1
列傳第二十
Biographies 20
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何尚之
He Shangzhi
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尚之少頗輕薄，好摴蒱，及長，折節蹈道，以操立見稱。 為陳郡謝混所知，與之遊處。 家貧，初為臨津令。 宋武帝領征西將軍，補主簿。 從征長安，以公事免，還都。 因患勞病積年，飲婦人乳乃得差。 以從征之勞，賜爵都鄉侯。
Shangzhi was frivolous in youth and addicted to dice, but as he matured he reformed and held to the Way, earning renown for uprightness. Xie Hun of Chen Commandery took notice of him, and they became companions. Born poor, he first served as magistrate of Linjin. When Liu Yu served as General Who Conquers the West, Shangzhi joined his staff as chief clerk. He marched on Chang'an, was dismissed for an official offense, and returned to the capital. Chronic consumptive illness plagued him for years until he recovered by drinking a woman's milk. For campaign service he received the title Marquis of Duxiang.
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少帝即位，為廬陵王義真車騎諮議參軍。 義真與司徒徐羨之、尚書令傅亮等不協，每有不平之言。 尚之諫戒不納。 義真被廢，入為中書侍郎，遷吏部郎。 告休定省，傾朝送別於冶渚。 及至郡，叔度謂曰：「聞汝來此，傾朝相送，可有幾客？」 答曰：「殆數百人。」 叔度笑曰：「此是送吏部郎耳，非關何彥德也。 昔殷浩亦嘗作豫章定省，送別者甚眾，及廢徙東陽，船泊征虜亭積日，乃至親舊無復相窺者。」
After Emperor Shao took the throne, Shangzhi served as consultation officer on Prince of Luling Yizhen's chariots-and-cavalry staff. Yizhen clashed with Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and other senior ministers and often voiced his grievances. Shangzhi warned him repeatedly, but Yizhen paid no heed. After Yizhen's deposition, Shangzhi entered court as Attendant Gentleman of the Secretariat and was promoted to Director in the Ministry of Personnel. When he took leave to visit his parents, the whole court turned out to see him off at Yezhu. On reaching his post his uncle asked, "I hear the whole court saw you off—how many guests were there?" Nearly several hundred," he replied. His uncle laughed. "They were seeing off the personnel director, not He Yande. Yin Hao once drew huge farewell crowds when he visited Yuzhang on family leave, yet after his deposition and exile to Dongyang his boat lay at Zheng Lu Pavilion for days without a single close friend calling."
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後拜左衛將軍，領太子中庶子。 尚之雅好文義，從容賞會，甚為文帝所知。 元嘉十三年，彭城王義康欲以司徒長史劉斌為丹陽尹，上不許，乃以尚之為之。 立宅南郭外，立學聚生徒。 東海徐秀，廬江何曇、黃回，潁川荀子華，太原孫宗昌、王延秀，魯郡孔惠宣並慕道來遊，謂之南學。 王球常云：「尚之西河之風不墜。」 尚之亦云：「球正始之風尚在。」
He was later made General of the Left Guard and concurrently Grand Master of the Crown Prince's Household. Shangzhi loved literary elegance, and in leisurely gatherings Emperor Wen came to know him well. In Yuanjia 13, Prince of Pengcheng Yikang wanted Liu Bin as Governor of Danyang; the Emperor refused and appointed Shangzhi instead. He built a house outside the southern wall and opened a school to gather students. Xu Xiu of Donghai, He Tan and Huang Hui of Lujiang, Xun Zihua of Yingchuan, Sun Zongchang and Wang Yanxiu of Taiyuan, and Kong Huixuan of Lu all came to study with him—the Southern Academy. Wang Qiu said, "Shangzhi keeps the Western River tradition alive. Shangzhi replied, "Qiu still carries the Zhengshi spirit."
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尚之女適劉湛子黯，而湛與尚之意好不篤。 湛欲領丹陽，乃徙尚之為祠部尚書，領國子祭酒。 尚之甚不平。 湛誅，遷吏部尚書。
Shangzhi's daughter married Liu Zhan's son An, yet the two men were not close. Liu Zhan wanted Danyang for himself and moved Shangzhi to Director of the Ministry of Rites, concurrently Director of the Imperial University. Shangzhi nursed deep resentment. After Liu Zhan's execution, Shangzhi became Director of the Ministry of Personnel.
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時左衛將軍范曄任參機密，尚之察其意趣異常，白文帝：「宜出為廣州，若在內釁成，不得不加以鈇鉞。 屢誅大臣，有虧皇化。」 上曰：「始誅劉湛等，方欲引升後進。 曄事蹟未彰，便豫相黜斥，萬姓將謂卿等不能容才，以我為信受讒說。 但使共知如此，不憂致大變也。」 曄後謀反伏誅，上嘉其先見。
Fan Ye then held a role in state secrets; Shangzhi saw something abnormal in him and told Emperor Wen, "Send him to Guangzhou—if rebellion brews inside the palace, you cannot withhold the axe. Each execution of a great minister has chipped away at the throne's moral authority. The Emperor said, "We have just executed Liu Zhan and his circle; now I wish to promote younger men. Fan Ye's guilt is not yet clear; to dismiss him now would make the people say you cannot tolerate talent and that I believe slander. Let them all know this, and I need not fear a great upheaval." Fan Ye later rebelled and was executed; the Emperor praised Shangzhi's foresight.
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二十二年，為尚書左僕射。 是歲造玄武湖，上欲于湖中立方丈、蓬萊、瀛洲三神山，尚之固諫乃止。 時又造華林園，並盛暑役人。 尚之又諫，上不許，曰：「小人常日曝背，此不足為勞。」 時上行幸，還多侵夜，尚之又表諫，上優詔納之。
In year 22 he became Left Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat. That year Black Tortoise Lake was dug; the Emperor wanted three sacred isles within it, but Shangzhi's remonstrance stopped the plan. At the same time Hualin Garden was built, conscripting labor in midsummer. Shangzhi remonstrated again; the Emperor refused, saying, "Common folk sun their backs every day—this is no hardship. When imperial tours kept the Emperor out until deep night, Shangzhi remonstrated again; the Emperor answered graciously and accepted.
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先是患貨少，鑄四銖錢，人間頗盜鑄，多翦鑿古錢以取銅，上患之。 二十四年，錄尚書江夏王義恭議，以一大錢當兩，以防翦鑿，議者多同。 尚之議曰：「凡創制改法，宜順人情，未有違眾矯物而可久也。 泉布廢興，未容驟議。 前代赤仄白金，俄而罷息，六貨憒亂，人泣於市。 良由事不畫一，難用遵行。 自非急病權時，宜守長世之業。 若今制遂行，富人之貲自倍，貧者彌增其困，懼非所以欲均之意。」 中領軍沈演之以為若以大錢當兩，則國傳難朽之寶，家贏一倍之利，不俟加憲，巧源自絕。 上從演之議，遂以一錢當兩。 行之經時，公私非便，乃罷。
Coin was scarce; four-zhu cash was cast, but illicit casting spread and people clipped ancient coins for copper—the Emperor was troubled. In year 24 Prince of Jiangxia Yigong proposed one large coin equal two to stop clipping; most agreed. Shangzhi argued: "New institutions must follow human sentiment; nothing that defies the multitude endures. Currency cannot be debated in haste. Former ages saw Red Foot and white metal quickly abolished, the Six Goods bring chaos, and people weep in markets. Matters lacked unity and could not be implemented. Unless crisis demands it, preserve the long-lasting enterprise. If this measure proceeds, the rich double their wealth and the poor suffer more—not the intent of equality. Shen Yanzhi held that one large coin equal to two would give the state imperishable treasure and households double profit, ending fraud without new penalties. The Emperor followed Yanzhi and made one coin equal two. After a time public and private affairs were both inconvenienced, and the measure was abolished.
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二十八年，為尚書令、太子詹事。 二十九年致仕，于方山著退居賦以明所守，而議者咸謂尚之不能固志。 文帝與江夏王義恭詔曰：「羊、孟尚不得告謝，尚之任遇有殊，便當未宜申許。」 尚之還攝職。 羊即羊玄保，孟即孟顗。
In year 28 he became Director of the Imperial Secretariat and Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent. In year 29 he retired and wrote the "Rhapsody on Retirement at Mount Fang" to declare his principles, yet critics said he could not hold firm. Emperor Wen told Prince of Jiangxia Yigong, "Yang and Meng were not granted leave to resign; Shangzhi's favor is exceptional—do not yet approve. Shangzhi returned to his duties. "Yang" meant Yang Xuanbao; "Meng" meant Meng Yi.
