1
吳漢字子顏，南陽宛人也。 家貧，給事縣為亭長。 王莽末，以賓客犯法，乃亡命至漁陽，資用乏，以販馬自業，往來燕、薊間，所至皆交結豪傑。 更始立，使使者韓鴻徇河北。 或謂鴻曰：『吳子顏，奇士也，可與計事。 』鴻召見漢，其悅之，遂承制拜為安樂令。
Wu Han, styled Ziyan, came from Wan in Nanyang. Poor, he hired out to the county and became a village head. When his clients broke the law under Wang Mang's fall, he fled to Yuyang, sold horses between Yan and Ji for a living, and befriended bold spirits everywhere. Gengshi dispatched Han Hong to secure the northern commanderies. A man told Han Hong, 'Wu Ziyan is no ordinary talent—consult him on policy.' Han Hong interviewed Wu Han, was delighted, and named him magistrate of Anle on his own authority.'
2
會王郎起，北州擾惑。 漢素聞光武長者，獨欲歸心。 乃說太守彭寵曰：『漁陽、上谷突騎，天下所聞也。 君何不合二郡精銳，附劉公擊邯鄲，此一時之功也。 』寵以為然，而官屬皆欲附王郎，寵不能奪。 漢乃辭出，止外亭，念所以譎眾，未知所出。 望見道中有一人似儒生者，漢使人召之，為具食，問以所聞。 生因言劉公所過，為郡縣所歸； 邯鄲舉尊號者，實非劉氏。 漢大喜，即詐為光武書，移檄漁陽，使生賫以詣寵，令縣以所聞說之，漢復隨後入。 寵甚然之。 於是遣漢將兵與上谷諸將並軍而南，所至擊斬王郎將帥。 及光武於廣阿，拜漢為偏將軍。 既拔邯鄲，賜號建策侯。
When Wang Lang rebelled, the north fell into turmoil. Wu Han had long heard Guangwu praised as a true gentleman and meant to join him alone. He urged Governor Peng Chong: 'Everyone knows the shock cavalry of Yuyang and Shanggu.' Muster both commanderies' best men for Liu Xiu against Handan and you seize the moment.' Peng Chong agreed, yet his officers favored Wang Lang and he could not sway them.' Wu Han withdrew to a roadside inn, racking his brains for a stratagem to turn the garrison. Spotting a student-like traveler, he had him brought in, fed him, and pumped him for news. The man said Liu Xiu's march won every county he touched; the pretender at Handan was no true Liu.' Overjoyed, Wu Han forged Guangwu's seal, drafted a proclamation for Yuyang, sent the student to Peng Chong with county corroboration, then slipped in behind. Peng Chong accepted the plea. He gave Wu Han command alongside Shanggu's generals; they marched south, killing Wang Lang's officers wherever they met them. At Guang'a Guangwu named Wu Han lieutenant general. After Handan fell he received the marquisate 'who frames strategy.'
3
漢為人質厚少文，造次不能以辭自達。 鄧禹及諸將我知之。 數相薦舉，及得召見，遂見親信，賞居門下。
Wu Han was blunt and inarticulate, no rhetorician in a pinch. Deng Yu and the other generals learned his worth. They kept recommending him until an audience won him Guangwu's trust and a place in his inner circle.
4
光武將發幽州兵，夜召鄧禹，問可使行者。 禹曰：『間數與吳漢言，其人勇鷙有智謀，諸將鮮能及者。 』即拜漢大將軍，持節北發十郡突騎。 更始幽州牧苗曾聞之，陰勒兵，敕諸郡不肯應調。 漢乃將二十騎先馳至無終。 曾以漢無備，出迎於路，漢即撝兵騎，收曾斬之，而奪其軍。 北州震駭，城邑莫不望風弭從。 遂悉發其兵，引而南，與光武會清陽。 諸將望見漢還，士馬甚盛，皆曰：『是寧肯分兵與人邪？ 』及漢至莫府，上兵簿，諸將人人多請之。 光武曰：『屬者恐不與人，今所請又何多也？ 』諸將皆慚。
Planning to levy Youzhou, Guangwu asked Deng Yu at night whom to send. Deng Yu said, 'I have talked often with Wu Han: he is fierce, cunning, and clever—few match him.' Guangwu at once named him grand general with baton and sent him north to draft ten commanderies' shock cavalry.' Gengshi's Youzhou governor Miao Zeng mustered secretly and told the counties to ignore the call-up. Wu Han raced to Wuzhong with twenty riders. Miao Zeng thought him unarmed and rode out to greet him; Wu Han sprang his horse, seized and executed Miao Zeng, and took his command. The north reeled; town after town submitted without a fight. He led the full levy south to rendezvous with Guangwu at Qingyang. Seeing his huge train, the generals muttered, 'He will never share those troops.' Yet at headquarters Wu Han opened his rolls and every general begged for men.' Guangwu laughed, 'I thought you would hoard them—why is everyone begging now?' The officers looked abashed.'
5
初，更始遣尚書令謝躬率六將軍攻王郎，不能下。 會光武至，共定邯鄲，而躬裨將虜掠不相承稟，光武深忌之。 雖俱在邯鄲，遂分城而處，然每有以慰安之。 躬勤於職事，光武常稱曰『謝尚書真吏也』，故不自疑。 躬既而率其兵數萬，還屯於鄴。 時光武南擊青犢，謂躬曰：『我追賊於射犬，必破之。 尤來在山陽者，勢必當驚走。 若以君威力，擊此散虜，必成禽也。 』躬曰：『善。 』及青犢破，而尤來果北走隆慮山，躬乃留大將軍劉慶、魏郡太守陳康守鄴，自率諸將軍擊之。 窮寇死戰，其鋒不可當，躬遂大敗，死者數千人。 光武因躬在外，乃使漢與岑彭襲其城。 漢先令辯士說陳康曰：『蓋聞上智不處危以僥幸，中智能因危以為功，下愚安於危以自亡。 危亡之至，在人所由，不可不察。 今京師敗亂，四方雲擾，公所聞也。 蕭王兵強士附，河北歸命，公所見也。 謝躬內背蕭王，外失眾心，公所知也。 公今據孤危之城，待滅亡之禍，義無所立，節無所成。 不若開門內軍，轉禍為禍，免下愚之敗，收中智之功，此計之至者也。 』康然之。 於是康收劉慶及躬妻子，開門內漢等。 及躬從隆慮歸鄴，不知康已反之，乃與數百騎輕入城。 漢伏兵收之，手擊殺躬，其眾悉降。
Gengshi had sent Xie Gong with six generals against Wang Lang without success. Guangwu joined them to take Handan, while Xie Gong's subordinates looted on their own—Guangwu watched with cold fury. They quartered in separate halves of the city, yet Guangwu always soothed Xie Gong when he could. Xie Gong toiled at his desk; Guangwu called him a model official, so Gong never suspected a plot. Xie Gong later marched tens of thousands back to Ye. Guangwu told him, 'I will crush the Green Calves at Shequan.' The Youlai bands in Shanyang will panic and bolt north.' Strike those stragglers with your strength and you will bag them.' Xie Gong agreed.' After the Green Calves fell, the Youlai fled to Longlü; Xie Gong left Liu Qing and Chen Kang at Ye and gave chase.' Cornered rebels fight to the death; Xie Gong was routed with thousands slain. With Xie Gong away, Guangwu ordered Wu Han and Cen Peng to storm Ye. Wu Han's envoy told Chen Kang, 'The wise flee danger, the middling exploit it, the fool hugs it to death.' Whether you sink or swim is the path you choose—think hard.' The capital lies in ruins and the realm boils— you know it.' The Prince of Xiao's host is strong and Hebei has sworn fealty— you have seen it.' Xie Gong betrays the Prince of Xiao and has lost every heart— you know that too.' You cling to a doomed town with no honor left to win.' Open the gates to Han, turn peril into blessing, escape the fool's ruin, and win the wise man's reward— that is the best counsel.' Chen Kang agreed.' He seized Liu Qing and Xie Gong's family, then admitted Wu Han. Xie Gong rode back from Longlü unaware of the betrayal and cantered in with a few hundred horse. Wu Han's ambush took him; Wu Han killed him with his own hand and the army capitulated.
