1
竇參，字時中，工部尚書誕之玄孫。 父審言，聞喜尉，以參貴贈吏部尚書。 參習法令，通政術，性矜嚴，強直而果斷。 少以門廕，累官至萬年尉。 時同僚有直官曹者，將夕，聞親疾，請參代之。 會獄囚亡走，京兆尹按直簿，將奏，參遽請曰：「彼以不及狀謁，參實代之，宜當罪。」 坐貶江夏尉，人多義之。
Dou Can (styled Shizhong) was the great-great-grandson of Dan, Minister of Works. His father Shenyan had been magistrate of Wenxi; when Can rose to prominence, Shenyan was posthumously appointed Minister of Personnel. Can mastered the law codes and statecraft; he was stern and proud, forceful, upright, and decisive. Through hereditary privilege in youth, he rose step by step to Warden of Wannian. A colleague on duty in the office, hearing near evening that a parent was ill, asked Can to stand in for him. A prisoner escaped from jail. The Metropolitan Governor checked the duty register and was about to submit a report. Can at once pleaded, saying, "He failed to report in the proper form; I actually substituted for him. The blame ought to fall on me." He was demoted to Warden of Jiangxia for the offense; many regarded his conduct as righteous.
2
累遷奉先尉。 縣人曹芬，名隸北軍，芬素兇暴，因醉毆其女弟，其父救之不得，遂投井死。 參捕理芬兄弟當死，眾官皆請俟免喪，參曰：「子因父生，父由子死，若以喪延罪，是殺父不坐也。」 皆正其罪而杖殺之，一縣畏伏。 轉大理司直。 按獄江淮，次揚州，節度使陳少遊驕蹇，不郊迎，令軍吏傳問，參正辭讓之，少遊悔懼，促詣參，參不俟濟江。 還奏合旨。 時婺州刺史鄧珽坐贓八千貫，珽與執政有舊，以會赦，欲免贓。 詔百僚於尚書省雜議，多希執政意，參獨堅執正之於法，竟征贓。 明年，除監察御史，奉使按湖南判官馬彜獄。 時彜舉屬令贓罪至千貫，為得罪者之子因權幸誣奏彜，參竟白彜無罪。 彜實能吏，後累佐曹王臯，以正直強幹聞。
He was promoted in succession to Warden of Fengxian. A county man named Cao Fen was enrolled in the Northern Army. Fen was habitually fierce and violent. Drunk, he beat his younger sister; their father tried to rescue her but failed and threw himself into a well and died. Can arrested and tried the Fen brothers for a capital offense. The other officials all asked that punishment wait until mourning was finished. Can said, "A son exists because of the father; a father dies because of the son. If mourning delays punishment, then killing a father goes unpunished." He fixed their guilt according to law and had them beaten to death; the whole county feared and submitted. He was transferred to Directing Censor of the Court of Judicial Review. While examining cases in the Jiang-Huai region he stopped at Yangzhou. Military Governor Chen Shaoyou was arrogant and overbearing and did not go out to the suburbs to welcome him, but had army clerks relay inquiries. Can spoke forthrightly and reproved him. Shaoyou repented and feared, and urged Can to come; Can did not wait to cross the river. On his return his memorial accorded with the emperor's intent. At the time Wu Prefecture Governor Deng Ting was convicted of embezzling eight thousand strings of cash. Ting had old ties with those in power, and because an amnesty coincided with the case, they wished to remit the embezzled goods. An edict ordered the hundred officials to deliberate jointly in the Ministry of Personnel. Most hoped to please those in power; Can alone firmly insisted on applying the law, and in the end the embezzled goods were levied. The next year he was made Supervising Censor and sent on mission to investigate the case of Hunan judge Ma Yi. At the time Yi had reported a subordinate magistrate for embezzling as much as a thousand strings of cash. The son of the convicted man, through a favorite of power, falsely memorialized against Yi. Can in the end cleared Yi of guilt. Yi was in truth a capable official; later he served repeatedly under Prince Cao Li Gao and was known for uprightness and forceful competence.
3
參轉殿中侍御史，改金部員外郎、刑部郎中、侍御史、知雜事。 無幾，遷御史中丞，不避權貴，理獄以嚴稱。 數蒙召見，論天下事，又與執政多異同，上深器之，或參決大政。 時宰頗忌之，多所排抑，亦無以傷參。 然多率情壞法。 初定百官俸料，以嘗為司直，黨其官，故給俸多於本寺丞； 又定百官班秩，初令太常少卿在左右庶子之上； 又惡詹事李昇，遂移詹事班退居諸府尹之下，甚為有識所嗤。 尋兼戶部侍郎。 時京師人家豕生兩首四足，有司欲奏； 參曰：「此為豕禍，安可上聞！」 命棄之。 是時，郊牛生犢有六足者，太仆卿周皓白宰相請奏，李泌亦戲答以遣之。
Can was transferred to Attending Censor within the Palace, then changed to Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue, Director in the Ministry of Justice, Attending Censor, and Supervisor of Miscellaneous Affairs. Before long he was promoted to Censor-in-Chief. He did not avoid the powerful and noble and was known for strict handling of cases. He was repeatedly summoned and received in audience to discuss affairs of the realm. He also differed often from those in power, and the emperor greatly valued him and sometimes had him participate in deciding great affairs of state. The chief ministers were quite jealous of him and repeatedly blocked and suppressed him, yet could not harm Can. Yet he often followed personal inclination and damaged the law. When the salaries of the hundred officials were first fixed, because he had once been a Directing Censor he favored that office, so its salary was set higher than that of the regular directors of the court; when the ranks and order of the hundred officials were fixed, he first placed the Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices above the Left and Right Mentors of the Heir Apparent; and because he hated Mentor of the Heir Apparent Li Sheng, he moved the Mentor's rank down below all the prefects of the capital districts, which knowledgeable men greatly ridiculed. Soon he was additionally made Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue. At the time in the capital a household's pig bore two heads and four feet; the relevant offices wished to memorialize it; Can said, "This is a pig calamity—how can it be reported above!" He ordered it discarded. At that time a sacrificial ox bore a calf with six feet. Minister of Imperial Stud Zhou Hao told the chief ministers and asked to memorialize it; Li Bi also answered in jest and sent them away.
