1
伏湛字惠公，瑯邪東武人也。 九世祖勝，字子賤，所謂濟南伏生者也。 湛高祖父孺，武帝時，客授東武，因家焉。 父理，為當世名儒，以《詩》授成帝，為高密太傅，別自名學。
Fu Zhan, styled Huigong, was a native of Dongwu in Langya commandery. His ninth-generation ancestor Fu Sheng, styled Zijian, was the Old Master Fu of Jinan celebrated in the tradition. His great-great-grandfather Fu Ru taught in Dongwu as a visiting scholar under Emperor Wu and settled the family there. His father Fu Li was a celebrated scholar who taught Emperor Cheng the Odes, served as grand tutor in Gaomi, and founded a distinguished school of his own.
2
湛性孝友，少傳父業，教授數百人。 成帝時，以父任為博士弟子。 五遷，至王莽時為繡衣執法，使督大奸，遷後隊屬正。
Filial and devoted to his brothers, he inherited his father's scholarship in youth and taught hundreds of students. Under Emperor Cheng he entered the Academy as a student of the erudites by hereditary privilege. After five promotions he served Wang Mang as an embroidered-robes inspector hunting major offenders, then rose to adjutant of the Rear Army corps.
3
更始立，以為平原太守。 時倉卒兵起，天下驚擾，而湛獨晏然，教授不廢。 謂妻子曰：『夫一穀不登，國君徹膳； 今民皆饑，奈何獨飽？ 』乃共食粗糲，悉分奉祿以賑鄉裏，來客者百餘家。 時門下督素有氣力，謀欲為湛起兵，湛惡其惑眾，即收斬之，徇首城郭，以示百姓，於是吏人信向，郡向以安。 平原一境，湛所全也。
When Emperor Gengshi took the throne Fu Zhan became grand administrator of Pingyuan. While rebellion threw the empire into panic, Fu alone stayed calm and never suspended instruction. He told his household: "When one crop fails, the ruler sets aside fine foods; " Every household starves—how can we feast alone?" " They ate coarse fare together and poured his official salary into feeding more than a hundred refugee households in the district. A bold gate captain plotted rebellion in Fu's name; Fu had him executed at once and displayed his head on the walls to warn the people—officials and commoners then trusted him and the commandery grew calm. Fu Zhan's stewardship spared all of Pingyuan.
4
光武即位，知湛名儒舊臣，欲信幹任內職，徵拜尚書，使典定舊制。 時，大司徒鄧禹西征關中，帝以湛才任宰相，拜為司直，行大司徒事。 車駕每出征伐，常留鎮守，總攝群司。 建武三年，遂代鄧禹為大司徒，封陽都侯。
Guangwu knew Fu as a veteran scholar-official and summoned him as Master of Writing to codify Han institutions. While Deng Yu campaigned in Guanzhong the emperor judged Fu equal to the chief ministership and named him Director of Integrity to stand in for the Grand Minister of Education. Whenever the emperor marched he left Fu to guard Luoyang and oversee every ministry. In Jianwu 3 he succeeded Deng Yu as Grand Minister of Education with the title Marquis of Yangdu.
5
時，彭寵反於漁陽，帝欲自征之，湛上疏諫曰：『臣聞文王受命而征伐五國，必先詢之同姓，然後謀於群臣，加占蓍龜，以定行事，故謀則成，卜則吉，戰則勝。 其《詩》曰：「帝謂文王，詢爾仇方，同爾弟兄，以爾鉤援，與爾臨沖，以伐崇庸。 」崇國城守，先退後伐，所以重人命，俟時而動，故參分天下而有其二。 陛下承大亂之極，受命而帝，興明祖宗，出入四年，而滅檀鄉，制五校，降銅馬，破赤眉，誅鄧奉之屬，不為無功。 今京師空匱，資用不足，未能服近而先事邊外； 且漁陽之地，逼接北狄，黠虜困迫，必求其助。 又今所過縣邑，尤為困乏。 種麥之家，多在城郭，聞官兵將至，當已收之矣。 大軍遠涉二千餘裏，士馬罷勞，轉糧限阻，今兗、豫、青、翼，中國之都，而寇賊從橫，未及從化。 漁陽以東，本備邊塞，地接外虜，貢稅微薄。 安平之時，尚資內郡，況今荒耗，豈足先圖？ 而陛下舍近務遠，棄易求難，四方疑怪，百姓恐懼，誠臣之所惑也。 復願遠覽文王重兵博謀，近思征伐前後之宜，顧問有司，使極愚誠，采其所長，擇之聖慮，以中土為憂念。 』帝覽其奏，竟不親征。
When Peng Chong rebelled at Yuyang and Guangwu meant to lead the army himself, Fu memorialized: King Wen consulted kin and ministers and divined before every campaign—hence his victories. The Odes records God charging King Wen to rally allies and kin and bring siege engines against Chong. King Wen besieged Chong patiently—honoring lives and timing—until two-thirds of the realm leaned to Zhou. You inherited utter chaos, restored the Liu temples, and in four years crushed Tanxiang, the Five Camps, the Bronze Horse, the Red Eyebrows, and Deng Feng—a formidable record. The capital is drained—you cannot pacify the heartland yet rush to the frontier; Yuyang borders the steppe—cornered tribes will seek barbarian allies. The counties along your route are desperately poor. Farmers near the walls will have stripped their barley fields before imperial troops arrive. A two-thousand-li march exhausts men and beasts while grain convoys choke — Yan, Yu, Qing, and Ji remain infested with rebels who ignore your authority. East of Yuyang lies frontier country—sparse revenues from tribes beyond the wall. Even in peace it leaned on interior counties—now exhausted, should it be your first objective? Abandoning easy gains nearby for a distant gamble will unsettle the provinces and terrify the people—I cannot fathom it. Study King Wen's caution, weigh every phase of campaigning, consult your ministers, and put the central plains ahead of distant schemes." The emperor read the memorial and gave up the expedition.
6
時，賊徐異卿等萬餘人據富平，連攻之不下，唯雲：『願降司徒伏公。 』帝知湛為青、徐所信向，遣到平原，異卿等即日歸降，護送洛陽。
Bandits led by Xu Yiqing held Fuping in defiance until they said they would yield only to Grand Minister Fu Zhan. Knowing Fu commanded trust in Qing and Xu, the emperor sent him to Pingyuan; Xu surrendered the same day and was brought to Luoyang.
7
湛雖在倉卒，造次必於文德，以為禮樂政化之首，顛沛猶不可違。 是歲奏行鄉飲酒禮，遂施行之。
Even in crisis Fu insisted that ritual and music anchor government—principles he refused to abandon amid turmoil. That year he introduced the village drinking ceremony county-wide.
