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卷四十五 列傳第三十九 王僧辯

Volume 45: Wang Sengbian

Chapter 45 of 梁書 · Book of Liang
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Book of Liang, Volume 45, Biography 39
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Wang Sengbian
3
滿 西
Wang Sengbian, styled Juncai, was son of Right Palace Guard General Wang Shennian. During Heavenly Surveillance he came with his father to defect. He began as Left Regular Attendant in Prince of Xiangdong's kingdom. When the prince became Danyang governor, he became acting staff aide. When the prince governed Kuaiji, he served concurrently as middle army staff officer. When the prince took Jingzhou, he was again made middle army officer within his term. Wuning commandery rebelled; the prince sent Sengbian to put it down. He was promoted General of Sincere Might and governor of Wuning. Soon after he became General Who Quells the Distance and governor of Guangping. When his term ended he returned as the prince's chief clerk, still staff officer. When the prince was summoned Protector of the Army, Sengbian served concurrently as headquarters marshal. When the prince took Jiangzhou, he was again marshal to the Cloud Banner general and defended Tuncheng. He briefly supervised Anlu, then soon returned. Soon he became governor of Xincai, still marshal, same general rank. When the prince took Jingzhou again, he was staff adviser as General of Steadfast Resolution with a thousand-household fief, replacing Liu Zhongli at Jingling and retitled General of Mighty Trust. When Hou Jing rebelled the prince gave Sengbian acting staff, command of ten thousand river troops, and grain transport for relief. He had just reached the capital when the palace fell and the emperor was driven into exile. Sengbian, with the Liu brothers and Zhao Bochao and others, first submitted to Jing, then entered court. Jing confiscated their stores yet soothed them generously. Before long Jing sent him back to Jingling; Sengbian then raced west by double stages to join the Heir of Zhenhui. The Heir, acting on imperial authority, made Sengbian General of the Guards.
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祿 退 使
When Jing and Xiang wavered and the army lost discipline, the Heir again ordered Sengbian and Bao Quan south with troops and grain, fixed to march on a set day. His Jingling troops had not all arrived; he wished to wait until they gathered before marching. He told Bao Quan, "We were both ordered south, yet our force looks like this—what are we to do?" Quan said, "We have the court's plan and drive fierce men—the thing is like snow on boiling water; why so much worry?" Sengbian said, "Not so. What you say is the usual talk of literary men. East of the river has few soldiers of real talent and strong arms; they have just crushed our army and rest their blades—without ten thousand elites we cannot hold them. My Jingling veterans have marched many campaigns; I have summoned them and they will come soon. Though the day is fixed, we can still ask for delay; I want to go in with you—stand with me." Quan said, "Success or failure rides on this march; fast or slow we must obey above. The Heir was stern and suspicious; he caught wind of their talk, thought Sengbian was stalling, and was already angry. Before entering he told Quan, "I will speak first; you may be seized." Quan agreed again. When they saw the Heir he came forward asking, "Are you ready? What day do you march?" Sengbian answered fully as before. The Heir raged, gripped his sword, and shouted, "You fear the march!" He rose and went within. Quan shook with terror and dared not speak. Before long he sent dozens of attendants to seize Sengbian. When he arrived the Heir said, "You defy orders and refuse to march—you would join the rebels; now only death remains. Sengbian replied, "I have eaten deep salary and bear heavy blame; facing execution today, how could I resent it? I only regret not seeing my old mother. The Heir hacked at him, cutting his left thigh; blood pooled on the ground. Sengbian fainted and only after long time revived. He was sent at once to the Minister of Justice; his sons and nephews were seized and imprisoned. Just then the Prince of Yueyang raided Jiangling; the people were unsettled and did not know his plans. The Heir sent an attendant to the prison for Sengbian's plan; he laid out his strategy and was immediately pardoned and made city commander. Before long Yueyang fled in defeat and Quan could not take Changsha; the Heir ordered Sengbian to replace him. He charged Quan with ten crimes and sent palace gentleman Luo Chonghuan with three hundred armed guards to march with Sengbian. On arrival he sent word to Quan, "Gentleman Luo is ordered to deliver the Wang of Jingling." Quan was startled and told his attendants, "With the Wang of Jingling to aid me, the rebels will not stand. Before long Chonghuan entered with the written order and Sengbian followed with the guard; Quan had just brushed the mat and sat waiting. When Sengbian entered he sat with his back to Quan and said, "Master Bao, you are guilty; by order I lock you—do not take it as old friendship." He had Chonghuan produce the order; Quan left the floor and was chained beside the bed. Sengbian then deployed the generals, joined in siege, and pacified Xiang.
