1
彭龜年
Peng Guinian
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彭龜年，字子壽，臨江軍清江人。 七歲而孤，事母盡孝。 性穎異，讀書能解大義。 及長，得程氏《易》讀之，至忘寢食，從朱熹、張栻質疑，而學益明。 登乾道五年進士第，授袁州宜春尉、吉州安福丞。 鄭僑、張枃同薦，除太學博士。
Peng Guinian, styled Zishou, came from Qingjiang in Linjiang Circuit. Orphaned at seven, he devoted himself to his mother with exemplary filial devotion. Gifted by nature, he read for the larger meaning rather than mere words. As an adult he acquired the Cheng school edition of the Book of Changes and studied it until he neglected sleep and meals; he sought clarification from Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi, and his understanding deepened accordingly. He placed on the jinshi roll in Qiandao 5 (1169) and was posted as registrar of Yichun in Yuan Prefecture and assistant magistrate of Anfu in Ji Prefecture. On joint recommendation by Zheng Qiao and Zhang Shi, he was made a doctorate lecturer at the Imperial University.
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殿中侍御史劉光祖以論帶御器械吳端，徙太府少卿，龜年上疏乞復其位，貽書宰相云：「祖宗嘗改易差除以伸臺諫之氣，不聞改易臺諫以伸幸臣之私。」 兼魏王府教授，遷國子監丞。 以侍御史林大中薦，為御史臺主簿。 改司農寺丞，進秘書郎兼嘉王府直講。
When Palace Attendant Censor Liu Guangzu was demoted to vice minister of the Court of Imperial Supplies for criticizing Wu Duan, bearer of the imperial arms, Guinian memorialized for his reinstatement and wrote the chief ministers: "Our ancestors would shift routine appointments to vindicate the remonstrance offices; they never shifted remonstrance officers to gratify a favored courtier." He was also appointed tutor to the Prince of Wei's household and promoted to vice director of the Directorate of Education. Recommended by Attending Censor Lin Dazhong, he became chief clerk of the Censorate. He was transferred to vice director of the Court of Imperial Granaries and promoted to secretary with a concurrent appointment as lecturer to the Prince of Jia's household.
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光宗嘗親郊，值暴風雨感疾，大臣希得進見。 久之，疾平，猶疑畏不朝重華宮。 龜年以書譙趙汝愚，且上疏言：「壽皇之事高宗，備極子道，此陛下所親睹也。 況壽皇今日止有陛下一人，聖心拳拳，不言可知。 特遇過宮日分，陛下或遲其行，則壽皇不容不降免到宮之旨，蓋為陛下辭責于人，使人不得以竊議陛下，其心非不願陛下之來。 自古人君處骨肉之間，多不與外臣謀，而與小人謀之，所以交鬥日深，疑隙日大。 今日兩宮萬萬無此。 然臣所憂者，外無韓琦、富弼、呂誨、司馬光之臣，而小人之中，已有任守忠者在焉，惟陛下裁察。」
When Emperor Guangzong performed the suburban sacrifice in person, a violent storm brought on illness, and his senior ministers were seldom admitted to see him. After a long interval his illness eased, yet he still shrank from visiting Chonghua Palace, where the retired emperor resided. Guinian wrote to admonish Zhao Ruyu and memorialized: "In serving Emperor Gaozong, the retired emperor fulfilled every duty of filial sonhood—Your Majesty saw this yourself. Moreover, the retired emperor now has only Your Majesty as his son; his devoted heart needs no words to make plain. Yet when the day for a palace visit arrived, if Your Majesty delayed, the retired emperor would issue an edict excusing your absence—shielding you from blame so that no one could whisper against you. His heart was not unwilling to see you come. Since antiquity, when rulers handled affairs among close kin they often took counsel not from upright ministers but from petty men—so strife deepened and suspicion widened day by day. Between the two palaces today there is assuredly nothing of this kind. Yet what I fear is that outside there are no ministers of the caliber of Han Qi, Fu Bi, Lü Hui, and Sima Guang, while among petty men Ren Shouzhong is already at hand—may Your Majesty judge and discern."
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又言：「使陛下虧過宮定省之禮，皆左右小人間諜之罪。 宰執侍從但能推父子之愛，調停重華； 臺諫但能仗父子之義，責望人主。 至於疑間之根，盤固不去，曾無一語及之。 今內侍間諜兩宮者固非一人，獨陳源在壽皇朝得罪至重，近復進用，外人皆謂離間之機必自源始。 宜亟發威斷，首逐陳源，然後肅命鑾輿，負罪引慝，以謝壽皇，使父子歡然，宗社有永，顧不幸歟？」 居亡何，光宗朝重華，都人歡悅。 尋除起居舍人，入謝，光宗曰：「此官以待有學識人，念非卿無可者。」
He also wrote: "Any failure in Your Majesty's duty to visit the palace and inquire after your father is the crime of the petty men at your side who sow discord between you. The chief ministers and attendants can only urge the love between father and son and mediate at Chonghua Palace; the censorate and remonstrance officials can only invoke the bond between father and son and hold the sovereign to account. Yet as for the root of suspicion and estrangement, firmly entrenched and unaddressed, not one word has been said about it. Today more than one inner attendant sows discord between the two palaces; Chen Yuan alone incurred the gravest guilt under the retired emperor and has lately been re-employed—outsiders all say estrangement must begin with him. Your Majesty should swiftly act with decisive authority, expel Chen Yuan first, then order the imperial carriage in due form, acknowledge your faults, and make amends to the retired emperor, so that father and son may be reconciled and the altars of state endure—would that not be fortunate?" Before long Emperor Guangzong visited Chonghua Palace, and the people of the capital rejoiced. Soon he was appointed recorder of the sovereign's daily activities; when he came to give thanks, Emperor Guangzong said: "This post is reserved for a man of learning; I can think of no one but you."
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龜年述祖宗之法為《內治聖鑒》以進。 光宗曰：「祖宗家法甚善。」 龜年曰：「臣是書大抵為宦官、女謁之防，此曹若見，恐不得數經御覽。」 光宗曰：「不至是。」 他日，龜年奏：「臣所居之官，以記注人君言動為職，車駕不過宮問安，如此書者又數十矣，恐非所以示後。」 有旨幸玉津園，龜年奏：「不奉三宮，而獨出宴遊，非禮也。」 又言：「陛下誤以臣充嘉王府講讀官，正欲臣等教以君臣父子之道。 臣聞有身教，有言教，陛下以身教，臣以言教者也，言豈若身之切哉。」
Guinian compiled the ancestral household regulations into Sagely Mirror of Inner Governance and presented it to the throne. Emperor Guangzong said: "The ancestral household regulations are excellent." Guinian said: "This book is largely a guard against eunuchs and palace women; if they see it, I fear it may not often reach Your Majesty's eyes." Emperor Guangzong said: "It will not come to that." On another day Guinian memorialized: "My office records the sovereign's words and deeds; the imperial carriage has not visited the palace to inquire after your father, and there are already dozens of such entries—I fear this is no example for posterity." When an edict ordered a visit to the Jade Ford Garden, Guinian memorialized: "To feast and roam abroad without attending the three palaces is contrary to ritual." He also said: "Your Majesty appointed me lecturer to the Prince of Jia's household precisely so that we might teach the bonds of ruler and minister, father and son. I have heard that there is teaching by example and teaching by words; Your Majesty teaches by example and I by words—how can words compare in force to the example you set?"
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紹熙五年五月，壽皇不豫，疾浸革，龜年連三疏請對，不獲命。 屬上視朝，龜年不離班位，伏地扣額久不已，血漬甃甓。 光宗曰：「素知卿忠直，欲何言？」 龜年奏：「今日無大於不過宮。」 光宗曰：「須用去。」 龜年言：「陛下屢許臣，一入宮則又不然。 內外不通，臣實痛心。」 同知樞密院余端禮曰：「扣額龍墀，曲致忠懇，臣子至此，為得已邪？」 上云：「知之。」
In the fifth month of Shaoxi 5 (1194), the retired emperor fell ill and his condition worsened; Guinian submitted three memorials requesting audience but received no reply. When the emperor came to court, Guinian would not leave his place in the ranks; he prostrated himself and knocked his forehead on the ground until blood stained the paving stones. Emperor Guangzong said: "I have long known your loyalty and forthrightness—what do you wish to say?" Guinian replied: "Today there is no matter greater than Your Majesty's failure to visit the palace." Emperor Guangzong said: "I must go." Guinian said: "Your Majesty has repeatedly promised me, yet once you enter the palace it is again not so. Court and palace do not communicate—I am truly heartsick." Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs Yu Duanli said: "To knock his forehead on the dragon steps and bend every effort to express loyal earnestness—a subject driven to this point—does he do so willingly?" The emperor said: "I understand."
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孝宗崩，寧宗受禪，是夕召對，寧宗蹙額云：「前但聞建儲之義，豈知遽踐大位，泣辭不獲，至今震悸。」 龜年奏：「此乃宗祏所係，陛下安得辭，今日但當盡人子事親之誠而已。」 因擬起居劄子，乞日進一通。 又與翊善黃裳同奏往朝南內，因定過宮之禮，乞先一日入奏，率百官恭謝。 寧宗朝泰安宮，至則寢門已閉，拜表而退。
When Emperor Xiaozong died, Ningzong received the abdication; that evening Guinian was summoned. Ningzong knit his brow and said: "I had only heard of establishing an heir—how could I know I would suddenly ascend the throne? I wept and declined but was not permitted; to this day I am shaken and afraid." Guinian replied: "This concerns the altars of state—how can Your Majesty decline? Today you need only fulfill every duty of a son toward your father." He then drafted a memorial on daily activities, requesting that one be submitted each day. Together with Companion Huang Chang he memorialized on proceeding to the Southern Inner Palace, established the rites for palace visits, and requested to memorialize one day in advance and lead all officials in reverent thanks. Ningzong proceeded to Tai'an Palace; when he arrived the sleeping gate was already closed, so he presented a memorial and withdrew.
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時議欲別建泰安宮，而光宗無徙宮之意。 龜年言：「古人披荊棘立朝廷，尚可布政出令，況重華一宮豈為不足哉？ 陛下居狹處，太上居寬處，天下之人必有諒陛下之心者。」 於是宮不果建。 遷中書舍人。 劉慶祖已帶遙郡承宣使，而以太上隨龍人落階官，龜年繳奏，寧宗批：「可與書行。」 龜年奏：「臣非為慶祖惜此一官，為朝廷惜此一門耳。 夫『可與書行』，近世弊令也，使其可行，臣即書矣，使不可行，豈敢因再令而遂書哉？」 寧宗嘗謂：「退朝無事，恐自怠惰，非多讀書不可。」 龜年奏：「人君之學與書生異，惟能虛心受諫，遷善改過，乃聖學中第一事，豈在多哉！」
At the time some proposed building a separate Tai'an Palace, but Guangzong had no intention of moving. Guinian said: "The ancients cleared brambles to establish their courts and still governed effectively—how can Chonghua Palace alone be insufficient? Your Majesty would dwell in cramped quarters while the retired sovereign dwelt in spacious ones—surely the people of the realm would understand Your Majesty's heart." Thereupon the new palace was not built. He was promoted to drafter of the Secretariat. Liu Qingzu already held the rank of commissioner with the insignia of a distant commandery, yet as a follower of the retired sovereign at his accession he was demoted in rank; Guinian returned the memorial with objection. Ningzong annotated: "May be drafted and issued." Guinian memorialized: "I am not concerned for Qingzu's single office but for a single gate of policy for the court. The phrase 'may be drafted and issued' is a corrupt practice of recent times: if the matter may proceed, I would draft it at once; if it may not, how dare I draft it merely because of a second order?" Ningzong once said: "After court with nothing to do, I fear I may grow idle—one cannot do without much reading." Guinian replied: "A sovereign's learning differs from a student's; the foremost matter in sagely learning is to receive remonstrance with an open mind and to reform one's faults—how could it lie in quantity?"
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一日，御筆書朱熹、黃裳、陳傅良、彭龜年、黃由、沈有開、李巘、京鏜、黃艾、鄧馹十人姓名示龜年云：「十人可充講官否？」 龜年對曰：「陛下若招來一世之傑如朱熹輩，方厭人望，不可專以潛邸學官為之。」 尋除侍講，遷吏部侍郎，升兼侍讀。 龜年知事勢將變，會暴雨震雷，因極陳小人竊權、號令不時之弊。 遣充金國弔祭接送伴使。
One day the emperor wrote in his own hand the names of Zhu Xi, Huang Chang, Chen Fuliang, Peng Guinian, Huang You, Shen Youkai, Li Yan, Jing Tang, Huang Ai, and Deng Yi and showed them to Guinian, asking: "Can these ten serve as lecturers?" Guinian replied: "If Your Majesty would summon outstanding men of the age such as Zhu Xi, you would satisfy public expectation—you should not limit such appointments to the study officials of your princely household." Soon he was appointed lecturer-in-waiting, transferred to vice minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and promoted to concurrent reader-in-waiting. Guinian sensed that affairs were about to change; when violent rain and thunder struck, he set forth at length the abuses of petty men usurping power and orders issued at improper times. He was dispatched as envoy to the Jin for condolence sacrifices and as escort and reception commissioner.
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初，朱熹與龜年約共論韓侂胄之姦，會龜年護客，熹以上疏見絀，龜年聞之，附奏云：「始臣約熹同論此事。 今熹既罷，臣宜並斥。」 不報。 迨歸，見侂胄用事，權勢重于宰相，於是條數其姦，謂：「進退大臣，更易言官，皆初政最關大體者。 大臣或不能知，而侂胄知之，假託聲勢，竊弄威福，不去必為後患。」 上覽奏甚駭，曰：「侂胄朕之肺腑，信而不疑，不謂如此。」 批下中書，予侂胄祠，已乃復入。
Earlier Zhu Xi and Guinian had agreed to criticize Han Tuozhou's wickedness together; when Guinian was escorting envoys, Xi was demoted for his memorial. When Guinian heard of it, he appended a memorial: "At first I agreed with Xi to discuss this matter together. Now that Xi has been dismissed, I should be dismissed as well." No response was given. On his return he saw Tuozhou wielding power with authority greater than the chief minister's; he then itemized his crimes, saying: "The appointment and dismissal of great ministers and the replacement of remonstrance officials are matters most vital to the fundamental order at the beginning of a reign. Great ministers might not know of these matters, yet Tuozhou knew of them; borrowing others' prestige, he secretly wielded authority and favor—if he is not removed he will surely become a future calamity." The emperor, reading the memorial, was greatly alarmed and said: "Tuozhou is my own kin; I trusted him without doubt—I did not think it would be like this." The annotation was sent to the Secretariat, granting Tuozhou a sinecure post; soon afterward he returned to court.
