Volume 358 Biographies 117: Li Gang 1

李綱上

Li Gang (Part One)

李綱，字伯紀，邵武人也，自其祖始居無錫。父夔，終龍圖閣待制。綱登政和二年進士第，積官至監察御史兼權殿中侍御史，以言事忤權貴，改比部員外郎，遷起居郎。

Li Gang, styled Boji, was a native of Shaowu; his family had lived in Wuxi since his grandfather's time. His father Kui served to the end as Attendant-Draftsman of the Dragon Diagram Hall. Gang passed the jinshi examination in the second year of the Zhenghe reign (1112). He rose to Investigating Censor with concurrent appointment as Acting Palace Attendant Censor. When his memorials on state affairs offended the powerful, he was reassigned as Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue and later promoted to Attendant on the Emperor's Movements.

宣和元年，京師大水，綱上疏言陰氣太盛，當以盜賊外患為憂。朝廷惡其言，謫監南劍州沙縣稅務。

In the first year of Xuanhe (1119), when the capital was struck by severe floods, Gang submitted a memorial arguing that yin forces had grown too strong and that the court should worry about banditry and foreign invasion. The court took offense at his words and demoted him to supervise the tax office at Shaxian in Nanjian Prefecture.

七年，為太常少卿。時金人渝盟，邊報狎至，朝廷議避敵之計，詔起師勤王，命皇太子為開封牧，令侍從各具所見以聞。綱上御戎五策，且語所善給事中吳敏曰：「建牧之議，豈非欲委以留守之任乎？巨敵猖獗如此，非傳以位號，不足以招徠天下豪傑。東宮恭儉之德聞於天下，以守宗社可也。公以獻納論思為職，曷不為上極言之。」敏曰：「監國可乎？」綱曰：「肅宗靈武之事，不建號不足以復邦，而建號之議不出於明皇，後世惜之。主上聰明仁恕，公言萬一能行，將見金人悔禍，宗社底寧，天下受其賜。」翌日，敏請對，具道所以，因言李綱之論，蓋與臣同。有旨召綱入議，綱刺臂血上疏云：「皇太子監國，典禮之常也。今大敵入攻，安危存亡在呼吸間，猶守常禮可乎？名分不正而當大權，何以號召天下，期成功于萬一哉？若假皇太子以位號，使為陛下守宗社，收將士心，以死捍敵，天下可保。」疏上，內禪之議乃決。

In the seventh year of Xuanhe, he was appointed Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. At that time the Jurchens had violated the alliance. Frontier reports poured in one after another. As the court debated how to evade the enemy, an edict ordered troops raised to rescue the throne, appointed the crown prince Governor of Kaifeng, and directed the emperor's attendants each to submit his views. Gang submitted his Five Strategies for Defense Against the Barbarians and said to his friend Supervising Secretary Wu Min, "The proposal to establish a governor—is it not meant to entrust someone with holding the capital? With so mighty an enemy raging so wildly, unless he is given a title and rank, it will not suffice to summon the heroes of the realm. The crown prince's respectful and frugal virtue is known throughout the realm; he is fit to guard the altars of state. You, sir, have the duty of presenting memorials, remonstrating, and deliberating with the ruler—why not speak to the emperor as forcefully as you can on this?" Min said, "Would regency suffice?" Gang said, "In Emperor Suzong's affair at Lingwu, without establishing a reign title it was not enough to restore the state; yet the proposal to establish a reign title did not come from Emperor Ming of Tang, and later ages have regretted that. Our lord is intelligent, benevolent, and forgiving. If your words should by any chance be carried out, we shall see the Jurchens repent their violence, the altars of state restored to peace, and the realm receive the benefit." The next day Min requested an audience, fully explained his reasons, and added that Li Gang's view was essentially the same as his own. An edict summoned Gang to join the deliberations. He pricked his arm and wrote a memorial in blood, saying, "For the crown prince to regent is a matter of ordinary ritual. Now a great enemy has entered in attack; safety and survival hang by a thread—can one still cling to ordinary ritual? If one's title and status are not correct yet one holds great power, how can one summon the realm and hope for success even in the slightest degree? If the crown prince is temporarily given a title and rank, made to guard the altars of state for Your Majesty, and wins the hearts of generals and soldiers so that they die defending against the enemy, the realm can be preserved." When the memorial was submitted, the plan for abdication was decided.

欽宗即位，綱上封事，謂：「方今中國勢弱，君子道消，法度紀綱，蕩然無統。陛下履位之初，當上應天心，下順人欲。攘除外患，使中國之勢尊；誅鋤內奸，使君子之道長，以副道君皇帝付託之意。」召對延和殿，上迎謂綱曰：「朕頃在東宮，見卿論水災疏，今尚能誦之。」李鄴使金議割地，綱奏：「祖宗疆土，當以死守，不可以尺寸與人。」欽宗嘉納，除兵部侍郎。

When Emperor Qinzong took the throne, Gang submitted a sealed memorial, saying, "At present China's strength is weak, the way of the superior man is in decline, and laws, standards, and discipline are utterly without order. At the beginning of Your Majesty's accession, you ought above to respond to Heaven's heart and below to accord with the people's desires. Drive out foreign calamities and make China's position honored; execute and root out inner traitors and make the way of the superior man grow long, to fulfill the intent with which the Retired Emperor entrusted you." He was summoned for audience in the Yanshe Hall. The emperor came forward to meet him and said to Gang, "When I was lately in the Eastern Palace, I saw your memorial on the flood disaster, and I can still recite it." Li Ye was sent to the Jurchens to negotiate ceding territory. Gang memorialized, "The territory of our ancestors must be defended to the death; not an inch may be given to others." Emperor Qinzong approved and accepted this, and appointed him Vice Minister of War.

靖康元年，以吳敏為行營副使，綱為參謀官。金將斡離不兵渡河，徽宗東幸，宰執議請上暫避敵鋒。綱曰：「道君皇帝挈宗社以授陛下，委而去之可乎？」上默然。太宰白時中謂都城不可守，綱曰：「天下城池，豈有如都城者，且宗廟社稷、百官萬民所在，舍此欲何之？」上顧宰執曰：「策將安出？」綱進曰：「今日之計，當整飭軍馬，固結民心，相與堅守，以待勤王之師。」上問誰可將者，綱曰：「朝廷以高爵厚祿崇養大臣，蓋將用之於有事之日。白時中、李邦彥等雖未必知兵，然籍其位號，撫將士以抗敵鋒，乃其職也。」時中忿曰：「李綱莫能將兵出戰否？」綱曰：「陛下不以臣庸懦，儻使治兵，願以死報。」乃以綱為尚書右丞。

In the first year of Jingkang (1126), Wu Min was made Deputy Commissioner of the Mobile Headquarters and Gang was made Staff Officer. The Jurchen general Wanyan Zongwang crossed the Yellow River with his army. Emperor Huizong traveled east, and the chief ministers debated asking the emperor temporarily to avoid the enemy's edge. Gang said, "The Retired Emperor entrusted the altars of state to Your Majesty—can you cast them aside and leave?" The emperor was silent. Grand Preceptor Bai Shizhong said the capital could not be held. Gang said, "Of all the walled cities under Heaven, is there any like the capital? Moreover, the ancestral temples, altars of soil and grain, officials, and myriad people are all here—abandoning this, where would you go?" The emperor turned to the chief ministers and said, "What plan shall we adopt?" Gang stepped forward and said, "Today's plan should be to put the army and horses in order, solidify the people's hearts, hold fast together, and await the armies coming to rescue the throne." The emperor asked who could command the troops. Gang said, "The court honors great ministers with high rank and rich stipends precisely so that they may be used on the day of need. Although Bai Shizhong, Li Bangyan, and the rest may not necessarily understand warfare, by virtue of their rank and titles they ought to reassure the generals and soldiers and resist the enemy's edge—that is their duty." Shizhong said angrily, "Can Li Gang not take troops out to fight?" Gang said, "If Your Majesty does not consider me mediocre and weak, and should you put me in charge of the army, I wish to repay you with my death." Thereupon Gang was made Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs.

宰執猶守避敵之議。有旨以綱為東京留守，綱為上力陳所以不可去之意，且言：「明皇聞潼關失守，即時幸蜀，宗廟朝廷毀於賊手，范祖禹以為其失在於不能堅守以待援。今四方之兵不日雲集，陛下奈何輕舉以蹈明皇之覆轍乎？」上意頗悟。會內侍奏中宮已行，上色變，倉卒降禦榻曰：「朕不能留矣。」綱泣拜，以死邀之。上顧綱曰：「朕今為卿留。治兵禦敵之事，專責之卿，勿令有疏虞。」綱皇恐受命。未幾，復決意南狩，綱趨朝，則禁衛擐甲，乘輿已駕矣。綱急呼禁衛曰：「爾等願守宗社乎，願從幸乎？」皆曰：「願死守。」綱入見曰：「陛下已許臣留，復戒行何也？今六軍父母妻子皆在都城，願以死守，萬一中道散歸，陛下孰與為衛？敵兵已逼，知乘輿未遠，以健馬疾追，何以禦之？」上感悟，遂命輟行。綱傳旨語左右曰：「敢復有言去者斬！」禁衛皆拜伏呼萬歲，六軍聞之，無不感泣流涕。

The chief ministers still clung to the plan of avoiding the enemy. An edict appointed Gang Commissioner for the Eastern Capital. Gang forcefully explained to the emperor why he must not leave, and said, "When Emperor Ming of Tang heard that Tong Pass had fallen, he at once traveled to Shu; the ancestral temples and court were destroyed at the hands of bandits. Fan Zuyu held that his error lay in not being able to hold fast and await relief. Now armies from the four quarters will gather like clouds within days—how can Your Majesty lightly move and tread the overturned cart of Emperor Ming?" The emperor's mind was somewhat enlightened. Just then a eunuch reported that the empress had already departed. The emperor's expression changed, and in haste he descended from the imperial couch and said, "I cannot remain." Gang wept and bowed, blocking his way with the threat of death. The emperor looked at Gang and said, "I shall now remain for your sake. Matters of organizing troops and resisting the enemy I entrust entirely to you—see that there is no negligence." Gang received the commission in fear and trembling. Before long the emperor again resolved on a southern tour. Gang hurried to court, but the palace guards were already armored and the imperial carriage had already been harnessed. Gang urgently called to the palace guards, "Do you wish to guard the altars of state, or do you wish to follow the imperial tour?" All said, "We wish to die holding fast." Gang entered and said in audience, "Your Majesty already promised that I might remain—why again warn of departure? Now the parents, wives, and children of the Six Armies are all in the capital; they wish to die holding it fast. If midway they scatter and return, with whom will Your Majesty be guarded? The enemy's troops have already pressed close. Knowing that the imperial carriage is not far off, with swift horses they will pursue hotly—how can they be resisted?" The emperor was moved to understanding and ordered the journey halted. Gang transmitted an edict to those around him, saying, "Whoever again speaks of leaving shall be beheaded!" The palace guards all bowed prostrate and shouted "Ten thousand years!" When the Six Armies heard this, none failed to be moved to tears.

