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齊本紀上第四
Southern Qi Annals, Part One.
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皇曾祖雋，字子武，位即丘令。 皇祖樂子，字閨子，位輔國參軍，宋升明中贈太常。 皇考承之，字嗣伯，少有大志，才力過人，仕宋為漢中太守。 梁州之平，以功加龍驤將軍，後為南泰山太守，封晉興縣五等男，遷右軍將軍。 元嘉二十四年殂，梁土思之，於峨公山立廟祭祀。 升明二年，贈散騎常侍、金紫光祿大夫。
The emperor's great-grandfather Juan, whose style name was Ziwu, held the post of Magistrate of Jiqiu. The emperor's grandfather Yuezi, whose style name was Guizi, served as Aide to the General Who Supports the State; during the Shengming era of Song he was posthumously granted the title Grand Minister of Ceremonies. The emperor's father Chengzhi, whose style name was Sibo, had harbored great ambition from youth; his talent and strength surpassed those of ordinary men, and he served Song as Governor of Hanzhong. When Liang Province was pacified, he was promoted to General of Dragon Cavalry for his merit; later he served as Governor of South Mount Tai, was enfeoffed as Fifth-Rank Baron of Jinxing County, and was transferred to General of the Right. He died in the twenty-fourth year of Yuanjia; the people of Liang mourned him, and a temple was erected on Mount E'gong for his worship. In the second year of Shengming he was posthumously granted the titles Attendant Cavalier at Regular Attendance and Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon.
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高帝以宋元嘉四年丁卯歲生，姿表英異，龍顙鐘聲，長七尺五寸，鱗文遍體。 舊宅在武進縣，宅南有一桑樹，擢本三丈，橫生四枝，狀似華蓋。 帝年數歲，好戲其下，從兄敬宗曰：「此樹為汝生也。」 儒生雷次宗立學於雞籠山，帝年十三，就受禮及左氏春秋。
Emperor Gao was born in the fourth year of Yuanjia of Song, in the year dingmao; his bearing was striking and unusual, with a dragon-like forehead and a bell-like voice; he stood seven feet five inches tall, and scale-like markings covered his entire body. The family residence lay in Wujin County; south of the house stood a mulberry tree whose trunk rose three zhang and spread four horizontal branches, shaped like a ceremonial canopy. When the emperor was still a small child he loved to play beneath it; his elder cousin Jingzong said, "This tree was born for you." The Confucian scholar Lei Cizong established a school on Mount Jilong; at thirteen the emperor went there to study the Rites and the Zuo Commentary to the Spring and Autumn Annals.
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十七年，宋大將軍彭城王義康被黜，徙豫章，皇考領兵防守，帝舍業南行。 十九年，竟陵蠻動，宋文帝遣帝領偏軍討沔北蠻。 二十三年，雍州刺史蕭思話鎮襄陽，啟帝自隨，初為左軍中兵參軍。 二十九年，領偏軍征仇池，破其武興、蘭皋二壘，遂從谷口入關。 未至長安八十里，梁州刺史劉秀之遣司馬馬注助帝，攻拔談提城。 魏救兵至，帝軍力疲少，又聞文帝崩，乃燒城還南鄭。
In the seventeenth year, the Song Grand General Prince of Pengcheng Yikang was deposed and exiled to Yuzhang; the emperor's father led troops to guard him, and the emperor set aside his studies and traveled south. In the nineteenth year, when the barbarians of Jingling rose in revolt, Emperor Wen of Song sent the emperor to lead a detached force against the northern-bank barbarians of the Mian River. In the twenty-third year, when Xiao Sihua, Governor of Yong Province, garrisoned Xiangyang, he requested that the emperor accompany him; at first the emperor served as Army Controller of the Left Army. In the twenty-ninth year he led a detached force against Chouchi, captured its fortresses of Wuxing and Lan'gao, and then entered the pass from Gukou. When still eighty li from Chang'an, Liu Xiuzhi, Governor of Liang Province, sent his Major Ma Zhu to assist the emperor in capturing Tanti city. When Wei relief troops arrived, the emperor's forces were exhausted and few; learning moreover that Emperor Wen had died, he burned the city and withdrew to Nanzheng.
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後襲爵晉興縣五等男。 為建康令，有能名。 少府蕭惠開雅有知人鑒，謂人曰：「昔魏武為洛陽北部時，人服其英，今看蕭建康，但當過之耳。」
Later he inherited the title of Fifth-Rank Baron of Jinxing County. He served as Magistrate of Jiankang and gained a reputation for competence. Director of Palace Supplies Xiao Huikai was skilled at judging men and said to others, "When Wei Wu served as northern commander of Luoyang, people admired his brilliance; now look at Xiao of Jiankang — he should surpass even that."
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江州刺史晉安王子勳遣臨川內史張淹自鄱陽嶠道入三吳，明帝遣帝討之。 時朝廷器甲皆充南討，帝軍容寡闕，乃編棕皮為馬具裝，折竹為寄生，夜舉火進軍。 賊望見恐懼，未戰而走。 還，除桂陽王征北司馬、南東海太守，行南徐州事，及張永等敗于彭城，淮南孤弱，以帝為假冠軍將軍、持節、都督北討前鋒諸軍事，鎮淮陰。 遷南兗州刺史，加督五州，督北討如故。
Prince of Jin'an Zi Xu, Governor of Jiang Province, sent Interior Secretary of Linchuan Zhang Yan by the Poyang ridge route into the Three Wu region; Emperor Ming dispatched the emperor to suppress him. At that time the court's armor and weapons were all committed to the southern campaign; the emperor's equipment was sparse, so he wove palm bark into horse trappings, fashioned bamboo into parasols, and advanced by night under torchlight. The rebels saw this and fled in terror without giving battle. On his return he was appointed Northern Campaigning Major of Prince of Guiyang and Governor of East Sea in the south, acting for South Xu Province; when Zhang Yong and others were defeated at Pengcheng and Huainan stood isolated and weak, the emperor was made Acting Champion General, Bearer of the Staff, Commander of the Vanguard Forces of the Northern Campaign, and garrisoned Huaiyin. He was transferred to Inspector of South Yan Province with added supervision over five provinces, while his command of the northern campaign remained unchanged.
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明帝嫌帝非人臣相，而人間流言，帝當為天子，明帝愈以為疑，遣冠軍將軍吳喜留軍破釜，自持銀壺酒封以賜帝。 帝戎服出門迎，懼鴆，不敢飲，將出奔，喜告以誠，先飲之，帝即酌飲之。 喜還，明帝意乃悅。
Emperor Ming suspected that the emperor lacked the bearing of a subject, and among the people rumors spread that he would become Son of Heaven; the emperor grew ever more suspicious, sent Champion General Wu Xi to leave troops at Pofu, and personally held a silver flask of sealed wine to bestow upon the emperor. The emperor in military dress went out to receive him, fearing poison and not daring to drink; about to flee, Xi spoke to him in earnest and first drank himself, whereupon the emperor poured and drank. When Xi returned, Emperor Ming's mind was at ease.
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泰始七年，征還都，部下勸勿就征。 帝曰：「主上自誅諸弟，為太子幼弱，作萬歲後計，何關他族。 惟應速發，事緩當見疑。 今骨肉相害，自非靈長之運，禍難將興，方與卿等戮力耳。」 至，拜散騎常侍、太子左衛率。 明帝崩，遺詔為右衛將軍，領衛尉，加兵五百人，與尚書令袁粲、護軍褚彥回、領軍劉勉共掌機事。 尋解衛尉，加侍中，領石頭戍軍事。
In the seventh year of Taishi he was summoned back to the capital; his subordinates urged him not to obey the summons. The emperor said, "The sovereign himself has killed his brothers; for the sake of the crown prince's youth he is making plans for the long reign ahead — what has that to do with other clans? We should set out at once; if the matter is delayed we shall be suspected. Now that kin are slaying kin, this is not the fortune of a sage ruler; calamity is about to arise — let us strive together." On arrival he was appointed Attendant Cavalier at Regular Attendance and Left Commandant of the Crown Prince's Guard. When Emperor Ming died, by his final testament the emperor was made General of the Right Guard and Director of the Court of Palace Receptions, with an additional five hundred troops; together with Yuan Can, Director of the Department of State Affairs, Chu Yanhui, Protector of the Army, and Liu Mian, Commander of the Palace Guard, he jointly managed affairs of state. Soon he was relieved of the Court of Palace Receptions, promoted to Palace Attendant, and put in charge of the garrison at Shitou.
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元徽二年五月，江州刺史桂陽王休范舉兵于尋陽，朝廷惶駭，帝與褚彥回等集中書省計議，莫有言者。 帝曰：「昔上流謀逆，皆因淹緩以敗，休範必遠懲前失，輕兵急下，乘我無備，請頓新亭以當其鋒。」 因索筆下議，餘並注同。 中書舍人孫千齡與休範有密契，獨曰：「宜依舊遣軍據梁山。」 帝正色曰：「賊今已近，梁山豈可得至！ 新亭既是兵沖，所欲以死報國耳。」 乃單車白服出新亭。 加帝使持節、都督征討諸軍事、平南將軍，加鼓吹一部。 築新亭城壘未畢，賊前軍已至，帝方解衣高臥，以安眾心。 乃索白虎幡，登西垣，使甯朔將軍高道慶、羽林監陳顯達、員外郎王敬則，浮舸與賊水戰，大破之。 未時，張敬兒斬休范首，台軍及賊眾俱不知。 其別率杜黑蠡急攻東壘，帝挺身上馬，帥數百人出戰，與黑蠡拒戰，自晡達明旦，矢石不息。 其夜大雨，鼓叫不復相聞。 將士積日不得寢食，軍中馬夜驚，城內亂走。 帝執燭正坐，厲聲呵止之，如是者數四。
In the fifth month of the second year of Yuanhui, Prince of Guiyang Xiufan raised troops at Xunyang; the court was terrified; the emperor with Chu Yanhui and others gathered at the Secretariat to deliberate, and no one spoke. The emperor said, "In the past rebellions in the upper reaches all failed through delay; Xiufan will surely take warning from past failures, advance lightly and quickly, and strike while we are unprepared — I ask that we halt at Xinting to meet his edge." He then asked for a brush and wrote the proposal; the rest all noted their agreement. Palace Secretariat Attendant Sun Qianling had a secret pact with Xiufan and alone said, "It is fitting as before to dispatch troops to hold Liangshan." The emperor with stern countenance said, "The rebels are now near — how can Liangshan be reached! Xinting is precisely the military crossroads; this is where I mean to die for the state." He then went out to Xinting alone in a single cart dressed in white. The emperor was promoted to Bearer of the Staff with full credentials, Commander of the Armies for the Punitive Campaign, and General Who Pacifies the South, with an additional suite of drums and flutes. The ramparts of Xinting city were not yet finished when the rebel vanguard had already arrived; the emperor was just then removing his robe and lying at ease to calm the people's hearts. He then asked for the White Tiger Banner, ascended the western wall, and had Gao Daoqing, General Who Pacifies the North, Chen Xianda, Supervisor of the Forest Guard, and Wang Jingze, Outer Department Gentleman, float boats to fight the rebels on the water and inflict a great defeat. At the wei hour Zhang Jing'er cut off Xiufan's head; neither the court army nor the rebel masses knew. His separate commander Du Heilí urgently attacked the eastern rampart; the emperor straightened up, mounted a horse, and led several hundred men out to fight; he battled Heilí from the shen hour until dawn the next day without cease of arrows and stones. That night a great rain fell; drums and shouts could no longer be heard. Officers and soldiers for days could neither sleep nor eat; horses in the army startled at night and the city fell into disorderly flight. The emperor held a candle and sat upright, shouting sternly to stop them — thus four times.
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賊帥丁文豪設伏，破台軍於皁莢橋，直至朱雀航，王道隆、劉勉並戰沒。 初，勉高尚其意，托造園宅，名為「東山」，頗忽時務。 帝謂曰：「將軍以顧命之重，此是艱難之日，而深尚從容，廢省羽翼，一朝事至，悔可追乎！」 勉不納，竟敗。 及賊進至杜姥宅，車騎典簽茅恬開東府納賊，冠軍將軍沈懷明於石頭奔散，張永潰于白下，宮內傳新亭亦陷，太后執蒼梧王手泣曰：「天下事敗矣。」 帝遣軍主陳顯達、任農夫、張敬兒、周盤龍等從石頭濟淮，間道自承明門入衛宮闕。
The rebel commander Ding Wenhao set an ambush and broke the court army at Zaojia Bridge, advancing straight to the Zhuque Floating Bridge; Wang Daolong and Liu Mian both fell in battle. At first Liu Mian held his intent in high esteem, feigning to build gardens and residences named "Eastern Mountain," quite neglecting affairs of the time. The emperor said to him, "General, with the weight of a deathbed charge — this is a day of hardship — yet you deeply esteem ease and neglect your wings; when crisis comes, can regret be pursued?" Liu Mian did not accept this counsel and in the end was defeated. When the rebels advanced to Old Woman Du's residence, Mao Tian, Cavalry and Chariots Registry Clerk, opened the Eastern Palace to admit the rebels; Champion General Shen Huaiming scattered in flight at Shitou, Zhang Yong broke at Baixia, and within the palace it was reported that Xinting too had fallen; the empress dowager took Deposed Emperor Cangwu by the hand and wept, "The affairs of the realm are ruined." The emperor sent army commanders Chen Xianda, Ren Nongfu, Zhang Jing'er, Zhou Panlong and others to cross the Huai from Shitou by a hidden route and enter through Chenming Gate to guard the palace.
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時休范典簽許公與詐稱休範在新亭，士庶惶惑，詣壘期赴休範，投名者千數，及至，乃是帝。 隨得輒燒之。 登城北謂曰：「劉休范父子先昨皆已死，戮屍在南岡下，身是蕭平南，諸君善見觀。 汝等名皆已焚除，勿懼也。」 台分遣眾軍擊平賊，帝振旅凱入。 百姓緣道聚觀，曰：「全國家者，此公也。」 帝與袁粲、褚彥回、劉彥節引咎解職，不許。 遷散騎常侍、中領軍、都督、南兗州刺史、鎮軍將軍，進爵為公。 與袁粲、褚彥回、劉彥節等更日入直決事，號為「四貴」。
At that time Xiufan's registry clerk Xu Gonghe falsely claimed that Xiufan was at Xinting; officials and commoners were alarmed and confused, going to the ramparts expecting to join Xiufan; those who submitted their names numbered in the thousands — when they arrived, it was the emperor. As soon as he received them he burned them. Ascending the northern wall he said, "Liu Xiufan father and son both died yesterday; their corpses were displayed below the southern ridge; I am Xiao Who Pacifies the South — all of you look well. Your names have all been burned away — do not fear." The court dispatched the various armies to attack and pacify the rebels; the emperor led his troops in triumphant entry. The common people lined the road to watch and said, "The one who saved the state is this lord." The emperor with Yuan Can, Chu Yanhui, and Liu Yanjie took blame and resigned their posts; this was not permitted. He was transferred to Attendant Cavalier at Regular Attendance, Commander of the Palace Guard, Commander, Inspector of South Yan Province, and General Who Pacifies the Army; his rank was advanced to Duke. With Yuan Can, Chu Yanhui, Liu Yanjie and others he alternated days entering attendance to decide affairs — they were called the "Four Nobles."
