1
劉穆之
Liu Muzhi
2
刘穆之，字道和，小字道人，东莞莒人也，世居京口。 初为琅邪府主簿，尝梦与宋武帝泛海遇大风，惊俯视船下，见二白龙挟船。 既而至一山，山峰耸秀，意甚悦。
Liu Muzhi, styled Daohé and known in youth as Daoren, came from Ju in Dongguan; his family had settled at Jingkou for generations. He began as chief clerk in the Langya commandery office. Once he dreamed that he and Emperor Wu of Song were sailing when a gale struck; alarmed, he looked over the side and saw two white dragons bracing the vessel. Soon they came to a mountain whose peaks stood tall and graceful, and he felt deep delight.
3
及武帝克京城，從何無忌求府主簿，無忌進穆之。 帝曰：「吾亦識之。」 即馳召焉。 時穆之聞京城有叫聲，晨出陌頭，屬與信會，直視不言者久之，反室壞布裳為褲往見帝，帝謂曰：「我始舉大義，須一軍吏甚急，誰堪其選？」 穆之曰：「無見踰者。」 帝笑曰：「卿能自屈，吾事濟矣。」 即於坐受署。 從平建鄴，諸大處分，皆倉卒立定，並穆之所建，遂動見諮詢。 穆之亦竭節盡誠，無所遺隱。
After the Emperor captured the capital, Muzhi asked He Wuji to appoint him chief clerk, and Wuji put his name forward. The Emperor said, "I know him as well." He immediately dispatched a rider to fetch him. Muzhi had heard clamor in the capital that morning. He went out to the road, met the messenger by chance, fixed his eyes on him and said nothing for a long while, then went home, ripped his cloth robe into trousers, and presented himself before the Emperor. The Emperor said, "I have just launched this great enterprise and urgently need a military clerk. Who can fill the role?" Muzhi replied, "No one surpasses me." The Emperor smiled. "If you can stoop to this, my cause is won." Muzhi was appointed then and there. During the pacification of Jianye, every major decision was made on the fly and fixed at once, all at Muzhi's hand; from then on the Emperor consulted him constantly. Muzhi gave his full loyalty and concealed nothing.
4
時晉綱寬弛，威禁不行，盛族豪家，負勢陵縱； 重以司馬元顯政令違舛，桓玄科條繁密。 穆之斟酌時宜，隨方矯正，不盈旬日，風俗頓改。
Jin's authority had grown lax and its laws went unenforced; great families and powerful houses used their influence to bully and defy order; Sima Yuanxian's government was erratic and corrupt, and Huan Xuan had piled statute upon statute. Muzhi adjusted policy to the moment and corrected abuses wherever they arose; in less than ten days the whole tone of public life shifted.
5
遷尚書祠部郎，復為府主簿、記室、錄事參軍，領堂邑太守。 以平桓玄功，封西華縣五等子。 及揚州刺史王謐薨，帝次應入輔。 劉毅等不欲帝入，議以中領軍謝混為揚州，或欲令帝於丹徒領州，以內事付僕射孟昶。 遣尚書右丞皮沈以二議諮帝。 沈先與穆之言，穆之偽如廁，即密疏白帝，言沈語不可從。 帝既見沈，且令出外，呼穆之問焉。 穆之曰：「公今日豈得居謙，遂為守蕃將邪？ 劉、孟諸公俱起布衣，共立大義，事乃一時相推，非宿定臣主分也。 力敵勢均，終相吞咀。 揚州根本所系，不可假人。 前授王謐，事出權道，今若復他授，便應受制於人。 一失權柄，無由可得。 公功高勳重，不可直置疑畏，便可入朝共盡同異。 公至京邑，彼必不敢越公更授餘人。」 帝從其言，由是入輔。
He rose to Director of the Ministry of Rites in the Secretariat, resumed duties as chief clerk, recorder, and recording secretary, and concurrently governed Tangyi. For his part in suppressing Huan Xuan he received a fifth-rank barony at Xihua. When Wang Mi, governor of Yangzhou, died, the Emperor was next in line to enter the capital as regent. Liu Yi and his faction did not want the Emperor in the capital. Some proposed making Xie Hun, Central Army Commander, governor of Yangzhou; others wanted the Emperor to govern from Dantu while Meng Chang, Vice Director, handled court affairs. They sent Pi Shen, Right Director of the Secretariat, to lay both plans before the Emperor. Shen spoke first with Muzhi, who pretended to need the privy and at once sent a secret note warning the Emperor not to accept Shen's advice. Once Shen had been dismissed, the Emperor called Muzhi in and asked his view. Muzhi said, "My lord, how can you afford modesty now and settle for life as a frontier commander? Liu, Meng, and the others all came up from common ranks and joined you in raising the cause; they were promoted in the heat of the moment, not by some old covenant of lord and subject. When power is evenly matched, one side eventually consumes the other. Yangzhou is the root of the realm; you cannot hand it to anyone else. Wang Mi's appointment had been a temporary expedient; if you yield the post again, you will be ruled from outside. Lose the levers of power and you will never get them back. Your achievements are too great to invite doubt without answer; go to court and settle every dispute face to face. Once you are in the capital, none of them will dare pass you over for another appointment." The Emperor took his advice and entered the capital as regent.
6
從廣固還拒盧循，常居幕中畫策。 劉毅等疾之，每從容言其權重，帝愈信仗之。 穆之外所聞見，大小必白，雖閭里言謔，皆一二以聞。 帝每得人間委密消息以示聰明，皆由穆之。 又愛賓遊，坐客恒滿，布林目以為視聽，故朝野同異，穆之莫不必知。 雖親昵短長，皆陳奏無隱。 人或譏之，穆之曰：「我蒙公恩，義無隱諱，此張遼所以告關羽欲叛也。」
On the return from Guanggu to oppose Lu Xun, he spent most of his time in headquarters drawing up plans. Liu Yi and his circle resented him and kept remarking, in passing, on how much power he wielded; the Emperor only trusted him more. Everything Muzhi heard outside, no matter how trivial, he reported — even village gossip reached the Emperor item by item. Whenever the Emperor seemed uncannily well informed about private affairs, Muzhi was the source. He loved to host guests and kept his hall full, planting listeners among them; court and countryside alike, he missed nothing. He reported even the failings of his intimates without hiding them. Some ridiculed him. Muzhi said, "I owe the Duke my place and cannot keep secrets by duty — as Zhang Liao once warned Guan Yu of treachery."
7
帝舉止施為，穆之皆下節度，帝書素拙，穆之曰：「此雖小事，然宣佈四遠，願公小復留意。」 帝既不能留意，又稟分有在，穆之乃曰：「公但縱筆為大字，一字徑尺無嫌。 大既足有所包，其勢亦美。」 帝從之，一紙不過六七字便滿。
The Emperor let Muzhi guide his conduct; his own handwriting was poor. Muzhi said, "It is a small thing, but edicts reach the four quarters — please give it some care." The Emperor could not be bothered, and his nature was fixed; Muzhi then said, "Write only large characters — a foot across each, if you like. Size carries weight, and the look has dignity." The Emperor agreed; a single page rarely held more than six or seven characters.
8
穆之凡所薦達，不納不止。 常云：「我雖不及荀令君之舉善，然不舉不善。」 穆之與朱齡石並便尺牘，嘗于武帝坐與齡石並答書，自旦至日中，穆之得百函，齡石得八十函，而穆之應對無廢。
When Muzhi recommended someone, he pressed until the appointment was made. He often said, "I cannot match Director Xun in elevating talent, but I never elevate the unworthy. Muzhi and Zhu Lingshi both wrote at great speed. Once, seated with the Emperor, they answered mail from dawn to noon: Muzhi cleared a hundred stacks, Lingshi eighty, and Muzhi never fell behind.
9
遷中軍、太尉司馬，加丹陽尹。 帝西討劉毅，以諸葛長人監留府，疑其難獨任，留穆之輔之。 加建威將軍，置佐吏，配給實力。 長人果有異謀，而猶豫不能發，屏人謂穆之曰：「悠悠之言，雲太尉與我不平，何以至此？」 穆之曰：「公泝流遠伐，以老母弱子委節下，若一豪不盡，豈容若此。」 長人意乃小安，穆之亦厚為之備。 長人謂所親曰：「貧賤常思富貴，富貴必踐危機。 今日思為丹徒布衣，不可得也。」 帝還，長人伏誅。 進前將軍。
He rose to Marshal of the Central Army under the Grand Marshal and was also appointed governor of Danyang. When the Emperor marched west against Liu Yi, he left Zhuge Changren in charge of the capital but doubted he could manage alone, and kept Muzhi to help him. He was made General Who Establishes Might, with a full staff and troops under his command. Changren did plot treachery but could not bring himself to act. Dismissing attendants, he told Muzhi, "Rumor says the Grand Marshal and I are estranged — how did matters reach this point?" Muzhi said, "You marched far upstream and left your mother and children in his care — if one man had wavered, things would not look like this." Changren relaxed a little, while Muzhi quietly made every precaution. Changren told his intimates, "The poor dream of riches; the rich walk on the edge of ruin. Today I would gladly be a plain townsman of Dantu — and I cannot." When the Emperor returned, Changren was put to death. He was promoted to General of the Vanguard.
10
帝西伐司馬休之，中軍將軍道憐知留任，而事無大小，一決穆之。 遷尚書右僕射，領選，將軍、尹如故。 帝北伐，留世子為中軍將軍、監太尉留府。 轉穆之左僕射、領監軍中軍二府
On the western campaign against Sima Xiuzhi, Dao Lian commanded the capital in name, but Muzhi decided everything. He became Right Vice Director of the Secretariat with charge of appointments, retaining his general's rank and the Danyang governorship. During the northern campaign the Emperor left the heir as Central Army Commander to oversee the capital headquarters. Muzhi was made Left Vice Director and placed over both the supervisory army and central army offices
11
軍司，將軍、尹、領選如故，甲仗五十人入殿，入居東穆之內總朝政，外供軍旅，決斷如流，事無壅滯。 賓客輻湊，求訴百端，內外諮稟，盈階滿室。 目覽詞訟，手答箋書，耳行聽受，口並酬應，不相參涉，皆悉贍舉。 又言談賞笑，彌日亙時，未嘗倦苦。 裁有閒暇，手自寫書，尋覽篇章，校定墳籍。 性奢豪，食必方丈，旦輒為十人饌，未嘗獨餐。 每至食時，客止十人以還，帳下依常下食，以此為常。 嘗白帝曰：「穆之家本貧賤，贍生多闕，叨忝以來，雖每存約損，而朝夕所須，微為過豐，此外無一豪負公。」
as army supervisor, keeping his generalship, governorship, and appointment powers; fifty armed guards accompanied him into court. From the eastern offices he ran the government; outward he fed the armies — business moved without backlog. Clients thronged his doors; petitions arrived from every quarter; callers inside and out filled stair and hall. He read lawsuits with his eyes, answered letters with his hand, listened with his ears, and spoke replies with his mouth — all at once, and all done. He talked and laughed from dawn to midnight and never showed fatigue. In spare moments he copied books, browsed texts, and collated the canon. He lived lavishly: every meal filled a square table, and each morning he ordered food for ten — he never ate alone. If fewer than ten guests came, his household still laid the full spread — that was his rule. He once told the Emperor, "My family was poor; we often went without. Since your grace elevated me I have tried to be frugal, yet my daily needs are still rather rich — but beyond that I owe you nothing."
