Volume 106 Biographies 44: Zhang Wei son: Xingjian, Jia Yiqian, Liu Bing, Pai Hugaoqi, Yi Latabuye

張暐，字明仲，莒州日照縣人。博學該通。登正隆五年進士。調陳留主簿、淄州酒稅副使，課增羨，遷昌樂令。改永清令，補尚書省令史，除太常博士，兼國子助教。丁父憂，服除，調山東東路轉運副使，入為太常丞，兼左贊善大夫。章宗封原王，兼原王府文學。章宗冊為皇太孫，複為左贊善，轉左諭德，兼太常丞，充宋國報諭使。至盱眙，宋人請赴宴，暐曰：「大行在殯，未可。」及受賜，不舞蹈，宋人服其知禮。使還，遷太常少卿，兼修起居注。改禮部郎中，修起居注如故。遷右諫議大夫，兼禮部侍郎。

Zhang Wei, whose style name was Mingzhong, came from Rizhao County in Jizhou. He was deeply learned and masterful across many fields. In the fifth year of the Zhenglong reign he qualified as a jinshi. He was posted as chief clerk of Chenliu and deputy commissioner of wine taxes in Zizhou; when collections rose well above quota, he was promoted to magistrate of Changle. He was reassigned as magistrate of Yongqing, then filled a clerkship in the Department of State Affairs, was appointed grand master of sacrifices in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and also served as assistant instructor at the Imperial University. After his father's death he observed mourning, and when the mourning period ended he was made deputy transport commissioner of the Shandong East Circuit. He then entered the capital as vice director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and concurrently served as left mentor to the heir apparent. When Zhangzong was enfeoffed as Prince of Yuan, Wei also served as literary instructor in the prince's household. When Zhangzong was installed as imperial grandson, Wei again became left mentor, then moved to left preceptor while retaining his post as vice director of imperial sacrifices, and served as Jin envoy to announce condolences in Song. At Xuyi the Song hosts invited him to a banquet, but Wei replied, "The late emperor still lies in state; this is not permissible." When he received the imperial gifts he did not perform the ritual dance of obeisance, and the Song side respected his mastery of propriety. After the embassy he was promoted to vice minister of imperial sacrifices and also joined in compiling the imperial diary. He was reassigned as bureau director in the Ministry of Rites while continuing his work on the imperial diary as before. He was promoted to right remonstrance grand master and concurrently served as vice minister of rites.

明昌二年，太傅徒單克甯薨，章宗欲親為燒飯，是時，孝懿皇后梓宮在殯，暐奏：」仰惟聖慈，追念勳臣，恩禮隆厚，孰不感勸。太祖時享，尚且權停，若為大臣燒飯，禮有未安。今已降恩旨，聖意至厚，人皆知之，乞俯從典禮，則兩全矣。」章宗從之。上封事者言提刑司可罷，暐上疏曰：「陛下即位，因民所利，更法立制，無慮數十百條。提刑之設，政之大者，若為浮議所搖，則內外無所取信。唐開元中，或請選擇守令，停採訪使，姚崇奏'十道採訪猶未盡得人，天下三百餘州，縣多數倍，安得守令皆稱其職？ '然則提刑之任，誠不可罷，擇其人而用之，生民之大利，國家之長策也。」因舉漢刺史六條以奏。上曰：「卿言與朕意合。」

In the second year of Mingchang, Grand Tutor Tudan Kening died, and Zhangzong wished to perform the funeral burnt-rice offering in person. At that time the coffin of Empress Dowager Xiaoyi still lay in state. Wei memorialized, "Your Majesty's gracious remembrance of a meritorious servant is so generous in ritual that none could fail to be stirred by it." Even the regular sacrifices to Taizu had been temporarily suspended; for Your Majesty to burn offerings for a minister would leave the rites unsettled. Your gracious edict has already been issued, and everyone knows how deep your intent is; I beg that Your Majesty defer to established ritual so that both propriety and kindness may be preserved. Zhangzong accepted his counsel. A memorialist in a sealed report argued that the Office of Punishment and Investigation should be abolished. Wei submitted, "Since Your Majesty's accession you have reformed laws for the people's benefit, enacting reforms that must number in the dozens or hundreds. The establishment of the punishment commissioners is a major pillar of government; if it is shaken by idle talk, neither the court nor the provinces will know what to rely on. In Tang's Kaiyuan reign some proposed selecting prefects and magistrates directly and abolishing the investigation commissioners. Yao Chong replied, "Even the ten-circuit investigators still fail to obtain the right men everywhere; the realm has more than three hundred prefectures and many times that number of counties—how can every prefect and magistrate fully perform his duties?" Thus the post of punishment commissioner truly cannot be abolished; to choose the right men and employ them is a great benefit to the people and a lasting policy for the state." He then cited the Han dynasty's six regulations for regional inspectors in support of his memorial. The emperor said, "What you say matches my own thinking."

承安元年八月壬子，上召暐至內殿，問曰：「南郊大祀，今用度不給，俟他年可乎？」暐曰：「陛下即位於今八年，大禮未舉，宜亟行之。」上曰：「北方未寧，致齋之際，有不測奏報何如？」對曰：「豈可逆度而妨大禮。今河平歲豐，正其時也。」上複問曰：「僧道三年一試，八十而取一，不亦少乎？」對曰：「此輩浮食，無益有損，不宜滋益也。」上曰：「周武帝、唐武宗、後周世宗皆賢君，其壽不永，雖曰偶然，似亦有因也。」對曰：「三君矯枉太過。今不毀除、不崇奉，是為得中矣。」是歲，郊見上帝焉。

On renzi in the eighth month of the first year of Cheng'an, the emperor summoned Wei to the inner hall and asked, "Funds are insufficient for the great suburban sacrifice—might we wait until another year?" Wei replied, "Your Majesty has reigned eight years, yet the great rite has still not been performed; it should be carried out at once." The emperor said, "The north is not yet secure; during the period of purification, what if unforeseen reports should arrive?" He answered, "How can one anticipate trouble in advance and let it obstruct the great rite? The Yellow River is calm and the harvest plentiful—this is exactly the right moment." The emperor asked again, "Monks and Daoist priests are examined every three years, with only one in eighty chosen—is that not too few?" He answered, "These people live as idle dependents; they do more harm than good and ought not be increased." The emperor said, "Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, Emperor Wuzong of Tang, and Emperor Shizong of Later Zhou were all worthy rulers, yet none lived long. Though one may call it chance, there seems to be a reason." He replied, "Those three rulers overcorrected when they tried to set things right. Now, neither destroying them nor exalting them—that is the true middle course." That year the emperor carried out the suburban sacrifice and beheld Heaven.

頃之，翰林修撰路鐸論胥持國不可再用，因及董師中趨走持國及丞相襄之門，上曰：「張暐父子必不如是也。」三年，為御史大夫，懇辭，不許。明年，坐奏事不實，奪一官，解職。起為安武軍節度使。致仕，例給半俸，久之，暐不復請，遂止。

Before long, Hanlin academician compiler Lu Duo argued that Xu Chiguo should not be employed again and mentioned Dong Shizhong's rushing to attend upon Xu and upon Chancellor Xiang's gate. The emperor said, "Zhang Wei and his sons are surely not like that." In the third year he was appointed censor-in-chief; he earnestly declined, but the appointment was not withdrawn. The following year, because his memorials on official business were found untrue, he was demoted one rank and removed from office. He was later recalled and appointed military commissioner of the Anwu Army. Upon retirement he was by regulation granted half salary; after a long while Wei ceased to request it, and the payment stopped.

暐自妻卒後不復娶，亦無姬侍，齋居與子行簡講論古今，諸孫課誦其側，至夜分乃罷，以為常。曆太常，禮部二十餘年，最明古今禮學，家法為士族儀錶。子行簡、行信，行信自有傳。

After his wife died Wei neither remarried nor kept concubines. Living in quiet seclusion, he discussed past and present with his son Xingjian while his grandsons recited their lessons nearby, continuing until midnight as his daily habit. He served more than twenty years in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Ministry of Rites and was the foremost authority on ritual learning ancient and modern; the standards of his household became the measure for the gentry. His sons were Xingjian and Xingxin; Xingxin has a separate biography.

子行簡

Son: Zhang Xingjian.

司天臺劉道用改進新曆，詔學士院更定曆名，行簡奏乞複校測驗，俟將來月食無差，然後賜名。詔翰林侍講學士党懷英等複校。懷英等校定道用新曆：明昌三年不置閏，即以閏月為三月；二年十二月十四日，金木星俱在危十三度，道用曆在十三日，差一日；三年四月十六日夜月食，時刻不同。道用不會考驗古今所記，比登事蹟，輒以上進，不可用。道用當徒一年收贖，長行彭徽等四人各杖八十罷去。

Liu Daoyong of the Directorate of Astronomy revised and presented a new calendar, and an edict ordered the Academy of Scholars to set its name. Xingjian memorialized asking that it be verified again and tested, and that a name be granted only after a coming lunar eclipse showed no error. An edict ordered Hanlin palace lecturer Dang Huaiying and others to re-examine the calendar. Huaiying and his colleagues verified Daoyong's new calendar and found that in the third year of Mingchang it omitted an intercalary month and simply treated the intercalary month as the third month; on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month of the second year Venus and Jupiter were both at thirteen degrees in the lodge Wei, whereas Daoyong's calendar placed them on the thirteenth, a discrepancy of one day; and on the night of the sixteenth day of the fourth month of the third year a lunar eclipse occurred, but the predicted time did not match. Daoyong did not know how to test the calendar against ancient and modern records or compare it with observed events, yet he submitted it anyway; it cannot be adopted. Daoyong was sentenced to one year of penal servitude, redeemable by fine; senior clerk Peng Hui and four others were each flogged eighty strokes and dismissed.