命綱為親征行營使，以便宜從事。綱治守戰之具，不數日而畢。敵兵攻城，綱身督戰，募壯士縋城而下，斬酋長十余人，殺其眾數千人。金人知有備，又聞上已內禪，乃退。求遣大臣至軍中議和，綱請行。上遣李棁，綱曰：「安危在此一舉，臣恐李棁怯懦而誤國事也。」上不聽，竟使棁往。金人須金幣以千萬計，求割太原、中山、河間地，以親王、宰相為質。棁受事，自不措一辭，還報。綱謂：「所需金幣，竭天下且不足，況都城乎？三鎮，國之遮罩，割之何以立國？至於遣質，即宰相當往，親王不當往。若遣辯士姑與之議所以可不可者，宿留數日，大兵四集，彼孤軍深入，雖不得所欲，亦將速歸。此時而與之盟，則不敢輕中國，而和可久也。」宰執議不合，綱不能奪，求去。上慰諭曰：「卿第出治兵，此事當徐議之。」綱退，則誓書已行，所求皆與之，以皇弟康王、少宰張邦昌為質。

Gang was appointed Commissioner of the Mobile Headquarters for the Emperor's Personal Campaign, with discretionary authority. Gang prepared the equipment for defense and battle, and within a few days all was complete. When the enemy attacked the city, Gang personally supervised the fighting. He recruited brave men to be lowered by rope down the wall; more than ten chieftains were beheaded and several thousand of the enemy were killed. The Jurchens knew there was preparation, and hearing also that the emperor had already abdicated within the palace, they withdrew. They requested that a great minister be sent to the army to negotiate peace; Gang asked to go. The emperor sent Li Zhuo. Gang said, "Safety and peril hang on this one move—I fear Li Zhuo is cowardly and will ruin the affairs of state." The emperor would not listen and ultimately sent Zhuo. The Jurchens demanded gold and coin by the tens of millions, sought the cession of Taiyuan, Zhongshan, and Hejian, and demanded a prince of the blood and a chief minister as hostages. Zhuo received his commission and did not venture a single word in reply; he returned to report. Gang said, "The gold and coin required would exhaust the realm and still not suffice—how much less the capital? The three garrisons are the realm's shield—if they are ceded, how can a state be established? As for sending hostages, the chief minister ought to go; a prince of the blood ought not to go. If eloquent envoys are sent to discuss provisionally what may or may not be done and are detained for several days, when great armies gather from the four quarters the enemy, a lone army deep in hostile territory, though they may not obtain what they desire, will also return quickly. At that time, if a treaty is made with them, they will not dare lightly despise China, and peace can be lasting." The chief ministers' deliberations did not agree; Gang could not prevail and asked to leave. The emperor comforted and instructed him, saying, "You need only go out and organize the army; this matter can be discussed slowly." When Gang withdrew, the oath document had already been issued and everything requested was granted. The emperor's younger brother, Prince Kang, and Junior Grand Councilor Zhang Bangchang were sent as hostages.

時朝廷日輸金幣，而金人需求不已，日肆暑掠。四方勤王之師漸有至者，種師道、姚平仲亦以涇原、秦鳳兵至。綱奏言：「金人貪婪無厭，凶悖已甚，其勢非用師不可。且敵兵號六萬，而吾勤王之師集城下者已二十余萬；彼以孤軍入重地，猶虎豹自投檻阱中，當以計取之，不必與角一旦之力。若扼河津，絕餉道，分兵復畿北諸邑，而以重兵臨敵營，堅壁勿戰，如周亞夫所以困七國者。俟其食盡力疲，然後以一檄取誓書，復三鎮，縱其北歸，半渡而擊之；此必勝之計也。」上深以為然，約日舉事。

At that time the court daily sent gold and coin, yet the Jurchens' demands did not cease, and each day they wantonly plundered and burned. Armies coming from the four quarters to rescue the throne gradually began to arrive; Zhong Shidao and Yao Pingzhong also arrived with troops from Jingyuan and Qinfeng. Gang memorialized, saying, "The Jurchens are insatiably greedy and have become extremely violent and rebellious; their situation is such that troops must be used. Moreover, the enemy troops are said to number sixty thousand, while the armies coming to rescue the throne gathered below the walls already exceed two hundred thousand; They have entered deep territory with a lone army, like tigers and leopards throwing themselves into cages and traps—they should be taken by stratagem; there is no need to contend with them for a single day's strength. If the river crossings are held fast, supply routes cut off, troops divided to recover the districts north of the capital, and heavy forces positioned facing the enemy camp with walls held firm and no battle fought, as Zhou Yafu used to wear down the Seven Kingdoms, wait until their food is exhausted and their strength spent, then with a single dispatch recover the oath document and the three garrisons, let them return north, and strike them halfway across; this is a plan certain to succeed." The emperor deeply approved and set a date for action.

姚平仲勇而寡謀，急於要功，先期率步騎萬人，夜斫敵營，欲生擒幹離不及取康王以歸。夜半，中使傳旨論綱曰：「姚平仲已舉事，卿速援之。」綱率諸將旦出封丘門，與金人戰幕天坡，以神臂弓射金人，卻之。平仲竟以襲敵營不克，懼誅亡去。金使來，宰相李邦彥語之曰：「用兵乃李綱、姚平仲，非朝廷意。」遂罷綱，以蔡懋代之。太學生陳東等詣闕上書，明綱無罪。軍民不期而集者數十萬，呼聲動地，恚不得報，至殺傷內侍。帝亟召綱，綱入見，泣拜請死。帝亦泣，命綱復為尚書右丞，充京城四壁守禦使。

Yao Pingzhong was brave but lacked counsel, eager for achievement. Ahead of schedule he led ten thousand infantry and cavalry by night to strike the enemy camp, intending to capture Wanyan Zongwang alive and take Prince Kang back. At midnight an emissary from the palace transmitted an edict telling Gang, "Yao Pingzhong has already acted—you must quickly go to his aid." Gang led the generals out at dawn through the Fengqiu Gate and fought the Jurchens at Mutianpo. With the divine arm crossbow he shot at the Jurchens and drove them back. Pingzhong, because his raid on the enemy camp failed, feared execution and fled. When the Jurchen envoy came, Chief Councilor Li Bangyan told him, "The use of troops was Li Gang's and Yao Pingzhong's doing—not the court's intent." Thereupon Gang was dismissed and Cai Mao replaced him. Imperial University students Chen Dong and others went to the palace gate and submitted a memorial, clarifying that Gang was innocent. Soldiers and civilians, without having arranged it beforehand, gathered by the hundreds of thousands. Their shouts shook the earth. Indignant that they received no reply, they even killed and wounded eunuchs. The emperor urgently summoned Gang. Gang entered in audience, wept, bowed, and asked for death. The emperor also wept and ordered Gang restored as Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and Commissioner for the Defense of the Four Walls of the Capital.

始，金人犯城者，蔡懋禁不得輒施矢石，將士積憤，至是，綱下令能殺敵者厚賞，眾無不奮躍。金人懼，稍稍引卻，且得割三鎮詔及親王為質，乃退師。除綱知樞密院事。綱奏請如澶淵故事，遣兵護送，且戒諸將，可擊則擊之。乃以兵十萬分道並進，將士受命，踴躍以行。先是，金帥粘罕圍太原，守將折可求、劉光世軍皆敗；平陽府義兵亦叛，導金人入南北關，取隆德府，至是，遂攻高平。宰相咎綱盡遣城下兵追敵，恐倉卒無措，急征諸將還。諸將已追及金人于刑、趙間，遽得還師之命，無不扼腕。比綱力爭，復追，而將士解體矣。

Earlier, when the Jurchens attacked the city, Cai Mao had forbidden the use of arrows and stones without authorization; the officers and soldiers had accumulated resentment. Now Gang issued orders that whoever could kill the enemy would receive rich rewards, and none failed to leap forward eagerly. The Jurchens were afraid and gradually withdrew. Having also obtained the edict ceding the three garrisons and a prince as hostage, they then withdrew their army. Gang was appointed Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs. Gang memorialized requesting that, following the precedent of Chanyuan, troops be sent to escort them, and that the generals be warned that when they could strike, they should strike. Thereupon one hundred thousand troops advanced in separate columns; officers and soldiers received their orders and marched eagerly. Earlier, the Jurchen commander Wanyan Nianhan had besieged Taiyuan; the defending generals Zhe Keqiu and Liu Guangshi were both defeated; The righteous militia of Pingyang Prefecture also rebelled, guiding the Jurchens through the North and South Passes and taking Longde Prefecture; by this time they attacked Gaoping. The chief ministers blamed Gang for having sent all the troops below the walls in pursuit of the enemy, fearing that in haste nothing could be done, and urgently recalled the generals. The generals had already pursued the Jurchens between Xing and Zhao when they suddenly received orders to return; none failed to wring their hands in frustration. By the time Gang argued forcefully and pursuit was resumed, the officers and soldiers had lost their fighting spirit.