6
躬字子張，南陽人。 初，其妻知光武不平之，常戒躬曰：『君與劉公積不相能，而信其虛談，不為人備，終受制矣。 』躬不納，故及於難。
Xie Gong, styled Zizhang, was from Nanyang. His wife had seen Guangwu's coldness and warned him, 'You and Liu Xiu are enemies; if you trust his smooth words and drop your guard, you will be ruined.' Xie Gong ignored her and paid with his life.'
7
建武二年春，漢率大司空王梁，建義大將軍朱祐，大將軍杜茂，執金吾賈復，揚化將軍堅鐔，偏將軍王霸，騎都尉劉隆、馬武、陰識，共擊檀鄉賊於鄴東漳水上，大破之。 降者十餘萬人。 帝使使者璽書定封漢為廣平侯，食廣平、斥漳、曲周、廣年，凡四縣。 復率諸將擊鄴西山賊黎伯卿等，及河內脩武，悉破諸屯聚。 車駕親幸撫勞。 復遣漢進兵南陽，擊宛、涅陽、酈、穰、新野諸城、皆下之。 引兵南，與秦豐戰黃郵水上，破之。 又與偏將軍馮異擊昌城五樓賊張文等，又攻銅馬、五幡於新安，皆破之。
In Jianwu 2 spring Wu Han led Wang Liang, Zhu You, Du Mao, Jia Fu, Jian Tan, Wang Ba, Liu Long, Ma Wu, and Yin Shi against the Tanxiang east of Ye on the Zhang and shattered them. Over a hundred thousand men yielded. The court sealed him marquis of Guangping with four counties' revenue. He next cleared the western hills around Ye and the stockades at Xiuwu in Henei. The emperor came in person to review and cheer the troops. He sent Wu Han into Nanyang to take Wan, Nieyang, Li, Rang, and Xinye. He beat Qin Feng on the Huangyou River. With Feng Yi he crushed Zhang Wen's Wulou band at Changcheng and the Bronze Horse and Five Banners at Xin'an.
8
明年春，率建威大將軍耿弇、虎牙大將軍蓋延，擊青犢於軹西，大破降之。 又率驃騎大將軍杜茂、強弩將軍陳俊等，圍蘇茂於廣樂。 劉永將周建別招聚收集得十餘萬人，救廣樂。 漢將輕騎迎與之戰，不利，墮馬傷膝，還營，建等遂連兵入城。 諸將謂漢曰：『大敵在前而公傷臥，眾心懼矣。 』漢乃勃然裹創而起，椎牛饗士，令軍中曰：『賊眾雖多，皆劫掠群盜，「勝不相讓，敗不相救」，非有仗節死義者也。 今日封侯之秋，諸君勉之！ 』於是軍士激怒，人倍其氣。 旦日，建、茂出兵圍漢。 漢選四部精兵黃頭吳河等，及烏桓突騎三千餘人，齊鼓而進。 建軍大潰，反還奔城。 漢長驅追擊，爭門並入，大破之，茂、建突走。 漢留杜茂、陳俊等守廣樂，自將兵助蓋延圍劉永於睢陽。 永既死，二城皆降。
Next spring he and Geng Yan and Gai Yan broke the Green Calves west of Zhi and forced their surrender. He besieged Su Mao at Guangle with Du Mao and Chen Jun. Zhou Jian, Liu Yong's general, raised over a hundred thousand to relieve Guangle. Wu Han met them with light horse, was thrown, hurt his knee, and limped to camp while Zhou Jian's host poured into the town. His officers said, 'The enemy is at the gates and you are bedridden— the men are afraid.' Wu Han rose, bandaged his knee, feasted the army on beef, and shouted, 'These are only robbers who share no honor in victory nor aid in defeat—no loyal band.' Today is the day to win marquisates—fight!' The camp's fury doubled their mettle.' At dawn Zhou Jian and Su Mao ringed Wu Han's camp. He picked four elite columns including Wu He of the yellow caps and three thousand Wuhuan horse, and rolled forward under one drumbeat. Zhou Jian's line shattered and fled for the walls. Wu Han chased them through the gates, routed the defense, and Su Mao with Zhou Jian escaped. He left Du Mao and Chen Jun at Guangle and joined Gai Yan's siege of Liu Yong at Suiyang. After Liu Yong died both cities came over.
9
明年，又率陳俊及前將軍王梁，擊破五校賊於臨平，追至東郡箕山，大破之。 北擊清河長直及平原五里賊，皆平之。 時，鬲縣五姓共逐守長，據城而反。 諸將爭欲攻之，漢不聽，曰：『使鬲反者，皆守長罪也。 敢輕冒進兵者斬。 』乃移檄告郡，使收守長，而使人謝城中。 五姓大喜，即相率歸降。 諸將乃服，曰：『不戰而下城，非眾所及也。』
The following year he took Chen Jun and Wang Liang, crushed the Five Schools at Linping, and ran them to Mount Ji in Dong commandery. He cleared Zhang Zhi in Qinghe and the Wuli bandits in Pingyuan. Five clans in Ge county expelled the magistrate and held the walls. Every general wanted to storm it; Wu Han refused. 'The magistrate caused this revolt.' The first man to attack without orders dies.' He proclaimed the arrest of the magistrate and sent apologies into the town.' The five clans rejoiced and submitted at once. The generals admitted, 'Taking a city without a blow—that is beyond us.'