群臣屢請上尊號，章宗不從，將下詔以示四方，行簡奏曰：「往年饑民棄子，或丐以與人，其後詔書官為收贖，或其父母衣食稍充，即識認，官亦斷與之。自此以後，饑歲流離道路，人不肯收養，肆為捐瘠，餓死溝中。伏見近代禦災詔書，皆曰'以後不得複取'今乞依此施行。」上是其言，詔書中行之。久之，兼同修國史。改禮部侍郎、提點司天臺，直學士，同修史如故。

The ministers repeatedly asked that a superior honorific title be granted, but Zhangzong refused. When an edict was about to be issued to announce this to the realm, Xingjian memorialized, "In earlier famine years people abandoned their children or begged others to take them. Later an edict ordered officials to redeem such children, and if the parents' food and clothing improved even slightly they would recognize the child and officials would also rule that he be returned. Since then, in years of famine those wandering the roads have gone unadopted, wasting away until they starved to death in ditches. I note that recent disaster-relief edicts all state that thereafter children may not be reclaimed; I beg that the same rule be applied in the present case." The emperor approved his argument, and the edict carried it into effect. After some time he was also appointed to compile the National History. He was reassigned as vice minister of rites and supervisor of the Directorate of Astronomy, with the rank of academician expositor, while continuing his work on the National History as before.

行簡言：「唐制，僕射、宰相上日，百官通班致賀，降階答拜。國朝皇太子元正、生日，三師、三公、宰執以下須群官同班拜賀，皇太子立受再答拜。今尚書省宰執上日，分六品以下別為一班揖賀，宰執坐答揖，左右司郎中五品官廷揖，亦坐答之。臣謂身坐舉手答揖，近於坐受也。宰執受賀，其禮乃重于皇太子，鞏于義未安。別嫌明微，禮之大節，伏請宰執上日令三品以下官同班賀，宰執起立，依見三品官儀式通答揖。」上曰：「此事何不早辨正之，如都省擅行，卿論之是矣。」行簡對曰：「禮部蓋嘗參酌古今典禮，擬定儀式，省廷不從，輒改以奏。」下尚書省議，遂用之。宰執上日，三品以下群官通班賀，起立答拜，自此始。

Xingjian said, "Under the Tang system, when a grand counselor or chancellor assumed office, all officials offered congratulations in a single assembly, and he descended the steps to return their bows. In our dynasty, on New Year's Day and on the crown prince's birthday, the three preceptors, three dukes, and chancellors down must join all officials in a single assembly to offer congratulations, while the crown prince stands to receive them and returns bows twice. Today, when a chancellor of the Department of State Affairs assumes office, officials of the sixth rank and below are placed in a separate assembly to bow in congratulation, while the chancellors sit and return bows with raised hands; the left and right bureau directors, fifth-rank officials, bow in the courtyard, and the chancellors again sit to return those bows. Your subject believes that to remain seated and raise the hand in returning a bow comes too close to sitting and receiving obeisance. For chancellors to receive congratulations in this way makes their ritual weightier than the crown prince's, which offends propriety and cannot be accepted. Distinguishing ranks and clarifying distinctions is a cardinal point of ritual; I humbly ask that on a chancellor's first day officials of the third rank and below offer congratulations in a single assembly, and that the chancellors rise and return bows in the manner used when receiving third-rank officials." The emperor said, "Why was this not corrected earlier? If the chief secretariat acted on its own authority, your criticism is right." Xingjian answered, "The Ministry of Rites had already weighed ancient and modern canonical rites and drafted the proper ceremony, but the secretariat would not accept it and altered the form before submitting it." The matter was referred to the Department of State Affairs for deliberation, and his proposal was adopted. From that time forward, when a chancellor assumed office, officials of the third rank and below offered congratulations in a single assembly while the chancellors rose to return bows.

行簡轉對，因論典故之學，乞于太常博士之下置檢閱官二員，通禮學資淺者使為之，積資乃遷博士。又曰：「今雖有《國朝集禮》，至於食貨、官職、兵刑沿革，未有成書，乞定會要，以示無窮。」承安五年，遷侍講學士，同修史、提點司天如故。

In a palace audience Xingjian spoke on the study of canonical precedents and asked that two review officers be appointed beneath the grand masters of sacrifices—men with modest grounding in ritual learning should hold the posts and, after accumulating seniority, be promoted to grand master. He also said, "Although we now have the Collected Rites of the Dynasty, there is still no comprehensive book on the evolution of finance, offices, military affairs, and penal law; I beg that an institutional compendium be compiled to preserve this knowledge for posterity." In the fifth year of Cheng'an he was promoted to palace lecturer academician, while retaining his posts in National History compilation and supervision of the Directorate of Astronomy.

泰和二年，為宋主生日副使。上召生日使完顏瑭戒之曰：「卿過界勿飲酒，每事聽于行簡。」謂行簡曰：「宋人行禮，好事末節，苟有非是，皆須正之，舊例所有，不可不至。」上複曰：「頗聞前奉使者過淮，每至中流，即以分界爭渡船，此殊非禮。卿自戒舟人，且語宋使曰：'兩國和好久矣，不宜爭細故傷大體。 '丁寧諭之，使悉此意也。」四年，詔曰：「每奏事之際，須令張行簡常在左右。」

In the second year of Taihe he served as deputy envoy to congratulate the Song emperor on his birthday. The emperor summoned the birthday envoy Wanyan Tang and warned him, "When you cross the border do not drink wine; in every matter defer to Xingjian." To Xingjian he said, "The Song are punctilious in ritual and fond of minor details; if anything is improper you must correct it, yet every point required by established precedent must still be observed." The emperor added, "I have often heard that previous envoys crossing the Huai would dispute ferry boats over the boundary line as soon as they reached midstream; this is wholly contrary to ritual. Warn your boatmen yourself, and tell the Song envoy as well, 'Our two states have been at peace for a long time; we should not quarrel over trifles and injure the larger relationship.' Urge this upon them repeatedly so that they fully understand your meaning." In the fourth year an edict stated, "Whenever affairs are reported to the throne, Zhang Xingjian must always remain at my side."

五年，群臣複請上尊號，上不許，詔行簡作批答，因問行簡宋范祖禹作《唐鑒》論尊號事。行簡對曰：「司馬光亦嘗諫尊號事，不若祖禹之詞深至，以謂臣子生諡君父，頗似慘切。」上曰：「卿用祖禹意答之，仍曰太祖雖有尊號，太宗未嘗受也。」行簡乞不拘對偶，引祖禹以微見其意。從之。其文深雅，甚得代言之體。

In the fifth year the ministers again asked that a superior honorific title be granted, but the emperor refused and ordered Xingjian to draft the written reply. He then asked Xingjian about the Song scholar Fan Zuyu's discussion of honorific titles in his Reflections on Tang. Xingjian answered, "Sima Guang also once remonstrated against honorific titles, but his language is not as penetrating as Fan Zuyu's. Fan argued that for subjects to bestow posthumous titles upon their living ruler and father seems almost painfully severe." The emperor said, "Answer using Fan Zuyu's reasoning, and add that although Taizu received an honorific title, Taizong never accepted one." Xingjian asked to be freed from the constraints of parallel prose and to cite Fan Zuyu so as subtly to convey the emperor's intent. The emperor granted his request. The resulting text was refined and elegant, fully capturing the tone appropriate to imperial composition.

改順天軍節度使。上謂行簡曰：「卿未更治民，今至保州，民之情偽，卒難臆度，如何治之則可？」對曰：「臣奉行法令，不敢違失，獄訟之事，以情察之，鈐制公吏，禁抑豪猾，以鎮靜為務，庶幾萬分之一。」上曰：「在任半歲或一年，所得利害上之。」行簡到保州，上書曰：「比者括官田給軍，既一定矣，有告欲別給者，輒從其告，至今未已。名曰官田，實取之民以與之，奪彼與此，徒啟爭端。臣所管已撥深澤縣地三百餘頃，複告水占沙堿者三分之二，若悉從之，何時可定。臣謂當限以月日，不許再告為便。」下尚書省議，奏請：「如實有水占河塌，不可耕種，本路及運司佐官按視，尚書省下按察司複同，然後改撥。若沙堿瘠薄，當准已撥為定。」制曰：「可。」

He was reassigned as military commissioner of the Shuntian Army. The emperor said to Xingjian, "You have not yet governed the people directly. Now that you are going to Baozhou, the people's true circumstances will be hard to judge at once. How should you govern there?" He answered, "Your subject will uphold the laws without deviation, examine litigation according to the facts, restrain government clerks, and suppress powerful bullies, making tranquillity my chief aim—perhaps I may succeed in some small measure." The emperor said, "After half a year or a year in office, report whatever benefits or harms you have observed." When Xingjian reached Baozhou he memorialized, "Recently official fields were surveyed and allotted to the army. Once that allocation was settled, anyone who petitioned for a separate grant was immediately given one, and this has still not stopped. Though called official fields, they are in fact taken from the people and given to others; seizing from one party to give to another only breeds conflict. In the territory under my administration more than three hundred qing of land in Shenze County have already been allotted, yet new petitions claim that two-thirds of it is flooded, waterlogged, or saline. If every claim is granted, when will the matter ever be settled? Your subject believes it would be best to set a deadline after which further petitions should not be accepted." The matter was referred to the Department of State Affairs, which memorialized, "If land is truly waterlogged or ruined by river collapse so that it cannot be cultivated, assistant officials of the circuit and transport commission should inspect it on site, the investigation office under the Department of State Affairs should verify jointly, and only then may the allotment be changed. If the land is merely saline, barren, or poor, the existing allotment should be treated as final." The imperial rescript read, "Approved."