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尚之既任事，上待之愈隆，於是袁淑乃錄古來隱士有跡無名者，為真隱傳以嗤焉。 時或遣軍北侵，資給戎旅，悉以委之。
Once back in office the Emperor favored him more; Yuan Shu compiled a "Biography of True Recluses" to mock him. When armies raided north, supplies for the troops were entrusted to him.
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元凶弑立，進位司空、尚書令。 時三方興義，將佐家在都者，劭悉欲誅之。 尚之誘說百端，並得全免。
After the Crown Prince murdered the Emperor and seized the throne, Shangzhi was elevated to Minister of Works and Director of the Imperial Secretariat. Three regions had risen in righteous cause; the usurper wished to execute staff whose families were in the capital. Shangzhi argued every way he could, and all were spared.
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孝武即位，復為尚書令。 丞相南郡王義宣、車騎將軍臧質反，義宣司馬竺超、質長史陸展兄弟並應從誅，尚之上言於法為重，超從坐者由是得原。
When Emperor Xiaowu took the throne, Shangzhi again headed the Imperial Secretariat. When Prince of Nanjun Yixuan and Zang Zhi rebelled, Zhu Chao and Lu Zhan's brothers deserved execution by association; Shangzhi argued the penalty was too severe, and Chao's associates were pardoned.
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時欲分荊州置郢州，議其所居。 江夏王義恭、蕭思話以為宜在巴陵。 尚之議曰：「夏口在荊、江之中，正對沔口，通接雍、梁，寔為津要，於事為允。」 上從其議。 荊、揚二州戶口居江南之半，江左以來，揚州為根本，委荊州以閫外，至是並分，欲以削臣下之權。 而荊、揚並因此虛耗。 尚之建言宜復合二州，上不許。
It was proposed to split Jing Province and establish Ying Province; they deliberated its seat. Prince of Jiangxia Yigong and Xiao Sihua held it should be at Baling. Shangzhi argued: "Xiakou lies between Jing and the Yangtze, facing Hankou and connecting Yong and Liang—a true strategic crossing. The Emperor accepted his view. Jing and Yang held half the south's population; since Eastern Jin Yang had been root and Jing outer defense—now both were split to reduce subordinates' power. Yet both Jing and Yang were drained by the split. Shangzhi proposed reuniting the two provinces; the Emperor refused.
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大明二年，以為左光祿、開府儀同三司，侍中如故。 尚之在家，常著鹿皮帽。 及拜開府，天子臨軒，百僚陪位，沈慶之於殿庭戲之曰：「今日何不著鹿皮冠？」 慶之累辭爵命，朝廷敦勸甚苦。 尚之謂曰：「主上虛懷側席，詎宜固辭。」 慶之曰：「沈公不效何公去而復還也。」 尚之有愧色。
In Daming 2 he was made Left Grand Master of the Palace with golden seal and purple ribbon, continuing as Palace Attendant. At home he habitually wore a deerskin cap. At his grand-master appointment the Son of Heaven came to court; Shen Qingzhi jested in the courtyard, "Why not wear your deerskin cap today? Qingzhi repeatedly declined enfeoffment, and the court pressed him hard. Shangzhi said, "The sovereign waits with folded mat—how can you stubbornly refuse? Qingzhi said, "Shen will not copy Master He—leave office, then crawl back." Shangzhi colored with shame.
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尚之愛尚文義，老而不休。 與太常顏延之少相好狎，二人並短小，尚之常謂延之為沐，延之目尚之為猴。 同游太子西池，延之問路人云：「吾二人誰似猴？」 路人指尚之為似。 延之喜笑，路人曰：「彼似猴耳，君乃真猴。」
Shangzhi loved literary elegance and never ceased even in old age. He and Yan Yanzhi had been close since youth; both were short—Shangzhi called Yanzhi "Bather" and Yanzhi called Shangzhi "Monkey." At the Crown Prince's Western Pool Yanzhi asked a passerby, "Which of us looks more like a monkey? The passerby pointed to Shangzhi. Yanzhi laughed; the passerby said, "He merely resembles a monkey—you are the real monkey."
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有人嘗求為吏部郎，尚之歎曰：「此敗風俗也。 官當圖人，人安得圖官。」 延之大笑曰：「我聞古者官人以才，今官人以勢，彼勢之所求，子何疑焉。」 所與延之論議往反，並傳於世。
Someone once sought appointment as personnel director; Shangzhi sighed, "This will ruin custom. Office should choose men—men must not choose office. Yanzhi laughed, "In antiquity men were appointed for talent; now for power. What he seeks by power—why doubt it?" Debates between Shangzhi and Yanzhi circulated widely.
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尚之立身簡約，車服率素，妻亡不娶，又無姬妾。 執衡當朝，畏遠權柄，親故一無薦舉。 既以此致怨，亦以此見稱。 復以本官領中書令。 薨年七十九，贈司空，諡曰簡穆公。 子偃。
Shangzhi lived simply; carriage and dress were plain, and after his wife died he took no wife and kept no concubines. Holding office he kept distant from power; among kin and friends he recommended no one. He incurred resentment for this, yet was also praised. He resumed his former post and also directed the Secretariat. He died at seventy-nine; posthumously he was made Minister of Works with the title Duke of Jianmu. His son Yan.
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偃字仲弘，元嘉中，位太子中庶子。 元凶弑立，以偃為侍中，掌詔誥。 時尚之為司空、尚書令，偃居門下。 父子並處權要，時為寒心； 而尚之及偃善攝機宜，曲得時譽。
Yan, styled Zhonghong, served in Yuanjia as Grand Master of the Crown Prince's Household. When the Crown Prince usurped the throne, Yan became Palace Attendant in charge of edicts. Shangzhi was Minister of Works and Director of the Imperial Secretariat; Yan served at the gate. Father and son both held power at once, and the age trembled; yet Shangzhi and Yan handled the moment skillfully and won contemporary praise.
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會孝武即位，任遇無改。 歷位侍中，領太子中庶子。 時求讜言，偃以為「宜重農恤本，並官省事，考課以知能否，增奉以除吏奸。 責成良守，久於其職； 都督刺史，宜別其任」。
When Emperor Xiaowu acceded, their appointments were unchanged. He served as Palace Attendant and Grand Master of the Crown Prince's Household. When candid counsel was sought, Yan proposed: "Emphasize agriculture, consolidate offices, examine ability, and raise salaries to curb corruption. Good governors should hold long tenure; regional inspectors and governors should have separate duties."
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改領驍騎將軍，親遇隆密，有加舊臣。 轉吏部尚書。 尚之去選未五載，偃復襲其跡，世以為榮。 侍中顏竣至是始貴，與偃俱在門下，以文義賞會，相得甚歡。 竣既任遇隆密，謂宜居重大，而位次與偃等未殊，意稍不悅。 及偃代竣領選，竣逾憤懣，與偃遂隙。 竣時權傾朝野，偃不自安，遂發悸病，意慮乖僻。 上表解職，告靈不仕。 孝武遇偃既深，備加醫療乃得差。
He was made General of the Valiant Cavalry; imperial favor exceeded that shown old ministers. He became Director of the Ministry of Personnel. Shangzhi had left personnel less than five years before; Yan followed in his footsteps—the age considered it glorious. Yan Jun had only now risen; he and Yan delighted in literary gatherings and got on extremely well. Once Jun's favor grew dense, he felt he deserved weightier office, yet his rank matched Yan's, and he grew displeased. When Yan replaced Jun in charge of selection, Jun grew resentful and a rift opened. Jun wielded power across court and countryside; Yan grew insecure, developed palpitations, and his thoughts turned perverse. He submitted a memorial requesting release and reported illness, refusing to serve. Emperor Xiaowu favored Yan deeply and provided every treatment until he recovered.
