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梁書卷第四十五列傳第三十九
Book of Liang, Volume 45, Biography 39
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王僧辯
Wang Sengbian
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王僧辯字君才,右衛將軍神念之子也。 以天監中隨父來奔。 起家爲湘東王國左常侍。 王爲丹陽尹,轉府行參軍。 王出守會稽,兼中兵參軍事。 王爲荊州,仍除中兵,在限內。 時武寧郡反,王命僧辯討平之。 遷貞威將軍、武寧太守。 尋遷振遠將軍、廣平太守。 秩滿,還爲王府中錄事,參軍如故。 王被徵爲護軍,僧辯兼府司馬。 王爲江州,仍除雲騎將軍司馬,守湓城。 俄監安陸郡,無幾而還。 尋爲新蔡太守,猶帶司馬,將軍如故。 王除荊州,爲貞毅將軍府諮議參軍事,賜食千人,代柳仲禮爲竟陵太守,改號雄信將軍。 屬侯景反,王命僧辯假節,總督舟師一萬,兼糧饋赴援。 才至京都,宮城陷沒,天子蒙塵。 僧辯與柳仲禮兄弟及趙伯超等,先屈膝于景,然後入朝。 景悉收其軍實,而厚加綏撫。 未幾,遣僧辯歸于竟陵,於是倍道兼行,西就世祖。 世祖承制,以僧辯爲領軍將軍。
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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及荊、湘疑貳,軍師失律,世祖又命僧辯及鮑泉統軍討之,分給兵糧,剋日就道。 時僧辨以竟陵部下猶未盡來,意欲待集,然後上頓。 謂鮑泉曰:「我與君俱受命南討,而軍容若此,計將安之?」 泉曰:「旣稟廟算,驅率驍勇,事等沃雪,何所多慮。」 僧辯曰:「不然。 君之所言故是,文士之常談耳。 河東少有武幹,兵刃又強,新破軍師,養銳待敵,自非精兵一萬,不足以制之。 我竟陵甲士,數經行陣,已遣召之,不久當及。 雖期日有限,猶可重申,欲與卿共入言之,望相佐也。」 泉曰:「成敗之舉,繫此一行,遲速之宜,終當仰聽。」 世祖性嚴忌,微聞其言,以爲遷延不肯去,稍已含怒。 及僧辯將入,謂泉曰:「我先發言,君可見係。」 泉又許之。 及見世祖,世祖迎問曰:「卿已辦乎? 何日當發?」 僧辯具對,如向所言。 世祖大怒,按劍厲聲曰:「卿憚行邪!」 因起入內。 泉震怖失色,竟不敢言。 須臾,遣左右數十人收僧辯。 旣至,謂曰:「卿拒命不行,是欲同賊,今唯有死耳。」 僧辯對曰:「僧辯食祿旣深,憂責實重,今日就戮,豈敢懷恨。 但恨不見老母。」 世祖因斫之,中其左髀,流血至地。 僧辯悶絕,久之方蘇。 卽送付廷尉,並收其子侄,並皆繫之。 會岳陽王軍襲江陵,人情搔擾,未知其備。 世祖遣左右往獄,問計於僧辯,僧辯具陳方略,登卽赦爲城內都督。 俄而岳陽奔退,而鮑泉力不能剋長沙,世祖乃命僧辯代之。 數泉以十罪,遣舍人羅重歡領齋仗三百人,與僧辯俱發。 旣至,遣通泉云:「羅舍人被令,送王竟陵來。」 泉甚愕然,顧左右曰:「得王竟陵助我經略,賊不足平。」 俄而重歡齎令書先入,僧辯從齋仗繼進,泉方拂席,坐而待之。 僧辯旣入,背泉而坐,曰:「鮑郎,卿有罪,令旨使我鏁卿,勿以故意見待。」 因語重歡出令,泉卽下地,鏁于床側。 僧辯仍部分將帥,幷力攻圍,遂平湘土。
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.
