Volume 76 Biographies 64: Duan Wenzhen, Lai Hu'er, Fan Zigai, Zhou Luohou, Zhou Fashang, Wei Xuan, Liu Quan, Li Jing, Xue Shixiong

段文振來護兒樊子蓋周羅睺周法尚衞玄劉權李景薛世雄

Duan Wenzhen, Lai Hu'er, Fan Zigai, Zhou Luohou, Zhou Fashang, Wei Xuan, Liu Quan, Li Jing, and Xue Shixiong

列傳第六十四

Biography 64

段文振來護兒樊子蓋周羅碶周法尚衛玄劉權李景薛世雄

Duan Wenzhen, Lai Hu'er, Fan Zigai, Zhou Luohou, Zhou Fashang, Wei Xuan, Liu Quan, Li Jing, and Xue Shixiong

段文振，北海期原人也。祖壽，魏滄州刺史。父威，周洮、河、甘、渭四州刺史。文振少有膂力，膽智過人，明達世務。初為周塚宰宇文護親信，護知其有器局幹用，擢授中外府兵曹。後從周武帝攻齊海昌王尉相貴于晉州，其亞將侯子欽、崔景嵩為內應，文振杖槊與崔仲方等數十人先登城。文振隨景嵩至相貴所，拔佩刀劫之，相貴不敢動，城遂下。及攻并州，陷東門而入，齊安德王延宗懼而出降。錄前後勳，將拜柱國，以讒毀獲譴，因授上儀同，賜爵襄國縣公。進平鄴都，又賜綺羅二千段，後從滕王逌擊稽胡，破之。又以天官都上士從韋孝寬經略淮南。俄而尉遲迥作亂，時文振老母妻子俱在鄴城，迥遣人誘之，文振不顧。隋文帝引為丞相掾。司馬消難之奔陳，文帝令文振安集淮南，還除衛尉少卿，兼內史侍郎。尋以行軍長史從達奚震討平叛蠻，加上開府，遷鴻臚卿。衛王爽北征突厥，以文振為長史，坐勳簿不實免官。後為石、河二州刺史，甚有威惠。遷蘭州總管，改封龍岡縣公。突厥犯塞，以行軍總管擊破之，遂北至居延塞。

Duan Wenzhen came from Qiyuan in Beihai commandery. His grandfather Shou had served as governor of Cangzhou in Northern Wei. His father Wei had held successive governorships over Tao, He, Gan, and Wei under Northern Zhou. From youth Wenzhen was powerfully built, bolder and shrewder than most, and keenly versed in public affairs. He first entered service as a confidant of the Zhou regent Yuwen Hu, who recognized his talent and administrative skill and appointed him military clerk in the central administration. Later, campaigning with Emperor Wu of Zhou against the Qi Prince of Haichang, Wei Xianggui, at Jinyang, he joined an assault in which Xianggui's subordinates Hou Ziqin and Cui Jingsong served as inside contacts; Wenzhen took a spear and, with Cui Zhongfang and some dozens of men, was first over the wall. Wenzhen went with Jingsong to Xianggui's quarters, drew his sword, and seized him at knifepoint; Xianggui did not dare stir, and the city fell. In the assault on Bingzhou they broke through the east gate; the Qi Prince of Ande, Yan Zong, surrendered in fear. His accumulated service was entered on the rolls and he was on the point of receiving the rank of pillar of state, but slander brought a reprimand; he was given senior privy counselor instead and enfeoffed as Duke of Xiangguo county. He took part in the pacification of Ye and received another grant of two thousand bolts of silk; afterward he followed the Prince of Teng in a campaign against the Ji tribes and routed them. He then served as a senior clerk in the celestial offices under Wei Xiaokuan's Huainan campaign. Before long Yuchi Jiong rebelled; Wenzhen's mother, wife, and children were then all in Ye, and Jiong sent envoys to win him over, but he would not be moved. Emperor Wen of Sui brought him in as an aide in the chief minister's office. After Sima Xiaonan fled to Chen, the emperor sent Wenzhen to restore order in Huainan; on his return he was made vice minister of the guard and concurrent vice director of the inner secretariat. He soon served as chief clerk on campaign with Daxi Zhen against rebel tribes, received the supernumerary grand opening rank, and was promoted to minister of guests. On the Prince of Wei's northern expedition against the Turks he served as chief clerk, but was dismissed when his merit register was found false. He later governed Shi and He provinces, where his authority and benevolence were widely felt. He was transferred to regional commander of Lanzhou and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Longgang county. When Turks raided the border he routed them as campaign commander and pushed north to the Juyan frontier.

開皇九年，大舉伐陳，為元帥秦王司馬，別領行軍總管，及平江南，授揚州總管司馬，轉并州總管司馬，以母憂去職。後拜雲州總管，遷太僕卿。十九年，突厥犯塞，以行軍總管破達頭可汗于沃野。文振先與王世積有舊。初，文振北征，世積遺以駝。比還，世積以罪誅，文振坐與交關，功遂不錄。後平越巂叛蠻，賜奴婢二百口。仁壽初，嘉州獠反，文振以行軍總管討之。引軍山谷間，為賊所襲，遂大敗。文振復收散兵，竟破之。文振性素剛直，無所降下。初，軍次益州，謁蜀王秀，貌頗不恭，秀甚銜之。及此，奏文振師徒喪亂。右僕射蘇威與文振有隙，因譖之，坐是除名。及秀廢黜，文振上表自申，帝慰諭之，授大將軍，拜靈州總管。煬帝即位，徵為兵部尚書，待遇甚重。從征吐谷渾，文振督兵屯雪山，連營三百餘里，東接楊義臣，西連張壽，合圍渾主于覆袁川以功進位右光祿大夫。帝幸江都，以文振行江都郡事。

In Kaihuang 9, during the great invasion of Chen, he served as staff officer to the Prince of Qin, the supreme commander, while also leading a campaign force in his own right; after the south was pacified he became staff officer to the Yangzhou commander, then to the Bingzhou commander, and resigned to observe mourning for his mother. He was later made regional commander of Yunzhou and then minister of the stud. In year 19, when Turks again raided the frontier, he defeated Qaghan Datou at Woye as campaign commander. Wenzhen had long been acquainted with Wang Shiji. On his northern campaign Shiji had once sent him camels as a gift. By the time he returned, Shiji had been executed for treason; Wenzhen was punished for their association, and his achievements went uncredited. He later suppressed rebel tribes in Yuexi and was rewarded with two hundred slaves. Early in the Renshou era the Liao of Jiazhou rebelled, and Wenzhen was sent against them as campaign commander. Leading his troops through the valleys he was ambushed and suffered a crushing defeat. Wenzhen rallied his scattered forces and eventually broke the rebels. By nature Wenzhen was blunt and unyielding; he deferred to no one. Earlier, when his army had halted at Yizhou, he had paid a call on the Prince of Shu, Xiu, with a manner that Xiu found distinctly disrespectful, and the prince bore a deep grudge. Now he memorialized that Wenzhen's forces had been routed and disordered. The right vice director Su Wei, who bore a grudge against him, joined in the accusation, and Wenzhen was dismissed from office. After Xiu's fall Wenzhen petitioned in his own defense; the emperor reassured him, made him grand general, and appointed him regional commander of Lingzhou. When Emperor Yang came to the throne he was recalled as minister of war and held in high esteem. On the Tuyuhun campaign he commanded troops along Snow Mountain in a chain of camps stretching more than three hundred li, linking with Yang Yichen in the east and Zhang Shou in the west to surround the Tuyuhun ruler at Fuyuan River; for this service he was promoted to right grand master of splendid happiness. When the emperor traveled to Jiangdu, Wenzhen was left to administer the commandery.

文振見文帝時容納突厥啟人，居於塞內，妻以公主，賞賜重疊，及大業初，恩澤彌厚，恐為國患。乃上表請以時喻遣，令出塞外，然後明設烽候，緣邊鎮防，務令嚴重，此乃萬世之長策。時兵部侍郎斛斯政專掌兵事，文振知政險薄，不可委以機要，屢言於帝。帝並弗納。及遼東之役，授左候衛大將軍。出南蘇道。在軍疾篤，上表以為「遼東小丑，未服嚴刑。但夷狄多詐，深須防擬，口陳降款，心懷背叛，詭伏多端，勿得便受。水潦方降，不可淹遲，唯願嚴勒諸軍，星馳速發，則平壤孤城，勢可拔也。若傾其本根，餘城自克。如不時定，脫遇秋霖，深為艱弊，兵糧又竭，強敵在前，靺鞨出後，遲疑不決，非上策也」。卒于師。帝省表，悲歎久之，贈光祿大夫、尚書右僕射、北平公，諡曰襄。

Wenzhen had watched Emperor Wen settle the Turkish Qiren people inside the frontier, marry them to an imperial princess, and shower them with gifts; by the opening years of Daye the favors had only grown, and he feared they would become a grave threat to the state. He therefore memorialized that they should be persuaded to withdraw beyond the frontier in good time, that beacon lines and border garrisons should be restored in full strength—a policy, he argued, that would secure the realm for generations. The vice minister of war Husijun then controlled military affairs alone; Wenzhen knew him to be treacherous and unworthy of confidence in critical matters, and warned the emperor repeatedly. The emperor would not heed him. On the Liaodong campaign he was made grand general of the left guard. He took the Nansu route. His illness worsened in the field, and he submitted a memorial: "The petty rulers of Liaodong have not yet been brought to heel by force. Barbarians are treacherous by nature and must be watched closely: they may offer surrender while plotting revolt, and their ruses are many—do not accept their word too readily. The rains will soon come and there must be no delay; I beg that all armies be driven forward at once, for then isolated Pyongyang can surely be taken. Strike at the root and the rest will fall of themselves. If we fail to finish quickly and autumn rains set in, the hardship will be severe, supplies will run out, a strong enemy will lie ahead and the Mohe will threaten from the rear—hesitation is no sound strategy." He died on campaign. The emperor read the memorial and grieved at length, posthumously granting him grand master of splendid happiness, right vice director of the secretariat, and the title Duke of Beiping, with the posthumous name Xiang.

長子詮，位武牙郎將。次子綸，少以俠氣聞。

His eldest son Quan served as commandant of the martial tusk guard. His second son Lun was known from youth for his daring spirit.

文振弟文操，大業中，為武賁郎將，性甚剛嚴。帝令督秘書省學士。時學士頗存儒雅，文操輒鞭撻之，前後或至千數，時議者鄙之。

Wenzhen's younger brother Wencao, who in the Daye era served as commandant of the martial guard, was notoriously harsh and rigid. The emperor put him in charge of the secretariat scholars. The scholars still cultivated scholarly decorum, but Wencao would flog them by the hundreds—on some occasions nearly a thousand strokes—and public opinion held him in contempt.

