Volume 142 Biographies 92: Li Baochen, Wang Wujun, Wang Tingcou

李寶臣，范陽城旁奚族也。故范陽將張鎖高之假子，故姓張，名忠誌。幼善騎射，節度使安祿山選為射生官。天寶中，隨祿山入朝，玄宗留為射生子弟，出入禁中。及祿山叛，忠誌遁歸范陽；祿山喜，錄為假子，姓安，常給事帳中。祿山兵將指闕，使忠誌領驍騎八千人入太原，劫太原尹楊光翙。忠誌挾光翙出太原，萬兵追之不敢近。祿山使董精甲，扼井陘路，軍於土門。安慶緒偽署為恆州刺史。九節度之師圍慶緒於相州，忠誌懼，獻章歸國，肅宗因授恆州刺史。及史思明復渡河，偽授忠誌工部尚書、恆州刺史、恆趙節度使，統眾三萬守常山。及思明敗，不受朝義之命，乃開土門路以內王師。河朔平定，忠誌與李懷仙、薛嵩、田承嗣各舉其地歸國，皆賜鐵券，誓以不死。因授忠誌開府儀同三司、檢校禮部尚書、恆州刺史，實封二百戶，仍舊為節度使。乃以恆州為成德軍，賜姓名曰李寶臣。

Li Baochen belonged to the Xi people who lived near Fanyang. He was the adopted son of the former Fanyang general Zhang Suogao and originally bore the surname Zhang, with the personal name Zhongzhi. From childhood he excelled at riding and archery, and Military Commissioner An Lushan selected him as a shooting-life officer. During the Tianbao era he accompanied Lushan to court. Emperor Xuanzong kept him among the shooting-life youths, and he moved freely within the inner palace. When Lushan rebelled, Zhongzhi fled back to Fanyang. Lushan was pleased, took him as an adopted son, gave him the surname An, and regularly kept him at work in headquarters. As Lushan's army was about to march on the capital, he sent Zhongzhi at the head of eight thousand crack horsemen into Taiyuan to seize Prefect Yang Guanghui. Zhongzhi marched Guanghui out of Taiyuan. Ten thousand pursuers followed but dared not close in. Lushan sent Dong Jingjia with elite troops to hold the Jingxing road and encamp at Tumen. An Qingxu falsely appointed him prefect of Hengzhou. When the armies of nine commissioners besieged Qingxu at Xiangzhou, Zhongzhi grew afraid, submitted a memorial pledging allegiance to the dynasty, and Emperor Suzong appointed him prefect of Hengzhou. When Shi Siming again crossed the Yellow River, he falsely appointed Zhongzhi Minister of Works, prefect of Hengzhou, and commissioner of Heng and Zhao, with thirty thousand men to hold Changshan. After Siming's defeat he refused Chaoyi's orders and opened the Tumen road to admit the imperial army. After the Hebei region was pacified, Zhongzhi together with Li Huaixian, Xue Song, and Tian Chengsi each submitted their territories to the dynasty. All were granted iron tallies pledging immunity from execution. Zhongzhi was then appointed Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with privilege to open an office, Acting Minister of Rites, and prefect of Hengzhou, with a substantive fief of two hundred households, while continuing as military commissioner. Hengzhou was made the seat of the Chengde Army, and he received the surname and name Li Baochen.

時寶臣有恆、定、易、趙、深、冀六州之地，後又得滄州，步卒五萬、馬五千匹，當時勇冠河朔諸帥。寶臣以七州自給，軍用殷積，招集亡命之徒，繕閱兵仗，與薛嵩、田承嗣、李正己、梁崇義等連結姻婭，互為表裏，意在以土地傳付子孫，不稟朝旨，自補官吏，不輸王賦。初，天寶中，天下州郡皆鑄銅為玄宗真容，擬佛之制。及安、史之亂，賊之所部，悉熔毀之，而恆州獨存，由是實封百戶。

At that time Baochen held Heng, Ding, Yi, Zhao, Shen, and Ji, and later gained Cangzhou as well—fifty thousand foot soldiers and five thousand horses, the boldest commander in all Hebei. Baochen supplied his army from seven prefectures and amassed abundant stores. He gathered fugitives, drilled his arms, and with Xue Song, Tian Chengsi, Li Zhengji, and Liang Chongyi formed marriage ties and mutual backing, intending to pass his lands to his descendants. He ignored court orders, appointed his own officials, and withheld imperial taxes. Earlier, during the Tianbao era, every commandery and prefecture in the realm cast bronze images of Emperor Xuanzong's true likeness, following the Buddhist model. In the disorders of An and Shi, the rebels melted and destroyed the images wherever they passed; only Hengzhou's survived, and for this he received an added fief of one hundred households.

初，寶臣、正己皆為承嗣所易。寶臣弟寶正娶承嗣女，在魏州與承嗣子維擊鞠，寶正馬馳駭，觸殺維。承嗣怒，縶寶正以告。寶臣謝為教不謹，緘杖令承嗣以示責，承嗣遂鞭殺之，由是交惡。

Earlier, both Baochen and Zhengji had been outmaneuvered by Chengsi. Baochen's younger brother Baozheng married Chengsi's daughter. At Weizhou he played cuju with Chengsi's son Wei; Baozheng's horse bolted in fright and struck Wei dead. Chengsi was enraged, seized Baozheng, and reported the matter. Baochen apologized for lax discipline, sent a bound cane to Chengsi as a token of reproof, and Chengsi then flogged Baozheng to death. From this their relations turned hostile.

大歷十年，寶臣、正己更言承嗣之罪，請討之。代宗欲因其相圖，乃從其請。時幽州節度留後硃滔方恭順朝廷，詔滔與寶臣及太原之師攻其北，正己與滑亳、河陽、江淮之師攻其南。寶臣、正己會軍於棗強，椎牛釃酒，犒勞將士，仍頒優賞。寶臣軍賞厚，正己軍賞薄。既罷會，正己軍中咄咄有辭，正己聞，懼有變，即時引退。由是寶臣、硃滔共攻承嗣之滄州，連年未下。時承嗣使腹心將盧子期攻邢州，城將陷，寶臣發精卒赴救，擊敗之，擒子期來獻。河南諸將又大破田悅於陳留，正己收承嗣之德州，以重兵臨其境，指期進討。承嗣大懾，遂求解於寶臣，寶臣不許。

In the tenth year of Dali, Baochen and Zhengji again denounced Chengsi's crimes and asked permission to attack him. Emperor Daizong wished to profit from their mutual strife and granted the request. At that time Youzhou acting commissioner Zhu Tao was still deferential to the court. An edict ordered Tao and Baochen, together with the Taiyuan army, to attack from the north, and Zhengji with the Hua-Bo, Heyang, and Jiang-Huai armies to attack from the south. Baochen and Zhengji joined forces at Zaoqiang, slaughtered oxen and poured wine to reward the troops, and also issued special bonuses. Baochen's army received generous rewards; Zhengji's received meager ones. When the meeting ended, Zhengji's troops murmured complaints. Zhengji heard them, feared mutiny, and withdrew at once. Thereafter Baochen and Zhu Tao jointly attacked Chengsi's Cangzhou, but for years could not take it. At that time Chengsi sent his trusted general Lu Ziqi to attack Xingzhou. As the city was about to fall, Baochen sent elite troops to the rescue, defeated him, captured Ziqi, and presented him as a prize. The Henan commanders again heavily defeated Tian Yue at Chenliu. Zhengji recovered Chengsi's Dezhou and with a strong force pressed the border, set on advancing to attack. Chengsi was greatly terrified and sought terms from Baochen, but Baochen would not agree.

初，正己將發兵，使人至魏，承嗣囚之。及是，乃厚禮遣歸，發使與俱，具列境內戶口兵糧之數，悉以奉正己。且告曰：「承嗣老矣，今年八十有六，形體支離，無日月焉。己子不令，悅亦孱弱，不足保其後業。今之所有，為公守耳，曷足辱公師旅焉！」立使者於廷，南向，拜而授書。又圖正己形，焚香事之如神，謂人曰：「真聖人也！」正己聞之，且得其歡，乃止諸軍，莫敢進者。

Earlier, when Zhengji was about to send troops, he sent a man to Wei; Chengsi imprisoned him. Now he treated the man with great courtesy and sent him back, dispatching an envoy with him and listing in full the households, troops, and grain within his borders, offering all to Zhengji. He also said, "Chengsi is old. This year he is eighty-six; his body is broken and disjointed, and he has no days left. My son is unworthy, and Yue is also feeble—they cannot preserve what I leave behind. What I now possess I hold for you—how could it be worth troubling your armies!" He stood the envoy in the hall, faced south, bowed, and handed over the letter. He also had Zhengji's likeness painted, burned incense and served it like a god, and said to people, "A true sage!" Zhengji heard this and, having won his favor, halted the armies; none dared advance.

承嗣止正己，無南軍之虞。又知范陽寶臣故裏，生長其間，心常欲得之；乃勒石為讖，密瘞寶臣境內，使望氣者云：「此中有玉氣。」寶臣掘地得之，有文曰：「二帝同功勢萬全，將田作伴入幽、燕。」二帝，指寶臣、正己也。承嗣又使客諷之曰：「公與硃滔共舉，取吾滄州，設得之，當歸國，非公所有。誠能舍承嗣之罪，請以滄州奉獻，可不勞師而致，願取范陽以自效。公將騎為前驅，承嗣率步卒從，此萬全之勢。」寶臣喜，以為事合符命，遂與承嗣通謀，割州與之。寶臣乃密圖范陽，承嗣亦陳兵境上。寶臣謂硃滔使曰：「吾聞硃公貌如神，安得而識之？願因繪事而觀，可乎？」滔乃圖其形以示之。寶臣懸於射堂，命諸將熟視之，曰：「硃公信神人也！」他日，滔出軍，寶臣密選精卒劫之，戒其將曰：「取彼貌如射堂所懸者。」是時，二軍不相虞有變，滔與戰於瓦橋。滔適衣他服，以不識免。承嗣聞與滔交鋒，其釁已成，乃旋軍，使告寶臣曰：「河內有警急，不暇從公。石上讖文，吾戲為之耳！」寶臣慚怒而退。

Chengsi halted Zhengji and had no worry from the southern army. He also knew that Fanyang was Baochen's native place and that he had grown up there; Baochen had long desired to possess it. He then carved a stone prophecy and secretly buried it within Baochen's territory, and had a geomancer say, "There is jade vapor within this place." Baochen dug and found it. The inscription read, "Two emperors share merit and power is wholly secure; take Tian as companion and enter You and Yan." The two emperors referred to Baochen and Zhengji. Chengsi also sent a guest to hint to him, "You and Zhu Tao are jointly raising troops to take my Cangzhou. If you get it, it will return to the state and will not be yours. If you can pardon Chengsi's crime, I ask to offer Cangzhou in submission—you can gain it without troubling your armies. I wish to take Fanyang to prove my loyalty. You will ride as vanguard; Chengsi will follow with infantry—this is a wholly secure position." Baochen was pleased, thinking the matter matched the prophecy, and then conspired with Chengsi and ceded a prefecture to him. Baochen then secretly plotted against Fanyang, and Chengsi also arrayed troops on the border. Baochen said to Zhu Tao's envoy, "I have heard that Lord Zhu's appearance is like a god's—how could I come to know him? Might I view him through a painted likeness—would that be possible?" Tao then had his likeness painted and showed it to him. Baochen hung it in the archery hall, ordered the generals to study it closely, and said, "Lord Zhu is truly a divine man!" Another day, when Tao marched out, Baochen secretly selected elite troops to seize him and warned his generals, "Take the one whose face matches what hangs in the archery hall." At that time the two armies did not expect treachery; Tao fought with him at Waqiao. Tao happened to be wearing other clothes and escaped because he was not recognized. Chengsi heard that he had clashed with Tao and that the breach was complete; he then turned his army and sent word to Baochen, "There is urgent alarm within the passes; I have no leisure to follow you. The prophecy on the stone—I made it in jest!" Baochen withdrew in shame and anger.

遷左僕射，封隴西郡王、檢校司空、同中書門下平章事。德宗即位，拜司空，兼太子太傅。寶臣名位既高，自擅一方，專貯異志。妖人偽為讖語，言寶臣終有天位。寶臣乃為符瑞及靈芝硃草，作硃書符。又於深室齋戒築壇，上置金匜、玉斝，雲「甘露神酒自出」。又偽刻玉為印，金填文字，告境內云：「天降靈瑞，非予所求，不祈而至。」將吏無敢言者。妖輩慮其詐發，乃曰：「相公須飲甘露湯，即天神降。」寶臣然之。妖人置堇湯中，飲之，三日而卒。

He was promoted to Left Grand Master of the Palace, enfeoffed as Prince of Longxi, Acting Minister of Works, and Co-commissioner of the Department of State Affairs and the Chancellery. When Emperor Dezong took the throne, Baochen was appointed Minister of Works and concurrently Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent. Baochen's name and rank were already high; he controlled a region on his own and secretly harbored disloyal intent. Sorcerers forged prophecies saying Baochen would ultimately attain the throne. Baochen then made talismans and auspicious signs, lingzhi and vermilion grass, and vermilion talisman scripts. He also purified himself in a deep chamber, built an altar, placed a golden bowl and jade cup upon it, and declared that "divine wine of sweet dew would issue of itself." He also falsely carved jade into a seal, filled the characters with gold, and announced within his territory, "Heaven has sent auspicious omens—not what I sought; they come unbidden." None of the officers and clerks dared speak. The sorcerers, fearing exposure of the fraud, then said, "The lord must drink sweet-dew broth, and then the heavenly spirit will descend." Baochen agreed. The sorcerers placed aconite in the broth; he drank it and died in three days.

寶臣暮年，益多猜忌，以惟嶽暗懦，諸將不服，即殺大將辛忠義、盧俶、定州刺史張南容、趙州刺史張彭老、許崇俊等二十余人，家口沒入，自是諸將離心。建中二年春卒，時年六十四，廢朝三日，冊贈太保。子惟嶽、惟誠、惟簡。

In his later years Baochen grew ever more suspicious. Thinking Weiyue timid and weak and that the generals would not obey him, he killed the great generals Xin Zhongyi, Lu Xu, Dingzhou prefect Zhang Nanrong, Zhao prefect Zhang Penglao, Xu Chongjun, and more than twenty others. Their households were confiscated, and from this the generals turned away in heart. In the spring of the second year of Jianzhong he died at sixty-four. Court mourning was suspended for three days, and he was posthumously enfeoffed as Grand Mentor. His sons were Weiyue, Weicheng, and Weijian.

