Biography of Cavalry General Wei

大將軍衛青者，平陽人也。其父鄭季，為吏，給事平陽侯家，與侯妾衛媼通，生青。青同母兄衛長子，而姊衛子夫自平陽公主家得幸天子，故冒姓為衛氏。字仲卿。長子更字長君。長君母號為衛媼。媼長女衛孺，次女少兒，次女即子夫。後子夫男弟步、廣皆冒衛氏。

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.

青為侯家人，少時歸其父，其父使牧羊。先母之子皆奴畜之，不以為兄弟數。青嘗從入至甘泉居室，有一鉗徒相青曰：「貴人也，官至封侯。」青笑曰：「人奴之生，得毋笞罵即足矣，安得封侯事乎！」

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. Wei Qing once accompanied others inside to the Sweet Springs residence quarters. A convict in shackles who practiced physiognomy looked at him and said, "You are a noble man; your office will rise to that of a sealed marquis." Wei Qing laughed and said, "Born a slave, if only I am never whipped and reviled, that is sufficient. How could there be any talk of attaining a sealed marquis!"

青壯，為侯家騎，從平陽主。建元二年春，青姊子夫得入宮幸上。皇后，堂邑大長公主女也，無子，妒。大長公主聞衛子夫幸，有身，妒之，乃使人捕青。青時給事建章，未知名。大長公主執囚青，欲殺之。其友騎郎公孫敖與壯士往篡取之，以故得不死。上聞，乃召青為建章監，侍中，及同母昆弟貴，賞賜數日閒累千金。孺為太仆公孫賀妻。少兒故與陳掌通，上召貴掌。公孫敖由此益貴。子夫為夫人。青為大中大夫。

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.

元光五年，青為車騎將軍，擊匈奴，出上谷；太仆公孫賀為輕車將軍，出雲中；大中大夫公孫敖為騎將軍，出代郡；衛尉李廣為驍騎將軍，出雁門：軍各萬騎。青至蘢城，斬首虜數百。騎將軍敖亡七千騎；衛尉李廣為虜所得，得脫歸：皆當斬，贖為庶人。賀亦無功。

In the fifth year of the Yuanguang era, Qing was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry to attack the Xiongnu. He marched out from Shanggu; The Grand Coachman Gongsun He was appointed General of Light Chariots and marched out from Yunzhong; Gongsun Ao, Grand Master of Palace Counsel, was appointed Cavalry General and marched out from Dai Commandery; The Captain of the Guard Li Guang was appointed General of Swift Cavalry and marched out through Yanmen. Each army numbered ten thousand horsemen. Qing reached Longcheng, where he killed and captured several hundred of the enemy. The Cavalry General Gongsun Ao lost seven thousand horsemen; The Captain of the Guard Li Guang was captured by the enemy but managed to escape and return. All were liable to execution; they paid ransoms and were reduced to commoners. Gongsun He likewise achieved no distinction.

元朔元年春，衛夫人有男，立為皇后。其秋，青為車騎將軍，出雁門，三萬騎擊匈奴，斬首虜數千人。明年，匈奴入殺遼西太守，虜略漁陽二千餘人，敗韓將軍軍。漢令將軍李息擊之，出代；令車騎將軍青出雲中以西至高闕。遂略河南地，至于隴西，捕首虜數千，畜數十萬，走白羊、樓煩王。遂以河南地為朔方郡。以三千八百戶封青為長平侯。青校尉蘇建有功，以千一百戶封建為平陵侯。使建筑朔方城。青校尉張次公有功，封為岸頭侯。天子曰：「匈奴逆天理，亂人倫，暴長虐老，以盜竊為務，行詐諸蠻夷，造謀藉兵，數為邊害，故興師遣將，以征厥罪。詩不云乎，『薄伐玁狁，至于太原』，『出車彭彭，城彼朔方』。今車騎將軍青度西河至高闕，獲首虜二千三百級，車輜畜產畢收為鹵，已封為列侯，遂西定河南地，按榆谿舊塞，絕梓領，梁北河，討蒲泥，破符離，斬輕銳之卒，捕伏聽者三千七十一級，執訊獲丑，驅馬牛羊百有餘萬，全甲兵而還，益封青三千戶。」其明年，匈奴入殺代郡太守友，入略鴈門千餘人。其明年，匈奴大入代、定襄、上郡，殺略漢數千人。

