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卷三十三 列傳第二十三 范泰 荀伯子 徐廣 鄭鮮之 裴松之 何承天

Volume 33 Biographies 23: Fan Tai, Xun Bozi, Xu Guang, Zhen Xianzhi, Pei Songzhi, He Chengtian

Chapter 33 of 南史 · History of the Southern Dynasties
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Chapter 33
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1
Biographies 23
2
Fan Tai, Xun Bozi, Xu Guang, Zheng Xianzhi, Pei Songzhi, and He Chengtian
3
宿
Tai began as an erudite at the Imperial Academy. His cousin by marriage, Wang Chen, governor of Jing Province, asked that he be made administrator of Tianmen. Chen was a heavy drinker who could stay drunk for weeks on end, yet when he sobered up he was every inch the upright official. Tai urged that wine ruins health and must be shunned, and spoke with unusual force. Chen sighed for a long while and said, "Plenty of people have warned me, but never like this." When someone asked Chen how Fan Tai compared with Xie Miao, Chen replied, "Maodu is too loose." Asked how he compared with Yin Kai, Chen said, "Botong is too pliable." Chen often dreamed of glory and told Tai, "Our defenses are up and our arms are ready. I mean to drive the barbarians from the heartland and at last fulfill my old ambition. Botong is bold and eager—he should ride at the head of the army; but you are steady and reliable. I would leave the rear to you. What do you think?" Tai replied, "The northern enemy has humbled great men for a century. Glory is fine, but I dare not reach for it."
4
When Chen died of illness, Tai was called up as adviser to the cavalry general-in-chief and later made a secretariat gentleman. At that time Kuaiji's heir, Yuanxian, held sole power. Officials seeking leave no longer reported to the throne—they merely countersigned Yuanxian's approval. Tai protested that this was wrong; Yuanxian ignored him. He left office to mourn his father and inherited the marquisate of Yangsui township.
5
使
While Huan Xuan controlled Jin, the censor-in-chief Zu Taizhi impeached Tai, along with Wang Zhunzhi and Sima Xunzhi, for violating mourning rites. Tai was stripped of office and sent to Dantu.
6
When Liu Yu raised his righteous banner, Tai rose to attendant at the yellow gate and censor-in-chief. A mistake in debate over the Yin ancestral rites cost him his robes of office, though he kept the post. He was sent out as governor of Dongyang. He served in turn as attendant-in-ordinary and minister of revenue. Xie Hun of Chen Commandery was then the best-known man of the rising generation. The emperor once asked him casually, "Whom does Fan Tai resemble in rank and reputation?" Hun answered, "Men like Wang Yuantai." Tai was transferred to minister of ceremonies.
7
Earlier, Minister of Works Daogui had no sons and had adopted Emperor Wen. When Daogui died, his elder brother Daolian's second son Yiqing became the heir. Because Daogui had always favored Emperor Wen, the emperor also kept him in the senior line of succession. When Daogui was posthumously made duke of Nan Commandery, the old Huarong county marquisate should have passed to Emperor Wen. Tai argued that "ritual knows no two lords," and on that ground Emperor Wen reverted to his birth family.
8
輿
Later he was made supernumerary regular attendant, served as minister of the interior and concurrently minister of works, and with Yuan Zhan invested the Duke of Song with the Nine Bestowments on the march to Luoyang. On returning to Pengcheng, the emperor climbed the city wall with Tai. Tai had trouble with his feet and was specially allowed to ride in the imperial carriage. Tai loved wine, cared little for petty etiquette, and lived with open, unforced ease. Even at court his laughter and talk were no different from those at home, and the emperor delighted in him. Yet he was weak in administration, and so never held a post in active governance.
9
When the emperor took the throne, plans were made for a national academy. Tai was made director of the national university and submitted a memorial on how learning ought to be encouraged. In the end the academy was never built. Memorialists also complained that coin was scarce and the treasury short, and proposed recasting the five-zhu coin. Tai remonstrated again:
10
祿 貿 使
I have heard that to rescue a state from decline, nothing surpasses tending the root. "When the people lack, how can the ruler have enough?" No people were ever poor while the state grew rich, nor the root withered while the branches flourished. A leak in the purse still fills the storehouse—wise men do not begrudge the loss; to wear the fur inside out while carrying firewood saves the pelt but ruins the work. Kings do not count their stores aloud; lords do not haggle over sums; salaried houses do not wrest profit from the people. Plucking mallow in a minister's garden clarified public duty; weaving rushes for private gain was called inhumane. High and low had their ranks, and every office its proper measure. What we should fear is too few farmers, half-empty granaries, endless transport, too many mouths on public grain, and households with no private stores—hardly enough to survive famine. Money exists for exchange, not for counting. What was costly yesterday is cheap today—the principle is the same. If circulation is even between public and private purses, scarcity need not be feared. If the state must widen the money supply to fill its coffers, tortoise shells and cowries were used in antiquity. Copper serves countless uses—bells and pitch-pipes, scales and measures; the Xia cauldron bearing the chart crowned all omens, and the Jin bell displaying its image opened an age of peace. When a vessel is truly needed, rich and poor alike depend on it; when a thing fits its use, household and state alike depend on it. To destroy indispensable vessels and mint useless coin wastes labor, burdens ruler and people alike, and by any honest measure costs more than it yields. I beg Your Majesty to seek what endures, resist haste, accept counsel from every quarter, and heed even the herdsman's word.
11
At the start of Jingping he was given special advance rank; the next year he retired and gave up the national university. Under the deposed emperor's reign Tai submitted sealed memorials of fierce remonstrance. The deposed emperor could not accept them, yet did not punish him. Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and others had long disliked Tai. When Prince Yizhen of Luling and the deposed emperor were killed, Tai told his intimates, "I have read much history, yet never of a regent entrusted at death whose heir was murdered and a worthy prince slaughtered." In Yuanjia 2 Tai submitted a New Year congratulation that also described drought and offered much encouragement and warning. After presenting it he took a light boat to wander in Dongyang, going where he pleased without regard to court. Officials impeached him; Emperor Wen took no notice. Though Emperor Wen now ruled in person, Xu Xianzhi and his faction still held power. Tai submitted another memorial on policy, naming those in charge. His sons stopped him, and the memorial never reached the throne.
12
祿 輿
In the third year Xu Xianzhi was executed. Tai was promoted to attendant-in-ordinary, left grand master of the palace, director of the national university, and tutor to the Prince of Jiangxia, retaining special advance rank. Because Tai was an old minister of the previous reign, the emperor treated him with exceptional honor. Because of his leg ailment, on banquet days he was allowed to ride the carriage right to his seat. Whatever he raised about current affairs, the emperor always heard him with generous forbearance.
13
That autumn drought and locusts struck. He submitted another memorial: "Where locusts appear, officials levy people to catch them—useless for withered crops, and only more killing. Pardoning women has long been honored practice. Xie Hui's women still languish in the palace workshops—even one ordinary woman restored can move hearts." When the memorial arrived, the emperor pardoned Xie Hui's women.