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龜年上疏求去，詔侂胄與內祠，龜年與郡，以煥章閣待制知江陵府、湖北安撫使。 龜年丐祠，慶元二年，以呂棐言落職； 已而追三官，勒停。 嘉泰元年，復元官。 起知贛州，以疾辭，除集英殿修撰、提舉沖佑觀。 開禧二年，以待制寶謨閣致仕，卒。
Guinian memorialized requesting dismissal; an edict granted Tuozhou an inner sinecure and Guinian a prefecture, appointing him Hanlin academician of the Huanzhang Hall and military commissioner of Hubei while serving as prefect of Jiangling. Guinian requested a sinecure; in Qingyuan 2 (1196), on Lü Zai's accusation he was stripped of office; soon afterward three ranks were stripped from him and he was ordered to cease service. In Jiatai 1 (1201) his original office was restored. He was recalled to serve as prefect of Ganzhou but declined on grounds of illness and was appointed compiler at the Hall for Assembling Excellence and commissioner of the Chongyou Abbey. In Kaixi 2 (1206) he retired with the rank of Hanlin awaiting edict of the Baomo Hall and died.
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龜年學識正大，議論簡直，善惡是非，辨析甚嚴，其愛君憂國之忱，先見之識，敢言之氣，皆人所難。 晚既投閑，悠然自得，幾微不見於顏面。 自偽學有禁，士大夫鮮不變者，龜年于關、洛書益加涵泳，扁所居曰「止堂」，著《止堂訓蒙》，蓋始終特立者也。 聞蘇師旦建節，曰：「此韓氏之陽虎，其禍韓氏必矣。」 及聞用兵，曰：「禍其在此乎？」 所著書有《經解》、《祭儀》、《五致錄》、奏議、外制。
Guinian's learning was upright and his judgment sound; his discourse was plain and direct, and he distinguished good from evil with great rigor. His devotion to the ruler and concern for the state, his foresight, and his courage to speak forth were all beyond what most men could match. In his later years, having withdrawn to leisure, he was serene and content, and not the slightest trace of distress showed on his face. Since the proscription on so-called heterodox learning, few scholar-officials did not bend; Guinian steeped himself all the more in the books of the Guan and Luo schools, named his dwelling Hall of Stopping, and wrote Instructions for the Young at the Hall of Stopping—thus he stood apart from first to last. When he heard that Su Shidan was granted a military commission, he said: "This is the Yang Hu of the Han clan—his calamity to the Han clan is certain." When he heard that war was launched, he said: "Is the calamity here?" His written works include Exegesis of the Classics, Sacrificial Rites, Record of the Five Tributes, memorials, and outer drafts.
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侂胄誅，林大中、樓錀皆白其忠，寧宗詔贈寶謨閣直學士。 章穎等請易名，賜諡「忠肅」。 上謂穎等曰：「彭龜年忠鯁可嘉，宜得諡。 使人人如此，必能納君於無過之地。」 未幾，加贈龍圖閣學士，而擢用其子欽。
After Tuozhou was executed, Lin Dazhong and Lou Yue both reported his loyalty, and Ningzong issued an edict posthumously granting him academician of the Baomo Hall. Zhang Ying and others requested a posthumous name, and the posthumous title Loyal and Solemn was bestowed. The emperor said to Ying and the others: "Peng Guinian's loyal forthrightness is worthy of praise; he should receive a posthumous title. If every man were like this, the ruler could surely be kept without fault." Before long he was further granted academician of the Dragon Diagram Hall, and his son Qin was promoted and employed.
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黃裳，字文叔，隆慶府普成人。 少穎異，能屬文。 登乾道五年進士第，調巴州通江尉。 益務進學，文詞迥出流輩，人見之曰：「非復前日文叔矣。」
Huang Chang, styled Wenshu, came from Pucheng in Longqing Prefecture. In youth he was exceptionally gifted and could compose literary works. He placed on the jinshi roll in Qiandao 5 (1169) and was posted as registrar of Tongjiang in Ba Prefecture. He strove all the more to advance his learning; his literary compositions far surpassed his contemporaries, and when people saw him they said: "He is no longer the Wenshu of former days."
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時蜀中餉師，名為和糴，實則取民。 裳賦《漢中行》，諷總領李蘩，蘩為罷糴，民便之。 改興元府錄事參軍。 以四川制置使留正薦，召對，論蜀兵民大計。 遷國子博士，以母喪去。 宰相進擬他官，上問裳安在，賜錢七十萬。 除喪，復召。
At the time in Shu they supplied the army under the name of harmonized purchase, but in fact they took from the people. Chang composed "Journey in Hanzhong," satirizing the overall commander Li Fan; Fan abolished the purchase system, and the people were relieved. He was transferred to recorder of Xingyuan Prefecture. On recommendation of Liu Zheng, commissioner of Sichuan, he was summoned for audience and discussed the great plan for troops and people in Shu. He was transferred to doctorate of the Imperial University and left office on his mother's death. When the chief minister advanced nominations for other offices, the emperor asked where Chang was and bestowed seventy thousand in cash. When mourning ended he was summoned again.
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時光宗登極，裳進對，謂：「中興規模與守成不同，出攻入守，當據利便之勢，不可不定行都。 富國強兵，當求功利之實，不可不課吏治。 捍內禦外，當有緩急之備，不可不立重鎮。」 其論行都，以為就便利之勢，莫若建康。 其論吏治，謂立品式以課其功，計資考以久其任。 其論重鎮，謂自吳至蜀，綿亙萬里，曰漢中，曰襄陽，曰江陵，曰鄂渚，曰京口，當為五鎮，以將相大臣守之，五鎮強則國體重矣。 除太學博士，進秘書郎。
When Emperor Guangzong had ascended the throne, Chang presented himself for audience and said: "The scale of the Restoration differs from that of preserving an established reign; in advancing to attack and withdrawing to defend, one must hold advantageous positions—a mobile capital cannot be left undecided. To enrich the state and strengthen the army, one must seek real results in utility and merit and cannot neglect to examine official governance. To defend within and resist without, one must prepare for both urgency and ease and cannot fail to establish strategic strongholds." On the mobile capital, he held that for advantageous position none was better than Jiankang. On official governance, he said that standards should be established to assess merit and that seniority and examination should be used to prolong tenure in office. On strategic strongholds, he said that from Wu to Shu, stretching ten thousand li, Hanzhong, Xiangyang, Jiangling, Ezhou, and Jingkou should be made five garrisons, guarded by generals and great ministers; when the five garrisons were strong, the state would be secure. He was appointed erudite of the Imperial University and promoted to secretary.
18
遷嘉王府翊善，講《春秋》「王正月」曰：「周之王，即今之帝也。 王不能號令諸侯，則王不足為王； 帝不能統御郡鎮，則帝不足為帝。 今之郡縣，即古諸侯也。 周之王惟不能號令諸侯，故《春秋》必書『王正月』，所以一諸侯之正朔。 今天下境土，比祖宗時不能十之四，然猶跨吳、蜀、荊、廣、閩、越二百州，任吾民者，二百州守也，任吾兵者，九都統也，苟不能統御，則何以服之？」 王曰：「何謂九都統？」 裳曰：「唐太宗年十八起義兵，平禍亂。 今大王年過之，而國家九都統之說猶有未知，其可不汲汲於學乎？」
He was transferred to companion of the Prince of Jia's household; lecturing on the Spring and Autumn Annals passage "the King's first month," he said: "The king of Zhou is today's emperor. If a king cannot command the feudal lords, he is not truly a king; if an emperor cannot govern prefectures and garrisons, he is not truly an emperor. Today's prefectures and counties are the feudal lords of antiquity. Because the king of Zhou could not command the feudal lords, the Spring and Autumn Annals must record "the King's first month"—thereby to unify the calendar of the feudal lords. Today our territory is not even four-tenths of what it was under the ancestral emperors; yet it still spans Wu, Shu, Jing, Guang, Min, and Yue—two hundred prefectures. The two hundred prefects bear charge for our people; the nine commanders-in-chief bear charge for our troops—if you cannot govern them, how can you make them submit?" The prince said: "What are the nine commanders-in-chief?" Chang said: "Emperor Taizong of Tang at age eighteen raised righteous troops and pacified calamity and disorder. Today you have passed that age, yet you still do not know the state's doctrine of the nine commanders-in-chief—how can you not urgently devote yourself to learning?"
19
他日，王擢用東宮舊人吳端，端詣王謝，王接之中節。 裳因講《左氏》「禮有等衰」，問王：「比待吳端得重輕之節，有之乎？」 王曰：「有之。」 裳曰：「王者之學，正當見諸行事。 今王臨事有區別，是得等衰之義矣。」 王意益向學。 於是作八圖以獻：曰太極，曰三才本性，曰皇帝王伯學術，曰九流學術，曰天文，曰地理，曰帝王紹運，以百官終焉，各述大旨陳之。 每進言曰：「為學之道，當體之以心。 王宜以心為嚴師，於心有一毫不安者，不可為也。」 且引前代危亡之事以為儆戒。 王謂人曰：「黃翊善之言，人所難堪，惟我能受之。」 他日，王過重華宮，壽皇問所讀書，王舉以對，壽皇曰：「數不太多乎？」 王曰：「講官訓說明白，忱心樂之，不知其多也。」 壽皇曰：「黃翊善至誠，所講須諦聽之。」
On another day the prince promoted Wu Duan, an old associate of the Eastern Palace; Duan came to thank the prince, and the prince received him with proper measure. Chang thereupon lectured on the Zuo Commentary passage "rites have gradations of decrease," and asked the prince: "In receiving Wu Duan recently, did you observe the measure of greater and lesser?" The prince said: "I did." Chang said: "A king's learning should be manifested in conduct. Today in affairs you make distinctions—this is obtaining the meaning of gradations of decrease." The prince's mind turned all the more toward learning. Thereupon he composed eight diagrams to present: Supreme Polarity, Nature of the Three Powers, Learning of Emperors, Kings, Hegemons, and Lords, Learning of the Nine Schools, Astronomy, Geography, Succession of Emperors and Kings, and the hundred officials—each he set forth its main purport. Whenever he offered counsel he said: "The way of learning must be embodied in the heart. You should take your heart as your strict teacher; where your heart feels the slightest unease, you must not act." Moreover he cited instances of peril and ruin in former ages as warnings. The prince said to others: "Companion Huang's words are what others find hard to bear—only I can receive them." On another day the prince passed Chonghua Palace; the retired emperor asked what books he was reading, and the prince listed them in reply. The retired emperor said: "Are they not rather too many?" The prince said: "The lecturer explains clearly; I delight in it with earnest heart and do not notice how many there are." The retired emperor said: "Companion Huang is utterly sincere—what he lectures you must listen to attentively."
20
裳久侍王邸，每歲誕節，則陳詩以寓諷。 初嘗制渾天儀、輿地圖，侑以詩章，欲王觀象則知進學，如天運之不息，披圖則思祖宗境土半陷於異域而未歸。 其後又以王所講三經為詩三章以進。 王喜，為置酒，手書其詩以賜之。 王嘗侍宴宮中，從容為光宗誦《酒誥》，曰：「此黃翊善所教也。」 光宗詔勞裳，裳曰：「臣不及朱熹，熹學問四十年，若召置府寮，宜有裨益。」 光宗嘉納。 裳每勸講，必援古證今，即事明理，凡可以開導王心者，無不言也。
Chang long served at the prince's residence; each year on his birthday he would present poems to convey admonition. At first he made an armillary sphere and a terrestrial map, accompanying them with poems, wishing that when the prince observed the heavens he would know to advance in learning, as the celestial motion never ceases, and when he unrolled the map he would think how half the ancestral territory was lost to foreign lands and not yet recovered. Later he also composed three poems on the three classics the prince had studied and presented them. The prince was pleased, set out wine, and in his own hand wrote out the poems to bestow on him. The prince once attended a banquet in the palace and at leisure recited the "Admonition on Wine" for Emperor Guangzong, saying: "This is what Companion Huang taught." Emperor Guangzong issued an edict to console Chang; Chang said: "I do not equal Zhu Xi; Xi has pursued learning for forty years—if summoned and placed among the prince's staff, he should be of benefit." Emperor Guangzong praised and accepted this. Whenever Chang lectured, he invariably cited antiquity to prove the present and clarified principle through immediate affairs; whatever could open and guide the prince's mind, there was nothing he did not speak of.
21
紹熙二年，遷起居舍人。 奏曰：「自古人君不能從諫者，其蔽有三：一曰私心，二曰勝心，三曰忿心。 事苟不出於公，而以己見執之，謂之私心； 私心生，則以諫者為病，而求以勝之； 勝心生，則以諫者為仇，而求以逐之。 因私而生勝，因勝而生忿，忿心生，則事有不得其理者焉。 如潘景珪，常才也，陛下固亦以常人遇之，特以臺諫攻之不已，致陛下庇之愈力，事勢相激，乃至於此。 宜因事靜察，使心無所係，則聞臺諫之言無不悅，而無欲勝之心，待臺諫之心無不誠，而無加忿之意矣。」
In Shaoxi 2 (1191) he was transferred to recorder of the sovereign's daily activities. He memorialized: "From antiquity, when sovereigns could not accept remonstrance, their obstructions were three: selfish mind, mind of victory, and mind of anger. If affairs do not proceed from the public good but one clings to one's own view, this is selfish mind; when selfish mind arises, one regards remonstrators as an affliction and seeks to overcome them; when mind of victory arises, one regards remonstrators as enemies and seeks to drive them away. From selfishness victory arises; from victory anger arises; when anger arises, affairs no longer follow their proper course. Take Pan Jinggui—an ordinary talent whom Your Majesty treated as an ordinary man; solely because the censorate and remonstrance officials attacked him without cease, Your Majesty shielded him all the more forcefully—affairs and circumstances mutually provoked one another until it came to this. Your Majesty should quietly examine affairs as they arise and let your mind be bound to nothing; then you would hear the censorate and remonstrance officials with pleasure and without mind of victory, and treat them with sincerity and without anger."
