1
武十三王
Thirteen Princes of Emperor Wu.
2
武帝二十六男：楊元后生毗陵悼王軌、惠帝、秦獻王柬。 審美人生城陽懷王景、楚隱王瑋、長沙厲王乂。 徐才人生城陽殤王憲。 匱才人生東海沖王祗。 趙才人生始平哀王裕。 趙美人生代哀王演。 李夫人生淮南忠壯王允、吳孝王晏。 嚴保林生新都懷王該。 陳美人生清河康王遐。 諸姬生汝陰哀王謨。 程才人生成都王穎。 王才人生孝懷帝。 楊悼后生渤海殤王恢。 餘八子不顯母氏，並早夭，又無封國及追諡，今並略之。 其瑋、乂、穎自有傳。
Of Emperor Wu’s twenty-six sons, Empress Yang Yuan bore Prince Dao of Biling, Sima Gui; Emperor Hui; and Prince Xian of Qin, Sima Jian. The Lady of Meiren rank surnamed Shen bore Prince Huai of Chengyang, Sima Jing; Prince Yin of Chu, Sima Wei; and Prince Li of Changsha, Sima Yi. Lady Xu, a consort of talent rank, bore Prince Shang of Chengyang, Sima Xian. Lady Kui, a consort of talent rank, bore Prince Chong of the Eastern Sea, Sima Zhi. Lady Zhao, a consort of talent rank, bore Prince Ai of Shiping, Sima Yu. Lady Zhao the meiren bore Prince Ai of Dai, Sima Yan. Lady Li bore Prince Zhongzhuang of Huainan, Sima Yun, and Prince Xiao of Wu, Sima Yan. Lady Yan, styled baolin, bore Prince Huai of Xindu, Sima Gai. Lady Chen the meiren bore Prince Kang of Qinghe, Sima Xia. Other ladies of the harem bore Prince Ai of Ruyin, Sima Mo. Lady Cheng, a consort of talent rank, bore the Prince of Chengdu, Sima Ying. Lady Wang, a consort of talent rank, bore Emperor Xiaohuai. Empress Yang Dao bore Prince Shang of Bohai, Sima Hui. Eight other sons left no record of their mothers; they died in childhood without enfeoffment or posthumous honors, and are passed over here. Sima Wei, Sima Yi, and Sima Ying are treated in separate biographies.
4
毗陵悼王軌
Prince Dao of Biling, Sima Gui (subsection heading).
5
=毗陵悼王軌，字正則，初拜騎都尉，年二歲而夭， 太康十年，追加封諡，以楚王瑋子義嗣。=
Sima Gui, posthumously Prince Dao of Biling, bore the courtesy name Zhengze; his first appointment was Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, and he died at the age of two. In Taikang 10, the court added a fief and posthumous title, and appointed Yi, son of Prince Wei of Chu, as heir.
6
秦獻王柬
Sima Jian, Prince Xian of Qin.
7
=秦獻王柬，字弘度，沈敏有識量， 泰始六年，封汝南王。 咸甯初，徙封南陽王，拜左將軍、領右軍將軍、散騎常侍。 武帝嘗幸宣武場，以三十六軍兵簿令不料校之，柬一省便擿脫謬，帝異之，于諸子中尤見寵愛。 以左將軍居齊獻王故府，甚貴寵，為天下所屬目。 性仁訥，無機辯之譽。 太康十年，徙封于秦，邑八萬戶。 于時諸王封中土者皆五萬戶，以柬與太子同產，故特加之。 轉鎮西將軍、西戎校尉、假節，與楚、淮南王俱之國。
Sima Jian, Prince Xian of Qin, whose courtesy name was Hongdu, was grave, astute, and measured in character. In the sixth year of Taishi, he received the title of Prince of Runan. Early in Xianning he was moved to the Nanyang princedom and appointed General of the Left, acting General of the Right Army, and Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. On an imperial visit to the Xuanyang parade ground, Emperor Wu suddenly gave him the registers of thirty-six commands to audit; with a single reading Jian caught every mistake, and the emperor was so impressed that he doted on him more than on his other sons. While serving as General of the Left he occupied Prince Xian of Qi’s old residence, basking in rare favor and the gaze of the whole court. He was humane and plain-spoken, and no one praised him for clever repartee. In Taikang 10 he was reassigned to the Qin princedom with a household quota of eighty thousand. Other princes with domains in the heartland held fifty thousand households; Jian alone was granted more because he was the crown prince’s full brother. He was rotated to General Who Guards the West and Colonel of the Western Rong, given a credential, and traveled to his kingdom alongside the Princes of Chu and Huainan.
8
及惠帝即位，來朝，拜驃騎將軍、開府儀同三司，加侍中、錄尚書事，進位大將軍。 時楊駿伏誅，柬既痛舅氏覆滅，甚有憂危之慮，屢述武帝旨，請還籓，而汝南王亮留柬輔政。 及亮與楚王瑋被誅，時人謂柬有先識。
After Emperor Hui took the throne, Jian attended court and was named Grand Marshal Who Gallops as if Flying with ad hoc honors matching the Three Excellencies, then added Palace Attendant and supervisor of the Masters of Writing before being raised to Grand General. When Yang Jun fell, Jian mourned the ruin of his maternal kin and lived in dread; he often invoked Emperor Wu’s wishes and begged to return to his domain, yet Prince of Runan Sima Liang kept him in the capital to help govern. Once Sima Liang and Prince Wei of Chu had been executed, contemporaries credited Jian with prescience.
9
元康元年薨，時年三十，朝野痛惜之。 葬禮如齊獻文王攸故事，廟設軒懸之樂。 無子，以淮南王允子鬱為嗣，與允俱被害， 永寧二年，追諡曰悼。 又以吳王晏子鄴嗣。 懷帝崩，鄴入纂帝位，國絕。
In the first year of Yuankang, he died in Yuankang 1, aged thirty, to the grief of officials and commoners alike. Burial rites matched those for Prince Xian of Qi, Sima You, and his shrine received the full “suspended instruments” music. Without a natural heir, he took Sima Yu, son of Prince Zhongzhuang of Huainan, as successor; Yu was killed together with his father. In the second year of Yongning, in Yongning 2 the court added the posthumous name Dao, “the Lamented.” Sima Ye, son of Prince Yan of Wu, was next named heir. After Emperor Xiaohuai’s death, Ye seized the imperial seat and the princedom lapsed.
11
三王
Three Princes.
12
=城陽懷王景，字景度，出繼叔父城陽哀王兆後。 泰始五年受封，六年薨。
Sima Jing, Prince Huai of Chengyang, courtesy name Jingdu, was posthumously transferred to continue Prince Ai of Chengyang, Sima Zhao’s line. He received his fief in the fifth year of Taishi and died in the sixth.
13
東海沖王祗，字敬度，泰始九年五月受封。 殤王薨，復以祗繼兆，其年薨，時年三歲。
Sima Zhi, Prince Chong of Donghai, courtesy name Jingdu, received his fief in the fifth month of the ninth year of Taishi. After the Prince Shang died, Zhi was again placed in Zhao’s line; he died the same year at three.
14
始平哀王裕，字濬度，咸寧三年受封，其年薨，年七歲。 無子，以淮南王允子迪為嗣。 太康十年，改封漢王，為趙王倫所害。
Sima Yu, Prince Ai of Shiping, courtesy name Jundu, was enfeoffed in Xianning 3 and died that same year at seven. He left no heir, so Di, a son of Prince Zhongzhuang of Huainan, succeeded him. In Taikang 10 his title was changed to Prince of Han, and Prince Zhao Sima Lun had him murdered.
16
淮南忠壯王允
Prince Zhongzhuang of Huainan, Sima Yun (subsection heading).
17
=淮南忠壯王允，字欽度，咸寧三年，封濮陽王，拜越騎校尉， 太康十年，徙封淮南，仍之國，都督揚江二州諸軍事、鎮東大將軍、假節。 元康九年入朝。
Sima Yun, Prince Zhongzhuang of Huainan, courtesy name Qindu, became Prince of Puyang in Xianning 3 and was named Colonel of Agile Cavalry. In Taikang 10 he was moved to the Huainan princedom and went to his domain as commander of Yang and Jiang military affairs, General Who Guards the East, with a credential. In Yuankang 9 he came to court.
18
初，湣懷之廢，議者將立允為太弟。 會趙王倫廢賈后，詔遂以允為驃騎將軍、開府儀同三司、侍中，都督如故，領中護軍。 允性沈毅，宿衛將士皆敬服之。
When Crown Prince Minhuai was removed, some had wanted to install Yun as heir apparent. Once Prince Zhao Lun cast out Empress Jia, an edict named Yun Grand Marshal Who Gallops as if Flying at Three Excellencies rank, Palace Attendant, keeping his previous command and adding Defender of the Center. Sima Yun was grave and firm, and the household guards stood in awe of him.
19
倫既有篡逆志，允陰知之，稱疾不朝，密養死士，潛謀誅倫。 倫甚憚之，轉為太尉，外示優祟，實奪其兵也。 允稱疾不拜。 倫遣御史逼允，收官屬以下，劾乙太逆。 允恚，視詔，乃孫秀手書也。 大怒，便收御史，將斬之，御史走而獲免，斬其令史二人。 厲色謂左右曰：「趙王欲破我家！」 遂率國兵及帳下七百人直出，大呼曰：「趙王反，我將攻之，佐淮南王者左袒。」 於是歸之者甚眾。 允將赴宮，尚書左丞輿閉東掖門，允不得入，遂圍相府。 允所將兵，皆淮南奇才劍客也。 與戰，頻敗之，倫兵死者千餘人。 太子左率陳徽勒東宮兵鼓噪于內以應，允結陳于承華門前，弓弩齊發，射倫，飛矢雨下。 主書司馬畦秘以身蔽倫，箭中其背而死。 倫官屬皆隱樹而立，每樹輒中數百箭，自辰至未。 徽兄淮時為中書令，遣麾騶虞以解鬥。 倫子虔為侍中，在門下省，密要壯士，約以富貴。 於是遣司馬督護伏胤領騎四百從宮中出，舉空版，詐言有詔助淮南王允。 允不之覺，開陳納之，下車受詔，為胤所害，時年二十九。 初，倫兵敗，皆相傳：「已擒倫矣。」 百姓大悅。 既而聞允死，莫不歎息。 允三子皆被害，坐允夷滅者數千人。
When Lun began aiming at the throne, Yun perceived it; he feigned sickness, stayed away from audience, and secretly raised desperate men to strike Lun. Lun dreaded him, shifted him to Grand Commandant, seeming to exalt him while actually taking away his soldiers. Yun claimed illness and would not accept the post. Lun dispatched a censor to hound Yun, arrested his staff, and charged him with high treason. Enraged, Yun examined the supposed edict and found it handwritten by Sun Xiu. He seized the censor and meant to behead him; the man escaped, but Yun cut down two registry clerks. He said sharply to his attendants, “Prince Zhao means to ruin our family!” He marched out with his princely army and seven hundred personal followers, crying, “Prince Zhao rebels! I march against him—if you stand with the Prince of Huainan, strip your left shoulder!” A great crowd answered his call. As Yun headed for the palace, Wang Yu, Palace Aid to the Left of the Secretariat, shut the Eastern Ye Gate; blocked from entry, Yun surrounded the ministerial mansion. Yun’s soldiers were Huainan’s finest swordsmen. They engaged again and again and broke Lun’s ranks, killing more than a thousand of his troops. Chen Hui, the crown prince’s left leader, roused Eastern Palace guards to cheer from inside; Yun drew up lines before Chenghua Gate and every bow fired, showering Lun with bolts. Sui Mi, registrar marshal of the Documents Bureau, threw himself in front of Lun and caught a bolt in the back that killed him. Lun’s staff crouched behind trees, and every trunk caught hundreds of shafts from mid-morning past noon. Chen Hui’s brother Chen Huai—then Palace Secretary—sent out the imperial escort bearing the sable pennant to break up the melee. Lun’s son Qian, serving as Palace Attendant under the Gate Bureau, secretly enlisted braves with pledges of riches. He then ordered Fu Yin, commandant protector, to lead four hundred riders from the palace waving a blank board and pretending an edict supported Prince Zhongzhuang of Huainan. Yun failed to see the trick, opened his formation, dismounted to hear the “edict,” and Yin cut him down; he was twenty-nine. At first, as Lun’s force faltered, rumor ran, “Lun is taken.” The populace rejoiced. Learning soon afterward that Yun had fallen, everyone groaned in sorrow. Yun’s three sons died with him, and thousands linked to his household were wiped out.