12
義熙十三年卒。 帝在長安，本欲頓駕關中，經略趙、魏，聞問驚慟，哀惋者數日。 以根本虛，乃馳還彭城。 以司馬徐羨之代管留台，而朝廷大事常決于穆之者，並悉北諮。 穆之前軍府文武二萬人，以三千配羨之建威府，餘悉配世子中軍府。 追贈穆之開府儀同三司。 帝又表天子曰：「臣聞崇賢旌善，王教所先，念功簡勞，義深追遠。 故司勳執策，在勤必記，德之休明，沒而彌著。 故尚書左僕射、前將軍臣穆之，爰自布衣，協佐義始，內竭謀猷，外勤庶政，密勿軍國，心力俱盡。 及登庸朝右，尹司京畿，敷贊百揆，翼新大猷。 頃戎車遠役，居中作捍，撫寧之勳，實洽朝野，識量局致，棟幹之器也。 方宣贊盛化，緝隆聖世，忠績未究，遠邇悼心。 皇恩褒述，班同三事，榮哀既備，寵靈已泰。 臣伏思尋，自義熙草創，艱患未弭，外虞既殷，內難亦薦，時屯世故，靡有寧歲。 臣以寡乏，負荷國重，實賴穆之匡翼之益。 豈唯讜言嘉謀，溢於人聽，若乃忠規密謨，潛慮帷幕，造膝詭辭，莫見其際。 事隔於皇朝，功隱於視聽者，不可勝紀。 所以陳力一紀，遂克有成，出征入輔，幸不辱命。 微夫人之左右，未有寧濟其事者矣。 履謙居寡，守之彌固，每議及封爵，輒深自抑絕。 所以勳高當年，而茅土弗及，撫事永念，胡寧可昧。 謂宜加贈正司，追甄土宇。 俾忠貞之烈，不泯於身後，大賚所及，永旌于善人。 臣契闊屯夷，旋觀終始，金蘭之分，義深情感，是以獻其乃懷，布之朝聽。」 於是重贈侍中、司徒，封南昌縣侯。
He died in the thirteenth year of Yixi (417). The Emperor was at Chang'an, intending to hold Guanzhong and strike toward Zhao and Wei; when word came he was stricken with grief for days. With the capital left bare he raced back to Pengcheng. He placed Xu Xianzhi over the capital, and every major decision that had rested with Muzhi was sent north for approval. Muzhi's former staff of twenty thousand was split: three thousand to Xianzhi's Establishing Might command, the rest to the heir's central army. Muzhi was posthumously given an office equal to the Three Excellencies and a full staff. The Emperor also memorialized the throne: "I have heard that exalting worthies and honoring goodness is the first duty of kings, and remembering service is the deepest form of reverence for the dead. The Director of Merit inscribes every deed; merit shines brighter once the man is gone. Left Vice Director and former General of the Vanguard Muzhi rose from common cloth, joined me at the founding of our cause, gave counsel within and labor without, and gave heart and mind to army and state alike. When he took high office and governed the capital, he steadied the hundred ministries and bore up the great design. On the recent distant campaign he held the center as shield; his work in pacifying the realm reached every quarter — a man of judgment, scope, and pillar strength. He was just beginning to help spread the new order when his loyal service ended unfinished, and all mourn him. The throne has already honored him with rank equal to the Three Dignities; glory in life and mourning in death are complete. I reflect: from our founding in Yixi troubles never ceased — threats abroad, crises within, year after year without rest. I am weak and ill-equipped for the weight of empire, and I leaned on Muzhi's support. It was not only that his counsel overflowed public hearing; secret remonstrance within the curtain, subtle words at the knee — none saw how deep it ran. What he did unseen by court or public cannot be numbered. For a full cycle he gave his strength and made success possible; on campaign and at court he never failed the trust placed in him. Without a man like him at one's side, nothing would have been settled. He lived humbly and wanted little, guarding that stance all the more; whenever fiefs were discussed he refused them outright. Thus though his merit was greatest in his time he received no fief; remembering this, how could I hide it? I ask that he receive posthumous rank as a regular director and a retrospective grant of domain. Let loyal steadfastness outlive the man, and let reward forever mark the good. Bound to him through long trial, I have seen his course from start to finish; our bond ran deep — therefore I lay my heart before the court." He was then posthumously made Palace Attendant and Minister of Education and enfeoffed as Marquis of Nanchang.
13
及帝受禪，每歎憶之，曰：「穆之不死，當助我理天下。 可謂'人之雲亡，邦國殄瘁。 '」光祿大夫范泰對曰：「聖主在上，英彥滿朝，穆之雖功著艱難，未容便關興毀。」 帝笑曰：「卿不聞驥騄乎，貴日致千里耳。」 帝后復曰：「穆之死，人輕易我。」 其見思如此。 以佐命元勳，追封南康郡公，諡曰文宣。
After taking the throne the Emperor often sighed for him: "If Muzhi still lived, he would help me rule the realm. Truly, 'When such a man dies, the state grows feeble. Grand Master of Splendor Fan Tai replied, "A sage sits the throne and talent fills the hall; Muzhi's merit in hard times was great, but the realm's fate cannot hang on one man alone." The Emperor smiled. "Have you never heard of a swift horse? Its worth is a thousand li in a day." Later he said again, "Since Muzhi died, men take me lightly." That was how deeply he was missed. As a founding minister he was posthumously made Duke of Nankang with the posthumous title Wenxuan.
14
穆之少時，家貧誕節，嗜酒食，不修拘檢。 好往妻兄家乞食，多見辱，不以為恥。 其妻江嗣女，甚明識，每禁不令往江氏。 後有慶會，屬令勿來。 穆之猶往，食畢求檳榔。 江氏兄弟戲之曰：「檳榔消食，君乃常饑，何忽須此？」 妻復截發市肴饌，為其兄弟以餉穆之，自此不對穆之梳沐。 及穆之為丹陽尹，將召妻兄弟，妻泣而稽顙以致謝。 穆之曰：「本不匿怨，無所致憂。」 及至醉飽，穆之乃令廚人以金柈貯檳榔一斛以進之。 元嘉二十五年，車駕幸江甯，經穆之墓，詔致祭墓所。
In youth Muzhi's family was poor and he lived freely; he loved wine and food and cared little for decorum. He often went to his wife's brothers to beg a meal and was frequently humiliated, yet felt no shame. His wife, a daughter of the Jiang clan, was sharp-minded and forbade him from visiting her brothers. Once, when her family held a feast, she told him to stay away. Muzhi came anyway, and after the meal asked for betel. The Jiang brothers mocked him: "Betel helps digestion — you're always starving; why want this now?" His wife cut off her hair, sold it for food, and had her brothers serve Muzhi; afterward she refused to dress or groom in his presence. When Muzhi became governor of Danyang and meant to summon her brothers, his wife wept and kowtowed in apology. Muzhi said, "I bear no hidden grudge — do not fear." When they came and feasted until drunk, he had the kitchen serve a gold tray with a full measure of betel. In Yuanjia 25 the Emperor visited Jiangning, passed Muzhi's tomb, and ordered offerings at the grave.
15
長子慮之嗣，卒。 子邕嗣。 先是郡縣為封國者，內史、相並于國主稱臣，去任便止。 孝建中始革此制為下官致敬。 河東王歆之嘗為南康相，素輕邕。 後歆之與邕俱豫元會並坐，邕嗜酒，謂歆之曰：「卿昔見臣，今能見勸一杯酒不？」 歆之因斅孫皓歌答曰：「昔為汝作臣，今與汝比肩，既不勸汝酒，亦不願汝年。」 邕性嗜食瘡痂，以為味似鰒魚。 嘗詣孟靈休，靈休先患灸瘡，痂落在床，邕取食之。 靈休大驚，痂未落者，悉褫取飴邕。 邕去，靈休與何勖書曰：「劉邕向顧見噉，遂舉體流血。」 南康國吏二百許人，不問有罪無罪，遞與鞭，瘡痂常以給膳。
His eldest son Lüzhi inherited the title and died. His son Yong succeeded. Formerly, when a commandery became a fief, its internal administrator and chancellor called themselves subjects to the lord and stopped on leaving office. In the Xiaojian era this was changed so subordinates only paid formal respect. Prince of Hedong Xinzhi had once served as Nankang's chancellor and always despised Yong. Later both attended the New Year court; Yong, drunk, said to Xinzhi, "You once treated me as your lord — will you now pour me a cup?" Xinzhi answered in Sun Hao's verse: "Once I served you; now we stand as equals — I will neither urge your wine nor wish you long life." Yong had a taste for scab crusts, which he said tasted like abalone. Visiting Meng Lingxiu, he found scabs from moxibustion sores on the bed and ate them. Lingxiu was horrified and tore off scabs still on his skin to feed Yong. After Yong left, Lingxiu wrote He Qiu: "Liu Yong turned and devoured me until I bled all over." Some two hundred Nankang officials, guilty or innocent, were whipped in rotation to supply his scab meals.
16
邕卒，子肜嗣，坐刀斫妻奪爵，以弟彪紹。 齊建元初，降封南康縣侯、虎賁中郎將。 坐廟墓不修，削爵為羽林監。 又坐與亡弟母楊別居，楊死不殯葬，崇聖寺尼慧首剃頭為尼，以五百錢為買棺，以泥洹輿送葬，為有司奏，事寢不出。
Yong's son Tong succeeded, lost the title for attacking his wife with a sword, and the younger brother Biao inherited. At Qi Jianyuan's start he was reduced to Marquis of Nankang and made Tiger Guard Central Commander. For neglecting ancestral temples and tombs he lost his rank and became a forest guard. He was also reported for living apart from his dead brother's mother Yang, leaving her unburied, and having a nun buy a cheap coffin and cart her corpse away; the case was shelved.
17
中子式之
The middle son, Shizhi
18
穆之中子式之字延叔，為宣城、淮南二郡太守，犯贓貨，揚州刺史王弘遣從事檢校之。 式之召從事謂曰：「還白使君，劉式之于國粗有微分，偷數百萬錢何有，況不偷邪。」 從事還白弘，由此得停。 從征關洛有功，封德陽縣五等侯。 卒，諡曰恭。
Muzhi's middle son Shizhi, styled Yanshu, governed Xuancheng and Huainan; when Wang Hong, governor of Yangzhou, sent men to investigate embezzlement Shizhi summoned the investigator and said, "Tell the governor: Liu Shizhi has some small standing in the realm — what is a few million cash, and what is not stealing?" The investigator reported back and the inquiry ended. For merit on the Guan-Luo campaign he received a fifth-rank marquisate at Deyang. He died with posthumous title Gong.
19
子瑀
His son Yu
20
子瑀字茂琳，始興王浚為南徐州，以瑀為別駕。 瑀性陵物護前，時浚征北府行參軍吳郡顧邁輕薄有才能，浚待之厚。 瑀乃折節事邁，邁以瑀與之款盡，浚所言密事，悉以語瑀。 瑀與邁共進射堂下，忽顧左右索單衣幘，邁問其故，瑀曰：「公以家人待卿，言無不盡，卿外宣洩。 我是公吏，何得不啟白之。」 浚大怒，啟文帝徙邁廣州。
Yu, styled Maolin, served as chief aide when Prince Jun of Shixing held southern Xuzhou. Yu was arrogant and protective of his own standing; Gu Mai of Wu, a northern staff officer, was clever but reckless, and Jun favored him. Yu humbled himself before Mai, who confided in him every secret Jun shared. Entering the archery hall, Yu suddenly asked for a cap and robe. Mai asked why. Yu said, "The prince treats you as kin and tells you everything — yet you broadcast it outside. I am his officer — how could I not report you?" Jun was furious and had Emperor Wen exile Mai to Guangzhou.