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偃素好談玄，注莊子逍遙篇傳于時。 卒官，孝武與顏竣詔，甚傷惜之。 諡曰靖。 子戢。
Yan loved discussing the abstruse and annotated Zhuangzi's "Free and Easy Wandering," which circulated widely. He died in office; Emperor Xiaowu issued an edict with Yan Jun, deeply grieving. His posthumous title was Jing. His son Ji.
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戢字慧景，選尚宋孝武長女山陰公主，拜駙馬都尉。 累遷中書郎。 景和世，山陰主就帝求吏部郎褚彥回侍己，彥回雖拘逼，終不肯從。 與戢同居止月餘日，由是特申情好。 元徽初，彥回參朝政，引戢為侍中，時年二十九。 戢以年未三十，苦辭內侍，改授司徒左長史。
Ji, styled Huijing, married Princess of Shanyin and was appointed Commandant of the Horse for the Emperor's Son-in-Law. He rose to Attendant Gentleman of the Secretariat. In the Jinghe era Princess of Shanyin asked for Personnel Director Chu Yanhui; though pressed, Yanhui refused. He lived with Ji for more than a month, and their intimacy deepened. At Yuanhui's start Yanhui entered court governance and brought Ji in as Palace Attendant at twenty-nine. Not yet thirty, Ji declined inner service and was appointed Senior Administrator on the Minister of Works' left staff.
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戢美容儀，動止與褚彥回相慕，時人號為「小褚公」。 家業富盛，性又華侈，衣被服飾，極為奢麗。 出為吳興太守。 上頗好畫扇，宋孝武賜戢蟬雀扇，善畫者顧景秀所畫。 時吳郡陸探微、顧寶先皆能畫，歎其巧絕。 戢因王晏獻之，上令晏厚酬其意。 卒年三十六，諡懿子。 女為郁林王后。 又追贈侍中、右光祿大夫。
Handsome in feature, Ji emulated Chu Yanhui in bearing—people called him "Little Master Chu." His family was rich and he was extravagant; clothing and adornments were extremely luxurious. He was posted Grand Administrator of Wuxing. The Emperor loved painted fans; Emperor Xiaowu bestowed on Ji a cicada-and-sparrow fan by Gu Jingxiu. Lu Tanwei and Gu Baoxian could both paint; they sighed at its exquisite mastery. Ji sent it via Wang Yan; the Emperor told Yan to reward him handsomely. He died at thirty-six and received the posthumous title Duke of Yi. His daughter became consort to the Emperor of Yulin. Posthumously he was made Palace Attendant and Right Grand Master of the Palace.
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求字子有，偃弟子也。 父鑠，仕宋位宜都太守。 求元嘉末為文帝挽郎。 歷位太子洗馬，丹陽郡丞，清退無嗜欲。 後為太子中舍人。 泰始中，妻亡，還吳葬舊墓。 除中書郎，不拜。 仍住吳，隱居波若寺，足不踰戶，人莫見其面。
Qiu, styled Ziyou, was Yan's nephew. His father Shuo served the Song as Grand Administrator of Yidu. At Yuanjia's end Qiu served as a mourning officer for Emperor Wen. He served as Groom of the Heir Apparent and assistant in Danyang—pure, retiring, without cravings. He later became Attendant of the Heir Apparent's Household. In Taishi his wife died; he returned to Wu to bury her in the old tomb. He was appointed Attendant Gentleman of the Secretariat but declined. He lived in Wu, secluded at Boruo Temple, never crossing the threshold—no one saw his face.
26
宋明帝崩，出奔國哀，除永嘉太守。 求時寄住南澗寺，不肯詣台，乞於野外拜受，見許。 一夜忽乘小船逃歸吳，隱武丘山。 齊永明四年，拜太中大夫，不就，卒。
When Emperor Ming died, he came out for national mourning and was appointed Grand Administrator of Yongjia. Lodging at Nanjian Temple, he would not go to court; he begged to receive appointment in the open country and was permitted. One night he fled by small boat back to Wu and hid on Mount Wuqiu. In Qi Yongming 4 he was appointed Grand Master of the Palace but declined and died.
27
初，求父鑠素有風疾，無故害求母王氏，坐法死，求兄弟以此無宦情。 求弟點。
Qiu's father Shuo, afflicted with wind disorder, killed Qiu's mother and was executed; Qiu and his brothers therefore had no desire for office. Qiu's younger brother Dian.
28
點字子皙，年十一，居父母憂，幾至滅性。 及長，感家禍，欲絕昏宦，尚之強為娶琅邪王氏。 禮畢，將親迎，點累涕泣，求執本志，遂得罷。
Dian, styled Zixi, at eleven mourned his parents and nearly destroyed himself in grief. Grown, moved by family calamity, he wished to renounce marriage and office; Shangzhi forced him to marry a Lady Wang of Langya. When rites were complete and he was to fetch the bride, Dian wept and begged Qiu to uphold his resolve; the marriage was cancelled.
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點明目秀眉，容貌方雅，真素通美，不以門戶自矜。 博通群書，善談論。 家本素族，親姻多貴仕。 點雖不入城府，性率到，好狎人物。 遨遊人間，不簪不帶，以人地並高，無所與屈，大言踑踞公卿，敬下。 或乘柴車，躡草屩，恣心所適，致醉而歸。 故世論以點為孝隱士，弟胤為小隱士，大夫多慕從之。 時人稱重其通，號曰：「遊俠處士」。 兄求亦隱吳郡武丘山。 求卒，點菜食不飲酒，訖於三年，腰帶減半。
Bright-eyed with fine brows, handsome and dignified, genuinely simple, he did not pride himself on family standing. Broadly versed in books, he was skilled in discourse. The family was of plain lineage, yet kin by marriage mostly held noble office. Though he did not enter the prefectural city, he was direct and fond of mixing with people. Roaming uncombed and unbelted, elevated in person and place, he spoke boldly before lords yet was respectful below. Sometimes he rode a firewood cart or wore straw sandals, going wherever his heart led, returning drunk. Opinion called Dian a filial recluse and Yin a lesser recluse; many grandees admired and followed them. People praised his breadth and called him the "Wandering Knight Recluse." Elder brother Qiu also secluded himself on Mount Wuqiu. When Qiu died, Dian ate vegetables and drank no wine for three years; his waistband was halved.
30
宋泰始末，徵為太子洗馬。 齊初，累征中書侍郎、太子中庶子，並不就。 與陳郡謝伷、吳國張融、會稽孔德璋為莫逆友。 點門世信佛，從弟遁以東籬門園居之，德璋為築室焉。 園有卞忠貞塚，點植花於塚側，每飲必舉酒酹之。 招攜勝侶，乃名德桑門，清言賦詠，優遊自得。
At Song Taishi's end he was summoned as Groom of the Heir Apparent. At Qi's start he was repeatedly summoned but never accepted. With Xie You, Zhang Rong, and Kong Dezang he was a sworn friend. Dian's family believed in Buddhism for generations; cousin Dun lived in the Eastern Hedge Gate garden, and Dezang built his dwelling. Beside Bian Zhongzhen's tomb in the garden Dian planted flowers and always libated when he drank. Inviting fine companions and virtuous monks, he engaged in pure talk, poetry, and leisurely roaming.
31
初，褚彥回、王儉為宰相，點謂人曰：「我作齊書已竟，贊雲'回既世族，儉亦國華，不賴舅氏，遑恤國家'。」 王儉聞之，欲候點，知不可見，乃止。 豫章王嶷命駕造點，點從後門遁去。 司徒竟陵王子良聞之，曰：「豫章王尚望塵不及，吾當望岫息心。」 後點在法輪寺，子良就見之，點角巾登席，子良欣悅無已，遺點嵇叔夜酒杯、徐景山酒槍。
When Chu Yanhui and Wang Jian were chancellors, Dian said, "I have finished my History of Qi: 'Hui was a clan of the age, Jian a flower of the state—without maternal kin, how could they care for the realm?' Wang Jian heard and wished to visit but, knowing he could not be seen, stopped. Prince of Yuzhang Jun ordered his carriage to visit; Dian fled out the back gate. Prince of Jingling Ziliang said, "If even Prince of Yuzhang cannot catch the dust, I should gaze at the mountain and quiet my heart. At Falun Temple Ziliang came to see him; Dian wore a kerchief and mounted the mat—Ziliang was delighted and gave him Ji Kang's wine cup and Xu Jingshan's ladle.
