1
○恆山王承乾楚王寬吳王恪子成王千里孫信安王禕
○ Prince of Hengshan Chengqian; Prince of Chu Kuan; Prince of Wu Ke; his son Prince of Cheng Li Qianli; grandson Prince of Xin'an Yi
2
濮王泰庶人祐蜀王愔蔣王惲越王貞子琅邪王沖
Tai Prince of Pu, Commoner You; Prince of Shu Yin; Prince of Jiang Yun; Prince of Yue Zhen; his son Prince of Langye Chong
3
紀王慎江王囂代王簡趙王福曹王明
Prince of Ji Shen; Prince of Jiang Xiao; Prince of Dai Jian; Prince of Zhao Fu; Prince of Cao Ming
4
太宗十四子:文德皇后生高宗大帝、恆山王承乾、濮王泰,楊妃生吳王恪、蜀王愔,陰妃生庶人祐,燕妃生越王貞、江王囂,韋妃生紀王慎,楊妃生趙王福,楊氏生曹王明,王氏生蔣王惲,後宮生楚王寬、代王簡。
Emperor Taizong had fourteen sons. Empress Wende bore Gaozong, Chengqian Prince of Hengshan, and Tai Prince of Pu. Consort Yang bore Ke Prince of Wu and Yin Prince of Shu. Consort Yin bore the commoner You. Consort Yan bore Zhen Prince of Yue and Xiao Prince of Jiang. Consort Wei bore Shen Prince of Ji. Another Consort Yang bore Fu Prince of Zhao. Lady Yang bore Ming Prince of Cao. Lady Wang bore Yun Prince of Jiang. The rear palace bore Kuan Prince of Chu and Jian Prince of Dai.
5
恆山王承乾,太宗長子也,生於承乾殿,因以名焉。 武德三年,封恆山王。 七年,徙封中山。 太宗即位,為皇太子。 時年八歲,性聰敏,太宗甚愛之。 太宗居諒暗,庶政皆令聽斷,頗識大體。 自此太宗每行幸,常令居守監國。 及長,好聲色,慢游無度,然懼太宗知之,不敢見其跡。 每臨朝視事,必言忠孝之道,退朝後,便與群小褻狎。 宮臣或欲進諫者,承乾必先揣其情,便危坐斂容,引咎自責。 樞機辨給,智足飾非,群臣拜答不暇,故在位者初皆以為明而莫之察也。 承乾先患足,行甚艱難,而魏王泰有當時美譽,太宗漸愛重之。 承乾恐有廢立,甚忌之。 泰亦負其材能,潛懷奪嫡之計。 於是各樹朋黨,遂成釁隙。 有太常樂人年十餘歲,美姿容,善歌舞,承乾特加寵幸,號曰稱心。 太宗知而大怒,收稱心殺之,坐稱心死者又數人。 承乾意泰告訐其事,怨心逾甚。 痛悼稱心不已,於宮中構室,立其形像,列偶人車馬於前,令宮人朝暮奠祭。 承乾數至其處,徘徊流涕。 仍於宮中起冢而葬之,並贈官樹碑,以申哀悼。 承乾自此託疾不朝參者輒逾數月。 常命戶奴數十百人專習伎樂,學胡人椎髻,翦綵為舞衣,尋橦跳劍,晝夜不絕,鼓角之聲,日聞於外。
Chengqian, Prince of Hengshan, was Taizong's eldest son. He was born in Chengqian Hall and named for it. In Wude 3 (620) he was created Prince of Hengshan. In Wude 7 (624) his fief was changed to Zhongshan. When Taizong ascended the throne, Chengqian was made crown prince. He was eight years old, quick-witted, and Taizong doted on him. During Taizong's mourning seclusion he was entrusted with routine government and showed a sound grasp of affairs. After that, whenever Taizong traveled he left Chengqian in the capital as regent. As he grew older he took to pleasure and idle wandering, but fearing his father would find out he kept it hidden. In court he preached loyalty and filial piety; once dismissed he caroused with his hangers-on. When palace tutors tried to remonstrate, he would read their mood, sit stiffly composed, and confess fault before they could speak. Sharp in debate and skilled at masking misconduct, he outtalked his ministers, who at first took him for a capable heir and saw through him only later. Chengqian had long been lame and walked with difficulty, while Prince of Wei Tai won contemporary praise; Taizong's affection gradually shifted toward Tai. Chengqian feared deposition and grew deeply jealous of Tai. Tai, confident in his gifts, secretly plotted to supplant his brother. Each gathered partisans, and a bitter rift opened between them. A court musician in his teens, handsome and gifted in song and dance, won Chengqian's special favor; Chengqian called him Chengxin. When Taizong learned of the affair he was furious, seized Chengxin and had him killed, and several others died in the scandal. Chengqian believed Tai had informed on him, and his hatred deepened. Unable to stop mourning Chengxin, he built a shrine in the palace with the youth's image, set out effigies, horses, and carriages, and had palace women sacrifice to it morning and night. Chengqian visited the shrine repeatedly, pacing and weeping. He even raised a tomb inside the palace, buried Chengxin there, granted him a posthumous office, and set up a stele in mourning. After that Chengqian often pleaded illness and skipped court for months on end. He kept dozens of household slaves drilling music and dance day and night—Hu-style topknots, silk dance robes, pole-climbing and sword dances—until drums and horns could be heard outside the palace daily.
6
時左庶子於志寧、右庶子孔穎達受詔輔導,志寧撰《諫苑》二十捲諷之,穎達又多所規奏。 太宗並嘉之,二人各賜帛百匹、黃金十斤。 以勵承乾之意,仍遷志寧為詹事。 未幾,志寧以母憂去職,承乾侈縱日甚。 太宗復起志寧為詹事,志寧與左庶子張玄素數上書切諫,承乾並不納。 又嘗召壯士左衛副率封師進及刺客張師政、紇干承基,深禮賜之,令殺魏王泰,不克而止。 尋與漢王元昌、兵部尚書侯君集、左屯衛中郎將李安儼、洋州刺史趙節、駙馬都尉杜荷等謀反,將縱兵入西宮。 貞觀十七年,齊王祐反於齊州。 承乾謂紇干承基曰:「我西畔宮牆,去大內正可二十步來耳,此間大親近,豈可並齊王乎?」 會承基亦外連齊王,繫獄當死,遂告其事。 太宗召承乾,幽之別室。 命司徒長孫無忌、司空房玄齡、特進蕭瑀、兵部尚書李勣、大理卿孫伏伽、中書侍郎岑文本、御史大夫馬周、諫議大夫褚遂良等參鞫之,事皆明驗。 廢承乾為庶人,徙黔州; 元昌賜令自盡,侯君集等咸伏誅。 其宮僚左庶子張玄素、右庶子趙弘智、令狐德棻、中書舍人蕭鈞,並以材選用,承乾既敗,太宗引大義以讓之,咸坐免。 十九年,承乾卒於徙所,太宗為之廢朝,葬以國公之禮。 二子象、厥。 象官至懷州別駕,厥至鄂州別駕。 象子適之,別有傳。
Left Mentor Yu Zhining and Right Mentor Kong Yingda were ordered to tutor him. Zhining wrote twenty juan of the Admonitory Garden; Yingda submitted many memorials of counsel. Taizong praised them both and rewarded each with a hundred bolts of silk and ten catties of gold. To encourage Chengqian, he promoted Zhining to Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent. Soon Zhining left on mourning leave for his mother, and Chengqian's excesses worsened daily. Taizong recalled Zhining as Grand Mentor. Zhining and Left Mentor Zhang Xuansu sent sharp remonstrances again and again, but Chengqian ignored them. He also summoned the strongman Feng Shijin, deputy commandant of the Left Guard, and assassins Zhang Shizheng and Qagan Chengji, honored them lavishly, and ordered them to kill Prince of Wei Tai. The attempt failed and the plot was abandoned. Soon he conspired with Prince of Han Yuanchang, Minister of War Hou Junji, Central Commandant of the Left Garrison Li Anyan, Yangzhou prefect Zhao Jie, and imperial son-in-law Du He to rebel and march troops into the Western Palace. In Zhenguan 17 (643) Prince of Qi You rebelled in Qizhou. Chengqian told Qagan Chengji, "My palace wall on the west is barely twenty paces from the Inner Palace — we are that close. How can we be lumped together with Prince of Qi?" Chengji was also secretly linked to Prince of Qi's rebellion, was jailed and condemned to death, and then revealed the plot. Taizong summoned Chengqian and held him in isolation. He ordered Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Xiao Yu, Li Jing, Sun Fuyan, Cen Wenben, Ma Zhou, Chu Suiliang, and others to investigate. Every charge was proved. Chengqian was deposed to commoner status and banished to Qianzhou; Yuanchang was ordered to commit suicide, and Hou Junji and the rest were executed. Palace mentors Zhang Xuansu and Zhao Hongzhi, Linghu Defen, and Secretariat drafter Xiao Jun had been chosen for talent; after Chengqian's fall Taizong rebuked them on principle and all were removed. In Zhenguan 19 (645) Chengqian died in exile. Taizong canceled court and buried him with ducal honors. He left two sons, Xiang and Jue. Xiang became vice-prefect of Huaizhou; Jue became vice-prefect of Ezhou. Xiang's son Shizhi has a separate biography.
7
楚王寬,太宗第二子也。 出繼叔父楚哀王智云。 早薨。 貞觀初追封,無後,國除。
Kuan, Prince of Chu, was Taizong's second son. He was adopted to succeed his uncle Zhiyun, Prince Ai of Chu. He died young. Early in Zhenguan he was posthumously enfeoffed, but left no heir and the fief lapsed.
