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高士廉子履行真行長孫無忌
Gao Shilian; his sons Lüxing and Zhenxing; and Zhangsun Wuji.
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高儉,字士廉,渤海蓚人。 曾祖飛雀,後魏贈太尉。 祖岳,北齊侍中、左僕射、太尉、清河王。 父勵,字敬德,北齊樂安王、尚書左僕射、隋洮州刺史。 士廉少有器局,頗涉文史。 隋司隸大夫薛道衡、起居舍人崔祖浚並稱先達,與士廉結忘年之好,由是公卿藉甚。 大業中,為治禮郎。 士廉妹先適隋右驍衛將軍長孫晟,生子無忌及女。 晟卒,士廉迎妹及甥於家,恩情甚重。 見太宗潛龍時非常人,因以晟女妻焉,即文德皇后也。 隋軍伐遼,時兵部尚書斛斯政亡奔高麗,士廉坐與交遊,謫為硃鳶主簿。 事父母以孝聞,嶺南瘴癘,不可同行,留妻鮮于氏侍養,供給不足。 又念妹無所庇,乃賣大宅,買小宅以處之,分其餘資,輕裝而去。 尋屬天下大亂,王命阻絕,交趾太守丘和署為司法書佐。 士廉久在南方,不知母問,北顧彌切。 嘗晝寢,夢其母與之言,宛如膝下,既覺而涕泗橫集。 明日果得母訊,議者以為孝感之應。 時欽州寧長真率眾攻和,和欲出門迎之,士廉進說曰:「長真兵勢雖多,懸軍遠至,內離外蹙,不能持久。 且城中勝兵,足以當之,奈何而欲受人所制?」 和從之,因命士廉為行軍司馬,水陸俱進,逆擊破之,長真僅以身免,餘眾盡降。 及蕭銑敗,高祖使徇嶺南。 武德五年,士廉與和上表歸國,累遷雍州治中。 時太宗為雍州牧,以士廉是文德皇后之舅,素有才望,甚親敬之。 及將誅隱太子,士廉與其甥長孫無忌並預密謀。 六月四日,士廉率吏卒釋繫囚,授以兵甲,馳至芳林門,備與太宗合勢。 太宗升春宮,拜太子右庶子。
Gao Jian, styled Shilian, came from Su in Bohai. His great-grandfather Feique received a posthumous appointment as Grand Commandant from the Later Wei. His grandfather Yue had been Palace Attendant, Left Vice Minister, Grand Commandant, and Prince of Qinghe under the Northern Qi. His father Li, styled Jingde, had held the titles of Prince of Le'an and Left Vice Minister under the Northern Qi and served as Governor of Taozhou under the Sui. From youth Shilian showed breadth of mind and had read widely in letters and history. Xue Daoheng, Director of the Metropolitan Region, and Cui Zujun, Attendant Scribe—both regarded as senior men of letters under the Sui—became his friends across the gap in years, and from that time ministers and nobles spoke of him with high regard. In the Daye era he held the post of Gentleman for the Regulation of Rites. Shilian's sister had earlier married Zhangsun Sheng, General of the Right Valiant Cavalry under the Sui, and bore a son, Wuji, and a daughter. After Sheng's death, Shilian took his sister and nephew into his household and cherished them with exceptional devotion. Recognizing in the future Taizong, while he was still only a prince, a man out of the ordinary, he gave him Sheng's daughter in marriage—the future Empress Wende. During the Sui campaign against Liaodong, Minister of War Husizheng fled to Goguryeo; because Shilian had been on friendly terms with him, he was banished to serve as Registrar of Zhuyuan. Renowned for filial devotion to his parents, he could not take them with him into the pestilential south of Lingnan; he left his wife, Lady Xianyu, to care for them, though means were scant. Concerned that his sister had no refuge, he sold the family mansion, bought a smaller house for her, gave her what remained of the proceeds, and set out south with only light baggage. Before long the empire dissolved into chaos and imperial authority no longer reached the south; Qiu He, Administrator of Jiaozhi, appointed him Judicial Clerk. Long stranded in the south with no news of his mother, he yearned toward the north with mounting anguish. Once he napped by day and dreamed his mother speaking to him as when he was a child at her knee; on waking, tears poured down his face. The very next day news from his mother arrived; observers called it a sign of filial devotion answered from afar. When Ning Changzhen of Qinzhou marched against him with an army, Qiu He meant to go out and submit; Shilian urged him: "Changzhen's host may look large, but it is an army far from home—riven within and harried without—and cannot hold out long. The city's best troops are more than enough to meet them—why surrender yourself to another man's will? He took the counsel, made Shilian Campaign Marshal, and advanced by land and water to rout the invaders; Changzhen fled with his life alone while the rest surrendered. After Xiao Xian's defeat, Gaozu dispatched armies to bring Lingnan under control. In Wude 5, Shilian and Qiu He memorialized their submission to the Tang court; he rose in due course to Assistant Administrator of Yongzhou. The future Taizong was then Governor of Yongzhou; knowing Shilian as Empress Wende's uncle and a man of long-standing talent and reputation, he drew him close and honored him. When the plot against the Hidden Crown Prince was set in motion, Shilian and his nephew Zhangsun Wuji both joined the secret council. On the fourth day of the sixth month he led clerks and troops to free the prisoners, put arms in their hands, and raced to Fanglin Gate to unite with Taizong's force. After Taizong became heir apparent, Shilian was named Right Vice President of the Heir Apparent.
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貞觀元年,擢拜侍中,封義興郡公,賜實封九百戶。 士廉明辯,善容止,凡有獻納,搢紳之士莫不屬目。 時黃門侍郎王珪有密表附士廉以聞,士廉寢而不言,坐是出為安州都督,轉益州大都督府長史。 蜀土俗薄,畏鬼而惡疾,父母病有危殆者,多不親扶侍,杖頭掛食,遙以哺之。 士廉隨方訓誘,風俗頓改。 秦時李冰守蜀,導引汶江,創浸灌之利,至今地居水側者,須直千金,富強之家,多相侵奪。 士廉乃於故渠外別更疏決,蜀中大獲其利。 又因暇日汲引辭人,以為文會,兼命儒生講論經史,勉勵後進,蜀中學校粲然復興。 蜀人硃桃椎者,淡泊為事,隱居不仕,披裘帶索,沉浮人間。 竇軌之鎮益州也,聞而召見,遺以衣服,逼為鄉正。 桃椎口竟無言,棄衣於地,逃入山中,結庵澗曲。 夏則裸形,冬則樹皮自覆,人有贈遺,一無所受。 每為芒履,置之於路,人見之者,曰:「硃居士之履也」。 為鬻米置於本處,桃椎至夕而取之,終不與人相見。 議者以為焦先之流。 士廉下車,以禮致之,及至,降階與語,桃椎不答,直視而去。 士廉每令存問,桃椎見使者,輒入林自匿。 近代以來,多輕隱逸,士廉獨加褒禮,蜀中以為美談。 五年,入為吏部尚書,進封許國公,仍封一子為縣公。 獎鑑人倫,雅諳姓氏,凡所署用,莫不人地俱允。 高祖崩,士廉攝司空,營山陵制度。 事畢,加特進、上柱國。 是時,朝議以山東人士好自矜誇,雖復累葉陵遲,猶恃其舊地,女適他族,必多求聘財。 太宗惡之,以為甚傷教義,乃詔士廉與御史大夫韋挺、中書侍郎岑文本、禮部侍郎令狐德棻等刊正姓氏。 於是普責天下譜諜,仍憑據史傳,考其真偽,忠賢者褒進,悖逆者貶黜,撰為《氏族志》。 士廉乃類其等第以進。 太宗曰:「我與山東崔、盧、李、鄭,舊既無嫌,為其世代衰微,全無冠蓋,猶自雲士大夫,婚姻之間,則多邀錢幣。 才識凡下,而偃仰自高,販鬻松檟,依託富貴。 我不解人間何為重之? 祗緣齊家惟據河北,梁、陳僻在江南,當時雖有人物,偏僻小國,不足可貴,至今猶以崔、盧、王、謝為重。 我平定四海,天下一家。 凡在朝士,皆功效顯著,或忠孝可稱,或學藝通博,所以擢用。 見居三品以上,欲共衰代舊門為親,縱多輸錢帛,猶被偃仰。 我今特定族姓者,欲崇重今朝冠冕,何因崔干猶為第一等? 昔漢高祖止是山東一匹夫,以其平定天下,主尊臣貴。 卿等讀書,見其行跡,至今以為美談,心懷敬重。 卿等不貴我官爵耶? 不須論數世以前,止取今日官爵高下作等級。」 遂以崔干為第三等。 及書成,凡一百卷,詔頒於天下。 賜士廉物千段,尋同中書門下三品。 十二年,與長孫無忌等以佐命功,並代襲刺史,授申國公。 其年,拜尚書右僕射。 士廉既任遇益隆,多所表奏,成輒焚稿,人莫知之。 攝太子少師,特令掌選。 十六年,加授開府儀同三司,尋表請致仕,聽解尚書右僕射,令以開府儀同三司依舊平章事。 又正受詔與魏徵等集文學之士,撰《文思博要》一千二百卷,奏之,賜物千段。 十七年二月,詔圖形凌煙閣。 十九年,太宗伐高麗,皇太子定州監國,士廉攝太子太傅,仍典朝政。 皇太子下令曰:「攝太傅、申國公士廉,朝望國華,儀刑攸屬,寡人忝膺監守,實資訓導。 比聽政,常屈同榻,庶因諮白,少祛蒙滯。 但據案奉對,情所未安,已約束不許更進。 太傅誨諭深至,使遵常式,辭不獲免,輒復敬從。 所司亦宜別以一案供太傅。」 士廉固讓不敢當。 二十年,遇疾,太宗幸其第問之,因敘說生平,流涕歔欷而訣。 二十一年正月壬辰,薨於京師崇仁裡私第,時年七十二。 太宗又命駕將臨之,司空玄齡以上餌藥石,不宜臨喪,抗表切諫,上曰:「朕之此行,豈獨為君臣之禮,兼以故舊情深,姻戚義重,卿勿復言也。」 太宗從數百騎出興安門,至延喜門,長孫無忌馳至馬前諫曰:「餌石臨喪,經方明忌。 陛下含育黎元,須為宗社珍愛。 臣亡舅士廉知將不救,顧謂臣曰:『至尊覆戴恩隆,不遺簪履,亡歿之後,或致親臨。 內省凡才,無益聖日,安可以死亡之餘,輒回宸駕,魂而有靈,負譴斯及。』 陛下恩深故舊,亦請察其丹誠。」 其言甚切,太宗猶不許。 無忌乃伏於馬前流涕,帝乃還宮。 贈司徒、并州都督,陪葬昭陵,謚曰文獻。 士廉祖、父洎身,並為僕射,子為尚書,甥為太尉,當代榮之。 六子:履行、至行、純行、真行、審行、慎行。 及喪柩出自橫橋,太宗登故城西北樓望而慟。 高宗即位,追贈太尉,與房玄齡、屈突通並配享太宗廟庭。
In Zhenguan 1 he was elevated to Palace Attendant, created Duke of Yixing, and granted a substantive fief of nine hundred households. Clear in argument and dignified in manner, he commanded the attention of the court whenever he spoke in counsel or remonstrance. Wang Gui, Vice Director of the Yellow Gate, once gave him a secret memorial to pass to the throne; Shilian suppressed it and said nothing, for which he was sent out as Military Governor of Anzhou and later made Chief Administrator of the Yizhou metropolitan command. Shu folk were coarse in custom, fearing spirits and shunning the sick; when parents lay near death, many refused to nurse them at bedside, instead hanging food on a staff to feed them from a distance. Shilian instructed them as the case required, and local practice changed almost overnight. In Qin times Li Bing had governed Shu, diverted the Min River, and opened irrigation to the plain; land along the channels still fetched a fortune, and wealthy families constantly encroached on one another's water rights. He opened new channels beyond the old works, and Shu reaped a great increase in irrigated yield. In his spare hours he gathered literary men for salons, set scholars to lecture on the classics and histories, and encouraged the young; schools throughout Shu flourished again. In Shu there lived Zhu Taozhui, a man of austere simplicity who would not serve in office, clad in fur and rope, moving unnoticed through the world. When Dou Gui governed Yizhou, he summoned Zhu, gave him clothes, and pressed him to accept the post of village head. Taozhui never opened his mouth, threw the garments to the ground, fled into