1
顯宗諸子
Sons of Emperor Xianzong
2
顯宗孝懿皇后生章宗，昭聖皇后生宣宗，諸姬田氏生鄆王琮、瀛王瑰、霍王從彝，劉氏生瀛王從憲，王氏生溫王玠。
Emperor Xianzong's Empress Xiaoyi gave birth to Zhangzong, and Empress Zhaosheng to Xuanzong. Of his lesser consorts, Lady Tian was mother to Prince Cong of Yun, Prince Gui of Ying, and Prince Cong Yi of Huo; Lady Liu to Prince Cong Xian of Ying; and Lady Wang to Prince Jie of Wen.
3
鄆王琮，本名承慶，母田氏，其後封裕陵充華。 琮儀觀豐偉，機警清辯，性寬厚，好學。 世宗選進士之有名行者納坦謀嘉教之，女直小字及漢字皆通習。 及長，輕財好施，無慍色，善吟詠，不喜聞人過，至於騎射繪塑之藝，皆造精妙。 大定十八年，封道國公。 二十六年，加崇進。 章宗即位，遷開府儀同三司，封鄆王。 明昌元年，授婆速路獲火羅合打世襲猛安，留京師。 五年，薨。 上輟朝，親臨奠於殯所。 諡曰莊靖，改莊惠。
Prince Cong of Yun, whose birth name was Chengqing, was born to Lady Tian, who was later granted the title Chonghua of Yuling Mausoleum. Cong cut a striking figure—tall and handsome, alert and articulate in debate. He was generous by nature and devoted to learning. Shizong appointed the distinguished jinshi Natan Moujia as his tutor, and Cong became proficient in both the Jurchen script and Chinese writing. As an adult he was liberal with wealth and quick to give, never showing a cross face. He was adept at poetry and disliked hearing others' faults spoken. In horsemanship, archery, painting, and sculpture alike he achieved remarkable skill. In Dading 18 he was enfeoffed as Duke of Dao. In the twenty-sixth year he was raised to the Chongjin noble rank. When Zhangzong acceded, Cong was promoted to Defender-in-chief with equal protocol to the Three Excellencies and enfeoffed as Prince of Yun. In Mingchang 1 he was granted the hereditary meng'an of Huo Luo Hedá in Pasu Circuit and remained at the capital. In the fifth year he died. The emperor suspended court and came in person to offer libations at the mourning hall. He was given the posthumous title Zhuangjing, later revised to Zhuanghui.
4
瀛王瑰，本名桓篤，鄆王琮之同母弟也。 重厚寡言，內行修飭，工詩，精於騎射、書藝、女直大小字。 大定二十二年，封崇國公。 二十六年，加崇進。 章宗即位，遷開府儀同三司，封瀛王。 明昌三年，薨。 敕葬事所須皆從官給，命工部侍郎胥持國等典喪事。 比葬，帝三臨奠，哭之慟。 諡曰文敬。 其後帝謂輔臣曰：「王性忠孝，兄弟中最為善人，故朕嘗令在左右。 溫王雖幼，亦佳。 不二旬俱逝，良可哀悼。」
Prince Gui of Ying, birth name Huandu, was Prince Cong of Yun's younger brother by the same mother. He was grave and sparing of speech, meticulous in private conduct, skilled in poetry, and accomplished in horsemanship, archery, calligraphy, and both forms of Jurchen writing. In Dading 22 he was enfeoffed as Duke of Chong. In the twenty-sixth year he was raised to the Chongjin noble rank. When Zhangzong acceded, Gui was promoted to Defender-in-chief with equal protocol to the Three Excellencies and enfeoffed as Prince of Ying. In Mingchang 3 he died. The emperor decreed that all funeral expenses be met from official funds and appointed Vice Minister of Works Xu Chiguo and others to manage the obsequies. Before the burial was complete the emperor had come three times to offer libations, weeping bitterly each time. He was given the posthumous title Wenjing. Later the emperor told his chief ministers, "The prince was loyal and filial by nature—the best of his brothers—and that is why I so often kept him near me. Prince Jie of Wen, though still young, was splendid too. Yet within twenty days both were gone. It is deeply to be mourned."
5
瀛王從憲，本名吾里不，母劉氏，後封裕陵茂儀。 大定二十六年，賜名琦。 章宗即位，加開府儀同三司，封壽王。 承安元年，以郊祀恩進封英。 四年，改封瀛。 泰和五年，更賜今名。 六年，授秘書監。 八年，薨。
Prince Cong Xian of Ying, birth name Wulibu, was born to Lady Liu, who was later granted the title Maoyi of Yuling Mausoleum. In Dading 26 he was given the name Qi. When Zhangzong acceded, he was promoted to Defender-in-chief with equal protocol to the Three Excellencies and enfeoffed as Prince of Shou. In Cheng'an 1, on account of the suburban sacrifice amnesty, he was advanced to Prince of Ying. In the fourth year his fief was changed to Ying. In Taihe 5 he was granted his present name Cong Xian. In the sixth year he was appointed Director of the Palace Library. In the eighth year he died.
6
從憲風儀秀峙，性寬厚，善騎射，待府僚以禮，秩滿去者皆有贐。 帝尤愛重，初以病聞，即臨問之，賜錢五百萬。 還宮，詔府僚上其疾增損狀，仍敕門司夜一鼓即奏，比五更重言之。 及薨，上哭之慟，為輟朝臨奠者再。 諭旨判大睦親府事宛王永升曰：「瀛王家事，叔宜規畫。 聞其二姬方孕，若生子，即以付之。」 以右宣徽使移剌都護其喪葬，斂以內庫之服，其餘所須，亦從官給。 諡曰敦懿。
Cong Xian was graceful in bearing and generous in temperament, skilled in horsemanship and archery. He treated his household officers with courtesy, and everyone who completed a term of service left with a parting gift. The emperor favored him above all. At the first report of illness he went in person to inquire after him and granted five million in cash. Back at the palace he ordered the prince's household to submit daily reports on whether his condition had worsened or improved, and commanded the gate office to memorialize at the first night watch and again at the fifth. When he died the emperor wept bitterly and twice suspended court to offer libations in person. The emperor instructed Wan Yong Sheng, overseer of the Great Office of Imperial Kinship: "You, Uncle, should take charge of the Prince of Ying's household affairs. I hear his two consorts are with child; if they bear sons, entrust the children to him at once." The Right Xuanhui Commissioner Yila Du was assigned to oversee the funeral. The prince was dressed in robes from the inner treasury, and all other needs were met from official funds as well. He was given the posthumous title Dunyi.
7
溫王玠，本名謀良虎，母王氏，後封裕陵婉儀。 玠幼穎秀，性溫厚，好學。 大定二十九年，章宗即位，加開府儀同三司，封溫王。 明昌三年，薨，年十一。 訃聞，上為輟朝，親臨奠哭之。 諡曰悼敏。
Prince Jie of Wen, birth name Mou Lianghu, was born to Lady Wang, who was later granted the title Wanyi of Yuling Mausoleum. As a boy Jie was bright and graceful, gentle by nature, and devoted to learning. In Dading 29, when Zhangzong acceded, Jie was promoted to Defender-in-chief with equal protocol to the Three Excellencies and enfeoffed as Prince of Wen. In Mingchang 3 he died, aged eleven. When word of his death arrived the emperor suspended court and came in person to offer libations and weep. He was given the posthumous title Daomin.
8
章宗諸子
Sons of Emperor Zhangzong
9
章宗欽懷皇后生絳王洪裕，資明夫人林氏生荊王洪靖，諸姬生榮王洪熙、英王洪衍、壽王洪輝。 元妃李氏生葛王忒鄰。
Emperor Zhangzong's Empress Qinhuai gave birth to Prince Hong Yu of Jiang; Lady Ziming of the Lin clan to Prince Hong Jing of Jing; and of his lesser consorts came Prince Hong Xi of Rong, Prince Hong Yan of Ying, and Prince Hong Hui of Shou. Primary Consort Lady Li gave birth to Prince Te Lin of Ge.
10
洪裕，大定二十六年生。 是時顯宗薨逾年，世宗深感，及聞皇曾孫生，喜甚。 滿三月，宴于慶和殿，賜曾孫金鼎，金香合，重彩二十端，骨睹犀、吐鶻玉山子、兔兒垂頭一副，名馬二匹。 章宗進玉雙駝鎮紙、玉琵琶撥、玉鳳鉤、骨睹犀具佩刀、衣服一襲。 世宗禦酒歌歡，乙夜方罷。 二十八年十月丙寅，薨。 明昌三年，追封絳王，賜名。
Hong Yu was born in Dading 26. It was more than a year since Emperor Xianzong's death, and Shizong still mourned deeply; when he heard a great-grandson had been born, he was overjoyed. At his third month a banquet was held in Qinghe Hall, and the great-grandson received a gold tripod, a gold incense box, twenty bolts of heavy brocade, a set of bone-inlaid rhinoceros-horn fittings, a tuhu jade mountain ornament, rabbit-fur hanging caps, and two fine horses. Zhangzong presented a jade double-camel paperweight, a jade pipa plectrum, a jade phoenix hook, a rhinoceros-horn belt knife with bone inlay, and a suit of robes. Shizong poured wine himself and led the singing; the celebration did not end until well past midnight. On the bingyin day of the tenth month of the twenty-eighth year he died. In Mingchang 3 he was posthumously enfeoffed as Prince of Jiang and granted the name Hong Yu.
11
洪靖，本名阿虎懶，明昌三年生。 生而警秀，上所鍾愛。 四年，薨。 承安四年，追封荊王，賜名，加開府儀同三司。
Hong Jing, birth name Ahulan, was born in Mingchang 3. From birth he was bright and graceful, and the emperor doted on him. In the fourth year he died. In Cheng'an 4 he was posthumously enfeoffed as Prince of Jing, granted the name Hong Jing, and given the rank of Defender-in-chief with equal protocol to the Three Excellencies.
12
洪衍，本名撒改，明昌四年生，未幾薨。 承安四年，追封英王，賜名，加開府儀同三司。
Hong Yan, birth name Sagai, was born in Mingchang 4 and died soon afterward. In Cheng'an 4 he was posthumously enfeoffed as Prince of Ying, granted the name Hong Yan, and given the rank of Defender-in-chief with equal protocol to the Three Excellencies.
