Volume 57 Biographies 47: Shen Yue, Fan Yun

列傳第四十七

Biographies 47

沈約范雲

Shen Yue and Fan Yun

戎子酆字聖通，位零陵太守，致黃龍芝草之瑞。第二子仲高，安平相，少子景河間相，演之、慶之、曇慶、懷文其後也。仲高子鸞字建光，少有高名，州舉茂才，公府辟州別駕從事史。時廣陵太守陸稠，鸞之舅也，以義烈政績顯名漢朝，復以女妻鸞，早卒。又直字伯平，州舉茂才，亦有清名，卒。子瑜、儀俱少有至行。瑜十歲、儀九歲而父亡，居喪毀瘁，過於成人。外祖會稽盛孝章，漢末名士也，深加憂傷，每撫慰之，曰：「汝並黃中英爽，終成奇器，何遽逾制自取殄滅邪。」三年禮畢，殆至滅性，故兄弟並以孝著。瑜早卒。儀字仲則，篤學有雅才，以儒素自業。時海內大亂，兵革並起，經術廢弛，士少全行。而儀淳深隱默，守道不移，風操貞整，不妄交納，唯與族子仲山、叔山及吳郡陸公紀友善。州郡禮請，二府交辟，公車征，並不屈，以壽終。子曼字元禪，左中郎、新都都尉、定陽侯，才志顯于吳朝。子矯字仲桓，以節氣立名，仕為立武校尉、偏將軍。孫皓時，有將帥之稱。吳平，為郁林、長沙二郡太守，不就。太康末卒。子陵字景高，晉元帝之為鎮東將軍，命參軍事。子延字思長，潁川太守，始居縣東鄉之博陸里餘烏村。延子賀字子寧，桓沖南中郎參軍。

A man of the Rong clan named Feng, styled Shengtong, held the post of governor of Lingling and was credited with prodigies of yellow dragons and miraculous fungus. Zhonggao, the second son, became chancellor of Anping; Jing, the youngest, became chancellor of Hejian. Yanzhi, Qingzhi, Tanqing, and Huaiwen were descended from them. Luan, son of Zhonggao and styled Jianguang, was widely esteemed in his youth. The province recommended him as a promising talent, and the regional headquarters made him secretary to the governor. Lu Chou, governor of Guangling and Luan's uncle by marriage, was famous in Han times for his integrity and achievements in office; he gave his daughter to Luan in marriage. Luan died young. Another son, Zhi, styled Boping, was likewise recommended as a promising talent by the province and enjoyed a reputation for integrity. He too died. His sons Yu and Yi were both known from boyhood for their exceptional moral conduct. Yu was ten and Yi nine when their father died. In mourning they grieved themselves nearly to death, more fiercely than grown men. Their grandfather on their mother's side, Sheng Xiaozhang of Kuaiji, a celebrated scholar of the late Han, was deeply worried and would comfort them, saying, "You are both gifted young men who will surely become remarkable figures—why exceed the rites of mourning and destroy yourselves?" When the three-year mourning ended they had nearly ruined their health, and both brothers became renowned for filial devotion. Yu died young. Yi, styled Zhongze, was a devoted scholar of refined gifts who made the life of a plain Confucian gentleman his calling. The empire was in turmoil, war broke out on every side, classical studies were neglected, and few gentlemen kept their conduct whole. Yet Yi remained grave, reserved, and steadfast in the Way. His conduct was impeccable and he made no casual acquaintances, keeping friendship only with his kinsmen Zhongshan and Shushan and with Lu Gongji of Wu. Provincial and commandery authorities invited him with full ceremony; both regional headquarters repeatedly called on him; the court sent the imperial carriage to summon him—he declined every offer and died at a full age. His son Man, styled Yuanchan, became a left palace gentleman, commandant of Xindu, and marquis of Dingyang; his ability and ambition were well known in the kingdom of Wu. His son Jiao, styled Zhonghuan, won fame for his integrity and force of character and served as colonel of martial establishment and as lieutenant general. Under Sun Hao he was regarded as a capable commander. After the fall of Wu he was appointed governor of Yulin and Changsha but refused to serve. He died toward the end of the Taikang reign. His son Ling, styled Jinggao, was made a staff officer when Emperor Yuan of Jin held the post of general who guards the east. His son Yan, styled Sichang, became governor of Yingchuan and was the first of the line to settle at Yuwu Village in Bolu Lane, in the eastern part of the county. Yan's son He, styled Zining, served on the staff of Huan Chong as southern palace general.

賀子警字世明，惇篤有行業，學通左氏春秋，家產累千金。後將軍謝安命為參軍，甚相敬重。警內足於財，為東南豪士，無進仕意，謝病歸。安固留不止，乃謂曰：「沈參軍，卿有獨善之志，不亦高乎。」警曰：「使君以道禦物，前所以懷德而至，既無用佐時，故遂飲啄之願爾。」還家積載，以素業自娛。前將軍王恭鎮京口，與警有舊好，復引為參軍。手書殷勤，苦相招致，不得已而應之。尋復謝去。子穆夫字彥和，少好學，通左氏春秋。王恭命為前將軍主簿，謂警曰：「足下既執不拔之志，高臥東南，故屈賢子共事，非吏職嬰之也。」

He's son Jing, styled Shiming, was a man of sincere character and solid achievement who mastered the Zuo tradition of the Spring and Autumn Annals; his family wealth ran to several thousand in gold. Xie An, general who conquers the rear, made him a staff officer and held him in high regard. Wealthy enough to need nothing more, Jing was a leading gentleman of the southeast with no ambition for office; he pleaded illness and went home. An tried hard to keep him but could not; he then said, "Staff Officer Shen, your resolve to cultivate yourself apart from the world—is that not admirable?" Jing replied, "You govern by the Way—that is why I came to you in the first place, moved by your virtue. I have nothing to offer the times, so I am simply following my wish to live quietly as I may." He went home with his household goods and devoted himself to the simple life of a scholar. Wang Gong, general of the van, was posted at Jingkou; he and Jing were old friends, and he again took Jing onto his staff. Gong wrote him a warm letter in his own hand and pressed him insistently; Jing could not refuse and finally agreed. Soon afterward he resigned and left once more. His son Mufu, styled Yanhe, was devoted to study from boyhood and mastered the Zuo tradition of the Spring and Autumn Annals. Wang Gong made him chief clerk on his staff and told Jing, "You are firm in your resolve to live apart in the southeast, so I have asked your excellent son to work with me—not to trap him in minor clerical work."

初，錢唐人杜炅字子恭，通靈有道術，東土豪家及都下貴望並事之為弟子，執在三之敬。警累世事道，亦敬事子恭。子恭死，門徒孫泰、泰弟子恩傳其業，警復事之。隆安三年，恩於會稽作亂，自稱征東將軍，三吳皆回應。穆夫在會稽，恩以為余姚令。及恩為劉牢之所破，穆夫見害。先是穆夫宗人沈預與穆夫父警不協，至是告警及穆夫弟仲夫、任夫、預夫、佩夫，並遇害。唯穆夫子深子、雲子、田子、林子、虔子獲全。田子、林子知名。

Earlier, Du Jiong of Qiantang, styled Zigong, was believed to communicate with spirits and practiced Daoist arts. Leading families of the southeast and the great men of the capital all became his disciples and treated him with the full deference owed to father, elder brother, and teacher. The Jing family had for generations followed the Way, and Jing too honored and served Zigong. After Zigong's death his disciple Sun Tai, and Tai's disciple En, inherited his teaching; Jing served En as well. In the third year of Long'an, En rose in rebellion at Kuaiji, proclaimed himself general who conquers the east, and won support throughout the Three Wu region. Mufu was in Kuaiji, and En made him magistrate of Yuyao. When Liu Laozhi defeated En, Mufu was put to death. Mufu's kinsman Shen Yu had long been estranged from Mufu's father Jing; now Yu denounced Jing along with Mufu's brothers Zhongfu, Renfu, Yufu, and Peifu, and all of them were killed. Only Mufu's sons Shenzi, Yunzi, Tianzi, Linzi, and Qianzi survived. Tianzi and Linzi became famous.

田子字敬光，從武帝克京城，進平建鄴，參鎮軍事，封營道縣五等侯。帝北伐廣固，田子領偏師與龍驤將軍孟龍符為前鋒。龍符戰沒，田子力戰破之。及盧循逼都，帝遣田子與建威將軍孫季高海道襲破廣州，還除太尉參軍、淮陵內史，賜爵都鄉侯。義熙八年，從討劉毅。十一年，從討司馬休之，除振武將軍、扶風太守。十二年，武帝北伐，田子與順陽太守傅弘之各領別軍，從武關入，屯據青泥。姚泓將自禦大軍，慮田子襲其後，欲先平田子，然後傾國東出。乃率步騎數萬，奄至青泥。田子本為疑兵，所領裁數百，欲擊之。傅弘之曰：「彼眾我寡，難可與敵。」田子曰：「師貴用奇，不必在眾。」弘猶固執，田子曰：「眾寡相傾，勢不兩立，若使賊圍既固，人情喪沮，事便去矣。及其未整，薄之必克，所謂先人有奪人之志也。」便獨率所領，鼓噪而進。賊合圍數重，田子乃棄糧毀舍，躬勒士卒，前後奮擊，賊眾一時潰散，所殺萬餘人，得泓偽乘輿服御。武帝表言其狀。長安既平，武帝燕于文昌殿，舉酒賜田子曰：「咸陽之平，卿之功也，即以咸陽相賞。」即授咸陽、始平二郡太守。

