1
崔琰字季珪,清河東武城人也。 少樸訥,好擊劍,尚武事。 年二十三,鄉移爲正,始感激,讀《論語》、《韓詩》。 至年二十九,乃结公孙方等就郑玄受学。 学未期,徐州黄巾贼攻破北海,玄与门人到不其山避难。 时谷籴县乏,玄罢谢诸生。 琰既受遣,而寇盗充斥,西道不通。 于是周旋青、徐、兗、豫之郊,東下壽春,南望江、湖。 自去家四年乃归,以琴書自娱。
Cui Yan, courtesy name Jigui, came from Dongwucheng in Qinghe. As a young man he was unassuming and taciturn; he delighted in swordplay and leaned toward military affairs. When he was twenty-three, his district made him village head; that finally roused him to discipline himself, and he took up the Analects and Han Ying's exposition of the Songs. At twenty-nine he formed a party with Gongsun Fang and others and went to study under Zheng Xuan. He had not yet studied a full year when Xu Province's Yellow Turbans stormed Beihai; Zheng Xuan led his students to take refuge on Mount Buqi. Grain ran short in the county market; Zheng Xuan released his pupils and sent them home. Yan had been dismissed to leave, but robbers filled the roads and the western route was impassable. So he wandered along the frontiers of Qing, Xu, Yan, and Yu, traveled east to Shouchun, and looked south toward the great river and the lakes. Four years passed before he came home, finding solace in his qin and his texts.
2
大将军袁绍闻而辟之。 时士卒横暴,掘发丘陇,琰谏曰:“昔孙卿有言:‘士不素教,甲兵不利,虽汤武不能以战胜。 ’今道路暴骨,民未见德,宜敕郡县掩骼埋胔,示憯怛之爱,追文王之仁。” 绍以爲骑都尉。 后绍治兵黎阳,次于延津,琰复谏曰:“天子在许,民望助顺,不如守境述职,以宁区宇。” 绍不听,遂败于官渡。 及绍卒,二子交争,争欲得琰。 琰称疾固辞,由是获罪,幽于囹圄,赖阴夔、陳琳营救得免。
The general-in-chief Yuan Shao, hearing of him, offered him appointment. At the time, the soldiers were violent and lawless and dug open grave mounds. Yan remonstrated, saying, "Formerly Xun Qing said: 'If soldiers are not trained beforehand and weapons are not sharp, even Tang and Wu could not win in battle. Now bones lie exposed along the roads, and the people have not yet seen virtue. You should order the commanderies and counties to cover the skeletons and bury the corpses, showing sorrowful compassion and following the benevolence of King Wen." Yuan Shao made him a colonel of cavalry. Later, when Yuan Shao trained his army at Liyang and camped at Yanjin, Yan again remonstrated, saying, "The Son of Heaven is at Xu, and the people's hopes support obedience. It would be better to guard your borders and fulfill your office, thereby pacifying the realm." Yuan Shao refused to heed him and was routed at Guandu. After Yuan Shao's death his sons turned on each other, both eager to secure Yan's service. He claimed illness and stubbornly refused; they took offense, threw him into jail, and he was spared only because Yin Kui and Chen Lin intervened.
3
太祖破袁氏,领冀州牧,辟琰爲别驾从事,谓琰曰:“昨案户籍,可得三十万众,故爲大州也。” 琰对曰:“今天下分崩,九州幅裂,二袁兄弟亲尋干戈,冀方蒸庶暴骨原野。 未闻王师仁声先路,存问风俗,救其涂炭,而校计甲兵,唯此爲先,斯岂鄙州士女所望於明公哉!” 太祖改容谢之。 于时宾客皆伏失色。
When the Grand Progenitor defeated the Yuan clan, took charge as governor of Ji Province, and summoned Yan as aide-de-camp to the provincial governor, he said to Yan, "Yesterday I examined the household registers: we can raise three hundred thousand troops, so this truly is a great province." Yan answered, "Now the realm has split and collapsed, and the nine provinces are torn apart; the two Yuan brothers have taken up arms against each other as close kin, and the common people of Ji lie as exposed bones in the fields. We have not heard that the royal army first sends forth a reputation for benevolence, preserves and inquires after local customs, and rescues the people from misery; instead, counting armor and weapons is made the first concern. Is this what the men and women of this humble province expect from you, enlightened lord!" Cao Cao's manner altered and he apologized. Every guest at the gathering went pale with terror.
4
太祖征并州,留琰傅文帝於鄴。 世子仍出田猎,变易服乘,志在驱逐。 琰書谏曰:
When Grand Progenitor campaigned against Bing Province, he left Yan at Ye to tutor Emperor Wen. The heir still rode out to hunt, changing dress and horses, absorbed in the chase. Cui Yan drafted a memorial of remonstrance that opened:
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盖闻盘于游田,書之所戒,鲁隐观鱼,春秋讥之,此周、孔之格言,二经之明义。 殷鉴夏后,詩称不远,子卯不乐,礼以爲忌,此又近者之得失,不可不深察也。 袁族富强,公子宽放,盘游滋侈,义声不闻,哲人君子,俄有色斯之志,熊罴壮士,堕於吞噬之用,固所以拥徒百万,跨有河朔,无所容足也。 今邦國殄瘁,惠康未洽,士女企踵,所思者德。 况公亲御戎馬,上下劳惨,世子宜遵大路,慎以行正,思经國之高略,内鉴近戒,外扬远节,深惟储副,以身爲宝。 而猥袭虞旅之贱服,忽驰骛而陵险,志雉兔之小娱,忘社稷之爲重,斯诚有识所以恻心也。 唯世子燔翳捐褶,以塞众望,不令老臣获罪於天。
The canon warns against compulsive hunting; the Spring and Autumn ridiculed Duke Yin for watching fishermen—the standards of the Documents and the Annals alike condemn such distraction. Shang mirrored Xia's fall; the Songs urge lessons drawn from near precedent; the Rites forbid festivity on ill-omened days—recent examples demand sober reflection. House Yuan was wealthy and its heir permissive; hunting and pleasure ran to excess and moral renown vanished. Gentlemen of judgment quietly resolved to slip away; bold fighters became prey all the same—so even with hosts beyond count and dominion north of the river, they could not stand secure. Today the state is exhausted and healing grace has not spread; the people crane their necks, thirsting for moral leadership. You yourself bear the hardships of campaign; the heir should tread the straight path, govern his conduct with care, ponder policies that secure the realm, learn from nearby warnings and reveal steadfast virtue abroad, reflect deeply on his role as crown prince—and guard his own life as the dynasty's chief asset. Instead he affects common huntsmen's dress, races through dangerous ground, cares more for bagging game than for the altars of soil and grain—no wonder those with sense are wounded. I beg the heir to destroy those hunting blinds and abandon his riding coat to answer public hopes and spare this old minister Heaven's reproach.
6
世子报曰:“昨奉嘉命,惠示雅数,欲使燔翳捐褶,翳已坏矣,褶亦去焉。 后有此比,蒙复诲诸。”
The heir apparent replied, "Yesterday I received your excellent instruction, and you kindly showed me your refined points. You wished me to burn the hunting screens and discard the pleated jacket; the screens have already been destroyed, and the jacket has also been put away. If there are later matters of this kind, may I again receive your instruction."
7
太祖爲丞相,琰复爲東西曹掾属徵事。 初授東曹时,教曰:“君有伯夷之风,史鱼之直,贪夫慕名而清,壮士尚称而厉,斯可以率时者已。 故授東曹,往践厥职。” 魏國初建,拜尚書。 时未立太子,临菑侯植有才而爱。 太祖狐疑,以函令密访於外。 唯琰露板答曰:“盖闻春秋之义,立子以长,加五官将仁孝聪明,宜承正统。 琰以死守之。” 植,琰之兄女婿也。 太祖贵其公亮,喟然叹息, 〈《世語》曰:植妻衣绣,太祖登台见之,以违制命,还家赐死。〉 迁中尉。
After Cao Cao took the chancellorship, Yan again held appointments in the eastern and western bureau staffs as investigating clerk. When he was first appointed to the Eastern Bureau, the order said, "You have the manner of Bo Yi and the uprightness of Shi Yu; greedy men admire your reputation and become pure, and strong men esteem your name and are sharpened. This is enough to guide the age. Therefore I appoint you to the eastern bureau; go and tread your office." When Wei was first founded he became minister of the masters of writing. The crown prince was still unsettled; Marquis Zhi of Linzi was gifted and the king's favorite. Cao Cao wavered and circulated a sealed inquiry beyond the palace. Only Yan answered in an open memorial, saying, "I have heard that the meaning of the Spring and Autumn is to establish the son by seniority. Moreover, the General of the Five Offices is humane, filial, intelligent, and enlightened, and should inherit the legitimate line. I, Yan, will guard this to the death." Zhi was married to Yan's niece. Cao Cao honored his impartial candor and drew a long sigh. 〈Shiyu notes that Cao Zhi's wife wore forbidden embroidery; when Cao Cao sighted her from a tower he judged it contrary to his orders, sent her home, and commanded her death.〉 He rose to commandant of the capital.
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琰声姿高暢,眉目疏朗,须长四尺,甚有威重,朝士瞻望,而太祖亦敬惮焉。 〈先贤行状曰:琰清忠高亮,雅识经远,推方直道,正色於朝。 魏氏初载,委授铨衡,总齐清议,十有馀年。 文武群才,多所明拔。 朝廷归高,天下称平。〉 琰尝荐钜鹿杨训,虽才好不足,而清贞守道,太祖即礼辟之。 后太祖爲魏王,训发表称赞功伐,襃述盛德。 时人或笑训希世浮伪,谓琰爲失所举。 琰从训取表草视之,与训書曰:“省表,事佳耳! 时乎时乎,会当有变时。” 琰本意讥論者好谴呵而不尋情理也。 有白琰此書傲世怨谤者,太祖怒曰:“谚言‘生女耳’,‘耳’非佳語。 ‘会当有变时’,意指不逊。” 於是罚琰爲徒隶,使人视之,辞色不挠。 太祖令曰:“琰虽见刑,而通宾客,门若市人,对宾客虬须直视,若有所瞋。” 遂赐琰死。 〈《魏略》曰:人得琰書,以裹帻笼,持其笼行都道中。 时有与琰宿不平者,遥见琰名著帻笼,从而视之,遂白之。 太祖以爲琰腹诽心谤,乃收付狱,髡刑输徒。 前所白琰者又复白之云:“琰爲徒,虬须直视,心似不平。” 时太祖亦以爲然,遂欲杀之。 乃使清公大吏往经营琰,敕吏曰:“三日期消息。” 琰不悟,后数日,吏故白琰平安。 公忿然曰:“崔琰必欲使孤行刀锯乎!” 吏以是教告琰,琰谢吏曰:“我殊不宜,不知公意至此也!” 遂自杀。〉
His voice rang clear and his bearing was imposing; his features were open and serene and his beard four chi long—awesome in presence. Officials revered him, and Cao Cao too stood in respectful awe. 〈Xianxian xingzhuang records him as upright, loyal, and lucid, with far-reaching scholarship; he upheld rectitude and wore severity in audience. Early in Wei he held the power to rank officials and for over a decade guided elite opinion. Many whom he singled out among civil and military talent rose to office. The court praised his standards and the realm called it even-handed.〉 Yang Xun of Julu lacked brilliance but was honest and principled; Yan recommended him and Cao Cao duly summoned him. Later, after Cao Cao became king of Wei, Xun published a memorial extolling his campaigns and virtues. Onlookers sneered at Xun's opportunistic praise and judged Yan's recommendation a mistake. Yan followed Xun, took the draft memorial, looked at it, and wrote to Xun, saying, "I have examined the memorial; the matter is good! The times, the times; surely there will be a time of change." His point was to ridicule critics who carped without weighing circumstance. Someone reported that this letter of Yan's showed contempt for the age and resentful slander; the Grand Progenitor angrily said, "The proverb runs 'It is only a girl'—'only' is no kindly word." There will surely come a time when things change"—the meaning points to disobedience.'" Yan was reduced to penal labor; watchers reported that his tone and bearing never broke. The Grand Progenitor issued an order: "Though Yan has suffered punishment, he still receives guests; his gate is like a marketplace. Facing visitors, he strokes his curled beard and stares straight ahead as if harboring resentment." Yan was compelled to take his own life. 〈Weilüe adds that someone picked up Yan's letter, wrapped it around a turban frame, and carried it through the capital. A longtime enemy spotted Yan's signature on that wrapping, inspected it, and denounced him. Cao Cao decided Yan brooded treasonous resentment, jailed him, shaved his head for crime, and sentenced him to convict labor. The earlier informer denounced him again, saying, "As a convict Yan strokes his beard and stares—his heart seems discontent." Cao Cao agreed and resolved to execute him. He therefore sent a senior clerk of integrity to sound Yan out, instructing the clerk, "Within three days bring me word." Yan missed the hint; days later the officer falsely reported him calm. The lord said in wrath, "Does Cui Yan mean to force me to wield the headsman's blade!" The clerk relayed this instruction to Yan; Yan thanked the clerk, saying, "I truly ought not to have done so—I did not realize his intent ran so deep!" He then committed suicide.〉
9
