Volume 35: Xiao Zike; Xiao Zifan; Xiao Zixian; Xiao Ziyun

梁書卷第三十五列傳第二十九

Book of Liang, Volume 35, Biography 29

蕭子恪弟子範子顯子雲

Xiao Zike; his nephew Zifan; Xiao Zixian; Xiao Ziyun

子恪與弟子範等，嘗因事入謝，高祖在文德殿引見之，從容謂曰：「我欲與卿兄弟有言。夫天下之寶，本是公器，非可力得。苟無期運，雖有項籍之力，終亦敗亡。所以班彪《王命論》云：『所求不過一金，然終轉死溝壑』。卿不應不讀此書。宋孝武爲性猜忌，兄弟粗有令名者，無不因事鴆毒，所遺唯有景和。至於朝臣之中，或疑有天命而致害者，枉濫相繼，然而或疑有天命而不能害者，或不知有天命而不疑者，于時雖疑卿祖，而無如之何。此是疑而不得。又有不疑者，如宋明帝本爲庸常被免，豈疑而得全？又復我于時已年二歲，彼豈知我應有今日？當知有天命者，非人所害，害亦不能得。我初平建康城，朝廷內外皆勸我云：『時代革異，物心須一，宜行處分。』我于時依此而行，誰謂不可！我政言江左以來，代謝必相誅戮，此是傷於和氣，所以國祚例不靈長。所謂『殷鑒不遠，在夏後之世』。此是一義。二者，齊梁雖曰革代，義異往時。我與卿兄弟雖復絕服二世，宗屬未遠。卿勿言兄弟是親，人家兄弟自有周旋者，有不周旋者，況五服之屬邪？齊業之初，亦是甘苦共嘗，腹心在我。卿兄弟年少，理當不悉。我與卿兄弟，便是情同一家，豈當都不念此，作行路事。此是二義。我有今日，非是本意所求。且建武屠滅卿門，致卿兄弟塗炭。我起義兵，非惟自雪門恥，亦是爲卿兄弟報仇。卿若能在建武、永元之世，撥亂反正，我雖起樊、鄧，豈得不釋戈推奉；其雖欲不已，亦是師出無名。我今爲卿報仇，且時代革異，望卿兄弟盡節報我耳。且我自藉喪亂，代明帝家天下耳，不取卿家天下。昔劉子輿自稱成帝子，光武言『假使成帝更生，天下亦不復可得，況子輿乎』。梁初，人勸我相誅滅者，我答之猶如向孝武時事：彼若苟有天命，非我所能殺；若其無期運，何忽行此，政足示無度量。曹志親是魏武帝孫，陳思之子，事晉武能爲晉室忠臣，此卽卿事例。卿是宗室，情義異佗，方坦然相期，卿無復懷自外之意。小待，自當知我寸心。」又文獻王時，內齋直帳閹人趙叔祖，天監初，入爲臺齋帥，在壽光省，高祖呼叔祖曰：「我本識汝在北第，以汝舊人，故每驅使。汝比見北第諸郎不？」叔祖奉答云：「比多在直，出外甚疏，假使暫出，亦不能得往。」高祖曰：「若見北第諸郎，道我此意：我今日雖是革代，情同一家；但今磐石未立，所以未得用諸郎者，非惟在我未宜，亦是欲使諸郎得安耳。但閉門高枕，後自當見我心。」叔祖卽出外具宣敕語。