Tianzi, styled Jingguang, followed Liu Yu in taking the capital, then helped pacify Jiankang, served on the garrison commander's staff, and was enfeoffed as fifth-rank marquis of Yingdao. On the northern campaign against Guanggu, Tianzi commanded a separate column and, with Meng Longfu, general of dragon cavalry, led the vanguard. Longfu was killed in battle; Tianzi fought hard and broke the enemy. When Lu Xun threatened the capital, the emperor sent Tianzi with Sun Jigao, general who establishes might, by sea to seize Guangzhou. On his return he was made staff officer to the grand commandant and interior minister of Huailing, and ennobled as marquis of the metropolitan district. In the eighth year of Yixi he took part in the campaign against Liu Yi. In the eleventh year he joined the campaign against Sima Xiuzhi and was made general who quells martiality and governor of Fufeng. In the twelfth year, on Liu Yu's northern expedition, Tianzi and Fu Hongzhi, governor of Shunyang, each led independent forces through Wuguan and encamped at Qingni. Yao Hong was preparing to meet the main army in person. Fearing Tianzi might attack from the rear, he wanted to eliminate Tianzi first, then march east with his full strength. He led tens of thousands of foot and horse and suddenly appeared at Qingni. Tianzi's detachment was meant only as a diversion; he had barely a few hundred men, yet he wanted to attack. Fu Hongzhi said, "They outnumber us—we cannot fight them." Tianzi replied, "Victory depends on surprise, not on numbers alone." Hongzhi still objected. Tianzi said, "When forces of unequal size meet, only one side can prevail. If we let the enemy complete their encirclement and our men's spirits fail, all is lost. Attack before they are ready and we are sure to win—that is what it means to seize the initiative and break the enemy's resolve." He then led his men forward alone, with drums beating and battle cries rising. The enemy surrounded him in layer after layer. Tianzi abandoned his supplies, burned his camp, and personally drove his men to attack from every side until the enemy broke at once. More than ten thousand were killed, and he captured Hong's counterfeit imperial carriage and regalia. Liu Yu reported the affair to the court in a memorial. After Chang'an was taken, Liu Yu held a feast in the Wenchang Hall, raised his cup to Tianzi, and said, "The fall of Xianyang is your doing—I give you Xianyang as your reward." He immediately made him governor of Xianyang and Shiping.

大軍既還，桂陽公義真留鎮長安，以田子為安西中兵參軍、龍驤將軍、始平太守。時赫連勃勃來寇，田子與安西司馬王鎮惡俱出北地禦之。初，武帝將還，田子及傅弘之等並以鎮惡家在關中，不可保信，屢言之。帝曰：「今留卿文武將士、精兵萬人，彼若欲為不善，政足自滅耳。勿復多言。」及俱出北地，論者謂鎮惡欲盡殺諸南人，以數十人送義真南還，因據關中反叛。田子乃于弘之營內請鎮惡計事，使宗人敬仁於坐殺之，率左右數十人自歸義真。長史王修收殺田子于長安稿倉門外，是歲十四年正月十五日也。武帝表天子以田子卒發狂易，不深罪也。

When the main army withdrew, Prince of Guiyang Yizhen stayed to garrison Chang'an and made Tianzi central military aide on the western pacification staff, general of dragon cavalry, and governor of Shiping. When Helian Bobo invaded, Tianzi and Wang Zhen'e, western pacification marshal, both marched into Beidi to meet him. Before Liu Yu withdrew, Tianzi, Fu Hongzhi, and others had repeatedly warned that Zhen'e, whose family remained in Guanzhong, could not be trusted. The emperor said, "I am leaving you civil and military officers and ten thousand elite troops. If he turns disloyal, that will be enough to destroy him. Say no more about it." When they marched into Beidi together, people said Zhen'e planned to slaughter all the southerners, send only a few dozen men back south with Yizhen, and then hold Guanzhong in revolt. Tianzi asked Zhen'e to discuss plans inside Hongzhi's camp, had his kinsman Jingren kill him at the table, and led a few dozen followers to report to Yizhen. Chief administrator Wang Xiu arrested and executed Tianzi outside the straw granary gate of Chang'an, on the fifteenth day of the first month of the fourteenth year. Liu Yu reported to the emperor that Tianzi had died in a sudden fit of madness and asked that he not be severely punished.

林子字敬士，少有大度，年數歲，隨王父在京口，王恭見而奇之，曰：「此兒王子師之流也。」嘗與眾人共見遺寶，咸爭趨之，林子直去不顧。年十三，遇家禍，既門陷祅党，兄弟並應從誅，而沈預家甚強富，志相陷滅，林子兄弟沈伏山澤，無所投厝。會孫恩屢出會稽，武帝致討，林子乃自歸陳情，率老弱歸罪請命，因流涕哽咽，三軍為之感動。帝甚奇之，乃載以別船，遂盡室移京口，帝分宅給焉。

Linzi, styled Jingshi, showed exceptional breadth of character as a boy. When he was only a few years old he went with his grandfather to Jingkou. Wang Gong saw him and was struck by him, saying, "This child is a Wang Zishi in the making." Once, when he and others came upon treasure left behind, everyone rushed to grab it; Linzi walked straight past without looking. At thirteen disaster struck his family: implicated in the rebel cult, the brothers were all marked for death. Shen Yu's clan was powerful and wealthy and determined to destroy them; Linzi and his brothers hid in the hills and marshes with nowhere to go. When Sun En kept raiding from Kuaiji and Liu Yu marched against him, Linzi came forward on his own, led the women, children, and elderly to surrender and plead for mercy, and wept until he could hardly speak; the entire army was moved. The emperor was greatly impressed, had him taken on a separate boat, moved the entire family to Jingkou, and gave them houses.

林子博覽眾書，留心文義，從克京城，進平都邑。時年十八，身長七尺五寸。沈預慮林子為害，常被甲持戈，至是林子與兄田子還東報讎。五月夏節日至，預政大集會，子弟盈堂。林子兄弟挺身直入，斬預首，男女無論長幼悉屠之，以預首祭父祖墓。及帝為揚州，辟為從事，領建熙令，封資中縣五等侯。從伐慕容超，平盧循，並著軍功。後從征劉毅，參太尉軍事。復從討司馬休之。武帝每征討，林子輒推鋒居前。時賊党郭亮之招集蠻、晉，屯據武陵，武陵太守王鎮惡出奔。林子率軍討之，斬亮之於七里澗而納鎮惡。武陵既平，復討魯軌於石城，軌棄眾走襄陽，復追躡之。襄陽既定，權留守江陵。

Linzi read widely and cared deeply for literature and principle; he took part in capturing the capital and pacifying the imperial city. He was eighteen years old and seven feet five inches tall. Shen Yu feared Linzi and often wore armor and carried a weapon; now Linzi and his brother Tianzi went east to settle the score. On the summer festival in the fifth month Yu was holding a large family gathering; sons and younger relatives filled the hall. Linzi and his brothers walked straight in, cut off Yu's head, and killed every man and woman in the house, young and old alike; they offered Yu's head at their father's and ancestors' graves. When Liu Yu became governor of Yangzhou, he summoned Linzi as a staff officer, made him magistrate of Jianxi as well, and enfeoffed him as fifth-rank marquis of Zizhong. He took part in the campaigns against Murong Chao and in suppressing Lu Xun, earning distinction in both. He later joined the campaign against Liu Yi as staff officer to the grand commandant. He again took part in the campaign against Sima Xiuzhi. On every expedition Liu Yu undertook, Linzi led the charge at the front. At the time the rebel Guo Liangzhi rallied tribal and Jin forces and held Wuling; Wang Zhen'e, governor of Wuling, fled. Linzi marched against him, killed Liangzhi at Qili Stream, and restored Zhen'e to office. After Wuling was pacified he campaigned against Lu Gui at Shicheng; Gui abandoned his troops and fled to Xiangyang, and Linzi pursued. When Xiangyang was taken, he was left to garrison Jiangling.

武帝伐姚泓，復參征西軍事，加建武將軍，統軍為前鋒，從汴入河。偽并州刺史、河東太守尹昭據蒲阪，林子於陝城與冠軍檀道濟同攻蒲阪，龍驤王鎮惡攻潼關。姚泓聞大軍至，遣偽東平公姚紹爭據潼關。林子謂道濟曰：「潼關天岨，所謂形勝之地。鎮惡孤軍，勢危力屈，若使姚紹據之，則難圖也。及其未至，當並力爭之。若潼關事捷，尹昭可不戰而服。」道濟從之。及至，紹舉關右之眾，設重圍，圍林子及道濟、鎮惡等。道濟議欲度河避其鋒，或欲棄捐輜重還赴武帝。林子按劍曰：「下官今日之事，自為將軍辦之。然二三君子或同業艱難，或荷恩罔極，以此退撓，亦何以見相公旗鼓邪。」塞井焚舍，示無全志。率麾下數百人，犯其西北。紹眾小靡，乘其亂而薄之，紹乃大潰，俘虜以千數，悉獲紹器械資實。時諸將破賊皆多其首級，而林子獻捷書至，每以實聞。武帝問其故，林子曰：「夫王者之師，本有征無戰，豈可復增張虜獲，以示誇誕。昔魏尚以盈級受罰，此亦後乘之良轍也。」武帝曰：「乃所望於卿也。」

On Liu Yu's campaign against Yao Hong, Linzi again served on the western expedition staff, was made general who establishes martiality, commanded the vanguard, and entered the Yellow River from the Bian. Yin Zhao, the Later Qin governor of Bingzhou and Hedong, held Puban. At Shancheng Linzi joined Tan Daoji, champion general, in attacking Puban, while Wang Zhen'e, general of dragon cavalry, assaulted Tong Pass. When Yao Hong learned the main army was coming, he sent Prince of Dongping Yao Shao to contest Tong Pass. Linzi said to Daoji, "Tong Pass is a natural fortress—the classic strong point. Zhen'e is isolated, outnumbered, and hard pressed. If Yao Shao takes the pass, we will never dislodge him. We must combine our strength and seize it before he arrives. If we win at Tong Pass, Yin Zhao will surrender without a battle." Daoji agreed. When they arrived, Shao rallied the armies of the western passes, drew tight rings of encirclement, and surrounded Linzi, Daoji, Zhen'e, and the rest. Daoji proposed crossing the river to escape the enemy's thrust, or abandoning the baggage train and hurrying back to Liu Yu. Linzi drew his sword and said, "Today's business I will settle for you myself, General. Some of you have shared hardship in the same cause, others owe boundless debts of grace—if you flinch now, how can you face our lord's banners?" He had the wells filled in and the camp burned, showing they would fight to the death. He led several hundred of his men in an assault on their northwest flank. Shao's ranks faltered; Linzi struck while they were in disorder and Shao's army collapsed. Thousands were taken prisoner, and all Shao's arms and supplies were seized. Other generals inflated their body counts when reporting victories, but Linzi's dispatches always stated the true numbers. When Liu Yu asked why, Linzi said, "A true king's army conquers without battle—how can we inflate the enemy's losses for the sake of boasting? Wei Shang was once punished for inflating his tally—that is a fine warning for those who come after." Liu Yu said, "That is exactly what I expect of you."