始琰与司馬朗善,晋宣王方壮,琰谓朗曰:“子之弟,聪哲明允,刚断英跱,殆非子之所及也。” 〈臣松之案:“跱”或作“特”,窃谓“英特”爲是也。〉 朗以爲不然,而琰每秉此論。 琰从弟林,少无名望,虽姻族犹多轻之,而琰常曰:“此所谓大器晚成者也,终必远至。” 涿郡孙礼、卢毓始入军府,琰又名之曰:“孙疏亮亢烈,刚简能断,卢清警明理,百鍊不消,皆公才也。” 后林、礼、毓咸至鼎辅。 及琰友人公孙方、宋阶早卒,琰抚其遗孤,恩若己子。 其鉴识笃义,类皆如此。 〈《魏略》曰:明帝时,崔林尝与司空陳群共論冀州人士,称琰爲首。 群以“智不存身”贬之。 林曰:“大丈夫爲有邂逅耳,即如卿诸人,良足贵乎!”〉 初,太祖性忌,有所不堪者,鲁国孔融、融字文举。 《续汉书》曰:融,孔子二十世孙也。 高祖父尚,钜鹿太守。 父宙,太山都尉。 融幼有异才。 时河南尹李膺有重名,敕门下简通宾客,非当世英贤及通家子孙弗见也。 融年十馀岁,欲观其爲人,遂造膺门,语门者曰:『我,李君通家子孙也。』 膺见融,问曰:『高明父祖,尝与仆周旋乎?』 融曰:『然。先君孔子与君先人李老君,同德比义而相师友,则融与君累世通家也。』 众坐奇之,佥曰:『异童子也。』 太中大夫陈炜后至,同坐以告炜,炜曰:『人小时了了者,大亦未必奇也。』 融答曰:『即如所言,君之幼时,岂实慧乎!』 膺大笑,顾谓曰:『高明长大,必爲伟器。』 山阳张俭,以中正爲中常侍侯览所忿疾,览爲刊章下州郡捕俭。 俭与融兄褒有旧,亡投褒。 遇褒出,时融年十六,俭以其少不告也。 融知俭长者,有窘迫色,谓曰:『吾独不能爲君主邪!』 因留舍藏之。 后事泄,国相以下密就掩捕,俭得脱走,登时收融及褒送狱。 融曰:『保纳藏舍者融也,融当坐之。』 褒曰:『彼来求我,罪我之由,非弟之过,我当坐之。』 兄弟争死,郡县疑不能决,乃上谳,诏书令褒坐焉。 融由是名震远近,与平原陶丘洪、陈留边让,并以俊秀,爲后进冠盖。 融持论经理不及让等,而逸才宏博过之。 司徒大将军辟举高第,累迁北军中候、虎贲中郎将、北海相,时年二十八。 承黄巾残破之后,修复城邑,崇学校,设庠序,举贤才,显儒士。 以彭璆爲方正,邴原爲有道,王脩爲孝廉。 告高密县爲郑玄特立一乡,名爲郑公乡。 又国人无后,及四方游士有死亡者,皆爲棺木而殡葬之。 郡人甄子然孝行知名,早卒,融恨不及之,乃令配食县社。 其礼贤如此。 在郡六年,刘备表融领青州刺史。 建安元年,征还爲将作大匠,迁少府。 每朝会访对,辄爲议主,诸卿大夫寄名而已。 司马彪《九州春秋》曰:融在北海,自以智能优赡,溢才命世,当时豪俊皆不能及。 亦自许大志,且欲举军曜甲,与群贤要功,自於海岱结殖根本,不肯碌碌如平居郡守,事方伯、赴期会而已。 然其所任用,好奇取异,皆轻剽之才。 至於稽古之士,谬爲恭敬,礼之虽备,不与论国事也。 高密郑玄,称之郑公,执子孙礼。 及高谈教令,盈溢官曹,辞气温雅,可玩而诵。 论事考实,难可悉行。 但能张磔网罗,其自理甚疏。 租赋少稽,一朝杀五部督邮。 奸民污吏,猾乱朝市,亦不能治。 幽州精兵乱,至徐州,卒到城下,举国皆恐。 融直出说之,令无异志。 遂与别校谋夜覆幽州,幽州军败,悉有其众。 无几时,还复叛亡。 黄巾将至,融大饮醇酒,躬自上马,御之涞水之上。 寇令上部与融相拒,两翼径涉水,直到所治城。 城溃,融不得入,转至南县,左右稍叛。 连年倾覆,事无所济,遂不能保鄣四境,弃郡而去。 后徙徐州,以北海相自还领青州刺史,治郡北陲。 欲附山东,外接辽东,得戎马之利,建树根本,孤立一隅,不与共也。 于时曹、袁、公孙共相首尾,战士不满数百,谷不至万斛。 王子法、刘孔慈凶辩小才,信爲腹心。 左丞祖、刘义逊清隽之士,备在坐席而已,言此民望,不可失也。 丞祖劝融自讬强国,融不听而杀之。 义逊弃去。 遂爲袁谭所攻,自春至夏,城小寇众,流矢雨集。 然融凭几安坐,读书论议自若。 城坏众亡,身奔山东,室家爲谭所虏。 张璠《汉纪》曰:融在郡八年,仅以身免。 帝初都许,融以爲宜略依旧制,定王畿,正司隶所部爲千里之封,乃引公卿上书言其义。 是时天下草创,曹、袁之权未分,融所建明,不识时务。 又天性气爽,颇推平生之意,狎侮太祖。 太祖制酒禁,而融书啁之曰:『天有酒旗之星,地列酒泉之郡,人有旨酒之德,故尧不饮千锺,无以成其圣。 且桀纣以色亡国,今令不禁婚姻也。』 太祖外虽宽容,而内不能平。 御史大夫郗虑知旨,以法免融官。 岁馀,拜太中大夫。 虽居家失势,而宾客日满其门,爱才乐酒,常叹曰:『坐上客常满,樽中酒不空,吾无忧矣。』 虎贲士有貌似蔡邕者,融每酒酣,辄引与同坐,曰:『虽无老成人,尚有典刑。』 其好士如此。 《续汉书》曰:太尉杨彪与袁术婚姻,术僭号,太祖与彪有隙,因是执彪,将杀焉。 融闻之,不及朝服,往见太祖曰:『杨公累世清德,四叶重光,周书「父子兄弟,罪不相及」,况以袁氏之罪乎? 易称「积善馀庆」,但欺人耳。』 太祖曰:『国家之意也。』 融曰:『假使成王欲杀召公,则周公可得言不知邪? 今天下缨緌搢绅之士所以瞻仰明公者,以明公聪明仁智,辅相汉朝,举直措枉,致之雍熙耳。 今横杀无辜,则海内观听,谁不解体? 孔融鲁国男子,明日便当褰衣而去,不复朝矣。』 太祖意解,遂理出彪。 《魏氏春秋》曰:袁绍之败也,融与太祖书曰:『武王伐纣,以妲己赐周公。』 太祖以融学博,谓书传所纪。 后见,问之,对曰:『以今度之,想其当然耳!』 十三年,融对孙权使,有讪谤之言,坐弃市。 二子年八岁,时方弈棋,融被收,端坐不起。 左右曰:『而父见执,不起何也?』 二子曰:『安有巢毁而卵不破者乎!』 遂俱见杀。 融有高名清才,世多哀之。 太祖惧远近之议也,乃令曰:『太中大夫孔融既伏其罪矣,然世人多采其虚名,少於核实,见融浮艳,好作变异,眩其诳诈,不复察其乱俗也。 此州人说平原祢衡受传融论,以爲父母与人无亲,譬若鲊器,寄盛其中,又言若遭饥馑,而父不肖,宁赡活馀人。 融违天反道,败伦乱理,虽肆市朝,犹恨其晚。 更以此事列上,宣示诸军将校掾属,皆使闻见。』 《世语》曰:融二子,皆龆龀。 融见收,顾谓二子曰:『何以不辞?』 二子俱曰:『父尚如此,复何所辞!』 以爲必俱死也。 臣松之以爲《世语》云融二子不辞,知必俱死,犹差可安。 如孙盛之言,诚所未譬。 八岁小儿,能玄了祸福,聪明特达,卓然既远,则其忧乐之情,宜其有过成人,安有见父收执而曾无变容,弈棋不起,若在暇豫者乎? 昔申生就命,言不忘父,不以己身将死而废念父之情也。 父安犹尚若兹,而况於颠沛哉? 盛以此爲美谈,无乃贼夫人之子与! 盖由好奇情多,而不知言之伤理。
At first Yan was friendly with Sima Lang; when Prince Xuan of Jin was still vigorous, Yan said to Lang, "Your younger brother is intelligent, trustworthy, resolute, and outstanding—probably beyond what you can match." 〈Your servant Songzhi observes: "Zhì' may also be written 'te'; privately I consider 'yingte' correct."〉 Lang disagreed, but Yan never abandoned that verdict. Yan's younger cousin Lin had no reputation in youth; even his marriage kin mostly slighted him, but Yan often said, "This is what they call a great vessel completed late—ultimately he will go far." When Sun Li of Zhuo Commandery and Lu Yu first entered the army headquarters, Yan again identified them, saying, "Sun is open, bright, fiery, and stern—firm and spare, able to decide; Lu is clear, vigilant, and understands principle—tempered a hundred times without wearing away. Both are talents fit for public service." All three eventually rose to chief ministerial posts. After friends Gongsun Fang and Song Jie died young, he raised their orphans as his own. His eye for character and loyal generosity ran along these lines. 〈Weilüe records that under Mingdi, Cui Lin debated Ji talent with Chen Qun and placed Yan at the top. Qun discounted him with "wisdom did not preserve his person." Lin said, "A great man may meet misfortune by chance—yet people like you, are you truly so admirable!" Earlier, Grand Progenitor was by nature suspicious. Among those he could not tolerate was Kong Rong of Lu; Rong's courtesy name was Wenju. The Xu Han shu says: Rong was a twentieth-generation descendant of Confucius. His great-great-grandfather Shang was governor of Julu. His father Zhou was commandant of Taishan. From childhood, Rong had extraordinary talent. At the time Li Ying, intendant of Henan, had a great reputation and ordered his gatekeepers to screen visiting guests; unless they were eminent worthies of the age or descendants of families with long-standing ties, he would not see them. When Rong was a little over ten, he wished to see what sort of man Li Ying was, so he went to Ying's gate and told the gatekeeper, "I am a descendant of a family with long-standing ties to Lord Li." Ying saw Rong and asked, "Did your honored fathers and grandfathers ever associate with me?" Rong said, "They did. My former lord Confucius and your ancestor Lord Lao Li were alike in virtue and comparable in righteousness, and served as teacher and friend to each other; therefore your family and mine have had ties for generations." Everyone seated there found this remarkable, and all said, "He is an extraordinary child." Grand Master for Palace Leisure Chen Wei arrived later, and those seated there told him about it. Wei said, "Someone clever as a child is not necessarily remarkable when grown." Rong answered, "If it is as you say, then when you were young, surely you must have been truly wise!" Ying laughed loudly, turned to him, and said, "When you grow up, honored sir, you will certainly become a great vessel." Zhang Jian of Shanyang, acting as impartial arbiter, had incurred the hatred of the regular palace attendant Hou Lan, so Lan had a written order issued to the provinces and commanderies for Jian's arrest. Jian had an old relationship with Rong's elder brother Bao, and when he fled he went to Bao. He happened to find Bao away; Rong was sixteen at the time, and Jian, because Rong was young, did not tell him. Rong knew Jian was an elder and saw his distressed expression, so he said to him, "Am I alone unable to be a host for you?" He therefore kept Jian in the house and hid him. Later the matter leaked out, and the chancellor and his subordinates secretly came to surround and arrest them. Jian escaped, and they immediately seized Rong and Bao and sent them to prison. Rong said, "The one who received and sheltered him in the house was I, Rong; I should sit for the crime." Bao said, "He came seeking me. The cause of the crime lies with me; it is not my younger brother's fault. I should be held responsible." The brothers competed to accept death; the commandery and county were uncertain and could not decide, so they submitted the case for review. The imperial edict ordered Bao to be held responsible. Because of this, Rong's name shook places near and far. Together with Taoqiu Hong of Pingyuan and Bian Rang of Chenliu, he was regarded as an outstanding talent and the foremost figure of the younger generation. In sustaining arguments and ordering principles, Rong did not match Rang and the others, but in unrestrained talent and breadth of learning he surpassed them. The Minister over the Masses and the Grand General summoned and recommended him in the highest grade, and he was repeatedly promoted to Central Inspector of the Northern Army, Gentleman General of the Tiger Guard, and Chancellor of Beihai. He was twenty-eight at the time. In the aftermath of the Yellow Turbans' devastation, he repaired cities and settlements, honored learning, established village and district academies, raised up worthies and talents, and gave prominence to Confucian scholars. He made Peng Qiu an upright man, Bing Yuan a man of the Way, and Wang Xiu a filial and incorrupt candidate. He notified Gaomi County to establish a special township for Zheng Xuan, named Zheng-gong Township. Also, when people of the kingdom without descendants, or traveling scholars from the four quarters, died, he provided coffins and buried them all. The commandery man Zhen Ziran was known for filial conduct but died early; Rong regretted not having known him and therefore ordered that he share offerings at the county altar. Such was the way he honored worthies. After he had been in the commandery for six years, Liu Bei memorialized for Rong to hold the office of inspector of Qing Province. In the first year of Jian'an, he was summoned back as grand artisan and then promoted to chamberlain for revenues. Whenever there was court assembly, consultation, and response, he became the chief voice in debate; the various ministers and grandees merely lent their names. Sima Biao's Jiuzhou chunqiu says: when Rong was in Beihai, he considered his wisdom and abilities superior and abundant, his overflowing talent destined for the age; none of the heroes of the time could match him. He also credited himself with great ambition and wished to raise an army, display armor, seek merit with assembled worthies, and plant his own foundations between the sea and Mount Dai; he would not be mediocre like an ordinary commandery governor, merely serving provincial chiefs and attending scheduled meetings. Yet those he employed were chosen for novelty and strangeness, and all were frivolous and nimble talents. As for scholars who examined antiquity, he gave them misplaced reverence; although his courtesy toward them was complete, he did not discuss affairs of state with them. Toward Zheng Xuan of Gaomi, he called him Lord Zheng and performed the rites of a son or grandson. When he spoke loftily and issued instructions and orders, these filled the offices; their wording and tone were warm and elegant, worthy of admiration and recitation. But when matters were discussed and tested against reality, they could hardly all be put into practice. He could only spread and stretch the nets; his own ordering was very loose. When taxes and levies were slightly delayed, he killed five district inspectors in a single morning. Treacherous people and corrupt officials brought disorder to court and market, and he also could not govern them. When elite troops from You Province mutinied, reached Xu Province, and suddenly arrived below the city walls, the whole kingdom was afraid. Rong went straight out and persuaded them, causing them to have no contrary intentions. He then plotted with another colonel to overturn the You men at night; the You army was defeated, and Rong took all their troops. Before long, they rebelled and fled again. When the Yellow Turbans were about to arrive, Rong drank heavily of strong wine, personally mounted his horse, and opposed them on the bank of the Lai River. The bandits ordered their upper division to confront Rong, while their two wings crossed directly through the water and went straight to his administrative city. The city collapsed, and Rong could not enter it; he turned to Nan County, and those around him gradually rebelled. After successive years of collapse, nothing was saved, and so he could not preserve and defend the four borders; he abandoned the commandery and left. Later he moved to Xu Province; as Chancellor of Beihai, he returned on his own authority to hold the office of Inspector of Qing Province and governed on the northern frontier of the commandery. He wished to attach himself to Shandong, connect outwardly with Liaodong, obtain the advantage of horses and arms, establish a foundation, and stand alone in one corner rather than join with others. At that time Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Gongsun Zan were linked head and tail with one another; Rong's fighting men numbered fewer than several hundred, and his grain did not reach ten thousand hu. Wang Zifa and Liu Kongci were fierce, argumentative minor talents, and he trusted them as intimates. Zuo Chengzu and Liu Yixun were pure and refined men, but they merely filled seats at his side; people said these were men of public standing and could not be lost. Chengzu urged Rong to entrust himself to a strong state; Rong did not listen and killed him. Yixun abandoned him and left. He was then attacked by Yuan Tan. From spring to summer, the city was small and the attackers numerous, and stray arrows fell like rain. Yet Rong leaned on his armrest and sat calmly, reading books and discussing matters as before. When the city broke and his people fled, he himself fled to Shandong, and his household was captured by Tan. Zhang Fan's Han ji says: Rong was in the commandery for eight years and escaped only with his own person. When the emperor first made his capital at Xu, Rong believed it was appropriate to follow the old system in outline, fix the royal domain, and make the territory administered by the Metropolitan Commandant a thousand-li enclosure; he then led the dukes and ministers in submitting a letter explaining the principle. At this time all under Heaven was only beginning to be organized, and the power of Cao Cao and Yuan Shao had not yet been decided; Rong's proposal showed no understanding of the practical needs of the moment. Moreover, he was by nature frank in temperament, often pressed the views he had held all his life, and treated the Grand Progenitor with familiarity and contempt. The Grand Progenitor imposed a prohibition on wine, and Rong wrote to mock him, saying, "In Heaven there is the star of the Wine Banner; on earth there is the commandery of Wine Spring; among