Volume 22: Five Princes of Taizu

梁書卷第二十二列傳第十六

Book of Liang, Volume 22, Biographies 16

太祖五王

The Five Princes of Taizu

太祖十男。張皇后生長沙宣武王懿、永陽昭王敷、高祖、衡陽宣王暢。李太妃生桂陽簡王融。懿及融，齊永元中爲東昏所害；敷、暢，建武中卒：高祖踐阼，並追封郡王。陳太妃生臨川靖惠王宏，南平元襄王偉。吳太妃生安成康王秀，始興忠武王憺。費太妃生鄱陽忠烈王恢。

The founding emperor had ten sons. Empress Zhang was the mother of Prince Xuanwu of Changsha, Yi; Prince Zhao of Yongyang, Fu; the future Emperor Wu; and Prince Xuan of Hengyang, Chang. Consort Li gave birth to Prince Jian of Guiyang, Rong. Yi and Rong were put to death by Emperor Donghun of Qi during the Yongyuan era; Fu and Chang died during the Jianwu era. When Emperor Wu took the throne, all four were posthumously created princes of their respective commanderies. Consort Chen was the mother of Prince Jinghui of Linchuan, Hong, and Prince Yuanxiang of Nanping, Wei. Consort Wu gave birth to Prince Kang of Ancheng, Xiu, and Prince Zhongwu of Shixing, Dan. Consort Fei was the mother of Prince Zhonglie of Poyang, Hui.

臨川靖惠王宏字宣達，太祖第六子也。長八尺，美鬚眉，容止可觀。齊永明十年，爲衛軍廬陵王法曹行參軍，遷太子舍人。時長沙王懿鎮梁州，爲魏所圍，明年，給宏精兵千人赴援，未至，魏軍退。遷驃騎晉安王主簿，尋爲北中郎桂陽王功曹史。衡陽王暢，有美名，爲始安王蕭遙光所禮。及遙光作亂，逼暢入東府，暢懼禍，先赴臺。高祖在雍州，常懼諸弟及禍，謂南平王偉曰：「六弟明於事理，必先還臺。」及信至，果如高祖策。

Prince Jinghui of Linchuan, Hong, whose style was Xuanda, was the founding emperor's sixth son. He stood eight chi in height, with handsome features and a beard, and carried himself in a manner that drew admiration. In the tenth year of the Yongming reign of Qi, he served as acting aide in the legal bureau of the Prince of Luling under the Guard General, and was later promoted to attendant of the crown prince. At that time Prince Changsha, Yi, was defending Liang Province and came under siege by Northern Wei. The following year Hong was dispatched with a thousand picked troops to relieve him, but before they arrived the Wei forces had already withdrawn. He was then appointed chief clerk to the Prince of Jin'an under the Flying Cavalry General, and soon afterward became recorder in the merit bureau of the Prince of Guiyang under the Northern Central Commander. Prince Hengyang, Chang, enjoyed a fine reputation and was treated with great respect by Prince Shi'an, Xiao Yaoguang. When Yaoguang rose in rebellion, he compelled Chang to enter the Eastern Palace. Fearing for his life, Chang went to the imperial capital ahead of the others. While still in Yong Province, the future Emperor Wu often worried that his younger brothers would be caught up in the turmoil. He told Prince Nanping, Wei, "Our sixth brother has a clear head for affairs; he will be the first to return to the capital." When word arrived, events unfolded exactly as he had predicted.

高祖義師下，宏至新林奉迎，拜輔國將軍。建康平，遷西中郎將、中護軍，領石頭戍軍事。天監元年，封臨川郡王，邑二千戶。尋爲使持節、散騎常侍、都督揚、南徐州諸軍事、後將軍、揚州刺史，又給鼓吹一部。三年，加侍中，進號中軍將軍。

When Emperor Wu's army marched east, Hong went to Xinlin to welcome him and was appointed General Who Supports the State. After Jiankang was secured, he was promoted to general of the western central commandant and central protector of the army, with responsibility for the Shitou garrison. In the first year of Tianjian, he was created Prince of Linchuan with a fief of two thousand households. He was soon made bearer of the staff of authority, regular attendant of the scattered cavalry, commander of military affairs in Yang and southern Xuzhou, rear general, and governor of Yang Province, and was also granted a full set of martial music. In the third year he was additionally appointed palace attendant and promoted to general of the central army.

四年，高祖詔北伐，以宏爲都督南北兗北徐青冀豫司霍八州北討諸軍事。宏以帝之介弟，所領皆器械精新，軍容甚盛，北人以爲百數十年所未之有。軍次洛口，宏前軍剋梁城，斬魏將鼂清。會征役久，有詔班師。六年夏，遷驃騎將軍、開府儀同三司，侍中如故。其年，遷司徒，領太子太傅。八年夏，爲使持節、都督揚南徐二州諸軍事、司空、揚州刺史，侍中如故。其年冬，以公事左遷驃騎大將軍，開府同三司之儀，侍中如故。未拜，遷使持節、都督揚徐二州諸軍事、揚州刺史，侍中、將軍如故。十二年，遷司空，使持節、侍中、都督、刺史、將軍並如故。

In the fourth year Emperor Wu ordered a northern expedition and appointed Hong commander of the northern campaign over the eight provinces of southern and northern Yan, northern Xu, Qing, Ji, Yu, Si, and Huo. As the emperor's uterine younger brother, Hong commanded troops equipped with the finest new arms. His army's appearance was so magnificent that the northerners said they had seen nothing like it in more than a century. The army encamped at Luokou. Hong's vanguard captured Liangcheng and beheaded the Wei general Chao Qing. Because the campaign had dragged on, an edict ordered the troops to withdraw. In the summer of the sixth year he was promoted to flying cavalry general with the ceremonial privileges of the three excellencies and an open office, while retaining his post as palace attendant. Later that year he was appointed minister of education and concurrently served as grand tutor of the crown prince. In the summer of the eighth year he was made bearer of the staff of authority, commander of military affairs in Yang and southern Xu, minister of works, and governor of Yang Province, while retaining his post as palace attendant. That winter, on account of official misconduct, he was demoted to grand general of the flying cavalry with ceremonial privileges equal to the three excellencies and an open office, while retaining his post as palace attendant. Before he could assume the new title, he was reassigned as bearer of the staff of authority, commander of military affairs in Yang and Xu, and governor of Yang Province, while retaining his posts as palace attendant and general. In the twelfth year he was appointed minister of works, while his titles as bearer of the staff of authority, palace attendant, commander, governor, and general all remained unchanged.

十七年夏，以公事左遷侍中、中軍將軍、行司徒。其年冬，遷侍中、中書監、司徒。普通元年，遷使持節、都督揚、南徐州諸軍事、太尉、揚州刺史，侍中如故。二年，改創南、北郊，以本官領起部尚書，事竟罷。七年三月，以疾累表自陳，詔許解揚州，餘如故。四月，薨，時年五十四。自疾至於薨，輿駕七出臨視。及葬，詔曰：「侍中、太尉臨川王宏，器宇沖貴，雅量弘通。爰初弱齡，行彰素履；逮于應務，嘉猷載緝。自皇業啓基，地惟介弟，久司神甸，歷位臺階，論道登朝，物無異議。朕友于之至，家國兼情，方弘燮贊，儀刑列辟。天不憖遺，奄焉不永，哀痛抽切，震慟于厥心。宜增峻禮秩，式昭懋典。可贈侍中、大將軍、揚州牧、假黃鉞，王如故。並給羽葆鼓吹一部，增班劍爲六十人。給溫明秘器，斂以袞服。諡曰靖惠。」宏性寬和篤厚，在州二十餘年，未嘗以吏事按郡縣，時稱其長者。

In the summer of the seventeenth year he was again demoted for official misconduct to palace attendant, general of the central army, and acting minister of education. That winter he was appointed palace attendant, supervisor of the secretariat, and minister of education. In the first year of Putong he was made bearer of the staff of authority, commander of military affairs in Yang and southern Xu, grand commandant, and governor of Yang Province, while retaining his post as palace attendant. In the second year, when the southern and northern suburban altars were rebuilt, he concurrently served as minister for initiating works in addition to his existing posts; when the project was completed, he relinquished that additional office. In the third month of the seventh year he repeatedly submitted memorials asking to resign on account of illness. An edict allowed him to step down as governor of Yang Province while his other offices remained unchanged. In the fourth month he died, at the age of fifty-four. From the onset of his illness until his death, the emperor personally visited him seven times. Upon his burial an edict declared: "Palace Attendant and Grand Commandant, Prince of Linchuan, Hong, possessed a serene and noble bearing and a broad, penetrating magnanimity. From his earliest youth his conduct displayed unadorned integrity; and once he took up affairs of state, fine plans were continually brought to completion. Since the dynasty was founded, as the emperor's uterine younger brother he had long administered the capital region, risen through the highest offices of state, and when he addressed policy at court, no one voiced dissent. In the deepest bonds of brotherhood between us, sharing affection for both family and realm, We had looked to extend his harmonizing counsel and make him a model for the feudal lords. Heaven did not spare him; suddenly he was gone. Our grief cuts to the quick and Our heart is shaken with anguish. His ceremonial rank should be raised in solemnity to display the full measure of his merit. Let him be posthumously granted the titles of palace attendant, grand general, and governor of Yang Province, together with the provisional yellow battle-axe, while his princely title remains unchanged. He shall also be granted a set of feathered parasols and martial music, and his guard of ceremonial swords increased to sixty men. The secret vessels of Wenming shall be provided, and he shall be laid in state in the dragon robes. His posthumous title shall be Jinghui, "Serene and Gracious." Hong was generous, harmonious, and sincere by nature. During more than twenty years in provincial office he never used administrative matters to bring pressure on the commanderies and counties under him, and at the time he was praised as a man of mature virtue.

