Volume 86 Biographies 74: Virtuous Officials

先王疆理天下，司牧黎元，刑法以禁其奸，禮教以防其欲，雖為政以德，理實殊塗，百慮一致，在斯而已。《書》云「知人則哲」，又云「無曠庶官」，言非其人為空官也。睿哲之後，必致清明之臣；昏亂之朝，多有貪殘之吏。嗜欲所召，影響從之。故五帝三王，不易人而化，皆在所由化之而已。蓋有無能之吏，無不可禦之人焉。自罷侯置守，歷年永久，統以方牧，仍世相循，所以寬猛為用，庇人調俗。但廉平常跡，聲有難高；適時應務，招響必速。是故搏擊為侯，起不旋踵；懦弱貽咎，錄用無時。此則已然於前世矣！後之為吏，與世沈浮，叔季澆漓，奸巧多緒，居官蒞職，道各不同，故往籍述其賢能，以彰懲勸之道。案魏立《良吏傳》有張恂、鹿生、張膺、宋世景、路邕、閻慶胤、明亮、杜纂、裴佗、竇瑗、羊敦、蘇淑。齊立《循吏傳》有張華原、宋世良、郎基、孟業、崔伯謙、蘇瓊、房豹、路去病。《周書》不立此篇。隋《循吏傳》有梁彥光、樊叔略、趙軌、房恭懿、公孫景茂、辛公義、柳儉、劉曠、王伽、魏德深。其張恂、鹿生、宋世景、裴佗、羊敦、宋世良、郎基、崔伯謙、房豹、趙軌、房恭懿，各附其家傳，其餘皆依時代編緝，以備《循吏篇》云。

The ancient kings divided the land and ruled the world, caring for the common people. They employed criminal law to curb wrongdoing and ritual teaching to restrain excess desire. Though they governed through virtue, the practical means differed; yet every policy aimed at the same end—nothing more. The Book of Documents states that knowing men is wisdom, and also warns against leaving offices vacant—which is to say, an office held by the wrong man is no office at all. Under a wise and perceptive sovereign, clear-minded and upright ministers inevitably appear; A corrupt and chaotic court breeds greedy and brutal officials in abundance. Whatever a ruler's appetites call forth, imitators trail in their wake. The Five Emperors and Three Kings transformed people without replacing them; everything hinged on who did the transforming. There may be incompetent officials, but there is no one beyond the reach of good governance. Ever since feudal domains were abolished and prefectural governors installed, the system of regional oversight has endured for generations, alternating severity and leniency to protect the people and shape local custom. Yet modest integrity wins little acclaim; while timely boldness brings instant recognition. Hence the forceful rose to noble rank overnight; the timid were blamed and passed over when offices were filled. Such was the pattern long before our own day! Later generations of officials rode the currents of their times; as the age declined, customs grew shallow and cunning multiplied. Men in office pursued divergent paths. That is why earlier annals recorded the worthy and capable—to illustrate how reward and punishment should work. Wei compiled a Biography of Good Officials including Zhang Xun, Lu Sheng, Zhang Ying, Song Shijing, Lu Yong, Yan Qingyin, Ming Liang, Du Zuan, Pei Tuo, Dou Yuan, Yang Dun, and Su Shu. Qi compiled a Biography of Virtuous Officials including Zhang Huayuan, Song Shiliang, Lang Ji, Meng Ye, Cui Boqian, Su Qiong, Fang Bao, and Lu Qubing. The History of Zhou includes no such chapter. The Sui Biography of Virtuous Officials lists Liang Yanguang, Fan Shulüe, Zhao Gui, Fang Gongyi, Gongsun Jingmao, Xin Gongyi, Liu Jian, Liu Kuang, Wang Jia, and Wei Deshen. Zhang Xun, Lu Sheng, Song Shijing, Pei Tuo, Yang Dun, Song Shiliang, Lang Ji, Cui Boqian, Fang Bao, Zhao Gui, and Fang Gongyi each appear in their family biographies; the remainder are arranged by period here to complete the chapter on virtuous officials.

張膺路邕閻慶胤明亮杜纂竇瑗蘇淑張華原孟業蘇瓊路去病梁彥光樊叔略公孫景茂辛公義柳儉郭絢敬肅劉曠王伽魏德深

Zhang Ying, Lu Yong, Yan Qingyin, Ming Liang, Du Zuan, Dou Yuan, Su Shu, Zhang Huayuan, Meng Ye, Su Qiong, Lu Qubing, Liang Yanguang, Fan Shulüe, Gongsun Jingmao, Xin Gongyi, Liu Jian, Guo Xun, Jing Su, Liu Kuang, Wang Jia, Wei Deshen

張膺，不知何許人也。延興中，為魯郡太守。履行貞素，妻女樵采自供。孝文深嘉之。遷京兆太守，清白著稱，得吏人之忻心焉。

Zhang Ying's origins are unknown. During the Yenxing period he served as prefect of Lu commandery. He lived with austere integrity; his wife and daughters gathered firewood to support the household. Emperor Xiaowen greatly praised him for it. Promoted to prefect of Jingzhao, he won renown for integrity and earned the affection of officials and commoners alike.

路邕，陽平人也。宣武時，除東魏郡太守。蒞政清勤。經年儉，日出家粟，賑賜貧窘。靈太后下詔褒美，賜龍廄馬一匹、衣一襲、被褥一具。稍遷南青州刺史，卒。

Lu Yong was a native of Yangping. Under Emperor Xuanwu he was appointed prefect of Dongwei commandery. In office he was scrupulous and industrious. Famine persisted for years; each day he distributed grain from his own household to aid the destitute. Empress Dowager Ling issued an edict commending him and granted him a horse from the imperial stud, a suit of clothes, and bedding. He was later promoted to governor of Southern Qing province, where he died.

閻慶胤，不知何許人也。為東秦州敷城太守。頻年饑儉，慶胤歲常以家粟千石，賑恤貧窮，人賴以濟。部人陽寶龍一千餘人申頌美政。有司以聞，靈太后卒無褒賞。

Yan Qingyin's origins are unknown. He served as prefect of Fucheng in Eastern Qin province. Famine struck year after year; each year Qingyin distributed a thousand piculs of his own grain to relieve the poor, and the people were sustained by his aid. Over a thousand local men led by Yang Baolong petitioned to praise his good governance. The authorities reported this to the throne, but Empress Dowager Ling never issued a reward.

明亮，字文德，平原高昌人也。有識幹，曆員外常侍。延昌中，宣武臨朝堂，親自黜陟，授亮勇武將軍。亮進曰：「臣本官常侍，是第三清；今授臣勇武，其號至濁。且文武又殊，請更改授。」帝曰：「九流之內，人咸君子，卿獨欲乖眾，妄相清濁，所請未可。」亮曰：「今江左未賓，書軌宜一，方為陛下投命前驅，拓定吳會。官爵，陛下之所輕；賤命，微臣之所重。陛下方收所重，何惜所輕？」因請改授平遠將軍。帝曰：「運籌用武，然後遠人始平。卿但用武平之，何患不得平遠乎？」亮乃陳謝而退。除陽平太守。清白愛人，甚有惠政。轉汲郡太守，為政如前，舉宣遠近。卒，二郡人吏迄今追思之。

Ming Liang, courtesy name Wende, was a native of Gaochang in Pingyuan commandery. A man of discernment and capacity, he rose through the outer palace attendant ranks. During Yanchang, Emperor Xuanwu personally presided at court to promote and demote officials and appointed Liang general of brave martial valor. Liang stepped forward and said, "Your servant's former post as outer palace attendant ranked among the third degree of clarity; yet Your Majesty now grants me the title of brave martial general, which ranks among the turbid. Civil and military posts are distinct as well; I beg a different appointment. The emperor replied, "Among all ranks of men, each is a gentleman in his way; you alone wish to stand apart from the crowd, arbitrarily dividing clear from turbid posts. Your request cannot be granted." Liang said, "The lands south of the Yangtze have not yet submitted; the empire's roads and records should be unified. I am ready to risk my life as Your Majesty's vanguard to conquer Wu and Kuaiji. Titles and ranks Your Majesty holds lightly; this lowly life your servant holds dear. Your Majesty is about to accept what I hold dear—why begrudge what you hold cheap?" He then asked instead for appointment as general who pacifies the distant. The emperor said, "Only after strategy and arms are deployed are distant peoples pacified. Use military force to pacify them—why worry that you cannot also 'pacify the distant'? Liang thanked him and withdrew. He was appointed prefect of Yangping. Upright and compassionate, he governed with notable benevolence. Transferred to Ji commandery, he governed as before, and his reputation spread far and wide. After his death, officials and commoners in both commanderies still mourn him to this day.