來護兒，字崇善，本南陽新野人，漢中郎將歙十八世孫也。曾祖成，魏新野縣侯，後歸梁，徙居廣陵，因家焉。位終六合令。祖嶷，步兵校尉、秦郡太守、長寧縣侯。父法敏，仕陳終於海陵令。護兒未識而孤，養于世母吳氏。吳氏提攜鞠養，甚有慈訓，幼而卓犖，初讀《詩》，至「擊鼓其鏜，踴躍用兵」，「羔裘豹飾，孔武有力」。因舍書歎曰：「大丈夫在世當如是，會為國滅賊以取功名，安能區區專事筆硯也！」群輩驚其言而壯其志。及長，雄略秀出，志氣英進。涉獵書史，不為章句學。

Lai Hu'er, styled Chongshan, was originally from Xinye in Nanyang and claimed descent in the eighteenth generation from the Han palace guard commandant She. His great-grandfather Cheng had been Marquis of Xinye under Wei, later submitted to Liang, moved to Guangling, and settled there. He ended his career as magistrate of Liuhe. His grandfather Ni had been commandant of foot soldiers, governor of Qin commandery, and Marquis of Changning county. His father Famin had served Chen and died as magistrate of Hailing. Hu'er lost his parents in infancy and was raised by his father's sister-in-law, Lady Wu. Lady Wu raised him with devoted care and wise guidance. Even as a boy he stood out. When he first read the Book of Songs and came to the lines about drums sounding for war and a warrior clad in lamb's fur and leopard trim, mighty in strength. He set the book aside and sighed: "A true man in this world should live like that—he should destroy the state's enemies and win glory. How can he waste his life over brush and inkstone alone! His companions were startled by his words and admired his resolve. As he matured his strategic gifts shone, and his spirit was bold and forward. He read widely in history but cared nothing for pedantic commentary.

始，侯景之亂，護兒世父為鄉人陶武子所害，吳氏每流涕為護兒言之。武子宗族數百家，厚自封植。護兒每思復怨，因其有婚禮，乃結客數人，直入其家，引武子斬之，賓客皆懾不敢動。乃以其頭祭伯父墓，因潛伏歲餘。會周師定淮南，乃歸鄉里。所住白土村，地居疆埸，數見軍旅，護兒常慨然有立功名之志。及開皇初，宇文忻、宇若弼等鎮廣陵，並深相禮重。除大都督，領本鄉兵。破陳將曾永，以功授儀同三司，平陳之役，護兒有功焉，進位上開府，賞物一千段。

In the chaos of Hou Jing's rebellion, Hu'er's uncle had been killed by a townsman named Tao Wuzi; Lady Wu wept whenever she told Hu'er the story. Wuzi's clan numbered several hundred households and had grown powerful through self-aggrandizement. Hu'er brooded on revenge; when Wuzi held a wedding feast he gathered a few companions, burst into the house, seized Wuzi, and cut off his head while the guests stood frozen in terror. He offered Wuzi's head at his uncle's tomb and then lay in hiding for more than a year. When Zhou forces pacified Huainan he returned home. His village of Baitu lay on the frontier where armies often passed, and he often burned with ambition to win distinction. Early in Kaihuang, when Yuwen Xin and Yu Ruobi garrisoned Guangling, they all treated him with marked respect. He was made grand commander and led the local militia of his district. He defeated the Chen general Zeng Yong and was rewarded with the third rank of privy counselor; in the conquest of Chen he distinguished himself, was promoted to supernumerary grand opening, and received a thousand bolts of goods.

十一年，高智慧據江南反，以子總管統兵隋楊素討之。賊據浙江岸為營，周亙百餘里，船艦被江，鼓噪而進。護兒言於素曰：「吳人累銳，利在舟楫。必死之賊，難與爭鋒。公且嚴陣以待之，勿與接刃，請假奇兵數千，潛度江，掩破其壁，使退無所歸，進不得戰，此韓信破趙之策也。」素以為然。護兒乃以輕舸數百，直登江岸，襲破其營，因縱火，煙焰張天。賊顧火而懼，素因是動，一鼓破之。智慧將逃於海，護兒追至閩中，餘黨皆平。進位大將軍。除泉州刺史，封襄陽縣公，食邑一千戶，賜物二千段、奴婢百人。護兒招懷初附，威惠兼舉。璽書勞問，前後相屬。時智慧餘黨盛道延阻兵為亂，護兒又討平之。遷建州總管。又與蒲山公李寬討平黟、歙逆党汪文進，進位柱國，封永寧郡公。文帝嘉其功，使畫工圖其像以進。十八年，詔追入朝，賜以宮女、寶刀、駿馬、錦彩等物，仍留長子楷為千牛備身，使護兒還職。

In year 11, when Gao Zhihui rebelled and held the lower Yangzi, he served as subordinate commander under Yang Su. The rebels had fortified the Zhe River bank for over a hundred li; their fleet covered the river and they advanced with drums and war cries. Hu'er told Su, "The southerners are seasoned fighters and their strength lies in their fleet. They will fight to the death and are hard to meet head-on on the water. Hold your line and do not engage them directly. Give me a few thousand picked men to cross the river in secret and smash their camp, so they can neither retreat nor advance to fight—this is Han Xin's stratagem against Zhao. Su agreed. Hu'er took several hundred light boats straight to the bank, stormed the camp, and set it ablaze until smoke and flame filled the sky. The rebels turned at the fire in panic; Su seized the moment and routed them at a single onset. Zhihui fled toward the sea; Hu'er pursued him into Fujian and pacified the remaining rebels. He was promoted to grand general. He was made governor of Quanzhou, enfeoffed as Duke of Xiangyang with a fief of one thousand households, and granted two thousand bolts of goods and a hundred slaves. He won over newly submitted peoples through a blend of firmness and kindness. Imperial letters of praise and inquiry arrived in steady succession. When Zhihui's follower Sheng Daoyan took up arms in rebellion, Hu'er suppressed him as well. He was transferred to regional commander of Jianzhou. With the Duke of Pushan, Li Kuan, he also suppressed the rebel Wang Wenjin in Yi and She, was promoted to pillar of state, and enfeoffed as Duke of Yongning commandery. Emperor Wen commended his service and had his portrait painted and sent to court. In year 18 he was recalled to court and rewarded with palace women, a precious sword, fine horses, and brocades; his eldest son Kai was kept at court as an imperial guard while Hu'er returned to his post.

仁壽初，遷瀛州刺史，以善政聞，頻見勞勉。煬帝嗣位，被追入朝，百姓攀戀，累日不能出境，詣闕上書致請者，前後數百人。帝謂曰：「昔國步未康，卿為名將，今天下無事，又為良二千石，可謂兼美矣。」仍除右驍衛大將軍。尋遷左。又改上柱國為光祿大夫，徙右翊衛大將軍，進封榮國公，恩禮隆密，朝臣無比。大業六年，車駕幸江都，謂護兒曰：「衣錦晝游，古人所重，卿今是也。」乃賜物二千段，並牛酒，令謁先人墓，宴鄉里父老。仍令三品已上並集其宅，酣飲盡日，朝野榮之。

Early in Renshou he became governor of Yingzhou, where his good governance won repeated imperial praise. When Emperor Yang succeeded, he was recalled to court; the people clung to him so that for days he could not cross the border, and several hundred submitted petitions begging that he remain. The emperor told him, "When the realm was still unsettled you were a famous general; now that the empire is at peace you prove an excellent prefect as well—you have excelled in both roles. He was then appointed grand general of the right martial guard. Before long he was moved from the right to the left martial guard. He was also reassigned from Upper Pillar of State to Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, transferred to grand general of the right wing guard, and ennobled as Duke of Rong; the emperor's favor toward him was unmatched among the officials at court. In the sixth year of Daye, when the emperor traveled to Jiangdu, he told Hu'er, "The ancients prized returning home in splendor for all to see by daylight—and that is what you are doing now. The emperor then gave him two thousand bolts of goods along with cattle and wine, and sent him to pay respects at his family's graves and hold a banquet for the elders of his hometown. He also summoned every official of third rank and above to his house, where they feasted through the day—a spectacle that filled both court and country with envy.

遼東之役，以護兒為平壤道行軍總管，兼檢校東萊郡太守，率樓船指滄海。入自浿水，去平壤六十里，高麗主高元掃境內兵以拒之，列陣數十里。諸將咸懼，護兒笑謂副將周法尚及軍吏曰：「吾本謂其堅城清野以待王師，今來送死，當殄之而朝食。」高元弟建驍勇絕倫，率敢死數百人來致師。護兒命武賁郎將費青奴及第六子左千牛整馳斬其首，乃從兵追奔，直至城下，俘斬不可勝計，因破其郛，營於城外，以待諸軍。高麗晝閉城門，不敢出。會宇文述等眾軍皆敗，乃旋軍。以功賜物五千段，以第五子弘為杜城府鷹揚郎將，以先封襄陽公賜其子整。明年，又出滄海道，師次東萊，會楊玄感反，進攻洛陽，護兒聞之，召裨將周法尚等議旋軍討逆。法尚等咸以無敕，不宜擅還，再三固執不從。護兒厲聲曰：「洛陽被圍，心腹之疾。高麗逆命，猶疥癬耳。公家之事，知無不為，專擅在吾，當不關諸人也。有沮議者，軍法從事。」即日回軍。令子弘及整馳驛奏聞。帝見弘等甚悅，曰：「汝父擅赴國難，乃誠臣也。」授弘通議大夫，整公路府鷹揚即將，乃降璽書於護兒曰：「公旋師之時，是朕敕公之日，君臣授弘意合，遠同符契。梟此元惡，期在不遙，勒名太常，非公而誰也！」於是護兒與宇文述破玄感於閿鄉，斬平之。還，加開府儀同三司，賜物五千段、黃金千兩、奴婢百人，贈父法敏東陽郡太守、永甯縣公。

During the Liaodong campaign, Hu'er was appointed commander-in-chief of the Pingrang route and acting governor of Donglai, and led a fleet of tower ships out onto the open sea. His force entered by the Pae River and, sixty li from Pingrang, found Goguryeo's king Gao Yuan had mobilized every soldier in the realm to meet them, arrayed in lines stretching for miles. The other generals were alarmed, but Hu'er laughed and told his deputy Zhou Fashang and the staff, "I expected them to hold their cities and strip the countryside while they waited for our army. Instead they've come out to die—we'll wipe them out before breakfast. Gao Yuan's brother Jian, a warrior of extraordinary daring, then led several hundred men sworn to fight to the death out to challenge them. Hu'er sent the martial guard general Fei Qingnu and his sixth son Zheng, a palace guard officer, to ride out and behead Jian; then he pursued the fleeing enemy to the walls, taking and slaying beyond count, breached the outer suburbs, and made camp outside the city to await the other columns. The Goguryeo forces shut the city gates by day and would not venture out. But when Yuwen Shu and the other commanders were defeated, he withdrew his army. For his achievements he received five thousand bolts of goods; his fifth son Hong was appointed Yingyang Langjiang of Dufu, and the earlier enfeoffment as Duke of Xiangyang was transferred to his son Zheng. The following year he again took the sea route, but while his army was at Donglai, Yang Xuangan rebelled and marched on Luoyang. Hearing this, Hu'er called his subordinates, including Zhou Fashang, to discuss turning back to crush the revolt. Fashang and the others insisted that without an imperial order they had no right to withdraw on their own, and repeatedly refused to go along. Hu'er said sharply, "Luoyang is under siege—that is a mortal wound at the empire's heart. Goguryeo's rebellion is nothing more than a skin rash by comparison. In the service of the state, one must act whenever action is needed. The decision is mine alone, and none of you need answer for it. Anyone who tries to talk us out of it will face the full penalty of military law. That very day he marched his army back. He sent his sons Hong and Zheng ahead by relay horse to inform the emperor. The emperor was delighted to see Hong and the others and said, "Your father took it upon himself to rush to the empire's aid—he is a loyal minister indeed. He made Hong a General Consultant and Zheng a Yingyang commander of the Highway Office, then sent Hu'er an imperial letter saying, "The day you turned your army was the day I would have ordered you to do so. In rewarding Hong, ruler and subject were of one mind—as though our intentions had matched from afar. The beheading of this chief rebel is near at hand, and when your name is entered in the temple records of honor, who but you should receive it!" Hu'er and Yuwen Shu then routed Xuangan at Wenxiang and put the rebellion down by executing him. After his return he was promoted to honorary grand master with golden insignia of the first order and given five thousand bolts of goods, a thousand taels of gold, and a hundred servants; his father Famin was posthumously honored as governor of Dongyang and Duke of Yongning.