men there is the virtue of fine wine. Therefore, if Yao had not drunk a thousand zhong, he would have had no way to complete his sagehood. Moreover, Jie and Zhou lost their states through sex, yet the present order does not prohibit marriage." Grand Progenitor was outwardly tolerant, but inwardly he could not be at peace. Censor-in-chief Xi Lu understood his intent and removed Rong from office by law. After more than a year, Rong was appointed grand master for palace leisure. Although he lived at home after losing power, guests filled his gate every day. He loved talent and delighted in wine, and often sighed, "If the guests at my table are always many and the wine in the cups is never empty, I have no worries." There was a Tiger Guard soldier whose appearance resembled Cai Yong; whenever Rong was merry with wine, he would draw him in to sit with him and say, "Although there is no mature elder, there is still the model form." Such was his fondness for gentlemen. The Xu Han shu says: Grand Commandant Yang Biao was connected by marriage with Yuan Shu. When Shu usurped the title, the Grand Progenitor had a grudge against Biao and therefore arrested him, intending to kill him. Rong heard of this and, not taking time to put on court dress, went to see the Grand Progenitor and said, "Lord Yang has had pure virtue for successive generations and four leaves of repeated radiance. The Documents of Zhou says, 'Fathers and sons, elder and younger brothers: guilt does not reach one another.' How much less should this be so for the crime of the Yuan clan?" The Changes says, 'Accumulated goodness leaves surplus blessings.' Is this merely deceiving people?" Grand Progenitor said, "It is the intention of the state." Rong said, "Suppose King Cheng had wished to kill the Duke of Shao; could the Duke of Zhou have said that he did not know? The reason why the capped and sashed gentlemen under Heaven look up to Your Enlightened Lordship is that Your Enlightened Lordship is perceptive, humane, and wise, assists the Han court, raises the straight and sets aside the crooked, and brings the world to harmony and brightness. Now if you recklessly kill the innocent, among all within the seas who sees and hears of it and will not fall apart? I, Kong Rong, am a man of Lu; tomorrow I will lift my robes and leave, and will not come to court again." Grand Progenitor's intent relaxed, and he accordingly reviewed the case and released Biao. The Wei shi chunqiu says: when Yuan Shao was defeated, Rong wrote to the Grand Progenitor, saying, "When King Wu attacked Zhou, he bestowed Daji on the Duke of Zhou." Grand Progenitor considered Rong learned and broad, and thought this was recorded in the documents and commentaries. Later, when he saw Rong, he asked him about it. Rong replied, "Judging from the present, I imagined that it must have been so!" In the thirteenth year, Rong spoke words of ridicule and slander while responding to Sun Quan's envoy, and for this crime he was executed in the marketplace. His two sons were eight years old. At the time they were playing chess; when Rong was arrested, they remained seated upright and did not rise. Those nearby said, "Your father is being arrested; why do you not rise?" The two sons said, "How could there be a nest destroyed and the eggs not broken!" They were then both killed. Rong had a lofty reputation and pure talent, and many in the age pitied him. The Grand Progenitor feared criticism from near and far and therefore issued an order, saying, "Grand Master for Palace Leisure Kong Rong has already confessed his crime, yet people of the age often adopt his empty reputation and are poor at examining the facts. Seeing Rong's superficial brilliance and his fondness for strange novelties, they are dazzled by his deception and no longer examine how he disordered custom. A man of this province says that Mi Heng of Pingyuan received and transmitted Rong's argument, holding that parents have no kinship with a person, but are like a vessel for salted fish in which one is temporarily contained; he also said that if famine were encountered and one's father were unworthy, one should rather support and keep alive someone else. Rong violated Heaven and rebelled against the Way, ruined the relationships and disordered principle. Though he was displayed in the marketplace and court, I still regret that it came late. Again list this matter above and proclaim it to the generals, colonels, assistants, and staff of the armies, making all hear and see it." The Shiyu says: Rong's two sons were both at the age of shedding milk teeth. When Rong was arrested, he looked back and said to his two sons, "Why do you not take leave?" The two sons both said, "When Father is already like this, what further leave-taking is there!" They thought that they would certainly all die together. Your servant Songzhi believes: the Shiyu says that Rong's two sons did not take leave and knew they would certainly die together; this can still be considered somewhat reasonable. As for Sun Sheng's account, truly I do not understand it. If eight-year-old children could deeply understand disaster and fortune, with intelligence especially penetrating and distinction already far-reaching, then their feelings of grief and joy ought to have surpassed those of adults; how could they see their father arrested and yet never change expression, not rise from playing chess, and seem to be wholly at leisure? Formerly, when Shensheng went to his death, his words did not forget his father; because he himself was about to die, he did not abandon the feeling of thinking of his father. When his father was safe, he was still like this; how much more in distress and danger? For Sheng to take this as a fine tale, is this not to injure those men's sons? It was probably because his fondness for the strange was excessive, and he did not know that his words injured principle.
10
南阳许攸、 〈《魏略》曰:攸字子远,少与袁绍及太祖善。 初平中随绍在冀州,尝在坐席言议。 官渡之役,谏绍勿与太祖相攻,語在《绍傳》。 绍自以强盛,必欲极其兵势。 攸知不可爲谋,乃亡诣太祖。 绍破走,及后得冀州,攸有功焉。 攸自恃勋劳,时与太祖相戏,每在席,不自限齐,至呼太祖小字,曰:“某甲,卿不得我,不得冀州也。” 太祖笑曰:“汝言是也。” 然内嫌之。 其后從行出鄴東門,顧謂左右曰:『此家非得我,則不得出入此門也。』 人有白者,遂見收之。 娄圭,皆以恃舊不虔見誅。 《魏略》曰:娄圭字子伯,少與太祖有舊。 初平中在荆州北界合眾,后诣太祖。 太祖以爲大將,不使典兵,常在坐席言議。 及河北平定,随在冀州。 其后太祖从诸子出游,子伯时亦随从。 子伯顾谓左右曰:“此家父子,如今日爲乐也。” 人有白者,太祖以爲有腹诽意,遂收治之。 《吴書》曰:子伯少有猛志,尝叹息曰:“男兒居世,会当得数万兵千匹骑著后耳!” 侪辈笑之。 后坐藏亡命,被系当死,得逾狱出,捕者追之急,子伯乃变衣服如助捕者,吏不能觉,遂以得免。 会天下义兵起,子伯亦合众与刘表相依。 后归曹公,遂爲所用,军國大计常与焉。 刘表亡,曹公向荆州。 表子琮降,以节迎曹公,诸将皆疑诈,曹公以问子伯。 子伯曰:“天下扰攘,各贪王命以自重,今以节来,是必至诚。” 曹公曰:“大善。” 遂进兵。 宠秩子伯,家累千金,曰:“娄子伯富乐于孤,但势不如孤耳!” 从破馬超等,子伯功爲多。 曹公常叹曰:“子伯之计,孤不及也。” 后与南郡习授同载,见曹公出,授曰:“父子如此,何其快耶!” 子伯曰:“居世间,当自爲之,而但观他人乎!” 授乃白之,遂见诛。 鱼豢曰:古人有言曰:‘得鸟者,罗之一目也,然張一目之罗,终不得鸟矣。 鸟能远飞,远飞者,六翮之力也,然无众毛之助,则飞不远矣。 ’以此推之,大魏之作,虽有功臣,亦未必非兹辈胥附之由也。〉 而琰最爲世所痛惜,至今冤之。 〈《世語》曰:琰兄孙谅,字士文,以简素称,仕晋爲尚書大鸿胪。 荀绰《冀州记》云谅即琰之孙也。〉
Xu You of Nanyang— 〈Weilüe states that Xu You, courtesy Ziyuan, was friendly in youth with Yuan Shao and Cao Cao. During Chuping he attended Yuan Shao in Ji and joined council discussions. At Guandu he urged Yuan Shao not to strike Cao Cao; the detail appears in Yuan Shao's memoir. Yuan Shao, confident in his strength, meant to push every military advantage. Seeing counsel was useless, Xu You defected to Cao Cao. When Yuan Shao broke and fled and Ji Province later fell, Xu You earned credit. You relied on his merit and often bantered with the Grand Progenitor; whenever he was at a banquet he failed to restrain himself and even called the Grand Progenitor by his childhood name, saying, "Without me you would not have gotten Ji Province." The Grand Progenitor laughed and said, "What you say is right." Yet inwardly he bore a grudge. Later, accompanying him on an outing through the east gate of Ye, he turned to those at his side and said, "This fellow—without me he could not pass in and out this gate." An informer repeated it and he was arrested.〉 Lou Gui—both died because they presumed on old acquaintance and showed disrespect. 〈Weilüe states that Lou Gui, courtesy Zibo, had known Cao Cao since youth. In the Chuping years Lou Gui raised a band along Jing Province's northern frontier, then presented himself to Cao Cao. Cao Cao named him a senior general yet withheld battlefield command, keeping him instead at council tables for strategy. After the Hebei plain was subdued, he followed Cao Cao into Ji Province. Later Cao Cao rode out with his sons for pleasure, and Lou Zibo went along. Zibo turned to those beside him and said, "This father and sons—what pleasure they take today." An informer repeated the remark; Cao Cao read it as veiled disloyalty and had him arrested. The Wu shu says Lou Zibo burned with martial ambition from youth and once sighed, "A real man living in the world should one day have tens of thousands of soldiers and a thousand horsemen at his back!" His peers mocked him for it. He later faced execution for sheltering outlaws, broke jail under pursuit, disguised himself as a manhunter, and slipped away unseen. As loyalist forces rose empire-wide, he raised troops of his own and threw in with Liu Biao. He eventually entered Cao Cao's service and sat in on the gravest civil and military decisions. After Liu Biao's death Cao Cao advanced on Jing Province. Liu Cong came out with the imperial baton to surrender; the commanders smelled a trap, so Cao Cao sought Lou Zibo's reading. Zibo said, "The realm is in turmoil; each lord craves royal mandate to bolster himself—now they deliver the tally; this must be utmost sincerity." Lord Cao said, 'Excellent." He pushed the army forward on that advice. He showered honors on Zibo until his household accumulated a thousand in gold, saying, "Lou Zibo is as rich and merry as I—only his power cannot match mine!" Lou Zibo's contributions stood highest in the victory over Ma Chao and company. Lord Cao often sighed, "In Zibo's stratagems I cannot match him." Later, riding in the same carriage with Xi Shou of Nan Commandery, seeing Lord Cao emerge, Shou said, "Father and sons like this—how exhilarating!" Zibo said, "Living in the world, should one achieve greatness oneself or merely watch others do it!" Xi Shou reported the remark, and Lou Zibo was put to death. Yu Huan said: an ancient had a saying: "For one who catches a bird, it is one mesh of the net; yet if one spreads a net of one mesh, in the end he will not catch a bird. A bird cannot be without one mesh, and one mesh cannot get the bird. Reasoning from this, although the rise of Great Wei had meritorious ministers, it was not necessarily unrelated to the dependent support of men of this sort."〉 It was Cui Yan whom contemporaries mourned most; posterity still calls his fate unjust. 〈《Shiyu》 names Yan's grandnephew Liang, style Shiwen, celebrated for austerity, who rose under Jin to minister of the masters of writing and grand herald. Xun Chuo's 《Ji Province gazetteer》 identifies Liang as Yan's grandson.〉
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毛玠字孝先,陳留平丘人也。 少爲县吏,以清公称。 将避乱荆州,未至,闻刘表政令不明,遂往鲁阳。 太祖临兗州,辟爲治中从事。 玠語太祖曰:“今天下分崩,國主迁移,生民废业,饥馑流亡,公家无经岁之储,百姓无安固之志,难以持久。 今袁绍、刘表,虽士民众强,皆无经远之虑,未有树基建本者也。 夫兵义者胜,守位以财,宜奉天子以令不臣,脩耕植,畜军资,如此则霸王之业可成也。” 太祖敬纳其言,转幕府功曹。
Mao Jie, courtesy Xiaoxian, came from Pingqiu in Chenliu commandery. As a young clerk he earned a reputation for honest impartiality. Bound for Jing Province to escape chaos, he turned aside to Luyang on hearing Liu Biao ruled weakly. Cao Cao recruited him as administrative adviser when he entered Yan Province. Mao Jie said to the Grand Progenitor, "Now the realm is divided and collapsing, the ruler has moved from place to place, the living people have abandoned their work, famine has sent them wandering, the public treasury has no stores for a full year, and the common people have no settled resolve. It will be hard to hold out long. Now Yuan Shao and Liu Biao, though their armies and people are strong, both have no long-term plans and have not established a foundation. Armies fighting for righteousness prevail, and wealth preserves position. You should uphold the Son of Heaven in order to command those who refuse submission, restore plowing and planting, and store military supplies. If you do this, the enterprise of hegemon and king can be completed." Cao Cao adopted the advice and moved him onto headquarters staff as merit assessor.