the hills, and built a hut beside a mountain stream. In summer he went naked; in winter he wrapped himself in bark; he refused every gift offered him. He wove straw sandals and left them on the path; passersby would say, "Those are Master Zhu's sandals." He would leave rice for sale where he stood; Taozhui came at dusk to take payment and never let anyone see his face. Observers classed him with recluses such as Jiao Xian. On taking office Shilian summoned him with full courtesy; when Zhu came, Shilian stepped down to speak with him, but Zhu made no reply and walked away without a glance aside. Shilian often sent messengers to inquire after him; at sight of them Zhu would slip into the woods and vanish. In recent times men of office had often scorned recluses, but Shilian alone treated Zhu with honor; the story became a favorite tale in Shu. In the fifth year he returned to court as Minister of the Civil Office, was advanced to Duke of Xu, and enfeoffed one of his sons as a county duke. Skilled in judging character and deeply versed in pedigree, he made appointments in which both the man and his lineage won general assent. After Gaozu's death, Shilian served as acting Minister of Works and oversaw the design of the imperial mausoleum. When the work was done, he received the additional honors of Special Grand Master and Pillar of State of the Upper Rank. Court opinion held that Shandong families were prone to self-congratulation; though their lines had declined for generations, they still traded on old prestige and, when marrying daughters out, drove hard bargains for betrothal wealth. Taizong abhorred the practice as a grave injury to public morals and ordered Shilian, Censor-in-Chief Wei Ting, Vice Director of the Secretariat Cen Wende, Vice Minister of Rites Linghu Defen, and others to compile a corrected register of clans. They then required genealogies from across the empire, checked them against historical sources, promoted loyal houses and demoted disloyal ones, and compiled the Record of Clans. Shilian arranged the clans by rank and presented the draft to the throne. Taizong said: "I bear no old grudge against the Cui, Lu, Li, and Zheng of Shandong, but their houses have withered until none hold high office, yet they still style themselves gentry and squeeze bride-price from every marriage alliance. Mediocre in talent, they carry themselves as if above the world, trading on ancestral tombs and clinging to the rich. I cannot see why the world still honors them. It is only because the Qi held the north while Liang and Chen were petty southern states—even when they had eminent men, their courts were too remote to count—and yet the world still ranks the Cui, Lu, Wang, and Xie above all. I have pacified the realm and made one family of the empire. Every man at court was raised up for conspicuous service, for loyalty and filial devotion, or for breadth of learning—that is why he holds office. Men of third rank and above who seek marriage with these faded old houses may offer lavish gifts and still be treated with condescension. I ordered this register to exalt the offices of the present day—why is the Cui clan of Gan still ranked first? Gaozu of Han began as a common man of the east, yet by pacifying the realm he made ruler and minister alike illustrious. You read of his deeds in your books, still speak of them with admiration, and honor him in your hearts. Do you not hold my rank and titles in honor? Do not look back beyond the present—rank the clans solely by the offices they hold today. With that, the Cui of Gan was placed in the third rank. When the work was finished—one hundred juan in all—an edict ordered it promulgated throughout the empire. Shilian received a thousand bolts of silk as reward and soon held third-grade standing as a co-equal of the Secretariat-Chancellery. In the twelfth year he and Zhangsun Wuji, among others, were rewarded for founding service with hereditary governorships, and Shilian was created Duke of Shen. That year he was appointed Right Vice Minister of the Department of State Affairs. As his standing rose, he submitted many memorials, yet burned each draft when done, so that none knew what he had written. He served as acting Junior Tutor to the Heir Apparent and was specially charged with personnel selection. In the sixteenth year he received the additional title Honored Companion of the Palace with Protocol of the Three Excellencies; he soon asked to retire, was released from the Right Vice Ministry, and continued to deliberate on state affairs in that capacity. He was also formally ordered, with Wei Zheng and others, to gather scholars and compile the Comprehensive Digest of Literary Thought in twelve hundred juan; on its presentation he received a thousand bolts of silk. In the second month of the seventeenth year an edict ordered his portrait placed in the Lingyan Pavilion. In the nineteenth year, while Taizong campaigned against Goguryeo and the Crown Prince oversaw the realm from Dingzhou, Shilian served as acting Grand Tutor and continued to direct court affairs. The Crown Prince issued an order: "Acting Grand Tutor, Duke of Shen Shilian, is the court's foremost exemplar; in my unworthy charge as regent I depend wholly on his guidance. In recent audiences I have often had him share my couch so that, by question and answer, some of my ignorance might be cleared away. Yet he answers me only from across the desk, which I find unsatisfying, and I have already forbidden him to approach closer. The Grand Tutor pressed me earnestly to keep to established form; unable to refuse, I obeyed once more. The responsible offices should also set out a separate desk for the Grand Tutor. Shilian repeatedly declined, protesting that he was unworthy. In the twentieth year he fell ill; Taizong came to his house, and as they spoke of his life together they wept and took their leave. On the renchen day of the first month of the twenty-first year he died at his home in Chongren Lane in the capital, aged seventy-two. Taizong prepared to go in person; Fang Xuanling, Minister of Works, argued that while the emperor was taking mineral drugs he must not attend a funeral and submitted a stern memorial; the emperor replied: "I go not only to fulfill the rites between ruler and minister, but because old friendship and marriage ties bind me to him—say no more. Taizong rode out through Xing'an Gate with several hundred followers; at Yanxi Gate Zhangsun Wuji galloped up and pleaded: "Medical texts expressly forbid attending funerals while taking mineral drugs. Your Majesty nurtures the people and must guard your person for the sake of the realm. My late uncle Shilian, knowing he would not recover, told me: 'The Son of Heaven has shown me boundless grace and has not cast me off even in my low estate; after my death he may come in person. I am a man of no talent and of no use to the throne—how could I, in death, draw the imperial carriage aside? If my spirit has consciousness, I would bear the guilt of that offense. Please weigh his sincere devotion to Your Majesty as an old friend. His plea was urgent, but Taizong still would not yield. Wuji then prostrated himself before the horse in tears, and the emperor turned back to the palace. He was posthumously appointed Minister of Education and Military Governor of Bingzhou, interred at Zhaoling, and given the posthumous title Literary Offering. His grandfather, father, and he himself had all served as vice ministers; his son became a minister; his nephew became Grand Commandant—the age regarded it as supreme honor. He had six sons: Lüxing, Zhixing, Chunxing, Zhenxing, Shenxing, and Shenxing. When the funeral procession crossed Heng Bridge, Taizong climbed the northwest tower of the old city wall and watched in anguish. After Gaozong's accession he was posthumously made Grand Commandant and, with Fang Xuanling and Qutu Tong, granted a place in Taizong's ancestral temple.