Zike and his nephew Zifan and the others once came to court to offer thanks on official business. Emperor Wu received them in the Wende Hall and said at his ease, "I wish to speak with you brothers. The treasures of the realm are by nature the common property of all; they cannot be seized by force. Without the proper season of fortune, even with the strength of Xiang Yu, one would in the end be defeated and destroyed. Hence Ban Biao's Discourse on the Mandate of Kingship says, "What he sought was no more than a single piece of gold, yet in the end he died in ditches and gullies." You ought to have read this book. Emperor Xiaowu of Song was by nature suspicious and jealous. Of his brothers who had any reputation at all, none escaped being poisoned on one pretext or another—only Jinghe was left alive. Among the court ministers as well, some whom he suspected of possessing the Mandate of Heaven were destroyed, and wrongful killings followed one after another. Yet some whom he suspected of possessing the Mandate of Heaven he could not destroy, and some who did not know they possessed the Mandate of Heaven he did not suspect. At that time he did suspect your grandfather, yet could do nothing about it. This was a case of suspecting but being unable to act. There were also those he did not suspect, such as Emperor Ming of Song, who had originally been an undistinguished commoner and was dismissed from office—how could suspicion have preserved him? Moreover, at that time I was already two years old—how could he have known that I was destined for what I have today? You should understand that one who possesses the Mandate of Heaven cannot be harmed by men; even if harm is attempted, it cannot succeed. When I first pacified Jiankang, everyone inside and outside the court urged me, saying, "The age has changed; minds must be unified; you ought to take decisive measures." At the time I acted accordingly—who would say it was wrong! I maintain only that since the establishment of the regime south of the Yangtze, each change of dynasty has been accompanied by mutual slaughter. This wounds the harmony of spirit, and so imperial fortunes as a rule do not last long. As the saying goes, "The lesson of Yin is not far off; it is in the age of the Xia descendants." This is the first point. Second, although Qi and Liang are called a change of dynasty, the principle differs from times past. Though you brothers and I are separated by two generations of mourning dress, our kinship is not remote. Do not speak of brothers as being close by nature. Among ordinary families, brothers have those who get along and those who do not—how much more so for kin within five degrees of mourning? In the early years of the Qi state, we too shared bitterness and sweetness; you were trusted as my inner confidants. You brothers are young and can scarcely know this fully. With you brothers I am as close as one family. How could I fail to bear this in mind and treat you as strangers on the road? This is the second point. What I have today was not what I originally sought. Moreover, the Jianwu reign annihilated your clan's households and brought you brothers to ruin. When I raised the army of righteousness, it was not only to avenge my own house's shame but also to take revenge for you brothers. Had you been able in the Jianwu and Yongyuan reigns to restore order and right the wrongs, though I had risen at Fan and Deng, how could I have failed to lay down my weapons and yield the lead? Even had I wished to continue, it would have been a campaign without righteous cause. Now I have avenged you, and the age has changed. I look to you brothers to exhaust your loyalty in serving me. I took advantage of the chaos to inherit Emperor Ming of Song's realm—I did not seize your family's realm. In former times Liu Ziyu styled himself a son of Emperor Cheng; Emperor Guangwu said, "Suppose even Emperor Cheng were reborn—the realm could no longer be obtained; how much less Liu Ziyu?" Early in the Liang, there were those who urged me to carry out mass slaughter. I answered as in the time of Emperor Xiaowu: if they truly possessed the Mandate of Heaven, I could not kill them; if they lacked the season of fortune, why suddenly do this—it would only show a want of magnanimity. Cao Zhi was a close relative of Emperor Wu of Wei and a son of Prince Si of Chen; serving Emperor Wu of Jin he could be a loyal minister to the Jin house—this is exactly your case. You are of the imperial clan; your bond differs from others. I openly expect much of you—do not harbor thoughts of standing apart. Wait a little—you will come to know my true heart." Again, in the time of the Literary and Cultivated Prince, Zhao Shuzu was a eunuch attendant in the inner quarters. At the beginning of Tianjian he entered service as Master of the Terrace Quarters in the Shouguang office. The Emperor called Shuzu and said, "I knew you long ago at the Northern Residence, and because you are an old acquaintance I have you run errands often. Have you lately seen the various gentlemen of the Northern Residence?" Shuzu replied, "Of late I have mostly been on duty and have gone out very rarely. Even when I went out briefly I could not get there." The Emperor said, "If you see the gentlemen of the Northern Residence, convey my meaning: though today we have changed the dynasty, our feeling is as of one family; only because the foundation stone is not yet set, I have not been able to employ you gentlemen—not only because it would be improper for me, but also because I wish to let you gentlemen dwell in peace. Simply shut your gates and rest your heads on high pillows—you will later come to see my heart." Shuzu went out at once and fully proclaimed the imperial words.

子恪尋出爲永嘉太守。還除光祿卿，秘書監。出爲明威將軍、零陵太守。十七年，入爲散騎常侍、輔國將軍。普通元年，遷宗正卿。三年，遷都官尚書。四年，轉吏部。六年，遷太子詹事。大通二年，出爲寧遠將軍、吳郡太守。三年，卒于郡舍，時年五十二。詔贈侍中、中書令。諡曰恭。

Soon afterward Zike was sent out as Administrator of Yongjia. On his return he was appointed Director of the Imperial Clan and Superintendent of the Secretariat. He went out as General of Illustrious Might and Administrator of Lingling. In the seventeenth year he entered the court as Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and General Who Assists the State. In the first year of Putong he was promoted to Director of the Imperial Clan. In the third year he was transferred to Director of the Ministry of Justice. In the fourth year he was transferred to the Ministry of Personnel. In the sixth year he was promoted to Steward of the Heir Apparent. In the second year of Datong he went out as General of Pacifying the Distance and Administrator of Wu Commandery. In the third year he died in the administrative residence, aged fifty-two. An edict posthumously appointed him Palace Attendant and Secretary of the Palace. His posthumous title was Gong (Respectful).

