1
天祚皇帝四耶律淳耶律雅里耶律大石子:夷列夷列妹:普速完夷列次子:直魯古
Emperor Tianzuo IV; Yelü Chun; Yelü Yali; Yelü Dashi — Yilie; Yilie's sister Pusuwan; Yilie's second son Zhilugu
2
天祚皇帝四
Emperor Tianzuo IV
3
五年春正月辛巳，党項小斛祿遣人請臨其地。 戊子，趨天德，過沙漠，金兵忽至。 上徒步出走，近侍進珠帽，卻之，乘張仁貴馬得脫，至天德。 [1]己丑，遇雪，無禦寒具，術者以貂裘帽進； 途次絕糧，術者進吥與棗； 欲憩，術者即跪坐，倚之假寐。 術者輩惟齧冰雪以濟饑。 過天德。 至夜，將宿民家，紿曰偵騎，其家知之，乃叩馬首，跪而大慟，潛宿其家。 居數日，嘉其忠，遙授以節度使，遂趨党項。 以小斛祿為西南面招討使，總知軍事，仍賜其子及諸校爵賞有差。
In the fifth year, on xinsi day of the first spring month, Dangxiang Xiaohulu sent envoys asking the emperor to visit his territory. On wuzi day he hastened toward Tiande; crossing the desert, Jin troops suddenly appeared. The emperor fled on foot; attendants offered a pearl cap, but he refused it, mounted Zhang Rengui's horse, and escaped to Tiande. [1] On jichou day he met snow and had no cold-weather gear; diviners presented sable-fur caps; on the road food ran out; diviners presented bu and jujubes; when he wished to rest, the diviners at once knelt and sat so he could lean on them for a brief sleep. The diviners could only gnaw ice and snow to stave off hunger. He passed Tiande. At night, about to lodge in a commoner's house, he deceived them by saying scouting horsemen were about; the household knew who he was, knocked the horse's head, knelt and wept greatly, and he lodged secretly in their home. After several days he praised their loyalty and from afar invested them as military commissioner, then hastened to Dangxiang. He made Xiaohulu southwestern frontier commissioner for suppression and overall commander of military affairs, and still granted his son and various officers titles and rewards in differing degrees.
4
二月，至應州新城東六十里，為金人完顏婁室等所獲。
In the second month, sixty li east of Ying Prefecture's new city, he was captured by the Jin commander Wanyan Lou Shi and others.
5
八月癸卯，至金。 丙午，降封海濱王。 以疾終，年五十有四，在位二十四年。 金皇統元年二月，改封豫王。 五年，葬于廣甯府閭陽縣乾陵傍。
In the eighth month, on guimao day, he reached Jin territory. On bingwu day he was demoted and enfeoffed as Prince of the Sea Shore. He died of illness at fifty-four, having reigned twenty-four years. In the second month of Jin Huangtong year 1 he was changed to Prince of Yu. In year 5 he was buried beside Qian Mausoleum in Lüyang County, Guangning Prefecture.
6
耶律淳
Yelü Chun
7
耶律淳者，世號為北遼。 淳小字涅里，興宗第四孫，南京留守、宋魏王和魯斡之子。 清甯初，太后鞠育之。 既長，篤好文學。 昭懷太子得罪，上欲以淳為嗣。 上怒耶律白斯不，知與淳善，出淳為彰聖等軍節度使。
Yelü Chun — his age is known as Northern Liao. Chun's childhood name was Nieli; he was Emperor Xingzong's fourth-generation grandson, son of Southern Capital regent and Song Prince of Wei Heluwo. In early Qingning the Empress Dowager raised and nurtured him. [2] When grown he was devoted to literature. When the Memorializing Heir Apparent was condemned, the emperor wished to make Chun heir. The emperor was angry at Yelü Baisi, knowing he was friendly with Chun, and sent Chun out as Zhangsheng and other armies military commissioner.
