Chen Baxian (陳霸先)

Overview

Chen Baxian was a Chen Baxian, Emperor Wu and founder of Chen.

Other names

Type	English	Chinese	Pinyin
Posthumous name	Emperor Wu of Chen	陳武帝	Chen Wu Di
Temple name	Gaozu	高祖	Gaozu
Alternate name	Founder

Life and dates

Death

AD 559 是月
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 4, passage 125
AD 559 永定三年
Directly stated · Book of Chen 12, passage 122
Directly stated · Book of Chen 19, passage 91

Attested activity

AD 557 永定元年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 7, passage 28
AD 555 to AD 559 Shaotai and Yongding transition
Directly stated · Book of Chen 13, passage 25
AD 548 to AD 552 侯景之亂
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 12, passages 10, 111, 113
AD 548 to AD 552 侯景之亂
Directly stated · Book of Chen 25, passage 12
AD 545 大同十一年
Dated from the passage context · Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance 159, passages 3, 49; zizhitongjian:159:s0003a
AD 555 天保六年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 33, passages 16-17

Show 36 more source-backed claims

AD 557 太平二年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 6, passages 113-114, 179
AD 556 太平元年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 6, passages 51, 57, 64
AD 549 太清三年七月甲寅
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 4, passage 45
AD 554 承聖三年十一月
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 6, passage 184
AD 553 承聖前後
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 46, passage 73
AD 557 是月
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 4, passage 193
AD 559 是月
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 4, passage 125
AD 557 to AD 559 本高祖主帥
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 20, passage 151
AD 546 李賁復帥眾
Dated from the passage context · zizhitongjian:159:s0252b
AD 559 永定三年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 12, passage 122
AD 559 永定三年
Directly stated · Book of Chen 16, passage 76
AD 558 永定二年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 18, passage 116
AD 557 永定元年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 18, passage 153
AD 555 紹泰元年
Strongly inferred · Book of Chen 15, passage 9
AD 555 紹泰元年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 6, passages 7, 18
AD 557 陳初
Directly stated · Book of Chen 30, passage 8
AD 555 to AD 559 陳武帝、霸先
Dated from the passage context · Book of Sui 72, passages 118, 127
AD 549 to AD 552 高祖之討元景仲
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 16, passage 7
AD 557 高祖作相
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 156
AD 552 to AD 555 高祖南下
Directly stated · Book of Chen 19, passage 16
AD 557 高祖南下
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 20, passage 86
AD 557 to AD 559 高祖南平百越
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 30, passage 294
AD 557 高祖受命
Directly stated · Book of Chen 16, passage 15
AD 557 高祖受命
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 18, passages 22, 40
AD 557 高祖受禪
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 12, passages 25, 168; Book of Chen 24, passage 81
AD 557 高祖受禪
Directly stated · Book of Chen 17, passage 39; Book of Chen 19, passage 36; Book of Chen 23, passage 15; Book of Chen 24, passage 122; Book of Chen 29, passage 8; Book of Chen 32, passage 45
AD 557 to AD 559 高祖在位
Directly stated · Book of Chen 4, passage 89
AD 548 to AD 557 高祖將踰嶺
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 11, passage 9
AD 550 高祖微時
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 22, passage 49
AD 557 高祖承微接亂
Directly stated · Book of Chen 7, passage 8
AD 557 高祖為南徐州刺史
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 18, passages 165-166
AD 557 to AD 559 高祖舊臣
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 20, passage 159
AD 555 to AD 556 高祖討王僧辯
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 11, passage 105
AD 557 高祖踐祚
Directly stated · Book of Chen 12, passage 171
AD 557 高祖踐祚
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 15, passages 11-13
AD 557 高祖輔政
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 22, passage 51

Family

Immediate relationships attested in the translated histories.

Kin of Emperor Wen (世祖)
elder brother's son / nephew 兄子 · paternal line · Through Elder brother of Chen Baxian (陳霸先之兄)
Emperor Wen under the Founder 世祖 · Uncertain
Sources vary in certainty · Book of Zhou 4, passage 125; Book of Chen 11, passage 105
Kin of Chen Ni (陳擬)
nephew 從子 · paternal line
distant kinsman 疏屬
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passages 4, 12
Kin of Chen Huang (陳晃)
nephew 從子
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passage 12
Kin of Chen Bao (陳褒)
nephew 從子
Strongly inferred · Book of Chen 15, passage 12
Kin of Chen Jiong (陳炅)
nephew 從子
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passage 12
Kin of Chen Huiji (陳慧紀)
grandnephew on the collateral line 從孫 · 2 generations
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passage 46
Kin of Chen Jingya (陳敬雅)
grandnephew 從孫 · 2 generations
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passage 12
Kin of Chen Jingtai (陳敬泰)
grandnephew 從孫 · 2 generations
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passage 12
Kin of Chen Xiang (陳詳)
grandnephew 從孫 · 2 generations
Strongly inferred · Book of Chen 15, passage 12
Kin of Chen Xu (陳訬)
grandnephew 從孫 · 2 generations
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passage 12
Kin of Chen Zhi (陳祏)
grandnephew 從孫 · 2 generations
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passage 12
Kin of Chen Xuan (陳諠)
grandnephew 從孫 · 2 generations
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passage 12
Spouse of Zhang Yao'er (章要兒)
betrothed/married 聘 · Marriage
Directly stated · Book of Chen 7, passages 23, 28
Parent of Princess Mu of Kuaiji (會稽穆公主)
daughter 女
Directly stated · Book of Chen 7, passage 117
Sibling of Elder brother of Chen Baxian (陳霸先之兄)
elder brother 兄 · Uncertain siblings
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 4, passage 125
Parent of Elder Princess of Kuaiji (會稽長公主)
elder princess 長公主
Strongly inferred · Book of Chen 23, passages 12, 15
Parent of Princess Yongshi (永世公主)
eldest daughter 長女
Directly stated · Book of Chen 17, passage 3
Spouse of Dowager Empress Cixun (慈訓太后)
empress dowager 太后 · Primary marriage
Strongly inferred · Book of Chen 4, passages 14, 89
Kin of Cousin of Chen Gaozu (高祖從妹)
female cousin 從妹
Directly stated · Book of Chen 22, passage 49
Spouse of Daughter of Qian Zhongfang (錢仲方女)
married 娶 · Marriage · Ended
Directly stated · Book of Chen 7, passage 23
Kin of Prince of Hengyang Chang (衡陽王昌)
Prince of Hengyang 衡陽王
Strongly inferred · Book of Chen 7, passage 25
Parent of Emperor Wen (世祖)
son 子
Strongly inferred · Book of Chen 4, passages 89-90
Parent of Chen Xu (陳頊)
son 子
Strongly inferred · Book of Chen 4, passages 89, 115
Spouse of Wife of Gaozu (高祖妻)
wife 妻
Directly stated · Book of Chen 12, passage 148

Key source chapters

Career and standing

Chancellor of State 相國
AD 557 太平二年九月 · Appointed
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 114
Chancellor 丞相
AD 556 太平元年 · Appointed
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 64
Marshal 司馬
Appointed
Directly stated · Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance 159, passage 49
Vanguard 前鋒
Appointed
Directly stated · zizhitongjian:159:s0049h
chief minister 相
AD 557 高祖作相 · Held
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 156
inspector of Southern Xuzhou 南徐州刺史
Held
Directly stated · Book of Chen 18, passage 165

Show 9 more source-backed claims

King of Chen 陳王
AD 557 太平二年十月 · Advanced
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 117
Duke of Chen 陳公
AD 557 太平二年九月 · Enfeoffed
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 114
Nine Bestowals 九錫
AD 557 太平二年九月 · Granted
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 114
Ascended
AD 557 太平二年
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 179
Emperor Wu of Chen 陳武帝
AD 557 是月
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 4, passage 193
accepted the abdication 受禪
AD 557 高祖受禪
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 122
AD 557 高祖受禪
Directly stated · Book of Chen 11, passage 68; Book of Chen 12, passage 25; Book of Chen 29, passage 8
AD 557 高祖踐祚
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passage 11
AD 557 高祖踐祚
Directly stated · Book of Chen 12, passage 171

