1
喬維岳
Qiao Weiyue
2
喬維岳，字伯周，陳州南頓人。 治《三傳》。 周顯德初登第，授太湖主簿。 四年，遷平輿令。 開寶中，右拾遺劉稹薦其才，擢為太子中舍、知高郵軍，通判揚州，徙常州。 金陵平，又移昇州，改殿中丞。 太平興國初，徙襄州，俄丁內艱。 三年，陳洪進表納疆土，以其子文顯為泉州留後，朝廷議擇能臣關掌郡事，即起維岳為通判。 會盜起仙遊莆田縣百丈鎮，眾十餘萬攻城，城中兵裁三千，勢甚危急。 監軍何承矩、王文寶欲盡屠其民，燔府庫而遁。 維岳挺然抗議，以為：「朝廷寄以綏遠，今惠澤未布，盜賊連結，反欲屠城，豈詔意哉！」 承矩等因復堅守，既而轉運使楊克讓率福州兵破賊，圍遂解，詔褒之。
Qiao Weiyue, whose courtesy name was Bozhou, came from Nandun in Chen Prefecture. He specialized in the Three Commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals. In the early Xiande era of the Later Zhou, he passed the civil service examinations and was appointed registrar of Taihu County. Four years later he was transferred to serve as magistrate of Pingyu. During the Kaibao reign, Right Remonstrator Liu Zhen recommended him for his ability. He was promoted to Gentleman of the Palace Library, assigned to govern Gaoyou Military Prefecture, appointed vice commissioner of Yangzhou, and later transferred to Changzhou. After Jinling fell, he was reassigned to Sheng Prefecture and promoted to Vice Director in the Imperial Secretariat. Early in the Taiping Xingguo era he was posted to Xiang Prefecture, but before long he withdrew to observe mourning for a parent. In the third year, Chen Hongjin offered his domain to the throne and his son Wensian was left as acting prefect of Quanzhou. The court sought a capable official to supervise the prefecture, and Weiyue was summoned from mourning to serve as vice commissioner. Bandits then rose at Baizhang in Xianyou and Putian, and a force of more than a hundred thousand laid siege to the city. The garrison had barely three thousand men, and the danger was acute. The army supervisor He Chengju and Wang Wenbao proposed slaughtering the populace, burning the government warehouses, and escaping. Weiyue objected firmly, saying, "The court has charged us with bringing peace to this distant region. Our benevolent rule has scarcely been felt, the brigands are still gathering, and you would slaughter the city—how can that accord with the emperor's command?" Chengju and his colleagues thereupon held the city resolutely. Before long Transport Commissioner Yang Kerang led troops from Fuzhou to defeat the rebels and lift the siege, and the court issued an edict of commendation.
3
歸朝，為淮南轉運副使，遷右補闕，進為使。 淮河西流三十里曰山陽灣，水勢湍悍，運舟多罹覆溺。 維岳規度開故沙河，自末口至淮陰磨盤口，凡四十里。 又建安北至淮澨，總五堰，運舟所至，十經上下，其重載者皆卸糧而過，舟時壞失糧，綱卒緣此為奸，潛有侵盜。 維岳始命創二斗門於西河第三堰，二門相距逾五十步，覆以廈屋，設縣門積水，俟潮平乃泄之。 建橫橋岸上，築土累石，以牢其址。 自是弊盡革，而運舟往來無滯矣。
After he returned to the capital he served as Vice Transport Commissioner for Huainan, was promoted to Right Remonstrator, and then became transport commissioner. Thirty li west along the Huai lay Shanyang Bay, where the current ran swift and fierce and grain barges often capsized. Weiyue surveyed the terrain and reopened the old Sha River from Mokou to Mopankou at Huaiyin, a distance of forty li in all. From north of Jian'an to the Huai estuary there were five weirs in all. Every transport vessel had to be hauled up and down them repeatedly; heavily laden boats had to unload their grain to pass, boats were often damaged and grain lost, and the transport guards used the opportunity for fraud and secret theft. Weiyue first had two sluice gates built at the third weir on the western channel, more than fifty paces apart, roofed with a covered structure and fitted with hoist gates to hold back the water until the tide had equalized. A bridge was built across the bank, with earth and stone piled to secure its foundations. From that time all these abuses were eliminated, and transport vessels moved without obstruction.
4
嘗按部至泗州，慮獄，法掾誤斷囚至死。 維岳詰之，法掾俯伏，且泣曰：「有母年八十餘，今獲罪，則母不能活矣。」 維岳憫之，因謂曰：「他日朝制按問，第云轉運使令處茲罪。」 卒如其言獲免，維岳坐贖金百二十斤，罷使職，權知楚州。 遷戶部員外郎。 代還，為度支判官，轉本曹郎中，出為兩浙轉運使，歷知懷州、滄州。
Once, while on an inspection tour in Si Prefecture, he reviewed the prisons and found that a legal clerk had mistakenly sentenced a prisoner to death. Weiyue questioned him. The clerk prostrated himself in tears and said, "My mother is more than eighty years old. If I am punished now, she will not survive." Moved to pity, Weiyue told him, "When the court later investigates, say only that the transport commissioner ordered this sentence." In the end the clerk was spared, just as he had been told. Weiyue was fined one hundred and twenty catties of copper, removed from his post as commissioner, and given provisional charge of Chu Prefecture. He was promoted to Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue. When his tour ended he returned to court as a judge in the Bureau of Revenue, rose to director of that bureau, was posted as transport commissioner for the two Zhe circuits, and successively governed Huai and Cang Prefectures.
5
會考課京朝官，召還。 屬真宗以壽王尹京，精擇府僚，留為開封府推官，或言維岳在淮南，決獄不平允，左右有知其事者辨之，太宗特加賞異。 儲闈建，兼左諭德，轉太常少卿。 京府事繁，維岳評處詳敏。 有王陟為司錄，真宗亦稱其明幹。 及踐祚，即命維岳與畢士安權知開封府，拜給事中、知審官院。 維岳體肥年衰，艱於拜趨，陳乞外遷小州。 上嘉其靜退，特授海州刺史。
When the capital officials' performance review was held, he was recalled to court. At that time Prince Zhenzong, as Prince of Shou, was administering the capital, and the staff was carefully selected. Weiyue was kept on as investigating officer of Kaifeng. Some claimed his judgments in Huainan had been unfair, but courtiers who knew the facts spoke in his defense, and Emperor Taizong singled him out for special favor. When the heir apparent was formally installed, he was made concurrent Left Mentor and promoted to Vice Minister of Rites. The capital prefecture's caseload was heavy, but Weiyue handled its business with thoroughness and dispatch. Wang Zhi served as recorder, and the prince also praised his clarity and efficiency. When Zhenzong took the throne he immediately appointed Weiyue and Bi Shi'an to provisionally administer Kaifeng, made Weiyue Attendant Gentleman, and put him in charge of the Bureau for Review of Appointments. Weiyue had grown stout and elderly and found court obeisance arduous; he asked to be transferred to a smaller prefecture in the provinces. The emperor admired his modest wish to withdraw and specially appointed him prefect of Haizhou.
6
咸平初，知蘇州。 素病風，上以吳中多食魚蟹，乃徙壽州，仍命太醫馳療之。 四年，卒，年七十六。 贈兵部侍郎，官給其葬。 大中祥符中，錄其孫世昌、獻之，並賜同學究出身。 維岳明習吏事，有治劇才。 在懷州，王欽若始舉進士，維岳知其貴； 又善待陳彭年，自刺郡連奏為通判，皆稱薦之。
At the opening of the Xianping era he was appointed prefect of Suzhou. He had long suffered from a paralytic ailment. Because the lower Yangzi region abounds in fish and shellfish, the emperor transferred him to Shou Prefecture and sent imperial physicians to treat him. In the fourth year he died at the age of seventy-six. He was posthumously made Vice Minister of War, and the state provided for his burial. During the Dazhong Xiangfu era his grandsons Shichang and Xianzhi were entered on the register and both granted the status of fellow graduates of the Directorate of Education. Weiyue was thoroughly versed in administrative affairs and had a gift for handling demanding duties. While governing Huai Prefecture he met Wang Qinruo, who was then taking the jinshi examination, and recognized that he would rise high. He also treated Chen Pengnian kindly. From the time he governed his own prefecture he repeatedly recommended Pengnian for vice commissioner, always speaking highly of him.
7
王陟 〈附〉
Wang Zhi (Appended biography)
8
咸平初，遷太常博士，出為河東轉運使，賜金紫。 時趙保吉納款，屢遣與內侍張崇貴裁度邊事，正其經界，又副崇貴使夏州賜誥命。 代歸，會溫仲舒知貢舉，命陟與刑部員外郎董龜正同考試及封印卷首。 俄改工部員外郎、知棣州。
At the opening of the Xianping era he was promoted to Doctor of the Grand Temple and posted as transport commissioner of Hedong, with the gold-and-purple insignia. When Zhao Baoji submitted to the court, Zhi was repeatedly sent with the inner attendant Zhang Chonggui to settle border affairs and fix the boundaries. He also accompanied Chonggui to Xia Prefecture to deliver patent letters of appointment. On his return Wen Zhongshu was supervising the civil examinations, and Zhi was ordered together with Vice Director of Punishments Dong Guizheng to examine candidates and seal the papers. Soon afterward he was made Vice Director of Works and appointed prefect of Di Prefecture.
