Volume 100 Biographies 88: Preface to Biographies

李氏序傳

Preface and Biography of the Li Family

李氏之先，出自帝顓頊高陽氏。當唐堯之時，高陽氏有才子曰庭堅，為堯大理，以官命族，為理氏。歷夏、殷之季。其後理征字德靈，為翼隸中吳伯，以直道不容，得罪於紂。其妻契和氏，摧子利貞逃隱伊侯之墟，食木子而得全，遂改理為李氏。周時，裔孫日乾，聚于益壽氏女嬰敷。生子耳，字伯陽，為柱下史。

The Li family traced its descent to Emperor Zhuanxu of the Gaoyang line. In the era of Emperor Yao of Tang, a gifted man of the Gaoyang house named Tingjian served as Grand Minister of Justice under Yao; his clan took the name Li from his office, written with the graph for 'justice.' The line continued through the closing ages of Xia and Shang. Later, Li Zheng (styled Deling) held the title Earl of Zhongwu in Yizhou; unable to bend to corrupt ways, he fell foul of King Zhou of Shang. His wife Lady Qihe fled with their son Lizhen to the abandoned lands of the Yi Marquis; they survived by eating the fruit of a tree, and the clan name was changed from the Li of 'justice' to the Li of 'plum.' In the Zhou period, a descendant named Rigan took as his wife Yinfu, daughter of the Yishou family. She bore a son named Er, styled Boyang, who served as Keeper of the Archives.

子孫散居諸國，或在趙，或在秦。在魏者為段干大夫，段干木其後也。別孫忄裏為魏文侯興富國之術焉。在趙者曰曇，以功封柏人，武安君牧其後也。在秦者名興族，為將軍。生子伯祐，建功北狄，封南鄭公。伯祐生二子，平燕、內德。子信為秦將，虜燕太子丹。信孫元曠，仕漢為侍中。元曠弟仲翔，位太尉。仲翔討叛羌於素昌，一名狄道。仲翔臨陣殞命，葬狄道川，因家焉。《史記李將軍傳》所云其先自槐裏徙居成紀，實始此也。仲翔曾孫廣，仕漢，曆文、景、武三帝，位前將軍，立功沙漠。廣子當戶、椒、敢。當戶子陵，戰歿匈奴。椒。敢曆侍中、郎中令、關內侯。生子禹，位至侍中。並事具《史》、《漢》。禹生承公。承公生蜀郡太守先。先生長宗。長宗生博士況。況生孝廉本。本字上明，生巴郡太守次公。次公生臨淮太守軌。軌字逸文，生積弩將軍隆。隆字業緒，生雍。雍字俊熙，仁魏，曆尚書郎、濟北、東莞二郡太守。雍生柔。柔字德遠，晉舉秀才，為相國從事中郎、北地太守。

His descendants dispersed among the various states, settling in Zhao, Qin, and elsewhere. The Wei branch produced the Duanmu grandees, of whom Duanmu Mu was a descendant. A collateral descendant, Li Kui, devised for Marquis Wen of Wei the policies that would enrich the state. The Zhao branch was headed by Tan, enfeoffed at Boren for his achievements; Lord Wu'an Mu was among his descendants. The Qin branch was represented by Xingzu, who rose to be a general. He had a son Boyou, who won distinction campaigning against the Northern Di and was enfeoffed as Duke of Nanzheng. Boyou had two sons, Pingyan and Neide. His son Xin served as a Qin general and captured Crown Prince Dan of Yan. Xin's grandson Yuankuang served the Han as Palace Attendant. Yuankuang's younger brother Zhongxiang rose to the post of Grand Commandant. Zhongxiang campaigned against rebellious Qiang at Suchang, also known as Didao. Zhongxiang fell in battle and was buried on the banks of the Didao River, where the family then made its home. The account in the Shiji's "Biography of General Li" of the family's move from Huaili to Chengji in fact begins at this point. Zhongxiang's great-grandson Guang served the Han through the reigns of Emperors Wen, Jing, and Wu, rose to General of the Van, and won distinction in the desert campaigns. Guang had three sons: Danghu, Jiao, and Gan. Danghu's son Ling fell in battle against the Xiongnu. Jiao. Gan served in turn as Palace Attendant, Commandant of the Gentlemen, and Marquis within the Passes. He had a son Yu, who rose to the post of Palace Attendant. All of this is recorded in full in the Shiji and the Hanshu. Yu had a son Chenggong. Chenggong's son Xian became Governor of Shu Commandery. Xian had a son Changzong. Changzong's son Kuang became an Erudite. Kuang's son Ben was a Filial and Incorrupt graduate. Ben (styled Shangming) had a son Cigong, who became Governor of Ba Commandery. Cigong's son Gui became Governor of Linhuai. Gui (styled Yiwen) had a son Long, who became General of the Crossbowmen. Long (styled Yexu) had a son Yong. Yong (styled Junxi) took refuge in Wei and served successively as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing and as Governor of Jibei and Dongguan. Yong had a son Rou. Rou (styled Deyuan) was recommended as a xiucai under the Jin and served as Attendant of the Chancellor and Governor of Beidi.

柔生弇，字秀子，高亮果毅，有智局。晉末大亂，與從兄卓居相國晉王保下。卓位相國從事中郎，保政刑不修，卓率宗族奔于張寔，弇亦隨焉。因仕于張氏，為驍騎左監。弇本名良，妻姓梁氏。張駿謂弇曰：「卿名良，妻又姓梁，令子孫何以目其舅氏？昔耿弇以弱年立功，啟中興之業，吾方賴卿，有同耿氏。」乃使名弇。曆天水太守、衛將軍，封安西亭侯。卒，年五十六，贈武衛將軍，建初中，追諡景公。子昶，字仲堅，幼有名譽，年十八而亡。建初中，追諡簡公。

Rou had a son Yan (styled Xiuzi), a man of lofty bearing, resolute character, and keen strategic judgment. When the Jin empire collapsed into chaos at the end of the dynasty, he and his cousin Zhuo took service under Chancellor Jin Wang Bao. Zhuo served as Attendant of the Chancellor; when Bao's administration and legal order broke down, Zhuo led the clan to Zhang Shi, and Yan went with them. He then entered the service of the Zhang family as Left Supervisor of the Valiant Cavalry. Yan's original given name was Liang, and his wife's surname was also Liang. Zhang Jun said to Yan, "Your given name is Liang and your wife's surname is Liang—how will your descendants address their uncles on the mother's side? In former times Geng Yan won distinction while still young and helped launch the restoration; I now place my hopes in you as on the Geng family. He then had him adopt the name Yan. He served in turn as Governor of Tianshui and General of the Guard, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Anxi. He died at the age of fifty-six and was posthumously appointed General of the Martial Guard; in the Jianchu era he was given the posthumous title Duke Jing. His son Chang (styled Zhongjian) enjoyed a fine reputation from childhood but died at the age of eighteen. In the Jianchu era he was given the posthumous title Duke Jian.

涼武昭王皓，字玄盛，小字長生，簡公昶之子也。遺腹而誕，祖母梁氏，親加撫育。幼好學，性沈敏寬和，美器度，通涉經史，尤長文義。及長，頗習武藝，誦孫、吳兵法。常與呂光太史令郭霡及其同母弟宋繇同宿。霡起謂繇曰：「君當位極人臣，李君必有國土之分。家有騧黃馬生白額駒。此其時也。」及呂光之末，段業自稱涼州牧，以昭王為效穀令。而敦煌護軍馮翊郭謙、沙州中從事敦煌索仙等以昭王溫毅有惠政，推為甯朔將軍、敦煌太守。昭王初難之。會宋繇仕於業，告歸，言于昭王曰：「兄忘郭霡言邪？白額駒今已生矣！」昭王乃從之。尋進號冠軍將軍，稱籓於業。業僭稱涼王，其右衛將軍索嗣構昭王於業，乃以嗣為敦煌太守，率騎而西，昭王命師擊走之。於是晉昌太守唐瑤移檄六郡，推昭王為大都督、大將軍、涼公，領秦涼二州牧、護羌校尉，依竇融故事。昭王乃赦境內，建元號庚子，追崇祖考，大開霸府，置左右長史、司馬、從事中郎，備置僚寀。廣辟土宇，屯玉門、陽關，大田積穀，為東討之資。立靖恭堂以議朝政，閱武事焉。圖贊自古聖帝、明王、忠臣、孝子、烈士、貞女，親為序頌，以明鑒誡之義。當時文武群公僚佐，亦皆圖贊所志。五年，改元為建初。遣舍人黃始、梁興間行歸表于晉。是歲，乃自敦煌徙都酒泉。又以表未報，復遣沙門法泉間行通表建鄴。于時百姓樂業，請勒銘酒泉，乃使儒林祭酒劉彥明為文，刻石頌德。又有白狼、白兔、白雀、白雉、白鳩等集於園間。群下以為白祥，金精所誕，皆應時邕而至；又有神光、甘露、連理、嘉禾眾瑞，請史官記其事。昭王從之。上巳日，宴於曲水，命群僚賦詩，昭王親為之序。於是寫諸葛亮訓誡以勖諸子焉。昭王以緯世之量，為群雄所奉，兵無血刃，遂啟霸業，乃修敦煌舊塞。薨，諡曰武昭王，廟號高祖，陵號建世，武昭王十子，譚、歆、讓、愔、恂、翻、豫、宏、眺、亮。世子譚早卒。

Martial and Illustrious King Hao of Liang (styled Xuansheng, childhood name Changsheng) was the son of Duke Jian Chang. He was born after his father's death; his grandmother, Lady Liang of the Liang clan, raised him herself. From childhood he loved learning; he was thoughtful, quick-witted, generous, and mild, with a commanding presence, and he ranged widely through the classics and histories, excelling especially in literary interpretation. As he grew older he also trained in martial arts and studied the military writings of Sunzi and Wuzi. He often shared lodgings with Lü Guang's Grand Astrologer Guo Mai and his younger brother by the same mother, Song Yao. Mai rose and said to Yao, "You will rise to the highest ministerial rank, and Lord Li is destined to receive a portion of the realm. When your piebald yellow mare foals a colt with a white forehead, that will be the moment. Near the end of Lü Guang's rule, Duan Ye styled himself Governor of Liang Province and appointed the Illustrious King magistrate of Xiaogu. But Protector of Dunhuang Guo Qian of Fufeng, Central Attendant of Shazhou Suo Xian of Dunhuang, and others, impressed by the Illustrious King's gentle resolve and benevolent rule, urged him to accept the posts of General Who Pacifies the North and Governor of Dunhuang. The Illustrious King was reluctant at first. At that time Song Yao, who was serving Duan Ye, asked leave to return home and said to the Illustrious King, "Brother, have you forgotten what Guo Mai said? The white-foreheaded colt has been born! The Illustrious King then accepted. Soon he was promoted to General Who Conquers Champions and acknowledged Duan Ye as his suzerain. When Duan Ye presumptuously styled himself King of Liang, his General of the Right Guard Suo Si slandered the Illustrious King to him; Ye then appointed Si Governor of Dunhuang and sent him west with cavalry, but the Illustrious King ordered his forces to attack and drive him off. Thereupon Governor of Jinchang Tang Yao issued a proclamation to the six commanderies, urging the Illustrious King to accept the titles of Grand Commander-in-Chief, Grand General, and Duke of Liang, with governorship of Qin and Liang provinces and the post of Protector of the Qiang, following the precedent of Dou Rong. The Illustrious King then proclaimed an amnesty within his borders, established the era name Gengzi, honored his ancestors, opened a great princely administration, and appointed Left and Right Chief Clerks, Marshals, and Attendants, fully staffing his bureaucracy. He expanded his territory, garrisoned Yumenguan and Yangguan, planted fields on a large scale and stored grain, building up resources for a future eastern campaign. He established the Hall of Tranquil Respect for deliberating on state affairs and reviewing military matters. He commissioned paintings and eulogies of sage emperors, enlightened kings, loyal ministers, filial sons, martyrs, and chaste women from antiquity, personally writing prefaces and hymns to illustrate the lessons of history. The civil and military officials of his court likewise had their aspirations commemorated in painting and verse. In the fifth year he changed the era name to Jianchu. He sent Gentlemen of the Household Huang Shi and Liang Xing by secret route to present a memorial to the Jin court. That year he moved his capital from Dunhuang to Jiuquan. When his memorial received no reply, he again sent the monk Faquan by secret route to present a memorial at Jianye. At that time the people were prosperous and content, and they requested a commemorative inscription at Jiuquan; he had Libationer of the Forest of Scholars Liu Yanming compose the text and carve it in stone to praise his virtue. White wolves, white hares, white sparrows, white pheasants, white doves, and other such creatures also gathered in the palace gardens. His officials regarded these white omens as manifestations of the essence of metal, all arriving in timely harmony; and there were also divine lights, sweet dew, intertwined trees, and fine grain—many auspicious signs—and they asked the historiographers to record these events. The Illustrious King agreed. On the Shangsi festival he held a feast at the winding stream, ordered his officials to compose poems, and personally wrote the preface. He then copied out Zhuge Liang's admonitions to encourage his sons. With the capacity to bring order to a troubled age, the Illustrious King was upheld by rival powers; his armies won victories without bloodshed, and he founded a hegemonic state while restoring the old frontier defenses of Dunhuang. He died and was given the posthumous title Martial and Illustrious King, with temple name Gaozu and tomb name Jianshi. The Martial and Illustrious King had ten sons: Tan, Xin, Rang, Yin, Xun, Fan, Yu, Hong, Tiao, and Liang. The heir apparent Tan died young.

後主弟讓，字士遜，雅量凝重，善於謀略，位甯朔將軍，領西羌校尉、輔國將軍、晉敦煌太守、新鄉侯，贈驃騎大將軍，諡曰穆。讓弟愔，字士正，位晉昌、敦煌太守。愔弟恂，字士如，有幹略，位酒泉、敦煌太守，遇家國之難而終。恂弟翻，字士舉，小字武疆，英雄秀出，有雄略，位車騎將軍，祈連、酒泉、晉昌郡太守。翻弟豫，字士寧，位西海太守。豫弟宏，字士贊，位前將軍、中華令。宏弟眺，字士遠，位左將軍。眺弟亮，字士融，位右將軍。

The Later Lord's younger brother Rang (styled Shixun), a man of elegant breadth and grave bearing skilled in strategy, served as General Who Pacifies the North, concurrently as Western Qiang Commandant, General Who Assists the State, Jin Governor of Dunhuang, and Marquis of Xinxiang; he was posthumously appointed Grand General of Agile Cavalry and given the posthumous title Mu. Rang's younger brother Yin (styled Shizheng) served as Governor of Jinchang and Dunhuang. Yin's younger brother Xun (styled Shiru), a capable and strategic man, served as Governor of Jiuquan and Dunhuang and died in the catastrophe that befell his family and state. Xun's younger brother Fan (styled Shiju, childhood name Wujiang), an outstanding hero with bold strategic vision, served as General of Chariots and Cavalry and as Governor of Qilian, Jiuquan, and Jinchang. Fan's younger brother Yu (styled Shining) served as Governor of Xihai. Yu's younger brother Hong (styled Shizan) served as General of the Van and Director of Zhonghua. Hong's younger brother Tiao (styled Shiyuan) served as General of the Left. Tiao's younger brother Liang (styled Shirong) served as General of the Right.

寶字懷素，小字衍孫，晉昌太守翻之子也。沈雅有度量，驍勇善撫接。遇家難，為沮渠蒙遜囚于姑臧。歲餘，與舅唐契北奔伊吾，臣於蠕蠕。其遺眾之歸附者，稍至二千，寶傾身禮接，甚得其心，眾皆為之用，每希報雪。屬太武遣將討沮渠無諱于敦煌，無諱捐城遁走。寶自伊吾南歸敦煌，遂修繕城府，規復先業，遣弟懷達，奉表歸誠，太武嘉其忠款，拜懷達散騎常侍、敦煌太守；別遣使授寶使持節、侍中、都督西垂諸軍事、鎮西大將軍、開府儀同三司、領護西戎校尉、沙州牧、敦煌公，仍鎮敦煌，四品已下，聽承制假授。真君五年，因入朝，遂留京師，拜外都大官。轉鎮南將軍、并州刺史，還除內部大官。文成初，代司馬文思鎮懷荒，改授鎮北將軍。太安五年薨，年五十三，詔賜命服一襲，贈以本官，諡曰宣。有六子，承、茂、輔、佐、公業、沖。公業早卒。

Bao (styled Huaisu, childhood name Yansun) was the son of Governor of Jinchang Fan. He was thoughtful and refined in bearing, generous in spirit, valiant in battle, and skilled at winning men's loyalty. When his family met with catastrophe, he was imprisoned at Guzang by Juqu Mengxun. After more than a year, he and his maternal uncle Tang Qi fled north to Yiwu and submitted to the Rouran. The remnant followers who came to join him gradually numbered two thousand. Bao received them with every courtesy and won their hearts completely; all were ready to serve him, each longing to avenge past wrongs. At that time Emperor Taiwu dispatched a general to attack Juqu Wuhui at Dunhuang, and Wuhui abandoned the city and fled. Bao returned south from Yiwu to Dunhuang, repaired the city walls and fortifications, and set out to restore the ancestral domain. He sent his younger brother Huaida with a memorial pledging allegiance; Emperor Taiwu praised their loyalty and appointed Huaida Supervising Cavalry Attendant-in-Ordinary and Administrator of Dunhuang; He also sent a separate envoy to invest Bao as Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Palace Attendant, Commander-in-Chief of All Military Affairs in the Western Marches, Great General Who Pacifies the West, Director with the Ceremonial of the Three Highest Offices, Colonel Protector of the Western Rong, Governor of Shazhou, and Duke of Dunhuang, with orders to continue garrisoning Dunhuang. For offices of the fourth rank and below, he was authorized to appoint and commission at his own discretion. In the fifth year of the Zhenjun era, he came to court and was kept in the capital, where he was appointed Director of the Outer Court. He was transferred to General Who Pacifies the South and Governor of Bingzhou, and after returning was appointed Director of the Inner Court. At the start of Emperor Wencheng's reign, he replaced Sima Wensi as commander of Huaihuang and was reassigned as General Who Pacifies the North. In the fifth year of the Tai'an era he died at the age of fifty-three. The court granted him one set of funeral robes, posthumously restored his former office, and gave him the posthumous name Xuan. He had six sons: Cheng, Mao, Fu, Zuo, Gongye, and Chong. Gongye died young.

