1
徐邈胡質王昶王基
Xu Miao, Hu Zhi, Wang Chang, and Wang Ji.
2
徐邈字景山,燕國薊人也。 太祖平河朔,召爲丞相軍謀掾,試守奉高令,入爲東曹議令史。 魏國初建,爲尚書郎。 時科禁酒,而邈私飲至於沈醉。 校事趙達問以曹事,邈曰:「中聖人。」 達白之太祖,太祖甚怒。 度遼將軍鮮于輔進曰:「平日醉客謂酒清者爲聖人,濁者爲賢人,邈性脩慎,偶醉言耳。」 竟坐得免刑。 後領隴西太守,轉爲南安。 文帝踐阼,歷譙相,平陽、安平太守,潁川典農中郎將,所在著稱,賜爵關內侯。 車駕幸許昌,問邈曰:「頗復中聖人不?」 邈對曰:「昔子反斃於穀陽,御叔罰於飲酒,臣嗜同二子,不能自懲,時復中之。 然宿瘤以醜見傳,而臣以醉見識。」 帝大笑,顧左右曰:「名不虛立。」 遷撫軍大將軍軍師。
Xu Miao, courtesy Jingshan, hailed from Ji in the Yan princedom. After Cao Cao subdued Hebei he enlisted Xu Miao as army strategist, tried him as acting magistrate of Fenggao, then appointed eastern bureau clerk. When Wei was founded Xu Miao joined the masters of writing. Though prohibition ruled Luoyang Xu Miao drank himself blind. Inspector Zhao Da pressed him about office affairs; Xu Miao answered 'the middling sage.' Zhao Da reported to Cao Cao who exploded. general who Estimates the Liao Xianyu Fu advanced saying 'Among habitual drunkards clear liquor is called sage and turbid worthy—Miao's nature is cultivated and cautious—it was but drunken words.' The court let him off. He governed Longxi then Nan'an. Under Cao Pi he served Qiao chancellor Pingyang and Anping governors Yingchuan farming general—and earned a secondary marquisate. When the imperial carriage visited Xuchang [the emperor] asked Miao 'Have you hit middle sage again?' Miao replied 'Formerly Zifan died at Guyang Yushu was punished for drinking—I crave drink like those two and cannot restrain myself—I sometimes hit again. Ugly Suiliu became legend yet Xu Miao claimed fame only as a drunk." The emperor laughed greatly looked at left and right saying 'The name was not vainly established.' He rose to strategist under the Pacifies-the-Army general.
3
明帝以涼州絕遠,南接蜀寇,以邈爲涼州刺史,使持節領護羌校尉。 至,值諸葛亮出祁山,隴右三郡反,邈輙遣參軍及金城太守等擊南安賊,破之。 河右少雨,常苦乏糓,邈上脩武威、酒泉鹽池以收虜糓,又廣開水田,募貧民佃之,家家豐足,倉庫盈溢。 乃支度州界軍用之餘,以市金帛犬馬,通供中國之費。 以漸收斂民間私杖,藏之府庫。 然後率以仁義,立學明訓,禁厚葬,斷淫祀,進善黜惡,風化大行,百姓歸心焉。 西域流通,荒戎入貢,皆邈勳也。 討叛羌柯吾有功,封都亭侯,邑三百戶,加建威將車。 邈與羌、胡從事,不問小過; 若犯大罪,先告部帥,使知,應死者乃斬以徇,是以信服畏威。 賞賜皆散與將士,無入家者,妻子衣食不充; 天子聞而嘉之,隨時供給其家。 彈邪繩枉,州界肅清。
Emperor Cao Rui made Xu Miao Liangzhou inspector—remote frontier facing Shu—with staff and Qiang-colonel rank. He arrived as Zhuge Liang marched from Qishan and Longyou rose; Xu Miao threw aides and the Jincheng governor against Nan'an rebels and broke them. Longzhou was dry so Xu Miao rebuilt Wuwei and Jiuquan salt works to trade grain for nomad barley opened paddies for poor tenants until bins overflowed. He gauged surplus grain bought silk horses and gold for the capital. He slowly confiscated illegal weapons for the armory. Then he taught ritual ran schools banned wasteful funerals and cults rewarded virtue—the customs turned and the people rallied. Trade flowed west tribute arrived—all Xu Miao's doing. He crushed rebel Qiang Kewu earned village marquis of the capital district three hundred households and rank Establishes Might general. With tribes he overlooked petty slips; major crimes went first to tribal heads—executions came only after public notice so tribes feared and obeyed. He gave every bonus to the troops—his family went short; The emperor heard and funded his household. He purged corruption until Liangzhou ran clean.
4
正始元年,還爲大司農。 遷爲司隷校尉,百僚敬憚之。 公事去官。 後爲光祿大夫,數歲即拜司空,邈歎曰:「三公論道之官,無其人則缺,豈可以老病忝之哉?」 遂固辭不受。 嘉平元年,年七十八,以大夫薨于家,用公禮葬,謚曰穆侯。 子武嗣。 六年,朝廷追思清節之士,詔曰:「夫顯賢表德,聖王所重; 舉善而教,仲尼所美。 故司空徐邈、征東將軍胡質、衞尉田豫皆服職前朝,歷事四世,出統戎馬,入贊庶政,忠清在公,憂國忘私,不營產業,身沒之後,家無餘財,朕甚嘉之。 其賜邈等家糓二千斛,錢三十萬,布告天下。」
Zhengshi 1 brought him back as minister of agriculture. As metropolitan commander he cowed the bureaucracy. Official protocol forced him out. Later he became grand counselor of the palace—within several years then appointment minister of works—Miao sighed 'The three dukes discuss the Way—if there is no fit man the office is left vacant—how can one shame it with old age and illness?' He declined firmly. Jiaping 1 he died at seventy-eight at home as grand counselor with ducal burial and posthumous marquis Mu. Son Xu Wu inherited. In the sixth year the court recalled gentlemen of pure integrity edict stating 'Displaying the worthy manifesting virtue weighty matters of sage kings; lifting good men for instruction Confucius admired. The former minister of works Xu Miao, east-conquering general Hu Zhi, and chamberlain Tian Yu all served the prior court through four reigns; whether commanding armies abroad or aiding civil rule at home they were loyal, incorrupt, and selfless, leaving no fortune behind—I deeply commend them. Grant each family two thousand hu grain thirty thousand cash and publish this empire-wide."