十一年，又率師渡海，破高麗奢卑等二城。高麗舉國來戰，護兒大破之。將趣平壤，高元震懼，使執叛臣斛斯政詣遼東城下請降。帝許之，詔護兒旋軍。護兒集眾軍謂曰：「三度出兵，未能平賊。此還也，不可重來。今高麗困弊，野無青草，以我眾戰，不日克之。吾欲進兵，徑圍平壤，取其偽主，獻捷而歸也。」於是拜表請行，不肯奉詔。長史崔君肅固爭之，以為不可。護兒曰：「賊勢破矣。吾在閫外，事合專決，甯征得高元，還而獲譴，舍此成功，所不能矣。」君肅告眾曰：「若從元帥，違拒詔書，必當奏聞。」諸將懼，乃同勸還師，方始奉詔。及帝於雁門為突厥所圍，將選精騎潰圍而出，護兒及樊子蓋並固諫，乃止。

In the eleventh year he again led troops across the sea and took two Goguryeo cities, She and Bei. When Goguryeo mobilized the entire kingdom to fight, Hu'er inflicted a crushing defeat. As he was advancing on Pingrang, Gao Yuan, terrified, had the renegade minister Husi Zheng arrested and brought to the walls of Liaodong to sue for surrender. The emperor accepted and ordered Hu'er to withdraw. Hu'er assembled the commanders and said, "We have marched against them three times and still have not crushed the enemy. If we turn back now, we may never get another chance. Goguryeo is now exhausted and the countryside is stripped bare; with our numbers we can finish them off in a matter of days. I mean to press on, lay siege to Pingrang at once, seize their pretender king, and return in triumph. He then memorialized the throne asking to advance and refused to obey the recall order. His chief administrator Cui Junsu argued strenuously against the plan. Hu'er replied, "The enemy is already beaten. I hold independent command beyond the capital, and the decision is mine. I would rather capture Gao Yuan and face punishment afterward than throw away victory now—that I cannot do. Junsu then told the officers, "If we follow the commander and disobey the imperial order, I will have no choice but to report it to the throne." Alarmed, the generals united in urging a withdrawal, and only then did he obey the order. Later, when the emperor was trapped by Turks at Yanmen and prepared to break out with a picked cavalry force, Hu'er and Fan Zigai both strongly dissuaded him, and he abandoned the plan.

十二年，駕幸江都，護兒諫曰：「自皇家受命，將四十年，薄賦輕徭，戶口滋殖。陛下以高麗逆命，稍興軍旅，百姓無知，易為咨怨，在外群盜，往往聚結，車駕遊幸，深恐非宜。伏願駐駕洛陽，與時休息，出師命將，掃清群醜，上稟聖算，指日克除。陛下今幸江都，是臣衣錦之地，臣荷恩深重，不敢專為身謀。」帝聞之，厲色而起，數日不得見。後怒解，方被引入，謂曰：「公意乃爾，朕復何望！」護兒因不敢言。尋代宇文述為左翊衛大將軍。及宇文化及構逆，深忌之。是日旦將朝，見執。護兒曰：「陛下今何在？」左右曰：「今被執矣。」護兒歎曰：「吾備位大臣，荷國重任，不能肅清凶逆，遂令王室至此，抱恨泉壤，知復何言！」乃遇害。

In the twelfth year, when the emperor visited Jiangdu, Hu'er admonished him: "Since the dynasty received Heaven's mandate, nearly forty years have passed of light taxes and easy labor, and the population has grown steadily. Your Majesty's campaigns against rebellious Goguryeo have strained the people, who easily turn to complaint; bandits are gathering everywhere in the provinces; and I greatly fear that an imperial tour is ill advised at such a time. I beg Your Majesty to remain at Luoyang and let the realm recover, dispatch generals to sweep away the rebels, and trust that your wise strategy will destroy them in short order. I know Jiangdu is my own homeland, where I might glory in your visit, but the favor I owe the throne is too great for me to speak from private interest alone. The emperor's face darkened and he walked out; for days afterward Hu'er was denied audience. When the emperor's anger finally cooled, Hu'er was summoned again and told, "So that is your view of things—what more can I expect from you! Hu'er said no more. Before long he succeeded Yuwen Shu as grand general of the left wing guard. When Yuwen Huaji plotted treason, he regarded Hu'er with deep suspicion. That morning, on his way to court, he was seized. Hu'er asked, "Where is His Majesty now? Those around him replied, "He has already been taken captive." Hu'er sighed and said, "I stand among the great ministers charged with the fate of the state, yet failed to destroy these traitors and allowed the dynasty to come to this pass. I shall carry this shame to my grave—what more is there to say!" He was then put to death.

護兒重然諾，敦交契，廉於財利，不事產業。至於行軍用兵，特多謀算，每覽兵法，曰：「此亦豈異人意也！」善撫士卒，部分嚴明，故咸得其死力。

Hu'er was a man of his word, loyal in friendship, scrupulous about money, and indifferent to building up an estate. In campaigning and command he was unusually resourceful, and whenever he read the military classics he would remark, "This is only what any sensible man would think! He treated his soldiers well and kept discipline strict, and so they fought for him with their lives.

子十二人，楷通議大夫，弘金紫光祿大夫，整左光祿大夫。整尤驍勇，善撫禦，討擊群盜，所向皆捷。諸賊歌曰：「長白山頭百戰場，十十五五把長槍。不畏官軍千萬眾，只怕榮公第六郎。」至是，並遇禍，子侄死者十人，唯少子恆、濟二人免。

He had twelve sons. Kai became a General Consultant, Hong a Grand Master with the Purple-Gold Seal, and Zheng a Left Grand Master for Splendid Happiness. Zheng was especially bold in battle, skilled at handling troops, and undefeated in his campaigns against the bandits. The bandits had a song: "On Mount Changbai's heights the battles rage, and spearmen stand in ranks of ten and fifteen. We fear not the imperial armies in their millions—we fear only the Duke of Rong's sixth son. When the coup came, they all perished: ten of his sons and nephews were killed, and only his youngest sons Heng and Ji survived.

樊子蓋，字華宗，廬江人也。祖道則，梁越州刺史。父儒，侯景之亂奔齊，位仁州刺史。子蓋仕齊，位東海北陳二郡太守、員外散騎常侍，封富陽侯。周武帝平齊，授儀同三司、郢州刺史。隋文帝受禪，以儀同領鄉兵，後除樅陽太守。平陳之役，以功加上開府，改封上蔡縣伯，曆辰、嵩、齊三州刺史，轉循州總管，許以便宜從事。十八年，入朝，奏嶺南地圖，賜以良馬雜物，加統四州，令還任所，遣光祿少卿柳謇之餞於灞上。

Fan Zigai, courtesy name Huazong, came from Lujiang. His grandfather Daozhe had served as governor of Yuezhou under Liang. His father Ru fled to Northern Qi during Hou Jing's rebellion and rose to governor of Renzhou. Zigai served Northern Qi as governor of Donghai and Beichen, as an attendant cavalier attendant-in-ordinary, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Fuyang. After Emperor Wu of Zhou conquered Qi, he was made an honorary grand master of the third order and governor of Yingzhou. When Emperor Wen of Sui took the throne, he commanded local militia with the rank of honorary grand master and later became governor of Zongyang. In the conquest of Chen he was promoted to honorary grand master with the first order and made Count of Shangcai; he then served as governor of Chen, Song, and Qi in turn before becoming area commander of Xunzhou with discretionary authority. In the eighteenth year he came to court and presented a map of Lingnan; the emperor rewarded him with fine horses and other gifts, added four provinces to his command, and sent him back to his post after Liu Jianzhi, vice director of the Directorate for Imperial Regalia, saw him off at Bashang.

煬帝即位，轉涼州刺史，改授銀青光祿大夫、武威太守，以善政聞。大業三年，入朝，加金紫光祿大夫。五年，車駕西巡，將入吐谷渾。子蓋以彼多瘴氣，獻青木香，以禦霧露。及帝還，謂曰：「人道公清，定如此不？「子蓋謝曰：「臣安敢清，止是小心不敢納賄耳。」於是賜之口味百餘斛，加右光祿大夫。子蓋曰：「願奉丹陛。」帝曰：「公侍朕則一人而已，委以西方，則萬人之敵，宜識此心。」六年，帝避暑隴川宮，又云欲幸河西。子蓋傾望鑾輿，願巡郡境。帝知之，下詔慰勉之。是歲，朝于江都宮，帝謂曰：「富貴不還故鄉，真衣繡夜行耳。」因敕廬江郡設三千人會，賜米麥六千石，使謁墳墓，宴故老，當時榮之。還除戶部尚書。時處羅可汗及高昌王款塞，復以子蓋檢校武威太守，應接二蕃。遼東之役，攝左武衛將軍，出長岑道。後以宿衛不行。加左光祿大夫。其年，帝還東都，使子蓋涿郡留守。

When Emperor Yang came to the throne, he became governor of Liangzhou and then Grand Master for Splendid Happiness with the Silver Seal and governor of Wuwei, where his good governance won renown. In the third year of Daye he came to court and was promoted to Grand Master for Splendid Happiness with the Purple-Gold Seal. In the fifth year the emperor toured the west and prepared to enter Tuyuhun territory. Because the region was thick with miasma, Zigai presented agalloch wood incense to protect the emperor from damp and fog. When the emperor returned, he asked him, "People call you incorruptible—is that really true? Zigai replied humbly, "How could I claim to be incorruptible? I am merely cautious and refuse to take bribes, that is all." The emperor then gave him more than a hundred hu of delicacies and promoted him to Right Grand Master for Splendid Happiness. Zigai said, "I would rather serve at Your Majesty's side in court." The emperor replied, "At court you are one man among many, but entrusted with the west you are worth ten thousand soldiers—remember that this is how I regard you." In the sixth year the emperor took the summer heat at Longchuan Palace and again spoke of touring Hexi. Zigai watched eagerly for the imperial progress, hoping the emperor would visit his jurisdiction. Learning of this, the emperor issued an edict to comfort and encourage him. That year, when he came to court at Jiangdu, the emperor told him, "To gain wealth and rank yet never return home is like wearing brocade in the dark—no one sees it." He then ordered a gathering of three thousand people in Lujiang, gave six thousand shi of grain, and sent Zigai to visit his family's graves and entertain the elders of his hometown—a spectacle that filled the age with envy. After his return he was appointed minister of revenue. When Chulu Qaghan and the king of Gaochang submitted at the frontier, Zigai was again appointed acting governor of Wuwei to receive them. During the Liaodong campaign he served as acting general of the left martial guard and marched by the Changcen route. Later he was kept from going because of his duties in palace guard service. He was promoted to Left Grand Master for Splendid Happiness. That year, when the emperor returned to the eastern capital, he left Zigai behind as military governor of Zhuo commandery.