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. The Han ordered General Li Xi to attack them and march out from 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. The emperor said, "The Xiongnu violate the principles of Heaven and disorder human relationships. They tyrannize the strong and abuse the aged. They make robbery their occupation, practice deceit among the barbarian peoples, plot and borrow troops, and repeatedly harm the borderlands. Therefore, we have raised armies and sent generals to punish their crimes. Do the Odes not say, 'We struck the Xianyun in earnest, until we reached Taiyuan,' and 'The war chariots roll in ranks, to build that city of Shuofang'? Now the General of Chariots and Cavalry Qing has crossed the Western River to Gaoque and taken two thousand three hundred enemy heads. All chariots, baggage, and livestock were seized as booty. He has already been enfeoffed as a ranked marquis. He then settled the Henan region in the west, restored the old barrier at Yuxi, cut off Ziling, bridged the north bank of the Yellow River, attacked Punni, broke Fuli, beheaded the enemy's light elite troops, captured three thousand seventy-one hidden scouts, took prisoners and leaders, and drove off more than a million horses, cattle, and sheep. He returned with his armor and weapons intact, and Qing's fief was increased by 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.

其明年，元朔之五年春，漢令車騎將軍青將三萬騎，出高闕；衛尉蘇建為游擊將軍，左內史李沮為彊弩將軍，太仆公孫賀為騎將軍，代相李蔡為輕車將軍，皆領屬車騎將軍，俱出朔方；大行李息、岸頭侯張次公為將軍，出右北平：咸擊匈奴。匈奴右賢王當衛青等兵，以為漢兵不能至此，飲醉。漢兵夜至，圍右賢王，右賢王驚，夜逃，獨與其愛妾一人壯騎數百馳，潰圍北去。漢輕騎校尉郭成等逐數百里，不及，得右賢裨王十餘人，眾男女萬五千餘人，畜數千百萬，於是引兵而還。至塞，天子使使者持大將軍印，即軍中拜車騎將軍青為大將軍，諸將皆以兵屬大將軍，大將軍立號而歸。天子曰：「大將軍青躬率戎士，師大捷，獲匈奴王十有餘人，益封青六千戶。」而封青子伉為宜春侯，青子不疑為陰安侯，青子登為發干侯。青固謝曰：「臣幸得待罪行閒，賴陛下神靈，軍大捷，皆諸校尉力戰之功也。陛下幸已益封臣青。臣青子在繦緥中，未有勤勞，上幸列地封為三侯，非臣待罪行閒所以勸士力戰之意也。伉等三人何敢受封！」天子曰：「我非忘諸校尉功也，今固且圖之。」乃詔御史曰：「護軍都尉公孫敖三從大將軍擊匈奴，常護軍，傅校獲王，以千五百戶封敖為合騎侯。都尉韓說從大將軍出窳渾，至匈奴右賢王庭，為麾下搏戰獲王，以千三百戶封說為龍頟侯。騎將軍公孫賀從大將軍獲王，以千三百戶封賀為南窌侯。輕車將軍李蔡再從大將軍獲王，以千六百戶封蔡為樂安侯。校尉李朔，校尉趙不虞，校尉公孫戎奴，各三從大將軍獲王，以千三百戶封朔為涉軹侯，以千三百戶封不虞為隨成侯，以千三百戶封戎奴為從平侯。將軍李沮、李息及校尉豆如意有功，賜爵關內侯，食邑各三百戶。」其秋，匈奴入代，殺都尉朱英。

The next year, in the spring of the fifth year of the Yuanshuo era, the Han ordered the General of Chariots and Cavalry Qing to lead thirty thousand horsemen and march out through Gaoque; The Captain of the Guard Su Jian was appointed General of Roving Attacks; the Left Prefect of the Capital Li Ju was appointed General of Crossbows; the Grand Coachman Gongsun He was appointed Cavalry General; the Chancellor of Dai Li Cai was appointed General of Light Chariots. All were placed under the General of Chariots and Cavalry and marched out together from Shuofang; The Grand Herald Li Xi and the Marquis of Antou, Zhang Cigong, were appointed generals and marched out from Youbeiping. All attacked the 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. The emperor said, "The Grand General Qing personally led his warriors. The army won a great victory and captured more than ten Xiongnu kings. Qing's fief is increased by 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, saying, "Your subject has merely been fortunate to serve in the ranks while answering for his offenses. Relying on Your Majesty's divine power, the army won a great victory, but it was all due to the colonels fighting with all their strength. 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. How could Kang and the other two dare to accept enfeoffment!" The emperor said, "I have not forgotten the colonels' merit; I am now about to reward them." The emperor then issued an edict to the Imperial Censor: "Commandant Gongsun Ao, Protector of the Army, has followed the Grand General three times in attacks on the Xiongnu, repeatedly guarding the army and escorting colonels who captured kings. Ao is enfeoffed as Marquis of Heqi with fifteen hundred households. 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. The generals Li Ju and Li Xi and the colonel Dou Ruyi had merit. They were granted the nobility of marquises within the passes, each with a revenue estate of three hundred households." That autumn, the Xiongnu invaded Dai and killed the commandant Zhu Ying.