六年，召為禮部尚書，兼侍講、同修國史。秘書監進《太一新曆》，詔行簡校之。七年，上遣中使馮賢童以實封禦紮賜行簡曰：「朕念鎬、鄭二王誤幹天常，自貽伊戚。槁葬郊野，多歷年所，朕甚悼焉。欲追複前爵，備禮改葬，卿可詳閱唐貞觀追贈隱、巢，並前代故事，密封以聞。」又曰：「欲使石古乃於威州擇地營葬，歲時祭奠，兼命衛王諸子中立一人為鄭王后，謹其祭祀。此事既行，理須降詔，卿草詔文大意，一就封進。」行簡乃具漢淮南厲王長、楚王英、唐隱太子建成、巢剌王元吉、譙王重福故事為奏，並進詔草，遂施行焉。累遷太子太保、翰林學士承旨，尚書、修史如故。

In the sixth year he was recalled to serve as minister of rites, while also retaining his posts as palace lecturer and compiler of the National History. The director of the Palace Library presented the Taiyi New Calendar, and an edict ordered Xingjian to review it. In the seventh year the emperor sent the palace envoy Feng Xiantong with a sealed imperial note to Xingjian, saying, "I recall that the Princes of Hao and Zheng violated Heaven's order and brought ruin upon themselves. They were buried with scant ceremony in the open countryside, and many years have passed; I am deeply grieved by this. I wish to restore their former titles, provide full funeral rites, and rebury them properly. Review carefully the Tang Zhenguan precedents for posthumous enfeoffment of the Princes Yin and Chao, together with earlier models, seal your findings, and report to me." He added, "I wish Shigu Nai to choose a site at Weizhou and arrange the burial, with sacrifices at the proper seasons, and also to appoint one of the Prince of Wei's sons—whichever is suitable—as heir to the Prince of Zheng and charge him with maintaining the rites of worship. Once this is carried out, an edict must naturally be issued; draft the main points of the edict and submit them together in a single sealed memorial." Xingjian then compiled a memorial citing the precedents of Liu Chang, Prince Li of Huainan, Prince Ying of Chu, the Tang Yin Crown Prince Jiancheng, Prince Yuanji of Chao, and Prince Chongfu of Qiao, submitted the draft edict along with it, and the measure was carried out. He rose in succession to grand mentor of the heir apparent and academician-in-ordinary of the Hanlin Academy, while retaining his posts as minister and compiler of the National History.

貞祐初，轉太子太傅，上書論議和事，其略曰：「東海郡候嘗遣約和，較計細故，遷延不決。今都城危急，豈可拒絕。臣願更留聖慮，包荒含垢，以救生靈。或如遼、宋相為敵國，歲奉幣帛，或二三年以繼。選忠實辨捷之人，往與議之，庶幾有成，可以紓患。」是時，百官議者，雖有異同，大概以和親為主焉。莊獻太子葬後，不置宮師官，升承旨為二品，以寵行簡，兼職如故。

Early in the Zhenyou era he was made grand preceptor of the heir apparent and memorialized on peace negotiations, writing in summary, "The Marquis of Eastern Sea Commandery once sent envoys proposing peace, yet we haggled over petty details and delayed without reaching a decision. Now the capital stands in grave peril—how can we refuse? Your subject asks that Your Majesty reconsider, bearing humiliation and enduring disgrace if need be, to save the people. Perhaps we might treat them as the Liao and Song once treated each other—as rival states—sending silks and cloth each year, or continuing such an arrangement for two or three years. Choose men who are loyal, trustworthy, discerning, and articulate to go and negotiate; something may yet be achieved that could ease our distress." At that time the officials who deliberated differed in their views, but on the whole they favored seeking peace through alliance. After Crown Prince Zhuangxian was buried, the office of palace tutor was not re-established; the academician-in-ordinary was promoted to second rank as a mark of favor toward Xingjian, while his other posts remained unchanged.

三年七月，朝廷備防秋兵械，令內外職官不以丁憂致仕，皆納弓箭。行簡上書曰：「弓箭非通有之物，其清貧之家及中下監當，丁憂致仕，安有所謂如法軍器。今繩以軍期，補弊修壞，以求應命而已，與倉猝製造何以異哉。若於隨州郡及猛安謀克人戶拘括，擇其佳者買之，不足則令職輸所買之價，庶不擾而事可辦。」左丞相僕散端、平章政事高琪、盡忠、右丞賈益謙皆曰：「丁憂致仕者可以免此。」權參政烏古論德升曰：「職官久享爵祿，軍興以來，曾無寸補，況事已行而複改，天下何所取信。」是議也，丁憂致仕官竟得免。是歲，卒，贈銀青榮祿大夫，諡文正。

In the seventh month of the third year the court prepared weapons for the autumn defense and ordered that all officials within and outside the capital, whether mourning a parent or retired from office, must submit bows and arrows. Xingjian memorialized, "Bows and arrows are not items every household possesses. Among the poor, those in middle and lower supervisory posts, and officials in mourning or retired from service—where would they obtain regulation military weapons? Now they are bound to military deadlines and must patch together whatever is worn or broken merely to meet the order—how is this different from improvised manufacture in haste? If in the various prefectures and among meng'an and mouke households we register households, select the better weapons for purchase, and where funds fall short require the official to pay the purchase price, the task might be accomplished without undue disturbance." The left chancellor Pusanduan, the grand councilors Gaoqi and Jinzong, and the right vice minister Jia Yiqian all said, "Officials in mourning or retired should be exempted." The acting grand councilor Wugulun Desheng said, "Officials have long enjoyed rank and stipends, yet since the wars began they have contributed nothing. Moreover, when a policy is already in force and then reversed, what faith can the realm place in the court?" On this deliberation, officials in mourning or retired were ultimately exempted. That year he died and was posthumously granted the title Silver-Green Glory and Blessings Grand Master, with the posthumous epithet Wenzheng.

行簡端愨慎密，為人主所知。自初入翰林，至太常、禮部，典貢舉終身，縉紳以為榮。與弟行信同居數十年，人無間言。所著文章十五卷，《禮例纂》一百二十卷，會同、朝獻、禘佩、喪葬，皆有記錄，及《清台》，《皇華》、《戒嚴》、《為善》、《自公》等記，藏於家。

Xingjian was upright, sincere, cautious, and discreet, and won his sovereign's trust. From his first appointment to the Hanlin through his service at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Ministry of Rites, he oversaw the civil examinations throughout his life—a distinction the gentry regarded as the highest honor. He lived with his younger brother Xingxin for several decades without a word of reproach from anyone. His writings included fifteen juan of essays and one hundred twenty juan of Collected Ritual Precedents, with records on joint audiences, court presentations, suburban and regalia rites, and funerals, as well as Clear Terrace, Imperial Splendor, Martial Alert, Doing Good, From the Duke, and other treatises, all kept in his household.

贊曰：張暐、行簡世為禮官，世習禮學。其為禮也，行於家庭，講於朝廷，施用於鄰國，無不中度。古者官有世掌，學有專門，金諸儒臣，唯張氏父子庶幾無愧於古乎。

The encomium reads: Zhang Wei and Xingjian were ritual officials for generations, and ritual learning ran in their family for generations. In their practice of ritual it was observed in the family, expounded at court, and applied in dealings with neighboring states—always to the proper measure. In antiquity offices passed through families and learning had its specialists; among the Jin scholar-officials, only the Zhang father and son perhaps come nearest to matching the ancients without shame.

賈益謙

Jia Yiqian

賈益謙，字彥亨，沃州人也，本名守謙，避哀宗諱改焉。大定十年詞賦進士，曆仕州郡，以能稱。明昌間，入為尚書省令史，累遷左司郎中。章宗諭之曰：「汝自知除至居是職，左司事不為不練，凡百官行止、資歷固宜照勘，勿使差繆。若武庫署直長移刺郝自平定州軍事判官召為典輿副轄，在職才五月，降授門山縣簿尉。朕比閱貼黃，行止乃俱書作一十三月，行止尚如此失實，其如選法何？蓋是汝不用心致然爾。今姑杖知除掾，汝勿複犯之。」

Jia Yiqian, whose style name was Yanheng, came from Wozhou. His original name was Shouqian, which he changed to avoid the taboo name of Emperor Aizong. In the tenth year of the Dading era he passed the jinshi examination in poetry and prose, served in various prefectures and commanderies, and was known for his ability. During the Mingchang era he entered service as a clerk in the Department of State Affairs and rose in succession to director of the left bureau. Emperor Zhangzong told him, "You know yourself how you were appointed to this post. Affairs of the left bureau are not unfamiliar to you. You must verify every official's movements and seniority and allow no mistakes. For example, Yila Hao, director of the Arms Repository, was summoned from military adjutant at Pingding Prefecture to deputy commissioner of the Imperial Carriages, yet after only five months in office he was demoted to registrar and bailiff of Menshan County. I recently reviewed the personnel records, and his movements were both entered as thirteen months. If even movements are recorded so inaccurately, what becomes of the selection system? This happened because you did not apply yourself. For now I will merely punish the appointment clerk; do not let this happen again."

五年，為右諫議大夫，上言：「提刑司官不須遣監察體訪，宜據其任內行事，考其能否而升黜之。」上曰：「卿之言其有所見乎？」守謙對曰：「提刑官若不稱職，眾所共知，且其職與監察等，臣是故言之。」上嘉納焉。是年夏，上將幸景明宮清暑，守謙連上疏，極諫之。上禦後閣，召守謙入對，稱旨。進兼尚書吏部侍郎。時鎬王以疑忌下獄，上怒甚，朝臣無敢言者。守謙上章論其不可，言極懇切。上諭之曰：「汝言諸王皆有覬心，而遊其門者不無橫議。此何等語，固當罪汝。以汝前言事亦有當處，故免。」既而以議鎬王事有違上意，解職，削官二階。承安元年七月，降為甯化州刺史。五年八月，改為山東路按察使，轉河北西路轉運使。泰和三年四月，召為禦史中丞。四年三月，出為定武軍節度使。

In the fifth year he became right remonstrator and memorialized, "Investigation commissioners need not send surveillance officers to conduct field inquiries. They should judge officials by their conduct during their terms of office, assess their competence, and promote or demote them accordingly." The emperor said, "Does your view rest on some particular observation?" Shouqian answered, "If an investigation commissioner is unfit for his post, everyone knows it. Moreover, his duties are equivalent to those of a surveillance officer—that is why I spoke as I did." The emperor approved and accepted his advice. That summer, when the emperor planned to visit Jingming Palace to escape the heat, Shouqian submitted successive memorials remonstrating against the journey in the strongest terms. The emperor received him in the rear pavilion, summoned Shouqian to answer in person, and was pleased with his responses. He was promoted to serve concurrently as vice minister of the Ministry of Personnel. At that time the Prince of Hao was imprisoned on suspicion, and the emperor's anger was so fierce that no court official dared speak up. Shouqian submitted a memorial arguing that this must not be done, speaking with utmost earnestness. The emperor told him, "You say all the princes harbor ambitions, and those who frequent their gates do not lack reckless talk. What sort of language is this? You certainly deserve punishment. Because your earlier remonstrances also had merit, I spare you." Thereafter, because his counsel on the Prince of Hao went against the emperor's wishes, he was dismissed from office and his rank was reduced by two steps. In the seventh month of the first year of the Cheng'an era he was demoted to prefect of Ninghua. In the eighth month of the fifth year he was reassigned as investigation commissioner of Shandong Circuit, then transferred to transport commissioner of Hebei West Circuit. In the fourth month of the third year of the Taihe era he was recalled to serve as censor-in-chief. In the third month of the fourth year he was sent out to serve as military commissioner of the Dingwu Army.