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還復領軍將軍。 侯景浮江西寇,軍次夏首。 僧辯爲大都督,率巴州刺史淳于量、定州刺史杜龕、宜州刺史王琳、郴州刺史裴之橫等,俱赴西陽。 軍次巴陵,聞郢州已沒,僧辯因據巴陵城。 世祖乃命羅州刺史徐嗣徽、武州刺史杜崱並會僧辯于巴陵。 景旣陷郢城,兵衆益廣,徒黨甚銳,將進寇荊州。 乃使偽儀同丁和統兵五千守江夏,大將宋子仙前驅一萬造巴陵,景悉凶徒水步繼進。 於是緣江戍邏,望風請服,賊拓邏至于隱磯。 僧辯悉上江渚米糧,並沉公私船於水。 及賊前鋒次江口,僧辯乃分命衆軍,乘城固守,偃旗臥鼓,安若無人。 翌日,賊衆濟江,輕騎至城下,問:「城內是誰?」 答曰:「是王領軍。」 賊曰:「語王領軍,事勢如此,何不早降?」 僧辯使人答曰:「大軍但向荊州,此城自當非礙。 僧辯百口在人掌握,豈得便降。」 賊騎旣去,俄爾又來,曰:「我王已至,王領軍何爲不出與王相見邪?」 僧辯不答。 頃之,又執王珣等至於城下,珣爲書誘說城內。 景帥船艦並集北寺,又分入港中,登岸治道,廣設氈屋,耀軍城東隴上,芟除草芿,開八道向城,遣五千兔頭肉薄苦攻。 城內同時鼓噪,矢石雨下,殺賊旣多,賊乃引退。 世祖又命平北將軍胡僧祐率兵下援僧辯。 是日,賊復攻巴陵,水步十處,鳴鼓吹脣,肉薄斫上。 城上放木擲火爨昚石,殺傷甚多。 午後賊退,乃更起長柵繞城,大列舸艦,以樓船攻水城西南角; 又遣人渡洲岸,引䍧柯推蝦蟆車填壍,引障車臨城,二日方止。 賊又於艦上豎木桔禋,聚茅置火,以燒水柵,風勢不利,自焚而退。 旣頻戰挫衂,賊帥任約又爲陸法和所擒,景乃燒營夜遁,旋軍夏首。 世祖策勳行賞,以僧辯爲征東將軍、開府儀同三司、江州刺史,封長寧縣公。
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.
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於是世祖命僧辯卽率巴陵諸軍,沿流討景。 師次郢城,步攻魯山。 魯山城主支化仁,景之騎將也,率其黨力戰,衆軍大破之,化仁乃降。 僧辯仍督諸軍渡江攻郢,卽入羅城。 宋子仙蟻聚金城拒守,攻之未剋。 子仙使其黨時靈護率衆三千,開門出戰,僧辯又大破之,生擒靈護,斬首千級。 子仙衆退據倉門,帶江阻險,衆軍攻之,頻戰不剋。 景旣聞魯山已沒,郢鎮復失羅城,乃率餘衆倍道歸建業。 子仙等困蹙,計無所之,乞輸郢城,身還就景。 僧辯偽許之,命給船百艘,以老其意。 子仙謂爲信然,浮舟將發,僧辯命杜龕率精勇千人,攀堞而上,同時鼓噪,掩至倉門。 水軍主宋遙率樓船,暗江四面雲合; 子仙行戰行走,至于白楊浦,乃大破之,生擒子仙送江陵。 卽率諸軍進師九水。 賊偽儀同范希榮、盧暉略尚據湓城,及僧辯軍至,希榮等因挾江州刺史臨城公棄城奔走。 世祖加僧辯侍中、尚書令、征東大將軍,給鼓吹一部。 仍令僧辯且頓江州,須衆軍齊集,得時更進。
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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頃之,世祖命江州衆軍悉同大舉,僧辯乃表皇帝凶問,告于江陵。 仍率大將百餘人,連名勸世祖卽位; 將欲進軍,又重奉表。 雖未見從,並蒙優答。 事見本紀。
