1
宋本紀下第三
Liu Song Annals, Part Three.
2
太宗明皇帝諱彧，字休景，小字榮期，文帝第十一子也。 元嘉十六年十月生。 二十五年，封淮陽王，二十九年改封湘東王。 孝武踐阼，累遷鎮軍將軍、雍州刺史。
Emperor Ming of the Taizong line, whose taboo name was Yu, style name Xiujing, and childhood name Rongqi, was the eleventh son of Emperor Wen. He was born in the tenth month of the sixteenth year of Yuanjia. In the twenty-fifth year he was enfeoffed as Prince of Huaiyang, and in the twenty-ninth year his title was changed to Prince of Xiangdong. After Emperor Xiaowu took the throne, he rose through successive posts to General Who Pacifies the Army and Governor of Yong Province.
3
是歲入朝，時廢帝疑畏諸父，以上付廷尉，明日將加禍害，上乃與腹心阮佃夫、李道兒等密謀。 時廢帝左右直合將軍宗越、譚金、童太一等是夜並外宿，佃夫、道兒因結壽寂之等，十一月二十九日，弑廢帝於後堂。 建安王休仁便稱臣，奉引升西堂，登御坐。 事出倉卒，上失履，跣，猶著烏紗帽，休仁呼主衣以白紗代之。 未即位，凡眾事悉稱令書。 己未，司徒豫章王子尚、山陰公主並賜死，宗越、譚金、童太一伏誅。
That year he came to court. The Deposed Emperor, suspicious and fearful of his uncles, had him handed over to the Minister of Justice and planned to kill him the next day. The prince then secretly plotted with his confidants Ruan Tianfu and Li Dao'er. The Deposed Emperor's personal guards—Direct Attendant General Zong Yue, Tan Jin, and Tong Taiyi—were all lodging outside that night. Tianfu and Dao'er joined with Shou Jizhi and others, and on the twenty-ninth day of the eleventh month they assassinated the Deposed Emperor in the rear hall. Prince Jian'an Xiu Ren immediately declared himself a subject, escorted him to the Western Hall, and seated him on the imperial throne. The coup came in sudden haste. The prince lost his shoes and stood barefoot, still wearing a black gauze cap, until Xiu Ren had the master of robes bring white gauze to replace it. Before he had formally ascended the throne, all official business was issued as written orders. On the day jiwei, Prince of Yuzhang Zi Shang and the Princess of Shanyin were both put to death, and Zong Yue, Tan Jin, and Tong Taiyi were executed.
4
十二月庚申朔，令書以東海王褘為中書監、太尉，以晉安王子勳為車騎將軍、開府儀同三司。 癸亥，以建安王休仁為司徒、尚書令、揚州刺史。 乙丑，改封安陸王子綏為江夏王。
On gengshen, the first day of the twelfth month, an order appointed Prince of Donghai Hui as Director of the Masters of Writing and Grand Commandant, and Prince of Jin'an Zi Xu as General of Chariots and Cavalry with privilege of an establishment equal to the Three Excellencies. On guihai, Prince Jian'an Xiu Ren was appointed Minister of Works, Director of the Masters of Writing, and Governor of Yang Province. On yichou, Prince of An'lu Zi Sui was re-enfeoffed as Prince of Jiangxia.
5
江州刺史晉安王子勳舉兵反，鎮軍長史鄧琬為其謀主，雍州刺史袁顗赴之。 壬午，謁太廟。 甲申，郢州刺史安陸王子綏、會稽太守尋陽王子房、臨海王子頊並舉兵同逆。
Prince of Jin'an Zi Xu, Governor of Jiang Province, raised troops in rebellion. Deng Wan, Chief Administrator of the Pacifying Army, was his chief strategist, and Yuan Yi, Governor of Yong Province, joined him. On rewu he visited the Imperial Ancestral Temple. On jiashen, Prince of An'lu Zi Sui, Inspector of Ying Province; Prince of Xunyang Zi Fang, Administrator of Kuaiji; and Prince of Linhai Zi Xu all rose in rebellion together.
6
二年春正月乙未，晉安王子勳僭即偽位於尋陽，年號義嘉。 壬辰，徐州刺史薛安都舉兵反。 甲午，內外戒嚴，司徒建安王休仁都督諸軍南討。 丙申，徐州刺史申令孫、司州刺史龐孟虯、豫州刺史殷琰、青州刺史沈文秀、冀州刺史崔道固、湘州行事何慧文、廣州刺史袁曇遠、益州刺史蕭惠開、梁州刺史柳元怙並同逆。 丙午，車駕親禦六軍，頓中興堂。 辛亥，南豫州刺史山陽王休佑改為豫州刺史，西討。 吳郡太守顧琛、吳興太守王曇生、義興太守劉延熙、晉陵太守袁標、山陽太守程天祚並舉兵反。 鎮東將軍巴陵王休若統軍東討。 壬子，崇憲皇太后崩。
In spring of the second year, on yimwei in the first month, Prince of Jin'an Zi Xu presumptuously declared himself emperor at Xunyang, taking the era name Yijia. On renchen, Xue An'du, Inspector of Xu Province, rose in rebellion. On jiawu martial law was declared within and without the court, and Prince Jian'an Xiu Ren was appointed overall commander of the southern expedition. On bingshen, Shen Ling-sun of Xu Province, Pang Mengjiao of Si Province, Yin Yan of Yu Province, Shen Wenxiu of Qing Province, Cui Daogu of Ji Province, He Huiwen acting for Xiang Province, Yuan Tanyuan of Guang Province, Xiao Huikai of Yi Province, and Liu Yuanku of Liang Province all joined the rebellion. On bingwu the emperor personally took command of the Six Armies and encamped at the Hall of Central Revival. On xinhai Prince of Shanyang Xiu You was reassigned as Inspector of Yu Province and marched west on campaign. Gu Chen, Administrator of Wu Commandery; Wang Tansheng, Administrator of Wuxing; Liu Yanxi, Administrator of Yixing; Yuan Biao, Administrator of Jinling; and Cheng Tianzuo, Administrator of Shanyang, all rose in rebellion. Prince of Baling Xiu Ruo, General Who Pacifies the East, took command of the eastern expedition. On renzi the Empress Dowager Chongxian died.
7
二月乙丑，以蔡興宗為尚書右僕射。 壬申，吳興太守張永、右軍將軍蕭道成東討，平晉陵。 丁亥，建武將軍吳喜公率諸軍破賊于吳、吳興、會稽，平定三郡，同逆皆伏誅。 輔國將軍蕭道成前鋒北討，輔國將軍劉勉前鋒西討。 劉胡眾四萬據赭圻。
In the second month, on yichou, Cai Xingzong was appointed Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing. On renshen, Zhang Yong, Administrator of Wuxing, and Xiao Daocheng, General of the Right Army, marched east and pacified Jinling. On dinghai, Wu Xi, General Who Establishes Martial Prowess, led the armies to victory in Wu, Wuxing, and Kuaiji, pacifying all three commanderies. Every co-conspirator was executed. Xiao Daocheng, General Who Assists the State, led the northern vanguard; Liu Mian, General Who Assists the State, led the western vanguard. Liu Hu held Zheqi with a force of forty thousand.
