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列傳五十五
Biographies 55
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米思翰子李榮保顧八代瑪爾漢田六善杜臻薩穆哈
Mi Sihan, Li Rongbao, Gu Badai, Ma Erhan, Tian Liushan, Du Zhen, and Sa Muha
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米思翰，富察氏，滿洲鑲黃旗人。 先世居沙濟。 曾祖旺吉努，當太祖時，率族來歸，授牛錄額真。 父哈什屯，事太宗，以侍衛襲管牛錄。 擢禮部參政，改副理事官。 討瓦爾喀，招明總兵沈志祥。 從攻錦州，明總兵曹變蛟夜襲御營，先眾扞禦，被創，力戰卻之。 順治初，授內大臣、議政大臣，世職屢進一等阿達哈哈番兼拖沙喇哈番。 睿親王多爾袞攝政，諸大臣鞏阿岱等並附之，哈什屯獨持正，忤睿親王，降世職拜他喇布勒哈番。 肅親王豪格以非罪死，鞏阿岱等議殺其子富綬，哈什屯與巴哈力持，事乃已。 世祖親政，累進世職一等阿思哈尼哈番加拖沙喇哈番。 十二年，獎奉職恪勤諸大臣，加太子太保。 康熙初卒，諡恪僖。
Mi Sihan, of the Fuca clan, was a Manchu of the Bordered Yellow Banner. His family had long resided at Shaji. His great-grandfather Wangjinu submitted with the clan during the Taizu's reign and was appointed niru commander. His father Hashun served the Taizong and, as an imperial guardsman, inherited command of the family niru. He rose to Vice Commissioner in the Ministry of Rites and was later made Associate Commissioner. On campaign against Warka he won over the Ming regional commander Shen Zhixiang. At the siege of Jinzhou, when the Ming commander Cao Bianjiao struck the imperial camp by night, Hashun was first to meet the assault. Though wounded, he fought hard and repulsed the attack. Early in the Shunzhi reign he became a Grand Minister of the Imperial Household and a Grand Councilor, and his hereditary rank was raised repeatedly until he held first-class adahahafan with an additional tashalahafan. While Prince Regent Dorgon governed, ministers including Gongadai rallied to him, but Hashun alone stood firm. He offended the prince regent and was demoted to batalabulehafan. When Prince Su Haoge was put to death on trumped-up charges, Gongadai and others urged that his son Fushou be killed as well. Hashun and Bahali resisted, and the proposal was abandoned. Once the Shizu Emperor assumed personal rule, Hashun's hereditary rank was restored and raised step by step to first-class ashanihanafan with an added tashalahafan. In year 12 he was honored among the dutiful ministers still in service and was made Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent. He died early in the Kangxi reign and was posthumously titled Keixi.
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米思翰，其長子也，襲世職，兼管牛錄，授內務府總管。 輔政大臣從假尚方器物，力拒之。 聖祖親政，知其守正，授禮部侍郎。 八年，擢戶部尚書，列議政大臣。 是時各直省歲賦，聽布政使存留司庫，蠹弊相仍，米思翰疏請通飭各直省俸餉諸經費，所餘悉解部，由是勾稽出納權盡屬戶部。
Mi Sihan, his eldest son, inherited the family rank, took charge of the niru as well, and was appointed superintendent of the Imperial Household Department. When the regent ministers sought to borrow objects from the imperial workshops, he firmly refused. After the Kangxi Emperor assumed personal rule, recognizing his integrity, he appointed Mi Sihan Vice Minister of Rites. In Kangxi year 8 he was promoted to Minister of Revenue and named a Grand Councilor. Provincial grain taxes were then routinely kept in local treasuries under the provincial treasurer, and corruption persisted. Mi Sihan memorialized that salaries and all routine expenses in every province should be met from those funds and the surplus sent to the capital. Thereafter the Ministry of Revenue held full control over revenue and disbursement.
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十二年，尚可喜疏請撤籓，吳三桂、耿精忠疏繼入，下戶、兵二部議。 米思翰與兵部尚書明珠議三籓並撤，有言吳三桂不可撤者，以兩議入奏。 复集諸大臣廷議，米思翰堅持宜並撤，議乃定。 既而吳三桂反，上命王貝勒等率八旗兵討之，議者謂軍需浩繁，宜就近調兵禦守。 米思翰言：「賊勢猖獗，非綠旗兵所能製，宜以八旗勁旅會剿。 軍需內外協濟，足支十年，可無他慮。」 於是請以內府所儲分年發給，复綜覈各直省庫金、倉粟，以時撥運，悉稱旨。 又疏言：「師行所至，屢奉明詔以正賦給軍需，恐有司尚多藉端私派，請敕各督撫嚴察所屬，供應糧餉薪芻，一切動官帑，毋許苛派； 其購自民間者，務視時價支給，勿纖毫累民。」 上命如議速行。
In year 12 Shang Kexi memorialized asking to surrender his princely fief, and Wu Sangui and Geng Jingzhong soon sent similar requests. The court referred the matter to the Ministries of Revenue and War. Mi Sihan and Minister of War Mingzhu argued that all three feudatories should be abolished at once, while others held that Wu Sangui must be left in place. Both positions were reported to the emperor. The court convened the ministers again. Mi Sihan held firm that all three must be abolished together, and the policy was decided. Wu Sangui soon rose in rebellion, and the emperor ordered princes and beile to lead the Eight Banners against him. Some argued that the war would be costly and that troops should be drawn from nearby garrisons for defense alone. Mi Sihan said, "The rebels are too fierce for the Green Banner alone. We should commit the elite forces of the Eight Banners to a joint campaign. With resources pooled from court and provinces, we can sustain the war for ten years without other concern." He then proposed drawing on the inner treasury in annual allotments, auditing silver in provincial vaults and grain in state granaries, and shipping supplies on schedule. The emperor approved it all. He also memorialized, "Imperial edicts have repeatedly ordered that regular taxes fund the armies on campaign, yet local officials may still levy under one pretext or another. I ask that every governor-general and governor be instructed to supervise their subordinates strictly: grain, pay, fodder, and fuel must all come from official funds, with no harsh exactions permitted; whatever is bought from the people must be paid at fair market prices, without the slightest added burden on them." The emperor ordered the proposal implemented without delay.
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米思翰尋卒，年甫四十三，上深惜之，予祭葬，諡敏果。 時三桂勢方張，精忠及可喜子之信皆叛，議者追咎撤籓主議諸臣，上曰：「朕自少時，以三籓勢日熾，不可不撤。 豈因其叛，諉過於人耶？」 及事定，上追憶主議諸臣，猶稱米思翰不置。
Mi Sihan died soon after, at only forty-three. The emperor mourned him deeply, granted state funeral honors, and posthumously titled him Minguo. While Wu Sangui's power was still spreading and Geng Jingzhong and Shang Kexi's son Zhixin had also rebelled, critics blamed the ministers who had urged abolishing the feudatories. The emperor said, "Even as a young man I saw the Three Feudatories growing stronger every day and knew they had to be removed. Am I to blame others because they rebelled?" After the rebellion was crushed, the emperor looked back on the ministers who had led the policy and still spoke of Mi Sihan with unceasing praise.