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休范平後，蒼梧王漸行凶暴，屢欲害帝，嘗率數十人直入鎮軍府。 時暑熱，帝晝臥裸袒，蒼梧立帝於室內，畫腹為射的，自引滿，將射之。 帝神色不變，斂板曰：「老臣無罪。」 蒼梧左右王天恩諫曰：「領軍腹大，是佳射堋，而一箭便死，後無復射，不如以雹箭射之。」 乃取雹箭，一發即中帝臍。 蒼梧投弓於地，大笑曰：「此手何如？」 時建平王景素為朝野歸心，潛為自全計，布誠於帝，帝拒而不納。 景素尋舉兵，帝出屯玄武湖，事平乃還。
After Xiufan was pacified, Deposed Emperor Cangwu gradually acted with violent cruelty and repeatedly wished to harm the emperor; once he led several dozen men straight into the Army-pacifying Headquarters. It was hot at the time; the emperor slept by day bare-chested; Cangwu made the emperor stand in the room, drew his belly as an archery target, and himself drew the bow full, about to shoot. The emperor's expression did not change; he gathered his tablet and said, "This old minister is without guilt." Cangwu's attendant Wang Tian'en remonstrated, "The commander's belly is large — it is an excellent archery butt; yet one arrow and he dies — afterward there will be no more shooting; better to shoot with a hail arrow." He then took a hail arrow; with one shot he hit the emperor's navel. Cangwu threw the bow to the ground and laughed greatly, "How is this hand?" At that time Prince of Jianping Jingsu was the object of court and field hearts; secretly he made plans for self-preservation and showed sincerity to the emperor, but the emperor refused and did not accept. Jingsu soon raised troops; the emperor went out to encamp at Xuanwu Lake; when the affair was settled he returned.
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帝威名既重，蒼梧深相猜忌，刻木為帝形，畫腹為射堋，自射之，又命左右，射中者加賞，皆莫能中。 時帝在領軍府，蒼梧自來燒之，冀帝出，因作難，帝堅臥不動。 蒼梧益懷忿恚，所見之物，呼之為帝。 加以手自磨鋋，曰：「明日當以刃蕭道成。」 陳太妃罵之曰：「蕭道成有大功于國，今害之，誰為汝盡力？」 故止。 高帝謀與袁褚廢立，皆不見從。
The emperor's prestige and name were already weighty; Cangwu deeply suspected him; he carved wood in the emperor's shape, drew the belly as an archery butt, and shot at it himself; he also ordered his attendants — whoever hit received reward — yet none could hit. At that time the emperor was at the Palace Guard Headquarters; Cangwu came himself to burn it, hoping the emperor would come out so he could make trouble; the emperor lay firm and did not move. Cangwu grew ever more resentful and wrathful; whatever he saw he called "emperor." Moreover with his own hand he sharpened a blade and said, "Tomorrow I shall use the blade on Xiao Daocheng." Consort Chen the Imperial Lady reviled him, "Xiao Daocheng has great merit for the state — now if you harm him, who will strive for you?" Therefore he stopped. Emperor Gao plotted with Yuan and Chu to depose and establish a new ruler, but none would follow.
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五年七月戊子，楊玉夫等與直合將軍王敬則通謀弑蒼梧。 齎首，使左右陳奉伯藏衣袖中，依常行法稱敕開承明門，出囊貯之，以與敬則。 敬則馳至領軍府，叩門大呼，自言報帝，門猶不開，敬則自門窐中以首見帝，帝猶不信，乃於牆上投進其首，帝索水洗視，敬則乃踰垣入。 帝跣出，敬則叫曰：「事平矣。」 帝乃戎服，乘常所騎赤馬，夜入殿中，殿中驚怖； 及知蒼梧死，咸稱萬歲。 至帝踐阼，號此馬為「龍驤赤」。 明旦，召袁粲、褚彥回、劉彥節入會西鍾槐樹下計議。 帝以事讓彥節，彥節未答。 帝須髯盡張，眼光如電。 次讓袁粲，又不受。 敬則乃拔刀，在床側躍麾眾曰：「天下之事，皆應關蕭公，敢有開一言者，血染敬則刀！」 仍呼虎賁劍戟羽儀，手自取白紗帽加帝首，令帝即位，曰：「今日誰敢復動，事須及熱。」 帝正色呵之曰：「卿都不自解。」 粲欲有言，敬則又叱之，乃止。 帝乃下議，備法駕，詣東城，迎立順帝。 於是長刀遮粲、彥節等，失色而去。 甲午，帝移鎮東府，與袁粲、褚彥回、劉彥節各甲仗五十人入殿。 丙申，加侍中、司空、錄尚書事、驃騎大將軍，封竟陵郡公，給油幢絡車，班劍三十人。 帝固辭上臺，即授以驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。
In the seventh month of the fifth year, on wuzi, Yang Yufu and others together with Direct Palace Gate General Wang Jingze conspired to assassinate Cangwu. Carrying the head, he had attendant Chen Fengbo hide it in his sleeve; according to the usual procedure he proclaimed the edict and opened Chenming Gate, took the sack and stored it, and gave it to Jingze. Jingze galloped to the Palace Guard Headquarters, knocked and shouted greatly, saying he came to report to the emperor; the gate still did not open; Jingze from the gate hole showed his head to the emperor; the emperor still did not believe; then over the wall he threw in the head; the emperor asked for water to wash and look; Jingze then climbed over the wall and entered. The emperor barefoot went out; Jingze cried, "The affair is settled." The emperor then donned military dress, rode his usual red horse, and entered the palace by night; within the hall all were alarmed and terrified; when they learned Cangwu was dead, all cried "ten thousand years." When the emperor ascended the throne, this horse was titled "Dragon Cavalry Red." At dawn he summoned Yuan Can, Chu Yanhui, and Liu Yanjie to meet west of the Bell Pagoda Tree to deliberate. The emperor yielded the affair to Yanjie; Yanjie did not reply. The emperor's beard bristled fully; his eye-glance was like lightning. Next he yielded to Yuan Can; again he did not accept. Jingze then drew his sword, leaped beside the couch and waved to the crowd, "The affairs of the realm should all concern Lord Xiao — whoever dares open his mouth, blood will stain Jingze's blade!" He then called the Tiger Guard with swords, halberds and feather regalia, personally took the white gauze cap and placed it on the emperor's head, ordered the emperor to ascend the throne, and said, "Today who dares move again — the affair must be done while it is hot." The emperor with stern countenance shouted at him, "You do not understand at all. Can wished to speak; Jingze again shouted at him, and he stopped. The emperor then issued the proposal, prepared the imperial carriage, went to the Eastern Palace, and welcomed Emperor Shun to be established. Thereupon long swords blocked Can, Yanjie and others; pale-faced they departed. On jiawu the emperor moved his garrison to the Eastern Palace; with Yuan Can, Chu Yanhui, and Liu Yanjie each fifty men in armor entered the hall. On bingshen he was promoted to Palace Attendant, Minister of Works, Recorder of the Department of State Affairs, and Grand General of Agile Cavalry; he was enfeoffed as Duke of Jingling Commandery, given an oil-canopied relay carriage and thirty swords of office. The emperor firmly declined ascending the platform; he was immediately granted Grand General of Agile Cavalry and Grand Master with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon of the First Order.
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十二月，荊州刺史沈攸之反，稱太后詔己下都。 丁卯，帝入居朝堂，命諸將西討，平西將軍黃回為都督前驅。 先是，太后兄子前湘州刺史王蘊，遭母喪罷任，還至巴陵，停舟與攸之密謀，乃下達郢州。 武帝時為郢州長史，蘊伺武帝出吊，因作亂，據郢城。 武帝知之，不出。 蘊還至東府前，又期見高帝，帝又不出吊。 再計不行，外謀愈固。 司徒袁粲、尚書令劉彥節見帝威權稍盛，慮不自安，與蘊及黃回等相結舉事，殿內宿衛主帥無不協同。 及攸之反問初至，帝往石頭詣粲謀，粲稱疾不相見，克壬申夜起兵據石頭。 其夜丹陽丞王遜告變。 彥節從弟領軍韞及直合將軍卜伯興等嚴兵為內應，帝命王敬則于宮內誅之。 遣諸將攻石頭，王蘊將數百精手，帶甲赴粲，城門已閉，官軍又至，乃散。 眾軍攻石頭，斬粲，彥節走額擔湖，蘊逃鬥場，並禽斬之。 粲典簽莫嗣祖同粲謀，蘊嬖人張承伯藏匿蘊，高帝亦並赦而用之。 時黃回頓新亭，聞石頭已下，因稱救援，高帝知而不言，撫之愈厚，遣回西上，流涕告別。
In the twelfth month, Shen Youzhi, Inspector of Jing Province, rebelled, claiming an edict of the empress dowager ordering him down to the capital. On dingmao the emperor entered and resided in the Court Hall, ordered the various generals on the western campaign, and made Huang Hui, General Who Pacifies the West, commander of the vanguard. Before this, the empress dowager's elder brother's son, former Inspector of Xiang Province Wang Yun, having met with his mother's mourning was dismissed from office; returning to Baling he moored his boat and secretly plotted with Youzhi, then descended to Ying Province. At that time Emperor Wu was Chief Clerk of Ying Province; Yun watched for the emperor to go out on a mourning visit and thereby made disorder, seizing Ying city. The emperor knew of it and did not go out. Yun returned before the Eastern Palace gate and again arranged to see Emperor Gao; the emperor again did not go out on a mourning visit. When the second plan failed, the external plot grew firmer. Minister of Works Yuan Can and Director of the Department of State Affairs Liu Yanjie saw the emperor's authority gradually waxing and feared they would not be secure; with Yun and Huang Hui and others they joined in raising an affair — within the palace the garrison commanders without exception were in accord. When Youzhi's first report of rebellion arrived, the emperor went to Shitou to consult with Can; Can claimed illness and would not meet; on the night of renshen he raised troops and seized Shitou. That night Wang Xun, Assistant Magistrate of Danyang, reported the change. Yanjie's younger cousin from the mother's side, Commander of the Palace Guard Yun, and Direct Palace Gate General Bu Boxing and others held troops in strict readiness as internal response; the emperor ordered Wang Jingze within the palace to execute them. He dispatched the various generals to attack Shitou; Wang Yun led several hundred picked men in armor to join Can; the city gate was already closed and the official army had also arrived — they then scattered. The mass of armies attacked Shitou and beheaded Can; Yanjie fled to E'dan Lake, Yun escaped to the drill ground — both were captured and beheaded. Can's registry clerk Mo Sizu plotted with Can; Yun's favorite Zhang Chengbó hid Yun; Emperor Gao also pardoned and employed them all. At that time Huang Hui halted at Xinting; hearing Shitou had fallen, he then claimed to come to the rescue; Emperor Gao knew but did not speak, treated him ever more generously, and sent Hui west — parting with tears.
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二年正月，沈攸之平。 二月，宋帝進高帝太尉，都督十六州諸軍事，高帝表送黃鉞。 三月己酉，增班劍四十人、甲仗百人入殿。 丙子，加羽葆、鼓吹。 大明、泰始以來，相承奢侈，百姓成俗，及高帝輔政，奏罷禦府，省二尚方諸飾玩，至是，又上表禁人間華偽雜物，凡十七條。 其中宮及諸王服用，雖依舊例，亦請詳制。
In the first month of the second year, Shen Youzhi was pacified. In the second month, the Song emperor promoted Emperor Gao to Grand Commandant, Commander of the Military Affairs of Sixteen Provinces; Emperor Gao submitted a memorial returning the yellow axe. On jiyou in the third month, he was given forty additional swords of office and a hundred men in armor entering the hall. On bingzi he was given feather parasols and drums and flutes. From the Daming and Taishi eras onward, extravagance was handed down and the common people made it custom; when Emperor Gao assisted in government he memorialized to abolish the imperial workshops and reduce the two Directorates of Works' ornamental playthings; now again he submitted a memorial forbidding among the people flashy false miscellaneous goods — seventeen articles in all. For the inner palace and the various princes' dress and use, though following the old examples, he also requested detailed regulation.
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九月丙午，加帝假黃鉞、都督中外諸軍事、太傅，領揚州牧，劍履上殿，入朝不趨，贊拜不名，置左右長史、司馬、從事中郎、掾、屬各四人。 固辭，詔遣敦勸，乃受黃鉞，辭殊禮。 甲寅，給三望車。
On bingwu in the ninth month, the emperor was given acting yellow axe, Commander of Central and External Military Affairs, Grand Tutor, Governor of Yang Province, sword and shoes in the hall, no hurrying in court entry, no name in congratulatory bows, with Left and Right Chief Clerks, Majors, Attendants, Secretaries, and Aides four each. He firmly declined; an edict sent earnest urging and he then accepted the yellow axe, declining the special honors. On jiayin he was given three relay carriages for viewing.
