1
樓鑰，字大防，明州鄞縣人。 隆興元年，試南宮，有司偉其辭藝，欲以冠多士，策偶犯舊諱，知貢舉洪遵奏，得旨以冠末等。 投贄謝諸公，考官胡銓稱之曰：「此翰林才也。」 試教官，調溫州教授，為敕令所刪定官，修《淳熙法》。 議者欲降太學釋奠為中祀，鑰曰：「乘輿臨幸，於先聖則拜，武成則肅揖，其禮異矣，可鈞敵乎？」
Lou Yao, courtesy name Dafang, came from Yin County in Mingzhou. In Longxing 1 (1163), he sat for the metropolitan examination. The examiners admired his writing and intended to rank him first, but his policy essay inadvertently violated an old naming taboo. Chief examiner Hong Zun reported this, and by imperial order Lou was placed last among the highest tier of graduates. When he submitted a letter of thanks to the examiners, Hu Quan, one of the examiners, praised him: "This man has the makings of a Hanlin academician." He passed the instructor examination, was appointed professor at Wenzhou, served as a reviser at the Edicts and Ordinances Office, and helped compile the Chunxi Code. Debaters proposed lowering the Imperial Academy's Confucian sacrifice from a major to a medium-grade rite. Lou objected: "When the emperor visits in person, he bows to Confucius but only performs a formal clasped-hand salute at the Wu Cheng shrine — the ceremonies are already unequal. How can they be treated as equivalent?"
2
改宗正寺主簿，歷太府、宗正寺丞，出知溫州。 屬縣樂清倡言方臘之變且復起，邑令捕數人歸於郡。 鑰曰：「罪之則無可坐，縱之則惑民。」 編隸其為首者，而驅其徒出境，民言遂定。 堂帖問故，鑰曰：「蘇洵有言：『有亂之形，無亂之實，是謂將亂。 不可以有亂急，不可以無亂弛。』」 丞相周必大心善之。
He was made chief clerk of the Court of the Imperial Clan, then served successively as vice director of the Court of the Imperial Granary and of the Court of the Imperial Clan before being appointed prefect of Wenzhou. In Yueqing, a county under his jurisdiction, rumors spread that another uprising like Fang La's was imminent. The county magistrate arrested several men and sent them to the prefectural seat. Lou said: "If we punish them, there is no charge that will stand; if we release them, we will only alarm the people." He enrolled the ringleaders in corvée registers and expelled their followers from the region, and public alarm soon died down. When a palace directive asked for an explanation, Lou cited Su Xun: "There is the shape of rebellion without the substance of rebellion — that is what is called rebellion about to break out. One must not respond as though rebellion were already here and grow frantic; one must not treat it as nothing and grow complacent." Chief Councillor Zhou Bida was deeply impressed.
3
光宗嗣位，召對，奏曰：「人主初政，當先立其大者。 至大莫如恢復，然當先強主志，進君德。」 又曰：「今之網密甚矣，望陛下軫念元元，以設禁為不得已，凡有創意增益者，寢而勿行，所以保養元氣。」
When Guangzong ascended the throne, Lou was summoned to court and said: "At the beginning of a reign, a ruler should first set his priorities on what matters most. Nothing is greater than recovering the north, but the emperor must first strengthen his own resolve and cultivate his moral authority." He added: "Regulations have grown exceedingly tight. I hope Your Majesty will have compassion for the people, treat new prohibitions as measures of last resort, and set aside any fresh restrictions — thus preserving the nation's vital strength."
4
除考功郎兼禮部。 吏銓並緣為姦，多所壅底。 鑰曰：「簡要清通，尚書郎之選。」 盡革去之。 改國子司業，擢起居郎兼中書舍人。 代言坦明，得制誥體，繳奏無所回避。 禁中或私請，上曰：「樓舍人朕亦憚之，不如且已。」 刑部言，天下獄案多所奏裁，中書之務不清，宜痛省之。 鑰曰：「三宥制刑，古有明訓。」 力論不可。 會慶節上壽，扈從班集，乘輿不出。 已而玉牒、聖政、會要書成，將進重華，又屢更日。 鑰言：「臣累歲隨班，見陛下上壽重華宮，歡動宸極。 嘉王日趨朝謁，恪勤不懈，竊料壽皇望陛下之來，亦猶此也。」 又奏：「聖政之書，全載壽皇一朝之事。 玉牒、會要足成淳熙末年之書，幸速定其日，無復再展，以全聖孝。」 於是上感悟，進書成禮。
He was appointed Director of Personnel in the Ministry of Personnel, with concurrent duty in the Ministry of Rites. The personnel ministry had become riddled with corruption, and business piled up unresolved. Lou said: "Brevity, clarity, and efficiency — that is what a ministry director should embody." He swept the abuses away. He became Vice Director of the Directorate of Education, then was promoted to Attendant Gentleman of the Secretariat and concurrently Drafting Secretary. His drafted edicts were straightforward and lucid, in proper memorial style, and when submitting rebuttals he never shied from controversy. When someone in the inner palace privately solicited a favor, the emperor said: "Even I am afraid of Drafting Secretary Lou — we'd better drop this. The Ministry of Justice argued that criminal cases across the empire were too often referred to the throne for final judgment, leaving the secretariat's work in disarray, and urged drastic reduction. Lou replied: "The ancient doctrine of the three grounds for mercy in sentencing is explicit." He argued forcefully against the proposal. On the emperor's birthday, the entourage assembled as usual, but the emperor did not appear. Soon the imperial genealogy, Sagely Governance records, and institutional compendium were ready to be presented at Chonghua Palace, but the date was put off again and again. Lou said: "For years I have stood in attendance and watched Your Majesty celebrate the retired emperor's birthday at Chonghua Palace with evident joy. Prince Jia attends court every day with unwavering diligence. I can only imagine that the retired emperor waits for Your Majesty with the same expectation." He also wrote: "The Sagely Governance compendium preserves the entire record of Shouhuang's reign. The genealogy and institutional records complete the documentation of the late Chunxi period. Please fix a date at once and do not delay again, so that filial duty may be fully observed." The emperor was moved, and the presentation ceremony went forward.