Places and affiliations

Chen 陳
Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Book of Chen 4, passage 89; Book of Chen 12, passage 171
Chen 陳
Relation Ruled
Strongly inferred · Book of Chen 18, passages 165-166; Book of Chen 24, passages 156-157
Chen
Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Book of Chen 18, passage 22
Polity Chen 陳 · Relation Associated with
Directly stated · Book of Chen 7, passage 28
Polity Chen 陳 · Relation Founded
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passages 116, 179
Polity Chen 陳 · Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Book of Chen 11, passages 105, 111; Book of Chen 15, passage 11; Book of Chen 20, passage 151; Book of Chen 22, passages 49, 51; Book of Chen 24, passages 81, 122; Book of Chen 30, passage 294

Show 4 more source-backed claims

Polity Chen · Relation Associated with
Directly stated · Book of Chen 25, passage 18
Polity Liang 梁 · Relation Served
Directly stated · zizhitongjian:159:s0252b
At same commandery as Shen Ke (Wuxing) 同郡 · Relation Native affiliation
Directly stated · Book of Chen 12, passage 148
At Southern Xuzhou 南徐州 · Relation Posted to
Directly stated · Book of Chen 18, passage 165

Works and attributed material

Why have you come so late?
Type speech · Addressed to Lu Xida (魯悉達)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 13, passage 58
You have said it exactly.
Type speech · Addressed to Lu Xida (魯悉達)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 13, passage 60
Speech · Speaker · Audience generals
Directly stated · zizhitongjian:159:s0252b; zizhitongjian:159:s0252c; zizhitongjian:159:s0252d; zizhitongjian:159:s0252e; zizhitongjian:159:s0252f
Edict · Author · Start Unit Id s0011 · End Unit Id s0013
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passages 11-13
Military counsel · Speaker · Direct quotation · Mode direct-quotation Speaker Chen Baxian (陳霸先)
Directly stated · zizhitongjian:159:s0049c; zizhitongjian:159:s0049d; zizhitongjian:159:s0049e; zizhitongjian:159:s0049f
Speech · Speaker · With Pei Ji (裴忌)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 25, passage 14

Events and relationships

Assassinated
Political · Perpetrator · With Wang Sengbian (王僧辯)
Directly stated · Book of Northern Qi 33, passage 26
Attacked
Military · Commander · With Yuan Jingzhong (元景仲)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 4, passage 45
Campaigned against Wang Sengbian
Military · Commander
Directly stated · Book of Chen 11, passage 105
Campaigned
Military · Commander · At Jiaozhi 交趾
Directly stated · Book of Chen 12, passages 8, 45
Defeated
AD 556 太平元年六月乙卯 · Military · Commander · Counterpart Qi 齊
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 57
Defeated
Military · Commander · With Li Ben (李賁)
Directly stated · zizhitongjian:159:s0252i; zizhitongjian:159:s0252j

Show 14 more source-backed claims

Deposed and usurped
AD 557 是月 · Political · Agent · With Xiao Fangzhi (蕭方智)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 4, passage 193
Deposed
AD 555 紹泰元年九月甲辰 · Political · Agent · With Xiao Yuanming (蕭淵明)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 7
Held regency
Political · Regent
Directly stated · Book of Chen 22, passage 51
His tomb was opened and his bones burned by Wang Ban
AD 589 及陳滅 · Posthumous · Victim of tomb desecration · With Wang Ban (王頒)
Dated from the passage context · Book of Sui 72, passages 127-129, 131-132
Killed Wang Sengbian
AD 555 為陳武帝所殺 · Political · Killer · With Wang Sengbian (王僧辯)
Dated from the passage context · Book of Sui 72, passage 118
Killed Wang Sengbian
Military · Commander · With Wang Sengbian (王僧辯)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 46, passage 121
Killed
AD 555 紹泰元年九月甲辰 · Military · Commander · With Wang Sengbian (王僧辯)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 7
Made Zhaoda magistrate of Changshan against Liu Yi
Political · Authority
Directly stated · Book of Chen 11, passage 110
Pacified
Military · Commander · At Hundred Yue 百越
Directly stated · Book of Chen 30, passage 294
Prepared to kill
Political · Actor · With Wang Sengbian (王僧辯)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 12, passage 114
Punished rebels
Military · Commander · At north 北
Directly stated · Book of Chen 30, passage 294
Relief of Jianye
Military · Commander
Directly stated · Book of Chen 11, passage 9
Served as chief minister when Yuan Xian was appointed
Political · Chief minister · With Yuan Xian (袁憲)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 156
Relation Patron of · Person Wei Hui (韋翽)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 18, passage 165

Assessments and attributes

Assessment 撥亂反正 · Assessment En put down disorder and restored the right · Mode named-speech Speaker Dowager Empress Cixun (慈訓太后)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 4, passage 89

Source notes

Historicity historical
Directly stated · Book of Chen 15, passage 12
Sent his children home to their native place under Shen Ke's escort together with his wife
With Shen Ke (沈恪)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 12, passage 148

References in the histories

Search passages

History

209 passages

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 33Volume 33 Biographies 25: Xiao Yuanming; Xiao Zhi (Liang); Xiao Tui; Xiao Fang (Liang); Xu Zhicai · 6 passages

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是時梁太尉王僧辯、司空陳霸先在建鄴，推晉安王方智為丞相。 At that time Liang grand commandant Wang Sengbian and minister of works Chen Baxian were at Jiankang; they installed Prince of Jin'an Fang Zhi as chancellor.

顯祖賜僧辯、霸先璽書，僧辯未奉詔。 Gao Yang bestowed sealed letters on Sengbian and Baxian; Sengbian did not obey the edict.

冬，霸先襲殺僧辯，復立方智，以明為太傅、建安王。 In winter Baxian attacked and killed Sengbian, restored Fang Zhi, and made Ming grand tutor and Prince of Jian'an.

霸先奉表朝廷，云僧辯陰謀篡逆，故誅之。 Baxian submitted a memorial to the court saying Sengbian had plotted treason in secret and was therefore executed.

霸先猶稱藩，將遣使送明，會明疽發背死。 Baxian still styled himself vassal and was about to send envoys to deliver Ming, but Ming died of a carbuncle on his back.

梁將王琳在江上與霸先相抗，顯祖遣兵納梁永嘉王蕭莊主梁祀。 Liang general Wang Lin on the river resisted Baxian; Gao Yang sent troops to install Liang Prince of Yongjia Xiao Zhuang to uphold the Liang succession.

Book of Chen, Chapter 4Volume 4: Emperor Fei · 1 passage

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高祖武皇帝撥亂反正，膺圖御籙，重懸三象，還補二儀； The Founder put rebellion down and righted the realm, took the mandate and ruled by the tally, restored heaven's lights, and repaired earth's order;

Book of Chen, Chapter 7Volume 7: Empresses and Consorts · 13 passages

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高祖承微接亂，光膺天歷，以朴素自處，故後宮員位多闕。 The Founder took the throne amid turmoil and lived plainly, so many posts in the inner palace went unfilled.

高祖皇后章要兒 Founder Empress Zhang Yao'er

高祖宣皇后章氏，諱要兒，吳興烏程人也。 Lady Xuan, empress of the Founder, of the Zhang clan, was named Yao'er and came from Wucheng in Wuxing.

高祖先娶同郡錢仲方女，早卒，後乃聘后。 The Founder had first married a daughter of Qian Zhongfang of the same commandery, who died young; only then did he betroth the empress.