初，紹退走，還保定城，留偽武衛將軍姚鸞精兵守嶮，林子銜枚夜襲，即屠其城，劓鸞而坑其眾。紹復遣撫軍將軍姚贊將兵屯河上，林子連破之。紹又遣長史姚伯子等屯據九泉，憑河固險，以絕糧援。武帝復遣林子累戰大破之，即斬伯子，所俘獲悉以還紹，使知王師之弘。紹志節沈勇，林子每戰輒勝，白武帝曰：「姚紹氣蓋關右而力以勢屈，但恐凶命先盡，不得以釁齊斧爾。」尋紹疽發背死。武帝以林子之驗，乃賜書嘉美之。於是贊統後軍復襲林子，林子禦之，連戰皆捷。

When Shao had retreated to Baoding he left Yao Luan, false martial guardian general, with elite troops to hold the pass. Linzi attacked by night with muffled mouths, stormed the city, cut off Luan's nose, and buried his troops alive. Shao sent Pacifying Army General Yao Zan to hold the river; Linzi defeated him again and again. Shao also sent chief administrator Yao Bozi and others to hold Jiuchuan, using the river's defenses to sever their grain route. Liu Yu sent Linzi to fight again; he won a great victory, beheaded Bozi, and returned all prisoners to Shao to show the mercy of the imperial army. Shao was resolute and formidable; Linzi won every engagement and told Liu Yu, "Yao Shao's spirit dominates the western passes, but his strength is failing—I only fear he will die before he can face the imperial axe." Soon Shao died of a carbuncle on his back. Because Linzi's prediction had come true, Liu Yu sent him a letter of praise. Zan then commanded the rear army and attacked Linzi again; Linzi held him off and won every engagement.

帝至閿鄉，姚泓掃境內兵屯嶢柳。時田子自武關北入，屯軍藍田，泓自率大眾攻之。帝慮眾寡不敵，遣林子步自秦嶺以相接援。比至，泓已破走。田子欲窮追，進取長安，林子止之曰：「往取長安，如指掌爾。復克賊城，便為獨平一國，不賞之功也。」田子乃止。

When Liu Yu reached Wenxiang, Yao Hong gathered the realm's armies and encamped at Yaoliu. Tianzi had entered from the north through Wuguan and encamped at Lantian; Hong led his main force in person to attack him. Fearing Tianzi was outnumbered, Liu Yu sent Linzi overland from the Qin Mountains to reinforce him. By the time Linzi arrived, Hong had already been beaten and had fled. Tianzi wanted to pursue and seize Chang'an; Linzi stopped him, saying, "Taking Chang'an now would be as easy as turning over your hand. If you capture more enemy cities you will have pacified a whole realm by yourself—an achievement too great to reward." Tianzi desisted.

林子威震關中，豪右望風請附。帝以林子、田子綏略有方，頻賜書褒美，並令深慰納之。長安既平，姚氏十餘萬口西奔隴上，林子追討至寡婦水，轉鬥至槐里。大軍東歸，林子領水軍于石門以為聲援。還至彭城，帝令林子差次勳勤，隨才授用。

Linzi's prestige shook Guanzhong; the great families submitted at the mere report of his name. Because Linzi and Tianzi had governed effectively, Liu Yu repeatedly praised them in letters and ordered them to win the people over. After Chang'an fell, more than a hundred thousand of the Yao clan fled west into Long; Linzi pursued to Widow's Water and fought on to Huaili. When the main army withdrew east, Linzi commanded the fleet at Shimen as a rear guard. Back at Pengcheng, Liu Yu had Linzi rank the men by merit and assign offices according to their abilities.

文帝出鎮荊州，議以林子及謝晦為蕃佐。帝曰：「吾不可頓無二人，林子行則晦不宜出。」乃以林子為西中郎中兵參軍，領新興太守。林子以行役久，士有歸心，乃深陳事宜。並言：「聖王所以戒慎祗肅，非以崇威立武，實乃經國長甿。宜廣建蕃屏，崇嚴宿衛。」武帝深相酬納。俄而謝翼謀反，帝歎曰：「林子之見，何其明也。」

When Emperor Wen went out to garrison Jingzhou, some proposed Linzi and Xie Hui as his frontier aides. Liu Yu said, "I cannot be without both of them at once; if Linzi goes, Hui must stay." He made Linzi central military aide of the western palace and concurrently governor of Xinxing. Because the troops had been on campaign so long that the men longed to return, Linzi laid out the situation at length. He also said, "Sage kings are reverent and cautious not to glorify military power, but to govern the state and secure the people for generations. Principalities should be broadly established and the palace guard strengthened." Liu Yu responded warmly and accepted his advice. Soon Xie Yi rebelled; Liu Yu sighed, "How clear Linzi was."

文帝進號鎮西，隨府轉，加建威將軍、河東太守。時武帝以方隅未靜，復欲親戎，林子固諫。帝答曰：「吾輒當不復自行。」帝踐阼，以佐命功，封漢壽縣伯，固讓不許。永初三年卒，追贈征虜將軍。元嘉二十五年，諡曰懷。少子璞嗣。

When Emperor Wen was made general who pacifies the west, Linzi followed his staff and was promoted to general who establishes martiality and governor of Hedong. The borders were still unsettled and Liu Yu wished to campaign in person again; Linzi firmly dissuaded him. Liu Yu answered, "I shall probably not campaign in person again." When Liu Yu took the throne, Linzi was enfeoffed as baron of Hanshou for his founding merit; he declined firmly but was not allowed. He died in the third year of Yongchu and was posthumously made general who punishes the barbarians. In the twenty-fifth year of Yuanjia he was given the posthumous name Huaai. His youngest son Pu succeeded him.

璞字道真，童孺時神意閑審。文帝召見，奇璞應對，謂林子曰：「此非常兒也。」初除南平王左常侍，文帝引見，謂之曰：「吾昔以弱年出蕃，卿家以親要見輔，今日之授，意在不薄。王家之事，一以相委。勿以國官乖清塗為罔罔也。」元嘉十七年，始興王浚為揚州刺史，寵愛殊異，以為主簿。時順陽范曄為長史行州事，曄性頗疏，文帝謂璞曰：「范曄性疏，必多不同，卿腹心所寄，當密以在意。彼行事，其實卿也。」璞以任遇既深，所懷輒以密啟，每至施行，必從中出。曄政謂聖明留察，故深更恭慎，而莫見其際也。在職八年，神州大寧，人無謗黷，璞有力焉。二十二年，范曄坐事誅，時浚雖曰親覽，州事一以付璞。浚年既長，璞固求辭事。以璞為浚始興國大農，累遷淮南太守。

Pu, styled Daozhen, showed a calm, discerning spirit even as a child. Emperor Wen summoned him; struck by Pu's replies, he told Linzi, "This is no ordinary child." At his first appointment as left attendant to the Prince of Nanping, the emperor received him and said, "When I was young I went out to a frontier principality and your family aided me through close ties—today's appointment is not meant lightly. All affairs of the princely household are entrusted to you. Do not let your state office blind you to what is right." In the seventeenth year of Yuanjia, when Prince of Shixing Jun became governor of Yangzhou and was favored with exceptional intimacy, Pu was made his chief clerk. Fan Ye of Shunyang was chief administrator acting for the province; Ye was rather careless, and the emperor told Pu, "Fan Ye is careless by nature and will often disagree with you—you are the one I trust; keep this firmly in mind. Whatever he does, in truth it is you who act. Because Pu's trust was so deep, he reported his thoughts in secret; whenever policy was enacted, it came from his counsel. Ye believed the sage ruler was watching closely and became still more respectful, never seeing how things really worked. In eight years of office the realm was greatly at peace and no one spoke ill of the administration—Pu had much to do with it. In the twenty-second year Fan Ye was executed; though Jun said he oversaw affairs himself, all provincial business went to Pu. Jun was already grown; Pu firmly asked to be relieved. He was made grand agriculturist of Jun's principality of Shixing and later promoted to governor of Huainan.

三十年，元凶弑立，璞以奉迎之晚見殺。有子曰約，其制自序大略如此。

In the thirtieth year the crown prince murdered his father and usurped the throne; Pu was killed because he had been slow to welcome the new regime. He had a son Yue; Yue's own preface gives much the same outline of the clan history.

