1
列傳第十二
Biographies 12
2
元嘉四年，車駕出北堂，使三更竟，開廣莫門。 南台雲，「應須白獸幡、銀字檀」。 不肯開。 尚書左丞羊玄保奏免御史中丞傅隆以下。 曇首曰：「既無墨敕，又闕幡檀，雖稱上旨，不異單刺。 元嘉元年、二年，雖有再開門例，此乃前事之違。 今之守舊，未為非禮。 其不請白獸幡、銀字檀，致開門不時，由尚書相承之失，亦合糾正。」 上特無問，更立科條。 遷太子詹事，侍中如故。
In Yuanjia 4 the emperor left by the North Hall and ordered the Guangmo Gate opened at the end of the third watch. The Southern Office reported that white-beast banners and silver-lettered sandalwood were required. They refused to open it. Left Assistant Director of the Masters of Writing Yang Xuanbao memorialized for the dismissal of Censor-in-Chief Fu Long and his subordinates. Tanshou said, "Without an ink edict and without the banners and sandalwood, though it is called the emperor's wish, it is no different from a private order. Yuanjia 1 and 2 did see the gate opened twice, but those were departures from earlier precedent. Upholding the established rule now is not improper. The failure to request the white-beast banners and silver-lettered sandalwood, which made the gate open late, was a lapse inherited from the Masters of Writing and ought to be corrected as well." The emperor took no action against them and instead issued new regulations. He was promoted to Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent while remaining Palace Attendant.
3
自謝晦平後，上欲封曇首等，會燕集，舉酒勸之，因拊御床曰：「此坐非卿兄弟，無復今日。」 出詔以示之。 曇首曰：「豈可因國之災，以為身幸。 陛下雖欲私臣，當如直史何。」 封事遂寢。
After Xie Hui's rebellion was crushed, the emperor wished to ennoble Tanshou and his colleagues; at a feast he raised his cup to them and, striking the imperial couch, said, "But for you, brothers, I would not be sitting here today. He produced the edict for them to see. Tanshou said, "How can one treat the realm's calamity as private gain? Even if Your Majesty wishes to favor me, what will the upright historians say? The enfeoffment was dropped.
4
時弘錄尚書事，又為揚州刺史。 曇首為上所親委，任兼兩宮。 彭城王義康與弘並錄，意常怏怏，又欲得揚州。 以曇首居中分其權任，愈不悅。 曇首固乞吳郡，文帝曰：「豈有欲建大廈而遺其棟樑？ 賢兄比屢稱疾，固辭州任，將來若相申許，此處非卿而誰？」 時弘久疾，屢遜位，不許。 義康謂賓客曰：「王公久疾不起，神州詎合臥臨？」 曇首勸弘減府兵力之半，以配義康，乃悅。
At the time Wang Hong served as Recorder of the Masters of Writing and Governor of Yang Province. Tanshou enjoyed the emperor's personal trust and held responsibilities in both palaces. Prince of Pengcheng Yikang and Hong both served as Recorders; Yikang was often resentful and also coveted Yang Province. Because Tanshou occupied the center and split his authority, Yikang grew still more displeased. Tanshou repeatedly asked to be sent to Wu commandery. Emperor Wen said, "When you mean to raise a great hall, would you cast away its beams and pillars? Your worthy brother has often pleaded illness and refused provincial appointment; if I should grant his wish in time, who but you should fill this post? Hong had been ill for some time and repeatedly tried to resign, but was not allowed. Yikang told his guests, "Lord Wang has lain ill so long he cannot rise—should the heartland be governed from a sickbed? Tanshou persuaded Hong to halve the prefectural military force and assign half to Yikang, and Yikang was satisfied.
5
七年卒，時年三十七。 文帝臨慟，歎曰：「王詹事所疾不救，國之衰也。」 中書舍人周赳侍側曰：「王家欲衰，賢者先殞。」 上曰：「直是我家衰耳。」 贈光祿大夫。 九年，以預誅徐羨之等謀，追封豫甯縣侯，諡曰文。 孝武即位，配饗文帝廟庭。 子僧綽嗣。
He died in the seventh year, at thirty-seven. Emperor Wen mourned in person and sighed, "Grand Mentor Wang's illness could not be cured—the realm itself is failing. Palace Secretary Zhou Jiu, standing beside him, said, "When a great house is about to fall, the worthy perish first. The emperor replied, "It is simply my own house that is declining. He was posthumously granted the title Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. In the ninth year, for his role in the plot against Xu Xianzhi and others, he was posthumously enfeoffed as Marquis of Yunin with the posthumous title Wen. When Emperor Xiaowu took the throne, Tanshou was given a place in the sacrifices at Emperor Wen's temple. His son Sengchuo succeeded him.
6
僧綽幼有大成之度，眾便以國器許之。 好學，練悉朝典。 年十三，文帝引見，拜便流涕哽咽，上亦悲不自勝。 襲封豫甯縣侯，尚文帝長女東陽獻公主。 初為江夏王義恭司徒參軍。 累遷尚書吏部郎，參掌大選，究識流品，任舉咸盡其分。
From boyhood Sengchuo showed the makings of greatness; people already hailed him as destined for high office. He loved study and knew court regulations inside out. At thirteen Emperor Wen received him in audience; when he bowed he wept and choked, and the emperor too was overcome. In sum: he inherited the marquisate of Yunin and married Emperor Wen's eldest daughter, Princess Xian of Dongyang. He first served as aide to Yigong, Prince of Jiangxia, in his capacity as Minister of Education. He rose to Director of the Personnel Section and shared charge of major appointments; he knew every rank and type, and each posting matched its proper level.
7
僧綽深沈有局度，不以才能高人。 父曇首與王華並被任遇，華子新建侯嗣，才劣位遇亦輕。 僧綽嘗謂中書侍郎蔡興宗曰：「弟名位應與新建齊，弟超至今日，蓋姻戚所致也。」 遷侍中，時年二十九。 始興王浚嘗問其年，僧綽自嫌早達，逡巡良久乃答，其謙退若此。
Sengchuo was deep and steady in bearing and never lorded his talent over others. His father Tanshou and Wang Hua both enjoyed imperial favor; Hua's son Si, Marquis of Xinjian, was lesser in talent and lightly regarded in office. Sengchuo once told Palace Secretary Cai Xingzong, "My name and rank ought to match the Marquis of Xinjian's; that I have risen so far is surely due to marriage connections. He was made Palace Attendant at twenty-nine. Prince of Shixing Jun once asked his age; ashamed of his early rise, Sengchuo hesitated long before answering—such was his modesty.
8
元嘉末，文帝頗以後事為念，大相付託，朝政大小皆參焉。 從兄微，清介士也，懼其太盛，勸令損抑。 僧綽乃求吳郡及廣州，並不許。 會巫蠱事泄，上先召僧綽具言之。 及將廢立，使尋求前朝舊典。 劭於東宮夜饗將士，僧綽密以啟聞。 上又令撰漢、魏以來廢諸王故事送與江湛、徐湛之。 湛之欲立隨王誕，江湛欲立南平王鑠，文帝欲立建平王宏，議久不決。 誕妃即湛之女，鑠妃湛妹也。 僧綽曰：「建立之事，仰由聖懷。 臣謂惟宜速斷，幾事雖密，不可使難生慮表，取笑千載。」 上曰：「卿可謂能斷大事，此事不可不殷勤； 且庶人始亡，人將謂我無復慈愛之道。」 僧綽曰：「恐千載之後，言陛下惟能裁弟，不能裁兒。」 上默然。 江湛出合謂僧綽曰：「卿向言將不傷直邪？」 僧綽曰：「弟亦恨君不直。」
Late in Yuanjia Emperor Wen brooded over the succession and entrusted much to Sengchuo, who took part in every major and minor matter of state. His cousin Wei was a man of pure integrity; fearing Sengchuo's power had grown too great, he urged restraint. Sengchuo then asked for Wu commandery and Guang Province; both requests were denied. When the witchcraft affair came to light, the emperor first summoned Sengchuo and told him the whole story. When the heir was to be deposed and another raised, he was sent to gather precedents from earlier reigns. Shao feasted his officers in the Eastern Palace by night; Sengchuo secretly reported it to the emperor. The emperor also ordered him to compile accounts of deposed princes from Han and Wei onward and send them to Jiang Zhan and Xu Xianzhi. Xu Xianzhi favored Prince of Suixing Dan; Jiang Zhan favored Prince of Nanping Shuo; Emperor Wen favored Prince of Jianping Hong; deliberation dragged on without decision. Dan's consort was Xu Xianzhi's daughter—Shuo's consort was Jiang Zhan's sister. Sengchuo said, "The choice of heir rests with Your Majesty's sacred judgment. I believe you should decide quickly; though the matter is secret, delay breeds rumor and will make us a laughingstock for ages. The emperor said, "You may be called able to decide great affairs; this cannot be handled carelessly; moreover the heir has just been condemned—people will say I no longer know fatherly love. Sengchuo said, "I fear that ages hence men will say Your Majesty could cut down a brother but not a son. The emperor fell silent. Jiang Zhan came out of the privy chamber and told Sengchuo, "Will what you just said not harm your integrity? Sengchuo replied, "I too regret that you are not upright."
9
及劭弑逆，江湛在尚書上省，聞變，曰：「不用王僧綽言至此。」 劭立，轉僧綽吏部尚書。 及檢文帝巾箱及湛家書疏，得僧綽所啟饗士並廢諸王事，乃收害焉，因此陷北第諸侯王，以為與僧綽有異志。 孝武即位，追贈金紫光祿大夫，諡曰湣侯。
When Shao murdered his father, Jiang Zhan was in the upper office of the Masters of Writing; hearing of the upheaval he said, "Had Wang Sengchuo's counsel been heeded, it would not have come to this. When Shao took the throne, Sengchuo was made Minister of the Masters of Writing. When Emperor Wen's document box and Jiang Zhan's household correspondence were searched, Sengchuo's reports on the officers' feast and the deposed princes were found; he was seized and executed, and on this pretext the princes of the Northern Residence were implicated as sharing his disloyal intent. When Emperor Xiaowu took the throne, Sengchuo was posthumously granted Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon with the posthumous title Marquis Min.
10
初，太社西空地，本吳時丁奉宅，孫皓流徙其家。 江左初，為周顗、蘇峻宅，後為袁悅宅，又為章武王司馬秀宅，皆以凶終； 及給臧燾，亦頻遇禍，故世稱凶地。 僧綽嘗謂宅無吉凶，請以為第，始造，未及居而敗。 子儉。
At first the empty ground west of the Great Altar of Soil and Grain had been Ding Feng's residence in Wu times; Sun Hao exiled his household from it. At the beginning of the Eastern Jin it became the residence of Zhou Yi and Su Jun, later of Yuan Yue, then of Sima Xiu, Marshal of Prince of Zhangwu—all met violent ends; when it was given to Zang Tao—he too repeatedly met disaster, so the world called it an ill-omened place. Sengchuo once said dwellings had no lucky or unlucky and asked to build his residence there; construction had barely begun when, before he could move in, he was ruined. His son was Jian.
11
儉字仲寶，生而僧綽遇害，為叔父僧虔所養。 數歲，襲爵豫甯縣侯。 拜受茅土，流涕嗚咽。 幼篤學，手不釋卷。 賓客或相稱美，僧虔曰：「我不患此兒無名，政恐名太盛耳。」 乃手書崔子玉座右銘以貽之。 丹陽尹袁粲聞其名，及見之曰：「宰相之門也。 栝柏豫章雖小，已有棟樑氣矣，終當任人家國事。」 言之宋明帝，選尚陽羨公主，拜駙馬都尉。 帝以儉嫡母武康公主同太初巫蠱事，不可以為婦姑，欲開塚離葬。 儉因人自陳，密以死請，故事不行。
Jian, courtesy name Zhongbao, was born as Sengchuo was killed and was raised by his uncle Sengqian. At a few years of age he inherited the marquisate of Yunin. When he received the fief soil he wept and sobbed. From boyhood he was devoted to learning and never put down his scrolls. When guests praised him, Sengqian said, "I do not fear this boy will lack renown; I only fear his renown will grow too great. He personally copied Cui Yuan's Inscription at the Seat and gave it to him. Governor of Danyang Yuan Can heard his name and, upon meeting him, said, "This is the household of a future chief minister. Though cypress and zhang wood of Yuzhang are small, they already have the air of beams and pillars; in time he will bear the weight of the realm. He spoke of this to Emperor Ming of Song, who chose Jian to marry Princess Yangxian and made him Commandant of the Horse Guard. Because Jian's principal mother Princess Wukang had been implicated in the Taichu witchcraft affair and could not stand as mother-in-law to the princess, the emperor wished to open the tomb and rebury her separately. Jian pleaded through an intermediary and secretly begged with his life; the plan was not carried out.