高祖自廣州南征交阯，命后與衡陽王昌隨世祖由海道歸于長城。 When the Founder marched from Guangzhou against Jiaozhi, he sent the empress with Prince of Hengyang Chang and Emperor Wen home by sea to Changcheng.

侯景之亂，高祖下至豫章，后為景所囚。 In Hou Jing's rebellion the Founder went down to Yuzhang, and the empress was taken prisoner by Jing.

景平，而高祖為長城縣公，后拜夫人。 After Jing fell and the Founder became Duke of Changcheng, the empress was made his lady.

及高祖踐祚，永定元年立為皇后。 When the Founder took the throne, in Yongding year 1 (557) she was made empress.

高祖崩，后與中書舍人蔡景歷定計，祕不發喪，召世祖入纂，事在蔡景歷及侯安都傳。 When the Founder died, the empress and masters of writing attendant Cai Jingli laid their plans, kept the death secret, and summoned Emperor Wen to succeed; the affair is told in the biographies of Cai Jingli and Hou Andu.

其年四月，羣臣上謚曰宣太后，祔葬萬安陵。 That fourth month the ministers gave her the posthumous title Empress Dowager Xuan; she was buried with the Founder at Wan'an Mausoleum.

高祖之討侯景，世祖時在吳興，景遣使收世祖及后。 When the Founder moved against Hou Jing, Emperor Wen was in Wuxing; Jing sent men to seize him and the empress.

高祖踐祚，永定元年，后為臨川王妃。 When the Founder took the throne, in Yongding year 1 (557) she became Princess of Linchuan.

母即高祖女會稽穆公主。 Her mother was Princess Mu of Kuaiji, a daughter of the Founder.

Book of Chen, Chapter 11Volume 11: Huang Faqu; Chunyu Liang; Zhang Zhaoda · 6 passages

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高祖將踰嶺入援建業，李遷仕作梗中途，高祖命周文育屯于西昌，法抃遣兵助文育。 The Founder was about to cross the mountains to relieve Jianye, but Li Qianshi blocked the road. He ordered Zhou Wenyü to camp at Xichang, and Faqu sent troops to join him.

高祖亦遣文育進軍討慶，文育疑慶兵彊，未敢進，法抃率眾會之，因進克笙屯，俘獲甚眾。 The Founder also sent Wenyü against Qing, but Wenyü feared Qing's strength and held back. Faqu brought his men to join him, then they advanced together, took Sheng tun, and captured a great host of prisoners and plunder.

王琳擁割湘、郢，累遣召量，量外雖與琳往來，而別遣使從閒道歸於高祖。 Wang Lin held Xiang and Ying and repeatedly summoned Liang. Outwardly Liang dealt with Lin, but in secret he sent envoys by hidden paths to the Founder.

高祖受襌，授持節、散騎常侍、平西大將軍，給鼓吹一部，都督、刺史並如故。 When the Founder received the abdication, Liang was made credential-holder, scattered-cavalry regular attendant, and pacify-west grand general, with pipes and drums and his command and inspectorship unchanged.

及高祖討王僧辯，令世祖還長城招聚兵眾，以備杜龕，頻使昭達往京口，稟承計畫。 When the Founder moved against Wang Sengbian he sent Emperor Wen back to Changcheng to raise men and stores against Du Kan and repeatedly sent Zhaoda to Jingkou to carry his orders.

是時留異擁據東陽，私署守宰，高祖患之，乃使昭達為長山縣令，居其心腹。 At that time Liu Yi held Dongyang, appointing his own officials; the Founder, troubled by this, made Zhaoda magistrate of Changshan county to plant him in Yi's heartland.

Book of Chen, Chapter 12Volume 12: Hu Ying; Xu Du; Du Leng; Shen Ke · 37 passages

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出番禺，征討俚洞，廣州西江督護高祖在廣州，穎仍自結高祖，高祖與其同郡，接遇甚隆。 Posted from Panyu against the Li caves, he held the West River defense command at Guangzhou. When the Founder was there, Ying sought him out on his own. They shared a home commandery, and the Founder treated him with exceptional warmth.

及平李賁，高祖旋師，穎隸在西江，出兵多以穎留守。 After Li Ben fell the Founder turned homeward. Ying stayed on the West River, and in most campaigns he was left behind to guard the base.

侯景之亂，高祖克元景仲，仍渡嶺援臺，平蔡路養、李遷仕，穎皆有功。 During Hou Jing's rebellion the Founder took Yuan Jingzhong, crossed the mountains to relieve the capital, and crushed Cai Luyang and Li Qianshi. Ying earned merit in every fight.

高祖進軍頓西昌，以穎為巴丘縣令，鎮大皋，督糧運。 When the Founder marched and camped at Xichang, he made Ying magistrate of Baqiu, posted him at Dago, and put him in charge of grain convoys.

高祖率眾與王僧辯會於白茅灣，同討侯景，以穎知留府事。 The Founder took his army to Baimao Bay to join Wang Sengbian against Hou Jing and left Ying to manage headquarters.

尋除豫章內史，隨高祖鎮京口。 Soon he became interior minister of Yuzhang and followed the Founder to Jingkou.

高祖選府內驍勇三千人配穎，令隨瑱，於東關大破之（元建）。[1] The Founder picked three thousand brave men from his staff troops and assigned them to Ying under Tian. At Dongguan they routed Yuanjian.

三年，高祖圍廣陵，齊人東方光據宿預請降，[2]以穎為五原太守，隨杜僧明援光，不克，退還，除曲阿令。 In the third year, the Founder besieged Guangling. Dongfang Guang of Qi held Suyu and asked to surrender; Ying was made administrator of Wuyuan and sent with Du Sengming to aid him. They failed, withdrew, and Ying was made magistrate of Qu'e.

尋領馬軍，從高祖襲王僧辯。 Soon he took command of cavalry and followed the Founder against Wang Sengbian.

高祖受禪，兼左衛將軍，餘如故。 When the Founder accepted the abdication, Ying also became left guard general, retaining his other posts.

二年，配享高祖廟庭。 In the second year, he was given a place in the Founder's temple.

高祖征交趾，厚禮招之，度乃委質。 On the Jiaozhi campaign the Founder courted him with rich gifts; Du at last pledged himself.

侯景之亂，高祖克定廣州，平蔡路養，破李遷仕，計畫多出於度。 In Hou Jing's rising the Founder held Guangzhou, crushed Cai Luyang, and routed Li Qianshi. Du supplied much of the strategy.

高祖鎮朱方，除信武將軍、蘭陵太守。 When the Founder held Zhufang, Du was made trustworthy-martial general and administrator of Lanling.

高祖遣衡陽獻王平荊州，度率所領從焉。 The Founder sent Prince Xian of Hengyang to pacify Jingzhou, and Du went with him at the head of his troops.

高祖平王僧辯，度與侯安都為水軍。 When the Founder struck Wang Sengbian, Du and Hou Andu commanded the river forces.

紹泰元年，高祖東討杜龕，奉敬帝幸京口，以度領宿衛，并知留府事。 In Shaotai year 1, the Founder marched east against Du Kan and escorted Emperor Jing to Jingkou; Du was put over the palace guard and left in charge of headquarters affairs.

徐嗣徽、任約等來寇，高祖與敬帝還都。 Xu Siwei, Ren Yue, and others struck at the capital. The Founder and Emperor Jing came back to defend it.

高祖尋亦救之，大敗約等。 The Founder soon arrived in relief and routed Ren Yue and his allies.

太建四年，配享高祖廟庭。 In Taijian year 4 (572) he was enshrined in the Founder's temple.

映卒，從高祖，恆典書記。 When Ying died he followed the Founder and served constantly as his secretary.

侯景平，高祖鎮朱方，稜監義興、琅邪二郡。 After Hou Jing fell and the Founder held Zhufang, Leng was put over Yixing and Langya.

