1
茂度仕為宋武帝太尉主簿、揚州中從事，累遷別駕。 武帝西伐劉毅，北伐關洛，皆居守留任州事。 出為都督、廣州刺史、平越中郎將，綏靜百越，嶺外安之。
Maodu served on Liu Yu’s staff as chief clerk to the grand commandant and as middle attendant of Yang Province, eventually rising to vice governor. During Liu Yu’s campaigns west against Liu Yi and north toward Guan and Luo, Maodu stayed behind to govern Yang Province. Posted as area commander, governor of Guang Province, and general who pacified the Yue, he quieted the southern tribes and secured the lands beyond the Ling Mountains.
2
元嘉元年，為侍中、都督、益州刺史。 帝討荊州刺史謝晦，詔益州遣軍襲江陵。 晦平，西軍始至白帝。 茂度與晦素善，議者疑其出軍遲留。 弟邵時為湘州刺史，起兵應大駕。 上以邵誠節，故不加罪。 累遷太常，以腳疾出為義興太守。 上從容謂曰：「勿以西蜀介懷。」 對曰：「臣不遭陛下之明，墓木拱矣。」
In Yuanjia 1 he was made attendant-in-ordinary, area commander, and governor of Yi Province. When the emperor moved against Xie Hui, governor of Jing Province, he ordered troops from Yi Province to strike at Jiangling. Hui was already defeated before the western army even reached Baidi. Because Maodu and Hui had been close, some accused him of deliberately slow marching. His brother Shao, then governor of Xiang Province, mobilized in support of the emperor. The emperor spared Maodu punishment, crediting Shao’s loyal response. Promoted to minister of ceremonies, he later left office for a foot ailment and became governor of Yixing. The emperor reassured him: “Do not brood over what happened in western Shu.” Maodu answered, “Without Your Majesty’s fairness, I would already be dead and buried.”
3
後為都官尚書，以疾就拜光祿大夫，加金章紫綬。 茂度內足於財，自絕人事，經始本縣之華山為居止。 優遊野澤，如此者七年。 十八年，除會稽太守。 素有吏能，職事甚理。 卒於官，諡曰恭子。
He later served as director of the ministry of justice, then accepted the post of grand master of splendid happiness with golden seal and purple sash while ill. Wealthy enough for his needs, he withdrew from public life and built a home on Mount Hua in his native county. For seven years he lived at ease among marshes and open country. In the eighteenth year he was made governor of Kuaiji. Already known for administrative skill, he governed with notable efficiency. He died in office and was posthumously titled Gongzi.
4
子演
Son: Yan
5
子演，位太子中舍人。 演四弟鏡、永、辯、岱俱知名，時謂之「張氏五龍」。
Yan rose to attendant of the heir apparent. Yan’s four younger brothers—Jing, Yong, Bian, and Dai—were all celebrated; contemporaries called them the Five Dragons of the Zhang clan.
6
子鏡
Son: Jing
7
鏡少與光祿大夫顏延之鄰居，顏談義飲酒，喧呼不絕，而鏡靜默無言聲。 後鏡與客談，延之從籬邊聞之，取胡床坐聽，辭義清玄。 延之心服，謂客曰：「彼有人焉。」 由是不復酣叫。 仕至新安太守。 演、鏡兄弟中名最高，餘並不及。
As a young man Jing lived beside Yan Yanzhi, who held forth on doctrine over wine with endless noise while Jing sat in wordless silence. Once, hearing Jing talk with a guest from the other side of the hedge, Yanzhi brought a folding stool to listen and found his discourse lucid and refined. Impressed, Yanzhi told the guest, “This man has real substance.” After that he never again roared in drunken debate. In service he became governor of Xin’an. Of the brothers, Yan and Jing enjoyed the greatest renown.
8
初，裕曾祖澄當葬父，郭璞為占墓地，曰：「葬某處，年過百歲，位至三司，而子孫不蕃。 某處年幾減半，位裁卿校，而累世貴顯。」 澄乃葬其劣處。 位光祿，年六十四而亡，其子孫遂昌云。
When Yu’s great-grandfather Cheng prepared to bury his father, Guo Pu divined the site and said, “One spot promises a life beyond a hundred years and rank among the Three Excellencies, but few descendants. Another spot cuts the lifespan nearly in half and caps rank at commandery or garrison commander, yet the line will flourish for generations.” Cheng chose the lesser site. He rose to grand master of splendid happiness, died at sixty-four, and his line thereafter flourished.
9
子永
Son: Yong
10
永字景雲，初為郡主簿，累遷尚書中兵郎。 先是尚書中條制繁雜，元嘉十八年，欲加修撰，徙永為刪定郎，掌其任。 二十二年，除建康令，所居皆有稱績。 又除廣陵王誕北中郎錄事參軍。 永涉獵書史，能為文章，善隸書，騎射雜藝，觸類兼善。 又有巧思，益為文帝所知。 紙墨皆自營造，上每得永表啟，輒執玩咨嗟，自歎供禦者了不及也。 二十三年，造華林園、玄武湖，並使永監統。 凡所制置，皆受則於永。 永既有才能，每盡心力，文帝謂堪為將。 二十九年，以永為揚威將軍、冀州刺史，加都督。 督王玄謨、申坦等諸將經略河南，進攻碻磝，累旬不拔，為魏軍所殺甚眾。 永即夜撤圍退軍，不報告諸將，眾軍驚擾，為魏所乘，死敗塗地。 永及申坦並為統府撫軍將軍蕭思話所收，系於曆城獄。 文帝以屢征無功，諸將不可任，詔責永等與思話。 又與江夏王義恭書曰：「早知諸將輩如此，恨不以白刃驅之，今者悔何所及。」
Yong, styled Jingyun, began as a commandery chief clerk and rose to lang of central troops in the ministry. Because ministry regulations had grown tangled, in Yuanjia 18 the court set out to revise them and put Yong in charge as editing-and-fixing lang. In the twenty-second year he became magistrate of Jiankang and earned a reputation in every office he held. He also served as recording secretary on Prince of Guangling Dan’s northern staff. Yong read widely in history, wrote well, mastered clerical script, and was adept at riding, archery, and every art he attempted. His ingenuity brought him increasingly to Emperor Wen’s attention. He even made his own paper and ink; the emperor would linger over Yong’s memorials and marvel that the imperial workshops could not match them. In the twenty-third year he oversaw construction of Hualin Garden and Xuanwu Lake. Every design followed Yong’s specifications. Emperor Wen, impressed by Yong’s talent and tireless effort, judged him capable of military command. In the twenty-ninth year he was made general who displays might and governor of Ji Province, with area command. Commanding Wang Xuanmo, Shen Tan, and others on the south bank of the Yellow River, he besieged Quebo for weeks without success while Wei forces slaughtered his troops in great numbers. Yong pulled back by night without warning the other commanders; panic spread, Wei forces fell upon them, and the field was heaped with dead. Xiao Sihua, pacifying army general of the supreme command, seized Yong and Shen Tan and jailed them at Licheng. Frustrated by repeated failure, Emperor Wen rebuked Yong, Shen Tan, and Sihua by edict. He also wrote Prince of Jiangxia Yigong: “Had I known these generals would fail so miserably, I would have driven them with the sword itself—too late for regret now.”