4
履行弟真行,官至右衛將軍。 其子典膳丞岐,坐與章懷太子陰謀,事洩,詔付真行令自懲誡。 真行遂手刃之,仍棄其屍於衢路。 高宗聞而鄙之,貶真行為睦州刺史,卒。
Lüxing's younger brother Zhenxing rose to General of the Right Guard. His son Qi, Director of Palace Provisions, was implicated in Crown Prince Zhanghuai's conspiracy; when the plot was exposed, an edict entrusted him to Zhenxing to punish as he saw fit. Zhenxing then slew him with his own hand and cast the body into the street. When Emperor Gaozong heard of the affair, he was disgusted and demoted Zhenxing to prefect of Muzhou, where he died.
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長孫無忌,字輔機,河南洛陽人。 其先出自後魏獻文帝第三兄。 初為拓拔氏,宣力魏室,功最居多,世襲大人之號,後更跋氏,為宗室之長,改姓長孫氏。 七世祖道生,後魏司空、上黨靖王。 六世祖旃,後魏特進、上黨齊王。 五世祖觀,後魏司徒、上黨定王。 高祖稚,西魏太保、馮翊文宣王。 曾祖子裕,西魏衛尉卿、平原郡公。 祖光,周開府儀同三司,襲平原公。 父晟,隋右驍衛將軍。 無忌貴戚好學,該博文史,性通悟,有籌略。 文德皇后即其妹也。 少與太宗友善,義軍渡河,無忌至長春宮謁見,授渭北道行軍典簽。 常從太宗征討,累除比部郎中,封上黨縣公。 武德九年,隱太子建成、齊王元吉謀,將害太宗,無忌請太宗先發誅之。 於是奉旨密召房玄齡、杜如晦等共為籌略。 六月四日,無忌與尉遲敬德、侯君集、張公謹、劉師立、公孫武達、獨孤彥雲、杜君綽、鄭仁泰、李孟嘗等九人,入玄武門討建成、元吉,平之。 太宗升春宮,授太子左庶子。 及即位,遷左武候大將軍。 貞觀元年,轉吏部尚書,以功第一,進封齊國公,實封千三百戶。 太宗以無忌佐命元勳,地兼外戚,禮遇尤重,常令出入臥內。 其年,拜尚書右僕射。 時突厥頡利可汗新與中國和盟,政教紊亂,言事者多陳攻取之策。 太宗召蕭瑀及無忌問曰:「北番君臣昏亂,殺戮無辜。 國家不違舊好,便失攻昧之機; 今欲取亂侮亡,復爽同盟之義。 二途不決,孰為勝耶?」 蕭瑀曰:「兼弱攻昧,擊之為善。」 無忌曰:「今國家務在戢兵,待其寇邊,方可討擊。 彼既已弱,必不能來。 若深入虜廷,臣未見其可。 且按甲存信,臣以為宜。」 太宗從無忌之議。 突厥尋政衰而滅。
Zhangsun Wuji, styled Fujii, was from Luoyang in Henan. His line traced back to the third elder brother of Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei. They began as Tuoba clansmen who served the Wei with singular distinction, holding the hereditary title of Great Man for generations; later, as heads of the imperial clan under the Ba surname, they adopted the name Zhangsun. Seven generations back, Daosheng had been Northern Wei's Minister of Works and Prince Jing of Shangdang. Six generations back, Zhan had been Special Advancement Grandee and Prince Qi of Shangdang under Northern Wei. Five generations back, Guan had been Minister over the Masses and Prince Ding of Shangdang under Northern Wei. His great-grandfather Zhi had been Grand Tutor under Western Wei and Prince Wenxuan of Fenyang. His great-great-grandfather Ziyu had been Commandant of the Guards under Western Wei and Duke of Pingyuan. His grandfather Guang had been Honored Companion of the Palace with Protocol of the Three Excellencies under Northern Zhou and had inherited the dukedom of Pingyuan. His father Sheng had been General of the Right Valiant Cavalry under the Sui. A kinsman of the imperial house, Wuji loved learning, was widely read in literature and history, quick of mind, and skilled in strategy. Empress Wende was his younger sister. From youth he was close to the future Taizong; when Li Yuan's army crossed the Yellow River, Wuji came to Changchun Palace to pay homage and was made staff officer on the Weibei campaign. He campaigned repeatedly at Taizong's side, rose to Director in the Bureau of Review, and was enfeoffed as Duke of Shangdang. In the ninth year of Wude, Crown Prince Jian and Prince of Qi Li Yuanji plotted to kill Taizong; Wuji urged him to strike first. At Taizong's order he then secretly summoned Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and others to lay plans. On the fourth day of the sixth month, Wuji and nine companions—including Yuchi Jingde, Hou Junji, Zhang Gongjin, Liu Shili, Gongsun Wuda, Dugu Yanyun, Du Junchuo, Zheng Rentai, and Li Mengchang—entered the Xuanwu Gate, killed Jian Cheng and Yuanji, and ended the crisis. When Taizong became heir apparent, Wuji was appointed Left Vice Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. After Taizong's accession, Wuji was made General of the Left Martial Guard. In the first year of Zhenguan he became Minister of Personnel; ranked first in merit, he was promoted to Duke of Qi with a fief of thirteen hundred households. Because Wuji was both a founding minister and an imperial kinsman, Taizong honored him above others and often admitted him to the inner chambers. That year he was appointed Right Vice Minister of the Department of State Affairs. At that time Jieli Khan of the Turks had just made peace with the Tang, yet his realm was in disorder, and many at court urged an attack. Taizong summoned Xiao Yu and Wuji and asked: "The northern tribes are in turmoil; their rulers slaughter the innocent. If we honor the old alliance, we forfeit the chance to strike while they are weak; yet if we seize on their disorder and strike the dying, we break the bond of alliance. I cannot choose between these two courses—which is the better path? Xiao Yu replied: "To join with the weak and strike the benighted—that is the better course. Wuji said: "The state now seeks to keep the peace; we should strike only if they raid our borders. They are already too weak to mount a raid. A deep strike into their heartland, I do not see how that can succeed. Better to hold our armies in check and honor the alliance—that is my counsel. Taizong accepted Wuji's advice. Soon the Turks' power collapsed and their khanate fell.
