Xiao Yi (蕭繹) | 24 Histories

Overview

Xiao Yi was a ruler of Liang.

Other names

Type	English	Chinese	Pinyin
Posthumous name	Emperor Yuan	元帝	Yuan Di
Temple name	Shizu	世祖	Shizu

Life and dates

Death

AD 555 天保六年
Cause destroyed by Western Wei 為西魏所滅
Directly stated · Book of Northern Qi 33, passage 16
AD 554 西魏師陷荊城
At Jingcheng 荊城
Directly stated · Book of Liang 8, passage 256

Attested activity

AD 530 chapter narrative
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 30, passage 98
AD 548 to AD 552 Hou Jing rebellion
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 13, passage 8
AD 508 to AD 555 世祖孝元皇帝
Strongly inferred · Book of Liang 29, passage 4
AD 552 世祖平侯景
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 43, passage 63
AD 549 京城陷
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 24, passage 61
AD 548 to AD 555 侯景之亂 / 嗣位
Dated from the passage context · Book of Sui 79, passages 111-112

Show 28 more source-backed claims

AD 548 to AD 552 侯景之亂
Directly stated · Book of Chen 10, passage 8; Book of Chen 17, passage 26
AD 552 to AD 554 侯景之亂依梁元帝
Directly stated · Book of Chen 7, passage 90
AD 548 to AD 554 侯景之亂至江陵陷
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 18, passages 11, 18, 111
AD 552 to AD 553 侯景平…梁元帝承制
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 12, passages 112-113
AD 552 to AD 553 侯景平
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 19, passage 18
AD 552 侯景平
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 16, passage 11
AD 552 to AD 554 元帝
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 6, passages 164, 172, 176
AD 554 元帝為周師所陷
Dated from the passage context · Book of Sui 72, passage 117
AD 552 大寶二年三月己丑次年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 4, passage 128
AD 550 大寶元年八月甲午
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 4, passage 90
AD 554 天保五年冬
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 13, passages 163-164
AD 555 天保六年
Directly stated · Book of Northern Qi 33, passage 16
AD 547 to AD 548 太清初
Directly stated · Book of Liang 8, passages 251-252
AD 552 to AD 554 承制至江陵陷
Directly stated · Book of Chen 29, passages 44, 86
AD 553 承聖二年
Directly stated · Book of Chen 10, passage 13
AD 552 承聖元年
Directly stated · Book of Liang 8, passages 254-255
AD 552 承聖初
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 32, passages 26, 42
AD 552 to AD 554 梁元帝
Strongly inferred · Book of Chen 24, passage 197
AD 552 to AD 554 梁元帝嗣位江陵
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 26, passages 44, 48
AD 552 to AD 554 梁元帝承制
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 11, passage 12
AD 552 梁元帝承制
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 105
AD 552 to AD 554 梁元帝鎮江陵
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 21, passage 15
AD 552 梁元帝除員外散騎常侍
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 14, passage 12
AD 552 梁承聖初
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 12, passage 15
AD 554 江陵陷
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 24, passages 78-79
AD 552 王僧辯之討侯景
Dated from the passage context · Book of Chen 24, passage 64
AD 554 西魏師陷荊城
Directly stated · Book of Liang 8, passage 256
AD 552 to AD 554 頗有世祖風
Dated from the passage context · Book of Liang 8, passage 237

Family

Immediate relationships attested in the translated histories.

Child of Lady Ruan Xiurong (阮脩容)
bore 生 · maternal line
Directly stated · Book of Liang 29, passage 4
Sibling of Xiao Ji (蕭績)
brothers 兄弟 · Paternal half siblings · paternal line
Strongly inferred · Book of Liang 29, passages 4, 10
Child of High Ancestor (高祖)
clan foundation stone 宗
Strongly inferred · Book of Liang 6, passage 164
Parent of Xiao Fangzhu (蕭方諸)
eldest son 長子
Directly stated · Book of Liang 30, passage 187
Child of Emperor Wu (高祖)
father 父 · paternal line
Directly stated · Book of Liang 29, passage 4
Parent of Xiao Yuanliang (元良)
father 父
fourth son 第四子
son 子
Sources vary in certainty · Book of Liang 8, passages 237, 250; Book of Chen 17, passage 3
Parent of Fangdeng (方等)
heir 世子
Directly stated · Book of Chen 10, passage 8
Parent of Emperor Jing of Liang (梁敬帝)
house 家
Strongly inferred · Book of Liang 6, passage 177
Kin of Xiao Cha (蕭詧)
paternal uncle 叔父 · paternal line
Directly stated · Book of Sui 79, passage 111
Sibling of Xiao Ji (蕭紀)
younger brother 其弟
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 21, passage 16

slaughter of brothers 昆弟之戮
Kinship Role brothers · Negated false · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵) · Quantity plural
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 166
first against kin, then against enemies 先骨肉而後寇仇
Kinship Role kin · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵) · Quantity unspecified
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 175