八年六月，複為禦史中丞。八月，改吏部尚書。九月，詔守謙等一十三員分詣諸路，與本路按察司官一員同推排民戶物力。上召見於香閣，諭之曰：「朕選卿等隨路推排，除推收外，其新強、銷乏戶，雖集眾推唱，然銷乏者勿銷不盡，如一戶元物力三百貫，今蠲減二百五十貫，猶有不能當。新強者勿添盡，量存氣力，如一戶添三百貫而止添二百貫之類。卿等宜各用心。百姓應當賦役，十年之間，利害非細。苟不稱所委，治罪當不輕也。」尋出知濟南府，移鎮河中。大安末，拜參知政事。貞祐二年二月，改河東南路安撫使，俄知彰德府。

In the sixth month of the eighth year he again became censor-in-chief. In the eighth month he was made minister of personnel. In the ninth month an edict ordered Shouqian and twelve others to travel to the various circuits, each together with one local investigation official, to reassess household property ratings. The emperor received them in the Fragrant Pavilion and instructed, "I have chosen you to conduct reassessments along each circuit. Beyond standard increases and reductions, for newly prosperous and declining households—though the community may jointly propose figures—for declining households do not reduce the assessment to nothing. If a household originally rated at three hundred strings is now reduced by two hundred fifty, some may still be unable to bear even the remainder. For newly prosperous households do not raise assessments to the full limit; leave them some capacity to pay—as when a household could bear an increase of three hundred strings but you raise it by only two hundred. Each of you must apply yourselves conscientiously. The people's tax and corvée obligations over the next ten years will turn on this; the consequences are no small matter. If you fail to meet what is entrusted to you, the penalties will not be light." Soon afterward he was sent out as prefect of Jinan, then transferred to the garrison at Hezhong. At the end of the Da'an era he was appointed participant in government. In the second month of the second year of the Zhenyou era he was made pacification commissioner of Hedong South Circuit, and soon afterward became prefect of Zhangde.

三年，召為尚書省右丞。會宣宗始遷汴梁，益謙乃建言：「汴之形勢，惟恃大河。今河朔受兵，群盜並起，宜嚴河禁以備不虞，凡自北來而無公憑者，勿聽渡。」是時，河北民遷避河南者甚眾。侍御史劉無規上言：「僑戶宜與土民均應差役。」上留中，而自以其意問宰臣。丞相端、平章盡忠以為便。益謙曰：「僑戶應役，甚非計也。蓋河北人戶本避兵而來，兵稍息即歸矣。今旅寓倉皇之際，無以為生，若又與地著者並應供憶，必騷動不能安居矣。豈主上矜恤流亡之意乎。」上甚嘉賞，曰：「此非朕意也。」因出元規章示之。三年八月，進拜尚書左丞。四年正月，致仕，居鄭州。

In the third year he was recalled to serve as right vice minister of the Department of State Affairs. Just as Emperor Xuanzong was moving the capital to Bianliang, Yiqian proposed, "Bian's strategic position depends entirely on the Great River. Now the Hebei region north of the river is under attack and bandits are rising everywhere. River crossings should be strictly controlled as a precaution: anyone coming from the north without official credentials must not be allowed to cross." At that time a great many people from Hebei fled south across the river to escape the fighting. Attending censor Liu Wugui memorialized, "Migrant households should bear corvée duties on the same terms as local residents." The emperor withheld the memorial and privately asked the chief ministers for their views. Chancellor Duan and Grand Councilor Jinzong thought the proposal expedient. Yiqian said, "Requiring migrant households to bear corvée would be a grave mistake. The people of Hebei came here to escape the fighting; when the warfare subsides even slightly, they will return home. Now, in their haste as refugees, they barely have the means to live. If they must also share obligations with local residents, they will surely be driven to unrest and unable to settle in peace. Would that accord with Your Majesty's intent to show compassion to those in exile?" The emperor greatly praised him and said, "That was never my intent." He then produced Wugui's memorial and showed it to them. In the eighth month of the third year he was promoted to left vice minister of the Department of State Affairs. In the first month of the fourth year he retired from office and lived at Zhengzhou.

贊曰：賈益謙于衛紹王，可謂盡事君之義矣。海陵之事，君子不無憾焉。夫正隆之為惡，暴其大者斯亦足矣。中綍之醜，史不絕書，誠如益謙所言，則史亦可為取富貴之道乎？嘻，其甚矣。《傳》曰：「不有廢者，其何以興！」

The encomium reads: In his service to Prince Shao of Wei, Jia Yiqian may be said to have fulfilled every obligation of loyalty to his lord. In the affair of Emperor Hailing, men of principle cannot but feel regret. As for the crimes of the Zhenglong era, exposing the greatest of them is already sufficient. The scandals of the inner court fill the historical record without end. If it were truly as Yiqian said, could history itself become merely a path to wealth and rank? Alas, how far it had gone! The Commentary says, "If there were none cast aside, how could any rise?"

劉炳，葛城人。每讀書，見前古忠臣烈士為國家畫策慮萬世安，輒歎息景慕。貞祐三年，中進士第，即日上書條便宜十事：

Liu Bing came from Gecheng. Whenever he read of loyal ministers and martyrs of old who devised strategies for the state and planned for the security of generations to come, he would sigh with admiration. In the third year of the Zhenyou era he passed the jinshi examination and that same day memorialized setting forth ten measures of urgent policy:

其一曰，任諸王以鎮社稷。臣觀往歲，王師屢戰屢衄，率皆自敗。承平日久，人不知兵，將帥非才，既無靖難之謀，又無效死之節，外托持重之名，而內為自安之計，擇驍果以自隨，委疲懦以臨陣，陣勢稍動，望塵先奔，士卒從而大潰。朝廷不加詰問，輒為益兵。是以法度日紊，倉庾日虛，閭井日凋，土地日蹙。自大駕南巡，遠近相望，益無固志。吏任河北者以為不幸，逡巡退避，莫之敢前。昔唐天寶之末，洛陽、潼關相次失守，皇輿夜出，向非太子回趨靈武，率先諸將，則西行之士當終老於劍南矣。臣願陛下擇諸王之英明者，總監天下之兵，北駐重鎮，移檄遠近，戒以軍政。則四方聞風者皆將自奮，前死不避。折沖厭難，無大於此。夫人情可以氣激不可以力使，一卒先登，則萬夫齊奮，此古人所以先身教而後威令也。

The first proposed entrusting the imperial princes to secure the altars of state. Your subject observes that in recent years the imperial armies have fought repeatedly and been repeatedly defeated—mostly through their own failures. After long peace the people had forgotten war, and the commanders lacked ability. They had neither plans to quell the crisis nor the resolve to die in battle. Outwardly they affected gravity; inwardly they schemed for their own safety—keeping the brave at their side while sending the weak and timid to face the enemy. At the slightest stir in the ranks they fled at the first sight of dust, and the soldiers followed in total rout. The court never held them accountable but merely reinforced their armies. Thus law and order fell daily into disorder, the granaries emptied, villages withered, and territory shrank. Since the emperor's tour to the south, people near and far have looked to one another in uncertainty, and their resolve has grown ever weaker. Officials appointed to Hebei regarded their posts as a misfortune, hesitated and shrank back, and none dared press forward. At the end of the Tang Tianbao era, Luoyang and Tong Pass fell in succession and the emperor fled by night. Had the crown prince not turned back toward Lingwu and taken the lead before the generals, those who fled west would have ended their days in exile in Jiannan. Your subject asks that Your Majesty select the most capable among the imperial princes to command all armies under Heaven, station them in the north at a strategic stronghold, send proclamations throughout the realm, and enforce strict military discipline. Then all who hear of it throughout the realm will rouse themselves and face death without flinching. There is no greater means of repelling the enemy and overcoming hardship than this. Human hearts may be stirred by spirit but cannot be driven by force alone. When one soldier climbs the wall first, ten thousand follow in ardor—that is why the ancients led by personal example before enforcing commands.

二曰，結人心以固基本。天子惠人，不在施予，在於除其同患，因所利而利之。今艱危之後，易於為惠，因其欲安而慰撫之，則忠誠親上之心，當益加於前日。臣願寬其賦役，信其號令，凡事不便者一切停罷。時遣重臣按行郡縣，延見耆老，問其疾苦，選廉正，黜貪殘，拯貧窮，恤孤獨，勞來還定，則效忠徇義，無有二志矣。故曰安民可與行義，危民易與為亂，惟陛下留神。

The second proposed binding the people's hearts to secure the foundation of the state. The Son of Heaven benefits the people not through gifts but by removing their shared afflictions and advancing their interests through what they already find advantageous. Now, after hardship and peril, it is easier than ever to show true favor. Respond to their longing for peace with comfort and reassurance, and their loyalty and devotion to the throne will grow stronger than before. Your subject asks that their taxes and labor levies be eased, that they be allowed to trust your commands, and that every burdensome measure be halted altogether. Send senior ministers from time to time to tour the commanderies and counties, summon the elders, inquire into their hardships, promote the upright, dismiss the greedy and cruel, relieve the poor, care for orphans and the destitute, and comfort those who come and settle those who return. Then they will serve with loyalty and righteousness and harbor no second thoughts. Hence the saying: when the people are secure, they may be led in righteous deeds; when they are in peril, they are easily driven to rebellion. May Your Majesty give this your close attention.

