1
酈生食其者，陳留高陽人也。 好讀書，家貧落魄，無以為衣食業，為里監門吏。 然縣中賢豪不敢役，縣中皆謂之狂生。
Li Yiji was a man of Gaoyang in Chenliu. He loved reading, but his family was destitute. Unable to earn a living, he took a position as a gatekeeper in his village. However, the county's worthy nobles did not dare employ him. Everyone in the county called him the mad scholar.
2
及陳勝、項梁等起，諸將徇地過高陽者數十人，酈生聞其將皆握齱好苛禮自用，不能聽大度之言，酈生乃深自藏匿。 後聞沛公將兵略地陳留郊，沛公麾下騎士適酈生裏中子也，沛公時時問邑中賢士豪俊。 騎士歸，酈生見謂之曰：「吾聞沛公慢而易人，多大略，此真吾所願從游，莫為我先。 若見沛公，謂曰『臣里中有酈生，年六十餘，長八尺，人皆謂之狂生，生自謂我非狂生』。」 騎士曰：「沛公不好儒，諸客冠儒冠來者，沛公輒解其冠，溲溺其中。 與人言，常大罵。 未可以儒生說也。」 酈生曰：「弟言之。」 騎士從容言如酈生所誡者。
When Chen Sheng, Xiang Liang, and the other rebel leaders rose up, dozens of generals passed through Gaoyang while seizing territory. Li Yiji heard that these generals were all petty men fond of rigid etiquette who acted on their own judgment and could not tolerate broad-minded counsel, so he went deep into hiding. Later he heard that Pei Gong was leading troops to plunder territory in the Chenliu suburbs. A cavalryman under Pei Gong's banner happened to be Li Sheng's neighbor's son. Pei Gong frequently asked about the worthy scholars and heroic outstanding men in the settlement. When the cavalryman returned, Li Sheng met him and said: 'I have heard that Pei Gong is arrogant but treats people easily, with many great strategies. This is truly someone I wish to follow and travel with. Do not speak for me first.' If you see Pei Gong, tell him: 'In my neighborhood there is Li Sheng, over sixty years old, eight chi tall. People all call him the mad scholar, but Sheng himself says he is not a mad scholar.' The cavalryman said: 'Pei Gong is not fond of Confucians. When various guests wearing Confucian caps come, Pei Gong promptly loosens their caps and urinates in them.' When he speaks with people, he often curses freely. One cannot yet persuade him with a Confucian scholar.' Li Sheng said: 'Younger brother, speak of it.' The cavalryman calmly delivered the message just as Li Yiji had instructed him.
3
沛公至高陽傳舍，使人召酈生。 酈生至，入謁，沛公方倨床使兩女子洗足，而見酈生。 酈生入，則長揖不拜，曰：「足下欲助秦攻諸侯乎？ 且欲率諸侯破秦也？」 沛公罵曰：「豎儒！ 夫天下同苦秦久矣，故諸侯相率而攻秦，何謂助秦攻諸侯乎？」 酈生曰：「必聚徒合義兵誅無道秦，不宜倨見長者。」 於是沛公輟洗，起攝衣，延酈生上坐，謝之。 酈生因言六國從橫時。 沛公喜，賜酈生食，問曰：「計將安出？」 酈生曰：「足下起糾合之眾，收散亂之兵，不滿萬人，欲以徑入彊秦，此所謂探虎口者也。 夫陳留，天下之衝，四通五達之郊也，今其城又多積粟。 臣善其令，請得使之，令下足下。 即不聽，足下舉兵攻之，臣為內應。」 於是遣酈生行，沛公引兵隨之，遂下陳留。 號酈食其為廣野君。
When the Lord of Pei reached the relay station at Gaoyang, he sent someone to summon Li Yiji. When Li Yiji arrived and entered to present himself, the Lord of Pei was lounging on a bed with his legs spread wide, having two serving women wash his feet, and he received Li Yiji in that posture. Li Sheng entered, then gave a long bow without kneeling, and said: 'Your excellency, do you wish to help Qin attack the feudal lords?' Or do you wish to lead the feudal lords to break Qin?' Pei Gong cursed: 'Worthless scholar!' Indeed, all under heaven have long suffered under Qin together, which is why the feudal lords are mutually leading each other to attack Qin. How can you speak of helping Qin attack the feudal lords?' Li Sheng said: 'You must gather followers and assemble righteous troops to execute the lawless Qin. It is not proper to arrogantly receive elders.' At this, the Lord of Pei stopped the washing, rose and straightened his robes, invited Li Yiji to the seat of honor, and offered his apologies. Li Yiji then spoke of the era of the Six States and their shifting alliances. Pei Gong was pleased, bestowed food upon Li Sheng, and asked: 'Where will the plan come from?' Li Sheng said: 'Your excellency has raised a gathered multitude and collected scattered troops, not even ten thousand men, yet wishes to directly enter the strong Qin. This is what is called probing the tiger's mouth.' Indeed, Chenliu is the thoroughfare of all under heaven, the suburbs reached in four directions and five ways. Now its city moreover has much accumulated grain.' I am on good terms with the magistrate there. Allow me to go as your envoy and persuade him to surrender to you. If he does not listen, your excellency can raise troops to attack him, and I will act as an inside agent.' Li Yiji was dispatched accordingly. The Lord of Pei led his troops behind him, and they soon took Chenliu. Li Yiji was given the title Lord of Guangye.
4
酈生言其弟酈商，使將數千人從沛公西南略地。 酈生常為說客，馳使諸侯。
Li Yiji recommended his younger brother Li Shang, who was given command of several thousand men to follow the Lord of Pei southwest and seize territory. Li Yiji regularly served as a persuader, riding swiftly on missions to the various lords.