20
及倫誅，齊王冏上表理允曰：「故淮南王允忠孝篤誠，憂國忘身，討亂奮發，幾於克捷。 遭天凶運，奄至隕沒，逆黨進惡，並害三子，冤魂酷毒，莫不悲酸。 洎興義兵，淮南國人自相率領，眾過萬人，人懷慷愾，湣國統滅絕，發言流涕。 臣輒以息超繼允後，以尉存亡。」 有詔改葬，賜以殊禮，追贈司徒。 冏敗，超被幽金墉城。 後更以吳王晏子祥為嗣，拜散騎常侍。 洛京傾覆，為劉聰所害。
Once Lun fell, Prince of Qi Sima Jiong petitioned to clear Yun’s name: “The late Prince Zhongzhuang of Huainan was loyal and dutiful, risked everything for the realm, struck at usurpation, and almost prevailed. Heaven turned cruelly against him and cut him off; the usurpers’ clique then murdered his three boys, and the injustice wrung tears from every breast. When loyal armies rose, Huainan subjects rallied over ten thousand strong, hearts afire; with the Min succession extinguished, they wept as they spoke. I therefore ask to post my son Chao to continue Yun’s line and bring peace to both worlds.” The throne commanded a new burial with exceptional honors and posthumously named him Minister of Education. After Jiong’s defeat, Chao was locked in Jinyong. Later Sima Xiang, son of Prince Yan of Wu, succeeded him and was appointed Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. When the capital fell, Liu Cong executed him.
22
二王
Two Princes.
23
=代哀王演，字宏度，太康十年受封。 少有廢疾，不之國，演常止于宮中。 薨，無子，以成都王穎子廓為嗣，改封中都王，後與穎俱死。
Sima Yan, Prince Ai of Dai, courtesy name Hongdu, was enfeoffed in Taikang 10. Chronic infirmity kept him from his domain, and he stayed perpetually within the palace. Childless, he was succeeded by Sima Kuo, son of Prince Ying of Chengdu, re-titled Prince of Zhongdu; Kuo later perished with Ying.
24
新都王該，字玄度，咸寧三年受封，太康四年薨，時年十二。 無子，國除。
Sima Gai, Prince of Xindu, courtesy name Xuandu, received his title in Xianning 3 and died in Taikang 4 at twelve. Without an heir, the princedom was struck.
26
清河康王遐
Prince Kang of Qinghe, Sima Xia (subsection heading).
27
=清河康王遐，字深度，美容儀，有精彩，武帝愛之。 既受封，出繼叔父城陽哀王兆， 太康十年，封渤海郡，曆右將軍、散騎常侍、前將軍。 元康初，進撫軍將軍，加侍中，遐長而懦弱，無所是非。 性好內，不能接士大夫。 及楚王瑋之舉兵也，使遐收衛瓘，而瓘故吏榮晦遂盡殺瓘子孫，遐不能禁，為世所尤。 永康元年薨，時年二十八。 四子：覃、籥、銓、端。 覃嗣立。
Sima Xia, Prince Kang of Qinghe, courtesy name Shendu, was fine-looking and vivid in bearing, and Emperor Wu doted on him. After his enfeoffment he was transferred to continue Prince Ai of Chengyang, Sima Zhao. In the tenth year of Taikang, he received Bohai commandery and in turn held General of the Right, Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, and General of the Van. Early in Yuankang he rose to General Who Comforts the Army with the added title of palace attendant, yet as an adult he remained timorous and never took a clear stand on anything. He preferred the harem to the company of officials and scholars. During Prince Wei’s coup Xia was ordered to seize Wei Guan, yet Rong Hui, an old subordinate of Guan’s, massacred Guan’s entire posterity while Xia stood helpless, for which contemporaries condemned him. He died in Yongkang 1 at twenty-eight. He had four sons: Tan, Yue, Quan, and Duan. Sima Tan inherited his title.
28
及沖太孫薨，齊王冏表曰：「東宮曠然，塚嗣莫繼。 天下大業，帝王神器，必建儲副，以固洪基。 今者後宮未有孕育，不可庶幸將來而虛天緒，非祖宗之遺志，社稷之長計也。 禮，兄弟之子猶子，故漢成無嗣，繼由定陶； 孝和之絕，安以紹興。 此先王之令典，往代之成式也。 清河王覃神姿岐嶷，慧智早成，康王正妃周氏所生，先帝眾孫之中，於今為嫡。 昔薄姬賢明，文則承位。 覃外祖恢世載名德，覃宜奉宗廟之重，統無窮之祚，以甯四海顒顒之望。 覃兄弟雖並出紹，可簡令淑還為國胤，不替其嗣。 輒諮大將軍穎及群公卿士，咸同大願。 請具禮儀，擇日迎拜。」 遂立覃為皇太子。 既而河間王顒協遷大駕，表成都王穎為皇太弟，廢覃復為清河王。 初，覃為清河世子，所佩金鈴欻生隱起如麻粟，祖母陳太妃以為不祥，毀而賣之。 占者以金是晉行大興之祥，覃為皇胤，是其瑞也。 毀而賣之，象覃見廢不終之驗也。 永嘉初，前北軍中候任城呂雍、度支校尉陳顏等謀立覃為太子，事覺，幽于金墉城。 未幾，被害，時年十四，葬以庶人禮。
After the grand heir Chong passed away, Sima Jiong of Qi petitioned: “The heir’s residence gapes vacant, with no successor for the ancestral shrine. The realm’s great work and the sacred instruments of rule demand a designated crown prince to shore up the dynasty’s base. With no royal pregnancy in sight, we cannot idle away the succession on mere hope; leaving the imperial line barren betrays our forebears and imperils the state. The canon treats a nephew like a son: when Emperor Cheng of Han had no issue, the line continued through the Dingtao princely house. When Emperor He of Han’s posterity failed, Emperor An carried the house forward. Such are the great precedents of antiquity and the working pattern of earlier dynasties. Sima Tan of Qinghe, born to Prince Kang’s principal consort Lady Zhou, stands out in precocious brilliance and, among the late emperor’s grandsons, holds the foremost legitimate claim. Ancient Lady Bo’s virtue won her son Emperor Wen the throne. With a maternal grandfather, Hui, long celebrated for integrity, Tan should take up the ancestral charge, secure boundless blessing, and satisfy what all within the seas expect. Even though his brothers were posted to other lines, a worthy among them may be brought back as dynastic heir so the succession is not broken. I have sounded out Grand General Ying and the high ministers, and every one concurs. Let the court ready the full ceremony and fix a day to welcome him as heir.” Tan was thereupon named crown prince. Then Sima Yong of Hejian, maneuvering the throne, recommended Sima Ying of Chengdu as grand heir younger brother, stripped Tan of the heirship, and returned him to the Qinghe princedom. While Tan was Qinghe heir apparent, the gilt bell at his belt erupted in tiny raised bumps like sesame; his grandmother, Grand Consort Chen, took it for a bad sign, smashed it, and sold the metal. Diviners read the metal as an omen of Jin’s resurgence and Tan as the imperial scion—that was its lucky sign. Breaking and selling it foreshadowed his later deposition and unfinished fate. Early in Yongjia, Lü Yong of Rencheng, Chen Yan, and others schemed to make Tan crown prince; exposed, Tan was locked inside Jinyong. He was killed soon after at fourteen and interred with a commoner’s ceremony.
29
籥初封新蔡王，覃薨，還封清河王。
Yue had first held Xincai; after Tan’s death his title reverted to Qinghe.
30
銓初封上庸王，懷帝即位，更封豫章王。 二年，立為皇太子。 洛京傾覆，沒于劉聰。
Quan began as Prince of Shangyong; under Emperor Xiaohuai he was moved to Yuzhang. In the second year of the reign he became crown prince. Luoyang’s collapse left him a captive of Liu Cong.
31
端初封廣川王，銓之為皇太子也，轉封豫章，禮秩如皇子，拜散騎常侍、平南將軍、都督江州諸軍事、假節。 當之國，會洛陽陷沒，端東奔苟晞于蒙。 晞立為皇太子，七十日，為石勒所沒。
Originally Prince of Guangchuan, Duan was reassigned to Yuzhang when Quan took the heirship, given a prince’s honors, and named Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, General Who Pacifies the South, and Jiang theater commander with a credential. He was on his way to his fief when Luoyang was lost; he bolted east to join Gou Xi at Meng. Gou Xi proclaimed him crown prince, but seventy days later Shi Le took him captive.
33
汝陰哀王謨
Prince Ai of Ruyin, Sima Mo.
34
=汝陰哀王謨，字令度，太康七年薨，時年十一。 無後，國除。
Sima Mo, Prince Ai of Ruyin, courtesy name Lingdu, died in Taikang 7 at eleven. Without heirs, the princedom was abolished.
36
吳孝王晏
Prince Xiao of Wu, Sima Yan.
37
=吳敬王晏，字平度，太康十年受封，食丹陽、吳興並吳三郡，曆射聲校尉、後軍將軍。 與兄淮南王允共攻趙王倫，允敗，收晏付廷尉，欲殺之。 傅祗於朝堂正色而爭，於是群官並諫，倫乃貶為賓徒縣王。 後徙封代王。 倫誅，詔復晏本封，拜上軍大將軍、開府，加侍中。 長沙王乂、成都王穎之相攻也，乂以晏為前鋒都督，數交戰。 永嘉中，為太尉、太將軍。
Sima Yan—here titled Prince Jing of Wu, though listed above as Xiao—bore the courtesy name Pingdu, received his fief in Taikang 10 with income from Danyang, Wuxing, and Wu, and served as Colonel of Archers Who Shoot by Sound and then General of the Rear Army. He joined his brother Sima Yun against Sima Lun; after Yun’s defeat Lun arrested Yan and sent him to the Minister of Justice intending execution. Fu Zhi confronted Lun bluntly at court; the ministers joined in, and Lun reduced Yan to a county-level princedom at Bintu. He was later transferred to the Dai princedom. Lun’s fall brought an edict restoring Yan’s old title, naming him Grand General of the Upper Army with independent command, plus palace attendant. During the war between Sima Yi of Changsha and Sima Ying of Chengdu, Yi named Yan front commander, and they fought many rounds. Under Yongjia he rose to Grand Commandant and Grand General.