寶臣卒時，惟嶽為行軍司馬，三軍推為留後，仍遣使上表求襲父任，朝旨不允。魏博節度使田悅上章保薦，請賜旄節，不許。惟嶽乃與田悅、李正己同謀拒命，判官邵真泣諫，以為不可。惟嶽暗懦，初雖聽從，終為左右所惑而止。而所與圖議，皆奸吏胡震、家人王他奴等，唯勸拒逆為事。

When Baochen died, Weiyue was acting army marshal. The three armies pushed him as acting commissioner and sent an envoy with a memorial asking to inherit his father's post; the court would not grant it. Weibo military commissioner Tian Yue submitted a memorial recommending him and asked that the banner and baton be granted; this too was refused. Weiyue then conspired with Tian Yue and Li Zhengji to defy orders. Judge Shao Zhen wept and remonstrated, saying it could not be done. Weiyue was timid and weak. Though at first he listened, in the end he was swayed by those around him and stopped. Those with whom he plotted were all corrupt clerks such as Hu Zhen and household retainer Wang Tanu, who only urged resistance and rebellion.

惟嶽舅谷從政者，有智略。為寶臣所忌，稱病不出，至是知惟嶽之謀，慮其覆宗，乃出諫惟嶽曰：「今天下無事，遠方朝貢，主上神武，必致太平。如至不允，必至加兵。雖大夫恩及三軍，萬一不捷，孰為大夫用命者？又先朝相公與幽帥不協，今國家致討，必命硃滔為帥。彼嘗切齒，今遂復讎，可不懼乎！又頃者相公誅滅軍中將校，其子弟存者，口雖不言，心寧無憤？兵猶火也，不戢自焚。往者田承嗣佐安祿山、史思明謀亂天下，千征百戰。及頃年侵擾

Weiyue's maternal uncle Gu Congzheng had wisdom and strategy. Baochen had been jealous of him; he claimed illness and did not go out. Now, knowing Weiyue's plan and fearing the destruction of the clan, he came out and remonstrated with Weiyue, "Today the realm is at peace; distant regions send tribute; the sovereign is martial and divine—he is sure to bring great peace. If the request is not granted, troops are sure to be sent. Though the lord's grace reaches the three armies, if in the end you do not prevail, who will risk his life for you? Moreover, the former lord and the Youzhou commander were not on good terms. Now if the state sends punishment, Zhu Tao is sure to be made commander. He once gnashed his teeth at this—now he can take revenge. Should you not fear it! Moreover, in recent years the lord executed commanders in the army. Though their surviving sons say nothing, can their hearts be without rage? Soldiers are like fire; if not checked they burn themselves. In the past Tian Chengsi aided An Lushan and Shi Siming in plotting disorder throughout the realm and fought through a thousand campaigns and a hundred battles. And in recent years when he harassed

洺、相等州，為官軍所敗，及貶永州，仰天垂泣。賴先相公佐佑保援，方獲赦宥，若雷霆不收，承嗣豈有生理！今田悅兇狂，何如承嗣名望？茍欲坐邀富貴，不料破家覆族。而況今之將校，罕有義心，因利乘便，必相傾陷。為大夫畫久長之計，莫若令惟誠知留後，大夫自速入朝。國家念先相公之功，見大夫順命，何求而不得？今與群逆為自危之計，非保家之道也。」惟嶽亦素忌從政，皆不聽，竟與魏、齊謀叛。

Luozhou, Xiangzhou, and the like, he was defeated by the imperial army and demoted to Yongzhou, where he looked up to heaven and wept. Only because the former lord aided and protected him did he obtain pardon. If thunder had not been withheld, how could Chengsi have lived! Now Tian Yue is fierce and reckless—how does he compare with Chengsi's renown? If you merely sit and seek wealth and honor, you do not consider the destruction of house and clan. Moreover, today's commanders rarely have loyal hearts. Seizing opportunity for profit, they are sure to overthrow and entrap one another. To plan a long course for the lord, it would be best to have Weicheng made acting commissioner while the lord himself hurries to court. The state, mindful of the former lord's merit and seeing the lord obey orders—what could you not obtain? Now you join rebels in a plan that endangers yourselves—this is not the way to preserve the house." Weiyue had long been jealous of Congzheng and would not listen. In the end he joined Wei and Qi in plotting rebellion.

既而惟嶽大將張孝忠以郡歸國，朝廷以孝忠為成德軍節度使，仍詔硃滔與孝忠合勢討之。惟嶽以精甲屯束鹿以抗之，田悅遣大將孟佑率兵五千助惟嶽。建中三年正月，硃滔、孝忠大破恆州軍於束鹿，惟嶽燒營而遁。惟嶽大將趙州刺史康日知以郡歸國，惟嶽乃令衙將衛常寧率士卒五千，兵馬使王武俊率騎軍八百同討日知。武俊既出恆州，謂常寧曰：「武俊盡心於本使，大夫信讒，頗相猜忌，所謂朝不謀夕，豈圖生路！且趙州用兵，捷與不捷，武俊不復入恆州矣！妻子任從屠滅，且以殘生往定州事張尚書去也，孰能持頸就戮！」常寧曰：「中丞以大夫不可事，且有詔書雲，斬大夫首者，以其官爵授。自大夫拒命已來，張尚書以易州歸國得節度使。今聞日知已得官爵。觀大夫事勢，終為硃滔所滅。此際轉禍為福，莫若倒戈入使府，誅大夫以取富貴也。況大夫暗昧，左右誑惑，其實易圖。事茍不捷，歸張尚書非晚。」武俊然之。三年閏正月，武俊與常寧自趙州回戈，達明至恆，武俊子士真應於內。武俊兵突入府署，遣虞任越劫擒惟嶽，縊死於戟門外。又誅惟嶽妻父鄭華及長慶、王他奴等二十余人，傳首京師。

Soon afterward Weiyue's great general Zhang Xiaozhong submitted his commandery to the state. The court appointed Xiaozhong military commissioner of the Chengde Army and also ordered Zhu Tao and Xiaozhong to join forces to attack him. Weiyue stationed crack troops at Shulu to resist. Tian Yue sent the great general Meng You with five thousand men to aid Weiyue. In the first month of the third year of Jianzhong, Zhu Tao and Xiaozhong heavily defeated the Hengzhou army at Shulu. Weiyue burned camp and fled. Weiyue's great general, Zhao prefect Kang Rizhi, submitted his commandery to the state. Weiyue then ordered yamen general Wei Changning to lead five thousand soldiers and cavalry commander Wang Wujun to lead eight hundred horsemen to attack Rizhi together. After Wujun had left Hengzhou, he said to Changning, "Wujun has given his whole heart to his lord, yet the lord believes slander and is quite suspicious of me. As they say, one does not plan past morning for evening—how can I hope for a way to live! Moreover, whether the campaign at Zhao succeeds or fails, Wujun will not enter Hengzhou again! Let wife and children be slaughtered as they will. With what life remains I shall go to Dingzhou and serve Vice Director Zhang—that is all. Who can stretch his neck to the execution block!" Changning said, "The vice director holds that the lord cannot be served, and moreover there is an edict saying that whoever cuts off the lord's head will receive his office and rank. Since the lord defied orders, Vice Director Zhang submitted Yi Prefecture to the state and received the commissionership. Now I hear Rizhi has already received office and rank. Judging the lord's situation, in the end he will be destroyed by Zhu Tao. At this juncture to turn calamity into fortune, nothing is better than turning swords inward into headquarters, killing the lord to win wealth and honor. Moreover the lord is dim and those around him deceive and mislead him—he is in truth easy to plot against. If the affair does not succeed, returning to Vice Director Zhang will not be too late." Wujun agreed. In the intercalary first month of the third year, Wujun and Changning turned their swords back from Zhao Prefecture. At daybreak they reached Heng, and Wujun's son Shizhen responded from within. Wujun's troops burst into headquarters. He sent Yu Renyue to seize Weiyue and strangled him outside the halberd gate. He also executed Weiyue's father-in-law Zheng Hua, Changqing, Wang Tanu, and more than twenty others, and sent the head to the capital.

惟誠，惟嶽異母兄，以父廕為殿中丞，累遷至檢校戶部員外郎。好儒書理道，寶臣愛之，委以軍事；性謙厚，以惟嶽嫡嗣，讓而不受。同母妹嫁李正己子納。寶臣以其宗姓，請惟誠歸本姓，又令入仕於鄆州，為李納營田副使。歷兗、淄、濟、淮四州刺史，竟客死東平。

Weicheng was Weiyue's elder half-brother. Through his father's privilege he became Palace Gentleman and was repeatedly promoted to Acting Vice Minister of Revenue. He loved Confucian books and the Way of governance. Baochen cherished him and entrusted military affairs to him. He was modest and generous. Because Weiyue was the legitimate heir, he yielded and would not accept. A younger sister by the same mother married Li Zhengji's son Na. Baochen, because they shared a clan surname, asked Weicheng to resume his original surname and also had him enter service at Yan Prefecture as Li Na's deputy commissioner for military colonies. He successively served as prefect of Yan, Zi, Ji, and Huai, and in the end died as a guest in Dongping.

惟簡，寶臣第三子。初，王武俊既誅惟嶽，又械惟簡送京師。德宗拘於客省，防伺甚峻。硃泚之亂，惟簡斬關而出，赴奉天。德宗嘉之，用為禁軍將。從渾瑊率師討賊，頻戰屢捷，加御史中丞。從幸山南，得「元從功臣」之號，封武安郡王。後授左神威大將軍，轉天威統軍。元和初，檢校戶部尚書、左金吾衛大將軍，充街使；俄拜鳳翔隴右節度使。元和十三年正月卒，贈尚書右僕射。

Weijian was Baochen's third son. Earlier, after Wang Wujun had killed Weiyue, he also shackled Weijian and sent him to the capital. Emperor Dezong detained him in the guest quarters under very strict guard. In Zhu Ci's rebellion, Weijian cut through the gate and fled to Fengtian. Emperor Dezong commended him and appointed him a general of the inner guard. Following Hun Jian in leading troops to attack the rebels, he fought repeatedly and won often, and was promoted to Vice Censor-in-Chief. Following the emperor to the south of the mountains, he received the title "Meritorious Minister of the Original Retinue" and was enfeoffed as Prince of Wu'an. Later he was appointed Great General of the Left Divine Martial Army and transferred to commander of the Heavenly Might Army. At the beginning of Yuanhe he was Acting Minister of Revenue and Great General of the Left Golden Guard, and served as street commissioner. Soon he was appointed military commissioner of Fengxiang and Longyou. In the first month of the thirteenth year of Yuanhe he died; he was posthumously enfeoffed as Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs.

子元本，生於貴族，輕薄無行。初，張茂昭子克禮尚襄陽公主。長慶中，主縱恣不法，常遊行市裏。有士族子薛樞、薛渾者，俱得幸於主。尤愛渾，每詣渾家，謁渾母行事姑之禮。有吏誰何者，即以厚賂啖之。渾與元本皆少年，遂相誘掖；元本亦得幸於主，出入主第。張克禮不勝其忿，上表陳聞，乃召主幽於禁中。以元本功臣之後，得減死，杖六十，流象州。樞、渾以元本之故，亦從輕杖八十，長流崖州。

His son Yuanben was born into the nobility and was frivolous and without conduct. Earlier, Zhang Maozhao's son Keli married Princess Xiangyang. In the Changqing era the princess was wanton and lawless and often roamed the market streets. There were gentlemen of good families, Xue Shu and Xue Hun, who both won the princess's favor. She especially loved Hun. Whenever she went to Hun's house she paid respects to Hun's mother as to a mother-in-law. If any clerk questioned her, she bribed him heavily to silence him. Hun and Yuanben were both young men and thus led one another astray. Yuanben also won the princess's favor and came and went at the princess's residence. Zhang Keli could not bear his rage and submitted a memorial reporting it. The princess was then summoned and confined within the inner palace. Because Yuanben was the descendant of a meritorious minister, his death sentence was reduced. He was beaten sixty strokes and exiled to Xiang Prefecture. Shu and Hun, because of Yuanben, also received lighter punishment of eighty strokes and long exile to Ya Prefecture.

王武俊，契丹怒皆部落也。祖可訥幹，父路俱。開元中，饒樂府都督李詩率其部落五千帳，與路俱南河襲冠帶，有詔褒美，從居薊。武俊初號沒諾幹，年十五，能騎射。上元中，為史思明恆州刺史李寶臣裨將。寶應元年，王師入井陘。將平河朔，武俊謂寶臣曰：「以寡敵眾，以曲遇直，戰則離，守則潰，銳師遠鬥，庸可禦乎？」寶臣遂徹警備，以恆、定、深、趙、易，充本軍先鋒兵馬使。

Wang Wujun was of the Nujie tribe of the Khitan. His grandfather was Keneghan; his father was Luju. In the Kaiyuan era, Raole Protectorate commander Li Shi led his tribe of five thousand households south of the river to receive caps and belts. An edict praised this, and they settled at Ji. Wujun was at first called Monuogan. At fifteen he could ride and shoot. In the Shangyuan era he was a deputy commander under Hengzhou prefect Li Baochen. In the first year of Baoying the imperial army entered Jingxing. About to pacify Hebei, Wujun said to Baochen, "With few against many, with the bent meeting the straight—fight and the army splits; hold and it collapses. Can crack troops fighting far away be resisted?" Baochen then withdrew guards and with Heng, Ding, Shen, Zhao, and Yi served as vanguard cavalry commander of his own army.

大歷十年，田承嗣因薛嵩死，兼有相、衛、磁、邢、洺五州。承嗣遣將盧子期寇磁州，詔令寶臣與李正己、李勉、李承昭、田神玉、硃滔、李抱真各出兵討之。諸軍與子期戰於清水，大破之。寶臣將有節生擒子期以獻。代宗嘉其功，使中貴人馬承倩賫詔宣勞。承倩將歸，止傳舍，寶臣親遺百縑。承倩詬詈，擲出道中；寶臣顧左右有愧色。還休府中，諸將散歸，寶臣潛伺屏間，獨武俊佩刀立於門下。召入，解刀與語曰：「見向者頑豎乎？」武俊曰：「今閣下有功尚爾，寇平後，天子以幅紙之詔召置京下，一匹夫耳，可乎？」寶臣曰：「為之若何？」武俊曰：「不如玩養承嗣，以為己資。」寶臣曰：「今與承嗣有釁矣，可推腹心哉？」武俊曰：「勢同患均，轉寇仇為父子，咳唾間。若傳虛言，無益也。今中貴人劉清譚在驛，斬首送承嗣，立質妻孥矣！」寶臣曰：「恐不能如此。」武俊曰：「硃滔為國屯兵滄州，請擒送承嗣以取信。」許之。立選士二千，皆乘駿馬，通夜馳三百里，晨至滔營，掩其不備。滔軍出戰，大敗，擒類滔者，滔故得脫。自此寶臣與田承嗣、李正己更相為援，皆武俊萌之。

In the tenth year of Dali, when Tian Chengsi took advantage of Xue Song's death and also held Xiang, Wei, Ci, Xing, and Ming prefectures. Chengsi sent the general Lu Ziqi to raid Ci Prefecture. An edict ordered Baochen together with Li Zhengji, Li Mian, Li Chengzhao, Tian Shenyu, Zhu Tao, and Li Baozhen each to send troops to attack him. The allied armies fought Ziqi at Qingshui and heavily defeated him. Baochen's general You Jiesheng captured Ziqi alive and presented him. Emperor Daizong commended his merit and sent the inner attendant Ma Chengqian bearing an edict to proclaim his labors. When Chengqian was about to return, he stopped at the relay station. Baochen personally sent him a hundred rolls of silk. Chengqian reviled and cursed him and threw them out on the road. Baochen looked at those around him with shame on his face. Returning to rest in headquarters, the generals dispersed home. Baochen secretly watched from behind the screen—only Wujun stood at the gate with sword in belt. He summoned him in, ungirded his sword, and spoke with him, "Did you see that obstinate fellow just now?" Wujun said, "Now though Your Excellency has merit, you are still treated thus. After the rebels are pacified, the Son of Heaven will summon you to the capital with an edict on a strip of paper—you will be a common man. Is that acceptable?" Baochen said, "What is to be done about it?" Wujun said, "Better to play with and nurture Chengsi as your own resource." Baochen said, "Now there is already a breach with Chengsi—how can you open your heart to him?" Wujun said, "Your situations are the same and your perils equal—turning enemy into father and son takes no more than the time to spit. If you only pass empty words, it is of no use. Now the inner attendant Liu Qingtan is at the relay station—cut off his head and send it to Chengsi, and establish his wife and children as hostages!" Baochen said, "I fear it cannot be done thus." Wujun said, "Zhu Tao is garrisoning troops at Cangzhou for the state—ask to seize and send him to Chengsi to win trust." He agreed. He selected two thousand picked men, all mounted on swift horses. They galloped three hundred li through the night and at dawn reached Tao's camp and struck while he was unprepared. Tao's army came out to fight and was heavily defeated. They captured one resembling Tao, and Tao himself escaped. From this Baochen with Tian Chengsi and Li Zhengji alternately supported one another—all this Wujun had set in motion.

