1
宋武帝起兵，以為鎮軍諮議參軍。 以從征功，封晉寧縣五等男。 義熙十二年，為尚書右僕射。 武帝北伐，湛兼太尉，與兼司空尚書范泰奉九命禮物拜授武帝，帝沖讓。 湛等隨軍至洛陽，住柏谷塢。 泰議受使未畢，不拜晉帝諸陵，湛獨至五陵展敬，時人美之。
When Liu Yu marched to seize power, Yuan Zhan was made a staff adviser on the pacifying army. Campaign service earned him the title Fifth-Rank Baron of Jinning. In Yixi 12 he was appointed Vice Director of the Masters of Writing. During the northern expedition Zhan doubled as Grand Commandant. He and Fan Tai—concurrently Minister of Works and Master of Writing—brought the nine regalia of kingship to Liu Yu, who refused them with feigned humility. Zhan went on with the army to Luoyang and quartered at Baigu Fort. Fan Tai held that their embassy was unfinished and they ought not visit the Jin imperial tombs; Zhan alone went to the Five Tombs to pay respects, and contemporaries admired him for it.
2
子淳，淳子植，並早卒。
His son Chun and Chun's son Zhi both died in youth.
3
弟豹
Younger brother Bao
4
湛弟豹字士蔚，好學博聞，善談雅俗。 每商較古今，兼以誦詠，聽者忘疲。 為御史中丞時，鄱陽縣侯孟懷玉上母檀拜國太夫人，有司奏許。 豹以婦人從夫爵，懷玉父大司農綽見居列卿，妻不宜從子。 奏免尚書右僕射劉柳等官，詔並贖論。 後為丹陽尹，太尉長史，義熙九年，卒官。 以參伐蜀謀，追封南昌縣五等子。 子淑。
Zhan's younger brother Bao, courtesy name Shiyu, was a learned and well-read man, adept at talk of high culture and everyday life alike. In debate over past and present, laced with poetry recited aloud, his listeners forgot weariness. As Censor-in-Chief, he heard that Marquis Meng Huaiyu of Poyang had asked that his mother Tan be made Grand Lady of the State; the ministries recommended granting it. Bao argued that a wife takes rank from her husband; since Huaiyu's father Chuo already served among the chief ministers, the mother should not derive her title from the son. He submitted impeachment of Vice Director Liu Liu and others; the throne commuted all to fines. He later became Prefect of Danyang and chief clerk to the Grand Commandant, and died in office in Yixi 9. For helping plan the Shu campaign he was posthumously made Fifth-Rank Viscount of Nanchang. Son Shu.
5
豹子淑
Bao's son Shu
6
淑字陽源，少有風氣。 年數歲，伯父湛謂人曰：「此非凡兒。」 至十餘歲，為姑夫王弘所賞，博涉多通，不為章句學。 文采遒豔，從橫有才辯。 彭城王義康命為司徒祭酒。 義康不好文學，雖外相禮接，意好甚疏。 從母兄劉湛欲其附己，而淑不為改意，由是大相乖失。 淑乃賦詩曰：「種蘭忌當門，懷璧莫向楚。 楚少別玉人，門非植蘭所。」 尋以久疾免官。
Shu, courtesy name Yangyuan, showed force of character even as a boy. At only a few years old his uncle Zhan told people, "This is no ordinary child. In his teens his uncle by marriage Wang Hong took notice of him. He read widely and understood much, but never bothered with commentarial pedantry. His prose ran bold and bright; in argument he was quick and sharp. Prince Yikang of Pengcheng made him Libationer of the Minister of Education. Yikang cared little for literature; he kept polite appearances but felt little warmth toward Shu. Liu Zhan, a cousin on Shu's mother's side, wanted Shu in his camp; Shu refused to shift allegiance, and the two became bitterly estranged. Shu wrote a poem: "Orchids wither at the doorway; jade carried into Chu brings ruin. Chu knows little of jade; a gate is no bed for orchids. Before long chronic illness cost him his post.
7
元嘉二十六年，累遷尚書吏部郎。 其秋大舉北侵，從容曰：「今當席捲趙、魏，檢玉岱宗，願上封禪書一篇。」 文帝曰：「盛德之事，我何足以當之。」 出為始興王浚征北長史、南東海太守。 淑始到府，浚引見謂曰：「不意舅遂垂屈佐？」 淑答曰：「朝廷遣下官，本以光公府望也。」 還為御史中丞。
In Yuanjia 26 he rose by stages to Director of the Ministry of Personnel. That autumn the court launched a major northern offensive. Shu remarked calmly, "We are about to roll up Zhao and Wei and gather tribute at Mount Tai—I should like to draft a fengshan memorial. Emperor Wen replied, "A deed of supreme virtue? I am hardly equal to that." He was posted out as chief clerk on Prince Jun of Shixing's northern staff and as Administrator of Eastern Donghai. When Shu first reported to the princely household, Jun received him and said, "I never expected my uncle would condescend to assist me. Shu answered, "The court sent me here to burnish your house's prestige." He returned to the capital and became Censor-in-Chief.
8
時魏軍南伐至瓜步，文帝使百官議防禦之術，淑上議，其言甚誕。 淑喜誇，每為時人所嘲。 始興王浚嘗送錢三萬餉淑，一宿復遣人追取，謂為使人謬誤，欲以戲淑，淑與浚書曰：「聞之前志曰，『七年之中，一與一奪，義士猶或非之』。 況密邇旬次，何其裒益之亟也。 竊恐二三諸候有以觀大國之政。」 遷太子左衛率。
When Wei forces pushed south to Guabu, Emperor Wen ordered the bureaucracy to debate defense; Shu's memorial was wildly grandiloquent. Shu loved grand talk, and contemporaries often ridiculed him for it. Prince Jun once sent Shu thirty thousand cash; overnight he sent men to reclaim it, claiming a clerk's mistake and intending a jest. Shu wrote back: "Old records say that within seven years, one gift and one recall—even an honorable man may take offense. All the more when, in barely ten days, gifts are given and snatched away with such haste! I fear the regional lords will read in this something about how the great state is governed." He was moved to Left Commandant of the Heir Apparent's Guard.
9
元凶將為逆，其夜淑在直，呼淑及蕭斌等，流涕告以「明旦當行大事，望相與戮力」。 淑、斌並曰：「自古無此，願加善思。」 劭怒，斌懼曰：「謹奉令。」 淑叱之曰：「卿便謂殿下真有是邪？ 殿下幼時嘗患風，或是疾動耳。」 劭愈怒，因問曰：「事當克不？」 淑曰：「居不疑之地，何患不克； 但既克之後，為天地所不容，大禍亦旋至耳。」 劭左右引淑衣曰：「此是何事，而可言罷。」 劭因起，賜淑等褲褶，又就主衣取錦，裁三尺為一段，又中裂之，分斌與淑及左右，使以縛褲褶。 淑出還省，繞床至四更乃寢。 劭將出，已與蕭斌同載，呼淑甚急，淑眠終不起。 劭停車奉化門，催之相續。 徐起至車後，劭使登車，辭不上。 劭命左右殺之於奉化門外槐樹下。 劭即位，追贈太常。 孝武即位，贈侍中、太尉，諡曰忠憲公。 又詔淑及徐湛之、江湛、王僧綽、卜天與四家長給稟。 淑文集傳於世。 諸子並早卒。
On the eve of his coup the Crown Prince Liu Shao summoned Shu and Xiao Bin while Shu was on palace duty, weeping as he said, "At dawn I act—stand with me." Shu and Bin both said, "Nothing like this exists in history—think again. Shao flew into rage; Bin, terrified, said, "Your order is obeyed." Shu snapped at him: "You truly think the prince means it? As a boy the prince had wind sickness—perhaps this is only the old ailment returning." Shao grew angrier still and demanded, "Will it succeed?" Shu said, "In an unquestioned position, how could it fail? But once it succeeds, Heaven and earth will not abide you, and ruin will come at once." Shao's attendants tugged Shu's sleeve: "What business is this, that you may speak and then stop?" Shao rose and gave Shu and the rest military dress; then he took brocade from the wardrobe, cut three-foot lengths, split each in two, shared them among Bin, Shu, and the attendants, and had them bind the garments with the strips. Shu returned to his office and paced his room until the fourth watch before lying down. As Shao prepared to march, already in the carriage with Xiao Bin, he urgently called Shu—but Shu slept on and would not rise. Shao stopped at Fenghua Gate and sent summons after summons. Shu at last rose and came behind the carriage; Shao ordered him aboard, but he refused. Shao ordered his men to kill him under the pagoda tree outside Fenghua Gate. After Shao seized the throne he posthumously made Shu Minister of Ceremonies. When Emperor Xiaowu succeeded, Shu was posthumously made Palace Attendant and Grand Commandant, with the posthumous title Duke of Loyal Integrity. An edict also granted permanent stipends to the eldest sons of the households of Shu, Xu Zhizhi, Jiang Zhan, Wang Sengchuo, and Bu Tianyu. Shu's collected works circulated widely. All his sons likewise died young.
10
兄洵子顗
Elder brother Xun's son Yan
11
兄洵，吳郡太守，諡曰貞。 洵子顗。
The elder brother Xun, Administrator of Wu, bore the posthumous title Zhen. Xun's son Yan.
12
顗字國章，初為豫州主簿，累遷晉陵太守，襲南昌縣五等子。 大明末，拜侍中，領前軍將軍。 時新安王子鸞以母嬖有盛寵，太子在東宮多過，上微有廢太子立子鸞之意，從容言之。 顗盛稱太子好學，有日新之美。 帝怒，振衣而入，顗亦厲色而出。 左丞徐爰言於帝，請宥之，帝意解。 後帝又以沈慶之才用不多，言論頗相嗤毀，顗又陳慶之忠勤有幹略，堪當重任。 由是前廢帝深感顗，慶之亦懷其德。
Yan, courtesy name Guozhang, began as chief clerk of Yuzhou, rose to Administrator of Jinling, and inherited the Fifth-Rank Viscountate of Nanchang. Late in the Daming reign he became Palace Attendant and Commander of the Vanguard Army. Prince Ziluan of Xin'an enjoyed his mother's favor; the crown prince in the Eastern Palace often misbehaved, and the emperor quietly considered replacing him with Ziluan and spoke of it in passing. Yan spoke warmly of the crown prince's love of learning and daily improvement. The emperor flared in anger, shook out his robes, and stalked within; Yan marched out with a hard face. Left Assistant Director Xu Ai pleaded for Yan, and the emperor relented. Later the emperor again mocked Shen Qingzhi as insufficiently talented; Yan insisted Qingzhi was loyal, diligent, and capable of great trust. Thereafter the future Deposed Emperor felt deep gratitude toward Yan, and Qingzhi too remembered his favor.