5
西 西 使 使 便 耀 退 退西 退
He returned as General of the Guards. Hou Jing sailed west on the river to raid; his army stopped at Xiakou. Sengbian as grand commander led Ba's Chunyu Liang, Ding's Du Kan, Yi's Wang Lin, Chen's Pei Zhihang, and others to Xiyang. The army halted at Baling; hearing Yingzhou had fallen, Sengbian held Baling. The Heir ordered Luo's Xu Siwei and Wu's Du Kan to join Sengbian at Baling. Jing had taken Ying; his troops swelled, his followers were keen, and he was about to invade Jingzhou. He sent false Commissioner Ding He with five thousand to hold Jiangxia, great general Song Zixian with ten thousand as vanguard against Baling, and Jing followed with all his fierce men by water and land. River garrisons along the route submitted at a glance; the rebels spread their net to Yinji. Sengbian sent all grain from the river islets upriver and sank public and private boats. When the rebel vanguard reached the river mouth, Sengbian ordered the armies to hold the walls, lower banners and silence drums, calm as if empty. Next day the rebels crossed the river; light horse came below the wall and asked, "Who holds the city?" The answer came, "General of the Guards Wang." The rebels said, "Tell General Wang—the situation is what it is; why not surrender soon?" Sengbian sent word, "The great army need only go to Jingzhou; this city will not hinder you. Sengbian's whole household is in your hands—how could he surrender at once?" The horsemen had barely left when they returned, saying, "Our king has come—General Wang, why not come out and meet him?" Sengbian did not answer. Before long they brought Wang Xun and others below the wall; Xun wrote to entice the garrison. Jing massed ships at North Temple, sent men into the harbors, came ashore to build roads and felt tents, displayed his host on the eastern ridge, mowed grass and opened eight approaches, and sent five thousand rabbit-head storm troops in bitter assault. Within the city they drummed and shouted; arrows and stones fell like rain, killed many rebels, and the rebels withdrew. The Heir again ordered General Who Pacifies the North Hu Sengyou down with troops to reinforce Sengbian. That day the rebels again attacked Baling at ten points by water and land, drums and whistles, pressing close and hacking upward. From the wall they dropped timbers, fire, and stones; casualties were very heavy. In the afternoon the rebels withdrew, then raised long palisades and many warships, attacking the southwest water gate with tower ships; they also sent men across the sandbar with rakes and tortoise rams to fill the moat and screen wagons against the wall—two days before they stopped. The rebels again raised wooden towers on the ships, heaped straw to burn the water palisade; wind turned against them and they burned themselves off. After repeated defeats, rebel commander Ren Yue was captured by Lu Fahe; Jing burned camp and fled by night, wheeling back to Xiakou. The Heir assessed merit; Sengbian was made General Who Conquers the East, Commissioner with Golden Seal, governor of Jiangzhou, and Duke of Changning.
6
沿 使 退
The Heir ordered Sengbian at once to lead the Baling armies downstream against Jing. The army halted at Ying and attacked Lushan on foot. Lushan's Zhi Huaren, Jing's cavalry general, fought fiercely; the armies broke him greatly and Huaren surrendered. Sengbian still supervised the armies across the river against Ying and entered the outer city at once. Song Zixian clustered in Golden City and held; the attack did not take it. Zixian sent Shi Linghu with three thousand out the gate; Sengbian broke them again, captured Linghu alive, and beheaded over a thousand. Zixian's men withdrew to the granary gate, river-barred and perilous; repeated attacks could not take it. Jing, hearing Lushan had fallen and Ying lost the outer city, raced the remnant back to Jiankang by double stages. Zixian and the others were trapped with nowhere to go; they begged to yield Ying and return to Jing in person. Sengbian feigned agreement and ordered a hundred ships given to dull their intent. Zixian believed it; as boats were about to sail, Sengbian ordered Du Kan with a thousand elites up the wall; drums and shouts burst on the granary gate. River commander Song Yao led tower ships; on the hidden river four quarters closed like clouds; Zixian fought on land and water until Baiyang Ford; there he was broken, captured alive, and sent to Jiangling. He then led the armies forward to Jiushui. Fan Xirong and Lu Huilue still held Tuncheng; when Sengbian came, they seized the Prince of Lincheng, Jiangzhou governor, and fled the city. The Heir added palace attendant, Minister President, and General Who Conquers the East, with one set of martial music. He still ordered Sengbian to halt at Jiangzhou until the armies gathered, then advance in season.