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三年正月乙巳，高帝表蠲百姓逋責。 丙辰，加前部羽葆、鼓吹。 丁巳，命太傅府依舊辟召。 丁卯，給高帝甲仗五百人，出入殿省。 甲午，重申前命，劍履上殿，入朝不趨，贊拜不名。 三月甲辰，宋帝詔進帝位相國，總百揆，封十郡為齊公，備九錫禮，加遠遊冠，位在諸侯王上，加相國綠綟綬。 甲寅，使以
In the first month of the third year, on yisi, Emperor Gao submitted a memorial remitting the people's overdue taxes. On bingchen he was given front feather parasols and drums and flutes. On dingsi the Grand Tutor's office was ordered to recruit as before. On dingmao Emperor Gao was given five hundred men in armor, entering and leaving the halls and secretariat. On jiawu the previous command was reiterated: sword and shoes in the hall, no hurrying in court entry, no name in congratulatory bows. On jiachen in the third month, the Song emperor issued an edict advancing the emperor's rank to Chancellor of State, overseeing all affairs, enfeoffing ten commanderies as Duke of Qi, with the full Nine Bestowals, the far-traveling cap, rank above all feudal princes, with the Chancellor of State's green cord and ribbon. On jiayin, he sent with
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備物典禮進，策曰：
the prepared objects and ceremonial protocol to advance, the edict saying:
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朕以不造，夙罹閔凶，嗣君失德，書契未紀，威侮五行，虔劉九縣，神歇靈繹，海水群飛，綴旒之殆，未足為譬，豈直小宛興刺，黍離作歌而已哉。 天贊皇宋，實啟明宰，爰登寡昧，纂承大業，高勳至德，振古絕倫，雖保衡翼殷，博陸匡漢，方斯蔑如也。 今將授公典禮，其敬聽朕命：
I by misfortune from youth suffered bereavement; the succeeding ruler lost virtue; the written covenant was not recorded; he wantonly insulted the Five Elements and cruelly harmed the nine districts; spirits ceased and numen broke; the sea's waters flew in flocks; the peril of the dangling tassel was not enough for comparison — how could it be only the "Little Odes" raising reproof and "Fallen Grain" making song! Heaven assisted Great Song and truly opened the bright minister; I ascended the dim and ignorant and inherited the great enterprise; his high merit and supreme virtue shake antiquity and stand alone — though the Protector of Yin winged Yin and the Broad-landed steadied Han, compared with this they are as nothing. Now I shall confer on you the ceremonial protocol — respectfully hear my command:
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乃者袁、鄧構禍，實繁有徒，子房不臣，稱兵協亂，顧瞻宮掖，將成茂草，言念邦國，翦為仇讎。 當此之時，人無固志。 公投袂徇難，超然奮發，登寅車而戒路，執金板而先驅，麾鉞一臨，凶黨冰泮，此則霸業之基，勤王之始也。 安都背叛，竊據徐方，敢率犬羊，陵虐淮浦。 索兒愚悖，同惡相濟，天祚無象，背順歸逆，北鄙黔黎，奄墜塗炭。 公受命宗祊，精貫朝日，擁節和門，氣踰霄漢，破釜之捷，斬馘蔽野，石梁之戰，禽其渠帥，保境全人，江陽即序，此又公之功也。 張淹迷昧，弗顧本朝，爰自南區，志圖東夏，潛軍間入，竊覬不虞。 于時江服未夷，皇塗薦沮，公忠誠慷慨，在險彌亮，以寡制眾，所向風偃，朝廷無東顧之憂，閩、越有來蘇之慶，此又公之功也。 匈奴野心，侵掠疆埸，醜羯侜張，勢振彭、泗。 公奉辭伐罪，戒旦晨征，兵車始交，氛祲時蕩，吊死扶傷，弘宣皇澤，俾我淮、肥，復沾盛化，此又公之功也。 自茲厥後，獫狁孔熾，封豕長蛇，重窺上國。 而世故相仍，師出已老，角城高壘，指日淪陷。 公眷言王事，發憤忘食，躬擐甲胄，視險若夷，分疆畫界，開創青、兗，此又公之功也。 桂陽負眾，輕問九鼎，裂冠毀冕，拔本塞源，烈火焚于王城，飛矢集乎君屋，群後憂惶，元戎無主。 公按劍凝神，則奇謨冠世，把旄指麾，則懦夫成勇，信宿之間，宣陽底定，此又公之功也。 皇室多難，釁起戚藩，建平失圖，興兵內侮，公指授六師，義形於色，役未踰旬，朱方甯晏，此又公之功也。 蒼梧肆虐，諸夏糜沸，淫刑以逞，誰則無辜，黔首相悲，朝不謀夕，高祖之業已淪，文、明之軌誰嗣。 公遠稽殷、漢之義，近遵魏、晉之典，猥以眇身，入奉宗祏，七廟清謐，九區反政，此又公之功也。 袁、劉攜貳，成此亂階，醜圖潛溝，危機竊發，據有石頭，志犯應、路。 公神謀內運，霜鋒外舉，祅沴載澄，國塗悅穆，此又公之功也。 沈攸苞禍，歲月滋彰，蜂目豺聲，阻兵安忍，乃眷西顧，緬同異域。 而經綸惟始，九伐未申，長惡不悛，遂逞凶逆。 公把鉞出關，凝威江甸，正情與皦日同亮，明略與秋雲競爽，至義所感，人百其心，積年逋誅，一朝顯戮，沮浦安流，章台順軌，此又公之功也。
Recently Yuan and Deng raised calamity — truly a multitude of followers; Zifang was disloyal, called out troops and joined disorder; looking back at the palace quarters, they were about to become overgrown grass; speaking of the state, it was cut to become mutual foes. At that time men had no fixed will. You rolled up your sleeves to follow difficulty, transcendent and roused to action; ascended the yin chariot and warned the road; held the golden board and went as vanguard; when the axe-banner was once deployed, the villainous faction melted like ice — this then was the foundation of hegemony, the beginning of aiding the ruler. An Du rebelled and secretly held Xu Region, daring to lead dogs and goats to bully and abuse the Huai shore. Suo'er was foolish and perverse, together with evil they aided each other; Heaven's blessing had no sign; turning from obedience they returned to rebellion; the black-haired folk of the northern frontier suddenly fell into smeared charcoal. You received the mandate of the ancestral temple; spirit pierced the morning sun; bearing the staff at the Harmonious Gate, spirit exceeded the Milky Way; the victory at Pofu, heads and ears covered the wilds; the battle at Shiliang, captured their chieftains; protected the borders and preserved the people; Ji and Yang were then ordered — this again was your merit. Zhang Yan was deluded and blind, not considering the court; from the southern region he secretly sent troops by hidden entry, secretly looking for the unprepared. At that time the Yangtze service was not yet pacified and the imperial road was repeatedly obstructed; you were loyal and ardent, in danger ever brighter; with the few controlling the many, wherever you went the wind lay down; the court had no worry of looking east; Min and Yue had the joy of returning to life — this again was your merit. The Xiongnu had wild hearts and invaded the borders; the ugly Jie were arrogant and their power shook Peng and Si. You received the charge to punish crime, warned at dawn and marched at morning; when war chariots first met, the baleful vapors were immediately dispersed; mourning the dead and supporting the wounded, you broadly proclaimed the imperial grace; causing our Huai and Fei again to be moistened by flourishing transformation — this again was your merit. From then onward the Xianyun were greatly rampant; the sealed boar and long snake again looked upon the upper state. Yet worldly affairs continued in succession; the army went out already aged; Jiaocheng's high ramparts on the appointed day fell. You mindful of the king's affair, roused anger and forgot food; personally donned armor; regarded danger as level ground; divided borders and drew boundaries; opened and created Qing and Yan — this again was your merit. Guiyang relied on the multitude, lightly questioned the Nine Cauldrons; tore cap and destroyed crown, uprooted root and blocked source; fierce fire burned at the royal city; flying arrows gathered at the lord's house; the various ministers were anxious and terrified; the grand commander had no master. You grasped the sword and concentrated spirit — then wondrous plans crowned the age; held the banner and commanded — then cowards became brave; within a night and a day, Xuanyang was settled at the bottom — this again was your merit. The imperial house had many difficulties; trouble arose from kin princes; Jianping lost plan and raised troops to insult within; you directed the Six Armies, righteousness showed in your countenance; the service did not exceed ten days and Zhufang was then tranquil — this again was your merit. Cangwu acted with violent cruelty; the various Xia boiled over; licentious punishments to show power — who then was without guilt; black-haired heads mutually grieved; the court did not plan for tomorrow; the High Ancestor's enterprise already sank; who would succeed the track of Wen and Ming. You distantly examined the righteousness of Yin and Han, nearly followed the statutes of Wei and Jin; humbly with this slight person entered to serve the ancestral tablet; the seven temples were clear and quiet; the nine regions returned to governance — this again was your merit. Yuan and Liu were double-hearted and made this disorderly step; ugly plots in hidden channels; crisis machine secretly sprang; they held Shitou and intended to violate Ying and Lu. Your divine plan operated within; frost blades raised without; demonic calamities were all cleared; the state's path was pleased and reverent — this again was your merit. Shen You harbored calamity; month and year ever more manifest; bee eyes and jackal voice; blocking troops and enduring cruelty; then looking west with fondness, far like a different realm. Yet when planning and governing had just begun, the nine campaigns were not yet declared; long evil not repenting, then he displayed fierce rebellion. You held the axe and went out of the pass, congealed prestige in the river district; upright feeling was bright as the sun; clear strategy vied with autumn clouds; utmost righteousness moved men — each a hundred hearts; years of overdue punishment in one morning clearly executed; Zupu peacefully flowed; Zhang Terrace followed the track — this again was your merit.
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公有濟天下之勳，重之以明哲，道庇生靈，志匡宇宙，戮力肆心，劬勞王室，險阻艱難，備嘗之矣。 若乃締構宗稷之勤，造物資始之澤，雲布霧散，光被六幽，弼予一人，永清四海。 是以秬草騰芳於郊園，景星垂暉於清漢，遐方款關而慕義，荒服重譯而來庭，汪哉邈乎，無得而名也。 朕聞疇庸表德，前王盛典，崇樹侯伯，有國攸同，所以文命成功，玄圭顯錫，姬旦宣哲，曲阜啟藩。 或改玉以弘風，或胙土以宣化，禮絕常班，寵冠群辟。 爰逮桓、文，車服異數。 惟公勳業超于先烈，而褒賞闕于舊章，古今之道，何其爽歟！ 靜言欽歎，良有缺然。 今進授相國，以青州之齊郡、徐州之梁郡、南徐州之蘭陵魯郡琅邪東海晉陵義興、揚州之吳郡會稽，凡十郡，封公為齊公。 錫茲玄土，苴以白茅，定爾邦家，用建塚社。 斯實尚父故藩，世作盟主，紀綱侯甸，率由舊則。 往者周、召建國，師保兼任，毛、畢執珪，入作卿士，內外之寵，同規在昔。 今命使持節、兼太尉、侍中、中書監、司空、衛將軍雩都縣開國侯彥回，授公相國印綬、齊公璽紱。 持節、兼司空副、守尚書令僧虔授齊公茅土，金虎符第一至第五左，竹使符第一至第十左。 相國位總百辟，秩踰三事，職以禮移，號隨事革，其以相國總百揆，去錄尚書之稱，送所假節、侍中貂蟬、中外都督太傅太尉印綬、竟陵公印策，其驃騎大將軍、揚州牧、南徐州刺史如故。
You have merit saving the realm, heavy with enlightened wisdom; the Way shelters the living; the will rectifies the cosmos; together striving with all heart, laboring for the royal house; danger, obstruction, hardship — all have been tasted. As for the diligence of founding the ancestral altar, the grace of creating and nourishing at the beginning — clouds spread and mist scattered, light covered the six depths; assisting me alone, forever clearing the four seas. Therefore the black millet wine rose fragrant in the suburban gardens; the auspicious star hung radiance in the clear Milky Way; distant regions knocked at the gate and admired righteousness; wild clothes through repeated translation came to the court — vast and far, there was no obtaining a name. I have heard that recording merit and displaying virtue is the former kings' grand ceremony; honoring and establishing marquises and earls — the state has the same rule; therefore completing the mandate with culture, the dark jade was clearly bestowed; Duke of Zhou proclaimed wisdom and Qufu opened the fief. Some changed jade to spread the wind; some granted soil to proclaim transformation — ritual exceeded the usual ranks; favor crowned the group of lords. Down to Huan and Wen, carriage and dress had different numbers. Only your achievement surpassed the bright ancestors, yet praise and reward lacked in the old statutes — the way of antiquity and present, how abrupt! Quietly speaking, I admire and sigh — truly there is lack. Now I advance and confer Chancellor of State, with Qi Commandery of Qing Province, Liang Commandery of Xu Province, Lanling, Lu, Langye, East Sea, Jinling, Yixing of South Xu Province, Wu and Kuaiji Commanderies of Yang Province — ten commanderies in all — and enfeoff you as Duke of Qi. Bestow this dark soil, wrap with white thatch, settle your state and house, thereby establish the altar of soil and grain. This is truly the old fief of the Grand Mentor; generation after generation alliance lord; the threads of marquises and districts all follow the old rules. Formerly Zhou and Shao established states; teacher and protector jointly held office; Mao and Bi held the jade tablet and entered as ministers — internal and external favor, the same rule in the past. Now I command Bearer of the Staff, concurrent Grand Commandant, Palace Attendant, Director of the Palace Secretariat, Minister of Works, General Who Guards the Army, Marquis of Yudu County Yanhui, to confer on you the Chancellor of State's seal and cord and Duke of Qi's seal and ribbon. Bearer of the Staff, concurrent Vice Minister of Works, Acting Director of the Department of State Affairs Sengqian to confer Qi Duke's thatch and soil, Golden Tiger Tallies first through fifth left, Bamboo Envoys' Tallies first through tenth left. The Chancellor of State's rank oversees all ministers; emolument exceeds the Three Dignitaries; office moves with ritual; title changes with affairs — with the Chancellor of State overseeing all affairs, remove the title Recorder of the Department of State Affairs; return the borrowed staff, Palace Attendant's sable cicada, Central and External Commander, Grand Tutor, Grand Commandant seals and cords, Duke of Jingling's seal and edict; Grand General of Agile Cavalry, Governor of Yang Province, Inspector of South Xu Province as before.
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又加公九錫，其敬聽後命：
Also add to you the Nine Bestowals — respectfully hear the later command:
24
以公執禮弘律、儀刑區宇、遐邇一體，人無異業。 是用錫公大輅、戎輅各一，玄牡二駟。 公崇修南畝，所寶惟谷，王府充實，百姓繁衍。 是用錫公袞冕之服，赤舄副焉。 公居身以謙，導物以義，鎔鈞庶品，罔不和悅。 是用錫公軒縣之樂，六佾之舞。 公翼贊王猷，聲教遠洽，蠻夷竭歡，回首內附。 是用錫公朱戶以居。 公明鑒人倫，澄辨涇、渭，官方與能，英乂克舉。 是用錫公納陛以登。 公保佑皇朝，厲身化下，杜漸防萌，含生寅式。 是用錫公虎賁之士三百人。 公禦宄以刑，禦奸以德，君親無將，將而必誅。 是用錫公鈇鉞各一。 公鳳舉四維，龍騰八表，威靈所振，異類同乂。 是用錫公彤弓一、彤矢百、盧弓十、盧矢千。 公明發載懷，肅恭禋祀，孝敬之重，義感靈只。 是用錫公秬鬯一卣，圭瓚副焉。 齊國置丞相以下，敬遵舊式。 往欽哉，其祗服朕命，經緯乾坤，宏亮洪業，茂昭爾大德，闡揚我高祖之休命。 高帝三讓，公卿敦勸固請，乃受之。 丁巳，下令赦國內殊死以下。 宋帝詔齊公十郡之外，隨宜除用。 以齊國初建，給錢五百萬、布五千疋、絹五千疋。 以太尉左長史王儉為尚書右僕射，領吏部。
Because you uphold ritual and broaden law, model punishment for the realm, far and near one body, men without different occupations. Therefore bestow on you great carriage and war carriage one each, dark stallions two teams of four. You honor and cultivate the southern fields; what you treasure is only grain; the royal storehouses are full and the common people multiply. Therefore bestow on you robe and cap of honor, red shoes as supplement. You in person are with humility; you lead things with righteousness; the bell harmonizes the multitude — none not harmonious and pleased. Therefore bestow on you suspended music of the bell frame, dance of the six rows. You wing and assist the king's plan; fame and teaching reach far; barbarians exhaust joy and turn their heads to join within. Therefore bestow on you vermilion doors to dwell. You clearly mirror human relations; clearly distinguish Jing and Wei; officials follow ability; heroes and worthies are raised. Therefore bestow on you inner steps to ascend. You protect and bless the imperial court; you discipline yourself to transform those below; stop gradual decay and prevent sprouting; all living things take you as model. Therefore bestow on you three hundred Tiger Guard warriors. You repel traitors with punishment, repel treachery with virtue; ruler and kin have no generals — if they become generals they must be executed. Therefore bestow on you axe and yue one each. You phoenix-rise in the four dimensions, dragon-soar in the eight directions; where prestige and spirit shake, different kinds are together governed. Therefore bestow on you red bow one, red arrows one hundred, black bow ten, black arrows one thousand. You at dawn cherish and hold, reverently perform the suburban sacrifice; the weight of filial respect moved the numinous spirits. Therefore bestow on you one jar of black millet wine, jade libation cup as supplement. Qi State shall establish Chancellor and below — respectfully follow the old forms. Go — reverently accept my command; weave and regulate Heaven and Earth; grandly illumine the great enterprise; abundantly display your great virtue; broadly raise our High Ancestor's beautiful mandate. Emperor Gao thrice declined; the ministers earnestly urged and firmly requested — he then accepted. On dingsi he issued an order pardoning within the state those guilty of special death and below. The Song emperor issued an edict that beyond the Qi duke's ten commanderies, appointments might be made as appropriate. Because Qi State was newly established, five million cash, five thousand bolts of cloth, and five thousand bolts of silk were granted. Left Chief Clerk of the Grand Commandant Wang Jian was made Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, overseeing the Ministry of Personnel.