4
故淮南節度使陳少遊子正儀請襲封，參大署尚書省門曰：「陳少遊位兼將相之崇，節變艱危之際，君上含垢，未能發明，愚子何心，輒求傳襲。」 正儀懼，不敢求封而去。 時神策將軍孟華有戰功，為大將軍所誣奏，稱華謀反； 有右龍武將軍李建玉，前陷吐蕃，久之自拔，為部曲誣告潛通吐蕃，皆當死，無以自白，參悉理出之，由是人皆屬望。 明年，拜中書侍郎、同平章事，領度支、鹽鐵轉運使。 每宰相間日於延英召對，諸相皆出，參必居後久之，以度支為辭，實專大政。 參無學術，但多引用親黨，使居要職，以為耳目，四方籓帥，皆畏懼之。 李納既憚參，饋遺畢至，外示敬參，實陰間之。 上所親信，多非毀參。 竇申又與吳通玄通犯事覺，參任情好惡，恃權貪利，不知紀極，終以此敗。 貶參郴州別駕，貞元八年四月也。
Former Huainan Military Governor Chen Shaoyou's son Zhengyi requested inherited enfeoffment. Can wrote in large characters on the gate of the Ministry of Personnel: "Chen Shaoyou's rank combined the eminence of general and minister. At a juncture when the realm changed amid peril, the sovereign bore disgrace and could not yet make the matter clear. What heart has this foolish son to rashly seek transmission and inheritance?" Zhengyi feared this and did not dare seek enfeoffment, but left. At the time Shence General Meng Hua had merit in battle but was falsely memorialized by a great general, who said Hua plotted rebellion; there was also Right Dragon Guard General Li Jian-yu, who had earlier been trapped by the Tibetans and after a long time extricated himself, but was falsely accused by his troops of secretly communicating with the Tibetans. All were liable to death and had no way to clear themselves. Can fully tried the cases and cleared them all; from this everyone looked to him with hope. The next year he was appointed Vice Director of the Secretariat and Co-equal Commissioner of the Chancellery, and concurrently head of the Bureau of Revenue and Salt and Iron Transport Commissioner. Whenever the chief ministers were summoned on alternate days for audience in Yanying Hall, all the chancellors would leave; Can always remained behind for a long time. He used the Bureau of Revenue as his excuse, but in fact monopolized great affairs of state. Can had no learning, but repeatedly appointed kin and partisans to important posts as his eyes and ears; military governors in all directions feared him. Li Na already feared Can, and gifts arrived in full; outwardly he showed respect for Can, but in secret he undermined him. Those the emperor personally trusted mostly slandered Can. Dou Shen also communicated with Wu Tongxuan, and when the affair was discovered, Can followed personal likes and dislikes, relied on power and coveted profit, and knew no limit—he was ruined in the end because of this. Can was demoted to Vice-Prefect of Chen Prefecture—in the fourth month of Zhenyuan 8.
5
參至郴州，汴州節度使劉士寧遺參絹五千匹。 湖南觀察使李巽與參有隙，遂具以聞； 又中使逢士寧使於路，亦奏其事。 德宗大怒，欲殺參。 宰相陛贄曰：「竇參與臣無分，因事報怨，人之常情。 然臣參宰衡，合存公體，以參罪犯，置之於死，恐用刑太過。」 於是且止。 尋又遣中使謂贄等曰：「卿等所奏，於大體雖好，然此人交結中外，其意難測，朕尋情狀，其事灼然。 又竇參在彼，與諸戎帥交通，社稷事重，卿等速進文書處分。」 贄奏曰：「臣面承德音，幸奉密旨，皆以社稷為言，又知根尋已審，敢不上同憂憤，內絕狐疑，豈願遲回，更貽念慮？ 但以參常經重任，斯謂大臣，進退之間，猶宜有禮，誅戮之際，不可無名。 劉晏久掌貨財，當時亦招怨讟，及加罪責，事不分明，叛者既得以為辭，眾人亦為之懷湣。 用刑曖昧，損累不輕，事例未遙，所宜重慎。 竇參頃司鈞軸，頗怙恩私，貪受貨財，引縱親黨，此則朝廷同議，天下共傳。 至於潛懷異圖，將起大惡，跡既未露，人皆莫知。 臣等新奉天顏，議加刑辟，但聞兇險之意，尚昧結構之由。 況在眾流，何由備悉，忽行峻罰，必謂冤誣，群情震驚，事亦非細。 若不付外推鞫，則恐難定罪名，乞留睿聰，更少詳度。 竇參於臣，素亦無分，陛下固已明知，有何顧懷，輒欲營救？ 良以事關國體，義絕私嫌，所冀典刑不濫於清時，君道免虧於聖德。」 乃再貶為驩州司馬。 男景伯，配泉州； 女尼真如，隸郴州； 其財物婢妾，傳送京師。 參時為左右中官深怒，謗沮不已，未至驩州，賜死於邕州武經鎮，時年六十。
When Can reached Chen Prefecture, Bianzhou Military Governor Liu Shining sent him five thousand bolts of silk. Hunan Observation Commissioner Li Xun had a rift with Can and reported the matter in full; a palace emissary also encountered Shining's envoy on the road and likewise memorialized the affair. Dezong was greatly enraged and wished to kill Can. Chief Minister Lu Zhi said, "Dou Can and I have no private tie. Taking revenge over an affair is human feeling. Yet I participate in the chief ministership and ought to preserve public form. To put Can to death for his offense may be excessive punishment." Thereupon the matter was halted for the time being. Soon afterward an emissary was again sent to tell Zhi and the others, "What you memorialized is good in broad outline, yet this man has connections within and without; his intent is hard to fathom. I have traced the circumstances, and the matter is clearly established. Moreover Dou Can there is in contact with the various frontier commanders. The affair of the altars of state is weighty; you must quickly advance documents for disposition." Zhi memorialized, saying, "Your servant has received the imperial voice face to face and, fortunate to receive the secret edict, all spoke of the altars of state. Knowing too that the investigation has already been thorough, how dare I not share the same grief and indignation above and cut off doubt within? Would I wish to delay and give further cause for concern? But because Can once bore heavy responsibility, this is what is called a great minister. Between advancement and withdrawal there should still be propriety; at the moment of execution there must be no lack of grounds. Liu Yan long managed goods and wealth and at the time also drew resentment and slander. When guilt was added and punishment imposed, the matter was not clear. Rebels could then use it as a pretext, and the multitude also felt pity for him. When punishment is obscure, the harm is not light; the precedent is not distant, and one ought to be heavily cautious. Dou Can recently held the balance of power and greatly relied on private favor, accepted bribes, and indulged kin and partisans—this the court discussed together and the realm commonly reported. As for secretly harboring a different design and about to raise great evil—the traces have not yet been exposed, and no one knows. We have newly received the heavenly countenance and discuss adding capital punishment, yet we have heard only of treacherous intent and still do not know the grounds of the plot. Moreover, among the multitude of officials, how can all be fully informed? If severe punishment is suddenly applied, it will surely be taken as false accusation; public sentiment will be shaken, and the affair is no small matter. If it is not handed over for external investigation and interrogation, I fear it will be hard to fix the charge. I beg that sagely attention be retained and further deliberation be given. Dou Can and I have never had a private tie; Your Majesty already knows this clearly. What concern would make me rashly wish to rescue him? Truly because the affair concerns the body of the state, righteousness cuts off private resentment, I hope that punishments may not be excessive in a time of clarity, and the way of the ruler may be kept from loss in sagely virtue." He was then demoted again to Administrator of Huan Prefecture. His son Jingbo was banished to Quan Prefecture; his daughter the nun Zhenru was assigned to Chen Prefecture; his goods, property, and concubines were sent on to the capital. Can at the time was deeply hated by the eunuchs of left and right, who slandered and obstructed him without cease. Before he reached Huan Prefecture he was granted death at Wujing garrison in Yong Prefecture, aged sixty.