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Before long the Heir ordered all Jiangzhou troops on the great advance; Sengbian memorialized the emperor's death and announced it at Jiangling. He led more than a hundred great generals in joint memorial urging the Heir to the throne; when he was about to march he again memorialized. Though not followed, all received gracious replies. The matter is in the Basic Annals.
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Sengbian set out from Jiangzhou straight for Jiankang; he first ordered South Yangzhou's Hou Tian with crack troops in light boats to strike Nanling, Quetou, and other garrisons—they fell at once. Earlier Chen Baxian had led fifty thousand from the southern river; five thousand vanguard reached Tunkou. Baxian was bold and full of stratagems; his fame overshadowed Sengbian, who feared him. At Tunkou he met Sengbian at White Reed Ford; they ascended the altar and swore alliance. Baxian drafted the text: "The traitor Hou Jing, a vicious Di and petty barbarian, rebels against Heaven without measure and contrives wickedness; he betrayed our grace, plundered our state, poisoned our people, and overturned our altars. Our High Ancestor the Martial Emperor was numinous and wise, his light over all Heaven; he toiled for the myriad peoples and nurtured the ten thousand like father and mother—for fifty years. Pitying Jing in extremity he took him in; fully sparing him from execution, he placed Jing in a vital post and heaped unmerited glory on him. What did our High Ancestor ever owe Jing? What grievance had our people against Jing? Yet Jing with long halberd and strong crossbow pressed the court, sawed at the suburbs, and devoured the living. He flayed livers and chopped toes and did not call it pleasure enough; he exposed bones and burned corpses and did not call it cruel enough. The High Ancestor ate sparingly and dwelt humbly; in his ninetieth spring he bent his will and gathered wrath—yet died at the traitor's hand. The late emperor was warm, stern, reverent, and silent, keeping the great name—what did he owe Jing, that Jing should add further poison? Imperial branches in swaddling and above, kin in hemp mourning and beyond—all met the extreme knife and block, slaughtered and minced. How can one on all the banks within the seas be called the king's minister, eat the people's grain, drink the people's water, yet hear this pain and not grieve? Moreover we subjects Sengbian and Baxian bear Prince of Xiangdong's charge of weeping blood and grief in the mouth, grace to crown and sole; generation after generation we received the former court's virtue and bear the generals' charge— yet if we cannot pour gall and draw entrails to execute the traitor together, wash Heaven and Earth's pain and repay lord and father's enmity, we cannot face spirits with consciousness, nor bear Heaven and tread Earth! Today the Prince, supremely filial and mysteriously moved, his martial spirit roused, has broken the bandits and taken their commander; only Jing remains in the capital. We subjects Sengbian and Baxian harmonize the generals and join in covenant; we must kill the vicious, honor the Prince, succeed to the great enterprise, and preside at suburban sacrifice. If on the road there is one merit or one reward, we will not push aside or yield—we will lead the host in person—then Heaven and Earth, altars, and the hundred gods will jointly punish and blame. We subjects Sengbian and Baxian join hearts and will not deceive each other; if we violate this, the bright spirits will strike us dead." Thereupon they ascended the altar, drank blood, and read the alliance together; all wept to wet their collars, impassioned in word and bearing.