三曰，廣收人材以備國用。備歲寒者必求貂狐，適長途者必畜騏驥。河南、陝西，車駕臨幸，當有以大慰士民之心。其有操行為民望者，稍擢用之，平居可以勵風俗，緩急可以備驅策。昭示新恩，易民觀聽，陰系天下之心也。

The third proposed broadly recruiting talent to meet the needs of the state. He who prepares for winter's cold must seek sable and fox fur; he who readies himself for a long journey must keep swift horses. In Henan and Shaanxi, where the imperial carriage has toured, there should be measures to greatly reassure the hearts of scholars and commoners alike. Among those whose conduct commands public respect, promote them gradually. In peaceful times they may uplift local morals; in emergencies they may be called upon for service. This would proclaim fresh grace, transform what the people see and hear, and quietly win the hearts of the realm.

四曰，選守令以安百姓。郡守、縣令，天子所恃以為治，百姓所依以為命者也。今眾庶已弊，官吏庸暗，無安利之才，貪暴昏亂，與奸為市，公有鬥粟之賦，私有萬錢之求，遠近囂囂，無所控告。自今非才器過人，政跡卓異者，不可使在此職。親勳故舊，雖望隆資高，不可使為長吏。則賢者喜於殊用，益盡其能，不肖者愧慕而思自勵矣。

The fourth proposed selecting capable prefects and magistrates to secure the welfare of the people. Prefects and county magistrates are those on whom the Son of Heaven relies to govern and on whom the people rely for their very livelihood. The people are already exhausted, while officials are mediocre and corrupt, lacking any talent to bring benefit or order. They are greedy, violent, and chaotic, colluding with criminals. Official levies take a peck of grain while private demands reach ten thousand cash. Complaints rise everywhere, yet there is nowhere to seek redress. Henceforth none but those of exceptional talent and distinguished administrative record should hold these offices. Kin, meritorious associates, and old companions—however eminent their standing—must not be appointed as chief local administrators. Then the worthy will rejoice at exceptional appointment and give their utmost; the unworthy will feel shame and emulation and strive to improve themselves.

五曰，褒忠義以勵臣節。忠義之士，奮身效命，力盡城破而不少屈。事定之後，有司略不加省，棄職者顧以恩貸，死事者反不見錄，天下何所慕憚，而不為自安之計邪？使為臣者皆知殺身之無益，臨難可以苟免，甚非國家之利也。

The fifth proposed honoring loyalty and righteousness to inspire integrity among officials. Men of loyalty and righteousness threw themselves into battle and gave their lives, fighting until strength was spent and the city had fallen, yet never yielding. After the crisis passed, the responsible offices scarcely acknowledged them. Those who had abandoned their posts were shown leniency, while those who died in service went unrewarded. What is there left in the realm to admire or fear, that officials would not simply look to their own safety? If ministers learn that sacrificing their lives brings no reward and that in crisis they may save themselves by any means, this can only harm the state.

六曰，務農力本以廣蓄積。此最強兵富民之要術，當今之急務也。

The sixth proposed devoting effort to agriculture and strengthening the economic foundation to build up reserves. This is the essential means of strengthening the army and enriching the people, and the most urgent task of the day.

七曰，崇節儉以省財用。今海內虛耗，田疇荒蕪，廢奢從儉以紓生民之急，無先於此者。

The seventh proposed promoting frugality to reduce state expenditure. The realm is depleted and fields lie fallow. To abandon extravagance and embrace frugality in order to relieve the people's distress—nothing should take precedence over this.

八曰，去冗食以助軍費。兵革之後，人物凋喪者十四五，郡縣官吏署置如故，甚非審權救弊之道。

The eighth proposed eliminating redundant offices and salaries to support military expenditure. After the wars, four or five in ten of the population had perished, yet commandery and county offices remained as numerous as before. This is hardly the way to weigh circumstances and remedy disaster.

九曰，修軍政以習守戰。自古名將料敵制勝，訓練士卒，故可使赴湯蹈火，百戰不殆。孔子曰：「以不教民戰，是謂棄之。」兵法曰：「器械不利，以其卒與敵也。卒不服習，以其將與敵也。將不知兵，以其主與敵也。主不擇將，以其國與敵也。」可不慎哉。

The ninth proposed restoring military discipline to train troops in defense and combat. Since antiquity, famous generals have assessed the enemy to secure victory and trained their troops so thoroughly that men would brave fire and water and emerge unscathed from a hundred battles. Confucius said, "To send the people into battle without training them is to abandon them." The Art of War says, "If weapons are inadequate, it is as though one hands one's troops to the enemy. If soldiers are ill-trained, it is as though one hands one's general to the enemy. If the general does not understand warfare, it is as though one hands one's sovereign to the enemy. If the sovereign does not choose his generals wisely, it is as though one hands one's state to the enemy." Can one not take heed!

十曰，修城池以備守禦。保障國家，惟都城與附近數郡耳。北地不守，是無河朔矣，黃河豈足恃哉。

The tenth proposed repairing city walls and fortifications to prepare for defense. The security of the state depends only on the capital and the surrounding commanderies. If the northern territories are not held, Hebei is lost. How can the Yellow River alone be trusted as a defense?

書奏，宣宗異焉。復試之曰：「河北城邑，何術可保？兵民雜居，何道可和？鈔法如何而通？物價如何而平？」炳對大略以審擇守將則城邑固，兵不侵民則兵民和，斂散相權則鈔法通，勸農薄賦則物價平。宣宗雖異其言，而不能用，但補禦史台令史而已。

When the memorial was submitted, Emperor Xuanzong was greatly impressed. He summoned him again for questioning and said, "The cities and towns of Hebei—by what means can they be secured? Soldiers and civilians live intermingled—by what means can they live in harmony? How can paper currency be made to circulate effectively? How can commodity prices be stabilized?" Bing answered in outline: carefully select defending generals and the cities will hold firm; keep soldiers from harassing civilians and army and people will live in harmony; balance collection and disbursement and paper currency will circulate; encourage farming and lighten taxes and prices will stabilize. Although the emperor was impressed by his answers, he did not put them into practice and merely appointed Bing a clerk in the Censorate.

論曰：劉炳可謂能言之士矣。宣宗召試既不失對，而以一台令史賞之，足以倡士氣乎？

The historian comments: Liu Bing may truly be called a man of eloquent counsel. Emperor Xuanzong summoned him for examination and he answered without fault, yet rewarded him with no more than a clerkship in the Censorate. Was that enough to inspire the morale of scholars?

朮虎高琪

Paihu Gaoqi

朮虎高琪，或作高乞，西北路猛安人。大定二十七年充護衛，轉十人長，出職河間都總管判官，召為武衛軍鈐轄，遷宿直將軍，除建州刺史，改同知監洮府事。泰和六年，伐宋，與彰化軍節度副使把回海備鞏州諸鎮，宋兵萬余自鞏州轆轤嶺入，高琪奮擊破之，賜銀百兩、重彩十端。青宜可內附，詔知府事石抹仲溫與高琪俱出界，與青宜可合兵進取。詔高琪曰：「汝年尚少，近聞與宋人力戰奮勇，朕甚嘉之。今與仲溫同行出界，如其成功，高爵厚祿，朕不吝也。」

Paihu Gaoqi, also written Gaoqi, came from the Meng'an of the Northwest Circuit. In the twenty-seventh year of the Dading reign he joined the Imperial Guard, rose to leader of ten, served as adjunct judge under the Hejian metropolitan commandant, was summoned as controller of the Martial Guard Army, promoted to garrison duty general, appointed prefect of Jianzhou, and then made associate commissioner of the Tao Prefecture superintendency. In the sixth year of the Taihe era, during the campaign against Song, he joined Vice Commissioner Ba Huihai of the Zhanghua Army in defending the garrisons of Gong Prefecture. When more than ten thousand Song troops entered through Luolu Ridge, Gaoqi attacked fiercely and routed them. He was rewarded with one hundred taels of silver and ten bolts of heavy brocade. When Qing Yi Ke submitted to Jin allegiance, an edict ordered Prefectural Commissioner Shimo Zhongwen and Gaoqi to cross the border together and join Qing Yi Ke in a joint advance. An edict addressed Gaoqi: "You are still young, yet I have heard that in fierce combat with the Song you fought with great valor. I am deeply pleased. Go beyond the border now with Zhongwen. If you succeed, high rank and generous rewards shall be yours—I shall not be sparing."

詔封吳曦為蜀國王，高琪為封冊使。詔戒諭曰：「卿讀書解事，蜀人亦識威名，勿以財賄動心，失大國體。如或隨去奉職有違禮生事，卿與喬宇體察以聞。」使還，加都統，號平南虎威將軍。

An edict enfeoffed Wu Xi as King of Shu and appointed Gaoqi envoy of investiture. The edict cautioned him: "You are educated and understand affairs, and the people of Shu know your reputation. Do not let gifts and bribes sway you and compromise the dignity of the great state. If any member of the entourage violates protocol or causes trouble, you and Qiao Yu are to investigate and report." Upon his return, he was promoted to commander-in-chief and given the title General Who Pacifies the South with Tiger Might.

宋安丙遣李孝義率步騎三萬攻秦州，先以萬人圍皁角堡，高琪赴之。宋兵列陣山谷，以武車為左右翼，伏弩其下來逆戰。既合，宋兵陽卻。高琪軍見宋兵伏不得前，退整陣，宋兵複來。凡五戰，宋兵益堅，不可以得志。高琪分騎為二，出者戰則止者俟，止者出則戰者還，還者複出以更。久之，遣蒲察桃思剌潛兵上山，自山馳下合擊，大破宋兵，斬首四千級，生擒數百人，李孝義乃解圍去。宋兵三千致馬連寨以窺湫池，遣夾谷福壽擊走之，斬七百餘級。

Song Anbing sent Li Xiaoyi at the head of thirty thousand infantry and cavalry to attack Qin Prefecture. Li first invested Zaojiao Fort with ten thousand men, and Gaoqi marched to relieve it. The Song forces drew up in the valleys with war chariots forming the wings and crossbowmen concealed below, ready to meet the attack. Once battle was joined, the Song troops feigned retreat. Seeing the ambush, Gaoqi's troops could not advance and withdrew to reform their ranks, whereupon the Song forces pressed forward again. After five engagements the Song line held ever firmer, and he could not gain the upper hand. Gaoqi divided his cavalry in two. One wing fought while the other waited; when the waiting wing charged, the fighting wing withdrew, then returned to the fray in rotation. After some time he sent Pucha Taosila with troops up the mountain by a hidden route. They charged down the slopes in a combined assault and routed the Song army, taking four thousand heads and capturing several hundred alive. Li Xiaoyi then lifted the siege and withdrew. When three thousand Song troops advanced to Malian Stockade to threaten Qiu Pool, he sent Jiagu Fushou to drive them off, taking more than seven hundred heads.

