1
西突厥本與北突厥同祖。 初，木桿與沙缽略可汗有隙，因分為二。 其國即烏孫之故地，東至突厥國，西至雷翥海，南至疏勒，北至瀚海，在長安北七千里。 自焉耆國西北七日行，至其南庭； 又正北八日行，至其北庭。 鐵勒、龜茲及西域諸胡國，皆歸附之。 其人雜有都陸及弩失畢、歌邏祿、處月、處密，伊吾等諸種。 風俗大抵與突厥同，唯言語微差。 其官有葉護，有特勒，常以可汗子弟及宗族為之； 又有乙斤、屈利啜、閻洪達、頡利發、吐屯、俟斤等官，皆代襲其位。
The Western Turks shared a common ancestry with the Northern Turks. Early on, Mughan and Qaghan Shebolü fell out, and the Turks divided into two realms. Their realm occupied the old Wusun territory: east to the Turk domains, west to Issyk-Kul, south to Shule, north to the Hanhai, some seven thousand li north of Chang'an. From Yanqi, seven days' travel to the northwest brought one to their southern court; and eight days due north brought one to their northern court. The Tiele, Kucha, and the other Hu states of the Western Regions all submitted to them. Their people comprised a mixture of clans, among them the Dulu, Nushibi, Qarluq, Chuyue, Chumi, Yiwu, and others. Their customs were largely the same as those of the Turks, though their speech differed slightly. Among their offices were yabghu and tegin, usually held by the qaghan's sons and kinsmen; and there were also the posts of irkin, qulichuo, yan hongda, irbili, tutun, and irkin, all inherited in succession.
2
處羅可汗，隋煬帝大業中與其弟闕達設及特勒大奈入朝。 仍從煬帝征高麗，賜號為曷薩那可汗。 遇江都之亂，從宇文化及至河北。 化及敗，歸長安，高祖為之降榻，引與同坐，封歸義郡王。 獻大珠於高祖。 高祖勞之曰：「珠信為寶，朕所重者赤心，珠無所用。」 竟不受之。 先與始畢有隙，及在京師，始畢遣使請殺之，高祖不許。 群臣諫曰：「今若不與，則是存一人而失一國也，後必為患。」 太宗曰：「人窮來歸我，殺之不義。」 驟諫於高祖，由是遲回者久之。 不得已，乃引曷薩那於內殿，與之縱酒，既而送至中書省，縱北突厥使殺之。 太宗即位，令以禮改葬。
Qaghan Choru, during the Daye reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, came to court with his younger brother Quetuo She and Tegin Dana. He also accompanied Emperor Yang on the campaign against Goguryeo and was granted the title Yisana Qaghan. When the upheaval at Jiangdu erupted, he followed Yuwen Huaji to Hebei. After Huaji's defeat, he returned to Chang'an. Gaozu had a couch lowered for him, seated him beside himself, and enfeoffed him as Prince of Guiyi commandery. He presented a great pearl to Gaozu. Gaozu reassured him, saying, "A pearl is indeed a treasure, but what I value is loyalty of heart; the pearl is of no use to me." In the end he would not accept it. He had earlier been at odds with Shibi; while he was in the capital, Shibi sent envoys requesting his execution, but Gaozu refused. The ministers remonstrated, saying, "If we refuse now, we shall save one man and lose a whole state; he will surely become a scourge hereafter." Taizong said, "When a man in distress comes to submit to us, to kill him would be unjust." He pressed his remonstrance upon Gaozu again and again, and for this reason Gaozu hesitated for a long time. Left with no choice, he led Yisana into the inner hall and drank freely with him, then sent him to the Secretariat and allowed the Northern Turk envoys to kill him. When Taizong came to the throne, he ordered a proper reburial.
3
闕達設初居於會寧，有部落三千余騎。 至隋末，自稱闕達可汗。 武德初，遣使內屬，拜吐烏過拔闕可汗，厚加撫慰。 尋為李軌所滅。
Quetuo She had first settled at Huining with a tribe of more than three thousand horsemen. By the end of the Sui dynasty he styled himself Qaghan Quetuo. Early in the Wude era he sent envoys to submit to the court and was appointed Qaghan Tuwuoguo Ba, receiving generous reassurance. He was soon destroyed by Li Gui.
4
特勒大奈，隋大業中與曷薩那可汗同歸中國。 及從煬帝討遼東，以功授金紫光祿大夫。 後分其部落於樓煩。 會高祖舉兵，大奈率其眾以從。 隋將桑顯和襲義軍於飲馬泉，諸軍多已奔退，大奈將數百騎出顯和後，掩其不備，擊，大破之，諸軍復振。 拜光祿大夫。 及平京城，以力戰功，賞物五千段，賜姓史氏。 武德初，從太宗破薛舉。 又從平王世充，破竇建德、劉黑闥，並有殊功。 賜宮女三人，雜彩萬余段。 貞觀三年，累遷右武衛大將軍、檢校豐州都督，封竇國公，實封三百戶。 十二年卒，贈輔國大將軍。 初，曷薩那之朝隋也，為煬帝所拘，其國人遂立薩那之叔父，曰射匱可汗。
Tegin Dana, during the Daye reign of Sui, returned to China together with Qaghan Yisana. When he followed Emperor Yang on the Liaodong campaign, he was appointed Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon for his service. Later his tribe was settled at Loufan. When Gaozu raised his army, Dana led his followers to join him. The Sui general Sang Xianhe attacked the loyalist army at Yinma Spring; most units had already broken and fled, but Dana led several hundred horsemen around behind Xianhe, took him by surprise, and routed him decisively, restoring the army's morale. He was appointed Grand Master for Splendid Happiness. When the capital was pacified, he was rewarded with five thousand bolts of goods for his valor in battle and granted the surname Shi. Early in the Wude era he followed Taizong in defeating Xue Ju. He also took part in pacifying Wang Shichong and in defeating Dou Jiande and Liu Heita, distinguishing himself in each campaign. He was granted three palace women and more than ten thousand bolts of variegated silks. In the third year of Zhenguan he rose to General-in-Chief of the Right Martial Guard and Acting Military Governor of Fengzhou, was enfeoffed as Duke of Dou, and received a substantive fief of three hundred households. He died in the twelfth year and was posthumously awarded the title General Who Assists the State. When Yisana had gone to the Sui court, Emperor Yang detained him; his people thereupon set up Yisana's uncle as Qaghan Shegui.