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或有密表稱無忌權寵過盛,太宗以表示無忌曰:「朕與卿君臣之間,凡事無疑。 若各懷所聞而不言,則君臣之意無以獲通。」 因召百僚謂之曰:「朕今有子皆幼,無忌於朕,實有大功,今者委之,猶如子也。 疏間親,新間舊,謂之不順,朕所不取也。」 無忌深以盈滿為誡,懇辭機密,文德皇后又為之陳請,太宗不獲已,乃拜開府儀同三司,解尚書右僕射。 是歲,太宗親祠南郊,及將還,命無忌與司空裴寂同升金輅。 五年,與房玄齡、杜如晦、尉遲敬德四人,以元勳各封一子為郡公。 七年十月,冊拜司空,無忌固辭,不許。 又因高士廉奏曰:「臣幸居外戚,恐招聖主私親之誚,敢以死請。」 太宗曰:「朕之授官,必擇才行。 若才行不至,縱朕至親,亦不虛授,襄邑王神符是也; 若才有所適,雖怨仇而不棄,魏徵等是也。 朕若以無忌居後兄之愛,當多遺子女金帛,何須委以重官,蓋是取其才行耳。 無忌聰明鑑悟,雅有武略,公等所知,朕故委之台鼎。」 無忌又上表切讓,詔報之曰:「昔黃帝得力牧而為五帝先,夏禹得咎繇而為三王祖,齊桓得管仲而為五伯長。 朕自居籓邸,公為腹心,遂得廓清宇內,君臨天下。 以公功績才望,允稱具瞻,故授此官,無宜多讓也。」 太宗追思王業艱難,佐命之力,又作《威鳳賦》以賜無忌。 其辭曰:
When a secret memorial accused Wuji of excessive power and favor, Taizong showed it to him and said: "Between us as ruler and minister, there should be no hidden doubts. If each of us keeps what he hears to himself, ruler and minister can never truly understand one another. He then summoned the officials and declared: "My sons are still young. Wuji has served me with great merit, and I entrust him now as I would a son. To drive a wedge between close allies, to set newcomer against old companion—that I will not tolerate. Wuji took the warning to heart and begged to be relieved of confidential duties; Empress Wende pleaded for him as well. Unable to refuse, Taizong made him Honored Companion of the Palace with Protocol of the Three Excellencies and released him from the Right Vice Ministry. That year, after Taizong performed the southern sacrifice, he ordered Wuji and Minister of Works Pei Ji to ride back with him in the imperial golden chariot. In the fifth year he, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Yuchi Jingde were each granted a hereditary commandery dukedom for one son in recognition of founding merit. In the tenth month of the seventh year he was invested as Minister of Works; Wuji protested firmly, but the emperor would not hear of it. He also pleaded through Gao Shilian: "As an imperial kinsman, I fear the charge that Your Majesty favors family over merit; I beg you with my life to refuse me. Taizong replied: "When I grant office, I choose by talent and conduct alone. If a man lacks the talent and character for the post, even my closest kin receives nothing—Prince of Xiangyi Shen Fu is the example; but if a man's talent fits the need, I keep him even when he was once my enemy—Wei Zheng is the example. If I favored Wuji only as my empress's brother, I would shower his children with gold and silk—why give him high office? I appoint him for his talent and character. Wuji is brilliant, discerning, and skilled in strategy—as you all know. That is why I place him at the summit of government. Wuji memorialized again, pleading urgently to decline. The emperor replied by edict: "The Yellow Emperor had Li Mu and led the Five Emperors; Yu of Xia had Gao Yao and stood first among the Three Dynasties; Duke Huan of Qi had Guan Zhong and headed the Five Hegemons. From my days as prince you have been my closest counselor, and through you I cleared the realm and came to rule the world. Your merit, ability, and standing make you the man all look to; accept this office and decline no further. Taizong, remembering the hardships of founding the dynasty and the debt he owed his founding ministers, composed the Rhapsody on the August Phoenix and gave it to Wuji. The poem reads:
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有一威鳳,憩翮朝陽。 晨游紫霧,夕飲玄霜。 資長風以舉翰,戾天衢而遠翔。 西翥則煙氛閉色,東飛則日月騰光。 化垂鵬於北裔,馴群鳥於南荒。 殄亂世而方降,應明時而自彰。 俯翼雲路,歸功本樹。 仰喬枝而見猜,俯修條而抱蠹。 同林之侶俱嫉,共干之儔並忤。 無恆山之義情,有炎洲之凶度。 若巢葦而居安,獨懷危而履懼。 鴟鴞嘯乎側葉,燕雀喧乎下枝。 慚己陋之至鄙,害他賢之獨奇。 或聚咮而交擊,乍分羅而見羈。 戢凌雲之逸羽,韜偉世之清儀。 遂乃蓄情宵影,結志晨暉,霜殘綺翼,露點紅衣。 嗟憂患之易結,嘆矰繳之難違。 期畢命於一死,本無情於再飛。 幸賴君子,以依以恃,引此風雲,濯斯塵滓。 披蒙翳於葉下,發光華於枝裡。 仙翰屈而還舒,靈音摧而復起。 眄八極以遐翥,臨九天而高峙。 庶廣德於眾禽,非崇利於一己。 是以徘徊感德,顧慕懷賢。 憑明哲而禍散,托英才而福全。 答惠之情彌結,報功之志方宣。 非知難而行易,思令後而終前。 俾賢德之流慶,畢萬葉而芳傳。
There was an august phoenix, wings folded, resting in the light of the rising sun. By morning it wandered through violet mist; by evening it drank the dark frost. It rode the long wind to lift its wings and soared far along the roads of heaven. Flying west, it dimmed the very air; flying east, it made sun and moon blaze with light. Its transforming power reached the great peng of the north and gentled whole flocks of birds in the southern wilds. It came down only when chaos was ended, and in a bright age it showed itself without prompting. It folded its wings along the cloud-road and gave the credit to the tree where it had nested. It looked up to the high branches and met suspicion; it looked down to the long boughs and found them riddled with worms. Every bird of the same grove envied it; every creature of the same trunk turned against it. They showed none of Mount Heng's steadfast loyalty, but all the savage temper of the southern isles. While others nested in reeds and lived at ease, it alone lived in dread, every step uncertain. Owls shrieked from the side leaves; swallows and sparrows clamored on the lower boughs. Ashamed of their own ugliness, they sought to destroy one whose excellence stood alone. At times they massed their beaks and attacked together; at times they spread their snares and held it fast. It folded the wings that had scaled the clouds and hid the noble bearing that had awed the world. It nursed its grief through night's shadow and hardened its resolve at dawn; frost scarred its brocade wings, and dew spotted its crimson feathers. It mourned how easily trouble takes hold, and how hard it is to evade the hunter's arrow and net. It looked for death to end its ordeal and had no heart to take wing again. Fortunately it found a noble man to lean on and trust; he summoned wind and cloud and washed away the stain. It cleared the gloom beneath the leaves and brought radiance back to the boughs. Its sacred wings, once folded, spread wide again; its noble cry, once broken, sounded once more. It looked to the ends of the earth and soared afar; it faced the highest heaven and stood supreme. It sought to spread virtue among all birds, not to hoard glory for itself. So it lingered, grateful for his kindness, and turned back in admiration for the man who had saved it. By his wisdom disaster was dispelled; in his protection its fortune was made whole. Gratitude bound it ever closer; the will to repay his service now found its voice. Not because the easy path was chosen over the hard, but because it wished what came after to honor what had gone before. May worthy virtue be celebrated and its fragrance handed down through ten thousand generations.