8
吳王恪,太宗第三子也。 武德三年,封蜀王,授益州大都督,以年幼不之官。 十年,又徙封吳王。 十二年,累授安州都督。 及將赴職,太宗書誡之曰:「吾以君臨兆庶,表正萬邦。 汝地居茂親,寄惟籓屏,勉思橋梓之道,善侔間、平之德。 以義制事,以禮制心,三風十愆,不可不慎。 如此則克固盤石,永保維城。 外為君臣之忠,內有父子之孝,宜自勵志,以勖日新。 汝方違膝下,淒戀何已,欲遺汝珍玩,恐益驕奢。 故誡此一言,以為庭訓。」 高宗即位,拜司空、梁州都督。 恪母,隋煬帝女也。 恪又有文武才,太宗常稱其類己。 既名望素高,甚為物情所向。 長孫無忌既輔立高宗,深所忌嫉。 永徽中,會房遺愛謀反,遂因事誅恪,以絕眾望,海內冤之。 有子四人:仁、瑋、琨、璄,並流於嶺表。
Ke, Prince of Wu, was Taizong's third son. In Wude 3 (620) he was created Prince of Shu and named Grand Governor of Yizhou, but was too young to serve. In Zhenguan 10 (636) his fief was changed to Wu. In Zhenguan 12 (638) he was appointed governor of Anzhou. Before he left for his post, Taizong wrote to admonish him: "As sovereign I rule the myriad people and set the standard for all states. You stand as a honored kinsman and bulwark of the realm. Strive to honor the bond between father and sons and match the virtue of the Lords of Shen and Bi. Let righteousness govern your conduct and ritual govern your heart. Do not neglect the three winds and ten faults. Do so and you will secure the foundation stone and forever uphold the realm's wall. Outwardly show a minister's loyalty; inwardly keep a son's filial piety. Steel your will and renew yourself daily. You are leaving my side, and your grief at parting is boundless. I would have sent rare treasures, but feared they would only feed pride and extravagance. So I offer this single admonition as your instruction from the courtyard." When Gaozong ascended the throne, Ke was made Minister of Works and governor of Liangzhou. Ke's mother was a daughter of Emperor Yang of Sui. Ke had both civil and military gifts; Taizong often said he resembled himself. His reputation was already high and public sentiment favored him. Zhangsun Wuji, who had helped place Gaozong on the throne, deeply envied Ke. During Yonghui, when Fang Yi'ai plotted rebellion, Ke was executed on a pretext to extinguish popular hopes. The realm regarded it as a grave injustice. He had four sons—Ren, Wei, Kun, and Jing—all banished to the far south.
9
尋追封恪為鬱林王,並為立廟。 又封仁為鬱林縣侯。 永昌元年,授襄州刺史。 不知州事,後改名千里。 天授後,歷唐、廬、許、衛、蒲五州刺史。 時皇室諸王有德望者,必見誅戮,惟千里褊躁無才,復數進獻符瑞事,故則天朝竟免禍。 長安三年,充嶺南安撫討擊使,歷遷右金吾將軍。 中興初,進封成王,拜左金吾大將軍,兼領益州大都督,又追贈其父為司空。 三年,又領廣州大都督、五府經略安撫大使。 節愍太子誅武三思,千里與其子天水王禧率左右數十人斫右延明門,將殺三思黨與宗楚客、紀處訥等。 及太子兵敗,千里與禧等坐誅,仍籍沒其家,改姓蝮氏。 睿宗即位,詔曰:「故左金吾衛大將軍成王千里,保國安人,克成忠義,願除凶丑,翻陷誅夷。 永言淪沒,良深痛悼。 宜復舊班,用加新寵,可還舊官。」 又令復姓。
Ke was soon posthumously created Prince of Yulin and temples were established for the family. Ren was also created Marquis of Yulin county. In Yongchang 1 (689) he was appointed prefect of Xiangzhou. He did not actually govern the prefecture and later changed his name to Li Qianli. After the Tianshou era he served successively as prefect of Tang, Lu, Xu, Wei, and Pu. In those days talented imperial princes were routinely killed. Li Qianli alone escaped—narrow, impetuous, and untalented, he kept submitting reports of auspicious omens and so survived Empress Wu's reign. In Chang'an 3 (703) he served as pacification commissioner of Lingnan and was promoted to general of the Right Golden Guard. At the Restoration he was advanced to Prince of Cheng, made grand general of the Left Golden Guard and concurrent grand governor of Yizhou, and his father was posthumously made Minister of Works. In the third year he also became grand governor of Guangzhou and commissioner for pacification of the five prefectures. When Crown Prince Jingmin killed Wu Sansi, Li Qianli and his son Xi, Prince of Tianshui, led dozens of men to hack at the Right Yanming Gate, intending to kill Sansi's allies Zong Chuke and Ji Chuna. When the crown prince's forces were defeated, Li Qianli, Xi, and their followers were executed, their property confiscated, and their clan name changed to Fu. When Ruizong took the throne, an edict said, "The late Grand General of the Left Golden Guard, Prince of Cheng Li Qianli, guarded the state and its people, upheld loyalty and righteousness, sought to remove villains, yet was executed instead. His fall is beyond words; grief is profound. Let his former rank be restored and new honors granted; let him resume his former office." The clan was also ordered to resume its original surname.
10
瑋早卒。 中興初,追封朗陵王。 子𥙆,本名褕,出繼蜀王愔。 景龍四年,加銀青光祿大夫、秘書少監。 開元十三年,改封廣漢郡王、太僕卿同正員,薨。
Wei died young. At the Restoration he was posthumously created Prince of Langling. His son Yi, originally named Yu, was adopted to succeed Yin, Prince of Shu. In Jinglong 4 (710) he was made Silver-Gleam Grand Master of the Palace and vice director of the Secretariat. In Kaiyuan 13 (725) he was transferred to Prince of Guanghan commandery and regular associate grand master of the Imperial Stud, and died.
11
琨,則天朝歷淄、衛、宋、鄭、梁、幽六州刺史,有能名。 聖歷中,嶺南獠反,敕琨為招慰使,安輯荒徼,甚得其宜。 長安二年卒官,贈司衛卿。 神龍初,贈張掖郡王。 開元十七年,以子禕貴,贈工部尚書,追封吳王。
Under Empress Wu, Kun served successively as prefect of Zi, Wei, Song, Zheng, Liang, and You and won a reputation for competence. During Shengli the southern tribes rebelled. Kun was sent as pacification commissioner and handled the remote frontier admirably. In Chang'an 2 (702) he died in office and was posthumously made Minister of the Court for the Imperial Clan. At the Divine Dragon Restoration he was posthumously created Prince of Zhangye commandery. In Kaiyuan 17 (729), because his son Yi had risen in honor, he was posthumously made Minister of Works and Prince of Wu.
12
璄,中興初封歸政郡王,歷宗正卿,坐千里事貶南州司馬,卒。
Jing was created Prince of Guizheng commandery at the Restoration, served as director of the Imperial Clan, was demoted to vice-prefect of Nanzhou over Li Qianli's affair, and died.
