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列傳第十三
Biographies 13
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王誕王華王惠王彧
Wang Dan, Wang Hua, Wang Hui, and Wang Yu
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盧循據廣州，以誕為其平南府長史，甚賓禮之。 誕久客思歸，乃說循曰：「下官與劉鎮軍情味不淺，若得北歸，必蒙任寄。」 時廣州刺史吳隱之亦為循所拘留，誕又曰：「將軍今留吳公，公私非計。 孫伯符豈不欲留華子魚，但以一境不容二君耳。」 於是誕及隱之俱得還。
When Lu Xun held Guangzhou, he appointed Dan chief clerk of his Pacify-the-South headquarters and honored him as an esteemed guest. Dan had been away from home for a long time and yearned to return. He persuaded Xun: "General Liu and I are not strangers. If I can go north again, he will surely give me office and trust. At the time Wu Yinshi, inspector of Guangzhou, was also held by Xun. Dan added: "If you keep Lord Wu now, it serves neither the state nor yourself. Did Sun Ce not want to keep Hua Xin? One domain simply cannot accommodate two masters." Dan and Yinshi were both allowed to go home.
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誕為宋武帝太尉長史，盡心歸奉，帝甚仗之。 盧循自蔡洲南走，劉毅固求追討。 誕密白帝曰：「公既平廣固，復滅盧循，則功蓋終古，勳無與二。 如此大威，豈可使餘人分之？ 毅與公同起布衣，一時相推耳，今既喪敗，不宜復使立功。」 帝納其說。 後為吳國內史，母憂去職。
Dan became chief clerk to Liu Yu while he was grand commandant of Song, serving him with complete loyalty, and the emperor came to depend on him heavily. After Lu Xun fled south from Caizhou, Liu Yi pressed hard for a pursuit. Dan secretly told the emperor: "You have already taken Guanggu and will soon destroy Lu Xun as well. Your achievement will surpass all antiquity and stand without peer. Can you let anyone else share in glory of that magnitude? Yi rose with you from common origins and was promoted alongside you for a time. Now that he has been broken, he ought not be given another chance to win glory. The emperor took his advice. He later served as internal administrator of Wu commandery and left office to mourn his mother.
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武帝伐劉毅，起為輔國將軍，誕固辭，以墨絰從行。 時諸葛長人行太尉留府事，心不自安，武帝甚慮之。 毅既平，誕求先下。 帝曰：「長人似有自疑心，卿詎宜便去？」 誕曰：「長人知下官蒙公垂盼，今輕身單下，必當以為無虞，可少安其意。」 帝笑曰：「卿勇過賁、育矣。」 於是先還。 後卒，追封作唐縣五等侯。
When Emperor Wu marched against Liu Yi, Dan was summoned as General Who Supports the State. He firmly declined the post and followed the campaign dressed in mourning hemp. Zhuge Changren was then left in charge of the grand commandant's office in the capital and felt uneasy; the emperor was deeply worried about him. Once Yi had been defeated, Dan asked to go ahead downriver. The emperor said, "Changren seems suspicious and unsettled. Can you really leave so soon? Dan replied, "Changren knows I enjoy your favor. If I go down alone and unencumbered, he will assume there is no danger and calm down a little." The emperor laughed. "Your courage surpasses that of Ben and Yu." Dan went back first. He died later and was posthumously enfeoffed as fifth-rank marquis of Zuotang.
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子詡早卒。 誕兄嘏字偉世，侍中、左戶尚書、始興公。 嘏子偃。 偃字子游，母晉孝武帝女鄱陽公主。 宋受禪，封永成君。 偃尚宋武帝第二女吳興長公主，諱榮男。 常裸偃縛諸庭樹，時天夜雪，噤凍久之。 偃兄恢排合詬主，乃免。
His son Xu died young. Dan's elder brother Jia, styled Weishi, served as attendant-in-ordinary, director of the left households, and duke of Shixing. Jia's son was Yan. Yan, styled Ziyou, was born to the Princess of Poyang, a daughter of Emperor Xiaowu of Jin. When Song received the throne, he was enfeoffed as lord of Yongcheng. Yan married Emperor Wu of Song's second daughter, the Princess of Wuxing, whose taboo name was Rongnan. She often had Yan stripped naked and tied to the trees in the courtyard. One snowy night he stood frozen and silent for a long time. Yan's elder brother Hui broke through the gate and berated the princess, and only then was Yan freed.
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偃謙虛恭謹，不以世事關懷，位右光祿大夫，贈開府儀同三司，諡恭公。
Yan was modest, respectful, and cautious and took no interest in worldly affairs. He rose to grand master of splendid brightness and, after death, was granted opening-office honors with tripartite parity and the posthumous title Duke Gong.
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長子藻，位東陽太守，尚文帝第六女臨川長公主，諱英媛。 公主性妒，而藻別愛左右人吳崇祖。 景和中，主讒之於廢帝，藻下獄死，主與王氏離婚。 宋世諸主莫不嚴妒，明帝每疾之。 湖熟令袁慆妻以妒賜死，使近臣虞通之撰妒婦記。 左光祿大夫江湛孫學當尚孝武帝女，上乃使人為學作表讓婚曰：
His eldest son Zao served as administrator of Dongyang and married Emperor Wen's sixth daughter, the Princess of Linchuan, taboo name Yingyuan. The princess was jealous, but Zao kept a separate attachment to a favorite attendant named Wu Chongzu. During the Jinghe era the princess denounced him to the deposed emperor. Zao was imprisoned and executed, and the princess divorced the Wangs. In Song times every princess was fiercely jealous, and Emperor Ming often deplored it. Yuan Tao, wife of the magistrate of Hushu, was sentenced to death for jealousy, and the emperor had his close attendant Yu Tongzhi compile a Record of Jealous Wives. Jiang Xue, grandson of Left Grand Master of Splendid Brightness Jiang Zhan, was to marry a daughter of Emperor Xiaowu. The emperor had someone draft a memorial in Xue's name declining the match:
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伏承詔旨，當以臨汝公主降嬪，榮出望表，恩加典外。 顧審輶蔽，伏用憂惶。 臣寒門悴族，人凡質陋，閭閻有對，本隔天姻。 如臣素流，家貧業寡，年近將冠，皆已有室。 荊釵布裙，足得成禮。 每不自解，無偶迄茲，媒訪莫尋，素族弗問。 自惟門慶，屬降公主，天恩所覃，庸及醜末。 懷憂抱惕，慮不獲免，征命所當，果膺茲舉。 雖門泰宗榮，於臣非幸，仰緣聖貸，冒陳愚實。
I humbly receive the edict that the Princess of Linyi is to marry down to me as consort. The honor exceeds anything I could have hoped for, and the grace extends far beyond ordinary measure. Looking back at my obscurity, I prostrate myself in worry and fear. I come from a cold gate and a withered clan, a man of common quality and coarse substance. Though there is a match in the lane, by nature it stands apart from imperial marriage. For one of my humble station, the family is poor and the estate meager. I am nearly at the age of capping, and all my brothers already have wives. Thorn hairpins and cloth skirts are quite enough to complete a marriage. I never understand how, without a match until now, no go-between can be found and no plain clan is asked. Reflecting on my family's fortune, it now falls to me to receive the princess. Heaven's grace reaches even to this ugly last branch. Bearing worry and holding fear, I feared I could not escape. When the summons came, I indeed received this appointment. Though the gate is grand and the clan honored, for me it is no fortune. Looking up to heaven's loan, I rashly state my foolish truth.
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自晉氏以來，配尚王姬者，雖累經美胄，亟有名才。 至如王敦懾氣，桓溫斂威，真長佯愚以求免，子敬灸足以違禍，王偃無仲都之質，而裸雪於北階，何瑀闕龍工之姿，而投軀于深井，謝莊殆自害于蒙叟，殷沖幾不免于強鉏。 彼數人者，非無才意，而勢屈於崇貴，事隔于聞覽，吞悲茹氣，無所逃訴。 制勒甚於僕隸，防閑過於婢妾，往來出入，人理之常，當待賓客，朋從之義； 而令掃轍息駕，無窺門之期，廢筵抽席，絕接對之理。 非唯交友離異，乃亦兄弟疏闊。 第令受酒肉之賜，制以動靜，監子待錢帛之私，節其言笑。 姆奶爭媚，相勸以嚴，尼媼競前，相諂以急。 第令必凡庸下才，監子皆葭萌愚豎。 議舉止則未閑是非，聽言語則謬於虛實。 姆奶敢恃耆舊，唯贊妒忌，尼媼自唱多知，務檢口舌。 其間又有應答問訊，卜筮師母，乃至殘餘飲食，詰辯與誰，衣被故弊，必責頭領。 又出入之宜，繁省難衷，或進不獲前，或入不聽出。 不入則嫌於欲疏，求出則疑有別意。 召必以三晡為期，遣必以日出為限。 夕不見晚魄，朝不識曙星。 至於夜步月而弄琴，晝拱袂而披卷，一生之內，與此長乖。 又聲影裁聞，則少婢奔迸，裾袂向席，則醜老叢來。 左右整刷，以疑寵見嫌，賓客未冠，以少容致斥。 禮有列媵，象有貫魚，本無嫚嫡之嫌，豈有輕婦之誚？ 今義絕傍私，虔恭正匹，而每事必言無儀適，設辭輒云輕易我。 又竊聞諸主聚集，唯論夫族，緩不足為急者法，急則可為緩者師。 更相扇誘，本其恒意，不可貸借，固實常辭。 或云野敗去，或云人笑我。 雖曰家事，有甚王憲，發口所言，恒同科律。 王藻雖復強佷，頗經學涉，戲笑之事，遂為冤魂。 褚曖憂憤，用致夭絕，傷理害義，難以具聞。 夫螽斯之德，實致克昌，專妒之行，有妨繁衍。 是以尚主之門，往往絕嗣，駙馬之身，通離釁咎。 以臣凡弱，何以克堪。 必將毀族淪門，豈伊身眚？ 前後嬰此，其人雖眾，然皆患彰遐邇，事隔天朝，故吞言咽理，無敢論訴。
Since the Jin house, those matched to royal princesses, though repeatedly from fine pedigrees, often possessed famous talent. Wang Dun had to quell his spirit; Huan Wen reined in his authority. Zhenchang feigned stupidity to escape; Zijing burned his foot to avoid calamity. Wang Yan lacked Zhongdu's quality yet was stripped in snow on the northern steps. He Yu lacked the bearing of a dragon artisan yet cast himself into a deep well. Xie Zhuang nearly harmed himself like Meng Sou; Yin Chong almost failed to escape the strong hoe. Those men were not without talent or intent, yet exalted rank bent their power, affairs were cut off from their sight, they swallowed grief and endured humiliation, and had nowhere to appeal. Restraint was harsher than for servants; guard and confinement exceeded that for maids. Coming and going is the constant of human life, and receiving guests is the meaning of companionship. Yet they were made to sweep the ruts and halt the carriage, with no day to peek at the gate; feasts were removed and mats withdrawn, and the principle of meeting face to face was cut off. Friendship was estranged, and even brothers grew distant. The brother-in-law might receive gifts of wine and meat, and his movements were regulated. The overseer of the son-in-law awaited private gifts of money and silk and regulated his speech and laughter. Wet nurses competed in flattery and urged one another to severity. Buddhist nuns raced forward and flattered one another into urgency. The brother-in-law was sure to be a common and mediocre talent, and the overseers of sons-in-law were all ignorant sprouts from humble stock. When conduct was discussed, they did not understand right and wrong. When speech was heard, they were mistaken about what was empty and what was real. Wet nurses dared rely on age and seniority and only praised jealousy. Buddhist nuns proclaimed themselves full of knowledge and busied themselves checking tongues. Among these there were also answers to questions, divining and midwifery, even leftover food and drink interrogated as to with whom, and old worn clothing that must be traced to whose head and collar. Going out and coming in was hard to harmonize in its complexity. Sometimes one could not advance when going forward, or could not leave when entering. Not entering invited suspicion of wishing estrangement; seeking to go out aroused doubt of separate intent. Summons had to come by the third quarter of the day, and dismissal had to be by sunrise. At evening one did not see the late moon; at dawn one did not know the morning star. Walking in moonlight at night and playing the zither, or by day folding sleeves and unrolling scrolls — within one lifetime one was long estranged from these. If voice or shadow was barely heard, young maids would rush away. If skirt or sleeve turned toward the mat, ugly old women would swarm in. Attendants grooming themselves were suspected of seeking favor. Guests not yet capped were expelled for youthful appearance. Rites had secondary wives in rank, and the image had threaded fish. Originally there was no suspicion of slighting the principal wife, so how could there be reproach for slighting a woman? Now private attachments are cut off in righteousness and reverent respect is given the proper wife, yet in every matter she says there is no proper ritual, and whenever words are set forth she says I am treated lightly. I also hear that when princesses gather they speak only of husbands' clans. What is slow cannot serve as a model for the urgent, but what is urgent can serve as a teacher for the slow. They further incite one another. Their constant intent is that lending cannot be allowed, and refusal is indeed the usual phrase. Some say the field is ruined and gone; others say people laugh at me. Though it is called a household affair, it is more severe than royal statutes. What is spoken from the mouth is always equal to statutory law. Wang Zao, though again strong and perverse, had quite passed through learning. Matters of jest and laughter thus became a wronged ghost. Chu Yuan grieved and resented and thereby met early death. Injury to principle and harm to righteousness are hard to set forth fully. The virtue of the katydid in truth brings flourishing increase. Exclusive jealousy in conduct obstructs propagation. Therefore in the gates of those who marry princesses, heirs are often cut off. The bodies of imperial sons-in-law generally meet separation and blame. As I am common and weak, how can I bear it? I am sure to bring ruin to clan and gate. Is it only a personal fault? Before and after, those who suffered this, though many in number, all had their troubles displayed far and near and affairs cut off from the imperial court. Therefore they swallowed words and choked on reason, and dared not appeal.
