1
崔慎由，字敬止，清河武城人。 高祖融，位終國子司業，謚曰文，自有傳。 曾祖翹，位終禮部尚書、東都留守。 祖異，位終渠州刺史。
Cui Shenyou, styled Jingzhi, was a native of Wu Cheng in Qinghe. His great-grandfather Rong ended his career as Vice Director of the Directorate of Education and was posthumously titled Wen; he has his own biography. His great-grandfather Qiao ended his career as Minister of Rites and Eastern Capital Garrison Commander. His grandfather Yi ended his career as Prefect of Qu Prefecture.
2
父從，少孤貧。 寓居太原，與仲兄能同隱山林，苦心力學。 屬歲兵荒，至於絕食。 弟兄采梠拾橡實，飲水棲衡； 而講誦不輟。 怡然終日，不出山巖，如是者十年。 貞元初，進士登第，釋褐山南西道推官，府公嚴震，待以殊禮。 以父優免。 弟兄廬於父墓，手植松柏。 免喪，不應辟命。 久之，西川節度使韋臯開西南夷，置兩路運糧使，奏從掌西山運務，後權知邛州事。 及臯薨，副使劉辟阻命，欲並東川，以謀告從。 從以書諭辟，辟怒，出兵攻之，從嬰城拒守，卒不從之。 高崇文平蜀，從事坐累多伏法，惟從以拒辟免。 盧坦在宣州，辟為團練觀察副使。
His father Cong was orphaned young and poor. He lived in Taiyuan and, with his elder brother Neng, withdrew to the mountains and forests, studying with bitter effort. When famine and warfare came, they even ran out of food. The brothers gathered mulberry leaves and picked acorns, drinking water and dwelling in lean-to shelters; yet they never stopped lecturing and reciting. They remained content all day long and did not leave the mountain cliffs—for ten years thus. At the beginning of the Zhenyuan era he passed the jinshi examination; upon leaving office he became investigating officer of the Shannan West Circuit, and the circuit commissioner Yan Zhen treated him with exceptional courtesy. Because of his father's mourning he was exempted from service. The brothers built a hut at their father's tomb and planted pines and cypresses with their own hands. When mourning ended, he did not respond to summons to office. After a long time, the Xichuan Military Commissioner Wei Gao opened relations with the southwestern barbarians and established two grain-transport commissioners; he memorialized that Cong should manage transport affairs on the western mountains, and later Cong was appointed acting Prefect of Qiong. When Gao died, Vice Commissioner Liu Pi defied orders and wished to annex Dongchuan as well; he told Cong of his plan. Cong wrote to admonish Pi; Pi grew angry, sent troops to attack him, and Cong held the city and resisted—he never yielded in the end. When Gao Chongwen pacified Shu, many staff members were punished by law; only Cong was spared because he had resisted Pi. When Lu Tan was at Xuan Prefecture, he summoned Cong as deputy training-and-observation commissioner.
3
元和初入朝，累遷吏部員外郎。 九年，裴度為中丞，奏從為侍御史知雜，守右司郎中。 度作相，用從自代為中丞。
At the beginning of the Yuanhe era he entered court and was repeatedly promoted to Vice Director in the Ministry of Personnel. In the ninth year, when Pei Du served as censor-in-chief, he memorialized that Cong should serve as attending censor with mixed duties and hold the post of Right Bureau Director. When Du became chief minister, he used Cong to replace himself as censor-in-chief.
4
從氣貌孤峻，正色立朝，彈奏不避權幸。 事關臺閣或付仗內者，必抗章論列，請歸有司。 選辟御史，必先質重貞退者。 改給事中，數月，出為陜州大都督府長史、陜虢團練觀察使、兼御史中丞，賜紫金魚袋。 入為尚書右丞。
Cong's bearing was stern and lofty; he stood at court in proper color and impeached without avoiding the powerful and favored. Whenever a matter concerned the censorate or was handed to the palace guard, he always submitted a memorial arguing the point and requested that it be returned to the proper office. In selecting and recommending censors, he always first sought men of substance, integrity, and restraint. He was reassigned as Supervising Censor, and several months later was sent out as Chief Administrator of the Shaan Prefecture Superior Protectorate, Shaan-Guo Training-and-Observation Commissioner, and concurrent Censor-in-Chief, and was granted the purple-gold fish pouch. He entered court as Right Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue.
5
淄青賊平，鎮州王承宗懼，上章請割德、棣二州自贖，又令二子入侍。 憲宗選使臣宣諭，以從中選。 議者以承宗罪惡貫盈，每多奸譎，入朝二子，必非血胤，人頗憂之。 從次魏州，田弘正以路由寇境，欲以五百騎援之，從辭之。 以童奴十數騎，徑至鎮州。 於鞠場宣敕，三軍大集。 從諭以逆順，辭情慷慨，軍士感動，承宗泣下，禮貌益恭，遂按德、棣戶口符印而還。
When the Ziqing rebels were pacified, Wang Chengzong of Zhen Prefecture was afraid; he submitted a memorial requesting to cede De and Di prefectures to redeem himself, and also sent two sons to attend at court. Emperor Xianzong chose envoys to proclaim the edict; Cong was selected from among them. Commentators held that Chengzong's crimes filled the measure and he was often treacherous; if the two sons who entered court were not truly his blood, people were much worried. Cong stopped at Wei Prefecture; Tian Hongzheng's route passed through bandit territory, and he wished to aid him with five hundred horsemen, but Cong declined. With only a dozen or so young servants on horseback, he went straight to Zhen Prefecture. At the drill ground he proclaimed the edict, and the whole army gathered in great numbers. Cong explained the logic of rebellion and loyalty with impassioned words; the soldiers were moved, Chengzong wept, and his courtesy grew still more respectful; Cong then verified the household registers and seals of De and Di and returned.
6
其年八月，出為興元尹、御史大夫、山南西道節度觀察等使。 監軍使知上意欲大用之，每為中貴傳達意旨，欲其賂遺，從終不答。
In the eighth month of that year he was sent out as Chief of Xingyuan, Censor-in-Chief, and Shannan West Circuit Military Commissioner and Observer. The army supervisor knew the emperor wished to use Cong greatly and often conveyed that intent through palace eunuchs, wanting him to give bribes and gifts; Cong never responded.
7
穆宗即位，召拜尚書左丞。 長慶二年，檢校禮部尚書、鄜州刺史、鄜坊丹延節度等使。 鄜畤內接畿甸，神策軍鎮相望，逾禁犯法，累政不能制。 而從撫遏舉奏，軍士惕然。 党項羌有以羊馬來市者，必先遺帥守，從皆不受，撫諭遣之。 群羌不敢為盜。 四年，入為吏部侍郎，尋改太常卿。 寶歷二年，檢校吏部尚書，充東都留守。
When Emperor Muzong acceded, Cong was summoned and appointed Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue. In the second year of Changqing he was appointed Acting Minister of Rites, Prefect of Yan, and Yan-Fang-Dan-Yan Military Commissioner. Within the Yan region it adjoined the capital circuit; Shence armies were stationed facing one another; they repeatedly violated prohibitions and broke the law, and successive administrations could not control them. Yet Cong soothed and restrained them and submitted impeachments, and the soldiers became wary. When Tangut tribesmen came to market with sheep and horses, they always first presented gifts to the military commissioner; Cong accepted none of them and sent them away with soothing words. The tribes did not dare become bandits. In the fourth year he entered court as Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel, and soon was reassigned as Minister of Ceremonies. In the second year of Baoli he was appointed Acting Minister of Personnel and Eastern Capital Garrison Commander.
8
太和三年，入為戶部尚書。 李宗閔秉政，以從與裴度、李德裕厚善，惡之。 改檢校尚書右僕射、太子賓客，東都分司。 從請告百日，罷官，物論咎執政。 宗閔懼，四年三月，召拜檢校左僕射，兼揚州大都督府長史、御史大夫，充淮南節度副大使，知節度事。 揚府舊有貨曲之利，資產奴婢交易者，皆有貫率，羊有口算，每歲收利以給用，從悉除之。 舊制，官吏祿俸有布帛加估之給，節度使獨不在此例。 從至，一例估折給之。 六年十月，卒於鎮，贈司空，謚曰貞。
In the third year of Taihe he entered court as Minister of Revenue. When Li Zongmin held power, because Cong was close to Pei Du and Li Deyu, he disliked him. Cong was reassigned Acting Right Vice Director of the Ministry of Works and Crown Prince Guest, serving in the Eastern Capital branch office. Cong requested leave for one hundred days and resigned his office; public opinion blamed those in power. Zongmin was afraid; in the third month of the fourth year he summoned Cong and appointed him Acting Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, Chief Administrator of Yang Prefecture Superior Protectorate, Censor-in-Chief, and Deputy Military Commissioner of Huainan, directing military affairs. The Yangzhou headquarters formerly had profits from wine and grain brokerage; for assets, slaves, and servants in trade there were fixed rates, and sheep were taxed by the head—each year the proceeds were collected for expenses; Cong abolished all of them. Under the old system, officials' salaries included an added allowance in cloth and silk at appraised value; the military commissioner alone was not included in this rule. When Cong arrived, he applied the same appraised allowance to himself as well. In the tenth month of the sixth year he died in his command; he was posthumously granted Minister of Works and given the posthumous title Zhen.
9
從少以貞晦恭讓自處，不交權利，忠厚方嚴，正人多所推仰。 階品合立門戟，終不之請。 四為大鎮，家無妓樂，士友多之。
From youth Cong maintained himself with integrity, modesty, and deference, did not traffic with power and profit, and was honest, loyal, upright, and strict—upright men widely admired him. By rank he was entitled to gate halberds, yet he never requested them. Four times he served as commissioner of a great command, yet his household had no singing girls or musicians; scholars and friends greatly esteemed him.
10
慎由，太和初擢進士第，又登賢良方正制科。 聰敏強記，宇量端厚，有父風。 釋褐諸侯府。 大中初入朝，為右拾遺、員外郎、知制誥，正拜舍人，召充翰林學士、戶部侍郎。 再歷方鎮，入朝為工部尚書。 十年，以本官同平章事，兼集賢殿大學士，轉監修國史、上柱國，加太中大夫、兼禮部尚書。
Shenyou, at the beginning of Taihe, passed the jinshi examination and also passed the Exemplary and Upright special examination. Intelligent, quick to remember, dignified in bearing and generous in capacity, he had his father's manner. Upon leaving office he served in feudal headquarters. At the beginning of Dazhong he entered court as Right Reminder, Outer Court Attendant, and Drafting Officer for Proclamations; he was formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat and summoned to serve as Hanlin Academician and Vice Minister of Revenue. Twice he served as commissioner of a regional command; he entered court as Minister of Public Works. In the tenth year, with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister, Grand Academician of the Hall of Assembled Worthies, transferred to Supervisor of the National History and Pillar of State, and was promoted to Grand Master of Palace Attendance and concurrent Minister of Rites.
11
初，慎由與蕭鄴同在翰林，情不相洽。 及慎由作相，罷鄴學士。 俄而鄴自判度支為平章事，恩顧甚隆。 鄴引劉瑑同知政事。 十二年二月，詔曰：「太中大夫、中書侍郎、兼禮部尚書、同中書門下平章事、監修國史、上柱國、賜紫金魚袋崔慎由，繼美德門，承家貴位，搢紳偉望，禮樂上流。 挺松筠之貞姿，服蘭蓀之懿行。 自居名器，累歷清華。 禁林才擅於多能，綸閣詞推於巨麗。 物情愈茂，延譽甚高，再列二卿之崇，亟闡六條之化。 爰加獎任，益委重難。 屢啟嘉謨，俄參大柄，而周涉寒暑，備見器能。 道已著於始終，思豈殊於中外！ 可檢校禮部尚書、梓州刺史、兼御史大夫、劍南東川節度使。」
At first Shenyou and Xiao Ye were together in the Hanlin Academy, and their feelings did not harmonize. When Shenyou became chief minister, he removed Ye from the academy. Soon Ye, from directing the Revenue Bureau, became Associate Chief Minister, and imperial favor was very great. Ye brought in Liu Zhuan to share in governing affairs. In the second month of the twelfth year an edict read, "Grand Master of Palace Attendance, Vice Director of the Secretariat, concurrent Minister of Rites, Associate Chief Minister, Supervisor of the National History, Pillar of State, and recipient of the purple-gold fish pouch Cui Shenyou inherits a gate of accumulated virtue, holds a family's noble rank, enjoys the great regard of the gentry, and belongs to the upper stream of ritual and music. He displays the upright bearing of pine and bamboo and wears the fine conduct of orchid and iris. Since holding a famous office he has repeatedly passed through pure and splendid posts. In the forbidden grove his talent excels in many abilities; in the drafting pavilion his words are praised for great beauty. Public sentiment grows ever richer and extended praise is very high; twice he has stood among the exalted two ministers and repeatedly has unfolded the transformation of the six principles. Now additional reward and appointment are added, and heavy difficulty is entrusted still more. Repeatedly he has offered excellent counsel; soon he shared the great handle, and through cold and heat he has fully shown capacity. His way has been shown from beginning to end—how could his thought differ between inside and outside! He may be appointed Acting Minister of Rites, Prefect of Zi, concurrent Censor-in-Chief, and Military Commissioner of the Eastern Chuan Circuit."
12
咸通初，改為華州刺史、潼關防禦、鎮國軍等使，加檢校司空、河中尹、河中晉絳節度使。 入為吏部尚書。 移疾請老，拜太子太保，分司東都，卒。
At the beginning of Xiantong he was reassigned Prefect of Hua, Defender of Tong Pass, Commander of the Zhenguo Army, and promoted Acting Minister of Works, Chief of the Hezhong Superior Protectorate, and Hezhong-Jin-Jiang Military Commissioner. He entered court as Minister of Personnel. He fell ill and requested retirement; he was appointed Grand Mentor of the Crown Prince, serving in the Eastern Capital branch office, and died.
13
子胤。 弟安潛。 安潛，字進之，大中三年，登進士第。 咸通中，累歷清顯，出為許州刺史、忠武軍節度觀察等使。 乾符中，遷成都尹、劍南西川節度等使。 黃巢之亂，從僖宗幸蜀。 王鐸為諸道行營都統，奏安潛為副。 收復兩京，以功累加至檢校侍中。 龍紀初，青州王敬武卒，以安潛代。 敬武子師範拒命，安潛赴鎮。 至棣州，刺史張蟾出州兵攻青州，為師範所敗，朝廷竟授之節鉞。 安潛還京師，累加太子太傅。 卒，贈太師，謚曰貞孝。
His son was Yin. His younger brother was Anqian. Anqian, styled Jinzhi, in the third year of Dazhong passed the jinshi examination. In the Xiantong era he repeatedly held pure and prominent posts and was sent out as Prefect of Xu and Military Commissioner and Observer of the Zhongwu Army. In the Qianfu era he was transferred Chief of Chengdu and Military Commissioner of the Western Chuan Circuit. During the Huang Chao rebellion he followed Emperor Xizong to Shu. Wang Duo served as overall commander of the circuit armies; he memorialized that Anqian should be his deputy. When the two capitals were recovered, for his merit he was repeatedly promoted to Acting Palace Attendant. At the beginning of Longji, when Wang Jingwu of Qing Prefecture died, Anqian replaced him. Jingwu's son Shifan defied orders; Anqian went to take up his command. When he reached Di Prefecture, Prefect Zhang Chan led the prefectural troops to attack Qing Prefecture; he was defeated by Shifan, and the court in the end granted Shifan the military commission. Anqian returned to the capital and was repeatedly promoted to Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince. He died and was posthumously granted Grand Preceptor with the posthumous title Zhenxiao.
14
子柅、艤。 柅，景福中為起居郎。 艤為右拾遺。 柅累官至尚書。
His sons were Ni and Yi. Ni, in the Jingfu era, served as Attendant of the Palace Secretariat. Yi served as Right Reminder. Ni rose repeatedly to Minister.
15
從兄能，少勵誌苦學，累辟使府。 元和初，為蜀州刺史。 六年，轉黔中觀察使。 坐為南蠻所攻，陷郡邑，貶永州刺史。 穆宗即位，弟從居顯列，召拜將作監。 長慶四年九月，出為廣州刺史、御史大夫、嶺南節度使，卒。
His elder cousin Neng, from youth exerted his will and studied hard, and was repeatedly summoned to headquarters. At the beginning of Yuanhe he served as Prefect of Shu Prefecture. In the sixth year he was transferred Observer of Qianzhong. Because southern barbarians attacked him and cities and districts fell, he was demoted to Prefect of Yong. When Emperor Muzong acceded, because his younger brother Cong held a prominent post, Neng was summoned and appointed Director of Palace Construction. In the ninth month of the fourth year of Changqing he was sent out as Prefect of Guang, Censor-in-Chief, and Lingnan Military Commissioner, and died.
16
子彥曾，有幹局。 大中末，歷三郡刺史。 咸通初，累遷太仆卿。 七年，檢校左散騎常侍、徐州刺史、御史大夫，充武寧軍節度使。
His son was Yanzeng, who had administrative ability. At the end of Dazhong he served successively as prefect of three prefectures. At the beginning of Xiantong he was repeatedly promoted to Grand Master of the Imperial Stud. In the seventh year he was appointed Acting Left Regular Attendant, Prefect of Xu, and Censor-in-Chief, and served as Military Commissioner of the Wuning Army.
17
彥曾通於法律，性嚴急。 以徐軍驕，命彥曾治之，長於撫養，而短於軍政。 用親吏尹戡、徐行儉當要職。 二人貪猥，不恤軍旅，士卒怨之。 先是，六年，南蠻寇五管，陷交址，詔徐州節度使孟球召募二千人赴援，分八百人戍桂州。 舊三年一代，至是戍卒求代。 尹戡以軍帑匱乏，難以發兵，且留舊戍一年。 其戍卒家人飛書桂林。 戍卒怒，牙官許佶、趙可立、王幼誠、劉景、傅寂、張實、王弘立、孟敬文、姚周等九人，殺都頭王仲甫，立糧料判官龐勛為都將。 群伍突入監軍院取兵甲。 乃剽湘潭、衡山兩縣，虜其丁壯。 乃擅回戈，沿江自浙西入淮南界，由濁河達泗口。 其眾千余人，每將過郡縣，先令倡卒弄傀儡以觀人情，慮其邀擊。 既離泗口，彥曾令押牙田厚簡慰喻，又令都虞候元密伏兵任山館。 龐勛遣吏送狀啟訴，以軍士思歸，勢不能遏，願至府外解甲歸兵。 便還家，彥曾怒，誅之。 勛等擁眾攻宿州，陷之。 出官帑召募。 翌日，得兵二千人，乃虜奪舟船五千余艘。 步卒在船，騎軍夾岸，鼓噪而進。 元密發伏邀之，為賊所敗。 時亡命者歸賊如市，彥曾驅城中丁男城守。 九年九月十四日，賊逼徐州。 十五日後，每旦大霧不開。 十六日，彥曾並誅逆卒家口。 十七日，昏霧尤甚，賊四面斬關而入。 龐勛先謁漢高祖廟，便入牙城。 監軍張道謹相見，不交一言，乃止大彭館。 收尹戡、徐行儉及判官焦璐、李棁、崔蘊、溫廷皓、韋廷義，並殺之。 翌日，賊將趙可立害彥曾，龐勛自稱武寧軍節度使。
Yanzeng was versed in law and stern by nature. Because the Xu army was insubordinate, Yanzeng was ordered to govern them; he was good at nurturing them but weak in military administration. He put his close clerks Yin Kan and Xu Xingjian in key posts. The two men were greedy and base and did not care for the army; the soldiers resented them. Earlier, in the sixth year, southern barbarians raided the Five Garrisons and captured Jiaozhi; the court ordered Xu Military Commissioner Meng Qiu to recruit two thousand men for relief and assigned eight hundred to garrison Guiz Prefecture. Formerly replacements came every three years; now the garrison soldiers sought relief. Yin Kan, because military funds were exhausted, found it hard to dispatch troops and kept the old garrison for another year. The garrison soldiers' families sent urgent letters to Guilin. The garrison soldiers grew angry; the squad officers Xu Ji, Zhao Keli, Wang Youcheng, Liu Jing, Fu Ji, Zhang Shi, Wang Hongli, Meng Jingwen, Yao Zhou, and eight others killed squad chief Wang Zhongfu and made grain officer Pang Xun commander. The whole band burst into the army-supervision compound to seize weapons and armor. They then plundered Xiangtan and Hengshan counties and carried off their able-bodied men. Then on their own they turned their spears about, followed the river from western Zhe to enter Huainan territory, and reached Sizhou by the muddy river. Their force was more than a thousand men; whenever they were about to pass through a prefecture or county, they first sent soldiers to perform puppet shows to observe public sentiment, fearing interception. After leaving Sizhou, Yanzeng ordered Adjutant Tian Houjian to offer soothing words, and also ordered Chief Commandant Yuan Mi to set an ambush at Renshan Lodge. Pang Xun sent a clerk with a petition stating that the soldiers longed to return home and the momentum could not be checked; he asked to disarm outside the headquarters and return the troops. Then they would go home; Yanzeng was angry and executed them. Xun and the others led their force to attack Suzhou and captured it. They opened the official treasury to recruit troops. The next day they obtained two thousand troops, then seized more than five thousand boats. Foot soldiers were in the boats while cavalry flanked the banks, advancing with drums and shouts. Yuan Mi launched the ambush to intercept them and was defeated by the rebels. At the time fugitives joined the rebels like people going to market; Yanzeng drove the city's adult males to defend the walls. On the fourteenth day of the ninth month of the ninth year the rebels pressed close to Xuzhou. After the fifteenth, each morning heavy fog did not lift. On the sixteenth Yanzeng executed the families of the mutinous soldiers. On the seventeenth the dusk fog was especially thick; the rebels cut through the gates on four sides and entered. Pang Xun first visited the temple of Emperor Gaozu of Han, then entered the headquarters compound. Army Supervisor Zhang Daojin met him but exchanged not a single word; Xun then stopped at the Great Peng Lodge. He seized Yin Kan, Xu Xingjian, and the secretaries Jiao Lu, Li Lun, Cui Yun, Wen Tinghao, and Wei Tingyi, and had them all killed. The next day rebel general Zhao Keli killed Yanzeng; Pang Xun styled himself Military Commissioner of the Wuning Army.