8
三月庚寅，撫軍將軍殷孝祖攻赭圻，死之。 以輔國將軍沈攸之代為南討前鋒。 賊眾稍盛，袁顗頓鵲尾，連營至濃湖，眾十餘萬。 丙申，南徐州刺史桂陽王休范總統北討諸軍事。 戊戌，貶尋陽王子房爵為松滋縣侯。 癸卯，令人入米七百石者除郡，減此各有差。 壬子，斷新錢，專用古錢。
In the third month, on gengyin, Yin Xiaozu, General Who Pacifies the Army, attacked Zheqi and was killed in battle. Shen Youzhi, General Who Assists the State, replaced him as vanguard of the southern expedition. Rebel strength grew steadily. Yuan Yi encamped at Quewei, his linked camps stretching to Nonghu with more than one hundred thousand men. On bingshen Prince of Guiyang Xiu Fan was appointed overall commander of the northern expedition. On wuxu Prince of Xunyang Zi Fang was stripped of his princely title and reduced to Marquis of Songzi County. On guimao it was decreed that anyone who contributed seven hundred shi of grain would receive appointment as a commandery governor, with lower amounts qualifying for lesser posts. On renzi new coinage was abolished and only old coin permitted.
9
夏五月甲寅，葬崇憲皇太后于修甯陵。
In summer, the fifth month, on jiayin, the Empress Dowager Chongxian was interred at Xiuning Mausoleum.
10
秋七月丁酉，以仇池太守楊僧嗣為北秦州刺史，封武都王。
In autumn, the seventh month, on dingyou, Yang Sengsi, Administrator of Qiuchi, was appointed Inspector of Northern Qin Province and enfeoffed as Prince of Wudu.
11
八月己卯，司徒建安王休仁率眾軍大破賊，斬偽尚書僕射袁顗，進討江、郢、荊、湘、雍五州，平之。 晉安王子勳、安陸王子綏、臨海王子頊、邵陵王子元並賜死，同黨皆伏誅。 諸將帥封賞各有差。
In the eighth month, on jimao, Prince Jian'an Xiu Ren, Minister of Works, led the main armies to a crushing victory, beheaded the rebel Vice Director Yuan Yi, and carried the campaign through Jiang, Ying, Jing, Xiang, and Yong provinces until all were pacified. Prince of Jin'an Zi Xu, Prince of An'lu Zi Sui, Prince of Linhai Zi Xu, and Prince of Shaoling Zi Yuan were all put to death, along with every co-conspirator. The commanders received titles and rewards according to their respective merits.
12
九月癸巳，六軍解嚴。 戊戌，以王玄謨為左光祿大夫、開府儀同三司，領護軍將軍。
In the ninth month, on guisi, the Six Armies were stood down from martial alert. On wuxu Wang Xuamo was appointed Grand Master of Splendid Happiness on the Left with privilege of an establishment equal to the Three Excellencies, and concurrently Colonel Director of the Guard.
13
冬十月乙卯，永嘉王子仁、始安王子真、淮南王子孟、南平王子產、廬陵王子輿、松滋侯子房並賜死。 丁卯，以沈攸之為中領軍，與張永俱北討。 戊寅，立皇子昱為皇太子。
In winter, the tenth month, on yimao, Prince of Yongjia Zi Ren, Prince of Shi'an Zi Zhen, Prince of Huainan Zi Meng, Prince of Nanping Zi Chan, Prince of Luling Zi Yu, and Marquis of Songzi Zi Fang were all put to death. On dingmao Shen Youzhi was appointed Colonel Director of the Interior and marched north with Zhang Yong. On wuyin the prince Yu was established as Crown Prince.
14
十一月壬辰，立建平王景素子延年為新安王。
In the eleventh month, on renchen, Yan Nian, son of Prince of Jianping Jing Su, was established as Prince of Xin'an.
15
十二月，薛安都要引魏軍，張永、沈攸之大敗，於是遂失淮北四州及豫州淮西地。
In the twelfth month Xue An'du invited Northern Wei forces into the field. Zhang Yong and Shen Youzhi were routed, and the four Huai provinces plus the lands west of the Huai in Yu Province were lost.
16
是歲，魏天安元年。
That year was the first year of the Northern Wei Tian'an era.
17
三年春正月庚子，以農役將興，詔太官停宰牛。 癸卯，曲赦豫、南豫二州。
In spring of the third year, on gengzi in the first month, with farm labor about to begin, an edict ordered the Imperial Kitchen to stop slaughtering cattle. On guimao a partial amnesty was granted in Yu and Southern Yu provinces.
18
閏正月庚午，都下大雨雪，遣使巡行，振貸各有差。
In the intercalary first month, on gengwu, heavy rain and snow struck the capital. Envoys were sent on inspection tours to grant relief and loans according to need.
19
二月甲申，為戰亡將士舉哀。 丙申，曲赦青、冀二州。
In the second month, on jiashen, mourning rites were held for officers and soldiers fallen in battle. On bingshen a partial amnesty was granted in Qing and Ji provinces.
20
夏四月丙戌，詔以故丞相江夏文獻王、故太尉巴東忠烈公柳元景、故司空始興襄公沈慶之、故征西將軍洮陽肅侯宗愨陪祭孝武廟庭。 庚子，立桂陽王休範第二子德嗣為廬陵王，立侍中劉韞第二子銑為南豐王，以奉廬江昭王、南豐哀王祀。
In summer, the fourth month, on bingxu, an edict ordered the late Literary and Illustrious Prince of Jiangxia, the late Loyal and Valiant Duke of Badong Liu Yuanjing, the late Marquis of Xiang of Shixing Shen Qingzhi, and the late Solemn Marquis of Yaoyang Zong Que to receive joint sacrifice at Emperor Xiaowu's temple hall. On gengzi De Si, second son of Prince of Guiyang Xiu Fan, was established as Prince of Luling, and Xian, second son of Palace Attendant Liu Yun, as Prince of Nanfeng, to maintain the ancestral lines of the Illustrious Prince of Lujiang and the Lamented Prince of Nanfeng.
21
五月丙辰，詔宣太后崇甯陵禁內墳瘞遷徙者給葬直，蠲復其家。 壬戌，以太子詹事袁粲為尚書僕射。
In the fifth month, on bingchen, an edict granted burial expenses to families whose tombs within the inner precinct of Empress Dowager Xuan's Chongning Mausoleum had been relocated, and exempted those households from corvée and taxes. On renxu Yuan Can, Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, was appointed Vice Director of the Masters of Writing.
22
秋八月壬寅，以中領軍沈攸之行南兗州刺史，率眾北伐。
In autumn, the eighth month, on renyin, Shen Youzhi, Colonel Director of the Interior, took office as Inspector of Southern Yan Province and led the armies north.
23
九月戊午，以皇后六宮以下雜衣千領、金釵千枚，賜北伐將士。 冬十月壬午，改封新安王延年為始平王。 辛丑，以鎮西大將軍、西秦河二州刺史吐谷渾拾寅為征西大將軍。
In the ninth month, on wuwu, a thousand sets of garments from the empress and the Six Palaces, and a thousand gold hairpins, were bestowed on soldiers of the northern campaign. In winter, the tenth month, on renwu Prince of Xin'an Yan Nian was re-enfeoffed as Prince of Shiping. On xinchou Tuyuhun Shiyin, General Who Pacifies the West and Inspector of Western Qin and He provinces, was promoted to General Who Conquers the West.
24
十一月，立建安王休仁第二子伯猷為江夏王。
In the eleventh month Bo You, second son of Prince Jian'an Xiu Ren, was established as Prince of Jiangxia.
25
是歲，魏皇興元年。
That year was the first year of the Northern Wei Huangxing era.