5
試中書舍人，俄兼直學士院。 光宗內禪詔書，鑰所草也，有云：「雖喪紀自行於宮中，而禮文難示於天下。」 薦紳傳誦之。 遷給事中。 乞正太祖東向之位，別立僖祖廟以代夾室，順祖、翼祖、宣祖之主皆藏其中，祫祭即廟而饗。 從之。
He passed the examination for drafting secretary and soon held concurrent appointment in the Hanlin Academy. Guangzong's abdication edict was drafted by Lou. It read in part: "Though mourning rites may be observed within the palace, the ceremonial forms cannot easily be shown to the world." Officials and scholars circulated the passage widely. He was promoted to the post of Supervising Censor. He petitioned to restore Taizu's east-facing tablet, establish a separate temple to Prince Xi in place of the side chamber, enshrine the tablets of Shunzu, Yizu, and Xuanzu there, and perform the great seasonal offerings at that temple. The court approved.
6
朱熹以論事忤韓侂胄，除職與郡。 鑰言：「熹鴻儒碩學，陛下閔其耆老，當此隆寒，立講不便，何如俾之內祠，仍令修史，少俟春和，復還講筵。」 不報。 趙汝愚謂人曰：「樓公當今人物也，直恐臨事少剛決耳。」 及見其持論堅正，歎曰：「吾於是大過所望矣。」
Zhu Xi offended Han Tuozhou by his policy remonstrances and was sent to a provincial post. Lou argued: "Xi is a towering scholar. Your Majesty, out of concern for his age, finds it awkward to have him lecture in this bitter cold — why not appoint him to an inner-court post, keep him compiling history, and restore him to the lecture hall when spring comes?" The emperor did not respond. Zhao Ruyu remarked: "Master Lou is among the finest men of the day, but I worry he may prove insufficiently resolute when matters come to a head." When he saw Lou hold his ground with unwavering principle, he exclaimed: "He has far surpassed what I hoped for."
7
寧宗受禪，侂胄以知閤門事與聞傳命，頗有弄權之漸，彭龜年力攻之。 侂胄轉一官，與在京宮觀，龜年除待制，與郡。 鑰與林大中奏，乞留龜年於講筵，或命侂胄以外祠。 龜年竟去，鑰遷為吏部尚書，以顯謨閣學士提舉江州太平興國宮。 尋知婺州，移寧國府，罷，仍奪職。 告老至再，許之。
When Ningzong accepted the throne, Tuozhou — then Director of the Palace Gate Office — helped transmit the succession decree and gradually began to manipulate power. Peng Guinian attacked him forcefully. Tuozhou received a one-rank promotion and a metropolitan sinecure; Guinian was made Hanlin academician and sent to a provincial post. Lou and Lin Dazhong memorialized to keep Guinian at the lecture hall, or to assign Tuozhou to an outer-court sinecure. Guinian departed after all. Lou was promoted to Minister of Personnel and, as Xianmo Pavilion academician, was put in charge of the Taiping Xingguo Palace in Jiangzhou. He was soon appointed prefect of Wuzhou, then transferred to Ningguo Prefecture, dismissed, and stripped of office. He petitioned twice for retirement and was granted leave.
8
侂胄嘗副鑰為館伴，以鑰不附己，深嗛之。 侂胄誅，詔起鑰為翰林學士，遷吏部尚書兼翰林侍講。 時鑰年過七十，精敏絕人，詞頭下，立進草，院吏驚詫。 入朝，陛循舊班諦視鑰曰：「久不見此官矣。」 時和好未定，金求韓侂胄函首，鑰曰：「和好待此而決，姦凶已斃之首，又何足恤。」 詔從之。
Tuozhou had once served as Lou's deputy when receiving foreign envoys. Because Lou would not align with him, Tuozhou deeply resented him. After Tuozhou's execution, an edict recalled Lou as Hanlin Academician and Minister of Personnel, concurrently Hanlin Attendant Lecturer. By then Lou was over seventy, yet still sharper than men half his age. When an edict draft was ordered, he produced one on the spot, astonishing the academy staff. At court the emperor, scanning the old roster, looked closely at Lou and said: "It has been a long time since anyone held this post properly." Peace with Jin was still unsettled, and the Jurchens demanded Han Tuozhou's head in a box. Lou said: "Peace hinges on this — why fret over the head of a villain already dead?" The emperor agreed.
9
鑰文辭精博，自號「攻媿主人」，有集一百二十卷。
Lou's prose was polished and learned. He styled himself "Master Gongkui" and left collected writings in 120 juan.
