1
崔彥穆楊纂段永令狐整唐永柳敏王士良
Cui Yanmu, Yang Zuan, Duan Yong, Ling Huzheng, Tang Yong, Liu Min, and Wang Shiliang
2
列傳第五十五
Biographies 55
3
崔彥穆楊纂段永令狐整子熙唐永子瑾柳敏子昂王士良
This chapter treats Cui Yanmu, Yang Zuan, Duan Yong, Ling Huzheng (and his son Xi), Tang Yong (and his son Jin), Liu Min (and his son Ang), and Wang Shiliang.
4
崔彥穆,字彥穆,清河東武城人,魏司空安陽侯林之九世孫也。 曾祖顗,後魏平東府諮議參軍。 祖蔚,遭從兄司徒浩之難,南奔江左。 仕宋,為給事黃門侍郎、汝南義陽二郡守。 延興初,復歸於魏,拜潁川郡守,因家焉。 後終於郢州刺史。 父幼,位終永昌郡守。 隋開皇初,以獻皇后外曾祖,追贈上開府儀同三司、新州刺史。
Cui Yanmu, who also used Yanmu as his style name, came from Dongwucheng in Qinghe. He was a ninth-generation descendant of Cui Lin, Marquis of Anyang and Wei Director of Works. His great-grandfather Yan had served as a consulting staff officer in the Eastern Office under Northern Wei. His grandfather Wei, implicated in the troubles of his cousin Minister of Works Hao, fled south to the lands beyond the Yangtze. Under the Liu Song he rose to Attendant of the Yellow Gate and Supervisor of the Secretariat, and held the prefectures of Runan and Yiyang. Early in the Yanxing era he returned to Northern Wei, was made prefect of Yingchuan, and established his household there. He later ended his career as inspector of Ying Prefecture. His father You served until he reached the post of prefect of Yongchang commandery. At the opening of the Kaihuang reign, because he was the maternal great-grandfather of Empress Dowager Xian, he was posthumously granted the rank of Senior General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and the title of inspector of Xin Prefecture.
5
彥穆幼明悟。 神彩卓然。 魏吏部尚書隴西李神亻雋,有知人之鑒,見而歎曰:「王佐才也。」 永安末,除司徒府參軍事,再遷大司馬從事中郎。 孝武西遷,彥穆時不得從。 大統三年,乃與兄彥珍于成皋舉義,因攻拔滎陽,禽東魏郡守蘇淑。 仍與鄉郡王元洪威攻潁川,斬其刺史李景遺。 即拜滎陽郡守,尋賜爵千乘縣侯。 十四年,授散騎常侍、司農卿。 時軍國草創,眾務殷繁,周文乃引彥穆入幕府,兼掌文翰。 及於謹伐江陵,彥穆以本官從平之。 周明帝初,進驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。 俄拜安州刺史,總管十二州諸軍事。 入為禦正大夫。 陳氏請敦鄰好。 詔彥穆使焉。 彥穆風韻閑曠,器度方雅,善玄言,解談謔,甚為江表所稱。 轉戶部中大夫,進爵為公。 天和三年,聘齊還,除金州刺史,總管七州諸軍事,進位大將軍。 尋徵拜小司徒。
Yanmu showed exceptional intelligence even as a boy. His presence was strikingly distinguished. Li Shenjun of Longxi, who was Wei Minister of Personnel and renowned for judging character, met Yanmu and exclaimed, "Here is a man fit to stand at a ruler's right hand." Late in the Yong'an era he entered the Secretariat as a staff officer, and was soon promoted twice to Attendant Gentleman in the Grand Marshal's office. When Emperor Xiaowu withdrew to the west, Yanmu could not accompany him at once. In the third year of Datong he joined his elder brother Yanzhen in raising arms at Chenggao, seized Xingyang, and captured Su Shu, the Eastern Wei commandery prefect. He next allied with Wang Yuanhongwei of his home commandery to assault Yingchuan and executed its inspector Li Jingyi. He was promptly made prefect of Xingyang and shortly thereafter enfeoffed as Marquis of Qiansheng. In the fourteenth year he received the posts of Regular Attendant and Minister of Agriculture. With the state and army still being organized and business overwhelming, Emperor Wen of Zhou drew Yanmu into his staff and entrusted him with written work as well. During Yu Jin's campaign against Jiangling, Yanmu went in his existing capacity and shared in the victory. Early in the reign of Emperor Ming of Zhou he was advanced to General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies. Before long he became inspector of An Prefecture and overall commander of military affairs across twelve prefectures. He was recalled to court as Grand Master of the Imperial Household. Chen sought to renew cordial ties with its neighbors. The court ordered Yanmu to serve as envoy. Yanmu carried himself with unhurried ease and measured grace, excelled in philosophical talk and repartee, and won high esteem throughout the lower Yangtze region. He was moved to Grand Master of the Household Revenue and raised to ducal rank. In the third year of Tianhe, after an embassy to Northern Qi, he became inspector of Jin Prefecture, commander-in-chief over seven prefectures, and was promoted to Great General. He was soon recalled and named Junior Minister of Works.
6
及宣帝崩,隋文帝輔政,三方起兵,以彥穆為行軍總管,與襄州總管王誼討司馬消難。 軍次荊州,總管獨孤永業有異志,遂收而戮之。 及事平,隋文帝徵王誼入朝,即以彥穆為襄州刺史,總管六州諸軍事,加授上大將軍,進爵東郡公。 頃之,永業家自理得雪,彥穆坐除名。 尋復官爵。 開皇元年卒。 子君綽嗣。
After Emperor Xuan's death, when Emperor Wen of Sui took power as regent and rebellion broke out on three fronts, Yanmu was appointed campaigning commander-in-chief and, together with Wang Yi, commander-in-chief of Xiang Prefecture, moved to suppress Sima Xiaonan. As the army halted at Jing Prefecture, the regional commander Dugu Yongye showed signs of treason, and Yanmu had him arrested and put to death. Once order was restored, Emperor Wen summoned Wang Yi to the capital and gave Yanmu the inspectorship of Xiang Prefecture, command over six prefectures, the additional rank of Senior Great General, and advancement to Duke of Dongjun. Shortly afterward Yongye's kin proved their innocence, and Yanmu was stripped of rank and office. His titles and posts were soon restored. He died in the first year of Kaihuang. His son Junchuo inherited his line.
7
君綽性夷簡,博覽經史,有父風。 大象末,丞相府賓曹參軍。
Junchuo was easygoing and unassuming, steeped himself in the classics and histories, and bore his father's stamp. Late in the Daxiang era he served as a staff officer in the Chancellor's Bureau of Guests.
8
君綽弟君肅,解巾道王侍讀,大象末,潁川郡守。
Junchuo's younger brother Junsu began as tutor to the Prince of Dao and, by the close of Daxiang, was prefect of Yingchuan.