宏有七子：正仁，正義，正德、正則，正立，正表，正信。世子正仁，爲吳興太守，有治能。天監十年，卒，諡曰哀世子。無子，高祖詔以羅平侯正立爲世子，由宏意也。宏薨，正立表讓正義爲嗣，高祖嘉而許之，改封正立爲建安侯，邑千戶。卒，子賁嗣。正義先封平樂侯，正德西豊侯，正則樂山侯，正立羅平侯，正表封山侯，正信武化侯，正德別有傳。

Hong had seven sons: Zhengren, Zhengyi, Zhengde, Zhengzhe, Zhengli, Zhengbiao, and Zhengxin. The heir apparent, Zhengren, served as governor of Wuxing and proved capable in administration. In the tenth year of Tianjian he died, and was given the posthumous title Lamented Heir. He left no son. Emperor Wu decreed that the Marquis of Luoping, Zhengli, should succeed as heir, in accordance with Hong's own wish. When Hong died, Zhengli submitted a memorial offering the succession to Zhengyi. Emperor Wu commended this and approved it, changing Zhengli's title to Marquis of Jian'an with a fief of a thousand households. When he died, his son Ben succeeded to the title. Zhengyi had earlier been created Marquis of Pingle; Zhengde, Marquis of Xifeng; Zhengzhe, Marquis of Leshan; Zhengli, Marquis of Luoping; Zhengbiao, Marquis of Fengshan; and Zhengxin, Marquis of Wuhua. Zhengde is treated in a separate biography.

安成康王秀字彥達，太祖第七子也。年十二，所生母吳太妃亡，秀母弟始興王憺時年九歲，並以孝聞，居喪，累日不進漿飲，太祖親取粥授之。哀其早孤，命側室陳氏並母二子。陳亦無子，有母德，視二子如親生焉。秀旣長，美風儀，性方靜，雖左右近侍，非正衣冠不見也，由是親友及家人咸敬焉。齊世，弱冠爲著作佐郎，累遷後軍法曹行參軍，太子舍人。

Prince Kang of Ancheng, Xiu, whose style was Yanda, was the founding emperor's seventh son. When he was twelve his birth mother, Consort Wu, died. Xiu and his younger uterine brother, Prince Shixing, Dan, then nine years old, were both famed for filial devotion. During the mourning period they went many days without taking even gruel, until the founding emperor personally brought porridge and fed them. Moved by their early loss, he ordered the concubine Lady Chen to serve as mother to both boys. Lady Chen had no children of her own but possessed true maternal virtue, and she treated the two boys as if they were her own. As an adult Xiu possessed fine bearing and dignity. His nature was upright and reserved—even close attendants at his side would not see him unless he was properly dressed. For this reason kin, friends, and household all held him in deep respect. Under the Qi, upon reaching his capping age he became assistant gentleman of the secretariat, and was repeatedly promoted to acting aide in the legal bureau under the rear general and attendant of the crown prince.

永元中，長沙宣武王懿入平崔慧景，爲尚書令，居端右；弟衡陽王暢爲衛尉，掌管籥。東昏日夕逸遊，出入無度。衆頗勸懿因其出，閉門舉兵廢之，懿不聽。帝左右旣惡懿勳高，又慮廢立，並間懿，懿亦危之，自是諸王侯咸爲之備。及難作，臨川王宏以下諸弟侄各得奔避。方其逃也，皆不出京師，而罕有發覺，惟桂陽王融及禍。

During the Yongyuan era, Prince Xuanwu of Changsha, Yi, entered the capital to suppress Cui Huijing and was appointed director of the masters of writing, occupying the chief position at court; while his younger brother Prince Hengyang, Chang, served as commandant of the guard and controlled the palace keys. Emperor Donghun spent his days and nights in reckless roaming, coming and going without restraint. Many urged Yi to seize the moment when the emperor went out, shut the gates, and raise troops to depose him, but Yi refused. The emperor's close attendants already resented Yi's towering merit and also feared a coup to depose and replace him. They all slandered Yi, and Yi himself felt endangered. From that time all the princes and marquises took precautions. When the crisis broke out, Prince Linchuan, Hong, and the younger brothers and nephews below him each managed to flee to safety. Though none of them left the capital during their flight, few were discovered. Only Prince Guiyang, Rong, met with disaster.

六年，出爲使持節、都督江州諸軍事、平南將軍、江州刺史。將發，主者求堅船以爲齋舫。秀曰：「吾豈愛財而不愛士。」乃教所由，以牢者給參佐，下者載齋物。旣而遭風，齋舫遂破。及至州，聞前刺史取徵士陶潛曾孫爲里司。秀歎曰：「陶潛之德，豈可不及後世！」卽日辟爲西曹。時盛夏水汎長，津梁斷絕，外司請依舊僦度，收其價直。秀教曰：「刺史不德，水潦爲患，可利之乎！給船而已。」七年，遭慈母陳太妃憂，詔起視事。尋遷都督荊湘雍益寧南北梁南北秦州九州諸軍事、平西將軍、荊州刺史。其年，遷號安西將軍。立學校，招隱逸。下教曰：「夫鶉火之禽，不匿影於丹山；昭華之寶，乍耀采於藍田。是以江漢有濯纓之歌，空谷著來思之詠，弘風闡道，靡不由茲。處士河東韓懷明、南平韓望、南郡庾承先、河東郭麻，並脫落風塵，高蹈其事。兩韓之孝友純深，庾、郭之形骸枯槁，或橡飯菁羹，惟日不足，或葭牆艾席，樂在其中。昔伯武貞堅，就仕河內，史雲孤劭，屈志陳留。豈曰場苗，實惟攻玉。可加引辟，幷遣喻意。旣同魏侯致禮之請，庶無辟昞彊三緘之歎。」

In the sixth year he was posted as bearer of the staff of authority, commander of military affairs in Jiang Province, general who pacifies the south, and governor of Jiang Province. As he was about to depart, his staff requested sturdy boats to serve as the ceremonial vessel for vegetarian offerings. Xiu said, "How could I value wealth and not value gentlemen." He then instructed his staff to assign the sturdiest boats to his officers and use the weaker ones to carry the ceremonial goods. Soon afterward they encountered a storm, and the ceremonial vessel was wrecked. Upon reaching his province, he learned that the previous governor had appointed a great-grandson of the recluse Tao Qian as village overseer. Xiu sighed and said, "The virtue of Tao Qian—how could it fail to reach later generations!" That same day he summoned the man to serve in the western bureau. At the height of summer the rivers had swollen and the ferry crossings were cut off. The outer offices requested that ferry fees be collected according to precedent. Xiu instructed them, "If the governor lacks virtue and floodwaters afflict the people, how can we profit from their distress! Provide boats, nothing more." In the seventh year he entered mourning for his beloved foster mother, Consort Chen. An edict ordered him to leave mourning and resume office. He was soon transferred to commander of military affairs in the nine provinces of Jing, Xiang, Yong, Yi, Ning, southern and northern Liang, and southern and northern Qin, with the title of general who pacifies the west and governor of Jing Province. That year his title was advanced to general who pacifies the west. He established schools and recruited recluses and men of retirement. He issued an instruction saying, "The bird of the Quail Fire constellation does not hide its shadow on the Crimson Mountain; the treasure of Zhaohua suddenly flashes its splendor at Lantian. Hence along the Jiang and Han came the song of washing the tassel clean, and in the empty valley arose the ode of longing for the worthy. To spread culture and expound the Way, nothing succeeds without such men. The recluses Han Huaiming of Hedong, Han Wang of Nanping, Yu Chengxian of Nan Commandery, and Guo Ma of Hedong had all shaken off the dust of the world and loftily pursued their calling. The two Hans were renowned for pure and deep filial piety and brotherly affection; Yu and Guo had withered, gaunt frames. Some lived on acorn meal and wild-vegetable broth and still found each day insufficient; others dwelt behind reed walls on mugwort mats and took joy therein. In former times Bo Wu was steadfast and took office in Henei; Shi Yun was solitary and strenuous and bent his will to serve in Chenliu. Was it not said that clearing the field is, in truth, polishing jade. They may be summoned and recommended, and envoys shall be sent to convey my intent. Thus it shall be as when the Marquis of Wei asked to show ritual courtesy, and may there be none of the thrice-sealed sigh of one who shuns the light and seals his lips in silence."