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臣幸屬聖明，矜照由道，弘物以典，處親以公，臣之鄙懷，可得自盡。 如臣門分，世荷殊榮，足守前基，便預提拂。 清官顯位，或由才升，一叨婚戚，咸成恩假。 是以仰冒非宜，披露丹實，非唯止陳一己，規全身願，實乃廣申諸門受患之切。 伏願天慈照察，特賜蠲停，使燕雀微群，得保叢蔚，蠢物憐生，自己彌篤。 若恩詔難降，披請不申，便當刊膚剪發，投山竄海。 帝以此表遍示諸主以諷切之，並為戲笑。 元徽中，臨川主表求還身王族，守養弱嗣，許之。
I am fortunate to belong to sage brightness. Pity and illumination follow the Way, the broad thing is handled by statute, and kin is treated with fairness. My humble heart can exhaust itself. As for my gate's portion, generation after generation it has received extraordinary glory, enough to keep the former base, and already shares in advance support. Clear office and illustrious rank may sometimes rise through talent. Once touched by marriage kinship, all become grace on loan. Therefore I rashly take what is not fitting and disclose red truth. It is not only to state myself and plan for the whole body's wish, but truly to broadly declare the keen suffering of the many gates. I humbly wish heaven's compassion to examine and specially grant exemption and halt, so that swallows and sparrows in small flocks can keep the thicket shade, and stupid things pity life and become more devoted to themselves. If the gracious edict is hard to descend and the open plea is not granted, then I will cut flesh and shear hair and cast myself into mountains and hide in the sea. The emperor circulated this memorial among the princesses to admonish them sharply, and all took it as jest and laughter. In the Yuanhui era the Princess of Linchuan memorialized asking to return to the Wang clan in person and nurture the weak heir. It was granted.
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藻弟懋字昌業，光祿大夫，封南鄉侯。 懋子瑩。
Zao's younger brother Mao, styled Changye, was grand master of splendid brightness and was enfeoffed as marquis of Nanxiang. Mao's son was Ying.
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瑩字奉光，選尚宋臨淮公主，拜駙馬都尉。 累遷義興太守，代謝超宗。 超宗去郡，與瑩交惡，還都就懋求書屬瑩求一吏，曰：「丈人一旨，如湯澆雪耳。」 及至，瑩答旨以公吏不可。 超宗往懋處，對諸賓謂懋曰：「湯定不可澆雪。」 懋面洞赤，唯大恥愧。 懋後往超宗處，設精白鮑、美鮓、獐肶。 懋問那得佳味，超宗詭言義興始見餉； 陽驚曰：「丈人豈應不得邪？」 懋大忿，言於朝廷，稱瑩供養不足，坐失郡，廢棄久之。
Ying, styled Fengguang, was selected to marry the Princess of Linhuai of Song and was appointed commandant of the imperial son-in-law. He was repeatedly promoted to administrator of Yixing, succeeding Xie Chaozong. When Chaozong left the commandery, he and Ying became hostile. Returning to the capital he went to Mao and asked for a letter recommending that Ying grant him one clerk, saying, "One word from the elder is like boiling water poured on snow. When he arrived, Ying answered according to principle that a public clerk could not be granted. Chaozong went to Mao's place and, facing the guests, said to Mao, "Boiling water surely cannot melt snow. Mao's face turned deep red. He felt only great shame. Later Mao went to Chaozong's place, and fine white abalone, fine pickled fish, and venison paunch were set out. Mao asked how such fine flavors were obtained. Chaozong falsely said Yixing had just sent them as tribute. He feigned surprise and said, "How could the elder not have received them? Mao was greatly angry and reported to the court that Ying's provisions were insufficient. He lost the commandery for it and was discarded for a long time.
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後曆侍中，東陽太守。 以居郡有惠政，遷吳興太守。 齊明帝勤憂庶政，瑩頻處二郡，皆有能名。 還為中領軍隨王長史。 意不平，改為太子詹事、中領軍。
Later he successively served as attendant-in-ordinary and administrator of Dongyang. Because his governance of the commandery had benevolent administration, he was transferred to administrator of Wuxing. Emperor Ming of Qi diligently attended to the myriad affairs of government. Ying repeatedly held two commanderies and in both earned a reputation for competence. He returned to serve as chief clerk to the Prince of Sui, General Who Guards the Army. Dissatisfied, he was reassigned as grand mentor of the heir apparent and general who guards the army.
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永元初，政由群小，瑩守職而已，不能有所是非。 及尚書令徐孝嗣誅，瑩頗綜朝政，啟取孝嗣所居宅，及取孝嗣封名枝江縣侯以為己封。 從弟亮謂曰：「此非盛德也。」 瑩怒曰：「我昔從東度為吳興，束身登岸，徐時為宰相，不能見知，相用為領軍長史。 今住其宅，差無多慚。」 時人咸謂失德。 亮既當朝，於瑩素雖不善，時欲引與同事。 遷尚書左僕射，未拜； 會護軍崔慧景自京口奉江夏王內向，瑩拒慧景於湖頭。 眾敗，瑩赴水，乘舫入樂遊，因得還台城。 慧景敗，瑩還居領軍府。 梁武兵至，復假節、都督宮城諸軍事。 建康平，瑩乃以宅還徐氏。
At the beginning of Yongyuan, government lay in the hands of petty men. Ying kept his post and nothing more and could neither approve nor disapprove. When Director of the Masters of Writing Xu Xiaosi was executed, Ying took comprehensive charge of court governance, memorialized to take Xiaosi's residence, and took Xiaosi's enfeoffment, Marquis of Zhijiang, as his own. His younger cousin Liang said to him, "This is not abundant virtue. Ying angrily said, "I once crossed east from Wu commandery, body bound and stepping ashore. At that time Xu was chief minister and could not recognize me, yet he used me as chief clerk to the General Who Guards the Army. Now to dwell in his residence is only a little shameful. People of the time all said he had lost virtue. When Liang came into power, though in origin he was not close to Ying, at the time he wished to draw him into shared office. He was transferred to left vice director of the masters of writing but had not yet received appointment. When Protector of the Army Cui Huijing from Jingkou escorted the Prince of Jiangxia inward, Ying repelled Huijing at Hutou. The host was defeated. Ying entered the water, boarded a boat into Leyou, and thereby was able to return to the terrace city. When Huijing was defeated, Ying again resided in the headquarters of the General Who Guards the Army. When the troops of Emperor Wu of Liang arrived, he was again given provisional credentials and made commander of all military affairs of the palace city. When Jiankang was pacified, Ying then returned the residence to the Xu clan.
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初為武帝相國左長史，及踐阼，封建城縣公，累遷尚書令。 瑩性清慎，帝深善之。 時有猛獸入郭，上意不悅，以問群臣，群臣莫對。 瑩在御筵，乃斂板答曰：「昔擊石拊石，百獸率舞。 陛下膺籙御圖，虎象來格。」 帝大悅，眾咸服焉。
At first he was left chief clerk to the emperor when he was Prince of the State of Xiang. When he ascended the throne, he was enfeoffed as duke of Jiancheng and was repeatedly promoted to director of the masters of writing. Ying's nature was pure and cautious, and the emperor deeply approved of him. At the time a fierce beast entered the outer city. The emperor's mind was displeased, and he asked the ministers. None answered. Ying was at the imperial banquet and, gathering his tablet, answered, "In old times when stones were struck and clapped, a hundred beasts led the dance. Your Majesty receives the tally and holds the chart. Tigers and elephants come to approach. The emperor was greatly pleased, and the host all submitted.
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十五年，位左光祿大夫、開府儀同三司、丹陽尹。 既為公，須開黃合。 宅前促，欲買南鄰朱侃半宅。 侃懼見侵，貨得錢百萬，瑩乃回合向東。 時人為之語曰：「欲向南，錢可貪； 遂向東，為黃銅。」 及將拜，印工鑄印，六鑄而龜六毀。 及成，頭空不實，補而用之。 居職六日暴疾薨，諡曰靜恭。
In the fifteenth year he reached left grand master of splendid brightness, the same honors as an opening office with tripartite parity, and governor of Danyang. Having become a duke, he had to open the yellow gate. The front of the residence was cramped. He wished to buy half the residence of Zhu Kan to the south. Kan feared being encroached upon and, bribed, obtained a million cash. Ying then turned the gate to face east. People of the time made a saying of it: "If you wish to face south, money can be coveted; then facing east is for yellow bronze. When he was about to receive appointment, the seal craftsman cast the seal. Six castings and six times the tortoise was destroyed. When it was finished, the head was hollow and not solid. It was patched and used. He held office six days and suddenly fell ill and died. His posthumous title was Jinggong.
18
少子實嗣。 起家秘書郎，尚梁武帝女安吉公主，襲爵建城縣公，為新安太守。 實從兄來郡，就求告。 實與銅錢五十萬，不聽於郡及道散用。 從兄密于郡市貨，還都求利。 及去郡數十里，實乃知，命追之。 呼從兄上岸盤頭，令卒與杖，搏頰乞原，劣得免。 後為南康嗣王湘州長史、長沙郡。 王三日出禊，實衣冠傾崎，王性方嚴，見之意殊惡。 實稱主名謂王曰：「蕭玉志念實，殿下何見憎？」 王驚赧即起。 後密啟之，因此廢錮。
The youngest son Shi succeeded. He began his career as a secretary gentleman, married the Princess of Anji, daughter of Emperor Wu of Liang, inherited the enfeoffment as duke of Jiancheng, and served as administrator of Xin'an. Shi's elder cousin from the father's line came to the commandery and came to ask for a loan. Shi gave him five hundred thousand cash in copper but did not allow spending in the commandery or on the road. The elder cousin secretly traded goods in the commandery market and, returning to the capital, sought profit. When he had left the commandery several tens of li, Shi then knew and ordered pursuit. He called the elder cousin ashore, had his head bound in a turban, ordered soldiers to beat him with staves. He beat his cheeks and begged pardon and barely escaped. Later he served as chief clerk to the Prince of Nankang, heir of Xiang Province, and administrator of Changsha. On the third day the prince went out for the spring purification. Shi's hat and robes were askew. The prince's nature was square and strict, and on seeing him his mind was especially loathsome. Shi called the prince by his given name and said to the prince, "Xiao Yu's thoughts are fixed on Shi. Why does Your Highness show dislike? The prince was startled, flushed, and rose at once. Later he secretly reported it, and for this reason was imprisoned and confined.
19
亮字奉叔，瑩從父弟也。 父攸字昌達，仕宋位太宰中郎，贈給事黃門侍郎。 亮以名家子，宋末選尚公主，拜駙馬都尉。 歷任秘書丞。 齊竟陵王子良開西邸，延才俊，以為士林館，使工圖其像，亮亦預焉。
Liang, styled Fengshu, was Ying's younger cousin from the father's younger brother's line. His father You, styled Changda, served Song and reached grand master in the grand mentor's office, and was posthumously given attendant of the yellow gate. As a son of a famous house, at the end of Song he was selected to marry a princess and was appointed commandant of the imperial son-in-law. He successively served as secretary assistant. When Prince Jingling of Qi, Ziliang, opened the Western Lodge and extended invitation to talented men, making it the Forest of Letters Hall and having artisans paint their images, Liang also participated.
20
累遷晉陵太守，在職清公，有美政。 時有晉陵令沈巑之性粗疏，好犯亮諱，亮不堪，遂啟代之。 巑之怏怏，乃造坐云：「下官以犯諱被代，未知明府諱。 若為攸字，當作無骹尊傍犬？ 為犬傍無骹尊？ 若是有心攸？ 無心攸？ 乞告示。」 亮不履下床跣而走，巑之撫掌大笑而去。
He was repeatedly promoted to administrator of Jinling and, in office, was pure and fair and had fine administration. At the time the magistrate of Jinling, Shen Cuan, was by nature coarse and careless and liked to violate Liang's taboo. Liang could not bear it and therefore memorialized to replace him. Cuan was discontented and therefore came to his seat and said, "Your humble office was replaced for violating taboo. I do not know the lord's taboo. If it is the character You, should it be made as dog beside the honorific without shank? Or dog beside without shank honorific? If it is You with heart? You without heart? I beg to be informed. Liang did not step down from the bed and ran away barefoot. Cuan clapped his hands, laughed greatly, and left.