8
天祚即位，進王鄭。 乾統二年，加越王。 六年，拜南府宰相，首議制兩府禮儀。 上喜，徙王魏。 其父和魯斡薨，即以淳襲父守南京。 冬夏入朝，寵冠諸王。
When Tianzuo took the throne, Chun was advanced to Prince of Zheng. In Qiantong year 2, he was given the additional title Prince of Yue. In year 6, he was appointed Southern Chancellor and first proposed regulating the ritual of the Two Courts. The emperor was pleased and transferred him to Prince of Wei. When his father Heluwo died, Chun thereupon succeeded his father as regent of Nanjing. Winter and summer he entered court, and his favor surpassed all the princes.
9
天慶五年，東征，都監章奴濟鴨子河，與淳子阿撒等三百餘人亡歸，先遣敵里等以廢立之謀報淳，淳斬敵里首以獻，進封秦晉國王，拜都元帥，賜金券，免漢拜禮，不名。 許自擇將士，乃募燕、雲精兵。 東至錦州，隊長武朝彥作亂，劫淳。 淳匿而免，收朝彥誅之。 會金兵至，聚兵戰于阿里軫鬥，敗績，收亡卒數千人拒之。 淳入朝，釋其罪，詔南京刻石紀功。
In Tianqing year 5, on the eastern campaign, superintendent Zhangnu crossed the Yazi River; with Chun's son Asa and more than three hundred others he fled back, first sending Dili and others to report to Chun the plan to depose and enthrone; Chun beheaded Dili and presented his head, was advanced Prince of Qin-Jin, appointed commander-in-chief, granted the gold warrant, exempted from Han bowing ritual, and not called by name. Permitted to choose his own officers and soldiers, he thereupon recruited elite troops of Yan and Yun. Going east to Jinzhou, company chief Wu Chaoyan made disorder and seized Chun. Chun hid and escaped, gathered Chaoyan and executed him. When Jin troops arrived he gathered troops and fought at Ali Zhendou, was defeated, gathered several thousand scattered soldiers and resisted them. Chun entered court; his crime was pardoned; an edict ordered Nanjing to carve stone recording his merit.
10
保大二年，天祚入夾山，奚王回離保、林牙耶律大石等引唐靈武故事，議欲立淳。 淳不從，官屬勸進曰：「主上蒙塵，中原擾攘，若不立王，百姓何歸？ 宜熟計之。」 遂即位。 百官上號天錫皇帝，改保大二年為建福元年，大赦。 放進士李寶信等一十九人，遙降天祚為湘陰王。 以燕、雲、平、上京、中京、遼西六路，淳主之； 沙漠以北、南北路兩都招討府、諸蕃部族等，仍隸天祚。 自此遼國分矣。 封其妻普賢女為德妃，以回離保知北院樞密使事，軍旅之事悉委大石。 又遣使報宋，免歲幣，結好。 宋人發兵問罪，擊敗之。 尋遣使奉表于金，乞為附庸。 事未决，淳病死，年六十。 百官偽諡曰孝章皇帝，廟號宣宗，葬燕西香山永安陵。 遺命遙立秦王定以存社稷，德妃為皇太后，稱制，改建福為德興元年，放進士李球等百八人。 時宋兵來攻，戰敗之，由是人心大悅，兵勢日振。 宰相李純等潛納宋兵，居民內應，抱關者被殺甚眾。 翌日，攻內東門，衞兵力戰，宋軍大潰，踰城而走，死者相藉。 五表于金，求立秦王，不從。 而金兵大至，德妃奔天德軍，見天祚。 天祚怒，誅德妃，降淳庶人，除其屬籍。
In Baoda year 2, Tianzuo entered Jia Mountain; Xi King Huilbao, Linya Yelü Dashi, and others cited the Tang Lingwu precedent and discussed enthroning Chun. Chun did not consent; officials urged him to ascend, saying, "The sovereign suffers dust abroad; the Central Plains are in turmoil; if we do not establish a king, where will the people turn? You should consider this carefully." He thereupon took the throne. The hundred officials gave him the title Heavenly Bestowed Emperor, changed Baoda year 2 to Jianfu year 1, and proclaimed a general amnesty. He released jinshi Li Baoxin and eighteen others, and from afar demoted Tianzuo to Prince of Xiangyin. The six circuits of Yan, Yun, Ping, Upper Capital, Middle Capital, and Liaoxi were ruled by Chun; north of the desert, the two frontier commissioners of the Northern and Southern Routes, and the various fan tribes and clans still belonged to Tianzuo. From this the Liao state was divided. He enfeoffed his wife