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衛將軍驃騎列傳

Biography of Cavalry General Wei

Chapter 111 of 史記 ✓ Translated
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Chapter 111
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1
The Grand General Wei Qing was a native of Pingyang. His father, Zheng Ji, served as a minor official in the household of the Marquis of Pingyang. He had an affair with the marquis's servant woman, known as Dame Wei, and she gave birth to Qing. Qing's elder brother by the same mother was Wei Changzi, and his sister Wei Zifu won the emperor's favor while serving in the household of the Princess of Pingyang. Because of this, he adopted the Wei surname. His courtesy name was Zhongqing. Changzi was also known by the courtesy name Changjun. Changjun's mother was known as Dame Wei. Dame Wei's eldest daughter was Wei Ru, her second daughter was Shao'er, and her third daughter was Zifu. Later, Zifu's younger brothers Bu and Guang also adopted the Wei surname.
2
使
Qing was a servant in the marquis's household. As a boy, he was sent to live with his father, who put him to work herding sheep. His stepmother's sons all treated him as a slave and refused to count him among their brothers. Qing once followed entered to Ganquan residence room, had one shackled convict divined Qing said: "Noble person, office to sealed hou." Qing smiled said: "Person slave birth, got no whipped cursed then sufficient, how get sealed hou affairs!"
3
使
When Qing came of age, he served as a mounted attendant in the marquis's household, accompanying the Princess of Pingyang. In the spring of the second year of the Jianyuan era, Qing's sister Zifu entered the palace and won the emperor's favor. The empress was a daughter of the Grand Elder Princess of Tangyi. She had borne no sons and was consumed with jealousy. When the Grand Elder Princess learned that Wei Zifu had won the emperor's favor and was with child, her jealousy drove her to send men to arrest Qing. At the time, Qing was serving at the Jianzhang Palace and had not yet made a name for himself. The Grand Elder Princess seized and imprisoned Qing, intending to have him killed. His friend, the cavalry attendant Gongsun Ao, gathered a band of brave men and rescued him by force, and so Qing escaped death. When the emperor heard of this, he summoned Qing and appointed him Supervisor of the Jianzhang Palace and Attendant at Court. His brothers by the same mother all rose to prominence, and within a matter of days the gifts and rewards bestowed upon them amounted to a thousand catties of gold. Wei Ru became the wife of Gongsun He, the Grand Coachman. Shao'er had previously been carrying on an affair with Chen Zhang, and the emperor summoned Zhang and elevated him to a position of honor. Gongsun Ao likewise rose further in standing because of these events. Zifu was made a Lady of the Court. Qing was appointed Grand Master of Palace Counsel.
4
Yuanguang fifth year, Qing became chariot cavalry general, attacked Xiongnu, out Shanggu; Taipu Gongsun He became light chariot general, out Yunzhong; Grand central grand master Gongsun Ao became cavalry general, out Daijun; Guard wei Li Guang became fierce cavalry general, out Yanmen: armies each ten thousand cavalry. Qing reached Longcheng, where he killed and captured several hundred of the enemy. Cavalry general Ao lost seven thousand cavalry; Guard wei Li Guang by enemy captured, got escape returned: all should behead, redeemed as commoners. Gongsun He likewise achieved no distinction.
5
西 西 西 使 西西谿
In the spring of the first year of the Yuanshuo era, Lady Wei bore a son and was made empress. That autumn, Qing was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry. He marched out through Yanmen with thirty thousand horsemen to attack the Xiongnu and killed or captured several thousand of the enemy. The following year, the Xiongnu invaded and killed the Governor of Liaoxi, carried off over two thousand people from Yuyang, and defeated the army of General Han. Han ordered general Li Xi attacked them, out Dai; The emperor ordered the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Qing, to march out from Yunzhong and advance westward to the Gaoque Pass. He then swept through the lands south of the Yellow River and advanced as far as Longxi, killing and capturing several thousand of the enemy and seizing hundreds of thousands of livestock. He drove away the kings of the Baiyang and Loufan tribes. The lands south of the Yellow River were then established as the Shuofang Commandery. Qing was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Changping with an estate of three thousand eight hundred households. Qing's colonel Su Jian had distinguished himself in the campaign and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Pingling with an estate of one thousand one hundred households. Su Jian was ordered to build the fortress city of Shuofang. Qing's colonel Zhang Cigong had also won merit and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Antou. Emperor said: "Xiongnu violate heaven principle, confuse human relationships, tyrannize strong bully weak, with thievery as affairs, practice deception various barbarians, make plots borrow troops, repeatedly for border harm, therefore raise troops send generals, to punish their crimes. Poetry not say, 'thin attacked Xianyun, to Taiyuan', 'out chariots Peng Peng, walled that Shuofang'." Now chariot cavalry general Qing crossed Xihe to Gaoque, obtained heads captives two thousand three hundred levels, chariots baggage livestock produce all received as booty, already sealed as lie hou, then west settled Henan land, pressed Yuxi old barrier, cut Ziling, Liang north river, attacked Punni, broke Fuli, beheaded light sharp troops, captured hidden listeners three thousand seven ten one levels, took captives obtained leaders, drove horses oxen sheep hundred remainder ten thousand, complete armor weapons and returned, increased sealed Qing three thousand households." The following year, the Xiongnu invaded and killed You, the Governor of Dai Commandery, and carried off over a thousand people from Yanmen. The year after that, the Xiongnu launched a major invasion of Dai, Dingxiang, and Shang Commandery, killing and carrying off several thousand Han subjects.