大安三年，累官泰州刺史，以颭軍三千屯通玄門外。未幾，升縉山縣為鎮州，以高琪為防禦使，權元帥右都監，所部颭軍賞賚有差。至甯元年八月，尚書左丞完顏綱將兵十萬行省於縉山，敗績。貞祐初，遷元帥右監軍。閏月，詔高琪曰：「聞軍事皆中覆，得無失機會乎？自今當即行之，朕但責成功耳。」

In the third year of the Da'an era he rose through successive posts to prefect of Taizhou and garrisoned three thousand campaign troops outside Tongxuan Gate. Shortly thereafter Jinshan County was elevated to Zhen Prefecture. Gaoqi was made defense commissioner and acting right overseer of the marshalate, and the campaign troops under his command were rewarded according to merit. In the eighth month of the first year of the Zhiyong era, Left Vice Director Wanyan Gang led one hundred thousand troops on provincial duty at Jinshan and was defeated. At the beginning of the Zhenyou era he was promoted to right army overseer of the marshalate. In the intercalary month an edict told Gaoqi, "I hear that all military matters require central approval. Are opportunities not being lost? From now on act at once. I hold you responsible only for results."

是月，被詔自鎮州移軍守禦中都迤南，次良鄉不得前，乃還中都。每出戰輒敗，紇石烈執中戒之曰：「汝連敗矣，若再不勝，當以軍法從事。」及出，果敗，高琪懼誅。十月辛亥，高琪自軍中入，遂以兵圍執中第，殺執中，持其首詣闕待罪。宣宗赦之，以為左副元帥，一行將士遷賞有差。丙寅，詔曰：「胡沙虎畜無君之心，形跡露見，不可盡言。武衛副使提點近侍局慶山奴、近侍局使斜烈、直長撒合輦累曾陳奏，方慎圖之。斜烈漏此意于按察判官胡魯，胡魯以告翰林待制訛出，訛出達于高琪，今月十五日將胡沙虎戮訖。惟茲臣庶將恐有疑，肆降劄書，不匿厥旨。」論者謂高琪專殺，故降此詔。頃之，拜平章政事。

That month he was ordered to move his army from Zhen Prefecture to defend the approaches south of the Central Capital. He halted at Liangxiang, could not advance, and returned to the capital. Each time he took the field he was defeated. Wanyan Heshilie Zhizhong warned him, "You have lost battle after battle. If you fail again, you will face military law." When he went out again, he was indeed defeated, and Gaoqi feared execution. On the xinhai day of the tenth month, Gaoqi entered the capital from camp, surrounded Zhizhong's residence with troops, killed him, and presented his head at the palace gate to await judgment. Emperor Xuanzong pardoned him and appointed him left vice marshal. The officers and soldiers who had accompanied him were promoted and rewarded according to merit. On the bingyin day an edict declared: "Hu Shahu harbored treasonous intent, and his conduct had become all too plain to recount in full. Vice Commissioner Qingshan Nu of the Martial Guard and intendant of the Inner Service Bureau, Commissioner Xielie of the Inner Service Bureau, and direct attendant Sahelian had repeatedly memorialized against him, and we were carefully planning action. Xielie disclosed this plan to investigation commissioner adjunct judge Hulu, who informed Hanlin attendant Echu, who in turn informed Gaoqi. On the fifteenth of this month Hu Shahu was put to death. Lest officials and commoners harbor doubts, we issue this edict openly and conceal nothing of its purpose." Commentators held that because Gaoqi had carried out the killing on his own authority, this edict was issued to justify it. Shortly thereafter he was appointed grand councilor.

宣宗論馬政，顧高琪曰：「往歲市馬西夏，今肯市否？」對曰：「木波畜馬甚多，市之可得，括緣邊部落馬，亦不少矣。」宣宗曰：「盡括邊馬，緩急如之何？」閱三日，複奏曰：「河南鎮防二十余軍，計可得精騎二萬，緩急亦足用。」宣宗曰：「馬雖多，養之有法，習之有時，詳諭所司令加意也。」貞祐二年十一月，宣宗問高琪曰：「所造軍器往往不可用，此誰之罪也？」對曰：「軍器美惡在兵部，材物則戶部，工匠則工部。」宣宗曰：「治之！且將敗事。」宣宗問楊安兒事，高琪對曰：「賊方據險，臣令主將以石牆圍之，勢不得出，擒在旦夕矣。」宣宗曰：「可以急攻，或力戰突圍，我師必有傷者。」

Emperor Xuanzong discussed horse policy and turned to Gaoqi. "In past years we purchased horses from Western Xia. Will they sell to us now?" He replied, "Mubo keeps a great many horses and would sell them if approached. Horses may also be requisitioned from the frontier tribes, and these would not be few." The emperor said, "If all frontier horses are requisitioned, what will we do in an emergency?" Three days later he memorialized again: "The more than twenty garrison armies of Henan could furnish some twenty thousand elite cavalry, which would suffice even in an emergency." The emperor said, "However many the horses, there is a proper way to raise them and a proper season to train them. Instruct the responsible offices to give this their utmost attention." In the eleventh month of the second year of the Zhenyou era, Emperor Xuanzong asked Gaoqi, "The weapons we manufacture are often unusable. Whose fault is this?" He replied, "The quality of arms lies with the Ministry of War, the materials with the Ministry of Revenue, and the craftsmen with the Ministry of Works." The emperor said, "Correct it! It will soon ruin our affairs." The emperor asked about Yang An'er. Gaoqi replied, "The rebel holds rugged terrain. I have ordered the chief commander to wall him in with stone ramparts. He cannot escape, and capture is only a matter of days." The emperor said, "Press the attack if you will, but if he fights fiercely to break out, our troops are sure to suffer casualties."

應奉翰林文字完顏素蘭自中都議軍事還，上書求見，乞屏左右。故事，有奏密事輒屏左右。先是，太府監丞游茂以高琪威權太重，中外畏之，常以為憂，因入見，屏人密奏，請裁抑之。宣宗曰：「既委任之，權安得不重？」茂退不自安，複欲結高琪，詣其第上書曰：「宰相自有體，豈可以此生人主之疑，招天下之議。」恐高琪不相信，複曰：「茂嘗間見主上，實惡相公權重。相公若能用茂，當使上不疑，而下無所議。」高琪聞茂嘗請間屏人奏事，疑之，乃具以聞。遊茂論死，詔免死，杖一百，除名。自是凡屏人奏事，必令近臣一人侍立。及素蘭請密，召至近侍局，給筆劄，使書所欲言。少頃，宣宗禦便殿見之，惟留近侍局直長趙和和侍立。素蘭奏曰：「日者元帥府議削伯德文哥兵權，朝廷乃詔領義軍。改除之命拒而不受，元帥府方欲討捕，朝廷複赦之，且不令隸元帥府。不知誰為陛下畫此計者，臣自外風聞皆出平章高琪。」宣宗曰：「汝何以知此事出於高琪？」素蘭曰：「臣見文哥與永清副提控劉溫牒雲，差人張希韓至自南京，道副樞平章處分，已奏令文哥隸大名行省，毋遵中都帥府約束。溫即具言于帥府。然則文哥與高琪計結，明矣。」上頷之。素蘭複奏曰：「高琪本無勳望，向以畏死擅殺胡沙虎，計出於無聊耳。妒賢能，樹黨與，竊弄威權，自作威福。去歲，都下書生樊知一詣高琪，言颭軍不可信，恐生亂。高琪以刀杖決殺之，自是無複敢言軍國利害者。使其黨移剌塔不也為武甯軍節度使，招颭軍，已而無功，複以為武衛軍使。以臣觀之，此賊滅亂紀綱，戕害忠良，實有不欲國家平治之意。惟陛下斷然行之，社稷之福也。」宣宗曰：「朕徐思之。」素蘭出，複戒曰：「慎無泄也。」