11
三十年，元凶弑立，起永為青州刺史。 及司空南譙王義宣起義，又改永為冀州刺史，加都督。 永遣司馬崔勳之、中兵參軍劉宣則二軍馳赴國難。 時蕭思話在彭城，義宣慮二人不相諧緝，與思話書，勸與永坦懷。 又使永從兄長史張暢與永書勖之，使遠慕廉、藺在公之德，近效平、勃亡私之美。 事平，召為江夏王義恭大司馬從事中郎，領中兵。
After the crown prince’s regicide in the thirtieth year, Yong was recalled to govern Qing Province. When Prince of Nanqiao Yixuan rose in revolt, Yong was reassigned as governor of Ji Province with area command. Yong dispatched two forces under Cui Xunzhi and Liu Xuanze to rush to the capital’s aid. Xiao Sihua was then at Pengcheng; fearing discord, Yixuan wrote urging him to reconcile with Yong. He also had Yong’s cousin Zhang Chang write urging him to emulate the public loyalty of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru and the selfless service of Chen Ping and Zhou Bo. After the rebellion ended, Yong joined Prince of Jiangxia Yigong’s grand marshal staff as senior aide and commanded central troops.
12
孝武孝建元年，臧質反，遣永輔武昌王渾鎮京口。 大明三年，累遷廷尉。 上謂曰：「卿既與釋之同姓，欲使天下復無冤人。」 永曉音律，太極殿前鐘聲嘶，孝武嘗以問永。 永答鍾有銅滓，乃扣鍾求其處，鑿而去之，聲遂清越。
In Xiaojian 1, when Zang Zhi rebelled, Yong helped Prince of Wuchang Hun hold Jingkou. In Daming 3 he became minister of justice. The emperor told him, “You bear the same surname as Zhang Shizhi; I want the empire again to know no innocent condemned. Yong knew music; when the bell before the Hall of Supreme Ultimate sounded hoarse, Emperor Xiaowu asked his opinion. Yong said copper dross was the cause, found the flaw by tapping the bell, scraped it out, and restored a clear tone.
13
明帝即位，為青冀二州刺史，監四州諸軍事，統諸將討徐州刺史薛安都，累戰克捷。 破薛索兒。 又遷鎮軍將軍，尋為南兗州刺史，加都督。
Under Emperor Ming he governed Qing and Ji, commanded four provinces, and led repeated victories against Xue Andu of Xu Province. He routed Xue Suo’er. Promoted to general who stabilizes the army, he then governed Southern Yan with area command.
14
時薛安都據彭城請降，而誠心不款。 明帝遣永與沈攸之重兵迎之，加都督前鋒諸軍事，進軍彭城。 安都招引魏兵既至，永狼狽引軍還，為魏軍追大敗，復遇寒雪，士卒離散。 永腳指斷落，僅以身免，失其第四子。
Xue Andu then held Pengcheng and offered surrender, but his loyalty was doubtful. Emperor Ming sent Yong and Shen Youzhi with a large force to receive him, putting Yong in command of the vanguard as they marched on Pengcheng. Andu had already called in Wei troops; Yong fled in disorder, was routed in pursuit, and a bitter snowstorm scattered what remained of his army. Toes torn off, he barely escaped alive and lost his fourth son.
15
三年，徙會稽太守，加都督，將軍如故。 以北行失律，固求自貶，降號左將軍。 永痛悼所失之子，有兼常哀，服制雖除，猶立靈座，飲食衣服，待之如生。 每出行，常別具名車好馬，號曰侍從。 有軍事，輒語左右報郎君知也。 以破薛索兒功，封孝昌縣侯。 在會稽，賓客有謝方童、阮須、何達之等竊其權，贓貨盈積。 方童等坐贓下獄死，永又降號冠軍將軍。
In the third year he was moved to Kuaiji as governor with area command, retaining his general’s rank. Ashamed of the northern debacle, he insisted on demotion and was reduced to left general. He mourned his lost son with extraordinary grief; even after mourning ended he kept a spirit seat and served food and clothing as though the boy still lived. On outings he always set out a fine carriage and horses for the dead boy, calling them his son’s escort. When military matters arose he would tell attendants, “Let the young master know.” For defeating Xue Suo’er he was enfeoffed as marquis of Xiaochang. At Kuaiji his clients Xie Fangtong, Ruan Xu, and He Dazhi seized power for themselves and amassed illicit wealth. Fangtong and the others were executed for corruption; Yong was demoted again to general who triumphs.
16
子岱
Son: Dai
17
岱字景山，州辟從事，累遷東遷令。 時殷沖為吳興太守，謂人曰：「張東遷親貧須養，所以棲遲下邑。 然名器方顯，終當大至。」
Dai, styled Jingshan, entered service as a provincial aide and became magistrate of Dongqian. Yin Chong, governor of Wuxing, remarked, “Magistrate Zhang of Dongqian is poor and must support kin—that is why he stays in a small county. But his name is rising; he will go far.”
18
後為司徒左西曹掾。 母年八十，籍注未滿，岱便去官，從實還養。 有司以岱違制，將欲糾舉。 宋孝武曰：「觀過可以知仁，不須案也。」
He later served as senior aide of the left in the secretariat. His mother was eighty; though his mourning term on the register was incomplete, he resigned at once to care for her. Officials prepared to charge him for breaking mourning regulations. Emperor Xiaowu said, “His breach shows his filial heart; let the matter drop.”
19
累遷山陰令，職事閑理。 巴陵王休若為北徐州，未親政事，以岱為冠軍諮議參軍，領彭城太守，行府、州、國事。 後臨海王為征虜將軍廣州，豫章王為車騎揚州，晉安王為征虜南兗州，岱曆為三府諮議三王行事，與典簽主帥共事，事舉而情得。 或謂岱曰：「主王既幼，執事多門，而每能緝和公私，云何致此？」 岱曰：「古人言，一心可以事百君。 我為政端平，待物以禮，悔吝之事，無由而及； 明闇短長，更是才用多少耳。」
Promoted to magistrate of Shanyin, he governed with quiet competence. When Prince of Baling Xiuru governed northern Xu but did not yet handle affairs himself, Dai served as his senior adviser and acting governor of Pengcheng, running princely, provincial, and state business. He later acted for three successive princes—Linhai at Guangzhou, Yuzhang at Yangzhou, Jin’an at Southern Yan—working with registry staff and commanders so that affairs were settled without rancor. People asked Dai, “These princes are young and many factions compete for power—how do you always reconcile public duty and private feeling?” He answered, “The ancients said one loyal heart can serve a hundred masters. I govern fairly and treat people with courtesy, leaving no cause for regret; whether a prince succeeds or fails is only a question of his own capacity.”
20
入為黃門郎。 新安王子鸞以盛寵為南徐州，割吳郡屬焉。 高選佐史，孝武召岱謂曰：「卿美效夙著，兼資宦已多，今欲用卿為子鸞別駕，總刺史之任，無謂小屈，終當大申也。」 帝崩，累遷吏部郎。 泰始末，為吳興太守。 元徽中，為益州刺史，加都督。 數年，益土安其政。
He entered court as gentleman of the yellow gate. Prince of Xin’an Ziluan, greatly favored, became southern governor of Xu, with Wu Commandery attached to his domain. The emperor summoned Dai and said, “Your record is long and distinguished; I mean to make you Ziluan’s vice governor with full charge of the province—take this not as a slight, for greater honors will follow.” After the emperor’s death he rose to lang in the ministry of personnel. Late in Taishi he governed Wuxing. During Yuanhui he governed Yi Province with area command. Within a few years Yi Province prospered under his rule.