5
射匱可汗者，達頭可汗之孫也。 既立後，始開土宇，東至金山，西至海，自玉門已西諸國皆役屬之。 遂與北突厥為敵，乃建庭於龜茲北三彌山，尋卒。 弟統葉護可汗代立。
Qaghan Shegui was a grandson of Qaghan Datou. Once established, he began to expand his domain: east to the Altai, west to the sea, and all the states from Yumen westward submitted to his rule. He then became a rival of the Northern Turks and established his court north of Kucha at Mount Sanmi; he died soon afterward. His younger brother Qaghan Tongyehu succeeded him.
6
統葉護可汗，勇而有謀，善攻戰。 遂北並鐵勒，西拒波斯，南接罽賓，悉歸之。 控弦數十萬，霸有西域，據舊烏孫之地。 又移庭於石國北之千泉。 其西域諸國王悉授頡利發，並遣吐屯一人監統之，督其征賦。 西戎之盛，未之有也。
Qaghan Tongyehu was brave and resourceful and skilled in warfare. He then absorbed the Tiele in the north, held Persia at bay in the west, and extended his reach to Kapisa in the south; all submitted to him. He commanded several hundred thousand bowmen, dominated the Western Regions, and held the old Wusun lands. He also moved his court to the Thousand Springs north of Shiguo. All the kings of the Western Region states were appointed irbili, and a tutun was sent to each to supervise the collection of levies and tribute. The Western Rong had never known such power.
7
武德三年，遣使貢條支巨卵。 時北突厥作患，高祖厚加撫結，與之並力以圖北蕃，統葉護許以五年冬。 大軍將發，頡利可汗聞之，大懼，復與統葉護通和，無相征伐。 統葉護尋遣使來請婚。 高祖謂侍臣曰：「西突厥去我懸遠，急疾不相得力，今請婚，其計安在？」 封德彜對曰：「當今之務，莫若遠交而近攻，正可權許其婚，以威北狄。 待之數年後，中國盛全，徐思其宜。」 高祖遂許之婚，令高平王道立至其國，統葉護大悅。 遇頡利可汗頻歲入寇，西蕃路梗，由是未果為婚。
In the third year of Wude he sent envoys presenting a great egg from Tiaozhi. At that time the Northern Turks were raiding the frontier; Gaozu treated him generously and won his alliance for a joint campaign against the north. Tongyehu promised to act in the winter of the fifth year. When the great army was about to march, Qaghan Jieli heard of it and was greatly alarmed; he renewed friendly relations with Tongyehu, and neither side attacked the other. Tongyehu soon sent envoys to request a marriage alliance. Gaozu said to his attendant ministers, "The Western Turks are far from us and cannot lend aid in an emergency; now they request marriage—what is their plan?" Feng Deyi replied, "Our present task is to befriend those far off and attack those near; we may properly grant the marriage for the moment, to overawe the northern barbarians. After several years, when China is flourishing and secure, we may consider what is fitting." Gaozu thereupon granted the marriage and sent Prince of Gaoping Li Daoli to his realm; Tongyehu was greatly pleased. But Qaghan Jieli raided year after year, blocking the roads to the west, and the marriage was never concluded.
8
貞觀元年，遣真珠統俟斤與高平王道立來獻萬釘寶鈿金帶，馬五千匹。 時統葉護自負強盛，無恩於國，部眾鹹怨，歌邏祿種多叛之。 頡利可汗不悅中國與之和親，數遣兵入寇，又遣人謂統葉護曰：「汝若迎唐家公主，要須經我國中而過。」 統葉護患之，未克婚。 為其伯父所殺而自立，是為莫賀咄侯屈利俟毗可汗。 太宗聞統葉護之死，甚悼之，遣賫玉帛至其死所祭而焚之。 會其國亂，不果至而止。
In the first year of Zhenguan he sent Zhenzhu Tong Irkin and Prince of Gaoping Li Daoli to present a gold belt studded with ten thousand nails and jewels, along with five thousand horses. At that time Tongyehu, relying on his power, showed no kindness to his people; the tribes resented him, and many Qarluq clans rebelled. Qaghan Jieli resented China's marriage alliance with him and repeatedly sent troops to raid; he also sent word to Tongyehu, saying, "If you welcome a Tang princess, you must pass through my territory." Troubled by this, Tongyehu could not complete the marriage. His paternal uncle killed him and seized power; this was Qaghan Moheduo Hou Quli Sipi. When Taizong heard of Tongyehu's death, he mourned deeply and sent jade and silks to the place of his death for sacrifice and burning. But his realm was in turmoil, and the mission never reached its destination.
9
莫賀咄侯屈利俟毗可汗，先分統突厥種類為小可汗，及此自稱大可汗，國人不附。 弩失畢部共推泥孰莫賀設為可汗，泥孰不從。 時統葉護之子咥力特勒避莫賀咄之難，亡在康居，泥孰遂迎而立之，是為乙毗缽羅肆葉護可汗。 連兵不息，俱遣使來朝，各請婚於我。 太宗答之曰：「汝國擾亂，君臣未定，戰爭不息，何得言婚！」 竟不許。 仍諷令各保所部，無相征伐。 其西域諸國及鐵勒先役屬於西突厥者，悉叛之，國內虛耗。
Qaghan Moheduo Hou Quli Sipi had earlier divided the Turk clans among minor qaghans; when he now styled himself great qaghan, his people would not submit. The Nushibi tribes jointly urged Mohe She Nishi to become qaghan, but Nishi refused. Tongyehu's son Tegin Dilili, fleeing Moheduo's persecution, had taken refuge in Kangju; Nishi welcomed him and set him up as Qaghan Yibibo Boluo Siyehu. Fighting continued without cease; both sent envoys to court, each requesting a marriage alliance. Taizong answered them, saying, "Your realm is in turmoil, ruler and ministers are unsettled, and war does not cease—how can you speak of marriage!" In the end he refused. He also admonished them to keep to their own domains and refrain from attacking one another. All the Western Region states and Tiele tribes that had been subject to the Western Turks rebelled, leaving the realm drained.