13
洪輝，本名訛論，承安二年五月生，彌月，封壽王。 閏六月壬午，病急風，募能醫者加宣武將軍，賜錢五百萬。 甲申，疾愈，印《無量壽經》一萬卷報謝，衍慶宮作普天大醮七日，無奏刑名，仍禁屠宰。 十月丁亥，薨，備禮葬。
Hong Hui, birth name Elun, was born in the fifth month of Cheng'an 2; at his first full month he was enfeoffed as Prince of Shou. On the renwu day of the intercalary sixth month he fell ill with acute wind-stroke; anyone who could cure him was promised promotion to General of Manifest Martiality and five million in cash. On the jiashen day he recovered. Ten thousand copies of the Sutra of Immeasurable Life were printed in thanksgiving; Yanqing Palace held a seven-day universal great jiao; criminal cases were not heard, and slaughter was forbidden. On the dinghai day of the tenth month he died and was buried with full ceremonial honors.
14
忒鄰，泰和二年八月生。 上久無皇嗣，祈禱於郊、廟、衍慶宮、亳州太清宮，至是喜甚。 彌月，將加封，三等國號無愜上意者，念世宗在位最久，年最高，初封葛王，遂封為葛王。 十二月癸酉，生滿百日，放僧道度牒三千道，設醮玄真觀，宴于慶和殿。 百官用天壽節禮儀，進酒稱賀，三品以上進禮物。 泰和三年，薨。
Te Lin was born in the eighth month of Taihe 2. The emperor had long lacked an heir and had prayed at the suburban altars, the ancestral temples, Yanqing Palace, and the Taiqing Palace at Bozhou; he was overjoyed at last. At his first full month, when enfeoffment was due, none of the third-rank state titles satisfied the emperor. He recalled that Shizong had reigned longest and lived longest, and that his first title had been Prince of Ge—and so the infant was enfeoffed as Prince of Ge. On the guiyou day of the twelfth month, at his hundredth day, three thousand ordination certificates for monks and Daoists were issued, a jiao was held at Xuanzhen Abbey, and a banquet was given in Qinghe Hall. Officials followed the ceremonial of the Heavenly Longevity Festival, presented wine and offered congratulations, and those of third rank and above brought gifts. In Taihe 3 he died.
15
衛紹王子
Sons of Prince Shao of Wei
16
贊曰：章宗晚年，繼嗣不立，遂屬意衛紹王。 衛紹歷年不永，諸子凡禁錮二十餘年，鎬厲王諸子禁錮四十餘年，長女鰥男皆不得婚嫁。 天興初，方弛其禁，金亡祚後可知矣。
The commentator writes: In his later years Zhangzong had not settled the succession and therefore looked to Prince Shao of Wei. Prince Shao of Wei's reign was short, and his sons were confined for more than twenty years altogether. The sons of Prince Li of Hao were confined for more than forty years; grown daughters and unmarried sons alike were denied marriage. Only at the beginning of Tianxing were the restrictions eased; when the Jin fell, what became of the imperial line afterward needs little saying.
17
宣宗三子
Three sons of Emperor Xuanzong
18
莊獻太子，名守忠，宣宗長子也。 其母未詳，說在《王后傳》。 胡沙虎既廢衛王，時上未至，迎守忠入居東宮。 貞祐元年閏九月甲申，立為皇太子，詔曰：「朕以眇躬，嗣服景命，念祖宗之遺統，方夙夜以靡遑，將上以承九廟之靈，而下以系多方之望。 皇太子守忠性秉溫良，地居長嫡，以次第言之，則宜升儲嗣，以典禮質之，則足愜群情，其立為皇太子。」 十月己未，以鎮國上將軍。 太子少保阿魯罕為太子少師。 庚申，上遣諭曰：「朕宮中每事裁減，汝亦宜知時難，斟酌撙節也。」 又謂曰：「時方多艱，每事當從貶損，吾已放宮人百餘矣，東宮無用者亦宜出之。 汝讀書人，必能知此也。」 二年四月，宣宗遷汴，留守中京。 七月，召至汴。 三年正月，薨。 上臨奠殯所凡四次。 四月，葬迎朔門外五里。 諡莊獻。 五月，立其子鏗為皇太孫，始二歲。 十二月薨，四年正月，賜諡沖懷太孫。
Crown Prince Zhuangxian, named Shouzhong, was Emperor Xuanzong's eldest son. His mother is not identified here; the account appears in the Biography of the Queen Consort. After Hushahu deposed the Prince of Wei, before the emperor himself had arrived, Shouzhong was brought into the Eastern Palace. On the jiashen day of the intercalary ninth month of Zhenyou 1 he was installed as crown prince. The edict read: "We, in our slight person, have succeeded to the luminous mandate. Mindful of our ancestors' legacy, we strive day and night without rest, intending above to sustain the spirits of the nine temples and below to answer the hopes of the realm. Crown Prince Shouzhong is gentle and good by nature and the eldest legitimate son. By order of succession he should be heir, and by ritual propriety he satisfies the people's wishes. Let him be established as crown prince." On the jiwei day of the tenth month, [appointing] the Senior General of the State Defender Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent Aruhan as Junior Preceptor of the Heir Apparent. On the gengshen day the emperor sent word: "I am cutting back on every matter in the palace; you too should know how hard the times are and practice careful economy." He added: "These are difficult times; everything should be scaled back. I have already released more than a hundred palace women, and those in the Eastern Palace who are not needed should be dismissed as well. You are a scholar—you must understand this." In the fourth month of the second year Xuanzong moved the capital to Bian, and Shouzhong remained at Zhongjing as regent. In the seventh month he was summoned to Bian. In the first month of the third year he died. The emperor came in person to the mourning hall to offer libations four times in all. In the fourth month he was buried five li outside the Yingshuo Gate. He was given the posthumous title Zhuangxian. In the fifth month his son Keng, then only two years old, was established as imperial great-grandson. He died in the twelfth month; in the first month of the fourth year he was given the posthumous title Chonghuai Imperial Great-Grandson.
19
玄齡，或曰莊獻太子母弟，早卒，未封爵。 或曰麗妃史氏所生。
Xuanling—some say he was Crown Prince Zhuangxian's younger brother by the same mother; he died young and was never enfeoffed. Others hold that he was born to Consort Li of the Shi clan.
20
荊王守純，本名盤都，宣宗第二子也。 母曰真妃龐氏。 貞祐元年，封濮王。 二年，為殿前都點檢兼侍衛親軍都指揮使，權都元帥。 上諭帥府曰：「濮王年幼，公事殊未諳，卿等毋以朕子故不相規戒。 凡見將校，令謙和接遇可也。」 三年，為樞密使。 四年，拜平章政事。 興定元年，授世襲東平府路三屯猛安。 三年，以知管差除令史梁瓛，誤書轉運副使張正倫宣命，奏乞治罪。 上曰：「令史有犯，宰臣自當治之，何必關朕耶？」 是年三月，進封英王。 時監察禦史程震言其不法，宣宗切責，杖司馬及大奴尤不法者數人。 四年九月，守純欲發丞相高琪罪，密召知案蒲鮮石魯剌、令史蒲察胡魯、員外郎王阿里謀之，且屬令勿泄，而石魯剌、胡魯輒以告都事僕散奴失不，奴失不白高琪。 及高琪伏誅，守純劾三人者洩密事，奴失不免死，除名，石魯剌、胡魯各杖七十，勒停。
Prince Shouchun of Jing, birth name Pandou, was Emperor Xuanzong's second son. His mother was True Consort Lady Pang. In Zhenyou 1 he was enfeoffed as Prince of Pu. In the second year he became Chief Inspector of the Palace Front and concurrent Commander of the Imperial Guard, with acting authority as commander-in-chief. The emperor told the command headquarters: "Prince Pu is young and still unfamiliar with public business; do not hold back counsel and admonition simply because he is my son. Whenever he meets officers, let him receive them with humility and courtesy." In the third year he became Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs. In the fourth year he was appointed Grand Councilor. In Xingding 1 he was granted the hereditary meng'an of the three garrisons of Dongping Circuit. In the third year, because the appointments registrar Liang Huan had mistakenly drafted the commission for Vice Transport Commissioner Zhang Zhenglun, he memorialized asking that punishment be imposed. The emperor said: "When a clerk offends, you chief ministers ought to discipline him yourselves—why bring it to me?" In the third month of that year he was advanced to Prince of Ying. At that time Supervising Censor Cheng Zhen reported his misconduct; Xuanzong rebuked him sharply and had several of the most lawless stewards and chief slaves beaten. In the ninth month of the fourth year Shouchun wished to expose Chief Councilor Gao Qi's crimes. He secretly summoned Case Officer Puxian Shilula, Registrar Pucha Hulu, and Outer Office Attendant Wang Ali to plot with him and ordered them not to reveal it; yet Shilula and Hulu at once told Chief Clerk Pusan Nushibu, who informed Gao Qi. When Gao Qi was executed, Shouchun impeached the three for leaking the secret. Nushibu could not escape death and was struck from the rolls; Shilula and Hulu were each beaten seventy strokes and dismissed from office.
21
元光二年三月壬子，上戒諭守純曰：「始吾以汝為相者，庶幾相輔，不至為人譏病耳。 汝乃惟飲酒耽樂，公事漫不加省，何耶？ 吾常聞人言己過，雖自省無之，亦未敢容易去懷也。」 又曰：「吾所以責汝者，但以崇飲不事事之故，汝勿過慮，遂至奪權。 今諸相皆老臣，每事與之商略，使無貽物議足矣。」
On the renzi day of the third month of Yuanguang 2 the emperor admonished Shouchun: "When I first made you chief minister, I hoped you would assist me so that I would not become a target of criticism. Yet you only drink and take your ease, paying no heed to public business—why? When I hear others speak of my faults, even if reflection finds none, I still do not lightly dismiss it from my mind." He added: "I reprove you only because you drink too much and neglect your duties; do not fear so much that I will strip you of power. All the chief ministers now are old officials; consult with them on every matter so there is no occasion for public criticism—that is enough."
22
天興初，守純府第產肉芝一株，高五寸許，色紅鮮可愛，既而枝葉津流，濡地成血，臭不可聞，鏟去複生者再。 夜則房榻間群狐號鳴，秉燭逐捕則失所在。 未幾，訛可出質，哀宗遷歸德。 明年正月，崔立亂。 四月癸巳，守純及諸宗室皆死青城。
At the beginning of Tianxing a fleshy lingzhi grew in Shouchun's mansion, about five inches tall, bright red and lovely; then sap flowed from branch and leaf, soaking the ground into blood with a stench unbearable. Twice it was dug out and grew again. At night foxes howled in packs in the bedchamber; when torches were taken to hunt them, they could not be found. Before long Wo Ke went out as hostage, and Emperor Aizong moved the capital to Guide. In the first month of the following year the Cui Li rebellion broke out. On the guisi day of the fourth month Shouchun and all the imperial clansmen died at Qingcheng.
