1
突厥鐵勒
The Turks and the Tiele
2
突厥者，其先居西海之右，獨為部落，蓋匈奴之別種也。 姓阿史那氏。 後為鄰國所破，盡滅其族。 有一兒，年且十歲，兵人見其小，不忍殺之，乃刖足斷其臂，棄草澤中。 有牝狼以肉餌之，及長，與狼交合，遂有孕焉。 彼王聞此兒尚在，重遣殺之。 使者見在狼側，並欲殺狼。 于時若有神物，投狼於西海之東，落高昌國西北山。 山有洞穴，穴內有平壤茂草，周迥數百里，四面俱山。 狼匿其中，遂生十男。 十男長，外托妻孕，其後各為一姓，阿史那即其一也，最賢，遂為君長。 故牙門建狼頭纛，示不忘本也。 漸至數百家，經數世，有阿賢設者，率部落出於穴中，臣於蠕蠕。 至大葉護，種類漸強。 當魏之末，有伊利可汗，以兵擊鐵勒，大敗之，降五萬餘家。 遂求婚於蠕蠕主。 阿那瑰大怒，遣使罵之。 伊利斬其使，率眾襲蠕蠕，破之。 卒，弟阿逸可汗立，又破蠕蠕。 病且卒，舍其子攝圖，立其弟俟叔稱為木杆可汗。
The Turks: their forebears lived west of the Western Sea as an independent tribe, likely a distinct offshoot of the Xiongnu. They bore the clan name Ashina. Later a neighboring power overran them and wiped out the whole clan. One boy of about ten was spared because the soldiers thought him too young to kill; instead they maimed his feet and arms and left him in the wild marshes. A she-wolf brought him meat; when he came of age he coupled with her, and she conceived. When that king learned the boy still lived, he sent assassins once more. The envoys found him at the wolf's side and meant to slay the beast too. Then, as though some spirit intervened, the wolf was hurled east of the Western Sea onto a peak northwest of Gaochang. The mountain held a cavern enclosing level ground and rich pasture, hundreds of li across, ringed by peaks on every side. The wolf sheltered there and in time gave birth to ten sons. The ten sons grew up, married women from outside, and each founded a clan; Ashina was among them, the most able, and became their leader. Hence the royal tent flies a wolf-head standard, a reminder that they have not forgotten their roots. They grew to several hundred families; generations later Ashina Xianshe led the tribe forth from the cave and submitted to the Rouran. Under Dayehu their people grew steadily stronger. Near the end of Wei, Yili Qaghan marched against the Tiele, routed them, and brought more than fifty thousand households to submission. He then asked the Rouran khan for a bride. Anagui flew into a rage and sent envoys to heap abuse on him. Yili executed the envoys, led his warriors in a raid on the Rouran, and broke their power. He died; his brother Ayi Qaghan took the throne and again defeated the Rouran. On his deathbed he passed over his son Shetu and installed his younger brother Hou Shu as Mugan Qaghan.
3
或云突厥本平涼雜胡，姓阿史那氏。 魏太武皇帝滅沮渠氏，阿史那以五百家奔蠕蠕。 世居金山之陽，為蠕蠕鐵工。 金山形似兜鍪，俗號兜鍪為突厥，因以為號。
Another account holds that the Turks were originally mixed barbarians of Pingliang of the Ashina clan. When Emperor Taiwu of Wei destroyed the Juqu, five hundred Ashina households fled to the Rouran. For generations they lived south of Mount Jin, smithing iron for the Rouran. Mount Jin looked like a helmet; the common word for helmet was tujue, and from that they took their name.
4
又曰突厥之先，出於索國，在匈奴之北。 其部落大人曰阿謗步，兄弟七十人，其一曰伊質泥師都，狼所生也。 阿謗卻等性並愚癡，國遂被滅。 泥師都既別感異氣，能征占風雨。 取二妻，雲是夏神、冬神之女。 一孕而生四男：其一變為白鴻； 其一國于阿輔水、劍水之間，號為契骨； 其一國于處折水； 其一居跋斯處折施山，即其大兒也。 山上仍有阿謗步種類，並多寒露，大兒為出火溫養之，咸得全濟。 遂共奉大兒為主，號為突厥，即納都六設也。 都六有十妻，所生子皆以母族姓，阿史那是其小妻之子也。 都六死，十母子內欲擇立一人，乃相率於大樹下，共為約曰：「向樹跳躍，能最高者，即推立之。」 阿史那子年幼而跳最高，諸子遂奉以為主，號阿賢設。 此說雖殊，終狼種也。
Another tradition places the Turkic forebears in the land of Suo, north of the Xiongnu. Their tribal lord was Abolu, who had seventy brothers; one of them, Yizhi Nishidu, was said to be wolf-born. Abolu and his kin were all dull-witted, and their realm was destroyed. Nishidu was touched by a strange power and could read and command the weather. He married two wives, said to be daughters of the summer and winter gods. One pregnancy yielded four sons: the first became a white swan; one founded a realm between the Afu and Jian rivers, called Qigu; one settled on the Chuzhe River; one lived on Mount Basichuzheshi—the eldest son. Abolu's people still lived on the mountain, suffering from cold dew; the eldest son kindled fires to warm them, and all were saved. They together enthroned the eldest son as their lord, naming him Turk—Nadulu She. Dulu had ten wives; each son took his mother's clan name. Ashina was born of the youngest wife. When Dulu died, the ten mothers and sons wished to choose a leader; they gathered under a great tree and agreed: 'Whoever leaps highest toward the tree shall be our chief.' The young Ashina boy leaped highest, and the sons installed him as their lord, titled Ashina Xianshe. The tales differ, but in the end they are all wolf-born.
5
其後曰土門，部落稍盛，始至塞上市繒絮，願通中國。 西魏大統十一年，周文帝遣酒泉胡安諾槃陀使焉。 其國皆相慶曰：「今大國使至，我國將興也。」 十二年，土門遂遣使獻方物。 時鐵勒將伐蠕蠕，土門率所部邀擊破之，盡降其眾五萬餘落。 恃其強盛，乃求婚於蠕蠕主。 阿那瑰大怒，使人詈辱之曰：「爾是我鍛奴，何敢發是言也！」 土門亦怒，殺其使者，遂與之絕，而求婚于魏。 周文帝許之，十七年六月，以魏長樂公主妻之。 是歲，魏文帝崩，土門遣使來吊，贈馬二百疋。 廢帝元年正月，土門發兵擊蠕蠕，大破之於懷荒北。 阿那瑰自殺，其子庵羅辰奔齊，餘眾復立阿那瑰叔父鄧叔子為主。 土門遂自號伊利可汗，猶古之單于也； 號其妻為可賀敦，亦猶古之閼氏也。 亦與齊通使往來。
Later came Tumen; as the tribe grew, they first brought silk floss to the frontier markets, seeking trade with China. In Western Wei's Datong year 11, Emperor Wen of Zhou sent the Jiuquan Hu Anuopantuo as envoy. The whole realm rejoiced: 'An envoy from the great power has come—our realm will flourish.' The next year Tumen sent envoys bearing tribute. When the Tiele were marching on the Rouran, Tumen ambushed and routed them, bringing more than fifty thousand clans to submission. Emboldened by his strength, he asked the Rouran khan for a bride. Anagui was furious and sent a man to insult him: 'You are my blacksmith slave—how dare you speak such words!' Tumen in turn killed the envoy, broke with the Rouran, and sought a Wei bride. Emperor Wen of Zhou agreed; in the sixth month of year 17 he gave him Princess Changle of Wei in marriage. That year Emperor Wen of Wei died; Tumen sent envoys to mourn him and presented two hundred horses. In the first month of Emperor Fei's first year, Tumen marched on the Rouran and routed them north of Huaihuang. Anagui took his own life; his son Anluochen fled to Qi, and the survivors enthroned Anagui's uncle Deng Shuzi. Tumen then took the title Yili Qaghan, in the manner of the ancient shanyu; his wife he called Kehedun, as the ancient yanzhi had been styled. He also exchanged envoys with Qi.
6
土門死，子科羅立。 科羅號乙息記可汗，又破叔子于沃野北賴山。 且死，舍其子攝圖，立其弟俟斤，是為木杆可汗。
Tumen died; his son Keluo succeeded him. Keluo styled himself Yixiji Qaghan and again defeated Shuzi at Mount Beilai north of Woye. Near death he passed over his son Shetu and installed his brother Houjin as Mugan Qaghan.
7
俟斤一名燕都，狀貌奇異，面廣尺餘，其色赤甚，眼若琉璃，剛暴，勇而多知，務於征伐。 乃率兵擊鄧叔子，破之。 叔子以其餘燼奔西魏。 俟斤又西破嚈噠，東走契丹，北並契骨，威服塞外諸國。 其地，東自遼海以西，至西海，萬里； 南自沙漠以北，至北海，五六千里：皆屬焉。 抗衡中國，後與魏伐齊，至并州。
Houjin, also called Yandu, had a striking appearance—a face more than a foot across, deeply flushed, eyes like glass; fierce, brave, and shrewd, he lived for war. He marched against Deng Shuzi and broke him. Shuzi fled to Western Wei with his shattered remnant. Houjin crushed the Yeda in the west, drove the Khitan east, absorbed Qigu in the north, and by force brought the frontier realms to heel. His domain stretched ten thousand li from east of the Liao Sea west to the Western Sea; and from south of the desert north to the Northern Sea, five or six thousand li—all fell under his rule. He stood as China's equal; later he joined Wei against Qi and reached Bingzhou.
