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褚遂良韓瑗來濟上官儀
Chu Suiliang, Han Yuan, Lai Ji, and Shang Guanyi
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褚遂良,散騎常侍亮之子也。 太業末,隨父在隴右,薛舉僭號,署為通事舍人。 舉敗歸國,授秦州都督府鎧曹參軍。 貞觀十年,自秘書郎遷起居郎。 遂良博涉文史,尤工隸書,父友歐陽詢甚重之。 太宗嘗謂侍中魏徵曰:「虞世南死後,無人可以論書。」 徵曰:「褚遂良下筆遒勁,甚得王逸少體。」 太宗即日召令侍書。 太宗嘗出御府金帛購求王羲之書跡,天下爭齎古書詣闕以獻,當時莫能辯其真偽,遂良備論所出,一無舛誤。 十五年,詔有事太山,先幸洛陽,有星孛於太微,犯郎位。 遂良言於太宗曰:「陛下撥亂反正,功超前烈,將告成東嶽,天下幸甚。 而行至洛陽,彗星輒見,此或有所未允合者也。 且漢武優柔數年,始行岱禮,臣愚伏願詳擇。」 太宗深然之,下詔罷封禪之事。 其年,遷諫議大夫,兼知起居事。 太宗嘗問:「卿知起居,記錄何事,大抵人君得觀之否?」 遂良對曰:「今之起居,古左右史,書人君言事,且記善惡,以為鑑誡,庶幾人主不為非法。 不聞帝王躬自觀史。」 太宗曰:「朕有不善,卿必記之耶?」 遂良曰:「守道不如守官,臣職當載筆,君舉必記。」 黃門侍郎劉洎曰:「設令遂良不記,天下亦記之矣。」 太宗以為然。 時魏王為太宗所愛,禮秩如嫡。 其年,太宗問侍臣曰:「當今國家何事最急?」 中書侍郎岑文本曰:「《傳》稱『導之以德,齊之以禮』,由斯而言。 禮義為急。」 遂良進曰:「當今四方仰德,誰敢為非? 但太子、諸王,須有定分,陛下宜為萬代法以遺子孫。」 太宗曰:「此言是也。 朕年將五十,已覺衰怠。 既以長子守器東宮,弟及庶子數將五十,心常憂慮,頗在此耳。 但自古嫡庶無良佐,何嘗不傾敗國家? 公等為朕搜訪賢德,以傅儲宮,爰及諸王,咸求正士。 且事人歲久,即分義情深,非意窺窬,多由此作。」 於是限王府官僚不得過四考。 十七年,太宗問遂良曰:「舜造漆器,禹雕其俎,當時諫舜、禹者十餘人。 食器之間,苦諫何也?」 遂良對曰:「雕琢害農事,纂組傷女工。 首創奢淫,危亡之漸。 漆器不已,必金為之; 金器不已,必玉為之。 所以諍臣必諫其漸,及其滿盈,無所復諫。」 太宗以為然,因曰:「夫為人君,不憂萬姓而事奢淫,危亡之機可反掌而待也。」 時皇子年幼者多任都督、刺史,遂良上疏曰:「昔兩漢以郡國理人,除郡以外,分立諸子。 割土分疆,雜用周制。 皇唐州縣,祖依秦法。 皇子幼年,或授刺史,陛下豈不以王之骨肉,鎮扞四方? 此之造制,道高前烈。 如臣愚見,有小未盡。 何者? 刺史郡帥,民仰以安。 得一善人,部內蘇息; 遇一不善,合州勞弊。 是以人君愛恤百姓,常為擇賢。 或稱河潤九里,京師蒙福; 或人興歌詠,生為立祠。 漢宣帝云:『與我共理者,惟良二千石。』 如臣愚見,陛下兒子內年齒尚幼、未堪臨人者,且留京師,教以經學。 一則畏天之威,不敢犯禁; 二則觀見朝儀,自然成立。 因此積習,自知為人。 審堪臨州,然後遣出。 臣謹按漢明、章、和三帝,能友愛於弟,自茲已降,取為準的。 封立諸王,雖各有國土,年尚幼小者,召留京師,訓以禮法,垂以恩惠。 訖三帝世,諸王數十百人,唯二王稍惡,自余餐和染教,皆為善人。 則前事已驗,惟陛下詳察。」 太宗深納之。 其年,太子承乾以罪廢,魏王泰入侍,太宗面許立為太子。 因謂侍臣曰:「昨青雀自投我懷云:『臣今日始得與陛下為子,更生之日也。 臣唯有一子,臣百年之後,當為陛下殺之,傳國晉王。』 父子之道,故當天性,我見其如此,甚憐之。」 遂良進曰:「陛下失言。 伏願審思,無令錯誤也。 安有陛下百年之後,魏王執權為天下之主,而能殺其愛子,傳國於晉王者乎? 陛下昔立承乾為太子,而復寵愛魏王,禮數或有逾於承乾者,良由嫡庶不分,所以至此。 殷鑑不遠,足為龜鏡。 陛下今日既立魏王,伏願陛下別安置晉王,始得安全耳。」 太宗涕泗交下曰:「我不能。」 即日召長孫無忌、房玄齡、李勣與遂良等定策,立晉王為皇太子。 時頻有飛雉集於宮殿之內,太宗問群臣曰:「是何祥也?」 對曰:「昔秦文公時,有童子化為雉,雌者鳴於陳倉,雄者鳴於南陽。 童子曰:得雄者王,得雌者霸。 文公遂以為寶雞。 後漢光武得雄,遂起南陽而有四海。 陛下舊封秦王,故雄雉見於秦地,此所以彰表明德也。」 太宗悅曰:「立身之道,不可無學,遂良博識,深可重也。」 尋授太子賓客。
Chu Suiliang was the son of Chu Liang, who had served as Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry. In the final years of the Sui Daye era, he accompanied his father to Longyou. When Xue Ju declared himself ruler, he appointed Chu Suiliang Master of Communications. After Xue Ju's defeat, he submitted to the Tang and was appointed aide in the Armor Section of the Qinzhou Area Command headquarters. In 636, he was promoted from Secretary to Attendant of the Bedchamber. Suiliang was widely read in literature and history and was especially accomplished in clerical script. Ouyang Xun, a friend of his father, held him in high regard. Emperor Taizong once told Palace Attendant Wei Zheng, "Since Yu Shinan died, I have had no one with whom to discuss calligraphy. Wei Zheng replied, "Chu Suiliang's brushwork is vigorous and powerful, and it captures Wang Xizhi's style remarkably well." That same day, Taizong summoned him to serve at court as a calligrapher. Taizong once used gold and silk from the imperial treasury to buy works attributed to Wang Xizhi. People across the empire rushed ancient books to court as offerings, and at the time no one could tell which were genuine. Suiliang identified the provenance of each piece without a single mistake. In 641, an edict ordered rites at Mount Tai. The emperor first visited Luoyang, where a comet appeared in the Supreme Palace Enclosure constellation and trespassed upon the Retinue stars. Suiliang said to Taizong, "Your Majesty quelled chaos and restored order, and your achievements surpass those of former sages. You are about to complete the rites at the Eastern Peak, to the great fortune of the realm. Yet upon reaching Luoyang, a comet appeared at once. This may mean that something is not yet in accord with Heaven's will. Moreover, Emperor Wu of Han deliberated for years before he finally performed the rites at Mount Tai. In my humble view, I beg Your Majesty to choose the timing with great care. Taizong strongly agreed and issued an edict canceling the feng and shan ceremonies. That year he was promoted to Grand Master of Remonstrance and was also put in charge of the bedchamber records. Taizong once asked, "As keeper of the bedchamber records, what do you write down? May a ruler generally read them? Suiliang answered, "The bedchamber records of today are the ancient Left and Right Historians. They record the ruler's words and deeds, noting good and evil alike, so that they may serve as a mirror and a warning and keep the sovereign from unlawful acts. I have never heard of an emperor reading his own history himself." Taizong said, "If I do something wrong, will you record that too?" Suiliang said, "Upholding moral principle is less binding than upholding one's office. My duty is to hold the brush: whatever Your Majesty does, I must record it." Yellow Gate Attendant Liu Ji said, "Even if Suiliang did not record it, the realm would still record it." Taizong agreed that this was so. At that time the Prince of Wei was a favorite of Taizong, and his ceremonial standing was treated like that of the legitimate heir. That year Taizong asked his ministers, "What is the most urgent matter facing the state today? Central Secretariat Attendant Cen Wende said, "The Analects say, 'Lead them with virtue and harmonize them with ritual.' From that perspective— ritual and righteousness are the most urgent matters." Suiliang stepped forward and said, "Today the four quarters look up to Your Majesty's virtue. Who would dare do wrong? But the Crown Prince and the other princes must have fixed ranks and roles. Your Majesty should establish a precedent for ten thousand generations to pass on to your descendants." Taizong said, "That is true. I am nearly fifty and already feel my strength failing. I have already installed my eldest son as heir in the Eastern Palace, but I have nearly fifty younger sons and sons by concubines. What weighs on my mind most is precisely this. Yet since antiquity, when legitimate and illegitimate lines lacked good advisers, when did they not bring ruin upon a state? Search out worthy men for me to tutor the Heir Apparent, and find upright men for all the princes as well. Moreover, when men serve a prince for many years, their bond of loyalty grows deep. Unintended ambitions for the throne often arise from just such circumstances." Thereupon he limited officials in princely establishments to no more than four terms of service. In 643, Taizong asked Suiliang, "Shun made lacquer vessels, and Yu carved his sacrificial stands. More than ten men remonstrated with them at the time. Why such strenuous remonstrance over mere eating vessels? Suiliang answered, "Carving and polishing harm farming, and brocade work injures women's labor. To be the first to indulge in luxury is the first step on the road to ruin. If lacquer vessels are not enough, one will make them of gold; and if gold is not enough, one will make them of jade. That is why remonstrating ministers must speak at the first sign of excess. Once luxury has overflowed, there is nothing left to remonstrate about." Taizong agreed and added, "For a ruler of men, to neglect the welfare of the people and pursue luxury instead is to invite ruin with a turn of the hand." At that time many young princes were appointed as area commanders and prefects. Suiliang submitted a memorial: "In the two Han