13
琨子禕。 禕少有志尚,事母甚謹,撫弟祗等以友愛稱。 景龍四年,為太子僕,兼徐州別駕,加銀青光祿大夫。 少繼江王囂後,封為嗣江王。 景雲元年,復為德、蔡、衢等州刺史。 開元後,累轉蜀、濮等州刺史。 政號清嚴,人吏畏而服之。 漸見委任,入為光祿卿,遷將作大匠。 丁母憂去官,起復授瀛州刺史。 又上表固請終制,許之。 十二年,改封信安郡王。 十五年,服除,拜左金吾衛大將軍、朔方節度副大使、知節度事,兼攝御史大夫。 尋遷禮部尚書,仍充朔方軍節度使。 先是,石堡城為吐蕃所據,侵擾河右。 敕禕與河西、隴右議取之。 禕到軍,總率士伍,剋期攻之。 或曰:「此城據險,又為吐蕃所惜,今總軍深入,賊必併力拒守。 事若不捷,退則狼狽,不如按軍持重,以觀形勢。」 禕曰:「人臣之節,豈憚艱險? 必期眾寡不敵,吾則以死繼之。 苟利國家,此身何惜?」 於是督率諸將,倍道兼進,併力攻之,遂拔石堡城,斬獲首級,並獲糧儲器械,其數甚眾。 仍分兵據守,以遏賊路。 上聞之大悅,始改石堡城為振武軍,自是河、隴諸軍游弈拓地千餘里。 十九年,契丹衙官可突干殺其王邵固,率部落降於突厥。 玄宗遣忠王為河北道行軍元帥以討奚及契丹兩蕃,以禕為副。 王既不行,禕率戶部侍郎裴耀卿等諸副將分道統兵出於范陽之北,大破兩蕃之眾,擒其酋長,餘黨竄入山谷。 軍還,禕以功加開府儀同三司,兼關內支度、營田等使,兼採訪處置使,仍與二子官。 禕既有勳績,執政頗害其功,故其賞不厚,甚為當時所嘆。 二十二年,遷兵部尚書,入為朔方節度大使。 久之,坐事出為衢州刺史。 俄歷滑、懷二州刺史。 天寶初,拜太子少師,以年老仍聽致仕。 二年,遷太子太師,製出,病薨,年八十餘。 上聞而痛惜者久之。 禕居家嚴毅,善訓諸子,皆有令命。 三子:峘、嶧、峴,皆至達官,別有傳。
Kun's son was Yi. From youth Yi was resolute, served his mother devotedly, and was known for brotherly care toward Zhi and his other younger brothers. In Jinglong 4 (710) he was master of the crown prince's household and concurrent vice-prefect of Xuzhou, with the rank of Silver-Gleam Grand Master of the Palace. In youth he succeeded Xiao, Prince of Jiang, and was created heir prince of Jiang. In Jingyun 1 (710) he again served as prefect of De, Cai, Qu, and other prefectures. After Kaiyuan he served repeatedly as prefect of Shu, Pu, and other prefectures. His rule was stern and clear; officials and commoners feared him and submitted. As trust in him grew he entered the capital as Minister of the Imperial Household and was promoted to Director of Palace Construction. He left office to mourn his mother, was recalled, and was appointed prefect of Yingzhou. He memorialized again to complete full mourning, and the request was granted. In Kaiyuan 12 (724) he was transferred to Prince of Xin'an commandery. In Kaiyuan 15 (727), when mourning ended, he was made grand general of the Left Golden Guard, deputy military governor of Shuofang with full authority, and acting censor-in-chief. Soon he was made Minister of Rites while continuing as military governor of the Shuofang army. Shibao Fortress on the frontier had been held by Tibet and was harassing the lands west of the Yellow River. Yi was ordered to consult with the Hexi and Longyou commands on capturing it. When Yi reached the army he marshaled the troops and fixed a date for the assault. Someone said, "The fortress sits on perilous ground and Tibet prizes it. If we drive the whole army deep in, the enemy will mass to hold it. If we fail, retreat will be a shambles. Better to hold the army steady and watch how things develop." Yi said, "What subject's integrity shrinks from hardship and peril? If numbers must tell against us, I will follow with my life. If it profits the state, what is one life worth?" He then drove the generals forward by forced marches, attacked with combined strength, and took Shibao Fortress, capturing large numbers of heads, grain, and weapons. He garrisoned the fortress and blocked the enemy's routes. The emperor was greatly pleased and renamed Shibao Fortress Zhenwu Army. From then on the He-Long commands patrolled and expanded territory by more than a thousand li. In Kaiyuan 19 (731) the Khitan yabgu Kedughan killed King Shaogu and led his tribes to surrender to the Turks. Emperor Xuanzong sent the Loyal Prince as commander-in-chief of the Hebei field army against the Xi and Khitan, with Yi as deputy. The prince did not take the field. Yi led Vice Minister of Revenue Pei Yaoqing and other deputies in separate columns north of Fanyang, routed both tribes, captured their chieftains, and drove the rest into the mountains. On return Yi was rewarded with the rank Opening the Government with Equipage Equal to the Three Excellencies, concurrent posts over internal support and military farms, and a commission for investigation and disposition; his two sons also received offices. Those in power resented his merit, so his reward was thin—a fact much lamented at the time. In Kaiyuan 22 (734) he was made Minister of War and grand military governor of Shuofang. After some time he was dismissed for an offense and sent out as prefect of Quzhou. He soon served successively as prefect of Hua and Huai. Early in Tianbao he was made Junior Tutor of the Crown Prince and, on account of age, was allowed to retire. In Tianbao 2 (743) he was made Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince; when the appointment was issued he fell ill and died, aged over eighty. The emperor grieved for him a long while. At home Yi was stern and strict and trained his sons well; all won fine reputations. He had three sons—Huan, Yi, and Xian—all rose to high office and have separate biographies.
14
祗,神龍中封為嗣吳王。 景雲元年,加銀青光祿大夫。 天寶十四載,為東平太守。 安祿山反,率眾渡河,凶威甚盛,河南陳留、滎陽、靈昌等郡皆陷於賊。 祗起兵勤王,玄宗壯之。 十五載二月,授祗靈昌太守,又左金吾大將軍、河南都知兵馬使。 其月,又加兼御史中丞、陳留太守,持節充河南道節度採訪使,本官如故。 五月,詔以為太僕卿,遣御史大夫虢王巨代之。
During the Divine Dragon Restoration Zhi was created heir prince of Wu. In Jingyun 1 (710) he was made Silver-Gleam Grand Master of the Palace. In Tianbao 14 (755) he was prefect of Dongping. When An Lushan rebelled he crossed the Yellow River in force. Henan's Chenliu, Xingyang, Lingchang, and other commanderies fell to him. Zhi raised troops for the throne, and Xuanzong admired him. In the second month of Tianbao 15 (756) he was made prefect of Lingchang, grand general of the Left Golden Guard, and commander of Henan military affairs. That month he was also made acting vice censor-in-chief and prefect of Chenliu, with credentials as military governor and investigation commissioner of Henan, retaining his other posts. In the fifth month an edict made him Grand Master of the Imperial Stud and sent Censor-in-Chief Prince of Guo Ju to replace him.
15
濮王泰,字惠褒,太宗第四子也。 少善屬文。 武德三年,封宜都王。 四年,進封衛王,以繼衛懷王霸後。 貞觀二年,改封越王,授揚州大都督。 五年,兼領左武候、大都督,並不之官。 八年,除雍州牧、左武候大將軍。 七年,轉鄜州大都督。 十年,徙封魏王,遙領相州都督,余官如故。 太宗以泰好士愛文學,特令就府別置文學館,任自引召學士。 又以泰腰腹洪大,趨拜稍難,復令乘小輿至於朝所。 其寵異如此。 十二年,司馬蘇勖以自古名王多引賓客,以著述為美,勸泰奏請撰《括地志》。 泰遂奏引著作郎蕭德言、秘書郎顧胤、記室參軍蔣亞卿、功曹參軍謝偃等就府修撰。 十四年,太宗幸泰延康坊宅,因曲赦雍州及長安大辟罪已下,免延康坊百姓無出今年租賦,又賜泰府官僚帛有差。 十五年,泰撰《括地志》功畢,表上之,詔令付秘閣,賜泰物萬段,蕭德言等咸加給賜物。 俄又每月給泰料物,有逾於皇太子。 諫議大夫褚遂良上疏諫曰:
Tai, Prince of Pu, style name Huibao, was Taizong's fourth son. From youth he was skilled at literary composition. In Wude 3 (620) he was created Prince of Yidu. In Wude 4 (621) he was advanced to Prince of Wei to succeed Ba, Prince Huai of Wei. In Zhenguan 2 (628) he was changed to Prince of Yue and named Grand Governor of Yangzhou. In Zhenguan 5 (631) he was also named to the Left Martial Guard and grand governorship, but took neither post. In Zhenguan 8 (634) he was made governor of Yongzhou and grand general of the Left Martial Guard. In Zhenguan 7 (633) he was transferred to grand governor of Fuzhou. In Zhenguan 10 (636) he was transferred to Prince of Wei with nominal governorship of Xiangzhou; his other posts remained. Seeing Tai's love of scholars and literature, Taizong set up a separate Literary Academy at his mansion and let him recruit scholars himself. Because Tai's girth made bowing difficult, he was allowed a small carriage to the place of court audience. Such was the favor shown him. In Zhenguan 12 (638) mansion director Su Xu, noting that famous princes since antiquity gathered guests and took compiling works as an honor, urged Tai to request compiling the Comprehensive Gazetteer of the Realm. Tai memorialized and summoned compiler Xiao Deyan, secretariat clerk Gu Yin, recorder Jiang Yaqing, merit officer Xie Yan, and others to compile at his mansion. In Zhenguan 14 (640) Taizong visited Tai's Yan'ang Ward residence, granted a special pardon in Yongzhou and Chang'an for capital crimes and below, exempted Yan'ang Ward from that year's rent and taxes, and gave graded gifts of silk to Tai's staff. In Zhenguan 15 (641) Tai completed the Comprehensive Gazetteer of the Realm and submitted it. An edict ordered it deposited in the secret archive and gave Tai ten thousand gifts; Xiao Deyan and the others received additional rewards. Soon Tai's monthly supplies exceeded the crown prince's. Remonstrance official Chu Suiliang submitted a memorial of remonstrance:
16
太宗又令泰入居武德殿,侍中魏徵上奏曰:「伏見敕旨,令魏王泰移居武德殿。 此殿在內,處所寬閒,參奉往來,極為便近。 但魏王既是愛子,陛下常欲其安全,每事抑其驕奢,不處嫌疑之地。 今移此殿,便在東宮之西,海陵昔居,時人以為不可。 雖時與事異,猶恐人之多言。 又王之本心,亦不安息,既能以寵為懼,伏願成人之美。 明早是朔日,或恐未得面陳,愚慮有疑,不敢寧寢,輕干聽覺,追深顫慄。」 太宗並納其言。
Taizong also ordered Tai to move into Wude Hall. Attendant-in-ordinary Wei Zheng submitted a memorial: "I have seen the order directing Prince of Wei Tai to move to Wude Hall. The hall lies inside the palace, spacious and convenient for attendance. Yet Prince of Wei is a beloved son whom Your Majesty constantly wishes secure, restraining pride and extravagance and keeping him from suspicious ground. Moving him there now places him west of the Eastern Palace. When Prince Hailing once lived there, people thought it improper. Though times differ, one still fears much talk. Moreover the prince's own heart cannot be at peace. Since favor itself can frighten him, I venture to hope Your Majesty will help him become a man. Tomorrow is the first of the month and I may not be able to speak face to face. Troubled by doubt, I dare not sleep and lightly intrude on Your Majesty's hearing; I submit this in deep trembling." Taizong accepted both men's counsel.