5
漢三年秋，項羽擊漢，拔滎陽，漢兵遁保鞏、洛。 楚人聞淮陰侯破趙，彭越數反梁地，則分兵救之。 淮陰方東擊齊，漢王數困滎陽、成皋，計欲捐成皋以東，屯鞏、洛以拒楚。 酈生因曰：「臣聞知天之天者，王事可成； 不知天之天者，王事不可成。 王者以民人為天，而民人以食為天。 夫敖倉，天下轉輸久矣，臣聞其下乃有藏粟甚多。 楚人拔滎陽，不堅守敖倉，乃引而東，令適卒分守成皋，此乃天所以資漢也。 方今楚易取而漢反卻，自奪其便，臣竊以為過矣。 且兩雄不俱立，楚漢久相持不決，百姓騷動，海內搖蕩，農夫釋耒，工女下機，天下之心未有所定也。 願足下急復進兵，收取滎陽，據敖倉之粟，塞成皋之險，杜大行之道，距蜚狐之口，守白馬之津，以示諸侯效實形制之勢，則天下知所歸矣。 方今燕、趙已定，唯齊未下。 今田廣據千里之齊，田閒將二十萬之眾，軍於歷城，諸田宗彊，負海阻河濟，南近楚，人多變詐，足下雖遣數十萬師，未可以歲月破也。 臣請得奉明詔說齊王，使為漢而稱東藩。」 上曰：「善。」
In the autumn of the third year of Han, Xiang Yu attacked Han and took Xingyang. The Han forces retreated to hold Gong and Luo. When the Chu forces heard that the Marquis of Huaiyin had defeated Zhao and that Peng Yue was raiding Liang territory repeatedly, they divided their troops to deal with these threats. The Marquis of Huaiyin was then striking east against Qi. The King of Han had been in dire straits at Xingyang and Chenggao time and again, and was planning to abandon Chenggao and all the territory east of it, garrisoning Gong and Luo to resist Chu. Li Sheng then said: 'I have heard that he who understands the heaven of Heaven can accomplish the king's affairs;' he who does not understand the heaven of Heaven cannot accomplish the king's affairs.' The king takes the people as his heaven, and the people take food as their heaven.' Indeed, Aocang has long been the transport hub of all under heaven. I hear that below it, there is a vast amount of stored grain.' The Chu people took Xingyang but did not firmly defend Aocang. Instead, they withdrew eastward, ordering suitable troops to divide and defend Chenggao. This is truly Heaven's way of assisting Han.' Now, Chu is easy to take, yet Han instead retreats, depriving itself of this advantage. I secretly believe this is a mistake.' Moreover, two heroes cannot stand together. Chu and Han have long contended without resolution, the common people are agitated, the realm is shaken, farmers have abandoned their plows, and weaving women have left their looms. The hearts of all under heaven are not yet settled.' I wish your excellency to urgently advance troops again, receive Xingyang, occupy Aocang's grain, block Chenggao's defiles, dam Daxing's roads, distance Feihu's mouth, guard Baima's ford, to show the feudal lords the power of imitating reality and forming control, then all under heaven will know where to return.' Now, Yan and Zhao are already settled; only Qi has not yet submitted.' Now, Tian Guang occupies a thousand li of Qi, and Tian Jian leads an army of two hundred thousand, encamped at Licheng. The various Tian clans are strong, relying on the sea and obstructed by the Yellow and Ji Rivers. To the south, they are close to Chu, and their people are often deceitful. Even if your excellency sends hundreds of thousands of troops, you cannot break them in months or years.' I request to be allowed to respectfully carry out a clear edict to persuade the King of Qi, to make him serve Han and be called an eastern vassal.' The Emperor said: 'Good.'
6
乃從其畫，復守敖倉，而使酈生說齊王曰：「王知天下之所歸乎？」 王曰：「不知也。」 曰：「王知天下之所歸，則齊國可得而有也； 若不知天下之所歸，即齊國未可得保也。」 齊王曰：「天下何所歸？」 曰：「歸漢。」 曰：「先生何以言之？」 曰：「漢王與項王力西面擊秦，約先入咸陽者王之。 漢王先入咸陽，項王負約不與而王之漢中。 項王遷殺義帝，漢王聞之，起蜀漢之兵擊三秦，出關而責義帝之處，收天下之兵，立諸侯之後。 降城即以侯其將，得賂即以分其士，與天下同其利，豪英賢才皆樂為之用。 諸侯之兵四面而至，蜀漢之粟方船而下。 項王有倍約之名，殺義帝之負； 於人之功無所記，於人之罪無所忘； 戰勝而不得其賞，拔城而不得其封； 非項氏莫得用事； 為人刻印，刓而不能授； 攻城得賂，積而不能賞：天下畔之，賢才怨之，而莫為之用。 故天下之士歸於漢王，可坐而策也。 夫漢王發蜀漢，定三秦； 涉西河之外，援上黨之兵； 下井陘，誅成安君； 破北魏，舉三十二城：此蚩尤之兵也，非人之力也，天之福也。 今已據敖倉之粟，塞成皋之險，守白馬之津，杜大行之阪，距蜚狐之口，天下後服者先亡矣。 王疾先下漢王，齊國社稷可得而保也； 不下漢王，危亡可立而待也。」 田廣以為然，乃聽酈生，罷歷下兵守戰備，與酈生日縱酒。
Then, following his plan, Liu Bang again defended Aocang and sent Li Sheng to persuade the King of Qi, saying: 'Does the King know where all under heaven returns?' The King replied: 'I do not know.' Li Sheng said: 'If the King knows where all under heaven returns, then the state of Qi can be obtained and possessed;' if you do not know where all under heaven returns, then the state of Qi cannot be preserved.' The King of Qi asked: 'Where does all under heaven return?' Li Sheng replied: 'Submit to Han.' The King asked: 'Sir, why do you speak thus?' Li Sheng explained: 'The Han King and Xiang Yu jointly attacked Qin from the west, agreeing that whoever entered Xianyang first would become king.' The King of Han was the first to enter Xianyang, but the King of Xiang broke the covenant and instead of granting him the kingship, banished him to Hanzhong. Xiang Yu relocated and assassinated