承字伯業，少有謀略。初，寶欲歸款，僚庶多有異議。承時年十三，勸寶速定大計，於是遂決。寶仍令承隨表入賀。太武深相器異，禮遇甚優，賜爵姑臧侯。後遭父憂，居喪以孝聞。承應傳先封，以自有爵，乃以本封讓弟茂，時論多之。承方裕有鑒裁，為時所重。文成末，以散侯出為龍驤將軍、滎陽太守，為政嚴明，甚著聲稱。延興五年卒，時年四十五，贈使持節、大將軍、雍州刺史，諡曰穆。

Cheng, styled Boye, showed strategic talent from an early age. When Bao first planned to submit in allegiance, many of his officials and retainers disagreed. Cheng was then only thirteen; he urged Bao to settle on a decisive course at once, and the plan was adopted. Bao then sent Cheng to accompany the memorial to court to offer congratulations. Emperor Taiwu took exceptional notice of him, treated him with great honor, and granted him the title Marquis of Gucang. Later, after his father's death, he became known for filial devotion during mourning. Cheng was entitled to inherit the original fief, but since he already held a noble title he yielded the ancestral enfeoffment to his younger brother Mao—an act widely praised at the time. Cheng was magnanimous and discerning, and was highly regarded in his day. Near the end of Emperor Wencheng's reign, after relinquishing his marquisate he was appointed General of the Dragon Cavalry and Administrator of Xingyang. His administration was strict and clear, and he won great renown. In the fifth year of the Yanxing era he died at forty-five. He was posthumously invested as Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Great General, and Governor of Yongzhou, with the posthumous name Mu.

長子韶，字元伯，學涉有器量，與弟彥、虔、蕤並孝文賜名焉。韶雅為季父沖所知重。延興中，補中書學生，襲爵姑臧侯，除儀曹令。時修改車服及羽儀制度，皆令韶典焉。遷給事黃門侍郎。後依例降侯為伯，兼大鴻臚卿，黃門如故。孝文將創遷都之計，詔引侍臣，訪以古事。韶對曰：「洛陽九鼎舊所，七百攸墓，地則土中，實均朝貢，惟王建國，莫尚於此。」帝稱善。遷太子右詹事，尋罷左右，仍為詹事、肆州大中正。出為安東將軍、兗州刺史。帝自鄴還洛，韶朝于路，帝言及庶人恂事曰：「卿若不出東宮，或未至此也。」宣武初，征拜侍中，領七兵尚書，除撫軍將軍，并州刺史。以從弟伯尚同咸陽王禧之逆，免除官爵。久之，兼將作大匠，敕參定朝儀律令。及呂苟兒反于秦州，除撫軍將軍、西道都督，行秦州事，與右衛將軍元麗，率眾討之。事平，即真，璽書勞勉，復其先爵。時隴右新經師旅，百姓多不安業，韶善撫納，甚得夷夏之心。

His eldest son Shao, styled Yuanbo, was broadly learned and possessed great capacity. He and his brothers Yan, Qian, and Rui were all granted their names by Emperor Xiaowen. From early on Shao was recognized and valued by his uncle Chong. During the Yanxing era he entered service as a student of the Palace Secretariat, inherited the marquisate of Gucang, and was appointed Director of the Ceremonial Bureau. When the regulations governing chariots, robes, and ceremonial regalia were being revised, Shao was placed in charge of the entire undertaking. He was promoted to Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. Later, in accordance with precedent, his marquisate was reduced to a barony. He concurrently served as Grand Master of Ceremonial while retaining his Yellow Gate appointment. When Emperor Xiaowen was planning to move the capital, he summoned his attendant ministers and asked them about ancient precedents. Shao replied: "Luoyang is the ancient seat of the Nine Tripods and the resting place of the Zhou kings. Its land lies at the center of the realm and truly equalizes tribute from every quarter. For a king founding a state, no place is greater than this. The Emperor approved of this. He was transferred to Right Tutor of the Heir Apparent. Soon afterward the left and right tutorships were abolished, and he continued as Tutor and Chief Rectifier of Sizhou. He was appointed General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Yanzhou. As the Emperor returned from Ye to Luoyang, Shao met him along the road. The Emperor spoke of the deposed heir Xun and said, "Had you not left the Eastern Palace, matters might never have come to this. At the start of Emperor Xuanwu's reign he was summoned to court and appointed Palace Attendant, Director of the Seven Arms Ministry, General Who Comforts the Army, and Governor of Bingzhou. Because his younger cousin Bo Shang had joined Prince Xianyang Xi in rebellion, Shao was stripped of his offices and noble titles. After some time he was additionally appointed Grand Director of Palace Construction and ordered to assist in drafting court ritual and legal codes. When Lu Gou'er rebelled in Qinzhou, Shao was appointed General Who Comforts the Army, Commander of the Western Route, and Acting Administrator of Qinzhou. Together with Right Guard General Yuan Li, he led forces to suppress the uprising. Once the campaign was concluded he received full confirmation in office. An imperial letter praised and encouraged him and restored his former noble title. Longyou had recently been ravaged by war, and many people could not maintain their livelihoods. Shao was adept at comforting and resettling them and won the hearts of both tribal and Han populations.

孝明初，自相州刺史入為殿中尚書，行雍州事，後除中軍大將軍、吏部尚書，加散騎常侍，出為冀州刺史。清簡愛人，甚收名譽，政績之美，聲冠當時。明帝嘉之，就加散騎常侍，遷車騎將軍，賜劍珮、貂蟬各一具，驊騮馬一匹，並衣服寢具。韶以年及懸車，抗表遜位，優旨不許。轉定州刺史，常侍如故。及赴中山，冀州父老皆送出西境，相聚而泣。二州境既連接，百姓素聞其德，州內大安。正光五年，卒於官，年七十二。詔贈帛七百匹，贈使持節、散騎常侍、車騎大將軍、司空公、雍州刺史，諡曰文恭。既葬之後，有冀州兵千餘人，戍於荊州，還徑韶墓，相率培塚，數日方還，其遺愛如此。永安中，以克定秦、隴功，追封安城縣開國伯，邑四百戶。

At the start of Emperor Xiaoming's reign he left his post as Governor of Xiangzhou to enter the capital as Director of the Palace Department with charge of Yongzhou affairs. He was later appointed Great General of the Central Army and Director of the Ministry of Personnel, with the additional title of Supervising Cavalry Attendant-in-Ordinary, and then sent out as Governor of Jizhou. His administration was clear and unpretentious, and he cared deeply for the people. He won great renown, and the excellence of his record made his reputation foremost in his age. Emperor Xiaoming praised him and on the spot added the title of Supervising Cavalry Attendant-in-Ordinary and promoted him to General of Chariots and Cavalry. He was granted a sword and girdle ornament, a cicada cap ornament, a Hualiu steed, and clothing and bedding. When Shao reached the age of retirement he submitted a memorial requesting to step down, but the Emperor's gracious edict refused him. He was transferred to Governor of Dingzhou while retaining his attendant-in-ordinary title. When he departed for Zhongshan, the elders of Jizhou escorted him to the western border of the prefecture, weeping as they gathered to see him off. Because the two prefectures bordered each other and the people had long known his reputation for virtue, the region enjoyed great tranquility. In the fifth year of the Zhengguang era he died in office at the age of seventy-two. An edict granted seven hundred bolts of silk and posthumously invested him as Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Supervising Cavalry Attendant-in-Ordinary, Great General of Chariots and Cavalry, Duke of Works, and Governor of Yongzhou, with the posthumous name Wengong. After the burial, more than a thousand Jizhou troops garrisoned in Jingzhou, on their return march, passed Shao's tomb and together raised the mound higher. They did not resume their journey for several days—such was the devotion he had inspired. During the Yong'an era, in recognition of his role in pacifying Qin and Long, he was posthumously enfeoffed as Baron Who Foundeds the State of Ancheng, with a fief of four hundred households.

長子璵，字道璠，溫雅有識量。魏永平二年，釋褐太尉府行參軍，累遷尚書倉部郎中。後汝南王悅為司州牧，悅性質疏冗，情識不倫，朝廷以璵器望兼美，閑於政事，擢為悅府長史，兼知州務。甚得毗贊之方，因除司州別賀。遷光祿少卿。永安初，以本官兼度支尚書，襲封安城縣伯，又除司徒右長史，仍兼尚書。及遷都於鄴，留璵於後，監掌府藏。及撤運宮廟材木，以明幹見稱。加征南將軍、金紫光祿大夫，尋兼給事黃門侍郎，監典書事。出為東徐州刺史，為政清靜，人吏懷之。解州還，以老疾，不求仕進。齊受禪，追璵兼前將軍，導從於圜丘行禮。又攝護軍，陪神武神主入太廟。璵意不願策名兩朝，雖以宿德耆舊被征，過事即絕朝請。文宣亦曾命璵預華林宴，顧訪舊事，甚重之。天保四年卒，年七十二。

His eldest son Yu, styled Daofan, was gentle and refined, with discernment and breadth of spirit. In the second year of the Yongping era he entered service as a clerk in the Grand Marshal's office and rose through successive appointments to Director in the Granaries Section of the Ministry of Revenue. Later, when Prince of Runan Yue became Governor of Sizhou, the court noted that Yue was by nature coarse and erratic in judgment. Because Yu combined outstanding reputation and ability with experience in administration, he was promoted to Chief Administrator of Yue's princely establishment with concurrent charge of prefectural affairs. He proved highly effective in assisting and supporting the prince, and was therefore appointed Branch Administrator of Sizhou. He was transferred to Vice Director of the Office for Ceremonial of the Imperial Household. At the start of the Yong'an era he concurrently served as Director of the Treasury at his existing rank, inherited the barony of Ancheng, and was also appointed Right Chief Administrator of the Minister of Works while retaining his ministry appointment. When the capital was moved to Ye, Yu was left behind to supervise the palace storehouses. In dismantling and transporting timber from the palace temples, he was praised for his clear-headed efficiency. He was additionally appointed General Who Pacifies the South and Grand Master for Splendor with the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon. Soon afterward he concurrently served as Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and supervised the affairs of the Palace Library. He was appointed Governor of East Xuzhou. His administration was clear and tranquil, and both officials and common people held him in affection. After leaving his prefectural post and returning home, he sought no further advancement because of age and illness. When Qi received the transfer of the mandate, Yu was recalled as Former General to guide and attend the ceremony at the Circular Mound. He also served as acting Protector of the Army and escorted the spirit tablet of Divine Martial Gao Huan into the Grand Ancestral Temple. Yu had no wish to hold office under two dynasties. Though summoned as a venerable elder of established virtue, once each task was finished he ceased attending court. Emperor Wenxuan also once had Yu attend the Hualin banquet, questioning him about events of old and holding him in high regard. In the fourth year of the Tianbao era he died at the age of seventy-two.

子詮，字世良，任城郡守，贈涇州刺史。

His son Quan, styled Shiliang, served as Administrator of Rencheng Prefecture and was posthumously appointed Governor of Jingzhou.

子伯卿，太師府參軍事。伯卿子師上，聰敏好學，雅有詞致。外祖魏收無子，惟有一女，生師上，甚愛重之，童祇便自教屬文，有名於世。後與范陽盧公順俱為符璽郎，待詔文林館。與博陵崔君洽同志友善，從駕晉陽，寓居僧寺，朝士謂之康寺三少，為物論推許若此。隋煬帝居蕃，奏為王府記室，終於揚州。

His son Boqing served as an administrative officer in the Grand Preceptor's office. Boqing's son Shishang was clever and devoted to learning, with a natural gift for literary expression. His maternal grandfather Wei Shou had no sons, only a single daughter who bore Shishang. Wei loved and valued him deeply and personally taught him to compose literary works from childhood; he became famous in his time. Later he and Lu Gongshun of Fanyang both served as Seal and Credential Officers, awaiting edicts at the Wenlin Academy. He shared close friendship with Cui Junqia of Boling. When they accompanied the imperial procession to Jinyang and lodged in a Buddhist temple, court officials called them the Three Young Masters of Kang Temple—such was the esteem in which they were held. When Emperor Yang of Sui was still a prince, Shishang was recommended as Master of Records for the princely establishment. He died in Yangzhou.

詮弟謐，字世安，位高陽郡守、司農卿、安州刺史。謐子千學，齊武平中尚神武女浮陽長公主，拜駙馬都尉、南青州刺史。

Quan's younger brother Mi, styled Shi'an, served as Administrator of Gaoyang Prefecture, Minister of Finance, and Governor of Anzhou. Mi's son Qianxue, during the Wuping era of Qi, married the Princess of Fuyang, daughter of Divine Martial Gao Huan, and was appointed Commandant of Cavalry and Governor of South Qingzhou.

謐弟誦，字世業，位假儀同三司、臨漳令。誦弟世韞，太子舍人、殿中郎。

Mi's younger brother Song, styled Shiye, served as Acting Director with the Ceremonial of the Three Highest Offices and as Magistrate of Linzhang. Song's younger brother Shiyun served as Attendant of the Heir Apparent and Palace Attendant.

璵子孫繁衍，行人號其宅為李東徐村。

Yu's descendants multiplied greatly, and travelers called their residence Li's East Xuzhou Village.

璵弟瑾，字道瑜。美容貌，有才學，特為韶所鍾愛。清河王懌甚知賞之。懌為司徒，辟參軍事。轉著作郎，稍遷通直散騎侍郎，與給事黃門侍郎王遵業、尚書郎盧觀典修儀注。王、盧即瑾之外兄。臨淮王彧謂瑾等三俊，共掌帝儀，可謂舅甥之國。及明帝崩，上諡策文，瑾所制也。莊帝初，于河陰遇害，年三十九，贈冠軍將軍、齊州刺史。

Yu's younger brother Jin, styled Daoyu. Handsome in appearance and accomplished in learning, he was especially cherished by Shao. Prince of Qinghe Yi recognized and valued him highly. When Yi became Minister of Works, he recruited Jin as an administrative officer in his office. He was transferred to Gentleman of the Institute of Composition and gradually promoted to Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Direct-and-Upright Cavalry. Together with Wang Zunye, Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, and Lu Guan, a director in the Ministry of Works, he supervised the revision of ceremonial regulations. Wang and Lu were Jin's maternal cousins. Prince of Linhuai Yu said that Jin and the other three outstanding men together presided over imperial ceremony—a true domain of uncles and nephews. When Emperor Xiaoming died, Jin composed the eulogy for the posthumous title. At the start of Emperor Zhuangdi's reign he was killed at Heyin at the age of thirty-nine. He was posthumously appointed General Who Conquers and Governor of Qizhou.

子產之，字孫僑。容貌短陋，而撫訓諸弟，愛友篤至。其舅盧道將稱之曰：「此兒風調，足為李公家孫。」位北豫州司馬。子仲膺，字公祀。以學行稱，位太子洗馬。仕周，為東京少吏部上士。隋開皇中，卒于荊州總管司馬。

His son Chanzhi, styled Sunqiao. Plain and short in stature, he nevertheless raised and instructed his younger brothers with devoted affection. His maternal uncle Lu Daojiang praised him, saying, "This boy's bearing and character fully befit a grandson of the house of Li. He served as Military Administrator of North Yuzhou. His son Zhongying, styled Gongsi. Renowned for learning and conduct, he served as Groom of the Heir Apparent. Under Northern Zhou he served as Senior Clerk in the Lesser Ministry of Personnel of the Eastern Capital. During the Kaihuang era of Sui he died while serving as Military Administrator under the Commander-in-Chief of Jingzhou.

產之弟茜之，字曼容，清通，好文學。齊天保初，曆太子洗馬，行陽翟郡守，為政清靜，吏人稱之。遷尚書考功郎中，遇文宣昏縱，見害，時人冤之。

Chanzhi's younger brother Qianzhi, styled Manrong, was clear-minded and perceptive and devoted to literature. At the start of the Tianbao era in Qi he served successively as Groom of the Heir Apparent and Acting Administrator of Yangzhai Prefecture. His administration was clear and tranquil, and officials and commoners praised him. He was transferred to Director in the Merit-Evaluation Section of the Ministry. When Emperor Wenxuan's reckless excesses took hold, Qianzhi was killed, and people of the time regarded it as a grave injustice.

茜之弟壽之，位梁州中從事，性貞介，不負於人。

Qianzhi's younger brother Shouzhi served as Army Supervising Secretary of Liangzhou. Upright and principled by nature, he never failed others.

壽之弟禮之，位司徒騎兵參軍。與妻鄭氏相重，妻先亡，遺言終不獨死。未幾，禮之腳上發腫，夢妻雲，煮小麥漬之即差，如其言，反創而卒。

Shouzhi's younger brother Lizhi served as Cavalry Administrative Officer under the Minister of Works. He and his wife Lady Zheng loved each other deeply. When she died first, he declared that he would never die alone—and followed her in death. Before long, Lizhi's foot began to swell. He dreamed his wife saying, "Boil wheat and soak the foot in it, and the swelling will heal." He did as she said, but the treatment caused a wound instead, and he died.