23
贊曰：《詩》雲：「天難忱斯，不易維王，天位殷適，使不挾四方。」 信哉！ 守忠立為太子，未幾而薨，其子鏗立，又薨，哀宗複乏嗣，豈非天乎。 正大間，國勢日蹙，本支殆盡，哀宗尚且疏忌骨肉，非明惠之賢，荊王幾不能免，豈「宗子維城」之道哉！
The commentator writes: The Book of Songs says, "Heaven is hard to rely on; it is not easy to be king. The heavenly position of Yin was fitting, yet it could not embrace the four quarters." How true! Shouzhong was made crown prince and died soon after; his son Keng was installed and died as well. Aizong again lacked an heir—was this not Heaven's will? During Zhengda, as the state daily weakened and the main line was nearly spent, Aizong still distrusted his kin. But for the worth of Empress Minghui, Prince Jing would scarcely have escaped—is this truly the way of "imperial sons as the city's ramparts"?
24
獨吉思忠
Duji Sizhong
25
獨吉思忠，本名千家奴。 明昌六年，為行省都事，累遷同簽樞密院事。 承安三年，除興平軍節度使，改西北路招討使。 初，大定間修築西北屯戍，西自坦舌，東至胡烈麼，幾六百里。 中間堡障，工役促迫，雖有牆隍，無女牆副堤。 思忠增繕，用工七十五萬，止用屯戍軍卒，役不及民。 上嘉其勞，賜詔獎諭曰：「直乾之維，扼邊之要，正資守備，以靖翰籓，垣壘弗完，營屯未固。 卿督茲事役，唯用戍兵，民不知勞，時非淹久，已臻休畢，仍底工堅。 賴爾忠勤，辦茲心畫，有嘉乃力，式副予懷。」 賜銀五百兩、重幣十端。 入為簽樞密院事，轉吏部尚書，拜參知政事。
Duji Sizhong, birth name Qianjianu. In Mingchang 6 he was Regional Inspector of the Branch Secretariat and was repeatedly promoted to Associate Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs. In Cheng'an 3 he was appointed Military Commissioner of Xingping Circuit, then changed to Pacification Commissioner of the Northwest Route. Earlier, in the Dading era, frontier garrisons were built in the northwest from Tanshe in the west to Huliemo in the east, nearly six hundred li in all. Between them stood fortified posts, but the work was rushed; though there were walls and moats, there were no parapets or secondary embankments. Sizhong added repairs using seven hundred fifty thousand work units, employing only frontier garrison troops so the labor did not fall on the people. The emperor praised his labor and granted a commendation edict: "The bulwark of the dry frontier, the choke point of the border—proper reliance on defense to pacify the northern marches. The ramparts were incomplete and the camps not secure. You supervised this work using only garrison troops, so the people knew no toil; the time was not long, yet completion was achieved and the work stands firm. Relying on your loyal diligence in carrying out this plan, your effort is commendable and accords with my intent." He was granted five hundred taels of silver and ten bolts of heavy brocade. He entered the capital as Signing Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, was transferred to Minister of Personnel, and appointed Vice Grand Councilor.
26
泰和五年，宋渝盟有端，平章政事僕散揆宣撫河南。 揆奏宋人懦弱，韓侂胄用事，請遣使詰問。 上召大臣議。 左丞相宗浩曰：「宋久敗之國，必不敢動。」 思忠曰：「宋雖羈棲江表，未嘗一日忘中國，但力不足耳。」 其後果如思忠策。 六年四月，上召大臣議伐宋事，大臣猶言無足慮者。 或曰：「鼠竊狗盜，非用兵也。」 思忠執前議曰：「不早為之所，彼將誤也。」 上深然之。
In Taihe 5, when Song broke the treaty and gave cause for war, Grand Councilor Pusan Kui was appointed Pacification Commissioner of Henan. Kui memorialized that the Song were weak and Han Tuozhou held power, asking that envoys be sent to interrogate them. The emperor summoned the chief ministers to deliberate. Left Chief Councilor Zong Hao said: "Song is a state long defeated; it will certainly not dare act." Sizhong said: "Though Song clings to lands south of the Yangzi, it has never for a day forgotten the Central Lands—only its strength is insufficient." Afterward events proved exactly as Sizhong had foreseen. In the fourth month of the sixth year the emperor summoned the chief ministers to deliberate on attacking Song; the ministers still said there was nothing to worry about. Some said: "Rats stealing and dogs snatching—this is not a matter for deploying armies." Sizhong held to his earlier view: "If we do not act against them early, they will be emboldened." The emperor deeply approved this.
27
七年正月，元帥左監軍紇石烈執中圍楚州，久不能下，宰臣奏請命大臣節制其軍，及益兵攻之。 思忠請行。 上曰：「以執政將兵攻一小州，克之亦不武。」 乃用唐宰相宣慰諸軍故事，以思忠充淮南宣慰使，持空名宣敕賞立功者。 詔大臣宿于秘書監，各具奏帖以聞。 明日，詔百官集議於廣仁殿，問對者久之。 既而宋人來請和，議遂寢。
In the first month of the seventh year Left Overseer Army Commander Heshilie Zhizhong of the Marshal's staff besieged Chuzhou and could not take it for a long time. The chief ministers memorialized asking that a chief minister command the army and that reinforcements be added. Sizhong requested to go. The emperor said: "To send a chief minister as general to attack one small prefecture—even if taken, there is nothing martial in it." He therefore followed the Tang precedent of a chief minister comforting the armies and appointed Sizhong Pacification Commissioner of Huainan, with blank commissions to reward merit. An edict ordered the chief ministers to lodge at the Palace Library and each submit a memorial slip for review. The next day an edict ordered all officials to assemble for deliberation in Guangren Hall; question and answer continued for a long time. Soon afterward the Song came to sue for peace, and the plan was set aside.
28
頃之，進拜尚書右丞。 大安初，拜平章政事。 三年，與參知政事承裕將兵屯邊，方繕完烏沙堡，思忠等不設備，大元前兵奄至，取烏月營，思忠不能守，乃退兵，思忠坐解職。 衛紹王命參知政事承裕行省，既而敗績於會河堡雲。
Shortly afterward he was advanced to Right Vice Director of the Secretariat. At the beginning of Da'an he was appointed Grand Councilor. In the third year, together with Vice Grand Councilor Cheng Yu, he led troops to garrison the frontier and was repairing Wusha Fort when Sizhong and the others made no preparations; the Great Yuan vanguard suddenly arrived and took Wuyue Camp. Sizhong could not hold and withdrew; he was removed from office. Prince Shao of Wei ordered Vice Grand Councilor Cheng Yu to serve as Regional Inspector, and afterward he suffered defeat at Huihe Fort.
29
承裕，本名胡沙，頗讀孫、吳書，以宗室子充符寶祗候。 除中都左警巡副使，通括戶籍，百姓稱其平。 遷殿中侍御史，改右警巡使、彰德軍節度副使、刑部員外郎，轉本部郎中。 曆會州、惠州刺史、遷同知臨潢府事，改東北路招討副使。 以病免，起為西南招討副使。
Cheng Yu, birth name Husha, read Sunzi and Wuzi extensively and, as a member of the imperial clan, served as Attendant of the Seals and Precious Objects. He was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Left Metropolitan Patrol of Zhongdu and conducted a census of household registers; the people praised his fairness. He was transferred to Palace Attendant Censor, then Right Metropolitan Patrol Commissioner, Deputy Military Commissioner of Zhangde Circuit, Outer Office Attendant of the Ministry of Punishments, and then Director of that ministry. He served in succession as Prefect of Huizhou and Huizhou, was promoted to Associate Administrator of Linhuang Prefecture, and was changed to Deputy Pacification Commissioner of the Northeast Route. He was dismissed on grounds of illness, then recalled as Deputy Pacification Commissioner of the Southwest Route.
30
泰和六年，伐宋，遷陝西路統軍副使，俄改通遠軍節度使、陝西兵馬都統副使，與秦州防禦使完顏璘屯成紀界。 宋吳曦兵五萬由保岔、姑蘇等谷襲秦州，承裕、璘以騎兵千餘人擊走之，追奔四十里，凡六戰，宋兵大敗，斬首四千餘級。 詔承裕曰：「昔乃祖乃父，戮力戎旅，汝年尚少，善於其職，故命汝與完顏璘同行出界。 昔汝自言得兵三萬足以辦事，今以石抹仲溫、術虎高琪及青宜可與汝軍相合，計可六萬，斯亦足以辦矣。 仲溫、高琪兵道險阻，汝兵道甚易也。 自秦州至仙人關才四百里耳，從長計畫，以副朕意。」 詔完顏璘曰：「汝向在北邊，以幹勇見稱，頃以過失，逮問有司。 近知與宋人奮戰，故特赦免，仍充副統，如能佐承裕立功業，朕於官賞，豈複吝惜。 聞汝臨事頗黠，若複自速罪，且不赦汝矣。」 宋吳曦使其將馮興、楊雄、李珪以步騎八千入赤穀，承裕、璘及河州防禦使蒲察秉鉉逆擊破之。 宋步兵保西山，騎兵走赤穀。 承裕遣部將唐括按答海率騎二百馳擊宋步兵，甲士蒙括挺身先入乘之，宋步兵大潰。 追奔至皁郊城，斬二千餘級。 猛安把添奴追宋騎兵，殺千餘人，斬楊雄、李珪于陣，馮興僅以身免。 承裕進兵，克成州。
In Taihe 6, during the attack on Song, he was promoted to Deputy Commander of the Shaanxi Circuit Army; soon he was changed to Military Commissioner of Tongyuan Army and Deputy Commander-in-chief of Shaanxi forces, and with Qinzhou Defense Commissioner Wanyan Lin he garrisoned the Chengji frontier. Wu Xi of Song led fifty thousand men through Baicha, Gusu, and other passes to raid Qinzhou; Cheng Yu and Lin with more than a thousand horsemen drove them off and pursued forty li. In six battles the Song army was utterly defeated and more than four thousand heads were taken. An edict to Cheng Yu said: "Your ancestors and father once exerted themselves in military service. You are still young and skilled in your duties; therefore I appoint you to go beyond the frontier with Wanyan Lin. You once said yourself that thirty thousand troops would be enough. Now with Shi Mo Zhongwen, Tuhu Gaoqi, and Qing Yi Ke joining your army, the total should reach sixty thousand—that too should be enough. Zhongwen's and Gaoqi's routes are rugged, while yours is very easy. From Qinzhou to Xianren Pass is only four hundred li. Plan for the long term and accord with my intent." An edict to Wanyan Lin said: "You were once known on the northern frontier for dry courage; recently, because of an offense, you were brought before the authorities. Learning that you fought fiercely against the Song, I therefore specially pardoned you and again made you deputy commander-in-chief. If you can assist Cheng Yu in achieving merit, in rewards and favors I shall certainly not be sparing. I hear that in action you are rather cunning; if you again hasten into guilt, I shall not pardon you." Wu Xi of Song sent his generals Feng Xing, Yang Xiong, and Li Gui with eight thousand infantry and cavalry into Chigu; Cheng Yu, Lin, and Hezhou Defense Commissioner Pucha Bingxuan met and defeated them. The Song infantry held West Mountain; the cavalry fled to Chigu. Cheng Yu sent his subordinate Tangut Anda Hai with two hundred horsemen to charge the Song infantry; armored soldier Meng Kuo thrust himself forward first and broke them, and the Song infantry was utterly routed. The pursuit ran to Zaoqiao city, with more than two thousand heads taken. Meng'an Batiannu pursued the Song cavalry, killing more than a thousand men and slaying Yang Xiong and Li Gui in battle; Feng Xing barely escaped with his life. Cheng Yu advanced his army and took Chengzhou.