10
李大性
Li Daxing (section)
11
李大性，字伯和，端州四會人。 其先積中，嘗為御史，以直言入元祐黨籍，始家豫章。 大性少力學，尤習本朝典故。 以父任入官，因參選，進《藝祖廟謨》百篇及公私利害百疏。 又言：「元豐制，六察許言事，章惇為相始禁之，乞復舊制，以廣言路。」 從臣力薦之，命赴都堂審察，僅遷一秩，為湖北提刑司幹官。 未幾，入為主管吏部架閣文字。 丁母艱，服闋，進《典故辨疑》百篇，皆本朝故實，蓋網羅百氏野史，訂以日曆、實錄，核其正舛，率有據依，孝宗讀而褒嘉之。
Li Daxing, courtesy name Bohe, came from Sihui in Duanzhou. His ancestor Li Jizhong had served as censor; for outspoken remonstrance he was listed among the Yuanyou faction, and the family first settled in Yuzhang. From youth Daxing applied himself to study and was especially versed in Song institutional history. He entered office through his father's privilege, participated in the selection process, and submitted one hundred chapters on the Founder's temple and one hundred memorials on public and private interests. He also argued: "Under the Yuanfeng system the six investigating censors could speak on state affairs; Zhang Dun as chief councillor forbade this. I ask that the old rule be restored to widen the path of remonstrance." Court ministers strongly recommended him. He was ordered to undergo review at the Imperial Hall and received only a one-rank promotion, becoming administrative officer of the Hubei Circuit Intendant for Punishments. Soon he entered service as supervisor of archival texts in the Ministry of Personnel. After completing mourning for his mother, he submitted one hundred chapters of Clarifying Doubts in Precedents — dynastic facts drawn from hundreds of sources, checked against calendars and veritable records, and verified for accuracy. Xiaozong read them and commended him.
12
擢大理司直，遷敕令所刪定官，添差通判楚州。 郡守吳曦與都統劉超合議，欲撤城移他所，大性謂：「楚城實晉義烏間所築，最堅，奈何以脆薄易堅厚乎？」 持不可。 臺臣將劾其沮撓，不果。 會從官送北客，朝命因俾廉訪，具以實聞，遂罷戎帥，召大性除太府寺丞，遷大宗正丞兼倉部郎，尋改工部。
He was promoted to Directing Censor of the Court of Judicial Review, made a reviser at the Edicts and Ordinances Office, and given additional appointment as vice prefect of Chuzhou. Prefect Wu Xi and regional commander Liu Chao jointly proposed abandoning the city and relocating it. Daxing objected: "Chu's walls were built in the Jin period between Yiwu counties — they are exceptionally strong. How can we swap the solid for the flimsy? He refused to yield. Censorial officials were about to impeach him for obstruction, but dropped the matter. When attendant officials escorted northern envoys, the court ordered him to investigate on that occasion and report truthfully. The regional commander was dismissed, Daxing was summoned, appointed Vice Director of the Court of the Imperial Granary, then Vice Director of the Court of the Imperial Clan with concurrent duty as Director of the Granary Bureau, and soon transferred to the Ministry of Works.
13
陳傅良以言事去國，彭龜年、黃度、楊方相繼皆去。 大性抗疏言：「朝廷清明，乃使言者無故而去，臣所甚惜也。 數人之心，皆本愛君，知其愛君，任其去而不顧，恐端人正士之去者將不止此。 孟子曰：『不信仁賢，則國空虛。』 臣所以為之寒心也。」
Chen Fuliang left the capital after remonstrating; Peng Guinian, Huang Du, and Yang Fang departed one after another. Daxing submitted a forceful memorial: "The court is enlightened, yet remonstrators are driven out for no good reason — this grieves me deeply. These men all acted out of loyalty to the throne. Knowing their loyalty, yet letting them go without a second thought — I fear many more upright men will follow them out. Mencius said: 'Without trust in the humane and worthy, the state is left hollow.' That is why this chills me to the core."
14
孝宗崩，光宗疾，未能執喪。 大性復上疏言：「今日之事，顛倒舛逆，況金使祭奠當引見於北宮素帷，不知是時猶可以不出乎？ 《檀弓》曰：『成人有兄死而不喪者，聞子皐將為成宰，遂為衰。 成人曰：「兄則死而子皐為之衰。」』 蓋言成人畏子皐之來方為制服，其服子皐為之，非為兄也。 若陛下必待使來然後執喪，則恐貽譏中外，豈特如成人而已哉。」 遷軍器少監，權司封郎，提舉浙東常平，改浙東提刑兼知慶元府。 召為吏部郎中，四遷為司農卿。 明年，兼戶部侍郎。
When Xiaozong died, Guangzong was ill and unable to perform mourning rites. Daxing memorialized again: "Matters today are inverted and perverse. When the Jin envoy arrives to offer condolences, he should be received before the plain mourning canopy in the Northern Palace — can Your Majesty still refuse to appear even then? The Tann Gong records: 'In Cheng there was a man whose brother had died but who wore no mourning — until he heard Zigao was to become minister of Cheng, whereupon he donned hemp mourning. The man of Cheng said: "My brother is dead, yet it is Zigao who wears mourning for him." The point is that the man of Cheng feared Zigao's arrival and only then assumed mourning — the mourning was for Zigao's sake, not his brother's. If Your Majesty insists on waiting for the envoy before performing mourning, I fear mockery at home and abroad — and not only from the man of Cheng." He was made Vice Director of the Armory, acting Director of the Seals Bureau, put in charge of Eastern Zhejiang Ever-Normal Granaries, then Eastern Zhejiang Intendant for Punishments with concurrent appointment as prefect of Qingyuan. He was recalled as Director in the Ministry of Personnel and, after four promotions, became Director of the Directorate of Agriculture. The following year he also served as Vice Minister of Revenue.