21
累遷吏部尚書。 王儉為吏部郎，時專斷曹事，岱每相違執。 及儉為宰相，以此頗不相善。
He rose to director of the ministry of personnel. Wang Jian as lang monopolized personnel decisions; Dai frequently blocked him. When Jian became chief minister, their mutual dislike deepened.
22
兄子瑰、弟恕誅吳郡太守劉遐，齊高帝欲以恕為晉陵郡。 岱曰：「恕未閑從政，美錦不宜濫裁。」 高帝曰：「恕為人我所悉，其又與瑰同勳，自應有賞。」 岱曰：「若以家貧賜祿，此所不論； 語功推事，臣門之恥。」 加散騎常侍。
When his nephew Gui and brother Shu killed Governor Liu Xia of Wu Commandery, Emperor Gao wanted to make Shu governor of Jinling. Dai objected: “Shu lacks governing experience; fine brocade should not be cut rashly.” The emperor replied, “I know Shu, and he shares Gui’s service—he deserves reward.” Dai said, “If you mean salary because we are poor, say so; but to reward office for this deed shames our clan. He was also made regular attendant.
23
建元元年，中詔序朝臣，欲以右僕射擬岱。 褚彥回謂得此過優，若別有忠誠，特宜升引者，別是一理。」 詔更量。
In Jianyuan 1 a court ranking would have placed Dai as right vice director. Chu Yanhui said that was too high unless separate loyalty justified special advancement. The edict was revised.
24
出為吳郡太守。 高帝知岱歷任清直，至郡未幾，手敕曰：「大郡任重，乃未欲回換，但總戎務殷，宜須望實。 今用卿為護軍。 加給事中。」 岱拜竟，詔以家為府。 武
He was sent out to govern Wu Commandery. Knowing Dai’s record of integrity, the emperor soon wrote: “Wu is a great commandery and I am not ready to move you, but military affairs demand proven merit. I appoint you defender of the army. He was also made attendant. After his audience, an edict made his residence his headquarters. Wu
25
帝即位，復為吳興太守。 岱晚節在吳興，更以寬恕著名。 遷南兗州刺史，未拜卒。
When Emperor Wu acceded, Dai again governed Wu Commandery. In his later years at Wuxing he grew famous for clemency. Transferred to southern Yan, he died before taking up the post.
26
岱初作遺命，分張家財，封置箱中，家業張減，隨復改易，如此十數年。 諡曰貞子。
He had long since drawn up a will dividing family property in a sealed chest, revising it again and again over more than a decade as estates changed. He was posthumously titled Zhenzi.
27
演子緒
Yan’s son: Xu
28
緒字思曼，岱兄子也。 父演，宋太子中舍人。 緒少知名，清簡寡欲，從伯敷及叔父鏡、從叔暢並貴異之。 鏡比之樂廣，敷云：「是我輩人」。 暢言于孝武帝，用為尚書倉部郎。 都令史諮詳郡縣米事，緒蕭然直視，不以經懷。 宋明帝每見緒，輒歎其清淡。
Xu, styled Siman, was Dai’s nephew. His father Yan had been attendant of the heir apparent under Song. Known from youth for purity and restraint, he was prized by his uncle Fu and his uncles Jing and Chang. Jing compared him to Yue Guang; Fu said, “He is one of us.” Chang recommended him to Emperor Xiaowu, who made him lang of the granary section. When clerks debated grain accounts, Xu sat detached and unconcerned. Emperor Ming sighed each time he saw Xu’s austere bearing.
29
轉太子中庶子、本州大中正，遷司徒左長史。 吏部尚書袁粲言於帝曰：「臣觀張緒有正始遺風，宜為宮職。」 復轉中庶子。 後為侍中，遷吏部郎，參掌大選。 元徽初，東宮官罷，選曹擬舍人王儉為格外記室。 緒以儉人地兼美，宜轉秘書丞。 從之。 緒又遷侍中，嘗私謂客曰：「一生不解作諾。」 有以告袁粲、褚彥回者，由是出為吳郡太守，緒初不知也。
He became senior mentor of the heir apparent and grand arbiter of his province, then senior aide of the left. Yuan Can told the emperor, “Zhang Xu has the detached spirit of the Zhengshi age and belongs in palace office.” He returned to senior mentor. He later became attendant-in-ordinary, then lang of personnel, sharing major appointments. At Yuanhui’s start, with eastern palace posts abolished, personnel proposed Wang Jian as extraordinary recorder. Xu argued that Jian’s talent and pedigree suited the secretary directorship instead. The court agreed. Again made attendant, he once told a guest, “I have never learned to say yes.” When Yuan Can and Chu Yanhui heard, he was exiled to Wu Commandery without being told.
30
駕幸莊嚴寺聽僧達道人講維摩，坐遠不聞緒言，上難移緒，乃遷僧達以近之。 時帝欲用緒為右僕射，以問王儉。 儉曰：「緒少有清望，誠美選也。 南士由來少居此職。」 褚彥回曰：「儉少年或未憶耳，江左用陸玩、顧和，皆南人也。」 儉曰：「晉氏衰政，不可為則。」 先是緒諸子皆輕俠，中子充少時又不護細行，儉又以為言，乃止。
At Zhuangyan Temple the emperor heard Dadao preach the Vimalakirti Sutra; rather than move Xu farther back, he moved the monk closer. The emperor then considered Xu for right vice director and asked Wang Jian. Jian said, “Xu’s pure reputation makes him an excellent choice. Southerners rarely hold that post.” Chu Yanhui replied, “Jian may be too young to recall Lu Wan and Gu He under the eastern Jin.” Jian answered, “Decadent Jin is no model.” Jian also cited Xu’s unruly sons, especially Chong, and the appointment was dropped.
31
及立國學，以緒為太常卿，領國子祭酒，以王延之代緒為中書令。 何點歎曰：「晉以子敬、季琰為此職，今以王延之、張緒為之，可謂清官。 後接之者，實為未易。」 緒長於周易，言精理奧，見宗一時。 常云：「何平叔不解易中七事」。
When the National University was founded, Xu became minister of ceremonies and director of the university; Wang Yanzhi replaced him in the secretariat. He Dian sighed, “Jin gave these posts to Wang Xianzhi and Gu Hui; now Wang Yanzhi and Zhang Xu hold them—true pure offices. Successors will have a hard act to follow. Expert in the Book of Changes, his discourse was subtle and commanded the age. He often said He Yan never grasped seven points in the Changes.
32
武帝即位，轉吏部尚書，祭酒如故。 永明二年，領南郡王師，加給事中。 三年，轉太子詹事，師、給事如故。 緒每朝見，武帝目送之，謂王儉曰：「緒以位尊我，我以德貴緒。」 遷散騎常侍、金紫光祿大夫，師如故，給親信二十人。
Under Emperor Wu he became director of personnel while keeping the university directorship. In Yongming 2 he tutored Prince of Nan Commandery as attendant. In the third year he became grand mentor of the heir apparent. At court audiences the emperor watched Xu leave and told Wang Jian, “He outranks me in office; I outrank him in virtue.” Promoted to regular attendant and grand master with golden seal, he kept twenty personal attendants.
33
復領中正。 長沙王晃屬選用吳郡聞人邕為州議曹，緒以資籍不當，執不許。 晃遺書於緒固請之，緒正色謂晃信曰：「此是身家州鄉，殿下何得見逼。」 乃止。
He again headed grand arbiter appointments. Prince of Changsha Huang wanted Wenren Yong as provincial selection officer; Xu refused on grounds of pedigree. Huang pressed by letter; Xu told the messenger, “He is from my own commandery—Your Highness cannot bully me into this.” The appointment stopped.