約十三而遭家難，潛竄，會赦乃免。既而流寓孤貧，篤志好學，晝夜不釋卷。母恐其以勞生疾，常遣減油滅火。而晝之所讀，夜輒誦之，遂博通群籍，善屬文。濟陽蔡興宗聞其才而善之，及為郢州，引為安西外兵參軍，兼記室。興宗常謂其諸子曰：「沈記室人倫師表，宜善師之。」及為荊州，又為征西記室，帶厥西令。

Yue was thirteen when disaster struck his family; he went into hiding and was spared only when an amnesty was declared. Afterward he wandered in poverty and isolation, devoted himself to study, and never put down his books day or night. His mother, fearing overwork would bring illness, often had the lamp oil reduced and the fire lowered. What he read by day he recited by night, until he had mastered the classics and excelled at writing. Cai Xingzong of Jiyang heard of his talent and favored him; when he became governor of Yingzhou he made Yue western pacification outer military aide and recorder. Xingzong often told his sons, "Recorder Shen is a model of human conduct—you should learn from him." When he became governor of Jingzhou, Yue again served as recorder on the western expedition staff and as magistrate of Juexi.

齊初為征虜記室，帶襄陽令，所奉主即齊文惠太子。太子入居東宮，為步兵校尉，管書記，直永壽省，校四部圖書。時東宮多士，約特被親遇，每旦入見，景斜方出。時王侯到宮或不得進，約每以為言。太子曰：「吾生平懶起，是卿所悉，得卿談論，然後忘寢。卿欲我夙興，可恒早入。」遷太子家令。後為司徒右長史、黃門侍郎。時竟陵王招士，約與蘭陵蕭琛、琅邪王融、陳郡謝朓、南鄉范雲、樂安任昉等皆遊焉。當世號為得人。

At the beginning of Qi he was recorder on the staff of the general who punishes the barbarians and magistrate of Xiangyang; his lord was the Qi heir Wenhuizi. When the heir entered the eastern palace, Yue became colonel of footsoldiers, managed documents, served at the Yongshou Office, and collated the four sections of the imperial library. The eastern palace had many talented men, but Yue was especially favored; each morning he entered and only left when the sun was low. Sometimes princes and nobles could not gain entry, but Yue always spoke for them. The heir said, "I am lazy about rising by nature—you know that; only when I talk with you do I forget sleep. If you want me to rise early, come in early every day." He was promoted to household master of the heir. Later he became right chief administrator of the secretariat and attendant of the yellow gate. The Prince of Jingling was gathering scholars; Yue joined Xiao Chen of Lanling, Wang Rong of Langye, Xie Tiao of Chen, Fan Yun of Nanxiang, Ren Fang of Le'an, and others in his circle. They were called the finest gathering of the age.

初，梁武在西邸，與約遊舊。建康城平，引為驃騎司馬。時帝勳業既就，天人允屬。約嘗扣其端，帝默然而不應。佗日又進曰：「今與古異，不可以淳風期萬物。士大夫攀龍附鳳者，皆望有尺寸之功，以保其福祿。今童兒牧豎悉知齊祚之終，且天文人事表革運之征，永元以來，尤為彰著。讖雲，'行中水，作天子'。此又曆然在記。天心不可違，人情不可失。」帝曰：「吾方思之。」約曰：「公初起兵樊、沔，此時應思。今日王業已就，何所復思。昔武王伐紂，始入人便曰吾君。武王不違人意，亦無所思。公自至京邑，已移氣序，比于周武，遲速不同。若不早定大業，稽天人之望，脫一人立異，便損威德。且人非金石，時事難保，豈可以建安之封，遺之子孫。若天子還都，公卿在位，則君臣分定，無復異圖。君明於上，臣忠於下，豈復有人方更同公作賊。」帝然之。約出，召範雲告之，雲對略同約旨。帝曰：「智者乃爾暗同，卿明早將休文更來。」雲出語約，約曰：「卿必待我。」雲許諾。而約先期入，帝令草其事。約乃出懷中詔書並諸選置，帝初無所改。俄而雲自外來，至殿門不得入，徘徊壽光合外，但云：「咄咄」。約出，雲問曰：「何以見處？」約舉手向左，雲笑曰：「不乖所望。」有頃，帝召雲謂曰：「生平與沈休文群居，不覺有異人處，今日才智縱橫，可謂明識。」雲曰：「公今知約，不異約今知公。」帝曰：「我起兵於今三年矣，功臣諸將實有其勞，然成帝業者乃卿二人也。」

Earlier, Emperor Wu of Liang, while at the western residence, had been an old companion of Yue. When Jiankang was pacified he was brought in as military aide to the flying cavalry general. By then the emperor's achievement was complete and both Heaven and men were in accord. Yue once probed his intentions; the emperor remained silent. Another day he pressed again: "Present and past differ—one cannot expect the world to live by the standards of pure antiquity. Officials who attach themselves to rising power all hope for some small merit to preserve their fortune and rank. Today even children and shepherds know the Qi mandate is ending, and the signs of a change of fate in Heaven and among men have been especially clear since Yongyuan. A prophecy says, "Moving within water, one becomes Son of Heaven." This too is plainly recorded in the chronicles. Heaven's will cannot be opposed, and human sentiment cannot be ignored." The emperor said, "I am still considering it." Yue said, "When you first raised arms at Fan and Mian, that was the time to consider it. Today the royal enterprise is achieved—what is left to consider? When King Wu attacked Zhou, as soon as he entered the people's territory they called him their lord. King Wu did not go against the people's will and had nothing to deliberate. Since you reached the capital the temper of the times has shifted; compared with King Wu, you have been slower. If you do not settle the great enterprise early and align with Heaven and men's expectations, should someone else raise a banner, your prestige will suffer. Men are not metal or stone and times are uncertain—how can you leave the fief of Jian'an to your descendants? If the Son of Heaven returns to the capital and the lords and ministers take their places, ruler and subject will be fixed and there will be no further designs. With an enlightened ruler above and loyal ministers below, who could again join you in rebellion?" The emperor agreed. When Yue left he summoned Fan Yun and told him; Yun's reply largely matched Yue's intent. The emperor said, "Wise men think alike in secret—bring Xiufen again tomorrow morning." Yun told Yue outside; Yue said, "You must wait for me." Yun agreed. But Yue went in first; the emperor ordered him to draft the arrangements. Yue produced from his sleeve the edict and all appointments; the emperor changed nothing. Soon Yun arrived from outside; he could not enter the palace gate and paced outside the Shouguang Hall, muttering only, "Alas, alas." When Yue came out, Yun asked, "How was I treated?" Yue pointed to the left; Yun laughed and said, "Just as I expected." The emperor summoned Yun and said, "I lived with Shen Xiufen for years and never noticed anything extraordinary; today his talent ranges freely—truly clear insight." Yun said, "Your Majesty now knows Yue—no different from Yue now knowing you." The emperor said, "I have campaigned for three years; my generals have indeed labored, yet those who accomplished the imperial enterprise are you two alone."

梁台建，為散騎常侍、吏部尚書，兼右僕射。及受禪，為尚書僕射，封建昌縣侯。又拜約母謝為建昌國太夫人。奉策之日，吏部尚書范雲等二十餘人咸來致拜，朝野以為榮。俄遷左僕射。天監二年，遭母憂，輿駕親出臨吊，以約年衰，不宜致毀，遣中書舍人斷客節哭。起為鎮軍將軍、丹陽尹，置佐史。服闋，遷侍中、右光祿大夫，領太子詹事，奏尚書八條事。遷尚書令，累表陳讓，改授左僕射，領中書令。尋遷尚書令，領太子少傅。九年，轉左光祿大夫。

When the Liang headquarters was established, he became attendant cavalier, minister of the civil service, and concurrently right vice director of the secretariat. Upon receiving the abdication he became vice director of the secretariat and was enfeoffed as marquis of Jianchang. The emperor also ennobled Yue's mother Xie as grand lady of Jianchang. On the day the edict was presented, more than twenty men including Fan Yun, minister of the civil service, came to pay homage; court and commoners regarded it as an honor. Soon he was promoted to left vice director. In the second year of Tianjian his mother died; the emperor came in person to mourn. Because Yue was old and should not ruin his health, an aide was sent to regulate visitors and mourning. He was recalled as general who pacifies the army and governor of Danyang, with staff officers appointed. When mourning ended he became palace attendant and right grand master of splendid happiness, concurrently grand tutor of the heir, and memorialized eight items for the secretariat. He was promoted to director of the secretariat, repeatedly declined, and was instead made left vice director, concurrently director of the secretariat. Soon he was again director of the secretariat and junior tutor of the heir. In the ninth year he was transferred to left grand master of splendid happiness.

初，約久處端揆，有志台司，論者咸謂為宜。而帝終不用，乃求外出，又不見許。與徐勉素善，遂以書陳情於勉，言己老病，「百日數旬，革帶常應移孔；以手握臂，率計月小半分」。欲謝事，求歸老之秩。勉為言於帝，請三司之儀，弗許，但加鼓吹而已。

Yue had long held the highest offices and aspired to the Three Excellencies; everyone said it was fitting. Yet the emperor never appointed him; he sought an outside post and was refused. He was on good terms with Xu Mian and wrote to him, saying he was old and ill: "For a hundred days, several tens of them—the belt must constantly be moved a hole; grasping the arm with the hand, on average a little less than half a finger a month." He wished to resign and seek retirement rank. Mian spoke to the emperor on his behalf, requesting the honors of the Three Excellencies; this was refused, and only ceremonial music was added.