8
其俗：被髮左衽，穹廬氈帳，隨逐水草遷徙，以畜牧射獵為事，食肉飲酪，身衣裘褐。 賤老貴壯，寡廉恥，無禮義，猶古之匈奴。 其主初立，近侍重臣等輿之以氈，隨日轉九回，每回臣下皆拜，拜訖乃扶令乘馬，以帛絞其頸，使才不至絕，然後釋而急問之曰：「你能作幾年可汗？」 其主既神情瞀亂，不能詳定多少。 臣下等隨其所言，以驗修短之數。 大官有葉護，次設，次特勤，次俟利發，次吐屯發，及餘小官，凡二十八等，皆世為之。 兵器有角弓、鳴鏑、甲、槊、刀、劍、佩飾則兼有伏突。 旗纛之上，施金狼頭。 待衛之士謂之附離，夏言亦狼也。 蓋本狼生，志不忘舊。 善騎射，性殘忍。 無文字，其徵發兵馬及諸稅雜畜，刻木為數，並一金鏃箭，蠟封印之，以為信契。 候月將滿，轉為寇抄。 其刑法：反叛、殺人、及奸人之婦、盜馬絆者，皆死； 淫者，割勢而腰斬之； 奸人女者，重責財物，即以其女妻之； 鬥傷人者，隨輕重輸物，傷目者償以女，無女則輸婦財，折支體者輸馬； 盜馬及雜物者，各十餘倍征之。 死者，停屍於帳，子孫及親屬男女各殺羊、馬，陳於帳前祭之，繞帳走馬七匝，詣帳門以刀剺面且哭，血淚俱流，如此者七度乃止。 擇日，取亡者所乘馬及經服用之物，並屍俱焚之，收其餘灰，待時而葬。 春夏死者，候草木黃落； 秋冬死者，候華茂，然後坎而痤之。 葬日，親屬設祭及走馬、剺面如初死之儀。 表為塋，立屋，中圖畫死者形儀，及其生時所戰陣狀，嘗殺一人，則立一石，有致千百者。 又以祭之羊、馬頭，盡懸之於標上。 是日也，男女咸盛服飾，會於葬所，男有悅愛於女者，歸即遣人聘問，其父母多不違也。 父、兄、伯、叔死，子、弟及侄等妻其後母、世叔母、嫂，唯尊者不得下淫。 移徙無常，而各有地分。 可汁恆處於都斤山，牙帳東開，蓋敬日之所出也。 每歲率諸貴人，祭其先窟。 又以五月中旬，集他人水拜祭天神。 於都斤西五百里有高山迥出，上無草樹、謂為勃登凝梨，夏言地神也。 其書字類胡，而不知年曆，唯以草青為記。 男子好樗蒲，女子踏鞠，飲馬酪取醉，歌呼相對。 敬鬼神，信巫覡，重兵死，恥病終，大抵與匈奴同俗。
Their customs: loose hair and left-lapped robes; domed felt tents; they followed grass and water; herding and hunting were their livelihood; they ate meat, drank kumis, and wore furs and coarse wool. They scorned age and prized strength; shame and ritual meant little to them—much like the ancient Xiongnu. When a new qaghan was enthroned, his close ministers carried him on felt, turning nine times with the sun; at each turn the court bowed. Then they helped him mount, throttled his neck with silk until he nearly died, released him, and urgently asked: 'How many years will you reign?' Dazed by the ordeal, the qaghan could give no clear number. Whatever he blurted out, the court took as the measure of his allotted reign. Great offices included yehu, she, teqin, houlife, and tutunfa, with lesser ranks besides—twenty-eight grades in all, all hereditary. They bore horn bows, whistling arrows, armor, spears, knives, and swords, and wore futu daggers at the belt. Their banners bore gilded wolf heads. The royal guard were called fuli—'wolf' in their tongue. Born of the wolf, they would not forget their origins. They excelled at mounted archery and were cruel by nature. They had no script; levies of men, horses, and livestock were tallied on carved wood, sealed with wax on a gold-tipped arrow as their bond. As the moon waxed full, they turned to raiding. Their law: rebellion, murder, adultery with another man's wife, and theft of horse hobbles—all carried the death penalty; fornicators were castrated and cut in two at the waist; seducers of another man's daughter paid a heavy fine and received the girl as wife; assault was compensated in goods by severity; blinding an eye cost a daughter, or bride-price if there was no daughter; broken limbs cost horses; horse theft and petty theft were fined at more than ten times the value. When someone died, the body lay in the tent while kin slaughtered sheep and horses as offerings; they circled the tent seven times on horseback, then at the door cut their faces with knives until blood and tears mingled—seven rounds of this mourning. On a chosen day they burned the dead man's horse, clothing, and corpse together, gathered the ashes, and waited for the proper season to bury them. For spring and summer deaths they waited until the grass yellowed; autumn and winter deaths waited until bloom returned, then buried the ashes in a pit. On burial day kin repeated the offerings, horse-circling, and face-cutting of the first mourning. They raised a mound and a house painted with the dead man's likeness and his battles; for each man he had killed in life they set a stone—some graves had hundreds or thousands. The sheep and horse heads from the sacrifice they hung on poles. That day men and women dressed in their finest and gathered at the grave; if a man fancied a woman, he sent a matchmaker on his return, and parents rarely refused. On a father's, elder brother's, or uncle's death, sons, younger brothers, and nephews might marry the widow—stepmother, uncle's wife, or sister-in-law—save that the senior might not debauch his inferiors. They moved without fixed abode, yet each clan held its allotted ground. The qaghan dwelt on Mount Dujin; the royal tent faced east, honoring the sunrise. Each year he led the nobles to sacrifice at the ancestral cave. In mid-fifth month they gathered at shared waters to worship Heaven. Five hundred li west of Dujin stood a bare peak they called Bodengningli—the Earth God in their tongue. Their script resembled foreign writing, but they knew no calendar—only the greening of the grass marked the year. Men loved dice; women played cuju; they drank kumis to drunkenness and sang and shouted face to face. They revered spirits, trusted shamans, honored death in battle and shamed death by sickness—in most respects their ways matched the ancient Xiongnu.
9
俟斤部眾既盛，乃遣使請誅鄧叔子等，周文帝許之，收叔子已下三千人，付其使者，殺之於青門外。 三年，俟斤襲擊吐谷渾破之。 周明帝二年，俟斤遣使來獻。 保定元年，又遣三輩，貢其方物。 時與齊人交爭，戎車歲動，故連結之，以為外援。 初，恭帝時，俟斤許進女于周文帝，契未定而周文崩。 尋而俟斤又以他女許武帝，未及結納，齊人亦遣求婚，俟斤貪其幣厚，將悔之。 至是，武帝詔遣涼州刺史楊薦、武伯王慶等往結之。 慶等至，諭以信義，俟斤遂絕齊使而訂婚焉。 仍請舉國東伐，於是詔隨公楊忠率眾一萬與突厥伐齊。 忠軍度陘嶺，侯斤率騎十萬來會。 明年正月，攻齊主于晉陽，不克，俟斤遂縱兵大掠而還。 忠還，言于武帝曰：「突厥甲兵惡，賞罰輕，首領多而無法令，何謂難制馭？ 由比者使人妄道其強盛，欲令國家厚其使者，身往重取其報。 朝廷受其虛言，將士望風畏懾。 但虜態詐健，而實易與耳。 今以臣觀之，前後使人皆可斬也。」 武帝不納。 是歲，俟斤復遣使來獻，更請東伐。 詔楊忠率兵出沃野，晉公護趣洛陽以應之。 會護戰不利，俟斤引還。 五年，詔陳公純、大司徒宇文貴、神武公竇毅、南安公楊薦往逆女。 天和二年，俊斤又遣使來獻。 陳公純等至，俟斤復貳于齊。 會有雷風變，乃許純等以後歸。 四年，又遣使貢獻。
As Houjin's following grew mighty, he asked Zhou to execute Deng Shuzi and his party; Emperor Wen agreed, seized Shuzi and three thousand of his men, handed them to the Turk envoys, and they were put to death outside the Qing Gate. In the third year Houjin raided the Tuyuhun and routed them. In Emperor Ming of Zhou's second year, Houjin sent envoys with tribute. In Baoding year 1 he sent three missions bearing local goods. Zhou was then at war with Qi year after year, and courted the Turks as allies beyond the frontier. Earlier, under Emperor Gong, Houjin had promised a daughter to Emperor Wen of Zhou, but the pact was unsettled when Wen died. Soon Houjin promised another daughter to Emperor Wu; before the match was sealed, Qi also proposed, and Houjin, tempted by Qi's lavish gifts, nearly reneged on Zhou. Emperor Wu then sent Liangzhou Inspector Yang Jian, Wubo Wang Qing, and others to seal the alliance. Qing and his party arrived, spoke of trust and duty, and Houjin broke with Qi and confirmed the Zhou marriage. He also asked to march the whole nation east; the court ordered Duke Sui Yang Zhong to lead ten thousand men with the Turks against Qi. Zhong's army crossed the Long Ridge; Houjin brought one hundred thousand horsemen to the rendezvous. The next first month they besieged the Qi ruler at Jinyang without success; Houjin then unleashed his men to plunder and withdrew. On his return Zhong told Emperor Wu: 'Turk arms are fierce, but their rewards and punishments are slight; they have many chiefs and no real law—why call them hard to govern? Former envoys lied about their strength so the court would lavish gifts on them while they pocketed heavy rewards abroad. The court believed their boasts, and our soldiers quailed at the mere rumor of them. The barbarians look cunning and bold, but in truth they are easy to handle. In my view, every envoy who lied about them deserves the axe.' Emperor Wu would not hear of it. That year Houjin sent tribute again and asked for another eastern campaign. The court ordered Yang Zhong out from Woye and Duke Jin Hu to Luoyang in support. When Hu's campaign faltered, Houjin withdrew. In the fifth year the court sent Duke Chen Chun, Grand Minister Yuwen Gui, Duke Shenwu Dou Yi, and Duke Nan'an Yang Jian to escort the bride. In Tianhe year 2 Houjin again sent envoys with tribute. When Duke Chen Chun arrived, Houjin wavered toward Qi once more. After thunder and wind omens, he promised Chun that the bride would follow later. In the fourth year he sent tribute again.
10
俟斤死，復舍其子大邏便而立其弟，是為他缽可汗。 他缽以攝圖為爾伏可汗，統其東面； 又以其弟褥但可汗為步離可汗，居西方。 自俟斤以來，其國富強，有淩轢中夏之志。 朝廷既與之和親，歲給繒絮、錦彩十萬段。 突厥在京師者，又待以優禮，衣錦食肉，常以千數。 齊人懼其寇掠，亦傾府藏以給之。 他缽彌復驕傲，仍令其徒屬曰：「但使我在南兩個兒孝順，何憂無物邪？」 齊有沙門惠琳，掠入突厥中，因謂他缽曰：「齊國強富，皆為有佛法。」 遂說以因緣果報之理。 他缽聞而信之，建一伽藍，遣使聘齊，求《淨名》、《涅槃》、《華嚴》等經，並《十誦律》。 他缽亦躬自齋戒，繞塔行道，恨不生內地。 建德二年，他缽遣使獻馬。 及齊滅，齊定州刺史、范陽王高紹義自馬邑奔之。 他缽立紹義為齊帝，召集所部，雲為之復仇。 宣政元年四月，他缽遂入寇幽州。 柱國劉雄拒戰，兵敗死之。 武帝親總六軍，將北伐，會帝崩，乃班師。 是冬，他缽復寇邊，圍酒泉，大掠而去。 大象元年，他缽復請和親，帝策趙王招女為千金公主以嫁之，並遣執紹義送闕。 他缽不許，仍寇并州。 二年，始遣使奉獻，且迎公主為親，而紹義尚留不遣。 帝又令賀若誼往諭之，始送紹義。
Houjin died; again a son was passed over—Daluobian—and a younger brother installed as Tabo Qaghan. Tabo made Shetu Erfu Qaghan over the east; and his brother Rutan Buli Qaghan over the west. Since Houjin's day the Turks had grown rich and strong, with designs on the Central Plains. The court married into the house and paid one hundred thousand lengths of silk and brocade each year. Turks at the capital were feasted in brocade and meat, often by the thousand. Qi, fearing their raids, emptied their treasuries to buy them off too. Tabo grew ever prouder and told his followers: 'If my two southern sons stay dutiful, why should we lack for goods?' A Qi monk named Huilin, taken captive among the Turks, told Tabo: 'Qi is strong and rich because it has the Buddhist Law.' He preached karma and retribution. Tabo believed him, built a monastery, and sent to Qi for the Vimalakirti, Nirvana, Avatamsaka sutras and the Ten Recitations Vinaya. Tabo himself fasted, circled the stupa in devotion, and lamented that he was not born in the civilized lands. In Jiande year 2 Tabo sent horses as tribute. When Qi fell, Prince of Fanyang Gao Shaoyi, Dingzhou inspector, fled to him from Mayi. Tabo made Shaoyi Emperor of Qi, rallied his tribes, and vowed revenge for him. In the fourth month of Xuanzheng year 1 Tabo invaded Youzhou. Pillar of State Liu Xiong met him in battle, was defeated, and died. Emperor Wu took the field to march north, but the emperor died and the army turned back. That winter Tabo raided again, besieged Jiuquan, plundered heavily, and withdrew. In Daxiang year 1 Tabo sought peace again; the emperor gave him Prince Zhao's daughter as Princess Qianjin and ordered Shaoyi seized and sent to court. Tabo refused and raided Bingzhou again. In the second year he sent tribute and came for the princess, but still held Shaoyi back. The emperor sent He Ruo Yi to reason with him, and only then did Tabo release Shaoyi.