6
竇申者，參之族子。 累遷至京兆少尹，轉給事中。 參特愛之，每議除授，多訪於申，申或泄之，以招權受賂。 申所至，人目之為喜鵲。 德宗頗聞其事，數誡參曰：「卿他日必為申所累，不如出之以掩物議。」 參曰：「臣無強子侄，申雖疏屬，臣素親之，不忍遠出，請保無他犯。」 帝曰：「卿雖自保，如眾人何？」 參固如前對。 申亦不悛。
Dou Shen was a clansman of Can. He rose in succession to Junior Vice-Governor of the Metropolitan Prefecture and was transferred to Drafting Attendant. Can especially favored him. Whenever appointments and dismissals were discussed, Can often consulted Shen; Shen sometimes leaked them to gain power and accept bribes. Wherever Shen went, people regarded him as a magpie of good omen. Dezong heard much of this affair and repeatedly admonished Can, saying, "You will one day surely be burdened by Shen. Better to send him out to cover public criticism." Can said, "Your servant has no strong sons or nephews. Though Shen is a distant relative, I have always been close to him and cannot bear to send him far away. I ask to guarantee he will commit no other offense." The emperor said, "Though you protect yourself, what of the multitude?" Can persisted in his former reply. Shen also did not repent.
7
兵部侍郎陸贄與參有隙。 吳通微弟兄與贄同在翰林，俱承德宗顧遇，亦爭寵不協。 金吾大將軍、嗣虢王則之與申及通微、通玄善，遂相與傾。 贄考貢舉，言贄考貢不實。 吳通玄取宗室女為外婦，德宗知其毀贄，且令察視，具得其奸狀，乃貶則之為昭州司馬，吳通玄為泉州司馬，竇申為道州司馬。 不旬日貶參郴州別駕，即日以陸贄為宰相。 明年，竇參再貶驩州。 德宗謂陸贄曰：「竇申、竇榮、李則之首末同惡，無所不至，又並細微，不比竇參，便宜商量處置，所有親密，並發遣於遠惡處。」 贄奏曰：
Vice Director of the Ministry of War Lu Zhi had a rift with Can. The brothers Wu Tongwei and Wu Tongxuan were together with Zhi in the Hanlin Academy, all receiving Dezong's favor, and they too competed for favor and were not in accord. General of the Golden Guard, Heir of the Prince of Guo Ze Zhi, was on good terms with Shen and Tongwei and Tongxuan, and so they joined in overthrowing Zhi. On Zhi's conduct of the examination selection, they said Zhi's examination selection was not genuine. Wu Tongxuan took a clanswoman as an outside wife. Dezong knew he slandered Zhi and also ordered investigation; the full extent of his wicked conduct was obtained. Thereupon Ze Zhi was demoted to Administrator of Zhao Prefecture, Wu Tongxuan to Administrator of Quan Prefecture, and Dou Shen to Administrator of Dao Prefecture. Within ten days Can was demoted to Vice-Prefect of Chen Prefecture, and on the same day Lu Zhi was made chief minister. The next year Dou Can was demoted again to Huan Prefecture. Dezong said to Lu Zhi, "Dou Shen, Dou Rong, and Li Ze Zhi from first to last share the same evil and stop at nothing. They are also all insignificant men, not comparable to Dou Can. You should conveniently discuss disposition. All who were intimate with them are to be sent off to distant and vile places." Zhi memorialized, saying:
8
竇參罪犯，誠合誅夷，聖德含弘，務全事體，特寬嚴憲，俯貸余生。 始終之恩，實足感於庶品； 仁煦之惠，不獨幸於斯人。 所議貶官，謹具別狀。 其竇申、竇榮、李則之等，即皆同惡，固亦難容； 然以得罪相因，法有首從，首當居重，從合從輕。 參既蒙恩矜全，申等亦宜減降。 又於黨與之內，亦有淑慝之殊，稍示區分，足彰沮勸。 竇榮與參雖非近屬，亦甚相親，然於款密之中，都無邪僻之事。 仍聞激憤，屢有直言，因此漸構猜嫌，晚年頗見疏忌。 若論今者陰事，則尚未究端由，如據比來所行，應不至兇險，恐須差異，以表詳明。 臣等商量，竇榮更貶遠官，竇申、則之並除名配流，庶允從輕之典，以洽好生之恩。 夫趨勢附權，時俗常態，茍無高節出眾，何能特立不群？ 竇參久塵鈞衡，特承寵渥，君之所任，孰敢不從？ 或遊於門庭，或序以中表，或偏被接引，或驟與薦延，如此之徒，十常八九。 若聽流議，皆謂黨私，自非甚與交親，安可悉從貶累？ 況竇參罷黜，殆欲周星，應是私黨近親，當時並已連坐，人心久定，不可復搖。 臣等商量，除與竇參陰謀邪事處，一切不問。
Dou Can's offenses truly merit execution. Sagely virtue is broad and tolerant, striving to preserve the whole affair; specially lenient in strict law, bowing to spare the remainder of life. Favor from beginning to end truly suffices to move the multitude; the kindness of gentle warmth is not a private fortune for this man alone. The demoted offices discussed are respectfully set forth in a separate memorial. As for Dou Shen, Dou Rong, Li Ze Zhi, and the like, they all share the same evil and are indeed hard to tolerate; yet because guilt follows in connection, the law has principal and follower: the principal ought to bear the heavy penalty, the follower ought to be treated lightly. Since Can has received gracious sparing, Shen and the others should also be reduced and lowered. Moreover within the faction there are also differences between the good and the wicked; to show a little distinction suffices to display discouragement and encouragement. Dou Rong and Can, though not close kin, were also very intimate; yet in close confidence there were no depraved affairs at all. It was also heard that in indignation he repeatedly spoke frankly; because of this suspicion gradually formed, and in his later years he was much seen as distant and suspected. If one discusses present secret affairs, the origin has not yet been fully investigated; if one goes by recent conduct, it should not reach treacherous danger. I fear a difference in treatment is needed to show clarity. We have deliberated: Dou Rong should be demoted further to a distant office; Dou Shen and Ze Zhi should both be stripped of name and banished—then the lighter standard may be satisfied and the grace of cherishing life fulfilled. To rush toward power and attach to influence is the common custom of the age. Without lofty integrity standing out, how can one stand alone apart from the crowd? Dou Can long bore the balance of power and specially received lavish favor. Whom the ruler appoints—who dares not follow? Some visited his gate and court; some were connected as cousins by marriage; some were specially received and guided; some were suddenly recommended and promoted—men of this sort were eight or nine in ten. If one listens to loose talk, all will be called factional favoritism. Unless one were very close in friendship, how could all be demoted together? Moreover Dou Can was dismissed nearly a full year ago; private partisans and close kin should already have been implicated together at the time. Public sentiment has long settled and must not be shaken again. We have deliberated: except in cases of secret plotting and wicked affairs with Dou Can, all are not to be questioned.