寶臣死，其子惟嶽謀襲父位。寶臣舊將易州刺史張孝忠以州順命，遂以孝忠代寶臣。俾惟嶽護喪歸京，惟嶽不受命。建中三年正月，詔硃滔、張孝忠合軍討之。惟嶽與武俊復統萬余眾戰於束鹿。武俊率三千騎先進，為滔所敗，惟嶽遁走。趙州刺史康日知遂以州順命，惟嶽令武俊統兵擊之。日知遣人謂武俊曰：「惟嶽孱微而無謀，何足同反！我城堅眾一，未可以歲月下。且惟嶽恃田悅為援，前歲悅之丁男甲卒塗地於邢州城下，猶不能陷，況此城乎！」復給偽手詔招武俊，信之；遂倒兵入恆州，率數百騎入衙門。使謂惟嶽曰：「大夫舉兵與魏、齊同惡，今田尚書已喪敗，李尚書為趙州所間，軍士自束鹿之役，傷痛軫心。硃僕射強兵宿境內，張尚書已授定州，三軍俱懼殞首喪家。聞有詔征大夫，宜亟赴命，不爾，禍在漏刻。」惟嶽怖，遽睢盱。武俊子士真斬惟嶽，持首而出。武俊殺不同己者十數人，遂定。傳首上聞，授武俊檢校秘書少監、兼御史大夫、恆州刺史、恆冀都團練觀察使，實封五百戶，以康日知為深趙團練觀察使。

When Baochen died, his son Weiyue plotted to seize his father's position. Baochen's old general, Yi Prefecture prefect Zhang Xiaozhong, submitted his prefecture in obedience to orders. Xiaozhong was then made to replace Baochen. Weiyue was ordered to escort the funeral to the capital; Weiyue would not obey. In the first month of the third year of Jianzhong, an edict ordered Zhu Tao and Zhang Xiaozhong to join armies to attack him. Weiyue and Wujun again commanded more than ten thousand men and fought at Shulu. Wujun led three thousand horsemen in the van and was defeated by Tao. Weiyue fled. Zhao prefect Kang Rizhi then submitted his prefecture in obedience to orders. Weiyue ordered Wujun to command troops to attack him. Rizhi sent a man to say to Wujun, "Weiyue is feeble and without strategy—why join him in rebellion! My walls are strong and my people united—you cannot take the city in a year. Moreover Weiyue relies on Tian Yue as support. Last year Yue's young men and armored soldiers lay dead in heaps below Xingzhou's walls and still could not breach it—how much less this city!" He also sent a forged handwritten edict to recruit Wujun; Wujun believed it. He then turned his army into Hengzhou and led several hundred horsemen into the yamen gate. He sent someone to say to Weiyue, "The lord raised troops in evil union with Wei and Qi. Now Vice Minister Tian has already been defeated, Vice Minister Li has been estranged by Zhao Prefecture, and since the battle at Shulu the soldiers' wounds and grief pierce the heart. Vice Director Zhu has strong troops encamped within the borders. Vice Director Zhang has already been given Ding Prefecture. The three armies all fear losing their heads and destroying their houses. Word has come of an edict summoning the lord—you should hurry to obey orders. Otherwise disaster falls within the hour." Weiyue was terrified and stared about in panic. Wujun's son Shizhen cut off Weiyue's head and came out holding it. Wujun killed more than ten who did not agree with him and then stabilized the situation. He sent the head to report to the court. Wujun was appointed Acting Vice Director of the Secretariat, Concurrent Censor-in-Chief, prefect of Hengzhou, and Commissioner for Heng and Ji, with a substantive fief of five hundred households. Kang Rizhi was made Commissioner for Shen and Zhao.

時惟嶽偽定州刺史楊政義以州順命，深州刺史楊榮國降硃滔，分兵鎮之。朝廷既以定州屬張孝忠．深州屬康日知。武俊怒失趙、定二州，且名位不滿其誌。硃滔怒失深州，因誘武俊謀反，斥言朝廷，遂連率勁兵救田悅。時馬燧、李抱真、李芃、李晟方討田悅，敗悅於洹水。後連歲暴兵，然悅勢已蹙。至是武俊、硃滔復振起之。悅勢益張。

At that time Weiyue's false Ding Prefecture prefect Yang Zhengyi submitted his prefecture in obedience to orders. Shen Prefecture prefect Yang Rongguo surrendered to Zhu Tao, and troops were divided to garrison it. The court had already assigned Ding Prefecture to Zhang Xiaozhong and Shen Prefecture to Kang Rizhi. Wujun was angry at losing Zhao and Ding prefectures and that his name and rank did not satisfy his ambition. Zhu Tao was angry at losing Shen Prefecture. He therefore enticed Wujun to plot rebellion, spoke harshly of the court, and then led crack troops in succession to rescue Tian Yue. At that time Ma Sui, Li Baozhen, Li Qi, and Li Sheng were attacking Tian Yue and defeated him at Huanshui. Afterward they waged war for successive years, yet Yue's position was already pressed. Now Wujun and Zhu Tao revived him again. Yue's power grew ever greater.

十一月，武俊使大將張鐘葵寇趙州，康日知擊敗之，斬首上獻。是日，武俊僭建國，稱趙王，又恆州為真定府，偽命官秩。硃滔、田悅、李納一同僭號，分據所部，各遣使勸誘蔡州李希烈同僭位號。四年三月，希烈既為周曾謀潰其腹心，或傳希烈已死，馬燧等四節度軍中聞之，歡聲震外。

In the eleventh month Wujun sent the great general Zhang Zhongkui to raid Zhao Prefecture. Kang Rizhi defeated him and sent the severed head to present. That day Wujun presumptuously established a state, styled himself King of Zhao, made Hengzhou the capital Zhending, and falsely appointed offices and ranks. Zhu Tao, Tian Yue, and Li Na likewise presumptuously assumed titles, each holding his own territory, and each sent envoys to persuade Li Xilie at Caizhou to join in assuming titles. In the third month of the fourth year, after Xilie had been undermined by Zhou Zeng's plot against his inner circle, or when word spread that Xilie was dead, the four commissioners' armies heard it and cheers shook the camp.

六月，李抱真使辯客賈林詐降武俊。林至武俊壁曰：「是來傳詔，非降也。」武俊色動，征其說。林曰：「天子知大夫宿誠，及登壇建國之日，撫膺顧左右曰：『我本忠義，天子不省。』是後諸軍曾同表論列大夫。天子覽表動容，語使者曰：『朕前事誤，追無及已。朋友間失意尚可謝，朕四海主，毫芒安可復念哉！』」武俊曰：「仆虜將，尚知存撫百姓，天子固不專務殺人以安天下。今山東大兵者五，比戰勝，骨盡暴野，雖勝與誰守？今不憚歸國，以與諸侯盟約，虜性直，不欲曲在己。朝廷能降恩滌蕩之，仆首倡歸國，不從者，於以奉辭，則上不負天子，下不負朋友。此謀既行，河朔不五旬可定。」

In the sixth month Li Baozhen sent the eloquent guest Jia Lin to feign surrender to Wujun. Lin came to Wujun's rampart and said, "I have come to transmit an edict—not to surrender." Wujun's expression changed and he pressed for his explanation. Lin said, "The Son of Heaven knows the lord's long-standing loyalty. On the day you mounted the altar and established the state, he beat his breast and looked at those around him and said, 'I was always loyal—the Son of Heaven did not understand.' Afterward the armies jointly submitted memorials on the lord's behalf. The Son of Heaven read the memorials with moved expression and said to the envoy, 'I was wrong before—there is no catching up now. Between friends, if one is disappointed, one can still apologize. I am lord of the four seas—how can I dwell on a hair's breadth!'" Wujun said, "I, a captive general, still know to cherish and comfort the people. The Son of Heaven surely does not devote himself solely to killing men to pacify the realm. Now there are five great armies east of the mountains. Even when they win, the bones lie exposed across the wild—though you win, with whom will you hold the land? Now I do not fear returning to the state and making covenant with the feudal lords. My barbarian nature is straight and I do not wish the fault to lie with me. If the court can lower grace and wash away offenses, I will be first to lead the return to the state. Those who do not follow, I will take arms against them—then above I will not fail the Son of Heaven, below I will not fail my friends. Once this plan is carried out, Hebei can be settled within fifty days."

十月，涇原兵犯闕，上幸奉天。京師問至，諸將退軍。李抱真將還潞澤，田悅說武俊與硃滔襲擊之。賈林復說武俊曰：「今退軍前輜重，後銳師，人心固一，不可圖也。且勝而得地，則利歸魏博；喪師，即成德大傷。大夫本部易、定、滄、趙四州，何不先復故地？」武俊遂北馬首，背田悅約。賈林復說武俊曰：「大夫冀邦豪族，不合謀據中華。且滔心幽險，王室強即藉大夫援之，卑即思有並吞。且河朔無冀國，唯趙、魏、燕耳！今硃滔稱冀，則窺大夫冀州，其兆已形矣。若滔力制山東，大夫須整臣禮；不從，即為所攻奪，此時臣滔乎？」武俊投袂作色曰：「二百年宗社，我尚不能臣，誰能臣田舍漢！」由此計定，遂南修好抱真，西連盟馬燧。會興元元年德宗罪己，大赦反側。二月，武俊集三軍，削偽國號。詔國子祭酒兼御史大夫董晉、中使王進傑，自行在至恆州宣命，授武俊檢校兵部尚書、成德軍節度使。三月，加司空、同中書門下平章事，兼幽州、盧龍兩道節度使、瑯邪郡王。

In the tenth month the Jingyuan army violated the capital. The emperor fled to Fengtian. When word from the capital arrived, the generals withdrew their armies. As Li Baozhen was about to return to Lu and Ze, Tian Yue persuaded Wujun and Zhu Tao to strike him. Jia Lin again persuaded Wujun, "Now the army withdraws with baggage in front and crack troops behind. Hearts are firmly united—it cannot be plotted against. Moreover if you win and gain land, the profit goes to Weibo. If you lose the army, it is a great wound to Chengde. The lord's own territory is the four prefectures Yi, Ding, Cang, and Zhao—why not first recover the old lands?" Wujun then turned his horse north and broke his covenant with Tian Yue. Jia Lin again persuaded Wujun, "The lord is a great clan of Ji—he should not plot to hold the central lands. Moreover Tao's heart is dark and treacherous. When the royal house is strong he borrows the lord's aid; when it is weak he thinks of swallowing you. Moreover in Hebei there is no Ji state—only Zhao, Wei, and Yan! Now Zhu Tao styles himself Ji—the sign that he covets the lord's Ji Prefecture has already taken shape. If Tao by force controls the east of the mountains, the lord must arrange himself in minister's ritual. If you do not obey, he will attack and seize you—at that time will you be Tao's minister?" Wujun flung his sleeve and changed color. "A two-hundred-year dynasty—I still cannot serve it as minister. Who could serve a rustic Han!" From this the plan was settled. He then made peace with Baozhen to the south and allied with Ma Sui to the west. In the first year of Xingyuan Emperor Dezong blamed himself and issued a great amnesty for rebels. In the second month Wujun assembled the three armies and cast off the false state title. An edict ordered Imperial Diagnostician and Concurrent Censor-in-Chief Dong Jin and the inner attendant Wang Jinjie to go from the imperial camp to Hengzhou to proclaim the appointment of Wujun as Acting Minister of War and military commissioner of the Chengde Army. In the third month he was further made Minister of Works, Co-commissioner of the Department of State Affairs and the Chancellery, and military commissioner of Youzhou and Lulong, Prince of Langye.