杜纂，字榮孫，常山九門人也。少以清苦自立。時縣令齊羅喪亡，無親屬收殮，纂以私財殯葬，由是郡縣標其門閭。後居父喪盡禮。郡舉孝廉，稍除積弩將軍，從征新野。及南陽平，以功賜爵井陘男。賞帛五百匹，數日之中，散之知友，時人稱之。曆武都、漢陽二郡太守，並以清白為名。明帝初，拜清河內史。性儉約，尤愛貧老，問人疾苦，至有對之泣涕。勸督農桑，親自檢視，勤者賞以物帛，惰者加以罪譴。吊死問生，甚有恩紀。除東益州刺史，無禦邊威略，群氐反叛，以失人和徵還。遷太中大夫。正光末，清河人房通等三百人頌纂德政，乞重臨郡，詔許之。孝昌中，為葛榮圍逼。以郡降，榮以為常山太守。榮滅，卒於家。

Du Zuan, courtesy name Rongsun, was a native of Jiumen in Changshan commandery. From youth he distinguished himself through frugal integrity. When the county magistrate Qi Luo died without relatives to bury him, Zuan interred him at his own expense; the commandery and county honored his household gate for this deed. Later he observed full mourning rites for his father. The commandery recommended him as filial and incorrupt; he was gradually promoted to general of accumulated crossbows and joined the campaign against Xinye. After Nanyang was pacified, he was enfeoffed as marquis of Jingxing for his merit. Awarded five hundred bolts of silk, he distributed them among his friends within days, winning praise throughout the realm. He served successively as prefect of Wudou and Hanyang, winning renown for integrity in both posts. Early in the Ming reign he was appointed interior minister of Qinghe. Frugal by nature, he especially cared for the poor and elderly; when he heard of people's suffering he sometimes wept before them. He promoted farming and sericulture, inspecting the fields himself; the diligent he rewarded with goods and cloth, the lazy he punished. He comforted the bereaved and cared for the living with notable kindness and order. Appointed governor of Eastern Yi province, he lacked frontier authority and strategy; when various Di groups rebelled he was recalled for failing to win people's loyalty. He was transferred to grand palace counselor. At the end of Zhengguang, three hundred Qinghe men led by Fang Tong praised Zuan's governance and petitioned for his return; the court assented. During Xiaochang he was besieged by Ge Rong. He surrendered the commandery; Ge Rong appointed him prefect of Changshan. After Ge Rong's defeat he died at home.

纂所歷任，好行小惠，蔬食弊衣，多涉誣矯。而輕財潔己，終無受納，為百姓所思，號為良守。天平中，贈定州刺史。

In every post he favored small acts of kindness, ate plainly and dressed poorly, and often courted a reputation for austerity he did not fully earn. Yet he was generous with others and strict with himself, never accepting bribes; the people cherished him and hailed him a worthy magistrate. During Tianping he was posthumously enfeoffed as governor of Ding province.

竇瑗，字世珍，遼西陽洛人也。自言本出扶風平陵，漢大將軍武曾孫崇為遼西太守，遂家焉。曾祖堪，慕容氏漁陽太守。祖表，馮弘城周太守，入魏。父冏，舉秀才，早卒。普泰初，瑗啟以身階級為父請贈，詔贈平州刺史。瑗年十七，便荷帙從師，遊學十載，始為御史。後兼太常博士，拜太原王爾硃榮官，榮留為北道大行台左丞。以拜榮官，賞新昌男。從榮東平葛榮，封容城縣伯。瑗乞以容城伯讓兄叔珍，詔聽以新昌男轉授之。叔珍由是位至太山太守。爾硃世隆等立長廣王曄為主，南赴洛陽。至東郭外，世隆等遣瑗奏廢之，瑗執鞭獨入禁內，奏願行堯、舜事，曄遂禪廣陵。由是除給事黃門侍郎。

Dou Yuan, courtesy name Shizhen, was a native of Yangluo in Liaoxi. He claimed descent from Pingling in Fufeng: Chong, great-grandson of the Han general Dou Wu, served as administrator of Liaoxi and settled his family there. His great-grandfather Kan was administrator of Yuyang under the Murong. His grandfather Biao was administrator of Chengzhou under Feng Hong and entered Wei territory. His father Jiong, recommended as a cultivated talent, died young. Early in Putai, Yuan petitioned to use his own rank to secure posthumous honors for his father; the court enfeoffed his father posthumously as governor of Ping province. At seventeen he took up his satchel and studied under teachers; after ten years of learning he first became an imperial censor. He later served as a doctor of the grand imperial sacrifices, accepted office from Prince Yuan of Taiyuan Erzhu Rong, and Rong kept him as left aide on the northern expedition grand commission. For accepting office under Rong he was enfeoffed as baron of Xinchang. Following Rong east to suppress Ge Rong, he was enfeoffed as earl of Rongcheng. Yuan asked to yield the earldom of Rongcheng to his elder brother Shuzhen; the court permitted the barony of Xinchang to be transferred to Shuzhen instead. Shuzhen thereby rose to prefect of Taishan. Erzhu Shilong and others installed Prince Ye of Changguang as ruler and marched south toward Luoyang. At the eastern suburb Shilong and others sent Yuan to memorialize for Ye's deposition; Yuan entered the inner palace alone with whip in hand, declaring he would enact the transfer of Yao and Shun; Ye then abdicated to Guangling. For this he was appointed attendant-in-ordinary of the yellow gate.

孝武帝時，為廷尉卿。及釋奠開講，瑗與溫子升、魏季景、李業興並為擿句。天平中，除廣宗太守，政有清白之稱。廣宗人情凶戾，累政咸見告訟。唯瑗一人，終始全潔。轉中山太守，聲譽甚美，為吏人所懷。及齊神武班書州郡，稱瑗政績，以為勸勵。後授平州刺史，在州政如臨郡。又為神武丞相府右長史。瑗無軍府斷割才，不甚稱職。又行晉州事。及還鄴，上表曰：「臣伏讀《麟趾新制》至三公曹第六十六條：'母殺其父，子不得告，告者死。 '三返覆之，未得其門。何者？案律：'子孫告父母、祖父母者，死。 '又漢宣云：'子匿父，孫慝大父母，皆勿論。 '蓋謂父母、祖父母小者攘羊，甚者殺害之類，恩須相隱，律抑不言，法理如是，足見其直，未必指母殺父，止子不言也。今母殺父而子不告，便是知母而不知父，識比野人，義近禽獸。且母之于父，作合移天，既殺己之天，復殺子之天，二天頓毀，豈容頓默？此母之罪，義在不赦；下手之日，母恩即離。仍以母道不告，鄙臣所以致惑。如或有之，可臨時議罪，何用豫制斯條，用為訓誡？恐千載之下，談者喧嘩，以明明大朝，有尊母卑父之論。以臣管見，實所不取。」詔付尚書。三公郎封君義立判云：「母殺其父，子復告母，母由告死，便是子殺。天下未有無母之國，不知此子，將欲何之？既于法無違，於事非害，宣佈有司，謂不宜改。」瑗復難云：「局判雲'母由告死，便是子殺。天下未有無母之國，不知此子，將欲何之。 '瑗案典律，未聞母殺其父而子有隱母之義。既不告母，便是與殺父同。天下可有無父之國，此子獨得有所之乎？」事雖停寢。除大宗正卿。宗室及其寒士，相與輕之，瑗案法推正，甚見仇疾。官雖通顯，貧窘如初，清尚之操，為時所重。領本州大中正，兼廷尉卿，卒官。贈太僕卿、濟州刺史，諡曰明。

Under Emperor Xiaowu he served as minister of justice. At the libation ceremony opening the lectures, Yuan joined Wen Zisheng, Wei Jijing, and Li Yexing in composing extemporaneous verses. During Tianping he was appointed prefect of Guangzong, famed for upright governance. Guangzong's people were fierce by nature; every previous administration faced lawsuits. Yuan alone remained unstained from first to last. Transferred to Zhongshan, he won an excellent reputation and the affection of officials and people. When Northern Qi Shenwu circulated documents to commanderies and provinces praising Yuan's achievements, it served as encouragement to others. Later appointed governor of Ping province, he governed the province with the same care he had shown in commandery office. He also served as right chief clerk in Shenwu's chancellor's office. Yuan lacked the decisiveness needed in a military headquarters and did not quite suit the post. He also handled affairs in Jin province. On returning to Ye he submitted a memorial: "Your servant has read the New Regulations of the Linzhi, Article 66 of the Three Excellencies Bureau: 'If a mother kills her husband, the son may not accuse her; whoever accuses her dies. Three times I have pondered it and still cannot grasp its meaning. Why is this? The statutes state: 'Sons or grandsons who accuse parents or grandparents shall die. Emperor Xuan of Han also said: 'If a son conceals his father, or a grandson conceals his grandparents, none shall be prosecuted. This generally covers cases where parents or grandparents commit minor offenses such as stealing sheep or serious ones such as murder—family affection requires mutual concealment, and the law forbids disclosure. The principle is sound and need not refer solely to a mother killing the father while the son remains silent. If a mother kills the father and the son does not report it, he knows his mother but not his father—understanding fit for savages, conduct close to beasts. A wife's bond to her husband is a union that shifts heaven itself; having destroyed her own heaven, she destroys her son's heaven as well—two heavens shattered at once. How can silence be tolerated? Such a mother's crime admits no pardon in righteousness; the day she struck, maternal affection was already severed. Yet the law forbids reporting because she is one's mother—this is what perplexes your humble servant. If such cases arise, guilt may be debated when they occur—why encode this provision in advance as a standing rule? I fear that a thousand years hence people will clamor that this illustrious dynasty honored mothers and demeaned fathers. In your servant's humble view, this cannot be accepted.' The emperor referred the matter to the Ministry of Works. Feng Junyi of the Three Excellencies Bureau drafted a judgment: "If a mother kills her husband and the son accuses her, the mother dies from the accusation—in effect the son kills her. No realm exists without mothers—where would such a son go? Since the law is not violated and no harm is done, the offices should be told the statute ought not be changed. Yuan objected again: "The bureau's judgment says 'the mother dies from the accusation—in effect the son kills her. No realm exists without mothers—where would such a son go? Yuan examines the canonical statutes and finds no provision allowing a son to conceal a mother who killed his father. Failure to report the mother is the same as complicity in the father's murder. Can there be a realm without fathers? Could this son alone find refuge anywhere? The matter was suspended and set aside. He was appointed grand director of the imperial clan. The imperial clan and its poor relations slighted him together; Yuan pressed cases according to law and earned bitter enmity. Though his rank was eminent, he remained as poor as ever; his integrity was valued throughout the realm. He served as chief rectifier of his native province and concurrently as minister of justice, dying in office. Posthumously enfeoffed as minister of the imperial stud and governor of Ji province, with the posthumous title Ming.

