1
王羆王思政尉遲迥王軌
Wang Pi, Wang Sizheng, Wei Chijiong, and Wang Gui
2
列傳第五十
Biographies 50
3
王羆孫長述王思政尉遲迥弟綱綱子運王軌樂運
Wang Pi (grandson Changshu), Wang Sizheng, Wei Chijiong (younger brother Gang; Gang's son Yun), Wang Gui, and Le Yun
4
王羆,字熊羆,京兆霸城人,漢河南尹遵之後,世為州郡著姓。 羆質直木強,處物平當,州閭敬憚之。 魏太和中,除殿中將軍,稍遷雍州別駕,清廉疾惡,勵精公事。 刺史崔亮有知人之鑒,見羆雅相欽挹。 亮後轉定州,啟羆為長史。 執政者恐羆不稱,不許。 及梁人寇硤石,亮為都督南討,復啟羆為長史,帶銳軍。 朝廷以亮頻舉羆,故當可用。 及克硤石,羆功居多。 先是南岐、東益氐羌反叛,乃拜羆冠軍將軍,鎮梁州,討平諸賊。 還,授西河內史,辭不拜。 時人謂曰; '西河大邦,奉祿優厚,何為致辭?」 羆曰:「京洛材木,盡出西河,朝貴營第宅者,皆有求假。 如其私辦,則力所不堪,若科發人間,又違犯憲法。 以此致辭耳。」
Wang Pi, whose courtesy name was Xiongpi, came from Bache in Jingzhao. He was descended from Zun, who had served as Administrator of Henan under the Han, and his clan had for generations been a prominent line in the provinces and commanderies. Pi was blunt and uncompromising by nature, yet fair in his dealings; throughout the province people both respected and feared him. During the Wei Taihe era he was appointed Palace Attendant General and was gradually promoted to Vice Administrator of Yong Province. Incorruptible and intolerant of wrongdoing, he threw himself into his official duties. The provincial inspector Cui Liang had a keen eye for talent, and when he met Pi he held him in high regard. When Liang was later transferred to Ding Province, he recommended Pi for the post of chief administrator. The men in power feared Pi was not up to the job and refused the appointment. When Liang forces raided Xiashi, Liang was made commander of the southern campaign and again recommended Pi as chief administrator, with command of elite troops. Since Liang had repeatedly recommended Pi, the court concluded he must be fit for the role. When Xiashi was captured, Pi's contribution was the greatest of all. Earlier, when the Di and Qiang of South Qi and East Yi had risen in revolt, Pi was appointed General Who Conquers the Enemy and posted to Liang Province, where he put down the rebels. On his return he was offered the post of Administrator of Xihe, but he declined it. People at the time said to him: 'Xihe is a major commandery with a generous salary — why turn it down?' Pi replied, 'All the timber used in the capital comes from Xihe, and every court noble building a mansion there wants to borrow it. If I supply it from my own purse, I cannot afford it; if I levy it from the people, I break the law. That is why I am declining.'
5
後以軍功封定陽子,除荊州刺史。 梁復遣曹義宗圍荊州,堰水灌城,不沒者數版。 時既內外多虞,未遑救援,乃遺羆鐵券,雲城全當授本州刺史。 城中糧盡,羆乃煮粥與將士均分食之。 每出戰,常不擐甲胄,大呼告天曰:「荊州城,孝文皇帝所置。 天若不佑國家,使箭中王羆額; 不爾,王羆須破賊。」 屢經戰陣,亦不被傷。 彌曆三年,義宗方退。 進封霸城縣公。 元顥入洛,以羆為左軍大都督。 顥敗,莊帝以羆受顥官,故不得本州,更除岐州刺史。
Later, for his military achievements, he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Dingyang and appointed inspector of Jing Province. Liang again sent Cao Yizong to besiege Jing Province, damming the waters to flood the city until only a few courses of wall stood above the water. With troubles at home and abroad, no relief could reach them in time, so the court sent Pi an iron certificate promising that if the city held, he would receive the provincial post in full. When the city's grain ran out, Pi cooked gruel and shared it equally among his officers and men. Each time he went into battle he often wore no armor, crying aloud to Heaven, 'Jing Province was founded by Emperor Xiaowen. If Heaven does not protect the state, let an arrow strike Wang Pi in the forehead; otherwise Wang Pi must break the enemy. He fought through many battles and was never wounded. After three full years, Yizong finally withdrew. He was promoted to Duke of Bacheng County. When Yuan Hao entered Luoyang, he made Pi Grand Commander of the Left Army. When Hao was defeated, Emperor Zhuang, because Pi had accepted office under him, denied him his original province and instead appointed him inspector of Qi Province.
6
時南秦數叛,以羆行南秦州事。 羆至州,召其魁帥為腹心,擊捕反者略盡。 乃謂魁帥等曰:「汝黨皆死盡,何用活為!」 乃以次斬之。 自是南秦無復反者。 又詔羆行秦州事。 尋遷涇州刺史。 未及之部,屬周文帝徵兵為勤王之舉,羆請前驅效命,遂為大都督,鎮華州。 孝武西遷,進車騎大將軍、儀同三司,別封萬年縣伯,乃除華州刺史。 齊神武率軍進潼關,人懷危懼,羆勸勱交士,眾心乃安。 神武退,拜驃騎大將軍,加侍中、開府。 嘗修州城未畢,梯在城外。 神武遣韓軌、司馬子如從河東宵濟襲羆,羆不覺。 比曉,軌眾已乘梯入城。 羆尚臥未起,聞閣外洶洶有聲,便袒身露髻徒跣,持一白棒,大呼而出,謂曰:「老羆當道臥,貉子那得過!」 敵見,驚退。 逐至東門,左右稍集,合戰破之。 軌遂投城遁走。 文帝聞而壯之。 時關中大饑,徵稅人間穀食,以供軍費。 或隱匿者,令遞相告,多被篣捶,以是人有逃散。 唯羆信著于人,莫有隱者,得粟不少諸州,而無怨讟。 沙苑之役,神武士馬甚盛。 文帝以華州沖要,遣使勞羆,令加守備。 及神武至城下,謂羆曰; 「何不早降?」 羆乃大呼曰:「此城是王羆家,死生在此,欲死者來!」 神武不敢攻。
At the time South Qin had rebelled repeatedly, and Pi was put in charge of South Qin Province affairs. When Pi reached the province, he brought the chieftains close as trusted aides and hunted down the rebels until nearly all were captured. Then he told the chieftains, 'Your followers are all dead — what point is there in living? Then he had them beheaded one by one. After that there were no more rebellions in South Qin. He was again ordered to administer Qin Province affairs. Soon afterward he was transferred to inspector of Jing Province. Before he could take up his post, Duke Wen of Zhou was raising troops to rescue the throne. Pi volunteered to lead the vanguard and was made grand commander, stationed at Hua Province. When Emperor Xiaowu moved west, Pi was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry with third-rank honorary equivalence, separately enfeoffed as Baron of Wannian County, and appointed inspector of Hua Province. When Gao Huan of Qi led his army to Tong Pass, fear spread among the people, but Pi rallied the gentry and soldiers until morale steadied. When Gao Huan withdrew, Pi was appointed General of Agile Cavalry, with the additional titles of Palace Attendant and Opener of the Mansion. Once, while repairs to the provincial city wall were still unfinished, the ladders were left outside the wall. Gao Huan sent Han Gui and Sima Ziru to cross the river at night from Hedong and raid Pi, and Pi did not notice. By dawn, Gui's troops had already climbed the ladders into the city. Pi was still asleep when he heard a clamor outside the gate. He bared his torso, let down his hair, went barefoot, seized a white club, and rushed out shouting, 'Old Pi lies across the road — how can you foxes get past! The enemy saw him and fell back in alarm. He pursued them to the east gate; as his men gradually gathered, they joined battle and routed the enemy. Gui then leapt from the wall and fled. When Duke Wen heard of it, he admired Pi's courage. At the time Guanzhong was in famine, and grain was levied from the people to supply the army. Those who hid grain were made to inform on one another, and many were beaten with rods, so people fled and scattered. Only under Pi, whose trustworthiness was well established, did no one conceal grain. He collected no less than other provinces, yet without complaint. At the battle of Shahu, Gao Huan's troops and horses were very strong. Because Hua Province was strategically vital, Duke Wen sent an envoy to encourage Pi and ordered him to strengthen the defenses. When Gao Huan reached the foot of the wall, he said to Pi: 'Why not surrender now? Pi shouted back, 'This city is Wang Pi's home. Life and death are here — let those who wish to die come!' Gao Huan did not dare attack.
7
後移鎮河東,以前後功進爵扶風郡公。 河橋之戰,王師不利,趙青雀據長安城,所在莫有固志。 羆乃大開州門,召城中戰士謂曰:「如聞天子敗績,不知吉凶,諸人相驚,咸有異望。 王羆受委於此,以死報恩。 諸人若有異圖,可來見殺。 必恐城陷沒者,亦任出城。 如有忠誠,能與王羆同心,可共固守。」 軍人見其誠信,皆無異心。 及軍還,徵拜雍州刺史。 是蠕蠕度河南寇,候騎已至豳州。 朝廷慮其深入,乃徵發士馬,屯守京城,塹諸街巷,以備侵軼。 右僕射周惠達召羆議之。 羆不應命,臥而不起,謂其使曰:「若蠕蠕至渭北者,王羆率鄉里自破之,不煩國家兵。 何為天子城中,遂作如此驚動! 由周家小兒恇怯致此。」 羆輕侮權貴,守正不回,皆此類也。 未幾,還鎮河東。
Later he was transferred to command Hedong, and for his cumulative service was promoted to Duke of Fufeng Commandery. At the battle of Heqiao the royal army was defeated, Zhao Qingque seized Chang'an, and resolve collapsed everywhere. Pi threw open the provincial gates, summoned the warriors in the city, and said, 'I hear the emperor has been defeated and do not know his fate. You are all alarmed and harbor other designs. Wang Pi has been entrusted with this post and will repay that trust with his life. If any of you have other designs, come and kill me. If you fear the city will fall, you are free to leave. If you are loyal and share Wang Pi's resolve, we can hold the city together. Seeing his sincerity, the soldiers all abandoned other designs. When the army returned, he was summoned and appointed inspector of Yong Province. At that time the Rouran crossed the Yellow River to raid, and their scouts had already reached Bin Province. Fearing a deep incursion, the court mobilized troops, garrisoned the capital, and dug trenches in the streets against raids. The Right Vice Director Zhou Huida summoned Pi to discuss the matter. Pi did not respond but lay abed, telling the messenger, 'If the Rouran reach the north bank of the Wei, Wang Pi will lead the local people to defeat them without troubling the state's troops. Why cause such panic in the emperor's city! This is the cowardice of that Zhou boy. Pi's contempt for the powerful and his steadfast integrity were all of this kind. Before long he returned to command Hedong.