9
楊纂,廣寧人也,父安仁,魏朔州鎮將。 纂少慷慨有志略,勇力兼人。 年二十,從齊神武起兵於信都,以軍功。 稍遷武州刺史。 自以賞薄,志懷怨憤,每歎曰:「大丈夫富貴何必故鄉! 若以妻子經懷,豈不沮人雄志!」 大統初,乃間行入關。 周文執纂手曰:「人所貴者忠義也,所懼者危亡也,其能不憚危亡,蹈茲忠義者,今方見之於卿耳。」 即授征南將軍、大都督,封永興縣侯。 從周文解洛陽圍,經河橋、芒山之戰,纂每先登,軍中咸推其敢勇,累遷驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司,加侍中,進爵為公,賜姓莫胡盧氏。 俄授岐州刺史。 周孝閔帝踐阼,進爵宋熙郡公。 保定元年,位大將軍,改封隴東郡公,除隴州刺史。 從隋公楊忠東伐,至并州而還。 天和六年,進授柱國大將軍,轉華州刺史。 纂性質樸,又不識文字,前後蒞職,但推誠信而已。 吏人以其忠恕,頗亦懷之。 尋卒於州。
Yang Zuan came from Guangning. His father Anren had been a garrison general at Shuozhou under Wei. Zuan was high-spirited and ambitious from boyhood, and his courage and physical prowess were unmatched. At twenty he followed Emperor Shenwu of Qi when he raised his banner at Xindu and distinguished himself in the fighting. He rose step by step to inspector of Wu Prefecture. Believing his rewards too slight, he brooded on resentment and would often say, "Does a true man need to make his fortune in his home country? If a man keeps wife and children always in mind, how can he nourish a hero's ambition!" At the opening of Datong he slipped through the passes by hidden paths to join the Western Wei court. Emperor Wen of Zhou clasped his hand and said, "Men value loyalty and righteousness above all and dread danger and ruin. To brave ruin for the sake of loyalty—today I see that spirit in you." He was at once named General Who Pacifies the South and Grand Commander, and enfeoffed as Marquis of Yongxing. He followed Emperor Wen in lifting the siege of Luoyang, and at Heqiao and Mangshan always led the assault, so that the whole army acclaimed his valor. He was repeatedly promoted, became General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies, was made Palace Attendant, raised to duke, and granted the surname Mohulu. Before long he was made inspector of Qi Prefecture. When Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, his title was raised to Duke of Songxi. In the first year of Baoding he attained the rank of Great General, was re-enfeoffed as Duke of Longdong, and became inspector of Long Prefecture. He accompanied Duke Yang Zhong of Sui on the eastern expedition as far as Bing Prefecture before turning back. In the sixth year of Tianhe he was further advanced to Pillar of the State and Great General and transferred to Hua Prefecture. Plain and unlettered by nature, Zuan in every office relied on nothing but sincerity and good faith. Magistrates and people alike warmed to him for his loyalty and magnanimity. He soon died in office there.
10
子睿,位至上柱國、漁陽郡公。
His son Rui rose to Pillar of the State of the Upper Grade and Duke of Yuyang.
11
段永,字永賓,其先遼西石城人,晉幽州刺史疋磾之後也,曾祖愄,仕魏黃龍鎮將,因徙高陸之河陽焉。 永幼有志操,閭里稱之。 魏正光末,北鎮擾亂,遂攜老幼,避地中山。 後赴洛陽,拜平東將軍,封沃陽縣伯。 青州人崔社客舉兵反,永討平之。 進爵為侯,除左光祿大夫。 時有賊魁元伯生,西自崤、潼,東至鞏、洛,屠陷城壁,所在為患。 孝武遣京畿大都督疋婁昭討之,昭請以五千人行。 永進曰:「此賊既無城柵,唯以寇抄為資,取之在速,不在眾也。 若星馳電發,出其不虞,精騎五百足矣。」 帝然其計,於是命永代昭,以五百騎倍道兼進,遂破平之。 及帝西遷,永時不及從。 大統初,乃結宗人,潛謀歸款。 密與都督趙業等襲斬西中郎將慕容顯和,傳首京師。 以功別封昌平縣子,徐州刺史。 從禽竇泰,復弘農,破沙苑,並有戰功,進爵為公。 河橋之役,永力戰先登,授南汾州刺史。 累遷驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司,賜姓爾綿氏。 廢帝元年,授恆州刺史。 于時朝貴多其部人,謁永之日,冠蓋盈路,當時榮之。 周孝閔帝踐阼,進爵廣城郡公。 曆文、瓜二州刺史,戶部中大夫。 保定四年,拜大將軍。 永歷任內外,所在頗有聲稱,輕財好士,朝野以此重焉。 天和四年,授小司寇。 尋為右二軍總管,率兵北道講武。 遇疾,卒于賀葛城。 喪遠,武帝親臨,贈使持節、柱國大將軍、同華等五州刺史,諡曰基。
Duan Yong, whose style name was Yongbin, traced his line to Shicheng in Liaoxi and was a descendant of Pidi, Jin inspector of You Province. His great-grandfather Min had been a Huanglong garrison general under Wei and resettled the family at Heyang in Gaolu. Even as a boy Yong showed firm purpose and integrity, and neighbors spoke well of him. When the northern garrisons erupted late in the Zhenguang era, he gathered the young and old of his household and fled to Zhongshan. He later reached Luoyang, was named General Who Pacifies the East, and enfeoffed as Earl of Woyang. When Cui Sheke of Qing Province rebelled, Yong crushed the rising. He was raised to marquis and made Senior Master of Splendid Virtue of the Left. At that time the bandit leader Yuan Bosheng ranged from the Xiao and Tong passes in the west to Gong and Luo in the east, sacking walled towns and spreading havoc wherever he marched. Emperor Xiaowu dispatched Metropolitan Commander Piqie Zhao against him, and Zhao asked for five thousand troops. Yong stepped forward and said, "These rebels have no fortified camps and live only by plunder. Victory lies in speed, not in massing troops. If we move like a comet and take them unawares, five hundred picked horsemen will suffice." The emperor accepted his plan, replaced Zhao with Yong, and sent five hundred horsemen on a forced march that routed and destroyed the band. When the emperor withdrew westward, Yong could not accompany him in time. Early in Datong he united his kinsmen in a covert plan to return to the Western court. With Commander Zhao Ye and others he launched a surprise raid, beheaded the Western Central Gentleman-in-Attendance Murong Xianhe, and forwarded his head to the capital. For this service he received a separate enfeoffment as Viscount of Changping and the inspectorship of Xu Prefecture. He shared in the capture of Dou Tai, the recovery of Hongnong, and the victory at Shaoyuan, earning battle honors each time until he was raised to duke. At Heqiao he fought with desperate valor at the head of the charge and was made inspector of Nanfen Prefecture. He rose repeatedly to General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and was granted the surname Ermian. In the first year of the deposed emperor he became inspector of Heng Prefecture. Many court grandees then hailed from his home region, and on days when they paid calls the road was crowded with carriages—an honor the age envied. When Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, his title was raised to Duke of Guangcheng. He held the inspectorships of Wen and Gua in turn and served as Grand Master of the Household Revenue. In the fourth year of Baoding he was named Great General. Whether at court or in the provinces Yong left a solid reputation; generous with wealth and devoted to men of learning, he won esteem throughout the realm. In the fourth year of Tianhe he became Junior Minister of Justice. Soon afterward he was commander of the Right Second Army and led troops north for war games. He fell ill and died at Hegge Fort. Because the burial lay far off, Emperor Wu attended in person. He was posthumously granted the Staff of Authority, the rank of Pillar of the State and Great General, and the inspectorships of Tong, Hua, and four other prefectures, with the posthumous title Ji.
12
子岌嗣。 位至儀同三司、兵部下大夫。
His son Ji inherited the line. He rose to the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and Junior Master in the Ministry of War.