8
其冬，車駕徵張步，留湛居守。 時，蒸祭高廟，而河南尹、司隸校尉於廟中爭論，湛不舉奏，坐策免。 六年，徙封不其侯，邑三千六百戶，遣就國。 後南陽太守杜詩上疏薦湛曰：『臣聞唐、虞以股肱康，文王以多士寧，是故《詩》稱「濟濟」，《書》曰「良哉」。 臣詩竊見故大司徒陽都侯伏湛，自行束修，訖無毀玷，篤信好學，守死善道，經為人師，行為儀表。 前在河內朝歌及居平原，吏人畏愛，則而象之。 遭時反復，不離兵兇，秉節持重，有不可奪之誌。 陛下深知其能，顯以宰相之重，眾賢百姓，仰望德義。 微過斥退，久不復用，有識所惜，儒士痛心，臣竊傷之。 湛容貌堂堂，國之光輝； 智略謀慮，朝之淵藪。 髫發厲誌，白首不衰。 實足以先後王室，名足以光示遠人。 古者選擢諸侯以為公卿，是故四方回首，仰望京師。 柱石之臣，宜居輔弼，出入禁門，補缺拾遺。 臣詩愚戇，不足以知宰相之才，竊懷區區，敢不自竭。 臣前為侍御史，上封事，言湛公廉愛下，好惡分明，累世儒學，素持名信，經明行修，通達國政，尤宜近侍，納言左右，舊制九州五尚書，令一郡二人，可以湛代。 頗為執事所非。 但臣詩蒙恩深渥，所言誠有益於國，雖死無恨，故復越職觸冒以聞。』
That winter Guangwu marched against Zhang Bu and left Fu to hold the capital. During the ancestral sacrifice at Gaodi the Henan governor quarreled with the metropolitan superintendent; Fu failed to report it and was stripped of office. In year six his title shifted to Marquis of Buqi with 3,600 households and orders to reside there. Du Shi of Nanyang later urged Fu's recall, citing how sage kings relied on worthy ministers—the Classics praise such courts. Fu Zhan has been impeccable since youth—a scholar's scholar whose conduct sets the standard. In Zhaoqi and Pingyuan officials both feared and loved him—and strove to imitate him. Through civil war he never abandoned principle—unshakeable resolve amid slaughter. You knew his talent and gave him the chief ministership—everyone looked to him for moral leadership. Dismissing him for a minor lapse wastes talent—the learned mourn it bitterly. Fu Zhan's commanding presence brings honor to the state; his counsel is the court's deepest reservoir of wisdom. From boyhood zeal to white hair his vigor never flagged. He can still anchor the royal house and lend prestige abroad. Ancient kings promoted regional lords to high office—making the realm look to the capital again. Such pillar ministers belong beside the throne—passing the palace gates to remedy every oversight. I am too blunt to judge chief ministers—but beg you with all sincerity. As palace clerk I once memorialized that Fu is honest, loves his people, and masters policy—ideal for the Masters of Writing—under the old nine-province scheme two men per circuit could serve; Fu should fill one seat. Those in power dismissed the idea. Yet graced by deep favor I speak though it costs my life—again overstepping rank to urge this."
9
十三年夏，徵，敕尚書擇拜吏日，未及就位，因宴見中暑，病卒。 賜秘器，帝親吊祠，遣使者送喪修冢。 二子：隆、翕。
Summoned in summer of year thirteen, he collapsed from heatstroke at a banquet before taking office and died. The court supplied a noble coffin; the emperor mourned in person and sent envoys to bury him with honor. He left two sons: Fu Long and Fu Xi.
10
初，自伏生已後，世傳經學，清靜無競，故東州號為『伏不鬥』雲。
Since Old Master Fu's day the clan taught classics in quiet humility—folk in the east called them "the Fus who never quarrel."
11
隆字伯文，少以節操立名，仕郡督郵。 建武二年，詣懷宮，光武甚親接之。
Fu Long, styled Bowen, earned renown for integrity as a commandery inspector. In Jianwu 2 he reported to Guangwu's Huai palace camp and won warm favor.
12
時，張步兄弟各擁強兵，據有齊地，拜隆為太中大夫，持節使青、徐二州，招降郡國。 隆移檄告曰：『乃者，猾臣王莽，殺帝盜位。 宗室興兵，除亂誅莽，故群下推立聖公，以主宗廟。 而任用賊臣，殺戮賢良，三王作亂，盜賊從橫，忤逆天心，卒為赤眉所害。 皇天祐漢，聖哲應期，陛下神武奮發，以少制眾。 故尋、邑以百萬之軍，潰散於昆陽，王郎以全趙之師，土崩於邯鄲，大肜、高胡望旗消靡，鐵脛、五校莫不摧破。 梁王劉永，幸以宗室屬籍，爵為侯王，不知厭足，自求禍棄，遂封爵牧守，造為詐逆。 今虎牙大將軍屯營十萬，已拔睢陽，劉永奔迸，家已族矣。 此諸君所聞也。 不先自圖。 後悔何及！ 』青、徐群盜得此惶怖，獲索賊右師郎等六校即時皆降。 張步遣使隨隆，詣闕上書，獻鰒魚。
While Zhang Bu held Qi the court named Fu Long Grand Counselor with imperial tally to win over Qing and Xu. His proclamation read: Wang Mang murdered an emperor and seized the throne. The Liu clan destroyed Mang and raised Emperor Gengshi to restore the temples. Yet he trusted villains, slew worthies, unleashed revolt and banditry, off Heaven—and fell to the Red Eyebrows. Heaven preserves Han—Your Majesty arose in martial brilliance and defeats vast hosts with handfuls of men. Wang Xun's horde shattered at Kunyang, Wang Lang collapsed at Handan, and every named band—Iron Shin, Five Camps—crumbled before your banners. Liu Yong of Liang abused imperial kinship for kingship—never content—and carved up offices in treason. The Tiger-Fang general's hundred thousand men have taken Suiyang—Yong flees and his clan is destroyed. You have all heard this. Act while you can. Regret later will be too late! " Qing and Xu brigands panicked—six camps including Right Instructor Lang of the Huo-Suo band surrendered at once. Zhang Bu sent envoys with Fu Long to court with abalone as tribute.
13
其冬，拜隆光祿大夫，復使於步，並與新除青州牧守及都尉俱東，詔隆輒拜令長以下。 隆招懷綏緝，多來降附。 帝嘉其功，比之酈生。 即拜步為東萊太守，而劉永復遣使立步為齊王。 步貪受王爵，豫未決。 隆曉譬曰：『高祖與天下約，非劉氏不王，今可得為十萬戶侯耳。 』步欲留隆與共守二州，隆不聽，求得反命，步遂執隆而受永封。 隆遣間使上書曰：『臣隆奉使無狀，受執兇逆，雖在困厄，授命不顧。 又吏人知步反畔，心不附之，願以時進兵，無以臣隆為念。 臣隆得生到闕廷，受誅有司，此其大願； 若令沒身寇手，以父母昆弟長累陛下。 陛下與皇後、太子永享萬國，與天無極。 』帝得隆奏，召父湛流涕以示之曰：『隆可謂有蘇武之節。 恨不且許而遽求還也！ 』其後步遂殺之，時人莫不憐哀焉。
That winter Fu Long became Counselor of the Palace and returned east with new Qing officials—empowered to appoint county magistrates. His conciliatory work drew many submissions. The emperor likened him to Li Yiji the persuader. The court named Zhang Bu grand administrator of Donglai while Yong tried to crown him king of Qi. Tempted by Yong's kingship, Zhang hesitated. Fu warned him: Gaozu swore only Lius could be kings—you may earn a great marquisate at best. " Zhang asked Fu to stay; Fu refused and sought leave to report—Zhang then held him hostage while accepting Yong's title. Fu smuggled a memorial: his mission failed and rebels held him—yet he would die before yielding. Zhang's men know his treason—strike now and do not spare me. If I reach court for execution I will have my wish; if I die in captivity my kin become your burden. May you, the empress, and the heir enjoy endless reign. Reading it Guangwu summoned Fu Zhan in tears: "Your son has Su Wu's steadfastness." I regret we granted him leave to return so soon! " Zhang Bu later executed him—the realm mourned.
14
五年，張步平，車駕幸北海，詔隆中弟鹹收隆喪，賜給棺斂，太中大夫護送喪事，詔告瑯邪作冢，以子瑗為郎中。
When Zhang fell in year five Guangwu visited Beihai and ordered Fu Xian to recover Fu Long's body—provided a state funeral escort and burial in Langya—and named Long's son Yuan a Gentleman.