子恪兄弟十六人，並仕梁。有文學者，子恪、子質、子顯、子雲、子暉五人。子恪嘗謂所親曰：「文史之事，諸弟備之矣，不煩吾復牽率，但退食自公，無過足矣。」子恪少亦涉學，頗屬文，隨棄其本，故不傳文集。

Zike's sixteen brothers all served in Liang. Those with literary accomplishment were five: Zike, Zizhi, Zixian, Ziyun, and Zihui. Zike once told those close to him, "Matters of letters and history—my younger brothers have them fully covered. I need not lead the way again. Only to withdraw after eating and attend to public duty without fault is enough for me." Zike in his youth also studied and wrote essays, but abandoned his drafts, so his collected works were not transmitted.

子瑳，亦知名太清中，官至吏部郎，避亂東陽，後爲盜所害。

Zichan was also famous in the Taiping era. He reached the post of Gentleman of the Ministry of Personnel, fled the turmoil to Dongyang, and was later killed by bandits.

子範字景則，子恪第六弟也。齊永明十年，封祁陽縣侯，拜太子洗馬。天監初，降爵爲子，除後軍記室參軍，復爲太子洗馬，俄遷司徒主簿，丁所生母憂去職。子範有孝性，居喪以毀聞。服闋，又爲司徒主簿，累遷丹陽尹丞，太子中舍人。出爲建安太守，還除大司馬南平王戶曹屬，從事中郎。王愛文學士，子範偏被恩遇，嘗曰：「此宗室奇才也。」使制《千字文》，其辭甚美，王命記室蔡薳注釋之。自是府中文筆，皆使草之。王薨，子範遷宣惠諮議參軍，護軍臨賀王正德長史。正德爲丹陽尹，復爲正德信威長史，領尹丞。歷官十餘年，不出籓府，常以自慨，而諸弟並登顯列，意不能平，及是爲到府箋曰：「上籓首佐，於茲再忝，河南雌伏，自此重昇。以老少異時，盛衰殊日，雖佩恩寵，還羞年鬢。」子範少與弟子顯、子雲才名略相比，而風采容止不逮，故宦途有優劣。每讀《漢書》，杜緩兄弟「五人至大官，唯中弟欽官不至而最知名」，常吟諷之，以況己也。

Zifan, style name Jingze, was Zike's sixth younger brother. In the tenth year of Yongming of Qi he was enfeoffed Marquis of Qiyang and appointed Groom of the Heir Apparent. At the beginning of Tianjian his rank was reduced to viscount. He was made Recorder in the Rear Army, again Groom of the Heir Apparent, soon transferred to Chief Clerk of the Minister of State, and resigned on mourning for his birth mother. Zifan was filial; during mourning his devastation was renowned. When mourning ended he again served as Chief Clerk of the Minister of State and was promoted through posts to Assistant Magistrate of Danyang and Attendant to the Heir Apparent. He went out as Administrator of Jian'an. On his return he was made Registrar in the household of the Minister of War for the Prince of Nanping, and Follower. The prince loved literary scholars. Zifan was especially favored, and the prince often said, "This is an extraordinary talent of the imperial house." He had him compose the Thousand-Character Classic. The text was very fine, and the prince ordered his Recorder Cai Yun to annotate it. From then on all documents of the princely establishment were drafted by him. When the prince died, Zifan was transferred to Consultant and Follower on the staff of the Xuanhui Prince, and Chief Clerk to the Prince of Linhe Zhengde. When Zhengde was Governor of Danyang, Zifan again served as his Chief Clerk with Acting Credence and as Assistant Magistrate. Having held office for more than ten years without leaving the princely establishment, he often sighed at this himself, while his younger brothers all reached prominent rank. He could not compose his mind, and on taking up this post he submitted a memorial saying, "Chief aide of a first-rank princely fief—here again I bear this post; the hen of Henan crouches in hiding—from here I rise once more. Because youth and age differ in their season, and flourishing and decline fall on different days, though I wear favor and grace I still blush at my years." From youth Zifan's talent and reputation were roughly comparable to those of his nephews Zixian and Ziyun, but his bearing and deportment fell short, so their official careers had their differences. Whenever he read the Han History, he would chant the passage on the Du Huan brothers—"five men reached high office, only the middle brother Qin did not reach office yet was most renowned"—and apply it to himself.

尋復爲宣惠武陵王司馬，不就，仍除中散大夫，遷光祿、廷尉卿。出爲戎昭將軍、始興內史。還除太中大夫，遷秘書監。太宗卽位，召爲光祿大夫，加金章紫綬，以逼賊不拜。其年葬簡皇后，使與張纘俱制哀策文，太宗覽讀之，曰：「今葬禮雖闕，此文猶不減於舊。」尋遇疾卒，時年六十四。賊平後，世祖追贈金紫光祿大夫。諡曰文。前後文集三十卷。

Soon he was again made Sima to the Xuanhui Prince of Wuling but did not take up the post. He was appointed Palace Gentleman and promoted to Director of Palace Affairs and Minister of Justice. He went out as General of Martial Brilliance and Internal Governor of Shixing. On his return he was made Grand Master of Palace and promoted to Superintendent of the Secretariat. When Emperor Jianwen acceded, he was summoned as Director of Palace Affairs with the gold seal and purple ribbon, but because of the rebels' pressure he did not accept. That year at the burial of Empress Jian he and Zhang Xu were commissioned to compose the mourning eulogy. Emperor Jianwen read it and said, "Though the burial rites fall short today, this text is still not inferior to those of old." Soon he fell ill and died, aged sixty-four. After the rebels were pacified, Emperor Yuan posthumously enfeoffed him as Director with the purple ribbon of the first rank. His posthumous title was Wen (Literary). His collected works in all numbered thirty juan.