其明年春，大將軍青出定襄，合騎侯敖為中將軍，太仆賀為左將軍，翕侯趙信為前將軍，衛尉蘇建為右將軍，郎中令李廣為後將軍，右內史李沮為彊弩將軍，咸屬大將軍，斬首數千級而還。月餘，悉復出定襄擊匈奴，斬首虜萬餘人。右將軍建、前將軍信并軍三千餘騎，獨逢單于兵，與戰一日餘，漢兵且盡。前將軍故胡人，降為翕侯，見急，匈奴誘之，遂將其餘騎可八百，奔降單于。右將軍蘇建盡亡其軍，獨以身得亡去，自歸大將軍。大將軍問其罪正閎、長史安、議郎周霸等：「建當云何？」霸曰：「自大將軍出，未嘗斬裨將。今建棄軍，可斬以明將軍之威。」閎、安曰：「不然。兵法『小敵之堅，大敵之禽也』。今建以數千當單于數萬，力戰一日餘，士盡，不敢有二心，自歸。自歸而斬之，是示後無反意也。不當斬。」大將軍曰：「青幸得以肺腑待罪行閒，不患無威，而霸說我以明威，甚失臣意。且使臣職雖當斬將，以臣之尊寵而不敢自擅專誅於境外，而具歸天子，天子自裁之，於是以見為人臣不敢專權，不亦可乎？」軍吏皆曰「善」。遂囚建詣行在所。入塞罷兵。

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. The Grand General asked Hong, the officer in charge of judging offenses, Chief Clerk An, Gentleman Consultant Zhou Ba, and the others, "How should Jian be dealt with?" Zhou Ba said, "Since the Grand General marched out, he has never beheaded a deputy general. Now Jian has abandoned his army. He may be beheaded to display the general's authority." Hong and An said, "Not so. The Art of War says, 'When a small enemy holds firm, a great enemy captures it. 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. He should not be beheaded." The Grand General said, "I, Qing, have been fortunate to serve as one of Your Majesty's close kin in the army while answering for my offenses. I am not concerned that I lack authority, yet Ba urged me to display it. That greatly misses a subject's proper intention. Moreover, even if my duty as a subject required beheading a general, because of my honored position I would not dare to execute anyone on my own authority beyond the border. I would bring him back to the emperor for him to decide himself. In this way one may see that a subject does not dare to monopolize power—is that not acceptable?" The army officers 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.

是歲也，大將軍姊子霍去病年十八，幸，為天子ヰ中。善騎射，再從大將軍，受詔與壯士，為剽姚校尉，與輕勇騎八百直棄大軍數百里赴利，斬捕首虜過當。於是天子曰：「剽姚校尉去病斬首虜二千二十八級，及相國、當戶，斬單于大父行籍若侯產，生捕季父羅姑比，再冠軍，以千六百戶封去病為冠軍侯。上谷太守郝賢四從大將軍，捕斬首虜二千餘人，以千一百戶封賢為眾利侯。」是歲，失兩將軍軍，亡翕侯，軍功不多，故大將軍不益封。右將軍建至，天子不誅，赦其罪，贖為庶人。

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. The emperor then said, "The Colonel of the Swift Cavalry Huo Qubing beheaded and captured two thousand twenty-eight of the enemy, including a chancellor and a chief commander. He beheaded the Chanyu's great-uncle on his father's side, the Marquis of Jiruo Chan, and captured alive his younger uncle on his father's side, Luogubi. He has twice crowned the army with victory. With an estate of one thousand six hundred households Huo Qubing is enfeoffed as the Marquis of Guanjun. Hao Xian, Governor of Shanggu, followed the Grand General four times and captured or beheaded more than two thousand enemies. Xian was enfeoffed as Marquis of Zhongli with eleven hundred households." 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.