8
羆性儉率,不事邊幅。 嘗有台使至,羆為設食,使乃裂去薄餅緣。 羆曰:「耕種收穫,其功已深,舂爨造成,用力不少,爾之選擇,當是未饑。。」 命左右撤去之。 使者愕然大慚。 又客與羆食瓜,客削瓜皮,侵肉稍厚,羆意嫌之。 及瓜皮落地,乃引手就地取而食之。 客甚愧色。 性又嚴急,嘗有吏挾私陳事者,羆不暇命捶撲,乃手自取鞾履,持以擊之。 每至享會,自秤量酒肉,分給將士。 時人尚其均平,嗤其鄙碎。 羆舉動率情,不為巧詐,凡所經處,雖無當時功跡,咸去乃見思。 卒于官,贈太尉、都督、相冀等十州刺史,諡曰忠。
Pi was frugal and plain by nature and cared nothing for appearances. Once when a court envoy arrived, Pi set out food, and the envoy tore off the edges of the thin cakes. Pi said, 'Planting and harvesting take deep labor; pounding grain and cooking it take no small effort. Your picking and choosing shows you cannot be hungry. He ordered his attendants to take the food away. The envoy was stunned and deeply ashamed. Again, when a guest was eating melon with Pi, the guest peeled away rather too much flesh along with the rind, which Pi resented. When the rind fell to the ground, he reached down, picked it up, and ate it. The guest was deeply ashamed. His nature was also stern and quick-tempered. Once when an official came with a private petition, Pi had no time to order a beating and seized his boots to strike the man himself. At every feast he personally weighed out wine and meat and distributed it to his officers and men. People admired his fairness but mocked his petty fussiness. Pi acted from the heart and practiced no cunning. Wherever he served, though he left no conspicuous achievements at the time, he was missed after he departed. He died in office and was posthumously granted the titles of Grand Commandant, Commander-in-Chief, and Inspector of ten provinces including Xiang and Ji; his posthumous name was Loyal.
9
羆安於貧素,不營生業,後雖貴顯,鄉里舊宅,不改衡門,身死之日,家甚貧罄,當時伏其清潔。
Pi was content with poverty and simplicity and did not pursue wealth. Though he later rose to high rank, he left the simple gate of his old country home unchanged, and when he died his household was very poor; people of the time admired his integrity.
10
子慶遠,弱冠以功臣子拜直閣將軍,先羆卒。 孫述。
His son Qingyuan, upon reaching adulthood as the son of a meritorious official, was appointed Direct Attendant General and died before Pi. His grandson was Shu.
11
子謨嗣。 謨弟軌,大業末郡守。 少子文楷,起部郎。
His son Mo succeeded him. Mo's younger brother Gui was a commandery administrator at the end of the Daye era. The youngest son Wenkai was a Gentleman of the Ministry of Personnel.
12
王思政,太原祁人,漢司徒允之後也。 自魏太尉淩誅後,冠冕遂絕。 父佑,州主簿。 思政容貌魁梧,有籌策,解褐員外散騎侍郎。 屬万俟醜奴、宿勤明達等擾亂關右,北海王顥討之,聞思政壯健,啟與隨軍,所有謀議,並與參詳。 時孝武在籓,素聞其名,乃引為賓客,遇之甚厚。 及登大位,委以心膂。 預定策功,封祁縣侯,為武衛將軍。 俄而齊神武潛有異圖,帝以思政可任大事,拜使持節、中軍大將軍、大都督,總宿衛兵。 思政乃言於帝曰:「洛陽四面受敵,非用武之地。 關中有崤函之固,且士馬精強。 宇文夏州糾合同盟,願立功效若聞車駕西幸,必當奔走奉迎。 藉天府之資,因已成之業,二年修復舊京,何慮不克。」 帝深然之。 及神武兵至河北,帝乃西遷。 進爵太原郡公,拜光祿卿、并州刺史,加散騎常侍、大都督。
Wang Sizheng came from Qi in Taiyuan and was a descendant of Wang Yun, Minister over the Masses under the Han. After the Wei Grand Commandant Ling was executed, the family's official standing came to an end. His father You was a provincial chief clerk. Sizheng was tall and imposing, possessed of strategic talent, and upon entering office was appointed Supernumerary Attendant Cavalier. When Moqi Chounu, Suqin Mingda, and others were raiding the lands west of the Pass, Prince of Beihai Yuan Hao marched against them. Hearing that Sizheng was strong and capable, he had him join the campaign, and Sizheng took part in all planning and deliberation. At the time Emperor Xiaowu was still a prince and had long heard of Sizheng, so he took him on as a retainer and treated him with great favor. When he ascended the throne, he entrusted Sizheng as one of his closest confidants. For his merit in settling the succession he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Qi County and appointed General of the Martial Guard. Soon Gao Huan of Qi secretly harbored other designs, and the emperor, believing Sizheng capable of great affairs, appointed him Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General of the Central Army, and Grand Commander, with overall command of the palace guard. Sizheng then told the emperor, 'Luoyang is beset on all sides and is no place to make war. Guanzhong has the strongholds of Xiao and Han, and its troops and horses are elite and powerful. Commandant Yuwen of Xia Province has rallied the allied forces and wishes to prove his worth. If he hears the imperial carriage is moving west, he will surely rush to welcome it. With the resources of the imperial domain and work already accomplished, the old capital can be restored in two years — why fear failure? The emperor deeply agreed. When Gao Huan's army reached Hebei, the emperor moved west. Sizheng was promoted to Duke of Taiyuan Commandery, appointed Minister of the Imperial Household and inspector of Bing Province, and given the additional titles of Regular Attendant Cavalier and Grand Commander.
13
大統之後,思政雖被任委,自以非相府之舊,每不自安。 周文帝曾在同州,與群公宴集,出錦罽及雜綾絹數千段,令諸將摴蒲取之。 物盡,周文又解所服金帶,令諸人遍擲,曰:「先得盧者即與之。」 群公擲將遍,莫有得者。 次至思政,乃斂容跪而誓曰:「王思政羈旅歸朝,蒙宰相國士之遇,方願盡心效命,上報知已。 若此誠有實,令宰相賜知者,願擲即為盧; 若內懷不盡,神靈亦當明之,使不作也,便當殺身以謝所奉。」 辭氣慷慨,一座盡驚。 即拔所佩刀,橫於膝上,攬摴蒲,拊髀擲之。 比周文止之,已擲為盧矣。 徐乃拜而受帶。 自此朝寄更深。
After the Dazong era, though Sizheng was entrusted with office, he felt himself not an old associate of the chancellor's house and was often ill at ease. Duke Wen of Zhou was once at Tong Province and held a banquet with the nobles. He brought out several thousand bolts of brocade and assorted silks and had the generals play pitch-pot to win them. When the goods were exhausted, Duke Wen removed the gold belt he was wearing and had everyone take turns casting lots, saying, 'Whoever first gets the winning throw shall have it. The nobles cast until all had had their turn, but none won. When it came to Sizheng's turn, he composed his expression, knelt, and swore, 'Wang Sizheng, a wanderer who returned to the court, has received from the chancellor the treatment due a national champion and now wishes to devote himself and repay that trust. If this sincerity is true and Heaven lets the chancellor know it, may my cast be the winning throw; if my heart is not wholly loyal, the spirits will make it clear and my cast will fail, and I shall kill myself to answer for what I have pledged. His words were impassioned, and the whole assembly was astonished. He at once drew the sword at his belt, laid it across his knees, gathered the pitch-pot pieces, slapped his thigh, and cast. By the time Duke Wen stopped him, he had already cast the winning throw. Then he bowed and received the belt. From then on the court's trust in him grew deeper.
14
及河橋之戰,思政下馬,用長槊左右橫擊,一擊踣數人。 時陷陣既深,從者死盡,思政被重創悶絕。 會日暮,敵亦收軍。 思政久經軍旅,戰唯著破衣弊甲,敵人疑非將帥,故得免。 有帳下督雷五安于戰處哭求思政,會已蘇,遂相得。 乃割衣裹創,扶思政上馬,夜久方得還軍。 仍鎮弘農,除侍中、東道行台。 思政以玉壁地險要,請築城。 即自營度,移鎮之。 管汾晉並三州諸軍事、并州刺史、行台如故,仍鎮玉壁。 八年,東魏復來寇,卒不能克。 以全城功,授驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。
At the battle of Heqiao, Sizheng dismounted, took a long spear, and struck left and right; with each blow he felled several men. By then he had penetrated deep into the enemy formation, his followers were all dead, and Sizheng suffered grave wounds and lost consciousness. As dusk fell, the enemy also withdrew. Sizheng had long served in the army and in battle wore only tattered clothes and worn armor, so the enemy doubted he was a commander and he was spared. A camp adjutant named Lei Wu'an wept and searched for Sizheng on the battlefield; Sizheng had already revived, and they found each other. They tore cloth to bind his wounds, helped Sizheng mount a horse, and only late at night reached their army. He continued to command Hongnong and was appointed Palace Attendant and Eastern Route Commissioner. Because Yubi was strategically vital, Sizheng requested that a fortress be built there. He personally planned the work and moved his command there. He continued to administer military affairs of the three provinces of Fen, Jin, and Bing, to serve as inspector of Bing Province and commissioner as before, and remained stationed at Yubi. In the eighth year Eastern Wei again came to raid, but in the end could not take the city. For holding the city intact, he was granted General of Agile Cavalry and Opener of the Mansion with third-rank honorary equivalence.
15
高仲密以北豫州來附,周文親接援之,乃驛召思政,將鎮成皋。 未至而班師,復命思政鎮弘農。 思政入弘農,令開城門,解衣而臥,慰勉將士,示不足畏。 數日後,東魏將劉豐生率數千騎至城下,憚之,不敢進,乃引軍還。 於是修城郭,起樓櫓,營田農,積芻秣,凡可以守禦者皆具焉。 弘農之有備,自思政始也。
When Gao Zhongmi came over with North Yuzhou, Duke Wen personally went to receive and support him, then summoned Sizheng by express post to command Chenggao. Before he arrived the army withdrew, and he was again ordered to command Hongnong. Sizheng entered Hongnong, ordered the city gates opened, removed his outer robe and lay down, encouraging his officers and men and showing there was nothing to fear. Several days later the Eastern Wei general Liu Fengsheng led several thousand horsemen to the foot of the wall, was intimidated by this display, dared not advance, and withdrew. Then he repaired the walls and moats, built towers and parapets, opened fields, stored fodder and grain, and provided everything needed for defense. Hongnong's preparedness began with Sizheng.
16
十二年,加特進,兼尚書左僕射、行台、都督、荊州刺史。 境內卑濕,城塹多壞。 思政乃命都督藺小歡督工匠繕修之。 掘得黃金三十斤,夜中密送。 至旦,思政召佐史,以金示之曰:「人臣不宜有私。」 悉封金送上。 周文嘉之,賜錢二十萬。 思政之去玉壁也,周文命舉代人,思政乃進所部都督韋孝寬。 其後東魏來寇,孝寬卒能全城,時論稱其知人。
In the twelfth year he was given the special advance rank and concurrently appointed Left Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, commissioner, commander-in-chief, and inspector of Jing Province. The territory was low and damp, and the walls and moats were largely ruined. Sizheng then ordered Commander Lin Xiaohuan to supervise craftsmen in repairing them. Thirty jin of gold were unearthed and secretly sent to him at night. At dawn Sizheng summoned his clerks, showed them the gold, and said, 'A subject should not keep private property. He sealed all the gold and sent it up to the court. Duke Wen praised this and granted him two hundred thousand coins. When Sizheng was leaving Yubi, Duke Wen ordered that a replacement be recommended, and Sizheng advanced his subordinate Commander Wei Xiaokuan. Later when Eastern Wei came to raid, Xiaokuan held the city intact, and opinion at the time praised Sizheng's judgment of men.