9
五年，召歸，判三司鹽鐵勾院。 初，上以京府之舊，頗隆眷遇，將加擢用。 會有言其在貢部，舉子有納賄成名者，恃恩寵，希顯要，僦大第以居，事遂寢。 六年，卒。 上甚憫之，錄其子若拙為奉禮郎，若谷為太廟齋郎。 後陟妻卒，又命給其子奉，使終喪制。 若拙官國子博士。
In the fifth year he was recalled and appointed judge of the Salt and Iron Audit Office of the Three Departments. Earlier the emperor, remembering his service in the capital prefecture, had favored him greatly and was about to promote him further. Then word came that while supervising the examinations he had let candidates buy their success with bribes, that he relied on imperial favor to seek high office, and that he had rented a grand mansion to live in. The planned promotion was dropped. In the sixth year he died. The emperor was deeply moved and entered his son Ruozhuo as Gentleman for Court Ceremony and Ruogu as Acolyte of the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Later, when Zhi's wife died, he again ordered stipends for the sons so they could complete their mourning. Ruozhuo later served as Erudite of the Directorate of Education.
10
張雍，德州安德縣人。 治《毛氏詩》。 開寶六年中第，釋褐東關尉。 太平興國初，有薦其材者，召歸，改將作監丞、知南雄州。 遷太子右贊善大夫、知開封府司錄參軍事，俄為秘書丞，充推官。
Zhang Yong was a native of Ande County in De Prefecture. He studied the Mao Commentary on the Book of Odes. In the sixth year of Kaibao he passed the examinations and on entering service was made warden of Dongguan. Early in the Taiping Xingguo era someone recommended his ability. He was summoned to court, made Assistant Director of the Directorate of Palace Buildings, and appointed prefect of Nanxiong. He was promoted to Right Assistant in the Eastern Palace and made recorder of Kaifeng, then soon became Secretary and served as investigating officer.
11
京城民王元吉者，母劉早寡，有奸狀，為姻族所知，憂悸成疾。 又懼元吉告之，遂遣侍婢訴元吉寘堇食中以毒己，病將死。 事下右軍巡按之，未得實； 移左軍巡，推吏受劉賂掠治，元吉自誣伏。 俄而劉死，府慮囚，元吉始以實對。 又移付司錄，盡捕元推吏，稍見誣構之跡。 且以逮捕者眾，又獄已累月未能決，府中懼其淹，列狀引見，詔免死決徒。 元吉大呼曰：「府中官吏悉受我賂，反使我受刑乎？」 府不敢決，元吉歷陳所受賂主名，又令妻張擊登聞鼓訴之。 上召張臨軒顧問，盡得其枉狀，立遣中使捕元推官吏，付御史鞫治。 時滕中正為中丞，雍妻父也，詔供奉官蔚進別鞫之。 雍坐與知府劉保勳、判官李繼凝初慮問，元吉稱冤，徙左軍巡，雍戒吏止令鞫其毒母狀，致吏訊掠慘暴。 上怒，雍及左右軍巡判官韓昭裔、宋廷煦悉坐免所居官，保勳、繼凝各奪一等奉，左右軍巡使殿直龐則、王榮並降為殿前承旨。
In the capital there was a man named Wang Yuanji. His mother Liu had been widowed young and carried on an illicit affair that her kin knew about; tormented by fear and guilt, she fell ill. Fearing Yuanji would expose her, she sent a maid to accuse him of poisoning her food with hellebore; she claimed she was near death. The case went to the Right Army Patrol, but no proof was found. It was transferred to the Left Army Patrol. The investigators took bribes from Liu and tortured Yuanji until he confessed falsely. Before long Liu died. Fearing for the prisoner, Yuanji at last told the truth. The case was sent again to the recorder's office. All the original investigators were arrested, and the frame-up gradually came to light. Because so many had been arrested and the case had dragged on for months, the prefectural office feared delay. They memorialized for an audience, and an edict commuted the death sentence to penal servitude. Yuanji cried out, "Every official in this prefecture took my bribes—will you now make me suffer punishment?" The prefecture dared not decide the case. Yuanji named every official who had taken bribes from him, and his wife Zhang struck the petition drum at the palace gate to appeal. The emperor summoned Zhang before the throne, learned the full injustice of the case, and immediately sent an inner attendant to arrest the original investigators and hand them to the censorate. Teng Zhongzheng was then chief censor and Yong's father-in-law, so an edict ordered Palace Attendant Wei Jin to conduct a separate investigation. Yong was implicated because he and Prefect Liu Baoqin and Vice Magistrate Li Jining had at first feared the inquiry. When Yuanji protested his innocence the case went to the Left Army Patrol, and Yong told the clerks to investigate only the charge of poisoning his mother, which led to savage torture. The emperor was furious. Yong and the vice magistrates of the Left and Right Army Patrols, Han Zhaoyi and Song Tingxu, were all dismissed and forbidden to hold office. Baoqin and Jining each lost one grade of salary. The patrol commissioners Pang Ze and Wang Rong were demoted to attendants of the Front Hall.
12
雍熙初，雍復為秘書丞、御史臺推直官，改鹽鐵推官，遷右補闕，充判官。 端拱初，轉工部郎中、判度支勾院。 未幾，又為鹽鐵判官兼判勾院。 逾年，以本官兼侍御史知雜事。 月餘，出為淮南轉運使。 淳化初，選為太府少卿。 二年，加右諫議大夫，徙兩浙轉運使，入知審刑院。 三年，充戶部使，出知梓州，就命為西川轉運使，俄復知梓州。
At the opening of the Yongxi era Yong was again made Secretary and direct investigating officer of the censorate, then Salt and Iron investigating officer, promoted to Right Remonstrator, and appointed judge. At the opening of the Duangong era he was made Director of Works and judge of the Revenue Audit Office. Before long he again served as Salt and Iron judge while concurrently judging the Audit Office. After more than a year he was made Regular Attendant Censor with supervisory duties, retaining his former rank. A little over a month later he was posted as transport commissioner of Huainan. At the opening of the Chunhua era he was selected as Vice Director of the Grand Storehouse. In the second year he was given the additional title of Right Remonstrating Grandee, transferred to transport commissioner for the two Zhe circuits, and brought in to administer the Court for Judicial Review. In the third year he was made Revenue Commissioner, sent out as prefect of Zizhou, then appointed transport commissioner of Xichuan, and soon again made prefect of Zizhou.
13
五年，蜀州青城民王小波、李順作亂，眾至萬人。 雍訓練士卒，得城中兵三千餘人，又募強勇千餘守城，輦綿州金帛以實帑藏。 推官陳世卿治戎器，掌書記施謂、榷鹽院判官謝濤伐山木為竿，銷銅鍾為箭鏑，紐布為索，守械悉備。 遣推官盛梁請兵於朝。 未幾，益綿邛彭漢州、永康軍悉陷於賊。 順入成都，僭號大蜀王，勢甚盛，遣其黨楊廣將十萬眾寇劍門，相里貴帥眾十萬圍梓潼。 雍與監軍盧斌登堞望之，賊所出兵，皆老弱疲憊，無鎧甲，斌笑請開北門擊之，雍曰：「不可，賊或詐見老弱，設伏伺我。 又城中吏民心未定，脫為伏兵所突，則墮其奸計，非良策也。」 言未畢，果有卒依敵樓呼嘯，與外應和，雍亟斬以徇。 賊大設梯衝火車，晝夜鼓噪，攻城益急，城中大恐，雍命發機石碎之，火箭雜下。 賊稍退，復治攻具城西北隅，雍紿曰：「軍士趣治裝，吾將開東門擊賊。」 陽遣步騎五百臨東門。 賊升牛頭山瞰城內，信然，伏精兵萬餘山之東隅以待我。 雍即召敢死士百輩縋而下，盡焚其攻具，自午達申殆盡，賊以為神。 凶黨數乘城進戰，皆不利。 一日，北風晝晦，賊乘風縱火，急攻北門。 雍與盧斌等領兵據門，立矢石間，固守不動，賊為之少卻。 長圍八十餘日，會王繼恩遣石知顒來援，賊始潰去。 遣施謂入奏，上手詔褒美，擢雍給事中，斌西京作坊使、領成州刺史，世卿掌書記，謂節度判官，濤觀察推官。 又以通判將作監丞趙賀為太子中舍，監軍供奉官辛規為內殿崇班。
In the fifth year the Qingcheng commoners Wang Xiaobo and Li Shun rose in rebellion with a force of ten thousand men. Yong drilled the troops and mustered more than three thousand men in the city, recruited another thousand stalwart defenders, and brought gold and silk from Mian Prefecture to fill the treasury. Investigating officer Chen Shiqing prepared weapons. Secretary Shi Wei and salt monopoly vice commissioner Xie Tao felled mountain timber for poles, melted bronze bells for arrowheads, and twisted cloth into cords until every item of defense was ready. He sent investigating officer Sheng Liang to request reinforcements from the court. Before long Yi, Mian, Qiong, Peng, Han, and Yongkang Military District all fell to the rebels. Shun entered Chengdu and styled himself King of Great Shu. His power was formidable. He sent Yang Guang with a hundred thousand men against Jianmen and Xiangli Gui with a hundred thousand to besiege Zitong. Yong and army supervisor Lu Bin mounted the battlements to watch. The rebels' sortie troops were all old, weak, and unarmored. Bin smiled and asked to open the north gate and attack. Yong said, "No. They may be feigning weakness to lure us into an ambush. Besides, the officials and townspeople are still unsettled. If hidden troops rushed us, we would fall into their trap. That is no good strategy." He had barely finished when a soldier by the enemy tower shouted in answer to those outside. Yong had him beheaded at once as a warning. The rebels raised scaling ladders, battering rams, and fire carts, drumming and shouting day and night as the assault grew fiercer. Terror spread through the city. Yong ordered catapults to shatter their engines and mixed fire arrows to rain down. The rebels drew back slightly, then renewed their siege engines at the northwest corner. Yong deceived them, crying, "Men, make ready—I shall open the east gate and strike!" He openly sent five hundred foot and horse soldiers to the east gate. The rebels climbed Ox Head Mountain to peer into the city and believed him. They hid more than ten thousand picked troops on the mountain's eastern slope to await the sortie. Yong at once sent a hundred daredevils down by rope. They burned every siege engine; from noon until mid-afternoon nearly all were destroyed, and the rebels thought it supernatural. The rebel chiefs stormed the walls several times and were repulsed each time. One day a north wind darkened the sky. The rebels used the wind to set fires and pressed hard on the north gate. Yong and Lu Bin led troops to hold the gate, standing amid arrows and stones without yielding, until the rebels slackened their assault. The siege lasted more than eighty days. When Wang Jien sent Shi Zhiyong with relief troops, the rebels at last broke and fled. Yong sent Shi Wei to memorialize at court. The emperor wrote a personal edict of praise. Yong was promoted to Attendant Gentleman; Bin was made commissioner of the Western Capital workshops and given charge of Cheng Prefecture; Shiqing became secretary; Shi Wei military commissioner's judge; and Xie Tao investigating officer of the observation commission. He also made vice commissioner Zhao He of the Directorate of Palace Buildings Gentleman of the Palace Library, and army supervisor palace attendant Xin Gui Inner Palace Honored Companion.