11
他缽病且卒，謂其子庵邏曰：「吾聞親莫過於父子。 吾兄不親其子，委位於我，我死，汝當避大邏便。」 及卒，國中將立大邏便，以其母賤，眾不服。 庵邏實貴，突厥素重之。 攝圖最後至，謂國中曰：「若立庵邏者，我當率兄弟以事之； 如立大邏便，我必守境，利刃長矛以相待。」 攝圖長而且雄，國人莫敢拒，竟立庵邏為嗣。 大邏便不得立，心不服庵邏，每遣人詈辱之。 庵邏不能制，因以國讓攝圖。 國中相與議曰：「四可汗子，攝圖最賢。」 因迎立之，號伊利俱盧設莫何始波羅可汗，一號沙缽略，居都斤山。 庵邏降居獨洛水，稱第三可汗。 大邏便乃謂沙缽略曰：「我與爾俱可汗子，各承父後，爾今極尊，我獨無位，何也？」 沙缽略患之，以為阿波可汗，還領所部。
Tabo lay dying and told his son Anluo: 'I have heard that nothing binds like father and son. My brother passed over his son for me; when I die, you must yield to Daluobian.' At his death the realm meant to install Daluobian, but his mother was of low birth and the people would not have it. Anluo was of high birth and the Turks had long esteemed him. Shetu came last and told the assembly: 'If you install Anluo, my brothers and I will serve him; if you install Daluobian, I will hold the border and meet you with blade and spear.' Shetu was tall and fierce; none dared oppose him, and Anluo was enthroned. Daluobian was passed over; resenting Anluo, he sent men again and again to insult him. Anluo could not restrain him and yielded the realm to Shetu. The realm agreed: 'Of the four sons of the qaghan, Shetu is the ablest.' They enthroned him as Yili Julu She Mohe Shiboluo Qaghan, also called Shaboluo, on Mount Dujin. Anluo withdrew to the Duluo River as the Third Qaghan. Daluobian said to Shaboluo: 'We are both sons of the qaghan, heirs after our father—yet you sit supreme while I have no place. Why?' Shaboluo, troubled, made him Apo Qaghan and sent him back to his own tribes.
12
沙缽略勇而得眾，北夷皆歸附之。 隋文帝受禪，待之甚薄，北夷大怨。 會營州刺史高寶甯作亂，沙缽略與之合軍，攻陷臨渝鎮。 上敕緣邊修保鄣，峻長城，以備之。 沙缽略妻，周千金公主，傷宗祀絕滅，由是悉眾來寇，控弦士四十萬。 上令柱國馮昱屯乙弗泊，蘭州總管叱李崇屯幽州，達奚長儒據周槃，皆為虜敗。 於是縱兵自木硤、石門兩道來寇，武威、天水、安定、金城、上郡、弘化、延安六畜咸盡。 天子震怒，下詔曰：
Shaboluo was brave and won the people; the northern tribes all submitted. When Emperor Wen of Sui took the throne, he treated them coldly and the northern tribes were deeply aggrieved. When Yingzhou Inspector Gao Baoning rebelled, Shaboluo joined him and took Linyu garrison. The emperor ordered the frontier to repair defenses and raise the Long Wall against them. Shaboluo's wife was Zhou's Princess Qianjin; mourning her fallen house, he marched in full force with four hundred thousand bowmen. The emperor posted Feng Yu at Yifu Marsh, Chi Li Chong at Youzhou, and Daxi Changru at Zhoupan—all were beaten by the Turks. He swept in by the Muxia and Shimen routes and stripped Wuwei, Tianshui, Anding, Jincheng, Shangjun, Honghua, and Yan'an of all livestock. The emperor was enraged and issued an edict:
13
往者周、齊抗衡，分割諸夏，突厥之虜，俱通二國。 周人東慮，恐齊好之深； 齊氏西虞，懼周交之厚。 各謂慮意輕重，國遂安危。 非徒並有大敵之憂，思減一邊之防。 竭生靈之力，供其來往，傾府庫之財，棄於沙漠。 華夏之地，實為勞擾。 朕受天明命，子育萬方，湣臣下之勞，除既往之弊。 回入賊之物，加賜將士； 息在路之人，務於耕織。 凶醜愚暗，未知深旨，將大定之日，比戰國之時，乘昔世之驕，結今時之恨。 近者，盡其巢窟，俱犯北邊，而遠鎮偏師，逢而摧翦，未及南上，遽已奔北。
Once Zhou and Qi stood divided, each courting the Turks. Zhou in the east feared Qi's friendship with them; Qi in the west feared Zhou's ties with them. Each judged the other's courtship by how much the rival feared it, and called that national safety or peril. They did not only fear a great enemy; each hoped to strip the other's frontier guard. They drained the people's strength to feed Turk envoys and poured treasury gold into the desert. The Central Plains were worn to exhaustion. Heaven gave me the mandate to nurture all lands; I pity my servants' toil and end these old abuses. What we recover from the enemy goes to our soldiers; travelers on the roads are spared so they may farm and weave. The brutish Turks, dull and blind to my intent, treat this age of unification like the Warring States, nursing old pride into new hatred. Lately they poured from their nests against the north, but our distant garrisons met and shattered them before they could march south—they fled north at once.
14
且彼渠師，其數凡五，昆季爭長，父叔相猜，世行暴虐，家法殘忍。 東夷諸國，盡挾私讎； 西戎群長，皆有宿怨。 突厥之北，契骨之徒，切齒磨牙，常伺其後。 達頭前攻酒泉，于闐、波斯、揖怛三國，一時即叛； 沙缽略近趣周槃，其部內薄孤、東紇羅尋亦翻動。 往年利稽察大為高麗、靺鞨所破，沙毗設又為紇支可汗所殺。 與其為鄰，皆願誅剿，部落之下，盡異純人。 千種萬類，仇敵怨偶，泣血拊心，銜悲積恨。 圓首方足，皆人類也，有一於此，更切朕懷。 彼地咎征妖作，將年一紀。 乃獸為人語，人作神言，雲其國亡，訖而不見。 每冬雷震，觸地火生。 種類資給，唯藉水草，去歲四時，竟無雨雪，川枯蝗暴，卉木燒盡，饑疫死亡，人畜相半。 舊居之地，赤土無依，遷徙漠南，偷存晷刻。 斯蓋上天所忿，驅就齊斧，幽明合契，今也其時。
Their chiefs number five; brothers vie for power, fathers and uncles mistrust one another; cruelty is their custom and savagery their house law. The eastern tribes all nurse private grudges; the western chiefs all bear old enmities. North of the Turks, the Qigu gnash their teeth and watch for their moment. Datou attacked Jiuquan; Khotan, Persia, and Yeda rebelled at once; Shaboluo lately pressed Zhoupan; within his ranks Bogu and Dong Heluo rose against him. Lijicha was shattered by Koguryo and Mohe; Shabi She was slain by Hezhi Qaghan. Every neighbor wishes them destroyed; beneath the tribes no man is of pure Turk blood. Thousands of peoples—foes and bitter kin—weep blood, beat their breasts, and heap hatred upon hatred. Round heads on square feet—they are human too; that any should suffer so cuts me to the heart. In their lands omens and portents have stalked them for nearly twelve years. Beasts spoke like men, men like gods, prophesying their fall—yet they still stand. Every winter thunder rolls and fire bursts from the earth. They live on grass and water alone; last year through four seasons came no rain or snow; rivers dried, locusts swarmed, the steppe burned; famine and plague halved men and beasts. Their old pastures are bare red earth; they have fled south of the desert, clinging to life by the hour. Heaven itself is angry, driving them to the axe; dark and bright align—now is the hour.
15
故選將練兵，贏糧聚甲，義士奮發，壯夫肆憤，願取名王之首，思撻單于之背。 此則王恢所說，其猶射癰，何敵能當，何遠不克。 但皇王舊跡，北止幽都，荒遐之表，文軌所棄，得其地不可而居，得其人不忍皆殺。 無勞兵革，遠規溟海。 普告海內，知朕意焉。
Therefore I choose generals, drill troops, pack grain and gather armor; righteous men rise, stalwarts burn to take famous heads and lash the shanyu's back. This is Wang Hui's counsel—like lancing an abscess; no foe could stand, no land lay beyond reach. Yet the ancient bounds of empire reach north only to Youdu; beyond the wild frontier lies land that civilization has forsaken—take the territory and you cannot hold it; take the people and you cannot slaughter them all. Let us not exhaust ourselves with war, scheming as far as the distant sea. Let this be proclaimed throughout the realm, that all may know my mind.
16
於是河間王弘、上柱國豆盧績、竇榮定、左僕射高熲、右僕射虞慶則並為元帥，出塞擊之。 沙缽略率阿波、貪汗二可汗來拒戰，皆敗走。 時虜饑不能得食，粉骨為糧，又多災疫，死者極眾。
Thereupon Prince Hong of Hejian, Dou Lu Ji, Dou Rongding, Gao Yong, and Yu Qingze were all appointed supreme commanders and marched beyond the frontier to strike them. Shaboluo led the qaghans Apo and Tanhan to meet them in battle; all were routed and fled. The barbarians were starving, grinding bone into food; pestilence swept them as well, and the dead were beyond count.