32
點少時嘗患渴利，積歲不愈。 後在吳中石佛寺建講，於講所晝寢，夢一道人，形貌非常，授丸一掬，夢中服之，自此而差，時人以為淳德所感。
In youth Dian suffered wasting thirst for years without recovery. At Shifo Temple in Wu he lectured, napped, and dreamed a daoist gave him pills—in the dream he swallowed them and recovered; people took it as reward for pure virtue.
33
性通侻好施，遠近致遺，一無所逆，隨復散焉。 嘗行經朱雀門街，有自車後盜點衣者，見而不言，旁人禽盜與之，點乃以衣施盜。 盜不敢受，點令告有司，盜懼乃受之。
Free and easy, fond of giving, he refused no gift from near or far yet immediately gave all away. Passing Vermilion Bird Gate Street, someone stole from behind his cart; he said nothing, and when bystanders returned the clothes he gave them to the thief. The thief dared not accept; Dian ordered officials told, and the thief in fear accepted.
34
點雅有人倫鑒，多所甄拔。 知吳興丘遲于幼童，稱濟陽江淹於寒素，悉如其言。 哀樂過人。 嘗行逢葬者，歎曰：「此哭者之懷，豈可思邪。」 於是悲慟不能禁。
Dian had insight into character and raised up many men. He recognized Qiu Chi as a child and praised Jiang Yan in humble circumstances—both as he said. Joy and grief in him outran other men. Once he met a funeral and sighed, "The feeling in this weeping—how can one not think on it? He grieved and could not restrain himself.
35
老又娶魯國孔嗣女，嗣亦隱者。 點雖昏，亦不與妻相見，築別室以處之，人莫諭其意。 吳國張融少時免官，而為詩有高言，點答詩曰：「昔聞東都日，不在簡書前。」 雖戲而融久病之。 及點後昏，融始為詩贈點曰：「惜哉何居士，薄暮遘荒淫。」 點亦病之。
In old age he married a daughter of Kong Si of Lu, also a recluse. Though married, he still did not meet his wife and built a separate chamber; no one understood why. Zhang Rong, dismissed from office, wrote lofty poetry; Dian answered, "In former days I heard of the Eastern Capital—before the written summons arrived. Though meant in jest, Rong nursed the barb for years. When Dian later married, Rong wrote, "Pity, Master He, in twilight you meet wild excess. Dian too felt the sting for years.
36
永元中，崔慧景圍城，人間無薪，點悉伐園樹以贍親黨。 慧景性好佛義，先慕交點，點不顧之。 至是乃逼召點，點裂裙為褲，往赴其軍，終日談說，不及軍事。 其語默之跡如此。 慧景平後，東昏大怒，欲誅之。 王瑩為之懼，求計于蕭暢。 暢謂茹法珍曰：「點若不誘賊共講，未必可量，以此言之，乃應得封。」 東昏乃止。
In Yongyuan Cui Huijing besieged the city; without firewood Dian cut down his garden trees for kin and friends. Huijing loved Buddhist doctrine and long admired Dian; Dian paid no heed. He forcibly summoned Dian; Dian tore his skirt into trousers, went to his army, and talked all day without touching military affairs. Thus ran the pattern of his speech and silence. After Huijing was suppressed, Emperor Donghun wished to execute Dian. Wang Ying was afraid and sought a plan from Xiao Chang. Chang told Ru Fazhen, "Had Dian not lured the bandits to discourse, the outcome might differ—on this ground he ought to receive enfeoffment. Emperor Donghun relented.
37
梁武帝與點有舊，及踐阼，手詔論舊，賜以鹿皮巾等，並召之。 點以巾褐引入華林園，帝贈詩酒，恩禮如舊，仍下詔徵為侍中。 捋帝須曰：「乃欲臣老子。」 辭疾不起。 復下詔詳加資給，並出在所，日費所須，太官別給。
Emperor Wu of Liang had old ties; on ascending he sent a personal edict, bestowed a deerskin kerchief, and summoned him. Led in kerchief and coarse cloth to Hualin Garden, the Emperor presented poetry and wine and summoned him as Palace Attendant. He tugged the Emperor's beard and said, "So you mean to make a minister of old Lao! He pleaded illness and would not take office. Another edict detailed provisions and granted daily needs wherever he was, separately from the Imperial Kitchen.
38
天監二年卒，詔給第一品材一具，喪事所須，內監經理。 點弟胤。
In Tianjian 2 he died; an edict granted first-rank timber and the inner directorate managed funeral needs. Dian's younger brother Yin.
39
胤字子季，出繼叔父曠，故更字胤叔。 年八歲，居憂，毀若成人。 及長輕薄不羈，晚乃折節好學，師事沛國劉瓛，受易及禮記、毛詩。 又入鍾山定林寺聽內典，其業皆通。 而縱情誕節，時人未之知也，唯瓛與汝南周顒深器異之。 仕齊為建安太守，政有恩信，人不忍欺。 每伏臘放囚還家，依期而反。
Yin, styled Ziji, was adopted to uncle Kuang and also styled Yinishu. At eight he mourned; his grief was like an adult's. Frivolous in youth, he later restrained himself and studied the Changes, Record of Rites, and Mao Odes under Liu Huan. He also heard inner scriptures at Dinglin Temple on Zhong Mountain and mastered them all. Yet he indulged wild conduct, unknown to his time—only Huan and Zhou Yong deeply valued him. As Grand Administrator of Jian'an his governance had kindness and trust; people could not bear to deceive him. Each winter solstice and year-end he released prisoners home, and they returned on schedule.
40
曆黃門侍郎，太子中庶子。 尚書令王儉受詔撰新禮，未就而卒。 又使特進張緒續成，緒又卒，屬在司徒竟陵王子良。 子良以讓胤，乃置學士二十人佐胤撰錄。
He held Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and Grand Master of the Crown Prince's Household. Wang Jian received an edict to compile new rites but died before finishing. Zhang Xu was ordered to continue; Xu also died, and the task fell to Prince of Jingling Ziliang. Ziliang yielded to Yin and set twenty scholars to assist him.
41
後以國子祭酒與太子中庶子王瑩並為侍中。 時胤單作祭酒，疑所服。 陸澄博古多該，亦不能據，遂以玄服臨試。 爾後詳議，乃用朱服。 祭酒朱服，自此始也。
Later as Director of the Imperial University he and Wang Ying both became Palace Attendants. Yin alone served as Director of the Imperial University and was uncertain what robe to wear. Lu Cheng was broadly learned yet could not decide; he wore dark robes for the examination. After deliberation, vermilion robes were used. The Director of the Imperial University in vermilion robes began here.
42
及郁林嗣位，胤為後族，甚見親待。 為中書令，領臨海、巴陵王師。 胤雖貴顯，常懷止足。 建武初，已築室郊外，恒與學徒游處其內。 至是遂賣園宅欲入東。 未及發，聞謝朏罷吳興郡不還，胤恐後之，乃拜表解職，不待報輒去。 明帝大怒，使御史中丞袁昂奏收胤。 尋有詔許之。
When Emperor of Yulin succeeded, Yin as maternal kin was greatly favored. He became Director of the Secretariat and tutor to the Princes of Linhai and Baling. Though noble and prominent, he always knew when to stop. At Jianwu's start he had built a suburban dwelling and roamed with disciples within it. Now he sold garden and residence intending to go east. Before departing he heard Xie Tiao would not return from Wuxing; fearing to be left behind he resigned without awaiting reply. Emperor Ming was enraged and had Yuan Ang memorialize for his arrest. An edict soon approved his departure.
43
胤以會稽山多靈異，往游焉，居若邪山雲門寺。 初，胤二兄求、點並棲遁，求先卒，至是胤又隱，世號點為「大山」，胤為「小山」，亦曰：「東山」。 兄弟發跡雖異，克終皆隱，世謂何氏三高。
Because Kuaiji's mountains held numinous marvels, he wandered there and lived at Yunmen Temple on Mount Ruoye. Qiu and Dian both dwelt in seclusion; Qiu died first, now Yin hid—Dian was "Great Mountain," Yin "Little Mountain," also "Eastern Mountain." Though beginnings differed, all ended in seclusion—the Three Heights of the He clan.