the Righteous Emperor. When the Han King heard of this, he raised troops from Shu and Han to attack the Three Qins, emerged from the pass to demand justice for the Righteous Emperor's death, gathered armies from all quarters, and restored the descendants of the feudal lords to their positions.' When a city surrendered, he immediately enfeoffed its commanders as marquises. When he seized spoils, he shared them at once with his soldiers. He shared the profits of the empire with all under heaven, and so the brave, the talented, and the worthy all gladly served him. The troops of the feudal lords arrived from all four directions, while grain from Shu and Han was transported downriver in large square boats.' Xiang Yu bore the reputation of breaking agreements and the burden of assassinating the Righteous Emperor;' he remembered no one's merits but forgot no one's faults;' those who won battles received no rewards, those who captured cities received no enfeoffments;' only members of the Xiang clan could hold positions of authority;' he had seals carved for people but kept them blunted and would not grant them;' when he captured cities and obtained booty, he hoarded it without distributing rewards. All under heaven rebelled against him, worthy talents resented him, and no one would serve him.' Therefore, all the scholars under heaven have turned to the Han King. Victory can be achieved without leaving one's seat.' Now the Han King marched forth from Shu and Han and pacified the Three Qins;' he crossed beyond the Xi River and drew in troops from Shangdang;' he descended through the Jingxing Pass and executed Lord Cheng'an;' he defeated Northern Wei and captured thirty-two cities. This was the army of Chiyou, not achieved through human effort but through heaven's blessing.' Now he has already seized the grain stores of Aocang, blocked the strategic passes at Chenggao, guards the ford at Baima, blocked the Taihang slopes, and confronts Feihu Pass. Those under heaven who submit late will perish first.' Your Majesty, hasten to submit first to the Han King, and the altars of soil and grain of the state of Qi can be preserved;' If you do not submit to the King of Han, ruin and destruction will come upon you before you can draw another breath. Tian Guang found this persuasive. He heeded Li Yiji, stood down the garrison at Lixia and disbanded his war preparations, and spent his days drinking freely with Li Yiji.
7
淮陰侯聞酈生伏軾下齊七十餘城，乃夜度兵平原襲齊。 齊王田廣聞漢兵至，以為酈生賣己，乃曰：「汝能止漢軍，我活汝； 不然，我將亨汝！」 酈生曰：「舉大事不細謹，盛德不辭讓。 而公不為若更言！」 齊王遂亨酈生，引兵東走。
When the Marquis of Huaiyin heard that Li Yiji had, merely by leaning on the crossbar of his carriage and speaking, won over more than seventy cities of Qi, he crossed his forces over the plain by night and launched a surprise attack on Qi. When King Tian Guang of Qi heard the Han troops had arrived, he thought Li Sheng had betrayed him, and said: 'If you can stop the Han army, I will spare your life;' otherwise, I will have you boiled alive!' Li Sheng replied: 'In undertaking great affairs, one cannot be meticulously careful; abundant virtue does not decline what is offered.' Yet Your Lordship refuses to speak for me again!' The King of Qi had Li Yiji boiled alive, then led his troops in flight to the east.
8
漢十二年，曲周侯酈商以丞相將兵擊黥布有功。 高祖舉列侯功臣，思酈食其。 酈食其子疥數將兵，功未當侯，上以其父故，封疥為高梁侯。 後更食武遂，嗣三世。 元狩元年中，武遂侯平坐詐詔衡山王取百斤金，當棄市，病死，國除也。
In the twelfth year of Han, the Marquis of Quzhou, Li Shang, led troops as chancellor to attack Qing Bu and distinguished himself in the campaign. When Gaozu reviewed the marquises and their merits, he was reminded of Li Yiji. Li Yiji's son Jie had led troops on several occasions, but his merit was not yet worthy of a marquisate. The emperor, because of his father's sake, enfeoffed Jie as the Marquis of Gaoliang. Later the fief was changed to Wusui, and the title passed through three generations. In the first year of the Yuanshou era, the Marquis of Wusui, Ping, was convicted of forging an imperial edict to extort a hundred catties of gold from the King of Hengshan. He was sentenced to public execution but died of illness first, and his fief was abolished.
9
陸賈者，楚人也。 以客從高祖定天下，名為有口辯士，居左右，常使諸侯。
Lu Jia was a man of Chu. As a retainer, he followed Gaozu in the conquest of the empire. Renowned as an eloquent debater, he remained at the emperor's side and was frequently dispatched on embassies to the feudal lords.