13
胡以南運未至，軍士匱乏，就顗換襄陽之資。 顗答曰：「都下兩宅未成，方應經理，不可損徹。」 又信往來之言，言都下米貴，斗至數百，以為不勞攻伐，行自離散，於是擁甲以待之。 明帝使顗舊門生徐碩奉手詔譬顗曰：「卿未經為臣，今追蹤竇融，猶未晚也。」 及劉胡叛走不告顗，顗至夜方知，大怒，罵曰：「今年為小子所誤。」 呼取飛燕，謂其眾曰：「我當自出追之。」 因又遁走。 至鵲頭，與戍主薛伯珍及其所領數千，步取青林，欲向尋陽。 夜止山間宿，殺馬勞將士。 顗顧伯珍曰：「我舉八州以謀王室，未一戰而散，豈非天邪。 非不能死，豈欲草間求活，望一至尋陽，謝罪主上，然後自刎耳。」 因慷慨叱左右索節，無復應者。 及旦，伯珍請求間言，乃斬顗首詣錢溪馬軍主襄陽俞湛之降。 湛之因斬伯珍並送首以為己功。 明帝忿顗違叛，流屍于江，弟子彖收瘞於石頭後岡。 後廢帝即位，方得改葬。
With southern supplies not yet arrived and the army short of provisions, Liu Hu asked to draw on Yan's stores at Xiangyang. Yan replied, "My two houses in the capital are unfinished and still need upkeep—I cannot strip them bare. He also believed rumors that rice in the capital had soared to hundreds per peck and that no assault was needed—the foe would break up on its own—so he sat armored and waited. Emperor Ming sent Yan's old student Xu Shuo with a handwritten edict: "You have never truly submitted; to follow Dou Rong's example is still not too late. When Liu Hu rebelled and fled without telling him, Yan learned only at night and raged: "This year that boy ruined me." He called for his horse Feiyan and told his men, "I will ride out after them myself." Then he too fled. At Que tou, with garrison commander Xue Bozhen and several thousand men, he marched on foot toward Qinglin, aiming for Xunyang. That night he camped in the hills and slaughtered horses to feed his officers and men. Yan turned to Bozhen and said, "I mobilized eight provinces for the throne, yet we broke before a single battle—is this not Heaven's will? I could die, but I will not crawl through the weeds for life. I mean only to reach Xunyang, confess before the throne, and then fall on my sword. He cried out passionately for his staff of office; no one responded. At dawn Bozhen asked a private word, then cut off Yan's head and surrendered to Yu Zhizhi, cavalry commander at Qianxi in Xiangyang. Zhizhi then killed Bozhen too and sent both heads as proof of his own merit. Emperor Ming, furious at Yan's defection, had his body thrown into the river; his nephew Bian secretly gathered and buried him on the hill behind Shitou. When the Deposed Emperor succeeded, Yan was at last given proper reburial.
14
顗子戩、昂。 戩為黃門侍郎，戍盆城。 尋陽敗，伏誅。
Yan's sons Zhan and Ang. Zhan served as Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and garrisoned Pencheng. When Xunyang fell he was executed.
15
洵弟濯子粲
Xun's younger brother Zhuo's son Can
16
粲字景倩，洵弟子也。 父濯，揚州秀才，早卒。 粲幼孤，祖哀之，名之曰湣孫。 伯叔並當世榮顯，而湣孫饑寒不足。 母琅邪王氏，太尉長史誕之女也。 躬事績紡，以供朝夕。
Can, courtesy name Jingqian, was the son of Xun's younger brother Zhuo. His father Zhuo, a Yangzhou provincial graduate, died young. Can lost his father in infancy; his grandfather pitied him and called him Min Sun. His uncles all rose to glory in their day, yet Min Sun still knew hunger and cold. His mother was a Wang of Langye, daughter of Chief Clerk Dan to the Grand Commandant. She spun and wove herself to meet their daily needs.
17
大明元年，復為侍中，領射聲校尉，封興平縣子。 三年，坐納山陰人丁承文貨，舉為會稽郡孝廉，免官。 五年，為左衛將軍，加給事中。 七年，轉吏部尚書，左衛如故。 其年，皇太子冠，上臨宴東宮，與顏師伯、柳元景、沈慶之等並摴蒱，湣孫勸師伯酒，師伯不飲，湣孫因相裁辱曰：「不能與佞人周旋。」 師伯見寵于上，上常嫌湣孫以寒素陵之，因此發怒曰：「袁濯兒不逢朕，員外郎未可得也，而敢以寒士遇物！」 將手刃之，命引下席。 湣孫色不變，沈、柳並起謝，久之得釋。 出為海陵太守。 廢帝即位，湣孫在郡，夢日墮其胸上，因驚。 尋被徵管機密，歷吏部尚書，侍中，驍衛將軍。 湣孫峻于儀範，廢帝裸之迫使走，湣孫雅步如常，顧而言曰：「風雨如晦，雞鳴不已。」 明帝泰始元年，為司徒左長史、南東海太守。
In Daming 1 he again became Palace Attendant and Commandant of the Archers' Guard, enfeoffed as Viscount of Xingping. In year 3 he was removed for taking bribes from Ding Chengwen of Shanyin and recommending him as Filial and Incorrupt of Kuaiji. In year 5 he became General of the Left Guard and was additionally made Chief of the Palace Secretariat. In year 7 he became Director of the Ministry of Personnel while keeping the Left Guard. That year, at the crown prince's coming-of-age feast, the emperor played dice with Yan Shibo, Liu Yuanjing, Shen Qingzhi, and others. Min Sun pressed Shibo to drink; when Shibo refused, Min Sun snapped, "I do not keep company with sycophants. Shibo enjoyed imperial favor, and the emperor already resented Min Sun's disdain for a man of low birth. He exploded: "Without me, Yuan Zhuo's son would never have risen even to outer-office gentleman—and he dares treat a poor scholar like this!" He nearly drew his blade on the spot and had Min Sun pulled from the table. Min Sun's face never changed; Shen and Liu both rose to plead, and after a long while he was spared. He was posted out as Administrator of Hailing. When the Deposed Emperor succeeded, Min Sun was in his prefecture and dreamed the sun fell on his chest—then woke in alarm. Soon he was recalled to handle confidential affairs, serving in turn as Director of Personnel, Palace Attendant, and General of the Valiant Guard. Min Sun was punctilious in deportment; the Deposed Emperor stripped him and forced him to run, yet he walked with the same easy grace and quoted the Book of Songs: "Wind and rain darken the sky, yet the cock crows without cease. In Taishi 1 under Emperor Ming he became chief clerk of the left to the Minister of Education and Administrator of Eastern Donghai.
18
湣孫清整有風操，自遇甚高，嘗著妙德先生傳以續嵇康高士傳後以自況曰：「有妙德先生，陳國人也。 氣志深虛，姿神清映，性孝履順，棲沖業簡，有舜之遺風。 先生幼夙多疾，性疏懶，無所營尚； 然九流百氏之言，雕龍談天之藝，皆泛識其大歸，而不以成名。 家貧嘗仕，非其好也。 混其聲跡，晦其心用，席門常掩，三徑裁通。 雖揚子寂漠，嚴叟沈冥，不是過也。 修道遂志，終無得而稱焉。」 又嘗謂周旋人曰：「昔有一國，國中一水號曰狂泉，國人飲此水無不狂，唯國君穿井而汲，獨得無恙。 國人既並狂，反謂國主之不狂為狂，於是聚謀共執國主，療其狂疾。 火艾針藥，莫不必具，國主不任其苦，於是到泉所酌水飲之，飲畢便狂，君臣大小其狂若一，眾乃歡然。 我既不狂，難以獨立，比亦欲試飲此水矣。」
Min Sun was austere and principled, with a high opinion of himself. He once wrote A Biography of Master Miaode, continuing Ji Kang's Biographies of High-Minded Men as self-portraiture: "There was a Master Miaode, a man of Chen. His spirit ran deep and clear, his bearing bright; dutiful and orderly, he lived in humility and plainness, with something of Shun's way about him. From youth he was often ill, lax and idle, with no ambition he cared to pursue; yet of the nine schools and hundred authors, of ornate rhetoric and celestial disputation, he grasped the drift without making a name from any of it. Poverty once drove him into office, but office was not his love. He blurred his tracks and hid his intent; his reed gate stayed shut, the three paths barely trodden. Yang Xiong's silence and Yan Zun's obscurity were no greater than his. He cultivated the Way and kept his purpose, yet in the end won no fame worth naming. He also told his companions: "Once there was a country with a stream called Mad Spring. All who drank went mad—only the king, who dug his own well, stayed sane. When the whole country was mad, they decided the king's sanity was madness and seized him to cure it. Fire, moxa, needles, and drugs were readied; the king could not endure the treatment, drank from the spring, and at once went mad. Ruler and people alike were mad, and all rejoiced. I am not mad and cannot stand alone—I too mean to try that water."
19
幼慕荀奉倩為人，孝武時求改名粲，不許，至明帝立，乃請改為粲，字景倩。 其外孫王筠又云：「明帝多忌諱，反語袁湣為『殞門』，帝意惡之，乃令改焉。」 二年，遷領軍將軍，仗士三十人入六門。 其年，徙中書令，領太子詹事。 三年，轉尚書僕射，尋領吏部。 五年，加中書令，又領丹陽尹。
From youth he admired Xun Fengqian; under Emperor Xiaowu he asked to rename himself Can and was refused; only when Emperor Ming succeeded did he become Can, courtesy name Jingqian. His grandson Wang Yun also said Emperor Ming hated taboo wordplay—Yuan Min reversed sounded like "Gate of Death"—and ordered the change for that reason. In year 2 he became Commander of the Palace Guard, with thirty armed retainers admitted through the Six Gates. That year he became Director of the Palace Secretariat and Supervisor of the Heir Apparent's Household. In year 3 he became Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and soon also directed Personnel. In year 5 he additionally became Director of the Palace Secretariat and Administrator of Danyang.
20
粲負才尚氣，愛好虛遠，雖位任隆重，不以事務經懷。 獨步園林，詩酒自適。 家居負郭，每杖策逍遙，當其意得，悠然忘反。 郡南一家頗有竹石，粲率爾步往，亦不通主人，直造竹所，嘯詠自得。 主人出，語笑款然。 俄而車騎羽儀並至門，方知是袁尹。 又嘗步屧白楊郊野間，道遇一士大夫，便呼與酣飲，明日此人謂被知顧，到門求進。 粲曰：「昨飲酒無偶，聊相要耳。」 竟不與相見。 嘗作五言詩，言：「訪跡雖中宇，循寄乃滄洲」。 蓋其志也。
Can trusted in talent and temperament, loving what was lofty and far; though his posts were weighty, business never burdened his mind. Alone in the gardens he found ease in wine and poetry. His house stood just beyond the walls; staff in hand he wandered at will and, when content, forgot to come home. South of the prefecture one house had fine bamboo and stone; Can walked there on impulse, never announcing himself, and went straight to the bamboo to whistle and recite in contentment. The owner came out; they talked and laughed with easy warmth. Soon carriage escorts and insignia arrived at the gate—only then did they learn he was Prefect Yuan. Once, walking in sandals through poplar fields beyond the walls, he met a gentleman and called him to drink; the next day the man, thinking himself noticed, came seeking favor. Can said, "Yesterday I lacked a drinking companion and merely asked you along. He never received him. He once wrote a pentasyllabic line: "I walk the heartland's paths, yet my heart dwells on blue isles." That was his intent.