31
八年，罷兵，遷河南東路統軍使，兼知歸德府事，俄改知臨潢府事。 賜金帶、重幣十端、銀百五十兩。 大安初，召為禦史中丞。 三年，拜參知政事，與平章政事獨吉思忠行省戍邊。 烏沙堡之役，不為備，失利，朝廷獨坐思忠，詔承裕主兵事。
In the eighth year the armies were disbanded; he was transferred to Commander of the Eastern Henan Route Army and concurrent Administrator of Guide Prefecture, soon changed to Administrator of Linhuang Prefecture. He was granted a gold belt, ten bolts of heavy brocade, and one hundred fifty taels of silver. At the beginning of Da'an he was summoned as Censor-in-chief. In the third year he was appointed Vice Grand Councilor and, together with Grand Councilor Duji Sizhong, served as Regional Inspector garrisoning the frontier. At Wusha Fort they made no preparations and suffered defeat; the court held only Sizhong responsible and ordered Cheng Yu to take charge of military affairs.
32
贊曰：曹劌有言：「一鼓作氣，再而衰，三而竭。」 夫兵以氣為主，會河堡之役，獨吉思忠、承裕沮喪不可複振，金之亡國，兆於此焉。
The commentator writes: Cao Gui said, "At the first drum courage is roused; at the second it fades; at the third it is exhausted." War depends on spirit; at Huihe Fort Duji Sizhong and Cheng Yu were so crushed they could not be rallied again—the destruction of Jin was foreshadowed here.
33
僕散揆
Pusan Kui
34
僕散揆，本名臨喜，其先上京人，左丞相兼都元帥沂國武莊公忠義之子也。 少以世胄，選為近侍奉禦。 大定十五年，尚韓國大長公主，擢器物局副使，特授臨潢府路赫沙阿世襲猛安。 曆近侍局副使、尚衣局使、拱衛直副都指揮使，為殿前左衛將軍。 罷職，世宗諭之曰：「以汝宣獻皇后之親，故令尚主，置之宿衛，謂當以忠孝自勵。 日者乃與外人竊議，汝腹中事，朕不能測，其罷歸田里。」 尋起為濼州刺史，改蠡州，入為兵部侍郎、大理卿、刑部尚書。
Pusan Kui, birth name Linxi, was a native of Shangjing; he was son of Left Chief Councilor and Concurrent Commander-in-chief Duke Wu of Yi, Zhongyi. In youth, by virtue of his noble lineage, he was selected as a close attendant serving the emperor. In Dading 15 he married the Grand Princess of Han and was promoted to Deputy Commissioner of the Implements Bureau; he was specially granted the hereditary meng'an of Hesha in Linhuang Circuit. He served in succession as Deputy Commissioner of the Close Attendants Bureau, Commissioner of the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau, Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard Direct, and Left Guard General of the Palace Front. He was dismissed. Shizong admonished him: "Because you are kin to Empress Xuanxian, I had you marry a princess and placed you in the palace guard, thinking you would encourage yourself with loyalty and filial piety. Yet lately you have discussed matters in secret with outsiders. What is in your belly I cannot fathom—return to your home village." Soon he was recalled as Prefect of Liao Prefecture, changed to Li Prefecture, and entered the capital as Vice Minister of War, Grand Judge of the Court of Judicial Review, and Minister of Punishments.
35
章宗即位，出為泰定軍節度使，改知臨洮府事。 以政績聞。 升河南路統軍使。 陝西提刑司舉揆「剛直明斷，獄無冤滯。 禁戢家人，百姓莫識其面。 積石、洮二州舊寇皆遁，商旅得通」。 於是進官一階，仍詔褒諭。
When Zhangzong acceded, he went out as Military Commissioner of Taiding Army and was changed to Administrator of Lintao Prefecture. He became known for his administrative achievements. He was promoted to Commander of the Henan Route Army. The Shaanxi Judicial Commission recommended Kui as "upright, clear, and decisive, with no wrongful delays in cases. He restrained his household; the common people did not even know his face. The old bandits of Jishi and Tao prefectures all fled away, and merchants could pass freely." Thereupon he was promoted one rank, and the court also issued an edict of commendation.
36
明昌四年，鄭王永蹈謀逆，事覺，揆坐嘗私品藻諸王，獨稱永蹈性善，靜不好事，乃免死，除名。 未幾，複五品階，起為同知崇義軍節度使事。 以戰功遷西北路副招討，進官七階，賜金馬盂一、銀二百兩、重彩一十端。 複以戰功升西南路招討使兼天德軍節度使，賜金五十兩、重彩一十端。 複出禦邊，當轉戰出塞七百里，至赤胡睹地而還。 優詔褒諭，遷一官，仍許其子安貞尚邢國長公主，且許揆入謝，禮成，歸鎮。
In Mingchang 4, the Prince of Zheng, Yong Tao, plotted rebellion. When the plot was exposed, Kui was implicated for having privately appraised the princes and singling out Yong Tao as good-natured, quiet, and unambitious. He was spared death but dismissed and stripped of rank. Before long his fifth-rank status was restored, and he was recalled as deputy commissioner of the Chongyi Army. For military merit he was made Deputy Pacification Commissioner of the Northwest Route, promoted seven ranks, and granted a gold horse-cup, two hundred taels of silver, and ten bolts of fine silk. Again for military merit he was promoted to Pacification Commissioner of the Southwest Route and concurrent Military Commissioner of the Tiande Army, with fifty taels of gold and ten bolts of fine silk. He went out to defend the frontier again and, fighting as he went, crossed the border seven hundred li, reaching Chihududi before turning back. The emperor issued a special commendation and promoted him one rank. His son Anzhen was permitted to marry the Princess Chang of Xing State, and Kui was allowed to enter court to give thanks. When the ceremony was complete, he returned to his post.
37
會韓國大長公主薨，揆來赴，上諭之曰：「北邊之事，非卿不能辦。」 乃賜戰馬二，即日遣還。 揆沿徼築壘穿塹，連亙九百里，營柵相望，烽候相應，人得恣田牧，北邊遂寧。 複以手詔褒諭，且欲大用，以知興中府事紇石烈子仁代之，敕盡以方略授子仁。 既入，拜參知政事，改授中都路胡土愛割蠻世襲猛安。 進拜尚書右丞。 尋出經略邊事，還拜平章政事，封濟國公。
When the Grand Princess of Han State died, Kui came to attend the mourning. The emperor told him: "Affairs on the northern frontier cannot be managed without you." He then granted him two war-horses and sent him back the same day. Kui built fortresses and dug moats along the frontier for nine hundred li without a break. Camps and palisades stood face to face, beacon towers answered one another, and the people could pasture and farm freely; the northern frontier was finally at peace. He was commended again by handwritten edict, and the emperor intended to give him greater employment. Ziren of the Heshenlie clan, who governed Xingzhong Prefecture, replaced him, and Kui was ordered to pass on his full strategy. On entering the capital he was appointed Associate Administrator of Affairs and reassigned the hereditary meng'an of Hutuai Geman on the Zhongdu Route. He was further promoted to Right Vice Minister of the Secretariat. Soon afterward he went out to oversee frontier affairs. On his return he was appointed Grand Councilor and enfeoffed as Duke of Ji State.
38
六年春，宋人複數路來侵，取泗州，取靈璧，圍壽春。 命揆為左副元帥以討之。 揆至軍前，集諸將校告以朝廷吊伐之意，分遣將士禦敵。 複取臨淮、蘄縣，而符離、壽春之圍亦解去，敵屢敗衄，悉遁出境。 上即遣提點近侍局烏古論慶壽持手詔勞問征討事宜，仍賜玉具劍一、玉荷蓮盞一、金器一百兩、重彩一十端。 尋複以詔褒諭，賜玉鞍勒馬二及玉具佩刀、內府重彩、禦藥，以旌其功。
In the spring of the sixth year, the Song invaded again on several routes, taking Sizhou and Lingbi and besieging Shouchun. Kui was appointed Left Deputy Commander-in-chief to suppress them. When Kui reached the army, he assembled the generals and officers, declared the court's intent to succor the wronged and punish the guilty, and dispatched troops to resist the enemy. He recovered Linhuai and Qixian, lifted the sieges of Fuli and Shouchun, and drove the enemy, repeatedly defeated, back across the border. The emperor immediately sent Wugulun Qingshou of the Palace Attendants Bureau with a handwritten edict to inquire after the campaign and commend him, granting a jade-fitted sword, a jade lotus goblet, one hundred taels of gold vessels, and ten bolts of fine silk. Soon afterward he was commended again by edict and granted two horses with jade saddles and bridles, a jade-fitted girdle knife, fine silk from the inner treasury, and imperial medicine in recognition of his merit.
39
宋人既敗退，上欲進討，乃召揆赴闕，戒以師期，宴于慶和殿，親諭之曰：「朕以趙擴背盟，侵我疆埸，命卿措畫。 曾未期月，諸處累報大捷。 振我國威，挫彼賊鋒，皆卿之力，朕不能忘。」 是日寵錫甚厚，特收其次子甯壽為奉禦，乃密授以成算，俾還軍。
After the Song had been beaten back, the emperor wished to advance in pursuit and summoned Kui to court, fixing a date for the army's departure. He feasted him in the Hall of Celebratory Harmony and told him personally: "Because Zhao Kuo broke the treaty and invaded our borders, I ordered you to plan the response. In less than a month, great victories were reported from every quarter. You have revived our nation's prestige and blunted the enemy's edge — all of it is your doing, and I shall not forget it." That day he received lavish gifts, and his second son Ningshou was specially enrolled as a Palace Attendant. The emperor then secretly entrusted him with the completed plan and sent him back to the army.