14
至道二年，改工部侍郎。 明年召歸，復知永興軍，轉禮部侍郎，改刑部，充度支使。 咸平四年，遷鹽鐵使。 上以雍齪齪小心，三司事重，宜有裁制，乃用王嗣宗代之。 又以其無過，特拜戶部侍郎，復知審刑院，出知秦州，徙鳳翔府。
In the second year of Zhidao he was made Vice Minister of Works. The following year he was recalled, again put in charge of Yongxing Military District, made Vice Minister of Rites, then Punishments, and appointed Revenue Commissioner. In the fourth year of Xianping he was made Salt and Iron Commissioner. The emperor thought Yong narrow and overcautious. The Three Departments' affairs were weighty and needed a firmer hand, so Wang Sizong was appointed in his place. Because he had committed no fault, he was specially made Vice Minister of Revenue, again put in charge of the Court for Judicial Review, sent out as prefect of Qin, and transferred to Fengxiang.
15
景德初，權知開封府事。 上覽奏獄，京府囚二百餘人，以為淹繫，遣給事中董儼、直昭文館韓國華同慮問，決遣之。 三年，改兵部侍郎、同知審官院。 明年，車駕朝陵，判留司尚書省，出知鄧州。 大中祥符元年，請老，以尚書右丞致仕，誥命未至而卒，年七十。
At the opening of the Jingde era he was given provisional charge of Kaifeng. Reviewing prison memorials, the emperor found more than two hundred detainees in the capital and considered them held too long. He sent Attendant Gentleman Dong Yan and Direct Academician Han Guohua to review the cases and release them. In the third year he was made Vice Minister of War and concurrent administrator of the Bureau for Review of Appointments. The next year, when the emperor went to the imperial tombs, Yong was left to judge the capital ministry in his absence, then sent out as prefect of Deng. In the first year of Dazhong Xiangfu he asked to retire and was granted retirement as Right Vice Director of the Secretariat, but died at seventy before the patent arrived.
16
雍性鄙吝，蒞事勤恪，善為米鹽苛察以肅下，恃其清幹，受遇於時，益矯厲以取名譽。 所至藩鎮宴犒，率皆裁節； 聚公錢為羨餘，以輸官帑； 集會賓佐，糲食而已。 在三司置簿籍，有「按前急」、「馬前急」、「急中急」之目，頗為時論所誚。 雍姿貌魯樸，始登科，為滕中正婿，中正子錫、世寧咸笑之。 中正曰：「此人異日必顯達壽考，非汝曹所及。」 錫兄弟雖有名，然終不越郎署，亦無耆年者。 子太沖，官殿中丞。
Yong was mean and stingy by nature. Diligent in office, he excelled at petty scrutiny of supplies to keep subordinates in line. Trusted for his integrity and efficiency, he grew ever harsher in pursuit of reputation. Wherever he served, banquets and rewards for military commissioners were sharply cut. He amassed public funds as surplus and turned them in to the treasury. When he entertained guests and aides, only coarse fare was served. In the Three Departments he kept ledgers with categories called "urgent by precedent," "urgent before the horse," and "urgent within urgent," which contemporaries mocked. Yong looked rustic and plain. When he first passed the examinations he married Teng Zhongzheng's daughter; Zhongzheng's sons Xi and Shining both laughed at him. Zhongzheng said, "This man will rise high and live long in the end—not something you can match." The Xi brothers won some fame, but neither rose beyond the secretariat nor lived to old age. His son Taichong served as Vice Director in the Palace.
17
董儼，字望之，河南洛陽人。 太平興國三年進士，解褐大理評事、通判饒州，加著作佐郎。 五年，授左拾遺、直史館。 轉右補闕，充淮南西路轉運副使。 會罷使，就命知光州。 儼狂躁務進，不樂外郡，上書乞還京師。 太宗怒，降為秘書丞，削史館職，徙知忠州。 復為右補闕，俄復直史館。 會併水陸發運為一，儼與王繼昇同領其事，就轉刑部員外郎。
Dong Yan, whose courtesy name was Wangzhi, came from Luoyang in Henan. In the third year of Taiping Xingguo he passed the jinshi examination and entered service as reviewer in the Court of Judicial Review and vice commissioner of Rao, with the additional title of Assistant in the Bureau of Compilation. In the fifth year he was made Left Remembrancer and Direct Academician of the Historiography Institute. He was transferred to Right Remonstrator and made Vice Transport Commissioner of Huainan West Circuit. When the transport commission was abolished, he was appointed prefect of Guang on the spot. Yan was rash and ambitious and disliked provincial posts; he memorialized asking to return to the capital. Taizong was angry, demoted him to Secretary, stripped his historiography post, and sent him to govern Zhong Prefecture. He was again made Right Remonstrator and soon restored as Direct Academician. When water and land transport were merged, Yan and Wang Jisheng jointly headed the office, and he was made Vice Director of Punishments on the spot.
18
端拱初，進郎中、三司度支副使。 坐翟馬周事，左授海州團練副使，移知泰州。 逾年，以戶部員外郎知泉州，召為京東轉運使。 時三司改易制度，置三計使，因留拜右諫議大夫，充右計使。 使罷，出知揚州，遷右諫議大夫。 徙潭州，轉給事中，歷知廣、岳、洪三州、江陵府。
At the opening of Duangong he was promoted to Director and Vice Commissioner of Revenue in the Three Departments. Implicated in the Zhai Mazhou affair, he was demoted to Vice Commissioner of Military Training at Haizhou and transferred to govern Taizhou. A year later he was made Vice Director of Revenue and prefect of Quanzhou, then summoned as transport commissioner of Jingdong. When the Three Departments reformed their system and created three accounting commissioners, he was retained as Right Remonstrating Grandee and Right Accounting Commissioner. When the post was abolished he went out as prefect of Yangzhou and was promoted to Right Remonstrating Grandee. He was transferred to Tan, made Attendant Gentleman, and successively governed Guang, Yue, and Hong prefectures and Jiangling.
19
景德中，歸朝。 會開封府繫囚二百餘人，朝議以其稽滯，命儼與韓國華、張雍同慮問，裁決之。 俄判吏部銓，加工部侍郎。 時黃觀罷西川轉運歸闕，儼與知雜御史王濟姻家，因託濟言於觀，求薦己知益州。 未幾，觀復領陝西轉運，得對便殿，儼謂其必薦己。 他日，面陳：「自以孤直不為權要所容，況黃觀庸淺無操持，恐為執政所使，妄有論薦，俾臣遠適，惟陛下察之。」 真宗不之詰。 數日，王濟得對，因述儼嘗有私託，且言：「儼性本矯詐，臣語觀不可許之。」 真宗不欲暴其事，乃出儼知青州。 儼復請對，言為權臣所擯，上慰遣之，久而不去，乃謂之曰：「爾自告黃觀求知益州，復有何人排斥乎？」 儼即矍然，且言：「觀、濟嘗議益州須得臣往彈壓之。」 上以其詞不類，因令條析以聞，復遣使陝西質問黃觀。 觀具述儼託王濟求薦之事，且言儼素待臣非厚。 初，淳化中，儼為計使，觀為判官，儼知觀不飲酒，一日聚食，親酌以勸觀，觀為強飲之，有頃，都監趙贊召觀議事，觀即往，贊曰：「飲酒耶？」 觀以實對。 翌日，儼與贊密奏觀嗜酒廢職，故觀因是及之。 乃詔樞密直學士劉綜與御史雜治之，儼方引伏，坐責授山南東道節度行軍司馬，不署州事。
During the Jingde era he returned to court. Kaifeng then held more than two hundred prisoners. The court considered the delay excessive and ordered Yan, Han Guohua, and Zhang Yong to review and decide the cases. Soon he was made judge of the Ministry of Personnel's selection board and given the additional title of Vice Minister of Works. Huang Guan had just returned from dismissing his post as Xichuan transport commissioner. Yan was related by marriage to Supervisory Censor Wang Ji and asked Ji to speak to Guan, seeking recommendation as prefect of Yi. Before long Guan again headed Shaanxi transport and was granted audience in the side hall; Yan assumed he would recommend him. Another day he said to the emperor's face, "I am upright and isolated, not tolerated by the powerful. Huang Guan is shallow and unprincipled; I fear the chief ministers will use him to recommend me for a distant post—may Your Majesty look into it." Zhenzong did not press him. Days later Wang Ji had audience and reported Yan's private request, adding, "Yan is fundamentally deceitful; I told Guan not to agree." Zhenzong did not wish to expose the affair and sent Yan out as prefect of Qing. Yan again sought audience, claiming powerful ministers had ostracized him. The emperor comforted and dismissed him, but he lingered. The emperor said, "You yourself reported Huang Guan seeking Yi for you—who else is ostracizing you?" Yan started and said, "Guan and Ji once said Yi required me to go and suppress troubles there." Because his account did not cohere, the emperor ordered a detailed memorial and sent an envoy to Shaanxi to question Guan. Guan fully described Yan's request through Wang Ji and added that Yan had never treated him generously. Earlier in Chunhua, Yan was accounting commissioner and Guan his vice commissioner. Knowing Guan did not drink, Yan once pressed wine on him at a gathering until he drank against his will. Soon Director-General Zhao Zan summoned Guan on business. Zan asked, "Have you been drinking?" Guan answered truthfully. The next day Yan and Zan secretly memorialized that Guan drank to excess and neglected duty, which is why Guan raised it now. An edict ordered Direct Academician Liu Zong and censors to investigate jointly. Yan had barely confessed when he was punished and made marching administrator of Shannan East Circuit without prefectural duties.