高祖誅王僧辯，[6]引稜與侯安都等共議，稜難之。 When the Founder prepared to kill Wang Sengbian, he brought Leng, Hou Andu, and the others into council; Leng resisted the plan.

高祖懼其泄己，乃以手巾絞稜，稜悶絕于地，因閉於別室。 Fearing Leng would leak the plan, the Founder strangled him with a hand towel. Leng collapsed unconscious and was locked in another room.

及僧辯平後，高祖東征杜龕等，留稜與安都居守。 After Sengbian was defeated, the Founder marched east against Du Kan and left Leng and Andu to guard the base.

三年，高祖崩，世祖在南皖。 In the third year, the Founder died with Emperor Wen away at Southern Wan.

其年配享高祖廟庭。 That year he was enshrined in the Founder's temple.

高祖與恪同郡，情好甚暱，蕭映卒後，高祖南討李賁，仍遣妻子附恪還鄉。 The Founder shared Ke's home commandery and liked him well. After Xiao Ying died, on the march against Li Ben he sent his family home under Ke's escort.

高祖之討侯景，遣使報恪，乃於東起兵相應。 The Founder sent word when he marched against Hou Jing; Ke raised men in the east to join him.

賊平，恪謁高祖於京口，即日授都軍副。 After the rebels fell, Ke met the Founder at Jingkou and was named deputy commander of the capital army that same day.

及高祖謀討王僧辯，恪預其謀。 When the Founder planned his move against Wang Sengbian, Ke was in the councils.

時僧辯女婿杜龕鎮吳興，高祖乃使世祖還長城，立柵備龕，又使恪還武康，招集兵眾。 Sengbian's son-in-law Du Kan then held Wuxing. The Founder sent Emperor Wen back to Changcheng to build defenses against him and sent Ke back to Wukang to raise men.

恪時已率兵士出縣誅龕黨與，高祖尋遣周文育來援長城，文育至，泰乃遁走。 Ke had already marched out to kill Kan's partisans. The Founder sent Zhou Wenyu to reinforce Changcheng, and once Wenyu arrived, Tai fled.

高祖受禪，使中書舍人劉師知引恪，令勒兵入辭，[9]因衛敬帝如別宮。 When the Founder accepted the abdication, he had Secretariat Drafter Liu Shizhi bring Ke in and ordered Ke to lead troops in for the farewell audience, then escort Emperor Jing to a separate palace.

恪乃排闥入見高祖，叩頭謝曰：「恪身經事蕭家來，今日不忍見許事，分受死耳，決不奉命。」 Ke forced his way in to the Founder, bowed his head to the floor, and said, "I have served the Xiao house with this body. I cannot bear to see this done today. I am ready to die, but I will not obey."

高祖嘉其意，乃不復逼，更以盪主王僧志代之。 The Founder admired his loyalty and did not press him further, replacing him with the assault leader Wang Sengzhi.

高祖踐祚，除吳興太守。 When the Founder took the throne, Ke was made administrator of Wuxing.

Book of Chen, Chapter 13Volume 13: Xu Shipu; Lu Xida; Zhou Fu; Xun Lang; Zhou Jiong · 11 passages

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高祖之拒王琳，其水戰之具，悉委世譜。 When the Founder opposed Wang Lin, he entrusted all the equipment for naval warfare to Shipu.

琳授悉達鎮北將軍，高祖亦遣趙知禮授征西將軍、江州刺史，各送鼓吹女樂，悉達兩受之，遷延顧望，皆不就。 Wang Lin appointed Xida general who guards the north, while the Founder sent Zhao Zhili to appoint him general who campaigns west and inspector of Jiangzhou. Both sides sent pipes and drums and female musicians; Xida accepted both gifts, delayed and watched, and took up neither appointment.

高祖遣安西將軍沈泰潛師襲之，不能克。 The Founder sent Shen Tai, general who secures the west, to attack him by stealth, but Shen Tai could not defeat him.

悉達勒麾下數千人，濟江而歸高祖。 Xida mustered several thousand of his men, crossed the Yangzi, and submitted to the Founder.

高祖見之，甚喜，曰：「來何遲也？」 When the Founder saw him, he was delighted and said, "Why have you come so late?"

悉達對曰：「臣鎮撫上流，願為蕃屏，陛下授臣以官，恩至厚矣，沈泰襲臣，威亦深矣，然臣所以自歸於陛下者，誠以陛下豁達大度，同符漢祖故也。」 Xida replied, "I guarded and pacified the upper reaches and wished to serve as a shield. Your Majesty granted me office, and the favor was generous indeed; Shen Tai attacked me, and the show of force was also severe. Yet I submitted myself to Your Majesty because Your Majesty is open-hearted and magnanimous, matching the Founder of Han."

高祖嘆曰：「卿言得之矣。」 The Founder sighed and said, "You have said it exactly."

高祖受禪，王琳據有上流，余孝頃與琳黨李 When the Founder took the throne, Wang Lin held the upper Yangzi. Yu Xiaoqing with Lin's ally Li

高祖入輔，齊遣蕭軌、東方老等來寇，據石頭城。 When the Founder entered to support the government, Qi sent Xiao Gui, Dongfang Lao, and others to raid the state and occupy Shitou city.

高祖崩，宣太后與舍人蔡景歷祕不發喪，朗弟曉在都微知之，乃謀率其家兵襲臺。 When the Founder died, Empress Dowager Xuan and the secretary Cai Jingli kept the death secret and did not announce mourning. Lang's younger brother Xiao, who was in the capital, learned a little of it and plotted to lead his household troops in an attack on the palace.

高祖踐祚，王琳擁據上流，炅以州從之。 When the Founder took the throne, Wang Lin held the upper Yangzi, and Jiong brought his province to his side.

Book of Chen, Chapter 15Volume 15: Imperial Family · 12 passages

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陳擬字公正，高祖疏屬也。 Chen Ni, whose style name was Gongzheng, belonged to the Founder's collateral line.

高祖南征交趾，擬從焉。 When the Founder marched south against Jiaozhi, Ni accompanied the expedition.

又進討侯景，至豫章，以擬為羅州刺史，與胡穎共知後事，並應接軍糧。 On the later campaign against Hou Jing, when the army reached Yuzhang, the Founder made Ni prefect of Luozhou and paired him with Hu Ying to handle rear-area administration and the supply of grain to the troops.

高祖作鎮朱方，擬除步兵校尉、曲阿令。 After the Founder established his headquarters at Zhufang, Ni was appointed commandant of footsoldiers and magistrate of Qu'e.

高祖踐祚，詔曰：「維城宗子，實固有周，盤石懿親，用隆大漢，故會盟則異姓為後，啟土則非劉勿王，所以糾合枝幹，廣樹蕃屏，前王懋典，列代恆規。 When the Founder took the throne, an edict declared: 'Royal kinsmen who buttress the realm were the true foundation of Zhou; steadfast, rock-like relatives were what raised Han to greatness. At covenant assemblies collateral houses took second place; when fiefs were opened, none but the house of Liu could be made kings. By such means trunk and branch were bound together and a broad screen of feudal lords set up—an earnest canon of former kings and a constant rule of every age.

二年，配享高祖廟廷。 In the second year he was granted a place of sacrifice in the Founder's ancestral temple.

高祖討侯景，召詳，令反初服，配以兵馬，從定京邑。 When the Founder marched against Hou Jing, he summoned Xiang, had him lay aside his monastic robes, supplied him with troops and horses, and Xiang followed the campaign that pacified the capital.

高祖東征杜龕，詳別下安吉、原鄉、故鄣三縣。 On the Founder's eastern campaign against Du Kan, Xiang detached a force and reduced the three counties of Anji, Yuanxiang, and Gucheng.

高祖踐祚，改廣梁為陳留，又以為陳留太守。 When the Founder took the throne, Guangliang was renamed Chenliu, and Xiang continued as administrator of Chenliu.

