，達明克之。禽仲和，虜其六千戶送于長安。拜大司馬。十三年，大軍南討。時以蠕蠕為寇，令信移鎮河陽。十四年，進位柱國大將軍，錄前後功，增封，聽回授諸子。於是第二子善，封魏寧縣公；第三子穆，必要縣侯；第四子藏，義甯縣侯，邑各一千戶。第五子順，武成縣侯；第六子陀，建忠縣伯，邑各五百戶。信在隴右歲久，啟求還朝，周文不許。或有自東魏來者，又告其母凶問，信發喪行服。信陳哀苦，請終禮制，又不許。於是追贈信父庫者司空公，追封信母費連氏常山郡君。十六年，遷尚書令。六官建，拜大司馬。

At the Battle of Mangshan the main army was defeated. Xin and Yu Jin led scattered soldiers to strike from the rear. Gao Huan's pursuing cavalry were thrown into alarm and confusion, and the state was thereby preserved. When Governor of Liang Province Yuwen Zhonghe held the province and refused to accept replacement, Emperor Wen ordered Xin to lead Director of the Department of State Affairs Yi Feng to suppress him. Zhonghe defended the city obstinately. At night Xin ordered his generals to attack the northeast with scaling ladders while he personally led picked warriors to assault the southwest. At dawn the city fell. He captured Zhonghe and took six thousand households captive, sending them to Chang'an. He was appointed Grand Marshal. In the thirteenth year the main army marched south on campaign. Because the Rouran were raiding at that time, Xin was ordered to transfer his garrison to Heyang. In the fourteenth year he was promoted to Pillar of the State and Grand General. His past and present merits were recorded, his fief was increased, and he was permitted to transfer portions to his sons. Thereupon his second son Shan was enfeoffed as Duke of Weining County; his third son Mu as Marquis of Biyao County; his fourth son Zang as Marquis of Yining County, each with a fief of one thousand households. his fifth son Shun as Marquis of Wucheng County; his sixth son Tuo as Viscount of Jianzhong County, each with a fief of five hundred households. Xin had long served in Longyou and repeatedly petitioned to return to court, but Emperor Wen would not permit it. Some who came from Eastern Wei also brought word of his mother's death, and Xin began mourning and donned mourning garments. Xin stated his grief and anguish and asked to complete the full mourning rites, but again was not permitted. Thereupon his father Kuze was posthumously granted Duke of Works, and his mother Lady Feilian was posthumously granted Lady of Changshan Commandery. In the sixteenth year he was transferred to Director of the Department of State Affairs. When the Six Offices were established, he was appointed Grand Marshal.

周孝閔帝踐阼，遷大宗伯，進封衛國公，邑萬戶。趙貴誅後，信以同謀坐免。居無幾，晉公護又欲殺之，以其名望素重，不欲顯其罪過，逼令自盡于家，時年五十五。

When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou ascended the throne, Xin was transferred to Grand Minister of the Ancestors and promoted to Duke of Wei State with a fief of ten thousand households. After Zhao Gui was executed, Xin was dismissed from office for complicity in the plot. Before long Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu again wished to kill him. Because his fame and standing had long been great, Hu did not wish to expose his crimes openly and forced him to take his own life at home. He was fifty-five years old.

信美風度，雅有奇謀大略。周文初啟霸業，唯有關中之地，以隴右形勝，故委信鎮之。既為百姓所懷，聲震鄰國。東魏將侯景之南奔梁也，魏收為檄梁文，矯稱信據隴右，不從宇文氏，乃云「無關西之憂」，欲以委梁人也。又信在秦州，嘗因獵日暮，馳馬入城，其帽微側，詰旦而吏人有戴帽者，咸慕信而側帽焉。其為鄰境及士庶所重如此。

Xin had a fine bearing and elegant manner, and possessed remarkable stratagems and broad plans. When Emperor Wen first began his hegemonic enterprise, he held only the lands of Guanzhong. Because Longyou was strategically vital terrain, he entrusted Xin to garrison it. He was cherished by the common people, and his reputation resounded in neighboring states. When the Eastern Wei general Hou Jing fled south to Liang, Wei Shou wrote a proclamation to Liang falsely claiming that Xin held Longyou and would not follow the Yuwen clan, saying there was "no worry about the lands west of the passes," intending to make the Liang people trust Hou Jing. Also, when Xin was in Qin Province, once while hunting at dusk he galloped into the city with his cap slightly askew. By the next morning all the clerks and commoners who wore caps were imitating him and wearing their caps askew. Such was the esteem in which he was held by neighboring territories and by gentry and commoners alike.

子羅，先在東魏，乃以次子善為嗣。及齊平，羅至而善卒，又以羅主嗣。信長女周明敬後，第四女元貞後，第七女隋文獻後。周、隋及皇家三代皆為外戚，自古以來，未之有也。隋文帝踐極，乃下詔褒贈信太師、上柱國、十州諸軍事、冀州刺史，封趙國公，邑一萬戶，諡曰恭，信母費連氏贈太尉趙恭公夫人。

His son Luo was still in Eastern Wei, so his second son Shan was made heir. When Northern Qi was pacified, Luo arrived, but Shan had already died, so Luo was again made principal heir. Xin's eldest daughter became Empress Mingjing; his fourth daughter became Empress Yuanzhen; his seventh daughter became Empress Wenxian. The Zhou, Sui, and imperial houses of three dynasties were all connected by marriage through his daughters—such a thing had never existed since ancient times. When Emperor Wen of Sui ascended the throne, he issued an edict praising and posthumously granting Xin the titles of Grand Preceptor, Pillar of the State, Commander of Military Affairs in Ten Provinces, and Governor of Ji Province, enfeoffed him as Duke of Zhao State with a fief of ten thousand households and the posthumous name Gong, "Respectful," and posthumously granted Xin's mother Lady Feilian the title Lady of Grand Commandant Duke of Zhao State.

羅，字羅仁。父信隨魏孝武入關中，羅遂為高氏所囚。及信為宇文護誅，羅始見釋。寓居中山，孤貧無以自給。齊將獨孤永業以宗族故，哀之，為買田宅，遺以資畜。

Luo, courtesy name Luoren. When his father Xin followed Emperor Xiaowu of Wei into Guanzhong, Luo was taken prisoner by the Gao clan. When Xin was executed by Yuwen Hu, Luo was finally released. He lived in Zhongshan, alone and poor, with no means to support himself. The Qi general Dugu Yongye, out of clan sympathy, took pity on him, bought him fields and a house, and gave him livestock and supplies.

初，信入關後，復娶二妻。郭氏生子六人，善、穆、藏、順、陀、整；崔氏生隋獻皇后。及齊亡，隋文帝為定州總管，獻皇后遣人求羅，得之。相見悲不自勝，侍御者皆泣。於是厚遺車馬財物。未幾，周武帝以羅功臣子，久淪異域，徵拜楚安郡太守。以疾去官，歸京師。諸弟見羅少長貧賤，每輕侮，不以兄禮事之。然性長者，亦不與諸弟校競長短。後由是重之。

After Xin entered the Guanzhong region, he took two more wives. Lady Guo bore six sons: Shan, Mu, Zang, Shun, Tuo, and Zheng; Lady Cui bore the Empress Wenxian of Sui. When Northern Qi fell, Emperor Wen of Sui was Area Commander of Ding Province. Empress Wenxian sent people to seek out Luo and found him. When they met, their grief was beyond bearing, and all those in attendance wept. The empress then gave him a generous gift of carriages, horses, and other valuables. Before long Emperor Wu of Zhou, noting that Luo was the son of a meritorious minister who had long languished in foreign territory, summoned him and appointed him Governor of Chu'an Commandery. He resigned his office due to illness and returned to the capital. His younger brothers, knowing he had grown up in poverty and low station, often treated him with contempt and did not show him the respect due an elder brother. Yet by nature he was forbearing and did not quarrel with his younger brothers over petty slights. After that they came to respect him.

文帝為丞相，拜羅儀同，常置左右。既受禪，詔追贈羅父。其諸弟以羅母沒齊，先無夫人號，不當承襲。上以問後，後曰：「羅誠嫡長，不可誣也。」於是襲爵趙國公。以其弟善為河內郡公，穆為金泉縣公，藏為武平縣公，陀為武喜縣公，整為千牛備身。擢拜羅為左領左右將軍，遷左衛將軍，前後賞賜不可勝計。出為涼州總管，進位上柱國，徵拜左武衛大將軍。煬帝嗣位，改封蜀國公。未幾卒官，諡曰恭。

When Emperor Wen was Chancellor, he appointed Luo Director of the Department of State Affairs and kept him constantly at his side. After founding the dynasty, the emperor issued an edict posthumously honoring Luo's father. His younger brothers argued that because Luo's mother had died in Qi and had never held the title of Lady, he was not entitled to inherit the ducal line. The emperor asked the empress, who replied, "Luo is truly the legitimate eldest son. That cannot be denied. Thereupon he inherited the title of Duke of Zhao State. His younger brother Shan was made Duke of Henei Commandery, Mu Duke of Jinquan County, Zang Duke of Wuping County, Tuo Duke of Wuxi County, and Zheng a Guard of the Thousand-Ox Guard of the Body. Luo was promoted to General of the Left Guard of the Left and Right, then transferred to General of the Left Guard. The rewards he received before and after were beyond counting. He was posted as Area Commander of Liang Province, promoted to Pillar of the State, and then summoned to serve as Grand General of the Left Military Guard. When Emperor Yang succeeded to the throne, Luo was re-enfeoffed as Duke of Shu State. Before long he died in office and was given the posthumous name Gong, "Respectful."

子纂嗣，位河陽都尉。

His son Zuan succeeded to the line and served as Commandant of Heyang.

纂弟武都，大業末，亦為河陽都尉。

Zuan's younger brother Wudu also served as Commandant of Heyang at the end of the Daye era.

庶長子開遠。宇文化及之弑逆也，裴虔通率賊入成象殿，宿衛兵士皆從逆。開遠時為千牛，與獨孤盛力戰合下，為賊所執，賊義而舍之。

His eldest son by a concubine was Kaiyuan. When Yuwen Huaji murdered the emperor, Pei Qiantong led the rebels into Chengxian Hall, and the palace guard soldiers all joined the rebellion. Kaiyuan was then in the Thousand-Ox Guard. He and Dugu Sheng fought fiercely on the steps below the hall, were seized by the rebels, and the rebels, admiring their courage, released them.

善字伏陀。幼聰慧，善騎射，以父勳，封魏寧縣公。魏廢帝元年，又以父勳，授驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，加侍中，進爵長城郡公。周孝閔帝踐阼，除河州刺史。以父負釁，久廢於家。保定三年，乃授龍州刺史。天和六年，襲爵河內郡公。從帝東討，以功授上開府。尋除兗州刺史，政在簡惠，百姓安之。卒於州，贈持節、柱國、五州諸軍事、定州刺史。

Shan, courtesy name Futo. Clever from childhood and skilled in horsemanship and archery, he was enfeoffed as Duke of Weining County on account of his father's merit. In the first year of Emperor Fei of Wei, again on account of his father's merit he was granted General of Agile Cavalry, Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, additionally appointed Palace Attendant, and promoted to Duke of Changcheng Commandery. When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou ascended the throne, he was appointed Governor of He Province. Because his father had been implicated in guilt, he was kept idle at home for a long time. In the third year of Baoding he was appointed Governor of Long Province. In the sixth year of Tianhe he inherited the title of Duke of Henei Commandery. On the eastern campaign he followed the emperor and, for his merit, was granted Senior Director of the Department of State Affairs. He was soon appointed Governor of Yan Province. His government was simple and benevolent, and the people lived in peace. He died in office and was posthumously granted the titles of Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Pillar of the State, Commander of Military Affairs in Five Provinces, and Governor of Ding Province.

子覽嗣，位右候衛大將軍。大業末卒。

His son Lan succeeded to the line and served as Grand General of the Right Guard of the Rear. He died at the end of the Daye era.