Puxiannu as Virtuous Consort, made Huilbao privy commissioner of the Northern Court, and entrusted all military affairs to Dashi. He also sent envoys to report to Song, exempted the annual tribute, and sought friendship. The Song sent troops to demand punishment; he defeated them. Soon he sent envoys presenting a memorial to Jin, begging to become a vassal. Before the matter was settled, Chun died of illness at sixty. The hundred officials posthumously styled him Emperor Xiaozhang, temple name Xuanzong, and buried him at Yong'an Mausoleum on Xiang Mountain west of Yan. By testamentary order he from afar set up Prince of Qin Ding to preserve the altars of state; the Virtuous Consort was made Empress Dowager and held rule; Jianfu was changed to Dexing year 1; and jinshi Li Qiu and one hundred eight others were released. At the time Song troops came to attack; they were defeated in battle, and from this the people's hearts were greatly pleased and military power daily revived. Chancellor Li Chuwen and others secretly admitted Song troops; residents responded from within, and gate guards were killed in great numbers. The next day they attacked the inner east gate; guard troops fought hard, the Song army was routed and fled over the wall, and the dead lay piled together. Five times they memorialized Jin asking to establish Prince of Qin; it was not granted. But Jin troops arrived in force; the Virtuous Consort fled to Tiande Army and met Tianzuo. Tianzuo was angry, executed the Virtuous Consort, demoted Chun to commoner, and removed him from the clan register.
11
耶律雅里者，天祚皇帝第二子也，字撒鸞。 七歲，欲立為皇太子，別置禁衛，封梁王。
Yelü Yali was Emperor Tianzuo's second son; his style was Saluan. At age seven the court wished to establish him as heir apparent, separately set up inner guard, and enfeoffed him Prince of Liang.
12
保大三年，金師圍青塚寨，雅里在軍中。 太保特母哥挾之出走，間道行至陰山。 聞天祚失利趨雲內，雅里馳赴。 時扈從者千餘人，多於天祚。 天祚慮特母哥生變，欲誅之。 責以不能全救諸王，將訊之。 仗劍召雅里問曰：「特母哥教汝何為？」 雅里對曰：「無他言。」 乃釋之。
In Baoda year 3 Jin troops besieged Green Mound Stockade; Yali was in the army. Grand Protector Temuge seized him and fled; by a hidden route they reached Yin Mountain. Hearing Tianzuo had met defeat and was hastening to Yunnei, Yali galloped to join him. At the time those in attendance were more than a thousand — more than Tianzuo had. Tianzuo feared Temuge would cause trouble and wished to execute him. He blamed him for being unable to fully save the princes and was about to interrogate him. Drawing his sword he summoned Yali and asked, "What did Temuge teach you to do?" Yali replied, "Nothing else was said." He then released him.
13
天祚渡河奔夏，隊帥耶律敵列等劫雅里北走。 至沙嶺，見蛇橫道而過，識者以為不祥。 後三日，群僚共立雅里為主。 雅里遂即位，改元神曆，命士庶上便宜。
Tianzuo crossed the river fleeing to Xia; company commander Yelü Dilie and others seized Yali and fled north. Reaching Sha Ridge they saw a snake cross the road; those who knew omens deemed it inauspicious. Three days later the assembled officials together set up Yali as lord. Yali thereupon took the throne, changed the era to Shenli, and ordered gentry and commoners to submit whatever was expedient.