44
永元中，徵為太常、太子詹事，並不就。 梁武帝霸朝建，引為軍謀祭酒，並與書詔，不至。 及帝踐阼，詔為特進、光祿大夫，遣領軍司馬王杲之以手敕諭意，並征謝朏。
In Yongyuan he was summoned as Grand Master of Ceremonies and Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent but never accepted. When Liang established its hegemonic court he was invited as staff officer and edict drafter but did not come. On ascension he was ordered Grand Master with Special Advance; Wang Gao was sent with a personal edict to summon Xie Tiao as well.
45
杲之先至胤所，胤恐朏不出，先示以可起，乃單衣鹿皮巾執經卷，下床跪受。 詔出，就席伏讀。 胤因謂杲之曰：「吾昔于齊朝欲陳三兩條事：一者欲正郊丘，二者欲更鑄九鼎，三者欲樹雙闕。 世傳晉室欲立闕，王丞相指牛頭山雲，'此天闕也'。 是則未明立闕之意。 闕者謂之象魏，懸法於其上，浹日而收之。 象者法也，魏者當塗而高大貌也。 鼎者神器，有國所先。 圓丘南郊，舊典不同。 南郊祠五帝靈威仰之類，圓丘祠天皇大帝、北極大星是也。 往代合之郊丘，先儒之巨失。 今梁德告始，不宜遂因前謬。 卿宜陳之。」 杲之曰：「僕之鄙劣，豈敢輕議國典，此當敬俟叔孫生耳。」
Gao arrived first; Yin feared Tiao would not come, showed rising was possible, then in deerskin kerchief knelt to receive the edict. When the edict was read he returned to his seat and read prostrate. Yin told Gao, "In Qi I wished to present three matters: rectify suburban rites, recast the Nine Cauldrons, erect paired towers. Jin wished to erect towers; Chancellor Wang pointed at Oxhead Mountain's clouds and said, 'These are Heaven's towers. That showed they had not grasped what a tower was for. A tower means the Elephant and Glorious Hall—laws suspended upon it, displayed at dawn and gathered at dusk. Elephant means law; glorious means blocking the road while standing high. The cauldron is the sacred vessel every state must possess first. Round mound and southern suburb—old canons differ. Southern suburb sacrifices to Five Thearchs; round mound to Great Thearch of Heaven and North Pole Star. Earlier ages merged suburban and mound rites—the gravest error of the old scholars. Now Liang virtue begins—it is not fitting to follow the former error. You must raise these points at court. Gao said, "I am crude—how dare I discuss state canons? This should await Master Shusun."
46
及杲之從謝朏所還，問胤以出期。 胤知朏已應召，答杲之曰：「吾年已五十七，月食四斗米不盡，何容復有宦情？」 杲之失色不能答。 胤反謂曰：「卿何不遣傳詔還朝拜表，留與我同遊邪？」 杲之愕然曰：「古今不聞此例。」 胤曰：「檀弓兩卷，皆言物始。 自卿而始，何必有例？」 胤、朏俱前代高士，胤處名譽尤邁矣。
When Gao returned from Tiao's place he asked Yin about departure. Yin knew Tiao had answered and replied, "I am fifty-seven; four dou of rice a month I cannot finish—how could I again desire office? Gao blanched and had no reply. Yin said, "Why not send the edict-bearer back to submit a memorial and stay to roam with me? Gao was startled: "From antiquity to the present no such precedent exists." Yin said, "T'an Kung's two volumes speak of things at the beginning. Let the precedent start with you—why need there be an old one?" Yin and Tiao were both eminent men of the former age; Yin especially surpassed in reputation.
47
杲之還，以胤意奏聞，有敕給白衣尚書祿。 胤固辭。 又敕山陰庫錢月給五萬，又不受。 乃敕何子朗、孔壽等六人於東山受學。 太守衡陽王元簡深加禮敬，月中常命駕式閭，談論終日。
Gao memorialized Yin's intent; an edict granted salary of plain-robed Director of the Imperial Secretariat. Yin firmly declined. Another edict granted fifty thousand cash monthly from Shanyin treasury; again he declined. An edict ordered He Zilang, Kong Shou, and six others to study on Eastern Mountain. Grand Administrator Prince of Hengyang Yuan Jian treated him with deep courtesy and often called at his gate; they talked all day.
48
胤以若邪處勢迫隘，不容學徒，乃遷秦望山。 山有飛泉，乃起學舍，即林成援，因岩為堵； 別為小合室，寢處其中，躬自啟閉，僮僕無得至者。 山側營田二頃，講隙從生徒遊之。 胤初遷將築室，忽見二人著玄冠，容貌甚偉，問胤曰：「君欲居此邪？」 乃指一處云：「此中殊吉。」 忽不復見。 胤依言而卜焉。 尋而山發洪水，樹石皆倒拔，唯胤所居室巋然獨存。 元簡乃命記室參軍鍾嶸作瑞室頌，刻石以旌之。
Because Ruoye was cramped for disciples, he moved to Mount Qinwang. A flying spring flowed; he raised a schoolhouse, beams from the forest, walls from the cliff; he built a small chamber and slept within, opening and closing it himself—servants could not approach. On the mountainside he cultivated two qing and roamed with disciples between lectures. When about to build, he saw two men in dark caps who asked, "Do you wish to dwell here? They pointed to a place: "This place is especially auspicious." Suddenly they vanished. Yin took their counsel and chose that site by divination. Soon a flood burst; trees and stones uprooted, yet only Yin's dwelling stood firm. Yuan Jian ordered Zhong Rong to compose an "Encomium on the Auspicious Chamber" and carve it in stone.
49
及元簡去郡，入山與胤別。 胤送至都賜埭，去郡三里，因曰：「僕自棄人事，交遊路斷，自非降貴山藪，豈容復望城邑。 此埭之游，於今絕矣。」 執手涕零。
When Yuan Jian left the commandery he entered the mountain to bid farewell. Yin saw him off to Dusi Embankment and said, "I have cast off human affairs—unless nobles descend to mountain and marsh, how could I again look upon the city? This embankment outing ends today. Hand in hand they wept.
50
何氏過江，自晉司空充並葬吳西山。 胤家世年皆不永，唯祖尚之至七十二。 胤年登祖壽，乃移還吳，作別山詩一首，言甚悽愴。
Since the He clan crossed the river, from Jin Minister of Works Chong onward all were buried on Wu's Western Mountain. The He clan rarely lived long; only grandfather Shangzhi reached seventy-two. Reaching his grandfather's span, he moved back to Wu and composed a mournful "Poem on Parting from the Mountain."
51
至吳，居武丘山西寺講經論，學僧復隨之。 東境守宰經途者，莫不畢至。 胤常禁殺，有虞人逐鹿，鹿徑來趨胤，伏而不動。 又有異鳥如鶴紅色，集講堂，馴狎如家禽。
At Wu he lived at Western Temple on Mount Wuqiu lecturing; learning monks followed. Border officials passing by all came. Yin forbade killing; once a hunted deer ran to Yin and lay still. A strange red crane-like bird gathered at the lecture hall tame as domestic fowl.
52
初，開善寺藏法師與胤遇于秦望山，後還都，卒於鍾山。 死日，胤在波若寺見一名僧，授胤香爐奩並函書，云：「貧道發自揚都，呈何居士。」 言訖失所在。 胤開函，乃是大莊嚴論，世中未有。 訪之香爐，乃藏公所常用。 又于寺內立明珠柱，柱乃七日七夜放光。 太守何遠以狀啟昭明太子，太子欽其德，遣舍人何思澄致手令以褒美之。 中大通三年卒，年八十六。
Earlier Master Zang of Kaishan Temple met Yin on Mount Qinwang; later he died on Zhong Mountain. On his death day Yin at Boruo Temple saw a monk who gave him a censer case and letter box from Yangdu. With that he vanished. Yin opened the box—the Great Treatise on the Adorned, not yet in the world. The censer was what Master Zang commonly used. A pearl pillar was erected; for seven days and seven nights it emitted light. Grand Administrator He Yuan memorialized Crown Prince Zhaoming, who sent He Sicheng with praise. In Zhongdatong 3 he died at eighty-six.