10
冬，漢率建威大將軍耿弇、漢忠將軍王常等，擊富平、獲索二賊於平原。 明年春，賊率五萬餘人夜攻漢營，軍中驚亂，漢堅臥不動，有頃乃定。 即夜發精兵出營突擊，大破其眾。 因追討餘黨，遂至無鹽，進擊勃海，皆平之。 又從征董憲，圍朐城。 明年春，拔朐，斬憲。 事已見《劉永傳》。 東方悉定，振旅還京師。
That winter he led Geng Yan, Wang Chang, and others against the Fuping and Huosuo bands on the Pingyuan plain. Next spring fifty thousand rebels raided his camp by night; panic spread until Wu Han lay still as stone until order returned. He then sortied picked troops and broke them in the dark. He mopped up to Wuyan, struck Bohai, and cleared the region. He joined the campaign against Dong Xian and besieged Qu. The next spring Qu fell and Dong Xian died on the block. The full account stands in Liu Yong's biography. The east pacified, he marched the army home to Luoyang.
11
會隗囂畔，夏，復遣漢西屯長安。 八年，從東駕上隴，遂圍隗囂於西城。 帝敕漢曰：『諸郡甲卒但坐費糧食，若有逃亡，則沮敗眾心，宜悉罷之。 』漢等貪並力攻囂，遂不能遣，糧食日少，吏士疲役，逃亡者多，及公孫述救至，漢遂退敗。
When Wei Ao rose that summer, the court sent Wu Han west to garrison Chang'an. In year 8 he accompanied the emperor onto Long and helped besiege Wei Ao at Xicheng. The emperor wrote, 'Idle garrisons only eat grain and desertions will break morale—disband the lot.' Wu Han wanted Ao crushed first and ignored the order; supplies shrank, men deserted, and when Shu reinforcements came he had to retreat in defeat.'
12
十一年春，率征南大將軍岑彭等伐公孫述。 及彭破荊門，長驅入江關，漢留夷陵，裝露橈船，將南陽兵及刑募士三萬人溯江而上。 會岑彭為刺客所殺，漢並將其軍。 十二年春，與公孫述將魏黨、公孫永戰於魚涪津，大破之，遂圍武陽。 述遣子婿史興將五千人救之。 漢迎擊興，盡殄其眾，因入犍為界。 諸縣皆城守。 漢乃進軍攻廣都，拔之。 遣輕騎燒成都市橋，武陽以東諸小城皆降。
In spring of year 11 he marched with Cen Peng against Gongsun Shu. After Cen Peng smashed Jingmen, Wu Han stayed at Yiling, rigged light craft, and took thirty thousand Nanyang men and pardoned convicts upriver. When an assassin slew Cen Peng, Wu Han absorbed his command. In year 12 spring he routed Wei Dang and Gongsun Yong at Yufu Ford and closed on Wuyang. Gongsun Shu sent his son-in-law Shi Xing with five thousand to relieve the town. Wu Han met Shi Xing, annihilated him, and crossed into Qianwei. Every county barred its gates. He advanced on Guangdu and captured it. His horsemen burned Chengdu's market bridge, and towns east of Wuyang yielded.
13
帝戒漢曰：『成都十餘萬眾，不可輕也。 但堅據廣都，待其來攻，勿與爭鋒。 若不敢來，公轉營迫之，須其力廢，乃可擊也。 』漢乘利，遂自將步騎二萬餘人進逼成都，去城十餘里，阻江北為營，作浮橋，使副將武威將軍劉尚將萬餘人屯於江南，相去二十餘里。 帝聞大驚，讓漢曰：『比敕公千條萬端，何意臨事勃亂！ 既輕敵深入，又與尚別營，事有緩急，不復相及。 賊若出兵綴公，以大眾攻尚，尚破，公即敗矣。 幸無它者，急引兵還廣都。 』詔書未到，述果使其將謝豐、袁吉將眾十許萬，分為二十餘營，並出攻漢。 使別將將萬餘人劫劉尚，令不得相救。 漢與大戰一日，兵敗，走入壁，豐因圍之。 漢乃召諸將厲之曰：『吾共諸君逾越險阻，轉戰千里，所在斬獲，遂深入敵地，至其城下。 而今與劉尚二處受圍，勢既不接，其禍難量。 欲潛師就尚於江南，並兵禦之。 若能同心一力，人自為戰，大功可立； 如其不然，敗必無餘。 成敗之機，在此一舉。 』諸將皆曰『諾』。 於是饗士秣馬，閉門三日不出，乃多樹幡旗，使煙火不絕，夜銜枚引兵與劉尚合軍。 豐等不覺，明日，乃分兵拒江北，自將攻江南。 漢悉兵迎戰，自旦至晡，遂大破之，斬謝豐、袁吉，獲甲首五千餘級。 於是引還廣都，留劉尚拒述，具以狀上，而深自譴責。 帝報曰：『公還廣都，甚得其宜，述必不敢略尚而擊公也。 若先攻尚，公從廣都五十里悉步騎赴之，適當值其危困，破之必矣。 』自是漢與述戰於廣都、成都之間，八戰八克，遂軍於其郭中。 述自將數萬人出城大戰，漢使護軍高午、唐邯將數萬銳卒擊之。 述兵敗走，高午奔陳刺述，殺之。 事已見《述傳》。 旦日城降，斬述首傳送洛陽。 明年正月，漢振旅浮江而下。 至宛，詔令過家上冢，賜谷二萬斛。
The emperor cautioned him: 'Chengdu holds over a hundred thousand men—do not despise them.' Hold Guangdu and let them attack you; do not meet them head-on.' If they stay put, edge your camp forward until they weaken, then strike.' Wu Han, elated with victory, pushed twenty thousand men within ten li of Chengdu, camped north of the river with a pontoon, and parked Liu Shang with ten thousand south of the stream twenty li away.' The emperor thundered, 'I warned you a thousand times—how could you blunder so at the crisis?' You drove deep in contempt of the foe and split from Liu Shang—neither can help the other now.' If they pin you while their main force swallows Liu Shang, you fall the moment he falls.' If disaster has not struck yet, pull back to Guangdu at once.' Before the order reached him, Gongsun Shu sent Xie Feng and Yuan Ji with some hundred thousand men in twenty camps against Wu Han.' A second column pinned Liu Shang so the two camps could not unite. Wu Han fought all day, broke, fled into his walls, and Xie Feng ringed the camp. He rallied his officers: 'We have marched a thousand li through hell to stand under their walls.' Now Liu Shang and I are besieged apart with no link between us—disaster looms.' I mean to slip the army south to merge with Liu Shang.' If we fight as one, each man for himself, we can still win. If not, we are finished. Everything hangs on this move.' The generals shouted assent.' He feasted the men, fed the horses, sealed the camp three days, lit fires and flags to mask his move, then marched by night with bits on the horses to join Liu Shang. Xie Feng noticed nothing until dawn, when he split his force north and led the rest south. Wu Han turned with full strength, fought from dawn to dusk, slew Xie Feng and Yuan Ji, and counted five thousand heads. He withdrew to Guangdu, left Liu Shang to face Shu, wrote a full report, and blamed himself harshly. The emperor answered, 'Your return to Guangdu was right—Shu will not ignore Liu Shang to hit you alone.' If he strikes Liu Shang first, rush every rider and footman from Guangdu those fifty li and you will catch him exhausted and break him for certain.' After that Wu Han fought eight winning battles between Guangdu and Chengdu and camped under the outer walls.' Gongsun Shu sortied with tens of thousands; Wu Han sent Gao Wu and Tang Han with picked troops to meet him. Shu's line broke; Gao Wu spurred into the ranks and speared Gongsun Shu dead. The tale is told in Gongsun Shu's biography. At dawn the city opened; Shu's head went by post to Luoyang. The next first month he led the army downriver by boat. At Wan the emperor let him visit kin and tombs and gave him twenty thousand hu of grain.