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米思翰子馬斯喀、馬齊、馬武，皆自有傳。
Mi Sihan's sons Maska, Maqi, and Mawu are each treated in separate biographies.
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李榮保，襲世職，兼管牛錄，累遷至察哈爾總管，卒。 乾隆二年，冊李榮保女為皇后，追封一等公。 十三年，冊諡孝賢皇后，推恩先世，進封米思翰一等公。 十四年，以李榮保子大學士傅恆經略金川功，敕建宗祠，祀哈什屯、米思翰、李榮保，並追諡李榮保曰莊愨。
Li Rongbao inherited the family rank, took charge of the niru as well, rose through the ranks to Chahar commandant, and died in office. In Qianlong year 2, Li Rongbao's daughter was made empress, and he was posthumously created a first-rank duke. In year 13 she was given the posthumous title Empress Xiaoxian. Honors were extended to her forebears, and Mi Sihan was raised to first-rank duke. In year 14, because Li Rongbao's son, Grand Secretary Fu Heng, had led the Jinchuan campaign to success, the court ordered an ancestral hall built to honor Hashun, Mi Sihan, and Li Rongbao, and Li Rongbao was posthumously titled Zhuangque.
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顧八代，字文起，伊爾根覺羅氏，滿洲鑲黃旗人。 父顧納禪，事太宗，從伐明，次大同，攻小石城，先登，賜號「巴圖魯」，予世職牛錄章京。 旋授甲喇額真。 順治初，從入關，定陝西、湖南、江南、浙江，皆在行間，進三等阿達哈哈番。 子顧蘇，襲，進二等。
Gu Badai, whose courtesy name was Wenqi, of the Irgen Gioro clan, was a Manchu of the Bordered Yellow Banner. His father Gunazan served the Taizong. On the campaign against the Ming, below Datong he stormed Little Stone City and was first over the wall. He was granted the title Baturu and a hereditary rank as niru janggin. He was soon appointed jalan commander. Early in Shunzhi he entered China with the armies and took part in pacifying Shaanxi, Hunan, Jiangnan, and Zhejiang, rising to third-class adahahafan. His son Gusu inherited the rank, which was raised to second class.
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顧八代，其次子也。 任俠重義，好讀書，善射。 以廕生充護軍。 順治十六年，從征雲南有功，授戶部筆帖式。 旋以顧蘇及子佛岳相繼卒，無嗣，顧八代襲世職，遷吏部郎中。 康熙十四年，聖祖試旗員第一，擢翰林院侍讀學士。
Gu Badai was his second son. Bold and principled, he loved books and excelled at archery. Through the yinsheng privilege he entered service as a guardsman. In Shunzhi year 16 he campaigned in Yunnan with distinction and was appointed a clerk in the Ministry of Revenue. Soon Gusu and his son Foyue died in succession without heirs, so Gu Badai inherited the family rank and was transferred to Director in the Ministry of Personnel. In Kangxi year 14 the emperor tested banner officers and ranked Gu Badai first, promoting him to Reader in the Hanlin Academy.
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吳三桂陷湖南，遣其將掠兩廣。 鎮南將軍莽依圖自江西下廣東，駐韶州。 十六年，上命顧八代傳諭莽依圖規复廣西，即留軍，從征廣西。 巡撫傅弘烈為三桂將吳世琮所敗，莽依圖引兵與相合。 顧八代按行諸軍，謂結營散亂，敵至慮不相應。 世琮兵至，師复敗，還駐梧州。 世琮來追，擊卻之。 顧八代策世琮且復至，益誡備。 會除夕，世琮以三萬人奄至，又擊敗之。 十七年，師進次盤江，與世琮軍遇，莽依圖病甚，以軍事屬顧八代； 偕副都統勒貝等渡江，與世琮戰，分兵出敵後，破其左而合擊其右。 世琮潰圍出，遣精騎追之，自殺。 師進克南寧，叛將馬承廕與三桂軍合，可十萬，拒戰。 諸將或難之，顧八代奮入陣，諸將皆力戰，遂破敵。
Wu Sangui seized Hunan and sent his generals to ravage Guangdong and Guangxi. General of the South Manggitu marched from Jiangxi into Guangdong and encamped at Shaozhou. In year 16 the emperor sent Gu Badai to instruct Manggitu to recover Guangxi and ordered him to remain with the army for the Guangxi campaign. Governor Fu Honglie was defeated by Wu Sangui's general Wu Shijiong, and Manggitu marched to join forces with him. Gu Badai inspected the armies and warned that with camps scattered so widely, the units could not support one another when the enemy struck. When Shijiong's troops arrived the army was defeated again and fell back to Wuzhou. Shijiong pursued, but they counterattacked and drove him off. Gu Badai expected Shijiong to return and urged the troops to prepare more carefully. On New Year's Eve Shijiong struck with thirty thousand men and was defeated once more. In year 17 the army advanced to the Pan River and met Shijiong's force. Manggitu was gravely ill and entrusted command to Gu Badai; With Vice Commander-in-chief Lebei and others he crossed the river and engaged Shijiong, sending detachments around the enemy rear while breaking their left flank and striking their right in concert. Shijiong broke out of the encirclement, but elite cavalry pursued him and he took his own life. The army advanced and took Nanning. The rebel Ma Chengzhao united with Wu Sangui's troops to some one hundred thousand men and offered battle. Some generals hesitated, but Gu Badai plunged into the enemy ranks. The others fought hard as well, and the rebel army was shattered.
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十八年，京察，掌院學士拉薩里、葉方藹以顧八代從征有績效，注上考； 大學士索額圖改注「浮躁」，坐奪官。 莽依圖疏言顧八代從征三載，竭誠奮勉，運籌決勝，請留軍委署副都統，參贊軍務，上命以原銜從征。 十九年，莽依圖卒於軍，顧八代從平南大將軍賚塔下雲南，攻會城。 顧八代議當先取銀錠山，俯瞰城內，攻得勢。 及勇略將軍趙良棟師至，用顧八代策，先取銀錠山，克會城，雲南平。 師還，授侍講學士。
In year 18, at the capital evaluation, Academicians-in-Chief Lasali and Ye Fangyi credited Gu Badai's campaign service and recommended him for top grade; Grand Secretary Songgotu changed the entry to "frivolous," and on that charge Gu Badai was dismissed from office. Manggitu memorialized that Gu Badai had served three years on campaign with utmost loyalty, planning and winning battles, and asked that he remain as acting Vice Commander-in-chief to assist in military affairs. The emperor ordered him to continue at his former rank. In year 19 Manggitu died in camp. Gu Badai followed Pacification of the South Grand General Ceben south into Yunnan to besiege the provincial capital. Gu Badai argued that Silver Ingot Hill should be taken first so the city could be overlooked and the assault would gain the advantage. When Brave Strategy General Zhao Liangdong's army arrived, they adopted Gu Badai's plan, took Silver Ingot Hill first, captured the capital, and pacified Yunnan. When the army returned he was appointed Expositor-in-Chief.