14
雅里性寬大，惡誅殺。 獲亡者，笞之而已。 有自歸者，即官之。 因謂左右曰：「欲附來歸； 不附則去。 何須威逼耶？」 每取唐《貞觀政要》及林牙資忠所作治國詩，令侍從讀之。 烏古部節度使糾哲、迭烈部統軍撻不也、都監突里不等各率其眾來附。 自是諸部繼至。 而雅里日漸荒怠，好擊鞠。 特母哥切諫，乃不復出。 以耶律敵列為樞密使，特母哥副之。 敵列劾西北路招討使蕭糾里熒惑眾心，志有不臣，與其子麻涅並誅之。 以遙設為招討使，與諸部戰，數敗，杖免官。
Yali's nature was generous; he hated executions. Those captured who had fled were only flogged. Those who returned of themselves were at once given office. He thereupon said to those at his side, "If you wish to attach, come and attach; if you do not attach, then go. Why must there be coercion?" Each time he took Tang's Zhenguan zhengyao and Linya Zizhong's poem on governing the state and ordered attendants to read them. Ugu Route military commissioner Jiuzhe, Dilie Tribe commander-in-chief Tabuye, and superintendent Tulideng each led their masses to come and attach. From this time the various tribes came in succession. But Yali daily grew negligent and fond of cuju. Temuge urgently remonstrated; he then no longer went out. He made Yelü Dilie privy commissioner; Temuge was his deputy. Dilie impeached Northwestern Route commissioner for suppression Xiao Jiuli for deluding the masses, his intent not that of a subject, and together with his son Manei executed them. He made Yaoshe commissioner for suppression; fighting with the various tribes, several times defeated, was flogged and dismissed from office.
15
從行有疲困者，輒振給之。 直長保德諫曰：「今國家空虛，賜賚若此，將何以相給耶？」 雅里怒曰：「昔畋於福山，卿誣獵官，今復有此言。 若無諸部，我將何取？」 不納。 初，令群牧運鹽濼倉粟，而民盜之，議籍以償。 雅里乃自為直：每粟一車，償一羊； 三車一牛； 五車一馬； 八車一駝。 左右曰：「今一羊易粟二斗且不可得，乃償一車！」 雅里曰：「民有則我有。 若令盡償，民何堪？」
Among those following, if any were weary, he would at once give relief. Direct attendant Baode remonstrated, saying, "Now the state is empty; if bestowals are like this, how will we supply them?" Yali angrily said, "Formerly when hunting at Fushan you slandered the hunt officer; now you again have this speech. Without the various tribes, what would I take?" He did not accept it. Earlier he had ordered the herd offices to transport Salt Marsh granary grain, but the people stole it; discussion was to register them to compensate. Yali thereupon set the rate himself: for each cart of grain, one sheep; three carts, one ox; five carts, one horse; eight carts, one camel. Those at his side said, "Now one sheep cannot even be exchanged for two dou of grain, yet you compensate one cart!" Yali said, "If the people have, then I have. If you make them compensate in full, how can the people bear it?"
16
後獵查剌山，一日而射黃羊四十，狼二十一，因致疾，卒，年三十。
Later hunting at Chala Mountain, in one day he shot forty yellow sheep and twenty-one wolves; he thereupon fell ill and died at thirty.
17
耶律大石
Yelü Dashi
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耶律大石者，世號為西遼。 大石字重德，太祖八代孫也。 通遼、漢字，善騎射，登天慶五年進士第，擢翰林應奉，尋升承旨。 遼以翰林為林牙，故稱大石林牙。 歷泰、祥二州刺史，遼興軍節度使。
Yelü Dashi — his age is known as Western Liao (Qara-Khitai). Dashi's style was Chongde; he was the eighth-generation grandson of Taizu. He mastered Khitan and Han script, was skilled at riding and archery, in Tianqing year 5 passed the jinshi examination, was selected Hanlin attendant-in-waiting, and soon was promoted Hanlin academician-director. Liao took Hanlin as linya, so he was called Great Stone Linya. He served successively as Tai and Xiang two prefectures' prefect, and Liaoxing Army military commissioner.
19
保大二年，金兵日逼，天祚播越，與諸大臣立秦晉王淳為帝。 淳死，立其妻蕭德妃為太后，以守燕。 及金兵至，蕭德妃歸天祚。 天祚怒誅德妃而責大石曰：「我在，汝何敢立淳？」 對曰：「陛下以全國之勢，不能一拒敵，棄國遠遁，使黎民塗炭。 即立十淳，皆太祖子孫，豈不勝乞命於他人耶？」 上無以答，賜酒食，赦其罪。
In Baoda year 2, as Jin troops daily pressed, Tianzuo was driven from his capital; with the great ministers he set up King of Qin-Jin Chun as emperor. When Chun died he set up his wife Virtuous Consort Xiao as Empress Dowager to guard Yan. When Jin troops arrived Virtuous Consort Xiao returned to Tianzuo. Tianzuo angrily executed Virtuous Consort Xiao and blamed Dashi, saying, "While I live, how dare you set up Chun?" He replied, "Your Majesty with the power of the whole state could not repulse the enemy once, abandoned the state and fled far away, making the black-haired people suffer torment. To set up the ten Chuns — all are Taizu's descendants — is surely better than begging life from others, is it not?" The emperor had no reply; he granted wine and food and pardoned his crime.