是歲，魏懸瓠城民反，殺豫州刺史司馬悅，引司州刺史馬仙琕，仙琕簽荊州求應赴。衆咸謂宜待臺報，秀曰：「彼待我而爲援，援之宜速，待敕雖舊，非應急也。」卽遣兵赴之。先是，巴陵馬營蠻爲緣江寇害，後軍司馬高江產以郢州軍伐之，不剋，江產死之，蠻遂盛。秀遣防閤文熾率衆討之，燔其林木，絕其蹊逕，蠻失其嶮，期歲而江路清，於是州境盜賊遂絕。及沮水暴長，頗敗民田，秀以榖二萬斛贍之。使長史蕭琛簡府州貧老單丁吏，一日散遣五百餘人，百姓甚悅。

That year the people of Xuanché in Wei rebelled, killed the governor of Yu Province, Sima Yue, and summoned the governor of Si Province, Ma Xianbi. Xianbi wrote to Jing Province requesting troops to come to their aid. All said they should wait for orders from the capital. Xiu said, "They are waiting for us as their support. Aid should be swift. Waiting for an edict is the old way, but not what urgency requires." He immediately dispatched troops to their aid. Earlier, the Maying barbarians of Baling had raided along the Yangzi. Rear Army Major Gao Jiangchan led troops from Ying Province against them but failed to subdue them; Jiangchan died in the campaign, and the barbarians grew stronger still. Xiu sent his aide Wen Chi at the head of troops to attack them, burning their forests and cutting off their paths. Deprived of their strongholds, the barbarians were broken within a year and the river route was cleared; banditry in the province ceased altogether. When the Ju River suddenly flooded and ruined much of the people's cropland, Xiu distributed twenty thousand hu of grain in relief. He had Chief Clerk Xiao Chen identify poor elderly men and sole-support clerks among the prefectural and provincial staff, and in a single day dismissed more than five hundred of them. The people were greatly pleased.

十一年，徵爲侍中、中衛將軍，領宗正卿、石頭戍事。十三年，復出爲使持節、散騎常侍、都督郢司霍三州諸軍事、安西將軍、郢州刺史。郢州當塗爲劇地，百姓貧，至以婦人供役，其弊如此。秀至鎮，務安之。主者或求召吏。秀曰：「不識救弊之術；此州凋殘，不可擾也。」於是務存約己，省去游費，百姓安堵，境內晏然。先是夏口常爲兵沖，露骸積骨於黃鶴樓下，秀祭而埋之。一夜，夢數百人拜謝而去。每冬月，常作襦褲以賜凍者。時司州叛蠻田魯生，弟魯賢、超秀，據蒙籠來降。高祖以魯生爲北司州刺史，魯賢北豫州刺史，超秀定州刺史，爲北境捍蔽。而魯生、超秀互相讒毀，有去就心，秀撫喻懷納，各得其用，當時賴之。

In the eleventh year he was recalled to serve as palace attendant and central guard general, while concurrently directing the imperial clan office and overseeing the Shitou garrison. In the thirteenth year he was posted again as bearer of the staff of authority, regular attendant of the scattered cavalry, commander of military affairs in Ying, Si, and Huo, general who pacifies the west, and governor of Ying Province. Ying Province at Dangtu was a harsh posting. The people were so poor that women were pressed into corvée labor; such were the abuses he inherited. When Xiu took up his post, he devoted himself to bringing the region peace. His staff sometimes requested that additional clerks be summoned. Xiu said, "You do not understand how to remedy abuses. This province is wasted and broken; it must not be disturbed further." Thereupon he strove to live simply, cut traveling expenses, and the people lived in security; within his jurisdiction all was tranquil. Xiakou had long been a battleground, and exposed bones lay heaped below the Yellow Crane Tower. Xiu performed rites and buried them. One night he dreamed that several hundred people bowed to him in thanks and departed. Every winter he had padded jackets and trousers made and distributed to those suffering from the cold. At that time the rebellious barbarian Tian Lusheng of Si Province, together with his younger brothers Lu Xian and Chao Xiu, held Menglong and came to surrender. Emperor Wu appointed Lusheng governor of northern Si Province, Lu Xian governor of northern Yu, and Chao Xiu governor of Ding Province, to serve as bulwarks of the northern frontier. But Lusheng and Chao Xiu slandered each other and were ready to defect. Xiu won them over with reassurance and put each to good use; the court relied on him for this.

初，秀之西也，郢州民相送出境，聞其疾，百姓商賈咸爲請命。旣薨，四州民裂裳爲白帽，哀哭以迎送之。雍州蠻迎秀，聞薨，祭哭而去。喪至京師，高祖使使册贈侍中、司空，諡曰康。

When Xiu first went west, the people of Ying Province escorted him beyond the provincial border. When they heard of his illness, commoners and merchants alike petitioned for his recovery. After his death, people in four provinces tore their garments to make white mourning caps and received and escorted his coffin with wailing lament. Barbarians of Yong Province had come out to welcome Xiu; when they heard of his death, they performed rites, wept, and departed. When the coffin reached the capital, Emperor Wu sent envoys to confer posthumously the titles of palace attendant and minister of works. His posthumous title was Kang, "Tranquil."

秀有容觀，每朝，百僚屬目。性仁恕，喜慍不形於色。左右嘗以石擲殺所養鵠，齋帥請治其罪。秀曰：「吾豈以鳥傷人。」在京師，旦臨公事，廚人進食，誤而覆之，去而登車，竟朝不飯，亦不之誚也。精意術學，搜集經記，招學士平原劉孝標，使撰《類苑》，書未及畢，而已行於世。秀于高祖布衣昆弟，及爲君臣，小心畏敬，過於疏賤者，高祖益以此賢之。少偏孤，於始興王嶦尤篤。梁興，嶦久爲荊州刺史，自天監初，常以所得俸中分與秀，秀稱心受之，亦弗辭多也。昆弟之睦，時議歸之。故吏夏侯稟等表立墓碑，詔許焉。當世高才游王門者，東海王僧孺、吳郡陸倕、彭城劉孝綽、河東裴子野，各制其文，古未之有也。世子機嗣。

Xiu had a fine appearance and bearing; at every court session the officials fixed their eyes on him. He was benevolent and forgiving by nature; joy and anger never showed on his face. Once an attendant killed a goose Xiu kept by throwing a stone at it. The steward of his household asked that the offender be punished. Xiu said, "How could I harm a person on account of a bird." In the capital, one morning as he attended to public business the cook brought food and accidentally overturned it. Xiu left and boarded his carriage, went through the entire court session without eating, and never reproved the man. He devoted himself to scholarship, gathered classics and records, and recruited the scholar Liu Xiaobiao of Pingyuan to compile the Garden of Categories. The book was not yet finished, but portions were already circulating. Xiu and Emperor Wu had been brothers in humble circumstances. Once they became sovereign and subject, Xiu's careful reverence exceeded that shown by distant and lowly men, and the emperor esteemed him all the more for it. Orphaned in youth, he was especially devoted to Prince Shixing, Dan. When the Liang dynasty was founded, Dan long served as governor of Jing Province. From the beginning of Tianjian he regularly shared half his salary with Xiu, who gladly accepted and never declined even when the share was large. The harmony between the brothers was what contemporaries most admired in them. Former subordinates Xiahou Bing and others memorialized to erect a tomb stele, and an edict approved the request. The leading literary figures of the age who frequented princely courts—Wang Sengru of Donghai, Lu Yan of Wu, Liu Xiaochuo of Pengcheng, and Pei Ziye of Hedong—each composed a text for the stele. Nothing like it had existed in antiquity. The heir apparent, Ji, succeeded to the title.