34
緒吐納風流，聽者皆忘饑疲，見者肅然如在宗廟。 雖終日與居，莫能測焉。 劉悛之為益州，獻蜀柳數株，枝條甚長，狀若絲縷。 時舊宮芳林苑始成，武帝以植於太昌靈和殿前，常賞玩咨嗟，曰：「此楊柳風流可愛，似張緒當年時。」 其見賞愛如此。 王儉為尚書令、丹陽尹，時諸令史來問訊，有一令史善俯仰，進止可觀。 儉賞異之，問曰：「經與誰共事？」 答云：「十餘歲在張令門下。」 儉目送之。 時尹丞殷存至在坐，曰：「是康成門人也。」
His conversation was so graceful that listeners forgot weariness and onlookers stood as if in temple rites. Even daily companions could not plumb him. Liu Yan, governing Yi Province, sent several Shu willows with long threadlike branches. The emperor planted them before the Hall of Grand Brilliance and said, “These graceful willows remind me of Zhang Xu in his prime.” The emperor cherished him to that degree. As director and Danyang governor, Wang Jian noticed one clerk’s graceful bows among those paying respects. Jian asked, “Under whom did you learn deportment?” He answered, “More than ten years under Magistrate Zhang.” Jian watched him go. Assistant magistrate Yin Cunzhi said, “A disciple of Kangcheng—that is, Zhang Xu.”
35
七年，竟陵王子良領國子祭酒，武帝敕王晏曰：「吾欲令司徒辭祭酒以授張緒，物議以為如何？」 子良竟不拜，以緒領國子祭酒。
In the seventh year Emperor Wu asked Wang Yan whether Zhang Xu should replace Prince of Jingling Ziliang as university director. Ziliang declined; Xu took the university.
36
緒口不言利，有財輒散之。 清談端坐，或竟日無食。 門生見緒饑，為之辦餐，然未嘗求也。
He never spoke of gain and gave away whatever wealth came to hand. He might spend a whole day in pure talk without eating. Students sometimes brought him food when he went hungry, though he never asked.
37
死之日，無宅以殯，遺命「凶事不設柳翣，止以蘆葭。 車需車引柩，靈上置杯水香火，不設祭」。 從弟融敬緒，事之如親兄。 齎酒於緒靈前酌飲慟哭曰：「阿兄風流頓盡。」 追贈散騎常侍、特進、光祿大夫，諡簡子。
He died without a house for burial; his will said, “No willow fans at mourning—only reeds and rushes. An ox cart for the bier; a cup of water and incense on the spirit seat—no offerings.” His cousin Rong revered him as an elder brother. At Xu’s bier Rong poured wine and wailed, “Brother, your grace is gone.” Posthumously he received regular attendant, special advance, and grand master of splendid happiness, titled Jianzi.
38
子完，宋後廢帝時為正員郎，險行見寵，坐廢錮。 完弟允，永明中安西功曹，淫通殺人伏法。 允兄充知名。
His son Wan, a regular lang under the deposed Song emperor, was confined for debauchery that had won favor at court. Wan’s brother Yun, a western staff officer in Yongming, was executed for adultery and murder. Yun’s elder brother Chong was celebrated.
39
演子充
Yan’s son: Chong
40
充字延符，少好逸遊。 緒嘗告歸至吳，始入西郭，逢充獵，右臂鷹，左牽狗。 遇緒船至，便放絏脫鞋拜于水次。 緒曰：「一身兩役，無乃勞乎。」 充跪曰：「充聞三十而立，今充二十九矣，請至來歲。」 緒曰：「過而能改，顏氏子有焉。」 及明年便修改，多所該通，尤明老、易，能清言。 與從叔稷俱有令譽。
Chong, styled Yanfu, loved pleasure and wandering from youth. Xu, returning to Wu, met Chong in the western suburbs hunting with hawk and hound. Seeing Xu’s boat, Chong loosed his hawk, shed his shoes, and bowed at the shore. Xu said, “One body, two occupations—is that not too much?” Chong knelt: “They say a man stands firm at thirty; I am twenty-nine—give me one year.” Xu said, “To reform after fault—that is worthy of Yan Hui.” The next year he reformed, mastered the Laozi and Changes, and excelled at pure talk. He and his cousin Ji shared a fine reputation.
41
曆尚書殿中郎、武陵王友。 時尚書令王儉當朝用事，齊武帝皆取決焉。 儉方聚親賓，充縠巾葛帔，至便求酒，言論放逸，一坐盡傾。 及聞武帝欲以緒為尚書僕射，儉執不可。 充以為慍，與儉書曰：
He served as palace-section lang and friend to Prince of Wuling. Wang Jian then dominated court decisions for Emperor Wu of Qi. At a gathering of kin and guests Chong arrived in rustic dress, demanded wine, and talked with such abandon that the room was enthralled. Learning the emperor wanted Xu as vice director, Jian blocked it. Angered, Chong wrote Jian:
42
頃日路長，霖霞韜晦，敘暑未平，想無虧攝。 充幸以漁釣之閑，鎌采之暇，時復引軸以自娛，逍遙乎前史。 從橫萬古，動默之路多端，紛綸百年，升降之塗不一。 故金剛水柔，性之別也； 圓行方止，器之異也。 善禦性者，不違金水之質； 善為器者，不易方圓之用。 充生平少偶，不以利欲幹懷，三十六年，差得以棲貧自澹。 介然之志，峭聳霜崖，確乎之情，峰橫海岸。 至如彯纓天閣，既謝廊廟之華，綴組雲台，終愧衣冠之秀。 實由氣岸疏凝，情塗狷隔。 獨師懷抱，不見許於俗人，孤秀神崖，每邅回於在世。 長群魚鳥，畢景松阿。 雖復玉沒於訪珪之辰，桂掩於搜芳之日，氾濫于漁父之游，偃息于卜居之會，如此而已，充何識哉。
Lately roads are long, rains have dimmed the sky, and summer heat lingers—I trust you are well. In fishing idleness and harvest spare hours I sometimes read old histories for pleasure. Across ten thousand years paths of action diverge; through centuries roads of rise and fall differ. Diamond is hard, water soft—natures differ; circles roll, squares halt—vessels differ. Those who master nature do not fight metal or water; those who craft vessels do not force square and circle against their use. I have rarely met my equal; gain does not touch me—for thirty-six years I have lived poor and content. My resolve rises like frost cliffs; my loyalty stands like peaks above the sea. Court tassels at the heavenly gate I have refused; cloud-terrace seals I would wear with shame. My spirit stands apart; feeling’s paths are blocked. I follow my own heart, unapproved by the crowd, a lone peak always turning back from the world. I herd fish and birds and end my days among pines. Though gems are lost and fragrance missed, I wander like a fisherman and rest like a diviner—that is all I know.