25
四月癸酉，宋帝又詔進齊公為王，以豫州之南梁陳潁川陳留、南兗州之盱眙山陽秦廣陵海陵南沛增王封為二十郡。 使司空褚彥回奉策授璽紱，改立王社，餘如故。 丙戌，命齊王冕十有二旒，建天子旌旗，出警入蹕，乘金根車，駕六馬，備五時副車，置旄頭、雲罕，樂舞八佾，設鍾虡宮縣，王世子為太子，王女、王孫爵命，一如舊儀。
On guiyou in the fourth month, the Song emperor again issued an edict advancing the Qi duke to king, adding South Liang, Chen, Yingchuan, Chenliu of Yu Province, and Xuyi, Shanyang, Qin, Guangling, Hailing, South Pei of South Yan Province — increasing the king's fief to twenty commanderies. He sent Minister of Works Chu Yanhui to present the edict and confer seal and ribbon, re-establish the king's altar of soil and grain; the rest as before. On bingxu he commanded the Qi king's cap have twelve tassels, establish the Son of Heaven's banners, go out with police and enter with clearance, ride the golden-root carriage, drive six horses, prepare five seasonal secondary carriages, establish Máo-head and Cloud Banner, music and dance of eight rows, set bell stands and palace bells, the king's heir as crown prince, king's daughters and grandsons with ranks and commands all as the old ritual.
26
辛卯，宋帝以歷數在齊，乃下詔禪位，是日遜于東邸。 壬辰，遣使奉策曰：
On xinmao the Song emperor, because the succession was with Qi, then issued an edict abdicating; that day he yielded at the Eastern Lodge. On renchen he dispatched envoys presenting the edict saying:
27
咨爾齊王：伊太古初陳，萬化紛綸，開曜靈以鑒品物，立元後以馭黎元。 若夫容成、大庭之世，伏羲、五龍之辰，靡得而詳焉。 自軒黃以降，墳索所紀，略可言者，莫崇乎堯、舜。 披金繩而握天鏡，開玉匣而總地維，德之休明，宸居靈極，期運有終，歸禪與能。 所以大唐遜位，勞然興歌，有虞揖讓，卿雲發采，遺風餘烈，光被無垠。 漢、魏因循，不敢失墜，爰逮有晉，亦遵前典。 昔我祖宗英叡，旁格幽明，末葉不造，仍世多故。 惟王聖哲欽明，榮鏡區宇，仁育群生，義征不譓，聲化遠洎，荒服無虞，殊類同規，華戎一族。 是以五色來儀於軒庭，九穗含芳於郊牧。 象緯昭徹，布新之符已顯，圖讖彪煥，受終之義既彰，靈只乃眷，兆庶引領。
Consult you, Qi king: From utmost antiquity at the first ordering, the myriad transformations were tangled; opening brilliance and spirit to mirror the multitude of things, establishing the primordial lord to govern the black-haired folk. As for the age of Rongcheng and Great Court, the time of Fuxi and Five Dragons — none can be detailed. From Xuanyuan and Huangdi downward, what the tomb records and cords record can be spoken of — none is greater than Yao and Shun. They spread the golden cord and grasped the heavenly mirror, opened the jade casket and gathered the earth's net; virtue was flourishing and bright, the imperial seat numinous and extreme; the term of fate had end — abdication returned to the able. Therefore Great Tang yielded the throne — laboriously songs arose; Youyu yielded — auspicious clouds issued color; the remaining wind and lingering blaze, light covered without bound. Han and Wei followed in succession, not daring to lose and fall; down to Jin, they also followed the former canon. Formerly our ancestors were heroic and keen, reaching to dark and bright; the final leaf was ill-formed and generations had many troubles. Only the king is sage and reverent, bright mirror of the realm; benevolence nourishes the multitude; righteousness campaigns against the unrepentant; fame and transformation reach far; wild clothes are without worry; different kinds same rule; Hua and Rong one clan. Therefore the five colors came to court at the Xuanyuan hall; nine ears contained fragrance at the suburban pastures. Constellations and weft were clear and penetrating; the token of spreading the new was already manifest; charts and prophecies were brilliant; the righteousness of receiving the end was already displayed; the numinous spirits then looked with favor; the myriad masses led their necks.
28
朕聞至道深微，惟人是弘，天命無常，惟德是與。 所以仰鑒玄情，俯察群議，敬禪神器，授帝位於爾躬。 四海困窮，天祿永終。 於戲！ 王其允執厥中，儀刑前式，以副率土之欣望。 命司裘而謁蒼昊，奏雲門而升圓丘，時膺大禮，永保洪業，豈不盛歟！ 並命璽書，遣兼太保、司空褚彥回，兼太尉、守尚書令王僧虔奉皇帝璽綬，受終之禮，一依唐、虞故事。 高帝固讓，宋朝王公以下陳留王粲等，詣門陳請，帝猶未許。 齊世子卿士以下固請； 兼太史令、將作匠陳文建奏符瑞，因言漢自建武至建安二十五年，一百九十六年而禪魏； 魏自黃初至咸熙二年，四十六年而禪晉； 晉自泰始至元熙二年，一百五十六年而禪宋； 宋自永初元年至升明三年，凡六十年； 咸以六終六受，六，亢位也。 驗往揆今，若斯昭著，敢以職任，備陳管穴，伏願順天時，膺符瑞。 二朝百辟又固請。 尚書右僕射王儉奏：「被宋詔遜位，臣等參議，宜克日受禪。」 高帝乃許焉。
I have heard the utmost Way is deep and subtle — only men are to be magnified; Heaven's mandate is without constancy — only virtue is to be given. Therefore looking up to mirror the dark sentiment, looking down to examine the crowd's deliberation — reverently yielding the divine vessel, conferring the imperial position on your person. The four seas are trapped and exhausted; Heaven's salary forever ends. Alas! King, truly hold the center; model the former pattern; to match the joy and hope of all within the realm. Command the Director of Fur to visit the dark Heaven, play the Cloud Gate and ascend the round mound — timely receive the grand rites, forever preserve the great enterprise — is it not flourishing! Also command the seal edict; dispatch concurrent Grand Tutor, Minister of Works Chu Yanhui, concurrent Grand Commandant, Acting Director of the Department of State Affairs Wang Sengqian to present the imperial seal and cord; the rites of receiving the end all follow the Tang and Yu story. Emperor Gao firmly declined; the Song dynasty's kings, dukes and below, Chen Liu of Chenliu and others, went to the gate and submitted requests — the emperor still did not assent. The Qi heir apparent, ministers and scholars and below firmly requested; concurrent Grand Astrologer, Director of Construction Chen Wenjian memorialized on tokens and omens, saying Han from Jianwu to Jian'an twenty-five years — one hundred ninety-six years and abdication to Wei; Wei from Huangchu to Xianxi second year — forty-six years and abdication to Jin; Jin from Taishi to Yuanxi second year — one hundred fifty-six years and abdication to Song; Song from Yongchu first year to Shengming third year — altogether sixty years; all with six ending and six receiving — six is the kang position. Examining past and measuring present, if so clear and manifest — I dare by office prepare and state this narrow view; humbly wish to follow Heaven's time and receive the token and omen. The two courts' hundred ministers again firmly requested. Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs Wang Jian memorialized: "Receiving the Song edict to yield the throne, we ministers jointly deliberated — it is fitting on an appointed day to receive abdication." Emperor Gao then assented.
29
建元元年夏四月甲午，皇帝即位于南郊，柴燎告天曰：
In the fourth month of the first year of Jianyuan, on jiawu, the emperor ascended the throne at the southern suburb; burning firewood he reported to Heaven saying:
30
皇帝臣道成，敢用玄牡，昭告於皇皇后帝：
Emperor your subject Daocheng, dares to use the dark stallion, clearly report to the August Supreme Emperor and August Empress:
31
夫肇自生靈，樹以司牧，所以闡極立則，開元創物，肆茲大道。 天下惟公，命不于常。 昔在虞、夏，受終上代，粵自漢、魏，揖讓中葉，咸煥諸方策，載在典謨。 水德既微，仍世多故，實賴道成匡救之功，以弘濟乎厥艱。 大造顛墜，再構區宇，誕惟天人，罔弗和會。 乃仰協歸運，景屬與能，用集大命於茲。 辭德匪嗣，至於累仍，而群公卿士，庶尹禦事，爰及黎獻，暨乎百蠻，僉曰皇天眷命，不可以固違，人神無統，不可以曠主。 畏天之威，敢不祗順鴻曆。 敬簡元辰，虔奉皇符，升壇受禪，告類上帝，以答人衷，式敷萬國。 惟明靈是饗。 禮畢，備大駕，幸建康宮，臨太極前殿。 大赦，改元。 賜人爵二級，文武位二等，鰥寡孤獨不能自存者，穀人五斛。 逋租宿責勿收。 犯鄉論清議、贓汙淫盜者，一皆蕩滌，洗除先注，與之更始。 長徒敕系者，特加原遣。 亡官失爵，禁錮奪勞，一依舊典。 封宋帝為汝陰王，築宮於丹陽故縣，行宋正朔，車旗服色，一如晉、宋故事，上書不為表，答表不稱詔。 宋諸王皆降為公，郡公主為縣君，縣公主為鄉君。 詔降宋南康郡公為縣公，華容公為侯，萍鄉侯為伯，減戶有差，以奉劉穆之、王弘、何無忌之祀。 追尊皇考曰宣皇帝，皇妣曰孝皇后，陵曰永安。 妃曰昭皇后，陵曰泰安。 詔劫賊餘口沒在台府者，悉原赦。 諸負釁流徙者，皆聽還本土。 戊戌，以荊州刺史嶷為尚書令、驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。 斷四方上慶禮。 己亥，詔二宮諸王，悉不得營立屯邸，封略山湖。 乃停太官池禦稅。 庚子，詔宋帝后藩王諸陵，量置守衛。
From the beginning when living beings arose, they were planted with overseers — therefore to spread the extreme and establish the standard, open the origin and create things — extend this great Way. Under Heaven only the public; mandate is not from constancy. Formerly at Yu and Xia, receiving the end from the upper age; from Han and Wei, yielding in the middle leaf — all shone in the various regional plans, recorded in the canon and deliberation. Water virtue was already faint; generations had many troubles; truly relying on Daocheng's rescue merit, thereby grandly crossing those difficulties. Greatly making the overturned and fallen, again constructing the realm; truly only Heaven and man — none not harmonious and joined. Then looking up to accord with the returning fortune, the scene belonged to the able; thereby gathering the great mandate here. Declining virtue was not successor — reaching to repeated times; yet the various dukes, ministers and scholars, the multitude of officials managing affairs, reaching to the black-haired and offering, and to the hundred barbarians — all said August Heaven looks with favor on the mandate, it cannot be firmly violated; men and spirits have no ruler, it cannot be long without a lord. In awe of Heaven's majesty, I dare not but reverently follow the great succession. Reverently selecting the primary day, reverently holding the imperial token, ascending the altar receiving abdication, reporting to categorize the Supreme Emperor, to answer men's inner hearts, thereby spreading to the myriad states. May the bright spirits partake. When the rites were complete, the full imperial carriage was prepared; he visited Jiankang Palace and faced the Hall of Supreme Ultimate. Great pardon; changed the era name. Granted men two ranks of nobility, civil and military two ranks of office; widows, orphans and solitary who could not support themselves — five hu of grain per person. Overdue rent and old debts were not collected. Those who violated village pure criticism, corruption, lewdness and theft — all were washed clean; prior records removed; given a fresh start. Those on long-term exile and imprisonment — specially additionally pardoned and released. Lost office and lost rank, forbidden and stripped of labor — all according to the old canon. The Song emperor was enfeoffed as Prince of Runan; a palace was built at the old district of Danyang; he followed Song's calendar; carriage banners and dress colors all as the Jin and Song story; memorials upward were not called tables; replies to tables did not call edicts. All Song princes were reduced to dukes; commandery princesses to county ladies; county princesses to village ladies. An edict reduced Duke of Nankang Commandery of Song to county duke, Duke of Huarong to marquis, Marquis of Pingxiang to earl — households reduced with difference — to maintain the sacrifices of Liu Muzhi, Wang Hong, and He Wuji. Posthumously honored the emperor's father as Emperor Xuan; the emperor's mother as Empress Xiao; tomb called Yong'an. Consort as Empress Zhao; tomb called Tai'an. An edict: remaining mouths of bandit captives confiscated in the palace workshops — all pardoned. All bearing guilt in exile — all were permitted to return to their native places. On wuxu Yi was made Director of the Department of State Affairs, Grand General of Agile Cavalry, Grand Master with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon of the First Order. Cut off congratulatory rites from the four directions. On jihai an edict: the two palaces' various princes — all must not establish garrison lodges or seize mountain lakes. Then stopped the Grand Provisioner's pond imperial tax. On gengzi an edict: the Song emperor's consorts, feudal princes and various tombs — guards were set according to measure.