26
四年春正月丙辰朔，雨草于宮。 乙亥，零陵王司馬勖薨。
In spring of the fourth year, on bingchen, the first day of the first month, grass rained down inside the palace. On yihai Sima Xu, Chief Administrator of the Princedom of Lingling, died.
27
二月乙巳，左光祿大夫、開府儀同三司王玄謨薨。
In the second month, on yisi, Wang Xuamo, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness on the Left with privilege of an establishment equal to the Three Excellencies, died.
28
三月，交州人李長仁據州叛。 祅賊攻廣州，殺刺史羊希，龍驤將軍陳伯紹討平之。
In the third month Li Changren of Jiao Province seized the province in rebellion. Demonic rebels attacked Guang Province, killed Inspector Yang Xi, and were suppressed by Chen Bozhao, General of Agile Cavalry.
29
夏四月丙申，改封東海王褘為廬江王，山陽王休佑為晉平王。
In summer, the fourth month, on bingshen, Prince of Donghai Hui was re-enfeoffed as Prince of Lujiang and Prince of Shanyang Xiu You as Prince of Jinping.
30
秋九月戊辰，詔定黥刖之制。 有司奏：「自今凡劫竊執官仗、拒戰邏司、攻剽亭寺及傷害吏人，並監司將吏自為劫，皆不限人數，悉依舊制斬刑。 若遇赦，黥及兩頰'劫'字，斷去兩腳筋，徙付交、梁、寧州。 五人以下止相逼奪者，亦依黥作'劫'字，斷去兩腳筋，徙付遠州。 若遇赦，原斷徒猶黥面，依舊補冶士。 家口應及坐，悉依舊結謫。」 及上崩，其例乃寢。
In autumn, the ninth month, on wuchen, an edict fixed the regulations for tattooing and amputation. The relevant offices memorialized: "Henceforth, anyone who in robbery seizes official weapons, fights patrol officers, raids postal stations and monasteries, or harms officials and commoners—and any supervising official or officer who commits robbery himself—regardless of numbers involved, shall be decapitated under the old statute. If an amnesty intervenes, tattoo the character for "robbery" on both cheeks, sever the tendons of both legs, and exile to Jiao, Liang, or Ning provinces. Groups of five or fewer who merely coerce and seize property shall likewise be tattooed with "robbery," have both leg tendons severed, and be exiled to distant provinces. If an amnesty intervenes, those originally sentenced to exile shall still be tattooed on the face and, as before, assigned as artisan laborers. Household members liable for collective punishment shall all be banished under the old rules." When the emperor died, this precedent was abandoned.
31
庚午，上備法駕幸東宮。
On gengwu the emperor, with full imperial escort, visited the Eastern Palace.
32
冬十月癸酉朔，日有蝕之，發諸州兵北伐。
In winter, the tenth month, on guiyou, the first day, a solar eclipse occurred, and troops from the various provinces were mobilized for the northern campaign.
33
五年春正月癸亥，親耕藉田。 乙丑，魏克青州，執刺史沈文秀以歸。
In spring of the fifth year, on guihai in the first month, he personally plowed the sacred field. On yichou Northern Wei captured Qing Province and took Inspector Shen Wenxiu captive.
34
二月丙申，以廬江王褘為車騎將軍、開府儀同三司、南豫州刺史。
In the second month, on bingshen, Prince of Lujiang Hui was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry with privilege of an establishment equal to the Three Excellencies and Inspector of Southern Yu Province.
35
夏六月辛未，立晉平王休佑子宣曜為南平王。
In summer, the sixth month, on xinwei Xuan Yao, son of Prince of Jinping Xiu You, was established as Prince of Nanping.
36
秋七月壬戌，改輔國將軍為輔師將軍。
In autumn, the seventh month, on renxu the title General Who Assists the State was changed to General Who Assists the Army.
37
九月甲寅，立長沙王纂子延之為始平王。
In the ninth month, on jiayin Yan Zhi, son of Prince of Changsha Zuan, was established as Prince of Shiping.
38
冬十月丁卯朔，日有蝕之。
In winter, the tenth month, on dingmao, the first day, a solar eclipse occurred.
39
十一月丁未，魏人來聘。
In the eleventh month, on dingwei, envoys from Northern Wei came on a diplomatic visit.
40
十二月庚申，分荊、益之五郡置三巴校尉。
In the twelfth month, on gengshen, five commanderies of Jing and Yi provinces were separated to establish the Colonel of the Three Ba.
41
六年春正月乙亥，初制間二年一祭南郊，間一年一祭明堂。
In spring of the sixth year, on yihai in the first month, it was first decreed that sacrifices at the southern suburb would be offered every second year and at the Bright Hall in alternate years.
42
夏四月癸亥，立皇子燮為晉熙王。
In summer, the fourth month, on guihai the prince's son Xie was established as Prince of Jinxi.
43
六月癸卯，以王景文為尚書左僕射、揚州刺史，以袁粲為右僕射。 己未，改臨賀郡為臨慶郡。
On jimao Wang Jingwen was appointed Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and Governor of Yang Province, and Yuan Can as Right Vice Director. On jiwei Linhe Commandery was renamed Linqing Commandery.
44
秋七月丙戌，臨慶王智井薨。
In autumn, the seventh month, on bingxu Prince of Linqing Zhi Jing died.
45
九月戊寅，立總明觀，征學士以充之。 置東觀祭酒、訪舉各一人，舉士二十人，分為儒、道、文、史、陰陽五部學，言陰陽者遂無其人。
In the ninth month, on wuyin the Zongming Observatory was established and scholars recruited to staff it. A Director of the Eastern Pavilion, a Visitor and Recommender, and twenty scholars were appointed and divided into five departments—Confucian, Daoist, literary, historical, and yin-yang—but no one could be found for yin-yang studies.
46
冬十月辛卯，立皇子贊為武陵王。
In winter, the tenth month, on xinmao the prince's son Zan was established as Prince of Wuling.
47
十二月癸巳，以邊難未息，制父母隔在異域者，悉使婚宦。
In the twelfth month, on guisi, because border troubles continued, it was decreed that those whose parents were stranded in foreign lands should be permitted to marry and take office.
48
七年春正月甲戌，置散騎奏舉郎。
In spring of the seventh year, on jiaxu in the first month, the office of Memorial-Presenting Attendant of the Cavalier Attendant was established.
49
三月辛酉，魏人來聘。
In the third month, on xinyou, envoys from Northern Wei came on a diplomatic visit.
50
夏五月戊午，鴆司徒建安王休仁。 庚午，以袁粲為尚書令，褚彥回為右僕射。 丙戌，追免晉平王休佑為庶人。
In summer, the fifth month, on wuwu, Prince Jian'an Xiu Ren was poisoned to death. On gengwu Yuan Can was appointed Director of the Masters of Writing and Chu Yanhui as Right Vice Director. On bingxu Prince of Jinping Xiu You was posthumously stripped of rank and reduced to commoner status.
51
秋七月丁巳，罷散騎奏舉郎。 乙丑，江州刺史巴陵王休若賜死。 八月戊子，以皇子躋繼江夏文獻王義恭。 庚寅，帝疾間。
In autumn, the seventh month, on dingsi, the office of Memorial-Presenting Attendant of the Cavalier Attendant was abolished. On yichou Prince of Baling Xiu Ruo, Governor of Jiang Province, was put to death. On wuzi the prince's son Ji succeeded to the line of the Literary and Illustrious Prince of Jiangxia, Yigong. On gengyin the emperor's illness eased.