12
年十八，解褐秘書郎，太子舍人，超遷秘書丞。 依七略撰七志四十卷，表獻之。 又撰定元徽四部書目。 母憂，服闋，為司徒右長史。 晉令，公府長史著朝服，宋大明以來著朱衣。 儉上言宜復舊制，時議不許。 及蒼梧暴虐，儉告袁粲求外出，引晉新安主婿王獻之任吳興為例，補義興太守。
At eighteen he left office as Secretary and Attendant of the Heir Apparent and was promoted over the usual course to Secretary Director. Following the Seven Summaries he compiled the Seven Records in forty scrolls and presented them to the throne. In sum: he also compiled and fixed the Yuanhui four-division book catalogue. After mourning his mother and completing the rites, he became Senior Secretary of the Minister of Education. Jin regulations required the chief secretary of a duke's office to wear court robes; from Song's Da Ming era onward they wore vermilion garments. Jian memorialized that the old system should be restored; the court did not approve. When Emperor Cangwu turned violent and cruel, Jian told Yuan Can he wished to leave the capital, citing as precedent Wang Xianzhi, son-in-law of the Prince of Xin'an, who had served as Governor of Wuxing; he was appointed Governor of Yixing.
13
升明二年，為長兼侍中，以父終此職，固讓。 先是，齊高帝為相，欲引時賢參贊大業，時謝朏為長史，帝夜召朏，卻人與語久之，朏無言。 唯有二小兒捉燭，帝慮朏難之，仍取燭遣兒，朏又無言，帝乃呼左右。 儉素知帝雄異，後請間言於帝曰：「功高不賞，古來非一，以公今日位地，欲北面居人臣，可乎？」 帝正色裁之，而神采內和。 儉因又曰：「儉蒙公殊眄，所以吐所難吐，何賜拒之深。 宋以景和、元徽之淫虐，非公豈復寧濟； 但人情澆薄，不能持久，公若小復推遷，則人望去矣，豈唯大業永淪，七尺豈可得保？」 帝笑曰：「卿言不無理。」 儉又曰：「公今名位，故是經常宰相，宜禮絕群後，微示變革。 當先令褚公知之，儉請銜命。」 帝曰：「我當自往。」 經少日，帝自造彥回，款言移晷，乃謂曰：「我夢應得官。」 彥回曰：「今授始爾，恐一二年間未容便移。 且吉夢未必便在旦夕。」 帝還告儉，儉曰：「褚是未達理。」 虞整時為中書舍人，甚閑辭翰，儉乃自報整，使作詔。 及高帝為太尉，引儉為右長史，尋轉左，專見任用。 大典將行，禮儀詔策，皆出於儉，褚彥回唯為禪詔，又使儉參懷定之。
In Shengming 2 he served concurrently as Senior Palace Attendant; because his father had died in that office, he firmly declined. Earlier, when Emperor Gao of Qi was regent he wished to bring in leading men to assist the great enterprise; Xie Tiao was chief secretary at the time; the emperor summoned Tiao at night, dismissed attendants, and spoke with him at length, but Tiao said nothing. Only two small boys held candles; fearing Tiao found the situation awkward, the emperor took the candles and sent the boys away, but Tiao still said nothing, and the emperor finally called attendants. Jian had long sensed the emperor's extraordinary ambition; afterward he asked for a private word and said, "Merit too high to reward is not rare in history; in your present rank and position, can you face north and remain another man's minister? The emperor sternly rebuked him, yet inwardly his spirit was at ease. Jian then said again, "I have received your special regard, and therefore speak what is hard to speak—why reject me so harshly? Song—because of Jinghe and Yuanhui's debauchery and cruelty, would not have been restored to peace but for you; but human hearts are fickle and cannot long endure; if you defer and yield again, men will turn away—not only will the great enterprise be lost forever, but how can even your own person be preserved? The emperor smiled and replied, "Your words are not without reason. Jian also said, "Your present name and rank are still those of an ordinary chief minister; you should stand above the host of officials in ritual and signal change in small ways. First let Lord Chu know; I ask to carry the command. The emperor replied, "I shall go myself." After several days the emperor went in person to Yanhui and spoke at length in earnest tones, then replied, "My dream says I should receive office. Yanhui replied, "You have just received appointment; I fear that within a year or two it cannot yet be moved. In sum: moreover an auspicious dream is not necessarily fulfilled at once. The emperor returned and told Jian; Jian replied, "Chu does not yet grasp the principle. Yu Zheng was then Palace Secretary and very skilled in drafting—Jian reported to Zheng himself and had him compose the edict. In sum: when the High Emperor became Grand Commandant he appointed Jian Senior Secretary, then transferred him to the left and gave him sole trust. When the great ceremony was about to be performed, ritual, edicts, and proclamations all came from Jian—Chu Yanhui alone drafted the abdication edict, and Jian was also made to consult and fix it.
14
齊台建，遷尚書右僕射，領吏部，時年二十八。 多所引進。 時客有姓譚者，詣儉求官，儉謂曰：「齊桓滅譚，那得有君？ 「答曰：「譚子奔莒，所以有僕。」 儉賞其善據，卒得職焉。 高帝嘗從容謂儉曰：「我今日當以青溪為鴻溝。」 對曰：「天應人順，庶無楚、漢之事。」
When the Qi regime was established, Jian was made Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and Director of Personnel at twenty-eight. In sum: he brought in many men. At the time a client surnamed Tan came to Jian seeking office; Jian told him, "When Duke Huan of Qi destroyed Tan, how could there still be a lord? He answered, "Tanzi fled to Ju—therefore I am here. Jian admired his clever citation and in the end he obtained a post. The High Emperor once said at ease to Jian—"Today I shall take the Qing Stream as the Hong Canal. He replied—"Heaven responds and men follow—there will likely be no Chu-Han affair."
15
時朝儀草創，衣服制則，未有定準，儉議曰：「漢景六年，梁王入朝，中郎謁者金貂出入殿門。 左思魏都賦雲'藹藹列侍，金貂齊光'，此藩國侍臣有貂之明文。 晉百官表雲'太尉參軍四人，朝服武冠'，此又宰府之明文。」 又疑百僚敬齊公之禮，儉又曰：「晉王受命，勸進雲，'沖等眷眷'，稱名則應盡禮。」 而世子禮秩未定，儉又曰：「春秋曹世子來朝，待以上公之禮，下其君一等。 今齊公九命，禮冠列蕃，世子亦宜異數。」 並從之。 世子鎮石頭城，仍以為世子宮，儉又曰：「魯有靈光殿，漢之前例也。 聽事為崇光殿，外齋為宣德殿，以散騎常侍張緒為世子詹事，車服悉依東宮制度。」
At the time court ritual was newly established and dress regulations had no fixed standard; Jian argued, "In Han Jingdi 6 the King of Liang entered court and the palace attendant with the golden sable entered and left the hall gate. Left Si's Rhapsody on the Capital of Wei says 'thickly ranked attendants, golden sables gleaming together'—this is clear text that feudal attendants wore sables. In sum: the Jin table of officials says 'Grand Commandant has four aides, court robes and martial cap'—this is again clear text of the chief minister's office. He also questioned the ritual of the hundred officials' reverence toward the Duke of Qi; Jian also said, "When the Prince of Jin received the mandate, the address of urging accession says 'Chong and others look earnestly'—when naming names, full ritual should apply. The heir's ritual rank was undetermined; Jian also replied, "In Spring and Autumn when the heir of Cao came to court, he was treated with the ritual of upper duke, one rank below his lord. Now the Duke of Qi has nine appointments and ritual crowns the feudal lords; the heir too should have a distinct rank. All were followed. The heir garrisoned Stone City and it was also made the heir's palace; Jian also replied, "Lu had the Luminous Hall—this is a Han precedent. The reception hall was the Hall of Honored Light, the outer study the Hall of Proclaimed Virtue—Attendant Cavalier Regular Zhang Xu was made Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent, carriage and dress all following Eastern Palace regulations."
16
高帝踐阼，與儉議佐命功臣，從容謂曰：「卿謀謨之功，莫與為二，卿止二千戶，意以為少。 趙充國猶能自舉西零之任，況卿與我情期異常。」 儉曰：「昔宋祖創業，佐命諸公，開國不過二千，以臣比之，唯覺超越。」 上笑曰：「張良辭侯，何以過此。」
When the High Emperor ascended the throne he discussed with Jian the merit-bearing ministers who aided the mandate and said at ease, "Your counsel and planning have no second—you have only two thousand households—I think it too few. In sum: zhao Chongguo could still recommend himself for the Western Zero mission—how much more you, with whom my bond is extraordinary. Jian replied, "When Emperor Wu of Song founded the enterprise, the merit-bearing ministers who aided the mandate received no more than two thousand households in enfeoffment; compared with them, I only feel I have exceeded. The emperor smiled and replied, "When Zhang Liang declined a marquisate, how could he surpass this."
17
建元元年，改封南昌縣公。 時都下舛雜，且多奸盜，上欲立符伍，家家以相檢括。 儉諫曰：「京師翼翼，四方是湊，必也持符，於事既煩，理成不曠，謝安所謂'不爾何以為京師'。」 乃止。 是歲，有司奏定郊殷之禮，儉以為宜以今年十月殷祭宗廟，自此以後，五年再殷祭。 二年正月上辛，有事南郊，即以其日還祭明堂； 又用次辛饗祀北郊，而並無配。 從之。 明年轉左僕射，領選如故。
In Jianyuan 1 he was re-enfeoffed as Duke of Nanchang. At that time, the capital was disorderly and there were many thieves and rogues; the emperor wished to establish tally-neighborhoods so every household would inspect one another. Jian remonstrated, "The capital stands in awe, the four quarters assemble—if tally-holders are required, the affair becomes burdensome, reason becomes neglected—and Xie An's words apply: 'If not so, how would it be the capital? It was thereupon stopped. That year the officials memorialized to fix the suburban and yin sacrifices—Jian held that this year in the tenth month the ancestral temple should receive the yin sacrifice, and from then on every five years two yin sacrifices. In the second year, on the upper xin day of the first month, the southern suburb was served—on that same day the Bright Hall was also sacrificed; on the next xin day the northern suburb was feasted—and there were no paired offerings. This was followed. The next year he was transferred to Left Vice Director—retaining charge of selection as before.
18
初，宋明帝紫極殿珠簾綺柱，飾以金玉，江左所未有，高帝欲以其材起宣陽門，儉與褚彥回及叔父僧虔連名表諫，上手詔酬納。 宋世，宮門外六門城設竹籬，是年初，有發白虎樽言：「白門三重門，竹籬穿不完」。 上感其言，改立都牆。 儉又諫，上答曰：「吾欲後世無以加也。」 朝廷初基，制度草創，儉問無不決。 上每曰：「詩雲'惟嶽降神，生甫及申'，今天為我生儉也。」 其年固請解選，見許。
At first Emperor Ming of Song's Purple Pole Hall had pearl curtains and brocade pillars adorned with gold and jade, unknown in the Eastern Jin—the High Emperor wished to use the materials for the Xuanyang Gate—Jian with Chu Yanhui and his uncle Sengqian jointly memorialized in remonstrance, and the emperor replied by edict with thanks. In Song times outside the palace's six gates the city had bamboo fences—at the beginning of that year someone opened the White Tiger casket saying, "White Gate triple gate, bamboo fence pierced incomplete." The emperor would later be moved by the words and changed to erect capital walls. Jian again remonstrated—the emperor replied, "I wish that later ages have nothing to add. When the court would later be first established and institutions were newly created, there was nothing Jian was asked that he did not decide. The emperor often replied, "The Ode says 'Only the mountain sends down spirit, born Fu and Shen'—Heaven has today born Jian for me. That year he firmly requested to relinquish selection and would later be permitted.