Key source chapters

Origins and identity

Lineage Xiao imperial house of Liang 梁蕭氏 · Relation Member of
Strongly inferred · Book of Liang 29, passage 4
foundation stone of the clan 盤石之宗
Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 164

Career and standing

made Buhai Secretariat gentleman 中書郎
Appointed · With Yin Buhai (殷不害)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 32, passage 26
Inspector of Jingzhou 荊州刺史
Held
Directly stated · Book of Chen 11, passage 50
regional commander with charge of dividing Shaan 分陝之任／連率之長
Held · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 164
Imprisoned or pickled trusted generals and chief ministers on slight cause
Punishment · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 169
AD 552 嗣位於江陵
At Jiangling 江陵
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 26, passage 44
assumed the provisional regime 承制
AD 552 梁元帝承制
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 105

Places and affiliations

Liang 梁
Relation Ruled
Strongly inferred · Book of Liang 8, passage 237
Liang
Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Book of Chen 18, passage 18
Polity Liang 梁 · Relation Associated with
Directly stated · Book of Liang 29, passage 4
Polity Liang 梁 · Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passages 61, 105, 197
Polity Liang 梁 · Relation Ruled
Strongly inferred · Book of Liang 6, passages 164, 176
At Jiang and Jing provinces 江、荊二州 · Relation Governed
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 104

Show 2 more source-backed claims

At Jiangling 江陵 · Relation Resided
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 61
At Jing and Chu 荊楚 · Relation Resided in · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 171

Learning and skills

recited the Six Classics and penetrated the hundred schools 口誦六經，心通百氏
Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 176

Works and attributed material

Six Classics 六經
Relation Recited · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 176
Golden Tower Master 金樓子
Relation Author
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 71
Letter · Author · With Zhou Hongzheng (周弘正)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passages 64-66
Letter · Author · With Zhou Hongzhi (周弘直)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passages 61-63
Memorial · Author · With Gu Xie (顧協)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 30, passages 100-107
Quotation · Author · Source Work Golden Tower Master 金樓子
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 71

Show 2 more source-backed claims

Speech · Speaker · With Zhou Hongzheng (周弘正) · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 197
Speech · Speaker
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 67

Events and relationships

Did not urgently punish usurper analogues first; slaughtered his brothers first
Political · Actor · With Wang Mang (王莽) · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 166
Failed to prevent fall of Jinling and extinction of Jiangling
Political · Ruler · At Jinling and Jiangling 金陵、江陵 · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 176
Held the host yet hesitated; watched the nation's change as personal fortune
Military · Commander · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 165
Posthumously honored
AD 552 次年三月己丑 · Ritual · Authority · With Xiao Gang (蕭綱)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 4, passage 128
Though the great villain was cut down, western neighbor reproached him and disaster soon followed
Military · Ruler · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 172
Was overrun when Zhou forces captured Jiangling
Military · Defeated ruler
Dated from the passage context · Book of Sui 72, passage 117

Show 1 more source-backed claim

Relation Patron of · Person Zhou Hongzheng (周弘正)
Directly stated · Book of Chen 24, passage 197

Assessments and attributes

Assessment could not grasp the sword and taste gall, pillow the spear and weep blood, or lead soldiers and stake his life in the vanguard when ruler and parent were in calamity · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 164
Assessment deep in suspicion, cruel and ruthless, often without propriety; covered wrong with clever debate and harmed people with wrath · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passages 167-168
Assessment had Confucius' learning and the Duke of Zhou's talent, yet only increased pride and calamities; could not remedy Jinling's fall or Jiangling's extinction · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 176
Assessment steadfast in arts and letters yet gathered floating splendor and cast aside loyalty and faith; martial resolve first against kin then enemies · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passages 174-175
Assessment thought himself secure as Mount Tai with plans without omission; deluded by perverse counsel, settled in Jing and Chu · Mode historian-judgment Speaker Wei Zheng (魏徵)
Directly stated · Book of Liang 6, passage 171

Source notes

Historicity historical
Directly stated · Book of Liang 29, passage 4

References in the histories

Search passages

History

93 passages

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 13Volume 13 Biographies 5: Gao Chen; Gao Rui (Northern Qi); Gao Yue (Northern Qi); Gao Mai · 1 passage

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梁蕭繹為周軍所逼，遣使告急，且請援。 Xiao Yi of Liang, pressed by Zhou armies, sent envoys begging aid.