17
十三年,侯景叛東魏,請援乞師。 當時未即應接。 思政以為若不因機進取,後悔無及,即率荊州步騎萬餘,從魯關向陽翟。 周文聞思政已發,乃遣太尉李弼赴潁川。 東魏將高岳等聞大軍至,收軍而遁。 思政入守潁川。 景引兵向豫州,外稱略地,乃密遣送款于梁。 先是,周文遣帥都督賀蘭願德助景扞禦,景既有異圖,因厚撫願德等,冀為己用。 思政知景詭詐,乃密追願德。 思政分佈諸軍,據景七州十二鎮。 周文乃以所授景使持節、太傅、大將軍,兼尚書令、河南大行台、河南諸軍事,回授思政,思政並讓不受。 頻使敦喻,唯受河南諸軍事。
In the thirteenth year Hou Jing rebelled against Eastern Wei and asked for aid and troops. At the time no immediate response was made. Sizheng believed that if they did not seize the opportunity, regret would come too late, and immediately led more than ten thousand infantry and cavalry from Jing Province from Lu Pass toward Yangdi. When Duke Wen heard that Sizheng had already set out, he sent Grand Commandant Li Bi to Yingchuan. The Eastern Wei generals Gao Yue and others, hearing that the main army had arrived, withdrew and fled. Sizheng entered and defended Yingchuan. Jing led his troops toward Yuzhou, outwardly claiming to seize territory, but secretly sent submission to Liang. Earlier Duke Wen had sent Commander-in-Chief Helan Yuande to help Jing in defense. Once Jing had other designs, he treated Yuande and the others generously, hoping to win them to his side. Sizheng knew Jing's deceit and secretly recalled Yuande. Sizheng deployed his forces and seized Jing's seven provinces and twelve garrisons. Duke Wen then transferred to Sizheng the titles granted to Jing — Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand Tutor, Grand General, concurrent Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Grand Commissioner of Henan, and Commander of Henan Military Affairs — but Sizheng declined them all. Messengers repeatedly urged him, and he accepted only command of Henan military affairs.
18
十四年,拜大將軍。 九月,東魏太尉高岳、行台慕容紹宗、儀同劉豐生等率步騎十萬來攻潁川,殺傷甚眾。 岳又築土山以臨城中,飛梯火車,盡攻擊之法。 思政亦作火<矛贊>,因迅風便投之土山。 又射以火箭,燒其攻具。 仍募勇士,縋而出戰,據其兩土山,置樓堞以助防守。 齊文襄更益兵,堰洧水以灌城。 時雖有怪獸,每沖壞其堰。 然城被灌已久,多亦崩頹。 嶽悉眾苦攻。 思政身當矢石,與士卒同勞苦。 岳乃更修堰,作鐵龍雜獸,用厭水神。 堰成,水大至。 城中泉湧溢,懸釜而炊,糧力俱竭。 慕容紹宗、劉豐生及其將慕容永珍意以為閑,共乘樓船以望城內,令善射人俯射城中。 俄而大風暴起,船乃飄至城下。 城上人以長鉤牽船,弓弩亂髮。 紹宗竊急,透水而死。 豐生浮向土山,復中矢而斃。 禽永珍,並獲船中器械。 思政謂永珍曰:「僕之破亡,在於晷漏。 誠知殺卿無益,然人臣之節,守之以死。」 乃流涕斬之。 並收紹宗等屍,以禮埋瘞。
In the fourteenth year he was appointed Grand General. In the ninth month the Eastern Wei Grand Commandant Gao Yue, Commissioner Murong Shaozong, Liu Fengsheng with honorary third rank, and others led one hundred thousand infantry and cavalry to attack Yingchuan, inflicting heavy casualties. Yue also built earthen mounds overlooking the city and used flying ladders and fire carts — every method of assault. Sizheng also made fire projectiles and, taking advantage of a swift wind, hurled them at the earthen mounds. He also shot fire arrows and burned their siege equipment. He also recruited brave men, lowered them by rope to sally forth, seized two of the earthen mounds, and built parapets on them to aid the defense. Gao Cheng of Qi sent more troops and dammed the Wei River to flood the city. At the time strange beasts repeatedly broke the dam. Yet the city had been flooded for a long time, and much of the wall had collapsed. Yue mustered all his forces and pressed the attack bitterly. Sizheng placed himself in the path of arrows and stones and shared hardship with his soldiers. Yue then rebuilt the dam and made iron dragons and assorted beasts to subdue the water spirit. When the dam was finished, the water rose greatly. Springs gushed within the city, pots had to be hung to cook, and both grain and strength were exhausted. Murong Shaozong, Liu Fengsheng, and their general Murong Yongzhen, thinking the situation secure, together boarded a tower ship to look into the city and ordered skilled archers to shoot down into it. Suddenly a great wind arose, and the ship drifted to the foot of the wall. Men on the wall used long hooks to pull the ship and shot bows and crossbows in a wild volley. Shaozong, in panic, drowned while crossing the water. Fengsheng floated toward an earthen mound and was struck by an arrow and killed. Yongzhen was captured, and the equipment on the ship was also taken. Sizheng said to Yongzhen, 'My ruin is only a matter of hours. I know killing you would serve no purpose, yet a subject's duty must be kept unto death. Then, weeping, he executed him. He also collected the bodies of Shaozong and the others and buried them with proper rites.
19
岳既失紹宗等,志氣沮喪,不敢逼城。 齊文襄聞之,乃率步騎十萬來攻。 思政知不濟,率左右據土山,因仰天大哭,左右皆號慟。 思政西向再拜,便欲自剄。 先是,文襄告城中人曰:「有能生致王大將軍者,封侯重賞。 若大將軍身有損傷,親近左右皆從大戮。」 都督駱訓固止之,不得引決。 齊文襄遣其通直散騎常侍趙彥深,就土山遺以白羽扇而說之,牽手以下。 引見文襄,辭氣慷慨,涕淚交流,無撓屈之容。 文襄以其忠於所事,起而禮之,接遇甚厚。 其督將分禁諸州地牢。 數年盡死。
Yue, having lost Shaozong and the others, was dispirited and dared not press the city. When Gao Cheng of Qi heard of this, he led one hundred thousand infantry and cavalry to attack. Sizheng knew success was impossible, led his attendants to hold an earthen mound, and cried aloud to Heaven; his attendants all wailed in grief. Sizheng bowed twice toward the west and was about to cut his own throat. Earlier Gao Cheng had told the people in the city, 'Whoever can capture Grand General Wang alive will be enfeoffed and richly rewarded. If the Grand General is harmed, all those close to him will be put to death. Commander Luo Xun firmly stopped him, and he could not take his life. Gao Cheng of Qi sent his Regular Attendant Cavalier of Direct Transmission Zhao Yanshen to the earthen mound, presented a white feather fan, and persuaded him, taking his hand to lead him down. He was brought before Gao Cheng. His words were impassioned, tears streamed down his face, and there was no sign of submission. Gao Cheng, because of his loyalty to his former master, rose and honored him and treated him with great favor. His commanders and generals were imprisoned separately in dungeons across the provinces. Within several years they all died.
20
思政初入潁川,士卒八千人。 被圍既久,城中無鹽,腫死者十六七,及城陷之日,存者才三千人。 雖外無救援,遂無叛者。 思政常以勤王為務,不營資產。 嘗被賜園地,思政出征後,家人種桑果雜樹。 及還,見而怒曰:「匈奴未滅,去病辭家,況大賊未平,欲事產業,豈所謂憂公忘私邪!」 命左右拔而棄之。 故身陷之後,家無蓄積。 及齊文宣受東魏禪,以思政為都官尚書、儀同三司。 卒,贈以本官,加兗州刺史。
When Sizheng first entered Yingchuan, he had eight thousand soldiers. The siege dragged on until the city ran out of salt; six or seven out of ten died of swelling. When the city finally fell, only three thousand were left alive. Though no relief came from outside, no one defected. Sizheng always made rescuing the throne his priority and did not pursue personal wealth. Once he was granted an estate; after Sizheng went on campaign, his family planted mulberries, fruit trees, and other trees on it. On his return he saw this and angrily said, 'Huo Qubing left home before the Xiongnu were destroyed; how much more now, with the great enemy still unbeaten, can you pursue an estate? Is this what caring for the public and forgetting the private means? He ordered his attendants to pull them up and throw them away. Therefore after he was captured, his household had no savings. When Gao Yang of Qi accepted the abdication of Eastern Wei, he made Sizheng Director of the Ministry of Justice with third-rank honorary equivalence. He died and was posthumously granted his former office plus inspector of Yan Province.
21
初,思政在荊州,自武關以南延袤一千五百里,置三十餘城,並當沖要之地。 凡所舉薦,咸得其才。
Earlier, when Sizheng held Jing Province, he established more than thirty cities over fifteen hundred li south from Wuguan, all at strategically vital points. Every man he recommended proved fit for the role.
22
子康,沈毅有度量,後為周文親信。 思政陷後,詔以因水城陷,非戰之罪,增邑三千五百戶,以康襲爵太原公,除驃騎大將軍、侍中、開府儀同三司。 康弟揆,先封中都縣侯,增邑通前一千五百戶,進爵為公。 揆弟邗,封西安縣侯。 邗弟恭,忠誠縣伯。 恭弟細,顯親縣伯。 康姊封齊郡君。 康兄元遜亦陷於潁川,封其子景晉陽縣侯。 康抗表固讓,不許。 十六年,王師東討,加康使持節、大都督,以思政所部兵皆配之。 魏廢帝二年,隨尉遲迥征蜀,鎮天水郡。 尋賜姓拓王氏。 為鄜州刺史。 武成末,除匠師中大夫,轉載師。 保定二年,曆安、襄二州總管,位柱國。 入隋,終於汴州刺史。
His son Kang was steady, resolute, and broad-minded, and later became one of Duke Wen's trusted confidants. After Sizheng's capture, an edict held that the city's fall by flooding was not a fault in battle, added three thousand five hundred households to the fief, had Kang inherit the title Duke of Taiyuan, and appointed him General of Agile Cavalry, Palace Attendant, and Opener of the Mansion with third-rank honorary equivalence. Kang's younger brother Kui had earlier been enfeoffed as Marquis of Zhongdu County; his fief was increased to one thousand five hundred households in all and he was promoted to duke. Kui's younger brother Han was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xi'an County. Han's younger brother Gong was Baron of Zhongcheng County. Gong's younger brother Xi was Baron of Xianqin County. Kang's elder sister was enfeoffed as Lady of Qi Commandery. Kang's elder brother Yuansun also fell at Yingchuan, and his son Jing was enfeoffed as Marquis of Jinyang County. Kang submitted a memorial firmly declining the honor, but the court refused. In the sixteenth year the royal army marched east; Kang was given the Staff of Authority and made grand commander, and all troops under Sizheng were assigned to him. In the second year of Emperor Fei of Wei he followed Wei Chijiong on the Shu campaign and was posted to Tianshui Commandery. Soon he was granted the surname Tuo and the clan name Wang. He served as inspector of Fu Province. At the end of the Wucheng era he was appointed Grand Master of Craftsmen and then transferred to Grand Master of Carriages. In the second year of Baoding he served in succession as commander of An and Xiang provinces and held the rank of Pillar of the State. Under the Sui he ended his career as inspector of Bian Province.