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太祖爲司空丞相,玠尝爲東曹掾,与崔琰并典选举。 其所举用,皆清正之士,虽於时有盛名而行不由本者,终莫得进。 务以俭率人,由是天下之士莫不以廉节自励,虽贵宠之臣,舆服不敢过度。 太祖叹曰:“用人如此,使天下人自治,吾复何爲哉!” 文帝爲五官将,亲自诣玠,属所亲眷。 玠答曰:“老臣以能守职,幸得免戾,今所说人非迁次,是以不敢奉命。” 大军还鄴,议所并省。 玠请谒不行,时人惮之,咸欲省東曹。 乃共白曰:“旧西曹爲上,東曹爲次,宜省東曹。” 太祖知其情,令曰:“日出於東,月盛於東,凡人言方,亦复先東,何以省東曹?” 遂省西曹。
Under Cao Cao as minister of works and chancellor, Mao Jie served in the eastern bureau alongside Cui Yan, both directing personnel selection. His nominees were consistently honest; flashy reputations without moral root never passed his gate. His personal austerity set the tone until officials empire-wide prized integrity and even favorites kept coaches and robes within statute. The Grand Progenitor sighed, "Employ men thus—let the realm govern itself—what further need have I!" While still heir as general of the five offices, Cao Pi went in person to ask Mao Jie to advance a favorite connection. Jie replied, "This old minister has luckily escaped blame by keeping to his duty; the man you speak of is not due for promotion, so I dare not obey." After the host returned to Ye, ministers debated which bureaus to consolidate. Because Mao Jie would grant no private hearings, rivals feared him and pushed to dissolve the eastern bureau. They jointly reported: "Formerly the western bureau ranked first, the eastern second—we ought to abolish the eastern." The Grand Progenitor knew their motive and ordered, "The sun rises in the east, the moon waxes in the east; when ordinary people speak of directions, they also begin with east. Why abolish the Eastern Bureau?" He abolished the western bureau instead.
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初,太祖平柳城,班所获器物,特以素屏风素冯几赐玠,曰:“君有古人之风,故赐君古人之服。” 玠居显位,常布衣蔬食,抚育孤兄子甚笃,赏赐以振施贫族,家无所馀。 迁右军师。 魏國初建,爲尚書仆射,复典选举。 〈先贤行状曰:玠雅亮公正,在官清恪。 其典选举,拔贞实,斥華伪,进逊行,抑阿党。 诸宰官治民功绩不著而私财丰足者,皆免黜停废,久不选用。 于时四海翕然,莫不励行。 至乃长吏还者,垢面羸衣,常乘柴车。 军吏入府,朝服徒行。 人拟壶飧之絜,家象濯缨之操,贵者无秽欲之累,贱者绝奸货之求,吏絜于上,俗移乎下,民到于今称之。〉 时太子未定,而临菑侯植有宠,玠密谏曰:“近者袁绍以嫡庶不分,覆宗灭國。 废立大事,非所宜闻。” 后群僚会,玠起更衣,太祖目指曰:“此古所谓國之司直,我之周昌也。”
When the Grand Progenitor first pacified Liucheng and distributed captured goods, he specially gave Jie plain screens and a plain armrest, saying, "You have the manner of antiquity; therefore I grant you the furnishings of antiquity." Though powerful, he dressed as a commoner, ate plainly, raised his widowed brother's son devotedly, and funneled stipends to needy kin until nothing stayed at home. He rose to right army adviser. Wei established him as vice director of the masters of writing with renewed charge over promotions. 〈《Conduct of earlier worthies》 calls him magnanimous, candid, and scrupulous in every post. Over selections he favored substance over show, humility over swagger, and struck at cliques. County heads who enriched themselves without benefiting the people lost rank for years. The empire snapped to attention; everyone tightened discipline. District chiefs coming off assignment arrived unwashed in rags, often aboard hay carts. Military clerks entered yamen in court robes but on foot. Citizens aspired to the spotless courtesy of a roadside meal; families cultivated the 《Songs》 ideal of clean motives—nobles shed greed, commoners shunned graft; purity flowed down from the clerks and manners followed; posterity still applauds it.〉 At the time, the heir apparent had not yet been settled, and the Marquis of Linzi, Cao Zhi, was favored. Mao Jie secretly remonstrated, saying, "Recently Yuan Shao, because he did not distinguish the legitimate heir from collateral sons, overturned his clan and destroyed his state. Deposing and establishing heirs is a great matter, and not something that should be heard of." Later, at a gathering of officials, Jie rose to change garments; the Grand Progenitor pointed with his eyes and said, "This is what antiquity calls the state's upright official—my Zhou Chang."
14
崔琰既死,玠内不悦。 后有白玠者:“出见黥面反者,其妻子没爲官奴婢,玠言曰‘使天不雨者盖此也’。” 太祖大怒,收玠付狱。 大理锺繇诘玠曰:
Mao Jie nursed resentment after Cui Yan's death. Later someone accused Jie: "When he went out, he saw tattoo-faced rebels whose wives and children had been confiscated as government slaves; Jie said, 'Those who make Heaven withhold rain are surely such as these.'" Enraged, Cao Cao jailed him. Court inspector Zhong Yao interrogated him:
15
自古圣帝明王,罪及妻子。 書云:‘左不共左,右不共右,予则孥戮女。 ’司寇之职,男子入于罪隶,女子入于舂□。 汉律,罪人妻子没爲奴婢,黥面。 汉法所行黥墨之刑,存於古典。 今真奴婢祖先有罪,虽历百世,犹有黥面供官,一以宽良民之命,二以宥并罪之辜。 此何以负於神明之意,而当致旱? 案典谋,急恆寒若,舒恆燠若,宽则亢阳,所以爲旱。 玠之吐言,以爲宽邪,以爲急也? 急当阴霖,何以反旱? 成汤圣世,野无生草,周宣令主,旱魃爲虐。 亢旱以来,积三十年,归咎黥面,爲相值不? 卫人伐邢,师兴而雨,罪恶无徵,何以应天? 玠讥谤之言,流於下民,不悦之声,上闻圣听。 玠之吐言,势不独語,时见黥面,凡爲几人? 黥面奴婢,所识知邪? 何缘得见,对之叹言? 时以語谁? 见答云何? 以何日月? 於何处所? 事已发露,不得隐欺,具以状对。
Since high antiquity sage kings punished kin along with the culprit. The Documents says, "If the left does not attend to the left, or the right does not attend to the right, I will execute you together with your wives and children." The office of minister of crime assigns men to criminal servitude and women to pounding grain." Han law likewise branded traitors' families and bound them as government slaves. Facial branding rested on precedent honored since antiquity. Keeping branded bondsmen honors both mercy toward the innocent and acknowledgment of inherited guilt. How could such policy insult Heaven enough to stop the rains? The counsels link harsh rule with chill and lax rule with drought—blazing yang follows loosened discipline. Did Mao Jie intend laxity or severity? If severity, skies should weep—why this sun-scorch instead? Even Cheng Tang's reign knew barren fields; King Xuan faced the scourge of drought-fiends. Thirty years of drought cannot hinge on branded servants alone. Wei invaded Xing and rain followed without proven guilt—what cosmic verdict is that? Mao Jie's barbs reached the streets and echoed to the throne. Zhong Yao demanded how many branded faces Mao Jie could have seen if he spoke aloud. Did he recognize those bondsmen? How did he encounter them to sigh in their presence? Who overheard him? What answer came back? Which day? Where? Expose everything now—no evasions.
16
玠曰:
Mao Jie replied:
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臣闻萧生缢死,困於石显; 贾子放外,谗在绛、灌; 白起赐劍於杜邮; 晁错致诛於東市; 伍员绝命於吴都:斯数子者,或妒其前,或害其后。 臣垂龆执简,累勤取官,职在机近,人事所窜。 属臣以私,无势不绝,語臣以冤,无细不理。 人情淫利,爲法所禁,法禁于利,势能害之。 青蝇横生,爲臣作谤,谤臣之人,势不在他。 昔王叔、陳生争正王廷,宣子平理。 命举其契,是非有宜,曲直有所,春秋嘉焉,是以書之。 臣不言此,无有时、人。 说臣此言,必有徵要。 乞蒙宣子之辨,而求王叔之对。 若臣以曲闻,即刑之日,方之安驷之赠; 赐劍之来,比之重赏之惠。 谨以状对。
He cited Xiao Wangzhi driven to hang by Shi Xian; Jia Yi banished on Zhou Bo and Guan Ying's malice; Bai Qi forced to die at Duyou; Chao Cuo cut down at the eastern market; Wu Zixu executed at Wu—each victim undone by jealousy fore or aft. He himself had risen since boyhood through diligence beside the throne, where intrigue never sleeps. Private spite stalked him endlessly; every whisper of injustice reached his desk. Law blocks greed, yet influence still twists justice. Slanderous flies buzzed because rivals wielded leverage, not truth. He recalled how Zhao Dun judged Wang Shu and Chen Sheng's feud. The 《Spring and Autumn Annals》 celebrated how justice sorted crooked from straight once the covenant tablet surfaced. He insisted he had neither invented the tale nor lacked corroboration. Anyone repeating his defense must produce evidence. He asked for the sort of hearing Zhao Dun gave Wang Shu against Chen Sheng. If he stood convicted of distortion, let execution parallel the tribute of gentle carriage horses. When the blade came, treat it as the bounty owed a vindicated minister. Here ends his sworn reply.
18
时桓阶、和洽进言救玠。 玠遂免黜,卒于家。 孫盛曰:魏武於是失政刑矣。 《易》稱『明折庶獄』,《傳》有『舉直措枉』,庶獄明則國無怨民,枉直當則民無不服,未有徵青蝇之浮聲,信浸润之谮诉,可以允釐四海,惟清缉熙者也。 昔者漢高獄萧何,出復相之,玠之一责,永見摈放,二主度量,豈不殊哉! 太祖賜棺器钱帛,拜子机郎中。
Huan Jie and He Qia intervened on Mao Jie's behalf. Mao Jie was spared removal and died in retirement. 〈Sun Sheng remarks that Cao Cao forfeited sound justice at that moment. The Changes praises "clearly deciding the many lawsuits"; the Tradition records "raising the straight and setting aside the crooked." When lawsuits are clear, the state has no resentful people; when crooked and straight are properly judged, none of the people refuse submission. Never has listening to the buzzing of blue flies or trusting soaking slander been enough to bring orderly rule within the four seas and pure, continuing radiance. Liu Bang jailed Xiao He yet restored him; one Mao Jie indictment meant exile forever—what a gulf between those rulers!〉 Cao Cao sent burial goods and appointed Mao Ji as court gentleman.