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二十三年，命直尚書房，累遷禮部侍郎。 二十八年，授尚書。 三十二年，坐事，上責其不稱職，奪官，留世職，仍直尚書房。 三十七年，以病乞休。 四十七年，卒。
In year 23 he was ordered to serve in the Imperial Study and was promoted in stages to Vice Minister of Rites. In year 28 he was appointed Minister. In year 32 he was charged with an offense. The emperor rebuked him as unfit for office, removed him from his post, but kept his hereditary rank and still had him attend in the Imperial Study. In year 37 he requested retirement on grounds of illness. In year 47 he died.
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顧八代直尚書房時，世宗從受學； 及卒，貧無以斂，世宗親臨奠，為經紀其喪。 雍正四年，詔复官，加太傅，予祭葬，諡文端，又以其貧，賜其家白金萬。 八年，建賢良祠京師，諭滿洲大臣當入祀者五人，大學士圖海、都統賚塔，次即顧八代，及尚書瑪爾漢、齊蘇勒。
While Gu Badai served in the Imperial Study, the future Yongzheng Emperor studied under him; When he died his family was too poor to bury him properly. The Yongzheng Emperor came in person to mourn and arranged the funeral. In Yongzheng year 4 an edict restored his office, made him Grand Tutor posthumously, granted state funeral honors, and gave him the posthumous title Wenduan. Because he had died poor, the court also gave his family ten thousand taels of silver. In year 8 the Worthy and Good Shrine was built in the capital. An edict named five Manchu ministers for enshrinement: Grand Secretary Tulai and Commander-in-chief Ceben, then Gu Badai, and Ministers Ma Erhan and Qisuole.
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子顧儼，襲世職，自參領官至副都統。 孫顧琮，自有傳。
His son Gu Yan inherited the family rank and rose from company commander to Vice Commander-in-chief. His grandson Gu Cong is treated in a separate biography.
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瑪爾漢，兆佳氏，滿洲正白旗人。 順治十一年，繙譯舉人，授工部七品筆帖式，累遷刑部員外郎。
Ma Erhan, of the Zhaojia clan, was a Manchu of the Plain White Banner. In Shunzhi year 11 he passed the translation juren examination and was appointed a seventh-rank clerk in the Ministry of Works, rising in time to Vice Director in the Ministry of Punishments.
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康熙十三年，陝西提督王輔臣叛應吳三桂，上命揚威將軍阿密達自江寧移師討之，瑪爾漢以署驍騎參領從。 十四年，與副都統鄂克濟哈、穆舒琿等自涇州進兵，屢破壘，斬級數百，克寧州。 十五年，大將軍圖海督兵圍平涼，輔臣降，瑪爾漢還京師。 圖海請調涼州、寧夏、固原諸鎮兵進攻興安、漢中，上命副都統吳丹及瑪爾漢赴諸鎮料理徵發，兼詢緩急機宜。 甘肅提督張勇請緩師，上命圖海固守鳳翔、秦州諸要隘，分兵授征南將軍穆佔下湖廣，命瑪爾漢從。 十七年，授御史。
In Kangxi year 13 the Shaanxi commander Wang Fuchen rebelled in support of Wu Sangui. The emperor ordered General of Might Amida to move his army from Jiangning against him, and Ma Erhan followed as acting cavalry company commander. In year 14, with Vice Commander-in-chief Ekejiha, Mushuhu, and others, he advanced from Jingzhou, repeatedly stormed enemy stockades, slew several hundred, and captured Ningzhou. In year 15 Grand General Tulai besieged Pingliang until Fuchen surrendered, and Ma Erhan returned to the capital. Tulai asked to move troops from the Liangzhou, Ningxia, and Guyuan garrisons against Xing'an and Hanzhong. The emperor ordered Vice Commander-in-chief Wudan and Ma Erhan to the garrisons to organize levies and report on strategic priorities. Gansu commander Zhang Yong asked to delay the advance. The emperor ordered Tulai to hold the passes at Fengxiang, Qinzhou, and other key points, detach troops to General Muzhan's campaign in Huguang, and sent Ma Erhan with him. In year 17 he was appointed censor.
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十九年，穆佔師進貴州，二十年，師進雲南，瑪爾漢皆在行間，得功牌十二。 雲南平，師還，追論徵湖南不力援永興，致損將士，奪功牌九。 二十一年，命巡視河東鹽政。 御史許承宣、羅秉倫劾山西巡撫圖克善令平陽屬十三州縣增報鹽丁加課累民，下巡撫穆爾賽會瑪爾漢覈實，請免虛報一萬七千餘丁。 二十五年，以按治歸化城都統固穆德不實，吏議左遷。 二十六年，授理籓院司務。 從大學士索額圖等使鄂羅斯定邊界，辭辨明析，鄂羅斯人折服。 事聞，聖祖嘉其能。 尋遷戶部郎中。 三十三年，遷翰林院侍講學士，再遷兵部侍郎。 三十五年，上親征噶爾丹，命瑪爾漢駐土木董理驛站，以送軍馬羸，吏議奪官，命寬之。
In year 19 Muzhan's army advanced into Guizhou, and in year 20 into Yunnan. Ma Erhan was with the army throughout and received twelve merit plaques. After Yunnan was pacified, a retrospective inquiry found that in the Hunan campaign he had failed to relieve Yongxing promptly, costing officers and men, and nine merit plaques were revoked. In year 21 he was ordered to inspect salt administration east of the river. Censors Xu Chengxuan and Luo Binglun impeached Shanxi Governor Tukeshan for ordering thirteen subordinate districts under Pingyang to report extra salt laborers and raise levies, burdening the people. Governor Muerse was ordered to verify with Ma Erhan, and they recommended exempting more than seventeen thousand falsely reported laborers. In year 25, for an inadequate investigation of Commander-in-chief Gumude at Guihua, the personnel office recommended demotion. In year 26 he was appointed Director of the Court of Colonial Affairs. On a mission with Grand Secretary Songgotu and others to Russia to fix the border, his arguments were lucid and the Russians were convinced. When the report reached court, the Kangxi Emperor praised his ability. He was soon transferred to Director in the Ministry of Revenue. In year 33 he was transferred to Expositor in the Hanlin Academy and soon promoted again to Vice Minister of War. In Kangxi year 35 the emperor campaigned in person against Galdan and stationed Ma Erhan at Tumubao to manage relay posts. Because the army horses supplied were in poor condition, the personnel office recommended dismissal, but the emperor showed leniency.