20
大中祥符初，會赦，起知郢州，病疽卒，年五十四。 儼俊辯有材幹，不學無操行，所至厚納貨賂。 嘗令引贊吏改製朱衣，每夕納儼第，而潛以輕帛製衣易之。 在銓司，命胥吏市物，及請其直，則嗬責之，其鄙屑如此。 又廣畜姬媵，頗事豪侈。 用傾狡圖位，終以是敗，士大夫醜之。 東封恩，復其官。 子仲容、仲宗，並為太子中舍。 兄偉至殿中丞致仕。
At the opening of Dazhong Xiangfu an amnesty restored him to govern Ying, but he died of carbuncle at fifty-four. Yan was eloquent and capable but unlearned and without principle; wherever he went he took heavy bribes. Once he ordered usher clerks to remake vermilion robes; each evening they brought them to his house while secretly swapping them for lighter silk garments. In the selection bureau he ordered clerks to buy goods, then berated them when they asked payment—petty to that degree. He also kept many concubines and lived lavishly. He used slander and cunning to seek office and was ruined by it; scholar-officials despised him. By the grace of the eastern feng rites his office was restored. His sons Zhongrong and Zhongzong were both made Gentlemen of the Palace Library. His elder brother Wei rose to Vice Director in the Palace and retired.
21
魏廷式
Wei Tingshi
22
魏廷式，字君憲，大名宗城人。 少明法學。 嘗客遊趙州，舍於監軍魏咸美之廨，廨有西堂，素凶，咸美知廷式有膽氣，命居之，卒無恙。 來京師，咸美弟咸信延置館舍，以同宗善待之。 太平興國五年中第，釋褐朗州法曹掾。 轉運使李惟清以其吏材奏，知桃源縣，遷將作監丞。 端拱初，改著作佐郎、通判潁州。
Wei Tingshi, whose courtesy name was Junxian, came from Zongcheng in Daming. In youth he was well versed in law. Once while traveling in Zhao Prefecture he lodged in Army Supervisor Wei Xianmei's office, which had a west hall said to be haunted. Xianmei knew Tingshi was bold and had him stay there; nothing happened. In the capital, Xianmei's brother Xianxin lodged him in a guest house and treated him kindly as a kinsman. In the fifth year of Taiping Xingguo he passed the examinations and entered service as legal clerk of Lang Prefecture. Transport Commissioner Li Weiqing memorialized his administrative talent; he was made magistrate of Taoyuan and promoted to Assistant Director of the Directorate of Palace Buildings. At the opening of Duangong he was made Assistant in the Bureau of Compilation and vice commissioner of Ying Prefecture.
23
淳化二年，始命李昌齡判審刑院，以廷式明練刑章，奏為詳議官。 屢進對，太宗悅其明辨，遷太子左贊善大夫。 時初較廷臣殿最，命廷式與樞密都承旨趙鎔、李著同勾當三班，多所規制。 越王生日，令持禮物賜之，超拜主客員外郎、判三司都勾院，換河南東道判官，改戶部員外郎、知利州。
In the second year of Chunhua Li Changling was first appointed to judge the Court for Judicial Review; because Tingshi was expert in penal law, he was memorialized as detailed deliberation officer. He repeatedly had audience; Taizong was pleased with his clarity and made him Left Assistant in the Eastern Palace. When the court first ranked capital officials' merit, Tingshi was ordered with Chief Protocol Officer Zhao Rong and Li Zhu to handle the third rank and established many regulations. On the Prince of Yue's birthday he was sent with ritual gifts; he was specially promoted to Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites and judge of the Three Departments Audit Office, exchanged to vice commissioner of Henan East Circuit, then made Vice Director of Revenue and prefect of Li.
24
李順為盜，就命充陝西至益州路轉運使。 後入奏事，太宗謂曰：「有事當白中書。」 廷式曰：「臣三千七百里外乘驛而至，以機事上聞，願取斷宸衷，非為宰相來也。」 即不時召對，問方略稱旨，賜錢五十萬，令還任。 賊平，知寧州，未至，召入判大理寺。
When Li Shun rebelled he was appointed on the spot transport commissioner from Shaanxi West to Yizhou Circuit. Later he entered to report; Taizong told him, "When there is business you should inform the Secretariat." Tingshi said, "I have come three thousand seven hundred li by post to report urgent matters and seek the emperor's decision—not the chief minister's." He was summoned at once; his plans pleased the emperor, who gave him five hundred thousand cash and sent him back. After the rebels were pacified he was made prefect of Ning, but before arriving he was summoned to judge the Court of Judicial Review.
25
廷式所至，以嚴明稱，剛果敢言，為人主厚遇，然性傾險，喜中傷人，士君子憚其口而鄙其行。
Wherever Tingshi went he was known for severity; resolute and outspoken, he won the ruler's favor—but he was treacherous and delighted in slander, and gentlemen feared his tongue and despised his ways.
26
盧琰，字錫珪，淄州淄川人。 父浚，右諫議大夫。 琰太平興國八年進士舉，解褐歷城主簿。 歷大理評事、知安吉縣。 三遷太常丞、通判幷州。 至道中，就加太常博士。 咸平二年，選為開封府判官，與推官李防並命。 真宗謂宰相曰：「人之有材，難得盡知，但歷試而後可見。」 占謝日，特升殿，諭以天府事繁慎選之意，仍賜緡錢。 會獄空，有詔獎之。 遷工部員外郎，為河北轉運副使。
Lu Yan, whose courtesy name was Xigui, came from Zichuan in Zi Prefecture. His father Jun was Right Remonstrating Grandee. Yan passed the jinshi in the eighth year of Taiping Xingguo and entered service as registrar of Licheng. He served as reviewer in the Court of Judicial Review and governed Anji County. After three promotions he was Vice Director of the Grand Temple and vice commissioner of Bing Prefecture. During Zhidao he was given on the spot the additional title of Doctor of the Grand Temple. In the second year of Xianping he was selected as judge of Kaifeng together with investigating officer Li Fang. Zhenzong told the chief ministers, "Talent is hard to know fully; only repeated trials reveal it." On the day he thanked the throne he was specially received in the hall, told why the capital post demanded careful selection, and granted silk cash. When the prisons stood empty an edict praised him. He was made Vice Director of Works and Vice Transport Commissioner of Hebei.
27
時北鄙未寧，調發軍儲，糧道不絕。 以職務修舉，召入，遷秩刑部，賜金紫，復遣之任。 會城祁州，命專董其役。 契丹入邊，車駕幸澶州，琰自定州隨軍至大名，即單騎赴行在。 召對，勞問久之。 其子士宗時為隰州推官，特遷大理寺丞。 契丹請和，琰上言領職六年，求歸闕，許之。 以使勞，優拜吏部員外郎、判三司三勾院。 會宋摶使契丹，命權戶部副使。 時議東封，又權京東轉運使，往營頓置。 加戶部郎中，復判三勾院。
The northern border was not yet settled and military supplies moved without cease. Because his duties were well performed he was summoned, promoted in the Ministry of Punishments, granted gold and purple, and sent back. When Qi Prefecture was being walled he was ordered to supervise the work. When the Khitan invaded, the emperor went to Chanyuan. Yan followed from Ding to Daming, then rode alone to the temporary palace. Summoned for audience, the emperor questioned and comforted him at length. His son Shizong was then investigating officer of Xi Prefecture and was specially made Vice Director of the Court of Judicial Review. When the Khitan sought peace Yan memorialized that he had served six years and begged to return; this was granted. For his service as commissioner he was favorably made Vice Director of Personnel and judge of the Three Departments' three audit offices. When Song Tuan went as envoy to the Khitan he was made provisional Vice Commissioner of Revenue. When the eastern feng was discussed he was again made provisional transport commissioner of Jingdong to arrange encampments. He was made Director in the Ministry of Revenue and again judge of the three audit offices.
28
大中祥符二年，以本官兼侍御史知雜事。 數月，授三司度支副使。 祀汾陰歲，命與鮑中和同判留守司三司，加吏部郎中，俄拜右諫議大夫、知永興軍府。 五年，再為河北轉運使。
In the second year of Dazhong Xiangfu he was made Regular Attendant Censor with supervisory duties, retaining his rank. Several months later he was appointed Vice Commissioner of Revenue in the Three Departments. In the year of the Fenyin feng he and Bao Zhonghe were ordered to judge the capital ministry's Three Departments during the emperor's absence; he was made Director in Personnel, then Right Remonstrating Grandee and administrator of Yongxing. In the fifth year he again became transport commissioner of Hebei.