5
邈同郡韓觀曼遊,有鑒識器幹,與邈齊名,而在孫禮、盧毓先,爲豫州刺史,甚有治功,卒官。 〈《魏名臣奏》載黃門侍郎杜恕表,稱:「韓觀、王昶,信有兼才,高官重任,不但三州。」〉 盧欽著書,稱邈曰:「徐公志高行絜,才博氣猛。 其施之也,高而不狷,絜而不介,博而守約,猛而能寬。 聖人以清爲難,而徐公之所易也。」 或問欽:「徐公當武帝之時,人以爲通,自在涼州及還京師,人以爲介,何也?」 欽荅曰; 「往者毛孝先、崔季珪等用事,貴清素之士,于時皆變易車服以求名高,而徐公不改其常,故人以爲通。 比來天下奢靡,轉相倣效,而徐公雅尚自若,不與俗同,故前日之通,乃今日之介也。 是世人之無常,而徐公之有常也。」
Fellow townsman Han Guan Manyou matched Xu Miao's reputation preceded Sun Li and Lu Yu governed Yu Province well and died in harness. 〈《Memorials of Wei Famous Ministers》 carries attendant at yellow gates Du Shu's memorial stating 'Han Guan Wang Chang truly possess doubled talent high office heavy responsibility not merely three provinces.'〉 Lu Qin authored books praising Miao 'Lord Xu aims high acts pure talent broad spirit fierce. In practice lofty but not aloof clean but not stiff learned yet disciplined fierce yet generous. Sages call purity hard Xu Miao wore it lightly." Someone asked Qin 'When Lord Xu was under Emperor Wu people deemed him accommodating; from Liangzhou and returning to the capital people deemed him rigid—why?' Lu Qin answered: "Formerly, when Mao Jie and Cui Yan held office, they prized pure and plain gentlemen. At that time everyone changed carriages and clothing to seek a lofty reputation, but Lord Xu did not alter his usual ways, so people thought him accommodating. Now fashion runs riot yet Xu Miao stays austere so former flexibility reads as stubborn integrity. The world changed Xu Miao did not."
6
胡質字文德,楚國壽春人也。 少與蔣濟、朱績俱知名於江、淮間,仕州郡。 蔣濟爲別駕,使見太祖。 太祖問曰:「胡通達,長者也,寧有子孫不?」 濟曰:「有子曰質,規模大略不及於父,至於精良綜事過之。」 〈案 〈胡氏譜〉 :通達名敏,以方正徵。〉 太祖即召質爲頓丘令。 縣民郭政通於從妹,殺其夫程他,郡吏馮諒繫獄爲證。 政與妹皆耐掠隱抵,諒不勝痛,自誣,當反其罪。 質至官,察其情色,更詳其事,檢驗具服。
Hu Zhi courtesy Wende came from Shouchun in Chu. Young he ranked with Jiang Ji and Zhu Ji between Yangzi and Huai and served local office. Jiang Ji his superior sent him to Cao Cao. The Founding Emperor asked 'Hu Tongda is a venerable elder—does he have descendants?' Ji said 'There is a son named Zhi—scope and grand strategy does not reach his father—as for refined thorough management of affairs he surpasses him.' 〈Pei Songzhi opens a note with 〈the heading Genealogy of the Hu lineage.〉 Hu Min style Tongda won recommendation for upright conduct.〉 Cao Cao named Hu Zhi magistrate of Dunqiu. Guo Zheng slept with a cousin and murdered her husband Cheng Ta; clerk Feng Liang jailed waited witness. Guo and the woman endured the lash in silence until Feng broke and confessed falsely threatening reversal. Hu Zhi read faces reopened the case and extracted true confessions.
7
太祖辟爲丞相屬。 黃初中,徙吏部郎,爲常山太守,遷任東莞。 士盧顯爲人所殺,質曰:「此士無讎而有少妻,所以死乎!」 悉見其比居年少,書吏李若見問而色動,遂窮詰情狀。 若即自首,罪人斯得。 每軍功賞賜,皆散之於衆,無入家者。 在郡九年,吏民便安,將士用命。
Cao Cao took him as chancellor's aide. Huangchu brought personnel gentleman Changshan governor then Dongguan. Gentleman Lu Xian was murdered. Zhi said, "This man had no enemies, but he had a young wife; was that why he died?" He questioned young neighbors—clerk Li Ruo flinched under inquiry. Li Ruo confessed and the killer was caught. Battle bonuses went to the troops never his purse. Nine years in office brought peace willing clerks and obedient soldiers.
8
遷荊州刺史,加振威將軍,賜爵關內侯。 吳大將朱然圍樊城,質輕軍赴之。 議者皆以爲賊盛不可迫,質曰:「樊城卑下,兵少,故當進軍爲之外援; 不然,危矣。」 遂勒兵臨圍,城中乃安。 遷征東將軍,假節都督青、徐諸軍。 廣農積糓,有兼年之儲,置東征臺,且佃且守。 又通渠諸郡,利舟楫,嚴設備以待敵。 海邊無事。
He became Jingzhou inspector Inspires Might general secondary marquis. Zhu Ran besieged Fan; Hu Zhi raced there with a light column. Debators all thought bandits strong could not be pressed Zhi said 'Fan city is low few troops—therefore ought advance army as outer relief; otherwise it falls." He pressed the siege lines and steadied the city. He rose east-conquering general with staff over Qing and Xu. He opened farms stockpiled multiyear grain built the eastern expedition terrace farming while guarding. He dredged harbors for shipping and readied defenses. The coast stayed quiet.
9
其爲兄子及子作名字,皆依謙實,以見其意,故兄子默字處靜,沈字處道,其子渾字玄冲,深字道冲。 遂書戒之曰:
Names for nephews and sons reflected humility Mo Stillness Shen Way sons Hun Dark-Depth Shen Way-Rush. He wrote this warning:
10
夫人爲子之道,莫大於寶身全行,以顯父母。 此三者人知其善,而或危身破家,陷於滅亡之禍者,何也? 由所祖習非其道也。 夫孝敬仁義,百行之首,行之而立,身之本也。 孝敬則宗族安之,仁義則鄉黨重之,此行成於內,名著於外者矣。 人若不篤於至行,而背本逐末,以陷浮華焉,以成朋黨焉; 浮華則有虛僞之累,朋黨則有彼此之患。 此二者之戒,昭然著明,而循覆車滋衆,逐末彌甚,皆由惑當時之譽,昧目前之利故也。 夫富貴聲名,人情所樂,而君子或得而不處,何也? 惡不由其道耳。 患人知進而不知退,知欲而不知足,故有困辱之累,悔吝之咨。 語曰:「如不知足,則失所欲。」 故知足之足常足矣。 覽往事之成敗,察將來之吉凶,未有干名要利,欲而不厭,而能保世持家,永全福祿者也。 欲使汝曹立身行己,遵儒者之教,履道家之言,故以玄默冲虛爲名,欲使汝曹顧名思義,不敢違越也。 古者盤杅有銘,几杖有誡,俯仰察焉,用無過行; 況在己名,可不戒之哉! 夫物速成則疾亡,晚就則善終。 朝華之草,夕而零落; 松栢之茂,隆寒不衰。 是以大雅君子惡速成,戒闕黨也。 若范匄對秦客而武子擊之折其委笄,惡其掩人也。 〈《國語》曰:范文子暮退於朝,武子曰:「何暮也?」 對曰:「有秦客廋辭於朝,大夫莫之能對也,吾知三焉。」 武子怒曰:「大夫非不能也,讓父兄也。 尔童子而三掩人於朝,吾不在,晉國亡無日也。」 擊之以杖,折其委笄。 臣松之案:對秦客者,范燮也。 此云范匄,蓋誤也。〉 夫人有善鮮不自伐,有能者寡不自矜; 伐則掩人,矜則陵人。 掩人者人亦掩之,陵人者人亦陵之。 故三郤爲戮於晉,王叔負罪於周,不惟矜善自伐好爭之咎乎? 故君子不自稱,非以讓人,惡其蓋人也。 夫能屈以爲伸,讓以爲得,弱以爲彊,鮮不遂矣。 夫毀譽,愛惡之原而禍福之機也,是以聖人慎之。 孔子曰:「吾之於人,誰毀誰譽; 如有所譽,必有所試。」 又曰:「子貢方人。 賜也賢乎哉,我則不暇。」 以聖人之德,猶尚如此,況庸庸之徒而輕毀譽哉?