21
二年，桂陽王休範為逆，粲扶曳入殿，詔加兵自隨，府置佐吏。 時兵難危急，賊已至南掖門，諸將意沮，咸莫能奮。 粲慷慨謂諸將帥曰：「寇賊已逼，而眾情離阻，孤子受先帝顧托，本以死報，今日當與褚護軍同死社稷。」 因命左右被馬，辭色哀壯。 於是陳顯達等感激出戰，賊即平殄。 事寧，授中書監，即本號開府儀同三司，領司徒。 以揚州解為府，固不肯移。 三年，徙尚書令，衛軍、開府如故，並固辭，服終乃受命。 加侍中，進爵為侯，又不受。
In year 2 Prince Xiufan of Guiyang rebelled; Can, leaning on attendants, entered the hall; an edict added armed guards and staff officers to his office. The crisis was acute: rebels had reached the Southern Wing Gate, spirits among the generals sank, and none could stir to fight. Can spoke fiercely to the commanders: "The enemy is at the gate and hearts are divided. The late emperor entrusted me; today I die for the realm with Protector-General Chu. He ordered horses saddled; his face was grief-stricken and resolute. Chen Xianda and others, stirred, went out to fight and the rebels were crushed at once. After victory he was made Director of the Palace Secretariat, Grand Master with Golden Seal and Purple Cord, and concurrently Minister of Education. Yangzhou was dissolved to form his office, but he firmly refused to relocate. In year 3 he was offered Director of the Masters of Writing with Guard Commander and Grand Master unchanged; he declined until mourning ended, then accepted. He was additionally made Palace Attendant and promoted to marquis, but again refused.
22
時齊高帝方革命，粲自以身受顧托，不欲事二姓，密有異圖。 劉彥節宋氏宗室，前湘州刺史王蘊太后兄子，素好武事，並慮不見容于齊高帝，皆與粲結，諸將帥黃回、任候伯、孫曇瓘、王宜興、彭文之、卜伯興等並與粲合。 升明元年，荊州刺史沈攸之舉兵反，齊高帝自詣粲，粲稱疾不見。 粲宗人袁達以為不宜示異同。 粲曰：「彼若劫我入台，便無辭以拒，一如此，不復得出矣。」 時齊高帝入屯朝堂，彥節從父弟領軍將軍韞入直門下省，卜伯興為直合，黃回諸將皆率軍出新亭。 粲克日謀矯太后令，使韞、伯興率宿衛兵攻齊高帝於朝堂，回率軍來應，彥節、候伯等並赴石頭。 事泄。 先是，齊高帝遣將薛深、蘇烈、王天生等領兵戍石頭，云以助粲，實禦之也。 又令腹心王敬則為直合，與伯興共總禁兵。 王蘊聞彥節已奔，歎曰：「今年事敗矣。」 乃狼狽率部曲向石頭，薛深等據門射之。 蘊謂粲已敗，乃便散走。 齊高帝以報敬則，敬則誅韞並伯興，又遣軍主戴僧靜向石頭助薛深自倉門入。 時粲與彥節等列兵登東門，僧靜分兵攻府西門，彥節與兒踰城出。 粲還坐，列燭自照，謂其子最曰：「本知一木不能止大廈之崩，但以名義至此耳。」 僧靜挺身暗往，奮刀直前欲斬之。 子最覺有異，大叫抱父乞先死，兵士人人莫不隕涕。 粲曰：「我不失忠臣，汝不失孝子。」 仍求筆作啟云：「臣義奉大宋，策名兩畢，今便歸魂墳壟，永就山丘。」 僧靜乃並斬之。
The Qi founder was seizing power; Can, having received the late emperor's trust, would not serve two houses and secretly plotted otherwise. Liu Yanjie of Song's imperial clan and Wang Yun, the empress dowager's nephew and former Xiangzhou inspector, both martial men, feared the Qi founder would not spare them; they joined Can, along with commanders Huang Hui, Ren Houbo, Sun Tanjuan, Wang Yixing, Peng Wenzhi, Bu Boxing, and others. In Shengming 1 Jingzhou Inspector Shen Youzhi rebelled; the Qi founder came to Can in person, but Can pleaded illness and refused audience. Can's kinsman Yuan Da thought he should not reveal dissent. Can said, "If they drag me into the palace I cannot refuse; once inside, I never get out again. The Qi founder encamped in the Court Hall; Yanjie's cousin Yun, Commander of the Palace Guard, entered duty at the Gate Down Office; Bu Boxing held gate duty; Huang Hui and the rest led troops to Xinting. Can set a date to forge an empress dowager's order: Yun and Boxing would strike the Qi founder in the Court Hall with palace guards, Hui would respond with troops, and Yanjie, Houbo, and the rest would rush Shitou. The plot leaked. Earlier the Qi founder had sent Xue Shen, Su Lie, Wang Tiansheng, and others to garrison Shitou, claiming to aid Can but in truth to contain him. He also put his confidant Wang Jingze on gate duty to share forbidden-troop command with Boxing. Wang Yun, hearing Yanjie had fled, sighed, "This year the cause is lost. He hurried toward Shitou with his followers; Xue Shen and the others held the gate and shot. Yun thought Can had already fallen and at once broke and fled. The Qi founder informed Jingze; Jingze killed Yun and Boxing and sent Dai Sengjing to Shitou to aid Xue Shen through the granary gate. Can and Yanjie drew up troops on the East Gate; Sengjing split force to hit the residence's west gate; Yanjie and his son went over the wall and fled. Can returned, lit candles, and told his son Zui, "I always knew one timber cannot stop a hall from falling—but I came this far for the name of righteousness. Sengjing stole forward in the dark, blade raised, intending to cut him down. Zui sensed danger, cried out, and clung to his father begging to die first; the soldiers wept. Can said, "I keep faith as a loyal minister; you keep faith as a filial son. He asked for brush and wrote: "I served great Song and pledged my name twice; now I return my soul to the mound and go forever to the hills." Sengjing then killed them both.
23
初，粲大明中與蕭惠開、周朗同車行，逢大珩開駐車，惠開自照鏡曰：「無年可仕。」 朗執鏡良久曰：「視死如歸。」 粲最後曰：「當至三公而不終。」 至是如言。
Earlier, in Daming, Can rode with Xiao Huike and Zhou Lang; a great rainbow appeared and Huike stopped the carriage, looked in a mirror, and said, "No years left for office. Lang held the mirror long and said, "To look on death as going home." Can last said, "I shall reach the Three Dukes but not finish my term." At this it came to pass as he said.
24
粲子最
Can's son Zui
25
最字文高，時年十七，既父子俱殞，左右分散，任候伯等其夜並自新亭赴石頭，其後皆誅。
Zui, courtesy name Wengao, was seventeen; father and son both died, attendants scattered, and Ren Houbo and the rest went from Xinting to Shitou that night and were later executed.
26
粲小兒數歲，乳母將投粲門生狄靈慶。 靈慶曰：「吾聞出郎君者有厚賞，今袁氏已滅，汝匿之尚誰為乎？」 遂抱以首。 乳母號泣呼天曰：「公昔於汝有恩，故冒難歸汝，奈何欲殺郎君以求小利。 若天地鬼神有知，我見汝滅門。」 此兒死後，靈慶常見兒騎大寧毛狗戲如平常，經年餘，鬥場忽見一狗走入其家，遇靈慶於庭噬殺之，少時妻子皆沒。 此狗即袁郎所常騎者也。
Can's little son, only a few years old, was being taken by his wet nurse to Can's student Di Lingqing. Lingqing said, "I hear whoever yields up the young master gets rich reward; the Yuans are destroyed—whom do you hide him for? He then carried the boy off by the head. The wet nurse wailed to Heaven: "Your lord once favored you, so I risk death to bring the boy—how can you kill him for petty gain? If Heaven, earth, and the ghosts see, I shall watch your house destroyed. After the child died, Lingqing often saw the boy riding the big black dog at play as before; more than a year later a dog ran into his house and killed him in the courtyard; soon wife and children perished. That dog was the one young Master Yuan often rode.
27
粲省事莫嗣祖，粲常所委信，與劉彥節等宣密謀。 至是齊高帝問曰：「汝知袁粲謀逆，何不啟？」 嗣祖曰：「小人無識，曲蒙袁公厚恩，實不仰負，今日就死分甘。 官若賜性命，亦不忍背粲而獨生也。」 戴僧靜勸殺之。 帝曰：「彼各為其主。」 遂赦焉，用為省事。 歷朝所賞。 梁豫章王直新出合，中旨用嗣祖為師。
Can's office aide Mo Sizu, whom Can always trusted, helped spread the secret plot with Liu Yanjie and others. The Qi founder asked, "You knew Yuan Can plotted rebellion—why not report it? Sizu said, "I am a petty man who wrongly received Lord Yuan's deep favor; I cannot face that debt—death today is sweet portion. If Your Majesty spares me, I still cannot live alone betraying Can." Dai Sengjing urged execution. The emperor said, "Each served his own lord. He pardoned him and kept him as office aide. He was rewarded through successive reigns. When Liang's Prince Zhi of Yuzhang first left the palace school, an imperial order made Sizu his tutor.
28
顗弟覬子彖
Yan's younger brother Ji's son Bian
29
彖字偉才，顗弟覬之子也。 覬好學美才，早有清譽，仕宋位武陵內史。 彖少有風氣，善屬文及談玄，舉秀才，歷諸王府參軍，不就。 覬臨終與兄顗書曰：「史公才識可喜，足懋先基矣。」 史公，彖小字也。 及顗見誅，宋明帝投屍江中，不許斂葬。 彖與舊奴一人，微服求屍，四十餘日乃得，密瘞石頭後岡，身自負土。 懷其文集，未嘗離身。 明帝崩後，乃改葬顗。 從叔司徒粲、祖舅征西將軍蔡興宗並器之。
Bian, courtesy name Weicai, was the son of Yan's younger brother Ji. Ji loved learning and had fine talent; early he won a clear name and served Song as Internal Administrator of Wuling. Bian from youth had spirit, wrote well and debated dark learning, was nominated provincial graduate, served in princely households, but refused appointment. Near death Ji wrote his elder brother Yan: "Historian Gong's talent and insight are pleasing—enough to honor our house. Historian Gong was Bian's childhood name. When Yan was killed, Emperor Ming of Song cast his body into the river and forbade burial. Bian, with one old servant in plain clothes, searched more than forty days for the body, secretly buried it on the hill behind Shitou, and carried earth himself. He kept Ji's collected writings and never let them leave his side. After Emperor Ming's death he at last gave Yan proper reburial. His uncle Can, Minister of Education, and maternal uncle Cai Xingzong, General Who Conquers the West, both valued him.