29
琰勤於吏職，所至以幹集聞。 頗知命，嘗語親舊曰：「官五品，服三品，天不與者壽爾。」 明年被疾，詔遣中使將太醫診視。 六年，卒，年五十九。 時琰母八十餘，無恙，上憫之，以士宗為太常博士，特命知懷州； 又以次子秘書丞士倫為太常博士，給祿終喪。 士倫至工部郎中、度支副使，士宗自有傳。
Yan was diligent in office; wherever he served he was known for capable administration. He believed in fate and once told kin, "Fifth-rank office in third-rank robes—if Heaven does not grant it, life will not be long." The next year he fell ill; an edict sent an inner attendant with imperial physicians to treat him. In the sixth year he died at fifty-nine. Yan's mother was over eighty and still healthy; the emperor pitied her, made Shizong Erudite of the Grand Temple, and specially appointed him prefect of Huai. His second son Secretary Shilun was also made Erudite of the Grand Temple with stipends through mourning. Shilun rose to Director of Works and Vice Commissioner of Revenue; Shizong has his own biography.
30
宋摶，字鵬舉，萊州掖人。 治《毛氏詩》。 開寶八年，宋準典貢部，得第，調補遂寧尉。 歷濰州司理參軍，改白龍令。 膳部員外郎鞠礪薦其能，遷右贊善大夫、知利豐監，徙知藤州。 改殿中丞、通判洪州。 復有薦者，召還，命提點河北西路刑獄，未行，改監左藏庫。 遷國子博士、通判西京留守司，得對便坐，賜錢三十萬。 久之，徙江南轉運使，就遷度支員外郎。
Song Tuan, whose courtesy name was Pengju, came from Ye in Laizhou. He studied the Mao Commentary on the Book of Odes. In the eighth year of Kaibao, when Song Zhun supervised the examinations, Tuan passed and was appointed warden of Suining. He served as judicial administrator of Wei Prefecture, then became magistrate of Bailong. Ju Li of the Ministry of Provisions recommended him; he was made Right Assistant in the Eastern Palace and administrator of Lifeng Directorate, then transferred to Teng. He was made Vice Director in the Palace and vice commissioner of Hong. Recommended again, he was recalled to supervise penal affairs on Hebei West Circuit, but before leaving was made supervisor of the Left Treasury. He was made Erudite of the Directorate of Education and vice commissioner of the Western Capital garrison, granted audience in the side seat, and given three hundred thousand cash. After a long interval he was made transport commissioner of Jiangnan and promoted on the spot to Vice Director of Revenue.
31
真宗嗣位，遷司封員外郎、河東轉運使。 上言：「大通監冶鐵盈積，可備諸州軍數十年鼓鑄，願權罷採以紓民。」 又請科諸州丁壯為兵，以增戎備。 在任凡十一年。 河東接西北境，時邊事未息，屯師甚廣，摶經制漕運，以幹治稱。 連他徙，州郡輒乞留，有詔褒飭。 兩至夏州界部發居民，數詣闕奏事稱旨。 屢以秩滿請代，朝議以摶善職，就加祠部郎中，賜金紫。 嘗薦代州承受使臣王白，上以本置此職，止於視軍政、察邊事，摶不應保奏。 因詔諸路，自今勿得舉承受使臣。
When Zhenzong succeeded he was made Vice Director of the Ministry of Provisions and transport commissioner of Hedong. He memorialized, "Datong Directorate iron has piled up enough to supply prefectural casting for decades; I beg a temporary halt in collection to relieve the people." He also asked to levy able-bodied men from the prefectures as soldiers to strengthen defenses. He held the post eleven years in all. Hedong bordered the northwest; troops remained massed on the frontier, and Tuan managed transport with a reputation for efficiency. Whenever transfer was proposed, prefectures begged to keep him; an edict commended his service. Twice he went to the Xia border to deploy residents and several times memorialized at court to the emperor's satisfaction. When his term expired he repeatedly asked to be replaced, but the court valued his service and gave him on the spot the additional title of Director in the Ministry of Rites with gold and purple. Once he recommended Dai reception commissioner Wang Bai; the emperor said that post was only to observe military affairs and inspect the border—Tuan should not have recommended him. An edict ordered all circuits never again to recommend reception commissioners.
32
景德四年，入判三司勾院，逾月，為戶部副使。 大中祥符初，進秩刑部郎中，俄使契丹，會疾，契丹主以車迎之。 二年，卒，年六十六。 子可法至太子中舍，舜元登進士第。 摶卒，舜元自筠州判官改著作佐郎。 又賜其孫出身。
In the fourth year of Jingde he became judge of the Three Departments Audit Office; a month later he was made Vice Commissioner of Revenue. At the opening of Dazhong Xiangfu he was promoted to Director in Punishments; soon sent as envoy to the Khitan, when he fell ill the Khitan ruler sent a carriage to meet him. In the second year he died at sixty-six. His son Kefa rose to Gentleman of the Palace Library; Shunyuan passed the jinshi. When Tuan died, Shunyuan was changed from judge of Yun to Assistant in the Bureau of Compilation. His grandson was also granted graduate status.
33
凌策，字子奇，宣州涇人。 世給事州縣。 策幼孤，獨厲志好學，宗族初不加禮，因決意渡江，與姚鉉同學於廬州。 雍熙二年舉進士，起家廣安軍判官。 改西川節度推官，以強幹聞。 淳化三年，就命為光祿寺丞，簽書兩使判官。 代還，拜左贊善大夫、通判定州，賜朱衣、銀章、御書曆，給以實奉。 李順之亂，川陝選官多憚行，策自陳三蒞蜀境，諳其民俗，即命知蜀州。 又以巴西當益之餫道，徙綿州，加太常博士。
Ling Ce, whose courtesy name was Ziqi, came from Jing in Xuan Prefecture. For generations the family served in prefectural and district offices. Orphaned young, Ce studied diligently though his clan at first showed him no courtesy; he crossed the Yangzi to study at Luzhou with Yao Xian. In the second year of Yongxi he passed the jinshi and began as judge of Guangan Military District. He became investigating officer of the Xichuan military commission and was known for forceful capability. In the third year of Chunhua he was made on the spot Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and signing secretary for the two commissioners. On his return he was made Left Assistant in the Eastern Palace and vice commissioner of Ding, granted vermilion robes, silver seal, and an imperial calendar with full salary. When Li Shun rebelled, many officials feared posting to Sichuan and Shaanxi. Ce volunteered that he had served three times in Shu and knew its customs, and was immediately made prefect of Shu. Because Baxi lay on Yi's supply route, he was transferred to Mian and given the additional title of Doctor of the Grand Temple.
34
還朝，會命為廣南西路轉運使，進屯田員外郎。 入為戶部判官，遷都官。 先是，嶺南輸香藥，以郵置卒萬人，分鋪二百，負擔抵京師，且以煩役為患。 詔策規制之，策請陸運至南安，泛舟而北，止役卒八百，大省轉送之費。 盧之翰任廣州，無廉稱，以策有幹名，拜職方員外郎、直史館，命代之，賜金紫。 廣、英路自吉河趣板步二百里，當盛夏時瘴起，行旅死者十八九。 策請由英州大源洞伐山開道，直抵曲江，人以為便。 代還，知青州。 東封，以供億之勤，超拜都官郎中，入判三司三勾院，出知揚州。 屬江、淮歲儉，頗有盜賊，以策領淮南東路安撫使。 駕旋，使停，進秩司封。 時洪州水，知州李玄病，上與宰相歷選朝士，將徙策代之。 上曰：「南昌水潦艱殆，長吏當便宜從事，不必稟於外計也。」 王旦言：「策蒞事和平，可寄方面，望即以江南轉運使授之，仍詔諭差選之意。」 饒州產金，嘗禁商市鬻，或有論告，逮繫滿獄。 策請縱民販市，官責其算，人甚便之。 五年，召拜右諫議大夫、集賢殿學士、知益州。 初，策登第，夢人以六印加劍上遺之，其後往劍外凡六任，時以為異。 策勤吏職，處事精審，所至有治跡。
On returning he was made transport commissioner of Guangnan West Circuit and promoted to Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue for state farms. He entered as judge of the Ministry of Revenue and was transferred to the Ministry of Justice. Earlier Lingnan sent aromatics by post, with ten thousand runners at two hundred stations bearing loads to the capital—a burdensome corvée. Ce was ordered to reform the system. He proposed land transport to Nan'an, then shipment north by boat, cutting the corvée to eight hundred men and greatly reducing costs. Lu Zhihan governed Guangzhou without integrity; because Ce was known for capability, he was made Vice Director in Works and Direct Academician to replace him, with gold and purple. On the Guang and Ying route from Ji River to Banbu, two hundred li through midsummer miasma killed eight travelers in ten. Ce proposed a route through Dayuan Cave in Ying, cutting a road straight to Qujiang; travelers found it far easier. On his return he was made prefect of Qing. For the eastern feng his provisioning won special promotion to Director in Justice; he judged the three audit offices, then went out as prefect of Yangzhou. The Jiang and Huai region then suffered famine and banditry; Ce was made pacification commissioner of Huainan East Circuit. When the emperor returned the pacification commission ended and he was promoted in the Ministry of Provisions. Hong Prefecture then suffered flood and Prefect Li Xuan was ill; the emperor and chief ministers were about to transfer Ce to replace him. The emperor said, "Nanchang in flood is dire; its chief must act as circumstances require without waiting on the transport commissioner." Wang Dan said, "Ce is steady in office and can govern a circuit; give him Jiangnan transport at once, with an edict explaining the special choice." Raozhou produced gold; trade had been forbidden, and accusations filled the prisons. Ce asked that trade be allowed with official duty collected; the people found it greatly convenient. In the fifth year he was summoned as Right Remonstrating Grandee, Academician of the Hall for Treasuring Literature, and prefect of Yi. When Ce passed the examinations he dreamed a man gave him six seals on a sword; he later served six times in the sword regions, which people thought strange. Ce was diligent and precise in office and wherever he served left a record of good governance.