18
慎由子胤。 胤，字昌遐，乾寧二年登進士第。 王重榮鎮河中，辟為從事。 入朝，累遷考功、吏部二員外郎，轉郎中、給事中、中書舍人。 大順中，歷兵部、吏部二侍郎，尋以本官同平章事。 時王室多故，南北司爭權，鹹樹朋黨，外結籓帥。 胤長於陰計，巧於附麗； 外示凝重而心險躁。 自李茂貞、王行瑜怙亂，兵勢不遜，杜讓能、韋昭度繼遭誅戮，而宰臣崔昭緯深結行瑜以自固； 而待胤以宗人之分，屢加薦用。 累遷中書侍郎、判戶部事。 昭宗出幸石門，胤與同列徐彥若、王摶等從。 車駕還宮，加禮部尚書，並賜號「扶危匡國致理功臣」。
Shenyou's son was Yin. Yin, styled Changxia, in the second year of Qianning passed the jinshi examination. When Wang Chongrong governed Hezhong, Yin was summoned as staff member. He entered court and was repeatedly promoted to Outer Court Attendant in the Ministries of War and Personnel, then transferred to Director and Supervising Censor and Gentleman of the Secretariat. In the Datong era he served successively as Vice Minister of War and Personnel, and soon with his existing office became Associate Chief Minister. At the time the royal house had many troubles; the northern and southern offices contended for power; all alike formed factions and outwardly allied with military commissioners. Yin was skilled in covert schemes and clever at attaching himself to others; outwardly he showed weight and dignity while inwardly he was dangerous and restless. Since Li Maozhen and Wang Xingyu relied on disorder and their military power did not yield, Du Rangneng and Wei Zhaodu were successively executed; Chief Minister Cui Zhaowei deeply allied with Xingyu to secure himself; yet toward Yin, as a clansman, he repeatedly recommended and employed him. Yin was repeatedly promoted to Vice Director of the Secretariat and Director of the Revenue Bureau. When Emperor Zhaozong went out to Shimen, Yin followed with his colleagues Xu Yanruo and Wang Bo. When the imperial carriage returned to the palace, he was promoted Minister of Rites and granted the title "Meritorious Minister Who Supports the Crisis, Restores the State, and Brings Order."
19
三年，李茂貞犯京師，扈昭宗幸華州。 帝復雪杜讓能、韋昭度、李磎之枉； 懲昭緯之前慝，罷胤政事，檢校兵部尚書、廣州刺史、嶺南東道節度等使。 時朱全忠方霸於關東，胤密致書全忠求援。 全忠上疏理胤之功，不可離輔弼之地。 胤已至湖南，復召拜平章事。 胤既獲汴州之援，頗弄威權。 恨徐彥若、王摶發昭緯前事，深排抑之。 俄出彥為南海節度。 又摭王摶交結敕使，同危宗社，令全忠上疏論之。 光化中，貶摶溪州司馬，賜死於藍田驛。 誅中尉宋道弼、景務修。 自是朝廷權政，皆歸於己，兼領三司使務。 宦官側目，不勝其忿。
In the third year Li Maozhen attacked the capital; Yin accompanied Emperor Zhaozong to Hua. The emperor again cleared the injustice of Du Rangneng, Wei Zhaodu, and Li Qi; to punish Zhaowei's earlier wickedness, Yin was removed from governing affairs and appointed Acting Minister of War, Prefect of Guang, and Lingnan East Circuit Military Commissioner. At the time Zhu Quanzhong was just then dominating east of the Pass; Yin secretly sent a letter to Quanzhong seeking aid. Quanzhong submitted a memorial vindicating Yin's merit and saying he could not be removed from the place of chief minister. Yin had already reached Hunan when he was again summoned and appointed Associate Chief Minister. Once Yin had obtained aid from Bian Prefecture, he played with power quite freely. He resented Xu Yanruo and Wang Bo for exposing Zhaowei's earlier affair and deeply suppressed them. Soon Yanruo was sent out as Military Commissioner of the Southern Sea. Yin also gathered evidence that Wang Bo had colluded with edict commissioners and together endangered the altars of soil and grain, and had Quanzhong submit a memorial on the matter. In the Guanghua era Bo was demoted to Assistant Administrator of Xi Prefecture and ordered to die at Lantian Post. Chief Eunuch Song Daobi and Jing Wuxiu were executed. From then on court power and government all belonged to himself, and he concurrently directed the Three Offices. The eunuchs looked askance and could not contain their rage.
20
及劉季述幽昭宗於東內，以德王監國。 季述畏全忠之強，不敢殺胤，但罷知政事，落使務，守本官而已。 胤復致書於全忠，請出師反正。 故全忠令大將張存敬急攻晉絳河中。 胤以天子幽囚，諸侯觀釁，有神策軍巡使孫德昭者，頗怒季述之廢立，胤伺知之，令判官石戩與德昭遊，伺其深意。 每酒酣，德昭泣下，戩知其誠，乃與之謀曰：「今中外大臣，自廢立已來，無不含怒。 至於軍旅，亦懷憤惋。 今謀反者，獨季述、仲先耳。 足下誅此二豎，復帝寶位，垂名萬代，今正其時。 持疑不斷，則功落他人之手也！」 德昭謝曰：「予軍吏耳，社稷大計，不敢自專。 如相公委使，不敢避也。」 胤乃割衣帶，手書以通其意。 十二月晦，德昭伏兵誅季述。 昭宗反正，胤進位司空，復知政事，兼領度支、鹽鐵、三司等使。
When Liu Jishu imprisoned Emperor Zhaozong in the Eastern Inner Palace and had the Virtuous Prince oversee the state, Jishu feared Quanzhong's strength and did not dare kill Yin, but only removed him from governing affairs and stripped his commission duties, leaving him in his original office. Yin again sent a letter to Quanzhong requesting that troops be dispatched to restore the proper order. Therefore Quanzhong ordered General Zhang Cunjing to attack Jin and Jiang in Hezhong urgently. Because the Son of Heaven was imprisoned and the feudal lords watched for openings, there was Sun Dezhao, patrol commissioner of the Shence Army, who was quite angry at Jishu's deposition and enthronement; Yin, learning this, had his secretary Shi Zhan associate with Dezhao and probe his deeper intent. Whenever they were deep in wine Dezhao wept; Zhan knew his sincerity and plotted with him, saying, "Now inside and outside, since the deposition and enthronement none have been without anger. As for the armies, they too harbor resentment and indignation. Those who now plot rebellion are only Jishu and Zhongxian. If you, sir, execute these two villains, restore the emperor's precious throne, and leave your name for ten thousand generations—now is exactly the time. If you hold back in doubt, the merit will fall into another's hands!" Dezhao declined, saying, "I am but a military clerk; on the great plan of the altars of soil and grain I dare not decide alone. If the Chief Minister entrusts the mission to me, I dare not avoid it." Yin then cut his belt sash and wrote by hand to communicate his intent. On the last day of the twelfth month Dezhao set an ambush and executed Jishu. When Emperor Zhaozong was restored to the throne, Yin was promoted Minister of Works, again directed governing affairs, and concurrently directed the Revenue, Salt, and Iron, and Three Offices commissions.
21
明年夏，朱全忠攻陷河中、晉絳，進兵至同華。 中尉韓全誨以胤交結全忠，慮汴軍逼京師，請罷知政事，落使務。 其年冬，全誨挾帝幸鳳翔。 胤怨帝廢黜，不扈從，遣使告全忠，請於岐陽迎駕，令太子太師盧知猷率百官迎全忠入京師。 初，全忠至華州，遣掌書記裴鑄人奏鳳翔，言欲以兵士迎駕。 及入京師，又上表曰：
The next summer Zhu Quanzhong captured Hezhong and Jin-Jiang and advanced his army to Tong and Hua. Chief Eunuch Han Quanhui, because Yin had allied with Quanzhong and feared Bian troops would press the capital, requested that Yin be removed from governing affairs and stripped of commission duties. That winter Quanhui took the emperor to Fengxiang. Yin resented the emperor's deposition and did not accompany him; he sent envoys to tell Quanzhong, asking that the imperial carriage be welcomed at Qiyang and ordering Grand Preceptor of the Crown Prince Lu Zhiyou to lead the hundred officials to welcome Quanzhong into the capital. At first, when Quanzhong reached Hua, he sent Secretary Pei Zhu to enter court at Fengxiang, saying he wished to use soldiers to welcome the imperial carriage. And on entering the capital he also submitted a memorial saying:
22
昭宗得全忠表，怒胤尤甚。 是月二十六日詔曰：
When Zhaozong received Quanzhong's memorial he was furious with Yin above all. On the twenty-sixth day of that month an edict read:
23
朕以庶士流散，兵革繁多，遂命宰臣，與之商議。 五降內使，一貢表章，堅臥不來，拒召如此。 況又拘留庶吏，廢闕晨趨。 人既奔驚，朕須巡幸。 果見兵纏輦轂，火照宮闈，煙塵漲天，干戈匝野。 致朕奔迫，及於岐陽。 翠輦未安，鐵騎旋至，圍逼行在，焚燒屋廬。 睹此阽危，咎將誰執？ 近者全忠章表，兼遣幕吏敷陳，言宰臣繼飛密緘，促其兵士西上，靜詳構扇，孰測苞藏，無功及人，為國生事。 於戲！ 君人之道，委之宰衡，庶務殷繁，豈能親理？ 盡將機事，付爾主張，負我何多，構亂至此！ 仍存大體，不謂無恩。 可責授朝散大夫，守工部尚書。
Because the common people were scattered and warfare was abundant, We ordered the chief ministers to consult with them. Five times inner envoys were sent down and once a memorial was submitted, yet he lay abed and would not come, refusing summons thus. Moreover he detained common clerks and neglected morning attendance. People were already alarmed; We had to make a progress. Sure enough troops encircled the imperial carriage and fire lit the palace halls; dust and smoke filled the sky and weapons covered the wilds. This forced Us to flee in urgency as far as Qiyang. The jade carriage was not yet settled when iron cavalry soon arrived, besieging the traveling palace and burning dwellings. Seeing this imminent peril—whose fault shall bear the blame? Recently Quanzhong's memorial and the statements his staff clerks laid out said the chief minister repeatedly sent secret letters urging his soldiers west, and on calm examination of incitement and agitation, who can fathom what was hidden within? He brought no merit to others and created trouble for the state. Alas! The way of a ruler is to entrust affairs to the chief ministers; the myriad tasks are numerous—how can he personally manage them? We entrusted all critical affairs to your direction—how much have you failed Us, to create disorder to this point! Yet preserving the larger frame, We cannot say there was no grace. He may be demoted and appointed Grand Master of the Palace for Dispersing Affairs and Minister of Public Works.
24
初，天復反正之後，宦官尤畏胤，事無大小鹹稟之。 每內殿奏對，夜則繼之以燭。 常說昭宗請盡誅內官，但以宮人掌內司事。 中尉韓全誨、張弘彥、袁易簡等伺知之，於帝前求哀請命，乃詔胤密事進囊封，勿更口奏。 宦官無由知其謀，乃求知書美婦人進內，以偵陰事。 由是胤謀頗泄。 宦官每相聚流涕，愈不自安。 故全誨等為劫幸之謀，由胤忌嫉之太過也。
At first, after the Tianfu restoration, the eunuchs feared Yin above all; in matters large and small they all reported to him. Whenever he reported in the inner hall at night, candles followed in succession. He often urged Zhaozong to execute all inner officials and let only palace women manage inner affairs. Chief Eunuchs Han Quanhui, Zhang Hongyan, and Yuan Yijian learned of this and begged for mercy before the emperor; then an edict ordered that Yin's secret affairs be submitted in sealed pouches and no longer reported orally. The eunuchs had no way to know his plans, so they sought literate beautiful women to enter the inner palace to spy on covert affairs. Because of this Yin's plans leaked quite a bit. Whenever the eunuchs gathered they wept together and grew ever more ill at ease. Therefore Quanhui and the others made the plan to seize the emperor by force—because Yin's jealousy and hatred had gone too far.
25
及全忠攻鳳翔，胤寓居華州，為全忠畫圖王之策。 天復二年，全忠自岐下還河中，胤迎謁於渭橋，捧卮上壽，持板為全忠唱歌，仍自撰歌辭，贊其功業。 三年，李茂貞殺韓全誨等，與全忠通和，昭宗急詔征胤赴行在。 凡四降詔，三賜朱書禦劄，稱病不赴。 及帝出鳳翔，胤乃迎於中路，即日降制，復舊官，知政事，進位司徒，兼判六軍諸衛事。 仍詔移家入左軍，賜帳幄器用十車。 胤奏京兆尹鄭元規為六軍副使。 胤與全忠奏罷左右神策、內諸司等使及諸道監軍、副監、小使。 內官三百余人，同日斬之於內侍省。 諸道監軍，隨處斬首以聞。
When Quanzhong attacked Fengxiang, Yin lodged at Hua and drew up plans for Quanzhong to become king. In the second year of Tianfu Quanzhong returned from below Qi to Hezhong; Yin went to meet him at Wei Bridge, raised a cup to offer longevity, held a clapper and sang for Quanzhong, and himself composed the lyrics praising his achievements. In the third year Li Maozhen killed Han Quanhui and the others and made peace with Quanzhong; Emperor Zhaozong urgently edicted Yin to come to the traveling palace. Four edicts were sent down in all and the vermilion imperial letter was bestowed three times; he claimed illness and did not go. When the emperor left Fengxiang, Yin met him on the road; that same day an edict restored his old office and governing affairs, and he was promoted Minister of Education and concurrently Director of the Six Armies and Guard Offices. An edict also ordered his family to move into the Left Army and granted ten carts of tents and utensils. Yin memorialized that Chief of the Capital Zheng Yuangui should serve as deputy director of the Six Armies. Yin and Quanzhong memorialized to abolish the Left and Right Shence and inner-office commissioners and the army supervisors, deputy supervisors, and minor agents of all circuits. More than three hundred inner officials were beheaded the same day in the Palace Domestic Service. Army supervisors everywhere were beheaded and reported.
26
昭宗初幸鳳翔，命盧光啟、韋貽範、蘇檢等作相； 及還京，胤皆貶斥之。 又貶陸扆為沂王傅，王溥太子賓客，學士薛貽矩夔州司戶，韓偓濮州司戶，姚洎景王府咨議。 應從幸群官，貶逐者三十余人。 唯用裴贄為相，以其孤立易制也。 內官既盡屠戮，諸使悉罷，天子宣傳詔命，惟令宮人寵顏等宣事。 而欺君蠹國，所不忍聞。 胤所悅者阘茸下輩，所惡者正人君子。 人人悚懼，朝不保夕。
When Emperor Zhaozong first went to Fengxiang, he ordered Lu Guangqi, Wei Yifan, and Su Jian to serve as chief ministers; when he returned to the capital Yin had them all demoted and expelled. He also demoted Lu Yi to Tutor of the Prince of Qi, Wang Pu to Crown Prince Guest, Academician Xue Yiju to Assistant Administrator of Kuai Prefecture, Han Wo to Assistant Administrator of Pu Prefecture, and Yao Ji to Consultant of the Prince of Jing's household. More than thirty officials who should have accompanied the emperor on the progress were demoted and sent away. Only Pei Zan was employed as chief minister, because he was isolated and easy to control. Once the inner officials had all been slaughtered and the commissioners all abolished, when the Son of Heaven proclaimed edicts only palace women such as Chongyan were ordered to announce affairs. Yet deceiving the ruler and ruining the state—what the ear cannot bear to hear. Those Yin favored were worthless low fellows; those he hated were upright gentlemen. Everyone was fearful; no one knew he would survive the morning.
27
其年十月，全忠子友倫宿衛京師，因擊鞠墜馬而卒。 全忠愛之，殺會鞠者十余人，而疑胤陰謀，由是怒胤。 初，天子還宮，全忠東歸，胤以事權在己，慮全忠急於篡代，乃與鄭元規謀招致兵甲，以扞茂貞為辭。 全忠知其意，從之。 胤毀城外木浮圖，取銅鐵為兵仗。 全忠令汴州軍人入關應募者數百人。 及友倫死，全忠怒，遣其子宿衛軍使友諒誅胤，而應募者突然而出。 四年正月初，貶太子賓客，尋為汴軍所殺。
In the tenth month of that year Quanzhong's son Youlun was on palace guard duty in the capital; he fell from a horse while playing cuju and died. Quanzhong loved him, killed more than ten who had joined the game, and suspected Yin of covert plotting—therefore he grew angry with Yin. At first, when the Son of Heaven returned to the palace Quanzhong went east; because power was in his own hands Yin feared Quanzhong's haste to usurp the throne and plotted with Zheng Yuangui to gather weapons and armor on the pretext of defending against Maozhen. Quanzhong knew his intent and agreed. Yin destroyed outer wooden pagodas and took copper and iron to make weapons. Quanzhong ordered several hundred Bian Prefecture soldiers entering the Pass to enlist. When Youlun died Quanzhong was enraged and sent his son, the palace guard commissioner Youliang, to execute Yin, while the enlistees burst out suddenly. At the beginning of the first month of the fourth year he was demoted Crown Prince Guest and soon was killed by Bian troops.
28
胤傾險樂禍，外示寬宏。 初拜平章事，其季父安潛謂所親曰：「吾父兄刻苦樹立門戶，一旦終當為緇郎所壞。」 果如其言。 胤累加至侍中，封魏國公。 初，朱全忠雖竊有河南方鎮，憚河朔、河東，未萌問鼎之誌。 及得胤為鄉導，乃電擊潼關，始謀移國。 自古與盜合從，覆亡宗社，無如胤之甚也。 子有鄰。
Yin was treacherous and delighted in calamity, outwardly showing broad tolerance. When he first became Associate Chief Minister, his younger uncle Anqian told those close to him, "Our fathers and elder brothers painstakingly established the family gate; in the end it will be ruined by this dark-robed fellow." It turned out exactly as he said. Yin was repeatedly promoted to Palace Attendant and enfeoffed as Duke of Wei. At first, though Zhu Quanzhong secretly held the regional commands of Henan, he feared Hebei and Hedong and had not yet conceived the will to seize the throne. Once he had Yin as native guide, he struck Tong Pass like lightning and first plotted to shift the state. Since ancient times none who joined with bandits to overthrow the altars of soil and grain has been worse than Yin. His son was Youlin.