10
肆葉護既是舊主之子，為眾心所歸，其西面都陸可汗及莫賀咄可汗部豪帥，多來附之。 又興兵以擊莫賀咄，大敗之。 莫賀咄遁於金山，尋為咄陸可汗所害，國人乃奉肆葉護為大可汗。 肆葉護可汗立，大發兵北征鐵勒，薛延陀逆擊之，反為所敗。 肆葉護性猜狠信讒，無統馭之略。 有乙利可汗者，於肆葉護功最多，由是授小可汗，以非罪族滅之。 群下震駭，莫能自固。 肆葉護素憚泥孰，而陰欲圖之，泥孰遂適焉耆。 其後沒卑達幹與突厥弩失畢二部豪帥潛謀擊之，肆葉護以輕騎遁於康居，尋卒。 國人迎泥孰於焉耆而立之，是為咄陸可汗。
As the son of the former ruler, Siyehu commanded the loyalty of the people; many chieftains of the western Dulu qaghan and of Qaghan Moheduo's tribes came to submit. He also raised troops against Moheduo and routed him decisively. Moheduo fled to the Altai and was soon killed by Qaghan Duluo; the people then upheld Siyehu as great qaghan. Once Qaghan Siyehu was established, he raised a great army to campaign north against the Tiele; the Xueyantuo met him in counterattack and defeated him in turn. Siyehu was suspicious and harsh by nature and prone to believe slander; he lacked the art of leadership. One Yili Qaghan had rendered the greatest service to Siyehu and was appointed minor qaghan, but on a groundless charge his entire clan was exterminated. His followers were shaken with terror and could no longer hold together. Siyehu had long feared Nishi and secretly plotted against him; Nishi thereupon went to Yanqi. Later Meibei Dagan and the chieftains of the two Nushibi divisions secretly plotted against him; Siyehu fled on horseback to Kangju and died soon afterward. The people welcomed Nishi at Yanqi and set him up as Qaghan Duluo.
11
咄陸可汗泥孰者，亦稱大渡可汗。 父莫賀設，本隸統葉護。 武德中，嘗至京師。 時太宗居籓，務加懷輯，與之結盟為兄弟。 既被推為可汗，遣使詣闕請降。 太宗遣使賜以名號及鼓纛。 貞觀七年，遣鴻臚少卿劉善因至其國，冊授為吞阿婁拔奚利邲咄陸可汗。 明年，泥孰卒，其弟同娥設立，是為沙缽羅咥利失可汗。
Qaghan Duluo, whose personal name was Nishi, was also known as Qaghan Dadu. His father Mohe She had originally been subordinate to Tongyehu. During the Wude era he once came to the capital. At that time Taizong was still a prince and treated him with special care, forming a brotherhood alliance with him. Once he was acclaimed as qaghan, he sent envoys to court to request submission. Taizong sent envoys granting him a title along with drums and banners. In the seventh year of Zhenguan he sent Vice Minister of the Court of Diplomatic Reception Liu Shanyin to his realm to invest him as Qaghan Tun Alubo Xili Bing Duluo. The following year Nishi died; his younger brother Tong'e She succeeded him as Qaghan Sheboluo Xielishi.
12
沙缽羅咥利失可汗，以貞觀九年上表請婚，獻馬五百疋。 朝廷唯厚加撫慰，未許其婚。 俄而其國分為十部，每部令一人統之，號為十設。 每設賜以一箭，故稱十箭焉。 又分十箭為左右廂，一廂各置五箭。 其左廂號五咄六部落，置五大啜，一啜管一箭； 其右廂號為五弩失畢，置五大俟斤，一俟斤管一箭，都號為十箭。 其後或稱一箭為一部落，大箭頭為大首領。 五咄六部落居於碎葉已東，五弩失畢部落居於碎葉已西，自是都號為十姓部落。
In the ninth year of Zhenguan, Qaghan Sheboluo Xielishi submitted a memorial requesting marriage and presented five hundred horses. The court treated him generously but did not grant the marriage. Soon afterward his realm was divided into ten divisions, each placed under a single leader; they were called the Ten Shad. Each shad was granted one arrow, whence the name Ten Arrows. The Ten Arrows were further divided into left and right wings of five arrows each. The left wing comprised the five Tulu tribes, with five great chuo appointed, each governing one arrow; the right wing comprised the five Nushibi, with five great irkin appointed, each governing one arrow; together they were known as the Ten Arrows. Later a single arrow came to denote a tribe, and the leader of a great arrow was called the great chieftain. The five Tulu tribes dwelt east of Suyab and the five Nushibi tribes west of Suyab; from this time they were collectively known as the Ten Surname Tribes.
13
咥利失既不為眾所歸，部眾攜貳，為其統吐屯所襲，麾下亡散。 咥利失以左右百余騎拒之，戰數合，統吐屯不利而去。 咥利失奔其弟步利設，與保焉耆。 其阿悉吉闕俟斤與統吐屯等召國人，將立欲谷設為大可汗。 以咥利失為小可汗。 統吐屯為人所殺，欲谷設兵又為其俟斤所破，咥利失復得舊地，弩失畢、處密等並歸咥利失。
Because Xielishi lacked the people's loyalty, the tribes wavered; his supervising tutun attacked him, and his followers fled and scattered. Xielishi resisted with a hundred or so horsemen; after several engagements the supervising tutun withdrew, finding the fight unfavorable. Xielishi fled to his younger brother Buli She, and together they held Yanqi. His Asijie Que Irkin, the supervising tutun, and others summoned the people, intending to set up Yabghu Elibir as great qaghan. They made Xielishi minor qaghan. The supervising tutun was assassinated; Elibir's army was defeated by his irkin in turn; Xielishi recovered his old lands, and the Nushibi, Chumi, and others all returned to him.
14
十二年，西部竟立欲谷設為乙毗咄陸可汗。 乙毗咄陸可汗既立，與咥利失大戰，兩軍多死，各引去。 因與咥利失中分，自伊列河已西屬咄陸，已東屬咥利失。 咄陸可汗又建庭於鏃曷山西，謂為北庭。 自厥越失、拔悉彌、駁馬、結骨、火燅、觸水昆諸國皆臣之。
In the twelfth year the western division at last set up Elibir as Qaghan Yibibo Duluo. Once Qaghan Yibibo Duluo was established, he fought a great battle with Xielishi; many fell on both sides, and each army withdrew. They divided the realm with Xielishi: west of the Ili River belonged to Duluo, east to Xielishi. Qaghan Duluo also established his court west of Mount Zhuhe, calling it the Northern Court. The states from Jueyueshi, Basmyl, Boma, Kirghiz, Huoxun, and Chushuikun all submitted to him.