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 33Volume 33 Biographies 25: Xiao Yuanming; Xiao Zhi (Liang); Xiao Tui; Xiao Fang (Liang); Xu Zhicai · 2 passages

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天保六年，梁元為西魏所滅，顯祖詔立明為梁主，前所獲梁將湛海珍等皆聽從明歸，令上黨王渙率衆以送。 In the sixth year of Tianbao, when Emperor Yuan of Liang was destroyed by Western Wei, Gao Yang issued an edict installing Ming as Liang ruler; Liang generals previously captured, such as Zhan Haizhen, were all allowed to follow Ming home, and Prince of Shangdang Huan was ordered to lead troops to escort them.

時梁元帝平侯景，復與齊通好，文宣欲放祗等還南。 When Emperor Yuan of Liang had pacified Hou Jing and renewed friendly relations with Qi, Gao Yang wished to release Zhi and the others to return south.

Book of Chen, Chapter 7Volume 7: Empresses and Consorts · 3 passages

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侯景之亂，后與弟盼往江陵依梁元帝，元帝以長城公主之故，待遇甚厚。 During Hou Jing's rebellion, the empress and her younger brother Pan went to Jiangling to seek refuge with Emperor Yuan of Liang. Because of Princess Changcheng, Emperor Yuan treated them with great favor.

及高宗赴江陵，元帝以后配焉。 When Emperor Xuan came to Jiangling, Emperor Yuan gave the empress to him in marriage.

后叔君公，自梁元帝敗後，常在江陵。 Her uncle Jun Gong, after Emperor Yuan of Liang was defeated, stayed at Jiangling.

Book of Chen, Chapter 10Volume 10: Zhou Tiehu; Cheng Lingxi · 5 passages

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侯景之亂，元帝於荊州遣世子方等代譽，且以兵臨之。 During Hou Jing's rebellion, Emperor Yuan of Liang at Jingzhou sent his heir Fangdeng to replace Yu and marched troops against him.

元帝承制授仁威將軍、潼州刺史，封沌陽縣子，邑三百戶。 Under Emperor Yuan's provisional commission he was made general of benevolent prestige and inspector of Tongzhou, and enfeoffed as Viscount of Dunyang with three hundred households.

元帝授散騎常侍、平北將軍、北论州刺史，領廬江太守。 Emperor Yuan made him scattered-cavalry regular attendant, general who pacifies the north, inspector of Beixi, and concurrently administrator of Lujiang.

梁元帝於荊州承制，又遣使間道奉表。 Emperor Yuan of Liang at Jingzhou took provisional authority; Lingxi also sent envoys by secret paths to present memorials.

元帝授持節、通直散騎常侍、都督新安郡諸軍事、雲麾將軍、譙州刺史資，領新安太守，封巴丘縣侯，邑五百戶。 Emperor Yuan gave him the staff, made him regular attendant of direct communication and commander of all forces in Xin'an, cloud-banner general and inspector of Qiao with credentials, administrator of Xin'an, and Marquis of Baqiu with five hundred households.

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

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梁元帝承制授超猛將軍、交州刺史資，領新淦縣令，封巴山縣子，邑三百戶。 Emperor Yuan of Liang, acting under the provisional mandate, made him supernumerary fierce general with credentials as inspector of Jiaozhou, gave him Xingan as magistrate, and enfeoffed him as Viscount of Bashan with three hundred households.

梁元帝為荊州刺史，文成分量人馬，令往事焉。 When Emperor Yuan of Liang governed Jingzhou, Wencheng gave Liang troops and horses and sent him to serve there.

起家湘東王國常侍，兼西中郎府中兵參軍。 He entered service as regular attendant of the Prince of Xiangdong's kingdom and middle-arms adjutant in the western center-general's office.