10
及高祖時，中國初定，尉他平南越，因王之。 高祖使陸賈賜尉他印為南越王。 陸生至，尉他魋結箕倨見陸生。 陸生因進說他曰：「足下中國人，親戚昆弟墳在真定。 今足下反天性，棄冠帶，欲以區區之越與天子抗衡為敵國，禍且及身矣。 且夫秦失其政，諸侯豪桀并起，唯漢王先入關，據咸陽。 項羽倍約，自立為西楚霸王，諸侯皆屬，可謂至彊。 然漢王起巴蜀，鞭笞天下，劫略諸侯，遂誅項羽滅之。 五年之閒，海內平定，此非人力，天之所建也。 天子聞君王王南越，不助天下誅暴逆，將相欲移兵而誅王，天子憐百姓新勞苦，故且休之，遣臣授君王印，剖符通使。 君王宜郊迎，北面稱臣，乃欲以新造未集之越，屈彊於此。 漢誠聞之，掘燒王先人冢，夷滅宗族，使一偏將將十萬眾臨越，則越殺王降漢，如反覆手耳。」
In the time of Gaozu, when the Central Kingdoms had just been pacified, Zhao Tuo had subdued Nanyue and was made its king. Gaozu sent Lu Jia to bestow on Zhao Tuo the seal appointing him King of Nanyue. When Lu Jia arrived, Zhao Tuo received him with his hair in a barbarian knot, sitting with his legs splayed wide. Lu Jia then advanced and said in persuasion: 'Your Excellency is a man of the central states, with relatives and brothers whose tombs are in Zhending.' Now you have turned against your own nature, cast off the cap and sash of civilization, and seek to pit this insignificant Yue against the Son of Heaven as a rival state. Calamity will soon fall upon you. When Qin lost its mandate to govern, the heroes among the feudal lords all rose together. Only the King of Han entered the passes first and seized Xianyang. Xiang Yu broke the covenant and proclaimed himself Hegemon-King of Western Chu. All the feudal lords submitted to him, and he could truly be called supreme in power. Yet the King of Han rose from Ba and Shu, scourged the realm, subdued the feudal lords one by one, and finally destroyed Xiang Yu and extinguished his line. Within five years, all within the seas was pacified. This was not achieved through human effort, but established by heaven.' The Son of Heaven heard that you rule over Nanyue yet did not aid in the punishment of the violent and the rebellious. His generals and ministers wished to march their armies south to destroy you, but the Son of Heaven took pity on the common people, who had only just endured such suffering, and so granted you a reprieve. He has sent me to bestow upon you the royal seal and the split tallies for the exchange of envoys. You should go out beyond the walls to welcome the envoy, face north and declare yourself a vassal. Instead, you seek to defy the empire with this newly founded and still unsteady Yue. If Han truly hears of this, they will dig up and burn your ancestors' tombs, raze and extinguish your clan and family, send a single general with a hundred thousand troops to confront Yue, and then Yue will kill you and submit to Han—as easy as turning over one's hand.'
11
於是尉他乃蹶然起坐，謝陸生曰：「居蠻夷中久，殊失禮義。」 因問陸生曰：「我孰與蕭何、曹參、韓信賢？」 陸生曰：「王似賢。」 復曰：「我孰與皇帝賢？」 陸生曰：「皇帝起豐沛，討暴秦，誅彊楚，為天下興利除害，繼五帝三王之業，統理中國。 中國之人以億計，地方萬里，居天下之膏腴，人眾車轝，萬物殷富，政由一家，自天地剖泮未始有也。 今王眾不過數十萬，皆蠻夷，崎嶇山海閒，譬若漢一郡，王何乃比於漢！」 尉他大笑曰：「吾不起中國，故王此。 使我居中國，何渠不若漢？」 乃大說陸生，留與飲數月。 曰：「越中無足與語，至生來，令我日聞所不聞。」 賜陸生橐中裝直千金，他送亦千金。 陸生卒拜尉他為南越王，令稱臣奉漢約。 歸報，高祖大悅，拜賈為太中大夫。
Thereupon Wei Tuo suddenly rose to his feet and apologized to Lu Jia, saying: 'Having dwelt among barbarians for so long, I have greatly lost the rites and righteousness.' He then asked Lu Jia: 'Compared to Xiao He, Cao Can, and Han Xin, who am I most like in worthiness?' Lu Jia replied: 'Your Majesty resembles worthiness.' He asked again: 'Compared to the Emperor, who am I most like in worthiness?' Lu Jia replied: 'The Emperor arose from Feng and Pei, attacked the violent Qin, executed the strong Chu, raised benefits and eliminated harms for all under heaven, succeeded the enterprises of the Five Emperors and Three Kings, and unified governance of the central states.' The people of the central states number in the hundreds of millions, the territory spans ten thousand li, occupying the fertile lands under heaven. The people are numerous and carriages many, all things abundantly rich. Governance is by one family—such a thing has never existed since heaven and earth were separated.' Now Your Majesty's forces do not exceed several tens of thousands, all barbarians and foreigners, situated in rugged terrain between mountains and seas—like a single commandery of Han. Why then does Your Majesty compare yourself to Han!' Wei Tuo laughed heartily and said: 'If I had not arisen in the central states, how could I have become king here?' If I had been placed in the central states, why would I be any less than Han?' He was greatly delighted with Lu Jia and kept him as a guest, drinking together for several months. He said: 'In all of Yue there was no one worthy of conversation, but since you came, I hear daily what I have never heard before.' He presented Lu Jia with baggage worth a thousand gold pieces, and gave him an additional thousand in gold as a parting gift. Lu Jia thus succeeded in installing Zhao Tuo as King of Nanyue and securing his pledge to serve as a vassal and uphold the covenant with Han. When he returned and reported his success, Gaozu was greatly pleased and appointed Lu Jia as Grand Palace Grandee.