Sons must preserve life and perfect conduct to honor parents. Everyone praises those aims yet many ruin selves and kin—why they imitate the wrong path. Filial respect benevolence duty head every virtue foundations of character. Filial sons steady the lineage humane men earn village respect inner virtue shows abroad. Without deepest commitment men chase fashion and faction; flash invites deceit cliques breed strife. The warning is plain yet crowds repeat the wreck chasing trends blind to gain. Men love riches rank reputation yet the noble sometimes refuses them—why because wrong roads disgust him. Men advance never retreat crave never enough—so shame regret and ruin follow. The saying states 'If not knowing sufficiency then lose what you desire. Knowing enough is enough. History shows no grasping courtier who stayed rich and safe. He named sons for Daoist quiet hoping names would remind them to stay humble. Ancient vessels bore mottos to curb excess; how much more your given names demand discipline. What ripens fast rots quick slow growth endures. Morning blooms drop by dusk; pines stay green through bitter winter. Men of high culture despise shortcut fame and shun cliquish striving. Fan Wenzi's son answered the envoy's riddles in court so Fan Wuzi caned him and snapped his hairpin—for showing up his peers. 〈《Guoyu》 states Fan Wenzi withdrew late from court; Wuzi said 'Why so late?' He replied 'A Qin guest posed riddles at court—great officers could answer none—I knew three.' Wuzi angrily said 'The great officers were not unable—they deferred to fathers and elder brothers. A boy upstaging three ministers—had I been gone the state would fall." He beat him with a rod and broke his hairpin. Pei Songzhi notes the respondent was Fan Xie. Calling him Fan Gai here is likely mistaken.〉 Few excel without crowing few gifted restrain vanity; Self-praise hides rivals arrogance tramples them. Who cheapens others gets cheapened who lords over men is lords over. Thus the three Xi clans fell in Jin Wang Shu stumbled in Zhou—vanity and quarrel surely. Noble men skip self-flattery less from modesty than from stealing others' credit. Yield to advance concede to win feign weakness for strength—success follows. Praise and blame stir affection and disaster—sages weigh every word. Confucius said 'Toward people whom did I blame whom praise? Any praise rested on proof." He also said 'Zigong judges others. Am I worthy—I lack time for ratings." If Confucius stayed so cautious how dare lesser men gossip freely?
11
昔伏波將軍馬援戒其兄子,言:「聞人之惡,當如聞父母之名; 耳可得而聞,口不可得而言也。」 斯戒至矣。 〈臣松之以爲援之此誡,可謂切至之言,不刊之訓也。 凡道人過失,蓋謂居室之愆,人未之知,則由己而發者也。 若乃行事,得失已暴於世,因其善惡,即以爲誡,方之於彼,則有愈焉。 然援誡稱龍伯高之美,言杜季良之惡,致使事徹時主,季良以敗。 言之傷人,孰大於此? 與其所誡,自相違伐。〉 人或毀己,當退而求之於身。 若己有可毀之行,則彼言當矣; 若己無可毀之行,則彼言妄矣。 當則無怨於彼,妄則無害於身,又何反報焉? 且聞人毀己而忿者,惡醜聲之加人也,人報者滋甚,不如默而自脩己也。 諺曰:「救寒莫如重裘,止謗莫如自脩。」 斯言信矣。 若與是非之士,凶險之人,近猶不可,況與對校乎? 其害深矣。 夫虛僞之人,言不根道,行不顧言,其爲浮淺較可識別; 而世人惑焉,猶不檢之以言行也。 近濟陰魏諷、山陽曹偉皆以傾邪敗沒,熒惑當世,挾持姦慝,驅動後生。 雖刑於鈇鉞,大爲烱戒,然所汙染,固以衆矣。 可不慎與! 〈《世語》曰:黃初中,孫權通章表。 偉以白衣登江上,與權交書求賂,欲以交結京師,故誅之。〉
Former general who Calms the Waves Ma Yuan warned his elder brother's sons saying 'Hearing evil of others treat as hearing parents' names; ears may hear lips stay sealed." That lesson suffices. 〈Pei Songzhi: Ma Yuan's advice cuts deep and ages well. Discussing private slips unknown to the world means exposing them yourself. Public deeds already judged—warning through example surpasses tale-bearing. Yet praising Long Bogao and attacking Du Liang reached the throne and ruined Liang. What spoken wound proved worse? It violated his own counsel.〉 When slandered examine yourself. If you earned blame they speak truth; if blameless they babble. Truth frees resentment lies cannot wound—why strike back? Rage at rumor spreads worse gossip—stay mute and reform. Proverb states 'Against cold nothing like heavy fur against slander nothing like self cultivation.' Sound counsel. Shun quarrelsome villains—never fence with them. The damage runs deep. Hypocrisy shows thin easy to read; yet crowds trust without matching deeds to words. Wei Feng and Cao Wei misled the age with vice seduced youth. Execution warned yet many were stained. Beware. 〈The Shiyu notes Sun Quan sent memorials in Huangchu. Cao Wei crossed the river as a commoner traded letters with Sun Quan for bribes to court Luoyang—hence execution.〉
12