35
九年，自蜀代還，上頗有意擢用，會已病，命知通進銀臺司兼門下封駁事，糾察在京刑獄。 真宗嘗對王旦言：「策有才用，治蜀敏而有斷。」 旦曰：「策性淳質和，臨事強濟。」 上深然之。 是秋，拜給事中、權御史中丞。 時榷茶之法弊甚，詔與翰林學士李迪、知雜御史呂夷簡同議經制，稍寬其舊。
In the ninth year he returned from Shu; the emperor wished to promote him, but he was already ill and was ordered to administer the Directorate for Advancement of Silver Platforms with gate review and capital penal investigation. Zhenzong once told Wang Dan, "Ce is talented; in governing Shu he is sharp and decisive." Dan said, "Ce is honest and harmonious by nature, but forceful and effective in affairs." The emperor deeply agreed. That autumn he was made Attendant Gentleman and provisional Vice Censor-in-Chief. The tea monopoly law was then greatly defective; he was ordered with Hanlin Academician Li Di and Supervisory Censor Lü Yijian to revise it, and the old rules were somewhat relaxed.
36
明年，疾甚，不能朝謁，累遣中使挾醫存問，賜名藥。 復表求典益，尋遷工部侍郎，從其請。 天禧二年三月卒，年六十二。 錄其子將作監主簿瓘、琬並為奉禮郎，續給其奉。 策兄簡，官國子博士，分司南京。
The next year he was too ill for court; the emperor repeatedly sent physicians with famous medicines. He again begged to govern Yi; soon he was made Vice Minister of Works and his request granted. In the third month of the second year of Tianxi he died at sixty-two. His sons Guan and Wan, clerks of the Directorate of Palace Buildings, were both made Gentlemen for Court Ceremony with continued stipends. Ce's elder brother Jian was Erudite of the Directorate of Education at the Southern Capital.
37
楊覃，字申錫，漢太尉震之後。 唐有京兆尹憑居履道坊，僕射於陵居新昌坊，刑部尚書汝士居靖恭坊，時稱「三楊」，皆為盛門，而靖恭尤著。 汝士弟虞卿、漢公、魯士皆顯名。 虞卿至工部侍郎、京兆尹，生堪，為太子少師。 堪生承休，昭宗朝，以兵部員外郎使吳越，會楊行密據淮甸，絕其歸路，因留浙中。 承休生岩，即覃祖也，署為鎮海軍節度副使，奏領春州刺史。 岩生郁，早卒。
Yang Tan, whose courtesy name was Shenxi, was a descendant of the Han Grand Commandant Yang Zhen. In Tang, Metropolitan Governor Ping lived in Lüdao Ward, Vice Director Yuling in Xinchang, and Minister of Punishments Rushi in Jinggong—the "Three Yangs," all great houses, Jinggong especially renowned. Rushi's younger brothers Yuqing, Hangong, and Lushi were all illustrious. Yuqing rose to Vice Minister of Works and Metropolitan Governor and begot Kan, Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent. Kan begot Chenxiu, who under Emperor Zhaozong was sent as Vice Director of War to Wu and Yue. Yang Xingmi held the Huai region and cut his return; he remained in Zhe. Chenxiu begot Yan, Tan's grandfather, appointed by title as military training vice commissioner and memorialized as prefect of Chun. Yan begot Yu, who died young.
38
覃少獻書於嗣王俶，俶私署著作佐郎，從俶歸朝，為禹城尉。 太平興國八年，舉進士擢第，授徐州觀察推官，改著作佐郎、知戎州。 再遷太常博士，使陝西，蠲逋負。 覃本名蟫，至是，太宗為改焉。 淳化中，轉屯田員外郎、同判壽州。 巡撫使潘慎修上其政績，有詔嘉獎，就命知州事。 數月，召還，未上道，會丁內艱，州民列狀乞留，轉運使以聞，有詔奪情。
In youth Tan presented writings to heir King Shu, who privately made him Assistant in the Bureau of Compilation. Following Shu to court he became warden of Yucheng. In the eighth year of Taiping Xingguo he passed the jinshi, was made investigating officer of Xuzhou, then Assistant in the Bureau of Compilation and prefect of Rong. After two promotions he was Doctor of the Grand Temple and sent to Shaanxi to remit tax arrears. Tan's original name was Shan; Taizong now changed it for him. During Chunhua he was made Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue for state farms and concurrent administrator of Shou. Pacification Commissioner Pan Shenxiu memorialized his achievements; an edict commended him and he was appointed on the spot to govern the prefecture. Months later he was recalled, but before departing he entered mourning. The people petitioned to keep him; the transport commissioner reported it, and an edict ordered him to remain despite mourning.
39
時田重進為永興節度，選覃與林特同判軍府事，賜覃緋魚，仍賜御書曆，給以實奉。 重進不法，覃事多抗執，重進頗不悅，形於辭色。 覃表求徙任，不許，就轉都官員外郎。 時討李繼遷，調發芻糧，覃、特皆以苛急促辦為務。 覃令鉗手，特令即械頸，雖衣冠舊族不免，人用怨嗟。 改職方員外郎。
Tian Chongjin was then military commissioner of Yongxing; he chose Tan and Lin Te jointly to administer the prefecture. Tan was granted crimson fish and an imperial calendar with full salary. Chongjin acted unlawfully; Tan often resisted him, and Chongjin showed his displeasure openly. Tan begged transfer; it was denied, and he was made on the spot Vice Director in the Ministry of Justice. When Li Jiqian was attacked, fodder and grain were mobilized; Tan and Te both drove collection with harsh urgency. Tan ordered hand shackles and Te immediate neck cangues; even old gentry families were not spared, and resentment spread. He was made Vice Director in the Ministry of Works.
40
咸平初，遷屯田郎中、三門發運使。 呂蒙正在河南，薦其材，詔入判三司磨勘、憑由、理欠司。 四年春，旱，覃上言：「古之用刑，皆避三統之月，漢舊章斷獄報重，盡三冬之月。 又唐太宗凡斷重刑日，敕減膳徹樂。 今春物方盛，時雨尚愆，輦轂之下，獄繫甚繁。 望詔有司，死罪未得論決，俟雨降，乃復常典。 仍望自今凡決重刑日，依唐故事，以彰至仁之德。」 嘗獻《時務策》五篇：一曰禦戎，二曰用兵，三曰為政，四曰選賢，五曰刑罰。 文多不載。
At the opening of Xianping he was made Director in the Ministry of Revenue for state farms and transport commissioner of Sanmen. Lü Mengzheng in Henan recommended him; an edict ordered him to judge the Three Departments' audit, credentials, and arrears offices. In the spring of the fourth year there was drought. Tan memorialized, "In antiquity punishments avoided the months of the three systems; Han statutes required capital cases to be concluded within the three winter months. Moreover Taizong on every day of capital punishment ordered reduced meals and music withdrawn. This spring growth is at its height, yet rain is still scarce, and the prisons below the capital are overcrowded. I beg that offices be ordered not to decide death sentences until rain returns and the regular statutes resume. I also ask that hereafter, on every day of capital punishment, Tang precedent be followed to display the utmost benevolence." He once presented five essays on policies of the times: defending the frontier, employing troops, governing, selecting the worthy, and punishments. Most of the text is not recorded here.
41
明年，權同知貢舉，出為陝西轉運使，賜金紫。 會邊臣言繼遷死，願乘此時深入致討。 覃建議：「伐喪非禮，且其子尚在，當為之備。 請詔邊臣謹守疆候，毋得輕舉，俟其眾叛親離，則亡無日矣。」 時西鄙屯兵，調役甚繁，副使朱台符務有為，而覃務循舊，且言邊事不宜更張。 初，寇準知青州，台符為通判。 至是，準作相，覃意台符憑恃僚舊，密以上聞。 坐不協，徙知隨州。 王超節制漢東，覃移唐州。
The next year he provisionally supervised the examinations, was posted as transport commissioner of Shaanxi, and granted gold and purple. Border officials reported that Jiqian had died and urged a deep punitive campaign while the moment lasted. Tan argued, "Attacking during mourning is unseemly, and his son still lives—we must prepare. He asked that border officials guard the passes and not act rashly until followers rebel and kin desert him—then extinction will follow." Troops massed on the western border and corvée was heavy. Vice Commissioner Zhu Taifu pushed innovation while Tan clung to precedent and said border affairs should not be changed. Earlier Kou Zhun governed Qing and Taifu was his vice commissioner. When Zhun became chief minister, Tan suspected Taifu relied on old ties and secretly reported it. For lack of harmony he was transferred to Suizhou. Wang Chao commanded Handong; Tan was transferred to Tang.
42
景德二年，召歸。 屬河北兵革之後，命覃詣澶、濱、棣、德、博州巡撫振給之。 出知潭州，王師討宜賊，軍須多出長沙，曹利用以聞，詔書褒勞，加刑部郎中。 大中祥符二年，代馮亮為淮南、江浙、荊湖制置發運使。 月餘，改太常少卿、直昭文館、知廣州。
In the second year of Jingde he was recalled. After warfare on the Hebei front he was sent to Chan, Bin, Di, De, and Bo to pacify and provide relief. Sent out as prefect of Tan, he supplied the campaign against the Yi rebels from Changsha. Cao Liyong reported this; an edict commended him and made him Director in Punishments. In the second year of Dazhong Xiangfu he replaced Feng Liang as provisioning transport commissioner for Huainan, Jiang-Zhe, and Jing-Hu. A month later he was made Vice Minister of Rites, Direct Academician, and prefect of Guangzhou.