14
When Minister of Works Wang Hong was regent, Tai told him, "The Prince of Pengcheng is the emperor's next younger brother. Summon him to court to share in governance." Hong took his advice. Drought had not yet ended and pestilence had come; Tai submitted another memorial of warning.
15
西
Tai read widely, loved writing, delighted in encouraging the young, and never tired of it. He compiled twenty-four chapters of fine words from antiquity and his own age, and a collected works that circulated widely. In old age he devoted himself to Buddhism and built the Jihuan Hermitage west of his house. He died in the fifth year. At first there was talk of posthumously opening a grand office for him. Yin Jingren said, "Tai's standing was never great enough to rank with the Three Excellencies." In the end it did not happen. At the burial Wang Hong stroked the coffin and wept: "You valued Yin Tie all your life—this is your repayment." He was posthumously made general of chariots and cavalry, with the posthumous name Marquis Xuan. His fourth son Ye was the most famous.
16
Ye, styled Weizong, was born when his mother went to the privy. A brick struck his forehead, so Brick was his childhood name. He was given in adoption to his father's cousin Hongzhi and later inherited the fifth-rank marquisate of Wuxing county. As a youth he loved learning, wrote well, mastered clerical script, and understood music. He served as secretary assistant and left office to mourn his father. When mourning ended he became staff secretary to Tan Daoji, general who conquers the south, and concurrently governor of Xincai. Later he became senior clerk in the ministry of personnel.
17
西
In Yuanjia 9 the grand consort of Pengcheng died. On the eve of the funeral procession, colleagues gathered at the eastern residence. Ye, with Wang Shen and his brother Guang, drank deep into the night, opened the north window, and listened to dirges for pleasure. Prince Yikang of Pengcheng was furious and demoted him to governor of Xuancheng. Frustrated, he edited the various Later Han histories into one work; in every passage of rise and fall, honor and shame, he invested his feeling.
18
He was transferred to senior staff secretary to Prince Yixin of Changsha, commanding general on the frontier. His elder brother Hao was governor of Yidu; his stepmother followed Hao and died in office. Ye reported illness and did not go promptly. When he finally went, he took singing girls and concubines with him and was impeached by Liu Sun, censor-in-chief. Emperor Wen valued his talent and did not punish him. When mourning ended he rose to general of the left guard and grand tutor of the heir apparent.
19
滿禿
Ye stood under seven feet, fat and dark, with bald brows and temples. He played the pipa beautifully and composed new tunes. The emperor wanted to hear them and hinted repeatedly; Ye feigned not to understand and never played. Once at a tipsy feast the emperor said to Ye, "I want to sing—you play." Ye obeyed. When the emperor finished singing, Ye stopped the strings.
20
調 滿
Earlier, Kong Xixian of Lu was learned and possessed a persuader's wit; literature, history, astronomy, and calculation—he mastered them all. He was supernumerary regular cavalry attendant, unknown to his age, long without promotion. Xixian's father Mozhi had been governor of Guang Province. For embezzlement he was sent to the minister of justice; Prince Yikang of Pengcheng protected him and he was spared. When Yikang fell, Xixian secretly planned repayment. Ye was discontent, and Xixian wished to draw him in but found no opening. Ye's nephew Xie Zongya was close to him. Xixian, rich on inherited southern wealth, devoted himself to Zong. At first he gambled with Zong and his brothers, deliberately playing badly and losing goods until affection warmed. Zong introduced Xixian to play with Ye. Xixian deliberately lost again and again, yielding many goods. Ye profited from his wealth and loved his literary gifts, and they became inseparable friends. Xixian at first moved Ye with subtle words; Ye would not turn. Ye's household debates were known throughout court and country. Though his house was noble, the throne would not marry with it. Xixian provoked him: "If the court treats you so well, why won't it marry with you—is your house not good enough? Men meet like dogs and pigs, yet you would die for them—is that not madness?" Ye said nothing; his mind was made up.
21
Ye and Shen Yanzhi were both favored. When summoned together, if Ye arrived first he waited for Yanzhi; if Yanzhi arrived first he was often summoned alone. Ye resented this. Ye had long served Yikang's staff and been treated generously; the Xuancheng appointment turned their affection cold. Zong was staff recorder to Grand General Yikang and followed him to Yuzhang. When Zong returned he conveyed Yikang's wish to heal the breach and restore old friendship.
22
便
Plotting treason, Ye wished to probe the throne and said, "I have reviewed Han precedents: when princes were punished for sorcery and rejoicing at disaster, they were charged at once with great treason. Yikang's treachery is plain far and near, yet he goes unharmed—I am baffled. A great obstruction remains and will become the steps of rebellion." The emperor did not accept it.
23
使
Xixian, skilled in astronomy, said, "Emperor Wen will die by violence, and kin will kill kin. Jiang Province will produce the Son of Heaven." He thought Yikang would be the one. Zong's father Shu had been favored by Yikang; Zong's brother Yue was Yikang's son-in-law. The emperor had Zong follow the southward journey. Urged by Xixian, he too wished to repay favor.
24
使
Zhou Lingfu of Guang Province had household troops. Xixian gave him six hundred thousand cash to raise soldiers there. Lingfu went and never returned. Zhong Chengzu, clerk in the grand general's residence, had long been trusted by Yikang and often carried orders to the capital. He too secretly joined confidants and plotted rebellion. Hearing Xixian's resolve, he secretly joined him. Xu Zhanzhi, governor of Danyang, had long been loved by Yikang. Though nephew by marriage, he was favored like a son. Chengzu joined Zhanzhi and revealed the plot. Chengzu going south conveyed Yikang's intent to Xiao Sihua and Ye: "I meant to ally with Xiao by marriage, but the first plan failed. With Fan the bond was never thin; the breach was others' doing."
25
使
There was the Daoist Falüe, once raised by Yikang and treated with some regard. The nun Fajing of Wangguo Temple also came and went in Yikang's house. All were moved by old favor and plotted rescue, and all associated with Xixian. They had Falüe leave the Dao. Falüe's original surname was Sun. He renamed himself Jingxuan and became staff officer to Zang Zhi, pacifier of the far frontier.
26
耀宿殿 耀耀
Xixian was skilled at medicine and pulse. Xu Yao, Fajing's brother-in-law, commanded a guard unit at the palace. Ill once, he was treated through Fajing and improved, and they became associates. Finding Yao bold and capable, Xixian told him the plot; Yao agreed to respond from within. Zunshi, son of Hu Fan of Yuzhang, was intimate with Fajing and secretly joined the plot. Fajing went south. Xixian sent the maid Caizao after her with letters of portents and charts. When Fajing returned, Yikang sent Xixian copper spoons, tweezers, robe cloth, and a chess case. Fearing exposure, Xixian poisoned Caizao to death.