53
先是胤疾，妻江氏夢神告曰：「汝夫壽盡，既有至德，應獲延期，爾當代之。」 妻覺說焉，俄得患而卒，胤疾乃瘳。 至是胤夢見一神女並八十許人，並衣帢，行列在前，俱拜床下，覺又見之，便命營凶具。 既而疾困不復瘳。
When Yin was ill Lady Jiang dreamed a spirit said, "Your husband's lifespan is exhausted; for supreme virtue you will replace him. She told this, soon fell ill and died, and Yin recovered. Now Yin dreamed a spirit woman and eighty kerchiefed people bowing below his bed; waking he ordered funeral goods prepared. His illness soon deepened and he did not recover.
54
初，胤侈於味，食必方丈，後稍欲去其甚者，猶食白魚、夔脯，糖蟹，以為非見生物。 疑食蚶蠣，使門人議之。 學生鍾岏曰：「夔之就脯，驟于屈申，蟹之將糖，躁擾彌甚。 仁人用意，深懷如怛。 至於車螯蚶蠣，眉目內闕，慚渾沌之奇，獷殼外緘，非金人之慎。 不悴不榮，曾草木之不若，無馨無臭，與瓦礫其何算。 故宜長充庖廚，永為口實。」 竟陵王子良見岏議大怒。 汝南周顒與胤書，勸令食菜，曰：「變之大者，莫過死生，生之所重，無逾性命。 性命之於彼極切，滋味之在我可賒。 若雲三世理誣，則幸矣良快，如使此道果然，而受形未息，一往一來，生死常事，則傷心之慘，行亦自及。 丈人于血氣之類，雖不身踐，至於晨鳧夜鯉，不能不取備屠門。 財貝之經盜手，猶為廉士所棄，生性之一啟鑾刀，寧復慈心所忍。 騶虞雖饑，非自死之草不食，聞其風者，豈不使人多媿。 丈人得此有素，聊復片言發起耳。」 故胤末年遂絕血味。
Earlier extravagant in taste, each meal a full table; later he still ate white fish, pickled mallow, and sugared crab, considering them not living creatures. Unsure about oysters and mussels, he asked disciples to debate the matter. Zhong Wan said, "Mallow becoming pickle suffers more than bending; crab receiving sugar agitates even more. In the humane heart, pity runs as deep as pain. Cart clams and oysters lack eyes and brows—ashamed before Chaos; rough shells sealed—not the Golden Man's caution. Neither withered nor flourishing—less than grass; without fragrance or stench—how differ from rubble? Therefore they should long fill the kitchen and serve the mouth. Prince of Jingling saw Wan's argument and was greatly angered. Zhou Yong urged vegetables: "Among changes none surpass birth and death; among life's values nothing exceeds life. Life to them is urgent; flavor to us can be deferred. If three lives is false, fortunate; yet if true and form has not ceased, coming and going—then wounded-heart anguish will reach you in action. Though you do not tread among blood and flesh, morning duck and evening carp—you cannot but draw from the butcher's gate. Wealth touched by a thief's hand the upright abandon; life opened by the butcher's knife—how can compassionate heart bear it? Though the Zou-yu starves, it will not eat grass that did not die of itself—will hearers not feel shame? You have long held this—I offer these words merely to stir you. Therefore in later years Yin entirely renounced the taste of blood.
55
胤注百論、十二門論各一卷，注周易十卷，毛詩總集六卷，毛詩隱義十卷，禮記隱義二十卷，禮答問五十五卷。 子撰亦不仕，有高風。
Yin annotated the Hundred Treatises, Twelve Gates, Book of Changes, Mao Odes, Record of Rites, and Ritual Questions and Answers. His son Zhuan also refused office and kept lofty character.
56
何炯字士光，胤從弟也。 父撙，太中大夫。 炯年十五，從胤受業，一期並通五經章句。 白皙美容貌，從兄求、點每曰：「叔寶神清，杜乂膚清，今觀此子，復見衛、杜在目。」 從兄戢謂人曰：「此子非止吾門之寶，亦為一代偉人。」
He Jiong, styled Shiguang, was Yin's cousin. His father Zun held the post of Grand Master of the Palace. At fifteen Jiong studied under Yin and in one term mastered all Five Classics. Fair and handsome, Qiu and Dian said, "Shu-bao's spirit, Du Yi's skin—viewing this child I again see Wei and Du before my eyes. Cousin Ji said, "This child is not only our clan's treasure but a great man of the age."
57
炯常慕恬退，不樂進仕。 從叔昌宇謂曰：「求、點皆已高蹈，汝無宜復爾。 且君子出處亦各一途。」
Jiong admired quiet withdrawal and did not delight in office. Cousin Changyu said, "Qiu and Dian have ascended high—you should not again be like them. Besides, for a gentleman withdrawal and service are different paths."
58
年十九，解褐揚州主簿，舉秀才，累遷梁仁威南康王限內記室，書侍御史。 以父疾陳解。 炯侍疾踰旬，衣不解帶，頭不櫛沐，信宿之間，形貌頓改。 及父卒，號慟不絕聲，藉地腰腳虛腫。 醫云：「須服豬蹄湯。」 炯以有肉味不肯服，親友請譬，終於不回，遂以毀卒。
At nineteen he became Yangzhou chief clerk, was recommended as Outstanding Talent, and rose to recorder and supervising secretary. When his father fell ill he asked to be released from office. Jiong attended more than ten days without removing belt or combing hair; within nights his appearance changed. When his father died he wailed without ceasing; prostrate, waist and legs swelled. The doctor said, "He needs pig-hoof broth. Because it had meat taste he would not take it; kin pleaded, yet he would not turn back and died from grief.
59
先是謂家人曰：「王孫、玄晏所尚不同，長魚、慶緒於事為得。 必須儉而中禮，無取苟異。 月朝十五日，可置一甌粗粥，如常日所進。」 又傷兩兄並淡仕進，故祿所不及，恐而今而後，溫飽無資。 乃漼然下泣，自外無所言。
Earlier he told family, "Wang-sun and Xuan-yan differed; Chang-yu and Qing-xu got matters right. Be frugal yet within ritual—do not seek odd difference. On the first and fifteenth set out one bowl of coarse porridge as on ordinary days. Grieving that elder brothers lightly sought office and salary did not reach them, he feared warmth and fullness would have no support. He wept profusely and said nothing more.
60
何昌宇字儼望，尚之弟子也。 父佟之，位侍中。 昌宇少而清靖，獨立不群，所交者必當世清名，是以風流籍甚。 仕宋為尚書儀曹郎、建平王景素征北南徐州府主簿，以風素見重。 母老求祿，出為湘東太守。 還為齊高帝驃騎功曹。
He Changyu, styled Yanwang, was Shangzhi's nephew. His father Tongzhi had been Palace Attendant. From youth pure and tranquil, apart from the crowd, he befriended men of clear name—his elegant reputation was greatly established. Serving Song he was rites director and staff officer on Prince Jing of Ping's campaign staff; valued for pure character. His mother aging, he sought a salary and went out as Grand Administrator of Xiangdong. Returning he became staff officer on Emperor Gao's Rapid Cavalry.
61
昌宇在郡，景素被誅，昌宇痛之，至是啟高帝理其冤，又與司空褚彥回書極言之。 高帝嘉其義。 歷位中書郎、王儉衛軍長史，儉謂昌宇曰：「後任朝事者，非卿而誰？」
While in commandery Prince Jingsu was executed; Changyu memorialized to rectify the injustice and wrote Chu Yanhui at length. Emperor Gao commended his integrity. He served as Secretariat attendant and Wang Jian's senior administrator; Jian said, "Who but you will handle court affairs?"