15
出知紹興府，甫一歲，召為戶部侍郎，升尚書。 朝論將用兵，大性條陳利害，主不宜輕舉之說，忤韓侂胄意，出知平江，移知福州，又移知江陵，充荊湖制置使。 江陵當用兵後，殘毀饑饉，繼以疾疫，大性首議振貸，凡三十八萬緡有奇。 前官虛羨，凡十有四萬五千緡，率蠲放不督，民流移新復業者，皆奏免征榷。 邊郡武爵，本以勵士，冒濫滋眾，大性劾兩路戎司冒受逃亡付身，凡三千四百九十有七道，率繳上毀抹，左選為之一清。 江陵舊使銅鏹，錢重楮輕，民持貲入市，有終日不得一錢者。 大性奏乞依襄、郢例通用鐵錢，於是泉貨流通，民始復業。 除刑部尚書兼詳定敕令，尋遷兵部。
Appointed prefect of Shaoxing, he was recalled after only one year as Vice Minister of Revenue and then promoted to Minister. With court opinion turning toward war, Daxing laid out pros and cons and argued against rash action, offending Han Tuozhou. He was sent to Pingjiang, then Fuzhou, then Jiangling as Military Commissioner of Jinghu. Jiangling had been ravaged by war, famine, and plague in succession. Daxing led the push for relief loans totaling over 380,000 strings of cash. His predecessor had inflated surpluses by 145,000 strings; Daxing remitted these without collection. For refugees newly returned to work, he petitioned to waive commercial taxes. Frontier military ranks were meant to reward merit, but abuse proliferated. Daxing impeached both route military commissioners for falsely accepting 3,497 desertion transfer documents and had them confiscated and destroyed, cleaning up irregular appointments. Jiangling had used copper cash, but with heavy coin and depreciated paper notes, merchants sometimes spent a whole day at market without earning a single coin. Daxing petitioned to adopt iron cash as in Xiangzhou and Yingzhou. Currency began to circulate again and people returned to their trades. He was appointed Minister of Justice with concurrent duty revising edicts and ordinances, then transferred to the Ministry of War.
16
時金國分裂，不能自存，有舉北伐之議者，大性上疏以和戰之說未定，乞令朝臣集議，從之。 尋以端明殿學士知平江府，引疾丐祠，卒於家，年七十七，贈開府儀同三司，諡「文惠」。
Jin was fracturing and could barely survive; some urged a northern campaign. Daxing memorialized that peace and war remained undecided and asked for a court conference — which was granted. Soon, as Duanming Hall academician and prefect of Pingjiang, he cited illness, requested a sinecure, and died at home at seventy-seven. He was posthumously granted Grand Preceptor of the Palace with the posthumous title Wenhui.
17
李氏自積中三世官於朝，父子兄弟相師友，而大性與弟大異、大東並躋從列，為名臣云。
From Jizhong's generation the Li family served at court for three generations, fathers and sons learning from one another. Daxing and his brothers Dayi and Dadong all reached high office and were reckoned eminent ministers.
18
任希夷
Ren Xiyi (section)
19
任希夷，字伯起，其先眉州人。 四世祖伯雨為諫議大夫，其後仕閩，因家邵武。 希夷少刻意問學，為文精苦。 登淳熙三年進士第，調建寧府浦城簿。 從朱熹學，篤信力行，熹器之曰：「伯起，開濟士也。」
Ren Xiyi, courtesy name Boqi, was originally from Meizhou. His fourth-generation ancestor Boyu was Remonstrance and Critic; later generations served in Min and settled in Shaowu. From youth Xiyi applied himself zealously to learning; his writing was painstaking and polished. He passed the jinshi examination in Chunxi 3 (1176) and was appointed recorder of Pucheng in Jianning Prefecture. He studied under Zhu Xi, believing and practicing with conviction. Xi prized him, saying: "Boqi is a man who can open paths and bring relief."
20
開禧初，主太常寺簿，奏：「紹熙以來，禮書未經編次，歲月滋久，恐或散亡，乞下本寺修纂。」 從之。 遷禮部尚書兼給事中。 謂：「周惇頤、程顥、程頤為百代絕學之倡，乞定議賜諡。」 其後惇頤諡「元」，顥諡「純」，頤諡「正」，皆希夷發之。
At the start of Kaixi he was chief clerk of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and memorialized: "Since Shaoxi the ritual codes have gone uncompiled; with time they may be lost. I ask that this office be ordered to compile them." The court agreed. He was transferred to Minister of Rites, concurrently Supervising Censor. He argued: "Zhou Dunyi, Cheng Hao, and Cheng Yi revived learning for the ages — I ask that their posthumous titles be formally granted." Dunyi was then given the posthumous title Yuan, Hao Chun, and Yi Zheng — all at Xiyi's initiative.
21
進端明殿學士、簽書樞密院事兼權參知政事。 史彌遠柄國久，執政皆具員，議者頗譏其拱默。 尋提舉臨安洞霄宮，薨，贈少師，諡「宣獻」。
He was promoted to Duanming Hall academician, Assistant Commissioner of Military Affairs, and acting Vice Grand Councillor. Shi Miyuan had held power for years; the administration was fully staffed, and critics mocked their passivity. Soon he was appointed to administer the Dongxiao Palace in Lin'an and died. He was posthumously granted Junior Preceptor with the posthumous title Xuancian.