40
十月，揆總大軍南伐，分兵為九路進。 揆以行省兵三萬出潁、壽，至淮，宋人旅拒于水南。 揆密遣人測淮水，惟八疊灘可涉，即遣奧屯驤揚兵下蔡，聲言欲渡。 宋帥何汝礪、姚公佐悉銳師屯花靨以備。 揆乃遣右翼都統完顏賽不、先鋒都統納蘭邦烈潛渡八疊，駐南岸。 揆麾大軍直壓其陣。 敵不虞我卒至，皆潰走，自相蹂踐，死于水者不可勝計。 進奪潁口，下安豐軍，遂攻合肥，取滁州，盡獲其軍實。 上遣使諭之曰：「前得卿奏，先鋒已奪潁口，偏師又下安豐，斬馘之數，各以萬計。 近又西帥奏捷，棗陽、光化既為我有，樊城、鄧城亦自潰散。 又聞隨州闔城歸順，山東之眾久圍楚州，隴右之師克期出界。 卿提大兵攻合肥，趙擴聞之，料已破膽，失其神守。 度彼之計，乞和為上，昔嘗畫三事付卿，以今事勢計之，徑渡長江，亦其時矣。 淮南既為我有，際江為界，理所宜然。 如使趙擴奉表稱臣，歲增貢幣，縛送賊魁，還所俘掠，一如所諭，亦可罷兵。 卿宜廣為渡江之勢，使彼有必死之憂，從其所請而縱之，僅得餘息偷生，豈敢複萌他慮。 卿於此時，經營江北，勞徠安集，除其虐政橫賦，以良吏撫字疲民，以精兵分守要害，雖未系趙擴之頸，而朕前所畫三事，上功已成矣。 前入見時，已嘗議定，今複諄諄者，欲決卿成功爾。 機會難遇，卿其勉之。」
In the tenth month, Kui commanded the great army southward, dividing his forces to advance along nine routes. Kui led thirty thousand provincial troops out from Ying and Shou. When he reached the Huai, the Song had massed in defense on the south bank. Kui secretly sent men to sound the Huai and found that only Badie Ford was fordable. He then sent Aotun Xiang to display troops at Xia Cai, proclaiming that he intended to cross there. The Song commanders He Ruli and Yao Gongzuo massed their elite forces at Huayan to guard against it. Kui then sent Right Wing Commander-in-chief Wanyan Saibu and Vanguard Commander-in-chief Nalan Bangle to ford Badie in secret and encamp on the south bank. Kui then led the main army straight against their formation. The enemy did not expect so sudden an arrival. They broke and fled, trampling one another, and those who drowned were beyond counting. He advanced to seize Yingkou, took Anfeng Army, then attacked Hefei, captured Chuzhou, and seized all their military stores. The emperor sent an envoy to instruct him, saying: "Your earlier memorial reported that the vanguard had already taken Yingkou and a detached force had also taken Anfeng; heads taken and enemies slain were each counted in the tens of thousands. Recently the western commander also reported victory: Zaoyang and Guanghua are already ours, and Fancheng and Dengcheng have collapsed on their own. I have also heard that Suizhou has submitted entire; eastern forces have long besieged Chuzhou, and the Longyou army is set to cross the border on schedule. You are leading the great army against Hefei. When Zhao Kuo hears of it, I expect he will be terrified out of his wits. Judging their plan, suing for peace would be their best course. I once entrusted you with three objectives; given the present situation, crossing the Yangtze directly is also timely. Since Huainan is already ours, making the river the border is only reasonable. If Zhao Kuo submits a memorial calling himself our subject, increases the annual tribute, binds and sends the rebel leaders, and returns those captured and plundered — all as instructed — we may also cease hostilities. You should broadly create the appearance of crossing the river so that they feel the dread of certain death. Grant their request and release them, and they will barely have breath left to live on — how would they dare harbor other designs? At this time, manage the north of the river: win men over with labor and care, settle and gather them, remove cruel government and oppressive levies, place good officials to nurture the weary people, and station elite troops at key points. Even if you have not yet put a rope around Zhao Kuo's neck, the foremost of the three objectives I planned will already be accomplished. When you last came to audience, this was already settled. I repeat myself so earnestly now because I want to see you succeed. Opportunity is hard to come by — exert yourself."
41
既而宋帥丘灊果奉書乞和，揆以前五事諭而遣之。 複進軍圍和州，敵以騎萬五千駐六合，揆偵知之，即以右翼掩擊，斬首八千級，進屯于瓦梁河，以控真、揚諸路之沖。 乃整列軍騎，畢張旗幟，沿江上下，皆金兵焉。 於是江表震恐。 宋真州兵數萬保河橋，複遣統軍紇石烈子仁往攻之，分軍涉淺，潛出敵後。 敵見之大驚，不戰而潰，斬首二萬餘級，生擒其帥劉侹、常思敬、蕭從德、莫子容，皆宋驍將也。 遂下真州。 宋複遣陳璧來告和，揆以乞辭未誠，徒欲緩師，欲之。 宋人既喪敗，不獲請成，乃決巨勝、成公、雷塘渚積水以為阻，盡焚其廬舍儲積，過江遁去。
Before long the Song commander Qiu Kan sent a letter begging for peace. Kui set forth the five prior conditions, instructed him, and sent him away. He advanced again and besieged Hezhou. The enemy stationed fifteen thousand cavalry at Luhe; Kui learned of it by reconnaissance and sent the right wing to strike from concealment, taking eight thousand heads. He advanced and encamped at Waliang River to control the crossings of the Zhen and Yang routes. He then arrayed cavalry and infantry in order, fully displayed banners and flags, and Jin troops lined the river up and down. The region south of the river was shaken with terror. Several tens of thousands of Song troops at Zhenzhou held the river bridge. Kui again sent Commander-in-chief Ziren of the Heshenlie clan to attack them, dividing his army to ford the shallows and steal out behind the enemy. When the enemy saw this they were greatly alarmed and broke without fighting. More than twenty thousand heads were taken, and their commanders Liu Ting, Chang Sijing, Xiao Congde, and Mo Zirong were captured alive — all fierce Song generals. He then took Zhenzhou. The Song again sent Chen Bi to sue for peace. Kui judged the terms insincere and merely a stall for time, and refused them. Having suffered defeat and failed to obtain peace, the Song breached the dikes at Jusheng, Chenggong, and Leitangzhu to store up water as a barrier, burned all their buildings and stores, and fled across the river.
42
揆體剛內和，與物無忤，臨民有惠政。 其為將也，軍門鎮靜，嘗罰必行。 初渡淮，即命徹去浮梁。 所至皆因糧於敵，無饋運之勞。 未嘗輕用士卒，而與之同甘苦，人亦樂為之用。 故南征北伐，為一代名將雲。
Kui was stern in bearing yet inwardly harmonious. He did not clash with others, and in governing the people he carried out benevolent policies. As a general he kept the army gate calm and quiet, and punishments he imposed were always enforced. As soon as he crossed the Huai, he ordered the floating bridges removed. Wherever he went he lived off enemy grain, without the burden of supply lines. He never lightly expended his soldiers, yet shared their hardships and comforts, and his men were glad to serve him. Thus in southern campaigns and northern expeditions he was accounted a famous general of his generation.
43
抹撚史乂搭
Monian Shiguda
44
抹撚史乂搭，臨潢路人也。 其先以功授世襲謀克。 史乂搭幼襲爵，守邊有勞。 泰和六年，南鄙用兵，授同知蔡州防禦使事。
Monian Shiguda was a native of Linhuang Circuit. His forebears had been granted a hereditary mouke for merit. Shiguda inherited the title while young and earned merit guarding the frontier. In Taihe 6, when troops were deployed on the southern frontier, he was appointed Vice Commissioner of the Cai Prefecture Defense Command.
45
五月，宋將李爽圍壽州，田俊邁陷蘄縣，平章政事僕散揆謂諸將曰：「符離、彭城，齊魯之蔽，符離不守，是無彭城，彭城陷則齊魯危矣。」 乃遣安國軍節度副使納蘭邦烈與史乂搭以精騎三千戍宿州。 俊邁果率步騎二萬來襲，邦烈、史乂搭逆擊，大破之。 邦烈中流矢。 宋郭倬、李汝翼以眾五萬繼至，遂圍城，攻之甚力，城中叢射，敵不能逼。 會淫雨潦溢，敵露處勞倦，邦烈遣騎二百潛出敵後突擊之。 敵亂，史乂搭率騎蹂之，殺傷數千人。 敵複聞援軍將至，遂夜遁。 邦烈、史乂搭躡其後，黎明合擊，大破之，獲田俊邁。 十月，揆以行省兵三萬出潁、壽，史乂搭為驍騎將中軍副統，克安豐軍，戰霍丘、花靨，功居多。 十二月，從攻和州，中流矢卒。
In the fifth month, the Song general Li Shuang besieged Shouchun and Tian Junmai took Qixian. Grand Councilor Pusan Kui told the generals: "Fuli and Pengcheng are the shield of Qi and Lu. If Fuli is not held, Pengcheng cannot stand — and if Pengcheng falls, Qi and Lu are in peril." He then dispatched Nalan Bangle, Deputy Military Commissioner of the Anguo Army, and Shiguda with three thousand elite cavalry to garrison Suzhou. Junmai indeed led twenty thousand infantry and cavalry to attack. Bangle and Shiguda met them and routed them. Bangle was struck by a flying arrow. Guo Zhuo and Li Ruyi of Song came afterward with fifty thousand men, besieged the city, and attacked with great force. The defenders answered with dense volleys, and the enemy could not press close. When heavy rains flooded the fields, the exposed and weary enemy was struck by two hundred cavalry Bangle sent to steal out behind them. The enemy fell into disorder. Shiguda led cavalry to trample them, killing and wounding several thousand. The enemy again heard that relief troops were about to arrive and fled by night. Bangle and Shiguda pursued them. At dawn they joined in the attack, routed them completely, and captured Tian Junmai. In the tenth month, Kui led thirty thousand provincial troops out from Ying and Shou. Shiguda served as deputy commander-in-chief of the center among the fierce cavalry generals, took Anfeng Army, and fought at Huoqiu and Huayan — his merit was greatest. In the twelfth month, while following the attack on Hezhou, he was struck by a flying arrow and died.