19
帝幸樂遊宴集，謂儉曰：「卿好音樂，孰與朕同？」 儉曰：「沐浴唐風，事兼比屋，亦既在齊，不知肉味。」 帝稱善。 後幸華林宴集，使各效伎藝。 褚彥回彈琵琶，王僧虔、柳世隆彈琴，沈文季歌子夜來，張敬兒舞。 儉曰：「臣無所解，唯知誦書。」 因跪上前誦相如封禪書。 上笑曰：「此盛德之事，吾何以堪之。」 後上使陸澄誦孝經，起自「仲尼居」，儉曰：「澄所謂博而寡要。 臣請誦之。」 乃誦君子之事上章。 上曰：「善，張子布更覺非奇也。」 於是王敬則脫朝服袒，以絳糾髻，奮臂拍張，叫動左右。 上不悅曰：「豈聞三公如此。」 答曰：「臣以拍張，故得三公，不可忘拍張。」 時以為名答。
The emperor visited the Joyful Excursion for a banquet and told Jian, "You love music—who matches me? Jian replied, "Bathing in Tang wind, the affair reaches every house; already in Qi, I no longer know the taste of meat. The emperor praised this. In sum: later at a Huagrove banquet he had each display his skill. Chu Yanhui played pipa—Wang Sengqian and Liu Shilong played zither, Shen Wenji sang Ziye Lai, Zhang Jing'er danced. Jian replied, "Your minister understands nothing—only knows recitation. In sum: he then knelt before the emperor and recited Sima Xiangru's Fengshan shu. The emperor smiled and replied, "This is a matter of great virtue—I cannot bear it. Later the emperor had Lu Cheng recite the Classic of Filial Piety, beginning from 'Zhongni ju'; Jian replied, "What Cheng speaks is broad but lacks essentials. In sum: your minister asks to recite. In sum: he then recited the chapter on the gentleman's service of superiors. The emperor replied, "Good—Zhang Zibu seems even less remarkable. Then Wang Jingze stripped his court robe bare—bound his hair with crimson cord, swung his arms and beat the drum, shouting and moving those around him. The emperor was displeased and replied, "Have you ever heard of a Three Excellencies doing this? He replied—"Your minister, because of beating the drum, obtained the rank of Three Excellencies—one cannot forget beating the drum. At that time, this was considered a famous reply.
20
儉尋以本官領太子詹事，加兵三百人。 時皇太子妃薨，左衛將軍沈文季經為宮臣，未詳服不。 儉議曰：「漢、魏以來，宮僚先備臣隸之節，具體在三。 存既盡敬，亡豈無服？ 昔庾翼喪妻，王允、滕含猶謂府吏宜有小君之服，況臣節之重。 宜依禮為舊君之妻齊衰三月而除。」 上崩，遺詔以儉為侍中、尚書令、鎮軍。 每上朝，令史恒有三五十人隨上，諮事辯析，未嘗壅滯。 褚彥回時為司徒、錄尚書，笑謂儉曰：「觀令判斷甚樂。」 儉曰：「所以得厝私懷，實由稟明公不言之化。」 武帝即位，給班劍二十人，進號衛將軍，掌選事。 時有司以前代嗣位，或仍前郊年，或別為郊始，晉、宋以來，未有畫一。 儉議曰：「晉明帝太寧三年南郊，其年九月崩； 成帝即位，明年改元，亦郊。 簡文咸安二年南郊，其年七月崩； 孝武即位，明年改元，亦郊。 宋元嘉三十年正月南郊，二月崩； 孝武嗣位，明年亦郊。 此二代明例，差可依放。 今聖明系業，幽顯宅心，言化則頻郊非嫌，語事則元號初改，禋燎登配，孝敬兼遂。 謂明年正月宜饗祀二郊，虔祭明堂。 自茲以後，依舊間歲。」 有司又以明年正月上辛應南郊，而立春在上辛後，郊在立春前為疑。 儉曰：「宋景平元年正月三日辛丑南郊，其月十一日立春，元嘉十六年正月六日辛未南郊，其月八日立春，此近世明例也。」 並從之。
In sum: jian soon held his original office concurrently as Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent, with three hundred additional troops. At that time, the crown prince's consort died; General of the Left Guard Shen Wenji had once been a palace officer and it was unclear whether mourning dress was required. Jian argued, "From Han and Wei onward, palace aides first possessed the protocol of minister and servant—the substance lies in the three relationships. If in life one shows full reverence, in death how can there be no mourning? In old times when Yu Yi mourned his wife, Wang Yun and Teng Han still held that office clerks should wear the lesser consort's mourning—how much more the weight of ministerial protocol. In sum: one should follow ritual and wear qi mourning for three months for the former lord's wife, then remove it. When the emperor died, the testamentary edict made Jian Palace Attendant, Director of the Masters of Writing—and General Who Stabilizes the Army. Each time he attended court—thirty or fifty clerks constantly followed the emperor, consulting and analyzing affairs without ever blocking or delay. Chu Yanhui was then Minister of Education and Recorder of the Masters of Writing; he smiled and told Jian, "Observing the Director's judgments is great pleasure. Jian replied, "The reason I can set private concerns aside is truly because I received Lord Ming's unspoken transformation. When Emperor Wu acceded he was given twenty ceremonial swords, promoted to General of the Guard—and held charge of selection. At that time, the officials, regarding former dynasties' succession, either continued the previous suburban year or made a separate beginning for suburban rites; from Jin and Song onward there had been no uniform rule. Jian argued, "Emperor Ming of Jin in Taining 3 served the southern suburb; that year in the ninth month he died; Emperor Cheng acceded—the next year he changed the era name and also performed suburban rites. Emperor Jianwen in Xian'an 2 served the southern suburb; that year in the seventh month he died; Emperor Xiaowu acceded—the next year he changed the era name and also performed suburban rites. Song in Yuanjia 30 in the first month served the southern suburb; in the second month he died; Emperor Xiaowu succeeded—the next year also performed suburban rites. In sum: these two dynasties are clear examples and may be followed with slight variation. Now the sage brightness continues the enterprise—hidden and manifest dwell in the heart—speaking of transformation, frequent suburban rites are no offense—speaking of affairs, the era name is newly changed, the sacred fire ascends with paired offerings, filial reverence achieved together. In sum: i hold that next year in the first month both suburbs should be feasted and the Bright Hall reverently sacrificed. From then on—follow the former interval of years. The officials also held that next year on the upper xin day of the first month the southern suburb should be served—but Establishment of Spring fell after the upper xin day, raising doubt that the suburb came before Establishment of Spring. Jian said, "Song in Jingping 1 on the third day of the first month, xinchou, served the southern suburb; on the eleventh day of that month was Establishment of Spring; in Yuanjia 16 on the sixth day of the first month, xinwei, served the southern suburb; on the eighth day of that month was Establishment of Spring—these are clear examples of recent times. All were followed.
21
永明二年，領丹陽尹。 三年，領國子祭酒，又領太子少傅。 舊太子敬二傅同，至是朝議接少傅以賓友禮。 宋時國學頹廢，未暇修復，宋明帝泰始六年，置總明觀以集學士，或謂之東觀，置東觀祭酒一人，總明訪舉郎二人； 儒、玄、文、史四科，科置學士十人，其餘令史以下各有差。 是歲，以國學既立，省總明觀，於儉宅開學士館，以總明四部書充之。 又詔儉以家為府。 四年，以本官領吏部。 先是宋孝武好文章，天下悉以文采相尚，莫以專經為業。 儉弱年便留意三禮，尤善春秋，發言吐論，造次必於儒教，由是衣冠翕然，並尚經學，儒教於此大興。 何承天禮論三百卷，儉抄為八帙，又別抄條目為十三卷。 朝儀舊典，晉、宋來施行故事，撰次諳憶，無遺漏者。 所以當朝理事，斷決如流。 每博議引證，先儒罕有其例，八坐丞郎，無能異者。 令史諮事，賓客滿席，儉應接銓序，傍無留滯。 十日一還，監試諸生，巾卷在庭，劍衛令史，儀容甚盛。 作解散幘，斜插簪，朝野慕之，相與放效。 儉常謂人曰，「江左風流宰相，惟有謝安」，蓋自況也。 武帝深委仗之，士流選用，奏無不可。
In Yongming 2 he held Danyang concurrently. In sum: in the third year he held Director of the National University concurrently and also Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent. Formerly the heir's reverence toward both tutors was the same—from this time court deliberation treated the Junior Tutor with guest-friend ritual. In Song times the National University had fallen into ruin and there was no leisure to restore it; in Taishi 6 of Emperor Ming of Song the Zongming Observatory was established to gather scholars, also called the Eastern Observatory, with one Director of the Eastern Observatory and two Zongming Recommendation Officers; Confucian, Mystery, Letters—and History four sections, each section ten scholars, the rest clerks and below each with differences. That year, because the National University was established, the Zongming Observatory was abolished—at Jian's residence a Scholars' Hall was opened, filled with the Zongming four-division books. In sum: the emperor also ordered Jian to use his house as an office. In sum: in the fourth year he held his original office concurrently as Director of Personnel. Earlier Emperor Xiaowu of Song loved literary composition—the realm all took literary elegance as fashion and none made classical learning their profession. From boyhood, Jian attended to the three rites and especially excelled in Spring and Autumn; in speech and debate he always adhered to Confucian teaching even in haste—thereupon the gentry converged and all honored classical learning, and Confucian teaching greatly flourished. He Chengtian's Ritual Discussions ran three hundred scrolls; Jian abridged them into eight fascicles and separately copied out entries into thirteen scrolls. Court ritual and old regulations—Jin and Song precedents carried out in practice—he compiled and remembered them without omission. In sum: therefore in governing the court his decisions flowed like water. Each time in broad deliberation he cited proof—former scholars rarely had his examples, and none among the eight seats and director clerks could differ. When clerks consulted on affairs and guests filled the hall—Jian received and arranged them in sequence with none left waiting. Every ten days he returned once, supervised examination of students—scrolls in the courtyard, sword guards and order clerks—the bearing was very grand. He made a loose headband and slanted the hairpin—court and realm admired it and imitated one another. Jian often told people, "Among elegant chancellors of the Eastern Jin there was only Xie An"—he was comparing himself. Emperor Wu deeply relied on him—in selecting men of the gentry, none of his memorials was denied.
22
儉寡嗜欲，唯以經國為務，車服塵素，家無遺財。 手筆典裁，為當時所重。 少便有宰臣之志，賦詩云：「稷契匡虞夏，伊呂翼商周。」 及生子，字曰玄成，取仍世作相之義。 撰古今喪服集記並文集，並行於世。 梁武帝受禪，詔為儉立碑，降爵為侯。
Jian had few desires and took governing the state as his task—carriage and dress were dusty and plain, and the house held no surplus wealth. His own hand in drafting and judgment would later be valued by the age. From boyhood, he had the ambition of a chief minister; in a poem he wrote, "Ji and Qi upheld Yu and Xia; Yi and Lü winged Shang and Zhou. When he had a son he styled him Xuancheng—taking the meaning of generation after generation as chief minister. He compiled Records of Mourning Dress Ancient and Modern and collected writings, both of which circulated widely. When Emperor Wu of Liang received the abdication—he ordered a stele erected for Jian and lowered his rank to marquis.
23
儉弟遜，宋升明中為丹陽丞，告劉彥節事，不蒙封賞。 建元初，為晉陵太守，有怨言。 儉慮為禍，因褚彥回啟聞，中丞陸澄依事舉奏。 詔以儉竭誠佐命，特降刑書宥遜，遠徙永嘉郡，於道伏誅。
Jian's younger brother Xun in Song's Shengming served as Assistant Governor of Danyang and reported Liu Yanjie's affair—but received no enfeoffment or reward. At the beginning of Jianyuan he would later be Governor of Jinling and had resentful words. Jian feared it would bring disaster and through Chu Yanhui reported it—Censor-in-Chief Lu Cheng memorialized according to the facts. An edict said that because Jian had exhausted himself aiding the mandate, Xun was specially pardoned by written sentence and exiled far to Yongjia commandery—on the road he was executed in secret.