二子滂、確，並少有文章。太宗東宮時，嘗與邵陵王數諸蕭文士，滂、確亦預焉。滂官至尚書殿中郎，中軍宣城王記室，先子範卒。確，太清中歷官宣城王友，司徒右長史。賊平後，赴江陵，因沒關西。

His two sons Pang and Que both in youth had literary gifts. When Emperor Jianwen was Eastern Palace Heir, he often gathered with the Prince of Shaoling and several Xiao literary men; Pang and Que also took part. Pang reached the post of Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat's Internal Section and Recorder to the Prince of Xuancheng; he died before his father Zifan. Que in the Taiping era held office as Friend to the Prince of Xuancheng and Right Chief Clerk of the Minister of State. After the rebels were pacified he went to Jiangling and was then captured in Guanxi.

子顯字景陽，子恪第八弟也。幼聰慧，文獻王異之，愛過諸子。七歲，封寧都縣侯。永元末，以王子例拜給事中。天監初，降爵爲子。累遷安西外兵，仁威記室參軍，司徒主簿，太尉錄事。

Zixian, style name Jingyang, was Zike's eighth younger brother. Intelligent from childhood, the Literary and Cultivated Prince marked him out and favored him above all his sons. At age seven he was enfeoffed Marquis of Ningdu. At the end of Yongyuan, by the rule for princes' sons he was appointed Attendant at the Imperial Gates. At the beginning of Tianjian his rank was reduced to viscount. He was promoted through posts to External Army Aide of the Pacifying West, Recorder of Renwei, Chief Clerk of the Minister of State, and Recorder of the Grand Marshal.

子顯偉容貌，身長八尺。好學，工屬文。嘗著《鴻序賦》，尚書令沈約見而稱曰：「可謂得明道之高致，蓋《幽通》之流也。」又采衆家《後漢》，考正同異，爲一家之書。又啟撰《齊史》，書成，表奏之，詔付秘閣。累遷太子中舍人，建康令，邵陵王友，丹陽尹丞，中書郎，守宗正卿。出爲臨川內史，還除黃門郎。中大通二年，遷長兼侍中。高祖雅愛子顯才，又嘉其容止吐納，每御筵侍坐，偏顧訪焉。嘗從容謂子顯曰：「我造《通史》，此書若成，衆史可廢。」子顯對曰：「仲尼贊《易》道，黜《八索》，述職方，除《九丘》，聖制符同，復在茲日。」時以爲名對。三年，以本官領國子博士。高祖所制經義，未列學官，子顯在職，表置助教一人，生十人。又啟撰高祖集，并《普通北伐記》。其年遷國子祭酒，又加侍中，於學遞述高祖《五經義》。五年，遷吏部尚書，侍中如故。

Zixian had an imposing appearance and stood eight chi tall. He loved learning and was skilled at literary composition. He once composed An Ode on the Wild Goose's Preface. Minister of State Shen Yue saw it and praised it, saying, "One may say he has attained the lofty reach of the Way—of the same stream as The Mysterious Communication." He also drew on various Later Han histories, reconciled their agreements and differences, and produced a unified work of his own. He also memorialized to compile the History of Qi. When the book was complete he submitted it, and an edict ordered it deposited in the secret archive. He was promoted through posts to Attendant to the Heir Apparent, Magistrate of Jiankang, Friend to the Prince of Shaoling, Assistant Magistrate of Danyang, Palace Secretariat Gentleman, and Acting Director of the Imperial Clan. He went out as Internal Governor of Linchuan. On his return he was appointed Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. In the second year of Zhongdatong he was promoted to Senior Palace Attendant with concurrent appointment. The Emperor greatly loved Zixian's talent and also admired his bearing and speech. Whenever he held a banquet Zixian sat in attendance and received special attention and inquiry. He once said at ease to Zixian, "I am composing the Comprehensive History. If this book is completed, the various histories may be discarded. Zixian replied, "Confucius praised the Way of the Changes, dismissed the Eight Canons, expounded the Regional Officers, and removed the Nine Mounds—sage standards match; again on this day. At the time this was considered a famous reply. In the third year, in his existing office he concurrently served as Erudite of the Imperial University. The classical exegeses composed by the Emperor had not been listed among the academic officers. Zixian while in office memorialized to appoint one teaching assistant and ten students. He also memorialized to compile the Emperor's collected writings, together with the Record of the Putong Northern Campaign. That year he was promoted to Libationer of the Imperial University and also added as Palace Attendant. At the academy he lectured in succession on the Emperor's Exegeses of the Five Classics. In the fifth year he was transferred to Director of the Ministry of Personnel, retaining his post as Palace Attendant.