14
十五年，復率揚武將軍馬成、捕虜將軍馬武北擊匈奴，徙雁門、代郡、上谷吏人六萬餘口，置居庸、常山關以東。
In year 15 he marched with Ma Cheng and Ma Wu against the Xiongnu and resettled sixty thousand people from Yanmen, Dai, and Shanggu east of Juyong and Changshan passes.
15
十八年，蜀郡守將史歆反於成都，自稱大司馬，攻太守張穆，穆逾城走廣都，歆遂移檄郡縣，而宕渠楊偉、朐□忍徐容等，起兵各數千人以應之。 帝以歆昔為岑彭護軍，曉習兵事，故遣漢率劉尚及太中大夫臧宮將萬餘人討之。 漢入武都，乃發廣漢、巴、蜀三郡兵圍成都，百餘日城破，誅歆等。 漢乃乘桴沿江下巴郡，楊偉、徐容等惶恐解散，漢誅其渠帥二百餘人，徙其黨與數百家於南郡、長沙而還。
In year 18 Shi Xin, garrison commander at Chengdu, rebelled as grand marshal, drove Governor Zhang Mu to Guangdu, called the commanderies to revolt, and drew Yang Wei of Danqu and Xu Rong of Queren with thousands each. Knowing Shi Xin had served under Cen Peng and knew war, the emperor sent Wu Han with Liu Shang and Zang Gong and over ten thousand men. Wu Han entered Wudu, levied Guanghan, Ba, and Shu, stormed Chengdu for a hundred days, took it, and executed Shi Xin. He then boated down to Ba; Yang Wei and Xu Rong scattered in panic; he killed two hundred chiefs and deported hundreds of families to Nan and Changsha before returning.
16
漢性強力，每從征伐，帝未安，恒側足而言。 諸將見戰陳不利，或多惶懼，失其常度。 漢意氣自若，方整厲器械，激揚士吏。 帝時遣人觀大司馬何為，還言方修戰攻之具，乃嘆曰：『吳公差強人意，隱若一敵國矣！ 』每當出師，朝受詔，夕即引道，初無辦嚴之日。 故能常任職，以功名終。 及在朝廷，斤斤謹質，形於體貌。 漢嘗出征，妻子在後買田業。 漢還，讓之曰：『軍師在外，吏士不足，何多買田宅乎！ 』遂盡以分與昆弟外家。
Wu Han was iron-hard; on campaign he paced uneasily until the emperor felt secure. When the line wavered, other generals panicked. Wu Han stayed calm, sharpened weapons, and fired up the ranks. Spies found him repairing siege gear; the emperor sighed, 'Wu Han steadies the army like a rival power!' He could take orders at dawn and march at dusk with no 'readying day'.' That is how he kept high command and died covered in glory. At court he was modest and plain in every gesture. Once while he was away his wife bought land. He returned and scolded them: 'The army lacks pay—why hoard farms and houses?' He gave the property away to kin and in-laws.'
17
二十年，漢病篤。 車駕親臨，問所欲言。 對曰：『臣愚無所知識，惟願陛下慎無亦攵而已。 』及薨，有詔悼湣，賜謚曰忠侯。 發北軍五校、輕車、介士送葬，如大將軍霍光故事。
In year 20 Wu Han fell mortally ill. The emperor came to his bedside and asked his last word. He answered, 'I am a dull soldier; only beg you, Majesty, to be sparing with punishments and generous with pardons.' At his death the court mourned him as Marquis Zhong.' His funeral matched Grand General Huo Guang's: northern-army colonels, light chariots, and armored escort.
18
子哀侯成嗣，為奴所殺。 二十八年，分漢封為三國：成子旦為灈陽侯，以奉漢嗣； 旦弟盱為築陽侯； 成弟國為新蔡侯。 旦卒，無子，國除。 建初八年，徙封盱為平春侯，以奉漢後。 盱卒，子勝嗣。 初，漢兄尉為將軍，從征戰死，封尉子彤為安陽侯。 帝以漢功大，復封弟翕為褒親侯。 吳氏侯者凡五國。
His son Cheng succeeded as Marquis of Ai but a slave murdered him. In year 28 the house was split: Cheng's son Dan took Quyang to maintain Wu Han's line; Dan's brother Xu received Zhuyang; Cheng's brother Guo took Xincai. Dan died childless and the fief lapsed. In Jianchu 8 Xu was moved to Pingchun to carry the line. Xu died; Sheng succeeded. Wu Han's brother Wei had died in service; Wei's son Tong was enfeoffed at Anyang. For Wu Han's great merit the emperor also enfeoffed his brother Xi at Baoqin. Five branches of the Wu clan held marquisates.
19
初，漁陽都尉嚴宣與漢俱會光武於廣阿，光武以為偏將軍，封建信侯。
Yuyang commandant Yan Xuan had joined Wu Han at Guang'a and became lieutenant general and marquis of Jianxin.