52
戊戌，立皇子准為安成王。
On wuxu the prince's son Zhun was established as Prince of Ancheng.
53
是歲，魏孝文帝延興元年。
That year was the first year of the Northern Wei Yanxing era under Emperor Xiaowen.
54
泰豫元年春正月甲寅朔，上以疾未痊，故改元。 丁巳，巨人跡見西池冰上。
In spring of the first Taiyu year, on jiayin, the first day, because the emperor had not yet recovered, the era name was changed. On dingsi giant footprints appeared on the ice of the Western Pond.
55
夏四月己亥，上疾大漸。 加江州刺史桂陽王休范位司空，以劉勉為尚書右僕射，蔡興宗為征西將軍、開府儀同三司、荊州刺史，郢州刺史沈攸之進號安西將軍。 袁粲、褚彥回、劉勉、蔡興宗、沈攸之入合被顧命。 是日，上崩于景福殿，時年三十四。 五月戊寅，葬臨沂縣莫府山高寧陵。
In summer, the fourth month, on jihai, the emperor's illness grew critical. Prince of Guiyang Xiu Fan, Governor of Jiang Province, was promoted to Minister of Works; Liu Mian was made Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing; Cai Xingzong was made General Who Conquers the West with privilege of an establishment equal to the Three Excellencies and Governor of Jing Province; and Shen Youzhi, Inspector of Ying Province, was promoted to General Who Pacifies the West. Yuan Can, Chu Yanhui, Liu Mian, Cai Xingzong, and Shen Youzhi were summoned to the privy chamber and entrusted with the dying charge. That day the emperor died in the Hall of Auspicious Blessings, aged thirty-four. In the fifth month, on wuyin, he was buried at Gaoning Mausoleum on Mofu Mountain in Linyi County.
56
帝好讀書，愛文義，在藩時撰江左以來文章志，又續衛瓘所注論語二卷。 及即大位，舊臣才學之士多蒙引進。 末年好鬼神，多忌諱，言語文書有禍敗凶喪疑似之言應回避者，犯即加戮。 改「騧」馬字為「馬」邊「瓜」，以「騧」字似「禍」故也。 嘗以南苑借張永，云：「且給三百年，期盡更請。」 宣陽門謂之白門，上以白門不祥，諱之。 尚書右丞江謐嘗誤犯，上變色曰：「白汝家門！」 路太后停屍漆床移出東宮，上幸宮見之，怒，免中庶子，以之坐死者數十人。 內外常慮犯觸，人不自保。 移床修壁，先祭土神，使文士為祝策，如大祭饗。
The emperor loved reading and valued literary culture. While still a prince he compiled a record of writings from the lands east of the Yangzi since the Jin, and continued Wei Guan's annotated Lunyu in two scrolls. Once enthroned, he favored and promoted many veteran ministers and learned men. In his later years he grew obsessed with spirits and taboos. Any word in speech or documents suggesting disaster, defeat, or death that ought to be avoided would, if uttered, bring immediate execution. He changed the character for "piebald horse" to "horse" beside "melon," because the original character resembled the character for "disaster." He once lent the Southern Park to Zhang Yong, saying, "I shall lend it for three hundred years; when the term expires you may ask again." The Xuanyang Gate was called the White Gate; the emperor considered "white gate" inauspicious and forbade the name. Jiang Mi, Right Assistant Director of the Masters of Writing, once accidentally violated the taboo. The emperor flushed and said, "May whiteness fall upon your family's gate!" When Empress Dowager Lu's corpse was moved out of the Eastern Palace on a lacquered couch, the emperor visited the palace, saw it, flew into a rage, dismissed the Palace Mentor, and several dozen men were put to death on that account. Within and without the court, everyone lived in constant fear of giving offense and could not protect themselves. Before moving beds or repairing walls, they first sacrificed to the earth god and had literary men compose prayer texts as at a great sacrificial feast.
57
阮佃夫、楊運長、王道隆皆擅威權，言為詔敕，郡守令長一缺十除，內外混然，官以賄命，王、阮家富於公室。 中書舍人胡母顥專權，奏無不可。 時人語曰：「禾絹閉眼諾，胡母大張橐。」 「禾絹」謂上也。 及泰始、泰豫之際，左右失旨，往往有刳剒斷截，禁中懍懍若踐刀劍。 夜夢豫章太守劉愔反，遣就郡殺之。 軍旅不息，府藏空虛，內外百官並斷祿奉。 在朝造官者皆市井傭販之子。 而又令小黃門於殿內埋錢以為私藏。 以蜜漬鱁鮧，一食數升，噉臘肉常至二百臠。 奢費過度，每所造制，必為正禦三十，副禦、次副又各三十。 須一物，輒造九十枚。 天下騷然，民不堪命。 宋氏之業，自此衰矣。
Ruan Tianfu, Yang Yunchang, and Wang Daolong all monopolized power; their words carried the force of edicts. For a single vacant governorship or magistracy ten appointments might be issued. Court and countryside alike were corrupt, offices were bought with bribes, and the Wang and Ruan families grew richer than the state treasury. Hu Muhao, Attendant of the Masters of Writing, held unchecked power; no memorial he submitted was denied. People of the time said: "He Jian closes his eyes and assents; Hu Mu spreads wide his purse." "He Jian" referred to the emperor. During the Taishi and Taiyu periods, when those around him lost favor they were often flayed, dismembered, or mutilated; within the forbidden precinct everyone trembled as if walking on blades. One night he dreamed that Liu Yin, Administrator of Yuzhang, had rebelled, and sent men to the commandery to kill him. Campaigns never ceased, the treasury stood empty, and salaries were cut off for all officials within and without the court. Those who purchased office at court were sons of marketplace laborers and peddlers. He also ordered junior eunuchs to bury coin inside the palace halls as private hoards. He pickled sturgeon in honey and ate several sheng at one sitting; when eating cured meat he commonly consumed as many as two hundred slices. His extravagance knew no bounds. For every object he ordered made, there had to be thirty sets for principal imperial use, thirty for secondary use, and thirty more for tertiary use. Needing a single item, he would have ninety pieces made. The realm was in turmoil and the people could not bear their burdens. From this point the Liu Song dynasty began its decline.
58
後廢帝諱昱，字德融，明帝長子也。 大明七年正月辛丑，生於衛尉府。 帝母陳氏，李道兒妾，明帝納之，故人呼帝為李氏子，帝亦自稱李將軍。 明帝諸子在孕，皆以周易筮之，即以所得卦為小字，故帝小字慧震。 泰始二年，立為皇太子。 六年，出東宮。 又制太子元正朝賀，服袞冕九章衣。 明帝崩，庚子，太子即皇帝位，大赦。 尚書令袁粲、護軍將軍褚彥回共輔朝政，班劍依舊入殿。
The Later Deposed Emperor, taboo name Yu, style name Derong, was the eldest son of Emperor Ming. In the seventh year of Daming, on xinchou in the first month, he was born in the Ministry of Guards residence. The emperor's mother was Lady Chen, a concubine of Li Dao'er whom Emperor Ming took as consort. People therefore called the emperor the son of the Li family, and he styled himself General Li. When Emperor Ming's sons were still in the womb, he divined each with the Zhouyi and took the resulting hexagram as the childhood name; hence the emperor's childhood name Huizhen. In the second year of Taishi he was established as Crown Prince. In the sixth year he left the Eastern Palace. It was also decreed that on New Year's Day the crown prince would attend court in audience wearing the nine-symbol robe of imperial investiture. When Emperor Ming died, on gengzi the crown prince ascended the throne and proclaimed a general amnesty. Yuan Can, Director of the Masters of Writing, and Chu Yanhui, Colonel Director of the Guard, jointly governed the realm, entering the hall with ceremonial swords as before.