機字智通，天監二年，除安成國世子。六年，爲寧遠將軍、會稽太守。還爲給事中。普通元年，襲封安成郡王，其年爲太子洗馬，遷中書侍郎。二年，遷明威將軍、丹陽尹。三年，遷持節、督湘衡桂三州諸軍事、寧遠將軍、湘州刺史。大通二年，薨于州，時年三十。機美姿容，善吐納。家旣多書，博學強記；然而好弄，尚力，遠士子，近小人。爲州專意聚斂，無治績，頻被案劾。及將葬，有司請諡，高祖詔曰：「王好內怠政，可諡曰煬。」所著詩賦數千言，世祖集而序之。子操嗣。

Ji, whose style was Zhitong, was appointed heir of the state of Ancheng in the second year of Tianjian. In the sixth year he was appointed general of pacification at a distance and governor of Kuaiji. He returned to court as attendant within the gates. In the first year of Putong he inherited the title Prince of Ancheng, and that same year became groom of the crown prince's stud before being promoted to vice director of the secretariat. In the second year he was appointed general of manifest might and intendant of Danyang. In the third year he was made bearer of the staff, commander of military affairs in Xiang, Heng, and Gui, general of pacification at a distance, and governor of Xiang Province. In the second year of Datong he died in office, at the age of thirty. Ji was handsome and skilled in breath-regulation exercises. His household possessed many books, and he was broadly learned with a powerful memory; yet he loved horseplay, valued brute strength, kept his distance from gentlemen, and drew near to petty men. As governor he devoted himself solely to amassing wealth, achieved nothing in governance, and was repeatedly investigated and impeached. When he was about to be buried, the relevant offices requested a posthumous title. Emperor Wu decreed, "The prince was fond of his harem and negligent in government. His posthumous title shall be Yang, 'Dissolute.'" The poems and rhapsodies he composed, several thousand words in all, were collected and prefaced by Emperor Yuan. His son Cao succeeded to the title.

南浦侯推，字智進，機次弟也。少清敏，好屬文，深爲太宗所賞。普通六年，以王子例封。歷寧遠將軍、淮南太守。遷輕車將軍、晉陵太守，給事中，太子洗馬，秘書丞。出爲戎昭將軍、吳郡太守。所臨必赤地大旱，吳人號「旱母」焉。侯景之亂，守東府城，賊設樓車，盡銳攻之，推隨方抗拒，頻擊挫之。至夕，東北樓主許鬱華啓關延賊，城遂陷，推握節死之。

Marquis Tui of Nanpu, whose style was Zhijin, was Ji's next younger brother. In youth he was quick-witted and clear-minded, loved literary composition, and was deeply favored by Emperor Jianwen. In the sixth year of Putong he was enfeoffed according to the precedent for princes' sons. He served successively as general of pacification at a distance and governor of Huainan. He was promoted to general of the light chariots and governor of Jinling, and also served as attendant within the gates, groom of the crown prince's stud, and secretary of the secretariat. He was posted as general of martial brilliance and governor of Wu Commandery. Wherever he was posted the land suffered severe drought, and the people of Wu called him "the Drought Mother." During Hou Jing's rebellion he defended the Eastern Palace city. The rebels set up siege towers and attacked with all their elite forces, but Tui resisted on every side and repeatedly repulsed them. By evening the commander of the northeast tower, Xu Yuhua, opened the gate and admitted the rebels. The city fell, and Tui grasped his command baton and died fighting.

南平元襄王偉字文達，太祖第八子也。幼清警好學。齊世，起家晉安鎮北法曹行參軍府，遷驃騎，轉外兵。高祖爲雍州，慮天下將亂，求迎偉及始興王忄詹來襄陽。俄聞已入沔，高祖欣然謂佐吏曰：「吾無憂矣。」義師起，南康王承制，板爲冠軍將軍，留行雍州開府事。義師發後，州內儲備及人皆虛竭。魏興太守裴師仁、齊興太守顏僧都並據郡不受命，舉兵將襲雍州，偉與始興王嶦遣兵于始平郡待師仁等，要擊大破之，州境以安。

Prince Yuanxiang of Nanping, Wei, whose style was Wenda, was the founding emperor's eighth son. In youth he was alert, clear-minded, and fond of learning. Under the Qi he began his career as acting aide in the legal bureau of the Pacifying North Army at Jin'an, was transferred to the flying cavalry command, and then moved to the outer bureau. When the future Emperor Wu was in Yong Province, fearing the realm would soon fall into disorder, he asked that Wei and Prince Shixing be brought to Xiangyang. Soon he heard they had entered the Han River region. He said with delight to his staff, "I have no more worries." When the righteous army rose, Prince Nankang assumed the regency and appointed him general of the champion army, leaving him to manage the affairs of the Yong Province headquarters. After the righteous army set out, the province's stores and manpower were exhausted. The governors of Weixing, Pei Shiren, and Qixing, Yan Sengdu, each held their commanderies and refused orders, raising troops to strike Yong Province. Wei and Prince Shixing sent troops to wait for them in Shiping Commandery, intercepted them, and inflicted a great defeat, securing the province.

高祖旣剋郢、魯，下尋陽，圍建業，而巴東太守蕭慧訓子璝及巴西太守魯休烈起兵逼荊州，屯軍上明，連破荊州。鎮軍蕭穎胄遣將劉孝慶等距之，反爲璝所敗，穎胄憂憤暴疾卒，西朝兇懼。尚書僕射夏侯詳議徵兵雍州，偉乃割州府將吏，配始興王嶦往赴之。嶦旣至，璝等皆降。和帝詔以偉爲使持節、都督雍梁南北秦四州郢州之竟陵司州之隨郡諸軍事、寧蠻校尉、雍州刺史，將軍如故。尋加侍中，進號鎮北將軍。天監元年，加散騎常侍，進督荊、寧二州，餘如故。封建安郡王，食邑二千戶，給鼓吹一部。四年，徙都督南徐州諸軍事、南徐州刺史，使持節、常侍、將軍如故。五年，至都，改爲撫軍將軍、丹陽尹，常侍如故。六年，遷使持節、都督揚、南徐二州諸軍事、右軍將軍、揚州刺史。未拜，進號中權將軍。七年，以疾表解州，改侍中、中撫軍，知司徒事。九年，遷護軍、石頭戍軍事，侍中、將軍、鼓吹如故。其年，出爲使持節、散騎常侍、都督江州諸軍事、鎮南將軍、江州刺史，鼓吹如故。十一年，以本號加開府儀同三司。其年，復以疾陳解。十二年，徵爲撫軍將軍，儀同、常侍如故，以疾不拜。十三年，改爲左光祿大夫。加親信四十人，歲給米萬斛，布絹五千匹，藥直二百四十萬，廚供月二十萬，并二衛兩營雜役二百人，倍先。置防閤白直左右職局一百人。偉末年疾浸劇，不復出籓，故俸秩加焉。

After Emperor Wu had taken Ying and Lu, advanced to Xunyang, and besieged Jiankang, the son of the governor of Badong, Xiao Huixun, Gui, and the governor of Baxi, Lu Xiulie, raised troops against Jing Province, encamped at Shangming, and repeatedly defeated Jing forces. Xiao Yingzhou, stabilizing general of Jing Province, sent Liu Xiaoqing and others to resist them but was defeated by Gui. Yingzhou died suddenly of grief and rage, and the western court was seized with terror. Vice Director of the Masters of Writing Xiahou Xiang proposed recruiting troops from Yong Province. Wei then assigned the province's generals and officials to Prince Shixing to go to their aid. When Dan arrived, Gui and the others all surrendered. Emperor He decreed that Wei should be bearer of the staff of authority, commander of military affairs in Yong, Liang, southern Qin, and northern Qin, as well as Jingling in Ying Province and Suizhou in Si Province, colonel pacifying the barbarians, and governor of Yong Province, with his general's title unchanged. He was soon additionally appointed palace attendant and promoted to general who pacifies the north. In the first year of Tianjian he was additionally appointed regular attendant of the scattered cavalry and given command over Jing and Ning as well, with his other titles unchanged. He was created Prince of Jian'an with a fief of two thousand households and granted a set of martial music. In the fourth year he was transferred to commander of military affairs in southern Xu and governor of southern Xu, while retaining his titles as bearer of the staff of authority, regular attendant, and general. In the fifth year he reached the capital and was appointed general who pacifies the army and intendant of Danyang, while retaining his post as regular attendant. In the sixth year he was made bearer of the staff of authority, commander of military affairs in Yang and southern Xu, general of the right army, and governor of Yang Province. Before he could assume the appointment, his title was advanced to general of the central authority. In the seventh year, on account of illness he memorialized to resign the governorship and was appointed palace attendant and central pacifying general, with charge of the minister of education's affairs. In the ninth year he was appointed protector of the army and overseer of the Shitou garrison, while retaining his posts as palace attendant and general and his grant of martial music. That year he was posted as bearer of the staff of authority, regular attendant of the scattered cavalry, commander of military affairs in Jiang Province, general who pacifies the south, and governor of Jiang Province, with his grant of martial music unchanged. In the eleventh year he was granted the ceremonial privileges of the three excellencies with an open office in addition to his existing title. That year he again memorialized to resign on account of illness. In the twelfth year he was summoned as general who pacifies the army, with his ceremonial privileges and post as regular attendant unchanged, but on account of illness he did not take up the appointment. In the thirteenth year he was appointed grand master of splendid happiness on the left. He was given forty trusted attendants; annually ten thousand hu of rice, five thousand bolts of cloth and silk, 2.4 million in medicine allowance, and 200,000 monthly for kitchen supplies, together with two hundred miscellaneous laborers from the two guards and two camps—double his former allotment. A staff of one hundred aides, attendants, and office personnel was established for him. In his later years Wei's illness grew steadily worse and he no longer took up provincial office; for this reason his salary and perquisites were increased.