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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僧辯於是發自江州,直指建業,乃先命南兗州刺史侯瑱率銳卒輕舸,襲南陵、鵲頭等戍,至卽剋之。 先是,陳霸先率衆五萬,出自南江,前軍五千,行至湓口。 霸先倜儻多謀策,名蓋僧辯,僧辯畏之。 旣至湓口,與僧辯會于白茅洲,登壇盟誓。 霸先爲其文曰:「賊臣侯景,凶羯小胡,逆天無狀,構造姦惡; 違背我恩義,破掠我國家,毒害我生民,移毀我社廟。 我高祖武皇帝靈聖聰明,光宅天下,劬勞兆庶,亭育萬民,如我考妣,五十所載。 哀景以窮見歸,全景將戮之首,置景要害之地,崇景非次之榮。 我高祖於景何薄? 我百姓於景何怨? 而景長戟強弩,陵蹙朝廷,鋸牙郊甸,殘食含靈。 刳肝斫趾,不曈其快; 曝骨焚尸,不謂爲酷。 高祖菲食卑宮,春秋九十,屈志凝威,憤終賊手。 大行皇帝溫嚴恭默,丕守鴻名,於景何有,復加忍毒。 皇枝繦抱已上,緦功以還,窮刀極俎,旣屠且鱠。 豈有率土之濱,謂爲王臣,食人之禾,飲人之水,忍聞此痛,而不悼心? 況臣僧辯、臣霸先等,荷稱國籓湘東王臣繹泣血銜哀之寄,摩頂至足之恩,世受先朝之德,身當將帥之任; 而不能瀝膽抽腸,共誅姦逆,雪天地之痛,報君父之仇,則不可以稟靈含識,戴天履地! 今日相國至孝玄感,靈武斯發,已破賊徒,獲其元帥,止餘景身,尚在京邑。 臣僧辯與臣霸先協和將帥,同心共契,必誅凶豎,尊奉相國,嗣膺鴻業,以主郊祭。 前途若有一功,獲一賞,臣僧辯等不推己讓物,先身帥衆,則天地宗廟百神之靈,共誅共責。 臣僧辯、臣霸先同心共事,不相欺負,若有違戾,明神殛之。」 於是升壇歃血,共讀盟文,皆淚下沾襟,辭色慷慨。
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
及王師次於南洲,賊帥侯子鑒等率步騎萬餘人於岸挑戰,又以鵃䑠千艘並載士,兩邊悉八十棹,棹手皆越人,去來趣襲,捷過風電。 僧辯乃麾細船,皆令退縮,悉使大艦夾泊兩岸。 賊謂水軍欲退,爭出趨之,衆軍乃棹大艦,截其歸路,鼓噪大呼,合戰中江,賊悉赴水。 僧辯卽督諸軍沿流而下,進軍于石頭之斗城,作連營以逼賊。 賊乃橫嶺上築五城拒守,侯景自出,與王師大戰於石頭城北。 霸先謂僧辯曰:「醜虜遊魂,貫盈已稔,逋誅送死,欲爲一決。 我衆賊寡,且分其勢。」 卽遣強弩二千張,攻賊西面兩城,仍使結陣以當賊。 僧辯在後麾軍而進,復大破之。 盧暉略聞景戰敗,以石頭城降,僧辯引軍入據之。 景之退也,北走朱方,於是景散兵走告僧辯,僧辯令衆將入據臺城。 其夜,軍人采梠失火,燒太極殿及東西堂等。 時軍人鹵掠京邑,剝剔士庶,民爲其執縛者,衵衣不免。 盡驅逼居民以求購贖,自石頭至于東城,緣淮號叫之聲,震響京邑,於是百姓失望。
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.