46
史乂搭形不過中人，而拳勇善鬥，所用槍長二丈，軍中號為「長槍副統」。 又工用手箭，箭長不盈握，每用百數，散置鎧中，遇敵抽箭，以鞭揮之，或以指鉗取飛擲，數矢齊發，無不中，敵以為神。 其箭皆以智創，雖子弟亦不能傳其法。 在北部守厭山營，敵尤畏之，不敢近。 及死，將士皆惋惜之。
Shiguda was of no more than middling stature, yet he was bold in hand-to-hand fighting and skilled in combat. The spear he used was two zhang long, and in the army he was called "Deputy Commander Long Spear." He was also skilled with hand-arrows no longer than a handspan. He carried them by the hundreds, scattered in his armor; when he met the enemy he would draw an arrow, lash it with his whip, or pinch it with his fingers and hurl it — several arrows flying together, none missing. The enemy thought it divine. His arrows were all devised by his own ingenuity; even his sons and younger brothers could not learn his method. When he guarded Yanshan Camp in the north, the enemy feared him especially and did not dare approach. When he died, officers and soldiers all lamented his loss.
47
世宗謂宰臣曰：「宗浩有才幹，可及者無幾。」 二十三年，征為大理卿，逾年授山東路統軍使，兼知益都府事。 陛辭，世宗諭之曰：「卿年尚少，以卿近屬，有治跡，故以此授卿，宜體朕意。」 因賜金帶遣之。 二十六年，為賜宋主趙甗生日使。 還，授刑部尚書，俄拜參知政事。
Shizong said to the chief ministers: "Zong Hao has talent and ability; few can match him." In the twenty-third year he was summoned as Grand Judge of the Court of Judicial Review. After a year he was appointed Commander of the Shandong Route Army and concurrently Administrator of Yidu Prefecture. On taking leave at audience, Shizong told him: "You are still young. Because you are a close kinsman with a record of governance, I appoint you to this post — you should embody my intent." He then granted him a gold belt and sent him off. In the twenty-sixth year he served as envoy to convey birthday congratulations to the Song ruler Zhao Yan. On his return he was appointed Minister of Punishments, and soon afterward Associate Administrator of Affairs.
48
章宗即位，出為北京留守，三轉同判大睦親府事。 北方有警，命宗浩佩金虎符駐泰州便宜從事。 朝廷發上京等路軍萬人以戍。 宗浩以糧儲未備，且度敵未敢動，遂分其軍就食隆、肇間。 是冬，果無警。 北部廣吉剌者尤桀驁，屢脅諸部入塞。 宗浩請乘其春暮馬弱擊之。 時阻珝亦叛，內族襄行省事於北京，詔議其事。 襄以謂若攻破廣吉剌，則阻珝無東顧憂，不若留之，以牽其勢。 宗浩奏：「國家以堂堂之勢，不能掃滅小部，顧欲藉彼為捍乎？ 臣請先破廣吉剌，然後提兵北滅阻珝。」 章再上，從之。 詔諭宗浩曰：「將征北部，固卿之誠，更宜加意，毋致後悔。」 宗浩覘知合底忻與婆速火等相結，廣吉剌之勢必分，彼既畏我見討，而複掣肘仇敵，則理必求降，可呼致也。 因遣主簿撒領軍二百為先鋒，戒之曰：「若廣吉剌降，可就征其兵以圖合底忻，仍偵餘部所在，速使來報，大軍當進，與汝擊破之必矣。」 合底忻者，與山只昆皆北方別部，恃強中立，無所羈屬，往來阻珝、廣吉剌間，連歲擾邊，皆二部為之也。 撒入敵境，廣吉剌果降，遂征其兵萬四千騎，馳報以待。
When Zhangzong acceded, he went out as Defender of the Northern Capital and was transferred three times to Associate Director of the Office of Imperial Clansmen. When there was alarm in the north, Zong Hao was ordered to wear the gold tiger tally and station at Taizhou with discretionary authority. The court dispatched ten thousand troops from the Shangjing Route and other circuits to garrison the frontier. Because grain stores were not yet prepared and he judged the enemy would not dare move, Zong Hao divided the army to forage between Long and Zhao. That winter there was indeed no alarm. The Guangjila of the northern frontier were especially fierce and unruly, repeatedly coercing various tribes to raid across the border. Zong Hao requested to strike them when their horses were weak in late spring. At that time Zuxu had also rebelled. Inner-clan Xiang held provincial authority at the Northern Capital, and an edict was issued to deliberate the matter. Xiang argued that if Guangjila were destroyed, Zuxu would have no need to watch his eastern flank, and it would be better to leave Guangjila in place to tie down his strength. Zong Hao memorialized: "Our state, with all its imposing power, cannot sweep away a small tribe — and yet wishes to rely on them as a shield? I request first to break Guangjila, then to lead troops north and destroy Zuxu." After he memorialized again, the court assented. An edict instructed Zong Hao: "In campaigning against the northern frontier, your loyalty is firm — be all the more careful and leave no cause for later regret." Zong Hao observed that Hedi Xin had joined with Pasuo Huo and others, so Guangjila's strength would necessarily be divided. They would both fear our punitive expedition and be checked by hostile tribes — then by reason they would necessarily seek to surrender, and could be summoned in. He then sent Chief Clerk Sa ahead with two hundred troops as vanguard, instructing him: "If Guangjila submits, levy their forces at once and move against Hedi Xin. Keep scouting the whereabouts of the other tribes and report back quickly. The main army will advance — with your help we are sure to break them." Hedi Xin and Shan Zhikun were independent northern tribes that relied on their strength to stay neutral, bound to no overlord. Roaming between Zuxu and Guangjila, they had raided the frontier year after year — the two of them were behind it all. Sa crossed into enemy country; Guangjila surrendered as expected. He mustered fourteen thousand of their horsemen and sent a fast courier to await the main army.
49
宗浩北進，命人齎三十日糧，報撒會于移米河共擊敵，而所遣人誤入婆速火部，由是東軍失期。 宗浩前軍至忒里葛山，遇山只昆所統石魯、渾灘兩部，擊走之，斬首千二百級，俘生口車畜甚眾。 進至呼歇水，敵勢大蹙，於是合底忻部長白古帶、山只昆部長胡必剌及婆速火所遣和火者皆乞降。 宗浩承詔，諭而釋之。 胡必剌因言，所部迪列土近在移米河不肯偕降，乞討之。 乃移軍趨移米，與迪列土遇，擊之，斬首三百級，赴水死者十四五，獲牛羊萬二千，車帳稱是。 合底忻等恐大軍至，西渡移米，棄輜重遁去。 撒與廣吉剌部長忒里虎追躡及之，於窊里不水縱擊大破之。 婆速火九部斬首、溺水死者四千五百餘人，獲駝馬牛羊不可勝計。 軍還，婆速火乞內屬，並請置吏。 上優詔褒諭，遷光祿大夫，以所獲馬六千置牧以處之。 明年，宴賜東北部，尋拜樞密使，封榮國公。 初，朝廷置東北路招討司泰州，去境三百里，每敵入，比出兵追襲，敵已遁去。 至是，宗浩奏徙之金山，以據要害，設副招討二員，分置左右，由是敵不敢犯。
Zong Hao marched north, sending men with thirty days' rations to tell Sa to meet at the Yimi River for a combined attack. The courier went astray into Pasuo Huo territory instead, and the eastern force missed its rendezvous. Zong Hao's vanguard reached Telige Mountain and met the Shilu and Hundan tribes under Shan Zhikun. He drove them off, taking twelve hundred heads and large numbers of captives, carts, and livestock. Pressing on to the Huxie River, he cornered the enemy. Hedi Xin's chieftain Baigudai, Shan Zhikun's chieftain Hubila, and the Hehuo envoy sent by Pasuo Huo all pleaded to surrender. Following the imperial order, Zong Hao admonished them and set them free. Hubila then reported that his subordinate Dielie Tu, camped near the Yimi River, would not submit with the rest, and asked leave to attack him. He moved the army toward Yimi, met Dielie Tu, and struck. Three hundred heads were taken; four or five in ten of those who fled into the river drowned. They seized twelve thousand cattle and sheep, with carts and tents in proportion. Hedi Xin and the others, fearing the main force, crossed the Yimi to the west, abandoning their baggage train and fleeing. Sa and Guangjila's chieftain Telihu pursued, caught them at the Wali Bu River, and routed them completely. Among the nine Pasuo Huo tribes, more than forty-five hundred were killed or drowned. Camels, horses, cattle, and sheep taken were beyond reckoning. On the army's return, Pasuo Huo asked to come under imperial jurisdiction and requested the appointment of officials. The emperor issued a gracious edict of commendation, promoted Zong Hao to Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and set aside pastures with six thousand captured horses to settle the tribe. The following year he was feasted and rewarded on the northeastern frontier. Soon after he was made Military Affairs Commissioner and enfeoffed Duke of Glory State. Earlier the court had placed the Northeast Route Pacification Commission at Taizhou, three hundred li from the border. Whenever raiders came in, troops set out in pursuit only after the enemy had already gone. Zong Hao now memorialized to move the commission to Jinshan to hold the key passes, with two deputy pacification commissioners posted on the left and right. After that the enemy no longer dared raid.
50
會中都、山東、河北屯駐軍人地土不贍，官田多為民所冒占，命宗浩行省事，詣諸道括籍，凡得地三十余萬頃。 還，坐以倡女自隨，為憲司所糾，出知真定府事。 徙西京留守，複為樞密使，進拜尚書右丞相，超授崇進。 時懲北邊不寧，議築壕壘以備守戍，廷臣多異同。 平章政事張萬公力言其不可，宗浩獨謂便，乃命宗浩行省事，以督其役。 功畢，上賜詔褒賚甚厚。 撒里部長陀括里入塞，宗浩以兵追躡，與僕散揆軍合擊之，殺獲甚眾，敵遁去。 詔征還，入見，優詔獎諭，躐遷儀同三司，賜玉束帶一、金器百兩、重幣二十端，進拜左丞相。
Because garrison troops in the Central Capital, Shandong, and Hebei lacked adequate land and much official farmland had been seized by commoners, Zong Hao was sent as provisional provincial commissioner to register holdings in every circuit. More than three hundred thousand qing were recovered. On his return the censorate impeached him for traveling with singing girls; he was demoted to prefect of Zhending. He was transferred to commandant of the Western Capital, again made Military Affairs Commissioner, promoted to Right Chief Councilor, and granted the extraordinary rank of Chongjin. Troubled by northern frontier unrest, the court debated building moats and ramparts for defense; ministers sharply disagreed. Grand Councilor Zhang Wannong argued forcefully against it, but Zong Hao alone favored the plan. Zong Hao was then sent as provisional provincial commissioner to supervise the project. When the work was finished, the emperor issued an edict with lavish praise and rewards. Sar chieftain Tuotuoli raided across the border. Zong Hao pursued and joined Pusan Kui's force in a combined strike, killing and capturing heavily before the enemy escaped. Recalled by edict, he was received in audience and honored with a gracious commendation. He was promoted in one step to Honorary Director of the Three Highest Offices, given a jade waist-strap set, a hundred taels of gold vessels, twenty bolts of heavy silks, and advanced to Left Chief Councilor.