九年，駕復幸遼東，命子蓋東都留守。屬楊玄感作逆，逼城，子蓋遣河南贊務裴弘策逆擊之，反為所敗，遂斬弘策以徇。國子祭酒楊汪小不恭，子蓋又將斬之。汪拜謝，頓首流血，久乃釋免。於是三軍莫不戰慄，將吏無敢仰視。玄感每盡銳攻城，子蓋徐設備禦，至輒摧破。會來護等救至，玄感乃解去。子蓋凡所誅殺萬人。又檢校河南內史。車駕至高陽，追詣行在所，帝勞之，以比蕭何、寇恂，加光祿大夫，封建安侯，賜女樂五十人。謂曰：「朕遣越王留守東都，示以皇枝磐石，社稷大事，終以委公。特宜持重，戈甲五百人而後出，此勇夫重閉之義。無賴不軌者，便誅鋤之，凡可施行，無勞形跡。今為公別造玉麟符，以代銅獸。」又指越、代二王曰：「今以二孫委公與衛文升耳。宜選貞良宿德有方幅者教習之。」於是賜以良田、甲第。

In the ninth year, when the emperor again marched on Liaodong, he appointed Zigai to hold Luoyang as military governor. When Yang Xuangan rebelled and besieged the city, Zigai sent Henan assistant prefect Pei Hongce to attack him; Pei was defeated, and Zigai had him executed as a public warning. When National University libationer Yang Wang showed a slight lack of respect, Zigai was ready to execute him as well. Wang bowed in apology and kowtowed until his forehead bled; only after a long time did Zigai spare him. After that the entire army trembled with fear, and officers and clerks dared not even meet his gaze. Whenever Xuangan threw his best troops against the walls, Zigai methodically organized the defenses and repulsed every assault. When Lai Hu'er and the other relief forces arrived, Xuangan broke off the siege and withdrew. In all, Zigai had ten thousand people executed. He was also appointed acting Henan interior secretary. When the emperor reached Gaoyang, Zigai hurried to the traveling palace. The emperor praised him, likening him to Xiao He and Kou Xun, promoted him to Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Jian'an, and granted him fifty female musicians. He told him, "I have left the Prince of Yue at Luoyang to show that the imperial house rests on bedrock. The weight of the realm I ultimately place in your hands. You must conduct yourself with utmost gravity — do not leave your residence without five hundred armed men at your side. That is how a man of courage keeps himself sealed and secure. Cut down ruffians and rebels on the spot. Do whatever must be done, and do not fuss over formalities. I have had a new jade unicorn tally made for you, to replace the old bronze one. He then indicated the princes of Yue and Dai and said, "I now leave these two grandsons in your care, and in Wei Wensheng's as well. Choose upright, seasoned men of proven character to train and guide them." He then granted him rich farmland and a grand mansion.

十年，駕還東都，帝謂子蓋曰：「玄感之反，神明故以彰公赤心耳。析珪進爵，宜有令謨。」是日進爵為濟公，言其功濟天下，特為立名，無此郡國也。後與蘇威、宇文述陪宴積翠池，帝親以金杯屬子蓋酒，曰：「良算嘉謀，俟公後動，即以此杯賜公，用為永年之瑞。」

In the tenth year, when the emperor returned to Luoyang, he told Zigai, "Heaven itself used Xuangan's rebellion to reveal your loyalty. Having been rewarded with rank and a fief, you ought to offer worthy counsel. That same day he was raised to Duke of Ji — "Ji" meaning that his service had aided the realm. The title was invented for him alone; no such fief existed. Later, at a banquet at Emerald Pool with Su Wei and Yuwen Shu, the emperor personally filled a golden cup for Zigai and said, "When your wise plans bear fruit in days to come, I shall give you this cup as a token of long life."

十一年，從駕至雁門，為突厥所圍。帝欲選精騎潰圍出，子蓋及來護諫，因垂泣：「願暫停遼東之役，以慰眾望。聖躬親出慰撫，厚為勳格，人心自奮，不足為憂。」帝從之，後援兵至，虜乃去。納言蘇威追論勳格太重，宜在斟酌。子蓋執奏不宜失信。帝曰：「公欲收物情邪？」子蓋默然不敢對。

In the eleventh year he accompanied the emperor to Yanmen, where they were besieged by the Turks. The emperor wanted to break out with a picked cavalry force, but Zigai and Lai Hu'er dissuaded him, weeping as they spoke: "Suspend the Liaodong campaign for now, and give the people what they hope for. If Your Majesty goes out in person to rally the troops and sets generous rewards for merit, the men will fight of their own accord. There is nothing to fear. The emperor accepted their advice. When reinforcements arrived, the Turks withdrew. Supervising Secretary Su Wei later argued that the promised rewards had been too lavish and should be scaled back. Zigai insisted in a memorial that the emperor must not go back on his word. The emperor said, "Are you trying to win the people's favor? Zigai fell silent and dared not answer.

從駕還東都。時絳郡賊敬槃陀、柴保昌等阻兵數萬，汾、晉苦之，詔子蓋進討。時人物殷阜，子蓋善惡無所分別，汾水北村塢盡焚之。百姓大駭，相率為盜。其歸首者，無少長悉坑之。擁數萬眾，經年不能破賊，詔徵還，又將兵擊宜陽賊，以疾停，卒于東京。上悲傷者久之，顧黃門侍郎裴矩曰：「子蓋臨終何語？」矩曰：「子蓋病篤，深恨雁門之恥。」帝聞之歎息，令百官就吊，贈開府儀同三司，諡曰景。會葬萬餘人。武威人吏聞其死，莫不嗟痛，立碑頌德。

He returned to Luoyang with the emperor. At that time the rebels Jing Panto, Chai Baochang, and others in Jiang commandery mustered tens of thousands of men, ravaging Fen and Jin. An edict ordered Zigai to march against them. The region was populous and prosperous, yet Zigai made no distinction between loyal villagers and rebels and burned every stockade north of the Fen River. The people were terrified and turned to banditry in droves. Those who surrendered, young and old alike, were buried alive in mass graves. Though he commanded tens of thousands, he failed to crush the rebels for a full year and was recalled. He was preparing to lead troops against the Yiyang rebels when illness stopped him, and he died at Luoyang. The emperor mourned for a long time, then turned to Household Undersecretary Pei Ju and asked, "What were Zigai's last words? Pei Ju replied, "Near death, Zigai bitterly lamented the humiliation at Yanmen." The emperor sighed at this and ordered the officials to attend the funeral. Zigai was posthumously granted the rank of Opening the Office with Protocol Equal to the Three Excellencies and given the posthumous name Jing. More than ten thousand people attended his funeral. When the officials and clerks of Wuwei heard of his death, all mourned him and erected steles in praise of his virtue.

子蓋無他權略，在軍持重，未嘗負敗，蒞官明察，下莫敢欺。嚴酷少恩，果於殺戮，臨終之日，見斷頭鬼前後重遝，為之厲云。

Zigai had no gift for intrigue, but in the field he was steady and never knew defeat. As an administrator he was sharp-eyed, and none beneath him dared cheat him. He was harsh and merciless, swift to kill. On his last day he saw severed-head ghosts crowding before and behind him, shrieking at him in fury.

周羅碶，字公佈，九江尋陽人也。父法皓，仕梁，至南康內史、臨蒸縣侯。羅碶年十五，善騎射，好鷹狗，任俠放蕩，收聚亡命，陰習兵書。從祖景彥誡之曰：「吾世恭謹，汝獨放縱，若不喪身，必將滅吾族。」羅碶終不改。仕陳，為句容令。後從大都督吳明徹與齊師戰于江陽，為流矢中左目。齊師之圍明徹於宿預也，諸軍相顧，莫有鬥心。羅碶躍馬突進，莫不披靡。太僕卿蕭摩訶副之，斬首不可勝計。進師徐州，與周將梁士彥戰于彭城，摩訶臨陣墮馬，羅碶進救之於重圍之內，勇冠三軍。明徹之敗，羅碶全眾而歸。後以軍功除右軍將軍。封始安縣伯，總檢校揚州中外諸軍事。賜金銀三千兩，盡散之將士，分賞驍雄。陳宣帝深歎美之。出為晉陵太守，進爵為侯。後除使持節、都督豫章十郡諸軍事、豫章內史。獄訟庭決，不關吏手，人懷其惠，立碑頌德。

Zhou Luohou, whose courtesy name was Gongbu, came from Xunyang in Jiujiang. His father Fahao served the Liang dynasty, rising to Interior Secretary of Nankang and Marquis of Linzheng county. At fifteen Luohou was already an expert horseman and archer, devoted to hawking and hunting. Reckless and swaggering, he gathered fugitives and studied military texts in secret. His uncle Jing Yan warned him, "Our family has always been dutiful and restrained. You alone run wild. If you do not destroy yourself, you will destroy us all. Luohou never changed his ways. He entered the service of Chen and became magistrate of Jurong. Later, serving under Grand Commander Wu Mingche, he fought the Qi at Jiangyang and took a stray arrow in his left eye. When the Qi besieged Mingche at Suyu, the allied armies lost heart and none would fight. Luohou spurred his horse forward in a charge, and the enemy lines broke before him. Minister of the Imperial Stud Xiao Mohe joined the attack, and the enemy dead were beyond counting. When the army advanced on Xuzhou and fought Zhou general Liang Shiyan at Pengcheng, Mohe was unhorsed in the thick of battle. Luohou fought his way through the encirclement to save him, and his courage outshone every man in the army. When Mingche's army was defeated, Luohou brought his troops home intact. For his military service he was appointed General of the Right Army. He was enfeoffed as Baron of Shian county and put in overall command of military affairs in and around Yangzhou. He was granted three thousand liang of gold and silver, which he gave away entirely to his officers and men, reserving special rewards for the bravest. Emperor Xuan of Chen praised him warmly. He was sent out as prefect of Jinling and promoted to marquis. He was later appointed Bearer of the Staff of Authority, military governor of the ten Yuzhang commanderies, and Interior Secretary of Yuzhang. He settled lawsuits in open court without leaving matters to clerks. The people loved him for it, and steles were raised in his honor.