詔議迎太上皇帝還京。初，徽宗南幸，童貫、高俅等以兵扈從。既行，聞都城受圍，乃止東南郵傳及勤王之師。道路籍籍，言貫等為變。陳東上書，乞誅蔡京、蔡攸、童貫、朱勔、高俅、盧宗原等。議遣聶山為發運使往圖之，綱曰：「使山所圖果成，震驚太上，此憂在陛下。萬一不果，是數人者，挾太上于東南，求劍南一道，陛下將何以處之？莫若罷山之行，請於太上去此數人，自可不勞而定。」上從其言。

An edict ordered deliberation on welcoming the Retired Emperor back to the capital. At first, when Emperor Huizong traveled south, Tong Guan, Gao Qiu, and others escorted him with troops. After they had departed, hearing that the capital was besieged, they halted the southeastern relay posts and the armies coming to rescue the throne. Along the roads there was widespread talk that Tong and the others were plotting rebellion. Chen Dong submitted a memorial requesting execution of Cai Jing, Cai You, Tong Guan, Zhu Mian, Gao Qiu, Lu Zongyuan, and others. It was proposed to send Nie Shan as Transport Commissioner to deal with them. Gang said, "If Shan's plan should succeed, the shock to the Retired Emperor would be a worry for Your Majesty. If by any chance it should fail, those several men, taking the Retired Emperor to the southeast and seeking a circuit in Jiannan—how would Your Majesty deal with that? Better to cancel Shan's mission and request that the Retired Emperor remove those several men—then things can be settled without labor." The emperor followed his advice.

徽宗還次南都，以書問改革政事之故，且召吳敏、李綱。或慮太上意有不測，綱請行，曰：「此無他，不過欲知朝廷事爾。」綱至，具道皇帝聖孝思慕，欲以天下養之意，請陛下早還京師。徽宗泣數行下，問：「卿頃以何故去？」綱對曰：「臣昨任左史，以狂妄論列水災，蒙恩寬斧鉞之誅，然臣當時所言，以謂天地之變，各以類應，正為今日攻圍之兆。夫災異變故，譬猶一人之身，病在五臟，則發於氣色，形於脈息，善醫者能知之。所以聖人觀變于天地，而修其在我者，故能制治保邦，而無危亂之憂。」徽宗稱善。又詢近日都城攻圍守禦次第，語漸浹洽。徽宗因及行宮止遞角等事，曰：「當時恐金人知行宮所在，非有他也。」綱奏：「方艱危時，兩宮隔絕，朝廷應副行宮，亦豈能無不至者，在聖度燭之耳。」且言：「皇帝仁孝，惟恐有一不當太上皇帝意者，每得詰問之詔，輒憂懼不食。臣竊譬之，家長出而強寇至，子弟之任家事者，不得不從宜措置。長者但當以其能保田園大計而慰勞之，苟誅及細故，則為子弟者，何所逃其責哉？皇帝傳位之初，陛下巡幸，適當大敵入攻，為宗社計，庶事不得不小有更革。陛上回鑾，臣謂宜有以大慰安皇帝之心，勿問細故可也。」徽宗感悟，出玉帶、金魚、象簡賜綱，曰：「行宮人得卿來皆喜，以此示朕意，卿可便服之。」且曰：「卿輔助皇帝、捍守宗社有大功，若能調和父子間，使無疑阻，當遂書青史，垂名萬世。」綱感泣再拜。

When Emperor Huizong returned and stopped at Nandu, he sent a letter asking the reason for reforming government affairs, and also summoned Wu Min and Li Gang. Some feared the Retired Emperor's intent might be unpredictable. Gang asked to go, saying, "This is nothing else—it is only that he wishes to know the affairs of the court." When Gang arrived, he fully explained the emperor's filial piety and longing, his wish to support the Retired Emperor with the realm, and requested that His Majesty return early to the capital. Emperor Huizong wept for several lines and asked, "For what reason did you leave before?" Gang replied, "Your servant formerly served as Left Historian. Because of reckless discussion in memorials on the flood disaster, I received the grace of being spared the punishment of the axe; yet what I said at that time was that the changes of Heaven and earth each respond according to their kind—it was precisely a portent of today's siege. Calamities and strange events are like a person's body: when disease is in the five viscera, it appears in the complexion and in the pulse; a skilled physician can know it. Therefore the sage observes changes in Heaven and earth and rectifies what lies within himself; thus he can govern and preserve the state without the worry of peril and disorder." Emperor Huizong praised this. He also inquired about the recent sequence of siege and defense at the capital, and their words gradually became harmonious. Emperor Huizong then spoke of halting relay posts at the traveling palace and other matters, saying, "At that time I feared the Jurchens would learn where the traveling palace was—it was nothing else." Gang memorialized, "In times of extreme peril, when the two palaces were cut off from each other, the court's responses to the traveling palace could not but have some that did not arrive—it is only that the sage's measure illuminates this." He also said, "The emperor is filial and benevolent; he fears only that there may be something not to the Retired Emperor's liking. Whenever he receives an edict of inquiry, he is anxious and will not eat. Your servant ventures to compare it to this: when the head of a household goes out and fierce bandits arrive, the younger members charged with household affairs must take appropriate measures as the occasion requires. The elder ought only to comfort them for having preserved the great plan of fields and gardens; if petty matters are punished, how can the younger members escape blame? At the beginning of the emperor's transfer of the throne, when Your Majesty traveled on tour, it happened that a great enemy entered in attack; for the sake of the altars of state, many things could not but be slightly changed. When Your Majesty returns in the imperial carriage, your servant holds that there ought to be something greatly to comfort and reassure the emperor's heart—do not inquire into petty matters." Emperor Huizong was moved to understanding and bestowed on Gang a jade belt, golden fish, and ivory tally, saying, "The people at the traveling palace are all delighted that you have come; take these to show my intent—you may wear them at once." He also said, "You have great merit in assisting the emperor and defending the altars of state. If you can harmonize the relations between father and son so that there is no suspicion or obstruction, you will be recorded in the blue annals and your name will last ten thousand generations." Gang wept in gratitude and bowed again.

綱還，具道太上意。宰執進迎奉太上儀注，耿南仲議欲屏太上左右，車駕乃進。綱言：「如此，是示之以疑也。天下之理，誠與疑、明與暗而已。自誠明而推之，可至於堯、舜；自疑暗而推之，其患有不可勝言者。耿南仲不以堯、舜之道輔陛下，乃暗而多疑。」南仲怫然曰：「臣適見左司諫陳公輔，乃為李綱結士民伏闕者，乞下御史置對。」上愕然。綱曰：「臣與南仲所論，國事也。南仲乃為此言，臣何敢復有所辨？願以公輔事下吏，臣得乞身待罪。」章十餘上，不允。

When Gang returned, he fully reported the Retired Emperor's intent. The chief ministers submitted the protocol for welcoming the Retired Emperor; Geng Nanzhong proposed wishing to remove those around the Retired Emperor before the imperial carriage could advance. Gang said, "To do this is to show him suspicion. The principle of the realm is sincerity and doubt, clarity and obscurity alone. From sincerity and clarity one may extend it and reach Yao and Shun; from doubt and obscurity one may extend it and the calamities are beyond counting. Geng Nanzhong does not assist Your Majesty with the way of Yao and Shun, but is obscure and full of doubts." Nanzhong said angrily, "Your servant has just seen Remonstrance Officer Chen Gongfu—it was he who, for Li Gang, rallied scholars and civilians to kneel at the palace gate; I request that he be sent down to the censorate for interrogation." The emperor was startled. Gang said, "What Nanzhong and I were discussing was the affairs of state. Yet Nanzhong speaks thus—how dare I further offer any defense? I request that the matter of Gongfu be sent to the officials, and that I may beg to retire and await punishment." He submitted more than ten memorials and was not permitted.

太上皇帝還，綱迎拜國門。翌日，朝龍德宮，退，復上章懇辭。上手詔諭意曰：「乃者敵在近郊，士庶伏闕，一朝倉猝，眾數十萬，忠憤所激，不謀同辭，此豈人力也哉？不悅者造言，致卿不自安，朕深諒卿，不足介懷。巨敵方退，正賴卿協濟艱難，宜勉為朕留。」綱不得已就職。上備邊禦敵八事。

When the Retired Emperor returned, Gang welcomed and bowed at the Gate of the Realm. The next day, after audience at Longde Palace, he withdrew and again submitted a memorial earnestly requesting to resign. The emperor personally wrote an edict of instruction, saying, "Lately the enemy was near the suburbs; scholars and commoners knelt at the palace gate. In a morning's haste, the multitude numbered hundreds of thousands; loyal indignation stirred them and they spoke as one without prior arrangement—how could this be human effort alone? Those who were displeased spread rumors and made you uneasy; I deeply understand you—do not take it to heart. The great enemy has just withdrawn; I rely on you to assist in these difficult times—you ought to make an effort and remain for my sake." Gang had no choice but to take up his post. The emperor issued eight items on border defense and resisting the enemy.

時北兵已去，太上還宮，上下恬然，置邊事於不問。綱獨以為憂，與同知樞密院事許翰議調防秋之兵。吳敏乞置詳議司檢詳法制，以革弊政，詔以綱為提舉官，南仲沮止之。綱奏：「邊患方棘，調度不給，宜稍抑冒濫，以足國用。謂如節度使至遙郡刺史，本以待勳臣，今皆以戚裏恩澤得之；堂吏轉官止于正郎，崇、觀間始轉至中奉大夫，今宜皆復舊制。」執政揭其奏通衢，以綱得士民心，欲因此離之。會守禦司奏補副尉二人，御批有「大臣專權，浸不可長」語。綱奏：「頃得旨給空名告敕，以便宜行事。二人有勞當補官，故具奏聞，乃遵上旨，非專權也。」

At that time the northern troops had already departed, the Retired Emperor had returned to the palace, and above and below were at ease, setting border affairs aside without inquiry. Gang alone was worried and, with Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs Xu Han, deliberated on mobilizing troops for autumn defense. Wu Min requested establishing a Detailed Deliberation Office to examine laws and institutions in order to reform corrupt government; an edict made Gang the supervising official, but Nanzhong obstructed and stopped it. Gang memorialized, "The border peril is acute and allocations are insufficient; one ought slightly to restrain excessive and indiscriminate appointments to fill the state's needs. For example, posts from military commissioner down to distant prefectural governor were originally to reward meritorious ministers; now all obtain them through favor to consorts and affines; Hall clerks' promotions stopped at Regular Gentleman; only in the Chong and Guan periods did they begin to be promoted to Grandee for Court Audience; now all ought to be restored to the old system." The chief ministers posted his memorial in the public thoroughfare, wishing thereby to separate him because Gang had won the hearts of scholars and the people. Just then the Defense Office memorialized recommending two men for supplementary deputy commandant posts; the emperor's draft annotation contained the words "great ministers monopolize authority—this must not be allowed to grow." Gang memorialized, "Your servant recently received an edict granting blank appointment documents to act at discretion. These two men had merit and ought to be given office, so I memorialized accordingly—it was following Your Majesty's intent, not monopolizing authority."