19
徐奕字季才,東莞人也。 避难江東,孙策礼命之。 奕改姓名,微服还本郡。 太祖爲司空,辟爲掾属,从西征馬超。 超破,军还。 时关中新服,未甚安,留奕爲丞相长史,镇抚西京,西京称其威信。 转爲雍州刺史,复还爲東曹属。 丁仪等见宠於时,并害之,而奕终不爲动。 〈《魏書曰:或谓奕曰:“夫以史鱼之直,孰与蘧伯玉之智? 丁仪方贵重,宜思所以下之。” 奕曰:“以公明圣,仪岂得行其伪乎! 且奸以事君者,吾所能御也,子宁以他规我。” 《傅子》曰:武皇帝,至明也。 崔琰、徐奕,一時清賢,皆以忠信顯於魏朝; 丁儀間之,徐奕失位而崔琰被誅。 出爲魏郡太守。 太祖征孙权,徙爲留府长史,谓奕曰:“君之忠亮,古人不过也,然微太严。 昔西门豹佩韦以自缓,夫能以柔弱制刚强者,望之於君也。 今使君统留事,孤无复还顾之忧也。” 魏國既建,爲尚書,复典选举,迁尚書令。
Xu Yi, courtesy Jicai, hailed from Dongguan. Seeking refuge east of the river, he received Sun Ce's courteous summons. He assumed an alias, traveled incognito, and slipped back to his native district. Cao Cao as minister of works enlisted him for staff duty on the western campaign against Ma Chao. After Ma Chao's defeat the host marched home. Newly pacified Guanzhong still trembled; Xu Yi stayed as chief clerk to steady the western metropolis, where men hailed his commanding integrity. He rotated to Yong governor, then back to the eastern bureau staff. Court favorites Ding Yi schemed against him, but Xu Yi never bent. 〈Wei shu records: Someone said to Yi, "Between Shi Yu's bluntness and Qu Boyu's wisdom—which excels? Ding Yi is rising to power—you ought to consider how to humble yourself before him." Yi said, "Given the lord's enlightened sagacity, how could Yi practice deception! Moreover crafty ministers serving the lord—those I know how to resist; you had better advise me on something else." Fu Xuan's Fu zi adds that Cao Cao was extraordinarily clear-sighted. Cui Yan and Xu Yi epitomized loyal candor at court. Ding Yi's intrigues cost Xu Yi his post and Cui Yan his life.〉 He became prefect of Wei commandery. When the Grand Progenitor campaigned against Sun Quan, he transferred him to Chief Clerk of the Rear Headquarters and told Yi, "Your loyalty and brightness surpass the ancients, yet you are slightly too severe. Long ago Ximen Bao wore soft leather to moderate himself—one who can govern hardness with softness is what is hoped from you. Now that you oversee rear headquarters affairs, this solitary one has no further worry about returning." Under Wei he rose through minister of personnel to director of the masters of writing.
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太祖征汉中,魏讽等谋反,中尉杨俊左迁。 太祖叹曰:“讽所以敢生乱心,以吾爪牙之臣无遏奸防谋者故也。 安得如诸葛丰者,使代俊乎!” 桓阶曰:“徐奕其人也。” 太祖乃以奕爲中尉,手令曰:“昔楚有子玉,文公爲之侧席而坐; 汲黯在朝,淮南爲之折谋。 詩称‘邦之司直’,君之谓与!” 在职数月,疾笃乞退,拜谏议大夫,卒。 〈《魏書》曰:文帝每与朝臣会同,未尝不嗟叹,思奕之爲人。 奕無子,詔以其族子統爲郎,以奉奕後。
During the Hanzhong expedition Wei Feng's plot demoted capital commandant Yang Jun. The Grand Progenitor sighed, "Feng dared cherish rebellion because among my talon-and-fang ministers none blocked treachery or forestalled plots. How can I obtain someone like Zhuge Feng to replace Jun!" Huan Jie said, "Xu Yi is the man.'" The Grand Progenitor therefore made Yi Commandant of the Capital, issuing a handwritten order: "Ancient Chu had Ziyu, and Duke Wen sat sideways for fear of him; Ji An held court—Huainan therefore broke its plots. The Songs calls "the state's straight judge"—does it mean you!" Within months grave illness forced retirement as grandee remonstrant; he soon died. 〈Wei shu notes Cao Pi always mourned Xu Yi's example at council. Childless, Xu Yi passed succession to clansman Xu Tong by imperial order.〉
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何夔字叔龙,陳郡阳夏人也。 曾祖父熙,汉安帝时官至车骑将军。 〈華峤汉書曰:熙字孟孙,少有大志,不拘小节。 身长八尺五寸,体貌魁梧,善爲容仪。 举孝廉,爲谒者,赞拜殿中,音动左右。 和帝 (佳) 之,历位司隶校尉、大司农。 永初三年,南单于与乌丸俱反,以熙行车骑将军征之,累有功。 乌丸请降,单于复称臣如旧。 会熙暴疾卒。〉 夔幼丧父,与母兄居,以孝友称。 长八尺三寸,容貌矜严。 〈魏書曰:汉末阉宦用事,夔从父衡爲尚書,有直言,由是在党中,诸父兄皆禁锢。 夔叹曰:“天地闭,贤人隐。” 故不应宰司之命。〉 避亂淮南。 后袁术至壽春,辟之,夔不应,然遂爲术所留。 久之,术與桥蕤俱攻围蕲陽,蕲陽爲太祖固守。 术以夔彼郡人,欲胁令说蕲陽。 夔謂术謀臣李業曰:『昔柳下惠聞伐國之謀而有忧色,曰「吾聞伐國不問仁人,斯言何爲至於我哉」!』 遂遁匿灊山。 术知夔终不爲己用,乃止。 术从兄山阳太守遗母,夔从姑也,是以虽恨夔而不加害。
He Kui, courtesy Shulong, came from Yangxia in Chen commandery. His great-grandfather He Xi reached chariot-and-cavalry general under Emperor An. 〈Huaxian's Han shu describes Xi as ambitious and broad-minded from youth. Eight chi five in height with a commanding physique and faultless deportment. As filial-incorrupt nominee he became palace usher whose resonant announcements shook the hall. Emperor He of Han (a manuscript note reads jia 'fine,' likely corrupt for jia 'praised') commended him; he rose through metropolitan commandant to minister of agriculture. Yongchu 3 saw the southern Shanyu and Wuhuan revolt; Xi led them as acting chariot-and-cavalry general with repeated success. The Wuhuan capitulated and the Shanyu renewed vassalage. Xi died abruptly of sickness.〉 Orphaned young, He Kui lived with mother and brother, famed for filial devotion. He stood eight chi three with austere, imposing looks. 〈Wei shu adds that when eunuchs purged the court, He's uncle-in-law Heng landed on the blacklist and kin could not serve. Kui sighed, "Heaven and earth are shut—the worthy hide." Hence he ignored ministerial appointments.〉 He escaped chaos into Huainan. Yuan Shu reaching Shouchun pressed him to serve; though He Kui refused, Shu kept him captive. Eventually Yuan Shu and Qiao Rui invested Qiyang, which held firm for Cao Cao. Shu meant to exploit He's local ties to talk the city down. Kui told Shu's strategist Li Ye, "Long ago, when Liuxiahui heard of a plot to attack another state, his expression grew anxious and he said, 'I have heard that attacking another state is not discussed with humane men—why should those words reach me!'" He vanished into the Qian Mountains. Shu saw He Kui would never obey and dropped the demand. Family ties through Shan's prefect—He's aunt—shielded him despite Shu's hatred.
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建安二年,夔将还鄉里,度术必急追,乃间行得免,明年到本郡。 顷之,太祖辟爲司空掾属。 時有傳袁术軍亂者,太祖問夔曰; “君以爲信不?” 夔对曰:“天之所助者顺,人之所助者信。 术无信顺之实,而望天人之助,此不可以得志於天下。 夫失道之主,亲戚叛之,而况於左右乎! 以夔观之,其乱必矣。” 太祖曰; 『爲國失賢則亡。 君不爲术所用; 亂,不亦宜乎!』 太祖性严,掾属公事,往往加杖; 夔常畜毒药,誓死无辱,是以终不见及。 〈孙盛曰:夫君使臣以礼,臣事君以忠,是以上下休嘉,道光化洽。 公府掾属,古之造士也,必擢时隽,搜扬英逸,得其人则論道之任隆,非其才则覆餗之患至。 苟有疵衅,刑黜可也。 加其捶扑之罚,肃以小惩之戒,岂“导之以德,齐之以礼”之谓与! 然士之出处,宜度德投趾; 可不之节,必审於所蹈。 故高尚之徒,抗心於青云之表,岂王侯之所能臣,名器之所羁绁哉! 自非此族,委身世涂,否泰荣辱,制之由时,故箕子安於孥戮,柳下夷於三黜,萧何、周勃亦在縲绁,夫岂不辱,君命故也。 夔知时制,而甘其宠,挟药要君,以避微耻。 詩云“唯此褊心”,何夔其有焉。 放之,可也; 宥之,非也。〉 出爲城父令。 《魏書》曰:自劉備叛后,東南多變。 太祖以陳羣爲酂令,夔爲城父令,諸縣皆用名士以镇撫之,其后吏民稍定。
Jian'an 2 he slipped homeward by back roads before Yuan Shu's pursuit caught him; next year he arrived safe. Cao Cao soon recruited him for ministerial staff. When rumor claimed Yuan Shu's camp collapsed, Cao Cao queried He Kui: "Do you deem it credible?" Kui replied, "What Heaven aids follows order; what men aid follows trustworthiness. Shu lacks substance of trustworthiness or compliance yet hopes for aid from Heaven and men—by this he cannot realize ambition under Heaven. When a lord loses the Way even kin rebel—how much more those at his side! Judging by what Kui sees, turmoil is certain." Cao Cao replied: "When a state loses worthies it perishes. You were not employed by Shu; turmoil—is it not fitting!" Cao Cao beat clerks freely for bureaucratic slips. He Kui carried poison vowing suicide before flogging—so blows never touched him. 〈Sun Sheng opens by noting ritual loyalty breeds harmony between ruler and minister. Ducal aides should be elite talent—right picks strengthen policy, wrong picks spill the cauldron. Faults warrant dismissal or stripes. To add flogging penalties as petty warning—is this what is meant by "lead them with virtue, align them with ritual'!" Still, entrants must weigh a lord's virtue before serving. Uncertain candidates should scrutinize every step. The truly high-minded soar beyond royal harness or bronze insignia. Others brave office knowing shame may come—Jizi bore kin punishment, Liuxiahui suffered triple exile, Xiao He and Zhou Bo wore chains—all bowed to sovereign duty. Sun Sheng faults He Kui for accepting rank yet brandishing poison to blackmail his ruler against minor humiliation. The Songs says "only this narrow heart'—does it fit He Kui!" Banishment would be fair. Absolving him was mistaken.〉 He became magistrate of Chengfu county. 〈Wei shu notes turmoil rippled through the southeast after Liu Bei's revolt. Cao Cao posted Chen Qun at Zan and He Kui at Chengfu, staffing counties with reputable scholars until order returned.〉
23
遷長广太守。 郡滨山海,黄巾未平,豪杰多背叛,袁谭就加以官位。 长广县人管承,徒众三千馀家,爲寇害。 议者欲举兵攻之。 夔曰:“承等非生而乐乱也,习於乱,不能自还,未被德教,故不知反善。 今兵迫之急,彼恐夷灭,必并力战。 攻之既未易拔,虽胜,必伤吏民,不如徐喻以恩德,使容自悔,可不烦兵而定。” 乃遣郡丞黄珍往,爲陳成败,承等皆请服。 夔遣吏成弘领校尉,长广县丞等郊迎奉牛酒,诣郡。 矣平贼从钱,众亦数千,夔率郡兵与張辽共讨定之。 東牟人王营,众三千馀家,胁昌阳县爲乱。 夔遣吏王钦等,授以计略,使离散之。 旬月皆平定。
He rose to governor of Changguang commandery. Coastal Changguang still swarmed with Turbans and defectors whom Yuan Tan tried to co-opt. County leader Guan Cheng commanded three thousand families in raids. Advisers urged a punitive expedition. Kui said, "Cheng and the rest were not born delighting in turmoil; they became habituated to chaos and cannot return by themselves. The instruction of virtue has not reached them, and therefore they do not know to turn toward goodness. Now if troops press them urgently they will fear extermination and surely unite their strength to fight. They will not be easy to overcome by attack, and even if we are victorious, officials and commoners will surely be harmed. It would be better to instruct them gradually with kindness, allowing them to repent on their own; then they can be settled without troubling the army." He dispatched Huang Zhen with terms; Guan Cheng's band submitted. He detailed Cheng Hong as colonel while county aides rode out with cattle and wine to escort the column to headquarters. Another coastal chieftain, Cong Qian, led thousands; He Kui joined Zhang Liao's column to crush them. Wang Ying of Dongmou rallied three thousand families and bullied Changyang into revolt. He Kui gave Wang Qin plans to split and dissolve the band. Inside a month quiet returned.
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是时太祖始制新科下州郡,又收租税绵绢。 夔以郡初立,近以师旅之后,不可卒绳以法,乃上言曰:
Cao Cao rolled out fresh legal codes and silk levies across the provinces. He Kui argued the new prefecture needed breathing room after war and petitioned for gradual enforcement.
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自丧乱已来,民人失所,今虽小安,然服教日浅。 所下新科,皆以明罚敕法,齐一大化也。 所领六县,疆域初定,加以饥馑,若一切齐以科禁,恐或有不从教者。 有不从教者不得不诛,则非观民设教随时之意也。 先王辨九服之赋以殊远近,制三典之刑以平治乱,愚以爲此郡宜依远域新邦之典,其民间小事,使长吏临时随宜,上不背正法,下以顺百姓之心。 比及三年,民安其业,然后齐之以法,则无所不至矣。
The populace remained thinly accustomed to order after long wandering. The edicts aimed to unify behavior through clear penalties. Six counties still hollow from famine might resist blanket statutes. Mass executions for minor breaches would betray adaptive governance. Ancient kings graded tribute by distance and matched punishments to chaos; He Kui asked leeway for remote Changguang until routine returned. After three calm harvests, strict codes could apply everywhere.
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太祖从其言。 徵还,参丞相军事。 海贼郭祖寇暴乐安、济南界,州郡苦之。 太祖以夔前在长广有威信,拜乐安太守。 到官数月,诸城悉平。
Cao Cao approved. Recall brought him onto the chancellor's military council. Pirate Guo Zu terrorized Le'an and Jinan until regional offices groaned. He Kui's Changguang prestige won him the Le'an governorship. Within months every citadel submitted.