侯景之亂，梁元帝凡遣五軍入援京邑，量預其一。 During Hou Jing's rebellion, Emperor Yuan of Liang sent five armies to aid the capital, and Chunyu Liang served in one of them.

元帝承制以量為假節、通直散騎常侍、都督巴州諸軍事、信威將軍、巴州刺史。 Acting by delegated authority, Emperor Yuan appointed Liang as Acting with the Tally, Regular Cavalier Attendant-in-ordinary, commander of all military affairs in Bazhou, General of Trustworthy Might, and Inspector of Bazhou.

侯景西上攻巴州，元帝使都督王僧辯入據巴陵。 When Hou Jing advanced west to attack Bazhou, Emperor Yuan sent the commander Wang Sengbian to occupy Baling.

Book of Chen, Chapter 12Volume 12: Hu Ying; Xu Du; Du Leng; Shen Ke · 3 passages

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梁承聖初，元帝授穎假節、鐵騎將軍、羅州刺史，封漢陽縣侯，邑五百戶。 At the beginning of Liang Chengsheng, Emperor Yuan gave Ying acting credentials, made him iron cavalry general and inspector of Luo, and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Hanyang with five hundred households.

歸至白茅灣，梁元帝授寧朔將軍、合州刺史。 Back at Baimao Bay, Emperor Yuan of Liang made him pacifying-the-north general and inspector of He.

軍至豫章，梁元帝承制授稜仁威將軍、石州刺史，上陌縣侯，邑八百戶。 At Yuzhang, Emperor Yuan of Liang, exercising regency powers, made Leng benevolent-power general and inspector of Shi, and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Shangmo with eight hundred households.

Book of Chen, Chapter 13Volume 13: Xu Shipu; Lu Xida; Zhou Fu; Xun Lang; Zhou Jiong · 6 passages

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梁元帝之為荊州刺史，世譜將領鄉人事焉。 When Emperor Yuan of Liang governed Jingzhou, Shipu led the district commanders and village heads in his service.

洲，[3]元帝授侍中、使持節、都督江南諸軍事、鎮南將軍、護軍將軍，給鼓吹一部。 Islet. [3] Emperor Yuan made him palace attendant, credential-holder, commander of all armies south of the Yangzi, general who guards the south, and protector-general, with one set of pipes and drums.

景平，梁元帝授持節、仁威將軍、散騎常侍、北江州刺史。 When Jing fell, Emperor Yuan of Liang made him credential-holder, benevolent-prestige general, supernumerary scattered-cavalry regular attendant, and inspector of North Jiangzhou.

侯景平，梁元帝授敷使持節、通直散騎常侍、信武將軍、寧州刺史，封西豐縣侯，邑一千戶。 When Jing fell, Emperor Yuan of Liang made Fu credential-holder, regular attendant for direct communication, trustworthy-faith general, and inspector of Ningzhou, enfeoffed as Marquis of Xifeng with one thousand households.

梁元帝授朗持節、通直散騎常侍、安南將軍、都督南兗州諸軍事、南兗州刺史。 Emperor Yuan of Liang made Lang bearer of the staff, courier direct-communication scattered-cavalry regular attendant, pacifying-south general, commander of South Yanzhou armies, and inspector of the province.

侯景之亂，元帝承制改授西陽太守，封西陵縣伯。 During Hou Jing's rebellion, Emperor Yuan, acting on provisional authority, changed his appointment to administrator of Xiyang and enfeoffed him as earl of Xiling county.

Book of Chen, Chapter 14Volume 14: Chen Chang; Chen Tanlang · 1 passage

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尋與高宗俱往荊州，梁元帝除員外散騎常侍。 He soon went to Jingzhou with Emperor Xuan; Emperor Yuan of Liang made him external regular attendant of the Secretariat.

Book of Chen, Chapter 16Volume 16: Zhao Zhili; Cai Jingli; Liu Shizhi; Xie Qi · 1 passage

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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.

Book of Chen, Chapter 17Volume 17: Wang Chong; Wang Tong; Yuan Jing · 7 passages

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梁元帝鎮荊州，為鎮西長史，將軍、太守如故。 When Emperor Yuan of Liang held Jingzhou, he became chief clerk to the establishment pacifying the west, keeping his general's title and his post as administrator.

侯景之亂，梁元帝於荊州承制，沖求解南郡，以讓王僧辯，并獻女妓十人，以助軍賞。 During Hou Jing's rebellion, when Emperor Yuan of Liang assumed the provisional regime at Jingzhou, Chong asked to give up Nan commandery for Wang Sengbian and sent ten female entertainers as a gift toward the army's expenses.