至德中，除持節、都督南州諸軍事。江州司馬吳世興密奏羅碶甚得人心，擁眾嶺表，意在難測。陳主惑焉。蕭摩訶、魯廣達等保明之。外有知者，或勸其反，羅碶拒絕之。還除太子左術率，信任愈重，時參宴席。陳主曰：「周左率武將，詩每前成，文士何為後也？」都官尚書孔范曰：「周羅碶執筆制詩，還如上馬入陣，不在人後。」自是益見親禮。及隋伐陳，羅碶都督巴峽緣江諸軍事以拒秦王俊。及陳主被禽，上江猶不下，晉王廣遣陳主手書命之。羅碶與諸將大臨三日，放兵士散，然後乃降。文帝慰喻之，許以富貴。羅碶垂泣對曰：「本朝淪亡，臣無節可紀。陛下所賜，獲全為幸，富貴榮祿，非臣所望。」帝甚器之。賀若弼謂曰：「聞公郢、漢捉兵，即知揚州可得。王師利涉，果如所量。」羅碶答曰：「若得與公周旋，勝負未可知也。」其年秋，拜上儀同三司，鼓吹送之於宅。先是，陳裨將羊翔歸降，使為鄉導，位至開府，班在羅碶上。韓禽於朝堂戲之曰：「不知機變，位在羊翔下。」羅碶答曰：「昔在江南，久承令問，謂公天下節士。今日所言，殊匪人臣之論。」禽有愧色。曆幽、涇二州刺史，並有能名。

During the Zhide era he was appointed Bearer of the Staff and military governor of Nanzhou. Jiangzhou Vice Commander Wu Shixing secretly reported that Luohou had won the people's hearts, commanded a large force in the Ling region, and might harbor designs that could not be read. The Chen emperor was troubled by the report. Xiao Mohe, Lu Guangda, and others spoke up in his defense. Some who knew of the suspicion urged him to rebel, but Luohou refused. He was recalled and made Left Tactical Commander of the Heir Apparent. The emperor trusted him ever more deeply and often had him at court banquets. The Chen emperor said, "Commander Zhou is a soldier, yet his poems are always finished first. Why do the literati lag behind? Director of the Palace Revenue Kong Fan replied, "When Zhou Luohou takes up the brush, he is no slower than when he mounts a horse and enters battle. He never falls behind." After that he enjoyed even greater favor at court. When Sui invaded Chen, Luohou was put in command of the Yangzi garrison from the Ba and Xia gorges to resist Wang Jun of Qin commandery. Even after the Chen emperor was taken, the upper Yangzi still held out. Prince Guang sent an order in the captive emperor's own hand. Luohou and his officers mourned for three days, dismissed their troops, and only then surrendered. Emperor Wen comforted him and promised him wealth and rank. Luohou answered through tears, "My dynasty is destroyed. I have no loyal deed worth remembering. That Your Majesty has spared my life is blessing enough. Wealth and glory are not what I seek. The emperor thought highly of him. He Ruo Bi told him, "When I learned you were holding the Ying and Han line, I knew Yangzhou would fall. The imperial army crossed the river with ease, just as I had judged. Luohou replied, "Had I been able to meet you in battle, the outcome might still have been in doubt." That autumn he was appointed Senior Protocol Equal to the Three Excellencies, and imperial musicians escorted him home. Earlier, Chen deputy general Yang Xiang had defected and served as a guide. He rose to the rank of Opening the Office and took precedence over Luohou. In court Han Qin mocked him, saying, "You did not know when to bend, and so you rank below Yang Xiang. Luohou answered, "In Jiangnan I long admired your name and took you for a man of honor under Heaven. What you say today is unworthy of a loyal minister." Han Qin flushed with shame. He served as prefect of You and Jing, and in both posts earned a name for competence.

開皇十八年，征遼東，徵為水軍總管。自東萊泛海趣平壤城，遭風，船多漂沒，入功而旋。十九年，突厥達頭可汗犯塞，從楊素致討，羅碶先登，大破之。進大將軍。仁壽元年，入為東宮右虞候率，賜爵義寧郡公。轉右衛率。煬帝即位，授右武候大將軍，副楊素計平漢王諒，進授上大將軍。及陳主卒，羅碶請一臨哭，帝許之。衰絰送至墓，葬還，釋服而後入朝。帝甚嘉尚之，世論稱其有禮。時諒餘黨據絳、晉等三州未下，詔羅碶行晉、絳、呂三州諸軍事，進兵圍之。中流矢，卒。送柩還京，行數里，無故輿馬自止，策之不動，不飄風旋繞焉。絳州長史郭雅稽首祝曰：「公恨小寇未平邪？尋既除殄，無為戀恨。」是時風靜馬行，見者莫不悲歎。其年七月，子仲隱夢羅碶曰：「我明日當戰。」其靈坐所有弓箭刀劍無故自動，若人帶持之狀。絳州城陷，是其日也。贈柱國、右翊衛大將軍，諡曰壯。子仲安，位上開府。

In the eighteenth year of Kaihuang, during the Liaodong campaign, he was summoned to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. He sailed from Donglai across the sea toward Pyongyang, but storms sank many of his ships, and he returned without achieving his objective. In the nineteenth year, when the Turkic khan Doutou raided the frontier, Luohou followed Yang Su to punish him, led the assault, and won a great victory. He was promoted to Grand General. In the first year of Renshou he entered the Eastern Palace as Right Commandant-in-Chief and was ennobled as Duke of Yining commandery. He was then made Right Commandant of the Guard. When Emperor Yang took the throne, Luohou was made Grand General of the Right Martial Command. Assisting Yang Su, he helped suppress Prince Liang of Han and was promoted to Senior Grand General. When the former Chen emperor died, Luohou asked leave to attend the mourning, and the emperor granted it. He went to the tomb in full mourning, and only after the burial and the end of mourning did he return to court. The emperor admired him greatly, and public opinion praised his sense of propriety. At the time Liang's remaining followers still held Jiang, Jin, and other prefectures. An edict put Luohou in command of military affairs in Jin, Jiang, and Lü and ordered him to advance and besiege them. A stray arrow found him, and he fell dead on the field. As the coffin was being carried back to the capital, the carriage halted after a few li for no apparent reason. The drivers whipped the horses, but they would not move, while windless eddies spun around them. Jiang prefecture chief administrator Guo Ya kowtowed and prayed, "My lord, do you grieve that the rebels are not yet destroyed? They will soon be wiped out. Do not linger in resentment. At once the wind fell still and the horses moved on. All who saw it were moved to grief. That seventh month his son Zhongyin dreamed that Luohou said, "Tomorrow I shall fight. At the spirit seat, his bows, arrows, swords, and blades moved of their own accord, as though a man were girding and wielding them. Jiang prefecture fell that very day. He was posthumously granted the titles Pillar of the State and Grand General of the Right Wing Guard, with the posthumous name Zhuang. His son Zhong'an rose to the rank of Senior Opening the Office.

周法尚，字德邁，汝南安成人也。祖靈起，梁廬、桂二州刺史。父炅，定州刺史、平北將軍。

Zhou Fashang, whose courtesy name was Demai, came from Ancheng in Runan. His grandfather Lingqi had served as governor of Lu and Gui, the two Liang provinces. His father Jiong held the posts of governor of Dingzhou and General Who Pacifies the North.

法尚少果勁，有風概，好讀兵書。其父卒後，監定州事，督父本兵。數有戰功，為散騎常侍，領齊昌郡事，封山陰縣侯。既而其兄武昌縣公法僧代為定州刺史。法尚與長沙王叔堅不相能，叔堅言其將反。陳宣帝執禁法僧，發兵欲取法尚。其下將吏皆勸之歸北，法尚未決。長史殷文則曰：「樂毅所以辭燕，良不獲已也。」法尚遂歸周，拜開府、順州刺史，封歸義縣公，賜良馬五匹、女妓六人、彩物五百段，加以金帶。陳將樊猛濟江討之，法尚遣部曲督朗韓朗詐為背己奔陳，偽告猛曰：「法尚部兵不願降北，若得軍來，必無鬥者。」猛引師急進。法尚設奇兵，大敗之，猛僅以身免。

In youth Fashang was bold and forceful, carried himself with authority, and loved to study military texts. After his father's death he took charge of Dingzhou and led the troops his father had commanded. He won repeated victories in battle, was made Attendant Cavalier and put in charge of Qichang commandery, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Shanyin county. Before long his elder brother Faseng, Duke of Wuchang county, succeeded him as governor of Dingzhou. Fashang and Prince of Changsha Shujian were at odds, and Shujian accused him of plotting rebellion. Emperor Xuan of Chen had Faseng arrested and imprisoned, then raised an army to capture Fashang. His officers all urged him to defect to the north, yet Fashang could not make up his mind. Chief Administrator Yin Wenzhe said, "When Yue Yi left Yan, it was only because he had no other choice. Fashang then went over to Northern Zhou. He was made Grand Opening and governor of Shunzhou, enfeoffed as Duke of Guiyi county, and rewarded with five fine horses, six female entertainers, five hundred lengths of colored silk, and a gold girdle. Chen general Fan Meng crossed the Yangzi to attack him. Fashang sent his retainer commander Han Lang of Lang to pretend to desert to Chen and falsely tell Meng, "Fashang's men do not want to surrender to the north. If your army comes, none of them will fight. Meng hurried his army forward. Fashang laid an ambush and crushed the Chen force. Meng escaped only with his life.

隋文帝為丞相，司馬消難作亂，陰遣上開府段珣攻圍之。外無救援，法尚棄城走。消難虜其母弟及家累三百人歸陳。及文帝受禪，拜巴州刺史，破三鵶叛蠻，復從柱國王誼擊走陳寇。遷衡州總管，改封譙郡公。後上幸洛陽，召之，賜金鈿酒鐘一雙、彩五百段、良馬十五匹、奴婢三百口，給鼓吹一部。法尚固辭。上曰：「公有大功于國，特給鼓吹者，欲公卿知朕之寵公也。」轉黃州總管，使經略江南。及伐陳之役，以行軍總管隸秦孝王。轉鄂州刺史，遷永州總管，安集嶺南，仍給黃州兵三千五百人為帳內。前後賞賜甚厚。轉柱州總管，仍嶺南道安撫大使。後數年入朝，以本官宿衛。未幾，桂州人李光仕反，令法尚與上柱國王世積討之。法尚發嶺南兵，世積徵嶺北軍。俱會尹州。世積所部多遇瘴，不能進，頓於衡州。法尚獨討之，捕得其弟光略、光度，追斬光仕，平之。仕壽中，遂州獠叛，復以行軍總管討平之。巂州烏蠻反，詔法尚便道討擊破之。軍還，檢校潞州事。