10
僧辯命侯瑱、裴之橫率精甲五千,東入討景。 僧辯收賊黨王偉等二十餘人,送于江陵。 偽行臺趙伯超自吳松江降於侯瑱,瑱時送至僧辯。 僧辯謂伯超曰:「趙公,卿荷國重恩,遂復同逆。 今日之事,將欲何如?」 因命送江陵。 伯超旣出,僧辯顧坐客曰:「朝廷昔唯知有趙伯超耳,豈識王僧辯? 社稷旣傾,爲我所復; 人之興廢,亦復何常。」 賓客皆前稱歎功德。 僧辯瞿然,乃謬答曰:「此乃聖上之威德,羣帥之用命。 老夫雖濫居戎首,何力之有焉?」 於是逆寇悉平,京都剋定。
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
世祖卽帝位,以僧辯功,進授鎮衛將軍、司徒,加班劍二十人,改封永寧郡公,食邑五千戶,侍中、尚書令、鼓吹並如故。
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
是後湘州賊陸納等攻破衡州刺史丁道貴於淥口,盡收其軍實; 李洪雅又自零陵率衆出空靈灘,稱助討納。 朝廷未達其心,深以爲慮,乃遣中書舍人羅重歡徵僧辯上就驃騎將軍宜豊侯循南征。 僧辯因督杜崱等衆軍,發於建業,師次巴陵。 詔僧辯爲都督東上諸軍事,霸先爲都督西上諸軍事。 先時霸先讓都督于僧辯,僧辯不受,故世祖分爲東西都督,而俱南討焉。 時納等下據車輪,夾岸爲城,前斷水勢,士卒驍猛,皆百戰之餘。 僧辯憚之,不與輕進,於是稍作連城以逼賊。 賊見不敢交鋒,並懷懈怠。 僧辯因其無備,命諸軍水步攻之,親執旗鼓,以誡進止。 於是諸軍競出,大戰於車輪,與驃騎循並力苦攻,陷其二城。 賊大敗,步走歸保長沙,驅逼居民,入城拒守。 僧辯追躡,乃命築壘圍之,悉令諸軍廣建圍柵,僧辯出坐壟上而自臨視。 賊望,識僧辯,知不設備,賊黨吳藏、李賢明等乃率銳卒千人,開門掩出,蒙楯直進,徑趨僧辯。 時杜崱、杜龕並侍左右,帶甲衛者止百餘人,因下遣人與賊交戰。 李賢明乘鎧馬,從者十騎,大呼衝突,僧辯尚據胡床,不爲之動。 於是指揮勇敢,遂獲賢明,因卽斬之。 賊乃退歸城內。 初,陸納阻兵內逆,以王琳爲辭,云「朝廷若放王琳,納等自當降伏」。 于時衆軍並進,未之許也。 而武陵王擁衆上流,內外駭懼,世祖乃遣琳和解之。 至是,湘州平。 僧辯旋于江陵,因被詔會衆軍西討,督舟師二萬,輿駕出天居寺餞行。 俄而武陵敗績,僧辯自枝江班師于江陵,旋鎮建業。
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
是月,居少時,復回江陵。 齊主高洋遣郭元建率衆二萬,大列舟艦於合肥,將謀襲建業,又遣其大將邢景遠、步六汗薩、東方老等率衆繼之。 時陳霸先鎮建康,旣聞此事,馳報江陵。 世祖卽詔僧辯次于姑孰,卽留鎮焉。 先命豫州刺史侯瑱率精甲三千人築壘於東關,以拒北寇; 徵吳郡太守張彪、吳興太守裴之橫會瑱於關; 因與北軍戰,大敗之,僧辯率衆軍振旅于建業。 承聖三年二月甲辰,詔曰:「贊俊遂賢,稱于秦典; 自上安下,聞之漢制。 所以仰協台曜,俯佐弘圖。 使持節、侍中、司徒、尚書令、都督揚、南徐、東揚三州諸軍事、鎮衛將軍、揚州刺史、永寧郡開國公僧辯,器宇凝深,風格詳遠,行爲士則,言表身文,學貫九流,武該七略。 頃歲征討,自西徂東; 師不疲勞,民無怨讟; 王業艱難,實兼夷險。 宜其燮此中台,膺茲上將; 寄之經野,匡我朝猷。 加太尉、車騎大將軍,餘悉如故。」
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