43
若夫驚岩罩日，吐海逢天，竦石崩尋，分危落仞。 桂蘭綺靡，叢雜於山幽，松柏陰森，相繚於澗側。 元卿於是乎不歸，伯休亦以茲長往。 至於飛竿釣渚，濯足滄洲，獨浪煙霞，高臥風月，悠悠琴酒，岫遠誰來，灼灼文言，空擬方寸。 不覺郁然千里，路隔江川，每至西風，何嘗不歎。 丈人歲路未強，學優而仕，道佐蒼生，功橫海望，可謂德盛當時，孤松獨秀者也。 而茂陵之彥，望冠蓋而長懷，渭川之甿，佇簪裾而竦歎，得無惜乎。 充昆西百姓，岱表一人，蠶而衣，耕而食。 不能事王侯，覓知己，造時人，騁遊說。 容與于屠博之間，其歡甚矣。 然舉世皆謂充為狂，充亦何能與諸君道之哉。 是以披聞見，掃心胸，述平生，論語默。 所可通夢交魂、推襟送抱者，唯丈人而已。 闕廷敻阻，書罷莫因，儻遇樵夫，妄塵執事。 儉以為脫略，弗之重，仍以書示緒，緒杖之一百。 又為御史中丞到撝所奏，免官禁錮。 沈約見其書，歎曰：「充始為之敗，終為之成。」 久之，為司徒諮議參軍，與琅邪王思遠、同郡陸慧曉等並為司徒竟陵王賓客。 累遷義興太守，為政清靜，吏人便之。 後為侍中。 梁武帝兵至建鄴，東昏逢殺，百官集西鍾下，召充，充不至。 武帝霸府建，以充為大司馬諮議參軍。 天監初，曆太常卿、吏部尚書，居選以平允稱。 再遷散騎常侍、國子祭酒。 登堂講說，皇太子以下皆至。 時王侯多在學，執經以拜，充朝服而立，不敢當。 再遷尚書僕射。 頃之，出為吳郡太守。 下車恤貧老，故舊莫不忻悅。 卒于吳郡，諡曰穆子。 子最嗣。
Think of cliffs that blot the sun, seas that meet the sky, stones crashing from thousand-ren heights. Orchids tangle in deep mountains; cypress shade lines the streams. Lord Yuan never returned; Lord Bo left forever for such scenes. Rods on islets, feet in blue waters, alone in mist and moon—distant music, blazing letters, none to share the heart’s inch. Gloom stretches a thousand li; rivers block the way—when the west wind rises, who does not sigh? You are not yet old, learned and in office, aiding the people with merit spanning the seas—a virtuous pine standing alone in the age. Yet Maoling’s worthies long for court processions; Wei River folk wait for official dress—is there no regret? I am a common man west of Kun, one man on the frontier—silkworms for clothes, plow for food. I cannot serve lords, seek patrons, court the powerful, or roam as persuader. I am content among butchers and gamblers—that joy is enough. The world calls me mad; how could I explain that to you? So I lay open my heart, tell my life, and speak of word and silence. Only with you, sir, can I join souls and embrace as kin. Court is far; when this letter ends I have no courier—if a woodcutter carries it, forgive the dust on your desk. Jian dismissed it as reckless but showed Xu, who caned Chong a hundred strokes. Censor Dao Hui impeached him; he was dismissed and confined. Shen Yue read the letter and sighed, “Chong fails at the start and triumphs at the end.” Later he advised the secretariat and joined Wang Siyuan of Langya and Lu Huixiao as guests of Prince of Jingling. As governor of Yixing he ruled quietly to the people’s ease. He later became attendant-in-ordinary. When Liang troops reached Jiankang and Dong Hun was killed, officials gathered at the western bell; Chong did not come. At the hegemonic headquarters he became grand marshal adviser. Early in Tianjian he headed ceremonies and personnel, famed for even-handed appointments. He again became regular attendant and university director. When he lectured, the crown prince and court attended. Princes in the university bowed over the classics; Chong stood in court dress and refused the honor. He rose again to vice director of the secretariat. Soon he was sent to govern Wu Commandery. Taking office he succored the poor and elderly; old friends rejoiced. He died in Wu Commandery and was titled Muzi. His son Zui succeeded him.
44
永子瑰
Yong’s son: Gui
45
瑰字祖逸，宋征北將軍、南兗州刺史永之子也。 仕宋，累遷桂陽內史。 不欲前兄瑋處祿，自免不拜。 後為司徒右長史，通直散騎常侍，驍騎將軍。
Gui, styled Zuyi, was son of Yong, Song’s northern general and governor of southern Yan. Under Song he rose to internal administrator of Guiyang. Unwilling to take office before elder brother Wei, he declined appointment. He later served as right senior aide, regular attendant, and general of valiant cavalry.
46
出為吳興太守。 瑰以既有國秩，不取郡奉。 高帝敕上庫別藏其奉，以表其清。
He was sent to govern Wuxing. Already drawing a state stipend, he refused the commandery salary. The emperor had his salary stored separately in the treasury to honor his integrity.
47
武帝即位，為甯蠻校尉、雍州刺史，加都督。 徵拜左戶尚書，加右軍將軍。 還後，安陸王紆臨雍州，行部登蔓山，有野老來乞。 紆問：「何不事產而行乞邪？」 答曰：「張使君臨州理物，百姓家得相保。 後人政嚴，故至行乞。」 紆由是深加嗟賞。
Under Emperor Wu he pacified the Man as colonel and governed Yong with area command. Recalled, he became director of the left household ministry and right army general. After returning, Prince of Anlu Shu toured Yong and climbed Manshan; an old man came begging. Shu asked, “Why beg instead of working?” He answered, “When Commissioner Zhang governed, families could protect themselves. Later governors were harsh, so I beg now.” Shu sighed in admiration.
48
後拜太常，自謂閒職，輒歸家。 武帝曰：「卿輩未富貴，謂人不與； 既富貴，那復欲委去。」 瑰曰：「陛下禦臣等若養馬，無事就閑廄，有事復牽來。」 帝猶怒，遂以為散騎常侍、光祿大夫。
Made minister of ceremonies, he deemed it idle and went home at once. The emperor said, “When you were poor you thought the world would not employ you; now wealthy, why throw office away?” Gui replied, “Your Majesty keeps us like horses—idle in the stable, led out when needed.” Angered, the emperor made him regular attendant and grand master of splendid happiness.
49
郁林之廢，朝臣到宮門參承明帝。 瑰托腳疾不至。 海陵立，明帝疑外藩起兵，以瑰鎮石頭，督眾軍事。 瑰見朝廷多難，遂恒臥疾。
When Prince of Yulin was deposed, ministers waited at the palace gate for Emperor Ming. Gui pleaded foot ailment and stayed away. Emperor Ming, fearing frontier rebellion, put Gui in command at Shitou. Seeing turmoil at court, Gui feigned chronic illness.
50
建武末，屢啟求還吳，見許。 居室豪富，伎妾盈房。 或者譏其衰暮畜伎。 瑰曰：「我少好音律，老而方解。 平生嗜欲，無復一存，唯未能遣此耳。」
Late in Jianwu he repeatedly asked to return to Wu and was allowed. His house was lavish and concubines filled the chambers. Some mocked him for keeping entertainers in old age. Gui said, “I loved music young and only now in age understand it. Every other appetite is gone—I cannot give this up.”
51
明帝疾甚，防疑大司馬王敬則，授瑰平東將軍、吳郡太守，以為之備。 及敬則反，瑰遣兵迎拒於松江。 聞敬則軍鼓聲，一時散走。 瑰棄郡逃人間，事平乃還郡，為有司奏，免官削爵。 永元初，為光祿大夫。 三年，梁武帝起兵，東昏假瑰節，戍石頭，尋棄城還宮。 梁天監元年，拜給事中、右光祿大夫，以腳疾拜於家。 四年卒。
Gravely ill, Emperor Ming feared Wang Jingze and made Gui pacifier of the east at Wu to guard against him. When Jingze rebelled, Gui sent troops to Songjiang. At the sound of Jingze’s drums his men fled. He abandoned the commandery and hid among commoners; after order returned he was reported, dismissed, and stripped of rank. At Yongyuan’s start he was grand master of splendid happiness. In the third year Liang troops rose; Dong Hun lent Gui his seal to hold Shitou, then he abandoned the city. In Tianjian 1 he became attendant and right grand master; foot ailment kept him at home. He died in the fourth year.