6
使使
Its next year, Yuanshuo fifth year spring, Han ordered chariot cavalry general Qing led three ten thousand cavalry, out Gaoque; Guard wei Su Jian became youji general, left interior secretary Li Ju became qiangnu general, taipu Gongsun He became cavalry general, dai chancellor Li Cai became light chariot general, all led belonged chariot cavalry general, together out Shuofang; Great marshal Li Xi, Antou hou Zhang Ci became generals, out Youbeiping: all attacked Xiongnu. The Worthy King of the Right, whose territory lay in the path of Wei Qing's advance, was certain the Han forces could not reach so far. He had been drinking and was in his cups. The Han forces arrived by night and surrounded the Worthy King of the Right. The king was thrown into a panic. Under cover of darkness, he fled with only his favorite consort and several hundred of his best horsemen, breaking through the encirclement and riding north. The Han light cavalry colonel Guo Cheng and others pursued him for several hundred li but failed to catch him. They did, however, capture more than ten of the Worthy King's subordinate kings, over fifteen thousand men and women, and livestock numbering in the millions. With this, they turned their forces around and marched home. When the army reached the frontier, the emperor sent an envoy bearing the seal of the Grand General. Right there in the field camp, the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Qing, was appointed Grand General, and all the other generals and their troops were placed under his command. With his new title established, the Grand General led his forces home. Emperor said: "Grand general Qing personally led soldiers, army great victory, obtained Xiongnu wang ten remainder people, increased sealed Qing six thousand households." Furthermore, Qing's son Kang was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Yichun, his son Buyi as the Marquis of Yin'an, and his son Deng as the Marquis of Fagan. Qing firmly declined said: "Subject fortunately got serve guilt march between, relied your majesty divine spirit, army great victory, all various colonels vigorous battle merit. Your Majesty has already been gracious enough to increase my own fief. My sons are still in swaddling clothes and have rendered no service whatsoever. Yet Your Majesty has seen fit to grant them lands and enfeoff all three as marquises. This is not the way for a general serving in the field to encourage his soldiers to fight bravely. Kang etc. three people how dare receive seal!" Emperor said: "I not forget various colonels merit, now firmly moreover plan them." Then decreed imperial censor: "Protect army commandery governor Gongsun Ao three followed grand general attacked Xiongnu, often protected army, escorted colonels obtained wang, with thousand five hundred households sealed Ao as Heqi hou. The commandant Han Yue had followed the Grand General out of Yuhun and advanced to the court of the Xiongnu Worthy King of the Right. In the fighting under the Grand General's banner, he captured a king, and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Longe with an estate of one thousand three hundred households. The cavalry general Gongsun He had followed the Grand General and captured a king, and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Nanjiao with an estate of one thousand three hundred households. The light chariot general Li Cai had once again followed the Grand General and captured a king, and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Le'an with an estate of one thousand six hundred households. The colonels Li Shuo, Zhao Buyu, and Gongsun Rongnu had each served under the Grand General on three campaigns and captured kings. Li Shuo was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Shezhi, Zhao Buyu as the Marquis of Suicheng, and Gongsun Rongnu as the Marquis of Congping, each with an estate of one thousand three hundred households. General Li Ju, Li Xi and colonel Dou Ruyi had merit, granted nobility Guannei hou, ate fief each three hundred households." That autumn, the Xiongnu invaded Dai and killed the commandant Zhu Ying.
7
使
The following spring, the Grand General Qing marched out from Dingxiang. The Marquis of Heqi, Ao, served as General of the Center; the Grand Coachman He served as General of the Left; the Marquis of Xi, Zhao Xin, served as General of the Vanguard; the Captain of the Guard Su Jian served as General of the Right; the Commandant of the Palace Li Guang served as General of the Rear; and the Right Prefect of the Capital Li Ju served as General of Crossbows. All were placed under the Grand General's command. They killed several thousand of the enemy and returned. After a little over a month, they all marched out from Dingxiang again to attack the Xiongnu and killed or captured over ten thousand of the enemy. The General of the Right, Su Jian, and the General of the Vanguard, Zhao Xin, had combined their forces, amounting to over three thousand cavalry. They encountered the Chanyu's own army and fought for more than a day, until their Han troops were nearly wiped out. The General of the Vanguard, originally a Xiongnu himself, had surrendered to Han and been made the Marquis of Xi. When he saw how desperate the situation had become, the Xiongnu enticed him back. He took the roughly eight hundred remaining horsemen under his command and defected to the Chanyu. The General of the Right, Su Jian, lost his entire army. He alone managed to escape with his life and made his way back to the Grand General. Grand general asked their crime adjudicator Hong, chancellor secretary An, discussion gentleman Zhou Ba etc.: "Jian should say what?" Ba said: "From grand general out, never beheaded deputy generals. Now Jian abandoned army, can behead to show general might." Hong, An said: "Not so. Military method 'small enemy strong, big enemy captured'." Now, Jian faced the Chanyu's tens of thousands with only a few thousand men. He fought bravely for more than a day, and when his soldiers were spent, he did not waver in his loyalty but came back of his own accord. If we execute a man who returned of his own free will, we show future commanders that there is no point in coming back. Not should behead." Grand general said: "Qing fortunately got with viscera serve guilt march between, not worried no might, but Ba told me to show might, very lost subject intent. Moreover make subject position though should behead generals, with subject honor favored not dared self arrogate execute at border outside, but prepared returned emperor, emperor self decided it, thereupon with seen as person minister not dared monopolize power, not also can?" Army officials all said "good". He placed Jian under arrest and sent him to the emperor's traveling court for judgment. The army then crossed back through the frontier and was disbanded.