13
令狐整,字延保,敦煌人也,本名延。 世為西士冠冕。 曾祖嗣,祖紹安,官至郡守,咸為良二千石。 父虯,早以名德著聞,仕歷瓜州司馬、敦煌郡守、郢州刺史,封長城縣子。 魏大統末,卒於家。 周文帝傷悼之,遣使者監護喪事,又敕鄉人為營墳壟。 贈龍驤將軍、瓜州刺史。 整幼聰敏,沈深有識量,學藝騎射並為河右所推。 刺史魏東陽王元榮辟整為主簿,加蕩寇將軍。 整進趨詳雅,對揚辯暢,謁見之際,州府傾目。 榮器整德望,嘗謂僚屬曰:「令狐延保,西州令望,方成重器,豈州郡之職所可縶維? 但一日千里,必基武步,寡人當委以庶務,畫諾而已。」 頃之,孝武西遷,河右擾亂。 榮仗整防扞,州境獲寧。 及鄧彥竊據瓜州,拒不受代,整與開府張穆等密應使者申徽,執彥送京師。 周文嘉其忠節,表為都督。 尋而城人張保又殺刺史成慶,與涼州刺史宇文仲和構逆,規據河西。 晉昌人呂興復害郡守郭肆,以郡應保。 初,保等將圖為亂,慮整守義不從,既殺成慶,因欲及整。 然人之望,復恐其下叛之,遂不敢害。 雖外加禮敬,內甚忌整。 整亦偽若親附,而密欲圖之。 陰令所親說保曰「郡與仲和結為脣齒,令東軍漸逼涼州,彼勢孤危,恐不能敵。 若或摧衄,則禍及此土。 宜分遣銳師,星言救援。 二州合勢,則東軍可圖。 然後保境息人,計之上者。」 保然之,而未知所任。 整又令說保曰:「曆觀成敗,在於任使,所擇不善,旋致傾危。 令狐延保兼資文武,才堪統御,若使為將,蔑不濟矣。」 保納其計,且以整父兄等並在城中,弗之疑也,遂令整行。 整至玉門郡,召集豪傑,說保罪逆,馳還襲之。 先定晉昌,斬呂興,進軍擊保。 州人素服整威名,並棄保來附。 保遂奔吐谷渾。 眾議推整為刺史。 整曰:「本以張保肆逆,殺害無辜,闔州之人,俱陷不義。 今者同心,務在除凶,若共相推薦,復恐效尤致禍。」 於是乃波斯使主張道義行州事。 具以狀聞。 詔以申徽為刺史。 徵整赴闕,授壽昌郡守,封襄武縣男。 周文謂整曰:「卿早建殊勳,今官位未足酬賞,方當與卿共平天下,同取富貴。」 遂立為瓜州義首。 整以國難未甯,常願舉宗效力,遂率鄉親二千餘人入朝,隨軍征討。 整善於撫馭,躬同豐約,是以士眾並忘羈旅,盡其力用。 周文嘗從容謂整曰:「卿遠祖立忠而來,可謂積善余慶,世濟其美者也。」 整遠祖漢建威將軍邁,不為王莽屈,其子稱避地河右,故周文稱之云。 累遷驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司,加侍中。 周文又謂整曰:「卿勳同婁、項,義等骨肉,立身敦雅,可以範人。」 遂賜姓宇文氏,並賜名整焉。 宗人二百餘戶,並列屬籍。
Ling Huzheng, whose style name was Yanbao, came from Dunhuang; his birth name had been Yan. For generations his clan had stood at the head of western gentry society. His great-grandfather Si and grandfather Shao'an had each governed a commandery and were accounted model prefects. His father Qiu had early won fame for character and learning, and held in turn the posts of Military Administrator of Gua, prefect of Dunhuang, and inspector of Ying, with enfeoffment as Viscount of Changcheng. Late in the Datong era he died at home under Wei. Emperor Wen of Zhou mourned him, dispatched an envoy to oversee the funeral, and commanded his fellow townsmen to raise the tomb mound. He was posthumously named General of the Dragon Cavalry and inspector of Gua Prefecture. Huzheng was clever and penetrating from boyhood, grave and far-seeing in judgment, and in scholarship, the arts, riding, and archery he was acclaimed throughout the Hexi region. Prince Yuan Rong of Weidongyang, then serving as prefect, took Huzheng on as chief clerk and additionally named him General Who Sweeps Away Bandits. His bearing in court was meticulous and graceful, his replies fluent and assured; on every audience the prefectural staff watched him with admiration. Rong admired Huzheng's standing and once told his staff, "Linghu Yanbao is the foremost man of the west and is ripening into a pillar of state. No commandery post could possibly contain him. He advances a thousand li in a day and must first master the martial arts; I mean to place the daily business in his hands and simply countersign what he drafts." Soon afterward Emperor Xiaowu withdrew to the west, and the Hexi region fell into disorder. Rong leaned on Huzheng for defense, and the prefecture remained at peace. When Deng Yan seized Gua Prefecture and refused replacement, Huzheng joined Commissioner-in-Chief Zhang Mu and others in secretly aiding the envoy Shen Hui, arresting Yan and forwarding him to the capital. Emperor Wen of Zhou commended his loyalty and recommended him as regional commander. Soon the townsman Zhang Bao murdered Inspector Cheng Qing and, with Liangzhou Inspector Yuwen Zhonghe, plotted rebellion to seize the Hexi. Then Lü Xing of Jinchang killed Commandery Prefect Guo Si and surrendered the commandery to Bao. Bao's faction had first feared Huzheng's steadfast loyalty; after killing Cheng Qing they meant to destroy him too. Yet the people's esteem for Huzheng made them fear a mutiny among his followers, so they dared not touch him. Outwardly they honored him; inwardly they hated him. Huzheng in turn feigned attachment while secretly planning their ruin. He secretly had an ally urge Bao, "Your commandery and Zhonghe stand or fall together. The eastern army is closing on Liangzhou; isolated as they are, they may not hold. If they are broken, this region will share their fate. Send picked troops at once to their relief. United, the two prefectures can face the eastern army. Then your lands will be secure and your people at ease—the soundest course." Bao agreed but could not decide whom to send. Huzheng again had his man say, "Success and failure always hinge on the man chosen; the wrong commander brings instant collapse. Linghu Yanbao unites civil and military gifts and can command an army—appoint him, and you cannot fail." Bao took the advice; with Huzheng's kin still in the city as hostages, he suspected nothing and sent Huzheng off. At Yumen commandery Huzheng rallied the local leaders, exposed Bao's treason, and raced back to attack him. He secured Jinchang first, executed Lü Xing, then marched against Bao. The prefecture had long revered Huzheng; all deserted Bao and rallied to him. Bao fled to Tuyuhun. The people urged Huzheng to become inspector. Huzheng said, "I took arms because Zhang Bao rebelled and slaughtered innocents, drawing the whole prefecture into guilt. Now we are united only to destroy the villain; if we begin recommending one another, others will imitate us and bring fresh calamity." He therefore placed Persian envoy Zhang Daoyi in charge of the prefecture. He reported everything to the court. The court appointed Shen Hui inspector. Huzheng was recalled, made prefect of Shouchang, and enfeoffed as Baron of Xiangwu. Emperor Wen told him, "Your early deeds outrun your present rank. I mean to pacify the realm with you and share its rewards." He was named head of the loyalist cause in Gua Prefecture. With the realm still unsettled, he led more than two thousand kinsmen and neighbors to court and marched with the armies. Skilled at leading men, he shared their hardships and comforts, so his followers forgot exile and fought with all their strength. Emperor Wen once remarked to him, "Your distant ancestor came west in loyalty—truly accumulated virtue bears fruit, and your house has honored it ever since. That ancestor was Han General Who Establishes Might Mai, who refused Wang Mang; his son Cheng fled west of the Yellow River—hence the emperor's words. He rose to General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and became Palace Attendant. The emperor added, "Your service rivals the great founders; your bond is kinship itself; your bearing is upright enough to teach a generation." He was granted the imperial surname Yuwen and the personal name Huzheng. More than two hundred households of his clan were enrolled in the imperial genealogy.