27
簿
Zhanzhi told Ye and the others, "Zang Zhi treats me exceptionally. He and Xiao Sihua are close, both favored by the grand general—they will not waver. Do not fear insufficient troops; only do not miss the moment." They arranged appointments: Zhanzhi as pacifying general and governor of Yang Province; Ye as central army general and governor of South Xuzhou; Xixian as left guard general. The rest all had posts assigned. Those they disliked and all who did not follow Yikang went on a separate register—the death list.
28
使
Xixian had his brother Xiuxian draft the proclamation: the traitor Zhao Bofu had raised troops against the imperial progress, disaster had reached the heir-preserver, and they would uphold Yikang. Since the great affair was decided, they needed Yikang's intent. Xixian forged a letter from Yikang to Zhanzhi and showed it to the party.
29
耀 使 殿
In the ninth month of the twenty-second year, Prince Yiji of Hengyang and Prince Shuo of Nanping went out to garrison. The emperor saw them off at Wuzhang Hill. Ye and the others chose that day for the rising. Yao attended the emperor, touched his knife, and signaled Ye; Ye dared not look. The assembly broke up and the moment passed. In the eleventh month Xu Zhanzhi reported the plot. Proclamations, appointments, and conspirators' handwriting were all produced. An edict arrested Zong and the others. All confessed—only Ye would not confess first. The emperor pressed the inquiry repeatedly. Ye then said, "Xixian falsely implicated me." Xixian, hearing Ye would not confess, laughed and told Shen Shaozhi, "Every order, proclamation, and letter was written and revised by Ye—how can he deny it?" The emperor showed Ye's handwriting; Ye confessed. The next day Ye was sent to the minister of justice. Only then did he learn Zhanzhi had betrayed him.
30
使
Xixian confessed at once, unbending in spirit. The emperor marveled at his talent and said, "With talent like yours stuck in the secretariat, no wonder you rebelled—I failed you." In prison Xixian submitted thanks and astronomical warnings of kin killing kin; his words were fierce.
31
Ye later reached Zong through the adjoining wall and asked, "Who do you think reported us?" Zong said, "I don't know." Ye named Xu Zhanzhi's childhood name: "It was Xu Tong." In prison he wrote: "Fortune and calamity have no sign; life returns to its limit. The appointed hour must come—who can draw one more breath? Life can be known; what comes after perhaps cannot. Beauty and ugliness share one mound—why distinguish crooked from straight? Why speak of Dongling? Why distinguish Shoushan's side? Though I have no Ji Kang's zither, I hope to match Xiahou's face. Word to the living: this road will soon be taken again." The emperor had a fine white round fan and sent it to Ye, ordering fine lines of poetry. Ye took up the brush and wrote, "Departing the sun's bright shining, entering the long night's lingering gloom." The emperor read it through, deeply moved.
32
便 西
Ye had thought prison meant instant death; yet the emperor pressed the case for twenty days, and hope returned. The prison clerk joked, "Outside they say the grand tutor may be long imprisoned." Ye was startled—and pleased. Zong and Xixian laughed: "The grand tutor always rolled up his sleeves and glared when we debated—yet at the archery hall he leaped on a horse, thinking himself a hero of the age. Now he fears death like this. Suppose life were granted now—what face could a traitor use to live?" Ye told the guard, "Pity—to bury such a man." The guard said, "A traitor—what is there to pity?" Ye said, "The grand tutor speaks rightly." Going to the market, Ye was first. At the prison gate he asked Zong, "Should order follow rank?" Zong said, "The rebel chief goes first." On the road they talked and laughed without shame. At the market he asked Zong, "Is the time nearly come?" Zong said, "Not much longer." After eating, Ye urged Zong to eat. Zong said, "This is a different sickness—why force food?" Ye's household arrived. The execution officer asked, "Do you wish to see them?" Ye asked Zong, "They've come—we can meet. Won't parting be brief?" Zong said, "Parting or not—what difference? They'll wail and only disturb us." Ye said, "Wailing concerns others how? I saw kinsmen gazing from the road—I wanted to meet them." He called them forward. Ye's wife stroked their son, then reviled Ye: "You won't think of your aged mother, won't feel the emperor's grace—your death can't repay guilt, yet why kill our sons and grandsons?" Ye gave a dry laugh: guilt had reached its limit, that was all. His birth mother wept: "The sovereign favored you beyond measure; you repaid no grace, thought not of my old age—what now!" She struck his neck and cheeks. Ye's wife said, "Criminal—Mother, forget him. His sister, singing girls, and concubines came to part; Ye wept. Zong said, "Uncle falls far short of Xiahou's face." Ye wiped his tears and stopped. Zong's mother, whose sons had fallen into treason, would not come out to look. Ye told Zong, "Your sister not coming today surpasses many. Ye grew drunk; his son Ai, also drunk, threw dirt and fruit peels at him, calling him Vice Director dozens of times. " Ye asked, "Are you angry at me?" Ai said, "Why angry today? Father and son die together—I cannot but grieve."
33
Ye's nature was subtle and refined, inventive in every category. Clothes and vessels—none he did not redesign, and the age copied him. He compiled a Formula for Blending Incense, prefacing it: "Musk has many taboos; excess harms. Agarwood is solid and blends easily; a full pound does no harm. Linghuo is hollow and dry; zhantang is sticky and damp. Gansong, suhe, anxi, yujin, naiduo, heluo and the like are prized abroad and useless in the central lands. Jujube paste is dull; armor-boiled extract is vulgar—they not only fail fragrance but add serious faults." All was analogy to court gentlemen: musk's taboos compared to Yu Zhongwen; linghuo empty and dry to He Shangzhi; zhantang sticky and damp to Shen Yanzhi; jujube paste dull to Yang Xuanbao; armor-boiled extract vulgar to Xu Zhanzhi; gansong and suhe to the monk Huilin; agarwood solid and easy to blend—himself.
34
In prison Ye wrote a self-account to his nephews; in outline:
35
I was lazy in youth; only around thirty did aspiration come. From then my heart transformed; whatever I mastered came from my own breast. I always held that feeling and intent should take intent as master and transmit intent through writing. Take intent as master, and the aim appears; transmit through writing, and words do not flow away. Then one draws out fragrance and strikes metal and stone. Most writers ancient and modern miss this; among the young Xie Zhuang had most of it—his hand flowed easily, unbound by rhyme. My thought has no fixed direction—mostly official words, less of distant intent. I regret this, having no mind for literary fame.
36
使
I had not opened historical writing; I always felt it could not be understood. Making the Later Han, I then found the thread. Looking carefully at writings and commentaries ancient and modern, scarcely any satisfy. The Ban clan has the highest name; they indulged feeling without rule—only the Treatises stand. In breadth they cannot be reached; in ordering I may not be ashamed. My biography commentaries have refined intent; the orderly officials and six barbarian prefaces are unrestrained—truly marvels under heaven. What fits often does not fall short of the "Discourse on Qin." I compared them with the Ban clan—not only without shame but more. I wished to make all Treatises the Former Han had, complete; affairs need not be many, but writing should be full. I wished to raise commentaries within the scrolls to correct a generation's gains and losses—intent again failed. The Eulogies are my masterpiece; scarcely one word empty; strange changes without end—I myself do not know how to name them. When this book circulates, there should be those who appreciate its tone. The annal-biography examples give the outline; fine points are many. Since antiquity none so large in body and refined in thought. I fear the world cannot fully understand; many prize the old and despise the present—therefore wild words.