陀字黎邪。仕周，胥附上士。坐父徙蜀十餘年，宇文護誅，始歸長安。隋文帝禪，拜上開府、領左右將軍，累轉延州刺史。

Tuo, courtesy name Lixie. Under Zhou he served as Senior Attendant of the Palace Attendants. Because of his father's guilt he was exiled to Shu for more than ten years. After Yuwen Hu was executed, he finally returned to Chang'an. When Emperor Wen of Sui founded the dynasty, Tuo was appointed Senior Director of the Department of State Affairs and General of the Left and Right Guards, and later served as Governor of Yan Province.

陀性好左道，其外祖母高氏先事貓鬼，已殺其舅郭沙羅，因轉入其家。上微聞而不信。會獻皇后及楊素妻鄭氏俱有疾，召醫視之，皆曰：「此貓鬼疾。」上以陀，後之異母弟，陀妻，楊素之異母妹，由是意陀所為。陰令其兄左監門郎將穆以情喻之，上又避左右諷陀，陀言無有。上不說，左轉遷州刺史。出怨言，上令左僕射高熲、納言蘇威、大理正皇甫孝緒、大理丞楊遠等雜案之。陀婢徐阿尼言：本從陀母家來，常事貓鬼，每以子日夜祀之。言子者鼠也。其貓鬼每殺人者，所死家財物潛移於畜貓鬼家。陀嘗從家中索酒，其妻曰：「無錢可酤。」陀因謂阿尼曰：「可令貓鬼向越公家，使我足錢。」阿尼便咒之，居數日，貓鬼向素家。後上初從并州還，陀於園中謂阿尼曰：「可令貓鬼向皇后所，使多賜吾物。」阿尼復咒之，遂入宮中。楊遠乃于門下外省遣阿尼呼貓鬼，阿尼於是夜中置香粥一盆，以匙扣而呼曰：「貓女可來，無住宮中。」久之，阿尼色正青，若被牽拽者，雲貓鬼已到。上以其事下公卿。奇章公牛弘曰：「妖由人興，殺其人，可以絕矣。」上令犢車載陀夫妻，將賜死於其家。陀弟司勳侍中整詣闕求哀，於是免陀死，除名，以其妻楊氏為尼。先是有人訟其母為人貓鬼所殺者，上以為妖妄，怒而遣之。及此，詔誅被訟行貓鬼家。陀未幾而卒，

Tuo by nature favored heterodox practices. His maternal grandmother Lady Gao had first served the cat ghost, had already used it to kill his maternal uncle Guo Shaluo, and the practice then passed into his household. The emperor heard faint rumors but did not believe them. When Empress Wenxian and Yang Su's wife Lady Zheng both fell ill, physicians were summoned and all declared, "This is cat-ghost sickness. The emperor noted that Tuo was the empress's younger half-brother and that Tuo's wife was Yang Su's younger half-sister, and therefore suspected Tuo. Secretly he had Tuo's elder brother Mu, Colonel of the Left Gate Guard, reason with him privately. The emperor also hinted to Tuo when no one else was present, but Tuo denied everything. The emperor was displeased and demoted him to Governor of Qian Province. He uttered resentful words, and the emperor ordered Vice Director of the Left Gao Jiong, Chief Counselor Su Wei, Chief Judge Huangfu Xiaoxu, Assistant Judge Yang Yuan, and others to investigate the case jointly. Tuo's maid Xu Ani testified that she had originally come from Tuo's mother's household, had constantly served the cat ghost, and every night sacrificed rats to it. By "children" she meant rats. Whenever the cat ghost killed someone, the wealth of the dead person's household was secretly transferred to the household that kept the cat ghost. Tuo once asked for wine at home. His wife said, "There is no money to buy any. Tuo then told Ani, "Send the cat ghost to the Duke of Yue's household and get me enough money." Ani cast the spell, and within a few days the cat ghost went to Yang Su's household. Later, when the emperor had just returned from Bing Province, Tuo told Ani in the garden, "Send the cat ghost to the empress's quarters and make her bestow many gifts on me. Ani cast the spell again, and the cat ghost entered the palace. Yang Yuan then had Ani summoned from the Outer Secretariat to call the cat ghost. That night Ani placed a bowl of fragrant porridge, tapped it with a spoon, and called out, "Cat girl, you may come—do not remain in the palace. After a long while Ani's face turned blue-green, as if she were being pulled and dragged, and she declared that the cat ghost had arrived. The emperor referred the matter to the high officials. Niu Hong of Qizhang said, "Evil arises through men. Kill the man and the evil can be ended. The emperor ordered an ox cart to carry Tuo and his wife home, where they were to be granted death. Tuo's younger brother Zheng, Palace Attendant in the Ministry of Merit, went to the palace gate to beg for mercy. Tuo was spared death but struck from the rolls, and his wife Lady Yang was made a nun. Previously someone had sued, claiming his mother was killed by another person's cat ghost. The emperor considered this superstitious nonsense, grew angry, and dismissed the case. Now an edict ordered the execution of the household accused of keeping the cat ghost. Tuo died before long,

煬帝即位，追念舅氏，聽以禮葬。乃下詔贈正義大夫。帝意猶不已，復贈銀青光祿大夫。二子，延福、延壽。

When Emperor Yang ascended the throne, remembering his maternal uncle, he permitted a proper burial. An edict was then issued posthumously granting him the title Grand Master of Righteousness. The emperor's feelings were still not satisfied, and he additionally granted him the title Grand Master of Splendid Brightness with the Silver Seal. He had two sons: Yanfu and Yanshou.

陀弟整，位幽州刺史。大業初，贈金紫光祿大夫、平鄉侯。

Tuo's younger brother Zheng served as Governor of You Province. At the beginning of the Daye era he was posthumously granted Grand Master of Splendid Brightness with the Gold Seal and Marquis of Pingxiang.

竇熾，字光成，扶風平陵人，後漢大鴻臚章之後也。章子統，靈帝時為雁門太守，避竇武之難，亡奔匈奴，遂為部落大人。後魏南徙，子孫因家代，賜姓紇豆陵氏。累世仕魏，皆至大官。父略，平遠將軍，以熾著勳，贈少保、住國大將軍、建昌公。熾性嚴明，有謀略，美須髯，身長八尺二寸。少從范陽祁忻受《毛詩》、《左氏春秋》，略通大義。善騎射，膂力過人。魏正光末，北鎮擾亂，乃隨略避地定州，投葛榮。榮欲官略，略不受。榮疑其有異志，遂留略于冀州，將熾及熾兄善隨軍。及爾硃榮破葛榮，熾乃將家隨榮於并州。時葛榮別帥韓婁等據薊城不下，以熾為都督，從驃騎將軍侯深討之。熾手斬婁，以功拜揚烈將軍。

Dou Chi, courtesy name Guangcheng, was a native of Pingling in Fufeng and a descendant of Zhang, Grand Minister of State under Later Han. Zhang's son Zitong served as Governor of Yanmen under Emperor Ling. Fleeing the disaster of Dou Wu, he took refuge with the Xiongnu and became a tribal chieftain. When Northern Wei moved south, his descendants settled in Dai and were granted the surname Gedouling. For generations they served Wei and all rose to high office. His father Lue was General of Pacifying the Distance. Because of Chi's outstanding merit he was posthumously granted Junior Tutor, Pillar of the State Grand General, and Duke of Jianchang. Chi was stern and clear-minded by nature, possessed of stratagems, handsome of beard, and stood eight feet two inches tall. In youth he studied the Mao Odes and Zuo's Spring and Autumn Annals under Qi Xin of Fanyang and gained a general understanding of their meaning. He was skilled in horsemanship and archery, and his physical strength surpassed that of ordinary men. At the end of the Zhenguang era, when the northern garrisons were in turmoil, he followed his father Lue to take refuge in Ding Province and joined Ge Rong. Ge Rong wished to give Lue an office, but Lue refused. Ge Rong suspected he harbored a different allegiance and therefore kept Lue in Ji Province while taking Chi and Chi's elder brother Shan with the army. When Erzhu Rong defeated Ge Rong, Chi brought his family and followed Rong to Bing Province. At that time Ge Rong's subordinate commander Han Lou and others held Ji City and would not submit. Chi was made Commander and followed General of Agile Cavalry Hou Shen to suppress them. Chi personally beheaded Han Lou and, for his merit, was appointed General Who Displays Fury.

大統元年，別封真定縣公。從周文帝禽竇泰，復弘農，破沙苑，皆有功。河橋之戰，諸將退走，熾時獨從兩騎，為敵人追至芒山。熾乃下馬，背山抗之。俄而敵眾漸多，矢下如雨，熾騎士所執弓，並為敵人所射破。熾乃總收其箭以射之，所中人馬，應弦而倒。敵乃相謂曰：「得此三人，未足為功。」乃稍引退。熾因其怠，遂突圍得出。又從太保李弼討白額稽胡，破之。

In the first year of Datong he was separately enfeoffed as Duke of Zhending County. Following Emperor Wen of Zhou he helped capture Dou Tai, recapture Hongnong, and win at Shayuan, distinguishing himself in each. At the Battle of Heqiao the generals retreated, and Chi was left alone with two horsemen, pursued by the enemy all the way to Mangshan. Chi dismounted, backed against the mountain, and made his stand. Before long the enemy grew steadily more numerous, arrows fell like rain, and the bows held by Chi's horsemen were all shot through by the enemy. Chi then gathered the fallen arrows and shot them back. Every man and horse he hit fell at the twang of the bowstring. The enemy then said to one another, "To capture these three men would not be worth the effort. They then gradually withdrew. Taking advantage of their slackness, Chi broke through the encirclement and escaped. He again followed Grand Tutor Li Bi to suppress the White-Forehead Jiehu and defeated them.

高仲密以北豫州來，熾從周文援之。至洛陽，會東魏人據芒山為陣，周文命留輜于瀍曲，率輕騎奮擊，中軍與右軍大破之，悉虜其步卒。熾獨追至石濟而還。大統十三年，進使持節、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，加侍中。出為涇州刺史，蒞職數年，政號清靜。改封安武縣公。

When Gao Zhongmi defected with Northern Yu Province, Chi followed Emperor Wen to aid him. When they reached Luoyang, Eastern Wei forces had taken up a battle formation on Mangshan. Emperor Wen left the baggage at Chan Bend, led light cavalry in a fierce attack, and the center and right armies inflicted a crushing defeat and captured all their infantry. Chi alone pursued as far as Shiji and then returned. In the thirteenth year of Datong he was promoted to Bearer of the Staff of Authority, General of Agile Cavalry, Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, and additionally appointed Palace Attendant. He was posted as Governor of Jing Province, and during several years in office his government was renowned for its purity and tranquility. He was re-enfeoffed as Duke of Anwu County.

魏廢帝元年，除原州刺史。熾抑挫豪右，申理幽滯，在州十載，甚有政績。州城北有泉水，熾屢經遊踐，嘗與僚吏宴於泉側，因酌水自飲，曰：「吾在此州，唯當飲水而已。」及去職後，人吏感其遺惠，每至此泉者，莫不懷之。恭帝元年，進爵廣武郡公。屬蠕蠕寇廣武，熾與柱國趙貴分路討之。蠕蠕引退，熾度河至麹伏川追及，大破之。武成二年，拜柱國大將軍。周明帝以熾前朝舊臣，勳望兼重，欲獨為造第。熾辭以天下未平，干戈未偃，不宜輒發徒役，周明不許。尋而帝崩，事方得寢。

In the first year of Emperor Fei of Wei he was appointed Governor of Yuan Province. Chi restrained the powerful gentry, cleared up long-delayed cases, and during ten years in the province achieved outstanding administrative results. North of the provincial city there was a spring that Chi often visited. Once, feasting with his staff beside the spring, he poured water and drank, saying, "In this province I should drink only water. After he left office, officials and commoners, moved by his lingering kindness, never failed to remember him whenever they came to this spring. In the first year of Emperor Gong he was promoted to Duke of Guangwu Commandery. When the Rouran raided Guangwu, Chi and Zhao Gui, Pillar of the State, took separate routes to suppress them. The Rouran withdrew. Chi crossed the river, pursued them to Qufu River, and inflicted a crushing defeat. In the second year of Wucheng he was appointed Pillar of the State and Grand General. Emperor Ming of Zhou, because Chi was an old minister of the former dynasty whose merit and renown were both great, wished to build a residence for him alone. Chi declined, saying the realm was not yet pacified and arms had not yet been laid aside, and that it was inappropriate to mobilize laborers. Emperor Ming did not agree. Before long the emperor died and the matter was finally dropped.