8
That same year, the Grand General's nephew Huo Qubing, at the age of eighteen, had won the emperor's favor and was serving as an Attendant at Court. He was a skilled horseman and archer. On two occasions he accompanied the Grand General on campaign, and by imperial decree was given command of a band of brave soldiers as the Colonel of the Swift Cavalry. With eight hundred light horsemen, he rode far ahead of the main army, striking deep into enemy territory hundreds of li away, and the number of enemies he killed and captured far exceeded his own losses. Thereupon emperor said: "Piaoyao colonel Huo Qubing beheaded heads captives two thousand twenty eight levels, and chancellor, dang hu, beheaded chanyu great uncle Xing Jiruo hou Chan, alive captured young uncle Luogu Bi, again crowned army, with thousand six hundred households sealed Huo Qubing as Guan jun hou. Shanggu governor Hao Xian four followed grand general, captured beheaded heads captives two thousand remainder people, with thousand one hundred households sealed Xian as Zhongli hou." That year, two generals' armies had been lost and the Marquis of Xi had defected to the enemy. Since the military achievements were not great, the Grand General received no additional enfeoffment. When the General of the Right, Su Jian, was brought before the emperor, the emperor chose not to execute him. His crime was pardoned on payment of a ransom, and he was reduced to the status of a commoner.
9
After the Grand General returned from the campaign, the emperor bestowed upon him a gift of a thousand catties of gold. At time Wang lady just favored with emperor, Ning Cheng advised grand general: "General what merit not very many, body ate ten thousand households, three sons all became hou, only because empress reason. Now Wang lady favored but clan not rich noble, wish general offered what granted thousand jin for Wang lady close birthday." The Grand General thereupon presented five hundred catties of gold as a birthday gift to the princess. When the emperor heard about this, he questioned the Grand General, who told him the truth. The emperor then appointed Ning Cheng as the Commandant of Donghai.
10
使使
Zhang Qian accompanied the Grand General on this campaign. Because he had once traveled to Bactria and spent long years among the Xiongnu, he was able to guide the army, knowing where to find good water and pasture so that the troops never suffered from hunger or thirst. In recognition of his previous accomplishment of reaching remote lands, he was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Bowang.
11
西
Three years after the Marquis of Guanjun, Huo Qubing, had received his title, in the spring of the second year of the Yuanshou era, he was appointed General of the Swift Cavalry. He led ten thousand horsemen out through Longxi and won distinction. Emperor said: "Flying cavalry general led soldiers crossed Wuhui, attacked Suipu, crossed Hunu, passed five wang countries, baggage multitude terrified not took, hoped obtain chanyu son. Transferred battle six days, passed Yanzhi mountain thousand remainder li, combined short weapons, killed Zhe Lan wang, beheaded Lu Hu wang, executed complete armor, captured Hunxie wang son and chancellor, commandery governor, heads captives eight thousand remainder levels, received Xiutu sacrifice heaven gold person, increased sealed Huo Qubing two thousand households."