29
崔珙，博陵安平人。 祖懿。 父颋，貞元初進士登第。 元和初累官至少府監。 四年，出為同州刺史，卒。 颋有子八人，皆至達官，時人比漢之荀氏，號曰「八龍」。
Cui Gong was a native of Anping in Boling. His grandfather was Yi. His father Ting, at the beginning of Zhenyuan passed the jinshi examination. At the beginning of Yuanhe he rose repeatedly to Vice Director of the Palace Domestic Service. In the fourth year he was sent out as Prefect of Tong and died. Ting had eight sons, all reaching high office; people of the time compared them to the Xun clan of Han and called them the "Eight Dragons."
30
長曰琯，貞元十八年進士擢第。 又制策登科，釋褐諸侯府，入朝為尚書郎。 太和初，累遷給事中，宣慰幽州稱旨。 俄而興元兵亂，殺李絳，命琯平亂褒中，三軍寂然從命。 使還，改工部侍郎。 四年冬，拜京兆尹。 五年四月，改尚書右丞。 六年十二月，出為江陵尹、御史大夫、荊南節度使。 八年，入為兵部侍郎，轉吏部，權判左丞事。 開成二年，真拜左丞。 時弟珙為京兆尹，兄弟並居顯列。 以本官權判兵部西銓、吏部東銓事。 三年，檢校戶部尚書，判東都尚書省事、東都留守、東畿汝都防禦等使。 會昌中，遷銀青光祿大夫、檢校吏部尚書、興元尹，充山南西道節度使。 以弟珙罷相貶官，琯亦罷鎮歸東都。 五年卒。 詔曰：
The eldest was Guan, who in the eighteenth year of Zhenyuan passed the jinshi selection. He also passed the policy examination, left office in a feudal headquarters, and entered court as Director in the Ministry of Revenue. At the beginning of Taihe he was repeatedly promoted to Supervising Censor and, as envoy to soothe You Prefecture, pleased the emperor. Soon there was military disorder in Xingyuan and Li Jiang was killed; Guan was ordered to pacify the disorder in Bao and Han; the whole army silently obeyed. On returning he was reassigned Vice Minister of Public Works. In the winter of the fourth year he was appointed Chief of the Capital. In the fifth month of the fifth year he was reassigned Right Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue. In the twelfth month of the sixth year he was sent out as Chief of Jiangling, Censor-in-Chief, and Jingnan Military Commissioner. In the eighth year he entered court as Vice Minister of War, transferred to the Ministry of Personnel, and acted as Left Vice Director. In the second year of Kaicheng he was formally appointed Left Vice Director. At the time his younger brother Gong was Chief of the Capital; the brothers both stood in prominent posts. With his existing office he acted as Director of the Western Selection in the Ministry of War and the Eastern Selection in the Ministry of Personnel. In the third year he was appointed Acting Minister of Revenue, Director of Eastern Capital Ministry Affairs, Eastern Capital Garrison Commander, and Defender of the Eastern Capital Circuit and Ru Prefecture. In the Huichang era he was transferred Silver Light Grand Master of Palace Attendance, Acting Minister of Personnel, and Chief of Xingyuan, serving as Shannan West Circuit Military Commissioner. Because his younger brother Gong was removed as chief minister and demoted, Guan also left his command and returned to the Eastern Capital. He died in the fifth year. An edict read:
31
孔氏以顏、冉之行，首於四科； 漢代以荀、陳之門，方之「八凱」。 乃睠時哲，得茲令名，用舉飾終之恩，以抒殲良之嘆。 故山南西道節度使崔琯，誠明履正，粹密鄰幾，有子政之精忠，得公綽之不欲。 禮樂二事，以為身文； 仁義五常，自成家範。 往以茂器，列於大僚。 屬賢相受誣，廟堂議法，由長孺之道，以估正人； 微京兆之言，豈聞非罪？ 既是魏其之直，益彰王鳳之邪。 莊色於朝，群公聳視； 讜詞不撓，淑問攸歸。 歷踐名籓，皆留遺愛。 居常慎獨，清則畏知。 爰自青衿，迄於白首，厲翼之誌，始終不渝。 未陟臺階，實辜公論； 追榮左相，式示優崇。 可贈尚書左僕射。
Because the Kong clan took the conduct of Yan and Ran as foremost among the four categories; in Han the gates of Xun and Chen were compared to the "Eight Worthies." Now looking to the wise men of the age, this fine name is obtained; We use the grace of honoring the end to express the sigh over the loss of the good. The late Shannan West Circuit Military Commissioner Cui Guan was sincere, bright, upright, and pure and close to subtlety; he had the pure loyalty of Zichan and the unwillingness of Gongchuo. In ritual and music he made the two his personal adornment; in benevolence, righteousness, and the five constants he formed his family's model. Formerly, with excellent capacity, he was ranked among the great ministers. When the worthy chief minister was slandered and the court hall debated the law, by Zhang Changru's way the upright man was appraised; without the words of the Chief of the Capital, who would have heard of the innocent punished? Since it was Wei Qi's uprightness, Wang Feng's wickedness was shown still more. He stood stern in court and the multitude of lords looked up; his forthright words did not bend and good repute returned to him. Passing through famous commands, he everywhere left enduring affection. In daily life he was cautious in solitude and in purity he feared being known. From blue-gowned youth to white-haired age, the will to strengthen wings never changed from beginning to end. He did not ascend the terrace steps—truly failing public opinion; posthumously honoring him as Left Vice Director shows exceptional esteem. He may be posthumously granted Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works.
32
珙，琯之母弟也。 以書判拔萃高等，累佐使府。 性威重，尤精吏術。 太和初，累官泗州刺史，入為太府卿。 七年正月，拜廣州刺史、嶺南節度使。 延英中謝，帝問以撫理南海之宜。 珙奏對明辯，帝深嘉之。 時高瑀鎮徐州，承智興之後，軍驕難制，軍士數犯法，上欲擇威望之帥以臨之，久難其才。 會珙言事慷慨，謂宰臣曰：「崔珙言事，神氣精爽，此可以臨徐人。」 即以王茂元代珙鎮廣南，授珙兼檢校工部尚書、徐州刺史、兼御史大夫，充武寧軍節度、徐泗濠觀察使。
Gong was Guan's younger brother by the same mother. With distinguished performance in document judgment he served repeatedly in headquarters. By nature he was stern and weighty and especially skilled in administrative technique. At the beginning of Taihe he rose repeatedly to Prefect of Si and entered court as Grand Master of the Palace Treasury. In the first month of the seventh year he was appointed Prefect of Guang and Lingnan Military Commissioner. At an Yanying audience the emperor asked about governing and soothing the Southern Sea. Gong answered clearly and the emperor deeply praised him. At the time Gao Yu governed Xu; following Zhixing the army was insubordinate and hard to control; soldiers repeatedly violated the law; the emperor wished to choose a commander of prestige to oversee them and for a long time found the talent hard to obtain. When Gong spoke on affairs with ardor, he told the chief ministers, "When Cui Gong speaks on affairs his spirit is sharp and refreshed—he can oversee the Xu people." Wang Maoyuan was at once sent to replace Gong in governing Guangnan; Gong was granted concurrent Acting Minister of Public Works, Prefect of Xu, and Censor-in-Chief, and served as Military Commissioner of the Wuning Army and Xu-Si-Hao Observer.
33
開成初，就加檢校兵部尚書。 二年，檢校吏部尚書、右金吾大將軍，充街使。 六月，遷京兆尹。 是歲，京畿旱，珙奏浐水入內者，十分量減九分，賜貧民溉田，從之。 三年正月，盜發親仁裏，欲殺宰相李石。 其賊出於禁軍，珙坐捕盜不獲，罰俸料。 會昌初，李德裕用事，與珙親厚，累遷戶部侍郎，充諸道鹽鐵轉運等使。 尋以本官同中書門下平章事，累兼刑部尚書、門下侍郎，進階銀青光祿大夫，兼尚書左僕射。 素與崔鉉不葉，及李讓夷引鉉輔政，代珙領使務，乃掎摭珙領使日妄破宋滑院鹽鐵錢九十萬貫文，又言珙嘗保護劉從諫，坐貶澧州刺，再貶恩州司馬。 宣宗即位，以赦召還，為太子賓客，出為鳳翔節度使。
At the beginning of Kaicheng he was promoted Acting Minister of War. In the second year he was appointed Acting Minister of Personnel and Right Golden Guard General and served as Street Commissioner. In the sixth month he was transferred Chief of the Capital. That year the capital circuit suffered drought; Gong memorialized that water drawn from the Chan River for the inner palace should be reduced nine-tenths in measure and given to poor people to irrigate fields; the request was granted. In the first month of the third year robbers broke into Qinren Lane and wished to kill Chief Minister Li Shi. The robbers came from the forbidden army; Gong was fined salary for failing to capture the robbers. At the beginning of Huichang Li Deyu held power; he was close to Gong and repeatedly promoted him to Vice Minister of Revenue and Commissioner of Salt and Iron Transport for All Circuits. Soon with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister, repeatedly concurrent Minister of Justice and Vice Director of the Secretariat, and was promoted Silver Light Grand Master of Palace Attendance and concurrent Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works. He had long been at odds with Cui Xuan; when Li Rangyi brought Xuan into governing affairs and replaced Gong in directing the commission, Xuan gathered evidence that during Gong's tenure he had wantonly spent ninety thousand strings of Song-Hua circuit salt-and-iron money and also said Gong had once protected Liu Congjian; Gong was demoted Prefect of Li and again demoted Assistant Administrator of En. When Emperor Xuanzong acceded, he was recalled by amnesty and appointed Crown Prince Guest, then sent out as Fengxiang Military Commissioner.
34
三年，崔鉉復知政事，珙辭疾請罷。 制曰：「將相大臣，與國同體，誠欲自便，豈宜不從？ 茍非其時，涉於避事。 前鳳翔隴州節度觀察處置等使、光祿大夫、檢校尚書右僕射、兼鳳翔尹、御史大夫、上柱國、安平郡開國公、食邑二千戶崔珙，早以器能，周歷顯重。 行己每稱其友悌，在公亦竭其精忠。 自負譴前朝，遠移南僥，及我嗣守，頗聞嘉名。 由是剖竹近關，揚旍右輔，為國垣翰，適資謀猷。 近者犬戎輸誠，歸我故地，下議納款，且籌開疆。 宜其率先啟行，副此寵待。 忽覽退閑之請，頗乖毗倚之誠。 陳力之方，豈無其道？ 匪躬之故，或異於是。 以其故老，特為優容，俾居青宮之輔，仍從分洛之命。 君臣禮分，予無愧焉。 可太子少師，分司東都。」 未幾，卒。
In the third year Cui Xuan again directed governing affairs; Gong pleaded illness and requested dismissal. An edict read, "Chief ministers and generals share the same body as the state; if they truly wish their own convenience, how should We not grant it? If the time is not right, it touches on avoiding affairs. The former Fengxiang-Long Military Commissioner and Observer, Grand Master of Palace Attendance, Acting Right Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, concurrent Chief of Fengxiang, Censor-in-Chief, Pillar of State, Duke of Anping with a fief of two thousand households Cui Gong, early showed capacity and passed through prominent and weighty posts. In personal conduct he always praised friendship and brotherly respect; in public service he also exhausted pure loyalty. Since bearing punishment in the former court he was transferred far to the southern exile; when We succeeded and kept the throne, his fine name was much heard. Therefore he was given bamboo staff near the Pass and raised his banner in the right auxiliary region, serving as the state's wall and fence and supplying counsel. Recently the dog barbarians offered sincerity and returned Our old lands; subordinates discussed accepting submission and also planned to open the frontier. He should have been first to set out and respond to this favored treatment. Suddenly We read a request for retirement—quite at odds with the trust of support. In exerting strength—is there not a way? For not giving one's person—perhaps it differs from this. Because of his old age We specially show favor and ease, appointing him Junior Tutor of the Crown Prince while still following the order to serve in the Eastern Capital branch. In the ritual division between ruler and minister We have no cause for shame. He may be Junior Tutor of the Crown Prince, serving in the Eastern Capital branch office." Before long he died.
35
子涓，大中四年進士擢第。
His son was Juan, who in the fourth year of Dazhong passed the jinshi selection.
36
珙弟瑨、璪、璵、球、珦。
Gong's younger brothers were Jin, Can, Yu, Qiu, and Shao.
37
瑨以書判拔萃，開成中，累遷至刑部郎中。 會昌中，歷三郡刺史，位終方鎮。
Jin, with distinguished performance in document judgment, in the Kaicheng era was repeatedly promoted to Director in the Ministry of Justice. In the Huichang era he served successively as prefect of three prefectures and ended as a regional commissioner.
38
璪，開成初，為吏部郎中，轉給事中。 會昌初，出為陜虢觀察使，遷河南尹，入為御史中丞，轉吏部侍郎。 大中初，改兵部侍郎，充諸道鹽鐵轉運使。 崔鉉再輔政，罷璪使務，檢校兵部尚書，兼河中尹、御史大夫，充河中晉絳磁隰等州節度觀察使。 七年，入為左丞，再遷刑部尚書。 子滔，大中初登進士第。
Can, at the beginning of Kaicheng, served as Director in the Ministry of Personnel and was transferred Supervising Censor. At the beginning of Huichang he was sent out as Shaan-Guo Observer, transferred Chief of Henan, entered court as Censor-in-Chief, and was transferred Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel. At the beginning of Dazhong he was reassigned Vice Minister of War and Commissioner of Salt and Iron Transport for All Circuits. When Cui Xuan again directed governing affairs he removed Can from the commission and appointed him Acting Minister of War, concurrent Chief of Hezhong, Censor-in-Chief, and Military Commissioner and Observer of Hezhong, Jin-Jiang, Ci, and Li prefectures. In the seventh year he entered court as Left Vice Director and was again transferred Minister of Justice. His son was Tao, who at the beginning of Dazhong passed the jinshi examination.
39
璵，字朗士，長慶初進士擢第，又制策登科。 開成末，累遷至禮部員外郎。 會昌初，以考功郎中知制誥，拜中書舍人。 大中五年，遷禮部侍郎。 六年，選士，時謂得才。 七年，權知戶部侍郎，進封博陵子，食邑五百戶，轉兵部侍郎。 子澹。
Yu, styled Langshi, at the beginning of Changqing passed the jinshi selection and also passed the policy examination. At the end of Kaicheng he was repeatedly promoted to Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of Rites. At the beginning of Huichang, as Director in the Ministry of Personnel he directed proclamations and was appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat. In the fifth year of Dazhong he was transferred Vice Minister of Rites. In the sixth year he selected candidates; people of the time said he obtained talent. In the seventh year he acted as Vice Minister of Revenue, was enfeoffed as Baron of Boling with a fief of five hundred households, and was transferred Vice Minister of War. His son was Dan.
40
澹，大中十三年，登進士第，累遷禮部員外郎，位終吏部侍郎。 淡子遠。
Dan, in the thirteenth year of Dazhong passed the jinshi examination, was repeatedly promoted to Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of Rites, and ended as Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel. Dan's son was Yuan.
41
遠，龍紀元年，登進士第。 大順初，以員外郎知制誥，召充翰林學士，正拜中書舍人。 乾寧三年，轉戶部侍郎、博陵縣男、食邑三百戶，轉兵部侍郎承旨。 尋以本官同平章事，遷中書侍郎，兼吏部尚書。 天祐初，從昭宗東遷洛陽。 罷相，守右僕射。 二年，為柳璨希、朱全忠旨，累貶白州長史。 行至滑州，被害於白馬驛。
Yuan, in the first year of Longji passed the jinshi examination. At the beginning of Datong, as Outer Court Attendant he directed proclamations and was summoned to serve as Hanlin Academician and formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat. In the third year of Qianning he was transferred Vice Minister of Revenue, Baron of Boling with a fief of three hundred households, and transferred Vice Minister of War as Drafting Commissioner. Soon with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister, transferred Vice Director of the Secretariat, and concurrent Minister of Personnel. At the beginning of Tianyou he followed Emperor Zhaozong east to Luoyang. Removed as chief minister, he served as Right Vice Director of the Ministry of Works. In the second year, at the behest of Liu Can and Zhu Quanzhong, he was repeatedly demoted to Chief Administrator of Bai Prefecture. When he reached Hua Prefecture he was killed at Baima Post.
42
遠文才清麗，風神峻整，人皆慕其為人，當時目為「釘座梨」，言席上之珍也。
Yuan's literary talent was clear and beautiful, his bearing lofty and composed; everyone admired his character, and people of the time called him "the pear that nails the seat," meaning a treasure of the banquet table.
43
球，字叔休，寶歷二年登進士第。 會昌中，為鳳翔節度判官，入朝為尚書郎。 子瀆。 瀆，大中末亦進士登第。
Qiu, styled Shuxiu, in the second year of Baoli passed the jinshi examination. In the Huichang era he served as staff judge of the Fengxiang Military Commission and entered court as Director in the Ministry of Revenue. His son was Du. Du also passed the jinshi examination at the end of Dazhong.
44
崔氏咸通、乾符間，昆仲子弟紆組拖紳，歷臺閣、錢籓嶽者二十余人。 大中以來盛族，時推甲等。
In the Xiantong and Qianfu eras, among the Cui clan brothers and sons more than twenty wore official sashes and served in the censorate, treasury, and regional commands. Since Dazhong they have been a great clan; people of the time ranked them first class.
45
盧鈞，字子和，本范陽人。 祖炅，父繼。 鈞，元和四年進士擢第，又書判拔萃，調補校書郎，累佐諸侯府。 太和五年，遷左補闕。 與同職理宋申錫之枉，由是知名。 歷尚書郎，出為常州刺史。 九年，拜給事中。 開成元年，出為華州刺史、潼關防禦、鎮國軍等使。
Lu Jun, styled Zihe, was originally from Fanyang. His grandfather was Jiong and his father Ji. Jun, in the fourth year of Yuanhe passed the jinshi selection and also distinguished himself in document judgment; he was appointed proofreader and repeatedly served in feudal headquarters. In the fifth year of Taihe he was transferred Left Remonstrator. Together with colleagues he righted the injustice of Song Shenxi and thereby became known. He passed through Director in the Ministry of Revenue and was sent out as Prefect of Chang. In the ninth year he was appointed Supervising Censor. In the first year of Kaicheng he was sent out as Prefect of Hua, Defender of Tong Pass, and Commander of the Zhenguo Army.
46
其年冬，代李從易為廣州刺史、御史大夫、嶺南節度使。 南海有蠻舶之利，珍貨輻湊。 舊帥作法興利以致富，凡為南海者，靡不梱載而還。 鈞性仁恕，為政廉潔，請監軍領市舶使，己一不干預。 自貞元已來，衣冠得罪流放嶺表者，因而物故，子孫貧悴，雖遇赦不能自還。 凡在封境者，鈞減俸錢為營槥櫝。 其家疾病死喪，則為之醫藥殯殮，孤兒稚女，為之婚嫁，凡數百家。 由是山越之俗，服其德義，令不嚴而人化。 三年將代，華蠻數千人詣闕請立生祠，銘功頌德。 先是土人與蠻獠雜居，婚娶相通，吏或撓之，相誘為亂。 鈞至，立法，俾華蠻異處，婚娶不通，蠻人不得立田宅； 由是僥外肅清，而不相犯。
That winter he replaced Li Congyi as Prefect of Guang, Censor-in-Chief, and Lingnan Military Commissioner. In the Southern Sea there were profits from barbarian merchant ships; precious goods gathered in abundance. Former commanders made laws to create profit and grow rich; everyone who served in the Southern Sea returned laden with goods. Jun was benevolent and forgiving by nature, governed with integrity, requested that the army supervisor direct the maritime trade commissioner, and himself did not interfere at all. Since Zhenyuan, officials and gentry who offended and were exiled beyond the Ling Range often died there; their descendants were poor and distressed and even when amnesties came could not return on their own. All who were within his jurisdiction Jun aided with reduced salary to provide coffins. When families had illness, death, or mourning he provided medicine, burial, and coffins; for orphaned boys and young girls he arranged marriages—altogether several hundred households. Because of this the customs of the mountain Yue submitted to his virtue and righteousness; orders need not be strict yet people were transformed. When in the third year he was about to be replaced, several thousand mountain barbarians went to the court requesting a living shrine and inscribing his merit and virtue. Formerly natives and barbarian Liao lived mixed together and intermarried; officials sometimes interfered and incited one another to disorder. When Jun arrived he made laws requiring natives and barbarians to live separately and forbidding intermarriage; barbarians could not establish fields or dwellings; because of this the outer fringes were cleared and they did not violate one another.