20
大石不自安，遂殺蕭乙薛、坡里括，自立為王，率鐵騎二百宵遁。 北行三日，過黑水，見白達達詳穩床古兒。 床古兒獻馬四百，駝二十，羊若干。 西至可敦城，駐北庭都護府，會威武、崇德、會蕃、新、大林、紫河、駝等七州及大黃室韋、敵剌、王紀剌、茶赤剌、也喜、鼻古德、尼剌、達剌乖、達密里、密兒紀、合主、烏古里、阻卜、普速完、唐古、忽母思、奚的、糾而畢十八部王眾，[6]諭曰「我祖宗艱難創業，曆世九主，歷年二百。 金以臣屬，逼我國家，殘我黎庶，屠翦我州邑，使我天祚皇帝蒙塵于外，日夜痛心疾首。 我今仗義而西，欲借力諸蕃，翦我仇敵，復我疆宇。 惟爾眾亦有軫我國家，憂我社稷，思共救君父，濟生民於難者乎？」 遂得精兵萬餘，置官吏，立排甲，具器仗。
Dashi was ill at ease; he thereupon killed Xiao Yixue and Poliguo, styled himself king, and led two hundred iron cavalry fleeing by night. Going north three days, crossing Black Water, he met Baidada xiangwen Chuangur. Chuangur presented four hundred horses, twenty camels, and sheep in number. Going west to Kedun city, he encamped at the Protectorate of the Pacified North, meeting the seven prefectures Weiwu, Chongde, Huifan, Xin, Dalin, Zihe, Tuo and the eighteen tribal kings of Great Yellow Shivewei, Dila, Wangjila, Chachila, Yexi, Bigude, Nila, Dalaguai, Damili, Mierji, Hezhu, Wuguli, Zubu, Pusuwan, Tanggu, Humusi, Xide, and Jiuerbi, [6] and addressed them, saying, "Our ancestors with hardship founded the enterprise; through the ages nine lords; through the years two hundred. Jin as subject-state forced our state, ravaged our black-haired people, slaughtered and mowed our prefectures and counties, making our Emperor Tianzuo suffer dust abroad — day and night we are heartsick. I now take righteousness and go west, wishing to borrow the strength of the various fan, cut down our foe, and recover our territory. Do only you masses also grieve for our state, worry for our altars, and think to together save the lord and father and rescue the black-haired people from hardship?" He thereupon obtained elite troops of more than ten thousand, set officials, established ranks, and prepared weapons.
21
明年二月甲午，以青牛白馬祭天地、祖宗，整旅而西。 先遺書回鶻王畢勒哥曰：「昔我太祖皇帝北征，過卜古罕城，[7]即遣使至甘州，詔爾祖烏母主曰：『汝思故國耶，朕即為汝復之； 汝不能返耶，朕則有之。 在朕，猶在爾也。』 爾祖即表謝，以為遷國於此，十有餘世，軍民皆安土重遷，不能復返矣。 是與爾國非一日之好也。 今我將西至大食，假道爾國，其勿致疑。」 畢勒哥得書，即迎至邸，大宴三日。 臨行，獻馬六百，駝百，羊三千，願質子孫為附庸，送至境外。 所過，敵者勝之，降者安之。 兵行萬里，歸者數國，獲駝、馬、牛、羊、財物，不可勝計。 軍勢日盛，銳氣日倍。
Next year second month, on jiawu day, with green ox and white horse he sacrificed to Heaven, Earth, and ancestors, and arrayed the host westward. First he sent a letter to Uighur king Bilgege, saying, "Formerly our Taizu Emperor on the northern campaign passed Buguhan city, [7] and at once sent envoys to Ganzhou, proclaiming to your ancestor Wumu, saying, 'If you think of the old state, I shall restore it for you; if you cannot return, then I shall possess it. With me, it is as with you.' Your ancestor thereupon memorialized thanks, thinking to move the state here; for more than ten generations army and people have all been attached to the soil and heavy to move, and could not return. Thus with your state it is not a single day's goodwill. Now I shall go west to the Great Food; I borrow passage through your state — do not give rise to suspicion." Bilgege received the letter and at once welcomed him to the lodge and feasted him three days. On departure he presented six hundred horses, one hundred camels, and three thousand sheep, wished to pledge sons and grandsons as vassals, and escorted him to the border. Where he passed, those who opposed he overcame; those who submitted he pacified. The army marched ten thousand li; states that returned numbered several; camels, horses, cattle, sheep, and goods obtained were beyond counting. Army power daily grew; keen spirit daily doubled.