12
宿 宿
Its summer, flying cavalry general with heqi hou Ao together out Beidi, different roads; Bowang hou Zhang Qian, palace secretary Li Guang together out Youbeiping, different roads: all attacked Xiongnu. The Commandant of the Palace arrived first with four thousand cavalry, while the Marquis of Bowang followed behind with ten thousand horsemen. The Xiongnu Worthy King of the Left led tens of thousands of horsemen to surround the Commandant. The Commandant fought for two days, losing more than half his men, but the number of enemy he killed exceeded his own losses. When the Marquis of Bowang finally arrived, the Xiongnu forces withdrew. The Marquis of Bowang was found guilty of failing to arrive on time and losing contact with the General of the Swift Cavalry. He should have been executed, but paid a ransom and was reduced to the status of a commoner. Meanwhile, the General of the Swift Cavalry marched out from Beidi and pushed deep into enemy territory. He and the Marquis of Heqi lost contact with each other and failed to link up. The General of the Swift Cavalry crossed Juyan and reached the Qilian Mountains, killing and capturing a great many of the enemy. Emperor said: "Flying cavalry general crossed Juyan, then passed small Yuezhi, attacked Qilian mountain, got Qiutu wang, with multitude surrendered two thousand five hundred people, beheaded heads captives three ten thousand two hundred levels, obtained five wang, five wang mothers, chanyu consort, wang sons fifty nine people, chancellors, generals, dang hu, commandery governors sixty three people, army greatly reduced ten three, increased sealed Huo Qubing five thousand households. The colonels who had accompanied him as far as the territory of the Lesser Yuezhi were granted the rank of Left Commoner-Chief. The Adjutant of the Hawk Strike, Zhao Ponu, had twice served under the General of the Swift Cavalry. He killed the King of Suipu, captured the King of Jiju, and as a commander of a thousand horsemen seized a king and a queen mother, forty-one princes and lesser nobles, three thousand three hundred and thirty captives, and in advance operations captured an additional one thousand four hundred prisoners. He was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Congpiao with an estate of one thousand five hundred households. The colonel Gao Bushi, who held the Xiongnu title of King of Gou, followed the General of the Swift Cavalry and captured the princes and subordinates of the King of Huyutu, eleven in all, and one thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight captives. He was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Yiguan with an estate of one thousand one hundred households. Colonel Pudu had merit, sealed as Huiqu hou." The Marquis of Heqi, Gongsun Ao, was found guilty of lagging behind on the march and failing to rendezvous with the General of the Swift Cavalry. He should have been executed, but paid a ransom and was reduced to the status of a commoner. Various veteran generals what led soldiers horses troops also not match flying cavalry, flying cavalry what led often selected, but also dared deeply enter, often with strong cavalry preceded their grand (general), army also had heaven fortune, never suffered exhausted. And yet the veteran generals frequently found themselves charged with lagging behind and failing to make contact with the enemy. As a result, the General of the Swift Cavalry grew closer to the emperor with each passing day, until his standing rivaled that of the Grand General himself.
13
西 使 使 西 西
That autumn, the Chanyu was furious that the King of Hunxie, who held the western territories, had repeatedly been defeated by the Han, losing tens of thousands of his people to the forces of the General of the Swift Cavalry. In his rage, the Chanyu resolved to summon the King of Hunxie and put him to death. The King of Hunxie consulted with the King of Xiutu and others, and they plotted to surrender to the Han. They sent emissaries to make contact at the frontier. At that time, the Grand Herald Li Xi was overseeing the construction of fortifications along the Yellow River. When he received the King of Hunxie's envoys, he immediately dispatched a relay rider to inform the emperor. When the emperor heard the news, he feared it might be a feigned surrender designed to launch a surprise attack on the frontier. He therefore ordered the General of the Swift Cavalry to march with his troops to receive them. After the General of the Swift Cavalry had crossed the Yellow River, his forces and those of the King of Hunxie came within sight of each other. A number of the King of Hunxie's subordinate commanders, seeing the Han army approach, had no wish to surrender and began to slip away. The General of the Swift Cavalry galloped forward to meet the King of Hunxie in person. He cut down eight thousand of those attempting to flee, then sent the King of Hunxie ahead by relay carriage to the emperor's traveling court. He himself led all the remaining multitude across the Yellow River. The number who surrendered was several tens of thousands, though they were said to number one hundred thousand. When they arrived in Chang'an, the rewards and gifts the emperor bestowed amounted to many hundreds of millions of cash. The King of Hunxie was enfeoffed with an estate of ten thousand households as the Marquis of Luoyin. His subordinate kings were also enfeoffed: Huduni as the Marquis of Xiamo, Yingbi as the Marquis of Huiqu, Qin as the Marquis of Heqi, and the great chief Tongli as the Marquis of Changle. Thereupon emperor praised flying cavalry merit: "Flying cavalry general Huo Qubing led troops attacked Xiongnu western domain wang Hunxie, wang and his multitude all mutually fled, led with army provisions connected fed, combined led controlled bows ten thousand remainder people, executed fierce horses, obtained heads captives eight thousand remainder levels, surrendered different countries wang thirty two people, warriors not separated injured, ten ten thousand multitude all cherished assembled submitted, moreover gave them labor, reached river passes, almost no worry, fortune already forever pacified. With thousand seven hundred households increased sealed flying cavalry general." The garrison forces in Longxi, Beidi, and Shang Commandery were reduced by half, easing the burden of corvee labor on the empire.
14
After a short time, the surrendered tribes were divided and settled beyond the old frontier lines of five border commanderies, all in the region south of the Yellow River. They were allowed to follow their own customs and were organized as dependent states. The following year, the Xiongnu invaded Youbeiping and Dingxiang, killing and carrying off over a thousand Han subjects.
15
Its next year, emperor with various generals discussed: "Xi hou Zhao Xin for chanyu drew plan, often considered Han troops not able cross tent lightly stayed, now greatly sent soldiers, their power must get what desired." This was the fourth year of the Yuanshou era.