9
詔從之，由是申等得配流嶺南。 既賜參死，乃杖殺申，諸竇皆貶，榮得免死。
An edict followed this, and Shen and the others were banished to Lingnan. After Can was granted death, Shen was beaten to death; all the Dou clan were demoted, and Rong escaped death.
10
齊映，瀛州高陽人。 父圮，試太常少卿，兼檢校工部郎中。 映登進士第，應博學宏辭，授河南府參軍。 滑亳節度使令狐彰辟為掌書記，累授監察御史。 彰疾甚，映草遺表，因與謀後事，映說彰令上表請代，令子建歸京師，彰皆從之，因妻以女。 彰卒後兵亂，映脫身歸東都，河陽三城使馬燧辟為判官，奏殿中侍御史。 建中初，盧杞為宰相，薦之，遷刑部員外郎，會張鎰出鎮鳳翔，奏為判官。 映口辯，頗更軍事，數以論奏合旨，尋轉行軍司馬、兼御史中丞。 德宗在奉天，鳳翔逼於賊泚。 鎰懦緩不曉兵家事，部將有李楚琳者，慓悍兇暴，軍中畏之，乘間將謀亂。 先數日，映與同列齊抗覺其謀，乃言於鎰，請早圖之。 鎰不從映言，乃示其寬大，召楚琳語之曰：「欲令公使於外。」 楚琳恐，是夜作亂，乃殺鎰以應泚； 軍中多為映指道，故得免。 因赴奉天行在，除御史中丞。
Qi Ying was from Gaoyang in Ying Prefecture. His father Qi was Acting Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and concurrently Investigating Commissioner in the Ministry of Works. Ying passed the jinshi examination and responded to the Examination in Eminent Learning and Comprehensive Phrasing; he was appointed Army Aide of Henan Prefecture. Huai-Bian Military Governor Linghu Zhang summoned him as Chief Clerk and repeatedly appointed him Supervising Censor. When Zhang was gravely ill, Ying drafted the final memorial and together with him planned subsequent affairs. Ying persuaded Zhang to submit a memorial requesting replacement and to send his son Jian back to the capital; Zhang followed all of this and gave Ying his daughter in marriage. After Zhang died there was military disorder; Ying escaped and returned to the Eastern Capital. He-Yang Three Cities Commissioner Ma Sui summoned him as judge and memorialized him as Attending Censor within the Palace. At the beginning of the Jianzhong era Lu Qi was chief minister and recommended him; he was promoted to Vice Director in the Ministry of Justice. When Zhang Yi went out to garrison Fengxiang, he memorialized Ying as judge. Ying was eloquent in speech and had considerable experience in military affairs. Several times his discourses and memorials accorded with the emperor's intent, and soon he was transferred to Army Marshal and concurrently Censor-in-Chief. Dezong was at Fengtian; Fengxiang was pressed by the rebel Zhu Ci. Yi was timid and slow and did not understand military affairs. Among his subordinate generals was Li Chu Lin, fierce, violent, and feared in the army; seizing an opportunity he was about to plot disorder. Several days earlier Ying and his colleague Qi Kang perceived the plot and spoke to Yi, asking that he be dealt with early. Yi did not follow Ying's words but showed his magnanimity, summoned Chu Lin, and spoke to him, saying, "I wish to have you serve on the outside." Chu Lin feared this; that night he raised disorder, killed Yi to respond to Ci; many in the army were directed by Ying and so escaped harm. Thereupon he went to the mobile court at Fengtian and was made Censor-in-Chief.
11
興元初，從幸梁州，每過險，映常執轡。 會禦馬遽駭，奔跳頗甚，帝懼傷映，令舍轡，映堅執久之，乃止。 帝問其故，曰：「馬奔蹶，不過傷臣； 如舍之，或犯清塵，雖臣萬死，何以塞責？」 上嘉獎無已。 在梁州，拜給事中。 映白晰長大，言音高朗。 上自山南還京，常令映侍左右，或令前馬，至城邑州鎮，俾映宣詔令，帝益親信之。 其年冬，轉中書舍人。
At the beginning of Xingyuan he followed the emperor to Liang Prefecture; whenever they passed dangerous places Ying always held the reins. Once the imperial horse suddenly shied and ran and leaped greatly. The emperor feared Ying would be injured and ordered him to release the reins; Ying firmly held them for a long time before stopping. The emperor asked the reason. He said, "If the horse runs wild and stumbles, it will injure only your servant; if I release the reins, it may offend the imperial dust. Though your servant die ten thousand deaths, how could I answer for it?" The emperor praised him without end. At Liang Prefecture he was appointed Drafting Attendant. Ying was fair-skinned, tall, and his speech was high and clear. When the emperor returned to the capital from south of the mountains, he often had Ying attend at his side, or ordered him to ride ahead. When they reached cities, towns, and prefectures, he had Ying proclaim edicts and orders; the emperor trusted him all the more. That winter he was transferred to Secretariat Drafter.
12
貞元二年，以本官與左散騎常侍劉滋、給事中崔造同拜平章事。 滋以端默雅重寡言，映謙和美言悅下，無所是非，政事多決於造。 無幾，造疾病，映當國政，乘間亦敢言事。 時吐蕃數入寇，人情搖動，且言帝欲行幸避狄。 映奏曰：「戎狄亂華，臣之罪也。 今人情恟懼，謂陛下理裝具糗糧，臣聞大福不再，奈何不與臣等熟計之？」 因俯伏流涕，上亦為之感動。 時給事中袁高忤旨，映連請為左丞、御史大夫。
In Zhenyuan 2, with his existing office together with Left Regular Attendant Liu Zi and Drafting Attendant Cui Zao he was jointly appointed Co-equal Commissioner of the Chancellery. Zi was upright, silent, elegant, weighty, and sparing of words; Ying was modest, harmonious, pleasant in speech, and pleasing to subordinates, deciding nothing on right or wrong; most affairs of government were decided by Zao. Before long Zao fell ill; Ying handled state affairs and also seized opportunities to dare speak on affairs. At the time the Tibetans repeatedly raided; public sentiment was shaken, and it was said the emperor wished to go on tour to avoid the barbarians. Ying memorialized, saying, "The barbarians disturb China—this is your servant's crime. Now public sentiment is fearful and alarmed, saying Your Majesty is packing baggage and preparing provisions. I have heard that great fortune does not come twice—why not deliberate thoroughly with us?" Thereupon he prostrated himself and wept; the emperor too was moved. At the time Drafting Attendant Yuan Gao offended the imperial intent; Ying repeatedly requested him as Left Assistant and Censor-in-Chief.