15
十三年，咥利失為其吐屯俟利發與欲谷設通謀作難，咥利失窮蹙，奔拔汗那而死。 弩失畢部落酋帥迎咥利失弟伽那之子薄布特勒而立之，是為乙毗沙缽羅葉護可汗。
In the thirteenth year Xielishi's tutun Irbili Fa conspired with Elibir against him; driven to extremity, Xielishi fled to Ferghana and died there. The Nushibi chieftains welcomed Bobutele, son of Xielishi's younger brother Gana, and set him up as Qaghan Yibibo Sheboluo Yehu.
16
乙毗沙缽羅葉護可汗既立，建庭於睢合水北，謂之南庭。 東以伊列河為界，自龜茲、鄯善，且末、吐火羅、焉耆、石國、史國、何國、穆國、康國，皆受其節度。 累遣使朝貢，太宗降璽書慰勉。
Once Qaghan Yibibo Sheboluo Yehu was established, he built his court north of the Suihe River and called it the Southern Court. The Ili River formed the eastern boundary; Kucha, Shanshan, Qiemo, Tokhara, Yanqi, Shiguo, the Shi state, Heguo, Muguo, and Kangguo all fell under his command. He repeatedly sent envoys with tribute to court, and Taizong issued an imperial letter of comfort and encouragement.
17
貞觀十五年，令左領軍將軍張大師往授焉，賜以鼓纛。 於時咄陸可汗與葉護頗相攻擊。 會咄陸遣使詣闕，太宗諭以敦睦之道。 咄陸於時兵眾漸強，西域諸國復來歸附。 未幾，咄陸遣石國吐屯攻葉護，擒之，送於咄陸，尋為所殺。
In the fifteenth year of Zhenguan he ordered Left Army General Zhang Dashi to go and invest him, granting drums and banners. At that time Qaghan Duluo and the yabghu were fighting one another fiercely. When Duluo sent envoys to court, Taizong instructed them in the way of sincere friendship. Duluo's forces gradually grew strong, and the Western Region states again submitted to him. Before long Duluo sent the Shiguo tutun to attack the yabghu, captured him, and sent him to Duluo, who soon had him killed.
18
咄陸可汗既並其國，弩失畢諸姓心不服咄陸，皆叛之。 咄陸復率兵擊吐火羅，破之。 自恃其強，專擅西域。 遣兵寇伊州，安西都護郭恪率輕騎二千自烏骨邀擊，敗之。 咄陸又遣處月、處密等圍天山縣，郭恪又擊走之。 恪乘勝進拔處月俟斤所居之城，追奔及於遏索山，斬首千余級，降其處密之眾而歸。 咄陸初以泥孰啜自擅取所部物，斬之以徇； 尋為泥孰啜部將胡祿居所襲，眾多亡逸，其國大亂。
Once Qaghan Duluo had annexed his rival's realm, the Nushibi clans refused to submit and all rebelled. Duluo again led troops against Tokhara and defeated it. Relying on his strength, he dominated the Western Regions unchecked. He sent troops to raid Yizhou; Protector-General of Anxi Guo Ke led two thousand light horsemen from Wugu to intercept them and won a victory. Duluo again sent the Chuyue and Chumi to besiege Tianshan county; Guo Ke again attacked and drove them off. Ke pressed his advantage, captured the Chuyue irkin's stronghold, pursued the fugitives to Mount Esuo, took more than a thousand heads, accepted the surrender of the Chumi, and returned. At first Duluo had Nishi Chuo beheaded for taking goods from his division on his own authority, as an example to the rest; soon afterward he was attacked by Nishi Chuo's division commander Huluju; many fled, and his realm fell into chaos.
19
貞觀十五年，部下屋利啜等謀欲廢咄陸，各遣使詣闕，請立可汗。 太宗遣使賫璽書立莫賀咄乙毗可汗之子，是為乙毗射匱可汗。
In the fifteenth year of Zhenguan his subordinates Wuli Chuo and others plotted to depose Duluo; each sent envoys to court requesting the installation of a new qaghan. Taizong sent envoys bearing an imperial letter to install the son of Qaghan Moheduo Yibi as Qaghan Yibibo Shegui.
20
乙毗射匱可汗立，乃發弩失畢兵就白水擊咄陸。 自知不為眾所附，乃西走吐火羅國。 中國使人先為咄陸所拘者，射匱悉以禮資送歸長安，復遣使貢方物，請賜婚。 太宗許之，詔令割龜茲、於闐、疏勒、硃俱波、蔥嶺等五國為聘禮。 及太宗崩，賀魯反叛，射匱部落為其所並。
Once Qaghan Yibibo Shegui was established, he raised Nushibi troops at Baishui to attack Duluo. Knowing he lacked the people's support, Duluo fled west to Tokhara. Chinese envoys whom Duluo had earlier detained were all courteously sent back to Chang'an by Shegui; he again sent envoys with local products and requested a marriage alliance. Taizong granted the request and ordered that Kucha, Khotan, Shule, Zhujubo, and Congling—five states—be given as betrothal gifts. When Taizong died, Helu rebelled and absorbed Shegui's tribes.
21
永徽二年，與其子咥運率眾西遁，據咄陸可汗之地，總有西域諸郡，建牙於雙河及千泉，自號沙缽羅可汗，統攝咄陸、弩失畢十姓。 其咄陸有五啜：一曰處木昆律啜； 二曰胡祿居闕啜，賀魯以女妻之； 三曰攝舍提暾啜； 四曰突騎施賀邏施啜； 五曰鼠尼施處半啜。 弩失畢有五俟斤：一曰阿悉結闕俟斤，最為強盛； 二曰哥舒闕俟斤； 三曰拔塞幹暾沙缽俟斤，四曰阿悉結泥孰俟斤； 五曰哥舒處半俟斤。 各有所部，勝兵數十萬，並羈屬賀魯。 西域諸國，亦多附隸焉。
In the second year of Yonghui he fled west with his son Dieyun, seized Qaghan Duluo's lands, held all the Western Region commanderies, established his headquarters at Shuanghe and the Thousand Springs, styled himself Qaghan Sheboluo, and ruled the ten surnames of Duluo and Nushibi. The Duluo comprised five chuo: first, Chumukunlu Chuo; second, Huluju Que Chuo, to whom Helu gave his daughter in marriage; third, Shesheti Tun Chuo; fourth, Tuqishi Heluoshi Chuo; fifth, Shunishi Chuban Chuo. The Nushibi had five irkin: first, Asijie Que Irkin, the most powerful; second, Geshu Que Irkin; third, Basaigan Tun Shebo Irkin; fourth, Asijie Nishi Irkin; fifth, Geshu Chuban Irkin. Each had its own following; together they could field several hundred thousand fighting men, all bound to Helu. Most of the Western Region states also submitted to him.