16
西
In the spring of the fourth year of the Yuanshou era, the emperor ordered the Grand General Qing and the General of the Swift Cavalry Huo Qubing to lead fifty thousand horsemen each, with several hundred thousand infantry and supply troops following behind. All the bravest and most daring warriors, the men willing to fight hard and penetrate deep into enemy territory, were assigned to the General of the Swift Cavalry. The General of the Swift Cavalry was originally assigned to march out from Dingxiang to confront the Chanyu. But captured prisoners reported that the Chanyu had moved east. The plan was therefore changed: the General of the Swift Cavalry was ordered to march out from Dai Commandery, while the Grand General was to march out from Dingxiang. The Commandant of the Palace served as General of the Vanguard, the Grand Coachman as General of the Left, the Chief of Titles Zhao Shiqi as General of the Right, and the Marquis of Pingyang, Xiang, as General of the Rear. All were placed under the Grand General's command. The troops crossed the Gobi Desert, fifty thousand horsemen and their mounts in all, and together with the forces of the General of the Swift Cavalry launched a coordinated attack against the Xiongnu Chanyu. Zhao Xin for chanyu planned: "Han troops already crossed tent, people horses tired, Xiongnu can sit receive captives." He sent all his supply trains far to the north and deployed his elite troops to wait north of the desert. It so happened that the Grand General's army, having advanced over a thousand li beyond the frontier, came upon the Chanyu's forces arrayed and waiting. The Grand General ordered his armored wagons to form a circular defensive camp, and then sent five thousand horsemen charging out to engage the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu also unleashed some ten thousand horsemen. As the sun was setting, a great sandstorm arose, hurling sand and gravel into the faces of the soldiers so that the two armies could no longer see each other. The Han forces sent their left and right wings sweeping around to encircle the Chanyu. When the Chanyu saw how numerous the Han troops were and that their soldiers and horses were still strong, and that the battle was going against his side, he mounted a war chariot drawn by six mules as dusk approached. With several hundred of his finest horsemen, he broke through the Han encirclement to the northwest and galloped away. By then it was dark. The Han and Xiongnu soldiers fought in a confused melee, and the casualties on both sides were roughly equal. A colonel on the Han left flank learned from captured prisoners that the Chanyu had fled before nightfall. The Han army at once dispatched light cavalry to pursue him through the night, with the Grand General's main force following behind. The Xiongnu forces likewise scattered and fled. By the time dawn broke, they had marched over two hundred li but failed to overtake the Chanyu. Along the way they killed and captured over ten thousand of the enemy. They then reached Mount Tianyan and the fortress built by Zhao Xin, where they found the Xiongnu's grain stores and used them to feed the army. The army remained for one day, then turned back. They burned the fortress and all the remaining grain before departing.
17
使使簿
When the Grand General engaged the Chanyu, the General of the Vanguard, Li Guang, and the General of the Right, Zhao Shiqi, had taken a separate eastern route with their forces. They lost their way and arrived too late to take part in the battle against the Chanyu. As the Grand General led his forces back south across the desert, he at last met up with the General of the Vanguard and the General of the Right. The Grand General intended to send a dispatch to the emperor explaining what had happened, and ordered his chief clerk to formally interrogate the General of the Vanguard, Li Guang, about his failure. Rather than face the inquiry, Li Guang took his own life. The General of the Right was handed over to the judicial officials for trial. He paid a ransom and was reduced to the status of a commoner. When the Grand General's army crossed back through the frontier, they had killed and captured a total of nineteen thousand of the enemy.
18
At that time, the Xiongnu had lost track of the Chanyu for more than ten days. The Worthy King of the Right Valley heard the news and proclaimed himself Chanyu. When the original Chanyu eventually regathered his followers, the King of the Right Valley relinquished his claim to the title.
19
The General of the Swift Cavalry likewise commanded fifty thousand horsemen, with supply trains and equipment matching those of the Grand General, but he had no subordinate generals. Instead, he used Li Gan and others as senior colonels who served in place of subordinate generals. He marched out from Dai and Youbeiping for over a thousand li, striking directly at the Xiongnu forces on the left flank. The number of enemy he killed and captured already surpassed the achievements of the Grand General. Army already returned, emperor said: "Flying cavalry general Huo Qubing led troops, personally led what obtained Xunzhou warriors, agreed light provisions, cut great tent, crossed Huo Zhang qu, to executed Biche qi, transferred attacked left great general, beheaded obtained flags drums, passed Li Hou. He crossed the Gonglv River and captured three kings, including the King of Tuntou and the King of Han, along with eighty-three generals, chancellors, chief commanders, and commandants. He performed a sacrifice to Heaven on Mount Langjuxu, made offerings to the Earth at Guyan, and gazed upon the distant waters of the northern sea. Captured captives obtained leaders seven ten thousand four hundred forty three levels, army reduced ten three, took food from enemy, distant marched very far but provisions not exhausted, with five thousand eight hundred households increased sealed flying cavalry general." The Governor of Youbeiping, Lu Bode, served under the General of the Swift Cavalry. He rendezvoused at the appointed fortress without missing the deadline, then followed the advance to Mount Taoyu, where he killed and captured two thousand seven hundred of the enemy. He was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Fuli with an estate of one thousand six hundred households. The Commandant of Beidi, Xing Shan, followed the General of the Swift Cavalry and captured a king. He was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Yiyang with an estate of one thousand two hundred households. The former surrendered kings Fuluzhi, King of Yinchun, and Yijijian, King of Louzhuan, both served under the General of the Swift Cavalry and won merit. Fuluzhi was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Zhuang with an estate of one thousand three hundred households, and Yijijian was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Zhongli with an estate of one thousand eight hundred households. The Marquis of Congpiao, Zhao Ponu, and the Marquis of Changwu, Anji, both served under the General of the Swift Cavalry and won merit. Each had his estate increased by three hundred households. The colonel Li Gan captured the enemy's battle standards and drums, and was made a Marquis within the Passes with a revenue estate of two hundred households. Another colonel was raised to the rank of Grand Commoner-Chief. Many of the officers and soldiers received official appointments, and the rewards and gifts bestowed were extremely generous. The Grand General, however, received no increase in his fief, and none of the officers and soldiers under his command were enfeoffed as marquises.