22
徐應龍
Xu Yinglong (section)
23
徐應龍，字允叔。 淳熙二年第進士，調衡州法曹、湖南檢法官。 潭獲劫盜，首謀者已繫獄，妄指逸者為首，吏信之，及獲逸盜，治之急，遂誣服。 吏以成憲讞於憲司，應龍閱實其辭，謂：「首從不明，法當奏。」 時周必大判潭州，提刑盧彥德不欲反其事，將置逸盜於死，應龍力與之辨。 先是，彥德許應龍京削，至是怒曰：「君不欲出我門邪？」 應龍曰：「以人命傅文字，所不忍也。」 彥德不能奪，聞者多其有守，交薦之。
Xu Yinglong, courtesy name Yuncshu. He passed the jinshi examination in Chunxi 2 (1175) and was assigned as legal officer of Hengzhou and reviewing judge of Hunan. In Tanzhou bandits were captured. The ringleader was already in custody but falsely named an escaped accomplice as leader. The clerks believed him; when the fugitive was caught he was pressed hard and falsely confessed. Following precedent the clerks submitted the verdict to the intendant. Yinglong reviewed the testimony and said: "The roles of leader and follower are unclear — by law this must be reported upward." Zhou Bida was then prefect of Tanzhou; Intendant Lu Yande refused to reverse the case and was about to execute the fugitive. Yinglong argued forcefully against him. Yande had earlier promised Yinglong a capital appointment. Now he angrily said: "Do you not wish to advance through my patronage?" Yinglong replied: "I cannot bear to trade a man's life for a written verdict." Yande could not prevail. Word spread of his integrity, and many recommended him.
24
改秩，知瑞州高安縣。 呂祖儉言事忤韓侂胄，謫死高安，應龍為之經紀其喪，且為文誄之。 有勸之避禍者，應龍曰：「呂君吾所敬，雖緣此獲譴，亦所願也。」 朱熹貽書應龍曰：「高安之政，義風凜然。」 主淮西機宜文字，知南恩州。
He received a rank change and was appointed magistrate of Gao'an in Ruizhou. Lü Zujian remonstrated, offended Han Tuozhou, and was banished to die at Gao'an. Yinglong arranged his funeral and wrote a eulogy. Some urged him to avoid trouble. Yinglong said: "Master Lü is a man I revere. Even if I am punished for this, I accept it willingly." Zhu Xi wrote to him: "The moral authority of Gao'an's governance is formidable." He served as staff officer for Huaixi military affairs and was appointed prefect of Nan'en.
25
陳自強當國，乃舊同舍，應龍丐雷州而去。 召監都進奏院，遷國子博士、守工部員外郎，進戶部侍郎，遷國子司業兼實錄院檢討官、崇政殿說書、守秘書少監兼權工部侍郎。
When Chen Ziqiang came to power — a former fellow student — Yinglong asked to be sent to Leizhou and departed. He was recalled as director of the Palace Memorial Reception Office, promoted to Doctor of the Directorate of Education and acting Vice Director of Works, advanced to Vice Minister of Revenue, then Vice Director of Education with concurrent posts as Veritable Records reviser, Chongzheng Hall lecturer, and acting Vice Director of Works as Acting Secretary Director.
26
時金主徙汴，應龍言：「金人窮而南奔，將溢出而蹈吾之境。 金亡，更生新敵，尤為可慮。」 兼侍講，言：「人主不能盡知天下人材，當責之宰相； 宰相不能盡知天下人材，當采之公論。 李吉甫為相，號稱得人，而三人之薦，乃出於裴垍之疏。」
When the Jin ruler moved to Kaifeng, Yinglong warned: "The Jurchens, driven to desperation, are fleeing south and will spill over our borders. When Jin falls, new enemies will arise — that is the greater worry." As Attendant Lecturer he said: "A ruler cannot know every talented man in the empire — that duty belongs to the chief councillor. A chief councillor cannot know them all either — talent must be sought through public consensus. Li Jifu as chief councillor was praised for choosing men well, yet three of his appointments came from a single memorial by Pei Ji alone."
27
子：榮叟，官至參知政事，諡「文靖」； 深叟，官終將作監丞； 清叟，知樞密院事兼參知政事。 各有傳。
His sons: Rongshou, who rose to Vice Grand Councillor with the posthumous title Wenjing; Shenshou ended as Vice Director of the Directorate of Palace Buildings. and Qingshou, Commissioner of Military Affairs concurrently Vice Grand Councillor. Each has his own biography.
28
莊夏，字子禮，泉州人。 淳熙八年進士。 慶元六年，大旱，詔求言。 夏時知贛州興國縣，上封事曰：「君者陽也，臣者君之陰也。 今威福下移，此陰勝也。 積陰之極，陽氣散亂而不收，其弊為火災，為旱蝗。 願陛下體陽剛之德，使後宮戚里、內省黃門，思不出位，此抑陰助陽之術也。」
Zhuang Xia, courtesy name Zili, came from Quanzhou. He passed the jinshi examination in Chunxi 8 (1181). In Qingyuan 6 (1200) a severe drought prompted an edict soliciting remonstrance. Xia was then magistrate of Xingguo in Ganzhou and submitted a sealed memorial: "The ruler is yang; ministers are his yin. When power and favor shift downward, yin overcomes yang. When yin accumulates to excess, yang scatters and cannot be reined in — the result is fire, drought, and locusts. I pray Your Majesty will embody yang's firm strength, so that the inner palace, imperial relatives, and inner attendants keep their ambitions within bounds — that is how to restrain yin and strengthen yang."