59
六月乙巳，尊皇后曰皇太后，立皇后江氏。
In the sixth month, on yisi, the empress was honored as empress dowager and Lady Jiang was established as empress.
60
秋七月戊辰，拜帝所生陳貴妃為皇太妃。
In autumn, the seventh month, on wuchen, the emperor's birth mother, Honored Consort Chen, was honored as Honored Imperial Consort.
61
冬十一月己亥，新除郢州刺史劉彥節為尚書左僕射。
In winter, the eleventh month, on jihai, Liu Yanjie, newly appointed Inspector of Ying Province, was made Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing.
62
元徽元年春正月戊寅，大赦改元。 詔自元年以前徙放者並聽還本。 魏人來聘。
In spring of the first Yuanhui year, on wuyin in the first month, a general amnesty was proclaimed and the era name changed. An edict ordered that all those exiled before the first year of the era might return home. Envoys from Northern Wei came on a diplomatic visit.
63
夏六月乙卯，壽陽大水。
In summer, the sixth month, on yimao, Shouyang suffered severe flooding.
64
九月丁亥，立衡陽王嶷子伯玉為南平王。
In the ninth month, on dinghai, Bo Yu, son of Prince of Hengyang Liao, was established as Prince of Nanping.
65
冬十二月癸卯朔，日有蝕之。 乙巳，進桂陽王休范位太尉。
In winter, the twelfth month, on guimao, the first day, a solar eclipse occurred. On yisi Prince of Guiyang Xiu Fan was promoted to Grand Commandant.
66
癸亥，立前建安王世子伯融為始安縣王。
On guihai Bo Rong, heir of the former Prince of Jian'an, was established as Prince of Shi'an County.
67
二年夏五月壬午，江州刺史桂陽王休範舉兵反。 庚寅，內外戒嚴，中領軍劉勉、右衛將軍蕭道成前鋒南討，出屯新亭； 征北將軍張永屯白下； 前南兗州刺史沈懷明戍石頭； 衛將軍袁粲、中軍將軍褚彥回入衛殿省。 壬辰，賊奄至，攻新亭壘，道成拒擊，大破之。 越騎校尉張苟兒斬休范，賊党杜黑蠡、丁文豪分軍向朱雀航，劉勉拒賊，敗績，死之。 右將軍王道隆奔走，遇害。 張永潰于白下，沈懷明自石頭奔散。 甲午，車騎典簽茅恬開東府納賊，賊入屯中堂，羽林監陳顯達擊，大破之。 丙申，張苟兒等又破賊，進平東府城，梟禽群賊。 丁酉，大赦，解嚴。 荊州刺史沈攸之、南徐州刺史建平王景素、郢州刺史晉熙王燮、湘州刺史王僧虔、雍州刺史張興世並舉義兵赴建鄴。
In summer, the fifth month of the second year, on renwu, Prince of Guiyang Xiu Fan, Governor of Jiang Province, rose in rebellion. On gengyin martial law was declared within and without the court. Liu Mian, Colonel Director of the Interior, and Xiao Daocheng, General of the Right Guard, led the southern vanguard and encamped at Xinting; Zhang Yong, General Who Conquers the North, encamped at Baixia; Shen Huaiming, former Inspector of Southern Yan Province, garrisoned Shitou; Yuan Can, General of the Guard, and Chu Yanhui, General of the Central Army, entered the palace to guard the inner offices. On renchen the rebels suddenly arrived and attacked the fort at Xinting. Daocheng repelled them and won a crushing victory. Zhang Gou'er, Colonel of Agile Cavalry, beheaded Xiu Fan. Rebel partisans Du Heili and Ding Wenhao split their forces toward the Zhuque Floating Bridge. Liu Mian resisted the rebels, was defeated, and was killed. Wang Daolong, General of the Right, fled in panic and was killed. Zhang Yong's line broke at Baixia; Shen Huaiming fled in disarray from Shitou. On jiawu Mao Tian, Chief Clerk of the Chariots and Cavalry Office, opened the Eastern Palace and admitted the rebels. The rebels entered and encamped in the Central Hall, but Chen Xianda, Director of the Feathered Forest Guard, attacked and routed them. On bingshen Zhang Gou'er and others defeated the rebels again, advanced to pacify the Eastern Palace city, and captured the rebel ringleaders. On dingyou a general amnesty was proclaimed and martial alert was lifted. Shen Youzhi, Inspector of Jing Province; Prince of Jianping Jing Su; Prince of Jinxi Xie, Inspector of Ying Province; Wang Sengqian, Inspector of Xiang Province; and Zhang Xingshi, Inspector of Yong Province, all raised loyal armies and marched to Jiankang.
68
六月癸卯，晉熙王燮遣軍克尋陽，江州平。 壬戌，改輔師將軍還為輔國。
In the sixth month, on guimao, Prince of Jinxi Xie dispatched troops and captured Xunyang, pacifying Jiang Province. On renxu the title General Who Assists the Army was changed back to General Who Assists the State.
69
秋七月庚辰，立皇弟友為邵陵王。 乙酉，南徐州刺史建平王景素進號征北將軍、開府儀同三司。
In autumn, the seventh month, on gengchen, the emperor's younger brother You was established as Prince of Shaoling. On yiyou Prince of Jianping Jing Su, Inspector of Southern Xu Province, was promoted to General Who Conquers the North with privilege of an establishment equal to the Three Excellencies.
70
九月丁酉，以袁粲為中書監，領司徒。 加護軍將軍褚彥回為尚書令。
In the ninth month, on dingyou, Yuan Can was appointed Director of the Masters of Writing and concurrently Minister of Works. Chu Yanhui, Colonel Director of the Guard, was promoted to Director of the Masters of Writing.
71
冬十一月丙戌，帝加元服。
In winter, the eleventh month, on bingxu, the emperor received the cap of manhood.
72
十二月癸亥，立皇弟躋為江夏王，贊為武陵王。
In the twelfth month, on guihai, the emperor's younger brothers Ji and Zan were established as Prince of Jiangxia and Prince of Wuling.
73
三年春三月己巳，都下大水。
In spring, the third month of the third year, on jisi, the capital suffered severe flooding.
74
夏六月，魏人來聘。
In summer, the sixth month, envoys from Northern Wei came on a diplomatic visit.
75
秋七月庚戌，以袁粲為尚書令。
In autumn, the seventh month, on gengxu, Yuan Can was appointed Director of the Masters of Writing.
76
九月丙辰，征西大將軍河南王吐谷渾拾寅進號車騎大將軍。
In the ninth month, on bingchen, Tuyuhun Shiyin, General Who Conquers the West and Prince of Henan, was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry.
77
四年夏六月乙亥，加蕭道成尚書左僕射。
In summer, the sixth month of the fourth year, on yihai, Xiao Daocheng was promoted to Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing.