Hanlin attendant Wanyan Sulan, returning from military consultations at the Central Capital, submitted a memorial requesting an audience and asked that attendants be dismissed. By precedent, when a confidential matter was reported, attendants were dismissed from the audience. Earlier, Vice Director You Mao of the Imperial Storehouse, troubled that Gaoqi's power had grown too great and that court and country alike feared him, had requested a private audience and secretly memorialized that Gaoqi's authority should be curtailed. Emperor Xuanzong said, "Since I have entrusted him with office, how can his authority fail to be weighty?" Mao withdrew uneasy, then sought to win Gaoqi over instead. He went to his residence and submitted a letter: "A chief councilor must observe proper dignity. How can you act in ways that arouse the sovereign's suspicion and invite criticism throughout the realm?" Fearing Gaoqi would not trust him, he added, "I once had a private audience with the emperor and know that he truly resents your excessive power. If you will employ me, I can remove the emperor's suspicions and silence criticism below." Gaoqi, learning that Mao had once requested a private audience to report against him, grew suspicious and reported the entire affair to the throne. You Mao was condemned to death, but an edict commuted the sentence to one hundred strokes of the staff and removal from office. Henceforth, whenever a confidential memorial was presented, the emperor ordered one close attendant to remain standing by. When Sulan requested a private audience, he was summoned to the Bureau of Close Attendance, furnished with brush and paper, and told to write out everything he wished to say. Shortly afterward Emperor Xuanzong received him in a side hall of the inner palace, keeping only Zhao Hehe, chief registrar of the Bureau of Close Attendance, in attendance. Sulan said, "Recently the marshalate proposed stripping Bode Wenge of military authority, whereupon the court ordered him to command the loyalist armies instead. He refused the new appointment. The marshalate was preparing to arrest him when the court pardoned him again and moreover exempted him from marshalate authority. I do not know who devised this policy for Your Majesty, but rumor from outside the court traces it all to Grand Councilor Gaoqi." The emperor said, "How do you know this affair originated with Gaoqi?" Sulan said, "I have seen a dispatch from Wenge to Liu Wen, deputy commander of Yongqing, stating that an envoy named Zhang Xihan arrived from Nanjing bearing orders from the vice marshal of state. It had already been reported that Wenge was placed under the Daming Branch Secretariat and was no longer subject to the Central Capital marshalate. Liu Wen reported the matter in full to the marshalate. It is plain, then, that Wenge and Gaoqi are in league." The emperor nodded. Sulan went on, "Gaoqi never earned distinction. He killed Hushahu out of sheer terror for his own life—a desperate man's expedient, nothing more. He envies the capable, builds factions, usurps authority, and treats the realm's power as his private possession. Last year a scholar of the capital named Fan Zhiyi went to Gaoqi and warned that the campaign troops were unreliable and might provoke rebellion. Gaoqi had him beaten to death with blades and staves. After that no one dared speak frankly about the welfare of army and state. He installed his partisan Yila Tabuye as military commissioner of the Wuning Army to recruit the campaign troops. When this failed, Tabuye was made commander of the Martial Guard instead. In my judgment this traitor destroys order, destroys the loyal, and plainly does not wish the state well. Only if Your Majesty acts decisively will the altars of state be blessed." The emperor said, "I shall consider this carefully." Sulan withdrew, and was again warned: "Take care not to breathe a word of this."

四年十月，大元大兵取潼關，次嵩、汝間，待闕台院令史高嶷上書曰：「向者河朔敗績，朝廷不時出應，此失機會一也。及深入吾境，都城精兵無慮數十萬，若效命一戰，必無今日之憂，此失機會二也。既退之後，不議追襲，此失機會三也。今已度關，不亟進禦，患益深矣。乞命平章政事高琪為帥，以厭眾心。」不報。禦史台言：「兵逾潼關、崤、澠，深入重地，近抵西郊。彼知京師屯宿重兵，不復叩城索戰，但以遊騎遮絕道路，而別兵攻擊州縣，是亦困京師之漸也。若專以城守為事，中都之危又將見於今日，況公私蓄積視中都百不及一，此臣等所為寒心也。不攻京城而縱其別攻州縣，是猶火在腹心，撥置於手足之上，均一身也，願陛下察之。請以陝西兵扼拒潼關，與右副元帥蒲察阿裏不孫為掎角之勢，選在京勇敢之將十數人，各付精兵數千，隨宜伺察，且戰且守，複諭河北，亦以此待之。」詔付尚書省，高琪奏曰：「台官素不習兵，備禦方略，非所知也。」遂寢。高琪止欲以重兵屯駐南京以自固，州郡殘破不復恤也。宣宗惑之，計行言聽，終以自斃。

In the tenth month of the fourth year, the Mongol armies took Tong Pass and camped between Song and Ru. Gao Yi, a clerk of the Daitaiyuan, submitted a memorial: "When our armies were routed in Heshuo, the court failed to respond in time. That was the first lost opportunity. When the enemy penetrated deep into our territory, the capital had several hundred thousand elite troops. Had they been sent into a decisive battle, we would not face today's peril. That was the second lost opportunity. After the enemy withdrew, no pursuit was even discussed. That was the third lost opportunity. Now they have crossed the pass. If we do not hurry to meet them in battle, disaster will only deepen. I beg that Grand Councilor Gaoqi be appointed commander in chief to satisfy the people's expectations." The memorial received no response. The censorate reported, "Enemy troops have crossed Tong Pass, Xiao, and Mian, penetrated deep into our heartland, and drawn near the western suburbs of the capital. Knowing the capital holds a massive garrison, they no longer assault the walls but send raiding cavalry to sever the roads while other columns attack prefectures and counties. This too is their strategy for gradually strangling the capital. If we rely solely on defending the walls, the capital will suffer the same fate Zhongdu once did. And the stores of Nanjing, public and private alike, are not one percent of what Zhongdu held. This is what chills our hearts. To let the enemy ravage the provinces while we hold the walls is like tending a wounded limb while fire rages in the belly. The realm is one body. I beg Your Majesty to see this. Let Shaanxi troops hold Tong Pass in coordination with Right Vice Marshal Puxian Ali Busun. Select a dozen bold commanders in the capital, give each several thousand elite troops, and let them probe the enemy and fight as circumstances demand. Send the same orders to Hebei." The memorial was referred to the Ministry of State Affairs. Gaoqi replied, "Censorate officials know nothing of military affairs. Defense strategy is not their province." And there the matter ended. Gaoqi cared only to mass troops at Nanjing for his own security and gave no thought to devastated provinces. The emperor was deluded by him, followed his every counsel, and in the end was destroyed by his own minister.

未幾，進拜尚書右丞相，奏曰：「凡監察有失糾彈者從本法。若人使入國，私通言語，說知本國事情，宿衛、近侍官、承應人出入親王、公主、宰執之家，災傷闕食，體究不實，致傷人命，轉運軍儲，而有私載，及考試舉人關防不嚴者，並的杖。在京犯至兩次者，台官減監察一等論贖，餘止坐專差者。任滿日議定升降。若任內有漏察之事應的決者，依格雖為稱職，止從平常，平常者從降罰。」制可。高琪請修南京裏城，宣宗曰：「此役一興，民滋病矣。城雖完固，能獨安乎？」

Before long he was promoted to right chief minister of the Ministry of State Affairs and memorialized, "Whenever surveillance officials fail to impeach offenses properly, the statute shall apply as written. Moreover: envoys who converse privately and reveal state secrets; palace guards and attendants who visit princes, princesses, or chief ministers; officials who falsify famine relief investigations with fatal consequences; logistics officers who carry private cargo; examiners who fail to enforce security—all shall receive corporal punishment. For a second offense in the capital, censorate officials lose one grade in their performance review; others are punished only within their assigned jurisdiction. At the end of term their promotion or demotion shall be determined accordingly. If during their term they fail to impeach an offense requiring corporal punishment, they shall be rated merely satisfactory even if otherwise competent, and a merely satisfactory rating entails demotion." The regulations were approved. Gaoqi proposed repairing the inner wall of Nanjing. The emperor said, "Once this work begins, the people will suffer all the more. Even if the walls are strong, can they alone keep us secure?"

興定元年十月，右司諫許古勸宣宗與宋議和，宣宗命古草牒，以示宰臣，高琪曰：「辭有哀祈之意，自示微弱不足取。遂寢。集賢院諮議官呂鑒言：「南邊屯兵數十萬，自唐、鄧至壽、泗沿邊居民逃亡殆盡，兵士亦多亡者，亦以人煙絕少故也。臣嘗比監息州榷場，每場所獲布帛數千匹、銀數百兩，大計布帛數萬匹，銀數千兩，兵興以來俱失之矣。夫軍民有逃亡之病，而國家失日獲之利，非計也。今隆冬冱寒，吾騎得騁，當重兵屯境上，馳書諭之，誠為大便。若俟春和，則利在於彼，難與議矣。昔燕人獲趙王，趙遣辯士說之，不許，一牧豎請行，趙王乃還。孔子失馬，馭卒得之。人無貴賤，苟中事機，皆可以成功。臣雖不肖，願效牧豎馭卒之智，伏望宸斷。」詔問尚書省。高琪曰：「鑒狂妄無稽，但其氣岸可尚，宜付陝西行省備任使。」制可。十二月，胥鼎諫伐宋，語在鼎傳。高琪曰：「大軍已進，無複可議。」遂寢。

In the tenth month of the first year of Xingding, Right Department Remonstrator Xu Gu urged the emperor to negotiate peace with Song. The emperor ordered Xu to draft a document and show it to the chief ministers. Gaoqi objected, "The language is pleading and abject. It shows weakness and will gain us nothing. The proposal was shelved. Advisory official Lü Jian of the Academy of Assembled Talents said, "We have several hundred thousand troops on the southern frontier. From Tang and Deng to Shou and Si the border population has fled almost entirely, and many soldiers have deserted as well, because the land is nearly empty. I once supervised the Xizhou trade market. Each session yielded several thousand bolts of cloth and several hundred taels of silver—tens of thousands of bolts and thousands of taels in all. Since the war began we have lost all of this revenue. To suffer mass desertion among troops and civilians while forfeiting daily revenue is no strategy at all. Deep winter favors our cavalry. Mass troops on the border and send an urgent dispatch. The opportunity is ripe. Wait until spring, and the advantage passes to them. Negotiation will then be far harder. Once when Yan held the king of Zhao prisoner, Zhao sent eloquent envoys who failed to win his release. A shepherd boy volunteered, and the king was returned. Confucius lost his horse; a groom found it. Rank means nothing. Whoever grasps the moment can succeed. Humble though I am, I would emulate that shepherd and that groom. I beg Your Majesty's judgment." The memorial was referred to the Ministry of State Affairs. Gaoqi said, "Jian is arrogant and reckless, but he has spirit. Assign him to the Shaanxi Branch Secretariat for whatever duty may arise." Approved. In the twelfth month Xu Ding remonstrated against the campaign against Song. His words are recorded in his biography. Gaoqi said, "The main army has already advanced. The matter is not open to debate." And there it ended.