24
長子騫嗣。
In sum: his eldest son Qian succeeded.
25
騫字思寂，本字玄成，與齊高帝偏諱同，故改焉。 性凝簡，慕樂廣為人，未嘗言人之短。 諸女子侄皆嬪王尚主，朔望來歸，輜軿填咽，非所欲也，敕歲中不過一再見。 嘗從容謂諸子曰：「吾家本素族，自可依流平進，不須苟求也。」 曆黃門郎、司徒右長史。 不事產業，有舊墅在鍾山八十餘頃，與諸宅及故舊共佃之。 常謂人曰：「我不如鄭公業有田四百頃，而食常不周。」 以此為愧。 永元末，召為侍中，不拜。 三年春，枉矢晝見西方，長十餘丈。 騫曰：「此除舊佈新之象也。」 及梁武起兵，騫曰：「天時人事，其在此乎。」 梁武霸府建，引為大司馬諮議參軍，遷侍中。 及帝受禪，降封為侯。 歷位度支尚書，中書令。 武帝於鍾山西造大愛敬寺，騫舊墅在寺側者，即王導賜田也。 帝遣主書宣旨，就騫市之，欲以施寺。 答云：「此田不賣； 若敕取，所不敢言。」 酬對又脫略。 帝怒，遂付市評田價，以直逼還之。 由是忤旨，出為吳興太守。
Qian, courtesy name Siji, originally styled Xuancheng; because it matched the taboo of Emperor Gao of Qi's personal name, it was changed. By nature he was reserved and plain, admired Yue Guang's character—and never spoke of others' faults. All his daughters and nephews married princes or princesses—on the first and fifteenth they came home, carriages filling the road—not what he wished—he ordered that in a year they should meet no more than once or twice. He once said at ease to his sons, "Our house is originally a plain clan—one may rely on gradual advancement in the stream—there is no need to grasp greedily. He served as Palace Secretary—Senior Secretary of the Minister of Education. He did not manage property—there was an old villa at Zhongshan of more than eighty qing, which he shared in tenancy with various residences and old friends. He often told people, "I am not like Lord Zheng, who had four hundred qing of fields yet often lacked enough to eat. In sum: he took this as shame. At the end of Yongyuan he would later be summoned as Palace Attendant and did not accept. In the third year spring a stray arrow would later be seen by day in the west, more than ten zhang long. Qian replied, "This is the sign of removing the old and spreading the new. When Emperor Wu of Liang raised troops, Qian replied, "Heaven's time and human affairs—is it here? When Emperor Wu's regency office was established he was appointed Grand Marshal Adviser—he was transferred to Palace Attendant. When the emperor received the abdication his enfeoffment would later be lowered to marquis. He held a succession of posts: Minister of Revenue, Palace Secretary. Emperor Wu built the Great Ai'jing Temple west of Zhongshan—Qian's old villa beside the temple was the field Wang Dao had been granted. In sum: the emperor sent a chief clerk with the imperial message to buy it from Qian, wishing to grant it to the temple. He answered, "This land is not for sale; if by edict it is taken—I dare not speak. In sum: his replies were also blunt and brief. The emperor was angry and then had the market assess the field price and return it to him at full value. On this account he offended the emperor and would later be sent out as Governor of Wuxing.
26
騫性侈於味而儉於服，頗以多忌為累。 又惰於接物，雖主書宣敕，或過時不見。 才望不及弟暕，特以儉之嫡，故不棄于時。 暕為尚書左丞僕射，當朝用事，騫自中書令為郡，邑邑不樂，在郡臥不視事。 征復為度支尚書，加給事中，領射聲校尉。 以母憂去職。 普通三年卒，年四十九。 贈侍中、金紫光祿大夫，諡曰安。 子規。
Qian by nature was extravagant in taste yet plain in dress—and was much burdened by many taboos. He was also slack in receiving people—even when chief clerks announced edicts he sometimes would not see them for a long time. His talent and standing did not match his younger brother Yan's—yet because he was Jian's legitimate son he was not cast aside by the age. Yan was Left Vice Director and Vice Director in charge of the court—Qian went from Palace Secretary to a commandery, discontent and unhappy, and in the commandery lay abed and ignored affairs. He would later be recalled as Minister of Revenue with Supervising Director added, holding concurrently Commandant of the Archers. He resigned on account of his mother's mourning. In Putong 3 he died, aged forty-nine. Posthumously he was granted Palace Attendant and Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon with the posthumous title An. His son was Gui.
27
規字威明，八歲丁所生母憂，居喪有至性。 齊太尉徐孝嗣每見必為流涕，稱曰：「孝童」。 叔父暕亦深器重之，常曰：「此兒吾家千里駒也。」 年十二，略通五經大義，及長，遂博涉有口辯。 為本州迎主簿。 起家秘書郎，累遷太子洗馬。
Gui, courtesy name Weiming, at eight entered mourning for his birth mother and in mourning showed utmost nature. Grand Commandant Xu Xiaosi of Qi wept every time he saw the boy and named him "Filial Youth." His uncle Yan also deeply valued him and often replied, "This boy is our family's thousand-li colt. At twelve he had broadly grasped the great meaning of the Five Classics—when grown he ranged widely with ready eloquence. He would later be made Reception Chief Clerk of his native province. He began office as Secretary—rose through appointments to Heir Apparent Purifier.
28
天監十二年，改造太極殿畢，規獻新殿賦，其辭甚工。 後為晉安王綱雲麾諮議參軍，久之，為新安太守。 父憂去職，服闋，襲封南昌縣侯。 除中書黃門侍郎，敕與陳郡殷芸、琅邪王錫、范陽張緬同侍東宮，俱為昭明太子所禮。 湘東王繹時為丹陽尹，與朝士宴集，屬規為酒令。 規從容曰：「江左以來，未有茲舉。」 特進蕭琛、金紫光祿大夫傅昭在坐，並謂為知言。 朱異嘗因酒卿規，規責以無禮。
In Tianjian 12, when reconstruction of the Taichi Hall was completed, Gui presented a rhapsody on the new hall; the wording was very skilled. He was subsequently appointed Adviser to Prince of Jin'an Gang, Cloud-Banner General; after long service he was Governor of Xin'an. He resigned on account of his father's mourning; when mourning ended he inherited the marquisate of Nanchang. He was made Palace Secretary and Yellow Gate Attendant—ordered with Yin Yun of Chen commandery, Wang Xi of Langya, and Zhang Mian of Fanyang to attend the Eastern Palace together—all were honored by Crown Prince Zhaoming. Prince of Xiangdong Yi was then Governor of Danyang—at a banquet with court gentlemen he assigned Gui as wine-master. Gui said at ease—"Since the Eastern Jin there has never been this practice. In sum: special Advance Xiao Chen and Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon Fu Zhao were seated and both called it discerning speech. Zhu Yi once over wine slighted Gui—Gui rebuked him for lack of ritual.
29
普通初，陳慶之北侵，陷洛陽，百僚稱慶。 規退曰：「可吊也，又何賀焉。 道家有云：非為功難，成功難也。 昔桓溫得而復失，宋武竟無成功。 我孤軍無援，深入寇境，將為亂階。」 俄見覆沒。
At the beginning of Putong, Chen Qingzhi invaded north and took Luoyang—the hundred officials congratulated Qing. Gui withdrew and replied, "One may mourn—why again congratulate? The Daoists have a saying: it is not that achieving merit is hard—but that preserving success is hard. Formerly Huan Wen took it and lost it again—Emperor Wu of Song in the end had no success. Our lone army without aid—deep in enemy territory, will become the seed of disorder. Soon it would later be seen destroyed.
30
六年，武帝於文德殿餞廣州刺史元景隆，詔群臣賦詩，同用五十韻。 規援筆立奏，其文又美，武帝嘉焉，即日授侍中。 後為晉安王長史。 王立為太子，仍為散騎常侍、太子中庶子，侍東宮。 太子賜以所服貂蟬，並降令書，悅是舉也。 尋為吳郡太守，主書芮珍宗家在吳，前守宰皆傾意附之。 至是珍宗假還，規遇之甚薄，珍宗還都，密奏規不理郡事。 俄徵為左戶尚書。 郡境千餘人詣闕請留，表三奏不許。 求于郡樹碑，許之。
In the sixth year Emperor Wu at Wende Hall feasted Governor of Guang Province Yuan Jinglong—he ordered the hundred officials to compose poetry, all using the same fifty rhymes. Gui took brush and immediately presented it—the text was again beautiful—the emperor praised it and that same day made him Palace Attendant. He was subsequently appointed Chief Secretary to Prince of Jin'an. When the prince would later be established as heir he remained Cavalier Attendant Regular and Junior Mentor of the Heir Apparent, attending the Eastern Palace. In sum: the heir bestowed the sable and cicada he himself wore and also issued a commendation edict, pleased with this conduct. Before long he was made Governor of Wu commandery; Chief Clerk Rui Zhenzong's family was in Wu and former governors and prefects all inclined to attach to him. At this time Zhenzong took leave to return—Gui treated him very coldly—Zhenzong returned to the capital and secretly memorialized that Gui did not govern commandery affairs. Before long he was made recalled as Minister of the Left Household. More than a thousand people in the commandery went to the palace to ask that he remain—three memorials were submitted and not permitted. In sum: they asked to erect a stele in the commandery and were permitted.
31
規常以門宗貴盛，恒思減退。 後為太子中庶子，領步兵校尉，辭疾不拜，遂于鍾山宋熙寺築室居焉。 卒，贈光祿大夫，諡曰文。 皇太子出臨哭，與湘東王繹令曰：「王威明風韻遒上，神峰標映，千里絕跡，百尺無枝，實俊人也。 一爾過隙，永歸長夜，金刀掩芒，長淮絕涸。 去歲冬中，已傷劉子，今茲寒孟，復悼王生。 俱往之傷，信非虛說。」 規集後漢眾家異同，注續漢書二百卷。 文集二十卷。
Gui often because the gate clan would later be noble and flourishing constantly thought of reducing and withdrawing. He was subsequently appointed Junior Mentor of the Heir Apparent, holding concurrently Commandant of the Footsoldiers; he declined on illness and did not accept, and thereupon built a chamber and dwelt at Songxi Temple on Zhongshan. At his death he received he was posthumously granted Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with the posthumous title Wen. The crown prince came in person to mourn and wrote to Prince of Xiangdong Yi, "Wang Weiming's bearing is vigorous and lofty, his spirit peak marked and shining—for a thousand li he leaves no track, for a hundred chi no branch—a true handsome man. In a moment the gap closes—forever he returns to the long night—the golden blade hides its edge, the long Huai dries up. Last winter I already grieved for Liu Zi—this cold beginning again I mourn Wang Sheng. In sum: the sorrow of going together is truly no empty saying. In sum: gui collected the various schools' differences of Later Han and annotated the Continued Book of Han in two hundred scrolls. In sum: collected writings twenty scrolls.
32
子褒，魏克江陵，入長安。
In sum: his son Bao—when Wei took Jiangling he entered Chang'an.
33
暕字思晦，騫弟也。 年數歲而風神警拔，有成人之度。 時父儉作宰相，賓客盈門，見暕曰：「公才公望，復在此矣。」 弱冠選尚淮南長公主，拜駙馬都尉，曆秘書丞。 齊明帝詔求異士，始安王遙光薦暕及東海王僧孺。 除暕驃騎從事中郎，天監中，歷位侍中，吏部尚書，領國子祭酒。 門貴，與物隔，不能留心寒素，頗稱刻薄。 後為尚書左僕射，領國子祭酒。 卒，諡曰靖。 子承、幼、訓，並通顯。
Yan, courtesy name Sihui, was Qian's younger brother. At several years his spirit was alert and outstanding—with the measure of a grown man. At that time, his father Jian was chief minister and guests filled the gate; seeing Yan they said, "Public talent and public standing are here again. At weak crown he was chosen to marry Princess Chang of Huainan and was made Commandant of the Horse Guard—he served as Secretary Director. Emperor Ming of Qi ordered a search for unusual men—Prince of Shi'an Yaoguang recommended Yan and Wang Sengru of Donghai. Yan was made Attendant of the Cavalry General—in Tianjian he served successively as Palace Attendant, Minister of the Masters of Writing, and Director of the National University. The gate was noble and separated from common men—he could not attend to the poor and plain and was much called harsh. He was subsequently appointed Left Vice Director, holding concurrently Director of the National University. At his death he received his posthumous title was Jing. His sons Cheng, You—and Xun all reached prominence.