熾既朝之元老，名望素隆，至於軍國大謀，常與參議。嘗有疾，周武帝幸其第問之，因賜金石之樂。其見禮如此。帝於大德殿將謀伐齊，熾年已衰老，乃扼腕曰：「臣雖朽邁，請執幹櫓，首啟戎行。得一睹誅翦鯨鯢，廓清寰宇，省方觀俗，登嶽告成，然後歸魂泉壤，無復餘恨。」帝壯其志節，遂以熾第二子武當公恭為左二軍總管。齊平之後，帝乃召熾曆觀相州宮殿。熾拜賀曰：「陛下真不負先帝矣。」帝大悅，進位上柱國。

Chi was an elder statesman of the court whose renown had long been exalted, and he was constantly consulted on great plans of state and army. Once when he fell ill, Emperor Wu of Zhou visited his residence to inquire after him and granted him bell and stone music. Such was the honor shown him. When the emperor at Dade Hall was planning to campaign against Qi, Chi, already old and frail, clenched his wrist and said, "Though I am decayed and aged, I ask to take up shield and spear and lead the army on campaign. To see once the destruction of great evils, the clearing of the realm, inspection of the regions and observation of customs, ascent of the sacred peak and announcement of completion, and then return my soul to the grave with no remaining regret. The emperor admired his resolve and therefore made Chi's second son Gong, Duke of Wudang, Commander of the Left Second Army. After Qi was pacified, the emperor summoned Chi to tour the palaces of Xiang Province. Chi bowed in congratulation and said, "Your Majesty has truly not failed the former emperor. The emperor was greatly pleased and promoted him to Pillar of the State.

宣政元年，兼雍州牧。及周宣營建東京，以熾為京洛營作大監，宮苑制度，皆取決焉。大象初，改食樂陵縣，邑戶如舊。隋文帝入輔政，停洛陽宮作，熾請入朝。屬尉遲迥舉兵，熾乃移入金墉，與洛州刺史、平涼西元亨同心固守，仍權行洛陽鎮事。相州平，熾方入朝。屬文帝初為相國，百僚皆勸進，自以累世受恩，遂不肯署箋，時人綿高其節。及帝踐極，拜太傅，加殊禮，贊拜不名。開皇四年八月薨，時年七十八。贈八州諸軍事、冀州刺史，諡曰恭。

In the first year of Xuanzheng he additionally served as Governor of Yong Province. When Emperor Xuan of Zhou built the Eastern Capital, Chi was made Grand Supervisor of Capital and Luoyang Construction, and the regulations for palaces and gardens were all decided by him. At the beginning of Daxiang his fief income was changed to Leling County with the same number of households as before. When Emperor Wen of Sui entered to assist in government, construction of the Luoyang palace was halted and Chi requested to enter court. When Yuchi Tong raised troops, Chi moved into Jinyong and, together with Governor of Luo Province Yuan Heng of Pingliang West, defended with united resolve, temporarily administering Luoyang garrison affairs. When Xiang Province was pacified, Chi finally entered court. When Emperor Wen had just become Chancellor, all the officials urged him to ascend the throne. Chi, considering that his family had received grace across generations, refused to sign the memorial, and people of the time highly praised his integrity. When the emperor ascended the throne, Chi was appointed Grand Tutor with special honors and was not called by name in audience. In the eighth month of the fourth year of Kaihuang he died at the age of seventy-eight. He was posthumously granted Commander of Military Affairs in Eight Provinces and Governor of Ji Province, with the posthumous name Gong, "Respectful."

熾事親孝，奉諸兄以悌順聞。及其望位隆重，而子孫皆處列位，遂為當時盛族。

Chi was filial toward his parents and was known for deferential obedience to his elder brothers. When his rank and standing became exalted and his descendants all held prominent positions, his family became one of the great clans of the age.

子茂嗣。茂有弟十三人，恭、威最知名。

His son Mao succeeded to the line. Mao had thirteen younger brothers; Gong and Wei were the most renowned.

恭位至大將軍。從周武平齊，封贊國公，除西兗州總管，以罪賜死。

Gong rose to the rank of Grand General. Following Emperor Wu of Zhou in the pacification of Qi, he was enfeoffed as Duke of Zan State and appointed Area Commander of Western Yan Province, then granted death for his crime.

熾兄善，以中軍大都督、南城公從魏孝武西遷，仕至太僕、衛尉卿、汾北華瀛三州刺史、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、永富縣公，諡曰忠。子榮定嗣。

Chi's elder brother Shan, as Grand Commander of the Central Army and Duke of Nancheng, followed Emperor Xiaowu of Wei west. He served as Grand Coachman, Minister of the Guard, Governor of the Three Provinces of Fenbei, Hua, and Ying, General of Agile Cavalry, Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, and Duke of Yongfu County, with the posthumous name Zhong, "Loyal." His son Rongding succeeded to the line.

榮定沉深有器局，容貌魁偉，美須髯，便弓馬。初為魏文帝千牛備身，周文帝見而奇之，授平東將軍，賜爵宜君縣子。後從周文與齊人戰於北芒，周師不利，榮定與汝南公宇文神慶帥精騎擊卻齊師。以功拜上儀同。尋復以軍功進位開府。襲爵永富縣公，除忠州刺史。從平齊，加上開府，拜前將軍、佽飛中大夫。

Rongding was deep and steady with breadth of vision. He was imposing in appearance, handsome of beard, and skilled in archery and horsemanship. At first he served as a Guard of the Thousand-Ox Guard of the Body for Emperor Wen of Wei. Emperor Wen of Zhou saw him and was impressed, appointing him General of Pacifying the East and enfeoffing him as Viscount of Yijun County. Later he followed Emperor Wen in battle against Qi at Beimang. The Zhou army was unsuccessful, but Rongding together with Yuwen Shenqing, Duke of Runan, led picked cavalry and drove back the Qi army. For his merit he was appointed Senior Director of the Department of State Affairs. He was soon promoted again for military merit to Director of the Department of State Affairs. He inherited the title of Duke of Yongfu County and was appointed Governor of Zhong Province. Following the pacification of Qi, he was additionally granted Senior Director of the Department of State Affairs and appointed Forward General and Grand Master of the Flying Cavalry Guard.

其妻，則隋文帝長姊安成長公主也，文帝少與之情契甚厚。榮定亦知帝有人君之表，尤相推結。及帝作相，領左右宮伯，使鎮守天臺，總統露門內兩廂仗衛，常宿禁中。遇尉遲迥初平，朝廷頗以山東為意，拜榮定為洛州總管以鎮之。前後賜縑四千匹、西涼女樂一部。及受禪，來朝，賜馬三百匹、部曲八十戶遣之。坐事除名。公主曰：「天子姊乃作田舍兒妻！」上不得已，尋拜右武候大將軍。上數幸其第，恩錫甚厚，每令尚食局日供羊一口，珍味稱是。以佐命功，拜上柱國。

His wife was the elder sister of Emperor Wen of Sui, Princess Anchang, with whom the emperor had been deeply close from youth. Rongding also recognized that the emperor bore the countenance of a ruler and formed an especially close bond with him. When the emperor became Chancellor, Rongding served as Palace Attendant of the Left and Right and was sent to garrison Tiantai, commanding the guard of the two wings of the Lumen Gate within the palace and regularly staying in the forbidden quarters. When Yuchi Tong had just been pacified, the court was much concerned about Shandong and appointed Rongding Area Commander of Luo Province to garrison the region. Before and after he was granted four thousand bolts of silk and a set of Western Liang female musicians. When the dynasty was founded, he came to court and was granted three hundred horses and eighty households of retainers before being sent back. For an offense his name was struck from the rolls. The princess said, "The emperor's elder sister reduced to a peasant's wife! The emperor had no choice. Soon Rongding was appointed Grand General of the Right Military Guard. The emperor frequently visited his residence and bestowed favor very generously, ordering the Imperial Kitchen daily to supply one sheep and delicacies in proportion. For his merit in assisting the founding of the dynasty, he was appointed Pillar of the State.

歷位甯州刺史、右武候大將軍、秦州總管，賜吳樂一部。突厥沙缽略寇邊，為行軍元帥，率總管出涼州。與虜戰于高越原，兩軍相持，地無水，士卒渴甚，至刺馬血而飲，死者十二三。榮定仰天太息，俄而澍雨，軍復振。於是進擊，數挫其鋒，突厥憚之，請盟而去。賜縑萬匹，進爵安豐郡公，復封子憲為安康郡公，賜縑五千匹。歲餘，拜右武衛大將軍。帝欲以為三公，榮定上書固辭，陳畏懼之道，帝乃止。前後賞賜不可勝計。及卒，帝為之廢朝，令左衛大將軍元旻監護喪事，賻絹三千匹。上謂侍臣曰：「吾每欲致榮定於三事，其人固讓不可。今欲賜之，重違其志。」於是贈冀州刺史、陳國公，諡曰懿。子抗嗣。

He successively served as Governor of Ning Province, Grand General of the Right Military Guard, and Area Commander of Qin Province, and was granted a set of Wu music. When the Turkic ruler Shaboluo raided the frontier, Rongding served as Campaign Commander and led area commanders out from Liang Province. He fought the barbarians at Gaoyue Plain. The two armies faced each other where there was no water, and the soldiers were so thirsty they even stabbed their horses to drink the blood. One or two in ten died. Rongding sighed to heaven. Soon a timely rain fell and the army revived. Thereupon he advanced to attack and repeatedly blunted their edge. The Turks feared him, requested alliance, and withdrew. He was granted ten thousand bolts of silk, promoted to Duke of Anfeng Commandery, and his son Xian was again enfeoffed as Duke of Ankang Commandery with five thousand bolts of silk. After more than a year he was appointed Grand General of the Right Military Guard. The emperor wished to make him one of the Three Excellencies. Rongding submitted a memorial firmly declining and set forth the way of fear and caution, and the emperor desisted. The rewards he received before and after were beyond counting. When he died, the emperor suspended court, ordered Grand General of the Left Guard Yuan Min to supervise the funeral, and granted three thousand bolts of silk as funeral goods. The emperor said to his attendants, "I always wished to appoint Rongding to one of the Three Excellencies, but he firmly declined and would not accept. Now I wish to grant him further honors, but that would again violate his wishes. Thereupon he was posthumously granted Governor of Ji Province and Duke of Chen State, with the posthumous name Yi, "Virtuous." His son Kang succeeded to the line.

慶弟璡，亦工草隸，頗解鍾律。歷位潁川、南郡、扶風太守。

Yan Qing's younger brother Jin was also skilled in cursive and clerical script and understood bell tones well. He successively served as Governor of Yingchuan, Nan, and Fufeng.

毅性溫和，每以謹慎自守，又尚周文帝第五女襄陽公主，特為朝廷所委信，雖任兼出內，未嘗有矜惰之容，時人以此稱焉。子賢嗣。

Yi was gentle by nature and always guarded himself with caution. He also married the fifth daughter of Emperor Wen of Zhou, Princess Xiangyang, and was especially trusted by the court. Although his duties extended both inside and outside the palace, he never showed a proud or lazy bearing, and people of the time praised him for this. His son Xian succeeded to the line.

賢字托賢，志業通敏，少知名。宣政元年，授使持節、儀同大將軍。開皇中，襲爵神武公，除遷州刺史。

Xian, courtesy name Tuoxian, was quick and perceptive in ambition and work and was known from youth. In the first year of Xuanzheng he was granted Bearer of the Staff of Authority and General with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies. During Kaihuang he inherited the title of Duke of Shenwu and was appointed Governor of Qian Province.