元帝授持節、督衡桂成合四州諸軍事、雲麾將軍、衡州刺史。 Yuan made him bearer of the staff, commander of military affairs over Heng, Gui, Cheng, and He, General of the Clouded Pennon, and inspector of Hengzhou.

元帝第四子元良為湘州刺史，仍以沖行州事，領長沙內史。 Yuan's fourth son Yuanliang was inspector of Xiangzhou; Chong again governed the province while serving as interior magistrate of Changsha.

侯景之亂，奔于江陵，元帝以為散騎常侍，遷守太常卿。 In Hou Jing's rebellion he fled to Jiangling; Emperor Yuan made him regular attendant of the Secretariat and then minister of ceremonials.

侯景之亂，西奔江陵，元帝承制以為太子中庶子，掌相府管記。 In Hou Jing's rebellion he fled west to Jiangling; under Emperor Yuan's provisional regime he was household supporter of the heir apparent, in charge of the chief minister's records.

及西魏寇江陵，元帝徵湘州刺史宜豐侯蕭循入援，以勱監湘州。 When Western Wei attacked Jiangling, Emperor Yuan summoned Xiao Xun, Marquis of Yifeng and inspector of Xiangzhou, to reinforce him; Mo was left to oversee the province.

Book of Chen, Chapter 18Volume 18: Shen Zhong; Yuan Bi; Liu Zhongwei; Lu Shancai; Wang Zhi; Wei Zai · 6 passages

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尋除鎮南湘東王記室參軍。 He was soon transferred to recorder to the Prince of Xiangdong, pacifier of the south.

景平，西上荊州，元帝以為太子中庶子、本州大中正。 After Jing was suppressed, Zhong went west to Jingzhou. Emperor Yuan of Liang made him household retainer to the heir apparent and grand arbiter of his native province.

父之亨，梁安西湘東王長史、南郡太守。 His father Zhiheng was chief clerk to Liang's Prince of Xiangdong, general who secures the west, and administrator of Nanjun.

京城陷後，西奔荊州，元帝承制，以質為右長史，帶河東太守。 After the capital fell he fled west to Jingzhou. Emperor Yuan of Liang, under the provisional regime, made him right chief clerk and administrator of Hedong.

侯景之亂，元帝承制以為中書侍郎。 During Hou Jing's rebellion Emperor Yuan of Liang, ruling provisionally, made him attendant of the secretariat.

元帝以載為假節、都督太原高唐新蔡三郡諸軍事、高唐太守。 Yuan made Zai acting commander with staff over Taiyuan, Gaotang, and Xincai and administrator of Gaotang.

Book of Chen, Chapter 19Volume 19: Shen Jiong; Yu Li; Ma Shu · 4 passages

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侯景平，梁元帝愍其妻子嬰戮，特封原鄉縣侯，邑五百戶。 After Hou Jing fell, Emperor Yuan of Liang pitied that his wife and children had been slaughtered, and specially enfeoffed him as Marquis of Yuanxiang with five hundred households.

梁元帝徵為給事黃門侍郎，領尚書左丞。 Emperor Yuan summoned him as Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and concurrent Left Assistant Director of the Masters of Writing.

侯景平，元帝徵為中書侍郎，貞陽侯，授揚州別駕，並不就。 When Hou Jing fell, Emperor Yuan summoned him as secretariat gentleman; the Marquis of Zhenyang offered him appointment as vice governor of Yangzhou; he accepted none of it.

侯景之亂，寄隨兄荔入臺，除鎮南湘東王諮議參軍，加貞威將軍。 During Hou Jing's rebellion, Ji followed his elder brother Li into the Terrace City. He was appointed advisory aide to the Prince of Xiangdong, general who guards the south, and was additionally made resolute-prestige general.

Book of Chen, Chapter 24Volume 24: Zhou Hongzheng; Yuan Xian · 9 passages

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京城陷，弘直為衡陽內史，元帝在江陵，遺弘直書曰：「適有都信，賢兄博士平安。 When the capital fell, Hongzhi was administrator of Hengyang. Emperor Yuan was at Jiangling and sent Hongzhi a letter: "There is capital news: your worthy elder brother the erudite is safe.