20
滿 祿 退
When the two armies had marched out beyond the frontier, a total of one hundred and forty thousand government and private horses were counted at the border. When they returned, fewer than thirty thousand survived. The title of Grand Marshal was then created, and both the Grand General and the General of the Swift Cavalry were given this rank. By imperial decree, the General of the Swift Cavalry's rank and salary were set equal to those of the Grand General. From this time on, the Grand General Qing's influence waned day by day, while the General of the Swift Cavalry rose ever higher in favor. Many of the Grand General's former retainers and associates left his service to attach themselves to the General of the Swift Cavalry, and each promptly received official appointments and titles. Only Ren An refused to do so.
21
穿 退
The General of the Swift Cavalry was a man of few words who never revealed confidences. He possessed a bold spirit and took on great responsibilities without hesitation. Emperor once wanted taught him Sun Wu military methods, replied: "Look at strategy how like, not to study ancient military methods." Emperor for him treated residence, ordered flying cavalry inspected it, replied: "Xiongnu not extinguished, nothing with home for." Because of this, the emperor valued and cherished him all the more. Yet having served at court since his youth and enjoyed great privilege, he had little understanding of the common soldier's hardships. When he took the field, the emperor sent dozens of carts loaded with delicacies from the Imperial Kitchen for his personal use. When he returned from campaign, cartloads of fine grain and meat were left over and thrown away, even as his soldiers went hungry. When they were beyond the frontier and his soldiers were short of rations, some too weak to stand, the General of the Swift Cavalry would still mark out a field and play ball. There were many such instances. The Grand General was by nature benevolent, modest, and self-effacing, winning the emperor's affection through his mild and agreeable manner. Yet the world at large gave him little acclaim.
22
Three years after his campaign of the fourth year, in the sixth year of the Yuanshou era, the General of the Swift Cavalry died. The emperor mourned him deeply. He mobilized the black-armored cavalry of the dependent states and lined them up in ranks from Chang'an all the way to Maoling. The burial mound was shaped to resemble the Qilian Mountains. He was given the posthumous title of Marquis Jinghuan, combining the meanings of martial valor and the expansion of territory. His son Shan inherited the marquisate. Shan was still young, with the courtesy name Zihou. The emperor was fond of him and hoped that when he came of age, he could be given a military command. Six years later, in the first year of the Yuanfeng era, Shan died. He was given the posthumous title of Marquis Ai, the Sorrowful. He left no heir, the line was extinguished, and the marquisate was abolished.
23
After the death of the General of the Swift Cavalry, the Grand General's eldest son, the Marquis of Yichun, Kang, was convicted of a legal offense and lost his marquisate. Five years later, Kang's two younger brothers, the Marquis of Yin'an, Buyi, and the Marquis of Fagan, Deng, both lost their marquisates for offering substandard gold in the ritual tribute. Two years after they lost their titles, the marquisate of Guanjun was also abolished. Four years after that, the Grand General Qing died. He was given the posthumous title of Marquis Lie, the Ardent. His son Kang succeeded him as the Marquis of Changping.
24
西
Fourteen years after the Grand General's encirclement of the Chanyu, Qing died. The reason no further campaigns were launched against the Xiongnu was that the Han had lost most of its horses and was at the same time waging wars to the south against the two Yue kingdoms, to the east against Joseon, and against the Qiang and the southwestern Yi peoples. For these reasons, there was no campaign against the northern barbarians for a long time.
25
Because the Grand General had married the Elder Princess of Pingyang, his son Kang, the Marquis of Changping, was allowed to inherit the title. After six years, he was convicted of a legal offense and lost the marquisate.