22
三年，試中書舍人。 時武備寢弛，裳上疏曰：「壽皇在位三十年，拊循將士，士常恨不得效死以報。 陛下誠能留意武事，三軍之士孰不感激願為陛下用乎？」 又論：「荊、襄形勢居吳、蜀之中，其地四平，若金人搗襄陽，據江陵，按兵以守，則吳、蜀中斷，此今日邊備之最可憂也。 宜分鄂渚兵一二萬人屯襄、漢之間，以張形勢而壯重地。」 時朝廷方宴安，裳所言多不省。
In the third year he was tested and appointed drafter of the Secretariat. At the time military preparations were gradually relaxed; Chang submitted a memorial saying: "The retired emperor during thirty years on the throne comforted and guided officers and soldiers; they often regretted that they could not offer their lives to repay him. If Your Majesty truly attends to military affairs, which soldier of the three armies would not be moved with gratitude and wish to serve you?" He also discussed: "The strategic position of Jing and Xiang lies between Wu and Shu; the terrain is level on four sides. If the Jurchen strike at Xiangyang, seize Jiangling, and hold their troops to defend, Wu and Shu would be cut off in the middle—this is what is most to be feared in today's frontier defense. Ten or twenty thousand troops from Ezhou should be divided and stationed between Xiang and Han to display strategic posture and strengthen the vital region." At the time the court was feasting in ease; what Chang spoke was mostly not heeded.
23
未幾，除給事中。 趙汝愚除同知樞密院，監察御史汪義端言祖宗之法，宗室不為執政，再疏醜詆汝愚，汝愚乞免官。 裳奏：「汝愚事父孝，事君忠，居官廉。 憂國愛民，出於天性，如青天白日，奴隸知其清明。 義端所見，皆奴隸之不如，不可以居朝列。」 於是義端與郡。
Before long he was appointed supervising secretary. Zhao Ruyu was appointed vice commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs; Investigating Censor Wang Yiduan cited the ancestral law that imperial clansmen do not serve as chief ministers and in two successive memorials vilified Ruyu; Ruyu requested dismissal from office. Chang memorialized: "Ruyu serves his father with filial piety, serves his ruler with loyalty, and in office is incorrupt. His concern for the state and love for the people proceed from his inborn nature, like blue sky and white sun—even slaves know his integrity. What Yiduan sees is all beneath what slaves know—he cannot remain in the court ranks." Thereupon Yiduan was given a prefecture.
24
裳在瑣闥甫一月，封駁無慮十數。 韓侂胄落階官，鄭汝諧除吏部侍郎，裳皆繳其命。 改兵部侍郎，不拜，遂以顯謨閣待制充翊善。 先是，光宗以憂疑成疾，不過重華宮，裳入疏請五日一朝，至是復苦言之。 上曰：「內侍楊舜卿告朕勿過宮。」 裳請斬舜卿，且以八事之目為奏，曰念恩，釋怨，辨讒，去疑，責己，畏天，防亂，改過。 不報。
Chang had been in the secretariat barely a month when he sealed and rejected no fewer than ten orders. Han Tuozhou was reduced in rank; Zheng Ruxie was appointed vice minister of the Ministry of Personnel—Chang returned both orders with objection. He was transferred to vice minister of the Ministry of War but did not accept; thereupon he was made Hanlin awaiting edict of the Xianmo Hall and served as companion. Earlier Guangzong, through worry and suspicion, had fallen ill and did not visit Chonghua Palace; Chang had submitted a memorial requesting audience every five days; now he again spoke bitterly on the matter. The emperor said: "Inner attendant Yang Shunqing told me not to visit the palace." Chang requested that Shunqing be executed and memorialized under eight headings: recall kindness, release resentment, distinguish slander, remove suspicion, blame oneself, fear Heaven, guard against disorder, and reform faults. No response was given.
25
裳嘗病疽，及是憂憤，創復作，又奏：
Chang had once suffered from a carbuncle; now through worry and indignation the wound broke out again, and he again memorialized:
26
「陛下之于壽皇，未盡孝敬之道，意者必有所疑也。 臣竊推致疑之因，陛下毋乃以焚廩、浚井之事為憂乎？ 夫焚廩、浚井，在當時或有之。 壽皇之子惟陛下一人，壽皇之心，託陛下甚重，愛陛下甚至，故憂陛下甚切。 違豫之際，焫香祝天，為陛下祈禱。 愛子如此，則焚廩、浚井之心，臣有以知其必無也，陛下何疑焉？ 又無乃以肅宗之事為憂乎？ 肅宗即位靈武，非明皇意，故不能無疑。 壽皇當未倦勤，親挈神器授之陛下，揖遜之風，同符堯、舜，與明皇之事不可同日而語明矣，陛下何疑焉？ 又無乃以衛輒之事為憂乎？ 輒與蒯聵，父子爭國。 壽皇老且病，乃頤神北宮，以保康寧，而以天下事付之陛下，非有爭心也，陛下何疑焉？ 又無乃以孟子責善為疑乎？ 父子責善，本生於愛，為子者能知此理，則何至於相夷。 壽皇願陛下為聖帝，責善之心出於忠愛，非賊恩也，陛下何疑焉？
"In your relation to the retired emperor, you have not fully fulfilled filial respect and reverence—presumably you harbor some suspicion. I venture to infer the cause of your suspicion: might you be worried about the matters of burning the granary and digging the well? As for burning the granary and digging the well, at the time there may have been such things. The retired emperor's son is only you; his heart entrusts you with great weight, loves you to the utmost, and therefore worries for you most keenly. When you were unwell, he burned incense and prayed to Heaven on your behalf. Loving his son thus, I have grounds to know he surely harbored no heart to burn the granary or dig the well—why should you suspect? Or might you be worried about the affair of Emperor Suzong? Suzong ascended the throne at Lingwu—not according to Emperor Xuanzong's intent—so suspicion could not be absent. The retired emperor, when not yet weary of toil, personally took the sacred vessel and entrusted it to you; the manner of yielding and retiring matches Yao and Shun—it cannot be spoken of in the same breath as Xuanzong's affair—why should you suspect? Or might you be worried about the affair of Wei Zhe? Zhe and Kuai Kui, father and son, contended for the state. The retired emperor is old and ill; he nurtures his spirit in the Northern Palace to preserve health and tranquility and entrusts affairs of all under Heaven to you—there is no heart of contention; why should you suspect? Or might you suspect on account of Mencius's doctrine of holding one to goodness? Father and son holding each other to goodness arises from love in the first place; if as son one can know this principle, how could it come to mutual destruction? The retired emperor wishes you to be a sagely emperor; the heart of holding to goodness proceeds from loyal love—it is not injuring kindness; why should you suspect?
27
此四者，或者之所以為疑，臣以理推之，初無一之可疑者。 自父子之間，小有猜疑，此心一萌，方寸遂亂。 故天變則疑而不知畏，民困則疑而不知恤，疑宰執專權則不禮大臣，疑臺諫生事則不受忠諫，疑嗜欲無害則近酒色，疑君子有黨則庇小人。 事有不須疑者，莫不以為疑。 乃若貴為天子，不以孝聞，敵國聞之，將肆輕侮，此可疑也，而陛下則不疑； 小人將起為亂，此可疑也，而陛下則不疑； 中外官軍，豈無他志，此可疑也，而陛下則不疑。 事之可疑者，反不以為疑，顛倒錯亂，莫甚於此，禍亂之萌，近在旦夕。 宜及今幡然改過，整聖駕，謁兩宮，以交父子之歡，則四夷向風，天下慕義矣。」
These four are perhaps the grounds for your suspicion; reasoning by principle, I find not one that is grounds for suspicion. From the moment a little suspicion arises between father and son, once this heart sprouts, the inner mind is immediately thrown into disorder. Thus when heaven sends prodigies you suspect and do not know to fear; when the people suffer you suspect and do not know to pity; suspecting that chief ministers monopolize power you do not treat great ministers with ritual; suspecting that remonstrance officials stir up affairs you do not accept loyal remonstrance; suspecting that indulgence is harmless you draw near wine and women; suspecting that gentlemen form factions you shelter petty men. Matters that need not be suspected—you take them all as suspicious. Yet if you are exalted as Son of Heaven yet are not known for filial piety, when enemy states hear of it they will indulge in contempt—this is to be suspected, yet you do not suspect; petty men are about to rise in disorder—this is to be suspected, yet you do not suspect; among officials and troops within and without, are there none with other intentions—this is to be suspected, yet you do not suspect. What is to be suspected you do not suspect—upside down and confused, nothing exceeds this; calamity and disorder are close at hand, within the morrow. You should now suddenly turn and reform your faults, put in order the imperial carriage, and visit the two palaces to exchange the joy between father and son—then the four barbarians will turn to you and all under Heaven will admire your righteousness."
28
會壽皇不豫，中外憂危，裳抗聲諫。 上起入宮，裳挽其裾隨之至宮門，揮涕而出。 乃連章請外，謂：「臣職有三：曰待制，曰侍講，曰翊善。 今使供待制之職乎？ 則當日夕求對以救主失，今不過宮，有虧子道，前後三諫而不加聽，是待制之職可廢也。 將使供侍講之職乎？ 則當引經援古，勸君以孝，今不問安，不視疾，大義已喪，復講何書乎？ 是侍講之職可廢也。 將使供翊善之職乎？ 當究義理，教皇子以孝，陛下不能以孝事壽皇，臣將何說以勸皇子乎？ 是翊善之職可廢也。」 因出關待命。 及聞壽皇遺詔，乃亟入臨。
When the retired emperor fell ill, within and without all were anxious and fearful; Chang remonstrated in a loud voice. The emperor rose and entered the palace; Chang seized his robe and followed him to the palace gate, then wiped away his tears and departed. Thereupon he submitted successive memorials requesting an outside post, saying: "My duties are three: awaiting edict, lecturer-in-waiting, and companion. If I am now to fulfill the duty of awaiting edict? Then I should day and night seek audience to remedy your faults; now you do not visit the palace, falling short in the way of a son—three remonstrances without being heeded—the duty of awaiting edict may be abolished. If I am to fulfill the duty of lecturer-in-waiting? Then I should cite the classics and draw on antiquity to urge you with filial piety; now without inquiring after your father's well-being, without visiting him in illness, the great principle is already lost—what book is there left to lecture? The duty of lecturer-in-waiting may be abolished. If I am to fulfill the duty of companion? I should investigate principle and teach the prince filial piety; you cannot serve the retired emperor with filial piety—with what words can I urge the prince? The duty of companion may be abolished." With that, he left through the pass and awaited further orders. Upon hearing the retired emperor Shouhuang's final edict, he rushed to the palace to mourn.
29
寧宗即位，裳病不能朝。 改禮部尚書，尋兼侍讀。 力疾入謝，奏曰：
When Emperor Ningzong took the throne, Huang Chang was too ill to attend court. He was appointed Minister of Rites and soon also made a concurrent palace reader. Summoning what strength he had left, he went in to offer thanks and submitted a memorial, saying:
30
「孔子曰：『有始有卒者，其惟聖人乎？』 又《詩》曰：『靡不有初，鮮克有終。』 所謂『有始有卒』者，由其持心之一也； 所謂『鮮克有終』者，由其持心之不一也。 陛下今日初政固善矣，能保他日常如此乎？ 請略舉已行之事論之。
"Confucius said: 'Only the sage truly finishes what he starts, does he not?' The Book of Odes also says: 'Nothing is without a beginning, yet few see things through to the end.' What we call 'seeing things through' comes from holding fast to a single purpose; what we call 'failing to finish' comes from a heart that does not hold steady. Your opening policies today are indeed admirable — but can you ensure they will stay this way in the years ahead? Allow me to take what you have already done and discuss it briefly.
31
陛下初理萬機，委任大臣，此正得人君持要之道。 使大臣得人，常如今日，則陛下雖終身守之可也。 臣恐數年之後，亦欲出意作為，躬親聽斷，左右迎合，因謂陛下事決外庭，權不歸上，陛下能不咈然於心乎？ 臣恐是時委任大臣，不能如今日之專矣。 夫以萬機之眾，非一人所能酬酢，苟不委任大臣，則必借助左右，小人得志，陰竊主權，引用邪黨，其為禍患，何所不至，臣之所憂者一也。
At the outset of your reign you have taken up the myriad affairs of state and entrusted them to senior ministers — this is exactly how a ruler should hold to what matters most. If the ministers you appoint are the right men and this practice endures as it does today, you could uphold it for your whole reign. I fear that in a few years you may wish to strike out on your own, personally hearing and deciding every matter. Those around you will pander to you, saying that decisions are made outside the throne room and that power no longer rests with the emperor — could you fail to feel stung by that? I fear that by then your delegation of authority to senior ministers will no longer be as complete as it is today. The affairs of state are too numerous for one man to handle alone. If you do not entrust them to senior ministers, you will inevitably rely on those at your side. Petty men will prevail, secretly seize authority, and bring in corrupt factions — and from there, what disaster might not follow? This is my first concern.
