1
陳書卷二十六
Book of Chen, Volume 26
2
列傳第二十
Biographies, Part Twenty
3
徐陵子儉弟孝克
Xu Ling, styled Zijian; his younger brother Xiaoke
4
徐陵字孝穆，東海郯人也。 祖超之，齊鬱林太守，梁員外散騎常侍。 父摛，梁戎昭將軍、太子左衛率，贈侍中、太子詹事，諡貞子。 母臧氏，嘗夢五色雲化而為鳳，集左肩上，已而誕陵焉。 時寶誌上人者，世稱其有道，陵年數歲，家人攜以候之，寶誌手摩其頂，曰「天上石麒麟也。」 光宅惠雲法師每嗟陵早成就，謂之顏回。 八歲，能屬文。 十二，通莊老義。 既長，博涉史籍，縱橫有口辯。
Xu Ling, styled Xiaomu, came from Tan in Donghai commandery. His grandfather Chaozhi had been administrator of Yulin under Qi and an outside-body regular attendant of the scattered cavalry under Liang. His father Chi had been a Rongzhao general and left commandant of the heir apparent's guard under Liang; posthumously he was made palace attendant and grand mentor to the heir apparent, with the posthumous title Marquis Zhen. His mother, Lady Zang, once dreamed that five-colored clouds turned into a phoenix and settled on her left shoulder; soon after, she bore Ling. The monk Baozhi was held in his day to possess the Way. When Ling was only a few years old his family brought him to call. Baozhi laid a hand on his crown and said, "A stone qilin from heaven." The Guangzha monk Huiyun often marveled at how soon Ling came into his own and called him a Yan Hui. At eight he could compose literary pieces. At twelve he had mastered Zhuangzi and Laozi. Grown, he ranged widely through histories and was quick and forceful in debate.
5
梁普通二年，晉安王為平西將軍、寧蠻校尉，〔一〕父摛為王諮議，王又引陵參寧蠻府軍事。 〔中〕大通 （二） 〔三〕年，王立為皇太子，〔二〕東宮置學士，陵充其選。 稍遷尚書度支郎。 出為上虞令，御史中丞劉孝儀與陵先有隙，風聞劾陵在縣贓汙，因坐免。 久之，起為南平王府行參軍，遷通直散騎侍郎。 梁簡文在東宮撰長春殿義記，使陵為序。 又令於少傅府述所製莊子義。 尋遷鎮西湘東王中記室參軍。
In Putong year 2 (521), the Prince of Jin'an was made general who pacifies the west and colonel pacifying the barbarians. [1] His father Chi served as the prince's advising officer, and the prince also brought Ling onto the Pacify-the-Miao staff as military aide. (Middle)/Datong (two)/ (three)/In the second year the Prince was established as heir apparent; [2] the eastern palace set up academicians, and Ling was chosen among them. He rose by degrees to clerk for revenue in the Masters of Writing. He was posted as magistrate of Shangyu. Censor-in-chief Liu Xiaoyi, who had long borne a grudge against him, impeached him on rumor for corruption in the county, and Ling was dismissed. After a long interval he was recalled as a staff officer to the Prince of Nanping and promoted to direct and upright attendant of the scattered cavalry. While Liang's Emperor Jianwen was still in the eastern palace he compiled the Record of the Meaning of the Ever-Spring Hall and had Ling write the preface. He also had him expound his Zhuangzi commentary at the junior tutor's office. Soon he was made central secretary to the Prince of Xiangdong, pacifier of the west.
6
太清二年，兼通直散騎常侍。 使魏，魏人授館宴賓。 是日甚熱，其主客魏收嘲陵曰：「今日之熱，當由徐常侍來。」 陵即答曰：「昔王肅至此，為魏始制禮儀； 今我來聘，使卿復知寒暑。」 收大慚。
In Taiqing year 2 (548) he was made concurrent regular attendant of the direct and upright scattered cavalry. He was sent on embassy to Wei. The Wei lodged him and feasted him as an honored guest. That day was fiercely hot. The chief host, Wei Shou, mocked him: "Today's heat must be because Attendant Xu has come." Ling answered at once, "When Wang Su came here of old, he first gave Wei its rites and ceremonies; now that I have come on embassy, I have taught you again the difference between cold and heat." Wei Shou was deeply ashamed.
7
及侯景寇京師，陵父摛先在圍城之內，陵不奉家信，便蔬食布衣，若居憂恤。 會齊受魏禪，梁元帝承制於江陵，復通使於齊。 陵累求復命，終拘留不遣，陵乃致書於僕射楊遵彥曰：
When Hou Jing raided the capital, Ling's father Chi was trapped inside the siege. Ling received no word from home and at once ate plain food and wore coarse cloth, as though in mourning. Qi then received the mandate from Wei. Emperor Yuan of Liang held provisional rule at Jiangling and again exchanged envoys with Qi. Ling repeatedly asked leave to return with his mission, but was detained and not released. He then wrote to Vice Director Yang Zunyian:
8
夫一言所感，凝暉照於魯陽，一志冥通，飛泉涌於疏勒，況復元首康哉，股肱良哉，鄰國相聞，風教相期者也？ 天道窮剝，鍾亂本朝，情計馳惶，公私哽懼，而骸骨之請徒淹歲寒，顛沛之祈空盈卷軸，是所不圖也，非所仰望也。
A single word that stirs the heart can hold the sun fast over Luoyang; a single will in hidden accord can make springs burst forth at Shule—how much more when ruler and ministers are sound, when neighboring states hear one another and look to shared teaching? Heaven's way is stripped bare; chaos has struck our court. In public and private alike fear chokes the throat—yet my plea to go home only drags through another winter, and scrolls of desperate prayer pile up unanswered. I never foresaw this. I never hoped for it.
9
執事不聞之乎！ 昔分鼇命鳸之世，觀河拜洛之年，則有日 （鳥） 〔烏〕流災，〔三〕風禽騁暴，天傾西北，地缺東南，盛旱坼三川，長波含五嶽。 我大梁應金圖而有亢，纂玉鏡而猶屯。 何則？ 聖人不能為時，斯固窮通之恆理也。 至如荊州刺史湘東王，機神之本，無寄名言，陶鑄之餘，猶為堯、舜，雖復六代之舞，陳於總章，九州之歌，登於司樂，虞夔拊石，晉曠調鍾，未足頌此英聲，無以宣其盛德者也。 若使郊禋楚翼，寧非祀夏之君，戡定艱難，便是匡周之霸，豈徒豳王徙雍，期月為都，姚帝遷河，周年成邑。 方今越常藐藐，〔四〕馴雉北飛，肅眘茫茫，風牛南偃，吾君之子，含識知歸，而答旨云何所投身，斯其未喻一也。
Have you not heard, sir? In ages when Yu apportioned the turtle and commanded the pheasant, when Tang viewed the river and bowed to the Luo, there came sun- (bird)/(crow) -calamities in flood, [3] wind-birds rampaged wild, heaven leaned northwest, earth gaped in the southeast, fierce drought split the three rivers, and long waves swallowed the five peaks. Our great Liang answered the golden chart yet met obstruction; it took up the jade mirror yet still was stalled. Why? A sage cannot make the times—that is the constant law of rise and fall. As for the Prince of Xiangdong, governor of Jingzhou—the root of his subtle spirit cannot be put into words; what his molding leaves is still Yao and Shun. Though the dances of six dynasties were set out in the Hall of Total Brilliance and the songs of nine regions were raised in the Office of Music, though Kui of Yu struck stone and Kuang of Jin tuned bells, none of it would suffice to praise his heroic renown or declare such overflowing virtue. If he offered suburban sacrifice on Chu wings, would he not be the lord who restored Xia? If he quelled hardship and danger, he would be the hegemon who righted Zhou—not merely a King of Bin moving to Yong and making a capital in a month, or Emperor Yao of Yao moving to the river and finishing a city in a year. Today Yuechang lies far away, [4] tame pheasants fly north; Sushen stretches without end, wind and cattle lie down in the south. Sons of our lord who have sense know where to return—yet your reply asks where we should cast ourselves. That is my first point of doubt.