52
瑰有子十二人，常云：「中應有好者」。 子率知名。
With twelve sons he often said, “One of them should turn out well.” His son Shuai was celebrated.
53
瑰子率
Gui’s son: Shuai
54
率字士簡，性寬雅。 十二能屬文，常日限為詩一篇，或數日不作，則追補之，稍進作賦頌，至年十六，向作二千餘首。 有虞訥者見而詆之，率乃一旦焚毀，更為詩示焉，托雲沈約。 訥便句句嗟稱，無字不善。 率曰：「此吾作也。」 訥慚而退。 時陸少玄家有父澄書萬餘卷，率與少玄善，遂通書籍，盡讀其書。
Shuai, styled Shijian, was open and refined by nature. At twelve he wrote prose, one poem a day by habit, making up missed days; by sixteen he had written over two thousand poems and fu. When Yu Ne mocked his work, Shuai burned it all and showed new poems attributed to Shen Yue. Ne praised every line as flawless. Shuai said, “I wrote these.” Ne withdrew ashamed. Lu Shaoxuan owned ten thousand scrolls from his father; befriending him, Shuai read them all.
55
建武三年，舉秀才，除太子舍人，與同郡陸倕、陸厥幼相友狎。 嘗同載詣左衛將軍沈約，遇任昉在焉。 約謂昉曰：「此二子後進才秀，皆南金也，卿可識之。」 由此與昉友。
In Jianwu 3, recommended as outstanding talent, he became attendant of the heir apparent and befriended Lu Cheng and Lu Jue. They once visited Shen Yue together; Ren Fang was present. Yue told Fang, “These two are southern gold—you should know them.” Thus Shuai befriended Fang.
56
梁天監中，為司徒謝朏掾，直文德待詔省，敕使抄乙部書，又使撰古婦人事。 使工書人琅邪王琛、吳郡範懷約等寫給後宮。 率取假東歸，論者謂為傲世，率懼，乃為待詔賦奏之，甚見稱賞。 手敕答曰：「相如工而不敏，枚皋速而不工，卿可謂兼二子于金馬矣。」 又侍宴賦詩，武帝別賜率詩曰：「東南有才子，故能服官政，余雖慚古昔，得人今為盛。」 率奏詩往反六首。 後引見於玉衡殿，謂曰：「卿東南物望，朕宿昔所聞。 卿言宰相是何人，不從天下，不由地出。 卿名家奇才，若復以禮律為意，便是其人。 秘書丞天下清官，東南望胄未有為之者，今以相處，為卿定名譽。」 尋以為秘書丞，掌集書詔策。
Under Tianjian he aided Xie Tiao, copied B-section books, and compiled accounts of ancient women. Scribes Wang Chen and Fan Huaiyue copied them for the inner palace. Taking leave east, he was called arrogant; fearing this, he submitted a memorial fu and won praise. The emperor replied by hand, “Sima Xiangru was skilled but slow, Mei Gao fast but rough—you unite both at the Golden Horse Gate. At banquet the emperor gifted him a poem: “Southeast holds a talent fit for office; though I fall short of ancients, today excels in men.” Shuai answered with six poems. Summoned to Yuhheng Hall, the emperor said, “Your southeastern fame I have long known. Tell me who the chief minister is—neither from heaven nor earth. You are a great house’s talent; take ritual and law to heart and you are the man. Secretary director is the realm’s purest post; no southern heir has held it—I give it to you to seal your name. Soon he became secretary director, collecting edicts and memorials.
57
四年，禊飲華光殿，其日河南國獻赤龍駒，能拜伏，善舞。 詔率與到溉、周興嗣為賦，武帝以率及興嗣為工。
In the fourth year at Huaguang Hall’s spring feast, Henan presented a crimson dragon colt that bowed and danced. Shuai, Dao Gai, and Zhou Xingsi were ordered to compose fu; the emperor favored Shuai and Xingsi.
58
其年，父憂去職。 有父時妓數十人，其善謳者有色貌，邑子儀曹郎顧珖之求娉，謳者不願，遂出家為尼。 嘗因齋會率宅，珖之乃飛書言與率奸。 南司以事奏聞，武帝惜其才，寢其奏，然猶致時論。 服闋，久之不仕。
That year he left office to mourn his father. His father’s dozens of singers included a beautiful skilled one; Gu Gongzhi sought to marry her, but she became a nun instead. During a fast at Shuai’s house Gongzhi sent a letter accusing Shuai of adultery with her. The southern bureau reported it; the emperor suppressed the charge but gossip remained. After mourning he long refused office.
59
七年，除中權建安王中記室參軍，俄直壽光省，修丙丁部書抄。 累遷晉安王宣惠諮議參軍。 率在府十年，恩禮甚篤。 後為揚州別駕。 率雖曆居職務，未嘗留心簿領。 及為別駕奏事，武帝覽牒問之，並無對，但答云：「事在牒中。」 帝不悅。 後曆黃門侍郎。 出為新安太守，丁所生母憂卒。
In the seventh year he recorded for Prince of Jian’an, then copied C- and D-section books at Shouguang. He rose to senior adviser to Prince of Jin’an. Ten years at the princely residence brought generous favor. He later became vice governor of Yang Province. Though he held many posts, he never minded ledgers. As vice governor he submitted business; questioned by the emperor, he answered only, “It is in the document.” The emperor was displeased. He later served as gentleman of the yellow gate. Sent to Xin’an, he died mourning his birth mother.
60
率嗜酒不事，于家務尤忘懷。 在新安遣家僮載米三千石還宅，及至遂耗太半。 率問其故，答曰：「雀鼠耗。」 率笑而言曰：「壯哉雀鼠。」 竟不研問。 自少屬文，七略及藝文志所載詩賦，今亡其文者，並補作之。 所著文衡十五卷，文集四十卷行於世。 子長公。 率弟盾。
He loved wine and neglected affairs, especially at home. From Xin’an he sent three thousand shi of rice home; more than half vanished en route. Asked why, the servant said sparrows and rats ate it.” Shuai laughed, “Magnificent sparrows and rats.” He never investigated. From youth he wrote prose; he reconstructed every lost poem and fu listed in the Seven Summaries and Bibliographic Treatise. His Literary Balance in fifteen scrolls and forty scrolls of collected works circulated widely. His son Changgong succeeded him. Shuai’s younger brother Dun.
61
率弟盾
Shuai’s younger brother: Dun
62
盾字士宣，以謹重稱。 為無錫令，遇劫，問劫何須，劫以刀斫其頰，盾曰：「咄，咄，不易。」 餘無所言。 於是生資皆盡，不以介懷。 為湘東王記室，出監富陽令。 廓然獨處，無所用心。 身死之日，家無遺財，唯有文集並書千餘卷，酒米數甕而已。
Dun, styled Shixuan, was known for sober prudence. As magistrate of Wuxi he was robbed; when asked his needs, Dun let a knife cut his cheek and said, “Tut—not easy.” He said nothing more. They took everything; he did not care. He recorded for Prince of Xiangdong and supervised Fuyang magistrate. He lived withdrawn, minding nothing. He died with no wealth but collected works, a thousand books, and a few jars of wine and rice.