9
退使 退 沿 西使 退 殿西
When the royal army halted at South Isle, rebel commander Hou Zijian and others led over ten thousand foot and horse to challenge on the bank; more than a thousand war-boats each loaded troops, both sides eighty oars, oarsmen all Yue men—raiding faster than wind and lightning. Sengbian waved the light boats back and moored great ships along both banks. The rebels thought the fleet was retreating and rushed out; the armies rowed great ships to cut their return, drums and shouts mid-river—the rebels all threw themselves into the water. Sengbian at once led the armies downstream to Dou City at Stone Hill and built linked camps to press the rebels. The rebels built five cities across the ridge; Hou Jing came out himself and fought the royal army greatly north of Stone Hill. Baxian told Sengbian, "The ugly bandit is a wandering soul; his guilt is full—fleeing the executioner he comes to die and wants one decisive battle. We are many and they few—divide their force." He sent two thousand strong crossbows against the rebels' two western cities and still arrayed ranks to meet them. Sengbian in the rear waved the army on and broke them again. Lu Huilue, hearing Jing was beaten, surrendered Stone City; Sengbian entered and held it. When Jing retreated north to Zhufang, scattered soldiers reported to Sengbian, and he ordered the generals into Terrace City. That night soldiers gathering firewood set a fire that burned the Hall of Supreme Pole and the eastern and western halls. Soldiers plundered the capital, stripping gentry and commoners; those seized could not keep a single garment. They drove residents for ransom; from Stone Hill to the eastern city cries along the Huai shook the capital—the people lost hope.
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Sengbian ordered Hou Tian and Pei Zhihheng with five thousand elites east to pursue Jing. Sengbian seized more than twenty of Jing's party including Wang Wei and sent them to Jiangling. False Mobile Headquarters Zhao Bochao surrendered from Wu Song River to Hou Tian, who delivered him to Sengbian. Sengbian told Bochao, "Master Zhao, you bore the state's heavy grace yet joined the rebellion again. Today's affair—what will you do?" He ordered him sent to Jiangling. After Bochao left Sengbian looked at the guests and said, "The court once knew only Zhao Bochao—who knew Wang Sengbian? The altars had toppled and I restored them; the rise and fall of men—how can it stay constant?" The guests all came forward praising his merit. Sengbian started, then falsely answered, "This is the sage sovereign's majesty and the generals' obedience. This old man may sit at the army's head in name—what strength have I?" Thereupon the rebels were all pacified and the capital was recovered.
11
The Heir took the throne; for Sengbian's merit he was promoted General Who Guards the Realm and Grand Minister, twenty ceremonial swords, Duke of Yongning with five thousand households; palace attendant, Minister President, and martial music unchanged.
12
西 西 退 西輿
Afterward Xiang bandit Lu Na and others broke Heng governor Ding Daogui at Lukou and seized all his stores; Li Hongya also led men from Lingling out Kongling Ford, claiming to aid the campaign against Na. The court had not read his heart and was deeply worried; it sent palace gentleman Luo Chonghuan to summon Sengbian to join Swift Cavalry Marquis of Yifeng Xun south. Sengbian supervised Du Kan and the other armies from Jiankang; the army halted at Baling. An edict made Sengbian commander of eastern-upper forces and Baxian commander of western-upper forces. Earlier Baxian had yielded command to Sengbian, who refused; the Heir therefore split eastern and western command, and both marched south. Na held Chelun downstream, cities on both banks, cutting the water; his soldiers were fierce, all veterans of a hundred battles. Sengbian feared them and would not advance lightly; he built linked walls bit by bit to press them. The rebels saw no crossing of blades and grew slack. Sengbian used their unreadiness and ordered attack by water and land; he held drum and banner himself to command advance and halt. The armies rushed out and fought greatly at Chelun; with Swift Cavalry Xun they joined in bitter attack and took two cities. The rebels were greatly defeated and fled on foot to Changsha, driving residents into the city to hold. Sengbian pursued, ordered ramparts and broad siege palisades, and sat on the mound overseeing himself. The rebels looked out, recognized Sengbian, knew he was unprepared; Wu Zang, Li Xianming, and others led a thousand crack troops out the gate with shields straight at Sengbian. Du Qi and Du Kan attended at his side; armored guards were only a little over a hundred; he sent men down to fight. Li Xianming rode armored horse with ten followers, shouting and charging; Sengbian still sat on his folding chair unmoved. He directed the brave, captured Xianming, and beheaded him at once. The rebels withdrew into the city. Earlier Lu Na obstructed the army in rebellion and used Wang Lin as plea, saying, "If the court releases Wang Lin, Na and the others will surrender. " The armies were all advancing and it was not granted. But Prince of Wuling held a host upstream; inside and outside were terrified; the Heir sent Lin to reconcile. By then Xiangzhou was pacified. Sengbian returned to Jiangling and by edict gathered armies for the western campaign, supervising twenty thousand river troops; the carriage came to Heavenly Dwelling Temple to see them off. Before long Wuling was defeated; Sengbian withdrew from Zhijiang to Jiangling and soon garrisoned Jiankang.