dynasties, the realm was governed through commanderies and kingdoms. Apart from the commanderies, the emperor's sons were granted separate domains. They divided territory and apportioned domains, mixing in institutions from the Zhou. Great Tang's prefectures and counties follow the Qin model as their foundation. When princes are still young, some are made prefects. Does Your Majesty not intend your own flesh and blood to guard the four quarters? In creating this system, Your Majesty's principle surpasses that of former sages. In my humble view, however, one small matter remains incomplete. What is it? A prefect is the commander of a commandery, and the people depend on him for their security. With one good man in office, the district revives; but with one bad man, the whole prefecture is worn down and exhausted. That is why a ruler who loves his people constantly selects worthy men for office. Some say that when a river nourishes the land for nine li, the capital shares in the blessing; or the people sing his praises and build shrines to him while he still lives. Emperor Xuan of Han said, 'Those who govern with me are only good prefects. In my humble view, among Your Majesty's sons, those who are still too young to govern people should remain in the capital for now and be taught the classics. First, they will fear Heaven's majesty and not dare break the law; second, they will observe court ritual and naturally learn how to conduct themselves. Through such accumulated habit, they will learn on their own how to be men. Only when they are truly fit to govern a prefecture should they be sent out. I respectfully note that Emperors Ming, Zhang, and He of Han were able to treat their younger brothers with affection. Let us take them as our standard from this point forward. When they enfeoffed the various kings, each received his own domain, but those who were still young were summoned to remain in the capital, instructed in ritual and law, and showered with favor. Through the reigns of those three emperors, the princes numbered in the tens and hundreds. Only two princes turned out badly; the rest, nourished by harmony and shaped by instruction, all became good men. The precedent has already been tested. I beg Your Majesty to consider it carefully." Taizong accepted this advice wholeheartedly. That year Crown Prince Chengqian was deposed for his crimes. The Prince of Wei, Li Tai, attended the emperor in person, and Taizong openly promised to make him crown prince. He then told his ministers, "Yesterday the Green Sparrow threw himself into my arms and said, 'Today I have at last become Your Majesty's son in truth. It is like being born again. I have only one son. After I die, I will kill him for Your Majesty's sake and pass the realm to the Prince of Jin. The bond between father and son is a matter of nature. When I saw him speak so, I was deeply moved.' Suiliang stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty has spoken unwisely. I beg Your Majesty to think this through carefully and not make a mistake. After Your Majesty is gone, when the Prince of Wei holds power as ruler of the realm, would he truly kill his own beloved son and pass the throne to the Prince of Jin? Your Majesty once made Chengqian crown prince, yet continued to favor the Prince of Wei, sometimes treating him with honors that exceeded Chengqian's. This came about because legitimate and illegitimate lines were not kept distinct. The lesson of the recent past is close at hand and should serve as a mirror for Your Majesty. Now that Your Majesty has chosen the Prince of Wei, I beg Your Majesty to make separate arrangements for the Prince of Jin. Only then will he be safe." Taizong wept openly and said, "I cannot do that." That same day he summoned Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Li Ji, Suiliang, and others to settle the succession and install the Prince of Jin as crown prince. At that time wild pheasants were frequently seen gathering inside the palace. Taizong asked his ministers, "What omen does this signify? They answered, "In the time of Duke Wen of Qin, a boy transformed into a pheasant. The female cried at Chencang, and the male cried at Nanyang. The boy said, 'He who obtains the male will become king; he who obtains the female will become hegemon. Duke Wen thereupon took it as an auspicious sign from Chen. Later, Emperor Guangwu of Han obtained the male pheasant, rose from Nanyang, and won the realm. Your Majesty was once enfeoffed as Prince of Qin, so the male pheasant has appeared in Qin territory. This is a sign that your bright virtue is being made manifest." Taizong said with pleasure, "The way to establish oneself in the world cannot be learned without study. Suiliang is deeply learned and truly worthy of respect." Soon afterward he was appointed Guest of the Crown Prince.
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時薛延陀遣使請婚,太宗許以女妻之,納其財聘,既而不與。 遂良上疏曰:
At that time Xueyantuo sent envoys to request a marriage alliance. Taizong promised to give them a princess, accepted their bride-price gifts, and then went back on his word. Suiliang submitted a memorial:
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臣聞信為國本,百姓所歸,是以文王許枯骨而不違,仲尼寧去食而存信。 延陀曩歲乃一俟斤耳,值神兵北指,蕩平沙塞,狼山、瀚海,萬里蕭條,陛下兵加諸外而恩起於內,以為余寇奔波,須立酋長,璽書鼓纛,立為可汗。 其懷恩光,仰天無極,而余方戎狄,莫不聞知,以共沐和風,同餐恩信。 頃者頻年遣使,請婚大國,陛下復降鴻私,許其姻媾。 於是報吐蕃,告思摩,示中國,五尺童子人皆知之。 於是御幸北門,受其獻食,於時百僚端笏,戎夷左衽,虔奉歡宴,皆承德音,口歌手舞,樂以終日。 百官會畢,亦各有言,咸以為陛下欲得百姓安寧,不欲邊境交戰,遂不惜一女而妻可汗,預在含生,所以感德。 今一朝生進退之意,有改悔之心,臣為國家惜茲聲聽。 君子不失色於物,不失口於人。 晉文公圍原,命三日糧,原不降,命去之。 諜出曰:「原將降矣。」 軍吏請待之,公曰:「信,國之寶也,民之庇也。 得原失信,何以庇之?」 陛下慮生意表,信在言前,今者臨事,忽然乖殊,所惜尤少,所失滋多。 情既不通,方生嫌隙,一方所以相畏忌,邊境不得無風塵。 西州、朔方,能無勞擾? 彼胡以主被欺而心怨,此士以此無信而懷慚,不可以訓戎兵,不可以勵軍事。 伏惟陛下以聖德神功,廓清四表。 自君臨天下,十有七載,以仁恩而結庶類,以信義而撫戎夷,莫不欣然,負之無力。 其見在之人,皆思報厚德; 其所生胤嗣,亦望報陛下子孫。 今者得一公主配之,以成陛下之信,有始有卒,其唯聖人乎! 且又龍沙以北,部落無算,中國擊之,終不能盡。 亦由可北敗,芮芮興,突厥亡,延陀盛。 時以古人虛外實內,懷之以德,為惡在夷不在華,失信在彼不在此。 伏惟陛下聖德無涯,威靈遠震,遂平高昌,破吐渾,立延陀,滅頡利。 輕刑薄賦,庶事無壅,菽粟豐賤,祥符累臻。 此則堯、舜、禹、湯不及陛下遠矣。 伏願旁垂愷悌,廣茲含育,而常嗔絕域,有意遠籓,非偃伯興文之道,非止戈為武之義。 臣以庸暗,忝居左右,敢獻瞽言,不勝戰懼。
I have heard that trustworthiness is the foundation of a state and what the people rely upon. King Wen once promised even dried bones and did not break his word. Confucius said he would rather go without food than abandon trust. In former years Xueyantuo was but a single tribal leader. When Your Majesty's armies marched north and swept the desert passes clean, Wolf Mountain and the Sea of Sand lay desolate for a thousand li. Your Majesty extended military force abroad while showing grace at home, judging that the scattered remnant tribes needed a chief. With imperial writ and banners raised, he was established as qaghan. He cherished Your Majesty's grace beyond measure, and the remaining frontier peoples all heard of it and shared alike in gentle favor and trusting goodwill. In recent years he has repeatedly sent envoys to request marriage with the great state. Your Majesty again showed vast favor and promised the alliance. You reported this to Tibet, informed Shimi, and displayed it to all within China, so that even children knew of it. Your Majesty then visited the North Gate in person and received their offerings of food. The hundred officials held their tablets upright while the barbarian guests wore their left lapels. All reverently joined the joyous feast, received