蘇淑，字仲和，武邑人也。兄壽興，坐事為閹官，後拜河間太守，賜爵晉陽男。及壽興將卒，遂冒養淑為子。淑熙平中襲其爵。後除樂陵內史，在郡綏撫，甚有人譽。後謝病乞解，有詔聽之，人吏老幼訴乞淑者甚眾。後曆滎陽、中山二郡太守，卒。

Su Shu, courtesy name Zhonghe, was a native of Wuyi. His elder brother Shouxing, punished for an offense, became a eunuch official; later he was appointed prefect of Hejian and enfeoffed as baron of Jinyang. When Shouxing was dying, he falsely adopted Shu as his son. During Xiping, Shu inherited the title. Later appointed interior minister of Leling, where he governed with notable popular esteem. He later requested leave for illness; the court assented, but multitudes of officials and commoners petitioned for his return. He later served successively as prefect of Xingyang and Zhongshan, then died.

淑清心愛下，所曆三郡，皆為吏人所思，當時稱為良二千石。武定初，贈衛大將軍、都官尚書、瀛州刺史，諡曰懿。齊神武追美清操，與羊敦同見優賞。

Pure-hearted and caring toward subordinates, in all three commanderies he won officials' and people's affection and was hailed a model prefect. Early in Wuding he was posthumously enfeoffed as grand general of the guard, minister of the court for state affairs, and governor of Ying province, with the posthumous title Yi. Northern Qi Shenwu posthumously praised his integrity; he and Yang Dun received special commendation together.

張華，原字國滿，代郡人也。少明敏，有器度。初為齊神武驃騎府法曹參軍，賜爵新城伯，累遷大丞相府屬。深被親待，每號令三軍，恆令宣諭意旨。尋除散騎常侍。周文始據雍州，神武使華原入關說焉。周文謂曰：「若能屈驥足於此，當共用富貴；不爾，命懸今日。」華原曰：「殞首而已，不敢聞命。」周文嘉其亮正，乃使東還。尋悔，遣追不及。神武以華原久而不返，每嘆惜之，及聞其來，喜見於色。後除相府右長史，遷驃騎大將軍、特進，進爵為公，仍徙封新安。後為兗州刺史。華原有幹略，達政體。至州，乃廣布耳目，以威禁。境內大賊及鄰州亡命三百餘人，皆詣華原歸款。咸撫以恩信，放歸田里，於是人懷感附，寇盜寢息。州獄先有系囚千餘人，華原科簡輕重，隨事決遣。至年暮，唯有重罪者數十人。華原各給假五日，曰：「期盡速還也。」囚等曰：「有君如是，何忍背之！」依期畢至。先是，州境數有猛獸為暴。自華原臨政，州東北七十里甑山中，忽有六駮食猛獸，咸以為化感所致。卒官，州人大小莫不號慕，為樹碑立祠，四時祭焉。贈司空公、尚書左僕射。子宰均嗣。

Zhang Hua, original name Guoman, was a native of Dai commandery. From youth he was bright and keen, a man of capacity and breadth. He first served as legal affairs officer in Shenwu's rapid cavalry headquarters, was enfeoffed as baron of Xincheng, and rose repeatedly on the great chancellor's staff. Deeply trusted, whenever orders went to the three armies he was charged with proclaiming the commander's intent. He was soon appointed regular attendant. When Zhou Wen first seized Yong province, Shenwu sent Huayuan through the pass to persuade him. Zhou Wen told him: "If you can bend your swift horse's legs to stay here, we shall share wealth and honor; otherwise your life ends today. Huayuan replied: "I would lose my head before obeying such a command." Zhou Wen admired his integrity and sent him back east. He soon regretted it and sent pursuers, but they failed to catch him. Shenwu sighed daily over Huayuan's long absence; when news came of his return, joy showed on his face. He was later appointed right chief clerk of the chancellor's office, promoted to rapid cavalry grand general and special advance, advanced to duke, and his fief transferred to Xin'an. He later served as governor of Yan province. Huayuan was resourceful and understood governance in substance. On reaching the province he deployed informants widely to enforce law and order. Within the borders, major bandits and more than three hundred fugitives from neighboring provinces all came to Huayuan to surrender. He treated them all with kindness and trust and released them to their villages; people's hearts turned to him in gratitude and banditry ceased. The provincial prison had held more than a thousand prisoners; Huayuan classified offenses by severity and disposed of each case accordingly. By year's end only several dozen serious offenders remained. Huayuan granted each five days' leave, saying: "Return promptly when the term ends." The prisoners said: "With a lord like this, how could we betray him! They all returned on schedule. Previously fierce beasts had repeatedly ravaged the province. After Huayuan took office, six piebald beasts appeared in Zeng Mountain seventy li northeast of the seat, devouring the fierce beasts—people took this as proof of his transforming influence. He died in office; people throughout the province mourned him, erected a stele and shrine, and offered seasonal sacrifices. Posthumously enfeoffed as duke of the ministry of works and left vice minister of the imperial secretariat. His son Zaijun succeeded him. Meng Ye, courtesy name Jingye, was a native of Anguo in Julu commandery.

孟業，字敬業，钜鹿安國人也。家本寒微，少為州吏，性廉謹。同僚諸人，侵盜官絹，分三十匹與業，拒而不受。行台郎中郭秀相禮接，方欲薦之，會秀卒。

His family was humble; in youth he served as a provincial clerk, honest and cautious by nature. His fellow clerks embezzled official silk and offered him thirty bolts; he refused them. Guo Xiu of the expeditionary staff treated him courteously and was about to recommend him when Xiu died. Prince Shao of Pengcheng in Wei, son-in-law of Qi Shenwu, was appointed governor of Ding province and made Ye his master of records.

魏彭城王韶，齊神武之婿也，拜定州刺史，除業為典簽。長史劉仁之謂業曰：「我處其外，君居其內，同心戮力，庶有濟乎？」未幾，仁之入為中書令，臨路啟韶云：「殿下左右可信任者，唯有孟業，願專任之，餘人不可信也。」又與業別，執手曰：「令我出都，君便失援，恐君在後，不自保全，唯正與直，願君自勉。」業唯有一馬，瘦死。韶以業貧，令州府官人，同食馬肉，欲令厚相酬償。業固辭不敢。韶乃戲業曰：「卿邀名人也。」對曰：「業為典簽，州中要職，諸人欲相賄贍，止患無方便耳。今喚食肉，恐致聚斂，有損聲名，所以仰違明教。」後未旬日，韶左右王四德、董惟金並以馬死托肉，為長史裴英起密啟。神武有書與韶，大致誚讓。業尋被譖，出外行縣事。後神武書責韶云：「典簽姓孟者，極能用心，何乃令出外也！」及韶代下，業亦隨還，贈送一無所受。仁之後為西兗州，臨別謂吏部郎中崔暹曰：「貴州人士，唯有孟業，銓舉之次，不可忘也。」暹問業曰：「君往在定州，有何政，使劉西兗如此欽歎？」業答曰：「唯知自修也。」韶為并州刺史，業復為典簽，仍兼長史。

Chief administrator Liu Renzhi told Ye: "I stand outside, you inside—if we join forces, might we succeed?" Soon Renzhi became director of the imperial secretariat; leaving, he memorialized to Shao: "Of those around Your Highness, only Meng Ye can be trusted—entrust him exclusively; the rest cannot be trusted. He also bade Ye farewell, grasping his hand: "Leaving the capital, you lose your support; I fear you cannot protect yourself afterward—strive only for uprightness and integrity." Ye owned only one horse, which died emaciated. Seeing Ye's poverty, Shao ordered provincial officials to share the horse's meat, intending that they compensate him generously. Ye firmly declined. Shao then jested: "You court famous men." Ye replied: "As master of records I hold a key provincial post; others wish to bribe me and only lack opportunity. Summoning them to eat horse meat may lead to extortion and harm my reputation—therefore I respectfully disobey. Within ten days Shao's attendants Wang Side and Dong Weijin both used the horse meat as a pretext; chief administrator Pei Yingqi secretly memorialized against Ye. Shenwu wrote to Shao largely reproaching him. Ye was soon slandered and sent out to handle county affairs. Later Shenwu wrote reproaching Shao: "Master of records Meng is extremely devoted—why did you send him out!" When Shao left office, Ye returned with him and accepted nothing from farewell gifts. When Renzhi later served in western Yan province, he told Cui Xian of the ministry of personnel: "Among your province's gentlemen, only Meng Ye—in ranking appointments do not forget him. Xian asked Ye: "What governance in Ding province made Liu of western Yan admire you so?" Ye replied: "I only cultivated myself. Shao became governor of Bing province; Ye again served as master of records and concurrently chief administrator. Early in Tianbao, Prince Yue of Qinghe was appointed governor of Si province and summoned Ye as legal affairs officer. Ye was short in stature; at audience Yue inwardly despised his small frame and laughed without speaking.