32
陛下獎用臺諫，言無不聽，此正得祖宗設官之意。 使臺諫得人，常如今日，則陛下終身守之亦可也。 然臣恐自今以往，臺諫之言日關聖聽，或斥小人之過，使陛下欲用之而不能，或暴近習之罪，使陛下欲親之而不可。 逆耳之言，不能無厭，左右迎合，因謂陛下獎用臺諫，欲聞讜論，而其流弊，致使人主不能自由，陛下能不咈然於心乎？ 臣恐是時獎用臺諫，不能如今日之重矣。 夫朝廷所恃以分別善惡者，專在臺諫，陛下苟厭其多言，則為臺諫者，將咋舌閉口，無所論列。 君子日退，小人日進，而天下亂矣，臣之所憂者二也。
You encourage and employ censors and remonstrators, and heed their every word — this is exactly what our ancestors intended when they created these offices. If the censors and remonstrators you appoint are the right men and this practice continues as it does today, you could uphold it for your whole reign. Yet I fear that from now on their words will reach your ears every day — some exposing the faults of petty men so that you wish to employ them but cannot, others revealing the crimes of close attendants so that you wish to keep them near but dare not. Unpleasant truths must eventually grow tiresome. Those around you will pander to you, saying that you encourage censors because you wish to hear honest counsel, yet that the practice has gone so far as to leave the ruler no freedom of action — could you fail to feel stung by that? I fear that by then your encouragement of censors and remonstrators will no longer carry the weight it does today. The court relies on censors and remonstrators alone to distinguish right from wrong. If you grow weary of their many words, they will bite their tongues and fall silent, with nothing left to say. Men of worth will retreat day by day while petty men advance, and the realm will fall into disorder — this is my second concern.
33
二事，朝廷之大者。 又以三事之切于陛下之身言之：曰篤於孝愛，勤于學問，薄於嗜好。 陛下今皆行之矣，未知數年之後，能保常如今日乎？
These two matters are the greatest concerns of the court. I will also speak of three matters that bear directly on you personally: deep filial devotion, diligent study, and restraint in personal indulgence. You practice all of these today — but can you ensure that in a few years they will still be as they are now?
34
又引魏徵十漸以為戒，懇懇數千言。 又奏言：「陛下近日所為頗異前日，除授之際，大臣多有不知，臣聞之憂甚而病劇。」 蓋是時韓侂胄已潛弄威柄，而宰相趙汝愚未之覺，故裳先事言之。 及疾革，時時獨語，曰：「五年之功，無使一日壞之，度吾已不可為，後之君子必有能任其責者。」 遂口占遺表而卒，年四十九。 上聞之驚悼，贈資政殿學士。
He also cited Wei Zheng's Ten Gradual Changes as a warning, earnestly setting forth several thousand words of counsel. He further submitted: "Your recent conduct differs markedly from what came before. At the time of appointments and dismissals, many senior ministers were kept in the dark. When I heard of this, my worry deepened and my illness grew worse." For at that time Han Tuozhou was already secretly wielding power, while Chief Councilor Zhao Ruyu had not yet perceived it — so Huang Chang spoke out before the crisis arrived. When his illness reached its final stage, he would murmur to himself from time to time: "Five years of achievement — do not let a single day undo it. I reckon I can do no more; later men of worth will surely be able to bear this responsibility." He then dictated his final memorial and died, at the age of forty-nine. When the emperor heard of it, he was shocked and grieved, and posthumously granted him the title of Academician of the Hall for Assistance in Governance.
35
裳為人簡易端純，每講讀，隨事納忠，上援古義，下揆人情，氣平而辭切，事該而理盡。 篤于孝友，與人言傾盡底蘊。 恥一書不讀，一物不知。 推賢樂善，出乎天性。 所為文，明白條達。 有《王府春秋講義》及《兼山集》，論天人之理，性命之源，皆足以發明伊、洛之旨。 嘗與其鄉人陳平父兄弟講學，平父，張栻之門人也，師友淵源，蓋有自來云。 嘉定中，諡「忠文」。 子：瑾，大宗正丞兼刑部郎官。 孫：子敏，刑部郎官。
Huang Chang was a plain, upright, and sincere man. Whenever he lectured, he offered loyal counsel as the occasion arose — drawing on ancient principles and gauging human feeling, his tone was calm yet his words sharp, his coverage broad and his reasoning thorough. Deeply devoted in filial piety and brotherly affection, he spoke with others with complete openness. He was ashamed to leave any book unread or any subject unknown. Promoting the worthy and delighting in goodness came naturally to him. His writings were clear, orderly, and lucid. He authored the Exposition of the Spring and Autumn for the Princely Household and the Collected Works of Jianshan. In discussing the principles of Heaven and man and the sources of human nature and destiny, both works were sufficient to elucidate the teachings of the Cheng brothers. He once lectured on learning with his fellow townsman Chen Pingfu and his brothers. Pingfu was a disciple of Zhang Shi — the deep lineage of his teachers and friends, it is said, had long been established. During the Jiading era, he was given the posthumous title "Loyal and Literary." His son Jin served as Vice Director of the Court of the Imperial Clan and concurrently as a ministerial assistant in the Ministry of Justice. His grandson Zimin served as a ministerial assistant in the Ministry of Justice.
36
羅點，字春伯，撫州崇仁人。 六歲能文。 登淳熙三年進士第，授定江節度推官。 累遷校書郎兼國史院編修官。 歲旱，詔求言，點上封事，謂：「今時姦諛日甚，議論凡陋。 無所可否，則曰得體； 與世浮沈，則曰有量； 眾皆默，己獨言，則曰沽名； 眾皆濁，己獨清，則曰立異。 此風不革，陛下雖欲大有為於天下，未見其可也。 自旱暵為虐，陛下禱群祠，赦有罪，曾不足以感動。 及朝求讜言，夕得甘雨，天心所示，昭然不誣。 獨不知陛下之求言，果欲用之否乎？ 如欲用之，則願以所上封事，反覆詳熟，當者審而後行，疑者諮而後決，如此則治象日著，而亂萌自消矣。」 遷秘書郎兼皇太子宮小學教授。
Luo Dian, styled Chunbo, was a native of Chongren in Fuzhou. At the age of six he could already write essays. He passed the jinshi examination in the third year of the Chunxi era and was appointed military judicial officer of the Dingjiang Circuit. He rose through the ranks to Proofreader and concurrent compiler at the National History Institute. During a drought year, the throne issued an edict soliciting remonstrance. Dian submitted a sealed memorial, saying: "Flattery and sycophancy grow worse by the day, while public discussion grows ever more shallow. If one neither approves nor disapproves, they call it 'knowing one's place'; if one drifts with the tide, they call it 'magnanimity'; if all are silent and one alone speaks out, they call it 'seeking fame'; if all are corrupt and one alone stands clear, they call it 'being contrarian.' If this custom is not reformed, even if you wish to accomplish great things for the realm, I do not see how it can be done. Since the drought began its ravages, you have prayed at every shrine and pardoned the guilty — yet none of this was enough to move Heaven. Yet when honest counsel was sought in the morning, sweet rain fell by evening — Heaven's response was plainly no deception. I wonder alone whether you truly intend to act on the counsel you solicit. If you truly wish to use it, then go over the sealed memorials submitted, examining them carefully — what is fitting, consider thoroughly before acting; what is doubtful, consult before deciding. In this way the signs of good governance will grow clearer day by day, and the seeds of disorder will naturally wither away." He was promoted to Secretary and concurrent instructor at the crown prince's palace primary school.
37
寧宗時以皇孫封英國公，點兼教授，入講至晡時不輟，左右請少憩，點曰：「國公務學不休，奈何止之。」 又摭古事勸戒，為《鑒古錄》以進。
During Ningzong's reign the imperial grandson was enfeoffed as Duke of Ying, and Dian served as his concurrent instructor. He lectured without stopping until dusk. Attendants asked that he rest awhile. Dian said: "The duke is devoted to his studies without pause — how can we stop him?" He also gathered ancient examples for admonition and compiled the Record for Reflecting on Antiquity, which he presented to the throne.
38
高宗崩，孝宗在諒暗，皇太子參決庶務，點時以戶部員外郎兼太子侍講，出使浙右，遷起居舍人，改太常少卿兼侍立修注官，被命使金告登寶位。 會金有國喪，迫點易金帶，點曰：「登位吉事也，必以吉服從事。 有死而已，帶不可易。」 又詰點不當稱「寶位」，點曰：「聖人大寶曰位，不加『寶」字，何以別至尊。」 金人不能奪。
When Gaozong died, Xiaozong was in mourning seclusion and the crown prince began participating in routine affairs of state. Dian was then a vice director in the Ministry of Revenue and concurrent lecturer to the crown prince. He went on mission to Zhejiang, was promoted to diarist, then appointed vice director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and concurrent attending compiler, and was ordered on embassy to Jin to announce Ningzong's accession to the throne. It happened that Jin was in national mourning, and they pressed Dian to change to mourning attire. Dian said: "Accession to the throne is an auspicious affair — one must conduct it in festive dress. I would die before I would change my sash." They again challenged his use of the term "imperial throne." Dian said: "The great treasure of the sage is the throne — if one does not add the character 'treasure,' how is the utmost honor to be distinguished?" The Jin envoys could not prevail over him.
39
上嘗謂點：「卿舊為宮僚，非他人比，有所欲言，毋憚啟告。」 點言：「君子得志常少，小人得志常多。 蓋君子志在天下國家，而不在一己，行必直道，言必正論，往往不忤人主，則忤貴近，不忤當路，則忤時俗。 小人志在一己，而不在天下國家，所行所言，皆取悅之道。 用其所以取忤者，其得志鮮矣； 用其所以取悅者，其不得志亦鮮矣。 若昔明主，念君子之難進，則極所以主張而覆護之； 念小人之難退，則盡所以燭察而隄防之。」
The emperor once said to Dian: "You formerly served in the palace staff — you are not like others. If there is anything you wish to say, do not hesitate to speak openly." Dian said: "Men of worth who attain their aims are often few; petty men who attain their aims are often many. This is because men of worth set their hearts on the realm and the state, not on themselves alone. They follow the straight path in conduct and offer upright counsel in speech. Often they do not offend the ruler, yet they offend the powerful and the well-connected; they do not offend those in office, yet they offend the customs of the age. Petty men set their hearts on themselves alone, not on the realm and the state. In all they do and say, they follow the path of pleasing others. Employ those whose ways give offense, and few of them will attain their aims; employ those whose ways are pleasing, and few of them will fail to attain their aims. When enlightened rulers of old saw how hard it was for men of worth to advance, they did all they could to support and protect them; and seeing how hard it was for petty men to withdraw, they did all they could to scrutinize and guard against them."
40
皇子嘉王年及弱冠，點言：「此正親師友、進德業之時，宜擇端良忠直之士，參侍燕間。」 遂除黃裳為翊善。 又言：「人主憂勤，則臣下協心； 人主偷安，則臣下解體。 今道塗之言，皆謂陛下每旦視朝，勉強聽斷，意不在事。 宰執奏陳，備禮應答，侍從庶僚，備禮登對，而宮中燕游之樂，錫齎奢侈之費，已騰於眾口。 強敵對境，此聲豈可出哉！」
When Prince Ji reached the age of capping, Dian said: "This is precisely the time to draw close to teachers and friends and advance in virtue and learning. Upright, loyal men of good character should be chosen to attend him in his leisure hours." Thereupon Huang Chang was appointed companion to the prince. He also said: "When the ruler is anxious and diligent, his ministers unite in purpose; when the ruler seeks ease, his ministers fall apart. Now the talk on the roads says that each morning you hold court only with effort, hearing and deciding cases with your mind not on the affairs of state. The chief councilors memorialize and report, going through the motions in reply; attendants and various officials go through the motions in audience — yet the pleasures of feasting and roaming in the palace, and the lavish costs of imperial gifts, are already on everyone's lips. With a powerful enemy on the border, how can such talk be allowed to spread!"
41
紹熙三年十一月日長至，車駕將朝賀重華宮，既而中輟。 點言：「自天子達庶人，節序拜親，無有闕者，三綱五常，所係甚大，不當以為常事而忽之。」 上過宮意未決，點奏：「陛下已涓日過宮，壽皇必引領以俟陛下。 常人于朋友且不可以無信，況人主之事親乎？ 今陛下久闕溫凊，壽皇欲見不可得，萬一憂思感疾，陛下將何以自解於天下？」
On the winter solstice in the eleventh month of the third year of the Shaoxi era, the imperial carriage was about to proceed to Chonghua Palace for the congratulatory audience, but was halted midway. Dian said: "From the Son of Heaven down to the common people, at each seasonal occasion one pays respects to one's parents — none may be omitted. The Three Bonds and Five Constants are at stake; this should not be treated as routine and neglected." The emperor's intention to visit the palace was still unsettled. Dian memorialized: "You have already chosen a day to visit the palace — the retired emperor Shouhuang must be waiting eagerly for you. Even an ordinary person cannot be faithless toward friends — how much more so the ruler in serving his parent? You have long neglected to inquire after your father's well-being; the retired emperor wishes to see you but cannot. If worry and grief should bring on illness, how will you explain yourself to the realm?"
42
嘗召對便殿，點言：「近者中外相傳，或謂陛下內有所制，不能遽出，溺於酒色，不恤政事，果有之乎？」 上曰：「無是。」 點曰：「臣固知之。 竊意宮禁間或有攖拂之事，姑以酒自遣耳。 夫閭閻匹夫，處閨門逆境，容有縱酒自放者。 人主宰制天下，此心如青天白日，當風雨雷電既霽之餘，湛然虛明，豈容復有纖芥停留哉？」 上猶未過宮。 點又奏：「竊聞嘉王生朝，稱壽禁中，以報劬勞之德，父子歡洽，寧不動心，上念兩宮延望之意。」 十一月，點以言不見聽，求去，不許。 十二月，試兵部尚書。
He was once summoned for audience in the side hall. Dian said: "Recently it is rumored inside and outside the court that you are inwardly constrained, unable to go out promptly, drowning in wine and women, and uncaring of state affairs — is this truly so?" The emperor said: "It is not so." Dian said: "I knew as much. I privately surmise that within the palace there may be matters that vex and disturb you, and that for the moment you seek relief in wine. A common man in his lane, facing adversity within his household, may perhaps indulge in wine and abandon restraint. The ruler who governs the realm — his heart should be like the clear sky and bright sun, like the luminous clarity after wind, rain, thunder, and lightning have passed — how could the slightest speck be allowed to remain?" The emperor still had not visited the palace. Dian again memorialized: "I have privately heard that on Prince Ji's birthday, congratulations were held within the palace to honor his parents' toil — father and son rejoicing together. Could this fail to move your heart and turn your mind to the longing of both palaces?" In the eleventh month, because his words went unheeded, Dian requested dismissal, but was not permitted to leave. In the twelfth month, he was appointed acting Minister of War.