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十一年,令與諸功臣世襲刺史。 詔曰:
In the eleventh year he and the other founding ministers were granted hereditary regional governorships. The edict read:
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周武定業,胙茅土於子弟; 漢高受命,誓帶礪於功臣。 豈止重親賢之地,崇其典禮,抑亦固磐石之基,寄以籓翰。 魏、晉已降,事不師古,建侯之制,有乖名實。 非所謂作屏王室,永固無窮者也。 隋氏之季,四海沸騰,朕運屬殷憂,戡翦多難。 上憑明靈之祐,下賴英賢之輔,廓清宇縣,嗣膺寶歷,豈予一人,獨能致此! 時迍共資其力,世安專享其利,乃睠於斯,甚所不取。 但今刺史,即古之諸侯,雖立名不同,監統一也。 故申命有司,斟酌前代,宣條委共理之寄,象賢存世及之典。 司空、齊國公無忌等,並策名運始,功參締構,義貫休戚,效彰夷險,嘉庸懿績,簡於朕心,宜委以籓鎮,改錫土宇。 無忌可趙州刺史,改封趙國公; 尚書左僕射、魏國公玄齡可宋州刺史,改封梁國公; 故司空、蔡國公杜如晦可贈密州刺史,改封萊國公; 特進、代國公靖可濮州刺史,改封衛國公; 特進、吏部尚書、許國公士廉可申州刺史,改封申國公; 兵部尚書、潞國公侯君集可陳州刺史,改封陳國公; 刑部尚書、任城郡王道宗可鄂州刺史,改封江夏郡王; 晉州刺史、趙郡王孝恭可觀州刺史,改封河間郡王; 同州刺史、吳國公尉遲敬德可宣州刺史,改封鄂國公; 并州都督府長史、曹國公李勣可蘄州刺史,改封英國公; 左驍衛大將軍、楚國公段志玄可金州刺史,改封褒國公; 左領軍大將軍、宿國公程知節可普州刺史,改封盧國公; 太僕卿、任國公劉弘基可朗州刺史,改封夔國公; 相州都督府長史、鄅國公張亮可澧州刺史,改封鄖國公。 余官食邑並如故,即令子孫奕葉承襲。
King Wu of Zhou founded the dynasty and enfeoffed his sons and kinsmen with territorial fiefs; Emperor Gaozu of Han received the Mandate and swore that his ministers would share girdle and whetstone forever. This was not only to honor kin and the worthy and elevate their rites, but also to set bedrock under the throne and charge them with guarding the realm. From Wei and Jin onward, rulers ceased to follow the ancients, and the enfeoffment system lost touch with its name and purpose. This was no longer the true meaning of making a shield for the throne and securing the dynasty without end. In the Sui dynasty's final days the realm boiled in turmoil; fate placed me in grave peril, and I cut down one disaster after another. Heaven's favor was above me and heroic ministers below; together we cleared the realm and I succeeded to the throne—surely I alone did not bring this about! They shared their strength in hardship; it would be wrong for me alone to enjoy the reward in peace—that I cannot accept. Today's prefects are the feudal lords of old; though the titles differ, their charge to govern is the same. I have therefore ordered the responsible offices to consult past precedent, grant them governing authority, and preserve the ancient practice of passing merit from generation to generation. Minister of Works and Duke of Qi Wuji and the others enrolled their names at the founding of the dynasty, shared in building the state, stood with me through hardship and ease, and proved their worth in peace and war—their splendid service has earned my trust. They shall be entrusted with frontier commands and granted new fiefs. Wuji is appointed prefect of Zhao and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Zhao; Left Vice Minister Fang Xuanling, Duke of Wei, is appointed prefect of Song and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Liang; The late Minister of Works Du Ruhui, Duke of Cai, is posthumously granted the prefecture of Mi and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Lai; Special Advancement Grandee Li Jing, Duke of Dai, is appointed prefect of Pu and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Wei; Special Advancement Grandee Gao Shilian, Minister of Personnel and Duke of Xu, is appointed prefect of Shen and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Shen; Minister of War Hou Junji, Duke of Lu, is appointed prefect of Chen and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Chen; Minister of Justice Li Daozong, Prince of Rencheng, is appointed prefect of E and re-enfeoffed as Prince of Jiangxia; Li Xiaogong, Prince of Zhao and prefect of Jin, is appointed prefect of Guan and re-enfeoffed as Prince of Hejian; Yuchi Jingde, Duke of Wu and prefect of Tong, is appointed prefect of Xuan and re-enfeoffed as Duke of E; Li Ji, Duke of Cao and chief secretary of the Bingzhou command, is appointed prefect of Qi and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Ying; Duan Zhixuan, General-in-Chief of the Left Xiaowei Guard and Duke of Chu, is appointed prefect of Jin and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Bao; Cheng Zhijie, General-in-Chief of the Left Leading Army and Duke of Su, is appointed prefect of Pu and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Lu; Liu Hongji, Minister of the Imperial Stud and Duke of Ren, is appointed prefect of Lang and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Kui; Zhang Liang, Duke of Yu and chief secretary of the Xiangzhou command, is appointed prefect of Li and re-enfeoffed as Duke of Yun. Their other offices and fief incomes shall remain unchanged, and their descendants shall inherit in succession from generation to generation.
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無忌等上言曰:「臣等披荊棘以事陛下,今海內寧一,不願違離,而乃世牧外州,與遷徙何異。」 乃與房玄齡上表曰:
Wuji and the others submitted a memorial: "We endured hardship to serve Your Majesty. Now the realm is at peace, and we do not wish to leave you—yet to govern distant prefectures as hereditary fiefs, how is that different from exile?" They then submitted a formal memorial together with Fang Xuanling:
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臣等聞質文迭變,皇王之跡有殊; 今古相沿,致理之方乃革。 緬惟三代,習俗靡常,爰制五等,隨時作教。 蓋由力不能制,因而利之,禮樂節文,多非己出。 逮於兩漢,用矯前違,置守頒條,蠲除曩弊。 為無益之文,覃及四方; 建不易之理,有逾千載。 今曲為臣等,復此奄荒,欲其優隆,錫之茅社,施於子孫,永貽長世。 斯乃大鈞播物,毫髮並施其生; 小人逾分,後世必嬰其禍。 何者? 違時易務,曲樹私恩,謀及庶僚,義非僉允。 方招史冊之誚,有紊聖代之綱。 此其不可一也。 又臣等智效罕施,器識庸陋。 或情緣右戚,遂陟台階; 或顧想披荊,便蒙夜拜。 直當今日,猶愧非才,重裂山河,愈彰濫賞。 此其不可二也。 又且孩童嗣職,義乖師儉之方,任以褰帷,寧無傷錦之弊? 上干天憲,彝典既有常科,下擾生民,必致餘殃於後,一掛刑網,自取誅夷。 陛下深仁,務延其世,翻令剿絕,誠有可哀。 此其不可三也。 當今聖歷欽明,求賢分政,古稱良守,寄在共理。 此道之目,為日滋久,因緣臣等,或有改張。 封植兒曹,失於求瘼,百姓不幸,將焉用之? 此其不可四也。 在茲一舉,為損實多,曉夕深思,憂貫心髓。 所以披丹上訴,指事明心,不敢浮辭,同於矯飾。 伏願天澤,諒其愚款,特停渙汗之旨,賜其性命之恩。
We have heard that forms of government change with the times, and that the ways of sage-kings differ across ages; As custom passes from age to age, the methods of governing must also be revised. In the Three Dynasties, customs were unstable; the five feudal ranks were established and teaching adjusted to the times. Because they lacked the strength to rule directly, they turned necessity to advantage; much of the ritual and law did not come from the throne itself. Under the two Han dynasties, earlier errors were corrected; governors were appointed, regulations issued, and old abuses abolished. Though this bred needless formality, its benefits extended to all quarters of the realm; It established a durable order that endured for more than a thousand years. Now, for our sake alone, Your Majesty would revive this obsolete custom—honoring us with fiefs and altars of earth, granting them to our descendants for generations to come. This would be like the universal potter's wheel: the smallest creature receives life alike; Yet if lesser men overreach, later generations will surely suffer for it. Why? The times are wrong, the policy is misguided, favor is being dispensed privately, and ordinary officials were consulted—this is not a decision all can endorse. It invites the reproach of history and disarranges the foundations of this enlightened age. This is the first reason it must not be done. Moreover, we have rarely proved our worth, and our talent and judgment are mediocre. Some of us rose through ties to the imperial kin; Others were honored at midnight for clearing thorns in your service. Even now we know ourselves unworthy; granting us new fiefs would only expose how lavish the rewards have been. This is the second reason it must not be done. Moreover, if children inherit office, it violates the teaching of thrift; can we put them in charge of governance without ruining what they touch? They would offend Heaven's law and the fixed penalties of statute; they would harm the people and bring disaster on their descendants—once entangled in the law, they would meet execution. Your Majesty's kindness aims to perpetuate their houses, yet this would destroy them—a thing truly pitiable. This is the third reason it must not be done. In this enlightened reign the wise are honored, talent is sought, and government is shared—as antiquity said, good prefects govern in partnership with the throne. This principle has long stood; for our sake alone it might now be overturned. To install our sons in office while neglecting the people's woes—if the people suffer, what good are such governors? This is the fourth reason it must not be done. This single measure would do real harm; we ponder it day and night until worry pierces the marrow. We speak plainly and lay our hearts bare, stating the facts without flowery pretense. We beg Your Majesty to recognize our sincere folly, revoke this edict, and grant us the mercy of sparing our lives.