your gracious words, sang and danced with joy until the day ended. When the assembly of officials ended, each had his own comment. All believed Your Majesty wished the people to live in peace and did not wish war on the borders, and therefore did not spare a daughter to marry the qaghan. Even the unborn, it was thought, would be moved by such virtue. Now, in a single morning, there arises an intent to advance and retreat and a heart to change and regret. I grieve for the state's reputation and credibility. A noble man does not change his expression because of things, and he does not go back on his word to others. Duke Wen of Jin besieged Yuan and ordered three days' provisions brought up. When Yuan did not surrender, he ordered the army to withdraw. A spy came out and reported, "Yuan is about to surrender. The army officers asked to wait, but the duke said, "Trustworthiness is the state's treasure and the people's shelter. If we take Yuan but lose our trust, how can we shelter the people?" Your Majesty's concern for living beings is written on your face, and your trustworthiness has always preceded your words. Yet now, when the matter is at hand, you have suddenly changed course. What you would save is very little, but what you would lose is very great." When feelings no longer accord, suspicion and rifts arise. On their side there will be mutual fear and jealousy, and the borders cannot remain free of turmoil." Can Xizhou and Shuofang escape labor and disturbance?" The barbarians will resent that their ruler was deceived, and our soldiers will be ashamed that we proved untrustworthy. This cannot be used to instruct frontier troops or to encourage military affairs." I respectfully note that Your Majesty, through sagely virtue and divine achievement, has cleared and pacified the four quarters. Since you assumed the throne, for seventeen years you have bound the myriad peoples with benevolence and grace and soothed the frontier tribes with trust and righteousness. All have rejoiced and accepted your rule willingly. Those now living all wish to repay your deep virtue; and their descendants also hope to repay Your Majesty's descendants." Now, if you give one princess in marriage to him, you will fulfill Your Majesty's trust. To have a beginning and an end—surely that is the way of a sage!" Moreover, north of the desert the tribes are beyond counting. China may strike them, yet can never destroy them all. This is also why, when the qaghan was defeated in the north, Rouran rose, the Turks perished, and Xueyantuo flourished. The ancients made the outer realm empty and the inner realm solid, cherishing the frontier peoples with virtue. Evil should lie with the barbarians, not with China; breach of trust should lie with them, not with us. Your Majesty's sagely virtue is boundless and your awe-inspiring spirit shakes the distant realms. You pacified Gaochang, broke Tuhun, established Xueyantuo, and destroyed Jieli. You lightened punishments and reduced levies, so that the hundred affairs flowed without obstruction, grain grew abundant and cheap, and auspicious signs arrived one after another. In this respect Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang fall far short of Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty to extend kindness and forbearance on every side and broadly nurture all peoples. Yet constantly to rage at distant regions and turn your intent toward far vassals is not the way of resting the hegemon and raising culture, nor the meaning of stopping weapons to make true martial virtue. I am mediocre and dull, yet I disgracefully serve at Your side. I dare offer these blind words, overcome with trembling fear.
5
時太宗欲親征高麗,顧謂侍臣曰:「高麗莫離支賊殺其王,虐用其人。 夫出師吊伐,當乘機便,今因其弒虐,誅之甚易。」 遂良對曰:「陛下兵機神算,人莫能知。 昔隋末亂離,手平寇亂。 及北狄侵邊,西蕃失禮,陛下欲命將擊之,群臣莫不苦諫,陛下獨斷進討,卒並誅夷。 海內之人,徼外之國,畏威懾伏,為此舉也。 今陛下將興師遼東,臣意熒惑。 何者? 陛下神武,不比前代人君。 兵既渡遼,指期克捷,萬一差跌,無以威示遠方,若再發忿兵,則安危難測。」 太宗深然之。 兵部尚書李勣曰:「近者延陀犯邊,陛下必欲追擊,此時陛下取魏徵之言,遂失機會。 若如聖策,延陀無一人生還,可五十年間疆場無事。」 帝曰:「誠如卿言,由魏徵誤計耳。 朕不欲以一計不當而尤之,後有良算,安肯矢謀。」 由是從勣之言,經畫渡遼之師。 遂良以太宗銳意三韓,懼其遺悔,翌日上疏諫曰:
At that time Taizong wished to campaign in person against Goryeo. He turned to his ministers and said, "Yeon Gaesomun of Goryeo treacherously killed his king and cruelly oppressed his people. To send forth an army to console the people and punish the guilty, one must seize the opportune moment. Now, because of his regicide and cruelty, punishing him would be very easy. Suiliang replied, "Your Majesty's military timing and divine calculations are beyond anyone's knowledge. In the chaos at the end of the Sui, you personally pacified the rebellions yourself. When the northern barbarians invaded the borders and the western tribes lost ritual propriety, Your Majesty wished to send generals to strike them. All the ministers strenuously remonstrated, but Your Majesty alone decided to advance and attack, and in the end all were exterminated. The people within the seas and the states beyond the frontiers feared your awe and submitted—because of this action. Now that Your Majesty is about to raise armies in Liaodong, my mind is troubled and doubtful. Why? Your Majesty is divinely martial and not comparable to the rulers of former generations. Once the army has crossed the Liao, victory is expected on schedule. But if by any chance there is a setback, you will have no way to display your awe to distant regions. If you must send angry troops again, then security and peril become impossible to measure." Taizong strongly agreed. Minister of War Li Ji said, "Recently when Xueyantuo violated the borders, Your Majesty surely wished to pursue and strike. At that time Your Majesty took Wei Zheng's advice and thereby lost the opportunity. If we had followed your sage strategy, not one man of Xueyantuo would have returned alive, and the frontier could have been at peace for fifty years. The emperor said, "Truly as you say—it was because Wei Zheng's plan was wrong. I do not wish to blame him because one plan was wrong. If there is a good plan afterward, how could I be willing to abandon counsel?" Thereupon he followed Li Ji's advice and planned the army to cross the Liao. Because Taizong was keen on the Three Han states, Suiliang feared he would later regret it. The next day he submitted a memorial of remonstrance:
6
臣聞有國家者譬諸身,兩京等於心腹,四境方乎手足,他方絕域,若在身外。 臣近於坐下,伏奉口敕,布語臣下,雲自欲伐遼。 臣數夜思量,不達其理。 高麗王為陛下之所立,莫離支輒殺其主,陛下討逆收地,斯實乘機。 關東賴陛下德澤,久無征戰,但命二、三勇將,發兵四、五萬,飛石輕梯,取如回掌。 夫聖人有作,必履常規,貴能克平凶亂,駕馭才傑。 惟陛下弘兩儀之道,扇三五之風,提厲人物,皆思效命。 昔侯君集、李靖,所謂庸夫,猶能掃萬里之高昌,平千載之突厥,皆是陛下發蹤指示,聲歸聖明。 臣旁求史籍,訖乎近代,為人之主,無自伐遼,人臣往征,則有之矣。 漢朝則荀彘、楊僕,魏代則毋丘儉、王頎; 司馬懿猶為人臣,慕容真僭號之子,皆為其主長驅高麗,虜其人民,削平城壘。 陛下立功同於天地,美化包於古昔,自當超邁於百王,豈止俯同於六子? 陛下昔翦平寇逆,大有爪牙,年齒未衰,猶堪任用,匪唯陛下之所使,亦何行而不克。 方今太子新立,年實幼少,自余籓屏,陛下所知。 今一旦棄金湯之全,渡遼海之外,臣忽三思,煩愁並集。 大魚依於巨海,神龍據於川泉,此謂人君不可輕而遠也。 且以長遼之左,或遇霖淫,水潦騰波,平地數尺。 夫帶方、玄菟,海途深渺,非萬乘所宜行踐。 東京太原,謂之中地,東捴可以為聲勢,西指足以摧延陀,其於西京,逕路非遠,為其節度,以設軍謀,系莫離支頸,獻皇家之廟。 此實處安全之上計,社稷之根本,特乞天慈,一垂省察。