22
賀魯尋立咥運為莫賀咄葉護，數侵擾西蕃諸部，又進寇廷州。 三年，詔遣左武候大將軍梁建方、右驍衛大將軍契苾何力率燕然都護所部回紇兵五萬騎討之，前後斬首五千級，虜渠帥六十余人。 四年，咄陸可汗死，其子真珠護與五弩失畢請擊賀魯，破其牙帳，斬首千余級。
Helu soon set up Dieyun as Moheduo Yabghu and repeatedly raided the western frontier tribes; he also advanced against Tingzhou. In the third year an edict ordered Left Martial Guard General Liang Jianfang and Right Valiant Cavalry General Qibi Heli to lead fifty thousand Uyghur horsemen of the Yanran Protectorate against him; they took five thousand heads and captured more than sixty chieftains. In the fourth year Qaghan Duluo died; his son Zhenzhuhu and the five Nushibi asked to attack Helu, smashed his headquarters, and took more than a thousand heads.
23
顯慶二年，遣右屯衛將軍蘇定方，燕然都護任雅相，副都護蕭嗣業，左驍衛大將軍、瀚海都督回紇婆閏等率師討擊，仍使右武衛大將軍阿史那彌射、左屯衛大將軍阿史那步真為安撫大使。 定方行至曳咥河西，賀魯率胡祿居闕啜等二萬余騎列陣而待。 定方率副總管任雅相等與之交戰，賊眾大敗，斬大首領都搭達幹等二百余人。 賀魯及闕啜輕騎奔竄，渡伊麗河，兵馬溺死者甚眾。 嗣業至千泉賀魯下牙之處，彌射進軍至伊麗水，處月、處密等部各率眾來降。 彌射又進次雙河，賀魯先使步失達幹鳩集散卒，據柵拒戰。 彌射、步真攻之，大潰； 又與蘇定方攻賀魯於碎葉水，大破之。
In the second year of Xianqing he sent Right Garrison Guard General Su Dingfang, Yanran Protector Ren Yaxiang, Vice Protector Xiao Siye, Left Valiant Cavalry General and Hanhai Commander-in-Chief of the Uyghur Pojun, and others against Helu; he also appointed Right Martial Guard General Ashina Mishe and Left Garrison Guard General Ashina Buzhen as pacification commissioners. Dingfang reached the west bank of the Yexi River; Helu drew up more than twenty thousand horsemen, including Huluju Que Chuo, in battle array to await him. Dingfang with Vice Commander-in-Chief Ren Yaxiang and others joined battle; the rebels were routed, and more than two hundred great chieftains including Dutadagan were killed. Helu and the Que Chuo fled on horseback; crossing the Ili River, very many men and horses drowned. Siye reached Helu's lower headquarters at the Thousand Springs; Mishe advanced to the Ili River; the Chuyue, Chumi, and other divisions each led their people to surrender. Mishe advanced to Shuanghe; Helu had earlier sent Bushidagan to gather scattered troops and hold a stockade against him. Mishe and Buzhen attacked and routed them; they then joined Su Dingfang in attacking Helu at the Suyab River and won a great victory.
24
賀魯與咥運欲投鼠耨設，至石國之蘇咄城傍，人馬饑乏，城主伊涅達幹詐將酒食出迎，賀魯信其言入城，遂被拘執。 蕭嗣業既至石國，鼠耨設乃以賀魯屬之。 賀魯謂嗣業曰：「我破亡虜耳！ 先帝厚我，而我背之，今日之敗，天怒我也。 舊聞漢法，殺人皆於都市，至京殺我，請向昭陵，使得謝罪於先帝，是本願也。」 高宗聞而湣之。 及俘賀魯至京師，令獻於昭陵及太廟，詔特免死。 分其種落置昆陵、濛池二都護府，其所役屬諸國，皆分置州府，西盡於波斯，並隸安西都護府。 四年，賀魯卒。 詔葬於頡利墓側，刻石以紀其事。
Helu and Dieyun wished to submit to the Shunu she; reaching the Sudu city of Shiguo, their men and horses were starving; the city lord Yiniedagan falsely offered food and wine and came out to welcome them; Helu believed him and entered the city, where he was seized. Once Xiao Siye reached Shiguo, the Shunu she handed Helu over to him. Helu said to Siye, "I am but a defeated captive! The late emperor treated me generously, yet I betrayed him; today's defeat is Heaven's judgment upon me. I have long heard that by Han law executions take place in the marketplace; when you reach the capital and execute me, I beg to face Zhaoling so that I may confess my guilt before the late emperor—that is my true wish." When Gaozong heard this, he pitied him. When the captive Helu reached the capital, he was presented at Zhaoling and the Imperial Ancestral Temple; an edict specially spared his life. His tribes were divided between the Kunling and Mengchi protectorates; the states that had been subject to him were organized as prefectures and districts; west to Persia, all fell under the Protectorate-General of Anxi. In the fourth year Helu died. An edict ordered him buried beside Jieli's tomb, with an inscribed stone to record the affair.