47
會昌初，遷襄州刺史、山南東道節度使。 四年，誅劉稹，以鈞檢校兵部尚書，兼潞州大都督府長史、昭義節度、澤潞邢洺磁觀察等使。 是冬，詔鈞出潞軍五千戍代北。 鈞升城門餞送，其家設幄觀之。 潞卒素驕，因與家人訣別，乘醉倒戈攻城門。 監軍以州兵拒之，至晚撫勞方定。 詔鈞入朝，拜戶部侍郎、判度支，遷戶部尚書。
At the beginning of Huichang he was transferred Prefect of Xiang and Shannan East Circuit Military Commissioner. In the fourth year, when Liu Zhen was executed, Jun was appointed Acting Minister of War, Chief Administrator of Lu Superior Protectorate, and Zhaoyi Military Commissioner and Observer of Ze, Lu, Xing, Mo, Ci, and Guan. That winter an edict ordered Jun to send five thousand Lu troops to garrison the northern frontier. Jun ascended the city gate to see them off; their families set up tents to watch. Lu soldiers had long been insubordinate; as they took leave of families and grew drunk they turned their spears and stormed the city gate. The army supervisor resisted with prefectural troops; by evening, after soothing and encouraging them, order was restored. An edict ordered Jun to enter court; he was appointed Vice Minister of Revenue and Director of the Revenue Bureau, then transferred Minister of Revenue.
48
大中初，檢校尚書右僕射、汴州刺史、御史大夫、宣武軍節度、宋亳汴潁觀察等使，就加檢校司空。 四年，入為太子少師，進位上柱國、范陽郡開國公、食邑二千戶。 六年，復檢校司空、太原尹、北都留守、河東節度使。
At the beginning of Dazhong he was appointed Acting Right Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, Prefect of Bian, Censor-in-Chief, and Xuanwu Military Commissioner and Song-Bo-Bian-Ying Observer, and was promoted Acting Minister of Works. In the fourth year he entered court as Junior Tutor of the Crown Prince and was promoted Pillar of State, Duke of Fanyang with a fief of two thousand households. In the sixth year he again served as Acting Minister of Works, Chief of Taiyuan, Northern Capital Garrison Commander, and Hedong Military Commissioner.
49
九年，詔曰：「河東軍節度使盧鈞，長才博達，敏識宏深。 藹山河之靈，抱瑚璉之器。 多能不耀，用晦而彰。 由嶺表而至太原，五換節鉞，仁聲載路，公論彌高。 籓垣之和氣不衰，臺閣之清風常在，宜升揆路，以表群僚。 可尚書左僕射。」
In the ninth year an edict read, "Hedong Military Commissioner Lu Jun has long talent, broad attainment, keen knowledge, and profound depth. He embraces the spirit of mountains and rivers and holds vessels of coral and jade. With many abilities he does not display them; using obscurity he shows himself. From beyond the ranges to Taiyuan he changed the military commission five times; benevolent reputation filled the roads and public judgment grew ever higher. The harmonious spirit of the frontier wall has not declined; the pure wind of the terrace pavilion ever remains—he should ascend to the chief-minister path to show the model for all officials. He may be Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works."
50
鈞踐歷中外，事功益茂，後輩子弟，多至臺司。 至是急征，謂當輔弼，雖居端揆，心殊失望。 常移病不視事，與親舊遊城南別墅，或累日一歸。 宰臣令狐綯惡之，乃罷僕射，仍加檢校司空，守太子太師。 物議以鈞長者，罪綯弄權。 綯懼。
Jun passed through inner and outer service and his achievements grew ever richer; younger kinsmen and sons often reached the censorate. At this urgent summons he thought he would assist and counsel, yet though he stood at the summit his heart was quite disappointed. He often pleaded illness and did not attend to affairs, roaming with kin and old friends at a southern capital villa, sometimes returning only once in several days. Chief Minister Linghu Tao disliked this and removed him from Vice Director while still adding Acting Minister of Works and appointing him Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince. Public opinion held Jun a man of length and blamed Tao for manipulating power. Tao was afraid.
51
十一年九月，以鈞檢校司徒、同中書門下平章事、興元尹，充山南西道節度使，入為太子太師，卒。
In the ninth month of the eleventh year Jun was appointed Acting Minister of Education, Associate Chief Minister, and Chief of Xingyuan, serving as Shannan West Circuit Military Commissioner; he entered court as Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince and died.
52
裴休，字公美，河內濟源人也。 祖宣，父肅。 肅，貞元中自常州刺史兼御史中丞、越州刺史、浙東團練觀察等使。 時山賊栗锽誘山越為亂，陷浙東郡縣。 肅召州兵討平之，因紀其事，號《平戎記》，上之。 德宗嘉賞。
Pei Xiu, styled Gongmei, was a native of Jiyuan in Henan. His grandfather was Xuan and his father Su. Su, in the Zhenyuan era, served from Prefect of Chang as concurrent Censor-in-Chief, Prefect of Yue, and Zhedong Training-and-Observation Commissioner. At the time the mountain bandit Li Heng incited the mountain Yue to revolt and captured Zhedong cities and districts. Su summoned prefectural troops to suppress and pacify them and recorded the affair in a work called Record of Pacifying the Barbarians, which he submitted. Emperor Dezong praised and rewarded him.
53
肅生三子，儔、休、俅，皆登進士第。
Su had three sons—Chou, Xiu, and Qiu—all of whom passed the jinshi examination.
54
休誌操堅正。 童齔時，兄弟同學於濟源別墅。 休經年不出墅門，晝講經籍，夜課詩賦。 虞人有以鹿贄儔者，儔、俅炰之，召休食。 休曰：「我等窮生，菜食不充，今日食肉，翌日何繼？ 無宜改饌。」 獨不食。 長慶中，從鄉賦登第，又應賢良方正，升甲科。 太和初，歷諸籓辟召，入為監察御史、右補闕、史館修撰。 會昌中，自尚書郎歷典數郡。
Xiu's will and conduct were firm and upright. When still a child the brothers studied together at the Jiyuan villa. Xiu for a whole year did not leave the villa gate; by day he lectured on the classics and at night worked on poetry and rhapsodies. A forester presented a deer to Chou as tribute; Chou and Qiu roasted it and summoned Xiu to eat. Xiu said, "We are poor by birth; vegetable food is not enough—if we eat meat today, what shall we follow tomorrow? We should not change the fare." He alone did not eat. In the Changqing era he passed the local examination and also answered the Exemplary and Upright examination, rising to first rank. At the beginning of Taihe he was repeatedly summoned to regional headquarters and entered court as Attending Censor, Right Remonstrator, and Historiographer. In the Huichang era, from Director in the Ministry of Revenue he passed through several prefectures.
55
大中初，累官戶部侍郎，充諸道鹽鐵轉運使，轉兵部侍郎，兼御史大夫，領使如故。 六年八月，以本官同平章事，判使如故。 自太和已來，重臣領使者，歲漕江、淮米不過四十萬石，能至渭河倉者十不三四。 漕吏狡蠹，敗溺百端。 官舟沈溺者，歲七十余只。 緣河奸史，大紊劉晏之法。 洎休領使，分命僚佐深按其弊。 因是所過地裏，悉令縣令兼董漕事，能者獎之。 自江津達渭口，以四十萬之傭，歲計緡錢二十八萬貫，悉使歸諸漕吏，巡院無得侵牟。 舉新法凡十條，奏行之，又立稅茶法二十條，奏行之，物議是之。
At the beginning of Dazhong he was repeatedly promoted to Vice Minister of Revenue, Commissioner of Salt and Iron Transport for All Circuits, then Vice Minister of War and concurrent Censor-in-Chief, continuing as commissioner. In the eighth month of the sixth year, with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister and continued as commissioner. Since Taihe, when heavy ministers directed the commission, yearly transport of Yangtze-Huai rice did not exceed four hundred thousand shi, and not even three or four tenths reached the Wei River granary. Transport clerks were crafty and corrupt; losses and drownings had a hundred aspects. Official boats that sank numbered more than seventy each year. Corrupt clerks along the river greatly disrupted Liu Yan's methods. When Xiu took charge he ordered subordinates to investigate the abuses deeply. Therefore in every place passed through he ordered magistrates to oversee transport affairs jointly and rewarded the capable. From the Yangtze ferry to the mouth of the Wei, of the four hundred thousand in hired labor, yearly calculation was twenty-eight thousand strings of cash, all given to transport clerks while patrol offices could not encroach. He established ten articles of new law and memorialized their implementation, and also established twenty articles of tea tax law and memorialized their implementation; public opinion approved.
56
初，休典使三歲，漕米至渭、河倉者一百二十萬斛，更無沈舟之弊。 累轉中書侍郎，兼禮部尚書。 休在相位五年。
At first, during Xiu's three years directing the commission, transported rice reaching the Wei and Yellow River granaries totaled 1.2 million hu, with no further loss from sunk boats. He was repeatedly transferred Vice Director of the Secretariat and concurrent Minister of Rites. Xiu was in the chief-minister position five years.
57
十年，罷相，檢校戶部尚書、汴州刺史、御史大夫，充宣武軍節度使。 其年冬，進階金紫光祿大夫、上柱國、河東縣子、食邑五百戶，守太子少保，分司東都。
In the tenth year he was removed as chief minister and appointed Acting Minister of Revenue, Prefect of Bian, Censor-in-Chief, and Xuanwu Military Commissioner. That winter he was promoted Golden Light Grand Master of Palace Attendance, Pillar of State, Baron of Hedong with a fief of five hundred households, and appointed Junior Protector of the Crown Prince, serving in the Eastern Capital branch.
58
十一年冬，檢校戶部尚書、潞州大都督府長史、御史大夫，充昭義節度、潞磁邢洺觀察使。 十三年十月，加檢校吏部尚書、太原尹、北都留守、河東節度觀察等使。 十四年八月，以本官兼鳳翔尹，充鳳翔隴州節度使。
In the winter of the eleventh year he was appointed Acting Minister of Revenue, Chief Administrator of Lu Superior Protectorate, Censor-in-Chief, and Zhaoyi Military Commissioner and Observer of Lu, Ci, Xing, Mo, and Guan. In the tenth month of the thirteenth year he was promoted Acting Minister of Personnel, Chief of Taiyuan, Northern Capital Garrison Commander, and Hedong Military Commissioner and Observer. In the eighth month of the fourteenth year, with his existing office he was made concurrent Chief of Fengxiang and Fengxiang-Long Military Commissioner.
59
咸通初，入為戶部尚書，累遷吏部尚書、太子少師，卒。
At the beginning of Xiantong he entered court as Minister of Revenue, was repeatedly promoted to Minister of Personnel and Junior Tutor of the Crown Prince, and died.
60
休性寬惠，為官不尚曒察，而吏民畏服。 善為文，長於書翰，自成筆法。 家世奉佛，休尤深於釋典。 太原、鳳翔近名山，多僧寺。 視事之隙，遊踐山林，與義學僧講求佛理。 中年後，不食葷血，常齋戒，屏嗜欲。 香爐貝典，不離齋中； 詠歌贊唄，以為法樂。 與尚書紇幹臯皆以法號相字。 時人重其高潔而鄙其太過，多以詞語嘲之，休不以為忤。
Xiu was generous and mild by nature; in office he did not delight in harsh scrutiny, yet clerks and people feared and submitted. He was good at writing and skilled in calligraphy, forming his own brush method. His family for generations honored Buddhism; Xiu was especially deep in Buddhist scriptures. Taiyuan and Fengxiang are near famous mountains with many monasteries. In the intervals of governing affairs he wandered among mountain forests and discussed Buddhist principles with scholar-monks. After middle age he did not eat flesh or blood, constantly kept fasts, and barred indulgence. Incense burners and shell sutras never left his fasting chamber; chanting hymns and praises he made his dharma music. He and Minister of Revenue Qian Gao styled each other by dharma names. People of the time respected his lofty purity yet scorned his excess; many mocked him in words, and Xiu did not take offense.
61
俅，字冠識，亦登進士第。 休子攴。
Qiu, styled Guanshi, also passed the jinshi examination. Xiu's son was Po.
62
楊收，字藏之，同州馮翊人。 自言隋越公素之後。 高祖悟虛，應賢良制科擢第，位終朔州司馬。 曾祖幼烈，位終寧州司馬。 祖藏器，邠州三水丞。 父遺直，位終濠州錄事參軍。 家世為儒，遺直客於蘇州，講學為事，因家於吳。 遺直生四子：發、假、收、嚴。
Yang Shou, styled Cangzhi, was a native of Fengyi in Tong Prefecture. He claimed descent from Sui's Duke of Yue, Su. His great-grandfather Wuxu passed the Exemplary special examination and ended as Assistant Administrator of Shuo Prefecture. His great-grandfather Youlie ended as Assistant Administrator of Ning Prefecture. His grandfather Zangqi served as Assistant Magistrate of Sanshui in Bin Prefecture. His father Yizhi ended as Recorder of Hao Prefecture. The family for generations were scholars; Yizhi lodged in Suzhou and made lecturing his occupation, thus settling the family in Wu. Yizhi had four sons: Fa, Jia, Shou, and Yan.
63
發，字至之，太和四年登進士第，又以書判拔萃，釋褐校書郎、湖南觀察推官，再辟西蜀從事。 入朝為監察，轉侍御史，累遷至禮部郎中。 大中三年，改左司郎中。
Fa, styled Zhizhi, in the fourth year of Taihe passed the jinshi examination and also distinguished himself in document judgment; upon leaving office he was proofreader and investigating officer of the Hunan Observation Commission, and twice served in the Western Shu staff. He entered court as Attending Censor, transferred Attending Censor, and was repeatedly promoted to Director in the Ministry of Rites. In the third year of Dazhong he was reassigned Left Bureau Director.
64
宣宗追尊順宗、憲宗等尊號，禮院奏廟中神主已題舊號，請改造及重題，詔禮官議。 發與都官郎中盧搏獻議曰：
When Emperor Xuanzong posthumously honored Emperor Shunzong, Xianzong, and others with exalted titles, the Ritual Office memorialized that spirit tablets in the temple already bore old titles and requested remaking and retitling; an edict ordered ritual officials to discuss. Fa and Director in the Ministry of Justice Lu Bo submitted an opinion saying:
65
今議者惟引東晉重造鄭太后神主事為證。 伏以鄭太后本瑯邪王妃，薨後已祔瑯邪邸廟。 其後，母以子貴，將升祔太廟。 賀循請重造新主，改題皇后之號，備禮告祔，當時用之。 伏以諸侯廟主與天子廟主長短不同。 若以王妃八寸之主上配至極，禮似不同。 時諂神貪君之私，用此謬禮，改造神主。 比量晉事，又絕非宜。 且宣懿非穆宗之後，實武宗之母。 母以子之貴，已祔別廟，正為得禮，饗薦無虧。 今若從祀至尊，題主稱為太后，因臣因子，正得其宜。 今乃別造新主，題去太字，即是穆宗上仙之後，臣下追致作殯之禮，瀆亂正經，實驚有識。
Those who now discuss the matter cite only the Eastern Jin remaking of Empress Dowager Zheng's spirit tablet as evidence. Consider that Empress Dowager Zheng was originally consort of the Prince of Langye; after her death she was already enshrined in the Langye mansion temple. Later, because the mother rose through the son's honor, she was to be elevated and enshrined in the Grand Temple. He Xun requested remaking a new tablet and changing the inscription to the title of empress, performing full rites to announce enshrinement; it was used at the time. Consider that feudal temple tablets and Son-of-Heaven temple tablets differ in length. If an eight-inch consort tablet is matched to the utmost pinnacle, the ritual seems unlike. At the time flatterers of spirits and greedy for the ruler's favor used this erroneous ritual and remade the spirit tablet. Comparing it with the Jin affair, it is again by no means fitting. Moreover Empress Dowager Xuanyi was not a descendant of Emperor Muzong but was in fact Emperor Wuzong's mother. Because the mother rose through the son's honor she was already enshrined in a separate temple—precisely obtaining ritual; offerings were not diminished. If she now follows in sacrificing to the utmost honored one and the tablet is titled Empress Dowager, through the minister following the son it is precisely fitting. Now to separately make a new tablet and remove the character for Grand is, after Emperor Muzong's ascension to immortality, for subordinates to pursue and perform funeral rites—defiling the correct classic and truly alarming the knowledgeable.
66
臣當時並列朝行，實知謬戾。 以漢律，擅論宗廟者以大不敬論，又其時無詔下議，遂默塞不敢出言。 今又欲重用東晉謬禮，穢媟聖朝大典。 猥蒙下問，敢不盡言。
Your subjects at the time stood together in the court procession and truly knew the error. By Han law, those who usurp discussion of the ancestral temple are judged great irreverence; moreover at the time no edict ordered discussion, so we silently blocked and dared not speak. Now they again wish to reuse the Eastern Jin's erroneous ritual, defiling and insulting the holy court's great canon. We humbly receive Your inquiry and dare not speak incompletely.
67
臣謹按國朝前例，甚有明文。 武德元年五月，備法駕於長安通義裏舊廟，奉迎宣簡公、懿王、景皇帝神主，升祔太廟。 既言於舊廟奉迎，足明必奉舊主。
Your subjects respectfully note that Our dynasty's former precedents have very clear text. In the fifth month of the first year of Wude, with full imperial equipage at the old temple in Tongyi Lane of Chang'an, spirit tablets of Duke Xuanjian, Prince Yi, and Emperor Jing were welcomed and elevated to enshrinement in the Grand Temple. Since it says welcoming from the old temple, it clearly shows old tablets must have been used.
68
其加謚追尊之禮，自古本無其事，自則天太后攝政之後累有之。 自此之後，數用其禮。 歷檢國史，並無改造重題之文。 若故事有之，無不書於簡冊。 臣等愚見，宜但告新謚於廟而止。 其改造重題之文，開元初，太常卿韋縚以高宗廟題武後神主雲「天後聖帝武氏」，縚奏請削去「天後聖帝」之號，別題雲「則天順聖皇后武氏」，詔從之。 即不知其時削舊題耶？ 重造主耶？ 亦不知用何代典禮？ 禮之疑者，決在宸衷。 以臣所見，但以新謚寶冊告陵廟，正得其宜。 改造重題，恐乖禮意。
The rites of adding posthumous titles and honoring exaltation—from antiquity originally there was no such affair; since Empress Dowager Wu's regency there have repeatedly been such cases. From then on the ritual has repeatedly been used. Examining the national history throughout, there is no text of remaking and retitling. If precedent existed, it would without fail be written in the bamboo slips and registers. Your subjects' humble view is that one should only announce the new posthumous title at the temple and stop. As for text of remaking and retitling—in the early Kaiyuan era Minister of Ceremonies Wei Zong, because Emperor Gaozong's temple tablet for Empress Wu read "Holy Emperor Wu of the Heavenly Empress," Zong memorialized requesting removal of the title "Holy Emperor of the Heavenly Empress" and separate inscription reading "Empress Wu of the Shun Sheng of Zetian," and an edict followed this. Then one does not know whether at the time the old inscription was cut away? Or a tablet was remade? Nor does one know what era's ritual canon was used? Where ritual is doubtful, the decision rests in the imperial heart. In your subjects' view, one need only announce the new posthumous treasure text at the tomb temple—precisely obtaining fitness. Remaking and retitling fears violating ritual intent.
69
時宰相覆奏就神主改題，而知禮者非之，以發議為是。
At the time the chief minister resubmitted retitling on the existing spirit tablet, and those who knew ritual disapproved, holding Fa's opinion correct.
70
改授太常少卿，出為蘇州刺史。 蘇，發之鄉里也。 恭長慈幼，人士稱之。 還，改福州刺史、福建觀察使。 甌閩之人，美其能政，耆老以善績聞。 朝廷以發長於邊事，移授廣州刺史、嶺南節度使。 屬前政不率，蠻、夏鹹怨； 發以嚴為理，軍亂，為軍人所囚，致於郵舍。 坐貶婺州刺史，卒於治所。
He was reassigned Vice Director of Ceremonies and sent out as Prefect of Su. Su was Fa's native place. Respectful to elders and kind to the young, scholars praised him. On returning he was reassigned Prefect of Fu and Fujian Observation Commissioner. People of Min praised his able governance; elders reported his good achievements. The court, because Fa was skilled in frontier affairs, transferred him Prefect of Guang and Lingnan Military Commissioner. The previous administration did not lead properly; barbarians and Xia alike resented; Fa governed with severity; the army mutinied and the soldiers imprisoned him, keeping him at the post station. He was demoted Prefect of Wu and died in his administration.
71
子乘，亦登進士第，有俊才，尤能為歌詩，歷顯職。
His son was Sheng, who also passed the jinshi examination, had outstanding talent, and was especially skilled at song and poetry, passing through prominent posts.