約性不飲酒，少嗜欲，雖時遇隆重，而居處儉素。立宅東田，矚望郊阜，常為郊居賦以序其事。尋加特進，遷中軍將軍、丹陽尹，侍中、特進如故。十二年卒官，年七十三，諡曰隱。約左目重瞳子，腰有紫志，聰明過人，好墳籍，聚書至二萬卷，都下無比。少孤貧，約幹宗党得米數百斛，為宗人所侮，覆米而去。及貴不以為憾，用為郡部傳。嘗侍宴，有妓婢師是齊文惠宮人，帝問識座中客不？曰：「唯識沈家令。」約伏地流涕，帝亦悲焉，為之罷酒。約曆仕三代，該悉舊章，博物洽聞，當世取則。謝玄暉善為詩，任彥升工於筆，約兼而有之，然不能過也。自負高才，昧于榮利，乘時射勢，頗累清談。及居端揆，稍弘止足，每進一官，輒殷勤請退，而終不能去，論者方之山濤。用事十餘年，未常有所薦達，政之得失，唯唯而已。

Yue did not drink and had few desires; though greatly honored, his dwelling remained plain. He built a house in the eastern fields overlooking the suburban heights and wrote a Rhapsody on Suburban Living to describe it. Soon he was given special advancement and made general of the central army and governor of Danyang, remaining palace attendant and specially advanced as before. In the twelfth year he died in office at seventy-three; his posthumous title was Yin. Yue had a double pupil in his left eye and a purple mark on his waist; his intelligence surpassed others. He loved ancient texts and collected twenty thousand scrolls, unmatched in the capital. In youth he was orphaned and poor; he managed clan affairs and obtained several hundred bushels of rice, but was insulted by clansmen and overturned the rice and left. When eminent he bore no resentment and used the story in a local biography. Once at a feast a singing girl had been a palace woman of Qi Wenhuizi; the emperor asked whether she recognized anyone. She said, "I only recognize Director Shen." Yue prostrated himself and wept; the emperor was grieved and stopped the feast. Yue served three dynasties, mastered old regulations, was broadly learned, and was the standard of the age. Xie Xuancheng excelled at poetry and Ren Yansheng at prose; Yue had both, yet surpassed neither. Confident in his talent yet blind to glory and profit, he seized the moment for position and his pure talk suffered for it. At the summit he became somewhat more willing to stop; each promotion he asked to retire—yet could not leave; commentators compared him to Shan Tao. In more than ten years of power he never recommended anyone; on government right or wrong he only assented.

初，武帝有憾于張稷，及卒，因與約言之。約曰：「左僕射出作邊州刺史，已往之事，何足復論。」帝以為約昏家相為，怒約曰：「卿言如此，是忠臣邪！」乃輦歸內殿。約懼，不覺帝起，猶坐如初。及還，未至床，憑空頓於戶下，因病。夢齊和帝劍斷其舌，召巫視之，巫言如夢。乃呼道士奏赤章於天，稱禪代之事，不由己出。先此，約嘗侍宴，會豫州獻栗，徑寸半。帝奇之，問栗事多少，與約各疏所憶，少帝三事。約出謂人曰：「此公護前，不讓即羞死。」帝以其言不遜，欲抵其罪，徐勉固諫乃止。及疾，上遣主書黃穆之專知省視，穆之夕還，增損不即啟聞，懼罪，竊以赤章事因上省醫徐奘以聞，又積前失。帝大怒，中使譴責者數焉，約懼遂卒。有司諡曰：「文」，帝曰：「懷情不盡曰隱」，故改為隱。

Earlier the emperor resented Zhang Ji; when Ji died he spoke of it with Yue. Yue said, "The left vice director went out as frontier governor; past matters—what is there to discuss?" The emperor thought Yue was covering for in-laws and angrily said, "If you speak like this, are you a loyal minister?" He returned to the inner palace by carriage. Yue was afraid and did not notice the emperor rising, still sitting as before. When the emperor returned, before reaching the couch Yue fell at the doorway and fell ill. He dreamed Emperor He of Qi's sword cut off his tongue; a shaman said it matched the dream. He had a Daoist present a red petition to Heaven, saying the abdication was not his own will. Before this, at a feast Yuzhou presented chestnuts an inch and a half across. The emperor marveled and asked how many chestnut matters each recalled; Yue was three short of the emperor. When Yue went out he said, "This lord protects his lead—if one does not yield he would die of shame." The emperor wished to punish him for disrespect; Xu Mian firmly dissuaded him and he stopped. When ill the emperor sent Huang Muzhi to observe him; Muzhi returned each evening without reporting at once, fearing guilt, and secretly reported the red petition through physician Xu Zang—adding to prior faults. The emperor was greatly angered; envoys reproached him several times, and Yue died in fear. The office proposed Wen; the emperor said, "Cherishing feeling without exhausting it is called Yin," and changed it to Yin.

約少時常以晉氏一代竟無全書，年二十許，便有撰述之意。宋泰始初，征西將軍蔡興宗為啟，明帝有敕許焉。自此踰二十年，所撰之書方就，凡一百餘卷。條流雖舉，而采綴未周。永明初遇盜，失第五帙。又齊建元四年被敕撰國史，永明二年又兼著作郎，撰次起居注。五年春又被敕撰宋書，六年二月畢功，表上之。其所撰國史為齊紀二十卷。天監中，又撰梁武紀十四卷，又撰邇言十卷，諡例十卷，文章志三十卷，文集一百卷，皆行於世。又撰四聲譜，以為「在昔詞人累千載而不悟，而獨得胸衿，窮其妙旨」。自謂入神之作。武帝雅不好焉，嘗問周舍曰：「何謂四聲？」舍曰：「'天子聖哲'是也。」然帝竟不甚遵用約也。

In youth Yue thought the Jin house lacked a complete history; at about twenty he intended to compose one. At the beginning of Song Taishi, Cai Xingzong memorialized on his behalf, and Emperor Ming permitted it. More than twenty years passed before the book was finished, more than a hundred scrolls in all. The categories were set forth but the gathering of materials was not yet complete. At the beginning of Yongming thieves stole it and the fifth fascicle was lost. In Qi Jianyuan year four he was ordered to compile the national history; in Yongming year two he was also compiler and drafted the Daily Records. In spring of the fifth year he was ordered to compile the History of Song; in the second month of the sixth year it was finished and presented. The national history he compiled was the Qi Annals in twenty scrolls. Under Tianjian he compiled the Liang Wudi Annals in fourteen scrolls, Recent Words in ten, Posthumous Examples in ten, Literary Records in thirty, and Collected Works in a hundred—all circulated. He compiled a Treatise on the Four Tones, holding that "past poets for a thousand years did not understand, yet I alone grasped its subtle intent." He considered it divinely inspired. Emperor Wu did not care for it and once asked Zhou She, "What are the four tones?" She said, "'The Son of Heaven is sage and wise' is an example." Yet the emperor did not greatly follow Yue's usage.

子旋，字士規，襲爵，位司徒右長史，太子僕。以母憂去官，因蔬食辟穀，服除，猶絕粳粱。終於南康內史，諡曰恭。集注邇言，行於世。旋弟趨字孝鯉，亦知名，位黃門郎。旋卒，子寔嗣。寔弟眾。

His son Xuan, styled Shigui, inherited the title and served as right chief administrator of the secretariat and palace steward. He left office for mourning, ate vegetables and avoided grain; when mourning ended he still abstained from polished grain. He died as interior minister of Nankang; his posthumous title was Gong. He compiled a commentary on Recent Words that circulated. Xuan's younger brother Qu, styled Xiaoli, was also well known and served as attendant of the yellow gate. When Xuan died, his son Shi succeeded. Shi's younger brother was Zhong.

眾字仲師，好學，頗有文詞。仕梁為太子舍人。時梁武帝制千文詩，眾為之注解。與陳郡謝景同時召見於文德殿，帝令眾為竹賦。賦成奏之，手敕答曰：「卿文體翩翩，可謂無忝爾祖。」

Zhong, styled Zhongshi, loved learning and had literary talent. He served Liang as attendant of the heir. Emperor Wu of Liang composed a Thousand-Character Poem, and Zhong wrote a commentary. He and Xie Jing of Chen were summoned to the Wende Hall; the emperor had Zhong compose a rhapsody on bamboo. When it was presented, the emperor wrote, "Your literary manner is graceful—you do not disgrace your ancestor."

累遷太子中舍人，兼散騎常侍，聘魏，還為驃騎廬陵王諮議參軍。侯景之亂，表求還吳興召募故義部曲以討賊，梁武許之。及景圍台城，眾率宗族及義附五千餘人入援都，軍容甚整，景深憚之。梁武於城內遙授太子右衛率。台城陷，眾乃降景。景平，元帝以為司徒左長史。魏克江陵，見虜，尋亦逃歸。

He was promoted to attendant of the heir and concurrently attendant cavalier, envoy to Wei, and on return military aide to the flying cavalry general, Prince of Luling. During Hou Jing's rebellion he asked to return to Wuxing to summon old followers to fight the rebels; Liang Wu permitted it. When Jing besieged the capital, Zhong led clansmen and followers, more than five thousand, to aid the capital; his army was orderly and Jing deeply feared him. Liang Wu from within the city appointed him right commandant of the heir's guard. When the capital fell, Zhong surrendered to Jing. When Jing was pacified, Emperor Yuan made him left chief administrator of the secretariat. When Wei took Jiangling he was captured, but soon escaped and returned.