15
侯霸字君房，河南密人也。 族父淵，以宦者有才辯，任職元帝時，佐右顯等領中書，號曰大常侍。 成帝時，任霸為太子舍人。 霸矜嚴有威容，家累千金，不事產業。 篤誌好學，師事九江太守房元，治《穀梁春秋》，為元都講。 王莽初，王威司命陳崇舉霸德行，遷隨宰。 縣界曠遠，濱帶江湖，而亡命者多為寇盜。 霸到，即案誅豪猾，分捕山賊，縣中清靜。 再遷為執法刺奸，糾案勢位者，無所疑憚。 後為淮平大尹，政理有能名。 及王莽之敗，霸保固自守，卒全一郡。
Hou Ba, styled Junfang, came from Mi in Henan. His kinsman Hou Yuan was a talented eunuch who served Emperor Yuan under Shi Xian as a senior palace secretary. Under Emperor Cheng Hou Ba became a gentleman attendant at the heir's palace. Grave and imposing, from a wealthy family, he ignored business pursuits. Devoted to study under Fang Yuan of Jiujiang he mastered the Guliang commentary and became Fang's chief lecturer. Early in Wang Mang's reign Chen Chong recommended Hou's character and he became magistrate of Sui. The county was vast and river-bound—fugitives turned bandit. Hou executed powerful criminals and swept the hills until order returned. Promoted to inspector he prosecuted the powerful without flinching. As Huai-ping governor he earned renown for competence. When Wang Mang collapsed Hou Ba held Huai-ping firm and saved the entire commandery.
16
更始元年，遣使徵霸，百姓老弱相攜號哭，遮使者車，或當道而臥。 皆曰：『願乞侯君復留期年。 』民至乃戒乳婦勿得舉子，侯君當去，必不能合。 使者慮霸就徵，臨淮必亂，不敢授璽書，具以狀聞。 會更始敗，道路不通。
In Gengshi 1 an envoy came to recall Hou; young and old wept, blocked the carriage, and lay in the road. They begged Marquis Hou to stay another year. Women were urged not to bear children while Hou might leave—such was their despair. Fearing riot if Hou left, the envoy refused the edict and reported the truth. Then Gengshi fell and roads closed.
17
建武四年，光武徵霸與車駕會壽春，拜尚書令。 時無故典，朝廷又少舊臣，霸明習故事，收錄遺文，條奏前世善政法度有益於時者，皆施行之。 每春下寬大之詔，奉四時之令，皆霸所建也。 明年，代伏湛為大司徒，封關內侯。 在位明察守正，奉公不回。
In Jianwu 4 Guangwu summoned Hou Ba to Shouchun and named him Prefect of Masters of Writing. With precedents lost and elder ministers scarce, Hou recovered old statutes and memorialized workable policies from earlier reigns. The spring amnesties and seasonal edicts all stemmed from his drafts. The next year he succeeded Fu Zhan as Grand Minister of Education with a marquisate inside the passes. Scrupulous and upright in office, he never bent private interest.
18
十三年，霸薨，帝深傷惜之，親自臨吊。 下詔曰：『惟霸積善清潔。 視事九年。 漢家舊制，丞相拜曰，封為列侯。 朕以軍師暴露，功臣未封，緣忠臣之義，不欲相逾，未及爵命，奄然而終。 嗚呼哀哉！ 』於是追封謚霸則鄉哀侯，食邑二千六百戶。 子昱嗣。 臨淮吏人共為立祠，四時祭焉。 以沛郡太守韓歆代霸為大司徒。
In year thirteen Hou Ba died; Guangwu mourned him personally. An edict ran: Hou Ba lived in unstained virtue. He served nine years in office. Han custom made chief ministers full marquises on appointment. While armies campaigned in the field I deferred Hou's full enfeoffment to avoid slighting other loyalists—before the patent arrived he was gone. Alas for him! The court posthumously named him Marquis Ai of Zexiang with 2,600 households. His son Hou Yu inherited the title. Linhai built him a shrine with seasonal offerings. Han Xin of Pei succeeded him as Grand Minister of Education.
19
歆字翁君，南陽人，以從攻伐有功，封扶陽侯。 好直言，無隱諱，帝每不能容。 嘗因朝會，聞帝讀隗囂、公孫述相與書，歆曰：『亡國之君皆有才，桀、紂亦有才。 』帝大怒，以為激發。 歆又證歲將饑兇，指天畫地，言甚剛切，坐免歸田裏。 帝猶不釋，復遣使宣詔責之。 司隸校尉鮑永固請不能得，歆及子嬰竟自殺。 歆素有重名，死非其罪，眾多不厭，帝乃追賜錢穀，以成禮葬之。
Han Xin, styled Wengjun, from Nanyang, earned the title Marquis of Fuyang for campaigning with Guangwu. Blunt to a fault, he often tried Guangwu's patience. Once when the emperor read correspondence between Wei Xiao and Gongsun Shu, Han said fallen rulers can still be clever—Jie and Zhou had talent too. Guangwu took it as a deliberate insult. He next warned of famine with wild gestures—too blunt—and was dismissed to his estate. Still unsatisfied, Guangwu sent edicts denouncing him. Despite Bao Yong's pleas Han Xin and his son Han Ying killed themselves. Han had been respected—his death seemed unjust—so the court funded a proper funeral.
20
昱後徒封於陵侯，永平中兼太僕。 昱卒，子建嗣。 建卒，子昌嗣。
Hou Yu later became Marquis of Yuling and served as Grand Coachman under Yongping. Yu died and Jian inherited. Jian was succeeded by Chang.
21
宋弘字仲子，京兆長安人也。 父尚，成帝時至少府。 哀帝立，以不附董賢，違忤抵罪。 弘少而溫順，哀、平間作侍中，王莽時為共工。 赤眉入長安，遣使徵弘，逼迫不得已，行至渭橋，自投於水，家人救得出，因佯死獲免。
Song Hong, styled Zhongzi, came from Chang'an in Jingzhao. His father Song Shang rose to Privy Treasurer under Emperor Cheng. Under Emperor Ai he refused to flatter Dong Xian and paid with prosecution. Song grew up gentle, served as Palace Attendant under Ai and Ping, then as Minister of Public Works under Wang Mang. When the Red Eyebrows summoned him he threw himself into the Wei River, was rescued, then feigned death to escape.
22
光武即位，徵拜太中大夫。 建武二年，代王梁為大司空，封栒邑侯。 所得租奉分贍九族，家無資產，以清行致稱。 徙封宣平侯。
Guangwu appointed him Grand Counselor of the Palace. In Jianwu 2 he succeeded Wang Liang as Minister of Works with the title Marquis of Xunyi. He shared every stipend with kin and kept no savings—praised for integrity. His title moved to Marquis of Xuanping.
23
帝嘗問弘通博之士，弘乃薦沛國醒譚才學洽聞，幾能及楊雄、劉向父子。 於是召譚拜議郎、給事中。 帝每宴，輒令鼓琴，好其繁聲。 弘聞之不悅，悔於薦舉，伺譚內出，正朝服坐府上，遣吏召之。 譚至，不與席而讓之曰：『吾所以薦子者，欲令輔國家以道德也，而今數進鄭聲以亂《雅》、《頌》，非忠正者也。 能自改邪？ 將令相舉以法乎？ 』譚頓首辭謝，良久乃遣之。 後大會群臣，帝使譚鼓琴，譚見弘，失其常度。 帝怪而問之。 弘乃離席免冠謝曰：『臣所以薦醒譚者，望能以忠正導主，而令朝廷耽悅鄭聲，臣之罪也。 』帝改容謝，使反服，其後遂不復令譚給事中。 弘推進賢士馮翊桓梁三十餘人，或相及為公卿者。
When asked for learned men Song recommended Huan Tan of Pei—a scholar whose breadth rivaled Yang Xiong and Liu Xiang. Huan Tan was summoned as Consultant and palace attendant. At banquets the emperor made him play lavish zither music. Song regretted the recommendation; when Huan left the palace Song sat in full court dress and summoned him. Song refused him a seat: "I meant you to guide the state with virtue—instead you feed the ruler decadent tunes that corrupt the classics." Will you mend your ways? Or shall I impeach you myself? Huan kowtowed in apology before Song dismissed him. Later at a court feast when ordered to play, Huan faltered at sight of Song. The emperor asked why. Song left his seat bareheaded: "I recommended Huan Tan to guide you with integrity—instead the court wallows in vulgar music—that is my fault." The emperor apologized and restored Song's cap; Huan never served in the palace again. Song promoted more than thirty men including Huan Liang of Fengyi—several reached ministerial rank.