時太原圍未解，種師中戰沒，師道病歸，南仲曰：「欲援太原，非綱不可。」上以綱為河東、北宣撫使。綱言：「臣書生，實不知兵。在圍城中，不得已為陛下料理兵事，今使為大帥，恐誤國事。」因拜辭，不許。退而移疾，乞致仕，章十餘上，不允。台諫言綱不可去朝廷，上以其為大臣遊說，斥之。或謂綱曰：「公知所以遣行之意乎？此非為邊事，欲緣此以去公，則都人無辭耳。公堅臥不起，讒者益肆，上怒且不測，奈何？」許翰書：「杜郵」二字遺綱，綱皇恐受命。上手書《裴度傳》以賜，綱言：「吳元濟以區區環蔡之地抗唐室，與金人強弱固不相侔，而臣曾不足以望裴度萬分之一。然寇攘外患可以掃除，小人在朝，蠹害難去。使朝廷既正，君子道長，則所以捍禦外患者，有不難也。」因書裴度論元稹、魏洪簡章疏要語以進，上優詔答之。

At that time the siege of Taiyuan was not yet lifted; Zhong Shizhong died in battle and Shidao returned home ill; Nanzhong said, "To relieve Taiyuan, none but Gang will do." The emperor made Gang Pacification Commissioner for Hedong and Hebei North. Gang said, "Your servant is a scholar and truly does not understand warfare. Within the besieged city I was compelled to manage military affairs for Your Majesty; now if I am made supreme commander, I fear I will ruin the affairs of state." He bowed in refusal and was not permitted. He withdrew and reported illness, requesting retirement; more than ten memorials were submitted and not permitted. Censors and remonstrators said Gang must not leave the court; the emperor held that they were lobbying as great ministers and dismissed them. Someone said to Gang, "Do you know the intent behind sending you on this mission? This is not for border affairs—it is intended by this means to remove you, so that the people of the capital will have no words. If you firmly remain in bed and do not rise, slanderers will grow bolder; the emperor's anger will be unpredictable—what then?" Xu Han sent a letter with the two characters "Du You"; Gang received the commission in fear and trembling. The emperor personally wrote and bestowed the Biography of Pei Du. Gang said, "Wu Yuanji, with his mere ring of Cai lands, resisted the Tang house—the strength of the Jurchens is certainly not comparable; yet your servant cannot even hope to reach one ten-thousandth of Pei Du. Yet bandits and raiders, external calamities, can be swept away; petty men in court, the harm of the worm, are hard to remove. If the court is already rectified and the way of the superior man grows long, then defending against external calamities will not be difficult." He therefore copied the essential passages of Pei Du's memorials on Yuan Zhen and Wei Hongjian and submitted them; the emperor replied with a gracious edict.

宣撫司兵僅萬二千人，庶事未集，綱乞展行期。御批以為遷延拒命，綱上疏明其所以未可行者，且曰：「陛下前以臣為專權，今以臣為拒命，方遣大帥解重圍，而以專權、拒命之人為之，無乃不可乎？願乞骸骨，解樞管之任。」上趣召數四，曰：「卿為朕巡邊，便可還朝。」綱曰：「臣之行，無復還之理。昔范仲淹以參政出撫西邊，過鄭州，見呂夷簡。夷簡曰：'參政豈可復還！ '其後果然。今臣以愚直不容於朝，使既行之後，進而死敵，臣之願也。萬一朝廷執議不堅，臣當求去，陛下宜察臣孤忠，以全君臣之義。」上為之感動。及陛辭，言唐恪、聶山之奸，任之不已，後必誤國。

The Pacification Commissioner's troops numbered only twelve thousand; many affairs were not yet gathered; Gang requested extension of the date of departure. The emperor's draft held this delay and refusal of orders. Gang submitted a memorial clarifying why he could not yet proceed, and said, "Your Majesty formerly held that your servant monopolized authority; now you hold that your servant refuses orders. When sending a supreme commander to relieve a critical siege, to appoint one accused of monopolizing authority and refusing orders—is this not impermissible? I request permission to retire and be released from duties at the Bureau of Military Affairs." The emperor urgently summoned him four times, saying, "You shall patrol the border for me and then can return to court." Gang said, "In your servant's going, there is no longer any principle of return. Formerly Fan Zhongyan, as participant in governance, went out to pacify the western border; passing Zhengzhou, he saw Lü Yijian. Yijian said, 'Can a participant in governance return!' Afterward it was indeed so. Now your servant, because of foolish directness, is not tolerated at court; after I have gone, to advance and die against the enemy is your servant's wish. If by any chance the court's deliberations are not firm and your servant must seek to leave, Your Majesty ought to discern your servant's solitary loyalty and complete the righteousness between ruler and minister." The emperor was moved. At his farewell audience he spoke of the treachery of Tang Que and Nie Shan; to employ them without end would afterward surely ruin the state.

進至河陽，望拜諸陵，復上奏曰：「臣總師出鞏、洛，望拜陵寢，潸然出涕。恭惟祖宗創業守成，垂二百年，以至陛下。適丁艱難之秋，強敵內侵，中國勢弱，此誠陛下嘗膽思報，厲精求治之日，願深考祖宗之法，一一推行之。進君子，退小人，益固邦本，以圖中興，上以慰安九廟之靈，下為億兆蒼生之所依賴，天下幸甚！」

Advancing to Heyang, he looked toward the tombs and bowed; he again submitted a memorial, saying, "Your servant, commanding the army, went out through Gong and Luo, looked toward the tombs and bowed, and tears flowed silently. Respectfully considering that the ancestors founded, preserved, and handed down the realm for nearly two hundred years, down to Your Majesty, it has just met a time of peril; a strong enemy invades within; China's strength is weak—this is truly the day when Your Majesty ought to sleep on brushwood and taste gall, striving in spirit to seek good government. I wish that you deeply examine the methods of the ancestors and carry them out one by one; advance superior men and retire petty men; further solidify the foundation of the state to plan restoration; above to comfort the spirits of the nine temples, below to be what the hundred millions rely on—great indeed would be the realm's fortune!"

行次懷州，有詔罷減所起兵綱奏曰：「太原之圍未解，河東之勢甚危，秋高馬肥，敵必深入，宗社安危，殆未可知。使防秋之師果能足用，不可保無敵騎渡河之警。況臣出使未幾，朝廷盡改前詔，所團結之兵，悉罷減之。今河北、河東日告危急，未有一人一騎以副其求，甫集之兵又皆散遣，臣誠不足以任此。且以軍法勒諸路起兵，而以寸紙罷之，臣恐後時有所號召，無復應者矣。」疏上，不報。御批日促解太原之圍，而諸將承受禦畫，事皆專達，宣撫司徒有節制之名。綱上疏，極諫節制不專之弊。

Stopping at Huaizhou, there was an edict disbanding and reducing the troops raised. Gang memorialized, saying, "The siege of Taiyuan is not yet lifted; the situation in Hedong is extremely perilous; when autumn is high and horses are fat, the enemy is certain to penetrate deeply; the safety of the altars of state is perhaps not yet known. Even if the troops for autumn defense can truly suffice, one cannot guarantee there will be no alarm of enemy cavalry crossing the river. Moreover, your servant has not long been on mission when the court has entirely changed the previous edicts; the troops that were assembled have all been disbanded and reduced. Now Hebei and Hedong daily report extreme peril, yet not a single man or horse is sent to meet their requests; the troops just gathered have again all been dispersed—your servant truly is not sufficient to undertake this. Moreover, to compel the circuits to raise troops by military law and then disband them with a slip of paper—I fear that hereafter when there is a call, none will again respond." The memorial was submitted; there was no reply. Imperial drafts daily pressed for lifting the siege of Taiyuan, yet the generals received the court's plans and all matters were reported directly; the Pacification Commissioner had only the name of control. Gang submitted a memorial strongly remonstrating against the harm of divided control.

時方議和，詔止綱進兵。未幾，徐處仁、吳敏罷相而相唐恪，許翰罷同知樞密院而進聶山、陳過庭、李回等，吳敏復謫置涪州。綱聞之，歎曰：「事無可為者矣！」即上奏丐罷。乃命種師道以同知樞密院事領宣撫司事，召綱赴闕。尋除觀文殿學士、知揚州，綱具奏辭免。未幾，以綱專主戰議，喪師費財，落職提舉亳州明道宮，責授保靜軍節度副使，建昌軍安置；再謫甯江。

At that time peace was being discussed; an edict ordered Gang not to advance his troops. Before long, Xu Churen and Wu Min were dismissed as chief ministers and Tang Que became chief minister; Xu Han was dismissed as Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs and Nie Shan, Chen Guoting, Li Hui, and others were promoted; Wu Min was again demoted and sent to Fuzhou. When Gang heard this, he sighed and said, "There is nothing that can be done!" He immediately submitted a memorial requesting dismissal. Thereupon Zhong Shidao was ordered, as Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, to take charge of Pacification Commission affairs, and Gang was summoned to court. Soon Gang was appointed Hanlin Academician of the Hall for Viewing Culture and Prefect of Yangzhou; he submitted a memorial declining. Before long, because Gang had exclusively advocated war, lost troops and wasted resources, he was stripped of office and made Supervisor of the Mingdao Palace in Bozhou, demoted to Military Commissioner of the Baojing Army, and settled at Jianchang Army; He was demoted again to Ningjiang.

金兵再至，上悟和議之非，除綱資政殿大學士，領開封府事。綱行次長沙，被命，即率湖南勤王之師入援，未至而都城失守。先是，康王至北軍，為金人所憚，求遣肅王代之。至是，康王開大元帥府，承制復綱故官，且貽書曰：「方今生民之命，急於倒垂，諒非不世之才，何以協濟事功。閣下學窮天人，忠貫金石，當投袂而起，以副蒼生之望。」

When the Jurchen troops came again, the emperor realized the error of the peace talks and appointed Gang Grand Academician of the Hall for Assisting Governance, in charge of Kaifeng Prefecture affairs. Gang, stopping at Changsha, received the order and immediately led Hunan's armies coming to rescue the throne to enter in relief; before he arrived the capital fell. Earlier, when Prince Kang reached the northern army, the Jurchens feared him and requested that Prince Su replace him. By this time Prince Kang opened the Grand Marshal's headquarters, assumed authority by imperial order to restore Gang's former office, and also sent a letter saying, "At present the lives of the people are more urgent than one hanging upside down; surely none but an uncommon talent can jointly achieve the work. Your learning exhausts Heaven and man; your loyalty pierces metal and stone—you ought to rouse yourself and act, to fulfill what the dark-haired masses hope for."