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太宗覽表謂曰:「割地以封功臣,古今通義,意欲公之後嗣,翼朕子孫,長為籓翰,傳之永久。 而公等薄山河之誓,發言怨望,朕亦安可強公以土宇耶?」 於是遂止。 十二年,太宗幸其第,凡是親族,班賜有差。 十六年,冊拜司徒。 十七年,令圖畫無忌等二十四人於凌煙閣,詔曰:
Taizong read the memorial and said: "Granting land to meritorious ministers is a principle honored in every age. I meant your descendants to support my own, serve as frontier bulwarks, and pass that charge down forever. Yet you reject the oath sworn over mountains and rivers and speak with resentment—how could I force territory upon you?" Thereupon the matter was dropped. In the twelfth year Taizong visited his home; all his relatives received gifts according to rank. In the sixteenth year he was invested as Minister over the Masses. In the seventeenth year he ordered portraits painted of Wuji and twenty-three others in the Lingyan Pavilion. The edict said:
13
自古皇王,褒崇勳德,既勒銘於鐘鼎,又圖形於丹青。 是以甘露良佐,麟閣著其美; 建武功臣,雲台紀其跡。 司徒、趙國公無忌,故司空、揚州都督、河間元王孝恭,故司空、萊國成公如晦,故司空、相州都督、太子太師、鄭國文貞公征,司空、梁國公玄齡,開府儀同三司、尚書右僕射、申國公士廉,開府儀同三司、鄂國公敬德,特進、衛國公靖,特進、宋國公瑀,故輔國大將軍、揚州都督、褒忠壯公志玄,輔國大將軍、夔國公弘基,故尚書左僕射、蔣忠公通,故陝東道行台右僕射、鄖節公開山,故荊州都督、譙襄公柴紹,故荊州都督、邳襄公順德,洛州都督、鄖國公張亮,光祿大夫、吏部尚書、陳國公侯君集,故左驍衛大將軍、郯襄公張公謹,左領軍大將軍、盧國公程知節,故禮部尚書、永興文懿公虞世南,故戶部尚書、渝襄公劉政會,光祿大夫、戶部尚書、莒國公唐儉,光祿大夫、兵部尚書、英國公勣,故徐州都督、胡壯公秦叔寶等,或材推棟樑,謀猷經遠,綢繆帷帳,經綸霸圖; 或學綜經籍,德范光茂,隱犯同致,忠讜日聞; 或竭力義旗,委質籓邸,一心表節,百戰標奇; 或受脤廟堂,闢土方面,重氛載廓,王略遐宣。 並契闊屯夷,劬勞師旅。 贊景業於草昧,翼淳化於隆平。 茂績殊勳,冠冕列辟; 昌言直道,牢籠搢紳。 宜酌故實,弘茲令典,可併圖畫於凌煙閣。 庶念功之懷,無謝於前載; 旌賢之義,永貽於後昆。
From antiquity emperors and kings have honored meritorious service, inscribing names on bells and cauldrons and painting portraits in red and green. Thus the worthy ministers of the Ganlu reign won fame in the Qilin Pavilion; And the founding ministers of Jianwu had their deeds recorded on the Cloud Terrace. Minister over the Masses Zhangsun Wuji, Duke of Zhao; the late Minister of Works Li Xiaogong, Yangzhou commander and Prince Yuan of Hejian; the late Minister of Works Du Ruhui, Duke Cheng of Lai; the late Minister of Works Wei Zheng, Xiangzhou commander, Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent, and Duke Wenzhen of Zheng; Minister of Works Fang Xuanling, Duke of Liang; Gao Shilian, Honorary Three Highest Offices, Right Vice Minister, and Duke of Shen; Yuchi Jingde, Honorary Three Highest Offices and Duke of E; Special Advancement Grandee Li Jing, Duke of Wei; Special Advancement Grandee Xiao Yu, Duke of Song; the late General Who Assists the State Duan Zhixuan, Yangzhou commander and Duke Zhongzhuang of Bao; General Who Assists the State Liu Hongji, Duke of Kui; the late Left Vice Minister Yin Tong, Duke Zhong of Jiang; the late Right Vice Minister of the Shandong Circuit Liu Kaishan, Duke of Yun; the late Jingzhou commander Chai Shao, Duke Xiang of Qiao; the late Jingzhou commander Qu Shunde, Duke Xiang of Pi; Luozhou commander Zhang Liang, Duke of Yun; Hou Junji, Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, Minister of Personnel, and Duke of Chen; the late General-in-Chief of the Left Xiaowei Guard Zhang Gongjin, Duke Xiang of Tan; General-in-Chief of the Left Leading Army Cheng Zhijie, Duke of Lu; the late Minister of Rites Yu Shinan, Duke Wenyi of Yongxing; the late Minister of Revenue Liu Zhenghui, Duke Xiang of Yu; Tang Jian, Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, Minister of Revenue, and Duke of Ju; Li Ji, Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, Minister of War, and Duke of Ying; the late Xuzhou commander Qin Shubao, Duke Zhuang of Hu, and others—some were pillars of state whose far-reaching counsel shaped strategy in the command tent; Some mastered the classics, shone as moral exemplars, shared hardship and peril, and offered loyal remonstrance day after day; Some gave their all under the banner of righteousness, pledged themselves at the princely residence, served with single-minded loyalty, and won distinction in a hundred battles; Some received the sacrificial oath in the court hall, opened territory on the frontiers, cleared repeated crises, and carried royal strategy to distant lands. All shared hardship and peril, toiling through the campaigns. They helped build the dynasty in its dawn and supported its flourishing in a time of peace and prosperity. Their splendid achievements crowned them among the feudal lords; Their forthright counsel and upright conduct won over the gentry officials. It is fitting to consult precedent and expand this excellent ordinance; their portraits shall be painted together in the Lingyan Pavilion. Thus the intent to honor merit may not fall short of former ages; The principle of honoring the worthy shall be bequeathed to generations yet to come.
