1
令狐楚，字殼士，自言國初十八學士德棻之裔。 祖崇亮，綿州昌明縣令。 父承簡，太原府功曹。 家世儒素。 楚兒童時已學屬文，弱冠應進士，貞元七年登第。 桂管觀察使王拱愛其才，欲以禮辟召，懼楚不從，乃先聞奏而後致聘。 楚以父掾太原，有庭闈之戀，又感拱厚意，登第後徑往桂林謝拱。 不預宴遊，乞歸奉養，即還太原，人皆義之。
Linghu Chu, styled Qiaoshi, claimed to be descended from Defen, one of the Eighteen Scholars of the early dynasty. His grandfather Chongliang served as magistrate of Changming County in Mian Prefecture. His father Chengjian served as a merit clerk in the Taiyuan prefectural office. His family had been devoted to Confucian learning for generations. Chu had studied literary composition since childhood. In his youth he took the jinshi examination and passed in the seventh year of the Zhenyuan era. Guiguan Observation Commissioner Wang Gong admired his talent and wished to summon him with ceremony, but feared Chu would refuse; he therefore first reported to the throne and then sent the invitation. Because his father served as a clerk in Taiyuan, Chu longed to remain near home; moved by Gong's generous regard, after passing the examination he went straight to Guilin to thank him. He declined banquets and excursions, begged leave to return and care for his parents, and went back to Taiyuan; all admired his conduct.
2
李說、嚴綬、鄭儋相繼鎮太原，高其行義，皆辟為從事。 自掌書記至節度判官，歷殿中侍御史。 楚才思俊麗。 德宗好文，每太原奏至，能辨楚之所為，頗稱之。 鄭儋在鎮暴卒，不及處分後事，軍中喧嘩，將有急變。 中夜十數騎持刃迫楚至軍門，諸將環之，令草遺表。 楚在白刃之中，搦管即成，讀示三軍，無不感泣，軍情乃安。 自是聲名益重。
Li Shuo, Yan Shou, and Zheng Dan, who successively governed Taiyuan, admired his character and all recruited him as an aide. He rose from chief secretary to military commission judge and served as Attending Censor in the Palace. Chu's literary talent was outstanding and elegant. Emperor Dezong loved literature. Whenever memorials arrived from Taiyuan, he could tell which were written by Chu and praised him highly. Zheng Dan died suddenly while in command, before later arrangements could be made. The army clamored and a sudden crisis was imminent. In the middle of the night a dozen horsemen with drawn blades forced Chu to the army gate. The generals surrounded him and ordered him to draft a final memorial. Amid naked blades, Chu took up the brush and finished at once. When it was read to the whole army, all wept, and the army's mood was settled. From this his reputation grew still greater.
3
丁父憂，以孝聞。 免喪，徵拜右拾遺，改太常博士、禮部員外郎。 母憂去官。 服闋，以刑部員外郎征，轉職方員外郎、知制誥。 楚與皇甫鎛、蕭俛同年登進士第。 元和九年，鎛初以財賦得幸，薦俛、楚俱入翰林，充學士，遷職方郎中、中書舍人，皆居內職。 時用兵淮西，言事者以師久無功，宜宥賊罷兵，唯裴度與憲宗誌在殄寇。 十二年夏，度自宰相兼彰義軍節度、淮西招撫宣慰處置使。
When his father died he observed mourning and was known for filial piety. After mourning ended he was summoned as Right Reminder, then appointed Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and Vice Director in the Ministry of Rites. When his mother died he left office. When mourning ended he was summoned as Vice Director in the Ministry of Justice, then transferred to Vice Director in the Bureau of Appointments and appointed Drafter of Imperial Edicts. Chu, Huangfu Bo, and Xiaomian passed the jinshi examination in the same year. In the ninth year of Yuanhe, when Bo first won favor through fiscal administration, he recommended Xiaomian and Chu for the Hanlin Academy as Academicians. Chu was promoted to Director in the Bureau of Appointments and Palace Secretary, all holding inner-court posts. At that time troops were being used in Huaixi. Policy advisers held that the campaign had long been unsuccessful and the rebels should be pardoned and the army withdrawn; only Pei Du and Emperor Xianzong were determined to destroy the enemy. In summer of the twelfth year, Du left the chancellorship to serve concurrently as military commissioner of Zhangyi Army and Pacification, Comfort, and Disposition Commissioner for Huaixi.
4
宰相李逢吉與度不協，與楚相善。 楚草度淮西招撫使制，不合度旨，度請改制內三數句語。 憲宗方責度用兵，乃罷逢吉相任，亦罷楚內職，守中書舍人。 元和十三年四月，出為華州刺史。 其年十月，皇甫鎛作相，其月以楚為河陽懷節度使。 十四年四月，裴度出鎮太原。 七月，皇甫鎛薦楚入朝，自朝議郎授朝議大夫、中書侍郎、同平章事，與鎛同處臺衡，深承顧待。 十五年正月，憲宗崩，詔楚為山陵使，仍撰哀冊文。
Chancellor Li Fengji was at odds with Du and was on good terms with Chu. Chu drafted the edict appointing Du Pacification Commissioner for Huaixi, which did not accord with Du's intent. Du requested that several phrases in the edict be revised. The emperor was then reproaching Du for his use of troops. He dismissed Fengji from the chancellorship and also removed Chu from his inner-court post, leaving him as Palace Secretary. In the fourth month of the thirteenth year of Yuanhe he was appointed prefect of Hua Prefecture. In the tenth month of that year Huangfu Bo became chancellor, and in that month Chu was made military commissioner of Heyang-Huai. In the fourth month of the fourteenth year Pei Du went out to govern Taiyuan. In the seventh month Huangfu Bo recommended Chu to enter court. From Court Gentleman for Consultation he was appointed Court Gentleman for Discussion, Vice Director of the Secretariat, and Associate Councilor of State, sharing the chancellorship with Bo and deeply enjoying imperial favor. In the first month of the fifteenth year Emperor Xianzong died. An edict appointed Chu Director of the Imperial Mausoleum and ordered him to compose the lamentation text.
5
時天下怒皇甫鎛之奸邪。 穆宗即位之四日，群臣素服，班於月華門外，宣詔貶鎛，將殺之。 會蕭俛作相，托中官救解，方貶崖州。 物議以楚因鎛作相而逐裴度，群情共怒。 以蕭俛之故，無敢措言。 其年六月，山陵畢，會有告楚親吏贓汙事發，出為宣歙觀察使。 楚充奉山陵時，親吏韋正牧、奉天令于翬、翰林陰陽官等同隱官錢，不給工徒價錢，移為羨餘十五萬貫上獻。 怨訴盈路，正牧等下獄伏罪，皆誅。
At that time the whole realm was angry at Huangfu Bo's treachery and wickedness. On the fourth day after Emperor Muzong's accession, officials in plain dress lined up outside the Moon Glory Gate. An edict was proclaimed demoting Bo, and he was about to be executed. Xiaomian then became chancellor and, through inner-court eunuchs, pleaded for his release. Bo was finally demoted to Yazhou. Public opinion held that Chu had become chancellor through Bo and had driven out Pei Du; all were angry together. Because of Xiaomian, none dared speak out. In the sixth month of that year, when the mausoleum work was finished, a report emerged that Chu's close clerks had committed corruption. He was sent out as Observation Commissioner of Xuanchen. While Chu was supervising the mausoleum, his close clerks Wei Zhengmu, Fengtian magistrate Yu Hui, and Hanlin Academy yin-yang officials together concealed official funds, failed to pay laborers, and transferred a surplus of 150,000 strings of cash upward as tribute. Complaints filled the roads. Zhengmu and the others were imprisoned, convicted, and all executed.
6
楚再貶衡州刺史。 時元稹初得幸，為學士，素惡楚與鎛膠固希寵，稹草楚衡州制，略曰：「楚早以文藝，得踐班資，憲宗念才，擢居禁近。 異端斯害，獨見不明，密隳討伐之謀，潛附奸邪之黨。 因緣得地，進取多門，遂忝臺階，實妨賢路。」 楚深恨稹。 長慶元年四月，量移郢州刺史，遷太子賓客，分司東都。 二年十一月，授陜州大都督府長史、兼御史大夫、陜虢觀察使。 制下旬日，諫官論奏，言楚所犯非輕，未合居廉察之任。
Chu was demoted again to prefect of Heng Prefecture. At that time Yuan Zhen had just won favor and was an Academician. He had long hated Chu and Bo for clinging together in hope of favor. Zhen drafted Chu's Heng Prefecture appointment edict, which in summary said: "Chu early won office rank through literary accomplishment. Emperor Xianzong, mindful of his talent, promoted him to close attendance. Heterodox influences harmed him. He alone lacked clear judgment, secretly undermined plans for punitive campaigns, and secretly attached himself to wicked and treacherous factions. By connections he gained position and advanced through many doors, then disgraced the steps of the terrace and truly obstructed the path of the worthy." Chu deeply resented Zhen. In the fourth month of the first year of Changqing he was transferred to prefect of E Prefecture, then appointed Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent and assigned to the Eastern Capital as titular official. In the eleventh month of the second year he was appointed Chief Administrator of the Metropolitan Prefecture of Shan, concurrently Censor-in-Chief, and Observation Commissioner of Shan-Guo. Ten days after the edict was issued, remonstrating officials submitted memorials saying Chu's offenses were not light and he was unfit for a surveillance and investigation post.
7
上知之，遽令追制。 時楚已至陜州，視事一日矣。 復授賓客，歸東都。 時年逢吉作相，極力援楚，以李紳在禁密沮之，未能擅柄。 敬宗即位，逢吉逐李紳，尋用楚為河南尹、兼御史大夫。 其年九月，檢校禮部尚書、汴州刺史、宣武軍節度、汴宋亳觀察等使。 汴軍素驕，累逐主帥； 前後韓弘兄弟，率以峻法繩之，人皆偷生，未能革誌。
The emperor learned of it and hastily ordered the edict recalled. By then Chu had already reached Shan Prefecture and had administered affairs for one day. He was again appointed Grand Mentor and returned to the Eastern Capital. At that time Fengji was chancellor and strongly supported Chu, but Li Shen in the inner court obstructed him and he could not monopolize power. When Emperor Jingzong acceded, Fengji drove out Li Shen and soon appointed Chu Metropolitan Governor of Henan and concurrently Censor-in-Chief. In the ninth month of that year he was made Acting Minister of Rites, prefect of Bian, military commissioner of Xuanwu Army, and observation commissioner of Bian-Song-Bo. The Bian army had long been arrogant and repeatedly drove out their commanders; the former commanders, the brothers Han Hong, generally restrained them with harsh law. The men merely eked out existence and their will could not be changed.
8
楚長於撫理，前鎮河陽，代烏重胤移鎮滄州，以河陽軍三千人為牙卒，卒咸不願從，中路叛歸，又不敢歸州，聚於境上。 楚初赴任，聞之，乃疾驅赴懷州，潰卒亦至，楚單騎喻之，咸令橐弓解甲，用為前驅，卒不敢亂。 及蒞汴州，解其酷法，以仁惠為治，去其太甚，軍民咸悅，翕然從化，後竟為善地。 汴帥前例，始至率以錢二百萬實其私藏，楚獨不取，以其羨財治廨舍數百間。 太和二年九月，徵為戶部尚書。 三年三月，檢校兵部尚書、東都留守、東畿汝都防禦使。 其年十一月，進位檢校右僕射、鄆州刺史、天平軍節度、鄆曹濮觀察等使。 奏故東平縣為天平縣。
Chu excelled at soothing administration. When he had earlier governed Heyang, Wu Chongyin was transferred from Heyang to govern Cang Prefecture. Three thousand Heyang troops were made his personal guard, but the soldiers were unwilling to follow. Midway they rebelled and returned, yet dared not return to the prefecture and gathered on the border. When Chu first took up his post and heard of it, he galloped swiftly to Huai Prefecture. The scattered soldiers also arrived. Chu went alone on horseback to instruct them, ordered them all to sheath bows and lay aside armor, and used them as vanguard. The soldiers dared not cause disorder. When he arrived at Bian Prefecture he abolished harsh laws and governed with benevolence and kindness, removing excesses. Soldiers and people alike were pleased, united in submission, and it later became a good region. By former precedent, when a Bian commander first arrived he generally deposited two million cash in his private store. Chu alone did not take it and used the surplus funds to repair several hundred government buildings. In the ninth month of the second year of Taihe he was summoned as Minister of Revenue. In the third month of the third year he was made Acting Minister of War, Eastern Capital Garrison Commander, and Defense Commissioner of the Eastern Capital and Ru Prefecture. In the eleventh month of that year he was promoted to Acting Right Vice Director of the Department of State, prefect of Yan, military commissioner of Tianping Army, and observation commissioner of Yan-Cao-Pu. He memorialized that the former Dongping County be made Tianping County.
9
屬歲旱儉，人至相食，楚均富贍貧，而無流亡者。 六年二月，改太原尹、北都留守、河東節度等使。 楚久在并州，練其風俗，因人所利而利之，雖屬歲旱，人無轉徙。 楚始自書生，隨計成名，皆在太原，實如故裏。 及是垂旄作鎮，邑老歡迎。 楚綏撫有方，軍民胥悅。 七年六月，入為吏部尚書，仍檢校右僕射。 故事，檢校高官者，便從其班。
When drought and famine struck that year and people came to eat one another, Chu equalized the rich to support the poor and there were no displaced persons. In the second month of the sixth year he was changed to Metropolitan Governor of Taiyuan, Northern Capital Garrison Commander, and military commissioner of Hedong. Chu had long been in Bingzhou and was versed in its customs. He benefited people through what they themselves found beneficial, and even in years of drought the people did not migrate. Chu had begun as a scholar. Through the examination he achieved fame, and all was in Taiyuan—it was truly like his old home. When he now governed with white hair hanging down, the elders of the district welcomed him joyfully. Chu soothed and governed with proper method; soldiers and people alike were pleased. In the sixth month of the seventh year he entered court as Minister of Personnel, still Acting Right Vice Director of the Department of State. By precedent, those holding acting high offices followed their acting rank in court order.