13
使 西
That month, after dwelling only briefly, he returned again to Jiangling. Qi ruler Gao Yang sent Guo Yuanjian with twenty thousand, many warships at Hefei, intending to raid Jiankang; he also sent great generals Xing Jingyuan, Buluohan Sa, Dongfang Lao, and others to follow. Chen Baxian garrisoned Jiankang; hearing this he raced word to Jiangling. The Heir ordered Sengbian to halt at Gushu and garrison there. He first ordered Yu governor Hou Tian with three thousand elites to build ramparts at East Pass against the northern invaders; he summoned Wu governor Zhang Biao and Wuxing governor Pei Zhihheng to join Tian at the pass; they fought the northern army and broke it greatly; Sengbian led the armies in triumphant return to Jiankang. In Chengsheng year three, second month, day jiachen, an edict said, "Promoting the worthy and advancing the able was praised in Qin's canons; ordering from above and securing below was heard in Han's institutions. Therefore one looks up to harmonize the terrace stars and looks down to assist the great design. Bearer of the staff, palace attendant, Grand Minister, Minister President, commander in Yang, South Xu, and East Yang, General Who Guards the Realm, Yangzhou governor, Opening Duke of Yongning Wang Sengbian—vessel deep and settled, style detailed and far; conduct is the scholar's measure, speech and bearing body the literary; learning spans nine streams, martial covers seven summaries. In recent campaigns from west to east— the armies were not weary, the people had no complaint; the royal enterprise was arduous, truly mixing barbarian peril. He should harmonize this central terrace and bear this upper generalship; Entrust him with rule across the realm and strengthen our court's design. Promote him to Grand Commandant and General of Chariots and Cavalry; all else unchanged."
14
退西 西
Soon after he mourned his mother, Lady Grand Mistress; Yuan sent an attendant and imperial messenger to supervise the funeral and posthumously titled her Upright and Reverent Grand Lady. Her surname was Wei. When Shennian early in Heavenly Surveillance held the eastern pass and withdrew to Hefei west of Chaohu, he married her and she bore Sengbian. She was gentle by nature and won people over; everyone in the household cherished her. When Sengbian was imprisoned, she walked to court in tears to beg pardon; Yuan would not see her. The Heir of Zhenhui was then in favor with Yuan, and most state and military affairs ran through him. She came to the gate lodge, blamed herself for poor upbringing, and wept until all pitied her. When Sengbian was freed, she rebuked him sternly: "Serving a lord demands loyalty and fierceness—not only to shield the age but to bless your descendants." After he recovered the old capital his merit covered the realm; she always held herself back and never flaunted rank. Court and countryside praised her as a wise woman. At her death she was deeply mourned. Because Sengbian's service was great, her funeral rites were augmented. As the coffin was to return to Jiankang, he again sent a messenger to libate at the river landing. He ordered Minister of the Left Wang Pou to compose her text: "Alas for you, foundation of the age, scion of martial lineage, clan glorious in Yangyuan, gold and jade reflecting one another, jade virtue matching warmth. You were famed as a woman of rule and followed the wife's way. You read books and pictures and joined literary discussion. Your teaching reached the sacrificial vessels and your instruction extended to the plain. Chu sent forth troops; Mencius completed virtue. Utter loyalty and reverent support—from family to state. Your bearing was manifest and true; you were the people's model. You turned back the army's command and already repaired our arms; You filled this ministerial post and possessed Gui and Meng. The mother honored through the son—thus was your eminence raised; Gracious mandates gathered; favoring edicts descended upon you. Though high, you could humble yourself; though honored, you thought of restraint; Blessing began in goodness; glory joined a fine end. The western slope of sunset; reeds already in early autumn; Galloping steeds are hard to turn back; rushing billows—how can they stay? Turning from Dragon Gate to look west, passing Summer Head to float east; Crossing the distant peaks of the three palaces, threading the branching currents of the three rivers. Layered ridges rise darkly; floating clouds hide and obscure; The Yangtze and Han roll on; the departed are as this. Banners of mourning, old funerary flags; halls ruined, the stele left behind. At once set out offerings on the empty boat, thinking the departing soul still knows. Alas, grief!"