大將軍既還，賜千金。是時王夫人方幸於上，甯乘說大將軍曰：「將軍所以功未甚多，身食萬戶，三子皆為侯者，徒以皇后故也。今王夫人幸而宗族未富貴，願將軍奉所賜千金為王夫人親壽。」大將軍乃以五百金為壽。天子聞之，問大將軍，大將軍以實言，上乃拜甯乘為東海都尉。

After the Grand General returned from the campaign, the emperor bestowed upon him a gift of a thousand catties of gold. At that time Lady Wang had newly won the emperor's favor. Ning Cheng advised the Grand General, saying, "General, the reason your merit is not very great, yet you enjoy an estate of ten thousand households and all three sons are marquises, is solely because of the empress. Lady Wang is now favored, but her clan is not yet rich or noble. I hope the general will offer the thousand catties of gold you were granted as a birthday gift to Lady Wang's mother." 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.

張騫從大將軍，以嘗使大夏，留匈奴中久，導軍，知善水草處，軍得以無饑渴，因前使絕國功，封騫博望侯。

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.

冠軍侯去病既侯三歲，元狩二年春，以冠軍侯去病為驃騎將軍，將萬騎出隴西，有功。天子曰：「驃騎將軍率戎士踰烏盭，討遬濮，涉狐奴，歷五王國，輜重人眾懾慴者弗取，冀獲單于子。轉戰六日，過焉支山千有餘里，合短兵，殺折蘭王，斬盧胡王，誅全甲，執渾邪王子及相國、都尉，首虜八千餘級，收休屠祭天金人，益封去病二千戶。」

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. The emperor said, "The General of the Swift Cavalry led his warriors across Wuzhi, attacked Suipu, crossed Hunu, and passed through five kingdoms. He did not take baggage trains or terrified multitudes, hoping to obtain the Chanyu's son. He fought for six days, passed more than a thousand li beyond Yanzhi Mountain, and closed with the enemy at short range. He killed the King of Zhelan, beheaded the King of Luhu, executed men in full armor, captured the son of the King of Hunxie together with his chancellor and commandant, took more than eight thousand heads and captives, and received the Xiutu people's golden man for sacrificing to Heaven. Huo Qubing's fief was increased by two thousand households."

其夏，驃騎將軍與合騎侯敖俱出北地，異道；博望侯張騫、郎中令李廣俱出右北平，異道：皆擊匈奴。郎中令將四千騎先至，博望侯將萬騎在後至。匈奴左賢王將數萬騎圍郎中令，郎中令與戰二日，死者過半，所殺亦過當。博望侯至，匈奴兵引去。博望侯坐行留，當斬，贖為庶人。而驃騎將軍出北地，已遂深入，與合騎侯失道，不相得，驃騎將軍踰居延至祁連山，捕首虜甚多。天子曰：「驃騎將軍踰居延，遂過小月氏，攻祁連山，得酋涂王，以眾降者二千五百人，斬首虜三萬二百級，獲五王，五王母，單于閼氏、王子五十九人，相國、將軍、當戶、都尉六十三人，師大率減什三，益封去病五千戶。賜校尉從至小月氏爵左庶長。鷹擊司馬破奴再從驃騎將軍斬遬濮王，捕稽沮王，千騎將得王、王母各一人，王子以下四十一人，捕虜三千三百三十人，前行捕虜千四百人，以千五百戶封破奴為從驃侯。校尉句王高不識，從驃騎將軍捕呼于屠王王子以下十一人，捕虜千七百六十八人，以千一百戶封不識為宜冠侯。校尉仆多有功，封為煇渠侯。」合騎侯敖坐行留不與驃騎會，當斬，贖為庶人。諸宿將所將士馬兵亦不如驃騎，驃騎所將常選，然亦敢深入，常與壯騎先其大（將）軍，軍亦有天幸，未嘗困絕也。然而諸宿將常坐留落不遇。由此驃騎日以親貴，比大將軍。