While Emperor Wen of Sui was still chief minister, Sima Xiaonan rebelled, and Wen secretly sent Senior Opening Duan Xun to attack and besiege Fashang. No relief came from outside, and Fashang abandoned the city and fled. Xiaonan captured Fashang's mother, younger brother, and three hundred dependents and carried them off to Chen. After Emperor Wen took the throne, Fashang was made governor of Bazhou. He crushed the rebellious Three Geese tribes and again followed Pillar of State Wang Yi in repelling Chen invaders. He was transferred to regional commander of Hengzhou, and his title was changed to Duke of Qiao commandery. Later, when the emperor visited Luoyang, Fashang was summoned and given a pair of gold-inlaid wine vessels, five hundred lengths of colored silk, fifteen fine horses, three hundred slaves, and a full band of trumpets and drums. Fashang firmly declined the honor. The emperor said, "You have rendered great service to the state. I am granting you martial music so that the court will know how highly I favor you. He was then made regional commander of Huangzhou and charged with securing Jiangnan. During the campaign against Chen he served as army campaign commander under Prince of Qin Xiaowang. He was transferred to governor of Ezhou, then made regional commander of Yongzhou to pacify Lingnan, with three thousand five hundred Huangzhou troops assigned as his personal guard. He was rewarded lavishly, again and again. He was made regional commander of Zhuzhou and also appointed Pacification Commissioner of the Lingnan circuit. Several years later he came to court and, while keeping his rank, took up palace guard duty. Before long Li Guangshi of Guizhou rebelled, and Fashang was ordered to join Pillar of State Wang Shiji in suppressing him. Fashang raised troops from south of the ranges, while Shiji gathered armies from the north. The two forces rendezvoused at Yinzhou. Most of Shiji's men fell sick with miasma and could not advance, so they halted at Hengzhou. Fashang pursued the rebels alone, captured Guangshi's brothers Guanglue and Guangdu, hunted down and killed Guangshi, and put down the revolt. During the Renshou era, while he was still in office, the Liao of Suizhou rebelled, and again as army campaign commander he put them down. When the Black Liao of Xizhou rebelled, an edict ordered Fashang to take the direct route, attack them, and crush the revolt. After the army returned, he was appointed acting inspector of Luzhou.

煬帝嗣位，轉雲州刺史，遷定襄太守，進金紫光祿大夫。時帝幸榆林，法尚朝於行宮。內史令元壽言於帝曰：「漢武出塞，旌旗千里。今御營外，請分為二十四軍，日別遣一軍發，相雲三十里，旗幟相望，鉦鼓相聞，首尾連注，千里不絕。」法尚曰：「兵亙千里，動間山谷，卒有不虞，四分五裂，腹心有事，首尾未知。雖有故事，此取敗道也。」帝不懌曰：「卿以為如何？」法尚曰：「請為方陣，四面外拒，六宮及百官家口並住其間。若有變，當頭分抗，車為壁壘，重設鉤陳，此與據城何異？臣謂牢固萬全策也。」帝曰：「善。」因拜左武衛將軍。明年，黔安夷向思多反，殺將軍鹿願，圍太守蕭造。法尚與將軍李景分路討之，法尚破思多於清江。及還，從討吐谷渾，別出松州道，逐捕亡散，至於青海。出為敦煌太守，遷會甯太守。

When Emperor Yang came to the throne, Fashang was made governor of Yunzhou, then governor of Dingxiang, and promoted to Grand Master of Golden Seal and Purple Girdle. While the emperor was at Yulin, Fashang came to audience at the traveling palace. Director of the Secretariat Yuan Shou said to the emperor, "When Emperor Wu of Han marched beyond the frontier, his banners stretched for a thousand li. Outside the imperial camp, let the force be divided into twenty-four armies, with one army setting out each day, each thirty li behind the last, so that banners face one another, gongs and drums can be heard from camp to camp, and the line stretches unbroken for a thousand li. Fashang said, "An army strung out for a thousand li, moving through valleys — if disaster strikes suddenly, the line will break apart. If trouble hits the center, the front and rear will not even know. There may be precedent for it, but this is a recipe for disaster." Displeased, the emperor said, "What do you propose instead?" Fashang said, "Form a square camp, facing outward on all four sides, with the imperial consorts and the families of the officials sheltered inside. If attack comes, each front can resist on its own. Wagons become ramparts, and layered defensive formations are set in place. How is that different from holding a walled city? In my view, that would be the safest plan of all." The emperor said, "Well said." Fashang was then appointed General of the Left Martial Guard. The following year Xiang Siduo of the Qian'an Yi rebelled, killed General Lu Yuan, and besieged Governor Xiao Zao. Fashang and General Li Jing attacked by separate routes, and Fashang defeated Siduo at Qingjiang. On his return he joined the campaign against Tuyuhun, taking the Songzhou route separately to hunt down fugitives as far as Qinghai. He was sent out as governor of Dunhuang, then transferred to governor of Huining.

遼東之役，以舟師指朝鮮道。會楊玄感反，與宇文述、來護等破之。以功進授右光祿大夫。時齊郡人王薄、孟讓等為盜，保長白山，法尚頻擊破之。明年，復臨滄海，在軍遇疾卒。贈武衛大將軍，諡曰僖。有子六人，紹范最知名。

In the Liaodong campaign he led the fleet toward Korea. When Yang Xuangan rebelled, he joined Yuwen Shu, Lai Hu, and the others in crushing the revolt. For his service he was promoted to Right Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. At that time Wang Bo, Meng Rang, and others of Qi commandery turned bandit, held Mount Changbai, and Fashang repeatedly routed them. The following year he again went to the coast, but fell ill in camp and died. He was posthumously granted the title Grand General of the Martial Guard, with the posthumous name Xi. He had six sons, of whom Shaofan was the best known.

衛玄，字文升，河南洛陽人也。祖悅，魏司農卿。父舣，侍中、左武衛大將軍。玄少有器識，周武帝在籓，引為記室。遷給事上士，襲爵興勢公。武帝親總萬機，拜益州總管長史，賜以萬釘寶帶。稍遷開府儀同三司、太府中大夫，攝內史事，仍領京兆尹，稱為強濟。隋文帝作相，檢校熊州事。及受禪，遷淮州總管，進封同軌郡公，坐事免。未幾，拜嵐州刺史。會起長城之役，詔玄監督之。後為衛尉少卿。仁壽初，山獠作逆，以玄為資州刺史，以鎮撫之。玄既到官，時獠攻圍大牢鎮，玄單騎造其營，謂群獠曰：「我是刺史，銜天子詔安養汝等，汝等勿驚」諸賊莫敢動。於是說以利害，渠帥感悅，解兵歸附者十餘萬口。文帝大悅，賜縑二千匹，除遂州總管，仍令劍南安撫。

Wei Xuan, whose courtesy name was Wensheng, came from Luoyang in Henan. His grandfather Yue had been Minister of Revenues under Wei. His father Yi had served as Attendant-in-Ordinary and Grand General of the Left Martial Guard. In youth Xuan showed talent and judgment. While Emperor Wu of Zhou was still a prince, he took Xuan on as his secretary. He was promoted to Attendant Senior Clerk and inherited the title Duke of Xingshi. When Emperor Wu took personal charge of government, Xuan was made chief clerk to the regional commander of Yizhou and given a precious belt studded with ten thousand gold nails. He rose to Grand Opening with Equal Third Rank and Grand Master of the Treasury, served as acting director of the Secretariat while still holding the post of prefect of Jingzhao, and was known for being forceful and effective. When Emperor Wen of Sui was chief minister, Xuan was appointed acting inspector of Xiongzhou. After the abdication he was made regional commander of Huaizhou and advanced to Duke of Tonggui commandery, but was later dismissed for an offense. Before long he was appointed governor of Lanzhou. When work on the Great Wall began, an edict put Xuan in charge of supervising it. Later he became vice director of the Guard. At the beginning of the Renshou era, when the mountain Liao rebelled, Xuan was made governor of Zizhou to pacify the region. Once Xuan had taken office, the Liao were besieging Dalao fortress. He rode alone into their camp and told the assembled tribesmen, "I am your governor. I come bearing the Son of Heaven's edict to settle and care for you. Do not be afraid." Not one of the rebels dared stir. He then explained what they stood to gain or lose. The chieftains were won over, and more than one hundred thousand laid down their arms and submitted. Emperor Wen was greatly pleased, granted him two thousand lengths of silk, made him regional commander of Suizhou, and kept him in charge of pacifying Jiannan.

九年，駕幸遼東，使玄與代王侑留守京師，拜為京兆內史，尚書如故，許以便宜從事，敕代王待以師傅禮。會楊玄感圍東都，玄率步騎七萬援之。至華陰，掘楊素塚，焚其骸骨，夷其塋域，示士卒以必死。既出潼關，議者恐崤函有伏兵，請於陝縣沿流東下，直趨河陽，以攻其背。玄曰：「此計非豎子所及也。」乃鼓行而進。既度函谷，卒如所量。乃遣武賁郎將張峻為疑軍於南道，玄以大兵直趨城北。玄感逆拒之，且戰且行，屯軍金穀。於軍中掃地而祭文帝曰：「若社稷靈長，宜令醜徒冰碎；如或大運去矣，幸使老臣先死。」詞氣激揚，三軍莫不涕咽。時眾寡不敵，民賊頻戰不利，死傷太半。玄苦戰，賊稍卻，進屯北芒。會宇文述、來護等援兵至，玄感西遁。玄遣通議大夫斛斯萬善、監門直閣龐玉前鋒追之，及於閿鄉，與宇文述等合擊破之。車駕至高陽，征詣行在所。帝勞之曰：「社稷臣也。使朕無西顧之憂。」進右光祿大夫，賜以良田、甲第，資物钜萬，還鎮京師，帝謂曰：「關右之任，一委於公。公安，社稷乃安；公危，社稷亦危。出入須有兵衛，坐臥恆宜自牢也。今特給千兵，以充侍從。」與樊子蓋俱賜以玉麟符，以代銅獸。

In the ninth year, when the emperor went to Liaodong, Xuan was left in the capital with Prince of Dai You. He was made metropolitan prefect of Jingzhao while keeping his ministerial rank, granted discretionary authority, and ordered that the Prince of Dai treat him with the respect due a mentor. When Yang Xuangan besieged the Eastern Capital, Xuan led seventy thousand infantry and cavalry to its relief. At Huayin he opened Yang Su's tomb, burned the bones, and razed the graveyard, showing his men that they must fight to the death. After passing Tong Pass, his advisers feared an ambush in the Xiao and Han passes and urged him to go downstream from Shan county toward Heyang and attack the rebels from behind. Xuan said, "That is not the sort of plan a stripling would devise. Instead he marched forward with drums beating. After crossing Hangu Pass, events proved him right. He sent Colonel of the Martial Guard Zhang Jun with a decoy force along the southern route, while he himself led the main army straight toward the north of the city. Xuangan met him in battle, fighting as he withdrew, and encamped at Jingu. In camp he swept the ground and offered sacrifice to Emperor Wen, saying, "If the altars of state endure, let these vile rebels be shattered like ice; but if the Great Mandate has already passed away, then let this old servant die first. His words rang with fierce devotion, and soldiers throughout the army wept aloud. They were heavily outnumbered. Battle after battle went against them, and more than half the army was killed or wounded. Xuan fought on grimly until the rebels began to give ground, then advanced and encamped at Beimang. When relief troops under Yuwen Shu, Lai Hu, and the others arrived, Xuangan fled west. Xuan sent Chief Gentleman of Discussion Husi Wanshan and Direct Attendant of the Gate Guard Pang Yu in pursuit at the vanguard. They caught Xuangan at Wen village and, joining with Yuwen Shu and the others, destroyed his force. When the emperor reached Gaoyang, Xuan was summoned to the traveling court. The emperor praised him, saying, "You are a pillar of the state. You have spared me all worry for the west. He was promoted to Right Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and given fine fields, a noble mansion, and goods worth a fortune. When he returned to guard the capital, the emperor told him, "The defense of the western passes I entrust entirely to you. If you are secure, the state is secure; if you are in peril, the state is in peril. You must have armed guards whenever you go out or come in, and even in rest you must keep yourself well protected. I am therefore giving you a thousand troops as your personal guard. He and Fan Zigai were both granted jade unicorn tallies to replace the old bronze beast seals.