23
尉遲迥,字薄居羅,代人也。 其先,魏之別種,號尉遲部,因而氏焉。 父俟兜,性弘裕有鑒識,尚周文帝姊昌樂大長公主,生迥及綱。 迥年七歲,綱年六歲,俟兜病且卒,呼二子,撫其首曰:「汝等並有貴相,但恨吾不見耳,各勉之。」 武成初,追贈柱國大將軍、太傅、長樂郡公,諡曰定。 迥少聰敏,美容儀。 及長,有大志,好施愛士。 尚魏文帝女金明公主,拜駙馬都尉,封西都侯。 大統十一年,拜侍中、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司,進爵魏安郡公。 十五年,遷尚書左僕射,兼領軍將軍。 迥通敏有幹能,雖任兼文武,頗允時望,周文以此深委仗焉。 十六年,拜大將軍。
Wei Chijiong, whose courtesy name was Bojuluo, came from Dai. His ancestors were a separate branch of the Wei people called the Wei Chi tribe, from which they took their surname. His father Qidou was broad-minded and discerning. He married Duke Wen of Zhou's elder sister, the Grand Princess of Changle, and fathered Chijiong and Gang. Chijiong was seven and Gang six when Qidou fell mortally ill. He called the two boys, stroked their heads, and said, 'You both have noble countenances, but I regret I shall not live to see it — each of you strive hard. At the beginning of Wucheng he was posthumously granted Pillar of the State, Grand General, Grand Tutor, and Duke of Changle Commandery, with the posthumous name Settled. As a youth Chijiong was clever and handsome in bearing. When he grew up he had great ambition, loved to give, and cherished men of talent. He married Emperor Wen of Wei's daughter, Princess Jinming, was appointed Commandant of the Horse for the Son-in-Law, and enfeoffed as Marquis of Xidu. In the eleventh year of Dazong he was appointed Palace Attendant, General of Agile Cavalry, and Opener of the Mansion with third-rank honorary equivalence, and promoted to Duke of Wei'an Commandery. In the fifteenth year he was transferred to Left Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat and concurrently made General of the Palace Guard. Chijiong was quick, perceptive, and capable. Though his duties combined civil and military roles, he largely met public expectations, and Duke Wen deeply entrusted him for that reason. In the sixteenth year he was appointed Grand General.
24
侯景之渡江也,梁元帝時鎮江陵,請修鄰好。 其弟武陵王紀在蜀稱帝,率眾東下,將攻之。 梁元帝大懼,移書請救。 周文曰:「蜀可圖矣! 取蜀制梁,在茲一舉。」 乃與群公會議,諸將多有異同。 唯迥以為紀既盡銳東下,蜀必空虛,王師臨之,必有征無戰。 周文以為然,謂曰:「伐蜀之事,一以委汝。」 於是令迥督開府元珍、乙弗亞、侯呂陵始、叱奴興、綦連雄、宇文升等六軍甲士取晉壽,開平林舊道。 迥前軍臨劍閣,紀安州刺史樂廣以州先降。 紀梁州刺史楊乾運時鎮潼水,先已遣使詣闕,密送誠款,然恐其下不從,猶據潼水別營拒守。 迥遣元珍、侯呂陵始等襲之,乾運還保潼川。 珍等遂圍之,乾運降。 迥至潼川,大餉將士,度涪江,至青溪,登南原,勒兵講武,修繕約束,閱器械,自開府以下賞金帛各有差。 時夏中連雨,山路險峻,將士疲病者十二三,迥親自勞問,加以湯藥,引之而西。 紀益州刺史蕭捴嬰城自守,進軍圍之。 初,紀至巴郡,遣前南梁州刺史史欣景、幽州刺史趙拔扈等為捴外援。 迥分遣元珍、乙弗亞等擊破之。 拔扈等遁走,欣景遂降。 捴被圍五旬,頻戰為迥所破。 遣使乞降,許之。
When Hou Jing crossed the Yangzi, Emperor Yuan of Liang was stationed at Jiangling and requested friendly relations with his neighbor. His younger brother Prince of Wuling Ji had declared himself emperor in Shu, led his forces eastward, and was about to attack him. Emperor Yuan of Liang was greatly afraid and sent a letter requesting rescue. Duke Wen said, 'Shu can be taken! To take Shu and control Liang depends on this one move. Then he met with the nobles in council, and the generals were much divided in opinion. Only Chijiong argued that since Ji had committed all his elite forces eastward, Shu must be empty, and when the royal army arrived there would be conquest without battle. Duke Wen agreed and told him, 'The matter of attacking Shu I entrust entirely to you. Then he ordered Chijiong to command six armies of armored troops under Yuan Zhen, Yifu Ya, Hou Lülingshi, Cinu Xing, Qilian Xiong, Yuwen Sheng, and others to take Jinshou by the old Pinglin route. Chijiong's vanguard reached Jiange, and Yue Guang, Ji's inspector of An Province, surrendered the province first. Yang Qianyun, Ji's inspector of Liang Province, was then stationed at Tongshui. He had already sent envoys to court with secret pledges of loyalty, but fearing his subordinates would not follow, he still held a separate camp at Tongshui in defense. Chijiong sent Yuan Zhen, Hou Lülingshi, and others to attack him, and Qianyun withdrew to defend Tongchuan. Zhen and the others then besieged him, and Qianyun surrendered. When Chijiong reached Tongchuan he feasted his officers and men generously, crossed the Fu River, reached Qingxi, ascended the southern plain, drilled the troops, restored discipline, inspected weapons, and rewarded gold and silk in differing amounts from Opener of the Mansion downward. It rained continuously in midsummer, the mountain roads were steep and dangerous, and one or two out of ten officers and men were exhausted or ill. Chijiong personally comforted them, gave them medicine, and led them westward. Xiao Chou, Ji's inspector of Yi Province, closed the city and defended himself, and Chijiong advanced and besieged him. Earlier, when Ji reached Ba Commandery, he sent the former inspector of South Liang Province Shi Xinjing, inspector of You Province Zhao Bahu, and others as external aid to Chou. Chijiong sent Yuan Zhen, Yifu Ya, and others in separate detachments to defeat them. Bahu and the others fled, and Xinjing then surrendered. Chou was besieged for fifty days and was repeatedly defeated in battle by Chijiong. He sent an envoy to beg surrender, and Chijiong granted it.
25
捴乃與紀子宜都王圓肅率其文武詣軍門請見,迥以禮接之。 其吏人等各令復業,唯收僮隸及儲積以賞將士。 號令嚴肅,軍無私焉。 詔以迥為大都督、益潼等十二州諸軍事、益州刺史。 三年,加督六州,通前十八州諸軍事。 以平蜀功,封一子安固郡公。 自劍閣以南得承制封拜及黜陟。 迥乃明賞罰,布恩威,綏輯新邦,經略未附,人夷懷而歸之。
Chou then came with Ji's son Prince of Yidu Yuan Su and their civil and military officials to the camp gate to request an audience, and Chijiong received them with courtesy. He ordered the officials and people each to resume their occupations, taking only servants and stored goods to reward his officers and men. His orders were strict and solemn, and the army took no private gains. An edict appointed Chijiong grand commander, commander of military affairs of twelve provinces including Yi and Tong, and inspector of Yi Province. In the third year six more provinces were added to his command, for eighteen provinces' military affairs in all. For pacifying Shu, one of his sons was enfeoffed as Duke of Angu Commandery. From Jiange southward he was empowered to enfeoff, appoint, dismiss, and promote by imperial commission. Chijiong then made rewards and punishments clear, spread favor and authority, pacified the new territory, brought strategy to those not yet attached, and both Chinese and barbarians came to him in goodwill.
26
性至孝,色養不怠,身雖在外,所得四時甘脆,必先薦奉,然後敢嘗。 大長公主年高多病,迥往在京師,每退朝參候起居,憂悴形于容色。 大長公主每為之和顏進食,以寧迥心。 周文知其至性,征迥入朝,以慰其母意。 遣大鴻臚郊勞,仍賜迥袞冕之服。 蜀人思之,為立碑頌德。 六官初建,拜小宗伯。
By nature he was deeply filial and never slack in attending to his parents' comfort. Though he was away, whenever he obtained seasonal delicacies he always offered them first and only then dared to taste them. The Grand Princess was advanced in years and often ill. When Chijiong was in the capital he visited her after every court session to inquire after her health, and worry showed in his face. The Grand Princess each time would compose her expression and urge him to eat, to settle Chijiong's heart. Duke Wen, knowing his deep filial nature, summoned Chijiong to court to comfort his mother. He sent the Grand Master of Hospitality to welcome him at the outskirts and also granted Chijiong robes of the highest ceremonial rank. The people of Shu missed him and erected a stele praising his virtue. When the Six Offices were first established, he was appointed Lesser Minister of the Ancestral Temple.