陳慧紀字元方，高祖之從孫也。 Chen Huiji, whose style name was Yuanfang, was a grandnephew of the Founder on the collateral line.

高祖平侯景，慧紀從焉。 When the Founder defeated Hou Jing, Huiji accompanied the campaign.

高祖踐祚，封宜黃縣侯，邑五百戶，除黃門侍郎。 When the Founder took the throne, Huiji was enfeoffed as marquis of Yihuang county with a fief of five hundred households and appointed gentleman at the yellow gate.

Book of Chen, Chapter 16Volume 16: Zhao Zhili; Cai Jingli; Liu Shizhi; Xie Qi · 21 passages

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高祖之討元景仲也，或薦之，引為記室參軍。 When the Founder marched against Yuan Jingzhong, someone recommended him and he was made record-office aide.

知禮為文贍速，每占授軍書，下筆便就，率皆稱旨。 Zhili wrote copiously and fast. Dictated army papers left his brush finished in one pass, and almost all pleased the Founder.

由是恆侍左右，深被委任，當時計畫，莫不預焉。[1] From then on he was always at the Founder's side, deeply trusted, and party to every plan of the day. [1]

高祖平侯景，軍至白茅灣，上表於梁元帝及與王僧辯論述軍事，其文並知禮所製。 When the Founder crushed Hou Jing and the army reached Baimao Bay, the memorials to Emperor Yuan of Liang and the letters to Wang Sengbian on military affairs were all Zhili's work.

高祖為司空，以為從事中郎。 When the Founder became minister of works, he made Zhili gentleman attendant on his staff.

高祖入輔，遷給事黃門侍郎，兼衛尉卿。 When the Founder entered court as regent, Zhili was transferred to Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and concurrently Chamberlain for the Guards.

高祖受命，遷通直散騎常侍，直殿省。 When the Founder received the mandate, Zhili became direct-communication scattered-cavalry regular attendant and served in the palace offices.

侯景平，高祖鎮朱方，素聞其名，以書要之。 After Hou Jing fell the Founder held Zhufang, had long heard of him, and summoned him by letter.

高祖得書，甚加欽賞。 The Founder received the letter and admired it greatly.

衡陽獻王昌時為吳興郡，昌年尚少，[3]吳興王之鄉里，父老故人，尊卑有數，高祖恐昌年少，接對乖禮，乃遣景歷輔之。 Prince Xian of Hengyang Chang was administering Wuxing. [3] He was still young. Wuxing was his home commandery; elders and old friends observed rank by seniority. The Founder feared the prince was young and might receive them with improper courtesy, and sent Jingli to assist him.

高祖將討王僧辯，獨與侯安都等數人謀之，景歷弗之知也。 When the Founder was about to strike Wang Sengbian he plotted alone with Hou Andu and a few others; Jingli knew nothing of it.

部分既畢，召令草檄，景歷援筆立成，辭義感激，事皆稱旨。 When dispositions were complete he summoned him to draft the proclamation. Jingli took brush and finished at once; the wording was moving and all pleased the Founder.

僧辯誅，高祖輔政，除從事中郎，掌記室如故。 When Sengbian was killed the Founder assisted the government and made Jingli attendant of the masters of writing, still managing the record office.

高祖受禪，遷祕書監，中書通事舍人，掌詔誥。 When the Founder took the throne he was made director of the secretariat, secretariat communicating affairs attendant, and manager of edicts.

三年，高祖崩，時外有彊寇，世祖鎮于南皖，朝無重臣，宣后呼景歷及江大權、杜稜定議，乃祕不發喪，疾召世祖。 In the third year, the Founder died. Strong enemies stood outside, Emperor Wen was away at Southern Wan, and the court had no senior minister. Empress Xuan called Jingli, Jiang Daquan, and Du Leng to decide matters, kept the death secret, and hurriedly summoned Emperor Wen.

紹泰初，高祖入輔，以師知為中書舍人，掌詔誥。 When Shaotai began the Founder took power as regent and made Shizhi a palace secretariat attendant-in-ordinary in charge of edicts.

是時兵亂之後，禮儀多闕，高祖為丞相及加九錫并受禪，其儀注並師知所定焉。 After the wars ritual was largely lost; Shizhi drew up the protocols for the Founder’s regency, the Nine Bestowals, and the abdication.

高祖受命，仍為舍人。 When the Founder took the throne Shizhi kept his post as attendant-in-ordinary.

及高祖崩，六日成服，朝臣共議大行皇帝靈座俠御人所服衣服吉凶之制，博士沈文阿議，宜服吉服。 When the Founder died, on the sixth day mourning dress was completed. The court debated whether attendants at the late emperor’s spirit seat should wear auspicious or mourning dress. Academician Shen Wen’a argued for auspicious dress.

彪敗，高祖引岐參預機密，以為兼尚書右丞。 When Biao was defeated the Founder drew Qi into confidential planning and made him acting right vice director of the masters of writing.

史臣曰：高祖開基創業，剋定禍亂，武猛固其立功，文翰亦乃展力。[13] The historian says: When the Founder raised the dynasty and quelled chaos, martial prowess won his achievement, but literary men also played their part. [13]

Book of Chen, Chapter 17Volume 17: Wang Chong; Wang Tong; Yuan Jing · 8 passages

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高祖受禪，解尹，以本官領左光祿大夫。 When the Founder took the throne, he left the intendant's post and, in his former rank, headed the left grand master of the golden sigil.

初，高祖以沖前代舊臣，特申長幼之敬。 At first the Founder, treating Chong as a veteran of the old court, paid him the special courtesy owed between elder and younger.

高祖受禪，遷左僕射，侍中如故。 When the Founder took the throne, he was transferred to left vice director, retaining palace attendant.

高祖為司空，以勱兼司空長史。 When the Founder was minister of works, Mo was concurrently his chief clerk.

高祖為丞相， When the Founder was chancellor,

高祖受禪，敬在廣州，依歐陽頠。 When the Founder took the throne, Jing was in Guangzhou under Ouyang Wei.

初，高祖長女永世公主先適陳留太守錢蕆，生子岊，[7]主及岊嵭卒于梁世。 Earlier the Founder's eldest daughter, Princess Yongshi, had married Qian Yi, administrator of Chenliu, and borne a son Jie; [7] both princess and son had died under Liang.

高祖受命，唯公主追封。 When the Founder took the throne, only the princess received a posthumous enfeoffment.

Book of Chen, Chapter 18Volume 18: Shen Zhong; Yuan Bi; Liu Zhongwei; Lu Shancai; Wang Zhi; Wei Zai · 16 passages

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高祖受命，遷中書令，中正如故。 When the Founder took the throne, Zhong was made director of the Secretariat, retaining his post as grand arbiter.

高祖以眾州里知名，甚敬重之，賞賜優渥，超於時輩。 The Founder, knowing Zhong's name in his own country, honored him deeply, heaped gifts on him, and favored him above his peers.

高祖大怒，以眾素有令望，不欲顯誅之，後因其休假還武康，遂於吳中賜死，時年五十六。 The Founder was furious. Because Zhong still enjoyed a fine name, he would not kill him openly; later, when Zhong took leave to return to Wukang, he was ordered to die by his own hand in Wu. He was fifty-six.

高祖受禪，王琳據有上流，泌自齊從梁永嘉王蕭莊達琳所。 When the Founder took the throne, Wang Lin held the upper Yangzi. Bi came from Qi with Liang's Prince of Yongjia, Xiao Zhuang, to join Lin.

高祖誅僧辯，山才奔會稽依張彪。 When the Founder killed Sengbian, Shancai fled to Kuaiji and attached himself to Zhang Biao.

彪敗，乃歸高祖。 When Biao was defeated, Shancai submitted to the Founder.