38
晏為人恭願，才不及中人，于武帝諸子中最劣。 又少有風疾，視瞻不端，後轉增劇，不堪朝覲。 及洛京傾覆，晏亦遇害，時年三十一。 湣帝即位，追贈太保。 五子，長子不顯名，與晏同沒。 餘四子：祥、鄴、固、衍。 祥嗣淮南王允。 鄴即湣帝。 固初封漢王，改封濟南。 衍初封新都王，改封濟陰，為散騎常侍。 皆沒於賊。
Humble and obliging, he lacked even average ability and ranked weakest among Emperor Wu’s sons. He also had a palsy from boyhood that left his eyes unsteady; it grew worse until he could no longer face court. Luoyang’s fall claimed him as well at thirty-one. Emperor Min later honored him posthumously as Grand Protector. He had five sons; the firstborn’s name is lost, and he died alongside Yan. The other four were Xiang, Ye, Gu, and Yan. Xiang continued Prince Yun of Huainan’s line. Ye became Emperor Min. Gu began as Prince of Han and was later shifted to Jinan. Yan held Xindu, then Jiyin, and served as Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. All fell victim to the invaders.
40
渤海殤王恢
Prince Shang of Bohai, Sima Hui.
41
=渤海殤王恢，字思度，太康五年薨，時年二歲，追加封諡。
Sima Hui, Prince Shang of Bohai, courtesy name Sidu, died in Taikang 5 at two; the court later added fief and posthumous honors.
42
元四王
The Four Princes of Yuan Di.
43
元帝六男：宮人荀氏生明帝及琅邪孝王裒。 石婕妤生東海哀王沖。 王才人生武陵威王晞。 鄭夫人生琅邪悼王煥及簡文帝。
Yuan Di fathered six sons: the palace lady of the Xun clan bore Emperor Ming and Sima Pou, Prince Xiao of Langye. Consort Shi at jieyu rank bore Sima Chong, Prince Ai of the Eastern Sea. Lady Wang, a talent consort, bore Sima Xi, Prince Wei of Wuling. Lady Zheng bore Sima Huan, Prince Dao of Langye, and Emperor Jianwen.
45
琅邪孝王裒
Prince Xiao of Langye, Sima Pou.
46
=琅邪孝王裒，字道成，母荀氏，以微賤入宮，元帝命虞妃養之。 裒初繼叔父長樂亭侯渾，後徙封宣城郡公，拜後將軍。 及帝為晉王，有司奏立太子，帝以裒有成人之量，過於明帝，從容謂王導曰：「立子以德不以年。」 導曰：「世子、宣城俱有朗雋之目，固當以年。」 於是太子位遂定。 更封裒琅邪，嗣恭王后，改食會稽、宣城邑五萬二千戶，拜散騎常侍、使持節、都督青徐兗三州諸軍事、車騎將軍，徵還京師。 建武元年薨，年十八，贈車騎大將軍，加侍中。 及妃山氏薨，祔葬，穆帝更贈裒太保。 子哀王安國立，未逾年薨。
Sima Pou, Prince Xiao of Langye, courtesy name Daocheng, was born to Lady Xun, a low-ranking entrant to the harem, and Yuan Di placed him under Consort Yu’s care. He first succeeded his uncle Sima Hun as Marquis of Changle precinct, then became Duke of Xuancheng and General of the Rear. Once Yuan Di took the title Prince of Jin, officials asked him to name an heir; deeming Pou more mature than the future Emperor Ming, he remarked to Wang Dao, “I choose the heir by character, not birth order.” Wang Dao answered, “The heir apparent and the Duke of Xuancheng are both praised for brilliance; precedence should follow seniority.” The heir was thus fixed. Transferred to Langye to continue Prince Gong’s line, he drew income from Kuaiji and Xuancheng totaling fifty-two thousand households, took Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and credential-bearing command over Qing, Xu, and Yan, became General of Chariots and Cavalry, and was recalled to court. In the first year of Jianwu, he died at eighteen and was posthumously named General of Chariots and Cavalry with the added title of palace attendant. Burial followed Lady Shan in joint tomb; Emperor Mu later posthumously named him Grand Protector. His son Sima Anguo, Prince Ai, succeeded but died before a full year had passed.
48
東海哀王沖
Prince Ai of the Eastern Sea, Sima Chong.
49
=東海哀王沖，字道讓。 元帝以東海王越世子毗沒于石勒，不知存亡，乃以沖繼毗後，稱東海世子，以毗陵郡增本封邑萬戶，又改食下邳、蘭陵，以越妃裴氏為太妃，拜長水校尉。 高選僚佐，以沛國劉耽為司馬，潁川庾懌為功曹，吳郡顧和為主簿。 永昌初，遷中軍將軍，加散騎常侍。 及東海太妃薨，因發毗喪。 沖即王位，以滎陽益東海國，轉車騎將軍，徙驃騎將軍。 咸康七年薨，年三十一，贈侍中、驃騎大將軍、儀同三司，無子。
Sima Chong, Prince Ai of the Eastern Sea, bore the courtesy name Daorang. Yuan Di thought Sima Pi, heir of Sima Yue’s Donghai line, had vanished in Shi Le’s hands, so he installed Chong as Pi’s successor, titled him Donghai heir, expanded the domain with Piling and later Xiapi and Lanling, elevated Lady Pei as grand consort of Donghai, and named Chong Colonel of the Long River. He recruited distinguished staff: Liu Dan of Pei as marshal, Yu Yi of Yingchuan as merit evaluator, and Gu He of Wu as chief clerk. Early in Yongchang he advanced to General of the Central Army with Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. The Donghai grand consort’s death let him begin funeral rites for Pi. Upon taking the princedom he annexed Xingyang to Donghai, moved from General of Chariots and Cavalry to Grand Marshal Who Gallops as if Flying. In the seventh year of Xiankang, he died at thirty-one, honored posthumously as palace attendant and Grand Marshal Who Gallops as if Flying at Three Excellencies parity, and left no heir.
50
成帝臨崩，詔曰：「哀王無嗣，國統將絕，朕所哀怛。 其以小晚生奕繼哀王為東海王。」 以道遠，罷滎陽，更以臨川郡益東海。 及哀帝以琅邪王即尊位，徙奕為琅邪王，東海國闕，無嗣。 奕後入纂大業，桓溫廢之，復為東海王，既而貶為海西公，東海國又闕嗣， 隆安三年，安帝詔以會稽忠王次子彥璋為東海王，繼哀王為曾孫，改食吳興郡。 為桓玄所害，國除。
On his deathbed Emperor Cheng issued an edict: “Prince Ai’s house lacks an heir; the succession is failing, and it grieves me. Let Yi, the son born to him in his later years, succeed Prince Ai in Donghai.” Xingyang was then stripped away because of the distance, and Linchuan was added to Donghai in its place. Emperor Ai’s accession from Langye promoted Yi to that title, leaving Donghai vacant. Yi later took the throne until Huan Wen cast him down, briefly restored his Donghai title, then reduced him to Duke of Haixi, so Donghai once more had no heir. In the third year of Long'an, Emperor An then named Yanzhang, second son of Prince Zhong of Kuaiji, as Prince of Donghai to continue Chong’s line in the next generation, shifting his income to Wuxing. Huan Xuan executed him and abolished the fief.
52
武陵威王晞
Prince Wei of Wuling, Sima Xi.
53
=武陵威王晞，字道叔，出繼武陵王喆後，太興元年受封。 咸和初，拜散騎常侍。 後以湘東增武陵國，除左將軍，遷鎮軍將軍，加散騎常侍。 康帝即位，加侍中、特進。 建元初，領秘書監。 穆帝即位，轉鎮軍大將軍，遷太宰。 太和初，加羽葆鼓吹，入朝不趨，贊拜不名，劍履上殿。 固讓。
Sima Xi, Prince Wei of Wuling, courtesy name Daoshu, was posthumously transferred to continue Prince Zhe of Wuling and received his enfeoffment in Taixing 1. Early in Xianhe he became Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. Xiangdong was later merged into Wuling; he stepped up from General of the Left to General Who Guards the Army with Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. Emperor Kang added palace attendant and Specially Advanced. In Jianyuan’s opening year he directed the Palace Library. Under Emperor Mu he moved to Grand General Who Guards the Army and then Grand Preceptor. Taihe’s start brought plumed canopy escort, freedom from hurrying in the palace, exemption from having his name called at obeisance, and permission to wear sword and shoes on the dais. He steadfastly refused the honors.
54
晞無學術而有武幹，為桓溫所忌。 及簡文帝即位，溫乃表晞曰：「晞體自皇極，故寵靈光世，不能率由王度，修己慎行，而聚納輕剽，苞藏亡命。 又息綜矜忍，虐加於人。 袁真叛逆，事相連染。 頃自猜懼，將成亂階。 請免晞官，以王歸籓，免其世子綜官，解子㻱散騎常侍。」 㻱以梁王隨晞，晞既見黜，送馬八十五匹、三百人杖以歸溫。 溫又逼新蔡王晃使自誣與晞、綜及著作郎殷涓、太宰長史庾倩、掾曹秀、舍人劉彊等謀逆，遂收付廷尉，請誅之。 簡文帝不許，溫於是奏徙新安郡，家屬悉從之，而族誅殷涓等，廢晃徙沖陽郡，
Xi had little book learning yet real martial ability, which made Huan Wen wary. After Emperor Jianwen took the throne, Huan Wen indicted Xi: “Born of the supreme line, he enjoys glory through the generations yet spurns princely discipline, neglects self-cultivation, and shelters ruffians and outlaws. His heir Zong is haughty and pitiless, visiting cruelty on the people. Yuan Zhen’s revolt tangled him in shared guilt. Recently his paranoia has mounted until he verges on stirring rebellion. Strip Xi of office and send him back to his domain, dismiss Zong from the heirship, and cashier Jin from his cavalier post.” Prince Jin of Liang accompanied Xi into exile; once Xi fell, Jin forwarded eighty-five horses and three hundred staffs to Huan Wen. Wen also forced Prince Huang of Xincai to incriminate himself alongside Xi, Zong, Yin Juan, Yu Qian, Cao Xiu, and Liu Qiang; all were jailed pending execution. Jianwen refused the death plea, so Wen banished the party to Xin’an with kin in tow, executed Yin Juan’s family, and demoted Huang to Chongyang.