賀蘭祥，字盛樂，其先與魏俱起，有乞伏者，為賀蘭莫何弗，因以為氏。後有以良家子鎮武川者，遂家焉。父初真，少知名，為鄉閭所重，尚文帝姊建安長公主。保定二年，追贈太傅、柱國、常山郡公。祥年十一而孤，居喪合禮。長於舅氏，特為周文帝所愛，雖在戎旅，常博延儒生，教以書傳。周文初入關，祥與晉公護俱在晉陽，後乃遣使迎致之。解褐奉朝請。少有膽氣，志在立功。尋擢補都督，恆居帳下。從平侯莫陳悅，又迎魏孝武，以前後功封撫夷縣伯。仍從擊潼關，獲東魏將薛長儒，又攻回洛拔之。還拜左右直長，進爵為公。

Helan Xiang, courtesy name Shengle, came from ancestors who rose together with Wei. One Qifu served as Helan Mohefu, and from this the clan name was taken. Later an ancestor posted to garrison Wuchuan as a soldier from a respectable family settled there. His father Chuzhen was known from youth and respected in his home region. He married the elder sister of Emperor Wen, Princess Jian'an. In the second year of Baoding he was posthumously granted Grand Tutor, Pillar of the State, and Duke of Changshan Commandery. Xiang was orphaned at eleven and observed mourning according to the rites. He grew up in his maternal uncle's household and was especially loved by Emperor Wen of Zhou. Even while in the army he regularly gathered Confucian scholars and taught them the classics. When Emperor Wen first entered the Guanzhong region, Xiang and Duke of Jin Hu were both in Jinyang. Later envoys were sent to welcome him. Upon leaving office robes he was appointed Attendant at Court. From youth he had courage and spirit and aspired to achieve merit. He was soon promoted and appointed Commander, constantly staying in the command tent. He followed in the pacification of Houmochen Yue and in welcoming Emperor Xiaowu of Wei. For his past and present merit he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Fuyi County. He then followed in the attack on Tong Pass, captured the Eastern Wei general Xue Changru, and also attacked and took Huiluo. On return he was appointed Chief of the Left and Right Direct Guard and advanced in rank to duke.

大統九年，從周文與東魏戰於芒山，進位驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，加侍中。十四年，除都督、荊州刺史，進爵博陵郡公。先是祥嘗行荊州事，雖未期月，頗有惠政，至是重往，百姓安之。由是漢南流人繈負至者，日有千數，還近蠻夷莫不款附。祥隨機撫納，咸得其歡心。時盛夏亢陽，祥親巡境內，觀政得失，見有發掘古塚，暴露骸骨，乃謂守令曰：「此豈仁者為政邪！」命所在收葬之。即日澍雨，是歲大有年。境內多古墓，其俗好行發掘，至是遂息。祥雖周文密親，性甚清素。州境南接襄陽，西通岷蜀，物產所出，多諸珍異。既與梁通好，行李往來，公私贈遺，一無所受。梁雍州刺史、岳陽王蕭詧欽其風素，乃以竹屏風、絺綌之屬及經史贈之。祥難違其意，取而付諸所司。周文後聞之，並以賜祥。十六年，拜大將軍。周文以涇、渭溉灌之處，渠堰廢毀，乃令祥修造富平堰，開渠引水，東注於洛。功用既畢，人獲其利。魏廢帝二年，行華州事，後改華州為同州，仍以祥為刺史。尋拜尚書左僕射。六官建，授小司馬。周孝閔帝踐阼，進位柱國、大司馬。時晉公護執政，祥與護中表，少相親愛，軍國之事，護皆與祥參謀。及誅趙貴，廢閔帝，祥有力焉。

In the ninth year of Datong he followed Emperor Wen in battle against Eastern Wei at Mangshan and was promoted to General of Agile Cavalry, Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, and additionally appointed Palace Attendant. In the fourteenth year he was appointed Commander and Governor of Jing Province and promoted to Duke of Boling Commandery. Previously Xiang had temporarily administered Jing Province affairs. Although not a full month had passed, he had already shown benevolent policies. When he returned on this occasion, the common people were at peace. Thereupon refugees south of the Han came carrying infants on their backs at a rate of a thousand per day, and nearby barbarians all submitted in good faith. Xiang comforted and received them according to circumstances, and all won his favor. At that time in midsummer there was severe drought. Xiang personally toured within the borders to observe the gains and losses of government, saw ancient tombs being excavated and bones exposed, and said to the governors and magistrates, "Is this the government of a benevolent man! He ordered that they be collected and buried wherever found. That very day a timely rain fell and that year there was a great harvest. Within the borders there were many ancient tombs and the custom favored tomb-robbing. From this time it ceased. Although Xiang was a close intimate of Emperor Wen, his nature was very pure and plain. The province bordered Xiangyang in the south and connected to Min and Shu in the west, and the products of the land included many rare treasures. Since friendly relations had been established with Liang, travelers came and went and public and private gifts were exchanged, but he accepted none of them. Xiao Cha, Prince of Yueyang and Governor of Yong Province of Liang, admired his integrity and sent him bamboo screens, fine hemp cloth, and the like along with classics and histories. Xiang found it hard to go against his intent and handed the gifts over to the relevant offices. When Emperor Wen later heard of this, he gave them all to Xiang. In the sixteenth year he was appointed Grand General. Because the irrigation areas of the Jing and Wei rivers had ruined canals and dikes, Emperor Wen ordered Xiang to repair and build the Fuping Weir, open a canal to draw water, and channel it east into the Luo River. When the work was completed, the people reaped its benefits. In the second year of Emperor Fei of Wei he administered Hua Province affairs. Later Hua Province was renamed Tong Province and Xiang remained its governor. He was soon appointed Vice Director of the Left in the Department of State Affairs. When the Six Offices were established, he was appointed Junior Grand Marshal. When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou ascended the throne, he was promoted to Pillar of the State and Grand Marshal. At that time Duke of Jin Hu held power. Xiang and Hu were maternal cousins and had been close since youth. In matters of army and state Hu always consulted with Xiang. When Zhao Gui was executed and Emperor Min was deposed, Xiang played an important part.

武成初，吐谷渾侵掠州郡，詔祥與宇文貴總兵討之。祥乃遣其軍司檄吐谷渾，與渾廣定王、鍾留王等戰，破之，因拔其洮陽、洪和二城，以其地為洮州。撫安西土，振旅而還。進封涼國公。薨，贈太師、同岐等十三州諸軍事、同州刺史，諡曰景。

At the beginning of Wucheng the Tuyuhun raided and plundered prefectures and commanderies. An edict ordered Xiang and Yuwen Gui to command troops to suppress them. Xiang then sent his army secretary to issue a proclamation to the Tuyuhun and fought Prince Guangding and Prince Zhongliu of the Tuyuhun, defeating them. He then took their cities of Taoyang and Honghe and made the territory Taozhou. He comforted and settled the western lands and returned with his army in good order. He was promoted to Duke of Liang State. He died and was posthumously granted Grand Preceptor, Commander of Military Affairs in Thirteen Provinces including Tong and Qi, and Governor of Tong Province, with the posthumous name Jing, "Illustrious."

有七子，敬、讓、璨、師、寬知名。

He had seven sons; Jing, Rang, Can, Shi, and Kuan were well known.

敬少曆顯職，封化隆縣侯，後襲爵涼國公。位柱國、華州刺史。

Jing from youth held prominent offices, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Hualong County, and later inherited the title of Duke of Liang State. He served as Pillar of the State and Governor of Hua Province.

讓，大將軍、鄭州刺史、河東郡公。

Rang served as Grand General, Governor of Zheng Province, and Duke of Hedong Commandery.

璨，開府儀同三司、宣陽郡公。建德五年，從于并州戰歿，贈上儀同大將軍，追封清都公。

Can was Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies and Duke of Xunyang Commandery. In the fifth year of Jiande he followed the campaign at Bing Province and died in battle. He was posthumously granted Senior General with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies and posthumously enfeoffed as Duke of Qingdu.

師，尚明帝女，位上儀同大將軍、幽州刺史、博陵郡公。

Shi married a daughter of Emperor Ming and served as Senior General with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, Governor of You Province, and Duke of Boling Commandery.

寬，開府儀同大將軍、武始公。入隋，曆汴、鄭二州刺史，並著政績。

Kuan was Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies and Duke of Wushi. Under Sui he successively served as Governor of Bian and Zheng Provinces, both with notable administrative achievements.

祥弟隆，大將軍、襄樂縣公。隋文帝與祥有舊，開皇初，追贈上柱國。

Xiang's younger brother Long was Grand General and Duke of Xiangle County. Emperor Wen of Sui had old ties with Xiang. At the beginning of Kaihuang he was posthumously granted Pillar of the State.

叱列伏龜，字摩頭陀，代郡西部人也。其先為部落大人，魏初入附，遂世為第一領人酋長，至龜五世。龜容貌瑰偉，腰帶十圍，進止詳雅，兼有武藝。嗣父業復為領人酋長。魏孝昌三年，以別將從長孫承業西征，累遷金紫光祿大夫。從還洛，授都督，遂為齊神武所寵任，加授大都督。沙苑之敗，隨例來降。周文帝以其豪門，解縛禮之，仍以邵惠公女妻之。大統四年，封長樂縣公。自此常從征討，亟有戰功。曆侍中、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、恆州刺史。卒，子椿嗣。

Chiliefu Gui, courtesy name Motuotuo, was a native of the western part of Dai Commandery. His ancestors were tribal chieftains. When Wei first submitted and attached themselves, they served for generations as first-ranking tribal chieftains down to Gui's fifth generation. Gui had a magnificent appearance, a waist girdle ten arm-spans around, dignified bearing in advancing and stopping, and also possessed martial skill. He succeeded his father's estate and again became tribal chieftain. In the third year of Xiaochang of Wei, as a separate commander he followed Changsun Chengye on the western campaign and was repeatedly promoted to Grand Master of Splendid Brightness with the Gold Seal. On return to Luoyang he was appointed Commander and then was favored and trusted by Gao Huan of Qi, additionally granted Grand Commander. After the defeat at Shayuan he came over in surrender according to precedent. Emperor Wen of Zhou, because he was from a great house, released his bonds and honored him, and gave him the daughter of Duke of Shao in marriage. In the fourth year of Datong he was enfeoffed as Duke of Changle County. From this time he constantly followed on campaigns and repeatedly won military merit. He successively served as Palace Attendant, General of Agile Cavalry, Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, and Governor of Heng Province. He died. His son Chun succeeded to the line.

椿字千年。明帝時，位驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，改封永世縣公。天和初，除左宮伯，進位大將軍。

Chun, courtesy name Qiannian. In the time of Emperor Ming he served as General of Agile Cavalry and Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, and was re-enfeoffed as Duke of Yongshi County. At the beginning of Tianhe he was appointed Left Palace Attendant and promoted to Grand General.

閻慶，字仁度，河陰人也。曾祖善，仕魏曆龍驤將軍、雲州鎮將，因家雲州之盛樂郡。祖提，持節、車騎大將軍、敦煌鎮都大將。父進，有謀略，勇冠當時。正光中，拜龍驤將軍。屬衛可瑰作亂，攻圍盛樂，進率眾拒守，以功拜盛樂郡守。慶幼聰敏，重然諾，風儀端肅，望之儼然。隨父因守盛樂，頗有力焉，拜別將。後以軍功拜步兵校尉、中堅將軍。既而齊神武舉兵入洛，魏孝武西遷，慶謂所親曰：「高歡將有篡逆之謀，豈可苟安目前，受其控制也？」遂以大統三年自宜陽歸闕。稍遷後將軍，封安次縣子，以功進爵為伯。慶善於綏撫，士卒未休，未嘗先舍，故能盡其死力，屢獲勳勞。累遷散騎常侍、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、雲州大中正，加侍中，賜姓大野氏。周孝閔帝踐阼，出為河州刺史，進爵石保縣公。州居河外，地接戎夷，慶留心撫納，頗稱簡惠。就拜大將軍，進爵太安郡公。入為小司空，曆雲、甯二州刺史。慶性寬和，不苛察，百姓悅之。天和六年，進位柱國。

Yan Qing, courtesy name Rendu, was a native of Heyin. His great-grandfather Shan served Wei and successively held the positions of General of Agile Dragon and Garrison Commander of Yun Province, settling in Shengle Commandery of Yun Province. His grandfather Ti was Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Grand General of Dunhuang Garrison. His father Jin had stratagems and his courage surpassed his contemporaries. In Zhenguang he was appointed General of Agile Dragon. When Wei Kei rebelled and besieged Shengle, Jin led the masses to resist and defend. For his merit he was appointed Governor of Shengle Commandery. Qing from youth was clever and keen, valued his promises, and carried himself with dignified solemnity that inspired awe from afar. Following his father in defending Shengle he was quite effective and was appointed Separate Commander. Later for military merit he was appointed Colonel of Foot Soldiers and General of the Central Firmament. Before long Gao Huan raised troops and entered Luoyang and Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west. Qing said to those close to him, "Gao Huan will have usurping and rebellious designs. How can one seek temporary ease and accept his control? Thereupon in the third year of Datong he returned to court from Yiyang. He was gradually promoted to Rear General, enfeoffed as Viscount of Anci County, and for merit advanced in rank to marquis. Qing was good at comforting and settling his men. When the soldiers had not yet rested he never rested first, and therefore could draw their utmost strength and repeatedly gain merit and honor. He was repeatedly promoted to Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry, General of Agile Cavalry, Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, Chief Rectifier of Yun Province, additionally appointed Palace Attendant, and granted the surname Daye. When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou ascended the throne, he was posted as Governor of He Province and promoted to Duke of Shibao County. The province lay beyond the Yellow River and bordered the Rong barbarians. Qing devoted attention to comforting and receiving them and was praised for simplicity and benevolence. He was then appointed Grand General and promoted to Duke of Tai'an Commandery. He entered court as Junior Minister of Works and successively served as Governor of Yun and Ning Provinces. Qing was broad and harmonious by nature and not harsh in scrutiny. The common people were pleased with him. In the sixth year of Tianhe he was promoted to Pillar of the State.