I have heard that one who possesses a state may be compared to the body. The two capitals are like the heart and belly, the four borders like the hands and feet, and other regions and distant realms are as if outside the body. Recently below Your seat I received an oral edict, promulgated to your ministers below, saying that you yourself wish to attack Liao. For several nights I have pondered this and cannot understand its rationale. The King of Goryeo was established by Your Majesty. Yeon Gaesomun abruptly killed his lord. For Your Majesty to punish the rebel and recover the territory is truly to seize the opportune moment. Guandong relies on Your Majesty's virtue and grace and has long been free of warfare. You need only command two or three brave generals and send forth forty or fifty thousand troops. With flying stones and light ladders, taking it would be like turning the palm. When a sage acts, he must follow constant norms, valuing the ability to overcome fierce disorder and to drive and control talented heroes. Your Majesty alone expands the Way of the Two Principles and fans the wind of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, lifting and sharpening men of talent, all of whom wish to offer their lives. Formerly Hou Junji and Li Jing, so-called mediocre men, still swept Gaochang ten thousand li away and pacified the Turks of a thousand years—all because Your Majesty set them on the track and gave directions, and the credit returned to your sagely brilliance. I have searched the histories on every side down to recent times. As ruler of men, none has personally campaigned against Liao, though as ministers going on campaign there have been such cases. In the Han dynasty there were Xun Yi and Yang Pu; in the Wei era there were Wuqiu Jian and Wang Qi; Sima Yi was still a minister of men, and Murong Zhen was the son of a usurper—all of them for their lords drove deep into Goryeo, captured its people, and leveled walls and ramparts. Your Majesty's achievements equal Heaven and Earth, and your civilizing transformation embraces antiquity. You should naturally surpass the hundred kings—how could you merely bow to match the six sons? Your Majesty formerly cut down bandit rebels and greatly possessed capable men. Your years are not yet declined and they are still fit for employment. Not only can Your Majesty employ them—what undertaking would they not succeed in? Just now the crown prince has been newly established and is truly young. As for the rest of the princely screen, Your Majesty knows them well. Now, in a single morning, to abandon the completeness of metal and boiling water and cross beyond the Liao Sea—when I think of it three times over, worry and sorrow gather together. Great fish rely on the vast sea, and the divine dragon occupies streams and springs. This means that the ruler of men cannot lightly go far from home. Moreover, along the left bank of the long Liao, one may meet prolonged rain, when floods surge in waves and the level ground stands several feet deep. Daifang and Xuantu lie along a sea route deep and vast—not a path that the Son of Heaven should tread. The Eastern Capital at Taiyuan is called the central land. A gathering to the east can serve as momentum, and a thrust to the west suffices to crush Xueyantuo. As for the Western Capital, the direct route is not far. Make dispositions from there, set military plans, tie Yeon Gaesomun by the neck, and present his head in the imperial clan temple. This is truly the best plan for dwelling in security and the root of the altars of state. I specially beg your heavenly kindness to examine it once.
7
太宗不納。 十八年,拜黃門侍郎,參綜朝政。 高麗莫離支遣使貢白金,遂良言於太宗曰:「莫離支虐弒其主,九夷所不容,陛下以之興兵,將事吊伐,為遼山之人報主辱之恥。 古者,討弒君之賊,不受其賂。 昔宋督遺魯君以郜鼎,桓公受之於太廟,臧哀伯諫曰:『君人者昭德塞違,今滅德立違,而置其賂器於太廟,百官象之,其又何誅焉? 武王克商,遷九鼎於洛邑,義士猶或非之,而況將昭違亂之賂器,置諸太廟,其若之何?』 夫《春秋》之書,百王取法,若受不臣之筐篚,納弒逆之朝貢,不以為愆,何所致伐? 臣謂莫離支所獻,自不得受。」 太宗納焉,以其使屬吏。
Taizong did not accept it. In 644 he was appointed Yellow Gate Attendant and participated in comprehensive governance of the court. Yeon Gaesomun of Goryeo sent envoys presenting tribute of white gold. Suiliang said to Taizong, "Yeon Gaesomun cruelly murdered his lord, an act the nine Yi cannot tolerate. Your Majesty is raising armies to console the people and punish the guilty, to repay for the people of the Liao mountains the shame done to their lord. In antiquity, when punishing regicide rebels, one did not accept their bribes. Formerly Duke Huan of Song presented the Zou tripod to the Lord of Lu, and Duke Huan of Lu received it in the Grand Temple. Zang Aibo remonstrated, 'A ruler should display virtue and block wrongdoing. Now you extinguish virtue and establish wrongdoing, yet place his bribe vessels in the Grand Temple. When the hundred officials take them as a model, how then can wrongdoing be punished?' When King Wu overcame Shang and moved the nine tripods to Luoyi, righteous men still criticized it. How much more, then, to display the bribe vessels of a rebellious disorderer and place them in the Grand Temple—what is to be done? The Spring and Autumn Annals is what the hundred kings take as law. If you receive the gifts of one who is not a minister and accept the court tribute of a regicide and rebel, and do not regard it as fault, on what basis can you launch a punitive attack? I consider that what Yeon Gaesomun presented cannot be accepted. Taizong accepted this and handed his envoys over to the officials.
8
太宗既滅高昌,每歲調發千餘人防遏其地,遂良上疏曰:
After Taizong had destroyed Gaochang, each year more than a thousand men were levied and sent to guard that territory. Suiliang submitted a memorial:
9
臣聞古者哲後,必先事華夏而後夷狄,務廣德化,不事遐荒。 是以周宣薄伐,至境而止; 始皇遠塞,中國分離。 漢武負文、景之聚財,玩士馬之餘力,始通西域,初置校尉。 軍旅連出,將三十年。 復得天馬於宛城,采蒲萄於安息。 而海內虛竭,生人失所,租及六畜,算至舟車,因之凶年,盜賊並起,搜粟都尉桑弘羊復希主意,遣士卒遠田輪台,築城以威西域。 帝翻然追悔,情發於中,棄輪台之野,下哀痛之詔,人神感悅,海內乃康。 向使武帝復用弘羊之言,天下生靈皆盡之矣。 是以光武中興,不逾蔥嶺,孝章即位,都護來歸。
I have heard that in antiquity wise rulers first attended to the Hua-Xia and afterward to the Yi-Di, striving to extend virtue and transformation rather than serving distant wilds. Therefore King Xuan of Zhou made a light campaign, reaching the border and stopping; the First Emperor made distant barriers, and China was divided. Emperor Wu of Han relied on the accumulated wealth of Emperors Wen and Jing and played with the remaining strength of soldiers and horses. He first opened the Western Regions and first established commandants. Armies went forth in succession for nearly thirty years. He obtained heavenly horses at Wancheng and gathered grapes at Parthia. Yet the realm was emptied and exhausted, the living lost their homes, levies reached even the six livestock, and assessments reached boats and chariots. Because of this there were famine years and bandits rose together. Search-for-Grain Commandant Sang Hongyang again hoped for the ruler's intent and sent soldiers to farm Luntai from afar and build walls to awe the Western Regions. The emperor suddenly turned and regretted, feeling arising from within. He abandoned the fields of Luntai and issued the edict of mournful pain. Men and spirits were moved and pleased, and the realm then knew peace. If Emperor Wu had again used Hongyang's words, all living beings under Heaven would have been exhausted. Therefore Guangwu's restoration did not cross the Onion Range, and when Emperor Zhang assumed the throne, the Protector came to submit.
10
陛下誅滅高昌,威加西域,收其鯨鯢,以為州縣。 然則王師初發之歲,河西供役之年,飛芻挽粟,十室九空,數郡蕭然,五年不復。 陛下歲遣千餘人遠事屯戍,終年離別,萬里思歸。 去者資裝,自須營辦,既賣菽粟,傾其機杼。 經途死亡,復在其外,兼遣罪人,增其防遏。 彼罪人者,生於販肆,終朝惰業,犯禁違公。 止能擾於邊城,實無益於行陣。 所遣之內,復有逃亡,官司捕捉,為國生事。 高昌途路,沙磧千里,冬風冰冽,夏風如焚。 行人去來,遇之多死。 《易》云:「安不忘危,理不忘亂。」 設令張掖塵飛,酒泉烽舉,陛下豈能得高昌一人菽粟而及事乎? 終鬚髮隴右諸州,星馳電擊。 由斯而言,此河西者方於心腹,彼高昌者他人手足,豈得糜費中華,以事無用? 《書》曰:「不作無益害有益。」 其此之謂乎!