12
陸生時時前說稱詩書。 高帝罵之曰：「乃公居馬上而得之，安事詩書！」 陸生曰； 「居馬上得之，寧可以馬上治之乎？ 且湯武逆取而以順守之，文武并用，長久之術也。 昔者吳王夫差、智伯極武而亡； 秦任刑法不變，卒滅趙氏。 鄉使秦已并天下，行仁義，法先聖，陛下安得而有之？」 高帝不懌而有慚色，乃謂陸生曰：「試為我著秦所以失天下，吾所以得之者何，及古成敗之國。」 陸生乃粗述存亡之徵，凡著十二篇。 每奏一篇，高帝未嘗不稱善，左右呼萬歲，號其書曰「新語」。
Lu Jia would often come forward and speak at court, citing the Book of Odes and the Book of Documents. The Gao Emperor cursed him and said: 'Your Lordship obtained it while dwelling on horseback—what need have you for Poetry and Documents!' Lu Jia replied: 'You obtained it while dwelling on horseback—can it be governed while on horseback?' Moreover, Tang and Wu seized power through rebellion but governed through righteousness. Employing both the civil and the martial arts together is the method for enduring rule. Formerly, King Fucha of Wu and Zhi Bo perished by relying solely on martial force;' Qin relied on punishments and legalism without change, and in the end the house of Qin was destroyed. Suppose Qin had already united all under heaven, practiced benevolence and righteousness, and modeled itself on the former sages—how would Your Majesty have obtained it?' The Gao Emperor was displeased and showed an ashamed expression, then said to Lu Jia: 'Try writing for me why Qin lost the empire, how I obtained it, and examples of ancient states that succeeded or failed.' Lu Jia then outlined the signs that determine the survival and ruin of states, producing twelve chapters in all. Each time he presented a chapter, the Gao Emperor never failed to call it good, and the attendants cried 'Ten thousand years!' They titled his book 'New Sayings'.
13
孝惠帝時，呂太后用事，欲王諸呂，畏大臣有口者，陸生自度不能爭之，乃病免家居。 以好畤田地善，可以家焉。 有五男，乃出所使越得橐中裝賣千金，分其子，子二百金，令為生產。 陸生常安車駟馬，從歌舞鼓琴瑟侍者十人，寶劍直百金，謂其子曰：「與汝約：過汝，汝給吾人馬酒食，極欲，十日而更。 所死家，得寶劍車騎侍從者。 一歲中往來過他客，率不過再三過，數見不鮮，無久慁公為也。」
During the Xiaohui Emperor's time, the Lü Empress Dowager handled affairs and desired to enfeoff the various Lü clansmen as kings. She feared ministers who were eloquent, so Lu Jia, measuring that he could not contend against it, feigned illness and resigned to return home. Since the land at Haozhi was fertile, he made his home there. He had five sons. He brought out the gifts he had received on his mission to Yue, sold them for a thousand gold pieces, and divided the sum equally among his sons, two hundred gold apiece, ordering them to invest and make a living. Lu Jia often rode in an easy carriage drawn by four horses, followed by ten attendants who sang, danced, and played qin and se. His precious sword was worth a hundred gold pieces. He told his sons: 'I make this agreement with you: when I visit you, you must provide my men, horses, wine, and food, indulging my every desire. Then after ten days I will change to another son's home.' Whichever household I happen to die in shall keep the precious sword, the carriage, the horses, and the attendants. In the course of a year, when I come and go visiting other guests, I generally won't exceed two or three visits. Frequent seeing becomes stale, so I won't tire you for long.'
14
呂太后時，王諸呂，諸呂擅權，欲劫少主，危劉氏。 右丞相陳平患之，力不能爭，恐禍及己，常燕居深念。 陸生往請，直入坐，而陳丞相方深念，不時見陸生。 陸生曰：「何念之深也？」 陳平曰：「生揣我何念？」 陸生曰：「足下位為上相，食三萬戶侯，可謂極富貴無欲矣。 然有憂念，不過患諸呂、少主耳。」 陳平曰：「然。 為之柰何？」 陸生曰：「天下安，注意相； 天下危，注意將。 將相和調，則士務附； 士務附，天下雖有變，即權不分。 為社稷計，在兩君掌握耳。 臣常欲謂太尉絳侯，絳侯與我戲，易吾言。 君何不交驩太尉，深相結？」 為陳平畫呂氏數事。 陳平用其計，乃以五百金為絳侯壽，厚具樂飲； 太尉亦報如之。 此兩人深相結，則呂氏謀益衰。 陳平乃以奴婢百人，車馬五十乘，錢五百萬，遺陸生為飲食費。 陸生以此游漢廷公卿閒，名聲藉甚。
During the Lü Empress Dowager's time, she enfeoffed the various Lü clansmen as kings. The Lü clansmen usurped power and desired to coerce the young ruler and endanger the Liu clan. The Right Chancellor, Chen Ping, was deeply troubled by this. He lacked the power to oppose it openly and feared the disaster would engulf him, so he often withdrew into solitude and brooded. Lu Jia went to call on him, walked straight in and sat down. But Chancellor Chen was lost in thought and did not notice Lu Jia at first. Lu Jia said: 'What are you pondering so deeply?' Chen Ping said: 'Guess what I am pondering?' Lu Jia said: 'Your Excellency holds the position of chief chancellor and receives the income from a marquisate of thirty thousand households. You can be said to have reached the extreme of riches and nobility with no further desires.' Yet you have worries on your mind, no more than concern for the various Lü clansmen and the young ruler.' Chen Ping said: 'Correct.' What can be done about it?' Lu Jia said: 'When the empire is peaceful, pay attention to the chancellor;' When the empire is in peril, all eyes turn to the generals. When generals and chancellors are harmonious and coordinated, then the scholars will diligently attach themselves;' If the scholars rally to your side, then even should the empire be convulsed, power will not be divided. The fate of the altars of state rests in the hands of you two lords alone. I have long wished to speak of this to the Grand Commandant, the Marquis of Jiang, but the Marquis treats me as a jest and makes light of my words. Why don't you befriend the Grand Commandant and form deep ties with him?' He planned several matters concerning the Lü clan for Chen Ping. Chen Ping used his plan, so he presented five hundred gold pieces as a birthday gift to the Marquis of Jiang, and prepared abundant music and drinking;' The Grand Commandant reciprocated in kind. When these two men formed deep ties, the Lü clan's plots increasingly declined. Chen Ping then presented Lu Jia with a hundred servants, fifty teams of carriages and horses, and five million cash to cover his expenses for entertaining. With these resources, Lu Jia moved freely among the dukes and ministers of the Han court, and his reputation grew enormously.