55
太元六年，晞卒于新安，時年六十六。 孝武帝三日臨於西堂，詔曰：「感惟摧慟，便奉迎靈柩，並改移妃應氏及故世子梁王諸喪，家屬悉還。」 復下詔曰：「故前武陵王體自皇極，克己思愆。 仰惟先朝仁宥之旨，豈可情禮靡寄！ 其追封新甯郡王，邑千戶。」 晞三子：綜、㻱、遵。 以遵嗣。 追贈綜給事中，㻱散騎郎。 十二年，追復晞武陵國，綜、㻱各復先官，㻱還繼梁國。
In the sixth year of Taiyuan, he died in Xin’an at sixty-six. Xiaowu kept three days’ vigil in the western hall, ordering the catafalque brought home along with Consort Ying’s remains and the late Prince Liang’s funeral, and every dependent recalled.” Another rescript added: “The former Prince of Wuling stemmed from the throne and disciplined himself in repentance. Honoring the prior reign’s merciful purpose, we cannot leave devotion and ritual unhoused! Posthumously create him Prince of Xinning with a thousand-household estate.” Xi left three sons: Zong, Jin, and Zun. Zun inherited the line. Zong was honored posthumously as palace secretary; Jin as cavalier gentleman. Twelve years later Wuling was revived, Zong and Jin recovered their posts, and Jin resumed the Liang succession.
56
梁王㻱，字賢明，出繼梁王翹，官至永安太僕，與父晞俱廢。 薨，子和嗣。 太元中復國。 薨，子珍之嗣。 桓玄篡位，國人孔樸奉珍之奔于壽陽。 桓玄敗，珍之歸朝廷。 太將軍武陵王令曰：「梁王珍之理悟貞立，蒙險違難，撫義懷順，載奔闕庭。 值壽陽擾亂，在危克固，且可通直散騎郎。」 累遷遊擊將軍、左衛、太常。 劉裕伐姚泓，請為諮議參軍。 裕將弱王室，誣其罪害之。
Sima Jin, Prince of Liang, courtesy name Xianming, succeeded Prince Qiao of Liang, reached coachman of Yongan, and shared his father Xi’s fall. At his death his son He inherited. During the Taiyuan years the fief was revived. He died; Zhenzhi followed. Under Huan Xuan’s usurpation, Kong Pu of the household guided Zhenzhi to refuge in Shouyang. After Huan Xuan fell, Zhenzhi came back to the capital. The Prince of Wuling’s order as grand general read: “Zhenzhi of Liang stood firm in peril, kept faith through flight, and hurried to the throne. Amid Shouyang’s chaos he stayed resolute; provisionally name him acting cavalier gentleman.” He advanced to General Who Roams and Strikes, then Left Guard, then Grand Master of Ceremonies. Liu Yu’s western campaign named him advisory counselor. Seeking to sap the Sima house, Liu Yu framed him and had him killed.
57
忠敬王遵，字茂遠。 初襲封新甯，時年十二，受拜流涕，哀感左右。 右將軍桓伊嘗詣遵，遵曰：「門何為通桓氏？」 左右曰：「伊與桓溫疏宗，相見無嫌。」 遵曰：「我聞人姓木邊，便欲殺之，況諸桓乎！」 由是少稱聰慧。 及晞追復封武陵王，以遵嗣，歷位散騎常侍、秘書監、太常、中領軍。 桓玄用事，拜金紫光祿大夫。 玄篡，貶為彭澤侯，遣之國。 行次石頭，夜濤水入淮，船破，未得發。 會義旗興，復還國第。 朝廷稱受密詔，使遵總攝萬機，加侍中、大將軍，移入東宮，內外畢敬。 遷轉百官，稱制書； 又教稱令書。 安帝反正，更拜太保，加班劍二十人。 義熙四年薨，時年三十五，詔賜東園溫明神器，朝服一具，衣一襲，錢百萬，布千匹，策贈太傳，葬加殊禮。 子定王季度立，拜散騎侍郎。 薨，子球之立。 宋興，國除。
Sima Zun, Prince Zhongjing, courtesy name Maoyuan. Taking Xinning at twelve, he sobbed through the ceremony and stirred everyone present. When General of the Right Huan Yi visited, Zun demanded, “Why admit someone surnamed Huan?” Attendants replied, “Yi is a remote kinsman of Huan Wen; receiving him is harmless.” Zun shot back, “I itch to slay anyone whose name bears the wood radical—let alone every Huan!” Hence people called him precocious. When Xi was posthumously restored as Prince of Wuling, Zun succeeded him and successively held posts as Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, Director of the Palace Library, Grand Master of Ceremonies, and Central Leader of the Army. While Huan Xuan dominated, he received the gold-seal purple-ribbon grand master title. Xuan’s coup reduced him to Pengze marquis and dispatched him to his domain. Stopped at Stone Citadel, a nocturnal flood burst into the Huai and smashed his craft, blocking departure. The loyalist uprising let him go back to his city mansion. Courtiers cited a clandestine mandate entrusting Zun with every matter, piled on palace attendant and grand general, quartered him in the Eastern Palace, and won obeisance from the whole apparatus. Personnel shifts went out under documents labeled imperial directives. His own orders were titled princely commands. An’s restoration reinstated him as grand protector with a twenty-man sword escort. He died Yixi 4 at thirty-five, receiving eastern-park mortuary gear, court dress, cash, silk, posthumous grand tutor, and a state funeral. Prince Ding Jidu followed, named gentleman cavalier attendant. He died; Qiuzhi inherited. The Liu-Song founding ended the fief.
59
琅邪悼王煥
Prince Dao of Langye, Sima Huan.
60
=琅邪悼王煥，字耀祖。 母有寵，元帝特所鍾愛。 初繼帝弟長樂亭侯渾，後封顯義亭侯。 尚書令刁協奏：「昔魏臨淄侯以邢顒為家丞，劉楨為庶子。 今侯幼弱，宜選明德。」 帝令曰：「臨淄萬戶封，又植少有美才，能同游田蘇者。 今晚生矇弱，何論於此！ 間封此兒，不以寵稚子也。 亡弟當應繼嗣，不獲已耳。 家丞、庶子，足以攝祠祭而已，豈宜屈賢才以受無用乎！」 及煥疾篤，帝為之撤膳，乃下詔封為琅邪王，嗣恭王後，俄而薨，年二歲。
Sima Huan, Prince Dao of Langye, courtesy name Yaozu. His mother was a favorite, and Yuan Di loved him above others. He first succeeded his brother Sima Hun as Marquis of Changle precinct, then became Marquis of Xianyi. Diao Xie, director of the Masters of Writing, wrote: “The Wei Prince of Linzi once named Xing Yong household steward and Liu Zhen tutor to the bastard heir. Today the marquis is a child; choose worthy mentors.” Yuan Di replied, “Linzi’s ten-thousand-household domain and Zhi’s youthful genius drew peers who could hunt and farm beside Su. This infant is dull and delicate—why raise such comparisons! I grant him a fief in passing, not to spoil a baby prince. My late brother ought to have inherited; this was unavoidable. Steward and tutor are enough to mind the offerings—why press talent into empty sinecures!” As Huan sickened, the emperor fasted in sympathy, then created him Prince of Langye continuing Prince Gong; he died almost at once, aged two.
61
帝悼念無已，將葬，以煥既封列國，加以成人之禮，詔立凶門柏曆，備吉凶儀服，營起陵園，功役甚眾。 琅邪國右常侍會稽孫霄上疏諫曰： 臣聞法度典制，先王所重，吉凶之禮，事貴不過。 是以世豐不使奢放，凶荒必務約殺。 朝聘嘉會，足以展庠序之儀； 殯葬送終，務以稱哀榮之情。 上無奢泰之謬，下無匱竭之困。 故華元厚葬，君子謂之不臣； 嬴博至儉，仲尼稱其合。 禮明傷財害時，古人之所譏； 節省簡約，聖賢之所嘉也。 語曰，上之化下，如風靡草。 京邑翼翼，四方所則，明教化法制，不可不慎也。 陛下龍飛踐阼，興微濟弊，聖懷勞謙，務從簡儉，憲章舊制，猶欲節省，禮典所無，而反尚飾，此臣愚情竊所不安也。 棺槨輿服旒之屬，禮典舊制，不可廢闕。 凶門柏曆，禮典所無，天晴可不用，遇雨則無益，此至宜節省者也。 若琅邪一國一時所用，不為大費，臣在機近，義所不言。 今天台所居，王公百僚聚在都輦，凡有喪事，皆當供給材木百數、竹薄千計，凶門兩表，衣以細竹及材，價直既貴，又非表凶哀之宜，如此過飾，宜從粗簡。 又案《禮記》，國君之葬，棺槨之間容柷，大夫容壼，士容甒。 以壼甒為差，則柷財大於壼明矣，槨周於棺，槨不甚大也。 語曰，葬者藏也，藏欲其深而固也。 槨大則難為堅固，無益於送終，而有損於財力。 凶荒殺禮，經國常典，既減殺而猶過舊，此為國之所厚惜也。 又禮，將葬，遷柩于廟祖而行，及墓即窆，葬之日即反哭而虞。 如此，則柩不宿於墓上也。 聖人非不哀親之在土而無情於丘墓，蓋以墓非安神之所，故修虞于殯宮。 始則營草宮于山陵，遷神柩於墓側，又非典也。 非禮之事，不可以訓萬國。 臣至愚至賤，忽求革前之非，可謂狂瞽不知忌諱。 然今天下至弊，自古所希，宗廟社稷，遠託江表半州之地，凋殘以甚。 加之荒旱，百姓困瘁，非但不足，死亡是懼。 此乃陛下至仁之所矜湣，可憂之至重也。 正是匡矯末俗，改張易調之時，而猶當竭已罷之人，營無益之事，殫已困之財，修無用之費，此固臣之所不敢安也。 今琅邪之于天下，國之最大，若割損非禮之事，務遵古典，上以彰聖朝簡易之至化，下以表萬世無窮之規則，此芻蕘之言有補萬一，塵露之微有增山海。
Mourning without measure, the court treated the toddler like a mature prince: death portals, cypress sheds, full regalia, and a tomb project that drafted huge labor. Sun Xiao of Kuaiji, right attendant of Langye, offered a critical memorial— I have heard that the former kings valued laws, standards, canons, and institutions; in rites for joy and mourning, what matters is not exceeding proper measure. Thus even in prosperous times they did not permit extravagance, and in disaster or famine they made restraint and reduction the rule. Audiences, diplomatic visits, and festive gatherings were enough to display the ceremonies of rank; for coffining, burial, and final farewell, the aim was to match the feeling of grief and honor. Above there was no fault of excess; below there was no hardship of exhaustion. Thus when Hua Yuan buried lavishly, gentlemen said he had not acted as a minister should; when Ying Bo was extremely frugal, Confucius praised him as fitting the rite. The rites show plainly that wasting wealth and harming the age was condemned by the ancients; economy and simplicity were what sages and worthies praised. A saying has it: the influence of those above on those below is like wind bending grass. The capital stands solemnly as the model for the four quarters, so one must be careful in making instruction, law, and institutions visible there. Since Your Majesty rose like a dragon to the throne, reviving the weak and relieving the worn, your sagely mind has labored humbly and pursued simplicity and frugality. Even in following old institutions you still seek economy, yet now things not found in the ritual canons are honored with ornament. This is what leaves my foolish heart uneasy. Coffins and outer coffins, carriages, robes, streamers, and the like are old institutions of the ritual texts and cannot be omitted. The mourning gate and cypress screens do not appear in the ritual texts. In clear weather they are unnecessary, and in rain they do no good. These most deserve to be reduced. If this were only one occasion for the single state of Langye, it would not be a great expense, and since I serve close to the machinery of government, duty would not require me to speak. But where the court resides, princes, dukes, and officials gather in the capital. Whenever there is a funeral, hundreds of timbers and thousands of bamboo mats must be supplied; the two posts of the mourning gate are covered with fine bamboo and wood. The cost is high, and this is not fitting for expressing grief. Such over-ornamentation should be made plain and simple. Again, the Record of Rites says that at the burial of a state ruler the space between coffin and outer coffin admits a zhu vessel; for a grandee, a hu; for a serviceman, a wu. Judging from the graded hu and wu vessels, the zhu was only somewhat larger than the hu. The outer coffin encloses the coffin, but it is not excessively large. A saying has it: to bury is to store away; what is stored away should be deep and secure. If the outer coffin is oversized, it is hard to make solid. It does nothing for the final farewell and only drains wealth and labor. In disaster and famine, reducing rites is a normal principle of statecraft. If what is called reduction still exceeds old practice, the state should deeply regret it. Again, the rites say that before burial the coffin is moved to the ancestral temple and then proceeds; once it reaches the grave it is lowered at once, and on the burial day the mourners return, wail, and perform the yu sacrifice. Thus the coffin does not remain overnight at the grave. The sages were not without grief for kin laid in the earth, nor without feeling for tombs. It was because the tomb is not where the spirit is settled that they performed the yu sacrifice in the mortuary hall. To begin by building a thatched palace at the mausoleum and moving the spirit coffin beside the tomb is also not canonical. Things contrary to ritual cannot serve as instruction for the myriad states. I am utterly foolish and lowly, and suddenly ask to reform former errors; one might call me mad and blind, ignorant of what should be avoided. Yet the realm is now in an exhaustion rarely seen since antiquity. The ancestral temple and state altars are lodged far away in half a province beyond the Yangzi, and the devastation is severe. Famine and drought add to this. The people are worn down; they do not merely lack supplies, they fear death. This is what Your Majesty’s perfect benevolence should pity; it is the weightiest cause for concern. This is precisely the time to correct late and degenerate custom, to change the strings and retune the instrument. Yet we would still exhaust already weary people, carry out useless works, drain already strained wealth, and spend on what has no use. This I truly cannot accept in peace. Now Langye is the greatest of the princedoms in the realm. If matters contrary to ritual are reduced and the old canons are followed, above this will display the sagely court’s perfect transformation through simplicity, and below it will set an inexhaustible model for all ages. The words of a humble wood-gatherer may add one part in ten thousand; dust and dew, slight as they are, may add to mountains and seas.