22
至尋思幹，西域諸國舉兵十萬，號忽兒珊，來拒戰。 兩軍相望二里許。 諭將士曰：「彼軍雖多而無謀，攻之，則首尾不救，我師必勝。」 遣六院司大王蕭斡里剌、招討副使耶律松山等將兵二千五百攻其右； 樞密副使蕭剌阿不、[8]招討使耶律術薛等將兵二千五百攻其左； 自以眾攻其中。 三軍俱進，忽兒珊大敗，僵屍數十里。 駐軍尋思幹凡九十日，回回國王來降，貢方物。
Reaching Xunsi Gan, the various states of the Western Regions gathered troops of one hundred thousand, styled Qusun, and came to resist battle. The two armies faced each other about two li. He addressed the officers and soldiers, saying, "Though their army is many it is without plan; if we attack, head and tail will not rescue each other — our army is sure to win." He sent Six Courts Office great king Xiao Wolila, commissioner for suppression deputy Yelü Songshan, and others to lead two thousand five hundred troops attacking their right; privy deputy Xiao Chala Abu, [8] commissioner for suppression Yelü Shuxue, and others to lead two thousand five hundred troops attacking their left; he himself with the mass attacked the center. The three armies all advanced; Qusun was greatly defeated; corpses lay for several tens of li. Encamped at Xunsi Gan altogether ninety days; the Huihui king came to submit and presented local products.
23
又西至起兒漫，文武百官冊立大石為帝，以甲辰歲二月五日即位，年三十八，號葛兒罕。 復上漢尊號曰天皇帝，改元延慶。 追祖父為嗣元皇帝，祖母為宣義皇后，冊元妃蕭氏為昭德皇后。 因謂百官曰：「朕與卿等行三萬里，跋涉沙漠，夙夜艱勤。 賴祖宗之福，卿等之力，冒登大位。 爾祖爾父宜加卹典，共享尊榮。」 自蕭斡里剌等四十九人祖父，封爵有差。
Again going west to Qier Man, civil and military hundred officials invested Dashi as emperor; on jiachen year second month fifth day he took the throne, age thirty-eight, styled Gur Khan. Again he took the Han honorific title Heavenly Emperor and changed the era to Yanqing. He posthumously titled his grandfather Heir of the Source Emperor and his grandmother Virtuous Consort Empress; he invested primary consort Lady Xiao as Bright Virtue Empress. He thereupon said to the hundred officials, "I with you have marched thirty thousand li, toiled through desert, day and night in hardship. Relying on the ancestors' blessing and your strength, we have rashly ascended the great position. Your ancestors and fathers should receive added posthumous honors; together enjoy honor and glory." From Xiao Wolila and forty-nine others' grandfathers, titles were granted in differing degrees.