時硃泚偽冊滔為皇太弟，滔率幽、檀勁卒，誘回紇二千騎，已圍貝州數十日，將絕白馬津，南盜洛都，與泚合勢。時李懷光反，據河中；李希烈已陷大梁，南逼江、漢；李納尚反於齊，田緒未為用；李晟孤軍壁渭上。天子羽書所制者，天下才十二三，海內蕩析，人心失歸。賈林又說武俊與抱真合軍，同救魏博，為武俊陳利害曰：「硃滔此行，欲先平魏博，更逢田悅被害，人心不安。旬日不救，魏、貝必下，滔益數萬。張孝忠見魏、貝已拔，必臣硃滔。三道連衡，兼統回紇，長驅至此，家族可得免乎？常山不守，則昭義退保山西，河朔地盡入滔。今乘魏、貝未下，孝忠未附，公與昭義合軍破之，如掇遺耳！此計就，則聲振關中，京邑可坐復，鑾輿反正自公，則勛業無二也。」武俊歡然許之。兩軍議定，卜日同征。五月，武俊、抱真會軍於鉅鹿東。兩軍既交，滔震恐。抱真為方陣，武俊用奇兵，硃滔傾壘出戰。武俊不擐甲而馳之。滔望風奔潰，自相蹂踐，死者十四五。收其輜重、器甲、馬牛不可勝計，滔夜奔還幽州。武俊班師，表讓幽州盧龍節度使，許之。乃升恆州為大都督府，以武俊為長史，加檢校司徒，實封七百戶，余如故。

At that time Zhu Ci falsely enfeoffed Tao as Imperial Younger Brother. Tao led crack troops of You and Tan and enticed two thousand Uyghur horsemen, had already besieged Beizhou for several tens of days, and was about to cut the Baima ford and raid south to Luoyang to join forces with Ci. At that time Li Huaiguang rebelled and held the middle of the river. Li Xilie had already fallen Daliang and pressed south on the Jiang and Han. Li Na still rebelled in Qi. Tian Xu had not yet been put to use. Li Sheng's lone army walled on the Wei. Of the realm the emperor's urgent dispatches could reach, only twelve or thirteen tenths remained. Within the seas all was shaken apart and hearts lost their mooring. Jia Lin again persuaded Wujun and Baozhen to join armies and together rescue Weibo. For Wujun he set forth advantage and harm: "Zhu Tao on this campaign wishes first to pacify Weibo. Moreover Tian Yue has been harmed and hearts are unsettled. If not rescued within ten days, Wei and Bei will fall and Tao will gain tens of thousands more. When Zhang Xiaozhong sees Wei and Bei already taken, he is sure to become Zhu Tao's minister. Three circuits in alliance, also commanding the Uyghur, charging here at full speed—can your clan escape? If Changshan is not held, Zhaoyi retreats to guard Shanxi and all Hebei lands fall to Tao. Now while Wei and Bei are not yet fallen and Xiaozhong not yet attached, if you and Zhaoyi join armies and break them, it is like picking up what lies before you! Once this plan succeeds, fame will shake Guanzhong, the capital can be recovered at a sitting, and the imperial carriage returns to correctness through you—then merit will be second to none." Wujun gladly agreed. The two armies settled the plan and chose a day to campaign together. In the fifth month Wujun and Baozhen joined armies east of Julu. Once the two armies engaged, Tao was shaken with fear. Baozhen formed a square array; Wujun used irregular troops. Zhu Tao brought out his whole camp to fight. Wujun charged without donning armor. Tao fled at the sight of the wind, trampling one another. Fourteen or fifteen tenths died. They seized baggage, arms, cattle, and horses beyond counting. Tao fled by night back to Youzhou. Wujun withdrew his army and in a memorial yielded the Youzhou Lulong commissionership; this was granted. Hengzhou was then elevated to a great metropolitan prefecture. Wujun was made chief administrator, further made Acting Minister of War, with a substantive fief of seven hundred households; the rest as before.

車駕還京，寵之逾厚。子尚貴主，子弟在孩稚者，皆賜官名。尋丁母憂，起復加左金吾上將軍同正；免喪，加開府儀同三司。十二年，上念舊勛，加檢校太尉，兼中書令。

When the imperial carriage returned to the capital, favor toward him grew ever thicker. His son married the Noble Princess; children still in infancy all received official names. Soon he entered mourning for his mother and was recalled to office as Left Golden Guard Senior General of the same rank. When mourning ended he was further made Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with the privilege of opening an office. In the twelfth year the emperor, mindful of old merit, further made him Acting Grand Marshal and Concurrent Director of the Chancellery.

十七年六月卒，時年六十七，廢朝五日，群臣詣延英門奉慰，如渾瑊故事。詔左庶子上公持節冊贈太師，賻絹三千匹、布千端、米粟三千碩。太常謚曰威烈，德宗曰：「武俊竭忠奉國，宜賜謚忠烈。」子士真、士清、士平、士則。士真嗣。

In the sixth month of the seventeenth year he died at sixty-seven. Court was suspended five days; ministers went to the Yanying Gate to offer condolences, following Hun Jian's precedent. An edict ordered the Left Assistant to the Heir Apparent, a duke of the first rank, to bear credentials and posthumously enfeoff him as Grand Preceptor, with three thousand rolls of silk, a thousand rolls of cloth, and three thousand piculs of grain and millet as funeral gifts. The Director of Ceremonies proposed the posthumous title Weilie. Emperor Dezong said, "Wujun exhausted loyalty in serving the state—he should be given the posthumous title Zhonglie." His sons were Shizhen, Shiqing, Shiping, and Shize. Shizhen succeeded.

士真，武俊長子。少驍悍，冠於軍中，沈謀有斷。事李寶臣為帳中親將，仍以女妻之。寶臣末年，慮身後諸子暗弱，為諸將所奪，屢行誅戮，諸將離心。武俊官位雖卑，而勇略邁世；寶臣惜其才，不忍誅之。而士真密結寶臣左右，保護其父，以是獲免。

Shizhen was Wujun's eldest son. From youth he was fierce and bold, foremost in the army. He had deep strategy and decisive judgment. Serving Li Baochen as a close general in headquarters, he also married Baochen's daughter. In Baochen's later years, fearing that after his death his sons would be dim and weak and be seized by the generals, he repeatedly carried out executions. The generals turned away in heart. Though Wujun's office was low, his courage and strategy surpassed the age. Baochen cherished his talent and could not bear to kill him. Shizhen secretly joined with those around Baochen and protected his father, and thereby escaped harm.

惟嶽之世，尤加委任，武俊亦盡心匡佐。既兵敗束鹿，張孝忠、康日知以地歸國，受官賞；惟嶽稍貯防疑，武俊謀自貶損，出入不過三兩人。左右謂惟嶽曰：「先相公委任武俊，以遺大夫，兼有治命。今披肝膽為大夫者，武俊耳。又士真即大夫妹婿，保無異志。今勢危急，若不坦懷待之，若更如康日知，即大事去矣！」惟嶽曰：「我待武俊自厚，不獨先公遺旨。」由是無疑，即令將兵攻趙州。士真更宿於府衙，與同職謀事。及武俊倒戈，士真等數人擒惟嶽出衙，縊死之。武俊領節鉞，以士真為副大使。

In Weiyue's time he was especially entrusted. Wujun also gave his whole heart in support. After defeat at Shulu, Zhang Xiaozhong and Kang Rizhi submitted their lands to the state and received offices and rewards. Weiyue gradually stored suspicion. Wujun planned self-abasement and when going out took no more than two or three men. Those around said to Weiyue, "The former lord entrusted Wujun to leave to the lord, and there was also a deathbed command. Now the one who lays bare his liver and heart for the lord is Wujun alone. Moreover Shizhen is the lord's brother-in-law—surely he harbors no disloyal intent. Now the situation is critically urgent—if you do not treat him with open heart, and he becomes another Kang Rizhi, the great affair is lost!" Weiyue said, "I treat Wujun generously on my own—not only because of the former lord's last command." From this there was no suspicion. He then ordered him to lead troops to attack Zhao Prefecture. Shizhen lodged overnight in the government office and plotted with colleagues of the same office. When Wujun turned his swords, Shizhen and several others seized Weiyue and brought him out of the yamen and strangled him. Wujun took the commissioner's baton and made Shizhen deputy commissioner.

建中年，武俊僭稱趙王於魏縣，以士真為司空、真定府留守，充元帥。及武俊破硃滔順命，以武俊兼幽州盧龍軍節度使，仍以士真為副使、檢校工部尚書。德宗還京，進位檢校兵部尚書，充德州刺史、德棣觀察使，封清河郡王。十七年，武俊卒，起復授左金吾衛大將軍同正、恆州大都督府長史，充成德軍節度、恆冀深趙德棣等州觀察等使。尋檢校尚書左僕射。順宗即位，進位檢校司空。

In the Jianzhong years Wujun presumptuously styled himself King of Zhao at Wei County and made Shizhen Minister of Works, Zhending capital intendant, and supreme commander. When Wujun defeated Zhu Tao and obeyed orders, Wujun was made concurrent military commissioner of Youzhou and Lulong, and Shizhen was still made deputy commissioner and Acting Vice Minister of Works. When Emperor Dezong returned to the capital, he was promoted to Acting Minister of War, made prefect of Dezhou and commissioner of De and Di, and enfeoffed as Prince of Qinghe. In the seventeenth year Wujun died. Recalled from mourning he was appointed Left Golden Guard Senior General of the same rank, chief administrator of the Hengzhou metropolitan prefecture, and military commissioner of the Chengde Army and commissioner of Heng, Ji, Shen, Zhao, De, and Di and the like. Soon he was Acting Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. When Emperor Shunzong took the throne, he was promoted to Acting Minister of Works.

士真佐父立功，備歷艱苦；得位之後，恬然守善，雖自補屬吏，賦不上供，然歲貢貨財，名為進奉者，亦數十萬，比幽、魏二鎮，最為承順。元和元年，就加同中書門下平章事。四年三月卒。子承宗、承元、承通、承迪、承榮。

Shizhen aided his father in establishing merit and passed through every hardship. After gaining position he calmly kept to what was good. Though he appointed his own subordinate officials and did not remit taxes, yet each year he presented goods and wealth under the name of tribute offerings—also several hundred thousand—and among You and Wei he was the most deferential. In the first year of Yuanhe he was further made Co-commissioner of the Department of State Affairs and the Chancellery. In the third month of the fourth year he died. His sons were Chengzong, Chengyuan, Chengtong, Chendi, and Chengrong.

士清，以父勛累加官至殿中少監同正。元和初，為冀州刺史、御史大夫，封北海郡王，早卒。

Shiqing, through his father's merit, was repeatedly promoted to Palace Vice Director of the same rank. At the beginning of Yuanhe he was prefect of Ji Prefecture and Censor-in-Chief, enfeoffed as Prince of Beihai, and died early.

士平，以父勛補原王府咨議。貞元二年，選尚義陽公主，加秘書少監同正、附馬都尉。元和中，累遷至安州刺史。時公主縱恣不法，士平與之爭忿；憲宗怒，幽公主於禁中，士平幽於私第，不令出入。後釋之，出為安州刺史。坐與中貴交結，貶賀州司戶。時輕薄文士蔡南、獨孤申叔為義陽主歌詞，曰《團雪》、《散雪》等曲，言其遊處離異之狀，往往歌於酒席。憲宗聞而惡之，欲廢進士科，令所司網捉搦，得南、申叔貶之，由是稍止。及盜殺宰相武元衡，旬日捕賊未獲。士平與兄士則庭奏盜主於承宗，既獲張晏等誅之，乃以士平為左金吾衛大將軍。及奪承宗官爵，仍以士平襲父實封。

Shiping, through his father's merit, was appointed counselor to the Prince of Yuan's household. In the second year of Zhenyuan he was selected to marry Princess Yiyang and was made Acting Vice Director of the Secretariat of the same rank and Commandant of the Feathered Forest. In the Yuanhe years he was repeatedly promoted to prefect of An Prefecture. At that time the princess was wanton and lawless. Shiping quarreled with her in anger. Emperor Xianzong was angry, confined the princess within the inner palace, and confined Shiping in his private residence, not allowing him to go out. Later he was released and went out as prefect of An Prefecture. For associating with inner attendants he was demoted to Registrar of He Prefecture. At that time frivolous literati Cai Nan and Dugu Shenshu wrote song lyrics for Princess Yiyang, such as "Ball of Snow" and "Scattered Snow," describing her roaming and separation. They were often sung at banquets. Emperor Xianzong heard and hated it. He wished to abolish the jinshi examination and ordered the authorities to hunt and seize them. Nan and Shenshu were demoted, and from this it gradually stopped. When assassins killed Chancellor Wu Yuanheng, for ten days the robbers were not captured. Shiping with his elder brother Shize memorialized at court that the assassins were directed by Chengzong. After Zhang Yan and the like were captured and executed, Shiping was made Great General of the Left Golden Guard. When Chengzong's offices and titles were stripped, Shiping still inherited his father's substantive fief.

士則，士平異母兄。承宗既立為節度使，不容諸父，乃奔於京師，用為神策大將軍。及承宗叛逆，盜殺宰相，士則請移貫京兆府。諸鎮兵討承宗，裴度言士則武俊子，其軍中必有懷之者，乃用士則為邢州刺史，兼本州團練使，從昭義節度使郗士美討賊，冀攜離承宗之黨，且許以節制。士則恃此，頗不受士美節制，行止以兵自衛；雖謁士美，而衛兵如故。吏呵止之，士則不能平，見於辭氣。士美惡之，密以狀聞，乃以張遵代還。

Shize was Shiping's elder half-brother. After Chengzong was established as military commissioner he would not tolerate his uncles. Shize fled to the capital and was used as a great general of the Shence Army. When Chengzong rebelled and assassins killed the chancellor, Shize asked to transfer his household registration to the capital district. The commanderies' armies attacked Chengzong. Pei Du said Shize was Wujun's son and that within his army there were sure to be those who harbored sympathy for him. Shize was then used as prefect of Xing Prefecture and concurrent regimental commander of that prefecture, following Zhaoyi military commissioner Xi Shimei in attacking the rebels, hoping to divide Chengzong's faction, and he was also promised the commissioner's baton. Shize relied on this and quite refused to obey Shimei's command. In movement and rest he guarded himself with troops. Though he paid court to Shimei, his guards remained as before. Clerks shouted to stop them. Shize could not be at peace and showed it in his words and manner. Shimei hated this and secretly reported the situation. Zhang Zun was then used to replace him and he returned.

承宗，士真長子。河朔三鎮自置副大使，以嫡長為之。承宗累奏至鎮州大都督府右司馬、知州事、御史大夫，充都知兵馬使、副大使。

Chengzong was Shizhen's eldest son. The three Hebei circuits each appointed their own deputy commissioners, with the legitimate eldest as holder. Chengzong repeatedly memorialized up to Right Vice Administrator of the Zhen Prefecture metropolitan prefecture, knowing prefectural affairs, Censor-in-Chief, concurrent commander of all military affairs, and deputy commissioner.

元和四年三月，士真卒；三軍推為留後，朝廷伺其變，累月不問。承宗懼，累上表陳謝。至八月，上令京兆少尹裴武往宣諭，承宗奉詔甚恭，且曰：「三軍見迫，不候朝旨，今請割德、棣二州上獻，以表丹懇。」由是起復雲麾將軍、左金吾衛大將軍同正、檢校工部尚書、鎮州大都督府長史、御史大夫、成德軍節度、鎮冀深趙等州觀察等使。又以德州刺史薛昌朝檢校右散騎常侍、德州刺史、御史大夫，充保信軍節度、德棣觀察等使。

In the third month of the fourth year of Yuanhe Shizhen died. The three armies pushed him as acting commissioner. The court watched for change and for months did not inquire. Chengzong was afraid and repeatedly submitted memorials of apology. By the eighth month the emperor ordered Capital Assistant Prefect Pei Wu to go proclaim the edict. Chengzong received the edict very deferentially and said, "The three armies forced me. I did not await the court's command. Now I ask to cede De and Di prefectures in submission to show sincere devotion." Thereupon he was recalled from mourning as Cloud Banner General, Left Golden Guard Senior General of the same rank, Acting Vice Minister of Works, chief administrator of the Zhen Prefecture metropolitan prefecture, Censor-in-Chief, military commissioner of the Chengde Army and commissioner of Zhen, Ji, Shen, and Zhao and the like. Also De Prefecture prefect Xue Changchao was made Acting Right Regular Attendant of the same rank, prefect of De Prefecture, Censor-in-Chief, and military commissioner of the Baoxin Army and commissioner of De and Di and the like.