37
In music my ear falls short of my hand; what I refined was not elegant sound—regrettable; yet at the supreme place, what difference? The inner tone—words cannot exhaust it. Intent beyond the strings, empty resonance—I do not know whence it comes. I taught others; among commoners and officials not one was the least like it—this will never transmit. My writing has small intent; brush is not swift—yet never accomplished; I regret the name. Ye's self-account is true and therefore preserved. Ai from youth was neat; his clothes a whole year without a speck of dust; he died at twenty. When Ye was young his brother Yan said, "This boy advances for profit and will ruin the house." It happened as he said.
38
使
When He Shangzhi held selection, he claimed no talent stalled under heaven. When Xixian was taken, the emperor asked, "If Kong Xixian at thirty were still supernumerary cavalry attendant, would he not rebel?" After Xixian died he told Shangzhi, "Kong Xixian had fine talent and decent ancestry, yet hid in the official stream—is the age's craftsman failing?" Shangzhi said, "I wrongly served selection and truly could not wash the foul and raise the clear; yet when a gentleman has wisdom, like luan and phoenix having pattern—wait for the time and beat wings; what fear of not rising above the clouds? If Xixian truly had literary gifts and cast himself into mud, there is nothing to discuss." The emperor said, "Fine talents who missed knowing lords—how could they not leave regret?"
39
西
Xun Bozi was from Yingyin in Yingchuan, grandson of the Jin cavalry general-in-chief Xianzhi. His father Yi was a secretariat gentleman. Bozi from youth loved learning and read widely, yet was open and free, loved gossip, and roamed the lanes—therefore he lost the clear path. On leaving the robe he became commandant of the horse guard, attendant at morning audience, and supernumerary cavalry attendant. Xu Guang valued his talent and recommended Bozi with Wang Shaozhi as assistant compilers, jointly compiling the Jin History and biographies of Huan Xuan and others. He was transferred to senior clerk of the ministry of rites. In Yixi 1 he submitted a memorial: "Former Grand Tutor Marquis of Juping Yang Hu assisted the mandate, his merit surpassing the pacification of Wu, yet sacrifices to descendants are lacking. Han because of Xiao He's primal merit continued the line when it ended—I think Juping's enfeoffment should be like Zan. Former Grand Commandant Marquis of Guangling Chen Huai sided with Sun Xiu, disaster reaching Huainan, yet enjoyed a great state and turned crime to profit. When the Western Court lost measure in punishment, the Restoration followed and did not revoke. Now the kingly way is renewed—how not judge good and evil? Guangling's state should be removed. Former Grand Protector Wei Guan's original enfeoffment was marquis of Ziyang county; suffering violent calamity, rank advanced, additionally duke of Lanling, then Jiangxia. Middle-court ministers mostly did not end by reason; Guan's merit was not different—no reason for partial reward. Restore the original enfeoffment to correct state regulations." An edict went to the secretariat. Former supernumerary attendant Duke of Jiangxia Wei Jun and Chen Maoxian of Yingchuan each stated ancestral merit and would not submit to demotion. Edicts went to the secretariat and were not carried out.
40
使
Bozi recommended his brother-in-law Xie Hui and became senior clerk of the interior, then internal administrator of Linchuan. Wang Hong, general of chariots and cavalry, called Bozi "weighty without display, with the air of the Marquis of Pingyang." Bozi often prided himself on inherited privilege and told Hong, "Under heaven only you and I—men like Xuanming aren't worth counting." He was made supernumerary regular attendant and submitted another memorial: "In ranking the hundred offices, the Prince of Chenliu stands above the Prince of Lingling—I think this doubtful. When King Wu conquered Yin he enfeoffed Shen Nong's descendant at Jiao, Huang Di's at Zhu, Yao's at Ji, Shun's at Chen, Xia at Qi, Yin at Song. Qi and Chen became feudal states; Ji, Zhu, and Jiao are unheard of. What honor inherits is superior to distant ages' visible proof. Therefore the Spring and Autumn Annals places Song above Qi and Chen—recent ages too have proof. Jin Taishi 1 granted Liu Kang, duke of Shanyang, one clansman rank of marquis within the passes; Ji Shu, duke of Wei, and Kong Shao, marquis of Song, one each as commandant of the horse guard. Taishi 3 the minister of ceremonies submitted that Erudite Liu Jia debated Duke Wei Shu in great Jin was among the Three Honored and should be demoted to marquis. The Prince of Lingling's rank should stand above Chenliu." It was followed.
41
He became censor-in-chief, diligent in office, not sparing himself. Standing at court with upright countenance, all feared him. Whatever he impeached he reviled deeply, sometimes reaching ancestors, showing cutting directness. He often mixed mockery and jest; the world criticized him for it. He became left chief clerk of the minister of works and died as governor of Dongyang. A collected works circulated.
42
His son Chisong was senior clerk of the interior on the right and was killed by the crown prince as Xu Zhanzhi's partisan.
43
Bozi's clansman Chang, styled Maozu, ended mourning with Bozi; at Yuanjia's start, through literary gifts he reached secretariat gentleman. Chang's son Wanqiu.
44
Wanqiu, styled Yuanbao, also made himself visible by talent. Chang saw the monk Huilin and said, "Yesterday Wanqiu answered at examination—I wish to show you." Huilin answered, "No need to see it. If not answering after prior sight, I cannot do it; if answering after prior sight, my slaves can all do it." Chang said, "Does this not harm virtue?" Huilin answered, "Great virtue therefore is not virtuous." They laughed and never looked. At Xiaowu's start Wanqiu was governor of Jinling; for building the Hualin Pavilion in the commandery he was imprisoned and dismissed. At the deposed emperor's end he was censor-in-chief and died in office.
45
使 忿
Xu Guang, styled Yerén, was from Gumu in Dongguan. His father Zao was commissioner of waterways. His elder brother Miao was forward commander of the heir apparent's guard. The family for generations loved learning; in Guang it was especially refined. The hundred schools and numerical arts—none he did not study. The household was poor and he never cared for property; his wife, Liu Mi's daughter of Zhongshan, resented this and reproached him repeatedly—Guang never changed. For more than ten years the household declined daily, and she left him. Later Emperor Xiaowu of Jin, finding Guang broadly learned, made him secretariat gentleman; he collated books in the secret repository and staff were added.