62
表寢不報。
—but it never received answer.
63
永昌元年，立煥母弟昱為琅邪王，即簡文帝也。 咸和二年，徙封會稽，以康帝為琅邪王。 康帝即位，哀帝為琅邪王。 哀帝即位，廢帝為琅邪王。 廢帝即位，又以簡文帝攝行琅邪王國祀。 簡文登阼，國遂無嗣。 帝臨崩，封少子道子為琅邪王， 太元十七年，道子為會稽王，更以恭帝為琅邪王。 恭帝即位，於是琅邪國除。
Yongchang 1 raised Yu, Huan’s full brother, as Prince of Langye, the future Emperor Jianwen. Xianhe 2 shifted him to Kuaiji while Emperor Kang took the Langye title. Kang’s accession left Ai as Prince of Langye. Ai’s accession made Fei Prince of Langye. Fei’s rise had Jianwen once more oversee Langye sacrifices. When Jianwen mounted the throne, the princedom lacked an heir. On his deathbed he named Daozi, his youngest, Prince of Langye. In the seventeenth year of Taiyuan, Daozi moved to Kuaiji, and Emperor Gong received Langye. Gong’s accession ended the Langye line.
64
簡文三子
The Three Sons of Jianwen.
65
簡文帝七子：王皇后生會稽思世子道生、皇子俞生。 胡淑儀生臨川獻王郁、皇子朱生。 王淑儀生皇子天流。 李夫人生孝武帝、會稽文孝王道子。 俞生、朱生、天流並早夭，今並略之。
Jianwen fathered seven sons: Empress Wang bore Daosheng, posthumous heir of Kuaiji, and Prince Yusheng. Lady Hu, a shuyi, bore Prince Yu of Linchuan and Prince Zhusheng. Lady Wang the shuyi bore Prince Tianliu. Lady Li bore Emperor Xiaowu and Daozi, Prince Wenxiao of Kuaiji. Yusheng, Zhusheng, and Tianliu perished in infancy and are passed over.
67
會稽思世子道生
Posthumous heir Daosheng of Kuaiji.
68
=會稽思世子道生，字延長。 帝為會稽王，立道生為世子，拜散騎侍郎、給事中。 性疏躁，不修行業，多失禮度，竟以幽廢而卒，時年二十四，無後。 及孝武帝即位，嘗晝日見道生及臨川獻王郁，鬱曰：「大郎饑乏辛苦。」 言竟不見。 帝傷感，因以西陽王錄玄孫珣之為後。 珣之曆吳興太守。 劉裕之伐關中，以為諮議參軍。 時帝道方謝，珣之為宗室之美，與梁王珍之俱被害。=
Sima Daosheng, posthumous heir of Kuaiji, courtesy name Yanchang. While still Prince of Kuaiji, Jianwen named Daosheng heir and gave him gentleman cavalier attendant and palace writer. Impulsive and negligent, he flouted decorum until he was imprisoned and cast aside, dying childless at twenty-four. Xiaowu once saw Daosheng and Prince Yu of Linchuan in daylight vision; Yu murmured, “Eldest brother, you starve in hardship.” The phantoms faded as he finished. Moved to sorrow, he adopted Xunzhi from the Xiyang house as successor. Xunzhi governed Wuxing. Liu Yu’s Guanzhong expedition appointed him counselor. With the dynasty failing, Xunzhi, jewel of the clan, died beside Prince Zhenzhi of Liang.
69
臨川獻王鬱
Prince Xian of Linchuan, Sima Yu.
70
=臨川獻王鬱，字深仁，幼而敏慧。 道生初以無禮失旨，鬱數勸以敬慎之道。 道生不納，鬱為之流涕，簡文帝深器異之。 年十七而薨。 久之，追諡獻世子。 甯康初，贈左將軍，加散騎常侍，追封郡王，以武陵威王曾孫寶為嗣，追尊其母胡淑儀為臨川太妃。
Sima Yu, Prince Xian of Linchuan, courtesy name Shenren, showed precocious wit. As Daosheng forfeited standing through discourtesy, Yu counseled humility again and again. Daosheng ignored him; Yu wept, and Jianwen esteemed him deeply. He died at seventeen. Years later he received posthumous heir title Xian. Ningkang’s opening brought posthumous General of the Left, cavalier attendant, and princely enfeoffment; Bao, a descendant of Prince Xi of Wuling, continued his line, and Lady Hu became grand consort of Linchuan.
71
寶字弘文，曆秘書監、太常、左將軍、散騎常侍、護軍將軍。 宋興，以為金紫光祿大夫，降為西豐侯，食邑千戶。
Sima Bao, courtesy name Hongwen, held librarian, ritual director, General of the Left, cavalier attendant, and army defender posts. Under Liu Yu’s rise he kept a nominal grand master title but was demoted to marquis of Xifeng at one thousand households.
73
會稽文孝王道子
Prince Wenxiao of Kuaiji, Sima Daozi.
74
=會稽文孝王道子，字道子。 出後琅邪孝王，少以清澹為謝安所稱。 年十歲，封琅邪王，食邑一萬七千六百五十一戶，攝會稽國五萬九千一百四十戶。 太元初，拜散騎常侍、中軍將軍，進驃騎將軍。 後公卿奏：「道子親賢莫二，宜正位司徒。」 固讓不拜。 使隸尚書六條事，尋加開府，領司徒。 及謝安薨，詔曰：「新喪哲輔，華戎未一，自非明賢懋德，莫能綏禦內外。 司徒、琅邪王道子體道自然，神識穎遠，實當旦奭之重，宜總二南之任，可領揚州刺史、錄尚書、假節、都督中外諸軍事。 衛府文武，一以配驃騎府。」 讓不受。 數年，領徐州刺史、太子太傅。 公卿又奏：「宜進位丞相、揚州牧、假黃鉞，羽葆鼓吹。」 並讓不受。
Sima Daozi, Prince Wenxiao of Kuaiji, whose style duplicated his name as Daozi. Adopted into Prince Pou’s Langye line, he won Xie An’s esteem in boyhood for serene detachment. At ten he became Prince of Langye with revenue from 17,651 households while overseeing Kuaiji’s 59,140. Taiyuan’s opening years brought cavalier attendant, central army command, then grand marshal who gallops as if flying. High ministers urged: “No one matches Daozi in royal closeness and virtue; make him minister of education.” He refused the appointment outright. He oversaw the six Masters of Writing portfolios, gained independent command, and served as minister of education. When Xie An died, an edict said, “We have newly lost a wise pillar; Chinese and barbarians are not yet one—without enlightened worthies of thick virtue none can pacify within and without. Minister of Education, Prince Daozi of Langye, embodies the Way in spontaneity and sees far with spirit insight; he truly bears the burden of Dan and Shi and should hold the ‘Two Souths’ charge—let him head Yangzhou, record the Masters of Writing, hold the credential, and command all military affairs within and without. All civil and military staff of the guard command were assigned to the grand marshal’s bureau.” Again he refused. Years on he took Xuzhou and tutored the heir. The dukes again memorialized: “He should advance to chancellor, shepherd of Yangzhou, yellow axe, plumed canopy and drum escort.” He turned all of it down.
75
于時孝武帝不親萬機，但與道子酣歌為務，姏姆尼僧，尤為親暱，並竊弄其權。 凡所幸接，皆出自小豎。 郡守長吏，多為道子所樹立。 既為揚州總錄，勢傾天下，由是朝野奔湊。 中書令王國寶性卑佞，特為道子所寵昵。 官以賄遷，政刑謬亂。 又崇信浮屠之學，用度奢侈，下不堪命。 太元以後，為長夜之宴，蓬首昏目，政事多闕。 桓玄嘗候道子，正遇其醉，賓客滿坐，道子張目謂人曰：「桓溫晚途欲作賊，云何？」 玄伏地流汗不得起。 長史謝重舉板答曰：「故宣武公黜昏登聖，功超伊霍，紛紜之議，宜裁之聽覽。」 道子頷曰：「儂知儂知。」 因舉酒屬玄，玄乃得起。 由是玄益不自安，切齒于道子。
Xiaowu neglected government for drinking bouts with Daozi while nurses and nuns wormed into power. Every favorite rose from low pages. Daozi packed local posts with clients. Controlling Yangzhou and the Masters of Writing, he tilted the scales of power and drew every faction. Wang Guobao, palace secretary, flattered shamelessly and basked in Daozi’s favor. Posts sold for silver; law and policy collapsed. Buddhist patronage and lavish outlays broke the commoners. Post-Taiyuan nights became endless revels, leaving him disheveled and half blind to duty. Huan Xuan called while Daozi was sodden amid a crowd; Daozi barked whether Huan Wen’s late treason mattered.” Xuan fell prostrate, sweating, unable to stand. Xie Chong answered that Duke Xuanwu had deposed a dim ruler for a sage, outshining Yi and Huo, and gossip should be filtered.” Daozi grunted, “I know, I know.” He toasted Xuan, letting him get up. Xuan never felt safe again and hated Daozi.