偉少好學，篤誠通恕，趨賢重士，常如不及。由是四方遊士，當世知名者，莫不畢至。齊世，青溪宮改爲芳林苑，天監初，賜偉爲第，偉又加穿築，增植嘉樹珍果，窮極雕麗，每與賓客遊其中，命從事中郎蕭子範爲之記。梁世籓邸之盛，無以過焉。而性多恩惠，尤愍窮乏。常遣腹心左右，歷訪閭里人士，其有貧困吉凶不舉者，卽遣贍卹之。太原王曼穎卒，家貧無以殯斂，友人江革往哭之，其妻兒對革號訴。革曰：「建安王當知，必爲營理。」言未訖而偉使至，給其喪事，得周濟焉。每祁寒積雪，則遣人載樵米，隨乏絕者卽賦給之。晚年崇信佛理，尤精玄學，著《二旨義》，別爲新通。又制《性情》、《幾神》等論其義，僧寵及周捨、殷鈞、陸倕並名精解，而不能屈。

From youth Wei loved learning. He was sincere, open, and forgiving, and in honoring the worthy and esteeming gentlemen he always seemed unable to do enough. For this reason wandering scholars from every direction and every renowned man of the age came to him without exception. Under the Qi the Qingxi Palace had been converted into the Fanglin Park. At the beginning of Tianjian it was granted to Wei as his residence, and he further excavated and built, planting fine trees and rare fruits until the ornamentation reached the utmost splendor. He would roam there with guests and had his aide Xiao Zifan compose a record of the estate. Among the splendor of princely residences in the Liang age, none surpassed it. Yet his nature was full of kindness, and he was especially moved by the poor and destitute. He regularly sent trusted attendants to visit people in the lanes and hamlets. Whenever they found those in poverty or unable to manage weddings and funerals, he immediately sent relief. Wang Manying of Taiyuan died, and his family was too poor to bury him. His friend Jiang Ge went to mourn, and Wang's wife and children faced him with wailing appeals for help. Ge said, "Prince Jian'an will surely hear of this and will certainly arrange the funeral." Before he had finished speaking, Wei's envoy arrived and provided for the funeral. The family received full relief. Whenever severe cold brought heavy snow, he sent men with carts of firewood and rice to distribute to those whose supplies had run out. In his later years he revered Buddhist teachings and was especially accomplished in Dark Learning. He authored The Meaning of the Two Aims, setting forth a new understanding. He also composed On Nature and Sentiment, On the Subtle Spirit, and other treatises expounding its meaning. Seng Chong, Zhou She, Yin Jun, and Lu Yan were all famed for penetrating understanding, yet none could refute him.

偉四子：恪，恭，虔，祗。世子恪嗣。

Wei had four sons: Ke, Geng, Qian, and Zhi. The heir Ke succeeded to the title.

恭字敬範。天監八年，封衡山縣侯，以元襄功，加邑至千戶。初，樂山侯正則有罪，勑讓諸王，獨謂元襄曰：「汝兒非直無過，並有義方。」

Geng, styled Jingfan. In the eighth year of Tianjian he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Hengshan; on account of Prince Yuanxiang's merit his fief was increased to one thousand households. Earlier, when the Marquis of Leshan, Zhengze, had committed an offense, an imperial edict rebuked the princes but said to Prince Yuanxiang alone: "Your sons are not only without fault—they also possess proper conduct."

恭起家給事中，遷太子洗馬。出爲督齊安等十一郡事、寧遠將軍、西陽武昌二郡太守。徵爲秘書丞，遷中書郎，監丹陽尹，行徐南徐州事，轉衡州刺史，母憂去職。尋起爲雲麾將軍、湘州刺史。

Geng began his career as palace attendant and was promoted to groom of the crown prince's household. He was sent out as supervisor of eleven commanderies including Qi'an, as general who pacifies the distance, and as governor of Xiyang and Wuchang. He was recalled as secretary director, promoted to secretariat gentleman, supervised the commandant of Danyang, acted in the affairs of Xu and southern Xuzhou, transferred to governor of Hengzhou, and left office to observe mourning for his mother. He was soon recalled as cloud-banner general and governor of Xiangzhou.

恭善解吏事，所在見稱。而性尚華侈，廣營第宅，重齋步櫩，模寫宮殿。尤好賓友，酣讌終辰，座客滿筵，言談不倦。時世祖居籓，頗事聲譽，勤心著述，卮酒未嘗妄進。恭每從容謂人曰：「下官歷觀世人，多有不好歡樂，乃仰眠床上，看屋梁而著書，千秋萬歲，誰傳此者。勞神苦思，竟不成名，豈如臨清風，對朗月，登山泛水，肆意酣歌也。」尋以雍州蠻文道拘引魏寇，詔恭赴援，仍除持節、仁威將軍、寧蠻校尉、雍州刺史，便道之鎮。太宗少與恭遊，特被賞狎，至是手令曰：「彼士流骯髒，有關輔餘風，黔首扞格，但知重劍輕死。降胡惟尚貪惏，邊蠻不知敬讓，懷抱不可皁白，法律無所用施。願充實邊戍，無數遷徙，諜候惟遠，箱庾惟積，長以控短，靜以制躁。早蒙愛念，敢布腹心。」恭至州，治果有聲績，百姓陳奏，乞於城南立碑頌德，詔許焉。

Geng was skilled at administrative affairs and won praise wherever he served. Yet his nature inclined toward splendor and extravagance. He extensively built mansions with heavy halls and covered walkways modeled after palace architecture. He especially loved entertaining guests and friends, feasting until day's end with every seat filled and conversation never flagging. At that time Emperor Yuan was in his princely fief, quite cultivating his reputation, diligently devoting himself to writing, and never casually offering a cup of wine. Geng would calmly remark to others: "I have observed many people in the world who eschew pleasure, lying on their backs in bed gazing at the roof beams and composing books—after a thousand or ten thousand years, who will pass such things down? They tax their minds and think bitterly, yet in the end achieve no fame—how can that compare with facing a clear breeze beneath a bright moon, climbing mountains and boating on the waters, and singing freely in drunken abandon?" Soon afterward, because the Yongzhou barbarian Wen Dao had induced Northern Wei invaders, an edict summoned Geng to aid the province. He was appointed bearer of the staff of authority, General Renwei, colonel who pacifies the barbarians, and governor of Yongzhou, and proceeded by the direct route to his post. Emperor Jianwen had associated with Geng from youth and was especially fond of him. On this occasion he sent a personal order saying: "The gentry there are coarse and filthy, retaining the residual customs of the Guanzhong region; the common people are stubborn and defiant, knowing only to value swords and lightly regard death. The surrendered Hu care only for greed; the border barbarians know nothing of respect and yielding; their inner thoughts cannot be easily read, and laws have no purchase there. I wish you to strengthen the border garrisons, avoid frequent relocations, keep scouts far afield, accumulate grain in storehouses, use length to control shortness, and use stillness to restrain restlessness. Having long enjoyed your affection, I venture to lay open my innermost thoughts." When Geng arrived in the province his governance indeed won reputation and achievement. The people submitted petitions asking that a stele be erected south of the city in praise of his virtue, and the edict granted their request.

先高祖以雍爲邊鎮，運數州之粟，以實儲倉，恭後多取官米，贍給私宅，爲荊州刺史廬陵王所啓，由是免官削爵，數年竟不敘用。侯景亂，卒于城中，時年五十二。詔特復本封。世祖追贈侍中、左衛將軍。諡曰僖。

Formerly Emperor Wu had made Yong a border post and transported grain from several prefectures to fill the storehouses. Geng later took much official grain to supply his private residence. The Prince of Luling, as governor of Jingzhou, reported this, and for this reason Geng was dismissed and stripped of his rank; for several years he received no reappointment. During Hou Jing's rebellion he died in the city, at the age of fifty-two. An edict specially restored his original enfeoffment. Emperor Yuan posthumously granted him attendant-in-ordinary and left guard general. His posthumous title was Xi.