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三十八年，遷左都御史。 再遷兵部尚書，充經筵講官、議政大臣。 四十三年，歲饑，流民就食京師。 命與內大臣佟國維、明珠、阿密達等監賑。 四十六年，調吏部。 四十八年，以老病乞休。 五十七年，卒，年八十五。 上遣內大臣臨奠，賜祭葬。 雍正八年，世宗諭獎瑪爾漢謹慎忠厚，事聖祖宣力多年，完名引退，贈太子太傅。 賢良祠成，命入祀。 乾隆元年，高宗命追諡恭勤。
In year 38 he was promoted to Left Censor-in-Chief. He was promoted again to Minister of War, made a lecturer at the Classics Colloquium, and named a Grand Councilor. In year 43 famine struck, and refugees flocked to the capital for relief. He was ordered to supervise famine relief with Grand Ministers Tong Guowei, Mingzhu, Amida, and others. In year 46 he was transferred to the Ministry of Personnel. In year 48 he requested retirement on grounds of age and illness. In year 57 he died at eighty-five. The emperor sent a grand minister to mourn on his behalf and granted state funeral honors. In Yongzheng year 8 the Yongzheng Emperor praised Ma Erhan's prudence and loyalty, his long service to the Kangxi Emperor, and his honorable retirement, and posthumously made him Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent. When the Worthy and Good Shrine was completed, he was ordered enshrined there. In Qianlong year 1 the Qianlong Emperor ordered the posthumous title Gongqin.
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田六善，字兼山，山西陽城人。 順治三年進士，授河南太康知縣，時當兵後，勞來安集。 九年，巡撫吳景道疏薦才守兼優，遷戶部主事，監臨清關，复監鳳陽倉兼臨淮關。 罷濫徵，革奇羨，商民稱便。 累遷郎中。 十五年，授江南道御史。 兵部議禁民乘馬，六善疏言其不便，下廷臣集議，弛禁。 十六年，疏言：「欲安民在勸清吏，乞敕各督撫實行薦舉，吏部於各督撫蒞任一二年後，列奏薦舉何人，能否察吏安民，即可以是鑑別。 議者或謂舉薦清吏，無以處乎不在清吏之列者，一難也； 恐督撫依舊受賄徇私，二難也； 徵糧緝逃處分罣礙，三難也。 然臣謂清吏果得薦舉，則為清吏者見公道尚存，益堅其持守，一便也； 群吏以不著清名為愧，力自濯磨，二便也； 某省有清吏幾人，以驗政治修廢，三便也； 天下曉然知有能必先有守，風俗丕變，四便也； 向日督撫厭憎清吏無益於己，今必且卵翼而親愛之，五便也。 不惑於三難，力致其五便，將循良興起，不讓前古矣。」 下部議行。 尋命巡視長蘆鹽政。 十七年，還掌江南道事。
Tian Liushan, whose courtesy name was Jianshan, came from Yangcheng in Shanxi. A Shunzhi year 3 jinshi, he was appointed magistrate of Taikang in Henan. The district had just emerged from war, and he worked to console the people and restore order. In year 9 Governor Wu Jingdao memorialized praising his combined talent and integrity. He was transferred to principal clerk in the Ministry of Revenue, supervised Linqing Pass, and later Fengyang Granary together with Linhuai Pass. He ended abusive levies and irregular surcharges, to the great relief of merchants. He rose in stages to director. In year 15 he was appointed censor of the Jiangnan circuit. When the Ministry of War proposed banning commoners from riding horses, Liushan memorialized that the measure was impractical. The court deliberated and relaxed the ban. In year 16 he memorialized, "To secure the people's welfare one must encourage upright officials. I ask that every governor-general and governor be ordered to recommend them in earnest, and that after one or two years in post each report whom he has recommended and whether he can inspect officials and keep the people at peace—by that one may judge their fitness. Some objected that recommending upright officials leaves no place for those not so labeled—the first difficulty; they feared governors-general and governors would still take bribes and show favoritism—the second difficulty; and that penalties tied to tax collection and pursuit of fugitives would be obstructed—the third difficulty. Yet I hold that if upright officials are truly recommended, the upright will see that fairness still exists and will hold all the firmer to their standards—the first advantage; other officials will be ashamed to lack a clean reputation and will strive to improve—the second advantage; how many upright officials each province has will show whether its government flourishes or fails—the third advantage; the empire will plainly see that ability must rest on integrity, and customs will be transformed—the fourth advantage; whereas governors-general and governors once despised upright officials as useless to themselves, they will now shelter and value them—the fifth advantage. Undeterred by the three difficulties and pressing for the five advantages, worthy local officials will arise and not fall short of antiquity." The memorial was referred to the ministries and carried out. He was soon ordered to inspect the Changlu salt administration. In year 17 he resumed charge of the Jiangnan circuit.
21
康熙元年，乞假歸。 三年，補貴州道御史。 四年，疏言：「兵部議裁山西、陝西、河南等處兵額，三營裁一營。 遇裁之兵，挾久練之技，處坐困之時，窮無所歸，遂為賊盜。 請諭總督、提督諸臣，察已裁之兵，如弓馬嫻熟、膂力精強，仍收入伍。 自後老弱必斥，逃亡不補。 所漸去者疲卒，不慮其為非； 所招回者勁兵，可資其實用。」 下部議，令各營汰去老弱，其年力精壯者仍留充伍。 又疏言：「吏部於往日曾行之事，率皆援以為例，惟意所彼此，莫窮其弊。 請敕部以上所裁定及有旨著為例者，彙為一冊，敬謹遵守，餘仍循舊章。」 得旨，如所請。 七年，命巡視京、通倉，還掌山東道事，得旨內升，回籍待缺。
In Kangxi year 1 he took leave to return home. In year 3 he was appointed censor of the Guizhou circuit. In year 4 he memorialized, "The Ministry of War has deliberated reducing troop quotas in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan, and elsewhere, disbanding one camp in every three. Soldiers who are cut retain long-trained skills yet find themselves idle and destitute, with nowhere to turn, and so become bandits. I ask that governors-general and commanders examine discharged soldiers: if skilled in bow and horse and strong in body, let them be kept in the ranks. Afterward only the old and weak should be expelled, and deserters should not be replaced. What is gradually removed will be worn-out soldiers, with no fear that they will turn to crime; what is brought back will be strong troops of real use." The memorial was referred to the ministries, which ordered each camp to eliminate the old and weak while retaining men still vigorous in years. He also memorialized, "The Ministry of Personnel, whenever something was once done in the past, cites it as precedent as it pleases, so that the harm cannot be exhausted. I ask that the ministry compile into one volume every ruling it has made and every matter the emperor has ordered made precedent, to be reverently observed, while the rest still follow the old regulations." The emperor approved the request. In year 7 he was ordered to inspect the capital and Tongzhou granaries. On returning he resumed the Shandong circuit and received an order for internal promotion, then went home to await a vacancy.