15
西 便 便
In the tenth month of that year, Western Wei chancellor Yuwen Heitai and the Prince of Yueyang sent fifty thousand men to strike Jiangling. Yuan sent chief clerk Li Ying to summon Sengbian at Jianye as grand commander and inspector of Jing. A separate edict said, "Heitai has broken the alliance and suddenly raised the axe. The state's fierce generals mostly lie downriver; the hosts of Jing and Shaan are none of them stalwart warriors. You should lead our tiger guards, set out at once, travel with redoubled speed, and relieve the peril hanging by a thread." Sengbian appointed Hou Tian of Yu as vanguard and Du Sengming of Yan as rearguard. When dispositions were complete he told Li Ying, "Tai's troops are fierce; once the armies assemble I shall strike for the Han and cut their rear. A thousand li of grain still leaves hunger—how much more when bandits cross several thousand li? This is Sun Bin's moment against Pang Juan." Soon the capital fell and the imperial carriage halted forever. When Emperor Jing first took the throne, Sengbian had helped establish him; by order he was made General of Flying Cavalry, Director of the Secretariat, commander of all military affairs, and Recorder of the Master of Writing, and with Chen Baxian he planned campaigns.
16
西 便 便 西 西
Qi ruler Gao Yang also wished to install Marquis of Zhenyang Xiao Yuanming as Liang heir and wrote to Sengbian: "Liang has met ill fortune: Hou Jing overturned Jiankang and the Prince of Wuling bent his bow in Ba and Han. Your will matches heaven and your spirit pierces the sun; with one heart you cut down the rebel. All who have feeling admired you; how much more we neighbors, bound in affairs of old. Yet western bandits seized the moment and struck again. The Liang ruler could not hold Jiangling and perished with the imperial temple. Our royal army had not arrived when he had already surrendered; officers and people, great and small, all became captives. Turning south, indignant sighs fill my breast. A minister and son's heart must burst with grief. I hear a collateral scion rules at Jiangyin, barely past ten and extremely young; Liang's trouble is not ended—the burden is hard to bear. Sacrifices would be for Wei's ruler while government rests with the Nings; a weak trunk and strong branches—through the ages this has been dreaded. I take all under Heaven as my house and the Great Way as what aids all things. Because Liang lies in ruin, I cherish old friendship; to rescue the perishing is duty now—supporting a tottering line is not prolonging another's virtue. Marquis of Zhenyang is Liang Wu's foster son and Changsha's heir; by years and standing he can guard Jinling—so I set him up as Liang ruler in that state. I ordered Prince of Shangdang Huan to command the generals and escort him downriver like thunder to sweep away rebels. Prince of Qinghe Yue earlier rescued Jing; his army crossed Anlu but could not join—his vexation was deep. I fear western bandits will ride the current and again tread the Yangtze left bank. Now he is moving to Hankou to meet Master Lu. You should cooperate with my plan, urge the commanders, divide the fleet, welcome the new king, gather fierce courage, and unite in one effort. Western Qiang are a mob and no strong foe—simply Eastern Xiang timidity brought this ruin. Today's army—where would it not conquer? Form a good plan and fulfill my hope."