21
建武末，累遷吏部尚書。 時右僕射江祏管朝政，多所進拔，為士所歸。 亮自以身居選部，每持異議。 始亮未為吏部郎時，以祏帝之內弟，故深友祏。 祏為之延譽，益為帝所器重。 至是與祏情好攜薄，祏昵之如初。 及祏遇誅，群小放命，凡所除拜，悉由內寵，亮弗能止。 外若詳審，內無明鑒，所選用，拘資次而已，當時不謂為能。 後為尚書左僕射。 及東昏肆虐，亮取容以免。
At the end of Jianwu he was repeatedly promoted to director of the masters of personnel. At the time Right Vice Director Jiang Si managed court governance and in many cases promoted and advanced men. Scholars turned to him. Liang, since he himself held the Selection Department, each time held a different view. At first, before Liang was director of personnel, because Si was the emperor's younger brother by the mother's side, he therefore befriended Si deeply. Si spread reputation for him, and he was all the more valued by the emperor. At this time his bond with Si was thin and worn, yet Si treated him intimately as at first. When Si met execution, petty men ran wild. All appointments and promotions entirely came from inner favor, and Liang could not stop it. Outwardly he seemed careful in examination, inwardly he had no clear mirror. Those he selected and used were bound only by qualification and rank, and people of the time did not call him capable. Later he served as left vice director of the masters of writing. When Dong Hun ran wild, Liang took accommodating manner to escape.
22
梁武帝至新林，內外百僚皆道迎，其不能拔者亦間路送誠款，亮獨不遣。 及東昏遇殺，張稷仍集亮等於太極殿前西鍾下坐，議欲立齊湘東嗣王寶晊。 領軍瑩曰：「城閉已久，人情離解，征東在近，何不諮問？」 張稷又曰：「桀有昏德，鼎遷于殷。 今實微子去殷、項伯歸漢之日。」 亮默然。 朝士相次下床，乃遣國子博士范雲齎東昏首送石頭，推亮為首。
When Emperor Wu of Liang reached Xinlin, inside and outside the hundred officials all went out on the road to welcome. Those who could not break free also sent pledges of loyalty by side roads, but Liang alone did not send anyone. When Dong Hun met killing, Zhang Ji still gathered Liang and others before the western bell under the Hall of Supreme Pole and sat to discuss wishing to establish Prince Bao Zhi of Xiangdong, heir of Qi. Protector of the Army Ying said, "The city has been closed long. Popular feeling is scattered and dissolved. The Eastern Expedition is near — why not consult? Zhang Ji again said, "Jie had benighted virtue. The tripod moved to Yin. Today is truly the day of Weizi leaving Yin and Xiang Bo returning to Han. Liang was silent. Court gentlemen successively stepped down from the bed. Then they sent National University Erudite Fan Yun carrying Dong Hun's head to deliver to Shitou, and pushed Liang to be head.
23
城平，朝士畢至，亮獨後，裙履見武帝。 帝謂曰：「顛而不扶，安用彼相？」 亮曰：「若其可扶，明公豈有今日之舉。」 因泣而去。 霸府開，以為大司馬長史。 梁台建，授侍中、尚書令，固讓，乃為侍中、中書監，兼尚書令。 及受禪，遷侍中、尚書令、中軍將軍，封豫寧縣公。
When the city was pacified, court gentlemen all arrived. Liang alone came later, skirt and shoes meeting Emperor Wu. The emperor said to him, "When one falls and is not supported, of what use is that minister? Liang said, "If he could be supported, would the lord not have today's action?" Thereupon he wept and left. When the Overlord's headquarters opened, he was made chief clerk to the grand marshal. When the Liang terrace was established, he was appointed attendant-in-ordinary and director of the masters of writing. He firmly declined, and therefore was attendant-in-ordinary and supervisor of the masters of writing, concurrently director of the masters of writing. When he received the abdication, he was transferred to attendant-in-ordinary, director of the masters of writing, and general of the central army, and was enfeoffed as duke of Yun'ning.
24
天監二年，轉左光祿大夫。 元日朝會，亮辭疾不登殿，設饌別省，語笑自若。 數日，詔公卿問訊，亮無病色。 御史中丞樂藹奏亮大不敬，論棄市。 詔削爵，廢為庶人。
In the second year of Tianjian he was transferred to left grand master of splendid brightness. On New Year's Day at the court assembly, Liang declined illness and did not ascend the hall. He set out food in a separate office and spoke and laughed as usual. Several days later an edict ordered the dukes and ministers to inquire. Liang had no sick appearance. Censor-in-Chief Yue Ai memorialized that Liang was greatly disrespectful and should be sentenced to execution in the marketplace. An edict stripped his rank and reduced him to commoner.
25
四年，帝宴華光殿，求讜言。 尚書左丞范縝起曰：「司徒謝朏本有虛名，陛下擢之如此； 前尚書令王亮頗有政體，陛下棄之如彼。 愚臣所不知。」 帝變色曰：「卿可更餘言。」 縝固執不已，帝不悅。 御史中丞任昉因奏縝妄陳褒貶，請免縝官。 詔可。 亮因屏居閉掃，不通賓客。 遭母憂，居喪盡禮。 後為中書監，加散騎常侍。 卒，諡煬子。
In the fourth year the emperor banqueted at the Hall of Splendid Light and sought forthright words. Left Assistant Director of the Masters of Writing Fan Zhen rose and said, "Minister of Works Xie Tiao originally had empty reputation. Your Majesty promoted him thus; Former Director of the Masters of Writing Wang Liang quite had the substance of governance. Your Majesty discarded him like that. Your foolish subject does not understand. The emperor changed color and said, "You may speak otherwise." Zhen firmly held and did not stop. The emperor was displeased. Censor-in-Chief Ren Fang therefore memorialized that Zhen rashly stated praise and blame and requested dismissal of Zhen's office. The edict approved. Liang therefore lived in seclusion behind closed doors and did not receive guests. He encountered mourning for his mother and, in mourning residence, exhausted ritual. Later he served as supervisor of the masters of writing and was additionally given regular attendant. He died. His posthumous title was Yangzi.
26
王華字子陵，誕從祖弟也。 祖薈，衛將軍、會稽內史。 父廞，司徒右長史。 晉安帝隆安初，王恭起兵討王國寶，時廞丁母憂在家。 恭檄令起兵，廞即聚眾應之，以女為貞烈將軍，以女人為官屬。 及國寶死，恭檄廞罷兵。 廞起兵之際，多所誅戮，至是不復得已，因舉兵以討恭為名。 恭遣劉牢之擊廞，廞敗走，不知所在。 長子泰為恭所殺。 華時年十三在軍中，與廞相失，隨沙門釋曇冰逃，使提衣襆從後，津邏咸疑焉。 華行遲，曇冰罵曰：「奴子怠懈，行不及我。」 以杖捶華數十，眾乃不疑，由此得免。 遇赦還吳，以父存沒不測，布衣蔬食，不交遊者十餘年。
Wang Hua, styled Ziling, was Dan's younger cousin from the grandfather's younger brother's line. His grandfather Hui was General of the Guard and internal administrator of Kuaiji. His father Yin was right chief clerk of the minister of education. At the beginning of Long'an in the Jin era of Emperor An, Wang Gong raised troops to attack Wang Guobao. At the time Yin was in mourning for his mother at home. Gong's proclamation ordered troops raised. Yin immediately gathered the host and responded, making his daughter General of Steadfast Valor and making women his officials. When Guobao died, Gong's proclamation ordered Yin to disband troops. When Yin raised troops, he in many cases executed and killed. At this time he could not but do otherwise and therefore raised troops under the name of attacking Gong. Gong sent Liu Laozhi to attack Yin. Yin was defeated and fled, and his whereabouts were unknown. His eldest son Tai was killed by Gong. Hua was then thirteen in the army. He and Yin lost one another and, following the monk Shi Tanbing, fled, making him carry clothes bundled behind. Ferry guards all suspected them. Hua walked slowly. Tanbing cursed, saying, "Slave child lazy and slack, walking not keeping up with me. He beat Hua several tens of times with a staff. The host then did not suspect, and thereby they escaped. Meeting amnesty he returned to Wu. Because his father's survival or death was unknown, he wore plain cloth and ate vegetables and did not associate with travelers for more than ten years.
27
宋武帝欲收其才用，乃發廞喪，使華制服。 服闋，武帝北伐長安，領鎮西將軍、北徐州刺史，辟華為州主簿。 後為別駕，曆職著稱。 文帝鎮江陵，為西中郎主簿、諮議參軍。 文帝未親政事，悉委司馬張邵。 華性尚物，不欲人在己前。 邵性豪，每行來常引夾轂。 華出入乘牽車，從者不過兩三人以矯之。 嘗相逢，華陽若不知是邵，謂左右曰：「此鹵簿甚盛，必是殿下。」 乃下牽車立於道側，及邵至乃驚。 邵白服登城，為華所糾，邵坐被征，華代為司馬。
Emperor Wu of Song wished to gather his talent for use and therefore sent out Yin's coffin and had Hua put on mourning dress. When mourning ended, Emperor Wu on northern expedition to Chang'an held the post of General Who Guards the West and Inspector of North Xuzhou and recruited Hua as chief clerk of the province. Later he served as assistant administrator and, through successive offices, was famed. When Emperor Wen garrisoned Jiangling, Hua served as chief clerk of the Western Central Guard and advisory attendant. Emperor Wen had not yet personally handled government affairs and entirely entrusted them to Marshal Zhang Shao. Hua's nature valued precedence and did not wish men before himself. Shao's nature was grand. Whenever he went out or came in he often drew paired axle-shafts. Hua went out and in riding a single-horse cart. Followers did not exceed two or three men to correct this. Once they met. Hua feigned as if not knowing it was Shao and said to attendants, "This guard procession is very grand. It must be His Highness. He then descended the single-horse cart and stood at the roadside. When Shao arrived he was startled. Shao in plain dress ascended the city wall and was impeached by Hua. Shao was demoted and summoned away, and Hua replaced him as marshal.
28
文帝將入奉大統，以少帝見害，不敢下。 華曰：「先帝有大功于天下，四海所服。 雖嗣主不綱，人望未改。 徐羨之中才寒士，傅亮布衣諸生，非有晉宣帝、王大將軍之心明矣。 畏廬陵嚴斷，將來必不自容。 殿下寬叡慈仁，天下所知，已且越次奉迎，冀以見德，悠悠之論，殆必不然。 羨之、亮、晦又要檀道濟、王弘五人同功，孰肯相讓，勢必不行。 今日就征，萬無所慮。」 帝從之，曰：「卿復欲為吾之宋昌矣。」 乃留華總後任。
When Emperor Wen was about to enter and uphold the great succession, because the young emperor was harmed, he did not dare descend. Hua said, "The late emperor had great merit for the realm and was served by the four seas. Though the successor lord was without discipline, popular expectation had not changed. Xu Xianzhi is a man of middling talent and cold scholar. Fu Liang is a common-cloth student. They do not have the hearts of Jin's Emperor Xuan or Grand General Wang. This is clear. They fear Luling's severity and decisiveness. In future they are sure not to contain themselves. Your Highness is broad, wise, and benevolent, and the realm knows it. To go now and receive out of turn, hoping thereby to show virtue — the distant talk will probably not be so. Xianzhi, Liang, and Hui also bound Tan Daoji and Wang Hong, five men of equal merit — who would yield to whom? The situation is sure not to succeed. To go now and accept summons, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. The emperor followed this and said, "You again wish to be my Song Chang." He then left Hua in overall charge of rear duties.
29
華以情事異人，未嘗預宴集。 終身不飲酒，有宴不之詣。 若有論事者，乘車造門，主人出車就之。 及王弘輔政，而弘弟曇首為文帝所任，與華相埒。 華常謂己力用不盡，每歎曰：「宰相頓有數人，天下何由得安？」 四年卒，年四十三。 九年，以誅羨之功，追封新建縣侯，諡曰宣。 孝武即位，配享文帝廟庭。
Hua, because affairs and feelings differed from others, never participated in banquet gatherings. All his life he did not drink wine. If there was a banquet he did not go. If there were matters to discuss, he rode a carriage to the gate. The host came out with a carriage to meet him. When Wang Hong assisted in governance, Hong's younger brother Tanshou was entrusted by Emperor Wen and was equal to Hua in rank. Hua often said his strength and use were not exhausted and each time sighed, saying, "The chief minister suddenly has several men. How can the realm be at peace? In the fourth year he died, aged forty-three. In the ninth year, for merit in executing Xianzhi, he was posthumously enfeoffed as marquis of Xinjian and given the posthumous title Xuan. When Emperor Xiaowu ascended the throne, he was granted paired sacrifice in Emperor Wen's temple court.
30
子定侯嗣，卒。 子長嗣，坐罵母奪爵，以長弟佟詔封。 齊受禪，國除。
His son Ding succeeded as marquis and died. His son Chang succeeded. For reviling his mother his rank was taken and his younger brother Tong was enfeoffed by edict. When Qi received the abdication, the state was abolished.
31
琨，華從父弟也。 父懌不辨菽麥，時以為殷道矜之流。 人無肯與婚，家以獠婢恭心侍之，遂生琨。 初名昆侖，懌後娶南陽樂玄女，無子，故即以琨為名，立以為嗣。
Kun was Hua's younger cousin from the father's younger brother's line. His father Yi could not distinguish beans from wheat and at the time was considered of Yin Daojin's sort. No man was willing to marry him. The family had a Liao maidservant named Gongxin who served him devotedly, and thereby Kun was born. At first he was named Kunlun. Later Yi married the daughter of Le Xuan of Nanyang and had no son, and therefore took Kun as the name and established him as heir.