昌朝，故昭義節度使嵩之子，婚姻於王氏，入仕於成德軍，故為刺史。

Changchao was the son of the former Zhaoyi military commissioner Song. Allied by marriage with the Wang clan, he entered service in the Chengde Army and therefore became prefect.

承宗既獻二州，朝廷不欲別命將帥，且授其親將。保信旌節未至德州，承宗遣數百騎馳往德州，虜昌朝歸真定囚之。朝廷又加棣州刺史田渙充本州團練守捉使，冀漸離之。令中使景忠信往諭旨，令遣昌朝還鎮，承宗不奉詔。憲宗怒，下詔曰：「枉承宗頃在苫廬，潛窺戎鎮；而內外以事君之禮，逆而必誅，分土之儀，專則有辟。朕念其先祖嘗有茂勛，貸以私恩，抑於公議。使臣旁午以告諭，孽童俯伏以陳誠，願獻兩州，期無二事。朕欲收其後效，用以曲全，授節制於舊疆，齒勛賢於列位。況德、棣本非成德所管，昌朝又是承宗懿親，俾撫近鄰，斯誠厚渥，外雖兩鎮，中實一家。而承宗象恭懷奸，肖貌稔禍。欺裴武於得位之後，縲昌朝於受命之中。豺狼之心，飽之而愈發；梟獍之性，養之而益兇。加以表疏之中，悖慢斯甚。式遏亂略，期於無刑；恭行天誅，幹於有制。可削承宗在身官爵。」詔左神策護軍中尉吐突承璀為左右神策、河中、河陽、浙西、宣歙等道赴鎮州行營兵馬招討處置等使，會諸道軍進討。神策兵馬使趙萬敵者，王武俊之騎將也，驍悍聞於燕、趙，具言進討必捷。承璀因得兵柄，與萬敵偕行。承璀至行營，威令不振，禁軍屢挫衄。都將酈定進前擒劉辟有功，號為驍將，又陷於賊。唯范陽節度使劉濟、易定節度使張茂昭至效忠赤，戰賊屢捷。而昭義節度使盧從史反復難制，陰附於賊；憲宗密詔承璀擒之，送於京師。

After Chengzong had offered the two prefectures, the court did not wish to appoint another commander and gave the commission to his close general. Before the Baoxin banner and baton reached De Prefecture, Chengzong sent several hundred horsemen galloping to De Prefecture, seized Changchao, and brought him back to Zhending as a prisoner. The court also made Di Prefecture prefect Tian Huan concurrent regimental commander and defense commissioner of that prefecture, hoping gradually to separate them. An edict ordered the inner attendant Jing Zhongxin to go proclaim the intent and order the return of Changchao to his post. Chengzong would not obey the edict. Emperor Xianzong was angry and issued an edict: "Wang Chengzong, while lately in mourning garb, secretly watched the military post. Yet inwardly and outwardly, by the ritual of serving the ruler, rebellion must be punished; by the ceremony of dividing territory, usurpation has its law. I, mindful that his ancestors once had abundant merit, pardoned him for private feeling and restrained him for public discussion. Envoys came one after another with admonition. The young man bowed low and declared sincerity, promising to offer two prefectures and swearing no second intent. I wished to harvest his later merit and thereby bend to preserve him whole, granting commission over the old territory and ranking him among meritorious ministers. Moreover De and Di were never under Chengde's jurisdiction. Changchao is also Chengzong's close kin—to comfort a neighboring circuit is truly generous favor. Outwardly two commands, inwardly one household. Yet Chengzong outwardly showed respect while inwardly harbored treachery; his face mirrored accumulated disaster. He deceived Pei Wu after gaining position and bound Changchao in the midst of receiving appointment. The heart of a wolf and jackal, once fed, rages all the more. The nature of an owl and jackal, once nurtured, grows ever more vicious. Moreover in his memorials insolence was extreme. To check disorder and plot, I look to punishment without execution. To reverently carry out heaven's punishment, action must have measure. Chengzong's personal offices and titles are hereby stripped." An edict ordered Left Shence Army Protector Tu Tu Chengcui as commander of the campaign army of the Left and Right Shence, Hezhong, Heyang, Zhexi, Xuanshe, and other circuits proceeding to Zhen Prefecture, recruiting and disposing troops, joining the armies of all circuits in advance. Shence army cavalry commander Zhao Wandi was Wang Wujun's cavalry general, famed for fierceness throughout Yan and Zhao, and declared that the advance would surely prevail. Chengcui thereby gained military authority and marched together with Wandi. When Chengcui reached the campaign headquarters, authority and orders did not inspire. The inner guard army was repeatedly defeated. Commander Li Dingjin had earlier captured Liu Pi with merit and was called a fierce general. He too fell into the rebels' hands. Only Fanyang military commissioner Liu Ji and Yiding military commissioner Zhang Maozhao came with utmost loyalty and fought the rebels with repeated victories. But Zhaoyi military commissioner Lu Congshi was changeable and hard to control and secretly attached to the rebels. Emperor Xianzong secretly ordered Chengcui to seize him and send him to the capital.

五年七月，承宗遣巡官崔遂上表三封，乞自陳首，且歸過於盧從史。其略曰：

In the seventh month of the fifth year Chengzong sent touring officer Cui Sui with three sealed memorials begging to confess himself and attributing fault to Lu Congshi. The gist read:

臣頃在苫廬，綿歷時序，恭守朝旨，罔敢闕違。復奉詔書，令獻州郡，迫以三軍之勢，不從孤臣之心。今天兵四臨，王命久絕，白刃之下，難避國刑；殷憂之中，轉積釁隙。中由盧從史首為亂階，興天下之兵，生海內之亂，既不忠於國，又不孝於家。當其聞父之喪，已變為臣之節，迫脅天使，瀆紊朝經。而乃幸臣居喪，敗臣求利，上敢欺於聖主，下不顧其死親；矯情徒見於封章，邪妄素萌於胸臆。今構禍者已就擒獲，抱冤者實冀辯明。況臣之一軍，素守忠義，橫被從史離間君臣，哀號轅門，痛隔恩外。伏冀陛下以天地之德，容納為心；弘好生之仁，許自新之路。順陽和而布澤，因雷雨以覃恩。追念祖父之前勞，俯觀臣子之來效，特開湯網，使樂堯年。

Your subject lately in mourning garb passed through seasons, reverently kept court commands, and dared not neglect or violate. Again I received the edict ordering the offering of prefectures. The three armies' force compelled me against this lone subject's heart. Now the heavenly army presses on all sides. The royal command long cut off. Under naked blades it is hard to escape national punishment. In deep grief breaches accumulate ever more. The cause lies in Lu Congshi first making the ladder of disorder, raising troops throughout the realm and producing chaos within the seas—neither loyal to the state nor filial to his house. When he heard of his father's death he had already changed to a subject's ritual, coerced the imperial envoy, and defiled court regulations. Yet he took advantage of your subject's mourning, ruined your subject's seeking of profit, above daring to deceive the holy sovereign, below not caring for his dead parent. False feeling appeared only in sealed memorials. Wicked deceit had long sprouted in the breast. Now the one who made disaster has been captured. The one who bears injustice truly hopes for clarification. Moreover this army of your subject has always kept loyalty and righteousness, wrongly sundered in lord-and-subject relations by Congshi. They wail at the camp gate, pain severing them from grace beyond. I humbly hope Your Majesty, with the virtue of heaven and earth, will take tolerance as heart. Extend the benevolence that cherishes life and grant the road of self-renewal. Follow the yang harmony and spread bounty; through thunder rain extend grace. Recall the former merit of grandfather and father. Look down on your subject's coming submission. Specially open the net of Tang and let them rejoice in the years of Yao.

時朝廷以承璀宿師無功，國威日沮，頗憂。會承宗使至，宰臣商量，請行赦宥，乃全以六郡付之。承宗送薛昌朝入朝，授以右武衛將軍。

At that time the court, because Chengcui long garrisoned troops without merit and national prestige daily declined, was quite worried. When Chengzong's envoy arrived, the chief ministers discussed and asked to grant amnesty. The six commanderies were then fully restored to him. Chengzong sent Xue Changchao to court and appointed him General of the Right Martial Guard.

承宗以國家加兵不勝，誣從史奸計得行，雖上章表謙恭，而心無忌憚。十年，王師討吳元濟，承宗與李師道繼獻章表，請宥元濟。其牙將尹少卿奏事，因為元濟遊說。少卿至中書，見宰相論列，語意不遜；武元衡怒，叱出之，承宗益不順。自是與李師道奸計百端，以沮用兵。四月，遣盜燒河陰倉。六月，遣盜伏於靖安裏，殺宰相武元衡，京師震恐，大索旬日，天子為之旰食。是時，承宗、師道之盜，所在竊發，焚襄州佛寺，斬建陵門戟，燒獻陵寢宮，欲伏甲屠洛陽。憲宗赫怒，命田弘正出師臨其境，並鄰道六節度之眾討之。時方淮西用兵，國用虛竭，河北諸軍多觀望不進。獨昭義節度使郗士美率精兵壓賊壘，欲乘釁而取之，軍威甚盛。承宗懼，不敢犯。俄詔權罷河北用兵，並力淮西。

Chengzong, because the state added troops and could not prevail, thought Congshi's treacherous plan had succeeded. Though his memorials were deferential, in heart he had no fear. In the tenth year the imperial army attacked Wu Yuanji. Chengzong with Li Shidao in succession submitted memorials asking pardon for Yuanji. His yamen general Yin Shaoqing, reporting affairs, also lobbied on Yuanji's behalf. Shaoqing came to the Secretariat and debated with the chancellor. His words were not deferential. Wu Yuanheng was angry and shouted him out. Chengzong grew more disobedient. From this he with Li Shidao plotted by a hundred paths to obstruct the use of troops. In the fourth month he sent assassins to burn the Heyang granary. In the sixth month he sent assassins to lie in wait at Jing'an Lane and kill Chancellor Wu Yuanheng. The capital was shaken with fear. A great search lasted ten days. The emperor went without proper meals. At that time the assassins of Chengzong and Shidao stole out everywhere, burned Xiangyang Buddhist temples, cut down the Jianling gate halberds, burned the Xianling palace quarters, and plotted to lie in ambush and massacre Luoyang. Emperor Xianzong blazed with anger and ordered Tian Hongzheng to lead troops to the border and join the armies of six neighboring circuits to attack him. At that time troops were being used on the Huai west. State use was empty and exhausted. The Hebei armies mostly watched and did not advance. Only Zhaoyi military commissioner Xi Shimei led crack troops to press the rebel ramparts, wishing to seize the breach and take them. Military prestige was very great. Chengzong was afraid and dared not attack. Soon an edict temporarily halted Hebei military action and combined strength on the Huai west.

十二年十月，誅吳元濟，承宗始懼，求救於田弘正。十三年三月，弘正遣人送承宗男知感、知信及其牙將石汛等詣闕請命，令於客舍安置；又獻德、棣二州圖印，兼請入管內租稅，除補官吏。上以弘正表疏相繼，重違其意，乃下詔曰：

In the tenth month of the twelfth year Wu Yuanji was executed. Chengzong then grew afraid and begged Tian Hongzheng for rescue. In the third month of the thirteenth year Hongzheng sent men to escort Chengzong's sons Zhigan and Zhixin and his yamen generals Shi Xun and the like to court to beg for orders, ordering them lodged in the guest quarters. He also offered the seals of De and Di prefectures and asked to remit taxes within his jurisdiction and appoint officials by court order. Because Hongzheng's memorials followed one after another and the emperor heavily declined to go against his intent, he then issued an edict:

帝者承天子人，下臨萬國。觀乾坤覆載之施，常務其曲全；用德刑撫禦之方，每先其弘貸。叛則必伐，服而舍之，訪於典謨，亦尚斯道。朕祗符前訓，纘嗣丕圖，底寧方隅，蕩滌氛祲。上以攄祖宗之宿憤，下以致黎庶之阜康，思厚者生，務去者殺。至於包荒藏慝，屈法伸恩，茍衷誠之可矜，則宥過而無大。

The emperor receives heaven's mandate and faces down the myriad states. Observing heaven and earth's covering and bearing grace, he always seeks to bend and preserve whole. In methods of comforting and governing with virtue and punishment, he always first extends great pardon. Rebel and you must strike; submit and you release—this is sought in the canon and also honored in this Way. I reverently follow former instruction and continue the great design, pacifying the corners and washing away miasma. Above to vent the ancestors' old rage; below to bring the people's abundance and peace—think of the thick in giving life, strive to remove in killing. As for embracing the wild and hiding wickedness, bending law to extend grace—if sincere feeling can be pitied, then forgive the fault as not great.

王承宗頃居喪紀，見賣於鄰封；後鄰籓城，受疑於朝野。國恩雖厚，時憲不容。戚實自貽，寵非我絕。百辟卿士，昌言在廷；四方諸侯，飛奏盈篋，競請致討，爭先出軍。尚復廣示招懷，務存容納，至於動眾，事豈願然！開境湣罹其殺傷，退舍為伏其士伍，取陷救溺，能無慘嗟！以其先祖武俊，有勞王室，書於甲令，銘在景鐘；雖再駕王師，再從人欲，而十代之宥，常切朕懷。

Wang Chengzong lately in mourning discipline was sold out by neighboring circuits. Later neighboring circuits walled cities and he was suspected by court and countryside. Though national grace was thick, the times' law would not contain him. Sorrow he brought on himself; favor was not cut off by me. The hundred ranks of ministers spoke clearly in court. The feudal lords of the four directions, flying memorials filling boxes, all asked to launch punishment and vied to send out armies. Still I broadly showed recruitment and cherishing and strove to contain and accept—when it came to moving the hosts, was the matter what I wished! Opening borders grieved at their killing and wounding; withdrawing encampments bowed to their soldiers and ranks—taking the fallen to save the drowning, how could there be no bitter sighs! Because his ancestor Wujun had merit to the royal house, it is written in the armored command and engraved on the sounding bell. Though twice the royal army was driven and twice the people's wish followed, the pardon of ten generations has always cut my heart.