34
承字安期，初為秘書郎，累遷中書黃門侍郎，兼國子博士。 時膏腴貴遊，咸以文學相尚，罕以經術為業； 唯承獨好儒業。 遷長兼侍中，俄轉國子祭酒。 承祖儉父暕皆為此職，三世為國師，前代未之有。 久之，出為東陽太守。 政存寬惠，吏人悅之。 卒郡，諡曰章。
Cheng, courtesy name Anqi, at first was Secretary; he rose through appointments to Palace Secretary and Yellow Gate Attendant, concurrently National University Erudite. Then the rich and noble all took literary learning as fashion and rarely made classical studies their profession; In sum: only Cheng alone loved Confucian learning. He was promoted to Senior Palace Attendant concurrently; soon he was transferred to Director of the National University. In sum: cheng's grandfather Jian and father Yan had both held this office—three generations as National Teacher, unprecedented in former ages. In sum: after long service he went out as Governor of Dongyang. His governance was lenient and gracious—officials and people were pleased. He died in the commandery—his posthumous title was Zhang.
35
承性簡貴，有風格。 右衛朱異當朝用事，每休下，車馬填門。 有魏郡申英者，門寒才俊，好危言高論以忤權右。 嘗指異門曰：「此中輻湊，皆為利往，能不至者，唯大小王東陽耳。」 小東陽即承弟幼也。 時唯承兄弟及褚翔不至異門，世並稱之。 訓字懷範，生而紫胞，師媼云：「法當貴」。 幼聰警，有識量，僧正惠超見而奇之，謂門人羅智國曰：「四郎眉目疏朗，舉動和韻，此是興門戶者。」 智國以白暕，暕亦曰：「不墜基業，其在文殊。」 文殊，訓小字也。 年十三，暕亡，憂毀，家人莫識。 十六召見文德殿，應對爽徹，上目送久之，謂朱異曰：「可謂相門有相。」 初補國子生，問說師袁昂。 昂曰：「久籍高名，有勞虛想，及觀容止，若披雲霧。」 俄而諸袁子弟來，昂謂諸助教曰：「我兒出十數，若有一子如此，實無所恨。」 射策，除秘書郎，累遷秘書丞。 嘗賦詩云：「旦奭匡世功，蕭曹佐甿俗。」 追祖儉之志也。
Cheng by nature was plain and noble—with bearing. Right Guard Zhu Yi held power in the court—each time he left office carriages and horses filled his gate. There was Shen Ying of Wei commandery—from a cold gate yet talented and handsome, who loved stern words and lofty discourse to offend the powerful. He once pointed at Yi's gate and replied, "Within this hub all go for profit; those who can fail to come are only the two Wangs of Dongyang, great and small. Small Dongyang would later be Cheng's younger brother You. At that time, only the Cheng brothers and Chu Xiang did not come to Yi's gate; the world together praised them. Xun, courtesy name Huaifan, was born with a purple birth-caul; the midwife said, "By rule he should be noble." From boyhood, he was clever and alert with judgment; Abbot Huichao of the Sangha saw him and marveled, telling his disciple Luo Zhiguo, "The fourth lord's brows and eyes are open and clear, his movements harmonious—this one will raise the gate. Zhiguo told Yan; Yan also replied, "He will not fall from the foundation—it is Wenshu. Wenshu would later be Xun's childhood name. At thirteen Yan died—in grief and ruin his family did not recognize him. At sixteen he was summoned to Wende Hall; his replies were clear and penetrating; the emperor saw him off with his gaze a long while and told Zhu Yi, "One may say the minister's gate has a minister. At first he would later be supplemented as National University student and questioned Lecturer Yuan Ang. Ang replied, "Long have I known your lofty name and labored in vain imagination; now seeing your bearing and stop, it is like parting clouds and mist. Soon the various Yuan sons and nephews came—Ang told the various assistants, "My sons come by the tens—if one son were like this, I would truly have no regret. In the archery examination he was made Secretary—he rose through appointments to Secretary Director. He once composed a poem saying, "Dan and Shi upheld the age's merit—Xiao and Cao assisted the people's customs. In sum: he traced his ancestor Jian's ambition.
36
後拜侍中，入見武帝。 帝問何敬容曰：「褚彥回年幾為宰相？」 敬容曰：「少過三十。」 上曰：「今之王訓，無謝彥回。」 訓美容儀，善進止，文章為後進領袖。 年二十六，卒，諡溫子。
He was subsequently appointed made Palace Attendant and entered audience with Emperor Wu. The emperor asked He Jingrong—"At what age did Chu Yanhui become chief minister? Jingrong replied, "A little past thirty. The emperor replied, "Today's Wang Xun is not inferior to Yanhui. Xun's appearance was beautiful, his advance and stop skilled—his literary compositions led the younger generation. At twenty-six he died—his posthumous title was Wenzi.
37
僧虔，金紫光祿大夫僧綽弟也。 父曇首，與兄弟集會子孫，任其戲適。 僧達跳下地作彪子。 時僧虔累十二博棋，既不墜落，亦不重作。 僧綽采蠟燭珠為鳳皇，僧達奪取打壞，亦復不惜。 伯父弘歎曰：「僧達俊爽，當不減人； 然亡吾家者，終此子也。 僧虔必至公，僧綽當以名義見美。」 或云僧虔采燭珠為鳳皇，弘稱其長者云。 僧虔弱冠，雅善隸書，宋文帝見其書素扇，歎曰：「非唯跡逾子敬，方當器雅過之。」 為太子舍人，退默少交接。 與袁淑、謝莊善，淑每歎之曰：「卿文情鴻麗，學解深拔，而韜光潛實，物莫之窺，雖魏陽元之射，王汝南之騎，無以加焉。」 遷司徒左西屬。
Sengqian would later be younger brother of Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon Sengchuo. His father Tanshou—with his brothers gathering descendants, let them play as they wished. In sum: sengda jumped to the ground and played leopard cub. At that time, Sengqian had piled twelve go pieces; they neither fell nor were reset. Sengchuo gathered wax candle pearls into a phoenix—Sengda snatched and smashed it, yet Sengchuo did not regret. Uncle Hong sighed and replied, "Sengda is handsome and bright and will not fall short of others; In sum: yet the one who will destroy our house will ultimately be this boy. Sengqian will surely reach public office—Sengchuo will be praised for righteousness and reputation. In sum: some say Sengqian gathered candle pearls into a phoenix and Hong praised his elder conduct. At weak crown Sengqian excelled at clerical script—Emperor Wen of Song saw his writing on a plain fan and sighed, "Not only does the trace surpass Zijing—the bearing in elegance will surpass him. He was Attendant of the Heir Apparent—retiring and silent with little social contact. He was on good terms with Yuan Shu and Xie Zhuang; Shu often sighed over him and replied, "Your literary feeling is grand and beautiful, learning and understanding deeply pulled forth, yet you hide your light and bury your substance—nothing penetrates to view; though Wei Yangyuan's archery and Wang Runan's horsemanship cannot surpass this. He was promoted to Left Western Aide of the Minister of Education.
38
兄僧綽為宋元凶所害，親賓咸勸之逃，僧虔泣曰：「吾兄奉國以忠貞，撫我以慈愛，今日之事，苦不見及耳。 若同歸九泉，猶羽化也。」 孝武初，出為武陵太守，攜諸子侄。 兄子儉中塗得病，僧虔為廢寢食，同行客慰喻之。 僧虔曰：「昔馬援處子侄之間，一情不異，鄧攸于弟子，更逾所生，吾實懷其心，誠未異古。 亡兄之胤，不宜忽諸，若此兒不救，便當回舟謝職。」 還為中書郎，再遷太子中庶子。
When elder brother Sengchuo was killed by Song's crown prince the villain, kin and guests all urged him to flee; Sengqian wept and replied, "My elder brother served the state with loyalty and nurtured me with kindness—today's affair, I bitterly did not reach it in time. If we go together to the nine springs—it is still transformation. In sum: at the beginning of Emperor Xiaowu he went out as Governor of Wuling, taking sons and nephews. Nephew Jian fell ill midway—Sengqian for him abandoned sleep and food—fellow travelers consoled him. Sengqian replied, "In old times Ma Yuan among sons and nephews felt one emotion without difference; Deng You toward his younger brother's son exceeded what he bore himself—I truly hold that heart and am truly not different from antiquity. The deceased elder brother's heir should not be neglected—if this boy is not saved, I shall turn the boat and resign office. He returned as Palace Secretary—then was transferred twice to Junior Mentor of the Heir Apparent.
39
孝武欲擅書名，僧虔不敢顯跡，大明世常用掘筆書，以此見容。 後為御史中丞，領驍騎將軍。 甲族由來多不居憲台，王氏分枝居烏衣者，位宦微減。 僧虔為此官，乃曰：「此是烏衣諸郎坐處，我亦可試為耳。」 泰始中，為吳興太守。 始王獻之善書，為吳興郡，及僧虔工書，又為郡，論者稱之。
Emperor Xiaowu wished to monopolize the fame of calligraphy—Sengqian dared not show his traces—in the Daming era he commonly used a buried brush to write and thus was tolerated. He was subsequently appointed Censor-in-Chief, holding concurrently General of Valiant Cavalry. Noble clans from old rarely held the Inspectorate—the Wang branch dwelling at Wuyi saw office slightly reduced. Sengqian in this office then replied, "This is where the Wuyi lords sit—I too may try it. In Taishi he would later be Governor of Wuxing. At first Wang Xianzhi excelled at calligraphy and was Governor of Wuxing—when Sengqian mastered calligraphy he again was governor—commentators praised this.
40
徙會稽太守。 中書舍人阮佃夫家在東，請假歸，客勸僧虔以佃夫要幸，宜加禮接。 僧虔曰：「我立身有素，豈能曲意此輩； 彼若見惡，當拂衣去耳。」 佃夫言于宋明帝，使御史中丞孫敻奏僧虔，坐免官。 尋以白衣領侍中。
He was promoted to Governor of Kuaiji. Palace Secretary Ruan Tianfu's family was in the east—he took leave to return and guests urged Sengqian that Tianfu was favored and he should add courteous reception. Sengqian replied, "I establish myself with constancy—how can I bend intent to this sort? If he hates me for it—I shall brush my robes and leave. Tianfu spoke to Emperor Ming of Song—he had Censor-in-Chief Sun Xuan memorialize against Sengqian and was dismissed from office. In sum: soon in plain clothes he held Palace Attendant concurrently.
41
元徽中，為吏部尚書，尋加散騎常侍，轉右僕射。 升明二年，為尚書令。 嘗為飛白書題尚書省壁曰：「圓行方止，物之定質，修之不已則溢，高之不已則栗，馳之不已則躓，引之不已則疊，是故去之宜疾。」 當時嗟賞，以比坐右銘。 兄子儉每覲見，輒勖以前言往行、忠貞止足之道。
In Yuanhui he was Minister of the Masters of Writing—soon Attendant Cavalier Regular was added—he was transferred to Right Vice Director. In Shengming 2 he was Director of the Masters of Writing. He once wrote in flying-white script on the Masters of Writing wall, "Round goes, square stops—the fixed substance of things—cultivate without cease and it overflows, raise without cease and it shrinks, gallop without cease and you stumble, draw without cease and it piles—therefore remove it swiftly. At that time, people sighed in admiration and compared it to a seat-side inscription. Nephew Jian each time he had audience Jian would exhort him with former words and deeds and the way of loyalty, sufficiency—and stopping.
42
雅好文史，解音律，以朝廷禮樂，多違正典，人間競造新聲。 時齊高帝輔政，僧虔上表請正聲樂，高帝乃使侍中蕭惠基調正清商音律。
He elegantly loved letters and history, understood pitch and mode—because court ritual and music mostly violated the correct canon, the world competed to make new sounds. At that time, Emperor Gao of Qi assisted governance; Sengqian memorialized asking to correct music; the High Emperor then had Palace Attendant Xiao Huiji tune and correct Clear Shang pitch and mode.