14
周孝閔帝踐阼,拜司憲中大夫,處法平允,為當時所稱。 進爵彭城縣公。 初,梁興州刺史席固以州來附,周文以固為豐州刺史。 固蒞職既久,猶忌梁法,凡所施為,多虧政典。 朝議密欲代之,而難其選。 令整權鎮豐州,委以代固之略。 整廣布威恩,傾身撫接,數月之間,化洽州府。 於是除整豐州刺史,以固為湖州。 豐州舊不居民中,賦役參集,勞逸不均。 整請移居武當,詔可其奏。 獎勵撫導,遷者如歸,旬月之間,城府周備。 固之遷也,其部曲多願留為整左右,整諭以朝制,弗之許焉,莫不流涕而去。 及整秩滿代至,人吏戀之,老幼送整,遠近畢集,數日停留,方得出界。 其得人心如此。 拜禦正中大夫,出為中華郡守,轉同州司會,遷始州刺史。 整雅識情偽,尤明政術,恭謹廉慎,常懼盈滿,故曆居內外,所在見稱。 進位大將軍。 晉公護之初執政也,欲委整以腹心。 整辭不敢當,頗忤其意,護以此疏之。 及護誅,附會者咸伏法,而整獨保全。 時人稱其先覺。 卒。 贈本官,加四州諸軍事、鄜州刺史,諡曰襄。 子熙嗣。
When Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he became Grand Master of the Imperial Censorate, applied the law with evenhanded fairness, and won contemporary praise. He was raised to Duke of Pengcheng. Earlier, Liang Inspector of Xing Prefecture Xi Gu had surrendered his prefecture; Emperor Wen made him inspector of Feng. Long in office, Gu still clung to Liang practices and often violated Zhou statutes. The court wished to replace him but could find no suitable man. Huzheng was sent to hold Feng temporarily and entrusted with the plan to supplant Gu. He spread kindness and authority alike and gave himself wholly to the people; within months the prefecture was transformed. Huzheng was confirmed as inspector of Feng; Gu was moved to Hu. Feng had lacked a settled administrative center; taxes and labor fell unevenly on the people. He petitioned to move the seat to Wudang, and the court approved. He guided the settlers with rewards and encouragement; within a month walls and offices stood complete. When Gu departed, many of his men wished to stay with Huzheng; he cited court law and refused, and they left weeping. When his term ended, magistrates and people clung to him; young and old escorted him for days before he could leave the prefecture. Such was the hold he had on men's hearts. He became Grand Master of the Imperial Household, then prefect of Zhonghua, Director of Accounts for Tong Prefecture, and inspector of Shi. Keen in reading men and masterful in administration, grave and frugal and ever wary of excess, he won praise in every office he held. He was promoted to Great General. When Duke Yuwen Hu first seized power he wished to make Huzheng his closest confidant. Huzheng declined, offending Hu, who thereafter kept his distance. When Hu was executed, his partisans perished; Huzheng alone survived. Contemporaries praised his foresight. He died. He was posthumously granted his former rank, made commander over four prefectures and inspector of Bin, with the posthumous title Xiang. His son Xi inherited the line.
15
熙字長熙。 性嚴重,有雅量,雖在私室,終日儼然。 不妄通賓客,凡所交結,必一時名士。 博覽群書,尤明三禮,善騎射,頗知音律。 起家以通經為吏部上士,轉夏官府都上士,俱有能名。 以母憂去職,殆不勝喪。 其父戒之曰:「大孝在於安親,義不絕嗣。 吾今見存,汝又只立,何得過爾毀頓,貽吾憂也?」 熙自是稍加饘粥。 服闋,除少駕部。 復丁父憂,非杖不起。 人有聞其哭聲,莫不為之下泣。 河陰之役,詔令墨衰從事,授職方下大夫,襲彭城縣公。 及武帝平齊,以留守功,進位儀同。 曆司勳、吏部二曹中大夫,甚有當時譽。 隋文帝受禪之際,熙以本官行納言事。 尋除司徒左長史,加上儀同,進爵河南郡公。 時吐谷渾寇邊,以行軍長史從元帥元諧討之,以功進上開府。 後拜滄州刺史,在職數年,風教大洽,稱為良二千石。 開皇四年,上幸洛陽。 熙來朝,吏人恐其遷,悲泣於道。 及還,百姓出境迎謁,歡叫盈路。 在州獲白烏、白麞、嘉麥,甘露降於庭前柳樹。 八年,徙為河北道行台度支尚書。 吏人追思,相與立碑頌德。 及行台廢,累遷鴻臚卿。 後以本官兼吏部尚書,往判五曹尚書事,民為明幹。 上甚任之,用上祠太山,還次汴州,惡其殷盛,多有奸俠,以熙為汴州刺史。 下車,禁遊食,抑工商,人有向術開門者杜之,船客停于郭外,星居者勒為聚落,僑人逐令歸本,其有滯獄,並決遣之,令行禁止。 上聞而嘉之,顧侍臣曰:「鄴都,天下難臨處,敕相州刺史豆處通,令習熙法。」 其年來朝,考績為天下之最。 賜帛三百疋,頒告天下。
Xi, whose style name was Changxi. Stern and measured in temperament, he remained grave even in private. He admitted no casual visitors; his friends were always men of note. He read widely, excelled in the Three Rites, rode and shot well, and understood music. He entered service through the classics as Senior Clerk in the Ministry of Personnel, then in the Palace Bureau of Summer Offices, distinguishing himself in both. Mourning for his mother forced him from office; grief nearly destroyed him. His father warned him, "True filial piety comforts the living; righteousness forbids ending the line. I am still alive, and you are my only heir—why destroy yourself and add to my grief?" After that he slowly took thin gruel. When mourning ended he became Junior Master of the Transport Bureau. At his father's death he would not rise without a staff. All who heard him weep wept with him. At Heyin the court ordered him to serve in unhemmed mourning; he became Junior Master in the Bureau of Works and inherited the dukedom of Pengcheng. When Emperor Wu conquered Qi, his service as defender won him the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies. He held Grand Masterships in the Bureaus of Merits and Personnel in turn and enjoyed high repute. When Emperor Wen of Sui accepted the throne, Xi served as acting Master of Documents. Soon he became Left Chief Clerk of the Secretariat, received Senior Ceremonial Regalia of the Three Excellencies, and was raised to Duke of Henan. When Tuyuhun raided the frontier he followed Commander Yuan Xie as chief clerk, earned merit, and was made Senior General of the Upper Palace. As inspector of Cang for several years he transformed the region and was accounted a model prefect. In the fourth year of Kaihuang the emperor traveled to Luoyang. When Xi came to court, magistrates and people feared transfer and wept in the streets. On his return the people went out beyond the border to welcome him, and cheers filled the road. During his tenure white crows, white musk deer, and fine wheat appeared, and sweet dew fell on the courtyard willow. In the eighth year he became Minister of Revenue on the Hebei Circuit Executive. Magistrates and people, missing him, raised a stele in his praise. When the executive was abolished he rose to Grand Master of the Imperial Stud. Later, additionally as Minister of Personnel, he adjudicated the Five Bureaus; the people called him sharp and effective. The emperor trusted him deeply. Returning from the Feng and Shan rites at Mount Tai, he stopped at Bian, disliked its bustle and rogues, and made Xi its inspector. He banned street hawkers, curbed commerce, shut diviners' doors, kept travelers outside the walls, gathered scattered households into settlements, sent migrants home, and cleared every pending case—orders that were obeyed to the letter. The emperor praised him and told his attendants, "Ye is the hardest city in the empire to govern. I have ordered Xiangzhou Inspector Dou Chutong to learn Xi's methods." That year his performance review ranked first in the empire. He received three hundred bolts of silk, and the court proclaimed his achievement empire-wide.