43
覃勤於吏事，所至以幹濟稱。 南海有蕃舶之利，前後牧守或致謗議，惟覃以廉著，遠人便之。 加右諫議大夫。 四年，卒，年五十四。 遣其長子奉禮郎文友乘傳赴喪，詔本州護柩還其家，官給所費。 錄其次子文敏為揚州司士參軍。 覃從弟蛻及從子侃、傅，並登進士第。 蛻官司封員外郎，侃後名大雅，自有傳。
Tan was diligent in office and known for capable accomplishment wherever he served. The southern sea brought profit from foreign shipping; earlier governors often drew censure, but only Tan was known for integrity, to the comfort of distant peoples. He was made Right Remonstrating Grandee. In the fourth year he died at fifty-four. His eldest son Wenyou was sent by post to mourn; an edict ordered the prefecture to escort the coffin home at state expense. His second son Wenmin was entered as judicial administrator of Yangzhou. Tan's cousin Tui and nephews Kan and Fu all passed the jinshi. Tui was Vice Director in the Ministry of Provisions; Kan, later named Daya, has his own biography.
44
陳世卿
Chen Shiqing
45
陳世卿，字光遠，南劍人。 雍熙二年，登進士第，解褐衡州推官。 再調東川節度推官。 會李順寇兩川，知州張雍以州兵馬為數部，使官分領。 世卿素善射，當城一面，親射中數百人。 賊寢盛，同幕皆謀圖全計。 世卿正色曰：「食君祿，當委身報國，奈何欲避難為他圖耶？」 亟出白雍曰：「此徒皆懦儒，存之適足惑眾，不若遣出求援。」 雍從之。 賊既引去，世卿適丁外艱，雍表其材，詔追出視事，就改掌書記。 凡七年，歸朝，為秘書郎，遷太常丞、知新安縣。 或薦其堪任憲臺，即召歸，會張鏗出知廣州，表為通判。 將行，召見，賜緋，加太常博士。
Chen Shiqing, whose courtesy name was Guangyuan, came from Nanjian. In the second year of Yongxi he passed the jinshi and entered service as investigating officer of Heng. After a second transfer he was investigating officer of the Dongchuan military commission. When Li Shun raided Sichuan, Prefect Zhang Yong divided the garrison into sections under separate officers. Skilled at archery, Shiqing commanded one wall and personally shot down several hundred men. As the rebels grew stronger, staff colleagues all plotted escape. Shiqing said sternly, "We eat the ruler's salary—should we not give our lives for the state? How can you seek escape?" He told Yong at once, "These are cowards; keeping them will confuse the troops—send them out for relief." Yong agreed. After the rebels withdrew Shiqing entered mourning for his father. Yong memorialized his talent; an edict recalled him and made him secretary. Seven years in all; he returned as Secretary, then Vice Director of the Grand Temple and prefect of Xin'an. Recommended for the censorate, he was recalled, but Zhang Keng was going to Guangzhou and took him as vice commissioner. Before departing he was summoned, granted crimson robes, and made Doctor of the Grand Temple.
46
景德初，徙知建州。 真宗知其材幹，逾月，授福轉建運使，規畫南劍州安仁等銀場，歲增課羨，詔獎之。 俄代姚鉉為兩浙路轉運使，歷祠部員外郎，判三司三勾院。 大中祥符四年，改度支員外郎，出為荊湖北路轉運使。 屬澧州慈利縣下溪等四州蠻人侵縣境地四百餘里，朝命世卿與閤門祗候史方、知澧州劉仁霸同領兵討之，遂還所侵地，標正經界，取其要領，又令納所掠漢口千餘，復置澧川、武口等砦以控制之，自是平定，有詔嘉獎。 還朝，屢述溪洞利害。 召對，真宗器其材，復自言願效用於煩劇。 會邵曄知廣州，被疾，乃授世卿秘書少監代之，加賜金紫。 郡有計口買鹽之制，人多不便，至，即奏除之。 九年，卒，年六十四。 錄其子南安主簿儼為太祝。
At the opening of Jingde he was transferred to Jian. Zhenzong knew his ability; a month later he was made transport commissioner of Fu and Jian, planned the Anren silver mines in Nanjian, increased yearly revenue, and won an edict of praise. Soon he replaced Yao Xian as transport commissioner for the two Zhe circuits, rose to Vice Director in the Ministry of Rites, and judged the three audit offices. In the fourth year of Dazhong Xiangfu he was made Vice Director of Revenue and transport commissioner of Jinghu North Circuit. When Xi tribes of Xiaxi and three other districts in Cili invaded more than four hundred li of county land, Shiqing was ordered with Palace Attendant Shi Fang and Prefect Liu Renba to attack them. They recovered the land, fixed boundaries, took leaders, recovered more than a thousand captive Han people, and re-established stockades at Fuchuan and Wukou. Peace followed and an edict commended them. On returning he repeatedly explained the interests of the stream grottoes. At audience Zhenzong valued his talent; he again asked to serve in demanding posts. When Shao Ye governed Guangzhou and fell ill, Shiqing was made Vice Director of the Secretariat to replace him, with gold and purple. The prefecture taxed salt by head count, which many resented; on arrival he memorialized to abolish it. In the ninth year he died at sixty-four. His son Yan, registrar of Nan'an, was entered as Supplicator of the Grand Temple.
47
李若拙
Li Ruozhuo
48
李若拙，字藏用，京兆萬年人。 父光贊，貝冀觀察判官。 若拙初以蔭補太廟齋郎，復舉拔萃，授大名府戶曹參軍。 時符彥卿在鎮，光贊居幕下，若拙得以就養。 俄又舉進士，王祐典貢舉，擢上第，授密州防禦推官。 登賢良方正直言極諫科，太祖嘉其敏贍，改著作佐郎。 故事，制策中選者除拾遺、補闕。 若拙以恩例不及，上書自陳，執政惡之，出監商州坑冶。 遷太子左贊善大夫，以官稱與父名同，辭，不許。 太平興國二年，知乾州，會李飛雄詐乘驛稱詔使，事敗伏法。 太宗以若拙與飛雄父若愚連名，疑其昆弟，命殿直盧令珣即捕繫州獄，乃與若愚同宗，通家非親，不知其謀，猶坐削籍流海島。 歲餘，起授衛尉寺丞、知隴州。
Li Ruozhuo, whose courtesy name was Zangyong, came from Wannian in Jingzhao. His father Guangzan was investigating officer of the Bei-Ji observation commission. Ruozhuo first entered by yin as Acolyte of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, then passed the extraordinary selection and became revenue administrator of Daming. Fu Yanqing then held the prefecture and Guangzan served on his staff, so Ruozhuo could support his father nearby. Soon he passed the jinshi; Wang You supervised the examinations, placed him first, and made him investigating officer of Mizhou. He passed the examination for worthy and eminent direct remonstrance; Taizu commended his sharpness and made him Assistant in the Bureau of Compilation. By precedent, policy examination winners were made remembrancers and remonstrators. Ruozhuo was excluded by the favor rule; he memorialized for himself; the chief ministers disliked it and sent him to supervise Shangzhou mining. Transferred to Left Assistant in the Eastern Palace, he declined because the title matched his father's name, but was refused. In the second year of Taiping Xingguo he governed Qian. Li Feixiong falsely rode post relay claiming to be an edict envoy; exposed, he was executed. Taizong, seeing Ruozhuo shared a name character with Feixiong's father Ruoyu, suspected kinship and ordered Lu Lingxun to arrest him. They were clan kin of Ruoyu, not close family, and knew nothing—yet Ruozhuo was struck from the register and exiled to the islands. After a year he was raised to Vice Director of the Court of the Imperial Ancestral Temple and prefect of Long.
49
四年，復舊官。 以政聞，超授監察御史、通判泰州。 同帥宋偓年老政弛，又徙若拙通判焉。 未幾，御史中丞滕中正薦之，召歸臺。 頃之，改右補闕。 時諸王出閣，若拙獻頌稱旨，召見，賜緋魚，同勾當河東轉運兼雲、應等八州事。 嘗詣闕言邊事，太宗嘉之。 又同掌水陸發運司。
In the fourth year he recovered his original rank. For his governance he was made Supervisory Censor and vice commissioner of Taizhou. Commander Song Wo was elderly and slack; Ruozhuo was again made vice commissioner there. Soon Teng Zhongzheng recommended him and he returned to the censorate. Soon he was made Right Remonstrator. When the princes left the palace Ruozhuo presented a eulogy that pleased the emperor; summoned, he was granted crimson fish and jointly handled Hedong transport with Yun, Ying, and eight other prefectures. He once memorialized on border affairs and Taizong commended him. He also jointly administered water and land transport.
50
雍熙三年，假秘書監使交州。 先是，黎桓制度逾僭，若拙既入境，即遣左右戒以臣禮，繇是桓聽命，拜詔盡恭。 燕饗日，以奇貨異物列於前，若拙一不留眄。 取先陷蠻使鄧君辯以歸，禮幣外，不受其私覿。 使還，上謂其不辱命。 遷起居舍人，充鹽鐵判官。
In the third year of Yongxi he was provisionally made Vice Director of the Secretariat and envoy to Jiaozhou. Li Huan had exceeded proper rank; on entering the territory Ruozhuo admonished him to observe subject ritual, and Huan obeyed and received the patent respectfully. At the banquet rare goods were displayed; Ruozhuo never glanced at them. He brought back the former captive envoy Deng Junbian and accepted no gifts beyond ritual tribute. On his return the emperor said he had not disgraced his commission. He was made Attendant on the Emperor's Diary and Salt and Iron judge.