10
楚以正官三品不宜從二品之列，請從本班，優詔嘉之。 九年六月，轉太常卿。 十月，守尚書左僕射，進封彭陽郡開國公。 十一月，李訓兆亂，京師大擾。 訓亂之夜，文宗召右僕射鄭覃與楚宿於禁中，商量制敕，上皆欲用為宰相。 楚以王涯、賈餗冤死，敘其罪狀浮泛，仇士良等不悅，故輔弼之命移於李石。 乃以本官領鹽鐵轉運等使。 先是，鄭註上封置榷茶使額，鹽鐵使兼領之，楚奏罷之，曰：
Chu held that a regular third-rank official should not stand in second-rank order and requested to stand in his regular rank. An edict of praise approved this. In the sixth month of the ninth year he was transferred to Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. In the tenth month he served as Left Vice Director of the Department of State and was advanced to Duke of Pengyang. In the eleventh month Li Xun plotted rebellion and the capital was greatly disturbed. On the night of Xun's rebellion, Emperor Wenzong summoned Right Vice Director Zheng Tan and Chu to stay in the inner palace to discuss edicts. The emperor wished to use both as chancellors. Chu held that Wang Ya and Jia Su had died unjustly and that the account of their crimes was vague and superficial. Qiu Shiliang and others were displeased, and so the appointment to the chancellorship shifted to Li Shi. He then held his regular office and concurrently headed the Salt and Iron Transport Commission. Earlier, Zheng Zhu had submitted a sealed memorial to establish a tea monopoly commissioner quota, which the salt commissioner concurrently held. Chu memorialized to abolish it, saying:
11
前月二十一日，內殿奏對之次，鄭覃與臣同陳論訖。 伏望聖慈早賜處分，一依舊法，不用新條。 唯納榷之時，須節級加價，商人轉賣，必校稍貴，即是錢出萬國，利歸有司。 既不害茶商，又不擾茶戶，上以彰陛下愛人之德，下以竭微臣憂國之心。 遠近傳聞，必當感悅。 從之。 先是，元和十年，出內庫弓箭陌刀賜左右街使，充宰相入朝以為翼衛，及建福門而止。 至是，因訓、註之亂，悉罷之。
On the twenty-first day of last month, during an audience in the inner hall, Zheng Tan and I together finished presenting our views. I humbly hope Your Sacred Kindness will soon grant disposition and follow the old law entirely, not using the new regulations. Only when collecting the monopoly levy should prices be raised by stages. When merchants resell, prices must be somewhat higher—thus money comes from all lands and profit returns to the authorities. This neither harms tea merchants nor disturbs tea households. Above it manifests Your Majesty's virtue of loving the people; below it exhausts this humble minister's heart of concern for the state. When the report spreads far and near, all will surely be moved and pleased. The emperor approved. Earlier, in the tenth year of Yuanhe, bows, arrows, and broadswords from the inner storehouse were issued to the left and right street commissioners. Chancellors entering court used them as escort guards, stopping at the Jianfu Gate. Now, because of the rebellion of Xun and Zhu, all were abolished.
12
楚又奏：「諸道新授方鎮節度使等，具帑抹，帶器仗，就尚書省兵部參辭。 伏以軍國異容，古今定制，若不由舊，斯為改常。 未聞省閣之門，忽內弓刀之器。 鄭註外蒙恩寵，內蓄兇狂，首創奸謀，將興亂兆。 致王璠、郭行余之輩，敢驅將吏，直詣闕庭。 震驚乘輿，騷動京國，血濺朝路，屍僵禁街。 史冊所書，人神共憤，既往不咎，其源尚開。 前件事宜，伏乞速令停罷，如須參謝，即具公服。」
Chu also memorialized: "Newly appointed military commissioners of the various circuits and the like should bring traveling funds and weapons and present themselves for audience at the Ministry of War in the Department of State. I humbly consider that military and civil attire differ and ancient and modern regulations are fixed. If the old way is not followed, this is to change what is constant. I have never heard of bow-and-blade weapons suddenly inside the gates of the Secretariat. Zheng Zhu outwardly received imperial favor yet inwardly harbored fierce wickedness. He first devised treacherous plots and was about to raise the omen of disorder. He caused men like Wang Fan and Guo Xingyu to dare drive generals and clerks straight to the palace gates. The imperial carriage was shaken and the capital disturbed. Blood splashed on the road to court and corpses lay stiff in the forbidden streets. What histories record, men and spirits alike resent. Though the past is not blamed, the source remains open. Regarding the former matter, I humbly beg that it be swiftly ordered stopped. If audience is required, let them wear only official robes."
13
從之。 又奏請罷修曲江亭絹一萬三千七百匹，回修尚書省，從之。 開成元年上巳，賜百僚曲江亭宴。 楚以新誅大臣，不宜賞宴，獨稱疾不赴，論者美之。 以權在內官，累上疏乞解使務。 其年四月，檢校左僕射、興元尹，充山南西道節度使。 二年十一月，卒於鎮，年七十二，冊贈司空，謚曰文。 楚風儀嚴重，若不可犯；
The emperor approved. He also memorialized requesting abolition of the 13,700 bolts of silk for repairing Qujiang Pavilion and their reallocation to repair the Department of State. The emperor approved. On the third day of the third month in the first year of Kaicheng, the emperor bestowed a banquet at Qujiang Pavilion on the hundred officials. Chu held that since great ministers had just been executed, it was improper to reward them with a banquet. He alone pleaded illness and did not attend, and commentators praised him. Because power lay with inner-court eunuchs, he repeatedly submitted memorials begging to be relieved of commission duties. In the fourth month of that year he was made Acting Left Vice Director of the Department of State and Metropolitan Governor of Xingyuan, military commissioner of Shannan West Circuit. In the eleventh month of the second year he died in his post at age seventy-two. He was posthumously enfeoffed as Minister of Works and given the posthumous title Wen. Chu's bearing was stern and grave, as if he could not be violated;
14
然寬厚有禮，門無雜賓。 嘗與從事宴語方酣，有非類偶至，立命徹席，毅然色變。 累居重任，貞操如初。 未終前三日，猶吟詠自若。 疾甚，諸子進藥，未賞入口，曰：「修短之期，分以定矣，何須此物？」 前一日，召從事李商隱曰：「吾氣魄已殫，情思俱盡，然所懷未已，強欲自寫聞天，恐辭語乖舛，子當助我成之。」 即秉筆自書曰： 書訖，謂其子緒、綯曰：「吾生無益於人，勿請謚號。
yet he was generous and courteous, and no improper guests entered his gate. Once while drinking and conversing with aides he was in high spirits. When someone unfitting arrived by chance, he immediately ordered the feast withdrawn and his expression turned stern. Though he repeatedly held heavy responsibility, his integrity remained as at first. Three days before his end he still chanted and composed as usual. When his illness was severe his sons brought medicine. Before it entered his mouth he said: "The term of life long or short is already fixed by fate—why need this thing?" The day before, he summoned his aide Li Shangyin and said: "My vital breath is already exhausted and my feelings and thoughts are all spent, yet what I still carry has not ended. I force myself to write and inform Heaven, but fear my words may be mistaken—you must help me complete it." He then took up the brush and wrote himself: When the writing was finished he told his sons Xu and Tao: "In life I was of no benefit to others—do not request a posthumous title.
15
葬日，勿請鼓吹，唯以布車一乘，余勿加飾。 銘誌但誌宗門，秉筆者無擇高位。」 當歿之夕，有大星隕於寢室之上，其光燭廷。 楚端坐與家人告訣，言已而終。 嗣子奉行遺旨。 詔曰：「生為名臣，歿有理命。 終始之分，可謂兩全。 鹵簿哀榮之末節，難違往意；
On the day of burial do not request ceremonial music. Use only one cloth carriage and add no further ornament. The inscription should record only the clan. Let the writer not be chosen for high rank." On the night of his death a great star fell above his sleeping chamber and its light illuminated the courtyard. Chu sat upright and took leave of his family. When he finished speaking he died. His heir carried out his final instructions. An edict said: "In life he was a famed minister; in death he had a rational fate. The division of beginning and end may be called fully complete. The final rites of escort and glory are minor matters and hard to violate his former intent;
16
誄謚國家之大典，須守彜章。 鹵簿宜停，易名須準舊例。」 後綯貴，累贈至太尉。 有文集一百卷，行於時。 所撰《憲宗哀冊文》，辭情典郁，為文士所重。 楚弟定，字履常。 元和十一年進士及第，累辟使府。 太和九年，累遷至職方員外郎、弘文館直學士、檢校右散騎常侍、桂州刺史、桂管都防禦觀察等使。
eulogy and posthumous title are great state ceremonies and must observe constant rules. The escort guard should stop; changing the name must follow former precedent." Later when Tao became eminent, he was repeatedly posthumously advanced to Grand Preceptor. He had a collected works of one hundred scrolls circulating in his time. The Lamentation Text for Emperor Xianzong that he composed was rich and solemn in literary feeling and was valued by writers. Chu's younger brother Ding, styled Luchang. In the eleventh year of Yuanhe he passed the jinshi examination and was repeatedly recruited to commissioner staffs. In the ninth year of Taihe he was repeatedly promoted to Vice Director in the Bureau of Appointments, Academician of the Hongwen Hall, Acting Right Regular Cavalryman, prefect of Gui, and defense and observation commissioner of Gui.
17
卒，贈禮部尚書。 緒以廕授官，歷隨、壽、汝三郡刺史。 在汝州日，有能政，郡人請立碑頌德。 緒以弟襜在輔弼，上言曰：「臣先父元和中特承恩顧，弟綯官不因人，出自宸衷。 臣伏睹詔書，以臣刺汝州日，粗立政勞，吏民求立碑頌，尋乞追罷。 臣任隨州日，郡人乞留，得上下考。 及轉河南少尹，加金紫。 此名已聞於日下，不必更立碑頌，乞賜寢停。」
When he died he was posthumously made Minister of Rites. Xu received office by hereditary privilege and served successively as prefect of Sui, Shou, and Ru prefectures. While in Ru Prefecture he had able administration, and the people of the prefecture requested an inscribed stele praising his virtue. Because his younger brother Can was in the chancellorship, Xu submitted a memorial saying: "My late father in the Yuanhe era specially received imperial favor. My younger brother Tao's office did not come through others but issued from the imperial heart. Your servant has seen the edict that because I governed Ru Prefecture and roughly established administrative merit, officials and people sought to erect a stele of praise. I beg that this be recalled and stopped. When I governed Sui Prefecture the people begged me to remain and I received top and bottom ratings in assessment. When I was transferred to Vice Governor of Henan I was given gold and purple. This fame is already known below the sun; there is no need to erect another stele of praise. I beg that this be granted and stopped."
18
宣宗嘉其意，從之。 綯字子直。 太和四年登進士第，釋褐弘文館校書郎。 開成初為左拾遺。 二年，丁父喪。 服闋，授本官，尋改左補闕、史館修撰，累遷庫部、戶部員外郎。 會昌五年，出為湖州刺史。 大中二年，召拜考功郎中，尋知制誥。
Emperor Xuanzong approved his intent and consented. Tao, styled Zizhi. In the fourth year of Taihe he passed the jinshi examination and on leaving office became Proofreader of the Hongwen Hall. At the beginning of Kaicheng he became Left Reminder. In the second year he observed mourning for his father. When mourning ended he was appointed to his former office, soon changed to Left Supplementation Official and Compiler of the History Institute, and repeatedly promoted to Vice Director in the Treasuries and Revenue ministries. In the fifth year of Huichang he went out as prefect of Hu. In the second year of Dazhong he was summoned as Director in the Bureau of Evaluations and soon made Drafter of Imperial Edicts.
19
其年，召入充翰林學士。 三年，拜中書舍人，襲封彭陽男，食邑三百戶，尋拜御史中丞。 四年，轉戶部侍郎，判本司事。 其年，改兵部侍郎、同中書門下平章事。 綯以舊事帶尚書省官，合先省上。 上日同列集於少府監。 時白敏中、崔龜從曾為太常博士，至相位，欲榮其舊署，乃改集於太常禮院，龜從手筆誌其事於壁。 綯輔政十年，累官至吏部尚書、右僕射、涼國公，食邑二千戶。
In that year he was summoned to serve as Hanlin Academician. In the third year he was appointed Palace Secretary, inherited the title Baron of Pengyang with a fief of three hundred households, and soon made Vice Censor-in-Chief. In the fourth year he was transferred to Vice Minister of Revenue and directed the ministry's affairs. In that year he was changed to Vice Minister of War and Associate Councilor of State through the Secretariat. By former precedent, when one concurrently held a Ministry of State office one should first report to the ministry. On the day of assumption his colleagues gathered at the Office of the Director of Palace Supplies. At that time Bai Minzhong and Cui Guicong had once been Directors of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. When they reached the chancellorship they wished to honor their former office and changed the gathering to the Ceremonial Court of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Guicong personally wrote and recorded the matter on the wall. Tao assisted in government for ten years and was repeatedly promoted to Minister of Personnel, Right Vice Director of the Department of State, and Duke of Liang with a fief of two thousand households.
20
十三年，罷相，檢校司空、同中書門下平章事、河中尹、河中晉絳等節度使。 咸通二年，改汴州刺史、宣武軍節度使。 三年冬，遷揚州大都督府長史、淮南節度副大使、知節度事。 累加開府儀同三司、檢校司徒，進食邑至三千戶。 九年，徐州戍兵龐勛自桂州擅還。 七月至浙西，沿江自白沙入濁河，剽奪舟船而進。 綯聞勛至，遣使慰撫，供給芻米。 都押衙李湘白綯曰：「徐兵擅還，必無好意。
In the thirteenth year he was dismissed from the chancellorship and made Acting Minister of Works, Associate Councilor of State, Metropolitan Governor of Hezhong, and military commissioner of Hezhong-Jin-Jiang. In the second year of Xiantong he was changed to prefect of Bian and military commissioner of Xuanwu Army. In winter of the third year he was transferred to Chief Administrator of the Metropolitan Prefecture of Yang, Vice Military Commissioner of Huainan, and acting military commissioner. He was repeatedly advanced to Grand Master of Honor with the Golden Tally and Acting Minister of Works, and his fief was increased to three thousand households. In the ninth year the Xu Prefecture garrison troops under Pang Xun returned without authorization from Gui Prefecture. In the seventh month they reached Zhexi, entered the muddy river from Baisha along the river, plundered boats and advanced. When Tao heard Xun had arrived he sent envoys to comfort and supply fodder and rice. Chief Military Escort Li Xiang told Tao: "The Xu troops returned without authorization—they surely have no good intent.
21
雖無詔命除討，權變制在籓方。 昨其黨來投，言其數不逾二千，而虛張舟航旗幟，恐人見其實。 涉境已來，心頗憂惴。 計其水路，須出高郵縣界，河岸鬥峻而水深狹。 若出奇兵邀之，俾荻船縱火於前，勁兵奮擊於後，敗走必矣。 若不於此誅鋤，俟濟淮、泗，合徐人負怨之徒，不下十萬，則禍亂非細也。」 綯性懦緩，又以不奉詔命，謂湘曰：「長淮已南，他不為暴。 從他過去，余非吾事也。」
Though there is no edict ordering suppression, expedient authority to act lies with the frontier governor. Yesterday their party came to surrender and said their number did not exceed two thousand, yet they falsely displayed boats, banners, and flags, fearing people would see their true strength. Since they crossed the border I have been quite anxious. Considering their water route, they must pass the border of Gaoyou County, where the river bank is steep and the water deep and narrow. If surprise troops are sent to intercept them, set fire to reed boats ahead and strike fiercely from behind, they will surely flee in defeat. If they are not destroyed here, when they cross the Huai and Si and join Xu people bearing grievances, they will number no less than one hundred thousand—then calamity and disorder will be no small matter." Tao was by nature timid and slow, and because he had no imperial edict he told Xiang: "South of the Long Huai they will not commit violence. Let them pass by—the rest is not my affair."