22
十一年，授刑科給事中，秩視正四品。 疏言：「臣里居讀上諭，以蘇克薩哈為鼇拜仇陷，殺其子孫，連坐族人白爾赫圖，恩予昭雪。 臣思法律為天下共者也，以滿洲勞苦功高之人，因與執政諸臣意見相左，輒牽連興大獄，恐尤而效之，報復相尋，藉端推刃。 周禮有八議，罪大可減，罪小可赦。 請特製昭示，滿洲犯罪非反叛有實蹟者，一準於律，勿妄議株連。 儲人才，固國本，於是乎在。」 上韙其言，下王大臣議，從之。 又疏言：「聖學宜先讀史。 史者，古帝王得失之林也。 其君寬仁明斷，崇儉納諫，則其民必安，其事必治，其世必興必平。 若夫苛察因循，惡聞過，樂逞欲，其民必不安，其事必不治，其世必衰必亂。 乞諭日講諸臣，以通鑑與經史並進。」 得旨俞允。 尋轉戶科掌印給事中。 三遷至右僉都御史。
In year 11 he was appointed supervising censor of the Penal Branch, with rank equivalent to regular fourth grade. He memorialized, "At home I read the imperial edict clearing Suksaha, whom Oboi destroyed out of enmity, killing his sons and grandsons and implicating Bai'erhetu's clan by association. I reflect that law is what the whole realm shares. When meritorious Manchus who had borne hardship differed in opinion from those in power, great cases were stirred up repeatedly. I fear others will take this as a model, revenge will breed revenge, and any pretext will draw the blade. The Rites of Zhou provide the Eight Considerations: great crimes may be mitigated and small crimes pardoned. I ask for a special proclamation that for Manchu crimes, unless rebellion is proved by solid evidence, all shall follow the code and no one shall rashly propose collective punishment. To store up talent and secure the foundation of the state lies herein." The emperor approved his words, referred them to the princes and ministers, and they assented. He also memorialized, "The sage's learning should begin with reading history. History is the forest in which the gains and losses of ancient emperors may be seen. If the ruler is generous, benevolent, clear, and decisive, honors frugality, and accepts remonstrance, the people will be secure, affairs well governed, and the age will rise toward peace. If he is harsh and scrutinizing, perfunctory and inert, hates to hear of faults, and indulges his desires, the people will be insecure, affairs ungoverned, and the age will decline into disorder. I beg that the daily lecturers be instructed to study the Comprehensive Mirror alongside the classics and histories." The emperor approved. He was soon transferred to supervising censor of the Revenue Branch with seal authority. After three promotions he reached Right Vice Censor-in-Chief.
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十三年，疏言：「吳三桂負恩叛逆，處必滅之勢。 綠旗月餉，步兵一兩有奇，馬兵二兩有奇，甲胄不必堅強，弓刀不必精利，登山涉水，資以先驅。 臣謂綠旗力雖弱，善用之則強； 心雖渙，善收之則聚。 供給宜足，勞逸宜均。 至先登破陣，無分滿、漢，賞賚公平。 斯忠勇自奮，克佐勁旅以奏膚功，今日所宜急計者也。」 下部議鼓勵綠旗官兵敘給爵賞例。 遷順天府尹。 未幾，复遷左副都御史。 十四年，疏言：「臣昔為河南知縣時，孫可望、李定國尚據云、貴、四川，其勢不減於吳三桂。 金聲桓叛江西，姜瓖叛大同，亦不異耿精忠、王輔臣。 而當日民心未若今之驚惶疑懼者，由其時督撫有孟喬芳、張存仁、吳景道諸臣，敦行儉樸，慎守廉隅，吏治肅清，民生樂遂也。 宜特頒嚴諭，令各督撫禁雜派，覈軍實。 有司或剝民敗檢，立行糾劾，以省民力、安眾心。 師行所至，更宜審酌剿禦。 近見江西、浙江報捷諸疏，屢言殺賊累萬。 然必待殺盡而後入閩，恐愚頑之民無盡，草竊之賊亦無盡。 臣謂先取精忠，則群賊自息。 昔姜瓖乍叛，土寇群起，瓖滅，土寇亦盡，其明驗也。 至三桂狡謀，覬以一隅之地困天下全力，我即以天下全力困此一隅。 三桂授首，則四川、廣西不煩兵而自定。」 又疏言：「臣籍山西，與陝西接壤。 黃河自邊外折入內地，至蒲州一千餘裡。 蒲州上至禹門，為平陽府屬，河西為西安，有提督、總兵重兵駐守。 自此以北，永寧州、臨縣為汾州府屬，渡口有孟門鎮、高家塔諸處； 更北保德州為太原府屬，渡口有黑田溝、窮狼窩諸處。 河西為延安，素稱荒野，河東為交城，路險山深，草竊潛匿。 請敕巡撫、提督分兵駐防。」 又疏言：「師已抵平涼，輔臣迫於必死，困獸猶鬥，殺賊百不償失兵一。 宜駐軍城下，以逸待勞，急攻固原，絕其糧道。 平涼地瘠，非比湖南地廣米多，可以持久。 糧道不通，人心自散，必有斬輔臣獻軍門者。 若賊東出則東應，賊西出則西應，疲我師徒，分我威力，固原圍解，賊氣貫通，此斷斷不可者也。」 諸疏並下王大臣議行。
In year 13 he memorialized, "Wu Sangui has betrayed his benefactor and rebelled; he is in a position that must be destroyed. Green Banner monthly pay is a little over one tael for foot soldiers and over two for horsemen. Their armor need not be especially strong nor their weapons especially sharp; they scale mountains and ford rivers and serve as vanguards. I say that though the Green Banner is weak, used well it becomes strong; though their hearts are scattered, gathered well they unite. Supplies should be ample and labor and rest evenly apportioned. For leading assaults and breaking enemy lines, whether Manchu or Han, rewards should be fair. Then loyalty and courage will rise of themselves, and they can assist the crack forces to win glorious merit—this is what must be planned urgently today." The memorial was referred to the ministries, which deliberated regulations to encourage Green Banner officers and men with titles and rewards. He was transferred to Intendant of Shuntian Prefecture. Before long he was transferred again to Left Vice Censor-in-Chief. In year 14 he memorialized, "When I was a county magistrate in Henan, Sun Kewang and Li Dingguo still held Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan, and their power was no less than Wu Sangui's. Jin Shengzong rebelled in Jiangxi and Jiang Xian in Datong—no different from Geng Jingzhong and Wang Fuchen. Yet the people's hearts were not then so alarmed as today, because governors-general such as Meng Qiaofang, Zhang Cunren, and Wu Jingdao practiced frugality in earnest, guarded their integrity, kept officialdom austere, and let the people live in peace. It is fitting to issue a stern edict ordering every governor-general and governor to forbid miscellaneous levies and verify true military strength. If local officials exploit the people or fail in conduct, impeach them at once to spare the people's strength and settle their hearts. Where armies march, it is still more important to weigh suppression and defense carefully. Recently victory reports from Jiangxi and Zhejiang repeatedly claim tens of thousands of bandits killed. Yet if one must kill them all before entering Fujian, the foolish and obstinate among the people are endless, and grass-bandit thieves are endless as well. I say that if Jingzhong is taken first, the other bandits will cease of themselves. In the past when Jiang Xian first rebelled, local bandits rose everywhere; when Jiang fell, the local bandits vanished as well—clear proof. Wu Sangui's crafty plot is to weary the empire's full strength with one corner; we should weary that corner with the empire's full strength. When Wu Sangui falls, Sichuan and Guangxi will need no armies and will settle of themselves." He also memorialized, "My native place is Shanxi, adjoining Shaanxi. The Yellow River bends in from beyond the border to the interior, more than a thousand li to Puzhou. From Puzhou up to Yumen Gate is under Pingyang Prefecture. West of the river is Xi'an, where a provincial commander and regional commander keep heavy troops. Farther north, Yongning Prefecture and Lin County are under Fenzhou Prefecture; at the crossings are Mengmen Town, Gaojia Tower, and other places; still farther north, Baode Prefecture is under Taiyuan Prefecture, with crossings at Heitian Ditch, Qionglangwo, and other places. West of the river is Yan'an, long called a wilderness; east of the river is Jiaocheng, with dangerous roads and deep mountains where bandits lie hidden. I ask that governors and commanders be ordered to detach troops for garrison defense." He also memorialized, "The army has reached Pingliang. Fuchen is driven to certain death and fights like a cornered beast; a hundred enemies killed do not repay the loss of one soldier. It is fitting to encamp below the city and await the weary with ease, and press the attack on Guyuan to cut his grain route. Pingliang's land is poor, unlike Hunan's broad territory and abundant grain, where one can endure long. If the grain route is cut, hearts will scatter of themselves, and someone will surely behead Fuchen and present him at the army gate. If bandits move east the army responds east and if west then west, wearing out our forces and dividing our power, the siege of Guyuan is lifted and rebel spirit runs through—this must absolutely not be done." All the memorials were referred to the princes and ministers and carried out.