32
五月丙午，以河南王吐谷渾拾寅為驃騎大將軍。 詔宋氏第秩，量所廢置。 有司奏留襄陽郡公張敬兒等六十二人，除廣興郡公沈曇亮等一百二十二人。 改元嘉曆為建元曆，祖以正月卯，臘以十二月未。 丁未，詔曰：「設募取將，縣賞購士，蓋出權宜，自今可斷眾募。」 乙卯，河南國遣使朝貢。 丙辰，詔遣兼散騎常侍十二人，巡行四方。 己未，汝陰王殂，齊志也，追諡為宋順帝。 辛酉，誅陰安公劉燮等。 六月乙亥，詔宋末以來，枯骸毀櫬，宣下埋藏。 庚辰，備法駕，奉七廟主於太廟。 甲申，立齊太子賾為皇太子。 斷諸州郡禮慶，降死罪以下刑，並申前赦恩百日。 立皇子嶷為豫章王，映為臨川王，晃為長沙王，曄為武陵王，暠為安成王，鏘為鄱陽王，鑠為桂陽王，鑒為廣興王，皇孫長懋為南郡王。 乙酉，葬宋順帝于遂寧陵。
On bingwu in the fifth month, Prince of Henan Tuyuhun Shiyin was made Grand General of Agile Cavalry. An edict on Song clan ranks and stipends — measured what was abolished and established. The relevant office memorialized retaining Duke of Xiangyang Commandery Zhang Jing'er and others sixty-two men; removing Duke of Guangxing Commandery Shen Tanliang and others one hundred twenty-two men. Changed the Yuanjia calendar to the Jianyuan calendar; ancestor month on first month mao, winter sacrifice on twelfth month wei. On dingwei an edict said: "Setting recruitment to obtain generals, county bounty to purchase warriors — this is entirely expedient; from now recruitment of the masses may be cut off." On yimao the Kingdom of Henan sent envoys paying tribute. On bingchen an edict dispatched twelve concurrent Attendants Cavalier at Regular Attendance to tour the four directions. On jiwei the Prince of Runan died — Qi will records it; posthumously titled Emperor Shun of Song. On xinyou Duke of Yin'an Liu Xie and others were executed. On yihai in the sixth month, an edict: from Song's end onward, dried bones and destroyed coffins — proclaim burial. On gengchen the full imperial carriage was prepared; the seven temple lords were conveyed to the Grand Temple. On jiashen the Qi crown prince Ze was established as crown prince. Cut off congratulatory rites of the various provinces and commanderies; reduced death penalty and below; also extended the prior pardon grace one hundred days. Established princes Yi as Prince of Yuzhang, Ying as Prince of Linchuan, Huang as Prince of Changsha, Ye as Prince of Wuling, Gao as Prince of Ancheng, Qiang as Prince of Poyang, Shuo as Prince of Guiyang, Jian as Prince of Guangxing; imperial grandson Changmao as Prince of Nan Commandery. On yiyou Emperor Shun of Song was buried at Suining Tomb.
33
秋七月丁未，曲赦交州部內。 丁巳，詔南蘭陵桑梓本鄉，長蠲租布； 武進王業所基，給復十年。
In autumn, the seventh month, on dingwei, partial pardon within Jiao Province. On dingsi an edict: South Lanling, native district of mulberry and ancestral home, long exemption from rent and cloth; Wujin, foundation of the king's enterprise, granted exemption ten years.
34
八月癸巳，省陳留國。 丁巳，立皇子鈞為衡陽王。
On guisi in the eighth month, Chenliu State was abolished. On dingsi Prince Jun was established as Prince of Hengyang.
35
九月辛丑，詔以二吳、義興三郡遭水，減今年田租。 乙巳，復置南蠻校尉官。 丙午，加司空褚彥回尚書令。
On xinchou in the ninth month, an edict: because the two Wu and Yixing three commanderies suffered flood, reduced this year's field rent. On yisi the office of Commandant of Southern Barbarians was restored. On bingwu Minister of Works Chu Yanhui was promoted to Director of the Department of State Affairs.
36
二年春正月戊戌朔，大赦。 以司空褚彥回為司徒，以尚書右僕射王儉為左僕射。 辛丑，祀南郊。
In spring, the first month of the second year, on wuxu new year's day, great pardon. Minister of Works Chu Yanhui was made Minister of Works; Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs Wang Jian was made Left Vice Director. On xinchou he sacrificed at the southern suburb.
37
二月丁卯，魏軍攻壽陽，豫州刺史垣崇祖破走之。 癸巳，遣大使巡慰淮、肥、徐、豫邊人尤貧遘難者。
On dingmao in the second month, Wei armies attacked Shouyang; Yuan Chongzu, Inspector of Yu Province, defeated and drove them off. On guisi he dispatched grand envoys to tour and comfort the border people of Huai, Fei, Xu, and Yu who were especially poor and met with hardship.
38
三月，百濟國遣使朝貢，以其王牟都為鎮東大將軍。
In the third month, the Kingdom of Baekje sent envoys paying tribute; its king Moudu was made General Who Pacifies the East.
39
夏四月丙寅，進高麗王樂浪公高璉號驃騎大將軍。
In summer, the fourth month, on bingyin, Gao Lian, King of Goguryeo Duke of Lelang, had his title advanced to Grand General of Agile Cavalry.
40
五月，立六門都牆。
In the fifth month, the Six Gates Capital Wall was established.
41
秋九月甲午朔，日有蝕之。 丙子，蠕蠕國遣使朝貢。
In autumn, the ninth month, on jiawu new year's day, there was an eclipse of the sun. On bingzi the Rouran kingdom sent envoys paying tribute.
42
冬十二月戊戌，以司空褚彥回為司徒。 壬子，以驃騎豫章王嶷為司空。
In winter, the twelfth month, on wuxu, Minister of Works Chu Yanhui was made Minister of Works. On renzi Grand General of Agile Cavalry Prince of Yuzhang Yi was made Minister of Works.
43
三年春正月壬戌朔，詔王公卿士薦讜言。 丙子，立皇子鋒為江夏王。
In spring, the first month of the third year, on renxu new year's day, an edict: kings, dukes, ministers and scholars recommend straight words. On bingzi Prince Feng was established as Prince of Jiangxia.
44
二月癸丑，罷南蠻校尉官。
On guichou in the second month, the office of Commandant of Southern Barbarians was abolished.
45
夏四月辛亥，始制東宮臣僚用下官禮敬聞喜公子良等。
In summer, the fourth month, on xinhai, for the first time Eastern Palace ministers and officials used lower-official ritual respect toward Wenxi Duke Ziliang and others.
46
六月壬子，大赦。
On renzi in the sixth month, great pardon.
47
秋七月己未朔，日有蝕之。
In autumn, the seventh month, on jiwei new year's day, there was an eclipse of the sun.
48
九月辛未，蠕蠕國王遣使欲俱攻魏，獻師子皮褲褶。 烏程令吳郡顧昌玄，坐父法秀宋泰始中北征死亡，屍骸不反，而昌玄宴樂嬉游，與常人無異。 有司請加以清議。 丙戌，置會稽山陰縣獄丞。
On xinwei in the ninth month, the king of Rouran sent envoys wishing jointly to attack Wei, presenting lion-skin trousers and jacket. Gu Changxuan, Magistrate of Wucheng in Wu Commandery, because his father Faxiu died on the northern campaign in Taishi of Song and his corpse did not return, yet Changxuan feasted and amused himself in play — no different from ordinary men. The relevant office requested adding pure criticism. On bingxu the prison assistant of Shanyin County, Kuaiji, was established.
49
冬十月戊子，以河南王世子吐谷渾度易侯為西秦河二州刺史、河南王。
In winter, the tenth month, on wuzi, the heir of the Kingdom of Henan Tuyuhun Duyihou was made Inspector of West Qin and He Provinces, Prince of Henan.
50
十二月丁亥，高麗國遣使朝貢。 命散騎常侍虞炎等十二人巡行諸州郡，觀省風俗。
On dinghai in the twelfth month, the Kingdom of Goguryeo sent envoys paying tribute. He ordered Yu Yan, Attendant Cavalier at Regular Attendance, and twelve others to tour the various provinces and commanderies, observing and examining customs.
51
四年春二月乙未，上不豫。 庚戌，詔原都下囚系有差，免元年以前逋責。
In spring, the second month of the fourth year, on yiwei, the emperor was unwell. On gengxu an edict pardoned capital prisoners with difference; remitted overdue debts before the first year.
52
三月庚申，召司徒褚彥回、左僕射王儉受顧托。 壬戌，皇帝崩于臨光殿，年五十六。 群臣上諡曰高皇帝，廟號太祖。 梓宮於東府前渚升龍舟。 四月丙午，葬于武進泰安陵，於龍舟卒哭，內外反吉。
On gengshen in the third month, he summoned Chu Yanhui, Minister of Works, and Wang Jian, Left Vice Director, to receive the deathbed charge. On renxu the emperor died at the Hall of Facing Light, age fifty-six. The ministers submitted posthumous title Emperor Gao; temple name Taizu. The imperial coffin from the foreshore before the Eastern Palace ascended the dragon boat. On bingwu in the fourth month, he was buried at Tai'an Tomb in Wujin; on the dragon boat the final wailing ended; within and without returned to auspicious.
53
上少有大量，喜怒不形於色，深沈靜默，常有四海之心。 博學，善屬文，工草隸書，弈棋第二品。 雖經綸夷險，不廢素業。 及即位後，身不禦精細之物，主衣中有玉介導，以長侈奢之源，命打破之。 凡異物皆令隨例毀棄。 後宮器物欄檻，以銅為飾者，皆改用鐵。 內殿施黃紗帳，宮人著紫皮履。 華蓋除金華爪，用鐵回釘。 每曰：「使我臨天下十年，當使黃金與土同價。」 欲以身率下，移風易俗。 性寬，嘗與直合將軍周覆、給事中褚思莊共棋，累局不倦，覆乃抑上手，不許易行。 其弘厚如此。 所著文，詔中書侍郎江淹撰次之。 又詔東觀學士撰史林三十篇，魏文帝皇覽之流也。
The emperor from youth had great capacity; joy and anger did not show in his countenance; deeply silent and still; he constantly harbored the mind to embrace the four seas. Broadly learned, skilled at literary composition, accomplished at draft and clerical script, chess second rank. Though planning and governing through barbarian danger, he did not abandon his plain pursuits. After ascending the throne, he personally did not use fine and delicate objects; among the chief garments was a jade girdle pendant — to cut off the source of long extravagance he ordered it broken. All strange objects he ordered destroyed according to precedent. Inner palace vessels' railings and barriers — those decorated with copper — all were changed to use iron. The inner hall used yellow gauze curtains; palace women wore purple leather shoes. The ceremonial canopy removed golden flower claws; used iron loop nails. He often said, "If you let me face the realm ten years, I shall make gold and soil the same price." He wished by his person to lead those below and shift customs. His nature was generous; once with Zhou Fu, Direct Palace Gate General, and Chu Sizhuang, Palace Attendant, he played chess — many games without weariness; Fu then pressed the emperor's hand, not permitting changing moves. His magnanimity was thus. Literary works he composed — he ordered Jiang Yan, Palace Secretariat Gentleman, to compile and arrange them. Also he issued an edict Eastern Hall scholars to compile History Grove thirty chapters — in the stream of Wei Emperor Wen's Imperial Overview.
54
始帝年十七時，嘗夢乘青龍上天，西行逐日。 帝舊塋在武進彭山，岡阜相屬，數百里不絕，其上常有五色雲，又有龍出焉。 上時已貴矣，宋明帝甚惡之，遣善占墓者高靈文往墓所占相。 靈文先給事太祖，還，詭答曰：「不過出方伯耳。」 密白太祖曰：「貴不可言。」 明帝意猶不已，遣人踐藉，以左道厭之。 上後於所樹華表柱忽龍鳴，震響山谷。 明帝寢疾，為身後之慮，多翦功臣，上亦見疑，每云：「蕭道成有不臣相。」 時鎮淮陰，每懷憂懼，忽見神人謂上曰：「無所憂，子孫當昌盛。」 泰始三年，宋明帝遣前淮南太守孫奉伯往淮陰監元會。 奉伯舊與帝款，是行也，帝與奉伯同室臥，奉伯夢上乘龍上天，于下捉龍腳，不得。 及覺，敘夢，因謂曰：「兗州當大庇生靈，而弟不得與也。」 奉伯竟卒于宋世。 又參軍崔靈建夢天謂己：「蕭道成是我第十九子，我去年已使授其天子位。」 考自三皇、五帝以降，受命之次，至帝為十九也。 及為領軍，望氣者陳安寶見上身上恒有紫黃氣。 安寶謂王洪範曰：「此人貴不可言。」 所居武進縣有一道，相傳云：「天子路」。 或謂秦皇所遊，或云孫氏舊跡。 時訛言東城天子出。 其後建安王休仁鎮東府，宋明帝懼，殺休仁，而常閉東府不居。 明帝又屢幸，改「代」作「伐」，以厭王氣。 又使子安成王代之。 及蒼梧王敗，安成王代立，時咸言為驗。 術數者推之，上舊居武進東城村，「東城「之言，其在此也。 升明二年冬，延陵縣季子廟沸井之北，忽聞金石聲，疑其異，鑿深三尺，得沸井，奔湧若浪。 其地又響，即復鑿之，復得一井，湧沸亦然。 井中得一木簡，長一尺，廣二分，上有隱起字，曰：「廬山道人張陵再拜，詣闕起居。」 簡木堅白，字色乃黃。 瑞應圖云：「浪井不鑿自成，王者清靜，則仙人主之」。 會稽剡縣有山，名刻石。 父老相傳云，「山雖名刻石，而不知文字所在」。 升明末，縣人兒襲祖行獵，忽見石上有文字，凡處，苔生其上，字不可識，乃去苔視之，其大石文曰：「此齊者，黃石公之化氣也。」 立石文曰：「黃天星，姓蕭，字道成，得賢帥，天下太平。」 小石文曰：「刻石者誰？ 會稽南山李斯刻秦望之封也。」 孝經鉤命決曰：「誰者起，視名將。」 將，帝小字也。 河洛讖曰：「歷年七十水滅緒，風雲俱起龍鱗舉。」 又曰：「肅肅草成，道德盡備。」 案宋水德也。 義熙元年，宋武帝王業之始，至齊受命，七十年。 又讖曰：「蕭為二士天下樂。」 案二士「主」字也。 郭文舉金雄記曰：「當復有作，肅入草。」 易曰：「聖人作，萬物睹。」 「當復有作」，言聖人作也。 王子年歌曰：「欲知其姓草肅肅，穀中最細低頭熟，鱗身甲體永興福。」 穀中精細者，稻也，即道也，熟猶成也。 又歌曰：「金刀利刃齊刈之。」 金刀「劉」字，刈猶翦也。 孔子河洛讖曰：「堨河梁，塞龍泉，消除水災泄山川。」 水即宋也，宋氏為災害，故曰水災。 梁亦水也，堨河梁，則行路成矣。 路，猶道也。 消除水災，除宋水氏之災害也。 河圖讖又曰：「上參南斗第一星，下立草屋為紫庭，神龍之岡梧桐生，鳳鳥戢翼朔旦鳴。」 南斗，吳分野，草屋者居上，「蕭」字象也。 先是，益州有山，古老相傳曰齊後山。 升明三年四月二十三日，有沙門玄暢者，於此山立精舍，其日上登尊位。 其月二十四日，滎陽郡人尹千，于嵩山東南隅見天雨石，墜地石開，有玉璽在其中。 璽方三寸，文曰：「戊丁之人與道俱，肅然入草應天符，掃平河、洛清魏都。」 又曰：「皇帝運興。」 千奉璽詣雍州刺史蕭赤斧，赤斧以獻。 案宋武帝于嵩高山得玉璧三十二枚，神人云：「此是宋卜世之數。」 三十二者，二「三十」也，宋自受命至禪齊凡
At the beginning when the emperor was seventeen, he once dreamed of riding a green dragon to Heaven, going west pursuing the sun. The emperor's old tomb mound was at Mount Peng in Wujin; hills and mounds connected — several hundred li without break; above them were constantly five-colored clouds, and dragons also emerged. At that time he was already honored; Emperor Ming of Song greatly hated this and sent Gao Lingwen, a skilled tomb-diviner, to go to the tomb mound to observe and examine. Lingwen had formerly served the Taizu; returning, he deceptively answered, "Nothing more than producing a regional lord." Secretly he reported to the Taizu, "Honor cannot be spoken." Emperor Ming's intent still did not stop; he sent men to trample, using left-path arts to suppress it. Later at the erected ceremonial canopy pillar the emperor suddenly dragon-cried; the sound shook the mountain valley. Emperor Ming lay ill; for concern after his death he repeatedly cut down meritorious ministers; the emperor was also suspected; he often said, "Xiao Daocheng has the countenance of disloyalty." At that time garrisoning Huaiyin, he constantly harbored worry and fear; suddenly he saw a spirit man tell the emperor, "Have no worry — descendants will flourish." In the third year of Taishi, Emperor Ming of Song sent Sun Fengbo, former Governor of Huainan, to go to Huaiyin to supervise the New Year's assembly. Fengbo formerly was on good terms with the emperor; on this journey the emperor and Fengbo shared a room to sleep; Fengbo dreamed of riding up to Heaven, below grasping the dragon's foot — could not obtain it. When awake he narrated the dream and therefore said, "Yan Province will greatly shelter the living — yet younger brother cannot share in it." Fengbo in the end died in the Song age. Also Army Controller Cui Lingjian dreamed Heaven told him, "Xiao Daocheng is my nineteenth son; last year I already sent to confer on him the Son of Heaven's position." Examining