若夫山林之士,夷、叔之倫,甘長飢於首陽,安赴火於緜山,雖可以激貪勵俗,然聖人不可爲,吾亦不願也。 今汝先人世有冠冕,惟仁義爲名,守慎爲稱,孝悌於閨門,務學於師友。 吾與時人從事,雖出處不同,然各有所取。 頴川郭伯益,好尚通達,敏而有知。 其爲人弘曠不足,輕貴有餘; 得其人重之如山,不得其人忽之如草。 吾以所知親之昵之,不願兒子爲之。 〈伯益名弈,郭嘉之子。〉 北海徐偉長,不治名高,不求苟得,澹然自守,惟道是務。 其有所是非,則託古人以見其意,當時無所褒貶。 吾敬之重之,願兒子師之。 東平劉公幹,博學有高才,誠節有大意,然性行不均,少所拘忌,得失足以相補。 吾愛之重之,不願兒子慕之。 〈臣松之以爲文舒復擬則文淵,顯言人之失。 魏諷、曹偉,事陷惡逆,著以爲誡,差無可尤。 至若郭伯益、劉公幹,雖其人皆往,善惡有定; 然旣交之於昔,不宜復毀之於今,而乃形于翰墨,永傳後葉,於舊交則違久要之義,於子孫則揚人前世之惡。 於夫鄙懷,深所不取。 善乎東方之誡子也,以首陽爲拙,柳下爲工,寄旨古人,無傷當時。 方之馬、王,不亦遠哉!〉 樂安任昭先,淳粹履道,內敏外恕,推遜恭讓,處不避洿,怯而義勇,在朝忘身。 吾友之善之,願兒子遵之。 〈昭先名嘏。 〈別傳〉 曰:嘏,樂安博昌人。 世爲著姓,夙智性成,故鄉人爲之語曰:「蔣氏翁,任氏童。」 父旐,字子旟,以至行稱。 漢末,黃巾賊起,天下飢荒,人民相食。 寇到博昌,聞旐姓字,乃相謂曰:「宿聞任子旟,天下賢人也。 今雖作賊,那可入其鄉邪?」 遂相帥而去。 由是聲聞遠近,州郡並招舉孝廉,歷酸棗、祝阿令。 嘏八歲喪母,號泣不絕聲,自然之哀,同於成人,故幼以至性見稱。 年十四始學,疑不再問,三年中誦五經,皆究其義,兼包群言,無不綜覽,於時學者號之神童。 遂遇荒亂,家貧賣魚,會官稅魚,魚貴數倍,嘏取直如常。 又與人共買生口,各雇八匹。 後生口家來贖,時價直六十匹。 共買者欲隨時價取贖,嘏自取本價八匹。 共買者慙,亦還取本價。 比居者擅耕嘏地數十畝種之,人以語嘏,嘏曰:「我自以借之耳。」 耕者聞之,慙謝還地。 及邑中爭訟,皆詣嘏質之,然後意厭。 其子弟有不順者,父兄竊數之曰:「汝所行,豈可令任君知邪!」 其禮教所化,率皆如此。 會太祖創業,召海內至德,嘏應其舉,爲臨菑侯庶子、相國東曹屬、尚書郎。 文帝時,爲黃門侍郎。 每納忠言,輒手書懷本,自在禁省,歸書不封。 帝嘉其淑慎,累遷東郡、趙郡、河東太守,所在化行,有遺風餘教。 嘏爲人淳粹凱弟,虛己若不足,恭敬如有畏。 其脩身履義,皆沈默潛行,不顯其美,故時人少得稱之。 著書三十八篇,凡四萬餘言。 嘏卒後,故吏東郡程威、趙國劉固、河東上官崇等,錄其事行及所著書奏之。 詔下祕書,以貫群言。〉 若引而伸之,觸類而長之,汝其庶幾舉一隅耳。 及其用財先九族,其施舍務周急,其出入存故老,其論議貴無貶,其進仕尚忠節,其取人務實道,其處勢戒驕淫,其貧賤慎無戚,其進退念合宜,其行事加九思,如此而已。 吾復何憂哉?
Hermits starving at Shouyang dying at Mianshan shame greed—I honor them yet neither sage nor I choose that path. Your house bears caps through merit famed for duty care filial piety and scholarship. I walk among peers serve or withdraw differently—each teaches. Guo Boyi of Yingchuan prizes breadth clever wise. He seems magnanimous yet lacks breadth and treats rank lightly; Those he favors he lifts like mountains those he spurns he treats like weeds. I befriend him forbid my sons. 〈Boyi is Guo Yi son of Guo Jia.〉 Xu Weichang of Beihai shuns fame easy profit quietly follows the Way. He masks judgment in ancient examples sparing contemporaries. I venerate him—sons model him. Liu Gonggan learned gifted uneven rash merits offset faults. I cherish him forbid imitation. 〈Pei Songzhi: Hu Zhi like Ma Yuan names contemporaries' faults aloud. Wei Feng and Cao Wei deserved exposure—fair warning. Guo and Liu are dead verdict sealed; yet ink brands friends breaks old ties stains heirs with elders' sins. Petty minds reject it. Dongfang Shuo praised Liu Xia wisely sparing living names. Alongside Ma Yuan's blunt warnings Dongfang's tact stands altogether finer.〉 Ren Zhao of Lean lived purity inward grace outward humility humble brave selfless at court. I love him—sons obey. 〈His given name Gu. 〈Separate biography heading.〉 Gu came from Bochang in Lean. His family had long been a famous surname, and his early wisdom was formed by nature, so the people of his village made a saying about him: "The Jiang family's elder, the Ren family's boy." Father Ren Zhao style Ziyu famed for virtue. Late Han Yellow Turbans rose famine drove men to cannibalism. When the bandits reached Bochang and heard Zhao's surname and style name, they said to one another, "We have long heard that Ren Ziyu is a worthy man under heaven. Even as robbers how raid his town?" They withdrew. Fame spread summons as filial magistrate at Suanzao Zhu'a. Gu mourned his mother at eight with an adult's grief famed for filial depth. At fourteen he mastered the classics earning prodigy fame. In famine he sold fish taxes spiked prices Gu charged the usual fee. He co-bought slaves eight bolts each. Owners ransomed at sixty bolts market rate. Partners wanted full price Gu took eight bolts only. Shamed partners refunded surplus. A neighbor arbitrarily plowed and planted several dozen mu of Gu's land. When someone told Gu, Gu said, "I myself had lent it to him." The farmer returned the plots ashamed. Litigants brought disputes to Gu. When sons and younger kinsmen behaved badly, their fathers and elder brothers privately rebuked them, saying, "Could what you are doing be allowed to become known to Lord Ren?" Such was his moral sway. Cao Cao summoned virtue Gu served Linzi heir aide minister gentleman. Under Wen yellow gate attendant. He copied loyal memorials carried drafts unsigned from palace. Emperor praised caution promoted him Dong Zhao Hedong governors lasting influence. Gu was humble deferential. Quiet virtue drew little praise. Thirty-eight chapters forty thousand characters. After death clerks memorialized life and works. Edict filed with palace library.〉 Extend by analogy—one corner hints at the whole. Spend money on kin first give alms to those in crisis honor old friends speak without malicious gossip promote loyalty hire substance beware arrogance in office endure poverty without self-pity advance or retreat with judgment apply careful thought that is all. With that I have no more fear for you.