78
秋七月戊子，建平王景素據京城反。 己丑，內外纂嚴。 遣驍騎將軍任農夫、冠軍將軍黃回北討，蕭道成總統眾軍。 始安王伯融、都鄉侯伯猷並賜死。 乙未，克京城，斬景素，同逆皆伏誅。 八月丁卯，立皇弟翽為南陽王，嵩為新興王，禧為始建王。
In autumn, the seventh month, on wuzi, Prince of Jianping Jing Su seized the capital city in rebellion. On jichou strict martial alert was declared within and without the court. Ren Nongfu, General of Agile Cavalry, and Huang Hui, General Who Establishes the Campaign, were dispatched north; Xiao Daocheng was made overall commander of the main armies. Prince of Shi'an Bo Rong and District Marquis Bo You were both put to death. On yimwei the capital city was taken, Jing Su was beheaded, and all who had rebelled with him were executed. In the eighth month, on dingmao, the emperor's younger brothers Hui, Song, and Xi were established as Prince of Nanyang, Prince of Xinxing, and Prince of Shijian.
79
九月戊子，驍騎將軍高道慶有罪，賜死。 己丑，車騎將軍、
In the ninth month, on wuzi, Gao Daoqing, General of Agile Cavalry, was found guilty and put to death. On jichou the General of Chariots and Cavalry,
80
揚州刺史安成王准進號驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。
Prince of Ancheng Zhun, Governor of Yang Province, was promoted to General of Agile Cavalry with privilege of an establishment equal to the Three Excellencies.
81
冬十月辛酉，以王僧虔為尚書右僕射。
In winter, the tenth month, on xinyou, Wang Sengqian was appointed Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing.
82
五年夏四月甲戌，豫州刺史阮佃夫、步兵校尉申伯宗、朱幼謀廢立，皆伏誅。
In summer, the fourth month of the fifth year, on jiaxu, Ruan Tianfu, Inspector of Yu Province, Shen Bozong, Colonel of the Footsoldiers, and Zhu You plotted to depose the emperor and install another; all were executed.
83
五月，地震。
In the fifth month there was an earthquake.
84
六月甲戌，誅司徒左長史沈勃、散騎常侍杜幼文、遊擊將軍孫超之、長水校尉杜叔文。
In the sixth month, on jiaxu, Shen Bo, Left Chief Administrator of the Minister of Works; Du Youwen, Regular Attendant of the Cavalier Attendant; Sun Chaozhi, General Who Roams in Attack; and Du Shuwen, Colonel of the Chang River, were executed.
85
七月戊子夜，帝遇弑于仁壽殿，時年十五。 己丑，皇太后令貶帝為蒼梧郡王，葬丹陽秣陵縣郊壇西。
On the night of wuzi in the seventh month, the emperor was assassinated in the Hall of Benevolent Longevity, aged fifteen. On jichou the empress dowager issued an order degrading him to Prince of Cangwu Commandery. He was buried west of the suburban altar in Moling County, Danyang.
86
初帝之生夕，明帝夢人乘馬，馬無頭及後足，有人曰：「太子也。」 及在東宮，五六歲能緣漆帳竿，去地丈餘，如此者半食久乃下。 漸長，喜怒乖節，左右失旨者手加撲打，徒跣蹲踞。 及嗣位，內畏太后，外憚大臣，猶未得肆志。 自加元服，三年，好出入，單將左右，或十里、二十里，或入市里，遇慢罵則悅而受焉。 四年，無日不出，與左右解僧智、張五兒恒夜出開承明門，夕去晨反，晨出暮歸，從者並執鋌矛，行人男女及犬馬牛驢逢無免者。 人間擾懼，晝日不開門，道無行人。 嘗著小褲，不服衣冠。 有白棓數十，各有名號，鉗鑿錐鋸，不離左右，為擊腦、槌陰、剖心之誅，日有數十。 常見臥屍流血，然後為樂。 左右人見有嚬眉者，帝令其正立，以矛刺洞之。 曜靈殿上養驢數十頭，所自乘馬，養於御床側。 與右衛翼輦營女子私通，每從之遊，持數千錢為酒肉之費。 出逢婚姻葬送，輒與挽車小兒群聚飲酒，以為歡適。 阮佃夫腹心人張羊為佃夫委信，佃夫敗，叛走，復捕得，自於承明門以車轢殺之。 殺杜延載、杜幼文，躬運矛鋌，手自臠割。 察孫超有蒜氣，剖腹視之。 執楯馳馬，自往刺杜叔文于玄武北湖。 孝武帝二十八子，明帝殺其十六，餘皆帝殺之。 吳興沈勃多寶貨，往劫之，揮刀獨前，左右未至，勃時居喪在廬，帝望見之，便投鋌，不中； 勃知不免，手搏帝耳，唾駡之曰：「汝罪踰桀、紂，屠戮無日！」 遂見害，帝自臠割。 制露車一乘，施莑，乘以出入，從數十人，羽儀追之，恒不相及； 又各慮禍，亦不敢追，但整部伍，別在一處瞻望而已。 凡諸鄙事，過目則能，鍛銀、裁衣、作帽，莫不精絕。 未嘗吹箎，執管便韻。 天性好殺，一日無事，輒慘慘不樂。 內外憂惶，夕不及旦。 領軍將軍蕭道成與直合將軍王敬則謀之。 七月戊子，帝微行出北湖，單馬先走，羽儀不及，左右張五兒馬墜湖，帝怒，自馳騎刺馬，屠割之。 與左右作羌胡伎為樂。 又於蠻岡賭跳，因乘露車，無復鹵簿，往青園尼寺。 晚至新安寺偷狗，就曇度道人煮之飲酒。 楊玉夫常得意，忽然見憎，遇輒切齒，曰：「明日當殺小子，取肝肺。」 是夜七夕，令玉夫伺織女度，報己，因與內人穿針訖，大醉，臥于仁壽殿東阿氈幄中。 帝出入無禁，王敬則先結玉夫、陳奉伯、楊萬年等合二十五人，其夕玉夫候帝眠熟，至乙夜，與萬年同入氈幄內，取千牛刀殺之。
On the evening of the emperor's birth, Emperor Ming dreamed of a man riding a horse with neither head nor hind legs, and someone said, "The crown prince." While in the Eastern Palace, at five or six he could climb lacquered bed-curtain poles more than a zhang above the ground and remain there for half a meal before coming down. As he grew, his moods swung beyond all measure. Those who displeased him he beat with his own hands, going barefoot and squatting on his heels. When he succeeded to the throne he still feared the empress dowager within and the great ministers without, and could not yet fully indulge his will. From his coming of age through three years he loved going abroad with only his personal attendants—sometimes ten or twenty li, sometimes into the market wards—and if he met with insults he would be pleased and accept them. In the fourth year he went out every day without exception. With his attendants Jie Sengzhi and Zhang Wu'er he constantly slipped out at night through the Gate of Illuminated Governance, leaving at evening and returning at dawn—or the reverse. His followers all carried spears and halberds, and no man or woman, dog, horse, ox, or donkey they met was spared. The people lived in alarm and fear. In broad daylight doors stayed shut and the roads were empty. He sometimes wore short trousers and refused cap and formal robes. He kept several dozen white clubs, each with its own name. Pincers, chisels, awls, and saws never left his side, and punishments of smashing skulls, crushing groins, and disemboweling hearts numbered several tens each day. He had to see corpses lying in blood before he could feel joy. If anyone around him was seen to knit his brows, the emperor ordered him to stand upright and ran him through with a spear. In the Hall of Radiant Spirit he kept several dozen donkeys, and the horse he rode was stabled beside the imperial couch. He secretly consorted with women of the Right Guard Winged-Litter Guard, constantly roaming with them and carrying several thousand coins for wine and meat. Going abroad he would encounter weddings and funerals and join the cart-pulling boys in drinking, taking it as pleasant diversion. Zhang Yang, a confidant deeply trusted by Ruan Tianfu, fled when Tianfu fell, was captured again, and the emperor personally had him crushed to death by cart wheels at the Gate of Illuminated Governance. He killed Du Yanzai and Du Youwen, wielding spear and halberd himself and cutting their flesh with his own hands. Detecting garlic on Sun Chao's breath, he opened his belly to look inside. Gripping a shield and galloping on horseback, he went in person to stab Du Shuwen at the Northern Lake of Xuanwu. Emperor Xiaowu had twenty-eight sons. Emperor Ming killed sixteen of them, and