禮之弟行之，字義通，小字師子。簡靜，善守門業，多識前言往行，而不以文學自名。居喪盡禮，與兄弟深相友愛。仕齊，歷位都水使者、齊郡太守，帶青州長史。任城王敬憚之，州人號曰李御史。仕周，為冬官府司寺下大夫。隋開皇初，封固始縣男，除唐州下溠郡太守，稱疾不行，卒。行之風素夷坦，為士友所稱。其舅子盧思道深所愛好，常贈詩云：「水衡稱逸人，潘、楊有世親，形骸預冠蓋，心思出囂塵。」時人以為實錄。及疾，內外多為求醫，行之曰：「居常待終，士之道也。貧既愈富，何知死不如生？」一皆抑絕。臨終，命家人薄葬，口授墓誌以紀其志曰：「隴西李行之，以某年某月終於某所。年將六紀，官曆四朝，道協希夷，事忘可否。雖碩德高風，有傾先構；而立身行己，無愧夙心。以為氣變則生，生化曰死，蓋生者物之用，死者人之終，有何憂喜於其間哉！乃為銘曰：人生若寄，視死如歸。茫茫大夜，何是何非。」言終而絕，二子，夷、道。

Lizhi's younger brother Xingzhi, styled Yitong, childhood name Shizi. Reserved and quiet, he was skilled at preserving the family heritage and well versed in the words and deeds of the ancients, yet he never sought renown through literary accomplishment. In mourning he observed every ritual requirement, and with his brothers he was deeply affectionate and loyal. He served Northern Qi, successively as Commissioner of Waterways, Administrator of Qi Prefecture, and concurrently Long-term Administrator of Qingzhou. The Prince of Rencheng respected and feared him, and the people of the province called him Censor Li. Under Northern Zhou he served as Lesser Grand Master in the Court Bureau of the Winter Palace Office. At the start of the Kaihuang era of Sui he was enfeoffed as Viscount of Gushi and appointed Administrator of Xiaza Prefecture in Tangzhou, but he pleaded illness and declined the post, then died. Xingzhi's character was mild and straightforward, and he was praised by scholarly friends. His nephew by marriage Lu Sidao deeply admired him and often sent him a poem: "The Director of Waterways acclaimed a man of leisure; the Pan and Yang families were joined by marriage; though his person moved among officials' carriages, his mind dwelt beyond the dust of the world. People of the time regarded it as a faithful portrait. When he fell ill, relatives inside and outside the family sought doctors for him on many occasions. Xingzhi said, "In ordinary times one awaits one's end—that is the way of a gentleman. If poverty can be cured, who is to say that death is not better than life? He refused them all. On his deathbed he ordered his family to give him a simple burial and dictated an epitaph recording his intent: "Li Xingzhi of Longxi died at such-and-such a place in such-and-such a year and month. Nearing sixty years of age, he had served through four dynasties. His conduct accorded with quiet detachment, and in public affairs he cared nothing for praise or blame. Though great virtue and lofty character might have overturned ancestral achievements, in how he lived and conducted himself he had no shame before the convictions he had held all his life. He held that when vital force transforms, life arises, and when life transforms, death follows; life is merely the functioning of things, and death is humanity's end—what room is there for sorrow or joy between them? He then composed an inscription: "Human life is like lodging; view death as returning home." In the vast dark night, what is right and what is wrong? When he finished speaking he died. He had two sons, Yi and Dao.

行之弟凝之，字惠堅。光州中從事，非其所好，僶俛而就，秩滿，徑還冀州棗強野舍。凝之明本草藥性，恆以服餌自持，雖年將耄及，而志力不衰。篤好古文，精心典禮，以之終老，未嘗懈倦。隋仁壽中卒。

Xingzhi's younger brother Ningzhi, styled Huijian. He served as Army Supervising Secretary of Guangzhou, a post that did not suit him; he accepted it only reluctantly, and when his term ended he went straight back to his farmhouse retreat in Zaoqiang, Jizhou. Ningzhi understood the properties of materia medica and constantly used dietary tonics to sustain himself; even as he approached old age his spirit and strength did not fail. He devoted himself to ancient texts and painstakingly studied ritual propriety, continuing until his death without ever slackening. He died during the Renshou era of Sui.

產之兄弟，並有器望。邢子才為禮之墓誌云：「食有奇味，相待乃餐，衣無常主，易之而出。」時以為實錄。諸歸相親，皆如姊妹。茜之死，諸弟不避當時兇暴，行喪極哀。趙郡李榮來吊之，歎曰：「此家風範，海內所稱，今始見之，真吾師也。」欲與連類，即日自名勞之。

Chanzhi's brothers all possessed talent and reputation. Xing Zicai wrote in Lizhi's epitaph: "They ate only when they found something especially fine and waited to dine together; clothes had no fixed owner—whoever needed them took them and wore them out. People of the time regarded it as a faithful portrait. The sisters-in-law who had married into the family were as close to one another as sisters. When Qianzhi died, the younger brothers did not shrink from the fierce brutality of the times and observed mourning with the deepest grief. Li Rong of Zhao Commandery came to offer condolences and sighed, saying, "This family's exemplary conduct, renowned throughout the realm—I am seeing it for the first time. They are truly my teachers. Wishing to be counted among such men, that very day he came forward himself to honor them.

瑾弟贊，字道璋。少有風尚，辟司徒參軍事。卒，贈漢陽郡太守。子脩年，開府參軍，早亡。

Jin's younger brother Zan, styled Daozhang. From youth he had refined character and was recruited as an administrative officer under the Minister of Works. He died and was posthumously appointed Administrator of Hanyang Prefecture. His son Xiunian served as an administrative officer in the Ministry of Works and died young.

韶弟彥，字次仲，有學業。孝文初，舉秀才，除中書博士，轉諫議大夫。後因考課，降為元士。尋行主客曹事，徙郊廟下大夫。時朝儀典章，咸未周備，彥留心考定，號為稱職。孝文南伐，彥諫曰：「臣以為蕞爾江、閩，未足親勞鑾駕。」頻表雖不見納，而以至誠見嘉。及六軍次於淮南，征為廣陵王羽長史，加恢武將軍、西翼副將。軍還，除冀州趙郡王幹長史。轉青州廣陵王羽長史，帶齊郡太守。征為龍驤將軍、司徒右長史，轉左長史、秦州大中正。出行揚州事，尋征拜河南尹，還至汝陰，復敕行徐州事。尋徽拜平北將軍、平州刺史，遷平東將軍，徐州刺史。延昌二年夏，大霖雨，川瀆皆溢。彥相水陸形勢，隨便疏通，得無淹漬之害。朝廷嘉之，頻詔勞勉。入為河南尹，遷金紫光祿大夫、光祿勳，轉度支尚書。出為撫軍將軍、秦州刺史。時破六韓拔陵等反於北鎮，二夏、豳、涼，所在蜂起，而彥刑政甚嚴。正光五年六月，城人薛珍、劉慶、杜超等因四方離叛，突入州門害彥，推其党莫折大提為帥。永安中，追贈侍中、驃騎大將軍、司徒公、雍州刺史，諡曰孝貞。

Shao's younger brother Yan, styled Cizhong, had scholarly attainments. At the start of Emperor Xiaowen's reign he was selected as a cultivated talent, appointed Doctor of the Secretariat, and transferred to Remonstrance and Criticism Grandee. Later, after a merit evaluation, he was demoted to Chief Clerk. Soon he handled affairs in the Guests Section, then transferred to Lower Grandee of the Suburban and Ancestral Temples. At the time court ritual and regulations were not yet fully complete; Yan painstakingly examined and established them and was regarded as thoroughly competent in his duties. When Emperor Xiaowen campaigned south, Yan remonstrated, saying, "Your subject believes that the tiny Jiang and Min regions are not worth the trouble of the imperial chariot in person. Although his repeated memorials were not accepted, his utmost sincerity was praised. When the six armies halted at Huainan, Yan was summoned as Long-term Administrator under Prince of Guangling Yu, with the additional titles General Who Resolves Military Affairs and Deputy Commander of the Western Wing. After the armies returned he was appointed Long-term Administrator under Prince of Zhao Commandery Gan in Jizhou. He transferred to Long-term Administrator under Prince of Guangling Yu in Qingzhou, concurrently serving as Administrator of Qi Prefecture. He was summoned as General of the Flying Dragons and Right Long-term Administrator under the Minister of Works, then transferred to Left Long-term Administrator and Chief Rectifier of Qinzhou. He went out to handle Yangzhou affairs; soon he was summoned and appointed Governor of Henan, returned to Ruyin, and was again ordered to handle Xuzhou affairs. Soon he was summoned and appointed General Who Pacifies the North and Governor of Pingzhou, then transferred to General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Xuzhou. In the summer of the second year of Yanchang, torrential rains fell and rivers and canals overflowed everywhere. Yan assessed the terrain by water and land and dredged where appropriate, so that no flood damage occurred. The court praised him with repeated edicts of commendation and encouragement. He entered the capital as Governor of Henan, transferred to Grandee of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon and Minister of the Imperial Household, then transferred to Minister of Revenue. He went out as General of the Pacification Army and Governor of Qinzhou. At that time Poliuhan Baling and others rebelled at the Northern Garrisons; in Xia, Bin, Liang, and other regions rebellions erupted everywhere, while Yan's penal administration was extremely strict. In the sixth month of the fifth year of Zhengguang, city men Xue Zhen, Liu Qing, Du Chao, and others, taking advantage of rebellion throughout the realm, burst into the prefectural gate and killed Yan, installing their fellow Moqi Dati as commander. During the Yongan period he was posthumously given Attendant-in-Ordinary, General of Fast Cavalry, Minister of Works, and Governor of Yongzhou, with the posthumous name Xiao Zhen.

子燮，字德諧，少有風望，位司徒主簿。卒，贈太常少卿。子士萬，有雅望，位高都太守。

His son Xie, styled Dehe, had refined reputation from youth and served as Chief Secretary under the Minister of Works. He died and was posthumously appointed Vice Minister of the Imperial Sacrifices. His son Shiwani had refined reputation and served as Administrator of Gaodu.

燮弟爽，字德明。弟充，字德廣。弱冠，太學博士。大將軍蕭寶夤西討，德廣為行台郎，募眾而征，戰捷，乃手刃仇人，啖其肝肺。覺寶夤有異志，挺身歸闕，朝廷加爵，辭而不受。寶夤遂與万俟醜奴同反，大行台爾天光討之，請德廣為從事中郎。天光用其計，遂定秦、隴。以功除中散大夫。痛父非命，終身不食酒肉。妹夫盧元明嗟重之。

Xie's younger brother Shuang, styled Deming. His younger brother Chong, styled Deguang. In early adulthood he was an Erudite at the Imperial Academy. When Grand General Xiao Baoyin marched west on punitive campaign, Deguang served as staff officer on the field headquarters, raised troops and marched, won the battle, then personally cut down his enemy and devoured the enemy's liver and lungs. Perceiving that Baoyin harbored rebellious intent, he boldly returned to the court. The court offered him ennobled rank, but he refused. Baoyin then rebelled together with Moqi Chounu. Grand Field Headquarters Erzhu Tianguang campaigned against them and requested Deguang as Administrative Officer. Tianguang adopted his plans and thus pacified Qin and Long. For his merit he was appointed Middle Regular Grandee. Grieving his father's unnatural death, he never ate wine or meat for the rest of his life. His brother-in-law Lu Yuanming sighed and deeply valued him.

子士英，有文才，王遵業以女妻之。

His son Shiying had literary talent, and Wang Zunye gave him his daughter in marriage.

次僧伽，修整篤業，不應辟命。時鄭子默有名於世，僧伽曰：「行不適道，文勝其質，郭林宗所謂牆高基下，雖得必喪，此之徒也。」竟如其言。尚書袁叔德來候僧伽，先滅僕從，然後入門，曰：「見此賢，令吾羞對軒冕。」及卒，叔德為懷舊詩曰：「平生寡俗累，終身無世言。」其見重如此。僧伽弟法藏，內清介，位員外郎。

Next was Sengqie, upright and devoted to his vocation, who declined every summons to office. At the time Zheng Zimo was famous throughout the world. Sengqie said, "His conduct does not accord with the Way, though his writing exceeds his substance—what Guo Linzong called a high wall on a low foundation, gaining yet certain to lose—just such a person. In the end it happened exactly as he said. Minister Shangshu Yuan Shude came to visit Sengqie, first dismissing his attendants before entering, and said, "Meeting this worthy man makes me ashamed to face official rank and cap. When Sengqie died, Shude composed a poem of remembrance: "In life, few worldly burdens; in a lifetime, no worldly words." Such was the esteem in which he was held. Sengqie's younger brother Fazang was inwardly pure and upright and served as Supernumerary Director.

德廣弟德顯，位散騎侍郎，贈東秦州刺史。

Deguang's younger brother Dexian served as Attendant Gentleman without Regular Appointment and was posthumously given Governor of East Qinzhou.

德顯弟德明，敦重有器局，位高陽太守，贈光祿少卿、光州刺史。

Dexian's younger brother Deming was solid and serious with great capacity; he served as Administrator of Gaoyang and was posthumously given Vice Minister of the Imperial Household and Governor of Guangzhou.

彥弟虔，字叔恭。太和初，為中書學生，遷秘書中散，轉冀州驃騎府長史、太子中舍人。宣武初，遷太尉從事中郎，出為清河太守。屬京兆王愉反，虔棄郡奔闕。宣武聞虔至，謂左右曰：「李虔在冀州日久，恩信著物，今拔難而來，眾情自解矣。」乃授虔別將，令軍前慰勞。事平，轉長樂太守。延昌初，冀州大乘賊起，令虔以本官為別將，與都督元遙討平之。遷後將軍、燕州刺史。還為光祿大夫，加平西將軍，兼大司農。出為散騎常侍、安東將軍、兗州刺史。追論平冀州之功，賜爵高平男。還京，除河南邑中正，遷領軍將軍、金紫光祿大夫。孝莊初，授特進、車騎大將軍、儀同三司、散騎常侍，又進號驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。永安三年薨，年七十四，贈侍中、驃騎大將軍、太尉公、都督冀定瀛三州諸軍事、冀州刺史，諡宣景。

Yan's younger brother Qian, styled Shugong. At the start of the Taihe era he was a student at the Secretariat School, transferred to Regular Scrivener in the Secretariat, then transferred to Long-term Administrator under the General of Fast Cavalry's Office in Jizhou and Attendant in the Heir Apparent's Household. At the start of Emperor Xiaowu's reign he transferred to Administrative Officer under the Minister of Works, then went out as Administrator of Qinghe Prefecture. When Prince of Jingzhao Yu rebelled, Qian abandoned his commandery and rushed to the capital. When Emperor Xiaowu heard that Qian had arrived, he told his attendants, "Li Qian was long in Jizhou, with kindness and trust widely known among the people; now that he has broken through hardship to come, popular sentiment will naturally settle. He then gave Qian the title of Separate Commander and ordered him to proceed with the army to reassure and comfort the troops. When affairs were settled he transferred to Administrator of Changle Prefecture. At the start of Yanchang, the Dacheng bandits rose in Jizhou; Qian was ordered, with his original rank as Separate Commander, to join Commander-in-Chief Yuan Yao in suppressing and pacifying them. He transferred to Rear General and Governor of Yanzhou. Returning to court he became Grandee of the Imperial Household, with the additional titles General Who Pacifies the West and concurrent Minister of Agriculture. He went out as Attendant-in-Ordinary, General Who Pacifies the East, and Governor of Yanzhou. To commemorate his merit in pacifying Jizhou he was given the title Viscount of Gaoping. Returning to the capital he was appointed Chief Rectifier of Henan County and transferred to General of the Guards and Grandee of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon. At the start of Emperor Xiaozhuang's reign he was given Special Counselor, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Honors Equal to the Three Highest Ministers, and Attendant-in-Ordinary, then advanced in title to General of Fast Cavalry and Honorably Equivalent to the Three Highest Ministers with an Office of First Rank. In the third year of Yongan he died at seventy-four. He was posthumously given Attendant-in-Ordinary, General of Fast Cavalry, Duke and Minister of Works, Commander-in-Chief over military affairs of Ji, Ding, and Ying prefectures, Governor of Jizhou, with the posthumous name Xuan Jing.

長子喚，字仁明，位尚書左外兵郎。莊帝初，于河陰遇害，年四十，贈度支尚書、安東將軍、青州刺史。子裒，章武郡守。裒弟匹，汲郡守。並以幹局見知。

His eldest son Huan, styled Renming, served as Outer Director of the Military Section in the Ministry Left. At the start of Emperor Zhuangdi's reign he was killed at Heyin at the age of forty. He was posthumously given Minister of Revenue, General Who Pacifies the East, and Governor of Qingzhou. His son Pou served as Administrator of Zhangwu Prefecture. Pou's younger brother Pi served as Administrator of Jijun Commandery. Both were recognized for their competence and administrative ability.

喚弟仁曜，位員外散騎侍郎、太尉錄事參軍。與兄喚同于河陰遇害，年三十八，贈散騎常侍、左將軍、兗州刺史。子捴，字道熾，學尚有風儀。魏武定中，司空長流參軍。齊天保末，為尚書郎，終於光州司馬。

Huan's younger brother Renyao served as Supernumerary Attendant Gentleman without Regular Appointment and Administrative Officer for Records under the Minister of Works. Together with his elder brother Huan he was killed at Heyin at the age of thirty-eight. He was posthumously given Attendant-in-Ordinary, Left General, and Governor of Yanzhou. His son Cong, styled Daochi, was learned and carried himself with refined bearing. During the Wuding era of Wei he served as Long-term Administrative Officer under the Minister of Works. At the end of the Tianbao era in Qi he became a Director in the Ministry of Works and died while serving as Vice Governor of Guangzhou.

仁曜弟皓，字仁昭，位散騎侍郎。亦遇害河陰，贈征虜將軍、涼州刺史。子士元、士操、武定中，並儀同開府參軍事。

Renyao's younger brother Hao, styled Renzhao, served as Attendant Gentleman without Regular Appointment. He too was killed at Heyin and was posthumously given General Who Conquers the Barbarians and Governor of Liangzhou. His sons Shiyuan and Shicao, during the Wuding era, both served as military advisors in offices of first rank with honors equal to the Three Highest Ministers.