29
召為太學博士。 言：「比年分藩持節，詔墨未乾而改除，坐席未溫而易地，一人而歲三易節，一歲而郡四易守，民力何由裕？」 遷國子博士，召除吏部員外郎，遷軍器監，太府少卿。 出知漳州，為宗正少卿兼國史院編修官，尋權直學士院兼太子侍讀。 時流民來歸，夏言：「荊襄、兩淮多不耕之田，計口授地，貸以屋廬牛具。 吾乘其始至，可以得其欲； 彼幸其不死，可以忘其勞。 兵民可合，屯田可成，此萬世一時也。」
He was recalled to serve as Doctor of the Imperial Academy. He said: "In recent years princes receive regional commissions only to be reassigned before the ink is dry. One man may change posts three times in a year; one prefecture may see four prefects in a year. How can the people's resources keep up?" He became Doctor of the Directorate of Education, was summoned as Vice Director in the Ministry of Personnel, then Director of Armaments and Vice Director of the Court of the Imperial Granary. Sent out as prefect of Zhangzhou, he served as Vice Director of the Court of the Imperial Clan and National History reviser, then concurrently acting Hanlin academician and Attendant Reader to the Crown Prince. Refugees were returning home. Xia said: "Jingxiang and the two Huai regions have much fallow land. Allot fields by headcount and lend housing, oxen, and tools. If we act while they first arrive, we can give them what they need. Grateful to be alive, they will forget their hardships. Soldiers and civilians can be combined and garrison colonies established — a once-in-an-age opportunity."
30
試中書舍人兼太子右庶子、左諭德，言：「今戰守不成，而規模不定，則和好之說，得以乘間而入。 今日之患，莫大於兵冗。 乞行下將帥，令老弱自陳，得以子若弟侄若婿強壯及等者收刺之，代其名糧。」 上曰：「兵卒子弟與召募百姓不同，卿言是也。」 除兵部侍郎、煥章閣待制，與祠歸。 嘉定十年卒。
He passed the drafting secretary examination, concurrently Right Vice Director of the Crown Prince's Household and Left Preceptor, and said: "With neither war nor defense settled and no clear strategy fixed, peace talk will find its opening. Today's greatest ill is military bloat. I ask that generals be ordered to let the old and weak step forward, so sons, brothers, nephews, sons-in-law, or others of equal strength may be enlisted in their place and take over their rations." The emperor said: "Soldiers' sons are not like recruited commoners — you are right." He was appointed Vice Minister of War and Huanzhang Pavilion attendant, given a sinecure, and returned home. He died in Jiading 10 (1217).
31
王阮，字南卿，江州人。 曾祖韶，神宗時，開熙河，擒木征； 祖厚，繼辟湟、鄯； 父彥傅，靖康勤王：皆有功。 阮少好學，尚氣節。 常自稱將種，辭辯奮發，四坐莫能屈。 嘗謁袁州太守張栻，栻謂曰：「當今道在武夷，子盍往求之。」 阮見朱熹於考亭，熹與語，大說之。 登隆興元年進士第。
Wang Ruan, courtesy name Nanqing, came from Jiangzhou. His great-grandfather Shao, under Emperor Shenzong, opened the Hehuang region and captured Muzheng; His grandfather Hou in turn opened Huang and Shan; his father Yanfu rallied troops to the emperor's aid during the Jingkang crisis — all distinguished themselves. From youth Ruan loved learning and prized integrity. He often called himself military stock; in debate he was fierce and no one in the room could best him. Once he visited Prefect Zhang Shi of Yuanzhou. Shi told him: "The Way is at Wuyi today — why not go seek it there?" Ruan visited Zhu Xi at Kaoting. Xi spoke with him and was greatly impressed. He passed the jinshi examination in Longxing 1 (1163).
32
時孝宗初即位，欲成高宗之志，首詔經理建業以圖進取，而大臣巽懦幸安，計未決。 阮試禮部，對策曰：
Xiaozong had just ascended and wished to fulfill Gaozong's intent to recover the north. He first ordered preparations at Jianye, but timid ministers clinging to peace could not decide. In the Ministry of Rites examination Ruan wrote in his policy response:
33
「臨安蟠幽宅阻，面湖背海，膏腴沃野，足以休養生聚，其地利於休息。 建康東南重鎮，控制長江呼吸之間，上下千里，足以虎視吳、楚，應接梁、宋，其地利於進取。 建炎、紹興間，敵人乘勝長驅直搗，而我師亦甚憊也。 上皇遵養時晦，不得與平，迺駐臨安，所以為休息計也。 已三十年來，闕者全，壞者修，弊者整，廢者復，較以曩昔，倍萬不侔。 主上獨見遠覽，舉而措諸事業，非固以臨安為不足居也。 戰守之形既分，動靜進退之理異也。
"Lin'an nestles in secluded, obstructed terrain, lake to the front and sea behind; its fertile fields suffice to rest and gather the people — its terrain favors repose. Jianye is the southeast's great stronghold, commanding the Yangzi at its narrow waist. For a thousand li up and down it dominates Wu and Chu and links Liang and Song — its terrain favors advance. Between Jianyan and Shaoxing the enemy rode their victories straight south while our armies were exhausted. The retired emperor bided his time, unable yet to contest for peace, and halted at Lin'an — a plan for rest. Thirty years have passed; gaps are filled, ruins repaired, decay restored, abandonment revived — compared with the past, the realm is incomparably stronger. Your Majesty sees further than others. To raise this plan is not to say Lin'an is unfit to dwell in. Once war and defense take separate forms, the logic of movement, stillness, advance, and retreat changes.