22
其年冬，龐勛殺崔彥曾，據徐州，聚眾六七萬。 徐無兵食，乃分遣賊帥攻剽淮南諸郡，滁、和、楚、壽繼陷。 谷食既盡，淮南之民多為賊所啖。 時兩淮郡縣多陷，唯杜慆守泗州，賊攻之經年，不能下。 初，詔綯為徐州南面招討使。 賊攻泗州急，綯令李湘將兵五千人援之。 賊聞湘來援，遣人致書於綯，辭情遜順，言：「朝廷累有詔赦宥，但抗拒者三兩人耳，旦夕圖去之，即束身請命，願相公保任之。」 綯即奏聞，請賜勛節鉞，仍誡李湘但戍淮口，賊已招降，不得立異。
That winter Pang Xun killed Cui Yanzeng, seized Xu Prefecture, and gathered a host of sixty or seventy thousand. Xu had no troops or grain, so they sent bandit chiefs to raid the prefectures of Huainan. Chu, He, Chu, and Shou fell in succession. When grain was exhausted, many people of Huainan were eaten by the bandits. At that time many prefectures and counties of the two Huai regions had fallen. Only Du Tao held Si Prefecture, and though the bandits attacked for a year they could not take it. Initially an edict appointed Tao Pacification Commissioner south of Xu Prefecture. When the bandits pressed the attack on Si Prefecture, Tao ordered Li Xiang to lead five thousand troops to aid it. When the bandits heard Xiang was coming to aid, they sent a man with a letter to Tao, humble and compliant in tone, saying: "The court has repeatedly issued edicts of pardon. Only two or three men resist. We plan to remove them before long, then bind ourselves and beg for orders—we hope the Lord Chancellor will vouch for us." Tao immediately reported to the throne and requested that Xun be granted the staff of command. He also warned Li Xiang only to garrison the Huai mouth—the bandits had already surrendered and he must not act differently.
23
由是湘軍解甲安寢，去警徹備，日與賊軍相對，歡笑交言。 一日，賊軍乘間，步騎徑入湘壘，淮卒五千人皆被生縶送徐州，為賊蒸而食之。 湘與監軍郭厚本為龐勛斷手足，以徇於康承訓軍。 時浙西杜審權發軍千人，與李湘約會兵，大將翟行約勇敢知名。 浙軍未至而湘軍敗。 賊乃分兵，立淮南旗幟，為交鬥之狀。 行約軍望見，急趨之，千人並為賊所縛。 送徐州。
Because of this Xiang's army laid aside armor and slept peacefully, relaxed vigilance and defenses, and daily faced the bandit army laughing and conversing. One day the bandit army seized an opening. Infantry and cavalry entered Xiang's camp directly, and all five thousand Huai soldiers were captured alive and sent to Xu Prefecture to be steamed and eaten by the bandits. Xiang and Military Commissioner Guo Houben had their hands and feet cut off by Pang Xun and were displayed before Kang Chengxun's army. At that time Zhexi's Du Shenquan sent one thousand troops to join Xiang in combined operations. The great general Zhai Xingyue was brave and famous. The Zhe army had not yet arrived when Xiang's army was defeated. The bandits then divided their forces, raised Huainan banners, and made a show of mutual combat. Xingyue's army saw them and hurried toward them. All one thousand were bound by the bandits. They were sent to Xu Prefecture.
24
綯既喪師，朝廷以左衛大將軍、徐州西南面招討使馬舉代綯為淮南節度使。 十二年八月，授檢校司徒、太子太保，分司東都。 十三年，以本官為鳳翔尹、鳳翔隴節度使，進封趙國公，食邑三千戶，卒。 子滈、渙、沨。 滈，少舉進士，以父在內職而止。 及綯輔政十年，滈以鄭顥之親，驕縱不法，日事遊宴，貨賄盈門，中外為之側目。 以綯黨援方盛，無敢措言。 及懿宗即位，訟者不一，故綯罷權軸。
Since Tao had lost his army, the court sent Left Guard General Ma Ju, Southwest Pacification Commissioner for Xu Prefecture, to replace Tao as military commissioner of Huainan. In the eighth month of the twelfth year he was appointed Acting Minister of Works and Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent, assigned to the Eastern Capital as titular official. In the thirteenth year, with his regular office he became Metropolitan Governor of Fengxiang and military commissioner of Fengxiang-Long, advanced to Duke of Zhao with a fief of three thousand households, and died. His sons were Hao, Huan, and Fen. Hao, while young, took the jinshi examination but stopped because his father held an inner-court post. When Tao assisted in government for ten years, Hao, through kinship with Zheng Hao, was arrogant and lawless, daily given to feasting and pleasure, and bribes filled his gate. Inside and outside all watched him sidelong. Because Tao's factional support was then flourishing, none dared speak. When Emperor Yizong acceded, complainants were not few, and so Tao was dismissed from the axis of power.
25
既至河中，上言曰：「臣男滈，爰自孩提，便從師訓，至於詞藝，頗及輩流。 會昌二年，臣任戶部員外郎時，已令應舉，至大中二年猶未成名。 臣自湖州刺史蒙先帝擢授考功郎中、知制誥，尋充學士。 繼叨渥澤，遂忝樞衡，事體有妨，因令罷舉，自當廢絕，一十九年。 每遣退藏，更令勤勵。 臣以祿位逾分，齒發已衰。 男滈年過長成，未沾一第，犬馬私愛，實切憫傷。 臣二三年來，頻乞罷免，每年取得文解，意待才離中書，便令赴舉。
After reaching Hezhong he submitted a memorial saying: "My son Hao, from infancy followed teachers' instruction. In literary skill he compares well with his peers. In the second year of Huichang, when I was Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue, I already had him take the examination. By the second year of Dazhong he still had not achieved fame. I, from prefect of Hu Prefecture, received the late emperor's promotion to Director in the Bureau of Evaluations and Drafter of Imperial Edicts, and soon became Academician. Then receiving generous favor I disgraced the pivot of power. The matter was improper, so I ordered him to stop the examination and it should have ended—nineteen years in all. Each time I was sent to withdraw, yet again urged to diligence. My rank and salary exceed my due; my teeth and hair are already declining. My son Hao has passed grown age without winning a degree; paternal affection deeply pains me. For two or three years I have repeatedly begged dismissal. Each year I obtained examination credentials, intending once I left the Secretariat to have him take the examination.
26
昨蒙恩制，寵以近籓。 伏緣已逼禮部試期，便令就試。 至於與奪，出自主司，臣固不敢撓其衡柄。 臣初離機務，合具上聞。 昨延英奉辭，本擬面奏，伏以戀恩方切，陳誠至難。 伏冀宸慈，察臣丹懇。」 詔令就試。 是歲，中書舍人裴坦權知貢舉，登第者三十人。
Yesterday I received an imperial edict favoring him with a nearby frontier post. Because the Ministry of Rites examination period was already near, I had him take the examination. As for success or failure, it lies with the chief examiner. I truly dare not interfere with his balance. When I first left the pivot of power I ought to have reported fully to the throne. Yesterday at an Yanying audience to take leave I originally intended to report face to face, but considering my longing for favor was then keen, to state my sincerity was extremely hard. I humbly hope for imperial kindness to discern my earnest sincerity." An edict ordered him to take the examination. That year Palace Secretary Pei Tan acted as chief examiner; thirty passed.
27
有鄭羲者，故戶部尚書浣之孫，裴弘余，故相休之子，魏綯故相扶之子，及滈，皆名臣子第，言無實才。 諫議大夫崔瑄上疏論之曰：「令狐滈昨以父居相位，權在一門。 求請者詭黨風趨，妄動者群邪雲集。 每歲貢闈登第，在朝清列除官，事望雖出於綯，取舍全由於滈。 喧然如市，旁若無人，權動寰中，勢傾天下。 及綯罷相作鎮之日，便令滈納卷貢闈。 豈可以父在樞衡，獨撓文柄？ 請下御史臺按問文解日月者。」
Among them were Zheng Yi, grandson of former Minister of Revenue Huan; Pei Hongyu, son of former Chancellor Xiu; Wei Tao, son of former Chancellor Fu; and Hao—all sons of famed ministers, said to lack real talent. Remonstrance Official Cui Xuan submitted a memorial criticizing this, saying: "Linghu Hao yesterday, because his father held the chancellorship, had power in one gate. Those who sought favors flocked like wind to a clique; those who acted rashly gathered like clouds of the wicked. Each year when candidates passed the examination gate and the pure ranks of court received office, though the matter seemed to come from Tao, selection lay entirely with Hao. The clamor was like a market, as if no one else existed. His power moved within the realm and his momentum overturned the world. On the day Tao left the chancellorship to govern a frontier post he had Hao submit his examination papers. How can the father be at the pivot of power yet alone twist the literary handle? I beg that the Censorate be ordered to investigate according to the dates of the examination papers."
28
奏疏不下。 滈既及第，釋褐長安尉、集賢校理。 咸通二年，遷右拾遺、史館修撰。 制出，左拾遺劉蛻、起居郎張雲，各上疏極論滈云：「恃父秉權，恣受貨賂。 取李琢錢，除琢安南都護，遂致蠻陷交州。」 張雲言：「大中十年，襜以諫議大夫豆盧籍、刑部郎中李鄴為夔王已下侍讀，欲立夔王為東宮，欲亂先朝子弟之序。 滈內倚鄭顥，人誰敢言？」 時襜在淮南，累表自雪。
The memorial was not issued. After Hao passed he left office as warden of Chang'an and collator of the Hall of Assembled Worthies. In the second year of Xiantong he was promoted to Right Reminder and Compiler of the History Institute. When the edict was issued, Left Reminder Liu Tui and Attendant of the Left Liu Yun each submitted memorials strongly criticizing Hao, saying: "Relying on his father's wielding of power, he freely accepted bribes. He took money from Li Zhuo and had Zhuo appointed Protector-General of Annan, thus causing the barbarians to seize Jiaozhou." Liu Yun said: "In the tenth year of Dazhong, Can had Remonstrance Official Dou Luji and Director in the Ministry of Justice Li Ye serve as tutors to the Prince of Kui and those below, wishing to establish the Prince of Kui as Heir Apparent and disturb the order of the late emperor's sons. Hao inwardly relied on Zheng Hao—who dared speak?" At that time Can was in Huainan and repeatedly submitted memorials to clear himself.
29
懿宗重傷大臣意，貶雲為興元少尹，蛻為華陰令，改滈詹事府司直。 滈為眾所非，宦名不達。 渙、沨俱登進士第。 渙位至中書舍人。 定子緘，緘子澄、湘。 澄亦以進士登第，累辟使府。 牛僧孺，字思黯，隋僕射奇章公弘之後。 祖紹。
Emperor Yizong deeply hurt the feelings of great ministers. Yun was demoted to Vice Governor of Xingyuan, Tui to magistrate of Huayin, and Hao was changed to Direct Clerk of the Heir Apparent's Household. Hao was condemned by all and his official reputation did not prosper. Huan and Fen both passed the jinshi examination. Huan reached Palace Secretary. Ding's son Jian; Jian's sons Cheng and Xiang. Cheng also passed the jinshi examination and was repeatedly recruited to commissioner staffs. Niu Sengru, styled Si'an, was a descendant of Duke Qizhang Niu Hong, Minister of Works of the Sui. His grandfather was Shao.
30
父幼簡，官卑。 僧孺進士擢第，登賢良方正制科，釋褐伊闕尉，遷監察御史，轉殿中，歷禮部員外郎。 元和中，改都官，知臺雜，尋換考功員外郎，充集賢直學士。 穆宗即位，以庫部郎中知制誥。 其年十一月，改御史中丞。 以州府刑獄淹滯，人多冤抑，僧孺條疏奏請，按劾相繼，中外肅然。 長慶元年，宿州刺史李直臣坐贓當死，直臣賂中貴人為之申理，僧孺堅執不回。 穆宗面喻之曰：「直臣事雖僭失，然此人有經度才，可委之邊任，朕欲貸其法。」
His father Youjian held low office. Sengru was selected through the jinshi examination, passed the Exceptionally Qualified and Upright recruitment, left office as warden of Yique, was promoted to Investigating Censor, transferred to the Palace, and served as Vice Director in the Ministry of Rites. In the Yuanhe era he was changed to the Bureau of Punishments, directed palace censorial affairs, soon changed to Vice Director in the Bureau of Evaluations, and served as Academician of the Hall of Assembled Worthies. When Emperor Muzong acceded he became Director in the Treasuries Ministry and Drafter of Imperial Edicts. In the eleventh month of that year he was changed to Vice Censor-in-Chief. Because prefectural prisons delayed cases and many people suffered wrongful oppression, Sengru submitted detailed memorials requesting investigation and impeachment in succession. Inside and outside grew stern. In the first year of Changqing, Su Prefecture magistrate Li Zhichen was convicted of corruption and should die. Zhichen bribed inner-court favorites to plead his case, but Sengru firmly held and did not yield. Emperor Muzong instructed him face to face: "Zhichen's matter, though excessive and wrongful, yet this man has talent for planning and may be entrusted with frontier duty. I wish to pardon him by law."
31
僧孺對曰：「凡人不才，止於持祿取容耳。 帝王立法，束縛奸雄，正為才多者。 祿山、硃泚以才過人，濁亂天下，況直臣小才，又何屈法哉？」 上嘉其守法，面賜金紫。 二年正月，拜戶部侍郎。 三年三月，以本官同平章事。 初，韓弘入朝，以宣武舊事，人多流言，其子公武以家財厚賂權幸及多言者，班列之中，悉受其遺。 俄而父子俱卒，孤孫幼小，穆宗恐為廝養竊盜，乃命中使至其家，閱其宅簿，以付家老。
Sengru replied: "Ordinary men without talent merely hold salary and seek favor. The emperor establishes law to bind treacherous heroes precisely because talent is abundant. An Lushan and Zhu Ci exceeded others in talent yet troubled and disordered the realm. How much more Zhichen's small talent—why bend the law?" The emperor praised his upholding of law and personally bestowed gold and purple. In the first month of the second year he was appointed Vice Minister of Revenue. In the third month of the third year, with his regular office he became Associate Councilor of State. Earlier, when Han Hong entered court, because of old Xuanwu affairs many spread rumors. His son Gongwu used family wealth to bribe the powerful and many speakers, and among the ranks all received his gifts. Soon father and son both died. The orphaned grandson was young. Muzong feared servants and attendants would steal, so he ordered an inner-court envoy to their house to examine the household register and deliver it to the family elder.