43
五年四月，上將幸玉津園，點請先過重華，又奏曰：「陛下為壽皇子，四十餘年一無閑言，止緣初郊違豫，壽皇嘗至南內督過，左右之人自此讒間，遂生憂疑。 以臣觀之，壽皇與天下相忘久矣。 今大臣同心輔政，百執事奉法循理，宗室、戚里、三軍、萬姓皆無貳志，設有離間，誅之不疑。 乃若深居不出，久虧子道，眾口謗讟，禍患將作，不可以不慮。」 上曰：「卿等可為朕調護之。」 黃裳對曰：「父子之親，何俟調護？」 點曰：「陛下一出，即當釋然。」 上猶未行。 點乃率講官言之，上曰：「朕心未嘗不思壽皇。」 對曰：「陛下久闕定省，雖有此心，何以自白乎？」 及壽皇不豫，點又隨宰執班進諫。 閤門吏止之，點叱之而入。 上拂衣起，宰執引上裾，點亟前泣奏曰：「壽皇疾勢已危，不及今一見，後悔何及。」 群臣隨上入至福寧殿，內侍闔門，眾慟哭而退。 越三日，點隨宰執班起居，詔獨引點入。 點奏：「前日迫切獻忠，舉措失禮，陛下赦而不誅，然引裾亦故事也。」 上曰：「引裾可也，何得輒入宮禁乎？」 點引辛毗事以謝，且言：「壽皇止有一子，既付神器，惟恐見之不速耳。」
In the fourth month of the fifth year, the emperor was about to visit the Jade Ford Garden. Dian asked that he first visit Chonghua Palace, and again memorialized: "As son to the retired emperor Shouhuang, for more than forty years you had not a word of reproach against you — it was only because at the first suburban sacrifice you were unwell that Shouhuang once came to the Southern Palace to urge you to visit. From then on, those around you slandered and estranged you, and worry and suspicion arose. In my view, the retired emperor Shouhuang and the realm have long since put such matters out of mind. Now the senior ministers are of one mind in assisting governance; the hundred officials follow law and principle; the imperial clan, consort kin, the three armies, and the myriad people all stand united. If anyone seeks to estrange you, execute him without hesitation. Yet if you deeply seclude yourself and do not go out, long falling short in the way of a son, the mouths of the multitude will slander and revile you — calamity is about to arise, and this cannot be left unconsidered." The emperor said: "You may mediate and reconcile this for me." Huang Chang replied: "The bond between father and son — what need is there for mediation?" Dian said: "Once you go out, you will immediately feel at ease." The emperor still did not go. Dian then had the lecturing officials speak on the matter together. The emperor said: "My heart has never ceased to turn to the retired emperor Shouhuang." He replied: "You have long neglected to attend and inquire after your father — though you hold this sentiment in your heart, how can you make it known?" When Shouhuang fell ill, Dian again joined the chief ministers in presenting remonstrance. A gate officer barred his way; Dian shouted him down and entered. The emperor brushed aside his robes and rose. The chief ministers seized his robe. Dian hastened forward and tearfully pleaded: "Shouhuang's illness is already critical — if you do not see him now, regret will come too late." The ministers followed the emperor into the Funing Hall; the eunuchs closed the doors, and the others wept and withdrew. Three days later, Dian attended with the chief ministers for the daily audience; an edict summoned Dian alone into the palace. Dian memorialized: "The other day, in urgent zeal to offer loyal counsel, my conduct breached propriety. You pardoned me instead of punishing me — yet seizing the emperor's robe is also established precedent." The emperor said: "Seizing the robe may be permitted — but how could you presumptuously enter the palace precincts?" Dian cited the precedent of Xin Pi in apology, and added: "Shouhuang had only one son; having entrusted the throne to him, he feared only that he might not see him soon enough."
44
壽皇崩，點請上奔喪，許而不出，拜遺詔于重華宮。 前後與侍從列奏諫請帝過宮者凡三十五疏，自上奏者又十六章，而奏疏重華，上書嘉王及面對口奏不預焉。 寧宗嗣位，人心始定。 拜點端明殿學士、簽書樞密院事。 上有事明堂，點扈從齋宮，得疾卒，年四十五。 贈太保，諡「文恭」。
When Shouhuang died, Dian urged the emperor to rush to the mourning hall; permission was granted but he still did not go; he paid respects to the final edict at Chonghua Palace. Before and after, he and his attendant colleagues submitted thirty-five joint memorials urging the emperor to visit the palace, and another sixteen memorials on his own — not counting memorials addressed to Chonghua Palace, letters to Prince Ji, or oral remonstrance at face-to-face audiences. When Ningzong succeeded to the throne, public sentiment at last settled. Dian was appointed Academician of the Hall for Illuminating Governance and signing secretary of the Bureau of Military Affairs. When the emperor performed rites at the Bright Hall, Dian accompanied him to the fasting palace, fell ill, and died at forty-five. He was posthumously made Grand Guardian and given the posthumous title Wengong (Cultured and Reverent).
45
點天性孝友，無矯激崖異之行，而端介有守，義利之辨皎如。 或謂天下事非才不辦，點曰：「當先論其心，心苟不正，才雖過人，果何取哉！」 宰相趙汝愚嘗泣謂寧宗曰：「黃裳、羅點相繼淪謝，二臣不幸，天下之不幸也。」
By nature Dian was filial and fraternal; he had no affected or eccentric ways, yet he was upright and principled, with the distinction between righteousness and profit as clear as daylight. Some said that affairs of state cannot be managed without talent. Dian said: "One must first judge the heart — if the heart is not upright, however great one's talent, what use is it?" Chief Minister Zhao Ruyu once wept and told Ningzong: "Huang Chang and Luo Dian have died one after another — their loss is the realm's loss."
46
紹熙四年，守監察御史。 蜀將吳挺死，度言：「挺子曦必納賂求襲位，若因而授之，恐為他日患，乞分其兵柄。」 宰相難之。 後曦割關外四州賂金人求王蜀，果如度言。
In Shaoxi 4 (1193), he served as Supervising Censor. When the Sichuan general Wu Ting died, Du said: "Ting's son Xi will surely pay bribes to seek to inherit his father's command; if the post is granted him, it may become trouble later — I beg that his military authority be divided." The chief minister found this difficult to accept. Later Xi ceded the four prefectures beyond the passes to the Jurchens as bribes to be made king of Shu — just as Du had predicted.
47
光宗以疾不過重華宮，度上書切諫，連疏極陳父子相親之義，且言：「太白晝見犯天關，熒惑、勾芒行入太微，其占為亂兵入宮。」 以諫不聽，乞罷去。 又言：「以孝事君則忠。 臣父年垂八十，菽水不親，動經歲月，事親如此，何以為事君之忠。」 蓋託已為諭，冀因有以感悟上心。
Because Guangzong was ill and did not visit Chonghua Palace, Du submitted urgent memorials of remonstrance; in successive submissions he fully set forth the bond between father and son, and said: "The Great White star appeared by day and violated the Gate of Heaven; Mars and Gou Mang entered the Supreme Palace Enclosure — the omen is disorder and armed men entering the palace." Because his remonstrance went unheeded, he requested dismissal. He also said: "Serving the ruler with filial piety is loyalty. My father is nearly eighty; I have not personally tended him with even simple meals for months at a time. If I serve my parent thus, how can I claim loyal service to the ruler?" This was in effect using himself as an analogy, hoping thereby to move the emperor's heart.
48
韓侂胄用事，丞相留正去國，侂胄知度嘗與正論事不合，欲諷使擠之。 度語同列曰：「丞相已去，擠之易耳，然長小人聲焰可乎？」 侂胄驟竊政柄，以意所好惡為威福。 度具疏將論其姦，為侂胄所覺，御筆遽除度直顯謨閣、知平江府。 度言：「蔡京擅權，天下所由以亂。 今侂胄假御筆逐臣，使俯首去，不得效一言，非為國之利也。」 固辭。 丞相趙汝愚袖其疏入白，詔以沖佑祿歸養。 俄知婺州，坐不發覺縣令張元㢸贓罪，降罷。 自是紀綱一變，大權盡出侂胄，而黨論起矣。 然侂胄素嚴憚度，不敢加害。 起知泉州，辭，乃進寶文閣，奉祠如故。
When Han Tuozhou held power, Chief Minister Liu Zheng left the court. Tuozhou knew Du had often disagreed with Zheng on policy and wished to subtly induce others to force Du out. Du spoke to his colleagues, saying: "The chief minister is already gone; forcing him out would be easy — yet is it permissible to extend the arrogance of petty men?" Tuozhou abruptly seized governmental power and made reward and punishment according to his personal likes and dislikes. Du prepared a memorial to expose Tuozhou's treachery, but Tuozhou discovered it; by imperial brush he was suddenly appointed Direct Attendant at the Hall of Manifest Virtue and prefect of Pingjiang. Du said: "When Cai Jing monopolized power, the realm was thrown into disorder thereby. Now Tuozhou uses the imperial brush to drive me out, making me bow my head and leave without being able to offer a single word — this is not to the state's advantage." He firmly declined. Chief Minister Zhao Ruyu tucked the memorial into his sleeve and reported it to the emperor; an edict granted him the salary of Chongyou and allowed him to return home to care for his parents. Soon he was appointed prefect of Wuzhou; he was demoted and dismissed for failing to detect the embezzlement of Magistrate Zhang Yuanbian. From this time the standards of governance changed utterly; supreme power passed entirely to Tuozhou, and factional attacks began. Yet Tuozhou had always deeply feared Du and dared not harm him. He was recalled to serve as prefect of Quanzhou; he declined, and was instead promoted to the Baowen Pavilion while continuing in a sinecure post as before.
49
侂胄誅，天子思而召之，除太常少卿，尋兼國史院編修官、實錄院檢討官。 朝論欲函侂胄首以泗州五千人還金，度以為辱國非之。 權吏部侍郎兼修玉牒、同修國史、實錄院同修撰，屢移疾，以集英殿修撰知福州，遷寶謨閣待制。 始至，訟牒日千餘，度隨事裁決，日未中而畢。
When Tuozhou was executed, the emperor thought of him and summoned him; he was appointed Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and soon also Compiler at the National History Institute and Collator at the Veritable Records Institute. Court opinion wished to send Tuozhou's head in a box together with five thousand men from Sizhou back to the Jurchens; Du considered this humiliating to the state and objected. He served as Acting Vice Minister of Personnel while also revising the imperial genealogy, co-compiling the national history, and co-authoring the veritable records; he repeatedly cited illness and was appointed Compiler at the Hall of Assembled Excellence and prefect of Fuzhou, then promoted to Awaiting Commissioner at the Hall of Treasured Virtue. When he first arrived, lawsuit documents exceeded a thousand per day; Du decided each on its merits and finished before noon.
50
進龍圖閣，知建康府兼江淮制置使，賜金帶以行。 至金陵，罷科糴輸送之擾，活饑民百萬口，除見稅二十餘萬，擊降盜卞整，斬盜胡海首以獻，招歸業者九萬家。 侂胄嘗募雄淮軍，已收刺者十餘萬人，別屯數千人未有所屬，度憂其為患，人給錢四萬，復其役遣之。
He was promoted to the Hall of Dragon Designs, appointed prefect of Jiankang and Huai-Jiang Military Commissioner, and granted a golden belt for his journey. When he reached Jinling, he abolished the harassment of forced grain purchases and transport, saving a million famine victims; he eliminated more than two hundred thousand in existing taxes; he attacked and forced the surrender of the bandit Bian Zheng and presented the severed head of the bandit Hu Hai; he brought ninety thousand households back to their occupations. Tuozhou had once recruited the Xionghuai Army; more than a hundred thousand who had already been registered were already assigned, but several thousand separately encamped had no affiliation; Du feared they would become a scourge, gave each man forty thousand cash, restored them to corvée exemption, and sent them away.
51
遷寶謨閣直學士。 度以人物為己任，推挽不休，每曰：「無以報國，惟有此耳。」 十上引年之請，不許，為禮部尚書兼侍讀。 趣入覲，論藝祖垂萬世之統，一曰純用儒生，二曰務惜民力。 上納其言。 謝病丐去，遂以煥章閣學士知隆興府。 歸越，提舉萬壽宮。 嘉定六年十月卒，進龍圖閣學士，贈通奉大夫。
He was transferred to Direct Academician at the Hall of Treasured Virtue. Du took recommending talent as his personal charge and worked tirelessly at it; he often said: "I have no way to repay the state except this." Ten times he submitted requests to retire on grounds of age; he was not permitted, and was made Minister of Rites while also Lecturer-in-Waiting. He was urgently summoned to audience and discussed the everlasting succession that Taizu bequeathed: first, to employ Confucian scholars exclusively; second, to cherish the people's strength. The emperor accepted his words. He pleaded illness and begged to leave, and was then made Academician of the Huanzhang Pavilion and prefect of Longxing. Returning to Yue, he was put in charge of the Wanshou Palace. In the tenth month of Jiading 6 (1213), he died; he was posthumously promoted to Academician of the Hall of Dragon Designs and awarded the title of Palace Attendant for Offering.