30
仕宋為齊高帝太傅相國主簿，秘書丞。 仕齊為中書郎，兼太子中庶子。 又以中書郎兼御史中丞。 坐彈謝超宗簡奏依違，免官。 後拜廬陵王諮議。 時南郡江陵縣人苟蔣之弟胡之婦為曾口寺沙門所淫，夜入苟家，蔣之殺沙門，為官司所檢，蔣之列家門穢行，欲告則恥，欲忍則不可，實己所殺，胡之列又如此，兄弟爭死。 江陵令宗躬啟州，荊州刺史廬江王求博議。 彖曰：「夫迅寒急節，乃見松筠之操，危機迥構，方識貞孤之風。 竊以蔣之、胡之殺人，原心非暴，辯讞之日，友于讓生，事憐左右，義哀行路。 昔文舉引謗，獲漏疏網，蔣之心跡，同符古人，若陷以深刑，實傷為善。」 由是蔣之兄弟免死。
Under Song he was chief clerk to the Grand Tutor and Chancellor and Secretary of the Secretariat. Under Qi he was Director of the Palace Secretariat and Supervisor of the Heir Apparent's Household. He also doubled as Director of the Palace Secretariat and Censor-in-Chief. He was removed for impeaching Xie Chaozong in a memorial that hedged its charges. Later he was made Adviser to the Prince of Luling. In Jiangling of Nan Commandery, Hu Zhi's wife was violated by a monk of Zengkou Temple who entered the Jiang house by night. Jiang killed the monk and was investigated; torn between reporting the family's shame and enduring silence, each brother claimed the killing and contended to die. Jiangling Magistrate Zong Gong reported to the province; the Inspector, Prince of Lujiang, sought broad deliberation. Bian wrote: "Sudden cold reveals pine and bamboo; crisis reveals steadfast solitude. I hold Jiang and Hu killed without original violence; at judgment each brother yielded life to the other—the case moved all who heard it. Once Wen Ju escaped the loose net through cited slander; Jiang's heart and conduct match the ancients—deep punishment would wound the good. The Jiang brothers were spared death.
31
累遷太子中庶子，出為冠軍將軍，監吳興郡事。 彖性剛固以微言忤武帝，又薄王晏為人，晏請交不答。 武帝在便殿用金柄刀子翦瓜，晏在側曰：「外聞有金刀之言，恐不宜用此物。」 帝窮問所以，晏曰：「袁彖為臣說之。」 上銜怒良久。 彖到郡，坐過用祿錢，免官付東冶。 彖妹為竟陵王子良妃，子良世子昭胄時年八歲，見武帝而形容慘悴，帝問其故，昭胄流涕曰：「臣舅負罪，今在尚方，臣母悲泣不食已積日，臣所以不寧。」 帝曰：「特為兒赦之。」 既而帝游孫陵，望東冶，曰：「冶中有一好貴囚。」 數日，與朝臣幸冶，履行庫藏，因宴飲，賜囚徒酒肉，敕見彖與語，明日釋之。 後為侍中。 彖充腴異眾，每從射雉郊野，數人推扶，乃能徒步。 幼而母卒，養于伯母王氏，事之如親，閨門孝義。 隆昌元年卒，諡靖子。
He rose to Supervisor of the Heir Apparent's Household, then went out as General Who Conquers the Champions overseeing Wu Commandery. Bian was rigid by nature; subtle remarks offended Emperor Wu, and he scorned Wang Yan—when Yan sought friendship he refused. In the side hall the emperor cut melon with a gold-handled knife; Yan at his side said, "Outside there is talk of a golden blade—perhaps this object should not be used. The emperor pressed for the reason; Yan said, "Yuan Bian told me as his minister." The emperor nursed anger for a long while. When Bian reached his commandery he was removed for overspending salary funds and sent to the eastern works prison. Bian's sister was wife to Prince Ziliang of Jingling; heir Zhaozhou, eight, looked haggard before Emperor Wu and wept: "My uncle is imprisoned in the Directorate; my mother will not eat for days—I am unsettled. The emperor said, "For the boy's sake alone I pardon him." Soon the emperor toured Sunling, looked toward the eastern works, and said, "In the works there is one fine noble prisoner." Days later he visited the works with court ministers, toured the storehouses, feasted, gave wine and meat to convicts, spoke with Bian, and released him the next day. Later he became Palace Attendant. Bian was unusually stout; on pheasant hunts in the suburbs several men had to support him before he could walk. His mother died young and his aunt Lady Wang raised him; he served her as a parent—the household knew filial duty. In Longchang 1 he died, posthumous title Viscount Jing.
32
彖宗人廓之，字思度，宏之曾孫也。 父景雋，宋世為淮南太守，以非罪見誅。 廓之終身不聽音樂，布衣蔬食，足不出門，示不臣于宋，時人以比晉之王裒。 顏延之見其幼時，歎曰：「有子如袁廓足矣。」 齊國建，方出仕，稍至殿中郎，王儉、柳世隆傾心待之。 為太子洗馬。 于時何間亦稱才子，為文惠太子作楊畔歌，辭甚側麗，太子甚悅。 廓之諫曰：「夫楊畔者，既非典雅，而聲甚哀思，殿下當降意簫韶，奈何聽亡國之響。」 太子改容謝之。
Bian's kinsman Kuozhi, courtesy name Sidu, was great-grandson of Hongzhi. His father Jingjuan served Song as Administrator of Huainan and was executed for a non-capital offense. Kuozhi never listened to music, ate plain food in coarse cloth, never left his gate—refusing Song; men compared him to Jin's Wang Pou. Yan Yanzhi, seeing him as a child, sighed, "A son like Yuan Kuozhi is enough. When Qi was founded he at last entered service, rising to Palace Gentleman; Wang Jian and Liu Shilong treated him with full regard. He became Preceptor to the Heir Apparent. He Jian was also called a talent; he wrote the Yangpan Song for Crown Prince Wenhuai in tender, lovely language, and the crown prince was delighted. Kuozhi remonstrated: "Yangpan is neither elegant nor classical, and its tone is mournful—Your Highness should incline to the music of Shun and Shao, not the sound of a dying state. The crown prince changed expression and apologized.
33
顗子昂
Yan's son Ang
34
昂字千里，雍州刺史顗之子也，顗敗，藏於沙門。 沙門將以出關，關吏疑非常人，沙門杖而語之，遂免。 或云：顗敗時，昂年五歲，乳媼攜抱匿於廬山，州郡於野求之，於乳媼匿所見一彪，因去，遂免。 會赦得出，猶徙晉安。 在南唯勤學，至元徽中聽還，時年十五。 初顗敗傳首建鄴，藏於武庫，以漆題顗名以為志，至是始還之。 昂號慟嘔血，絕而復蘇，以淚洗所題漆字皆滅，人以為孝感。 葬訖，更制服廬於墓次，從兄彖常撫視抑譬之。
Ang, courtesy name Qianli, was son of Yan, Inspector of Yongzhou; when Yan fell he was hidden among monks. A monk meant to take him through the pass; the gate officer suspected an extraordinary person; the monk beat him and coached his speech, and he escaped. Some say when Yan fell Ang was five; his nurse hid him on Mount Lu; searchers saw a tiger at the hiding place and withdrew, and he escaped. Amnesty freed him, but he was still exiled to Jin'an. In the south he studied hard alone; in the Yuanhui era he was allowed to return, aged fifteen. When Yan fell his head was sent to Jiankang and kept in the arsenal, lacquer inscribed with Yan's name as marker—only now was it returned. Ang wailed until he vomited blood, fainting and reviving; tears washed the lacquer inscription until every character vanished—men called it filial wonder. After burial he donned mourning again and built a hut at the tomb; cousin Bian often came to comfort and restrain him.
35
昂容質修偉，冠絕人倫，以父亡不以理，終身不聽音樂。 後與彖同見從叔司徒粲，粲謂彖曰：「昂幼孤而能至此，故知名器自有所在。」 仕齊為王儉鎮軍府功曹史。 儉後為丹陽尹，於後堂獨引見昂，指北堂謂曰：「卿必居此。」 累遷黃門郎。
Ang's bearing was tall and fine, surpassing others; because his father's death was unjust, he never listened to music all his life. Later he and Bian saw their uncle Can, Minister of Education; Can told Bian, "Ang, orphaned young, came this far—fame and office have their appointed place. Under Qi he was clerk on Wang Jian's Pacifying Army staff. Jian later became Prefect of Danyang; in the rear hall he received Ang alone, pointed to the north hall, and said, "You shall dwell here. He rose to Gentleman of the Yellow Gate.
36
昂本名千里，齊永明中，武帝謂曰：「昂昂千里之駒，在卿有之。 今改卿名為昂，即字千里。」 後為衛軍武陵王長史。 丁母憂，哀毀過禮，服未除而從兄彖卒。 昂幼孤，為彖所養，乃制期服。 人有怪而問之，昂致書以喻之曰：
Ang's original name was Qianli; in Yongming Emperor Wu told him, "'Ang ang, a thousand-li colt'—that is you. Now I change your name to Ang and your style to Qianli. Later he became chief clerk to the Prince of Wuling. In mourning for his mother, before the period ended his cousin Bian died. Ang, orphaned young and raised by Bian, therefore observed one-year mourning for him. Some found it strange and questioned him; Ang wrote to explain:
37
竊聞禮由恩斷，服以情申，故小功他邦，加制一等，同爨有緦，明之典籍。 孤子夙以不天，幼傾幹蔭，資敬未奉，過庭莫承，藐藐沖年，未達朱紫。 從兄提養訓教，示以義方，每假其談價，虛其聲譽，得及人次，實亦有由。 兼開拓房宇，處以華曠，同財共有，恣其取足，爾來三十餘年。 憐愛之至，言無異色，姊妹孤侄，成就一時。 篤念之深，在終彌固，此恩此愛，畢壤不追。 既情若同生，而服為諸從，言心即事，實未忍安。 昔馬棱與從弟毅同居，毅亡，棱為心服三年。 由也之不除喪，亦緣情而致制。 雖識不及古，誠懷感慕。 常願千秋之後，從服期齊； 不圖門衰禍集，一旦草土，殘息復罹今酷。 尋惟慟絕，彌劇彌深。 今以餘喘，欲遂素志，庶寄其罔慕之痛，少伸無已之情。 雖禮無明據，乃事有先例，率迷而至，必欲行之。 臨紙哽咽，言不識次。
I have heard ritual follows affection and garments follow feeling: lesser mourning abroad adds a degree; those sharing a hearth wear the closest hemp—the classics say so. Orphaned early, I lost Heaven's shelter; in tender years I never offered daily reverence or received hall instruction; in tiny years I did not know scarlet from purple. My cousin raised, taught, and showed me righteousness; he lent me reputation and voice so I could stand among men—there was real cause. He opened rooms and housed me in spacious brightness; we shared property and wealth, letting me take what I needed—for more than thirty years. Love to the utmost never changed his face; orphaned sisters and nephews he brought through in one stroke. Deep remembrance grew ever firmer to the end—such grace, such love, not even earth can repay. Since feeling was like shared birth yet garments were those of a cousin, in heart and fact I could not rest easy. Once Ma Ling lived with cousin Yi; when Yi died, Ling wore heart-mourning three years. Zeng Shen's not leaving mourning also came from feeling and led to regulation. Though my understanding does not reach antiquity, my sincerity truly feels and admires. I always wished that after a thousand autumns my mourning might equal his in term; I never thought the house would decline into calamity, and suddenly upon the grave this surviving breath met today's bitter blow. Searching my grief I nearly died; the pain grew ever keener. With what breath remains I wish to fulfill my plain intent, hoping to lodge boundless longing and slightly extend unending feeling. Though ritual has no clear warrant, the affair has precedents; confused I arrive, yet I must do it. Facing the paper I choke with sobs; words know no order.