皓弟曉，事列於後。

Hao's younger brother Xiao is treated in a later section.

虔弟蕤，字延賓，曆步兵校尉、東郡太守、司農少卿。卒，贈龍驤將軍、豫州刺史。

Qian's younger brother Rui, styled Yanbin, successively served as Colonel of Footsoldiers, Administrator of Dongjun Commandery, and Vice Minister of Agriculture. He died and was posthumously given General of the Flying Dragon and Governor of Yuzhou.

承弟茂，字仲宗。文成末，襲父爵鎮西將軍、敦煌公。孝文初，除長安鎮都將，轉西汾州刺史，將軍如故。入為光祿大夫，曆西兗州刺史，例降為侯。茂性謙慎，以弟沖寵盛，懼于盈滿，以疾求遜位。孝文不奪其志，聽食大夫祿，還私第。因居中山，自是優遊裏舍，不入京師。卒年七十一，諡曰恭侯。

Cheng's younger brother Mao, styled Zhongzong. At the end of Emperor Wencheng's reign he inherited his father's title of General Who Guards the West and Duke of Dunhuang. At the start of Emperor Xiaowen's reign he was appointed chief commander of the Chang'an garrison, transferred to Governor of West Fenzhou, and retained his general's title. He entered court as Grandee of the Imperial Household, served successively as Governor of West Yanzhou, and by precedent was reduced in rank to marquis. Mao was modest and cautious. Because his younger brother Chong enjoyed great favor at court, he feared the dangers of excess and asked to resign on grounds of illness. Emperor Xiaowen did not override his wish, allowed him to retain a grandee's stipend, and let him return to private life. He then settled in Zhongshan and thereafter lived at ease in his home, no longer entering the capital. He died at the age of seventy-one and was given the posthumous title Marquis Gong.

子靜，字紹安，襲，位東平原太守。卒，子遐，字智遠，襲。遐有幾案才，位河內太守。從孝莊南度河，于河陰遇亂兵所害。事甯，追贈散騎常侍、車騎大將軍、尚書右僕射、秦州刺史，封盧鄉伯。

His son Jing, styled Shao'an, inherited the title and served as Administrator of East Pingyuan Commandery. When he died, his son Xia, styled Zhiyuan, inherited the title. Xia had a talent for administrative work and served as Administrator of Henei Commandery. Following Emperor Xiaozhuang south across the river, he was killed at Heyin by mutinous troops. When peace was restored he was posthumously given Attendant-in-Ordinary, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Vice Minister of the Right in the Ministry of Works, and Governor of Qinzhou, and enfeoffed as Baron of Luxiang.

靜弟孚，字仲安。恭慎篤厚，曆汝南、中山二郡太守。孝莊初，以外親超授撫軍將軍、金紫光祿大夫，出為鎮東將軍、滄州刺史，加散騎常侍。

Jing's younger brother Fu, styled Zhong'an. Respectful, cautious, and sincere, he successively served as administrator of Runan and Zhongshan commanderies. At the start of Emperor Xiaozhuang's reign, because of his connection to the imperial family he was exceptionally promoted to General Who Pacifies the Army and Grandee of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon, then sent out as General Who Guards the East and Governor of Cangzhou with the additional title Attendant-in-Ordinary.

孚弟季安，粗涉書史，位北海王顥撫軍長史。顥為關西都督，復引為長史，委以戎政。卒於軍，贈征虜將軍、涼州刺史。

Fu's younger brother Ji'an had a rough acquaintance with books and history and served as long-term administrator under Prince of Beihai Hao's Pacifying Army. When Hao became governor-general of Guanxi, he again brought Ji'an on as long-term administrator and entrusted him with military affairs. He died in camp and was posthumously given General Who Conquers the Barbarians and Governor of Liangzhou.

茂弟輔，字叔直。有器望，解褐中書博士，遷司徒議曹掾。太和中，孝文為咸陽王禧納其女為妃，除鎮遠將軍、潁川太守，帶長社戍。輔綏懷招集，甚得邊和。卒於郡，贈征虜將軍、秦州刺史，諡曰襄武侯。

Mao's younger brother Fu, styled Shuzhi. He had capacity and reputation. He began his career as Doctor of the Secretariat and transferred to administrative officer in the Secretariat's advisory section. During the Taihe era Emperor Xiaowen took Fu's daughter as consort for Prince of Xianyang Xi and appointed him General Who Pacifies the Distant and Administrator of Yingchuan Commandery, with charge over the Changshe garrison. Fu mollified and rallied the people and won great harmony on the frontier. He died in his commandery and was posthumously given General Who Conquers the Barbarians and Governor of Qinzhou, with the posthumous title Marquis Xiangwu.

長子伯尚，少有重名，弱冠除秘書郎。孝文每云：「此李氏之千里駒。」稍遷通直散騎侍郎，敕撰《太和起居注》。宣武初，兼給事黃門侍郎，坐與咸陽王禧謀反誅。

His eldest son Boshang had great renown from youth, and at twenty he was appointed Secretary Gentleman. Emperor Xiaowen often said, "This is a thousand-li colt of the Li family. He was gradually promoted to Direct Attendant Gentleman without Regular Appointment and ordered to compile the Records of the Taihe Reign. At the start of Emperor Xiaowu's reign he concurrently served as Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and was executed for plotting rebellion with Prince of Xianyang Xi.

伯尚弟仲尚，儀貌甚美，少以文學知名。年二十，著《前漢功臣序贊》，及季父司空沖誄。高聰、邢巒見而歎曰：「後生可畏，非虛言也。」起家京兆王愉府參軍。坐兄事，賜死。

Boshang's younger brother Zhongshang was very handsome in bearing and became famous early for his literary talent. At twenty he wrote the Preface and Encomium to Meritorious Ministers of the Former Han and a eulogy for his uncle the Minister of Works Chong. Gao Cong and Xing Luan read them and sighed, "The young are to be feared—no empty saying. He began his career as administrative officer in Prince of Jingzhao Yu's household. Because of his elder brother's affair he was ordered to take his own life.

仲尚弟季凱，沈敏有識量。坐兄事，與母弟俱徙邊，久之，會赦免。遂寓居晉陽，沈廢積年。後歷位并州安北府長史。孝明崩，爾硃榮陰圖義舉，季凱豫謀。及莊帝踐祚，征拜給事黃門侍郎，封博平縣侯，加散騎常侍、秘書監、中軍將軍。後爾硃世隆以榮之死，謂季凱通知，於是見害。孝武初，追贈侍中、驃騎將軍、吏部尚書、定州刺史。

Zhongshang's younger brother Jikai was deep, quick-witted, and discerning. Because of his elder brother's affair he was exiled to the frontier together with his mother and younger brothers; after a long time he was pardoned and released. He then lived in exile at Jinyang, lying low for many years. Later he successively served as long-term administrator of the Pacifying North Office in Bingzhou. When Emperor Xiaoming died, Erzhu Rong secretly plotted a righteous uprising, and Jikai took part in the planning. When Emperor Zhuang took the throne, Jikai was summoned and appointed Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, enfeoffed as Marquis of Boping County, and given the additional titles Attendant-in-Ordinary, Director of the Secretariat, and General of the Central Army. Later Erzhu Shilong, on account of Rong's death, believed Jikai had been party to the plot, and had him killed. At the start of Emperor Xiaowu's reign he was posthumously given Palace Attendant, General of Fast Cavalry, Minister of Personnel, and Governor of Dingzhou.

季凱弟延慶，位陳留太守、金紫光祿大夫。延慶弟延度，衛將軍、安德太守。

Jikai's younger brother Yanqing served as Administrator of Chenliu Commandery and Grandee of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon. Yanqing's younger brother Yandu held the titles Guard General and Administrator of Ande Commandery.

輔弟佐，字季翼，有文武才幹。孝文初，兼散騎常侍使高麗，以稱旨，還拜常山太守、真定縣子。遷懷州刺史，進爵山陽侯，加安南將軍、河內公，轉相州刺史，所在有稱績。後拜安遠將軍，敕與征南將軍城陽王鸞、安南將軍盧陽烏等攻赭陽，各不相節度。諸軍以敵強故班師，佐逆戰，為賊所敗，坐徙瀛州。車駕征宛、鄧，復起佐，假平遠將軍、統軍，以功封涇陽縣子。沔北既平，以佐為廣陽王嘉鎮南府長史，加輔國將軍，別鎮新野。及大軍凱旋，孝文執佐手曰：「沔北，洛陽南門，卿勉為朕善守。」孝文崩，遣敕以佐行荊州事。佐在州，威信大行，邊人悅附，前後歸者二萬許家。尋正刺史。宣武初，征兼都官尚書。卒，年七十一，贈秦州刺史，諡曰莊。

Fu's younger brother Zuo, styled Jiyi, had both civil and military talent. At the start of Emperor Xiaowen's reign he concurrently served as Attendant-in-Ordinary on a mission to Goguryeo. Because his performance pleased the emperor, on his return he was appointed Administrator of Changshan Commandery and given the title Viscount of Zhending County. He transferred to Governor of Huaizhou, advanced to Marquis of Shanyang, given the additional titles General Who Pacifies the South and Duke of Henei, then transferred to Governor of Xiangzhou, everywhere winning praise for his achievements. Later he was appointed General Who Pacifies the Distant and ordered together with General Who Conquers the South Prince of Chengyang Luan, General Who Pacifies the South Lu Yangwu, and others to attack Zheyang, but the commanders lacked unified discipline. The armies withdrew because the enemy was strong. Zuo fought a rear-guard action, was defeated by the rebels, and was banished to Yingzhou. When the imperial carriage marched on Wan and Deng, Zuo was recalled and given Acting General Who Pacifies the Distant and Commander-in-Chief. For his merit he was enfeoffed as Viscount of Jingyang County. After the north bank of the Han was pacified, Zuo was made long-term administrator of Prince of Guangyang Jia's Pacifying South Office, given the additional title General Who Assists the State, and separately garrisoned Xinye. When the great army returned in triumph, Emperor Xiaowen took Zuo's hand and said, "The north bank of the Han is the southern gate of Luoyang. Do your utmost to guard it well for me. When Emperor Xiaowen died, a final edict had Zuo act as governor of Jingzhou. While Zuo was in the province his authority and trust were widely established, border people gladly submitted, and about twenty thousand households returned in all. Soon he was confirmed as governor. At the start of Emperor Xiaowu's reign he was summoned and concurrently appointed Minister of Justice. He died at the age of seventy-one and was posthumously given Governor of Qinzhou, with the posthumous name Zhuang.

子遵襲。遵豪爽有父風，卒于司空司馬，贈洛州刺史。子果襲，位司空諮議參軍，坐通西魏見殺。

His son Zun inherited the title. Zun was bold and open with his father's bearing. He died while serving as vice governor under the Minister of Works and was posthumously given Governor of Luozhou. His son Guo inherited the title and served as advisory officer under the Minister of Works, but was executed for communicating with Western Wei.

遵弟柬，字休賢。郡辟功曹，以父憂去職，遂終身不食酒肉，因屏居鄉里。司空、任城王澄嘉其操尚，以為參軍事，累遷濟州刺史。卒，贈殿中尚書、相州刺史。

Zun's younger brother Jian, styled Xiuxian. The commandery recruited him as merit officer. On his father's death he left office and never ate meat or drank wine again, retiring to live in his home district. The Minister of Works and Prince of Rencheng Cheng admired his integrity and appointed him administrative officer. He rose to Governor of Jizhou. He died and was posthumously given Director in the Palace and Governor of Xiangzhou.

柬弟挺，字神俊，小名提。少以才學知名，為太常劉芳所賞。歷位中書侍郎、太常少卿、荊州刺史。時梁將曹敬宗來寇，攻圍積時，又引水灌城，城不沒者數板，神俊循撫兵人，戮力固守。詔遣都督崔暹、別將王羆、裴衍等赴援，敬宗退走。時寇賊之後，城外有露骸，神俊令收葬之。征拜大司農。孝明末，除鎮軍將軍，行相州事，時葛榮南逼，神俊憂懼，乃故墜馬傷足，仍停汲郡，有詔追還。莊帝即位，以神俊人望，拜散騎常侍、殿中尚書，追論固守荊州功，封千乘縣侯，轉中書監、吏部尚書。神俊意尚風流，情在推引人物，爾硃榮有所用人，神俊不從。見怒，懼，啟求解官，除右光祿大夫。尋屬爾硃兆入京，乘輿幽執，神俊遂逃人間。孝武初，歸闕，拜散騎常侍、驃騎大將軍、左光祿大夫、儀同三司。孝靜初，除驃騎大將軍、華州刺史，入為侍中，薨。年六十四，贈尚書左僕射、司徒公，雍州刺史。

Jian's younger brother Ting, styled Shenjun, with the childhood name Ti. From youth he was known for talent and learning and was admired by Minister of Ceremonies Liu Fang. He successively served as Vice Director of the Secretariat, Vice Minister of Ceremonies, and Governor of Jingzhou. At that time the Liang general Cao Jingzong came to raid. He besieged the city for a long time and also diverted water to flood it, yet only a few boards' thickness kept the city from being submerged. Shenjun comforted the troops, and with united effort they held firm. An edict sent Commander-in-Chief Cui Xian, Separate Commander Wang Bi, Pei Yan, and others to relieve the siege, and Jingzong withdrew. After the bandit attacks there were exposed corpses outside the city, and Shenjun ordered them collected and buried. He was summoned and appointed Minister of Agriculture. Near the end of Emperor Xiaoming's reign he was appointed General Who Pacifies the Army and acted as governor of Xiangzhou. When Ge Rong pressed south Shenjun was fearful and deliberately fell from his horse and injured his foot, stopping at Jijun Commandery until an edict recalled him. When Emperor Zhuang took the throne, because of Shenjun's public esteem he was appointed Attendant-in-Ordinary and Director in the Palace. His steadfast defense of Jingzhou was rewarded with enfeoffment as Marquis of Qiancheng County, and he then transferred to Director of the Secretariat and Minister of Personnel. Shenjun's aspirations tended toward refinement and elegance, and his heart lay in promoting men of talent. When Erzhu Rong wanted to use certain people Shenjun would not agree. Rong grew angry. In fear Shenjun petitioned to resign and was made Right Grandee of the Imperial Household. Soon after, when Erzhu Zhao entered the capital and the emperor was seized and held in confinement, Shenjun fled into hiding among the people. At the start of Emperor Xiaowu's reign he returned to court and was appointed Attendant-in-Ordinary, General of Fast Cavalry, Left Grandee of the Imperial Household, and Honors Equal to the Three Highest Ministers. At the start of Emperor Xiaojing's reign he was appointed General of Fast Cavalry and Governor of Huazhou, entered court as Palace Attendant, and died. At the age of sixty-four he was posthumously given Vice Minister of the Left in the Ministry of Works, Duke and Minister of Education, and Governor of Yongzhou.

神俊風韻秀舉，博學多聞，朝廷舊章及人倫氏族，多所諳記。篤學好文雅，老而不輟。凡所交遊，皆一時名士，汲引後生，為其光價，四方才子，咸宗附之。滎陽鄭伯獻常云：「從舅為人物宗主。」在洛京時，琅邪王誦亦美神俊，故名其子曰俊，庶其似之。梁武帝雅重其名，常云：「彼若遣李神俊來聘，我當今劉孝綽往。」其見重如此。頸多鼠乳。而性通率，不持檢度，至於少年之徒，皆與褻狎。北遷鄴，于路見狗，溫子升戲曰：「為是宋鵲？為是韓盧？」神俊曰：「為逐丞相東走？為共帝女南徂？」沙苑之敗，神俊策眇馬而走，曰：「丁掾力。」馬倒，曰：「丁掾誤我。」其不拘若此。既不能方重，識者以此為譏。喪二妻，又欲娶鄭嚴祖妹，神俊之從甥也。盧元明亦將為婚。遂至紛兢，二家鬩于嚴祖之門。鄭卒歸元明，神俊惆悵不已。時人以神俊為鳳德之衰。

Shenjun's bearing was elegant and distinguished. He was broadly learned and well informed and knew much of the court's old regulations and the lineages of eminent families. He devoted himself to learning and loved refinement, never ceasing even in old age. All his associates were leading figures of the age. He drew up the younger generation and lent them prestige, and talented men from all quarters gathered around him. Zheng Boxian of Xingyang often said, "My maternal uncle is the patron of men of talent. When in Luoyang, Prince of Langye Song also admired Shenjun and therefore named his son Jun, hoping he would resemble him. Emperor Wu of Liang greatly valued his name and often said, "If they send Li Shenjun on an embassy, I shall dispatch Liu Xiaochuo in return. Such was the esteem in which he was held. His neck bore many small moles. Yet his nature was free and direct and he did not restrain himself; he even became improperly familiar with young men. During the northward move to Ye, they encountered a dog on the road. Wen Zisheng quipped, "Could this be Song Que? Or is it Han Lu? Shenjun replied, "Is it chasing the chancellor as he flees east? Or is it accompanying Lord Gong's daughter on her journey south? After the defeat at Shayuan, Shenjun galloped away on a one-eyed horse, crying, "Clerk Ding knows his horses!" When the horse went down, he said, "Clerk Ding has led me astray." Such was his unrestrained manner. Because he could not maintain proper dignity, discerning observers held this against him. After losing two wives, he sought to marry the sister of Zheng Yanzu, who was Shenjun's cousin on his mother's side. Lu Yuanming also intended to marry her. Rivalry erupted, and the two families came to blows at Zheng Yanzu's door. Zheng ultimately gave her to Yuanming, and Shenjun remained deeply dejected. Contemporaries saw in Shenjun a falling away from the nobility for which he had once been known.