52
度志在經世，而以學為本。 作《詩》、《書》、《周禮》說。 著《史通》，抑僭竊，存大分，別為編年，不用前史法。 至於天文、地理、井田、兵法，即近驗遠，可以據依，無迂陋牽合之病。 又有《藝祖憲監》、《仁皇從諫錄》、《屯田便宜》、《歷代邊防》行於世。 婿周南。
Du's aim was to order the age, yet he took learning as his foundation. He wrote commentaries on the Book of Poetry, Book of Documents, and Rites of Zhou. He composed Comprehensive Mirror of History, suppressing usurpers, preserving the great divisions, arranging events separately by year without using the methods of previous histories. As for astronomy, geography, the well-field system, and military strategy, he verified the near to test the far — one could rely on his work without the flaw of forced or pedantic combination. He also had Administrator Taizu's Warning Mirror, Emperor Renzong's Record of Accepting Remonstrance, Expedient Measures for Colonization Fields, and Border Defense Through the Ages circulating in the world. His son-in-law was Zhou Nan.
53
周南 〈附〉
Zhou Nan (Attached supplement)
54
周南，字南仲，平江人。 年十六，遊學吳下，視時人業科舉，心陋之。 從葉適講學，頓悟捷得。 為文詞，雅麗精切，而皆達于時用，每以世道興廢為己任。 登紹熙元年進士第，為池州教授。 會度以言忤當路，御史劾度，並南罷之。 度與南俱入偽學黨。 開禧三年，召試館職。 南對策詆權要，言者劾南，罷之，卒於家。
Zhou Nan, styled Nanzhong, came from Pingjiang. At sixteen he traveled to study in Wu, and looked with contempt on those of the day who pursued the examination career. He studied under Ye Shi and gained sudden penetrating understanding with rapid progress. In composing literary pieces, his style was elegant, refined, and precise, yet all served practical ends; he always took the rise and fall of the age as his personal responsibility. He placed on the jinshi roll in Shaoxi 1 (1190) and was appointed professor at Chizhou. When Du offended those in power with his words, the censor impeached Du and dismissed Nan along with him. Du and Nan both were placed in the False Learning faction. In Kaixi 3 (1207), he was summoned for a qualifying examination for a palace post. In the examination Nan's answers denounced the powerful; remonstrators impeached Nan and dismissed him; he died at home.
55
南端行拱立，尺寸有程準。 自賜第授文林郎，終身不進官，兩為館職，數月止。 既絕意當世，弊衣惡食，挾書忘晝夜，曰：「此所以遺吾老，俟吾死也。」
Nan's bearing in walking and standing was measured; every inch had its standard. From receiving the jinshi rank and appointment as Gentleman for Annotating Texts, he never advanced in office through his entire life; he held palace posts twice, each time for only a few months. Having utterly abandoned ambition for public life, he wore worn clothes and ate coarse food, carrying books day and night without rest, saying: "This is what I leave for my old age — I await my death with it."
56
林大中
Lin Dazhong
57
林大中，字和叔，婺州永康人。 入太學，登紹興三十年進士第，知撫州金谿縣。 郡督輸賦急，大中請寬其期，不聽，納告敕投劾而歸。 已而主太常寺簿。
Lin Dazhong, styled Heshu, came from Yongkang in Wuzhou. He entered the Imperial University, placed on the jinshi roll in Shaoxing 30 (1160), and served as magistrate of Jinxi County in Fuzhou. The prefecture supervisor pressed urgently for tax delivery; Dazhong requested extension of the deadline but was not heard; he submitted his commission of appointment and impeached himself, then returned home. Afterward he served as clerk of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.
58
光宗受禪，除監察御史。 大中謂：「國之大事在祀，沿襲不正，非所以嚴典禮，妥神明。」 上疏言：「臣昨簿正奉常，實陪廟祀，見其祝於神者，或舛于文； 稱於神者，或訛其字； 所宜厚者，或簡不虔； 所宜先者，或廢不用； 更制器服，或歲月太疏； 夙興行事，或時刻太早：是皆禮意所未順，人情所未安也。」 一日，御劄示大中，謂言事覺察，宜遵舊例。 大中曰：「臺臣不當逾分守，固如聖訓，然必抗直敢言，乃為稱職。」
When Guangzong received the abdication, he was appointed Supervising Censor. Dazhong said: "The great affairs of the state lie in sacrifice; when we continue inherited errors, we do not properly honor canonical rites and placate the spirits." He submitted a memorial saying: "Yesterday, as clerk rectifying matters at the Court of Grand Harmony, I actually accompanied the temple sacrifices, and saw that in addressing the spirits in prayer, some texts were at odds with the proper wording; in naming the spirits, some characters were wrong; what should be ample was sometimes treated with careless lack of reverence; what should come first was sometimes discarded and not used; when changing vessels and vestments, the interval between years was sometimes too long; when rising early to perform the rites, the hour was sometimes too early — all these were where ritual meaning had not yet been aligned and human sentiment had not yet been settled." One day the emperor's personal note was shown to Dazhong, saying that remonstrance should be observed according to old precedent. Dazhong said: "Censorial officials ought not exceed their proper bounds — that is indeed as Your Majesty instructs; yet only by being upright and daring to speak can one fulfill the post."
59
遷殿中侍御史。 奏言：「進退人才，當觀其趣向之大體，不當責其行事之小節。 趣向果正，雖小節可責，不失為君子； 趣向不正，雖小節可喜，不失為小人。」 又論：「今日之事，莫大于仇恥未復。 此事未就，則此念不可忘。 此念存于心，於以來天下之才，作天下之氣，倡天下之義。 此義既明，則事之條目可得而言，治功可得而成矣。」 陳賈以靜江守臣入奏，大中極論其「庸回亡識，嘗表裏王淮，創為道學之目，陰廢正人。 儻許入奏，必再留中，善類聞之，紛然引去，非所以靖國。」 命遂寢。
He was transferred to Palace Censor. He memorialized: "In promoting and demoting talent, one should observe the general direction of their aims, and should not hold them accountable for small details of conduct. If their direction is indeed upright, even if small details are blameworthy, they remain gentlemen; If the direction is not upright, even if small details are pleasing, they remain petty men." He also argued: "Of affairs today, none is greater than that the humiliation has not yet been avenged. Until this matter is accomplished, this resolve must not be forgotten. With this resolve kept in the heart, by it one gathers talent under Heaven, rouses the spirit under Heaven, and champions righteousness under Heaven. Once this principle is clear, the items of policy can be spoken of, and governing achievement can be achieved. When Chen Jia came to court as military governor of Jingjiang, Dazhong spoke forcefully against him: "He is mediocre, fawning, and without judgment; he once worked hand in glove with Wang Huai, invented the label of Learning of the Way, and secretly removed worthy men from office. If he is allowed to report at court, the memorial will surely be held back again; when worthy officials hear of it, they will withdraw one after another — this is no way to bring stability to the realm. The order was then dropped.
60
紹熙二年春，雷電交作，有旨訪時政闕失。 大中以事多中出，乃上疏曰：「仲春雷電，大雪繼作，以類求之，則陰勝陽之明驗也。 蓋男為陽，而女為陰，君子為陽，而小人為陰。 當辨邪正，毋使小人得以間君子。 當思正始之道，毋使女謁之得行。」
In the spring of the second year of Shaoxi, thunder and lightning struck together, and an edict was issued asking officials to report omissions and failures in current policy. Because many matters were being decided inside the palace, Dazhong submitted a memorial saying: "In mid-spring came thunder and lightning, followed by heavy snow — if we read these signs by category, they are clear proof that yin is overpowering yang. Man is yang and woman is yin; the gentleman is yang and the petty man is yin. We must distinguish the heterodox from the orthodox and must not let petty men drive a wedge between gentlemen. We must keep in mind the Way of the Correct Beginning and must not let palace women who gain influence have their way."
61
司諫鄧馹以言事移將作監，大中言：「臺諫以論事不合而遷，臣恐天下以陛下為不能容。」 守侍御史兼侍講。 知潭州趙善俊得旨奏事，大中上疏劾善俊，而言宗室汝愚之賢當召。 上用其言，召汝愚而出善俊與郡。
Supervising Remonstrance Officer Deng Ji was transferred to Director of Palace Construction after speaking on policy matters; Dazhong said: "When remonstrance officials are moved because their views on policy do not accord with the court, I fear the realm will conclude that Your Majesty cannot tolerate dissent. He retained his post as Supervising Secretariat Censor and was also made Lecturer-in-Waiting. When Zhao Shan Jun, prefect of Tanzhou, received permission to report at court, Dazhong submitted a memorial impeaching Shan Jun and urging that the worthy imperial clansman Zhao Ruyu ought to be recalled. The emperor followed his advice, recalled Ruyu, and sent Shan Jun out to serve in a prefecture.
62
時江、淮、荊、襄為國巨屏，而權任頗輕。 大中言：「宜選行實材略之人，付以江、淮、荊、襄經理之任。 舊制河北、陝西分為四路，以文臣為大帥，武臣副之。 中興初，沿江置制置使。 自秦檜罷三大將兵權，專歸武臣，而江東、荊、襄帥臣不復領制置之職。 宜仍舊制置，而以諸將為副，久其任，重其權，則邊防立而國勢張矣。」
At that time the Jiang, Huai, Jing, and Xiang regions formed the realm's great defensive screen, yet the authority vested in their commanders was rather slight. Dazhong said: "We should select men of proven character and strategic ability and entrust them with responsibility for governing the Jiang, Huai, Jing, and Xiang regions. Under the old system, Hebei and Shaanxi were divided into four circuits, with civil officials as chief commanders and military officials as their deputies. At the beginning of the Restoration, military affairs commissioners were established along the Yangzi. After Qin Hui stripped the three great generals of their military authority and returned command solely to military officials, the commanders of Jiangdong, Jing, and Xiang no longer held the post of military affairs commissioner. We should restore the old system of military affairs commissioners, with the various generals as deputies; if we extend their terms and increase their authority, the frontier will be secured and the realm's strength will be restored."
63
江、浙四路民苦折帛和買重輸，大中曰：「有產則有稅，於稅絹而科折帛，猶可言也，如和買折帛則重為民害。 蓋自咸平馬元方建言于春預支本錢濟其乏絕，至夏秋使之輸納，則是先支錢而後輸絹。 其後則錢鹽分給，又其後則直取於民，今又令納折帛錢，以兩縑折一縑之直，大失立法初意。」 朝廷以其言為減所輸者三歲。
The people of the four circuits in Jiang and Zhe suffered under the heavy burdens of zhebo silk payments and government cloth purchases; Dazhong said: "Those with property pay taxes — to assess zhebo on the basis of tax silk can still be defended; but zhebo levied on government purchase cloth is a grave injury to the people. Since the Xianping era, when Ma Yuanfang proposed advancing principal funds in spring to relieve shortages and having the people deliver payment by summer and autumn, the practice was to pay out money first and only then receive silk in return. Later money and salt were distributed separately; still later payments were taken directly from the people; and now they are required to pay zhebo in cash, reckoning one bolt of silk at the price of two — a gross departure from the law's original intent. On the strength of his argument, the court reduced the amount owed for three years.
64
馬大同為戶部，大中劾其用法峻。 上欲易置他部，大中曰：「是嘗為刑部，固以深刻稱。」 章三上不報。 又論大理少卿宋之瑞，章四上，又不報。 大中以言不行，求去，改吏部侍郎，辭不拜，乃除大中直寶謨閣，而大同、之瑞俱與郡。
Ma Datong was serving as Minister of Revenue when Dazhong impeached him for applying the law with excessive severity. The emperor wished to transfer him to another ministry; Dazhong said: "He once served in the Ministry of Punishments and was already known for harshness. He submitted memorials three times without receiving a response. He also criticized Assistant Director of the Court of Judicial Review Song Zhirui; he submitted four memorials, again without response. When his advice went unheeded, Dazhong asked to leave office; he was transferred to Vice Minister of Civil Personnel but declined the appointment; he was then made a direct attendant of the Baomo Pavilion, while Datong and Zhirui were both sent out to prefectures.
65
初，占星者謂朱熹曰：「某星示變，正人當之，其在林和叔耶？」 至是，熹貽書朝士曰：「聞林和叔入臺，無一事不中的，去國一節，風義凜然，當于古人中求之。」 給事中尤袤、中書舍人樓鑰上疏云：「大中言官，當與被論者有別。」 尋命知寧國府，又移贛州。 寧宗即位，召還，試中書舍人，遷給事中，尋兼侍講。 知閤門事韓侂胄來謁，大中接之無他語，陰請內交，大中笑而卻之，侂胄怨由此始。
Earlier, an astrologer told Zhu Xi: "A certain star shows a portent of change; a worthy man will bear it — could it be Lin Heshu? At this point Xi wrote to court officials: "I hear that since Lin Heshu entered the censorate, not one of his actions has missed its mark; in a single act of leaving the capital, his moral bearing was imposing — one must seek his like among the ancients. Supervising Secretary You Mao and Secretariat Drafter Luo Key submitted memorials saying: "As a remonstrance official, Dazhong ought to be treated differently from those he has criticized. Soon he was appointed prefect of Ningguo Prefecture, and was later transferred to Ganzhou. When Ningzong ascended the throne, Dazhong was recalled; he passed examination for Secretariat Drafter, was promoted to Supervising Secretary, and soon also served as Lecturer-in-Waiting. Han Tuozhou, Director of the Palace Gate, came to call on him; Dazhong received him without another word; Tuozhou secretly sought a private alliance, and Dazhong laughed and refused him — Tuozhou's resentment began from that moment.