16
以嶺南夷數起亂,徵拜桂州總管、十七州諸軍事,許以便宜從事,刺史已下官,得承制補授,給帳內五百人。 賜帛五百疋,發傳送其家累,改封武康郡公。 熙至部,大弘恩信。 其溪洞渠帥更相謂曰:「前總管皆以兵威相脅,今者乃以手教相諭,我輩其可違乎!」 於是相率歸附。 先是州縣生梗,長吏多不得之官,寄政于總管府。 熙悉遣之,為建城邑,開設學校,人夷感化焉。
When the southern tribes rebelled repeatedly, he was made commander-in-chief of Gui and military affairs across seventeen prefectures, with discretionary power to appoint officials through inspector rank and five hundred personal guards. He received five hundred bolts of silk, an express relay moved his household, and his title was changed to Duke of Wukang. On reaching his command Xi extended favor and trust on a broad scale. The tribal chiefs said to one another, "Past commanders threatened us with arms; this one writes to us as to friends. How can we refuse?" They submitted one after another. Earlier the region had been ungovernable and many prefects could not take office; affairs were run from the commander's headquarters. Xi sent officials to every post, built towns, opened schools, and won over both Chinese and tribes.
17
時有寧猛力者,與陳後主同日生,自言貌有貴相,在陳世已據南海。 平陳後,文帝因而撫之,即拜安州刺史。 然驕倨恃險,未常參謁。 熙手書諭之,申以交友之分。 其母有疾,熙復遺以藥。 猛力感之,詣府請謁,不敢為非。 熙以州縣多有同名,於是奏改安州為欽州,黃州為峰州,利州為智州,德州為歡州,東寧州為融州。 上皆從之。 在職數年,上表以年老疾患,請解所任。 優詔不許,賜以醫藥。
There was Ning Mengli, born the same day as the Chen emperor, who claimed a noble countenance and had held Nanhai under Chen. After Chen fell, Emperor Wen conciliated him and made him inspector of An. Proud and sheltered by difficult country, he never attended court. Xi wrote personally, invoking their bond as friends. When Mengli's mother fell ill, Xi sent medicine. Moved, Mengli came to headquarters and dared no mischief. Because many place names duplicated others, he memorialized to rename An as Qin, Huang as Feng, Li as Zhi, De as Huan, and Dongning as Rong. The emperor approved all the changes. After several years he memorialized that age and illness obliged him to resign. A gracious edict refused and sent him medicine.
18
熙奉詔令交州梁帥李佛子入朝,佛子欲為亂,請至仲冬上道。 熙意在羈縻,遂從之。 有人詣闕,訟熙受佛子賂而舍之。 上聞。 佛子反問至,上大怒,以為信然,遣使鎖熙詣闕。 熙性素剛,鬱鬱不得志,行至永州,憂憤病卒。 上怒不解,沒其家財。 及行軍總管劉方禽佛子送京師,言熙實無贓。 上悟,乃召其四子聽仕。 少子德棻最知名。
Ordered to bring Jiaozhou chieftain Li Fozi to court, Xi found Fozi plotting rebellion and asking delay until mid-winter. Intending to keep him loosely tethered, Xi agreed. Someone denounced Xi at court for taking Fozi's bribe and letting him go. The emperor heard the charge. When Fozi rebelled, the emperor believed the accusation, flew into a rage, and sent men to chain Xi and bring him to the capital. Proud by nature and crushed by injustice, he fell ill with grief at Yong Prefecture and died. The emperor's wrath did not cool, and the family's property was confiscated. When Commander Liu Fang captured Fozi and sent him to the capital, he testified that Xi had taken no bribe. The emperor understood and restored his four sons to office. The youngest son Defen became the most famous.
19
整弟休,幼聰敏,有文武材用。 與整同起兵逐張保,授帥都督。 後為中外府樂曹參軍。 時諸功臣多為本州刺史。 晉公護謂整曰:「以公勳望,應得本州,但朝廷藉公委任,無容遠出。 然公一門之內,須有衣錦之榮。」 乃以休為敦煌郡守。 在郡十餘年,甚有政績。 卒于合州刺史。
Huzheng's younger brother Xiu was clever as a boy and gifted in civil and military affairs. He joined Huzheng in driving out Zhang Bao and was named Commander-in-Chief. He later served as staff officer in the Bureau of Music. Many great ministers then held their native prefectures. Duke Hu told Huzheng, "Your merit deserves your home prefecture, but the court cannot spare you. Still, your house should have one man who returns in glory." He made Xiu prefect of Dunhuang. For more than ten years he governed Dunhuang with distinction. He died in office as inspector of He Prefecture.
20
唐永,北海平壽人也。 本居晉昌之憤安縣,晉亂,徙于丹楊。 祖揣,始遠魏,官至北海太守,因家焉。 父倫,青州刺史。 永身長八尺,少耿介,有將帥才,讀《班超傳》,慨然有萬里之志。 正光中,為北地太守,當郡別將。 俄而賊將宿勤明達、車金雀等寇郡境,永擊破之,境內稍安。 永善馭下,士人競為之用。 熙陣常著帛裙襦,把角如意以指麾處分,辭色自若。 在北地四年,與賊數十戰,未常敗北。 時人語曰:「莫陸梁,恐爾逢唐將。」 永所營處,至今猶稱唐公壘也。 行台蕭寶夤表永為南幽州刺史,夷人送故者,莫不垂淚,當路遮留,隨數日,始得出境。 大統元年,拜東雍州刺史,尋加衛將軍,封平壽伯。 卒,贈司空公。 永性清廉,家無蓄積,妻子不免饑寒,世以此稱之。
Tang Yong came from Pingshou in Beihai commandery. His family had lived in Fen'an in Jinchang; during the Jin disorders they moved to Danyang. His grandfather Chuai first entered Wei, became prefect of Beihai, and settled there. His father Lun was inspector of Qing Prefecture. Eight feet tall, high-spirited from youth, and gifted as a commander, he read Ban Chao's biography and burned with ambition to win fame far from home. In the Zhenguang era he was prefect of Beidi and its separate commander. Soon bandit generals Su Qinmingda and Che Jinque raided the borders; Yong defeated them and restored peace. Skilled at leading men, gentry and commoners alike flocked to his banner. In battle he wore a silk robe, directed troops with a horn ruyi scepter in hand, and never lost his composure. For four years in Beidi he fought dozens of engagements and never lost. People said, "Make no trouble, lest you meet General Tang." His camps are still called Duke Tang's ramparts. Commissioner Xiao Baoyin recommended him as inspector of Southern You; tribesmen who escorted him wept, and travelers blocked his path for days before he could cross the border. In the first year of Datong he became inspector of Eastern Yong, then Guard General and Earl of Pingshou. He died and was posthumously made Duke of Works. Pure and incorruptible, he left no stores; his wife and children knew hunger and cold, and the age praised him for it.