21
瑀性使氣尚人，後為御史中丞，甚得志。 彈蕭惠開云：「非才非望，非勳非德。」 彈王僧達云：「蔭藉高華，人品冗末。」 朝士莫不畏其筆端。
Yu was overbearing and loved deference; as Censor-in-Chief he had his wish. He impeached Xiao Huikai: "No talent, no standing, no merit, no virtue." He impeached Wang Sengda: "Pedigree high, character low." Courtiers feared his pen.
22
轉右衛將軍。 年位本在何偃前，孝武初，偃為吏部尚書，瑀圖侍中不得。 與偃同從郊祀，時偃乘車在前，瑀策駟居後，相去數十步，瑀蹋馬及之，謂偃曰：「君轡何疾？」 偃曰：「牛駿馭精，所以疾耳。」 偃曰：「君馬何遲？」 曰：「騏驥羅於羈絆，所以居後」。 偃曰：「何不著鞭使致千里？」 答曰：「一蹙自造青雲，何至與駑馬爭路。」 然甚不得意，謂所親曰：「人仕宦，不出當入，不入當出，安能長居戶限上？」 因求益州。 及行，甚不得意，至江陵，與顏竣書曰：「朱修之三世叛兵，一日居荊州，青油幕下，作謝宣明面目見向，使齋帥以長刀引吾下席，于吾何有，政恐匈奴輕漢耳。」 坐奪人妻為妾免官。
He became Right Guard General. He had outranked He Yan, but when Yan became Minister of Personnel under Emperor Xiaowu, Yu failed to win Palace Attendant. At a suburban sacrifice Yan rode ahead and Yu drove four horses behind; Yu spurred up and asked, "Why such a fast rein?" Yan said, "A swift ox and a skilled driver — that is why." Yan asked, "Why is your horse slow?" Yu answered, "A thoroughbred is hobbled — that is why I lag. " Yan said, "Why not lash it to run a thousand li?" Yu answered, "One kick lifts me to the clouds — why race a nag?" Still he was bitter and told friends, "One should rise or fall in office — who can sit forever on the doorstep?" He asked for Yizhou. Leaving for office he was furious; at Jiangling he wrote Yan Jun: "Zhu Xiuzhi rebelled for three generations yet held Jingzhou in a day; under the green canopy he wore Xie Xuanyan's face toward me — if a steward had pulled me down with a long knife, what of it? I only fear the barbarians will despise Han." He was dismissed for taking another man's wife as concubine.
23
後為吳興太守，侍中何偃嘗案之云：「參伍時望。」 瑀大怒曰：「我于時望何參伍之有。」 遂與偃絕。 族叔秀之為丹陽，瑀又與親故書曰：「吾家黑面阿秀遂居劉安眾處，朝廷不為多士。」 其年疽發背，何偃亦發背癕。 瑀疾已篤，聞偃亡，歡躍叫呼，於是亦卒。 諡曰剛。
Later, as administrator of Wuxing, He Yan reviewed him as "among middling reputations of the day. Yu raged: "What middling reputation am I?" He broke with Yan. When clansman Xiuzhi became governor of Danyang, Yu wrote friends: "Our dark-faced Axiu now sits where Liu An's crowd sat — the court lacks men. That year a carbuncle broke out on his back; He Yan developed one too. Yu was dying; hearing Yan was dead he leaped and shouted with joy, then died himself. Posthumous title Gang.
24
孫祥
Grandson Xiang
25
祥字顯征，式之孫也。 父敳，太宰從事中郎。 祥少好文學，性韻剛疏，輕言肆行，不避高下。 齊建元中，為正員郎。 司徒褚彥回入朝，以腰扇鄣日，祥從側過，曰：「作如此舉止，羞面見人，扇障何益。」 彥回曰：「寒士不遜。」 祥曰：「不能殺袁、劉，安得免寒士。」
Xiang, styled Xianzheng, was Shizhi's grandson. His father Jiao was an attendant in the Grand Preceptor's office. Xiang loved literature in youth; he was bold, blunt, and reckless toward all ranks. Under Qi Jianyuan he was a Regular Gentleman. When Minister of Education Chu Yanhui entered court fanning himself, Xiang passed and said, "Behavior like that shames you before others — what good is the fan?" Yanhui said, "A poor scholar lacks manners." Xiang said, "If you could not kill Yuan and Liu, how are you not a cold scholar?"
26
永明初，撰宋書，譏斥禪代，尚書令王儉密以啟聞，上銜而不問。 為臨川王驃騎從事中郎。 祥兄整為廣州，卒官，祥就整妻求還資，事聞朝廷。 又於朝士多所貶忽。 王奐為尚書僕射，祥與奐子融同載，行至中堂，見路人驅驢，祥曰：「驢，汝好為之，如汝人才，皆已令僕。」 著連珠十五首，以寄其懷。 其譏議者云：「希世之寶，違時必賤，偉俗之器，無聖則淪。 是以明玉黜于楚岫，章甫窮於越人。」 有以祥連珠啟上，上令御史中丞任遐奏其過惡，付廷尉。 上別遣敕祥曰：「我當原卿性命，令卿萬里思愆。 卿若能改革，當令卿得還。」 乃徙廣州。 不得意，終日縱酒，少時卒。
At Yongming's start he wrote a History of Song that mocked the abdication; Wang Jian reported it secretly; the Emperor resented it but took no action. He served on the staff of the Prince of Linchuan, Marshal Who Quells the Barbarians. When his brother Zheng died in office at Guangzhou, Xiang demanded his widow return the estate — the court heard of it. He also belittled many courtiers. Riding with Vice Director Wang Huan's son Rong, Xiang saw a man driving a donkey and said, "Donkey, work hard — men like you are all servants now." He wrote fifteen linked-pearl poems to vent his feelings. In satire he wrote: "Treasures of the age grow cheap when times turn; great instruments sink without a sage. Bright jade is cast out from Chu's hills; the court cap finds no buyer in Yue." Someone sent the poems to the throne; the Emperor had Censor-in-Chief Ren Xia charge him and handed him to the Court of Justice. The Emperor wrote separately: "I will spare your life and send you ten thousand li to repent. Reform yourself and you may come back." He was exiled to Guangzhou. Bitter and drunk every day, he died soon after.
27
從父兄子秀之
Cousin Xiuzhi
28
秀之字道寶，穆之從父兄子也。 祖爽，山陰令。 父仲道，余姚令。 秀之少孤貧，十歲時與諸兒戲前渚，忽有大蛇來，勢甚猛，莫不顛沛驚呼，秀之獨不動，眾並異之。 東海何承天雅相知器，以女妻之。 兄欽之為朱齡石右軍參軍，隨齡石敗沒，秀之哀戚不歡宴者十年。
Xiuzhi, styled Daobao, was Muzhi's cousin. His grandfather Shuang was magistrate of Shanyin. His father Zhongdao was magistrate of Yuyao. Orphaned and poor, at ten he played by the shore when a huge snake appeared; the other boys fled screaming, but Xiuzhi did not stir — all were astonished. He Chengtian of Donghai recognized his talent and gave him his daughter. His elder brother Qinzhi followed Zhu Lingshi to defeat and death; Xiuzhi mourned ten years without feasting.
29
宋景平二年，除駙馬都尉。 元嘉中，再為建康令，政績有聲。 孝武鎮襄陽，以為撫軍錄事參軍、襄陽令。 襄陽有六門堰，良田數千頃，堰久決壞，公私廢業。 孝武遣秀之修復，雍部由是大豐。
In Jingping 2 he became Commandant of Horse-Cap. Under Yuanjia he twice governed Jiankang with a strong record. When Xiaowu held Xiangyang he made Xiuzhi recording secretary and magistrate there. Xiangyang's Six-Gate Weir irrigated thousands of qing of good land, but long broken, it had ruined public and private farming. Xiaowu sent Xiuzhi to repair it, and the Yong region flourished.
30
後除西戎校尉、梁南秦二州刺史，加都督。 漢川饑饉，秀之躬自儉約。 先是漢川悉以絹為貨，秀之限令用錢，百姓利之。 二十七年，大舉北侵，遣輔國將軍楊文德、巴西梓潼二郡太守劉弘宗受秀之節度，震盪汧隴。
He later became Colonel of the Western Barbarians and governor of Liang and Southern Qin with overall command. When the Han River region starved, Xiuzhi lived frugally himself. The region had traded in silk; he ordered coin instead, to the people's benefit. In year 27 a great northern campaign was launched; Yang Wende and Liu Hongzong were placed under Xiuzhi to strike Qian and Long.
31
元凶弑逆，秀之即日起兵，求赴襄陽，司空南譙王義宣不許。 事甯，遷益州刺史，折留奉祿二百八十萬付梁州鎮庫，此外蕭然。 梁、益豐富，前後刺史莫不大營聚畜，多者致萬金。 所攜賓僚並都下貧子，出為郡縣，皆以苟得自資。 秀之為政整肅，遠近悅焉。
When the crown prince murdered the emperor, Xiuzhi raised troops and asked to march to Xiangyang; Prince Yixuan of Nanqiao refused. After order returned he became governor of Yizhou, depositing 2.8 million in salary in the Liang treasury and keeping nothing else. Liang and Yizhou were rich; past governors hoarded wealth, some amassing gold by the ten thousand. His staff were poor youths from the capital who, sent to counties, lived by graft. Xiuzhi ruled with strict order and won approval near and far.
32
南譙王義宣據荊州為逆，遣徵兵於秀之，秀之斬其使。 以起義功，封康樂縣侯，徙丹陽尹。 先是秀之從叔穆之為丹陽，與子弟聽事上宴，聽事柱有一穿，穆之謂子弟及秀之，汝等試以栗遙擲柱，入穿者後必得此郡。 唯秀之獨入焉，其言遂驗。 時賒買百姓物不還錢，秀之以為非宜，陳之甚切。 雖納其言，竟不用。
When Prince Yixuan of Nanqiao rebelled in Jingzhou and summoned Xiuzhi's troops, Xiuzhi beheaded the messenger. For joining the loyal cause he was made Marquis of Kangle and governor of Danyang. Once Muzhi, as Danyang governor, feasted kin in the hall where a pillar had a hole; he told them to throw chestnuts at it — whoever hit the hole would hold the post. Only Xiuzhi succeeded. The prophecy came true. People bought on credit and were not paid; Xiuzhi protested sharply. The court accepted his view but never applied it.
33
遷尚書右僕射。 時定制令，疑人殺長吏科，議者謂會赦宜以徙論。 秀之以為「律文雖不顯人殺官長之旨，若遇赦但止徙論，便與悠悠殺人曾無一異。 人敬官長比之父母，行害之身雖遇赦，謂宜長付尚方，窮其天命，家口補兵」。 從之。
He became Right Vice Director of the Secretariat. While statutes were revised, debaters held that killing a superior should be commuted to exile on amnesty. Xiuzhi argued: "Though the code does not spell out killing an official superior, to stop at exile on amnesty makes it no different from common murder. Men honor officials as parents; even if the killer is spared, he should die in the Directorate, and his household be drafted as soldiers." The court agreed.