子顯性凝簡，頗負其才氣。及掌選，見九流賓客，不與交言，但舉扇一撝而已，衣冠竊恨之。然太宗素重其爲人，在東宮時，每引與促宴。子顯嘗起更衣，太宗謂坐客曰：「嘗聞異人間出，今日始知是蕭尚書。」其見重如此。大同三年，出爲仁威將軍、吳興太守，至郡未幾，卒，時年四十九。詔曰：「仁威將軍、吳興太守子顯，神韻峻舉，宗中佳器。分竹未久，奄到喪殞，惻愴于懷。可贈侍中、中書令。今便舉哀。」及葬請諡，手詔「恃才傲物，宜諡曰驕」。

Zixian's nature was reserved and terse, and he rather relied on his talent and spirit. When he took charge of selection, upon seeing guests of every sort he would not converse with them but only raise his fan in a wave. The gentry secretly resented this. Yet Emperor Jianwen had always valued his person. When in the Eastern Palace he often drew him into intimate banquets. Zixian once rose to change his clothes. Emperor Jianwen said to the seated guests, "I have heard that extraordinary men appear from time to time; today I know it is Director Xiao. Thus was he valued. In the third year of Datong he went out as General of Benevolent Might and Administrator of Wuxing. Not long after reaching the commandery he died, aged forty-nine. An edict said, "General of Benevolent Might and Administrator of Wuxing Zixian—his spirit and bearing rise loftily; a fine vessel of the clan. Not long after receiving the staff of office, death came suddenly; my heart is pierced with sorrow. He may be posthumously appointed Palace Attendant and Secretary of the Palace. Let mourning be raised at once. When burial was requested and a posthumous title sought, a handwritten edict read, "Relying on talent and disdaining others—his posthumous title should be Jiao (Arrogant)."

子顯嘗爲《自序》，其略云：「余爲邵陵王友，忝還京師，遠思前比，卽楚之唐、宋，梁之嚴、鄒。追尋平生，頗好辭藻，雖在名無成，求心已足。若乃登高自極，臨水送歸，風動春朝，月明秋夜，早雁初鷪，開花落葉，有來斯應，每不能已也。前世賈、傅、崔、馬、邯鄲、繆、路之徒，並以文章顯，所以屢上歌頌，自比古人。天監十六年，始預九日朝宴，稠人廣坐，獨受旨云：『今雲物甚美，卿得不斐然賦詩。』詩旣成，又降帝旨曰：『可謂才子。』餘退謂人曰：『一顧之恩，非望而至。遂方賈誼何如哉？未易當也。』每有制作，特寡思功，須其自來，不以力構。少來所爲詩賦，則《鴻序》一作，體兼衆制，文備多方，頗爲好事所傳，故虛聲易遠。」

Zixian once composed a Self-Preface, which in summary says, "I served as Friend to the Prince of Shaoling and was honored to return to the capital. Thinking far back on former parallels, there were Tang and Song of Chu, Yan and Zou of Liang. Looking back on my whole life, I have greatly loved fine writing. Though in reputation I have achieved nothing, in what my heart sought I am already satisfied. Whether climbing high to the utmost, facing water to send off the returning, wind stirring on a spring morning, moon bright on an autumn night, early geese and first ducklings, blossoms opening and leaves falling—when these come, I respond and each time cannot restrain myself. Men of former ages such as Jia, Fu, Cui, Ma, Handan, Miao, and Lu all became famous through literature. Therefore I repeatedly submitted songs of praise and compared myself to the ancients. In the sixteenth year of Tianjian I first took part in the Double Ninth court banquet. In a dense crowd and broad seating I alone received the command, "Today the clouds and scenery are very fine—you must compose a splendid poem. When the poem was complete, the imperial command came down again, "One may call you a talented man. I withdrew and said to others, "A single glance of favor—beyond what I could have hoped for. How then compared with Jia Yi? Not easy to match. Whenever I compose, I especially lack deliberate effort. I must wait for it to come of itself and do not construct it by force. Of the poems and fu I composed in youth, the single work An Ode on the Wild Goose's Preface combines many forms in its structure and is complete in many aspects of style. It has been rather transmitted among enthusiasts, and so empty reputation spreads easily."