10
又晉熙等郡，皆入貴朝，去我尋陽，經塗何幾。 至於鐺鐺曉漏，的的宵烽，隔漵浦而相聞，臨高臺而可望。 泉流寶碗，〔五〕遙憶湓城，峰號香鑪，依然廬嶽。 日者鄱陽嗣王治兵匯派，屯戍淪波，朝夕牋書，春秋方物，吾無從以躡屩，彼何路而齊鑣。 豈其然乎？ 斯不然矣。 又近者邵陵王通和此國，郢中上客，雲聚魏都，鄴下名卿，風馳江浦，豈盧龍之徑於彼新開，銅駝之街於我長閉？ 何彼途甚易，非勞於五丁，我路為難，如登於九折？ 地不私載，何其爽歟？ 而答旨云還路無從，斯所未喻二也。
Moreover, commanderies such as Jingxi have all entered your honored court. From our Xunyang, how many stages lie on the road? The clanging dawn watch and the bright night beacons—we hear one another across the Mian ford and can look across from the high tower. Springs flow in precious bowls, [5] and from afar we recall Pen city; a peak called Incense Burner—still the Lu Mountains. Only lately the heir prince of Poyang drilled troops where rivers meet and garrisoned the drowned waves; morning and evening he sent memorials, in spring and autumn he sent tribute. I have no way to follow on foot in straw sandals—by what road do they keep equal pace? Could that be so? It is not so. Moreover, not long ago the Prince of Shaoling made peace with your state: honored guests from Ying gathered like clouds in the Wei capital, famous ministers from Ye raced like wind to the Jiang shore. Has the road through Lulong only now been opened for them, while the Street of Bronze Camels stays long shut for us? Why is their road so easy that it needs no labor of the five strong men, while our road is hard as climbing nine bends? Earth bears all alike—how plainly fair is that! Yet your reply says there is no way home. That is my second point of doubt.
11
晉熙、廬江，義陽、安陸，皆云款附，非復危邦，計彼中途，便當靜晏。 自斯以北，桴鼓不鳴，自此以南，封疆未壹。 如其境外，脫殞輕軀，幸非邊吏之羞，何在匹夫之命。 又此賓遊，〔六〕通無貨殖，忝非韓起聘鄭，私買玉環，吳札過徐，躬要寶劍。 由來宴錫，凡厥囊裝，行役淹留，皆已虛罄，散有限之微財，供無期之久客，斯可知矣。 且據圖刎首，愚者不為，運斧全身，庸流所鑒。 何則？ 生輕一髮，自重千鈞，不以賈盜明矣。 骨肉不任充鼎俎，皮毛不足入貨財，盜有道焉，吾無憂矣。 又公家遣使，脫有資須，本朝非隆平之時，遊客豈皇華之勢。 輕裝獨宿，非勞聚柝之儀，微騎閒行，寧望輶軒之禮。 歸人將從，私具驢騾，緣道亭郵，唯希蔬粟。 若曰留之無煩於執事，遣之有費於官司，或以顛沛為言，或云資裝可懼，固非通論，皆是外篇。 斯所未喻三也。
Jingxi, Lujiang, Yiyang, and Anlu all say they have submitted in good faith and are no longer perilous states; count the middle of the road, and they should already be calm and settled. From there northward, drums and rattles do not sound; from here southward, the borders are not yet unified. If beyond those borders one should chance to lose one's slight body, it would be no frontier officer's shame—why should a common man's life matter? Moreover, on this guest journey [6] there is no trade in goods. I am no Han Qi on embassy to Zheng buying a jade ring in private, no Wu Zha passing Xu demanding a treasured sword in person. From the first, every feast and gift, every bag and bundle, has been emptied by long delay on the road. I scatter limited small funds to supply an endless stay abroad—that, you may know. To seize a map and cut one's throat—fools do not do it. To wield an axe and preserve the whole body—even the vulgar take it as a mirror. Why? Life is lighter than a single hair and heavier than a thousand jun—that needs no merchant-thief to make it clear. Flesh and bone cannot fill cauldrons and platters; skin and fur are not worth selling as goods. Even thieves have a Way—I have no worry. Moreover, if the government sends envoys and there should be needs, our court is not in a time of great peace, and a traveler cannot bear the majesty of the splendid envoy. Light baggage and lodging alone are not the labor of the rite of gathered watch-clappers; a few horsemen traveling at ease cannot expect the ceremony of the envoy's carriage. Those returning will follow with private donkeys and mules; along the road at post stations I ask only for vegetables and grain. If one says that to detain us gives no trouble to the officer in charge, while to send us off costs the government offices, or takes distress as an argument, or says traveling funds are to be feared—that is no proper discussion at all. All are side issues. That is my third point of doubt.
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又若以吾徒應還侯景，侯景凶逆，殲我國家，天下含靈，人懷憤厲，既不獲投身社稷，衛難乘輿，四冢磔蚩尤，〔七〕千刀剸王莽，安所謂俛首頓膝，歸奉寇讎，珮弭腰鞬，為其皂隸？ 日者通和，方敦曩睦，凶人狙詐，遂駭狼心，頗疑宋萬之誅，彌懼荀罃之請，所以奔蹄勁角，專恣憑陵，凡我行人，偏膺讎憾。 政復葅筋醢骨，抽舌探肝，於彼凶情，猶當未雪，海內之所知也，君侯之所具焉。 又聞本朝公主，〔八〕都人士女，風行雨散，東播西流，京邑丘墟，姦蓬蕭瑟，偃師還望，咸為草萊，霸陵回首，俱沾霜露，此又君之所知也。 彼以何義，爭免寇讎？ 我以何親，爭歸委質？ 昔鉅平貴將，懸重於陸公，叔向名流，深知於鬷篾。 吾雖不敏，常慕前脩，不圖明庶有懷，翻其以此量物。 昔魏氏將亡，群凶挺爭，諸賢戮力，想得其朋。 為葛榮之黨邪？ 為邢杲之徒邪？ 如曰不然，斯所未喻四也。
Moreover, if you say we ought to return to Hou Jing—Hou Jing is fierce and rebellious and has destroyed our state. All who draw breath under heaven harbor rage. We could not throw ourselves on the altars or guard the imperial carriage in peril; we should have had Chiyou torn on four mounds [7] and Wang Mang carved with a thousand blades—how then bow the head, bend the knee, return to serve the bandit foe, and wear bow and sword at the waist as his menial? Only lately peace was made and old friendship was thick; the fierce man crouched in deceit and then startled the wolf's heart. I feared a punishment like Song Wan's and dreaded still more a plea like Xun Ying's—so he ran with pounding hooves and sharp horns, indulging his will and lording it over all; every traveler in our party has borne his special hatred. Even if we were pickled sinew and pounded bone, tongues drawn and livers probed, toward that fierce temper it would still not clear the score—this all within the seas know, and what you, my lord, are fully possessed of. I also hear that the princesses of our court, [8] ladies and women of the capital, were scattered by wind and rain, cast east and west; the capital is a ruin, wanton thickets rustle desolate; looking back on Yanshi, all has become wild grass; turning toward Baling, all are touched by frost and dew—this too you know. By what principle do they strive to escape the bandit foe? By what kinship do I strive to return and submit? In former days the honored general Juping hung heavy weight on Duke Lu; the famous man Shu Xiang was deeply known by Zong Mie. Though I am not clever, I have long admired those earlier exemplars. I did not expect that the enlightened multitude would harbor such feeling yet turn it to measure others in this way. In former days when the house of Wei was about to perish, many fierce men rose in contention; the worthies joined their strength, thinking to gain their fellowship. Are we the party of Ge Rong? Are we the followers of Xing Gao? If you say it is not so, that is my fourth point of doubt.