32
琨少謹篤，為從伯司徒謐所愛。 宋武帝初為桓修參軍，修待帝厚。 後帝以事計圖修，猶懷昔顧，使王華訪素門，嫁其二女。 華為琨娶大女，以小女適潁川庾敬度，亦是舊族。 除琨郎中、駙馬都尉、奉朝請。
Kun in youth was careful and sincere and was loved by his elder cousin from the father's line, Minister of Education Mi. At the beginning of Song Emperor Wu was staff officer to Huan Xiu. Xiu treated the emperor generously. Later the emperor plotted against Xiu because of affairs, yet still cherished former regard and sent Wang Hua to seek a plain gate and marry his two daughters. Hua married the elder daughter to Kun and married the younger daughter to Ying Jingdu of Yingchuan, also an old clan. Kun was appointed palace gentleman, commandant of the imperial son-in-law, and attendant at court.
33
先是，琨伯父廞得罪晉世，諸子並從誅，唯華得免。 華宋世貴盛，以門衰，提攜琨，恩若同生，為之延譽。 歷位宣城、義熙太守，皆以廉約稱。 華終，又托之宋文帝，故琨屢居清顯。 孝建中，為吏部郎。 吏曹選局，貴要多所屬請，琨自公卿下至士大夫，例為用兩門生。 江夏王義恭嘗屬琨用二人，後復屬，琨答不許。
Before this, Kun's father's elder brother Yin had offended in the Jin age. All sons were executed with him, and only Hua escaped. Hua in the Song age was noble and flourishing. Because the gate declined, he raised Kun and treated him with favor as if born together, spreading reputation for him. He successively served as administrator of Xuancheng and Yixi and in both was famed for frugality and restraint. When Hua died, he again entrusted him to Emperor Wen of Song, and therefore Kun repeatedly held clear and illustrious posts. In the Xiaojian era he served as director of personnel. In the selection bureau of the Personnel Office, the noble and powerful in many cases made requests. Kun from dukes and ministers down to grand masters, as a rule used two student recruits for each. Prince of Jiangxia Yigong once requested Kun to appoint two men. Later he again made a request and Kun answered that he would not permit it.
34
出為平越中郎將、廣州刺史，加都督。 南土沃實，在任常致巨富。 世雲廣州刺史但經城門一過，便得三千萬。 琨無所取納，表獻祿俸之半。 鎮舊有鼓吹，又啟輸還。 及罷任，孝武知其清，問還資多少？ 琨曰：「臣買宅百三十萬，餘物稱之。」 帝悅其對。 後為曆陽內史。 上以琨忠實，徙為寵子新安王北中郎長史。 再曆度支尚書，加光祿大夫。
He went out as General of the Center Who Pacifies the Yue and inspector of Guangzhou, with additional command. The southern land was rich and solid. In office he often obtained great wealth. The world said that an inspector of Guangzhou need only pass the city gate once and would obtain thirty million. Kun took nothing in and memorialized presenting half his salary. The garrison originally had martial music. He again memorialized to return it. When he left office, Emperor Xiaowu knew his purity and asked how much return capital he had. Kun said, "Your subject bought a residence for one million three hundred thousand. Other things match this. The emperor was pleased with his answer. Later he served as internal administrator of Liyang. The emperor because Kun was loyal and solid transferred him to be chief clerk to the Northern Central Guard of the favored son, Prince of Xin'an. He again successively served as director of the revenue office and was given grand master of splendid brightness.
35
初，琨從兄華孫長襲華爵新建縣侯，嗜酒多愆失，琨表以長將傾基緒，請以長小弟佟嗣焉。 琨後出為吳郡太守，遷中領軍，坐在郡用朝舍錢三十六萬，營餉二宮諸王及作絳襖奉獻軍用，左遷光祿大夫。 尋加太常及金紫，加散騎常侍。 廷尉虞和議社稷各一神，琨案舊糾駁，不為屈。 時和見寵，朝廷歎琨強正。
At first Kun's elder cousin Hua's grandson Chang inherited Hua's rank as Marquis of Xinjian. Addicted to wine he had many faults. Kun memorialized that Chang would overturn the base and succession and requested that Chang's younger brother Tong succeed. Later Kun went out as administrator of Wu commandery and was transferred to General Who Guards the Army. For using thirty-six hundred thousand of the court lodging money in the commandery to supply the two palaces, princes, and make crimson jackets for military use, he was demoted to grand master of splendid brightness. Soon he was additionally given grand master of ceremonies and gold and purple, and regular attendant. Court Director of Justice Yu He discussed that the altars of state should each have one spirit. Kun investigated old precedent and impeached, and would not yield. At the time He was favored. The court sighed at Kun's firm uprightness.
36
明帝臨崩，出為會稽太守，加都督，坐誤竟囚，降為冠軍。 順帝即位，進右光祿大夫。 順帝遜位，百僚陪列，琨攀畫輪獺尾慟泣曰：「人以壽為歡，老臣以壽為戚。 既不能先驅螻蟻，頻見此事。」 嗚噎不自勝，百官人人雨淚。
When Emperor Ming was near death he went out as administrator of Kuaiji with additional command. For mistakenly releasing a prisoner he was demoted to champion. When Emperor Shun ascended the throne, he was promoted to right grand master of splendid brightness. When Emperor Shun abdicated, the hundred officials accompanied in rank. Kun grasped the painted wheel's otter tail and wept, saying, "Men take longevity as joy. This old minister takes longevity as sorrow. I cannot go first as an ant, yet repeatedly see this affair. He sobbed and could not overcome himself. The hundred officials all wept like rain.
37
琨謙恭謹慎，老而不渝，朝會必早起，簡閱衣裳，料數冠幘，如此數四，或為輕薄所笑。 大明中，尚書僕射顏師伯豪貴，下省設女樂，琨時為度支尚書，要琨同聽，傳酒行炙，皆悉內妓。 琨以男女無親授，傳行每至，令置床上，回面避之然後取，畢又如此，坐上莫不撫手嗤笑，琨容色自若。 師伯後為設樂邀琨，琨不往。 中領軍劉勉，晚節有棲退志，表求東陽郡，尚書令袁粲以下莫不讚美之。 琨曰：「永初、景平，唯謝晦、殷景仁為中領軍，元嘉有到彥之，為人望才譽，勉不及也。 近聞加侍中，已為怏怏，便求東陽，臣恐子房赤松未易輕擬。」 其鯁直如此。 而儉於財用，設酒不過兩碗，輒云：「此酒難遇」。 鹽豉薑蒜之屬，並掛屏風，酒漿悉置床下，內外有求，琨手自賦之。 景和中，討義陽王昶，六軍戒嚴，應須紫標，左右欲營辦，琨曰：「元嘉初征謝晦，有紫標在匣中，不須更作。」 檢取果得焉。 而避諱過甚，父名懌，母名恭心，並不得犯焉，時咸謂矯枉過正。
Kun was modest, respectful, and cautious and in old age did not change. At court assembly he always rose early, examined clothes, counted caps and headcloths — thus several times — and sometimes was laughed at by the frivolous. In the Daming era Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing Yan Shibo was grand and noble. Below his office he set out female music. Kun was then director of the revenue office and Shibo invited Kun to listen together. Passing wine and serving roast, all were inner courtesans. Kun because men and women should not touch in passing, each time the pass came he ordered it placed on the bed, turned his face to avoid it and then took it. When finished he again did thus. Those seated all clapped hands and laughed, yet Kun's countenance was as usual. Later Shibo again set out music and invited Kun. Kun did not go. General Who Guards the Army Liu Mian in his late years had intent to withdraw and rest. He memorialized requesting Dongyang commandery. Director of the Masters of Writing Yuan Can and those below all praised it. Kun said, "In Yongchu and Jingping, only Xie Hui and Yin Jingren were generals who guard the army. In Yuanjia there was Dao Yanzhi — in men's expectation and reputation Mian does not reach them. Recently I hear he was additionally given regular attendant and already was discontent. Then he seeks Dongyang — I fear Zifang and Chisong are not easily matched lightly. His blunt uprightness was thus. Yet he was frugal in use of wealth. Setting out wine did not exceed two bowls, and he would say, "This wine is hard to meet." Salt, fermented beans, ginger, garlic, and the like were all hung on the screen. Wine and broth were all placed under the bed. Inside and outside if there were requests, Kun personally assigned them. In the Jinghe era when Prince of Yiyang Chang was attacked, the six armies were on alert and purple banners were needed. Attendants wished to prepare them. Kun said, "At the beginning of Yuanjia when Xie Hui was attacked, there were purple banners in the box. There is no need to make more. On inspection they were taken out and indeed obtained them. Yet he avoided taboo excessively. His father's name was Yi and his mother's name Gongxin — both could not be violated. At the time all said it was correcting excess to excess.
38
王惠字令明，誕從祖弟也。 祖劭，車騎將軍。 父默，左光祿大夫。
Wang Hui, styled Lingming, was Dan's younger cousin from the grandfather's younger brother's line. His grandfather Shao was general of chariots and cavalry. His father Mo was left grand master of splendid brightness.
39
惠幼而夷簡，為叔父司徒謐所知。 恬靜不交遊，未嘗有雜事。 陳郡謝瞻才辯有風氣，嘗與兄弟群從造惠，談論鋒起，文史間發，惠時相詶應，言清理遠，瞻等慚而退。 宋武帝聞其名，以問其從兄誕，誕曰：「惠後來秀令，鄙宗之美也。」 即以為行參軍，累遷世子中軍長史。
Hui in youth was easy and simple and was known by his uncle Minister of Education Mi. Tranquil and still, he did not associate in travel and never had miscellaneous affairs. Xie Zhan of Chen commandery was talented in debate and had spirit. Once he and brothers and clan cousins visited Hui. Discussion rose sharp and literary and historical matters broke out. Hui at times answered in turn. His words were clear, his reasoning far, and Zhan and the others withdrew in shame. Emperor Wu of Song heard his name and asked his elder cousin Dan. Dan said, "Hui is a later outstanding and fine man, the beauty of our humble clan. He was therefore made aide on campaign and was repeatedly promoted to chief clerk of the heir apparent's central guard.
40
時會稽內史劉懷敬之郡，送者傾都，惠亦造別。 還過從弟球，球問：「向何所見？」 惠言：「唯覺逢人耳。」 素不與謝靈運相識，嘗得交言，靈運辯博，辭義鋒起，惠時然後言。 時荀伯子在坐，退而告人曰：「靈運固自蕭散直上，王郎有如萬頃陂焉。」 嘗臨曲水，風雨暴至，坐者皆馳散。 惠徐起，不異常日，不以沾濡而改。
At the time Internal Administrator of Kuaiji Liu Huaijing was going to his commandery. Those seeing him off filled the capital, and Hui also went to bid farewell. Returning he passed his younger cousin Qiu. Qiu asked, "What did you see just now? Hui said, "I only felt I met people." He had never been acquainted with Xie Lingyun. Once he obtained exchange of words. Lingyun was broad in debate and his meaning and words rose sharp. Hui then spoke afterward. At the time Xun Bozi was seated. Retiring he told others, "Lingyun is indeed easy and scattered and straight upward. Lord Wang is like a ten-thousand-qing flood plain. Once facing the winding stream, wind and rain suddenly arrived. Those seated all rushed away. Hui slowly rose, not different from ordinary days, not changing because of being soaked.
41
宋國初建，當置郎中令，武帝難其人，謂傅亮曰：「今用郎中令，不可減袁曜卿。」 既而曰：「吾得其人矣，曜卿不得獨擅其奇。」 乃以惠居之。
When the State of Song was first established, a director of palace gentlemen was to be placed. Emperor Wu found the man difficult and said to Fu Liang, "To use a director of palace gentlemen now cannot be less than Lord Yuan Yao. Then he said, "I have obtained the man. Yao cannot alone monopolize the marvel." He therefore placed Hui in it.
42
兄鑒頗好聚斂，惠意不同，謂曰：「何用田為？」 鑒怒曰：「無田何由得食。」 惠又曰：「何用食為？」 其標寄如此。 卒，贈太常，無子。
His elder brother Jian quite liked gathering wealth. Hui's mind differed and he said to him, "What use are fields? Jian angrily said, "Without fields how can one obtain food?" Hui again said, "What use is food?" His lofty intent was thus. He died and was posthumously given minister of ceremonies. He had no son.
43
球簡貴勢，不交遊，筵席虛靜，門無異客。 曇首常云：「蒨玉亦是玉卮無當耳。」 既而尚書僕射殷景仁、領軍將軍劉湛並執重權，傾動內外，球雖通家姻戚，未嘗往來。 居選職，接客甚稀，不視求官書疏，而銓衡有序。 遷光祿大夫，領廬陵王師。
Qiu was simple, noble, and powerful and did not associate in travel. Banquets and mats were empty and still and the gate had no strange guests. Tanshou often said, "Qianyu is also a jade cup without bottom. Then Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing Yin Jingren and General Who Guards the Army Liu Zhan both held heavy power and moved inside and outside. Qiu though connected by marriage did not ever go back and forth. Holding the selection post, he received guests very rarely, did not look at memorials seeking office, yet weighing and balance had order. He was transferred to grand master of splendid brightness and tutor to the Prince of Luling.