晉公護母，慶之姑也。護雖擅朝，而慶未嘗阿附。及護誅，武帝以此重之。詔慶第十二子毗尚帝女清都公主。慶雖位望隆重，婚連帝室，常以廉慎自守，時以此稱之。建德二年，抗表致事，優詔許焉。慶既衰老，恆嬰沉痼。宣帝以其先朝耆舊，特異恆倫，乃詔靜帝至第問疾。賜布千段，醫藥所須，令有司供給。大象二年，拜上柱國。

The mother of Duke of Jin Hu was Qing's paternal aunt. Although Hu monopolized the court, Qing never fawned upon him. When Hu was executed, Emperor Wu valued him all the more for this. An edict had Qing's twelfth son Pi marry Princess Qingdu. Although Qing's rank and standing were exalted and his marriage connected to the imperial house, he always guarded himself with integrity and caution, and people of the time praised him for this. In the second year of Jiande he submitted a memorial requesting retirement and a gracious edict permitted it. Qing was already aged and constantly suffered from chronic illness. Emperor Xuan, because he was an elder of the former dynasty, made an exception to ordinary propriety and ordered Emperor Jing to visit his residence to inquire after his illness. He was granted a thousand bolts of cloth and whatever medicine was needed, with orders to the relevant offices to supply them. In the second year of Daxiang he was appointed Pillar of the State.

隋文帝踐極，又令皇太子就第問疾，仍供醫藥之費。開皇二年薨，年七十七。贈司空、七州諸軍事、荊州刺史，諡曰成。長子常，先慶卒。次子毗嗣。

When Emperor Wen of Sui ascended the throne, he again ordered the crown prince to visit his residence to inquire after his illness and continued to supply medical expenses. He died in the second year of Kaihuang at the age of seventy-seven. He was posthumously granted Minister of Works, Commander of Military Affairs in Seven Provinces, and Governor of Jing Province, with the posthumous name Cheng, "Accomplished." The eldest son Chang died before Qing. The second son Pi succeeded to the line.

毗，七歲襲爵石保縣公。及長，儀貌矜嚴，頗好經史，受漢書于蕭該，略通大旨。能篆書，草隸尤善，為當時之妙。周武帝見而悅之，命尚清都公主。宣帝即位，拜儀同三司。

Pi at age seven inherited the title of Duke of Shibao County. When he grew up his bearing was stern and dignified. He greatly loved the classics and histories and studied the Book of Han under Xiao Gai, gaining a general understanding of its main points. He could write seal script and was especially skilled in cursive and clerical script, the finest of his age. Emperor Wu of Zhou saw him and was pleased, ordering him to marry Princess Qingdu. When Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, Pi was appointed Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies.

隋文帝受禪，以技藝侍東宮。數以琱麗之物取悅于皇太子，由是甚見親待，每稱之於上。尋拜車騎，宿衛東宮。上嘗遣高熲大閱于龍台澤，諸軍部伍多不齊整，唯毗一軍，法制肅然。熲言之於上，特蒙賜制。俄兼太子宗衛率長史，尋加上儀同。太子服玩之物多毗所為。及太子廢，毗坐杖一百，與妻子俱配為官奴婢。二歲放免。

When Emperor Wen of Sui founded the dynasty, he served the Eastern Palace with his artistic skills. He repeatedly used ornate carved objects to please the crown prince and thereby was greatly favored. He was often praised to the emperor. He was soon appointed Grand Master of Chariots and Cavalry and guarded the Eastern Palace. The emperor once sent Gao Jiong to conduct a great review at Longtai Marsh. The formations of many armies were disorderly, but Pi's army alone was disciplined and orderly. Jiong reported this to the emperor and Pi was specially granted an imperial composition. Before long he additionally served as Chief Administrator of the Crown Prince's Ancestral Guard Command and was soon granted Senior Director of the Department of State Affairs. Many of the crown prince's garments and playthings were made by Pi. When the crown prince was deposed, Pi was sentenced to one hundred strokes of the cane and he and his wife and children were all assigned as official slaves. After two years they were released and pardoned.

煬帝嗣位，盛修軍器，以毗性巧，練習舊事，詔典其職。尋授朝請郎。毗立議，輦輅車輿，多所增損。擢拜起部郎。

When Emperor Yang succeeded to the throne he greatly expanded military equipment. Because Pi was clever by nature and practiced in old affairs, an edict put him in charge of this duty. He was soon appointed Attendant Gentleman. Pi proposed regulations for imperial carriages and conveyances with many additions and reductions. He was promoted and appointed Gentleman of the Ministry of Construction.

帝嘗大備法駕，嫌屬車太多，顧謂毗曰：「開皇之日，屬車十二乘，於事亦得。今八十一乘，以牛駕車，不足以益文物，朕欲減之，從何為可？」毗曰：「臣初定數，共宇文愷參詳故實，據漢胡伯始、蔡邕等議，屬車八十一乘。此起于秦，遂為後式。故張衡賦雲'屬車九九'是也。次及法駕，三分減一，為三十六乘，此漢制也。又據宋孝建時，有司奏議，晉遷江左，唯設五乘，尚書令建平王宏曰：「八十一乘，義兼六國，三十六乘，無所准憑，江左五乘，儉不中禮。但帝王文物旗旒之數，爰及冕玉，皆用十二，今宜准此，設十二乘。 '開皇平陳，因以為法。今憲章往古，大駕依秦，法駕依漢，小駕依宋，以為差等。」帝曰：「何用秦法！大駕宜三十六，法駕宜十二，小駕除之。」毗研精故事，皆此類也。

The emperor once fully prepared the imperial guard of honor and, disliking the excessive number of attendant carriages, turned to Pi and said, "In the Kaihuang era twelve attendant carriages were enough for the purpose. Now there are eighty-one, with oxen drawing the carriages—not enough to enhance ceremonial display. I wish to reduce them. From what should I begin? Pi said, "When I first fixed the number, together with Yuwen Kai I examined ancient precedent. According to the deliberations of Hu Boshi and Cai Yong of Han and others, attendant carriages numbered eighty-one. This began in Qin and thus became the later model. Therefore Zhang Heng's rhapsody says 'attendant carriages nine by nine'—that is the point. Next for the secondary guard of honor, reduce by one-third to thirty-six carriages—this is the Han system. Also according to the memorial deliberation in the Xiaojian era of Song, when Jin moved to the lands east of the Yangtze only five carriages were set up. Prince Hong of Jianping, Director of the Department of State Affairs, said, "Eighty-one carriages combine the meaning of the Six States; thirty-six carriages have no basis; the five carriages of the lands east of the Yangtze are too austere and not in accord with ritual. But the numbers for imperial ceremonial objects, banners, and pennants, extending to the crown and jade, all use twelve. Now it is appropriate to follow this and set twelve carriages. When Kaihuang pacified Chen, this was taken as the law. Now taking the statutes of antiquity as model, the great guard of honor follows Qin, the secondary guard follows Han, and the lesser guard follows Song, establishing the gradations." The emperor said, "Why use Qin law! The great guard of honor should be thirty-six, the secondary guard twelve, and the lesser guard abolished." Pi studied ancient precedent with great precision. All his proposals were of this kind.

長城之役，毗總其事。及帝有事恆嶽，詔毗營立壇場。尋轉殿內丞，從幸張掖郡。高昌王朝於行所，詔毗持節迎勞，遂將護入東都。尋以母憂去職，未期，起令視事。將興遼東之役，自洛口開渠達涿郡以通漕，毗督其役。明年，兼領右翊衛長史，營建臨朔宮。及征遼東，以本官領武賁郎將，典宿衛。時軍圍遼東城，帝令毗詣城下宣諭，賊弓弩亂髮，流矢中所乘馬，毗顏色不變，辭氣抑揚，卒事而去。遷殿內少監，又領將作少監。後復從帝征遼東。會楊玄感作逆，帝班師，從至高陽郡，卒。帝甚悼惜之，贈殿內監。

For the Great Wall project, Pi supervised the affair. When the emperor performed rites at Mount Heng, an edict ordered Pi to construct and establish the altar platform. He was soon transferred to Palace Attendant and followed on an imperial visit to Zhangye Commandery. When the king of Gaochang came to pay court at the traveling palace, an edict ordered Pi to go with staff of authority to welcome and comfort him, and he then escorted the king into the Eastern Capital. Soon because of his mother's mourning he left office. Before the mourning period ended he was recalled and ordered to resume duties. When the campaign against Liaodong was about to begin, a canal was opened from Luokou to reach Zhuo Commandery for transport. Pi supervised the labor. The following year he additionally served as Chief Administrator of the Right Wing Guard and supervised construction of Linshuo Palace. When the campaign against Liaodong began, in his existing office he additionally served as Captain of the Martial Guard and managed palace guard duty. At that time the army besieged Liaodong city. The emperor ordered Pi to go below the walls to proclaim the imperial message. The enemy's bows and crossbows fired wildly and a stray arrow struck his horse, but Pi's expression did not change and his tone rose and fell with composure. He finished the task and withdrew. He was transferred to Junior Palace Attendant and additionally served as Junior Supervisor of Construction. Later he again followed the emperor on campaign against Liaodong. When Yang Xuangan rebelled, the emperor withdrew the army. Pi followed to Gaoyang Commandery and died. The emperor deeply mourned and regretted this and posthumously granted him Palace Attendant.