24
弘當宴見，御坐新屏風，圖畫列女，帝數顧視之。 弘正容言曰：『未見好德如好色者。 』帝即為徹之。 笑謂弘曰：『聞義則服，可乎？ 』對曰：『陛下進德，臣不勝其喜。』
Once during an informal audience new screens painted with exemplary women caught Guangwu's eye. Song said gravely: "I have never seen anyone love virtue as much as beauty." Guangwu had the screens taken away at once. Smiling, he asked Song whether accepting reproof so readily became him. Song answered that the emperor's growing virtue delighted him beyond measure.
25
時帝姊湖陽公主新寡，帝與共論朝臣，微觀其竭。 主曰：『宋公威容德器，群臣莫及。 』帝曰：『方且圖之。 』後弘被引見，帝令主坐屏風後，因謂弘曰：『諺言「貴易交，富易妻」，人情乎？ 』弘曰：『臣聞貧賤之知不可忘，糟糠之妻不下堂。 』帝顧謂主曰：『事不諧矣。』
The emperor's widowed sister joined him in reviewing ministers to read her preference. She said Song Hong's dignity surpassed every minister. Guangwu said he would arrange it. When Song was summoned Guangwu hid his sister behind a screen and asked whether the proverb about trading up wives held true. Song answered: "Friends from poverty must not be forgotten; the wife who shared hardship never leaves the hall." Guangwu turned to his sister: "It will not work."
26
弘在位五年，坐考上黨太守無所據，免歸第。 數年卒，無子，國除。
After five years Song was dismissed for censuring the Shangdang governor without evidence. He died childless a few years later and the marquisate ended.
27
弘弟嵩，以剛強孝烈著名，官至河南尹。 嵩子由，元和間為太尉，坐阿黨竇憲，策免歸本郡，自殺。 由二子：漢、登。 登在《儒林傳》。
His younger brother Song Song was famed for stern filial piety and rose to Governor of Henan. Song You served as Grand Commandant under Zhangdi but was stripped for siding with Dou Xian and killed himself. Song You had two sons: Song Han and Song Deng. Song Deng appears in the chapter "Confucian Scholars."
28
從孫漢
Song Han, his grand-nephew:
29
漢子則
Song Ze, son of Song Han:
30
子則，字元矩，為鄢陵令，亦有名跡。 拔同郡韋著、扶風法真，稱為知人。 則子年十歲，與蒼頭共弩射，蒼頭弦斷矢激，誤中之，即死。 奴叩頭就誅，則察而恕之。 潁川荀爽深以為美，時人亦服焉。
Song Ze, styled Yuanju, governed Yanling with distinction. He promoted Wei Zhu and Fa Zhen and was praised as a judge of talent. His ten-year-old son shot crossbows with a servant; a snapped string sent a bolt into the boy and killed him. The servant awaited execution but Song Ze spared him. Xun Shuang praised the mercy and others admired it.
31
論曰：中興以後，居臺相總權衡多矣，其能以任職取名者，豈非先遠業後小數哉？ 故惠公造次，急於鄉射之禮； 君房入朝，先奏寬大之令。 夫器博者無近用，道長者其功遠，蓋誌士仁人所為根心者也。 君子以之得，固貴矣； 以之失，亦得矣。 宋弘止繁聲，戒淫色，其有《關雎》之風乎！
The appraisal: Later Han chief ministers were many—those who earned lasting fame put great principles ahead of petty calculation. Fu Zhan rushed to revive village archery rites amid chaos; Hou Ba began by restoring generous spring edicts. Broad learning yields no instant profit—lasting virtue works slowly—such is the scholar's root commitment. They gain nobly thereby; even when they seem to lose, they still win. Song Hong silenced decadent music and checked lust—true to the spirit of "Guanju"!
32
蔡茂字子禮，河內懷人也。 哀、平間以儒學顯，徵試博士，對策陳災異，以高等擢拜議郎，遷侍中。 遇王莽居攝，以病自免，不仕莽朝。
Cai Mao, styled Zili, came from Huai in Henei. Renowned for scholarship under Ai and Ping, he earned erudite rank with a high examination answer on portents and rose to Palace Attendant. When Wang Mang ruled as regent Cai pleaded illness and refused office.
33
會天下擾亂，茂素與竇融善，因避難歸之。 融欲以為張掖太守，固辭不就； 每所餉給，計口取足而已。 後與融俱徵，復拜議郎，再遷廣漢太守，有政績稱。 時陰氏賓客在郡界多犯吏禁，茂輒糾案，無所回避。 會洛陽令董宣舉糾湖陽公主，帝始怒收宣，既而赦之。 茂喜宣剛正，欲令朝廷禁制貴戚，乃上書曰：『臣聞興化致教，必由進善； 康國寧人，莫大理惡。 陛下聖德系興，再隆大命，即位以來，四海晏然。 誠宜夙興夜寐，雖休勿休。 然頃者貴戚椒房之家，數因恩勢，幹犯吏禁，殺人不死，傷人不論。 臣恐繩墨棄而不用，斧斤廢而不舉。 近湖陽公主奴殺人西市，而與主共輿，出入宮省，逋罪積日，冤魂不報。 洛陽令董宣，直道不顧，幹主討奸。 陛下不先澄審，召欲加箠。 當宣受怒之初，京師側耳； 及其蒙宥，天下試目。 今者，外戚憍逸，賓客放濫，宜敕有司案理奸罪，使執平之吏永申其用，以厭遠近不緝之情。 』光武納之。
When chaos spread Cai fled to his friend Dou Rong. Dou offered him Zhangye but he firmly declined; he took only rations enough for each mouth. Recalled with Dou Rong he served again as Consultant, then won fame as grand administrator of Guanghan. When Yin retainers broke the law Cai prosecuted them without favor. When Dong Xuan challenged the princess Guangwu first jailed then freed him. Delighted by Dong's courage Cai urged curbs on imperial in-laws: "True moral sway begins with promoting good; nothing secures the people like rooting out evil." Your renewed mandate has brought peace to the realm; you should toil night and day without indulging ease. Yet imperial in-laws abuse privilege—murder goes unpunished, assault unjudged. I fear the ruler's line and carpenter's axe—the law—lie idle." The princess's slave murdered a man in the west market yet rode with her through the palace—his crime went unpunished day after day. Magistrate Dong Xuan defied convention to drag the culprit before justice. Without a hearing you summoned Dong for a beating. When Dong first angered you the capital listened; when you pardoned him the empire watched. Imperial in-laws and their clients run wild—charge officials to try real crimes and let just magistrates work—this will answer public frustration. Guangwu adopted his advice.
34
建武二十年，代戴涉為司徒，在職清儉匪懈。 二十三年薨於位，時年七十二。 賜東園梓棺，賻贈甚厚。
In Jianwu 20 he succeeded Dai She as Minister of Education—frugal and tireless. He died in office in year twenty-three at seventy-two. The court gave him a noble coffin and generous funeral gifts.
35
茂初在廣漢，夢坐大殿，極上有三穗禾，茂跳取之，得其中穗，輒復失之。 以問主簿郭賀，賀離席慶曰：『大殿者，宮府之形象也。 極而有禾，人臣之上祿也。 取中穗，是中臺之位也。 於字禾失為秩，雖曰失之，乃所以得祿秩也。 袞職有闕，君其補之。 』旬月而茂徵焉，乃辟賀為掾。
While governing Guanghan Cai dreamed of three grain ears on a hall ridge—he seized the middle ear but lost it again. Chief clerk Guo He rose to congratulate him: "The hall represents the palace offices. Grain on the ridge means the highest stipend for a minister. Taking the central ear marks the Central Terrace seat. The word for losing the grain suggests rank—even loss means gaining rank. The chief ministers need filling—you will fill them." Within weeks Cai was summoned to court and hired Guo He as his clerk.