17
既而沙缽略以阿波驍悍，忌之，因其先歸，襲擊其部，大破之，殺阿波母。 阿波還無所歸，西奔達頭可汗。 達頭者，名玷厥，沙缽略之從父也，舊為西面可汗。 既而大怒，遣阿波率兵而東，其部落歸之者將十萬騎，遂與沙缽略相攻。 又有貪汗可汗，素睦于阿波，沙缽略奪其眾而廢之，貪汗亡奔達頭。 沙缽略從弟地勤察，別統部落，與沙缽略有隙，復以眾叛歸阿波。 連兵不已，各遣使詣闕，請和求援，上皆不許。
Before long Shaboluo, envying Apo's fierceness, struck while Apo was still returning home, crushing his division and killing Apo's mother. Apo returned to find nowhere to go and fled west to Datou Qaghan. Datou, whose personal name was Dianjue, was Shaboluo's paternal uncle and had formerly been Qaghan of the Western Sector. He flew into a rage and sent Apo east with an army; nearly a hundred thousand horsemen rallied to them, and they turned to fight Shaboluo. There was also Tanhan Qaghan, long friendly with Apo; Shaboluo seized his people and deposed him, and Tanhan fled to Datou. Shaboluo's cousin Diqincha, who commanded a separate division, had fallen out with him and again led his tribes in revolt to Apo. Fighting continued without end; each side sent envoys to court seeking peace and aid, but the emperor refused them all.
18
會千金公主上書，請為一子之例，文帝遣開府徐平和使于沙缽略。 晉王廣時鎮并州，請因其釁乘之，上不許。 沙缽略遣使致書曰：「辰年九月十日，從天生大突厥天下賢聖天子伊利俱盧設莫何始波羅可汗致書大隋皇帝：使人開府徐平和至，辱告言語，具聞也。 皇帝是婦父，即是翁，此是女夫，即是兒例，兩境雖殊，情義是一。 今重疊親舊，子子孫孫，乃至萬世不斷。 上天為證，終不違負。 此國所有羊、馬，都是皇帝畜生； 彼有繒彩，都是此物。 彼此不異也。」 文帝報書曰：「大隋天子貽書大突厥伊利俱盧設莫何沙缽略可汗：得書，知大有好心向此也。 既是沙缽略婦翁，今日看沙缽略共兒子不異。 既以親舊厚意，常使之外，今特別遣大臣虞慶則往彼看女，復看沙缽略也。」 沙缽略陳兵列其寶物，坐見慶則，稱病不能起，且曰：「我伯父以來，不向人拜。」 慶則責而喻之。 千金公主私謂慶則曰：「可汗豺狼性，過與爭，將齧人。」 長孫晟說諭之，攝圖屈，乃頓顙受璽書，以戴於首。 既而大慚，其群下因相聚慟哭。 慶則又遣稱臣，沙缽略謂其屬曰：「何名為臣？」 報曰：「隋國臣，猶此稱奴。」 沙缽略曰：「得作大隋天子奴，虞僕射之力也。」 贈慶則馬千匹，並以從妹妻之。
Princess Qianjin then memorialized the throne, asking that they be treated as father and son; Emperor Wen sent Palace Gate Commissioner Xu Ping as envoy to Shaboluo. Prince of Jin Yang Guang was then stationed at Bingzhou and asked to exploit their strife with an attack, but the emperor refused. Shaboluo sent an envoy with a letter: 'On the tenth day of the ninth month of the chen year, Yili Julu She Mohe Shiboluo Qaghan, sage Son of Heaven of the great Turks born from Heaven, writes to the Emperor of Great Sui: your envoy Xu Ping has arrived; I am honored by your words and have heard them all. The Emperor is my wife's father—that is, my father-in-law; I am his daughter's husband—that is, his son by custom; though our realms differ, our bond is one. Now our kinship is renewed—sons and sons' sons, for ten thousand generations without end. Heaven be witness—I shall never break this pledge. All the sheep and horses of this land belong to the Emperor; the silks and brocades there are all his goods as well. Between us there is no difference at all.' Emperor Wen replied: 'The Son of Heaven of Great Sui sends this letter to Yili Julu She Mohe Shaboluo Qaghan of the great Turks: I have your letter and know you bear great goodwill toward us. As Shaboluo's father-in-law, I now regard him as no different from a son. Out of the goodwill of kinship I have always sent envoys; now I especially send the great minister Yu Qingze to see my daughter there, and to see Shaboluo as well.' Shaboluo drew up his troops, displayed his treasures, and received Yu Qingze seated; pleading illness, he would not rise, and said: 'Since my uncle's day we have bowed to no one.' Yu Qingze rebuked him and reasoned with him. Princess Qianjin privately told Yu Qingze: 'The qaghan has a wolf's nature; press him too hard and he will bite.' Chang Sun Sheng persuaded him; Shetu yielded, bowed his forehead to the ground to receive the imperial letter, and placed it on his head. Afterward he was deeply ashamed, and his followers gathered and wept together. Yu Qingze also had him styled as subject; Shaboluo asked his followers: 'What does "subject" mean?' They replied: 'A subject of Sui—in our terms, it is like calling oneself a servant.' Shaboluo said: 'That I may become a servant of the Son of Heaven of Great Sui is Vice Director Yu's doing.' He gave Yu Qingze a thousand horses and married him to a younger female cousin.
19
時沙缽略既為達頭所困，又東畏契丹，遣使告急，請將部落度漠南，寄居白道川內。 有詔許之。 晉王廣以兵援之，給以衣食，賜以車服、鼓吹。 沙缽略因西擊阿波，破擒之。 而阿拔國部落乘虛掠其妻子。 官軍為擊阿拔，敗之，所獲悉與沙缽略。 沙缽略大喜，乃立約，以磧為界。 因上表曰：「大突厥伊利俱盧設始波羅莫何可汗臣攝圖言：大使、尚書右僕射虞慶則至，伏奉詔書，兼宣慈旨，仰惟恩信之著，愈久愈明，徒知負荷，不能答謝。 突厥自天置以來，五十餘載，保有沙漠，自王蕃隅，地過萬里，士馬億數，恆力兼戎夷，抗禮華夏，在於戎狄，莫與為大。 頃者，氣候清和，風雪順序，意以華夏其有大聖興焉。 伏惟大隋皇帝真皇帝也，豈敢阻兵恃險，偷竊名號？ 今便感慕淳風，歸心有道。 雖復南瞻魏闕，山川悠遠，北面之禮不敢廢。 當令侍子入朝，神馬歲貢，朝夕恭承，惟命是親。 謹遣第七兒臣窟合真等奉表以聞。」 文帝下詔曰：「沙缽略往雖與和，猶是二國，今作君臣，便成一體。 已敕有司，肅告郊廟，宜傳播天下，咸使知聞。」 自是詔答諸事，並不稱其名以異之。 其妻可賀敦周千金公主，賜姓楊氏，編之屬籍，改封大義公主。 策拜窟合真為柱國，封安國公，宴於內殿，引見皇后，賞勞甚厚。 沙缽略大悅。 於是，歲時貢獻不絕。
Shaboluo was already hard pressed by Datou and feared the Khitan to the east; he sent envoys in urgent appeal, asking to lead his tribes south across the desert to settle within the White Road River valley. An edict granted his request. Prince of Jin Yang Guang came to his aid with troops, supplied food and clothing, and granted carriages, robes, and musicians. Shaboluo then marched west against Apo, defeated him, and took him captive. But the Abakuo tribe seized the moment and carried off his wife and children. The imperial army attacked Abakuo on his behalf, defeated them, and gave all that was recovered to Shaboluo. Shaboluo rejoiced greatly and made a covenant with the desert sands as the boundary. He then submitted a memorial: 'Your subject Shetu, Qaghan of the great Turks Yili Julu She Shiboluo Mohe, reports: the grand envoy, Right Vice Director Yu Qingze has arrived; I humbly received the imperial edict and your gracious message. Your favor and trust grow clearer with time; I feel only the burden and know not how to repay it. Since Heaven established the Turks more than fifty years ago, we have held the desert and ruled the borderlands; our lands stretch ten thousand li, our warriors and horses beyond count; we matched strength with the Rong and Yi and claimed parity with Huaxia—among the barbarians, none was our equal. Of late the seasons have been clear and mild, wind and snow in their proper order—we took it that a great sage was rising in Huaxia. We reflect that the Emperor of Great Sui is a true emperor—how would we dare block the way with arms, rely on perilous terrain, and steal a title? Now we are moved by your pure customs and turn our hearts to the Way. Though we gaze south toward the imperial towers across distant mountains and rivers, we dare not abandon the rites of facing north. We shall send a hostage son to court and tribute horses each year; morning and evening we shall obey—your will is our command. Respectfully I send my seventh son, your subject Kutu Hezhen, and others to present this memorial.' Emperor Wen issued an edict: 'Though Shaboluo and we made peace before, we were still two states; now as lord and subject we are one whole. I have charged the relevant offices to announce this solemnly at the suburban altars and ancestral temples; let it be spread throughout the realm so that all may know.' Henceforth in edicts and replies on all matters his personal name was not used, to honor him apart. His wife, Khatun, Zhou's Princess Qianjin, was granted the surname Yang, entered into the imperial register, and re-enfeoffed as Princess Dayi. By imperial decree Kutu Hezhen was appointed Grand Preceptor and enfeoffed as Duke of Anguo; he was feasted in the inner hall, introduced to the empress, and rewarded most generously. Shaboluo was greatly pleased. Thereafter seasonal tribute never ceased.
20
七年正月，沙缽略遣其子入貢方物。 因請獵於恆、代之間，詔許之，仍遣使人，賜其酒食。 沙缽略率部落再拜受賜。 沙缽略一日手殺鹿十八頭，齎尾舌以獻。 還至紫河鎮，其牙帳為火所燒，沙缽略惡之，月餘而卒。 上為之廢朝三日，遣太常弔祭焉，贈物五千段。
In the first month of the seventh year, Shaboluo sent his son to present tribute. He also asked to hunt between Heng and Dai; an edict permitted it, and envoys were sent with wine and food. Shaboluo led his tribes in double obeisance to receive the gifts. In one day Shaboluo personally killed eighteen deer and brought tails and tongues as tribute. On his return to Zihe garrison, his royal tent was burned by fire; Shaboluo took it as an ill omen and died a little over a month later. The emperor suspended court for three days on his account, sent the Minister of Rites to offer condolences and sacrifices, and granted five thousand bolts of goods.