34
後為甯蠻校尉、雍州刺史，加都督。 將徵為左僕射，會卒。 贈司空，諡忠成公。
He later became Colonel Who Pacifies the Man and governor of Yong with overall command. He was about to be recalled as Left Vice Director when he died. Posthumously made Minister of Works with title Duke Zhongcheng.
35
秀之野率無風采，而心力堅正。 上以其蒞官清潔，家無餘財，賜錢二十萬，布三百疋。 傳封至孫，齊受禪，國除。
Xiuzhi was plain and graceless, but resolute and upright. The Emperor, finding his office clean and his house empty, gave him 200,000 cash and 300 bolts of cloth. The fief passed to his grandson; when Qi took the throne it was abolished.
36
徐羨之
Xu Xianzhi
37
徐羨之字宗文，東海郯人也。 祖甯，尚書吏部郎。 父祚之，上虞令。 羨之為桓修撫軍中兵參軍，與宋武帝同府，深相親結。 武帝北伐，稍遷太尉左司馬，掌留任，副貳劉穆之。
Xu Xianzhi, styled Zongwen, came from Tan in Donghai. His grandfather Ning was Director of the Ministry of Personnel. His father Zuozhi was magistrate of Shangyu. Xianzhi served on Huan Xiu's staff in the same office as Emperor Wu and became his close ally. On the northern campaign he rose to Left Marshal, holding the capital as Liu Muzhi's deputy.
38
帝議北伐，朝士多諫，唯羨之默然。 或問何獨不言，羨之曰：「今二方已平，拓地萬里，唯有小羌未定。 公寢食不安，何可輕豫其議。」
When the Emperor debated the northern campaign, courtiers remonstrated; Xianzhi alone was silent. Asked why, Xianzhi said, "Two regions are pacified and the realm stretches ten thousand li — only the Qiang frontier remains. The Duke cannot rest — how can I lightly join the debate?"
39
穆之卒，帝欲用王弘代之。 謝晦曰：「休元輕易，不若徐羨之。」 乃以羨之為丹陽尹，總知留任，甲仗二十人出入，加尚書僕射。
When Muzhi died the Emperor wanted Wang Hong to replace him. Xie Hui said, "Xiuyuan is too easygoing — Xu Xianzhi is better." Xianzhi became governor of Danyang with full charge of the capital, twenty guards, and the vice directorship.
40
義熙十四年，軍人朱興妻周生子道扶，年三歲，先得癇病。 周因其病，發掘地生埋之，為道扶姑雙女所告，周棄市。 羨之議曰：「自然之愛，豺狼猶仁，周之凶忍，宜加顯戮。 臣以為法律之外，尚弘通理，母之即刑，由子明法。 為子之道，焉有自容之地。 愚謂可特申之遐裔。」 從之。
In Yixi 14 soldier Zhu Xing's wife Zhou bore Daofu, age three, who had epilepsy. Zhou buried him alive in the earth; his aunts reported her and she was executed. Xianzhi argued: "Even beasts love their young; Zhou's cruelty deserved public death. Beyond statute, principle still matters — the mother was punished because the son upheld law. As a son, where is room for comfort? I ask that she be specially exiled to the far border." The court agreed.
41
帝后失德，羨之等將謀廢立，而廬陵王義真多過，不任四海。 乃先廢義真，然後廢帝。 時謝晦為領軍，以府舍內屋敗應修理，悉移家人出宅，聚將士於府內。 檀道濟以先朝舊將，威服殿省，且有兵眾，召入朝告之謀。 既廢帝，侍中程道惠勸立皇子義恭，羨之不許。 及文帝即位，改封南平郡公，固讓加封。 有司奏車駕依舊臨華林園聽訟，詔如先二公權訊。
When the empress lost virtue, Xianzhi and others plotted deposition; Prince Yizhen of Luling was unfit to rule. They deposed Yizhen first, then the emperor. Xie Hui, Commandant of the Guard, emptied his residence and packed the office with troops, citing repairs. Tan Daoji, an old general feared in the palace, was summoned and told the plan. After the deposition, Cheng Daohui urged Prince Yigong; Xianzhi refused. When Emperor Wen ascended, Xianzhi became Duke of Nanping and declined further honors. Officials asked that the Emperor hear cases at Hualin as before; the edict followed the old provisional practice.
42
元嘉二年，羨之與傅亮歸政，三奏乃見許。 羨之仍遜位，退還私第。 兄子佩之及程道惠、吳興太守王韶之等，並謂非宜，敦勸甚苦。 復奉詔攝任。
In Yuanjia 2 Xianzhi and Fu Liang returned power after three memorials. Xianzhi resigned and withdrew home. Nephew Peizhi, Cheng Daohui, Wang Shaozhi of Wuxing, and others urged him to return. He accepted edict to resume office.
43
三年正月，帝以羨之、亮、晦旬月間再肆酖毒，下詔暴其罪，誅之。 爾日，詔召羨之至西明門外，時謝晦弟皭為黃門郎正直，報亮云：「殿中有異處分。」 亮馳報羨之，羨之乘內人問訊車出郭，步走至新林，入陶灶中自縊而死，年六十三。 羨之初不應召，上遣領軍到彥之、右衛將軍王華追討。 及死，野人以告，載屍付廷尉。
In Yuanjia 3, first month, the Emperor exposed their crimes for twice poisoning emperors within a month and had them killed. That day Xianzhi was summoned to the Western Bright Gate; Hui's brother Jiao, on duty at the Yellow Gate, warned Liang, "Something is wrong in the palace." Liang warned Xianzhi, who rode an inner carriage out of the city, walked to Xinlin, hid in a kiln, and hanged himself at sixty-three. When Xianzhi ignored the summons, the Emperor sent Dao Yan and Wang Hua after him. A commoner found the body and it was sent to the Court of Justice.
44
初，羨之年少時，嘗有一人來謂曰：「我是汝祖。」 羨之拜。 此人曰：「汝有貴相而有大厄，宜以錢二十八文埋宅四角，可以免災。 過此可位極人臣。」 後羨之隨親之縣，住在縣內。 嘗暫出，而賊自後破縣，縣內人無免者，雞犬亦盡，唯羨之在外獲全。 又隨從兄履之為臨海樂安縣，嘗行經山中，見黑龍長丈餘，頭有角，前兩足皆具，無後足，曳尾而行。 及拜司空，守關將入，彗星辰見危南。 又當拜時，雙鸛集太極殿東鴟尾鳴喚，竟以凶終。
In youth a man came to Xianzhi and said, "I am your ancestor." Xianzhi bowed. The man said, "You have noble features but great disaster — bury twenty-eight coins at the house corners to escape it. Survive that and you may reach the summit of rank." Later he stayed in a county office with a relative. Once he stepped out briefly; bandits sacked the county and killed everyone inside — only Xianzhi outside survived. Traveling with cousin Lüzhi through Linhai mountains he saw a black dragon over a zhang long, horned, with forelegs but no hind legs, dragging its tail. When appointed Minister of Works and about to enter the pass, a comet appeared south of Weizi. At the appointment two storks cried on the Hall of Supreme Pole's eastern finial — he died violently in the end.
45
兄欽之子佩之
Nephew Peizhi
46
羨之兄欽之位秘書監。 欽之子佩之輕薄好利，武帝以其姻戚，累加寵任，為丹陽尹。 景平初，以羨之知權，頗豫政事，與王韶之、程道惠、中書舍人邢安泰、潘盛為黨。 時謝晦久病連灸，不堪見客，佩之等疑其托疾有異圖，與韶之、道惠同載詣傅亮，稱羨之意，欲令作詔誅之。 亮曰：「己等三人同受顧命，豈可自相殘戮。」 佩之等乃止。 羨之既誅，文帝特宥佩之，免官而已。 其冬佩之謀反事發被誅。
Xianzhi's elder brother Qin became Director of the Secretariat. Qin's son Peizhi was frivolous and greedy; as an in-law the Emperor favored him and made him governor of Danyang. At Jingping's start Peizhi joined politics through Xianzhi's power, allying with Wang Shaozhi, Cheng Daohui, Xing Antai, and Pan Sheng. When Xie Hui was too ill to receive guests, Peizhi suspected a plot, visited Fu Liang with Shaozhi and Daohui, and urged an edict to kill Hui. Liang said, "We three received the dying charge together — we cannot kill one another." Peizhi and the others desisted. After Xianzhi's death Emperor Wen spared Peizhi with dismissal only. That winter Peizhi's rebellion was exposed and he was executed.
47
佩之弟逵之
Peizhi's younger brother Kuizhi
48
佩之弟逵之尚武帝長女會稽宣公主，為彭城、沛二郡太守。 武帝諸子並幼，以逵之姻戚，將大任之，欲先令立功。 及討司馬休之，使統軍為前鋒，待克當即授荊州，於陣見害。 追贈中書侍郎。 子湛之。
Kuizhi married Princess Xuan of Kuaiji and governed Pengcheng and Pei. The Emperor's sons were young; as an in-law he meant to trust Kuizhi after merit. Leading the vanguard against Sima Xiuzhi he was to receive Jingzhou on victory — he was killed in battle. Posthumously made Attendant of the Secretariat. Son Zhanzhi.
49
逵之子湛之
Kuizhi's son Zhanzhi
50
湛之字孝源，幼孤，為武帝所愛。 常與江夏王義恭寢食不離帝側。 永初三年，詔以公主一門嫡長，且湛之致節之胤，封枝江縣侯。 數歲與弟淳之共車行，牛奔車壞，左右人馳來赴之。 湛之先令取弟，眾咸歎其幼而有識。 及長頗涉文義，善自位待，事祖母及母以孝聞。
Zhanzhi, styled Xiaoyuan, was orphaned young and raised in the Emperor's favor. He often slept and ate with Prince Yigong of Jiangxia at the Emperor's side. In Yongchu 3, as chief line of the princess's house and heir to Kuizhi's integrity, he was enfeoffed Marquis of Zhijiang. Years later, riding with brother Chunzhi, the ox bolted and the cart broke; attendants rushed up. Zhanzhi ordered them to save his brother first; all marveled at his judgment in youth. Grown, he read widely, kept his place well, and was famed for filial care of grandmother and mother.
51
元嘉中，以為黃門侍郎。 祖母年老，辭以朝直不拜。 後拜秘書監。 會稽公主身居長嫡，為文帝所禮，家事大小必諮而後行。 西征謝晦，使公主留止台內，總攝六宮，每有不得意，輒號哭，上甚憚之。
Under Yuanjia he became Attendant at the Yellow Gate. His aged grandmother made him decline court duty. He later became Director of the Secretariat. Princess Kuaiji, eldest in direct descent, was honored by Emperor Wen; no household matter moved without her counsel. On the campaign against Xie Hui the princess stayed in the capital over the six palaces; when displeased she wailed — the Emperor feared her.