36
賀字喬卿，洛人。 祖父堅伯，父遊君，並修清節，不仕王莽。 賀能明法，累官，建武中為尚書令，在職六年，曉習故事，多所匡益。 拜荊州刺史，引見賞賜，恩寵隆異，及到宮，有殊政。 百姓便之，歌曰：『厥德仁明郭喬卿，忠正朝廷上下平。 』顯宗巡狩到南陽，特見嗟嘆，賜以三公之服，黼黻冕旒。 敕行部去襜帷，使百姓見其容服，以章有德。 每所經過，吏人指以相示，莫不榮之。 永平四年，徵拜河南尹，以清靜稱。 在官三年卒，詔書慜惜，賜車一乘，錢四十萬。
Guo He, styled Qiaoqing, was from Luoyang. His grandfather and father kept clean reputations and refused Wang Mang. Expert in law, he rose to Prefect of Masters of Writing for six years of fruitful restoration work. As inspector of Jingzhou he won imperial favor and governed exceptionally. The people sang that Guo He brought humane rule and an upright court. When Emperor Ming toured Nanyang he praised Guo and gave him three-dukes' robes and crown. He ordered curtains removed so commoners could see his robes—honoring virtue. Wherever he went officials pointed him out with pride. In Yongping 4 he became Governor of Henan—praised for tranquil rule. He died after three years; the court mourned him with a carriage and four hundred thousand cash.
37
馮勤字偉伯，魏郡繁陽人也。 曾祖父揚，宣帝時為弘農太守。 有八子，皆為二千石，趙魏間榮之，號曰『萬石君』焉。 兄弟形皆偉壯，唯勤祖父偃，長不滿七尺，常自恥短陋，恐子孫之似也，乃為子伉娶長妻。 伉生勤，長八尺三寸。 八歲善計。
Feng Qin, styled Weibo, came from Fanyang in Weijun. His great-grandfather Feng Yang was grand administrator of Hongnong under Emperor Xuan. Eight sons each reached two-thousand-shi rank—the Zhao-Wei region hailed them as the Lord of Ten Thousand Shi. His brothers were tall but grandfather Yan stood under seven feet—ashamed, he married Kang to a tall bride for taller heirs. Kang's son Feng Qin grew to eight feet three inches. At eight he excelled at arithmetic.
38
初為太守銚期功曹，有高能稱。 期常從光武征伐，政事一以委勤。 勤同縣馮巡等舉兵應光武，謀未成而為豪右焦廉等所反，勤乃率將老母、兄弟及宗親歸期，期悉以為腹心，薦於光武。 初未被用，後乃除為郎中，給事尚書。 以圖議軍糧，在事精勤，遂見親識。 每引進，帝輒顧謂左右曰：『佳乎吏也！ 』由是使典諸侯封事。 勤差量功次輕重，國土遠近，地勢豐薄，不相逾越，莫不厭服焉。 自是封爵之制，非勤不定。 帝益以為能，尚書眾事，皆令總錄之。
He first served Grand Administrator Yao Qi as merit clerk—praised for ability. When Yao campaigned with Guangwu he left all administration to Feng Qin. When Feng Xun's uprising failed against local magnates Feng Qin brought kin to Yao Qi who trusted him and recommended him to Guangwu. Unused at first he later became Gentleman serving the Masters of Writing. His diligence on army logistics won imperial trust. Whenever promoted he heard Guangwu say: "What an excellent clerk!" He was put in charge of noble enfeoffments. He graded merit and fiefs by distance and fertility—no one disputed his fairness. After that no noble patent stood without Feng Qin's approval. Guangwu gave him overall charge of Masters of Writing business.
39
司徒侯霸薦前梁令閻楊。 楊素有譏議，帝常嫌之，既見霸奏，疑其有奸，大怒，賜霸璽書曰：『崇山、幽都何可偶，黃鉞一下無處所。 欲以身試法邪？ 將殺身以成仁邪？ 』使勤奉策至司徒府。 勤還，陳霸本意，申釋事理，帝意稍解，拜勤尚書仆射。 職事十五年，以勤勞賜爵關內侯。 遷尚書令，拜大司農，三歲遷司徒。
Minister Hou Ba recommended former Liang county magistrate Yan Yang. Guangwu distrusted Yan; seeing Hou's memorial he raged and sent a sealed threat of exile and execution. Do you seek death? Or martyrdom? He sent Feng Qin with the edict to Hou Ba. Feng Qin explained Hou Ba's intent and mollified Guangwu, who named him vice director of the Masters of Writing. After fifteen years of service he received a Marquis Within the Passes for diligence. He rose to Prefect of Masters of Writing, then Minister of Agriculture, then Minister of Education within three years.
40
先是，三公多見罪退，帝賢勤，欲令以善自終，乃因宴見從容戒之曰：『朱浮上不忠於君，下陵轢同列，竟以中傷至今，死生吉兇未可知，豈不惜哉！ 人臣放逐受誅，雖復追加賞賜賻祭，不足以償不訾之身。 忠臣孝子，覽照前世，以為鏡誡。 能盡忠於國，事君無二，則爵賞光乎當世，功名列於不朽，可不勉哉！ 』勤愈恭約盡忠，號稱任職。
Many dukes had fallen; Guangwu admired Feng Qin and warned him at leisure: Zhu Fu betrayed superiors and peers—ruined by slander—what a waste! Posthumous honors cannot repay a ruined life. Let loyal sons study history as their mirror. Serve one lord faithfully—win honors in life and renown beyond death—strive! Feng Qin grew humbler and earned renown for competence.
41
勤母年八十，每會見，詔敕勿拜，令御者扶上殿，顧謂諸王主曰：『使勤貴寵者，此母也。 』其見親重如此。 中元元年，薨，帝悼惜之，使者吊祠，賜東園秘器，赗贈有加。
At eighty his mother need not bow—Guangwu had her helped to the hall and told the royals she made Feng Qin's career. Such was imperial favor toward him. He died in Zhongyuan 1; envoys mourned him with noble coffin and rich funeral gifts.
42
勤七子。 長子宗嗣，至張掖屬國都尉。 中子順，尚平陽長公主，終於大鴻臚。 建初八年，以順中子奮襲主爵為平陽侯，薨，無子。 永元七年，詔書復封奮兄羽林右監勁為平陽侯，奉公主之祀。 奮弟由，黃門侍郎，尚平安公主。 勁薨，子卯嗣。 卯延光中為侍中，薨，子留嗣。
Feng Qin had seven sons. Eldest son Feng Zong inherited and rose to commandant of Zhangye dependent state. Middle son Feng Shun married Princess Pingyang and died as Grand Herald. In Jianchu 8 Fen inherited Pingyang but died heirless. In Yongyuan 7 Jin succeeded to maintain the princess's sacrifices. Brother Feng You served at the Yellow Gates and married Princess Ping'an. Jin died and Mao succeeded. Mao served as Palace Attendant under Yanlong and was succeeded by Liu.
43
趙憙字伯陽，南陽宛人也。 少有節操。 從兄為人所殺，無子，憙年十五，常思報之。 乃挾兵結客，後遂往復仇。 而仇家皆疾病，無相距者。 憙以因疾報殺，非仁者心，且釋之而去。 顧謂仇曰：『爾曹若健，遠相避也。 』仇皆臥自搏。 後病愈，悉自縛詣憙，憙不與相見，後竟殺之。
Zhao Xi, styled Boyang, came from Wan in Nanyang. Even as a youth he showed moral fiber. When his cousin was murdered leaving no heir, fifteen-year-old Zhao plotted revenge. He armed himself and gathered allies to settle the score. But his foes fell sick—none could fight. Slaying the sick seemed wrong—he withdrew. He told them: "When you recover—flee far from me." They thrashed helplessly in bed. When recovered they bound themselves to Zhao—who refused audience—and later executed them.