20
論曰：吳漢自建武世，常居上公之位，終始倚愛之親，諒由質簡而強力也。 子曰『剛毅木訥近仁』，斯豈漢之方乎！ 昔陳平智有餘以見疑，周勃資樸忠而見信。 夫仁義不足以相懷，則智者以有餘為疑，而樸者以不足取信矣。
The historian says: Wu Han held top rank throughout Jianwu, always the emperor's favorite, for he was blunt, simple, and indomitable. Confucius called the firm and slow-spoken nearest to goodness—does that not fit Wu Han?' Chen Ping's cleverness made him suspect; Zhou Bo's rustic loyalty won trust.' When grace is thin, the clever man seems dangerous and the simple man seems safe.'
21
蓋延字巨卿，漁陽要陽人也。 身長八尺，彎弓三百斤。 邊俗尚勇力，而延以氣聞，歷郡列掾、州從事，所在職辦。 彭寵為太守，召延署營尉，行護軍。
Gai Yan, styled Juqing, came from Yaoyang in Yuyang. He stood eight chi tall and drew a three-hundred-jin bow. The frontier prized strength; Gai Yan was famed for dash and excelled in every clerkship he held. Peng Chong made him camp commandant and acting protector of the army.
22
及王郎起，延與吳漢同謀歸光武。 延至廣阿，拜偏將軍，號建功侯，從平河北。 光武即位，以延為虎牙將軍。
When Wang Lang rose, he and Wu Han chose Guangwu. At Guang'a he became lieutenant general, marquis who establishes merit, and helped pacify Hebei. At the accession he was named tiger-fang general.
23
建武二年，更封安平侯。 遣南擊敖倉，轉攻酸棗、封丘，皆拔。 其夏，督駙馬都尉馬武、騎都尉劉隆、護軍都尉馬成、偏將軍王霸等南伐劉永，先攻拔襄邑，進取麻鄉，遂圍永於睢陽。 數月，盡收野麥，夜梯其城入。 永驚懼，引兵走出東門，延追擊，大破之。 永棄軍走譙，延進攻，拔薛，斬其魯郡太守，而彭城、扶陽、杼秋、蕭皆降。 又破永沛郡太守，斬之。 永將蘇茂、佼彊、周建等三萬餘人救永，共攻延，延與戰於沛西，大破之。 永軍亂，遁沒溺死者大半。 永棄城走湖陵，蘇茂奔廣樂。 延遂定沛、楚、臨淮，修高祖廟，置嗇夫、祝宰、樂人。
In Jianwu 2 his seat became the marquisate of Anping. He struck Aocang southward, then took Suanzao and Fengqiu. That summer he led Ma Wu, Liu Long, Ma Cheng, Wang Ba, and others south: Xiangyi and Maxiang fell, then he besieged Liu Yong at Suiyang. After months he stripped the countryside of grain, then escaladed the walls by night. Liu Yong fled out the east gate; Gai Yan pursued and routed him. Liu Yong bolted to Qiao; Gai Yan took Xue, slew his governor of Lu, and Pengcheng, Fuyang, Zhuqiu, and Xiao submitted. He next killed Liu Yong's governor of Pei. Su Mao, Jiao Qiang, and Zhou Jian brought thirty thousand to relieve Liu Yong; Gai Yan met them west of Pei and shattered them. Liu Yong's army collapsed; more than half drowned in the rout. Liu Yong fled to Huling while Su Mao ran to Guangle. He secured Pei, Chu, and Linhuai, restored Gaozu's temple, and appointed wardens, sacrificers, and musicians.
24
三年，睢陽復反城迎劉永，延復率諸將圍之百日，收其野穀。 永乏食，突走，延追擊，盡得輜重。 永為其所殺，永弟防舉城降。
In year 3 Suiyang opened for Liu Yong again; Gai Yan besieged it another hundred days and stripped the fields. Starving, Liu Yong broke out; Gai Yan chased him and seized the baggage. His own men killed Liu Yong; his brother Fang surrendered the city.
25
四年春，延又擊蘇茂、周建於蘄，進與董憲戰留下，皆破之。 因率平狄將軍龐萌攻西防，拔之。 復追敗周建、蘇茂於彭城，茂、建亡奔董憲，董憲將賁休舉蘭陵城降。 憲聞之，自郯圍休。 時，延及龐萌在楚，請往救之。 帝敕曰：『可直往搗郯，則蘭陵必自解。 』延等以賁休城危，遂先赴之。 憲逆戰而陽敗，延等逐退，因拔圍入城。 明日，憲大出兵合圍，延等懼，遽出突走，因往攻郯。 帝讓之曰：『間欲先赴郯者，以其不意故耳。 今既奔走，賊計已立，圍豈可解乎！ 』延等至郯，果不能克，而董憲遂拔蘭陵，殺賁休。 延等往來要擊憲別將於彭城、郯、邳之間，戰或日數合，頗有克獲。 帝以延輕敵深入，數以書誡之。 及龐萌反，攻殺楚郡太守，引軍襲敗延，延走，北渡泗水，破舟楫，壞津梁，僅而得免。 帝自將而東，征延與大司馬吳漢、漢忠將軍王常、前將軍王梁、捕虜將軍馬武、討虜將軍王霸等會任城，討龐萌於桃鄉，又並從征董憲於昌慮，皆破平之。 六年春，遣屯長安。
In the fourth spring he beat Su Mao and Zhou Jian at Qi, then defeated Dong Xian at Liuxia. He then drove Pang Meng, general who pacifies the Di, against Xifang and captured it. He routed Zhou Jian and Su Mao at Pengcheng; they fled to Dong Xian while Fen Xiu surrendered Lanting to the Han. Dong Xian then left Tan to besiege Fen Xiu. Gai Yan and Pang Meng were in Chu and begged leave to relieve him. The emperor wrote, 'Hit Tan by surprise and the siege of Lanting lifts itself.' Fearing for Fen Xiu, they rushed to Lanting first.' Dong Xian feigned flight; they broke the ring and entered the town. Next day Dong Xian closed the trap; they broke out and bolted for Tan. The emperor scolded them: 'I wanted Tan struck first for surprise.' You have lost the initiative—the enemy's plan is set and no siege lifts itself now!' At Tan they stalled; Dong Xian stormed Lanting and slew Fen Xiu.' Gai Yan raided Dong Xian's columns between Pengcheng, Tan, and Pi, fighting daily with steady gains. The emperor repeatedly wrote to curb his reckless advances. When Pang Meng murdered Chu's governor and ambushed Gai Yan, Yan fled north across the Si, burning boats and bridges to escape. The emperor took the field east, joined Wu Han, Wang Chang, Wang Liang, Ma Wu, Wang Ba at Rencheng, crushed Pang Meng at Taoxiang, and with them destroyed Dong Xian at Changlü. In the sixth spring he was ordered to garrison Chang'an.