永定二年，高祖命質率所部踰嶺出豫章，隨都督周文育以討王琳。 In the second year of Yongding (558) the Founder ordered Zhi to lead his command over the mountains into Yuzhang and follow Commander Zhou Wenyu against Wang Lin.

質與琳素善，或譖云於軍中潛信交通，高祖命周文育殺質，文育啟請救之，獲免。 Zhi and Lin had long been friends. Some accused him of secret correspondence with Lin in the field. The Founder ordered Zhou Wenyu to execute him; Wenyu pleaded for his life and he was spared.

高祖誅王僧辯，乃遣周文育輕兵襲載，未至而載先覺，乃嬰城自守。 After the Founder killed Wang Sengbian he sent Zhou Wenyü with light troops against Zai. Zai saw it coming first and shut the city to resist.

文育攻之甚急，載所屬縣卒並高祖舊兵，多善用弩，載收得數十人，繫以長鎖，命所親監之，使射文育軍，約曰十發不兩中者則死，每發輒中，所中皆斃。 Wenyü attacked hard. Zai's county levies were many of the Founder's old soldiers and crack crossbowmen. He took several dozen, chained them in a row, set trusted men over them, and made them shoot at Wenyü's host on pain of death if they missed twice in ten tries. Every bolt found its mark and every man hit went down.

高祖聞文育軍不利，乃自將征之，剋其水柵。 Hearing Wenyü was losing, the Founder came in person, stormed the river camp, and broke it.

[11]載得書，乃以其眾降于高祖。 [11] Zai opened the letter and surrendered with his force to the Founder.

高祖厚加撫慰，即以其族弟翽監義興郡，所部將帥，並隨才任使，引載恆置左右，與之謀議。 The Founder treated him generously, set his cousin Hui over Yixing, placed his officers each where he could best use them, and kept Zai at his side for counsel.

徐嗣徽、任約等引齊軍濟江，據石頭城，高祖問計於載，載曰：「齊軍若分兵先據三吳之路，略地東境，則時事去矣。 Xu Sihui and Ren Yue brought Qi troops across the Yangzi and held Stone City. The Founder asked Zai's advice. Zai said, "If Qi splits its army and first takes the routes through the Three Wu and raids the east, the cause is lost.

高祖從其計。 The Founder took his advice.

高祖為南徐州刺史，召為征北參軍，尋監義興郡。 When the Founder was inspector of Southern Xuzhou, he summoned Hui as campaign-north aide; soon Hui supervised Yixing commandery.

Book of Chen, Chapter 19Volume 19: Shen Jiong; Yu Li; Ma Shu · 8 passages

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高祖南下，與僧辯會于白茅灣，登壇設盟，炯為其文。 When the Founder marched south he met Sengbian at Baimao Bay. They mounted the altar and swore alliance; Jiong wrote the words.

高祖受禪，加通直散騎常侍，中丞如故。 When the Founder took the throne he was given the added post of regular attendant for direct communication while keeping the censorate.

初，高祖嘗稱炯宜居王佐，軍國大政，多預謀謨，文帝又重其才用，欲寵貴之。 Earlier the Founder had said Jiong was fit for a king's assistant; in army and state he took part in many plans; Emperor Wen again valued his talent and wished to honor him richly.

及文帝平彪，高祖遺荔書曰：「喪亂已來，賢哲凋散，君才用有美，聲聞許、洛，當今朝廷惟新，廣求英雋，豈可栖遲東土，獨善其身？ When Emperor Wen pacified Biao, the Founder wrote: "Since the chaos, worthies have scattered. Your talent is fine and your fame heard in Xu and Luo. The court is newly ordered and seeks heroes widely—how can you linger in the east and keep goodness to yourself?

高祖崩，文帝嗣位，除太子中庶子，仍侍太子讀書。 When the Founder died and Emperor Wen succeeded, Li was made crown prince attendant and still tutored the crown prince.

高祖平侯景，寄勸令自結，寶應從之，乃遣使歸誠。 When the Founder pacified Hou Jing, Ji urged Baoying to bind himself to him. Baoying followed the advice and sent an envoy to offer allegiance.

及高祖武皇肇基草昧，初濟艱難。 When the Founder Martial Emperor first laid foundation in grass and darkness and first crossed hardship,

武皇滅侯景於前，今上摧王琳於後，此乃天時，非復人力。 The Founder destroyed Hou Jing before; the present sovereign broke Wang Lin after—this is Heaven's season, no longer human power.

Book of Chen, Chapter 20Volume 20: Dao Zhongju; Han Zigao; Hua Jiao · 3 passages

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高祖南下，文帝為景所囚，皎遇文帝甚厚。 When Gaozu marched south, Emperor Wen was being held by Jing, and Jiao treated him with great kindness.

錢明，本高祖主帥，後歷湘州諸郡守。 Qian Ming had once been a chief commander under the Founder and later held several posts as prefect in the Xiang region.

曹宣，高祖舊臣； Cao Xuan was an old minister of the Founder;

Book of Chen, Chapter 22Volume 22: Lu Zilong, Qian Daoji, Luo Ya · 3 passages

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道戢少以孝行著聞，及長，頗有幹略，高祖微時，以從妹妻焉。 Daoji was known early for filial piety and, grown, showed real capacity. In the Founder's lean years the Founder married him to a cousin.

高祖輔政，遣道戢隨世祖平張彪于會稽，以功拜直閤將軍，除員外散騎常侍、假節、東徐州刺史，封永安縣侯，邑五百戶。 While the Founder held regency he sent Daoji with Emperor Wen to crush Zhang Biao at Kuaiji. For merit he was made direct-gate general, supernumerary scattered-cavalry regular attendant with credentials, and inspector of East Xuzhou, and enfeoffed as Marquis of Yong'an with five hundred households.

史臣曰：陸子隆、錢道戢，或舉門願從，或舊齒樹勳，有統領之才，充師旅之寄。 The historiographer writes: Lu Zilong and Qian Daoji—one brought his house to follow, one stood with the Founder from the first—both could lead and were trusted with the armies.

Book of Chen, Chapter 23Volume 23: Shen Junli; Wang Yang; Lu Shan · 5 passages

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父巡，素與高祖相善，梁太清中為東陽太守。 His father Xun had long been on friendly terms with the Founder and, during the Liang Taiqing era, served as administrator of Dongyang.

高祖鎮南徐州，巡遣君理自東陽謁于高祖，高祖器之，命尚會稽長公主，辟為府西曹掾。 When the Founder was posted to Southern Xuzhou, Xun sent Junli from Dongyang to call on him. The Founder took a liking to him, had him marry the elder princess of Kuaiji, and appointed him western bureau aide in his headquarters.

高祖受禪，拜駙馬都尉，封永安亭侯。 When the Founder accepted the abdication, Junli was appointed commandant of the stable for the imperial son-in-law and enfeoffed as marquis of Yong'an village.

高祖入輔，以為司徒左長史。 When the Founder entered the capital as regent, Yang was appointed left chief clerk of the ministry of education.

高祖引繕為司徒司馬，遷給事黃門侍郎、領步兵校尉、通直散騎常侍，兼侍中。 Gaozu brought Shan in as marshal to the minister of education, then transferred him to gentleman attendant at the yellow gate, concurrently commandant of infantry, attendant-in-ordinary of regular attendance of the scattered cavalry, and acting palace attendant.

Book of Chen, Chapter 24Volume 24: Zhou Hongzheng; Yuan Xian · 3 passages

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高祖受禪，授太子詹事。 When the Founder received the abdication, Hongzheng was made grand mentor to the heir apparent.

高祖受禪，除尚書殿中郎，累遷安成王限內記室。 When Gaozu accepted the abdication, Que was appointed palace gentleman in the Department of State Affairs and later rose to inner secretary to the Prince of Ancheng.