72
假，字仁之，進士擢第。 故相鄭覃刺華州，署為從事。 從覃鎮京口，得大理評事。 入為監察，轉侍御史。 由司封郎中知雜事，轉太常少卿。 出為常州刺史，卒官。
Jia, styled Renzhi, passed the jinshi selection. Former Chief Minister Zheng Tan governed Hua Prefecture and appointed him staff member. When Tan governed Jingkou, he obtained the post of Grand Court Assessor. He entered court as Attending Censor and transferred Attending Censor. From Director in the Ministry of Public Works with mixed duties he transferred Vice Director of Ceremonies. He was sent out as Prefect of Chang and died in office.
73
初，遺直娶元氏，生發、假。 繼室長孫氏，生收、嚴。
At first Yizhi married the Yuan clan and bore Fa and Jia. The second wife of the Zhangsun clan bore Shou and Yan.
74
收長六尺二寸，廣顙深頤，疏眉秀目； 寡言笑，方於事上，博聞強記。 初，家寄涔陽，甚貧。 收七歲喪父，居喪有如成人。 而長孫夫人知書，親自教授。 十三，略通諸經義，善於文詠，吳人呼為「神童」。 兄發戲令詠蛙，即曰：「兔邊分玉樹，龍底耀銅儀。 會當同鼓吹，不復問官私。」 又令詠筆，仍賦鉆字，即曰：「雖匪囊中物，何堅不可鉆？ 一朝操政事，定使冠三端。」 每良辰美景，吳人造門觀神童，請為詩什，觀者壓敗其籓。 收嘲曰：「爾幸無羸角，何用觸吾籓。 若是升堂者，還應自得門。」 收為母奉佛，幼不食肉，母亦勖之曰：「俟爾登進士第，可肉食也。」
Shou was six feet two inches tall, with broad forehead and deep chin, sparse brows and fine eyes; he spoke little and laughed little, was square in serving superiors, and was widely informed with a strong memory. At first the family lodged at Cenyang and was very poor. Shou lost his father at seven; in mourning he behaved like an adult. Lady Zhangsun knew books and personally taught him. At thirteen he had slight mastery of the classics' meaning and was skilled at literary composition; people of Wu called him the "Divine Child." Elder brother Fa playfully ordered him to compose on frogs, and he at once said, "By the rabbit jade trees divide, at the dragon's base bronze vessels shine. When the time comes we shall drum together—no longer asking public or private." Again he was ordered to compose on the brush and also compose on the character for drilling, and at once he said, "Though not a thing in the bag, what hardness cannot be drilled? Once handling government affairs, it will surely make one crown the three terminals." On every fine day and beautiful scene people of Wu crowded his gate to view the divine child and request poems; viewers crushed his fence. Shou mocked them, saying, "You are lucky to have no weak horns—why use them to touch my fence. If you are ones who ascend the hall, you should still gain the door yourselves." Shou honored Buddhism for his mother; from youth he did not eat meat, and his mother also urged him, saying, "Wait until you pass the jinshi examination—then you may eat meat."
75
收以仲兄假未登第，久之不從鄉賦。 開成末，假擢第； 是冬，收之長安，明年，一舉登第，年才二十六。
Because his second elder brother Jia had not yet passed the examination, Shou for a long time did not follow the local examination. At the end of Kaicheng Jia passed the selection; that winter Shou went to Chang'an, and the next year he passed in one attempt at age twenty-six.
76
時發為潤州從事，因家金陵。 收得第東歸，路由淮右，故相司徒杜悰鎮揚州，延收署節度推官，奏授校書郎。 悰領度支，以收為巡官。 悰罷相鎮東蜀，奏授掌書記，得協律郎。 悰移鎮西川，復管記室。 宰相馬植奏授渭南尉，充集賢校理，改監察御史。 收辭曰：「仆兄弟進退以義。 頃仲兄假鄉賦未第，收不出衡門。 今假從事侯府，仆不忍先為御史。 相公必欲振恤孤生，俟仆稟兄旨命可也。」 馬公嘉之。 收即密達意於西蜀杜公，願復為參佐，悰即表為節度判官。 馬公乃以收弟嚴為渭南尉、集賢校理，代收之任。
At the time Fa was staff member at Run Prefecture, thus the family settled in Jinling. When Shou passed the examination returning east, his route passed Huaiyou; former Chief Minister Minister of Education Du Cong governed Yang Prefecture and retained Shou as military commission investigating officer and memorialized appointment as proofreader. Cong directed the Revenue Bureau and used Shou as patrol officer. When Cong was removed as chief minister and governed Eastern Shu he memorialized Shou as secretary and obtained the post of Harmonizing Law Officer. When Cong moved to govern Western Chuan he again managed the secretariat. Chief Minister Ma Zhi memorialized appointment as Assistant Magistrate of Weinan and Collator of the Hall of Assembled Worthies, reassigned Attending Censor. Shou declined, saying, "We servants, brothers, advance and retreat by righteousness. Recently my second elder brother Jia's local examination did not pass; Shou did not leave his door. Now Jia serves in a marquis's headquarters; Shou cannot bear to become censor first. If the Chief Minister must uplift this orphaned life, wait until Shou receives elder brother's command." Lord Ma praised this. Shou at once secretly conveyed his intent to Lord Du in Western Shu, wishing again to serve as aide; Cong immediately memorialized him as military commission judge. Lord Ma then appointed Shou's younger brother Yan Assistant Magistrate of Weinan and Collator of the Hall of Assembled Worthies, replacing Shou's duties.
77
周墀罷相，鎮東蜀，表嚴為掌書記。 墀至鎮而卒，悰乃辟嚴為觀察判官。 兄弟同幕，為兩使判官，時人榮之。 俄而假自浙西觀察判官入為監察御史，收亦自西川入為監察。 兄弟並居憲府，特為新例。
When Zhou Chi was removed as chief minister and governed Eastern Shu he memorialized Yan as secretary. When Chi reached his command he died; Cong then summoned Yan as observation commission judge. The brothers served together on staff as judges for two commissioners; people of the time honored them. Soon Jia entered from Western Zhe observation commission judge as Attending Censor, and Shou also entered from Western Chuan as Attending Censor. The brothers both stood in the censorate—a special new case.
78
裴休作相，以收深於禮學，用為太常博士。 時收弟嚴亦自揚州從事入為監察。 尋丁母喪，歸蘇州。 既除，崔珙罷相，鎮淮南，以收為觀察支使。 入為侍御史，改職方員外郎，分司東都。 宰相夏侯孜領度支，用收為判官。 罷職，改司勛員外郎、長安令。 秩滿，改吏部員外郎。 上言先人未葬，旅殯毗陵，擬遷卜於河南之偃師，請兄弟自往。 從之。 及葬，東周會葬者千人。 時故府杜悰、夏侯孜皆在洛，二公聯薦收於執政。 宰相令狐綯用收為翰林學士，以庫部郎中知制誥，正拜中書舍人，賜金紫，轉兵部侍郎、學士承旨。 左軍中尉楊玄價以收宗姓，深左右之，乃加銀青光祿大夫、中書侍郎、同平章事，累遷門下侍郎、刑部尚書。
When Pei Xiu became chief minister, because Shou was deep in ritual learning he was used as Erudite of Ceremonies. At the time Shou's younger brother Yan also entered from Yang Prefecture staff as Attending Censor. Soon he entered mourning for his mother and returned to Suzhou. When mourning ended Cui Gong was removed as chief minister and governed Huainan; Shou was used as observation commission paymaster. He entered court as Attending Censor, reassigned Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of War, and served in the Eastern Capital branch. Chief Minister Xiahou Zi directed the Revenue Bureau and used Shou as judge. When dismissed from duty he was reassigned Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of War and Magistrate of Chang'an. When his term ended he was reassigned Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of Personnel. He submitted a memorial that his forebears were not yet buried and lay in temporary coffins at Biling; he planned to move burial to Yanshi in Henan and requested that the brothers go in person. The request was granted. At the burial more than a thousand people from eastern Zhou came to the funeral. At the time former headquarters lords Du Cong and Xiahou Zi were both in Luoyang; the two lords jointly recommended Shou to those in power. Chief Minister Linghu Tao used Shou as Hanlin Academician, with Director in the Treasury as Drafting Officer for Proclamations, formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat, granted gold and purple, transferred Vice Minister of War and Drafting Commissioner. Left Army Chief Eunuch Yang Xuanjia, because Shou shared the clan surname, deeply supported him; he was added Silver Light Grand Master of Palace Attendance, Vice Director of the Secretariat, and Associate Chief Minister, and repeatedly promoted Vice Director of the Secretariat and Minister of Justice.
79
收以交址未復，南蠻擾亂，請治軍江西，以壯出嶺之師。 乃於洪州置鎮南軍，屯兵積粟，以餉南海。 天子嘉之，進位尚書右僕射、太清太微宮使、弘文館大學士、晉陽縣男、食邑三百戶。
Because Jiaozhi was not yet recovered and southern barbarians disturbed order, Shou requested organizing an army in Jiangxi to strengthen the force crossing the ranges. Then at Hong Prefecture the Zhennan Army was established, troops were stationed and grain accumulated to supply the Southern Sea. The Son of Heaven praised this and promoted him Right Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, Commissioner of the Great Pure and Great Micro Palaces, Grand Academician of the Hall of Illustrious Culture, Baron of Jinyang with a fief of three hundred households.
80
收居位稍務華靡，頗為名輩所譏。 而門吏僮奴，倚為奸利。 時楊玄價弟兄掌機務，招來方鎮之賂，屢有請托，收不能盡從。 玄價以為背己，由是傾之。
In office Shou gradually pursued splendor and was much ridiculed by famous contemporaries. Yet gate clerks and servant boys relied on him for wicked profit. At the time Yang Xuanjia's brothers controlled critical affairs and solicited bribes from regional commands; there were repeated requests, and Shou could not fully comply. Xuanjia thought this betrayed himself and therefore undermined him.
81
八年十月，罷知政事，檢校工部尚書，出為宣歙觀察使。 韋保衡作相，又發收陰事，言前用嚴譔為江西節度，納賂百萬。 明年八月，貶為端州司馬，尋盡削官封，長流驩州。 又令內養郭全穆賫詔賜死。 九年三月十五日，全穆追及之，宣詔訖，收謂全穆曰：「收為宰相無狀，得死為幸。 心所悲者，弟兄淪喪將盡，只有弟嚴一人，以奉先人之祀。 予欲昧死上塵天聽，可容一刻之命，以俟秉筆乎？」 全穆許之。 收自書曰：
In the tenth month of the eighth year he was removed from governing affairs, appointed Acting Minister of Public Works, and sent out as Xuanchen Observer. When Wei Baoheng became chief minister he again exposed Shou's secret affairs, saying that earlier he had used Yan Zan as Jiangxi Military Commissioner and accepted a bribe of one million. In the eighth month of the next year he was demoted Assistant Administrator of Duan and soon stripped of all offices and titles and exiled far to Huan Prefecture. He was also ordered that Inner Attendant Guo Quanmu carry an edict granting death. On the fifteenth day of the third month of the ninth year Quanmu overtook him; when the edict was proclaimed Shou told Quanmu, "Shou as chief minister was worthless; to obtain death is fortune. What my heart grieves is that my brothers are nearly all ruined; only younger brother Yan remains to serve our forefathers' sacrifices. I wish, risking death, to dust the heavenly hearing—may I have a moment's life to await the brush?" Quanmu permitted it. Shou wrote himself:
82
全穆復奏，懿崇湣然宥嚴。 判官朱侃、常潾、閻均，族人楊公慶、嚴季實、楊全益、何師玄、李孟勛、馬全祐、李羽、王彥復等，皆配流嶺表。
Quanmu resubmitted and Emperor Yizong was moved and pardoned Yan. Secretaries Zhu Kan, Chang Lin, and Yan Jun, clansmen Yang Gongqing, Yan Jishi, Yang Quanyi, He Shixuan, Li Mengxun, Ma Quanyou, Li Yu, Wang Yanfu, and others were all sent to exile beyond the ranges.
83
收子鑒、鉅、鏻，皆登進士第。
Shou's sons Jian, Ju, and Lin all passed the jinshi examination.
84
鉅，乾寧初以尚書郎知制誥，召充翰林學士，拜中書舍人、戶部侍郎，封晉陽男、食邑三百戶。 從昭宗東遷，為左散騎常侍，卒。
Ju, at the beginning of Qianning as Director in the Ministry of Revenue directed proclamations, was summoned Hanlin Academician, appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat and Vice Minister of Revenue, enfeoffed Baron of Jinyang with a fief of three hundred households. Following Emperor Zhaozong east he served as Left Regular Attendant and died.
85
鏻，登第後補集賢校理，藍田尉。 乾寧中，累遷尚書郎。
Lin, after passing the examination supplemented Collator of the Hall of Assembled Worthies and Assistant Magistrate of Lantian. In the Qianning era he was repeatedly promoted to Director in the Ministry of Revenue.
86
嚴，字凜之，會昌四年進士擢第。 是歲僕射王起典貢部，選士三十人，嚴與楊知至、竇緘、源重、鄭樸五人試文合格，物議以子弟非之，起覆奏。 武宗敕曰：「楊嚴一人可及第，余四人落下。」 嚴釋褐諸侯府。 咸通中，累遷吏部員外，轉郎中，拜給事中、工部侍郎，尋以本官充翰林學士。 兄收作相，封章請外職，拜越州刺史、御史中丞、浙東團練觀察使。 收罷相貶官，嚴坐貶邵州刺史。 收得雪，嚴量移吉王傅。 乾符四年，累遷兵部侍郎。 五年，判度支。 其年病卒。 二子：涉、注。
Yan, styled Linzhi, in the fourth year of Huichang passed the jinshi selection. That year Vice Director Wang Qi presided over the examination department and selected thirty candidates; Yan with Yang Zhizhi, Dou Jian, Yuan Zhong, and Zheng Pu passed the literary test; public opinion criticized them as sons of officials; Qi resubmitted. Emperor Wuzong's edict read, "Yang Yan alone may pass; the other four are rejected." Yan left office in feudal headquarters. In the Xiantong era he was repeatedly promoted to Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of Personnel, transferred Director, appointed Supervising Censor and Vice Minister of Public Works, and soon with his existing office served as Hanlin Academician. When elder brother Shou became chief minister he submitted sealed memorial requesting an outer post and was appointed Prefect of Yue, Censor-in-Chief, and Zhedong Training-and-Observation Commissioner. When Shou was removed as chief minister and demoted, Yan was implicated and demoted Prefect of Shao. When Shou was cleared Yan was transferred in measure to Tutor of the Prince of Ji. In the fourth year of Qianfu he was repeatedly promoted to Vice Minister of War. In the fifth year he directed the Revenue Bureau. That year he died of illness. Two sons: She and Zhu.
87
涉，乾符二年登進士第。 昭宗朝，累遷吏部郎中、禮、刑二侍郎。 乾符四年，改吏部侍郎。 天祐初，轉左丞。 從昭宗遷洛陽，改吏部尚書。 輝王即位，本官平章事，加中書侍郎。 涉性端厚秉禮。 乾寧之後，賊臣竊發，王室浸微。 及天祐東遷，大事去矣。 涉為時所嬰，不能自退。 及命相之日，與家人相向灑泣曰：「吾不能脫此網羅，禍將至矣。」 謂其子凝式曰：「今日之命，吾家重不幸矣，必累爾等。」 涉謙退善處，竟以令終。
She, in the second year of Qianfu passed the jinshi examination. In the Zhaozong court he was repeatedly promoted to Director in the Ministry of Personnel and Vice Minister of Rites and Justice. In the fourth year of Qianfu he was reassigned Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel. At the beginning of Tianyou he was transferred Left Vice Director. Following Emperor Zhaozong to Luoyang he was reassigned Minister of Personnel. When Prince Hui acceded, with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister and was added Vice Director of the Secretariat. She was upright, thick, and observant of ritual. After Qianning treacherous ministers arose and the royal house gradually declined. When Tianyou moved east the great affair was lost. She was bound by the times and could not withdraw himself. On the day he was appointed chief minister he faced his family weeping together, saying, "I cannot escape this net; calamity will soon arrive." He told his son Ningshi, "Today's appointment is heavy misfortune for our family; it will surely implicate you all." She was modest and good at comportment and in the end had a good end.
88
注，中和二年進士登第。 昭宗朝，累官考功員外、刑部郎中。 尋知制誥，正拜中書舍人，召充翰林學士，累遷戶部侍郎。 輝王纘歷，兄涉為宰相，注避嫌辭內職，守戶部侍郎。
Zhu, in the second year of Zhonghe passed the jinshi examination. In the Zhaozong court he rose repeatedly to Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of Personnel and Director in the Ministry of Justice. Soon he directed proclamations, was formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat, summoned Hanlin Academician, and repeatedly promoted Vice Minister of Revenue. When Prince Hui succeeded the throne and elder brother She was chief minister, Zhu avoided suspicion and resigned inner duties, serving as Vice Minister of Revenue.
89
韋保衡者，字蘊用，京兆人。 祖元貞，父愨，皆進士登第。 愨，字端士，太和初登第，後累佐使府，入朝亟歷臺閣。 大中四年，拜禮部侍郎。 五年選士，頗得名人，載領方鎮節度，卒。
Wei Baoheng, styled Yunyong, was a native of the capital district. His grandfather Yuanzhen and father Que both passed the jinshi examination. Que, styled Duanshi, at the beginning of Taihe passed the examination and later repeatedly served in headquarters and entered court, quickly passing through the censorate. In the fourth year of Dazhong he was appointed Vice Minister of Rites. In the fifth year he selected candidates and obtained many famous men; he also served as regional military commissioner and died.
90
保衡，咸通五年登進士第，累拜起居郎。 十年正月，尚懿宗女同昌公主。 公主郭淑妃所生，妃有寵，出降之日，傾宮中珍玩以為贈送之資。 尋以保衡為翰林學士，轉郎中，正拜中書舍人、兵部侍郎，承旨。 不期年，以本官平章事。
Baoheng, in the fifth year of Xiantong passed the jinshi examination and was repeatedly appointed Attendant of the Palace Secretariat. In the first month of the tenth year he married Emperor Yizong's daughter, Princess Tongchang. The princess was born to Consort Guo Shufei; the consort was favored, and on the day of the marriage the palace's precious curios were emptied as dowry gifts. Soon Baoheng was made Hanlin Academician, transferred Director, formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat and Vice Minister of War, and Drafting Commissioner. Within less than a year, with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister.
91
保衡恃恩權，素所不悅者，必加排斥。 王鐸貢舉之師，蕭遘同門生，以素薄其為人，皆擯斥之。 以楊收、路巖在中書不加禮接，媒孽逐之。 自起居郎至宰相，二年之間，階至特進、扶風縣開國侯、食邑二千戶、集賢殿大學士。 十一年八月，公主薨，自後恩禮漸薄。 咸通末，淮、徐盜起，素所怨者發其陰事，保衡竟得罪賜死。
Baoheng relied on favor and power; those he disliked he always excluded. Wang Duo was his examination teacher and Xiao Zui his fellow student; because he had always thought little of them as men, he excluded them both. Because Yang Shou and Lu Yan were in the Secretariat and did not show him courtesy, he slandered and drove them away. From Attendant of the Palace Secretariat to chief minister, within two years his rank rose to Special Advancement, Marquis of Fufeng with a fief of two thousand households, and Grand Academician of the Hall of Assembled Worthies. In the eighth month of the eleventh year the princess died; thereafter favor gradually thinned. At the end of Xiantong, when Huai and Xu bandits arose, those he had long resented exposed his secret affairs and Baoheng in the end was condemned and ordered to die.
92
弟保乂，進士登第，尚書郎、知制誥，召充翰林學士，歷禮、戶、兵三侍郎、學士承旨。 坐保衡免官。
Younger brother Baoyi passed the jinshi examination, served Director in the Ministry of Revenue and Drafting Officer for Proclamations, was summoned Hanlin Academician, and passed through Vice Ministers of Rites, Revenue, and War and Drafting Commissioner. Because of Baoheng he was removed from office.
93
路巖者，字魯瞻，陽平寇氏人也。 祖季登，大歷六年登進士第，累辟諸侯府。 升朝為尚書郎，遷左諫議大夫，卒。 生三子，群、庠、單，皆登進士第。
Lu Yan, styled Luzhan, was a native of the Kou clan of Yangping. His grandfather Jideng, in the sixth year of Dali passed the jinshi examination and was repeatedly summoned to feudal headquarters. He entered court as Director in the Ministry of Revenue, was transferred Left Remonstrator, and died. He had three sons—Qun, Xiang, and Shan—all of whom passed the jinshi examination.