齊天保初，清河王岳拜司州牧，召為法曹。業形貌短小，及謁見，嶽心鄙其眇小，笑而不言。後尋業斷決處，謂曰：「卿斷決之明，可謂有過軀貌之用。」補河間王國郎中令。清貧自守，未曾有失。文宣謂侍中裴英起曰：「卿識河間王郎中孟業不？一昨見其國司文案，似是好人。」對曰：「昔與臣同事魏彭城王元韶。其人清忠正直，世所稀有。」帝曰：「如公言者，比來便是大屈。」除中書舍人。文宣初唯得姓名，及因奏事，見其羸老，又質性敦樸，無升降之容，加之平緩，寡於方便。有一道士由吾道榮以術藝被迎，將入內，業為通名。忽於眾中抗聲奏云：「由吾道士不食五穀。」帝命推而下之。又令點檢百官，敷奏失所，帝遣人以馬鞭擊業頭，至於流血。然亦體其衰老，非力所堪。

Later, reviewing Ye's judgments, he said: "Your clarity exceeds what your stature suggests." He was appointed gentleman of the interior of the principality of Hejian. Pure and poor, he guarded his integrity without fault. He was appointed gentleman of the interior of the principality of Hejian. Pure and poor, he guarded his integrity without fault. Emperor Wenxuan asked Attendant Pei Yingqi: "Do you know Meng Ye, gentleman of the interior of Hejian? Yesterday I saw his principality's documents—he seems a good man. Pei replied: "I once served with him under Prince Yuan Shao of Pengcheng in Wei. He is pure, loyal, upright, and honest—a rarity in our age." The emperor said: "As you say, he has recently suffered a grave injustice." He was appointed draftsman of the Secretariat. At first Emperor Wenxuan knew only his name; when Ye reported on affairs the emperor saw he was frail and aged, plain and unassuming in manner, without courtly affectation, even-tempered and artless. A Daoist named Youwu Daorong was summoned for his arts and was about to enter the palace; Ye announced him. Suddenly Ye raised his voice before the assembly: "Daoist Youwu does not eat grain. The emperor ordered him dragged from the hall. He also ordered officials' memorials reviewed for improprieties; the emperor had men strike Ye's head with a horsewhip until he bled. Yet he also considered Ye's age and that he could not bear such punishment.

皇建二年，累遷東郡太守，以寬惠著名。其年夏，五官張凝因出使，得麥一莖五穗，其餘或三穗四穗共一莖者，合郡咸以政化所感，因即申上。至秋，復有東燕縣人班映祖，送嘉禾一莖九穗。河清三年，敕人間養驢，催買甚切。業曰：「吾既為人父母，豈可坐看此急。令宜權出庫錢，貸人取辦，後日有罪，吾自當之。」後為憲司所劾。被攝之日，郡人皆泣而隨之，迭相吊慰。送業度關者，有數百人，至黎陽郡西，方得辭決。攀援號哭，悲動行路。詣闕訴冤者非一人，敕乃放還。郡中父老，扣河迎接。

In the second year of Huangjian he rose to prefect of Dongjun, famed for leniency and kindness. That summer Zhang Ning of the Five Offices, on a mission, found wheat with five ears on one stalk; others had three or four; the commandery took this as proof of his governance and reported it. In autumn Ban Yingzu of Dongyan county presented a stalk of auspicious grain with nine ears. In the third year of Heqing an edict ordered households to raise donkeys; the pressure to buy them was severe. Ye said: "As father and mother to the people, how can I sit by while they are pressed? Let treasury funds be loaned for now so people can comply; if guilt follows, I will bear it myself. Later the inspectorate impeached him. When he was summoned, commandery people wept and followed him, comforting one another. Several hundred escorted him to the pass; only west of Liyang could they bid farewell. Clinging and wailing, they moved all who passed on the road. Many went to the capital to plead his case; an edict then released him. Commandery elders met him at the river to welcome him home.

武成親戎，自洛還鄴，道由東郡。業具牛酒，率人吏拜謁路旁，自稱：「糞土臣孟業，伏惟聖駕親行，有征無戰，謹上微禮。」便與人吏俱唱萬歲，導引前入，帝大嘉之。後除廣平太守，年既老，理政不如在東郡時。武平九年，為太中大夫，加衛將軍，尋卒。

Emperor Wucheng led the army in person; returning from Luoyang to Ye he passed through Dongjun. Ye prepared oxen and wine and led officials and people to bow beside the road, saying: "This worthless subject Meng Ye observes Your Majesty's campaign, victory without battle—I offer this humble gift. Officials and people shouted long life and guided the procession; the emperor greatly praised him. Later appointed prefect of Guangping; aged, he governed less well than in Dongjun. In the ninth year of Wuping he became grand palace counselor and guard general, and soon died.

業志守質素，不尚浮華。為子結婚，為朝肺腑吒羅氏。其子以廕得為平原王段孝先相府行參軍，乃令作今世服飾綺襦紈袴。吒羅家又恃姻婭，炫曜矜誇。業知而不禁，素望頗貶。

Ye held to plain integrity and disdained display. He arranged his son's marriage with the imperial in-law Tuo clan. His son, a staff officer in Prince Xiaoxian of Pingyuan's chancellor's office, had fashionable brocade jackets and silk trousers made. The Tuo family flaunted the marriage connection with boastful display. Ye knew yet did not forbid it; his long-standing reputation suffered somewhat.

蘇瓊，字珍之，長樂武強人也。父備，仕魏，至衛尉少卿。瓊幼時隨父在邊，嘗謁東荊州刺史曹芝，芝戲問曰：「卿欲官不？」對曰：「設官求人，非人求官。」芝異其對，署為府長流參軍。齊文襄以儀同開府，引為刑獄參軍，每加勉勞。并州嘗有強盜，長流參軍張龍推其事，所疑賊徒，並已拷伏，失物家並識認，唯不獲盜贓。文襄付瓊，更令窮審，乃別推得元景融等十餘人，並獲贓驗。文襄大笑，語前妄引賊者曰：「爾輩若不遇我好參軍，幾致枉死。」除南清河太守。郡多盜賊，及瓊至，奸盜止息。或外境奸非，輒從界中行過者，無不捉送。零陵縣人魏雙成，住處與畿內武城交錯，失牛，疑其村人魏子賓，列送至郡。一經窮問，知賓非盜，而便放之。雙成云：「府君放賊去，百姓牛何處可得？」瓊不理其語，密遣訪獲盜者。從此畜牧不收，云：「但存府君。」其鄰郡富家，將財物寄置界內以避盜。冀州繹幕縣人成氏大富，為賊攻急，告曰：「我物已寄蘇公矣」，賊遂去。平原郡有妖賊劉黑苟，構結徒侶，通於滄海。瓊所部人，連接村居，無相染累。鄰邑於此伏其德績。郡中舊賊一百餘人，悉充左右，人間善惡及長吏飲人一杯酒，無不即知。

Su Qiong, courtesy name Zhenzhi, was a native of Wuqiang in Changle commandery. His father Bei served Wei as vice minister of the imperial clan. As a boy Qiong followed his father to the frontier and once called on Eastern Jingzhou inspector Cao Zhi, who asked playfully: "Do you want an office? He answered: "Offices are established to seek men, not men to seek offices." Zhi marveled and appointed him senior adjutant in his office. Qi Wenxiang, as palace guard of the fifth order, opened a staff and made him penal-affairs officer, often encouraging him. Bing province once had bandits; senior adjutant Zhang Long had suspects tortured into confession and victims identified them, yet the loot was not recovered. Wenxiang gave the case to Qiong, who identified Yuan Jingrong and more than ten others and recovered the loot. Wenxiang laughed and told those who had wrongly implicated men: "Had you not met my good staff officer, you would nearly have died unjustly. He was appointed prefect of Southern Qinghe. The commandery had many bandits; when Qiong arrived, theft ceased. Criminals from outside who passed through his territory were all captured and sent on. Wei Shuangcheng of Lingling county, on the border with capital Wucheng, lost an ox and accused Wei Zibin, who was sent to the commandery. One thorough inquiry showed Zibin was not the thief and he was released. Shuangcheng said: "The prefect released the thief—where will people get their cattle back? Qiong ignored him and secretly found the real thieves. Thereafter people did not pen livestock, saying: "Just leave it for the prefect. Wealthy neighbors deposited goods in his territory to escape thieves. A rich Cheng clan in Yimo county, pressed by bandits, said: "My goods are with Lord Su"—and the bandits departed. Pingyuan had a demonic bandit, Liu Heigou, who formed a gang linked to the Bohai coast. Villages in his jurisdiction were connected yet none were implicated. Neighboring counties revered his virtue and achievements. He made more than a hundred old bandits his attendants; he instantly knew good and evil among the people and even when superiors drank a cup of wine.

瓊性清慎，不發私書。道人道研為濟州沙門統，資產巨富，在郡多出息，常得郡縣為征。及欲求謁，度知其意，每見則談問玄理。研雖為債數來，無由啟口。其弟子問其故，研曰：「每見府君，徑將我入青雲間，何由得論地上事。」師徒還歸，遂焚責券。郡人趙潁，官至樂陵太守，年余八十，致事歸。五月中，得新瓜一雙，自來奉。潁恃年老，苦請，遂便為留。乃致于査事梁上，竟不割。人聞受趙潁餉瓜，欲貢新果，至門，問知潁瓜猶在，相顧而去。有百姓乙普明，兄弟爭田，積年不斷，各相援據，乃至百人。瓊召普明兄弟，對眾人諭之曰：「天下難得者兄弟，易求者田地。假令得地失兄弟心，如何？」因而下淚，諸證人莫不灑泣。普明兄弟叩頭，乞外更思，分異十年，遂還同住。

Pure and cautious by nature, he sent no private letters. The Daoist Daoyan, monastic superintendent of Jizhou, was vastly wealthy and lent at interest, often having counties collect for him. When he sought an audience Qiong knew his intent and discussed metaphysics instead. Though Daoyan came repeatedly about debts, he never found an opening. His disciples asked why; Daoyan said: "Each audience the prefect carries me into the clouds—how can I discuss earthly affairs? Master and disciples returned and burned the loan contracts. Zhao Ying of the commandery rose to prefect of Leling and retired past eighty. In the fifth month he brought new melons and presented them in person. Ying pressed hard on account of his age; Qiong finally accepted. He hung them on the investigation beam and never cut them. Hearing he had accepted Zhao Ying's melons, gift-bearers reached the gate, saw the melons still hanging, and left. Yi Puming and his brothers disputed fields for years, each gathering backers until nearly a hundred were involved. Qiong summoned them and said before the crowd: "Brothers are hard to find; land is easy to find. If you gain land but lose brotherly affection, what then? He wept; none of the witnesses failed to weep. The brothers kowtowed and asked to reconsider; separated ten years, they lived together again.