Your Majesty executed and destroyed Gaochang, extended your awe to the Western Regions, gathered its people, and made them prefectures and counties. Yet in the year when the royal army first set forth, Hexi supplied labor service. Fodder flew and grain was hauled—nine of ten houses stood empty, several commanderies lay desolate, and five years passed without recovery. Your Majesty each year sends more than a thousand men to serve in distant garrisons. They spend whole years in separation and think of home across ten thousand li. Those who go must themselves prepare travel expenses and equipment. Having sold beans and millet, they exhaust their looms. Death along the route is in addition to this, and moreover sending criminals increases the burden of guarding and blocking. Those criminals are born in markets and shops, lazy in occupation all day, violating prohibitions and going against the public good. They can only disturb border cities and truly have no benefit for battle formations. Among those sent, there are again fugitives whom government offices must capture, creating troubles for the state. The route to Gaochang crosses sand and desert for a thousand li. Winter winds are icy and sharp, and summer winds burn like fire. Travelers coming and going—many die upon it. The Book of Changes says, "In security do not forget peril; in order do not forget disorder. Suppose dust flies at Zhangye and beacon fires rise at Jiuquan—can Your Majesty obtain even one man or one measure of grain from Gaochang and put it to use?" In the end you must dispatch the Longyou commanderies, racing like stars and striking like lightning. From this perspective, Hexi is like the heart and belly, while Gaochang is another's hands and feet. How can one waste and exhaust the Central States to serve what is useless?" The Book of Documents says, "Do not do what is not beneficial and harm what is beneficial. Is this not what is meant!"
11
陛下道映先天,威行無外,平頡利於沙塞,滅吐渾於西海。 突厥余落,為立可汗; 吐渾遺氓,更樹君長。 復立高昌,非無前例,此所謂有罪而誅之,既伏而立之。 四海百蠻,誰不聞見,蠕動懷生,畏威慕德。 宜擇高昌可立者立之,征給首領,遣還本國,負戴洪恩,長為籓翰。 中國不擾,既富且寧,傳之子孫,以貽永世。
Your Majesty's Way shines before Heaven and your awe extends without limit. You pacified Jieli at the sand passes and destroyed Tuhun at the Western Sea. For the Turkish remnant bands you established a qaghan; for Tuhun's surviving people you again planted a lord and chief. To restore and establish Gaochang is not without former precedent. This is what is called punishing the guilty and, once they have submitted, establishing them anew. Within the four seas the hundred barbarians—who does not hear and see? All living things cherish life, fear your awe, and admire your virtue. You should select one among Gaochang who can be established and establish him, levy and supply a chief, and send him back to his native state. Bearing your vast favor, he will long serve as your screen and balustrade. The Central States will remain undisturbed, already rich and at peace, and this may be transmitted to your sons and grandsons to bequeath for eternal generations.
12
二十年,太宗於寢殿側別置一院,令太子居,絕不令往東宮。 遂良復上疏諫曰:
In 646, Taizong established a separate courtyard beside the sleeping hall and ordered the crown prince to live there, absolutely forbidding him to go to the Eastern Palace. Suiliang again submitted a memorial of remonstrance:
13
臣聞周世問安,三至必退,漢儲視膳,五日乃來。 前賢作法,規模弘遠。 禮曰:「男子十年出就外傅,出宿於外,學書計也。 然則古之達者,豈無慈心? 減茲私愛,欲使成立。 凡人尚猶如此,況君之世子乎? 自當春誦夏弦,親近師傅,體人間之庶事,適君臣之大道,使翹足延首,皆聆善聲。 若獻歲之有陽春,玄天之有日月,弘此懿德,乃作元良。 伏惟陛下道育三才,功包九有,親樹太子,莫不欣欣。 既雲廢昏立明,須稱天下瞻望,而教成之道,實深乖闕。 不離膝下,常居宮內,保傅之說無暢,經籍之談蔑如。 且朋友不可以深交,深交必有怨; 父子不可以滯愛,滯愛或生愆。 伏願遠覽殷、周,近遵漢、魏,不可頓革,事須階漸。 嘗計旬日,半遣還宮,專學藝以潤身,布芳聲於天下,則微臣雖死,猶曰生年。
I have heard that in Zhou times one inquired after the ruler's well-being but withdrew after three visits, and that the Han heir viewed his father's meals but came only every five days. Former worthies established their methods on a vast and far-reaching scale. The Rites say, "At ten years a boy goes out to his outer tutor and lodges outside, to learn writing and reckoning. Thus the accomplished men of antiquity—did they lack a loving heart? They reduced this private love in order to help him become established. If ordinary men still did so, how much more the ruler's heir? He should naturally study the classics in spring and music in summer, draw near his teachers, learn the myriad affairs of human society, and accord with the great Way of ruler and minister, so that all crane their feet and stretch their necks to hear good counsel. Like the offering year having its spring, or the dark Heaven having its sun and moon—expand this excellent virtue and he will become a true heir. Your Majesty's Way nurtures the three talents and your achievements embrace the nine realms. When you personally established the crown prince, all rejoiced. Having said you would depose the unworthy and establish the worthy, it must be what all under Heaven look up to—yet the Way of teaching and completion is truly deeply deficient. He does not leave your knees and constantly dwells within the palace. The guardian and tutor's explanations do not flow freely, and discussions of the classics are treated as nothing. Moreover, friends cannot be deeply befriended—deep friendship surely breeds resentment; and father and son cannot have stagnant love—stagnant love may produce fault. I beg Your Majesty to view far the examples of Yin and Zhou and near follow those of Han and Wei. One cannot change suddenly; the matter must proceed step by step. Try calculating in ten-day periods: half the time send him back to the palace, and let him exclusively study the arts to enrich himself and spread a fragrant reputation through all under Heaven. Then this humble subject, though dead, would still count as living.
14
太宗從之。
Taizong followed this advice.
15
遂良前後諫奏及陳便宜書數十上,多見採納,其年,加銀青光祿大夫。 二十一年,以本官檢校大理卿,尋丁父憂解。 明年,起復舊職,俄拜中書令。
Suiliang submitted dozens of remonstrances and memorials presenting practical proposals, most of which were adopted. That year he was given the title Silver-Green Glory Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. In 647 he served as acting Grand Judge of the Court of Judicial Review in his original office. Shortly afterward he left office upon his father's death. The next year he was recalled to his former office, and soon afterward was appointed Central Secretariat Director.
16
二十三年,太宗寢疾,召遂良及長孫無忌入臥內,謂之曰:「卿等忠烈,簡在朕心。 昔漢武寄霍光,劉備托葛亮,朕之後事,一以委卿。 太子仁孝,卿之所悉,必須盡誠輔佐,永保宗社。」 又顧謂太子曰:「無忌、遂良在,國家之事,汝無憂矣。」 仍命遂良草詔。 高宗即位,賜爵河南縣公。 永徽元年,進封郡公。 尋坐事出為同州刺史。 三年,征拜吏部尚書、同中書門下三品,監修國史,加光祿大夫。 其月,又兼太子賓客。 四年,代張行成為尚書右僕射,依舊知政事。
In 649 Taizong lay ill in bed. He summoned Suiliang and Zhangsun Wuji into his sleeping quarters and told them, "You gentlemen are loyal and ardent, and you are chosen in my heart. Formerly Emperor Wu of Han entrusted Huo Guang, and Liu Bei entrusted Zhuge Liang. My affairs hereafter I entirely entrust to you gentlemen. The crown prince is benevolent and filial, as you gentlemen well know. You must assist him with full sincerity and eternally preserve the altars of state. He again turned and told the crown prince, "With Wuji and Suiliang present, you need not worry about the state's affairs." He also ordered Suiliang to draft the edict. When Emperor Gaozong assumed the throne, Suiliang was granted the title Marquis of Henan County. In 650 he was advanced to Duke of a Commandery. Shortly afterward, because of an affair, he was sent out to serve as Prefect of Tongzhou. In 652 he was summoned and appointed Minister of Personnel and Fellow Central Secretariat Gate Below Third Rank, supervised compilation of the national history, and was given the title Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. That same month he was also made concurrent Guest of the Crown Prince. In 653 he replaced Zhang Xingcheng as Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and continued to participate in governance as before.