this emperor killed the rest. Shen Bo of Wuxing possessed many treasures. The emperor went to rob him, swinging a blade and charging ahead alone before his attendants arrived. Bo was then in mourning and living in a hut. The emperor saw him from afar and hurled a halberd but missed. Bo knew he could not escape, seized the emperor by the ear, spat, and cursed him: "Your crimes exceed those of Jie and Zhou—your day of slaughter will come soon!" He was then killed, and the emperor cut the flesh himself. He had an open carriage made with a thatched canopy and rode it in going out and coming in, followed by several tens of men. The ceremonial guard pursued but could never catch up. Each also feared for his life and dared not pursue, but only kept ranks in order and watched from afar. In every vulgar craft, whatever he saw he could do. Forging silver, cutting cloth, making caps—none was not perfected to the utmost. He had never blown the chi, yet taking up the pipe he produced melody at once. By nature he loved killing. If a day passed without bloodshed he would be gloomy and unhappy. Within and without the court, anxiety and dread were such that night did not reach dawn. Xiao Daocheng, Colonel Director of the Army, and Wang Jingze, Direct Attendant General, plotted against him. On wuzi in the seventh month the emperor went out incognito to the Northern Lake, riding a single horse and galloping ahead while the ceremonial guard could not keep up. Zhang Wu'er's horse fell into the lake. The emperor in rage galloped back, stabbed the horse, and butchered it. With his attendants he performed Qiang and Hu entertainments for amusement. He also gambled at leaping on Mang Hill, then rode the open carriage without guard of honor to the Qing Garden Nunnery. Late at night he reached Xin'an Temple, stole a dog, and with the monk Tandu cooked it and drank wine. Yang Yufu was often in favor, then suddenly fell from grace. Whenever he met him the emperor would grind his teeth and say, "Tomorrow I shall kill the boy and take his liver and lungs." That night was the Qixi Festival. He ordered Yufu to watch for the Weaving Maid's crossing and report when ready. Then with the palace women he finished threading the needle, drank heavily, and slept in the eastern felt tent of the Hall of Benevolent Longevity. The emperor came and went without restriction. Wang Jingze had first joined with Yufu, Chen Fengbo, Yang Wannian, and twenty-three others in all. That evening Yufu waited until the emperor slept soundly. At the second watch he entered the felt tent with Wannian, took the office halberd-knife, and killed him.
87
順皇帝，諱准，字仲謨，小字知觀，明帝第三子也。 泰始五年七月癸丑生。 七年，封安成王。 帝姿貌端華，眉目如畫，見者以為神人。 廢帝即位，加揚州刺史。 元徽二年，加都督揚、南豫二州諸軍事。 四年，進號驃騎大將軍。 及廢帝殞，蕭道成奉太后令迎王入居朝堂。
Emperor Shun, taboo name Zhun, style name Zhongmo, childhood name Zhiguan, was the third son of Emperor Ming. He was born on guichou in the seventh month of the fifth year of Taishi. In the seventh year he was enfeoffed as Prince of Ancheng. The emperor's bearing was dignified and splendid, his eyebrows and eyes like a painting. Those who saw him took him for a spirit made flesh. When the Deposed Emperor ascended the throne, he was additionally appointed Governor of Yang Province. In the second year of Yuanhui he was additionally made overall commander of all military affairs in Yang and Southern Yu provinces. In the fourth year he was promoted to General of Agile Cavalry. When the Deposed Emperor died, Xiao Daocheng, following the empress dowager's order, welcomed the prince to enter and dwell in the Court Hall.
88
八月癸亥，司徒袁粲鎮石頭。 戊辰，崇拜帝所生陳昭華為皇太妃。 庚午，以蕭道成為驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，錄尚書如故。
In the eighth month, on guihai, Yuan Can, Minister of Works, garrisoned Shitou. On wuchen the emperor's birth mother Chen Zhaohua was honored as Honored Imperial Consort. On gengwu Xiao Daocheng was appointed General of Agile Cavalry with privilege of an establishment equal to the Three Excellencies, continuing as Recorder of the Masters of Writing.
89
九月己酉，廬陵王暠薨。
In the ninth month, on jiyou, Prince of Luling Hao died.
90
十二月丁巳，荊州刺史沈攸之舉兵，不從執政。 丁卯，蕭道成入守朝堂，侍中蕭嶷鎮東府。 戊辰，中外纂嚴。 壬申，司徒袁粲據石頭，謀誅道成，不果，旋見覆滅。 乙亥，以王僧虔為左僕射，王延之為右僕射。 吳郡太守劉遐據郡不從執政，令張瑰攻斬之。
In the twelfth month, on dingsi, Shen Youzhi, Inspector of Jing Province, raised troops and refused to obey the regents. On dingmao Xiao Daocheng entered to guard the Court Hall; Xiao Luan, Palace Attendant, garrisoned the Eastern Palace. On wuchen strict martial alert was declared within and without the court. On renshen Yuan Can, Minister of Works, held Shitou and plotted to execute Daocheng, but failed and was soon overthrown and destroyed. On yihai Wang Sengqian was appointed Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and Wang Yanzhi Right Vice Director. Liu Xia, Administrator of Wu Commandery, held the commandery and refused to obey the regents. Zhang Gui was ordered to attack and behead him.
91
閏月辛巳，屯騎校尉王宜興貳於執政，見誅。 癸巳，沈攸之攻郢城，前軍長史柳世隆固守。 己亥，中外戒嚴，假蕭道成黃鉞。 乙巳，道成出頓新亭。
In the intercalary month, on xinsi, Wang Yixing, Colonel of the Resolute Cavalry, turned against the regents and was executed. On guisi Shen Youzhi attacked Ying city; Liu Shilong, Chief Administrator of the vanguard, held firm in defense. On jihai martial alert was declared within and without the court, and Xiao Daocheng was given the yellow battle-axe. On yisi Daocheng went out and encamped at Xinting.
92
是歲，魏太和元年。
That year was the first year of the Northern Wei Taihe era.
93
二年春正月丁卯，沈攸之敗，己巳，華容縣人斬攸之首送之。 辛未，雍州刺史張敬兒克江陵，荊州平。 丙子，解嚴。 以柳世隆為尚書右僕射。 蕭道成旋鎮東府。
In spring, the first month of the second year, on dingmao, Shen Youzhi was defeated. On jisi a man of Huarong County beheaded Youzhi and sent his head. On xinwei Zhang Jing'er, Inspector of Yong Province, captured Jiangling and pacified Jing Province. On bingzi martial alert was lifted. Liu Shilong was appointed Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing. Xiao Daocheng then returned to garrison the Eastern Palace.