每年春，總集大儒衛覬隆、田元鳳等講於郡學，朝吏文案之暇，悉令受書。時人指吏曹為學生屋。禁斷淫祠，婚姻喪葬，皆教令儉而衷禮。又蠶月預下綿絹度樣於部內，其兵賦次第，並立明式。至於調役，事必先辦，郡縣吏長，恆無十杖稽失。當時州郡，無不遣人至境，訪其政術。

Each spring he gathered great scholars to lecture at the commandery school and had clerks study in spare moments. People called the clerks' quarters the students' house. He banned illicit shrines and taught frugal yet proper marriage and funeral rites. Before the silkworm month he distributed silk and gauze patterns; military levies had clear forms. Corvée and levies were always prepared in advance; clerks never suffered ten strokes for delay. Every province and commandery sent men to study his governance.

天保中，郡界大水，人災，絕食者千餘家。瓊普集郡中有粟家，自從貸粟，悉以給付饑者。州計戶徵租，復欲推其貸粟，綱紀謂瓊曰：「雖矜饑餒，恐罪累府君。」瓊曰：「一身獲罪且活千室，何所怨乎？」遂上表陳狀，使檢皆免，人戶保安。此等相撫兒子，咸言「府君生汝」。在郡六年，人庶懷之，遂無一人經州。前後四表，列為尤最。遭憂解職，故人贈遺，一無所受。尋起為司直、廷尉正，朝士嗟其屈，尚書辛術曰：「既直且正，名以定體，不慮不申。」初，瓊任清河太守，裴獻伯為濟州刺史。獻伯酷于用法，瓊恩於養人。房延祐為樂陵郡，過濟州。裴問其外聲，延祐云：「唯聞太守善，刺史惡。」裴云：「得人譽者非至公。」答云：「若爾，黃霸、襲遂，君之罪人也。」後有敕，州各舉清能。裴以前言，恐為瓊陷，瓊申其枉滯，議者尚其公平。畢儀雲為御史中丞，以猛暴任職，理官忌憚，莫敢有違。瓊推察務在得情，雪者甚眾。寺署台案，始自於瓊。遷三公郎中。趙州及清河、南中有人頻告謀反，前後皆付瓊推檢，事多申雪。尚書崔昂謂瓊曰：「若欲立功名，當更思餘理。仍數雪反逆，身命何輕？」瓊正色曰：「所雪者冤枉，不放反逆。」昂大慚。京師為之語曰：「斷決無疑蘇珍之。」

During Tianbao great flood struck; more than a thousand households lacked food. He gathered households with grain and borrowed grain himself to feed the hungry. The province wished to levy rent and also press the borrowed grain; a clerk warned: "Though you pity the starving, guilt may fall on you. Qiong said: "If I alone am guilty yet a thousand households live, what resentment is there?" He memorialized; inspections exempted all and households were secure. People cherished him as a father, saying "the prefect gave you birth." Six years in office the people cherished him; not one petitioned the province. Four memorials listed him as foremost. When mourning ended his office, he accepted no gifts from old friends. Recalled as director of the imperial secretariat and rectifier of the minister of justice, courtiers sighed at his demotion; Xin Shu said: "Upright and correct—his name fits; he will surely succeed. Earlier as prefect of Qinghe, Pei Xianbo was governor of Jizhou. Xianbo was harsh in law; Qiong kind in nurturing people. Fang Yanyou was prefect of Leling and passed through Jizhou. Pei asked his reputation abroad; Yanyou said: "I only hear the prefect is good and the governor bad. Pei said: "Popular praise is not perfect fairness." He answered: "If so, Huang Ba and Xi Sui are your guilty men." Later an edict ordered each province to recommend the pure and capable. Pei feared framing Qiong because of earlier words; Qiong reported his wrongful detention and discussants admired his fairness. Bi Yiyun was imperial censor, fierce in office; legal officials feared him. Qiong's investigations aimed at facts; many were cleared. Temple and ministry case records began with Qiong. He was promoted to gentleman of the Three Excellencies Bureau. In Zhao province and Qinghe and Southern Zhong frequent rebellion accusations were handed to Qiong; many were cleared. Minister Cui Ang told Qiong: "If you wish merit and fame, consider other principles. Yet you repeatedly clear rebellion cases—how lightly you hold life! Qiong said sternly: "Those I clear were wronged; I do not release rebels." Ang was deeply ashamed. The capital said: "Judgment without doubt—Su Zhenzhi."

皇建中，賜爵安定縣男、徐州行台左丞，行徐州事。徐州城中五級寺忽被盜銅像一百軀。有司徵檢，四鄰防宿及蹤跡所疑，逮係數十人。瓊一時放遣，寺僧怨訴不為推賊。瓊遣僧，謝曰「但且還寺，得像自送。」爾後十日，抄賊姓名及贓處所，徑收掩，悉獲實驗。賊徒款引，道俗歎伏。舊制，以淮禁不聽商販輒度。淮南歲儉，啟聽淮北取糴。後淮北人饑，復請通糴淮南，遂得商估往還，彼此兼濟，水陸之利，通于河北。

During Huangjian he was enfeoffed as baron of Anding county, left aide on the Xu province expeditionary staff, and administered Xu province. In Xuzhou city the Five-Tier Temple was robbed of a hundred bronze statues. Authorities investigated; neighbors on night watch and those suspicion touched—several tens were seized. Qiong released them all; temple monks complained he was not pursuing the thieves. Qiong told the monks: "Return to the temple—the statues will come back on their own. Ten days later he identified the thieves and loot, seized them, and proved the case. The thieves confessed; clergy and laity marveled. Old rules forbade merchants to cross the Huai freely. That year Huainan had famine; he allowed grain purchases north of the Huai. Later northerners were hungry and trade reopened with Huainan; merchants aided each other and waterways profited Hebei.

後為大理卿而齊亡，仕周，為博陵太守。隋開皇初卒。

He later served as minister of justice; after Qi's fall he served Zhou as prefect of Boling. He died early in Sui.

路去病，陽平人也。風神疏朗，儀錶瑰異。齊河清初，為殿中侍御史，彈劾不避貴戚，以正直知名。敕用士人為縣宰，以去病為定州饒陽縣令。去病明閒時務，性頗嚴毅，人不敢欺，然至廉平，為吏人歎伏。武平四年，為成安縣令。都下有鄴、臨漳、成安三縣，輦轂之下，舊號難為。重以政亂時艱，綱紀不立，近臣內戚，請屬百端。去病消息事宜，以理抗答。勢要之徒，雖廝養小人，莫不憚其風格，亦不至嫌恨。自遷鄴以還，三縣令政術，去病獨為稱首。周武平齊，重其能官，與濟陰郡守公孫景茂二人不被替代，發詔褒揚。去病後以尉遲迥事。隋大業初，卒于冀氏縣令。

Lu Qubing was a native of Yangping. His manner was open and clear; his appearance was striking. Early in Heqing he served as attendant censor, impeaching without fearing the powerful, famed for integrity. An edict required cultivated men as county magistrates; Qubing was appointed magistrate of Raoyang in Dingzhou. Qubing understood affairs of the age and was stern and firm; none dared cheat him, yet he was fair, and officials and people admired him. In the fourth year of Wuping he was magistrate of Cheng'an. Ye, Linzhang, and Cheng'an below the capital were notoriously hard to govern; in chaotic times imperial kin pressed endless requests. Law's net hung slack; meritorious ministers and imperial affines pressed requests from every side. Qubing tracked affairs and answered on principle. Men of influence—even servants—feared his bearing, yet none resented him. After the move to Ye, among the three magistrates Qubing alone ranked first. When Zhou Emperor Wu conquered Qi, Qubing and Gongsun Jingmao of Jiyin were not replaced; an edict praised them. Later Qubing was implicated in Yuwen Jiong's affair. Early in Daye he died as magistrate of Jishi.