46
In Long'an Wang Xun, minister of the interior, recommended him as senior clerk of rites. When Empress Dowager Li died, Guang debated mourning: "The grand empress dowager's name and rank are correct, her body the same as the imperial apex; ritual is fully prepared, feeling and ritual extended. The Spring and Autumn Annals: the mother is honored through the son. Having called her Lady, mourning garments follow the correct form. Chengfeng displayed the title of lady; Duke Wen wore three years' mourning; the son for what the father begot—body honored, meaning weighty. In ritual the ancestor does not weary of the grandson—it is fitting to follow mourning without bending. Yet establishing system by feeling—if clear text is lacking, follow the heavier rule. It should be the same as succeeding a grandmother—observing mourning three years." At the time they followed this debate.
47
使使
When Kuaiji's heir Yuanxian recorded the interior and wished homage from all officials, Guang was made to establish the debate; inside and outside held lower-official ritual—Guang was ashamed.
48
使
At Yixi's start Liu Yu had him compile carriage, robe, and ritual regulations; he became staff adviser to the pacifying general, recorder, and fifth-rank marquis of Lecheng county. He was transferred to supernumerary cavalry attendant and concurrently compiler. In the second year the interior submitted that Guang had completed the Jin History. In the sixth year he was made general of rapid cavalry. Wind and hail became disaster; Guang presented words to the emperor with much encouragement. He was transferred to minister of public works, concurrently compiler, and promoted to director of the secretariat.
49
When Huan Xuan usurped and Emperor An left the palace, Guang in the ranks grieved; sorrow moved those beside him. When Liu Yu received abdication and Emperor Gong yielded, Guang again wept. Xie Hui, seeing this, said, "Master Xu will perhaps have a small fault." Guang wiped his tears: "You and I are not the same—you assisted the mandate and met a thousand-year fortune. I owe Jin virtue and am attached to the former lord. He wept again.
50
Gao Ping Chi Shao also made the Jin Restoration Book and showed it to He Fasheng. Fasheng wished to seize it and told Shao, "Your rank is noble—you need no extended fame from this. I am a cold scholar, unknown; men like Yuan Hong and Gan Bao rely on writings for later fame. Make it a gift." Shao refused. When the book was complete it was in the study kitchen; Fasheng went, Shao absent, entered and stole it. Shao returned to find it gone, no duplicate—He's book circulated.
51
Xu Huo, styled Wantong, was Guang's nephew. His father Miao was forward commander of the Jin heir's guard. At Song Yongchu's start Huo was senior clerk of the interior on the left and magistrate of Shanyin; he refined legal principles and was esteemed. At Yuanjia's start he was governor of Shixing and submitted three matters. Emperor Wen praised it and granted two hundred bolts of silk and a thousand hu of grain. He was transferred to governor of Guang Province and died before accepting.
52
Zheng Xianzhi, styled Daozi, was from Kaifeng in Xingyang, great-great-grandson of the Wei master of construction Hun. His grandfather Xi was minister of public works; once magistrate of Jiangcheng, he dwelt within the county. His father Zun was a gentleman of the interior.
53
簿 使
Xianzhi lowered the curtain to read and cut off social intercourse. At first he was chief clerk to Huan Wei, general who supports the state. Earlier, Yan Province inspector Teng Tian was destroyed by the Dingling Zhai Liao; corpse and coffin never returned. Tian's son Xian served on without pause; debaters found fault. Huan Xuan was in Jing Province and had officials broadly debate. Xianzhi debated: "Name-teaching's apex is loyalty and filial piety alone. Change, extension, suppression, citation—each affair differs. Tracing to the root, all seek the heart and leave the trace. What the trace rides on—encounter may differ. Sages sometimes follow trace to aid teaching, or because of trace complete guilt; bending, extending, taking, giving—hard to equalize. Heaven can be fled? Yet Yi Yin deposed his lord; the lord can be coerced? yet Yuzhan saw good; loyalty can be foolish? yet Jizi shared the same virtue. From this onward, different substance yet same sound, different praise yet equal beauty—countless. As for Teng Xian's situation, some hide all their lives, or ascend court without reproach from worthies. Those who open for Teng take no reproach as proof; those who block take hiding as beauty. Break the two middles, and feeling's difference and sameness appear. Sages establish teaching—still they say ritual without timely fit, and the gentleman does not act. Ritual without timely fit—affairs have change and cannot be bound to one alone."
54
使
When Liu Yu raised righteous troops, Xianzhi rose to censor-in-chief. His nature was stern and straight, very the upright censor's substance. His nephew Liu Yi held power; court and country attached—Xianzhi devoted himself to Liu Yu and alone would not bend to Yi; Yi resented it. Because nephew by marriage could not impeach each other, he had Qiu Yuan impeach Yi for pardoning edict-bearer Luo Daosheng. An edict made no inquiry.
55
A new regulation: senior officials leaving for parents' illness were barred three years. Magistrate Shen Shuren left for his father's illness; Xianzhi debated: "Adding guilt for attending parents' illness violates righteousness—nothing greater. Follow the old—in righteousness it is fitting." It was followed. From then on, second rank upward, for parents and grandparents' successors, tomb collapse and illness—clansmen left and none were barred.
56
When Liu Yi was to garrison Jiangling, Liu Yu met at Jiangning; court gentlemen gathered. Yi loved chupu; at the meeting they played. The emperor and Yi each took half the board; cash was hidden—Yi called the emperor to merge. Yi first cast zhi; the emperor was displeased; long after he answered; all leaned to watch. Casting lu, Yi's mood turned foul; he told the emperor, "I know you won't give the great seat to others." Xianzhi was delighted, barefoot circled the bed shouting; Yi was displeased: "What is Master Zheng doing?" No longer nephew-uncle respect.
57
駿
The emperor in youth served in campaigns, untrained in learning; as chief minister he admired elegant culture. Sometimes in discussion everyone yielded and dared not dispute. Xianzhi's disputing was always cutting, never lenient. Speaking with the emperor, he must have the emperor's reason bent before stopping. The emperor sometimes blushed, moved by his honesty; the age called it "blocking the sycophant." In the twelfth year Liu Yu marched north and made him right chief clerk. His great-grandfather's tomb as Jin Jiang Province chief clerk was at Kaifeng; he requested leave; the emperor sent cavalry. Entering Xianyang the emperor viewed Epang and Weiyang, moved to sorrow; he asked how Qin and Han obtained and lost. Xianzhi answered with Jia Yi's "Discourse on Qin." The emperor said, "By Ziying's fall it was already late. Yet the First Emperor's wisdom saw right and wrong—those he employed were not men; why?" He answered, "Flattery resembles loyalty; treachery resembles trust—only men of middle capacity and above can speak upward. The First Emperor had not reached middle capacity—therefore dark in recognizing scholars." At the Wei bank the emperor sighed, "Will this place again have a Lü Wang?" Xianzhi said, "Duke Ye loved dragons and the true dragon appeared; King Zhao bought bones and swift hooves came. Your Enlightened Lord with late meals awaits scholars—how fear no men within the seas?" The emperor praised it long.