子顯所著《後漢書》一百卷，《齊書》六十卷，《普通北伐記》五卷，《貴儉傳》三十卷，文集二十卷。

Zixian's works included the Book of Later Han in one hundred juan, the Book of Qi in sixty juan, the Record of the Putong Northern Campaign in five juan, the Biography of Esteeming Frugality in thirty juan, and collected writings in twenty juan.

二子序、愷，並少知名。序，太清中歷官太子家令，中庶子，並掌管記。及亂，於城內卒。愷，初爲國子生，對策高第，州又舉秀才。起家秘書郎，遷太子中舍人，王府主簿，太子洗馬，父憂去職。服闋，復除太子洗馬，遷中舍人，並掌管記。累遷宣城王文學，中書郎，太子家令，又掌管記。愷才學譽望，時論以方其父，太宗在東宮，早引接之。時中庶子謝嘏出守建安，於宣猷堂宴餞，並召時才賦詩，同用十五劇韻，愷詩先就，其辭又美。太宗與湘東王令曰：「王筠本自舊手，後進有蕭愷可稱，信爲才子。」先是時太學博士顧野王奉令撰《玉篇》，太宗嫌其書詳略未當，以愷博學，於文字尤善，使更與學士刪改。遷中庶子，未拜，徙爲吏部郎。太清二年，遷御史中丞。頃之，侯景寇亂，愷於城內遷侍中，尋卒官，時年四十四。文集並亡逸。

His two sons Xu and Kai both were known from youth. Xu in the Taiping era held office as Steward of the Heir Apparent's Household, Junior Mentor, and concurrently managed records. When the turmoil came, he died within the city. Kai at first was a student of the Imperial University, ranked high in the policy examination, and the province also nominated him as Cultivated Talent. He began his career as Secretariat Gentleman, was promoted to Attendant to the Heir Apparent, Chief Clerk of a princely establishment, and Groom of the Heir Apparent, and resigned on his father's mourning. When mourning ended he was again appointed Groom of the Heir Apparent, promoted to Attendant, and concurrently managed records. He was promoted through posts to Literary Scholar to the Prince of Xuancheng, Palace Secretariat Gentleman, and Steward of the Heir Apparent's Household, again managing records. Kai's talent, learning, and reputation led contemporary opinion to compare him with his father. Emperor Jianwen while in the Eastern Palace drew him in early. At the time Junior Mentor Xie Xia was going out to guard Jian'an. At a farewell banquet in the Xuanyou Hall the talented men of the age were summoned to compose poems, all using the same fifteen rhyme categories. Kai's poem was finished first and its wording was also fine. Emperor Jianwen wrote to the Prince of Xiangdong, "Wang Yun is an old hand by nature; among the rising generation Xiao Kai may be praised—truly a talented man. Earlier, Erudite of the Imperial University Gu Yewang had been ordered to compile the Jade Chapters. Emperor Jianwen found the book's detail and brevity not quite right, and because Kai was broadly learned and especially skilled in written characters, had him revise it again with the academicians. He was transferred to Junior Mentor but did not accept the appointment and was moved to Gentleman of the Ministry of Personnel. In the second year of Taiping he was promoted to Imperial Censor. Shortly afterward Hou Jing raided and brought turmoil. Kai within the city was promoted to Palace Attendant and soon died in office, aged forty-four. His collected works were all lost.

子雲字景喬，子恪第九弟也。年十二，齊建武四年，封新浦縣侯，自製拜章，便有文采。天監初，降爵爲子。旣長勤學，以晉代竟無全書，弱冠便留心撰著，至年二十六，書成，表奏之，詔付秘閣。

Ziyun, style name Jingqiao, was Zike's ninth younger brother. At age twelve, in the fourth year of Jianwu of Qi, he was enfeoffed Marquis of Xinpu. He himself composed the memorial of acknowledgment, and it already had literary grace. At the beginning of Tianjian his rank was reduced to viscount. Once grown he studied diligently. Because the Jin era in the end had no complete book, at his coming of age he turned his mind to writing. By age twenty-six the book was complete; he submitted it, and an edict ordered it deposited in the secret archive.