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十六年，擢工部侍郎。 十七年，以夏旱求言，疏言：「今日官至督撫，居莫敢誰何之勢，自非大賢，鮮不縱恣。 道府歲納規禮，加之以搜括，則道府所轄官民，不啻鬻之道府矣。 州縣歲納規禮，重之以勒索，則州縣所屬士民，不啻鬻之州縣矣。 世祖朝，山東巡按程衡劾巡撫耿焞，江南巡按秦世禎劾土國寶，皆置重典，天下肅然。 今巡按久停，雖欲議复，恐一時難得多人。 惟有出自上意，欲清一省，則選一人遣往，不必一時俱發。 出其不意，示以不測，使天下奸惡吏不敢恃督撫而肆志，即有不肖之督撫，亦莫敢庇貪而害民。」 疏入，報聞。
In year 16 he was promoted to Vice Minister of Works. In year 17, when summer drought prompted a call for advice, he memorialized, "Today officials who reach governor-general stand where none dare challenge them; unless they are great worthies, few refrain from excess. Circuit intendants pay annual gifts to prefects, who add exactions on top, so the officials and people under a prefect are virtually sold to him. Prefectures and counties pay annual gifts to circuit intendants, who add extortion on top, so the gentry and people under a county are virtually sold to it. In the Shunzhi reign, Shandong surveillance commissioner Cheng Heng impeached Governor Geng Tun, and Jiangnan surveillance commissioner Qin Shizhen impeached Tu Guobao—both received heavy punishment, and the empire was awed. Surveillance commissioners have long been suspended; though one might wish to restore them, it will be hard to find enough qualified men at once. Only if the emperor himself wishes to cleanse a province should one man be chosen and sent; there is no need to dispatch them all at once. Striking without warning and showing unpredictable resolve will make corrupt officials everywhere afraid to rely on governors-general for license; even unworthy governors-general will not dare shield the greedy and harm the people." The memorial was received and acknowledged.
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調戶部。 十八年，疏言：「國家有錢法以通有無、利民用，自秦、漢及唐、宋，公私皆悉用錢； 至金、元，以銀與錢鈔並行； 至明中葉，乃專資於銀。 闖逆之亂，或沉江河，或埋山谷，又以貪吏厚藏，銀益少，民益困。 今欲救天下之窮，惟有多鑄錢。 鑄錢所資，銅六鉛四，而可采之山，所司每深諱之，蓋恐時有時無，貽累償稅。 且上官聞其地開採，此挾彼制，誅求甚多也。 臣謂宜令天下產銅鉛之地，任民採取，有則以十分二輸稅於官，無則聽之州縣自行稽察，毋使多官旁撓。 報採多者予議敘，則官與民皆樂為，資以鼓鑄，錢不可勝用矣。」 下九卿詳議，擬例以上，得旨：「採銅關係國計，其令各督撫率屬殫力奉行。」
He was transferred to the Ministry of Revenue. In year 18 he memorialized, "The state has a currency system to circulate goods and benefit the people. From Qin and Han through Tang and Song, public and private alike used coin; under Jin and Yuan, silver circulated together with coin and paper notes; by mid-Ming the state relied chiefly on silver. In the turmoil of the rebel Li, silver was sunk in rivers or buried in mountains, and corrupt officials hoarded heavily, so silver grew scarcer and the people more distressed. To rescue the empire from poverty today, nothing but casting more coin will suffice. Coin requires six parts copper and four lead, yet officials in charge of mineable mountains usually conceal production, fearing intermittent supply will leave them liable for compensating taxes. Moreover, when superiors hear that a place is being mined, they use it to control subordinates and exact much. I say that wherever copper and lead are found, the people should be allowed to gather them, paying two-tenths in tax to the government when there is output, while prefectures and counties inspect on their own without many officials interfering. Those who report high output should be considered for promotion; then officials and people alike will be glad to act, supplies will feed the mints, and coin will be more than enough." The memorial was referred to the Nine Ministers; regulations were drafted and submitted, and the emperor ordered, "Copper mining bears on state finance; let every governor-general lead subordinates to carry it out with full effort."
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六善以老病乞罷，上不許。 二十年，命致仕。 三十年，卒於家，年七十一。
Liushan begged to retire on grounds of age and illness, but the emperor refused. In year 20 he was ordered to retire. In year 30 he died at home, aged seventy-one.
27
杜臻，字肇餘，浙江秀水人。 順治十五年進士，改庶吉士，散館，授編修。 累遷內閣學士，擢吏部侍郎。
Du Zhen, whose courtesy name was Zhaoyu, came from Xiushui in Zhejiang. A Shunzhi year 15 jinshi, he became a Hanlin bachelor and, after leaving the academy, was appointed compiler. He rose to Academician of the Grand Secretariat and was promoted to Vice Minister of Personnel.