13
青龍四年,詔「欲得有才智文章,謀慮淵深,料遠若近,視昧而察,籌不虛運,策弗徒發,端一小心,清脩密靜,乹乹不解,志尚在公者,無限年齒,勿拘貴賤,卿校已上各舉一人」。 太尉司馬宣王以昶應選。 正始中,轉在徐州,封武觀亭侯,遷征南將軍,假節都督荊、豫諸軍事。 昶以爲國有常衆,戰無常勝; 地有常險,守無常勢。 今屯宛,去襄陽三百餘里,諸軍散屯,船在宣池,有急不足相赴,乃表徙治新野,習水軍於二州,廣農墾殖,倉糓盈積。
Qinglong fourth year an edict said 'We desire to obtain those with talent wisdom writing craft plans deep consider far as if near see dark yet discern strategies not vainly deployed tactics not futile released upright cautious careful pure cultivated silent diligent tireless intent still public regardless age no constrain noble mean commandants and above each recommend one person.' Sima Yi recommended Wang Chang. Zhengshi saw Wang Chang move to Xu as marquis of Wuguan south-conquering general over Jing and Yu. States keep standing armies yet battles stay unpredictable; terrain offers fixed strongpoints defense needs shifting tactics. His Wan camp lay far from Xiangyang with scattered posts and boats at Xuanchi—too slow to reinforce—so he moved headquarters to Xinyue trained river fleets farmed both provinces and filled granaries.
14
嘉平初,太傅司馬宣王旣誅曹爽,乃奏愽問大臣得失。 昶陳治略五事:「其一,欲崇道篤學,抑絕浮華,使國子入太學而脩庠序; 其二,欲用考試,考試猶準繩也,未有舍準繩而意正曲直,廢黜陟而空論能否也; 其三,欲令居官者乆於其職,有治績則就增位賜爵; 其四,欲約官實祿,勵以廉恥,不使與百姓爭利; 其五,欲絕侈靡,務崇節儉,令衣服有章,上下有叙,儲糓畜帛,反民於樸。」 詔書襃讚。 因使撰百官考課事,昶以爲唐虞雖有黜陟之文,而考課之法不垂。 周制冢宰之職,大計群吏之治而誅賞,又無校比之制。 由此言之,聖主明於任賢,略舉黜陟之體,以委達官之長,而總其統紀,故能否可得而知也。 其大指如此。
After executing Cao Shuang Sima Yi polled senior ministers on reform. Chang stated governing strategy five items 'First desire elevate Way earnest learning suppress cut vain glitter cause imperial sons enter academy and cultivate schools; second institute exams like using a plumb line—no justice without measures; third keep officials long enough to prove merit before promoting; fourth pay civil servants enough that they need not prey on commoners; fifth outlaw luxury enforce sumptuary rules stockpile grain and silk restore plain living." Imperial praise followed. Court ordered an evaluation code Wang Chang noted Tang-Yu promoted and demoted yet left no exam statute. Zhou's minister tallied performance without standardized comparisons. Wise rulers judge ministers through their superiors' networks—merit surfaces. That was his gist.
15
二年,昶奏:「孫權流放良臣,適庶分爭,可乘釁而制吳、蜀; 白帝、夷陵之間,黔、巫、秭歸、房陵皆在江北,民夷與新城郡接,可襲取也。」 乃遣新城太守州泰襲巫、秭歸、房陵,荊州刺史王基詣夷陵,昶詣江陵,兩岸引竹絙爲橋,渡水擊之。 賊奔南岸,鑿七道並來攻。 於是昶使積弩同時俱發,賊大將施績夜遁入江陵城,追斬數百級。 昶欲引致平地與合戰,乃先遣五軍案大道發還,使賊望見以喜之,以所獲鎧馬甲首,馳環城以怒之,設伏兵以待之。 績果追軍,與戰,克之。 績遁走,斬其將鍾離茂、許旻,收其甲首旗鼓珍寶器仗,振旅而還。 王基、州泰皆有功。 於是遷昶征南大將軍、儀同三司,進封京陵侯。 毌丘儉、文欽作亂,引兵拒儉、欽有功,封二子亭侯、關內侯,進位驃騎將軍。 諸葛誕反,昶據夾石以逼江陵,持施績、全熈使不得東。 誕旣誅,詔曰:「昔孫臏佐趙,直湊大梁。 西兵驟進,亦所以成東征之勢也。」 增邑千戶,并前四千七百戶,遷司空,持節、都督如故。 甘露四年薨,謚曰穆侯。
Second year Chang memorialized 'Sun Quan banished good ministers legitimate and bastard branches contend—can exploit rift control Wu Shu; The belt from Baidi to Yiling lay north of the river touching Xincheng—ripe for seizure." He sent Zhou Tai against Wu Zigui and Fangling Wang Ji to Yiling himself to Jiangling bridging both banks to strike. Wu fled south cutting seven approaches for assault. Repeating crossbows volleyed Shi Ji fled into Jiangling hundreds died in pursuit. He baited Wu onto dry ground feigned withdrawal flaunted trophies round the walls and hid ambushers. Shi Ji chased and lost. Shi Ji ran Wang Chang slew Zhong Limao and Xu Min seized gear and withdrew. Wang Ji and Zhou Tai earned credit. Wang Chang became great south-conquering general with three-ducal honors marquis of Jingling. He blocked Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin's revolt won titles for two sons and became mounted escort general. During Zhuge Dan's revolt Wang Chang pinned Jiangling keeping Shi Ji and Quan Xi west. Dan already executed edict said 'Formerly Sun Bin aided Zhao straight struck Daliang. The western thrust shaped the eastern campaign." His fief grew one thousand households to four thousand seven hundred plus minister of works with unchanged command. He died Ganlu 4 as marquis Mu.
16
子渾嗣,咸熈中爲越騎校尉。 〈案《晉書》:渾自越騎入晉,累居方任,平吳有功,封一子江陵侯,位至司徒。 渾子濟,字武子,有儁才令望,爲河南尹、太僕。 早卒,追贈驃騎將軍。 渾弟深,兾州刺史。 深弟湛,字處冲,汝南太守。 湛子承,字安期,東海內史。 承子述,字懷祖,尚書令、衞將軍。 述子坦之,字文度,北中郎將,徐、兖二州刺史。 昶諸子中,湛最有悳譽,而承亦自爲名士,述及坦之並顯重於世,爲時盛門云。 自湛已下事,見《晉陽秋》也。〉
Son Wang Hun inherited later colonel of agile cavalry. 〈The Jin history traces Wang Hun from cavalry to minister who conquered Wu. His son Wang Ji Wuzi was famed governor of Henan and grand coachman. He died young honored posthumously as mounted escort general. Brother Wang Shen governed Ji Province. Wang Zhan Chuchong ran Runan. Wang Cheng Anqi served eastern sea. Wang Shu Huai zu became secretary general and guards general. Wang Tanzhi Wendu commanded north center and Yan-Xu. Of Wang Chang's line Wang Zhan was most praised Wang Cheng a celebrated scholar Wang Shu and Wang Tanzhi famed—the clan ruled society. Details from Wang Zhan onward appear in the Jin Yangqiu.〉
17
王基字伯輿,東萊曲城人也。 少孤,與叔父翁居。 翁撫養甚篤,基亦以孝稱。 年十七,郡召爲吏,非其好也,遂去,入琅邪界游學。 黃初中,察孝廉,除郎中。 是時青土初定,刺史王凌特表請基爲別駕,後召爲秘書郎,凌復請還。 頃之,司徒王朗辟基,淩不遣。 朗書劾州曰:「凡家臣之良,則升于公輔,公臣之良,則入于王職,是故古者侯伯有貢士之禮。 今州取宿衞之臣,留秘閣之吏,所希聞也。」 淩猶不遣。 淩流稱青土,蓋亦由基恊和之輔也。 大將軍司馬宣王辟基,未至,擢爲中書侍郎。
Wang Ji Boyu came from Qucheng in Donglai. Orphaned young he lived with his uncle Weng. Weng raised him devotedly and Ji earned praise for filial care. At seventeen clerical duty bored him so he studied abroad in Langye. Huangchu brought recommendation as filial and incorrupt and gentleman status. Inspector Wang Ling prized him as aide later palace secretary Ling reclaimed him. Wang Lang tried to hire him Wang Ling refused to release. Lang submitted a memorial impeaching the province, saying, "In general, worthy household ministers rose to become ducal aides, and worthy public ministers entered royal service; thus in antiquity marquises and earls had a ritual for presenting scholars. Keeping a bodyguard clerk and archive secretary is unheard of." Ling still refused. Ling's glowing reports on Qingzhou owed much to Wang Ji. Sima Yi summoned him before arrival promoted him palace secretary.