頃之,丁母太夫人憂,世祖遣侍中謁者監護喪事,策諡曰貞敬太夫人。 夫人姓魏氏。 神念以天監初董率徒衆據東關,退保合肥漅湖西,因娶以爲室,生僧辯。 性甚安和,善於綏接,家門內外,莫不懷之。 初,僧辯下獄,夫人流淚徒行,將入謝罪,世祖不與相見。 時貞惠世子有寵於世祖,軍國大事多關領焉。 夫人詣閤,自陳無訓,涕泗嗚咽,衆並憐之。 及僧辯免出,夫人深相責勵,辭色俱嚴,云:「人之事君,惟須忠烈,非但保祐當世,亦乃慶流子孫。」 及僧辯剋復舊京,功蓋天下,夫人恒自謙損,不以富貴驕物。 朝野咸共稱之,謂爲明哲婦人也。 及旣薨殞,甚見愍悼。 且以僧辯勳業隆重,故喪禮加焉。 靈柩將歸建康,又遣謁者至舟渚弔祭。 命尚書左僕射王裒爲其文曰:「維爾世基武子,族懋陽元,金相比映,玉德齊溫。 旣稱女則,兼循婦言。 書圖鏡覽,辭章討論。 教貽俎豆,訓及平原。 楚發將兵,孟軻成德。 盡忠資敬,自家刑國。 顯允其儀,惟民之則。 反命師旅,旣修我戎; 補茲袞職,奄有龜、蒙。 母由子貴,亶爾斯崇; 嘉命允集,寵章所隆。 居高能降,處貴思沖; 慶資善始,榮兼令終。 崦嵫旣夕,蒹葭早秋; 奔駟難返,衝濤詎留。 背龍門而西顧,過夏首而東浮; 越三宮之遐岳,經三江之派流。 鬱鬱增嶺,浮雲蔽虧; 滔滔江、漢,逝者如斯。 銘旌故旐,宇毀遺碑。 卽虛舟而設奠,想徂魂之有知。 嗚呼哀哉!」
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
其年十月,西魏相宇文黑泰遣兵及岳陽王衆合五萬,將襲江陵。 世祖遣主書李膺徵僧辯於建業,爲大都督、荊州刺史。 別敕僧辯云:「黑泰背盟,忽便舉斧。 國家猛將,多在下流; 荊陝之衆,悉非勁勇。 公宜率貔虎,星言就路,倍道兼行,赴倒懸也。」 僧辯因命豫州刺史侯瑱等爲前軍,兗州刺史杜僧明等爲後軍。 處分旣畢,乃謂膺云:「泰兵驍猛,難與爭銳,衆軍若集,吾便直指漢江,截其後路。 凡千里饋糧,尚有饑色,況賊越數千里者乎? 此孫臏剋龐涓時也。」 俄而京城陷沒,宮車晏駕。 及敬帝初卽梁主位,僧辯預樹立之功,承制進驃騎大將軍、中書監、都督中外諸軍事、錄尚書,與陳霸先參謀討伐。
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
時齊主高洋又欲納貞陽侯淵明以爲梁嗣,因與僧辯書曰:「梁國不造,禍難相仍,侯景傾蕩建業,武陵彎弓巴、漢。 卿志格玄穹,精貫白日,戮力齊心,芟夷逆醜。 凡在有情,莫不嗟尚; 況我鄰國,緝事言前。 而西寇承間,復相掩襲。 梁主不能固守江陵,殞身宗祐。 王師未及,便已降敗; 士民小大,皆畢寇虜。 乃眷南顧,憤歎盈懷。 卿臣子之情,念當鯁裂。 如聞權立枝子,號令江陰,年甫十餘,極爲沖藐; 梁釁未已,負荷諒難。 祭則衛君,政由甯氏; 幹弱枝強,終古所忌。 朕以天下爲家,大道濟物。 以梁國淪滅,有懷舊好,存亡拯墜,義在今辰,扶危嗣事,非長伊德。 彼貞陽侯,梁武猶子,長沙之胤,以年以望,堪保金陵,故置爲梁主,納于彼國。 便詔上党王渙總攝羣將,扶送江表,雷動風馳,助掃冤逆。 清河王岳,前救荊城,軍度安陸,旣不相及,憤惋良深。 恐及西寇乘流,復躡江左。 今轉次漢口,與陸居士相會。 卿宜協我良規,厲彼羣帥,部分舟艫,迎接今王,鳩勒勁勇,幷心一力。 西羌烏合,本非勍寇,直是湘東怯弱,致此淪胥。 今者之師,何往不剋,善建良圖,副朕所望也。」
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."