21
初，攝圖以其子雍虞閭性懦，遣令立其弟葉護處羅侯。 雍虞閭遣使迎處羅侯，將立之，處羅侯曰：「我突厥自木杆可汗來，多以弟代兄，以庶奪嫡，失先祖之法，不相敬畏。 汝當嗣位，我不憚拜汝也。」 雍虞閭又遣使謂處羅侯曰：「叔與我父，共根連體，我是枝葉，寧有我作主，令根本反同枝葉？ 願叔勿疑。」 相讓者五六，處羅侯竟立，是為葉護。 遣使上表言狀，上賜之鼓吹、幡旗。 處羅侯長頤僂背，眉目疏朗，勇而有謀。 以隋所賜旗鼓，西征阿波，敵人以為得隋兵所助，多來降附，遂擒阿波。 既而上書，請阿波死生之命。 上下其議，左僕射高熲進曰：「骨肉相殘，教之蠹也，宜存養以示寬大。」 上曰：「善。」 熲因奉觴進曰：「自軒轅以來，獯粥多為邊患。 今遠窮北海，皆為臣妾，此之盛事，振古未聞。 臣敢再拜上壽。」
At first Shetu, finding his son Yongyulü timid by nature, ordered that his younger brother Yehu Chuluo be installed instead. Yongyulü sent envoys to welcome Chuluo and was about to install him; Chuluo said: 'Among us Turks since Qaghan Mugan, younger brothers have often replaced elder brothers and inferior sons have seized the rightful heir's place—we have lost our ancestors' law and no longer fear and respect one another. You should succeed to the throne; I do not shrink from bowing to you.' Yongyulü again sent envoys telling Chuluo: 'Uncle and my father share one root and one body—I am the branch and leaf; how could I take the chieftainship and make the root become like the branch and leaf? I beg you, uncle, do not doubt me.' They yielded to one another five or six times; in the end Chuluo took the throne—this was Yehu. He sent envoys with a memorial reporting the situation; the emperor granted him musicians and banners. Chuluo had a long face and a curved back, clear brows and eyes, and was brave and resourceful. With the drums and banners Sui had granted him he marched west against Apo; enemies thought he had Sui troops at his back, and many surrendered; he captured Apo. He then sent up a memorial asking the emperor to decide Apo's life or death. The matter was deliberated at court; Left Vice Director Gao Yong advanced: 'Fratricide is a canker upon instruction; we should spare him and show magnanimity.' The emperor said: 'Well said.' Gao Yong then raised his cup and advanced: 'Since the time of the Yellow Emperor, the Xiongnu have often been a frontier scourge. Now they are driven to the far reaches of the Northern Sea and all have become subjects—such a triumph has never been heard of since antiquity. Your subject dares bow twice and offer a toast to your longevity.'
22
後處羅侯又西征，中流矢卒，其眾奉雍虞閭為主，是為頡伽施多那都藍可汗。 雍虞閭遣使詣闕，賜物三千段，每歲遣使朝貢。 時有流人楊欽，亡入突厥中，謬雲彭國公劉昶與宇文氏謀反，令大義公主發兵擾邊。 都藍執欽以聞，並貢勃布、魚膠。 其弟欽羽設部落強盛，都藍忌而擊之，斬首於陣。 其年，遣其母弟褥但特勤獻于闐玉杖，上拜褥但為柱國、康國公。 明年，突厥部落大人相率遣使貢馬萬匹，羊二萬口，駝、牛各五百頭。 尋遣請緣邊置市，與中國貿易，詔許之。
Later Chuluo marched west again, was struck by an arrow and died; his followers installed Yongyulü as their lord—this was Qaghan Jiegan Shinuodadu Dulan. Yongyulü sent envoys to court; he was granted three thousand bolts of goods and sent tribute envoys each year. At the time an exile, Yang Qin, fled into the Turks and falsely claimed that Liu Chang, Duke of Peng, was plotting rebellion with the Yuwen clan and that Princess Dayi should send troops to harass the frontier. Dulan seized Yang Qin and reported this, and also presented felt cloth and fish glue as tribute. His younger brother Qinyushe's tribe was powerful; Dulan envied him, attacked, and beheaded him in battle. That year he sent his maternal younger brother Rudan Tegin to present a Khotan jade staff; the emperor appointed Rudan Grand Preceptor and Duke of Kang. The next year the great leaders of the Turk tribes together sent envoys presenting ten thousand horses, twenty thousand sheep, and five hundred camels and cattle each. Soon they requested border markets for trade with China; an edict permitted it.
23
平陳後，上以陳叔寶屏風賜大義公主，主心恆不平，因書屏風為詩，敘陳亡以自寄曰：「盛衰等朝暮，世道若浮萍，榮華實難守，池台終自平。 富貴今安在？ 空事寫丹青。 杯酒恆無樂，弦歌詎有聲？ 餘本皇家子，飄流入虜庭，一朝睹成敗，懷抱忽縱橫。 古來共如此，非我獨申名。 唯有《昭君曲》，偏傷遠嫁情。」 上聞惡之，禮賜益薄。 公主復與西突厥泥利可汗連結，上恐其為變，將圖之。 會主與所從胡私通，因發其事，下詔廢之。 恐都藍不從，遣奇章公牛弘將美妓四人以啖之。 時沙缽略子曰染幹，號突利可汗，居北方，遣使求婚。 上令裴矩謂曰：「當殺大義公主方許婚。」 突利以為然，復譖之。 都藍因發怒，遂殺公主于帳。
After the pacification of Chen, the emperor gave Princess Dayi a painted screen of Chen Shubao; her heart was always uneasy, and she wrote a poem on the screen about Chen's fall, saying: 'Rise and fall are like dawn and dusk; the age is like duckweed on the water; glory is hard to keep; pools and terraces in the end level themselves. Where is wealth and honor now? Only vain figures remain painted on silk. Cups of wine bring no joy; can strings and songs still sound? I was born a child of the imperial house, drifted as a refugee into the barbarians' court; one day seeing triumph and ruin, my breast suddenly overflowed. Since olden times all have been thus—it is not I alone who speak this name. Only the "Song of Zhaojun" especially wounds the feeling of a distant marriage.' When the emperor heard of this he took it ill; ceremonial gifts grew ever thinner. The princess again linked herself with Nili Qaghan of the Western Turks; the emperor feared she might stir trouble and planned against her. It happened that the princess had a private liaison with a Turk follower of hers; when this was exposed, an edict deposed her. Fearing Dulan would not comply, he sent Niu Hong of Qizhang with four beautiful entertainers to entice him. At the time Shaboluo's son Ran Gan, styled Qaghan Tuli, dwelling in the north, sent envoys to request marriage. The emperor had Pei Ju tell him: 'You must kill Princess Dayi before the marriage will be granted.' Tuli agreed and slandered her again. In his rage Dulan killed the princess in her tent.
24
都藍因與突利可汗有隙，數相征伐，上和解之，各引兵去。 十七年，突利遣使來逆女，上舍之太常，教習六禮，妻以宗女安義公主。 上欲離間北狄，故特厚其禮，遣牛弘、蘇威、斛律孝卿相繼為使。 突厥前後遣使入朝，三百七十輩。 突利本居北方，以尚主故，南徙度斤舊鎮，錫賚優厚。 雍虞閭怒曰：「我大可汗也，反不如染幹！」 於是朝貢遂絕，數為邊患。
Dulan and Qaghan Tuli fell out and repeatedly warred on each other; the emperor mediated peace, and both sides withdrew their forces. In year 17 Tuli sent envoys to bring home his bride; the emperor housed her in the Court of Imperial Ceremonies to learn the Six Rites, then gave him the imperial clanswoman Princess Anyi in marriage. Wishing to divide the northern tribes, the emperor lavished extraordinary honors on Tuli and dispatched Niu Hong, Su Wei, and Helü Xiaoqing as envoys one after another. The Turks altogether sent 370 missions of envoys to court. Tuli had originally lived in the north, but owing to his imperial marriage he moved south to the old Dujin garrison, where he received exceedingly generous rewards. Yongyulü fumed: "I am the great qaghan, yet I am treated worse than Ran Gan!' Thereafter tribute ceased, and he became a repeated scourge on the border.
25
十八年，詔蜀王秀出靈州道擊之。 明年，又遣漢王諒為元帥，左僕射高熲率將軍王察、上柱國趙仲卿並出朔州道，右僕射楊素率柱國李徹、韓僧壽出靈州道，上柱國燕榮出幽州，以擊之。 雍虞閭與玷厥舉兵攻染幹，盡殺其兄弟子女，遂渡河入蔚州。 染幹夜以五騎與隋使長孫晟歸朝。 上令染幹與雍虞閭使者因頭特勤相辯詰，染幹辭直，上乃厚待之。 雍虞閭弟都速六棄其妻子，與突利歸朝。 上嘉之，敕染幹與都速六樗蒱，稍稍輸以寶物，用歸其心。 六月，高熲、楊素擊玷厥，大破之。 拜染幹為意利珍豆啟人可汗，華言意智健也。 啟人上表謝恩。 上於朔州築大利城以居之。 時安義公主以卒，上以宗女義城公主妻之。 部落歸者甚眾。 雍虞閭又擊之，上復令入塞。 雍虞閭侵掠不已，遂遷于河南，在夏、勝二州間，發徒掘塹數百里，東西距河，盡為啟人畜牧地。
In year 18 an edict ordered Prince Xiu of Shu to attack them along the Lingzhou route. The following year Prince Liang of Han was named commander-in-chief; Left Vice Director Gao Yong led General Wang Cha and Upper Pillar of State Zhao Zhongqing along the Shuozhou route; Right Vice Director Yang Su led Pillars of State Li Che and Han Sengshou along the Lingzhou route; Upper Pillar of State Yan Rong marched from Youzhou—all to strike the Turks. Yongyulü and Dianjue marched against Ran Gan and slaughtered all his brothers and children; they then crossed the river into Youzhou. Ran Gan fled by night with five riders and the Sui envoy Changsun Sheng to submit at court. The emperor had Ran Gan and Yongyulü's envoy, Tegin Yintou, confront each other in debate; Ran Gan spoke plainly and honestly, and the emperor rewarded him lavishly. Yongyulü's younger brother Dusuliu abandoned his wife and children and returned to court alongside Tuli. The emperor approved and had Ran Gan play chapu with Dusuliu, letting precious goods drift to him little by little in the wagers to win his heart. In the sixth month Gao Yong and Yang Su struck Dianjue and inflicted a crushing defeat. Ran Gan was invested as Qaghan Yili Zhendou Qiren—Chinese for "wise and stalwart." Qiren memorialized the throne in gratitude. The emperor built Dali City at Shuozhou for him to inhabit. Princess Anyi had by then died, and the emperor married him to the clanswoman Princess Yicheng. Vast numbers of tribesmen came over to his side. Yongyulü attacked again, and the emperor once more ordered Qiren within the frontier passes. Because Yongyulü's raids never stopped, Qiren was moved south of the Yellow River, between Xia and Sheng prefectures; laborers dug trenches for hundreds of li from the river east to west, all reserved as pasture for Qiren's people.