26
九年，隗囂死，延西擊街泉、略陽、清水諸屯聚，皆定。
In year 9, after Wei Ao's death, he cleared the stockades at Jiequan, Lueyang, and Qingshui.
27
十一年，與中郎將來歙攻河池，未克，以病引還，拜為左馮翊，將軍如故。 十三年，增封定食萬戶。 十五年，薨於位。
In year 11 he and Lai Xi besieged Hechi without success, fell ill, withdrew, and was named left overseer of Fengyi while keeping his general's rank. In year 13 his appanage was raised to ten thousand households. He died in office in year 15.
28
子扶嗣。 扶卒，子側嗣。 永平十三年，坐與舅王平謀反，伏誅，國除。 永初七年，鄧太后紹封延曾孫恢為蘆亭侯。 恢卒，子遂嗣。
His son Gai Fu succeeded. Gai Fu was followed by Gai Ce. In Yongping 13 he was executed for conspiring with his uncle Wang Ping; the fief was stripped. In Yongchu 7 Empress Dowager Deng restored the line, enfeoffing Yan's great-grandson Hui at Luting. Hui died; Sui inherited.
29
陳俊字子昭，西陽西鄂人也。 少為郡吏，更始立，以宗室劉嘉為太常將軍，俊為長史。 光武徇河北，嘉遣書薦俊，光武以為安集掾。
Chen Jun, styled Zizhao, came from Xie in Xiyang. He was a county clerk; under Gengshi, Liu Jia as grand regular general made him chief clerk. As Guangwu marched through Hebei, Liu Jia recommended him and he became clerk for pacification and recruitment.
30
從擊銅馬於清陽，進至蒲陽，拜強弩將軍。 與五校戰於安次，俊下馬，手接短兵，所向必破，追奔二十餘里，斬其渠帥而還。 光武望而嘆曰：『戰將盡如是，豈有憂哉！ 』五校引退入漁陽，所過虜掠。 俊言於光武曰：『宜令輕騎出賊前，使百姓各自堅壁，以絕其食，可不戰而殄也。 』光武然之，遣俊將輕騎馳出賊前。 視人保壁堅完者，敕令固守； 放散在野者，因掠取之。 賊至無所得，遂散敗。 及軍還，光武謂俊曰：『困此虜者，將軍策也。 』及即位，封俊為列侯。
He fought the Bronze Horse at Qingyang, advanced to Puyang, and was named general of strong crossbows. At Anci against the Five Schools he fought on foot with blade in hand, routed them twenty li, and took the chief's head. Guangwu watched and cried, 'Were every captain like him, I would fear nothing!' The Five Schools fled into Yuyang, looting as they went.' Chen Jun urged light horse to ride ahead of the rebels and seal every village so starvation would destroy them without a battle.' Guangwu agreed and sent him ahead with cavalry.' Where hamlets were strong he ordered them to hold fast; stragglers in the open he drove into his net. The rebels found no food and melted away. On the army's return Guangwu told him, 'That stratagem broke the enemy.' At the accession Chen Jun received a full marquisate.'
31
建武二年春，攻匡賊，下四縣，更封新處侯。 引擊頓丘，降三城。 其秋，大司馬吳漢承制拜俊為強弩大將軍，別擊金門、白馬賊於河內，皆破之。 四年，轉徇汝陽及項，又拔南武陽。 是時，太山豪傑多擁眾與張步連兵，吳漢言於帝曰：『非陳俊莫能定此郡。 』於是拜俊太山太守，行大將軍事。 張步聞之，遣其將擊俊，戰於嬴下，俊大破之，追至濟南，收得印綬九十餘，稍攻下諸縣，遂定太山。 五年，與建威大將軍耿弇共破張步。 事在《弇傳》。
In Jianwu 2 spring he took four counties from the Kuang rebels and was moved to the marquisate of Xinchu. He stormed Dunqiu and brought three towns over. That autumn Wu Han named him grand general of strong crossbows and sent him against the Jinmen and Baima bands in Henei, which he crushed. In year 4 he cleared Ruyang and Xiang and seized Nanwuyang. Taishan's magnates had joined Zhang Bu; Wu Han told the throne, 'Only Chen Jun can tame that commandery.' Chen Jun became governor of Taishan with general's powers.' Zhang Bu sent a column; Chen Jun broke it below Ying, chased to Jinan, took ninety seals, and pacified Taishan county by county. In year 5 he and Geng Yan shattered Zhang Bu. The story is told in Geng Yan's biography.
32
時，瑯邪未平，乃徙俊為瑯邪太守，領將軍如故。 齊地素聞俊名，入界，盜賊皆解散。 俊將兵擊董憲於贛榆，進破朐賊孫陽，平之。 八年，張步畔，還瑯邪，俊追討，斬之。 帝美其功，詔俊得專征青、徐。 俊撫貧弱，表有義，檢制軍吏，不得與郡縣相干，百姓歌之。 數上書自請，願奮擊隴、蜀。 詔報曰：『東州新平，大將軍之功也。 負海猾夏，盜賊之處，國家以為重憂，且勉鎮撫之。』
Langye still held out, so Chen Jun was shifted to governor there, keeping his command. Qi had long heard his name; his border crossing alone scattered the brigands. He struck Dong Xian at Ganyu, then crushed Sun Yang at Qu and pacified the region. In year 8 Zhang Bu revolted and fled back to Langye; Chen Jun ran him down and executed him. The court praised him and authorized independent operations in Qingzhou and Xuzhou. He succored the weak, honored the worthy, kept soldiers from meddling in civil rule, and the people sang his praise. He repeatedly begged to lead the assault on Long and Shu. The rescript answered, 'The east is quiet thanks to the grand marshal.' The coast still breeds rebels the court deeply fears—stay and hold it firm.'
33
十三年，增邑，定封祝阿侯。 明年，征奉朝請。 二十三年卒。 子浮嗣，徙封薪春侯。 浮卒，子專諸嗣。 專諸卒，子篤嗣。
In year 13 his fief was enlarged and fixed at Zhu'e. The next year he was recalled to court service. He died in year 23. His son Chen Fu succeeded, later moved to Qichun. Chen Fu was succeeded by Chen Zhuanzhu. Zhuanzhu was followed by Chen Du.