高祖作相，除司徒戶曹。 When Gaozu became chief minister, Xian was appointed household bureau officer under the minister of education.

Book of Chen, Chapter 25Volume 25: Pei Ji; Sun Yang · 9 passages

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侯景之亂，忌招集勇力，隨高祖征討，累功為寧遠將軍。 When Hou Jing rebelled Ji raised fighting men and marched with the Founder. Merit piled up until he was made pacifying-distance general.

及高祖誅王僧辯，僧辯弟僧智舉兵據吳郡，高祖遣黃他率眾攻之，僧智出兵於西昌門拒戰，他與相持，不能克。 After the Founder killed Wang Sengbian, Sengbian's brother Sengzhi seized Wu commandery. The Founder sent Huang Ta with an army against him. Sengzhi marched out the Xichang Gate to fight. Ta held him at bay and could not break him.

高祖謂忌曰：「三吳奧壤，舊稱饒沃，雖凶荒之餘，猶為殷盛，而今賊徒扇聚，天下搖心，非公無以定之，宜善思其策。」 The Founder told Ji: "The Three Wu are the empire's rich core. Even after famine they stay prosperous, yet rebels now gather and the realm wavers. No one but you can settle this. Think hard on your plan."

高祖嘉之，表授吳郡太守。 The Founder praised him and memorialized his appointment as administrator of Wu commandery.

高祖受禪，徵為左衛將軍。 When the Founder took the throne Ji was summoned as left guard general.

高祖受禪，王琳立梁永嘉王蕭莊於郢州，徵瑒為太府卿，〔三〕加通直散騎常侍。 When the Founder took the throne, Wang Lin enthroned Liang's Prince of Yongjia Xiao Zhuang at Yingzhou. Yang was summoned as grand steward [3] and promoted to direct-communication scattered-cavalry regular attendant.

史臣曰：在梁之季，寇賊寔繁，高祖建義杖旗，將寧區夏，裴忌早識攀附，每預戎麾，摧鋒卻敵，〔九〕立功者數矣。 The historiographer writes: In Liang's last years rebels swarmed. The Founder raised the banner of righteousness to pacify the realm. Pei Ji saw early whom to follow and was ever in the field, smashing the enemy's van and driving them back [9] again and again.

〔一〕自錢塘直趣吳郡按通鑑梁敬帝紹泰元年胡注云：「按陳霸先自義興還建康，遣裴忌助黃他攻吳郡，自錢塘直趣吳郡，非路也。『錢塘』必誤。」 Note 1, on "went straight from Qiantang toward Wu commandery": Hu Sanxing notes in the Comprehensive Mirror that Chen Baxian returned from Yixing to Jiankang and sent Pei Ji to help Huang Ta attack Wu commandery; a route straight from Qiantang to Wu commandery makes no sense, so Qiantang must be an error.

〔三〕徵瑒為太府卿「太府卿」南史作「少府卿」，通鑑陳武帝永定三年同。 On "summoned Yang as minister of the grand storehouse": the Southern Dynasties history reads minister of the lesser storehouse; the Comprehensive Mirror, Chen Wudi Yongding year 3, agrees.

Book of Chen, Chapter 29Volume 29: Zong Yuanrao; Sima Shen; Mao Xi; Cai Zheng · 4 passages

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高祖受禪，除晉陵令。 When the Founder took the throne by abdication, Yuanrao was appointed magistrate of Jinling.

高祖受禪，除安東臨川王諮議參軍。 When the Founder took the throne, Shen was made advising officer in the establishment of Pacification East Prince of Linchuan.

高祖素知於喜，及鎮京口，命喜與高宗俱往江陵，仍敕高宗曰：「汝至西朝，可諮稟毛喜。」 The Founder had long known Xi, and when he was stationed at Jingkou he ordered Xi to go with Emperor Xuan to Jiangling, telling Emperor Xuan, "When you reach the western court, you may consult Mao Xi."

梁承聖初，高祖為南徐州刺史，召補迎主簿，尋授太學博士。 At the start of Liang's Chengsheng era the Founder was inspector of South Xuzhou, summoned him as reception chief clerk, and soon made him erudite of the National University.

Book of Chen, Chapter 30Volume 30: Xiao Ji; Lu Qiong; Gu Yewang; Fu Zai · 3 passages

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及高祖作鎮徐方，以濟為明威將軍、征北長史。 When the Founder was holding Xuzhou as his command, he made Ji bright-prestige general and chief secretary on the northern campaign staff.

高祖作宰，為金威將軍、安東臨川王府記室參軍，尋轉府諮議參軍。 When the Founder served as chief minister, Yewang became General of Golden Might and records staff officer in the household of the Prince of Linchuan, General Who Pacifies the East; soon he transferred to advising staff officer in the same household.

禎明初，上書極諫，其大略曰：「昔高祖南平百越，北誅逆虜； Early in Zhenming he submitted a memorial of fierce remonstrance, saying in gist: "In the past the Founder pacified the Hundred Yue in the south and punished the rebel captives in the north;

Book of Chen, Chapter 32Volume 32: Filial Piety · 2 passages

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高祖受禪，起為戎昭將軍，除婁令。 When the Founder received the abdication, he was summoned as martial-proclamation general and made magistrate of Lou.

及高祖受禪，暠還鄉里，供養貞母，將二十年。 When the Founder received the abdication, Hao returned to his home district and supported Zhen's mother for nearly twenty years.

Book of Liang, Chapter 4Volume 4: Emperor Jianwen · 1 passage

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秋七月甲寅，廣州刺史元景仲謀應侯景，西江督護陳霸先起兵攻之，景仲自殺，霸先迎定州刺史蕭勃為刺史。 On jiayin in the seventh month of autumn Guangzhou inspector Yuan Jingzhong plotted to join Hou Jing; West River Protector Chen Baxian rose against him; Jingzhong killed himself and Baxian installed Dingzhou inspector Xiao Bo as inspector.

Book of Liang, Chapter 6Volume 6: Emperor Jing · 19 passages

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三年十一月，江陵陷，太尉揚州刺史王僧辯、司空南徐州刺史陳霸先定議，以帝爲太宰、承製，奉迎還京師。 In the eleventh month of the third year, Jiangling fell. Wang Sengbian, grand commandant and inspector of Yangzhou, and Chen Baxian, minister of works and inspector of South Xuzhou, agreed on a plan: the emperor would serve as grand steward, acting with imperial authority, and be escorted back to the capital.

加司空陳霸先班劍三十人。 Chen Baxian, minister of works, was granted thirty sword-bearing attendants.

九月甲辰，司空陳霸先舉義，襲殺王僧辯，黜蕭淵明。 On jiachen in the ninth month Minister of Works Chen Baxian rose in revolt, killed Wang Sengbian in a surprise attack, and deposed Xiao Yuanming.

壬子，以司空陳霸先爲尚書令、都督中外諸軍事、車騎將軍、揚、南徐二州刺史司空如故。 On renzi Chen Baxian, still Minister of Works, became Director of the Masters of Writing, commander of all armies at home and abroad, Chariots and Cavalry General, and inspector of Yang and South Xu.

辛未，詔司空陳霸先東討韋載。 On xinwei an edict ordered Minister of Works Chen Baxian east against Wei Zai.

庚寅，司空陳霸先旋于京師。 On gengyin Minister of Works Chen Baxian returned to the capital.

戊戌，齊遣大將蕭軌出柵口，向梁山，司空陳霸先、軍主黃菆逆擊，大破之。 On wuxu Qi sent Grand General Xiao Gui from Zha Pass toward Liang Mountain; Minister of Works Chen Baxian and army commander Huang Kan counterattacked and routed them.

夏四月丁巳，司空陳霸先表詣梁山撫巡將帥。 On dingsi in the fourth month of summer Minister of Works Chen Baxian memorialized to visit Liang Mountain and reassure the commanders.