27
周孝閔帝踐阼,進位柱國大將軍,以迥有平蜀功,同霍去病冠軍之義,改封寧蜀公。 遷大司馬。 尋以本官鎮隴右。 武成元年,進封蜀國公,邑萬戶,除秦州總管、秦渭等十四州諸軍事、隴右大都督。 保定二年,拜大司馬。 及晉公護東伐,迥帥師攻洛陽。 齊王憲等軍於芒山,齊眾度河,諸軍驚散。 迥率麾下反行卻敵,於是諸將遂得全師而還。 遷太保、太傅。 建德初,拜太師,尋加上柱國。 宣帝即位,以迥為大右弼,轉大前疑,出為相州總管。 宣帝崩,隋文帝輔政,以迥位望宿重,懼為異圖,乃令迥子魏安郡公惇齎詔書以會葬征迥。 尋以鄖國公韋孝寬代迥為總管。 迥以隋文帝當權,將圖篡奪,遂謀舉兵,留惇而不受代。 隋文帝又令候正破六韓裒詣迥喻旨,密與總管府長史晉昶等書,令為之備。 迥聞之,殺昶,集文武士庶等登城北樓而令之。 於是眾咸從命,莫不感激。 乃自稱大總管,承制署官司。 于時趙王招已入朝,留少子在國,迥又奉以號令。 迥弟子大將軍、成平郡公勤時為青州總管,初得迥書表送之,尋亦從迥。 迥所管相、衛、黎、毛、洺、貝、趙、冀、瀛、滄,勤所統青、齊、膠、光、莒諸州皆從之,眾數十萬。 滎州刺史邵國公宇文胄、申州刺史李惠、東楚州刺史費也利進國、東潼州刺史曹孝達各據州以應迥。 徐州總管司錄席毗與前東平郡守畢義緒據兗州及徐州之蘭陵郡,亦以應迥。 永橋鎮將紇豆陵惠以城降迥。 迥又北結高寶寧以通突厥; 南連陳人,許割江淮之地。
When Emperor Xiaomin of Zhou ascended the throne, Chijiong was advanced to Pillar of the State and Grand General. Because he had pacified Shu, in the same sense as Huo Qubing's title Conqueror of the Enemy, he was re-enfeoffed as Duke of Ningshu. He was transferred to Grand Marshal. Soon he was posted to Longyou with his existing office. In the first year of Wucheng he was promoted to Duke of the State of Shu with a fief of ten thousand households, appointed commander of Qin Province, commander of military affairs of fourteen provinces including Qin and Wei, and grand commander of Longyou. In the second year of Baoding he was appointed Grand Marshal. When Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu marched east, Chijiong led troops to attack Luoyang. Prince of Qi Yuwen Xian and others were encamped at Mangshan when Qi forces crossed the river and the armies scattered in alarm. Chijiong led his followers in a countermarch to repel the enemy, and thus the generals were able to bring their armies back intact. He was transferred to Grand Guardian and Grand Tutor. At the beginning of Jianade he was appointed Grand Preceptor and soon given the added rank of Upper Pillar of the State. When Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, he made Chijiong Great Right Assistant, then transferred him to Great Forward Doubter and sent him out as commander of Xiang Province. When Emperor Xuan died, Emperor Wen of Sui served as regent. Because Chijiong's rank and reputation were long established and he feared other designs, he ordered Chijiong's son Dun, Duke of Wei'an Commandery, to bring an imperial edict summoning Chijiong to the funeral. Soon Duke of Yun Wei Xiaokuan was sent to replace Chijiong as commander. Chijiong, believing that Emperor Wen of Sui held power and intended usurpation, then plotted to raise troops, kept Dun with him, and refused replacement. Emperor Wen of Sui also sent Hou Zheng Pohou Han'ai to Chijiong to explain the court's intent, and secretly wrote to the chief administrator of the commandery office Jin Chang and others to prepare. When Chijiong heard of this he killed Chang, gathered civil and military officials and commoners, ascended the north gate tower, and issued his orders. Then the multitude all obeyed, and none failed to be moved. He then styled himself Grand Commander and by imperial commission appointed officials and offices. At the time Prince of Zhao Zhao had already entered court and left a younger son in the domain, and Chijiong also upheld him in issuing orders. Chijiong's nephew Qin, Grand General and Duke of Chengping Commandery, was then commander of Qing Province. At first, on receiving Chijiong's letter he submitted it to court, but soon he followed Chijiong as well. The provinces under Chijiong — Xiang, Wei, Li, Mao, Ming, Bei, Zhao, Ji, Ying, and Cang — and the provinces under Qin — Qing, Qi, Jiao, Guang, and Ju — all followed him, numbering several hundred thousand. Yuwen Zhou, inspector of Ying Province and Duke of Shaoguo; Li Hui, inspector of Shen Province; Fei Yelijingguo, inspector of East Chu Province; and Cao Xiaoda, inspector of East Tong Province each held their provinces in response to Chijiong. Xi Pi, chief clerk of the Xuzhou commandery office, and Bi Yixu, former administrator of Dongping Commandery, held Yan Province and Lanling Commandery of Xuzhou and also responded to Chijiong. Hedouling Hui, garrison commander of Yongqiao, surrendered the city to Chijiong. Chijiong also allied in the north with Gao Baoning to communicate with the Turks; In the south he allied with Chen and promised to cede the Jianghuai region.
28
隋文帝於是徵兵討迥,即以韋孝寬為元帥,陰羅雲監諸軍,郕國公梁士彥、樂安西元諧、化政公宇文忻、濮陽公宇文述、武鄉公崔弘度、清河公楊素、隴西公李詢、延壽公于仲文等皆為行軍總管。 迥遣所署大將軍石愻攻建州,刺史宇文弁以州降愻。 迥又遣西道行台韓長業攻陷潞州,執刺史趙威,署城人郭子勝為刺史。 上儀同赫連士猷攻晉州,即據小鄉城。 紇豆陵惠襲陷定州之钜鹿郡,遂圍恆州。 上大將軍宇文威攻汴州,上開府莒州刺史烏丸尼、開府尉遲俊率膠、光、青、齊、莒、兗之眾圍沂州。 大將軍檀讓攻陷曹、亳二州,屯兵梁郡。 大將軍、東南道行台席毗眾號八萬,軍於籓城,攻陷昌慮、下邑、豐縣。 李惠自申州攻永州,焚之而還。 宇文胄軍於洛口。 開府梁子康攻懷州。
Emperor Wen of Sui then mobilized troops against Chijiong, making Wei Xiaokuan commander-in-chief, Yin Luoyun overseer of the armies, and Liang Shiyan, Yuan Xie, Yuwen Xin, Yuwen Shu, Cui Hongdu, Yang Su, Li Xun, and Yu Zhongwen campaign commanders. Chijiong sent his appointed Grand General Shi Sun to attack Jian Province, and Inspector Yuwen Bian surrendered the province to him. Chijiong also sent Western Route Commissioner Han Changye to capture Lu Province, seized Inspector Zhao Wei, and appointed the townsman Guo Zisheng as inspector. Helian Shiyou with upper third-rank honorary equivalence attacked Jin Province and immediately seized Xiaoxiang city. Hedouling Hui raided and captured Julu Commandery of Ding Province, then besieged Heng Province. Upper Grand General Yuwen Wei attacked Bian Province; Upper Opener of the Mansion Wuyan Ni, Inspector of Ju Province, and Opener of the Mansion Yuwen Jun led forces from Jiao, Guang, Qing, Qi, Ju, and Yan to besiege Yi Province. Grand General Tan Rang captured Cao and Bo provinces and encamped at Liang Commandery. Grand General and Southeast Route Commissioner Xi Pi, whose force was said to number eighty thousand, encamped at Fancheng and captured Changlu, Xiayi, and Feng County. Li Hui attacked Yong Province from Shen Province, burned it, and withdrew. Yuwen Zhou encamped at Luokou. Opener of the Mansion Liang Zikang attacked Huai Province.
29
魏安公惇率眾十萬人入武德,軍於沁東。 孝寬等諸軍隔水,相持不進。 隋文帝又遣高熲馳驛督戰。 惇布兵二十餘里,麾軍小卻,欲待孝寬軍半度而擊之。 孝寬因其卻,乃鳴鼓齊進,惇遂大敗。 孝寬乘勝進至鄴,迥與其子惇、佑等又悉其卒十三萬,陣于城南。 迥別統萬人,皆綠巾錦襖,號曰黃龍兵。 勤率眾五萬自青州赴迥,以三千騎先到。 迥舊集軍旅,雖老,猶被甲臨陣。 其麾下兵皆關中人,為之力戰。 孝寬等軍失利而卻。 鄴中士女觀者如堵。 高熲與李詢乃整陣先犯觀者,因其擾而乘之。 迥眾大敗,遂入鄴城。 迥走保北城,孝寬縱兵圍之。 李詢、賀婁子幹以其屬先登。 迥上樓,射殺數人,乃自殺。 勤、惇、佑等東走青州,未至,開府郭衍追及之,並為衍所獲。 隋文帝以勤初有誠款,特釋之。 李惠先是自縛歸罪,隋文帝復其官爵。
Dun, Duke of Wei'an, led one hundred thousand men into Wude and encamped east of the Qin River. Xiaokuan and the other armies faced each other across the water and neither side advanced. Emperor Wen of Sui also sent Gao Jiong by express post to supervise the battle. Dun deployed his troops for more than twenty li, ordered a slight withdrawal, and intended to strike when Xiaokuan's army was half across. Xiaokuan, taking advantage of the withdrawal, beat the drums and advanced together, and Dun was utterly defeated. Xiaokuan pressed the victory to Ye. Chijiong with his sons Dun, You, and the others mustered all one hundred thirty thousand soldiers and formed battle lines south of the city. Chijiong separately commanded ten thousand men, all with green headcloths and brocade jackets, called the Yellow Dragon troops. Qin led fifty thousand men from Qing Province to join Chijiong; three thousand horsemen arrived first. Chijiong had long commanded armies; though old, he still donned armor and went to the front. His soldiers were all men of Guanzhong and fought fiercely for him. Xiaokuan's army was defeated and withdrew. The men and women of Ye who watched were packed shoulder to shoulder. Gao Jiong and Li Xun formed ranks and first charged the spectators, then took advantage of the disturbance to press the attack. Chijiong's forces were utterly defeated and fled into Ye. Chijiong fled to hold the north city, and Xiaokuan unleashed his troops to besiege him. Li Xun and Helou Zigan with their followers were the first to scale the wall. Chijiong went up a tower, shot and killed several men, then took his own life. Qin, Dun, You, and the others fled east toward Qing Province. Before they arrived, Opener of the Mansion Guo Yan overtook them and captured them all. Emperor Wen of Sui, because Qin had at first shown sincerity, specially released him. Li Hui had earlier bound himself and surrendered to accept guilt, and Emperor Wen of Sui restored his office and rank.
30
迥末年衰耄,惑于後妻王氏,而諸子多不睦。 及起兵,以開府、小禦正崔達拏為長史,自餘委任,亦多用齊人。 達拏文士,無籌略,舉措多失綱紀,不能匡救。 迥自起兵至於敗,凡經六十八日焉。
In his later years Chijiong was aged and senile, deluded by his later wife Lady Wang, and his sons were mostly at odds with one another. When he raised troops he made Opener of the Mansion Cui Dana chief administrator, and in other appointments also used many men of Qi. Dana was a literary man without strategic talent; his actions often violated discipline and he could not set things right. From the raising of troops to defeat, Chijiong's rebellion lasted sixty-eight days in all.
31
子寬,大將軍、長樂郡公,先迥卒。 寬兄誼,開府、資中郡公。 寬弟順,以迥平蜀功,授開府、安固郡公。 後以女為宣帝皇后,拜上柱國,封胙國公。 順弟惇,軍正下大夫、魏安郡公。 惇弟佑耆,西都郡公。 皆被誅,而誼等諸子以年幼,並獲全。
His son Kuan, Grand General and Duke of Changle Commandery, died before Chijiong. Kuan's elder brother Yi was Opener of the Mansion and Duke of Zizhong Commandery. Kuan's younger brother Shun, for Chijiong's merit in pacifying Shu, was granted Opener of the Mansion and Duke of Angu Commandery. Later, because his daughter became Empress to Emperor Xuan, he was appointed Upper Pillar of the State and enfeoffed as Duke of the State of Zuo. Shun's younger brother Dun was Grand Master of the Army Inspectorate and Duke of Wei'an Commandery. Dun's younger brother Youqi was Duke of Xidu Commandery. All were executed, but Yi's sons and the others, being young, were all spared.
32
武德中,迥從孫庫部員外郎耆福上表請改葬。 朝議以迥忠於周室,有詔許焉,仍贈絹百匹。 迥弟綱。
In the Wude era Chijiong's grand-nephew Qifu, Supernumerary Gentleman of the Ministry of Revenue, submitted a memorial requesting reburial. The court held that Chijiong had been loyal to the house of Zhou, and an edict permitted the reburial and additionally granted one hundred bolts of silk. Chijiong's younger brother was Gang.