15
及誅諸呂，立孝文帝，陸生頗有力焉。 孝文帝即位，欲使人之南越。 陳丞相等乃言陸生為太中大夫，往使尉他，令尉他去黃屋稱制，令比諸侯，皆如意旨。 語在南越語中。 陸生竟以壽終。
When the various Lü were executed and the Xiaowen Emperor established, Lu Jia had considerable strength in the matter. When Emperor Wen ascended the throne, he wished to send an envoy to Nanyue. Chancellor Chen and others recommended that Lu Jia be appointed Grand Palace Grandee and sent as envoy to Zhao Tuo, to order him to remove the imperial yellow canopy and cease issuing edicts, and to conduct himself as befitted a feudal lord. All was carried out according to the emperor's wishes. The full account may be found in the Biography of Nanyue. Lu Jia ultimately died of old age.
16
平原君朱建者，楚人也。 故嘗為淮南王黥布相，有罪去，後復事黥布。 布欲反時，問平原君，平原君非之，布不聽而聽梁父侯，遂反。 漢已誅布，聞平原君諫不與謀，得不誅。 語在黥布語中。
The Lord of Pingyuan, Zhu Jian, was a man of Chu. He had once served as chancellor to the King of Huainan, Qing Bu, but left after committing an offense. Later he returned to Qing Bu's service. When Qing Bu contemplated rebellion, he consulted the Lord of Pingyuan, who argued against it. Qing Bu disregarded his counsel and followed the advice of the Marquis of Liangfu instead, and so he rebelled. After Han destroyed Qing Bu, it came to light that the Lord of Pingyuan had counseled against the rebellion and had taken no part in the conspiracy, so he was spared. The full account may be found in the Biography of Qing Bu.
17
平原君為人辯有口，刻廉剛直，家於長安。 行不茍合，義不取容。 辟陽侯行不正，得幸呂太后。 時辟陽侯欲知平原君，平原君不肯見。 及平原君母死，陸生素與平原君善，過之。 平原君家貧，未有以發喪，方假貸服具，陸生令平原君發喪。 陸生往見辟陽侯，賀曰：「平原君母死。」 辟陽侯曰：「平原君母死，何乃賀我乎？」 陸賈曰：「前日君侯欲知平原君，平原君義不知君，以其母故。 今其母死，君誠厚送喪，則彼為君死矣。」 辟陽侯乃奉百金往稅。 列侯貴人以辟陽侯故，往稅凡五百金。
The Lord of Pingyuan was eloquent and articulate, incisive and incorruptible, upright and straightforward. He established his household in Chang'an. In his conduct he would not compromise for the sake of convenience; in his principles he would not bend to win approval. The Marquis of Biyang conducted himself improperly but obtained the favor of the Lü Empress Dowager. At that time the Marquis of Biyang wished to befriend the Lord of Pingyuan, but the Lord of Pingyuan refused to receive him. When the Lord of Pingyuan's mother died, Lu Jia, who had long been on good terms with him, went to pay his respects. The Lord of Pingyuan's household was impoverished and lacked the means to hold a proper funeral. He was still borrowing mourning garments and supplies when Lu Jia told him to go ahead and begin the funeral rites. Lu Jia went to see the Marquis of Biyang and congratulated him, saying: 'The Lord of Pingyuan's mother has died.' The Marquis of Biyang said: 'The Lord of Pingyuan's mother has died—why then do you congratulate me?' Lu Jia said: 'Previously Your Lordship desired to know the Lord of Pingyuan, but the Lord of Pingyuan, out of righteousness, did not know Your Lordship because of his mother.' Now that his mother has died, if Your Lordship truly sends generous funeral gifts, then he will die for Your Lordship.' The Marquis of Biyang then presented a hundred gold pieces as a condolence gift. Following the Marquis of Biyang's lead, the other marquises and nobles contributed a total of five hundred gold pieces.