94
二月庚辰，以王僧虔為尚書令，王延之為左僕射。 癸未，蕭道成加授太尉，以褚彥回為中書監、司空。 丙戌，撫軍將軍、揚州刺史晉熙王燮進號中軍將軍。
In the second month, on gengchen, Wang Sengqian was appointed Director of the Masters of Writing and Wang Yanzhi Left Vice Director. On guiwei Xiao Daocheng was additionally invested as Grand Commandant; Chu Yanhui was appointed Director of the Masters of Writing and Minister of Works. On bingxu Prince of Jinxi Xie, General Who Pacifies the Army and Governor of Yang Province, was promoted to General of the Central Army.
95
三月己酉朔，日有蝕之。
In the third month, on jiyou, the first day, a solar eclipse occurred.
96
夏四月，南兗州刺史黃回貳於執政，賜死。
In summer, the fourth month, Huang Hui, Inspector of Southern Yan Province, turned against the regents and was put to death.
97
五月戊午，以倭國王武為安東大將軍。
In the fifth month, on wuwu, Wu, King of Wa, was appointed General Who Pacifies the East.
98
六月丁酉，以輔國將軍楊文弘為北秦州刺史，封武都王。
In the sixth month, on dingyou, Yang Wenhong, General Who Assists the State, was appointed Inspector of Northern Qin Province and enfeoffed as Prince of Wudu.
99
秋九月乙巳朔，日有蝕之。 丙午，加太尉蕭道成黃鉞、都督中外諸軍事、太傅，領揚州牧，賜殊禮。 以揚州刺史晉熙王燮為司徒。
In autumn, the ninth month, on yisi, the first day, a solar eclipse occurred. On bingwu Grand Commandant Xiao Daocheng was given the yellow battle-axe, made overall commander of all military affairs within and without, Grand Tutor, and concurrently Governor of Yang Province, with extraordinary honors. Prince of Jinxi Xie, Governor of Yang Province, was appointed Minister of Works.
100
冬十月壬寅，立皇后謝氏。
In winter, the tenth month, on renyin, Lady Xie was established as empress.
101
十一月，立故武昌太守劉琨息頒為南豐縣王。 癸亥，誅臨澧侯劉晃。 甲子，改封南陽王翽為隨郡王。
In the eleventh month, Ban, son of the former Administrator of Wuchang Liu Kun, was established as Prince of Nanfeng County. On guihai Marquis of Linli Liu Huang was executed. On jiazi Prince of Nanyang Hui was re-enfeoffed as Prince of Sui Commandery.
102
十二月丙戌，皇后見於太廟。
In the twelfth month, on bingxu, the empress was presented at the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
103
三年春正月辛亥，領軍將軍蕭賾加尚書右僕射，進號中軍大將軍、開府儀同三司。
In spring, the first month of the third year, on xinhai, Xiao Ze, Colonel Director of the Army, was additionally appointed Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and promoted to General of the Central Army with privilege of an establishment equal to the Three Excellencies.
104
二月丙子，南豫州刺史邵陵王友薨。 丙申，地震建陽門。
In the second month, on bingzi, Prince of Shaoling You, Inspector of Southern Yu Province, died. On bingshen an earthquake struck the Jianyang Gate.
105
三月癸卯朔，日有蝕之。 甲辰，加蕭道成相國，總百揆，封十郡為齊公，備九錫之禮。 庚戌，誅臨川王綽。
In the third month, on guimao, the first day, a solar eclipse occurred. On jiachen Xiao Daocheng was additionally made Chancellor with overall charge of all affairs. Ten commanderies were enfeoffed to him as Duke of Qi with the full honors of the Nine Bestowals. On gengxu Prince of Linchuan Chuo was executed.
106
夏四月壬申，進齊公蕭道成爵為王。 壬午，安西將軍武陵王贊薨。 辛卯，帝禪位於齊。 壬辰，遜于東邸。 是日，王敬則以兵陳於殿庭，帝猶居內，聞之，逃于佛蓋下。 太后懼，自帥閹豎索，扶幸板輿。 黃門或促之，帝怒，抽刀投之，中項而殞。 帝既出，宮人行哭，俱遷。 備羽儀，乘畫輪車，出東掖門。 封帝為汝陰王，居丹徒宮，齊兵衛之。 建元元年五月己未，帝聞外有馳馬者，懼亂作； 監人殺王而以疾赴，齊人德之，賞之以邑。 六月乙酉，葬于遂寧陵，諡曰順帝。 宋之王侯無少長皆幽死矣。 論曰：文帝負扆南面，實有人君之美，經國之義雖弘，而隆家之道不足。 彭城照不窺古，本無卓爾之資，徒見昆弟之義深，未識君臣之禮異。 以此家情，行之國道，主忌而猶犯，恩離而未悟。 致以陵逼之愆，遂成滅親之禍。 開端樹隙，垂之後人。 明帝因猜忍之情，據已行之典，翦落洪枝，願不待慮。 既而本根莫庇，幼主孤立，下無磐石之托，上有累卵之危。 方復藏璽懷紱，魚服忘反，危冠短制，匹馬孤征，以至覆亡，理固然矣。 神器以勢弱傾移，靈命隨樂推回改。 斯蓋履霜有漸，夫豈一夕，何止區區汝陰揖讓而已。
In summer, the fourth month, on renshen, Duke of Qi Xiao Daocheng was promoted in rank to prince. On renwu Prince of Wuling Zan, General Who Pacifies the West, died. On xinmao the emperor abdicated the throne to Qi. On renchen he retired to the Eastern Residence. That day Wang Jingze arrayed troops in the palace courtyard. The emperor was still inside, heard it, and fled beneath the Buddha canopy. The empress dowager in fear led the eunuchs herself in searching and supported him into the palanquin. A gate attendant urged haste. The emperor in anger drew a knife and threw it, striking him in the neck and killing him. Once the emperor had gone out, the palace women walked along weeping. All were relocated. With full guard of honor he rode the painted wheel carriage and went out through the Eastern Side Gate. The emperor was enfeoffed as Prince of Runan and dwelt at the Dantu palace, guarded by Qi troops. In the fifth month of the first Jianyuan year, on jiwei, the emperor heard horsemen riding outside and feared disorder. The guard killed the prince and reported illness. The men of Qi were grateful and rewarded him with an estate. In the sixth month, on yiyou, he was buried at Suining Mausoleum with posthumous title Emperor Shun. All the princes and marquises of Song, young and old alike, died in confinement. The judgment says: Emperor Wen, bearing the imperial screen and facing south, truly possessed the qualities of a ruler. Though his principles of statecraft were broad, his way of strengthening the house was insufficient. Prince of Pengcheng Zhao did not look to antiquity and lacked outstanding talent of his own. He saw only the depth of brotherly affection and did not recognize that the rites between ruler and minister differ. Taking this family sentiment and applying it to affairs of state, the sovereign grew suspicious yet they still transgressed; favor was severed yet they still did not awaken. Thus leading to the fault of pressing upon the sovereign, they brought about the calamity of destroying their own kin. They opened the breach and planted the rift, bequeathing it to later generations. Emperor Ming, relying on suspicious and cruel sentiment and taking precedent from what had already been done, cut down the great branches of the royal house without waiting for deliberation. Thereafter the root had no shelter and the young sovereign stood alone. Below there was no bedrock to support him; above there was danger like a pile of eggs. Yet again he hid the seal and clasped the cord, forgetting that a fish in official robes invites disaster; he wore the tall cap and short coat and rode alone on a solitary journey until ruin came—as reason assuredly dictated. The sacred vessel shifted because power had grown weak; the mandate turned and changed with the tide of popular acclaim. This was surely like frost forming by gradual steps—not in a single night—and far more than the mere abdication of the Prince of Runan.