38
後為御史中丞。 時尚書令王晏弟詡為廣州，多納賕貨，昂依事劾奏，不憚權家，當時號為正直。
Later he became Censor-in-Chief. Vice Director Xu Mian's brother Xu in Guangzhou took many bribes; Ang impeached on the facts without fearing the powerful—men then called him upright.
39
初，昂為洗馬，明帝為領軍，欽昂風素，頻降駕焉。 及踐阼，奏事多留與語，謂曰：「我昔以卿有美名，親經相詣。」 昂答曰：「陛下在田之日，遂蒙三顧草廬。」 帝甚悅。 尋出為豫章內史，丁所生母憂去職。 以喪還，江路風潮暴駭，昂乃縛衣著柩，誓同沈溺。 及風止，餘船皆沒，唯昂船獲全，咸謂精誠所致。 葬訖，起為吳興太守。
When Ang was Preceptor, Emperor Ming as Commander of the Palace Guard admired his pure style and repeatedly visited him. When he ascended the throne he often kept Ang to talk after memorials and said, "In old days, because you had a fine name, I came to visit you myself. Ang answered, "When Your Majesty was in the fields, I indeed received three visits to the thatched hut." The emperor was greatly pleased. Soon he was posted Internal Administrator of Yuzhang and left office to mourn his birth mother. Returning with the coffin, river wind and waves raged; Ang bound his garments to the coffin, vowing to sink together. When the wind stopped, every other boat was lost; only Ang's was whole—men said it came from sincere devotion. After burial he was raised Administrator of Wu Commandery.
40
永元末，梁武帝起兵，州郡望風皆降，昂獨拒境。 帝手書喻之曰：
At the end of Yongyuan, Liang's Emperor Wu raised troops; provinces bowed to the wind and surrendered—only Ang closed his borders and resisted. The emperor wrote in his own hand to instruct him:
41
夫禍福無門，興亡有數，天之所棄，人孰能匡。 機來不再，圖之宜早。 頃藉聽道路，承欲狼顧一隅，既未喻雅懷，聊申往意。 獨夫狂悖，振古未聞，窮凶極虐，歲月滋甚。 天未絕齊，聖明啟運，億兆有賴，百姓來蘇。 吾荷任前驅，掃除京邑，屠潰之期，當不雲遠。 兼熒惑出端門，太白入氐室，天文表於上，人事符於下，不謀同契，實在茲辰。 且范岫、申胄久薦誠款，各率所守，仍為掎角； 而足下欲以區區之郡，禦堂堂之師，根本既傾，枝葉安附？ 今竭力昏主，未足為忠，家門屠滅，非所謂孝。 忠孝俱盡，將欲何依，去就之宜，幸加詳擇。
Fortune and disaster have no gate; rise and fall have their number; what Heaven abandons, who can set aright? The moment does not come twice; to plan, the time should be early. Recently, listening on the road, I heard you mean to hold one corner; not yet understanding your refined intent, I briefly state my former meaning. The lone tyrant is mad and perverse, unheard of since antiquity; extreme cruelty grows month by month. Heaven has not yet ended Qi; the sage and bright opens the mandate; millions have reliance; people are reborn. I bear the former charge as vanguard, sweeping the capital; the day of slaughter and rout should not be far. Moreover Mars exits the Gate of Integrity and Venus enters the Chamber of Foundation—heaven's signs appear above and human affairs match below; not to plan together—the time is truly this day. Moreover Fan Xiu and Shen Zhou long offered sincere loyalty, each holding command and forming pincers; yet you wish with a tiny commandery to oppose a grand army—once the root is overturned, how can branches depend? To exhaust strength for a dark lord is not loyalty; to have one's house slaughtered is not filial piety. Loyalty and filial piety both exhausted—on what will you rely? On going or staying, choose carefully.
42
昂答曰：
Ang replied:
43
都史至辱誨，承藉以眾論，謂僕有勤王之舉，兼蒙誚責，獨無送款。 循復嚴旨，若臨萬仞。 三吳內地，非用兵之所，況以偏隅一郡，何能為役？ 近奉敕，以此境多虞，見使安慰。 自承麾旆屆止，莫不膝袒軍門，唯僕一人敢後至者，正以自揆庸素，文武無施，直是陳國賤男子耳。 雖欲獻心，不增大軍之勇，置其愚默，甯沮眾帥之威。 幸藉將軍含弘之大，可得從容以禮。 竊以一飧微施，尚復投殞； 況食人之祿，而頓忘一旦，非唯物議不可，亦恐明公鄙之。
When the commandery clerk arrived I was shamed by your letter; relying on crowd talk, they say I had the deed of aiding the king, yet I alone was reproached for not sending allegiance. Turning again to your stern command is like facing ten thousand ren. The Three Wu interior is no place for troops; how much less can one remote corner serve as a tool? Recently I received an edict that because this territory has many troubles I was sent to reassure it. Since your banners arrived, none failed to bare knee and breast at the army gate—only I dared come last, precisely because I am a plain, unaccomplished man of Chen. Though I wish to offer loyalty, I add nothing to the army's courage; leave me in silence and I will not damp the commanders' prestige. I venture to rely on the general's forbearance, that I may be treated with ritual at ease. I hold that one meal's tiny favor still brings one to cast away life; how much more when eating another's salary to forget it overnight—not only would public opinion forbid it, I fear the enlightened lord would despise it.
44
建康城平，昂舉哀慟哭。 時帝使豫州刺史李元履巡撫東土，敕元履曰：「袁昂道素之門，世有忠節，天下須共容之，勿以兵威陵辱。」 元履至宣旨，昂亦不請降，開門徹備而已。 及至，帝亦不問其過。
When Jiankang fell, Ang raised mourning and wept bitterly. The emperor sent Yuzhou Inspector Li Yuanyu to pacify the east and instructed him: "The Yuan house is loyalty through generations; the realm must tolerate them—do not insult them with military might. Yuanyu arrived and announced the intent; Ang did not ask to surrender, only opening the gates and removing defenses. When he arrived, the emperor also did not question his fault.
45
天監二年，以為後軍臨川王參軍事。 昂啟謝曰：
In Tianjian 2 he was made staff officer to the Prince of Linchuan, Rear Army. Ang opened a memorial of thanks:
46
恩隆絕望之辰，慶集冥心之日，焰灰非喻，荑枯未擬。 摳衣聚足，顛狽不勝。 臣遍曆三墳，備詳六典，巡校賞罰之科，洞檢生死之律，莫不嚴五辟於明君之朝，峻三章於聖主之日。 是以塗山始會，致防風之誅，酆邑方構，有崇侯之伐。 未有緩憲於斮戮之人，賒刑於耐罪之族，出萬死入一生如臣者也。 推恩及罪，在臣實大，披心瀝血，敢乞言之。
Favor lofty in the season of cut-off hope; fortune gathered on the day of darkened heart—flame ash is no likeness, tender sprout on withered root no comparison. Gathering robe and foot, I am overwhelmed beyond bearing. I have gone through the Three Canon, fully detailed the Six Classics, examined reward and punishment, inspected life and death—none fail to make strict the five punishments in the enlightened court and steep the three chapters in the sage lord's day. Therefore at Tushan's first assembly came Fangfeng's execution; when Fengyi was built came the attack on Chong Hou. Never was lenient law applied to men marked for beheading, nor deferred punishment to clans of lesser guilt—to go from ten thousand deaths into one life like me has not occurred. Extending grace even to guilt—in me it is truly great; baring heart and dripping blood, I dare speak.
47
臣東國賤人，學行何取，既殊鳴雁直木，固無結綬彈冠，徒藉羽儀，易農就仕。 往年濫職，守秩東隅，仰屬龔行，風驅電掩，當其時也，負鼎圖者日至，執玉帛者相望； 獨在愚臣，頓昏大義，徇鴻毛之輕，忘同德之重。 但三吳險薄，五湖交通，屢起田儋之變，每懼殷通之禍，空慕君魚保境，遂失師涓抱器。 後至者斬，臣甘斯戮，明刑徇眾，誰曰不然。 幸因約法之弘，承解網之宥，猶當降等薪粲，遂乃頓釋鉗赭。 斂骨吹魂，還編黔庶，濯疵蕩穢，入楚游陳，天波既洗，雲油遽沐。 古人有言：非死之難，處死之難。 臣之所荷，曠古不書，臣之所死，未知何地。
I am a lowly man of the eastern state—what learning or conduct do I possess? Unlike the calling goose and straight tree, I had no tying of seal or plucking of cap; I merely borrowed insignia to leave farming for office. In former years I wrongly held office in the east; looking up I belonged to the righteous march, wind-driven and lightning-swift; then those bearing cauldrons came daily, those holding jade and silk were seen one after another; only I, the foolish minister, suddenly dim to the great principle, followed the lightness of a goose feather and forgot the weight of shared virtue. But the Three Wu are dangerous, the Five Lakes connect; Tian Dan's changes often rose, and I feared Yin Tong's disaster; vainly I admired preserving the territory like Lord Jun, and lost Master Juan's embrace of the vessel. Those who come late are beheaded—I willingly accept that punishment; bright punishment for the crowd—who says otherwise? Fortunately through the mercy of contracted law and the pardon of loosened net, I should still have been lowered like Xin and Cai, yet suddenly shackles and red were cast off. Gathering bones and blowing soul, returned to rank among commoners; washing stain and scouring filth, entering Chu and wandering Chen—Heaven's wave has washed, cloud oil has bathed. The ancients said: not that dying is hard, but that facing death is hard. What I bear is unwritten since remotest antiquity; where I die, I do not yet know.
48
武帝答曰：「朕遺射鉤，卿無自外。」
Emperor Wu replied, "I leave aside the bowstring hook—you need not put yourself outside."
49
尋為侍中，遷吏部尚書。 帝謂曰：「齊明帝用卿為黑頭尚書，我用卿為白頭尚書，良以多愧。」 對曰：「臣生四十七年於茲矣，四十以前，臣之自有，七年以後，陛下所養。 七歲尚書，未為晚達。」 帝曰：「士固不妄有名。」
Soon he became Palace Attendant and Director of the Ministry of Personnel. The emperor said, "Qi Mingdi used you as a dark-haired Director of Personnel; I use you as a white-haired Director of Personnel—I am truly ashamed. He answered, "I have lived forty-seven years; forty before were mine by right, seven after are what Your Majesty nourished. Director of Personnel at seven years is not late attainment." The emperor said, "A gentleman truly does not vainly have a name."
50
十五年，為尚書左僕射，尋為尚書令。 時僕射徐勉勢傾天下，在昂處宴，賓主甚歡。 勉求昂出內人傳杯，昂良久不出，勉苦求之。 昂不獲已，命出五六人，始至齋合，昂謂勉曰：「我無少年，老嫗並是兒母，非王妃母，便是主大家，今令問訊卿。」 勉聞大驚求止，方知昂為貴。
In year 15 he became Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and soon Director. Vice Director Xu Mian's power tilted the realm; at Ang's house they feasted, host and guest very merry. Mian asked Ang to send inner-chamber women to pass cups; Ang long would not come out; Mian pressed hard. Ang could not avoid it and ordered five or six women out; at the study gate he told Mian, "I have no young women—all the old matrons are sons' mothers, not the princess consort's mother or the chief lady; now I have them greet you. Mian, hearing, was alarmed and begged to stop; only then did he know Ang's nobility.