18
辟陽侯幸呂太后，人或毀辟陽侯於孝惠帝，孝惠帝大怒，下吏，欲誅之。 呂太后慚，不可以言。 大臣多害辟陽侯行，欲遂誅之。 辟陽侯急，因使人欲見平原君。 平原君辭曰：「獄急，不敢見君。」 乃求見孝惠幸臣閎籍孺，說之曰：「君所以得幸帝，天下莫不聞。 今辟陽侯幸太后而下吏，道路皆言君讒，欲殺之。 今日辟陽侯誅，旦日太后含怒，亦誅君。 何不肉袒為辟陽侯言於帝？ 帝聽君出辟陽侯，太后大驩。 兩主共幸君，君貴富益倍矣。」 於是閎籍孺大恐，從其計，言帝，果出辟陽侯。 辟陽侯之囚，欲見平原君，平原君不見辟陽侯，辟陽侯以為倍己，大怒。 及其成功出之，乃大驚。
The Marquis of Biyang was favored by the Lü Empress Dowager. Someone slandered the Marquis of Biyang to the Xiaohui Emperor, who became greatly angered, sent officials, and desired to execute him. The Lü Empress Dowager was ashamed and could not speak. Many of the senior ministers despised the Marquis of Biyang's behavior and wished to see him put to death. In his desperation, the Marquis of Biyang sent a man to seek an audience with the Lord of Pingyuan. The Lord of Pingyuan declined, saying: 'The prison matter is urgent—I do not dare see Your Lordship.' He then sought to see the Xiaohui Emperor's favored minister Hong Jiru and persuaded him, saying: 'That you have obtained the emperor's favor is known to all under heaven.' The Marquis of Biyang is favored by the Empress Dowager, yet he has been handed over to the officials. Everyone on the streets says it was you who slandered him, and that you want him dead. If the Marquis of Biyang is executed today, tomorrow the Empress Dowager will turn her wrath upon you and have you executed as well. Why don't you bare your flesh and speak on behalf of the Marquis of Biyang to the emperor?' If the Emperor heeds you and releases the Marquis of Biyang, the Empress Dowager will be overjoyed. The two rulers will together favor you, and your nobility and riches will increase doubly.' Hong Jiru was terrified. He followed the plan, spoke to the Emperor, and the Marquis of Biyang was indeed released. While the Marquis of Biyang was imprisoned, he had sought an audience with the Lord of Pingyuan, but the Lord of Pingyuan refused to see him. The Marquis took this as a betrayal and was furious. When he learned it was the Lord of Pingyuan who had secured his release, he was astonished.
19
呂太后崩，大臣誅諸呂，辟陽侯於諸呂至深，而卒不誅。 計畫所以全者，皆陸生、平原君之力也。
When the Lü Empress Dowager died, the great ministers executed the various Lü. The Marquis of Biyang was extremely close to the various Lü, yet in the end he was not executed. The stratagems that saved him were entirely the work of Lu Jia and the Lord of Pingyuan.
20
孝文帝時，淮南厲王殺辟陽侯，以諸呂故。 文帝聞其客平原君為計策，使吏捕欲治。 聞吏至門，平原君欲自殺。 諸子及吏皆曰：「事未可知，何早自殺為？」 平原君曰：「我死禍絕，不及而身矣。」 遂自剄。 孝文帝聞而惜之，曰：「吾無意殺之。」 乃召其子，拜為中大夫。 使匈奴，單于無禮，乃罵單于，遂死匈奴中。
During the Xiaowen Emperor's time, the King of Huainan killed the Marquis of Biyang because of the various Lü. Emperor Wen heard that his retainer, the Lord of Pingyuan, had devised the plot, and sent officials to arrest him for prosecution. When he heard the officials at his gate, the Lord of Pingyuan resolved to take his own life. His various sons and officials all said: 'The matter is not yet knowable—why commit suicide so early?' The Lord of Pingyuan said: 'If I die, the calamity ends and will not reach your bodies.' He cut his own throat. The Xiaowen Emperor heard and pitied him, saying: 'I had no intention of killing him.' The Emperor summoned his son and appointed him as a Palace Grandee. He was sent on an embassy to the Xiongnu. When the Chanyu treated him with contempt, he cursed the Chanyu to his face and was put to death among the Xiongnu.
21
初，沛公引兵過陳留，酈生踵軍門上謁曰：「高陽賤民酈食其，竊聞沛公暴露，將兵助楚討不義，敬勞從者，願得望見，口畫天下便事。」 使者入通，沛公方洗，問使者曰：「何如人也？」 使者對曰：「狀貌類大儒，衣儒衣，冠側注。」 沛公曰：「為我謝之，言我方以天下為事，未暇見儒人也。」 使者出謝曰：「沛公敬謝先生，方以天下為事，未暇見儒人也。」 酈生瞋目案劍叱使者曰：「走！ 復入言沛公，吾高陽酒徒也，非儒人也。」 使者懼而失謁，跪拾謁，還走，復入報曰：「客，天下壯士也，叱臣，臣恐，至失謁。 曰『走！ 復入言，而公高陽酒徒也』。」 沛公遽雪足杖矛曰：「延客入！」
Initially, when the Duke of Pei led troops passing through Chenliu, Li Sheng followed to the army gate and ascended to announce: 'I, the humble commoner Li Yiji from Gaoyang, have secretly heard that the Duke of Pei is exposed to the elements, leading troops to assist Chu in attacking the unrighteous. I respectfully toil for the followers and wish to obtain an audience, to orally plan matters convenient for all under heaven.' The envoy entered and announced. The Duke of Pei was just bathing and asked the envoy: 'What kind of person is he?' The envoy replied: 'In appearance he resembles a great scholar, wearing scholar's clothes with a hat pinned to the side.' The Duke of Pei said: 'Thank him for me and say that I am just occupied with affairs of all under heaven and have no leisure to see scholar types.' The envoy exited and thanked him, saying: 'The Duke of Pei respectfully thanks you, Sir. He is just occupied with affairs of all under heaven and has no leisure to see scholar types.' Li Sheng glared with angry eyes, pressed his sword, and berated the envoy: 'Go! Go back in and tell the Duke of Pei that I am a wine companion from Gaoyang, not a scholar type.' The envoy, frightened, dropped the announcement tablet, kneeled to pick it up, ran back, and re-entered to report: 'The guest is a heroic man of all under heaven. He berated me, and I was so frightened that I dropped the announcement tablet. He said 'Go! Go back in and tell him that I am a wine companion from Gaoyang.' The Duke of Pei hastily wiped his feet, leaned on his spear, and said: 'Invite the guest to enter!'