14
其年,太子承乾得罪,太宗欲立晉王,而限以非次,回惑不決。 御兩儀殿,群官盡出,獨留無忌及司空房玄齡、兵部尚書李勣,謂曰:「我三子一弟,所為如此,我心無憀。」 因自投於床,抽佩刀欲自刺。 無忌等驚懼,爭前扶抱,取佩刀以授晉王。 無忌等請太宗所欲,報曰:「我欲立晉王。」 無忌曰:「謹奉詔。 有異議者,臣請斬之。」 太宗謂晉王曰:「汝舅許汝,宜拜謝。」 晉王因下拜。 太宗謂無忌等曰:「公等既符我意,未知物論何如?」 無忌曰:「晉王仁孝,天下屬心久矣。 伏乞召問百僚,必無異辭。 若不蹈舞同音,臣負陛下萬死。」 於是建立遂定,因加授無忌太子太師。 尋而太宗又欲立吳王恪,無忌密爭之,其事遂輟。 太宗嘗謂無忌等曰:「朕聞主賢則臣直,人苦不自知,公宜面論,攻朕得失。」 無忌奏言:「陛下武功文德,跨絕古今,發號施令,事皆利物。 《孝經》云:『將順其美。』 臣順之不暇,實不見陛下有所愆失。」 太宗曰:「朕冀聞己過,公乃妄相諛悅。 朕今面談公等得失,以為鑑誡。 言之者可以無過,聞之者可以自改。」 因目無忌曰:「善避嫌疑,應對敏速,求之古人,亦當無比; 而總兵攻戰,非所長也。 高士廉涉獵古今,心術聰悟,臨難既不改節,為官亦無朋黨; 所少者骨鯁規諫耳。 唐儉言辭便利,善和解人,酒杯流行,發言啟齒; 事朕三十載,遂無一言論國家得失。 楊師道性行純善,自無愆過; 而情實怯懦,未甚任事,緩急不可得力。 岑文本性道惇厚,文章是其所長; 而持論常據經遠,自當不負於物。 劉洎性最堅貞,言多利益; 然其意上然諾於朋友,能自補闕,亦何以尚。 馬周見事敏速,性甚貞正,至於論量人物,直道而行,朕比任使,多所稱意。 褚遂良學問稍長,性亦堅正,既寫忠誠,甚親附於朕,譬如飛鳥依人,自加憐愛。」 十九年,太宗征高麗,令無忌攝侍中。 還,無忌固辭師傅之位,優詔聽罷太子太師。 二十一年,遙領揚州都督。 二十三年,太宗疾篤,引無忌及中書令褚遂良二人受遺令輔政。 太宗謂遂良曰:「無忌盡忠於我,我有天下,多是此人力。 爾輔政後,勿令讒毀之徒損害無忌。 若如此者,爾則非復人臣。」
That year Crown Prince Chengqian was disgraced. Taizong wished to establish the Prince of Jin, but because this violated the order of succession he wavered and could not decide. He went to the Hall of the Two Ultimate Principles, dismissed all officials, and kept only Wuji, Minister of Works Fang Xuanling, and Minister of War Li Ji. He said: "My three sons and one younger brother have behaved as they have; my heart is restless." Then he threw himself on the bed, drew his girdle knife, and tried to stab himself. Wuji and the others were terrified; they rushed forward to hold him and took the knife from his girdle, handing it to the Prince of Jin. Wuji and the others asked what Taizong wanted; he replied: "I wish to establish the Prince of Jin." Wuji said: "We respectfully accept Your Majesty's command. Whoever objects, your minister asks leave to behead him." Taizong said to the Prince of Jin: "Your uncle has approved you; bow in thanks." The Prince of Jin bowed. Taizong said to Wuji and the others: "You have now agreed with my wish—what do you suppose public opinion will be?" Wuji said: "The Prince of Jin is benevolent and filial; the realm has long looked to him. I humbly beg that you summon the hundred officials and ask them—there will surely be no dissent. If they do not leap and shout as one, your minister deserves ten thousand deaths." Thereupon the succession was settled, and Wuji was additionally appointed Grand Tutor to the Heir Apparent. Soon afterward Taizong again wished to establish Prince of Wu Li Ke; Wuji privately remonstrated, and the matter was dropped. Taizong once said to Wuji and the others: "I have heard that when the ruler is worthy, ministers are upright, but people find it hard to know themselves. Speak frankly before me and criticize my strengths and faults." Wuji submitted: "Your Majesty's martial achievements and civil virtue surpass all past and present; every command you issue benefits the people. The Classic of Filial Piety says: 'Develop and follow what is good in him. Your minister has no leisure even to follow along—I truly see no fault in Your Majesty." Taizong said: "I hoped to hear of my faults, yet you falsely flatter me. I will now speak frankly of your strengths and faults as a warning and lesson. Those who speak may be without fault; those who hear may reform themselves." He then looked at Wuji and said: "You are skilled at avoiding suspicion and quick in response—sought among the ancients, you would have no equal; Yet commanding troops in attack and battle is not your strong point. Gao Shilian ranges broadly over past and present; his mind is perceptive and keen; he does not alter his integrity in hardship and forms no faction in office; What he lacks is blunt remonstrance. Tang Jian is fluent in speech and skilled at reconciling people; when wine cups circulate, he opens his mouth to speak; Yet in thirty years of serving me, he has never once spoken of the state's strengths and faults. Yang Shidao's nature and conduct are pure and good; on his own he has no fault; Yet in truth he is timid and weak, not very effective in office; in urgent matters one cannot rely on him. Cen Wende's character is sincere and steadfast; literary composition is his strong point; Yet his arguments always rest on the classics and reach far; on his own he surely does not fail others. Liu Ji's nature is the most firm and steadfast; his words are mostly beneficial; Yet he is overly ready to assent to friends; that he can remedy his own shortcomings is still admirable. Ma Zhou sees affairs with keen speed; his nature is very upright; in judging people he walks the straight path—when I have recently employed him, I have been well pleased in many respects. Chu Suiliang's learning is somewhat advanced and his nature likewise firm and upright; having shown his loyalty, he is very close to me—like a bird clinging to a person, I naturally feel added affection for him." In the nineteenth year Taizong campaigned against Goguryeo and ordered Wuji to serve as acting Palace Attendant. On his return Wuji firmly declined the post of tutor; a gracious edict permitted him to relinquish the office of Grand Tutor to the Heir Apparent. In the twenty-first year he was made Governor-General of Yangzhou in absentia. In the twenty-third year Taizong fell critically ill and summoned Wuji and Director of the Secretariat Chu Suiliang to receive his deathbed testament and serve as regents. Taizong said to Suiliang, "Wuji has served me with complete loyalty. That I hold the realm is largely owing to him. After you take up the regency, do not allow slanderers to do him harm. If you do otherwise, you will no longer be worthy of the name minister."
15
高宗即位,進拜太尉,兼揚州都督,知尚書及門下二省事並如故。 無忌固辭知尚書省事,許之,仍令以太尉同中書門下三品。 永徽二年,監修國史。 高宗嘗謂公卿:「朕開獻書之路,冀有意見可錄,將擢用之。 比者上疏雖多,而遂無可採者。」 無忌對曰:「陛下即位,政化流行,條式律令,固無遺闕。 言事者率其鄙見,妄希僥倖,至於裨俗益教,理當無足可取。 然須開此路,猶冀時有讜言,如或杜絕,便恐下情不達。」 帝曰:「又聞所在官司,猶自多有顏面。」 無忌曰:「顏面阿私,自古不免。 然聖化所漸,人皆向公,至於肆情曲法,實謂必無此事。 小小收取人情,恐陛下尚亦不免,況臣下私其親戚,豈敢頓言絕無?」 時無忌位當元舅,數進謀議,高宗無不優納之。 明年,以旱上疏辭職,高宗頻降手詔敦喻不許。 五年,親幸無忌第,見其三子,並擢授朝散大夫。 又命圖無忌形像,親為畫贊以賜之。 六年,帝將立昭儀武氏為皇后,無忌屢言不可,帝乃密遣使賜無忌金銀寶器各一車、綾錦十車,以悅其意。 昭儀母楊氏復自詣無忌宅,屢加祈請。 時禮部尚書許敬宗又屢申勸請,無忌嘗厲色折之。 帝后又召無忌、左僕射於志寧、右僕射褚遂良,謂曰:「武昭儀有令德,朕欲立為皇后,卿等以為如何?」 無忌曰:「自貞觀二十三年後,先朝付託遂良,望陛下問其可否。」 帝竟不從無忌等言而立昭儀為皇后。 皇后以無忌先受重賞而不助己,心甚銜之。 顯慶元年,無忌與史官國子祭酒令狐德棻綴集武德、貞觀二朝史為八十捲,表上之,無忌以監領功,賜物二千段,封其子潤為金城縣子。 四年,中書令許敬宗遣人上封事,稱監察御史李巢與無忌交通謀反,帝令敬宗與侍中辛茂將鞠之。 敬宗奏言無忌謀反有端,帝曰:「我家不幸,親戚中頻有惡事。 高陽公主與朕同氣,往年遂與房遺愛謀反,今阿舅復作噁心。 近親如此,使我慚見萬姓。」 敬宗曰:「房遺愛乳臭兒,與女子謀反,豈得成事? 且無忌與先朝謀取天下,眾人服其智,作宰相三十年,百姓畏其威,可謂威能服物,智能動眾。 臣恐無忌知事露,即為急計,攘袂一呼,嘯命同惡,必為宗廟深憂。 誠願陛下斷之,不日即收捕,准法破家。」 帝泣曰:「我決不忍處分與罪,後代良史道我不能和其親戚,使至於此。」 敬宗曰:「漢文帝漢室明主,薄昭即是帝舅,從代來日,亦有大勳,與無忌不別。 於後惟坐殺人,文帝惜國之法,令朝臣喪服就宅,哭而殺之,良史不以為失。 今無忌忘先朝之大德,舍陛下之至親,聽受邪謀,遂懷悖逆,意在塗炭生靈。 若比薄昭罪惡,未可同年而語,案諸刑典,合誅五族。 臣聞當斷不斷,反受其亂,大機之事,間不容髮,若少遲延,恐即生變,惟請早決!」 帝竟不親問無忌謀反所由,惟聽敬宗誣構之說,遂去其官爵,流黔州,仍遣使發次州府兵援送至流所。 其子秘書監、駙馬都尉沖等併除名,流於嶺外。 敬宗尋與吏部尚書李義府遣大理正袁公瑜就黔州重鞫無忌反狀,公瑜逼令自縊而死,籍沒其家。 無忌既有大功,而死非其罪,天下至今哀之。 上元元年,優詔追復無忌官爵,特令無忌孫延主齊獻公之祀。 無忌從父兄安世,仕王世充,署為內史令,東都平,死於獄中。 安世子祥,以文德皇后近屬,累除刑部尚書,坐與無忌通書見殺。