17
貞陽承齊遣送,將屆壽陽。 貞陽前後頻與僧辯書,論還國繼統之意,僧辯不納。 及貞陽、高渙至于於東關,散騎常侍裴之橫率衆拒戰,敗績,僧辯因遂謀納貞陽,仍定君臣之禮。 啓曰:「自秦兵寇陝,臣便營赴援,才及下船,荊城陷沒,卽遣劉周入國,具表丹誠,左右勳豪,初並同契。 周旣多時不還,人情疑阻; 比冊降中使,復遣諸處詢謀,物論參差,未甚決定。 始得侯瑱信,示西寇權景宣書,令以真跡上呈。 觀視將帥,恣欲同泰,若一朝仰違大國,臣不辭灰粉,悲梁祚永絕中興。 伏願陛下便事濟江,仰藉皇齊之威,憑陛下至聖之略,樹君以長,雪報可期,社稷再輝,死且非吝。 請押別使曹沖馳表齊都,續啟事以聞,伏遲拜奉在促。」 貞陽答曰:「姜暠至,枉示具公忠義之懷。 家國喪亂,于今積年。 三后蒙塵,四海騰沸。 天命元輔,匡救本朝。 弘濟艱難,建武宗祏。 至於丘園板築,尚想來儀; 公室皇枝,豈不虛遲。 聞孤還國,理會高懷,但近再命行人,或不宣具。 公旣詢謀卿士,訪逮籓維,沿溯往來,理淹旬月,使乎屆止,殊副所期。 便是再立我蕭宗,重興我梁國。 億兆黎庶,咸蒙此恩; 社稷宗祧,曾不相愧。 近軍次東關,頻遣信裴之橫處,示其可否。 答對驕凶,殊駭聞矚。 上黨王陳兵見衛,欲敘安危,無識之徒,忽然逆戰。 前旌未舉,卽自披猖,驚悼之情,彌以傷惻。 上黨王深自矜嗟,不傳首級,更蒙封樹,飾棺厚殯,務從優禮。 齊朝大德,信感神民。 方仰藉皇威,敬憑元宰,討逆賊於咸陽,誅叛子於雲夢,同心協力,克定邦家。 覽所示權景宣書,上流諸將,本有忠略,棄親向讎,庶當不爾,防奸定亂,終在於公。 今且頓東關,更待來信,未知水陸何處見迎。 夫建國立君,布在方策,入盟出質,有自來矣。 若公之忠節,上感蒼旻; 羣帥同謀,必匪攜貳。 則齊師反斾,義不陵江,如致爽言,誓以無克。 韜旗側席,遲復行人。 曹沖奉表齊都,卽押送也。 渭橋之下,惟遲敘言; 汜水之陽,預有號懼。」 僧辯又重啟曰:「員外常侍姜暠還,奉敕伏具動止。 大齊仁義之風,曲被鄰國,卹災救難,申此大猷。 皇家枝戚,莫不榮荷; 江東冠冕,俱知憑賴。 今歃不忘信,信實由衷,謹遣臣第七息顯,顯所生劉並弟子世珍,往彼充質; 仍遣左民尚書周弘正至歷陽奉迎。 艫舳浮江,俟一龍之渡; 清宮丹陛,候六傳之入。 萬國傾心,同榮晉文之反; 三善克宣,方流宋昌之議。 國祚旣隆,社稷有奉。 則羣臣竭節,報厚施于大齊; 戮力展愚,效忠誠於陛下。 今遣吏部尚書王通奉啓以聞。」 僧辯因求以敬帝爲皇太子。 貞陽又答曰:「王尚書通至,復枉示,知欲遣賢弟世珍以表誠質,具悉憂國之懷。 復以庭中玉樹,掌內明珠,無累胸懷,志在匡救,豈非劬勞我社稷,弘濟我邦家? 慚歎之懷,用忘興寢。 晉安王東京貽厥之重,西都繼體之賢,嗣守皇家,寧非民望。 但世道喪亂,宜立長君,以其蒙孽,難可承業。 成、昭之德,自古希儔; 沖、質之危,何代無此。 孤身當否運,志不圖生。 