62
臨海王昭秀為荊州，以昌宇為西中郎長史、南郡太守，行荊州事。 明帝將踐阼，先使裴叔業喪旨詔昌宇，令以便宜從事。 昌宇拒之曰：「國家委身以上流之重，付身以萬里之事，臨海王未有失，寧得從君單詔邪？ 即時自有啟聞，須反更議。」 叔業曰：「若爾便是拒詔，拒詔，軍法行事耳。」 答曰：「能見殺者君也，能拒詔者僕也。 君不能見殺，政有沿流之計耳。」 昌宇素有名德，叔業不敢逼而退。 上聞而嘉之，昭秀由此得還都。
Prince Zhaoxiu of Linhai was in Jing; Changyu was senior administrator and Grand Administrator of Nan, acting for Jing. When Emperor Ming was about to ascend he sent Pei Shuye with mourning edict, ordering action as circumstances required. Changyu refused: "The state entrusted me with the upper stream; Prince Linhai has no fault—how follow your solitary edict? I will submit a memorial; we must return and deliberate. Shuye said, "Then this is refusing the edict—military law will act." He answered, "Only the lord can kill me; only I can refuse the edict. The lord cannot kill me—there is only going downstream." Changyu had fame and virtue; Shuye did not dare press and withdrew. The Emperor heard and praised him; Zhaoxiu returned to the capital.
63
昌宇後為吏部尚書，嘗有一客姓閔求官。 昌宇謂曰：「君是誰後？」 答曰：「子騫後。」 昌宇團扇掩口而笑，謂坐客曰：「遙遙華胄。」
Later he became personnel director; once a guest surnamed Min sought office. Changyu asked, "Whose line do you claim? He answered, "A descendant of Min Ziqian." Changyu covered his mouth with a round fan and laughed: "A distant noble lineage."
64
昌宇不雜交遊，通和泛愛，曆郡皆以清白稱。 後卒於侍中，領驍騎將軍。 贈太常，諡曰簡子。 子敬容。
He did not mix in social intercourse yet was universally harmonious; in commanderies he was called pure and white. He died as Palace Attendant and General of the Valiant Cavalry. Posthumously Grand Master of Ceremonies with title Duke of Jian. His son Jingrong.
65
敬容字國禮，弱冠尚齊武帝女長城公主，拜駙馬都尉。 梁天監中，為建安內史，清公有美績，吏人稱之。 累遷守吏部尚書，銓序明審，號為稱職。 出為吳郡太守，為政勤恤人隱，辯訟如神，視事四年，政為天下第一。 吏人詣闕請樹碑，詔許之。 復為吏部尚書、侍中，領太子中庶子。
Jingrong, styled Guoli, at twenty married Princess of Changcheng and became Commandant of the Horse. In Tianjian he was Interior Minister of Jian'an; pure and public with fine achievements. Promoted to personnel director; ordering clear and careful, called competent. Grand Administrator of Wu; judging lawsuits like a spirit—in four years governance first under Heaven. Officials and people requested a stele; an edict permitted. Again personnel director, Palace Attendant, Grand Master of Crown Prince's Household.
66
敬容身長八尺，白皙美鬚眉，性矜莊，衣冠鮮麗。 武帝雖衣浣衣，而左右衣必須潔。 嘗有侍臣衣帶卷折，帝怒曰：「卿衣帶如繩，欲何所縛。」 敬容希旨，故益鮮明。 常以膠清刷須，衣裳不整，伏床熨之，或暑月背為之焦。 每公庭就列，容止出人。 為尚書右僕射，參掌選事。 遷左僕射、丹陽尹，並參掌大選如故。
Eight chi tall, fair with handsome beard and brows, proud and solemn, cap and robes bright. Though Emperor Wu wore washed clothes, attendants had to be clean. Once a minister's belt was creased; the Emperor said, "Your belt is like rope—what do you intend to bind? Jingrong pleased the intent and grew ever more bright. He brushed his beard with clear glue; if robes were not neat he ironed them prostrate—summer months scorched his back. Each court session his bearing surpassed others. As Right Vice Director he shared charge of selection. Promoted Left Vice Director and Governor of Danyang, still sharing great selection.
67
敬容接對賓朋，言詞若訥，酬答二宮，則音韻調暢。 大同中，朱雀門災，武帝謂群臣曰：「此門制狹，我始欲改構，遂遭天火。」 相顧未答，敬容獨曰：「此所謂先天而天不違。」 時以為名對。
Receiving guests his words seemed slow; answering the two palaces his tone was fluent. Vermilion Bird Gate caught fire; Emperor Wu said, "This gate is narrow—I wished to rebuild and met heaven's fire. None answered; Jingrong alone said, "This is anticipating Heaven so Heaven does not oppose." People considered it a famous reply.
68
五年，改為尚書令，參選事如故。 敬容久處台閣，詳悉晉魏以來舊事，且聰明識達，勤於簿領，詰朝理事，日旰不休。 職隆任重，專預機密，而拙於草隸，淺於學術，通包苴餉饋，無賄則略不交語。 自晉宋以來，宰相皆文義自逸，敬容獨勤庶務，貪吝為時所嗤鄙。
In year 5 he became Director of the Imperial Secretariat, selection unchanged. Long in the secretariat, knowing affairs from Jin and Wei; clever, diligent in ledgers—handling business from dawn to sunset. Office lofty, sharing secrets, yet clumsy at script and shallow in learning—without bribes he barely spoke. Since Jin and Song chancellors rested in literary elegance; Jingrong toiled in affairs and was scorned for greed.
69
其署名「敬」字，則大作「苟」，小為「文」，「容」字大為「父」，小為「口」。 陸倕戲之曰：「公家'苟'既奇大，'父'亦不小。」 敬容遂不能答。 又多漏禁中語，故嘲誚日至。 嘗有客姓吉，敬容問：「卿與邴吉遠近？」 答曰：「如明公之與蕭何。」 時蕭琛子巡頗有輕薄才，因制卦名、離合等詩嘲之，亦不屑也。
Signing his name "Jing" he wrote large as "Gou" small as "Wen"; "Rong" large as "Fu" small as "Kou." Lu Chuo jested, "Your 'Gou' is strangely large and 'Fu' not small either. Jingrong could not answer. He often leaked forbidden-palace words; mockery arrived daily. Once a guest surnamed Ji; Jingrong asked, "How far from Bing Ji? He answered, "About as close as your Excellency is to Xiao He." Xiao Chen's son Xun composed hexagram and separation-combination poems to mock him; Jingrong paid no heed.
70
帝嘗夢具朝服入太廟拜伏悲感，旦於延務殿說所夢。 敬容對曰：「臣聞孝悌之至，通於神明。 陛下性與天通，故應感斯夢。」 上極然之，便有拜陵之議。
The Emperor dreamed full court robes in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, bowing moved to grief; at dawn he told the dream. Jingrong replied, "Filial piety at utmost penetrates to the spirits. Your Majesty's nature accords with Heaven—therefore this dream. The Emperor greatly agreed and arose the plan to visit tombs.
71
後坐妾弟費慧明為道倉丞夜盜官米，為禁司所執，送領軍府。 時河東王譽為領軍，敬容以書解慧明。 譽前經屬事不行，因此即封書以奏。 帝大怒，付南司推劾。 御史中丞張綰奏敬容協私罔上，合棄市。 詔特免職。 到溉謂朱異曰：「天時便覺開霽。」 其見嫉如此。
Later concubine's brother Fei Huiming stole official grain and was sent to the Army Commander's office. Prince of Hedong Yu was Army Commander; Jingrong wrote exonerating Huiming. Yu had earlier requested a matter not granted; he sealed the letter and memorialized. The Emperor was enraged and handed it to the southern bureau. Zhang Chuo memorialized favoring private interest and deceiving superiors—punishment fitting market abandonment. An edict stripped him of office by special grace. Dao Gai told Zhu Yi, "The sky feels as if rain has just cleared. So bitter was the envy against him.
72
初，沙門釋寶志嘗謂敬容曰：「君後必貴，終是'何'敗耳。」 及敬容為宰相，謂何姓當為其禍，故抑沒宗族，無仕進者，至是竟為河東所敗。
Monk Shizhi told Jingrong, "You will be noble—in the end 'He' ruins you. As chancellor he thought He would be his calamity and suppressed his clan; yet Hedong ruined him.