44
時大將軍彭城王義康專以政事為本，刀筆幹練者多被意遇。 謂劉湛曰：「王敬弘、王球之屬，竟何所堪施？ 為自富貴，復那可解。」 球兄子履深結劉湛，委誠義康與劉斌等。 球每訓厲，不納。 自大將軍從事中郎轉太子中庶子，流涕訴義康不願違離，故復為從事中郎。 文帝甚銜之。 及誅湛之夕，履徒跣告球。 球命為取履，先溫酒與之，謂曰：「常日謂汝何？」 履怖不得答。 球徐曰：「阿父在，汝何憂。」 命左右扶郎還齋，上亦以球故，履免死廢於家。
At the time Grand General Prince of Pengcheng Yikang exclusively took government affairs as the root. Men skilled with brush and document and capable were in many cases favored in intent. He said to Liu Zhan, "Men of Wang Jinghong and Wang Qiu's sort — what can they finally be fit to apply? To be for themselves rich and noble — again how can that be understood? Qiu's elder brother's son Lu deeply attached to Liu Zhan and entrusted sincerity to Yikang and Liu Bin and others. Qiu each time admonished and urged and would not accept. From attendant in the grand general's office he was transferred to junior mentor of the heir apparent. Weeping he appealed to Yikang that he did not wish to violate separation and therefore again became attendant in the office. Emperor Wen greatly harbored resentment. On the night Zhan was executed, Lu went barefoot to tell Qiu. Qiu ordered shoes taken for him, first warmed wine and gave it to him, and said, "On ordinary days what did I say to you? Lu was afraid and could not answer. Qiu slowly said, "Father is here. What do you fear? He ordered attendants to support the young master back to the study. The emperor also because of Qiu's reason spared Lu death and confined him at home.
45
殷景仁卒，球除尚書僕射，王師如故。 素有腳疾，多病還家，朝直至少。 錄尚書江夏王義恭謂尚書何尚之曰：「當今乏才，群下宜加戮力，而王球放恣如此，宜以法糾之。」 尚之曰：「球有素尚，加又多疾，公應以淡退求之，未可以文案責也。」 義恭又面啟文帝曰：「王球誠有素譽，頗以物外自許。 端任要切，或非所長。」 帝曰：「誠知如此，要是時望所歸。 昔周伯仁終日飲酒而居此任，蓋所以崇素德也。」 遂見優容。 後以白衣領職。 十八年，卒，時年四十九。 贈特進、金紫光祿大夫。 無子，從孫奐為後。
When Yin Jingren died, Qiu was appointed left vice director of the masters of writing, tutor unchanged. He long had foot illness, was often ill and returned home, and attended court rarely. Recorder of the Masters of Writing Prince of Jiangxia Yigong said to Director of the Masters of Writing He Shangzhi, "Today talent is lacking. The host below should add joint strength, yet Wang Qiu is so unrestrained — he should be corrected by law. Shangzhi said, "Qiu has long had plain intent and moreover has many illnesses. The lord should seek him with mild withdrawal and cannot be charged by documents." Yigong again face-to-face reported to Emperor Wen, "Wang Qiu indeed has plain reputation and quite takes himself as beyond things. Upright appointment to urgent duty may not be his long suit. The emperor said, "I truly know it is so, but he is what the times' expectation turns to. In old times Zhou Boren all day drank wine yet held this post — it is to exalt plain virtue. He was therefore seen with generous tolerance. Later in plain dress he held the post. In the eighteenth year he died, then aged forty-nine. Posthumously he was given special grand master and grand master of splendid brightness with gold and purple. He had no son. His younger cousin's grandson Huan was made heir.
46
王彧字景文，球從子也。 祖穆字伯遠，司徒謐之長兄，位臨海太守。 父僧朗，仕宋位尚書右僕射，明帝初，以後父加特進，贈開府儀同三司，諡元公。 彧名與明帝諱同，故以字行。 伯父智少簡貴，有高名，宋武帝甚重之。 常言：「見王智使人思仲祖」。 武帝與劉穆之討劉毅而智在焉，他日，穆之白武帝曰：「伐國重事，公言何乃使王智知。」 武帝笑曰：「此人高簡，豈聞此輩論議。」 其見知如此。 為宋國五兵尚書，封建陵縣五等子，追贈太常。
Wang Yu, styled Jingwen, was Qiu's younger cousin's son. His grandfather Mu, styled Boyuan, was the eldest elder brother of Minister of Education Mi and reached administrator of Linhai. His father Senglang served Song and reached right vice director of the masters of writing. At the beginning of Mingdi, as empress's father he was given special grand master, posthumously given the same honors as an opening office with tripartite parity, and posthumous title Duke Yuan. Yu's name was the same as Emperor Ming's taboo and therefore he was known by his style. His father's elder brother Zhi in youth was simple and noble and had a high name. Emperor Wu of Song greatly valued him. He often said, "Seeing Wang Zhi makes one think of Zhongzu." When Emperor Wu with Liu Muzhi attacked Liu Yi, Zhi was present. Another day Muzhi reported to Emperor Wu, "Attacking a state is a weighty affair — why did you let Wang Zhi know? Emperor Wu laughed and said, "This man is lofty and simple — would he hear this sort of discussion?" He was known thus. He was director of the five arms of the State of Song, enfeoffed as fifth-rank viscount of Jianling, and posthumously given minister of ceremonies.
47
智無子，故父僧朗以景文繼智。 幼為從叔球所知憐。 美風姿，為一時推謝。 袁粲見之歎曰：「景文非但風流可悅，乃哺歠亦復可觀。」 有一客少時及見謝混，答曰：「景文方謝叔源，則為野父矣。」 粲惆悵良久，曰：「恨眼中不見此人。」
Zhi had no son, and therefore the father Senglang had Jingwen succeed Zhi. In youth he was known and cherished by his younger uncle Qiu. Fine in bearing and appearance, he was for a time praised by all. Yuan Can on seeing him sighed and said, "Jingwen is not only charming and pleasing — even his nursing is also worth viewing. One guest in youth had seen Xie Hun and answered, "If Jingwen is set beside Uncle Xie, then he is a rustic elder." Can was melancholy a long while and said, "I regret not seeing this man in my eyes."
48
景文好言理，少與陳郡謝莊齊名。 文帝嘗與群臣臨天泉池，帝垂綸良久不獲。 景文越席曰：「臣以為垂綸者清，故不獲貪餌。」 眾皆稱善。 文帝甚相欽重，故為明帝娶景文妹而以景文之名名明帝。 武帝第五女新安公主先適太原王景深，離絕，當以適景文，景文固辭以疾，故不成婚。 襲爵建陵子。 元凶以為黃門侍郎，未及就，孝武入討，景文遣間使歸款。 以父在都下，不獲致身，事平，頗見嫌責。 猶以舊恩，累遷司徒左長史。
Jingwen liked speaking of principle and in youth was famed equally with Xie Zhuang of Chen commandery. Emperor Wen once with the host faced the Heavenly Spring Pool. The emperor angled a long while and obtained nothing. Jingwen crossed the mat and said, "Your subject thinks that he who angles is pure and therefore does not obtain greedy bait. The host all praised it as good. Emperor Wen greatly admired and valued him and therefore had Emperor Ming marry Jingwen's younger sister and named Emperor Ming by Jingwen's given name. Emperor Wu's fifth daughter the Princess of Xin'an had first married Wang Jingshen of Taiyuan and separated. She was to marry Jingwen. Jingwen firmly declined on grounds of illness and therefore the marriage was not completed. He inherited the rank as viscount of Jianling. The crown prince made him attendant of the yellow gate. Before he could take up the post, Emperor Xiaowu entered to attack. Jingwen sent a secret messenger to pledge loyalty. Because his father was in the capital he could not devote his person. When affairs were pacified he was quite seen with blame. Still because of old grace he was repeatedly promoted to left chief clerk of the minister of education.
49
上以散騎常侍舊與侍中俱掌獻替，欲高其選，以景文及會稽孔覬俱南北之望以補之。 尋復為司徒左長史。 以姊墓開不臨赴，免官。 後拜侍中、領射聲校尉、左衛將軍，加給事中、太子中庶子。 坐與奉朝請毛法因蒱戲得錢百二十萬，白衣領職。
The emperor because regular attendant in old times together with attendant-in-ordinary jointly held remonstrance and replacement wished to raise the selection and with Jingwen and Kong Xi of Kuaiji, both hopes of north and south, supplemented it. Soon he again served as left chief clerk of the minister of education. Because his elder sister's tomb was opened he did not attend in person and was dismissed from office. Later he was appointed attendant-in-ordinary, colonel of the sound-shooting guard, and general of the left guard, with additional giver of affairs and junior mentor of the heir apparent. For with attendant at court Mao Fa because of dice play obtaining one million two hundred thousand cash, he held the post in plain dress.
50
景文屢辭內授，上手詔譬之曰：「尚書左僕射，卿已經此任，東宮詹事用人雖美，職次政可比中書令耳。 庶姓作揚州，徐幹木、王休元、殷鐵並處之不辭，卿清令才望，何愧休元，毗贊中興，豈謝幹木，綢繆相與，何後殷鐵邪？ 司徒以宰相不應帶神州，遠遵先旨，京口鄉基義重，密邇畿內，又不得不用驃騎。 陝西任要，由來用宗室，驃騎既去，巴陵理應居之，中流雖曰閑地，控帶三江，通接荊、郢，經塗之要，由來有重鎮。 如此，則揚州自成闕刺史。 卿若有辭，便不知誰應處之。 此選大備與公卿疇懷，非聊爾也。」 固辭詹事、領選，徙為中書令，常侍、僕射、揚州如故。 又進中書監，領太子太傅，常侍、揚州如故。 景文固辭太傅，上遣新除尚書右僕射褚彥回宣旨，不得已乃受拜。
Jingwen repeatedly declined inner appointment. The emperor by handwritten edict admonished him, saying, "Left vice director of the masters of writing — you have already held this post. Grand mentor of the heir apparent though the man used is fine, the rank in governance can be compared to director of the palace library. Common surname as inspector of Yang Province — Xu Ganmu, Wang Xiuyuan, and Yin Tie all held it and did not decline. You are clear, fine, talented, and hoped for — what shame before Xiuyuan? Assisting the restoration, how is it less than Ganmu? Intimate planning together — how after Yin Tie? The minister of education because the chief minister should not carry the divine province far followed the former intent. Jingkou's native base is weighty in righteousness and close within the capital region — again one cannot but use the General Who Spurs On. Shaanxi's appointment is weighty and from old times used clan members. Since the General Who Spurs On has gone, Baling by principle should hold it. The middle stream though called idle land controls the three rivers, connects Jing and Ying, and the route's importance — from old times there has been a heavy garrison. Thus Yang Province by itself lacks an inspector. If you have words of decline, then one does not know who should hold it. This selection greatly matches the bosom of dukes and ministers — it is not casually done. He firmly declined grand mentor and holding selection and was transferred to director of the palace library. Regular attendant, vice director, and Yang Province unchanged. He was further promoted to supervisor of the palace library and tutor to the heir apparent. Regular attendant and Yang Province unchanged. Jingwen firmly declined grand tutor. The emperor sent the newly appointed right vice director of the masters of writing Chu Yanhui to announce the intent. Unable to do otherwise he then received appointment.