高宗即位，拜尚書右僕射兼中書侍郎，趣赴闕。中丞顏岐奏曰：「張邦昌為金人所喜，雖已為三公、郡王，宜更加同平章事，增重其禮；李綱為金人所惡，雖已命相，宜及其未至罷之。」章五上，上曰：「如朕之立，恐亦非金人所喜。」岐語塞而退。岐猶遣人封其章示綱，覬以沮其來。上聞綱且至，遣官迎勞，錫宴，趣見於內殿。綱見上，涕泗交集，上為動容。因奏曰：「金人不道，專以詐謀取勝，中國不悟，一切墮其計中。賴天命未改，陛下總師于外，為天下臣民之所推戴，內修外攘，還二聖而撫萬邦，責在陛下與宰相。臣自視闕然，不足以副陛下委任之意，乞追寢成命。且臣在道，顏岐嘗封示論臣章，謂臣為金人所惡，不當為相。如臣愚蠢，但知有趙氏，不知有金人，宜為所惡。然謂臣材不足以任宰相則可，謂為金人所惡不當為相則不可。」因力辭。帝為出范宗尹知舒州。顏岐與祠。綱猶力辭，上曰：「朕知卿忠義智略久矣，欲使敵國畏服，四方安寧，非相卿不可，卿其勿辭。」綱頓首泣謝，云：

When Emperor Gaozong took the throne, Gang was appointed Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs with concurrent appointment as Vice Director of the Secretariat, and was urgently summoned to court. Censor-in-Chief Yan Qi memorialized, saying, "Zhang Bangchang is favored by the Jurchens; although he has already been made Three Excellencies and a prince of a commandery, he ought further to be made Associate Grand Councilor to increase his honors; Li Gang is hated by the Jurchens; although he has already been ordered made chief minister, he ought, before he arrives, to be dismissed." He submitted the memorial five times; the emperor said, "As for my being established, I fear the Jurchens are also not pleased." Qi was silenced and withdrew. Qi still sent someone to seal his memorial and show it to Gang, hoping thereby to discourage his coming. When the emperor heard that Gang was about to arrive, he sent officials to welcome and comfort him, granted a banquet, and urged audience in the inner hall. When Gang saw the emperor, tears and mucus mingled; the emperor was moved. He therefore memorialized, saying, "The Jurchens are without the Way and rely exclusively on deceitful stratagems to win; China did not understand and entirely fell into their schemes. Fortunately Heaven's mandate has not changed; Your Majesty commands armies abroad and is pushed forward by the officials and people of the realm; within, cultivate and without, repel—restore the Two Emperors and pacify the myriad states; the responsibility lies with Your Majesty and the chief minister. Your servant views himself as deficient and is not sufficient to fulfill Your Majesty's intent in entrusting him; I request that the completed appointment be withdrawn. Moreover, while your servant was on the road, Yan Qi once sealed and showed me a memorial discussing your servant, saying your servant is hated by the Jurchens and ought not be made chief minister. As for your servant's foolishness, I know only the Zhao house and do not know the Jurchens—it is fitting that I be hated. Yet to say your servant's talent is insufficient to undertake the chief ministership is acceptable; to say that because the Jurchens hate him he ought not be chief minister is not acceptable." He forcefully declined. The emperor sent out Fan Zongyin as Prefect of Shuzhou. Yan Qi was granted a leave for sacrificial offerings. Gang still forcefully declined; the emperor said, "I have long known your loyalty, righteousness, wisdom, and strategy; to make the enemy state fear and submit and the four quarters peaceful—none but you as chief minister will do; do not decline." Gang bowed his head, wept, and thanked him, saying,

臣愚陋無取，荷陛下知遇，然今日扶顛持危，圖中興之功，在陛下而不在臣。臣無左右先容，陛下首加識擢，付以宰柄，顧區區何足以仰副圖任責成之意？然「靡不有初，鮮克有終」。臣孤立寡與，望察管仲害霸之言，留神于君子小人之間，使得以盡志畢慮，雖死無憾。昔唐明皇欲相姚崇，崇以十事要說，皆中一時之病。今臣亦以十事仰幹天聽，陛下度其可行者，賜之施行，臣乃敢受命。

Your servant is foolish and coarse and has nothing to recommend him; I receive Your Majesty's gracious recognition; yet today's task of upholding what is overturned, sustaining what is perilous, and achieving restoration lies with Your Majesty and not with your servant. Your servant has no one at left or right to speak for him; Your Majesty first added recognition and bestowed the handle of government—how can this petty person hope to fulfill the intent of entrusting and completing the task? Yet 'there is hardly anything without a beginning, but rarely is there an end.' Your servant stands alone with few allies; I hope Your Majesty will observe Guan Zhong's words on what harms hegemony and keep your mind on the distinction between superior men and petty men, so that I may exhaust my will and complete my plans—even in death I will have no regret. Formerly when Emperor Ming of Tang wished to appoint Yao Chong chief minister, Chong required ten conditions and all hit the ills of the time. Now your servant also presents ten matters to Your Majesty's hearing; if Your Majesty measures what can be carried out and grants implementation, then your servant dares accept the commission.

一曰議國是。謂中國之禦四裔，能守而後可戰，能戰而後可和，而靖康之末皆失之。今欲戰則不足，欲和則不可，莫若先自治，專以守為策，俟吾政事修，士氣振，然後可議大舉。

First: Deliberate the national policy. In China's defense against the four frontier peoples, one can fight only after one can hold, and one can make peace only after one can fight—and at the end of Jingkang all were lost. Now if we wish to fight we are insufficient; if we wish peace it is impossible; better first to govern ourselves, exclusively taking defense as the strategy, and wait until our government affairs are improved and morale raised—then we can deliberate a great campaign.

二曰議巡幸。謂車駕不可不一到京師，見宗廟，以慰都人之心，度未可居，則為巡幸之計。以天下形勢而觀。長安為上，襄陽次之，建康又次之，皆當詔有司預為之備。

Second: Deliberate the imperial tour. The imperial carriage must once reach the capital and see the ancestral temples, to comfort the hearts of the people of the capital; estimating that it cannot yet be dwelt in, then make plans for an imperial tour. Viewing the realm's strategic situation, Chang'an is first, Xiangyang second, Jiankang third—all ought to be ordered that the relevant offices prepare in advance.

三日議赦令。謂祖宗登極赦令，皆有常式。前日赦書，乃以張邦昌偽赦為法，如赦惡逆及罪廢官盡復官職，皆氾濫不可行，宜悉改正以法。

Third: Deliberate amnesty edicts. The amnesty edicts of the ancestors upon accession all had fixed forms. The recent amnesty edict took Zhang Bangchang's false amnesty as its model—such as pardoning traitors and restoring to office all who had been dismissed for crimes—all were excessive and cannot be carried out; all ought to be corrected according to law.

四曰議僭逆。謂張邦昌為國大臣，不能臨難死節，而挾金人之勢易姓改號，宜正典刑，垂戒萬世。

Fourth: Deliberate usurpation and treason. Zhang Bangchang was a great minister of the state; he could not face peril and die maintaining integrity, but relied on Jurchen power to change the surname and reign title—he ought to receive the standard punishment and be a warning for ten thousand generations.

五曰議偽命。謂國家更大變，鮮仗節死義之士，而受偽官以屈膝於其庭者，不可勝數。昔肅宗平賊，汙為偽者以六等定罪，宜仿之以勵士風。

Fifth: Deliberate false appointments. The state underwent a great change; few upheld integrity and died for righteousness, while those who accepted false office and bowed the knee in their court are countless. Formerly when Emperor Suzong pacified the rebels, those defiled by serving the false were sentenced in six grades—one ought to imitate this to encourage scholarly morale.

六曰議戰。謂軍政久廢，士氣怯惰，宜一新紀律，信賞必罰，以作其氣。

Sixth: Deliberate warfare. Military government has long been abandoned; morale is timid and slack; one ought to renew discipline, reward and punish with certainty, to rouse their spirit.

七曰議守。謂敵情狡獪，勢必復來，宜於沿河、江、淮措置控禦，以扼其沖。

Seventh: Deliberate defense. The enemy's disposition is cunning and crafty; they are certain to return; one ought along the Yellow River, Yangtze, and Huai to arrange control and defense to choke their thrust.

八曰議本政。謂政出多門，紀綱紊亂，宜一歸之於中書，則朝廷尊。

Eighth: Deliberate fundamental government. Government issues from many gates; discipline is disordered; all ought to be returned to the Secretariat—then the court will be honored.

九曰議久任。謂靖康間進退大臣太速，功效蔑著，宜慎擇而久任之，以責成功。

Ninth: Deliberate long tenure. During Jingkang, advancement and dismissal of great ministers was too rapid and achievements were not evident; one ought carefully to select and long employ them, charging them with success.

十曰議修德。謂上始膺天命，宜益修孝悌恭儉，以副四海之望，而致中興。

Tenth: Deliberate cultivating virtue. Your Majesty has just received Heaven's mandate; you ought further to cultivate filial piety, brotherliness, respect, and frugality, to fulfill the hopes of the four seas and achieve restoration.