26
於是遣越國公楊素出靈州，行軍總管韓僧壽出慶州，太平公史萬歲出燕州，大將軍姚辯出河州，以擊都藍。 師未出塞，而都藍為其麾下所殺，達頭自立為步伽可汗，其國大亂。 遣太平公史萬歲出朔州以擊之，遇達頭於大斤山，虜不戰而遁。 尋遣其子侯利伐徒磧東攻啟人，上又發兵助啟人守要路，侯利伐退走入磧。 啟人上表陳謝曰：「大隋聖人莫緣可汗憐養，百姓蒙恩，赤心歸服，或南入長城，或住白道。 染幹如枯木重起枝葉，枯骨重生皮肉，千世萬世，長與大隋典羊、馬也。」
The emperor then dispatched Duke Yang Su of Yue from Lingzhou, Military Governor Han Sengshou from Qingzhou, Duke Shi Wansui of Taiping from Yanzhou, and General Yao Bian from Hezhou to attack Dulan. Before the armies could cross the frontier, Dulan was killed by his own followers; Datou proclaimed himself Qaghan Buga, and the realm descended into chaos. Duke Shi Wansui of Taiping was sent from Shuozhou to pursue him; at Mt. Dajin he encountered Datou, and the Turks fled without giving battle. Soon Buga sent his son Helifa east across the sands to attack Qiren; the emperor again sent troops to help Qiren hold the key passes, and Helifa retreated back into the desert. Qiren memorialized in gratitude: "The sage Mo-yuan Qaghan of great Sui has sheltered us; our people have received his grace; with loyal hearts we have submitted—some living south of the Great Wall, some dwelling along the White Road. Ran Gan is like a withered tree putting forth leaves again, like dead bones growing flesh anew; for ten thousand generations he will forever tend sheep and horses for great Sui."
27
仁壽元年，代州總管韓洪為虜敗于恆安，詔楊素為雲州道行軍元帥，率啟人北征。 斛薛等諸姓初附於啟人，至是而叛。 素軍河北，逢突厥阿勿思力俟斤等南渡，掠啟人男女雜畜而去，素率上大將軍梁默追之，大破俟斤，悉得人畜以歸啟人。 素又遣柱國張定和、領軍大將軍劉升別路邀擊，並多斬獲而還。 兵既渡河，賊復掠啟人部落，素率驃騎范貴于窟結谷東南復破之。
In Renshou year 1, Regional Inspector Han Hong of Daizhou was defeated by the Turks at Heng'an; Yang Su was appointed commander-in-chief on the Yunzhou route and led Qiren north in expedition. Clans such as the Huxie had first submitted to Qiren, but now they rebelled. While Yang Su's army was north of the river, the Turks Aosili Yijin and others crossed south and raided Qiren's people and herds; Yang Su led Senior General Liang Mo in pursuit, routed Yijin, and restored all the captives and livestock to Qiren. Yang Su also sent Pillars of State Zhang Dinghe and Lieutenant General Liu Sheng by separate routes to ambush the enemy; both returned with heavy slaughter and many captives. After the army had crossed the river, the raiders struck Qiren's tribes again; Yang Su led Rapid-Cavalry General Fan Gui and defeated them once more southeast of Kujie Valley.
28
是歲，泥利可汗及葉護俱被鐵勒所敗，步迦尋亦大亂。 奚、雪五部內徙，步伽奔吐谷渾，啟人遂有其眾，遣使朝貢。
That year both Nili Qaghan and Yehu were defeated by the Tiele, and before long Buga too was thrown into turmoil. The five Xi and Xue tribes migrated inward; Buga fled to the Tuyuhun; Qiren then absorbed their people and sent envoys bearing tribute.
29
大業三年，煬帝幸榆林，啟人及義城公主來朝行宮，前後獻馬三千匹。 帝大悅，賜帛萬三千段。 啟人及義城公主上表曰：「已前聖人先帝莫緣可汗存日，憐臣，賜臣安義公主，臣種末為聖人先帝憐養。 臣兄弟妒惡，相共殺臣。 臣當時無處去，向上看只見天，下看只見地，實憶聖人先帝言語，投命去來。 聖人先帝見臣，大憐臣死命，養活勝於往前，遣臣作大可汗坐著也。 突厥百姓死者以外，還聚集作百姓也。 至尊今還如聖人先帝于天下四方坐也，還養活臣及突厥百姓，實無少短。 至尊憐臣時，乞依大國，服飾法用一同華夏。 帝下其議，公卿請依所奏，帝以為不可。 乃詔曰：「君子教人，不求變俗，何必化諸削衽，縻以長纓？」 乃璽書答啟人，以為磧北未靜，猶復征戰，但使存心孝順，何必改衣服也。 帝法駕御千人大帳，享啟人及其部落酋長三千五百人，賜物二千段，其下各有差。 復下詔褒寵之，賜路車、乘馬、鼓吹、幡旗，贊拜不名，位在諸侯王上。 帝親巡雲中，溯金河而東，北幸啟人所居。 啟人奉觴上壽，跪伏甚恭。 帝大悅，賦詩曰：「鹿塞鴻旗駐，龍庭翠輦回，氈帳望風舉，穹廬向日開。 呼韓頓顙至，屠耆接踵來，索辮擎膻肉，韋韌獻酒杯。 何如漢天子，空上單于台？」 帝賜啟人及主金甕各一，及衣服、被褥、錦彩； 特勤以下各有差。
In Daye year 3 Emperor Yang visited Yulin; Qiren and Princess Yicheng came to the touring palace and presented three thousand horses in all. The emperor was delighted and granted thirteen thousand bolts of silk. Qiren and Princess Yicheng memorialized: "In days past, while the sage prior emperor Mo-yuan Qaghan still lived, he took pity on me and gave me Princess Anyi; the remnant of my people were kept alive by the sage prior emperor's compassion. My brothers, consumed by envy, plotted together to kill me. I had nowhere to turn—above me only sky, below me only earth; I remembered the sage prior emperor's words and came to give my life into his hands. When the sage prior emperor received me, he spared my life and kept me alive better than ever, and installed me to sit as great qaghan. Apart from those who died, the Turkic people have gathered again and live as a people once more. Your Majesty now sits over the four quarters as the sage prior emperor did, still sustaining me and the Turkic people—not the least bit lacking. When Your Majesty shows me kindness, I beg to follow the great state and adopt dress and customs the same as China. The emperor referred the petition for discussion; the chief ministers urged approval, but the emperor refused. He then issued an edict: "The gentleman teaches others but does not seek to alter their customs—why must we make them cut their robes and bind them with court sashes?" An edict under the imperial seal answered Qiren: the north beyond the sands was still unsettled and fighting continued, but so long as he kept a loyal heart, what need was there to change his clothing? The emperor, in full imperial panoply, presided in a great tent seating a thousand and feasted Qiren and thirty-five hundred tribal chiefs, granting two thousand bolts of goods in all, with gradations below. Another edict praised and honored him, granting a ceremonial carriage, riding horses, a musical escort, banners and flags, obeisance without calling his name, and a rank above all feudal princes. The emperor personally toured Yunzhong, traced the Jin River eastward, and traveled north to visit where Qiren lived. Qiren raised a cup and offered blessings on the emperor's life, kneeling prostrate in deep respect. The emperor was delighted and composed a poem: "At Lusai the wild-goose banners stand; from the dragon court the green carriage returns; felt tents rise at our passing wind; domed lodges open toward the sun. Khans bow their heads as Huhanye once did; chieftains flock in succession; braided hair offers mutton; leather flasks hold out wine cups. How unlike the Son of Han, who climbed the Shanyu Terrace to no purpose?' The emperor gave Qiren and the princess each a golden jar, along with clothing, bedding, and brocades; Those of tegin rank and below received gifts according to their station.
30
先是，高麗私通使啟人所，啟人不敢隱境外之交，是日，持高麗使見。 敕令牛弘宣旨謂曰：「朕以啟人誠長奉國，故親至其所。 明年當往涿郡。 爾回日，語高麗主，宜早來朝。」 使人甚懼。 啟人乃扈從入塞至定襄，詔令歸蕃。 明年，朝於東都，禮賜益厚。 是歲，疾終，上為廢朝三日。
Earlier Goryeo had secretly dispatched envoys to Qiren's camp; Qiren did not dare conceal dealings beyond the border, and that day brought the Goryeo envoy before the emperor. The emperor ordered Niu Hong to declare his intent: "Because Qiren has long remained loyal to the state, I have come in person to his camp. Next year I shall travel to Zhuo Commandery. When you return, tell the king of Goryeo to come to court without delay.' The envoy was terrified. Qiren then escorted the court within the passes as far as Dingxiang, where an edict sent him back to his domains. The next year he attended court at the eastern capital, and ceremonial gifts grew richer still. That year he died of illness, and the emperor suspended court for three days in mourning.
31
其子吐吉立，是為始畢可汗。 表續尚公主，詔從其俗。 十一年，來朝於東都。 其年，車駕避暑汾陽宮。 八月，始畢率其種落入寇，圍帝於雁門。 援兵方至，始畢引去。 由是朝貢遂絕。 明年，復寇馬邑，唐公擊走之。 隋末亂離，中國人歸之者無數，遂大強盛。 迎蕭後置於定襄。 薛舉、竇建德、王世充、劉武周、梁師都、李軌、高開道之徒，雖僭尊號，皆稱臣，受其可汗之號，使者往來，相望於道。
His son Tuji succeeded him as Qaghan Shibi. Shibi asked to continue the imperial marriage alliance; an edict permitted it according to Turkic custom. In year 11 he attended court at the eastern capital. That same year the emperor summered at Fenyang Palace. In the eighth month Shibi led his people in invasion and besieged the emperor at Yanmen. Relief forces were just arriving when Shibi withdrew. From that point tribute ceased entirely. The next year he raided Mayi again; the Duke of Tang routed him. In the chaos at the end of Sui, countless Chinese defected to him, and his power grew vastly. He welcomed Empress Xiao and installed her at Dingxiang. Xue Ju, Dou Jiande, Wang Shichong, Liu Wuzhou, Liang Shidu, Li Gui, Gao Kaidao, and the like all styled themselves his vassals though they had usurped thrones, accepted qaghan titles from him, and their envoys crowded the roads in endless passage.