from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors downward, the order of receiving mandate — reaching the emperor was nineteenth. When he was Commander of the Palace Guard, the qi-watcher Chen Anbao saw on the emperor's body constantly purple-yellow qi. Anbao told Wang Hongfan, "This man's honor cannot be spoken." Where he resided in Wujin County there was a road; tradition transmitted, "Son of Heaven Road. " Some said Qin Shihuang traveled it; some said Sun clan old traces. At that time false rumor: Son of Heaven emerges from eastern city. Afterward Prince Jian'an Xiuren garrisoned the Eastern Palace; Emperor Ming of Song feared and killed Xiuren; and constantly closed the Eastern Palace, not residing. Emperor Ming also repeatedly visited; changed "substitute" to "attack" — to suppress royal qi. Also he sent his son Prince of Ancheng to substitute. When Deposed Emperor Cangwu was defeated, Prince of Ancheng substituted and established — at the time all said it was verified. Numbers masters pushed it — the emperor's old residence Wujin eastern city village — the words "eastern city" — it was here. In winter of the second year of Shengming, north of the boiling well at Prince Ji Temple in Yanling County, suddenly heard metal and stone sound; suspecting its strangeness, they dug three chi deep and obtained a boiling well, surging like waves. That ground again sounded; then again dug; again obtained a well — surging and boiling likewise. In the well they obtained a wooden slip one chi long, two fen wide; on it raised hidden characters saying, "Mount Lu Daoist Zhang Ling again bows, goes to the gate to report health." The slip wood was firm and white; the character color was yellow. Auspicious Response Diagram says: "Boiling well not dug self-forms — when the king is pure and quiet, then immortals master it." In Kuaiji, Yan County there was a mountain named Carved Stone. Elders mutually transmitted: "Though the mountain is named Carved Stone, they did not know where the characters were." At the end of Shengming, county man Er Zizu went hunting; suddenly saw characters on stone; wherever they were, moss grew above — characters could not be recognized; then removed moss to look — the great stone's text said, "This Qi is Yellow Stone Duke's transforming qi." Standing stone's text said, "Yellow Heaven Star, surname Xiao, character Daocheng, obtains worthy commander — under Heaven great peace." Small stone's text said, "Who carved stone? Kuaiji southern mountain Li Si carved Qin Wang's feng." Classic of Filial Piety Hooked Mandate Decision says, "Who rises — look at the name general." General — the emperor's childhood name. River-Luo prophecy says, "Years reach seventy — water extinguishes thread; wind and clouds together rise, dragon scales lift." Also says, "Su-su grass forms — the Way's virtue all complete." Case: Song was Water virtue. First year of Yixi, Song Emperor Wu's enterprise beginning — reaching Qi's receiving mandate, seventy years. Also prophecy says, "Xiao as two scholars — under Heaven joy." Case: two scholars is the character "master." Guo Wenju Golden Hero Record says, "There will again be making — su enters grass." Changes says, "The sage makes — the myriad things behold." "There will again be making" — speaks of the sage making. Prince Zinian's song says, "Want to know his surname grass su su, in the grain the finest low head ripe, scale body armor body forever flourishing blessing." Finest in the grain is rice — that is dao; ripe is still cheng. Also song says, "Golden knife sharp blade Qi mows." Golden knife is the character "Liu"; mow is still cut. Confucius River-Luo prophecy says, "Dam river beam, block dragon spring, eliminate water calamity release mountains and streams." Water is Song; Song clan was calamity — therefore called water calamity. Beam is also water; dam river beam — then the road becomes cheng. Road — still dao. Eliminate water calamity — remove Song Water clan's calamity. River Chart prophecy also says, "Above joins Southern Dipper first star, below establishes grass house as purple court, divine dragon's mound wutong grows, phoenix bird folds wings at dawn cries." Southern Dipper — Wu's field allotment; grass house is dwelling above — the character "Xiao" image. Before this, in Yi Province there was a mountain; the ancients mutually transmitted called Qi Rear Mountain. On the twenty-third day of the fourth month of the third year of Shengming, there was the monk Xuan Chang who at this mountain established a monastery — that day he ascended the honored position. That month on the twenty-fourth day, Yin Qian of Xingyang Commandery at Song Mountain's southeast corner saw Heaven rain stone; stone falling to earth opened — within was a jade seal. The seal was three cun square; text said, "Man of wu-ding together with the Way, su-ran enters grass responding to Heaven's token, sweep flat He-Luo clear Wei capital." Also said, "Emperor's fortune rises." Qian presented the seal to Xiao Chifu, Inspector of Yong Province; Chifu presented it. Case: Song Emperor Wu at Song High Mountain obtained thirty-two jade bi; the spirit man said, "These are Song's number of generations." Thirty-two — two "thirty"; Song from receiving mandate to abdicating to Qi altogether
55
六十年。 然則帝之符應也若是，今備之云。
sixty years. Then the emperor's token and response was thus — now fully record it.
56
世祖武皇帝諱賾，字宣遠，高帝長子也。 以宋元嘉十七年六月己未生於建康縣之青溪宮。 將產之夕，孝皇后、昭皇后並夢龍據屋，故小字上為龍兒。 年十三，夢人以筆劃身左右為兩翅，又著孔雀羽衣裳空中飛，舉體生毛，發長至足。 有人指上所踐地曰：「周文王之田」。 又於所住堂內得璽一枚，文曰：「皇帝行璽」。 又得異錢，文為「北斗星」，雙刀、雙貝及有人形帶劍焉。 仕宋為贛令。 江州刺史晉安王子勳反，上不從命。 南康相沈肅之縶上郡獄，族人蕭欣祖、門客桓康等破郡迎出上，上遂率部曲百餘人起義。 避難揭陽山，有白雀來集，聞山中有清聲傳漏響。 又于山累石為佛圖，其側忽生一樹，狀若華蓋，青翠扶疏，有殊群木。 上將討戴凱之，大饗士卒。 是日大熱，上各令折荊枝自蔽，言未終而有雲垂蔭，正當會所，會罷乃散。 及為廣興相，嶺南積旱，連水阻涸，商旅不通。 上部伍既至，無雨而川流暴起，遂得利涉。
Emperor Wu of the Shizu line, whose taboo name was Ze, style name Xuanyuan, was Emperor Gao's eldest son. He was born on jiwei in the sixth month of the seventeenth year of Yuanjia of Song, at Qingxi Palace in Jiankang County. On the eve of birth, Empress Xiao and Empress Zhao both dreamed dragons occupying the house — therefore his childhood name was Dragon Child above. At age thirteen he dreamed a man with a brush drew on his body left and right as two wings; also wore peacock-feather garments flying in the air; his whole body grew hair, hair long to the feet. Someone pointed at the ground the emperor trod and said, "King Wen of Zhou's field." Also in the hall where he dwelt he obtained a seal; text said, "Emperor's traveling seal." Also obtained strange coins; text was "Northern Dipper Star," double knife, double shell, and having human form bearing sword. He served Song as Magistrate of Gan. Governor of Jiang Province Prince of Jin'an Zi Xu rebelled; the emperor did not follow the command. Prime Minister of Nankang Shen Suzhi imprisoned the emperor in the commandery jail; clansman Xiao Xinnu, gate guest Huan Kang and others broke the commandery to welcome the emperor out; the emperor then led his personal troops, over one hundred men, to raise righteousness. Taking refuge at Mount Jieyang, a white sparrow came and gathered; heard within the mountain a clear sound transmitting the water-clock strike. Also at the mountain piled stones as a Buddha tower; beside it suddenly grew a tree shaped like a ceremonial canopy, green and luxuriant, different from the group of trees. The emperor was about to campaign against Dai Kaizhi; greatly feasted officers and soldiers. That day was greatly hot; the emperor ordered each to break thorn branches to shade himself; words not yet ended and clouds hung shade — directly at the assembly place; when the assembly ended then dispersed. When he was Prime Minister of Guangxing, south of the ranges drought accumulated; successive waters blocked and dried; merchants and travelers did not pass. When the emperor's boat arrived, without rain the river currents suddenly rose — then obtained profitable crossing.
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元徽四年，累遷晉熙王鎮西長史、江夏內史，行郢州事。 順帝立，征晉熙王燮為撫軍、揚州刺史，以上為左衛將軍，輔燮俱下。 沈攸之事起，未得朝廷處分，上以中流可以待敵，即據盆口城為戰守備。 高帝聞之曰：「此真我子也。」 於盆城掘塹，得一大錢，文曰：「太平百歲」。 于時城內乏水，欲引水入城，始鑿城內，遇伏泉湧出，如此者九處，用之不竭。 上表求西討，不許，乃遣偏軍援郢，平西將軍黃回等，皆受上節度。 升明二年，事平，遷江州刺史，封聞喜縣侯。 其年，征侍中、領軍將軍。 尋加督京畿諸軍事。 三年，又加尚書僕射、中軍大將軍、開府儀同三司，進爵為公，給班劍二十人。
In the fourth year of Yuanhui he was repeatedly promoted to Western Campaigning Major of Prince of Jinxi, Interior Secretary of Jiangxia, acting for Ying Province. When Emperor Shun was established, Prince of Jinxi Xie was summoned as General Who Pacifies the Army, Governor of Yang Province; the emperor as General of the Left Guard assisted Xie together down. When Shen Youzhi's affair arose, not yet obtaining the court's disposition, the emperor because the middle stream could await the enemy — immediately held Pankou city as battle defense preparations. Emperor Gao hearing it said, "This is truly my son." At Pankou city digging the moat, they obtained a great coin; text said, "Great peace one hundred years." At that time within the city water was lacking; wishing to lead water into the city, first digging within the city, encountered hidden springs surging out — thus nine places; using them inexhaustible. The emperor submitted a memorial requesting western campaign; not permitted; then dispatched detached armies to aid Ying — Huang Hui, General Who Pacifies the West, and others — all received the emperor's command. In the second year of Shengming, when the affair was settled, he was transferred to Inspector of Jiang Province; enfeoffed as Marquis of Wenxi County. That year he was summoned as Palace Attendant, Commander of the Palace Guard. Soon added command of Capital Region military affairs. In the third year, again added Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, Grand General of the Central Army, Grand Master with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon of the First Order; rank advanced to Duke; granted twenty swords of office.
58
建元四年三月壬戌，高帝崩，是日，皇太子即皇帝位，大赦。 征鎮州郡令長、軍屯營部，各行喪三日，不得擅離任。 都邑城守，防備幢隊，一不得還。 乙丑，稱先帝遺詔，以司徒褚彥回錄尚書事，尚書左僕射王儉為尚書令，車騎將軍張敬兒開府儀同三司。 詔曰：「喪禮雖有定制，先旨每存簡約，內官可三日一還臨，外官間日一還臨，後有大喪皆如之。」 丁卯，以前將軍王奐為尚書左僕射。 庚午，以司空豫章王嶷為太尉。 癸酉，詔免逋城錢，自今以後，申明舊制。 初晉、宋舊制，受官二十日，輒送修城錢二千。 宋泰始初，軍役大起，受官者萬計，兵戎機急，事有未遑，自是令僕以下，並不輸送。 二十年中，大限不可勝計，文符督切，擾亂在所，至是除蕩，百姓悅焉。 夏四月辛卯，追尊穆妃為皇后。
On renxu in the fourth month of the third year of Jianyuan, Emperor Gao died; that day the crown prince ascended the imperial throne; great pardon. He summoned magistrates of garrison provinces and commanderies, military garrison camps — each to observe mourning three days; must not leave post without authorization. Capital city garrison defense, defense banner teams — none might return. On yichou he proclaimed the late emperor's final testament: Chu Yanhui as Minister of Works and Recorder of the Department of State Affairs; Wang Jian as Left Vice Director and Director of the Department of State Affairs; Zhang Jing'er, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Grand Master with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon of the First Order. An edict said, "Mourning rites though having fixed system, the prior intent always preserved simplicity; inner officials may return to mourn once every three days; outer officials once every other day — afterward for great mourning all like this." On dingmao Wang Huan, former General of the Front, was made Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. On gengwu Yi, Minister of Works and Prince of Yuzhang, was made Grand Commandant. On guiyou an edict remitted overdue wall-repair money; from now afterward declare the old system. At first Jin and Song old system: receiving office twenty days, then send wall-repair money two thousand. At the beginning of Taishi of Song, military service greatly arose; those receiving office numbered in the ten thousands; military affairs urgent — affairs had no leisure; from this the Director and below all did not submit payment. Within twenty years the great limit could not be counted; document tokens supervised and pressed — disturbance wherever located; reaching this it was eliminated and washed — the common people rejoiced. In summer, the fourth month, on xinmao, posthumously honored Consort Mu as Empress.
59
五月庚申，以高皇帝配南郊，高昭皇后配北郊。
On gengshen in the fifth month, Emperor Gao was paired at the southern suburb; Empress Gao-Zhao paired at the northern suburb.