52
初，武帝微時，貧陋過甚，嘗自往新洲伐荻，有納布衣襖等，皆是敬皇后手自作。 武帝既貴，以此衣付公主曰：「後世若有驕奢不節者，可以此衣示之。」 湛之為大將軍彭城王義康所愛，與劉湛等頗相附。 及得罪，事連湛之。 文帝大怒，將致大辟。 湛之憂懼無計，以告公主。 公主即日入宮，及見文帝，因號哭下床，不復施臣妾之禮。 以錦囊盛武帝納衣，擲地以示上曰：「汝家本賤貧，此是我母為汝父作此納衣。 今日有一頓飽食，便欲殘害我兒子。」 上亦號哭，湛之由此得全。
In poverty the Emperor once cut reeds at Xinzhou; padded coats were sewn by Empress Zhang herself. When elevated he gave the clothes to the princess: "If any descendant grows proud and wasteful, show them these coats." Zhanzhi was favored by Prince Yikang of Pengcheng and joined Liu Zhan's circle. When Yikang fell, Zhanzhi was implicated. Emperor Wen was furious and meant to execute him. Zhanzhi, desperate, told the princess. The princess entered court that day, wailed, and fell from the bed, abandoning subject-wife decorum. She produced the Emperor's old padded coat in a brocade pouch and threw it down: "Your house was poor — this is the coat my mother sewed for your father. Now, after one good meal, you would destroy my son." The Emperor wept too; Zhanzhi was spared.
53
再遷太子詹事，尋加侍中。 湛之善尺牘，音辭流暢； 貴戚豪強，產業甚厚，室宇園池，貴游莫及，伎樂之妙，冠絕一時。 門生千餘，皆三吳富人子，姿質端美，衣服鮮麗。 每出入行游，塗巷盈滿。 泥雨日，悉以後車載之。 文帝每嫌其侈縱。 時安成公何勖，無忌之子，臨汝公孟靈休，昶之子也，並名奢豪，與湛之以肴膳器服車馬相尚，都下為之語曰：「安成食，臨汝飾。」 湛之美兼何、孟。 勖官至侍中，追諡荒公。 靈休善彈棋，官至秘書監。
He became Tutor of the Heir and soon Palace Attendant. Zhanzhi wrote elegantly and spoke with ease; as a great noble his estates were vast, his halls and gardens unmatched, his performers the finest of the age. Over a thousand retainers — rich sons of the Three Wu, handsome and finely dressed. Whenever he went abroad the streets filled. On muddy days he carried them all in trailing carts. Emperor Wen often resented his extravagance. Duke He Qiu of Ancheng and Duke Meng Lingxiu of Linru were famed for luxury and rivaled Zhanzhi in food, dress, and equipage — the capital said, "Ancheng feeds, Linru dresses." Zhanzhi outdid both He and Meng. Qiu reached Palace Attendant; posthumous title Duke Huang. Lingxiu excelled at pitch-pot and became Director of the Secretariat.
54
湛之後遷丹陽尹，加散騎常侍，以公主憂不拜。 過葬，復授前職。 二十二年，范曄等謀反，湛之始與之同，後發其事，所陳多不盡，為曄等款辭所連。 有司以湛之關豫逆黨，事起積歲，末乃歸聞，多有蔽匿，請免官削爵，付廷尉。 上不許。 湛之詣闕上疏請罪，以為「初通其謀，為誘引之辭，曄等並見怨咎，規相禍陷。 又昔義康南出之始，敕臣入相伴慰，殷懃異意，頗形言旨。 遺臣利刃，期以際會。 臣苦相諫譬，深加拒塞，以為怨憤所至，不足為虞，便以關啟，懼成虛妄。 非為納受，曲相蔽匿。 又令申情范曄，釋中間之憾，致懷蕭思話，恨婚意未申。 謂此僥倖，亦不宣達。 陛下敦惜天倫，彰于四海，蕃禁優簡，親理咸通。 又昔蒙眷顧，不容自絕，音翰信命，時相往來。 或言少意多，旨深文淺，辭色之間，往往難測。 臣顧惟心無邪悖，故不稍以自嫌，慺慺丹實，具如此啟。 臣雖駑下，情匪木石，豈不知醜點難嬰，伏劍為易，而靦然視息，忍此餘生，實非苟吝微命，假延漏刻。 誠以負戾灰滅，貽恥方來，貪及視息，少自披訴。 乞蒙隳放，伏待鈇鑕。」 上優詔不許。
Zhanzhi later became governor of Danyang and Cavalier Attendant but declined during the princess's mourning. After mourning he resumed office. In year 22 Fan Ye plotted rebellion; Zhanzhi joined then exposed it, but his confession was incomplete and Ye's testimony implicated him. Officials asked to strip his rank and send him to court for years of concealed involvement in treason. The Emperor refused. Zhanzhi memorialized guilt: "At first I was drawn by words; Ye and the others resented me and sought to ruin me together. When Yikang first went south I was ordered to comfort him — his warmth was plain in speech. He left me a sharp blade, expecting a meeting. I refused and remonstrated, thinking his rage harmless; I reported it lest it prove empty. I did not accept or hide anything. I was also told to reconcile with Fan Ye and Xiao Sihua over broken marriage plans. I thought such luck unworthy of mention. Your Majesty cherishes kin throughout the realm; fiefs are generous and family ties remain open. Under your grace I could not cut myself off — letters and orders passed between us. Some words held much meaning in little text — tone and intent were hard to read. I know my heart holds no treason — I did not hide from suspicion; my loyalty is as stated. I am no stone — I know shame and that the sword is easy; yet I breathe on, not from clinging to a leaking life. Ruin would ash my name and shame my heirs — yet I beg breath to plead. I beg punishment and await the axe." A gracious edict refused.
55
二十四年，服闋，轉中書令、太子詹事，出為南兗州刺史。 善政俱肅，威惠並行。 廣陵舊有高樓，湛之更修整之，南望鍾山。 城北有陂澤，水物豐盛，湛之更起風亭、月觀，吹台、琴室，果竹繁茂，花藥成行。 招集文士，盡遊玩之適。 時有沙門釋惠休善屬文，湛之與之甚厚。 孝武命使還俗。 本姓湯，位至揚州從事史。
In year 24, mourning ended, he became Director of the Secretariat and Tutor of the Heir, then governor of Southern Yan. His rule was strict and fair; authority and kindness went together. Guangling had an old tower; Zhanzhi rebuilt it facing Bell Mountain. North of the city lay rich marshes; he added Wind Pavilion, Moon View, Flute Terrace, and Zither Hall amid fruit, bamboo, and flowers. He gathered literati and took every pleasure of the place. The monk Hui Xiu wrote well; Zhanzhi was close to him. Emperor Xiaowu ordered him to return to lay life. Born Tang, he became staff officer of Yangzhou.
56
二十六年，湛之入為丹陽尹、領太子詹事。 二十七年，魏太武帝至瓜步，湛之與皇太子分守石頭。 二十八年，魯爽兄弟率部曲來奔，爽等軌子也，湛之以為廟算特所獎納，不敢苟申私怨，乞屏田里。 不許。
In year 26 Zhanzhi returned as governor of Danyang and Tutor of the Heir. In year 27 Wei Emperor Taiwu reached Guabu; Zhanzhi and the crown prince defended Shitou. In year 28 Lu Shuang and brothers defected — sons of Gui; Zhanzhi, rewarded by court calculation, dared not press private grudges and asked to retire. Refused.
57
轉尚書僕射，領護軍將軍。 時尚書令何尚之以湛之國戚，任遇隆重，欲以朝政推之。 湛之以令事無不總，又以事歸尚之。 互相推委，御史中丞袁淑奏並免官。 詔乃使湛之與尚之並受辭訴。 尚之雖為令，而以朝事悉歸湛之。
He became Vice Director and Commandant Who Protects the Army. Director He Shangzhi, as Zhanzhi was kin and favored, wanted to yield court affairs to him. Zhanzhi, finding the Director controlled everything, returned affairs to Shangzhi. They shoved responsibility back and forth until Censor Yuan Shu asked both be dismissed. An edict had both receive lawsuits. Though Shangzhi was Director, court affairs all went to Zhanzhi.
58
初，劉湛伏誅，殷景仁卒，文帝任沈演之、庾仲文、范曄等，後又有江湛、何瑀之。 自曄誅，仲文免，演之、瑀之並卒，至是江湛為吏部尚書，與湛之並居權要，世謂之江、徐。 上每疾，湛之輒侍醫藥。
After Liu Zhan's death and Yin Jingren's demise, Emperor Wen trusted Shen Yanzhi, Yu Zhongwen, Fan Ye, then Jiang Zhan and He Ruozhi. After Ye died, Yanzhi and Ruozhi followed; Jiang Zhan became Director of Personnel and with Zhanzhi shared power — the age spoke of Jiang and Xu. Whenever the Emperor fell ill Zhanzhi attended with medicine.
59
二凶巫蠱事發，上欲廢劭，賜浚死，而孝武無寵，故累出外藩，不得停都下。 南平王鑠、建平王宏並被愛，而鑠妃即湛妹，湛勸上立之，征鑠自壽陽入朝。 至又失旨，欲立宏，嫌其非次，議久不決。 與湛之議，或連日累夕。 每夜，使湛之自執燭繞壁檢行，慮有竊聽者。 劭入弑之旦，其夕上與湛之屏人語，至曉猶未滅燭。 湛之驚起趣北戶，未及開，見害，時年四十四。 孝武即位，追贈司空，諡曰忠烈公。 子聿之為元凶所殺。 聿之子孝嗣。
When witchcraft by the two villains broke out the Emperor meant to depose Shao and kill Jun, but unfavored Xiaowu was kept in outer fiefs. Princes Shuo of Nanping and Hong of Jianping were favored; Shuo's consort was Zhanzhi's sister — Zhanzhi urged making Shuo heir and summoned him from Shouyang. Shuo again displeased the Emperor; the Emperor turned to Hong but hesitated over succession — debate dragged on. He debated with Zhanzhi for days and nights. Each night he made Zhanzhi walk the walls with a candle, fearing listeners. The night Shao murdered the Emperor, he talked with Zhanzhi behind closed doors until dawn, candles unextinguished. Zhanzhi fled toward the north gate; before it opened he was killed at forty-four. Emperor Xiaowu posthumously made him Minister of Works with title Duke Zhonglie. Son Yuzhi was killed by the regicide crown prince. Yuzhi's son Xiaosi.
60
湛之孫孝嗣
Zhanzhi's grandson Xiaosi
61
孝嗣字始昌。 父被害，孝嗣在孕，母年少，欲更行，不願有子，自床投地者無算，又以擣衣杵舂其腰，並服墮胎藥，胎更堅。 及生，故小字遺奴。
Xiaosi, styled Shichang. When his father was killed Xiaosi was unborn; his young mother wished to remarry and tried every abortive means — the child held firm. Hence his childhood name Leftover Slave.
62
幼而挺立。 八歲襲爵枝江縣公，見宋孝武，升階流涕，迄于就席。 帝甚愛之，尚康樂公主，拜駙馬都尉。 泰始中，以登殿不著韎，為書侍御史蔡准所奏，罰金二兩。
Even as a child he stood straight. At eight he inherited Zhijiang; meeting Emperor Xiaowu he wept from the steps to his seat. The Emperor loved him; he married Princess of Kangle and became Commandant of Horse-Cap. In Taishi he entered court without gaiters; Cai Zhun fined him two liang of gold.