二年，胥鼎上書諫曰：「錢谷之冗，非九重所能兼，天子總大綱，責成功而已。」高琪曰：「陛下法上天行健之義，憂勤庶務，夙夜不遑，乃太平之階也。鼎言非是。」宣宗以南北用兵，深以為憂，右司諫呂造上章：「乞詔內外百官各上封事，直言無諱。或時召見，親為訪問。陛下博采兼聽，以盡群下之情，天下幸甚。」宣宗嘉納，詔集百官議河北、陝西守禦之策。高琪心忌之，不用一言。是時，築汴京城裏城，宣宗問高琪曰：「人言此役恐不能就，如何？」高琪曰：「終當告成，但其濠未及浚耳。」宣宗曰：「無濠可乎？」高琪曰：「苟防城有法，正使兵來，臣等愈得效力。」宣宗曰：「與其臨城，曷若不令至此為善。」高琪無以對。

In the second year Xu Ding memorialized, "The burden of finance and grain is more than the throne can supervise in detail. The Son of Heaven holds the great outline and demands results—that is enough." Gaoqi said, "Your Majesty emulates Heaven's vigor, laboring over every affair from dawn till night without rest. That is the path to peace. Xu's counsel is mistaken." With war on both fronts the emperor was deeply troubled. Right Department Remonstrator Lü Zao memorialized, "I beg that inner and outer officials be ordered to submit sealed memorials and speak without reserve. Summon them for audience when needed and question them yourself. If Your Majesty listens broadly and weighs every counsel, you will know the mind of the realm. The realm would be blessed indeed." The emperor approved and ordered officials to assemble and deliberate on the defense of Hebei and Shaanxi. Gaoqi resented this and suppressed every proposal. At this time the inner wall of Bianjing was under construction. The emperor asked Gaoqi, "Some say this project may never be finished. What do you say?" Gaoqi said, "It will be completed in the end, though the moat has not yet been dug." The emperor asked, "Can we manage without a moat?" Gaoqi said, "If the defenses are sound, even when the enemy comes we ministers can serve all the better." The emperor said, "Better to keep the enemy from reaching the walls at all than to meet them there." Gaoqi had no answer.

高琪自為宰相，專固權寵，擅作威福，與高汝礪相唱和。高琪主機務，高汝礪掌利權，附己者用，不附己者斥。凡言事忤意，及負材力或與己頡頑者，對宣宗陽稱其才，使幹當于河北，陰置之死地。自不兼樞密元帥之後，常欲得兵權，遂力勸宣宗伐宋。置河北不復為意，凡精兵皆置河南，苟且歲月，不肯輒出一卒，以應方面之急。平章政事英王守純欲發其罪，密召右司員外郎王阿裏、知案蒲鮮石魯剌、令史蒲察胡魯謀之。石魯剌、胡魯以告尚書省都事僕散奴失不，僕散奴失不以告高琪。英王懼高琪黨與，遂不敢發。頃之，高琪使奴賽不殺其妻，乃歸罪於賽不，送開封府殺之以滅口。開封府畏高琪，不敢發其實，賽不論死。事覺，宣宗久聞高琪奸惡，遂因此事誅之，時興定三年十二月也。尚書省都事僕散奴失不以英王謀告高琪，論死。蒲鮮石魯剌、蒲察胡魯各杖七十，勒停。

Once Gaoqi became chief minister he monopolized power and favor, ruled by intimidation, and worked in concert with Gao Rulü. Gaoqi controlled civil affairs while Gao Rulü controlled fiscal power. Those who attached themselves were promoted; those who refused were driven out. Anyone who opposed him, or possessed talent enough to challenge him, he praised before the emperor and sent to Hebei on ostensibly important missions, secretly placing them in mortal peril. After losing his concurrent posts as privy councilor and marshal, he constantly sought military authority and tirelessly urged war against Song. He abandoned Hebei to its fate, massed all elite troops in Henan, and clung to complacency, refusing to dispatch a single soldier to relieve the frontier. Grand Councilor the Prince of Ying Shouchun wished to expose Gaoqi's crimes and secretly summoned Right Department Vice Director Wang Ali, case manager Puxian Shilula, and clerk Pucha Hulu to plot against him. Shilula and Hulu informed the ministry registrar Pusannushibu, who reported the plot to Gaoqi. The Prince of Ying, fearing Gaoqi's faction, did not dare proceed. Before long Gaoqi had his slave Saibu kill his wife, then blamed Saibu and sent him to Kaifeng Prefecture for execution to silence witnesses. Kaifeng Prefecture, fearing Gaoqi, concealed the truth, and Saibu was condemned to death. When the affair came to light, the emperor, who had long known of Gaoqi's wickedness, used it as grounds to execute him. It was the twelfth month of the third year of Xingding. Ministry registrar Pusannushibu was condemned to death for failing to report the Prince of Ying's plot to Gaoqi. Puxian Shilula and Pucha Hulu each received seventy strokes of the staff and were dismissed from office.

初，宣宗將遷南，欲置颭軍于平州，高琪難之。及遷汴，戒彖多厚撫此軍，彖多輒殺颭軍數人，以至於敗。宣宗末年嘗曰：「壞天下者，高琪、彖多也。」終身以為恨雲。

Earlier, when the emperor planned to move south, he wished to station the campaign troops at Ping Prefecture. Gaoqi opposed the plan. After the move to Bian he charged Tuo Duo to treat the army generously. Tuo Duo promptly executed several campaign soldiers, and the army was ruined. In his later years the emperor once said, "Those who ruined the realm were Gaoqi and Tuo Duo." He regretted it to the end of his days, it is said.

塔不也

Yila Tabuye

移剌塔不也，東北路猛安人。明昌元年，累官西上閣門使。二年，襲父謀克。泰和伐宋，有功，遙授同知慶州事，權迪列颭詳穩。丁父憂，起複西北路招討判官，改尚輦局使、曹王傅。貞祐二年，遷武甯軍節度使，招徠中都颭軍，無功，平章高琪芘之，召為武衛軍都指揮使。應奉翰林文字完顏素蘭嘗面奏高琪黨比，語在《高琪傳》。尋知河南府事，兼副統軍，徙彰化軍節度使。上言：「盡籍山東、河間、大名猛安人為兵，老弱城守，壯者捍禦。」又言：「河東地險人勇，步兵為天下冠，可盡調以戍諸隘。」從之。自是河東郡縣屯兵少，不可守矣。改知臨洮府事，兼陝西副統軍。貞祐三年十一月，破夏兵於熟羊寨。平章高琪率宰臣入賀曰：「塔不也以少敗眾，蓋陛下威德所致。」宣宗曰：「自古興國皆賴忠賢，今茲立功，皆將率諸賢之力也。」乃以塔不也為勸農使，兼知平涼府事，進階銀青榮祿大夫。四年，伐西夏，攻威、靈、安、會等州。興定元年，知慶陽府事。三年，遷元帥左都監，卒。

Yila Tabuye came from a meng'an of the Northeast Circuit. In the first year of Mingchang he rose through successive posts to Western Upper Gate Commissioner. In the second year he inherited his father's mohelen title. In the Taihe campaign against Song he distinguished himself and was appointed associate prefect of Qing Prefecture in absentia, with acting authority as tribal military overseer of the campaign troops. After observing mourning for his father he was recalled as punitive commissioner of the Northwest Circuit, then appointed commissioner of the Imperial Chariot Bureau and tutor to the Prince of Cao. In the second year of Zhenyou he was made military commissioner of the Wuning Army to recruit the Central Capital campaign troops. When this failed, Grand Councilor Gaoqi protected him and had him appointed commander of the Martial Guard Army. Hanlin attendant Wanyan Sulan once denounced Gaoqi's factionalism to the throne. The account appears in Gaoqi's biography. Shortly afterward he was appointed administrator of Henan Prefecture and vice commander-in-chief, then transferred to military commissioner of the Zhanghua Army. He submitted a memorial proposing that all meng'an households in Shandong, Hejian, and Daming be enrolled as soldiers, with the old and weak assigned to garrison the cities and the able-bodied men to hold the frontier. He also argued that Hedong's terrain was rugged and its people valiant, that its infantry were the finest in the realm, and that they should all be mobilized to garrison the strategic passes. The emperor adopted his proposals. From that point onward the prefectures and counties of Hedong were left with too few garrison troops to hold their ground. He was reassigned as prefect of Linzhou and concurrently served as deputy commander-in-chief in Shaanxi. In the eleventh month of the third year of Zhenyou he routed Western Xia forces at Shuyang Stockade. Grand Councilor Gaoqi led the chief ministers in to offer congratulations, saying, "Tabuye defeated a larger force with fewer men—surely this reflects Your Majesty's august authority and virtue." Emperor Xuanzong replied, "Since antiquity every rising state has relied on loyal worthies; the merit won today rests on the combined strength of our generals and worthy ministers." Tabuye was then appointed commissioner for encouraging agriculture and concurrently made administrator of Pingliang Prefecture, with promotion to the rank of Silver-Green Glory and Blessings Grand Master. In the fourth year he campaigned against Western Xia and attacked Wei, Ling, An, Hui, and other prefectures. In the first year of Xingding he was made administrator of Qingyang Prefecture. In the third year he was promoted to left overseer of the Marshalate and died in office.

論曰：高琪擅殺執中，宣宗不能正其罪，又曲為之說，以詔臣下。就其事論之，人君欲誅大臣，而與近侍密謀于宮中，已非其道。謀之不密，又為外臣所知，以告敗軍之將，因殺之以為說，此可欺後世邪？金至南渡，譬之尪羸病人，元氣無幾。琪喜吏而惡儒，好兵而厭靜，沮遷颭之議，破和宋之謀，正猶繆醫，投以烏喙、附子，只速其亡耳。使宣宗於擅殺之日，即能伸大義而誅之，何至誤國如是邪。

The historian comments: When Gaoqi killed Zhizhong on his own authority, Emperor Xuanzong failed to punish the crime and instead twisted the facts in an edict to his officials. Judged on its merits, when a ruler wishes to execute a great minister yet plots in secret with palace attendants, he has already departed from the proper way. The plot was not kept secret, an outside official learned of it and informed a defeated general, and the man was then killed to supply a cover story—can such a tale deceive posterity? By the time Jin moved its capital south, the dynasty was like a wasted patient with scarcely any vital force remaining. Gaoqi favored clerks and despised Confucians, loved war and disdained peace, blocked the plan to relocate the campaign troops, and wrecked the proposal to make peace with Song—like a quack physician dosing a dying man with aconite and prepared aconite, he only hastened the dynasty's collapse. Had Emperor Xuanzong upheld righteousness and executed Gaoqi on the day of that unauthorized killing, how could the state have been misled so disastrously?

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