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假使吾徒還為凶黨，侯景生於趙代，家自幽恆，居則台司，行為連率，山川形勢，軍國彝章，不勞請箸為籌，便當屈指能筭。 景以逋逃小醜，羊豕同群，身寓江皋，家留河朔，舂舂井井，〔九〕如鬼如神。 其不然乎？ 抑又君之所知也。 且夫宮闈祕事，並若雲霄，英俊訏謨，寧非帷幄，或陽驚以定策，或焚稿而奏書，朝廷之士，猶難參預，羇旅之人，何階耳目。 至於禮樂沿革，刑政寬猛，則謳歌已遠，萬舞成風，不知手之舞之足之蹈之也。 安在搖其牙齒，為閒諜者哉？ 若謂復命西朝，終奔東虜，雖齊、梁有隔，尉候奚殊？ 豈以河曲之難浮，而曰江關之可濟？ 河橋馬度，寧非宋典之姦？ 關路雞鳴，皆曰田文之客。 何其通蔽，乃爾相妨？ 斯所未喻五也。
Suppose our party did return to the fierce faction: Hou Jing was born in Zhao and Dai; his family came from You and Heng; in residence he was terrace and minister, on campaign he was regional commander; mountains and rivers, terrain, military and civil statutes—without laboring to ask for chopsticks to reckon, he could count them on his fingers. Jing was a fugitive petty villain of the same herd as sheep and swine; his person lodged on the river banks, his family remained in Heshuo; bustling and well-ordered, [9] like a ghost, like a god. Is that not so? Or again, this you know. Moreover, palace secrets are cloud-high; heroic counsel belongs in the command tent—some startled Yang to fix policy, some burned the draft before presenting the memorial. Courtiers still struggle to take part; how should a traveler abroad find a step to ear or eye? As for the evolution of rites and music, the leniency or severity of punishments and government—the songs of praise are already distant, the myriad dances have become custom; one no longer knows that the hands dance them and the feet tread them. Where is the need to wag one's teeth and be a spy in the gaps? If you say that on returning to mission for the western court we would in the end flee to the eastern captive—though Qi and Liang are divided, how are the frontier guards different? How take the difficulty of floating at the river bend and yet say the river passes can be crossed? Horses crossing at the River Bridge—was that not the treachery of Song's canon? Cocks crowing on the pass road—all are called the retainers of Tian Wen. How penetrating and blind—to obstruct one another so! That is my fifth point of doubt.
14
又兵交使在，雖著前經，儻同徇僕之尤，追肆寒山之怒，則凡諸元帥，並釋縲囚，爰及偏裨，同無翦馘。 乃至鍾儀見赦，朋笑遵途，襄老蒙歸，虞哥引路。 〔一０〕吾等張旜拭玉，脩好尋盟，涉泗之與浮河，郊勞至于贈賄，公恩既被，賓敬無違，今者何愆，翻蒙貶責？ 若以此為言，斯所未喻六也。
Moreover, though arms may clash while envoys remain—this is recorded in earlier classics—if it should be like the fault of the servant who died for his master, or the wrath vented on Cold Mountain pursued, then all the commanders would together release bound prisoners, down to junior officers, all alike without cutting down captives. Down to Zhong Yi's being pardoned, Peng's laughter on the road of return; Xiang the elder receiving grace to go home, Yu Ge leading the way. [10] We have spread banners and wiped jade, repaired good relations and sought alliance; crossing the Si and floating the river, suburban courtesy of labor extending to gifts on departure—your grace has already been shown, guest and host without breach. What fault is there now that we are turned instead to censure? If you take this as your argument, that is my sixth point of doubt.
15
若曰祅氛永久，喪亂悠然，哀我奔波，存其形魄，固已銘茲厚德，戴此洪恩，譬渤澥而俱深，方嵩華而猶重。 但山梁飲啄，非有意於籠樊，江海飛浮，本無情於鍾鼓。 況吾等營魂已謝，餘息空留，悲默為生，何能支久，是則雖蒙養護，更夭天年。 若以此為言，斯所未喻七也。
If you say evil vapors are long-lasting and ruin and chaos stretch on, pity our wandering toil and preserve our bodily souls—we have already engraved this deep kindness and bear this great grace, deep as the Bohai together, heavy still beside Song and Hua. But the beam of the mountain drinks and pecks without intent for cage and fence; rivers and seas float and fly without feeling for bell and drum. Moreover, our camp souls are already spent; remaining breath is left empty; grief and silence are our life—how can we endure long? Thus though we receive fostering care, we shorten our heaven-allotted years. If you take this as your argument, that is my seventh point of doubt.
16
若云逆豎殲夷，當聽反命，高軒繼路，飛蓋相隨，未解其言，何能善謔？ 夫屯亨治亂，豈有意於前期。 謝常侍今年五十有一，吾今年四十有四，介已知命，賓又杖鄉，計彼侯生，肩隨而已。 豈銀臺之要，彼未從師，金灶之方，吾知其決，〔一一〕政恐南陽菊水，竟不延齡，東海桑田，無由可望。 若以此為言，斯所未喻八也。
If you say I may return only after the rebel is destroyed, with high coaches in endless file and flying canopies in train—I do not understand such words; how could one jest at all? Fortune and adversity, order and chaos—who can foresee them in advance? Regular Attendant Xie is fifty-one this year; I am forty-four. We have both reached knowing fate; as envoys we are already at staff-and-village age. Counting that Hou fellow, he is barely a step behind us. As if the Silver Terrace arts were what he had never studied, while I alone knew the Golden Stove secret! I fear Nanyang's chrysanthemum water will not prolong life after all, and the Eastern Sea's mulberry fields will never be seen again. If that is your argument, this is what I fail to understand—the eighth point.
17
足下清襟勝託，書囿文林，凡自洪荒，終乎幽、厲，如吾今日，寧有其人，爰至春秋，微宜商略。 夫宗姬殄墜，霸道昏凶，或執政之多門，或陪臣之敘德，故臧孫有禮，翻囚與國之賓，周伯無愆，空怒天王之使，遷箕卿於兩館，縶驥子於三年。 斯匪貪亂之風邪？ 寧當今之高例也？ 至於雙崤且帝，四海爭雄，或構趙而侵燕，或連韓而謀魏，身求盟於楚殿，躬奪璧於秦庭，輸寶鼎以託齊王，馳安車而誘梁客。 其外膏脣販舌，〔一二〕分路揚鑣，無罪無辜，如兄如弟。 逮乎中陽受命，天下同規，巡省諸華，無聞幽辱。 及三方之霸也，孫甘言以嫵媚，曹屈詐以羈縻，旍軫歲到於句吳，冠蓋年馳於庸蜀，則客嘲殊險，賓戲已深，共盡遊談，誰云猜忤。 若使搜求故實，脫有前蹤，恐是叔世之姦謀，而非為邦之勝略也。
Your refined mind towers above ordinary men; in books and letters—from primal chaos to the reigns of You and Li—is there anyone like me today? Even in Spring and Autumn times one might debate the point. When the Zhou royal house fell, hegemonic power turned cruel; sometimes many hands held the government, sometimes vassal ministers lacked virtue. Zangsun had rites yet was made a prisoner and another state's guest; the Earl of Zheng was blameless yet needlessly provoked the Son of Heaven's envoy. The Viscount of Ji was lodged in the Two Pavilions; the son of Ji was bound for three years. Is that not the breath of greedy disorder? Can it be a lofty precedent for our age? When the Twin Peaks were both emperors and the four seas fought for mastery, some allied with Zhao to strike Yan, some joined Han against Wei; men sought treaties in Chu's halls and snatched jade in Qin's court; they sent the sacred tripod to Qi and drove the comfort carriage to lure Liang's guest. Beyond that were slick tongues and peddled words, parting ways like brothers who were innocent alike. When Zhongyang received the Mandate, the realm shared one standard; in touring the Huaxia, none heard of secret humiliation. Among the three hegemons, Sun flattered with honeyed words and Cao bound men with fraud; banners yearly reached Gouwú and coaches yearly sped to Yong-Shu. Guests' barbs grew sharp and hosts' games deep; they talked freely together—who spoke of suspicion? Search old precedents and any trace you find is likely a decadent age's treachery, not a state's winning strategy.