63
孝嗣姑適東莞劉舍，舍兄藏為尚書左丞，孝嗣往詣之。 藏退謂舍曰：「徐郎是令僕人，三十餘可知，汝宜善自結。」 升明中，為齊高帝驃騎從事中郎，帶南彭城太守，轉太尉諮議參軍。 齊建元初，累遷長兼侍中。 善趨步，閑容止，與太宰褚彥回相埒。 尚書令王儉謂人曰：「徐孝嗣將來必為宰相。」 轉御史中丞。 武帝問儉曰：「誰可繼卿？」 儉曰：「臣東都之日，其在徐孝嗣乎。」
His aunt married Liu She of Dongguan; She's brother Zang, Left Director, received Xiaosi's visit. Zang told She privately, "Xu is future Director material — in thirty years you'll see; bind yourself to him." Under Shengming he served Qi Emperor Gao's staff, then as counselor in the Grand Marshal's office. At Qi Jianyuan's start he rose to Acting Palace Attendant. Graceful in gait and bearing, he matched Grand Preceptor Chu Yanhui. Director Wang Jian said, "Xu Xiaosi will become chancellor." He became Censor-in-Chief. Emperor Wu asked Jian, "Who succeeds you?" Jian answered, "When I leave the eastern capital — Xu Xiaosi."
64
出為吳興太守，儉贈孝嗣四言詩曰：「方軌叔茂，追清彥輔，柔亦不茹，剛亦不吐。」 時人以比蔡子尼之行狀也。 在郡有能名。
Leaving for Wuxing, Jian gave him a poem praising firm yet flexible character." Men compared it to Cai Zini's character sketch. In office he earned a name for competence.
65
王儉亡，上征孝嗣為五兵尚書。 其年，敕撰江左以來儀典，令諮受孝嗣。 明年，遷太子詹事。 從武帝幸方山。 上曰：「朕經始此山之南，復為離宮，應有邁靈丘。」 靈丘山湖，新林苑也。 孝嗣答曰：「繞黃山，款牛首，乃盛漢之事。 今江南未廣，願陛下少更留神。」 上乃止。 竟陵王子良甚善之。 曆吏部尚書，右軍將軍，領太子左衛率，台閣事多以委之。
When Wang Jian died Xiaosi was summoned as Minister of Five Arms. That year an edict compiled rites since the eastward crossing and consulted Xiaosi. Next year he became Tutor of the Heir. He followed Emperor Wu to Fang Mountain. The Emperor said, "I began building south of this mountain and added a detached palace — it should surpass Lingqiu. Lingqiu meant Mountain Lake, New Forest Park. Xiaosi answered, "Encircling Yellow Mountain and lingering at Oxhead — that was Han grandeur. The south is not yet broad — I hope Your Majesty will wait." The Emperor stopped. Prince Ziliang of Jiling favored him greatly. He became Director of Personnel, General of the Right Army, and Commander of the Heir's Left Guard — most palace affairs rested with him.
66
初在率府，晝臥齋北壁下，夢兩童子遽云：「移公床。」 孝嗣驚起，聞壁有聲，行數步而壁崩壓床。 建武四年，即本號開府儀同三司，讓不受。
Once sleeping by the north wall of his study he dreamed two boys saying, "Move the lord's bed." He woke; the wall collapsed on the bed moments later. In Jianwu 4 he was offered an office equal to the Three Excellencies and declined.
67
時連年魏軍動，國用虛乏，孝嗣表立屯田。 帝已寢疾，兵事未已，竟不行。 及崩，受遺托，重申開府之命，加中書監。 永元初輔政，自尚書下省出住宮城南宅，不得還家。 帝失德，孝嗣不敢諫； 及江祏誅，內懷憂恐，然未嘗表色。 始安王遙光反，眾懷惶惑，見孝嗣入宮乃安，然群小用事，不能制也。
With Wei campaigning yearly and the treasury empty, Xiaosi memorialized for garrison farming. The Emperor was already bedridden and war continued — it was never carried out. On the Emperor's death he received the regency and again accepted rank equal to the Three Excellencies plus Director of the Secretariat. At Yongyuan's start he left the Secretariat and lodged at the palace's south residence, unable to go home. The Emperor lost virtue; Xiaosi dared not remonstrate; when Jiang Shi was executed he was inwardly afraid but never showed it. When Prince Yaoguang of Shi'an rebelled the court panicked; Xiaosi's entry calmed them — yet petty men held power and he could not restrain them.
68
時孝嗣以帝終亂天常，與沈文季俱在南掖門，欲要文季以門為應，四五目之，文季輒亂以他語，孝嗣乃止。 進位司空，固讓。 求解丹陽尹，不許。 孝嗣文人，不顯同異，名位雖大，故得未及禍。 虎賁中郎將許准有膽力，陳說事機，勸行廢立。 孝嗣遲疑，謂必無用干戈理，須少主出遊，閉城門，召百僚集議廢之。 雖有此懷，終不能決。 群小亦稍憎孝嗣，勸帝除之。 其冬，孝嗣入華林省，遣茹法珍賜藥，孝嗣容色不異，謂沈昭略曰：「始安事，吾欲以門應之，賢叔若同，無今日之恨。」 少能飲酒，飲藥至鬥余方卒，乃下詔言誅之。 于時凡被殺者，皆取其蟬冕，剝其衣服。 眾情素敬孝嗣，得無所侵。
Thinking the Emperor would overturn order, Xiaosi at the Southern Flanking Gate tried to win Shen Wenji to open the gate — Wenji evaded him and Xiaosi gave up. Promoted to Minister of Works, he declined. He asked to leave the Danyang governorship — refused. A literary man who showed no faction, his great rank delayed his ruin. Tiger Guard Commander Xu Zhun, bold and forceful, urged deposition. Xiaosi hesitated, saying arms were needless — wait for the young emperor's outing, close the gates, and assemble officials to depose him. He had the thought but could never decide. Petty men grew to hate Xiaosi and urged the Emperor to kill him. That winter Ru Fazhen brought poison in Hualin Office. Unchanged, Xiaosi told Shen Zhaolue, "On Yaoguang's rebellion I meant to open the gate — had you agreed, I would not die today." Able to drink, he swallowed a dou of poison before dying — then an edict declared him executed. Those killed had their crowns taken and clothes stripped. The people revered Xiaosi — his body was left untouched.
69
長子演，尚齊武帝女武康公主，位太子中庶子，第三子況，尚明帝女山陰公主，並拜駙馬都尉，俱見殺。
Eldest son Yan and third son Kuang, both imperial sons-in-law, were killed with him.
70
孝嗣之誅，眾人懼，無敢至者，唯會稽魏溫仁奔赴，以私財營喪事，當時稱之。
At his death none dared attend — only Wei Wenren of Kuaiji paid for the funeral from his own purse, and was praised.
71
初，孝嗣復故封，使故吏吳興丘叡筮之，當傳幾世。 叡曰：「怨不終尊身。」 孝嗣容色甚惡，徐曰：「緣有此慮，故令卿決之。」
When Xiaosi restored his fief he had former clerk Qiu Rui of Wuxing divine how many generations would inherit. Rui said, "Resentment — honor will not last the body out. Xiaosi's face darkened. "That is why I asked you."
72
中興元年，和帝贈孝嗣太尉。 二年，改葬宣德太后，詔增班劍四十人，加羽葆、鼓吹，諡曰文忠，改封餘幹縣公。
In Zhongxing 1 Emperor He posthumously made Xiaosi Grand Marshal. In year 2, reburying Empress Dowager Xuande, an edict added guard halberds, canopy, and music — posthumous title Wenzhong, fief changed to Duke of Yugan.
73
子緄，仕梁，位侍中，太常，信武將軍，諡頃子。
Son Gun served Liang as Palace Attendant and Minister of Ceremonies — posthumous title Duke Qing.
74
緄子君蒨字懷簡，幼聰朗好學，尤長丁部書，問無不對。 善弦歌，為梁湘東王鎮西諮議參軍。 頗好聲色，侍妾數十，皆佩金翠，曳羅綺，服玩悉以金銀。 飲酒數升便醉，而閉門盡日酣歌。 每遇歡謔，則飲至鬥。 有時載伎肆意遊行，荊楚山川，靡不畢踐。 朋從游好，莫得見之。 時襄陽魚弘亦以豪侈稱，於是府中謠曰：「北路魚，南路徐。」 然其服翫次於弘也。
Gun's son Junqian, styled Huaijian, was clever, learned, and master of classical texts — no question stumped him. Skilled at song, he served Prince of Xiangdong, Marshal Who Guards the West. He loved pleasure; dozens of concubines wore gold, jade, and silk — all finery was gold and silver. A few sheng of wine made him drunk; he shut his doors and sang all day. In high spirits he drank a full dou. Sometimes he roamed Jing-Chu with performers and missed no scenic place. Friends could rarely find him. Yu Hong of Xiangyang was also famed for luxury — the office sang, "Fish north, Xu south." Yet his finery ranked below Hong's.
75
君蒨辯於辭令，湘東王嘗出軍，有人將婦從者。 王曰：「才愧李陵，未能先誅女子，將非孫武，遂欲驅戰婦人。」 君蒨應聲曰：「項籍壯士，猶有虞兮之愛，紀信成功，亦資姬人之力。」 君蒨文冠一府，特有輕豔之才，新聲巧變，人多諷習，竟卒於官。
Junqian was quick with words; once when the prince marched out someone brought his wife. The prince said, "Talent shames Li Ling — I cannot kill the women first; generalship shames Sun Wu — I would drive women to war." Junqian answered, "Xiang Yu still loved Yu Ji; Ji Xin won with a palace woman's aid." His writing led the office; his light songs spread widely — he died in office.
76
傅亮字季友，北地靈州人，晉司隸校尉咸之玄孫也。 父瑗以學業知名，位至安成太守。 瑗與郗超善，超常造瑗，見二子迪及亮。 亮年四五歲，超令人解衣使持去，初無吝色。 超謂瑗曰：「卿小兒才名位宦當遠踰于兄，然保家終在大者。」 迪字長猷，宋初終五兵尚書，贈太常。
Fu Liang, styled Jiyou, came from Ling Prefecture in Beidi — fourth-generation descendant of Jin Director Xian. His father Yuan was a scholar and reached administrator of Ancheng. Yuan befriended Chi Chao, who often visited and saw sons Di and Liang. Liang was four or five when Chao had servants carry him off — he showed no reluctance. Chao told Yuan, "Your younger son will outrank his brother — yet the family will rest on the elder." Di, styled Changyou, ended as Minister of Five Arms under Song — posthumously Minister of Ceremonies.
77
亮博涉經史，尤善文辭。 義熙中，累遷中書黃門侍郎，直西省。 宋武帝以其久直之勤勞，欲以為東陽郡。 先以語迪，大喜告亮，亮不答，即馳見武帝，陳不樂出。 帝笑曰：「謂卿須祿耳，能如此，甚協所望也。」 以為太尉從事中郎，掌記室。 宋國初建，除侍中，領世子中庶子，加中書令。 從還壽陽，武帝有受禪意，而難於發言，乃集朝臣宴飲，從容曰：「桓玄暴篡，鼎命已移，我首唱大義，興復皇室，今年時衰暮，欲歸老京師，」群臣唯盛稱功德，莫曉此意。 亮悟旨，日晚宮門已閉，叩扉請見曰：「臣暫宜還都。」 帝知意，無復他言，直云：「須幾人自送？」 亮曰：「須數十人。」 於是奉辭。 及出，夜見長星竟天，拊髀曰：「我常不信天文，今始驗矣。」 亮至都，即征帝入輔。
Liang read widely in classics and histories and excelled at prose. Under Yixi he rose to Secretariat Attendant at the Yellow Gate in the Western Office. Emperor Wu wished to make him administrator of Dongyang for long faithful service. He told Di first; Di rejoiced and told Liang — Liang rode at once to refuse leaving court. The Emperor smiled, "I thought you wanted salary — this suits my hope." He became Grand Marshal attendant in charge of the recorder's office. When Song was founded he became Palace Attendant, Tutor of the Heir, and Director of the Secretariat. Returning from Shouyang the Emperor wished to accept abdication but could not say it; at a feast he said, "Huan Xuan usurped; I restored the house — now I am old and wish to retire," — ministers praised him and missed his meaning. Liang understood; gates closed at evening — he knocked and said, "I should return to the capital for a time. The Emperor understood and asked only, "How many men must escort you?" Liang said, "Several tens." He took leave. Leaving at night he saw a long star span the sky and slapped his thigh: "I never believed omens — now one proves true." Reaching the capital he summoned the Emperor to enter as regent.