13
映於東都舉進士及宏詞時，張延賞為河南尹、東都留守，厚映。 及映為相，延賞罷相為左僕射，數畫時事令映行之，及為所親求官，映多不應。 延賞怒，言映非宰相器。 三年正月，貶映夔州刺史，又轉衡州。 七年，授御史中丞、桂管觀察使，又改洪州刺史、江西觀察使。 映常以頃為相輔，無大過而罷，冀其復入用，乃掊斂貢奉，及大為金銀器以希旨。 先是，銀瓶高者五尺余，李兼為江西觀察使，乃進六尺者，至是，因帝誕日端午，映為瓶高八尺者以獻。 貞元十一年七月卒，時年四十八，贈禮部尚書。
When Ying took the jinshi and hongci examinations at the Eastern Capital, Zhang Yanshang was Prefect of Henan and Eastern Capital Regent and treated Ying generously. When Ying became chief minister, Yanshang left the chancellership and became Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. He repeatedly outlined current affairs for Ying to carry out, and when those close to him sought office, Ying mostly did not agree. Yanshang grew angry and said Ying was not material for a chief minister. In the first month of the third year Ying was demoted to Prefect of Kui Prefecture, then transferred to Heng Prefecture. In the seventh year he was appointed Censor-in-Chief and Guiguan Observation Commissioner, then changed to Prefect of Hong Prefecture and Jiangxi Observation Commissioner. Ying often thought that he had recently been a chief minister, dismissed without great fault, and hoped to be recalled to service; he therefore extorted tribute offerings and greatly made gold and silver vessels to please the emperor's intent. Earlier, silver vases had been as high as five feet or more. When Li Jian was Jiangxi Observation Commissioner he presented one six feet high. At this time, because the emperor's birthday fell on the Dragon Boat Festival, Ying made a vase eight feet high and presented it. In the seventh month of Zhenyuan 11 he died, aged forty-eight, and was posthumously made Minister of Rites.
14
劉滋，字公茂，左散騎常侍子玄之孫。 父貺，開元初為左拾遺，父子仍代為史官。 貺依劉向《說苑》撰《續說苑》一十卷以獻，玄宗嘉之。 滋少以門廕，調授太子正字，歷漣水令。 吏部侍郎楊綰薦滋堪為諫官，拜左補闕，改太常卿，復為左補闕。 辭官侍親還東都，河南尹李廙署奏功曹參軍。 無幾，丁母喪，服除，遷屯田員外郎，轉司勛員外郎，判南曹，勤於吏職，孜孜奉法。 遷司勛郎中，累拜給事中。 從幸奉天，轉太常少卿，掌禮儀。 興元元年，改吏部侍郎，往洪州知選事。 時京師寇盜之後，天下蝗旱，谷價翔貴，選人不能赴調，乃命滋江南典選，以便江、嶺之人，時稱舉職。
Liu Zi (styled Gongmao) was the grandson of Left Regular Attendant Zixuan. His father Kuang in the early Kaiyuan era was Left Reminder; father and son in succession served as historiographers. Kuang, following Liu Xiang's Garden of Persuasions, compiled Continuation of the Garden of Persuasions in ten scrolls and presented it; Xuanzong commended it. Zi in youth, through hereditary privilege, was appointed by selection as Corrector of the Heir Apparent and served as magistrate of Lianshui. Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel Yang Guan recommended Zi as fit to be a remonstrance official; he was appointed Left Supplementation Officer, changed to Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and again made Left Supplementation Officer. He resigned office to attend his parents and returned to the Eastern Capital; Prefect of Henan Li Yi registered and memorialized him as Merit Officer. Before long he entered mourning for his mother. When mourning ended he was promoted to Vice Director in the Ministry of Public Works, transferred to Vice Director in the Ministry of Merit, and judged the Southern Bureau, diligent in official duty and assiduous in following the law. He was promoted to Director in the Ministry of Merit and repeatedly appointed Drafting Attendant. Following the emperor to Fengtian he was transferred to Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and managed ritual. In the first year of Xingyuan he was changed to Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel and went to Hong Prefecture to manage selection affairs. At the time, after bandits and robbers in the capital, the realm suffered locusts and drought, grain prices soared, and selectees could not come for reassignment. Zi was ordered to manage selection south of the Yangzi to accommodate men of the Jiang and Ling regions; the age praised his fulfillment of duty.
15
貞元二年，遷左散騎常侍、同中書門下平章事，在相位無所啟奏，但多謙退，廉謹畏慎而已。 三年正月，守本官，罷知政事。 四年，復為吏部侍郎。 六年，遷吏部尚書。 竇參以宰相為吏部尚書，換刑部尚書。 無何，御史臺劾奏滋前在吏部選人渝濫，詔奪金紫階。 滋有經學，善持論，性廉潔刻苦，嫉惡，掌選多所發擿更代，詐偽者尤畏之。 十年十月卒，時年六十六，贈陜州大都督。
In Zhenyuan 2 he was promoted to Left Regular Attendant and Co-equal Commissioner of the Secretariat and Chancellery. In the chancellorship he offered no memorials, but was mostly modest and yielding, frugal, cautious, and fearful—that was all. In the first month of the third year he kept his existing office and ceased managing affairs of government. In the fourth year he again became Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel. In the sixth year he was promoted to Minister of Personnel. Dou Can, as chief minister, became Minister of Personnel; Zi was exchanged to Minister of Justice. Before long the Censorate impeached and memorialized that when Zi was previously in the Ministry of Personnel selectees were excessive and lax; an edict stripped his gold and purple rank. Zi had classical learning, was good at holding discourse, and by nature was frugal, austere, and hating evil. In managing selection he often exposed dismissals and replacements; those who were fraudulent especially feared him. In the tenth month of the tenth year he died, aged sixty-six, and was posthumously made Grand Governor of Shan Prefecture.
16
滋從兄贊，大歷中左散騎常侍匯之子。 少以資廕補吏，累授鄠縣丞，宰相杜鴻漸自南還朝，途出於鄠，贊儲供精辦。 鴻漸判官楊炎以贊名儒之子，薦之，累授侍御史、浙江觀察判官。 楊炎作相，擢為歙州刺史，以勤幹聞。 有老婦人捃拾榛間，猛獸將噬之，幼女號呼搏獸而救之，母子俱免。 宣歙觀察使韓滉表其異行，加金紫之服，再遷常州刺史。 韓滉入相，分舊所統為三道，以贊為宣州刺史、兼御史中丞、宣歙池都團練觀察使。 贊在宣州十余年。
Zi's older male cousin by the same grandfather Zan was the son of Left Regular Attendant Hui in the Dali era. In youth, through material privilege, he entered clerical service and was repeatedly appointed Assistant Magistrate of E County. When Chief Minister Du Hongjian returned from the south to court, his route passed through E; Zan prepared supplies meticulously. Hongjian's judge Yang Yan, because Zan was the son of a famous scholar, recommended him; he was repeatedly appointed Attending Censor and Zhejiang Observation Judge. When Yang Yan became chief minister, Zan was promoted to Prefect of She Prefecture and was known for diligence and competence. An old woman was gathering hazelnuts when a fierce beast was about to devour her; a young girl cried out and fought the beast to save her, and mother and child both escaped. Xuan-She Observation Commissioner Han Huang memorialized this extraordinary conduct; he was given gold and purple dress and was promoted again to Prefect of Chang Prefecture. When Han Huang entered the chancellorship he divided what he had formerly commanded into three circuits; Zan was made Prefect of Xuan Prefecture, concurrently Censor-in-Chief, and Xuan-She-Chi All-Circuits Training and Defense Observation Commissioner. Zan was at Xuan Prefecture for more than ten years.