76
于時朝政既紊，左衛領營將軍會稽許榮上疏曰：「今台府局吏、直衛武官及僕隸婢兒取母之姓者，本臧獲之徒，無鄉邑品第，皆得命議，用為郡守縣令，並帶職在內，委事於小吏手中； 僧尼乳母，競進親黨，又受貨賂，輒臨官領眾。 無衛霍之才，而比方古人，為患一也。 臣聞佛者清遠玄虛之神，以五誡為教，絕酒不淫。 而今之奉者，穢慢阿尼，酒色是耽，其違二矣。 夫致人於死，未必手刃害之。 若政教不均，暴濫無罪，必夭天命，其違三矣。 盜者未必躬竊人財，江乙母失布，罪由令尹。 今禁令不明，劫盜公行，其違四矣。 在上化下，必信為本。 昔年下書，敕使盡規，而眾議兼集，無所採用，其違五矣。 尼僧成群，依傍法服。 誡粗法，尚不能遵，況精妙乎！ 而流惑之徒，競加敬事，又侵漁百姓，取財為惠，亦未合佈施之道也。」 又陳「太子宜出臨東宮，克獎德業」。 疏奏，並不省。 中書郎范甯亦深陳得失，帝由是漸不平于道子，然外每優崇之。 國寶即寧之甥，以諂事道子，寧奏請黜之。 國寶懼，使陳郡袁悅之因尼妙音致書與太子母陳淑媛，說國寶忠謹，宜見親信。 帝因發怒，斬悅之。 國寶甚懼，復潛甯於帝。 帝不獲已，流涕出甯為豫章太守。 道子由是專恣。
As court governance was already tangled, Colonel of the Left Guard Xu Rong of Kuaiji submitted: “Today bureau clerks, palace guards, and slave children who take their mothers’ surnames are originally bond-servant stock without village rank, yet all receive deliberation appointments as prefects and magistrates, holding concurrent inner posts and leaving business to petty clerks; nuns and wet nurses push kin for place, take bribes, and then command troops. Lacking Wei Qing or Huo Qubing’s talent yet comparing themselves to ancients is the first harm. Your servant hears the Buddha is a spirit of clarity and emptiness who teaches the five precepts, forbidding wine and lust. Yet today’s devotees foul and slight nuns, drowning in wine and sex—that breaks the second precept. Bringing men to death need not mean wielding the blade oneself. If policy and instruction are unjust, innocents die in floods of cruelty—this offends heaven, the third breach. Thieves need not steal in person—when Jiang Yi’s mother lost cloth, blame lay with the chief. Now prohibitions are unclear and robbery walks openly—the fourth breach. Those above transform those below; trust must be the root. Years ago an edict demanded full counsel, yet assembled opinion was ignored—the fifth breach. Nuns swarm, clinging to clerical robes. They cannot obey even coarse precepts, let alone subtle ones! Yet deluded folk rush to honor them, fleece the people, take wealth as kindness—this is not true giving.” He also urged that “the crown prince should move to the Eastern Palace and build virtue.” The throne shelved it. Fan Ning’s critique turned Xiaowu cool toward Daozi while publicly praising him. Guobao, Fan Ning’s nephew, served Daozi until Ning sought his ouster. Terrified, Guobao used Yuan Yuezhi and Nun Miaoyin to lobby Consort Chen for confidence. Xiaowu beheaded Yuezhi in fury. Guobao then maligned Fan Ning to the throne. Cornered, Xiaowu banished Fan Ning to Yuzhang in tears. Daozi ruled unchecked.
77
嬖人趙牙出自優倡，茹千秋本錢塘捕賊吏，因賂諂進，道子以牙為魏郡太守，千秋驃騎諮議參軍。 牙為道子開東第，築山穿池，列樹竹木，功用钜萬。 道子使宮人為酒肆，沽賣于水側，與親昵乘船就之飲宴，以為笑樂。 帝嘗幸其宅，謂道子曰：「府內有山，因得遊矚，甚善也。 然修飾太過，非示天下以儉。」 道子無以對，唯唯而已，左右侍臣莫敢有言。 帝還宮，道子謂牙曰：「上若知山是板築所作，爾必死矣。」 牙曰：「公在，牙何敢死！」 營造彌甚。 千秋賣官販爵，聚資貨累億。
Favorite Zhao Ya came from actors and entertainers; Ru Qianqiu had originally been a constable of Qiantang. Through bribery and flattery they advanced, and Daozi made Ya Administrator of Wei Commandery and Qianqiu Advisory Aide to the General of Agile Cavalry. Ya built Daozi an eastern villa with artificial mountains and pools. Palace ladies peddled wine on the water while Daozi feasted from boats. The emperor once visited his house and told Daozi, “A hill inside the mansion lets you gaze about—very fine. Yet the ornament is excessive; it does not model thrift to the realm.” Daozi mumbled agreement; no one contradicted him. Returning to the palace, Daozi told Ya, “If the sovereign learns the hill is rammed earth, you will die.” Ya said, “While you live, how dare I die!” Building only swelled. Qianqiu traded posts for cash worth billions.
78
又道子既為皇太妃所愛，親遇同家人之禮，遂恃寵乘酒，時失禮敬。 帝益不能平，然乙太妃之故，加崇禮秩。 博平令吳興聞人奭上疏曰：「驃騎諮議參軍茹千秋協輔宰相，起自微賤，竊弄威權，衒賣天官。 其子壽齡為樂安令，贓私狼藉，畏法奔逃，竟無罪罰，傲然還縣。 又尼姏屬類，傾動亂時。 穀賤人饑，流殣不絕，由百姓單貧，役調深刻。 又振武將軍庾恆鳴角京邑，主簿戴良夫苦諫被囚，殆至沒命。 而恆以醉酒見怒，良夫以執忠廢棄。 又權寵之臣，各開小府，施置吏佐，無益於官，有損于國。」 疏奏，帝益不平，而逼於太妃，無所廢黜，乃出王恭為兗州，殷仲堪為荊州，王珣為僕射，王雅為太子少傳，以張王室，而潛制道子也。 道子復委任王緒，由是朋黨競扇，友愛道盡。 太妃每和解之，而道子不能改。
Spoiled by the grand consort like kin, he drank his way into disrespect. Xiaowu fumed but promoted her household out of filial duty. Magistrate Wenren Shi of Boping submitted: “Staff adviser Ru Qianqiu aids the minister, rose from the lowest dust, steals authority, and peddles heaven’s offices. His son Shouling is magistrate of Le’an, filthy with graft; he fled the law yet escaped punishment and swaggered back to his county. Moreover nun-kindred sway a troubled age. Grain is cheap yet people starve; corpses line the roads because commoners stand alone in poverty while corvée bites deep. General Who Rouses Might Yu Heng sounded horns in the capital; chief clerk Dai Liangfu remonstrated bitterly and was jailed nearly to death. Yet Heng was merely drunk-angry while Liangfu’s loyalty earned exile. Again favored ministers each open petty bureaus, appoint clerks, benefit no office, harm the state.” The throne exiled Wang Gong, Yin Zhongkan, Wang Xun, and Wang Ya to strategic posts to cage Daozi. Daozi turned to Wang Xu, sparking cliques and fratricidal hate. She reconciled in vain.
79
中書郎徐邈以國之至親，唯道子而已，宜在敦穆，從容言於帝曰：「昔漢文明主，猶悔淮南； 世祖聰達，負愧齊王。 兄弟之際，實宜深慎。」 帝納之，復委任道子如初。
Palace Gentleman Xu Miao said the state’s closest kin was only Daozi and urged harmony, telling the emperor: “Even Han Wen, a bright ruler, regretted Huainan; our founder was wise yet owed Qi king apology. Between brothers one must be deeply cautious.” Xiaowu relented and restored Daozi’s power.
80
時有人為《雲中詩》以指斥朝廷曰：「相王沈醉，輕出教命。 捕賊千秋，干豫朝政。 王愷守常，國寶馳競。 荊州大度，散誕難名； 盛德之流，法護、王寧； 仲堪、仙民，特有言詠，東山安道，執操高抗，何不徵之，以為朝匠？」 荊州，謂王忱也； 法護，即王殉； 甯，即王恭； 仙民，即徐邈字； 安道，戴逵字也。
Someone then wrote “Song of the Clouds” lampooning court: “The minister-king is drunk, tossing out orders lightly. The thief-catcher Qianqiu meddles in policy. Wang Kai stays dull; Guobao claws upward. Jingzhou’s lord, free-spirited beyond words, true worthies: Fahu and Wang Ning; Zhongkan, Xianmin, and Dai Andao should fill the halls—why not call them?” Jingzhou meant Wang Chen; Fahu denoted Wang Xun; Ning meant Wang Gong; Xianmin was Xu Miao’s courtesy name; Andao was Dai Kui’s style.
81
及恭帝為琅邪王，道子受封會稽國，並宣城為五萬九千戶。 安帝踐阼，有司奏：「道子宜進位太傅、揚州牧、中書監，假黃鉞，備殊禮。」 固辭不拜，又解徐州。 詔內外眾事，動靜諮之。 帝既冠，道子稽首歸政，王國寶始總國權，勢傾朝廷。 王恭乃舉兵討之。 道子懼，收國實付廷尉，並其徒弟琅邪內史緒悉斬之，以謝於恭，恭即罷兵。 道子乞解中外都督、錄尚書以謝方嶽，詔不許。
Gong’s princedom let Daozi hold Kuaiji plus Xuancheng at 59,000 households. An’s court proposed grand tutor, Yangzhou shepherd, palace director, and yellow axe.” He refused and shed Xuzhou. Every matter, still or urgent, was referred to him. Once An came of age Daozi feigned retirement while Guobao seized the reins. Wang Gong marched to punish them. Daozi feared, seized Guobao and handed him to the Minister of Justice, and executed him together with his disciple Langye administrator Xu, apologizing to Gong, whereupon Gong disbanded his army. He offered to quit supreme command; the throne refused.