24
延慶三年，班師東歸，馬行二十日，得善地，遂建都城，號虎思斡耳朶，改延慶為康國元年。 三月，以六院司大王蕭斡里剌為兵馬都元帥，敵剌部前同知樞密院事蕭查剌阿不副之，茶赤剌部禿魯耶律燕山為都部署，護衞耶律鐵哥為都監，率七萬騎東征。 以青牛白馬祭天，樹旗以誓于眾曰：「我大遼自太祖、太宗艱難而成帝業，其後嗣君耽樂無厭，不恤國政，盜賊蠭起，天下土崩。 朕率爾眾，遠至朔漠，期復大業，以光中興。 此非朕與爾世居之地。」 申命元帥斡里剌曰：「今汝其往，信賞必罰，與士卒同甘苦，擇善水草以立營，量敵而進，毋自取禍敗也。」 行萬餘里無所得，牛馬多死，勒兵而還。 大石曰：「皇天弗順，數也！」 康國十年歿，在位二十年，廟號德宗。
In Yanqing year 3, the army returned east; after twenty days' march by horse they found good land, built a capital city styled Husi Ordu, and changed Yanqing to Kangguo year 1. In the third month, Six Courts Office great king Xiao Wolila was made commander-in-chief of horse and foot; Dila Tribe former associate privy commissioner Xiao Chala Abu was his deputy; Chachila Tribe Tulul Yelü Yanshan was made chief deployment officer; guard Yelü Tiege was made superintendent; and they led seventy thousand cavalry on an eastern campaign. With green ox and white horse he sacrificed to Heaven, raised a banner, and swore to the masses, saying, "Our Great Liao from Taizu and Taizong with hardship achieved the imperial enterprise; afterward the succeeding lords indulged without satiety, did not care for state affairs, bandits swarmed like bees, and the realm collapsed. I lead you masses, going far to the northern desert, hoping to restore the great enterprise and glorify renewal. This is not the land where you and I have dwelt for generations." He then ordered Marshal Wolila, saying, "Now you shall go; rewards and punishments must be sure; share sweetness and bitterness with officers and soldiers; choose good grass and water to set camp; measure the enemy and advance — do not bring disaster and defeat upon yourselves." They marched more than ten thousand li without gain; cattle and horses mostly died; he restrained the army and returned. Dashi said, "Heaven is not favorable — it is fate!" In Kangguo year 10 he died, having reigned twenty years; temple name Dezong.
25
子夷列年幼，遺命皇后權國。 後名塔不煙，號感天皇后，稱制，改元咸清，在位七年。 子夷列即位，改元紹興。 籍民十八歲以上，得八萬四千五百戶。 在位十三年歿，廟號仁宗。
Son Yilie was young; testamentary order had the empress hold state. Later name Tabuyan, title Gantian Empress; she held rule, changed the era to Xianqing, on the throne seven years. Son Yilie took the throne and changed the era to Shaoxing. Registering the people eighteen sui and above, he obtained eighty-four thousand five hundred households. On the throne thirteen years he died; temple name Renzong.
26
夷列妹普速完
Yilie's sister Pusuwan
27
子幼，遺詔以妹普速完權國，稱制，改元崇福，號承天太后。 後與駙馬蕭朵魯不弟朴古只沙里通，出駙馬為東平王，羅織殺之。 駙馬父斡里剌以兵圍其宮，射殺普速完及朴古只沙里。 普速完在位十四年。
The son was young; testamentary edict had younger sister Pusuwan hold state; she held rule, changed the era to Chongfu, title Chengtian Empress Dowager. Later she had relations with the consort's younger brother Puguzhi Shali; she sent the consort out as Prince of Dongping and on false charges killed him. The consort's father Wolila led troops surrounding her palace and shot Pusuwan and Puguzhi Shali to death. Pusuwan was on the throne fourteen years.
28
仁宗次子直魯古即位，改元天禧，在位三十四年。 時秋出獵，乃蠻王屈出律以伏兵八千擒之，而據其位。 遂襲遼衣冠，尊直魯古為太上皇，皇后為皇太后，朝夕問起居，以侍終焉。 直魯古死，遼絕。
Renzong's second son Zhilugu took the throne, changed the era to Tianxi, and reigned thirty-four years. Once in autumn on a hunt, Naiman king Quchulu with eight thousand hidden troops seized him and usurped the throne. He thereupon adopted Liao dress and regalia, honored Zhilugu as Retired Emperor and the empress as Empress Dowager, morning and evening inquired after their health, and served them to the end. When Zhilugu died, Liao was extinguished.