94
群，字正夫，既擢進士，又書判拔萃，累佐使府。 入朝為監察御史。 穆宗初即位，遣使西北邊犒宴軍士，稱旨，累加兵部郎中。 太和二年，遷諫議大夫，以本官充侍講學士。 四年，罷侍講為翰林學士。 五年，正拜中書舍人，學士如故。
Qun, styled Zhengfu, having passed the jinshi also distinguished himself in document judgment and repeatedly served in headquarters. He entered court as Attending Censor. When Emperor Muzong first acceded he was sent as envoy to feast frontier soldiers in the northwest and pleased the emperor; he was repeatedly promoted to Director in the Ministry of War. In the second year of Taihe he was transferred Remonstrator and with his existing office served as Lecturer-in-Attendance. In the fourth year he was removed as lecturer and made Hanlin Academician. In the fifth year he was formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat, continuing as academician.
95
群精經學，善屬文。 性仁孝，誌行貞潔。 父母歿後，終身不茹葷血。 歷踐臺閣，受時君異寵，未嘗以勢位自矜。 與士友結交，榮達如一。 八年正月病卒，君子惜之。 二子：嶽、巖，大中中相次進士登第。
Qun was skilled in classical learning and good at composing prose. By nature he was benevolent and filial, his will and conduct pure. After his parents died he never ate flesh or blood for the rest of his life. Passing through the censorate he received the contemporary ruler's special favor and never prided himself on power and rank. In befriending scholars and friends he treated honor and success the same. In the first month of the eighth year he died of illness; gentlemen regretted it. Two sons: Yue and Yan, who in Dazhong successively passed the jinshi examination.
96
巖，幼聰敏過人，父友踐方鎮，書幣交辟，久之方就。 數年之間，出入禁署。 累遷中書舍人、戶部侍郎。 咸通三年，以本官同平章事，年始三十六。 在相位八年，累兼左僕射。 懿宗時，王政多僻，宰臣用事。 巖既承委遇，稍務奢靡，頗通賂遺。 及韋保衡尚公主，素惡巖為人。 保衡作相，罷巖知政事，以檢校左僕射出為成都尹、劍南西川節度使。 未幾，改荊南節度。 詔令六月下峽赴鎮，尋復罷之。
Yan from youth was clever beyond others; his father's friends who served as regional commissioners repeatedly sent letters summoning him, and only after a long time did he go. Within several years he entered and left the forbidden secretariat. He was repeatedly promoted Gentleman of the Secretariat and Vice Minister of Revenue. In the third year of Xiantong, with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister at age thirty-six. In the chief-minister position eight years he was repeatedly concurrent Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works. In Emperor Yizong's time royal governance was often perverse and chief ministers wielded power. Yan, having received entrusted favor, gradually pursued extravagance and quite trafficked in bribes. When Wei Baoheng married the princess he had always disliked Yan as a man. When Baoheng became chief minister he removed Yan from governing affairs and sent him out as Acting Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, Chief of Chengdu, and Western Chuan Military Commissioner. Before long he was reassigned Jingnan Military Commissioner. An edict ordered him to leave the gorges in the sixth month and proceed to his command; soon he was again removed.
97
嶽，歷兩郡刺史，入為給事中。 子德延。
Yue served successively as prefect of two prefectures and entered court as Supervising Censor. His son was Deyan.
98
夏侯孜，字好學，本譙人。 父審封。 孜，寶歷二年登進士第，釋褐諸侯府，累遷婺、絳二郡刺史。 入為諫議大夫，轉給事中。 十年，改刑部侍郎。 十一年，兼御史中丞，遷尚書右丞、上柱國，賜紫金魚袋。 十一年二月，遷朝議大夫，守戶部侍郎，判戶部事。 再加兵部侍郎，充諸道鹽鐵轉運等使。 懿宗即位，以本官同平章事，領使如故。 累加左僕射、門下侍郎，封譙郡侯，與路巖、楊收同輔政。 咸通八年，罷相，檢校司空、同平章事，兼成都尹，充劍南西川節度使。 屬南蠻入寇，蜀中饑饉，軍儲不備，蠻陷巂州，蜀川大擾。 尋移孜為河中尹、檢校司徒、河中晉絳節度使。
Xiahou Zi, styled Haoxue, was originally from Qiao. His father was Shenfeng. Zi, in the second year of Baoli passed the jinshi examination, left office in feudal headquarters, and was repeatedly promoted Prefect of Wu and Jiang. He entered court as Remonstrator and transferred Supervising Censor. In the tenth year he was reassigned Vice Minister of Justice. In the eleventh year he was concurrent Censor-in-Chief, transferred Right Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue and Pillar of State, and granted the purple-gold fish pouch. In the second month of the eleventh year he was transferred Grand Master of the Court for Discussion, serving as Vice Minister of Revenue and Director of Revenue Bureau affairs. He was again added Vice Minister of War and Commissioner of Salt and Iron Transport for All Circuits. When Emperor Yizong acceded, with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister and continued as commissioner. He was repeatedly added Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works and Vice Director of the Secretariat and enfeoffed Marquis of Qiao; with Lu Yan and Yang Shou he jointly assisted governance. In the eighth year of Xiantong he was removed as chief minister, appointed Acting Minister of Works and Associate Chief Minister, concurrent Chief of Chengdu, and Western Chuan Military Commissioner. When southern barbarians invaded, Shu suffered famine and military stores were not prepared; the barbarians captured Xi Prefecture and the Sichuan region was greatly disturbed. Soon Zi was transferred Chief of Hezhong, Acting Minister of Education, and Hezhong-Jin-Jiang Military Commissioner.
99
九年，龐勛據徐州，南蠻深入。 天子懲孜治蜀無政，詔曰：
In the ninth year Pang Xun held Xu Prefecture and southern barbarians penetrated deeply. The Son of Heaven, reproaching Zi for governing Shu without effective policy, issued an edict saying:
100
未幾卒。
Before long he died.
101
子潭、澤，皆登進士第。 潭，累官至禮部侍郎。 中和三年選士，多至卿相。 子坦。
His sons Tan and Ze both passed the jinshi examination. Tan rose repeatedly to Vice Minister of Rites. In the third year of Zhonghe he selected candidates; many rose to chief ministers. His son was Tan.
102
劉瞻，字幾之，彭城人。 祖升，父景。 瞻，太和初進士擢第。 四年，又登博學宏詞科，歷佐使府。 咸通初升朝，累遷太常博士。 劉瑑作相，以宗人遇之，薦為翰林學士。 轉員外郎中，正拜中書舍人、戶部侍郎，承旨。 出為太原尹、河東節度使。 入拜京兆尹，復為戶部侍郎、翰林學士。 十年，以本官同平章事，加中書侍郎，兼刑部尚書、集賢殿大學士。
Liu Zhan, styled Jizhi, was a native of Pengcheng. His grandfather was Sheng and his father Jing. Zhan, at the beginning of Taihe passed the jinshi selection. In the fourth year he also passed the Broad Learning and Grand Words examination and repeatedly served in headquarters. At the beginning of Xiantong he entered court and was repeatedly promoted to Erudite of Ceremonies. When Liu Zhuan became chief minister he treated him as a clansman and recommended him Hanlin Academician. He transferred Outer Court Attendant and Director, was formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat and Vice Minister of Revenue, and Drafting Commissioner. He was sent out Chief of Taiyuan and Hedong Military Commissioner. He entered court as Chief of the Capital and again became Vice Minister of Revenue and Hanlin Academician. In the tenth year, with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister, added Vice Director of the Secretariat, concurrent Minister of Justice, and Grand Academician of the Hall of Assembled Worthies.
103
十一年八月，同昌公主薨，懿宗尤嗟惜之。 以翰林醫官韓宗召、康仲殷等用藥無效，收之下獄。 兩家宗族，枝蔓盡捕三百余人，狴牢皆滿。 瞻召諫官令上疏，無敢極言。 瞻自上疏曰：
In the eighth month of the eleventh year Princess Tongchang died and Emperor Yizong especially lamented her. Because Hanlin medical officers Han Zongzhao, Kang Zhongyin, and others used medicine without effect, they were arrested and imprisoned. The two families' clans and branches—all more than three hundred persons—were captured; the prisons were full. Zhan summoned remonstrators and ordered them to submit memorials; none dared speak to the utmost. Zhan himself submitted a memorial saying:
104
自陛下雷霆一怒，朝野震驚，囚九族於狴牢，因兩人之藥誤。 老幼械系三百余人，咸云：「宗召荷恩之日，寸祿不沾，進藥之時，又不同議。 此乃禍從天降，罪匪己為。」 物議沸騰，道路嗟嘆。
Since Your Majesty's thunderous rage, court and countryside were shaken; nine clans were imprisoned and because of two men's mistaken medicine. Old and young in shackles, more than three hundred persons, all said, "On the day Zongzhao received grace not a foot of salary was touched; when medicine was administered he likewise did not jointly discuss. This is calamity falling from heaven—the crime is not self-wrought." Public opinion boiled and people on the roads sighed.
105
陛下以寬仁厚德，禦宇十年，四海萬邦，鹹歌聖政。 何事遽移前誌，頓易初心。 以達理知命之君，涉肆暴不明之謗。 且殉宮女而違道，囚平人而結冤，此皆陛下安不思危，忿不顧難者也。
Your Majesty, with generous benevolence and thick virtue, has ruled the realm ten years; within the four seas and ten thousand states all sing of sacred governance. Why suddenly shift the former resolve and abruptly change the original heart? For a ruler who knows fate through reason, to involve reckless cruelty and unclear blame. Moreover to follow a palace woman's death against the Way and imprison common people to knot enmity—these are cases where Your Majesty is secure without thinking of danger and angry without considering difficulty.
106
陛下信崇釋典，留意生天，大要不過喜舍慈悲，方便布施，不生惡念，所謂福田。 則業累盡消，往生忉利，比居濁惡，未可同年。 伏望陛下盡釋系囚，易怒為喜，虔奉空王之教，以資愛主之靈。 中外臣僚，同深懇激。
Your Majesty trusts and honors the Buddhist canon and attends to rebirth in heaven; the great essentials are nothing beyond delighting in giving, compassion, convenient generosity, and not giving rise to evil thoughts—the so-called field of merit. Then accumulated karma is entirely extinguished and one is reborn in Trayastrimsha—compared with dwelling in turbid wickedness it cannot be matched in the same year. We humbly hope Your Majesty will fully release the imprisoned, easily change anger to joy, and reverently follow the Empty King's teaching to support the spirit of loving the ruler. Inside and outside, ministers and officials alike deeply urge this.
107
帝閱疏大怒，即日罷瞻相位，檢校刑部尚書、同平章事、江陵尹，充荊南節度等使。 再貶康州刺史，量移虢州刺史。 入朝為太子賓客分司。 翰林學士戶部侍郎鄭畋、右諫議大夫高湘、比部郎中知制誥楊知至、禮部郎中魏纻、兵部員外張顏、刑部員外崔彥融、御史中丞孫瑝等，皆坐瞻親善貶逐。 京兆尹溫璋仰藥而卒。
The emperor read the memorial and was greatly enraged; that same day Zhan was removed from the chief-minister post and appointed Acting Minister of Justice, Associate Chief Minister, Chief of Jiangling, and Jingnan Military Commissioner. He was again demoted Prefect of Kang and transferred in measure to Prefect of Guo. He entered court as Crown Prince Guest serving in the branch office. Hanlin Academician and Vice Minister of Revenue Zheng Tian, Right Remonstrator Gao Xiang, Director in the Ministry of Revenue and Drafting Officer Yang Zhizhi, Director in the Ministry of Rites Wei Xu, Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of War Zhang Yan, Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of Justice Cui Yanrong, and Censor-in-Chief Sun Huang—all because of close friendship with Zhan—were demoted and sent away. Chief of the Capital Wen Zhang took poison and died.
108
劉瑑者，彭城人。 祖璠，父煟。 瑑，開成初進士擢第。 會昌末，累遷尚書郎、知制誥，正拜中書舍人。 大中初，轉刑部侍郎。 瑑精於法律，選大中以前二百四十四年制敕可行用者二千八百六十五條，分為六百四十六門，議其輕重，別成一家法書，號《大中統類》，奏行用之。 出為河南尹，遷檢校工部尚書、汴州刺史、宣武軍節度使。 十一年五月，加檢校禮部尚書、太原尹、北都留守、河東節度觀察等使。 其年十二月入朝，拜戶部侍郎，判度支。 尋以本官同平章事，領使如故。 十二年，累加集賢殿大學士。 罷相，又歷方鎮，卒。 弟頊，亦登進士第。
Liu Zhuan was a native of Pengcheng. His grandfather was Fan and his father Wei. Zhuan, at the beginning of Kaicheng passed the jinshi selection. At the end of Huichang he was repeatedly promoted Director in the Ministry of Revenue, Drafting Officer for Proclamations, and formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat. At the beginning of Dazhong he was transferred Vice Minister of Justice. Zhuan was skilled in law; he selected from two hundred forty-four years before Dazhong two thousand eight hundred sixty-five enforceable edicts and orders, divided them into six hundred forty-six categories, weighed their severity, and formed a separate legal work called Comprehensive Categories of the Dazhong Era, which he memorialized for use. He was sent out Chief of Henan, transferred Acting Minister of Public Works, Prefect of Bian, and Xuanwu Military Commissioner. In the fifth month of the eleventh year he was added Acting Minister of Rites, Chief of Taiyuan, Northern Capital Garrison Commander, and Hedong Military Commissioner and Observer. In the twelfth month of that year he entered court and was appointed Vice Minister of Revenue and Director of the Revenue Bureau. Soon with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister and continued as commissioner. In the twelfth year he was repeatedly added Grand Academician of the Hall of Assembled Worthies. Removed as chief minister he again passed through regional commands and died. His younger brother was Xu, who also passed the jinshi examination.
109
曹確，字剛中，河南人。 父景伯，貞元十九年進士擢第，又登制科。 確，開成二年登進士第，歷聘籓府。 入朝為侍御史，以工部員外郎知制誥，轉郎中，入內署為學士，正拜中書舍人，賜金紫，權知河南尹事。 入為兵部侍郎。 咸通五年，以本官同平章事，加中書侍郎、監修國史。
Cao Que, styled Gangzhong, was a native of Henan. His father Jingbo, in the nineteenth year of Zhenyuan passed the jinshi selection and also passed the special examination. Que, in the second year of Kaicheng passed the jinshi examination and repeatedly served in frontier headquarters. He entered court as Attending Censor, as Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of Public Works directed proclamations, transferred Director, entered the inner secretariat as academician, was formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat, granted gold and purple, and acted as Chief of Henan. He entered court as Vice Minister of War. In the fifth year of Xiantong, with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister, added Vice Director of the Secretariat, and Supervisor of the National History.
110
確精儒術，器識謹重，動循法度。 懿宗以伶官李可及為威衛將軍，確執奏曰：「臣覽貞觀故事，太宗初定官品令，文武官共六百四十三員，顧謂房玄齡曰：『朕設此官員，以待賢士。 工商雜色之流，假令術逾儕類，止可厚給財物，必不可超授官秩，與朝賢君子比肩而立，同坐而食。』 太和中，文宗欲以樂官尉遲璋為王府率，拾遺竇洵直極諫，乃改授光州長史。 伏乞以兩朝故事，別授可及之官。」 帝不之聽。
Que was skilled in Confucian learning, his capacity and judgment careful and weighty, his actions always following law and measure. Emperor Yizong made the actor Li Keji Wei Guard General; Que resolutely submitted, saying, "Your subject has reviewed Zhenguan precedents: when Emperor Taizong first fixed the official rank statute, civil and military officials totaled six hundred forty-three posts; he looked at Fang Xuanling and said, 'We establish these official posts to await worthy men. For merchants, artisans, and miscellaneous classes—even if skill surpasses their kind—they may richly receive goods and wealth but must not be promoted beyond official rank to stand shoulder to shoulder with court worthies and gentlemen, sitting and eating together.' In the Taihe era Emperor Wenzong wished to make the musician Yuchi Zhang Rate of the Princely Household; Reminder Dou Xunzhi remonstrated to the utmost and he was instead appointed Chief Administrator of Guang. I humbly beg that by the two courts' precedents Keji be separately granted another office." The emperor did not listen.
111
可及善音律，尤能轉喉為新聲，音辭曲折，聽者忘倦。 京師屠沽效之，呼為「拍彈」。 同昌公主除喪後，帝與淑妃思念不已。 可及乃為《嘆百年舞曲》。 舞人珠翠盛飾者數百人，畫魚龍地衣，用官騑五千匹。 曲終樂闋，珠璣覆地，詞語淒惻，聞者涕流，帝故寵之。 嘗於安國寺作《菩薩蠻舞》，如佛降生，帝益憐之。 可及嘗為子娶婦，帝賜酒二銀樽，啟之非酒，乃金翠也。 人無敢非之者，唯確與中尉西門季玄屢論之，帝猶顧待不衰。 僖宗即位，崔彥昭奏逐之，死於嶺表。
Keji was skilled in music and especially able to turn the throat into new sounds; the words and tones were twisting and listeners forgot weariness. Butchers and wine sellers in the capital imitated this and called it "patting and plucking." After Princess Tongchang's mourning ended the emperor and Consort Shufei missed her endlessly. Keji then composed the dance "Lament for a Hundred Years." Several hundred dancers wore pearl and jade adornments; a carpet painted with fish and dragons was made using five thousand palace steeds. When the song ended and music ceased pearls and gems covered the ground; the words were mournful and listeners wept; the emperor therefore favored him. He once at Anguo Temple performed the "Bodhisattva Barbarian" dance like the Buddha's birth; the emperor favored him still more. Keji once arranged a marriage for his son; the emperor bestowed two silver goblets—when opened they were not wine but gold and kingfisher feathers. No one dared criticize except Que and Chief Eunuch Ximen Jixuan, who repeatedly argued; the emperor still favored him without decline. When Emperor Xizong acceded Cui Yanzhao memorialized to expel him and he died beyond the ranges.
112
確累加右僕射，判度支事。 在相位六年。 九年罷相，檢校司徒、平章事、潤州刺史、鎮海軍節度觀察等使。 以出師扞龐勛功，就加太子太師。 弟汾，亦進士登第，累官尚書郎、知制誥，正拜中書舍人。 出為河南尹，遷檢校工部尚書、許州刺史、忠武軍節度觀察等使。 入為戶部侍郎，判度支。 弟兄並列將相之任，人士榮之。
Que was repeatedly added Right Vice Director of the Ministry of Works and Director of Revenue Bureau affairs. In the chief-minister position six years. In the ninth year he was removed as chief minister, appointed Acting Minister of Education, Associate Chief Minister, Prefect of Run, and Zhenhai Military Commissioner and Observer. For merit in dispatching troops against Pang Xun he was promoted Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince. Younger brother Fen also passed the jinshi examination, rose repeatedly to Director in the Ministry of Revenue and Drafting Officer for Proclamations, and was formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat. He was sent out Chief of Henan, transferred Acting Minister of Public Works, Prefect of Xu, and Zhongwu Military Commissioner and Observer. He entered court as Vice Minister of Revenue and Director of the Revenue Bureau. The brothers both held posts of general and chief minister; scholars honored them.
113
確與畢諴俱以儒術進用，及居相位，廉儉貞苦，君子多之，稱為曹、畢。
Que and Bi Xian both advanced through Confucian learning; in the chief-minister position they were frugal, upright, and bitterly austere—gentlemen greatly esteemed them and called them Cao and Bi.
114
畢諴者，字存之，鄆州須昌人也。 伯祖構，高宗時吏部尚書。 構弟栩，酆王府司馬，生淩。 淩為汾州長史，生勻，為協律郎。 勻生諴，少孤貧，燃薪讀書，刻苦自勵。 既長，博通經史，尤能歌詩。 端愨好古，交遊不雜。 太和中，進士擢第，又以書判拔萃，尚書杜悰鎮許昌，辟為從事。 悰領度支，諴為巡官。 悰鎮揚州，又從之。 悰入相，諴為監察，轉侍御史。
Bi Xian, styled Cunzhi, was a native of Xuchang in Yan Prefecture. Great-uncle Gou served as Minister of Personnel in Emperor Gaozong's time. Gou's younger brother Xu was Prince of Feng's household marshal and begot Ling. Ling served as Chief Administrator of Fen and begot Yun, who was Harmonizing Law Officer. Yun begot Xian, who from youth was orphaned and poor, burned firewood to read books, and strove bitterly to encourage himself. When grown he was broadly versed in the classics and histories and especially skilled at song and poetry. Upright and fond of antiquity, his associations were not mixed. In the Taihe era he passed the jinshi selection and also distinguished himself in document judgment; Minister Du Cong governed Xuchang and summoned him as staff member. When Cong directed the Revenue Bureau Xian served as patrol officer. When Cong governed Yang Prefecture Xian followed him. When Cong entered the chief-minister post Xian served as Attending Censor and transferred Attending Censor.