That summer the General of the Swift Cavalry and the Marquis of Heqi, Gongsun Ao, both marched out from Beidi by separate routes; The Marquis of Bowang Zhang Qian and the Commandant of the Palace Li Guang both marched out from Youbeiping by separate routes. All attacked the 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. The emperor said, "The General of the Swift Cavalry crossed Juyan, then passed the Lesser Yuezhi, attacked the Qilian Mountains, and captured the King of Qiutu. Those who surrendered numbered two thousand five hundred people. He beheaded and captured thirty-two thousand two hundred of the enemy, obtained five kings, five queens, the Chanyu's consort, fifty-nine princes, and sixty-three chancellors, generals, chief commanders, and commandants. The army was reduced by roughly three tenths. Huo Qubing's fief was increased by 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 and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Huiqu." 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. The veteran generals' men, horses, and troops were not equal to those of the Swift Cavalry General. The men he led were always picked troops, and he dared to penetrate deeply, often riding ahead of the Grand General with his brave cavalry. His army also had Heaven's favor and was never cut off or brought to ruin. 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.

其秋，單于怒渾邪王居西方數為漢所破，亡數萬人，以驃騎之兵也。單于怒，欲召誅渾邪王。渾邪王與休屠王等謀欲降漢，使人先要邊。是時大行李息將城河上，得渾邪王使，即馳傳以聞。天子聞之，於是恐其以詐降而襲邊，乃令驃騎將軍將兵往迎之。驃騎既渡河，與渾邪王眾相望。渾邪王裨將見漢軍而多欲不降者，頗遁去。驃騎乃馳入與渾邪王相見，斬其欲亡者八千人，遂獨遣渾邪王乘傳先詣行在所，盡將其眾渡河，降者數萬，號稱十萬。既至長安，天子所以賞賜者數十巨萬。封渾邪王萬戶，為漯陰侯。封其裨王呼毒尼為下摩侯，鷹庇為煇渠侯，禽為河綦侯，大當戶銅離為常樂侯。於是天子嘉驃騎之功曰：「驃騎將軍去病率師攻匈奴西域王渾邪，王及厥眾萌咸相奔，率以軍糧接食，并將控弦萬有餘人，誅獟駻，獲首虜八千餘級，降異國之王三十二人，戰士不離傷，十萬之眾咸懷集服，仍與之勞，爰及河塞，庶幾無患，幸既永綏矣。以千七百戶益封驃騎將軍。」減隴西、北地、上郡戍卒之半，以寬天下之繇。

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. The emperor then praised the Swift Cavalry's merit and said, "The General of the Swift Cavalry Huo Qubing led his troops to attack the Xiongnu King of Hunxie in the western domain. The king and his multitude all fled to him. He supplied them with army provisions and combined command of more than ten thousand bowmen. He executed the fierce and violent, obtained more than eight thousand heads and captives, and received the surrender of thirty-two kings of foreign states. His warriors did not suffer heavy casualties; the multitude of one hundred thousand all rallied to him and submitted. He continued to share their hardships, reaching the river passes, so that nearly all danger was gone and lasting peace had happily been secured. The Swift Cavalry General's fief was increased by seventeen hundred households." The garrison forces in Longxi, Beidi, and Shang Commandery were reduced by half, easing the burden of corvee labor on the empire.

居頃之，乃分徙降者邊五郡故塞外，而皆在河南，因其故俗，為屬國。其明年，匈奴入右北平、定襄，殺略漢千餘人。

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.

其明年，天子與諸將議曰：「翕侯趙信為單于畫計，常以為漢兵不能度幕輕留，今大發士卒，其勢必得所欲。」是歲元狩四年也。

The next year, the emperor discussed the matter with the generals and said, "The Marquis of Xi, Zhao Xin, makes plans for the Chanyu and has always believed that Han troops cannot cross the desert and remain there long. Now, if we send out a great force, the circumstances will surely let us achieve what we want." This was the fourth year of the Yuanshou era.

元狩四年春，上令大將軍青、驃騎將軍去病將各五萬騎，步兵轉者踵軍數十萬，而敢力戰深入之士皆屬驃騎。驃騎始為出定襄，當單于。捕虜言單于東，乃更令驃騎出代郡，令大將軍出定襄。郎中令為前將軍，太仆為左將軍，主爵趙食其為右將軍，平陽侯襄為後將軍，皆屬大將軍。兵即度幕，人馬凡五萬騎，與驃騎等咸擊匈奴單于。趙信為單于謀曰：「漢兵既度幕，人馬罷，匈奴可坐收虜耳。」乃悉遠北其輜重，皆以精兵待幕北。而適值大將軍軍出塞千餘里，見單于兵陳而待，於是大將軍令武剛車自環為營，而縱五千騎往當匈奴。匈奴亦縱可萬騎。會日且入，大風起，沙礫擊面，兩軍不相見，漢益縱左右翼繞單于。單于視漢兵多，而士馬尚彊，戰而匈奴不利，薄莫，單于遂乘六驘，壯騎可數百，直冒漢圍西北馳去。時已昏，漢匈奴相紛挐，殺傷大當。漢軍左校捕虜言單于未昏而去，漢軍因發輕騎夜追之，大將軍軍因隨其後。匈奴兵亦散走。遲明，行二百餘里，不得單于，頗捕斬首虜萬餘級，遂至窴顏山趙信城，得匈奴積粟食軍。軍留一日而還，悉燒其城餘粟以歸。