29
耶律淳在天祚之世，歷王大國，受賜金券，贊拜不名。 一時恩遇，無與為比。 當天祚播越，以都元帥留守南京，獨不可奮大義以激燕民及諸大臣，興勤王之師，東拒金而迎天祚乎？ 乃自取之，是篡也。 況忍王天祚哉？
In Tianzuo's reign Yelü Chun twice ruled the great state, received the gold warrant, and was honored with bowing while not called by name. For a time no favor could compare with his. When Tianzuo was driven from his capital, could he not—as commander-in-chief at Nanjing—have roused great righteousness among the Yan people and great ministers, raised a loyal host to resist Jin in the east, and welcomed Tianzuo home? Yet he seized the throne for himself—that was usurpation. And how he wronged Tianzuo!
30
大石既帝淳而王天祚矣，復歸天祚。 天祚責以大義，乃自立為王而去之。 幸藉祖宗餘威遺智，建號萬里之外。 雖寡母弱子，更繼迭承，幾九十年，亦可謂難矣。
Dashi had made Chun emperor, yet still served Tianzuo when he returned. Tianzuo rebuked him on grounds of righteousness; Dashi thereupon styled himself king and departed. By fortune of the ancestors' remaining might and lingering wisdom, he established a realm ten thousand li away. Though a widowed mother and weak son handed on rule in turn for nearly ninety years, one may still call that an achievement hard-won.
31
然淳與雅里、大石之立，皆在天祚之世。 有君而復君之，其可乎哉？ 諸葛武侯為獻帝發喪，而後立先主為帝者，不可同年語矣。 故著以為戒雲。
Yet the enthronements of Chun, Yali, and Dashi all fell within Tianzuo's lifetime. To have a sovereign yet set up another—how can that be permitted? When Zhuge the Martial Marquis mourned Emperor Xian and afterward enthroned the Former Lord—that is not a case to be named in the same breath. Therefore this is recorded as a warning.
32
贊曰：遼起朔野，兵甲之盛，鼓行扙外，席捲河朔，樹晉植漢，何其壯歟？ 太祖、太宗乘百戰之勢，輯新造之邦，英謀略，可謂遠矣。 雖以世宗中才，穆宗殘暴，連遘弑逆，而神器不搖。 蓋由祖宗威令猶足以震疊其國人也。
Appraisal: Liao rose from the northern wilds; arms and armor flourished—drums marched beyond the frontier, swept Hebei, planted Jin and raised Han—how magnificent! Taizu and Taizong rode the momentum of a hundred battles and gathered a newly forged state; their heroic stratagem and design may be called far-sighted indeed. Though Shizong was middling in talent and Muzong cruel and violent, regicide and treason followed in succession—yet the sacred vessel did not tremble. Surely because the ancestors' awesomeness and commands still sufficed to overawe their own people.
33
聖宗以來，內修政治，外拓疆宇。 既而申固鄰好，四境安。 維持二百餘年之基，有自來矣。
From Shengzong onward they cultivated government within and extended territory without. Thereafter they renewed firm neighborly goodwill, and the four borders were secure. That a foundation of more than two hundred years was maintained had its reasons.
34
降臻天祚，既丁末運，又觖人望，崇信奸回，自國本，群下離心。 金兵一集，內難先作，廢立之謀，叛亡之跡，相繼蜂起。 馴致土崩瓦解，不可復支，良可哀也！ 耶律與蕭，世為甥舅，義同休戚。 奉先挾私滅公，首禍構難，一至於斯。 天祚窮蹙，始悟奉先誤己，不幾晚乎！
Descending to Tianzuo, he met the dynasty's final fate and disappointed the people's hopes, trusted wicked flatterers, and himself undermined the state's root—those below lost heart. When Jin troops gathered, internal trouble arose first; plots to depose and enthrone and trails of rebellion and flight swarmed like bees. The realm collapsed like earth and tiles beyond recovery—truly pitiable! Yelü and Xiao for generations were nephew and uncle; their bond was shared weal and woe. Fengxian put private interest above the public good, first stirred disaster and difficulty, until matters came to this pass. Tianzuo in extremity at last saw that Fengxian had misled him—was it not nearly too late?
35
淳、雅里所謂名不正，言不順，事不成者也。 大石苟延，彼善於此，亦幾何哉？
Of Chun and Yali it is said: when the name is not correct, speech does not accord, and the affair is not accomplished. Dashi barely prolonged the line—better than the others, yet for how many years more?