51
淳化二年，出為兩浙轉運使。 契丹寇邊，改職方員外郎，徙河北路，賜金紫。 五年，直昭文館，遷主客郎中、江南轉運使。 若拙質狀魁偉，尚氣有幹才，然臨事太緩。 宰相以為言，罷使知涇州。 至道二年，黎桓復侵南鄙，又詔若拙充使，至，則桓復稟命。 使還，真宗嗣位，召見慰問，進秩金部郎中。 召試學士院，改兵部郎中，充史館修撰，俄知制誥。 咸平初，同知貢舉，被疾，改右諫議大夫。 車駕北巡，判留司御史臺。 明年，使河朔按邊事，知昇、貝二州。 四年，卒，年五十八。 子繹。
In the second year of Chunhua he was transport commissioner of the two Zhe circuits. When the Khitan raided he was made Vice Director in Works, transferred to Hebei, and granted gold and purple. In the fifth year he was Direct Academician, then Director in the Ministry of Rites and transport commissioner of Jiangnan. Ruozhuo was large and imposing, spirited and capable, yet too slow in action. The chief ministers spoke of this; he was dismissed as commissioner and made prefect of Jing. In the second year of Zhidao Huan again invaded the south; Ruozhuo was again envoy, and Huan again submitted. On return Zhenzong had succeeded; summoned and comforted, he was promoted to Director in Revenue. Examined in the Academy, he was made Director in War, compiler of the Historiography Institute, and soon Drafter of Edicts. At the opening of Xianping he supervised the examinations; when ill he was made Right Remonstrating Grandee. When the emperor toured the north he judged the capital censorate in his absence. The next year he inspected the Hebei border and governed Sheng and Bei. In the fourth year he died at fifty-eight. Son Yi.
52
子繹
Son Yi
53
繹，字縱之，幼謹愿自修。 初，以父使交阯有勞，補太廟齋郎，改太常寺太祝。 舉進士中第，除將作監丞。 累遷尚書屯田員外郎、知華州。 蒲城民李蘊訴人盜其從子亡去，繹問曰：「若有仇耶？」 曰：無有。」 曰：「有失亡邪？」 曰：「無有。」 繹揮蘊去，因密刺蘊，蘊有陰罪，侄覺之，懼事暴，殺之以滅口，遂收蘊致法。 擢提點河北刑獄，權知貝州。 歲旱，繹為酒務，市民薪草溢常數，餓者皆以樵采自給，得不死，官入亦數倍。 邊民歲輸防城火牛草十餘萬，委積久，輒腐敗，繹奏罷之。 三遷本曹郎中，為利州路轉運使。
Yi, whose courtesy name was Zongzhi, was cautious and self-cultivating from youth. Because his father's mission to Jiaozhi had merit, he entered by yin as Acolyte of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, then became Supplicator of the Grand Temple. He passed the jinshi and was made Assistant Director of the Directorate of Palace Buildings. After repeated promotions he was Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue for state farms and prefect of Hua. Li Yun of Pucheng sued that someone had stolen his nephew, who had vanished. Yi asked, "Was there an enemy?" He said, "None." Yi asked, "Was there a loss or disappearance?" He said, "None." Yi sent Yun away and secretly investigated him. Yun had hidden crimes; the nephew discovered them, killed Yun to silence him, and Yi arrested Yun and brought him to justice. He was promoted to supervise penal affairs on Hebei and given provisional charge of Bei. In a drought year, as wine monopoly officer he let townspeople exceed the usual quota for firewood and grass; the hungry gathered fuel and survived, and government revenue also multiplied. Border people yearly delivered more than a hundred thousand bundles of frontier fire-cattle grass; stored long it rotted, and Yi memorialized to abolish the levy. After three promotions he was director of that bureau and transport commissioner of Lizhou Circuit.
54
河北經費不支，仁宗問誰可任者，參知政事薛奎薦繹，遂徙河北。 進刑部郎中、直史館、知延州，改兵部，為江淮制置發運使。 內出絹五十萬匹，責貿於東南。 繹曰：「百姓饑，不宜重擾。」 輒奏罷之。 甫半年，漕課視常歲增五之一。 遷太常少卿，再知延州。 繹所至頗稱治，自以久宦在外，意不自得，作《五知先生傳》，謂知時、知難、知命、知退、知足也。 嘗兩知鳳翔府，至是，又徙鳳翔。 尋為右諫議大夫，卒。
Hebei expenses could not be met; Renzong asked who could serve; Vice Director Xue Kui recommended Yi, and he was transferred to Hebei. He was promoted to Director in Punishments, Direct Academician, and prefect of Yan, then War, and provisioning transport commissioner for Jiang and Huai. The palace issued five hundred thousand bolts of silk to be traded in the southeast. Yi said, "The people are hungry—it is wrong to burden them further." He memorialized at once to stop it. In half a year transport revenue rose one-fifth above an ordinary year. He was made Vice Minister of Rites and again prefect of Yan. Wherever Yi went he won praise for governance, but long service abroad left him dissatisfied; he wrote "Biography of the Master of Five Knowings"—knowing the times, difficulty, fate, withdrawal, and sufficiency. He had twice governed Fengxiang and was now transferred there again. Soon he was made Right Remonstrating Grandee and died.
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陳知微
Chen Zhiwei
56
陳知微，字希顏，高郵人。 咸平五年，進士甲科，解褐將作監丞、通判歙州。 擢為著作佐郎、直史館，俄充三司戶部判官。 奉使契丹，遷太常博士、判三司都磨勘司，再為戶部判官，出為京東轉運副使，奏還東平監所侵民田六百八十家。 又決古廣濟河通運路，罷夾黃河，歲減夫役數萬計。
Chen Zhiwei, whose courtesy name was Xiyan, came from Gaoyou. In the fifth year of Xianping he passed the jinshi in the top class and entered service as Assistant Director of the Directorate of Palace Buildings and vice commissioner of She. He was promoted to Assistant in the Bureau of Compilation and Direct Academician, then judge of the Revenue Bureau in the Three Departments. As envoy to the Khitan he was made Doctor of the Grand Temple and judge of the Three Departments Audit Office, then again Revenue judge, then Vice Transport Commissioner of Jingdong, where he memorialized returning six hundred and eighty households' fields seized by the Dongping Directorate. He reopened the ancient Guangji River for transport and abolished the Yellow River cutoff, saving tens of thousands of corvée days yearly.
57
遷右司諫，徙荊湖南路轉運使。 召還，拜比部員外郎、知制誥。 淮南饑，遣知微巡撫，所至按視儲糧，察諸官吏能否。 使還，判吏部銓，兼刑部。 知微祠藻雖無奇采，而平雅適用。 一日，進改群官，除目紛委，適當知微次直，思亦敏速。 又判司農寺，糾察在京刑獄。 天禧二年，加玉清昭應宮判官，俄以疾聞，真宗遣中貴挾太醫往視之。 卒，年五十。 錄其子舜卿為太常奉禮郎，給奉終喪，又假官船載其柩還鄉里。
He was made Right Remonstrator of the Secretariat and transport commissioner of Hunan South Circuit. Recalled, he was made Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue and Drafter of Edicts. When Huainan suffered famine he was sent to inspect; wherever he went he checked stored grain and officials' competence. On return he judged the Ministry of Personnel's selection board and concurrently Punishments. Zhiwei's ritual compositions lacked flash but were level, elegant, and serviceable. One day, when many appointments were issued, they fell on Zhiwei's duty shift; his mind was sharp and swift. He also judged the Directorate of Agriculture and investigated capital penal cases. In the second year of Tianxi he was made judge of the Yujing Zhaoying Palace; when illness was reported Zhenzong sent a palace attendant with imperial physicians. He died at fifty. His son Shunqing was entered as Gentleman for Court Ceremony of the Grand Temple, given stipends through mourning, and lent an official boat to carry the coffin home.
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知微儀狀甚偉，沉厚有材幹，不務察，時人許其處劇，惜其母老不克終養。 有集三十卷。 子堯卿，大中祥符五年，進士及第。
Zhiwei was imposing and capable, not given to petty scrutiny; contemporaries approved his handling of demanding duties, regretting that his aged mother kept him from completing filial nurturing. He left collected works in thirty chapters. His son Yaoqing passed the jinshi in the fifth year of Dazhong Xiangfu.
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論曰：維岳明習吏事，才足以治劇，而能曲全法掾，其仁恕藹然。 雍雖素稱鄙吝，而勤恪清幹，觀其捍守，亦可見矣。 儼務進瀆貨，廷式傾險忌刻，自不容於清議。 若琰、摶經制漕運有方，策之處事精詳，治跡昭著，覃之律身廉潔，兼勤吏事，世卿之安遠，若拙之專對，皆為時論所許。 繹以謹愿，克世其家，知微敦實有材幹，不辱其職，亦可尚也。 至若王陟以謹幹稱，而取士以謗致汙，惜哉！
The commentary says: Weiyue knew administration thoroughly, had talent for demanding duties, and could tactfully spare the legal clerk—his benevolence was evident. Though Yong was called mean, he was diligent and efficient; his stout defense shows it. Yan pursued advancement through bribes; Tingshi was treacherous and jealous—neither could stand in honest opinion. Yan and Tuan managed transport well; Ce was precise and left a clear record; Tan was incorruptible and diligent; Shiqing pacified the distant and Ruozhuo acquitted himself at court—all won contemporary approval. Yi continued the family through caution; Zhiwei was solid and capable and did not disgrace his office—both are worthy of respect. Wang Zhi was praised for caution and efficiency, yet slander over selecting scholars stained him—alas!