66
會吏部侍郎彭龜年抗論侂胄，侂胄轉一官與內祠，龜年除煥章閣待制與郡。 大中同中書舍人樓鑰繳奏曰：「陛下眷禮僚舊，一旦龍飛，延問無虛日。 不三數月間，或死或斥，賴龜年一人尚留，今又去之，四方謂其以盡言得罪，恐傷政體。 且一去一留，恩意不侔。 去者日遠，不復侍左右。 留者內祠，則召見無時。 請留龜年經筵，而命侂胄以外任，則事體適平，人無可言者。」 有旨：「龜年已為優異，侂胄本無過尤，可並書行。」 大中復同奏：「龜年除職與郡以為優異，則侂胄之轉承宣使非優異乎？ 若謂侂胄本無過尤，則龜年論事實出於愛君之忱，豈得為過？ 龜年既以決去，侂胄難於獨留，宜畀外任或外祠，以慰公議。」 不聽。
When Vice Minister of Civil Personnel Peng Guinian spoke out forcefully against Tuozhou, Tuozhou was promoted one rank and given an inner temple post; Guinian was appointed Attendant Gentleman of the Huanzhang Pavilion and sent out to a prefecture. Dazhong and Secretariat Drafter Luo Key submitted a sealed remonstrance saying: "Your Majesty has cherished and honored your old associates; once you ascended the throne, you sought their counsel day after day. Within scarcely three months, some had died and others had been dismissed; only Guinian remained — and now he too is being removed; the four quarters will say he was punished for speaking his mind fully, and I fear this will damage the integrity of governance. Moreover, one man is dismissed and another retained — the favor shown them is not equal. The dismissed man grows daily more distant and can no longer attend at your side. The one retained holds an inner temple post and may be summoned for audience at any time. We ask that Guinian be kept at the classic exposition and that Tuozhou be assigned to an outside post — then the matter will be properly balanced and no one will have grounds for complaint. An edict came: "Guinian has already been treated with exceptional favor; Tuozhou originally had no fault — let both appointments proceed as written. Dazhong again submitted a joint memorial: "If Guinian's appointment to office and prefecture counts as exceptional favor, does not Tuozhou's promotion to Commissioner for Graceful Decrees count as exceptional favor as well? If Tuozhou originally had no fault, then Guinian's policy arguments truly arose from devotion to the ruler — how can that be counted as fault? Since Guinian has already resolved to leave, it is difficult for Tuozhou alone to remain; he should be given an outside appointment or an outside temple post to satisfy public opinion. They were not heeded.
67
太府寺丞呂祖儉以上書攻侂胄，謫置韶州，大中捄之。 汪義端頃為御史，以論趙汝愚去，至是侂胄引為右史，大中駁之。 改吏部侍郎，不拜，以煥章閣待制知慶元府。 城南民田，潮溢不可種，大中捐公帑治石築之，民不知役而蒙其利。 郡訛言夜有妖，大中謂此必黠賊所為，立捕黥之，人情遂安。 丐祠，得請。 給事中許及之繳駁，遂削職。 後提舉沖佑觀。 乞休致，復元職。 監宗御史林采論列，再落職，尋復之。
Supervising Director of the Court of the Imperial Treasury Lü Zujian attacked Tuozhou in a memorial and was demoted and banished to Shaozhou; Dazhong intervened on his behalf. Wang Yiduan had recently served as a censor and was dismissed for criticizing Zhao Ruyu; now Tuozhou brought him back as Right Drafter, and Dazhong opposed the appointment. He was transferred to Vice Minister of Civil Personnel but declined to accept the appointment; as Attendant Gentleman of the Huanzhang Pavilion he was appointed prefect of Qingyuan Prefecture. South of the city, people's fields were flooded by tides and could not be planted; Dazhong drew on public funds to have stone dikes built; the people performed no corvée labor yet reaped the benefit. A false rumor spread through the prefecture that demons appeared by night; Dazhong said this must be the work of cunning thieves; he had them captured at once and tattooed as punishment, and public sentiment was restored. He requested a temple post and was granted it. Supervising Secretary Xu Jizhi submitted a sealed remonstrance rejecting the appointment, and Dazhong's rank was then reduced. Later he was appointed director of the Chongyou Observatory. He requested retirement and had his original rank restored. Supervisory Censor of the Imperial Clan Lin Cai listed charges against him; his rank was reduced again, but was soon restored.
68
大中罷歸，屏居十二年，未嘗以得喪關其心，作園龜潭之上，客至，擷杞菊，取溪魚，觴酒賦詩，時事一不以掛口。 客或勸大中通侂胄書，大中曰：「吾為夕郎時，一言承意，豈閒居至今日耶？」 客曰：「縱不求福，盍亦免禍。」 大中曰：「福不可求而得，禍可懼而免耶？」 侂胄既召兵畔，大中謂：「今日欲安民，非息兵不可； 欲息兵，非去侂胄不可。」
After Dazhong was dismissed and returned home, he lived in seclusion for twelve years; gain and loss never touched his heart; he made a garden above Guitan, and when guests came he would pick wolfberry and chrysanthemum, take fish from the stream, raise cups and compose poems — never once speaking of current affairs. When guests sometimes urged Dazhong to send letters to Tuozhou, Dazhong said: "When I was Evening Gentleman, had I spoken one word to please him, would I be living in seclusion even to this day? The guest said: "Even if you do not seek good fortune, should you not at least try to avoid calamity? Dazhong said: "Good fortune cannot be sought and obtained — can calamity be feared away and avoided? When Tuozhou had mobilized the armies and the frontier fell into turmoil, Dazhong said: "Today, if we wish to settle the people, we cannot do so without ceasing hostilities; To cease hostilities, removing Tuozhou is indispensable."
69
及侂胄誅，即召見，落致仕，試吏部尚書，言：「呂祖儉以言侂胄得罪，死於瘴鄉，雖贈官畀職，而公議未厭。 彭龜年面奏侂胄過尤，朱熹論侂胄竊弄威柄，皆為中傷，降官鐫職，卒以老死，宜優加旌表。 其他因譏切侂胄以得罪者，望量其輕重而旌別之，以伸被罪者之冤。」 除端明殿學士、簽書樞密院事。
When Tuozhou was executed, Dazhong was immediately summoned for audience; his retirement was revoked and he was appointed acting Minister of Civil Personnel; he said: "Lü Zujian was punished for speaking against Tuozhou and died in the miasma-ridden south; although offices and titles were posthumously granted, public opinion is still unsatisfied. Peng Guinian personally memorialized Tuozhou's faults; Zhu Xi argued that Tuozhou usurped and wielded power — both were slandered, demoted, and stripped of rank, and ended by dying in old age; they should be specially honored and publicly commended. As for others who were punished for sharply criticizing Tuozhou, I hope Your Majesty will weigh the severity of each case and distinguish honors accordingly, to vindicate those who were wronged. He was appointed Academician of the Duanming Hall and Assistant Commissioner of Military Affairs.
70
嘉定改元，兼太子賓客。 嘗議講和事，上曰：「朕不憚屈己為民，講和之後，亦欲與卿等革侂胄弊政作家活耳。」 大中頓首曰：「陛下言及此，宗社生靈之福也。」 每語所親云：「吾年垂八十，豈堪勞勩，徒以和議未成，思體承聖訓，以革弊幸為經久之計。 儻初志略遂，即乞身而歸矣。」 是年六月卒，年七十有八，贈資政殿學士、正奉大夫，諡「正惠」。
When the era was changed to Jiading, he additionally served as Guest of the Heir Apparent. Once when peace negotiations were discussed, the emperor said: "I do not shrink from humbling myself for the people; after peace is concluded, I also wish to work with you to reform Tuozhou's corrupt policies and rebuild the realm. Dazhong bowed his head and said: "That Your Majesty speaks of this is a blessing for the altars of state and for the people. He often told those close to him: "I am nearly eighty — how could I bear such strenuous labor? I persevere only because the peace talks are not yet complete; I mean to embody Your Majesty's instruction, reform abuses, and hopefully make plans that will endure. If my initial resolve is in some measure fulfilled, I will immediately request leave and return home. He died in the sixth month of that year, at the age of seventy-eight; he was posthumously granted Academician of the Zizheng Hall and Senior Grandee of Positive Attendance, with the posthumous title Zhenghui ("Correct and Gracious").
71
大中清修寡欲，退然如不勝衣，及其遇事而發，凜乎不可犯。 自少力學，趣向不凡。 所著有奏議、外制、文集三十卷。
Dazhong was pure in conduct and sparing in desire; withdrawn as if his clothes were too heavy for his frame — yet when affairs arose and he spoke out, he was imposing and not to be crossed. From youth he applied himself to learning, and his orientation was extraordinary. His writings included Memorials, Outer Drafts, and a collected works in thirty juan.
72
陳騤，字叔進，台州臨海人。 紹興二十四年，試春官第一，秦檜當國，以秦塤居其上。 累官遷將作少監、守秘書少監兼太子諭德。 太子尹臨安，騤謂：「儲宮下親細務，不得專於學，非所以毓德也。」 太子矍然，亟辭。 崔淵以外戚張說進，除秘書郎兼金部郎，騤封還詞頭。
Chen Kui, courtesy name Shujin, was a native of Linhai in Taizhou. In the twenty-fourth year of Shaoxing, he placed first in the spring palace examination; Qin Hui was in power and had Qin Sun placed above him. Through successive appointments he rose to Vice Director of Palace Construction and retained the post of Vice Director of the Secretariat while also serving as Preceptor of the Heir Apparent. The heir apparent governed Lin'an; Kui said: "The crown prince personally attends to petty affairs and cannot devote himself solely to study — this is not the way to nurture virtue. The heir apparent started in alarm and quickly declined the post. Cui Yuan, as a maternal relative, had Zhang Yue advanced; he was appointed Secretariat Gentleman and concurrently Director of the Gold Bureau; Kui sealed and returned the draft edict.
73
未幾，出知贛州，易秀州。 召還，首言：「陛下銳意圖治，群下急於自媒，爭獻強兵理財之計，及畀以職，報效蔑聞。 宜杜邪諂之路。」 再歸故官，遷秘書監兼崇政殿說書。 淳熙五年，試中書舍人兼侍講、同修國史。
Before long he was sent out as prefect of Ganzhou, then transferred to Xiuzhou. Recalled to court, he spoke first: "Your Majesty is keen to bring order to the realm; subordinates are eager to promote themselves, competing to offer plans for strengthening the army and managing finances — yet once offices are given them, no results of service are heard. We ought to block the path of heterodox flattery." He returned again to his former office and was promoted to Director of the Secretariat while also serving as Lecturer at the Chongzheng Hall. In the fifth year of Chunxi, he passed examination for Secretariat Drafter, additionally served as Lecturer-in-Waiting, and jointly compiled the national history.
74
二年春，雷雪，詔陳時政得失，騤疏三十條，如宮闈之分不嚴，則權柄移； 內謁之漸不杜，則明斷息； 謀臺諫于當路，則私黨植； 諮將帥于近習，則賄賂行； 不求讜論，則過失彰； 不謹舊章，則取捨錯； 宴飲不時，則精神昏； 賜予無節，則財用竭。 皆切于時病。
In spring of the second year, there was thunder and snow; an edict ordered memorials on the gains and losses of current policy; Kui submitted thirty items in a memorial, such as: if distinctions within the inner palace are not strict, then authority shifts; if the gradual encroachment of inner access is not stopped, then clear judgment ceases; if censorial remonstrance is plotted with those in power, then private factions take root; if generals are consulted through close attendants, then bribery flourishes; if straightforward counsel is not sought, then faults become manifest; if old statutes are not carefully observed, then choices of policy go wrong; if feasting and drinking are untimely, then the spirit grows dull; if grants and gifts are without restraint, then revenues are exhausted. All cut to the ailments of the age.
75
三年三月，權禮部尚書。 六月，同知樞密院事。 四年二月，參知政事。 光宗以疾不朝垂華宮，會慶節稱壽又不果往。 騤三入奏，廷臣上疏者以百數，上感悟，以冬至日朝重華。 五年正月朔旦，稱壽于慈福宮。 孝宗崩，光宗以疾未臨喪，騤請正儲位以安人心。 七月，攝行三省事。
In the third month of the third year, he served as acting Minister of Rites. In the sixth month, he became Vice Commissioner of Military Affairs. In the second month of the fourth year, he became Vice Grand Councilor. Emperor Guangzong, owing to illness, did not attend court at Chonghua Palace; when the festival of celebration arrived for offering birthday congratulations, he again failed to go. Kui entered to memorialize three times; court officials who submitted memorials numbered in the hundreds; the emperor was moved to understanding and on the winter solstice paid court at Chonghua. In the first month of the fifth year, on the first day of the month, he offered birthday congratulations at the Cifu Palace. When Emperor Xiaozong died, Emperor Guangzong, still ill, had not yet gone into mourning. Chen Kui memorialized that the heir should be formally established at once to reassure the realm. In the seventh month he served as acting head of the Three Departments.
76
寧宗即位，知樞密院事兼參知政事。 趙汝愚為右丞相，騤素所不快，未嘗同堂語。 汝愚擬除劉光祖侍御史，騤奏曰：「劉光祖舊與臣有隙，光祖入臺，臣請避之。」 汝愚愕而止。
When Ningzong took the throne, Chen Kui was appointed Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs and Vice Grand Councilor. Zhao Ruyu was Right Grand Councilor, and Chen Kui had never gotten along with him—they never so much as exchanged words in the same hall. When Ruyu proposed appointing Liu Guangzu as Attending Censor, Chen Kui memorialized: "Liu Guangzu and I have old grievances. If he joins the Censorate, I must ask to step aside." Ruyu was taken aback and dropped the appointment.
77
時韓侂胄恃傳言之勞，潛竊國柄。 吏部侍郎彭龜年論侂胄將為國患，不報。 於是龜年、侂胄俱請祠，騤曰：「以閤門去經筵，何以示天下？」 龜年竟外補。 侂胄語人曰：「彭侍郎不貪好官，固也，元樞亦欲為好人耶？」 遂以資政殿大學士與郡，辭，詔提舉洞霄宮。
Han Tuozhou, trading on his role in relaying the succession edict, was quietly seizing control of the government. Peng Guinian, Vice Minister of Personnel, warned that Tuozhou would prove a disaster for the state, but the court never answered. Both Peng Guinian and Han Tuozhou then asked for honorary temple posts. Chen Kui objected: "If you remove the man at the Gate of Reception from the emperor's Classics Lecture, what message does that send the empire?" In the end Peng Guinian was posted outside the capital. Tuozhou told others: "Vice Minister Peng may not crave a good post—that I grant. But does the Chief of Military Affairs also want to play the saint?" Chen Kui was offered the title Grand Academician of the Hall for Cultivating Governance along with a prefectural post. He declined, and an edict instead made him Supervisor of the Dongxiao Palace.