沖字思順，承少弟也，本名思沖，孝文改焉。少孤，為承訓養。承常言，此兒器重非恆，方為門戶所寄。沖雅有大量，隨兄至滎陽，時牧守子弟多侵亂人庶，輕有乞奪，沖與承長子韶獨清簡皎然，無所求取，時人美焉。獻文末，為中書學生，沖善交遊，不妄戲雜，流輩重之。孝文初，以例遷秘書中散，典禁中文字。以修敕繁慧，漸見寵待，遷內秘書令，南部給事中。

Chong, courtesy name Sishun, was Cheng's youngest brother. His original name was Sichong, which Emperor Xiaowen changed. Orphaned in youth, he was raised and educated by Cheng. Cheng often said that the boy's talents were exceptional and that the family would one day depend on him. Chong possessed great magnanimity. When he accompanied his elder brother to Xingyang, the sons of regional governors often preyed on common people, freely demanding and seizing what they wanted. Only Chong and Cheng's eldest son Shao remained spotlessly upright and took nothing for themselves, earning widespread admiration. Near the end of Emperor Xianwen's reign, he became a student at the Secretariat. Chong was skilled at friendship and did not idly fool around, and his peers held him in high esteem. At the beginning of Emperor Xiaowen's reign, he was transferred by precedent to Secretariat Attendant and oversaw writing within the palace. Because of his polished elegance and keen intelligence, he gradually won favor and was promoted to Inner Secretariat Director and Attendant in the Southern Department.

舊無三長，唯立宗主主督護，所以我隱冒，五十、三十家方為一戶。沖以三正所由來遠，於是創三長之制上之。文明太后覽而稱善，引見公卿議之，群臣多有不同。太后曰：「立三長則課有常准，賦有常分，包廕之戶可出，僥倖之人可止，何為不可？」詞議雖有乖異，然惟以變法為難，更無異議，遂立三長，公私便之。

Formerly there were no Three Chiefs; only clan heads were appointed to supervise and protect households, so people could conceal their numbers and misreport, and only when fifty or thirty households were gathered did they count as one household. Chong held that the Three Chiefs system derived from antiquity, and so he devised the Three Chiefs system and submitted it to the throne. Empress Dowager Wenming read it and praised it, summoned the high ministers to discuss it, and many ministers disagreed. The Empress Dowager said, "If we establish Three Chiefs, tax assessments will have fixed standards and tax apportionment fixed shares; sheltered households can be brought to light, and those who evade duty through luck can be stopped. Why should this not be done? Though the debate had its differences, the only remaining objection was that reform would be difficult; there were no other objections, and the Three Chiefs were established, to the benefit of both public and private interests.

遷中書令，加散騎常侍，給事中如故。尋轉南部尚書，賜爵順陽侯。沖為文明太后所幸，恩寵日盛，賞賜月必數千萬，進爵隴西公，密緻珍寶服禦以充其第，外人莫得而知。沖家素清貧，於是室富。而謙以自牧，積而能散，近自姻族，逮於鄉閭，莫不分及。虛己接物，垂念羈寒，衰舊淪屈由之躋敘者，亦以多矣，時以此稱之。初，沖兄佐與河南太守來崇同自涼州入國，素有微嫌，佐因構成崇罪，餓死獄中。後崇子護為南部郎，深慮為沖陷，常求退避，沖每慰撫之。護後坐贓罪，懼必不濟，沖具奏與護本末嫌隙，乞原恕之，遂得不坐。沖從甥陰始孫貧，來沖家，至如子侄。有人求官，因其納馬於沖，始孫輒受而不言。後假方便，借沖。此馬主見沖乘馬而不得官，後自陳首始末。沖聞大驚，執始孫，以狀款奏，始孫坐死。其處要自厲，不念愛惡，皆此類也。

He was promoted to Director of the Secretariat, given the additional title of Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry, and remained Attendant as before. Soon he was transferred to Minister of the Southern Department and was granted the title Marquis of Shunyang. Chong was favored by Empress Dowager Wenming; his grace and favor grew daily, and rewards each month invariably reached tens of millions. He was advanced to Duke of Longxi, and fine treasures and imperial robes filled his residence, unknown to outsiders. Chong's family had always been poor; now their house was wealthy. Yet he was modest in self-restraint, and though he accumulated wealth he could also disperse it; from close kin to distant neighbors, none went without a share. He emptied himself in dealing with others, looked after the stranded and poor, and many who had fallen into decline or obscurity rose in rank through him. People of the time praised him for this. Initially, Chong's elder brother Zuo and Lai Chong, Governor of Henan, had entered the realm together from Liangzhou and had long harbored slight enmity. Zuo fabricated charges against Lai Chong, who starved to death in prison. Later Lai Chong's son Hu became an officer in the Southern Department. Deeply fearing that Chong would set a trap for him, he often sought to withdraw and avoid contact, and Chong always comforted and reassured him. Later Hu was charged with corruption and feared he would not survive. Chong submitted a full memorial describing the original enmity between himself and Hu, begging forgiveness, and Hu was therefore not punished. Chong's maternal cousin Yin Shisun was poor and came to Chong's house, where he was treated like a son or nephew. When someone seeking office gave a horse to Chong through him, Shisun accepted it without saying anything. Later he contrived an opportunity to borrow Chong's horse. The owner of the horse saw Chong riding the horse but did not receive office; afterward he came forward himself and explained the whole affair. When Chong heard this he was greatly shocked. He seized Shisun and submitted a full confession memorial, and Shisun was executed for his crime. In important matters he was strict with himself and did not let personal liking or hatred sway him; all his actions were of this kind.

時循舊，王公重臣皆呼名，孝文帝謂沖為中書而不名之。文明太后崩後，孝文居喪，引見待接有加。及議律令，潤飾辭旨，刊定輕重，孝文雖自下筆，無不使訪焉。沖竭忠奉上，知無不盡，出入憂勤，形於顏色，雖舊臣戚輔，莫能逮之，俱服其明斷慎密而歸心焉。於是天下翕然。及殊方聽望，咸宗奇之。孝文亦深相仗信，親敬彌甚，君臣之間，情義莫二。及置百司，開建五等，以沖參定典式，封滎陽侯，拜廷尉卿，遷侍中、吏部尚書、咸陽王師。東宮建，拜太子少傅。孝文初依《周禮》置夫嬪之列，以沖女為夫人。及營明堂，詔沖領將作大匠，與司空、長樂公亮共監興繕。

At the time according to custom, princes and great ministers were all addressed by name, but Emperor Xiaowen called him Secretariat Director rather than by name. After Empress Dowager Wenming died, Emperor Xiaowen was in mourning. He summoned Chong and treated him with special favor. When laws and statutes were discussed, their wording was polished and penalties calibrated. Even when Emperor Xiaowen wrote himself, he never failed to consult Chong. Chong exhausted his loyalty in serving the throne and held nothing back of what he knew. His concern and diligence showed plainly in his face. Even old ministers and kinsmen who assisted the throne could not match him, and all admired his clarity, decisiveness, and discretion and gave him their hearts. Thereupon the empire fell into unanimous accord. Even in distant lands, those who heard of him looked to him with admiration. Emperor Xiaowen also deeply relied on and trusted him, and his personal respect grew ever greater. Between ruler and minister their bond was singular. When the hundred offices were established and the five ranks of nobility inaugurated, Chong helped fix the canonical forms. He was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xingyang, appointed Minister of Justice, and promoted to Palace Attendant, Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Tutor to the Prince of Xianyang. When the Eastern Palace was established, he was appointed Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince. Emperor Xiaowen initially, following the Rites of Zhou, established ranks of consorts and made Chong's daughter a Lady. When the Bright Hall was planned, an edict appointed Chong to lead the Master of Construction, and together with the Minister of Works and Duke of Changle, Liang, to jointly supervise construction.

車駕南伐，加沖輔國大將軍，統眾翼從。自發都至洛陽，霖雨不霽，仍詔六軍發軫，孝文戎服執鞭，禦馬而出，群臣稽顙于馬首之前。孝文曰：「今大軍將邁，公等更欲何雲？」沖進，請曰：「發都淫雨，士馬困弊，矜喪反旆，於義為允。」孝文曰：「已至於此，何容停駕！」沖又進曰：「今者之舉，天下所不願，敢以死請。」孝文大怒曰：「方欲經營宇宙，而卿等儒生，屢疑大計，斧鉞有常，卿勿復言！」策馬將出。，大司馬安定王休、兼左僕射任城王澄等並殷勤泣諫，孝文乃喻群臣曰：「今者興動不小，勤而無成，何以示後？若不南鑾，即當移都於此。光宅土中，幾亦時矣，王公等以為何如？議之所決，不得旋踵，欲遷者左，不欲遷者右。」安定王休等相率如右。前南安王楨進曰：「愚者暗于成事，智者見於未行，見至德者不議于俗，成大功者不謀於眾。非常之事。廓神都以延王業，都中土以制帝京，周公啟之于前，陛下行之于後，固其宜也。請上安聖躬，下慰人望，光宅中原，輟彼南伐。此臣等之願，亦蒼生幸甚。群臣鹹唱萬歲。孝文初謀南遷，恐眾心戀舊，乃示為大舉，因以脅定群情，外名南伐，其實遷也。舊人懷土，多所不願，內憚南征，無敢言者，於是定都洛陽。

When the imperial carriage marched south on campaign, Chong was given the additional title of Grand General Who Supports the State and commanded troops in support. From the time they left the capital until they reached Luoyang, the rains did not let up. Still an edict ordered the six armies to set out. Emperor Xiaowen in military dress took the whip, mounted his horse, and rode out, and the ministers bowed with foreheads to the ground before his horse's head. Emperor Xiaowen said, "Now the great army is about to advance — what more do you wish to say? Chong stepped forward and pleaded, "Since we left the capital, the rains have not let up and our troops and horses are exhausted. It would be right to show mercy and bring the army home." Emperor Xiaowen said, "We have come this far — how can we halt the chariot!" Chong stepped forward again and said, "This present expedition is what the empire does not wish. I dare beg with my life." Emperor Xiaowen was greatly angered and said, "I am just now planning to govern all under heaven, yet you Confucian scholars repeatedly doubt the grand plan. The axe and halberd have their fixed law — speak no more!" He whipped his horse and was about to ride out. Grand Marshal, Prince of Anding, Xiu, Acting Left Vice Director and Prince of Rencheng, Cheng, and others all earnestly wept and remonstrated. Emperor Xiaowen then explained to the ministers, "Today's undertaking is no small matter — if we exert ourselves yet achieve nothing, how shall we face posterity? If we do not proceed south with the imperial carriage, we should move the capital here. To dwell in glory in the Central Land — the time is nearly ripe. What do you princes and ministers think? What the deliberation decides cannot be delayed. Those who wish to move, stand left; those who do not, stand right. Prince of Anding Xiu and the others all followed one another to the right. Former Prince of Nan'an, Zhen, stepped forward and said, "The fool is blind to what is already accomplished; the wise see what has not yet been done. Those who perceive supreme virtue do not debate with the vulgar; those who achieve great deeds do not take counsel from the multitude. This is an extraordinary undertaking. To expand the sacred capital and extend the royal enterprise, to establish the capital in the Central Land and regulate the imperial city — the Duke of Zhou initiated it in former times, and Your Majesty carries it out afterward. This is indeed fitting. We beg Your Majesty to settle the sacred person above and comfort the people's hopes below, to dwell in glory in the Central Plains and halt that southern campaign. This is our ministers' wish, and great fortune for the common people as well. All the ministers cried, "Ten thousand years!" Emperor Xiaowen had initially planned to move the capital south. Fearing that hearts would cling to the old capital, he staged a great campaign as a pretense to coerce and settle the people's feelings — outwardly named a southern campaign, but in truth it was relocation. The old retainers clung to their native soil and mostly did not wish it. Inwardly they dreaded the southern expedition but none dared speak, and so the capital was fixed at Luoyang.

尋以沖為鎮南將軍，侍中、少傅如故。委以營構之任，改封陽平郡侯。車駕南征，以沖兼左僕射，留守洛陽，遷尚書左僕射，仍領少傅，改封清泉縣侯。及太子恂廢，沖罷少傅。孝文引見公卿于清徽常曰：「今徙極中天，創居嵩、洛，雖大構未成，要自條紀略舉。但南有未賓之豎，兼凶蠻密邇，朕取南之計決矣，所行之謀必定。頃來陰陽卜術之士鹹勸，朕今征必克。此既家國大事，宜其君臣各盡所見。」沖曰：「征戰之法，先之人事，然後卜筮。卜筮雖吉，猶恐人事未備。京師始遷，行業未定，加之征戰，以為未可。」帝曰：「僕射之言，非為不合朕意。然咫尺寇戎，無以自安，理須如此。若待人事備，復非天時，將若之何？如僕射之言，便終無征理。」沖機敏有巧思，北京明堂、圓丘、太廟，及洛都初基，安處郊兆，新起宮寢，皆資於沖。勤志強力，孜孜無怠，且理文簿，兼營匠制，幾案盈積，剞劂在前，初不勞厭也。然顯貴門族，榮益六姻，兄弟子侄，皆有官爵，一家歲祿，萬匹有餘。年才四十，而鬢髮斑白，姿貌甚美，未有衰狀。

Soon Chong was made General Who Guards the South; Palace Attendant and Junior Tutor as before. He was entrusted with construction duties and his enfeoffment was changed to Marquis of Yangping Commandery. When the imperial carriage campaigned south, Chong was made Acting Left Vice Director and left behind to guard Luoyang. He was promoted to Left Vice Director of the Ministry of State Affairs, still leading as Junior Tutor, and his enfeoffment was changed to Marquis of Qingquan County. When Crown Prince Xun was deposed, Chong was removed as Junior Tutor. Emperor Xiaowen summoned the high ministers to the Clear and Serene Hall and said, "Now we have moved to the center of heaven and established residence at Song and Luo. Though the great structures are not yet complete, the basic order has in essence been set forth. But to the south there are unsubmitting petty foes, and fierce barbarians press close as well. My decision to take the south is settled, and the plan to be carried out is firm. Recently yin-yang and divination masters have all urged that if I campaign now, we are sure to conquer. This concerns the great affairs of family and state. Ruler and ministers alike should each offer their full view. Chong said, "The method of warfare places human affairs first, and only then divination. Even if divination is auspicious, one still fears that human affairs are not yet ready. The capital has only just been moved and livelihoods are not yet settled. To add warfare on top of this, I deem it inadvisable." The Emperor said, "The Vice Director's words are not that they fail to accord with my intent. Yet the enemy is at our doorstep; there is no way to rest secure. Reason demands that it be so. If we wait until human affairs are ready, the heavenly timing will again be wrong. What then shall we do? If we follow the Vice Director's words, there will never be grounds for campaigning at all." Chong was quick-witted and inventive in design. The Bright Hall, Round Mound, and Imperial Temple in the Northern capital, as well as the first laying out of Luoyang, the placing of suburban precincts, and the raising of new palace halls — all relied on Chong. He pursued his duties with vigor, tirelessly and without slackening. He managed documents even while directing craftsmen's designs — desks piled high, carving blocks before him — and he never showed weariness. Yet his was a distinguished and honored clan. Glory enriched all six degrees of kinship — brothers, sons, and nephews all held office and rank, and the family's yearly stipends exceeded ten thousand bolts of silk. He was only forty years old, yet his temples were already streaked with white. His bearing was very fine and showed no sign of decline.

李彪之入京也，孤微寡援而自立不群，以沖好士，傾心宗附。沖亦重其器學，禮而納焉，每言之入孝文，公私共相援益。及彪為中尉、尚書，為孝文知待，便謂非復藉沖，更相輕背，唯公坐斂袂而已，無復宗敬之意。沖頗銜之。後孝文南征，沖與吏部尚書、任城王澄並以彪倨傲無禮，遂禁止之，奏其罪狀。沖手自作表，家人不知，辭甚激切，因以自劾。孝文覽其表，嗟歎久之。既而曰：「道固可謂隘也，僕射亦為滿矣！」沖時震怒，數責彪前後愆悖，瞋目大呼，投折幾案，盡收御史，皆泥首面縛，大罵辱詈。沖素性溫柔，而一朝暴恚，遂發病荒悸，言語亂錯，猶扼腕叫詈，稱李彪小人。醫藥所不能療，或謂肝藏傷裂，旬餘日卒。時年四十九。

When Li Biao entered the capital, he was isolated, humble, with few patrons, yet stood apart with self-reliance. Because Chong loved worthy men, Biao devoted himself and attached to him as to a patron. Chong also prized his talent and learning, treated him courteously and took him in. Whenever Biao spoke to Emperor Xiaowen, both in public and private they mutually aided and benefited one another. When Biao became Commandant of Justice and Minister and won Emperor Xiaowen's recognition and favor, he decided he no longer needed Chong. They turned to mutual disdain and estrangement, and at public audiences he only drew in his sleeves — no longer any reverence as to a patron. Chong harbored considerable resentment. Later when Emperor Xiaowen campaigned south, Chong together with the Minister of Personnel and Prince of Rencheng Cheng all deemed Biao arrogant and without propriety. They placed him under restraint and memorialized his crimes. Chong personally drafted the memorial without his family's knowledge. Its language was very fierce, and in it he also impeached himself. Emperor Xiaowen read the memorial and sighed for a long time. Then he said, "The Way may indeed be called narrow — and the Vice Director has reached his limit as well! Chong was at once enraged. He repeatedly reproached Biao for his past transgressions and insolence, glared and shouted, threw down and smashed desk legs, seized all the censor officials, made them bow with foreheads in mud and bound their faces, and reviled them with great abuse. Chong was by nature gentle and mild, but one morning he flew into violent rage. He then fell ill with delirium and palpitations, his speech became confused and erratic, yet he still clutched his wrists and shouted curses, calling Li Biao a petty man. Medicine could not cure him. Some said his liver was torn and ruptured, and after a little more than ten days he died. He was then forty-nine years old.