51
時太子及諸皇子並小，上稍為身後計，諸將帥吳喜、壽寂之之徒，慮其不能奉幼主，並殺之。 而景文外戚貴盛，張永累經軍旅，又疑其將來難信，乃自為謠言曰：「一士不可親，弓長射殺人。」 一士王字，指景文，弓長張字，指張永。 景文彌懼，乃自陳求解揚州。 詔答曰：
At the time the heir apparent and all princes were still small. The emperor gradually made plans for after his death. The various generals Wu Xi, Shou Jizhi, and the like — fearing they could not serve the young lord — were all killed. Yet Jingwen as maternal kin was noble and flourishing and Zhang Yong repeatedly passed through campaigns. Again he suspected that in future they could not be trusted. He himself made a rhyme saying, "One scholar cannot be intimate. Bow long shoots and kills men. One scholar is the character Wang and points to Jingwen. Bow long is the character Zhang and points to Zhang Yong. Jingwen was all the more afraid and therefore himself memorialized requesting release from Yang Province. The edict answered:
52
人居貴要，但問心若為耳。 大明之世，巢、徐二戴位不過執戟，權亢人主； 顏師伯白衣僕射，橫行尚書中。 袁粲作僕射領選，而人往往不知有粲。 粲遷為令，居之不疑。 今既省錄，令便居昔之錄任，置省事及幹僮，並依錄格。 粲作令來亦不異為僕射，人情向粲，淡然亦復不改常。 以此居貴位要任，當有致憂兢不？ 卿今雖作揚州、太子太傅，位雖貴而不關朝政，可安不懼，差於粲也。 卿虛心受榮，有而不為累。 貴高有危殆之懼，卑賤有溝壑之憂，張單雙災，木雁兩失。 有心于避禍，不如無心于任運。 夫千仞之木，既摧於斧斤，一寸之草，亦悴於踐蹋。 高崖之修幹，與深谷之淺條，存亡之要，巨細一揆耳。 晉將畢萬七戰皆獲，死於牖下，蜀相費禕從容坐談，斃于刺客。 故甘心于履危，未必逢禍，縱意于處安，不必全福。 但貴者自惜，故每憂其身，賤者自輕，故易忘其己。 然為教者每誡貴不誡賤，言其貴滿好自恃也。 凡名位貴達，人以存懷，泰則觸人改容，否則行路嗟愕。 至如賤者，否泰不足以動人，存亡不足以絓數，死於溝瀆，困于塗路者，天地之間，亦復何限，人不系意耳。 以此而推，貴何必難處，賤何必易安。 但人生自應卑慎為道，行己用心，務思謹惜。
Men dwelling in noble and urgent posts — one need only ask how the heart is. In the Daming age Chao and Xu, the two Dai, did not exceed halberd-bearing. Their power rivaled the lord of men. Yan Shibo in plain dress as vice director horizontally walked in the masters of writing. Yuan Can as vice director held selection yet men often did not know there was Can. Can was transferred to director and held it without doubt. Now since the recorder is reduced, the director then holds the former recorder's duty. Placing clerks and attendants all follows the recorder's standard. Since Can became director it is also not different from being vice director. Men's feeling turns to Can and blandly also does not change the usual. With this dwelling in noble rank and urgent post, should there be causing worry and fear? You now though holding Yang Province and grand tutor to the heir apparent — the rank though noble does not touch court governance. Can you be secure and not fear? It is less than Can. You empty-heartedly receive glory and have it yet are not burdened. The noble and high have fear of peril. The base and lowly have worry of ditches. Single Zhang has double disaster. Tree and goose both lose. Having heart in avoiding calamity is not as good as having no heart in accepting fate's course. A tree of a thousand ren, once broken by axe and adze. A blade of grass one inch also withers from trampling. High cliff's tall trunk and deep valley's shallow branch — the crux of survival and destruction, great and small, is one measure. Jin general Bi Wan in seven battles all obtained victory yet died beneath the window. Shu minister Fei Yi calmly sat in talk yet collapsed before assassins. Therefore willingly treading danger does not necessarily meet calamity. Freely dwelling in safety does not necessarily preserve full blessing. But the noble by themselves cherish themselves and therefore each worry for their person. The base by themselves slight themselves and therefore easily forget themselves. Yet those who teach each time admonish the noble and do not admonish the base — they speak of the noble being full and liking to rely on themselves. Generally name, rank, nobility, and reaching — men because of it store in the bosom. In peace then touching men changes countenance, in decline then passersby sigh in alarm. As for the base, decline and peace is insufficient to move men, survival and destruction insufficient to tie numbers. Dying in ditches and streams, trapped on the road — between heaven and earth again what limit? Men do not attach mind. Pushing from this, why must the noble be hard to dwell, why must the base be easy to rest? But human life should by itself be base and cautious as the Way. In conduct and use of heart, strive to think carefully and cherish.
53
若乃吉凶大期，正應委之理運。 遭隨參差，莫不由命也。 既非聖人，不能見吉凶之先，正是依俙於理，言可行而為之耳。 得吉者是其命吉，遇不吉者是其命凶。 以近事論之：景和之世，晉平庶人從壽陽歸亂朝，人皆為之戰慄，而乃遇中興之運。 袁顗圖避禍於襄陽，當時皆羨之，謂為陵霄駕鳳，遂與義嘉同滅。 駱宰見狂主，語人言：「越王長頸鳥喙，可與共憂，不可共樂。 范蠡去而全身，文種留而遇禍。 今主口頸頗有越王之狀，我在尚書中久，不去必危」。 遂求南江小縣。 諸都令史住京師者，皆遭中興之慶，人人蒙爵級； 宰逢義嘉染罪，金木纏身，性命幾絕。 卿耳目所聞見，安危在運，何可豫圖邪？
As for the great term of fortune and calamity, one should just entrust it to principle and fate. Meeting and following unevenly — none is not from mandate. Since one is not a sage, one cannot see fortune and calamity beforehand — one is just relying on principle, speaking what can be done and doing it. Those who obtain fortune — it is their mandate's fortune. Those who meet misfortune — it is their mandate's misfortune. Judging from recent affairs: in the Jinghe age the commoner of Jin Ping returned from Shouyang to the chaotic court. Men all for him trembled in fear, yet he then met the restoration's fortune. Yuan Yi plotted to avoid calamity at Xiangyang. At the time all envied him, saying he drove the phoenix to the clouds, yet he together with Yijia perished. Minister Luo saw the mad lord and told men, "The King of Yue had long neck and bird beak — with him one can share worry, not share joy. Fan Li left and preserved his body. Wen Zhong stayed and met calamity. Now the lord's mouth and neck quite has the King of Yue's appearance. I have long been in the masters of writing — if I do not go I am sure to be in peril." He therefore sought a small county on the southern river. All commandery clerks dwelling in the capital all met the restoration's celebration. Each man received rank and grade. The minister met Yijia's tainted crime. Metal and wood bound his body and life nearly ended. What your ears and eyes have heard and seen — safety and peril lie in fate. How can one plan beforehand?
54
上既有疾，而諸弟並已見殺； 唯桂陽王休范人才本劣，不見疑，出為江州刺史。 慮一旦晏駕，皇后臨朝，則景文自然成宰相，門族強盛，藉元舅之重，歲暮不為純臣。 泰豫元年春，上疾篤，遣使送藥賜景文死，使謂曰：「朕不謂卿有罪，然吾不能獨死，請子先之。」 因手詔曰：「與卿周旋，欲全卿門戶，故有此處分。」 敕至之夜，景文政與客棋，扣函看，復還封置局下，神色怡然不變。 方與客棋思行爭劫竟，斂子內奩畢，徐謂客曰：「奉敕見賜以死。」 方以敕示客。 酒至未飲，門客焦度在側，憤怒發酒覆地曰：「大丈夫安能坐受死。 州中文武可數百人，足以一奮。」 景文曰：「知卿至心； 若見念者，為我百口計。」 乃墨啟答敕，並謝贈詔。 酌謂客曰：「此酒不可相勸。」 自仰而飲之。 時年六十。 追贈開府儀同三司，諡曰懿。 長子絢。
The emperor already had illness and all younger brothers had already been killed. Only Prince of Guiyang Xiufan by native talent was inferior and was not seen with suspicion. He went out as inspector of Jiang Province. Fearing that once he suddenly died the empress would hold court, then Jingwen naturally would become chief minister. The gate clan was strong and flourishing and relied on the weight of maternal uncle — at year's end he would not be a pure minister. In spring of the first year of Taiyu, the emperor's illness was grave. He sent a messenger delivering medicine granting Jingwen death, and the messenger said, "We did not say you had guilt, yet we cannot die alone — please, sir, go first. Thereupon by handwritten edict: "With you circling back and forth, wishing to preserve your gate household — therefore this disposition." When the order arrived that night, Jingwen was just playing weiqi with a guest. He knocked open the case and looked, again sealed it and placed it under the board. His expression was easy and unchanged. Just as he and the guest finished thinking through a contested capture, gathered the stones into the box and finished, he slowly said to the guest, "By decree I am granted death. Then he showed the guest the decree. Wine arrived and he had not yet drunk. The gate guest Jiao Du at the side angrily overturned the wine on the ground and said, "A great man — how can he sit and receive death? Civil and military in the province can be counted in the hundreds — enough for one effort. Jingwen said, "I know your utmost heart. If you think of me, plan for my hundred mouths. He then in ink opened and answered the decree and also thanked the gift edict. He poured and said to the guest, "This wine cannot be mutually urged. He himself looked up and drank it. He was then aged sixty. Posthumously he was given the same honors as an opening office with tripartite parity and posthumous title Yi. His eldest son was Xuan.
55
絢字長素，早惠。 年五六歲，讀論語至「周監於二代」，外祖何尚之戲之曰：「可改耶耶乎文哉。」 絢應聲答曰：「尊者之名，安可戲，寧可道草翁之風必舅？」 及長，篤志好學。 位秘書丞。 先景文卒，諡曰恭世子。 絢弟繢。
Xuan, styled Changsu, was precocious in youth. Aged five or six, reading the Analects to "Zhou looked to the two dynasties," his maternal grandfather He Shangzhi jested with him, "Can it be changed — yayu wen zai?" Xuan answered on the sound, "An honored person's name — how can it be jested? Better to say caoweng zhi feng bi jiu?" When grown, he was devoted in will and loved learning. He reached secretary assistant. He died before Jingwen and was given posthumous title Gong heir. Xuan's younger brother was Hui.
56
繢字叔素，弱冠秘書郎、太子舍人，轉中書舍人。 景文以此授超階，令繢經年乃受。 景文封江安侯，繢襲其本爵為始平縣五等男。 元徽末，為黃門郎，東陽太守。
Hui, styled Shusu, at weak cap served as secretary gentleman and attendant of the heir apparent and was transferred to palace library attendant. Jingwen because this appointment exceeded rank ordered Hui to receive it only after a full year. Jingwen was enfeoffed as marquis of Jiang'an. Hui inherited his original rank as fifth-rank viscount of Shiping. At the end of Yuanhui he served as attendant of the yellow gate and administrator of Dongyang.
57
繢女適武帝寵子安陸王子敬，永明二年納妃，修外舅姑之敬。 武帝遣文惠太子相隨往繢家，置酒設樂，公卿皆冠冕而去，當世榮之。
Hui's daughter married the favored son of Emperor Wu, Prince of Anlu Zijing. In the second year of Yongming she entered as consort and cultivated respect toward her wife's parents. Emperor Wu sent Crown Prince Wenhuì to follow and go to Hui's house, set out wine and music. Dukes and ministers all went in caps and robes. The age honored it.
58
繢弟約，齊明帝世數年廢錮。 梁武帝時為太子中庶子，嘗謂約曰：「卿方當富貴，必不容久滯屈。」 及帝作輔，謂曰：「我嘗相卿當富貴，不言卿今日富貴便當見由。」 曆侍中，左戶尚書，廷尉。
Hui's younger brother Yue was imprisoned and confined several years in Emperor Ming of Qi's age. In Emperor Wu of Liang's time he served as junior mentor of the heir apparent and once said to Yue, "You are about to be rich and noble and surely cannot long remain bent and constrained. When the emperor became regent he said, "I once judged you would be rich and noble — I did not say that once you were rich and noble you would immediately be seen through because of it." He successively served as attendant-in-ordinary, director of the left households, and court director of justice.
59
繢長子雋，不慧，位止建安太守。
Hui's eldest son Jun was not clever and reached only administrator of Jian'an.
60
雋子克。 克美容貌，善容止，仕梁曆司徒右長史、尚書僕射。 台城陷，仕侯景，位太宰、侍中、錄尚書事。 景敗，克迎候王僧辯，問克曰：「勞事夷狄之君」，克不能對。 次問璽紱何在？ 克默然良久曰：「趙平原將去。」 平原名思賢，景腹心也，景授平原太守，故克呼焉。 僧辯乃誚克曰：「王氏百世卿族，便是一朝而墜。」 仕陳，位尚書右僕射。
Jun's son was Ke. Ke had fine appearance and good bearing and deportment. Serving Liang he successively reached right chief clerk of the minister of education and vice director of the masters of writing. When the terrace city fell he served Hou Jing and reached grand mentor, attendant-in-ordinary, and recorder of the masters of writing. When Jing was defeated Ke went to welcome Wang Sengbian. Sengbian asked Ke, "You toiled serving the barbarian lord" — Ke could not answer. Next he asked where the seal cord was. Ke was silent a long while and said, "Zhao Pingyuan is about to go. Pingyuan's name was Sixian. He was Jing's trusted heart. Jing appointed him administrator of Pingyuan — therefore Ke called him thus. Sengbian then mocked Ke, "The Wang clan for a hundred generations ministerial clan — in one morning it fell. Serving Chen he reached right vice director of the masters of writing.
61
桂陽之逼，王道隆為亂兵所殺，蘊力戰，重創禦溝側，或扶以免。 事平，撫軍長史褚澄為吳郡太守，司徒左長史蕭惠明言於朝曰：「褚澄開城以納賊，更為股肱大郡，王蘊被甲死戰，棄而不收，賞罰如此，何憂不亂！」 褚彥回慚，乃議用蘊為湘州刺史。 及齊高帝輔政，蘊與沈攸之連謀，事敗，斬於秣陵市。
When Guiyang pressed, Wang Daolong was killed by mutinous soldiers. Yun fought hard, was heavily wounded beside the Imperial Moat, and was sometimes supported to escape. When affairs were pacified, Chief Clerk of the Pacifying Army Chu Cheng served as administrator of Wu commandery. Left Chief Clerk of the Minister of Education Xiao Huiming spoke in court, "Chu Cheng opened the city to admit rebels yet again became trusted arm and thigh of a great commandery. Wang Yun wore armor and died fighting yet was cast aside and not gathered — reward and punishment thus, why worry there will be no chaos! Chu Yanhui was ashamed and therefore discussed appointing Yun inspector of Xiang Province. When Emperor Gao of Qi assisted in governance, Yun with Shen Youzhi joined in plot. Affairs failed and he was beheaded at Moling market.