43
齊受命，轉侍中、丹陽尹。 郡縣獄相承有上湯殺囚，僧虔上言：「湯本救疾，而實行冤暴，若罪必入重，自有正刑，若去惡宜疾，則應先啟，豈有死生大命，而潛制下邑。」 上納其言而止。
When Qi received the mandate he was moved to Palace Attendant and Governor of Danyang. Commanderies and counties in prisons inherited applying hot water to kill prisoners—Sengqian memorialized, "Hot water originally saves illness yet in practice becomes wrongful violence—if guilt must enter the heavy, there is the correct punishment—if removing evil should be swift, one should first report—how can there be the great mandate of life and death secretly decided in lower districts? The emperor accepted his counsel and abolished the practice.
44
文惠太子鎮雍州，有盜發古塚者，相傳云是楚王塚，大獲寶物：玉履、玉屏風、竹簡書、青絲綸。 簡廣數分，長二尺，皮節如新。 有得十餘簡以示僧虔，雲是科斗書考工記，周官所闕文也。
When Crown Prince of Culture and Kindness garrisoned Yong Province, tomb robbers opened an ancient tomb—tradition said it was the tomb of a king of Chu, greatly obtaining treasures: jade shoes, jade screen, bamboo slip books, blue silk cords. The slips were several fen wide and two chi long—the bark joints were like new. More than ten slips were obtained and shown to Sengqian—they said it was tadpole script Records of the Artificer, text the Offices of Zhou lacked.
45
高帝素善書，篤好不已，與僧虔賭書畢，謂曰：「誰為第一？」 對曰：「臣書第一，陛下亦第一。」 帝笑曰：「卿可謂善自為謀。」 或云帝問：「我書何如卿？」 答曰：「臣正書第一，草書第二； 陛下草書第二，而正書第三。 臣無第三，陛下無第一。」 帝大笑曰：「卿善為辭； 然天下有道，丘不與易也。」 帝示僧虔古跡十一卷，就求能書人名。 僧虔得人間所有卷中所無者：吳大皇帝、景帝、歸命侯書，桓玄書，及王丞相導、領軍洽、中書令瑉、張芝、索靖、衛伯儒、張翼十一卷，奏之。 又上羊欣所撰能書人名一卷。 遷湘州刺史，侍中如故。 清簡不營財產，百姓安之。
The High Emperor from old excelled at calligraphy and loved it deeply without cease; when he finished betting calligraphy with Sengqian he told him, "Who is first? He replied, "Your minister's calligraphy is first—Your Majesty is also first. The emperor smiled and replied, "You may be called good at plotting for yourself. Some say the emperor asked—"How is my calligraphy compared with yours? He replied—"Your minister's regular script is first, cursive script second; Your Majesty's cursive script is second—regular script third. Your minister has no third—Your Majesty has no first. The emperor laughed greatly and replied, "You are good at phrasing; yet when the realm has the Way—Qiu would not exchange with him. In sum: the emperor showed Sengqian eleven scrolls of ancient traces and asked for the names of able calligraphers. Sengqian obtained what the world's collections lacked in the scrolls: writings of the Great Emperor of Wu, Emperor Jing, Marquis of Guiming, Huan Xuan's writing—and eleven scrolls of Wang Chancellor Dao, Army Commander Qia, Palace Secretary Min, Zhang Zhi, Suo Jing, Wei Boru, and Zhang Yi, and presented them. In sum: he also presented one scroll of Yang Xin's compilation of names of able calligraphers. He was promoted to Governor of Xiang Province, Palace Attendant as before. Living plainly, he amassed no property, and the common people lived in peace under him.
46
僧虔論書云：「宋文帝書，自言可比王子敬。 時議者雲，'天然勝羊欣，功夫少於欣'。 王平南廙，右軍叔，過江，右軍之前以為最。 亡曾祖領軍書，右軍云：'弟書遂不減吾。 '變古制，今惟右軍。 領軍不爾，至今猶法鍾、張。 亡從祖中書令書，子敬云：'弟書如騎騾，駸駸恒欲度驊騮前。 '庾征西翼書，少時與右軍齊名，右軍後進，庾猶不分。 在荊州與都下人書云：'小兒輩賤家雞，皆學逸少書，須吾下當比之。 '張翼，王右軍自書表，晉穆帝令翼寫題後答，右軍當時不別，久後方悟，雲'小人幾欲亂真'。 張芝、索靖、韋誕、鍾會、二衛，並得名前代，無以辨其優劣，唯見其筆力驚異耳。 張澄當時亦呼有意。 郗愔章草亞於右軍。 郗嘉賓草亞于二王，緊媚過其父。 桓玄自謂右軍之流，論者以比孔琳之。 謝安亦入能書錄，亦自重，為子敬書嵇康詩。 羊欣書見重一時，親受子敬。 行書尤善，正乃不稱名。 孔琳之書，天然縱放，極有筆力，規矩恐在羊欣後。 丘道護與羊欣俱面受子敬，故當在欣後。 范曄與蕭思話同師羊欣，後小叛，既失故步，為復小有意耳。 蕭思話書，羊欣之影，風流趨好，殆當不減，筆力恨弱。 謝綜書，其舅雲緊生起。 是得賞也，恨少媚好。 謝靈運書乃不倫，遇其合時，亦得入流。 賀道力書亞丘道護。 庾昕學右軍，亦欲亂真矣。」
Sengqian's Discourse on Calligraphy says—"Emperor Wen of Song's calligraphy—he himself said it could compare with Wang Zijing. Commentators of the time said—'Natural talent surpasses Yang Xin, effort less than Xin.' Wang Pingnan Yi, the Right General's uncle, crossed the river—before the Right General he was considered best. In sum: the deceased great-grandfather Army Commander's calligraphy—the Right General said, 'Younger brother's calligraphy indeed does not diminish mine. He changed the ancient system—now only the Right General. The Army Commander was not so—to this day one still takes Zhong and Zhang as law. In sum: the deceased collateral ancestor Palace Secretary's calligraphy—Zijing said, 'Younger brother's calligraphy is like riding a mule, constantly eager to pass the thoroughbred ahead. Western Expeditionary General Yu Yi's calligraphy—in youth matched the Right General's fame—the Right General advanced later, yet Yu still did not concede. In Jing Province he wrote to men of the capital, 'The boy fellows despise the home chicken—all study Yishao's calligraphy—when I come down I shall compare with them. Zhang Yi—the Right General Wang wrote a memorial himself—Emperor Mu of Jin ordered Yi to copy and answer on the back—the Right General at the time did not distinguish it—long afterward he understood and said 'the petty man nearly confused the genuine.' Zhang Zhi, Suo Jing, Wei Dan, Zhong Hui, the two Weis—all gained fame in former ages—one cannot distinguish their superiority and inferiority—one only sees their brush strength astonishing and unusual. Zhang Cheng then was also called to have intent. In sum: xi Yin's draft cursive is next to the Right General. Xi Guest's cursive is next to the Two Wangs—tight charm surpasses his father. Huan Xuan considered himself of the Right General's stream—commentators compared him to Kong Linzhi. Xie An also entered the record of able calligraphers—he also valued himself and for Zijing wrote Ji Kang's poem. Yang Xin's calligraphy was valued for a time—he personally received Zijing. Running script he was especially good at—regular script indeed did not match his name. Kong Linzhi's calligraphy—natural and unrestrained, extremely powerful in brush—in compass and rule he perhaps comes after Yang Xin. Qiu Daohu and Yang Xin both received Zijing face to face—so he should come after Xin. Fan Ye and Xiao Sihua studied under the same master Yang Xin—afterward he rebelled slightly and lost his old step—he again has a little intent. Xiao Sihua's calligraphy is Yang Xin's shadow—elegant trend and preference perhaps not less—yet brush strength regrettably weak. Of Xie Zong's calligraphy his maternal uncle remarked that its tightness was inborn. This obtains praise—yet regrettably lacks charming grace. Xie Lingyun's calligraphy is not of the same class—when it meets its moment it also enters the stream. In sum: he Daoli's calligraphy is next to Qiu Daohu. Yu Xin studied the Right General and nearly passed his work off as genuine."
47
僧虔嘗自書讓尚書令表，辭制既雅，筆跡又麗，時人以比子敬崇賢。 吳郡顧寶先卓越多奇，自以伎能，僧虔乃作飛白以示之。 寶先曰：「下官今為飛白屈矣。」 僧虔著書賦，儉為注序甚工。
Sengqian once himself wrote the memorial declining Director of the Masters of Writing—the diction was elegant and the brush trace beautiful—men of the time compared it to Zijing's Chongxian. Gu Baoxian of Wu commandery was outstanding with many marvels—trusting his skill, Sengqian made flying-white to show him. Baoxian replied, "This lower official now yields to flying-white. Sengqian composed a book rhapsody—Jian wrote the preface commentary very skillfully.
48
僧虔宋世嘗有書誡子曰：
In Song times Sengqian once wrote his son a letter of admonition:
49
知汝恨吾未許汝學，欲自悔厲，或以闔棺自欺，或更擇美業，且得有慨，亦慰窮生。 但亟聞斯唱，未睹其實，吾未信汝，非徒然也。 往年有意于史，取三國志聚置床頭，百日許，復徙業就玄。 汝曾未窺其題目，未辨其指歸，而終日自欺人，人不受汝欺也。 由吾不學，無以為訓，然重華無嚴父，放勳無令子，亦各由己耳。 汝輩竊議，亦當云'阿越不學，何忽自課'？ 汝見其一耳，不全爾也。 設令吾學如馬、鄭，亦復甚勝，復倍不如，今亦必大減，致之有由，從身上來也。 汝今壯年，自勤數倍，許勝劣及吾耳。
Knowing you regret that I did not permit you to study—you wish to repent and spur yourself, or perhaps deceive yourself with closing the coffin, or again choose a fine profession—and to have aspiration is also comfort for a poor life. But I have quickly heard this song and not yet seen the reality—I do not yet believe you—it is not for nothing. In former years you had intent toward history—gathered the Records of the Three Kingdoms and placed them at the bedhead—for a hundred days or so—then shifted profession to Mystery. You have never peeked at their titles, never distinguished their purport—yet all day deceive people—people do not accept your deception. Because I do not study there is nothing to take as instruction—yet Chonghua had no stern father, Fangxun had no worthy son—each also follows himself. You whisper among yourselves—do you not also say, 'Elder Yue never studied; why is he suddenly setting himself lessons'? In sum: you see only one side—not entirely so. Suppose my learning were like Ma and Zheng—it would again be very superior—again double inferior—it would now also be greatly reduced—the cause has a source—it comes from the body. You are now in vigorous years—if you diligently exert yourself several times over, you may win or lose against me.
50
吾在世雖乏德素，要復推排人間數十許年，故是一舊物，人或以比數汝耳。 即化之後，若自無調度，誰復知汝事者。 舍中亦有少負令譽、弱冠越超清級者，于時王家門中，優者龍鳳，劣猶虎豹。 失蔭之後，豈龍虎之議？ 況吾不能為汝蔭，政應各自努力耳。 或有身經三公，蔑爾無聞，布衣寒素，卿相屈體，父子貴賤殊，兄弟聲名異，何也？ 體盡讀數百卷書耳。 吾今悔無所及，欲以前車誡爾後乘也。 汝年入立境，方應從宦，兼有室累，何處復得下帷如王郎時邪？ 各在爾身已切，豈復關吾邪！ 鬼唯知愛深松茂柏，寧知子弟毀譽事。 因汝有感，故略敘胸懷。 子慈。
I in the world though lacking virtue and plainness, still must push aside men for several tens of years—therefore I am an old thing—people perhaps compare you to the number. After transformation if you yourself have no discipline—who again will know your affairs? In the household there are also some who bear a little fine reputation and at weak crown leap over clear ranks—in the Wang gate then, the superior are dragon and phoenix, the inferior still tiger and leopard. After losing shade—how can there be dragon-tiger discussion? In sum: moreover I cannot shade you—you should each exert yourselves. Some bodies pass through Three Excellencies yet are utterly unknown—plain-clothed cold and plain yet chief ministers bow the body—father and son noble and base differ, brothers' fame and voice differ—why? In sum: the body simply reads several hundred scrolls of books. I now regret there is nothing to reach—I wish to use the overturned cart to warn your following carriage. You enter the age of standing—you should from now follow office and also have household burdens—where again can you lower the curtain as in Lord Wang's time? Each of you already feels the urgency in your own bones—what has that to do with me! In sum: ghosts only know to love deep pine and lush cypress—how would they know sons and younger brothers' ruin and praise affairs. In sum: because of you I have feeling—therefore I briefly narrate what is in the breast. His son was Ci.