34
臧宮字君翁，潁川郟人也。 少為縣亭長、遊僥，後率賓客入下江兵中為校尉，因從光武征戰，諸將多稱其勇。 光武察宮勤力少言，甚親納之。 及至河北，以為偏將軍，從破群賊，數陷陳卻敵。
Zang Gong, styled Junweng, came from Jia in Yingchuan. Youth as village head and scout; he then led clients into the Lower Yangzi host as colonel and followed Guangwu, famed for valor. Guangwu prized his silence and toil and kept him close. In Hebei he became lieutenant general, broke bandit hosts, and repeatedly charged the enemy line.
35
光武即位，以為侍中、騎都尉。 建武二年，封成安侯。 明年，將突騎與征虜將軍祭遵擊更始將左防、韋顏於涅陽、酈，悉降之。 五年，將兵徇江夏，擊代鄉、鐘武、竹裏，皆下之。 帝使太中大夫持節拜宮為輔威將軍。 七年，更封期思侯。 擊梁郡、濟陰，皆平之。
At the accession he was palace attendant and chief of cavalry. In Jianwu 2 he received the marquisate of Cheng'an. Next year he and Zhai Zun took Nieyang and Li from Zuo Fang and Wei Yan, who surrendered. In year 5 he cleared Daixiang, Zhongwu, and Zhuli in Jiangxia. A palace grandee with baton named him general who aids might. In year 7 his seat became Qisi. He pacified Liang and Jiyin.
36
十一年，將兵至中盧，屯駱越。 是時，公孫述將田戎、任滿與征南大將軍岑彭相距於荊門，彭等戰數不利，越人謀畔從蜀。 官兵少，力不能制。 會屬縣送委輸車數百乘至，宮夜使鋸斷城門限，令車聲回轉出入至旦。 越人候伺者聞車聲不絕，而門限斷，相告以漢兵大至。 其渠帥乃奉牛、酒以勞軍營。 宮陳兵大會，擊牛釃酒，饗賜慰納之，越人由是遂安。
In year 11 he marched to Zhonglu and camped at Luoyue. Shu's Tian Rong and Ren Man faced Cen Peng at Jingmen with repeated stalemates while the Yue plotted to join Shu. Han troops were too few to hold them. When supply wagons arrived, he sawed through the gate sills and drove them clattering in and out until dawn. Yue scouts heard endless wheels and broken sills and spread word that a great Han host had come. The chiefs brought cattle and wine to the camp. Zang Gong paraded his men, feasted the chiefs, and the Yue calmed down.
37
宮與岑彭等破荊門，別至垂鵲山，通道出秭歸，至江州。 岑彭下巴郡，使宮將降卒五萬，從涪水上平曲。 公孫述將延岑盛兵於沈水，時宮眾多食少，轉輸不至，而降者皆欲散畔，郡邑復更保聚，觀望成敗。 宮欲引還，恐為所反，會帝遣謁者將兵詣岑彭，有馬七百匹，宮矯制取以自益，晨夜進兵，多張旗幟，登山鼓噪，右步左騎，挾船而引，呼聲動山谷。 岑不意漢軍卒至，登山望之，大震恐。 宮因從擊，大破之。 斬首溺死者萬餘人，水為之濁流。 延岑奔成都，其眾悉降，盡獲其兵馬珍寶。 自是乘勝追北，降者以十萬數。
With Cen Peng he took Jingmen, opened the road past Mount Chuique to Zigui, and reached Jiangzhou. Cen Peng sent him up the Fu with fifty thousand surrendered men toward Pingqu. Yan Cen blocked the Shen while Zang Gong's supplies failed and his surrendered troops wavered; towns watched to see who would win. He dared not retreat but forged an order to seize seven hundred horses from an imperial column, then marched day and night with noise, flags, ships, and hills of drumfire. Yan Cen, climbing to look, panicked at the sudden Han host. Zang Gong fell on him and routed his army. Ten thousand died by blade or water; the river ran brown. Yan Cen fled to Chengdu; his men surrendered with horses, arms, and treasure. He pressed the rout until tens of thousands yielded.
38
軍至平陽鄉，蜀將王元舉眾降。 進拔綿竹，破涪城，斬公孫述弟恢，復攻拔繁、郫。 前後收得節五，印綬千八百。 是時，大司馬吳漢亦乘勝進營逼成都。 宮連屠大城，兵馬旌旗甚盛，乃乘兵入小雒郭門，歷成都城下，至吳漢營，飲酒高會。 漢見之甚歡，謂宮曰：『將軍向者經虜城下，震揚威靈，風行電照。 然窮寇難量，還營願從它道矣。 』宮不從，復路而歸，賊亦不敢近之。 進軍咸門，與吳漢並滅公孫述。
At Pingyang township Wang Yuan brought his command over. He took Mianzhu, Fucheng, slew Gongsun Hui, and seized Fan and Pi. He captured five tally-staffs and eighteen hundred seals in all. Grand Marshal Wu Han was already closing on Chengdu. Zang Gong sacked major towns, then paraded a splendid host through the outer gate of Xiaoluo, under Chengdu's walls, to Wu Han's camp for a feast. Wu Han hailed him: 'You thundered under their walls like wind and lightning.' Yet cornered beasts are dangerous—take another road back to camp.' Zang Gong ignored him and returned the same way; the enemy dared not close. He marched on the Xian gate and with Wu Han ended Gongsun Shu.
39
帝以蜀地新定，拜宮為廣漢太守。 十三年，增邑，更封酂侯。 十五年，征還京師，以列侯奉朝請，定封朗陵侯。 十八年，拜太中大夫。
For the new pacification of Shu he was named governor of Guanghan. In year 13 his appanage grew and he was moved to the marquisate of Zan. In year 15 he was recalled to Luoyang as a full marquis at audience and settled at Langling. In year 18 he became a palace grandee.
40
十九年，妖巫維汜弟子單臣、傅鎮等，復妖言相聚，入原武城，劫吏人，自稱將軍。 於是遣宮將北軍及黎陽營數千人圍之。 賊谷食多，數攻不下，士卒死傷。 帝召公卿諸侯王問方略，皆曰『宜重其購賞』。 時，顯宗為東海王，獨對曰：『妖巫相劫，勢無久立，其中必有悔欲亡者。 但外圍急，不得走耳。 宜小挺緩，令得逃亡，逃亡則一亭長足以禽矣。 』帝然之，即敕宮徹圍緩賊，賊眾分散，遂斬臣、鎮等。 宮還，遷城門校尉，復轉左中郎將。 擊武溪賊，至江陵，降之。
In year 19 disciples of the wizard Wei Si—Shan Chen, Fu Zhen, and others—used occult talk to seize Yuanwu and declare themselves generals. Zang Gong was sent with the northern army and Liyang garrison to besiege the city. The rebels were well stocked; repeated assaults failed and cost casualties. The court asked high officials and kings for counsel; all urged heavier bounties.' Prince Liu Zhuang of Donghai alone said, 'Cult-led mobs cannot last; some inside already want to flee.' The tight cordon only traps them.' Loosen the ring and let them scatter—a single village chief can round them up.' The emperor agreed; Zang Gong opened the siege, the rebels scattered, and Shan Chen and Fu Zhen were caught and executed.' He came back as colonel of the gates, then left leader of the gentlemen. He campaigned against the Wuxi rebels to Jiangling and accepted their surrender.