孝文始聞沖病狀，謂右衛宋弁曰：「僕射執我樞衡，總厘朝務，使我無後顧之憂，一朝忽有此患，朕甚愴懷。」及聞沖卒，為舉哀於縣瓠，發聲悲泣，不能自勝。詔書褒述其美曰：「可謂國之賢也，朝之望也。」於是贈司空公，給東園秘器一具、衣一襲，贈錢三十萬、布五百匹、蠟二百斤。有司奏諡曰文穆。葬于覆舟山，近杜預塚，孝文之意也。後車駕自鄴還洛，經沖墓，左右以聞。孝文臥疾，望墳掩涕久之，遣太常致祭。及與留京百官相見，皆敘沖亡沒之故，言及流淚，其相痛惜如此。

When Emperor Xiaowen first heard of Chong's illness, he said to the Right Guard Song Bian, "The Vice Director holds my pivot and balance, overseeing and ordering court affairs, so that I am free of worries behind me — yet in a single morning this affliction has suddenly come. I am deeply sorrowful. When he heard that Chong had died, he held mourning at Xianhu, breaking into wailing and weeping beyond his control. An imperial edict praised and described his virtues, saying, "He may be called a worthy of the state, the hope of the court. Thereupon he was posthumously made Duke of the Ministry of Works, given one set of Eastern Garden secret burial implements and one suit of clothing, and granted three hundred thousand cash, five hundred bolts of cloth, and two hundred catties of wax. The responsible officials memorialized that his posthumous name should be Wenmu. He was buried on Mount Fuzhou, near Du Yu's tomb — at Emperor Xiaowen's wish. Later when the imperial carriage returned from Ye to Luoyang and passed Chong's tomb, those about the emperor reported this. Emperor Xiaowen was ill in bed. He gazed at the tomb and wiped away tears for a long time, then sent the Minister of Rites to perform the sacrifice. When he met with the officials remaining in the capital, each recounted the circumstances of Chong's death. As they spoke they wept, and their mutual grief was so great.

子延寔，字禧，性溫良，少為太子舍人。宣武初，襲父爵清泉縣侯。莊帝即位，以母舅之尊，超授侍中、太保，封濮陽郡王。延寔乙太保犯祖諱，又以王爵非庶姓所宜，抗表固辭，徙封濮陽郡公，改授太傅。尋轉司徒公，出為使持節、侍中、太傅、錄尚書事、東道大行台、都督、青州刺史。爾硃兆入京，乘與幽縶，延實以外戚見害于州館。孝武帝初，反葬洛陽，贈使持節、侍中、太師、太尉公、錄尚書事、都督、雍州刺史，諡曰孝懿。

His son Yan Shi, styled Xi, was gentle and kind. In youth he served as Attendant of the Heir Apparent. At the beginning of Emperor Xuanwu's reign he inherited his father's title, Marquis of Qingquan County. When Emperor Zhuangdi ascended the throne, by virtue of being the emperor's maternal uncle he was directly appointed Attendant-in-Ordinary and Grand Tutor and enfeoffed as Prince of Puyang Commandery. Since Yan Shi's title of Grand Tutor violated an ancestral taboo and a princely title was not fitting for a common surname, he submitted a resolute memorial declining. He was transferred to Duke of Puyang Commandery and instead appointed Grand Mentor. Soon afterward he was transferred to Duke of the Ministry of Works and sent out as Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Attendant-in-Ordinary, Grand Mentor, Director of the Affairs of the Masters of Writing, Great Commissioner's Office of the Eastern Route, Commander-in-Chief, and Governor of Qing Province. When Erzhu Zhao entered the capital, the imperial carriage was detained in confinement. Yan Shi, as a maternal relative of the throne, was killed in the provincial guesthouse. In the early years of Emperor Xiaowu, his remains were re-interred in Luoyang. He was posthumously given the titles Bearer of the Staff, Attendant-in-Ordinary, Grand Preceptor, Duke of Grand Commandant, Director of the Affairs of the Masters of Writing, Commander-in-Chief, and Governor of Yong Province, with the posthumous name Xiaoyi.

長子彧，字子文，尚莊帝姊豐亭公主，封東平郡公，位侍中、左光祿大夫、中書監、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、廣州刺史。彧性膏俠，爾硃榮之死也，武毅之士，皆彧所進。孝靜初，陷法見害。尋詔復本爵。子道端襲。彧七子，並彭城王勰女豐亭公主所生，以道、德、仁、義、禮、智、信為名。第四子義雄，有識悟，勤學，手不釋書。仕齊，位琅邪郡守。義雄弟禮成，最知名。

His eldest son Yu, styled Ziwen, married Princess Fengting, elder sister of Emperor Zhuangdi. He was enfeoffed as Duke of Dongping Commandery and held the offices of Attendant-in-Ordinary, Left Grand Master of Splendor and Virtue, Director of the Secretariat, General of Aggressive Cavalry, Grand General with staff equal in honor to a Three Excellency, and Governor of Guang Province. Yu was by nature lavish and chivalrous. When Erzhu Rong died, the firm and resolute warriors had all been promoted through Yu's recommendation. At the beginning of Emperor Xiaojing's reign he was killed for violating the law. Soon an edict restored his original rank. His son Daoduan succeeded. Yu had seven sons, all born of Princess Fengting, daughter of Prince of Pengcheng Xie. They were named with the characters for Way, Virtue, Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Trust. The fourth son Yixiong had insight and understanding. He studied diligently and never put aside his books. He served in Qi and reached the office of Administrator of Langya Commandery. Yixiong's younger brother Licheng was the most renowned.

禮成字孝諧，年七歲，與姑之子蘭陵太守滎陽鄭顥隨魏武帝入關。顥母每謂入曰：「此兒平生，未嘗回顧，當為重器。」及長，沈深有行檢，不妄通賓客。在魏，曆著作郎、太子洗馬、員外散騎常侍。周受禪，拜平東將軍、散騎常侍。于時貴公子皆竟習弓馬，被服多為軍容。禮成雖善騎射，而從容儒服，不失素望。後以軍功拜車騎大將軍、儀同三司，賜爵脩陽侯，拜遷州刺史。時朝廷有所徵發，禮成度以蠻夷不可擾，擾必為亂，上表固諫，武帝從之。伐齊之役，從帝圍晉陽，齊將席毗羅精兵拒帝，禮成力戰擊退之。加開府，進封冠軍縣公，曆北徐州刺史、戶部中大夫。

Licheng, styled Xiaoxie, was seven years old when he followed Zheng Hao of Xingyang, Prefect of Lanling and son of his aunt by marriage, as they entered the passes with Emperor Xiaowu of Wei. Hao's mother would often say to those present, "This boy in all his life has never once looked back — he will be a vessel of consequence. When he grew up he was deep and reserved, with proper conduct. He did not recklessly receive guests. In Wei he successively held the offices of Gentleman of Composition, Groom of the Crown Prince's Household, and Acting Outer Regular Attendant. When Zhou received the abdication he was appointed General Who Pacifies the East and Regular Attendant. At that time the sons of noble families all vied in practicing archery and horsemanship, and their dress mostly took a military style. Although Licheng was skilled in riding and shooting, he wore the robes of a scholar with composure and did not lose the reputation he had long held. Later for military merit he was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry, Commissioner Equal in Honor to a Three Excellency, enfeoffed as Marquis of Xiuyang, and appointed Governor of Qian Prefecture. When the court at that time had levies and requisitions, Licheng judged that the barbarians could not be disturbed — if disturbed they would surely rebel. He submitted a resolute memorial remonstrating, and Emperor Wu accepted his advice. In the campaign against Qi he followed the emperor in besieging Jinyang. The Qi general Xi Piluo with picked troops resisted the emperor, and Licheng fought hard and drove him back. He was granted a grand staff office, advanced in rank to Duke of Guanjun County, and successively held the offices of Governor of Northern Xu Province and Chief Clerk in the Household Bureau.

禮成妻竇氏早沒，知隋文帝有非常之表，遂聘帝妹為繼室。及帝為丞相，進位上大將軍，遷司武上大夫，委以心膂，及受禪，拜陝州刺史，進封絳郡公，賞賜優洽。累遷襄州總管、左衛大將軍。時突厥屢為寇患，緣邊要害，多委重臣，由是拜甯州刺史。以疾征還京，終於家。子世師，位度支侍郎。

Licheng's wife, née Dou, died young. Knowing that Emperor Wen of Sui showed extraordinary promise, he then took the emperor's younger sister as his new wife. When the emperor became Chancellor he was promoted to Senior Grand General, transferred to Senior Commissioner of Martial Affairs, and entrusted as a right-hand man. When the emperor received the abdication he was appointed Governor of Shan Province, advanced to Duke of Jiang Commandery, and richly rewarded. He was promoted in succession to Prefect of Xiang Prefecture and Left Guard Grand General. At that time the Turks repeatedly raided as a scourge. Key frontier posts were often entrusted to important ministers, and for this reason he was appointed Governor of Ning Prefecture. Recalled to the capital on account of illness, he died at home. His son Shishi held the office of Vice Minister in the Revenue Bureau.

禮成弟智源，有器重。仕齊，卒于高都郡守。

Licheng's younger brother Zhiyuan had talent and capacity. He served in Qi and died as Administrator of Gaodu Commandery.

智源弟信則，方雅廉慎。齊武平中，位南陽王大司馬屬。信則形短，中書侍郎頓丘李若戲之曰：「弟為府屬，可謂名以定體。」信則曰：「名以定體，豈過劣弱？」尋除尚書倉部郎中。入周，為東京司門下大夫。隋開皇中，卒于沔州刺史。

Zhiyuan's younger brother Xinze was square in bearing, elegant, and cautious. In the Wuping era of Northern Qi he held the office of Staff member to the Grand Marshal of Prince of Nanyang. Xinze was short in stature. Li Ruo of Dunqiu, Attendant of the Secretariat, teased him, saying, "Younger brother, as a staff member of the prince's household — one may say the name defines the form. Xinze said, "The name defines the form — how could it surpass being inferior and weak? Soon afterward he was appointed Chief of the Granaries Section in the Ministry of Revenue. After entering Zhou he served as Vice Director in the Eastern Capital Bureau of Gates. In the Kaihuang era of Sui he died as Governor of Mian Prefecture.

彧弟彬，字子儒。其父延寔既別封，彬襲祖爵清泉縣侯。位中書侍郎，卒于左光祿大夫，贈驃騎大將軍、光祿勳、齊州刺史，諡曰獻。子桃杖襲。彬弟彰，位通直散騎侍郎，從父在青州，同時遇害。贈左將軍、瀛州刺史。

Yu's younger brother Bin, styled Ziru. Since his father Yan Shi had been separately enfeoffed, Bin inherited his grandfather's title, Marquis of Qingquan County. He held the office of Attendant of the Secretariat and died while holding the office of Left Grand Master of Splendor and Virtue. He was posthumously given the titles General of Aggressive Cavalry, Minister of Splendor and Virtue, and Governor of Qi Prefecture, with the posthumous name Xian. His son Taozhang succeeded. Bin's younger brother Zhang held the office of Supervising Regular Attendant. He followed his father in Qing Province and was killed at the same time. He was posthumously given the titles Left General and Governor of Ying Prefecture.

延寔弟休纂，小字鍾羌，頗有父風。位終太子舍人，贈驃騎大將軍、尚書令、司徒公、雍州刺史，追封樂涫縣公，後進封高陽郡公。子昂襲。

Yan Shi's younger brother Xiuzuan, byname Zhongqiang, bore much of his father's character. He ended his career as Attendant of the Heir Apparent. He was posthumously given the titles General of Aggressive Cavalry, Director of the Masters of Writing, Duke of the Ministry of Works, and Governor of Yong Prefecture, posthumously enfeoffed as Duke of Letao County, and later advanced to Duke of Gaoyang Commandery. His son Ang succeeded.

昂，魏末為廣平郡太守，齊天保中，卒於光祿卿。

Ang, at the end of Wei served as Administrator of Guangping Commandery. In the Tianbao era of Qi he died while holding the office of Minister of Splendor and Virtue.

昂子道隆，有才識，明剖斷。仕齊，位並省尚書左丞。隋開皇中，為尚書比部侍郎。

Ang's son Daolong had talent and insight, and was clear in judgment. He served in Qi and held the office of Left Assistant Director in the Joint Secretariat. In the Kaihuang era of Sui he served as Vice Minister in the Comparative Section of the Ministry of Revenue.

休纂弟延孝，位尚書屯田郎中。于河陰遇害，贈侍中、車騎大將軍、司空公、定州刺史，進封臨潁縣公。

Xiuzuan's younger brother Yanxiao held the office of Chief of the Agricultural Colonies Section in the Ministry of Revenue. He was killed at Heyin. He was posthumously given the titles Attendant-in-Ordinary, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Duke of the Ministry of Works, and Governor of Ding Prefecture, and advanced in rank to Duke of Linying County.

韶從弟仲遵，有器業，彭城王勰為定州，請為定州開府參軍，累遷營州刺史。時四方州鎮，逆叛相續，營州城內，鹹有異心。仲遵單車赴州，及至，與大使盧同以恩信懷誘，率皆安帖。後明帝又詔盧同為行台，北出慰勞，同疑人情難信，聚兵將往。城人劉安定、就德興等先有異志，謂欲圖己，逐仲遵害之。

Shao's cousin Zhongzun had talent and accomplishment. When Prince of Pengcheng Xie was in Ding Prefecture he invited Zhongzun as Opening Staff Officer of Ding Prefecture, and Zhongzun was promoted in succession to Governor of Ying Prefecture. At that time in prefectures and garrisons throughout the realm rebellions followed one after another. Within the walls of Ying Prefecture all had mutinous intent. Zhongzun went alone in a single carriage to the prefecture. When he arrived, he together with the Commissioner Lu Tong used kindness and trust to win and persuade them, and all for the most part settled into peace. Later Emperor Mingdi again issued an edict appointing Lu Tong as Commissioner of the Mobile Office to go north to offer comfort and rewards. Tong doubted that men's hearts could be trusted and gathered troops to set out. The townspeople Liu Anding, Qiu Dexing, and others had earlier harbored rebellious intent. Thinking that he meant to plot against them, they drove out Zhongzun and killed him.

韶從祖抗，自涼州渡江左，仕宋，曆晉壽、安陸、東萊三郡太守。

Shao's collateral ancestor Kang, from Liang Province crossed the Yangtze to the left bank and served Song. He successively held the governorships of three commanderies: Jinshou, Anlu, and Donglai.

抗子思穆，字叔仁。有度量，善談論，工草隸，為當時所談。太和十七年，攜家累自漢中歸魏，位都水使者。及車駕南伐，以本官兼直閣將軍，從平南陽，以功賜爵樂平子。宣武踐祚，進爵為伯。累遷京兆內史，在郡八年，頗有政績。卒于營州刺史，贈安東將軍、華州刺史。有子十四人。嫡子斌襲，位散騎侍郎，早卒。

Kang's son Simu, styled Shuren. He had breadth of mind, was skilled at discourse, and was adept at clerical and draft script. He was a subject of conversation among his contemporaries. In the seventeenth year of Taihe he brought his household dependents from Hanzhong back to Wei and held the office of Commissioner for Waterways. When the imperial carriage campaigned south he served in his original office concurrently as Direct Gate General, followed in pacifying Nanyang, and for merit was granted the title Viscount of Yueping. When Emperor Xuanwu ascended the throne he was advanced in rank to Count. He was promoted in succession to Interior Minister of Jingzhao. In eight years in the commandery he achieved considerable administrative merit. He died while holding the office of Governor of Ying Prefecture and was posthumously given the titles General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Hua Prefecture. He had fourteen sons. The eldest son Bin succeeded. He held the office of Regular Attendant and died young.

斌兄獎，字道休，為莊帝所親，超贈思穆衛將軍、中書監、左光祿大夫，諡曰宣武。獎以戚裏恩澤，賜爵廣平侯。曆中書侍郎、兼散騎常侍、聘梁使主、黃門郎、司徒左長史，行瀛州事。齊天保初，兼侍中、冀瀛滄三州大使，觀察風俗，還，拜魏尹。卒，贈濟州刺史、中書令。子瑰，位中書舍人黃門郎。

Bin's elder brother Jiang, styled Daoxiu, was favored by Emperor Zhuangdi. The emperor exceptionally posthumously ennobled Simu as Guard General, Director of the Secretariat, and Left Grand Master of Splendor and Virtue, with the posthumous name Xuanwu. Jiang, through favor as a maternal relative, was granted the title Marquis of Guangping. He successively held Attendant of the Secretariat, Concurrent Regular Attendant, Chief Envoy on a Mission to Liang, Yellow Gate Gentleman, Left Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, and administered the affairs of Ying Prefecture. At the beginning of Tianbao in Qi he concurrently served as Attendant-in-Ordinary and Commissioner to the three prefectures of Ji, Ying, and Cang, inspecting local customs. On his return he was appointed Intendant of Wei. On his death he was posthumously given Governor of Ji Prefecture and Director of the Secretariat. His son Gui held the offices of Drafting Attendant of the Secretariat and Yellow Gate Gentleman.