21
子陵,少習武藝,頗閑吏職,位大都督、應州刺史、車騎大將軍、儀同三司。
His son Ling trained in arms from youth, mastered official routine, and rose to Grand Commander, inspector of Ying, General of the Chariots and Cavalry, and the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies.
22
陵子悟,美風儀,博涉經史,文詠可觀。 周大象中,頗被宣帝任遇,位至內史下大夫、漢陽公。 隋文帝得政,廢於家而卒。 陵弟瑾。
Ling's son Wu was handsome, widely read, and wrote admirable verse. Under Emperor Xuan in the Daxiang era he won high favor and became Junior Master in the Secretariat and Duke of Hanyang. When Emperor Wen of Sui took power he was dismissed and died at home. Ling's younger brother Jin is also treated here.
23
瑾字附璘。 性溫恭,有器量,博涉經史,雅好屬文。 身長八尺二寸,容貌甚偉。 年十七,周文聞其名,乃貽永書曰:「聞公有二子,曰陵、曰瑾,陵從橫多武略,瑾雍容富文雅,可並遣入朝,孤欲委以文武之任。」 因召拜尚書員外郎、相府記室參軍事。 軍書羽檄,瑾多掌之。 從破沙苑,戰河橋,並有功,封姑藏縣子。 累遷尚書右丞、吏部郎中。 于時魏室播遷,庶務草創,朝章國典,瑾並參之。 遷戶部尚書,進位驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司,賜姓宇文氏。
Jin, whose style name was Fulian. Gentle, measured, and widely learned, he loved literary composition. Eight feet two inches tall, he was imposing in appearance. At seventeen Jin's fame reached Emperor Wen of Zhou, who wrote to Yong, "I hear your sons Ling and Jin excel—the one in arms, the other in letters. Send them to court; I will use them in civil and military posts." He was summoned, made Supernumerary Gentleman in the Secretariat, and staff officer in the chancellor's office. He handled most military documents and urgent dispatches. He shared in the victory at Shaoyuan and fought at Heqiao, earning enfeoffment as Viscount of Guniang. He rose to Right Assistant in the Secretariat and Gentleman in the Ministry of Personnel. With the Wei court in exile and institutions being built anew, he helped shape court law and state statutes. He became Minister of the Household Revenue, General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies, and received the surname Yuwen.
24
時燕公於謹,勳高望重,朝野所屬。 白周文,言瑾學行兼修,願與之同姓,結為兄弟,庶子孫承其餘論,有益義方。 周文歎異者久之,更賜瑾姓萬紐於氏。 謹乃深相結納,敦長幼之序; 瑾亦庭羅子孫,行弟侄之敬。 其為朝望所宗如此。 進爵臨淄縣伯。 轉吏部尚書,銓綜衡流,雅有人倫之鑒。 以父憂去職,尋起令視事。 時六尚書皆一時之秀,周文自謂得人,號為六俊,然瑾尤見器重。 于謹南伐江陵,以瑾為元帥府長史,軍中謀略,多出瑾焉。 江陵既平,衣冠仕伍,並沒為僕隸。 瑾察其才行有片善者,輒議免之,賴瑾獲濟者甚眾。 時論多焉。 及軍還,諸將多因虜掠,大獲財物。 瑾一無所取,唯得書兩車,載之以歸。 或白周文曰:「唐瑾大有輜重,悉是梁朝珍玩。」 周文初不信之,然欲明其虛實,密遣使檢閱之,唯見墳籍而已。 乃歎曰:「孤知此人來二十許年,明其不以利幹義。 向若不令檢視,恐常人有投杼之疑。 孤所以益明之耳。 凡受人委任當如此也。」 論平江陵功,進爵為公。
Duke Yuwen Jin of Yan then stood at the pinnacle of merit and public esteem. He told Emperor Wen that Jin's learning and conduct were exemplary, asked to share his surname and become sworn brothers, so posterity might inherit his teaching. The emperor marveled and granted Jin the surname Wanniu. Jin formed a deep bond with him and honored the order of elder and younger; Jin arrayed his sons and grandsons in the hall and showed them the respect due between junior kin. Such was the esteem in which the court held him. He was raised to Earl of Linzi. As Minister of Personnel he weighed candidates with a refined eye for character. He left office to mourn his father but was soon ordered back to duty. All six ministers were outstanding; the emperor called them the Six Talents, yet trusted Jin above the rest. When Yu Jin marched on Jiangling, Jin served as chief clerk and shaped most of the strategy. After Jiangling fell, gentry and soldiers alike were enslaved. Wherever he found even a trace of merit he proposed release; multitudes owed him their freedom. Contemporaries praised him for it. On the return march many generals grew rich from plunder. Jin took nothing but two cartloads of books. Someone told the emperor, "Tang Jin's wagons are full of Liang treasures." The emperor doubted it but sent a secret inspection and found only books. He sighed and said, "I have known this man twenty years and knew he would not trade righteousness for gain. Without inspection, ordinary men might have suspected him like the mother who cast away her pestle. I have only made his integrity clearer. All who accept office should be like this." For the pacification of Jiangling he was raised to duke.
25
六官建,授禮部中大夫。 出為蔡州刺史,曆拓州、硤州,所在皆有德化,人吏稱之。 轉荊州總管府長史。 入為吏部中大夫,曆禦正、納言、內史中大夫。 曾未十旬,遂遷四職,搢紳咸以為榮。 久之,除司宗中大夫,兼內史。 尋卒於位。 贈小宗伯,諡曰方。
When the Six Offices were created he became Grand Master of the Bureau of Rites. As inspector of Cai and then Tuo and Xia he won praise wherever he governed. He became chief clerk at Jing Prefecture headquarters. He entered court as Grand Master in the Ministry of Personnel and held in turn the posts of Grand Master of the Imperial Household, Master of Documents, and Grand Master in the Secretariat. In less than a hundred days he passed through four offices, to the envy of the court. Later he became Grand Master of the Imperial Clan and additionally Master of the Secretariat. He soon died in office. He was posthumously made Junior Minister of the Imperial Clan with the posthumous title Fang.