51
宋人畔盟，王師南伐，會平章政事揆病，乃命宗浩兼都元帥往督進討。 宗浩馳至汴，大張兵勢，親赴襄陽巡師而還。 宋人大懼，乃命知樞密院事張岩以書乞和。 宗浩以辭旨未順卻之，仍諭以稱臣、割地、縛送元謀奸臣等事。 岩複遣方信孺齎其主趙擴誓稿來，且言擴併發三使，將賀天壽節及通謝，仍報其祖母謝氏殂，致書于都元帥宗浩曰：
When the Song broke the treaty and the imperial army marched south, Grand Councilor Kui fell ill. Zong Hao was ordered to serve additionally as Grand Marshal and supervise the southern campaign. Zong Hao raced to Bian, put on a great show of force, personally inspected the troops at Xiangyang, and returned. The Song were terrified and had Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs Zhang Yan write to sue for peace. Zong Hao rejected the letter for its insufficient deference and reiterated his demands: submission, cession of territory, and the binding and delivery of the chief traitors. Zhang Yan sent Fang Xinru again with his sovereign Zhao Kuo's draft oath. He also said Zhao Kuo would dispatch three envoys together to congratulate the Heavenly Longevity Festival and offer thanks, and reported the death of his grandmother Lady Xie — addressing Grand Marshal Zong Hao as follows:
52
方信孺還，遠貽報翰及所承鈞旨，仰見以生靈休息為重，曲示包容矜軫之意。 聞命踴躍，私竊自喜，即具奏聞，備述大金皇帝天覆地載之仁，與都元帥海涵春育之德。 旋奉上旨，亟遣信使通謝宸庭，仍先令信孺再詣行省，以請定議。 區區之愚，實恃高明，必蒙洞照，重布本末，幸垂聽焉。
Fang Xinru has returned with your distant reply and the instructions you conveyed. I see that you put the people's rest above all else, graciously showing forbearance and compassion. On receiving your word I rejoiced openly and in private. I memorialized at once, describing the Grand Jin emperor's mercy that covers heaven and upholds earth, and the Grand Marshal's virtue as vast as the sea and nurturing as spring. I then received my sovereign's order to send trusted envoys at once to thank the imperial court, and to send Fang Xinru again to the field headquarters first to seek a final settlement. In my small way I rely on your enlightened judgment, which I trust will see everything clearly. I set out the whole account once more and beg you to hear me.
53
兵端之開，雖本朝失於輕信，然痛罪奸臣之蔽欺，亦不為不早。 自去歲五月，編竄鄧友龍，六月又誅蘇師旦等。 是時大國尚未嘗一出兵也，本朝即捐已得之泗州，諸軍屯於境外者盡令徹戍而南，悔艾之誠，於茲可見。 惟是名分之諭，今昔事殊，本朝皇帝本無佳兵之意，況關係至重，又豈臣子之所敢言？
Though war began because our court trusted too easily, we did not delay in punishing the traitorous ministers who deceived us. Last year, in the fifth month Deng Youlong was banished; in the sixth month Su Shidan and others were executed. At that time your great state had not yet marched a single soldier. Our court gave up Sizhou, which we had already taken, and ordered every army camped beyond the border to withdraw south. Our remorse should be plain from this. As for your instruction on ceremonial status, past and present are not the same. Our emperor has never delighted in war. The matter is too grave — how could any subject dare speak of it?
54
江外之地，恃為遮罩，儻如來諭，何以為國？ 大朝所當念察。 至於首事人鄧友龍等誤國之罪，固無所逃，若使執縛以送，是本朝不得自致其罰於臣下。 所有歲幣，前書已增大定所減之數，此在上國，初何足以為重輕，特欲藉手以見謝過之實。 儻上國諒此至情，物之多寡，必不深計。 矧惟兵興以來，連歲創殘，賦入屢蠲，若又重取於民，豈基元元無窮之困，竊計大朝亦必有所不忍也。 于通謝禮幣之外，別致微誠，庶幾以此易彼。
We rely on the lands south of the river as our shield. If we did as you ask, how could we remain a state? Your great dynasty should weigh this carefully. The guilt of the chief instigators such as Deng Youlong for misleading the state cannot be denied. Yet if we were forced to bind and deliver them, our court would be unable to punish its own subjects itself. On annual tribute, our earlier letter already restored what had been cut in the Dading agreement. To your great state this was never a question of more or less — we only meant to show the sincerity of our apology. If your great state understands our true feeling, you will surely not quibble over the amount. Moreover, since war began the people have been ravaged year after year and taxes repeatedly remitted. To levy heavily again would only bind the common folk in endless hardship — I trust your great dynasty would also find that unbearable. Beyond the gifts of thanks and greeting, we offer this small token of sincerity, hoping to exchange one concession for another.
55
其歸投之人，皆雀鼠偷生，一時竄匿，往往不知存亡，本朝既無所用，豈以去來為意。 當隆興時，固有大朝名族貴將南來者，洎和議之定，亦嘗約各不取索，況茲瑣瑣，誠何足雲。 儻大朝必欲追求，尚容拘刷。 至如泗州等處驅掠人，悉當護送歸業。
Those who fled to your side were sparrows and rats clinging to life, hiding for a time — often with no knowledge of whether they still live. Our court has no use for them; why should we care whether they come or go? At the Longxing peace, eminent families and honored generals of your dynasty did come south. When the treaty was settled, both sides agreed not to demand their return — much less such petty persons. They are hardly worth mentioning. If your great dynasty insists on pursuing them, we can still hunt them down and hand them over. As for people driven off and plundered from places such as Sizhou, all shall be escorted home to resume their livelihoods.
56
夫締新好者不念舊惡，成大功者不較小利。 欲望力賜開陳，捐棄前過，闊略他事，玉帛交馳，歡好如初，海內寧謐，長無軍兵之事。 功烈昭宣，德澤洋溢，鼎彝所紀，方冊所載，垂之萬世，豈有既乎！ 重惟大金皇帝誕節將臨，禮當修賀，兼之本國多故，又言合遣人使，接續津發，已具公移，企望取接。 伏冀鑒其至再至三有加無已之誠，亟踐請盟之諾，即底于成，感戴恩德永永無極。 誓書副本慮往復遷延，就以錄呈。
Those who forge new friendship do not dwell on old wrongs; those who accomplish great deeds do not haggle over small gains. We earnestly beg you to plead our cause — to set aside past faults and other disputes, let silks and gifts pass freely, restore friendship as before, bring peace to the realm, and keep armies forever sheathed. Your achievements proclaimed abroad, your grace overflowing — what bronze inscriptions record and official histories preserve will endure for ten thousand generations without end! We note again that the Grand Jin emperor's birthday draws near and courtesy requires our congratulations. Our state has also had many troubles, and we understand envoys should be sent in succession. Official notices have been prepared — we look forward to your receiving them. We humbly hope you will see our sincerity, offered again and again without limit, and swiftly honor your promise to conclude peace. Our gratitude for your grace shall know no end. Lest the oath text be delayed in back-and-forth exchange, we submit a copy herewith.
57
初，信孺之來，自以和議遂成，輒自稱通謝使所參議官。 大定中，宋人乞和，以王抃為通問使所參議官，信孺援以為例。 宗浩怒其輕妄，囚之以聞。 朝廷亦以其為行人而不能孚兩國之情，將留之，遣使問宗浩。 宗浩曰：「今信孺事既未集，自知還必得罪，拘之適使他日有以藉口。 不若數其恌易，而釋遣之使歸，自窮無辭以白其國人，則擴、侂胄必擇謹厚者來矣。」 於是遣之，而複張岩書曰：
When Xinru first arrived, he assumed peace was already settled and styled himself deliberation officer of the gratitude mission. In the Dading era, when the Song sought peace, Wang Pan had served as deliberation officer of the inquiry mission — Xinru cited this as precedent. Zong Hao, angered by his presumption, imprisoned him and reported the matter. The court also judged that as an envoy he had failed to inspire trust between the two states and planned to detain him. They sent a messenger to consult Zong Hao. Zong Hao said: "Xinru's mission has not succeeded. He knows he will be punished on his return. Detaining him would only give him an excuse later. Better to list his frivolous offenses and send him home. With no way to justify himself to his countrymen, Kuo and Tuozhou will surely choose someone sober and reliable next time." Thereupon he released him, and wrote again to Zhang Yan:
58
方信孺重以書來，詳味其辭，於請和之意雖若婉遜，而所畫之事猶未悉從，惟言當還泗州等驅掠而已。 至於責貢幣，則欲以舊數為增，追叛亡，則欲以橫恩為例，而稱臣、割地、縛送奸臣三事，則並飾虛說，弗肯如約。 豈以為朝廷過求有不可從，將度德量力，足以背城借一，與我軍角一日勝負者哉？ 既不能強，又不能弱，不深思熟慮以計將來之利害，徒以不情之語形於尺牘而勤郵傳，何也？
Fang Xinru has written again. Reading his words closely: though his tone in seeking peace seems mild and deferential, he has not fully complied on the matters at issue — he speaks only of returning those driven off and plundered from Sizhou and elsewhere. On tribute he treats the old quota as an increase; on fugitive defectors he cites the Longxing precedent; and on submission, cession of territory, and binding and sending the traitors — he offers empty words and refuses to comply. Does he think the court asks too much, and that measuring his strength he could hold a city for one last stand and fight our army for a single day's victory? Neither strong enough to resist nor weak enough to submit — without weighing future gain and loss, he merely puts unreasonable words on paper and keeps the couriers running. What is the point?