韶族弟琰之，字景珍，小字墨蠡。少知名，號曰神童，從父沖雅所歎異。每曰：「興吾宗者，其此兒乎！」恆資給所須，愛同己子。弱冠舉秀才，不行。曾遊河內北山，便欲有隱遁意。會彭城王勰辟為行軍參軍，苦相敦引，沖又遣信喻之，久乃應召。尋為中尉李彪啟兼著作佐郎，修撰國史。稍遷國子博士，領尚書儀曹郎中，轉中書侍郎、司農少卿、黃門郎，修國史。遷國子祭酒，轉秘書監，兼七兵尚書，遷太常師。

Shao's clansman younger cousin Yanzhi, styled Jingzhen, childhood name Molí. Renowned from youth, he was called a child prodigy. His father's younger cousin Chong sighed in wonder at him. He often said, "The one who will revive our clan — is it not this boy! He constantly supplied whatever was needed and loved him as his own son. At coming of age he was nominated as a Fine Talent candidate but did not take office. Once while traveling on the Northern Mountains of Henei he felt an impulse toward reclusion. When Prince of Pengcheng Xie invited him as Staff Officer on Campaign, Xie urgently pressed him. Chong also sent a letter to persuade him, and only after a long time did he answer the summons. Soon Li Biao the Commandant of Justice memorialized to appoint him Concurrent Assistant Gentleman of Composition to compile the national history. Gradually promoted to Erudite of the National University, concurrently Chief of the Rituals Section in the Ministry of Revenue, then transferred to Attendant of the Secretariat, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue for Agriculture, and Yellow Gate Gentleman, compiling the national history. Promoted to Rector of the National University, transferred to Director of the Secretariat Bureau, concurrently Minister of the Seventh Military Section, and promoted to Mentor of the Ministry of Rites.

琰之少機警，善談論，經史百家，無不悉覽，朝廷疑事，多所訪質。每云：「崔博而不精，劉精而不博，我既精且博，學兼二子。」謂崔光、劉芳也。論者許其博，未許其精，當時議咸共宗之。又自誇文章，從姨兄常景笑而不許。每休閒之際，恆閉門讀書，不交人事。常謂人曰：「吾所以好讀書者，不求身後之名。但異見異聞，心之願也，是以孜孜搜討，欲罷不能。豈為聲名，疾勞世人也？此乃天性，非為力強。」前後再居史事，無所編緝。安豐王延明博聞多識，每有疑滯，常就琰之辨析，自以為不及也。

From youth Yanzhi was quick-witted and alert, skilled in debate. He read thoroughly through the classics, histories, and every school of thought. When the court faced doubtful matters, many came to him for guidance. He often said, "Cui is broad but lacks precision; Liu is precise but lacks breadth. I am both precise and broad — my learning combines the strengths of both men. He was speaking of Cui Guang and Liu Fang. Critics acknowledged his breadth but not his precision. At the time, scholarly debate everywhere took him as its standard. He also boasted of his literary compositions. His maternal cousin Chang Jing laughed but would not grant the claim. In his leisure hours he always shut his doors to read and kept clear of worldly affairs. He often told others, "I love reading not because I seek posthumous fame. It is simply that the heart delights in seeing what is unusual and hearing what is new. That is why I search and investigate without rest, unable to stop even when I wish to. Surely I am not exhausting myself before the world merely for the sake of renown? This is my nature, not something I force upon myself. Though he twice held posts in historical compilation, he produced nothing. Prince of Anfeng Yanming was widely learned and knowledgeable. Whenever he hit a difficult point, he would go to Yanzhi for analysis and considered himself Yanzhi's inferior.

二子綱、慧，並從孝武帝入關中。綱位宜州刺史，儀同三司。

His two sons Gang and Hui both followed Emperor Xiaowu into the Guanzhong region. Gang served as Inspector of Yizhou with rank equal to the Three Dukes.

子充節，少慷慨，有英略。隋開皇中，頻以行軍總管擊突厥有功，位上柱國、武陽郡公、朔州總管。甚有威名，為虜所憚，後有人譖有謀反，征還京師。上怒之，充節素剛，憂憤卒。子大亮。

His son Chongjie was open-handed from youth and possessed bold strategic vision. During the Kaihuang era of Sui, he repeatedly led campaigns against the Turks as Commander on Campaign with distinction, rising to Upper Pillar of State, Duke of Wuyang Commandery, and Commander of Shuozhou. He enjoyed great renown and was feared by the enemy. Later someone slandered him for plotting rebellion, and he was recalled to the capital. The emperor was enraged. Chongjie, stubborn by nature, died of grief and indignation. His son was Daliang.

曉字仁略，太尉虔之子也。少而簡素，博涉經史，早有時譽，釋褐員外散騎侍郎，爾硃榮之立孝莊，曉兄弟四人，與百僚俱將迎焉。其夜，曉衣冠為鼠噬，不成行而免。其上三兄皆遇害。曉乃攜諸猶子，微服潛行，避難東郡。行至成皋，為滎陽令天水閻信所疑，辟易左右，謂曉曰：「觀君儀貌，豈是常倫？古人相知，未必在早，必有急難，須悉心以告。天下豈獨北海孫賓碩乎？」曉以能有長者之言，乃具告情實。信乃厚相資給以免。永安初，授輕車將軍、尚書左右主客郎，仍轉征虜將軍、中散大夫，又除前將軍、太中大夫。

Xiao, styled Renlüe, was the son of Grand Commandant Qian. From youth he was plain and unadorned, widely versed in the classics and histories, and early won renown. Upon entering office he became Supernumerary Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Palace Steeds. When Erzhu Rong enthroned Emperor Xiaozhuang, Xiao and his four brothers went with the hundred officials to welcome him. That night rats gnawed through Xiao's hat and robes, so he could not join the procession and thus escaped with his life. All three of his elder brothers were killed. Xiao then took his nephews, dressed in common clothes, and stole away in secret to take refuge in Dong Commandery. When he reached Chenggao, Yan Xin of Tianshui, magistrate of Xingyang, grew suspicious of him. Xin dismissed his attendants and said to Xiao, "Judging by your bearing and appearance — surely you are no ordinary man? True friendship need not begin early in life. If you are in urgent distress, you must confide in me with all your heart. Surely the world holds more worthy men than Sun Bingshuo of Beihai alone? Hearing words so worthy of an elder, Xiao told him the whole truth. Xin then gave him generous support and saw him safely on his way. In the early Yongan period he was appointed General of Light Chariots and Clerk for Foreign Guests in the Left and Right Sections of the Ministry of State, then transferred to General Who Subdues Barbarians and Palace Gentleman of Merit, and later made Forward General and Palace Counselor.

天平初，遷都於鄴，曉便寓居清河，依從母兄崔甗鄉宅。甗給良田三十頃，曉遂築室居焉。時豪右子弟，悉多驕恣，請托暴亂，州郡不能禁止。曉訓勖子弟，鹹以學行見稱，時論以此多之。曉自河陰家禍之後，屬王途未夷，無復宦情，備在名級而已。及遷都之後，因退私門，外兄范陽盧叔彪勸令出仕，前後數四，確然不從。武定末，齊文襄嗣事，高選僚采，召曉及前開府長史房延祐，並為外兵郎。後徙平西將軍、太尉府諮議參軍事，除頓丘太守。天保中，頻曆廣武、東二郡太守，所在有惠政，為吏人所懷。卒於郡，年五十九，贈本官將軍、海州刺史。三子，伯山、仲舉、季遠。

At the beginning of Tianping, when the capital moved to Ye, Xiao settled in Qinghe, lodging at the country estate of his maternal cousin Cui Yan. Yan granted him thirty qing of good farmland, and Xiao built a house and made his home there. At the time the sons of powerful families were mostly arrogant and willful, using connections to commit violence and disorder that prefectures and commanderies could not check. Xiao instructed and admonished the younger generation until all were praised for learning and conduct. Contemporary opinion held him in high regard for this. After the family calamity at Heyin, with the imperial cause still unsettled, Xiao lost all desire for office and remained on the rolls of rank in name only. After the capital moved he withdrew into private life. His wife's cousin Lu Shubiao of Fanyang urged him to take office four times in succession, but he steadfastly refused. At the end of Wuding, when Duke Wenxiang of Qi took charge of affairs, he sought out men of high quality and summoned Xiao and former Chief Clerk of the Opening Grand General's Office Fang Yanyou, appointing both as Outer Military Clerks. He was later transferred to General Who Pacifies the West and Consultative Staff Officer of the Grand Commandant's Office, and appointed Prefect of Dunqiu. During Tianbao he served in succession as Prefect of Guangwu and Dong commanderies. Wherever he went, his benevolent governance won the affection of officials and people alike. He died in office at fifty-nine. Posthumously he was granted his former rank as general and made Inspector of Haizhou. He had three sons: Baishan, Zhongju, and Jiyuan.

超字仲舉，以字行於世。性方雅善制，白析美鬚眉，高簡宏達，風調疏遠。博涉經史，不守章句業，至於吉凶禮制，親表鹹取則焉。弱冠，仕齊為襄城王大司馬參軍事。時尚書左僕射元文遙以令長之徒，率多寒賤，奏請革選，妙盡高資。仲舉與范陽盧昌衡等八人，同見徵用。以仲舉為司州修武令。仲舉蒞以寬簡，吏人號曰寬明。于時昌衡為平恩令，百姓號曰恩明。故時稱盧、李恩寬之政。武平初，持節，使南定。州人並是蠻左，接帶邊嶂。仲舉具宣朝旨，邊服清謐，朝廷大嘉之，還，授晉州別駕。及周師圍晉州，外無救援，行台左丞侯子欽內圖離貳，欲與仲舉謀，憚其嚴正，將言而止者數四。仲舉揣知其情，乃謂之曰：「城危累卵，伏賴於公，今之所言，想無他事，欲言而還中止也？」子欽曰：「告急官軍，永無消息，勢之危急，旦夕不謀，意欲不坐受夷戮，歸命有道，於公何如？」仲舉正色曰：「僕射高氏恩德未深，公於皇家沒齒非答。臣子之義，固有常道，何至今日，翻及此言！」子欽懼泄，夜投周軍。城尋破，周將梁士彥素聞仲舉名，引與言及時事。仲舉曰：「世居山東，受恩高氏，今國維不張，還勞師眾，不能死於臣道，豈敢幹非其議。」士彥曰：「百里、左車，不無前事，想亦得之。」見逼不已，仲舉乃曰：「今者官軍遠來，方申吊伐，當先德澤，遠示威懷，明至聖之情，弘招納之略，令所至之所，歸誠有地，所謂王者之師，征而不戰也。」土彥深以為然，益相知重。初，城敗之後，公私蕩然，軍人簿帳，悉多亡毀，戶口倉儲，無所憑據。事無大小，士彥一委仲舉，推尋勾當，絲發無遺，於軍用甚有助焉。

Chao, styled Zhongju, was known to the world by his style name. Upright and refined by nature, skilled in propriety, with fair complexion and handsome beard and brows, he was lofty, plain, broad-minded, and aloof in bearing. Widely versed in the classics and histories, he did not bind himself to textual commentaries. In matters of ritual propriety, auspicious and inauspicious observances, relatives and kin all looked to him for guidance. At coming of age he entered Qi service as Staff Officer in the Grand Marshal's Office under the Prince of Xiangcheng. At the time Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of State Yuan Wenyao observed that district magistrates and commandants were mostly poor and low-born. He memorialized to reform selection and fully employ men of high qualification. Zhongju, together with Lu Changheng of Fanyang and seven others, were summoned for appointment. Zhongju was appointed Magistrate of Xiuwu in Sizhou. Zhongju governed with leniency and simplicity. Officials and people called him "Broad and Clear." At the time Changheng was Magistrate of Ping'en, and the people called him "Kind and Clear." Hence the age spoke of the Lu and Li administrations of kindness and breadth. At the beginning of Wuping he served as envoy to Nanding bearing the staff of authority. The people of the prefecture were all tribal peoples of the frontier, living along the border mountains. Zhongju fully proclaimed the court's intentions, and the frontier grew tranquil and orderly. The court greatly praised him, and on his return he was appointed Vice Administrator of Jinzhou. When Zhou forces besieged Jinzhou with no relief from outside, Left Assistant of the Mobile Imperial Secretariat Hou Ziqin inwardly planned defection. Wishing to conspire with Zhongju but fearing his strict integrity, he began to speak and stopped four times. Zhongju divined his intention and said to him, "The city hangs by a thread, and we rely deeply on you. What you mean to say — is it not that you wish to speak but keep turning back? Ziqin said, "We have appealed urgently to the imperial army but receive no word. The danger is so desperate that we cannot wait from one day to the next. My intent is not to sit here and be slaughtered — to surrender to the rightful power. What do you think?" Zhongju said sternly, "Minister Gao's grace has not been profound, yet toward the imperial house you owe a debt of loyalty that no lifetime could repay. The duty of subject and minister has its fixed path. How has it come to this that such words are spoken today!" Fearing exposure, Ziqin fled by night to the Zhou army. The city soon fell. The Zhou general Liang Shiyan, who had long heard of Zhongju's reputation, invited him to discuss current affairs. Zhongju said, "My family has lived in Shandong for generations and received grace from the Gao clan. Now the imperial foundation is unsteady, yet you still trouble the army. I have failed to die in loyal service — how dare I meddle in matters beyond my station? Shiyan said, "Baili and Zuo Che — there are precedents for this. I imagine you understand." Pressed unceasingly, Zhongju finally said, "Now the imperial army comes from afar on a punitive mission. It should first extend virtue and mercy, showing majesty and kindness from afar, making clear the supreme sage's intent and expanding a policy of welcome and acceptance, so that wherever it goes men have reason to submit. This is what is called the army of a true king — one that conquers without fighting." Shiyan deeply agreed and came to respect him all the more. At first, after the city fell, public and private affairs lay in ruins. Military registers were largely lost or destroyed, and household registers and storehouses had nothing left to serve as evidence. Matters great and small Shiyan wholly entrusted to Zhongju. Zhongju tracked and settled accounts with nothing omitted, down to the smallest detail — of great help to military supply.

鄴城平，仍將家隨例入關。仲舉以親故流離，情不願住，妻伯父京兆尹博陵崔宣猷留不許去。固辭，乃得還鄴。尋有詔，素望舊資，命州郡勒送，仲舉懼嚴命而至。補秋官賓部上士，深乖情願，乃取急言歸。

When Ye fell, he still took his family with the others into the Pass. Because his kin and old friends were scattered, Zhongju did not wish to remain. His wife's uncle Cui Xuanyou, Governor of Jingzhao in Boling, detained him and would not let him leave. He firmly declined and was at last able to return to Ye. Soon an edict was issued: given his longstanding reputation and senior standing, commanderies and prefectures were ordered to compel his delivery. Fearing the stern mandate, Zhongju came. Appointed Senior Clerk in the Guests Section of the Ministry of Punishments — far from his wishes — he pleaded urgent business and returned home.

隋開皇中，秦王俊鎮洛州，召補州主簿。友人蜀王府記室范陽盧士彥謂仲舉曰：「丈人往經征辟，每致推辭，何為徒勞之任，忽爾降德？」仲舉笑曰：「屈伸之事，非子所知。」尋被敕追赴京，朝廷以仲舉婆娑州裏，責黜左降為隆州錄事參軍。尋以疾歸，以琴書自娛，優遊賞逸，視人世蔑如也。會朝廷舉士，著作郎王劭又舉以應詔。以前致推遷為責，除冀州清江令，未幾，又以疾還。後以資例，授帥都督、洛陽令。彭城劉逸人謂仲舉曰：「君之才地，遠近所知，久病在家，恐貽時論，具為武職，差若自安。」仲舉曰：「吾性本疏惰，少無宦情，豈以垂老之年，求一階半級？所言武職，掛徐君墓樹耳。」竟不起。終於洛陽永康裏宅。時年六十三，當世名賢，莫不傷惜之。二子，大師、行師。

During Sui Kaihuang, Prince Jun of Qin held Luozhou and summoned him as Chief Clerk of the Prefecture. His friend Lu Shiyan of Fanyang, Recorder of the Prince of Shu's Domain, said to Zhongju, "You sir have been repeatedly summoned and always declined. Why now accept a futile post and suddenly lower your standing? Zhongju smiled and said, "Matters of bending and stretching — these are not for you to understand." Soon by edict he was recalled to the capital. The court, finding that Zhongju had lingered in his prefecture, censured and demoted him to Administrative Clerk of Longzhou. Soon he returned home on grounds of illness, amused himself with zither and books, wandered at ease in leisurely enjoyment, and treated worldly affairs with utter indifference. When the court summoned men of talent, Compiler Wang Shao again recommended him to answer the edict. He was rebuked for his earlier evasions and delays and appointed Magistrate of Qingjiang in Jizhou. Before long he again returned home on grounds of illness. Later, by seniority and precedent, he was granted the rank of Commander-in-Chief and made Magistrate of Luoyang. Liu Yiren of Pengcheng said to Zhongju, "Your talent and standing are known far and near. Long illness at home may invite gossip. A purely military post would be somewhat easier on you. Zhongju said, "By nature I am negligent and slothful. From youth I have had little desire for office. In my declining years, would I seek half a rank or a single step? As for this military post you mention — you might as well hang it on a tree at Xu Jiao's grave." In the end he never took office. He died at his residence in Yongkang Lane, Luoyang. He was sixty-three. No famous worthy of the age failed to mourn him. He had two sons: Dashi and Xingshi.