陳武帝受命，位中書令。帝以眾州裏知名，甚敬重之，賞賜超于時輩。性吝嗇，財帛億計，無所分遺。自奉甚薄，每朝會中，衣裳破裂，或躬提冠履。永定二年，兼起部尚書，監起太極殿。恒服布袍芒屩，以麻繩為帶，又囊麥飯鉡以噉之，朝士咸共誚其所為。眾性狷急，因忿恨，遂曆詆公卿，非毀朝廷。武帝大怒，以眾素有令望，不欲顯誅，因其休假還武康，遂于吳中賜死。

When Chen Wu received the mandate he served as director of the secretariat. The emperor, because Zhong was well known at home, greatly respected him and rewarded him beyond his peers. By nature stingy, his wealth ran to hundreds of millions yet he gave nothing away. His own fare was spare; at court his clothes were torn, and sometimes he carried his cap and shoes himself. In the second year of Yongding he was concurrently minister of works overseeing construction of the Hall of Supreme Pole. He wore cloth robes and straw sandals, used hemp rope for a belt, and carried wheat meal in a bag with a ladle; court gentlemen mocked him. Zhong was impatient; in resentment he slandered lords and ministers and vilified the court. The emperor was greatly angered; because Zhong had long enjoyed a good reputation he did not wish to execute him openly, and when Zhong took leave to Wukang had him ordered to die in Wu.

范雲字彥龍，南鄉舞陰人，晉平北將軍汪六世孫也。祖璩之，宋中書侍郎。雲六歲就其姑夫袁叔明讀毛詩，日誦九紙。陳郡殷琰名知人，候叔明見之，曰：「公輔才也」。

Fan Yun, styled Yanlong, was from Wuyin in Nanxiang, sixth-generation descendant of Jin general who pacifies the north Fan Wang. His grandfather Qiong served as attendant of the secretariat under Song. At six he studied the Mao Book of Songs with his uncle by marriage Yuan Shuming, reciting nine sheets a day. Yin Yan of Chen, famed for judging men, saw Yun and said, "Material for chief minister."

雲性機警，有識具，善屬文，下筆輒成，時人每疑其宿構。父抗為郢府參軍，雲隨在郢。時吳興沈約、新野庾杲之與抗同府，見而友之。

Yun was alert and discerning, skilled at writing; his compositions flowed at once, and people often suspected overnight preparation. His father Kang was staff officer in the Ying headquarters; Yun followed him there. Shen Yue of Wuxing and Yu Gaozhi of Xinye were in the same office as Kang and befriended Yun.

起家郢州西曹書佐，轉法曹行參軍。俄而沈攸之舉兵圍郢城，抗時為府長流，入城固守，留家屬居外。雲為軍人所得，攸之召與語，聲色甚厲。雲容貌不變，徐自陳說。攸之笑曰：「卿定可兒，且出就舍。」明旦又召雲令送書入城內，餉武陵王酒一石，犢一頭；餉長史柳世隆鱠魚二十頭，皆去其首。城內或欲誅雲，雲曰：「老母弱弟，懸命沈氏。若其違命，禍必及親。今日就戮，甘心如薺。」世隆素與雲善，乃免之。

He began as western bureau clerk of Yingzhou, then became acting military aide in the law section. Soon Shen Youzhi besieged Yingcheng; Kang entered to hold the city and left his family outside. Yun was captured; Youzhi summoned him and spoke fiercely. Yun's expression did not change; he calmly stated his case. Youzhi laughed and said, "You are a fine fellow—go to quarters for now." Next morning he summoned Yun to deliver a letter into the city, with a stone of wine and a calf for the Prince of Wuling; and twenty sliced fish, all beheaded, for chief administrator Liu Shilong. Some in the city wished to kill Yun; he said, "My mother and younger brother hang on the Shen clan's fate. If I disobey, disaster will reach my kin. To die today would be sweet to my heart." Shilong, long friendly with Yun, spared him.

後除員外散騎郎。齊建元初，竟陵王子良為會稽太守，雲為府主簿。王未之知。後克日登秦望山，乃命云。雲以山上有秦始皇刻石，此文三句一韻，人多作兩句讀之，並不得韻；又皆大篆，人多不識，乃夜取史記讀之令上口。明日登山，子良令賓僚讀之，皆茫然不識。末問雲，雲曰：「下官嘗讀史記，見此刻石文。」乃進讀之如流。子良大悅，因以為上賓。自是寵冠府朝。王為丹陽尹，復為主簿，深相親任。時進見齊高帝，會有獻白烏，帝問此何瑞，雲位卑最後答，曰：「臣聞王者敬宗廟則白烏至。」時謁廟始畢，帝曰：「卿言是也。感應之理，一至此乎。」

Later he was appointed outer attendant cavalier. At the beginning of Qi Jianyuan, Prince of Jingling Ziliang was governor of Kuaiji and Yun was his chief clerk. The prince did not yet know him. Later on the day set for ascending Mount Qinwang he ordered Yun to attend. Yun knew Qin Shihuang's inscription was on the mountain; it rhymed in threes, and most read it in twos and missed the rhyme; moreover it was in great seal script, which most could not read, so he studied the Records of the Historian overnight until he could recite it. Next day on the mountain, Ziliang had guests read it; none could. Last he asked Yun; Yun said, "I once read this text in the Records of the Historian." He read it fluently. Ziliang was greatly pleased and made him a chief guest. From then his favor topped the headquarters. When the prince became governor of Danyang, Yun again served as chief clerk and was deeply trusted. Once at audience with Emperor Gao of Qi, a white crow was presented; the emperor asked the omen; Yun, lowest in rank, answered last: "When a king reveres the ancestral temple, the white crow comes." The temple visit had just ended; the emperor said, "You are correct. Response can reach this far."

子良為南徐州、南兗州，雲並隨府遷，每陳朝政得失於子良。尋除尚書殿中郎。子良為雲求祿，齊武帝曰：「聞範雲諂事汝，政當流之。」子良對曰：「雲之事臣，動相箴諫，諫書存者百有餘紙。」帝索視之，言皆切至，咨嗟良久，曰：「不意范雲乃爾，方令弼汝。」

When Ziliang held southern Xuzhou and Yanzhou, Yun followed and often advised him on court policy. Soon he was appointed palace gentleman of the secretariat. Ziliang sought an office for Yun; Emperor Wu of Qi said, "I hear Fan Yun flatters you—he ought to be banished." Ziliang replied, "Yun always admonishes me; more than a hundred remonstrance letters remain." The emperor read them; all were incisive; he sighed and said, "I did not expect this—let him assist you."

子良為司徒，又補記室。時巴東王子響在荊州，殺上佐，都下匈匈，人多異志。而豫章王嶷鎮東府，多還私邸，動移旬日。子良築第西郊，遊戲而已。而梁武帝時為南郡王文學，與雲俱為子良所禮。梁武勸子良還石頭，並言大司馬宜還東府，子良不納。梁武以告云。時廷尉平王植為齊武帝所狎，雲謂植曰：「西夏不靜，人情甚惡，大司馬詎得久還私第？司徒亦宜鎮石頭。卿入既數，言之差易。」植因求雲作啟自呈之。俄而二王各鎮一城。

When Ziliang became minister of the secretariat, Yun was again appointed recorder. Prince of Badong Zixiang in Jingzhou killed his chief aide; the capital was in turmoil and many harbored different designs. Prince of Yuzhang Yi garrisoned the eastern headquarters but often returned home for ten-day stretches. Ziliang built a mansion in the western suburbs and only played. Liang Wu was then literary aide to the Prince of Nan and, with Yun, was honored by Ziliang. Liang Wu urged Ziliang to return to Stone City and said the grand marshal should return to the eastern headquarters; Ziliang refused. Liang Wu told Yun. Wang Zhi, assistant director of the court of justice, was favored by Qi Wu; Yun said, "The western border is unsettled and sentiment is bad—how can the grand marshal stay at home? The minister of the secretariat should also garrison Stone City. You enter audience often—speaking would be easier." Zhi asked Yun to draft a memorial and presented it. Soon both princes each garrisoned a city.

文惠太子嘗幸東田觀獲稻，雲時從。文惠顧雲曰：「此刈甚快。」雲曰：「三時之務，亦甚勤勞，願殿下知稼穡之艱難，無徇一朝之宴逸也。」文惠改容謝之。及出，侍中蕭緬先不相識，就車握雲手曰：「不謂今日復見讜言。」

Crown Prince Wenhuizi once watched the rice harvest in the eastern fields; Yun attended. The crown prince said to Yun, "This reaping is very quick." Yun said, "The three seasons are toilsome; I wish Your Highness knew farming's hardship and did not indulge a morning's ease." The crown prince changed expression and apologized. Palace attendant Xiao Mian, who had not known Yun, took his hand and said, "I did not expect remonstrance today."

永明十年使魏，魏使李彪宣命，至雲所，甚見稱美。彪為設甘蔗、黃甘、粽，隨盡復益。彪笑謂曰：「範散騎小復儉之，一盡不可復得。」使還，再遷零陵內史。初，零陵舊政，公田奉米之外，別雜調四千石。及雲至郡，止其半，百姓悅之。深為齊明帝所知，還除正員郎。

In the tenth year of Yongming he was envoy to Wei; Li Biao was greatly impressed when he reached Yun. Biao set out sugarcane, sweet oranges, and dumplings; as soon as they were finished he replenished them. Biao laughed, "Attendant Fan is frugal again—once finished, no more." On return he was twice promoted to interior minister of Lingling. Earlier Lingling beyond public-field rice imposed four thousand bushels in miscellaneous levies. When Yun arrived he stopped half and the people were pleased. Emperor Ming of Qi took note of him; on return he was appointed regular attendant.

時高、武王侯並懼大禍，雲因帝召次曰：「昔太宰文宣王語臣，言嘗夢在一高山上，上有一深坑，見文惠太子先墜，次武帝，次文宣。望見僕射在室坐御床，備王者羽儀，不知此是何夢，卿慎勿向人道。」明帝流涕曰：「文宣此惠亦難負。」於是處昭胄兄弟異于余宗室。

The princes of Gao and Wu feared disaster; Yun told the emperor, "Wenxuan Wang once dreamed of a high mountain and deep pit; Wenhuizi fell first, then Emperor Wu, then Wenxuan. He saw the vice director on the imperial couch with full regalia—he did not know the dream's meaning and told me to tell no one." Emperor Ming wept, "Wenxuan's favor is hard to repay." He treated Zhaohou and his brothers differently from the rest of the clan.