32
而簿上具有納賂之所，唯於僧孺官側硃書曰：「某月日，送牛侍郎物若干，不受，卻付訖。」 穆宗按簿甚悅。 居無何，議命相，帝首可僧孺之名。 敬宗即位，加中書侍郎、銀青光祿大夫，封奇章子，邑五百戶。 十二月，加金紫階，進封郡公、集賢殿大學士、監修國史。 寶歷中，朝廷政事出於邪幸，大臣朋比。 僧孺不奈群小，拜章求罷者數四。 帝曰：「俟予郊禮畢放卿。」
On the register were fully recorded places of bribery. Only beside Sengru's office was written in red: "On such-and-such month and day, such-and-such goods sent to Vice Minister Niu—not accepted, returned and paid in full." Muzong examined the register and was very pleased. Before long, when a chancellor was to be appointed, the emperor first approved Sengru's name. When Emperor Jingzong acceded he was advanced to Vice Director of the Secretariat, Grand Master for Splendid Happiness with Silver Seal, Baron of Qizhang with a fief of five hundred households. In the twelfth month he was given the gold-and-purple rank, advanced to Duke of the Commandery, Grand Academician of the Hall of Assembled Worthies, and Supervisor of the National History. In the Baoli era court politics came from wicked favorites and great ministers formed factions. Sengru could not bear the petty men and submitted memorials begging to resign four times. The emperor said: "Wait until I finish the suburban sacrifice, then I will release you."
33
及穆宗祔廟郊報後，又拜章陳退，乃於鄂州置武昌軍額，以僧孺檢校禮部尚書、同中書門下平章事、鄂州刺史、武昌軍節度、鄂嶽蘄黃觀察等使。 江夏城風土散惡，難立垣墉，每年加板築，賦青茆以覆之。 吏緣為奸，蠹弊綿歲。 僧孺至，計茆苫板築之費，歲十余萬，即賦之以專，以當苫築之價。 凡五年，墉皆甃葺，蠹弊永除。 屬郡沔州與鄂隔江相對，虛張吏員，乃奏廢之，以其所管漢陽、汶川兩縣隸鄂州。 文宗即位，就加檢校吏部尚書，凡鎮江夏五年。 太和三年，李宗閔輔政，屢薦僧孺有才，不宜居外。
After Muzong's ancestral temple rites and suburban report, Sengru again submitted memorials stating his withdrawal. Then the Wuchang Army quota was established in E Prefecture, and Sengru was made Acting Minister of Rites, Associate Councilor of State through the Secretariat, prefect of E, military commissioner of Wuchang Army, and observation commissioner of E-Yue-Qi-Huang. Jiangxia city's soil was loose and bad and hard to build walls. Every year additional plank construction was added and a levy of green thatch imposed for covering. Clerks used this for fraud; the corruption lasted years. When Sengru arrived he calculated the cost of thatch and plank construction at over one hundred thousand per year, then levied a dedicated tax in place of the thatch-and-construction price. Within five years all walls were tiled and repaired and the corruption was permanently removed. Because Mian Prefecture in his jurisdiction faced E across the river, he falsely inflated clerical posts and memorialized to abolish it, placing its subordinate counties Hanyang and Wenchuan under E Prefecture. When Emperor Wenzong acceded he was advanced to Acting Minister of Personnel. In all he governed Jiangxia for five years. In the third year of Taihe, when Li Zongmin assisted in government, he repeatedly recommended Sengru as talented and unfit to remain outside.
34
四年正月，召還，守兵部尚書、同平章事。 五年正月，幽州軍亂，逐其帥李載義。 文宗以載義輸忠於國，遽聞失帥，駭然，急召宰臣謂之曰：「范陽之變奈何？」 僧孺對曰：「此不足煩聖慮。 且范陽得失，不系國家休戚，自安、史已來，翻覆如此。 前時劉總以土地歸國，朝廷耗費百萬，終不得范陽尺帛鬥粟入於天府，尋復為梗。 至今誌誠，亦由前載義也，但因而撫之，俾扞奚、契丹不令入寇，朝廷所賴也。 假以節旄，必自陳力，不足以逆順治之。」
In the first month of the fourth year he was recalled and served as Minister of War and Associate Councilor of State. In the first month of the fifth year the Youzhou army rebelled and drove out its commander Li Zaiyi. Emperor Wenzong, because Zaiyi had shown loyalty to the state, was startled on suddenly hearing he had lost command and hastily summoned the chancellors: "What shall we do about the Fanyang change?" Sengru replied: "This is not worth troubling imperial concern. Moreover Fanyang's gain or loss does not tie to the state's weal or woe. Since An and Shi it has reversed thus. Earlier Liu Zong returned his land to the state. The court spent a million yet ultimately received not a foot of silk or peck of grain from Fanyang into the imperial treasury. Soon it became obstruction again. Even now Zhicheng too—only soothe them accordingly. Keep the Xi and Khitan from raiding, and that is what the court relies on. Grant them the staff of command and they will surely exert themselves. It is not enough to govern by compliance or resistance."
35
帝曰：「吾初不祥，思卿言是也。」 即日命中使宣慰。 尋加門下侍郎、弘文館大學士。 六年，吐蕃遣使論董勃義入朝修好。 俄而西川節度李德裕奏，吐蕃維州守將悉怛謀以城降。 德裕又上利害云：「若以生羌三千，出戎不意，燒十三橋，搗戎之腹心，可以得誌矣。」 上惑其事，下尚書省議，眾狀請如德裕之策。 僧孺奏曰：「此議非也。
The emperor said: "At first I was inauspicious. Thinking on your words is right." That day he ordered an inner-court envoy to comfort them. Soon he was advanced to Vice Director of the Chancellery and Grand Academician of the Hongwen Hall. In the sixth year Tibet sent envoy Lun Dongboyi to court to seek good relations. Soon Xichuan Military Commissioner Li Deyu reported that Tibet's Weizhou garrison commander Sidamou wished to surrender the city. Deyu also submitted advantages and disadvantages, saying: "If three thousand raw Qiang are used to strike the Rong unexpectedly, burn the Thirteen Bridges, and strike the Rong's heartland, the aim can be achieved." The emperor was confused by the matter and sent it to the Department of State for discussion. All memorials requested following Deyu's plan. Sengru memorialized: "This proposal is wrong.
36
吐蕃疆土，四面萬里，失一維州，無損其勢。 況論董勃義才還，劉元鼎未到，比來修好，約罷戍兵。 中國禦戎，守信為上，應敵次之，今一朝失信，戎醜得以為詞。 聞贊普牧馬茹川，俯於秦、隴。 若東襲隴阪，徑走回中，不三日抵咸陽橋，而發兵枝梧，駭動京國。 事或及此，雖得百維州，亦何補也。」 上曰：「然。」 遂詔西川不內維州降將。
Tibet's territory extends ten thousand li on all sides. Losing one Weizhou does not harm its power. Moreover Lun Dongboyi has just returned and Liu Yuanding has not yet arrived. Recently good relations were made and garrison troops were agreed to be withdrawn. For China to guard against the Rong, keeping faith is foremost and responding to the enemy second. Now in one morning faith is lost and the Rong villains gain a pretext. I hear the Zanpu pastures horses at Ruchuan, overlooking Qin and Long. If they strike east at Longban, go straight to Huizhong, in less than three days they reach Xianyang Bridge. Then dispatching troops to resist will shake the capital. If matters reach this, though one gains a hundred Weizhous, what use is it?" The emperor said: "So it is." An edict then ordered Xichuan not to accept Weizhou's surrendering generals.
37
僧孺素與德裕仇怨，雖議邊公體，而怙德裕者以僧孺害其功，謗論沸然，帝亦以為不直。 其年十二月，檢校左僕射、兼平章事、揚州大都督府長史、淮南節度副大使、知節度事。 時中尉王守澄用事，多納纖人，竊議時政，禁中事密，莫知其說。 一日，延英對宰相，文宗曰：「天下何由太平，卿等有意於此乎？」 僧孺奏曰：「臣等待罪輔弼，無能康濟，然臣思太平亦無象。 今四夷不至交侵，百姓不至流散； 上無淫虐，下無怨讟； 私室無強家，公議無壅滯。
Sengru had long been at odds with Deyu. Though the border discussion was public, those relying on Deyu held that Sengru harmed his achievement and slander boiled. The emperor also thought him unjust. In the twelfth month of that year he was made Acting Left Vice Director of the Department of State, Associate Councilor of State, Chief Administrator of the Metropolitan Prefecture of Yang, Vice Military Commissioner of Huainan, and acting military commissioner. At that time Chief Eunuch Wang Shoucheng wielded power, admitted many petty men, and secretly discussed current politics. Inner-palace affairs were secret and none knew what was said. One day at Yanying facing the chancellors, Emperor Wenzong said: "How may the realm attain peace—do you have intent toward this?" Sengru memorialized: "We await punishment as assisting councilors and cannot bring peace and relief. Yet I consider that peace also has no image. Now the four barbarians do not come to invade one another and the people do not scatter in flight; above there is no tyranny and below there is no resentment; private houses have no powerful families and public discussion has no obstruction.
38
雖未及至理，亦謂小康。 陛下若別求太平，非臣等所及。」 既退至中書，謂同列曰：「吾輩為宰相，天子責成如是，安可久處茲地耶？」 旬日間，三上章請退，不許。 會德裕黨盛，垂將入朝，僧孺故得請。 上既受左右邪說，急於太平，奸人伺其銳意，故訓、註見用。 數年之間，幾危宗社，而僧孺進退以道，議者稱之。 開成初，搢紳道喪，閽寺弄權，僧孺嫌處重籓，求歸散地，累拜章不允，凡在淮甸六年。
Though we have not yet reached perfect order, this may be called modest prosperity. If Your Majesty separately seeks peace, that is not within our reach." After retiring to the Secretariat he told his colleagues: "We serve as chancellors and the Son of Heaven charges us thus—how can we long remain in this place?" Within ten days he submitted three memorials requesting withdrawal and was not permitted. When Deyu's faction flourished and he was about to enter court, Sengru therefore obtained his request. The emperor had accepted wicked talk from those around him and urgently sought peace. Wicked men watched his keen intent, and so Xun and Zhu were employed. Within several years the ancestral temple was nearly endangered, yet Sengru advanced and withdrew by the Way, and commentators praised him. At the beginning of Kaicheng the way of court gentlemen was lost and gatekeepers and temples played with power. Sengru disliked holding a heavy frontier post and sought to return to a titular post, repeatedly submitting memorials without success. In all he was in Huaidian for six years.
39
開成二年五月，加檢校司空，食邑二千戶，判東都尚書省事、東都留守、東畿汝都防禦使。 僧孺識量弘遠，心居事外，不以細故介懷。 洛都築第於歸仁裏。 任淮南時，嘉木怪石，置之階廷，館宇清華，竹木幽邃。 常與詩人白居易吟詠其間，無復進取之懷。 三年九月，征拜左僕射，仍令左軍副使王元直賫告身宣賜。 舊例，留守入朝，無中使賜詔例，恐僧孺退讓，促令赴闕。 僧孺不獲已入朝。
In the fifth month of the second year of Kaicheng he was advanced to Acting Minister of Works with a fief of two thousand households, directed the Eastern Capital Department of State affairs, served as Eastern Capital Garrison Commander and Defense Commissioner of the Eastern Capital and Ru Prefecture. Sengru's judgment and capacity were broad and far-reaching. His heart dwelt outside petty affairs and he did not take small matters to heart. In Luoyang he built a residence in Guiren Lane. While governing Huainan he placed fine trees and strange stones in the steps and courtyard. The buildings were clear and splendid and bamboo and trees secluded and deep. He often chanted and composed with the poet Bai Juyi among them, with no further thought of advancement. In the ninth month of the third year he was summoned as Left Vice Director of the Department of State, and Left Army Vice Commissioner Wang Yuanzhi was ordered to deliver the appointment document. By former precedent when a garrison commander entered court there was no precedent of an inner-court envoy bestowing an edict. Fearing Sengru would decline, they urged him to hurry to court. Sengru had no choice but to enter court.
40
屬莊恪太子初薨，延英中謝日，語及太子，乃懇陳父子君臣之義，人倫大經，不可輕移國本。 上為之流涕。 是時宰輔皆僧孺僚舊，未嘗造其門。 上頻宣召，托以足疾。 久之，上謂楊嗣復曰：「僧孺稱疾，不任趨朝，未可即令自便。」 四年八月，復檢校司空、兼平章事、襄州刺史、山南東道節度使，加食邑至三千戶。 辭日，賜觚、散、樽、杓等金銀古器，令中使喻之曰：「以卿正人，賜此古器，卿且少留。」 僧孺奏曰：「漢南水旱之後，流民待理，不宜淹留。」
When the Heir Apparent Zhuangke had just died, on the day of thanks at Yanying when they spoke of the Heir Apparent he earnestly set forth the righteousness of father and son and ruler and minister—the great norm of human relations—and that the foundation of the state must not lightly be moved. The emperor wept for it. At that time the chancellors were all Sengru's old colleagues and never visited his gate. The emperor repeatedly summoned him, but he pleaded foot ailment. After a long time the emperor told Yang Sifu: "Sengru claims illness and cannot attend court—it is not yet time to let him go at will." In the eighth month of the fourth year he was again made Acting Minister of Works, Associate Councilor of State, prefect of Xiang, and military commissioner of Shannan East Circuit, with his fief increased to three thousand households. On the day of leave-taking he was bestowed ancient gold and silver vessels such as goblets, ewers, wine vessels, and ladles, and an inner-court envoy instructed him: "Because you are an upright man, these ancient vessels are bestowed—please stay a while longer." Sengru memorialized: "After drought and flood in southern Han, displaced people await governance—it is improper to delay."
41
再三請行，方允。 武宗即位，就加檢校司徒。 會昌二年，李德裕用事，罷僧孺兵權，征為太子少保，累加太子少師。 大中初卒，贈太子太師，謚曰文貞。 僧孺少與李宗閔同門生，尤為德裕所惡。 會昌中，宗閔棄斥，不為生還。 僧孺數為德裕掎摭，欲加之罪，但以僧孺貞方有素，人望式瞻，無以伺其隙。 德裕南遷，所著《窮愁志》，引裏俗犢子之讖以斥僧孺。
He repeatedly begged to depart and was finally permitted. When Emperor Wuzong acceded he was advanced to Acting Minister of Works. In the second year of Huichang, when Li Deyu wielded power, Sengru's military authority was removed. He was summoned as Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent and repeatedly advanced to Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent. At the beginning of Dazhong he died and was posthumously made Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent with the posthumous title Wenzhen. In youth Sengru and Li Zongmin were fellow students. He was especially hated by Deyu. In the Huichang era Zongmin was cast out and did not return alive. Sengru was repeatedly seized and attacked by Deyu, who wished to add crimes to him, but because Sengru had long been upright and people looked to him in hope, there was no gap to watch. When Deyu was sent south he wrote Records of Utter Woe, citing a vulgar omen of the calf to denounce Sengru.
42
又目為「太牢公」，其相憎恨如此。 僧孺二子：蔚、。 蔚，字大章，十五應兩經舉。 太和九年，復登進士第。 三府辟署為從事，入朝為監察御史。 大中初，為右補闕，屢陳章疏，指斥時病。 宣宗嘉之，曰：「牛氏子有父風，差慰人意。」 尋改司門員外郎，出為金州刺史，入拜禮、吏二郎中。
He also called him "Grand Sacrifice Duke"—such was their mutual hatred. Sengru had two sons: Wei and Ru. Wei, styled Dazhang, at fifteen took the two classics examination. In the ninth year of Taihe he again passed the jinshi examination. The three offices recruited him as an aide. He entered court as Investigating Censor. At the beginning of Dazhong he became Right Supplementation Official and repeatedly submitted memorials pointing out current ills. Emperor Xuanzong approved and said: "Niu's son has his father's manner—somewhat comforting to the heart." Soon he was changed to Vice Director in the Bureau of Gateways, went out as prefect of Jin, and entered court as Director in the Ministries of Rites and Personnel.