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 advised the Chanyu, saying, "Once the Han troops have crossed the desert, the soldiers will be exhausted, as will their horses. The Xiongnu can simply wait and collect the 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.

大將軍之與單于會也，而前將軍廣、右將軍食其軍別從東道，或失道，後擊單于。大將軍引還過幕南，乃得前將軍、右將軍。大將軍欲使使歸報，令長史簿責前將軍廣，廣自殺。右將軍至，下吏，贖為庶人。大將軍軍入塞，凡斬捕首虜萬九千級。

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.

是時匈奴眾失單于十餘日，右谷蠡王聞之，自立為單于。單于後得其眾，右王乃去單于之號。

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.

驃騎將軍亦將五萬騎，車重與大將軍軍等，而無裨將。悉以李敢等為大校，當裨將，出代、右北平千餘里，直左方兵，所斬捕功已多大將軍。軍既還，天子曰：「驃騎將軍去病率師，躬將所獲葷粥之士，約輕齎，絕大幕，涉獲章渠，以誅比車耆，轉擊左大將，斬獲旗鼓，歷涉離侯。濟弓閭，獲屯頭王、韓王等三人，將軍、相國、當戶、都尉八十三人，封狼居胥山，禪於姑衍，登臨翰海。執鹵獲丑七萬有四百四十三級，師率減什三，取食於敵，閒行殊遠而糧不絕，以五千八百戶益封驃騎將軍。」右北平太守路博德屬驃騎將軍，會與城，不失期，從至梼余山，斬首捕虜二千七百級，以千六百戶封博德為符離侯。北地都尉邢山從驃騎將軍獲王，以千二百戶封山為義陽侯。故歸義因淳王復陸支、樓專王伊即靬皆從驃騎將軍有功，以千三百戶封復陸支為壯侯，以千八百戶封伊即靬為眾利侯。從驃侯破奴、昌武侯安稽從驃騎有功，益封各三百戶。校尉敢得旗鼓，為關內侯，食邑二百戶。校尉自為爵大庶長。軍吏卒為官，賞賜甚多。而大將軍不得益封，軍吏卒皆無封侯者。

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. When the army had returned, the emperor said, "The General of the Swift Cavalry Huo Qubing led his army, personally commanding the Xiongnu warriors he had obtained, traveling with light provisions, crossing the great desert, fording the Huozhang River, executing Bicheqi, turning to attack the Left Grand General, beheading and seizing flags and drums, and passing through Lihou. 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. He captured enemy leaders and took heads numbering seventy-four thousand four hundred forty-three. The army was reduced by roughly three tenths, but he took food from the enemy, and though he marched extraordinarily far, his provisions did not run out. The Swift Cavalry General's fief was increased by five thousand eight hundred households." 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.

兩軍之出塞，塞閱官及私馬凡十四萬匹，而復入塞者不滿三萬匹。乃益置大司馬位，大將軍、驃騎將軍皆為大司馬。定令，令驃騎將軍秩祿與大將軍等。自是之後，大將軍青日退，而驃騎日益貴。舉大將軍故人門下多去事驃騎，輒得官爵，唯任安不肯。

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.

驃騎將軍為人少言不泄，有氣敢任。天子嘗欲教之孫吳兵法，對曰：「顧方略何如耳，不至學古兵法。」天子為治第，令驃騎視之，對曰：「匈奴未滅，無以家為也。」由此上益重愛之。然少而侍中，貴，不省士。其從軍，天子為遣太官齎數十乘，既還，重車餘棄粱肉，而士有饑者。其在塞外，卒乏糧，或不能自振，而驃騎尚穿域蹋鞠。事多此類。大將軍為人仁善退讓，以和柔自媚於上，然天下未有稱也。

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. The emperor once wished to teach him the military methods of Sun Wu. Huo Qubing replied, "One need only consider how strategy works; there is no need to study the ancient military methods." The emperor had a residence built for him and ordered the General of the Swift Cavalry to inspect it. He replied, "Until the Xiongnu are destroyed, I cannot make a home for myself." 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.