25
阿史那彌射者，室點密可汗五代孫也。 初，室點密從單於統領十大首領，有兵十萬眾，往平西域諸胡國，自為可汗，號十姓部落，世統其眾。 彌射在本蕃為莫賀咄葉護。 貞觀六年，詔遣鴻臚少卿劉善因就蕃立為奚利邲咄陸可汗，賜以鼓纛、彩帛萬段。 其族兄步真欲自立為可汗，遂謀殺彌射弟侄二十余人。 彌射既與步真有隙，以貞觀十三年率所部處月、處密部落入朝，授右監門大將軍。 其後步真遂自立為咄陸葉護，其部落多不服，委之遁去。 步真復攜家屬入朝，授左屯衛大將軍。
Ashina Mishe was a fifth-generation descendant of Qaghan Shidianmi. Shidianmi had followed the chanyu in commanding the ten great chieftains; with an army of one hundred thousand he pacified the Hu states of the Western Regions, set himself up as qaghan, and was called the Ten Surname Tribes, ruling their people for generations. In his native land Mishe was Moheduo Yabghu. In the sixth year of Zhenguan an edict sent Vice Minister Liu Shanyin to his land to install him as Qaghan Xili Bing Duluo, granting drums, banners, and ten thousand bolts of colored silks. His clansman Buzhen wished to set himself up as qaghan and plotted to kill more than twenty of Mishe's younger brothers and nephews. At odds with Buzhen, Mishe led his Chuyue and Chumi tribes to court in the thirteenth year of Zhenguan and was appointed General of the Right Gate Guards. Afterward Buzhen set himself up as Duluo Yabghu; many of his tribes refused to submit and abandoned him. Buzhen again came to court with his household and was appointed Left Garrison Guard General.
26
彌射後從太宗征高麗有功，封平襄縣伯。 顯慶二年，轉右武衛大將軍。 及討平賀魯，乃冊立彌射為興昔亡可汗兼右衛大將軍、昆陵都護，分押賀魯下五咄六部落。 步真授繼往絕可汗，兼右衛大將軍、濛池都護，仍分押五弩失畢部落。 因下詔曰：
Mishe later followed Taizong on the Goguryeo campaign with distinction and was enfeoffed as Baron of Pingxiang county. In the second year of Xianqing he was transferred to General of the Right Martial Guard. When Helu was defeated, Mishe was invested as Qaghan Xingxiwang, General of the Right Guard, and Protector of Kunling, with authority over the five Tulu tribes under Helu. Buzhen was granted the title Qaghan Jiwangjue, General of the Right Guard, and Protector of Mengchi, with authority over the five Nushibi tribes. Thereupon an edict was issued, saying:
27
自西蕃罹亂，三十余年。 比者賀魯猖狂，百姓重被劫掠。 朕君臨四海，情均養育。 不可使兇狡之虜，恣行侵漁，無辜之氓，久遭塗炭。 故遣右屯衛將軍蘇定方等統率騎勇，北路討逐。 卿等宣暢朝風，南道撫育。 遂使兇渠畏威，夷人慕德，伐叛柔服，西域總平。 賀魯父子既已擒獲，諸頭部落須有統領。 卿早歸闕庭，久參宿衛，深感恩義，甚知法式，所以冊立卿等各為一部可汗。 但諸姓從賀魯，非其本情，卿等才至即降，亦是赤心向國。 卿宜與盧承慶等準其部落大小，位望高下，節級授刺史以下官。
The western frontier has been in disorder for more than thirty years. Recently Helu has run riot, and the people have again suffered plunder. We rule the four seas and nurture all alike. We cannot allow fierce barbarians to plunder at will while innocent people suffer ruin. Therefore We have sent Right Garrison Guard General Su Dingfang and others to lead cavalry on the northern route against them. You shall spread the court's influence and bring nurture on the southern route. Thus the fierce chieftains feared Our might, the tribes admired Our virtue, rebels were crushed and the submissive comforted, and the Western Regions were pacified. Since Helu and his son have been captured, the tribal heads must have leaders. You returned to court long ago, served long in the palace guard, understand grace and duty deeply, and know the laws well; therefore We invest each of you as qaghan of one division. The various clans followed Helu against their true wishes; when you arrived they submitted at once—that too shows loyalty to the state. Together with Lu Chengqing and others, you should grant offices according to each tribe's size and each leader's rank, down to the level of prefect.
28
龍朔中，又令彌射、步真率所部從釭海道大總管蘇海政討龜茲。 步真嘗欲並彌射部落，遂密告海政云：「彌射欲謀反，請以計誅之。」 時海政兵才數千，懸師在彌射境內，遂集軍吏而謀曰：「彌射若反，我輩即無噍類。 今宜先舉事，則可克捷。」 乃偽稱有敕，令大總管賫物數百萬段分賜可汗及諸首領。 由是彌射率其麾下，隨例請物，海政盡收斬之。 共後西蕃盛言彌射非反，為步真所誣，而海政不能審察，濫行誅戮。
In the Longshuo era he again ordered Mishe and Buzhen to lead their divisions under Grand Commander Su Haizheng of the Gang Sea route against Kucha. Buzhen had long wished to absorb Mishe's tribes; he secretly informed Haizheng, saying, "Mishe intends to rebel; please use a stratagem to kill him." Haizheng's troops numbered only a few thousand, an isolated force in Mishe's territory; he gathered his officers and said, "If Mishe rebels, we are all dead men. We must strike first, and then we can prevail." He falsely claimed an edict ordering the Grand Commander to bring several million bolts of goods to distribute to the qaghan and chieftains. Mishe led his followers to claim their shares; Haizheng seized them all and executed them. Afterward the western frontier widely held that Mishe had not rebelled but had been slandered by Buzhen, while Haizheng failed to investigate and executed him unjustly.
29
則天臨朝，十姓無主數年，部落多散失。 垂拱初，遂擢授彌射子左豹韜衛翊府中郎將元慶為左玉鈐衛將軍兼昆陵都護，令襲興昔亡可汗，押五咄六部落。 步真子斛瑟羅為右玉鈐衛將軍，兼濛池都護，押五弩失畢部落。 尋進授元慶左衛大將軍。
When Empress Wu held court, the ten surnames were without rulers for several years, and many tribes scattered. Early in the Chuigong era, Mishe's son Yuanqing was promoted to Left Jade Bell Guard General and concurrent Protector of Kunling, ordered to succeed Qaghan Xingxiwang and govern the five Tulu tribes. Buzhen's son Husiluo was made Right Jade Bell Guard General and concurrent Protector of Mengchi, governing the five Nushibi tribes. Yuanqing was soon promoted to Left Guard General.