王僧辯之討侯景也，弘正與弘讓自拔迎軍，僧辯得之甚喜，即日啟元帝，元帝手書與弘正曰：「獯醜逆亂，寒暑亟離，海內相識，零落略盡。 When Wang Sengbian campaigned against Hou Jing, Hongzheng and Hongrang broke out on their own to welcome his army. Sengbian was greatly pleased and that day reported to Emperor Yuan. Emperor Yuan wrote Hongzheng in his own hand: "The savage rebel has torn cold from heat again and again; acquaintances within the seas are nearly all gone.

元帝嘗著金樓子，曰：「余於諸僧重招提琰法師，隱士重華陽陶貞白，士大夫重汝南周弘正，其於義理，清轉無窮，亦一時之名士也。」 Emperor Yuan once wrote in Master of the Golden Tower: "Among monks, I esteem Master Yan of Zhaoti; among recluses, Tao Hongjing of Huayang; among gentlemen, Zhou Hongzheng of Runan. Hongzheng's exposition of principle is lucid, fluent, and inexhaustible; he too is a distinguished scholar of his age."

時朝議遷都，朝士家在荊州者，皆不欲遷，唯弘正與僕射王裒言於元帝曰：「若束脩以上諸士大夫微見古今者，知帝王所都本無定處，無所與疑。 At that time the court debated moving the capital. Court gentlemen whose families were in Jingzhou all wished to stay—only Hongzheng and Minister of Works Wang Pou said to Emperor Yuan, "Gentry of full learning who know past and present understand that an emperor's seat has no fixed place. There is nothing to doubt.

元帝乃大笑之，竟不還都。 Emperor Yuan laughed greatly at this and in the end did not return the capital.

解褐梁太學博士，稍遷西中郎湘東王外兵記室參軍，與東海鮑泉、南陽宗懍、平原劉緩、沛郡劉瑴同掌書記。 He entered office as a Liang grand-academy doctor, then rose to secretary on Prince Xiangdong's outer military staff, sharing record-keeping with Bao Quan of Donghai, Zong Lin of Nanyang, Liu Huan of Pingyuan, and Liu Yue of Pei.

湘東王出鎮江、荊二州，累除錄事諮議參軍，帶柴桑、當陽二縣令。 When Prince Xiangdong took up Jiang and Jing, he was repeatedly made recording secretary and advising aide, and concurrently magistrate of Chaisang and Dangyang.

及梁元帝承制，授假節、英果將軍、世子長史。 When Emperor Yuan of Liang assumed the provisional regime, he was made acting-with-staff bearer, stalwart-fruits general, and the heir's chief steward.

史臣曰：梁元帝稱士大夫中重汝南周弘正，信哉斯言也！ The historian writes: Emperor Yuan of Liang said that among scholar-officials he especially valued Zhou Hongzheng of Runan—how true that was!

Book of Chen, Chapter 29Volume 29: Zong Yuanrao; Sima Shen; Mao Xi; Cai Zheng · 2 passages

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梁元帝承制，起為開遠將軍，遷鎮西外兵記室參軍。 When Liang's Emperor Yuan assumed the provisional mandate, Shen was summoned as general who opens the distance and promoted to recorder in the outer military staff of the army on the western wall.

喜與高宗同謁梁元帝，即以高宗為領直，喜為尚書功論侍郎。 Xi and Emperor Xuan together had audience with Emperor Yuan of Liang, who then made Emperor Xuan leader of direct service and Xi merit-evaluation gentleman attendant in the masters of writing.

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

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梁元帝立，以不害為中書郎，兼廷尉卿，因將家屬西上。 When Emperor Yuan of Liang took the throne, he made Buhai a Secretariat gentleman and concurrently director of the Court Tribunal, and thus led his household west.

梁元帝承制，授戎昭將軍、武陵王諮議參軍。 When Emperor Yuan of Liang assumed the regency, he was appointed martial-proclamation general and staff adviser to the Prince of Wuling.

Book of Liang, Chapter 4Volume 4: Emperor Jianwen · 5 passages

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八月甲午，湘東王繹遣領軍將軍王僧辯率衆逼郢州。 On jiawu in the eighth month Prince Yi of Xiangdong sent Army Inspector General Wang Sengbian with troops to press Yingzhou.

湘東王繹遣前寧州刺史徐文盛督衆軍拒約。 Prince Yi of Xiangdong sent former Ningzhou inspector Xu Wensheng to command the armies against Yue.