43
以祀事準禮，天官司所掌班列，有恃權越職者，蔚奏正之，為時權所忌，左授國子博士，分司東都。 逾月，權臣罷免，復征為吏部郎中，兼史館修撰，遷左諫議大夫。 咸通中，為給事中，延英謝日，面賜金紫。 蔚封駁無避，帝嘉之。 逾歲，遷戶部侍郎，襲封奇章侯，以公事免。 歲中復本官，歷工、禮、刑三尚書。 咸通末，檢校兵部尚書、興元尹、山南西道節度使。 在鎮三年。
Because sacrificial affairs followed ritual and the Heavenly Office managed court ranks, when some relied on power and overstepped office, Wei memorialized to correct it and was envied by the powerful of the time. He was demoted to Doctor of the National University, assigned to the Eastern Capital. After a month the powerful minister was dismissed and he was again summoned as Director in the Ministry of Personnel and Compiler of the History Institute, then promoted to Left Remonstrance Official. In the Xiantong era he became Supervising Censor. On the day of thanks at Yanying he was personally given gold and purple. Wei reviewed and rejected without avoidance and the emperor approved. After a year he was promoted to Vice Minister of Revenue and inherited the title Marquis of Qizhang. He was dismissed for public affairs. Within the year he regained his regular office and served successively as Minister of Works, Rites, and Punishments. At the end of Xiantong he was made Acting Minister of War, Metropolitan Governor of Xingyuan, and military commissioner of Shannan West Circuit. He was in his post three years.
44
時中官用事，急於賄賂。 屬徐方用兵，兩中尉諷諸籓貢奉助軍，蔚盡索軍府之有三萬端匹，隨表進納。 中官怒，即以神策將吳行魯代還。 及黃巢犯闕，乃自京師奔遁，避地山南，拜章請老，以尚書左僕射致仕。 卒，累贈太尉。 子循、徽。 徽，咸通八年登進士第，三佐諸侯府，得殿中侍御史，賜緋魚。 入朝為右補闕，再遷吏部員外郎。
At that time inner-court eunuchs wielded power and urgently sought bribes. When troops were used in Xu region the two chief eunuchs hinted that the various frontier posts should offer tribute to aid the army. Wei gathered all thirty thousand bolts of cloth and silk in the military prefecture and submitted them with his memorial. The inner-court eunuchs were angry and replaced him with Shence General Wu Xinglu. When Huang Chao violated the capital he fled from the capital to take refuge in Shannan, submitted a memorial requesting retirement, and was retired as Left Vice Director of the Department of State. When he died he was repeatedly posthumously advanced to Grand Preceptor. His sons were Xun and Hui. Hui passed the jinshi examination in the eighth year of Xiantong, served three times as aide in commissioner staffs, became Attending Censor in the Palace, and was given crimson fish. He entered court as Right Supplementation Official and was twice promoted to Vice Director in the Ministry of Personnel.
45
乾符中，選曹猥濫，吏為奸弊，每歲選人四千余員。 徽性貞剛，特為奏請。 由是銓敘稍正，能否旌別，物議稱之。 巢賊犯京師，父蔚方病，徽與其子自扶籃輿，投竄山南。 閣路險狹，盜賊縱橫，谷中遇盜，擊徽破首，流血被體，而捉輿不輟。 盜苦迫之，徽拜之曰：「父年高疾甚，不欲駭動。 人皆有父，幸相垂恤。」 盜感之而止。
In the Qianfu era the Selection Bureau was corrupt and clerks committed fraud. Each year over four thousand candidates were selected. Hui's nature was upright and firm and he specially submitted a memorial requesting reform. Because of this selection and appointment gradually became correct, ability and inability were distinguished, and public opinion praised him. When the Chao bandits violated the capital his father Wei was then ill. Hui and his son themselves supported a bamboo litter and fled into the recesses of Shannan. The mountain paths were dangerous and narrow and bandits ran rampant. In the valley they met bandits who struck Hui and broke his head. Blood covered his body yet he did not stop holding the litter. The bandits pressed him hard. Hui bowed to them and said: "My father is advanced in years and gravely ill—I do not wish to startle him. All men have fathers—please show mercy." The bandits were moved and stopped.
46
及前谷，又逢前盜，相告語曰：「此孝子也。」 即同舉輿，延於其家，以帛封創，饘飲奉蔚。 留之信宿，得達梁州。 故吏感恩，爭來奔問。 時僖宗已幸成都，徽至行朝拜章，乞歸侍疾。 已除諫議大夫，不拜。 謂宰相杜讓能曰：「願留兄循在朝，以當門戶，乞侍醫藥。」 時循為給事中，丞相許之。
When they reached the next valley they again met the former bandits, who said to one another: "This is a filial son." They together lifted the litter, kept him at their home several days, wrapped cloth on the wound, and offered gruel to Wei. After staying two nights they were able to reach Liang Prefecture. When Emperor Xizong had already fled to Chengdu, Hui reached the traveling court and submitted a memorial begging to return and attend to illness. When Emperor Xizong had already fled to Chengdu, Hui reached the traveling court and submitted a memorial begging to return and attend to illness. He had already been appointed Remonstrance Official but did not accept. He told Chancellor Du Rangneng: "I wish to leave my elder brother Xun at court to uphold the household gate and beg to attend to medicine." At that time Xun was Supervising Censor and the chancellor consented.
47
其年鐘家艱，執喪梁、漢。 既除，以中書舍人征，未赴，疾作。 以舍人綸制之地，不可曠官，請授散秩，改給事中。 從駕還京，至陳倉，疾甚，經年方間。 宰相張浚為招討使，奏徽為判官，檢校左散騎常侍。 詔下鳳翔，促令赴闕。 徽謂所親曰：「國步方艱，皇居初復，帑廩皆虛，正賴群臣協力，同心王室。 而於破敗之余，圖雄霸之舉，俾諸侯離心，必貽後悔也。
That year he observed mourning for his mother's family and kept mourning in Liang and Han. When mourning ended he was summoned as Palace Secretary but did not go; illness developed. Because the Palace Secretary's place drafts edicts and one cannot leave the office vacant, he requested a titular rank and was changed to Supervising Censor. He followed the emperor returning to the capital. When he reached Chencang his illness was severe and only after a year did he recover. Chancellor Zhang Jun as Pacification Commissioner memorialized Hui as judge and Acting Left Regular Cavalryman. When the edict reached Fengxiang he was urged to hurry to court. Hui told those close to him: "The state's step is now difficult and the imperial residence has just been restored. The treasury is all empty and we truly rely on all ministers to cooperate and join hearts with the royal house. Yet amid ruin they plot hegemonic enterprise and will make the feudal lords lose heart—this will surely bring later regret.
48
以吾衰疾之年，安能為之扞難。」 辭疾不起。 明年，浚敗，召徽為給事中。 楊復恭叛歸山南，李茂貞上表，請自出兵糧問罪，但授臣詔討使。 奏不待報，茂貞與王行瑜軍已出疆。 上怒其專，不時可之，茂貞恃強，章疏不已。 昭宗延英召諫官宰相議可否。 以邠、鳳皆有中人內應，不敢極言，相顧辭遜，上情不悅。
At my age of declining illness, how can I contend with such difficulty for them?" He pleaded illness and did not rise. The next year Jun was defeated and Hui was summoned as Supervising Censor. When Yang Fugong rebelled and returned to Shannan, Li Maozhen submitted a memorial requesting to march himself with army grain to punish the crime, asking only that an edict of punitive expedition be granted. Without waiting for reply, Maozhen and Wang Xingyu's armies had already crossed the border. The emperor was angry at their presumption and did not promptly approve. Maozhen relied on strength and memorials did not cease. Emperor Zhaozong at Yanying summoned remonstrating officials and chancellors to discuss whether it was permissible. Because Bin and Feng both had inner agents in collusion, they dared not speak fully. They looked at one another and spoke deferentially and the emperor's mood was displeased.
49
徽奏曰：「兩朝多艱，茂貞實有翼衛之功，惡諸楊阻兵，意在嫉惡。 所造次者，不俟命而出師也。 近聞兩鎮兵入界，多有殺傷，陛下若不處分，梁、漢之民盡矣。 須授以使名，明行約束，則軍中爭不畏法。」 帝曰：「此言極是。」 乃以招討之命授之。 及茂貞平賊，自恃浸驕，多撓國政，命杜讓能料兵討之。 徽諫曰：「岐是國門，茂貞倔強，不顧禍患。
Hui memorialized: "The two reigns had many hardships. Maozhen truly had merit in guarding and protecting. He hated the various Yangs for obstructing troops and his intent lay in detesting evil. What he did hastily was to march without awaiting orders. I hear the two frontier armies entering the border have many killings and wounds. If Your Majesty does not dispose of this, the people of Liang and Han will all be gone." The emperor said: "These words are extremely right." The title of pacification commissioner was then granted. When Maozhen pacified the bandits he grew increasingly arrogant by his own reliance, frequently interfered in state affairs, and the emperor ordered Du Rangneng to plan troops to punish him. Hui remonstrated: "Qi is the nation's gate. Maozhen is stubborn and does not heed calamity and harm.
50
萬一蹉跌，挫國威也，不若漸以制之。」 及師出，復召徽謂之曰：「卿能斟酌時事，岐軍烏合，朕料必平，卿以為捷在何日？」 徽對曰：「臣忝侍從諫諍之列，所言軍國，據理陳聞。 如破賊之期，在陛下考蓍龜，責將帥，非臣之職也。」 而王師果衄，大臣被害。 徽尋改中書舍人。 歲中，遷刑部侍郎，封奇章男。 崔胤連結汴州，惡徽言事，改散騎常侍。
If there is one misstep it will bruise the nation's prestige—it is better gradually to control him." When the army set out the emperor again summoned Hui and told him: "You can weigh current affairs. Qi's army is a rabble—I reckon it will surely be pacified. When do you think victory will come?" Hui replied: "Your servant humbly serves in the ranks of attendants who remonstrate. What I speak of military and state affairs I present according to reason. As for the date of defeating bandits, that lies in Your Majesty divining with yarrow and tortoise and charging generals—it is not your servant's office." The royal army was indeed defeated and great ministers were harmed. Hui was soon changed to Palace Secretary. Within the year he was promoted to Vice Minister of Punishments and enfeoffed as Baron of Qizhang. Cui Yin linked with Bian Prefecture and hated Hui's speaking on affairs. He was changed to Regular Cavalryman.
51
不拜，換太子賓客。 天復初，賊臣用事，朝政不綱，拜章請罷。 詔以刑部尚書致仕，乃歸樊川別墅。 病卒，贈吏部尚書。 蕭俛，字思謙。 曾祖太師徐國公嵩，開元中宰相。 祖華，襲徐國公，肅宗朝宰相。 父恆，贈吏部尚書。
He did not accept and was changed to Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent. At the beginning of Tianfu wicked ministers wielded power and court politics lacked discipline. He submitted a memorial requesting dismissal. An edict retired him as Minister of Punishments and he returned to his villa at Fanchuan. He died of illness and was posthumously made Minister of Personnel. Xiaomian, styled Siqian. His great-grandfather was Grand Preceptor Duke of Xu Kingdom Song, chancellor in the Kaiyuan era. His grandfather Hua inherited Duke of Xu Kingdom and was chancellor in the Suzong era. His father Heng was posthumously made Minister of Personnel.
52
皆自有傳。 俛，貞元七年進士擢第。 元和初，復登賢良方正制科，拜右拾遺，遷右補闕。 元和六年，召充翰林學士。 七年，轉司封員外郎。 九年，改駕部郎中、知制誥，內職如故。 坐與張仲方善，仲方駁李吉甫謚議，言用兵征發之弊，由吉甫而生。 憲宗怒，貶仲方。
All have their own biographies. Mian, in the seventh year of Zhenyuan, was selected through the jinshi examination. At the beginning of Yuanhe he again passed the Exceptionally Qualified and Upright recruitment, was appointed Right Reminder, and promoted to Right Supplementation Official. In the sixth year of Yuanhe he was summoned as Hanlin Academician. In the seventh year he was transferred to Vice Director in the Bureau of Honors. In the ninth year he was changed to Director in the Bureau of Transport and Drafter of Imperial Edicts, his inner-court post remaining as before. He was punished for being friendly with Zhang Zhongfang. Zhongfang rejected Li Jifu's posthumous title discussion, speaking of the evils of military campaigns and conscription arising from Jifu. Emperor Xianzong was angry and demoted Zhongfang.
53
俛亦罷學士，左授太仆少卿。 十三年，皇甫镈用事，言於憲宗，拜俛御史中丞。 俛與镈及令狐楚，同年登進士第。 明年，镈援楚作相，二人雙薦俛於上。 自是，顧眄日隆，進階朝議郎、飛騎尉，襲徐國公，賜緋魚袋。 穆宗即位之月，議命宰相，令狐楚援之，拜中書侍郎、平章事，仍賜金紫之服。 八月，轉門下侍郎。 十月，吐蕃寇涇原，命中使以禁軍援之。
Mian was also dismissed from the Academy and demoted to left as Vice Director of the Court of the Imperial Stud. In the thirteenth year, when Huangfu Bo wielded power, he spoke to Xianzong and Mian was appointed Vice Censor-in-Chief. Mian, Bo, and Linghu Chu passed the jinshi examination in the same year. The next year Bo supported Chu as chancellor and the two together recommended Mian to the emperor. From this imperial favor daily grew. He was advanced to Court Gentleman for Discussion and Flying Cavalryman, inherited Duke of Xu Kingdom, and was given crimson fish. In the month of Muzong's accession, when a chancellor was discussed, Linghu Chu supported him. He was appointed Vice Director of the Secretariat, Councilor of State, and still given gold-and-purple robes. In the eighth month he was transferred to Vice Director of the Chancellery. In the tenth month Tibet raided Jingyuan. An inner-court envoy was ordered to aid with palace troops.
54
穆宗謂宰臣曰：「用兵有必勝之法乎？」 俛對曰：「兵者兇器，戰者危事，聖主不得已而用之。 以仁討不仁，以義討不義，先務招懷，不為掩襲。 古之用兵，不斬祀，不殺厲，不擒二毛，不犯田稼。 安人禁暴，師之上也。 如救之甚於水火。 故王者之師，有征無戰，此必勝之道也。 如或縱肆小忿，輕動干戈，使敵人怨結，師出無名，非惟不勝，乃自危之道也。
Muzong asked the chancellors: "Is there a method that must win in using troops?" Mian replied: "Arms are baleful instruments and battle is a perilous affair. The sage ruler uses them only when he must. To use benevolence to attack the unbenevolent and righteousness to attack the unrighteous, first work to win hearts—do not make surprise attacks. In ancient use of arms one did not cut off sacrifices, did not kill the wounded, did not capture the gray-haired, and did not violate standing grain. To pacify the people and forbid violence is the highest of armies. It is like rescue more urgent than fire and water. Therefore the king's army has campaigns but no battles—this is the way that must win. If one indulges small anger and lightly moves arms, making the enemy knit resentment and the army go forth without a righteous name, not only will one not win—it is the way of endangering oneself.