82
道子世子元顯，時年十六，為侍中，心惡恭，請道子討之。 乃拜元顯為征虜將軍，其先衛府及徐州文武悉配之。 屬道子妃薨，帝下詔曰：「會稽王妃尊賢莫二，朕義同所親。 今葬加殊禮，一依琅邪穆太妃故事。 元顯夙令光懋，乃心所寄，誠孝性蒸蒸，至痛難奪。 然不以家事辭王事，《陽秋》之明義； 不以私限違公制，中代之變禮。 故閔子腰絰，山王逼屈。 良以至戚由中，軌容著外，有禮無時，賢哲斯順。 須妃葬畢，可居職如故。」
Sixteen-year-old Yuanxian, cavalier attendant, loathed Gong and urged war. Yuanxian became General Who Subdues the Caitiffs with the old guard bureau and Xuzhou officers placed under him. It happened that Daozi’s consort died; the emperor issued an edict: “The Princess of Kuaiji ranks second to none in worth; I treat her affection as my own kin. Now add extraordinary burial rites, entirely following the precedent for Grand Consort Mu of Langye. Yuanxian has long shown bright virtue and is the hope of my heart; truly his filial nature steams upward, and utmost grief cannot be denied. Yet one must not decline kingly duty for household affairs—this is the clear meaning of the Yangqiu; one must not violate public regulation for private limits—this is the altered rite of middle antiquity. Hence Min Zi wore hemp at the waist while the Prince of Shanyang was forced to yield. Truly when inner kinship moves the heart, outward demeanor shows the track; where rite lacks timely leave, sages comply. Wait until the consort’s burial is finished, then he may hold office as before.”
83
于時王恭威振內外，道子甚懼，復引譙王尚之以為腹心。 尚之說道子曰：「籓伯強盛，宰相權輕，宜密樹置，以自籓衛。」 道子深以為然，乃以其司馬王愉為江州刺史以備恭，與尚之等日夜謀議，以伺四方之隙。 王恭知之，復舉兵，以討尚之為名。 荊州刺史殷仲堪、豫州刺史庾楷、廣州刺史桓玄並應之。 道子使人說楷曰：「本情相與，可謂斷金。 往年帳中之飲，結帶之言，寧可忘邪！ 卿今棄舊交，結新援，忘王恭疇昔陵侮之恥乎，若乃欲委體而臣之。 若恭得志，以卿為反覆之人，必不相信，何富貴可保，禍敗亦旋及矣！」 楷怒曰：「王恭昔赴山陵，相王憂懼無計，我知事急，即勒兵而至。 去年之事，亦俟命而奮。 我事相王，無相負者。 既不能距恭，反殺國寶。 自爾已來，誰復敢攘袂於君之事乎！ 庾楷實不能以百口助人屠滅，當與天下同舉，誅鉏奸臣，何憂府不開，爵不至乎！」 時楷已應恭檄，正徵士馬。 信反，朝廷憂懼，於是內外戒嚴。 元顯攘袂慷慨謂道子曰：「去年不討王恭，致有今役。 今若復從其欲，則太宰之禍至矣。」 道子日飲醇酒，而委事於元顯。 元顯雖年少，而聰明多涉，志氣果銳，以安危為己任。 尚之為之羽翼。 時相傅會者，皆謂元顯有明帝神武之風。 於是以為征討都督、假節，統前將軍王珣、左將軍謝琰及將軍桓之才、毛泰、高素等伐恭，滅之。
Wang Gong’s prestige terrified Daozi, who recalled Sima Shangzhi of Qiao. Shangzhi told Daozi, “The provincial lords are strong while the minister’s power is light; you should secretly plant supporters to shield yourself.” Daozi named Wang Yu to Jiangzhou against Gong and schemed endlessly with Shangzhi. Gong rebelled again, ostensibly targeting Shangzhi. Zhongkan, Yu Kai, and Huan Xuan joined him. Daozi sent someone to persuade Kai: “Our original bond could sever metal. The drinking in the tent years ago, the knotted sash words—can they be forgotten! Now you abandon old allies for new friends; have you forgotten Wang Gong’s past insults, that you would bow and serve him? If Gong succeeds, he will deem you a turncoat and never trust you—what wealth can you keep? Disaster will follow at once!” Kai angrily said, “When Wang Gong once hurried to the imperial tombs, the minister-king was frantic without plan; I knew the crisis and immediately led troops. Last year’s affair likewise saw me await command and rise. I have served the minister-king without failing him. Unable to resist Gong, you instead killed Guobao. Since then who has dared roll sleeves into your affairs! Yu Kai truly cannot stake a hundred kin on helping others to slaughter; I will rise with the realm, execute traitors—why fear offices and titles not coming!” Kai had answered Gong’s call and was drafting troops. His reply threw the capital into panic and general mobilization. Yuanxian, rolling up his sleeves, told Daozi fervently, “Last year we failed to punish Wang Gong, which brought today’s campaign. If we indulge him again, the Grand Preceptor’s calamity will arrive.” Daozi drank and left rule to his son. Young Yuanxian was sharp, book-learned, and assumed the dynasty’s fate. Shangzhi backed him. Courtiers compared him to Emperor Ming. He commanded Wang Xun, Xie Yan, Huan Zhicai, Mao Tai, and Gao Su to crush Gong.
84
既而楊佺期、桓玄、殷仲堪等復至石頭，元顯於竹裏馳還京師，遣丹陽尹王愷、鄱陽太守桓放之、新蔡內史何嗣、潁川太守溫詳、新安太守孫泰等，發京邑士庶數萬人，據石頭以距之。 道子將出頓中堂，忽有驚馬蹂藉軍中，因而擾亂，赴江而死者甚眾。 仲堪既知王恭敗死，狼狽西走，與桓玄屯于尋陽。 朝廷嚴兵相距，內外騷然。 詔元顯甲杖百人入殿，尋加散騎常侍、中書令，又領中領軍，持節、都督如故。
Soon Yang Quanqi, Huan Xuan, Yin Zhongkan, and others reached Stone Citadel; Yuanxian galloped from Zhuli back to the capital, dispatching Danyang intendant Wang Kai, Poyang prefect Huan Fangzhi, Xincai administrator He Si, Yingchuan prefect Wen Xiang, Xin’an prefect Sun Tai, and others to raise tens of thousands of gentry and commoners from the capital district and hold Stone Citadel against them. Daozi’s sortie collapsed when a panicked horse stampeded troops into the river. Zhongkan bolted west to Xunyang with Xuan after Gong’s death. The capital bristled with arms while the realm churned. Yuanxian gained palace access with arms, then palace secretary and central command.
85
會道子有疾，加以昏醉，元顯知朝望去之，謀奪其權，諷天子解道子揚州、司徒，而道子不之覺元顯自以少年頓居權重，慮有譏議，於是以琅邪王領司徒，元顯自為揚州刺史。 既而道子酒醒，方知去職，於是大怒，而無如之何。 廬江太守會稽張法順以刀筆之才，為元顯謀主，交結朋援，多樹親黨，自桓謙以下，諸貴遊皆斂衽請交。 元顯性苛刻，生殺自己，法順屢諫，不納。 又發東土諸郡免奴為客者，號曰「樂屬」，移置京師，以充兵役，東土囂然，人不堪命，天下苦之矣。 既而孫恩乘釁作亂，加道子黃鉞，元顯為中軍以討之。 又加元顯錄尚書事。 然道子更為長夜之飲，政無大小，一委元顯。 時謂道子為東錄，元顯為西錄。 西府車騎填湊，東第門下可設雀羅矣。 元顯無良師友，正言弗聞，諂譽日至，或以為一時英傑，或謂為風流名士，由是自謂無敵天下，故驕侈日增。 帝又以元顯有翼亮之功，加其所生母劉氏為會稽王夫人，金章紫綬。 會洛陽覆沒，道子以山陵幽辱，上疏送章綬，請歸籓，不許。 及太皇太后崩，詔道子乘輿入殿。 元顯因諷禮官下議，稱己德隆望重，既錄百揆，內外群僚皆應盡敬。 於是公卿皆拜。 于時軍旅薦興，國用虛竭，自司徒已下，日廩七升，而元顯聚斂不已，富過帝室。 及謝琰為孫恩所害，元顯求領徐州刺史，加侍中、後將軍、開府儀同三司、都督十六州諸軍事，封其子彥璋為東海王。 尋以星變，元顯解錄，復加尚書令。
Yuanxian manipulated An into removing Daozi from Yangzhou and education posts, then took Yangzhou himself while Langye held the education title as cover. Sober Daozi raged helplessly. Zhang Fashun of Lujiang, a man of Kuaiji, skilled with the clerk’s brush, became Yuanxian’s chief plotter, building factions and kin ties so that from Huan Qian downward every noble youth bowed to court him. Yuanxian killed at will; Fashun’s warnings failed. He dragooned eastern freedmen as “joy dependents” into the capital army, wrecking the lower Yangzi. Sun En rose; Daozi received the yellow axe while Yuanxian led the center army. Yuanxian also recorded the Masters of Writing. Daozi drank through nights while Yuanxian decided everything. Wits dubbed them east and west recorders. Clients mobbed Yuanxian’s west office while Daozi’s east hall stood empty. Yuanxian lacked good teachers or friends, heard no straight counsel, and daily received flattery—some deemed him a hero of the age, others a romantic celebrity—so he deemed himself matchless under heaven and his arrogance swelled daily. An ennobled Lady Liu as Kuaiji princess for Yuanxian’s service. Luoyang’s loss moved Daozi to offer resignation; the throne refused. Her death let Daozi ride a palace coach into the hall. Yuanxian forced ritualists to demand universal bows to himself. The whole bureaucracy kowtowed. While the court starved on seven sheng, Yuanxian hoarded beyond the throne. After Xie Yan’s death Yuanxian grabbed Xuzhou, rear army, sixteen provinces, and a Donghai princedom for Yanzhang. A comet made him shed recorder rank yet regain director.