34
古者立國，必有所恃，謀國之要，必負其所恃之地。 秦有函谷，蜀有劍閣，魏有成皐，趙有井陘，燕有飛狐，而吳有長江，皆其所恃以為國也。 今東南王氣，鍾在建業，長江千里，控扼所會，輟而弗顧，退守幽深之地，若將終身焉，如是而曰謀國，果得為善謀乎？ 且夫戰者以地為本，湖山回環，孰與乎龍盤虎踞之雄？ 胥潮奔猛，孰與乎長江之險？ 今議者徒習吳、越之僻固，而不知秣陵之通達，是猶富人之財，不布於通都大邑，而匣金以守之，愚恐半夜之或失也。 儻六飛順動，中原在跬步間，況一建康耶？ 古人有言：『千里之行，起於足下。』 人患不為爾。」
Ancient states rested on something they could rely upon; national strategy must lean on that foundation. Qin had Hangu Pass, Shu the Sword Gate, Wei Chenggao, Zhao Jingxing, Yan Flying Fox, and Wu the Yangzi — each relied on these strongpoints to endure. The southeast's royal qi gathers at Jianye. The thousand-li Yangzi is the strategic choke point — to ignore it, retreat to deep seclusion as if to end one's days there, and call that statecraft — is that wise planning? War rests on terrain. Winding lakes and hills — how do they compare with the dragon-coiled, tiger-crouched majesty of Jianye? The Qiantang bore rushes in fury — how does that compare with the Yangzi's natural barrier? Today's debaters cling to Wu and Yue's cramped defensiveness and ignore Moling's openness and reach — like a rich man hoarding gold in a box instead of deploying it in great markets; I fear it may be lost overnight. If the imperial carriage moves accordingly, the Central Plain is a step away — to say nothing of Jianye alone. The ancients said: 'A journey of a thousand li begins beneath one's foot.' The trouble is simply that men fail to act — nothing more."
35
知貢舉范成大得而讀之，歎曰：「是人傑也。」
Chief examiner Fan Chengda read it and exclaimed: "This is a towering talent."
36
調南康都昌主簿，以廉聲聞，移永州教授。 獻書闕下，請罷吳、楚牧馬之政，而積馬於蜀茶馬司，以省往來綱驛之費、歲時分牧之資，凡數千言。 紹熙中，知濠州，請復曹瑋方田，修种世衡射法，日講守備，與邊民親訪北境事宜。 終阮在濠，金不敢南侵。 改知撫州。
He was assigned chief clerk of Duchang in Nankang, noted for integrity, then professor at Yongzhou. He submitted a memorial at court to abolish Wu and Chu horse pasturing and concentrate horses at the Sichuan Tea-Horse Office, saving courier and seasonal pasturing costs — several thousand words in all. In Shaoxi he became prefect of Haozhou, restored Cao Wei's square-field system, revived Zhong Shihang's archery methods, drilled daily on defense, and personally consulted border people on northern affairs. Throughout Ruan's tenure at Hao, Jin did not dare raid south. He was reassigned as prefect of Fuzhou.
37
韓侂胄宿聞阮名，特命入奏，將誘以美官，夜遣密客詣阮，阮不答，私謂所親曰：「吾聞公卿擇士，士亦擇公卿。 劉歆、柳宗元失身匪人，為萬世笑。 今政自韓氏出，吾肯出其門哉？」 陛對畢，拂衣出關。 侂胄聞之大怒，批旨予祠。 阮於是歸隱廬山，盡棄人間事，從容觴詠而已。 朱熹嘗惜其才氣術略過人，而留滯不偶云。 嘉定元年卒。
Tuozhou had long heard of Ruan and ordered him to court, intending to lure him with high office. At night he sent a secret envoy; Ruan did not respond and told confidants: "Ministers choose scholars, and scholars choose ministers. Liu Xin and Liu Zongyuan attached themselves to unworthy patrons and are mocked through the ages. Power now issues from the Han clan — would I serve under their banner?" When his audience ended, he brushed off his robes and left through the pass. Tuozhou was furious and issued an annotated edict granting him a sinecure. Ruan then retired to Mount Lu, abandoning worldly affairs and contenting himself with wine and poetry. Zhu Xi once lamented that Ruan's talent, energy, and strategic ability surpassed others, yet he remained blocked and unlucky. He died in Jiading 1 (1208).
38
王質，字景文，其先鄆州人，後徙興國。 質博通經史，善屬文。 遊太學，與九江王阮齊名。 阮每云：「聽景文論古，如讀酈道元《水經》，名川支川，貫穿周匝，無有間斷，咳唾皆成珠璣。」
Wang Zhi, courtesy name Jingwen, was originally from Yunzhou and later moved to Xingguo. Zhi was broadly versed in classics and histories and skilled at prose. At the Imperial Academy he was as renowned as Wang Ruan of Jiujiang. Ruan often said: "Listening to Jingwen discuss antiquity is like reading Li Daoyuan's Water Classic — main rivers and tributaries flow without interruption; even his casual words become pearls."