18
明帝盛脩宮室,百姓勞瘁。 基上疏曰:「臣聞古人以水喻民,曰『水所以載舟,亦所以覆舟』。 故在民上者,不可以不戒懼。 夫民逸則慮易,苦則思難,是以先王居之以約儉,俾不至於生患。 昔顏淵云東野子之御,馬力盡矣而求進不已,是以知其將敗。 今事役勞苦,男女離曠,願陛下深察東野之弊,留意舟水之喻,息奔駟於未盡,節力役於未困。 昔漢有天下,至孝文時唯有同姓諸侯,而賈誼憂之曰:『置火積薪之下而寢其上,因謂之安也。』 今寇賊未殄,猛將擁兵,檢之則無以應敵,乆之則難以遺後,當盛明之世,不務以除患,若子孫不競,社稷之憂也。 使賈誼復起,必深切於曩時矣。」
Emperor Ming's palace works exhausted the people. Ji submitted memorial saying 'Your servant hears ancients used water liken people saying water therefore floats boat also therefore overturns boat. Rulers must fear the flood they ride. Ease breeds complacency hardship breeds caution—sage kings lived plainly to avoid disaster. Yan Yuan warned that driving horses until spent invites ruin. Endless corvées part couples—please heed Yan Yuan's lesson spare the horses before they drop. Jia Yi compared imperial kin to sleeping on Kindling. With warlords armed slack rein invites rebellion tight grip sparks revolt—danger waits heirs. Were Jia Yi alive his warning would bite harder today."
19
散騎常侍王肅著諸經傳解及論定朝儀,改易鄭玄舊說,而基據持玄義,常與抗衡。 遷安平太守,公事去官。 大將軍曹爽請爲從事中郎,出爲安豐太守。 郡接吳寇,爲政清嚴有威惠,明設防備,敵不敢犯。 加討寇將軍。 吳嘗大發衆集建業,揚聲欲入攻揚州,刺史諸葛誕使基策之。 基曰:「昔孫權再至合肥,一至江夏,其後全琮出廬江,朱然寇襄陽,皆無功而還。 今陸遜等已死,而權年老,內無賢嗣,中無謀主。 權自出則懼內釁卒起,癕疽發潰; 遣將則舊將已盡,新將未信。 此不過欲補定支黨,還自保護耳。」 後權竟不能出。 時曹爽專柄,風化陵遲,基著《時要論》以切世事。 以疾徵還,起家爲河南尹,未拜,爽伏誅,基甞爲爽官屬,隨例罷。
Wang Su rewrote ritual glosses Wang Ji defended Zheng Xuan. He governed Anping then left per regulation. Cao Shuang made him aide then Anfeng governor. Anfeng faced Wu—his stern humane rule and defenses kept foes out. He gained rank general who Campaigns Bandits. When Wu massed at Jianye Zhuge Dan asked Wang Ji's reading. Ji said 'Formerly Sun Quan twice arrived Hefei once arrived Jiangxia afterward Quan Zong issued Luju Zhu Ran invaded Xiangyang all without merit returned. Lu Xun was dead Sun Quan aged with no worthy heir or chief planner. If Sun Quan marched himself court intrigue might boil over. Sending generals meant no veterans and raw recruits. The parade aimed to steady factions not conquer Wei." Sun Quan never marched. With Cao Shuang misruling Wang Ji wrote the Treatise on Timely Essentials. Recalled ill for Henan governor before investiture Shuang fell so Wang Ji like other clients lost office.
20
其年爲尚書,出爲荊州刺史,加揚烈將軍,隨征南王昶擊吳。 基別襲步恊於夷陵,恊閉門自守。 基示以攻形,而實分兵取雄父邸閣,收米三十餘萬斛,虜安北將軍譚正,納降數千口。 於是移其降民,置夷陵縣。 賜爵關內侯。 基又表城上昶,徙江夏治之,以偪夏口,由是賊不敢輕越江。 明制度,整軍農,兼脩學校,南方稱之。 時朝廷議欲伐吳,詔基量進趣之宜。 基對曰:「夫兵動而無功,則威名折於外,財用窮於內,故必全而後用也。 若不資通川聚糧水戰之備,則雖積兵江內,無必渡之勢矣。 今江陵有沮、漳二水,溉灌膏腴之田以千數。 安陸左右,陂池沃衍。 若水陸並農,以實軍資,然後引兵詣江陵、夷陵,分據夏口,順沮、漳,資水浮糓而下。 賊知官兵有經乆之勢,則拒天誅者意沮,而向王化者益固。 然後率合蠻夷以攻其內,精卒勁兵以討其外,則夏口以上必拔,而江外之郡不守。 如此,吳、蜀之交絕,交絕而吳禽矣。 不然,兵出之利,未可必矣。」 於是遂止。
Same year he joined the masters of writing then Jingzhou with Displays Fury general under Wang Chang against Wu. He struck Bu Xie at Yiling who shut the gates. He feigned assault seized Xiongfufu granaries thirty thousand hu captured Tan Zheng and thousands of prisoners. He settled captives as Yiling county. He earned secondary marquis. He walled Shangchang moved Jiangxia seat to threaten Xiakuo halting Wu crossings. Clear laws farms and schools won southern praise. Court debated invading Wu and asked Wang Ji's plan. Ji replied 'Soldiers move yet without merit then awesome name breaks outside wealth exhausts inside therefore must complete then use. Without riverside grain and fleets stacking troops proves nothing. Jiangling's Ju and Zhang rivers feed thousands of fertile acres. Anlu's ponds spread rich soil. Farm both zones stockpile grain then thrust from Jiangling and Yiling hold Xiakuo float supplies downriver. Wu seeing long sieges loses heart while converts stiffen loyalty. Tribes strike interior elites strike exterior—above Xiakuo falls and south-bank counties collapse. Sever Wu from Shu and Wu falls. Otherwise invasion gains nothing." Court dropped the plan.