17
時皇太子承乾有足疾,泰潛有奪嫡之意,招駙馬都尉柴令武、房遺愛等二十餘人,厚加贈遺,寄以腹心。 黃門侍郎韋挺、工部尚書杜楚客相繼攝泰府事,二人俱為泰要結朝臣,津通賂遺。 文武群官,各有附托,自為朋黨。 承乾懼其凌奪,陰遣人詐稱泰府典簽,詣玄武門為泰進封事。 太宗省之,其書皆言泰之罪狀,太宗知其詐而捕之,不獲。 十七年,承乾敗,太宗面加譴讓。 承乾曰:「臣貴為太子,更何所求? 但為泰所圖,特與朝臣謀自安之道。 不逞之人,遂教臣為不軌之事。 今若以泰為太子,所謂落其度內。」 太宗因謂侍臣曰:「承乾言亦是。 我若立泰,便是儲君之位可經求而得耳。 泰立,承乾、晉王皆不存; 晉王立,泰共承乾可無恙也。」 乃幽泰於將作監,下詔曰:
Crown Prince Chengqian was lame; Tai secretly plotted for the succession, recruiting imperial son-in-law Chai Lingwu, Fang Yi'ai, and more than twenty others with lavish gifts as his inner circle. Vice Director of the Yellow Gate Wei Ting and Minister of Works Du Chuke successively ran Tai's mansion; both worked to win court officials and channel bribes. Civil and military officials each attached themselves and formed factions. Fearing Tai would overpower him, Chengqian secretly sent men posing as Tai's mansion recorders to present a sealed memorial at Xuanwu Gate denouncing Tai. Taizong read it and found only charges against Tai. Knowing the fraud, he tried to seize the men but failed. In Zhenguan 17 (643) Chengqian's plot collapsed; Taizong reproached him in person. Chengqian said, "I am crown prince—what more could I want? Tai plotted against me, and I joined court officials only to find a way to secure myself. Unruly men then taught me improper deeds. If you now make Tai crown prince, that is exactly what he has been scheming for." Taizong then told his ministers, "Chengqian has a point. If I make Tai heir, the succession becomes something to be schemed for. If Tai is made heir, Chengqian and Prince of Jin will not survive; if Prince of Jin is made heir, Tai and Chengqian can both be safe." Tai was confined at the Directorate of Palace Construction and an edict was issued:
18
朕聞生育品物,莫大乎天地; 愛敬罔極,莫重乎君親。 是故為臣貴於盡忠,虧之者有罰; 為子在於行孝,違之者必誅。 大則肆諸市朝,小則終貽黜辱。 雍州牧、相州都督、左武候大將軍魏王泰,朕之愛子,實所鍾心。 幼而聰令,頗好文學,恩遇極於崇重,爵位逾於寵章。 不思聖哲之誡,自構驕僭之咎,惑讒諛之言,信離間之說。 以承乾雖居長嫡,久纏痾恙,潛有代宗之望,靡思孝義之則。 承乾懼其凌奪,泰亦日增猜阻,爭結朝士,競引凶人。 遂使文武之官,各有托附; 親戚之內,分為朋黨。 朕志存公道,義在無偏,彰厥巨釁,兩從廢黜。 非惟作則四海,亦乃貽范百代。 可解泰雍州牧、相州都督、左武候大將軍,降封東萊郡王。
I have heard that in begetting and nurturing the myriad things, nothing is greater than Heaven and Earth; in love and reverence without limit, nothing is weightier than sovereign and parent. For a minister the precious thing is full loyalty; failure brings punishment. For a son the thing lies in filial piety; violation brings death. Great offenses are exposed in marketplace and court; lesser ones end in dismissal and shame. Governor of Yongzhou, governor of Xiangzhou, grand general of the Left Martial Guard Prince of Wei Tai is my beloved son, in whom my heart is set. Clever from childhood and fond of letters, he received favor beyond ordinary honor and rank beyond ordinary grace. He ignored the sage's admonitions, built arrogance and overreach, believed slander and flattery, and trusted talk meant to divide. Though Chengqian as eldest legitimate son had long been ill, he secretly hoped to replace the heir and ignored filial and righteous norms. Chengqian feared Tai would overpower him; Tai daily grew more suspicious. Each won court gentlemen and drew in wicked men. Civil and military officials each took sides; within the family, factions divided. My will rests in justice; my righteousness in impartiality. I make manifest their great crimes and dismiss both. This sets a standard not only for the four seas but for a hundred generations. Let Tai be removed as governor of Yongzhou, governor of Xiangzhou, and grand general of the Left Martial Guard, and demoted to Prince of Donglai commandery.
19
太宗因謂侍臣曰:「自今太子不道,籓王窺嗣者,兩棄之。 傳之子孫,以為永制。」 尋改封泰為順陽王,徙居均州之鄖鄉縣。 太宗後嘗持泰所上表謂近臣曰:「泰文辭美麗,豈非才士。 我中心念泰,卿等所知。 但社稷之計,斷割恩寵,責其居外者,亦是兩全也。」 二十一年,進封濮王。 高宗即位,為泰開府置僚屬,車服羞膳,特加優異。 永徽三年,薨於鄖鄉,年三十有五。 贈太尉、雍州牧,謚曰恭。 文集二十捲。 二子欣、徽。 欣封嗣濮王,徽封新安郡王。 欣,則天初陷酷吏獄,貶昭州別駕,卒。 子嶠,本名餘慶,中興初封嗣濮王。 景雲元年,加銀青光祿大夫。 開元十二年,為國子祭酒,同正員。 以王守一妹婿貶邵州別駕,移鄧州別駕,後復其爵。
Taizong then told his ministers, "From now on, if a crown prince is unprincipled or a territorial prince covets the succession, both are to be cast aside. Transmit this to sons and grandsons as an everlasting rule." Soon Tai was changed to Prince of Shunyang and moved to Yunxiang in Junzhou. Later Taizong once held a memorial Tai had submitted and told close officials, "Tai's prose is beautiful—is he not a man of talent? In my heart I still think of Tai—you all know this. But for the sake of the altars of state I sever favor and charge him to live outside—that too is securing both sides." In Zhenguan 21 (647) he was advanced to Prince of Pu. When Gaozong ascended the throne he opened an office for Tai with staff; carriages, robes, and provisions were especially generous. In Yonghui 3 (652) he died at Yunxiang, aged thirty-five. He was posthumously made Grand Minister and governor of Yongzhou, with posthumous title Gong. His collected writings ran to twenty juan. He had two sons, Xin and Hui. Xin was created Heir Prince of Pu; Hui was created Prince of Xin'an commandery. At the start of Empress Wu's reign Xin fell into the cruel officials' prison, was demoted to vice-prefect of Zhaozhou, and died. His son Qiao, originally named Yuqing, was created Heir Prince of Pu at the Restoration. In Jingyun 1 (710) he was made Silver-Gleam Grand Master of the Palace. In Kaiyuan 12 (724) he was chancellor of the Directorate of Education, regular associate. As brother-in-law to Wang Shouyi's sister he was demoted to vice-prefect of Shaozhou, moved to Dengzhou, and later had his title restored.
20
庶人祐,太宗第五子也。 武德八年,封宜陽王,其年改封楚王。 貞觀二年,徙封燕王,累轉豳州都督。 十年,改封齊王,授齊州都督。 其舅尚乘直長陰弘智謂祐曰:「王兄弟既多,即上百年之後,須得武士自助。」 乃引其妻兄燕弘信謁祐,祐接之甚厚,多賜金帛,令潛募劍士。 初,太宗以子弟成長,慮乖法度,長史、司馬,必取正人。 王有虧違,皆遣聞奏。 而祐溺情群小,尤好弋獵,長史薛大鼎屢諫不聽,太宗以大鼎輔導無方,竟坐免。 權萬紀前為吳王恪長史,有正直節,以萬紀為祐長史,以匡正之。 萬紀見祐非法,常犯顏切諫。 有昝君謨、梁猛彪者,並以善騎射得幸於祐。 萬紀驟諫不納,遂斥逐之,而祐潛遣招延,狎暱逾甚。 太宗慮其不能悔過,數以書責讓祐。 萬紀恐並獲罪,謂祐曰:「王,帝之愛子,陛下欲王改悔,故加教訓。 若能飭躬引過,萬紀請入言之。」 祐因附表謝罪。 萬紀既至,言祐必能改過。 太宗意稍解,賜萬紀而諭之,仍以祐前過,敕書誥誡之。 祐聞萬紀勞勉而獨被責,以為賣己,意甚不平。 萬紀性又褊隘,專以嚴急維持之,城門外不許祐出,所有鷹犬並令解放,又斥出君謨、猛彪,不許與祐相見。 祐及君謨以此銜怒,謀殺萬紀。 會事洩,萬紀悉收繫獄,而發驛奏聞。 十七年,詔刑部尚書劉德威往按之,並追祐及萬紀入京。 祐大懼,俄而萬紀奉詔先行,祐遣燕弘信兄弘亮追於路射殺之。 既殺萬紀,君謨等勸祐起兵,乃召城中男子年十五以上,偽署上柱國、開府儀同三司,開官庫物以行賞。 驅百姓入城,繕甲兵。 署官司,其官有拓東王、拓西王之號。 詔遣兵部尚書李勣與劉威便道發兵討之。 祐每夜引弘亮等五人對妃宴樂,以為得志。 戲笑之隙,語及官軍,弘亮曰:「不須憂也! 右手持酒啖,左手刀拂之。」 祐愛信弘亮,聞之甚樂。 太宗手詔祐曰:「吾常誡汝勿近小人,正為此也。 汝素乖誠德,重惑邪言,自延伊禍以取覆滅。 痛哉,何愚之甚也! 遂乃為梟為獍,忘孝忘忠,擾亂齊郊,誅夷無罪。 去維城之固,就積薪之危; 壞盤石之親,為尋戈之釁。 且夫背禮違義,天地所不容; 棄父逃君,人神所共怒。 往是吾子,今為國讎。 萬紀存為忠烈,死不妨義; 汝生為賊臣,死為逆鬼。 彼則嘉聲不隤,爾則惡跡無窮。 吾聞鄭叔、漢戾,並為猖獗,豈期生子,乃自為之? 吾所以上慚皇天,下愧后土,嘆惋之甚,知復何云。」 太宗題書畢,為之灑泣。 時李勣等兵未至齊境,而青、淄等數州兵並不從祐之命,祐又傳檄諸縣,亦不從。 或勸祐虜城中子女走入豆子䴚為盜,計未決而兵曹杜行敏謀將執祐,兵士多願從。 是夜,乃鑿垣而入,祐與弘亮等五人披甲控弦,入室以自固。 行敏列兵圍之,謂祐曰:「昔為帝子,今乃國賊。 行敏為國討賊,更無所顧,王不速降,當為煨燼。」 命薪草欲積而焚之,祐遂出就擒,餘黨悉伏誅。 行敏送祐至京師,賜死於內省,貶為庶人。 國除。 尋以國公禮葬之。