忽荷不世之恩,仍致非常之舉。 自惟虛薄,兢懼已深。 若建承華,本歸皇胄; 心口相誓,惟擬晉安。 如或虛言,神明所殛。 覽今所示,深遂本懷。 戢慰之情,無寄言象。 但公憂勞之重,旣稟齊恩; 忠義之情,復及梁貳。 華夷兆庶,豈不懷風? 宗廟明靈,豈不相感? 正爾迴斾,仍向歷陽。 所期質累,便望來彼。 衆軍不渡,已著盟書。 斯則大齊聖主之恩規,上黨英王之然諾,得原失信,終不爲也。 惟遲相見,使在不賒。 鄉國非遙,觸目號咽。」 僧辯使送質于鄴。 貞陽求渡衛士三千,僧辯慮其爲變,止受散卒千人而已,幷遣龍舟法駕往迎。 貞陽濟江之日,僧辯擁檝中流,不敢就岸。 後乃同會于江寧浦。
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.
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貞陽旣踐偽位,仍授僧辯大司馬,領太子太傅、揚州牧,餘悉如故。 陳霸先時爲司空、南徐州刺史,惡其飜覆,與諸將議,因自京口舉兵十萬,水陸俱至,襲于建康。 於是水軍到,僧辯常處於石頭城,是日正視事,軍人已逾城北而入,南門又馳白有兵來。 僧辯與其子頠遽走出閤,左右心腹尚數十人。 衆軍悉至,僧辯計無所出,乃據南門樓乞命拜請。 霸先因命縱火焚之,方共頠下就執。 霸先曰:「我有何辜,公欲與齊師賜討?」 又曰:「何意全無防備?」 僧辯曰:「委公北門,何謂無備。」 爾夜斬之。
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
長子髂,承聖初歷官至侍中。 初,僧辯平建業,遣霸先守京口,都無備防。 髂屢以爲言,僧辯不聽,竟及於禍。 西魏寇江陵,世祖遣髂督城內諸軍事。 荊城陷,髂隨王琳入齊,爲竟陵郡守。 齊遣琳鎮壽春,將圖江左。 及陳平淮南,執琳殺之。 髂聞琳死,乃出郡城南,登高冢上號哭,一慟而絕。
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
髂弟頒,少有志節,恒隨從世祖。 及荊城陷覆,沒於西魏。
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
史臣曰:自侯景寇逆,世祖據有上游,以全楚之兵委僧辯將率之任。 及克平禍亂,功亦著焉,在乎策勳,當上臺之賞。 敬帝以高祖貽厥之重,世祖繼體之尊,洎渚宮淪覆,理膺寶祚。 僧辯位當將相,義存伊、霍,乃受脅齊師,傍立支庶。 苟欲行夫忠義,何忠義之遠矣? 樹國之道旣虧,謀身之計不足,自致殲滅,悲矣! [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
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.