86
會孫恩至京口，元顯柵斷石頭，率兵距戰，頻不利。 道子無他謀略，唯日禱蔣侯廟為厭勝之術。 既而孫恩遁于北海，桓玄復據上流，致箋于道子曰：「賊造近郊，以風不得進，以雨不致火，食盡故去耳，非力屈也。 昔國寶卒後，王恭不乘此威入統朝政，足見其心非侮於明公也，而謂之非忠。 今之貴要腹心，有時流清望者誰乎？ 豈可雲無佳勝，直是不能信之耳。 用理之人，然後可以信義相期； 求利之徒，豈有所惜而更委信邪？ 爾來一朝一夕，遂成今日之禍矣。 阿衡之重，言何容易，求福則立至，幹忤或致禍。 在朝君子，豈不有懷，但懼害及身耳。 玄忝任在遠，是以披寫事實。」 元顯覽而大懼。 張法順謂之曰：「桓玄承籍門資，素有豪氣，既並殷、楊，專有荊楚。 然桓氏世在西籓，人或為用，而第下之所控引，止三吳耳。 孫恩為亂，東土塗地，編戶饑饉，公私不贍，玄必乘此縱其奸凶，竊用憂之。」 元顯曰：「為之奈何？」 法順曰：「玄始據荊州，人情未輯，方就綏撫，未遑他計。 及其如此，發兵誅之，使劉牢之為前鋒，而第下以大軍繼進，桓玄之首必懸於麾下矣。」 元顯以為然，遣法順至京口，謀於牢之，而牢之有疑色。 法順還，說元顯曰：「觀牢之顏色，必貳於我，未若召入殺之。 不爾，敗人大事。」 元顯不從。
Sun En at Jingkou broke Yuanxian’s Stone Citadel defense. Daozi could only pray at Jiang Marquis’s shrine. Soon Sun En fled to the Northern Sea; Huan Xuan again held the upper Yangzi and sent a note to Daozi: “The bandits approached the suburbs; wind stopped their advance, rain prevented fire—they left because food ran out, not because force failed. After Guobao died, Wang Gong did not use that moment to seize court leadership—enough to show his heart did not insult you, yet you call him disloyal. Among today’s great favorites, who ranks with the clear repute of the age? It is not that no better men exist—only that you cannot trust them. Men guided by principle may then be met in good faith; profit-seekers—would they spare anything yet earn trust again? In these few mornings and evenings disaster has become today’s catastrophe. The weight of ‘regent’ is no light word; seek blessing and it comes at once, offend and you court ruin. Court gentlemen surely harbor thoughts but fear harm to themselves. Xuan, shamed to hold a distant post, therefore lays out the truth.” Yuanxian trembled at the letter. Zhang Fashun told him, “Huan Xuan inherits pedigree and has always been bold; having swallowed Yin and Yang, he monopolizes Jing and Chu. Yet the Huans have held the western screen for generations—some will serve them—while your grip extends only over the three Wu commanderies. Sun En’s rebellion has laid the east waste; registered households starve, public and private lack supplies—Xuan is sure to exploit this with villainy; I privately worry.” Yuanxian said, “What can be done?” Fashun said, “Xuan has only just taken Jingzhou; feelings are not yet settled; he is still soothing them and has no other plan. Strike now: send troops to execute him, make Liu Laozhi the van, and follow with your main host—Huan Xuan’s head will hang beneath your banner.” Fashun’s mission found Laozhi hesitant. Fashun returned and told Yuanxian, “Judging Laozhi’s expression, he will betray us; better summon him in and kill him. Otherwise he will ruin the great enterprise.” Yuanxian declined.
87
道子尋拜侍中、太傅，置左右長史、司馬、從事中郎四人，崇異之儀，備盡盛典。 其驃騎將軍僚佐文武，即配太傅府。 加元顯侍中、驃騎大將軍、開府、征討大都督、十八州諸軍事、儀同三司，加黃鉞，班劍二十人，以伐桓玄，竟以牢之為前鋒。 法順又言於元顯曰：「自舉大事，未有威斷，桓謙兄弟每為上流耳目，斬之，以孤荊楚之望。 且事之濟不，繼在前軍，而牢之反覆，萬一有變，則禍敗立至。 可令牢之殺謙兄弟，以示不貳。 若不受命，當逆為其所。」 元顯曰：「非牢之無以當桓玄。 且始事而誅大將，人情必動，二三不可。」 于時揚土饑虛，運漕不繼，玄斷江路，商旅遂絕。 於是公私匱乏，士卒唯給粰橡。
Daozi became grand tutor with a full retinue. Grand marshal staff moved under the grand tutor. Yuanxian took grand marshal, eighteen provinces, yellow axe, and Laozhi as vanguard against Xuan. Fashun again told Yuanxian, “Since raising this matter you have shown no stern decisiveness; Huan Qian and his brothers always serve as the upper river’s eyes—execute them to isolate Jing-Chu hopes. Moreover success hinges on the van, yet Laozhi is fickle; should anything shift, disaster arrives instantly. Order Laozhi to kill Qian’s brothers to prove loyalty. If he disobeys, strike him first.” Yuanxian said, “Without Laozhi none can face Huan Xuan. Moreover to execute a great general at the campaign’s start will shake morale—absolutely not.” Famine gripped Yangzhou; Xuan severed the river trade. Troops ate bran and oak meal.
88
大軍將發，玄從兄驃騎長史石生馳使告玄。 玄進次尋陽，傳檄京師，罪狀元顯。 俄而玄至西陽，帝戎服餞元顯于西池，始登舟而玄至新亭。 元顯棄船退屯國子學堂。 明日，列陣于宣陽門外，元顯佐吏多散走。 或言玄已至大桁，劉牢之遂降于玄。 元顯回入宣陽門，牢之參軍張暢之率眾遂之，眾潰。 元顯奔入相府，唯張法順隨之。 問計于道子，道子對之泣。 玄遣太傅從事中郎毛泰收元顯送於新亭，縛於舫前而數之。 元顯答曰：「為王誕、張法順所誤。」 於是送付廷尉，並其六子皆害之。 玄又奏：「道子酣縱不孝，當棄市。」 詔徒安成郡，使御史杜竹林防衛，竟承玄旨酖殺之，時年三十九。 帝三日哭於西堂。
Shi Sheng tipped Xuan before the expedition. Xuan marched to Xunyang and indicted Yuanxian. An armed Yuanxian at West Pool learned Xuan had hit Xinting. Yuanxian fled to the national university. His staff scattered before Xuanyang Gate. Rumors of Xuan at the bridge made Laozhi defect. Zhang Changzhi’s pursuit broke Yuanxian’s line. He fled to the chancellor’s yamen with Fashun alone. Daozi could only weep when asked for counsel. Huan Xuan’s officer Mao Tai dragged Yuanxian to Xinting, tied him to the prow, and denounced him. Yuanxian answered, “I was misled by Wang Dan and Zhang Fashun.” He and six sons went to the executioner. Xuan further memorialized: “Daozi is dissolute in drink and unfilial; he should be exposed in the market.” The court banished Daozi to Ancheng, then poisoned him at thirty-nine on Xuan’s orders. Emperor An mourned three days in the western hall.
89
及玄敗，大將軍、武陵王遵承旨下令曰：「故太傅公阿衡二世，契闊皇家，親賢之重，地無與二。 驃騎大將軍內總朝維，外宣威略，志蕩世難，以甯國祚。 天未靜亂，禍酷備鐘，悲動區宇，痛貫人鬼，感惟永往，心情崩隕。 今皇祚反正，幽顯式敘，宜崇明國體，以述舊典。 便可追崇太傅為丞相，加殊禮，一依安平獻王故事。 追贈驃騎為太尉，加羽葆鼓吹。 丞相填塋翳然，飄薄非所，須南道清通，便奉迎神柩。 太尉宜便遷改。 可下太史祥吉日，定宅兆。」 於是遣通直常侍司馬珣之迎道子柩于安成。 時寇賊未平，喪不時達， 義熙元年，合葬于王妃陵。 追諡元顯曰忠。 以臨川王寶子修之為道子嗣，尊妃王氏為太妃。 義熙中，有稱元顯子秀熙避難蠻中而至者，太妃請以為嗣，於是修之歸於別第。 劉裕意其詐而案驗之，果散騎郎滕羨奴勺藥也，竟坐棄市。 太妃不悟，哭之甚慟。 修之復為嗣。 薨，諡悼王，無子，國除。
When Xuan fell, the Grand General, Prince Zun of Wuling, issued order: “The late Grand Tutor served as regent across two reigns, parted and reunited with the royal house; in closeness and worth none matched him on earth. The Grand Marshal Who Gallops as if Flying ordered the court within and spread might without, aiming to sweep away the age’s troubles and settle the dynastic fortune. Calamity piled on calamity until the world reeled. Restoration called for honoring the dead per precedent. Daozi was named posthumous chancellor like Prince Xian of Ping’an. Yuanxian was honored as grand commandant with plumed escort. Daozi’s grave needed moving when routes cleared. Yuanxian’s remains must be relocated. Astrologers would pick a burial day.” Xunzhi fetched Daozi’s coffin from Ancheng. War delayed the cortège. In the first year of Yixi, he was laid beside Princess Wang’s tomb. Yuanxian received posthumous name Zhong, “the Loyal.” Sima Xiu continued Daozi’s line; Lady Wang became grand consort. A pretended son Xiuxi made the grand consort switch heirs until Liu Yu intervened. Liu Yu exposed the impostor as Teng Xian’s slave Shaoyao and had him killed publicly. Lady Wang mourned the fraud in ignorance. Xiu resumed the succession. He died as Prince Dao, childless, and the fief ended.
90
【史論】
Historian’s commentary.
91
史臣曰：泰始之受終也，乃憲章往昔，稽古前王，廣誓山河，大開籓屏，文昭武穆，方駕于魯、衛、應、韓； 磐石犬牙，連衡于吳、楚、齊、代。 然而作法於亂，付託非才，何曾歎經國之無謀，郭欽識危亡之有兆。 及宮車晏駕，填土未乾，國難薦臻，朝章馳廢。 重以八王繼亂，九服沸騰，戎羯交馳，乘輿幽逼，瑤枝瓊萼，鋒鏑而消亡； 朱芾綠車，與波塵而殄瘁。 遂使茫茫禹跡，咸窟穴於豺狼； 惵惵周餘，竟沈淪於塗炭。 嗚呼！ 運極數窮，一至於此！ 詳觀載籍，未或前聞。 道子地則親賢，任惟元輔，耽荒曲蘖，信惑讒諛。 遂使尼媼竊朝權，奸邪制國命，始則彝倫攸斁，終則宗社淪亡。 元顯以童丱之年，受棟樑之寄，專制朝廷，陵蔑君親，奮庸瑣之常材，抗奸凶之臣寇，喪師殄國。 不亦宜乎！ 斯則元顯為安帝之孫強，道子實晉朝之宰嚭者也。 列代之崇建維城，用籓王室； 有晉之分封子弟，實樹亂階。 《詩》云：「懷德惟甯，宗子維成。 無俾城壞，無獨期畏。」 城既壞矣，畏也宜哉！ 典午之喪亂弘多，實此之由矣。
At Taishi the Jin enfeoffed princes to rival the Zhou great houses. The domains interlocked like the Han fiefs. But institutions born in disorder and weak princes drew He Zeng’s and Guo Qin’s warnings. Hardly was Wu Di cold when crisis shattered the statutes. The War of the Eight Princes let barbarian cavalry pen the emperor while royal kin died in the steel. High princes drowned in the turmoil. The heartland became a lair for beasts. Survivors of the house fell into utter ruin. Alas! Fortune ran out until collapse was total. History shows no parallel. Royal cousin Daozi led the state yet drank and heard only flatterers. Nunnery intrigues and villains destroyed the dynasty. Boy Yuanxian seized the government, insulted the throne, and lost the realm with mediocre tools. Small wonder he fell! Yuanxian was An’s tyrant grandson; Daozi played Pi to the Jin throne. Earlier ages used princes as bulwarks. Jin’s enfeoffments bred rebellion instead. The Classic of Songs says, “Cherish virtue and there is quiet; the sons of the clan are the wall. Do not let the wall crumble, lest you stand alone in dread.” The wall is gone—terror was inevitable. Most of Jin’s ruin traced to that policy.
92
贊曰：帝子分封，嬰此鞠凶。 劄瘥繼及，禍難仍鐘。 秦獻聰悟，清河內顧。 淮南忠勇，宣城識度。 道子昏凶，遂傾國祚。=
Encomium: Princes were sealed and met disaster. Plague followed plague; catastrophe tolled on. Sima Jian was wise; Sima Xia prudent within. Sima Yun was valiant; Prince Xuancheng showed foresight. Sima Daozi’s brutality overturned the state.