隋文帝受禪，以為岐州刺史，兼領宮監，甚有惠政，嘉禾連理，出於州境。上嘉其能，下詔褒美，賜粟五百斛、物三百段、禦傘一枚，以厲清正。後轉相州刺史。彥光前在岐州，其俗頗質，以靜鎮之，合境大安，奏課連最，為天下第一。及居相部，如岐州法。鄴都雜俗，人多變詐，為之作歌，稱其不能理政。上聞而譴之，竟坐免。歲餘，拜趙州刺史。彥光曰：「臣前待罪相州，百姓呼為戴帽餳。臣自分廢黜，無復衣冠之望。不謂天恩復垂收采。請復為相州，改弦易調，庶有以變其風俗。」上從之，復為相州刺史。豪猾者聞彥光自請來，莫不嗤笑。彥光下車，發摘奸隱，有若神明，狡猾莫不潛竄，合境大駭。初，齊亡後，衣冠士人，多遷關內，唯技巧商販及樂戶之家，移實州郭。由是人情險詖，妄起風謠，訴訟官人，萬端千變。彥光欲革其弊，乃用秩俸之物，招致山東大儒，每鄉立學，非聖哲之書不得教授。常以季月召集之，親臨策試。有勤學異等，聰令有聞者，升堂設饌，其餘並坐廊下。有好諍訟惰業無成者，坐之庭中，設以草具。及大成當舉，行賓貢之禮；又于郊外祖道，並以財物資之。於是人皆克勵，風俗大改。

When Emperor Wen took the throne, Liang was appointed governor of Qi province and palace director; his benevolent rule brought auspicious grain in the province. The emperor praised him, issued commendation, and granted grain, goods, and an imperial parasol to encourage integrity. He was later transferred to governor of Xiang province. In Qi province he had governed quietly and ranked first in assessment reports. In Xiang he governed as he had in Qi. Ye's mixed customs bred deceit; people sang that he could not govern. The emperor heard and rebuked him; he was dismissed. After a year he was appointed governor of Zhao province. Yanguang said: "When I served in Xiang, people called me 'topped pastry. I thought myself finished and without hope of office. I did not expect to be recalled. I beg to return to Xiang and change my methods to transform its customs.' The emperor agreed and reappointed him to Xiang. The powerful sneered when they heard he had asked to return. On taking office he exposed hidden crime like a spirit; the crafty fled and the region was stunned. After Qi's fall, gentry moved within the Pass; only artisans, merchants, and musicians filled the cities. Feelings grew treacherous; rumors and lawsuits multiplied. He used his salary to summon great scholars, establish district schools, and forbid unorthodox texts. Each season he examined students personally. The excellent dined in the hall; the rest sat in the corridor. Quarrelsome idlers sat in the courtyard on grass mats. At graduation he performed guest-and-tribute rites; and sent them off with gifts. All were stirred to effort and customs changed greatly.

有滏陽人焦通，性酗酒，事親禮闕，為從弟所訟。彥光弗之罪，將至州學，令觀孔子廟中韓伯瑜母杖不痛，哀母力衰，對母悲泣之像。通遂感悟，悲愧若無容者。彥光訓喻而遣之，後改過勵行，卒為善士。吏人感悅，略無諍訟。卒官，贈冀定瀛青四州刺史，諡曰襄。

Jiao Tong of Fuyang drank excessively and neglected his parents; a cousin sued him. Yanguang brought him to the school to view the image of Han Boyu weeping before his mother. Tong was moved to shame and grief. Yanguang instructed and released him; he reformed and became a good man. Officials and people rejoiced; lawsuits nearly ceased. He died in office; posthumously enfeoffed over four provinces, posthumous title Xiang.

子文謙嗣，弘雅有父風。以上柱國世子，例授儀同。曆上、饒二州刺史，遷鄱陽太守，稱為天下之最。徵拜戶部侍郎。遼東之役，領武賁郎將，為盧龍道軍副。會楊玄感作亂，其弟武賁郎將玄縱先隸文謙，玄感反問未至而玄縱逃走，文謙不之覺。坐是，配防桂林而卒。

His son Wenqian succeeded him, refined like his father. As a pillar's son he was appointed palace guard of the fifth order. He served as governor of Shang and Rao and prefect of Poyang, called foremost in the realm. He was summoned as vice minister of revenue. In the Liaodong campaign he led martial guard troops as deputy on the Lulong route. When Yang Xuangan rebelled, his brother Xuanzong fled before news arrived; Wenqian did not notice. He was sentenced to guard Guilin and died there.

樊叔略，陳留人也。父觀，仕魏，為南兗州刺史、河陽侯，為高氏所誅。叔略被腐刑，給使殿省。身長九尺，有志氣。頗見忌，內不自安，遂奔關西。周文器之，引置左右，授都督，襲爵為侯。大塚宰宇文護執政，引為中尉。漸被委信，兼督內外，位開府儀同三司。護誅，齊王憲引為園苑監。數進兵謀，憲甚奇之。從武帝平齊，以功加上開府，封清鄉縣公，拜汴州刺史，號為明決。宣帝營建東都，以叔略有巧思，拜營構監。宮室制度，皆叔略所定。尉遲迥之亂，鎮大梁，以軍功拜大將軍，復為汴州刺史。隋文帝受禪，加位上大將軍，進爵安定郡公。在州數年，甚有聲稱。遷相州刺史，政為當時第一。上降璽書褒美之，賜以粟帛，班示天下。百姓為之語曰：「智無窮，清鄉公；上下正，樊安定。」徵拜司農卿，吏人莫不流涕，相與立碑頌德。自為司農，凡所種植，叔略別有條制，皆出人意表。朝廷有疑滯，公卿所未能決，叔略輒為評理。雖無學術，有所依據，然師心獨見，暗與理合。甚為上所親委，高熲、楊素禮遇之。叔略雖為司農，往往參督九卿事。性頗豪侈，每食方丈，備水陸。十四年，從祠太山。至洛陽，上令錄囚徒。將奏，晨至獄門，於馬上暴卒，上嗟悼久之。贈亳州刺史，諡曰襄。

Fan Shulüe was a native of Chenliu. His father Guan served Wei and was executed by the Gao clan. Shulüe was castrated and served in the palace. Nine chi tall, he was ambitious and spirited. Envied and insecure, he fled west of the Pass. Emperor Wen of Zhou valued him, made him commander, and he inherited a marquisate. When Yuwen Hu held power, he was made chief jailer. Gradually trusted, he oversaw inner and outer affairs at opening-office rank. When Hu was killed, Prince Xian made him parks director. He offered military plans; Xian marveled at him. Following Emperor Wu against Qi, he rose to upper opening office, was enfeoffed duke of Qingxiang, and made prefect of Bianzhou, called Clear Decider. When Emperor Xuan built the eastern capital, Shulüe was made construction director. Palace regulations were all his work. In Yuwen Jiong's rebellion he guarded Daliang and was made grand general. When Wen took the throne, he was advanced to upper grand general and duke of Anding. Years in office won great reputation. As governor of Xiang his government ranked first. The emperor praised him by edict and bestowed grain and silk. People said: "Wisdom without end—the Duke of Qingxiang; upright above and below—Fan of Anding. Summoned as minister of agriculture, people wept and erected a praising stele. As minister of agriculture, all planting followed his unexpected rules. When the court had problems excellencies could not solve, Shulüe judged them. Without formal learning, he yet darkly matched principle. The emperor trusted him; Gao Jiong and Yang Su honored him. Though minister of agriculture, he often oversaw nine-minister affairs. Extravagant by nature, each meal was lavish. In the fourteenth year he attended the Mount Tai sacrifice. At Luoyang the emperor ordered him to record prisoners. About to report, he died suddenly at the prison gate; the emperor mourned long. Posthumously enfeoffed as governor of Bo, posthumous title Xiang.

公孫景茂，字元蔚，河間阜城人也。容貌魁梧，少好學，博涉經史。在魏，察孝廉，射策甲科。稍遷太常博士，多所損益，時人稱為書庫。曆高唐令、大理正，俱有能名。齊滅，周武帝聞而召見，與語器之，授濟北太守。以母憂去職。開皇初，召拜汝南太守。郡廢，為曹州司馬，遷息州刺史。法令清靜，德化大行。屬平陳之役，征人在路病者，景茂減俸祿為饘粥湯藥，多方振濟之，賴全活者千數。上聞嘉之，詔宣示天下。十五年，上幸洛陽，景茂謁見。時七十七，上命升殿坐。問其年，哀其老，嗟歎久之。景茂再拜曰：「呂望八十而遇文王，臣逾七十而逢陛下。」上甚悅，下詔褒美之，加上儀同三司，伊州刺史。明年，以疾征，吏人號泣於道。及疾愈，復乞骸骨，又不許。轉道州刺史。悉以秩俸買牛犢雞豬，散惠孤弱不自存者。好單騎巡人，家至戶入，閱視百姓產業。有修理者，于都會時，乃褒揚稱述；如有過惡，隨即訓導，而不彰也。由是人行義讓，有無均通。男子相助耕耘，婦女相從紡織，大村或數百戶，皆如一家之務。其後請致仕，上優詔聽之。仁壽中，上明公楊紀出使河北，見景茂神力不衰，還以狀奏。於是就拜淄州刺史，賜以馬輦，便道之官。前後曆職，皆有德政，論者稱為良牧。大業初，卒官。年八十七，諡曰康。身死之日，諸州人吏赴喪者數千人。或不及葬，皆望墳慟哭，野祭而去。

Gongsun Jingmao, courtesy name Yuanwei, was a native of Fucheng in Hejian. Tall and imposing, in youth he loved learning and read widely in the classics. In Wei he was recommended as filial and incorrupt and ranked first in the archery examination. Promoted to doctor of the grand sacrifices, he made many improvements; contemporaries called him a walking library. He served as magistrate of Gaotang and director of justice, famed for ability in both. After Qi's fall, Emperor Wu of Zhou summoned him, valued his talent, and made him prefect of Jibei. He left office to mourn his mother. Early in Kaihuang he was appointed prefect of Runan. When the commandery was abolished he became Cao province marshal, then governor of Xi. His laws were quiet; moral transformation flourished. During the Chen campaign he used his salary for gruel, medicine, and relief for sick conscripts, saving thousands. The emperor commended him and proclaimed it throughout the realm. In the fifteenth year the emperor visited Luoyang and received Jingmao. At seventy-seven he was seated in the hall by imperial order. Asked his age, the emperor pitied his age and sighed long. Jingmao said: "Lü Wang met King Wen at eighty; I pass seventy and meet Your Majesty. The emperor praised him, advanced him to upper palace guard of the third order, and made him governor of Yi. Recalled for illness, officials and people wailed along the road. When healed he begged to retire again; again refused. Transferred to governor of Dao province. He spent his salary on livestock and gave them to orphans and the destitute. He patrolled alone, entering homes to inspect livelihoods. Those who improved their affairs he praised at the great assembly; those at fault he guided privately without exposing them. People practiced righteousness; resources were shared. Men helped plow; women spun together; large villages worked as one family. He retired on an gracious imperial edict. In Renshou Duke Yang Ji saw Jingmao's vigor undiminished and reported it. He was appointed governor of Zi, granted a carriage, and sent directly to office. Every post showed virtuous rule; critics called him a good shepherd. Early in Daye he died in office. He was eighty-seven; posthumous title Kang. Thousands came to his funeral. Some could not attend burial; mourners wailed at his mound and left wild offerings.