32
西突厥
The Western Turks
33
西突厥者，木杆可汗之子大邏便也。 與沙缽略有隙，因分為二，漸以強盛。 東拒都斤，西至龜茲，鐵勒、伊吾及西域諸胡悉附之。 大邏便為處邏侯所執，其國立鞅素特勤之子，是為泥利可汗。 卒，子達漫立，號泥撅處羅可汗。 其母向氏，本中國人，生達漫而泥利卒，向氏又嫁其弟婆實特勤。 開皇末，婆實共向氏入朝，遇達頭之亂，遂留京師，每舍之鴻臚寺。 處羅可汗居無恆處，終多在烏孫故地。 復立二小可汗，分統所部，一在石國北，以制諸胡國； 一居龜茲北，其地名應娑。 官有俟發、閻洪達，以評議國事，自余與東國同。 每五月、八月，聚祭神，歲使重臣向其先世所居之窟致祭焉。
The Western Turks were descended from Daluobian, son of Qaghan Mugan. Estranged from Shaboluo, they split in two and gradually grew powerful. Their domain ran from Dujin in the east to Kucha in the west; the Tiele, Yiwu, and all the peoples of the Western Regions submitted to them. Daluobian was seized by Chuluohou, and the realm installed the son of Tegin Yangsu as Qaghan Nili. At his death his son Daman succeeded, styled Qaghan Nijue Chuluo. His mother, Lady Xiang, was originally Chinese; she bore Daman, and after Nili's death she married his younger brother Tegin Boshi. At the end of Kaihuang, Boshi and Lady Xiang came to court; Datou's revolt broke out and they remained in the capital, lodged each visit at the Court for Dependencies. Qaghan Chuluo had no fixed seat and mostly ranged through the old Wusun territory. He also installed two lesser qaghans to govern his divisions—one north of Shiguo to control the Hu states; one lived north of Kucha at a place called Yingsuo. Officials included Yifa and Yan Hongda to deliberate on state affairs; the rest matched the eastern realm. Every fifth and eighth month they gathered for sacrifices to the gods; each year a senior minister was sent to the cave where their ancestors had lived to offer worship.
34
當大業初，處羅可汗撫禦無道，其國多叛，與鐵勒屢相攻，大為鐵勒所敗。 時黃門侍郎裴矩在敦煌引致西域，聞其國亂，復知處羅思其母氏，因奏之。 煬帝遣司朝謁者崔君肅齎書慰諭之。 處羅甚踞，受詔不肯起。 君肅謂處羅曰：「突厥本一國也，中分為二，自相仇敵，每歲交兵，積十年而莫能相滅者，明知啟人與處羅國其勢敵耳。 今啟人舉其部落，兵且百萬，入臣天子，甚有丹誠者，何也？ 但以切恨可汗而不能獨制，故卑事天子以借漢兵，連二大國，欲滅可汗耳。 百官兆庶咸請許之，天子弗違，師出有日矣。 顧可汗母向氏，本中國人，歸在京師，處於賓館，聞天子之詔，懼可汗之滅，旦夕守闕，哭甚悲哀，是以天子憐焉，為其輟策。 向夫人又匍匐謝罪，因請發使以召可汗，令入內屬，乞加恩禮，同於啟人。 天子從之，遣使到此。 可汗若稱籓拜詔，國乃永安，而母得延壽； 不然者，則向夫人為誑天子，必當取戮而傳首虜庭。 發大隋之兵，資北蕃之眾，左提右挈，以擊可汗，死亡則無日矣！ 奈何惜兩拜之禮，剿慈母之命，吝一句稱臣，喪匈奴之國也？」 處羅聞之，瞿然而起，流涕再拜，跪受詔書。
At the start of the Daye reign Qaghan Chuluo ruled without justice; his realm rebelled widely, and repeated wars with the Tiele brought him heavy defeat. Vice Director Pei Ju was then in Dunhuang cultivating ties with the Western Regions; learning of the realm's chaos and that Chuluo longed for his mother, he memorialized the throne. Emperor Yang sent Protocol Officer Cui Junsu with an imperial letter of consolation. Chuluo was exceedingly arrogant; when the edict was read he would not rise. Junsu said to Chuluo: "The Turks were once one realm, then divided in two and turned on each other; for ten years they fought without either side prevailing—that alone shows Qiren's power matches yours. Now Qiren has brought his tribes—nearly a million strong—and submitted to the Son of Heaven with open-hearted loyalty. Why is that? Because he hates you deeply but cannot overcome you alone, he humbles himself before the Son of Heaven to borrow Chinese troops—uniting two great powers to destroy you. Every official and subject has urged approval; the Son of Heaven will not refuse—a campaign will launch any day now. But your mother Lady Xiang, a Chinese woman living in the capital guesthouse, heard the emperor's decree and feared for your destruction; day and night she kept vigil at the palace gates, weeping bitterly—so the Son of Heaven took pity and for her sake stayed the campaign. Lady Xiang then crawled forward to beg forgiveness and asked that envoys be sent to summon you to submit within the passes, seeking honors equal to Qiren's. The Son of Heaven agreed and sent envoys here. If you declare yourself a vassal and bow to receive the edict, your realm will be secure and your mother will live out her years; Otherwise Lady Xiang will be judged to have deceived the emperor—she will be executed and her head sent to your court. Great Sui will mobilize its armies, supply the northern tribes, and strike from every side—your death will be only days away! Why cling to two bows of ceremony, throw away your mother's life, refuse one phrase of submission, and lose your realm? Chuluo heard this, started up in alarm, wept and bowed twice, then knelt to receive the edict.
35
君肅又說處羅曰：「啟人內附，先帝嘉之，賞賜極厚，故致兵強國富。 今可汗後附，與之爭寵，須深結于天子，自表至誠。 既以遠道，未得朝覲，宜立一功，以明臣節。」 處羅曰：「如何？」 君肅曰：「吐谷渾者，啟人少子莫賀咄設之母家也。 今天子又以義城公主妻于啟人，畏天子之威，而與之絕。 吐谷渾亦因憾漢，職貢不修。 可汗若請誅之，天子必許。 漢擊其內，可汗攻其外，破之必矣。 然後自入朝，道路無阻，因見老母，不亦可乎？」 處羅大喜，遂遣使朝貢。
Junsu again urged Chuluo: "When Qiren submitted within the passes, the late emperor praised him and gave lavish rewards, making his army strong and his realm rich. You have submitted later and must compete with him for favor—you need deep ties with the Son of Heaven and a show of utmost sincerity. You are far away and cannot yet attend court—you should perform some service to prove your loyalty." Chuluo asked: "How?" Junsu said: "The Tuyuhun are the maternal kin of Qiren's youngest son, Mouhezhusi she. The emperor has now given Princess Yicheng to Qiren in marriage; fearing imperial might, Qiren will break with the Tuyuhun. The Tuyuhun too, resentful toward China, have neglected tribute. If you ask permission to punish them, the emperor will surely agree. China will strike from within and you from without—they cannot fail to be destroyed. Then you can come to court yourself—the road will be clear, and you can see your mother. Would that not be best? Chuluo was delighted and at once sent envoys with tribute.
36
帝將四狩，六年，遣侍御史韋節召處羅，令與車駕會於大鬥拔穀。 其國人不從，處羅謝使者，辭以他故。 帝大怒，無如之何。 適會其酋長射匱遣使來求婚，裴矩奏曰：「處羅不朝，恃強大耳。 臣請以計弱之，分裂其國，即易制也。 射匱者，都六之子，達頭之孫，世為可汗，君臨西面。 今聞其失職，附隸于處羅，故遣使來以結援。 願厚禮其使，拜為大可汗，則突厥勢分，兩從我矣。」 帝曰：「公言是也。」 因遣裴矩，朝夕至館，微諷喻之。 帝於仁風殿召其使者，言處羅不順之意，稱射匱有好心，吾將立為大可汗，令發兵誅處羅，然後當為婚也。 取桃竹白羽箭一枚以賜射匱，因謂之曰：「此事宜速，使疾如箭也。」 使者返，路經處羅。 愛其箭，將留之，使者譎而得免。 射匱聞而大喜，興兵襲之，處羅大敗，棄妻子，將左右數千騎東走。 在路又被劫掠，遁于高昌，車保時羅漫山。 高昌王麹伯雅上狀，帝遣裴矩將向氏親要左右，馳至玉門關晉昌城。 矩遣向氏使詣處羅所，論朝廷弘養之義，丁甯曉喻之。 遂入朝，然每有怏怏之色。
When the emperor planned his fourth hunt, in the sixth year he sent Supervising Censor Wei Jie to summon Chuluo and meet the imperial procession at Dadoubaga. His people refused to go; Chuluo apologized to the envoy and pleaded other reasons. The emperor was furious but could do nothing. Just then their chieftain Shegui sent envoys to request marriage. Pei Ju memorialized: "Chuluo stays away only because he trusts in his power. I ask to weaken him by stratagem—split his realm and he will be easy to manage. Shegui is Duliu's son and Tatou's grandson—a hereditary qaghan ruling the west. Having lost his standing and submitted to Chuluo, he now sends envoys seeking support. Let us honor his envoys richly and invest him as Great Qaghan—the Turks will be divided and both will follow us." The emperor said: "You are right. He sent Pei Ju to visit the envoys' lodge morning and evening, gently urging them. At Renfeng Hall the emperor summoned the envoys, spoke of Chuluo's defiance, praised Shegui's goodwill, and said he would make Shegui Great Qaghan if he raised troops to punish Chuluo—then the marriage would follow. He gave Shegui one white-feather arrow of peach bamboo and said: "Act quickly—be swift as this arrow. The envoys returned by way of Chuluo's territory. Chuluo admired the arrow and tried to keep it; the envoys tricked their way free. Shegui heard and rejoiced; he raised troops and attacked. Chuluo was routed, abandoned his wife and children, and fled east with a few thousand followers. On the road he was robbed again; he fled to Gaochang and took refuge on Mount Luomanshan. King Qu Boya of Gaochang reported this; the emperor sent Pei Ju with Lady Xiang's kin and attendants, galloping to Jinchang at Yumen Pass. Pei Ju sent Lady Xiang's party to Chuluo to explain the court's generous care and earnestly persuade him. He then came to court, but always looked discontented.