18
抑又聞之，雲師火帝，澆淳乃異其風，龍躍麟驚，王霸雖殊其道，莫不崇君親以銘物，〔一三〕敦敬養以治民，預有邦司，曾無隆替。 吾奉違溫凊，仍屬亂離，寇虜猖狂，公私播越。 蕭軒靡御，王舫誰持？ 瞻望鄉關，何心天地？ 自非生憑廩竹，源出空桑，行路含情，猶其相愍。 常謂擇官而仕，非曰孝家，擇事而趨，非云忠國。 況乎欽承有道，驂駕前王，郎吏明經，鴟鳶知禮，巡省方化，〔一四〕咸問高年，東序西膠，〔一五〕皆尊耆耋。 吾以圭璋玉帛，通聘來朝，屬世道之屯期，鍾生民之否運，兼年累載，無申元直之祈，銜泣吞聲，長對公閭之怒，情禮之訴，將同逆鱗，忠孝之言，皆應齚舌，是所不圖也，非所仰望也。
I have also heard: Cloud Master and Fire Emperor differed in flood and purity; dragon and unicorn marked king and hegemon—yet all honored kin and ruler and thickened nurture to govern the people. States always had officers; ranks did not simply rise and fall. I have failed my parents in warmth and coolness and still live in chaos; enemies run wild and public and private life are scattered. The imperial carriage lacks a driver; who holds the royal boat? Gazing toward home—what heart is left for Heaven and Earth? Unless born of barn bamboo and hollow mulberry, wayfarers would still pity one another. I have always held that choosing an office is not filial piety, and choosing an errand is not loyalty to the state. How much more when one reverently receives the Way and rides with former kings—clerks who know the classics, owls and kites who know ritual; tours to transform custom ask after the aged; eastern and western academies honor the old. I came with jade and silk on friendly embassy, only to meet the world's hardship and the people's ill fortune. Year on year I could not file the New Year's straight petition; choking back tears I long faced public wrath. Pleas of feeling and rite would touch the dragon's scale; words of loyalty and filial piety must be bitten off. That is what I never planned and never hoped for.
19
且天倫之愛，何得忘懷？ 妻子之情，誰能無累？ 夫以清河公主之貴，餘姚書佐之家，莫限高卑，皆被驅略。 自東南醜虜，抄販饑民，臺署郎官，俱餒墻壁，況吾生離死別，多歷暄寒，孀室嬰兒，何可言念。 如得身還鄉土，躬自推求，猶冀提攜，俱免凶虐。
And love of Heaven's kin—how can the heart forget it? Feeling for wife and children—who is without burden? Even the Princess of Qinghe in her rank and the Yuyao clerk's household, high and low alike, were driven off and seized. Since the southeast foe trafficked in the starving, terrace clerks starved against their walls; how much more my years of life-and-death parting, widow's room and infant—what words can tell it? If I could return home and search myself, I would still hope to lead them forth and together escape cruelty.
20
夫四聰不達，華陽君所謂亂臣，百姓無冤，孫叔敖稱為良相。 足下高才重譽，參贊經綸，非豹非貔，〔一六〕聞詩聞禮，而中朝大議，曾未矜論，清禁嘉謀，安能相及，諤諤非周舍，容容類胡廣，何其無諍臣哉？ 歲月如流，平生何幾，晨看旅鴈，心赴江淮，昏望牽牛，情馳揚越，朝千悲而掩泣，夜萬緒而回腸，不自知其為生，不自知其為死也。 足下素挺詞鋒，兼長理窟，匡丞相解頤之說，樂令君清耳之談，向所諮疑，誰能曉喻。 若鄙言為謬，來旨必通，分請灰釘，甘從斧鑊，何但規規默默，齰舌低頭而已哉。 若一理存焉，猶希矜眷，何必期令我等必死齊都，足趙魏之黃塵，加幽并之片骨，遂使東平拱樹，長懷向漢之悲，西洛孤墳，恆表思鄉之夢。 干祈以屢，哽慟增深。
When the Four Hearings fail, Huayang Jun called that a rebellious minister; when the people have no wrongs, Sun Shu'ao was called a good minister. You have lofty talent and weighty fame and assist state policy—you have heard Odes and Rites; yet on the court's great deliberations you have never argued; on the palace's fine plans how could you match them? Blunt speech is not Zhou She; easy compliance is Hu Guang—where are the remonstrating ministers? Years flow like water—how much life is left? At dawn I watch wild geese and my heart flies to Jiang-Huai; at dusk I gaze at the Herd-Boy and feeling races to Yang-Yue. By day a thousand griefs bring tears; by night ten thousand thoughts wring the gut. I scarcely know I live; I scarcely know I die. You have always had a sharp tongue and a deep grasp of principle—Chancellor Kuang's discourse that unknit the brow, Magistrate Yue's talk that cleared the ear; of my doubts, who can explain them? If my words err, your reply will surely clear them; I ask only to be ashes under the nail and gladly face axe and cauldron—why only stare, bite my tongue, and bow my head? If one point stands, I still hope for your mercy—why must you expect us to die in Qi's capital, feet in Zhao-Wei dust, bones adding to You-Bing? Then Dongping's bowing trees would long mourn toward Han; western Luoyang's lonely tomb would ever dream of home. Repeated pleas have only deepened my choking grief.
21
遵彥竟不報書。 及江陵陷，齊送貞陽侯蕭淵明為梁嗣，乃遣陵隨還。 太尉王僧辯初拒境不納，淵明往復致書，皆陵詞也。 及淵明之入，僧辯得陵大喜，接待饋遺，其禮甚優。 以陵為尚書吏部郎，掌詔誥。 其年高祖率兵誅僧辯，仍進討韋載。 時任約、徐嗣徽乘虛襲石頭，陵感僧辯舊恩，乃往赴約。 及約等平，高祖釋陵不問。 尋以為貞威將軍、尚書左丞。
Zunyian never answered the letter. When Jiangling fell, Qi sent the Marquis of Zhenyuan, Xiao Yuanming, as Liang successor and had Ling accompany him back. Grand Marshal Wang Sengbian at first barred the border and refused entry; Yuanming exchanged letters, all drafted by Ling. When Yuanming entered, Sengbian was overjoyed to have Ling, entertained him generously, and heaped gifts upon him. Ling was made director of the ministry of personnel in the masters of writing and handled edicts. That year the Founder led troops to kill Sengbian and then marched against Wei Zai. At that time Ren Yue and Xu Sihui raided Stone City; Ling, remembering Sengbian's kindness, went to join Yue. When Yue and the rest were subdued, the Founder pardoned Ling without punishment. He was soon made zhenwei general and left vice director of the masters of writing.
22
紹泰二年，又使于齊，還除給事黃門侍郎、祕書監。 高祖受禪，加散騎常侍，左丞如故。 天嘉初，除太府卿。 四年，遷五兵尚書，領大著作。 六年，除散騎常侍、御史中丞。 時安成王頊為司空，〔一七〕以帝弟之尊，勢傾朝野。 直兵鮑僧叡假王威權，〔一八〕抑塞辭訟，大臣莫敢言者。 陵聞之，乃為奏彈，導從南臺官屬，引奏案而入。 世祖見陵服章嚴肅，若不可犯，為斂容正坐。 陵進讀奏版時，安成王殿上侍立，仰視世祖，流汗失色。 陵遣殿中御史引王下殿，遂劾免侍中、中書監。 自此朝廷肅然。
In Shaotai year 2 (555) he was again envoy to Qi; on return he was made attendant gentleman of the Yellow Gate for presenting matters and director of the secretariat. When the Founder took the throne, Ling was also made regular attendant of the scattered cavalry while keeping the left vice director post. At the start of Tianjia (560) he was made minister of the grand storehouse. In year 4 he was moved to minister of the five arms and concurrently grand director of composition. In year 6 he was made regular attendant of the scattered cavalry and imperial censor-in-chief. At that time the Prince of Ancheng, Xu, was minister of works; as the emperor's brother his power dominated the court. Straight guard Bao Sengrui used the prince's power to choke off lawsuits, and great ministers dared not speak. Hearing of it, Ling drafted an impeachment memorial, led Southern Terrace attendants, and entered with the case. Emperor Wen saw Ling's stern memorial and bearing, as though he could not be touched, and straightened himself on the throne. As Ling read the memorial, the Prince of Ancheng stood in the hall, looked up at the emperor, and sweated pale. Ling had a palace censor lead the prince down and impeached him from attendant-in-ordinary and director of the secretariat. From then the court was awed into order.