近以三朝稱慶，八表流澤，廣此鴻霈，開其自新。而承宗果能翻然改圖，披露忠懇，遠遣二子，進陳表章，緘圖印以上聞，獻德、棣之名部，發囷奉粟，並竈貢鹽，地願帥於職方，物請歸於司會。且天子所臨，莫非王土；析茲舊服，將表爾誠，諒由效順之心，悉見納忠之誌，抑而不撫，何以示懷。朕念此方，亦猶赤子，一物失所，寢興靡寧；忍驅樂土之人，竟就陳原之戮！既克翦暴，常思止戈，予之此心，天地臨鑒。況常山師旅，舊有功勞，將改往以修來，誓酬恩而遷善，鑒精誠之俱切，俾渙汗而再敷。曠滌乃愆，斷於朕誌；復此殊渥，當懷永圖。承宗可依前銀青光祿大夫、檢校吏部尚書、鎮州大都督府長史、御史大夫，充成德軍節度、鎮冀深趙觀察等使。

Lately on the three courts' celebration the eight directions flowed with bounty. I broadened this great rain and opened the road of self-renewal. And Chengzong was able to turn and change his course, reveal loyal sincerity, send his two sons from afar, submit memorials, seal maps and seals to report above, offer the name-departments of De and Di, open granaries and present grain, share stoves and present salt, wish the land led by the territorial office, and goods returned to the treasurer. Moreover where the Son of Heaven faces—all is royal land. Dividing this old domain will show your sincerity. Surely from the heart of effecting obedience all see the will of offering loyalty—if I suppress and do not comfort, how show cherishing? I think of this region also as an infant. One thing lost and sleep and rising are never at peace. How could I drive the people of happy land to the slaughter of the open plain! Having cut down the violent, I always think to stop the spear. This heart of mine heaven and earth witness. Moreover the Changshan army of old had merit. They will change the past to repair the future, vow to repay grace and move to good—seeing sincere feeling equally urgent, I make the edict flow again. Wash away transgressions—decided in my will. Restore this special favor—you must cherish an eternal design. Chengzong may resume his former offices of Silver Light Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Acting Minister of Civil Affairs, chief administrator of the Zhen Prefecture metropolitan prefecture, Censor-in-Chief, and military commissioner of the Chengde Army and commissioner of Zhen, Ji, Shen, and Zhao.

仍令右丞崔從往鎮州宣慰。承宗素服俟命，乃以華州刺史鄭權為德州刺史，充橫海軍節度、德棣滄景觀察等使。明年，加金紫光祿大夫、檢校尚書左僕射。是歲，李師道平，承宗奉法逾謹，請當管四州，每州置錄事參軍一員、判司三員，每縣令一員、主簿一員，吏補授皆聽朝旨。十五年十一月卒，贈侍中。子知感、知信在朝。

Also Vice Director Cui Cong was ordered to go to Zhen Prefecture to proclaim comfort. Chengzong in plain garb awaited orders. Then Hua Prefecture prefect Zheng Quan was made prefect of De Prefecture and military commissioner of the Henghai Army and commissioner of De, Di, Cang, and Jing. The next year he was further made Gold Light Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and Acting Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. That year Li Shidao was pacified. Chengzong observed the law ever more strictly and asked that in each of the four prefectures under his charge one recording secretary, three case reviewers per prefecture, one magistrate and one registrar per county be appointed—all subordinate appointments to follow court order. In the eleventh month of the fifteenth year he died. He was posthumously enfeoffed as Palace Attendant. His sons Zhigan and Zhixin were at court.

承元，士真第二子。兄承宗既領節鉞，奏承元為觀察支使、朝議郎、左金吾衛胄曹參軍，兼監察御史，年始十六。勸承宗以二千騎佐王師平李師道，承宗不能用其言。

Chengyuan was Shizhen's second son. After his elder brother Chengzong took the commissioner's baton, he memorialized Chengyuan as observation staff officer, Court Gentleman for Consultation, Left Golden Guard Army Cadet, and Concurrent Investigating Censor—he was only sixteen. He urged Chengzong with two thousand horsemen to aid the imperial army in pacifying Li Shidao. Chengzong could not use his advice.

元和十五年冬，承宗卒，秘不發喪，大將謀取帥於旁郡。時參謀崔燧密與握兵者謀，乃以祖母涼國夫人之命，告親兵及諸將，使拜承元。承元拜泣不受，諸將請之不已。承元曰：「天子使中貴人監軍，有事盍先與議。」及監軍至，因以諸將意贊之。承元謂諸將曰：「諸公未忘先德，不以承元齒幼，欲使領事。承元欲效忠於國，以奉先誌，諸公能從之乎？」諸將許諾。遂於衙門都將所理視事，約左右不得呼留後，事無巨細，決之參佐。密疏請帥，天子嘉之，授銀青光祿大夫、檢校工部尚書，兼滑州刺史、義成軍節度、鄭滑觀察等使。鄰鎮以兩河近事諷之，承元不聽，諸將亦悔。及起居舍人柏耆賫詔宣諭滑州之命，兵士或拜或泣。承元與柏耆於館驛召諸將諭之，諸將號哭喧嘩。承元詰之曰：「諸公以先世之故，不欲承元失此，意甚隆厚；然奉詔遲留，其罪大矣！前者李師道未敗時，議赦其罪，時師道欲行，諸將止之，他日殺師道，亦諸將也！今公輩辛勿為師道之事，敢以拜請。」遂拜諸將，泣涕不自勝。承元乃盡出家財，籍其人以散之，酌其勤者擢之。牙將李寂等十數人固留承元，斬寂等，軍中始定。承元出鎮州，時年十八，所從將吏，有具器用貨幣而行者，承元悉命留之。承元昆弟及從父昆弟，授郡守者四人，登朝者四人，從事將校有勞者，亦皆擢用。祖母涼國夫人入朝，穆宗命內宮筵待，錫賚甚厚。

In the winter of the fifteenth year of Yuanhe Chengzong died. The death was kept secret. Great generals plotted to take the command from a neighboring commandery. At that time staff officer Cui Sui secretly plotted with those who held troops and, by the order of the grandmother, Lady of Liang, told the personal guard and all generals to bow to Chengyuan. Chengyuan bowed and wept and would not accept. The generals repeatedly asked him. Chengyuan said, "The Son of Heaven sends an inner attendant to supervise the army—if there is business, should we not first discuss with him?" When the supervisor arrived, he thereby endorsed the generals' intent. Chengyuan said to the generals, "You have not forgotten the former lord's virtue and, not thinking Chengyuan young, wish to have him lead affairs. Chengyuan wishes to show loyalty to the state and follow the former will—will you follow me in this?" The generals promised. He then conducted affairs at the yamen gate commander's office, stipulating that those around should not call him acting commissioner. Nothing great or small was decided except by staff. He secretly memorialized asking for a commander. The Son of Heaven commended him and appointed him Silver Light Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Acting Vice Minister of Works, concurrent prefect of Hua Prefecture, military commissioner of the Yicheng Army and commissioner of Zheng and Hua. Neighboring circuits, citing recent events in the two rivers, tried to persuade him. Chengyuan would not listen. The generals also repented. When Attendant of the Emperor's Actions Bo Qi bore the edict proclaiming the Hua Prefecture appointment, some soldiers bowed and some wept. Chengyuan with Bo Qi at the relay station summoned the generals to admonish them. The generals wailed and clamored. Chengyuan questioned them, "You, because of the former generations, did not wish Chengyuan to lose this—your intent is very generous. Yet to delay obeying the edict is a great crime! Earlier when Li Shidao had not yet been defeated, there was talk of pardoning his crime. At that time Shidao wished to go and the generals stopped him—later when Shidao was killed, that too was the generals! Now you must not do as with Shidao—I beg you with this bow." He then bowed to the generals, weeping beyond control. Chengyuan then brought out all family wealth, registered the people and distributed it, and promoted the diligent. Yamen general Li Ji and more than ten others firmly detained Chengyuan. Ji and the others were beheaded and the army was then settled. Chengyuan left Zhen Prefecture at eighteen. Of the generals and clerks who followed, some had prepared utensils, goods, and currency to travel—Chengyuan ordered all left behind. Chengyuan's brothers and cousins by the father's line were given four as prefects and four entered court. Staff and commanders with merit were also all promoted. The grandmother, Lady of Liang, entered court. Emperor Muzong ordered inner-palace banquets and bestowed gifts very generously.

俄而王廷湊殺田弘正，據鎮州叛。移鎮鄜坊丹延節度使，便道請覲，穆宗器之，數召顧問。未幾，改鳳翔節度使。鳳翔西北界接涇原，無山谷之險，吐蕃由是徑往入寇。承元於要沖築壘，分兵千人守之，賜名曰臨汧城。詔襲岐國公，累加檢校左僕射。鳳翔城東，商旅所集，居人多以烽火相警，承元奏益城以環之。居鎮十年，加檢校司空、御史大夫，移授平盧軍節度、淄青登萊觀察等使。時均輸鹽法未嘗行於兩河，承元首請鹽法，歸之有司，自是兗、鄆諸鎮，皆稟均輸之法。承元寬惠有制，所理稱治。太和七年十二月，卒於平盧，時年三十三，冊贈司徒。

Soon Wang Tingcou killed Tian Hongzheng and held Zhen Prefecture in rebellion. He was transferred as military commissioner of Fufang, Dan, and Yan and on the way asked to attend court. Emperor Muzong valued him and repeatedly summoned him for consultation. Before long he was changed to Fengxiang military commissioner. Fengxiang's northwest border adjoined Jingyuan. There were no mountain valleys for defense, and Tibet therefore took the direct road to raid. Chengyuan at a strategic point built ramparts and divided a thousand men to guard them. The name granted was Linqiancheng. An edict granted succession to Duke of Qi. He was repeatedly promoted to Acting Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. East of Fengxiang city merchants gathered. Residents often took beacon fires as warning. Chengyuan memorialized to enlarge the city and ring it round. After ten years in the post he was further made Acting Minister of Works and Censor-in-Chief and transferred as military commissioner of the Pinglu Army and commissioner of Zi, Qing, Deng, and Lai. At that time the equalized transport salt law had never been applied in the two rivers. Chengyuan first requested the salt law and returned proceeds to the relevant offices. From this Yan and Yun circuits all followed the equalized transport law. Chengyuan was generous and measured in rule. What he governed was called well ordered. In the twelfth month of the seventh year of Taihe he died at Pinglu at thirty-three. He was posthumously enfeoffed as Minister of Works.

王廷湊，本回鶻阿布思之種族，世隸安東都護府。曾祖曰五哥之，事李寶臣父子。王武俊養為假子，驍果善鬥，武俊愛之。以軍功累授左武衛將軍同正，贈越州都督。祖末怛活，贈左散騎常侍。父升朝，贈禮部尚書。皆以廷湊貴加贈典。祖父世為王氏騎將，累遷右職。

Wang Tingcou was originally of the Abu Si clan of the Uyghurs and for generations was subordinate to the Anton Protectorate. His great-grandfather was Wugezhi and served Li Baochen and his son. Wang Wujun adopted him as a foster son. He was fierce and good in battle. Wujun loved him. Through military merit he was repeatedly appointed Left Martial Guard General of the same rank and posthumously enfeoffed as Governor of Yue Prefecture. His grandfather Modahuo was posthumously enfeoffed as Left Regular Attendant of the same rank. His father Shengchao was posthumously enfeoffed as Minister of Rites. All were given added posthumous honors because of Tingcou's eminence. Grandfather and father for generations were cavalry generals of the Wang clan and were repeatedly promoted to high office.

廷湊沈勇寡言，雄猜有斷，為王承元衙內兵馬使。初，承元上稟朝旨，田弘正帥成德軍，國家賞錢一百萬貫，度支輦運不時至，軍情不悅。廷湊每抉其細故，激怒眾心。會弘正以魏兵二千為衙隊，左右有備不能間。長慶元年六月，魏軍還鎮。七月二十八日夜，廷湊乃結衙兵噪於府署；遲明，盡誅弘正與將吏家族三百余人。廷湊自稱留後、知兵馬使，將吏逼監軍宋惟澄上章請授廷湊節鉞。穆宗怒，下詔征鄰道兵，仍以河東節度裴度充幽、鎮兩道招撫使，仍以弘正子涇原節度使布代李醖為魏博節度使，令率魏軍進討。又以承宗故將深州刺史牛元翼為成德軍節度使，下詔購誅廷湊。是月，鎮州大將王位等謀殺廷湊事泄，坐死者二千余人。

Tingcou was deep, brave, and sparing of words, fierce and suspicious with decisive judgment, and was Wang Chengyuan's yamen inner cavalry commander. Earlier Chengyuan reported to court's order. Tian Hongzheng commanded the Chengde Army. The state rewarded one million strings of cash. Transport from the revenue bureau did not arrive in time and army sentiment was displeased. Tingcou each time picked at small matters and inflamed the crowd's hearts. When Hongzheng had two thousand Wei troops as yamen guard, guards on left and right were prepared and he could not come between. In the sixth month of the first year of Changqing the Wei army returned to its post. On the night of the twenty-eighth day of the seventh month Tingcou then joined yamen soldiers in clamor at headquarters. At dawn he executed Hongzheng and the generals' and clerks' families—more than three hundred people. Tingcou styled himself acting commissioner and knowing military affairs. Generals and clerks compelled supervisor Song Weicheng to submit a memorial asking that Tingcou be granted the banner and baton. Emperor Muzong was angry and issued an edict mobilizing neighboring circuits. Also Hedong military commissioner Pei Du was made pacification commissioner of You and Zhen. Also Hongzheng's son Jingyuan military commissioner Bu replaced Li Yun as Weibo military commissioner and was ordered to lead the Wei army in advance. Also Chengzong's former general Shen Prefecture prefect Niu Yuanji was made Chengde military commissioner. An edict offered a reward for killing Tingcou. That month Zhen Prefecture great general Wang Wei and others plotted to kill Tingcou. The affair leaked and more than two thousand were put to death.