63
瑰弟稷
Gui’s younger brother: Ji
64
稷字公喬，瑰弟也。 幼有孝性，所生母劉無寵，遘疾。 時稷年十一，侍養衣不解帶，每劇則累夜不寢。 及終，毀瘠過人，杖而後起。 見年輩幼童，輒哽咽泣淚，州裏謂之淳孝。
Ji Gongqiao was Gui’s younger brother. Filial from youth, he nursed his un favored birth mother Liu when she fell ill. At eleven he nursed her without loosening his belt and went sleepless in crises. At her death he wasted away and rose only with a staff. Seeing boys his age he wept; the district called it pure filiality.
65
長兄瑋善彈箏，稷以劉氏先執此伎，聞瑋為清調，便悲感頓絕，遂終身不聽之。
Elder brother Wei played zheng; hearing the Liu clan’s clear mode, Ji fainted with grief and never listened again.
66
性疏率，朗悟有才略，起家著作佐郎，不拜。 父永及嫡母丘相繼殂，六年廬於墓側。 齊永明中，為豫章王嶷主簿，與彭城劉繪俱見禮接，未嘗被呼名，每呼為劉四、張五。 以貧求為剡令，略不視事，多為小山遊。 會山賊唐宇之作亂，稷率厲部人保全縣境。
Careless but brilliant, he declined his first appointment as composition assistant. When father Yong and stepmother Qiu died, he mourned in a tomb hut six years. Under Qi Yongming he served Prince of Yuzhang Liao with Liu Hui, called only “Liu Four” and “Zhang Five.” Poor, he took magistracy of Shan, neglecting desk work for mountain walks. When bandit Tang Yuzhi rebelled, Ji rallied the county to defend it.
67
所生母劉先假葬琅邪黃山，建武中改申葬禮，賻助委積。 于時雖不拒絕，事畢隨以還之。 自幼及長，數十年中，常設劉氏神座。 出告反面，如事生焉。
Birth mother Liu lay provisionally at Mount Huang; revised Jianwu rites brought piled subsidies. He accepted nothing permanently and returned all when done. For decades he kept Liu’s spirit seat. Going out and in he treated her as living.
68
曆給事中黃門侍郎，新興、永甯二郡太守。 郡犯私諱，改永寧為長寧。 永元末，為侍中，宿衛宮城。 梁武師至，兼衛尉江淹出奔，稷兼衛尉卿，副王瑩都督城內諸軍事。 時東昏淫虐，北徐州刺史王珍國就稷謀，乃使直合張齊行弑於含德殿。 稷乃召右僕射王亮等列坐殿前西鍾下，議遣國子博士范雲、中書舍人裴長穆等使石頭城詣武帝，以稷為侍中、左衛將軍，遷大司馬左司馬。
He served as attendant, gentleman of the yellow gate, and governor of Xinxing and Yongning. Yongning was renamed Changning to avoid his taboo. At Yongyuan’s end he guarded the palace as attendant. When Liang troops came and Jiang Yan fled, Ji became commandant and aided Wang Ying in city defense. Dong Hun’s cruelty led Wang Zhenguo and Ji to send Zhang Qi to assassinate him in Hede Hall. Ji gathered Wang Liang and others at the western bell and sent Fan Yun and Pei Changmu to Shitou to meet Liang, making Ji attendant and left guard general, then grand marshal senior aide.
69
梁朝建，為散騎常侍，中書令。 及上即位，封江安縣子，位領軍將軍。 武帝嘗于樂壽殿內宴，稷醉後言多怨辭形於色。 帝時亦酣，謂曰：「卿兄殺郡守，弟殺其君，袖提帝首，衣染天血，如卿兄弟，有何名稱。」 稷曰：「臣乃無名稱，至於陛下不得言無勳。 東昏暴虐，義師亦來伐之，豈在臣而已。」 帝埒其須曰：「張公可畏人。」 中丞陸杲彈稷云：「領軍張稷，門無忠貞，官必險達，殺君害主，業以為常。」 武帝留中竟不問。
When Liang was founded he became regular attendant and secretariat director. At accession he was enfeoffed viscount of Jiang’an and became general who leads the army. Feasting in the Hall of Music and Longevity, drunk Ji spoke resentfully. The emperor, also drunk, said, “Your brother killed a governor, your brother killed his lord—blood on your sleeves—what name do men like you bear?” Ji replied, “I have no name; Your Majesty cannot say you lack merit. Dong Hun was cruel; the righteous army came—not for me alone.” The emperor tugged his beard: “Lord Zhang is fearsome.” Censor Lu Gao impeached Ji for a house without loyalty and a trade in regicide.” The emperor shelved the memorial.
70
累遷尚書左僕射。 帝將幸稷宅，以盛暑留幸僕射省。 舊臨幸供具，皆酬太官饌直。 帝以稷清貧，手詔不受。 宋時孝武帝經造張永，至稷三世，並降萬乘，論者榮之。
He rose to left vice director. The emperor meant to visit Ji’s home but stayed at the vice director’s office in the heat. Imperial visits were formerly paid from palace kitchen allowances. Calling Ji poor and pure, the emperor refused payment by hand. From Emperor Xiaowu’s visit to Zhang Yong through Ji’s generation, three imperial visits brought commentators’ praise.
71
稷雖居朝右，每慚口實，乃名其子伊字懷尹，霍字希光，畯字農人。 同字不見，見字不同，以旌其志。 既懼且恨，乃求出，許之。 出為青冀二州刺史，不得志，常閉合讀佛經。 禁防寬弛，僚吏頗致侵擾。 州人徐道角等夜襲州城，乃害之。 有司奏削爵土。
Ashamed of gossip though high in court, he named sons Yi (Cherish Yin), Huo (Rare Glory), and Jun (Farmer). Characters shared in writing but not in sight displayed his intent. Fearful and resentful, he sought leave and was allowed. Sent to Qing and Ji, frustrated, he shut his doors to read sutras. Defenses slackened and staff encroached. Provincial men led by Xu Daojiao attacked by night and killed him. Officials memorialized to strip rank and fief.
72
稷性明烈，善與人交，曆官無畜聚，奉祿皆頒之親故，家無餘財。 為吳興太守，下車存問遺老，引其子孫置之右職，政稱寬恕。
Bright and fierce, he hoarded nothing and gave salary to kin until nothing remained. At Wuxing he honored old families’ descendants; his rule was called lenient.
73
初去郡就僕射征，道由吳，鄉人候稷者滿水陸。 稷單裝徑還都下，人莫之識，其率素如此。
Leaving Wuxing for vice director, Wu countryfolk filled land and water to wait for him. He returned alone with simple baggage unrecognized—such was his plainness.
74
稷長女楚媛適會稽孔氏，無子歸宗，至逢稷見害，女以身蔽刃，先父卒。
Eldest daughter Chuyuan, childless and returned home, shielded Ji with her body and died first.
75
稷與族兄充、融、卷俱知名，時目云充、融、卷、稷為四張。 卷字令遠，少以和理著稱，能清言，位都官尚書，天監初卒。
Ji with cousins Chong, Rong, and Juan were famed as the Four Zhang. Juan, styled Lingyuan, known for harmony and pure talk, headed justice and died early in Tianjian.
76
稷子嵊
Ji’s son: Sheng
77
嵊字四山。 稷初為剡令，至嵊亭生之，因名嵊，字四山。 少敦孝行，年三十餘，猶斑衣受稷杖，動至數百，收淚歡然。 方雅有志操，能清言，感家禍，終身蔬食布衣，手不執刀刃，不聽音樂。 弟淮言氣不倫，嵊垂泣訓誘。
His style was Sishan. Born at Sheng Pavilion when Ji was magistrate of Shan, he was named Sheng, styled Sishan. Past thirty he still wore child’s dress for Ji’s beatings—hundreds of strokes—then wept and smiled. Refined and pure-talking, family tragedy made him vegetarian, cloth-clad, bladeless, and musicless for life. When brother Huai’s conduct faltered, Sheng wept and admonished him.