33
綱字婆羅,少孤,與兄迥依託舅氏。 周文帝西討關隴,迥、綱與母昌樂大長公主留于晉陽。 後方入關。 從周文征伐,常陪侍帷幄,出入臥內。 以軍功封廣宗縣伯。 綱驍果有膂力,善騎射,周文甚寵之,委以心膂。 河橋之戰,周文馬中流矢,因而驚奔。 綱與李穆等左右力戰,眾皆披靡,文帝方得乘馬。 大統十四年,進爵平昌郡公。 廢帝二年,拜大將軍,兼領軍。 及魏帝有異謀,言頗漏泄。 周文以綱職典禁旅,使密為之備。 俄而廢帝立齊王,仍以綱為中領軍,總宿衛事。
Gang, whose courtesy name was Poluo, was orphaned young and, with his elder brother Chijiong, relied on their mother's clan. When Duke Wen of Zhou marched west against Guanlong, Chijiong, Gang, and their mother the Grand Princess of Changle remained at Jinyang. Only afterward did they enter the Pass. He followed Duke Wen on campaigns, constantly attending in the command tent and entering and leaving his bedchamber. For military merit he was enfeoffed as Baron of Guangzong County. Gang was bold and resolute with great strength, skilled in horsemanship and archery. Duke Wen greatly favored him and entrusted him as a close confidant. At the battle of Heqiao Duke Wen's horse was struck by a flying arrow and bolted in alarm. Gang with Li Mu and others fought fiercely on either side until the enemy broke and fled, and only then was Duke Wen able to remount. In the fourteenth year of Dazong he was promoted to Duke of Pingchang Commandery. In the second year of Emperor Fei he was appointed Grand General and concurrently made Commander of the Palace Guard. When the Wei emperor harbored other designs, word leaked out. Because Gang's office commanded the palace guard, Duke Wen had him secretly prepare. Soon Emperor Fei was deposed and the Prince of Qi was enthroned, and Gang was still made Central Commander of the Palace Guard with overall charge of the palace guard.
34
綱兄迥伐蜀,從周文送之於城西,見一走兔,周文命綱射之。 誓曰:「若獲此兔,必當破蜀。」 俄而綱獲兔而返。 周文喜曰:「事平,當賞汝佳口。」 及克蜀,賜綱侍婢二人。 又嘗從周文北狩雲陽,見五鹿俱走,綱獲其三。 每從游宴,周文以珍異之物令諸功臣射而取之,綱所獲輒多。
When Gang's elder brother Chijiong marched against Shu, Gang followed Duke Wen to see him off west of the city. They saw a running hare, and Duke Wen ordered Gang to shoot it. He swore, 'If this hare is taken, Shu will surely be broken. Soon Gang captured the hare and returned. Duke Wen said with pleasure, 'When the matter is settled, I shall reward you with a fine gift. When Shu was taken he granted Gang two serving maids. Again, when he followed Duke Wen on a northern hunt at Yunyang, they saw five deer running together and Gang took three. Whenever he joined feasts and outings, Duke Wen would have the meritorious officials shoot for rare and exotic objects, and Gang always won the most.
35
第二子安以嫡嗣。 大象末,位柱國。 入隋,曆鴻臚卿、左衛大將軍。 安兄運。
The second son An was the legitimate heir. At the end of the Daxiang era he held the rank of Pillar of the State. Under the Sui he served in succession as Minister of Ceremonial Reception and Grand General of the Left Guard. An's elder brother was Yun.
36
運少強濟,志在立功。 魏大統十六年,以父勳封安喜縣侯。 周明帝立,以預定勳,進爵周城縣公。 歷位隴州刺史,再遷左武伯中大夫,尋加軍司馬。 運既職兼文武,甚見委任。 進爵廣業郡公,轉右司衛。 時宣帝在東宮,親狎諂佞,數有罪失。 武帝於朝臣內選忠諒鯁正者以匡弼之,於是以運為右宮正。
From youth Yun was strong and capable and aspired to achieve merit. In the sixteenth year of Dazong of Wei he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Anxi County for his father's merit. When Emperor Ming of Zhou ascended the throne, for his merit in settling the succession he was promoted to Duke of Zhoucheng County. He served in succession as inspector of Long Province, was twice transferred to Grand Master of the Left Martial Guard, and soon given the added post of Army Vice Marshal. Since Yun's duties combined civil and military roles, he was greatly entrusted. He was promoted to Duke of Guangye Commandery and transferred to Right Director of the Palace Guard. At the time Emperor Xuan was crown prince, intimate with flatterers, and often guilty of faults. Emperor Wu selected from among the court ministers those who were loyal, honest, and upright to guide the crown prince, and thus made Yun Right Director of the Eastern Palace.
37
建德三年,帝幸雲陽宮,又令運以本官兼司武,與長孫覽輔皇太子居守。 俄而衛刺王直作亂,率其党襲肅章門。 覽懼,走行在所。 運時偶在門中,直兵奄至,不暇命左右,乃手自闔門。 直黨與運爭門,斫傷運指,僅而得閉。 直既不得入,乃縱火。 運恐火盡,直黨得進,乃取宮中材木及床等以益火,更以膏油灌之,火轉熾。 久之,直不得進,乃退。 運率留守兵因其退以擊之,直大敗而走。 是夜微運,宮中已不守矣。 武帝嘉之,授大將軍,賜以直田宅、妓樂、金帛、車馬、什物等不可勝數。
In the third year of Jiande the emperor visited Yunyang Palace and again ordered Yun, in his existing office, to concurrently serve as Director of Martial Affairs and, with Zhangsun Lan, assist the crown prince in holding the capital. Soon Prince of Wei Zhi rebelled, leading his faction to raid the Suzhang Gate. Lan was afraid and fled to the emperor's temporary residence. Yun happened to be at the gate. Zhi's troops suddenly arrived; he had no time to order his attendants and closed the gate himself. Zhi's followers struggled with Yun for the gate, cut his finger, and only barely got it closed. Unable to enter, Zhi then set fire. Yun feared that when the fire burned out Zhi's followers would get in, so he fed the flames with palace timber and beds, poured grease and oil over them, and the fire grew fiercer. After a long time Zhi could not advance and withdrew. Yun led the garrison troops to strike as they withdrew, and Zhi was utterly defeated and fled. That night, but for Yun, the palace would no longer have been held. Emperor Wu praised this, appointed him Grand General, and granted him Zhi's fields and mansions, musicians, gold and silk, carriages and horses, and goods beyond counting.
38
四年,出為同州刺史,同州、蒲津、潼關等六防諸軍事。 帝將伐齊,召運參議,東夏底定,頗有力焉。 五年,拜柱國,進爵盧國公。 轉司武上大夫,總宿衛軍事。 帝崩于雲陽宮,秘未發喪,運總侍衛兵還京師。
In the fourth year he was sent out as inspector of Tong Province and commander of military affairs of the six garrisons including Tong Province, Pujin, and Tong Pass. When the emperor was about to attack Qi he summoned Yun for deliberation, and in pacifying eastern Xia Yun contributed greatly. In the fifth year he was appointed Pillar of the State and promoted to Duke of the State of Lu. He was transferred to Grand Master of Martial Affairs and given overall charge of palace guard military affairs. When the emperor died at Yunyang Palace the death was kept secret; Yun led the palace guard back to the capital.
39
運弟勤,大象末,青州總管,起兵應伯迥。
Yun's younger brother Qin, at the end of Daxiang, was commander of Qing Province and raised troops in response to Chijiong.
40
勤弟敬,尚明帝女河南公主,位儀同三司。
Qin's younger brother Jing married Emperor Ming's daughter Princess Henan and held third-rank honorary equivalence.
41
及陳將吳明徹入寇呂梁,徐州總管梁士彥頻與戰不利,乃退保州城。 明徹遂堰清水以灌之,列船艦於城下,以圖攻取。 詔以軌為行軍總管,率諸軍赴救。 軌潛于清水入淮口,多豎大木,以鐵鎖貫車輪,橫截水流,以斷其船路,方欲密決其堰以斃之。 明徹知之,乃破堰遽退,冀乘決水以得入淮。 比至清口,川流已闊,水勢亦衰,船並礙於車輪,不復得過。 軌因率兵圍而蹙之。 唯有騎將蕭摩訶以二十騎先走,得免。 明徹及將士三萬餘人並器械輜重並就俘獲。 陳之銳卒,於是殲焉。 進位柱國,仍拜徐州總管。 軌性嚴重,善謀略,兼有呂梁之捷,威振敵境。 陳人甚憚之。
When the Chen general Wu Mingche invaded Lüliang, Xuzhou commander Liang Shiyan repeatedly fought without success and withdrew to hold the provincial city. Mingche then dammed the Qing River to flood the city, lined up ships below the wall, and sought to take it. An edict appointed Gui as campaign commander to lead the armies to the rescue. Gui secretly entered the Qing River at the Huai mouth, set up many large timbers, ran iron chains through wagon wheels to block the water crosswise and cut off the enemy's route by ship, and was about to secretly break the dam to destroy them. Learning of this, Mingche broke the dam and withdrew in haste, hoping to ride the released water into the Huai. By the time they reached Qingkou the river had widened, the current had weakened, and the ships all caught on the wagon wheels and could no longer pass. Gui then led troops to surround and press them. Only the cavalry general Xiao Mohe escaped first with twenty horsemen. Mingche and more than thirty thousand officers and soldiers, together with weapons and baggage, were all captured. Chen's elite troops were thus wiped out. He was promoted to Pillar of the State and again appointed commander of Xuzhou. Gui was stern and grave by nature, skilled in strategy, and with the victory at Lüliang his prestige shook the enemy borderlands. The Chen greatly feared him.
42
宣帝之征吐谷渾也,武帝令軌與宇文孝伯並從,軍中進趣,皆委軌等,宣帝仰成而已。 時宮尹鄭譯、王端並得幸于宣帝。 宣帝軍中頗有失德,譯等皆預焉。 軍還,軌等言之于武帝。 武帝大怒,乃撻宣帝,除譯等名,仍加捶楚。 宣帝因此大銜之。 軌又嘗與小內史賀若弼言及此事,且言皇太子必不克負荷。 弼深以為然,勸軌陳之。 軌後因侍坐,乃白武帝言:「皇太子多涼德,恐不了陛下家事。 愚臣暗短,不足以論是非。 陛下恆以賀若弼有文武奇才,識度宏遠,而弼比再對臣,深以此事為慮。」 武帝召弼問之。 弼曰:「皇太子養德春宮,未聞有過。 未審陛下何從得聞此言?」 既退,軌誚弼曰:「平生言論,無所不道,今者乃爾翻覆!」 弼曰:「此公之過也。 皇太子國之儲副,豈易為言,事有差跌,便至滅門之禍。 本謂公密臧否,何得遂至昌言?」 軌默然久之,乃曰:「吾專心國家,遂不存私計。 向者對眾,良實非宜。」 其後軌因內宴上壽,又捋武帝須曰:「可愛好老公,但恨後嗣弱耳」! 武帝深以為然。 但漢王次長,又不才,此外諸子並幼,故不能用其說。
When Emperor Xuan campaigned against Tuyuhun, Emperor Wu ordered Gui and Yuwen Xiaobo to accompany him; all military advance was entrusted to Gui and the others, and Emperor Xuan had only to approve what was done. At the time the palace steward Zheng Yi and Wang Duan both enjoyed Emperor Xuan's favor. Emperor Xuan committed many moral lapses in the army, and Yi and the others all took part. When the army returned, Gui and the others reported this to Emperor Wu. Emperor Wu was greatly angered, had Emperor Xuan flogged, removed Yi and the others from office, and had them beaten as well. Emperor Xuan therefore bore a deep grudge against them. Gui also once spoke of this with Junior Palace Secretary He Ruo Bi, and said the crown prince would surely be unable to bear the burden. Bi deeply agreed and urged Gui to report it to the emperor. Later, while attending the emperor, Gui told Emperor Wu, 'The crown prince has many moral failings, and I fear he will not be able to manage Your Majesty's household affairs. Your foolish subject is dull and limited and not fit to judge right and wrong. Your Majesty always says He Ruo Bi has extraordinary talent in civil and military affairs and broad vision, and Bi has twice spoken to me and is deeply concerned about this matter. Emperor Wu summoned Bi and questioned him. Bi said, 'The crown prince is cultivating virtue in the Eastern Palace, and I have heard of no faults. I do not know from what source Your Majesty heard these words. After he withdrew, Gui reproached Bi, 'In all our talk through the years we held nothing back, yet today you turn about like this!' Bi said, 'This is your fault. The crown prince is the heir of the state — how easily can one speak of him? If the matter goes awry, it leads to the calamity of extermination. I thought you would keep your judgment secret — how could you speak so openly?' Gui was silent for a long time, then said, 'I devoted myself to the state and gave no thought to private calculation. Speaking before the assembly just now was indeed inappropriate.' Later, at an inner banquet when offering birthday wishes, Gui again tugged Emperor Wu's beard and said, 'What a dear old man — but how I regret that the succession is weak!' Emperor Wu deeply agreed. But the Prince of Han was next in age and also lacked talent, and the other sons were all young, so he could not adopt Gui's advice.