雲之幸於子良，江祏求雲女婚姻，酒酣，巾箱中取翦刀與雲，曰：「且以為娉。」雲笑受之。至是祏貴，雲又因酣曰：「昔與將軍俱為黃鵠，今將軍化為鳳皇，荊布之室，理隔華盛。」因出翦刀還之，祏亦更姻他族。及祏敗，妻子流離，每相經理。

When Yun was favored by Ziliang, Jiang Shi sought his daughter's hand; drunk, he gave Yun scissors as betrothal gift." Yun smiled and accepted. When Shi was eminent, Yun when drunk said, "We were both yellow swans; now you are a phoenix—a coarse house cannot match splendor." He returned the scissors; Shi betrothed his daughter elsewhere. When Shi fell, his family was scattered; Yun always helped them.

又為始興內史，舊郡界得亡奴婢，悉付作；部曲即貨去，買銀輸官。雲乃先聽百姓志之，若百日無主，依判送台。又郡相承後堂有雜工作，雲悉省還役，並為帝所賞。郡多豪猾大姓，二千石有不善者，輒共殺害，不則逐之。邊帶蠻俚，尤多盜賊，前內史皆以兵刃自衛。雲入境，撫以恩德，罷亭候，商賈露宿，郡中稱為神明。

He again served as interior minister of Shixing; recovered runaway slaves were sent to corvée; retainers sold them and bought silver for the government. Yun allowed people to register them; if after a hundred days there was no owner, they were sent to the capital. Miscellaneous labor in the rear hall was abolished and returned to service; the emperor praised him. The commandery had many powerful clans; unworthy governors were killed or driven out. On the frontier with tribal peoples there were many bandits; previous ministers all carried weapons. Yun soothed with kindness, abolished watch posts, and merchants slept in the open; the commandery called him divine.

遷廣州刺史、平越中郎將。至任，遣使祭孝子南海羅威唐頌、蒼梧丁密頓琦等墓。時江祏姨弟徐藝為曲江令，祏深以托云。有譚儼者，縣之豪族，藝鞭之，儼以為恥，至都訴雲，雲坐征還下獄，會赦免。

He was promoted to governor of Guangzhou and general of the pacification of Yue. On reaching his post he sent envoys to sacrifice at tombs of filial sons Luo Wei, Tang Song, Ding Mi, Dun Qi, and others. Xu Yi, Jiang Shi's maternal cousin, was magistrate of Qujiang; Shi entrusted him to Yun. Tan Yan, a powerful clansman, was flogged by Yi; shamed, he accused Yun at court; Yun was recalled and imprisoned, then pardoned.

初，梁武為司徒祭酒，與雲俱在竟陵王西邸，情好歡甚。永明末，梁武與兄懿卜居東郊之外，雲亦築室相依。梁武每至雲所，其妻常聞蹕聲。又嘗與梁武同宿顧暠之舍，暠之妻方產，有鬼在外曰：「此中有王有相。」雲起曰：「王當仰屬，相以見歸。」因是盡心推事。及帝起兵，將至都，雲雖無官，自以與帝素款，慮為昏主所疑，將求入城，先以車迎太原孫伯翳謀之。伯翳曰：「今天文顯於上，災變應于下，蕭征東以濟世雄武，挾天子而令諸侯，天時人事，寧俟多說。」雲曰：「此政會吾心，今羽翮未備，不得不就籠檻，希足下善聽之。」及入城，除國子博士，未拜，而東昏遇弑。侍中張稷使雲銜命至石頭，梁武恩待如舊，遂參贊謨謀，毗佐大業。仍拜黃門侍郎，與沈約同心翊贊。俄遷大司馬諮議參軍，領錄事。

Earlier Liang Wu and Yun were both at Jingling's western residence and were very close. At the end of Yongming Liang Wu and Yi chose a residence outside the eastern suburbs; Yun built nearby. When Liang Wu visited, Yun's wife often heard imperial escort. Once he stayed with Liang Wu at Gu Hao's; Hao's wife was giving birth and a ghost said, "Within are a king and a minister." Yun said, "The king looks upward; the minister is given in return." From this he devoted himself to Liang Wu. When Liang Wu marched on the capital, though without office Yun feared the deluded ruler's suspicion; wishing to enter the city he consulted Sun Boyi of Taiyuan. Boyi said, "Heaven and earth show the signs; the eastern expedition holds the Son of Heaven to command the lords—no further words are needed." Yun said, "That is my heart; my wings are not ready and I must enter the cage—listen well." He entered the city and was appointed erudite of the imperial university but did not take office before the emperor was assassinated. Zhang Ji had Yun carry the mandate to Stone City; Liang Wu treated him as before and he assisted the great enterprise. He was appointed attendant of the yellow gate and, with Shen Yue, jointly supported the throne. Soon he was military aide on the grand marshal's staff and recorder.

梁台建，遷侍中。武帝時納齊東昏餘妃，頗妨政事，雲嘗以為言，未之納。後與王茂同入臥內，雲又諫，王茂因起拜曰：「範雲言是，公必以天下為念，無宜留惜。」帝默然。雲便疏令以餘氏賚茂，帝賢其意而許之。明日，賜雲、茂錢各百萬。及帝受禪，柴燎南郊，雲以侍中參乘。禮畢，帝升輦謂雲曰：「朕之今日，所謂懍乎若朽索之馭六馬。」雲對曰：「亦願陛下日慎一日。」帝善其言，即日遷散騎常侍、吏部尚書。以佐命功，封霄城縣侯。

When the Liang headquarters was established he became palace attendant. The emperor took a concubine of Eastern Depravity, which hindered government; Yun spoke but was not heeded. Entering with Wang Mao, Yun remonstrated again; Mao bowed and said, "Fan Yun is right—think of the realm, do not be sparing." The emperor was silent. Yun memorialized to give the woman to Mao; the emperor consented. Next day he granted Yun and Mao a million cash each. When the emperor received the abdication, at the southern suburb Yun as palace attendant rode in the accompanying carriage. When the rites ended the emperor said to Yun, "Today I tremble as if driving six horses with a rotten rope." Yun replied, "I also wish Your Majesty would be more cautious day by day." The emperor approved and that day made him attendant cavalier and minister of the civil service. For founding merit he was enfeoffed as marquis of Xiaocheng.

雲以舊恩，超居佐命，盡誠翊亮，知無不為。帝亦推心仗之，所奏多允。雲本大武帝十三歲，嘗侍宴，帝謂臨川王宏、鄱陽王恢曰：「我與范尚書少親善，申四海之敬。今為天下主，此禮既革，汝宜代我呼范為兄。」二王下席拜，與雲同車還尚書下省，時人榮之。帝嘗與雲言及舊事，云：「朕司州還，在三橋宅，門生王道牽衣雲，'聞外述圖讖雲，齊祚不久，別應有王者。官應取富貴'。朕齋中坐讀書，內感其言而外跡不得無怪，欲呼人縛之，道叩頭求哀，乃不復敢言。今道為羽林監、文德主帥，知管鑰。」雲曰：「此乃天意令道發耳。」帝又云：「布衣時，嘗夢拜兩舊妾為六宮，有天下，此嫗已卒，所拜非復其人，恒以為恨。」

Because of old favor he surpassed others in aiding the founding and did all he knew. The emperor gave him full trust; his memorials were mostly approved. Yun was thirteen years older; at a feast the emperor told Princes Hong and Hui, "I was close with Director Fan from youth and extended the respect due within the four seas. Now I am lord of the realm and this ritual is changed—you should call Fan elder brother for me." The princes bowed; they returned with Yun in the same carriage, and people regarded it as an honor. The emperor spoke of old matters: "At my house on the Third Bridge student Wang Dao tugged my robe and said outsiders spread prophecies that Qi would not last and another king should arise. Your office should take wealth and honor. I was reading in my study, inwardly moved yet outwardly surprised, and wished to bind him; Dao kowtowed and dared speak no more. Now Dao is supervisor of the feathered forest and chief of the Wende gate, in charge of keys." Yun said, "This was Heaven's will making Dao speak." The emperor also said, "As a commoner I dreamed of bowing to two old concubines as the Six Palaces; when I had the realm they were dead and those I bowed to were not they—I always regret it."

其年，雲以本官領太子中庶子。二年，遷尚書右僕射，猶領吏部。頃之，坐違詔用人，免吏部，猶為右僕射。

That year Yun concurrently served as junior tutor of the heir. In the second year he became right vice director of the secretariat, still heading the civil service. Soon, for violating an edict in appointments he was removed from the civil service but remained right vice director.

雲性篤睦，事寡嫂盡禮，家事必先諮而後行。好節尚奇，專趨人之急。少與領軍長史王畡善，雲起宅新成，移家始畢，畡亡於官舍，屍無所歸，雲以東廂給之。移屍自門入，躬自營唅，招復如禮，時人以為難。及居選官，任寄隆重，書牘盈案，賓客滿門，雲應答如流，無所壅滯，官曹文墨，發擿若神，時人咸服其明贍。性頗激厲，少威重，有所是非，形於造次，士或以此少之。初，雲為郡號廉潔，及貴重，頗通饋遺；然家無蓄積，隨散之親友。

Yun was affectionate and harmonious, served his widowed sister-in-law with full ritual, and always consulted before household affairs. He prized integrity and the extraordinary and devoted himself to others' urgent needs. He was friendly with chief administrator Wang Xian; when Yun's new house was finished Xian died with nowhere for the corpse; Yun gave him the east wing. He moved the corpse in through the gate and personally arranged mourning—people thought it remarkable. In appointments his trust was weighty; he answered like flowing water and dispatched documents as if by spirit—everyone admired his clarity. He was impetuous with little gravity; he showed opinions at once, and some thought less of him. In commandery office he was called incorrupt; when eminent he accepted gifts; yet the household had no stores and he gave to kin and friends as he received.