17
贊祖子玄，開元朝一代名儒，父匯博涉經史，唯贊不知書，但以強猛立威，官吏畏之，重足一跡。 宣為天下沃饒，贊久為廉察，厚斂殖貨，蝢貢奉以希恩。 子弟皆虧庭訓，雖童年稚齒，便能侮易驕人，人士鄙之。 貞元十二年卒，時年七十，贈吏部尚書。
Zan's grandfather Zixuan was a famous scholar of a generation in the Kaiyuan court; his father Hui broadly mastered the classics and histories; only Zan did not know books, but relied on forceful severity to establish authority, and officials feared him, treading as though on thin ice. Xuan was rich and fertile under heaven; Zan long served as fiscal inspector, heavily levied and amassed goods, and prepared tribute offerings to seek favor. His sons and younger brothers all lacked family instruction; even in childhood they could insult and look down on others; gentlemen despised them. In Zhenyuan 12 he died, aged seventy, and was posthumously made Minister of Personnel.
18
盧邁，字子玄，范陽人。 少以孝友謹厚稱，深為叔舅崔祐甫所親重。 兩經及第，歷太子正字、藍田尉。 以書判拔萃，授河南主簿，充集賢校理。 朝臣薦其文行，遷右補闕、侍御史、刑部吏部員外郎。 邁以叔父兄弟姊妹悉在江介，屬蝗蟲歲饑，懇求江南上佐，由是授滁州刺史。 入為司門郎中，遷右諫議大夫，累上表言時政得失。 轉給事中，屬校定考課，邁固讓，以授官日近，未有政績，不敢當上考，時人重之。 遷尚書右丞。
Lu Mai (styled Zixuan) was from Fanyang. In youth he was known for filial piety, friendship, prudence, and solidity, and was deeply favored and esteemed by his maternal uncle Cui Youfu. He passed both classics examinations and served in succession as Corrector of the Heir Apparent and magistrate of Lantian. Through outstanding performance in document judgment he was appointed Chief Clerk of Henan and served as collator in the Hall of Assembled Worthies. Court ministers recommended his literary conduct; he was promoted to Right Supplementation Officer, Attending Censor, and Vice Director in the Ministries of Justice and Personnel. Mai's uncles, brothers, and sisters were all in the Jiang region; in a year of locusts and famine he earnestly requested a senior post in the south, and thereby was appointed Prefect of Chu Prefecture. He entered the capital as Director in the Ministry of Gateways, was promoted to Right Remonstrance and Censor, and repeatedly submitted memorials on the gains and losses of current policy. He was transferred to Drafting Attendant. When performance evaluations were being settled, Mai firmly declined, saying that since the date of appointment was recent and he had no administrative achievement, he did not dare accept the highest rating; men of the age respected this. He was promoted to Right Assistant of the Department of State Affairs.
19
將作監元亙當攝太尉享昭德皇后廟，以私忌日不受誓誡，為御史劾奏，詔尚書省與禮官、法官集議。 邁奏狀曰：「臣按《禮記》，大夫士將祭於公，既視濯而父母死，猶奉祭。 又按唐禮，散齋有大功之喪，致齋有周親喪，齋中疾病，即還家不奉祭事，皆無忌日不受誓誡之文。 雖假寧令忌日給假一日，《春秋》之義，不以家事辭王事。 今亙以假寧常式，而違攝祭新命，酌其輕重，誓誡則祀事之嚴，校其禮式，忌日乃尋常之制，詳求典據，事緣薦獻，不宜以忌日為辭。」 由是亙坐罰俸。
Director of Imperial Construction Yuan Gen was to act as Grand Marshal in sacrificing at the shrine of Empress Zhaode, but on a private mourning anniversary he would not receive the oath of abstinence. The censorate impeached and memorialized him; an edict ordered the Ministry of Personnel, ritual officials, and legal officials to deliberate jointly. Mai submitted a memorial, saying, "Your servant examines the 'Records of Ritual': when a grandee or officer is about to sacrifice for the ruler, and after the washing of the sacrificial vessels his parents die, he still completes the sacrifice. Examining Tang ritual as well: during preliminary abstinence one may have mourning for a relative within the second degree of mourning; during strict abstinence one may have mourning for a relative within the first degree; if ill during abstinence one returns home and does not perform the sacrifice—nowhere is there text on refusing the oath of abstinence on a mourning anniversary. Although the leave regulations grant one day of leave on a mourning anniversary, the meaning of the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' is that one does not decline royal service because of family affairs. Now Gen relies on the ordinary form of leave but violates the new order to act in sacrifice. Weighing severity: the oath of abstinence belongs to the strictness of the sacrificial affair; comparing ritual forms, the mourning anniversary is an ordinary regulation. Searching the canonical grounds in detail, the affair concerns offering and presentation—it is not fitting to use the mourning anniversary as an excuse." Thereupon Gen was punished by forfeiture of salary.