23
天康元年，遷吏部尚書，領大著作。 陵以梁末以來，選授多失其所，於是提舉綱維，綜覈名實。 時有冒進求官，諠競不已者，陵乃為書宣示曰：「自古吏部尚書者，品藻人倫，簡其才能，尋其門冑，逐其大小，量其官爵。 梁元帝承侯景之凶荒，王太尉接荊州之禍敗，爾時喪亂，無復典章，故使官方，窮此紛雜。 永定之時，聖朝草創，干戈未息，亦無條序。 府庫空虛，賞賜懸乏，白銀難得，黃札易營，權以官階，代於錢絹，義存撫接，無計多少，致令員外、常侍，路上比肩，諮議、參軍，市中無數，豈是朝章，應其如此？ 今衣冠禮樂，日富年華，何可猶作舊意，非理望也。 所見諸君，多踰本分，猶言大屈，未喻高懷。 若問梁朝朱領軍异亦為卿相，此不踰其本分邪？ 此是天子所拔，非關選序。 梁武帝云『世間人言有目色，我特不目色范悌』。 宋文帝亦云『人世豈無運命，每有好官缺，輒憶羊玄保。』 此則清階顯職，不由選也。 秦有車府令趙高直至丞相，漢有高廟令田千秋亦為丞相，此復可為例邪？ 既忝衡流，應須粉墨。 所望諸賢，深明鄙意。」 自是眾咸服焉，時論比之毛玠。
In the first year of Tiankang (566) he was moved to minister of personnel and concurrently grand director of composition. Because since late Liang appointments had missed their mark, Ling raised standards and matched names to reality. When men clamored for office without end, Ling issued a proclamation: "From antiquity the minister of personnel assessed men, chose talent, traced lineage, weighed rank, and measured office. Emperor Yuan of Liang inherited Hou Jing's ruin; Grand Marshal Wang took Jingzhou's disaster—then mourning and chaos left no rules, and offices fell into this tangle. In Yongding the new court was still at war and likewise had no order. Treasuries were empty and rewards scarce; white silver was hard to get and yellow edicts easy to trade—rank stood in for cash to comfort men, with no count of numbers, until supernumerary and regular attendants crowded the roads and consultants and staff officers filled the markets. Was that what court law should be? Now rites and music grow richer each year—how can the old way still hold? That is not reasonable. Most of you exceed your proper rank and still call it great constraint—you do not grasp your superiors' intent. If you ask whether Liang's Zhu Yijun also became minister and chancellor—did he not exceed his measure? That was the Son of Heaven's choice, not the selection process. Emperor Wu of Liang said, "The world speaks of an eye for men; I alone have no eye for Fan Ti." Emperor Wen of Song also said, "Does the world lack fate? Whenever a fine post opens I think of Yang Xuanbao." Thus high offices do not come through selection. In Qin the carriage-office director Zhao Gao rose to chancellor; in Han the high-temple director Tian Qianqiu did the same—are those examples? Having charge of the current, I must apply the ink. I ask you gentlemen to understand my intent deeply." Thereafter all submitted; contemporaries compared him to Mao Jie.
24
廢帝即位，高宗入輔，謀黜異志者，引陵預其議。 高宗纂曆，封建昌縣侯，邑五百戶。 太建元年，除尚書右僕射。 三年，遷尚書左僕射，〔一九〕陵抗表推周弘正、王勱等，高宗召陵入內殿，曰：「卿何為固辭此職而舉人乎？」 陵曰：「周弘正從陛下西還，舊藩長史，王勱太平相府長史，張種帝鄉賢戚，若選賢與舊，臣宜居後。」 固辭累日，高宗苦屬之，陵乃奉詔。
When the Deposed Emperor took the throne, Emperor Xuan entered as regent and, planning to remove dissenters, drew Ling into counsel. When Emperor Xuan succeeded, he enfeoffed Ling as Marquis of Jianchang, fief five hundred households. In the first year of Taijian (569) he was made right vice director of the masters of writing. In year 3 he was moved to left vice director of the masters of writing. Ling memorialized to yield to Zhou Hongzheng, Wang Li, and others. Emperor Xuan summoned him and said, "Why stubbornly decline and recommend others?" Ling said, "Zhou Hongzheng came west with Your Majesty and was long chief clerk of the old fief; Wang Li was chief clerk of the Taiping chancellor's office; Zhang Zhong is an imperial kinsman. Choose worthies of old service and I should stand behind."
25
及朝議北伐，高宗曰：「朕意已決，卿可舉元帥。」 眾議咸以中權將軍淳于量位重，共署推之。 陵獨曰：「不然。 吳明徹家在淮左，悉彼風俗，將略人才，當今亦無過者。」 於是爭論累日不能決。 都官尚書裴忌曰：「臣同徐僕射。」 陵應聲曰：「非但明徹良將，裴忌即良副也。」 是日，詔明徹為大都督，令忌監軍事，遂克淮南數十州之地。 高宗因置酒，舉杯屬陵曰：「賞卿知人。」 陵避席對曰：「定策出自聖衷，非臣之力也。」 其年加侍中，餘並如故。 七年，領國子祭酒、南徐州大中正。 以公事免侍中、僕射。 尋加侍中，給扶，又除領軍將軍。 八年，加翊右將軍、太子詹事，置佐史。 俄遷右光祿大夫，餘並如故。 十年，重為領軍將軍。 尋遷安右將軍、丹陽尹。 十三年，為中書監，領太子詹事，給鼓吹一部，侍中、將軍、右光祿、中正如故。 陵以年老累表求致仕，高宗亦優之，乃詔將作為造大齋，令陵就第攝事。
He declined for days; Emperor Xuan pressed him, and Ling accepted the edict. When court debated a northern campaign, Emperor Xuan said, "My mind is set—nominate a commander." All thought Central Authority General Chunyu Liang weighty and jointly recommended him. Ling alone said, "No." Wu Mingche is from the Huai region, knows their ways, and in talent and generalship none today surpasses him. Debate then lasted days without decision. Minister of justice Pei Ji said, "I agree with Vice Director Xu." Ling answered at once, "Mingche is a fine general—and Pei Ji is a fine deputy." That day Mingche was made grand commander and Ji ordered to oversee the army; they then took dozens of Huainan prefectures. Emperor Xuan then raised his cup to Ling: "I reward you for knowing men." Ling left his mat and said, "The decision was Your Majesty's—not my strength." That year he was also made attendant-in-ordinary; the rest unchanged. In year 7 he also held director of the national university and grand arbiter of South Xuzhou. On public business he was removed from attendant-in-ordinary and vice director. Soon he was again attendant-in-ordinary, given a support staff, and again commander of the palace guards. In year 8 he was also right supporting general and grand tutor of the heir apparent, with assistant clerks. Soon he was moved to right grand master for splendid happiness; the rest unchanged. In year 10 he again became commander of the palace guards. Soon he was made pacifying right general and magistrate of Danyang. In year 13 he was director of the secretariat, concurrently grand tutor of the heir apparent, granted martial music; attendant, general, right grand master, and grand arbiter unchanged.
26
後主即位，遷左光祿大夫、太子少傅，餘如故。 至德元年卒，時年七十七。 詔曰：「慎終有典，抑乃舊章，令德可甄，諒宜追遠。 侍中、安右將軍、左光祿大夫、太子少傅、南徐州大中正建昌縣開國侯陵，弱齡學尚，登朝秀穎，業高名輩，文曰詞宗。 朕近歲承華，特相引狎，雖多臥疾，方期克壯，奄然殞逝，震悼于懷。 可贈鎮右將軍、特進，其侍中、左光祿、鼓吹、侯如故，并出舉哀，喪事所須，量加資給。 諡曰章。」
Ling, being old, repeatedly asked to retire; Emperor Xuan favored him and ordered the director of palace construction to build a great fast hall so Ling could conduct business at home. When Houzhu ascended, Ling was moved to left grand master for splendid happiness and junior tutor of the heir apparent; the rest unchanged. An edict said: "Rites for the dead have their canon and restrain the old statutes. Merit that can be weighed should rightly be honored from afar. Palace attendant, secure-the-right general, left grand master of the glory, junior tutor of the heir apparent, senior rectifier of South Xuzhou, and established marquis of Jianchang county Ling—from youth his learning was lofty; in court he stood out; his achievement surpassed his peers and his writing made him patriarch of letters. In recent years We received him at court and drew him especially close. Though he often lay ill, We still expected recovery; suddenly he died, and shock and grief fill Our breast. Let him be posthumously granted secure-the-right general and special advancement; his palace attendant, left grand master of the glory, musical guard, and marquisate remain as before; mourning is to be proclaimed throughout, and funeral needs generously supplied. Posthumous title: Zhang."