When Gaozong ascended the throne, Wuji was promoted to Grand Commandant, made concurrent Governor-General of Yangzhou, and continued to oversee the Secretariat and Chancellery as before. Wuji firmly declined oversight of the Secretariat, and his request was granted; he retained the post of Grand Commandant with third-rank standing equal to the heads of the Three Departments. In the second year of Yonghui he was put in charge of compiling the dynastic history. Gaozong once told the court officials, "I opened the way for submitted writings, hoping to find views worth recording and promote those who offered them. Yet lately, though memorials pour in, none have proved worth adopting. Wuji replied, "Since Your Majesty took the throne, governance has flourished, and regulations and statutes leave no gap. Those who speak on affairs mostly offer shallow views and grasp at fortune; as for truly benefitting custom and instruction, little is likely worth adopting. Yet this channel must stay open, so that forthright counsel may still occasionally reach you; cut it off, and the concerns of those below may never be heard. The Emperor said, "I also hear that officials everywhere still show favoritism based on personal connections. Wuji said, "Such partiality based on personal ties has never been wholly absent. Yet under your sage rule all incline toward the public good; as for wilful bending of the law, I truly believe it no longer occurs. Even in small matters of accepting favors, Your Majesty may not be wholly exempt; how much more subordinates who favor their kin—I dare not claim there is none at all. At this time Wuji was the Emperor's chief maternal uncle; he repeatedly offered counsel, and Gaozong always received it with favor. The next year he cited drought in a memorial resigning his post; Gaozong repeatedly sent personal edicts urging him to stay and would not accept. In the fifth year the Emperor personally visited Wuji's home, saw his three sons, and appointed them all Gentlemen for Spreading Virtue. He also ordered a portrait of Wuji painted and personally wrote an encomium on it as a gift. In the sixth year the Emperor intended to make Lady Wu, Lady of Bright Deportment, empress; Wuji repeatedly objected, so the Emperor secretly sent envoys laden with carts of gold, silver, precious vessels, and silks to win him over. Lady Wu's mother, Lady Yang, also came in person to Wuji's home and repeatedly entreated him. At the time Minister of Rites Xu Jingzong also pressed him repeatedly; Wuji once rebuffed him with a stern face. The Emperor again summoned Wuji, Left Vice Minister Yu Zhining, and Right Vice Minister Chu Suiliang and said, "Lady Wu possesses outstanding virtue, and I wish to make her empress. What do you think? Wuji said, "Since the twenty-third year of Zhenguan the late Emperor entrusted Suiliang. I hope Your Majesty will ask him whether this is permissible. The Emperor ultimately disregarded Wuji and the others and made Lady of Bright Deportment empress. The Empress deeply resented Wuji, who had accepted lavish gifts yet refused to support her. In the first year of Xianqing, Wuji and the historian Linghu Defen, Chancellor of the Directorate of Education, compiled the histories of the Wude and Zhenguan reigns into eighty juan and submitted them. Wuji received two thousand rolls of gifts for supervising the work, and his son Run was enfeoffed as Viscount of Jincheng. In the fourth year Director of the Secretariat Xu Jingzong had a sealed memorial submitted accusing Imperial Censor Li Chao of conspiring with Wuji to rebel. The Emperor ordered Jingzong and Palace Attendant Xin Maojiang to investigate. Jingzong reported that there was substance to the charge of Wuji's rebellion. The Emperor said, "My house is ill-fated—again and again my kinsmen turn to wickedness. Princess Gaoyang is my own sister—years ago she plotted rebellion with Fang Yiai—and now my maternal uncle again turns to evil. When even my closest kin behave thus, how can I face the people? Jingzong said, "Fang Yiai was a callow youth who plotted rebellion with a woman—how could he have succeeded? But Wuji helped the late Emperor win the realm; all respect his wisdom. He has been chancellor for thirty years, and the people fear his authority—his power subdues men and his wisdom moves multitudes. I fear that if Wuji learns the plot is exposed, he will act at once—roll up his sleeves, summon his allies—and bring grave calamity upon the dynasty. I beg Your Majesty to act decisively—seize him at once and, by law, ruin his house. The Emperor wept and said, "I cannot bear to punish him. Future historians will say I failed to keep peace in my own family and allowed matters to come to this. Jingzong said, "Emperor Wen of Han was a sage ruler; Bo Zhao was the Emperor's uncle and had great merit from the days at Dai—much like Wuji. Later Bo Zhao was convicted only of murder. Emperor Wen, upholding the law of the land, had ministers go to his house in mourning dress, weep for him, and then execute him—and good historians did not judge him harshly. Now Wuji has forgotten the late Emperor's great kindness, abandoned his sovereign kin, and heeded wicked plotting, harboring rebellion and intent to bring calamity upon the people. Compared with Bo Zhao, his crimes are far graver; by the penal code, his whole clan deserves death. I have heard that hesitation in a moment that demands decision brings chaos; in a matter this critical, not a moment may be lost. Delay, and disaster may follow—I beg you to decide at once! The Emperor never questioned Wuji himself but accepted Jingzong's fabrications. He stripped Wuji of rank and office, exiled him to Qian Prefecture, and dispatched troops from successive prefectures to escort him there. His sons, including Director of the Palace Library and Commandant of Cavaliers Attendant Chong, were all struck from the registers and exiled beyond the Ling Mountains. Jingzong and Minister of the Civil Office Li Yifu soon sent chief judge Yuan Gongyu to Qian Prefecture to re-examine the charge of rebellion. Gongyu forced Wuji to hang himself, and his household goods were confiscated. Wuji had earned great merit, yet died for a crime he did not commit. The realm mourns him still. In the first year of Shangyuan a gracious edict posthumously restored Wuji's rank and titles and appointed his grandson Yan to maintain the ancestral sacrifices to Duke of Qi Who Offered Abdication. Wuji's elder first cousin Anshi served Wang Shichong as Director of the Secretariat; when the Eastern Capital fell he died in prison. Anshi's son Xiang, a close kinsman of Empress Wende, rose to Minister of Justice; he was executed for corresponding with Wuji.
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史臣曰:士廉才望素高,操秉無玷,保君臣終始之義,為子孫襲繼之謀。 社稷之臣,功亦隆矣; 獎遇之恩,賞亦厚矣。 及子真行,手刃其子,何凶忍也? 若是積慶之道,不其惑哉! 無忌戚裡右族,英冠人傑,定立儲闈,力安社稷,勳庸茂著,終始不渝。 及黜廢中宮,竟不阿旨,報先帝之顧托,為敬宗之誣構。 嗟乎! 忠信獲罪,今古不免; 無名受戮,族滅何辜! 主暗臣奸,足貽後代。
The historiographer writes: Shilian's talent and standing were always high, his integrity unstained. He kept faith with his sovereign to the end and planned wisely for his descendants. A pillar of the state, his achievements were great; the honors he received were lavish. Yet when it came to his son Zhenxing, he killed his own child with his own hand—how savage! If this is how virtue is rewarded in a family line, how perplexing! Wuji, of the imperial kin and a great clan, stood above the finest men of his age. He secured the heir, steadied the state, and served with conspicuous merit, never wavering to the end. When the legitimate empress was to be deposed, he refused to assent, honoring the late Emperor's trust—and fell victim to Jingzong's fabricated charges. Alas! The loyal and faithful punished for crime—it has ever been thus; yet to die without proven guilt, and with an innocent clan destroyed! A dim sovereign and treacherous ministers—a lesson enough for posterity.
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贊曰:嚴嚴申公,功名始終。 文皇題品,信謂酌中。 趙公右戚,兩朝宣力。 功成不去,竟逢鬼域。
Encomium: Stern and steadfast Duke Shen—merit and fame held from first to last. The Literary Emperor's appraisal of him was indeed perfectly balanced. Duke of Zhao, kin by imperial marriage—he served both reigns with force. Having achieved merit he did not withdraw—and in the end met destruction in the land of ghosts.
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