44
更始即位，舞陰大姓李氏擁城不下，更始遣柱天將軍李寶降之，不肯，雲：『聞宛之趙氏有孤孫憙，信義著名，願得降之。 』更始乃徵憙。 憙年未二十，既引見，更始笑曰：『繭栗犢，豈能負重致遠乎？ 』即除為郎中，行偏將軍事，使詣舞陰，而李氏遂降。 憙因進入潁川，擊諸不下者，歷汝南界，還宛。 更始大悅，謂憙曰：『卿名家駒，努力勉之。 』會王莽遣王尋、王邑將兵出關，更始乃拜憙為五威偏將軍，使助諸將拒尋、邑於昆陽。 光武破尋、邑，憙被創，有戰勞，還拜中郎將，封勇功侯。
When Gengshi ruled Wuyin's Li clan held out until they agreed to yield only to Zhao Xi of Wan famed for integrity. Gengshi summoned Zhao Xi. Under twenty when introduced he was mocked as a yearling calf unfit for heavy burdens. Yet they named him Gentleman lieutenant general—sent to Wuyin—and the Li surrendered. He campaigned through Yingchuan and Ru'nan and returned to Wan. Gengshi called him a prized colt and urged him onward. When Wang Mang sent Wang Xun and Wang Yi out of the passes Gengshi named Zhao lieutenant general to meet them at Kunyang. Wounded at Kunyang Zhao earned the title Leader of Gentlemen and Valorous Merit Marquis.
45
更始敗，憙為赤眉兵所圍，迫急，乃逾屋亡走，與所友善韓仲伯等數十人，攜小弱，越山阻，徑出武關。 仲伯以婦色美，慮有強暴者，而已受其害，欲棄之於道。 憙責怒不聽，因以泥塗伯仲婦面，載以鹿車，身自推之。 每道逢賊，或欲逼略，憙輒言其病狀，以此得免。 既入丹水，遇更始親屬，皆裸跣塗炭，饑困不能前。 憙見之悲感，所裝縑制資糧，悉以與之，將護歸鄉裏。
When Gengshi fell Zhao fled Red Eyebrow siege over rooftops with Han Zhongbo—women and children—over mountains through Wu Pass. Han Zhongbo wished to abandon his beautiful wife on the road for fear of bandits. Zhao refused—smeared mud on her face—hauled her in a handcart himself. When bandits threatened he claimed she was ill—sparing her. In Danshui they met Gengshi kin—filthy and starving. Zhao gave them his silk provisions and escorted them home.
46
時，鄧奉反於南陽，憙素與奉善，數遺書切責之，而讒者因方憙與奉合謀，帝以為疑。 及奉敗，帝得憙書，乃驚曰：『趙憙真長者也。 』即徵憙，引見，賜鞍馬，待詔公車。 時，江南未賓，道路不通，以憙守簡陽侯相。 憙不肯受兵，單車馳之簡陽。 吏民不欲內憙憙，憙乃告譬，呼城中大人，示以國家威信，其帥即開門面縛自歸，由是諸營壁悉降。 荊州牧奏憙才任理劇，詔以為平林侯相。 攻擊群賊，安集已降者，縣邑平定。
When Deng Feng rebelled Zhao wrote urging surrender—slanderers claimed conspiracy—Guangwu doubted him. After Deng fell Guangwu read Zhao's letters and cried him a true gentleman. He summoned Zhao—gifted horses—and kept him at the Waiting Coaches. With the south unruly Zhao was named chancellor of Jianyang. He refused troops and drove alone to Jianyang. Locals barred him until he persuaded town elders with imperial authority—the chief opened the gates bound—and every stockade surrendered. The governor recommended him for tough posts—named chancellor of Pinglin. He crushed bandits and settled surrendered districts.
47
後拜懷令。 大姓李子春先為瑯邪相，豪猾並兼，為人所患。 憙下車，聞其二孫殺人事未發覺，即窮詰其奸，收考子春，二孫自殺。 京師為請者數十，終不聽。 時，趙王良疾病將終，車駕親臨王，問所欲言。 王曰：『素與李子春厚，今犯罪，懷令趙憙欲殺之，願乞其命。 』帝曰：『吏奉法，律不可枉也，更道它所欲。 』王無復言。 既薨，帝追感趙王，乃貰出子春。
Later he became magistrate of Huai. Magnate Li Zichun once ruled Langya—predatory and feared. When Xi took office he learned that his grandsons had committed a murder not yet reported; he pressed the case, arrested and interrogated Li Zichun, and the two grandsons killed themselves. Dozens of people at the capital pleaded on Li's behalf, yet Xi never yielded. Prince Zhao Liang lay dying; the emperor went to him in person and asked what he wished to say. The prince said: "I have long been close to Li Zichun; now he has broken the law, and Grand Administrator Zhao Xi of Huai means to execute him—I beg you to spare his life." The emperor replied: "Officials enforce the law—the code cannot be bent. Tell me anything else you want." The prince said nothing more. After the prince died, the emperor, moved by his memory, pardoned Zichun and released him.
48
其年，遷憙平原太守。 時，平原多盜賊，憙與諸郡討捕，斬其渠帥，餘黨當坐者數千人。 憙上言：『惡惡止其身，可一切徙京師近郡。 』帝從之，乃悉移置潁川、陳留。 於是擢舉義行，誅鋤奸惡。 後青州大蝗，侵入平原界輒死，歲屢有年，百姓歌之。
That year Xi was transferred to grand administrator of Pingyuan. Bandits were rife in Pingyuan; Xi joined other commanderies in suppressing them, executed their ringleaders, and several thousand accomplices faced punishment. Xi memorialized: "Punish the wicked in their own persons only—move all of them en masse to commanderies near the capital." The emperor agreed and resettled them all in Yingchuan and Chenliu. He then promoted the worthy and stamped out villainy. Later, when Qingzhou was overrun by locusts, any swarm that crossed into Pingyuan died; year after year the harvest held, and the people sang his praises.
49
二十六年，帝延集內戚宴會，歡甚，諸夫人各各前言『趙憙篤義多恩，往遭赤眉出長安，皆為憙所濟活』。 帝甚嘉之。 後徵憙入為太僕，引見謂曰：『卿非但為英雄所保也，婦人亦懷卿之恩。 』厚加賞賜。
In the twenty-sixth year the emperor hosted a banquet for the imperial in-laws; spirits ran high, and each of the consorts spoke up in turn: "Zhao Xi was steadfast in duty and deep in kindness—when we fled the Red Eyebrows from Chang'an, he saved every one of us." The emperor was deeply pleased. Later Xi was summoned as grand coachman of the household; at audience the emperor told him, "You have been shielded not only by fighting men—the women too owe you their lives." He lavished gifts upon him.
50
二十七年，拜太尉，賜爵關內侯。 時，南單於稱臣，烏桓、鮮插並來入朝，帝令憙典邊事，思為久長規。 憙上復緣邊諸郡，幽、並二州由是而定。
In the twenty-seventh year he was appointed grand commandant and ennobled as marquis within the passes. The Southern Shanyu had submitted, and the Wuhuan and Xianbei came to court together; the emperor put Xi in charge of frontier policy and asked him to devise a lasting strategy. Xi proposed securing the frontier commanderies along the border, and Youzhou and Bingzhou were thereby stabilized.
51
建初五年，憙疾病，帝親幸視。 及薨，車駕往臨吊。 時年八十四。 謚曰正侯。
In the fifth year of the Jianchu era Xi fell ill, and the emperor visited him in person. When he died the sovereign went to mourn him. He was eighty-four. His posthumous title was Marquis Upright.
52
子代嗣，官至越騎校尉。 永元中，副行征西將軍劉尚征羌，坐事下獄，疾病物故。 和帝憐之，賜秘器錢布，贈越騎校尉、節鄉侯印綬。 子直嗣，官至步兵校尉。 直卒，子淑嗣，無子，國除。
His son Dai inherited the fief and rose to colonel of the agile cavalry. Under Yongyuan he served under General of the Western Expedition Liu Shang against the Qiang; implicated in an affair he was imprisoned and died of illness. Emperor He took pity on him, granted him a burial outfit, cash, and cloth, and posthumously awarded the ranks of colonel of the agile cavalry and marquis of Jie village. His son Zhi succeeded him and rose to colonel of foot soldiers. When Zhi died, his son Shu inherited the title; Shu had no heir, and the fief was revoked.