73
中大同元年三月，武帝幸同泰寺講金字三慧經，敬容啟預聽，敕許之。 又起為金紫光祿大夫，未拜，又加侍中。 敬容舊時賓客門生喧嘩如昔，冀其復用。 會稽謝鬱致書戒之曰：
Zhongdatong year 1 month 3 Emperor Wu visited Tongtai Temple; Jingrong memorialized to attend and was permitted. Raised Grand Master with golden seal; before accepting, added Palace Attendant. Old guests and disciples clamored as before, hoping for reuse. Kuaiji Xie Yu wrote admonishing:
74
草萊之人，聞諸道路，君侯已得瞻望朝夕，出入禁門。 醉尉將不敢呵，灰然不無其漸，甚休！ 敢賀於前，又將吊也。
A man of grass and wilds, hearing on the road, learns my lord already obtains audience and goes in and out of the forbidden gate. The drunken gatekeeper will not dare shout; gradually there is progress—excellent! I dare congratulate beforehand, yet will also condole.
75
昔流言裁至，公旦東奔，燕書始來，子孟不入。 夫聖賢被虛過以自斥，未有嬰時釁而求親者也。 且暴鰓之魚，不念杯酌之水，雲霄之翼，豈顧籠樊之糧。 何者？ 所托已盛也。 昔君侯納言加首，鳴玉在腰，回豐貂以步文昌，聳高蟬而趨武帳，可謂盛矣。 不以此時薦才拔士，少報聖主之恩，今卒如爰絲之說，受責見過，方復欲更窺朝廷，觖望萬分，竊不為左右取也。 昔竇嬰、楊惲亦得罪明時，不能謝絕賓客，猶交黨援，卒無後福，終益前禍。 僕之所吊，實在於斯。
When slander arrived Duke of Zhou fled east; when Yan's letter came Huo Guang did not enter. Sages use empty faults to reproach themselves—never seek intimacy at a moment of taint. A fish with bursting gills does not think of cup water; cloud wings—how look to cage feed? Why? What they lean on is already exalted. Formerly you received "Counselor" at head and jade at waist; rich sable through Wenchang, high cicada to the martial tent—flourishing. Not then recommending talent to repay grace—now like Ai Si's saying, receiving blame, yet again peeping at court—I do not take this for your side. Dou Ying and Yang Yun offended their age yet could not break with guests—no later blessing, adding to calamity. That is what I mourn for you.
76
人人所以頗猶有踵君侯之門者，未必皆感惠懷仁，有灌夫、任安之義，乃戒翟公之大署，冀君侯之復用也。 夫在思過之日，而挾復用之意，未可為智者說矣。 夫君侯宜杜門念失，無有所通，築茅茨於鍾阜，聊優遊以卒歲，見可憐之意，著待終之情，復仲尼能改之言，惟子貢更也之譬，少戢言於眾口，微自救於竹帛，所謂「失之東隅，收之桑榆」。 如此，令明主聞知，尚有冀也。
Why people still follow your gate—not all moved by Ren An's righteousness, but warning against Duke Zhai's inscription, hoping for reuse. On days of reflecting on faults, yet carrying reuse intent—this cannot be told to the wise. Shut the gate and reflect; build a hut on Zhong Mountain—show pitiable intent, restore reform, restrain many mouths—"losing the eastern corner, gaining mulberry dusk." Thus let the enlightened lord hear—there is still hope.
77
僕東皋鄙人，入穴幸無銜寠，恥天下之士，不為執事道之，故披肝膽，示情素，君侯豈能鑒焉。
I am a rustic of eastern marsh; ashamed gentlemen would not speak for you—I lay bare liver and gall; can you discern?
78
太清元年，遷太子詹事，侍中如故。 二年，侯景襲建鄴，敬容自府移家台內。 初，景渦陽退敗，未得審實，傳者乃雲其將暴顯反，景身與眾並沒。 朝廷以為憂。 敬容尋見東宮，簡文謂曰：「淮北始更有信，侯景定得身免。」 敬容曰：「得景遂死，深是朝廷之福。」 簡文失色，問其故，對曰：「景翻覆叛臣，終當亂國。」
Taiqing 1 he became Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent, Palace Attendant unchanged. Year 2 Hou Jing raided Jianye; Jingrong moved household into the platform interior. When Jing retreated at Woyang facts were unverified; transmitters said he would rebel and all were lost. The court was deeply worried. Jingrong saw the Eastern Palace; Emperor Jianwen said, "North of the Huai there is news—Hou Jing will escape. Jingrong said, "If Jing is dead, that is the court's great fortune." Emperor Jianwen turned pale; he answered, "Jing is a treacherous rebel—in the end he will disorder the state."
79
是年，簡文頻于玄圃自講老莊二書，學士吳孜時寄詹事府，每日入聽。 敬容謂孜曰：「昔晉氏喪亂，頗由祖尚虛玄，胡賊遂覆中夏。 今東宮復襲此，殆非人事，其將為戎乎。」 俄而侯景難作，其言有征也。 三年，卒於圍內。
That year Emperor Jianwen lectured on Laozi and Zhuangzi at Mysterious Garden; Wu Zi lodged at the Grand Tutor's office and daily listened. Jingrong told Zi, "Jin disorder largely arose from ancestor Shang's empty abstruse talk—barbarians overturned central Xia. Now the Eastern Palace again follows this—scarcely human affairs; will it not become war? Soon Hou Jing's rebellion broke out, just as he had said. Year 3 he died within the siege.
80
何氏自晉司空充、宋司空尚之奉佛法，並建立塔寺，至敬容又舍宅東為伽藍，趨權者因助財造構，敬容並不拒，故寺堂宇頗為宏麗。 時輕薄者因呼為「眾造寺」。 及敬容免職出宅，止有常用器物及囊衣而已，竟無餘財貨，時亦以此稱之。
From Chong and Shangzhi the He clan honored Buddhism; Jingrong donated his eastern residence—power-seekers helped build and he refused none; temple halls were grand. Frivolous people called it the "Mass-built Temple." Removed from office he had only ordinary utensils and bagged clothes—no surplus wealth; people praised this.
81
敬容特為從兄胤所親愛，胤在若邪山嘗疾篤，有書云：「田疇館宇悉奉眾僧，書經並歸從弟敬容。」 其見知如此。 敬容唯有一子，年始八歲。 在吳，臨還與胤別，胤問名，敬容曰：「仍欲就兄求名。」 胤即命紙筆，名曰玨。 曰：「書雲兩玉曰玨，吾與弟二家共此一子，所謂鈺也。」 位秘書丞，早卒。
Cousin Yin specially loved him; gravely ill on Mount Ruoye Yin left: "Fields and halls to monks; scriptures to cousin Jingrong. So highly was he regarded. He had only one son, just eight years old. In Wu, about to return he bade farewell; Yin asked the name; Jingrong said, "I wish to ask elder brother for a name. Yin ordered paper and brush and named him Jue. "Two jade makes jue—two families share this one child, called yu. He reached Secretary Assistant and died young.
82
論曰：尚之以雅道自居，用致公輔，行己之跡，動不踰閑。 及乎洗合取譏，皮冠獲誚，貞粹之地，高人未之全許。 然父子一時並處權要，雖經屯詖，咸以功名自卒，古之所謂巧宦，此之謂乎。 點、胤弟兄俱雲遁逸，求其蹈履，則非曰山林，察其持身，則未舍名譽。 觀夫子皙之赴慧景，子季之矯敬沖，以跡以心，居然可測。 而高自標緻，一代歸宗，以之入用，未知所取。 斯殆虛勝之風，江東所尚，不然何以至於此也？ 昌宇雅仗名節，殆曰人望。 敬容材實幹蠱，賄而敗業，惜乎。
The appraisal: Shangzhi took elegant conduct as dwelling and reached chancellor; conduct never overstepped propriety. Yet washing and combining brought ridicule and deerskin cap mockery—in pure integrity the lofty man did not wholly approve. Yet father and son both held power; though passing slander, all ended in merit—what antiquity called clever office-seeker—is this not that? Dian and Yin claimed reclusion; their tread was not mountain and forest; their conduct did not leave reputation. Zixi going to Huijing and Ziji correcting restraint—by act and heart, clearly measured. Yet they marked themselves refined and the age returned to them— to put them to use, one does not know what to take. This is perhaps empty-victory wind that Jiangdong honors—otherwise how reach this? Changyu relied on fame and integrity—nearly the people's expectation. Jingrong had talent and handled affairs, yet was ruined by bribes—pity.