51
慈字伯寶。 年八歲，外祖宋太宰江夏王義恭迎之內齋，施寶物恣所取，慈取素琴石硯及孝子圖而已，義恭善之。 袁淑見其幼時，撫其背曰； 「叔慈內潤也。」
Ci, courtesy name Bobao. At eight his maternal grandfather Song Grand Preceptor Prince of Jiangxia Yigong welcomed him to the inner study, spread treasures and let him take as he wished—Ci took only plain zither, stone inkstone, and the Filial Son picture—Yigong approved. Yuan Shu saw him as a boy and, stroking his back, said; "Young Ci has an inward richness."
52
少與從弟儉共書學。 謝鳳子超宗嘗候僧虔，仍往東齋詣慈。 慈正學書，未即放筆，超宗曰：「卿書何如虔公？」 慈曰：「慈書比大人，如雞之比鳳。」 超宗狼狽而退。 十歲時，與蔡興宗子約入寺禮佛，正遇沙門懺，約戲慈曰：「眾僧今日可謂虔虔。」 慈應聲曰：「卿如此，何以興蔡氏之宗。」 歷位吳郡太守，大司馬長史，侍中，領步兵校尉，司徒左長史。 慈患腳，齊武帝敕王晏：「慈有微疾，不能騎，聽乘車在仗後。」 江左以來少例也。
From boyhood, he with cousin Jian together studied calligraphy. In sum: xie Fengzi Chao once visited Sengqian and then went to the eastern study to visit Ci. Ci was just studying calligraphy and did not immediately put down the brush; Chao replied, "Your calligraphy—how compared with Lord Qian? Ci replied, "Ci's calligraphy compared with the elder is like chicken compared with phoenix. In sum: chao withdrew in embarrassment. At ten years, with Cai Xingzong's son Yue he entered a temple to worship Buddha and happened upon monks confessing—Yue joked with Ci, "The multitude of monks today may be called devout. Ci answered on the spot—"You like this—how will you raise the Cai clan's lineage? He held a succession of posts: Governor of Wu commandery, Chief Secretary to the Grand Marshal, Palace Attendant, Commandant of the Footsoldiers, Senior Secretary of the Minister of Education. Ci suffered from the foot—Emperor Wu of Qi ordered Wang Yan, "Ci has a slight ailment and cannot ride—permit him to ride in a carriage behind the guard. In sum: since the Eastern Jin there have been few precedents.
53
慈妻劉彥節女，子觀尚武帝長女吳縣公主，修婦禮，姑未嘗交答。 江夏王鋒為南徐州，王妃，慈女也，以慈為東海太守，行南徐州府州事。 還為冠軍將軍、廬陵王中軍長史，未拜，永明九年卒。 贈太常，諡懿。 子泰。
Ci's wife was Liu Yanjie's daughter—his son Guan married Emperor Wu's eldest daughter Princess of Wu county and observed daughter-in-law ritual—the mother-in-law never exchanged replies. Prince of Jiangxia Feng was Southern Xuzhou—the princess consort was Ci's daughter—Ci was made Governor of Donghai, acting Southern Xuzhou prefectural and provincial affairs. He returned as General Who Overcomes the Enemy and Chief Secretary to Prince of Luling's Central Army; before accepting, in Yongming 9 he died. Posthumously he was granted Minister of Ceremonies with the posthumous title Yi. His son was Tai.
54
泰字仲通，幼敏悟。 年數歲時，祖母集諸孫侄，散棗栗於床，群兒競之，泰獨不取。 問其故，對曰：「不取自當得賜。」 由是中表異之。 少好學，手所抄寫二千許卷。 及長，通和溫雅，家人不見喜慍之色。 姊夫齊江夏王鋒為齊明帝害，外生蕭子友並孤弱，泰資給撫訓，逾于子侄。
Tai, courtesy name Zhongtong, from youth clever and penetrating. At several years his grandmother gathered the various grandsons and nephews, scattered jujubes and chestnuts on the bed—the group of boys competed for them—Tai alone did not take. Asked the reason—he replied, "Not taking—one should naturally receive bestowal. In sum: on this account kin by marriage regarded him as unusual. From boyhood, he loved learning; what his hand copied was about two thousand scrolls. When grown he was harmonious and warm and elegant—the household never saw anger or pleasure on his face. Brother-in-law Prince of Jiangxia Feng of Qi was killed by Emperor Ming of Qi—maternal nephew Xiao Ziyou was also orphaned and weak—Tai supplied and nurtured them beyond sons and nephews.
55
始革大理，以泰為廷尉卿，再曆侍中，後為都官尚書。 泰能接人士，故每願其居選官。 頃之，為吏部尚書，衣冠屬望。 未及選舉，仍疾，改除散騎常侍、左驍騎將軍，未拜，卒，諡夷。 子廓。
At the beginning of reforming the Grand Court of Justice, Tai was made Minister of the Court of Justice—he served twice as Palace Attendant, later Minister of Punishments. Tai could receive men of the realm—therefore each time they wished him to hold the selection office. Before long he was Minister of the Masters of Writing—the gentry looked to him. Before he could conduct selection he fell ill—he was changed to Cavalier Attendant Regular and General of the Left Valiant Cavalry—before accepting he died—his posthumous title was Yi. His son was Kuo.
56
志字次道，慈之弟也。 九歲，居所生母憂，哀容毀瘠，為中表所異。 弱冠，選尚宋孝武女安固公主，拜駙馬都尉。 褚彥回為司徒，引志為主簿。 謂其父僧虔曰：「朝廷之恩，本為殊特，所可光榮，在屈賢子。」
Zhi, courtesy name Cidao, was Ci's younger brother. At nine he entered mourning for his birth mother—grieving countenance wasted and emaciated—kin by marriage regarded him as unusual. At weak crown he would later be chosen to marry Emperor Xiaowu of Song's daughter Princess of Angu and was made Commandant of the Horse Guard. Chu Yanhui would later be Minister of Education and appointed Zhi chief clerk. He told his father Sengqian, "The court's grace was originally for special distinction—what can bring glory is bending to the worthy son.
57
累遷宣城內史，清謹有恩惠。 郡人張倪、吳慶爭田，經年不決。 志到官，父老相謂曰：「王府君有德政，吾鄉里乃有如此爭。」 倪、慶因相攜請罪，所訟地遂成閒田。 後為東陽太守，郡獄有重囚十餘，冬至日，悉遣還家，過節皆反，唯一人失期。 志曰：「此自太守事，主者勿憂。」 明旦果至，以婦孕。 吏人益嘆服之。
Through successive appointments he rose to Interior Minister of Xuancheng, pure and careful with kindness and grace. District men Zhang Ni and Wu Qing disputed fields—for years no decision. When Zhi arrived, the elders told one another, "Lord Wang has virtuous governance—yet in our district there is such dispute. Ni and Qing thereupon together came bearing guilt—the litigated land became idle fields. He was subsequently appointed Governor of Dongyang; in the commandery prison were more than ten heavy prisoners; on the winter solstice day he sent them all home; passing the festival all returned—only one man missed the deadline. Zhi replied, "This is naturally the governor's affair—the responsible officer need not worry. Next dawn he indeed came—because his wife would later be pregnant. Officials and commoners alike marveled at him.
58
為吏部尚書，在選以和理稱。 崔慧景平，以例加右軍將軍，封臨汝侯。 固讓，改領右衛將軍。 及梁武軍至，城內殺東昏，百僚署名送首。 志歎曰：「冠雖弊，可加足乎？」 因取庭樹葉捼服之，偽悶不署名。 梁武覽箋無志署，心嘉之，弗以讓也。 霸府開，為驃騎大將軍長史，梁台建，位散騎常侍、中書令。 天監初，為丹陽尹，為政清靜。 部下有寡婦無子，姑亡舉責以斂，葬既而無以還之。 志湣其義，以俸錢償焉。 時年饑，每旦為粥於郡門以賦百姓，眾悉稱惠。 常懷止足，謂諸子侄曰：「謝莊在宋孝武時，位止中書令，吾自視豈可過之。」 三年，為散騎常侍、中書令，因多謝病，簡通賓客。 九年，還為散騎常侍、金紫光祿大夫，卒。
He was Minister of the Masters of Writing—in selection he was praised for harmony and reason. When Cui Huijing was pacified—by precedent Right Army General was added and he was enfeoffed Marquis of Linru. He declined firmly and was reassigned as hold Right Guard General instead. When Emperor Wu of Liang's army arrived, within the city Emperor Donghun was killed—the hundred officials signed names and sent the head. Zhi sighed and replied, "Though the cap is worn out, can the foot be added? He thereupon took courtyard tree leaves—rubbed them on his garment, feigned distress and did not sign. Emperor Wu reading the memorial saw no Zhi signature—he admired this in his heart and did not blame him. When the regency office opened he was Chief Secretary to the General of Agile Cavalry—when the Liang regime was established he was Cavalier Attendant Regular and Palace Secretary. At the beginning of Tianjian he was Governor of Danyang—his governance was pure and quiet. Under his jurisdiction was a widow without a son—when the mother-in-law died she borrowed to pay for burial—after burial there was no means to repay. In sum: zhi pitied her righteousness and repaid with salary money. At that time, there was famine; each dawn he made gruel at the commandery gate to give the hundred families—all praised his kindness. He always kept to knowing when to stop and told sons and nephews, "In Emperor Xiaowu of Song's day Xie Zhuang rose no higher than Palace Secretary—when I measure myself against that, how could I go further? In the third year he was Cavalier Attendant Regular and Palace Secretary—thereupon he often declined illness and simplified receiving guests. In sum: in the ninth year he returned as Cavalier Attendant Regular and Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon and died.
59
志善草隸，當時以為楷法。 齊遊擊將軍徐希秀亦號能書，常謂志為「書聖」。 志家居建康禁中裏馬糞巷。 父僧虔門風寬恕，志尤惇厚，所曆不以罪咎劾人。 門下客嘗盜脫志車幰賣之，志知而不問，待之如初。 賓客遊其門者，專蓋其過而稱其善。 兄弟子侄皆篤實謙和，時人號馬糞諸王為長者。 普通四年，志改葬，武帝厚賻贈之，諡曰安。 有五子：緝、休、諲、操、素。 志弟揖位太中大夫，揖子筠。
Zhi excelled at cursive and clerical script—the age at the time took it as model law. Qi Raiding General Xu Xixiu also was called able at calligraphy—he often called Zhi "Sage of Calligraphy." In sum: zhi's house dwelt in Mafen Lane inside the Jianye forbidden quarter. His father Sengqian's gate wind was broad and forgiving—Zhi was especially sincere and thick—what he passed through he never used guilt and blame to impeach people. A guest once stole and removed Zhi's carriage canopy to sell—Zhi knew yet did not inquire and treated him as before. In sum: guests who passed his gate exclusively covered their faults and praised their goodness. Brothers' sons and nephews were all solid and modest and harmonious—men of the time called the Wangs of Mafen Lane elders. In Putong 4 Zhi changed burial; Emperor Wu richly sent funeral gifts; his posthumous title was An. He had five sons: Ji, Xiu, Yin, Cao—and Su. Zhi's younger brother Yi held Grand Master of the Palace—Yi's son Yun.