41
宮以謹信質樸，故常見任用。 後匈奴饑疫，自相分爭，帝以問宮，宮曰：『願得五千騎以立功。 』帝笑曰：『常勝之家，難與慮敵，吾方自思之。 』二十七年，宮乃與楊虛侯馬武上書曰：『匈奴貪利，無有禮信，窮則稽首，安則侵盜，緣邊被其毒痛，中國憂其抵突。 虜今人畜疫死，旱蝗赤地，疫困之力，不當中國一郡。 萬里死命，縣在陛下。 福不再來，時或易失，豈宜固守文德而墮武事乎？ 今命將臨塞，厚縣購賞，喻告高句驪、烏恒、鮮卑攻其左，發河西四郡、天水、隴西羌胡擊其右。 如此，北虜之滅，不過數年。 臣恐陛下仁恩不忍，謀臣狐疑，令萬世刻石之功不立於聖世。 』詔報曰：『《黃石公記》曰，「柔能制剛，弱能制強」。 柔者德也，剛者賊也，弱者仁之助也，強者怨之歸也。 故曰有德之君，以所樂樂人； 無德之君，以所樂樂身。 樂人者其樂長，樂身者不久而亡。 舍近謀遠者，勞而無功； 舍遠謀近者，逸而有終。 逸政多忠臣，勞政多亂人。 故曰務廣地者荒，務廣德者強。 有其有者安，貪人有者殘。 殘滅之政，雖成必敗。 今國無善政，災變不息，百姓驚惶，人不自保，而復欲遠事邊外乎？ 孔子曰：「吾恐季孫之憂，不在顓臾。 」且北狄尚強，而屯田警備傳聞之事，恒多失實。 誠能舉天下之半以滅大寇，豈非至願； 茍非其時，不如息人。 』自是諸將莫敢復言兵事者。
Trusted for his caution and plain honesty, he was kept in steady employ. When plague and famine split the Xiongnu, the emperor asked his view; Zang Gong asked for five thousand horse to strike.' The emperor smiled, 'Veterans of a hundred wins are hard to plan with—I will think on it myself.' In year 27 he and Ma Wu of Yangxu wrote: 'The Xiongnu are greedy and faithless, kowtow when desperate and raid when safe; the frontier bleeds while the heartland fears their thrusts.' Their herds die of plague, drought, and locusts—they are weaker than a single interior commandery.' Their fate a thousand leagues away rests in your hands.' Fortune strikes once; to cling to culture alone and drop the sword would waste the hour? Post generals on the frontier with rich bounties, bid Gaogouli, Wuhuan, and Xianbei hit their left flank, and raise the four western commanderies plus Tianshui and Longxi tribes for their right.' So the north could fall within a few years.' I fear your kindness and doubting ministers may leave no stone monument for this sage reign.' The rescript quoted the Record of the Duke of Yellow Stone, saying, "The soft masters the hard; the weak masters the strong." Softness is de; hardness is harm; weakness aids humaneness; strength draws resentment.' The virtuous ruler shares his joys with the people. The vicious ruler hoards pleasure for himself. Shared joy endures; selfish pleasure dies young.' Neglect the near for the far and you toil for nothing. Secure the near and you rest with success.' Light rule breeds loyal ministers; harsh rule breeds rebels.' He who chases land ends in waste; he who chases virtue grows strong.' Content with your own, you are safe; grasping others', you are cruel.' Cruel rule, even if it wins, is doomed to fall.' The realm still quakes with omens and the people cannot save themselves—would you march beyond the wall now?' Confucius said, "I fear the Jisun's trouble is not Zhuanyu.' The northern Di remain strong, and frontier rumors often lie.' Were half the empire enough to crush them, who would refuse?' If the hour is wrong, better give the people peace.' After that no general dared press for foreign war.'
42
宮永平元年卒，謚曰湣侯。 子信嗣。 信卒，子震嗣。 震卒，子松嗣。 元初四年，與母別居，國除。 永寧元年，鄧太后紹封松弟由為郎陵侯。
Zang Gong died in Yongping 1, posthumously Marquis Min. His son Zang Xin succeeded. Xin was followed by Zhen. Zhen was followed by Song. In Yuanchu 4 he left his mother's house and lost the fief. In Yongning 1 Empress Dowager Deng restored the line with Song's brother You at Langling.
43
論曰：中興之業，誠艱難也。 然敵無秦、項之強，人資附漢之思，雖懷璽紆紱，跨陵州縣，殊名詭號，千隊為羣，尚未足以為比功上烈也。 至於山西既定，威臨天下，戎竭喪其精膽，羣帥賈其餘壯，斯誠雄心尚武之幾，先志玩兵之日。 臧宮、馬武之徒，撫鳴劍而抵掌，志馳於伊吾之北矣。 光武審《黃石》，存包桑，閉玉門以謝西域之質，卑詞幣以禮匈奴之使，其意防蓋已弘深。 豈其顛沛平城之圍，忍傷黥王之陳乎？
The historian remarks: restoring the Han was hard work. Yet no enemy matched Qin or Xiang Yu; the people leaned to Han; though warlords sealed themselves across the map, none matched the founders' stature. Once the west was firm and awe filled the realm, the barbarians were spent while generals still hungered for battle—that was the hour of naked ambition. Zang Gong and Ma Wu clapped hands over their blades, minds already racing toward the northern desert. Guangwu studied the Yellow Stone classic, minded the mulberry's deep roots, shut the Jade Gate on the western hostages, and answered the Xiongnu with humble gifts—his restraint ran deep. His restraint ran deeper than the memory of Pingcheng or the fate of the king of Huaiyin?
44
贊曰：吳公鷙強，實為龍驤。 電掃群孽，風行巴、梁。 虎牙猛力，功立睢陽。 宮、俊休休，是亦鷹揚。
The verse runs: Fierce Wu Han—dragon rearing his crest. Lightning cleared the nests; his wind swept Ba and Liang. Tiger-fang Gai Yan—his fame set at Suiyang. Zang Gong and Chen Jun—eagles on the wing.