22
酈生入，揖沛公曰：「足下甚苦，暴衣露冠，將兵助楚討不義，足不何不自喜也？ 臣願以事見，而曰『吾方以天下為事，未暇見儒人也』。 夫足下欲興天下之大事而成天下之大功，而以目皮相，恐失天下之能士。 且吾度足下之智不如吾，勇又不如吾。 若欲就天下而不相見，竊為足下失之。」 沛公謝曰：「鄉者聞先生之容，今見先生之意矣。」 乃延而坐之，問所以取天下者。 酈生曰：「夫足下欲成大功，不如止陳留。 陳留者，天下之據衝也，兵之會地也，積粟數千萬石，城守甚堅。 臣素善其令，願為足下說之。 不聽臣，臣請為足下殺之，而下陳留。 足下將陳留之眾，據陳留之城，而食其積粟，招天下之從兵； 從兵已成，足下橫行天下，莫能有害足下者矣。」 沛公曰：「敬聞命矣。」
Li Sheng entered and bowed to the Duke of Pei, saying: 'Your Excellency suffers greatly, with exposed clothes and bared hat, leading troops to assist Chu in attacking the unrighteous. Why do you not rejoice in yourself?' I wished to be seen because of affairs, yet you said 'I am just occupied with affairs of all under heaven and have no leisure to see scholar types.' Now Your Excellency desires to raise the great affairs of all under heaven and complete the great merits of all under heaven, yet you judge superficially with your eyes and fear losing the able scholars of all under heaven.' Moreover, I measure that Your Excellency's wisdom does not equal mine, and your courage moreover does not equal mine.' If you desire to complete the affairs of all under heaven without seeing me, I secretly consider it a loss for Your Excellency.' The Duke of Pei apologized and said: 'Formerly I heard of your appearance, Sir; now I see your intent.' He invited Li Yiji to sit down and asked him how to win the empire. Li Sheng said: 'Your Excellency desires to complete great merit. Nothing equals stopping at Chenliu.' Chenliu is the strategic point of all under heaven, the place where troops assemble. It has accumulated grain of several tens of millions of shi, and its city defenses are very firm.' I have long been on good terms with the magistrate there. Allow me to go and persuade him on your behalf. If he will not listen to me, I ask your leave to kill him and take Chenliu. Your Excellency can lead Chenliu's multitudes, occupy Chenliu's city, eat its accumulated grain, and recruit following troops from all under heaven;' Once the following troops are formed, Your Excellency can traverse all under heaven, and none will be able to harm you.' The Duke of Pei said: 'I respectfully hear your command.'
23
於是酈生乃夜見陳留令，說之曰：「夫秦為無道而天下畔之，今足下與天下從則可以成大功。 今獨為亡秦嬰城而堅守，臣竊為足下危之。」 陳留令曰：「秦法至重也，不可以妄言，妄言者無類，吾不可以應。 先生所以教臣者，非臣之意也，願勿復道。」 酈生留宿臥，夜半時斬陳留令首，踰城而下報沛公。 沛公引兵攻城，縣令首於長竿以示城上人，曰：「趣下，而令頭已斷矣！ 今後下者必先斬之！」 於是陳留人見令已死，遂相率而下沛公。 沛公舍陳留南城門上，因其庫兵，食積粟，留出入三月，從兵以萬數，遂入破秦。
Thereupon Li Sheng went by night to see the Chenliu magistrate and persuaded him, saying: 'Qin does unrighteous things and all under heaven rebels against it. Now if Your Excellency follows along with all under heaven, you can complete great merit.' Now to alone embrace the city and firmly guard it for the perished Qin—I secretly consider it dangerous for Your Excellency.' The Chenliu magistrate said: 'Qin's laws are extremely heavy. One cannot speak recklessly; reckless speakers are executed along with their kin. I cannot respond.' What you teach me, Sir, is not my intent. I wish you not to speak of it again.' Li Yiji stayed the night. At midnight he cut off the head of the Chenliu magistrate, scaled the city wall, and went to report to the Lord of Pei. The Duke of Pei led troops to attack the city, hung the magistrate's head on a long pole to show the people on the city walls, and said: 'Hurry and surrender! Your magistrate's head has already been cut off!' Anyone who surrenders later will certainly be beheaded first!' When the people of Chenliu saw that their magistrate was dead, they rallied together and surrendered to the Lord of Pei. The Lord of Pei quartered himself above the south gate of Chenliu. He seized the city's arsenal and weapons, drew on its stores of grain, and remained there for three months, coming and going freely. His following swelled to tens of thousands of soldiers, and with them he marched west to destroy Qin.
24
太史公曰：世之傳酈生書，多曰漢王已拔三秦，東擊項籍而引軍於鞏洛之閒，酈生被儒衣往說漢王。 乃非也。 自沛公未入關，與項羽別而至高陽，得酈生兄弟。 余讀陸生新語書十二篇，固當世之辯士。 至平原君子與余善，是以得具論之。
The Grand Historian says: The world's transmitted books about Li Sheng mostly say that the Han King had already taken the Three Qins, attacked Xiang Ji to the east, and was leading his army between Gong and Luo when Li Sheng, wearing scholar's clothes, went to persuade the Han King. This is not so. Before the Lord of Pei had entered the passes, after parting ways with Xiang Yu, he came to Gaoyang and gained the services of the Li Yiji brothers. I have read Lu Jia's book of New Sayings in twelve chapters; he was indeed the eloquent scholar of his age. As for the Lord of Pingyuan, his son was a friend of mine, which is how I was able to set down the full account.