17
六年,高宗將廢皇后王氏,立昭儀武氏為皇后,召太尉長孫無忌、司空李勣、尚書左僕射於志寧及遂良以籌其事。 將入,遂良謂無忌等曰:「上意欲廢中宮,必議其事,遂良今欲陳諫,眾意如何?」 無忌曰:「明公必須極言,無忌請繼焉。」 及入,高宗難於發言,再三顧謂無忌曰:「莫大之罪,絕嗣為甚。 皇后無胤息,昭儀有子,今欲立為皇后,公等以為何如?」 遂良曰:「皇后出自名家,先朝所娶,伏事先帝,無愆婦德。 先帝不豫,執陛下手以語臣曰:『我好兒好婦,今將付卿。』 陛下親承德音,言猶在耳。 皇后自此未聞有愆,恐不可廢。 臣今不敢曲從,上違先帝之命,特願再三思審。 愚臣上忤聖顏,罪合萬死,但願不負先朝厚恩,何顧性命?」 遂良致笏於殿陛,曰:「還陛下此笏。」 仍解巾叩頭流血。 帝大怒,令引出。 長孫無忌曰:「遂良受先朝顧命,有罪不加刑。」 翌日,帝謂李勣曰:「冊立武昭儀之事,遂良固執不從。 遂良既是受顧命大臣,事若不可,當且止也。」 勣對曰:「此乃陛下家事,不合問外人。」 帝乃立昭儀為皇后,左遷遂良潭州都督。 顯慶二年,轉桂州都督。 未幾,又貶為愛州刺史。 明年,卒官,年六十三。
In 655 Emperor Gaozong was about to depose Empress Wang and establish the Brilliant Consort Lady Wu as empress. He summoned Grand Mentor Zhangsun Wuji, Minister of Works Li Ji, Left Vice Director Yu Zhining, and Suiliang to plan the affair. Before entering, Suiliang told Wuji and the others, "The sovereign intends to depose the Central Palace and will surely discuss the affair. I now wish to present remonstrance. What is everyone's intent? Wuji said, "You must speak to the utmost, and I beg to follow after you." When they entered, Gaozong found it difficult to speak. Repeatedly turning, he told Wuji, "Of crimes none is greater—cutting off the succession is most severe. The empress has no offspring, but the Brilliant Consort has a son. I now wish to establish her as empress. What do you gentlemen think?" Suiliang said, "The empress comes from a famous house and was married by the former court. I served the former emperor, and there is no fault in her wifely virtue. When the former emperor was unwell, he grasped Your Majesty's hand and spoke to me, saying, 'I have a good son and a good daughter-in-law. I now entrust them to you.' Your Majesty personally received his virtuous pronouncement, and the words are still in your ears. Since then the empress has not been heard to have any fault. I fear she cannot be deposed. I now dare not bend to follow and violate the former emperor's command above. I specially beg you to think and examine this three times over. This foolish subject offends your sage countenance and deserves ten thousand deaths, yet I only wish not to fail the former court's deep favor. What care I for my life?" Suiliang placed his tablet on the hall steps and said, "I return this tablet to Your Majesty." He then removed his headcloth and knocked his head on the ground until blood flowed. The emperor was greatly angered and ordered him led out. Zhangsun Wuji said, "Suiliang received the former court's dying entrustment. Though guilty, do not punish him. The next day the emperor told Li Ji, "Regarding the affair of establishing the Brilliant Consort Wu as empress, Suiliang stubbornly would not follow. Suiliang is a minister who received the dying entrustment. If the affair cannot be done, he ought for the present to stop." Li Ji replied, "This is Your Majesty's household affair. It is not fitting to ask outsiders." The emperor thereupon established the Brilliant Consort as empress and demoted Suiliang to Area Commander of Tanzhou. In 657 he was transferred to Area Commander of Guizhou. Before long he was again demoted to Prefect of Aizhou. The next year he died in office at the age of sixty-three.
18
遂良卒後二歲餘,許敬宗、李義府奏言長孫無忌所構逆謀,並遂良搧動,乃追削官爵,子孫配流愛州。 弘道元年二月,高宗遺詔放還本郡。 神龍元年,則天遺制復遂良及韓瑗爵位。
More than two years after Suiliang's death, Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu memorialized that Zhangsun Wuji had constructed treasonous plots and that Suiliang had fanned them. Thereupon his offices and titles were posthumously stripped, and his descendants were sentenced to exile in Aizhou. In the second month of 683, Gaozong's testamentary edict released them to return to their native commandery. In 705, Empress Zetian's testamentary institution restored Suiliang's and Han Yuan's titles and ranks.
19
韓瑗,雍州三原人也。 祖紹,隋太僕少卿。 父仲良,武德初為大理少卿,受詔與郎楚之等掌定律令。 仲良言於高祖曰:「周代之律,其屬三千,秦法已來,約為五百。 若遠依周制,繁紊更多。 且官吏至公,自當奉法,苟若徇己,豈顧刑名? 請崇寬簡,以允惟新之望。」 高祖然之。 於是采定《開皇律》行之,時以為便。 貞觀中,位至刑部尚書、秦州都督府長史、潁川縣公。 瑗少有節操,博學有吏才。 貞觀中,累至兵部侍郎,襲父潁川公。 永徽三年,拜黃門侍郎。 四年,與中書侍郎來濟皆同中書門下三品,監修國史。 五年,加銀青光祿大夫。 六年,遷侍中,其年兼太子賓客。 時高宗欲廢王皇后,瑗涕泣諫曰:「皇后是陛下在籓府時先帝所娶,今無愆過,欲行廢黜,四海之士,誰不惕然? 且國家屢有廢立,非長久之術。 願陛下為社稷大計,無以臣愚,不垂采察。」 帝不納。 明日,瑗又諫,悲泣不能自勝。 帝大怒,促令引出。 尋而尚書左僕射褚遂良以忤旨左授潭州都督,瑗復上疏理之曰:
Han Yuan was a native of Sanyuan in Yongzhou. His grandfather Shao served as Sui Vice Director of the Imperial Stud. His father Zhongliang, at the beginning of the Wude era, served as Vice Judge of the Court of Judicial Review and received an edict with Lang Chuzhi and others to oversee the fixing of laws and ordinances. Zhongliang spoke to Emperor Gaozu, "The laws of the Zhou dynasty numbered three thousand articles in their categories. Since the Qin law, they have been reduced to about five hundred. If we far follow the Zhou institutions, complexity and confusion would be even greater. Moreover, if officials are utterly fair, they will naturally uphold the law. If they indulge themselves, how would they care for punishment and law? I beg that we honor breadth and simplicity, to fulfill the hope of renewal. Emperor Gaozu approved this. Thereupon they adopted and fixed the Kaihuang Code to implement it, and at the time it was considered convenient. During the Zhenguan era he reached the posts of Minister of Justice, Chief Administrator of the Qinzhou Area Command, and Duke of Yingchuan County. Yuan from youth had integrity and principle, was broadly learned, and had administrative talent. During the Zhenguan era he rose through accumulation to Vice Minister of War and inherited his father's title Duke of Yingchuan. In 652 he was appointed Yellow Gate Attendant. In 653 he and Central Secretariat Attendant Lai Ji were both Fellows Central Secretariat Gate Below Third Rank and supervised compilation of the national history. In 654 he was given the title Silver-Green Glory Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. In 655 he was transferred to Palace Attendant, and that year he was also made concurrent Guest of the Crown Prince. At that time Emperor Gaozong wished to depose Empress Wang. Yuan wept as he remonstrated, "The empress is one whom the former emperor married for Your Majesty when you were at the princely establishment. She now has no fault or excess, yet you wish to depose her. Who within the four seas would not be fearful and alert? Moreover, when a state repeatedly deposes and establishes empresses, that is not a long-lasting method. I beg Your Majesty, for the great plan of the altars of state, not to fail to extend examination and consideration because I am foolish. The emperor did not accept it. The next day Yuan again remonstrated, weeping in grief unable to overcome himself. The emperor was greatly angered and urgently ordered him led out. Shortly afterward Left Vice Director Chu Suiliang, because he had opposed the imperial intent, was demoted to Area Commander of Tanzhou. Yuan again submitted a memorial to argue on his behalf:
20
古之聖王,立諫鼓,設謗木,冀欲聞逆耳之言,甘苦口之議,發揚大化,裨益洪猷,垂令譽於將來,播休聲於不朽者也。 伏見詔書以褚遂良為潭州都督,臣夙夜思之,用增感激。 臣識慚知遠,業謝通經,載撫愚情,誠為未可。 遂良運偶昇平,道昭前烈,束髮從宦,方淹累稔。 趨侍陛下,俄歷歲年,不聞涓滴之愆,常睹勤勞之效。 竭忠誠於早歲,罄直道於茲年。 體國忘家,捐身徇物,風霜其操,鐵石其心。 誠可重於皇明,詎專方於曩昔? 且先帝納之於帷幄,寄之以心膂,德逾水石,義冠舟車,公家之利,言無不可。 及纏悲四海,遏密八音,竭忠國家,親承顧托,一德無二,千古懍然。 此不待臣言,陛下備知之矣。 臣嘗有此心,未敢聞奏。 且萬姓失業,旰食忘勞; 一物不安,納隍軫慮,在於微細,寧得過差。 況社稷之舊臣,陛下之賢佐,無聞罪狀,斥去朝廷,內外氓黎,咸嗟舉措。 觀其近日言事,披誠懇切,詎肯後陛下之德,異於堯、舜; 懼陛下之過,塵於史冊。 而乃深遭厚謗,重負丑言,可以痛志士之心,損陛下之明也。 臣聞晉武弘裕,不貽劉毅之誅; 漢祖深仁,無恚周昌之直。 而遂良被遷,已經寒暑,違忤陛下,其罰塞焉。 伏願纟面鑑無辜,稍寬非罪,俯矜微款,以順人情。
The sage kings of antiquity established remonstrance drums and set up slander posts, hoping to hear ear-offending words and welcome bitter counsel, to extend great transformation and benefit vast plans, to hang fine reputation on the future and spread excellent fame for eternity. I see the edict making Chu Suiliang Area Commander of Tanzhou. Day and night I have pondered it, and my emotion and gratitude have only increased. My knowledge is ashamed before knowing the far, and my craft declines before mastering the classics. Bearing my foolish feelings, I truly cannot remain silent. Suiliang's fate met an age of ascending peace, and his Way illuminated former worthies. From binding his hair he followed office, submerged in service for many accumulated years. Hastening to attend Your Majesty, he has shortly passed many years. Not a drop's fault has been heard of him, and the effects of his diligent toil are constantly seen. He exhausted his loyalty in early years and spent the straight Way in this year. He embodied the state and forgot his family, casting away his body to follow public affairs. Wind and frost were his conduct, and iron and stone his heart. Truly he can be valued in your imperial brilliance—how could he be valued only in former times? Moreover the former emperor admitted him into the tent curtains and entrusted him with heart and backbone. His virtue exceeded water and stone, and his righteousness crowned boats and chariots. For the public family's benefit, in speech nothing was not permissible. When grief enveloped the four seas and the eight tones were stilled, he exhausted his loyalty for the state and personally received the dying entrustment. One virtue without duality—for a thousand ages awe-inspiring. This does not await my words—Your Majesty is fully aware of it. I once had this thought in my heart but dared not memorialize it. Moreover the myriad people have lost their occupations, and you eat late and forget fatigue; if one thing is not at peace, you receive it into the moat and turn your care. In what is minute and fine, how can there be excess error? How much more a former minister of the altars of state and Your Majesty's worthy assistant—no crime heard of, yet expelled from court. Inner and outer common folk all sigh at this action. Observing his recent words on affairs, spreading sincerity earnest and cutting—how would he lag behind Your Majesty's virtue or differ from Yao and Shun; he fears only that Your Majesty's excess will stain the historical records. Yet he deeply suffers thick slander and heavily bears ugly words. This can pain the heart of a determined scholar and diminish Your Majesty's brilliance. I have heard that Emperor Wu of Jin was vast and generous and did not bequeath punishment to Liu Yi; the Han Founder was deeply benevolent and bore no resentment toward Zhou Chang's straightness. Yet Suiliang has been transferred and has already passed through cold and heat. Having offended Your Majesty, his punishment is sufficient. I beg you to look down with compassion on the innocent, slightly loosen what is not truly a crime, bow to cherish his slight sincerity, and accord with human feeling.
21
疏奏,帝謂瑗曰:「遂良之情,朕亦知之矣。 然其悖戾犯上,以此責之,朕豈有過,卿言何若是之深也!」 瑗對曰:「遂良可謂社稷忠臣,臣恐以諛佞之輩,蒼蠅點白,損陷忠貞。 昔微子去之而殷國以亡,張華不死而綱紀不亂,國之慾謝,善人其衰。 今陛下富有四海,八紘清泰,忽驅逐舊臣,而不垂省察乎! 伏願違彼覆車,以收往過,垂勸誡於事君,則群生幸甚。」 帝竟不納。 瑗以言不見用,憂憤上表,請歸田裡,詔不許。 顯慶二年,許敬宗、李義府希皇后之旨,誣奏瑗與褚遂良潛謀不軌,以桂州用武之地,故授遂良桂州刺史,實以為外援。 於是更貶遂良為愛州刺史,左授瑗振州刺史。 四年,卒官,年五十四。 明年,長孫無忌死,敬宗等又奏瑗與無忌通謀,遣使殺之。 及使至,瑗已死,更發棺驗屍而還,籍沒其家,孫配徙嶺表。 神龍元年,則天遺制令復其官爵。
When the memorial was submitted, the emperor told Yuan, "I also know Suiliang's feelings. Yet he was perverse and violent in offending his superiors. For this he is blamed. How could I be at fault? Why are your words so extreme! Yuan replied, "Suiliang can be called a loyal minister of the altars of state. I fear that flatterers and sycophants, like flies spotting white cloth, will harm and trap the loyal and upright. Formerly when Weizi left, the Yin state perished; when Zhang Hua did not die, institutions and law were not disordered. When a state is about to decline, good men decay with it. Now Your Majesty possesses the four seas and the eight cords are clear and peaceful. Will you suddenly drive out old ministers and not extend examination and consideration! I beg you to avoid that overturned cart, recover from former excess, and hang admonition on serving the ruler. Then the myriad living would be greatly fortunate." The emperor in the end did not accept it. Because his words were not employed, Yuan in worry and anger submitted a memorial requesting to return to his fields and village, but the edict did not permit it. In 657 Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu, hoping to please the empress, falsely memorialized that Yuan and Chu Suiliang had secretly plotted treason. Because Guizhou was a place of military importance, Suiliang had been made Prefect of Guizhou in reality to serve as external support. Thereupon Suiliang was again demoted to Prefect of Aizhou, and Yuan was demoted to Prefect of Zhenzhou. In 659 he died in office at the age of fifty-four. The next year Zhangsun Wuji died. Jingzong and others again memorialized that Yuan had communicated plots with Wuji and sent envoys to kill him. When the envoy arrived, Yuan was already dead. They opened the coffin and examined the corpse and returned, registered and confiscated his household, and his grandsons were sentenced to exile beyond the Ling range. In 705 Empress Zetian's testamentary institution ordered restoration of his offices and titles.