史寧，字永和，建康表氏人也。曾祖豫，仕沮渠氏為臨松令。魏平涼州，祖灌隨例遷于撫寧鎮，因家焉。父遵，初為征虜府鎧曹參軍。杜洛周構逆，六鎮自相屠隱，遵遂率鄉里奔恆州。其後恆州為賊所敗，遵後歸洛陽，拜樓煩郡守。及寧著勳，贈散騎常侍、征西大將軍、涼州刺史，諡曰貞。甯少以軍功，累加持節、征東將軍、金光祿大夫。賀拔勝為荊州刺史，甯以本官為勝軍司，隨勝之部。會荊蠻騷動，三鵶路絕。甯先驅平之，因撫慰蠻左，翕然降附。尋除南郢州刺史。及勝為大行台，表甯為大都督。攻梁下溠戍破之，封武平縣伯。又攻拔梁齊興鎮等九城。未及論功，屬孝武西遷，東魏遣侯景寇荊州，寧隨勝奔梁。梁武帝引寧至香蹬前，謂之曰：「觀卿風表，終是富貴，我當使卿衣錦還鄉。」寧答曰：「臣世荷魏恩，位為列將，天長喪亂，本朝傾覆，不能北面事逆賊，幸得息肩有道。儻如明詔，欣幸實多。」因涕泣橫流，梁武為之動容。在梁二年，勝乃與寧密圖歸計。寧曰：「硃異既為梁主所信任，請往見之。」勝然其言。甯乃見異，申以投分之言，微托思歸之意，辭氣雅至。異亦嗟挹，為奏梁主，果許勝等歸。

Shi Ning, courtesy name Yonghe, was a man of the Biao clan of Jiankang. His great-grandfather Yu served the Juqu clan as Governor of Linsong. When Wei pacified Liang Province, his grandfather Guan moved according to precedent to Funing Garrison and made his home there. His father Zun at first served as Army Master of Armor in the Pacification of Barbarians Office. When Du Luozhou plotted rebellion and the Six Garrisons slaughtered one another, Zun then led his home region to flee to Heng Province. Afterward Heng Province was defeated by bandits. Zun later returned to Luoyang and was appointed Governor of Loufan Commandery. When Ning achieved merit, Zun was posthumously granted Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry, Grand General of the Western Expedition, and Governor of Liang Province, with the posthumous name Zhen, "Upright." Ning from youth achieved merit through military service and was repeatedly granted Bearer of the Staff of Authority, General of the Eastern Expedition, and Grand Master of Splendid Brightness with the Gold Seal. When Helba Sheng was Governor of Jing Province, Ning in his existing office served as Sheng's army secretary and followed Sheng's command. It happened that the Jing barbarians were in turmoil and the Sanya route was cut off. Ning as vanguard pacified them and thereby comforted the barbarian regions. They all submitted in good order. He was soon appointed Governor of Southern Ying Province. When Sheng became Grand Commissioner, he memorialized recommending Ning as Grand Commander. He attacked and broke Liang's Xiatao garrison and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Wuping County. He also attacked and captured nine cities including Liang's Qixing garrison. Before merit could be assessed, Emperor Xiaowu moved west. Eastern Wei sent Hou Jing to raid Jing Province, and Ning followed Sheng and fled to Liang. Emperor Wu of Liang led Ning before the incense platform and said to him, "Judging by your bearing, you are destined for wealth and honor. I shall make you return home in brocade robes. Ning answered, "Your servant for generations has received Wei's grace and holds the rank of a commander. Heaven has long been in chaos and the former dynasty has fallen. I could not serve the rebel enemy facing north, and am fortunate to find rest under a righteous ruler. If it accords with your bright decree, my joy and fortune would indeed be great." Thereupon tears streamed down his face and Emperor Wu of Liang was moved. After two years in Liang, Sheng then secretly plotted a plan to return with Ning. Ning said, "Zhu Yi is trusted by the Liang ruler. I ask to go see him. Sheng agreed with his words. Ning then saw Yi and expressed words of shared commitment, subtly entrusting his wish to return. His tone was elegant and perfect. Yi also sighed in admiration and memorialized the Liang ruler. Indeed permission was granted for Sheng and the others to return.

大統二年，自梁歸，進爵為侯。久之，遷車騎將軍，行涇州事。時賊帥莫折後熾寇掠居人，寧率州兵與行原州事李賢討破之。轉東義州刺史。東魏亦以胡梨苟為東義州刺史。寧僅得入州，梨苟亦至，寧逆擊破之，斬其洛安郡守馮善道。州既鄰接疆場，百姓流移，寧留心撫慰，咸來復業。轉涼州刺史。甯未至而前刺史宇文仲和據州作亂，詔獨孤信與寧討之。甯先至涼州，為陳禍福，城中吏人皆相率降附。仲和仍據城不下，尋亦克之。後遷驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，加侍中，進爵為公。

In the second year of Datong he returned from Liang and was advanced to marquis. After a long time he was transferred to Grand Master of Chariots and Cavalry and administered Jing Province affairs. At that time the bandit chief Moqi Houchi raided and plundered the inhabitants. Ning led provincial troops together with Li Xian, who administered Yuan Province affairs, to suppress and defeat him. He was transferred to Governor of Eastern Yi Province. Eastern Wei also appointed Hu Ligou as Governor of Eastern Yi Province. Ning had barely entered the province when Ligou also arrived. Ning counterattacked and defeated him and beheaded his Governor of Luo'an Commandery, Feng Shandao. Since the province bordered the frontier and the common people were displaced, Ning devoted attention to comforting them and all returned to their occupations. He was transferred to Governor of Liang Province. Before Ning arrived the former governor Yuwen Zhonghe held the province and rebelled. An edict ordered Dugu Xin and Ning to suppress him. Ning arrived at Liang Province first and set forth fortune and disaster. The clerks and commoners in the city all in succession submitted. Zhonghe still held the city and would not submit. Soon it was also taken. Later he was transferred to General of Agile Cavalry, Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, additionally appointed Palace Attendant, and advanced in rank to duke.

十六年，宕昌叛羌獠甘作亂，逐其王彌定而自立，並連結傍乞鐵匆及鄭五醜等。詔甯率軍與宇文貴、豆盧寧等討之。甯別擊獠甘，而山路險阻，才通單騎，獠甘已分其黨立柵守險。寧進兵攻之，遂破其柵。獠甘將百騎走投生羌鞏廉玉。彌定遂得復位。甯以未獲獠甘，遂進軍大破之，生獲獠甘，徇而斬之。並執鞏廉玉送闕。所得軍實，悉分賞將士，寧無私焉。師還，召寧率所部鎮河陽。

In the sixteenth year the rebellious Qiang Liaogan of Dangchang raised turmoil, drove out his king Midin and set himself up, and also linked with the neighboring Qietiecong and Zheng Wuchou and others. An edict ordered Ning to lead troops together with Yuwen Gui, Dou Lu Ning, and others to suppress them. Ning separately attacked Liaogan, but the mountain roads were perilous and steep and only single horsemen could pass. Liaogan had already divided his faction and set up stockades to hold the defiles. Ning advanced his troops to attack and thereby broke their stockade. Liaogan with a hundred horsemen fled in defeat to the raw Qiang Gong Lianyu. Midin was thereby able to regain his position. Because Ning had not yet captured Liaogan, he then advanced his army and inflicted a great defeat, capturing Liaogan alive and executing him by parade. He also seized Gong Lianyu and sent him to court. The military goods obtained were all divided and rewarded to the generals and soldiers. Ning kept nothing for himself. When the army returned, Ning was summoned to lead his command and garrison Heyang.

時突厥木汗可汗假道涼州，將襲吐谷渾，周文令寧率騎隨之。軍至番禾，吐谷渾已覺，奔于南山。木汗將分兵追之，令俱會于青海。寧謂木汗曰：「樹敦、賀真二城是吐谷渾巢穴，今若拔其本根，余種自然離散，此上也。」木汗從之，即分為兩軍，木汗從北道向賀真，寧趣樹敦。渾娑周王率眾逆戰，寧擊斬之。逾山履險，遂至樹敦。樹敦是渾之舊都，多諸珍藏。而渾主先已奔賀真，留其征南王及數千人固守。寧進兵攻之，偽退，渾人果開門逐之，因回兵奮擊，門未及闔，寧兵遂得入。生獲其征南王，俘虜男女財寶盡歸諸突厥。渾賀羅拔王依險為柵，欲塞甯路，寧攻破之。木汗亦破賀真，虜渾主妻子，大獲珍物。甯還軍于青海，與木汗會。木汗握寧手，歎其勇決，並遺所乘良馬，令甯於帳前乘之，木汗親自步送。突厥以寧所圖必破，皆畏憚之，咸曰：「此中國神智人也。」及將班師，木汗又遺甯奴婢一百口、馬五百匹、羊一萬口。寧乃還州，尋被征入朝。屬周文帝崩，寧悲慟不已，乃請赴陵所盡哀，並告行師克捷。

At that time the Turkic ruler Muhan Khan asked passage through Liang Province intending to raid the Tuyuhun. Emperor Wen ordered Ning to lead cavalry to follow him. The army reached Fanhe. The Tuyuhun had already detected them and fled to the southern mountains. Muhan was about to divide his troops to pursue them and ordered all to meet at Qinghai. Ning said to Muhan, "The two cities of Shudun and Hezhen are the nest of the Tuyuhun. If we now uproot their foundation, the remaining tribes will naturally scatter—this is the highest strategy. Muhan followed this and immediately divided into two armies. Muhan took the northern route toward Hezhen and Ning hastened to Shudun. Prince Suozhou of the Tuyuhun led the masses to oppose in battle. Ning struck and beheaded him. Crossing mountains and treading perilous paths, he then reached Shudun. Shudun was the old capital of the Tuyuhun and held many treasures. But the Tuyuhun ruler had already fled to Hezhen, leaving his Prince of the Southern Expedition and several thousand men to defend obstinately. Ning advanced his troops to attack and feigned retreat. The Tuyuhun indeed opened the gates to pursue, whereupon he turned his army and struck fiercely. Before the gates could close, Ning's troops were able to enter. He captured alive their Prince of the Southern Expedition. Captives, men and women, and treasures all went to the Turks. Prince Heluoba of the Tuyuhun relied on the defiles to make a stockade, intending to block Ning's route. Ning broke through and defeated it. Muhan also broke Hezhen, captured the Tuyuhun ruler's wife and children, and gained great quantities of rare goods. Ning returned his army to Qinghai and met with Muhan. Muhan grasped Ning's hand, admired his courage and decisiveness, and also gave him the fine horse he himself rode, ordering Ning to mount it before the tent. Muhan personally walked to escort him. The Turks, because whatever Ning planned was sure to succeed, all feared and respected him and said, "This is a divinely wise man of China. When about to withdraw the army, Muhan again gave Ning a hundred male and female slaves, five hundred horses, and ten thousand sheep. Ning then returned to his province and was soon summoned to court. When Emperor Wen of Zhou died, Ning grieved immeasurably and requested to go to the tomb site to express full mourning and report the army's victorious campaign.

周孝閔帝踐阼，拜小司徒，出為荊州刺史、荊襄淅郢等五十二州及江陵鎮防諸軍事。寧有謀畫，識兵權，臨敵指捴，皆如其策，甚得當時之譽。及在荊州，頗自奢縱，貪濁不修法度。嘗出，有人訴州佐屈法，甯還付被訟者治之。自是有事者不敢復言，聲名大損於西州。保定三年，卒於州，諡曰烈。子雄嗣。

When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou ascended the throne, he was appointed Junior Minister over the Masses and posted as Governor of Jing Province, Commander of Military Affairs in Fifty-two Provinces including Jing, Xiang, Xi, and Ying, and Walled Garrison of Jiangling. Ning had stratagems and understood military authority. Facing the enemy he directed operations and all went according to his plans. He won great renown in his time. When he was in Jing Province he was rather self-indulgent and luxurious, greedy and corrupt, and did not observe law and regulation. Once when he went out, someone sued a provincial aide for bending the law. Ning returned the case to the sued party to handle. From then on those with grievances did not dare speak again. His reputation was greatly damaged in the western provinces. In the third year of Baoding he died in the province and was given the posthumous name Lie, "Fierce." His son Xiong succeeded to the line.

雄字世武。少勇敢，膂力過人，便弓馬，有算略。年十四，從甯於牽屯山奉迎周文帝。仍從校獵，弓無虛發，周文歎異之。尋尚周文女永富公主。除使持節、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，累遷駕部中大夫、司馭中大夫。從柱國、枹罕公辛威鎮金城，遂卒于軍，時年二十四。雄弟祥。

Xiong, courtesy name Shiwu. From youth he was brave. His physical strength surpassed other men, he was skilled in archery and horsemanship, and possessed stratagems. At age fourteen he followed Ning at Qiantun Mountain to welcome Emperor Wen of Zhou. He then followed on a hunting expedition. His bow never missed, and Emperor Wen sighed in admiration. He soon married the daughter of Emperor Wen, Princess Yongfu. He was appointed Bearer of the Staff of Authority, General of Agile Cavalry, and Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, and was repeatedly promoted to Grand Master of the Chariot Department and Grand Master of the Horse Department. Following Xin Wei, Pillar of the State and Duke of Baohan, in garrison at Jincheng, he died in the army at the age of twenty-four. Xiong's younger brother was Xiang.