十一年，詔玄撫關中。時盜賊蜂起，百姓饑饉，玄竟不能救恤。而官方壞亂，貨賄公行。自以年老，上表乞骸骨，帝遣內史舍人封德彝馳喻之曰：「京師國本，宗廟園陵所在，籍公臥以鎮之。」玄乃止。義師入關，自知不能守，尤懼稱疾，不知政事。城陷，歸於家。義寧中，卒。

In the eleventh year, an edict appointed Xuan to pacify and govern Guanzhong. Bandits and rebels were rising everywhere, the people were starving, and Xuan proved unable to help them. Official administration collapsed, and bribery was practiced openly. Concluding that he was too old, he submitted a memorial asking to retire. The emperor sent Palace Secretary Cadet Feng Deyi posthaste to persuade him, saying, "The capital is the foundation of the state, where the ancestral temples and imperial tombs lie — I depend on you, even in repose, to hold it firm. Xuan then withdrew his request. When the righteous army entered the pass, knowing he could not hold the city, he took refuge in illness and ignored all affairs of government. When the city fell, he went home. He died during the Yining period.

子孝則，位通事舍人、兵部承務郎。卒。

His son Xiaze served as Master of Accounts Attendant and Clerk in the Ministry of War. He died.

劉權，字世略，彭城豐人也。祖軌，齊羅州刺史。權少有俠氣，重然諾，藏亡匿死，吏不敢過門，。後更折節好學，動循法度。仕齊，位行台郎中。齊亡，周武帝以為假淮州刺史。開皇中，以車騎將軍領鄉兵。後從晉王廣平陳，進授開府儀同三司。宋國公賀若弼甚禮之。十二年，拜蘇州刺史，賜爵宋城縣公。時江南初平，權撫以恩信，甚得人和。煬帝嗣位，拜衛尉卿，進位銀青光祿大夫。大業五年，從征吐谷渾，權出伊吾道，逐賊至青海，乘勝至伏俟城。帝復令權過曼頭、赤水，置河源郡、積石鎮，大開屯田，留鎮西境。在邊五年，諸羌懷附，貢賦歲入，吐谷渾餘燼遠遁，道路無壅。徵拜司農卿，加金紫光祿大夫。尋為南海太守。行至鄱陽，會群盜起，不得進，詔權召募討之。權率兵遇賊，不戰，先乘單舸詣賊營，說以利害。群賊感悅，一時降附。帝聞而嘉之。及至南海，甚有異政。數歲，遇盜賊群起，群豪多願推權為首，權竟固守以拒之。子世徹又密遣齎人書詣權，稱四方擾亂，諷令舉兵。權召集佐僚，對斬其使，竟無異圖，守之以死。卒官。

Liu Quan, courtesy name Shilue, was from Feng in Pengcheng. His grandfather Gui had been Governor of Luo Province under Qi. In youth Quan had a chivalrous spirit and prized his word. He sheltered fugitives and concealed the dead, and officials did not dare approach his gate. Later he reformed his conduct, took up learning, and in all his actions followed the law. He served in Qi as a Staff Bureau Gentleman. After Qi fell, Emperor Wu of Zhou made him Acting Governor of Huai Province. During the Kaihuang reign, he served as General of Chariots and Cavalry commanding local militia. He later followed Prince Guang of Jin in the campaign against Chen and was promoted to Grand Master of Resplendent Happiness with the privileges of a separate office. Duke of Song He Ruobi treated him with great respect. In the twelfth year he was appointed Governor of Su Province and enfeoffed as Duke of Songcheng County. The south of the Yangzi had just been pacified, and Quan won the people over with kindness and trust, achieving remarkable harmony. When Emperor Yang ascended the throne, he was appointed Minister of the Guard and promoted to Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with the Silver Seal. In the fifth year of Daye he joined the campaign against Tuyuhun. Quan marched by the Yiwu route, pursued the enemy to Qinghai, and riding the momentum reached Fuyu City. The emperor then ordered Quan to pass Mantou and Chishui, establish Heyuan Commandery and Jishi Garrison, expand military farming, and remain to guard the western frontier. After five years on the frontier, the Qiang tribes had submitted willingly, annual tribute flowed in, the remnants of Tuyuhun had fled far away, and the roads were clear. He was recalled and appointed Minister of Public Revenue, with the additional rank of Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with the Gold Seal. He was soon appointed Governor of Nanhai. On reaching Poyang he found bandits rising everywhere and could not continue. An edict ordered him to raise troops and suppress them. Quan led his troops to the bandits but did not fight. Instead he took a single boat to their camp and argued the costs and benefits of rebellion. The bandits were won over and surrendered en masse. The emperor heard of this and praised him. Once in Nanhai he governed with notable distinction. After several years bandits rose everywhere, and many local leaders wanted to make Quan their chief, but he firmly refused. His son Shiche also secretly sent a messenger with a letter urging him to take up arms, citing turmoil throughout the realm. Quan assembled his aides, executed the messenger before them, never wavered in loyalty, and defended the city to the death. He died in office.

世徹倜儻不羈，頗為時人所許。大業末，群雄並起，世徹所至處輒見忌，多拘禁之。後竟為兗州賊帥徐圓朗所殺。

Shiche was bold and unconventional, and many contemporaries admired him. At the end of the Daye reign, as rival powers rose everywhere, Shiche was resented wherever he went and was often imprisoned. He was eventually killed by Xu Yuanlang, a rebel leader in Yan Province.

權從叔烈，字子將，美容儀，有器局，位鷹揚郎將。有子德威，知名於世。

Quan's paternal cousin Lie, courtesy name Zijiang, was handsome and commanding in presence, and served as Colonel of the Striking Falcon. He had a son, Dewei, who became widely known.

李景，字道興，天水休官人也。父超，周應、戎二州刺史。景容貌奇偉，膂力過人，美須髯，驍勇善射。平齊之役，頗有功，授儀同三司。後以平尉遲迥，進位開府，賜爵平寇縣公。隋開皇九年，以行軍總管從世積伐陳，以功進上開府。及高智慧等反，復以行軍總管從楊素擊之，還授鄜州刺史。

Li Jing, courtesy name Daoxing, was from Xiuguan in Tianshui. His father Chao had served as Governor of Ying and Rong Provinces under Zhou. Jing was strikingly imposing in appearance, exceptionally strong, with a fine beard, and was valiant and skilled with the bow. In the campaign to pacify Qi he distinguished himself and was granted the rank of Grand Master of the Third Order with the privileges of a separate office. For his role in suppressing Yuwen Yong he was promoted to Grand Master with separate office and enfeoffed as Duke of Pingkou County. In the ninth year of Kaihuang, as Campaign Commander he followed Shi Ji against Chen and, for his achievements, was promoted to Senior Grand Master with separate office. When Gao Zhihui and others rebelled, he again served as Campaign Commander under Yang Su, and afterward was appointed Governor of Fu Province.

十七年，遼東之役，為馬軍總管。及還，配事漢王。文帝奇其壯武，使袒而觀之，曰：「卿相表當位極人臣。」尋從史萬歲擊突厥於大斤山，別路邀賊，大破之。後與上明公楊紀送義城公主于突厥，至恆安，遇突厥來寇。時代州總管韓洪為虜所敗，景率所領數百人力戰三日，殺虜甚眾。改授韓州刺史。以事王故，不之官。

In the seventeenth year, during the Liaodong campaign, he served as Cavalry Commander. On his return he was assigned to serve the Prince of Han. Emperor Wen was struck by his imposing strength, had him bare his torso for inspection, and said, "The marks of a minister upon you point to the highest rank among men. He soon followed Shi Wansui against the Turks at Mount Dajin, took a separate route to intercept the enemy, and routed them. Later he and Duke of Shangming Yang Ji escorted Princess Yicheng to the Turks. At Heng'an they encountered a Turk attack. The Dai Province Commander Han Hong had already been routed by the enemy when Jing led several hundred men in fierce combat for three days and killed a great many of them. He was reassigned as Governor of Han Province. Because he was serving the prince, he did not take up the appointment.

仁壽中，檢校代州總管。漢王諒作亂，景發兵拒之。諒頻遣劉嵩、喬鐘葵等攻之，景率士卒殊死戰，屢挫賊鋒。司馬馮孝慈、司法參軍呂玉並驍勇善戰，儀同三司侯莫陳乂多謀畫，工拒守之術。景推誠此三人，無所關預，唯在閤持重，時出撫循而已。及朔州總管楊義臣援兵至，合擊大破之。先是，府內井中甃上生花如蓮，並有龍見，時變為鐵馬甲士。又有神人長數丈見城下，跡長四尺五寸。景問巫者，巫者曰：「此不祥之物，來食血耳。」景大怒，推出之。旬日而兵至，死者數萬。景尋被徵，進柱國，拜右武衛大將軍。賜女樂一部，加以珍物。

During the Renshou reign he served as acting Commander of Dai Province. When Prince Liang of Han rebelled, Jing mobilized troops to resist him. Liang repeatedly sent Liu Song, Qiao Zhongkui, and others against him. Jing led his men in desperate fighting and repeatedly turned back the rebel attacks. Chief Administrator Feng Xiaoci and Legal Advisor Lü Yu were both ferocious fighters, while Grand Master Houmochen Yi was a skilled strategist expert in defensive warfare. Jing trusted these three men completely and did not interfere. He held overall command from headquarters and occasionally went out to encourage the troops. When relief troops under Shuozhou Commander Yang Yichen arrived, they joined forces and routed the rebels. Before this, lotus-like flowers had appeared on the brickwork of a well in headquarters, dragons were seen, and at times they transformed into armored warriors on iron horses. A supernatural figure several zhang tall was also seen below the city, leaving footprints four chi and five cun long. Jing asked a shaman, who said, "These are ill omens — creatures that come to feed on blood. Jing flew into a rage and had him thrown out. Within ten days the army arrived, and tens of thousands fell dead. Jing was soon recalled, promoted to Pillar of the State, and appointed General of the Right Military Guard. He was given a troupe of female musicians and many precious gifts.