You, the commoner, was Taizong's fifth son. In Wude 8 (625) he was created Prince of Yiyang; that year his fief was changed to Chu. In Zhenguan 2 (628) he was transferred to Prince of Yan and served repeatedly as governor of Binzhou. In Zhenguan 10 (636) he was changed to Prince of Qi and appointed governor of Qizhou. His maternal uncle Yin Hongzhi, direct attendant of the Imperial Stud, told You, "Your Highness has many brothers; when the Emperor is gone you will need warriors to aid yourself." He introduced You's brother-in-law Yan Hongxin, whom You received generously, lavishing gold and silk and ordering him secretly to recruit swordsmen. At first Taizong, fearing his grown sons would violate law, insisted that chief administrators and directors be upright men. Any prince's misconduct was to be reported to the throne. You indulged petty men and loved falconry and hunting. Chief administrator Xue Dading remonstrated repeatedly in vain; Taizong dismissed him for failing to guide the prince. Quan Wanji, formerly chief administrator to Prince of Wu Ke and a man of integrity, was made You's chief administrator to correct him. Wanji saw You's lawlessness and often remonstrated to his face. Zan Junmo and Liang Mengbiao, both skilled in mounted archery, won You's favor. Wanji remonstrated and then expelled them, but You secretly recalled them and grew still more intimate with them. Fearing You would not repent, Taizong wrote to reproach him several times. Wanji, fearing he too would be punished, told You, "Your Highness is the Emperor's beloved son. He wishes you to reform and therefore instructs you. If you can discipline yourself and acknowledge fault, I will go in and speak for you." You then submitted a memorial of apology. When Wanji reached court he said You would surely reform. Taizong's mind eased somewhat. He rewarded Wanji and instructed him, and because of You's former faults issued an edict of admonition. Hearing Wanji was rewarded while he alone was reproached, You thought Wanji had betrayed him and grew deeply resentful. Narrow by nature, Wanji controlled You by severity alone: no leaving the city gate, all hawks and dogs released, Junmo and Mengbiao expelled and forbidden to see him. You and Junmo therefore nursed anger and plotted to kill Wanji. When the plot leaked Wanji seized and imprisoned them all and sent express report to the throne. In Zhenguan 17 (643) an edict sent Minister of Justice Liu Dewei to investigate; both You and Wanji were summoned to the capital. You was terrified. When Wanji set out first under edict, You sent Yan Hongxin's brother Hongliang to overtake him on the road and shoot him dead. After killing Wanji, Junmo and the others urged rebellion. You summoned every man in the city aged fifteen or above, falsely appointed them Upper Pillar of State and Opening the Government with Equipage Equal to the Three Excellencies, and opened the storehouses to pay them. He drove commoners into the city and readied arms and armor. He appointed officials, including fanciful titles such as Prince Who Expands the East and Prince Who Expands the West. An edict sent Minister of War Li Jing and Liu Wei to raise troops by the fastest route and attack him. Each night You feasted and made music with his consort, summoning Hongliang and five others, thinking himself triumphant. Jesting over wine, when talk turned to the government army, Hongliang said, "No need to worry! Wine in the right hand, blade in the left—that is all." You loved and trusted Hongliang and was greatly pleased. Taizong wrote a personal edict to You: "I often warned you not to draw near petty men—precisely for this. You long turned from sincere virtue, believed wicked words, and invited this ruin yourself. Alas—how foolish! You have become owl and jackal, forgotten filial piety and loyalty, disturbed Qi's borders, and slaughtered the innocent. You left the realm's solid wall and approached a pile of kindling; you broke foundation-stone kinship and raised spears against your own house. To turn from ritual and righteousness is what Heaven and Earth cannot contain; to abandon father and flee sovereign is what men and spirits together rage at. Yesterday you were my son; today you are the state's enemy. Wanji in life was a loyal martyr; in death he does not harm righteousness; you in life are a traitor minister; in death a rebellious ghost. His good fame will not fall; your evil traces will have no end. I have heard Prince Shu of Zheng and Prince Li of Han were wildly unruly—who expected a father to breed it in his own son? For this I am ashamed before Heaven and Earth; my grief is beyond words—what more can I say?" When Taizong finished the edict he wept over it. Li Jing's army had not yet reached Qi, but troops from Qing, Zi, and other prefectures refused You's orders, as did the counties he summoned. Some urged him to seize the city's women and children and flee into Mount Douzi as bandits. Before he decided, military affairs officer Du Xingmin plotted to seize him, and many soldiers wished to follow. That night they broke through the wall. You, Hongliang, and five others donned armor, drew bows, and barricaded themselves in a room. Xingmin surrounded them and said to You, "Once you were the emperor's son; now you are the state's rebel. I punish rebels for the state and have nothing more to consider. If you do not surrender quickly, you will become ashes." He ordered firewood piled to burn them. You came out and was seized; the rest were executed. Xingmin sent You to the capital. He was granted death in the Inner Quarters and demoted to commoner. The fief was abolished. He was soon buried with ducal honors.
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蜀王愔,太宗第六子也。 貞觀五年,封梁王。 七年,授襄州刺史。 十年,改封蜀王,轉益州都督。 十三年,賜實封八百戶,除岐州刺史。 愔常非理毆擊所部縣令,又畋獵無度,數為非法。 太宗怒曰:「禽獸調伏,可以馴擾於人; 鐵石鐫煉,可為方圓之器。 至如愔者,曾不如禽獸鐵石乎!」 乃削封邑及國官之半,貶為虢州刺史。 二十三年,加實封滿千戶。 愔在州數遊獵,不避禾稼,深為百姓所怨。 典軍楊道整叩馬諫,愔曳而捶之。 永徽元年,為御史大夫李乾祐所劾。 高宗謂荊王元景等曰:「先朝櫛風沐雨,平定四方,遠近肅清,車書混一。 上天降禍,奄棄萬邦。 朕纂承洪業,懼均馭朽,與王共戚同憂,為家為國。 蜀王畋獵無度,侵擾黎庶,縣令、典軍,無罪被罰。 阿諛即喜,忤意便嗔,如此居官,何以共理百姓? 歷觀古來諸王,若能動遵禮度,則慶流子孫; 違越條章,則誅不旋踵。 愔為法司所劾,朕實恥之。」 帝又引楊道整勞勉之,拜為匡道府折衝都尉,賜絹五十匹。 貶愔為黃州刺史。 四年,坐與恪謀逆,黜為庶人,徙居巴州。 尋改為涪陵王。 乾封二年薨。 咸亨初,復其爵土,贈益州大都督,陪葬昭陵,謚曰悼。 封子璠為嗣蜀王,永昌年配流歸誠州而死。 神龍初,以吳王恪孫朗陵王瑋子榆為嗣蜀王。
Yin, Prince of Shu, was Taizong's sixth son. In Zhenguan 5 (631) he was created Prince of Liang. In Zhenguan 7 (633) he was appointed prefect of Xiangzhou. In Zhenguan 10 (636) he was changed to Prince of Shu and transferred to governor of Yizhou. In Zhenguan 13 (639) he received a substantive fief of eight hundred households and was made prefect of Qi. Yin often beat his county magistrates without cause, hunted without limit, and repeatedly broke the law. Taizong said angrily, "Beasts, once tamed, can be made docile toward men; iron and stone, forged and refined, can be shaped into square and round vessels. As for Yin—is he not even as good as beasts, iron, and stone?" His fief and half his state offices were cut, and he was demoted to prefect of Guo. In Zhenguan 23 (649) his substantive fief was increased to a full thousand households. In the prefecture he hunted repeatedly without avoiding grain crops, deeply resented by the people. Army controller Yang Daozheng seized his bridle and remonstrated; Yin dragged him down and beat him. In Yonghui 1 (650) censor-in-chief Li Qianyou impeached him. Gaozong told Prince of Jing Yuanjing and others, "The previous reign braved wind and rain, pacified the four quarters, brought order near and far, and unified the realm. Heaven sent calamity and suddenly took him from the realm. I have inherited the great enterprise, fearing I drive rotten wood, and share sorrow with you princes for family and state. Prince of Shu hunts without limit, harasses the people, and punishes guiltless magistrates and army controllers. Flattery pleases him; crossing his will angers him. How can we govern the people together on such terms? Looking through history's princes, those who kept ritual norms blessed their descendants; those who overstepped statutes were executed without delay. Yin has been impeached by the law officers; I am truly shamed." The emperor also summoned Yang Daozheng, comforted him, appointed him commandant of Kuangdao prefecture, and gave fifty bolts of silk. Yin was demoted to prefect of Huangzhou. In the fourth year, for plotting rebellion with Ke, he was demoted to commoner and moved to Bazhou. He was soon changed to Prince of Fuling. He died in Qianfeng 2 (667). Early in Xianheng his title and fief were restored. He was posthumously made grand governor of Yizhou, buried at Zhaoling, with posthumous title Dao. His son Fan was created Heir Prince of Shu; in the Yongchang era he was banished to Guicheng and died there. At the Divine Dragon Restoration Ke's grandson Wei, Prince of Langling, and his son Yu were made to succeed as heir prince of Shu.