大師字君威，幼而爽悟，神情警發，標格嚴峻，人並敬憚之。身長七尺五寸，風儀甚偉。好學，無所不窺，善綴文。備知前代故事，若指諸掌；商較當世人物，皆得其精。弱冠，州將賀蘭寬召補主簿。寬當時位望，又與大師年事不侔，初見，言未及終，便改容加敬，曰：「名下故無虛士。今者非以相勞，自望坐嘯有托耳。」每於私室接遇，恆盡忘年之歡。俄而以資調補左翊衛率，尋除冀州司戶參軍。煬帝初，改州為郡，仍除信都司戶書佐。及大業暮年，王塗弛紊，居官者率多侵漁，皆致潤屋；大師獨守清戒，無所營求，家產益致窘迫。郡丞鞠孝稜益相嘆服，曰：「後於歲寒，此言於公得之。」十年，遷渤海郡主簿。及竇建德據有山東，被召為尚書禮部侍郎。武德三年，被遣使京師，因送同安公主，遂求和好。使畢，還至絳州，而建德違約，又助世充抗王師于武牢。高祖大怒，命所在拘留其使。世充、建德尋平，遂以譴徙配西會州。

Dashi, styled Junwei, was quick and perceptive from childhood, alert in spirit and expression, and stern in bearing. All respected and feared him. He stood seven feet five inches tall, with imposing presence and bearing. Fond of study, he left nothing unexplored and was skilled at literary composition. Thoroughly versed in the precedents of former dynasties, as if they lay in the palm of his hand; When weighing the men of the present age, he grasped each to the core. At coming of age the prefectural commander Helan Kuan summoned him as Chief Clerk. Kuan at the time held high rank and prestige and was far from Dashi in years. At their first meeting, before Dashi finished speaking, Kuan changed his expression and showed respect, saying, "Under a great name there truly are no empty men. Today I do not summon you merely to put you to work. I myself hope to have someone to rely on in governing. Whenever they met in private, they always enjoyed the pleasure of friendship across their age gap. Soon by seniority and transfer he was appointed Colonel of the Left Wing Guard, then made Administrative Clerk of the Household Section in Jizhou. At the beginning of Emperor Yang's reign, when prefectures were changed to commanderies, he remained Clerk of the Household Section in Xindu. In the late years of the Daye era the imperial order grew lax and corrupt. Those in office mostly fleeced others, all enriching their households; Dashi alone kept to strict integrity, sought nothing for himself, and his family property grew ever more straitened. Assistant Governor Ju Xiaoling admired him ever more and said, "Only after the cold of winter do we know the steadfast — that saying fits you well." In the tenth year he was transferred to serve as Registrar of Bohai Commandery. When Dou Jiande held Shandong, he was summoned to serve as Vice Minister of Rites in the Secretariat. In the third year of Wude he was dispatched as envoy to the capital. While escorting Princess Tong'an, he sought a reconciliation. When the mission ended he returned to Jiang Prefecture, but Jiande broke the treaty and also helped Shichong resist the imperial army at Wulao. Emperor Gaozu was furious and ordered that the envoys be detained wherever they were found. Shichong and Jiande were soon defeated, and he was banished and assigned to Xi Huizhou as punishment.

大師少時，嘗筮仕長安，遇日者姓史，因使占。時有從兄子同、妹夫鄭師萬、河東裴寂同以宿衛簡入文資。各使視即日官位，及將來所至。史生曰：「裴二及李，皆當依資敘用，然裴君終致台輔。鄭非直今歲虛歸，後歲亦當本資不敘。」指大師曰：「君才雖不滅趙元叔，恐賦命亦將同之。」言子同亦無遠到。時大師弟行師亦預賓貢，因問史生吉凶。生曰：「此郎雖非裴君之匹，亦至方伯。」既而大師及子同、裴寂並以資補州佐。師萬當年差舛，明年而齊資不敘。師萬任益州新都縣尉。及武德初，裴寂任尚書左僕射、魏國公。大師至是遷播，因獨笑曰：「史生之言，於茲驗矣。」行師貞觀中曆太常寺丞、都水使者、邛州刺史，皆如史生之占。

When Dashi was young he once divined whether he would hold office in Chang'an and met a fortune-teller surnamed Shi, whom he asked to read his fate. At the time his cousin's son Tong, his brother-in-law Zheng Shiw, and Pei Ji of Hedong had all been selected from palace guard duty for civilian posts. Each had the fortune-teller examine his immediate office and what rank he would attain in the future. The fortune-teller said, "Pei the second and Li will both receive appointments according to seniority, but Lord Pei will in the end rise to the highest ministerial rank. Zheng will not only return empty-handed this year; in later years as well his seniority will still not qualify him for appointment." Pointing at Dashi he said, "Your talent, though not inferior to Zhao Yuanshu's, I fear your allotted fate will be the same." He said that Tong too would not rise far. At the time Dashi's younger brother Xingshi was also taking the provincial tribute examination, so he asked the fortune-teller about his fortune and misfortune. The fortune-teller said, "This young man, though not Lord Pei's equal, will also rise to regional governorship." Thereafter Dashi, Tong, and Pei Ji were all appointed to prefectural aide posts according to seniority. Shiw's credentials were flawed that year, and the next year his seniority still did not qualify him for appointment. Shiw served as Magistrate of Xindu County in Yizhou. In the early Wude era Pei Ji served as Left Vice Minister of the Secretariat and was enfeoffed as Duke of Wei. By then Dashi had been exiled. He laughed to himself and said, "The fortune-teller's words are verified here." In the Zhenguan era Xingshi successively served as Assistant Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Commissioner of Waterways, and Governor of Qiong Prefecture — all exactly as the fortune-teller had foretold.

大師既至會州，忽忽不樂，乃為《羈思賦》以見其事。侍中、觀公楊恭仁時鎮涼州，見賦異之，召至河西，深相禮重，日與遊處。

After Dashi reached Huizhou he grew restless and despondent and composed the "Ode on Restraining Thoughts" to express his plight. Minister of Works and Duke of Guan Yang Gongren was then stationed at Liang Prefecture. Struck by the ode, he summoned Dashi to Hexi, treated him with deep respect, and spent each day in his company.

大師少有著述之志，常以宋、齊、梁、陳、魏、齊、周、隋南北分隔，南書謂北為「索虜」，北書指南為「島夷」。又各以其本國周悉，書別國並不能備，亦往往失實。常欲改正，將擬《吳越春秋》，編年以備南北。至是無事，而恭仁家富於書籍，得恣意披覽。宋、齊、梁、魏四代有書，自餘竟無所得。居二年，恭仁入為吏部尚書，大師復還會州。武德九年，會赦，歸至京師。尚書右僕射封德彝、中書令房玄齡並與大師親通，勸留不去，曰：「時屬惟新，人思自效，方事摒退，恐失行藏之道。」大師曰：「昔唐堯在上，下有箕山之節，雖以不才，請慕其義。」於是俶裝東歸。家本多書，因編緝前所修書。貞觀二年五月，終於鄭州滎陽縣野舍，時年五十九。既所撰未畢，以為沒齒之恨焉。所制文筆詩賦，播遷及遭火，多致失落，存者十卷。子慶孫、正禮、利王、延壽、安世。

From youth Dashi had wished to compile histories. He often noted that while Song, Qi, Liang, Chen, Wei, Qi, Zhou, and Sui kept North and South divided, Southern histories called the North "barbarian captives" and Northern histories called the South "island barbarians." Moreover each side knew its own realm thoroughly yet could not fully record the other, and often got the facts wrong. He long wished to set this right and planned, following the model of the Annals of Wu and Yue, to compile by year and complete the record of both North and South. Now with time on his hands and Gongren's household rich in books, he was able to browse as he pleased. He obtained books for the four dynasties of Song, Qi, Liang, and Wei, but for the rest he found nothing at all. After two years Gongren entered court as Minister of Personnel, and Dashi returned again to Huizhou. In the ninth year of Wude, when an amnesty was proclaimed, he returned to the capital. Right Vice Minister Feng Deyi and Secretariat Director Fang Xuanling, both close to Dashi, urged him to stay, saying, "The times are newly renewed and men wish to serve. To withdraw now might miss the proper way of acting and withdrawing." Dashi said, "Long ago, while Emperor Yao ruled on high, below there were men who held to the integrity of Mount Ji. Though I lack talent, I beg to follow their example." Thereupon he packed his belongings and returned east. His family had many books to begin with, and he compiled and edited the history he had begun earlier. In the fifth month of the second year of Zhenguan he died at a country lodge in Xingyang County, Zheng Prefecture, at the age of fifty-nine. Because what he had compiled remained unfinished, he took it as a lifelong regret. The prose, poetry, and rhapsodies he wrote were scattered by exile and lost to fire. Most perished; only ten scrolls survive. His sons were Qingsun, Zhengli, Liwang, Yanshou, and Anshi.

表（並序）

Memorial (with preface)

延壽與敬播俱在中書侍郎顏師古、給事中孔穎達下刪削。既家有舊本，思欲追終先志，其齊、梁、陳五代舊事所未見，因於編緝之暇，晝夜抄錄之。至五年，以內憂去職。服闋從官蜀中，以所得者編次之。然尚多所闕，未得及終。十五年，任東宮典膳丞日，右庶子、彭陽公令狐德棻又啟延壽修晉書，因茲復得勘究宋、齊、魏三代之事所未得者。十七年，尚書右僕射褚遂良時以諫議大夫奉敕修《隋書》十志，復准敕召延壽撰錄，因此遍得披尋。時五代史既未出，延壽不敢使人抄錄，家素貧罄，又不辦雇人書寫。至於魏、齊、周、隋、宋、齊、梁、陳正史，並手自寫，本紀依司馬遷體，以次連綴之。又從此八代正史外，更勘雜史於正史所無者一千餘卷，皆以編入。其煩冗者，即削去之。始末修撰，凡十六載。始宋，凡八代，為《北史》、《南史》二書，合一百八十卷。其《南史》先寫訖，以呈監國史、國子祭酒令狐德棻，始末蒙讀了，乖失者亦為改正，許令聞奏。次以《北史》咨知，亦為詳正。因遍咨宰相，乃上表。表曰：

Yanshou and Jing Bo both served under Vice Director of the Secretariat Yan Shigu and Attendant-in-Ordinary Kong Yingda in editing and revising texts. Since his family possessed the old draft, he wished to fulfill his father's intent. Old affairs of Qi, Liang, Chen, and the Five Dynasties that he had not yet seen he copied day and night in spare moments from compiling. By the fifth year he left office to observe mourning for his mother. When mourning ended he took office in Shu and arranged what he had collected. Yet much was still missing, and he could not bring the work to completion. In the fifteenth year, while serving as Director of Palace Provisions for the Eastern Palace, Right Assistant to the Heir Apparent and Duke of Pengyang Linghu Defen again recommended Yanshou to compile the Jin History, and thereby he was able once more to examine matters of Song, Qi, and Wei that he had not yet obtained. In the seventeenth year, when Right Vice Minister Chu Suiliang was charged as Remonstrating Counselor to compile the ten treatises of the Book of Sui, Yanshou was again summoned by imperial order to compile and copy, and thereby gained broad access to the sources. At the time the official histories of the Five Dynasties had not yet been published. Yanshou dared not have others copy them; his family was poor and he could not afford to hire scribes. As for the standard histories of Wei, Qi, Zhou, Sui, Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen, he copied them all by hand. The basic annals followed Sima Qian's form and were linked in sequence. Beyond these eight dynasties' standard histories he further collated more than a thousand scrolls of miscellaneous histories containing what the standard histories lacked, and incorporated them all. Where material was redundant, he cut it away. From start to finish, the compilation took sixteen years in all. Beginning with Song, eight dynasties in all, he produced two works, the Northern History and the Southern History, together one hundred eighty scrolls. The Southern History was copied first and presented to Supervisor of National History and Chancellor of the Imperial University Linghu Defen, who read it through from beginning to end. Errors were corrected, and he permitted Yanshou to report to the throne. Next the Northern History was submitted for review and likewise carefully corrected. He then consulted the chief ministers broadly and submitted this memorial. The memorial states:

臣延壽言：臣聞史官之立，其來已舊，執簡記言，必資良直。是以《典謨》載述，唐、虞之風尤著；《誥誓》斯陳，殷、周之烈彌顯。魯書有作，鹿門貽鑒於臧孫；晉乘無隱，桃園取譏于趙孟。斯蓋哲王經國，通賢垂範，懲誡之方，率由茲義。逮秦書既煬，周籍俱湮，子長創制，五三畢紀，條流且異，綱目咸張。自斯以後，皆所取則。雖左史筆削，無乏于時，微婉所傳，唯稱班、範。次有陳壽《國志》，亦曰名家。並已見重前修，無俟揚榷。

Your subject Yanshou states: I have heard that the office of historiographer is of ancient origin, and that holding the bamboo slips and recording words requires men of integrity. Therefore the Canon of Documents records them, and the ethos of Tang and Yu is especially manifest; the Proclamations and Oaths are set forth, and the glory of Yin and Zhou appears all the more clearly. When Lu made its record, Lumen left a mirror for Zang Sun; the Jin record hid nothing, and Taoyuan drew censure upon Zhao Meng. This is how sage kings governed the realm and accomplished men handed down models; the method of warning and admonition derives from this principle. When Qin burned the books and Zhou archives were lost together, Sima Qian created the form. The Five Classics and Three Commentaries were all recorded; streams and categories differed, yet threads and net were fully spread. From then on all took him as their model. Though Left Historians edited records without fail in their time, what was transmitted in subtle indirect style was praised only in Ban and Fan. Next there was Chen Shou's Records of the Three Kingdoms, also reckoned a masterwork. All were already honored by earlier worthies; there is no need to appraise them afresh.

泊紫氣南浮，黃旗東徙，時更五代，年且三百。元熙以前，則總歸諸晉，著述之士，家數雖多，泛而商略，未聞盡善。太宗文皇帝神資睿聖，天縱英靈，爰動沖襟，用紆玄覽，深嗟蕪穢，大存刊勒，既懸諸日星，方傳不朽。然北朝自魏以還，南朝從宋以降，運行迭變，時俗汙隆，代有載筆，人多好事，考之篇目，史牒不少，互陳聞見，同異甚多。而小說短書，易為湮落，脫或殘滅，求勘無所。一則王道得喪，朝市貿遷，日失其真，晦明安取。二則至人高跡，達士弘規，因此無聞，可為傷歎。三則敗俗巨蠹，滔天桀惡，書法不記，孰為勸獎。

When purple ether floated south and the yellow banner moved east, dynasties changed five times over nearly three hundred years. Before the Yuanxi era all were subsumed under Jin. Writers were many in number, but broadly considered, none were heard to be fully good. Emperor Taizong the Cultured Emperor was divinely endowed with wisdom and sagacity and heaven-exalted in heroic spirit. He stirred his youthful heart and extended his deep regard, deeply lamented the overgrown corruption, and greatly preserved carved editions — already hung like sun and stars, soon to transmit immortality. Yet in the North from Wei onward and in the South from Song downward, fortunes turned and changed and customs rose and fell. Each age had recorders and many men loved the task. Examining the catalogues, historical documents are not few, yet each states what was heard and seen, and disagreements are many. Yet small tales and short works easily sink and vanish. Should any be damaged or lost, there is nowhere to seek and verify. First, whether the royal way is gained or lost and courts and markets change hands — day by day truth is lost. How can clarity and obscurity be told? Second, sublime men and lofty deeds, accomplished scholars and great designs — because of this go unheard; it is cause for grief. Third, corrupt customs and great evils, heaven-filling wickedness — if the historian's brush does not record them, who will be admonished or rewarded?

臣輕生多幸，運奉千齡，從貞觀以來，屢叨史局，不揆愚固，私為修撰。起魏登國元年，盡隋義寧二年，凡三代二百四十四年，兼自東魏天平元年，盡齊隆化二年，又四十四年行事，總編為本紀十二卷、列傳八十八卷，謂之《北史》；又起宋永初元年，盡陳禎明三年，四代一百七十年，為本紀十卷、列傳七十卷，謂之《南史》。凡八代，合為二書，一百八十卷，以擬司馬遷《史記》。就此八代，而梁、陳、齊、周、隋五書，是貞觀中敕撰，以十志未奏，本猶未出。然其書及志，始末是臣所修。臣既夙懷慕尚，又備得尋聞，私為抄錄，一十六年，凡所獵略，千有餘卷。連綴改定，止資一手，故淹時序，迄今方就。唯鳩聚遣逸，以廣異聞，編次別代，共為部秩。除其冗長，捃其菁華。若文之所安，則因而不改，不敢苟以下愚，自申管見。雖則疏野，遠慚先哲，于披求所得，竊謂詳盡。其《南史》刊勒已定，《北史》勘校粗了。既撰自私門，不敢寢默，又未經聞奏，亦不敢流傳。輕用陳聞，伏深戰越。謹言。

Your subject has lightly lived with much good fortune, meeting an age of a thousand years. From Zhenguan onward I have repeatedly served in the historiographical office. Not measuring my folly and obstinacy, I privately undertook compilation. From the first year of Dengguo of Wei to the second year of Yining of Sui, three dynasties totaling two hundred forty-four years; together with affairs from the first year of Tianping of Eastern Wei to the second year of Longhua of Qi, another forty-four years — compiled altogether into twelve scrolls of basic annals and eighty-eight scrolls of biographies, called the Northern History; Further, from the first year of Yongchu of Song to the third year of Zhenming of Chen, four dynasties totaling one hundred seventy years — ten scrolls of basic annals and seventy scrolls of biographies, called the Southern History. Eight dynasties in all, combined into two works of one hundred eighty scrolls, modeled on Sima Qian's Records of the Historian. Of these eight dynasties, the five histories of Liang, Chen, Qi, Zhou, and Sui were commissioned in Zhenguan. Because the ten treatises had not yet been submitted, the main texts had not yet been issued. Yet their texts and treatises from beginning to end were compiled by me. Your subject has long admired this work and also fully obtained access to search and hear. I privately copied for sixteen years and gathered in all more than a thousand scrolls. Linking, revising, and fixing relied on one hand alone, so time dragged on and only now is it complete. I only gathered lost and scattered material to broaden unusual knowledge, arranged by separate dynasties into shared sections. I removed redundancy and gleaned the essence. Where the original text is sound I kept it unchanged. I did not dare rashly, with my low wit, impose my own narrow view. Crude though it is and far shamed before the ancient sages, in what I searched and obtained I venture to say it is thorough. The Southern History carving and printing is fixed; the Northern History collation is roughly finished. Having compiled it privately I dare not keep silent, yet it has not been reported to the throne, so I also dare not circulate it. I lightly venture this report; prostrate, I am deeply fearful and trembling. Respectfully submitted.

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