53
牟融字子優，北海安丘人也。 少博學，以《大夏侯尚書》教授，門徒數百人，名稱州裏。 以司徒茂才為豐令，視事三年，縣無獄訟，為州郡最。
Mou Rong, styled Ziyou, was a native of Anqiu in Beihai. In youth he was broadly learned; he taught the Great Xia Hou version of the Documents and had hundreds of students, and his reputation ran through the commandery. Recommended as an abundant talent by the minister of education, he became magistrate of Feng; in three years on duty the county had no litigation and ranked first in the province.
54
司徒範遷薦融忠正公方，經行純備，宜在本朝，並上其理狀。 永平五年，入代鮑昱為司隸校尉，多所舉正，百僚敬憚之。 八年，代包鹹為大鴻臚。 十一年，代鮭陽鴻為大司農。
Minister of Education Fan Qian recommended Rong as loyal, upright, and even-handed, his classical learning and conduct fully rounded, fit for central appointment, and filed a full evaluation. In the fifth year of Yongping he entered office as metropolitan commandant in succession to Bao Yu; he censored many wrongdoings, and the bureaucracy respected and feared him. In the eighth year he succeeded Bao Xian as grand herald. In the eleventh year he succeeded Guiyang Hong as grand minister of agriculture.
55
是時，顯宗方勤萬機，公卿數朝會，每輒延謀政事，判折獄訟。 融經明才高，善論議，朝廷皆服其能； 帝數嗟嘆，以為才堪宰相。 明年，代伏恭為司空，舉動方重，甚得大臣節。 肅宗即位，以融先朝名臣，代趙憙為太尉，與憙參錄尚書事。
At that time Emperor Ming was diligent in every duty; the high ministers met often at court, were repeatedly summoned to deliberate policy, and settled lawsuits. Rong's mastery of the classics and eloquence were outstanding; the court acknowledged his ability. The emperor often sighed his praise, deeming his talent fit for the chancellorship. The following year he succeeded Fu Gong as minister of works; his bearing was grave and steady, and he fully embodied a senior minister's dignity. When Emperor Zhang took the throne he treated Rong as a veteran statesman of the previous reign; Rong succeeded Zhao Xi as grand commandant and joined Xi in supervising the affairs recorded by the Masters of Writing.
56
建初四年薨，車駕親臨其喪。 時融長子麟歸鄉裏，帝以其餘子幼弱，敕太尉掾史教其威儀進止，贈赗恩寵篤密焉。 又賜冢塋地於顯節陵下，除麟為郎。
He died in the fourth year of Jianchu, and the sovereign attended his funeral in person. Rong's eldest son Lin was away in his home district; because the younger sons were still small, the emperor ordered the grand commandant's staff to instruct them in deportment and ritual movement, and burial gifts and imperial favor were unusually generous. He also granted a burial plot below the Manifest Integrity Mausoleum and appointed Lin as a gentleman-at-court.
57
韋彪字孟達，扶風平陵人也。 高祖賢，宣帝時為丞相。 祖賞，哀帝時為大司馬。
Wei Biao, styled Mengda, was a native of Pingling in Fufeng. His ancestor Wei Xian served as chancellor under Emperor Xuan. His grandfather Wei Shang was grand marshal under Emperor Ai.
58
彪孝行純至，父母卒，哀毀三年，不出廬寢。 服竟，贏瘠骨立異形，醫療數年乃起。 好學洽聞，雅稱儒宗。 建武末，舉孝廉，除郎中，以病免，復歸教授。 安貧樂道，恬於進趣，三輔諸儒莫不慕仰之。
Biao's filial devotion was absolute; when his parents died he mourned until he was wasted with grief for three years and did not leave the mourning hut. When mourning ended he was gaunt to the bone and barely recognizable; only after years of care could he rise again. He loved learning and was widely read, and was acclaimed as a Confucian master. At the end of the Jianwu era he was recommended as filial and incorrupt, appointed gentleman of the palace, retired on grounds of illness, and returned to teaching. Content in poverty and devoted to the Way, indifferent to advancement, he was admired by every scholar of the capital region.
59
建初七年，車駕西巡府，以彪行太常從，數召入，問以三輔舊事，禮儀風俗。 彪因建言：『今西巡舊都，宜追錄高祖、中宗功臣、褒顯先勛，紀其子孫。 』帝納之。 行至長安，乃制詔京兆尹、右扶風求蕭何、霍光後。 時光無苗裔，唯封何末孫熊為酂侯。 建初二年已封曹參後曹湛為平陽侯，故不復及焉。 乃厚賜彪錢珍羞食物，使歸平陵上冢。 還，拜大鴻臚。
In the seventh year of Jianchu the sovereign toured west to the former capital; Biao accompanied him as acting grand astrologer and was summoned repeatedly to speak on old customs, ritual, and usage in the capital region. Biao therefore proposed: "On this western tour of the former capital we should trace and honor the founding ministers of Gaozu and Zhongzong, celebrate their deeds, and register their descendants." The emperor adopted his advice. When they reached Chang'an he issued edicts to the metropolitan governor and the governor of Right Fufeng to seek descendants of Xiao He and Huo Guang. Huo Guang had no surviving line; only Xiao He's last descendant Xiong was enfeoffed as marquis of Zan. In the second year of Jianchu Cao Zhan, a descendant of Cao Can, had already been made marquis of Pingyang, so he was not mentioned again. Biao was richly rewarded with cash and fine provisions and sent home to Pingling to sacrifice at the ancestral graves. On his return he was appointed grand herald.
60
是時，陳事者多言郡國貢舉率非功次，故守職益懈而吏事浸疏，咎在州郡。 有詔下公卿朝臣議。 彪上議曰：『伏惟明詔，憂勞百姓，垂恩選舉，務得其人。 夫國以簡賢為務，賢以孝行為首。 孔子曰：「事親孝故忠可移於君，是以求忠臣必於孝子之門。 」夫人才行少能相兼，是以孟公綽優於趙、魏老，不可以為滕、薛大夫。 忠孝之人，持心近厚； 鍛煉之吏，持心近薄。 三代之所以直道而行者，在其所以磨之故也。 士宜以才行為先，不可純以閥閱。 然其要歸，在於選二千石。 二千石賢，則貢舉皆得其人矣。 』帝深納之。
Petitioners were saying that recommendations from the commanderies seldom followed order of merit, so officials grew lax and administration drifted—and blame lay with the provincial governors. An edict went out ordering the high ministers and court officials to debate the matter. Biao presented his opinion: "Your enlightened edict shows concern for the people and grace in choosing officials—we must secure the right men." The state's task is to choose worthies, and worthies are known first by filial conduct. Confucius said, "When one is filial at home, loyalty to the ruler follows—so one seeks loyal ministers among filial sons." Talents rarely excel in every role—hence Meng Gongchuo was suited as steward to the great houses of Zhao and Wei but not as minister of petty states such as Teng or Xue. Loyal and filial men keep generous hearts. Harsh, manipulative clerks incline to cruelty. The reason the Three Ages could walk the straight path lay in how they tempered character. Scholars should be judged first on talent and conduct, not solely on pedigree. Yet the crux lies in choosing the grand administrators. When the grand administrators are worthy, every recommendation yields the right man. The emperor embraced his advice wholeheartedly.