55
固宜深慎！」 帝然之。 時令狐楚左遷西川節度使，王播廣以貨幣賂中人權幸，求為宰相。 而宰相段文昌復左右之。 俛性嫉惡，延英面言播之纖邪納賄，喧於中外，不可以汙臺司。 事已垂成，帝不之省，俛三上章求罷相任。 長慶元年正月，守左僕射，進封徐國公，罷知政事。 俛居相位，孜孜正道，重慎名器。
This truly should be deeply cautious!" The emperor approved. At that time Linghu Chu was demoted to military commissioner of Xichuan. Wang Bo widely used goods and currency to bribe powerful inner-court favorites and sought to be chancellor. Chancellor Duan Wenchang again supported him from the side. Mian's nature detested evil. At Yanying he spoke face to face of Bo's wickedness and bribery, clamoring inside and outside that he could not defile the terrace offices. The matter was already nearly settled but the emperor did not examine it. Mian submitted three memorials begging to resign the chancellorship. In the first month of the first year of Changqing he served as Left Vice Director of the Department of State, was advanced to Duke of Xu Kingdom, and ceased directing government affairs. While Mian held the chancellorship he diligently pursued the correct Way and heavily weighed name and office.
56
每除一官，常慮乖當，故鮮有簡拔而涉克深，然誌嫉奸邪，脫屣重位，時論稱之。 穆宗乘章武恢復之余，即位之始，兩河廓定，四鄙無虞。 而俛與段文昌屢獻太平之策，以為兵以靜亂，時已治矣，不宜黷武，勸穆宗休兵偃武。 又以兵不可頓去，請密語天下軍鎮有兵處，每年百人之中，限八人逃死，謂之「消兵」。 帝既荒縱，不能深料，遂詔天下，如其策而行之。 而籓籍之卒，合而為盜，伏於山林。 明年，硃克融、王廷湊復亂河朔，一呼而遺卒皆至。 朝廷方征兵諸籓，籍既不充，尋行招募。
Each time he appointed an official he often feared impropriety. Therefore few were selected and promoted yet he penetrated deeply, but his will detested the wicked and he cast off heavy rank—commentators praised him. Muzong, riding the surplus of Zhangwu restoration, at the beginning of his accession the two He regions were pacified and the four borders had no worry. Mian and Duan Wenchang repeatedly presented strategies of great peace, holding that arms quiet disorder and the time was already governed—arms should not be profaned and they urged Muzong to rest troops and lay aside war. Also because troops could not suddenly be removed, they requested secretly telling all military posts with troops throughout the realm that of every hundred men each year eight might flee to death—this was called "reducing troops." The emperor was already dissolute and could not judge deeply. An edict then ordered the realm to act according to their plan. The frontier-register soldiers combined and became bandits hiding in mountains and forests. The next year Zhu Kerong and Wang Tingcou again troubled Hebei. At one call the discharged soldiers all arrived. The court was then conscripting troops from the various frontier posts. The registers were insufficient and soon recruitment was carried out.
57
烏合之徒，動為賊敗，由是復失河朔，蓋「消兵」之失也。 俛性介獨，持法守正。 以己輔政日淺，超擢太驟，三上章懇辭僕射，不拜。 詔曰：「蕭俛以勤事國，以疾退身，本末初終，不失其道，既罷樞務，俾居端揆。 朕欲加恩超等，復吾前言。 而繼有讓章，至於三四，敦諭頗切，陳乞彌堅。 成爾謙光，移之選部，可吏部尚書。」 俛又以選曹簿書煩雜，非攝生之道，乞換散秩。
Rabble gathered at a stroke often moved as bandits and were defeated—the two He regions were again lost. This was the error of "reducing troops." Mian's nature was upright and solitary. He upheld law and kept to correctness. Because his own time assisting in government was short and advancement had been too sudden, he submitted three memorials earnestly declining the vice directorship and did not accept. An edict said: "Xiaomian diligently served the state and because of illness withdrew. Beginning and end never lost the Way. I wish to add favor beyond measure and restore my former words. Yet successive declining memorials came, to three or four. Earnest instruction was quite pressing yet petitioning grew firmer. Completing your modest humility, transfer to the Selection Bureau—he may be Minister of Personnel." Mian also held that the Selection Bureau's documents were vexatiously complex and not the way to preserve life. He begged to exchange for a titular rank.
58
其年十月，改兵部尚書。 二年，以疾表求分司，不許。 三月，改太子少保，尋授同州刺史。 寶歷二年，復以少保分司東都。 文宗即位，授檢校左僕射、守太子少師。 俛稱疾篤，不任赴闕，乞罷所授官。 詔曰：「新除太子少師蕭俛，代炳臺耀，躬茂天爵。 文可以經緯邦俗，行可以感動神祇。
In the tenth month of that year he was changed to Minister of War. In the second year he submitted illness and begged for titular assignment; this was not permitted. In the third month he was changed to Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent and soon appointed prefect of Tong. In the second year of Baoli he again served as Grand Tutor assigned to the Eastern Capital. When Emperor Wenzong acceded he was appointed Acting Left Vice Director of the Department of State and Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent. Mian claimed his illness was severe and he could not go to court. He begged to dismiss the office conferred. An edict said: "The newly appointed Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent Xiaomian succeeds a glorious terrace and personally possesses lofty heaven-rank. In literature he can weave and govern custom; in conduct he can move spirits and gods.
59
夷淡粹和，精深敏直，進退由道，周旋令名。 近以師傅之崇，疇於舊德，俾從優逸，冀保養頤。 而抗疏懇辭，勇退知止，嘗亦敦諭，確乎難拔。 遂茲牢讓，以厚時風，可銀青光祿大夫、守尚書左僕射致仕。」 俛趣尚簡潔，不以聲利自汙。 在相位時，穆宗詔撰《故成德軍節度使王士真神道碑》，對曰：「臣器褊狹，此不能強。 王承宗先朝阻命，事無可觀，如臣秉筆，不能溢美。 或撰進之後，例行貺遺。
Calm, pure, harmonious, and refined, penetrating, keen, and upright, advance and retreat follow the Way and his reputation in society is excellent. Recently, in honor of the tutor's eminence, he was matched to old virtue to obtain ease and comfort, hoping to preserve and nourish his years. Yet he resisted with earnest memorials, bravely withdrawing and knowing when to stop. Earnest instruction was also given yet he was firmly immovable. Thus this firm declination thickens the fashion of the time—he may be Grand Master for Splendid Happiness with Silver Seal, Left Vice Director of the Department of State, retired." Mian inclined toward simplicity and did not defile himself with sound and profit. While in the chancellorship Muzong ordered the composition of the Spirit Way Stele for the late Wang Shizhen, military commissioner of Chengde Army. He replied: "Your servant's capacity is narrow and cramped—I cannot force this. Wang Chengzong in the former reign resisted orders—there is nothing to view in the matter. Or after it is drafted and submitted, gifts are routinely bestowed.
60
臣若公然阻絕，則違陛下撫納之宜； 僶俛受之，則非微臣平生之誌。 臣不願為之秉筆。」 帝嘉而免之。 俛家行尤孝。 母韋氏，賢明有禮，理家甚嚴。 俛雖為宰相，侍母左右，不異褐衣時。 丁母喪，毀瘠逾制。
If I openly refuse I violate Your Majesty's intent to soothe and accept; if I humbly accept it is not your servant's lifelong intent. Your servant does not wish to take up the brush for this." The emperor approved and excused him. The emperor approved and excused him. Mian's family conduct was especially filial. His mother, Lady Wei, was wise and had propriety and managed the household very strictly. Though Mian was chancellor, attending at his mother's side he was no different than when he wore coarse cloth.
61
免喪，文宗征詔，懇以疾辭。 既致仕於家，以洛都官屬賓友，避歲時請謁之煩，乃歸濟源別墅，逍遙山野，嘯詠窮年。 八年，以莊恪太子在東宮，上欲以耆德輔導，復以少師征之。 俛令弟傑奉表京師，復納制書，堅辭痼疾。 詔曰：「不待年而求謝，於理身之道則至矣，其如朝廷之望何？ 朕以肇建元良，精求師傅，遐想漢朝故事，玄成、石慶，當時重德，鹹歷此官。 吾以元子幼沖，切於師訓，欲以敕汝發明古今，冀忠孝之規，日聞於耳。 特遣左右，至於林園。
When his mother died his grief and emaciation exceeded the regulations. When mourning ended Wenzong summoned him by edict; he earnestly pleaded illness. In the eighth year, because the Heir Apparent Zhuangke was in the Eastern Palace, the emperor wished to use aged virtue to assist and guide and again summoned him as Grand Tutor. Mian had his younger brother Jie submit a memorial to the capital, again returning the appointment edict, firmly declining chronic illness. An edict said: "Not waiting for years to seek leave—in the Way of preserving the person this is utmost; but what of the court's expectation? I, having newly established the Heir Apparent, carefully seek tutors. I recall Han dynasty precedent—Xuancheng and Shi Qing, heavy in virtue at the time, all held this office. Because my eldest son is young and tender I am keen on tutor's instruction, wishing to charge you to clarify ancient and modern, hoping the norms of loyalty and filial piety daily reach the ear. I specially sent attendants to your woodland garden.
62
而卿高蹈翛然，屏絕趨進，復遣令弟還召詔書。 天爵自優，冥鴻方遠，不轉之誌，其堅若山。 循省來章，致煩為愧。 終以呂尚之秩，遂其疏曠之心。 勵俗激貪，所補多矣。 有益於政，寄聲以聞，亦有望於舊臣矣。 可太子太傅致仕。」 開成二年，俛弟俶授楚州刺史。
Yet you stride high and are detached, screening off all approach. Again I sent your younger brother to return and summon the edict. Heaven-rank is self-superior and the dark swan is far—your unbending intent is firm as mountains. Reviewing the submitted memorial brings repeated embarrassment. Finally with the rank of Lü Shang I fulfill your detached and spacious heart. Encouraging custom and stirring against greed—this repairs much. What benefits government, send word to be heard—I also have hope in the old minister. He may be Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, retired." In the second year of Kaicheng Mian's younger brother Chou was appointed prefect of Chu.
63
辭日，文宗謂俶曰：「蕭俛先朝名相，觔力未衰，可一來京國。 朕賜俛詔書匹帛，卿便賫至濟源，道吾此意。」 詔曰：「卿道冠時髦，業高儒行。 著作礪濟川之效，弘致君匡國之規，留芳巖廊，逸老林壑。 累降褒詔，亟加崇秩，而誌不可奪，情見乎辭。 鴻飛入冥，吟想增嘆。 今賜絹三百匹，便令蕭俶宣示。」 俛竟不起，卒。
On the day of leave-taking Wenzong told Chou: "Xiaomian was a famed chancellor of the former reign. His strength is not yet decayed—he may come once to the capital. I bestow on Mian edict books and bolts of silk—you may carry them to Jiyuan and convey my intent." An edict said: "Your Way crowns the eminent of the age and your conduct towers among Confucian practice. Repeatedly descending commendatory edicts and swiftly adding honored rank—yet your intent cannot be wrested and feeling appears in your words. The great swan flies into the dark; chanting and thought increase sighs. Now bestowing three hundred bolts of silk—let Xiao Chou proclaim it. Mian ultimately did not rise and died." Jie, styled Haoshi.
64
傑，字豪士。 元和十二年登進士第。 累官侍御史，遷主客員外郎。 太和九年十月，鄭註為鳳翔節度使，慎選參佐。 李訓以傑檢校工部郎中，充鳳翔隴觀察判官。 其年十一月，鄭註誅，傑為鳳翔監軍使所害。 俶以廕授官。 太和中，累遷至河南少尹。
Mian ultimately did not rise and died. Jie, styled Haoshi. In the twelfth year of Yuanhe he passed the jinshi examination. He repeatedly served as Attending Censor and was promoted to Vice Director in the Bureau of Receptions. In the tenth month of the ninth year of Taihe, Zheng Zhu was military commissioner of Fengxiang and carefully selected aides. Li Xun had Jie made Acting Director in the Ministry of Works and Fengxiang-Long Observation Commissioner judge. In the eleventh month of that year when Zheng Zhu was executed, Jie was killed by the Fengxiang military commissioner. Chou received office by hereditary privilege.
65
九年五月，拜諫議大夫。 開成二年，出為楚州刺史。 四年三月，遷越州刺史、御史中丞、浙東都團練觀察使。 會昌中，入為左散騎常侍，遷檢校刑部尚書、華州刺史、潼關防禦等使。 大中初，坐在華州時斷獄不法，授太子賓客分司。 四年，檢校戶部尚書、兗州刺史、兗沂海節度使。 復入為太子賓客。 大中十二年，以太子少保分司東都，卒。
In the Taihe era he was repeatedly promoted to Vice Governor of Henan. In the fifth month of the ninth year he was appointed Remonstrance Official. In the second year of Kaicheng he went out as prefect of Chu. In the third month of the fourth year he was transferred to prefect of Yue, Vice Censor-in-Chief, and Zhedong defense and observation commissioner. In the Huichang era he entered court as Left Regular Cavalryman and was transferred to Acting Minister of Punishments, prefect of Hua, and Tong Pass defense commissioner. At the beginning of Dazhong he was punished for unlawful judgment of cases while in Hua and was appointed Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent assigned to titular duty. In the fourth year he was made Acting Minister of Revenue, prefect of Yan, and military commissioner of Yan-Yi-Hai. He again entered court as Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent.
66
俛從父弟仿。 倣，父悟，恆之弟也。 悟，仕至大理司直。 倣，太和元年登進士第。 大中朝，歷諫議大夫、給事中。 咸通初，遷左散騎常侍。 懿宗怠臨朝政，僻於奉佛，內結道場，聚僧念誦。 又數幸諸寺，施與過當。
In the twelfth year of Dazhong he served as Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent assigned to the Eastern Capital and died. Mian's younger cousin Fang. Fang—his father Wu was Heng's younger brother. Wu served to Direct Clerk in the Court of Judicial Review. Fang passed the jinshi examination in the first year of Taihe. In the Dazhong era he served as Remonstrance Official and Supervising Censor. At the beginning of Xiantong he was promoted to Left Regular Cavalryman. Emperor Yizong was slack in attending to court politics and partial to honoring Buddhism. He established inner-court dharma halls and gathered monks for chanting.