乙卯，司空陳霸先授衆軍節度，與齊軍交戰，大破之，斬齊北兗州刺史杜方慶及徐嗣徽、弟嗣宗，生擒徐嗣產、蕭軌、東方老、王敬寶、李希光、裴英起、劉歸義等，皆誅之。 On yimao Minister of Works Chen Baxian took command of the armies, met the Qi force, and won a great victory; he beheaded Qi's North Yanzhou inspector Du Fangqing, Xu Sihui, and Sihui's brother Sizong; he captured Xu Sichan, Xiao Gui, Dongfang Lao, Wang Jingbao, Li Xiguang, Pei Yingqi, Liu Guiyi, and others alive and executed them all.

秋七月丙子，車騎將軍、司空陳霸先進位司徒，加中書監，餘如故。 On bingzi in the seventh month of autumn Chariots and Cavalry General and Minister of Works Chen Baxian was promoted to Minister of Education and Supervisor of the Masters of Documents; other posts were unchanged.

進新除司徒陳霸先爲丞相、錄尚書事、鎮衛大將軍、揚州牧，封義興郡公。 The new Minister of Education Chen Baxian was promoted to chancellor, Director of the Masters of Writing, Grand General Who Guards the Realm, and Yangzhou governor, and enfeoffed as Duke of Yixing.

戊辰，余孝頃遣使詣丞相府乞降。 On wuchen Yu Xiaoqing sent envoys to the chancellor's office to surrender.

秋八月甲午，加丞相陳霸先黃鉞，領太傅，劍履上殿，入朝不趨，贊拜不名，給羽葆、鼓吹。 On jiawu in the eighth month of autumn Chancellor Chen Baxian received the yellow axe, became Grand Tutor, and was granted sword in the hall, no hurrying at court, praise without naming, and feather canopy and martial music.

九月辛丑，崇丞相爲相國，總百揆，封十郡爲陳公，備九錫之禮，加璽紱遠遊冠，位在王公上。 On xinchou in the ninth month the chancellor was raised to chancellor of state, head of the hundred officials, enfeoffed Duke of Chen over ten commanderies, granted the Nine Bestowals with seal ribbon and far-wandering cap, and ranked above princes.

加相國綠綟綬。 A green sash was added for the chancellor of state.

冬十月戊辰，進陳公爵爲王，增封十郡，並前爲二十郡。 On wuchen in the tenth winter month the Duke of Chen was advanced to king, with ten more commanderies added for twenty in all.

命陳王冕十有二旒，建天子旌旂，出警入蹕，乘金根車，駕六馬，備五時副車，置旄頭雲罕，樂舞八佾，設鍾鋋宮縣。 The king of Chen was ordered twelve cap tassels, Son of Heaven banners, road cleared on exit and return, the golden-root carriage with six horses, five-season secondary carriages, yak-tail and cloud pennants, eight rows of music and dance, and palace bell frames.

相國陳王，有縱自天，降神惟嶽，天地合德，晷曜齊明。 Chancellor of state and king of Chen were Heaven's chosen, spirit from the sacred peak; heaven and earth shared his virtue, sun and stars burned bright with him.

陳王踐阼，奉帝爲江陰王，薨于外邸，時年十六，追諡敬皇帝。 When the King of Chen ascended the throne, he made the emperor King of Jiangyin. The emperor died at his outer residence at the age of sixteen, and was posthumously titled Emperor Jing.

Book of Liang, Chapter 46Volume 46: Hu Sengyou; Xu Wensheng; Du Ze; Du An; Du You'an; Du Kan; Yin Zichun · 7 passages

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陳霸先亦自歐陽來會，與元建大戰于士林，霸先令強弩射，元建衆卻。 Chen Baxian came from Ouyang to join; at Shilin they fought Guo Yuanjian; Baxian ordered heavy crossbows and Yuanjian's men fell back.

大寶三年，衆軍至姑孰，景將侯子鑒逆戰，龕與陳霸先、王琳等率精銳擊之，大敗子鑒，遂至於石頭。 In Great Treasure year three the armies reached Gushu; Hou Zijian met them; Kan with Chen Baxian and Wang Lin led elites, broke Zijian, and pushed on to Stonehead.

會陳霸先襲陷京師，執王僧辯殺之。 Then Chen Baxian seized the capital, took Wang Sengbian, and killed him.

以霸先旣非貴素，兵又猥雜，在軍府日，都不以霸先經心； Baxian was low-born and his troops were a rabble; in headquarters days Kan never took him seriously;

及爲本郡，每以法繩其宗門，無所縱捨，霸先銜之切齒。 as home governor he bound his clan by law without mercy—Baxian hated him to the bone.

霸先乃遣將周文育討龕，龕令從弟北叟出距，又爲文育所破，走義興，霸先親率衆圍之。 Baxian sent Zhou Wenyun against him; Kan sent his cousin Beisou out and was beaten again; he fled to Yixing and Baxian besieged him in person.

會齊將柳達摩等襲京師，霸先恐，遂還與齊人連和。 Then Liu Damo of Qi struck the capital; Baxian feared and turned back to treat with Qi.

Book of Sui, Chapter 72Volume 72 Biographies 37: Filial Piety · 4 passages

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聞其父為陳武帝所殺，號慟而絕，食頃乃蘇，哭泣不絕聲，毀瘠骨立。 When he heard his father had been killed by Emperor Wu of Chen, he cried out and collapsed; after the space of a meal he revived, wept without stopping, and wasted away until only bone remained.

其間壯士或問頒曰：「郎君來破陳國，滅其社稷，讎恥已雪，而悲哀不止者，將為霸先早死，不得手刃之邪？ Some of the stalwarts among them asked Ban: "Young master, you came to destroy Chen and extinguish its altars of state—your revenge is already fulfilled—yet your grief never ends. Is it because Baxian died too soon and you could not kill him with your own hand?

頒頓顙陳謝，額盡流血，答之曰：「其為帝王，墳塋甚大，恐一宵發掘，不及其屍，更至明朝，事乃彰露，若之何？」 Ban kowtowed again and again in apology until his forehead bled, and answered: "He was an emperor; his tomb precinct is vast. I fear that digging for a single night would not reach the corpse, and if we wait until dawn the deed would be exposed—what then could we do?"

於是夜發其陵，剖棺，見陳武帝須並不落，其本皆出自骨中。 That night they opened the mausoleum and split the coffin. Chen Emperor Wu's beard had not fallen away at all—its roots still grew from the bones.

Book of Zhou, Chapter 4Volume 4 Annals 4: Emperor Ming · 2 passages

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是月，梁相陳霸先廢其主蕭方智而自立，是為陳武帝。 That month Liang chancellor Chen Baxian deposed his ruler Xiao Fangzhi and took the throne himself as Chen Wudi.

是月，陳武帝薨，兄子蒨立，是謂文帝。 That month Chen Wudi died; his nephew Chen Qian succeeded him, known as Emperor Wen of Chen.

Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance, Chapter 159Volume 159 Liang Records 15 · 5 passages

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上遣交州刺史楊瞟討李賁，以陳霸先為司馬； The Liang emperor sent Jiaozhou Inspector Yang Biao against Li Ben and made Chen Baxian marshal;

瞟集諸將問計，霸先曰：「交趾叛換，罪由宗室，遂使溷亂數州，逋誅累歲。 Biao gathered the generals for counsel. Baxian said: "Jiaozhi rebels; the fault lies with the imperial clan, and several provinces have been in turmoil while the court has failed to punish for years.

瞟以霸先為前鋒。 Biao made Baxian his vanguard.

陳霸先謂諸將曰：「我師已老，將士疲勞； Chen Baxian told the generals, "Our army is worn, the men weary;

霸先勒所部兵乘流先進，眾軍鼓噪俱前； Baxian drove his men forward on the flood; the armies drummed and shouted and advanced;