27
陵器局深遠，容止可觀，性又清簡，無所營樹，祿俸與親族共之。 太建中，食建昌邑，邑戶送米至于水次，陵親戚有貧匱者，皆令取之，數日便盡，陵家尋致乏絕。 府僚怪而問其故。 陵云：「我有車牛衣裳可賣，餘家有可賣不？」 其周給如此。 少而崇信釋教，經論多所精解。 後主在東宮，令陵講大品經，義學名僧，自遠雲集，每講筵商較，四座莫能與抗。 目有青睛，時人以為聰惠之相也。 自有陳創業，文檄軍書及禪授詔策，皆陵所製，而九錫尤美。 為一代文宗，亦不以此矜物，未嘗詆訶作者。 其於後進之徒，接引無倦。 世祖、高宗之世，國家有大手筆，皆陵草之。 其文頗變舊體，緝裁巧密，多有新意。 每一文出手，好事者已傳寫成誦，遂被之華夷，家藏其本。 後逢喪亂，多散失，存者三十卷。 有四子：儉，份，儀，僔。
Ling's capacity and bearing were deep and admirable. His nature was pure and spare; he schemed for nothing and shared his salary with kin. In the Taijian era, while drawing income from Jianchang fief, district households brought grain to the riverside. He had poor kin take it all; in a few days it was gone and his own household soon faced want. His office colleagues wondered and asked why. Ling said, "I have oxen, carts, and clothes to sell—do the rest of you lack things to sell?" Such was his way of aiding others. From youth he revered Buddhism and understood many sutras and treatises. When Houzhu was heir apparent he had Ling expound the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. Eminent monks gathered from afar; whenever the lecture hall debated, none in the four seats could match him. His eyes had blue pupils; contemporaries took this as a mark of keen intelligence. From Chen's founding, proclamations, military letters, and abdication investiture documents were all Ling's work, and his Nine Bestowals text was especially fine. Patriarch of letters for his age, he never lorded it over others and never reviled fellow authors. Toward rising men he showed tireless guidance. In the reigns of Emperor Shizong and Emperor Xuan, whenever the state had a major literary commission, Ling drafted it. His writing greatly altered the old style—tightly woven and ingenious, often with fresh turns. Each piece, once issued, admirers copied and recited it; it spread through China and beyond, and households treasured his texts. Later came disorder and ruin; most were lost; thirty scrolls survive. He had four sons: Jian, Fen, Yi, and Bin.
28
儉一名眾。 〔二０〕幼而脩立，勤學有志操，汝南周弘正重其為人，妻以女。 梁太清初，起家豫章王府行參軍。 侯景亂，陵使魏未反，儉時年二十一，攜老幼避于江陵，梁元帝聞其名，召為尚書金部郎中。 嘗侍宴賦詩，元帝歎賞曰「徐氏之子，復有文矣」。 江陵陷，復還於京師。 永定初，為太子洗馬，遷鎮東從事中郎。 天嘉三年，遷中書侍郎。
Jian also bore the name Zhong. [20] From youth upright, diligent in study with firm resolve; Zhou Hongzheng of Runan prized his character and gave him his daughter in marriage. At the opening of Liang's Taiqing era he began service as acting aide in the Prince of Yuzhang's household. During Hou Jing's rebellion Ling was on mission to Wei and had not returned; Jian, then twenty-one, took the old and young to refuge at Jiangling. Emperor Yuan of Liang heard his name and summoned him as director in the ministry of the gold office. Once at a feast he was asked to compose verse; Emperor Yuan exclaimed in praise, "The Xu house again has a writer!" When Jiangling fell he returned to the capital. In Yongding's opening he was made steward of the heir apparent, then moved to eastern garrison staff adviser. In Tianjia year 3 he was promoted to secretariat vice director.
29
太建初，廣州刺史歐陽紇舉兵反，高宗令儉持節喻旨。 紇初見儉，盛列仗衛，言辭不恭，儉曰：「呂嘉之事，誠當已遠，將軍獨不見周迪、陳寶應乎？ 轉禍為福，未為晚也。」 紇默然不答，懼儉沮其眾，不許入城，置儉於孤園寺，遣人守衛，累旬不得還。 紇嘗出見儉，儉謂之曰：「將軍業已舉事，儉須還報天子，儉之性命雖在將軍，將軍成敗不在於儉，幸不見留。」 紇於是乃遣儉從閒道馳還。 高宗乃命章昭達率眾討紇，仍以儉悉其形勢，敕儉監昭達軍。 紇平，高宗嘉之，賜奴婢十人，米五百斛，除鎮北鄱陽王諮議參軍，兼中書舍人。 累遷國子博士、大匠卿，餘並如故。 尋遷黃門侍郎，轉太子中庶子，加通直散騎常侍，兼尚書左丞，以公事免。 尋起為中衛始興王限外諮議參軍，兼中書舍人。 又為太子中庶子，遷貞威將軍、太子左衛率，舍人如故。
At Taijian's opening Guangzhou inspector Ouyang He raised troops in rebellion; Emperor Xuan ordered Jian to bear credentials and convey the imperial will. When He first received Jian he arrayed guards in full strength and spoke with no courtesy. Jian said, "The affair of Lü Jia is indeed far off—has the general alone not seen Zhou Di and Chen Baoying? To turn calamity into fortune is not yet too late." He fell silent and did not reply, fearing Jian would sap his followers' morale; he forbade entry to the city and lodged Jian at Guguan Monastery under guard; for many tens of days Jian could not return. He once came out to see Jian. Jian told him, "The general has already raised arms; Jian must return to report to Heaven's Son. Jian's life is in the general's hands, but the general's success or failure does not rest on Jian—pray do not detain me." He then sent Jian back by a secret road at full speed. Emperor Xuan then ordered Zhang Zhaoda to lead forces against He and, since Jian knew the situation, charged Jian to supervise Zhaoda's army. When He was pacified Emperor Xuan praised him, granted ten slaves and five hundred hu of grain, and made him staff adviser to the pacify-the-north Prince of Poyang with concurrent secretariat gentleman. He was repeatedly promoted to national university academician and director of the grand craftsmen office while keeping the rest as before. Soon he was made yellow-gate vice director, then heir apparent's junior mentor, with added direct-communication regular attendant of the scattered cavalry and concurrent left vice director of the masters of writing; he was dismissed for an official matter. Soon he was recalled as extraordinary staff adviser to the Prince of Shixing in the central guard with concurrent secretariat gentleman. Again heir apparent's junior mentor, then steadfast-prestige general and left commandant of the heir's guard while keeping gentleman status.
30
後主立，授和戎將軍、宣惠晉熙王長史，行丹陽郡國事。 俄以父憂去職。 尋起為和戎將軍，累遷尋陽內史，為政嚴明，盜賊靜息。 遷散騎常侍，襲封建昌侯，入為御史中丞。 儉性公平，無所阿附，尚書令江總望重一時，亦為儉所糾劾，後主深委任焉。 又領右軍。 禎明二年卒。
When Houzhu took the throne he was given harmonious-submission general, chief clerk to the proclaim-grace Prince of Jinxi, with acting charge of Danyang commandery affairs. Soon he left office on his father's mourning. Soon recalled as harmonious-submission general, he rose through posts to interior magistrate of Xunyang; his government was strict and clear and banditry subsided. Promoted to regular attendant of the scattered cavalry, he inherited the marquisate of Jianchang and entered office as censor-in-chief. Jian was fair by nature and fawned on none; Jiang Zong, director of the masters of writing and weighty in his day, was also impeached by Jian—Houzhu trusted him deeply for it. He also commanded the right army. He died in Zhenming year 2.
31
份少有父風，年九歲，為夢賦，陵見之，謂所親曰「吾幼屬文，亦不加此」。 解褐為祕書郎，轉太子舍人。 累遷豫章王主簿、太子洗馬。 出為海鹽令，甚有治績。 秩滿，入為太子洗馬。
Fen from youth had his father's manner; at nine he wrote a Dream Rhapsody. When Ling saw it he told intimates, "I wrote young, yet did not match this." On leaving the commoner's garb he was made secretary gentleman, then heir apparent's chamberlain. He rose to registrar to the Prince of Yuzhang and steward of the heir apparent. Sent out as magistrate of Haiyan, he achieved notable governance. When his term ended he returned as steward of the heir apparent.