世子靜，字安仁，有美名，號爲宗室後進。有文才，而篤志好學，旣內足於財，多聚經史，散書滿席，手自讎校。何敬容欲以女妻之，靜忌其太盛，距而不納，時論服焉。歷官太子舍人、東宮領直。遷丹陽尹丞，給事黃門侍郎，深爲太宗所愛賞。太清三年，卒，贈侍中。

The heir Jing, styled Anren, enjoyed a fine reputation and was hailed as the outstanding young member of the imperial clan. He had literary talent and devoted himself steadfastly to learning. Since he was amply provided with wealth, he gathered many classics and histories until books scattered across his mat, and collated them with his own hand. He Jingrong wished to give his daughter to him in marriage, but Jing feared that family was too powerful and declined; contemporary opinion admired him for it. He served as attendant of the crown prince and director of attendance in the Eastern Palace. He was promoted to aide to the commandant of Danyang and supervising gentleman attendant at the yellow gate, and was deeply loved and favored by Emperor Jianwen. In the third year of Taiqing he died and was posthumously granted attendant-in-ordinary.

鄱陽忠烈王恢字弘達，太祖第九子也。幼聰穎，年七歲，能通《孝經》、《論語》義，發擿無所遺。旣長，美風表，涉獵史籍。齊隆昌中，明帝作相，內外多虞，明帝就長沙宣武王懿求諸弟有可委以腹心者，宣武言恢焉。明帝以恢爲寧遠將軍，甲仗百人衛東府，且引爲驃騎法曹行參軍。明帝卽位，東宮建，爲太子舍人，累遷北中郎外兵參軍，前軍主簿。宣武之難，逃在京師。

Prince Zhonglie of Poyang, Hui, styled Hongda, was the founding emperor's ninth son. From childhood he was clever and quick. At the age of seven he could fully comprehend the Classic of Filial Piety and the Analects, raising and probing questions without omitting anything. When he had grown up he had a fine bearing and appearance and ranged broadly through historical records. During the Longchang era of Qi, when Emperor Ming was serving as grand counselor and anxieties were many at court and abroad, Emperor Ming asked Prince Xuanwu of Changsha, Yi, whether among his younger brothers there was one who could be entrusted with his innermost confidence, and Prince Xuanwu named Hui. Emperor Ming appointed Hui general who pacifies the distance, with a hundred armored guards to protect the Eastern Palace, and additionally brought him in as acting aide in the legal bureau under the flying cavalry general. When Emperor Ming took the throne and the Eastern Palace was established, he became attendant of the crown prince and was progressively promoted to military aide under the northern central commander and recorder in the merit bureau under the vanguard general. During Prince Xuanwu's crisis he fled to the capital.

高祖義兵至，恢於新林奉迎，以爲輔國將軍。時三吳多亂，高祖命出頓破崗。建康平，還爲冠軍將軍、右衛將軍。天監元年，爲侍中、前將軍，領石頭戍軍事，封鄱陽郡王，食邑二千戶。二年，出爲使持節、都督南徐州諸軍事、征虜將軍、南徐州刺史。四年，改授都督郢司二州諸軍事、後將軍、郢州刺史，持節如故。義兵初，郢城內疾疫死者甚多，不及藏殯，及恢下車，遽命埋掩。又遣四使巡行州部，境內大治。七年，進號雲麾將軍，進督霍州。八年，復進號平西將軍。十年，徵爲侍中、護軍將軍、石頭戍軍事，領宗正卿。十一年，出爲使持節、都督荊湘雍益寧南北梁南北秦九州諸軍事、平西將軍、荊州刺史，給鼓吹一部。十三年，遷散騎常侍、都督益寧南北秦沙七州諸軍事、鎮西將軍、益州刺史，使持節如故，便道之鎮。成都去新城五百里，陸路往來，悉訂私馬，百姓患焉，累政不能改。恢乃市馬千匹，以付所訂之家，資其騎乘，有用則以次發之，百姓賴焉。十七年，徵爲侍中、安前將軍、領軍將軍。十八年，出爲使持節、散騎常侍、都督荊湘雍梁益寧南北秦八州諸軍事、征西將軍、開府儀同三司、荊州刺史。普通五年，進號驃騎大將軍。七年九月，薨于州，時年五十一。詔曰：「故使持節、散騎常侍、都督荊湘雍梁益寧南北秦八州諸軍事、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、荊州刺史鄱陽王恢，風度開朗，器情凝質。爰在弱歲，美譽克宣，洎于從政，嘉猷載緝。方入正論道，弘燮台階，奄焉薨逝，朕用傷慟于厥心。宜隆寵命，以申朝典。可贈侍中、司徒，王如故。并給班劍二十人。諡曰忠烈。」遣中書舍人劉顯護喪事。

When Emperor Wu's volunteer army arrived, Hui went to Xinlin to welcome him and was appointed general who supports the state. At that time the Three Wu regions were largely in disorder, and Emperor Wu ordered him out to encamp at Pogang. When Jiankang was pacified he returned and was appointed champion general and right guard general. In the first year of Tianjian he became attendant-in-ordinary and vanguard general, took charge of the military affairs of the Shitou garrison, and was enfeoffed as Prince of Poyang with a fief of two thousand households. In the second year he was sent out as bearer of the staff of authority, commander-in-chief of military affairs in southern Xuzhou, general who conquers the barbarians, and governor of southern Xuzhou. In the fourth year his appointment was changed to commander-in-chief of military affairs in Ying and Si provinces, rear general, and governor of Yingzhou, with bearer of the staff unchanged. At the beginning of the volunteer army campaign many in the city of Ying had died of plague before their bodies could be properly interred. When Hui took up his post he immediately ordered them buried. He also dispatched four envoys to tour the commandery, and the territory was brought to excellent order. In the seventh year his title was advanced to cloud-banner general and he was given additional supervision over Huozhou. In the eighth year his title was again advanced to general who pacifies the west. In the tenth year he was summoned as attendant-in-ordinary, general who guards the army, in charge of the military affairs of the Shitou garrison, and concurrently director of the imperial clan. In the eleventh year he was sent out as bearer of the staff of authority, commander-in-chief of military affairs in the nine provinces of Jing, Xiang, Yong, Yi, Ning, southern Liang, northern Liang, southern Qin, and northern Qin, general who pacifies the west, and governor of Jingzhou, and was given one set of martial music. In the thirteenth year he was transferred to regular attendant at the palace gate, commander-in-chief of military affairs in the seven provinces of Yi, Ning, southern Qin, northern Qin, and Sha, general who guards the west, and governor of Yizhou, with bearer of the staff unchanged, and proceeded by the direct route to his post. Chengdu was five hundred li from Xincheng. All land traffic requisitioned private horses, to the people's distress, and successive administrations could not change the practice. Hui then purchased a thousand horses and gave them to the families from whom horses were requisitioned, supplying them with mounts and issuing them in turn as needed, and the people benefited greatly. In the seventeenth year he was summoned as attendant-in-ordinary, front general of security, and general who commands the army. In the eighteenth year he was sent out as bearer of the staff of authority, regular attendant at the palace gate, commander-in-chief of military affairs in the eight provinces of Jing, Xiang, Yong, Liang, Yi, Ning, southern Qin, and northern Qin, general who conquers the west, commissioner with the grand chariot and three dignitaries, and governor of Jingzhou. In the fifth year of Putong his title was advanced to grand general of the flying cavalry. In the ninth month of the seventh year he died in the province, at the age of fifty-one. The edict said: "The late bearer of the staff of authority, regular attendant at the palace gate, commander-in-chief of military affairs in the eight provinces of Jing, Xiang, Yong, Liang, Yi, Ning, southern Qin, and northern Qin, grand general of the flying cavalry, commissioner with the grand chariot and three dignitaries, and governor of Jingzhou, Prince of Poyang Hui—his bearing was open and bright, his character and disposition firm and pure. From his tender years his fine reputation was fully known; upon entering public service excellent plans were continuously gathered. Just as he was entering upright counsel upon the Way, to harmonize and assist at the imperial steps, suddenly he passed away—We are wounded and grieved at heart. It is fitting to elevate his honors in fulfillment of the court's standards. He shall be posthumously granted attendant-in-ordinary and minister of education, with his princely title unchanged. Grant also twenty attendants with ceremonial swords. His posthumous title shall be Zhonglie." The palace secretary attendant Liu Xian was dispatched to oversee the funeral.

恢有孝性，初鎮蜀，所生費太妃猶停都，後於都下不豫，恢未之知，一夜忽夢還侍疾，旣覺憂遑，便廢寢食。俄而都信至，太妃已瘳。後又目有疾，久廢視瞻，有北渡道人慧龍得治眼術，恢請之。旣至，空中忽見聖僧，及慧龍下針，豁然開朗，咸謂精誠所致。

Hui was deeply filial. When he first governed Shu his birth mother, Consort Fei, was still residing in the capital. Later she fell ill in the capital, though Hui did not yet know of it. One night he suddenly dreamed of returning to attend her illness; when he awoke he was anxious and distressed and abandoned sleep and food. Soon a messenger arrived from the capital with word that the consort had already recovered. Later he also suffered from an eye ailment and for a long time could not see properly. There was a monk from north of the river named Huilong who had mastered eye-treatment techniques, and Hui summoned him. When he arrived, a holy monk suddenly appeared in midair. When Huilong applied his needles, Hui's sight cleared at once, and all said it was due to his sincere devotion.