43
及宣帝即位,追鄭譯等復為近侍。 軌自知必及於禍,謂所親曰:「吾昔在先朝,實申社稷至計。 今日之事,斷可知矣。 此州控帶淮南,鄰接強寇,欲為身計,易同反掌。 但忠義之節,不可虧違。 況荷先帝厚恩,每思以死自效,豈以獲罪於嗣主,便欲背德於先帝? 止可於此待死,義不為他計。 冀千載之後,知吾此心。」
When Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, he recalled Zheng Yi and the others and restored them as close attendants. Gui knew disaster would surely reach him and said to those close to him, 'In the former reign I truly set forth plans vital to the altars of state. What will happen today can clearly be foreseen. This province commands the Huainan region and borders strong enemies; to plan for one's own safety would be as easy as turning the hand. But the integrity of loyalty and righteousness cannot be compromised. Moreover I have received the former emperor's deep grace and always think to repay it with my life — how could I, because I have offended the succeeding ruler, wish to betray the former emperor's virtue? I can only wait here for death; in righteousness I will make no other plan. I hope that a thousand years hence people will know this heart of mine.'
44
大象元年,帝使內史杜虔信就徐州殺軌。 禦正中大夫顏之儀切諫,帝不納,遂誅之。 軌立朝忠恕,兼有大功,忽以無罪被戮,天下知與不知皆傷惜。
In the first year of Daxiang the emperor sent Palace Secretary Du Qianxin to Xuzhou to kill Gui. Supervisor of the Palace Attendants Yan Zhiyi remonstrated urgently, but the emperor refused and had Gui executed. Gui served at court with loyalty and forbearance and had great merit besides; suddenly he was executed without crime, and all under Heaven, whether they knew him or not, grieved.
45
時京兆郡丞樂運亦以直言數諫於帝。 樂運,字承業,南陽淯陽人,晉尚書令廣之八世孫。 祖文素,齊南郡守。 父均,梁義陽郡守。 運少好學,涉獵經史。 年十五而江陵滅,隨例遷長安。 其親屬等多被籍沒,運積年為人傭保,皆贖免之。 事母及寡嫂甚謹,由是以孝聞。 梁故都官郎琅邪王澄美之,次其行事為孝義傳。 性方直,未嘗求媚於人。 臨淄公唐瑾薦之,自柱國府記室為露門學士。 前後犯顏屢諫武帝,多被納用。 建德二年,除萬年縣丞。 抑挫豪右,號稱強直。 武帝嘉之,特許通籍,事有不便於時者,令巨細奏聞。
At the time Le Yun, Assistant Administrator of Jingzhao Commandery, also remonstrated with the emperor repeatedly in blunt speech. Le Yun, whose courtesy name was Chengye, came from Yuyang in Nanyang and was the eighth-generation descendant of Guang, Jin Director of the Imperial Secretariat. His grandfather Wensu was Administrator of Nan Commandery under Qi. His father Jun was Administrator of Yiyang Commandery under Liang. From youth Yun loved learning and read widely in the classics and histories. At fifteen Jiangling fell and he was transferred to Chang'an according to custom. Many of his relatives were confiscated and registered as slaves; Yun worked for years as a hired laborer and redeemed them all. He served his mother and widowed sister-in-law with great care and thereby became known for filial piety. Wang Cheng of Langya, former Gentleman of the Ministry of Justice under Liang, admired him and recorded his conduct in a biography of filial righteousness. By nature he was upright and had never sought to flatter others. Duke of Linzi Tang Jin recommended him, and he went from recorder in the Pillar of the State's office to Academician of the Lumengate. Repeatedly he risked offense and remonstrated with Emperor Wu, and much of what he said was adopted. In the second year of Jiande he was appointed Assistant Magistrate of Wannian County. He checked the powerful and was known as forcefully upright. Emperor Wu praised this, specially permitted him access to the palace registers, and ordered that matters inconvenient to the times, great or small, be reported.
46
武帝嘗幸同州,召運赴行在所。 既至,謂曰:「卿言太子如何人?」 運曰:「中人也。」 時齊王憲以下並在帝側,帝顧謂憲等曰:「百官佞我,皆云太子聰明睿智,唯運雲中人,方驗運之忠直耳。」 於是因問運中人之狀。 運對曰:「班固以齊桓公為中人,管仲相之則霸,豎貂輔之則亂。 可與為善,亦可與為惡也。」 帝曰:「我知之矣。」 遂妙選宮官以匡弼之。 乃超拜運京兆郡丞。 太子聞之,意甚不悅。
Emperor Wu once visited Tong Province and summoned Yun to his temporary residence. When he arrived, the emperor said to him, 'What sort of man do you say the crown prince is? Yun said, 'An average man.' At the time Prince of Qi Xian and those below him were all at the emperor's side. The emperor turned to Xian and the others and said, 'The officials flatter me and all say the crown prince is clever and wise; only Yun says he is an average man — this proves Yun's loyalty and bluntness.' Then he asked Yun what an average man was like. Yun replied, 'Ban Gu held Duke Huan of Qi to be an average man: with Guan Zhong as minister he became hegemon, with Shu Diao assisting him he fell into disorder. He can be led to good, and he can also be led to evil. The emperor said, 'I understand.' Then he carefully selected palace officials to guide and assist the crown prince. He then specially promoted Yun to Assistant Administrator of Jingzhao Commandery. When the crown prince heard of this he was greatly displeased.
47
及武帝崩,宣帝嗣位,葬訖,詔天下公除,帝及六宮,便議即吉。 運上疏曰:「三年之喪,自天子達于庶人。 先王制禮,安可誣之。 禮:天子七月而葬,以候天下畢至。 今葬期既促,事訖便除,文軌之內,奔赴未盡; 鄰境遠聞,使猶未至。 若以喪服受吊,不可既吉更凶; 如以玄冠對使,未知此出何禮? 進退無據,愚臣竊所未安。」 書奏,帝不納。
When Emperor Wu died and Emperor Xuan succeeded, after the burial an edict ordered the realm to end public mourning; the emperor and the six palaces at once discussed resuming auspicious dress. Yun submitted a memorial saying, 'The three-year mourning applies from the Son of Heaven down to the common people. The rites established by the former kings — how can they be falsely denied? The rites say the Son of Heaven is buried after seven months to wait until all under Heaven have arrived. Now the burial period has been hurried, and as soon as it is over mourning ends; within the civilized realm those rushing to attend have not all arrived; in neighboring lands hearing from afar, envoys have not yet arrived. If one receives condolences in mourning dress, one cannot move from auspicious back to inauspicious; if one meets envoys in the dark cap, I do not know from what rite this comes. Advancing and retreating have no basis; your foolish subject privately finds this unsettling. When the memorial was submitted the emperor did not accept it.
48
自是德政不修,數行赦宥。 運又上疏曰:「臣謹按周官曰:'國君之過市,刑人赦。 '此謂市者交利之所,君子無故不游觀焉,則施惠以悅之也。 尚書曰:'眚災肆赦。」 此謂過誤為害,罪雖大,當緩赦之。 謹尋經典,未有罪無輕重,溥天大赦之文。 故管仲曰:'有赦者,奔馬之委轡; 不赦者,痤疽之礪石。 '又曰:'惠者,人之仇讎; 法者,人之父母。 '吳漢遺言,猶雲'唯願無赦。 '王符著論,亦云:'赦者非明世之所宜有。 '大尊豈可數施非常之惠,以肆奸宄之惡乎。」 帝亦不納,而昏暴滋甚。 運乃輿櫬詣朝堂,陳帝八失:
From then on virtuous governance was not cultivated and amnesties were repeatedly granted. Yun again submitted a memorial saying, 'Your subject respectfully notes that the Offices of Zhou says: When the ruler passes the market, criminals are pardoned. This means the market is where profit is exchanged; a gentleman does not visit it without reason, so favor is granted to please the people. The Documents says: For inadvertent offenses and calamities, grant pardon. This means harm caused by error; though the crime is great, pardon should be granted with restraint.' Searching the classics carefully, there is no text of a universal amnesty without distinction of guilt, light or heavy.' Therefore Guan Zhong said: Where there is amnesty, it is like dropping the reins of a galloping horse; where there is no amnesty, it is like the whetstone for a carbuncle.' He also said: Favor is people's enemy; law is people's parent.' Wu Han's dying words still said: I only wish there be no amnesty.' Wang Fu in his treatise also said: Amnesty is not what a bright age ought to have.' How can Your Majesty repeatedly grant extraordinary favors and thereby unleash the evil of treacherous villains?' The emperor again refused, and his folly and cruelty grew worse. Yun then came to the court carrying his coffin and set forth the emperor's eight faults:
49
一曰:內史禦正,職在弼諧,皆須參議,共理天下。 大尊比來小大之事,多獨斷之。 堯、舜至聖,尚資輔弼,況大尊未為聖主,而可專恣已心? 凡諸刑罰爵賞,爰及軍國大事,請參諸宰輔,與眾共之。
First: the Palace Secretary and Director of the Palace Guard have the duty of harmonizing and assisting; all must take part in deliberation and govern the realm together. Your Majesty of late decides most matters great and small alone. Yao and Shun, though supremely sage, still relied on assistants — how much more when Your Majesty is not yet a sage ruler can you indulge your own will alone? For all punishments, rewards, enfeoffments, and military and state affairs, please consult the chief ministers and share them with the multitude.
50
二曰:內作色荒,古人重誡。 大尊初臨四海,德惠未洽,先搜天下美女,用實後宮,又詔儀同以上女,不許輒嫁。 貴賤同怨,聲溢朝野。 請姬媵非幸禦者,放還本族。 欲嫁之女,勿更禁之。
Second: dissipation within and lust without — the ancients sternly warned against this. Your Majesty has just come to rule all within the seas, yet before virtue and grace have spread you first search the realm for beautiful women to fill the inner palace, and also decree that daughters of men with third-rank honorary equivalence and above may not marry without permission. Noble and common alike resented it, and the outcry filled court and countryside. Please release to their clans those concubines and attendants who have not enjoyed the emperor's favor. For daughters who wish to marry, do not forbid them further.