61
彪以世承二帝吏化之後，多以苛刻為能，又置官選職，不必以才，因盛夏多寒，上疏諫曰：『臣聞政化之本，必順陰陽。 伏見立夏以來，當暑而寒，殆以刑罰刻急，郡國不奉時令之所致也。 農人急於務而苛吏奪其時，賦發充常調而貪吏割其財，此其巨患也。 夫欲急人所務，當先除其所患。 天下樞要，在於尚書，尚書之選，豈可不重？ 而間者多從郎官超升此位，雖曉習文法，長於應對，然察察小慧，類無大能。 宜簡嘗歷州宰素有名者，雖進退舒遲，時有不逮，然端心向公，奉職周密。 宜鑒嗇夫捷急之對，沈思絳侯木訥之功也。 往時楚獄大起，故置令史以助郎職，而類多小人，好為奸利。 今者務簡，可皆停省。 又諫議之職，應用公直之士，通財謇正，有補益於朝者。 今或從征試輩為大夫。 又御史外遷，動據州郡。 並宜清選其任，責以言績。 其二千石視事雖久，而為吏民所便安者，宜增秩重賞，勿妄遷徙。 惟留聖心。 』書奏，帝納之。
Biao observed that after two reigns of bureaucratic rule many took harshness for competence, and appointments did not always rest on talent; because midsummer had turned unseasonably cold, he submitted a memorial: "I have heard that the root of good government lies in harmonizing yin and yang." Since the Beginning of Summer we have had cold when heat was due—surely because punishments are severe and the commanderies ignore the seasons' commands. Farmers rush their work while petty clerks steal their seasons; taxes meet routine quotas while grasping officers bleed their wealth—these are grave ills. To hasten what the people must do, first remove what harms them. The pivot of the realm is the Masters of Writing; can their selection be treated lightly? Among those promoted many vault from gentlemen of the palace: they know the letter of the law and shine in repartee but show petty cleverness and seldom great capacity. Choose men who have governed commanderies and earned repute; though slow to advance or retreat and sometimes fall short, they are upright, devoted to the public trust, and conscientious. Take warning from the petty granary clerk's glib answer; weigh instead the slow, solid worth of the Marquis of Jiang. When the Chu witchcraft prosecutions flared, clerks were added to aid the gentlemen of the palace—yet most were mean-spirited men who chased illicit gain. Today policy stresses simplicity; these posts may all be abolished. The office of remonstrance should be filled with upright men—frank counselors of integrity who strengthen the court. Some are now advanced from examination cohorts straight to grandee rank. Imperial clerks rotated into the provinces routinely take commandery posts. In every case choose appointees with care and hold them accountable for what they promise and what they deliver. Grand administrators long in office whom officials and commoners find reliable should receive higher rank and generous rewards—do not shuffle them about without cause. I leave this to Your Majesty's wise judgment. The memorial was presented and the emperor adopted it.
62
元和二年春，東巡狩，以彪行司徒事從行。 還，以病乞身，帝遣小黃門、太醫問病，賜以食物。 彪遂稱困篤。 章和二年夏，使謁者策詔曰：『彪以將相之裔，勤身飭行，出自州裏，在位歷載。 中被篤疾，連上求退。 君年在耆艾，不可復以加增，恐職事煩碎，重有損焉。 其上大鴻臚印綬。 其遣太子舍人詣中臧府，受賜錢二十萬。 』永元元年，卒，詔尚書：『故大鴻臚韋彪，在位無愆，方欲錄用，奄忽而卒。 其賜錢二十萬，布百匹，穀三千斛。』
In the spring of the second Yuanhe year the sovereign hunted eastward; Biao accompanied him, acting as minister of education. On his return he asked to retire on grounds of ill health; the emperor sent a minor yellow-gate attendant and the imperial physician to inquire after him and granted food. Biao then declared himself gravely ill. In the summer of the second Zhanghe year a herald delivered an edict on bamboo slips: "Biao, though sprung from a line of generals and ministers, has disciplined himself and risen from the provinces to serve many years." Stricken by serious illness, he has repeatedly asked permission to withdraw. You are already of venerable age and cannot bear heavier burdens; I fear petty duties would only harm you further. Surrender the seals of office as grand herald. Send an attendant of the heir apparent to the inner treasury to receive two hundred thousand cash in gifts. In the first year of Yongyuan he died. An edict to the Masters of Writing ran: "The late grand herald Wei Biao served without fault; we were about to recall him when he passed away suddenly." Grant him two hundred thousand cash, one hundred bolts of cloth, and three thousand hu of grain.
63
彪清儉好施，祿賜分與宗族，家無餘財，著書十二篇，號曰《韋卿子》。
Biao lived plainly and loved to give; he shared salaries and imperial gifts with his kin and kept nothing at home. He wrote twelve essays collected under the title Discourses of Minister Wei.
64
族子義
Yi, a clansman
65
義字季節。 高祖父玄成，元帝時為丞相。 初，彪獨徙扶風，故義猶為京兆杜陵人焉。
Yi, styled Jijie, His great-grandfather Wei Xuancheng had been chancellor under Emperor Yuan. At first only Biao had relocated to Fufeng, so Yi remained registered as a native of Duling in Jingzhao.
66
兄順，字淑文，平輿令。 有高名。 次兄豹，字季明。 數辟公府，輒以事去。 司徒劉愷復辟之，謂曰：『卿以輕好去就，爵位不躋。 今歲垂盡，當選御史，意在相薦，子其宿留乎？ 』豹曰：『犬馬齒衰，旅力已劣，仰慕崇恩，故未能自割。 且眩瞀滯疾，不堪久待，選薦之私，非所敢當。 』遂跣而起。 愷追之，徑去不顧。 安帝西巡，徵拜議郎。
His elder brother Shun, styled Shuwen, was magistrate of Pingyu. He enjoyed high renown. His next elder brother Bao, styled Jiming, He was summoned repeatedly to serve in high ministers' offices but always bowed out on some excuse. Minister of Education Liu Kai summoned him again and said: "You treat appointments lightly and move in and out of office at whim—honors have passed you by." The year is nearly done—the imperial clerk selection is due—I mean to recommend you—will you stay on for it? Bao replied: "Like an old horse I am failing; I still crave your kindness too dearly to tear myself away from office yet." Besides, dizzy spells and chronic illness leave me unfit to wait long for appointment—the favor of your nomination is more than I dare accept. With that he rose barefoot. Kai hurried after him, but Bao walked straight away without turning. When Emperor An toured the west he summoned Wei Yi and appointed him gentleman consultant.
67
義少與二兄齊名，初仕州郡。 太傅桓焉辟舉理劇，為廣都長，甘陵、陳二縣令，政甚有績，官曹無事，牢獄空虛。 數上書順帝，陳宜依古典，考功黜陟，徵集名儒，大定其制。 又譏切左右，貶刺竇氏。 言既無感，而久抑不遷，以兄順喪去官。 比辟公府，不就。 廣都為生立廟。 及卒，三縣吏民為義舉哀，若喪考妣。
In youth Yi stood equal in fame with his two elder brothers; he began his career in provincial posts. Grand Tutor Huan Yan recommended him for a difficult assignment; he served as chief of Guangdu and as magistrate of Ganling and Chen, earning an outstanding record—his offices ran quietly and the prisons stood empty. He repeatedly memorialized Emperor Shun, urging adherence to classical precedent in merit ratings and promotions, convening renowned scholars, and firmly settling the regulations. He also rebuked those around the throne and satirized the Dou clan. His words went unheeded, and he languished without promotion; he left office to mourn his elder brother Shun. When summoned to a minister's office he did not take the post. The people of Guangdu built him a shrine while he was still alive. When he died, clerks and commoners in all three counties mourned him as they would a parent.
68
豹子著
Zhu, son of Bao
69
贊曰：『湛、霸奮庸，維寧兩邦。 淮人孺慕，徐寇要降。 弘實體遠，仁不忘本。 憙政多跡，彪明理損。 牟公簡帝，身終上袞。』
The summation reads: "Fu Zhan and Wang Ba threw their talents into service and brought peace to two domains." The Huai regions cherished them; the Xu rebels sued for surrender. Song Hong embodied breadth of vision; benevolence never forgot its roots. Zhao Xi left many traces of good rule; Wei Biao clarified principle and curbed excess. Lord Mou advised the emperor plainly and died wearing the highest ceremonial robes.