祥字世休，少有文武才幹。仕周，太子車右中士，襲爵武遂縣公。隋文帝踐阼，拜儀同，領交州事，進爵陽城郡公。在州頗有惠政。轉驃騎將軍。伐陳之役，從宜陽公王世積出九江道，破陳師，進拔江州。文帝大悅，下詔慰勉之。進位上開府。尋拜蘄州刺史，遷蘄州總管，徵拜左領軍將軍。復以行軍總管從晉王廣破突厥于靈武。遷右衛將軍。仁壽中，率兵屯弘化以備胡。煬帝時在東宮，遺祥書，論舊行兵時事，申以恩旨。祥為書陳謝。太子甚親遇之。

Xiang, courtesy name Shixiu, had both civil and military talent and ability from youth. Serving Zhou, he was Attendant of the Right of the Crown Prince's Chariot and inherited the title of Duke of Wusui County. When Emperor Wen of Sui ascended the throne, he was appointed Director of the Department of State Affairs, administered Jiao Province affairs, and was promoted to Duke of Yangcheng Commandery. In the province he showed quite benevolent policies. He was transferred to General of Agile Cavalry. In the campaign against Chen he followed Wang Shiji, Duke of Yiyang, out through the Jiujiang route, defeated Chen forces, and advanced to capture Jiang Province. Emperor Wen was greatly pleased and issued an edict to comfort and encourage him. He was promoted to Senior Director of the Department of State Affairs. He was soon appointed Governor of Qi Province, transferred to Area Commander of Qi Province, and summoned to serve as General of the Left Guard. Again as Campaign Commander he followed Prince of Jin Yang Guang and defeated the Turks at Lingwu. He was transferred to General of the Right Guard. During Renshou he led troops to garrison at Honghua to guard against the barbarians. When Emperor Yang was in the Eastern Palace he sent Xiang a letter discussing old military affairs and expressing imperial favor. Xiang submitted a memorial in thanks. The crown prince treated him with great intimacy and favor.

及即帝位，漢王諒作亂，遣其將綦母良自滏口徇黎陽，塞白馬津，餘公理自太行下河內。帝以祥為行軍總管，軍于河陰，久不得濟。祥謂軍吏曰； '餘公理輕而無謀，又新得志，謂其眾可恃，恃眾必驕。且河北人先不習兵，所謂擁市人而戰，不足圖也。」乃令軍中修攻具。公理使諜知之，果屯兵于河陽內城以備。祥於是艤船南岸，公理聚甲當之。祥乃簡精銳，於下流潛度。公理拒之，未成列，祥縱擊大破之。東趣黎陽，討綦良。綦良棄軍走，其眾大潰。進位上大將軍，賜縑彩七千段、女妓十人、良馬二十疋。轉太僕卿。帝嘗賜祥詩曰：「伯炯朝寄重，夏侯親遇深，貴耳唯聞古，賤目詎知今？早摽勁草質，久有背淮心，掃逆黎山外，振旅河之陰。功已書王府，留情太僕箴。」祥上表辭謝。帝手詔曰：「昔歲勞公，問罪河朔。賊爾日塞兩關之路，據倉阻河，公竭誠奮勇，一舉而克。故聊示所懷，亦何謝也。」

When he ascended the throne, Prince of Han Liang rebelled and sent his generals Qimu Liang from Fukou to sweep toward Liyang and block Baima Ford, and Yu Gongli from the Taihang Mountains down into Henei. The emperor made Xiang Campaign Commander. His army was at Heyin and for a long time could not cross. Xiang said to his army officers, 'Yu Gongli is light-minded and without stratagem, and having just gained his wish he considers his masses dependable. Relying on numbers he must be arrogant. Moreover the people of Hebei are not accustomed to warfare by nature—what is called fighting with market crowds—and are not worth planning against." He then ordered the army to prepare siege equipment. Gongli had spies learn of this and indeed stationed troops in the inner city of Heyang to prepare. Xiang then moored his boats on the south bank. Gongli gathered armor to oppose him. Xiang then selected picked troops and secretly crossed downstream. Gongli resisted but had not yet formed ranks. Xiang unleashed his attack and inflicted a crushing defeat. He marched east toward Liyang to suppress Qimu Liang. Qimu Liang abandoned his army and fled and his masses were greatly routed. He was promoted to Grand General and granted seven thousand bolts of colored silk, ten female entertainers, and twenty fine horses. He was transferred to Minister of Coachmanship. The emperor once granted Xiang a poem saying, "Bo Jiong's court trust is weighty, Xiahou's personal favor is deep; the noble ear hears only antiquity, the base eye—how could it know the present? Early you showed the quality of tough grass; long you harbored a heart turned from the Huai; sweeping rebels beyond Mount Li, marshaling troops north of the river. Merit is already recorded in the princely archives; my regard remains with the Minister of Coachmanship's admonition. Xiang submitted a memorial declining thanks. The emperor wrote a personal edict saying, "Last year I troubled you to ask guilt of Heshuo. The rebels that day blocked the roads of the two passes, held the granaries and blocked the river. You exhausted your loyalty and fought with courage and took them in one stroke. Therefore I briefly show my feelings—what need for thanks?"

尋遷鴻臚卿，從征吐谷渾。祥出玉門道，擊虜破之。進位右光祿大夫，拜右驍衛大將軍。及征遼東，出蹋頓道，不利，由是除名。俄拜燕郡太守，被賊高開道所圍，城陷，開道甚禮之。會開道與羅藝通和，送祥於涿群，卒于塗。子義隆，永年令。

He was soon transferred to Minister of Ceremonial Reception and followed the campaign against the Tuyuhun. Xiang went out through the Yumen route, struck the barbarians and defeated them. He was promoted to Grand Master of Splendid Brightness of the Right and appointed Grand General of the Right Martial Guard. When the campaign against Liaodong began, he went out through the Tadun route with unfavorable results and thereby had his name struck from the rolls. Before long he was appointed Governor of Yan Commandery, was besieged by the bandit Gao Kaidao, the city fell, and Kaidao treated him with great courtesy. When Kaidao made peace with Luo Yi, he sent Xiang to Zhuo Commandery and Xiang died on the road. His son Yilong was Magistrate of Yongnian.

祥弟雲，字世高，亦以父勳賜爵武平縣公。歷位司織下大夫、儀同大將軍、萊州刺史。

Xiang's younger brother Yun, courtesy name Shigao, also because of his father's merit was enfeoffed as Duke of Wuping County. He successively served as Grand Master of the Weaving Office, General with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, and Governor of Lai Province.

雲弟威，字世儀，亦以父勳賜爵武當縣公。

Yun's younger brother Wei, courtesy name Shiyi, also because of his father's merit was enfeoffed as Duke of Wudang County.

權景宣，字暉遠，天水顯親人也。父曇騰，魏隴西郡守，贈秦州刺史。景宣少聰悟，有氣俠，宗党皆歎異之。年十七，魏行台蕭寶夤見而奇之，表為輕車將軍。及寶夤敗，景宣歸鄉里。周文帝平隴右，擢為行台郎中。孝武四遷，授鎮遠將軍、步兵校尉，加平西將軍、秦州大中正。大統初，轉祠部郎中。景宣曉兵權，有智略。從周文拔弘農，破沙苑，皆先登陷陣。轉外兵郎中。從開府於謹援洛陽，景宣督課糧儲，軍以周濟。

Quan Jingxuan, courtesy name Huiyuan, was a native of Xianqin in Tianshui. His father Tanteng was Governor of Longxi Commandery under Wei and was posthumously granted Governor of Qin Province. Jingxuan from youth was clever and perceptive, possessed bold chivalry, and his clan all sighed in admiration. At age seventeen the Wei Grand Commissioner Xiao Baoyin saw him and was impressed and memorialized to appoint him General of Light Chariots. When Baoyin was defeated, Jingxuan returned to his home region. When Emperor Wen of Zhou pacified Longyou, he was promoted to Bureau Attendant of the Grand Commissioner. Emperor Xiaowu promoted him four times, granting General of Pacifying the Distance, Colonel of Foot Soldiers, additionally General of Pacifying the West, and Chief Rectifier of Qin Province. At the beginning of Datong he was transferred to Bureau Attendant of the Ministry of Rites. Jingxuan understood military authority and had wisdom and stratagem. Following Emperor Wen he captured Hongnong and defeated Shayuan, in each being first to ascend and break the enemy lines. He was transferred to Bureau Attendant of External Military Affairs. Following Yu Jin, Director of the Department of State Affairs, in relief of Luoyang, Jingxuan supervised the assessment of grain stores and the army was thereby supplied.

時初復洛陽，將修繕宮室，景宣率徒三千，先出采運。會東魏兵至，司州牧元季海等以眾少拔還，屬城悉叛，道路擁塞。景宣將二十騎且戰且走，從騎略盡。景宣輕馬突圍，手斬數級，馳而獲免，因投人家自匿。景宣以久藏非計，乃偽作周文書，招募得五百餘人，保據宜陽，聲言大軍續至。東魏將段琛等率眾至九曲，憚景宣不敢進。景宣恐琛審其虛實，乃將腹心自隨，詐云迎軍，因得西遁。與儀同李延孫相會，攻拔孔城。洛陽以南，尋亦來附。周文即留景宣守張白塢，節度東南義軍。東魏將王元軌入洛，景宣與延孫等擊走之，以功授大行台左丞。進屯宜陽，攻襄城，拔之，獲郡守王洪顯。周文嘉之，徵入朝。錄前後功，封顯親縣男，除南陽郡守。郡鄰敵境，舊制發人守防三十五處，多廢農桑，而奸宄猶作。景宣至，並除之，唯修起城樓，多備器械，寇盜斂跡，人得肄業焉。百姓稱之，立碑頌德。周文特賞粟帛，以旌其能。遷廣州刺史。

At that time Luoyang had just been recovered and palace halls were about to be repaired. Jingxuan led three thousand laborers and went out first to gather and transport materials. It happened that Eastern Wei troops arrived. Governor of Si Province Yuan Jihai and others, finding their numbers too few, withdrew, subordinate cities all rebelled, and the roads were blocked and congested. Jingxuan with twenty horsemen fought as they fled. His followers were nearly all gone. Jingxuan on a light horse broke through the encirclement, personally beheaded several enemies, galloped and escaped, and then hid himself in a commoner's house. Jingxuan considered long concealment no plan and therefore forged a document in Emperor Wen's name, recruited more than five hundred men, held and defended Yiyang, and proclaimed that a great army would follow. The Eastern Wei generals Duan Chen and others led masses to Jiuqu but feared Jingxuan and did not dare advance. Jingxuan feared Chen would investigate his true situation and therefore took his trusted men with him, falsely claiming to welcome the army, and thereby escaped west. He joined Li Yansun, Director of the Department of State Affairs, and attacked and captured Kong City. South of Luoyang, before long, they also came to submit. Emperor Wen then left Jingxuan to guard Zhangbaiwu and direct the righteous armies of the southeast. When the Eastern Wei general Wang Yuangui entered Luoyang, Jingxuan together with Yansun and others drove him off and for his merit was appointed Left Assistant of the Grand Commissioner. He advanced and encamped at Yiyang, attacked Xiang City, captured it, and took Governor Wang Hongxian. Emperor Wen praised him and summoned him to court. His past and present merit was recorded. He was enfeoffed as Baron of Xianqin County and appointed Governor of Nanyang Commandery. The commandery bordered enemy territory. Under the old system men were sent to garrison thirty-five places, greatly wasting farming and sericulture, yet villains still acted. When Jingxuan arrived he abolished all of them, only repaired and raised tower gates, and prepared many weapons. Bandits and robbers withdrew and the people were able to pursue their occupations. The common people praised him and erected a stele to extol his virtue. Emperor Wen specially rewarded him with grain and cloth to honor his ability. He was transferred to Governor of Guang Province.