恢性通恕，輕財好施，凡歷四州，所得俸祿隨而散之。在荊州，常從容問賓僚曰：「中山好酒，趙王好吏，二者孰愈？」衆未有對者。顧謂長史蕭琛曰：「漢時王侯，籓屏而已，視事親民，自有其職。中山聽樂，可得任性；彭祖代吏，近於侵官。今之王侯，不守籓國，當佐天子臨民，清白其優乎！」坐賓咸服。世子範嗣。

Hui was open and forgiving by nature; he lightly regarded wealth and loved to give. In all four provinces he served, he promptly distributed whatever salary he received. While in Jingzhou he would calmly ask his guests and aides: "The Prince of Zhongshan loved wine; the Prince of Zhao loved administration—which is better?" No one in the assembly had an answer. He turned to his chief of staff, Xiao Chen, and said: "In Han times the kings and marquises were merely screen-walls for the realm; governing affairs and caring for the people each had its proper office. For the Prince of Zhongshan listening to music, one might follow one's nature; for Pengzu acting in place of the clerk, that approaches overstepping official duty. Today's princes no longer guard their own states but ought to assist the Son of Heaven in governing the people—isn't integrity the better course?" All the guests present admired him. The heir Fan succeeded to the title.

範字世儀，溫和有器識。起家太子洗馬、秘書郎，歷黃門郎，遷衛尉卿。每夜自巡警，高祖嘉其勞苦。出爲益州刺史，開通劍道，剋復華陽，增邑一千戶，加鼓吹。徵爲領軍將軍、侍中。

Fan, styled Shiyi, was mild-tempered and possessed judgment and insight. He began his career as groom of the crown prince's household and secretariat gentleman, served as gentleman at the yellow gate, and was promoted to commandant of the guard. Every night he personally made inspection rounds, and Emperor Wu praised his diligence. He was sent out as governor of Yizhou, opened the Jian Road, recovered Huayang, received an increase of one thousand households to his fief, and was granted martial music. He was summoned as general who commands the army and attendant-in-ordinary.

範雖無學術，而以籌略自命。愛奇翫古，招集文才，率意題章，亦時有奇致。復出爲使持節、都督雍梁東益南北秦五州諸軍事、鎮北將軍、雍州刺史。範作牧蒞民，甚得時譽；撫循將士，盡獲歡心。太清元年，大舉北伐，以範爲使持節、征北大將軍、總督漢北征討諸軍事，進伐穰城。尋遷安北將軍、南豫州刺史。侯景敗於渦陽，退保壽陽，乃改範爲合州刺史，鎮合肥。時景已蓄姦謀，不臣將露，範屢啓言之，朱异每抑而不奏。及景圍京邑，範遣世子嗣與裴之高等入援，遷開府儀同三司，進號征北將軍。京城不守，範乃棄合肥，出東關，請兵于魏，遣二子爲質。魏人據合肥，竟不出師助範，範進退無計，乃沂流西上，軍于樅陽，遣信告尋陽王。尋陽要還九江，欲共治兵西上，范得書大喜，乃引軍至湓城，以晉熙爲晉州，遣子嗣爲刺史。江州郡縣，輒更改易，尋陽政令所行，惟存一郡，時論以此少之。旣商旅不通，信使距絕，范數萬之衆，皆無復食，人多餓死。範恚，發背薨，時年五十二。

Although Fan had no scholarly learning, he considered himself a strategist. He loved the strange and delighted in antiquity, gathered literary talent, composed on impulse, and at times achieved striking effects. He was again sent out as bearer of the staff of authority, commander-in-chief of military affairs in the five provinces of Yong, Liang, eastern Yi, southern Qin, and northern Qin, general who guards the north, and governor of Yongzhou. As governor overseeing the people, Fan won great contemporary reputation; in comforting and guiding officers and soldiers he fully won their affection. In the first year of Taiqing a great northern campaign was launched. Fan was appointed bearer of the staff of authority, grand general who conquers the north, and commander-in-chief of all military affairs for campaigns north of the Han, and advanced to attack Xiangcheng. He was soon transferred to general who pacifies the north and governor of southern Yuzhou. Hou Jing was defeated at Woyang and withdrew to defend Shouyang; Fan was then reassigned as governor of Hezhou and garrisoned Hefei. By then Hou Jing had already harbored treacherous schemes and his disloyalty was about to show; Fan repeatedly memorialized to warn of this, but Zhu Yi each time suppressed the reports without forwarding them to the throne. When Hou Jing besieged the capital, Fan sent the heir Si and Pei Zhigao and others to reinforce the city. He was promoted to commissioner with the grand chariot and three dignitaries and his title was advanced to general who conquers the north. When the capital fell, Fan abandoned Hefei, exited through Dongguan, requested troops from Northern Wei, and sent two sons as hostages. The Northern Wei occupied Hefei and ultimately sent no troops to aid Fan. With no plan for advance or retreat, he went upstream westward, encamped at Zongyang, and sent a message to the Prince of Xunyang. The Prince of Xunyang wanted to return to Jiujiang and proposed jointly leading troops westward. Fan, receiving the letter, was greatly pleased, then led his army to Pencheng, established Jinxia as Jin Province, and sent his son Si as governor. He repeatedly changed the officials of Jiangzhou's commanderies and counties; of the Prince of Xunyang's government orders only one commandery remained in effect, and contemporary opinion thought less of him for it. With merchants and travelers unable to pass and messengers cut off, Fan's force of tens of thousands ran out of food, and many starved to death. Fan died of rage, from a carbuncle on his back, at the age of fifty-two.

始興忠武王嶦字僧達，太祖第十一子也。數歲，所生母吳太妃卒，嶦哀感傍人。齊世，弱冠爲西中郎法曹行參軍，遷外兵參軍。義師起，南康王承制，以嶦爲冠軍將軍、西中郎諮議參軍，遷相國從事中郎，與南平王偉留守。

Prince Zhongwu of Shixing, Dan, whose style was Sengda, was the founding emperor's eleventh son. When he was only a few years old his birth mother, Consort Wu, died. Dan's grief moved all who witnessed it. Under the Qi, upon reaching his capping age he served as acting aide in the legal bureau under the western central commandant, and was later transferred to aide in the outer bureau. When the righteous army rose, Prince Nankang assumed the regency and appointed Dan general of the champion army and advisory aide under the western central commandant. He was promoted to aide of the chancellor's affairs bureau and remained with Prince Nanping, Wei, to hold the capital.

和帝立，以嶦爲給事黃門侍郎。時巴東太守蕭慧訓子璝等及巴西太守魯休烈舉兵逼荊州，屯軍上明，鎮軍將軍蕭穎胄暴疾卒，西朝甚懼，尚書僕射夏侯祥議徵兵雍州，南平王偉遣嶦赴之。嶦以書喻璝等，旬日皆請降。是冬，高祖平建業。明年春，和帝將發江陵，詔以嶦爲使持節、都督荊湘益寧南北秦六州諸軍事、平西將軍、荊州刺史，未拜。天監元年，加安西將軍，都督、刺史如故。封始興郡王，食邑二千戶。時軍旅之後，公私空乏，嶦厲精爲治，廣辟屯田，減省力役，存問兵死之家，供其窮困，民甚安之。嶦自以少年始居重任，思欲開導物情。乃謂佐吏曰：「政之不臧，士君子所宜共惜。言可用，用之可也；如不用，於我何傷？吾開懷矣，爾其無吝。」於是小人知恩，而君子盡意。民辭訟者，皆立前待符教，決於俄頃。曹無留事，下無滯獄，民益悅焉。三年，詔加鼓吹一部。

When Emperor He was enthroned, Dan was appointed attendant gentleman of the yellow gate. At that time Gui, son of the governor of Badong, Xiao Huixun, and the governor of Baxi, Lu Xiulie, raised troops against Jing Province and encamped at Shangming. Stabilizing Army General Xiao Yingzhou died suddenly, and the western court was seized with fear. Vice Director Xiahou Xiang proposed recruiting troops from Yong Province, and Prince Nanping, Wei, sent Dan to their aid. Dan wrote letters persuading Gui and the others, and within ten days all asked to surrender. That winter Emperor Wu pacified Jiankang. In the spring of the following year, as Emperor He was about to depart from Jiangling, an edict appointed Dan bearer of the staff of authority, commander of military affairs in Jing, Xiang, Yi, Ning, southern Qin, and northern Qin, general who pacifies the west, and governor of Jing Province, but he did not yet assume the post. In the first year of Tianjian he was additionally appointed general who pacifies the west, while his posts as commander and governor remained unchanged. He was created Prince of Shixing with a fief of two thousand households. At that time, in the aftermath of war, public and private resources were exhausted. Dan devoted himself energetically to governance, broadly opened military colonies, reduced corvée labor, inquired after families of fallen soldiers, and supplied their needs. The people were greatly reassured. Dan felt that from youth he had borne heavy responsibility and wished to open channels for popular sentiment. He therefore told his staff, "When government goes wrong, gentlemen ought together to regret it. If advice can be used, use it; if not, what harm does it do me? I have opened my heart to you—do not hold back." Thereupon petty men knew gratitude, and gentlemen gave their full counsel. When the people came to plead lawsuits, all stood before him awaiting his written orders, and cases were decided in an instant. The offices had no backlog of business, and no cases languished in prison. The people were increasingly pleased. In the third year an edict granted him an additional set of martial music.