58
殿
When the Song state was first established he became minister of ceremonies. When Helian Bobo took Guanzhong, the emperor again wished to campaign north and Xianzhi remonstrated. On ascending the throne he became minister of ceremonies and minister of justice. Fu Liang and Xie Hui grew in rank; Fan Tai once reproached Xianzhi in assembly: "You with Fu and Xie followed the sage lord at Tong and Luo—yet today you answer despondently, distant from others—how unworthy." Xianzhi stared and did not answer. Xianzhi was open and free; before the emperor his words had nothing hidden—yet he was also feared. Yet he was hidden, thick, and solid, supporting kin and old friends; traveling, he sometimes did not know where—following the driver. Especially the emperor treated him intimately. The emperor once feasted in the inner hall; nobles arrived—Xianzhi was not summoned. Seated, he told ministers, "Zheng Xianzhi will surely come himself." Soon report came that Zheng Xianzhi had arrived at the Divine Beast Gate seeking audience; the emperor laughed and led him in. Such was his favor. For campaign merit he was enfeoffed fifth-rank baron of Longyang county. In Jingping Xu and Fu held power; he went out as governor of Yuzhang. Wang Hong, inspector of Jiang Province, said secretly, "Master Zheng's virtue is plain; former courts honored him—like Zhong Yuanchang and Wang Jingxing. Now Xu and Fu send him out as governor—there must be reason." Soon came deposing and establishing. Yuanjia 3 Hong entered as chief minister and recommended Xianzhi as right vice director. In the fourth year he died. A collected works circulated. His son Yin was governor of Shian.
59
祿
Pei Songzhi, styled Shiji, was from Wenxi in Hedong. His grandfather Mei was grand master of splendor. His father Gui was regular attendant.
60
殿
Songzhi read broadly in the classics and lived plainly. At twenty he was appointed general of the palace. This office guarded left and right; in Jin Xiaowu's Taiyuan era famous houses were chosen for consultation; at first Wang Maozhi of Langya and Xie Zhou of Kuaiji—hopes of north and south.
61
At Yixi's start he was magistrate of former Zhang in Wuxing and achieved in the county. He entered as senior clerk of the ministry of rites. Songzhi, because the age established private steles contrary to fact, memorialized: "All who wish steles should report upward; after court debate permits, then allow—perhaps preventing the unverified and displaying truth." On this account it was universally cut off.
62
簿 使
When Liu Yu marched north he held Si Province and made Songzhi provincial chief clerk, then middle aide. Having taken Luoyang, Songzhi handled provincial affairs. When Song was established, Mao Dezu was sent to Luoyang; the emperor charged him: "Pei Songzhi has hall-and-temple talent, should not long remain on the frontier; summon as preceptor to the heir, same as Yin Jingren—let him know."
63
Debate established five-temple music; Songzhi held Lady Zang's temple should use music same as the four temples. He was made internal administrator of Lingling and summoned as national university erudite.
64
使 使使
Yuanjia 3 Minister of Works Xu Xianzhi and others were executed; grand envoys toured the realm, all supernumerary cavalry attendants, proclaiming the twenty-four-article edict. Songzhi was envoy to Xiang Province and very obtained the envoy's meaning; debaters praised him.
65
使
He was transferred to secretariat gentleman. The emperor had him annotate Chen Shou's Records of the Three Kingdoms; Songzhi gathered biographies and broadly increased divergent hearsay. When complete he presented it; the emperor reading said, "Pei Shiji will be immortal."
66
便 使
He went out as governor of Yongjia, diligently caring for the people; officials and people found it convenient. Later governor of South Langya, retired, and appointed grand master of the palace. Soon national university erudite and promoted to grand master of the palace. He was sent to continue He Chengtian's Song History; before composing, he died.
67
His son Yin was staff officer to the general of the right. Songzhi's literary treatises and Jin Record, Yin's annotation to Sima Qian's Records, all circulated. Yin's son Zhaoming.
68
'' '鹿'''
Zhaoming from youth transmitted Confucian history; in Song Taishi he was imperial academy erudite. Officials memorialized the crown prince's marriage; betrothal gifts used jade bi and tiger hide—source unclear. Zhaoming debated: "Ritual 'betrothal gift paired hides. Zheng said: 'Hide as court substance, deerskin'; Jin crown prince note 'with two tiger hides. In Taiyuan, princess betrothal used one each tiger and leopard hide. How can one say marriage ritual is not detailed? Duke and prince differ—therefore tiger and leopard pattern to honor the affair. Tiger and leopard are patterned, yet betrothal ritual does not speak of them; bear and brown bear are ancient, yet marriage ritual does not reach them; gui and zhang are beautiful, or use each differs. Now follow classics and edicts; all eccentric errors should be corrected." Officials jointly debated and added gui, zhang, leopard, bear, and brown bear hide two each.
69
In Yuanhui he went out as assistant administrator of Changsha. Leaving office, Inspector Wang Yun told him, "You are poor and clean, surely no return funds; if Xiang men need one ritual command, I do not begrudge it." Zhaoming said, "I serve as commandery aide and cannot brighten the prefecture—how burden clear wind with Hongdu affairs." He served as senior clerk of rites and direct attendant.
70
使使 便
Qi Yongming 3 he was envoy to Wei; the emperor told him, "Because you carry command well, on return I reward you with one commandery." On return he was internal administrator of Shian. Gong Xuanyi of the commandery said, "Spirits gave him jade seal and jade board writing—no brush; blowing paper made characters." He called himself the Sage Gong and deluded the multitude; former governors served him respectfully. Zhaoming handed him to prison. On return he was very poor; the emperor said, "Pei Zhaoming left commandery with no house—I do not read books and know no ancient comparison." He was made commandant of the archers.
71
使
In the ninth year he again went north as envoy. At Jianwu's start he was senior staff secretary to Wang Xuanniao, pacifier of the north, and governor of Guangling. Emperor Ming because he filed no memorials, replaced and reproached him; Zhaoming said, "I did not wish to compete holding the key—that is all." Through commanderies he was clear and diligent; he often said, "What in life needs storing? Beyond the person what is needed? If sons lack talent, I gather and they scatter. If they can stand on their own, better one classic." Therefore all his life he never engaged in property. He died in Zhongxing 2. His son Ziye.
72
Ziye, styled Jiyuan, was born and his mother Lady Wei died; his grandmother Lady Yin raised him. Yin was gentle and bright with literary gifts and taught him by chapter and phrase. At nine Lady Yin died; he wept blood in grief; the household found him strange. In youth he loved learning, wrote well, and served Qi as staff officer to the Prince of Jiangxia. He left office on his father's death. When his father lay ill a full year, Ziye prayed to the utmost, tears soaking. His father dreamed his face; at dawn summoned and looked—as in the dream; soon illness eased—supreme filiality, they thought. Ordered to compose the Filiality Moved Biography; he declined and stopped. In mourning, each visit to the tomb the grass withered. White rabbits and white doves lingered tame at the side.