20
邁九年以本官同中書門下平章事； 歲餘，遷中書侍郎。 時大政決在陸贄、趙憬，邁謹身中立，守文奉法而已。 而友愛恭儉。 邁從父弟MH，為劍南西川判官，卒於成都，歸葬於洛陽，路由京師，邁奏請至城東哭於其柩，許之。 近代宰臣多自以為崇重，三服之親，或不過從而吊臨； 而邁獨振薄俗，請臨弟喪，士君子是之。 十二年九月，邁於政事堂中風，肩輿而歸，上表請罷官，不許，詔宰臣就第問疾。 自是凡五上表，堅乞骸骨，詔曰：「卿操履貞方，器識淹茂，自居臺輔，益見忠清。 方藉謀猷，遽嬰疾疹，歲月滋久，章表屢聞，陳請再三，捴謙難奪。 且備養賢之禮，宜遂優閑之秩，告免之誠，雖為懇至，俯從來奏，良用憮然。」 乃除太子賓客。 貞元十四年卒，時年六十，贈太子太傅，賻以布帛。 邁再娶無子，以從父弟子紀為嗣。
In Mai's ninth year, with his existing office he became Co-equal Commissioner of the Secretariat and Chancellery; after more than a year he was promoted to Vice Director of the Secretariat. At the time great affairs were decided by Lu Zhi and Zhao Jing; Mai kept himself upright and neutral, preserving the documents and following the law—that was all. Yet he was friendly, loving, respectful, and frugal. Mai's younger male cousin by the same grandfather Qi served as judge of the Western Sichuan Circuit of the Southern Route; he died at Chengdu and was buried at Luoyang. The route passed through the capital; Mai memorialized asking to go to the east of the city and weep before the bier, and this was granted. In recent times chief ministers mostly considered themselves lofty and weighty; for kin within three degrees of mourning they might not even follow to condole; but Mai alone stirred the thin custom and asked to attend his younger brother's mourning; gentlemen approved this. In the ninth month of the twelfth year Mai suffered a stroke in the Hall of Administration, was carried home in a litter, and submitted a memorial asking to leave office; this was not granted, and an edict ordered the chief ministers to visit his residence and inquire after his illness. From this time he submitted five memorials in all, firmly requesting retirement. An edict said, "Your conduct and footing are upright and square; your capacity and insight are broad and abundant. Since taking the post of chief minister, loyalty and purity have been all the more seen. Just when we relied on your counsel, you suddenly fell ill. Months and years grow longer; memorials repeatedly arrive; petitions are made again and again; modest yielding is hard to override. Moreover the rites for nurturing the worthy should now grant a leisurely rank. Though the sincerity of requesting release is earnest, we bow to your submitted memorial and are truly disheartened." He was then made Senior Mentor of the Heir Apparent. In Zhenyuan 14 he died, aged sixty, and was posthumously made Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent; funeral gifts of cloth and silk were granted. Mai married again and had no sons; he took his younger male cousin's son Ji as heir.
21
崔損，字至無，博陵人。 高祖行功已後，名位卑替。 損大歷末進士擢第，登博學宏詞科，授秘書省校書郎，再授咸陽尉。 外舅王翃為京兆尹，改大理評事，累遷兵部郎中。 貞元十一年，遷右諫議大夫。 會門下侍郎平章事趙憬卒，中書侍朗平章事盧邁風病請告，戶部尚書裴延齡素與損善，乃薦之於德宗。 十二年，以本官同中書門下平章事，與給事中趙宗儒同日知政事，並賜金紫。 初，二相有故，旬日中外颙望名德，損比無聲實，及制下之日，中外失望。 性齷齪謹慎，每延英論事，未嘗有言。 十四年秋，轉門下侍郎平章事。 是歲，以昭陵舊宮為野火所焚，所司請修奉。 「昭陵舊宮在山上，置來歲久，曾經野火燒爇，摧毀略盡，其宮尋移在瑤臺寺左側。 今屬通年，欲議修置，緣供水稍遠，百姓勞弊，今欲於見住行宮處修創，冀久遠便人。 又為移改舊制，恐禮意未周，宜令宰臣百僚集議。」 議者多云：「舊宮既焚，宜移就山下。」 上意不欲遷移，只於山上重造，命損為八陵修奉使。 於是獻、昭、乾、定、泰五陵造屋五百七十間，橋陵一百四十間，元陵三十間，唯建陵仍舊，但修葺而已。 所緣陵寢中床蓐帷幄一事以上，帝親自閱視，然後授損送於陵所。
Cui Sun (styled Zhiwu) was from Boling. After his great-grandfather Xinggong, name and rank were low and declined. At the end of the Dali era Sun passed the jinshi examination, passed the Examination in Eminent Learning and Comprehensive Phrasing, was appointed collator in the Secretariat, and was again appointed magistrate of Xianyang. His father-in-law Wang Hong was Prefect of the Metropolitan Prefecture; he was changed to Evaluator in the Court of Judicial Review and was repeatedly promoted to Director in the Ministry of War. In Zhenyuan 11 he was promoted to Right Remonstrance and Censor. When Vice Director of the Chancellery and Co-equal Commissioner Zhao Jing died, and Vice Director of the Secretariat and Co-equal Commissioner Lu Mai requested leave for illness, Minister of Revenue Pei Yanling had long been on good terms with Sun and therefore recommended him to Dezong. In the twelfth year, with his existing office he became Co-equal Commissioner of the Secretariat and Chancellery, together with Drafting Attendant Zhao Zongru on the same day managing affairs of government; both were granted gold and purple. At first the two chief ministers had affairs of mourning; for ten days within and without the court looked expectantly for men of renown and virtue. Sun by comparison had no reputation or substance; when the appointment was issued, within and without the court were disappointed. By nature he was narrow, cautious, and timid; whenever affairs were discussed at Yanying Hall, he never spoke. In the autumn of the fourteenth year he was transferred to Vice Director of the Chancellery and Co-equal Commissioner. That year the old palace at Zhaoling was burned by wildfire; the relevant offices requested repair and maintenance. "The old palace at Zhaoling is on the mountain. Established long ago, it was once burned by wildfire and was largely destroyed; the palace was soon moved to the left side of Yaotai Temple. Now it is the year of universal mourning; repair and establishment are to be discussed. Because the supply of water is somewhat distant and the people are worn and exhausted, we now wish to build anew at the present traveling palace site, hoping that in the long term it will be convenient for people. Moreover, because the old system is being moved and changed, I fear the ritual intent is not complete; the chief ministers and hundred officials should be ordered to deliberate jointly." Many of those deliberating said, "Since the old palace has burned, it should be moved down the mountain." The emperor's intent did not wish to move it; he would rebuild only on the mountain and appointed Sun commissioner for repair and maintenance of the eight tombs. Thereupon at the five tombs Xian, Zhao, Qian, Ding, and Tai five hundred seventy rooms were built; at Qiao Tomb one hundred forty rooms; at Yuan Tomb thirty rooms; only Jian Tomb remained as before, with repair only. For bedding, curtains, and all items in the tomb chambers and above, the emperor personally inspected them and then handed them to Sun to send to the tomb sites.
22
損以久疾在家，賜絹二百匹以為醫藥。 南北兩省清要，損皆歷踐之，在位無稱於人者。 身居宰相，母野殯，不言展墓，不議遷祔； 姊為尼，沒於近寺，終喪不臨，士君子罪之。 加以過為恭遜，接見便僻，不止於容身而已。 自建中以後，宰相罕有久在位者，數歲罪黜； 損用此中上意，竊大任者八年。 上亦知物議鄙其持祿取容，然憐而厚之。 貞元十九年卒，贈太子太傅，賻布帛五百端、米粟四百石。
Sun, because of long illness at home, was granted two hundred bolts of silk for medicine. The honored posts of the northern and southern departments—Sun had passed through them all; in office he had no reputation among men. Though he held the chancellorship, his mother lay in an open coffin in the wild; he did not speak of visiting the tomb or discuss moving the coffin to join her husband; his elder sister was a nun and died in a nearby temple; through the whole mourning he did not attend; gentlemen blamed him. Added to this, he was excessively deferential and, in receiving visitors, was ingratiating—not merely seeking to preserve himself. From Jianzhong onward, chief ministers rarely remained long in office and within several years were dismissed for guilt; Sun used this to fit the emperor's intent and secretly held great responsibility for eight years. The emperor also knew that public opinion despised him for holding salary and seeking favor, yet pitied and treated him generously. In Zhenyuan 19 he died and was posthumously made Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent; funeral gifts were five hundred bolts of cloth and silk and four hundred shi of grain.