51
昂雅有人鑒，遊處不雜，入其門者號登龍門。 大通中，位司空，大同六年，薨，時年八十。 詔即日舉哀。 初，昂臨終遺疏不受贈諡，敕諸子不得言上行狀及立銘志，凡有所須，悉皆停省。 因復曰：「吾釋褐從仕，不期富貴，但官序不失等倫，衣食粗知榮辱，以此闔棺，無慚鄉里。 往忝吳興，屬在昏明之際，既闇於前覺，無誠於聖朝，不識天命，甘貽顯戮，幸遇殊恩，得全門戶。 自念負罪私門，階榮望絕，保存性命，以為幸甚，不謂叨竊寵靈，一至於此。 常欲竭誠酬報，申吾乃心，所以朝廷每興師北伐，吾輒啟求行。 誓之丹款，實非矯言。 既庸懦無施，皆不蒙許，雖欲罄命，其議莫從。 今日瞑目，畢恨泉壤，聖朝遵古，如吾名品，或有追遠之恩，脫有贈官，慎勿祗奉。」 諸子累表陳奏，詔不許，諡曰穆正公。 有集二十卷。
Ang had elegant discernment of men; in company he did not mix; those entering his gate were said to climb the Dragon Gate. In Datong he reached Minister of Works; in Datong 6 he died, aged eighty. An edict ordered mourning raised that same day. Near death his final memorial refused posthumous enfeoffment or title; he charged his sons not to praise the late ruler's conduct or set up inscription; whatever was needed, all was to be stopped. He also said, "From first office I expected no wealth, only that rank keep its order and clothing and food roughly know honor and shame—with this to close the coffin I am not ashamed before the village. Formerly I wrongly served Wu Commandery in the time between dark and bright; dim to foreknowledge, without sincerity toward the holy court, not knowing Heaven's mandate, willingly bringing execution—fortunately meeting special grace, preserving the gate and household. Reflecting that I bore guilt in my private gate and steps to glory were cut off, preserving life I thought greatly fortunate—I never thought to steal favor to this degree. I always wished to repay with exhausted sincerity; therefore whenever the court raised northern troops I always memorialized asking to go. The oath in cinnabar sincerity was truly not pretended words. Since I was cowardly and weak without accomplishment, none was permitted; though I wished to exhaust life, deliberation would not follow. Today closing eyes, full regret in the grave; the holy court follows antiquity—for a man of my name and rank there may be grace of distant pursuit; if there is posthumous office, carefully do not receive it. The sons repeatedly memorialized; an edict would not permit refusal; posthumous title Duke of Reverent Integrity. His collected works ran to twenty scrolls.
52
初，昂之歸梁，有馬仙琕者亦以義烈稱。
When Ang returned to Liang, Ma Xianbi was also famed for righteous fierceness.
53
附馬仙琕
Appendix: Ma Xianbi
54
仙琕字靈馥，扶風郿人。 父伯鸞，宋冠軍司馬。 仙琕少以果敢聞，父憂毀瘠過禮，負土成墳，手植松柏。 仕齊位豫州刺史。
Xianbi, courtesy name Lingfu, was a man of Mei in Fufeng. His father Boluan served Song as Marshal of the Champion Army. Xianbi from youth was known for bold decisiveness; when his father died his grief wasted him beyond ritual; he carried earth for the mound and planted pine and cypress with his own hands. Under Qi he reached Inspector of Yuzhou.
55
梁武起兵，使其故人姚仲賓說之，仙琕先為設酒，乃斬於軍門以徇。 帝又遣其族叔懷遠說之，仙琕曰：「大義滅親。」 又命斬之。 懷遠號泣，軍中為請乃免。
When Liang's Emperor Wu raised troops he sent old acquaintance Yao Zhongbin to persuade him; Xianbi first set out wine, then beheaded him at the army gate as warning. The emperor again sent clansman uncle Huaiyuan to persuade him; Xianbi said, "Great righteousness destroys kin. He again ordered him beheaded. Huaiyuan wailed; the army interceded and he was spared.
56
武帝至新林，仙琕猶於江西日抄運漕。 建康城平，仙琕舉哀謂眾曰：「我受人任寄，義不容降，今眾寡不侔，勢必屠滅。 公等雖無二心，其如親老何。 我為忠臣，君為孝子，各盡其道，不亦可乎。」 於是悉遣城內兵出降，余壯士數十，閉門獨守。 俄而兵入，圍之數十重。 仙琕令士皆持滿，兵不敢近。 日晚乃投弓曰：「諸君但來見取，我義不降。」 乃檻送建康，至石頭而脫之。 帝使待袁昂至俱入，曰：「使天下見二義士。」 帝勞之曰：「射鉤斬驅，昔人弗忌，卿勿以戮使斷運苟自嫌絕也。」 謝曰：「小人如失主犬，後主飼之，便復為用。」 帝笑而美之。 俄而母卒，帝知其貧，賻給甚厚。 仙琕號泣謂弟仲艾曰：「蒙大造之恩，未獲上報，今復荷殊澤，當與爾以心力自效耳。」
When the emperor reached Xinlin, Xianbi still west of the river daily raided transport grain. When Jiankang fell, Xianbi raised mourning and told the crowd, "I received men's trust; righteousness forbids surrender—our numbers do not match and we shall be destroyed. You though without divided hearts—what of your aged parents? I will be the loyal minister, you the filial sons—each fulfilling his path—is that not fitting? Thereupon he sent all soldiers within the city out to surrender; several dozen stalwart men remained, closed the gate, and alone held defense. Presently troops entered and surrounded them in tens of rings. Xianbi ordered the men all to hold bows fully drawn; the soldiers did not dare approach. When day grew late he cast down his bow and said, "Come take me—I by righteousness will not surrender. He was caged and sent to Jiankang; reaching Shitou he was released. The emperor ordered him to wait until Yuan Ang arrived and enter together: "Let the realm see two men of righteousness. The emperor comforted him: "Shooting the hook and beheading the driver—in old days men did not resent it; do not because of cutting transport vainly suspect and cut yourself off." He thanked him: "A petty man is like a dog who lost his master; when the later master feeds him, he serves again." The emperor smiled and praised him. Presently his mother died; the emperor knew he was poor and gave funeral gifts very generously. Xianbi wailed and told younger brother Zhong'ai, "I received great creating grace and have not repaid it; now again special favor—I shall with you exert heart and strength to serve."
57
天監四年，師侵魏，仙琕每戰，恒冠三軍，與諸將論議，口未嘗言功。 人問其故，仙琕曰：「大丈夫為時所知，當進不求名，退不逃罪，乃平生願也，何功可論？」 為南義陽太守，累破山蠻，郡境清謐。 以功封浛洭縣伯。 遷司州刺史，進號貞威將軍。
In Tianjian 4 the army invaded Wei; Xianbi in every battle always led the three armies; with generals in discussion he never spoke of merit. When men asked why, Xianbi said, "A great man known by the age should advance without seeking name and retreat without fleeing guilt—that is life's wish; what merit is there to discuss? He was Administrator of Southern Yiyang, repeatedly broke the mountain barbarians, and the commandery was quiet. For merit he was enfeoffed Earl of Hanji. He was transferred Inspector of Sizhou and promoted General of Upright Might.
58
魏豫州人白早生使以懸瓠來降，武帝使仙琕赴之，又遣直合將軍武會超、馬廣率眾為援。 仙琕進頓楚王城，遣副將齊苟兒助守懸瓠。 魏中山王英攻懸瓠，執齊苟兒，進禽馬廣送洛陽，仙琕不能救。 會超等亦相次退散，魏軍進據三關，仙琕坐征還為雲騎將軍。
Bai Zaosheng of Wei Yuzhou offered Xuanshi in surrender; Emperor Wu sent Xianbi and Direct Attendant General Wu Huichao and Ma Guang as support. Xianbi advanced to Prince of Chu's city, sending Deputy General Qi Gou'er to help defend Xuanshi. Prince Ying of Zhongshan attacked Xuanshi, captured Qi Gou'er, captured Ma Guang and sent him to Luoyang; Xianbi could not save them. Huichao and others withdrew; Wei armies occupied the Three Passes; Xianbi was dismissed and returned General of Cloud Cavalry.
59
十年，朐山人殺琅邪太守劉晰，以城降魏，詔假仙琕節討之。 魏徐州刺史盧昶以眾十餘萬赴焉，仙琕累戰破走之。 進爵為侯，遷豫州刺史，加都督。
In year 10 Xiongshan people killed Langye Administrator Liu Xi and surrendered to Wei; an edict lent Xianbi credentials to attack. Wei Xuzhou Inspector Lu Chang came with more than a hundred thousand; Xianbi repeatedly fought, broke them, and drove them off. He was promoted marquis, transferred Inspector of Yuzhou, and made Area Commander.
60
仙琕自為將及居州郡，能與士卒同勞逸，身衣不過布帛，所居無幃幕衾屏，行則飲食與塚養最下者同。 其在邊境，常單身潛入敵境，伺知壁壘村落險要處所，攻戰多克捷，士卒亦甘心為用，帝雅愛仗之。 卒于州，贈左衛將軍，諡曰剛。 初，仙琕幼名仙婢，及長以婢名不典，乃以玉代女云。 子岩夫嗣。
From general to commandery and province he shared toil and rest with officers and soldiers; his clothes were cloth and silk; his dwelling had no curtains or screens; on march he ate and drank like the lowest camp followers. On the borders he often alone secretly entered enemy territory, reconnoitering walls and villages; in battle he often won, and soldiers willingly served him; the emperor greatly loved and relied on him. He died in the province; posthumously made General of the Left Guard; posthumous title Gang. Earlier Xianbi's childhood name used the 'woman' radical; when grown, because it was inelegant, he replaced it with jade. His son Yanfu succeeded.
61
昂子君正
Ang's son Junzheng
62
昂子君正字世忠，少聰敏。 年數歲，父疾，晝夜不眠，專侍左右。 家人勸令暫臥，答曰：「官既未差，眠亦不安。」 歷位太子庶子。
Junzheng, courtesy name Shizhong, was clever from youth. When he was a few years old his father was ill; day and night he did not sleep, attending solely at his side. The household urged rest; he answered, "Since father is not yet recovered, sleep is also not at ease. He held office as Supervisor to the Heir Apparent.
63
君正美風儀，善自居處，以貴公子早得時譽。 為豫章內史。 性不信巫邪，有師萬世榮稱道術，為一郡巫長。 君正在郡小疾，主簿熊嶽薦之。 師云：「須疾者衣為信命。」 君正以所著襦與之，事竟取襦，云：「神將送與北斗君」。 君正使檢諸身，於衣裏獲之，以為亂政，即刑於市而焚神，一郡無敢行巫。
Junzheng had fine bearing and skilled comportment; as a noble scion he early gained reputation. He was Internal Administrator of Yuzhang. By nature he did not believe shamans or heterodoxies; Master Wan Shirong claimed the Way and was chief shaman of the commandery. Junzheng in the commandery had a slight illness; Chief Clerk Xiong Yue recommended the master. The master said, "The ill person's garment is needed as token of fate. Junzheng gave the jacket he wore; when the affair ended the master took it, saying, "The spirit will send it to the Lord of the Northern Dipper." Junzheng had his person search and recovered it from inside the garment; thinking it disorder of government, he executed the master in the market and burned the spirit-image; the whole commandery dared not practice shamanism.