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蔣王惲,太宗第七子也。 貞觀五年,封郯王。 八年,授洺州刺史。 十年,改封蔣王、安州都督,賜實封八百戶。 二十三年,加實封滿千戶。 永徽三年,除梁州都督。 惲在安州,多造器用服玩,及將行,有遞車四百兩。 州縣不堪其勞,為有司所劾,帝特宥之。 後歷遂、相二州刺史。 上元年,有人詣闕誣告惲謀反,惶懼自殺,贈司空、荊州大都督,陪葬昭陵。 子煒嗣,歷沂州刺史,垂拱中為則天所害。 子銑,早卒。 神龍初,封銑子紹宗為嗣蔣王。 景龍二年,加銀青光祿大夫。 開元初,為太子家令同正員卒。 子欽福嗣,為率更令,同正員。 天寶初削官,於錦州安置。 十二載,為南郡長史同正。 惲子煌,蔡國公。 煌孫之芳,幼有令譽,頗善五言詩,宗室推之。 開元末為駕部員外郎。 天寶十三載,安祿山奏為范陽司馬。 及祿山起逆,自拔歸西京,授右司郎中,歷工部侍郎、太子右庶子。 廣德元年,兵革未清,吐蕃又犯邊,侵軼原、會。 乃遣之芳兼御史大夫,使吐蕃,被留境上,二年而歸。 除禮部尚書,尋改太子賓客。 惲子休道。 道子琚,本名思順。 中興封嗣趙王,加銀青光祿大夫。 開元十二年,改封中山郡王,右領軍將軍。
Yun, Prince of Jiang, was Taizong's seventh son. In Zhenguan 5 (631) he was created Prince of Tan. In Zhenguan 8 (634) he was appointed prefect of Mingzhou. In Zhenguan 10 (636) he was changed to Prince of Jiang and governor of Anzhou, with a substantive fief of eight hundred households. In Zhenguan 23 (649) his substantive fief was increased to a full thousand households. In Yonghui 3 (652) he was made governor of Liangzhou. While in Anzhou Yun made many utensils, robes, and playthings; when he departed there were four hundred relay carriages. Prefecture and counties could not bear the labor and officials impeached him; the emperor especially pardoned him. He later served successively as prefect of Sui and Xiang. In Shangyuan 1 (674) someone falsely accused Yun of plotting rebellion at the palace gate. In fear he killed himself and was posthumously made Minister of Works and grand governor of Jingzhou, buried at Zhaoling. His son Wei succeeded, served as prefect of Yi, and in the Chuigong era was killed by Empress Wu. His son Xian died young. At the Divine Dragon Restoration Xian's son Shaozong was created Heir Prince of Jiang. In Jinglong 2 (708) he was made Silver-Gleam Grand Master of the Palace. Early in Kaiyuan he served as regular associate master of the crown prince's household and died. His son Qinfu succeeded as director of the Imperial Observatory, regular associate. Early in Tianbao his office was cut and he was settled at Jinzhou. In Tianbao 12 (753) he was regular associate chief administrator of Nan commandery. Yun's son Huang was Duke of Cai. Huang's grandson Zhifang had a fine reputation from youth, was skilled in five-character poetry, and was esteemed in the imperial clan. Late in Kaiyuan he was vice director of the Imperial Transport Office. In Tianbao 13 (754) An Lushan memorialized appointing him secretary of Fanyang. When Lushan rebelled he escaped to the Western Capital, was appointed vice director of the Right Department, and served successively as vice minister of Works and right vice mentor of the crown prince. In Guangde 1 (763) warfare was not yet settled and Tibet again invaded, raiding Yuan and Hui. Zhifang was sent as acting censor-in-chief to Tibet, was detained on the border, and returned after two years. He was made Minister of Rites and soon changed to mentor of the crown prince. Yun's son was Xiudao. Xiudao's son Ju was originally named Sishun. At the Restoration he was created Heir Prince of Zhao and made Silver-Gleam Grand Master of the Palace. In Kaiyuan 12 (724) he was changed to Prince of Zhongshan commandery and general of the Right Garrison.
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越王貞,太宗第八子也。 貞觀五年,封漢王。 七年,授徐州都督。 十年,改封原王,尋徙封越王,拜揚州都督,賜實封八百戶。 十七年,轉相州刺史。 二十三年,加實封滿千戶。 永徽四年,授安州都督。 咸亨中,復轉相州刺史。 貞少善騎射,頗涉文史,兼有吏干。 所在或偏受讒言,官僚有正直者多被貶退,又縱諸僮豎侵暴部人,由是人伏其才而鄙其行。 則天臨朝,加太子太傅,除蔡州刺史。 自則天稱制,貞與韓王元嘉、魯王靈夔、霍王元軌及元嘉子黃國公譔、靈夔子范陽王藹、元軌子江都王緒並貞長子博州刺史琅邪王沖等,密有匡復之志。 垂拱三年七月,譔作謬書與貞云:「內人病漸重,恐須早療; 若至今冬,恐成痼疾,宜早下手,仍速相報。」 是歲,則天以明堂成,將行大享之禮,追皇宗赴集。 元嘉因遞相語云:「大享之際,神皇必遣人告諸王密,因大行誅戮,皇家子弟無遺種矣。」 譔遂詐為皇帝璽書與沖云:「朕被幽縶,王等宜各救拔我也。」 沖在博州,又偽為皇帝璽書云:「神皇欲傾李家之社稷,移國祚於武氏。」 遂命長史蕭德琮等召募士卒,分報韓、魯、霍、越、紀等五王,各令起兵應接,以赴神都。 初,沖與諸王連謀,及沖先發而莫有應者,惟貞以父子之故,獨舉兵以應之。 尋遣兵破上蔡縣,聞沖敗,恐懼,索鎖欲自拘馳驛詣闕謝罪。 會其所署新蔡令傅延慶得勇士二千餘人,貞遂有拒敵之意。 乃宣言於其眾曰:「琅邪王已破魏、相數州,聚兵至二十萬,朝夕即到,爾宜勉之。」 征屬縣兵至七千人,分為五營。 貞自為中營,署其所親汝陽縣丞裴守德為大將軍、內營總管; 趙成美為左中郎將,押左營; 閭弘道為右中郎將,押右營; 安摩訶為郎將、後軍總管; 王孝志為右將軍、前軍總管。 又以蔡州長史韋慶禮為銀青光祿大夫,行其府司馬。 凡署九品已上官五百餘人。 令道士及僧轉讀諸經,以祈事集,家僮、戰士咸帶符以辟兵。 其所署官皆迫脅見從,本無鬥志,惟裴守德實與之同。 守德驍勇,善騎射,貞將起事,便以女良鄉縣主妻之,而委以爪牙心腹之任。
Zhen, Prince of Yue, was Taizong's eighth son. In Zhenguan 5 (631) he was created Prince of Han. In Zhenguan 7 (633) he was appointed governor of Xuzhou. In Zhenguan 10 (636) he was changed to Prince of Yuan, soon to Prince of Yue, named governor of Yangzhou, with a substantive fief of eight hundred households. In Zhenguan 17 (643) he was transferred to prefect of Xiangzhou. In Zhenguan 23 (649) his substantive fief was increased to a full thousand households. In Yonghui 4 (653) he was appointed governor of Anzhou. In the Xianheng era he was again transferred to prefect of Xiangzhou. From youth Zhen was skilled in mounted archery, versed in literature and history, and capable in administration. Wherever he served he sometimes heeded slander; upright officials were demoted and his pages bullied the people—men respected his talent yet despised his conduct. When Empress Wu held court she added Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince and made him prefect of Cai. After Empress Wu assumed power, Zhen joined Prince of Han Yuanjia, Prince of Lu Lingqian, Prince of Huo Yuanji, Yuanjia's son Shen Duke of Huangguo, Lingqian's son Ai Prince of Fanyang, Yuanji's son Xu Prince of Jiangdu, and Zhen's eldest son Chong, Langye prince and Bo prefect, in a secret plan to restore the Tang house. In the seventh month of Chuigong 3 (687) Shen forged a letter to Zhen: "The inner person grows gravely ill and needs early treatment; if you wait until winter it may become incurable. Act early and report back quickly." That year Empress Wu completed the Bright Hall and was about to perform the great suburban sacrifice, summoning the imperial clansmen. Yuanjia sent word among them: "At the great sacrifice the empress will surely accuse the princes in secret and slaughter them—no imperial descendant will be left." Shen forged an imperial letter to Chong: "I am held in secret imprisonment; you princes must rescue me." Chong in Bo also forged an imperial letter: "The empress wishes to overturn the Li altars and shift the mandate to the Wu clan." He ordered chief administrator Xiao Decong and others to recruit troops and summon the five princes of Han, Lu, Huo, Yue, and Ji to raise forces and march on the divine capital. Chong had conspired with the princes, but when he rose first none responded—only Zhen, bound by father and son, raised troops alone. He sent troops to capture Shangcai county; hearing Chong was defeated he sought chains and prepared to bind himself and rush to confess. His appointed new magistrate of Shangcai, Fu Yanqing, raised more than two thousand stalwarts, and Zhen found the will to resist. He proclaimed to his host, "Prince of Langye has already broken Wei and several prefectures, gathered two hundred thousand men, and will arrive within the day. Exert yourselves." He summoned seven thousand county troops and divided them into five camps. Zhen took the central camp and appointed his close associate Pei Shoude, vice-magistrate of Ruyang, grand general and commander of the inner camp; Zhao Chengmei as left central commandant commanding the left camp; Lu Hongdao as right central commandant commanding the right camp; An Mohe as commandant and commander of the rear army; Wang Xiaozhi as right general and commander of the vanguard. He also made Cai chief administrator Wei Qingli Silver-Gleam Grand Master of the Palace and acting mansion secretary. In all he appointed more than five hundred officials of the ninth rank and above. He ordered Daoist priests and Buddhist monks to recite scriptures for success; household slaves and warriors wore talismans to ward off weapons. His appointed officials were all compelled followers without fighting will; only Pei Shoude was truly with him. Shoude was fierce, brave, and skilled in mounted archery. When Zhen rose he gave him his daughter, Princess of Liangxiang, in marriage and trusted him as henchman.