翌日，班綱議於朝，惟僭逆、偽命二事留中不出。綱言：

The next day Gang's deliberations were announced at court; only the two matters of usurpation and false appointments were kept within and not issued. Gang said,

夫都城之人德邦昌，謂因其立而得生，且免重科金銀之擾。元帥府恕邦昌，謂其不待征討而遣使奉迎。若天下之憤嫉邦昌者，則謂其建號易姓，而奉迎特出於不得已。都城德之，元帥府恕之，私也，天下憤嫉之，公也。《春秋》之法，人臣無將，將而必誅；趙盾不討賊，則書以殺君。今邦昌已僭位號，敵退而止勤王之師，非特將與不討賊而已。

The people of the capital are grateful to Bangchang, holding that because he was established they obtained life and were spared heavy levies of gold and silver. The Marshal's headquarters forgave Bangchang, holding that without awaiting punitive expedition he sent envoys to welcome the emperor. As for those throughout the realm who resent Bangchang, they hold that he established a reign title and changed the surname, while welcoming the emperor was only from unavoidable necessity. The capital's gratitude and the Marshal's headquarters' forgiveness are private; the realm's resentment is public. The method of the Spring and Autumn Annals: if a minister has the intent of rebellion, once he rebels he must be executed; Zhao Dun did not punish the assassin, and therefore it is written that he killed his lord. Now Bangchang has already usurped title and rank, and when the enemy withdrew he stopped the armies coming to rescue the throne—not merely having the intent and not punishing the assassin.

劉盆子以漢宗室為赤眉所立，其後以十萬眾降光武，但待之以不死。邦昌以臣易君，罪大於盆子，不得已而自歸，朝廷既不正其罪，又尊崇之，此何理也？陛下欲建中興之業，而尊崇僭逆之臣，以示四方，其誰不解體？又偽命臣僚，一切置而不問，何以厲天下士大夫之節？

Liu Penzi, as a member of the Han imperial house, was established by the Red Eyebrows; afterward with one hundred thousand men he surrendered to Emperor Guangwu and was only treated with exemption from death. Bangchang, as a minister replacing his lord, his crime is greater than Penzi's; he returned of unavoidable necessity, yet the court neither corrected his crime nor honored him—what principle is this? Your Majesty wishes to establish the enterprise of restoration, yet honors a usurping and treasonous minister to show the four quarters—who will not lose heart? Moreover, false-appointed officials are all set aside without inquiry—how can the integrity of scholars and officials throughout the realm be encouraged?

時執政中有論不同者，上乃召黃潛善等語之。潛善主邦昌甚力，上顧呂好問曰：「卿昨在圍城中知其故，以為何如？」好問附潛善，持兩端，曰：「邦昌僭竊位號，人所共知，既已自歸，惟陛下裁處。」綱言：「邦昌僭逆，豈可使之在朝廷，使道路指目曰'此亦一天子'哉！」因泣拜曰：「臣不可與邦昌同列，當以笏擊之。陛下必欲用邦昌，第罷臣。」上頗感動。伯彥乃曰：「李綱氣直，臣等所不及。」乃詔邦昌謫潭州，吳幵、莫儔而下皆遷謫有差。綱又言：「近世士大夫寡廉鮮恥，不知君臣之義。靖康之禍，能仗節死義者，在內惟李若水，在外惟霍安國，願加贈恤。」上從其請，仍詔有死節者，諸路詢訪以聞。上謂綱曰：「卿昨爭張邦昌事，內侍輩皆泣涕，卿今可以受命矣。」綱拜謝。有旨兼充禦營使。入對，奏曰：

At that time among those in power there were differing views; the emperor therefore summoned Huang Qianshan and others to discuss it. Qianshan strongly advocated for Bangchang; the emperor turned to Lü Haowen and said, "You were in the besieged city yesterday and know the reason—what do you think?" Haowen sided with Qianshan, holding both ends, and said, "Bangchang's usurpation of title and rank is known to all; since he has already returned of his own accord, let Your Majesty decide." Gang said, "Bangchang usurped and rebelled—how can he be kept at court, so that travelers point and say 'There is also an emperor'?" He therefore wept and bowed, saying, "Your servant cannot sit in the same row as Bangchang—I shall strike him with my tablet. If Your Majesty insists on employing Bangchang, dismiss your servant only." The emperor was somewhat moved. Boyan then said, "Li Gang's spirit is direct—we cannot match him." Thereupon an edict demoted Bangchang to Tanzhou; Wu Qian, Mo Chou, and those below were all transferred and demoted in varying degrees. Gang also said, "In recent times scholars and officials have lacked integrity and shame and do not know the righteousness between ruler and minister. In the calamity of Jingkang, those who could uphold integrity and die for righteousness—within there was only Li Ruoshui, abroad only Huo Anguo—I wish that additional posthumous honors be granted." The emperor followed his request and also ordered that for those who died maintaining integrity, the circuits should inquire and report. The emperor said to Gang, "Yesterday when you contended over Zhang Bangchang, the eunuchs all wept; you can now accept the commission." Gang bowed in thanks. An edict additionally made him Commissioner of the Imperial Camp. Entering in audience, he memorialized, saying,

今國勢不逮靖康間遠甚，然而可為者，陛下英斷于上，群臣輯睦於下，庶幾靖康之弊革，而中興可圖。然非有規模而知先後緩急之序，則不能以成功。

Today's national strength is far inferior to the Jingkang period; yet what can be done is that Your Majesty is decisively brilliant above and the ministers are harmonious below—then perhaps the ills of Jingkang can be reformed and restoration can be planned. Yet unless there is a comprehensive plan and knowledge of the order of priority and urgency, success cannot be achieved.

夫外禦強敵，內銷盜賊，修軍政，變士風，裕邦財，寬民力，改弊法，省冗官，誠號令以感人心，信賞罰以作士氣，擇帥臣以任方面，選監司、郡守以奉行新政，俟吾所以自治者政事已修，然後可以問罪金人，迎還二聖，此所謂規模也。至於所當急而先者，則在於料理河北、河東。蓋河北、河東者，國之遮罩也。料理稍就，然後中原可保，而東南可安。今河東所失者忻、代、太原、澤、潞、汾、晉，餘郡猶存也。河北所失者，不過真定、懷、衛、浚四州而已，其餘三十餘郡，皆為朝廷守。兩路士民兵將，所以戴宋者，其心甚堅，皆推豪傑以為首領，多者數萬，少者亦不下萬人。朝廷不因此時置司、遣使以大慰撫之，分兵以援其危急，臣恐糧盡力疲，坐受金人之困。雖懷忠義之心，援兵不至，危迫無告，必且憤怨朝廷，金人因得撫而用之，皆精兵也。

Outwardly repel the strong enemy, inwardly suppress bandits, reform military government, transform scholarly morale, enrich the state's finances, lighten the people's burdens, change corrupt laws, reduce redundant officials, make commands sincere to move hearts, make rewards and punishments trustworthy to rouse morale, select commanders to entrust with regions, choose surveillance commissioners and prefects to carry out the new government—wait until what we use to govern ourselves, government affairs, is improved, then we can call the Jurchens to account, restore the Two Emperors—this is what is called the comprehensive plan. As for what ought to be urgent and first, it lies in managing Hebei and Hedong. For Hebei and Hedong are the realm's shield. When management is somewhat accomplished, then the Central Plain can be preserved and the southeast can be secure. Now in Hedong what is lost is Xin, Dai, Taiyuan, Ze, Lu, Fen, and Jin—the remaining prefectures still remain. In Hebei what is lost is no more than the four prefectures of Zhending, Huai, Wei, and Jun—the remaining thirty-odd prefectures are all held for the court. The scholar-officials, civilians, and generals of the two circuits who bear the Song on their hearts are very firm in mind; all push forward heroes as leaders—many number tens of thousands, few fall short of ten thousand. If the court does not at this time establish offices and send envoys greatly to comfort and reassure them, and divide troops to aid their critical peril, I fear when grain is exhausted and strength spent they will sit and receive the Jurchens' constraint. Though they cherish loyal and righteous hearts, if relief armies do not arrive and they are critically pressed with none to appeal to, they will surely resent the court; the Jurchens will thereby win them over and employ them—all are elite troops.

莫若于河北置招撫司，河東置經制司，擇有材略者為之使，宣論天子恩德、所以不忍棄兩河於敵國之意。有能全一州、復一郡者，以為節度、防禦、團練使，如唐方鎮之制，使自為守。非惟絕其從敵之心，又可資其禦敵之力，使朝廷永無北顧之憂，最今日之先務也。

Better to establish a Pacification Office in Hebei and a Control Office in Hedong, selecting men of talent and strategy to serve as commissioners, proclaiming the Son of Heaven's grace and the intent of unwillingness to abandon the two rivers to the enemy state. Whoever can preserve one prefecture or recover one commandery shall be made military commissioner, defense commissioner, or training commissioner, after the Tang frontier garrison system, letting them hold their own defense. Not only will this cut off their hearts from following the enemy, but it can also supply their strength for resisting the enemy, so that the court forever has no worry of looking north—this is today's most urgent task.

上善其言，問誰可任者，綱薦張所、傅亮。所嘗為監察御史，在靖康圍城中，以蠟書募河北兵，士民得書，喜曰：「朝廷棄我，猶有一張察院能拔而用之。」應募者凡十七萬人，由是所之聲震河北。故綱以為招撫河北，非所不可。傅亮者，先以邊功得官，嘗治兵河朔。都城受圍時，亮率勤王之兵三萬人，屢立戰功。綱察其智略可以大用，欲因此試之。上乃以所為河北招撫使，亮為河東經制副使。

The emperor approved his words and asked who could be entrusted; Gang recommended Zhang Suo and Fu Liang. Suo had formerly served as Investigating Censor; within the Jingkang siege he used wax-sealed letters to recruit Hebei troops; when scholars and civilians received the letters they rejoiced, saying, "The court has abandoned us, yet there is still one Inspector Zhang who can pull us out and employ us." Those who responded numbered one hundred seventy thousand in all; thereby Suo's reputation shook Hebei. Therefore Gang held that to pacify Hebei, none but Suo would do. Fu Liang had first obtained office through frontier achievement and had once organized troops in Heshuo. When the capital was besieged, Liang led thirty thousand troops coming to rescue the throne and repeatedly achieved military merit. Gang observed that his wisdom and strategy could be greatly employed and wished thereby to test him. The emperor thereupon made Suo Pacification Commissioner of Hebei and Liang Deputy Control Commissioner of Hedong.