六年，州大水，江溢堤壞，嶦親率府將吏，冒雨賦丈尺築治之。雨甚水壯，衆皆恐，或請嶦避焉。嶦曰：「王尊尚欲身塞河堤，我獨何心以免。」乃刑白馬祭江神。俄而水退堤立。邴州在南岸，數百家見水長驚走，登屋緣樹，憺募人救之，一口賞一萬，估客數十人應募救焉，州民乃以免。又分遣行諸郡，遭水死者給棺槥，失田者與糧種。是歲，嘉禾生於州界，吏民歸美，嶦謙讓不受。

In the sixth year the province suffered a great flood. The river overflowed and the dikes broke. Dan personally led the prefectural generals and officials, braving rain to measure and repair the dikes. The rain was heavy and the waters rose fiercely. All were afraid, and some asked Dan to withdraw. Dan said, "Wang Zun was willing to block the river dikes with his own body—how could I alone wish to escape." He then sacrificed a white horse to the river god. Soon the waters receded and the dikes stood firm. On the south bank several hundred households, seeing the waters rise, fled in alarm and climbed onto roofs and into trees. Dan recruited rescuers, offering ten thousand cash per person saved. Several dozen merchant travelers answered the call, and the people of the province were spared. He also sent envoys through the commanderies: those who died in the flood were given coffins, and those who lost their fields were given grain seed. That year auspicious grain appeared within the province. Officials and people attributed the blessing to him, but Dan modestly declined the credit.

七年，慈母陳太妃薨，水漿不入口六日，居喪過禮，高祖優詔勉之，使攝州任。是冬，詔徵以本號還朝。民爲之歌曰：「始興王，民之爹。赴人急，如水火。何時復來哺乳我？」八年，爲平北將軍、護軍將軍、領石頭戍事。尋遷中軍將軍、中書令，俄領衛尉卿。嶦性勞謙，降意接士，常與賓客連榻而坐，時論稱之。是秋，出爲使持節、散騎常侍、都督南北兗徐青冀五州諸軍事、鎮北將軍、南兗州刺史。九年春，遷都督益寧南梁南北秦沙六州諸軍事、鎮西將軍、益州刺史。開立學校，勸課就業，遣子映親受經焉，由是多向方者。時魏襲巴南，西圍南安，南安太守垣季珪堅壁固守，嶦遣軍救之，魏人退走，所收器械甚衆。十四年，遷都督荊湘雍寧南梁南北秦七州諸軍事、鎮右將軍、荊州刺史。同母兄安成王秀將之雍州，薨於道。嶦聞喪，自投于地，席稾稿哭泣，不飲不食者數日，傾財產賻送，部伍小大皆取足焉。天下稱其悌。十八年，徵爲侍中、中撫將軍、開府儀同三司、領軍將軍。普通三年十一月，薨，時年四十五。追贈侍中、司徒、驃騎將軍。給班劍三十人，羽葆鼓吹一部。册曰：「咨故侍中、司徒、驃騎將軍始興王：夫忠爲令德，武謂止戈，于以用之，載在前志。王有佐命之元勳，利民之厚德，契闊二紀，始終不渝，是用方軌往賢，稽擇故訓，鴻名美義，允臻其極。今遣兼大鴻臚程爽，諡曰忠武。魂而有靈，歆茲顯號。嗚呼哀哉！」

In the seventh year his beloved foster mother, Consort Chen, died. He took no food or drink for six days and observed mourning beyond the prescribed rites. Emperor Wu sent a gracious edict encouraging him and ordered him to resume provincial duties. That winter an edict summoned him back to court with his existing title. The people composed a song: "Prince of Shixing is the people's father. He rushes to help the needy as water and fire rush together. When will he come again to nurture us?" In the eighth year he was appointed general who pacifies the north, protector of the army, and overseer of the Shitou garrison. He was soon promoted to general of the central army and director of the secretariat, and shortly thereafter concurrently served as commandant of the guard. Dan was industrious and modest by nature. He lowered himself to receive gentlemen and often sat on connected couches with his guests, which contemporaries praised. That autumn he was posted as bearer of the staff of authority, regular attendant of the scattered cavalry, commander of military affairs in southern and northern Yan, Xu, Qing, and Ji, general who pacifies the north, and governor of southern Yan. In the spring of the ninth year he was transferred to commander of military affairs in Yi, Ning, southern Liang, southern Qin, northern Qin, and Sha, general who pacifies the west, and governor of Yi Province. He established schools, encouraged instruction, and sent his son Ying to study the classics in person. Many thereby turned toward learning. At that time Northern Wei raided southern Ba and besieged Nan'an from the west. The governor of Nan'an, Yuan Jigui, held firm behind his walls. Dan sent troops to relieve him; the Wei forces withdrew, and a great quantity of weapons was captured. In the fourteenth year he was transferred to commander of military affairs in Jing, Xiang, Yong, Ning, southern Liang, southern Qin, and northern Qin, general who pacifies the right, and governor of Jing Province. His uterine elder brother Prince Ancheng, Xiu, was proceeding to Yong Province and died on the road. When Dan heard of his death he threw himself to the ground, lay on straw matting and wailed, and for several days took neither food nor drink. He exhausted his property for funeral gifts, and every member of the entourage, high and low, was fully provided for. All under Heaven praised his fraternal devotion. In the eighteenth year he was summoned as palace attendant, central pacifying general, with the ceremonial privileges of the three excellencies and an open office, and commander of the army. In the eleventh month of the third year of Putong he died, at the age of forty-five. He was posthumously granted the titles of palace attendant, minister of education, and grand general of the flying cavalry. He was granted thirty ceremonial sword guards and a set of feathered parasols and martial music. The patent of enfeoffment declared: "We address the late palace attendant, minister of education, and grand general of the flying cavalry, Prince of Shixing: loyalty is the foremost virtue, and martial prowess means halting warfare—these principles are recorded in former chronicles. The prince possessed the supreme merit of assisting in the founding of the dynasty and the deep virtue of benefiting the people. Through two decades of trials his constancy never wavered. We therefore align him with sages of old, examine former teachings, and grant him a great name and fine meaning reaching their utmost limit. We now send Acting Grand Master of Ceremonies Cheng Shuang to confer the posthumous title Zhongwu, "Loyal and Martial." If your soul has awareness, receive this illustrious title. Alas, how mournful!"

嶦未薨前，夢改封中山王，策授如他日，意頗惡之，數旬而卒。世子亮嗣。

Before his death Dan dreamed that his title was changed to Prince of Zhongshan, with investiture conducted as on other occasions. He was troubled by the dream, and within several weeks he died. The heir apparent, Liang, succeeded to the title.

史臣曰：自昔王者創業，廣植親親，割裂州國，封建子弟。是以大旂少帛，崇於魯、衛，磐石凝脂，樹斯梁、楚。高祖遠遵前軌，籓屏懿親。至於安成、南平，鄱陽、始興，俱以名跡著，蓋亦漢之間、平矣。 [1]

The historiographer says: From of old, when kings founded their enterprises, they broadly cultivated kinship, carved up provinces and states, and enfeoffed sons and younger brothers. Therefore the great banners and lesser silks were honored in Lu and Wei, and bedrock solid as congealed fat was planted in Liang and Chu. Emperor Wu followed this distant precedent and made his fine kinsmen screens for the realm. As for Ancheng, Nanping, Poyang, and Shixing—all were renowned for name and achievement. They were perhaps the Jian and Ping of Han. Note 1.

全文以中華書局、一九七三年五月版《梁書》爲本校。

The full text has been collated against the Zhonghua Shuju edition of the 《Book of Liang》, May 1973.

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