武帝九錫之出，雲忽中疾，居二日半，召醫徐文伯視之。文伯曰：「緩之一月乃復，欲速即時愈，政恐二年不復可救。」雲曰：「朝聞夕死，而況二年。」文伯乃下火而壯焉，重衣以覆之。有頃，汗流於背即起。二年果卒。帝為流涕，即日輿駕臨殯，詔贈侍中、衛將軍，禮官請諡曰宣，敕賜諡曰文。有集三十卷。子孝才嗣。

When the nine bestowments were issued Yun suddenly fell ill; after two and a half days physician Xu Wenbo was summoned. Wenbo said, "Slow treatment recovers in a month; speed recovers at once, but in two years he may not be saveable." Yun said, "To hear the Way at dawn and die at evening is enough—how much more two years." Wenbo applied strong fire and covered him with heavy clothes. Soon sweat streamed down his back and he rose. In the second year he indeed died. The emperor wept, went in person to the lying-in-state, ordered posthumous palace attendant and guard general; ritual officers proposed Xuan, but an edict granted Wen. He left collected works in thirty scrolls. His son Xiaocai succeeded.

孫伯翳，太原人，晉秘書監盛之玄孫。曾祖放，晉國子博士、長沙太守。父康，起部郎，貧常映雪讀書，清介，交遊不雜。伯翳位終驃騎鄱陽王參軍事。雲從父兄縝。

Sun Boyi was from Taiyuan, great-grandson of Jin director of the secretariat Sun Sheng. His great-grandfather Fang was erudite of the imperial university and governor of Changsha under Jin. His father Kang was a gentleman of the ministry of rites, poor, reading by snowlight, pure and upright. Boyi ended as military aide to the flying cavalry general, Prince of Poyang. Yun's paternal cousin Zhen.

縝字子真。父蒙，奉朝請，早卒。縝少孤貧，事母孝謹。年未弱冠，從沛國劉瓛學，瓛甚奇之，親為之冠。在瓛門下積年，恒芒屩布衣，徒行于路。瓛門下多車馬貴遊，縝在其間，聊無恥愧。及長，博通經術，尤精三禮。性質直，好危言高論，不為士友所安。唯與外弟蕭琛善，琛名曰口辯，每服縝簡詣。年二十九，發白皤然，乃作傷暮詩、白髮詠以自嗟。

Zhen, styled Zizhen. His father Meng was a court gentleman and died young. Zhen was orphaned and poor and served his mother with filial care. Before capping age he studied with Liu Huan of Pei; Huan marveled at him and personally capped him. For years in Huan's school he wore straw sandals and plain cloth and walked on foot. Huan's school had many nobles with carriages; Zhen was not ashamed. When grown he mastered the classics, especially the three Rites. He was blunt and loved stern, lofty discourse, which unsettled scholar friends. Only with cousin Xiao Chen was he friendly; Chen was famed for eloquence and yielded to Zhen's brevity. At twenty-nine his hair turned white; he wrote Lament for Declining Years and Song of White Hair.

仕齊位尚書殿中郎。永明中，與魏氏和親，簡才學之士以為行人，縝及從弟雲、蕭琛、琅邪顏幼明、河東裴昭明相繼將命，皆著名鄰國。

In Qi he served as palace gentleman of the secretariat. In Yongming, for peace with Wei, talented envoys were chosen; Zhen, Yun, Chen, Yan Youming, and Pei Zhaoming served in succession, all famed abroad.

時竟陵王子良盛招賓客，縝亦預焉。嘗侍子良，子良精信釋教，而縝盛稱無佛。子良問曰：「君不信因果，何得富貴貧賤？」縝答曰：「人生如樹花同發，隨風而墮，自有拂簾幌墜于茵席之上，自有關籬牆落於糞溷之中。墜茵席者，殿下是也；落糞溷者，下官是也。貴賤雖復殊途，因果竟在何處。」子良不能屈，然深怪之。退論其理，著神滅論。以為：「神即形也，形即神也，形存則神存，形謝則神滅。形者神之質，神者形之用。是則形稱其質，神言其用，形之與神，不得相異。神之於質，猶利之於刀，形之於用，猶刀之於利。利之名非刀也，刀之名非利也，然而舍利無刀，舍刀無利。未聞刀沒而利存，豈容形亡而神在。」此論出，朝野喧嘩。子良集僧難之而不能屈。太原王琰乃著論譏縝曰：「嗚呼範子！曾不知其先祖神靈所在。」欲杜縝後對。縝又對曰：「嗚呼王子！知其祖先神靈所在，而不能殺身以從之。」其險詣皆此類也。子良使王融謂之曰：「神滅既自非理，而卿堅執之，恐傷名教。以卿之大美，何患不至中書郎，而故乖刺為此，可便毀棄之。」縝大笑曰：「使範縝賣論取官，已至令僕矣，何但中書郎邪。」

Prince of Jingling gathered guests and Zhen participated. Once attending Ziliang, who believed in Buddhism while Zhen declared there was no Buddha. Ziliang asked, "If you do not believe in cause and effect, how do wealth and poverty come?" Zhen answered, "Life is like tree blossoms falling with the wind—some brush the curtain onto cushions; some pass the fence into dung and mire. Those on cushions—that is Your Highness; those in dung—that is your servant. Wealth and poverty differ, but where is cause and effect? " Ziliang could not refute him but was deeply struck. He held: "Soul is form and form is soul; when form exists soul exists, when form perishes soul is extinguished. Form is the substance of soul and soul is the function of form. Thus form names substance and soul names function; form and soul cannot differ. Soul to substance is like sharpness to a knife; form to function is like knife to sharpness. Sharpness is not the knife and knife is not sharpness, yet apart from sharpness there is no knife and apart from knife no sharpness. One never hears of the knife perishing while sharpness remains—how can form perish while soul remains?" When it appeared, court and commoners were in an uproar. Ziliang gathered monks to challenge him but could not overcome him. Wang Yan wrote a treatise mocking him: "Alas, Master Fan! You do not know where your ancestors' spirits abide. He wished to block Zhen's reply. Zhen replied, "Alas, Master Wang! You know where your ancestors' spirits abide yet cannot kill yourself to follow them." His sharp retorts were all of this sort. Ziliang had Wang Rong tell him, "Soul extinction is against reason; if you insist you harm the teachings. With your great gifts, why fear not reaching attendant of the secretariat—destroy this at once." Zhen laughed, "If I sold treatises for office I would already be vice director—how much more attendant?"

後為宜都太守。性不信神鬼，時夷陵有伍相廟、唐漢三神廟、胡裏神廟，縝乃下教斷不祠。後以母憂去職。居於南州。梁武至，縝墨縗來迎。武帝與縝有西邸之舊，見之甚悅。及建康城平，以縝為晉安太守，在郡清約，資公祿而已。遷尚書左丞，及還，雖親戚無所遺，唯餉前尚書令王亮。縝在齊時，與亮同台為郎，舊相友愛。至是亮擯棄在家，縝自以首迎武帝，志在權軸，而所懷未滿，亦怏怏，故私相親結，以矯于時。竟坐亮徙廣州。在南累年，追為中書郎，國子博士，卒。文集十五卷。

Later he was governor of Yidu. He did not believe in ghosts; at Yiling he forbade sacrifice at temples to Wu, the Three Spirits, and others. Later he left office for mourning. He dwelt in the southern province. When Liang Wu arrived, Zhen came in mourning garb to welcome him. The emperor and Zhen had western residence ties and was greatly pleased. When Jiankang was pacified he was governor of Jin'an, pure and frugal, living only on salary. He became left assistant director; on return he gave nothing to kin but presented gifts only to Wang Liang. In Qi he and Liang had been colleagues and old friends. Now Liang was cast aside at home; Zhen, first to welcome the emperor yet unsatisfied in his aims, privately bonded with him to flatter the times. In the end because of Liang he was banished to Guangzhou. In the south for years he was recalled as attendant of the secretariat and erudite of the imperial university and died. Collected works in fifteen scrolls.

子胥字長才，傳父業，位國子博士，有口辯。大同中，常兼主客郎，應接北使，卒于鄱陽內史。

His son Xu, styled Changcai, inherited his father's work, served as erudite of the imperial university, and was famed for eloquence. In Datong he often received northern envoys as chief guest officer and died as interior minister of Poyang.

論曰：齊德將謝，昏虐君臨，喋喋黔黎，命懸晷刻。梁武撫茲歸運，嘯召風雲。范雲恩結龍潛，沈約情深惟舊，並以茲文義，首居帷幄，追蹤亂傑，各其時之遇也。而約以高才博洽，名亞董、遷，末跡為躓，亦鳳德之衰乎。縝婞直之節，著於終始，其以王亮為尤，亦不足非也。

Discussion: When Qi virtue declined, a cruel ruler held the throne and the people hung by the moment. Liang Wu took hold of returning fortune and summoned wind and clouds. Fan Yun bound him while hidden; Shen Yue's feeling was deep with old ties; both by literary righteousness first occupied inner counsel—each met his time. Yue, with lofty talent, ranked below Dong and Qian; his final stumble was decline of phoenix virtue. Zhen's upright integrity was manifest throughout; that he made Wang Liang his chief fault is also not to be blamed.

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