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則天命左豹韜衛大將軍麹崇裕為中軍大總管,夏官尚書岑長倩為後軍大總管,率兵十萬討之,仍令鳳閣侍郎張光輔為諸軍節度。 於是制削貞及沖屬籍,改姓虺氏。 崇裕等軍至蔡州城東四十里,貞命少子規及裴守德拒戰。 規等兵潰而歸,貞大懼,閉門自守。 裴守德排閣入,問王安在,意欲殺貞以自購也。 官軍進逼州城,貞家僮悉力衛,貞曰:「事即如此,豈得受戮辱,當須自為計。」 貞乃飲藥而死。 家僮方始一時散,舍仗就擒。 規亦縊其母自殺,守德攜良鄉縣主亦同縊於別所。 麹崇裕斬貞父子及裴守德等,傳首東都,梟於闕下。 貞起兵凡二十日而敗。 貞之在蔡州,數奏免所部租賦以結人心,家僮千人,馬數千匹,外托以畋獵,內實習武備。 嘗游於城西水門橋,臨水自鑑,不見其首,心甚惡之,未幾而及禍。 神龍初,追復爵土,與子沖俱復舊姓。 初,貞將起兵,作書與壽州刺史、駙馬都尉趙瑰曰:「佇總義兵,來入貴境。」 瑰甚喜,復許率兵相應。 瑰妻常樂長公主,高祖第七女,和思皇后之母也,謂其使曰:「為我報越王,與其進不與其退。 爾諸王若是男兒,不應至許時尚未舉動。 我常見耆老雲,隋文帝將篡奪周室,尉遲迥是周家外甥,猶能起兵相州,連結突厥,天下聞風,莫不響應。 況爾諸王,並國家懿親,宗社是托,豈不學尉遲迥感恩效節,捨生取義耶? 夫為臣子,若救國家則為忠,不救則為逆。 諸王必須以匡救為急,不可虛生浪死,取笑於後代。」 及貞等敗,瑰與公主亦伏誅。
Empress Wu ordered Left Leopard-Tawny Guard grand general Qu Chongyu as central army commander-in-chief and Minister of Summer Works Cen Changqian as rear army commander-in-chief with a hundred thousand troops, with Vice Director of the Phoenix Pavilion Zhang Guangfu as overall commander. An edict stripped Zhen and Chong from the imperial register and changed their surname to Hui. When Chongyu's army reached forty li east of Cai city, Zhen ordered his youngest son Gui and Pei Shoude to resist. Gui's troops collapsed and fled back. Zhen was terrified, closed the gates, and held inside. Pei Shoude pushed open a side door, asking where the prince was, intending to kill Zhen to buy himself off. As the government army pressed the city, Zhen's household slaves fought hard. Zhen said, "Matters have come to this—how accept slaughter in disgrace? I must make my own plan." Zhen drank poison and died. Only then did the household slaves scatter, lay down arms, and submit to capture. Gui hanged his mother and killed himself; Shoude took Princess of Liangxiang and hanged themselves elsewhere. Qu Chongyu beheaded Zhen, his sons, Pei Shoude, and the rest, sent the heads to the Eastern Capital, and displayed them below the gate. Zhen's rising lasted only twenty days before defeat. In Cai he repeatedly memorialized to exempt rent and tax to win hearts. He kept a thousand household slaves and several thousand horses, outwardly hunting while inwardly drilling arms. Once touring west of the city at Water Gate Bridge he gazed into the water and did not see his head—a omen he hated. Soon calamity came. At the Divine Dragon Restoration his title and fief were posthumously restored, and he and Chong resumed their original surnames. When Zhen was about to rise he wrote to Shou prefect and imperial son-in-law Zhao Gui: "I await gathering the righteous army to enter your territory." Gui was pleased and again promised to lead troops in response. Gui's wife was Princess Chang Le, Gaozu's seventh daughter and mother of Empress Hesiji. She told the envoy, "Report to Prince of Yue for me: go forward with him, not back with him. You princes, if you are men, should not by now still have failed to act. I often hear elders say that when Emperor Wen of Sui was about to usurp Zhou, Yuwen Jiong, Zhou's maternal nephew, still raised troops at Xiangzhou, linked with the Turks, and made the realm respond. How much more you princes—all honored kin with the altars entrusted to you—will you not learn from Yuwen Jiong's loyal service and give life for righteousness? As ministers and sons, to save the state is loyalty; not to save is rebellion. You princes must take restoration as urgent and cannot die in vain to become a laughingstock for later generations." When Zhen and the others were defeated, Gui and the princess were also executed.
25
沖,貞長子也。 好文學,善騎射、歷密、濟、博三州刺史,皆有能名。 初,沖自博州募得五千餘人,欲渡河攻濟州,先取武水縣。 縣令郭務悌赴魏州請援,魏州莘縣令馬玄素領兵千七百人邀之於路,恐力不敵,先入武水城,閉門拒守。 沖乃令積草車上,放火燒南門,擬乘火突入。 火之未起,南風甚急,及火已燃,遽回為北風,未至城門,燒草已甚,衝軍由是沮氣。 有堂邑丞董玄寂為沖統帥兵仗,及衝擊武水,玄寂曰:「琅邪王與國家交戰,此乃反也。」 沖聞之,斬玄寂以徇。 兵眾懼而散入草澤,不可禁止,惟有家僮左右不過數十而已。 乃卻走入博州城,為守門者所殺。 則天命左金吾將軍丘神勣為清平道行軍大總管以討沖,兵未至,沖已死,傳首東都,梟於闕下。 衝起兵凡七日而敗。 沖三弟:倩,封常山公,歷常州別駕,坐與父兄連謀伏誅。 溫,以告其朋黨得實,減死流嶺南,尋卒。 神龍初,侍中敬暉等以沖父子翼戴皇家,義存社稷,請復其官爵,武三思令昭容上官氏代中宗手詔不許。 開元四年,詔追復爵土,令備禮改葬。 太常奏謚議曰:「故越王貞,往者願匡宗社,夙懷誅呂之謀; 乃心王國,用擊非劉之議。 以茲獲戾,上悼聖心。 謹按謚法『死不忘君曰敬』,請謚曰敬。」 從之。 五年,下詔曰:「九族以親,克敦其教; 百代必祀,允竟厥德。 故蔡州刺史、越王貞,執心不回,臨事能斷。 粵自籓國,勤於王家。 弘道之後,寶圖將缺,懷劉章之輔漢,追鄭武之翊周。 遂能奮不顧身,率先唱義。 雖英謀未克,而忠節居多。 嗣絕國除,年逾二紀,奠享淪廢,甚為憫焉。 永言興繼,式備典冊。 其封貞侄孫故許王男左監門衛將軍、夔國公琳為嗣越王,以奉其祀。 仍官為立碑。」 琳尋卒,國除。
Chong was Zhen's eldest son. He loved literature, was skilled in mounted archery, and served successively as prefect of Mi, Ji, and Bo, all with reputations for ability. At first Chong recruited more than five thousand men at Bo and intended to cross the river to attack Jizhou, first taking Wushui county. County magistrate Guo Wuti went to Weizhou for aid. Shen county magistrate Ma Xuansu in Weizhou led seventeen hundred troops to intercept, fearing insufficient strength, entered Wushui first, and closed the gates. Chong piled hay on carts, set fire to the south gate, and intended to burst in amid the flames. Before the fire rose a strong south wind blew; when it burned the wind suddenly turned north. Before reaching the gate the hay was consumed, and Chong's army lost heart. Tangyi assistant magistrate Dong Xuanji commanded Chong's weapons. When Chong attacked Wushui, Xuanji said, "Prince of Langye is fighting the state—this is rebellion." Chong beheaded Xuanji and displayed the head. The soldiers feared and scattered into marshes; only several tens of household slaves and attendants remained. He turned back into Bo city and was killed by the gate guards. Empress Wu ordered Left Golden Guard general Qiu Shenji as commander-in-chief of the Qingping circuit to attack Chong. Before the troops arrived Chong was dead; his head was sent to the Eastern Capital and displayed below the gate. Chong's rising lasted only seven days before defeat. Chong had three younger brothers. Qian, Duke of Hengshan and vice-prefect of Changzhou, was executed for conspiring with his father and brothers. Wen, because he reported his faction with verified facts, had death reduced to banishment to Lingnan and soon died. At the Divine Dragon Restoration attendant-in-ordinary Jing Hui and others, because Chong father and son had supported the imperial house, requested restoration of their offices and titles; Wu San Si had Lady Shangguan of Zhaorong substitute for Zhongzong's personal edict refusing. In Kaiyuan 4 (716) an edict posthumously restored title and fief and ordered full rites for reburial. The Director of Ceremonies submitted the posthumous discussion: "The late Prince of Yue Zhen once wished to restore the imperial altars and long harbored the plan to execute the Lü clan; his heart was set on the royal house and he struck at the non-Liu. For this he incurred guilt and the sage heart mourned. According to the posthumous norms, 'dying without forgetting the sovereign is called Jing'—I request the posthumous title Jing." The request was accepted. In the fifth year an edict said, "The nine clans through kinship fulfill their teaching; a hundred generations must sacrifice—fully completing their virtue. Therefore the former Cai prefect, Prince of Yue Zhen, held his will unbending and could decide in affairs. From his territorial state he diligently served the royal house. After the broad way the precious chart was about to fail; he cherished Liu Zhang's aid to Han and pursued Zheng Wu's support of Zhou. Thereupon he roused himself without regard for body and took the lead in proclaiming righteousness. Though heroic planning did not succeed, loyal integrity predominated. The succession was cut off and the state abolished for more than twenty years; sacrifices fell into ruin—greatly pitiable. Words of raising and continuing—prepare the canonical records. Enfeoff Zhen's nephew's son, the former Prince of Xu's son, Left Gate Guard general Duke of Kui Lin, as Heir Prince of Yue to attend his sacrifices. Still order an office to erect a stele." Lin soon died and the fief lapsed.