62
奐字道明，彧兄子也。 父粹字景深，位黃門侍郎。 奐繼從祖球，故小字彥孫。 年數歲，常侍球許，甚見愛。 奐諸兄出身諸王國常侍，而奐起家著作佐郎。 琅邪顏延之與球情款稍異，常撫奐背曰：「阿奴始免寒士。」
Huan, styled Daoming, was Yu's elder brother's son. His father Cui, styled Jingshen, reached attendant of the yellow gate. Huan succeeded his younger uncle Qiu and therefore his childhood name was Yansun. Aged several years he constantly attended at Qiu's place and was greatly loved. Huan's elder brothers began careers as attendants in princely states, yet Huan began as assistant in the secretariat. Yan Yanzhi of Langye and Qiu's feeling and generosity were slightly different. He often patted Huan's back and said, "Little fellow, you have at last escaped cold scholar."
63
奐少而強濟，叔父景文常以家事委之。 仕宋曆侍中，祠部尚書，轉掌吏部。 升明初，遷丹陽尹。 初，王晏父普曜為沈攸之長史，常懼攸之舉事，不得還，奐為吏部，轉普曜為內職，晏深德之。 及晏仕齊，武帝以奐宋室外戚，而從弟蘊又同逆，疑有異意，晏叩頭保奐無異志。 時晏父母在都，請以為質，武帝乃止。
Huan in youth was strong and capable. His uncle Jingwen often entrusted household affairs to him. Serving Song he successively reached attendant-in-ordinary, director of the office of sacrifices, and was transferred to hold the masters of personnel. At the beginning of Shengming he was transferred to governor of Danyang. At first Wang Yan's father Puyao was chief clerk to Shen Youzhi and constantly feared Youzhi would raise affairs and he could not return. Huan was in personnel and transferred Puyao to inner office. Yan deeply thanked him. When Yan served Qi, Emperor Wu because Huan was maternal kin of the Song outer house and his younger cousin Yun was also together in rebellion suspected different intent. Yan kowtowed guaranteeing Huan had no different will. At the time Yan's parents were in the capital. He requested them as hostages and Emperor Wu then stopped.
64
永明中，累遷尚書右僕射。 王儉卒，上欲用奐為尚書令，以問晏。 晏位遇已重，意不推奐，答曰：「柳世隆有勳望，恐不宜在奐後。」 乃轉左僕射，加給事中。 出為雍州刺史，加都督。 與甯蠻長史劉興祖不睦。 十一年，奐遣軍主朱公恩征蠻失利，興祖欲以啟聞，奐大怒，收付獄。 興祖於獄以針畫漆合盤為書，報家稱枉，令啟聞，而奐亦馳信啟上，誣興祖扇動荒蠻。 上知其枉，敕送興祖還都，奐恐辭情翻背，輒殺之。 上大怒，遣中書舍人呂文顯、直合將軍曹道剛領兵收奐，又別詔梁州刺史曹武自江陵步出襄陽。 奐子彪凶愚，頗幹時政，士人咸切齒。 時文顯以漆匣匣箜篌在船中，因相誑云，「台使封刀斬王彪」。 及道剛、曹武、文顯俱至，眾力既盛，又懼漆匣之言，於是議閉門拒命。 長史殷叡，奐女婿也，諫曰：「今開城門，白服接台使，不過檻車征還，隳官免爵耳。」 彪堅執不從，叡又曰：「宜遣典簽間道送啟自申，亦不患不被宥。」 乃令叡書啟，遣典簽陳道齊出城，便為文顯所執。 叡又曰：「忠不背國，勇不逃死，百世門戶，宜思後計，孰與仰藥自全，則身名俱泰，叡請先驅螻蟻。」 又不從。 奐門生鄭羽叩頭啟奐，乞出城迎台使，奐曰：「我不作賊，欲先遣啟自申，政恐曹、呂輩小人相陵藉，故且閉門自守耳。」 彪遂出戰，敗走歸。 土人起義，攻州西門，彪登門拒戰，卻之。 司馬黃瑤起、甯蠻長史裴叔業于城內起兵攻奐，奐聞兵入，禮佛，未及起，軍人斬之，彪及弟爽、弼、殷叡皆伏誅。 奐長子太子中庶子融，融弟司徒從事中郎琛，於都棄市，余孫皆原宥。 琛弟肅、秉並奔魏，後得黃瑤起臠食之。 弟伷女為長沙王晃妃，以男女並長，又且出繼，特不離絕。
In the Yongming era he was repeatedly promoted to right vice director of the masters of writing. When Wang Jian died the emperor wished to use Huan as director of the masters of writing and asked Yan. Yan's rank and encounter was already heavy. His mind did not promote Huan and he answered, "Liu Shilong has merit and expectation — I fear he should not be after Huan. He was therefore transferred to left vice director and given giver of affairs. He went out as inspector of Yong Province with additional command. He was not on good terms with chief clerk of the pacified barbarians Liu Xingzu. In the eleventh year Huan sent Army Commander Zhu Gong'en to attack the barbarians and failed. Xingzu wished to memorialize and report. Huan was greatly angry and had him imprisoned. Xingzu in prison with a needle drew on a lacquer box and tray as writing, reporting to his family that he was wronged, ordering memorial and report. Yet Huan also sent urgent memorial reporting that Xingzu incited the wild barbarians. The emperor knew he was wronged. The order sent Xingzu back to the capital. Huan feared the words would turn against him and immediately killed him. The emperor was greatly angry and sent palace library attendant Lu Wenxian and direct guard general Cao Daogang leading troops to take Huan. Again a separate edict ordered inspector of Liang Province Cao Wu to march from Jiangling on foot out of Xiangyang. Huan's son Biao was fierce and stupid and quite interfered in the age's government. Scholars all gnashed teeth. At the time Wenxian because a lacquer case holding a konghou was in the boat therefore deceived them, saying, "The terrace messenger's sealed blade will behead Wang Biao." When Daogang, Cao Wu, and Wenxian all arrived, the host's strength was already abundant and again they feared the lacquer case's words. Therefore they discussed closing the gate and refusing the order. Chief Clerk Yin Rui, Huan's son-in-law, admonished, "Now opening the city gate and in plain dress receiving the terrace messenger — at most a caged cart summons back, rank stripped and office removed. Biao firmly held and would not follow. Rui again said, "It is fitting to send the record keeper by a side road delivering memorial self-reporting — again no worry of not being pardoned. He therefore had Rui write the memorial and sent Record Keeper Chen Daoqi out of the city. He was immediately seized by Wenxian. Rui again said, "Loyalty does not betray the state, courage does not flee death — a hundred-generation gate household should think of the later plan. Who compares to looking up and taking medicine to preserve oneself, then body and name both grand? Rui asks to go first as an ant. Again he would not follow. Huan's student Zheng Yu kowtowed and reported to Huan, begging to go out of the city to welcome the terrace messenger. Huan said, "I am not making rebellion — I wish first to send memorial self-reporting. I just fear Cao, Lu, and the like, petty men, will bully and insult — therefore for now close the gate and self-guard. Biao then went out to battle, was defeated and fled back. Local men rose in righteousness and attacked the western gate of the province. Biao ascended the gate and resisted battle and repelled them. Marshal Huang Yaogi rose and Chief of the Pacified Barbarians Pei Shuye within the city raised troops attacking Huan. Huan heard soldiers enter, worshipped Buddha, and before he could rise soldiers beheaded him. Biao and younger brothers Shuang, Bi, and Yin Rui were all executed. Huan's eldest son Junior Mentor of the Heir Apparent Rong, Rong's younger brother Attendant in the Minister of Education's office Chen — at the capital they were abandoned in market. Remaining grandsons were all pardoned. Chen's younger brother Su and Bing both fled to Wei. Later they obtained Huang Yaogi and ate his flesh. Younger brother Chou's daughter was consort to Prince of Changsha Huang. Because male and female were both grown and moreover she had gone out in succession, specially they did not sever.
65
奐既誅，故舊無敢至者，汝南許明達先為奐參軍，躬為殯斂，經理甚厚，當時高其節。 奐弟份。
After Huan was executed, old friends dared not come. Xu Mingda of Runan had first been Huan's staff officer and personally performed the encoffining and management very generously. The age honored his integrity. Huan's younger brother was Fen.
66
份字季文。 仕宋位始安內史。 袁粲之誅，親故無敢視者，份獨往致慟，由是顯名。 累遷大司農。 奐誅後，其子肅奔魏，份自拘請罪，齊武帝宥之。 肅屢引魏人至邊，份嘗因侍坐，武帝謂曰：「比有北信不？」 份改容對曰：「肅既近忘墳柏，寧遠憶有臣。」 帝亦以此亮焉。 後位秘書監。 仕梁位散騎常侍，領步兵校尉，兼起部尚書。
Fen, styled Jiwen. Serving Song he reached internal administrator of Shian. When Yuan Can was executed, relatives and old friends dared not look. Fen alone went and expressed grief and thereby was illustriously named. He was repeatedly promoted to grand minister of agriculture. After Huan was executed his son Su fled to Wei. Fen himself bound himself and requested guilt. Emperor Wu of Qi pardoned him. Su repeatedly led Wei men to the border. Fen once because of attending seated, Emperor Wu said, "Recently has there been northern news? Fen changed countenance and answered, "Su has near forgotten tomb cypress — how can he far remember having a minister. The emperor also because of this was bright toward him. Later he reached supervisor of the secretariat. Serving Liang he reached regular attendant, colonel of foot soldiers, and concurrently director of the office of construction.
67
武帝嘗於宴席問群臣曰：「朕為有為無？」 份曰：「陛下應萬物為有，體至理為無。」 帝稱善。 後累遷尚書左僕射。 曆侍中，特進，左光祿大夫，監丹陽尹。 卒，諡曰鬍子。 長子琳，字孝璋，位司徒左長史。 琳齊代取梁武帝妹義興長公主，有子九人，並知名。
Emperor Wu once at a banquet asked the host, "Am I having action or not? Fen said, "Your Majesty responds to the myriad things as having action. Embodies utmost principle as having no action. The emperor praised it as good. Later he was repeatedly promoted to left vice director of the masters of writing. He successively served as attendant-in-ordinary, special grand master, left grand master of splendid brightness, and supervisor of Danyang. He died. Posthumous title Huzi. His eldest son Lin, styled Xiaozhang, reached left chief clerk of the minister of education. Lin in the Qi succession took Emperor Wu of Liang's younger sister the Princess of Yixing as wife. He had nine sons, all illustriously named.
68
長子銓，字公衡，美風儀，善占吐，尚武帝女永嘉公主，拜駙馬都尉。 銓雖學業不及弟錫，而孝行齊焉，時人以為銓、錫二王，可謂玉昆金友。 母長公主疾，銓形貌瘠貶，人不復識。 及居喪，哭泣無常，因得氣疾。 位侍中、丹陽尹。 卒于衛尉卿。 子溥，字伯淮，尚簡文帝女余姚公主。
Eldest son Quan, styled Gongheng, had fine bearing and deportment and was skilled at physiognomy from speech. He married Emperor Wu's daughter the Princess of Yongjia and was appointed commandant of the imperial son-in-law. Quan though learning did not reach younger brother Xi yet filial conduct was equal. Men of the time because of this said the two Wangs Quan and Xi could be called jade elder brother and gold friend. When the Princess Dowager was ill Quan's appearance and body were emaciated and declined. Men no longer recognized him. When in mourning residence he wept without constancy and thereby obtained qi illness. He reached attendant-in-ordinary and governor of Danyang. He died at minister of the guard. His son Pu, styled Bohuai, married Emperor Jianwen's daughter the Princess of Yuyao.
69
銓弟錫字公嘏，幼而警悟，與兄弟受業，至應休散，輒獨留不起，精力不倦，致損右目。 十二為國子生，十四舉清茂，除秘書郎，再遷太子洗馬。 時昭明太子尚幼，武帝敕錫與秘書郎張纘使入宮，不限日數。 與太子游狎，情兼師友。 又敕陸倕、張率、謝舉、王規、王筠、劉孝綽、到洽、張緬為學士，十人盡一時之選。 錫以戚屬，封永安侯。
Quan's younger brother Xi, styled Gongjia, in youth was alert and comprehending. With brothers receiving instruction, when it came to rest and dismissal he alone always stayed and did not rise. Energy and strength unwearied, he damaged the right eye. At twelve he was a National University student. At fourteen he was recommended as Pure and Eminent and was appointed secretary gentleman and again transferred to heir apparent's reader. At the time Crown Prince Zhaoming was still young. Emperor Wu ordered Xi with Secretary Gentleman Zhang Zuan to enter the palace without limit on days. With the crown prince he played intimately. Feeling combined teacher and friend. Again the emperor ordered Lu Yan, Zhang Shuai, Xie Ju, Wang Gui, Wang Jun, Liu Xiaochuo, Dao Qia, and Zhang Mian as scholars — ten men all were selection of the time. Xi because of maternal kin was enfeoffed as marquis of Yong'an.