78
慶元二年，知婺州。 告老，授觀文殿學士、提舉洞霄宮。 嘉泰三年卒，年七十六。 贈少傅，諡「文簡」。
In 1196 he was appointed prefect of Wuzhou. He retired on grounds of age and received the titles Academician of the Hall for Viewing Literature and Supervisor of the Dongxiao Palace. He died in 1203, at the age of seventy-six. He was posthumously made Junior Tutor and given the posthumous title Wen Jian, "Refined and Simple."
79
黃黼，字元章，臨安餘杭人也。 少游太學，第進士，累遷太常博士。 輪對，言：「周以輔翼之臣出任方伯，漢以牧守之最擢拜公卿，唐不歷邊任，不拜宰相，本朝不為三司等屬，不除清望官。 仁宗時，韓琦、范仲淹、龐籍皆嘗經略西事，久歷邊任，始除執政。 邊奏復警，范仲淹至再請行。 貝州之變，文彥博親自討賊。 乞于時望近臣中，擇才略謀慮可以任重致遠者，或畀上流，或委方面，習知邊防利害，地形險阨，中外軍民亦孚其恩信，熟其威名。 天下無事則取風績顯著者不次除拜，以尊朝廷。 邊鄙有警，則任以重寄，俾制方面。 出將入相，何所不可。」 上嘉獎曰：「如卿言，可謂盡用人之道。」
Huang Pu, courtesy name Yuanzhang, was a native of Yuhang in Lin'an. As a young man he studied at the Imperial University, passed the jinshi examination, and rose through the ranks to become an Erudite of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. At an imperial audience he argued: "The Zhou sent their most capable ministers out to govern the regions. The Han promoted their best prefects and governors to the highest offices. The Tang would not appoint a man Grand Councilor unless he had frontier experience. Our own dynasty likewise does not give prestigious posts to men who have never served in the Three Offices or comparable bureaus. Under Renzong, Han Qi, Fan Zhongyan, and Pang Ji had all commanded campaigns on the western frontier and served long years in border posts before they were brought into the central government. When fresh alarms came from the border, Fan Zhongyan asked again and again to take the field. During the Beizhou uprising, Wen Yanbo personally took command to put down the rebels. I ask that from among the most respected ministers at court you choose men of talent, strategy, and judgment—men capable of bearing great responsibility and seeing far ahead—and assign them either to the upper Yangtze or to regional commands, so that they may learn the strengths and dangers of the frontier, the lay of passes and terrain, and so that soldiers and civilians alike may come to trust their integrity and respect their name. In times of peace, promote men whose record stands out, regardless of seniority, and so lend dignity to the throne. When the frontier flares up, entrust them with real authority over the regions. Men who can lead armies in the field and govern at court—what office could they not fill?" The emperor commended him: "What you propose is nothing less than the full art of putting men to use."
80
行太常丞，進秘書郎、提舉江東常平茶鹽，召為戶部員外郎。 尋除直秘閣、兩浙路轉運判官，進直龍圖閣，升副使，辭，改直顯謨閣。 浙東瀕海之田，以旱澇告，常平儲蓄不足，黼捐漕計貸之。 毗陵饑民取糠粃雜草根以充食，郡縣不以聞，黼取民食以進，乞捐僧牒、緡錢振濟，所全活甚眾。
He served as Acting Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, then rose to Secretary Gentleman and Supervisor of Jiangdong Granaries, Tea, and Salt, and was recalled to the capital as Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue. He was soon made a Direct Attendant at the Secretariat Pavilion and Transport Commissioner for the Two Zhe Circuits, then promoted to Direct Attendant at the Dragon Diagram Pavilion and Vice Commissioner—but declined that last promotion and accepted instead the post of Direct Attendant at the Hall for Manifesting Splendor. Coastal farmland in eastern Zhe was ravaged by drought and flood, and the Ever-Normal Granaries could not meet the need. Huang Pu drew on transport funds to lend grain to the afflicted. In Piling, starving people were eating bran, chaff, and grass roots. The local officials said nothing. Huang Pu carried samples of what the people were eating to the court and asked that monk ordination certificates and cash be released for relief. He saved a great many lives.
81
除中書門下檢正諸房公事，守殿中侍御史兼侍講，遷侍御史，行起居郎兼權刑部侍郎。 以劉德秀論劾，奉祠而卒。
He was made Rectifier of Miscellaneous Affairs for the Central Secretariat, served as Attending Palace Censor while also lecturing the emperor, was promoted to Censor, and then acted as Recorder while concurrently holding the post of Acting Vice Minister of Justice. After Liu Dexiu impeached him, he was given a temple post and died soon after.
82
詹體仁
Zhan Tiren
83
光宗即位，提舉浙西常平，除戶部員外郎、湖廣總領，就升司農少卿。 奏蠲諸郡賦輸積欠百餘萬。 有逃卒千人入大冶，因鐵鑄錢，剽掠為變。 體仁語戎帥：「此去京師千餘里，若比上請得報，賊勢張矣。 宜速加誅討。」 帥用其言，群黨悉散。
When Guangzong took the throne, Zhan Tiren was put in charge of Zhexi Ever-Normal Granaries, then appointed Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue and General Fiscal Supervisor for Huguang, and immediately promoted to Vice Director of the Court of the National Granaries. He memorialized remission of more than a million in accumulated tax arrears owed by the prefectures. A thousand deserters entered Daye, seized the iron foundries used for coining, and turned to plunder and rebellion. Zhan Tiren told the regional commander: "We are more than a thousand li from the capital. If we wait for approval from court, the rebels will have grown beyond control. We must strike at once." The commander followed his counsel, and the rebel band broke up completely.
84
除太常少卿，陛對，首陳父子至恩之說，謂：「《易》于《家人》之後次之以《睽》，《睽》之上九曰：『見豕負塗，載鬼一車，先張之弧，後說之弧，匪寇婚媾，往，遇雨則吉。』 夫疑極而惑，凡所見者皆以為寇，而不知實其親也。 孔子釋之曰：『遇雨則吉，群疑亡也』。 蓋人倫天理，有間隔而無斷絕，方其未通也，湮鬱煩憒，若不可以終日； 及其醒然而悟，泮然而釋，如遇雨焉，何其和悅而條暢也。 伏惟陛下神心昭融，聖度恢豁，凡厥疑情，一朝渙然若揭日月而開雲霧。 丕敘彝倫，以承兩宮之歡，以塞兆民之望。」 時上以積疑成疾，久不過重華宮，故體仁引《易》睽弧之義，以開廣聖意。
Appointed Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, he addressed the throne and opened with the doctrine of the deepest bond between father and son. He cited the Classic of Changes: after the hexagram Family comes Separation, whose top line reads, "He sees a pig smeared with mud, a cartload of ghosts. He first draws his bow, then unstrings it—not raiders but a wedding party. Go forward: meeting rain brings good fortune. When suspicion runs to its extreme, everything looks like an enemy—even what is in truth one's own kin. Confucius glossed the line: "Meeting rain is auspicious—all doubts are dispelled." Human bonds ordained by Heaven may be strained, yet they are never truly severed. While the rift remains, grief and turmoil weigh on the heart as if the day itself cannot be endured; but once understanding dawns and the heart melts open, it is like rain falling on parched ground—suddenly harmonious, clear, and at ease. Your Majesty's mind is luminous, your magnanimity boundless. Let every lingering doubt dissolve in a single morning, as sun and moon break through cloud and mist. Restore the right order among kin, bring joy to both palaces, and answer the hopes of the people." The emperor had fallen ill from long-nurtured suspicion and had not visited Chonghua Palace in some time. Tiren invoked this passage from Separation to open a path back to reconciliation.
85
孝宗崩，體仁率同列抗疏，請駕詣重華宮親臨祥祭，辭意懇切。 時趙汝愚將定大策，外庭無預謀者，密令體仁及左司郎官徐誼達意少保吳琚，請憲聖太后垂簾為援立計。 寧宗登極，天下晏然，體仁與諸賢密贊汝愚之力也。
When Xiaozong died, Zhan Tiren led his colleagues in a direct memorial urging the emperor to go in person to Chonghua Palace for the mourning rites. His words were urgent and heartfelt. Zhao Ruyu was then preparing a decisive move, and no one outside the inner court knew of it. He secretly sent Tiren and Left Directorate Gentleman Xu Yi to Junior Tutor Wu Ju with a message asking Empress Dowager Xiansheng to preside from behind the curtain and support the plan to install a new emperor. When Ningzong took the throne, the realm settled peacefully—thanks in no small part to the quiet support Zhan Tiren and other worthy men gave Zhao Ruyu.
86
時議大行皇帝諡，體仁言：「壽皇聖帝事德壽二十餘年，極天下之養，諒陰三年，不御常服，漢、唐以來未之有，宜諡曰『孝』。」 卒用其言。 孝宗將復土，體仁言：「永阜陵地勢卑下，非所以妥安神靈。」 與宰相異議，除太府卿。 尋直龍圖閣、知福州，言者竟以前論山陵事罷之。 退居霅川，日以經史自娛，人莫窺其際。
When the court debated the posthumous title of the late emperor, Tiren argued: "For more than twenty years Emperor Shouhuang attended his father at the Dezhao Palace with every honor filial devotion could offer. For three years of mourning he wore no ordinary dress—a feat unmatched since Han and Tang. His posthumous name should be Xiao, 'Filial.'" The court accepted his recommendation. When Xiaozong's remains were to be reinterred, Tiren objected: "The ground at Yongfu Mausoleum is too low and poor—it is no fit resting place for an emperor's spirit." He broke with the chief minister on the matter and was transferred to the post of Director of the Imperial Storehouse. He was soon made Direct Attendant at the Dragon Diagram Pavilion and prefect of Fuzhou, but critics eventually forced his removal over his earlier objections to the tomb site. He withdrew to Zhaichuan and passed his days reading the Classics and histories. No one could tell what he truly thought.
87
始，體仁使浙右，時蘇師旦以胥吏執役，後倚侂胄躐躋大官，至是遣介通殷勤。 體仁曰：「小人乘君子之器，禍至無日矣，烏得以汙我！」 未幾，果敗。
When Tiren had earlier served in western Zhe, Su Shidan was no more than a clerk on corvée duty. Later, backed by Han Tuozhou, he vaulted into high office. Now he sent an emissary with cordial overtures. Tiren replied: "When a petty man seizes a gentleman's place, ruin follows soon enough. I will not let him stain me." Before long, Su Shidan did indeed fall.
88
復直龍圖閣、知靜江府，閣十縣稅錢一萬四千，蠲雜賦八千。 移守鄂州，除司農卿，復總湖廣餉事。 時歲凶艱食，即以便宜發廩振捄而後以聞。
He was again made Direct Attendant at the Dragon Diagram Pavilion and prefect of Jingjiang, where he cut tax payments by fourteen thousand cash across ten counties and remitted eight thousand in miscellaneous levies. He was transferred to E Prefecture, appointed Director of the Court of the National Granaries, and again put in charge of supplies for Huguang. That year harvests failed and food grew scarce. He opened the granaries on his own emergency authority and reported to court afterward.
89
侂胄建議開邊，一時爭談兵以規進用。 體仁移書廟堂，言兵不可輕動，宜遵養俟時。 皇甫斌自以將家子，好言兵，體仁語僚屬，謂斌必敗，已而果然。 開禧二年卒，年六十四。
Han Tuozhou urged opening hostilities on the frontier, and for a time officials vied to talk up war in hopes of promotion. Tiren wrote to the central government warning that war must not be lightly undertaken and urging patience until the moment was right. Huangfu Bin, proud of his family's military pedigree, was eager to talk of war. Tiren told his staff that Bin was bound to fail—and so he did, before long. He died in 1206, at the age of sixty-four.
90
體仁穎邁特立，博極群書。 少從朱熹學，以存誠慎獨為主。 為文明暢，悉根諸理。 周必大當國，體仁嘗疏薦三十餘人，皆當世知名士。 郡人真德秀早從其遊，嘗問居官蒞民之法，體仁曰：「盡心、平心而已，盡心則無愧，平心則無偏。」 世服其確論云。
Tiren was brilliant, upright, and independent, and had read widely across every field of learning. As a young man he studied under Zhu Xi and made sincerity and moral vigilance in solitude the foundation of his life. His writing was lucid and graceful, always grounded in principle. While Zhou Bidá was chief minister, Tiren once recommended more than thirty men by memorial—all distinguished figures of the day. His townsman Zhen Dexiu studied with him from an early age and once asked how to govern well. Tiren answered: "Give your whole heart and keep an even heart—that is all. Give your whole heart and you will have no regrets; keep an even heart and you will show no favoritism." Later generations admired the soundness of his counsel.
91
論曰：彭龜年、黃裳、羅點以青宮師保之舊，盡言無隱。 黃度、林大中亦能守正不阿，進退裕如。 此數臣者，皆能推明所學，務引君以當道，可謂粹然君子矣。 陳騤論事頗切時病，詹體仁深于理學，皆有足稱者。 然騤嘗詆譏呂祖謙，至視趙汝愚、劉光祖為仇，而體仁乃能以朱熹、真德秀為師友，即其所好惡，而二人之邪正，於是可知焉。
The commentators observe: Peng Guinian, Huang Shang, and Luo Dian, having once served as tutors to the crown prince, spoke their minds without reserve. Huang Du and Lin Dazhong likewise held to principle without bending, and moved through office and retirement with equal grace. These men applied what they had learned in earnest, each striving to guide the ruler toward the right path. They were gentlemen in the truest sense. Chen Kui's memorials cut sharply to the problems of the day, and Zhan Tiren was deeply versed in Neo-Confucian learning. Both deserve recognition. Yet Chen Kui reviled Lü Zuqian and treated Zhao Ruyu and Liu Guangzu as enemies, whereas Tiren counted Zhu Xi and Zhen Dexiu among his teachers and friends. From what each man loved and hated, the moral quality of the two becomes plain.