37
以七年冬，處羅朝于臨朔宮。 帝享之，處羅稽首謝曰：「臣總西面諸蕃，不得早來朝拜，今參見遲晚，罪責極深。 臣心裏悚懼，不能盡道。」 帝曰：「往者與突厥遞相侵擾，不得安居。 今四海既清，與一家無異，朕皆欲存養，使遂性靈。 譬如上天，止有一個日照臨，莫不寧帖； 若有兩個、三個日，萬物何以得安？ 比者，亦知處羅總攝事繁，不得早來相見。 今日見處羅，懷抱豁然歡喜。 處羅亦當豁然，不煩在意。」 明年元會，處羅上壽曰：「自天以下，地以上，日月所照，唯有聖人可汗。 今是大日，願聖人可汗千歲、萬歲，常如今日也。」 詔留其羸弱萬餘口，令其弟達度闕設牧畜會寧郡。 處羅從征高麗，號為曷薩那可汗，賞賜甚厚。
In the winter of the seventh year Chuluo attended court at Linshuo Palace. The emperor feasted him. Chuluo kowtowed and apologized: "I govern the western tribes and could not come sooner; this late audience brings deep guilt. My heart is full of fear and I cannot say all I feel." The emperor said: "In the past Turks and we raided each other in turn and neither side could live in peace. Now the realm is at peace and we are one family; I wish to preserve and nurture all peoples and let them live as they will. It is like Heaven—there is only one sun shining on all, and everyone is at peace; if there were two or three suns, how could anything live in peace? I also knew you were burdened with many affairs and could not come sooner. Today, seeing you, my heart is suddenly glad. You too should be at ease and put your worries aside." The next New Year Chuluo offered a toast: "From Heaven to Earth, wherever sun and moon shine, only the Sage Qaghan exists. Today is the Great Sun; may the Sage Qaghan live a thousand, ten thousand years, always as today. An edict left more than ten thousand of the weak behind and ordered his younger brother Dadu Que she to pasture livestock in Huining Prefecture. Chuluo joined the campaign against Goryeo and was titled Hesana Qaghan; his rewards were lavish.
38
十年正月，以信義公主嫁焉，賜錦彩，袍千具、彩萬匹。 帝將復其故地，以遼東之役，故未遑也。 每從行幸。 江都之亂，隨化及至河北。 化及將敗，奔歸京師，為北蕃突厥所害。
In the first month of the tenth year Princess Xinyi was given to him in marriage, with one thousand brocade robes and ten thousand bolts of colored silk. The emperor meant to restore his old lands, but the Liaodong campaign left no time for it. He always accompanied the emperor on tour. During the Jiangdu upheaval he followed Huaji to Hebei. When Huaji was near defeat he fled back to the capital and was killed by the northern Turks.
39
鐵勒之先，匈奴之苗裔也。 ，種類最多，自西海之東依山據穀，往往不絕。 獨洛河北，有僕骨、同羅、韋紇、拔也古、覆羅，並號俟斤，蒙陳、吐如紇、斯結、渾、斛薛等諸姓，勝兵可二萬。 伊吾以西，焉耆之北，傍白山，則有契弊、薄落職、乙栎至、蘇婆、那曷、烏護、紇骨、也栎至、於尼護等，勝兵可二萬。 金山西南，有薛延阤、栎至勒兒、十盤、達契等，一萬餘兵。 康國北，傍阿得水，則有訶栎至、曷截、撥忽、比干、具海、曷北悉、何嵯蘇、拔也末、謁達等，有三萬許兵。 得嶷海東西，有蘇路羯、三素咽、篾促、薩忽等諸姓，八千餘。 拂菻東，則有恩屈、阿蘭、北褥、九離、伏嗢昏等，近二萬人。 北海南，則都波等。 雖姓氏各別，總謂為鐵勒。 並無君長，分屬東西兩突厥。 居無恆所，隨水草流移。 人性凶忍，善於騎射，貪婪尤甚，以寇抄為生。 近西邊者，頗為藝植，多牛而少馬。
The Tiele were descended from the Xiongnu. They were the most numerous of peoples; from east of the Western Sea they held valleys along the mountains in unbroken succession. North of the Duluo River lived Pugu, Tongluo, Weihe, Bayegu, and Fuluo—all styled yabghu—plus the Mengchen, Turuhe, Sijie, Hun, Huxie, and other clans, with about twenty thousand warriors. West of Yiwu and north of Yanqi, beside Mount Bai, were Qibi, Boluozhi, Yilizhi, Supo, Nahe, Wuhu, Hegu, Yelizhi, Yunihu, and others, with about twenty thousand warriors. Southwest of Mount Jin were Xueyantuo, Lizhile'er, Shipan, Daqi, and others, with more than ten thousand warriors. North of Kangju, beside the Ashe River, were Helizhi, Hejie, Bohu, Bigan, Juhai, Hebeixi, Hezuosu, Bayemo, Yeda, and others, with about thirty thousand warriors. East and west of Lake Telet were the Suluojie, Sansuoyan, Mietu, Sahu, and other clans, more than eight thousand strong. East of Byzantium were Enqu, Alan, Beiru, Jiuli, Fu'uhun, and others, nearly twenty thousand people. South of the Northern Sea were the Dubo and others. Though their clan names differed, collectively they were called the Tiele. They had no rulers of their own but were divided between the Eastern and Western Turks. They had no fixed abode but moved with pasture and water. They were fierce and cruel, skilled horsemen and archers, exceedingly greedy, and lived by raiding. Those near the western frontier farmed somewhat and kept many cattle but few horses.
40
其俗大抵與突厥同。 唯丈夫婚畢，便就妻家，待產乳男女，然後歸舍； 死者埋殯之：此其異也。 大業三年，遣使貢方物，自是不絕云。
Their customs were largely the same as the Turks'. Only after marriage did a husband go to live with his wife's family until she had borne and nursed children, then return home; the dead were buried in coffins—these were their distinctive customs. In Daye year 3 they sent envoys with local goods; from then on tribute continued without interruption.
41
論曰：四夷之為中國患也，久矣，北狄尤甚焉。 種落實繁，迭雄邊塞，年代遐邈，非一時也。 五帝之世，則有獯鬻焉； 其在三代，則獫狁焉； 逮乎兩漢，則匈奴焉； 當塗、典午，則烏丸、鮮卑焉； 後魏及周，則蠕蠕、突厥。 此其酋豪相繼，互為君長者也。 皆以畜牧為業，侵抄為資，倏來忽往，雲飛鳥集。 智謀之士，議和親於廟堂之上； 折沖之臣，論奮擊於塞垣之下。 然事無恆規，權無定勢，親疏因其強弱，服叛在其盛衰，衰則款塞頓顙，盛則率兵寇掠。 屈伸異態。 強弱相反。 正朔所不及，冠帶所不加。 唯利是視，不顧盟誓，至於莫相救護，驕黠憑陵。 和親結約之謀，行師用兵之事，前史論之備矣，故不詳而究焉。
Commentary: The barbarians on the four sides have long been a scourge to China, and the northern peoples above all. Their tribes are many; chiefs have risen in turn along the frontier over ages far beyond any single era. In the age of the Five Emperors there were the Xunyu; In the Three Dynasties there were the Xianyun; In the Two Han dynasties there were the Xiongnu; Under Eastern Han and Jin there were the Wuhuan and Xianbei; Under Later Wei and Zhou there were the Rouran and Turks. These were chieftains succeeding one another, each in turn becoming ruler. All lived by herding and raiding, appearing and vanishing like clouds and flocking birds. Counselors debated marriage alliances in the imperial court; Frontier generals debated bold strikes below the border walls. Yet nothing was fixed: friendship or estrangement followed strength and weakness, submission or rebellion followed rise and fall—when weak they came humbly to the passes; when strong they raided with armies. Their posture shifted with circumstance. Strength and weakness traded places. They lay beyond the imperial calendar and the realm of court ritual. They cared only for gain, ignored oaths, would not aid one another, and grew arrogant and predatory. Marriage alliances, treaties, campaigns, and battles are already fully treated in earlier histories, so they are not examined in detail here.
42
及蠕蠕衰微，突厥始大，至於木杆，遂雄朔野。 東極東胡舊境，西盡烏孫之地，彎弓數十萬，列處於代陰，南向以臨周、齊。 二國莫之能抗，爭請盟好，求結和親。 乃與周合從，終亡齊國。 隋文遷鼎，厥徒孔熾，負其眾力，將蹈秦郊。 內自相圖，遂以乖亂，達頭可汗遠遁，啟人願保塞下。 於是推亡固存，返其舊地，追討餘燼，部眾遂強，卒于仁壽，不侵不叛。 暨乎始畢，未虧臣禮。 煬帝撫之非道，始有雁門之圍，俄屬群盜並與，於此浸以雄盛。 豪傑雖建名號，莫不請好息人。 於是分置官司，總統中國，子女玉帛，相繼于道，使者之車，往來結轍。 自古蕃夷驕僭，未有若斯之甚也。
As the Rouran declined, the Turks rose; under Mugan Qaghan they dominated the northern steppe. Their domain ran from the old Donghu lands in the east to Wusun territory in the west; with hundreds of thousands of bowmen they camped at Daiyin, facing south toward Zhou and Qi. Neither state could stand against them; both sought alliance and marriage ties. Allied with Zhou, they ultimately destroyed Qi. When Emperor Wen of Sui took the throne, the Turks were at their peak; trusting in their numbers, they threatened the capital itself. They turned on one another and fell into chaos; Qaghan Tatou fled far away, and Qiren offered to guard the frontier passes. The court then restored what survived, returned his old lands, and pursued the defeated remnants—his tribes grew strong again; through the Renshou reign he neither invaded nor rebelled. Down to Shibi, he did not fail in the duties of a vassal. Emperor Yang mishandled them; the siege at Yanmen followed, then rebel armies rose everywhere, and the Turks gradually grew mighty again. Even warlords who set up their own regimes all sought friendly ties with the Turks. They were given offices and authority over China; tribute of women, jade, and silk streamed along the roads, and envoys' carts crowded the highways. Never in antiquity had frontier peoples grown so arrogant and overreaching.
43
及聖哲應期，掃除氛祲。 暗于時變，猶懷抵拒，率其群醜，屢隳亭鄣，殘敗我雲、代，搖盪我太原，肆掠于涇陽，飲馬於渭汭。 太宗文皇帝奇謀內運，神機密動，遂使百世不羈之虜，一舉而滅。 瀚海龍庭之地，盡為九州； 幽都窮發之鄉，隸於編戶。 實帝皇所不及，書契所未聞。 由此言之，雖天道有盛衰，亦人事之工拙也。 加以為而弗恃，有而弗居，類天地之含容，同陰陽之化育，斯乃大道之行也，固無得而稱焉。
When a sage answered the times, the miasma was swept away. Blind to the turning age, they still resisted; leading their wicked bands they smashed frontier posts again and again, ravaged Yun and Dai, shook Taiyuan, plundered Jingyang, and watered their horses at the Wei ford. Emperor Taizong, with wondrous stratagems within and secret divine moves, destroyed in one stroke a foe that had run wild for a hundred generations. The Hanhai and Longting became part of the Nine Provinces; the far north of Youdu and Qiongfa was entered on the tax rolls. What no emperor had achieved and no chronicle had ever recorded. From this we see that though Heaven's mandate waxes and wanes, human effort—skill or folly—matters too. Moreover he achieved yet did not boast, possessed yet did not cling—like Heaven and Earth in forbearance, like yin and yang in nurture; such is the Great Way in action, beyond all praise.