從軍平陳，以功除岷州刺史。土俗畏病，若一人有疾，即闔家避之，父子夫妻，不相看養，孝義道絕。由是病者多死。公義患之，欲變其俗。因分遣官人，巡檢部內，凡有疾病，皆以床輦來，安置査事。暑月疫時，病人或至數百，査廊悉滿。公義親設一榻，獨坐其間，終日連夕，對之理事。所得秩俸，盡用市藥，迎醫療之，躬勸其飲食，於是悉差。方召其親戚而喻之曰：「死生由命，不關相著，前汝棄之，所以死耳。今我聚病者，坐臥其間，若言相染，那得不死？病兒復差，汝等勿復信之。」諸病家子孫，慚謝而去。後人有過疾者，爭就使君，其家親屬，固留養之。始相慈愛，此風遂革，合境之內，呼為慈母。

For merit in pacifying Chen he was made governor of Min province. Locals fled illness; families abandoned the sick and filial bonds broke. Many of the sick died. Gongyi wished to change the custom. He sent officials to bring the sick to the hall on litters. In epidemics hundreds filled the hall corridors. He sat alone among them day and night handling cases. He spent his salary on medicine and doctors until all recovered. He told kin: "Life and death are fate; you abandoned the sick, so they died. Now I sit among them; if contact killed, how would any live? The sick recovered—do not believe this again. Families bowed in shame and left. Later the sick sought the governor; families kept them to be cared for. Love returned; the custom changed; he was called Motherly Governor.

後遷并州刺史。下車，先至獄中，因露坐牢側，親自驗問。十餘日間，決斷咸盡。方還大査，受領新訟。皆不立文案，遣當直佐僚一人，側坐訊問。事若不盡，應須禁者，公義即宿査事，終不還閣。人或諫之曰：「此事有程，使君何自苦也？」答曰：「刺史無德可以導人，尚令百姓系于囹圄。豈有禁人在獄，而心自安乎！」罪人聞之，咸自款服。後有欲諍訟者，鄉閭父老遽相曉曰：「此蓋小事，何忍勤勞使君！」訟者多兩讓而止。時山東霖雨，自陳汝至於滄海，皆苦水災。境內犬牙，獨無所損。山出黃銀，獲之以獻，詔水部郎婁崱就公義禱焉，乃聞空中有金石絲竹之響。

Later governor of Bing province. On taking office he first examined prisoners personally. Within ten days all cases were decided. Then he returned to the main hall for new suits. He kept no files; one aide inquired at his side. If detention was needed he lodged in the hall and never returned to quarters. Someone said: "This has a schedule—why torment yourself? He answered: "Without virtue to guide people, I still bind them in prison. How can my heart be at ease while they are jailed! Criminals heard and confessed willingly. Elders said: "This is small—do not trouble the governor! Most suits ended in mutual yielding. Floods struck Shandong from Chen and Ru to the sea. His borders alone escaped harm. Yellow silver from the mountains was offered; prayers brought sounds of music in the air.

柳儉，字道約，河東解人也。祖元璋，魏司州大中正、相、華二州刺史。父裕，周聞喜令。儉有局量，立行清苦，為州裏所敬，雖至親昵，無敢狎侮。仕周，曆宣納上士、畿伯大夫。及隋文帝受禪，擢拜水部侍郎，封率道縣伯。未幾，出為廣漢太守，甚有能名。俄而郡廢。時帝勵精思政，妙簡良能，出為牧宰。儉以仁明著稱，擢拜蓬州刺史。獄訟者庭決遣之，佐吏從容而已，獄無系囚。蜀王秀時鎮益州，列上其事。遷邛州刺史。在職十餘年，人夷悅服。蜀王秀之得罪也，儉坐與交通，免職。及還鄉，妻子衣食不贍，見者咸歎伏焉。煬帝嗣位，征之。于時，多以功臣任職，牧州領郡者，並帶戎資，唯儉起自良吏。帝嘉其績，特授朝散大夫，拜弘化太守，儉清節愈勵。大業五年，入朝，郡國畢集。帝謂納言蘇威、吏部尚書牛弘曰：「其中清名天下第一者，為誰？」威等以儉對。帝又問其次，威以涿郡贊務郭絢，潁川贊務敬肅等二人對。帝賜儉帛二百匹，絢、肅各一百匹，令天下朝集使送至郡邸，以旌異焉，論者美之。及大業末，盜賊峰起，數被攻逼。儉撫結人夷，卒無離叛，竟以保全。及義兵至長安，尊立恭帝，儉與留守李粲縞素，于州南向慟哭。既而歸京師，相國賜儉物三百段，就拜上大將軍。歲餘，卒于家，時年八十九。

Liu Jian, courtesy name Daoyue, was from Hedong Jie. His grandfather Yuanzhang was Wei chief rectifier of Si and governor of Xiang and Hua. His father Yu was magistrate of Wenxi under Zhou. Jian was measured and austere; even kin did not treat him lightly. Under Zhou he rose through secretariat and capital grandee ranks. When Wen took the throne he became vice minister of waterworks and baron of Shuaidao. Soon prefect of Guanghan, famed for ability. Soon the commandery was abolished. The emperor selected the able for provincial office. Famed for benevolence, he was made governor of Peng. He decided suits in court; the prison held no detainees. Prince Xiu of Shu reported this upward. Transferred to governor of Qiong. Ten years in office; Chinese and barbarians submitted gladly. When Prince Xiu fell, Jian was dismissed for association. Returning home poor, onlookers admired his integrity. When Yang succeeded he was summoned. Many meritorious men held office with military titles—only Jian rose as a civil magistrate. The emperor praised him, made him scattered grandee and prefect of Honghua. In Daye year five he came to court as commanderies gathered. The emperor asked Wei and Hong who had the purest name in the realm. They named Jian. Next he named Guo Xuan of Zhuo and Jing Su of Yingchuan. Jian received two hundred bolts of silk; Xuan and Su one hundred each; critics praised the honor. Late in Daye bandits repeatedly attacked. He soothed all peoples; none rebelled; he was preserved. When the righteous army installed Gongdi, Jian and Li Can mourned in white facing south. Returning to the capital, the chief minister honored him and made him upper grand general. A year later he died at home, aged eighty-nine.

郭絢，河東安邑人，家世寒微。初為尚書令史，後以軍功拜儀同，歷數州司馬、長史，皆有能名。大業初，刑部尚書宇文幹巡省河北，引絢為副。煬帝將有事遼東，以涿郡為沖要，訪可任者。聞絢有幹局，拜涿郡贊務，吏人悅服。數載，遷為通守，兼領留守。及山東盜起，絢逐捕之，多所克獲。時諸郡無復完者，唯涿郡獨全。後將兵擊竇建德於河間，戰死，人吏哭之，數月不息。

Guo Xuan was from Anyi in Hedong, of humble family. He rose from secretariat clerk to palace guard through military merit, serving ably in several provinces. Early in Daye Yuwen Gan took him as deputy on a Hebei tour. For the Liaodong campaign he sought who could hold Zhuo. Xuan was made Zhuo assistant; officials and people approved. After years he became governor and garrison commander. He captured many Shandong bandits. Only Zhuo remained intact. He died fighting Dou Jiande at Hejian; mourning lasted months.

敬肅，字敬儉，河東蒲阪人。少以貞介知名，釋褐州主簿。開皇初，為安陵令，有能名。擢拜秦州司馬，轉幽州長史。仁壽中，為衛州司馬，俱有異績。煬帝嗣位，遷潁川郡贊務。大業五年，朝東都。帝令司隸大夫薛道衡為天下郡官之狀，稱肅曰：「心如鐵石，老而彌篤。」時左翊衛大將軍宇文述當塗用事，其邑在潁州，每有書屬肅，肅未嘗開封，輒令使者持去。述賓客有放縱者，以法繩之，無所寬貸，由是述銜之。八年，朝於涿郡。帝以其年老，有能名，將擢為太守者數矣，輒為述所毀，不行。大業末，乞骸骨，優詔許之。去官之日，家無餘財。歲餘，終於家。

Jing Su, courtesy name Jingjian, was from Puzhou in Hedong. In youth he was famed for integrity; he began as a provincial chief clerk. Early in Kaihuang he was magistrate of Anling, famed for ability. Promoted to Qin marshal, then chief administrator of You. In Renshou he was Wei marshal with outstanding records. When Yang succeeded he was Yingchuan assistant. In Daye year five he attended court at the eastern capital. Xue Daoheng's evaluations praised Su: "His heart is iron and stone, firmer with age. Yuwen Shu often sent letters; Su never opened them but returned them unopened. He punished Shu's unruly guests by law; Shu resented him. In the eighth year he attended at Zhuo. The emperor wished to promote him several times; Shu blocked it each time. Late in Daye he retired on a gracious edict. He left office with no surplus wealth. A year later he died at home.