26
瑾性方重,有風格,退朝休假,恆著衣冠以對妻子,遇迅雷風烈,雖閑夜晏寢,必起,冠帶端笏危坐。 又好施與,家無餘財,所得祿賜,常散之宗族,其尤貧乏者,又割膏腴田宅以振之。 所留遺子孫者,並墝埆之地。 朝野以此稱之。 撰《新儀》十篇,所著賦、頌、碑、誄二十餘萬言。 孫大智嗣。
Square and dignified in character, he wore formal dress even before his family on holidays, and at thunder or gale—even deep in the night—he would rise, robe himself, straighten his tablet, and sit formally. Generous by nature, he kept no surplus; he gave salary and gifts to his clan, and carved fertile lands from his estate for the poorest. What he left his descendants was stony, unproductive soil. Court and countryside alike praised him. He wrote ten chapters of New Rites and more than two hundred thousand characters of fu, eulogies, steles, and dirges. His grandson Dazhi inherited the line.
27
瑾次子令則,性好篇章,兼解音律,文多輕豔,為時人所傳。 天和初,以齊馭下大夫使于陳。 大象中,官至樂部下大夫。 仕隋,位太子左庶子。 皇太子勇廢,被誅。
Jin's second son Lingze loved verse and understood music; his often ornate writings circulated widely. Early in Tianhe he went to Chen as Junior Master of the Chariots and Cavalry of Qi. In the Daxiang era he became Junior Master in the Bureau of Music. Under Sui he was Left Assistant to the Crown Prince. When Crown Prince Yong was deposed, he was put to death.
28
柳敏,字白澤,河東解縣人,晉太常純之七世孫也。 父懿,魏車騎大將軍、儀同三司、汾州刺史。 敏九歲而孤,事母以孝聞。 性好學,涉獵經史,陰陽卜筮之術,靡不習焉。 年未弱冠,起家員外散騎侍郎。 累遷河東郡丞。 朝議以敏之本邑,故有此授。 敏雖統御鄉里,而處物平允,甚得時譽。 及周文克復河東,見而器異之,乃謂之曰:「今日不喜得河東,喜得卿也。」 即拜丞相府參軍事。 俄轉戶曹參軍,兼記室。 每有四方賓客,恆令接之,爰及吉凶禮儀,亦令監綜。 又與蘇綽等修撰新制,為朝廷政典。 遷禮部郎中,封武城縣子,加帥都督,領本鄉兵。 俄進大都督。 遭母憂,居喪,旬日之間,鬢髮半白。 尋起為吏部郎中,毀瘠過禮,杖而後起。 周文見而歎異之,特加稟賜。 及尉遲迥伐蜀,以敏為行軍司馬,軍中籌略,並以委之。 益州平,進驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司,加侍中,遷尚書,賜姓宇文氏。 六官建,拜禮部中大夫。
Liu Min, whose style name was Baize, came from Jie in Hedong, seventh in descent from Jin Grand Master of Ceremonies Chun. His father Yi was Wei General of the Chariots and Cavalry with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and inspector of Fen Prefecture. Orphaned at nine, he won fame for filial service to his mother. He loved learning, ranged through classics and histories, and mastered yin-yang divination and milfoil. Before his capping ceremony he entered service as Supernumerary Regular Attendant. He rose to assistant prefect of Hedong. The court gave him his home commandery for that reason. Though governing his home district, he was evenhanded and widely praised. When Emperor Wen recovered Hedong and met him, he said, "Today I rejoice not in Hedong but in winning you." He was at once made staff officer in the chancellor's office. Soon he was staff officer in the Bureau of the Household and additionally recorder. He received guests from all quarters and oversaw ritual observances. With Su Chuo and others he helped draft the new regulations that became the court's governing code. He became Gentleman in the Bureau of Rites, Viscount of Wucheng, Commander-in-Chief, and head of his home militia. Soon he was promoted to Grand Commander. Mourning his mother, half his hair turned white within ten days. Recalled as Gentleman in the Ministry of Personnel, he was so wasted by grief that he needed a staff to rise. Emperor Wen marveled and granted him special gifts. When Yuchi Jiong marched on Shu, Min served as chief clerk and directed the strategy. After Shu was pacified he became General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies, Palace Attendant, and Minister of the Secretariat, and received the surname Yuwen. When the Six Offices were created he became Grand Master of the Bureau of Rites.
29
昂字千里。 幼聰穎有器識,幹局過人。 周武帝時,為內史中大夫、開府儀同三司,賜爵文城郡公,當途用事,百僚皆出其下。 昂竭誠獻替,知無不為,謙虛自處,未嘗驕物,時論以此重之。 武帝崩,受遺輔政,稍被宣帝疏,然不離本職。 隋文帝為丞相,深自結納。 文帝以為大宗伯。 拜日,遂得偏風,不能視事。 文帝受禪,疾愈,加上開府,拜潞州刺史。 昂見天下無事,上表請勸學行禮。 上覽而善之,優詔答昂,自是天下州縣皆置博士習禮焉。 昂在州,甚有惠政,卒官。
His son Ang, whose style name was Qianli. Clever and far-seeing from boyhood, his executive talent surpassed other men's. Under Emperor Wu of Zhou he was Grand Master in the Secretariat and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and Duke of Wencheng, dominating the court so that every official stood beneath him. He remonstrated loyally on every matter, remained humble and never arrogant, and the age respected him for it. Named regent at Emperor Wu's death, he was gradually distanced by Emperor Xuan but never left office. When Emperor Wen of Sui was chancellor he drew Ang into a close bond. The emperor named him Grand Minister of the Imperial Clan. On the day of appointment he suffered a stroke and could not govern. When the emperor took the throne Ang recovered, was made Senior General of the Upper Palace, and became inspector of Lu. Seeing the realm at peace, he memorialized to promote learning and ritual. The emperor approved and replied graciously; thereafter every prefecture and county appointed erudites to teach ritual. He governed Lu with great benevolence and died in office.
30
子調,曆秘書郎、侍御史。 左僕射楊素嘗於朝堂見調,因獨言日:「柳條通體弱,獨搖不須風」調斂版正色曰:「調信無取,公不當以為侍御; 信有可取,不應發此言。 公當具瞻之地,樞機何可輕發!」 素甚奇之。 煬帝嗣位,累遷尚書左司郎中。 時王綱不振,朝士多贓貨,唯調清素守常,為時所美,然幹用非其所長。
His son Diao served as Secretary Gentleman and Attending Censor. Vice Director Yang Su once saw Diao in court and remarked aloud, "Willow branches are weak all through—they sway without wind." Diao straightened his tablet and said sternly, "If I am worthless, you should not have made me censor; if I have merit, you should not speak so. You stand where all eyes are fixed—how can the pivot of state speak so lightly!" Su marveled at him. Under Emperor Yang he rose to Left Bureau Chief in the Secretariat. With court discipline slack and officials corrupt, only Diao remained pure and was praised, though executive talent was not his strength.