閏月甲子，景進寇巴陵，湘東王繹所遣領軍將軍王僧辯連戰不能剋。 On jiazi in the intercalary month Hou Jing pressed on Baling; Wang Senbian, the commanding general Prince Yi of Xiangdong had sent, fought again and again but could not win.

五月癸未，湘東王驛遣遊擊將軍胡僧祐、信州刺史陸法和援巴陵，景遣任約帥衆拒援軍。 On guwei in the fifth month Prince Yi of Xiangdong sent mobile corps general Hu Sengyou and Xin province inspector Lu Fahe to relieve Baling; Hou Jing sent Ren Yue with an army to block them.

明年，三月己丑，王僧辯率前百官奉梓宮升朝堂，世祖追崇為簡文皇帝，廟曰太宗。 The next year, on jichou in the third month, Wang Senbian led the former hundred officials to raise the coffin to the audience hall; Shizu posthumously honored him as Emperor Jianwen with temple name Taizong.

Book of Liang, Chapter 6Volume 6: Emperor Jing · 1 passage

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元帝以盤石之宗，受分陝之任，屬君親之難，居連率之長，不能撫劍嘗膽，枕戈泣血，躬先士卒，致命前驅； Emperor Yuan as a foundation stone of the clan received the charge of dividing Shaan; facing ruler and parent in calamity, he held the regional command—yet he could not grasp the sword and taste gall, pillow the spear and weep blood, lead soldiers and stake his life in the vanguard;

Book of Liang, Chapter 8Volume 8: Crown Prince Zhaoming; Crown Prince Ai; Crown Prince Minhuai · 5 passages

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愍懷太子方矩，字德規，世祖第四子也。 Crown Prince Minhuai, Fangju, styled Degui, was Shizu's fourth son.

初封南安縣侯，隨世祖在荊鎮。 He was first enfeoffed as Marquis of Nan'an county and accompanied Shizu at his Jingzhou garrison.

世祖承制，拜王太子，改名元良。 When Shizu acted under imperial mandate, he appointed him princely heir and changed his name to Yuanliang.

及西魏師陷荊城，太子與世祖同爲魏人所害。 When the Western Wei army captured Jingcheng, the crown prince and Shizu were both killed by the Wei.

太子聰穎，頗有世祖風，而凶暴猜忌。 The crown prince was clever and keen, much in Shizu's manner, yet fierce, violent, and suspicious.

Book of Liang, Chapter 29Volume 29: Three Princes of Gaozu · 1 passage

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阮脩容生世祖孝元皇帝； Lady Ruan Xiurong bore Emperor Yuan (Xiao Yi);

Book of Liang, Chapter 30Volume 30: Pei Ziye; Gu Xie; Xu Chi; Bao Quan · 10 passages

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會西豊侯正德爲吳郡，除中軍參軍，領郡五官，遷輕車湘東王參軍事，兼記室。 When Marquis of Feng of the West Zhengde became governor of Wu commandery, Xie was appointed aide in the Central Army and placed in charge of the five officials of the commandery; he was then transferred as aide to the Prince of Xiangdong in the Light Chariots and made concurrent recorder.

軍還，會有詔舉士，湘東王表薦協曰：「臣聞貢玉之士，歸之潤山； When the army returned, an edict called for the recommendation of scholars. The Prince of Xiangdong memorialized recommending Xie, saying, "Your servant has heard that one who offers jade returns to Mount Run;

父機，湘東王諮議參軍。 His father Bao Ji was advisory aide to the Prince of Xiangdong.

少事元帝，早見擢任。 In youth he served Emperor Yuan and was early selected for appointment.

及元帝承制，累遷至信州刺史。 When Emperor Yuan assumed the regency he was repeatedly promoted to regional inspector of Xinzhou.

太清三年，元帝命泉征河東王譽於湘州，泉至長沙，作連城以逼之，譽率衆攻泉，泉據柵堅守，譽不能克。 In the third year of Taiqing, Emperor Yuan ordered Quan to campaign against Prince Hedong Xiao Yu in Xiangzhou. Quan reached Changsha and built linked ramparts to press him; Yu led his forces to attack Quan, but Quan held the palisade and defended firmly, and Yu could not overcome him.

世祖乃數泉罪，遣平南將軍王僧辯代泉爲都督。 Emperor Yuan then enumerated Quan's crimes and sent General Who Pacifies the South Wang Sengbian to replace Quan as commander-in-chief.