時硃克融囚張弘靖，廷湊殺弘正，合從構逆謀，拒王命。兩鎮並力，討除慮難應接，詔朝臣議其可否。東川節度使王涯獻狀曰：「幽、鎮兩州，悖亂天紀，迷亭育之厚德，肆狼虎之非心。囚縶鼎臣，戕賊戎帥，毒流州郡，釁及賓僚。凡在有情，孰不痛憤？伏以國家文德誕敷，武功繼立，遠無不伏，邇無不安，矧茲二方，敢逆天理。臣竊料詔書朝下，諸鎮夕驅，以貔貅問罪之師，當猖狂失節之寇，傾山壓卵，決海灌熒，勢之相懸，不是過也。但常山、薊郡，虞、虢相依，一時興師，恐費財力。罪有輕重，事有後先，譬之攻堅，宜從易者。如聞范陽肇亂，出自一時，事非宿謀，跡亦可驗。鎮州構禍，殊匪偶然，扇諸屬城，以兵拒境。如此，則幽薊之眾，可示寬刑；鎮冀之戎，可資先討。況廷湊阘茸，不席父祖之資；成德分離，又多迫脅之勢。今以魏博思復仇之眾，昭義願盡敵之師，參之晉陽，輔以滄德，掎角而進，實若建瓴。盡屠其城，然後北首燕路，在朝廷不為失信，於軍勢實得機宜。臣之愚誠，切在於此。臣又聞用兵若鬥，先扼其喉。今瀛鄚、易定，兩賊之咽喉也。誠宜假之威柄，戍以重兵，俾其死生不相知，間諜無所入；而以大軍先進冀、趙，次臨井陘，此一舉萬全之勢也。」

At that time Zhu Kerong imprisoned Zhang Hongjing. Tingcou killed Hongzheng. They joined in plotting rebellion and resisted the royal command. The two circuits combined strength. To attack and destroy them one feared difficulty in responding. An edict ordered court ministers to discuss whether it was feasible. Dongchuan military commissioner Wang Ya submitted a memorial: "The You and Zhen circuits have rebelled against heaven's order, confused the deep grace of nurturing, and unleashed the unloyal heart of wolves and tigers. They imprisoned a pillar minister and killed and harmed the military commander. Poison flowed through commanderies. Offense reached guest officials. All who have feeling—who does not ache with rage? I humbly consider that the state's civil virtue spreads afar and martial achievement stands in succession. Far none do not submit, near none are not at peace—how much more these two regions daring to oppose heaven's principle. Your subject estimates that when the edict descends at morning the circuits will drive at evening. With troops asking guilt of the fierce tiger, facing the frantic who lost measure—the mountain overturning the egg, the sea pouring on firefly—the disparity of force is not too strong a saying. But Changshan and Ji commandery, Yu and Guo depend on each other—if troops are raised at one time, I fear waste of wealth and strength. Guilt has light and heavy; affairs have first and after—like attacking a stronghold, one should start with the easy. As I hear, Fanyang's disorder arose in one moment. It was not a long-planned affair. The traces can also be verified. Zhen Prefecture's disaster was by no means accidental. It incited all subordinate cities to resist the border with troops. Thus the You-Ji hosts can be shown lenient punishment. The Zhen-Ji armies can be made to strike first. Moreover Tingcou is mediocre and enjoys no patrimony from father and grandfather. Chengde is divided and there is much coercion. Now with Weibo's crowd thinking to avenge and Zhaoyi's army wishing to exhaust the foe, joining with Jinyang and aided by Cangde, advancing in pincer—it is truly like pouring from a high eave. Slaughter the city entirely, then turn north to the Yan road—the court does not lose faith and in military situation one truly gains the opportune moment. Your subject's sincere foolishness cuts to this. Your subject also hears that in using troops as in fighting, first throttle the throat. Now Yingmo and Yiding are the two rebels' throat. Truly one should lend them authority and garrison with heavy troops so that life and death do not know each other and spies have no entry. Then with the great army first advance on Ji and Zhao, next approach Jingxing—this is the wholly secure posture in one move."

於是命易定節度使開境以抗克融，諸軍三面進討。初，以滄德烏重胤獨當一面，重胤宿將，知不可進，頗遲留，乃以杜叔良代重胤。叔良有中官之援，朝辭日，大言云：「賊不足破。」時廷湊合幽薊之兵圍深州，梯沖雲合，牛元翼嬰城拒守。十一月，杜叔良為賊所敗，眾皆陷沒，僅以身免，乃以德州王日簡代之。裴度率眾屯承天軍，諸將挫敗，深州危急。乃以鳳翔節度使李光顏為忠武節度使，兼深冀節度，救深州，仍以中官楊永和監光顏軍。

Thereupon Yiding military commissioner was ordered to open the border to resist Kerong. The armies on three sides advanced in attack. Earlier Cangde's Wu Chongyin alone faced one front. Chongyin was a veteran commander and knew advance was impossible and quite delayed. Then Du Shuliang replaced Chongyin. Shuliang had inner-attendant backing. On the day of court leave he spoke grandly, "The rebels are not worth breaking." At that time Tingcou combined You-Ji troops to besiege Shen Prefecture. Scaling ladders and rams clouded together. Niu Yuanji held the city and resisted. In the eleventh month Shuliang was defeated by the rebels. The host was mostly lost. He barely escaped with his body. Then De Prefecture's Wang Rijian replaced him. Pei Du led troops encamped at Chengtian Army. The generals were defeated. Shen Prefecture was critically pressed. Then Fengxiang military commissioner Li Guangyan was made Zhongwu military commissioner and concurrent Shen-Ji commissioner to rescue Shen Prefecture. Also the inner attendant Yang Yonghe was sent to supervise Guangyan's army.

國家自憲宗誅除群盜，帑藏虛竭；穆宗即位，賞賜過當；及幽、鎮共起，征發百端，財力殫竭。時諸鎮兵十五萬余，才出其境，便仰給度支，置南北供軍院。既深入賊境，輦運艱阻，芻薪不繼，諸軍多分番樵采。俄而度支轉運車六百乘，盡為廷湊邀而虜之，兵食益困。賊圍深州數重，雖光顏之善將，亦無以施其方略。其供軍院布帛衣賜，往往不得至院，在途為諸軍強奪，而懸軍深鬥者，率無支給。復又每軍遣內官一人監軍，悉選驍健者自衛，羸懦者即戰，以是屢多奔北。而廷湊、克融之眾，不過萬余，而抗官軍十五萬者，良以統制不一，玩寇邀利故也。宰相崔祐甫不曉兵家，膠柱於常態，以至復失河朔。既無如之何，遂議休兵而赦廷湊。

Since Emperor Xianzong executed and removed the bandits, the treasury was empty and exhausted. When Emperor Muzong took the throne, rewards were excessive. When You and Zhen rose together, levies multiplied on every side and wealth and strength were utterly spent. At that time the circuits' troops were more than one hundred fifty thousand. As soon as they left their borders they relied on the revenue bureau for supply. North and south supply army offices were established. Once deep in rebel territory, transport was hard and obstructed. Fodder and fuel did not follow. The armies mostly took turns gathering firewood. Soon six hundred revenue transport carts were all intercepted and captured by Tingcou. Army food grew ever more distressed. The rebels besieged Shen Prefecture in many rings. Though Guangyan was a skilled commander, he too had no way to deploy strategy. Cloth, silk, clothing, and gifts of the supply army offices often did not reach the offices. On the road they were forcibly seized by the armies, while those fighting deep with suspended armies mostly had no disbursement. Again each army sent one inner attendant to supervise troops. All chose the fierce and strong for self-guard. The weak and timid then fought—thus there were many repeated routs. Yet Tingcou and Kerong's hosts were no more than ten thousand-plus and resisted one hundred fifty thousand imperial troops—truly because command was not unified and they played with the foe and sought profit. Chancellor Cui Youfu did not understand military affairs and clung rigidly to the normal pattern, until Hebei was again lost. Having no remedy, they then discussed halting troops and pardoning Tingcou.

二年正月，魏府牙將史憲誠誘其軍謀叛，田布不能止，其眾自潰於南宮。二月，詔赦廷湊，仍授檢校右散騎常侍、鎮州大都督府長史、成德軍節度、鎮冀深趙等州觀察等使；以牛元冀為山南東道節度使。遣兵部侍郎韓愈至鎮州宣慰，又遣中使銜命入深州，監元翼赴鎮。廷湊雖受命，而深州之圍不解。招撫使裴度與幽、鎮書，以大義責之；硃克融解圍而去，廷湊亦退舍。朝廷欲其稟命，並加克融檢校工部尚書。三月，元翼率十余騎突圍出深州赴闕，深州將校臧平以城降。廷湊責其固守，殺將吏一百八十余人。五月，遣中使楊再昌至鎮州，取牛元翼家族及田弘正骸骨。廷湊曰：「弘正骸骨，不知所在；元翼家族，請至秋發遣。」俄而元翼卒，廷湊乃盡屠其家，其酷毒如此。自獲赦宥，遂與硃克融、史憲誠連衡相應，謀拒朝廷。

In the first month of the second year Weibo yamen general Shi Xianchang incited the army to plot rebellion. Tian Bu could not stop them. The host dissolved of itself at Nangong. In the second month an edict pardoned Tingcou and still appointed him Acting Right Regular Attendant of the same rank, chief administrator of the Zhen Prefecture metropolitan prefecture, military commissioner of the Chengde Army and commissioner of Zhen, Ji, Shen, and Zhao and the like. Niu Yuanji was made military commissioner of Shannan East. Vice Minister of War Han Yu was sent to Zhen Prefecture to proclaim comfort. Also an inner attendant bearing credentials entered Shen Prefecture to supervise Yuanji's going to his post. Though Tingcou received appointment, the siege of Shen Prefecture was not lifted. Pacification commissioner Pei Du wrote to You and Zhen with great principle to reprove them. Zhu Kerong lifted the siege and left. Tingcou also withdrew encampment. The court wished them to obey orders and also added Kerong as Acting Vice Minister of Works. In the third month Yuanji led more than ten horsemen to break the siege and leave Shen Prefecture for court. Shen Prefecture commander Zang Ping surrendered the city. Tingcou reproved them for stubborn defense and killed more than one hundred eighty generals and clerks. In the fifth month an inner attendant Yang Zaichang was sent to Zhen Prefecture to take Niu Yuanji's family and Tian Hongzheng's remains. Tingcou said, "Hongzheng's remains—I do not know where they are. Yuanji's family—please wait until autumn for dispatch." Soon Yuanji died. Tingcou then slaughtered his entire family—his cruelty was such. From receiving pardon he then with Zhu Kerong and Shi Xianchang allied in mutual response and plotted to resist the court.

太和初，滄州李全略死，其子同捷欲效河朔事，求代父任。文宗授以兗海節度使；同捷不奉詔，據郡構逆，以珍玩器幣妓女子弟投款於廷湊及幽州李載義。時載義初代克融，輸誠效順，盡送同捷所遣赴闕，詔征幽、魏、徐、兗之師進討。廷湊出兵撓魏北境，以援同捷。二年，下詔絕廷湊進奉。既魏博將丌誌治以行營兵叛，倒戈攻魏州，諸軍擊誌治，廷湊出兵應之。史憲誠危急，詔義武軍節度使李聽擊敗之，誌治奔於廷湊。三年六月，誅李同捷。尋又何進滔殺史憲誠，據魏州。朝廷厭兵，誅之不果，遂授進滔魏博節度。八月，廷湊遣使詣闕請罪，朝廷因而赦之；依前檢校司徒、成德軍節度使。

At the beginning of Taihe Cang Prefecture's Li Quanlue died. His son Tongjie wished to imitate the Hebei affair and asked to replace his father. Emperor Wenzong appointed him Yanhai military commissioner. Tongjie would not obey the edict, held the commandery and plotted rebellion, and sent precious objects, utensils, courtesans, sons, and daughters in submission to Tingcou and Youzhou's Li Zaiyi. At that time Zaiyi had just replaced Kerong, offered sincere obedience, and sent all Tongjie's envoys to court. An edict mobilized the armies of You, Wei, Xu, and Yan to advance. Tingcou sent troops to harass Wei's northern border to aid Tongjie. In the second year an edict cut off Tingcou's tribute presentations. When Weibo general Qi Zhizhi rebelled with campaign troops and turned swords to attack Weizhou, the armies struck Zhizhi and Tingcou sent troops to respond. Shi Xianchang was critically pressed. An edict ordered Yiwu military commissioner Li Ting to defeat him. Zhizhi fled to Tingcou. In the sixth month of the third year Li Tongjie was executed. Soon He Jintao killed Shi Xianchang and held Weizhou. The court was weary of war. Execution did not succeed. Jintao was then appointed Weibo military commissioner. In the eighth month Tingcou sent an envoy to court to beg pardon. The court thereby pardoned him. He resumed his former Acting Minister of Works and Chengde military commissionership.

鎮冀自李寶臣已來，雖惟嶽、承宗繼叛，而猶親鄰畏法，期自新之路。而兇毒好亂，無君不仁，未如廷湊之甚也！又就加太子太傅、太原郡開國公，食邑二千戶。八年十一月卒，冊贈太尉，累贈至太師。

Zhen-Ji from Li Baochen on, though Weiyue and Chengzong in succession rebelled, still treated kin and neighbors with fear of law and hoped for the road of self-renewal. Yet for viciousness, love of disorder, lack of lord, and lack of benevolence, none was so extreme as Tingcou! He was further made Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent and Duke of Taiyuan with a fief of two thousand households. In the eleventh month of the eighth year he died. He was posthumously enfeoffed as Grand Marshal and repeatedly enfeoffed up to Grand Preceptor.

子元逵，為鎮州右司馬，兼都知兵馬使。廷湊卒，三軍推主軍事，請命於朝。乃起復檢校工部尚書、鎮州大都督府長史、成德軍節度使，累遷檢校左僕射。元逵素懷忠順，頓革父風。及領籓垣，頗輸誠款，歲時貢奉，結轍於途，文宗嘉之。開成二年，詔以壽安公主出降，加駙馬都尉。元逵遣段氏姑詣闕納聘禮。段氏進食二千盤，並禦衣戰馬、公主妝奩及私白身女口等，其從如雲，朝野榮之。會昌中，昭義節度使劉從諫卒，其子稹擅領軍政；武宗怒，誅之。命鄰籓分地而進討，以元逵為北面招討使。詔至之日，出師次趙州，與魏博何弘敬同收山東三州。元逵進攻邢州，俄而賊將裴問、高元武降元逵，王釗、安玉降何弘敬，並拔三郡。累遷檢校司徒、同中書門下平章事。以破劉稹功，加太傅、太原郡開國公，食邑二千戶，食實封二百戶。太中十一年二月卒，冊贈太師，謚曰忠。子紹鼎、紹懿。

His son Yuankui was Zhen Prefecture Right Vice Administrator and concurrent commander of all military affairs. When Tingcou died the three armies pushed him to lead military affairs and asked orders from court. He was recalled from mourning as Acting Vice Minister of Works, chief administrator of the Zhen metropolitan prefecture, and Chengde military commissioner, and was repeatedly promoted to Acting Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. Yuankui had long harbored loyal obedience and suddenly changed his father's ways. After taking the frontier he quite offered sincere regard. Yearly tribute followed in trains on the road. Emperor Wenzong commended him. In the second year of Kaicheng an edict had Princess Shou'an descend in marriage. He was further made Commandant of the Feathered Forest. Yuankui sent his paternal aunt of the Duan clan to court to present betrothal gifts. Lady Duan presented two thousand trays of food plus imperial robes, war horses, the princess's trousseau, and private attendants. Her retinue was like clouds. Court and countryside honored it. In the Huichang era Zhaoyi military commissioner Liu Congjian died. His son Zhen seized military government on his own. Emperor Wuzong was angry and executed him. An edict ordered neighboring circuits to divide territory and advance in attack. Yuankui was made northern pacification commissioner. On the day the edict arrived he marched and encamped at Zhao Prefecture. With Weibo's He Hongjing he together recovered the three prefectures east of the mountains. Yuankui advanced to attack Xing Prefecture. Soon rebel generals Pei Wen and Gao Yuanwu surrendered to Yuankui. Wang Zhao and An Yu surrendered to He Hongjing. All three commanderies were taken. He was repeatedly promoted to Acting Minister of Works and Co-commissioner of the Department of State Affairs and the Chancellery. For breaking Liu Zhen's merit he was further made Grand Tutor, Duke of Taiyuan with a fief of two thousand households and a substantive fief of two hundred households. In the second month of the eleventh year of Dazhong he died. He was posthumously enfeoffed as Grand Preceptor with the posthumous title Zhong. His sons were Shaoding and Shaoyi.