劉曠，不知何許人也，性謹厚，每以誠恕應物。開皇初，為平鄉令，單騎之官。人有諍訟者，輒丁甯曉以義理，不加繩劾，各自引咎而去。所得俸祿，賑施窮乏。百姓感其德化，更相篤勵曰：「有君如此，何得為非？」在職七年，風教大洽。獄中無系囚，諍訟絕息，囹圄皆生草，庭可張羅。及去官，吏人無少長號泣，沿路將送，數百里不絕。遷為臨潁令，清名善政為天下第一。尚書左僕射高熲言狀，上召之。及引見，勞之曰：「天下縣令固多矣，卿能獨異於眾，良足美也。」顧謂侍臣曰：「若不殊獎，何以勸人？」於是下優詔，擢拜莒州刺史。

Liu Kuang's origins are unknown; he was careful and responded with sincerity and forbearance. Early in Kaihuang he rode alone to office as magistrate of Pingxiang. In disputes he explained principle without punishment; parties withdrew blaming themselves. He gave his salary to the poor. People said: "With such a magistrate, how can we do wrong? Seven years in office; customs were greatly harmonized. The jail was empty; disputes ceased; grass grew in the courtyard. When he left, people escorted him weeping for hundreds of li. As magistrate of Linying he ranked first in the realm. Gao Jiong reported him; the emperor summoned him. The emperor said: "Magistrates are many; you alone stand apart—admirable. He said to ministers: "Without special reward, how can we encourage others?" A gracious edict made him governor of Ju.

王伽，河間章武人也。開皇末，為齊州參軍。初無足稱，後被州使送流囚李參等七十餘人詣京師。時制，流人並枷鎖傳送。次滎陽，憫其辛苦，悉呼而謂之曰：「卿輩既犯國刑，虧損名教，身嬰縲絏，此其職也。今復重勞援卒，豈獨不愧於心哉！」參等辭謝。伽曰：「汝等雖犯憲法，枷鎖亦大苦辛，吾欲與汝等脫去，行至京師總集，能不違期不？」皆拜謝曰：「必不敢違。」伽於是悉脫枷，停援卒，與期曰：「某日當至京師。如致前卻，吾當為汝受死。」舍之而去。流人感悅，依期而至，一無離叛。上聞而驚異，召見與語，稱善久之。於是悉召流人，並令攜負妻子俱入，賜宴於殿庭而赦之。乃下詔曰：「凡在有生，含靈稟性，咸知好惡，並識是非。若臨以至誠，明加勸導，則俗必從化，人皆遷善。往以海內亂離，德教廢絕，官人無慈愛之心，兆庶懷奸詐之意，所以獄訟不息，澆薄難理。朕受命上天，安養萬姓，思導聖法，以德化人。朝夕孜孜，意本如此。而伽深識朕意，誠心宣導。參等感悟，自赴憲司。明率土之人，非為難教，良是官人不加示曉，致令陷罪，無由自新。若使官盡王伽之儔，人皆李參之輩，刑措不用，其何遠哉！」於是擢伽為雍令，政有能名。

Wang Jia was from Zhangwu in Hejian. Late in Kaihuang he was a Qi province staff officer. Later the province sent him to escort seventy-odd exiles including Li Can to the capital. Regulations required exiles to be sent in cangues and chains. At Xingyang he pitied them: "You broke the law and wear fetters—that is your lot. Now you burden escorts again—is that not shameful? They apologized. Jia said: "I will remove your cangues if you reach the capital on time—can you? All promised not to break faith. He removed the cangues, dismissed escorts, and set a date for the capital. If you fail, I will die for you. He released them and left. The exiles arrived on time without a single defection. The emperor summoned him and praised him long. He feasted the exiles in the hall and pardoned them. An edict said: "All living beings know good and evil and right and wrong. With sincerity and guidance, custom transforms and people turn good. Former disorder cut off moral teaching; officials lacked kindness and lawsuits multiplied. We received Heaven's mandate to nurture the people and transform them through virtue. Morning and evening this was our intent. Jia understood this and guided sincerely. The exiles went themselves to face the law. People are not hard to teach; officials failed to guide them into guilt. If all officials were like Jia and all people like Can, punishments would fall unused! Jia was promoted to magistrate of Yong with a reputation for ability.

魏德深，本钜鹿人也。祖沖，仕周，為刑部大夫、建州刺史，因家弘農。父毗，郁林令。德深初為隋文帝挽郎，後曆馮翊郡書佐，武陽郡司戶、書佐，以能遷貴鄉長。為政清靜，不嚴而肅。會興遼東之役，徵稅百端，使人往來，責成郡縣。于時王綱弛紊，吏多贓賄，所在征斂，人不堪命。唯德深一縣，有無相通，不竭其力，所求皆給，而百姓不擾。于時盜賊群起，武陽諸城，多被淪陷，唯貴鄉獨全。郡丞元寶藏受詔逐捕盜賊，每戰不利，則器械必盡，輒徵發於人，動以軍法從事，如此者數矣。其鄰城營造，皆聚於査事，吏人遞相督責，晝夜喧囂，猶不能濟。德深各問其所欲，任隨便修營，官府寂然，恆若無事。唯約束長吏，所修不須過勝餘縣，使百姓勞苦。然在下各自竭心，常為諸縣之最。尋轉館陶長，貴鄉吏人聞之，相與言及其事，皆歔欷流涕，語不成聲。及將赴任，傾城送之，號泣之聲，道路不絕。

Wei Deshen was originally from Julu. His grandfather Chong served Zhou and settled the family in Hongnong. His father Pi was magistrate of Yulin. He began as a mourning officer, served as clerk in Fengyi and Wuyang, and became chief of Guixiang. His rule was quiet; not harsh yet orderly. The Liaodong campaign brought levies from every side. Law was slack; officials were corrupt; levies made life unbearable. Only his county shared resources, met demands, and kept the people undisturbed. Bandits overran Wuyang cities; only Guixiang remained intact. Vice Administrator Baocang lost battles and repeatedly levied the people under military law. Neighboring counties' construction crowded the hall day and night yet could not finish. Deshen let each build as they wished; his offices stayed quiet as if nothing were amiss. He restrained clerks so construction need not exceed other counties. Yet subordinates strove on their own and often ranked first among counties. Transferred to Guantao, Guixiang people wept until words failed. The whole city escorted him weeping along the road.

既至館陶，闔境老幼，皆如見其父母。有猾人員外郎趙君實，與郡丞元寶藏深相交結，前後令長，未有不受其指麾者。自德深至縣，君實屏處於室，未嘗輒敢出門。逃竄之徒，歸來如市。貴鄉父老，冒涉艱險，詣闕請留德深，有詔許之。館陶父老，復詣郡相訟，以貴鄉文書為詐。郡不能決。會持節使者韋霽、杜整等至，兩縣詣使訟之，乃斷從貴鄉。貴鄉吏人，歌呼滿道，互相稱慶；館陶眾庶，合境悲泣，因從而居住者數百家。

In Guantao old and young greeted him as parents. The crafty attendant Zhao Junshi commanded former chiefs through Baocang. After Deshen came, Junshi hid indoors and dared not go out. Fugitives returned like a market. Guixiang elders petitioned to retain him; the court assented. Guantao elders sued, calling Guixiang's documents fraudulent. The commandery could not decide. Commissioners ruled for Guixiang after both counties sued. Guixiang people sang and congratulated along the road; Guantao wept; hundreds of households followed him to dwell.

寶藏深害其能。會越王侗徵兵于郡，寶藏遂令德深率兵千人赴東都。俄而寶藏以武陽歸李密，德深所領皆武陽人也，以本土從賊，念其親戚，輒出都門，東向慟哭而反。人或謂之曰：「李密兵馬，近在金墉，去此二十餘里，汝必欲歸，誰能相禁？何為自苦如此！」其人皆垂泣曰：「我與魏明府同來，不忍棄去，豈以道路艱難乎！」其得人心如此。後與賊戰，沒於陣。貴鄉、館陶人庶，至今懷之。

Baocang deeply resented him. When Prince Tong raised troops, Baocang sent Deshen with a thousand men to the eastern capital. When Baocang surrendered to Li Mi, Deshen's Wuyang men wept at the gate and turned back. Someone said: "Li Mi is near—who can stop you if you return? Why torment yourselves? Why torment yourselves so! They wept: "We came with Magistrate Wei and cannot leave him—not because the road is hard!" He won hearts to this degree. Later he fell in battle against the bandits. Guixiang and Guantao people cherish him to this day.

論曰：為政之道，寬猛相濟，猶寒暑迭代，俱成歲功者也。然存夫簡久，必藉寬平，大則致鼓腹之歡，小則有息肩之惠。故《詩》曰：「雖無德與汝，式歌且舞。」張膺等皆有寬仁之心，至誠待物，化行所屬，愛結人心，故得所去見思，所居而化。《詩》所謂「愷悌君子，人之父母」，豈徒然哉！

The historians comment: Governance balances leniency and severity like seasons completing the year. Endurance requires leniency and peace; great and small both bring relief. Hence the Odes: "Though we have no virtue for you, we sing and dance. Zhang Ying and others ruled with generous sincerity; where they ruled people were transformed; where they left they were missed. The Odes' "easy and pleasant gentleman, the people's father and mother"—is no empty phrase!

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