景智略非所長，而忠直為時所許，帝甚信之。又擊破叛蠻向思多。明年，擊吐谷渾于青海，破之，進位光祿大夫。五年，車駕西巡，至天水，景獻食於帝。帝曰：「公，主人也。」賜坐齊王暕上。至隴川宮，帝將大獵，景與左武衛大將軍郭衍俱有難色，為人奏。帝大怒，令Ξ之，竟以坐免。歲餘，復位，與宇文述等參掌選舉。明年，攻高麗武列城，破之，賜爵苑丘侯。八年，出渾彌道。九年，復出遼東。及旋，使景殿，高麗追兵大至，景擊走之。進爵滑國公。楊玄感之反，朝臣子弟多預焉，景獨無關涉。帝曰：「公誠直天然，我梁棟也。」賜以美女。帝每呼李大將軍而不名，見重如此。

Strategy was not Jing's strength, but his loyalty and forthrightness won wide esteem, and the emperor trusted him deeply. He also defeated the rebel Man chieftain Xiang Siduo. The following year he attacked Tuyuhun at Qinghai, defeated them, and was promoted to Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. In the fifth year the emperor toured west to Tianshui, where Jing presented a feast. The emperor said, "You, sir, are the host here. He was given a seat of honor above Prince Kan of Qi. At Longchuan Palace, when the emperor was preparing a grand hunt, Jing and General of the Left Military Guard Guo Yan both looked uneasy, and someone reported them. The emperor was furious and ordered them flogged; Jing was eventually dismissed from office. After a year he was restored to office and, with Yuwen Shu and others, shared control over official appointments. The following year he attacked Wulie City in Goguryeo, took it, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yuanqiu. In the eighth year he marched out by the Hunmi route. In the ninth year he again marched into Liaodong. On the return march the emperor placed Jing in the rear guard. When Goguryeo pursuit forces arrived in strength, Jing drove them back. He was promoted to Duke of Huaguo. When Yang Xuangan rebelled, many sons of court officials joined him, but Jing alone had no part in it. The emperor said, "Your honesty is inborn — you are my pillar and beam. He was given beautiful women as a reward. The emperor always addressed him as Great General Li rather than by name — so highly was he valued.

十二年，帝令景營遼東戰具于北平，賜御馬一匹，名師子垆吉。于時盜賊蜂起，景遂召募，以備不虞。武賁郎將羅藝與景有隙，誣景將反。帝遣其子慰諭曰：「縱人言公窺天闕，據京都，吾無疑也。」後為高開道所圍，獨守孤城，士卒患腳腫死者十六七，景撫循之，一無離叛。遼東軍資多在其所，粟帛山積，景無所私焉。及帝崩于江都，遼西太守鄧皓救之，遂歸柳城。將還幽州，遇賊見害。契丹、靺鞨素感其恩，聞之莫不流涕；幽、燕人士，於今傷惜之。子世謨。

In the twelfth year the emperor ordered Jing to prepare war supplies for Liaodong at Beiping and gave him an imperial horse named Shizi Luji. With bandits rising everywhere, Jing raised troops as a precaution. Colonel of the Martial Guard Luo Yi bore a grudge against Jing and falsely accused him of plotting rebellion. The emperor sent his son to reassure him, saying, "Even if people claim you are scheming against the throne and seizing the capital, I do not doubt you. Later, besieged by Gao Kaidao in an isolated city, sixteen or seventeen soldiers out of every ten died of swollen feet, yet Jing cared for them so devotedly that not one deserted. Most of the Liaodong campaign supplies were stored in his territory — grain and cloth piled like mountains — yet Jing took nothing for himself. After the emperor died at Jiangdu, Liaoxi Governor Deng Hao came to his relief, and he returned to Liucheng. On his way back to You Province he was killed by bandits. The Khitan and Mohe, who had long felt his kindness, wept on hearing the news; and the people of You and Yan still mourn him to this day. His son was Shimuo.

薛世雄，字世英，本河東汾陰人也。其先寓居敦煌。父回，字道弘，仕周，位涇州刺史。開皇初，封舞陰郡公，領漕渠監。世雄兒童時與群輩戲，輒畫地為城郭，令諸兒為攻守勢，不從令者輒撻之，諸兒畏憚，莫不齊整。其父見而奇之，謂人曰：「此兒當興吾家。」年十七，從周武帝平齊，以功拜帥都督。隋開皇中，累遷右親衛車騎將軍。

Xue Shixiong, courtesy name Shiying, was originally from Fenyin in Hedong. His family had long lived in Dunhuang. His father Hui, styled Daohong, had served Zhou as governor of Jingzhou. Early in Kaihuang he was enfeoffed as Duke of Wuyin and placed in charge of the canal transport office. As a boy Shixiong would play war games with his friends, sketching walls and cities in the dirt and drilling them in attack and defense; he flogged anyone who disobeyed, and they all fell into line in fear of him. His father saw it and was astonished. "This boy," he said, "will bring glory to our family. At seventeen he followed Emperor Wu of Zhou in the conquest of Qi and was made a commander-in-chief for his service. Under Sui in the Kaihuang era he rose steadily to cavalry general of the right intimate guard.

煬帝嗣位，為右監門郎將。從征吐谷渾，進位通議大夫。世雄性廉慎，行軍破敵之處，秋毫無犯。帝由是嘉之。帝嘗謂群臣曰：「欲舉好人，諸君識否？」咸曰：「不測聖心。」帝曰：「我欲舉薛世雄。」群臣皆稱善。於是超拜右翊衛將軍。歲餘，為玉門道行軍大將軍，與突厥啟人可汗邊兵擊伊吾。師次玉門，啟人背約，兵不至。世雄孤軍度磧。伊吾懼，請降。世雄遂于漢舊伊吾城東築城，號新伊吾，留銀青光祿大夫王威鎮之而還。進位正議大夫。

When Emperor Yang came to the throne he was made commandant of the right gate guard. On the Tuyuhun campaign he was promoted to general consultant. Shixiong was scrupulously honest; on campaign he allowed no looting whatsoever. The emperor commended him for it. The emperor once asked his ministers, "I mean to promote a worthy man—do any of you know whom I have in mind? They replied, "We cannot guess Your Majesty's mind." The emperor said, "I mean to promote Xue Shixiong." The ministers all applauded the choice. He was thereupon promoted out of turn to general of the right guard. A year later he was made grand campaign general on the Yumen route and, with Turkish Qiren frontier troops, attacked Yiwu. At Yumen the Qiren broke their agreement and never sent the promised troops. Shixiong crossed the desert with his army alone. Yiwu submitted in fear. He built a new city east of the old Han Yiwu, called it New Yiwu, left Wang Wei to garrison it, and withdrew. He was promoted to rectifying consultant.

遼東之役，為沃沮道軍將，與宇文述同敗績於平壤。還次白石山，為賊所圍百餘重，四面矢下如雨。世雄以羸師為方陣，選勁騎二百縱擊，破之而還。所亡失多，竟坐免。明年，帝復征遼東，拜右候衛將軍。兵指蹋頓道。軍至烏骨城，會楊玄感反，班師。帝至柳城，以世雄為東北道大使，行燕郡太守，鎮懷遠。

On the Liaodong campaign he commanded the Woju route army and, with Yuwen Shu, was defeated at Pyongyang. On the march home he was encircled at Baishi Mountain by rebels in layer upon layer of rings, arrows falling like rain from every side. He formed his weakened troops in a square, led two hundred picked horsemen in a charge, broke the encirclement, and got through. His losses were heavy and he was eventually dismissed. The following year, on another Liaodong campaign, he was made general of the right guard. He took the Tadun route. When his army reached Wugu, Yang Xuangan rebelled and the force turned back. At Liucheng the emperor made him northeast-route envoy and acting governor of Yan, with his base at Huaiyuan.

十年，復從帝至遼東，遷左禦衛大將軍。仍領涿郡留守。未幾，李密逼東都，詔世雄率幽、薊精兵將擊之。次河間，營于城南，竇建德率精銳數百，夜來襲之。大敗。世雄與左右數十騎遁入河間城，慚恚發病。歸涿郡，卒。

In year 10 he again accompanied the emperor to Liaodong and was promoted to grand general of the left guard. He continued as garrison commander of Zhuo commandery. Before long Li Mi threatened Luoyang; Shixiong was ordered to lead picked troops from You and Ji against him. He camped south of Hejian when Dou Jiande struck at night with several hundred elite troops. He was routed. Shixiong escaped into Hejian with a few dozen followers, then fell ill from shame and rage. He returned to Zhuo and died there.

子萬述、萬淑、萬鈞、萬徹、萬備，並以驍武知名。

His sons Wanshu, Wanshu, Wanjun, Wanche, and Wanbei were all famed for their fighting skill.

論曰：段文振有周之日，早以武毅見知，隋氏之初，又以幹力受委，任兼文武，稱為諒直。其高位厚秩，非虛致也。來護幼懷倜儻，猛概抑揚，晚致勤王，驅馳畢力。樓船制勝，掃勍敵如拾遺；閿鄉討亂，翦凶魁如摧朽。位班上將，顯居大國，道消遘難，忠至不渝，惜矣！子蓋雅有幹局，質性方嚴，見義而勇，臨機能斷，保全邦邑，勤亦懋哉！羅碶忠亮之性，所在稱重，送往之節，義感人臣，死而有知，乃結草之義。法尚征伐四夷，亦足嘉焉。文升東都解圍，頗亦宣力，西京居守，政以賄成，鄙哉，鄙哉，夫何足數！劉權淮楚舊族，雄名早著，時逢擾攘，任等尉佗，遂能拒子邪言，足驗誠臣之節。李、薛並以驍武之用，當於有事之秋，致茲富貴，可謂自取。時迍遭躓，良有命乎！

The appraisal says: Under Zhou, Duan Wenzhen was early recognized for martial grit; at the founding of Sui he was entrusted again for his capacity, served in both civil and military roles, and was known as bluntly honest. His high rank and rich rewards were honestly earned. Lai Hu'er was daring from youth, his martial spirit always in motion; in his last years he raced to the dynasty's rescue and gave all his strength. Victory by tower ship swept mighty enemies aside as if gathering lost objects; at Wenxiang he crushed rebellion and cut down its leaders like rotted timber. He rose to the highest military rank and stood among the great of the realm; when the dynasty fell into ruin he never wavered in loyalty—a tragedy! Zigai had true administrative talent, a stern and upright nature, courage when justice demanded it, and decisiveness in crisis; he preserved cities and commanderies—his service was genuinely admirable! Luohou's loyalty and integrity won respect wherever he served; the propriety of his funeral rites moved all who witnessed them—if the dead can know, he fulfilled the old duty of repaying a debt in the grass. Fashang's campaigns against the frontier peoples are likewise praiseworthy. Wensheng did exert himself in lifting the siege of Luoyang, but his tenure at the western capital was built on bribery—contemptible, contemptible! He scarcely deserves mention! Liu Quan came from an old Huai-Chu family and was famed early; in troubled times his burden rivaled that of the Nanhai king Zhao Tuo, yet he refused his son's evil counsel—proof enough of a loyal minister's integrity. Li and Xue both owed their wealth and rank to martial prowess in a time of crisis—they largely earned what they got. That they stumbled when the age turned against them—was it not fate after all!

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