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入爲丞相東曹掾。 夔言於太祖曰:
He joined the eastern bureau under the chancellor. He Kui advised Cao Cao:
28
自军兴以来,制度草创,用人未详其本,是以各引其类,时忘道德。 夔闻以贤制爵,则民慎德; 以庸制禄,则民兴功。 以爲自今所用,必先核之鄉闾,使长幼顺叙,无相逾越。 显忠直之赏,明公实之报,则贤不肖之分,居然别矣。 又可脩保举故不以实之令,使有司别受其负。 在朝之臣,时受教与曹并选者,各任其责。 上以观朝臣之节,下以塞争竞之源,以督群下,以率万民,如是则天下幸甚。 太祖稱善。 魏國既建,拜尚書僕射。 《魏書》曰:時丁儀兄弟方进寵,儀與夔不合。 尚書傅巽謂夔曰:『儀不相好已甚,子友毛玠,玠等儀已害之矣。子宜少下之!』 夔曰:『爲不義適足害其身,焉能害人?且怀奸佞之心,立於明朝,其得久乎!』 夔終不屈志,儀后果以凶僞敗。 文帝爲太子,以凉茂爲太傅,夔爲少傅;特命二傅與尚書東曹並选太子諸侯官属。 茂卒,以夔代茂。 每月朔,太傅入見太子,太子正法服而禮焉;他日無會儀。 夔遷太僕,太子欲與辭,宿戒供,夔無往意;乃與書请之,夔以國有常制,遂不往。 其履正如此。 然於節儉之世,最爲豪汰。 文帝踐阼,封成陽亭侯,邑三百户。 疾病,屡乞遜位。 詔報曰:『蓋禮賢親舊,帝王之常务也。 以親則君有輔弼之勛焉,以賢則君有醇固之茂焉。 夫有陰德者必有陽報,今君疾雖未瘳,神明聽之矣。 君其即安,以順朕意。』 薨,諡曰靖侯。
Wartime staffing bred cliques that ignored virtue. Merit-based ranks teach the people to cherish character. Service-based pay teaches them to strive. Nominees should win village scrutiny so seniority and merit stay aligned. Open rewards for candor and penalties for hollow fame would separate wheat from chaff. False sponsors should face statutory blame. Courtiers who co-nominate must answer for their picks. Such rules would test integrity upstairs, choke patronage downstairs, and steady the realm. Grand Progenitor praised this as good. After the Wei state was established, He Kui was appointed vice director of the Secretariat. The Wei shu says: at the time, Ding Yi and his brothers were just then advancing in favor, and Yi did not get along with Kui. Secretariat official Fu Xun said to Kui, "Yi's dislike of you has become extreme. Your friend Mao Jie and his companions have already been harmed by Yi. You should lower yourself to him a little!" Kui said, "Doing unrighteousness only suffices to harm oneself; how can it harm others? Besides, if one cherishes a treacherous and flattering heart while standing in an enlightened court, how can it last long!" Kui never bent his resolve, and later Yi indeed fell through vicious falsehood. When Emperor Wen was heir apparent, Liang Mao was made Grand Tutor and Kui Junior Tutor; by special order, the two tutors and the Eastern Bureau of the Secretariat together selected officials and staff for the heir apparent and the princes. When Mao died, Kui replaced Mao. On the first day of each month, the Grand Tutor entered to see the heir apparent, and the heir apparent put on formal ritual robes and treated him with ceremony; on other days there was no audience ceremony. When Kui was promoted to Grand Coachman, the heir apparent wished to bid him farewell and had the supplies prepared the night before, but Kui had no intention of going; the heir then wrote to invite him, but Kui held that the state had fixed regulations, and so did not go. Such was the way he walked in rectitude. Yet in an age that valued frugality, he was the most extravagant and wasteful. When Emperor Wen ascended the throne, Kui was enfeoffed as Marquis of Chengyang Pavilion, with a fief of three hundred households. When he became ill, he repeatedly begged to yield his position. The edict replied, "To honor worthies and be close to old associates is the constant duty of emperors and kings. As an old associate, you have the merit of assistance and support; as a worthy, you have the excellence of pure solidity. One who has hidden virtue must have manifest recompense. Now although your illness has not yet healed, the spirits have heard it. You should remain at ease, in accordance with my will." When he died, his posthumous title was Marquis Jing.
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子曾
He Zeng, his heir.
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子曾嗣,咸熙中爲司徒。 〈干宝《晋纪》曰:曾字颖考。 正元中爲司隶校尉。 时毌丘俭孙女適刘氏,以孕系廷尉。 女母荀,爲武卫将军荀顗所表活,既免,辞诣廷尉,乞爲官婢以赎女命。 曾使主簿程咸爲议,议曰:“大魏承奏、汉之弊,未及革制。 所以追戮已出之女,诚欲殄丑类之族也。 若已产育,则成他家之母。 於防则不足惩奸乱之源,於情则伤孝子之思,男不御罪於他族,而女独婴戮於二门,非所以哀矜女弱,均法制之大分也。 臣以爲在室之女,可从父母之刑,既醮之妇,使从夫家之戮。” 朝廷从之,乃定律令。 《晋诸公赞》曰:曾以高雅称,加性纯孝,位至太宰,封朗陵县公。 年八十馀薨,谥曰元公。 子邵嗣。 邵字敬祖,才识深博,有经國体仪。 位亦至太宰,谥康公。 子蕤嗣。 邵庶兄遵,字思祖,有幹能。 少經清職,終於太僕。 遵子绥,字伯蔚,亦以幹事称。 永嘉中爲尚書,爲司馬越所杀。 《傅子》称曾及荀顗曰:“以文王之道事其亲者,其颍昌何侯乎! 其荀侯乎! 古稱曾、闵,今曰荀、何。 内尽其心以事其親,外崇禮讓以接天下。 孝子,百世之宗; 仁人,天下之令也。 有能行仁孝之道者,君子之仪表矣。”〉
He Zeng inherited the line and rose to steward of education under Jin. 〈Gan Bao's Jin annals gives his style as Yingkao. During Zhengyuan he served as metropolitan commandant. Wuqiu Jian's granddaughter, married into the Liu house while pregnant, sat in ministerial custody. Her mother Xun, reprieved through Xun Yi, pleaded to enter penal service to save the girl. Zeng ordered chief clerk Cheng Xian to draft an opinion; the opinion stated: "Great Wei inherits Qin and Han abuses without yet reforming institutions. Therefore pursuing execution even on daughters already married away truly intends to exterminate ugly kinds. If they have already borne children then they become mothers of other houses. As prevention, this does not suffice to punish the source of treason; in sentiment, it wounds the thoughts of filial sons. Men do not bear guilt in other lineages, while women alone suffer execution in two households; this is not the way to pity weak women or balance the great divisions of law. Your servant thinks daughters still in the chamber may follow parents' punishment; wives already capped at marriage should follow husbands' households in execution." The throne codified his distinction. The Jin praise of ministers calls him refined and dutiful, ending as grand tutor and Langling duke. He died past eighty with posthumous name Yuan. Son He Shao inherited. He Shao, style Jingzu, combined erudition with statesmanlike bearing. He too became grand tutor as Lord Kang posthumously. Son He Rui succeeded him. Concubine-born elder brother He Zun, style Sizu, was an able administrator. He rose through honorific posts to minister of coaches. He Zun's son He Sui, style Bowei, earned repute as a troubleshooter. Under Yongjia he directed the masters of writing until Sima Yue executed him. The Fu zi praises Zeng together with Xun Yi: Who serves kin with King Wen"s path—the lord of Yingchang He? Or the lord Xun! Antiquity sang Zeng and Min; today one names Xun and He. Within they exhaust heart to serve kin; without they honor yielding ritual to receive all under Heaven. Filial sons are ancestors for a hundred generations; humane men are commanders for all under Heaven. Those able to practice humane filial ways are gentlemen's standards."
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邢颙字子昂,河间鄚人也。 举孝廉,司徒辟,皆不就。 易姓字,適右北平,从田畴游。 积五年,而太祖定冀州。 颙谓畴曰:“黄巾起来二十馀年,海内鼎沸,百姓流离。 今闻曹公法令严。 民厌乱矣,乱极则平。 请以身先。” 遂装还鄉里。 田畴曰:“邢颙,民之先觉也。” 乃见太祖,求爲鄉导以克柳城。
Xing Yong, courtesy Ziang, hailed from Mo county in Hejian. He refused filial-incorrupt nomination and ministerial summons alike. Assuming an alias, he fled to Right Beiping and studied under Tian Chou. Five years later Cao Cao conquered Ji Province. Yong said to Chou: "The Yellow Turbans arose over twenty years ago; within the seas cauldron boils; commoners drift and wander. Now I hear Lord Cao's commands and statutes are strict. The people weary of chaos; chaos pushed to the limit turns to peace. I ask to take my body first." He journeyed home. Tian Chou said: Xing Yong is the people"s early awakener." Tian Chou then sought Cao Cao out as guide against Liucheng.
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太祖辟颙爲冀州从事,时人称之曰:“德行堂堂邢子昂。” 除广宗长,以故将丧弃官。 有司举正,太祖曰:“颙笃於旧君,有一致之节。” 勿问也。 更辟司空掾,除行唐令,劝民农桑,风化大行。 入爲丞相门下督,迁左冯翊,病,去官。 是时,太祖诸子高选官属,令曰:“侯家吏,宜得渊深法度如邢颙辈。” 遂以爲平原侯植家丞。 颙防闲以礼,无所屈挠,由是不合。 庶子刘桢書谏植曰:“家丞邢颙,北土之彦,少秉高节,玄静澹泊,言少理多,真雅士也。 桢诚不足同贯斯人,并列左右。 而桢礼遇殊特,颙反疏简,私惧观者将谓君侯习近不肖,礼贤不足,采庶子之春華,忘家丞之秋实。 爲上招谤,其罪不小,以此反侧。” 后参丞相军事,转東曹掾。 初,太子未定,而临菑侯植有宠,丁仪等并赞翼其美。 太祖问颙,颙对曰:“以庶代宗,先世之戒也。 原殿下深重察之!” 太祖识其意,后遂以爲太子少傅,迁太傅。
The Grand Progenitor summoned Yong as aide in Ji Province; people of the time styled him: "Magnificent in virtue—Xing Ziang." Made Guangzong magistrate, he resigned mourning a former patron's death. Responsible offices impeached him; the Grand Progenitor said: "Yong is earnest toward old lords—he possesses consistency of principle." He forbade prosecution. Rehired under the ministry, he governed Xingtang, pushing silk and grain until custom flourished. He rose to gate superintendent then left assistant governor of the capital before illness struck. At this time the Grand Progenitor's sons were carefully selecting officials for their staffs; an order said, "The household clerks of marquises should be men of deep law and measure, like Xing Yong and his peers." Thus Xing Yong became Cao Zhi's majordomo. Ritual discipline estranged him from the free-spirited prince. Secondary Son Liu Zhen wrote to remonstrate with Zhi: "Household Steward Xing Yong is a paragon of the northern land; from youth he has held lofty principles, is quiet and detached, speaks little yet has much sense—a true refined gentleman. Zhen truly does not suffice to share rank with this man, standing side by side at left and right. Yet Zhen receives extraordinarily special treatment, while Yong, on the contrary, is kept distant and treated plainly. I privately fear observers will say that my lord is accustomed to drawing near the unworthy and is insufficient in honoring worthies—plucking the Secondary Son's spring blossoms while forgetting the Household Steward's autumn fruit. It invites slander above—the fault is not small—therefore I toss uneasily." Xing Yong later served on military council and eastern bureau. While succession hung open, Ding Yi boosted Cao Zhi. The Grand Progenitor asked Yong; Yong answered: "Using the lesser branch to replace the trunk is warning from former ages. I pray Your Highness reverently examine deeply!" Cao Cao heard him and later named him tutor to the crown prince, then senior tutor.