51
三曰:天子未明求衣,日旰忘食,猶恐萬機不理,天下擁滯。 大尊比來一入後宮,數日不出。 所須聞奏,多附內豎。 傳言失實,是非可懼。 事由宦者,亡國之征。 請准高祖,居外聽政。
Third: the Son of Heaven seeks his robes before dawn and forgets to eat until dusk, yet still fears that the myriad affairs are not managed and the realm is blocked and stagnant. Your Majesty of late enters the inner palace once and does not emerge for days. Reports that need to be heard are mostly relayed through inner eunuchs. Messages passed along lose truth, and right and wrong become fearsome. When affairs are handled by eunuchs, it is a sign of a state's ruin. Please follow Gaozu's example and conduct government from outside the inner palace.
52
四曰:變故易常,乃為政之大忌; 淫刑酷罰,非致安之弘規。 若罰無定刑,則天下皆懼; 政無常法,則人無適從。 豈有削嚴刑之詔未及半祀,便即遣改,更嚴前制? 政令不定,乃至於此! 今宿衛之官,有一夜不直者,罪至削除; 因而逃亡者,遂便籍沒。 此則大逆之罪,與杖十同科。 雖為法愈嚴,恐人情愈散。 一人心散,尚或不可止,若天下皆散,將如之何? 請遵輕典,並依大律,則億兆之人,手足有所措矣。
Fourth: changing affairs and altering constants is a great taboo in governance; excessive punishments and cruel penalties are not the broad policy for securing peace. If punishments have no fixed standards, then all under Heaven will fear; if government has no constant law, then people have nothing to follow. How can an edict reducing severe punishments, not yet half a year old, be changed at once and made stricter than before? Government orders are unsettled to this degree! Now among the palace guard, one night off duty leads to punishment as far as removal from office; those who flee are at once confiscated and registered as slaves. Thus the crime of great treason is placed in the same category as ten strokes of the rod. Though the law grows ever stricter, I fear hearts grow ever more scattered. If one person's heart scatters, it may still be unstoppable; if all under Heaven scatter, what then? Please follow the lighter code and rely on the great statutes, and then the hundred million people will know where to set hand and foot.
53
五曰:高祖IX雕為樸,本欲傳之萬世。 大尊朝夕趨庭,親承聖旨。 豈有崩未逾年,而遽窮奢麗,成父之志,義豈然乎? 請興造之制,務從卑儉,雕文刻鏤,一切勿營。
Fifth: Gaozu cut ornamentation to keep things plain, intending this to be handed down for ten thousand generations. Your Majesty morning and evening attended in the court and personally received the sage's instructions. How can it be, before a year has passed since his death, that you suddenly exhaust yourself in luxury — is this fulfilling your father's intent? Please make construction regulations insist on humility and frugality, and undertake no carved or inlaid ornamentation at all.
54
六曰:都下之人,徭賦稍重。 必是軍國之要,不敢憚勞。 豈容朝夕徵求,唯供魚龍爛漫; 士庶從役,只為俳優角抵? 紛紛不已,財力俱竭,業業相顧,無復聊生。 凡無益之事,請並停罷。
Sixth: for the people of the capital, corvée and taxes are somewhat heavy. This must be for the needs of army and state, and they dare not shrink from labor. How can daily levies be tolerated merely to supply fish, dragons, and lavish entertainments; gentry and commoners serve corvée only for actors and wrestlers? The demands continue without end, wealth and strength are both exhausted, people look at one another in dread, and there is no longer any ease in life. For all useless activities, please stop them together.
55
七曰:近見有詔,上書字誤者即科其罪。 假有忠讜之人,欲陳時事,尺有所短,文字非工,不密失身,義無假手,脫有舛謬,便迫嚴科。 嬰徑尺之鱗,其事非易; 下不諱之詔,猶懼未來。 更加刑戮,能無鉗口? 大尊縱不能采誹謗之言,無宜杜獻替之路。 請停此詔,則天下幸甚。
Seventh: recently there was an edict that those who make errors in characters in memorials are immediately punished. Suppose there is a loyal and outspoken man who wishes to report on current affairs: the foot has its short measure, his writing is not polished, he cannot conceal himself without risk, and in righteousness he has no one to write for him — if there is any error, he immediately faces severe punishment. For Yan Ying to touch a foot-long scale was no easy matter; even an edict against taboo words still feared what might come. Add execution on top of this — how can mouths not be silenced? Your Majesty, even if you cannot adopt words of criticism, you should not block the path of remonstrance and correction. Please stop this edict, and all under Heaven will be greatly fortunate.
56
八曰:或桑谷生朝,殷王因之獲福,今玄象垂戒,此亦興周之祥。 大尊雖滅膳撤縣,未盡銷譴之理。 誠願諮諏善道,修布德政,解兆庶之慍,引萬方之罪。 則天變可除,鼎業方固。 大尊若不革茲八事,臣見周廟不血食矣。
Eighth: once mulberry and grain grew in the court hall and the king of Yin thereby gained blessing; now celestial signs send warning — this too may be an omen of Zhou's rise. Your Majesty, though you reduce meals and withdraw music, has not fully dispelled the logic of reproach. I truly wish you would consult the good Way, cultivate and spread virtuous governance, release the resentment of the masses, and draw the guilt of all regions upon yourself. Then celestial changes can be removed and the imperial enterprise will be secure. If Your Majesty does not reform these eight matters, I see that the Zhou ancestral temple will receive no blood offerings.
57
帝大怒,將戮之。 內史元嚴諫,因而獲免。 翌日,帝頗感悟,召運謂之曰:「朕昨夜思卿所奏,實是忠臣。 先皇聖明,卿數有規諫; 朕既昏暗,卿復能如此!」 乃賜禦食以賞之。 朝之公卿,初見帝甚怒,莫不為運寒心。 後見獲賞,又皆相賀,以為倖免獸口。
The emperor was greatly angered and was about to execute him. Palace Secretary Yuan Yan remonstrated, and Yun was thereby spared. The next day the emperor was somewhat moved, summoned Yun, and said, 'Last night I reflected on what you submitted — you are truly a loyal subject. The former emperor was sage and bright, and you remonstrated with him many times; I am dull and dark, yet you were still able to do this! Then he granted him imperial food as a reward. The nobles at court, when they first saw the emperor's great anger, all feared for Yun. Later, when they saw he was rewarded, they all congratulated one another, thinking he had escaped the beast's mouth.
58
內史鄭譯常以私事請托,運不之許,因此銜之。 及隋文帝為丞相,譯為長史,遂左遷運為廣州滍陽令。 開皇五年,轉毛州高唐令。 頻曆二縣,並有聲績。 運常願處一諫官,從容諷議,而性訐直,為人所排抵,遂不被任用。 乃發憤錄夏、殷以來諫爭事,集而部之,凡六百三十九條,合四十一卷,名曰諫苑。 奏上之。 隋文帝覽而嘉焉。
Palace Secretary Zheng Yi often asked favors for private matters, and Yun refused, so Yi bore a grudge. When Emperor Wen of Sui became chancellor and Yi became chief administrator, Yun was demoted to Magistrate of Ziyang in Guang Province. In the fifth year of Kaihuang he was transferred to Magistrate of Gaotang in Mao Province. Serving in succession in two counties, he earned reputation and achievement in both. Yun always wished to hold a remonstrating office and offer measured criticism, but by nature he was blunt and upright, was blocked by others, and was therefore not employed. Then in indignation he recorded remonstrances from Xia and Yin onward, collected and arranged them — six hundred thirty-nine entries in all, forty-one volumes, entitled Garden of Remonstrance. He submitted it to the throne. Emperor Wen of Sui read it and praised it.
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論曰:王羆剛峭有餘,弘雅未之聞也。 情安儉率,志在公平。 既而奮節危城,抗辭勍敵,梁人為之退舍,高氏不敢加兵。 以此見稱,信非虛矣。 至述不隕門風,亦足稱也。 王思政驅馳有事之秋,慷慨功名之際。 及乎策名霸府,作鎮潁川,設縈帶之險,修守禦之術,以一城之眾,抗傾國之師,率疲駘之兵,當勁勇之卒,猶能亟摧大敵,屢建奇功。 忠節冠於本朝,義聲動於鄰聽。 運窮事蹙,城陷身囚,壯志高風亦足奮於百世矣。 尉遲迥地則舅甥,職惟台袞,沐恩累葉,荷眷一時,居形勝之地,受籓維之托,顛而不扶,憂責斯在? 及主威雲謝,鼎業將遷,九服移心,三靈改卜,遂能志存赴蹈,投袂稱兵。 忠君之勤未宣,違天之禍便及。 校其心,翟義、葛誕之儔歟。 綱、運積宣王室,勤勞出內。 觀其自致榮寵,豈唯恩澤而已乎? 夫士之成名,其途不一,蓋有不待爵祿而貴,不因學藝而重者何? 亦云忠孝而已。 若乃竭力以奉其親者,人子之行也; 致身以事其君者,人臣之節也。 斯固彌綸三極,囊括百代。 當宣帝之在東朝,凶德方兆,王軌志惟無諱,極議於骨肉之間,竟遇淫刑,以至夷滅。 若斯人者,人或以為其不忠,則天下莫之信也。 觀樂運之所以行已之節,其有古之遺直之風乎。
The commentator says: Wang Pi had more than enough blunt severity; magnanimity and refinement were not heard of in him. He was content with frugality and plainness and set his heart on fairness. Then he upheld integrity in a perilous city and answered a fierce enemy with bold words; the Liang withdrew before him, and the Gao clan dared not send troops. To be praised for this was truly no empty reputation. As for Shu, he did not disgrace the family tradition — that too is worthy of praise. Wang Sizheng rushed about in a season of urgent affairs and was impassioned in the pursuit of merit and fame. When he achieved name in the hegemon's office and governed Yingchuan, he set up the danger of encircling terrain and perfected methods of defense; with the people of one city he resisted a nation's army, leading weary troops against fierce soldiers, yet could quickly crush great enemies and repeatedly achieve strange merit. Loyal integrity crowned the court, and the voice of righteousness moved neighboring listeners. When fortune ran out and affairs pressed tight, the city fell and he was taken prisoner, yet his great resolve and lofty spirit are enough to inspire for a hundred generations. Wei Chijiong was related as uncle and nephew by territory, his office was among the highest ministers, he received grace through successive generations and favor in his time, occupied a strategically vital place, and was entrusted with the defense of the realm — when it tottered and he did not support it, was not the burden of concern his? When the ruler's authority faded like clouds and the imperial enterprise was about to shift, the nine domains changed heart and the three spirits altered their divination, he was able to keep his will set on rushing forward, throw up his sleeves, and raise arms. His loyalty to the ruler was not yet proclaimed, but the calamity of defying Heaven soon reached him. Compare his heart — is he not of the company of Zhai Yi and Ge Dan? Gang and Yun accumulated service to the royal house, their labor extending from within. Observing how they attained glory and favor themselves, was it only through grace and favor? For a gentleman to achieve a name, the paths are not one; are there not those who are honored without waiting for rank and salary, and esteemed without relying on learning and skill? It is also said to be loyalty and filial piety alone. To exert one's strength in serving one's parents is the conduct of a son; to give one's person in serving one's ruler is the integrity of a subject. These indeed extend through the three poles and encompass a hundred generations. When Emperor Xuan was crown prince, evil conduct was just emerging; Wang Gui's will was only to speak without concealment, and he argued to the limit among close kin, yet in the end met excessive punishment and was exterminated to the last. For such a man, if some think him disloyal, none under Heaven will believe it. Observing the integrity with which Le Yun conducted himself, does he not have the wind of the blunt integrity of antiquity?