115
武宗朝，宰相李德裕專政，出悰為東蜀節度。 悰之故吏，莫敢餞送問訊，唯諴無所顧慮，問遺不絕。 德裕怒，出諴為磁州刺史。 宣宗即位，德裕得罪，凡被譴者皆征還。 諴入為戶部員外郎，分司東都，歷駕部員外郎、倉部郎中。 故事，勢門子弟，鄙倉、駕二曹，居之者不悅。 唯諴受命，恬然恭遜，口無異言，執政多之。 改職方郎中，兼侍御史知雜。 其年。 召為翰林學士、中書舍人，遷刑部侍郎。
In Emperor Wuzong's court Chief Minister Li Deyu monopolized governance and sent Cong out as Eastern Shu Military Commissioner. Cong's former clerks dared not see him off or inquire after him; only Xian had no such concern and his visits and gifts never ceased. Deyu was angry and sent Xian out as Prefect of Ci. When Emperor Xuanzong acceded Deyu was condemned; all who had been punished were recalled. Xian entered court as Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of Revenue, serving in the Eastern Capital branch, and passed through Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of Tributary Carriages and Director in the Ministry of Granaries. By precedent sons of powerful gates despised the Granaries and Tributary Carriages bureaus; those who held them were displeased. Only Xian accepted appointment, calm and respectful, with no unusual words; those in power greatly approved. He was reassigned Director in the Ministry of War and concurrent Attending Censor with mixed duties. That year. He was summoned Hanlin Academician and Gentleman of the Secretariat and transferred Vice Minister of Justice.
116
自大中末，党項羌叛，屢擾河西。 宣宗召學士對邊事。 諴即援引古今，論列破羌之狀。 上悅，曰：「吾方擇能帥，安集河西，不期頗、牧在吾禁署，卿為朕行乎？」 諴忻然從命，即用諴為邠寧節度、河西供軍安撫等使。 諴至軍，遣使告喻叛徒，諸羌率化。 又以邊境禦戎，以兵多積谷為上策。 乃召募軍士，開置屯田，歲收谷三十萬石，省度支錢數百萬。 詔書嘉之，就加檢校工部尚書，移鎮澤潞，充昭義節度使。 二年，改太原尹、北都留守、河東節度使。 太原近胡，九姓為亂。 諴明賞罰，謹斥候，期年，諸部革心。 就加檢校尚書左僕射，移授汴州刺史，充宣武軍節度、宋亳汴觀察等使。 其年，入為戶部尚書，領度支。 月余，改禮部尚書，同平章事，累遷中書侍郎、兵部尚書、集賢大學士。
From the end of Dazhong the Tangut tribes rebelled and repeatedly disturbed Hexi. Emperor Xuanzong summoned academicians to discuss frontier affairs. Xian at once cited ancient and modern examples and laid out the form of breaking the Qiang. The emperor was pleased and said, "We are just choosing an able commander to settle and gather Hexi—unexpectedly Po and Mu are in Our forbidden secretariat; will you, minister, go for Us?" Xian gladly accepted the command and was at once appointed Binning Military Commissioner and Hexi Supply Army Pacification Commissioner. When Xian reached the army he sent envoys to announce and admonish the rebels; the various Qiang submitted to transformation. Also, for frontier defense against barbarians, accumulating much grain with many troops was the upper strategy. Then he recruited soldiers and opened garrison farms; yearly harvest was three hundred thousand shi of grain, saving several million strings from the Revenue Bureau. An edict praised this and he was promoted Acting Minister of Public Works and transferred to govern Ze-Lu as Zhaoyi Military Commissioner. In the second year he was reassigned Chief of Taiyuan, Northern Capital Garrison Commander, and Hedong Military Commissioner. Taiyuan is near the Hu; the nine surnames made disorder. Xian made rewards and punishments clear and kept scouts strict; within a year the various tribes changed heart. He was promoted Acting Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works and transferred Prefect of Bian, serving as Xuanwu Military Commissioner and Song-Bo-Bian Observer. That year he entered court as Minister of Revenue and directed the Revenue Bureau. After more than a month he was reassigned Minister of Rites and Associate Chief Minister, repeatedly promoted Vice Director of the Secretariat, Minister of War, and Grand Academician of the Hall of Assembled Worthies.
117
在相位三年，十月以疾固辭位，詔守兵部尚書，以其本官同平章事，出鎮河中。 十二月二十三日，卒於鎮，時年六十二。
In the chief-minister position three years; in the tenth month he firmly declined the post because of illness; an edict ordered him to serve as Minister of War with his existing office as Associate Chief Minister and sent him out to govern Hezhong. On the twenty-third day of the twelfth month he died in his command at age sixty-two.
118
諴謹重，長於文學，尤精吏術。 在相位，以同官任情不法，固辭而免，君子美之。
Xian was careful and weighty, skilled in literature, and especially expert in administrative technique. In the chief-minister position, because fellow ministers acted at will against law, he firmly declined and was removed—gentlemen praised this.
119
子紹顏、知顏，登進士第，累歷顯官。
His sons Shaoyan and Zhiyan passed the jinshi examination and repeatedly held prominent posts.
120
杜審權，字殷衡，京兆人也。 國初萊成公如晦六代孫。 祖佐，位終大理正。 佐生二子：元潁、元絳。
Du Shenquan, styled Yinheng, was a native of the capital district. He was sixth-generation descendant of Duke Lai Cheng Ruhui of the founding era. His grandfather Zuo ended as Director of the Court of Judicial Review. Zuo had two sons: Yuanying and Yuanjiang.
121
元潁，穆宗朝宰相。 絳位終太子賓客。 絳生二子：審權、蔚，並登進士第。
Yuanying was chief minister in Emperor Muzong's court. Jiang ended as Crown Prince Guest. Jiang had two sons: Shenquan and Wei, both of whom passed the jinshi examination.
122
審權，釋褐江西觀察判官，又以書判拔萃，拜右拾遺，轉左補闕。 大中初，遷司勛員外郎，轉郎中知雜。 又以本官知制誥，正拜中書舍人。 十年，權知禮部貢舉。 十一年，選士三十人，後多至達官。 正拜禮部侍郎。 其年冬，出為陜州大都督府長史、陜虢都團練觀察使，加檢校戶部尚書、河中尹、河中晉絳節度使。
Shenquan, upon leaving office, served as judge of the Jiangxi Observation Commission; with distinguished performance in document judgment he was appointed Right Reminder and transferred Left Remonstrator. At the beginning of Dazhong he was transferred Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of War and Director with mixed duties. Again with his existing office he directed proclamations and was formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat. In the tenth year he acted as Director of the Ministry of Rites examination. In the eleventh year he selected thirty candidates; many later reached high office. He was formally appointed Vice Minister of Rites. That winter he was sent out Chief Administrator of Shaan Superior Protectorate, Shaan-Guo Training-and-Observation Commissioner, Acting Minister of Revenue, Chief of Hezhong, and Hezhong-Jin-Jiang Military Commissioner.
123
懿宗即位，召拜吏部尚書。 三年，以本官同平章事，累加門下侍郎、右僕射。 九年罷相，檢校司空，兼潤州刺史、鎮海軍節度使、蘇杭常等州觀察使。
When Emperor Yizong acceded he was summoned and appointed Minister of Personnel. In the third year, with his existing office he became Associate Chief Minister and was repeatedly added Vice Director of the Secretariat and Right Vice Director of the Ministry of Works. In the ninth year he was removed as chief minister, appointed Acting Minister of Works, concurrent Prefect of Run, Zhenhai Military Commissioner, and Observer of Su, Hang, and Chang prefectures.
124
時徐州戍將龐勛自桂州擅還，據徐、泗，大擾淮南。 審權與淮南節度使令狐綯、荊南節度使崔鉉，奉詔出師，掎角討賊； 而浙西饋運不絕，繼破徐戎。 賊平，召拜尚書左僕射。 十一年，制曰：
At the time Xu garrison general Pang Xun on his own returned from Guiz Prefecture, held Xu and Si, and greatly disturbed Huainan. Shenquan with Huainan Military Commissioner Linghu Tao and Jingnan Military Commissioner Cui Xuan, by edict dispatched troops, pincered and attacked the bandits; yet Zhexi supply transport never ceased and they successively broke the Xu rebels. When the bandits were pacified he was summoned and appointed Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works. In the eleventh year an edict read:
125
數年以本官兼許州刺史、忠武軍節度觀察等使，入為太子太傅，分司東都。 卒，贈太師，謚曰德。
For several years with his existing office he was concurrent Prefect of Xu and Zhongwu Military Commissioner and Observer; he entered court as Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, serving in the Eastern Capital branch, and died. He was posthumously granted Grand Preceptor with the posthumous title De.
126
三子：讓能、彥林、弘徽。
Three sons: Rangneng, Yanlin, and Honghui.
127
讓能，咸通十四年登進士第，釋褐咸陽尉。 宰相王鐸鎮汴，奏為推官。 入為長安尉、集賢校理。 丁母憂，以孝聞。 服闋，淮南節度使劉鄴辟掌記室，得殿中，賜緋。 入為監察。 牛蔚鎮興元，奏為節度判官。 入為右補闕，歷侍御史、起居郎、禮部、兵部員外郎。 蕭遘領度支，以本官判度支案。
Rangneng, in the fourteenth year of Xiantong passed the jinshi examination and left office as Assistant Magistrate of Xianyang. Chief Minister Wang Duo governed Bian and memorialized him as investigating officer. He entered court as Assistant Magistrate of Chang'an and Collator of the Hall of Assembled Worthies. He entered mourning for his mother and was known for filial piety. When mourning ended Huainan Military Commissioner Liu Ye summoned him to manage the secretariat; he obtained Palace Attendance and was granted crimson. He entered court as Attending Censor. Niu Wei governed Xingyuan and memorialized him as military commission judge. He entered court as Right Remonstrator and passed through Attending Censor, Attendant of the Palace Secretariat, and Outer Court Attendant in the Ministries of Rites and War. Xiao Zui directed the Revenue Bureau and with his existing office judged Revenue Bureau cases.
128
黃巢犯京師，奔赴行在，拜禮部郎中、史館修撰。 尋以本官知制誥，正拜中書舍人。 謝日，面賜金紫之服，尋召充翰林學士。 六飛在蜀，關東用兵，征發招懷，書詔雲委。
When Huang Chao attacked the capital he rushed to the traveling palace and was appointed Director in the Ministry of Rites and Historiographer. Soon with his existing office he directed proclamations and was formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat. On the day of thanks he was personally granted gold and purple robes; soon he was summoned Hanlin Academician. When the imperial carriage was in Shu, east of the Pass troops were raised; recruitment, conscription, and soothing filled edicts and proclamations.
129
讓能詞才敏速，筆無點竄，動中事機，僖宗嘉之，累遷戶部侍郎。 從駕還京，加禮部尚書，進階銀青光祿大夫，封建平縣開國子，食邑五百戶。 轉兵部尚書、學士承旨。
Rangneng's literary talent was quick; his brush needed no correction and he always hit the moment's need; Emperor Xizong praised this and repeatedly promoted him Vice Minister of Revenue. When the carriage returned to the capital he was added Minister of Rites, promoted Silver Light Grand Master of Palace Attendance, enfeoffed Baron of Jianping with a fief of five hundred households. He transferred Minister of War and Drafting Commissioner.
130
沙阤逼京師，僖宗蒼黃出幸。 是夜，讓能宿直禁中，聞難作，步出從駕。 出城十餘里，得遺馬一匹，無羈勒，以紳束首而乘之。 駕在鳳翔，朱玫兵遽至； 僖宗急幸寶雞，近臣唯讓能獨從。 翌日。 孔緯等六七人至。 邠師攻關，帝幸梁、漢，棧道為石協所毀，崎嶇險阻之間，不離左右。 帝顧謂之曰：「朕之失道，再致播遷。 險難之中，卿常在側，古所謂忠於所事，卿無負矣！」 讓能謝曰：「臣家世歷重任，蒙國厚恩，陛下不以臣愚，擢居近侍。 臨難茍免，臣之恥也； 獲扞牧圉，臣之幸也。」 至褒中，加金紫光祿大夫，改兵部侍郎，同平章事。
When Shatuo pressed the capital Emperor Xizong fled in haste. That night Rangneng was on night duty in the forbidden palace; hearing trouble arise he walked out to follow the carriage. More than ten li outside the city he obtained a stray horse; without bridle or reins he bound its head with his sash and rode it. When the carriage was at Fengxiang Zhu Mei's troops suddenly arrived; Emperor Xizong hastely went to Baoji; among close ministers only Rangneng followed alone. The next day. Kong Wei and six or seven others arrived. When Bin troops attacked the Pass the emperor went to Liang and Han; the plank road was destroyed by Shi Xie; amid rugged peril he never left the emperor's side. The emperor turned to him and said, "Our losing the Way twice caused exile. Amid danger and hardship you were always at Our side—what antiquity calls loyalty to one's charge; you have not failed Us!" Rangneng declined, saying, "Your subject's family for generations held heavy responsibility and received the state's thick grace; Your Majesty did not think your subject foolish and promoted him to close attendance. To escape in crisis would be your subject's shame; to be able to guard the ruler's carriage is your subject's fortune." When they reached Bao he was added Golden Light Grand Master of Palace Attendance, reassigned Vice Minister of War, and Associate Chief Minister.
131
時朱玫立襄王稱制，天下牧伯附之者十六七，貢賦殆絕。 朝士才十數人，行帑無寸金，衛兵不宿飽。 帝垂泣側席，無如之何。 讓能首陳大計，請以重臣使河中，諭王重榮以大義，果承詔請雪，以圖討逆。 京師平，拜特進、中書侍郎，兼兵部尚書、集賢殿大學士，進封襄陽郡開國公，食邑二千戶。 駕在鳳翔，李昌符作亂，倏然變起，讓能單步入侍。 時朝臣受偽署者眾，法司請行極法，以戒事君。 讓能固爭之，獲全者十七八。 昭宗纂嗣，賜「扶危啟運保乂功臣」，加開府儀同三司、尚書左僕射，封晉國公，增邑千戶，仍賜鐵券。 誅秦宗權，許、蔡平定，加司空、門下侍郎、監修國史。 昭宗郊禮畢，進位司徒、太清宮使、弘文館大學士、延資庫使、諸道鹽鐵轉運等使，加食邑一千戶。 明年，冊拜太尉，加食邑一千戶。
At the time Zhu Mei established the Prince of Xiang as regent; regional shepherds who joined numbered sixteen or seventeen and tribute nearly ceased. Court scholars numbered only a dozen or so; traveling treasury had not a foot of gold and guard soldiers did not sleep full. The emperor wept on the side of the mat and had no remedy. Rangneng first stated the great plan, requesting that a heavy minister be sent to Hezhong to explain the great principle to Wang Chongrong, who indeed accepted the edict and requested to clear the wrong and plan to attack the rebels. When the capital was pacified he was appointed Special Advancement, Vice Director of the Secretariat, concurrent Minister of War, Grand Academician of the Hall of Assembled Worthies, enfeoffed Duke of Xiangyang with a fief of two thousand households. When the carriage was at Fengxiang Li Changfu made disorder; suddenly mutiny arose and Rangneng entered alone to attend. At the time many court scholars accepted false appointments; the law office requested extreme punishment to warn those who serve rulers. Rangneng firmly argued and seventeen or eighteen were preserved. When Emperor Zhaozong succeeded he was granted "Meritorious Minister Who Supports Crisis, Initiates Fortune, and Preserves the Realm," added Grand Preceptor of the Palace, Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, enfeoffed Duke of Jin with an added fief of one thousand households, and still granted an iron certificate. When Qin Zongquan was executed Xu and Cai were pacified; he was added Minister of Works, Vice Director of the Secretariat, and Supervisor of the National History. When Emperor Zhaozong completed the suburban sacrifice he was promoted Minister of Education, Commissioner of the Great Pure Palace, Grand Academician of the Hall of Illustrious Culture, Commissioner of the Extension Capital Store, and Commissioner of Salt and Iron Transport for All Circuits, with fief increased one thousand households. The next year he was enfeoffed Grand Preceptor with fief increased one thousand households.
132
自大順已來，鳳翔李茂貞大聚兵甲，恃功驕恣。 會楊復恭走山南，茂貞欲兼有梁、漢之地，亟請問罪，詔未允而出師。 昭宗怒其專，不得已而從之。 及山南平，詔授以茂貞鎮興元，徐彥若鎮鳳翔，仍割果、閬兩州隸武定軍。 茂貞怒，上章論列，語辭不遜。 又與讓能書曰：
From Datong onward Li Maozhen of Fengxiang greatly gathered armor and weapons and relied on merit to be proud and unrestrained. When Yang Fugong fled to Shannan Maozhen wished to annex Liang and Han lands and urgently requested permission to punish guilt; the edict did not yet consent when he dispatched troops. Emperor Zhaozong was angry at his presumption and had no choice but to follow. When Shannan was pacified an edict granted Maozhen governorship of Xingyuan, Xu Yanruo governorship of Fengxiang, and still ceded Guo and Lang prefectures to the Wuding Army. Maozhen was angry and submitted a memorial arguing; his words were not deferential. He also wrote to Rangneng saying:
133
「今明公舍築入夢，投竿為師，踐履中臺，制臨外閫，不究興亡之理，罕聞沈斷之機。 蓋意有所不平，心有所未悟，輒思上問，願審臧謀。
"Now the eminent lord abandons building in dreams and casts the fishing rod to become commander, treads the middle terrace and controls the outer command—he does not examine the logic of rise and fall and rarely hears of resolute judgment. Surely intent is somewhat unequal and heart somewhat unenlightened; then one thinks to question above and wishes careful examination of hidden counsel.
134
竊見楊守亮擅舉干戈，阻艱西道，將圖割據，吞並東川。 居巴、幹為一窟豺狼，在梁、漢致十年荊棘。 果聞敗衄，尋挫兇狂。 既前去而不諧，思卻歸而無地。 當道與邠州見為隔絕綱運，方舉問罪兵師，忽聞朝廷授武定之雙旌，割果、閬之兩郡，未審是何名目？ 酬何功勞？ 紊大國之紀綱，蠹天子之州縣，非惟取笑於童稚，抑亦包羞於馬牛。 自謂奇謀，信為獨見。 伏慮是明公賞兇黨無君之輩，挫忠臣奉國之心。 要助奸邪，須摧正直。 又聞公切於保位，利在安家。 商量不自於中書剸割全通於內地。 雖知深奧，罕測津涯，亦聞駭異群情，頗，是喧騰眾口。」
I see Yang Shouliang on his own raising weapons, blocking the hard western route, intending to carve out territory and swallow Dongchuan. Dwelling in Ba and Qian as one den of wolves and jackals, in Liang and Han causing ten years of brambles. Indeed I heard of defeat and rout and soon checked fierce madness. Having gone forward without harmony, he thought to return but had no place. Our route and Bin Prefecture are now cut off from grain transport; just as punitive troops were raised I suddenly heard the court grant Wuding's double banners and cede Guo and Lang two prefectures—may I ask what title this is? Rewarding what merit? Disordering the great state's discipline and ruining the Son of Heaven's prefectures and counties—not only ridiculed by children but also shameful to oxen and horses. Calling it clever strategy—truly a view held alone. I fear the eminent lord rewards the unprincipled faction and frustrates the loyal ministers' spirit of serving the state. To aid the wicked one must crush the upright. I also hear the lord is eager to preserve position and profit lies in settling the family. Consultation not from within the Secretariat cut off and wholly granted to the inner lands. Though one knows depth and obscurity and rarely fathoms the ford's edge, I also hear alarm at the crowd's feelings and much clamor in the multitude's mouths."
135
其悖戾如此。
His perversity was thus.