26
Left side two great generals and various deputy generals names:
27
The foremost was the Grand General Qing. In all, he marched out against the Xiongnu seven times and killed or captured over fifty thousand of the enemy. He fought one battle directly against the Chanyu, recovered the lands south of the Yellow River, and established the Shuofang Commandery. His fief was increased twice, totaling eleven thousand eight hundred households. Three of his sons were enfeoffed as marquises, each with an estate of one thousand three hundred households. In total, the combined estates of the Wei family amounted to fifteen thousand seven hundred households. Nine of his colonels and subordinate generals were enfeoffed as marquises for their service under the Grand General. Fourteen of his subordinate generals and colonels went on to become full generals. Among his subordinate generals was Li Guang, who has his own biography. No biography named:
28
General Gongsun He. He was a native of Yiqu, and his ancestors were of barbarian stock. He's father, Hunxie, had been the Marquis of Pingqu during the reign of Emperor Jing, but was convicted of a legal offense and lost the title. He served as an attendant in Emperor Wu's household when the emperor was still crown prince. Eight years after Emperor Wu took the throne, He was appointed General of Light Chariots in his capacity as Grand Coachman, and was stationed at Mayi. Four years later, he marched out from Yunzhong as General of Light Chariots. Five years later, he served as General of Cavalry under the Grand General and won merit. He was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Nanjiao. The following year, he again accompanied the Grand General, serving as General of the Left, and marched out from Dingxiang, but achieved no distinction. Four years later, he lost his marquisate for offering substandard gold in the ritual tribute. Eight years later, he marched out from Wuyuan as the General of Fuju, advancing over two thousand li, but achieved no distinction. Eight years after that, serving again as Grand Coachman, he was appointed Chancellor and enfeoffed as the Marquis of Geyi. He served as a general seven times and campaigned against the Xiongnu without achieving any great distinction, yet he was twice enfeoffed as a marquis and rose to become Chancellor. He was brought down when his son Jingsheng was accused of having an affair with the Princess of Yangshi and of practicing witchcraft and sorcery. His entire clan was exterminated, and the line was left without an heir.
29
General Li Xi was a native of Yuzhi. He served under Emperor Jing. To Wu di established eight years, became caiguan general, army Maiyi; After six years, became general, out Dai; After three years, became general, followed grand general out Shuofang: all no merit. He served as a general three times in all, and afterward held the permanent post of Grand Herald.
30
General Gongsun Ao was a native of Yiqu. He served Emperor Wu as a palace attendant. Wu di established twelve years, became (flying) cavalry general, out Dai, lost soldiers seven thousand people, should behead, redeemed as commoner. Five years later, he served as a colonel under the Grand General and won merit. He was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Heqi. The following year, he accompanied the Grand General as General of the Center and again marched out from Dingxiang, but achieved no distinction. Two years later, he marched out from Beidi as a general but failed to meet the General of the Swift Cavalry at the appointed time. He should have been executed, but paid a ransom and was reduced to the status of a commoner. Two years later, he served as a colonel under the Grand General, but again achieved no distinction. Fourteen years later, he was appointed General of Yinyu and built the fortress of Shouxiang. Seven years after that, he again marched out as General of Yinyu to attack the Xiongnu, advancing as far as Yuwu. He lost a great many soldiers and was handed over to the judicial officials. Facing execution, he feigned death and fled, living in hiding among the common people for five or six years. He was eventually discovered and arrested once more. He was charged with his wife's involvement in witchcraft and sorcery, and his entire clan was exterminated. He served as a general four times in all, campaigning against the Xiongnu, and was once enfeoffed as a marquis.
31
General Li Ju was a native of Yunzhong. He served under Emperor Jing. Seventeen years after Emperor Wu took the throne, he was appointed General of Crossbows from his post as Left Prefect of the Capital. The following year, he was again appointed General of Crossbows.
32
General Li Cai was a native of Chengji. He served under Emperors Wen, Jing, and Wu. Serving as General of Light Chariots under the Grand General, he won merit and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Le'an. He later became Chancellor, but was convicted of a legal offense and put to death.
33
General Zhang Cigong was a native of Hedong. Serving as a colonel under the General Wei Qing, he won merit and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Antou. Later, when the Empress Dowager died, he was made a general and commanded the Northern Army. The following year, he served as a general under the Grand General. He was appointed general again but was convicted of a legal offense and lost his marquisate. Cigong's father, Long, was a skilled charioteer and archer. Because of his skill in archery, Emperor Jing favored him and kept him close.
34
General Su Jian was a native of Duling. Serving as a colonel under the General Wei Qing, he won merit and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Pingling. He was then appointed a general and tasked with building the fortress of Shuofang. Four years later, he was appointed General of Roving Attacks and accompanied the Grand General on a campaign from Shuofang. The following year, serving as General of the Right, he again accompanied the Grand General out from Dingxiang. When the Marquis of Xi defected and his army was lost, he should have been executed, but paid a ransom and was reduced to the status of a commoner. Afterward he served as Governor of Dai Commandery. When he died, he was buried at Dayou Village.
35
General Zhao Xin was formerly a Xiongnu chancellor who surrendered to the Han and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Xi. Seventeen years after Emperor Wu took the throne, he was made General of the Vanguard. He fought against the Chanyu, was defeated, and surrendered back to the Xiongnu.