60
六月甲申朔，立南郡王長懋為皇太子。 詔申壬戌赦恩百日。 丙申，立皇太子妃王氏。 進封聞喜公子良為竟陵王，臨汝公子卿為廬陵王，應城公子敬為安陸王，江陵公子懋為晉安王，枝江公子隆為隨王，皇子子真為建安王，皇孫昭業為南郡王。 戊戌，以水潦為患，星緯乖序，克日訊都下囚，諸遠獄委刺史以時察判。 建康、秣陵二縣貧人加振賜，必令周悉。 吳興、義興遭水縣，蠲除租調。 以司徒褚彥回為司空。
On jiashen new year's day in the sixth month, Prince of Nan Commandery Changmao was established as crown prince. An edict extended the renxu pardon grace one hundred days. On bingshen the crown prince's consort Lady Wang was established. Advanced Wenxi Duke Ziliang to Prince of Jingling, Linru Duke Ziqing to Prince of Luling, Yingcheng Duke Zijing to Prince of Anlu, Jiangling Duke Zimao to Prince of Jin'an, Zhijiang Duke Zilong to Prince of Sui, Prince Zizhen as Prince of Jian'an; imperial grandson Zhaoye as Prince of Nan Commandery. On wuxu because flood was calamity, constellations and weft out of order — on appointed day interrogated capital prisoners; various distant prisons entrusted to inspectors for timely judgment. Jiankang and Molin two counties' poor people added relief grants — must make thorough. Wuxing and Yixing flood counties — remitted rent and tax. Minister of Works Chu Yanhui was made Minister of Works.
61
秋八月癸卯，司空褚彥回薨。
In autumn, the eighth month, on guimao, Chu Yanhui, Minister of Works, died.
62
九月丁巳，以國哀故，罷國子學。 辛未，以征南將軍王僧虔為左光祿大夫、開府儀同三司。
On dingsi in the ninth month, because of national mourning, the Imperial Academy was stopped. On xinwei Wang Sengqian, General Who Campaigns South, was made Left Grand Master of the Bright Hall, Grand Master with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon of the First Order.
63
冬十月乙未，以中書令王延之為尚書左僕射。
In winter, the tenth month, on yiwei, Wang Yanzhi, Director of the Palace Secretariat, was made Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs.
64
十二月己丑，詔曰：「緣淮戍將，久處邊勞，三元行始，宜沾恩慶，可遣中書舍人宣旨臨會。」 後每歲如之。
On jichou in the twelfth month, an edict said, "Border garrison generals long at frontier labor — at the three yuan's beginning ought to receive favor and celebration; may dispatch Palace Secretariat Attendants to proclaim intent and attend the assembly." Afterward every year was thus.
65
永明元年春正月辛亥，祀南郊。 大赦，改元。 壬子，詔內外群僚，各進讜言，王公卿士，各舉所知。 又詔守宰祿奉，蓋有恆准，往以邊虜告警，故沿時損益，今區宇甯晏，宜加優獎，郡縣丞尉，可還田秩。 壬戌，立皇弟銳為南平王，鏗為宜都王，皇子子明為武昌王，子罕為南海王。 望氣者云：新林、婁湖、東府西有天子氣。 甲子，築青溪舊宮，作新林、婁湖苑以厭之。 二月庚寅，以征虜將軍楊炅為沙州刺史，封陰平王。
In spring, the first month of the first year of Yongming, on xinhai, he sacrificed at the southern suburb. Great pardon; changed the era name. On renzi an edict: inner and outer groups of officials each advance straight words; kings, dukes, ministers and scholars each recommend those they know. Also an edict: magistrates' salary and stipend — probably has constant standard; formerly because border barbarians alarmed — therefore along the time reduced and increased; now the realm is tranquil — ought to add superior reward; commandery and county assistants and magistrates may return field rank. On renxu established younger brother Rui as Prince of Nanping, Keng as Prince of Yidu; princes Ziming as Prince of Wuchang, Zihan as Prince of Nanhai. Qi-watchers said: Xinlin, Lou Lake, east of the Eastern Palace — there was Son of Heaven qi. On jiazi he built the old Qingxi palace; made Xinlin and Lou Lake parks to suppress it. On gengyin in the second month, Yang Jiong, General Who Campaigns against Barbarians, was made Inspector of Sha Province; enfeoffed as Prince of Yinping.
66
三月丙辰，詔以星緯失序，陰陽愆度，申辛亥赦恩五十日，以期訖為始。 戊寅，詔四方見囚，罪無輕重，及劫賊餘口，長徒敕系，悉皆原赦。
On bingchen in the third month, an edict: because constellations and weft lost order, yin and yang were out of measure — extended the xinhai pardon grace fifty days, starting from the term's end. On wuyin an edict: prisoners visible in the four directions — crime without light or heavy, and remaining mouths of bandits, long-term exile and imprisonment — all pardoned.
67
夏五月丁酉，車騎將軍張敬兒有罪伏誅。
In summer, the fifth month, on dingyou, Zhang Jing'er, General of Chariots and Cavalry, had crime and was executed.
68
秋八月壬申，魏人來聘。
In autumn, the eighth month, on renshen, Wei men came on a friendly visit.
69
冬十月丙寅，使驍騎將軍劉瓚聘于魏。
In winter, the tenth month, on bingyin, he sent Liu Zan, General of Agile Cavalry, on a friendly visit to Wei.
70
十一月己卯，雷。
On jimao in the eleventh month, thunder.
71
十二月乙巳朔，日有蝕之。
On yisi new year's day in the twelfth month, there was an eclipse of the sun.
72
二年春正月乙亥，以護軍將軍柳世隆為尚書右僕射，以南兗州刺史竟陵王子良為護軍將軍，兼司徒。 壬寅，以新除尚書右僕射柳世隆為左僕射，以丹陽尹李安人為右僕射。
In spring, the first month of the second year, on yihai, Liu Shilong, Protector of the Army, was made Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs; Ziliang, Prince of Jingling and Inspector of South Yan Province, was made Protector of the Army, concurrent Minister of Works. On renyin the newly removed Liu Shilong, Right Vice Director, was made Left Vice Director; Li Anren, Governor of Danyang, was made Right Vice Director.
73
秋七月甲申，立皇子子倫為巴陵王。
In autumn, the seventh month, on jiashen, Prince Zilun was established as Prince of Baling.
74
八月丙午，幸舊宮，申都下獄及三署見徒，量所降宥。 戊申，幸玄武湖講武。 壬子，扶南國遣使朝貢，並獻頌章云。 甲子，詔都下二縣，墳墓毀發，隨宜掩埋，遺骸未櫬者，並加斂瘞。 疾困不能存者，詳加沾賚。
On bingwu in the eighth month, he visited the old palace; extended capital prisons and the three directorates' visible convicts — measured reduction and pardon. On wushen he visited Xuanwu Lake to lecture on military affairs. On renzi the Kingdom of Funan sent envoys paying tribute; also presented eulogy chapters. On jiazi an edict: the capital's two counties — tombs destroyed and opened — as appropriate bury; remains not yet coffined — all add gathering and burial. Those ill and trapped who could not survive — examine and add bounty.
75
冬十二月庚申，魏人來聘。
In winter, the twelfth month, on gengshen, Wei men came on a friendly visit.
76
三年春正月辛卯，祀南郊。 大赦，都邑三百里內罪應入重者降一等，餘依赦制。
In spring, the first month of the third year, on xinmao, he sacrificed at the southern suburb. Great pardon; within the capital three hundred li those whose crimes should enter heavy rank reduced one rank; the rest according to pardon rules.
77
三月甲寅，使輔國將軍劉瓚聘于魏。
On jiayin in the third month, he sent Liu Zan, General Who Supports the State, on a friendly visit to Wei.
78
夏五月，省總明觀。
In summer, the fifth month, Zongming Hall was abolished.
79
秋七月甲戌，左光祿大夫、開府儀同三司王僧虔薨。 辛卯，於益州置平蠻校尉官。
In autumn, the seventh month, on jiaxu, Wang Sengqian, Left Grand Master of the Bright Hall, died. On xinmao at Yi Province the office of Commandant Who Pacifies Barbarians was established.
80
八月乙未，幸中堂聽訟。 乙巳，以行宕昌王梁彌頡為河、涼二州刺史，封隴西公、宕昌王。
On yiwei in the eighth month, he visited the Central Hall to hear lawsuits. On yisi Liang Miqie, Acting Prince of Dangchang, was made Inspector of He and Liang Provinces; enfeoffed as Duke of Longxi, Prince of Dangchang.
81
冬十月丙辰，魏人來聘。
In winter, the tenth month, on bingchen, Wei men came on a friendly visit.
82
十二月，以江州刺史王奐為尚書右僕射。 改封武昌王子明
In the twelfth month, Wang Huan, Inspector of Jiang Province, was made Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. Changed enfeoffment Prince of Wuchang Ziming
83
為西陽王。
to Prince of Xiyang.
84
四年春閏正月癸巳，立皇子子貞為邵陵王。 丁未，以武都王楊集始為北秦州刺史。 辛亥，耕藉田。 詔宥殊死以下。 甲寅，幸閱武堂，勞酒小會，賜王公以下在位者帛有差。 戊午，幸宣武堂講武。
In spring, intercalary first month of the fourth year, on guisi, Prince Zizhen was established as Prince of Shaoling. On dingwei Yang Jishi, Prince of Wudu, was made Inspector of North Qin Province. On xinhai he plowed the sacred field. An edict pardoned those guilty of special death and below. On jiayin he visited the Review Martial Hall; rewarded wine at a small assembly; granted kings, dukes and below in office silk with difference. On wuwu he visited the Proclaim Martial Hall to lecture on military affairs.
85
二月丙寅，大風，吳興偏甚，樹葉皆赤。 己未，立皇弟銶
On bingyin in the second month, great wind — Wuxing especially severe; tree leaves all red. On jiwei established younger brother Qiu
86
為晉熙王，鉉為河東王。 壬午，使通直郎裴昭明聘于魏。
as Prince of Jinxi, Xuan as Prince of Hedong. On renwu he sent Pei Zhaoming, Direct Attendant, on a friendly visit to Wei.
87
五年春正月戊子，以太尉豫章王嶷為大司馬，車騎將軍竟陵王子良為司徒，驃騎將軍臨川王映、衛將軍王儉、中軍將軍王敬則並以本號開府儀同三司。 以尚書右僕射王奐為尚書左僕射。 辛卯，賜孤寡老疾各有差。
In spring, the first month of the fifth year, on wuzi, Yi, Grand Commandant and Prince of Yuzhang, was made Grand Marshal; Ziliang, General of Chariots and Cavalry and Prince of Jingling, was made Minister of Works; Ying, Grand General of Agile Cavalry and Prince of Linchuan, Wang Jian, General Who Guards the Army, and Wang Jingze, Grand General of the Central Army — all with their original titles opened Grand Master with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon of the First Order. Wang Huan, Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, was made Left Vice Director. On xinmao he granted orphans, widows, elderly and ill each with difference.
88
夏四月庚午，殷祀太廟，降諸囚徒。
In summer, the fourth month, on gengwu, at the yin sacrifice to the Grand Temple, prison convicts were reduced.
89
先是，立商飆館于孫陵岡，世呼為九日台，秋九月辛卯，車駕幸焉。
Before this, the Autumn Breeze Lodge was established at Sunling Mound — the world called it the Ninth Day Platform; in autumn, the ninth month, on xinmao, the imperial carriage visited it.
90
冬十月，初起新林苑。 六年春三月甲申，詔皇太子于東宮玄圃園宣猷堂臨訊及三署徒隸。 己亥，封皇子子響為巴東王。
In winter, the tenth month, the new Xinlin Park was first begun. In spring, the third month of the sixth year, on jiashen, an edict: the crown prince at the Eastern Palace's Hidden Garden Xuanyou Hall interrogated the three directorates' convict slaves. On jihai Prince Zixiang was enfeoffed as Prince of Badong.
91
夏五月庚辰，左衛殿中將軍邯鄲超表陳射雉，書奏賜死。 又潁川荀丕亦以諫諍，托他事及誅。
In summer, the fifth month, on gengchen, Handan Chao, Left Guard Palace Army General, memorialized recommending falconry; memorial submitted — granted death. Also Xun Pi of Yingchuan also by remonstrance and admonition — using other affairs reached execution.
92
六月辛未，詔省州郡縣送故輸錢者。
On xinwei in the sixth month, an edict abolished provinces, commanderies and counties sending farewell presentation money.
93
秋七月，齊興太守劉元寶于郡城塹得錢三十七萬，皆輪厚徑一寸半，以獻，上以為瑞，班賜公卿。
In autumn, the seventh month, Liu Yuanbao, Governor of Qixing, at the commandery city moat obtained three hundred seventy thousand coins — all wheel-thick, diameter one cun and half — and presented them; the emperor regarded it as an omen; distributed grants to dukes and ministers.
94
九月壬寅，於琅邪城講武，習水步軍。
On renyin in the ninth month, at Langye city he lectured on military affairs; practiced water and foot armies.
95
冬十月庚申，立冬，初臨太極殿讀時令。
In winter, the tenth month, on gengshen, at the Beginning of Winter he first faced the Hall of Supreme Ultimate to read the seasonal commands.
96
十一月丙戌，土霧竟天，如煙，入人眼鼻，二日乃止。
On bingxu in the eleventh month, earth fog filled Heaven like smoke; entered men's eyes and noses — two days then stopped.
97
七年春正月丙午，以鎮南將軍柳世隆為尚書左僕射，以豫州刺史西昌侯鸞為右僕射。 辛亥，祀南郊，大赦。 申明不舉子之科； 若有產子者，復其父。 壬戌，驃騎將軍、開府儀同三司臨川王映薨。 戊辰，詔以諸大夫年秩隆重，增俸，給見役。
In spring, the first month of the seventh year, on bingwu, Liu Shilong, General Who Pacifies the South, was made Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs; Luan, Inspector of Yu Province and Marquis of Xichang, was made Right Vice Director. On xinhai he sacrificed at the southern suburb; great pardon. Declared the statute against not raising sons; if there were those who bore sons — restored their fathers. On renxu Ying, Grand General of Agile Cavalry and Prince of Linchuan, died. On wuchen an edict: because the various grandees' years and ranks were heavy and honored — increased salary; granted active service.
98
三月甲寅，立皇子子岳為臨賀王，子峻為廣漢王，子琳為宣城王，子瑉為義安王。
On jiayin in the third month, Prince Ziyue was established as Prince of Linhe, Zijun as Prince of Guanghan, Zilin as Prince of Xuancheng, Zimin as Prince of Yi'an.
99
秋九月壬寅，魏人來聘。
In autumn, the ninth month, on renyin, Wei men came on a friendly visit.
100
冬十一月戊申，詔平南參軍顏幼明聘于魏。
In winter, the eleventh month, on wushen, an edict: Yan Youming, Pacifying South Army Controller, on a friendly visit to Wei.
101
八年春正月庚子，以領軍王奐為尚書左僕射。 丁巳，以行百濟王泰為鎮東大將軍、百濟王。
In spring, the first month of the eighth year, on gengzi, Wang Huan, Commander of the Palace Guard, was made Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. On dingsi Tai, Acting King of Baekje, was made General Who Pacifies the East, King of Baekje.
102
二月辛卯，零陵王司馬藥師薨。
On xinmao in the second month, Sima Yaoshi, Prince of Lingling, died.
103
夏四月戊辰朔，詔公卿以下各舉所知。
In summer, the fourth month, on wuchen new year's day, an edict: dukes and ministers and below each recommend those they know.