梁初，郊廟未革牲牷，樂辭皆沈約撰，至是承用，子雲始建言宜改。啟曰：「伏惟聖敬率由，尊嚴郊廟，得西鄰之心，知周、孔之跡，載革牢俎，德通神明，黍稷蘋藻，竭誠嚴配，經國制度，方懸日月，垂訓百王，於是乎在。臣比兼職齋官，見伶人所歌，猶用未革牲前曲。圜丘視燎，尚言『式備牲牷』；北郊《諴雅》，亦奏『牲雲孔備』；清廟登歌，而稱『我牲以潔』；三朝食舉，猶詠『朱尾碧鱗』。聲被鼓鐘，未符盛制。臣職司儒訓，意以爲疑，未審應改定樂辭以不？」敕答曰：「此是主者守株，宜急改也。」仍使子雲撰定。敕曰：「郊廟歌辭，應須典誥大語，不得雜用子史文章淺言；而沈約所撰，亦多舛謬。」子雲答敕曰：「殷薦朝饗，樂以雅名，理應正采《五經》，聖人成教。而漢來此制，不全用經典；約之所撰，彌復淺雜。臣前所易約十曲，惟知牲牷旣革，宜改歌辭，而猶承例，不嫌流俗乖體。旣奉令旨，始得發蒙。臣夙本庸滯，昭然忽朗，謹依成旨，悉改約制。惟用《五經》爲本，其次《爾雅》、《周易》、《尚書》、《大戴禮》，卽是經誥之流，愚意亦取兼用。臣又尋唐、虞諸書，殷《頌》周《雅》，稱美是一，而復各述時事。大梁革服，偃武修文，制禮作樂，義高三正；而約撰歌辭，惟浸稱聖德之美，了不序皇朝製作事。《雅》、《頌》前例，於體爲違。伏以聖旨所定《樂論》，鐘律緯緒，文思深微，命世一出，方懸日月，不刊之典，禮樂之教，致治所成。謹一二采綴，各隨事顯義，以明製作之美。覃思累日，今始克就，謹以上呈。」敕並施用。

Early in the Liang, the suburban and ancestral temples had not yet reformed the sacrificial victims. The hymn texts were all composed by Shen Yue and were still in use. Ziyun first memorialized that they ought to be changed. His memorial said, "I bow to consider that in sacred reverence you follow the constant way, honoring the suburban and ancestral temples, attaining the heart of the western neighbor, knowing the traces of Zhou and Confucius, reforming the victims on the altar, virtue reaching the spirits, millet and offerings presented with full sincerity in solemn matching—statecraft and institutions hang like sun and moon; instruction for a hundred kings lies herein. I recently held a concurrent post as fasting officer and saw what the musicians sang—they still used the melodies from before the victims were reformed. At the Round Mound when viewing the burning offering, they still say, "Thus prepare the sacrificial victims"; the Northern Suburb's Chen and Ya hymns also perform "the victims are fully prepared"; the Clear Temple's ascending hymn calls "our victims are pure"; at the three mornings' food-raising they still chant "red tails and green scales." The sounds spread among drums and bells and do not match the flourishing institutions. I hold office in Confucian instruction and consider this doubtful. I do not know whether the hymn texts ought to be revised or not? The edict replied, "This is the responsible officer clinging to the stump; it should be changed at once. Ziyun was then ordered to draft and fix them. An edict said, "Suburban and temple hymn texts must use the great language of the canonical edicts. One must not mix in shallow words from the Masters and histories; and what Shen Yue composed also has many errors. Ziyun replied to the edict, "Yin offerings and morning feasts—music takes its elegant names. By principle one ought rightly to draw on the Five Classics, the completed teaching of the sages. Yet since Han this institution has not fully used the classics; what Yue composed is all the more shallow and miscellaneous. The ten pieces I earlier revised of Yue's knew only that the victims had been reformed and the hymn texts ought to be changed, yet still followed precedent and did not mind that vulgar custom violated proper form. Having received the command, I have at last been enlightened. I have long been dull and slow by nature, but suddenly all became clear. I respectfully follow the completed command and have wholly changed Yue's system. I use only the Five Classics as foundation; next the Erya, Book of Changes, Documents, and Grand Dai Rites—that is, texts of canonical edicts—and in my humble opinion I also take these for combined use. I further examine the books of Tang and Yu, the Yin Odes and Zhou Elegantiae—praise is one, yet each again relates the affairs of its time. Great Liang has changed its garments, laid down arms and cultivated letters, established rites and made music—its righteousness surpasses the Three Corrections; yet Yue's composed hymn texts only soak in praise of sacred virtue's beauty and entirely do not narrate the imperial house's creative achievements. The former examples of the Elegantiae and Odes—in form this violates them. I bow to consider the Treatise on Music fixed by the sacred command—bells, pitch pipes, and their woven principles; literary thought deep and subtle; once in an age; hanging like sun and moon; an unalterable canon; the teaching of rites and music through which good governance is achieved. I respectfully gather and arrange piece by piece, each following its affair to display its meaning, to make clear the beauty of the creative achievements. Deep thought for many days—today it is at last completed. I respectfully submit it above. The edict ordered all to be put into use.