21
司馬景王新統政,基書戒之曰:「天下至廣,萬機至猥,誠不可不矜矜業業,坐而待旦也。 夫志正則衆邪不生,心靜則衆事不躁,思慮審定則教令不煩,親用忠良則遠近恊服。 故知和遠在身,定衆在心。 許允、傅嘏、袁侃、崔贊皆一時正士,有直質而無流心,可與同政事者也。」 景王納其言。
When Sima Jingwang had newly taken charge of government, Ji wrote to warn him, saying, "The realm is vast and its countless affairs are complex; one must be cautious and diligent, sitting up until dawn. Right intent banishes intrigue calm mind steadies affairs careful policy avoids decree churn loyal appointments win every quarter. Peace abroad begins at home order begins in the ruler's breast. Xu Yun Fu Gu Yuan Kan and Cui Zan were honest blunt men fit for joint counsel." Sima Shi took his advice.
22
高貴鄉公即尊位,進封常樂亭侯。 毌丘儉、文欽作亂,以基爲行監軍、假節,統許昌軍,適與景王會於許昌。 景王曰:「君籌儉等何如?」 基曰:「淮南之逆,非吏民思亂也,儉等誑脅迫懼,畏目下之戮,是以尚群聚耳。 若大兵臨偪,必土崩瓦解,儉、欽之首,不終朝而縣於軍門矣。」 景王曰:「善。」 乃令基居軍前。 議者咸以儉、欽慓悍,難與爭鋒。 詔基停駐。 基以爲:「儉等舉軍足以深入,而乆不進者,是其詐僞已露,衆心疑沮也。 今不張示威形以副民望,而停軍高壘,有似畏懦,非用兵之勢也。 若或虜略民人,又州郡兵家爲賊所得者,更懷離心; 儉等所迫脅者,自顧罪重,不敢復還,此爲錯兵無用之地,而成姦宄之源。 吳寇因之,則淮南非國家之有,譙、沛、汝、豫危而不安,此計之大失也。 軍宜速進據南頓,南頓有大邸閣,計足軍人四十日糧。 保堅城,因積穀,先人有奪人之心,此平賊之要也。」 基屢請,乃聽進據㶏水。 旣至,復言曰:「兵聞拙速,未覩工遟之乆。 方今外有彊寇,內有叛臣,若不時決,則事之深淺未可測也。 議者多欲將軍持重。 將軍持重是也,停軍不進非也。 持重非不行之謂也,進而不可犯耳。 今據堅城,保壁壘,以積實資虜,縣運軍糧,甚非計也。」 景王欲須諸軍集到,猶尚未許。 基曰:「將在軍,君令有所不受。 彼得則利,我得亦利,是謂爭城,南頓是也。」 遂輙進據南頓,儉等從項亦爭欲往,發十餘里,聞基先到,復還保項。 時兖州刺史鄧艾屯樂嘉,儉使文欽將兵襲艾。 基知其勢分,進兵偪項,儉衆遂敗。 欽等已平,遷鎮南將軍,都督豫州諸軍事,領豫州刺史,進封安樂鄉侯。 上疏求分戶二百,賜叔父子喬爵關內侯,以報叔父拊育之德。 有詔特聽。
Cao Mao's accession raised Wang Ji to marquis of Changle village. During Guanqiu Jian's revolt Wang Ji supervised Xuchang troops with staff and met Sima Shi there. Jingwang said 'You calculate Jian et al. how?' Ji said 'Huainan rebellion not clerks people wish chaos—Jian et al. deceive threaten force fear—fear execution before eyes—therefore still crowd gather ear. A major thrust would shatter them—Jian and Qin's heads would hang by noon." Jingwang said 'Good.' He put Wang Ji in the vanguard. Advisers feared Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin's wild temper. Court ordered Wang Ji to halt. Ji considered 'Jian et al. raise army sufficient deep enter yet long not advance—this their deceit exposed crowds hearts doubtful disheartened. Hiding behind walls looked timid and betrayed public hope. Raids and trapped garrison families would push men toward the rebels; coerced troops fearing execution would never return—stasis bred crime. Wu could seize Huainan and threaten the Central Plain—a disastrous miscalculation. He urged seizing Nandun's granary—forty days' supply. Hold the fortified depot seize initiative—that crushes rebels." After repeated pleas he was allowed to hold the Yin River line. Already arrived again spoke saying 'Soldiers hear clumsy speed not see skill late long. Foreign foes and traitors within demanded immediate decision. Many urged caution. Caution yes paralysis no. Caution means advancing irresistibly not standing still. Stockpiling behind walls feeds the enemy and strains supply lines." Sima Shi waited for full concentration and hesitated. Ji said 'General in army lord command has not receive. Nandun was the contested prize both sides needed." He seized Nandun first forcing Jian back to Xiang. Deng Ai held Lejia while Wen Qin struck him for Jian. Wang Ji exploited the split pressed Xiang and broke Jian. After victory Wang Ji became Guards South general Yu governor marquis of Anle. He asked two hundred households for uncle Wang Qiao's secondary marquis. The throne approved.