皇子生，故事當肆赦。綱奏：「陛下登極，曠蕩之恩獨遺河北、河東，而不及勤王之師，天下觖望。夫兩路為朝廷堅守，而赦令不及，人皆謂已棄之，何以慰忠臣義士之心？勤王之師在道路半年，擐甲荷戈，冒犯霜露，雖未效用，亦已勞矣。加以疾病死亡，恩恤不及，後有急難，何以使人乎？願因今赦廣示德意。」上嘉納。於是兩路知天子德意，人情翕然，間有以破敵捷書至者。金人圍守諸郡之兵，往往引去。而山砦之兵，應招撫、經制二司募者甚眾。

When a prince was born, by precedent there ought to be a general amnesty. Gang memorialized, "When Your Majesty ascended the throne, the sweeping grace alone omitted Hebei and Hedong and did not extend to the armies coming to rescue the throne—the realm was disappointed. The two circuits hold fast for the court yet the amnesty does not reach them—everyone says they have already been abandoned; how can the hearts of loyal ministers and righteous men be comforted? The armies coming to rescue the throne have been on the road half a year, armored and bearing spears, braving frost and dew; though they have not yet been effective, they have already labored. Add to this illness and death with no gracious relief—when there is urgent peril hereafter, how can people be employed? I wish that by this amnesty virtue be broadly displayed." The emperor approved and accepted. Thereupon the two circuits knew the Son of Heaven's gracious intent; popular sentiment was harmonious; occasionally there arrived reports of defeating the enemy. The Jurchen troops besieging and holding the various commanderies often withdrew. Meanwhile the mountain-fortress troops responding to recruitment by the Pacification and Control offices were very numerous.

有許高、許亢者，以防河而遁，謫嶺南，至南康謀變，守倅戮之。或議其擅殺，綱曰：「高、亢受任防河，寇未至而遁，沒途劫掠，甚于盜賊。朝廷不能正軍法，而一守倅能行之，真健吏也。使受命捍賊而欲退走者，知郡縣之吏皆得以誅之，其亦少知所戒乎！」上以為然，命轉一官。開封守闕，綱以留守非宗澤不可，力薦之。澤至，撫循軍民，修治樓櫓，屢出師以挫敵。

There were Xu Gao and Xu Kang, who were charged with defending the river but fled, were demoted to Lingnan, and at Nankang plotted rebellion—the prefect and vice-prefect executed them. Some debated their unauthorized killing; Gang said, "Gao and Kang received commission to defend the river; before the bandits arrived they fled and along the way plundered—worse than bandits. The court could not rectify military law, yet one vice-prefect could carry it out—a truly vigorous official. Let those who receive commission to resist bandits yet wish to retreat know that prefectural and county officials can all execute them—they will somewhat know to take warning!" The emperor held this correct and ordered one rank of promotion. The Kaifeng commission was vacant; Gang held that for commissioner none but Zong Ze would do and strongly recommended him. When Ze arrived, he reassured soldiers and civilians, repaired towers and parapets, and repeatedly led troops out to frustrate the enemy.

綱立軍法，五人為伍，伍長以牌書同伍四人姓名。二十五人為甲，甲正以牌書伍長五人姓名。百人為隊，隊將以牌書甲正四人姓名。五百人為部，部將以牌書隊將正副十人姓名。二千五百人為軍，統制官以牌書部將正副十人姓名。命招置新軍及禦營司兵，並依新法團結，有所呼召、使令，按牌以遣。三省、樞密院置賞功司，受賂乞取者行軍法，遇敵逃潰者斬，因而為盜賊者，誅及其家屬。凡軍政申明改更者數十條。

Gang established military law: five men formed a squad; the squad leader wrote on a tally the names of the four others in the squad. Twenty-five men formed a company; the company chief wrote on a tally the names of the five squad leaders. One hundred men formed a platoon; the platoon commander wrote on a tally the names of the four company chiefs. Five hundred men formed a section; the section commander wrote on a tally the names of the ten platoon commanders, primary and secondary. Two thousand five hundred men formed an army; the commanding general wrote on a tally the names of the ten section commanders, primary and secondary. He ordered recruitment of new armies and Imperial Camp troops all to be organized by the new law; whenever there was summons or assignment, according to the tally they were dispatched. The Three Departments and Bureau of Military Affairs established an Office for Rewarding Merit; those who accepted bribes and solicited were punished by military law; those who fled before the enemy were beheaded; those who thereby became bandits—their families were executed. In all, several tens of articles clarifying and changing military government were memorialized.

又奏步不足以勝騎，騎不足以勝車，請以車制頒京東、西，製造而教閱之。又奏造戰艦，募水軍，及詢訪諸路武臣材略之可任者以備用。又進三疏：一曰募兵，二曰買馬，三曰募民出財以助兵費。諫議大夫宋齊愈聞而笑之，謂虞部員外郎張浚曰：「李丞相三議，無一可行者。」浚問之，齊愈曰：「民財不可盡括；西北之馬不可得，而東南之馬不可用；至於兵數，若郡增二千，則歲用千萬緡，費將安出？齊愈將極論之。」浚曰：「公受禍自此始矣。」

He also memorialized that infantry cannot overcome cavalry, cavalry cannot overcome chariots—he requested that the chariot system be promulgated in the eastern and western capital circuits, manufactured and drilled. He also memorialized building warships, recruiting naval forces, and inquiring throughout the circuits for military officers of talent and strategy who could be employed. He also submitted three memorials: first, recruiting soldiers; second, purchasing horses; third, recruiting civilians to contribute wealth to assist military expenses. Remonstrance Officer Song Qiyu heard this and laughed, saying to Secretary of the Ministry of Works Zhang Jun, "Chief Minister Li's three proposals—not one can be carried out." Jun asked him; Qiyu said, "The people's wealth cannot be entirely scraped; horses of the northwest cannot be obtained, and horses of the southeast cannot be used; as for troop numbers, if each commandery adds two thousand, then annual expense is ten million strings—whence will the cost come? Qiyu is about to argue to the utmost." Jun said, "Disaster will begin for you from this."

時朝廷議遣使于金，綱奏曰：「堯、舜之道，孝悌而已，孝悌之至，可以通神明。陛下以二聖遠狩沙漠，食不甘味，寢不安席，思迎還兩宮，致天下養，此孝悌之至，而堯、舜之用心也。今日之事，正當枕戈嘗膽，內修外攘，使刑政修而中國強，則二帝不俟迎請而自歸。不然，雖冠蓋相望，卑辭厚禮，恐亦無益。今所遣使，但當奉表通問兩宮，致思慕之意可也。」上乃命綱草表，以周望、傅雱為二聖通問使，奉表以往。且乞降哀痛之詔，以感動天下，使同心協力，相與扶持，以致中興。又乞省冗員，節浮費。上皆從其言。是時，四方潰兵為盜者十余萬人，攻劫山東、淮南、襄漢之間，綱命將悉討平之。

At that time the court debated sending envoys to the Jurchens; Gang memorialized, saying, "The way of Yao and Shun is filial piety and brotherliness alone; the utmost of filial piety and brotherliness can penetrate to the spirits. Your Majesty, with the Two Emperors far on campaign in the desert, finds food not sweet and sleep not restful, thinking to welcome back the two palaces and support the realm with all under Heaven—this is the utmost of filial piety and brotherliness and the mind of Yao and Shun. Today's affair ought rightly to be sleeping on weapons and tasting gall, cultivating within and repelling without, making punishments and government sound and China strong—then the two emperors need not await welcome and will return of themselves. Otherwise, though envoys' caps and covers succeed one another and humble words and thick gifts are offered, I fear it will also be of no benefit. The envoys now sent ought only to submit tables conveying inquiry to the two palaces and expressing the intent of longing—that is sufficient." The emperor thereupon ordered Gang to draft the table and made Zhou Wang and Fu Biao envoys to inquire after the Two Emperors, submitting the table and proceeding. He also requested an edict of deep grief to move the realm, so that all would join hearts and strength, mutually supporting to achieve restoration. He also requested reducing redundant posts and restraining extravagant expenses. The emperor all followed his words. At that time routed troops from the four quarters who became bandits numbered more than one hundred thousand, attacking and plundering between Shandong, Huainan, and Xianghan; Gang ordered generals to suppress and pacify them all.

一日，論靖康時事，上曰：「淵聖勤於政事，省覽章奏，至終夜不寐，然卒致播遷，何耶？」綱曰：「人主之職在知人，進君子而退小人，則大功可成，否則衡石程書，無益也。」因論靖康初朝廷應敵得失之策，且極論金人兩至都城，所以能守不能守之故；因勉上以明恕盡人言，以恭儉足國用，以英果斷大事。上皆嘉納。又奏：「臣嘗言車駕巡幸之所，關中為上，襄陽次之，建康為下。陛下縱未能行上策，猶當且適襄、鄧，示不忘故都，以系天下之心。不然，中原非復我有，車駕還闕無期，天下之勢遂傾不復振矣。」上為詔諭兩京以還都之意，讀者皆感泣。

One day, discussing Jingkang affairs, the emperor said, "The Hidden Sage was diligent in government affairs, reviewing memorials, until the end of the night without sleep—yet in the end he was driven to wander abroad; why?" Gang said, "The ruler's task lies in knowing men—advance superior men and retire petty men, then great achievement can be accomplished; otherwise, weighing stones and scheduling documents is of no benefit." He therefore discussed the gains and losses of the court's policies for meeting the enemy at the beginning of Jingkang, and strongly discussed the reasons the Jurchens twice reached the capital could hold yet could not hold; he thereby urged the emperor to be intelligent and forgiving, exhaust all men's words, use respect and frugality to fill the state's needs, and use resolute decisiveness for great affairs. The emperor all approved and accepted. He also memorialized, "Your servant once said that for the imperial carriage's tour, Guanzhong is first, Xiangyang second, Jiankang last. Your Majesty, though unable for the moment to carry out the highest strategy, ought at least to go to Xiang and Deng, showing that you do not forget the old capital, to bind the hearts of the realm. Otherwise the Central Plain will no longer be ours; the imperial carriage's return to the capital will have no date—the realm's situation will then tilt and never again be revived." The emperor issued an edict proclaiming to the two capitals the intent of returning to the capital; readers all wept.