子雲善草隸書，爲世楷法。自雲善效鐘元常、王逸少而微變字體。答敕云：「臣昔不能拔賞，隨世所貴，規摹子敬，多歷年所。年二十六，著《晉史》，至《二王列傳》，欲作論語草隸法，言不盡意，遂不能成，略指論飛白一勢而已。十許年來，始見敕旨《論書》一卷，商略筆勢，洞澈字體；又以逸少之不及元常，猶子敬之不及逸少。自此研思，方悟隸式，始變子敬，全範元常。逮爾以來，自覺功進。」其書迹雅爲高祖所重，嘗論子雲書曰：「筆力勁駿，心手相應，巧逾杜度，美過崔寔，當與元常並驅爭先。」其見賞如此。

Ziyun was skilled in cursive and clerical script and became the standard for the age. Ziyun was skilled at imitating Zhong You and Wang Xizhi while slightly varying the character forms. Replying to the edict he said, "I formerly could not break free in appreciation and followed what the age valued, modeling myself on Zi Jing for many years. At age twenty-six, composing the History of Jin, when I reached the Biographies of the Two Wangs I wished to compose a discourse on cursive and clerical methods, but words could not exhaust the meaning and so I could not complete it—I only sketched a discussion of the flying-white manner. For some ten years I have only now seen the edict's Treatise on Calligraphy in one juan, weighing brush momentum and penetrating character forms; and also that Xizhi does not match You, just as Zi Jing does not match Xizhi. From this I studied and reflected and at last understood clerical forms. I began to change from Zi Jing and wholly took You as my model. Since then I have felt my achievement advance. His calligraphic traces were elegantly valued by the Emperor, who once discussed Ziyun's writing, saying, "Brush strength vigorous and fleet, heart and hand in accord; skill surpassing Du Du, beauty exceeding Cui Shi—he ought to race neck and neck with You. Thus was he appreciated.

第二子特，字世達。早知名，亦善草隸。高祖嘗謂子雲曰：「子敬之書，不及逸少。近見特跡，遂逼於卿。」歷官著作佐郎，太子舍人，宣惠主簿，中軍記室。出爲海鹽令，坐事免。年二十五，先子雲卒。

His second son Te, style name Shida. Known early, he was also skilled in cursive and clerical script. The Emperor once said to Ziyun, "Zi Jing's writing does not match Xizhi. Lately seeing Te's traces, they now press close upon yours." He held office as Assistant in the Composition Office, Attendant to the Heir Apparent, Chief Clerk of the Xuanhui Prince, and Recorder of the Central Army. He went out as Magistrate of Haiyan and was dismissed on account of an affair. At age twenty-five he died before his father Ziyun.

子暉字景光，子雲弟也。少涉書史，亦有文才。起家員外散騎侍郎，遷南中郎記室。出爲臨安令。性恬靜，寡嗜好，嘗預重雲殿聽制講《三慧經》，退爲《講賦》奏之，甚見稱賞。遷安西武陵王諮議，帶新繁令，隨府轉儀同從事、驃騎長史，卒。

Zihui, style name Jingguang, was Ziyun's younger brother. In youth he studied histories and also had literary talent. He began his career as Supernumerary Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and was promoted to Recorder of the Southern Central General. He went out as Magistrate of Lin'an. His nature was tranquil and quiet, with few desires. He once took part in hearing the imperial lecture on the Sutra of Three Wisdoms in the Chongyun Hall. On retiring he composed a Lecture Fu and submitted it, and was greatly praised. He was promoted to Consultant to the Pacifying West Prince of Wuling, concurrently Magistrate of Xinfan. Following the princely establishment he became Follower with Protocol Equal to the Three Excellencies and Chief Clerk of the Cavalry General, and died.

陳吏部尚書姚察曰：昔魏藉兵威而革漢運，晉因宰輔乃移魏曆，異乎古之禪授，以德相傳，故抑前代宗枝，用絕民望。然劉曄、曹志，猶顯於朝；及宋遂爲廢姓。而齊代，宋之戚屬，一皆殲焉。其祚不長，抑亦由此。有梁革命，弗取前規，故子恪兄弟及羣從，並隨才任職，通貴滿朝，不失於舊，豈惟魏幽晉顯而已哉。君子以是知高祖之弘量，度越前代矣。 [1]

Yao Cha, Minister of Personnel of Chen, said: In former times Wei relied on military might to change Han's fortune; Jin through its chief ministers shifted Wei's mandate. This differed from ancient abdications where virtue was transmitted, so they suppressed the former dynasty's collateral branches to cut off popular hope. Yet Liu Ye and Cao Zhi still shone at court; by the Song they had become an abolished surname. In the Qi era, Song's kin by marriage were all annihilated. Their fortunes did not last long—this too was a reason. When Liang rose in revolution it did not take the former rule. Therefore Zike, his brothers, and the clan groups all received posts according to talent, filling the court with the eminent without loss compared with old times. Was it only Wei obscure and Jin manifest? The noble person thereby knows the Emperor's broad magnanimity, surpassing former ages. Editorial footnote marker in the source text.

全文以中華書局、一九七三年五月版《梁書》爲本校。

The full text uses as its collation standard the Zhonghua Shuju edition of the Book of Liang, May 1973.

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