26
紀王慎,太宗第十子也。 貞觀五年,封申王。 七年,授秦州都督。 十年,改封紀王,賜實封八百戶。 十七年,遷襄州刺史,以善政聞,璽書勞勉,百姓為之立碑。 二十三年,加實封滿千戶。 永徽元年,拜左衛大將軍。 二年,授荊州都督,累除刑州刺史。 文明元年,加授太子太師,轉貝州刺史。 慎少好學,長於文史,皇族中與越王貞齊名,時人號為紀、越。 初,貞將起事,慎不肯同謀; 及貞敗,慎亦下獄。 臨刑放免,改姓虺氏,仍載以檻車,配流嶺表,道至蒲州而卒。 慎長子和州刺史東平王續最知名,早卒。 次子沂州刺史義陽王琮、楚國公睿、遂州別駕襄郡公秀、廣化郡公獻、建平郡公欽等五人,垂拱中並遇害,家屬徙嶺南。 中興初,追復官爵,令以禮改葬。 封慎少子鐵誠為嗣紀王,後改名澄。 景雲元年,加銀青光祿大夫。 開元初,歷德、瀛、冀三州刺史、左驍衛將軍,薨。 子行同嗣,天寶中為右贊善大夫,同正員。
Shen, Prince of Ji, was Taizong's tenth son. In Zhenguan 5 (631) he was created Prince of Shen. In Zhenguan 7 (633) he was appointed governor of Qinzhou. In Zhenguan 10 (636) he was changed to Prince of Ji with a substantive fief of eight hundred households. In Zhenguan 17 (643) he was transferred to prefect of Xiangzhou, was known for good government, received imperial commendation, and the people erected a stele for him. In Zhenguan 23 (649) his substantive fief was increased to a full thousand households. In Yonghui 1 (650) he was appointed grand general of the Left Guard. In Yonghui 2 (651) he was appointed governor of Jingzhou and later served repeatedly as prefect of Xing. In Wenming 1 (684) he was additionally appointed Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince and transferred to prefect of Bei. From youth Shen loved learning and excelled in literature and history; in the imperial clan he was famed equally with Prince of Yue Zhen—men called them Ji and Yue. When Zhen was about to rise Shen would not join the plot; when Zhen was defeated Shen was also imprisoned. At execution he was released, his surname changed to Hui, loaded in a caged cart and banished to Lingnan; he died on the road at Puzhou. Shen's eldest son Xu, He prefect and Prince of Dongping, was most renowned and died young. Second son Cong, Yi prefect and Prince of Yiyang; third son Rui, Duke of Chu; fourth son Xiu, Duke of Xiang; fifth son Xian, Duke of Guanghua; sixth son Qin, Duke of Jianping—all five were killed in the Chuigong era and their families moved to Lingnan. At the Restoration offices and titles were posthumously restored and reburial with rites was ordered. Shen's youngest son Tiechen was created Heir Prince of Ji and later changed his name to Cheng. In Jingyun 1 (710) he was made Silver-Gleam Grand Master of the Palace. Early in Kaiyuan he served successively as prefect of De, Ying, and Ji and general of the Left Valiant Cavalry, and died. His son Xingtong succeeded and in the Tianbao era was right mentor, regular associate.
27
江王囂,太宗第十一子也。 貞觀五年受封,六年薨,謚曰殤。
Xiao, Prince of Jiang, was Taizong's eleventh son. In Zhenguan 5 (631) he was enfeoffed; in Zhenguan 6 (632) he died, with posthumous title Shang.
28
代王簡,太宗第十二子也。 貞觀五年受封,其年薨,無後,國除。
Jian, Prince of Dai, was Taizong's twelfth son. In Zhenguan 5 (631) he was enfeoffed; that year he died without heir and the fief lapsed.
29
趙王福,太宗第十三子也。 貞觀十三年受封,出後隱太子建成。 十八年,授秦州都督,賜實封八百戶。 二十三年,加右衛大將軍,累授梁州都督。 咸亨元年薨,贈司空、并州都督,陪葬昭陵。 中興初,封蔣王惲孫思順為嗣趙王。
Fu, Prince of Zhao, was Taizong's thirteenth son. In Zhenguan 13 (639) he was enfeoffed and adopted to succeed the Hidden Crown Prince Jiancheng. In Zhenguan 18 (644) he was appointed governor of Qinzhou with a substantive fief of eight hundred households. In Zhenguan 23 (649) he was added as grand general of the Right Guard and repeatedly appointed governor of Liangzhou. He died in Xianheng 1 (670) and was posthumously made Minister of Works and governor of Bingzhou, buried at Zhaoling. At the Restoration Yun Prince of Jiang's grandson Sishun was created Heir Prince of Zhao.
30
曹王明,太宗第十四子。 貞觀二十一年受封。 二十三年,賜實封八百戶,尋加滿千戶。 顯慶中,授梁州都督,後歷虢、蔡、蘇三州刺史。 詔令繼巢剌王元吉後。 永崇中,坐與庶人賢通謀,降封零陵王,徙於黔州。 都督謝祐希旨,逼脅令自殺,帝深悼之,黔府官僚咸坐免職。 景雲元年,明喪柩歸於京師,陪葬昭陵。 有二子,南州別駕零陵王俊、黎國公傑,垂拱中並遇害。 中興初,封傑子胤為嗣曹王。 胤叔父備自南州還,又封備為嗣曹王、衛尉少卿、同正員,胤遂停封。 後備招慰忠州叛獠,沒於賊,又封胤為王、銀青光祿大夫、右武衛將軍。 卒,子戢嗣,左衛率府中郎將。 卒,子皋嗣。 皋自有傳。
Ming, Prince of Cao, was Taizong's fourteenth son. In Zhenguan 21 (647) he was enfeoffed. In Zhenguan 23 (649) he received a substantive fief of eight hundred households, soon increased to a full thousand. In the Xianqing era he was appointed governor of Liangzhou and later served successively as prefect of Guo, Cai, and Su. An edict ordered him to succeed Yuanji, Prince Cila of Chao. In Yongchong, for plotting with the commoner Xian, he was demoted to Prince of Lingling and moved to Qianzhou. Governor Xie You, toadying to intent, compelled him to kill himself. The emperor deeply mourned him and Qian prefecture officials were all dismissed. In Jingyun 1 (710) Ming's coffin returned to the capital and he was buried at Zhaoling. He had two sons: Jun, vice-prefect of Nan and Prince of Lingling; Jie, Duke of Li—both were killed in the Chuigong era. At the Restoration Jie's son Yin was created Heir Prince of Cao. Yin's uncle Bei returned from Nan and was also created Heir Prince of Cao and vice minister of the Court of the Imperial Stud, regular associate; Yin's enfeoffment ceased. Later Bei pacified rebellious Liao in Zhongzhou and perished at bandit hands; Yin was again created prince, Silver-Gleam Grand Master of the Palace, and general of the Right Martial Guard. He died; his son Zhan succeeded as central commandant of the Left Guard. He died; his son Gao succeeded. Gao has a separate biography.
31
史臣曰:太宗諸子,吳王恪、濮王泰最賢。 皆以才高辯悟,為長孫無忌忌嫉,離間父子,遽為豺狼,而無忌破家,非陰禍之報歟? 武後斫喪王室,潛移龜鼎,越王貞父子痛憤,義不圖全。 毀室之悲,《鴟鴞》之詩,傷矣! 比齊祐之妄作,豈同年而語哉!
The historian says: Among Taizong's sons, Ke Prince of Wu and Tai Prince of Pu were the most worthy. For their talent and brilliance Zhangsun Wuji envied them, sowed division between father and sons, and made wolves of them—yet Wuji destroyed his own house. Is this not retribution for hidden malice? Empress Wu hacked at the royal house and secretly shifted the mandate; Zhen Prince of Yue and his son grieved and raged, choosing righteousness over self-preservation. The sorrow of a house destroyed—the poem of The Owl—how wounding! Compared with Prince of Qi You's reckless revolt, how can they be spoken of in the same breath?
32
贊曰:子弟作籓,磐石維城。 驕侈取敗,身無令名。 沖、譔憤發,視死如生。 承乾、齊祐,愚弟庸兄。
In praise: Imperial sons made territorial princes—the foundation stone, the wall of the realm. Arrogance and extravagance bring defeat; the body wins no fine name. Chong and Shen roused in anger, viewing death as life. Chengqian and Prince of Qi You—a foolish younger brother, a mediocre elder brother.