28
國初以海上多事，下令遷東南各省沿海居民於內地，畫界而設之禁。 界外皆棄地，流民無所歸，去為盜。 及師定金門、廈門，總督姚啟聖請以界外地按籍還民，弛海禁，收魚鹽之利給軍食，廷臣持不可。 康熙二十二年，台灣平，上命以界外地還民。 會給事中傅感丁請以江、浙、閩、粵濱海界外地招徠開墾，乃命臻及內閣學士席柱赴福建、廣東察視展界，進臻工部尚書。 臻與席柱如廣東，自欽州防城始，遵海以東而北，歷府七、州三、縣二十九、衛六、所十七、巡檢司十六、台城堡砦二十一，還民地二萬八千一百九十二頃，復業丁口三萬一千三百。 復如福建，自福寧州西分水關始，遵海以北，歷府四、州一、縣二十四、衛四、所五、巡檢司三、關城鎮砦五十五，還民地二萬一千一十八頃，復業丁口四萬八百。 於是兩省濱海居民咸得復業。 別遣使察視江南、浙江展界復業，同時畢事。 臻以母喪還裡，席柱復命，奏陳濱海居民還鄉安業。 上曰：「民樂處海濱，以可出海經商捕魚，爾等知其故，前此何以不准議行？ 邊疆大臣當以國計民生為念，曩禁令雖嚴，私出海貿易初未嘗斷絕。 凡議出海貿易不可行者，皆總督、巡撫自圖射利故也。」
Early in the dynasty, because of troubles at sea, an order moved coastal residents of the southeastern provinces inland and drew a boundary to enforce prohibitions. Land beyond the boundary was abandoned, and displaced people with nowhere to go turned to banditry. When Kinmen and Xiamen were pacified, Governor Yao Qisheng asked that land beyond the boundary be returned by household register, maritime prohibitions relaxed, and profits from fish and salt used for military supplies; court ministers opposed it. In Kangxi year 22 Taiwan was pacified and the emperor ordered land beyond the boundary returned to the people. At the same time Supervising Censor Fu Ganding asked that coastal land beyond the boundary in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong be opened for reclamation. The court ordered Zhen and Academician Xizhu to Fujian and Guangdong to inspect boundary extension, and Zhen was promoted to Minister of Works. Zhen and Xizhu went to Guangdong. Starting from Fangcheng in Qinzhou they followed the coast east and north through seven prefectures, three departments, twenty-nine counties, six guards, seventeen posts, sixteen inspection offices, and twenty-one forts and stockades, returning 28,192 qing of land and restoring 31,300 working household members. In Fujian, starting west of the watershed pass in Funing Prefecture they followed the coast north through four prefectures, one department, twenty-four counties, four guards, five posts, three inspection offices, and fifty-five passes and forts, returning 21,018 qing of land and restoring 40,800 working household members. Thus coastal residents of both provinces were all able to resume their livelihoods. Separate envoys were dispatched to inspect boundary extension and restoration in Jiangnan and Zhejiang, and the work was completed at the same time. Zhen returned home to mourn his mother. Xizhu reported back and memorialized that coastal residents had returned to their villages and settled in their occupations. The emperor said, "The people are glad to live on the coast because they can go to sea to trade and fish—you know why. Before this, why did you not allow the proposal to be carried out? Frontier ministers should keep state finance and the people's livelihood in mind. Though prohibitions were strict before, private maritime trade never wholly ceased. All who argued that overseas trade could not be permitted did so because governors-general and governors sought profit for themselves."
29
臻喪終，起刑部尚書。 舊制，方冬獄囚月給煤，獄吏率乾沒，囚多以寒疾死，臻力禁之。 調兵部。 時議裁各省駐防及督、撫、提、鎮標兵，臻謂：「兵冗可裁而不宜驟行，請自今老弱、物故、額缺概不補，數歲額自減。」 從之。 再調禮部。 以疾告歸，尋卒於家。 上南巡，書「眷懷舊德」額追賜之。
When mourning ended, he was recalled as Minister of Punishments. By old regulation, winter prisoners received monthly coal, but prison clerks usually embezzled it and many died of cold ailments. Zhen strictly forbade this. He was transferred to the Ministry of War. At that time the court deliberated cutting provincial garrisons and the personal guards of governors-general, governors, commanders, and regional commanders. Zhen said, "Redundant troops may be cut but not abruptly; from now on old, weak, deceased, and vacant quotas should not be filled—in a few years the quotas will shrink of themselves." The court assented. He was transferred again to the Ministry of Rites. He reported illness and returned home, and soon died there. On the emperor's southern tour he wrote the plaque "Cherishing Old Virtue" and bestowed it posthumously.
30
臻少貧力學，事祖母及父母孝，宏獎人才，詩文剴切中條理。
Zhen was poor in youth but studied hard. He was filial to his grandmother and parents, broadly encouraged talent, and his poetry and prose were incisive and to the point.
31
薩穆哈，吳雅氏，滿洲正黃旗人。 順治十二年進士，授戶部主事，遷員外郎。
Sa Muha, of the Wuya clan, was a Manchu of the Plain Yellow Banner. A Shunzhi year 12 jinshi, he was appointed principal clerk in the Ministry of Revenue and transferred to vice director.
32
康熙十二年，聖祖允吳三桂疏請撤籓，遣薩穆哈偕郎中黨務禮、席蘭泰，主事辛珠，筆帖式薩爾圖如貴州，具舟及芻粟，諭以毋騷擾，毋遲悮。 既至，三桂謀反，提督李本深與謀，書招貴州巡撫曹申吉，總督甘文焜得之，告薩穆哈等，趣詣京師告變，並請兵赴援。 薩穆哈與黨務禮、席蘭泰行至鎮遠，三桂已舉兵，鎮遠將吏得三桂檄，不給驛馬。 薩穆哈、黨務禮得馬二，馳至沅州。 乃乘驛，十一晝夜至京師，詣兵部，下馬喘急，抱柱不能言，久之始蘇，上三桂反狀。 席蘭泰自鎮遠乘小舟至常德，乃乘驛，後七日至。 辛珠、薩爾圖不及行，死之。 十三年，擢薩穆哈刑部郎中。 十四年，敘告變功，薩穆哈、黨務禮、席蘭泰並應升光祿、太僕諸卿。
In Kangxi year 12 the emperor approved Wu Sangui's request to surrender his fief and dispatched Sa Muha with Director Dangwuli, Xilantai, Principal Clerk Xinzhu, and clerk Sartu to Guizhou to provide boats and fodder, instructing them to cause no disturbance and no delay. After they arrived, Wu Sangui plotted rebellion. Provincial Commander Li Benshen joined the plot and wrote to recruit Guizhou Governor Cao Shenji. Governor-General Gan Wenxuan learned of it, informed Sa Muha and the others, urged them to hurry to the capital to report the rebellion, and asked for relief troops. Sa Muha, Dangwuli, and Xilantai reached Zhenyuan, but Wu Sangui had already raised troops and Zhenyuan officers who received his summons would not supply relay horses. Sa Muha and Dangwuli obtained two horses and galloped to Yuanzhou. Then they took the relay route and in eleven days and nights reached the capital. At the Ministry of War they dismounted gasping, clung to a pillar unable to speak, and only after long time revived to report Wu Sangui's rebellion. Xilantai went from Zhenyuan by small boat to Changde, then took the relay route and arrived seven days later. Xinzhu and Sartu could not escape in time and were killed. In year 13 Sa Muha was promoted to director in the Ministry of Punishments. In year 14, in accounting merit for reporting the rebellion, Sa Muha, Dangwuli, and Xilantai were all due for promotion to minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Minister of the Court of the Imperial Stud, and similar posts.