70
普通初，魏始連和，使劉善明來聘，敕中書舍人朱異接之。 善明彭城舊族，氣調甚高，負其才氣，酒酣謂異曰：「南國辯學如中書者幾人？」 異曰：「異所以得接賓宴，乃分職是司，若以才辯相尚，則不容見使。」 善明乃曰：「王錫、張纘，北間所聞，云何可見？」 異具啟聞，敕即使南苑設宴，錫與張纘、朱異四人而已。 善明造席，遍論經史，兼以嘲謔。 錫、纘隨方酬對，無所稽疑，善明甚相歎挹。 他日謂異曰：「一日見二賢，實副所期，不有君子，安能為國。」 引宴之日，敕使左右徐僧權於坐後，言則書之。
At the beginning of Putong Wei first joined in peace and sent Liu Shanming as envoy. The order had palace library attendant Zhu Yi receive him. Shanming was of Pengcheng old clan. Spirit and tone very high. Relying on his talent and spirit, when wine was deep he said to Yi, "How many men like the director of the palace library are there in the southern state's debate and learning? Yi said, "The reason Yi can receive guests at banquet is that division of duty is this office. If comparing talent and debate as superior, then one cannot be sent to meet. Shanming then said, "Wang Xi and Zhang Zuan — heard of in the northern region — how can they be seen? Yi fully reported and reported. The order immediately had the southern park set a banquet — Xi with Zhang Zuan and Zhu Yi, four men only. Shanming came to the mat and broadly discussed classics and history, together with mockery and jest. Xi and Zuan according to each side answered. Nothing was stuck in doubt. Shanming greatly sighed and held in esteem. Another day he said to Yi, "In one day seeing two worthies truly matches what was expected. Without a gentleman, how can one be a state. On the day of leading the banquet the order had attendants Xu Sengquan behind the seat — if words then write them.
71
累遷吏部郎中，時年二十四。 謂親友曰：「吾以外戚謬被時知，兼比羸病，庶務難擁，安能舍其所好而徇所不能。」 乃稱疾不拜。 便謝遣胥徒，拒絕賓客，掩扉覃思，室宇蕭然。 諸子溫凊，隔簾趨倚。 公主乃命穿壁，使子涉、湜觀之。 卒年三十六，贈侍中，諡貞子。 錫弟僉。
He was repeatedly promoted to director in the masters of personnel and was then aged twenty-four. He told relatives and friends, "I because of maternal kin wrongly received the age's knowledge and moreover am lately weak and ill. The myriad affairs are hard to embrace — how can I abandon what I love and follow what I cannot. He therefore claimed illness and did not receive appointment. He then dismissed clerks and attendants, refused guests, closed the door and deeply thought. The chamber was desolate. The sons warm and cool, separated by curtain hastening to lean. The princess therefore ordered the wall pierced so sons She and Shi could view. He died aged thirty-six. Posthumously given attendant-in-ordinary and posthumous title Zhenzi. Xi's younger brother was Qian.
72
僉字公會，八歲丁父憂，哀毀過禮。 初補國子生，祭酒袁昂稱為通理。 累遷始興內史，丁所生母憂，固辭不拜。 又除南康內史，在郡義興主薨，詔起復郡。 後為太子中庶子，掌東宮管記。 卒，贈侍中。 元帝下詔：賢而不伐曰恭，追諡曰恭子。 僉弟通。
Qian, styled Gonghui, at eight years encountered mourning for his father. Grief and destruction exceeded ritual. At first he supplemented as National University student. Director of the University Yuan Ang called him penetrating in principle. He was repeatedly promoted to internal administrator of Shixing. Encountering mourning for his biological mother he firmly declined and did not receive appointment. Again he was appointed internal administrator of Nankang. In the commandery the Princess of Yixing died. The order had him rise and return to the commandery. Later he served as junior mentor of the heir apparent and held the Eastern Palace record. He died. Posthumously given attendant-in-ordinary. Emperor Yuan issued edict: worthy and not boasting is called Gong — posthumously given title Gongzi. Qian's younger brother was Tong.
73
勱字公齊，美風儀，博涉書史，恬然清簡，未嘗以利欲幹懷。 仕梁為輕車河東王功曹史。 王出鎮京口，勱將隨之蕃。 范陽張纘時典選舉，勱造纘言別，纘嘉其風采，乃曰：「王生才地，豈可遊外府乎？」 奏為太子洗馬。 後為南徐州別駕從事史。
Li, styled Gongqi, had fine bearing and deportment, broadly passed through books and history, was tranquil and pure and simple, and never had profit and desire disturb the bosom. Serving Liang he was merit officer on the staff of the Prince of Hedong. The prince went out to garrison Jingkou. Li was about to follow him to the frontier. Zhang Zuan of Fanyang then held selection and promotion. Li visited Zuan to speak farewell. Zuan praised his bearing and deportment and therefore said, "Lord Wang's talent and ground — how can he wander in an outer prefecture? He memorialized him as heir apparent's reader. Later he served as assistant in the staff office of South Xuzhou.
74
大同末，梁武帝謁園陵，道出朱方，勱隨例迎候，敕令從輦側。 所經山川，莫不顧問，勱隨事應對，咸有故實。 又從登北顧樓賦詩，辭義清典，帝甚嘉之。
At the end of Datong Emperor Wu of Liang visited the imperial tombs. The route passed Zhufang. Li followed precedent in welcoming. The order had him follow at the carriage side. Mountains and rivers passed — none he did not look back and ask. Li according to each matter answered. All had old precedent. Again following ascending the northern Gu Tower he composed poetry. Words and meaning pure and canonical. The emperor greatly praised it.
75
時河東王為廣州刺史，乃以勱為冠軍河東王長史、南海太守。 王至嶺南，多所侵掠，因懼罪稱疾，委州還朝，勱行州府事。 越中饒沃，前後守宰，例多貪縱，勱獨以清白著聞。 入為給事黃門侍郎。
At the time the Prince of Hedong was inspector of Guangzhou. He therefore made Li chief clerk to the Prince of Hedong, Champion, and administrator of Nanhai. The prince reached Lingnan and in many cases encroached and plundered. Because he feared guilt he claimed illness, entrusted the province and returned to court. Li held provincial and prefectural affairs. Yue was rich and fertile. Before and after guarding prefects as a rule were mostly greedy and unrestrained. Li alone with pure whiteness was heard of. He entered office as giver of affairs and attendant of the yellow gate.
76
侯景之亂，奔江陵，歷位晉陵太守。 時兵饑之後，郡中雕弊，勱為政清簡，吏人便安之。 徵為侍中，遷五兵尚書。
In Hou Jing's rebellion he fled to Jiangling and successively reached administrator of Jinling. At the time after soldiers and famine the commandery was wasted and ruined. Li in governance was pure and simple. Clerks and people were at ease. He was summoned as attendant-in-ordinary and transferred to director of the five arms.
77
會魏軍至，元帝征湘州刺史宜豐侯蕭循入援，以勱監湘州。 及魏平江陵，敬帝承制，以為中書令，加侍中。 曆陳武帝司空、丞相長史，侍中、中書令並如故。
When Wei army arrived Emperor Yuan summoned inspector of Xiang Province the Marquis of Yifeng Xiao Xun to enter as aid and made Li supervise Xiang Province. When Wei pacified Jiangling Emperor Jing by provisional order made him director of the palace library and gave regular attendant. He successively served Emperor Wu of Chen as minister of works, chief clerk to the chancellor, attendant-in-ordinary, and director of the palace library all unchanged.
78
及蕭勃平，以勱為廣州刺史。 未行，改為衡州刺史。 王琳據有上流，衡、廣攜貳，勱不得之鎮，留於大庾嶺。
When Xiao Bo was pacified he was made inspector of Guangzhou. Before going he was changed to inspector of Heng Province. Wang Lin held the upper stream. Heng and Guang were divided in allegiance. Li could not reach his garrison and remained at Dayu Ridge.
79
質字子貞，少慷慨，涉獵書史。 梁世以武帝甥，封甲口亭侯。 立太子中舍人、庶子。
Zhi, styled Zizhen, in youth was generous and passed through books and history. In the Liang age because he was Emperor Wu's maternal nephew he was enfeoffed as marquis of Jiakou Pavilion. He was established attendant of the heir apparent and junior mentor.
80
侯景濟江，質領步騎頓于宣陽門外。 景軍至都，質不戰而潰，為桑門，潛匿人間。 城陷後，西奔荊州。 元帝承制，歷位侍中，吳州刺史，領鄱陽內史。
When Hou Jing crossed the river Zhi led infantry and cavalry stationed outside Xuanyang Gate. Jing's army reached the capital. Zhi did not battle and collapsed. He became a monk and secretly hid among men. After the city fell he fled west to Jing Province. Emperor Yuan by provisional order successively reached attendant-in-ordinary, inspector of Wu Province, and concurrently internal administrator of Poyang.
81
魏平荊州，侯瑱鎮盆城，與質不協，質率所部依於留異。 陳永定二年，武帝命質率所部隨都督周文育討王琳。 質與琳素善，或譖雲於軍中潛信交通，武帝命文育殺質，文育啟救之，獲免。 文帝嗣位，以為五兵尚書。 宣帝輔政，為司徒左長史。 坐招聚博徒，免官。 後為都官尚書。 卒，諡曰安子。 弟固。 固字子堅，少清正，頗涉文史。 梁時以武帝甥，封莫口亭侯。 位丹陽尹丞。 梁元帝承制，以為相國戶曹屬，掌管記。 尋聘魏，魏人以其梁氏外戚，待之甚厚。
When Wei pacified Jing Province Hou Jin garrisoned Pencheng and was not in harmony with Zhi. Zhi led his division and relied on Liu Yi. In the second year of Yongding Emperor Wu ordered Zhi to lead his division following Commander Zhou Wenyu to attack Wang Lin. Zhi and Lin in origin were on good terms. Some slandered saying in the army he secretly sent letters and communicated. Emperor Wu ordered Wenyu to kill Zhi. Wenyu memorialized to save him and he was pardoned. When Emperor Wen succeeded he was made director of the five arms. When Emperor Xuan assisted in governance he was left chief clerk of the minister of education. For gathering and enticing gamblers he was dismissed from office. Later he served as director of the office of punishments. He died. Posthumous title Anzi. Younger brother was Gu. Gu, styled Zijian, in youth was pure and upright and quite passed through literary and historical works. In the Liang age because he was Emperor Wu's maternal nephew he was enfeoffed as marquis of Mokou Pavilion. He reached assistant governor of Danyang. Emperor Yuan of Liang by provisional order made him household clerk of the State of Xiang and held the record. Soon he was sent as envoy to Wei. Wei men because he was Liang clan maternal kin treated him very generously.
82
廢帝即位，授侍中、金紫光祿大夫。 宣帝輔政，固以廢帝外戚，奶媼恒往來禁中，頗宣密旨，事泄，比黨皆誅，宣帝以固本無兵權，且居處清素，止免所居官，禁錮。 太建中，卒于太常卿，諡恭子。
When Emperor Jing ascended he was appointed attendant-in-ordinary and grand master of splendid brightness with gold and purple. When Emperor Xuan assisted in governance Gu because he was Emperor Jing's maternal kin — wet nurses constantly went back and forth in the forbidden inner quarters and quite spread secret intent — when affairs leaked the whole faction was executed. Emperor Xuan because Gu in origin had no military power and moreover dwelling was pure and simple only removed the office he held and confined. In the Taichong era he died at minister of ceremonies. Posthumous title Gongzi.
83
固清虛寡欲，居喪以孝聞。 又信佛法。 及丁所生母憂，遂終身蔬食，夜則坐禪，晝誦佛經。 嘗聘魏，因宴饗際，請停殺一羊。 羊於固前跪拜。 又宴昆明池，魏人以南人嗜魚，大設罟網，固以佛法祝之，遂一鱗不獲。 子寬，位侍中。
Gu was pure and empty with few desires and in mourning residence was heard of for filial piety. Again he believed in Buddhist dharma. When he encountered mourning for his biological mother he therefore all his life ate vegetables. At night then sat in meditation. By day recited Buddhist sutras. Once sent as envoy to Wei. Therefore at the banquet interval he requested stopping the killing of one sheep. The sheep before Gu kowtowed. Again at Kunming Pool Wei men because southern men love fish greatly set nets. Gu with Buddhist dharma prayed and thereby not one scale was obtained. His son Kuan reached attendant-in-ordinary.
84
論曰：王誕夙有名輩，而間關夷險，卒獲攀光日月，遭遇蓋其時焉。 奉光、奉叔，並得官成齊代，而亮自著寒松，固為優矣。 瑩印章六毀，豈鬼神之害盈乎？ 景文弱年立譽，芳聲籍甚，榮貴之來，匪由勢至。 若使泰始之朝，身非外戚，與袁粲群公，方驂並路，傾覆之災，庶幾可免。 庾元規之讓中書令，義歸此矣。 奐有愚子，自致誅夷。 份胤嗣克昌，特鍾門慶，美矣。
Commentary says: Wang Dan from youth had a name among peers. Through hardship among barbarians and danger he finally obtained climbing to sun and moon — encounter was probably his time. Fengguang and Fengshu both obtained office completion in the Qi age. Yet Liang by himself showed cold pine — truly he was superior. Ying's seal six times destroyed — was it spirits' harm to fullness? Jingwen in weak years established reputation. Fragrant fame was very great. Glory and nobility coming was not from power reaching. If in the Taishi court his person were not maternal kin and with Yuan Can and the host of dukes side by side on the road, overturning disaster would probably almost be avoidable. Yu Yuankui's declining director of the palace library — righteousness returns to this. Huan had a foolish son and by himself brought execution and extinction. Fen's descendants succeeded in flourishing increase. Specially the gate's celebration was beautiful.