世祖尋復其任，令與僧辯等率舟師東逼邵陵王於郢州。 Emperor Yuan soon restored him to his post and ordered him, together with Sengbian and others, to lead the fleet east and press Prince Shaoling at Yingzhou.

郢州平，元帝以長子方諸爲刺史，泉爲長史，行府州事。 When Yingzhou was pacified, Emperor Yuan appointed his eldest son Fangzhu regional inspector; Quan was made Chief Clerk and administered the headquarters and province.

初，泉之爲南討都督也，其友人夢泉得罪于世祖，覺而告之。 Earlier, when Quan was commander-in-chief of the southern campaign, a friend dreamed that Quan had offended Emperor Yuan; on waking he told him.

Book of Liang, Chapter 43Volume 43: Wei Can; Jiang Ziyi; Jiang Zisi; Jiang Ziwu; Zhang Sheng; Shen Jun; Liu Jingli · 5 passages

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服闋，襲爵永昌縣侯，除安西湘東王諮議，累遷太子僕、左衛率，領直並如故。 When mourning ended he inherited the marquisate of Yongchang and became staff adviser to the Prince of Xiangdong of the Anxi Army, then rose through crown prince steward and left guard leader while keeping his guard command.

世祖平侯景，追諡曰忠貞，並追贈助、警、構及尼皆中書郎，昂員外散騎常侍。 When Emperor Shizu pacified Hou Jing, he was posthumously titled Loyal and Upright, and Zhu, Jing, Gou, and Ni were posthumously made Secretariat gentlemen, Ang exterior regular palace attendant.

侯景平，世祖又追贈子一侍中，諡義子； When Hou Jing was pacified Emperor Shizu again posthumously made Ziyi palace attendant with the posthumous title Righteous;

又出爲鎮南湘東王長史、尋陽太守。 Again he went out as chief clerk to the Prince of Xiangdong of the Pacifying South Army and magistrate of Xunyang.

賊平，世祖追贈侍中、中衛將軍、開府儀同三司。 When the bandit was pacified Emperor Shizu posthumously made him palace attendant, central army commander, and Grand Master with the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon with the rites of the Three Excellencies.

Book of Sui, Chapter 72Volume 72 Biographies 37: Filial Piety · 1 passage

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其父平侯景，留頒質於荊州，遇元帝為周師所陷，頒因入關。 His father subdued Hou Jing and left Ban as a hostage in Jingzhou; when Emperor Yuan was overrun by Zhou armies, Ban crossed into the Guanzhong region.

Book of Sui, Chapter 79Volume 79 Biographies 44: Imperial Affines · 3 passages

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侯景之亂，其兄河東王譽與其叔父湘東王繹不協，為繹所害。 During Hou Jing's rebellion, his elder brother Prince Yu of Hedong fell out with their uncle Prince Yi of Xiangdong and was killed by him.

及繹嗣位，詧稱籓於西魏，乞師請討繹。 When Yi took the throne, Cha submitted to Western Wei as a vassal, asked for troops, and requested a campaign against Yi.

周太祖以詧為梁主，遣柱國於謹等率騎五萬襲繹，滅之。 Taizu of Zhou installed Cha as ruler of Liang and sent the Pillar of State Yu Jin with fifty thousand horsemen to strike Yi and destroy him.

Book of Zhou, Chapter 21Volume 21 Biographies 13: Wei Chijiong; Wang Qian; Sima Xiaonan · 2 passages

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侯景之渡江，梁元帝時鎮江陵，旣以內難方殷，請脩鄰好。 When Hou Jing crossed the Yangtze, Emperor Yuan of Liang held Jiangling; with civil war raging at home, he sought to mend relations with the north.

梁元帝大懼，乃移書請救，又請伐蜀。 Emperor Yuan of Liang was terrified; he sent appeals for aid and also asked for an expedition against Shu.

Book of Zhou, Chapter 26Volume 26 Biographies 18: Zhang Sunjian; Zhangsun Shaoyuan; Younger Brother Cheng; Elder Brother Si; Hu Sizheng · 2 passages

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及梁元帝嗣位於江陵，外敦鄰睦，內懷異計。 When Liang Emperor Yuan took the throne at Jiangling, he cultivated neighborly courtesy abroad while secretly nursing other designs.

湘東卽位，已涉三年。 Emperor Yuan of Xiangdong has already reigned three years.