未幾，有詔欲幸東南避敵，綱極論其不可，言：「自古中興之主，起於西北，則足以據中原而有東南，起于東南，則不能以復中原而有西北。蓋天下精兵健馬皆在西北，一旦委中原而棄之，豈惟金人將乘間以擾內地；盜賊亦將蜂起為亂，跨州連邑，陛下雖欲還闕，不可得矣，況欲治兵勝敵以歸二聖哉？夫南陽光武之所興，有高山峻嶺可以控扼，有寬城平野可以屯兵；西鄰關、陝，可以召將士；東達江、淮，可以運穀粟；南通荊湖、巴蜀，可以取財貨；北距三都，可以遣救援。暫議駐蹕，乃還汴都，策無出於此者。今乘舟順流而適東南，固甚安便，第恐一失中原，則東南不能必其無事，雖欲退保一隅，不易得也。況嘗降詔許留中原，人心悅服，奈何詔墨未幹，遽失大信於天下！」上乃許幸南陽，而黃潛善、汪伯彥實陰上巡幸東南之議。客或有謂綱曰：「外論洶洶，鹹謂東幸已決。」綱曰：「國之存亡，於是焉分，吾當以去就爭之。」初，綱每有所論諫，其言雖切直，無不容納，至是，所言常留中不報。已而遷綱尚書左僕射兼門下侍郎，黃潛善除右僕射兼中書侍郎。張所乞且置司北京，俟措置有緒，乃渡河。北京留守張益謙，潛善黨也，奏招撫司之擾，又言自置司河北，盜賊益熾。綱言：「所尚留京師，益謙何以知其擾？河北民無所歸，聚而為盜，豈由置司乃有盜賊乎？」

Before long there was an edict wishing to travel southeast to avoid the enemy; Gang strongly argued it was impossible, saying, "Since ancient times lords who restored dynasties, rising in the northwest, could thereby hold the Central Plain and possess the southeast; rising in the southeast, they could not thereby recover the Central Plain and possess the northwest. For the realm's elite troops and strong horses are all in the northwest; once the Central Plain is cast aside and abandoned, not only will the Jurchens seize the opportunity to harass the interior; bandits will also rise like bees in disorder, spanning prefectures and linking districts—even if Your Majesty wishes to return to the capital, it cannot be obtained, how much less govern troops and defeat the enemy to restore the Two Emperors! Nanyang is where Emperor Guangwu of Han rose; there are high mountains and steep ridges for control and choke points, and broad cities and level fields for encamping troops; to the west it adjoins Guan and Shaan, where generals and soldiers can be summoned; to the east it reaches the Jiang and Huai, where grain can be transported; to the south it connects Jinghu and Bashu, where wealth and goods can be obtained; to the north it is distant from the three capitals, where rescue can be dispatched. Temporarily to deliberate halting the imperial progress, then return to Bian capital—no strategy surpasses this. Now to take boats downstream and go to the southeast is indeed very safe and convenient—but I fear that once the Central Plain is lost, then the southeast cannot be guaranteed free of trouble; even if you wish to retreat and preserve one corner, it is not easily obtained. Moreover, an edict was once issued promising to remain in the Central Plain—the people's hearts were pleased and submitted; how can the edict's ink not yet be dry and great faith with the realm be suddenly lost!" The emperor thereupon assented to traveling to Nanyang, yet Huang Qianshan and Wang Boyan in fact secretly submitted the plan to tour southeast. A guest once said to Gang, "Outside talk is turbulent—all say the eastern tour is decided." Gang said, "The state's survival or destruction divides here—I shall contend with my going or staying." At first, whenever Gang had something to discuss or remonstrate, though his words were cutting and direct, none failed to be accepted; from this time his words were often kept within and not answered. Before long Gang was transferred to Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs with concurrent appointment as Vice Director of the Chancellery; Huang Qianshan was made Right Vice Director with concurrent appointment as Vice Director of the Secretariat. Zhang Suo requested temporarily to establish the office at Northern Capital and only cross the river when arrangements were in order. Northern Capital Commissioner Zhang Yiqian, a member of Qianshan's faction, memorialized that the Pacification Office was disruptive, and also said that since establishing the office in Hebei, bandits had grown fiercer. Gang said, "Suo is still kept in the capital—how does Yiqian know he is disruptive? The people of Hebei have nowhere to return; gathering together they become bandits—how is it that bandits exist because the office was established?"

有旨令留守宗澤節制傅亮，即日渡河。亮言：「措置未就而渡河，恐誤國事。」綱言：「招撫、經制，臣所建明，而張所、傅亮，又臣所薦用。今潛善、伯彥沮所及亮，所以沮臣。臣每覽靖康大臣不和之失，事未嘗不與潛善、伯彥議而後行，而二人設心如此，願陛下虛心觀之。」既而詔罷經制司，召亮赴行在。綱言：「聖意必欲罷亮，乞以御筆付潛善施行，臣得乞身歸田。」綱退，而亮竟罷，乃再疏求去。上曰：「卿所爭細事，胡乃爾？」綱言：「方今人材以將帥為急，恐非小事。臣昨議遷幸，與潛善、伯彥異，宜為所嫉。然臣東南人，豈不願陛下東下為安便哉？顧一去中原，後患有不可勝言者。願陛下以宗社為心，以生靈為意，以二聖未還為念，勿以臣去而改其議。臣雖去左右，不敢一日忘陛下。」泣辭而退。或曰：「公決于進退，於義得矣，如讒者何？」綱曰：「吾知盡事君之道，不可，則全進退之節，患禍非所恤也。

An edict ordered Commissioner Zong Ze to control Fu Liang and cross the river that same day. Liang said, "Arrangements are not yet complete yet we cross the river—I fear ruining the affairs of state." Gang said, "The Pacification and Control offices were what your servant proposed, and Zhang Suo and Fu Liang were whom your servant recommended. Now Qianshan and Boyan obstruct Suo and Liang—it is to obstruct your servant. Your servant, whenever I read of the failure of great ministers' discord at Jingkang, never failed to discuss with Qianshan and Boyan before acting—yet the two set their hearts thus; I wish Your Majesty would observe with an open mind." Before long an edict abolished the Control Office and summoned Liang to the traveling palace. Gang said, "If the sage intent certainly wishes to dismiss Liang, I request that the imperial brush be given to Qianshan to carry out, and your servant may beg to retire to the fields." Gang withdrew, and Liang was ultimately dismissed; he again submitted a memorial requesting to leave. The emperor said, "The matters you contend over are petty—why thus?" Gang said, "At present talent in generals is urgent—I fear it is not a petty matter. Your servant yesterday deliberated relocating the court and differed from Qianshan and Boyan—I ought to be envied by them. Yet your servant is a man of the southeast—is it not that I do not wish Your Majesty to go east for safety and convenience? Only, once the Central Plain is abandoned, the afterward calamity is beyond counting. I wish Your Majesty to take the altars of state to heart, take the lives of the people to heart, take the Two Emperors' not yet returned to heart—do not because your servant leaves change this deliberation. Though your servant leaves Your Majesty's side, I dare not one day forget Your Majesty." Weeping, he bowed and withdrew. Someone said, "You are resolute in advance and retreat—in righteousness you have attained it; but what of slanderers?" Gang said, "I know only to exhaust the way of serving one's lord; if it cannot be, then complete the integrity of advance and retreat—worry over calamity is not what is cherished.

初，二帝北行，金人議立異姓。吏部尚書王時雍問于吳幵、莫儔，二人微言敵意在張邦昌，時雍未以為然。適宋齊愈自敵所來，時雍又問之，齊愈取片紙書「張邦昌」三字，時雍意乃決，遂以邦昌姓名入議狀。至是，齊愈論綱三事之非，不報。擬章將再上，其鄉人嗛齊愈者，竊其草示綱。時方論僭逆附偽之罪，於是逮齊愈，齊愈不承，獄吏曰：「王尚書輩所坐不輕，然但遷嶺南，大諫第承，終不過逾嶺爾。」齊愈引伏，遂戮之東市。張浚為御史，劾綱以私意殺侍從，且論其買馬招軍之罪。詔罷綱為觀文殿大學士、提舉洞霄宮。尚書右丞許翰言綱忠義，合之無以佐中興。會上召見陳東，東言：「潛善、伯彥不可任，綱不可去。」東坐誅。翰曰：「吾與東皆爭李綱者，東戮都市，吾在廟堂，可乎？」遂求去。後有旨，綱落職居鄂州。

At first, when the two emperors traveled north, the Jurchens deliberated establishing a man of another surname. Minister of Personnel Wang Shiyong asked Wu Qian and Mo Chou; the two subtly said the enemy's intent was in Zhang Bangchang—Shiyong did not yet consider it so. Just then Song Qiyu came from the enemy camp; Shiyong again asked him; Qiyu took a slip of paper and wrote the three characters "Zhang Bangchang"—Shiyong's intent was then decided, and he entered Bangchang's name in the deliberation document. By this time Qiyu discussed the error of Gang's three proposals; there was no reply. He drafted a memorial about to submit again; a fellow townsman who resented Qiyu secretly stole the draft and showed it to Gang. Just then they were deliberating the crimes of usurpation and adhering to the false; thereupon Qiyu was arrested; Qiyu did not confess; the prison officer said, "Minister Wang and the rest's offense is not light, yet they are only transferred to Lingnan—a great remonstrator like you, sir, if you confess, will in the end be no more than crossing the ridge." Qiyu confessed; he was thereupon executed at the eastern market. Zhang Jun, as censor, impeached Gang for killing an attendant from private intent and also discussed his crimes of purchasing horses and recruiting troops. An edict dismissed Gang as Hanlin Academician of the Hall for Viewing Culture and Supervisor of the Dongxiao Palace. Right Vice Director Xu Han said Gang was loyal and righteous; to remove him was to have none to assist restoration. Just then the emperor summoned Chen Dong in audience; Dong said, "Qianshan and Boyan cannot be entrusted; Gang cannot be removed." Dong was sentenced to execution. Han said, "Dong and I both contended for Li Gang—Dong was executed in the market, I am in the temple hall—is this permissible?" He thereupon requested to leave. Afterward there was an edict that Gang be stripped of office and live at Ezhou.

自綱罷，張所以罪去，傅亮以母病辭歸，招撫、經制二司皆廢。車駕遂東幸，兩河郡縣相繼淪陷，凡綱所規畫軍民之政，一切廢罷。金人攻京東、西，殘毀關輔，而中原盜賊蜂起矣。

From Gang's dismissal, Zhang Suo left because of crime, Fu Liang resigned because of his mother's illness, and the Pacification and Control offices were both abolished. The imperial carriage then traveled east; the commanderies and districts of the two rivers fell in succession; all the military and civilian policies Gang had planned were entirely abolished. The Jurchens attacked the eastern and western capitals, ravaged Guanfu, and bandits in the Central Plain rose like bees.

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