32
份性孝悌，陵嘗遇疾，甚篤，份燒香泣涕，跪誦孝經，晝夜不息，如此者三日，陵疾豁然而愈，親戚皆謂份孝感所致。 太建二年卒，時年二十二。
Fen was filial and brotherly. When Ling once fell gravely ill, Fen burned incense, wept, knelt, and recited the Classic of Filial Piety without cease day and night for three days; Ling's illness suddenly lifted, and kin all said Fen's filial feeling had moved Heaven. He died in Taijian year 2, aged twenty-two.
33
儀少聰警，以周易生舉高第為祕書郎，出為烏傷令。 禎明初，遷尚書殿中郎，尋兼東宮學士。 陳亡入隋。 開皇九年，隱于錢塘之赭山，煬帝召為學士，尋除著作郎。 大業四年卒。
Yi was keen and alert from youth; as a student of the Changes he ranked high and became secretary gentleman, then went out as magistrate of Wushang. At Zhenming's opening he was promoted to palace gentleman of the masters of writing, soon with concurrent eastern-palace academician. When Chen fell he entered Sui. In Kaihuang year 9 he retired to Zhe Mountain in Qiantang; Emperor Yang summoned him as academician and soon made him director in the works office. He died in Daye year 4.
34
孝克，陵之第三弟也。 少為周易生，有口辯，能談玄理。 既長，遍通五經，博覽史籍，亦善屬文，而文不逮義。 梁太清初，起家為太學博士。
Xiaoke was Ling's third younger brother. In youth he was a student of the Changes, eloquent, and able to discourse on Neo-Daoist principle. Grown, he mastered the Five Classics, read widely in histories, and wrote well, yet his writing did not match his learning. At Liang Taiqing's opening he began as academician of the imperial university.
35
性至孝，遭父憂，殆不勝喪，事所生母陳氏，盡就養之道。 梁末，侯景寇亂，京邑大飢，餓死者十八九。 孝克養母，饘粥不能給，妻東莞臧氏，領軍將軍臧盾之女也，甚有容色，孝克乃謂之曰：「今飢荒如此，供養交闕，欲嫁卿與富人，望彼此俱濟，於卿意如何？」 臧氏弗之許也。 時有孔景行者，為侯景將，富於財，孝克密因媒者陳意，景行多從左右，逼而迎之，臧涕泣而去，所得穀帛，悉以供養。 孝克又剃髮為沙門，改名法整，兼乞食以充給焉。 臧氏亦深念舊恩，數私致饋餉，故不乏絕。 後景行戰死，臧伺孝克於途中，累日乃見，謂孝克曰：「往日之事，非為相負，今既得脫，當歸供養。」 孝克默然無答。 於是歸俗，更為夫妻。
Utterly filial, on his father's mourning he nearly could not bear the grief; toward his birth mother Lady Chen he fulfilled every duty of support. At Liang's end Hou Jing ravaged the realm; the capital knew great famine and eight or nine in ten starved. Xiaoke supported his mother but gruel could not suffice. His wife was Lady Zang of Dongguan, daughter of the garrison general Zang Dun, very fair of face. Xiaoke told her, "Famine is such that support fails on every side. I wish to marry you to a rich man in hope that we may all be saved—what do you think?" Lady Zang would not agree. There was Kong Jingxing, a general under Hou Jing, rich in wealth. Xiaoke secretly had a go-between present his wish; Jingxing came with many attendants and forced the marriage. Lady Zang left in tears; all grain and silk gained went wholly to support his mother. Xiaoke also shaved his head as a monk, took the name Fazheng, and begged food to fill the need. Lady Zang too cherished the old bond and often sent gifts in secret, so want never cut them off. Later Jingxing died in battle. Lady Zang watched for Xiaoke on the road; many days passed before she saw him. She said, "What passed before was no betrayal on my part. Now I am free—I should return to support your household." Xiaoke was silent and gave no answer. He then returned to lay life and they became husband and wife again.
36
後東遊，居于錢塘之佳義里，與諸僧討論釋典，遂通三論。 每日二時講，旦講佛經，晚講禮傳，道俗受業者數百人。 天嘉中，除剡令，非其好也，尋復去職。 太建四年，徵為祕書丞，不就，乃蔬食長齋，持菩薩戒，晝夜講誦法華經，高宗甚嘉其操行。
Later he traveled east and lived in Jiayi lane in Qiantang, debating Buddhist sutras with monks until he mastered the Three Treatises. Each day he lectured twice: mornings on Buddhist sutras, evenings on the Rites and Classics; clergy and laity studying under him numbered several hundred. In Tianjia he was made magistrate of Shan—not to his liking; soon he resigned. In Taijian year 4 he was summoned as secretariat aide but did not accept; he took vegetable food and long fasting, kept the bodhisattva precepts, and day and night chanted the Lotus Sutra—Emperor Xuan greatly praised his conduct.
37
六年，除國子博士，遷通直散騎常侍，兼國子祭酒，尋為真。 孝克每侍宴，無所食噉，至席散，當其前膳羞損減，高宗密記以問中書舍人管斌，斌不能對。 自是斌以意伺之，見孝克取珍果內紳帶中，斌當時莫識其意，後更尋訪，方知還以遺母。 斌以實啟，高宗嗟歎良久，乃敕所司，自今宴享，孝克前饌，並遣將還，以餉其母，時論美之。
In year 6 he was made national university academician, promoted to direct-communication regular attendant of the scattered cavalry with concurrent rector of the national university, soon confirmed in the latter post. Whenever Xiaoke attended banquets he ate nothing; when the feast ended the delicacies before him were diminished. Emperor Xuan secretly noted this and asked secretariat gentleman Guan Bin, who could not answer. From then Bin watched him by intent and saw Xiaoke tuck fine fruit into his sash. At the time Bin did not grasp his meaning; later inquiry showed he brought them home for his mother. Bin reported the fact; Emperor Xuan sighed long in praise and ordered that from then on at feasts Xiaoke's serving before him be all sent back to nourish his mother—contemporaries praised this.
38
至德中，皇太子入學釋奠，百司陪列，孝克發孝經題，後主詔皇太子北面致敬。
In the Zhide era the heir apparent entered school for the libation-offering sacrifice; all offices stood in attendance. Xiaoke opened the Classic of Filial Piety as topic; Houzhu ordered the heir to face north and bow in respect.
39
孝克性清素而好施惠，故不免飢寒，後主敕以石頭津稅給之，孝克悉用設齋寫經，隨得隨盡。 二年，為散騎常侍，侍東宮。 陳亡，隨例入關。 家道壁立，所生母患，欲粳米為粥，不能常辦。 母亡之後，孝克遂常噉麥，有遺粳米者，孝克對而悲泣，終身不復食之焉。
Xiaoke was plain and fond of giving, so he could not escape hunger and cold. Houzhu ordered the Shitou ferry toll granted him; Xiaoke used it all for feasts and copying sutras, spending each sum as it came. In year 2 he was made regular attendant of the scattered cavalry and attended the eastern palace. When Chen fell he entered the passes by the usual rule. His household stood bare; his birth mother fell ill and wanted polished rice for porridge—he could not always provide it. After his mother died Xiaoke ate barley regularly; when polished rice was sent as a gift he wept before it and never ate it again in his life.
40
開皇十年，長安疾疫，隋文帝聞其名行，召令於尚書都堂講金剛般若經。 尋授國子博士。 後侍東宮講禮傳。
In Kaihuang year 10 Chang'an suffered plague; Emperor Wen of Sui heard his fame and conduct and summoned him to expound the Diamond Prajna Sutra in the main hall of the masters of writing. Soon he was made national university academician. Later he attended the eastern palace lecturing on the Rites and Classics.
41
十九年以疾卒，時年七十三。 臨終，正坐念佛，室內有非常異香氣，鄰里皆驚異之。 子萬載，仕至晉安王功曹史、太子洗馬。
In year 19 he died of illness, aged seventy-three. At the end he sat upright chanting the Buddha's name; a rare strange fragrance filled the room and neighbors were all astonished. His son Wanzai served up to clerk on the staff of the Prince of Jin'an and steward of the heir apparent.