67
倣上疏論之曰： 伏睹陛下留神天竺，屬意桑門，內設道場，中開講會，或手錄梵策，或口揚佛音。 雖時啟於延英，從容四輔； 慮稍稀於聽政，廢失萬機。 居安思危，不可忽也。 夫從容者，君也，必疇咨於臣，盡忠匡救，外逆其耳，內沃其心； 陳臯陶之謨，述仲虺之誥； 發揮王道，恢益帝圖，非賜對之間，徒侍坐而已。
He also repeatedly visited various temples and gave offerings beyond measure. Fang submitted a memorial criticizing this, saying: I observe that Your Majesty fixes attention on India and turns intent to the sangha, establishing dharma halls within and opening lecture assemblies in the middle, sometimes personally copying Sanskrit texts or orally expounding Buddhist sounds. Though at times this opens at Yanying with the four assistants at ease; I fear audience of government grows somewhat rare and the myriad affairs are neglected and lost. In security think of peril—this cannot be slighted. Ease belongs to the ruler, who must consult ministers, exhaust loyalty and rescue, outwardly oppose the ear and inwardly irrigate the heart; set forth the counsels of Gao Yao and narrate the admonitions of Zhong Hui;
68
夫廢失者，上拒其諫，下希其旨，言則狎玩，意在順從。 漢重神仙，東方朔著《十洲》之記； 梁崇佛法，劉孝儀詠《七覺》之詩。 致祠禱無休，講誦不已，以至大空海內，中輟江東。 以此言之，是廢失也。 然佛者，當可以悟取，不可以相求。 漢、晉已來，互興寶剎； 姚、石之際，亦有高僧。
develop the kingly Way and enlarge the imperial plan—not merely in moments of audience sitting together. Neglect and loss belong to the ruler who rejects remonstrance and below hopes for his intent. Speech becomes familiar play and the intent lies in compliance. Han honored immortals and Dongfang Shuo wrote Records of the Ten Isles; Liang honored Buddhist law and Liu Xiaoyi composed poetry on the Seven Awakenings. Sacrifice and prayer without end, lectures and chanting unceasing, until the great void within the seas and the middle halted Jiangdong. Speaking thus, this is neglect and loss. Yet the Buddha should be attained through awakening, not sought through appearances. Since Han and Jin, precious monasteries have risen in turn;
69
或問以苦空，究其不滅，止聞有性，多曰忘言。 執著貪緣，非其旨也。 必乞陛下力求民瘼，虔奉宗祧。 思繆賞與濫刑，其殃立至； 俟勝殘而去殺，得福甚多。 幸罷講筵，頻親政事。 昔年韓愈已得罪於憲宗，今日微臣固甘心於遐僥。 疏奏，帝甚嘉之。
in the eras of the Yus and the Shis there were also eminent monks. When asked about bitter emptiness they investigated imperishability. One only hears of nature and many say forget words. Clinging attachment and greedy connection are not its aim. I must beg Your Majesty to strive for the people's afflictions and reverently serve the ancestral temple. Think of reckless reward and reckless punishment—calamity arrives at once; wait until cruelty ends and killing departs—blessing gained is very great. I hope you will stop the lecture hall and frequently attend to government affairs. I hope lecture assemblies may cease and Your Majesty may frequently attend to governance.
70
四年，本官權知貢舉，遷禮部侍郎，轉戶部。 以檢校工部尚書，出為滑州刺史，充義成軍節度、鄭滑潁觀察處置等使。 在鎮四年，滑臨黃河，頻年水潦，河流泛溢，壞西北堤。 倣奏移河四里，兩月畢功，畫圖以進。 懿宗嘉之，就加刑部尚書，入為兵部尚書、判度支，轉吏部尚書，選序平允。 咸通末，復為兵部尚書、判度支。 尋以本官同平章事，累遷中書、門下二侍郎，兼戶部、兵部尚書。 遷左右僕射，改司空、弘文館大學士、蘭陵郡開國侯。
In former years Han Yu already offended Emperor Xianzong; today this humble minister is gladly willing to accept distant banishment. When the memorial was submitted the emperor greatly approved. In the fourth year with his regular office he acted as chief examiner, was transferred to Vice Minister of Rites, then Minister of Revenue. As Acting Minister of Works he was sent out as governor of Hua Prefecture, military commissioner of the Yicheng Army, and Commissioner of Defense and Disposition of Zheng, Hua, and Ying. In his command four years. Hua bordered the Yellow River and for successive years floods overflowed the river and destroyed the northwest dike. Fang memorialized to shift the river four li. In two months the work was finished and a diagram submitted. Emperor Yizong approved. He was given Minister of Punishments and entered court as Minister of War, directing the Department of Revenue, then Minister of Personnel—selection order was fair and even. Late in Xiantong he again served as Minister of War directing the Department of Revenue.
71
俄而盜起河南，內官握兵，王室濁亂。 倣氣勁論直，同列忌之； 罷知政事，出為廣州刺史、嶺南節度使。 倣性公廉，南海雖富珍奇，月俸之外，不入其門。 家人疾病，醫工治藥，須烏梅，左右於公廚取之； 倣知而命還，促買於市。 遇亂，不至京師而卒。 子廩，咸通三年進士擢第，累遷尚書郎。
Soon with his regular office he became Associate Chancellor and was repeatedly transferred to Vice Director of the Secretariat and Chancellery, concurrent Minister of Revenue and War. He was transferred to Vice Director of Left and Right, changed to Minister of Works, Grand Academician of the Hongwen Hall, and Marquis of Lanling. Soon bandits rose in Henan. Inner-court officials grasped troops and the royal house was muddied and disordered. Fang's spirit was forceful and his discourse straight; colleagues envied him. He left governance of affairs and was sent out as governor of Guang Prefecture and military commissioner of Lingnan. Fang was public-minded and incorrupt. Though the Southern Sea was rich in rare treasures, beyond monthly salary nothing entered his gate. When family fell ill, the physician prepared medicine needing dark plum. Attendants took it from the public kitchen. Fang knew and ordered it returned, urging purchase in the market.
72
乾符中，以父出鎮南海，免官侍行。 中和中，征為中書舍人，再遷京兆尹。 僖宗再幸山南，廩以疾不能從。 襄王僭竊，廩宗人遘受偽署； 廩懼，自洛避地河朔，鎮冀節度使王镕館之於深州。 光化三年卒。 廩貞退寡合，綽有家法。 初從父南海，地多谷紙，倣敕子弟繕寫缺落文史。
Meeting disorder he did not reach the capital and died. His son Lin passed the jinshi examination in the third year of Xiantong and rose in succession to Director in the Secretariat. In Qianfu because his father went out to govern the Southern Sea he was removed from office to attend him on the journey. In the Zhonghe era he was summoned as Palace Secretary and twice transferred to Metropolitan Governor of Jingzhao. When Emperor Xizong again reached Shannan, Lin because of illness could not follow. Prince of Xiang usurped the throne. Lin's clansman Gou received false appointment. Lin was upright, retiring, and few in company, with family discipline ample. When he first followed his father to the Southern Sea the region had much grain paper. Fang ordered the younger generation to copy and repair missing historical writings.
73
廩白曰：「家書缺者，誠宜補葺。 然此去京師，水際萬里，不可露賫，當須篋笥。 人觀兼乘，謂是貨財，古人薏苡之嫌，得為深誡。」 倣曰：「吾不之思也。」 故濁亂之際，克保令名。 子頎，亦登進士第，後官位顯達。 李石，字中玉，隴西人。 祖堅，父明。
Lin told him, "Where household books are missing, repair is indeed fitting. Yet this place is ten thousand li from the capital by water—one cannot expose and carry them. Boxes and baskets are needed. People seeing the extra load will say it is wealth—the ancient suspicion over Job's tears may serve as deep warning." Fang said, "I did not think of this." Therefore amid turbid disorder he was able to preserve a fine name. Fang said, "I did not think of this." Therefore amid turbid disorder he was able to preserve a fine name. His son Qi also passed the jinshi examination and later reached eminent office.
74
石，進士擢第，從涼國公李聽歷四鎮從事。 石機辯有方略，尤精吏術，籓府稱之。 自聽征伐，常司留使務，事無不辦。 太和三年，為鄭滑行軍司馬。 時聽握兵河北，令石入朝奏事，占對明辯，文宗目而嘉之。 府罷，入為工部郎中，判鹽鐵案。 五年，改刑部郎中。 由兵部郎中令狐楚請為太原節度副使。
Li Shi, whose courtesy name was Zhongyu, was a man of Longxi. His grandfather was Jian; his father Ming. Shi passed the jinshi examination and followed Duke of Liang Li Ting through four commands as aide. Shi was clever in debate and had stratagems, especially skilled in clerkly arts—the frontier staffs praised him. From Ting's campaigns he always managed remaining commission affairs; nothing was left undone. In the third year of Taihe he was Marching Army Marshal of Zheng Prefecture. At the time Ting held troops in Hebei and ordered Shi to enter court to report. His answers were clear and eloquent and Wenzong looked on him with approval. When the staff was dismissed he entered court as Director in the Ministry of Works, directing salt and iron cases.
75
七年，拜給事中。 九年七月，權知京兆尹事。 十月，遷戶部侍郎，判度支事。 文宗自德裕、宗閔朋黨相傾。 太和七年以後，宿素大臣，穎而不用。 意在擢用新進孤立，庶幾無黨，以革前弊，故賈餗、舒元輿驟階大用。 及訓、註伏誅，欲用令狐楚，尋而中輟。 石自朝議郎加朝議大夫，以本官同平章事，判使如故。
In the fifth year he was changed to Director in the Ministry of Punishments. Through Director in the Ministry of War Linghu Chu he was requested as Vice Military Commissioner of Taiyuan. In the seventh year he was appointed Attendant Gentleman. In the ninth month of the ninth year he acted as Metropolitan Governor of Jingzhao. In the tenth month he was transferred to Vice Minister of Revenue, directing Department of Revenue affairs. After the seventh year of Taihe, eminent old ministers were passed over and not used. The intent was to promote and use newly advanced isolated men, hoping thereby to have no factions and reform former abuses—therefore Jia Su and Shu Yuanyu suddenly rose to great employment. When Xun and Zhu were executed the intent was to use Linghu Chu, but soon this was halted.
76
石器度豁如，當官不撓。 自京師變亂之後，宦者氣盛，淩轢南司，延英議事，中貴語必引訓以折文臣。 石與鄭覃嘗謂之曰：「京師之亂，始自訓、註； 而訓、註之起，始自何人？」 仇士良等不能對。 其勢稍抑，縉紳賴之。 是時，逾月，人情不安。 帝謂侍臣曰：「如聞人心尚未安帖，比日何如？」
Shi from Court Gentleman for Discussion was advanced to Court Gentleman for Grand Discussion. With his regular office he became Associate Chancellor, directing commissions as before. After the capital's turmoil eunuchs' spirit was flourishing. They trampled the southern offices. At Yanying deliberations inner favorites' words always cited Xun to refute civil officials. Shi and Zheng Tan once told them: "The capital's disorder began with Xun and Zhu; and the rise of Xun and Zhu began with what men?" Qiu Shiliang and the others could not reply. Their momentum was somewhat suppressed and court gentlemen relied on this. At that time, for over a month people's hearts were uneasy. The emperor told attendants: "As I hear, people's hearts are still not settled—how are things these days?"
77
石對曰：「比日苦寒，蓋刑殺太過，致此陰沴。 昨聞鄭註到鳳翔，招募士卒不至，捕索誅夷不已，臣恐邊上聞之，乘此生事。 宜降詔安喻其心。」 從之。 江西、湖南兩道觀察使以新經訓、註之亂，吏卒多死，進官健衣糧一百二十分，充宰相募召從人。 石奏曰：「宰相上弼聖政，下理群司。 若忠正無私，宗社所祐，縱逢盜賊，兵不能傷； 若事涉隱欺，心懷矯妄，雖有防衛，鬼得而誅。
Shi replied: "These days are bitterly cold—probably executions are too many and caused this yin affliction. Yesterday I heard Zheng Zhu reached Fengxiang and could not recruit soldiers, searching and executing without end. I fear the frontier hearing this will take advantage and cause trouble. An edict should be sent to soothe their hearts." The emperor approved. The Jiangxi and Hunan observation commissioners, because of the recent Xun and Zhu turmoil in which many clerks and soldiers died, presented one hundred twenty portions of official soldiers' clothing and grain to recruit followers for the chancellors. Shi memorialized: "Chancellors above assist sacred government and below govern all offices. If upright and without selfishness the ancestral temple is aided—even meeting bandits, arms cannot harm them; if affairs involve hidden deception and the heart harbors falsehood, though there is defense, ghosts can execute them.
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臣等願推赤心以答聖獎。 孟軻知非臧氏，孔子不畏匡人。 其兩道所進衣糧，並望停寢，依從前制置，只以金吾手力引從。」 可之。 帝又曰：「宰相之任，在選賢任能。」 石曰：「臣與鄭覃常以此事為切，但以人各有求，茍遂所欲則美譽至，稍不如意則謗議生。 只宜各委所司薦用，臣等擇可授之，則物議息矣。」 其年十二月，中使田全操、劉行深巡邊回，走馬入金光門。
We wish to offer red hearts to answer sacred reward. Mencius knew Zang was not the thief; Confucius did not fear the men of Kuang. The clothing and grain presented by the two circuits—I hope all will be stopped and rest on former arrangements, using only Golden Guard manpower for escort." This was approved. The emperor also said: "The chancellor's charge lies in selecting the worthy and employing the able." Shi said: "Your servant and Zheng Tan often take this matter as urgent, but because each man has his seeking—if his desire is met praise arrives, if slightly not as wished slander arises. It is only proper to entrust each office with recommendation. We select those who may be appointed—then public discussion will cease." In the twelfth month of that year the inner envoy Tian Quancao and Liu Xingshen returned from patrolling the frontier and galloped through the Golden Light Gate.
79
從者訛言兵至，百官朝退，倉惶駭散。 有不及束帶、襪而乘者。 市人叫噪，塵坌四起。 二相在中書，人吏稍散。 鄭覃曰：「耳目頗異，且宜出去。」 石曰：「事勢不可知，但宜堅坐鎮之，冀將寧息。 若宰相亦走，則中外亂矣。 必若繼亂，走亦何逃？
Followers falsely cried that troops had arrived. Officials leaving court scattered in alarm. Some could not fasten belts or socks before mounting. Market people shouted; dust rose on all sides. The two chancellors were in the Secretariat; clerks and attendants somewhat dispersed. Zheng Tan said: "Eyes and ears are quite strange—it is better to go out for now." Shi said: "The situation cannot be known. One should only sit firmly and calm it, hoping it will settle. If chancellors also flee, inside and outside will be disordered. If disorder continues, fleeing also—where can one escape?
80
任重官崇，人心所屬，不可忽也。」 石視簿書，沛然自若。 京城無賴之徒，皆戎服兵仗，北望闕門以俟變。 內使連催閉皇城門，金吾大將軍陳君賞率其徒立望仙門下，謂中使曰：「假如有賊，閉門不晚。 請徐觀其變，無宜自弱。」 晡晚方定。 是日，茍非石之鎮靜，君賞之禦侮，幾將亂矣。 開成元年，改元，大赦。
Heavy responsibility and lofty office—the people's hearts belong to us. This cannot be slighted." Shi looked at documents, calm and at ease. Ruffians of the capital all wore military dress and weapons, looking north toward the palace gate awaiting change. Inner attendants repeatedly urged closing the imperial city gate. Golden Guard General Chen Junshang led his men standing below Wangxian Gate and told the inner attendant: "If there are bandits, closing the gate is not late. Please slowly observe the change—one should not weaken oneself." Toward evening it was settled. That day, if not for Shi's calm and Junshang's defense, disorder was nearly upon them. In the first year of Kaicheng the era name was changed and a great amnesty was granted.