78
永初元年，加太子詹事，封建城縣公，入直中書省，專典詔命。 以亮任總國權，聽於省見客。 神獸門外，每旦車常數百兩。 武帝登庸之始，文筆皆是參軍滕演，北征廣固，悉委長史王誕，自此之後至於受命，表策文誥，皆亮辭也。 演字彥將，南陽西鄂人，位至秘書監。
In Yongchu 1 he became Tutor of the Heir, Duke of Jianchang, entered the Secretariat, and drafted edicts alone. Because Liang held state power he could receive guests in office. Outside the Divine Beast Gate hundreds of carts gathered each dawn. Early writing was Teng Yan's; the Guanggu campaign went to Wang Dan — from then until abdication all edicts were Liang's. Yan, styled Yanjiang, of Xi'e in Nanyang, became Director of the Secretariat.
79
二年，加亮尚書僕射。 及帝不豫，與徐羨之、謝晦並受顧命，給班劍二十人。 少帝即位，進中書監、尚書令，領護軍將軍。
In year 2 Liang became Vice Director. When the Emperor fell ill he with Xianzhi and Hui received the dying charge — twenty guard halberds. When the Lesser Emperor ascended he became Director, Minister, and Commandant Who Protects the Army.
80
及文帝即位，加左光祿大夫、開府儀同三司。 司空府文武即為左光祿府，進爵始興郡公，固讓進封。
When Emperor Wen ascended he received Grand Master of Splendor with rank equal to the Three Excellencies. The Works staff became his Grand Splendor office; he became Duke of Shixing and declined further honors.
81
元嘉三年，帝將誅亮，先呼入見，省內密有報之者。 亮辭以嫂病暫還，遣信報徐羨之，因乘車出郭門，騎馬奔兄迪墓。 屯騎校尉郭泓收之。 初至廣莫門，上亦使以詔謂曰：「以公江陵之誠，當使諸子無恙。」 亮讀詔訖曰：「亮受先帝布衣之眷，遂蒙顧托。 黜昏立明，社稷之計。 欲加之罪，其無辭乎。」 於是伏誅，妻子流建安。
In Yuanjia 3 the Emperor meant to kill Liang and summoned him — someone inside warned him. Liang pleaded his sister-in-law's illness, warned Xianzhi, rode out the gate, and raced to Di's tomb. Colonel Guo Hong of Garrison Cavalry arrested him. At the Broad Mo Gate an edict came: "For your loyalty at Jiangling your sons will be spared. Liang read the edict and said, "I received the late Emperor's favor from common cloth and his dying trust. Deposing the unworthy and raising the worthy — that was the plan for the realm. If you wish guilt, words are easy." He was executed; wife and children exiled to Jian'an.
82
亮之方貴，兄迪每深誡焉，而不能從。 及見世路屯險，著論名曰演慎。 及少帝失德，內懷憂懼。 直宿禁中，睹夜蛾赴燭，作感物賦以寄意。 初奉大駕，道路賦詩三首，其一篇有悔懼之辭。 自知傾覆，求退無由，又作辛有、穆生、董仲道贊，稱其見微之美云。
As Liang rose, Di admonished him but he would not listen. Seeing peril on the path of power he wrote Practicing Caution. When the Lesser Emperor lost virtue he was inwardly afraid. On night duty he saw moths fly to the candle and wrote Rhapsody on Moved Things. Escorting the imperial carriage he wrote three road poems — one full of regret and fear. Knowing ruin was near and unable to retreat, he praised Xin You, Mu Sheng, and Dong Zhongdao for foresight.
83
隆字伯祚，亮族兄也。 曾祖晞，司徒屬。 父祖並早卒。 隆少孤貧，有學行。 義熙初，年四十，為孟昶建威參軍，累遷尚書左丞。 以族弟亮為僕射，緦服不得相臨，徙太子率更令。
Long, styled Bozuo, was Liang's clansman. Great-grandfather Xi served the Minister of Education. Father and grandfather both died young. Orphaned and poor, Long had learning and integrity. At Yixi's start, aged forty, he served Meng Chang and rose to Left Director. Because cousin Liang was Vice Director, fourth-month mourning barred them from meeting — Long became Heir's Rate Revision Commandant.
84
元嘉初，為御史中丞，甚得司直之體，轉司徒左長史。 會稽剡縣人黃初妻趙打殺息載妻王遇赦，王有父母及男稱女葉，依法徙趙二千里外。 隆議曰：「禮律之興，本之自然。 求之情理，非從天墮，非從地出。 父子至親，分形同氣，稱之於載，即載之于趙。 雖言三世，為體猶一。 稱雖創钜痛深，固無讎祖之義。 向使石厚之子，日磾之孫，砥鋒挺鍔，不與二祖同戴天日，則石碏、秺侯何得流名百代。 舊令言殺人父母，徙之二千里外，不施父子孫祖明矣。 趙當避王期功千里外耳。 令亦云凡流徙者，同籍親近欲相隨者聽之。 此又大通情體，因親以教愛也。 趙既流移，載為人子，何得不從？ 載從而稱不行，豈名教所許？ 如此，稱、趙竟不可分。 趙雖內愧終身，稱沈痛沒齒，孫祖之義，自不得以永絕，事理然也。」 從之。
At Yuanjia's start he was Censor-in-Chief with true uprightness, then Left Chief of Staff to the Minister of Education. Huang Chu's wife Zhao in Yan of Kuaiji killed daughter-in-law Wang on amnesty; by law Zhao was exiled two thousand li. Long argued, "Rite and law arise from nature. Seek them in feeling and principle — they neither fall from heaven nor rise from earth. Father and son share flesh and breath; Ye's tie to Zai is Zai's tie to Zhao. Though called three generations, they are one body. Though Ye grieved deeply, he owed ancestors no blood vengeance. If Shi Hou's son or Ri Di's grandson drew blade against forebears, Shi Que and the Di marquis would not be famed for a hundred generations. Old law exiles parent-killers two thousand li — it clearly excludes father, son, grandson, and ancestor. Zhao need only avoid Wang's mourning circle by a thousand li. The code also lets close kin on the same register follow exiles. That too follows feeling — teaching love through kin. Zhao is already exiled — as a son how can Zai not follow? If Zai follows and Ye stays, how does teaching permit it? Ye and Zhao cannot be split. Zhao may shame inwardly all her life and Ye grieve to the grave — yet grandson and ancestor cannot be severed forever; such is principle." The court agreed.
85
出為義興太守，有能名。 拜左戶尚書，坐正直受節假，對人未至委出，白衣領職。 尋轉太常，文帝以新撰禮論付隆，使更下意。 隆表上五十二事。
As administrator of Yixing he earned a name for competence. Made Left Minister of Households — he took leave before the substitute arrived and served in plain clothes. Soon Minister of Ceremonies; Emperor Wen gave him the new Rites Discussion to revise. Long submitted fifty-two items.
86
後致仕，拜光祿大夫，歸老於家。 手不釋卷，博學多通，特精三禮。 年八十三卒。
He retired as Grand Master of Splendor and went home. He never put books down — learned and masterful, especially in the Three Rites. He died at eighty-three.
87
檀道濟
Tan Daoji
88
檀道濟，高平金鄉人也，世居京口。 少孤，居喪備禮，奉兄姊以和謹稱。 宋武帝建義，道濟與兄韶祗等從平京城，俱參武帝建武將軍事。 累遷太尉參軍，封作唐縣男。
Tan Daoji came from Jinxiang in Gaoping; his family had long lived at Jingkou. Orphaned young, he kept mourning rites fully and served siblings with harmony — hence his reputation. When Emperor Wu raised the cause Daoji and elder brother Shao helped pacify the capital on his Establishing Might staff. He rose to Grand Marshal staff officer and was enfeoffed Baron of Zuotang.
89
義熙十二年，武帝北伐，道濟為前鋒，所至望風降服。 徑進洛陽，議者謂所獲俘囚，應悉戮以為京觀。 道濟曰：「伐罪吊人，正在今日。」 皆釋而遣之。 於是中原感悅，歸者甚眾。 長安平，以為琅邪內史。
In Yixi 12 on the northern march Daoji led the vanguard — places surrendered at his approach. Reaching Luoyang, some said all captives should be slaughtered for a victory mound. Daoji said, "Punish the guilty and comfort the people — that is today's task." All were released. The central plains rejoiced — many returned to Song. When Chang'an fell he became internal administrator of Langya.
90
武帝受命，以佐命功，改封永修縣公，位丹陽尹、護軍將軍。 武帝不豫，給班劍二十人。 出為鎮北將軍、南兗州刺史。 徐羨之等謀廢立，諷道濟入朝，告以將廢廬陵王義真，道濟屢陳不可，竟不納。 將廢帝夜，道濟入領軍府就謝晦宿，晦悚息不得眠。 道濟寢便睡熟，晦以此服之。
At abdication, for founding merit he became Duke of Yongxiu, governor of Danyang, and Commandant Who Protects the Army. When the Emperor fell ill he received twenty guard halberds. He was sent out as General Who Pacifies the North and governor of Southern Yan. Xianzhi and others plotting deposition summoned Daoji and told him of deposing Prince Yizhen; Daoji refused repeatedly — they ignored him. The night of the deposition Daoji slept at Xie Hui's command office; Hui lay awake in fear. Daoji slept soundly — Hui admired his calm.
91
文帝即位，給鼓吹一部，進封武陵郡公。 固辭進封。 道濟素與王弘善，時被遇方深，道濟彌相結附，每構羨之等，弘亦雅仗之。 上將誅徐羨之等，召道濟欲使西討。 王華曰：「不可。」 上曰：「道濟從人者也，曩非創謀，撫而使之，必將無慮。」 道濟至之明日，上誅羨之、亮。 既而使道濟與中領軍到彥之前驅西伐，上問策於道濟。 對曰：「臣昔與謝晦同從北征，入關十策，晦有其九。 才略明練，殆難與敵； 然未嘗孤軍決勝，戎事恐非其長。 臣悉晦智，晦悉臣勇。 今奉王命外討，必未陣而禽。」 時晦本謂道濟與羨之同誅，忽聞來上，遂不戰自潰。 事平，遷征南大將軍、開府儀同三司、江州刺史。
When Emperor Wen ascended he received drums and pipes and became Duke of Wuling. He declined further honors. Daoji was close to Wang Hong; deeply favored, he attached himself and with Hong framed Xianzhi's faction. About to kill Xianzhi and others, the Emperor summoned Daoji for a western campaign. Wang Hua said, "No." The Emperor said, "Daoji follows others — he did not plot first; reassure him and he will serve. The day after Daoji arrived the Emperor killed Xianzhi and Liang. He then sent Daoji with Dao Yan west; the Emperor asked his strategy. He answered, "I campaigned north with Xie Hui — of ten plans entering the pass, Hui had nine. His talent and plans are sharp — hard to match; yet he never wins alone in the field — battle may not be his strength. I know Hui's wit; Hui knows my courage. Now under royal command I attack — before battle he will be taken. Hui expected Daoji dead with Xianzhi — hearing he came, his army collapsed without fighting. After victory he became General Who Conquers the South with rank equal to the Three Excellencies and governor of Jiang.