73
At Liang Tianjian's start Vice Director Fan Yun praised his conduct and was about to memorialize; Yun died and it did not happen. Ren Fang of Le'an had great fame; those who visited his gate—Fang always recommended them. Ziye to Fang was cousin among cousins and alone did not go; Fang resented it and did not speak well.
74
After long time he was corrector of judicial review; the three offices jointly handled cases—Ziye absent, colleagues signed his name. When the memorial was not approved, Ziye was implicated and dismissed. Some urged appealing to officials—no blame; Ziye laughed: "Though ashamed before Liu Ji's way, how take lawsuit for punishment." Dismissed long, in the end no resentful intent. Fan Zhen of the secretariat and Ziye had not met; hearing his conduct he approved. Transferred to national university erudite he yielded to Ziye; officials because qualification was out of order did not pass.
75
Later magistrate of Zhuji; he used no whip—when people disputed he showed principle; the people praised, the whole territory without lawsuits.
76
Ziye's great-grandfather Songzhi in Song Yuanjia received edict to continue He Chengtian's Song History; before completion he died—Ziye always wished to continue. At Qi Yongming's end Shen Yue's Song Book said, "After Songzhi there was no report." Ziye compiled Song Outline in twenty scrolls; narrative and commentaries mostly good, saying, "Executed Huainan governor Shen Pu because he would not follow the righteous army." Yue feared, went barefoot and apologized, requesting mutual release. He sighed at the writing: "I do not reach him. Lanling Xiao Chen said his commentaries could share the road with "Discourse on Qin" and "Royal Mandate." Minister of Personnel Xu Mian told the emperor; he was made compiler, revising national history and attendance records. Soon additionally supernumerary secretariat attendant-in-ordinary, removed as direct attendant; compiler and attendant as before. By edict he again was in charge of secretariat edicts.
77
西使 ' ' 使使
On the far northwest frontier Baiti and Huaguo sent envoys through Minshan to tribute—through dynasties unsubmitted, none knew whence. Ziye said, "Han Marquis of Yingyin beheaded one Baiti general. Fu Qian's note: 'Baiti, Hu name. Again Han Marquis Who Settles the Far Frontier attacked barbarians—eight Huaguo followed; probably their descendants." The age submitted to his broad knowledge. By edict he compiled the Map of Frontier Envoys, setting forth those who came with hearts bound; from inner garments to beyond the sea, twenty states. Ziye with Liu Xian, Liu Zhixun, Yin Yun, Ruan Xiaoxu, Gu Xie, and Wei Leng were all broadly learned; they deeply befriended one another—Xian especially valued him. Marquis Xiao Xun of Wu Ping and Zhang Zuan of Fanyang, discussing classics, all took the middle from Ziye.
78
殿 便
When stepmother Lady Cao died he mourned beyond ritual; when mourning ended, again regular attendant. Putong 7 the great northern campaign; by edict Ziye composed the letter moving Wei; receiving command he finished at once. The emperor because the affair was great summoned Xu Mian, Zhou She, Liu Zhixun, and Zhu Yi to Shouguang Hall—all sighed and submitted. The emperor looked at Ziye: "His form though weak, his writing very strong." Soon again by edict a letter instructing Wei's chief minister Yuan Cha. That night receiving command, Ziye said it could wait until dawn; at fifth drum the edict urged speed. Ziye slowly rose, took up the brush; at daybreak it was done. On presenting, the emperor deeply praised it. From then all talismans and proclamations were fully drafted by him.
79
Ziye's writing was canonical and swift, not ornate; style mostly followed ancients and differed from present writing. At the time some slandered him; by his end all valued him. Asked about swift writing, Ziye answered, "Others accomplish with the hand—I alone with the heart."
80
He was secretariat gentleman and grand master of ceremonies, concurrently commandant of the footsoldiers. Ziye in forbidden offices more than ten years was silent and guarded, never requesting or visiting. Maternal kin and cousins were poor; all salary he gave them. No house, borrowed two mu official land, raised thatched rooms; wife and children suffered hunger and cold—only teaching was root; sons and nephews revered him as strict lord. Liu Xian always by teacher's way pushed him high. In later years he deeply believed Buddhism and all life ate wheat and vegetables. He died in Zhongtong 2. Earlier Ziye divined death would not pass gengxu year; that year he reported illness, telling Liu Zhiheng, "I am about to depart." Final orders insisted on frugality. The emperor mourned and wept for him. Posthumously supernumerary regular attendant; mourning raised that same day. Earlier fifth-rank lords and attendant-in-ordinary and above had posthumous titles; for Ziye specially for fine reputation granted posthumous title Lord Zhen.
81
使 滿 輿 輿 滿
In youth Ziye annotated Mourning Garments and continued the Pei Family Genealogy two scrolls each, copied Later Han affairs forty-plus scrolls. Again by edict Biographies of Many Monks twenty scrolls, Ranks of the Hundred Offices two scrolls, supplementary posthumous titles one scroll, Map of Frontier Envoys one scroll, collected works twenty scrolls—all circulated. Again he wished to compile Qi-Liang Spring and Autumn; first drafted but before completion died. At burial the Prince of Xiangdong composed the tomb inscription and displayed it in the storehouse. The Prince of Shaoling again set a tomb inscription and buried it in the spirit path. Spirit-path array of records—from this it began. His son Qian reached direct attendant. He Chengtian was from Tan in Donghai. At five he lost his father. His mother was Xu Guang's elder sister, intelligent and learned—Chengtian from youth received instruction in righteousness. At Liu Yu's righteous rising, Liu Yi garrisoned Gushu and appointed him traveling staff officer. Yi once went out; Yiling county clerk Chen Man shot birds; the arrow mistakenly hit the straight guard; though no harm, by law abandoned to the market. Chengtian debated: "In prison what is prized is judging by feeling; in doubt follow the lighter. Formerly one startled Emperor Wen of Han's carriage horse; Zhang Shizhi impeached for violating the progress—punishment stopped at fine. Why? It showed he had no heart to startle the horse. Therefore the imperial carriage's weight was not added with different measure. Now Man's intent was shooting birds—not heart to hit a person. By law accidental injury is three years—how much more when no injury? Light punishment suffices."
82
When the Song court was established he was senior clerk of rites and with Fu Liang compiled court ritual. Xie Hui garrisoned Jiangling and requested him as senior administrator of the southern barbarians. Hui advanced to general who guards the army and was transferred to staff adviser, recorder.
83
Yuanjia 3 Hui was about to be punished; he asked Chengtian: "Great and small differ, rebellious and compliant differ—seeking completeness outside the border is upper plan. With trusted men garrison Yiyang; the general leads troops in one battle at Xiakou. If defeated, hurry to Yiyang and exit the northern border—second." Hui long said, "Jing-Chu is a land of arms—decide battle; fleeing is not late." When Hui fell Chengtian remained at the prefecture and did not follow. When Dao Yanzhi reached Matou, Chengtian confessed guilt and was pardoned. Later additionally senior clerk of the interior on the left.