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便 使 西 便 使 沿使 便 西 便 使 使
Zhenyang, escorted by Qi, was about to reach Shouyang. Zhenyang repeatedly wrote on restoring the line; Sengbian refused. When Zhenyang and Gao Huan reached the eastern pass, Pei Zhiheng resisted and was defeated; Sengbian then planned to accept Zhenyang and fix ruler-minister rites. He memorialized, "From the time Qin troops harried Shaan I prepared to rescue; I had just boarded when Jing fell; I sent Liu Zhou with a memorial of loyalty—the meritorious at first were all of one pact. Zhou was long in not returning and hearts grew suspicious; then investiture edicts came from central envoys and inquiries went everywhere; opinion was divided and nothing was decided. Only then I received Hou Tian's letter with Western Bandit Quan Jingxuan's document, ordering the true text shown above. Seeing the commanders, they are bent on the same submission to Qi—if we turn against the great state, I do not shrink from dust, but Liang's fortune is cut off from revival. I wish Your Majesty to cross the river at once, relying on Great Qi's might and your sacred strategy—establish a mature ruler and vengeance may come; the altars may shine again; death would not be regretted. I beg to detain envoy Cao Chong to rush a memorial to Qi; further memorials will follow—bowing and awaiting, urgent." Zhenyang replied, "Jiang Gao has arrived and shows your loyal heart. Home and state have been in chaos for years. The three empresses suffered dust; the four seas seethed. Heaven's mandate rests on the chief minister to rescue our court. To grandly cross hardship and raise the martial temple. Even men of the hills building walls still thought of the coming model; how much less the imperial clan branch—would it be an empty delay? Hearing of my return, reason meets your heart; but recent envoys perhaps did not report fully. You consulted ministers and reached the feudal lords; river traffic took full months—the envoys' arrival matches expectation. Thus the Xiao house is set up again and Liang revived. Hundreds of millions all receive this grace; the altars and imperial temple are not unworthy. Recently the army halted at the eastern pass and repeatedly sent word through Pei Zhiheng on whether it was acceptable. The answers were arrogant and fierce—utterly shocking. Prince of Shangdang arrayed troops as escort to discuss safety; the witless suddenly fought. Before the vanguard moved they broke out on their own—shock and grief deepened the wound. Prince of Shangdang deeply regretted it and did not transmit the head; he granted a sealed tumulus, adorned the coffin, and buried him richly with generous rites. Great Qi's vast virtue moved gods and people. Now we rely on imperial might and lean on the chief minister to punish rebels at Xianyang and traitors at Yunmeng—with one heart to settle the state. Reading Quan Jingxuan's letter you showed, upriver generals had loyal designs; to abandon kin for the foe they surely would not—preventing treachery rests with you. For now we halt at the eastern pass and await word—where on water or land will you welcome us? Founding a state and setting a ruler are in the records; alliance and hostages have long precedent. If your loyal integrity moves heaven; the commanders in common counsel are surely not divided. Then Qi's army will turn its banners and by righteousness will not cross the Yangtze; if contrary words are sent, I vow we shall not conquer. Lower the flags and sit sidewise—awaiting the envoy's return. Cao Chong presents a memorial to Qi and is detained and sent at once. Below Weiqiao I only await your words; south of the Sishui I already have the cry of fear." Sengbian again memorialized, "Regular Attendant Jiang Gao has returned with your edict; bowing low I have your movements. Great Qi's benevolence bends on a neighbor; pitying disaster and rescuing hardship declares this great design. The imperial clan—none do not glory in the burden; the crowned heads east of the Yangtze all know whom to rely on. Today the oath does not forget faith—faith comes from the heart; I send my seventh son Xian, his mother Liu, and nephew Shizhen as hostages; and send Minister of the Left Zhou Hongzheng to Liyang to welcome you. Warships float on the river, awaiting the dragon's crossing; the pure palace and cinnabar steps await the six relays' entry. The myriad states bend their hearts—together they glory in Duke Wen's return; the three goods can be proclaimed—in Song Chang's discourse. The dynastic fortune is lofty; the altars have support. Then ministers will exhaust integrity, repaying Great Qi's favor; they will show utmost loyalty to Your Majesty. Now I send Minister of Personnel Wang Tong to present this memorial." Sengbian then asked that Emperor Jing be made heir