60
筠字元禮，一字德柔，幼而警悟，七歲能屬文。 年十六，為芍藥賦，其辭甚美。 及長，清靜好學，與從兄泰齊名。 沈約見筠，以為似外祖袁粲，謂僕射張稷曰：「王郎非唯額類袁公，風韻都欲相似。」 稷曰：「袁公見人輒矜嚴，王郎見人必娛笑。 唯此一條，不能酷似。」
Yun, courtesy name Yuanli, also styled Derou; from youth clever and penetrating; at seven could compose prose. At sixteen he composed a Peony rhapsody—the wording was very beautiful. When grown he was pure and quiet and loved learning—with cousin Tai he was equally famed. In sum: shen Yue seeing Yun thought him like maternal grandfather Yuan Can and told Vice Director Zhang Ji, "Lord Wang is not only in forehead like Lord Yuan—bearing and charm both wish to be similar. Ji replied, "Lord Yuan seeing people always stern and strict; Lord Wang seeing people always entertains with laughter. In that one respect alone he could not be a close likeness."
61
仕為尚書殿中郎，王氏過江以來，未有居郎署，或勸不就，筠曰：「陸平原東南之秀，王文度獨步江東。 吾得比蹤昔人，何所多恨。」 乃欣然就職。
He served as Director in the Masters of Writing Hall; since the Wang clan crossed the river there had never been one in the directorate; some urged him not to accept—Yun replied, "Lu Pingyuan was the southeast's fine talent; Wang Wendu alone walked the Jiang east. To walk in the footsteps of men of old—what more could I regret? He then gladly took office.
62
沈約每見筠文咨嗟，嘗謂曰：「昔蔡伯喈見王仲宣，稱曰王公之孫，吾家書籍悉當相與。 僕雖不敏，請附斯言。 自謝朓諸賢零落，平生意好殆絕，不謂疲暮復逢於君。」 約于郊居宅閣齋，請筠為草木十詠書之壁，皆直寫文辭，不加篇題。 約謂人曰：「此詩指物程形，無假題署。」 約制郊居賦，構思積時，猶未都畢，示筠草。 筠讀至「雌霓」。
Whenever Shen Yue read Yun's writing he sighed with admiration and once told him, "Long ago, when Cai Bojie met Wang Zhongxuan, he said, 'Lord Wang's grandson deserves every book in my house. In sum: your servant though not clever asks to attach to this saying. Since Xie Tiao and the various worthies fell away—the life's intent and pleasure is nearly gone—unexpected in weary evening again to meet you. In sum: yue at his suburban residence pavilion study asked Yun for ten plant poems to write on the wall—all directly writing the text without adding section titles. Yue told people—"These poems point at things and measure form—no need to borrow titles. Yue composed the Suburban Residence rhapsody, structuring thought for long time yet not all complete—he showed Yun the draft. Yun read as far as the line on the secondary rainbow.
63
累遷太子洗馬，中舍人，並掌東宮管記。 昭明太子愛文學士，常與筠及劉孝綽、陸倕、到洽、殷鈞等游宴玄圃，太子獨執筠袖，撫孝綽肩曰：「所謂左把浮丘袖，右拍洪崖肩。」 其見重如此。 筠又與殷鈞以方雅見禮。 後為中書郎，奉敕制開善寺寶志法師碑文，辭甚麗逸。 又敕撰中書表奏三十卷，及所上賦頌都為一集。
Through successive appointments he rose to Heir Apparent Purifier, Attendant of the Heir Apparent, both managing Eastern Palace records. Crown Prince Zhaoming loved literary scholars; he often with Yun and Liu Xiaochuo, Lu Chui, Dao Qia, Yin Jun and others feasted and wandered in the Mystic Garden; the crown prince alone grasped Yun's sleeve, stroked Xiaochuo's shoulder and replied, "What is called left holding Floating Hill's sleeve, right patting Hongya's shoulder. Such would later be the weight he received. Yun also with Yin Jun would later be honored with square elegance. He was subsequently appointed Palace Secretary; by imperial order he composed the stele text for Master Baozhi of Kaishan Temple—the diction very beautiful and flowing. He was also ordered to compile thirty scrolls of palace memorials and petitions—and the submitted rhapsodies and eulogies were all made one collection.
64
後為太子家令，復掌管記。 普通元年，以母憂去職。 筠有孝性，毀瘠過禮。 中大通二年，為司徒左長史。 三年，昭明太子薨，敕制哀策文，復見嗟賞。 尋出為臨海太守，在郡侵刻，還資有芒屩兩舫，他物稱是。 為有司奏，不調累年。 後曆秘書監，太府卿，度支尚書，司徒左長史。 及簡文即位，為太子詹事。
He was subsequently appointed Chief of the Heir Apparent's Household, again managing records. In Putong 1 he left office on his mother's mourning. Yun had filial nature—wasting and emaciation exceeded ritual. In Zhongdatong 2 he was Senior Secretary of the Minister of Education. In the third year Crown Prince Zhaoming died—he was ordered to compose the lamentation text and again received sighing praise. Soon he went out as Governor of Linhai—in the commandery he was harsh and grasping—returned goods had two boatloads of straw sandals—other goods matched this. He was memorialized by the responsible officials—for years he was not transferred. Later he served as Director of the Secretariat—Minister of the Treasury, Minister of Revenue, Senior Secretary of the Minister of Education. When Emperor Jianwen acceded he would later be Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent.
65
筠家累千金，性儉嗇，外服粗弊，所乘牛嘗飼以青草。 及遇亂，舊宅先為賊焚，乃寓居國子祭酒蕭子雲宅。 夜忽有盜攻，懼墜井，卒，時年六十九。 家人十三口同遇害，人棄屍積于空井中。
The Yun household accumulated a thousand gold—by nature he was frugal and stingy—outer dress coarse and worn—the ox he rode was often fed green grass. When disorder came the old residence was first burned by bandits—he then lodged at National University Director Xiao Ziyun's residence. At night suddenly bandits attacked—fearing falling into a well he died, aged sixty-nine. Thirteen household members met harm together—people cast corpses piled in the empty well.
66
筠狀貌寢小，長不滿六尺。 性弘厚，不以藝能高人。 而少擅才名，與劉孝綽見重當時。 其自序云：「餘少好抄書，老而彌篤，雖偶見瞥觀，皆即疏記。 後重省覽，歡興彌深。 習與性成，不覺筆倦。 自年十三四，建武二年乙亥，至梁大同六年，四十六載矣。 幼年讀五經，皆七八十遍。 愛左氏春秋，吟諷常為口實。 廣略去取，凡三過五抄，余經及周官、儀禮、國語、爾雅、山海經、本草並再抄，子史諸集皆一遍。 未嘗倩人假手，並躬自抄錄，大小百餘卷。 不足傳之好事，蓋以備遺忘而已。」 又與諸兒書論家門集云：「史傳稱安平崔氏及汝南應氏並累葉有文才，所以范蔚宗雲崔氏雕龍。 然不過父子兩三世耳，非有七葉之中，名德重光，爵位相繼，人人有集，如吾門者也。 沈少傅約常語人云∶'吾少好百家之言，身為四代之史。 自開闢以來，未有爵位蟬聯、文才相繼如王氏之盛也。 '汝等仰觀堂構，思各努力。」 筠自撰其文章，以一官為一集，自洗馬、中書、中庶、吏部、左佐、臨海、太府各十卷，尚書三十卷，凡一百卷，行於世。
Yun's form and appearance were small and short—height did not fill six chi. By temperament he was broad and generous and did not set himself above others by skill. Yet from youth he monopolized talent and name—with Liu Xiaochuo he was valued in the age. His self-preface says, "From youth I loved copying books—old I grow more earnest—though occasionally seeing a glance I immediately note it. Later reviewing again—joy and interest grow deeper. In sum: practice and nature become one—I do not feel brush weariness. From age thirteen or fourteen, yihai of Jianwu 2, to Datong 6 of Liang—forty-six years. In sum: in youth I read the Five Classics—all seven or eight tens of times. I loved the Zuo Commentary to Spring and Autumn—chanting and reciting often became words in the mouth. Broadly skimming and selecting—altogether three passes five copies—remaining classics and Offices of Zhou, Ceremonies, Rites, Discourses, Erya, Classic of Mountains and Seas, Materia Medica—all again copied—histories and various collections all once. Never borrowed another's hand—all personally copied—large and small more than a hundred scrolls. In sum: not enough to transmit to those who love such things—simply to prepare against forgetting. In sum: he also in a letter to the various sons discussed the gate clan collection: "Historical records call the Anping Cui clan and Runan Ying clan both successive generations with literary talent—therefore Fan Ye said the Cui clan carved dragons. Yet it would later be only father and son two three generations—not seven generations within, fame and virtue heavy and bright, rank and position successive, every man with a collection, like our gate. Junior Mentor Shen often told people: 'From youth I loved the hundred schools' words—body is historian of four dynasties. From opening to the present—never has rank and position continued like cicada shell, literary talent successive like the Wang clan's flourishing. In sum: you fellows look up at the hall structure—think each to exert yourselves. Yun himself compiled his literary compositions—one office one collection—from Purifier, Palace Secretary, Junior Mentor, Minister of the Masters of Writing, Left Aide, Linhai, Grand Treasury each ten scrolls, Masters of Writing thirty scrolls—altogether one hundred scrolls, circulating in the world.
67
子祥，仕陳位黃門侍郎。 揖弟彬。
In sum: his son Xiang served Chen as Palace Secretary and Yellow Gate Attendant. Yi's younger brother Bin.
68
彬字思文，好文章，習篆隸，與志齊名。 時人為之語曰：「三真六草，為天下寶。」 齊武帝起舊宮，彬獻賦，文辭典麗。 尚齊高帝女臨海長公主，拜駙馬都尉。 仕齊，曆太子中庶子，徙永嘉太守。 卜室于積穀山，有終焉之志。 梁天監中，曆吏部尚書、秘書監。 卒，諡惠。 彬立身清白，推賢接士，有士君子風。 彬弟寂。
Bin, courtesy name Siwen, loved literary composition, practiced seal and clerical script; with Zhi he was equally famed. In sum: men of the time made a saying of it: "Three regular and six cursive—treasure of the realm. Emperor Wu of Qi raised the old palace—Bin presented a rhapsody—the wording classic and beautiful. He married Emperor Gao of Qi's daughter Princess Chang of Linhai and would later be made Commandant of the Horse Guard. He served Qi, successively Junior Mentor of the Heir Apparent—he was transferred Governor of Yongjia. In sum: he chose a dwelling on Jigu Mountain with intent to end there. In Liang Tianjian he in turn served Minister of the Masters of Writing and Director of the Secretariat. When he died his posthumous title was Hui. Bin established himself pure and white—promoted the worthy and received scholars—he had the wind of a gentleman. Bin's younger brother Ji.
69
寂字子玄，性迅動，好文章。 讀范滂傳，未嘗不歎悒。 王融敗後，賓客多歸之。 齊建武初，欲獻中興頌，兄志謂曰：「汝膏粱年少，何患不達？ 不鎮之以靜，將恐貽譏。」 寂乃止。 位秘書郎。 卒年二十一。
Ji, courtesy name Zixuan, by nature quick and active, loved literary composition. In sum: reading Fan Pang's biography he never failed to sigh in distress. In sum: after Wang Rong's fall guests mostly returned to him. At the beginning of Jianwu of Qi he wished to present a Zhongxing eulogy—elder brother Zhi told him, "You are rich young meat—what fear of not reaching? If you do not stabilize with stillness—I fear you will invite ridicule. Ji thereupon stopped. In sum: he held Secretary. In sum: he died aged twenty-one.
70
論曰：王曇首之才器，王僧綽之忠直，其世祿不替也，豈徒然哉。 仲寶雅道自居，早懷伊、呂之志，竟而逢時遇主，自致宰輔之隆，所謂衣冠禮樂盡在是矣。 齊有人焉，于斯為盛。 其餘文雅儒素，各稟家風，箕裘不墜，亦云美矣。
The judgment says: Wang Tanshou's talent and capacity—Wang Sengchuo's loyalty and uprightness—their hereditary stipend undiminished—is it for nothing? Zhongbao took elegant conduct as his dwelling, early harbored the ambition of Yi and Lü—in the end he met the time and encountered his lord, himself reaching chief minister's eminence—what is called caps and robes, rites and music all were in this. In Qi there were such men—here would later be the flourishing. The rest, refined and Confucian plain, each received the gate wind—robe and fur did not fall—also called beautiful.