84
歿
Bo Daoju of Yuhang in Wuxing was a robber; regulation was same-register close-kin conscript soldiers. Daoju's younger cousins Daigong, Daosheng were robbers of great-merit kin—not fitting supplementary exile. Law because their mother lived made them close-kin—sons should follow mother to supplementary soldiers. Chengtian debated: "Robbery regulation: same-register close-kin supplementary soldiers—great merit not in this example. Women have three followings: married follow husband; husband dead follow son. Now Daoju was robber—if father's younger brother lived, supplementary exile should apply, wife and children maintaining residence—fitting. But at robbery father's younger brother had died; Daigong and Daosheng are younger cousins—great-merit kin, not fitting exile. If because the uncle's wife is close-kin one makes Daigong follow mother to soldiers—it violates great-merit non-exile and loses three followings. Responsible ones hold close-kin text and do not distinguish male and female. Daigong and others, mother and sons—all should be pardoned."
85
西
Chengtian by nature was stern and obstinate, could not bend to superiors; he insulted colleagues by his specialties and Yin Jingren did not approve. He went out as internal administrator of Hengyang. Formerly in the west he was mostly not in harmony with scholars; in the commandery again not fair and clear, impeached by provincial inspector, imprisoned; amnesty spared him.
86
In the sixteenth year he was assistant compiler and compiled national history. Chengtian was already old, yet all assistant compilers were famous-house youths. Xun Bozi mocked him and always called him wet-nurse. Chengtian said, "You ought to say the phoenix will have nine sons—what talk of wet-nurse?" Soon commandant of the heir's rate regulation, compiler as before.
87
'' 西
In Danyang Liyang Ding Kuang and others long mourned yet did not coffin; Chengtian debated: "Ritual 'return and bury' means wasteland frugality for a time, permitting according to resources. Ding Kuang's three households for years at burial had no coffin—shallow feeling and thin grace same as beasts. Ding Bao and others of the same ward for years never urged with righteousness or bound with law. Sixteenth year winter neither new statute nor old declared—what strictness, suddenly impeaching? Perhaps neighbors disputed and arose these words. In eastern places this example is many; Jiangxi and north of the Huai especially not few. If only these three are exiled, probably nothing awed; opening one end, mutually frightening. Kuang's three households for now can be not inquired; attach fixed regulation: if bury not according to law, same ward should impeach. After three years when mourning removed, no mutual citation."
88
Nineteenth year the National University was established; by original office he was director. The crown prince lectured on the Classic of Filial Piety; Chengtian with Yan Yanzhi held the classic. Soon censor-in-chief.
89
使
Wei armies marched south; Emperor Wen consulted ministers on defense. Chengtian submitted Secure the Frontier Discourse, four matters: first, move distant near to fill inner lands; second, dredge walls and moats to increase barriers; third, gather paired oxen and carts to equip military gear; fourth, count households and levy weapons, let none lack. The text mostly is not recorded.
90
Chengtian loved go and quite neglected affairs. Again skilled at plucking the zheng. Emperor Wen granted go stones and a silver-mounted zheng. Chengtian submitted thanks; the emperor replied, "Go stones—how must it not be Zhang Wu's gold?"
91
Chengtian broadly saw ancient and modern and was valued by the age. Zhang Yong once opened Xuanwu Lake and found an ancient tomb; on it a bronze ladle with handle. Emperor Wen consulted court gentlemen. Chengtian said, "This is doomed Xin's authority-ladle. When Wang Mang's three dukes died, all were granted them. One outside the tomb, one inside. Of the Three Excellencies in the east only Zhen Han was grand minister of works—it must be Han's tomb." Soon Yong reported another ladle inside, stone inscription 'Tomb of Grand Minister of Works Zhen Han.'" Whenever the emperor had doubts he consulted Chengtian first; letters of trust followed on the road. Chengtian was narrow and quick; once facing the responsible one he said fiercely, "Heaven what words? Four seasons move, hundred things are born." Emperor Wen knowing, when sending always warned first: "Observe He's countenance; if not pleased, speak little."
92
Twenty-fourth year Chengtian was transferred to minister of justice; before accepting the emperor wished him senior clerk of personnel; having received secret command, Chengtian leaked it and was dismissed. He died at home, age seventy-eight.
93
Earlier Ritual Discourse had eight hundred scrolls; Chengtian deleted and merged to three hundred, with commentary, miscellaneous words, writings and collected works—all circulated. Again he revised the Yuanjia calendar, clepsydra to twenty-five arrows—all followed. Great-grandson Xun.
94
Xun, styled Zhongyan, at eight composed poetry; at weak adulthood the province recommended outstanding talent. Fan Yun of Nanxiang seeing his examination answer greatly praised him and formed a friendship disregarding age. He told intimates, "Writers recently, plain exceeds ru, ornate harms vulgar—he who holds clear and turbid, middle ancient and modern, is He Sheng." Shen Yue told Xun, "Each time I read your poetry, three times a day I still cannot stop." Such was famous praise.
95
Liang Tianjian additionally senior clerk for waterways; Prince of Nanping led him as guest, controlled recorder affairs; later recommended to the emperor—with Wu Jun both advanced in favor. Later gradually displeased, the emperor said, "Wu Jun not even, He Xun not deferential. Better I have Zhu Yi—trust then differs. From then estranged, seldom seen. He died as recorder to the Prince of Luling, Renwei.
96
Xun was known to the Prince of Nanping and deeply favored; hearing he died the prince ordered the coffin brought and stored and provided for wife and children. Wang Sengru collected his writings in eight scrolls.
97
Xun's writing and Liu Xiaochuo were both valued; the age called them He and Liu. Emperor Yuan of Liang in a treatise said, "Many in poetry and able is Shen Yue; few and able are Xie Tiao and He Xun."
98
Xun's cousin Jian, styled Yanyi, also renowned by talent; office did not succeed and he composed "Pai Zhang Fu" to express intent. The end says, "Dongfang Manqian vented anger at dwarfs and with the fire-head eating child received grant without difference." Rank reached platform gentleman.
99
Yu Qian of Kuaiji was skilled at five-character poetry, fame equal to Xun, rank kingdom attendant-in-ordinary. Later Kuaiji Kong Wengui and Jiyang Jiang Bi both were recorders to the Prince of Nanping, grand marshal. Wengui skilled at poetry; Bi broadly learned, annotating Analects and Classic of Filial Piety. Both had collected works.
100
Discourse says: Fine reputation and expectation—poets make praise; ritual and law—worthies spread beauty. Fan and Xun both by learning established themselves; yet reputation for serving the times—in origin both expected not great. Though talent had surplus, expectation was insufficient. Weizong's art surpassed others; tracing his deeds, how profit and harm leaned against each other. Xu Guang moved without violating benevolence, righteousness joining Confucian conduct. Xianzhi was called "blocking the sycophant"—this is not sycophancy. Songzhi's elegant way was prized—truly carrying virtue in light. Chengtian by plain instruction was endowed—no shame before his maternal uncle; beautiful indeed.
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