23
諸葛誕反,基以本官行鎮東將軍,都督揚、豫諸軍事。 時大軍在項,以賊兵精,詔基斂軍堅壘。 基累啟求進討。 會吳遣朱異來救誕,軍於安城。 基又被詔引諸軍轉據北山,基謂諸將曰:「今圍壘轉固,兵馬向集,但當精修守備以待越逸,而更移兵守險,使得放縱,雖有智者不能善後矣。」 遂守便宜上疏曰:「今與賊家對敵,當不動如山。 若遷移依險,人心搖蕩,於勢大損。 諸軍並據深溝高壘,衆心皆定,不可傾動,此御兵之要也。」 書奏,報聽。 大將軍司馬文王進屯丘頭,分部圍守,各有所統。 基督城東城南二十六軍,文王勑軍吏入鎮南部界,一不得有所遣。 城中食盡,晝夜攻壘,基輙拒擊,破之。 壽春旣拔,文王與基書曰:「初議者云云,求移者甚衆,時未臨履,亦謂宜然。 將軍深筭利害,獨秉固志,上違詔命,下拒衆議,終至制敵禽賊,雖古人所述,不是過也。」 文王欲遣諸將輕兵深入,招迎唐咨等子弟,因釁有蕩覆吳之勢。 基諫曰:「昔諸葛恪乘東關之勝,竭江表之兵,以圍新城,城旣不拔,而衆死者大半。 姜維因洮上之利,輕兵深入,糧餉不繼,軍覆上邽。 夫大捷之後,上下輕敵,輕敵則慮難不深。 今賊新敗於外,又內患未弭,是其脩備設慮之時也。 且兵出踰年,人有歸志,今俘馘十萬,罪人斯得,自歷代征伐,未有全兵獨克如今之盛者也。 武皇帝克袁紹於官渡,自以所獲已多,不復追奔,懼挫威也。」 文王乃止。 以淮南初定,轉基爲征東將軍,都督揚州諸軍事,進封東武侯。 基上疏固讓,歸功參佐,由是長史司馬等七人皆侯。
Zhuge Dan's revolt put Wang Ji eastward general over Yang and Yu. With elite rebels at Xiang court ordered Wang Ji to fortify. Wang Ji repeatedly asked to attack. Wu sent Zhu Yi toward Ancheng to relieve Dan. Ji again edict lead various armies shift occupy north mountain Ji told various generals saying 'Now siege ramparts turn firm horse troops toward gather ought only refine cultivate defense await leap escape yet further shift troops guard peril cause obtain release reckless although have wise cannot good afterward.' Then guard convenience submitted memorial saying 'Now with bandit house oppose enemy ought not move like mountain. Moving upland would panic the ranks. Deep ditches steady troops—that was the priority." Court approved. Sima Zhao moved to Qiutou investing Shouchun. Wang Ji sealed twenty-six camps south of Shouchun blocking supplies. Starving defenders assaulted Wang Ji repulsed every bid. After Shouchun was captured, Wenwang wrote to Ji, saying, "At first the debaters had many opinions, and many requested relocation. Before I had personally gone there, I too thought that was proper. Wang Ji defied orders defied consensus and won—no ancient better." Sima Zhao wanted light forces to raid Wu via defectors' kin. Ji remonstrated saying 'Formerly Zhuge Ke riding Dongguan victory exhaust Jiangbiao troops surround Xincheng city already not pull yet crowds dead more than half. And Jiang Wei's deep raid that starved at Shanggui. Great victories breed contempt, and contempt breeds shallow planning. Wu was wounded inside and out—time to regroup not chase. This campaign ran a year yielded one hundred thousand prisoners unmatched since antiquity. Cao Cao stopped chasing Yuan partly to preserve prestige." Sima Zhao desisted. Huainan settled Wang Ji became east-conquering general marquis of Dongwu. He credited aides earning seven marquisates.
24
是歲,基母卒,詔祕其凶問,迎基父豹喪合葬洛陽,追贈豹北海太守。 甘露四年,轉爲征南將軍,都督荊州諸軍事。 常道鄉公即尊位,增邑千戶,并前五千七百戶。 前後封子二人亭侯、關內侯。
His mother's death was concealed his father reburied at Luoyang posthumous governor rank. Ganlu 4 brought south-conquering command over Jingzhou. Cao Huan's accession added one thousand households. Two sons earned marquis titles.
25
景元二年,襄陽太守表吳賊鄧由等欲來歸化,基被詔,當因此震蕩江表。 基疑其詐,馳驛陳狀。 且曰:「嘉平以來,累有內難,當今之務,在於鎮安社稷,綏寧百姓,未宜動衆以求外利。」 文王報書曰:「凡處事者,多曲相從順,鮮能確然共盡理實。 誠感忠愛,每見規示,輙敬依來指。」 後由等竟不降。 〈司馬彪《戰略》載基此事,詳於本傳。 曰:「景元二年春三月,襄陽太守胡烈表上『吳賊鄧由、李光等,同謀十八屯,欲來歸化,遣將張吳、鄧生,并送質任。 克期欲令郡軍臨江迎拔』。 大將軍司馬文王啟聞。 詔征南將軍王基部分諸軍,使烈督萬人徑造沮水,荊州、義陽南屯宜城,承書夙發。 若由等如期到者,便當因此震蕩江表。 基疑賊詐降,誘致官兵,馳驛止文王,說由等可疑之狀。 『且當清澄,未宜便舉重兵深入應之』。 又曰:『夷陵東道,當由車御,至赤岸乃得渡坦,西道當出箭谿口,乃趣平土,皆山險狹,竹木叢蔚,卒有要害,弩馬不陳。 今者筋角弩弱,水潦方降,廢盛農之務,徼難必之利,此事之危者也。 昔子午之役,兵行數百里而值霖雨,橋閣破壞,後糧腐敗,前軍縣乏。 姜維深入,不待輜重,士衆飢餓,覆軍上邽。 文欽、唐咨,舉吳重兵,昧利壽春,身歿不反。 此皆近事之鑒戒也。 嘉平以來,累有內難。 當今之宜,當鎮安社稷,撫寧上下,力農務本,懷柔百姓,未宜動衆以求外利也。 得之未足爲多,失之傷損威重。』 文王累得基書,意疑。 尋勑諸軍已上道者,且權停住所在,須後節度。 基又言於文王曰:『昔漢祖納酈生之說,欲封六國,寤張良之謀,而趣銷印。 基謀慮淺短,誠不及留侯,亦懼襄陽有食其之謬。』 文王於是遂罷軍嚴,後由等果不降。」〉
Jingyuan 2 Xiangyang reported Wu defectors Wang Ji was told to exploit it. He smelled a trap and rushed word north. He further said, "Since the Jiaping era there have repeatedly been internal troubles. The task now is to secure the state and pacify the people; it is not yet proper to mobilize the masses in pursuit of gains abroad." Wenwang reply letter said 'Generally handle affairs many bend follow obey rare able indeed together exhaust principle reality. He pledged to heed Wang Ji's guidance." Deng You never defected. 〈Sima Biao's Zhanlüe treats this episode more fully. It said, "In the spring, third month, of the second year of Jingyuan, Xiangyang Grand Administrator Hu Lie memorialized that the Wu bandits Deng You, Li Guang, and others, eighteen camps in common plot, wished to come and submit to transformation, and had sent the generals Zhang Wu and Deng Sheng together with hostages. They set a date for Xiangyang to pull them across. Sima Zhao forwarded it. Orders sent Wang Ji to array forces Hu Lie up the Ju toward Yicheng. Success would shake the south. Wang Ji suspected a snare and wired Sima Zhao. Wait for clarity before committing heavy forces. He mapped narrow defiles east and west of Yiling impassable to horse. Rain weakened bows derailed farming—grave risk. The Ziwu march drowned bridges and spoiled grain. Jiang Wei's light raid starved at Shanggui. Wen Qin and Tang Zi died chasing gain at Shouchun. Recent lessons all warned restraint. Since Jiaping court crises repeated. Priority was steadying state and farms not border gambles. Small gains did not justify prestige risk. Sima Zhao grew wary reading Wang Ji. He halted marching columns pending orders. Wang Ji likened the trap to Li Yi's six kingdoms scheme foiled by Zhang Liang. He admitted lesser wit than Zhang Liang fearing Xiangyang's Li Yi blunder. Sima Zhao canceled the offensive defectors never came."〉"
26
【評】
Section heading Historical appraisal.
27
評曰:徐邈清尚弘通,胡質素業貞粹,王昶開濟識度,王基學行堅白,皆掌統方任,垂稱著績。 可謂國之良臣,時之彥士矣。
Appraisal Xu Miao incorrupt and magnanimous Hu Zhi plain Wang Chang capable Wang Ji learned upright—all governed frontiers with fame. They were pillars of state and ornaments of the age.