30
突騎施烏質勒者，西突厥之別種也。 初隸在斛瑟羅下，號為莫賀達幹。 後以斛瑟羅用刑嚴酷，眾皆畏之，尤能撫恤其部落，由是為遠近諸胡所歸附。 其下置都督二十員，各統兵七千人。 嘗屯聚碎葉西北界，後漸攻陷碎葉，徙其牙帳居之。 東北與突厥為鄰，西南與諸胡相接，東南至西廷州。 斛瑟羅以部眾削弱，自則天時入朝，不敢還蕃，其地並為烏質勒所並。
Wuzhile of the Tuqishi was a separate branch of the Western Turks. At first he was subordinate to Husiluo and was called Mohedagan. Because Husiluo's punishments were harsh, all feared him; Wuzhile was especially skilled at caring for his tribes, and for this reason the Hu near and far submitted to him. He appointed twenty commanders-in-chief, each commanding seven thousand soldiers. He once gathered his forces on the northwest border of Suyab; later he gradually captured Suyab and moved his headquarters there. To the northeast he bordered the Turks; to the southwest he connected with the various Hu; to the southeast his realm reached Xitingzhou. Husiluo's tribes had weakened; from Empress Wu's time he came to court and dared not return; Wuzhile absorbed all his territory.
31
景龍二年，詔封為西河郡王，令攝御史大夫，解琬就加冊立。 未至，烏質勒卒。 其長子娑葛代統其眾，詔便立娑葛為金河郡王，仍賜以宮女四人。
In the second year of Jinglong an edict enfeoffed him as Prince of Xihe commandery, ordered him to act as Censor-in-Chief, and sent Jie Wan to invest him. Before he arrived, Wuzhile died. His eldest son Suoge succeeded him; an edict at once made Suoge Prince of Jinhe commandery and granted him four palace women.
32
初，娑葛代父統兵，烏質勒下部將闕啜忠節甚忌之，以兵部尚書宗楚客當朝任勢，密遣使賫金七百兩以賂楚客，請停娑葛統兵。 楚客乃遣御史中丞馮嘉賓充使至其境，陰與忠節籌其事，並自致書以申意。 在路為娑葛遊兵所獲，遂斬嘉賓，仍進兵攻陷火燒等城，遣使上表以索楚客頭。
When Suoge succeeded his father in command, Wuzhile's subordinate Quechuo Zhongjie resented him; relying on Minister of War Zong Chuke's power, he secretly sent envoys with seven hundred taels of gold to bribe Chuke and have Suoge removed from command. Chuke sent Imperial Censor Feng Jiabin as envoy to his territory, secretly plotting with Zhongjie, and also sent a letter expressing his intent. On the road he was captured by Suoge's patrols; Suoge beheaded Jiabin, advanced to capture Huoshao and other cities, and sent envoys demanding Chuke's head.
33
景龍三年，娑葛弟遮弩恨所分部落少於其兄，遂叛入突厥，請為鄉導，以討娑葛。 默啜乃留遮弩，遣兵二萬人與其左右來討娑葛，擒之而還。 默啜顧謂遮弩曰：「汝於兄弟尚不和協，豈能盡心於我。」 遂與娑葛俱殺之。 默啜兵還，娑葛下部將蘇祿鳩集余眾，自立為可汗。
In the third year of Jinglong Suoge's younger brother Zhenu, resenting his smaller share of tribes, rebelled and fled to the Turks, offering to guide them against Suoge. Mochuo detained Zhenu and sent twenty thousand troops with his attendants against Suoge, captured him, and returned. Mochuo turned to Zhenu and said, "You cannot even live in harmony with your brothers—how can you be loyal to me?" He then killed them both. When Mochuo's troops withdrew, Suoge's subordinate Sulu gathered the survivors and set himself up as qaghan.
34
蘇祿者，突騎施別種也。 頗善綏撫，十姓部落漸歸附之，眾二十萬，遂雄西域之地，尋遣使來朝。 開元三年，制授蘇祿為左羽林軍大將軍、金方道經略大使，進為特勒，遣侍御史解忠順賫璽書冊立為忠順可汗。 自是每年遣使朝獻。 上乃立史懷道女為金河公主以妻之。
Sulu was of a separate branch of the Tuqishi. Skilled at reassurance and pacification, he gradually won the ten surname tribes; his following reached two hundred thousand, and he dominated the Western Regions; he soon sent envoys to court. In the third year of Kaiyuan an edict appointed Sulu General of the Left Forest of Feathers Army and Military Commissioner of the Jinfang Circuit, promoted him to tegin, and sent Attending Censor Xie Zhongshun to invest him as Qaghan Zhongshun. From this time he sent tribute envoys to court every year. The emperor gave him Shi Huaidao's daughter as Princess of Jinhe in marriage.
35
時杜暹為安西都護，公主遣牙官賫馬千疋詣安西互市。 使者宣公主教與暹，暹怒曰：「阿史那氏女，豈合宣教與吾節度耶！」 杖其使者，留而不遣，其馬經雪，寒死並盡。 蘇祿大怒，發兵分寇四鎮。 會杜暹入知政事，趙頤貞代為安西都護，城守久之，由是四鎮貯積及人畜並為蘇祿所掠，安西僅全。 蘇祿既聞杜暹入相，稍引退，俄又遣使入朝獻方物。
At that time Du Xian was Protector-General of Anxi; the princess sent an officer with one thousand horses to Anxi for trade. The envoy proclaimed the princess's command to Xian; Xian angrily said, "A daughter of the Ashina clan—how dare she issue commands to me, a frontier commander!" He flogged the envoy and detained him; the horses, passing through snow, all perished in the cold. Sulu was enraged and sent troops to raid the four garrisons. When Du Xian entered the central government, Zhao Yizhen replaced him as Protector-General of Anxi; the garrisons held out for a long time, but Sulu plundered their stores, livestock, and people; only Anxi itself was preserved. Once Sulu heard that Du Xian had become chancellor, he gradually withdrew; soon afterward he again sent envoys with tribute to court.
36
十八年，蘇祿使至京師，玄宗禦丹鳳樓設宴。 突厥先遣使入朝，是日亦來預宴，與蘇祿使爭長。 突厥使曰：「突騎施國小，本是突厥之臣，不宜居上。」 蘇祿使曰：「今日此宴，乃為我設，不合居下。」 於是中書門下及百僚議，遂於東西幕下兩處分坐，突厥使在東，突騎施使在西。 宴訖，厚賫而遣之。
In the eighteenth year Sulu's envoys reached the capital; Xuanzong held a banquet for them at Danfeng Tower. The Turks had earlier sent envoys to court; that day they also attended the banquet and disputed precedence with Sulu's envoys. The Turk envoy said, "The Tuqishi state is small and was originally subject to the Turks; it is not fitting to sit above us." Sulu's envoy said, "Today's banquet was held for us; we should not sit below." The Secretariat-Chancellery and officials deliberated and seated them separately under the eastern and western canopies: the Turks in the east, the Tuqishi in the west. When the banquet ended, they were richly rewarded and dismissed.