92
元嘉八年，到彥之侵魏，已平河南，復失之。 道濟都督征討諸軍事，北略地，轉戰至濟上，魏軍盛，遂克滑台。 道濟時與魏軍三十餘戰多捷，軍至曆城，以資運竭乃還。 時人降魏者具說糧食已罄，於是士卒憂懼，莫有固志。 道濟夜唱籌量沙，以所余少米散其上。 及旦，魏軍謂資糧有餘，故不復追，以降者妄，斬以徇。
In Yuanjia 8 Dao Yan invaded Wei — took Henan, then lost it. Daoji commanded the punitive expedition, fought to the Ji River, and took Huatai despite strong Wei forces. He fought Wei more than thirty times with many wins, reached Licheng, then retreated when supplies ran out. Defectors told Wei grain was gone — soldiers panicked and lost heart. Daoji by night had sand measured and the last rice scattered on top. At dawn Wei thought supplies abundant and did not pursue; liars were beheaded as warning.
93
時道濟兵寡弱，軍中大懼。 道濟乃命軍士悉甲，身白服乘輿，徐出周邊。 魏軍懼有伏，不敢逼，乃歸。 道濟雖不克定河南，全軍而反，雄名大振。 魏甚憚之，圖之以禳鬼。 還進位司空，鎮尋陽。
Daoji's army was weak and terrified. Daoji ordered full armor; he rode in white clothes and slowly circled the camp. Wei feared ambush and withdrew. Though he did not hold Henan, he brought the whole army home — fame shook the realm. Wei greatly feared him and plotted sorcery against him. Returning, he became Minister of Works and garrisoned Xunyang.
94
道濟立功前朝，威名甚重，左右腹心並經百戰，諸子又有才氣，朝廷疑畏之。 時人或目之曰：「安知非司馬仲達也。」
Daoji's old merit, fame, veteran staff, and talented sons made court fear him. Men said, "Who says he is not another Sima Yi?"
95
文帝寢疾累年，屢經危殆，領軍劉湛貪執朝政，慮道濟為異說，又彭城王義康亦慮宮車晏駕，道濟不復可制。 十二年，上疾篤，會魏軍南伐，召道濟入朝。 其妻向氏曰：「夫高世之勳，道家所忌，今無事相召，禍其至矣。」 及至，上已間。 十三年春，將遣還鎮，下渚未發，有似鷦鳥集船悲鳴。 會上疾動，義康矯詔召入祖道，收付廷尉，及其子給事黃門侍郎植、司徒從事中郎粲、太子舍人混、征北主簿承伯、秘書郎中尊等八人並誅。 時人歌曰：「可憐白浮鳩，枉殺檀江州。」 道濟死日，建鄴地震白毛生。 又誅司空參軍薛肜、高進之，並道濟心腹也。
Emperor Wen lay ill for years; Liu Zhan grasped court power and feared Daoji; Prince Yikang of Pengcheng feared Daoji if the Emperor died. In year 12, gravely ill as Wei invaded south, he summoned Daoji. His wife Lady Xiang said, "Merit too great is forbidden — summoned without cause, disaster comes. When he arrived the Emperor had recovered. Spring of year 13, about to return, wrens gathered on the boat crying mournfully before he sailed. When the Emperor relapsed, Yikang forged an edict, arrested Daoji at his farewell feast, and executed him with sons Zhi, Can, Hun, Chengbai, and Zun — eight in all. Men sang, "Pitiable white dove — wrongly killed Tan of Jiangzhou. The day Daoji died Jianye shook and white hair sprouted. Staff officers Xue Tong and Gao Jin, Daoji's confidants, were also killed.
96
道濟見收，憤怒氣盛，目光如炬，俄爾間引飲一斛。 乃脫幘投地，曰：「乃壞汝萬里長城。」 魏人聞之，皆曰：「道濟已死，吳子輩不足復憚」。 自是頻歲南伐，有飲馬長江之志。
Arrested, Daoji raged — eyes like torches — and drank a hu in a breath. He tore off his cap and cried, "You have ruined your ten-thousand-li long wall. Wei said, "Daoji is dead — Song's sons need no further fear." From then Wei invaded south yearly, aiming to water horses at the Yangtze.
97
文帝問殷景仁曰：「誰可繼道濟？」 答曰：「道濟以累有戰功，故致威名，余但未任耳。」 帝曰：「不然，昔李廣在朝，匈奴不敢南望，後繼者復有幾人？」 二十七年，魏軍至瓜步，文帝登石頭城望，甚有憂色。 歎曰：「若道濟在，豈至此！」
Emperor Wen asked Yin Jingren, "Who succeeds Daoji? He answered, "Daoji's fame came from repeated victories — the rest are untested. The Emperor said, "No — when Li Guang was at court the Xiongnu dared not look south — how many followed him? In year 27 Wei reached Guabu — Emperor Wen looked from Shitou, deeply worried. He sighed, "If Daoji were here, it would not come to this!"
98
兄濟
Elder brother Ji
99
韶字令孫，以平桓玄功封巴丘縣侯。 從征廣固，率所領先登，位琅邪內史。 從討盧循，以功更封宜陽縣侯，拜江州刺史，以罪免。
Shao, styled Lingsun, was enfeoffed Marquis of Baqiu for suppressing Huan Xuan. On the Guanggu campaign he led his men first up the walls — then internal administrator of Langya. Suppressing Lu Xun he became Marquis of Yiyang and governor of Jiang — then dismissed for crime.
100
韶嗜酒貪橫，所蒞無政績，上嘉其合門從義，道濟又有大功，故特見寵授。 卒。 子臻字系宗，位員外郎，臻子珪。
Shao drank, grasped, and ruled badly — yet the clan's loyalty and Daoji's merit won him favor. He died. Son Zhen, styled Xizong, was an outside-office gentleman — Zhen's son Gui.
101
濟孫珪
Ji's grandson Gui
102
珪字伯玉，位沅南令。 元徽中，王僧虔為吏部尚書，以珪為征北板行參軍。 珪訴僧虔求祿不得，與僧虔書曰：「僕一門雖謝文通，乃忝武達。 群從姑叔，三媾帝姻，而令子侄餓死，遂不荷潤。 蟬腹龜腸，為日已久。 饑彪能嚇，人遽與肉，餓驎不噬，誰為落毛。 雖復孤微，百世國士，姻媾位宦，亦不後物。 尚書同堂姊為江夏王妃，檀珪同堂姑為南譙王妃； 尚書伯為江州，檀珪祖亦為江州。 僕于尚書人地本懸，至於婚宦皆不殊絕。 今通塞雖異，猶忝氣類，尚書何事為爾見苦。」 僧虔報書曰：「吾與足下素無怨憾，何以相苦？ 直是意有左右耳。」 乃用為安成郡丞。
Gui, styled Boyu, was magistrate of Yuannan. In Yuanhui Wang Sengqian as Director of Personnel made Gui a northern staff officer. Gui begged salary in vain and wrote Sengqian, "My house lacks literary fame but claims martial honor. Kinsmen thrice married imperial princesses — yet my nephews starve without aid. My belly is empty as a cicada's — long the day. A hungry leopard still frightens men into feeding it; a starving qilin will not bite — who will drop a feather? Though lowly, we are knights of the realm for a hundred generations — marriage and office match others. Your paternal cousin was Princess of Jiangxia; my paternal aunt was Princess of Nanqiao; Your uncle governed Jiang; my grandfather governed Jiang. You and I differ in rank and land — yet marriage and office hardly differ. Fortune differs now — yet we share one breath — why torment me? Sengqian replied, "I bear you no grudge — why this bitterness? It is simply bias of intent." He then made him assistant administrator of Ancheng.
103
兄祗
Elder brother Zhi
104
祗字恭叔，與兄韶弟道濟俱參義舉，封西昌縣侯，歷位廣陵相。 義熙十年，亡命司馬國璠兄弟自北徐州界潛得過淮，因天陰闇，夜率百許人緣廣陵城入，叫喚直上聽事。 祗被射傷股，語左右曰：「賊乘暗得入，欲掩我不備，但打五鼓懼之，曉必走矣。」 賊聞鼓鳴，直謂為曉，乃奔散，追殺百餘人。
Zhi, styled Gongshu, with brothers Shao and Daoji joined the righteous rising, was enfeoffed Marquis of Xichang, and governed Guangling. In Yixi 10 outlaws Sima Guofan and brothers slipped across the Huai; under cover of dark night about a hundred men scaled Guangling's wall shouting for the hall. Zhi was shot in the thigh and told attendants, "They entered in the dark to surprise us — beat five drums; at dawn they will flee. Hearing drums they thought dawn had come and fled — over a hundred were killed in pursuit.
105
宋國初建，為領軍。 祗性矜豪，樂在外放恣，不願內職，不得志，發疾不自療，其年卒於廣陵。 諡曰威侯。 傳嗣至齊受禪，國除。
When Song was founded he became Commandant of the Guard. Proud and lavish, Zhi loved freedom outside court, hated inner office, sickened in frustration without treatment, and died at Guangling that year. Posthumous title Marquis Wei. The fief passed down until Qi took the throne and abolished it.
106
論曰：自晉網不綱，主威莫樹，亂基王室，毒被江左。 宋武一朝創業，事屬橫流，改易紊章，歸於平道。 以建武、永平之風，變太元、隆安之俗，此蓋文宣公之為乎。 其配饗清廟，豈徒然也？ 若夫怙才驕物，公旦其猶病諸，而以劉祥居之，斯亡亦為幸焉。 秀之行己有道，可謂位無虛授。 當徐、傅二公跪承顧托，若使死而可再，固當赴蹈為期。 及至處權定機，當震主之地，甫欲攘抑後禍，禦蔽身災，使桐宮有卒迫之痛，淮王非中霧之疾，若以社稷為存亡，則義異於此。 湛之、孝嗣臨機不決，既以敗國，且以殞身，「反受其亂」，斯其效也。 道濟始因錄用，故得忘瑕，晚困大名，以至顛覆。 韶、祗克傳胤嗣，其木雁之間乎。」
Commentary: When Jin's authority failed and royal power collapsed, disorder rooted in the house and poison spread across the south. Emperor Wu of Song in one stroke founded the dynasty amid chaos, straightened tangled laws, and restored order. With the spirit of Jianwu and Yongping he changed the habits of Taiyuan and Long'an — that was likely Duke Wenxuan's work. His place in the Clear Temple was no empty honor. Even the Duke of Zhou might fault pride in talent — yet for Liu Xiang such a death was mercy. Xiuzhi walked the Way — his office was not wasted. When Xu and Fu knelt to receive the dying charge, had death reversed they would have returned to fulfill it. Yet once they held power at the lord's side, they tried only to ward off later ruin and personal disaster — not to spare the deposed emperor sudden agony or the Prince of Huai a mysterious death; if the realm's survival was the measure, their conduct falls short. Zhanzhi and Xiaosi failed at the decisive moment — ruining the state and losing their lives; "they reaped the chaos they helped sow." Daoji at first was used despite flaws, but in the end his great name destroyed him. Shao and Zhi passed down their lines — perhaps mere wooden geese in the rite?"