33
十五年，授太僕寺卿。 十六年，再遷戶部侍郎。 命監賑山東。 十七年，還京師。 疏言：「臣屢奉使命，所過州縣，間有藉差科派民財，深滋擾累。 請嗣後有大事，特遣部院官，餘並責督撫料理。」 上為下廷臣會議，定州縣科斂俱視貪吏治罪。 調吏部。 二十年，再遷工部尚書。 二十一年，命察視石景山至盧溝橋石隄，疏言：「堤內本官地，康熙初招民墾荒，致侵損堤根。 請敕部免其賦，罷勿復耕。」 從之。 二十二年，命察視山西地震，疏請被災最重州縣發帑治賑。
In year 15 he was appointed Minister of the Court of the Imperial Stud. In year 16 he was again transferred to Vice Minister of Revenue. He was ordered to supervise famine relief in Shandong. In year 17 he returned to the capital. He memorialized, "On repeated missions I found that some prefectures and counties levied the people's wealth under pretext of official assignments, greatly increasing harassment. I ask that hereafter for great affairs special ministers from the boards be dispatched, and the rest be left to governors-general and governors to handle." The emperor referred the matter to court ministers, who fixed that all levies by prefectures and counties were to be punished like corrupt officials. He was transferred to the Ministry of Personnel. In year 20 he was again transferred to Minister of Works. In year 21 he was ordered to inspect the stone embankment from Shijingshan to Lugou Bridge and memorialized, "Within the embankment was originally official land; early in Kangxi farmers were recruited to open wasteland, damaging the embankment root. I ask that the ministry exempt its tax and order that it not be farmed again." The court assented. In year 22 he was ordered to inspect the Shanxi earthquake and memorialized that the hardest-hit prefectures and counties should receive treasury funds for relief.
34
二十四年，河道總督靳輔請於高郵、寶應諸州縣築堤，束黃河注海，按察使於成龍主濬海口，下廷臣議，用輔策。 上詢日講官籍江南者，侍讀喬萊力請用成龍策。 上曰：「鄉官議如此，未知民意如何？」 令薩穆哈與學士穆成額，會漕運總督徐旭齡、巡撫湯斌，詳察民間利害。 薩穆哈等行歷海口諸州縣，諸州縣民陳狀參差不一； 檄諸州縣，令各擇通達事體者十人詢利害，皆言濬海口不便。 二十五年，薩穆哈還奏，謂詳問居民，從成龍議； 積水不能施工，從輔議； 水中亦不能取土，請兩罷之。 是時成龍召詣京師，上命廷臣及薩穆哈、成龍再議。 成龍言濬海口當兼治串場河，費至百餘萬。 廷臣以為費鉅，疏請停。 未幾，斌入為尚書，奏言：「海口不急濬，再遇水，下游諸州縣悉付巨浸。」 上召問薩穆哈，薩穆哈不堅執前奏。 復下廷臣議，始定用成龍策。 上責薩穆哈前覆奏不實，奪官。 尋授步軍翼尉。
In year 24 Grand Canal Director Jin Fu asked to build dikes in Gaoyou, Baoying, and other districts to confine the Yellow River and send it to the sea; Surveillance Commissioner Yu Chenglong advocated dredging the sea mouth. The matter was referred to court ministers, who adopted Fu's plan. The emperor asked daily lecturers native to Jiangnan; Reader Qiao Lai strongly urged adopting Chenglong's plan. The emperor said, "Home-district officials argue thus—I do not know what the people want?" He ordered Sa Muha and Academician Mu Cheng'e, together with Grain Transport Director Xu Xuling and Governor Tang Bin, to examine carefully the people's benefit and harm. Sa Muha and the others traveled through the sea-mouth prefectures and counties; the people's petitions were mixed and inconsistent; they ordered each prefecture and county to choose ten men versed in local affairs to inquire into benefit and harm, and all said dredging the sea mouth was inconvenient. In year 25 Sa Muha returned and memorialized that on detailed inquiry of residents he followed Chenglong's proposal; where water had accumulated work could not proceed, he followed Fu's proposal; earth could not be taken from within the water either—he asked that both be abandoned. At that time Chenglong was summoned to the capital; the emperor ordered court ministers, Sa Muha, and Chenglong to deliberate again. Chenglong said dredging the sea mouth should also treat the Chuan-chang River, costing more than a million. Court ministers held the cost vast and memorialized requesting a halt. Before long Bin entered service as Minister and memorialized, "The sea mouth need not be dredged urgently; if flood comes again, downstream prefectures and counties will all be submerged." The emperor summoned and questioned Sa Muha; Sa Muha did not hold firm to his former memorial. The matter was again referred to court ministers, and Chenglong's plan was finally adopted. The emperor reproached Sa Muha for his former reply being untrue and stripped his office. He was soon appointed colonel of the Foot Soldiers.
35
三十二年，仍授工部尚書。 三十九年，上察知工部積弊，河工糜帑，受請託，發銀多侵蝕，詰責薩穆哈等。 薩穆哈尋以老疾乞罷，上斥其偽詐，命奪官，仍留任，察工部積弊，一一自列。 四十三年，以疏濬京師內外河道侵蝕帑銀，薩穆哈得賕，逮治擬絞。 卒於獄。
In year 32 he was again appointed Minister of Works. In year 39 the emperor detected accumulated abuses in the Ministry of Works—embezzlement in river works, acceptance of bribes, and much erosion of disbursed silver—and reproached Sa Muha and others. Sa Muha soon begged to retire on grounds of age and illness; the emperor rebuked him as feigning, stripped his office, yet kept him in post to investigate Ministry abuses, which he listed one by one. In year 43, for dredging canals in the capital while eroding treasury silver, Sa Muha took bribes and was arrested; strangulation was proposed. He died in prison.
36
論曰：米思翰贊撤籓之議，綢繆軍食，足以支十年，知定謀有由也。 顧八代、瑪爾漢皆文臣，能克敵，復以廉勤建績。 六善於軍事有建白，收綠旗之用，其效著於後矣。 臻巡复海疆，兵後一大政也。 薩穆哈以告變受賞，亦附著於斯篇。
The commentator says: Mi Sihan supported abolishing the feudatories, planned military supplies carefully, and made them suffice for ten years—one sees the settled policy had its grounds. Gu Badai and Ma Erhan were civil officials who could defeat the enemy and also built merit through integrity and diligence. Liushan made constructive proposals on military affairs and showed how to use the Green Banner—its effect appeared afterward. Zhen toured and restored the maritime frontier—a great postwar policy. Sa Muha was rewarded for reporting the rebellion and is also recorded in this chapter.