侯景舉河南來附，景宣從僕射王思政經略應接。既而侯景南叛，恐東魏復有其地，以景宣為大都督、豫州刺史，鎮樂口。東魏亦遣張伯德為刺史。伯德令其將劉貴平率其戍卒及山蠻，屢來攻逼。景宣珍不滿千人，隨機奮擊，貴平乃退走。進授使持節、車騎大將軍、儀同三司。潁川陷後，周文以樂口等諸城道路阻絕，悉令拔還。襄州刺史杞秀以狼狽獲罪。景宣號令嚴明，戎旅整肅，所部全濟，獨被優賞。仍留鎮荊州，委以鵶南之事。

When Hou Jing offered Henan to submit, Jingxuan followed Vice Director Wang Sizheng in planning the response. Before long Hou Jing rebelled south. Fearing Eastern Wei would recover the territory, Jingxuan was made Grand Commander and Governor of Yu Province, garrisoning Lekou. Eastern Wei also sent Zhang Bode as governor. Bode ordered his general Liu Guiping to lead his garrison troops and mountain barbarians and repeatedly come to attack and press. Jingxuan had barely a thousand men but struck according to circumstances with fierce effort and Guiping then withdrew. He was further granted Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, and General with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies. After Yingchuan fell, Emperor Wen because the roads to cities such as Lekou were cut off ordered all to be withdrawn. Governor of Xiang Province Qi Xiu was punished for his disgraceful retreat. Jingxuan's orders were strict and clear, his army disciplined and orderly, his command entirely preserved, and he alone received special reward. He was still left to garrison Jing Province and entrusted with affairs south of the Ya.

初，梁岳陽王蕭詧將以襄陽歸朝，仍勒兵攻梁元帝於江陵。詧叛將杜岸乘虛襲之。景宣乃率騎三千助詧。詧因是乃送其妻王氏及子寮入質。景宣又與開府楊忠取梁將柳仲禮，拔安陸、隨郡。久之，隨州城人吳士英殺刺史黃道玉，因聚為寇。景宣以英小賊，可以計取之，若聲其罪，恐同惡者眾。乃與英書，偽稱道玉凶暴，歸功英等。英等果信之，遂相率而至。景宣執而戮之，獲其黨與。進攻應城，拔之，獲夏侯珍洽。於是應禮安隨並平。朝議以景宣威行南服，乃授並安肆郢新應六州諸軍事、并州刺史。尋進驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，加侍中，兼督江、北司二州諸軍事，進爵為伯。唐州蠻田魯嘉自號豫州伯，引致齊兵，大為人害。景宣又破之，獲魯嘉，以其地為郡。轉安州刺史。梁定州刺史李洪遠初款後叛，景宣惡其懷貳，密襲破之，虜其家口及部眾。洪遠脫身走免。自是酋帥懾服，無敢叛者。

At first the Prince of Yueyang of Liang, Xiao Cha, was about to offer Xiangyang to the court but still led troops to attack Emperor Yuan of Liang at Jiangling. Cha's rebel general Du An took advantage of the moment to raid him. Jingxuan then led three thousand horsemen to aid Cha. Cha thereupon sent his wife Lady Wang and his son Liao as hostages. Jingxuan again together with Yang Zhong, Director of the Department of State Affairs, captured the Liang general Liu Zhongli and took Anlu and Suizhou. After a long time the people of Suizhou city, Wu Shiying, killed Governor Huang Daoyu and gathered together as bandits. Jingxuan considered Ying a small bandit who could be taken by stratagem. If his crime were proclaimed, he feared those of like evil would be many. He then wrote to Ying, falsely claiming Daoyu was cruel and violent and attributing the merit to Ying and the others. Ying and the others indeed believed this and therefore came one after another. Jingxuan seized and executed them and captured their associates. He advanced to attack Ying City, captured it, and took Xiahou Zhenqia. Thereupon Ying, Li, An, and Sui were all pacified. The court deliberated that because Jingxuan's authority extended through the southern regions, he was granted Commander of Military Affairs in the Six Provinces of Bing, An, Si, Ying, Xin, and Ying, and Governor of Bing Province. He was soon promoted to General of Agile Cavalry, Director of the Department of State Affairs with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies, additionally appointed Palace Attendant, concurrently Commander of Military Affairs in the Two Provinces of Jiang and Bei Si, and advanced in rank to baron. The Tang Province barbarian Tian Lujia styled himself Baron of Yu Province and brought in Qi troops, greatly harming the people. Jingxuan again defeated him, captured Lujia, and made his territory into a commandery. He was transferred to Governor of An Province. Li Hongyuan, Governor of Ding Province of Liang, at first submitted in good faith but later rebelled. Jingxuan hated his double-dealing, secretly raided and defeated him, and captured his family and followers. Hongyuan escaped and got away. From then on the chieftains were awed and submitted and none dared rebel.

燕公於謹征江陵，景宣別破梁司空陸法和司馬羊亮于溳水。又遣別帥攻拔魯山。多造舟艋，益張旗幟，臨江欲度，以懼梁人。梁將王琳在湘州，景宣遺書喻以禍福，琳遂遣長史席壑因景宣請舉州款附。周孝閔帝踐阼，徵為司憲中大夫。。尋除基鄀硤平四州五防諸軍事、江陵防主，加大將軍。保定四年，晉公護東討，景宣別略河南。齊豫州刺史王士良、永州刺史世怡並以城降。景宣以開府謝徹守永州，開府郭彥守豫州，以士良、世怡及降卒一千人歸諸京師。尋而洛陽不守，乃棄二州，拔其將士而還。至昌州而羅陽蠻反，景宣回軍破之。還次霸上，晉公護親迎勞之。天和初，授荊州刺史，總管十七州諸軍事，進爵千金郡公。陳湘州刺史華皎舉州款附，表請援兵。敕景宣統水軍與皎俱下。景宣到夏口，陳人已至。而景宣以任遇隆重，遂驕傲縱恣，多自矜伐，兼納賄貨，指麾節度，朝出夕改。將士憤怒，莫肯用命。及水軍始交，一時奔北，戰艦器仗，略無孑遺。時衛公直總督諸軍，以景宣負敗，欲繩以軍法。朝廷不忍加罪，遣使就軍赦之。尋遇疾卒。贈河、渭、鄯三州刺史，諡曰恭。

When Yu Jin, Duke of Yan, campaigned against Jiangling, Jingxuan separately defeated Liang Minister of Works Lu Fahe and Sima Yang Liang at the Yun River. He also sent a separate commander to attack and capture Lushan. He built many boats and expanded banners and flags, intending to cross the river to frighten the Liang people. The Liang general Wang Lin was in Xiang Province. Jingxuan sent a letter explaining fortune and disaster, and Lin then sent his Chief Administrator Xi He through Jingxuan to request submission of the entire province. When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou ascended the throne, Jingxuan was summoned as Grand Master of the Ministry of Justice. He was soon appointed Commander of Military Affairs in the Four Garrisons of Ji, E, Xia, and Ping and Walled Commander of Jiangling, and was additionally made Grand General. In the fourth year of Baoding Duke of Jin Hu campaigned east. Jingxuan separately overran Henan. Qi Governor of Yu Province Wang Shiliang and Governor of Yong Province Shi Yi both surrendered their cities. Jingxuan had Xie Che, Director of the Department of State Affairs, guard Yong Province and Guo Yan, Director of the Department of State Affairs, guard Yu Province, and sent Shiliang, Shi Yi, and one thousand surrendered soldiers to the capital. Before long Luoyang could not be held and he therefore abandoned the two provinces, withdrew his generals and soldiers, and returned. At Chang Province the Luoyang barbarians rebelled. Jingxuan turned his army and defeated them. On return he stopped at Bashang. Duke of Jin Hu personally came to welcome and comfort him. At the beginning of Tianhe he was appointed Governor of Jing Province, Commander of Military Affairs in Seventeen Provinces, and promoted to Duke of Qianjin Commandery. Hua Jiao, Governor of Xiang Province of Chen, offered his province in submission and memorialized requesting relief troops. An edict ordered Jingxuan to command the navy and descend together with Jiao. When Jingxuan reached Xiakou, the Chen men had already arrived. But Jingxuan, because his appointment and favor were weighty, became arrogant and self-indulgent, greatly praised himself, also accepted bribes, and his commands and dispositions changed from morning to evening. Generals and soldiers were angry and unwilling to obey orders. When the navies first joined battle, they fled north all at once. Warships and weapons were nearly all lost. At that time Duke of Wei Zhi was overall commander of the armies and, because Jingxuan had been defeated, wished to punish him by military law. The court could not bear to add guilt and sent envoys to the army to pardon him. Before long he fell ill and died. He was posthumously granted Governor of the Three Provinces of He, Wei, and Shan, with the posthumous name Gong, "Respectful."

子如璋嗣，位至開府、膠州刺史。

His son Ruzhang succeeded to the line and rose to Director of the Department of State Affairs and Governor of Jiao Province.

如璋弟仕玠，儀同大將軍、廣川縣侯。

Ruzhang's younger brother Shijie was General with ceremonial rank equal to the Three Excellencies and Marquis of Guangchuan County.

論曰：王盟始以親黨升朝，終而才能進達，勤宣運始，位列周行，實參跡于功臣，蓋弗由於恩澤。誼文武奇才，以剛正見忌，有隋受命，郁為名臣，末路披猖，信有終之克鮮。獨孤信威申南服，化洽西州，信著遐方，光昭鄰國，雖不免其身，慶延於後，三代外戚，何其盛歟！竇熾儀錶魁梧，器識雄遠，入參朝政，則嘉謀屢陳，出總籓條，則惠政斯洽。毅忠蕭奉上，溫恭接下，茂實彰於本朝，義聲播於殊俗。並以國華人望，論道當官，榮映一時，慶流來葉。及熾遲疑勸進，有送故之心，雖王公恨恨，何以加此。榮定以功懋賞，以勞定國，保其祿位，貽厥子孫，盛矣。賀蘭祥、叱列伏龜、閻慶等雖階緣戚屬，各以功名自終，而毗製造之功，亦足傳于後葉。史甯、權景宣並以將帥之才，受內外之寵，總戎薄伐，著克敵之功，布政蒞人，垂稱職之譽，若此者，豈非有國之良翰歟！然而史在末年，貨財虧其雅志，權亦晚節矜驕，喪其威聲，惜矣。楊諒幹紀，祥獨克之，效亦足稱云爾。

The commentator says: Wang Meng at first rose in court through kinship, but in the end advanced through talent and ability. Diligently proclaiming the beginning of the dynasty's fortune, he took his place in the Zhou ranks, truly sharing in the traces of meritorious ministers—this was surely not due to favor alone. Yi was a rare talent in both civil and military affairs, yet was resented for his upright firmness. When Sui received the Mandate he flourished as a famous minister, but his final years were turbulent—truly, few maintain their virtue to the end. Dugu Xin's authority extended through the southern regions and his transforming influence reached the western provinces. His trustworthiness was known in distant lands and his brilliance shone in neighboring states. Although he did not escape death himself, blessing extended to his descendants—three generations of imperial in-laws. How grand! Dou Chi had an imposing bearing and far-reaching vision and insight. Entering court to participate in government he repeatedly offered excellent plans, and going out to command frontier regions his benevolent policies were harmoniously applied. Yi was loyal in serving his superiors and warm and respectful toward his subordinates. Solid merit was displayed in the native court and righteous reputation spread among foreign peoples. All were men of national glory and public esteem who discussed the Way while holding office. Their honor illuminated a generation and their blessing flowed to later generations. When Chi hesitated over urging the founding of the dynasty he showed a heart that sent off the old regime. Though kings and dukes were resentful, how could they surpass this? Rongding was rewarded for his merit and settled the state through his labors, preserved his rank and emolument and bequeathed them to his descendants—how flourishing! Helan Xiang, Chiliefu Gui, Yan Qing, and others, though they rose through kinship connections, each ended with merit and fame to their names. Pi's achievements in manufacture are also sufficient to pass to later generations. Shi Ning and Quan Jingxuan both possessed the talent of generals and received favor inside and outside the court. Commanding armies on minor campaigns they achieved merit in defeating the enemy, and administering government and overseeing the people they won praise for fulfilling their duties—were such men not fine pillars of the state! Yet Shi in his later years, through wealth and goods, diminished his lofty aspirations, and Quan in his final years through pride and arrogance lost his prestige—regrettable. When Yang Liang rebelled against discipline, Xiang alone overcame him. His achievement is also sufficient to be praised.

Cite this Chapter