64
遷吳郡太守。 侯景亂，率數百人隨邵陵王綸赴援，及台城陷，還郡。 君正當官蒞事有名稱，而蓄聚財產，服玩靡麗。 賊遣張太墨攻之，新城戍主戴僧易勸令拒守，己以戍兵自外擊之，君正不能決。 吳人陸映公等懼不濟，賊種族其家，勸之迎賊。 君正性怯懦，乃送米及牛酒郊迎賊，賊掠奪其財物子女，因是感疾卒。 子樞。
He was transferred Administrator of Wu Commandery. When Hou Jing rebelled he led several hundred men following Prince Lun of Shaoling to aid; when the capital fell he returned to his commandery. Junzheng in office had a name for competence, yet he amassed property and his dress and playthings were lavish. Rebels sent Zhang Taimo to attack; New City garrison commander Dai Sengyi urged defense, himself striking from outside with garrison troops; Junzheng could not decide. Wu men Lu Yinggong and others feared failure and rebel extermination of their clans, and urged welcoming the rebels. Junzheng was timid; he sent rice, oxen, and wine to the suburbs to welcome the rebels; they plundered his property, women, and children, and he sickened and died. Son Shu.
65
君正子樞
Junzheng's son Shu
66
樞字踐言，美容儀，性沈靜，好學，手不釋卷。 家本顯貴，貲產充積，而樞獨處率素，傍無交往，非公事未嘗出遊，榮利之懷淡如也。
Shu, courtesy name Jianyan, had fine looks, quiet depth, loved learning, and never let a scroll leave his hand. The family was eminent and wealthy, yet Shu alone lived plainly, with no companions nearby; unless on public business he never went out—glory and profit meant little to him.
67
侯景之亂，樞往吳郡省父疾，丁父憂。 時四方擾亂，人求苟免，樞居喪以至孝聞。 王僧辯平侯景，鎮建鄴，衣冠爭往造請，樞杜門靜居，不求聞達。
In Hou Jing's rebellion Shu went to Wu Commandery to visit his father's illness and entered mourning for his father. The realm was disturbed and men sought mere escape; Shu in mourning became known for utmost filial piety. Wang Sengbian pacified Hou Jing and garrisoned Jiankang; officials vied to visit; Shu closed his gate and dwelt quietly, not seeking fame.
68
紹泰中，歷吏部尚書、吳興郡太守。 陳永定中，徵為侍中，掌選。 遷都官尚書，掌選如故。
In Shaotai he served as Director of Personnel and Administrator of Wu Commandery. In Chen's Yongding era he was summoned Palace Attendant and directed selection. He was transferred Director of Punishments, directing selection as before.
69
樞博學，明悉舊章。 初，陳武帝長女永嗣公主，先適陳留太守錢蕆，生子岊，主及岊並卒于梁時。 武帝受命，唯主追封。
Shu was broadly learned and clearly knew old regulations. Emperor Wu of Chen's eldest daughter Princess Yongsi had first married Chenliu Administrator Qian Yi and bore son Jie; princess and Jie both died in Liang times. When Emperor Wu received the mandate, only the princess was posthumously enfeoffed.
70
至是將葬，尚書請議加蕆駙馬都尉，並贈岊官。 樞議曰：
At burial the Masters of Writing requested deliberation on additionally making Yi commandant-consort to the princess and posthumously granting Jie office. Shu memorialized:
71
時議以為當。
Contemporary deliberation held it correct.
72
天嘉三年，為吏部尚書，領丹陽尹。 以葬父拜表自解，詔令葬訖停宅視郡事，服闋還職。 時僕射到仲舉雖參掌選事，銓衡汲引，並出於樞，舉薦多會上旨。 謹慎周密，清白自居，文武職司，鮮有遊其門者。 廢帝即位，遷尚書左僕射，卒，諡曰簡懿。 有集十卷行於世。 弟憲。
In Tianjia 3 he became Director of Personnel and concurrently Administrator of Danyang. Burying his father he requested release; an edict ordered after burial he stop at home and oversee commandery affairs, and after mourning return. Vice Director Dao Zhongju though sharing selection, promotion and recommendation all came from Shu, and recommendations mostly accorded with imperial intent. Careful, thorough, dwelling in purity—among civil and military officeholders few wandered at his gate. When the Deposed Emperor succeeded he became Vice Director of the Masters of Writing; he died; posthumous title Jianyi. His collected works in ten scrolls circulated widely. Younger brother Xian.
73
樞弟憲
Shu's younger brother Xian
74
憲字德章，幼聰敏好學，有雅量。 梁武帝修建庠序，別開五館，其一館在憲宅西，憲常招引諸生與之談論，新義出人意表，同輩咸嗟服焉。
Xian, courtesy name Dezhang, from youth was clever, loved learning, and had elegant breadth. Emperor Wu of Liang built schools and opened five halls; one stood west of Xian's residence; Xian often invited students to discuss, new meanings exceeding expectation, and peers sighed in admiration.
75
大同八年，武帝撰孔子正言章句，詔下國學宣制旨義。 憲時年十四，被召為正言生，祭酒到溉目送之，愛其神采。 國子博士周弘正謂憲父君正曰：「賢子今茲欲策試不？」 君正曰：「未敢令試。」 居數日，君正遣門客岑文豪與憲候弘正。 會弘正將升講坐，弟子異集，乃延憲入室，授以麈尾，令憲豎義。 時謝岐、何妥在坐，弘正謂曰：「二賢雖窮奧賾，得無憚此後生邪？」 何、謝乃遞起義端，深極理致，憲與往復數番，酬對閑敏。 弘正謂妥曰：「恣卿所問，勿以童幼期之。」 時觀者重遝，憲神色自若，辯論有餘，弘正亦起數難，終不能屈。 因告文豪曰：「卿還諮袁吳郡，此郎已堪見代博士矣。」 時生徒對策，多行賄賂，文豪請具束修。 君正曰：「我豈能用錢為兒買第邪？」 學司銜之。 及憲試，爭起劇難，憲隨問抗答，剖析如流。 到溉顧憲曰：「袁君正其有後矣。」 及君正將之吳郡，溉祖道於征虜亭，謂君正曰：「昨策生，蕭敏孫、徐孝克非不解義，至於風神器局，去賢子遠矣。」 尋舉高第，以貴公子選尚南沙公主，即梁簡文帝女也。
In Datong 8 Emperor Wu compiled Correct Meaning commentary on Confucius; an edict sent it to the National University to proclaim the imperial meaning. Xian was fourteen, summoned Correct Meaning student; Libationer Dao Gai saw him off with his eyes, loving his spirit. Erudite Zhou Hongzheng said to Xian's father Junzheng, "Your worthy son—does he wish to take the policy examination now? Junzheng said, "I do not yet dare have him tested." After several days Junzheng sent client Cen Wenhao with Xian to wait on Hongzheng. When Hongzheng was about to lecture and disciples gathered, he brought Xian into the room, gave him a fly-whisk, and ordered him to set forth the meaning. Xie Qi and He Tuo were seated; Hongzheng said, "You two sages though plumb the hidden deep—will you not fear this younger generation? He and Xie raised points of meaning to deepest principle; Xian went back and forth several rounds, answering with easy quickness. Hongzheng said to Tuo, "Ask as you wish—do not expect childishness from him. Observers pressed in layers; Xian's expression was as usual and debate had surplus; Hongzheng raised several difficulties and could not bend him. He told Wenhao, "Go consult Administrator Yuan of Wu—this youth already can replace the erudite. Students answering policy often practiced bribery; Wenhao asked to prepare the bundle of silk. Junzheng said, "How could I use money to buy rank for my son? The academy officials resented this. When Xian was tested, examiners rose with fierce difficulties; Xian answered as asked, analyzing like flowing water. Dao Gai looked at Xian and said, "Yuan Junzheng truly has posterity. When Junzheng was about to go to Wu Commandery, Gai saw him off at the Captive-Slayer Pavilion and said, "Yesterday's policy student—Xiao Minsun and Xu Xiaoke understand meaning, but in spirit and composure they are far from your son." Soon he was nominated with highest marks and, as noble scion, selected to marry Princess of Nansha—daughter of Emperor Jian of Liang.
76
陳受命，授中書侍郎，兼散騎常侍，與黃門郎王瑜使齊，數年不遣，天嘉初乃還。
When Chen received the mandate he became Director of the Palace Secretariat and Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary; with Wang Yu he was envoy to Qi and was not sent back for years; only in early Tianjia did he return.
77
太建三年，累遷御史中丞，羽林監。 時豫章王叔英不奉法度，逼取人馬，憲依事劾奏，免叔英。 自是朝野嚴憚。
In Taijian 3 he rose to Censor-in-Chief and Supervisor of the Feathered Forest. Prince Shuying of Yuzhang did not observe law, forcibly taking horses; Xian impeached on the facts and removed him. From this court and countryside were sternly in awe.
78
憲詳練朝章，尤明聽斷，至有獄情未盡而有司具法者，即伺閑為帝言之，所申理甚眾。 嘗陪宴承香合，賓退後，宣帝留憲與衛尉樊俊徙席山亭，談宴終日。 帝謂俊曰：「袁家故為有人。」 其見重如此。
Xian was thoroughly versed in court regulations and especially clear in judgment; when cases were not yet exhausted yet offices had prepared the law, he seized leisure to speak to the emperor, and cases he clarified were very many. He once feasted at the Hall of Received Fragrance; after guests withdrew Emperor Xuan kept Xian and Commandant Fan Jun, moved to a mountain pavilion, and talked all day. The emperor said to Jun, "The Yuan house from old has had men. Such was the esteem in which he was held.
79
自侍中遷吳郡太守，以父任固辭，改授南康內史。 遷吏部尚書。 憲以久居清顯，累表自求解任，帝曰：「諸人在職，屢有謗書，卿處事已多，可謂清白，別相甄錄，且勿致辭。」
From Palace Attendant he was offered Administrator of Wu Commandery; because of his father's post he declined and was changed Internal Administrator of Nankang. He became Director of the Ministry of Personnel. Because he long dwelt in pure eminence he repeatedly requested release; the emperor said, "Others in office face slander; you have handled many affairs and can be called pure—I separately shall examine and record; for now do not resign."
80
遷右僕射，參掌選事。 先是憲長兄樞為左僕射，至是憲為右僕射，台省目樞為大僕射，憲為小僕射，朝廷榮之。
He became Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and shared in directing selection. Earlier elder brother Shu was Left Vice Director; now Xian was Right Vice Director—the palace called Shu Great Vice Director and Xian Small Vice Director; the court honored them.
81
及宣帝不豫，憲與吏部尚書毛喜俱受顧命。 始興王叔陵之肆逆也，憲指麾部分，預有力焉。 後主被創病篤，執憲手曰：「我兒尚幼，後事委卿。」 憲曰：「群情喁喁，冀聖躬康復，後事之委，未敢奉詔。」
When Emperor Xuan was ill, Xian and Director of Personnel Mao Xi both received the final charge. When Prince Shuling of Shixing committed outrage, Xian directed disposition and had a share in the strength of it. The Later Lord, wounded and gravely ill, grasped Xian's hand: "My son is still young; later affairs I entrust to you. Xian said, "The crowd's feeling is eager; I hope Your Majesty recovers; the entrustment of later affairs—I dare not receive the command."