紹鼎，時為鎮州大都督府左司馬、知府事、節度副使、都知兵馬使。起復授檢校工部尚書、鎮府長史、成德軍節度、鎮深冀趙觀察等使，累加光祿大夫、尚書左僕射。其年七月卒，贈司空，賻布帛三百段、米粟二百碩，累贈司徒、太尉，又贈太傅。

Shaoding was then Zhen metropolitan prefecture Left Vice Administrator, knowing prefectural affairs, deputy military commissioner, and commander of all military affairs. Recalled from mourning he was appointed Acting Vice Minister of Works, Zhen prefecture chief administrator, Chengde military commissioner and commissioner of Zhen, Shen, Ji, and Zhao, and was repeatedly promoted to Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. In the seventh month of that year he died. He was posthumously enfeoffed as Minister of Works with three hundred rolls of cloth and silk and two hundred piculs of grain and millet as funeral gifts, and was repeatedly enfeoffed up to Grand Marshal and Grand Preceptor, then further enfeoffed as Grand Tutor.

子景胤、景崇、景敔；景崇為嫡，時年幼。

His sons were Jingyin, Jingchong, and Jing'ai. Jingchong was the legitimate heir and was still young.

紹鼎卒，宣宗以昭王汭為鎮州大都督、成德軍節度副使，都知兵馬使、檢校右散騎常侍、鎮府左司馬、知府事、兼御史中丞，王紹懿本官充成德軍節度、觀察留後，仍賜紫金魚袋。尋正授節度使、檢校工部尚書。累加檢校右僕射、兼御史大夫、太原縣開國伯，食邑七百戶，又加檢校司空。卒，贈司徒。

When Shaoding died Emperor Xuanzong made Prince Zhao Wang the Zhen metropolitan prefect, Chengde deputy military commissioner, commander of all military affairs, Acting Right Regular Attendant of the same rank, Zhen prefecture Left Vice Administrator knowing prefectural affairs and Concurrent Vice Censor-in-Chief. Wang Shaoyi in his original office filled Chengde military commissioner and observation acting commissioner and was also granted the gold and purple fish bag. Soon he was formally appointed military commissioner and Acting Vice Minister of Works. He was repeatedly promoted to Acting Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and Concurrent Censor-in-Chief, Baron of Taiyuan with a fief of seven hundred households, and further made Acting Minister of Works. He died. He was posthumously enfeoffed as Minister of Works.

景胤，初為成德軍中軍兵馬使、銀青光祿大夫、檢校太子賓客、監察御史。紹鼎卒，出為深州刺史、兼殿中侍御史，充本州團練守捉使。

Jingyin was at first Chengde central army cavalry commander, Silver Light Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Acting Crown Prince's Guest, and Investigating Censor. When Shaoding died he went out as Shen prefect and Concurrent Palace Attendant, regimental commander and defense commissioner of that prefecture.

景崇，於季父紹懿時為鎮州大都督府左司馬、知府事、都知兵馬使。紹鼎卒，三軍立紹懿。數月，疾篤。召景崇謂之曰：「亡兄以軍政托予，以俟汝成立。今危惙如此，殆將不救。汝雖少年，勉自負荷，下禮籓鄰，上奉朝旨，俾吾兄家業不墜，惟汝之才也！」言訖而卒。時監軍在席，奏其治命，上嘉之，詔起復忠武將軍、守左金吾衛將軍同正、檢校右散騎常侍，充成德軍節度觀察留後，仍賜上柱國，賜紫金魚袋。尋正授節度使、檢校工部尚書。

Jingchong, during his uncle Shaoyi's time, was Zhen metropolitan prefecture Left Vice Administrator, knowing prefectural affairs, and commander of all military affairs. When Shaoding died the three armies established Shaoyi. Several months later he was gravely ill. He summoned Jingchong and said to him, "My late brother entrusted military government to me to wait for you to mature. Now I am critically ill like this. I am probably beyond saving. Though you are still young, strive to bear the burden yourself. Treat neighboring circuits with courtesy below and serve court orders above, so that my brother's house and enterprise do not fall—only your talent can do it!" When he finished speaking he died. At that time the supervisor was present. He reported this deathbed command. The emperor commended it. An edict recalled him from mourning as Loyal Martial General, Defender Left Golden Guard General of the same rank, Acting Right Regular Attendant of the same rank, Chengde military observation acting commissioner, and also granted Pillar of State and the gold and purple fish bag. Soon he was formally appointed military commissioner and Acting Vice Minister of Works.

咸通中，景崇以公主嫡孫，特承恩渥。季年，盜起徐方，王師進討，景崇令大將從諸軍。徐寇平，以功授檢校右僕射，封太原縣男，食邑三百戶。祖母章惠長公主薨，景崇居喪得禮，朝野稱之。起復左金吾衛上將軍同正，進位檢校司空。明年，同中書門下平章事，累加檢校太尉、趙國公，食邑三千戶，食實封二百戶，尋進封常山王。丁母秦國夫人憂，起復本官。乾符末，盜起河南，黃巢犯闕，駕幸劍南；景崇與定州節度使王處存馳檄籓鄰，以兵附處存入關討賊，奔問行在，貢輸相繼。關輔平定，以功真拜太尉。中和二年十二月卒。

In the Xiantong years Jingchong, as the princess's legitimate grandson, especially received imperial favor. In his later years bandits rose in Xu region. The imperial army advanced in attack. Jingchong ordered great generals to follow the various armies. When the Xu rebels were pacified, for merit he was appointed Acting Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, Baron of Taiyuan with a fief of three hundred households. When his grandmother Princess Zhanghui died, Jingchong observed mourning with propriety. Court and countryside praised it. Recalled from mourning as Left Golden Guard Senior General of the same rank. Promoted to Acting Minister of Works. The next year Co-commissioner of the Department of State Affairs and the Chancellery. Repeatedly promoted to Acting Grand Marshal, Duke of Zhao with a fief of three thousand households and substantive fief of two hundred households. Soon further enfeoffed as Prince of Changshan. Upon his mother Lady of Qin's mourning he was recalled to his original office. At the end of Qianfu bandits rose in Henan. Huang Chao violated the capital. The carriage fled to Jiannan. Jingchong with Ding Prefecture military commissioner Wang Chucun urgently dispatched proclamations to neighboring circuits, attached troops to Chucun and entered the passes to attack bandits, hurried to the traveling palace, and tribute followed in succession. When Guanzhong was pacified, for merit he was formally appointed Grand Marshal. In the twelfth month of the second year of Zhonghe he died.

子镕，時年十歲，三軍推為留後，朝廷因授旄鉞，檢校工部尚書。時天子蒙塵，九州鼎沸，河東節度李克用虎視山東，方謀吞據；镕以重賂結納，以修和好。晉軍討孟方立於邢州，镕常奉以芻糧。及方立平，晉將李存孝侵镕南部，镕求援於幽州。幽帥李匡威率眾三萬赴之，存孝退去。景福元年，镕乘存孝有間於其師，乃出兵攻堯山。晉帥遣大將李存質來援，大敗鎮人於堯山，死者萬計。晉人乘勝至趙州，镕復求援於燕。二年，匡威率眾數萬來援。會邢州節度使李存孝背其帥據城自固，存孝單騎入鎮州，與镕面相盟約。俄而李克用自率全師攻存孝，時匡威離鎮後，其弟匡籌奪據其位，匡威退無歸路。镕感其援助之恩，乃迎入府城，築第以居之，事之如父；匡威亦盡心裨益，軍中之事，皆為訓練。是年五月，镕過匡威第，陰遣部下伏甲劫镕；镕抱持之，镕曰：「公誡止人勿倉卒！吾為晉人所困，賴公獲濟，猶吾父也，軍政請公帥之。」即並轡歸府署，鎮軍拒之，竟殺匡威。晉人知匡威死，克用自率師至城下；镕出練二十萬犒勞，修好而退。

His son Rong was then ten years old. The three armies pushed him as acting commissioner. The court thereupon granted the banner and baton and appointed him Acting Vice Minister of Works. At that time the Son of Heaven was in distress. The nine provinces seethed. Hedong military commissioner Li Keyong glared at the east of the mountains and plotted to swallow and hold. Rong with heavy bribes formed ties and cultivated good relations. When the Jin army attacked Meng Fangli at Xing Prefecture, Rong regularly supplied him with fodder and grain. When Fangli was pacified, Jin general Li Cunxiao invaded Rong's southern territory. Rong sought aid from Youzhou. Youzhou commander Li Kuangwei led thirty thousand men to the rescue. Cunxiao withdrew. In the first year of Jingfu, Rong taking advantage of Cunxiao's breach with his commander then sent troops to attack Yaoshan. The Jin commander sent the great general Li Cunzhi to aid. He heavily defeated the Zhen men at Yaoshan. The dead numbered in the tens of thousands. The Jin men pressed the victory to Zhao Prefecture. Rong again sought aid from Yan. In the second year Kuangwei led tens of thousands to the rescue. When Xing Prefecture military commissioner Li Cunxiao turned against his commander, held the city and fortified himself, Cunxiao rode alone into Zhen Prefecture and with Rong faced one another and pledged alliance. Soon Li Keyong personally led the full army to attack Cunxiao. At that time after Kuangwei left his post his younger brother Kuangchou seized his position. Kuangwei retreated with no road of return. Rong, moved by his aid, welcomed him into headquarters, built a residence for him to dwell in, and served him like a father. Kuangwei also gave his whole heart in support. Military affairs were all trained by him. In the fifth month of that year Rong passed Kuangwei's residence and secretly sent subordinates with hidden armor to seize Rong. Rong embraced and held him. Rong said, "My lord, warn your men not to act in haste! I was trapped by the Jin men and relied on you to be saved—you are still like my father. Military government I ask you to command." They then rode side by side back to headquarters. The Zhen army resisted. In the end Kuangwei was killed. When the Jin men learned Kuangwei was dead, Keyong personally led troops to below the city wall. Rong brought out two hundred thousand in white silk to reward the army and made peace and withdrew.

及汴宋節度使硃全忠領鄆、青三鎮，兵強天下，遣將葛從周、張存敬寇陷邢、洺二州，乘勝北掠燕、趙。俄而全忠率親兵薄於城下。镕倉卒無備，謂賓佐曰：「勢危矣，計將安出？」判官周式者，率先而對曰：「敵人迫我，兵不能抗，此可以理說耳，請見梁帥圖之！」式即時出見全忠，全忠逆謂式曰：「爾不必言。王令朋附並汾，違盟爽信，敝賦業已及此，期於無舍！」式曰：「公言過矣！且公為唐室之桓、文，當以禮義而成霸業。乃欲窮兵黷武，困人於險難，天下其謂公何！」全忠喜，引式袂而慰之曰：「前言戲之耳！且君為王令計如何？」式曰：「但修好耳！」即復見镕，請出牛酒貨幣以犒軍；仍以镕子昭祚及牙將梁公儒、李弘規子各一人，從昭祚入官於大梁，全忠以女妻昭祚。

When Bian-Song military commissioner Zhu Quanzhong held Yan and Qing circuits and three commands, his troops were strongest in the realm. He sent generals Ge Congzhou and Zhang Cunjing to raid and take Xing and Ming prefectures and, pressing the victory, raided north through Yan and Zhao. Soon Quanzhong led personal troops close below the city wall. Rong in haste was unprepared and said to his staff, "The situation is critical—what plan shall we use?" Judge Zhou Shi was first to reply, "The enemy presses us. Troops cannot resist—this can be addressed with reason. Please let me see the Liang commander and plan it!" Shi immediately went out to see Quanzhong. Quanzhong met him and said, "You need not speak. Lord Wang ordered attachment to Bing and Fen, broke alliance and faith. My army has already reached here—I expect no sparing!" Shi said, "My lord speaks too far! Moreover you are the Tang dynasty's Duke Huan and Duke Wen—you should with ritual and righteousness complete hegemony. Yet you wish to exhaust troops and drown men in hardship—what will the realm say of you!" Quanzhong was pleased, took Shi's sleeve and comforted him, "Earlier words were in jest! Moreover what plan do you have for Lord Wang?" Shi said, "Only make peace!" He then again saw Rong and asked to bring out oxen, wine, goods, and currency to reward the army. Also Rong's son Zhaozuo and yamen generals Liang Gongru and Li Honggui's sons each one person followed Zhaozuo to serve at court in Daliang. Quanzhong gave his daughter in marriage to Zhaozuo.

及全忠僭，天下無主；镕不獲已，行其正朔。镕累遷至開府儀同三司，守太師、中書令，仍賜「敦睦保定大功臣」、上柱國、趙王，食邑一萬五千戶，食實封一千戶，襲食實封二百五十戶。偽梁加尚書令，及唐室中興，去偽尚書令之號。天祐七年，母魏國太夫人何氏卒，起復本官。十八年，為其大將王德明所殺，至於赤族。其後事在中興云。

When Quanzhong usurped, the realm had no lord. Rong had no choice but to observe his calendar. Rong was repeatedly promoted to Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with privilege to open an office, Defender Grand Preceptor, Director of the Chancellery, and was also granted "Great Meritorious Minister of Harmonious Assurance," Pillar of State, Prince of Zhao, fief of fifteen thousand households, substantive fief of one thousand households, and inherited substantive fief of two hundred fifty households. False Liang added Director of the Department of State Affairs. When the Tang dynasty revived, the false Director of the Department of State Affairs title was removed. In the seventh year of Tianyou his mother Grand Lady of Wei, Lady He, died. He was recalled to his original office. In the eighteenth year he was killed by his great general Wang Deming, down to extermination of the clan. Later affairs are in the Restoration.

贊=史臣曰：土運中微，群盜孔熾。寶臣附麗安、史，流毒中原，終竊土疆，為國蟊賊。加以武俊之狠狡，為其腹心，或叛或臣，見利忘義，蛇吞蝮吐，垂二百年。哀哉，王政不綱，以至於此。若使明皇不懈於開元之政，姚崇久握於阿衡，詎有柳城一胡，敢窺佐伯，況其下者哉！觀此無君，可為太息。

Comment: The historians say: Earth's fortune declined in the middle; bandits were greatly rampant. Baochen attached to An and Shi, spread poison through the central plains, and in the end stole territory and became a plague to the state. Add Wujun's fierce cunning as his inner heart—now rebel, now minister, forgetting righteousness for profit, snake swallowing and viper spitting—for nearly two hundred years. Alas, royal government lacked discipline, until it came to this. If Emperor Ming had not slackened Kaiyuan government and Yao Chong long held the balance—how could a single Hu of Liucheng dare gaze at the chief minister, how much less those below! Seeing this lack of lord, one can only sigh deeply.

贊曰：鵂鹠為怪，必取其昏。人君失政，為盜啟門。牙旂金鉞，虎子狼孫。茫茫黔首，於何叫閽？

Praise says: When the owl demon acts strange, it must take the confused. When the ruler loses government, he opens the door to bandits. Banner staffs and golden axes—tiger sons and wolf grandsons. The boundless black-haired people—to whom shall they cry at the gate?

Cite this Chapter