23
齊抗，字遐舉，天寶中平陽太守浣之孫。 父翺，一命卑官卒，以抗貴，累贈國子祭酒。 抗少隱會稽剡中讀書，為文長於箋奏。 大歷中，壽州刺史張鎰辟為判官，明閑吏事，敏於文學，鎰甚重之。 建中初，鎰為江西觀察使，抗亦隨在幕府。 三年，鎰自中書侍郎平章事出鎮鳳翔，奏抗為監察御史，仍為賓佐，幕中籌畫，多出於抗。
Qi Kang (styled Xiaju) was the grandson of Huan, Prefect of Pingyang in the Tianbao era. His father Ao died in a low first appointment; because of Kang's eminence he was repeatedly posthumously made Chancellor of the Directorate of Education. Kang in youth retired to study in Shan of Kuaiji and was skilled in writing, excelling in memorials and reports. In the Dali era Shou Prefect Zhang Yi summoned him as judge; he was clear and versed in clerical affairs and quick in literary learning; Yi greatly valued him. At the beginning of Jianzhong Yi was Jiangxi Observation Commissioner; Kang also followed him in the staff headquarters. In the third year Yi, from Vice Director of the Secretariat and Co-equal Commissioner, went out to garrison Fengxiang and memorialized Kang as Supervising Censor, still serving as staff aide; planning in the headquarters mostly came from Kang.
24
德宗在奉天，鎰為李楚琳所害。 抗奔赴行在，拜侍御史，旬日改戶部員外郎。 宰相蕭復為江淮宣慰使，以抗為判官。 德宗還京，大盜之後，天下旱蝗，國用盡竭。 鹽鐵轉運使元琇以抗有才用，奏授倉部郎中，條理江淮鹽務。 貞元初，為水陸運副使，督江淮漕運以給京師。 遷諫議大夫。 歷處州刺史，轉潭州刺史、湖南都團練觀察使。 入為給事中，又為河南尹，歷秘書監、太常卿，代鄭余慶為中書侍郎、同中書門下平章事。
Dezong was at Fengtian; Yi was killed by Li Chu Lin. Kang rushed to the mobile court and was appointed Attending Censor; within ten days he was changed to Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue. Chief Minister Xiao Fu was Jiang-Huai Comforting Commissioner and made Kang his judge. When Dezong returned to the capital, after the great banditry, the realm suffered drought and locusts and state revenue was exhausted. Salt and Iron Transport Commissioner Yuan Xiu, because Kang had talent and use, memorialized appointing him Director in the Ministry of Granaries to put in order Jiang-Huai salt affairs. At the beginning of Zhenyuan he was Deputy Commissioner of Land and Water Transport, supervising Jiang-Huai grain transport to supply the capital. He was promoted to Remonstrance and Censor. He served as Prefect of Chu Prefecture, then transferred to Prefect of Tan Prefecture and Hunan All-Circuits Training and Defense Observation Commissioner. He entered the capital as Drafting Attendant, then became Prefect of Henan, served as Director of the Secretariat and Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and replaced Zheng Yuqing as Vice Director of the Secretariat and Co-equal Commissioner of the Secretariat and Chancellery.
25
先是每年吏部選人試判，別奏官考覆，第其上下； 既考，中書門下復奏擇官覆定，浸以為便。 抗乃奏曰：「吏部尚書、侍郎，已是朝廷精選，不宜別差考官重覆。」 其年他官考判訖，俾吏部侍郎自覆，一歲遂除考判官，蓋抗所論奏也。 故事，禮部侍郎掌貢舉，其親故即試於考功。 謂之「別頭舉人」，抗亦奏罷之。 尋奏省諸州府別駕、田曹、司田官及判司之雙曹者，復省中書省驅使官及諸胥吏。 尋加修國史。 抗雖讀書，無遠智大略，凡為官，必求至精，末乃滋彰，物論薄其隘刻。 遇疾，上表請罷，改太子賓客，竟不任朝謝。 貞元二十年卒，時年六十五，贈戶部尚書，又賜其家絹二百匹。
Earlier, each year selectees of the Ministry of Personnel were tested in document judgment; separate memorializing officials reviewed and ranked them high and low; after the review the Secretariat and Chancellery again memorialized choosing officials to review and fix the ranking, and this gradually came to be regarded as convenient. Kang then memorialized, saying, "The Minister and Vice Directors of the Ministry of Personnel are already the court's careful selection; it is not fitting to appoint separate examining officials for repeated review." The next year, when other officials had finished examining document judgments, the Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel was made to review himself; within one year the document-judgment examining officials were abolished—this was Kang's memorialized proposal. By precedent the Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites managed the tribute examinations; his kin and friends were then tested at the Ministry of Merit. They were called "separate-head examinees"; Kang also memorialized abolishing this. Soon he memorialized abolishing vice-prefects, field-tax officials, and field-administration officials in all prefectures and districts, as well as duplicate bureau assistants; he also abolished dispatch clerks of the Secretariat and various clerks and attendants. Soon he was additionally made compiler of the national history. Though Kang read books, he had no far-reaching wisdom or great design; in whatever office he held he always sought utmost precision, and in the end this became conspicuous; public opinion slighted him for narrow severity. When he fell ill he submitted a memorial asking to leave office and was changed to Senior Mentor of the Heir Apparent; in the end he did not attend court thanks. In Zhenyuan 20 he died, aged sixty-five, and was posthumously made Minister of Revenue; two hundred bolts of silk were also granted to his family.
26
【贊】=史臣曰：竇參朋黨，不顧君上之誡，斯為悖矣。 齊映曲貢希用甚謬，而愛君蒞事，往往有長者之言。 滋、邁家行修謹，臨事可稱，器雖齷齪，無廢為君子矣。 而損、抗之比，夫何足雲，遽汙臺槐，蓋時主之容易耳。
[Commentary] The historiographer says: Dou Can formed factions and did not heed the ruler's admonition—this was rebellious. Qi Ying's crooked tribute and seeking reuse were very wrong, yet in loving the ruler and handling affairs he often had the words of an elder. Zi and Mai had family conduct cultivated and careful, and in handling affairs could be praised; though their capacity was narrow, they were not disqualified from being gentlemen. But men like Sun and Kang—what are they worth mentioning? Yet they suddenly stained the platform and locust tree—surely because the ruler of the age was too easy.
27
贊曰：物之同器，貴於弘通。 竇阿齊佞，偏诐斯同。 滋、邁之行，可以飾躬。 康濟蒸民，胡為厥中。
The praise says: Things in the same vessel—what is valued is broad passage. Dou fawned and Qi flattered; partial bias is the same. The conduct of Zi and Mai can adorn the person. To bring ease to the steaming multitude—why place them in the middle?