59
兵者兇器，佳之不祥，然聖人不得已而用之，故三皇、五帝所不能免。 夫豈不以生靈為念，蓋犯順負義有不可恕者。 乃者彼國犯盟，侵我疆埸，帥府奉命征討，雖未及出師，姑以逐處戍兵，隨宜捍禦，所向摧破，莫之敢當，執俘折馘，不可勝計，餘眾震懾靡然奔潰。 是以所侵疆土，旋即底平，爰及泗州，亦不勞而複。 今乃自謂捐其已得，斂軍徹戍，以為悔過之效，是豈誠實之言！ 據陝西宣撫司申報，今夏宋人犯邊者十餘次，並為我軍擊退，梟斬捕獲，蓋以億計。 夫以悔艾罪咎，移書往來丐和之間，乃暗遣賊徒突我守圉，冀乘其不虞，以徼幸毫末，然則所為來請和者，理安在哉！
Weapons are instruments of slaughter; to delight in them is ill-omened. Yet sages use them only when they must — even the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors could not avoid war. That is not because they cared nothing for the people; some crimes of rebellion and faithlessness cannot be forgiven. Recently their state broke the treaty and violated our borders. The marshal's headquarters, ordered to campaign, had not yet marched the main army out, but garrison troops at each post defended as they could — crushing every foe, none daring to stand. Captives and severed heads were beyond counting; the rest fled in terror. Thus the territory they had violated was quickly pacified; even Sizhou was retaken without effort. Now they claim to have given up what they had gained and withdrawn their armies and garrisons as proof of repentance — how can that be honest! According to the Shaanxi Pacification Commission, this summer the Song violated the border more than ten times — all were beaten back; those killed or captured numbered in the tens of thousands. While professing remorse and exchanging letters begging for peace, they secretly send raiders against our defenses, hoping to catch us off guard for some petty gain — then what sense is there in their coming to sue for peace!
60
其言名分之諭，今昔事殊者，蓋與大定之事固殊矣。 本朝之于宋國，恩深德厚，莫可殫述，皇統謝章，可概見也。 至於世宗皇帝俯就和好，三十年間恩澤之渥，夫豈可忘？ 江表舊臣於我，大定之初，以失在正隆，致南服不定，故特施大惠，易為侄國，以鎮撫之。 今以小犯大，曲在於彼，既以絕大定之好，則復舊稱臣，於理為宜。 若為非臣子所敢言，在皇統時何故敢言而今獨不敢，是又誠然乎哉！ 又謂江外之地將為遮罩，割之則無以為國。 夫籓籬之固，當守信義，如不務此，雖長江之險，亦不可恃，區區兩淮之地，何足遮罩而為國哉！ 昔江左六朝之時，淮南屢嘗屬中國矣。 至後周顯德間，南唐李景獻廬、舒、蘄、黃，畫江為界，是亦皆能為國。 既有如此故實，則割地之事，亦奚不可！
As for their claim that ceremonial status differs from past and present — that is indeed wholly unlike the Dading affair. Our dynasty's grace toward the Song is deep beyond telling; the submission document of the Huangtong era gives a general picture. As for Emperor Shizong bending to conclude peace, the overflowing grace of those thirty years — how could that be forgotten? Toward the old ministers south of the river, at the beginning of Dading — because the fault lay in the Zhenglong era and the south was unsettled — we specially granted a great concession, changing their status to nephew-state to pacify them. Now the lesser offends the greater; the fault is theirs. Having broken the Dading friendship, restoring the old form of submission is only right. If they say subjects may not speak of it — why did they dare speak of it in Huangtong yet dare not now? Is that credible! They also say the lands south of the river are their shield and that ceding them would leave no state to speak of. A frontier's strength lies in keeping faith and righteousness. Without that, even the Yangzi's barrier cannot be relied on — how could the two Huai alone sustain a state as a shield! In the days of the Six Dynasties south of the river, Huainan repeatedly belonged to the central realm. Down to the Xiande era of Later Zhou, Li Jing of Southern Tang ceded Lu, Shu, Qi, and Huang and took the Yangzi as boundary — yet each side still maintained a state. With such precedents in history, how could cession of territory be impermissible!
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自我師出疆，所下州軍縣鎮已為我有，未下者即當割而獻之。 今方信孺齎到誓書，乃雲疆界並依大國皇統、彼之隆興年已畫為定，若是則既不言割彼之地，又翻欲得我之已有者，豈理也哉！ 又來書雲通謝禮幣之外，別備錢一百萬貫，折金銀各三萬兩，專以塞再增幣之責，又雲歲幣添五萬兩疋，其言無可准。 況和議未定，輒前具載約，擬為誓書，又直報通謝等三番人使，其自專如是，豈協禮體。 此方信孺以求成自任，臆度上國，謂如此徑往，則事必可集，輕瀆誑紿，理不可容。
Since our army crossed the border, prefectures, districts, and towns already taken are ours. Those not yet taken must be ceded and surrendered. Now the oath Fang Xinru brings says borders should follow those fixed in our Huangtong era and their Longxing year — if so, they speak neither of ceding their lands nor instead seek to take what is already ours. Where is the reason in that! Their letter also says that beyond gifts of thanks they separately prepare a million strings of cash, equivalent to thirty thousand taels each of gold and silver, solely to meet the demand for increased tribute; it further says annual tribute adds fifty thousand taels and bolts — such terms cannot be accepted. Moreover, while peace is not yet settled, they presumptuously lay out terms in advance as a draft oath and announce three rounds of gratitude envoys — such self-willed conduct violates diplomatic propriety. This is Fang Xinru taking success upon himself, guessing at the great state's mind and assuming that if he proceeded directly the matter would surely succeed — trifling with, deceiving, and misleading us. Such conduct cannot be tolerated.
62
尋具奏聞，欽奉聖訓：「昔宣、靖之際，棄信背盟，我師問罪，嘗割三鎮以乞和。 今既無故興兵，蔑棄信誓，雖盡獻江、淮之地，猶不足以自贖。 況彼國嘗自言，叔父侄子與君臣父子略不相遠，如能依應稱臣，即許以江、淮之間取中為界。 如欲世為子國，即當盡割淮南，直以大江為界。 陝西邊面並以大軍已占為定據。 元謀奸臣必使縛送，緣彼懇欲自致其罰，可令函首以獻。 外歲幣雖添五萬兩疋，止是複皇統舊額而已，安得為增？ 可令更添五萬兩疋，以表悔謝之實。 向汴陽乞和時嘗進賞軍之物，金五百萬兩、銀五千萬、表段里絹各一百萬、牛馬騾各一萬、駝一千、書五監。 今即江表一隅之地。 與昔不同，特加矜憫，止令量輸銀一千萬兩以充犒軍之用。 方信孺言語反復不足取信，如李大性、硃致知、李璧、吳琯輩似乎忠實，可遣詣軍前稟議。 據方信孺詭詐之罪，過於胡昉，然自古兵交，使人容在其間，姑放令回報。」 伏遇主上聖德寬裕光大，天覆地容，包荒宥罪，其可不欽承以仰副仁恩之厚！ 儻猶有所稽違，則和好之事，勿複冀也。 夫宋國之安危存亡，將系於此，更期審慮，無貽後悔！
A memorial was soon submitted, and the sacred instruction was received: "In the time of Xuanhe and Jingkang they broke faith and the treaty; our army demanded accounting. They once ceded three prefectures to beg for peace. Now they have raised arms without cause and despised sworn pledges — even were they to surrender all the Jianghuai, it would still not suffice to redeem themselves. Moreover their state once said that uncle-nephew and subject-sovereign relations are not greatly different. If they comply and call themselves subjects, they may take the middle line between Jianghuai as border. If they wish to be a vassal state forever, they must cede all of Huainan and take the Great River alone as boundary. The Shaanxi frontier shall likewise be fixed according to what the great army has already occupied. The chief-culprit traitors must be bound and sent — since they earnestly wish to punish themselves, they may be required to present the heads in cases. Beyond this, the fifty thousand taels and bolts they add to annual tribute only restore the old Huangtong quota — how can that count as an increase? They may be ordered to add another fifty thousand taels and bolts to show the sincerity of their repentance. When they previously sued for peace at Bianyang they offered goods to reward the army: five million taels of gold, fifty million of silver, a million bolts each of patterned silks and raw silk, ten thousand each of cattle, horses, and mules, a thousand camels, and five stud offices. Now they hold only a corner of the land south of the river. Circumstances differ from the past; showing special compassion, we require only ten million taels of silver as army reward. Fang Xinru's words shift back and forth and cannot be trusted; men such as Li Daxing, Zhu Zhizhi, Li Bi, and Wu Guan seem sincere and may be sent to the army to report and deliberate. Fang Xinru's deceit exceeds even Hu Fang's; yet since ancient times when armies clash, envoys are permitted to pass between them—for now let him be released to return with a reply." We bow before our sovereign's sage virtue—broad, luminous, covering heaven and earth, pardoning excess and forgiving crime—how could we not reverently accept it to answer such profound benevolent grace! If you still delay and disobey, do not hope again for peace. The safety and survival of the Song state will hang on this; consider carefully and do not bring later regret!
63
贊曰：金自宗弼渡江而還，既而畫淮為界。 厥後海陵咈眾舉兵，國用虛耗，上下離心，內難先作。 故世宗之初，章宗之末，有事于南，皆非得已，而詳問之使每先發焉。 侂胄狂謀誤國，動非其時，取敗宜也。 揆、宗浩雖師出輒捷，而行成之使，不拒其來。 儀幣書辭，抑揚增損之際，有可藉口，即許其平矣。 函首之事，宋人亦欲因是以自除其禍耳。 雖然，揆、宗浩常勝之家，史乂搭驍勇之將，三人相繼而死，和議亦成，天意蓋已休息南北之人歟？
The commentator writes: After Zongbi crossed the Yangzi and returned, the Huai River was drawn as the border. Afterward Hailing defied popular will and raised armies; state revenues were drained, court and people lost heart, and internal troubles arose first. Thus at the beginning of Shizong's reign and the end of Zhangzong's, campaigns in the south were never undertaken lightly—yet envoys sent to inquire in detail were always dispatched first. Tuozhou's reckless plotting harmed the state; he acted at the wrong time, and defeat was only to be expected. Though Kui and Zong Hao won whenever their armies marched forth, they did not reject envoys coming to conclude peace. In ceremonial gifts and written language, wherever restraint or elevation, addition or reduction offered a pretext, peace was granted at once. As for delivering the head in a box, the Song also wished by this means to remove their own calamity. Even so, Kui and Zong Hao came from ever-victorious houses, and Shiguda was a fiercely brave general—yet all three died in succession, and the peace treaty was concluded. Perhaps Heaven had already wished to give rest to the people of north and south?