22
來濟,揚州江都人,隋左翊衛大將軍榮國公護子也。 宇文化及之難,闔門遇害。 濟幼逢家難,流離艱險,而篤志好學,有文詞,善談論,尤曉時務。 舉進士,貞觀中累轉通事舍人。 太子承乾之敗,太宗謂侍臣曰:「欲何以處承乾?」 群臣莫敢對,濟進曰:「陛下上不失作慈父,下得盡天年,即為善矣。」 帝納其言。 俄除考功員外郎。 十八年,初置太子司議郎,妙選人望,遂以濟為之,仍兼崇賢館直學士。 尋遷中書舍人,與令狐德棻等撰《晉書》。 永徽二年,拜中書侍郎,兼弘文館學士,監修國史。 四年,同中書門下三品。 五年,加銀青光祿大夫,以修國史功封南陽縣男,賜物七百段。 六年,遷中書令、檢校吏部尚書。 時高宗欲立昭儀武氏為宸妃,濟密表諫曰:「宸妃古無此號,事將不可。」 武皇后既立,濟等懼不自安; 後乃抗表稱濟忠公,請加賞慰,而心實惡之。 顯慶元年,兼太子賓客,進爵為侯,中書令如故。 二年,又兼太子詹事。 尋而許敬宗等奏濟與褚遂良朋黨構扇,左授台州刺史。 五年,徙庭州刺史。 龍朔二年,突厥入寇,濟總兵拒之,謂其眾曰:「吾嘗掛刑網,蒙赦性命,當以身塞責,特報國恩。」 遂不釋甲冑赴賊,沒於陣。 時年五十三,贈楚州刺史,給靈輿遞還鄉。 有文集三十捲,行於代。
Lai Ji was a native of Jiangdu in Yangzhou, son of Sui Left Assistant Guard Grand General Hu, Duke of Rong State. In Yuwen Huaji's calamity, the whole household met with disaster. Ji in youth encountered family calamity and drifted in exile through hardship and peril, yet with firm resolve he loved learning. He had literary compositions, was skilled in discussion, and especially understood current affairs. He passed the jinshi examination, and during the Zhenguan era he rose through accumulation to Master of Communications. When Crown Prince Chengqian was defeated, Taizong told his ministers, "How do you wish to deal with Chengqian? The ministers dared not reply. Ji stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty above will not fail to act as a loving father, and below he can complete his natural years. That is good enough." The emperor accepted his words. Shortly afterward he was made Outside Section Member of the Ministry of Personnel. In 644 they first established the post of Crown Prince Admonishing Censor and finely selected men of reputation. Ji was appointed to this post and was also made Direct Academician of the Chongxian Hall. Shortly afterward he was transferred to Central Secretariat Drafter and, with Linghu Defen and others, compiled the Book of Jin. In 651 he was appointed Central Secretariat Attendant, concurrently Academician of the Hongwen Hall, and supervised compilation of the national history. In 653 he was made Fellow Central Secretariat Gate Below Third Rank. In 654 he was given the title Silver-Green Glory Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. For compiling the national history he was enfeoffed as Baron of Nanyang County and granted seven hundred bolts of goods. In 655 he was transferred to Central Secretariat Director and Acting Minister of Personnel. At that time Emperor Gaozong wished to establish the Brilliant Consort Lady Wu as Brilliant Consort. Ji in a secret memorial remonstrated, "Brilliant Consort—in antiquity there was no such title. The affair cannot be done. After Empress Wu was established, Ji and others feared they could not be at peace; later she submitted a defiant memorial calling Ji loyal and fair and requesting added reward and consolation, yet in her heart she truly hated him. In 656 he was made concurrent Guest of the Crown Prince, advanced in rank to Marquis, and remained Central Secretariat Director as before. In 657 he was also made concurrent Supervisor of the Crown Prince's Household. Shortly afterward Xu Jingzong and others memorialized that Ji and Chu Suiliang had formed factions and fanned plots. He was demoted to Prefect of Taizhou. In 660 he was moved to Prefect of Tingzhou. In 662 the Turks invaded. Ji commanded troops to resist them and told his men, "I once hung in the criminal net and received pardon of my life. I should use my body to fulfill my duty and specially repay the state's favor. Thereupon, without removing his armor, he went toward the enemy and perished in battle. He was fifty-three years old. He was posthumously given Prefect of Chuzhou, and a spirit carriage was provided to escort him back to his native place. He had a collected works of thirty scrolls, which circulated in his generation.
23
濟兄亙,有學行,與濟齊名。 上元中,官至黃門侍郎、同中書門下三品。
Ji's elder brother Gen had learning and conduct and was equal in fame with Ji. During the Shangyuan era he reached the posts of Yellow Gate Attendant and Fellow Central Secretariat Gate Below Third Rank.
24
上官儀,本陝州陝人也。 父弘,隋江都宮副監,因家於江都。 大業末,弘為將軍陳稜所殺,儀時幼,藏匿獲免。 因私度為沙門,游情釋典,尤精《三論》,兼涉獵經史,善屬文。 貞觀初,楊仁恭為都督,深禮待之。 舉進士。 太宗聞其名,召授弘文館直學士。 累遷秘書郎。 時太宗雅好屬文,每遣儀視草,又多令繼和,凡有宴集,儀嘗預焉。 俄又預撰《晉書》成,轉起居郎,加級賜帛。 高宗嗣位,遷秘書少監。 龍朔二年,加銀青光祿大夫、西台侍郎、同東西台三品,兼弘文館學士如故。 本以詞彩自達,工於五言詩,好以綺錯婉媚為本。 儀既貴顯,故當時多有效其體者,時人謂為上官體。 儀頗恃才任勢,故為當代所嫉。 麟德元年,宦者王伏勝與梁王忠抵罪,許敬宗乃構儀與忠通謀,遂下獄而死,家口籍沒。 子庭芝,歷位周王府屬。 與儀俱被殺。 庭芝有女,中宗時為昭容,每侍帝草制誥,以故追贈儀為中書令、秦州都督、楚國公; 庭芝黃門侍郎、岐州刺史、天水郡公,仍令以禮改葬。
Shang Guanyi was originally a native of Shan in Shaanzhou. His father Hong was Sui Deputy Supervisor of the Jiangdu Palace and thereby made his home in Jiangdu. At the end of the Daye era, Hong was killed by the general Chen Leng. Yi was then young, hid himself, and escaped. Thereupon he privately became a monk and roamed through Buddhist scriptures, especially mastering the Three Treatises. He also ranged through the classics and histories and was skilled at composing literature. At the beginning of the Zhenguan era, Yang Rengong was area commander and deeply honored and treated him. He passed the jinshi examination. Taizong heard his name and summoned him to grant him the post of Direct Academician of the Hongwen Hall. He rose through accumulation to Secretary. At that time Taizong elegantly loved composing literature. Each time he sent Yi to review drafts and often ordered him to continue and harmonize. Whenever there were banquets and gatherings, Yi was often present. Shortly afterward he also participated in compiling the Book of Jin to completion, was transferred to Attendant of the Bedchamber, and was given added rank and granted silk. When Emperor Gaozong succeeded to the throne, he was transferred to Vice Director of the Secretariat. In 662 he was given the title Silver-Green Glory Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Western Terrace Attendant, and Fellow Eastern and Western Terrace Third Rank, and remained Academician of the Hongwen Hall as before. Originally he reached prominence through literary brilliance, was accomplished in five-character poetry, and loved to take brocade-like intricacy and graceful charm as his foundation. Once Yi was noble and prominent, many at the time imitated his style, and people of the time called it the Shangguan style. Yi rather relied on talent and wielded power, and therefore was envied by his generation. In 664 the eunuch Wang Fusheng and the Prince of Liang Zhong were convicted of crime. Xu Jingzong then fabricated that Yi had communicated plots with Zhong. He was put in prison and died, and his household was registered and confiscated. His son Tingzhi held posts as an affiliate of the Prince of Zhou's establishment. He and Yi were both killed together. Tingzhi had a daughter who in the Zhongzong era was Brilliant Lady and each time attended the emperor in drafting edicts and proclamations. Therefore Yi was posthumously given Central Secretariat Director, Area Commander of Qinzhou, and Duke of Chu; Tingzhi was given Yellow Gate Attendant, Prefect of Qizhou, and Duke of Tianshui Commandery, and they were still ordered to rebury with ritual propriety.
25
史臣曰:褚河南上書言事,亹癖有經世遠略。 魏徵、王珪之後,骨鯁風彩,落落負王佐器者,殆難其人。 名臣事業,河南有焉。 昔齊人饋樂而仲尼去,戎王溺妓而由余奔,婦人之言,聖哲懼罹其禍,況二佞據衡軸之地,為正人之魑魅乎! 古之志士仁人,一言相期,死不之悔,況於君臣之間,受託孤之寄,而以利害禍福,忘平生之言哉! 而韓、來諸公,可謂守死善道,求福不回者焉。
The historiographer says: Chu of Henan, in his memorials on affairs, was diligent and possessed far-reaching plans to order the age. After Wei Zheng and Wang Gui, in moral backbone and commanding presence, openly bearing the capacity of a king's assistant—hardly could one find his equal. Among the achievements of famous ministers, Henan had them. Formerly when the Qi people presented music, Confucius left; when the Rong king drowned in entertainers, Youyu fled. A woman's words—sages and wise men feared encountering their calamity. How much more when two flatterers occupied the pivot's place, becoming goblins and demons to upright men! The determined scholars and benevolent men of antiquity—one word mutually pledged, death not regretted. How much more between ruler and minister, receiving the charge of a dying entrustment, yet because of benefit and harm, fortune and calamity, forgetting words of a lifetime! Yet Han, Lai, and the various lords can be called those who kept death and upheld the good Way, seeking fortune without turning back.
26
贊曰:褚公之言,和樂愔愔,鐘石在虡,動成雅音。 二猘雙吠,三賢一心。 人皆觀望,我不浮沉。
The encomium says: Lord Chu's words were harmonious and joyful, gentle and quiet—bells and stones on the rack, and when moved they became elegant sound. Two mad dogs barked together, three worthies were of one heart. All men watched and waited—I did not float and sink.