42
史臣曰：徐孝穆挺五行之秀，稟天地之靈，聰明特達，籠罩今古。 及締構興王，遭逢泰運，位隆朝宰，獻替謀猷，蓋亮直存矣。 孝克砥身厲行，養親逾禮，亦參、閔之志歟。
The historiographer says: Xu Xiaomu drew the finest of the five phases and received Heaven and Earth's spirit—keen intelligence that embraced past and present. When he helped frame the rising dynasty and met a great fortune, he rose to foremost minister and offered counsel in and out—plainly the upright heart remained. Xiaoke honed body and conduct and nurtured kin beyond the rites—is this not the resolve of Zeng Shen and Min Ziqian?
43
校勘記
Collation notes
44
〔一〕梁普通二年晉安王為平西將軍寧蠻校尉按梁書簡文帝紀，晉安王蕭綱為平西將軍寧蠻校尉在梁武帝普通四年。
On "In Liang Putong year 2 the Prince of Jin'an was made pacifying-west general and colonel pacifying the barbarians": according to the Annals of Emperor Jianwen in the Book of Liang, the Prince of Jin'an Xiao Gang received those posts in Liang Wudi's Putong year 4.
45
〔二〕〔中〕大通 （二） 〔三〕年王立為皇太子據梁書武帝紀補改。
[2] [zhong] Datong (two) On "[three] years, the prince was established as crown prince": emended per the Basic Annals of Emperor Wu in the History of Liang.
46
〔三〕則有日 （鳥） 〔烏〕流災據徐孝穆集及嚴可均輯全陳文改。 按相傳日中有烏，見淮南子精神訓。 又傳堯時十日並出，草木焦枯，堯命羿仰射十日，中其九，烏皆死，墮羽翼，見北堂書鈔一四九、藝文類聚一、御覽三引淮南子。 為此語所本。
[Three] Then there was a sun (bird) On "[crow] streams calamity": emended per Xu Xiaomu's Collected Works and Yan Kejun's Collected Chen Documents. Tradition says there is a crow in the sun, as in Huainanzi, Spiritual Teachings. Tradition also says ten suns rose in Yao's time, plants withered, and Yao had Yi shoot nine of them so the crows fell—cited in Northern Hall Manuscripts 149, Literary Gatherings 1, and Imperial Readings 3 from Huainanzi. That is the source of the phrase.
47
〔四〕方今越常藐藐「越常」各本作「越裳」。 按常裳古今字。
On "now Yuechang stands remote": all editions read Yueshang for Yuechang. Chang and shang are ancient and modern forms of the same word.
48
〔五〕泉流寶碗「碗」吳兆宜徐孝穆集箋注本作「盎」，注引藝林伐山，云寶盎泉出江州。
On "springs flow, treasure bowls": Wu Zhaoyi's annotated Xu Xiaomu Collection reads vessel for bowl, citing Forest of Literary Arts and Woodcutter on Mountains on the Treasure Vessel Spring at Jiangzhou.
49
〔六〕又此賓遊「此」字下元龜六六三及徐孝穆集箋注本並有「段」字。
On "again, these guest-travelers": Yuan Gui 663 and the annotated Xu Xiaomu Collection add segment below this.
50
〔七〕四冢磔蚩尤「四」當作「三」。 相傳堯磔蚩尤，身首異處，分葬三處，其首冢在壽陽，其肩膂冢在山陽，其髀冢在鉅鹿，見雲笈七籤引軒轅本紀，為此語所本。 梁書元帝紀載徐陵勸進表，亦有「蚩尤三冢，寧謂嚴誅」之語。
On "four tombs dismembering Chiyou": four should read three. Tradition says Yao dismembered Chiyou and buried head, shoulders, and thighs at Shouyang, Shanyang, and Julu—Cloud Book Seven Talismans citing Records of the Yellow Emperor is the source. Liang Emperor Yuan's annals record Xu Ling's accession petition with the same "Chiyou's three tombs—can one call it stern execution?"
51
〔八〕又聞本朝公主「公主」徐孝穆集及嚴輯全陳文並作「王公」，疑作「王公」是。
On "again heard that this dynasty's princesses": Xu Xiaomu's Collection and Yan's Collected Chen Documents read princes and dukes; that is probably correct.
52
〔九〕舂舂井井嚴輯全陳文作「鄉井鄉邑」。
On "chunchun jingjing": Yan's Collected Chen Documents reads native hamlet, native district.
53
〔一０〕虞哥引路「哥」各本作「歌」。 按哥即古歌字。
On "Yu Ge showed the way": all editions read song for ge. Ge is the ancient form of the character for song.
54
〔一一〕吾知其決「決」當作「訣」。 今本徐孝穆集及嚴輯全陳文並作「訣」。
On "I know its secret": secret (jue) should read formula (jue). Current Xu Xiaomu Collection and Yan's Collected Chen Documents both read formula.
55
〔一二〕其外膏脣販舌「販舌」徐孝穆集箋注本改「拭舌」，注引後漢書宦者呂強傳「群邪項領，膏脣拭舌」。
On "greasy lips and vending tongues": Wu Zhaoyi's annotated Xu Xiaomu Collection reads wiping tongue, citing Later Han, Biography of Lü Qiang: "the wicked crane their necks, greasy lips wipe tongue."
56
〔一三〕莫不崇君親以銘物「銘」今本徐孝穆集及嚴輯全陳文並作「詔」。
On "none fail to honor lord and kin to inscribe things": current Xu Xiaomu Collection and Yan's Collected Chen Documents read charge for inscribe.
57
〔一四〕巡省方化今本徐孝穆集及嚴輯全陳文並作「巡方省化」，按巡方省化與下東序西膠相對成文，作「巡方省化」是。
On "touring provinces to transform customs": current texts read touring the regions to inspect transformation, which pairs with eastern and western sequences below and is correct.
58
〔一五〕東序西膠按徐孝穆集箋注本改為「西序東膠」，注引禮王制「夏后氏養庶老於西序，周人養國老於東膠」。
On "eastern sequence, western college": the annotated Xu Xiaomu Collection reads western sequence, eastern college, citing Royal Regulations on Xia and Zhou elder care.
59
〔一六〕非豹非貔「豹」徐孝穆集箋注本及嚴輯全陳文並作「虎」。 按語本書牧誓「尚桓桓，如虎如貔」。 梁書元帝紀載陵勸進表亦有「非虎非貔」語。 此作「豹」，乃避唐諱改。
On "not leopard, not bear": annotated Xu Xiaomu Collection and Yan's Collected Chen Documents read tiger for leopard. The phrase comes from Announcement of Mu: "Be bold and martial, like tigers, like bears." Liang Emperor Yuan's annals record Xu Ling's accession petition with the same "not tiger, not bear." Leopard here is a Tang-taboo alteration.
60
〔一七〕時安成王頊為司空「頊」原作「諱」，思廉原文如此，今據北監本、汲本、殿本改。
On "at that time Prince of Ancheng Xu was minister of works": Xu was written taboo name in Yao Sizhi's original; emended per the Northern Supervisory, Ji, and Hall editions.
61
〔一八〕直兵鮑僧叡假王威權「鮑僧叡」北監本、汲本、殿本作「鮑叔叡」。
On "duty officer Bao Shenrui abused the prince's authority": Northern Supervisory, Ji, and Hall editions read Bao Shurui.
62
〔一九〕三年遷尚書左僕射「三年」各本並訛「二年」。 按宣帝紀，三年春正月癸丑，以尚書右僕射領大著作徐陵為尚書僕射，四年春正月丙午，以尚書僕射領大著作徐陵為尚書左僕射，與此異。
On "in the third year he was promoted to left vice minister of the Secretariat": all editions wrongly read second year. Emperor Xuan's annals place Xu Ling's promotion to vice minister in year 3, guichou, and to left vice minister in year 4, bingwu—not as here.
63
〔二０〕儉一名眾殿本考證云：「『眾』南史作『報』。」
On "Jian's other name was Zhong": the Hall edition notes the Southern History reads Bao for Zhong.