驃騎將軍自四年軍後三年，元狩六年而卒。天子悼之，發屬國玄甲軍，陳自長安至茂陵，為冢象祁連山。謚之，并武與廣地曰景桓侯。子嬗代侯。嬗少，字子侯，上愛之，幸其壯而將之。居六歲，元封元年，嬗卒，謚哀侯。無子，絕，國除。

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.

自驃騎將軍死後，大將軍長子宜春侯伉坐法失侯。後五歲，伉弟二人，陰安侯不疑及發干侯登皆坐酎金失侯。失侯後二歲，冠軍侯國除。其後四年，大將軍青卒，謚為烈侯。子伉代為長平侯。

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.

自大將軍圍單于之後，十四年而卒。竟不復擊匈奴者，以漢馬少，而方南誅兩越，東伐朝鮮，擊羌、西南夷，以故久不伐胡。

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.

大將軍以其得尚平陽長公主故，長平侯伉代侯。六歲，坐法失侯。

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.

左方兩大將軍及諸裨將名：

Below are the names of the two Grand Generals on the left and the deputy generals:

最大將軍青，凡七出擊匈奴，斬捕首虜五萬餘級。一與單于戰，收河南地，遂置朔方郡，再益封，凡萬一千八百戶。封三子為侯，侯千三百戶。并之，萬五千七百戶。其校尉裨將以從大將軍侯者九人。其裨將及校尉已為將者十四人。為裨將者曰李廣，自有傳。無傳者曰：

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. Those without separate biographies are:

將軍公孫賀。賀，義渠人，其先胡種。賀父渾邪，景帝時為平曲侯，坐法失侯。賀，武帝為太子時舍人。武帝立八歲，以太仆為輕車將軍，軍馬邑。後四歲，以輕車將軍出雲中。後五歲，以騎將軍從大將軍有功，封為南窌侯。後一歲，以左將軍再從大將軍出定襄，無功。後四歲，以坐酎金失侯。後八歲，以浮沮將軍出五原二千餘里，無功。後八歲，以太仆為丞相，封葛繹侯。賀七為將軍，出擊匈奴無大功，而再侯，為丞相。坐子敬聲與陽石公主姦，為巫蠱，族滅，無後。

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.

將軍李息，郁郅人。事景帝。至武帝立八歲，為材官將軍，軍馬邑；後六歲，為將軍，出代；後三歲，為將軍，從大將軍出朔方：皆無功。凡三為將軍，其後常為大行。

General Li Xi was a native of Yuzhi. He served under Emperor Jing. In the eighth year after Emperor Wu's accession, he became General of the Material Armory and garrisoned Mayi; six years later, he became a general and marched out from Dai; Three years later he was made a general and accompanied the Grand General out from Shuofang; both achieved no distinction. He served as a general three times in all, and afterward held the permanent post of Grand Herald.

將軍公孫敖，義渠人。以郎事武帝。武帝立十二歲，為（驃）騎將軍，出代，亡卒七千人，當斬，贖為庶人。後五歲，以校尉從大將軍有功，封為合騎侯。後一歲，以中將軍從大將軍，再出定襄，無功。後二歲，以將軍出北地，後驃騎期，當斬，贖為庶人。後二歲，以校尉從大將軍，無功。後十四歲，以因杅將軍筑受降城。七歲，復以因杅將軍再出擊匈奴，至余吾，亡士卒多，下吏，當斬，詐死，亡居民閒五六歲。後發覺，復系。坐妻為巫蠱，族。凡四為將軍，出擊匈奴，一侯。

General Gongsun Ao was a native of Yiqu. He served Emperor Wu as a palace attendant. In the twelfth year after Emperor Wu's accession, he became Cavalry General and marched out from Dai. He lost seven thousand soldiers, was liable to execution, and redeemed himself to become a 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.

將軍李沮，雲中人。事景帝。武帝立十七歲，以左內史為彊弩將軍。後一歲，復為彊弩將軍。

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.

將軍李蔡，成紀人也。事孝文帝、景帝、武帝。以輕車將軍從大將軍有功，封為樂安侯。已為丞相，坐法死。

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.