33
文帝践阼,爲侍中尚書仆射,赐爵关内侯,出爲司隶校尉,徙太常。 黄初四年薨。 子友嗣。 〈晋诸公赞曰:颙曾孙乔,字曾伯。 有体量局幹,美於当世。 历清职。 元康中,与刘涣俱爲尚書吏部郎,稍迁至司隶校尉。〉 鲍勋字叔业,泰山平阳人也,汉司隶校尉鲍宣九世孙。 宣后嗣有从上党徙泰山者,遂家焉。 勋父信,灵帝时爲骑都尉,大将军何进遣东募兵。 后爲济北相,协规太祖,身以遇害。 语在《董卓传》、《武帝纪》。 《魏书》曰:信父丹,官至少府侍中,世以儒雅显。 少有大节,宽厚爱人,沈毅有谋。 大将军何进辟拜骑都尉,遣归募兵,得千馀人,还到成皋而进已遇害。 信至京师,董卓亦始到。 信知卓必爲乱,劝袁绍袭卓,绍畏卓不敢发。 语在《绍传》。 信乃引军还乡里,收徒众二万,骑七百,辎重五千馀乘。 是岁,太祖始起兵於己吾,信与弟韬以兵应太祖。 太祖与袁绍表信行破虏将军,韬裨将军。 时绍众最盛,豪杰多向之。 信独谓太祖曰:『夫略不世出,能总英雄以拨乱反正者,君也。 苟非其人,虽强必毙。 君殆天之所启!』 遂深自结纳,太祖亦亲异焉。 汴水之败,信被疮,韬在陈战亡。 绍劫夺韩馥位,遂据冀州。 信言於太祖曰:『奸臣乘衅,荡覆王室,英雄奋节,天下乡应者,义也。 今绍爲盟主,因权专利,将自生乱,是复有一卓也。 若抑之,则力不能制,祗以遘难,又何能济? 且可规大河之南,以待其变。』 太祖善之。 太祖爲东郡太守,表信爲济北相。 会黄巾大众入州界,刘岱欲与战,信止之,岱不从,遂败。 语在《武纪》。 太祖以贼恃胜而骄,欲设奇兵挑击之於寿张。 先与信出行战地,后步军未至,而卒与贼遇,遂接战。 信殊死战,以救太祖,太祖仅得溃围出,信遂没,时年四十一。 虽遭乱起兵,家本修儒,治身至俭,而厚养将士,居无馀财,士以此归之。 建安十七年,太祖追录信功,表封勋兄邵新都亭侯。 《魏书》曰:邵有父风,太祖嘉之,加拜骑都尉,使持节。 邵薨,子融嗣。 辟勋丞相掾。 魏书曰:勋清白有高节,知名於世。
When Emperor Wen ascended the throne, Xing Yong became Palace Attendant and Vice Director of the Secretariat, was granted the rank of Marquis within the Passes, went out as Metropolitan Commandant, and was transferred to Minister of Ceremonies. He died Huangchu 4. Son Xing You inherited. 〈The Jin praise mentions descendant Xing Qiao, style Zengbo. Renowned poise and competence. He served in honorific posts. Yuankang saw him personnel clerk with Liu Huan, later metropolitan commandant.〉 Bao Xun, courtesy name Shuye, was from Pingyang in Taishan and was a ninth-generation descendant of Bao Xuan, metropolitan commandant under Han. Among Xuan's later descendants, some moved from Shangdang to Taishan, and so the family settled there. Xun's father Xin served as commandant of cavalry under Emperor Ling, and Grand General He Jin sent him east to recruit troops. Later he became chancellor of Jibei, joined in planning with Grand Progenitor, and met death in person. The matter is recorded in the "Biography of Dong Zhuo" and the "Annals of Emperor Wu." The Wei shu says: Xin's father Dan held office as Chamberlain for Revenues and Palace Attendant, and for generations the family was distinguished for cultivated refinement. From youth Xin had great integrity; he was generous, loved others, was calm and resolute, and had strategic judgment. Grand General He Jin summoned and appointed him Commandant of Cavalry, then sent him home to recruit troops; he obtained more than a thousand men, but when he returned as far as Chenggao, Jin had already been killed. When Xin reached the capital, Dong Zhuo had also just arrived. Xin knew Zhuo would surely cause disorder and urged Yuan Shao to attack him, but Shao feared Zhuo and did not dare move. The matter is recorded in the "Biography of Shao." Xin then led his army back to his home district and gathered twenty thousand followers, seven hundred cavalry, and more than five thousand baggage wagons. That year, Grand Progenitor first raised troops at Jiwu, and Xin and his younger brother Tao responded to him with their troops. Grand Progenitor and Yuan Shao memorialized that Xin should act as general who breaks the caitiffs, and Tao as assistant general. At the time Shao's following was the strongest, and many heroes inclined toward him. Xin alone said to the Grand Progenitor, "Strategy does not appear in every generation; the one who can unite the heroes, clear away disorder, and restore correctness is you. If a man is not the right person, even if he is strong, he must perish. You are almost certainly the one opened by Heaven!" He then bound himself closely to Grand Progenitor, and Grand Progenitor also treated him with special intimacy. In the defeat at the Bian River, Xin was wounded, and Tao died in battle at Chen. Shao seized Han Fu's position by force and then occupied Ji Province. Xin said to the Grand Progenitor, "A treacherous minister took advantage of an opening and overturned the royal house; heroes roused their integrity, and all under Heaven responded because of righteousness. Now Shao is alliance leader, and relying on authority he monopolizes advantage; he is about to generate disorder himself. This is another Zhuo. If we try to restrain him, our strength cannot control him; we will only encounter disaster, so what can be accomplished? For now we can plan for the region south of the Great River and wait for his change." Grand Progenitor approved this. When Grand Progenitor became governor of Dong Commandery, he memorialized for Xin to become chancellor of Jibei. When a large Yellow Turban force entered the province, Liu Dai wished to fight them; Xin stopped him, but Dai did not listen and was defeated. The matter is recorded in the "Annals of Wu." Grand Progenitor judged that the bandits, relying on victory, had become arrogant, and he wished to set an ambush and strike them at Shouzhang. He first went out with Xin to inspect the battlefield, but before the infantry arrived, they suddenly encountered the bandits and joined battle. Xin fought desperately to save Grand Progenitor; Grand Progenitor only barely broke through the encirclement and escaped, and Xin was then lost, aged forty-one. Although he encountered disorder and raised troops, his family had originally cultivated Confucian learning; he governed himself with utmost frugality, yet generously supported his officers and soldiers, kept no surplus wealth at home, and for this reason the soldiers turned to him. In the seventeenth year of Jian'an, the Grand Progenitor posthumously recorded Xin's merit and memorialized to enfeoff Xun's elder brother Shao as Marquis of Xindu Pavilion. The Wei shu says: Shao had his father's manner, and the Grand Progenitor admired him, additionally appointing him Commandant of Cavalry and granting him a staff of authority. When Shao died, his son Rong succeeded him. Xun was summoned as an assistant in the chancellor's office. The Wei shu says: Xun was pure and upright and had lofty integrity, and he was known in his age.
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二十二年,立太子,以勋爲中庶子。 徙黄门侍郎,出爲魏郡西部都尉。 太子郭夫人弟爲曲周县吏,断盗官布,法应弃市。 太祖时在谯,太子留鄴,数手書爲之请罪。 勋不敢擅纵,具列上。 勋前在東宫,守正不挠,太子固不能悦,及重此事,恚望滋甚。 会郡界休兵有失期者,密敕中尉奏免勋官。 久之,拜侍御史。 延康元年,太祖崩,太子即王位,勋以驸馬都尉兼侍中。
When the crown prince was named in the twenty-second year, Bao Xun joined his household as palace attendant. He moved to yellow-gate attendant and western Wei commandery chief commandant. The crown prince's brother-in-law, a Quzhou clerk, stole official cloth—a capital offense. Cao Cao was at Qiao while the crown prince stayed in Ye, sending repeated pleas to spare his brother-in-law. Bao Xun refused a quiet discharge and forwarded the full dossier to court. Bao Xun's stern tenure in the heir's household had already bitter Cao Pi; enforcing the law on Lady Guo's kin deepened the grudge. When troops missed muster in his jurisdiction, the prince secretly had the capital commandant impeach Bao Xun out of office. Eventually he received appointment as palace censor. In the first year of Yankang, the Grand Progenitor died, the heir apparent assumed the royal throne, and Bao Xun, as Commandant of the Imperial Son-in-law, concurrently served as Palace Attendant.
35
文帝受禅,勋每陳“今之所急,唯在军农,宽惠百姓。 台榭苑囿,宜以爲后。” 文帝将出游猎,勋停车上疏曰:“臣闻五帝三王,靡不明本立教,以孝治天下。 陛下仁圣恻隐,有同古烈。 臣冀当继踪前代,令万世可则也。 如何在谅闇之中,修驰骋之事乎! 臣冒死以闻,唯陛下察焉。” 帝手毁其表而竞行猎,中道顿息,问侍臣曰:“猎之爲乐,何如八音也?” 侍中刘晔对曰:“猎胜於乐。” 勋抗辞曰:“夫乐,上通神明,下和人理,隆治致化,万邦咸乂。 移风易俗,莫善於乐。 况猎,暴華盖於原野,伤生育之至理,栉风沐雨,不以时隙哉? 昔鲁隐观渔於棠,春秋讥之。 虽陛下以爲务,愚臣所不原也。” 因奏:“刘晔佞谀不忠,阿顺陛下过戏之言。 昔梁丘据取媚於遄台,晔之谓也。 请有司议罪以清皇庙。” 帝怒作色,罢还,即出勋爲右中郎将。
When Emperor Wen received the abdication, Xun often stated, "What is urgent now lies only in the army and agriculture, and in being generous and kind to the common people. Terraces, pavilions, parks, and preserves should be put afterward." When Emperor Wen was about to go out hunting, Xun stopped the carriage and submitted a memorial, saying, "Your servant has heard that among the Five Emperors and Three Kings, none failed to make the root clear and establish instruction, governing all under Heaven with filial piety. Your Majesty is humane, sagely, and compassionate, equal to the ancient worthies. Your servant hopes you will follow the tracks of former ages and make something that ten thousand generations can take as their model. How can you, while in the mourning hut, practice galloping and racing! Your servant risks death to bring this to your attention; may Your Majesty examine it." The emperor tore up his memorial by hand and went hunting anyway; midway he halted and asked the attending ministers, "How does the pleasure of hunting compare with the eight tones?" Attendant Liu Ye replied: "Hunting surpasses music." Xun replied forthrightly, "Music above communicates with the spirits, and below harmonizes human principles; it exalts governance and brings transformation, so that the myriad states are all ordered. For shifting customs and changing habits, nothing is better than music. As for hunting, it exposes the splendid canopy in the fields, harms the utmost principle of nurturing life, and goes combed by wind and bathed in rain; is it not done without regard to the proper times? Formerly Duke Yin of Lu watched fishing at Tang, and the Spring and Autumn criticized him. Though Your Majesty treats it as important business, your foolish servant cannot approve." Thereupon he memorialized "Liu Ye is flatteringly disloyal, parroting Your Majesty's playful words. Long ago Liangqiu Ju curried favor at Swift Terrace—Ye is such a one. I ask responsible offices debate guilt to cleanse the imperial temple." Enraged, Cao Pi banished him to right household guard general.
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黄初四年,尚書令陳群、仆射司馬宣王并举勋爲宫正,宫正即御史中丞也。 帝不得已而用之,百寮严惮,罔不肃然。 六年秋,帝欲征吴,群臣大议,勋面谏曰:“王师屡征而未有所克者,盖以吴、蜀脣齿相依,凭阻山水,有难拔之势故也。 往年龙舟飘荡,隔在南岸,圣躬蹈危,臣下破胆。 此时宗庙几至倾覆,爲百世之戒。 今又劳兵袭远,日费千金,中國虚耗,令黠虏玩威,臣窃以爲不可。” 帝益忿之,左迁勋爲治書执法。
Huangchu 4 saw Chen Qun and Sima Yi nominate Bao Xun as palace rectifier—equivalent to imperial censor-in-chief. Forced to agree, Cao Pi watched officials snap to discipline under Bao Xun. In autumn of the sixth year, the emperor wished to campaign against Wu, and the ministers held a broad debate; Xun remonstrated face to face, "Our royal army has repeatedly campaigned yet gained no victory because Wu and Shu depend on each other like lips and teeth and rely on mountains and rivers; therefore they are difficult to uproot. In former years the dragon boat drifted and bobbed, stranded on the southern shore—your sagely person trod danger and ministers below shattered their gall. At that time the ancestral temple nearly overturned—it becomes warning for a hundred generations. Now again we would weary troops in a distant strike, spending a thousand in gold each day, hollowing out the central states while cunning barbarians toy with our might. Your servant privately thinks this impermissible." Furious, Cao Pi cut him to archival clerk.
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帝从壽春还,屯陳留郡界。 太守孙邕见,出过勋。 时营垒未成,但立标埒,邕邪行不从正道,军营令史刘曜欲推之,勋以堑垒未成,解止不举。 大军还洛阳,曜有罪,勋奏绌遣,而曜密表勋私解邕事。 诏曰:“勋指鹿作馬,收付廷尉。” 廷尉法议:“正刑五岁。” 三官駮:“依律罚金二斤。” 帝大怒曰:“勋无活分,而汝等敢纵之! 收三官已下付刺奸,当令十鼠同穴。” 太尉锺繇、司徒華歆、镇军大将军陳群、侍中辛毗、尚書卫臻、守廷尉高柔等并表“勋父信有功於太祖”,求请勋罪。 帝不许,遂诛勋。 勋内行既脩,廉而能施,死之日,家无馀财。 后二旬,文帝亦崩,莫不爲勋叹恨。
Returning from Shouchun, Cao Pi camped along Chenliu. Prefect Sun Yong exited audience past Bao Xun's station. Sun Yong shortcutted stakes; Liu Yao sought charges; Bao Xun withheld prosecution until fortifications stood. Later Liu Yao fell afoul; Bao Xun cashiered him, so Liu Yao snitched about Sun Yong. An edict stated "Xun calls a deer a horse—seize him and hand to minister of justice." The minister of justice"s legal deliberation: 'Apply orthodox punishment five years." The three offices objected "According to statute fine two jin of metal." The emperor raged greatly saying "Xun has no portion of life—yet you dare indulge him! Seize officials below the three offices and deliver to accusation investigators—let ten rats share one hole." Grand Commandant Zhong Yao, Minister of Education Hua Xin, General-in-Chief Chen Qun of the Army Guards, Palace Attendant Xin Pi, Minister Wei Zhen, and Acting Minister of Justice Gao Rou jointly memorialized, "Xun's father Xin had merit toward the Grand Progenitor," begging that Xun's crime be pardoned. Cao Pi refused and executed Bao Xun. He died poor despite private virtue. Two weeks later Cao Pi died; observers mourned Bao Xun anew.
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司馬芝
Biography of Sima Zhi.
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司馬芝字子華,河内温人也。 少爲書生,避乱荆州,於鲁阳山遇贼,同行者皆弃老弱走,芝独坐守老母。 贼至,以刃临芝,芝叩头曰:“母老,唯在诸君!” 贼曰:“此孝子也,杀之不义。” 遂得免害,以鹿车推载母。 居南方十馀年,躬耕守节。
Sima Zhi, courtesy Zihua, came from Wen county in Henei. Fleeing to Jing, robbers cornered his party; companions fled, but he shielded his mother. When bandits arrived they laid blades at Zhi; Zhi prostrated himself and said, "Mother is aged—I leave her only to you gentlemen!" The bandits said "This is a filial son—to kill him lacks righteousness." They escaped; he pushed her in a handcart. He farmed honorably south of the Yangzi for a decade.