78
起家秘書郎，累遷鎮南湘東王長史、尋陽太守。 王暇日玄言，因為之筮，得節卦，謂嵊曰：「卿後當東入為郡，恐不得終其天年。」 嵊曰：「貴得其所耳。」 時伏挺在坐，曰：「君王可畏人也。」
He rose from secretary lang to senior aide to Prince of Xiangdong and governor of Xunyang. The prince divined Jie for Sheng and said, “You will govern eastward but may not live out your years.” Sheng said, “Dying in the right place is enough.” Fu Ting said, “My lord is fearsome.”
79
還為太府卿，吳興太守。 侯景圍建鄴，遣弟伊率郡兵赴援。 城陷，御史中丞沈浚違難東歸，嵊往見之，謂曰：「賊臣憑陵，人臣效命之日，今欲收集兵刃，保據貴鄉，雖復萬死，誠亦無恨。」 浚固勸嵊舉義。 時邵陵王綸東奔至錢唐，聞之，遣前舍人陸丘公板授嵊征東將軍。 嵊曰：「天子蒙塵，今日何情復受榮號。」 留板而已。
He returned as grand storehouse director and Wuxing governor. When Hou Jing besieged Jiankang he sent brother Yi with commandery troops. After the fall Sheng told fleeing Shen Jun, “Today ministers die—I will gather arms and hold your district without regret.” Jun urged him to raise the righteous banner. Prince of Shaoling Lun, fleeing to Qiantang, sent Lu Qiugong to appoint Sheng general who conquers the east by tablet. Sheng said, “The emperor is in exile—what honor is there in titles now?” He kept the tablet only.
80
賊行台劉神茂攻破義興，遣使說嵊，嵊斬其使，仍遣軍破神茂。 侯景乃遣其中軍侯子鑒助神茂擊嵊。 嵊軍敗，乃釋戎服坐於聽事。 賊臨以刃終不屈，執以送景。 景將舍之，嵊曰：「速死為幸。」 乃殺之。 子弟遇害者十餘人。 景欲存其一子嵊曰：「吾一門已在鬼錄，不就爾處求恩。」 於是皆死。 賊平，元帝追贈侍中、中衛將軍、開府儀同三司，諡忠貞子。 嵊弟睾知名。
Rebel Liu Shenmao took Yixing; Sheng beheaded his envoy and defeated him. Hou Jing sent Hou Zijian to aid Shenmao against Sheng. Defeated, Sheng doffed armor and sat in the hall. Blades at his throat could not bend him; they sent him to Jing. Jing meant to spare him; Sheng said, “Quick death is mercy.” He was killed. More than ten sons and brothers died with him. Jing offered to spare a son; Sheng said, “My house is already dead—I want no favor from you.” All died. After rebels fell, Emperor Yuan posthumously made him attendant, central guard general, and grand marshal titled Zhongzhenzi. Sheng’s younger brother Gao was celebrated.
81
永從孫種
Grandnephew of Yong: Zhong
82
種字士苗，永從孫也。 祖辯，宋大司農，廣州刺史。 父略，太子中庶子，臨海太守。
Zhong Shimiao descended from Yong’s line. Grandfather Bian was Song’s grand minister of agriculture and governor of Guang. Father Lue was senior mentor of the heir apparent and governor of Linhai.
83
種少恬靜，居處雅正，傍無造請。 時人語曰：「宋稱敷、演，梁則卷、充，清虛學尚，種有其風。」 仕梁為中軍宣城王府主簿，時已四十餘。 家貧，求為始豐令。 及武陵王紀為益州刺史，重選府僚，以種為左西曹掾。 種辭以母老，為有司奏，坐黜免。
Tranquil from youth, he lived uprightly and received no private callers. People said, “Song praised Fu and Yan; Liang praises Juan and Chong—pure learning lives in Zhong.” He served Liang as Prince of Xuancheng’s chief clerk after forty. Poor, he sought magistracy of Shifeng. Prince of Wuling Ji, governing Yi, chose Zhong as left senior aide. He declined for his aged mother and was dismissed by memorial.
84
侯景之亂，奉母東奔鄉里。 母卒，種時年五十，而毀瘠過甚。 又迫以凶荒未葬，服雖畢，居家飲食，恒若在喪。 景平，初司徒王僧辯以狀奏，起為中從事，並為具葬禮，葬訖，種方即吉。 僧辯又以種年老無子，賜以妾及居處之具。 陳武帝受禪，為太常卿。 歷位左戶尚書，侍中，中書令，金紫光祿大夫。
In Hou Jing’s rebellion he fled east with his mother. At fifty when his mother died his grief-wasting was extreme. Famine delayed burial; after mourning ended he still ate and lived as mourner. After Jing’s fall Wang Sengbian restored him as middle attendant, provided burial, and only then did Zhong end mourning. Sengbian also gave him a concubine and a dwelling since he was old and childless. When Chen accepted the throne, Zhong became minister of ceremonies. He successively headed left household, attended, directed the secretariat, and became golden-seal grand master.
85
種沈深虛靜，識量宏博，時以為宰相之器。 僕射徐陵嘗抗表讓位於種，以為宜居左執，其為所推如此。 卒，贈特進，諡元子。 種仁恕寡欲，雖曆顯位，家產屢空，終日晏然，不以為病。 太建初，女為始興王妃，以居處僻陋，特賜宅一區。 又累賜無錫、嘉興縣秩。 嘗於無錫見重囚在獄，天寒，呼囚暴日，遂失之，帝大笑而不深責。 有集十四卷。
Deep, still, and broad-minded, he was seen as chief-minister material. Vice Director Xu Ling once yielded the left seat to him—such was his esteem. He died posthumously titled Yuanzi with special advance. Humane and wanting little, he held high office yet stayed empty and untroubled. In Taijian 1 his daughter became princess of Shixing and received a house for cramped quarters. He also received repeated grants of Wuxi and Jiaxing salaries. At Wuxi he sunned prisoners who then escaped; the emperor laughed and did not punish harshly. His collected works ran fourteen scrolls.
86
種弟棱亦清靜有識度，位司徒左長史，贈光祿大夫。
Brother Leng was also pure and judged well, ending as left senior aide and posthumous grand master.
87
論曰：張裕有宋之初，早參霸政，出內所曆，莫非清顯，諸子並荷崇構，克舉家聲，其美譽所歸，豈徒然也。 思曼立身簡素，殆人望乎。 夫濯纓從事，理存無二，取信一主，義絕百心。 以永元之末，人憂塗炭，公喬重圍之內，首創大謀，而旋見猜嫌，又況異於斯也。 然則士之行己，可無深議。 四山赴蹈之方，可謂矯其違矣。
Commentary: At Song’s founding Zhang Yu joined the hegemonic regime; every post was honorable, sons upheld the house—such renown was earned. Siman lived in plain simplicity—the people’s hope indeed. Washing the tassel to serve one lord ends divided loyalties. At Yongyuan’s end, amid universal fear, Gongqiao launched the great plot under siege yet met suspicion—how much worse when loyalties differ! Yet a gentleman’s self-preservation need not be judged harshly. Sishan’s path of courageous death corrected their deviation.