136
京師百姓，聞茂貞聚兵甲，群情恟々，數千百人守闕門。 候中尉西門重遂出，擁馬論列曰：「乞不分割山南，請姑息鳳翔，與百姓為主。」 重遂曰：「此非吾事，出於宰相也。」 昭宗怒，詔讓能只在中書調發畫計，不歸第。 月余，宰相崔昭緯陰結邠、岐為城社，凡讓能出一言，即日達於茂貞、行瑜。 茂貞令健兒數百人，雜市人於街。 崔昭緯、鄭延昌歸第，市人擁肩輿訴曰：「岐帥無罪，幸相公不加討伐，致都邑不寧。」 二相輿中喻之曰：「大政聖上委杜太尉，吾等不預。」 市豪褰簾熟視，又不之識，因投瓦石，擊二相之輿。 崔、鄭下輿散走，匿身獲免。 是日，喪堂印公服，天子怒，捕魁首誅之，由是用兵之意愈堅。 京師之人，相與藏竄，嚴刑不能已。 讓能奏曰：「陛下初臨大寶，國步未安。 自艱難以來，且行貞元故事，姑息籓鎮。 茂貞邇在國門，不宜起怨。 臣料此時未可行也。」 帝曰：「政刑削弱，詔令不出城門，此賈生慟哭之際也。 又《書》不雲乎？ 藥不瞑眩，厥疾弗瘳。 朕不能孱孱度日，坐觀淩弱。 卿為我主張調發，用兵吾委諸王。」 讓能對曰：「陛下憤籓臣之倔強，必欲強幹弱枝以隆王室，此則中外大臣所宜戮力，以成陛下之誌，不宜獨任微臣。」 帝曰：「卿位居元輔，與朕同休共戚，無宜避事。」 讓能泣辭曰：「臣待罪臺司，未乞骸骨者，思有以報國恩耳，安敢愛身避事？ 況陛下之心，憲祖之誌也。 但時有所不便，勢有所必然。 他日臣雖受晁錯之誅，但不足以殄七國之患，敢不奉詔，繼之以死！」
Capital commoners, hearing Maozhen gathered armor and weapons, were alarmed; several thousand hundreds guarded the palace gate. Waiting for Chief Eunuch Ximen Zhongsui to come out, they surrounded his horse and argued, saying, "We beg not to divide Shannan; please soothe Fengxiang and be master for the common people." Zhongsui said, "This is not my affair—it comes from the chief minister." Emperor Zhaozong was angry and edicted that Rangneng remain only in the Secretariat to dispatch and plan and not return to his residence. After more than a month Chief Minister Cui Zhaowei secretly allied with Bin and Qi as a city altar; whenever Rangneng spoke one word it reached Maozhen and Xingyu the same day. Maozhen ordered several hundred strong men mixed with market people in the streets. When Cui Zhaowei and Zheng Yanchang returned home market people surrounded the shoulder carriage and pleaded, saying, "The Qi commander is innocent; we beg the chief ministers not to add punishment and cause the capital to be unsettled." The two chief ministers explained from within the carriage, saying, "Great affairs the Sacred One entrusts to Grand Preceptor Du—we do not participate." Market bullies lifted the curtain and looked closely yet did not recognize them; therefore they threw tiles and stones and struck the two chief ministers' carriages. Cui and Zheng left the carriage and scattered fleeing; they hid and escaped. That day they lost hall seals and official robes; the Son of Heaven was angry, captured ringleaders and executed them—therefore the will to use troops grew firmer. Capital people hid together; severe punishment could not stop it. Rangneng submitted, saying, "Your Majesty has just acceded to the great treasure and the state's step is not yet settled. Since hardship we have for a time followed the Zhenyuan precedent, soothing the frontier commands. Maozhen is near the capital gate—it is not fitting to raise resentment. Your subject calculates that at this time it cannot yet be done." The emperor said, "Government and punishment are weakened; edicts do not leave the city gate—this is the moment for Jia Yi's wailing. Also does not the Book say? Medicine that does not cause dizziness will not cure the illness. We cannot live feebly day by day and sit watching encroachment. You plan dispatch and mobilization for Us; in using troops We entrust it to the princes." Rangneng replied, "Your Majesty resents the frontier ministers' stubbornness and must strengthen the trunk and weaken the branches to elevate the royal house—then inside and outside the great ministers should unite strength to fulfill Your Majesty's will; it is not fitting to entrust this alone to your humble subject." The emperor said, "You stand at the summit of ministers and share with Us joy and sorrow—there is no reason to avoid affairs." Rangneng wept and declined, saying, "Your subject awaits punishment at the censorate and has not yet requested old bones because he thinks to repay national grace—how dare he cherish body and avoid affairs? Moreover Your Majesty's heart is Emperor Xianzong's will. But sometimes the time is inconvenient and momentum has its necessity. Another day your subject may receive Chao Cuo's execution—but it will not suffice to extinguish the Seven States' trouble; I dare not refuse the edict and will follow with death!"
137
景福二年秋，上以嗣覃王為招討使，神策將李鐬副之，率禁軍三萬，送彥若赴鎮。 崔昭緯密與邠、鳳結托，心害讓能； 言討伐非上意，出於大尉也。 九月，茂貞出軍逆戰，王師敗於盩啡。 岐兵乘勝至三橋。 讓能奏曰：「臣固預言之矣。 請歸罪於臣，可以紓難。」 上涕下不能已，曰：「與卿訣矣。」 即日貶為雷州司戶。 茂貞在臨臯驛，請誅讓能。 尋賜死，時年五十三。 駕自石門還京，念讓能之冤，追贈太師。
In the autumn of the second year of Jingfu the emperor made Prince of Siyin campaign commander with Shence General Li Hui as deputy, leading thirty thousand forbidden troops to escort Yanruo to his command. Cui Zhaowei secretly colluded with Bin and Feng; he hated Rangneng in heart; he said the punitive campaign was not the emperor's intent but came from the Grand Preceptor. In the ninth month Maozhen sent troops to meet in battle and the imperial army was defeated at Zhouzhi. Qi troops seized victory and reached the Three Bridges. Rangneng submitted, saying, "Your subject indeed foretold this beforehand. Please return guilt to your subject and difficulty may be eased." The emperor wept without stopping, saying, "We take leave of you." That same day he was demoted Assistant Administrator of Lei. Maozhen was at Lingao Post and requested Rangneng's execution. Soon he was ordered to die at age fifty-three. When the carriage returned from Shimen to the capital the emperor remembered Rangneng's injustice and posthumously granted Grand Preceptor.
138
子光乂、曉，以父枉橫，不求聞達。 曉入梁，位亦至宰輔。
His sons Guangyi and Xiao, because of their father's wrongful death, did not seek renown. Xiao entered Liang and also reached chief minister.
139
彥林、弘徽，乾符中相次登進士第。 彥林，光化中累官至尚書郎、知制誥，拜中書舍人。 天祐初，為御史中丞。
Yanlin and Honghui in the Qianfu era successively passed the jinshi examination. Yanlin, in the Guanghua era rose repeatedly to Director in the Ministry of Revenue and Drafting Officer for Proclamations and was appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat. At the beginning of Tianyou he served as Censor-in-Chief.
140
弘徽，累官至中書舍人，遷戶部侍郎，充弘文館學士判館事，與兄同日被害。
Honghui rose repeatedly to Gentleman of the Secretariat, transferred Vice Minister of Revenue, and served as Hanlin Academician directing the Hall of Illustrious Culture; he and his elder brother were killed the same day.
141
劉鄴，字漢籓，潤州句容人也。 父三復，聰敏絕人，幼善屬文。 少孤貧，母有廢疾，三復丐食供養，不離左右，久之不遂鄉賦。
Liu Ye, styled Hanfan, was a native of Jurong in Run Prefecture. His father Sanfu was extraordinarily intelligent from youth and skilled at composing prose. Orphaned young and poor, his mother had crippling illness; Sanfu begged food to support her and never left her side; for a long time he did not follow the local examination.
142
長慶中，李德裕拜浙西觀察使，三復以德裕禁密大臣，以所業文詣郡幹謁。 德裕閱其文，倒屣迎之，乃辟為從事，管記室。 母亡，哀毀殆不勝喪。 德裕三為浙西，凡十年，三復皆從之。 太和中，德裕輔政，用為員外郎。 居無何，罷相，復鎮浙西，三復從之。 汝州刺史劉禹錫以宗人遇之。 深重其才，嘗為詩贈三復，序曰：「從弟三復，三為浙右從事，凡十余年。 往年主公入相，薦用登朝，中復從公之京口，未幾而罷。 昨以尚書員外郎奉使至潞，旋承新命，改轅而東。 三從公皆在舊地，征諸故事，夐無其比，因賦詩餞別以誌之。」 又從德裕歷滑臺、西蜀、揚州，累遷御史中丞。 會昌中，德裕用事，自諫議、給事拜刑部侍郎、弘文館學士判館事。
In the Changqing era Li Deyu became Zhexi Observation Commissioner; Sanfu, because Deyu was a forbidden-secretariat great minister, took his literary work to the command to seek audience. Deyu read his writing, went out with shoes reversed to welcome him, and summoned him as staff member managing the secretariat. When his mother died his grief and destruction nearly exceeded what mourning could bear. Deyu three times governed Zhexi; for ten years Sanfu always followed him. In the Taihe era when Deyu assisted governance Sanfu was used as Outer Court Attendant. Within not long he was removed as chief minister, again governed Zhexi, and Sanfu followed him. Prefect of Ru Liu Yuxi treated him as a clansman. Deeply valuing his talent, he once composed a poem presenting it to Sanfu with a preface saying, "Cousin Sanfu, three times staff member of Zheyou, altogether more than ten years. In former years when the lord entered the chief-minister post he was recommended and used to ascend court; again he followed the lord to Jingkou and before long was removed. Yesterday as Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of Revenue he was sent on mission to Lu; soon he received new appointment and changed carriage east. Three times following the lord all in old places—consulting precedents, far without parallel—therefore I compose a farewell poem to record it." Again he followed Deyu through Hua Platform, Western Shu, and Yang Prefecture and was repeatedly promoted Censor-in-Chief. In the Huichang era when Deyu held power, from Remonstrator and Supervising Censor he was appointed Vice Minister of Justice and Hanlin Academician directing the Hall of Illustrious Culture.
143
朝廷用兵誅劉稹，澤潞既平。 朝議以劉從諫妻裴氏是裴問之妹，欲原之。 法司定罪，以劉稹之叛，裴以酒食會潞州將校妻女，泣告以固逆謀。 三復奏曰：
The court used troops to execute Liu Zhen and Ze-Lu was pacified. Court discussion held that Liu Congjian's wife Lady Pei was younger sister of Pei Wen; they wished to pardon her. The law office fixed guilt: because Liu Zhen rebelled Lady Pei with wine and food feasted Lu Prefecture officers' wives and daughters and wept telling them to fix the treason plan. Sanfu submitted, saying:
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從之。 三復未幾病卒。
The request was granted. Before long Sanfu died of illness.
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鄴六七歲能賦詩，李德裕尤憐之，與諸子同硯席師學。 大中初，德裕貶逐，鄴無所依，以文章客遊江、浙。 每有制作，人皆稱誦。 高元裕廉察陜虢，署為團練推官，得秘書省校書郎。 咸通初，劉瞻、高璩居要職，以故人子薦為左拾遺，召充翰林學士，轉尚書郎中知制誥，正拜中書舍人、戶部侍郎、學士承旨。
Ye at six or seven could compose poetry; Deyu especially cherished him and with his sons shared desk and teacher. At the beginning of Dazhong when Deyu was demoted and sent away Ye had nowhere to rely and with writings lodged as guest traveling Jiang and Zhe. Whenever he had compositions people all praised and recited them. Gao Yuanyu inspected Shaan and Guo and retained him as training commission investigating officer; he obtained proofreader of the Secretariat. At the beginning of Xiantong Liu Zhan and Gao Cong held important posts and as old friend's son recommended him Left Reminder; he was summoned Hanlin Academician, transferred Director in the Ministry of Revenue and Drafting Officer for Proclamations, formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat and Vice Minister of Revenue, and Drafting Commissioner.
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鄴以李德裕貶死珠崖，大中朝以令狐綯當權，累有赦宥，不蒙恩例。 懿宗即位，綯在方鎮，屬郊天大赦，鄴奏論之曰：「故崖州司戶參軍李德裕，其父吉甫，元和中以直道明誠，高居相位，中外鹹理，訏謨有功。 德裕以偉望宏才，繼登臺袞； 險夷不易，勁正無群。 稟周勃厚重之姿，慕楊秉忠貞之節。 頃以微累，竄於遐荒，既迫衰殘，竟歸冥寞。 其子燁坐貶象州立山縣尉。 去年遇陛下布惟新之命，覃作解之恩，移授郴州郴縣尉，今已歿於貶所。 倘德裕猶有親援，可期振揚，微臣固不敢上論，以招浮議。 今骨肉將盡，生涯已空，皆傷棨戟之門，遽作荊榛之地； 孤骨未歸於塋兆，一男又沒於湘江。 特乞聖明，俯垂哀湣，俾還遺骨，兼賜贈官。 上弘錄舊之仁，下激徇公之節。」 詔從之。
Because Li Deyu was demoted to die at Zhuya, in the Dazhong court Linghu Tao held power and though amnesties repeatedly came he did not receive the grace precedent. When Emperor Yizong acceded Tao was in a regional command; at the suburban great amnesty Ye submitted arguing, saying, "The former Assistant Administrator of Yai Prefecture Li Deyu—his father Jifu in the Yuanhe era with straight way and bright sincerity stood high in the chief-minister post; inside and outside all were ordered and his grand counsel had merit. Deyu with great expectation and vast talent successively ascended the terrace and chief-minister's robe; through danger and ease he did not change, stern and upright without clique. He bore Zhou Bo's weighty bearing and admired Yang Bing's loyal and pure integrity. Recently because of slight trouble he was exiled to distant wilderness; already pressed by decline and infirmity he finally returned to the dark unknown. His son Ye because of demotion served as Assistant Magistrate of Xiang Prefecture's Lishan County. Last year encountering Your Majesty's renewal decree and broad pardon grace he was transferred Assistant Magistrate of Chen Prefecture's Chen County; now he has already died in the place of demotion. If Deyu still had kin to rely on, restoration could be expected; your humble subject indeed dare not argue upward lest it invite floating criticism. Now flesh and bone are nearly exhausted and livelihood already empty—all wounding the halberd gate, suddenly becoming thorn and bramble land; lonely bones have not returned to the tomb mound and one son again perished in the Xiang River. I specially beg the sage brightness to bend and show pity, enabling return of the remaining bones and also granting posthumous office. Above to expand the grace of recording the old; below to stimulate the integrity of giving oneself for the public." An edict followed this.
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鄴尋以本官領諸道鹽鐵轉運使。 其年同平章事，判度支，轉中書侍郎，兼吏部尚書，累加太清宮使、弘文館大學士。 僖宗即位，蕭倣、崔彥昭秉政，素惡鄴，乃罷鄴知政事，檢校尚書左僕射、同平章事、揚州大都督府長史、淮南節度使。 是日鄴押班宣麻竟，通事引鄴內殿謝，不及笏記，鄴自敘十余句語云：「霖雨無功，深愧代天之用； 煙霄失路，未知歸骨之期。」 帝為之惻然。
Ye soon with his existing office directed Salt and Iron Transport for All Circuits. That year he became Associate Chief Minister, Director of the Revenue Bureau, transferred Vice Director of the Secretariat and concurrent Minister of Personnel, and was repeatedly added Commissioner of the Great Pure Palace and Grand Academician of the Hall of Illustrious Culture. When Emperor Xizong acceded Xiao Fang and Cui Yanzhao directed governance and always disliked Ye; they removed Ye from governing affairs and appointed Acting Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, Associate Chief Minister, Chief Administrator of Yang Superior Protectorate, and Huainan Military Commissioner. That day when Ye finished proclaiming the edict as ranking officer the usher led Ye inside the hall to give thanks; without tablet notes Ye himself narrated more than ten sentences, saying, "Long rain without merit—deeply ashamed at substituting for heaven's use; cloud ladder lost the way—not knowing the day bones return." The emperor was moved for him.
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黃巢渡淮而南，詔以浙西高駢代還，尋除風翔尹、鳳翔隴右節度使，以疾辭，拜左僕射。 巢賊犯長安，鄴從駕不及，與崔沆、豆盧瑑匿於金吾將軍張直方之家。 旬日，賊嚴切追捕，三人夜竄； 為賊所得，迫以偽命，稱病不應，俱為賊所害。
When Huang Chao crossed the Huai south an edict had Gao Pian of Zhexi replace him; soon he was removed Chief of Fengxiang and Fengxiang-Long Right Military Commissioner; he pleaded illness and was appointed Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works. When the bandits attacked Chang'an Ye could not follow the carriage and with Cui Hang and Dou Luzhan hid in General of the Golden Guard Zhang Zhifang's house. After ten days the bandits strictly pursued; the three men fled by night; they were seized by bandits, forced with false appointments, claimed illness and did not respond, and all were harmed by bandits.
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豆盧瑑者，河東人。 祖願，父籍，皆以進士擢第。 瑑，大中十三年亦登進士科。 咸通末，累遷兵部員外郎，轉戶部郎中知制誥，召充翰林學士，正拜中書舍人。 乾符中，累遷戶部侍郎、學士承旨。 六年，與吏部侍郎崔沆同日拜平章事。 宣制曰，大風雷雨拔樹。 左丞韋蟾與王瑑善，往賀之。 瑑言及雷雨之異，蟾曰：「此應相公為霖作解之祥也。」 瑑笑答曰：「霖何甚耶？」 及巢賊犯京師，從僖宗出開遠門，為盜所制，乃匿於張直方之家，遇害。 識者以風雷，不令之兆也。
Dou Luzhan was a native of Hedong. His grandfather Yuan and father Ji both passed the jinshi selection. Zhan, in the thirteenth year of Dazhong also passed the jinshi examination. At the end of Xiantong he was repeatedly promoted Outer Court Attendant in the Ministry of War, transferred Director in the Ministry of Revenue and Drafting Officer for Proclamations, summoned Hanlin Academician, and formally appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat. In the Qianfu era he was repeatedly promoted Vice Minister of Revenue and Drafting Commissioner. In the sixth year he and Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel Cui Hang on the same day became Associate Chief Minister. When the edict was proclaimed, great wind, thunder, and rain uprooted trees. Left Vice Director Wei Chan was friendly with Wang Zhuan and went to congratulate him. Zhan spoke of the thunder and rain anomaly; Chan said, "This responds to the chief minister making rain and releasing the oath as auspicious." Zhan smiled and replied, "How very much rain!" When the bandits attacked the capital he followed Emperor Xizong out the Kaiyuan Gate, was seized by robbers, then hid in Zhang Zhifang's house and met harm. Observers held the wind and thunder an omen of ill appointment.
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弟瓚、璨，皆進士登第，累歷清要。 瓚子革，中興位亦至宰輔。
Younger brothers Zan and Can both passed the jinshi examination and repeatedly held pure and important posts. Zan's son Ge in the Restoration also reached chief minister.
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史臣曰：近代衣冠人物，門族昌盛，從、颋之後，實富名流。 而彥曾屬徐亂之秋，胤接李亡之數，計則繆矣，天可逃乎？ 楊、劉、曹畢諸族，門非世胄，位以藝升，伏膺典墳，俯拾青紫。 而收得位求侈，以至敗名。 行己飭躬，此為深誡！ 杜氏三世輔相，太尉陷於橫流，臨難忘身，可為流涕。
The historian says: In recent times among robed gentry and persons, clans flourished; after Cong and Ting there were truly many famous streams. Yet Yanzeng belonged to the season of Xu disorder and Yin met the fate of Li's fall—the plan was wrong; can heaven be escaped? The Yang, Liu, Cao, and Bi clans—gates not of hereditary nobility, ranks risen through art, bowing to the classics and picking up purple and green. Yet Shou obtaining rank sought extravagance until he ruined his name. To discipline oneself and adorn the person—this is a deep warning! The Du clan for three generations assisted as chief ministers; the Grand Preceptor fell in the cross current—facing difficulty without forgetting self, one may weep for this.
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贊曰：漢代荀、陳，我朝崔、杜。 有子有弟，多登宰輔。 裴士改節，楊子敗名。 膏粱移性，信而有征。
The praise says: Han had Xun and Chen; our court has Cui and Du. With sons and with younger brothers, many ascended chief minister. Pei the scholar changed his nature; Yang the son ruined his name. Rich food shifts character—believed and there is proof.