36
使 使
General Zhang Qian was the envoy who opened relations with Bactria. After his return, he was appointed a colonel. He served under the Grand General and won merit, and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Bowang. Three years later, he was made a general and marched out from Youbeiping, but failed to arrive at the appointed time. He should have been executed, but paid a ransom and was reduced to the status of a commoner. Later he was sent on a mission to open relations with the Wusun people. He was appointed Grand Herald, and died in that office. His tomb is in Hanzhong.
37
General Zhao Shiqi was a native of Duifu. Twenty-two years after Emperor Wu took the throne, Zhao Shiqi was appointed General of the Right from his post as Chief of Titles. He accompanied the Grand General on a campaign out of Dingxiang but lost his way. He should have been executed, but paid a ransom and was reduced to the status of a commoner.
38
General Cao Xiang, in his capacity as the Marquis of Pingyang, served as General of the Rear and accompanied the Grand General on the campaign out of Dingxiang. Xiang was the grandson of Cao Can.
39
祿
General Han Yue was a collateral grandson of the Marquis of Gonggao. Serving as a colonel under the Grand General, he won merit and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Longe. He later lost his marquisate for offering substandard gold in the ritual tribute. In the sixth year of the Yuanding era, he was appointed General Who Crosses the Sea while awaiting imperial summons. He won merit in the campaign against the Eastern Yue and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Andao. In the third year of the Taichu era, he was appointed General of Roving Attacks and garrisoned the outer fortified cities beyond Wuyuan. He later served as Superintendent of the Imperial Household. When he was sent to dig for sorcery implements in the Crown Prince's palace, the Crown Prince of Wei killed him.
40
General Guo Chang was a native of Yunzhong. He served as a colonel under the Grand General. In the fourth year of the Yuanfeng era, he was appointed General Who Uproots the Barbarians from his post as Grand Master of Palace Counsel, and was garrisoned at Shuofang. He was then sent to attack the Kunming people, but achieved nothing. His seal of office was confiscated.
41
General Xun Zhi was a native of Guangwu in Taiyuan. He came to notice as an imperial charioteer, was made an Attendant at Court, and then appointed a colonel. He served under the Grand General on numerous campaigns. In the third year of the Yuanfeng era, he was appointed General of the Left and sent to attack Joseon, but achieved nothing of note. He was charged with arresting the General of the Tower Ships, convicted, and put to death.
42
西西
The foremost was the General of the Swift Cavalry, Huo Qubing. In all, he marched out against the Xiongnu six times, four of them as commanding general, and killed or captured over one hundred and ten thousand of the enemy. He also accepted the surrender of the King of Hunxie with his tens of thousands of followers, thereby opening up the Hexi Corridor and the lands of Jiuquan. After this, barbarian raids in the west grew ever fewer. His fief was increased four times, totaling fifteen thousand one hundred households. Six of his officers won merit and were enfeoffed as marquises, and two later went on to become generals.
43
General Lu Bode was a native of Pingzhou. Serving as the Governor of Youbeiping under the General of the Swift Cavalry, he won merit and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Fuli. After the death of the General of the Swift Cavalry, Lu Bode was appointed General Who Calms the Waves from his post as Captain of the Guard. He conquered Nanyue and had his fief increased. He later lost his marquisate due to a legal conviction. He was appointed Commandant of Crossbows, garrisoned at Juyan, and died there.
44
General Zhao Ponu was originally from Jiuyuan. He had once fled to the Xiongnu, but later returned to the Han and was made an adjutant under the General of the Swift Cavalry. During a campaign from Beidi he won merit and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Congpiao. He lost his marquisate for offering substandard gold in the ritual tribute. The following year, he was appointed General of the Xionghe and attacked the barbarians, advancing as far as the Xionghe River, but achieved nothing of note. Two years later, he attacked and captured the King of Loulan, and was once again enfeoffed, this time as the Marquis of Zhuoye. Six years later, he was appointed General of Junji and led twenty thousand horsemen against the Xiongnu Worthy King of the Left. The Worthy King of the Left engaged him in battle and surrounded him with eighty thousand cavalry. Zhao Ponu was captured alive, and his entire army was destroyed. He lived among the Xiongnu for ten years before escaping back to Han with his crown prince, Anguo. He was later charged with involvement in the witchcraft and sorcery affair, and his entire clan was exterminated.
45
From the time the Wei clan rose to prominence, the Grand General Qing was the first to be enfeoffed. In the years that followed, five members of the family's various branches were made marquises. Within the space of twenty-four years, all five marquisates were stripped away, and not a single member of the Wei clan retained a title of nobility.
46
Grand historian said: Su Jian told me said: "I once reproached grand general reached utmost honored respected, yet world wise grand masters none praised him, wished general observed ancient famous generals what they recruited selected worthy ones, exerted himself." Grand general thanked said: "Since Wei qi, Wu an thick treated guests, emperor constantly gnashed teeth. To attract and bind the loyalty of officials, to promote the worthy and dismiss the unworthy—these are the prerogatives of the sovereign. Subject minister served law followed duty only, what relation recruited scholars!" The General of the Swift Cavalry followed this same principle. Such was his way as a commander.
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