31
王士良,字君明,其先太原晉陽人也。 後因晉亂,避地涼州。 魏太武平沮渠氏,曾祖景仁歸魏,為敦煌鎮將。 祖公禮,平城鎮司馬,因家於代。 父延,蘭陵郡守。 士良少修謹,不妄交遊。 孝莊末,爾硃仲遠啟為府參軍事。 曆大行台郎中、諫議大夫,封石門縣男。 後與紇豆陵步籓交戰,軍敗,為籓所禽,遂居河右。 偽行台紇豆陵伊利欽其才,擢授右丞,妻以孫女。 士良既為姻好,便得盡言,遂曉以禍福,伊利等即歸附。 朝廷嘉之。 太昌初,進爵晉陽縣子,尋進爵琅邪縣侯,授太中大夫、右將軍。 出為殷州車騎府司馬。 東魏徙鄴之後,置京畿府,專典兵馬。 時齊文襄為大都督,以士良為司馬,領外兵參軍。 尋遷長史,加安西將軍,徙封符壘縣侯。 武定初,除行台右中兵郎中,又轉大將軍府屬、從事中郎,仍攝外兵事。 王思政鎮穎川,齊文襄率眾攻之。 授士良大行台左丞,加鎮西將軍,進爵為公,令輔其弟演于并州居守。
Wang Shiliang, whose style name was Junming, traced his line to Jinyang in Taiyuan. During the Jin disorders the family fled to Liang Prefecture. When Emperor Taiwu of Wei conquered the Juqu, his great-grandfather Jingren submitted and became Dunhuang garrison general. His grandfather Gongli was Military Administrator of Pingcheng and settled the family in Dai. His father Yan was prefect of Lanling. From youth he was careful and formed no casual friendships. Late in Emperor Xiaozhuang's reign Erzhu Zhongyuan took him on as staff officer. He served as gentleman in the grand commissioner's office and remonstrating grand master, and was enfeoffed Baron of Shimen. Later, defeated and captured by Qidouling Bubu in battle, he remained west of the Yellow River. The rebel commissioner Qidouling Yili admired his talent, made him Right Assistant, and gave him his granddaughter in marriage. Through the marriage alliance he spoke freely, showed them fortune and ruin, and Yili and his followers submitted. The court commended him. Early in Taichang he was raised to Viscount of Jinyang, then Marquis of Langye, Grand Master of Palace Counsel, and General of the Right. He became Military Administrator of the Chariots and Cavalry Bureau of Yin Prefecture. After Eastern Wei moved to Ye, a Capital Region headquarters was created to manage troops and horses. Duke Wenxiang of Qi, then Grand Commander, made him chief of staff and staff officer in charge of external military affairs. Soon he became chief clerk and General Who Pacifies the West and was re-enfeoffed Marquis of Fulei. Early in Wuding he was Right Central Military Gentleman in the commissioner's office, then staff in the grand general's headquarters and Attendant Gentleman, still overseeing external military affairs. Wang Sizheng held Yingchuan; Duke Wenxiang besieged him. He was made Left Assistant in the grand commissioner's office, General Who Pacifies the West, and duke, and ordered to assist his younger brother Yan in defending Bing Prefecture.
32
齊文宣即位,入為給事黃門侍郎,領中書舍人,仍總知并州兵馬事,加征西將軍,別封新豐縣子。 俄除驃騎將軍、尚書吏部郎中。 文宣自晉陽赴鄴宮,復以士良為尚書左丞,統留後事。 仍遷御史中丞。 轉七兵尚書。 未幾,入為侍中,轉殿中尚書。 頃之,復為侍中、吏部尚書。 士良少孤,事繼母梁氏以孝聞。 及卒,居喪合禮。 文宣尋起令視事,士良屢表陳誠,再三不許,方應命。 文宣見其毀瘠,乃許之。 因此臥疾歷年,文宣每自臨視。 疾愈,除滄州刺史。 乾明初,徵還鄴,授儀同三司。 孝昭即位,遣三道使搜揚人物。 士良與尚書令趙郡王高睿、太常卿崔昂分行郡國,但有一介之善者,無不以聞。 齊武成初,除太子少傅、少師,復除侍中,轉太常卿,尋加開府儀同三司。 出為豫州道行台、豫州刺史。
When Emperor Wenxuan ascended the throne he became Attendant of the Yellow Gate and Supervisor of the Secretariat, still commanding Bing military affairs, with additional rank as General Who Pacifies the West and separate enfeoffment as Viscount of Xinfeng. Soon he was General of Agile Cavalry and Gentleman in the Ministry of Personnel. When Wenxuan went from Jinyang to Ye, he again made Shiliang Left Assistant in the Secretariat to oversee affairs in the capital. He then became Imperial Censor. He became Minister of the Seven Armies. Before long he was Palace Attendant, then Minister of the Palace Bureau. Shortly he again held Palace Attendant and Minister of Personnel. Orphaned young, he served his stepmother Lady Liang with renowned filial piety. At her death he mourned according to ritual. Wenxuan soon ordered him back to duty; Shiliang refused three times before accepting. Seeing how wasted he was, Wenxuan permitted the mourning. He lay ill for years while Wenxuan visited him repeatedly. When he recovered he became inspector of Cang. Early in Qianming he was recalled to Ye and granted the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies. When Emperor Xiaozhao ascended the throne he sent three missions to seek out talent. Shiliang, with Minister Gao Rui of Zhao and Grand Master of Ceremonies Cui Ang, toured the provinces and reported every man of even slight merit. Early in Emperor Wucheng's reign he was Junior Tutor and Junior Teacher of the Heir Apparent, then Palace Attendant, Grand Master of Ceremonies, and soon granted the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies. He became circuit commissioner of Yuzhou and inspector of Yu.
33
子德衡,大象末,儀同大將軍。
His son Deheng, late in Daxiang, held the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and the rank of Great General.
34
論曰:昔陽貨外叛,庶其竊邑,而《春秋》譏之; 韓信背項,陳平歸漢,而史遷美之。 蓋以運屬既安,君道已著,則徇利忘德者罪也; 時逢擾攘,臣禮未備,則轉禍為福者可也。 崔彥穆、楊纂、段永等昔在山東,沈渝下位,並以羈旅之士,邅回于燕雀之伍,終佩龜組,可謂見機者乎? 令狐整幹用確然,雅望重於河右,處州裏則勳著方隅,升朝廷則績宣出內,而畏避權寵,克保終吉,不然,何以自致顯名而取高位也? 熙曆職流譽,風政克舉,雖古之循吏,亦何以加茲,而毫釐為爽,丘山成過,唯命也夫! 唐永良能之名,所在著美,清白之譽,顯於累職,所謂幹能之士也。 瑾、敏並挺郐巳梓之林,蘊瑚璉之器,博觀載籍,多識舊章,固乃國之名臣,時之領袖,周無君子,斯焉取斯。 王士良之仕于齊,職居卿牧,而失忠與義,臨難苟免,其背叛之徒歟!
The historian comments: When Yang Huo rebelled abroad, hoping to seize a city, the Spring and Autumn Annals censured him; when Han Xin deserted Xiang Yu and Chen Ping joined Han, Sima Qian praised them. When the times are settled and the ruler's way is clear, those who trade virtue for profit are guilty; when the realm is in turmoil and ministerial duty is unsettled, those who turn disaster to advantage may be forgiven. Cui Yanmu, Yang Zuan, and Duan Yong had languished in low posts east of the mountains as wandering strangers, yet in the end wore official seals—were they not men who seized their moment? Ling Huzheng was solid in action and eminent in the west; locally he secured the borders, at court he served within and without, yet shunned power and kept a good end—otherwise how could he have risen so high? Xi won flowing praise in every post and governed like the ancient conscientious officials, yet a hair's breadth of error became a mountain of blame—such is fate. Tang Yong's name for ability and integrity shone in every office—truly a man of talent and capacity. Jin and Min were timber from beyond their homelands, vessels of jade in learning and law—state ministers and leaders of their age; without such men, whither would Zhou have turned? Wang Shiliang served Qi as minister and prefect yet abandoned loyalty in peril and sought only escape—was he not a turncoat?