82
以功封建安縣伯，領太子中庶子。 尋除侍中、太子詹事。 及太子加元服，行釋奠禮，憲表請解職，不許，尋給扶二人。 皇太子頗不率典訓，憲手錶陳諫十條，皆援引古今，言辭切直。 太子雖外示容納，心無悛改。 後主欲立寵姬張貴妃子始安王為嗣，嘗從容言之，吏部尚書蔡征順旨稱讚，憲厲色折之曰：「皇太子國家儲副，億兆宅心，卿是何人，輕言廢立。」 然是夏竟廢太子為吳興王。 後主知憲有規諫之事，歎曰：「袁德章實骨鯁臣。」 即日詔為尚書僕射。
For merit he was enfeoffed Earl of Jian'an and Supervisor of the Heir Apparent's Household. Soon he was made Palace Attendant and Supervisor of the Heir Apparent's Household. When the crown prince came of age and performed the libation rite, Xian requested release; it was refused; soon two supports were granted. The crown prince quite did not follow instruction; Xian memorialized ten items of remonstrance, all citing past and present, language cutting and straight. The crown prince outwardly showed acceptance but inwardly had no mind to reform. The Later Lord wished to establish favored consort Zhang Guifei's son Prince of Shi'an as heir and once spoke of it; Director Cai Zheng followed intent and praised; Xian sternly rebuked him: "The crown prince is the state's heir; the millions dwell in heart—what man are you, lightly to speak of deposing and establishing? Yet that summer the crown prince was deposed as Prince of Wuxing. The Later Lord knew Xian had remonstrated and sighed, "Yuan Dezhang is truly a bone-in-the-throat minister. That same day an edict made him Vice Director of the Masters of Writing.
83
禎明三年，隋軍來伐，隋將賀若弼進燒宮城北掖門，兵衛皆散走，朝士各藏，唯憲侍左右。 後主謂曰：「我從來待卿不先餘人，今日見卿，可謂歲寒知松柏後凋也。 非唯由我無德，亦是江東衣冠道盡。」 後主將避匿，憲正色曰：「北兵之入，必無所犯，大事如此，陛下安之？ 臣願陛下依梁武見侯景故事以待之。」 不從，因下榻馳去。 憲從出後堂景陽殿，後主投井中，憲拜哭而出。
In Zhenming 3 Sui armies attacked; General Heluo Bi burned the palace city's north Wing Gate; guards scattered; court gentlemen hid—only Xian attended at his side. The Later Lord said, "I from the first treated you before all others; today seeing you, one may say in cold years one knows pine and cypress are last to wither. Not only because I am without virtue—it is also that east-of-the-river officialdom's Way is exhausted. The Later Lord was about to hide; Xian sternly said, "When northern troops enter they will not violate; the great affair is thus—how can Your Majesty rest easy? I wish Your Majesty to follow Emperor Wu of Liang's precedent in receiving Hou Jing and wait thus." He did not follow; he descended from the couch and galloped away. Xian followed out the rear hall Jingyang Pavilion; the Later Lord threw himself into a well; Xian bowed, wept, and went out.
84
及至長安，隋文帝嘉其雅操，下詔以為江表稱首，授開府儀同三司、昌州刺史。 開皇十四年，授晉王廣府長史。 十八年，卒，時年七十，贈大將軍、安成郡公，諡曰簡。
At Chang'an Emperor Wen of Sui praised his elegant integrity; an edict said he was chief among the south of the river and made him Grand Master with Golden Seal and Purple Cord and Prefect of Chang. In Kaihuang 14 he was chief clerk to Prince Guang of Jin's household. In year 18 he died, aged seventy; posthumously made Grand General and Duke of Ancheng; posthumous title Jian.
85
長子承家，仕隋至秘書丞、國子司業。
Eldest son Chengjia served Sui to Secretary of the Secretariat and Director of the Directorate of Education.
86
君正弟敬
Junzheng's younger brother Jing
87
敬字子恭，純素有風格。 幼便篤學，老而無倦。 仕梁位太子中舍人。 魏克江陵，流寓嶺表。 陳武帝受禪，敬在廣州依歐陽頠。 頠卒，其子紇據州，將有異志，敬累諫不從。
Jing, courtesy name Zigong, was pure and plain with style and bearing. From youth devoted to learning; in old age without weariness. Under Liang he reached Supervisor to the Heir Apparent. When Wei captured Jiangling he drifted in exile beyond the ranges. When Chen's Emperor Wu received the abdication, Jing was in Guangzhou relying on Ouyang Pi. When Pi died his son He seized the province and harbored different intent; Jing repeatedly remonstrated and was not followed.
88
宣帝即位，遣章昭達討紇，紇將敗，恨不納敬言。 朝廷義之，徵為太子中庶子。 歷左戶、都官二尚書，太常卿，散騎常侍，金紫光祿大夫，加特進。 至德三年，卒，諡靖德子。 子元友嗣。 敬弟泌。
When Emperor Xuan succeeded he sent Zhang Zhaoda against He; when He was about to fall he regretted not accepting Jing's words. The court honored his righteousness and summoned him Supervisor to the Heir Apparent. He served as Director of the Left Household and Director of Punishments, Minister of Ceremonies, Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, Grand Master of the Gold Seal and Purple Cord, and was additionally Special Advance. In Zhide 3 he died; posthumous title Viscount Jingde. Son Yuanyou succeeded. Jing's younger brother Bi.
89
泌字文洋，清正有幹局，容體魁岸，志行修謹。 仕梁曆諸王府佐。
Bi, courtesy name Wenyang, was upright and pure with capacity for affairs; tall and imposing; will and conduct cultivated and careful. Under Liang he held staff posts in various princely households.
90
侯景之亂，泌兄君正為吳郡太守，梁簡文帝在東宮，板泌為東宮領直，令往吳中，召募士卒。 及景圍台城，泌率所領赴援。 城陷，依鄱陽嗣王範。 范卒，泌降景。 景平，王僧辯表泌為富春太守，兼丹陽尹。 貞陽侯明僭位，以為侍中，使于齊。
In Hou Jing's rebellion elder brother Junzheng was Administrator of Wu; Emperor Jian in the Eastern Palace commissioned Bi Direct Attendant and ordered him to Wu to recruit soldiers. When Jing besieged the capital, Bi led his command to aid. When the city fell he relied on Prince Fan of Poyang. When Fan died Bi surrendered to Jing. When Jing was pacified Wang Sengbian memorialized Bi Administrator of Fuchun and concurrently Prefect of Danyang. When Marquis Ming of Zhenyang usurped the throne Bi was made Palace Attendant and envoy to Qi.
91
陳武帝受禪，泌自齊從梁永嘉王莊往王琳所。 及莊稱尊號，以泌為侍中、丞相長史。 琳敗，眾皆散，唯泌輕舟送達於北境，屬莊于御史中丞劉仲威，然後拜辭歸陳請罪，文帝深義之。
When Chen's Emperor Wu received the abdication, Bi from Qi followed Liang's Prince Zhuang of Yongjia to Wang Lin. When Zhuang declared the imperial title, Bi was made Palace Attendant and chief clerk to the Chancellor. When Lin was defeated the crowd scattered; only Bi in a light boat escorted Zhuang to the northern border, entrusted Zhuang to Censor-in-Chief Liu Zhongwei, bowed in leave, returned to Chen to request punishment; Emperor Wen deeply honored his righteousness.
92
累遷通直散騎常侍，兼侍中，聘周。 及宣帝入輔，以泌為司徒左長史，卒於官。 臨終戒其子芳華曰：「吾於朝廷素無功績，瞑目之後，斂手足旋葬，無得受贈諡。」 其子述泌遺意，朝廷不許，贈金紫光祿大夫，諡曰質。
He rose to Regular Attendant-in-Ordinary and Palace Attendant, envoy to Zhou. When Emperor Xuan entered as regent, Bi was chief clerk of the left to the Minister of Education and died in office. Near death he charged son Fanghua: "I toward the court from old have no achievement; after closing eyes, gather hands and feet and bury at once—do not receive posthumous enfeoffment or title. His son stated Bi's final intent; the court would not permit refusal and posthumously made him Grand Master of the Gold Seal and Purple Cord; posthumous title Zhi.
93
論曰：天長地久，四時代謝，靈化悠遠，生不再來，所以據洪圖而輕天下，吝寸陰而賤尺璧。 夫義重於生，空傳前誥，投軀徇主，罕遇其人。 觀夫宋、齊以還，袁門世蹈忠義，固知風霜之概、松筠其性乎。 若無陽源之節，丹青夫何取貴。 顗雖末路披猖，原心有本。 彖之出處所蹈，實懋家風。 粲執履之跡，近乎仁勇，古人所謂疾風勁草，豈此之謂乎？ 昔王經峻節，既被旌于晉世，粲之貞固，亦改葬于齊朝，其激厲之方，異代同符者矣。 昂命屬崩離，身逢危季，雖獨夫喪德，臣節無改。 拒梁武之命，義烈存焉，隆從兄之服，悌心高已。 既而抗言儲嗣，無忘直道，辭榮身後，有心黜殯。 自初及末，無虧風範，從微至著，皆為稱職，蓋一代之名公也。 樞風格峻整，憲仁義率由，韓子稱「人臣委質，心無有二」，憲弗渝歲暮，良可稱云。 敬、泌立履之地，亦不為替矣。
The commentator says: Heaven long, earth enduring—the four seasons turn; spirit runs far and deep; life does not come again; therefore men holding great designs lightly treat the realm, stingy with time and cheapening jade. Righteousness weighs heavier than life—empty in earlier edicts; casting the body to follow the lord—rarely does one meet such a man. From Song and Qi onward, the Yuan house generation after generation treads loyalty and righteousness—one truly knows frost's wind and that pine and bamboo are their nature. Had there not been Yangyuan's integrity, how would cinnabar take its worth? Yan though at the end ran wild, in original heart had root. In Bian's going out and staying and what he treads, he truly honors the family wind. Can's conduct nearly reaches benevolence and courage—what ancients call fierce wind and stiff grass—is this not the saying? Wang Jing's stern integrity was honored in Jin; Can's steadfast firmness received changed burial in Qi—their methods of stirring courage, different ages with the same tally. Ang's fate belonged to collapse; his person met a dangerous season; though the lone tyrant lost virtue, minister's integrity did not change. He refused Liang's Emperor Wu—righteous fierceness remained; he wore mourning for a distant cousin—fraternal heart rose higher still. Then he spoke against the heir—without forgetting the straight Way; he declined glory after death—had mind to abolish lavish burial. From first to last without failing in style, from slight to manifest all fitting to office—truly a great lord of a generation. Shu's style was stern and ordered, Xian's benevolence and righteousness followed constant rule; Han Fei says "the minister entrusts his person and in heart has no second"—Xian did not change at year's end; truly he may be praised. In the ground where Jing and Bi stood and tread, they also were not inferior.