104
六月己巳，魏人來聘。 庚午，長沙王晃薨。 丙申，大雷雨，有黃光竟天，照地狀如金。 乙酉，都下大風髮屋。 秋七月癸卯，詔以陰陽舛和，緯象愆度、儲胤嬰患，淹曆
On jisi in the sixth month, Wei men came on a friendly visit. On gengwu Prince of Changsha Huang died. On bingshen great thunder and rain; there was yellow light filling Heaven — illuminating the earth like gold. On yiyou great wind in the capital lifted roofs. In autumn, the seventh month, on guimao, an edict: because yin and yang were not in harmony, constellations and weft out of measure, the heir apparent suffered illness — delayed the calendar
105
旬晷，可大赦。
ten days and moments — may great pardon.
106
八月乙酉，以河南王世子休留代為西秦、河二州刺史，封河南王。 壬辰，荊州刺史巴東王子響反，遣丹陽尹蕭順之討之，子響伏誅。
On yiyou in the eighth month, Xiuliu, heir of the Kingdom of Henan, acted as Inspector of West Qin and He Provinces; enfeoffed as Prince of Henan. On renchen Zixiang, Inspector of Jing Province and Prince of Badong, rebelled; he dispatched Xiao Shunzhi, Governor of Danyang, to suppress him; Zixiang was executed.
107
冬十二月戊寅，詔量增尚書丞郎賜祿。 己卯，改封宣城王子琳為南康王，立皇子子建為湘東王。
In winter, the twelfth month, on wuyin, an edict measured increase of Director and Gentleman of the Department of State Affairs' granted salary. On jimao changed enfeoffment Zilin, Prince of Xuancheng, to Prince of Nankang; established Prince Zijian as Prince of Xiangdong.
108
九年春正月甲午，省平蠻府。 辛丑，祀南郊，降都下見囚。
In spring, the first month of the ninth year, on jiawu, the Pacifying Barbarians office was abolished. On xinchou he sacrificed at the southern suburb; reduced capital visible prisoners.
109
戊午，詔射聲校尉裴昭明聘于魏。
On wuwu an edict: Pei Zhaoming, Director of the Archers' Guard, on a friendly visit to Wei.
110
三月癸巳，明堂災。
On guisi in the third month, the Bright Hall suffered fire.
111
夏五月丙申，林邑國獻金簟。 丁未，魏人來聘。 安成王暠薨。 己未，樂游正陽堂災。
In summer, the fifth month, on bingshen, the Kingdom of Linyi presented a golden mat. On dingwei Wei men came on a friendly visit. Prince of Ancheng Gao died. On jiwei the Zhengyang Hall of Leyou suffered fire.
112
秋八月己亥，使司徒參軍蕭琛聘于魏。 吳興、義興大水。 乙卯，蠲二郡租。
In autumn, the eighth month, on jihai, he sent Xiao Chen, Minister of Works Aide, on a friendly visit to Wei. Wuxing and Yixing suffered great flood. On yimao remitted the two commanderies' rent.
113
九月戊辰，幸琅邪城講武，觀者傾都，普頒酒肉。
On wuchen in the ninth month, he visited Langye city to lecture on military affairs; spectators filled the capital; broadly distributed wine and meat.
114
冬十月甲寅，魏人來聘。
In winter, the tenth month, on jiayin, Wei men came on a friendly visit.
115
十年春正月戊午，以司徒竟陵王子良領尚書令，以尚書右僕射西昌侯鸞為左僕射。 詔增內外有務眾官祿奉。 丙戌，詔故太宰褚彥回、故太尉王儉、故司空柳世隆、驃騎大將軍王敬則、鎮軍大將軍陳顯達、故鎮東將軍李安人配饗太祖廟庭。
In spring, the first month of the tenth year, on wuwu, Ziliang, Minister of Works and Prince of Jingling, held Director of the Department of State Affairs; Luan, Right Vice Director and Marquis of Xichang, was made Left Vice Director. An edict increased inner and outer busy officials' salary and stipend. On bingxu an edict: late Grand Preceptor Chu Yanhui, late Grand Commandant Wang Jian, late Minister of Works Liu Shilong, Wang Jingze, Grand General of Agile Cavalry, Chen Xianda, General Who Pacifies the Army, and late Li Anren, General Who Pacifies the East — paired sacrifice at Taizu temple court.
116
十二月乙巳，使司徒參軍蕭琛聘于魏。
On yisi in the twelfth month, he sent Xiao Chen, Minister of Works Aide, on a friendly visit to Wei.
117
十一年春正月戊午，以驃騎大將軍、豫州刺史王敬則為司空。 乙亥，皇太子長懋薨。
In spring, the first month of the eleventh year, on wuwu, Wang Jingze, Grand General of Agile Cavalry and Inspector of Yu Province, was made Minister of Works. On yihai the crown prince Changmao died.
118
二月，雍州刺史王奐有罪，伏誅。
In the second month, Wang Huan, Inspector of Yong Province, had crime and was executed.
119
三月丙寅，以金紫光祿大夫王晏為尚書右僕射。
On bingyin in the third month, Wang Yan, Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon, was made Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs.
120
夏四月癸未，魏人來聘。 甲午，立皇孫昭業為皇太孫，賜天下為父後者爵一級。
In summer, the fourth month, on guiwei, Wei men came on a friendly visit. On jiawu imperial grandson Zhaoye was established as imperial great-grandson; granted under Heaven those who were fathers' heirs one rank of nobility.
121
五月戊辰，以旱故，都下二縣、朱方、姑孰權斷酒。
On wuchen in the fifth month, because of drought, the capital's two counties, Zhufang and Gudou temporarily cut off wine.
122
秋七月丁巳，曲赦南兗兗豫司徐五州，南豫州之曆陽譙臨江廬江四郡三調，眾逋宿責，並同原除。 其緣淮及青、冀新附僑人，復除已訖，更申五年。
In autumn, the seventh month, on dingsi, partial pardon of South Yan, Yan, Yu, Si, and Xu five provinces; South Yu Province's Liyang, Qiao, Linjiang, Lujiang four commanderies' three taxes — mass overdue old debts — all likewise originally remitted. Those along the Huai and newly attached émigrés of Qing and Ji — exemption already finished — again extended five years.
123
先是魏地謠言，「赤火南流喪南國」。 是歲，有沙門從北齎此火而至，色赤于常火而微，雲以療疾。 貴賤爭取之，多得其驗。 二十餘日，都下大盛，咸云：「聖火」。 詔禁之不止。 火灸至七炷而疾愈。 吳興丘國賓密以還鄉，邑人楊道慶虛疾二十年，依法灸即差。
Before this in Wei territory a song said, "Red fire flows south — loses southern state." This year a monk from the north carried this fire and arrived — color redder than ordinary fire yet faint; claiming to treat illness. Noble and base competed to take it — many obtained verification. Twenty-odd days — in the capital greatly flourishing; all said, "Sacred fire." An edict forbade it — did not stop. Fire moxibustion to seven applications and illness cured. Qiu Guobin of Wu Xing secretly returned to his village; village man Yang Daoqing feigned illness twenty years — according to the method moxibustioned and immediately recovered.
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是月，上不豫，徙禦延昌殿，始登階而殿屋鳴吒，上惡之。 魏軍將至，上慮朝野憂惶，力疾召樂府奏正聲伎。 戊寅，大漸，詔曰：「始終大期，聖賢不免，吾行年六十，亦復何恨。 但皇業艱難，萬機自重，不能無遺慮耳。 太孫進德日茂，社稷有寄，子良善相毗輔，思弘正道。 內外眾事無大小，悉與鸞參懷。 尚書是職務根本，悉委王晏、徐孝嗣。 軍旅捍邊之略，委王敬則、陳顯達、王廣之、王玄邈、沈文季、張瑰、薛深等。 百辟庶僚，各奉爾職，謹事太孫，勿有懈怠。」 又詔曰：「我識滅後，身上著夏衣畫天衣，純烏犀導，絓諸器服，悉不得用寶物及織成等，唯裝復夾衣各一通。 常所服刀長短二口，鐵環者，隨入梓宮。 祭敬之典，本在因心，靈上慎勿以牲為祭。 祭惟設餅、茶飲、乾飯、酒脯而已。 天下貴賤，咸同此制。 未山陵前，朔望設菜食。 陵墓萬世所宅，意常恨休安陵未稱，今可用東三處地最東邊以葬我，名為景安陵。 喪禮每存省約，不須煩人，百官停六時入臨，朔望祖日可依舊。 諸主六宮，並不須從山陵。 內殿鳳華、壽昌、曜靈三處，是吾所改制。 夫貴有天下，富兼四海，宴處寢息，不容乃陋，謂此為奢儉之中，慎勿壞去。 顯陽殿玉像諸佛及供養，具如別牒，可盡心禮拜供養之。 應有功德事，可專在中。 自今公私皆不得出家為道，及起立塔寺，以宅為精舍，並嚴斷之。 惟年六十，必有道心，聽朝賢選序，已有別詔。 諸小小賜乞，及合內處分，亦有別牒。 內外禁衛勞舊主帥左右，悉令蕭諶優量驅使之。」 是日上崩於延昌殿，年五十四。 群臣上諡曰武皇帝，廟號世祖。 九月丙寅，葬景安陵。
This month the emperor was unwell; moved to reside at Yanchang Hall; first ascending the steps and the hall roof cried out — the emperor hated it. Wei armies were about to arrive; the emperor feared court and field worry and panic; forced by illness summoned the Music Office to play orthodox music and performers. On wuyin greatly failing, an edict said, "Beginning and end great term — sages and worthies cannot avoid; my years reach sixty — again what regret. But the imperial enterprise is difficult; myriad affairs are again weighty — cannot be without remaining concern. The great-grandson advances in virtue day by day flourishing — the ancestral altar has reliance; Ziliang skillfully assists and supports — think to spread the correct Way. Inner and outer multitude of affairs without large or small — all consult with Luan. Director of the Department of State Affairs is the root of duties — all entrust to Wang Yan and Xu Xiaosi. Army travel and border defense strategy — entrust to Wang Jingze, Chen Xianda, Wang Guangzhi, Wang Xuanmiao, Shen Wenji, Zhang Gui, Xue Shen and others. Hundred ministers and myriad officials — each keep your office; reverently serve the great-grandson; do not have slackness." Also an edict said, "After my consciousness extinguishes, on the body wear summer garments painted heavenly garments, pure black rhinoceros guide, suspend all vessels and dress — all must not use treasures and woven brocade and the like; only lined and quilted garments one set each. Ordinarily worn knives long and short two — iron ring ones — along enter the inner coffin. Sacrifice and reverence rites — origin is in the heart; numinous above carefully do not take livestock as sacrifice. Sacrifice only set cakes, tea drink, dried rice, wine and dried meat — that is all. Under Heaven noble and base — all same this system. Before the mountain tomb, on new and full moon set vegetable food. The tomb mound is the eternal dwelling — mind constantly regretted Xiuan Tomb not called fitting — now may use the eastern three places of land most east to bury me; name it Jing'an Tomb. Mourning rites always preserve reduction and simplicity — need not trouble people; hundred officials stop six times entering mourning; new and full moon and ancestral days may follow the old. Various princesses six palaces — all need not follow the mountain tomb. Inner hall Fenghua, Shouchang, Yaoling three places — are what I reformed. Husband honored with all under Heaven, rich combining the four seas — resting place and sleep cannot tolerate being crude — call this middle of extravagance and thrift — carefully do not destroy. Xianyang Hall jade images various Buddhas and offerings — all as separate document — may exhaust heart bow and worship and offer. Merit affairs that should be — may specially be at Central. From now public and private all must not leave home to become dao; and establish and raise pagodas and temples; take residence as monastery — all strictly cut off. Only age sixty — must have the mind of the Way; hear court worthies select and order — already have separate edict. Various small grants and petitions and inner palace disposition — also have separate document. Inner and outer forbidden guard labor old commanders left and right — all order Xiao Chen favorably measure and drive and use." That day the emperor died at Yanchang Hall, age fifty-four. The ministers submitted posthumous title Emperor Wu; temple name Shizu. On bingyin in the ninth month, buried at Jing'an Tomb.
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上剛毅有斷，政總大體，以富國為先。 頗喜遊宴、雕綺之事，言常恨之，未能頓遣。 臨崩，又詔：「凡諸游費，宜從休息。 自今遠近薦獻，務存節儉，不得出界營求，相高奢麗。 金粟繒纊，敝人已甚，珠玉玩好，傷俗尤重，嚴加禁絕。」
The emperor was firm and resolute with decision; government grasped the great pattern; making the state rich came first. He quite liked wandering feasts and carved silk affairs; he often regretted this — could not suddenly dismiss. Facing death, again an edict: "All various wandering expenses — ought from rest. From now near and far tribute presentation — must preserve thrift — must not go beyond borders seeking — mutually competing in high luxury. Gold grain silk floss — the people are already very worn; pearl jade playthings — harming custom especially heavy — strictly add prohibition."
126
論曰：齊高帝基命之初，武功潛用，泰始開運，大拯時艱。 及蒼梧暴虐，釁結朝野，而百姓懍懍，命縣朝夕。 權道既行，兼濟天下。 元功振主，利器難以假人，群方戮力，實懷尺寸之望，豈惟天厭水行，固已人希木德，歸功與能，事極乎此。 武帝雲雷伊始，功參佐命，雖為繼體，事實艱難。 禦袞垂旒，深存政典，文武授任，不革舊章，明罰厚恩，皆由己出。 外表無塵，內朝多豫，機事平理，職貢有恆，府藏內充，人鮮勞役。 宮室苑圃，未足以傷財，安樂延年，眾庶所同幸，亦有齊之良主也。 據齊、梁紀錄，並雲出自蕭何，又編御史大夫望之以為先祖之次。 案何及望之於漢俱為勳德，而望之本傳不有此陳，齊典所書，便乖實錄。 近秘書監顏師古博考經籍，注解漢書，已正其非，今隨而改削云。
Discussion says: Qi Emperor Gao at the foundation of mandate's beginning — military achievement secretly used; Taishi opened fortune — greatly saved the time's hardship. When Cangwu acted with violent cruelty — trouble knotted court and field — yet the common people were fearful — life hung morning and evening. Expedient Way already walked — together crossed the realm. Primary merit shook the ruler — sharp vessel hard to lend to others — the various directions together strove — truly harbored inch and foot hope — not only did Heaven tire of the Water line — men already desired Wood virtue — returning merit to the able — affairs reached this. Emperor Wu at cloud and thunder's first beginning — achievement participated in assisting mandate — though as succeeding body — affairs truly difficult. Facing the imperial robe and hanging tassels — deeply preserved government canon; civil and military entrusted appointment — not changing old chapters; clear punishment and thick grace — all from himself issued. Outside appearance without dust — inner court much leisure; machine affairs peacefully ordered — tribute and duties had constant; treasury inner full — men rarely labor service. Palaces and parks — not enough to harm wealth; peace and joy extending years — the multitude's shared fortune — also had Qi's good lord. According to Qi and Liang records — all say coming out from Xiao He; also compiled Grand Censor Wang Zhi as ancestor's order. Case: He and Zhi in Han both were merit and virtue — yet Zhi's original biography does not have this statement; Qi canon what it writes — then departs from true record. Recently Yan Shigu, Palace Library Director, broadly examined classics and records, annotated the Book of Han — already corrected its error; now follow and revise and cut thus.