apparent. Zhenyang replied, "Minister Wang Tong has arrived and shows you wish to send your nephew Shizhen as pledge—I know your heart anxious for the state. Again you offer the courtyard jade tree and palm bright pearl—no burden on the breast, the will on rescue—is this not toiling for our altars and aiding our house? Shame and sighing make one forget to rise or sleep. Prince Jin'an's weight in the eastern capital and the western capital heir's worth—to continue the house is the people's hope. But the age is in chaos—a mature ruler should be set up; because he bears misfortune, he cannot undertake the enterprise. The virtue of Cheng and Zhao is rare since antiquity; the peril of Chong and Zhi—which age has lacked it? Alone I meet an unkind age; my will is not to live for myself. Suddenly I bear unworldly grace and meet extraordinary elevation. Reflecting on my emptiness, my fear is already deep. If the Heir Apparent is built, it returns to the imperial grandson; heart and mouth swear—only Prince Jin'an is intended. If empty words, the spirits will destroy me. Reading what you show, it fulfills my original heart. Restraint and comfort have no words to carry them. But your anxious toil has already received Qi's grace; loyalty and righteousness again reach Liang's second rank. Chinese and barbarians—who does not turn to the wind? The temple spirits—how would they not respond? Just now I turn the banners and still head for Liyang. The hostages expected—look to their coming there. The armies will not cross—this is already in the covenant. This is Great Qi's gracious plan and Prince of Shangdang's sworn promise—having obtained forgiveness for breach, in the end he will not do otherwise. I only await meeting you—may the envoy not delay. The homeland is not far—at every sight, wailing." Sengbian sent the hostages to Ye. Zhenyang asked for three thousand guards to cross; Sengbian feared trouble and accepted only a thousand scattered troops; he also sent the dragon boat and imperial equipage to welcome him. When Zhenyang crossed the river, Sengbian held the oars midstream and did not dare approach shore. Later they met at Jiangning Ford.
18
When Zhenyang took the false throne he appointed Sengbian Grand Marshal, Grand Tutor to the Heir Apparent, and Governor of Yang; all else unchanged. Chen Baxian was Minister of Works and inspector of South Xu—he hated the reversal and with the generals raised a hundred thousand men from Jingkou by water and land and struck Jiankang. When the fleet arrived, Sengbian was at Stone City handling affairs when soldiers crossed north of the city; the south gate also reported troops coming. Sengbian and his son Wei hurried from the pavilion; close retainers still numbered several tens. When all armies arrived, Sengbian had no plan; he held the south gate tower, begging life and bowing. Baxian ordered fire set to burn it; only then he and Wei came down and were seized. Baxian said, "What crime have I, that you wished to let Qi's army come punish me?" He also said, "Why no defense at all?" Sengbian said, "I entrusted the north gate to you—how is that no defense? That night he was beheaded.
19
西
Eldest son Yi in early Manifest Fidelity rose to palace attendant. When Sengbian pacified Jiankang, he sent Baxian to guard Jingkou with no defenses. Yi repeatedly warned him; Sengbian would not listen and met disaster. When Western Wei raided Jiangling, Yuan sent Yi to supervise military affairs in the city. When Jing fell, Yi followed Wang Lin into Qi and became magistrate of Jingling. Qi sent Lin to garrison Shouyang, intending to take the Yangtze left bank. When Chen pacified Huainan, they seized Lin and killed him. When Yi heard Lin was dead, he went south of the city, climbed a high mound, wailed once, and died.
20
西
Yi's younger brother Biao from youth had lofty resolve and always followed Yuan. When Jing was overrun he was lost in Western Wei.
21
[1]
The historian writes: From Hou Jing's rebellion, Yuan held the upper reaches and entrusted all Chu's troops to Sengbian. When he crushed the calamity his merit was manifest; in recording merit he ought to have received the highest reward. Emperor Jing bore Gaozu's legacy and Yuan's succession; when Zhugong fell, by right he should have received the throne. Sengbian stood as general and minister with Yi Yin and Huo Guang's righteousness—yet he accepted Qi's coercion and set up a collateral scion. If he wished loyalty and righteousness, how far they had fled! The way of establishing a state was lost; the plan for himself insufficient—he brought on his own destruction. Lamentable! Editorial footnote marker in the source text.
22
The full text has been collated against the Zhonghua Shuju edition of the Book of Liang, May 1973.
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