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太祖平荆州,以芝爲菅长。 时天下草创,多不奉法。 郡主簿刘节,旧族豪侠,宾客千馀家,出爲盗贼,入乱吏治。 顷之,芝差节客王同等爲兵,掾史据白:“节家前后未尝给繇,若至时藏匿,必爲留负。” 芝不听,与节書曰:“君爲大宗,加股肱郡,而宾客每不与役,既众庶怨望,或流声上闻。 今 (条) 同等爲兵,幸时发遣。” 兵已集郡,而节藏同等,因令督邮以军兴诡责县,县掾史穷困,乞代同行。 芝乃驰檄济南,具陳节罪。 太守郝光素敬信芝,即以节代同行,青州号芝“以郡主簿爲兵”。 迁广平令。 征虏将军刘勋,贵宠骄豪,又芝故郡将,宾客子弟在界数犯法。 勋与芝書,不著姓名,而多所属讬,芝不报其書,一皆如法。 后勋以不轨诛,交关者皆获罪,而芝以见称。 〈《魏略》曰:勋字子台,琅邪人。 中平末,爲沛國建平长,与太祖有旧。 后爲庐江太守,爲孙策所破,自归太祖,封列侯,遂从在散伍议中。 勛兄爲豫州刺史,病亡。 兄子威,又代从政。 勋自恃与太祖有宿,日骄慢,数犯法,又诽谤。 爲李申成所白,收治,并免威官。〉
Cao Cao named him magistrate of Jian county after taking Jing. Early Wei saw widespread legal laxity. Chief clerk Liu Jie ran a thousand-client racket inside and outside the yamen. Shortly afterward, Zhi assigned Jie's guests Wang Tong and others as soldiers; the clerks cited precedent, saying, "Jie's household has never supplied corvée; when the time comes they will hide, surely leaving arrears." Zhi did not listen, and wrote to Jie, "You are the head of a great lineage and are attached to a commandery that serves as a limb of the state, yet your guests repeatedly avoid service; the common people already resent and complain, and rumors may have reached above. Now, having listed Tong and the others as soldiers, I hope you will dispatch them on time." Liu Jie hid the conscripts and pressured the county through bogus military orders. Sima Zhi reported Liu Jie to Jinan in writing. Governor Hao Guang had always respected and trusted Zhi, and therefore made Jie replace Tong and the others; Qing Province nicknamed Zhi "the man who turned a commandery chief clerk into a soldier." He moved up to Guangping magistrate. Liu Xun's hangers-on broke laws in Sima Zhi's county. Sima Zhi ignored anonymous pull peddling and judged by code alone. When Liu Xun fell for treason, Sima Zhi won praise for incorruptibility. 〈Weilüe identifies Liu Xun as Zitai from Langye. Late Han he governed Jianping in Pei and knew Cao Cao of old. Sun Ce smashed his Lujiang command; he surrendered to Cao Cao, took a column marquisate, and joined staff debates. His elder brother died as Yu Province governor. Nephew Liu Wei inherited the post. Liu Xun presumed on Cao Cao's friendship, broke laws, and spread libel. Li Shengcheng denounced him; Liu Wei lost rank too.〉
41
迁大理正。 有盗官练置都厕上者,吏疑女工,收以付狱。 芝曰:“夫刑罪之失,失在苛暴。 今赃物先得而后讯其辞,若不胜掠,或至诬服。 诬服之情,不可以折狱。 且简而易从,大人之化也。 不失有罪,庸世之治耳。 今宥所疑,以隆易從之義,不亦可乎!” 太祖從其議。 历甘陵、沛、陽平太守,所在有绩。
He rose to senior judge under the minister of justice. Theft of palace silk implicated female artisans wrongly. Zhi said, "The failure in punishments and crimes lies in harsh violence. Now the stolen goods are obtained first and only afterward are the statements questioned; if a man cannot endure the beating, he may reach the point of making a false confession. The circumstances of a false confession cannot be used to decide a case. Moreover, being simple and easy to follow is the transforming influence of a great man. Not letting the guilty escape is only the governance of a mediocre age. Now to pardon what is doubtful, thereby elevating the meaning of being easy to follow, would that not be acceptable!" Cao Cao adopted his view. He governed Ganling, Pei, and Yangping with distinction.
42
黄初中,入爲河南尹,抑强扶弱,私请不行。 会内官欲以事讬芝,不敢发言,因芝妻伯父董昭。 昭犹惮芝,不爲通。 芝爲教与群下曰:“盖君能设教,不能使吏必不犯也。 吏能犯教,而不能使君必不闻也。 夫设教而犯,君之劣也; 犯教而闻,吏之祸也。 君劣於上,吏祸於下,此政事所以不理也。 可不各勉之哉!” 於是下吏莫不自励。 门下循行尝疑门幹盗簪,幹辞不符,曹执爲狱。 芝教曰:“凡物有相似而难分者,自非离娄,鲜能不惑。 就其实然,循行何忍重惜一簪,轻伤同类乎! 其寝勿问。” 明帝即位,赐爵关内侯。 顷之,特进曹洪乳母当,与临汾公主侍者共事无涧神。 臣松之案:无涧,山名,在洛阳东北。 系狱。 卞太后遣黄门诣府传令,芝不通,辄敕洛阳狱考竟,而上疏曰:
As Henan governor he shielded the weak and barred pull. Eunuchs tried reaching him via Dong Zhao. Even Dong Zhao hesitated to ask. Zhi issued an instruction to his subordinates, saying, "A lord can establish instructions, but cannot make it certain that officials will never violate them. Officials can violate the instructions, but cannot make it certain that the lord will never hear of it. To establish instructions and have them violated is the lord's deficiency; to violate instructions and have it heard of is the official's disaster. With the lord deficient above and officials meeting disaster below, this is why government affairs are not ordered. Can each of you fail to exert himself!" Staff tightened discipline overnight. A patrolman accused a gate runner of pin theft on thin grounds. Zhi instructed them, saying, "Whenever things resemble one another and are difficult to distinguish, unless one is Li Lou, few can avoid being confused. If the true situation is considered, how could a patrolman bear to value one hairpin so highly and lightly injure one of his own kind! Let the matter rest and do not inquire into it." When Emperor Ming came to the throne, Sima Zhi was granted the rank of Marquis within the Passes. Soon afterward, Dang, the wet nurse of Specially Advanced Cao Hong, together with an attendant of Princess Linfen, served the spirit of Wujian. Your servant Songzhi notes: Wujian is the name of a mountain, northeast of Luoyang. They were imprisoned. Empress Dowager Bian sent a Yellow-Gate attendant to the office to transmit her command, but Zhi did not let it through; he immediately ordered the Luoyang prison to complete the investigation, and sent up a memorial saying:
43
诸应死罪者,皆当先表须报。 前制書禁绝淫祀以正风俗,今当等所犯妖刑,辞語始定,黄门吴达诣臣,傳太皇太后令。 臣不敢通,惧有救护,速闻圣听,若不得已,以垂宿留。 由事不早竟,是臣之罪,是以冒犯常科,辄敕县考竟,擅行刑戮,伏须诛罚。
Death sentences required imperial confirmation. Prior bans on illicit cults framed Dang's sorcery trial when a eunuch relayed the empress dowager's command mid-case. He would not pass the message along lest protectors alert the emperor prematurely; only if compelled would he let the case sit overnight. He confessed to rushing a capital sentence without higher approval and offered himself for punishment.
44
帝手报曰:“省表,明卿至心,欲奉诏書,以权行事,是也。 此乃卿奉诏之意,何谢之有? 后黄门复往,慎勿通也。” 芝居官十一年,数议科条所不便者。 其在公卿间,直道而行。 会诸王来朝,与京都人交通,坐免。
The emperor replied in his own hand, "I have read your memorial and understand your deepest sincerity. You wished to honor the imperial edict while acting according to practical authority; this was correct. This was precisely your intent in honoring the edict; what is there to apologize for? If yellow-gate attendants come again later, be careful not to let them through." For eleven years as Henan governor he contested cumbersome laws. Among high ministers he kept an uncompromising course. Princes' illicit contacts with Luoyang locals cost him his post.
45
后爲大司农。 先是诸典农各部吏民,末作治生,以要利入。 芝奏曰:
He later directed the ministry of agriculture. Colony officials had turned tenant farmers toward trade sidelines. Sima Zhi submitted:
46
王者之治,崇本抑末,务农重谷。 王制:‘无三年之储,國非其國也。 ’管子区言以积谷爲急。 方今二虏未灭,师旅不息,國家之要,惟在谷帛。 武皇帝特开屯田之官,专以农桑爲业。 建安中,天下仓廪充实,百姓殷足。 自黄初以来,听诸典农治生,各爲部下之计,诚非國家大体所宜也。 夫王者以海内爲家,故傳曰:‘百姓不足,君谁与足! ’富足之田,在於不失天时而尽地力。 今商旅所求,虽有加倍之显利,然於一统之计,已有不赀之损,不如垦田益一亩之收也。 夫农民之事田,自正月耕种,耘锄条桑,耕熯种麦,穫刈筑场,十月乃毕。 治廪系桥,运输租赋,除道理梁,墐涂室屋,以是终岁,无日不爲农事也。 今诸典农,各言‘留者爲行者宗田计,课其力,势不得不尔。 不有所废,则当素有馀力。 ’臣愚以爲不宜复以商事杂乱,专以农桑爲务,於國计爲便。
The throne must privilege agriculture over commerce. The Royal Regulations say: "Without three years' stores, the state is not a state. Guanzi in terse sayings takes storing grain as urgent." Until Wu and Shu fell, grain and cloth remained the strategic priority. Cao Cao founded the colony system for tillage and silk alone. Jian'an granaries once overflowed and the people prospered. Huangchu permissiveness let colonies chase private gain—a poor fit for national policy. The king takes all within the seas as household—therefore the tradition says: "If commoners are insufficient, with whom is the lord sufficient! The field of abundance lies in not missing heaven's seasons and exhausting earth's strength." Trading windfalls drain the strategic economy worse than opening one extra mu. The farming calendar runs solid labor from spring sowing through autumn threshing. Farmers spend the year hauling tax grain, mending roads, and patching roofs—no idle day. Now various colony officers each say: Those staying calculate traveling men"s ancestral fields, assessing their labor—circumstances force it. If nothing is abandoned then ordinarily there should be surplus strength. Your foolish servant thinks one ought not again mix commercial affairs in confusion—dedicate solely to farming and sericulture—convenient for state planning."
47
明帝从之。
Mingdi adopted the proposal.
48
每上官有所召问,常先见掾史,爲断其意故,教其所以答塞之状,皆如所度。 芝性亮直,不矜廉隅。 与宾客谈論,有不可意,便面折其短,退无异言。 卒於官,家无馀财,自魏迄今爲河南尹者莫及芝。
He coached subordinates before imperial audiences until replies landed exactly as predicted. He was candid without theatrical righteousness. He criticized companions openly and never gossiped behind their backs. He died poor in post; later Henan governors were measured against him and found wanting.
49
子岐
His heir Sima Qi.
50
芝亡,子岐嗣,从河南丞转廷尉正,迁陳留相。 梁郡有系囚,多所连及,数岁不决。 诏書徙狱于岐属县,县请豫治牢具。 岐曰:“今囚有数十,既巧诈难符,且已倦楚毒,其情易见。 岂当复久处囹圄邪!” 及囚室,诘之,皆莫敢匿诈,一朝决竟,遂超爲廷尉。 是时大将军爽专权,尚書何晏、邓飏等爲之辅翼。 南阳圭泰尝以言迕指,考系廷尉。 飏讯狱,将致泰重刑。 岐数飏曰:“夫枢机大臣,王室之佐,既不能辅化成德,齐美古人,而乃肆其私忿,枉論无辜。 使百姓危心,非此焉在?” 飏於是惭怒而退。 岐終恐久獲罪,以疾去官。 居家未期而卒,年三十五。 子肇嗣。 〈肇,晋太康中爲冀州刺史、尚書,见 (百官志) 百官名。〉
Sima Qi inherited, rose from Henan aide to judge, then Chenliu minister. Liang commandery jailed mass defendants for years unresolved. An edict transferred the case to his counties, which begged to build new cells. Qi said: "Now prisoners number several tens—already crafty fraud hard to match—and moreover already weary of Chu torture—their circumstances easy to see. How should they again long dwell in prison!" Morning interrogations cleared every charge and vaulted him to minister of justice. Cao Shuang dominated court with He Yan and Deng Yang as allies. Gui Tai of Nanyang crossed power-holders and landed in jail. Deng Yang meant to crush Gui Tai in trial. Qi repeatedly told Yang, "Pivot ministers assisting the royal house, unable to aid transformation into virtue or match the excellence of the ancients, instead vent private resentment and twist judgment against the guiltless. Making commoners stand in peril—if not here then where?" Deng Yang stalked off humiliated and furious. Fearing reprisal, Sima Qi resigned on health grounds. He died within the year at thirty-five. Son Sima Zhao inherited. 〈During the Jin Taikang era he governed Ji Province and served as minister of the masters of writing; see (Treatise on the Hundred Offices) and the Register of Official Titles).〉
51
作者評論
Commentary of the historian.
52
评曰:徐奕、何夔、邢颙贵尚峻厉,爲世名人。 毛玠清公素履,司馬芝忠亮不倾,庶乎不吐刚茹柔。 崔琰高格最优,鮑勋秉正无亏,而皆不免其身,惜哉! 大雅贵“既明且哲”,虞書尚“直而能温”,自非兼才,畴克备诸!
Chen Shou ranks Xu Yi, He Kui, and Xing Yong among the era's stern exemplars. Mao Jie and Sima Zhi embodied the classic refusal to truckle to the powerful. Cui Yan and Bao Xun stood tallest yet paid with their lives—a bitter loss. "The Great Odes prize being both perspicacious and wise; the Documents esteem being straight yet able to be mild—unless one possesses combined talents, who can fulfill them all!"