將軍張次公，河東人。以校尉從衛將軍青有功，封為岸頭侯。其後太后崩，為將軍，軍北軍。後一歲，為將軍，從大將軍，再為將軍，坐法失侯。次公父隆，輕車武射也。以善射，景帝幸近之也。

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.

將軍蘇建，杜陵人。以校尉從衛將軍青，有功，為平陵侯，以將軍筑朔方。後四歲，為游擊將軍，從大將軍出朔方。後一歲，以右將軍再從大將軍出定襄，亡翕侯，失軍，當斬，贖為庶人。其後為代郡太守，卒，冢在大猶鄉。

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.

將軍趙信，以匈奴相國降，為翕侯。武帝立十七歲，為前將軍，與單于戰，敗，降匈奴。

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.

將軍張騫，以使通大夏，還，為校尉。從大將軍有功，封為博望侯。後三歲，為將軍，出右北平，失期，當斬，贖為庶人。其後使通烏孫，為大行而卒，冢在漢中。

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.

將軍趙食其，祋祤人也。武帝立二十二歲，以主爵為右將軍，從大將軍出定襄，迷失道，當斬，贖為庶人。

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.

將軍曹襄，以平陽侯為後將軍，從大將軍出定襄。襄，曹參孫也。

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 Shen.

將軍韓說，弓高侯庶孫也。以校尉從大將軍有功，為龍頟侯，坐酎金失侯。元鼎六年，以待詔為橫海將軍，擊東越有功，為按道侯。以太初三年為游擊將軍，屯於五原外列城。為光祿勳，掘蠱太子宮，衛太子殺之。

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.

將軍郭昌，雲中人也。以校尉從大將軍。元封四年，以太中大夫為拔胡將軍，屯朔方。還擊昆明，毋功，奪印。

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.

將軍荀彘，太原廣武人。以御見，侍中，為校尉，數從大將軍。以元封三年為左將軍擊朝鮮，毋功。以捕樓船將軍坐法死。

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.

最驃騎將軍去病，凡六出擊匈奴，其四出以將軍，斬捕首虜十一萬餘級。及渾邪王以眾降數萬，遂開河西酒泉之地，西方益少胡寇。四益封，凡萬五千一百戶。其校吏有功為侯者凡六人，而後為將軍二人。

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.

將軍路博德，平州人。以右北平太守從驃騎將軍有功，為符離侯。驃騎死後，博德以衛尉為伏波將軍，伐破南越，益封。其後坐法失侯。為彊弩都尉，屯居延，卒。

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.

將軍趙破奴，故九原人。嘗亡入匈奴，已而歸漢，為驃騎將軍司馬。出北地時有功，封為從驃侯。坐酎金失侯。後一歲，為匈河將軍，攻胡至匈河水，無功。後二歲，擊虜樓蘭王，復封為浞野侯。後六歲，為浚稽將軍，將二萬騎擊匈奴左賢王，左賢王與戰，兵八萬騎圍破奴，破奴生為虜所得，遂沒其軍。居匈奴中十歲，復與其太子安國亡入漢。後坐巫蠱，族。

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.

自衛氏興，大將軍青首封，其後枝屬為五侯。凡二十四歲而五侯盡奪，衛氏無為侯者。

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 collateral 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.

太史公曰：蘇建語余曰：「吾嘗責大將軍至尊重，而天下之賢大夫毋稱焉，願將軍觀古名將所招選擇賢者，勉之哉。大將軍謝曰：『自魏其、武安之厚賓客，天子常切齒。彼親附士大夫，招賢絀不肖者，人主之柄也。人臣奉法遵職而已，何與招士！』」驃騎亦放此意，其為將如此。

The Grand Historian says: Su Jian spoke to me, saying, "I once reproached the Grand General, who had reached the utmost in honor and respect, yet the worthy grandees throughout the realm did not praise him. I wished the general would observe how ancient famous generals recruited and selected worthy men, and exert himself. The Grand General replied, 'Ever since the Marquises of Weiqi and Wu'an lavishly entertained guests, the emperor has constantly gnashed his teeth at such conduct. To attract and bind the loyalty of officials, to promote the worthy and dismiss the unworthy—these are the prerogatives of the sovereign. A subject minister need only uphold the law and follow his duties. What has that to do with recruiting scholars!'" The General of the Swift Cavalry followed this same principle. Such was his way as a commander.

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