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卷六十二 列傳第五十: 王羆 王思政 尉遲迥 王軌

Volume 62 Biographies 50: Wang Pi, Wang Sizheng, Wei Chijiong, Wang Gui

Chapter 62 of 北史 · History of the Northern Dynasties
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Chapter 62
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Wang Pi, Wang Sizheng, Wei Chijiong, and Wang Gui
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Biographies 50
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Wang Pi (grandson Changshu), Wang Sizheng, Wei Chijiong (younger brother Gang; Gang's son Yun), Wang Gui, and Le Yun
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殿 西 '西祿 西
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.'
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使 退
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.
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西 退 便 退 使
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.
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使
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.
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使使 使
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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簿 宿 使宿 西 西 祿
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.
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使便
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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使 使
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.
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<>便
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.
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西便
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
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.
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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.
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西 使
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.
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西
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.
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使 西 使
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
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
退
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
宿
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
西西 西 鹿
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
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
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
西
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
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
西 使 宿
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
西 鹿
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
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
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
退 退
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
宿
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
Yun's younger brother Qin, at the end of Daxiang, was commander of Qing Province and raised troops in response to Chijiong.
40
Qin's younger brother Jing married Emperor Ming's daughter Princess Henan and held third-rank honorary equivalence.
41
退 退
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
退 便
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
便
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
使
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
便
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
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
便 便 使 使 退
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
' ' ' ' '' '' '' ' 輿
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
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
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
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
便 宿 便
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
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
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
便
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
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
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
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.
59
退 便 祿
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?
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