37
蘇祿性尤清儉，每戰伐，有所克獲，盡分與將士及諸部落。 其下愛之，甚為其用。 潛又遣使南通吐蕃，東附突厥。 突厥及吐蕃亦嫁女與蘇祿。 既以三國女為可敦，又分立數子為葉護，費用漸廣。 先既不為積貯，晚年抄掠所得者，留不分之。 又因風病，一手攣縮，其下諸部，心始攜貳。
Sulu was especially frugal; whenever he campaigned and gained booty, he divided it all among his officers, soldiers, and tribes. His followers loved him and served him devotedly. Secretly he also allied with Tibet in the south and the Turks in the east. The Turks and Tibet also gave him their daughters in marriage. With wives from three states as katun and several sons appointed yabghu, his expenses grew heavy. Having never accumulated stores, in his later years he kept what he gained from raiding and no longer distributed it. Also afflicted with wind illness, one hand contracted; his tribes began to waver in loyalty.
38
有大首領莫賀達幹、都摩度兩部落，最為強盛。 百姓又分為黃姓、黑姓兩種，互相猜阻。
Two great chieftains, Mohedagan and Dumodu, commanded the most powerful tribes. The people were also divided into Yellow Surname and Black Surname factions, mutually suspicious and hostile.
39
二十六年夏，莫賀達幹勒兵夜攻蘇祿，殺之。 都摩度初與莫賀達幹連謀，俄又相背，立蘇祿之子咄火仙為可汗，以輯其余眾，與莫賀達幹自相攻擊。 莫賀達幹遣使告安西都護蓋嘉運。 嘉運率兵討之，大敗都摩度之眾，臨陣擒咄火仙，並收得金河公主而還。 又欲立史懷道之子昕為可汗以鎮撫之，莫賀達幹不肯，曰：「討平蘇祿，本是我之元謀，若立史昕為主，則國家何以酬賞於我？」 乃不立史昕，便令莫賀達幹統眾。
In the summer of the twenty-sixth year Mohedagan led a night attack on Sulu and killed him. Dumodu had first plotted with Mohedagan but soon turned against him; he set up Sulu's son Tuohuoxian as qaghan to rally the survivors, and the two fought each other. Mohedagan sent envoys to inform Protector-General of Anxi Gai Jiayun. Jiayun led troops against him, routed Dumodu's forces, captured Tuohuoxian on the field, and took Princess of Jinhe back with him. He also wished to set up Shi Huaidao's son Xin as qaghan to pacify the tribes; Mohedagan refused, saying, "Pacifying Sulu was my plan from the start—if Shi Xin is made ruler, how will the court reward me?" He did not set up Shi Xin and ordered Mohedagan to command the tribes.
40
二十七年二月，嘉運率將士詣闕獻俘，玄宗禦花萼樓以宴之，仍令將吐火仙獻於太廟。 俄又黃姓、黑姓自相屠殺，各遣使降附。
In the second month of the twenty-seventh year Jiayun led his officers to court with captives; Xuanzong feasted them at Hua'e Tower and ordered Tuohuoxian presented at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Soon the Yellow and Black Surnames slaughtered one another again, and each faction sent envoys to surrender.
41
史臣曰：中原多事，外國窺邊，周獫狁、漢匈奴之後，其類實繁，前史論之備矣。 突厥自隋文修王道，肅軍容，示恩威以羈縻之； 煬帝失政教，生戎心，肇亂離以啟發之。 高祖借其力而入平京師，群賊附其強而叠據河朔。 高祖同禦榻以延其使，太宗幸便橋以約其和。 當其時焉，不其盛矣！ 竟滅其族而身死於國者，何也？ 咸謂太宗有馭夷狄之道，李勣著戡定之功。 殊不知突厥之始也，賞罰明而將士戮力。 遇煬帝之亂，亡命蓄怒者既附之，其興也宜哉！ 頡利之衰也，兄弟扌勾隙而部族離心。 當太宗之理，謀臣猛將討逐之，其亡也宜哉！ 洎武後亂朝，默啜犯塞，玄宗纂嗣，傳首京師，東封太山，西戎扈蹕，開元之代，繼踵來降。 西突厥諸族，遇其理，則眾心悅附而甲兵興焉； 遇其亂，則族類怨怒而本根破矣！ 理亂二道，華夷一途。 或質言於盛衰倚伏，未為確論。
The historiographer remarks: When the central plains were troubled, foreign peoples watched the borders; after the Xianyun of Zhou and the Xiongnu of Han, their kinds multiplied—the former histories have discussed this fully. From the time Emperor Wen of Sui cultivated the kingly way, disciplined the army, and displayed grace and might to bind the Turks; Emperor Yang lost proper governance, bred martial ambition, and through disorder stirred them to rebellion. Gaozu borrowed their strength to take the capital; rebels attached to their power and repeatedly held the north. Gaozu shared his couch to receive their envoys; Taizong went to Bian Bridge to secure peace with them. In those days—was it not their zenith! Yet in the end their clans were extinguished and they died in our realm—why? All say Taizong had the art of controlling the barbarians, and Li Ji achieved the merit of pacification by force. They do not realize that at the Turks' beginning rewards and punishments were clear and officers and soldiers fought as one. When Emperor Yang's disorder came, fugitives nursing grievances flocked to them—their rise was inevitable! At Jieli's decline, brothers quarreled and the tribes lost heart. Under Taizong's rule, strategists and fierce generals pursued and expelled them—their fall was inevitable! Through Empress Wu's troubled reign Mochuo raided the frontier; Xuanzong succeeded, enemy heads reached the capital, he performed the eastern feng on Mount Tai, western tribes escorted his progress, and in the Kaiyuan era they surrendered in succession. The Western Turk clans—under good governance hearts submitted and arms flourished; under disorder clans turned resentful and their foundations collapsed! Order and disorder follow the same law for Chinese and barbarian alike. To speak only of rise and fall in terms of fortune is not yet a settled judgment.
42
贊曰：中國失政，邊夷幸災。 理亂之道，取鑒將來。
The encomium says: When China lost proper government, frontier peoples rejoiced at the disaster. The way of order and disorder—let it be a mirror for the future.