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石等商量節文，放京一年租稅。 及正、至、端午進奉，並停三年，其錢代充百姓紐配錢。 諸道除藥物、口味、茶果外，不得進獻。 諸司宣索制造，並停三年。 赦後，紫宸宣對。 鄭覃曰：「陛下改元禦殿，全放京畿一年租稅，又停天下節鎮進奉。 恩澤所該，實當要切。 近年赦令，皆不及此。」
Shi and others discussed the provisions and released one year's rent and tax for the capital. New Year, Winter Solstice, and Double Fifth tribute offerings were all stopped for three years. The money substituted for the people's cloth allocation tax. The various circuits, aside from medicines, delicacies, tea, and fruit, could not present tribute. All offices' imperial demands for manufacture were stopped for three years. After the amnesty there was Zichen audience. Zheng Tan said: "Your Majesty changed the era name and held court, fully releasing one year's rent and tax for the capital region and also stopping tribute from frontier posts throughout the realm. The grace extended is truly essential and urgent. In recent years amnesty edicts have not reached this."
82
上曰：「朕務行其實，不欲崇長空文。」 石對曰：「赦書須內置一本，陛下時省覽之。 十道黜陟使發日，付與公事根本，令與長吏詳擇施行，方盡利害之要。」 石以從前德音雖降，人君不能守，奸吏從而違之，故有內置之奏以諷之。 尋加中書侍郎、集賢殿大學士，領鹽鐵轉運使。 上御紫宸論政曰：「為國之道，致治甚難。」 石對曰：「朝廷法令行則易。 臣聞文王陟降在上，陛下推赤誠，上達於天，何憂不治？」
The emperor said: "I strive to enact the real and do not wish to exalt empty text." Shi replied: "The amnesty text must have one copy placed within. Your Majesty should occasionally review it. When the ten-circuit demotion and promotion commissioners depart, deliver to them the root of public affairs and have them with local elders carefully choose and implement—then the essentials of benefit and harm will be fully exhausted." Shi, because former benevolent edicts though issued rulers could not keep them and wicked clerks violated them, therefore had this inner placement memorial to admonish. Soon he was advanced to Vice Director of the Secretariat, Grand Academician of the Hall of Assembled Worthies, and head of the Salt and Iron Transport Commission. The emperor at Zichen discussed government: "The Way of governing the state—bringing order is very difficult." Shi replied: "When court laws and orders are executed it is easy. I hear King Wen ascended and descended above. Your Majesty extends red sincerity reaching heaven—why worry about not governing?"
83
上又曰：「治亂由人邪正，由時運耶？」 鄭覃對曰：「由聖帝，由忠臣，是由人也。」 石曰：「亦由時運。 九廟聖靈，鐘德於陛下，時也； 陛下行己之道，則是由人。 而前代帝王甚有德者，當亂離無奈何之際，又安得不推運耶？」 帝曰：「卿言是也。」 石又奏：「咸陽令韓遼請開興成渠。
The emperor also said: "Does order and disorder come from men's orthodoxy and perversity, or from the time's fortune?" Zheng Tan replied: "From the sacred emperor and loyal ministers—it is from men." Shi said: "It is also from the time's fortune. The spirits of the nine temples concentrated virtue upon Your Majesty—that is the time; Your Majesty's conduct is then from men. Yet former emperors very virtuous, when in chaotic separation at wit's end, how could they not defer to fortune?" The emperor said: "Your words are right." Shi also memorialized: "Xianyang magistrate Han Liao requests opening the Xingcheng Canal.
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舊漕在咸陽縣西十八里，東達永豐倉，自秦、漢已來疏鑿，其後堙廢。 昨遼計度，用功不多。 此漕若成，自咸陽抵潼關，三百里內無車挽之勤，則轅下牛盡得歸耕，永利秦中矣。」 李固言曰：「王涯已前已曾陳奏，實秦中之利，但恐征役今非其時。」 上曰：「莫有陰陽拘忌否？ 茍利於人，朕無所慮也。」 石辭領使務。 八月，罷鹽鐵轉運使。
The old transport was eighteen li west of Xianyang County, reaching east to Yongfeng Granary. Since Qin and Han it was dredged and later silted and abandoned. Liao's recent estimate requires not much labor. If this transport is completed, from Xianyang to Tong Pass for three hundred li there is no cart-hauling toil. Then capital oxen can all return to plowing and Guanzhong will benefit forever." Li Guyun said: "Before Wang Ya it was already memorialized—truly Guanzhong's benefit, but I fear conscript labor is not timely now." The emperor said: "Are there yin-yang taboos? If it benefits the people I have no concern." Shi declined heading the commission. In the eighth month the Salt and Iron Transport Commission was abolished.
85
石用金部員外郎韓益判度支案，益坐贓系臺。 石奏曰：「臣以韓益曉錢穀錄用之，不謂貪猥如此！」 帝曰：「宰相但知人則用，有過則懲。 卿所用人，且不掩其惡，可謂至公。 從前宰相用人，有過曲為蔽之，不欲人彈劾，此大謬也。 但知能則舉，舉不失職則獎之，自然易得其人，何必容隱。」 三年正月五日，石自親仁裏將曙入朝，盜發於故郭尚父宅； 引弓追及，矢才破膚，馬逸而回。
Shi used Jin Ministry Vice Director Han Yi to judge treasury cases. Yi was imprisoned for corruption. Shi memorialized: "Your servant employed Yi because he understood money and grain—I did not expect such greed and baseness!" The emperor said: "The chancellor only employs those he knows; when there is fault then punish. Those you employ and do not cover their wickedness—this may be called utmost fairness. Former chancellors employing men, when there was fault curved to hide it, not wishing people to impeach—this is greatly wrong. Only know ability then raise; raise without losing office then reward—naturally easy to get the right men. Why must one conceal?" On the fifth day of the first month of the third year Shi from Qinren Lane was about to enter court at dawn. Bandits broke into the former residence of Guo the late father-in-law; pursuing with bow he was reached. The arrow only broke skin and the horse bolted and turned.
86
盜已伏坊門，揮刀斫石，斷馬尾，竟以馬逸得還私第。 上聞之駭愕，遣中使撫問，賜金瘡藥，因差六軍兵士三十人衛從宰相。 是日，京師大恐，常參官入朝者，九人而已，旬日方安。 石拜章辭位者三。 乃加金紫光祿大夫、中書侍郎、同平章事、江陵尹、荊南節度使。 李訓之亂，人情危迫，天子起石於常僚之中，付以衡柄。 石以身徇國，不顧患難，振舉朝綱，國威再復。 而中官仇士良切齒惡之，而伏戎加害。
The bandit already lay in wait at the ward gate, swung blade and struck Shi, severed the horse's tail, yet by the horse's bolt he returned to his private residence. When the emperor heard he was startled, sent an inner-court envoy to comfort and inquire, bestowed gold and wound medicine, and dispatched thirty Six Army soldiers to guard the chancellors. That day the capital was greatly afraid. Officials entering regular audience numbered only nine; only after ten days was it settled. Shi submitted memorials resigning office three times. He was then advanced to Grand Master for Splendid Happiness with Gold Seal, Vice Director of the Secretariat, Associate Councilor of State, Metropolitan Governor of Jiangling, and military commissioner of Jingnan. In Li Xun's turmoil people's hearts were perilous. The Son of Heaven raised Shi from among regular officials and entrusted him with the balance of power. Shi gave himself for the state without regard for hardship, raised court discipline, and national prestige was restored. Yet inner-court eunuch Qiu Shiliang gnashed teeth in hatred and hidden foes added harm.
87
天子深知其故，畏逼而不能理，乃至罷免。 及石赴鎮，賜宴之儀並闕，人士傷之，恥君子之道消也。 石至鎮，表讓中書侍郎，乃加檢校兵部尚書、兼平章事。 武宗即位，就加檢校尚書右僕射。 會昌三年十月，加檢校司空、平章事、隴西郡開國伯、食邑七百戶、太原尹、北都留守、河東節度觀察等使。 時澤潞劉稹阻兵，以石嘗為太原副使，諳練北門軍政，故代劉沔鎮之。 初，沔以兵三千人戍橫水。 王師之討澤潞也，王逢軍於榆社，訴兵少，請益之，詔石以太原之卒赴榆社。
The Son of Heaven deeply knew the reason yet feared coercion and could not judge—thus to dismissal. When Shi went to his post the banquet rites were all lacking. Gentlemen were wounded and ashamed that the way of the noble man was fading. When Shi reached his post he memorialized declining Vice Director of the Secretariat and was advanced to Acting Minister of War and Associate Councilor of State. When Emperor Wuzong acceded he was advanced to Acting Right Vice Director of the Department of State. In the tenth month of the third year of Huichang he was advanced to Acting Minister of Works, Councilor of State, Baron of Longxi with seven hundred households, Metropolitan Governor of Taiyuan, Northern Capital Garrison Commander, and military commissioner of Hedong. At that time Zelu Liu Zhen resisted with troops. Because Shi had once been vice commissioner of Taiyuan and was versed in Northern Gate military government, he replaced Liu Mian to govern. Initially Mian had three thousand troops garrison Hengshui. When the royal army attacked Zelu, Wang Feng's army was at Yushe and complained troops were few and begged reinforcement. An edict ordered Shi to send Taiyuan troops to Yushe.
88
石乃割橫水戍卒一千五百人，令別將楊弁率之，以赴王逢。 舊例發軍，人給二縑。 石以支計不足，量減一匹，軍人聚怨。 又將及歲除，促令上路，眾愈不悅。 楊弁乘其釁謀亂，出言激動軍人。 四年正月，軍亂逐石，朝廷乃以晉絳觀察使崔元式代還。 五年，檢校司徒、東都留守、判東都尚書省事、畿汝都防禦使。 以太子少保分司卒。
Shi then cut one thousand five hundred from the Hengshui garrison and ordered Vice General Yang Bian to lead them to join Wang Feng. By former precedent when troops were dispatched each man was given two bolts of silk. Shi because expenditure accounts were insufficient measured and reduced by one bolt. Soldiers gathered resentment. Also as year-end drew near they were urged to set out on the road. The crowd grew more displeased. Yang Bian seized the opening to plot rebellion and spoke to incite the soldiers. In the first month of the fourth year the army rebelled and drove out Shi. The court then sent Jin-Jiang Observation Commissioner Cui Yuanshi to replace and return. In the fifth year he was made Acting Minister of Works, Eastern Capital Garrison Commander, directing Eastern Capital Department of State affairs, and Defense Commissioner of Ji and Ru. He died as Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent assigned to titular duty.
89
石弟福，字能之。 太和七年登進士第，累辟使府。 石為宰相，自薦弟於延英，言福才堪理人，授監察御史。 累遷尚書郎，出為商、鄭、汝、潁四州刺史。 大中時，檢校工部尚書、滑州刺史、兼御史大夫，充義成軍節度、鄭滑潁觀察使。 入為刑部侍郎，累遷刑部、戶部尚書。 乾符初，以檢校右僕射、襄州刺史、兼御史大夫充山南東道節度。 四年，草賊王仙芝徒黨數萬寇掠山南。
Shi's younger brother Fu, styled Nengzhi. In the seventh year of Taihe he passed the jinshi examination and was repeatedly recruited to commissioner staffs. When Shi was chancellor he recommended his younger brother at Yanying, saying Fu's talent sufficed to govern people, and appointed him Investigating Censor. He was repeatedly promoted to Director in a ministry and went out as prefect of Shang, Zheng, Ru, and Ying. In the Dazhong era he was made Acting Minister of Works, prefect of Hua, concurrently Censor-in-Chief, and military commissioner of Yicheng Army and observation commissioner of Zheng-Hua-Ying. He entered court as Vice Minister of Punishments and was repeatedly promoted to Minister of Punishments and Revenue. At the beginning of Qianfu he was made Acting Right Vice Director of the Department of State, prefect of Xiang, concurrently Censor-in-Chief, and military commissioner of Shannan East Circuit. In the fourth year grass bandit Wang Xianzhi's followers numbered tens of thousands raiding Shannan.
90
福團練鄉兵，屯集要路，賊不敢犯。 其秋，賊陷嶽、鄂、饒、信等州。 十二月，逼江陵，節度使楊知溫求援於福； 福即自率州兵及沙阤五百騎赴援。 時賊已陷江陵之郛，聞福兵至，乃退去。 僖宗嘉之，就加檢校司空、同平章事。 歸朝，終於太子太傅。 史臣曰：彭陽奇章，起徒步而升臺鼎。
Fu trained local militia, gathered at strategic points, and the bandits dared not violate. That autumn the bandits seized Yue, E, Rao, and Xin prefectures. In the twelfth month they pressed Jiangling. Military Commissioner Yang Zhiwen begged aid from Fu; Fu immediately led prefectural troops and five hundred Shatuo cavalry to aid. When the bandits had already seized Jiangling's outer city and heard Fu's troops had arrived they then withdrew. Emperor Xizong approved and advanced him to Acting Minister of Works and Associate Councilor of State. Returning to court he ended as Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent. The historian says: Pengyang Qizhang rose from commoner to terrace and tripod.
91
觀其人文彪炳，潤色邦典，射策命中，橫絕一時，誠俊賢也。 而峨冠曳組，論道於臯、夔之伍，孰曰不然？ 如能蹈道匪躬，中立無黨，則其善盡矣。 蕭太師貞獨嫉惡，不為利回，不以夷、惠儗之，俾之經綸，則其道至矣。 開成之始，帝道方淪，石於此時欲振頹緒，幾嬰戕賊，可為咄嗟。 多僻之時，止堪太息。 贊曰：喬松孤立，蘿蔦夤緣。 柔附淩雲，豈曰能賢？
Observing his literary brilliance adorning and enriching state statutes, hitting the target in policy examinations, transcending his age—truly he was outstanding talent. Yet with high cap and trailing ribbons, discussing the Way among the ranks of Gao Yao and Kui—who would say otherwise? If he could tread the Way without self, stand neutral without faction, then his goodness would be complete. Grand Preceptor Xu was uniquely upright and detested evil, not turned by profit. Not compared to Bo Yi or Hui of Liu—entrust him with weaving the realm and then his Way would reach utmost. At the beginning of Kaicheng the imperial Way was sinking. Shi at this time wished to revive the declining thread and nearly met slaughter—a matter for exclamation. In a time of many perversities one can only sigh deeply. Softly attaching and soaring aloft—can this be called able and worthy? Softly attaching and soaring aloft—can this be called able and worthy?
92
嗚呼楚、孺，道喪曲全！ 蕭、李相才，致之外篇。
Alas Chu and Sengru—the Way lost yet wholly preserved! Xiao and Li had chancellor talent—set beyond this chapter.