39
質與張孝祥父子遊，深見器重。 孝祥為中書舍人，將薦質舉制科，會去國不果。 著論五十篇，言歷代君臣治亂，謂之《朴論》。 中紹興三十年進士第，用大臣言，召試館職，不就。 明年，金主完顏亮南侵，御史中丞汪澈宣諭荊、襄，又明年，樞密使張浚都督江、淮，皆辟為屬。 入為太學正。
Zhi befriended Zhang Xiaoxiang and his son and was deeply valued by them. When Xiaoxiang was Drafting Secretary he was about to recommend Zhi for the special decree examination, but left the capital before it could happen. He wrote fifty treatises on rulers and ministers through the ages, called the Plain Treatises. In Shaoxing 30 (1160) he passed the jinshi. On a minister's recommendation he was summoned to test for an academy post but declined. The next year Wanyan Liang invaded south. Censor-in-Chief Wang Che was dispatched to Jing and Xiang; the year after, Military Affairs Commissioner Zhang Jun directed Jiang and Huai — both recruited Zhi as staff. He was appointed Director of the Imperial Academy.
40
時孝宗屢易相，國論未定，質乃上疏曰：
Xiaozong frequently changed chief councillors and national policy was unsettled. Zhi submitted a memorial:
41
夫宰相之任一不稱，則陛下之志一沮。 前日康伯持陛下以和，和不成； 浚持陛下以戰，戰不驗； 浚又持陛下以守，守既困； 思退又持陛下以和。 陛下亦嘗深察和、戰、守之事乎？ 李牧在雁門，法主於守，守乃有戰。 祖逖在河南，法主於戰，戰乃有和。 羊祜在襄陽，法主於和，和乃有守。 何至分而不使相合？
When a chief councillor fails in one respect, the emperor's intent is frustrated once. First Kangbo held the emperor to peace — peace failed. Jun held him to war — war did not succeed. Jun again held him to defense — defense grew strained. Situ again held him to peace. Has Your Majesty truly examined peace, war, and defense together? Li Mu at Yanmen made defense fundamental — and defense made war possible. Zu Ti in Henan made war fundamental — and war made peace possible. Yang Hu at Xiangyang made peace fundamental — and peace made defense possible. Why divide them instead of combining them?
42
今陛下之心志未定，規模未立。 或告陛下，金弱且亡，而吾兵甚振，陛下則勃然有勒燕然之志； 或告陛下，吾力不足恃，而金人且來，陛下即委然有盟平涼之心； 或告陛下，吾不可進，金不可入，陛下又蹇然有指鴻溝之意。 使臣為陛下謀，會三者為一，天下烏有不治哉？」
Now Your Majesty's resolve is unsettled and no clear plan is fixed. Tell him Jin is weak and dying while our armies are strong, and he suddenly burns with ambition to inscribe Yanran. Tell him our strength cannot be relied upon and the Jurchens are coming, and he sinks into thoughts of allying at Pingliang. Tell him we cannot advance and Jin cannot enter, and he stiffly fixes on the Honggou line. If I may plan for Your Majesty: unite the three into one — would the empire not be governed?"
43
天子心知質忠，而忌者共讒質年少好異論，遂罷去。 會虞允文宣撫川、陝，辟質偕行。 一日令草檄契丹文，援毫立就，辭氣激壯。 允文起執其手曰：「景文天才也。」 入為敕令所刪定官，遷樞密院編修官。 允文當國，孝宗命擬進諫官，允文以質鯁亮不回，且文學推重於時，可右正言。 時中貴人用事，多畏憚質，陰沮之，出通判荊南府，改吉州，皆不行，奉祠山居，絕意祿仕。 淳熙十五年卒。
The emperor knew Zhi was loyal, but envious men slandered him as young and fond of eccentric views, and he was dismissed. When Yu Yunwen was dispatched to pacify Sichuan and Shaanxi, he recruited Zhi to accompany him. One day he ordered a Khitan proclamation drafted; Zhi took up the brush and finished at once, the language bold and spirited. Yunwen rose, took his hand, and said: "Jingwen is a genius." He became a reviser at the Edicts and Ordinances Office and was transferred to compiler at the Bureau of Military Affairs. When Yunwen held power, Xiaozong ordered remonstrance officials recommended. Yunwen said Zhi, upright and unyielding with literary standing respected in the age, could serve as Right Remonstrance and Critic. Eunuchs then held power and feared Zhi; they obstructed him secretly. He was sent out as vice prefect of Jingnan and transferred to Jizhou — he accepted neither and took a sinecure in the mountains, abandoning all desire for office. He died in Chunxi 15 (1188).
44
陸游字務觀，越州山陰人。 年十二能詩文，蔭補登仕郎。 鎖廳薦送第一，秦檜孫塤適居其次，檜怒，至罪主司。 明年，試禮部，主司復置游前列，檜顯黜之，由是為所嫉。 檜死，始赴福州寧德簿，以薦者除敕令所刪定官。
Lu You, courtesy name Wuguan, came from Shanyin in Yuezhou. At twelve he could write poetry and prose; by yin privilege he entered as Gentleman for Meritorious Achievement. In the locked-hall examination he ranked first; Qin Hui's grandson Kuan ranked second. Hui was furious and even punished the chief examiner. The next year in the Ministry of Rites examination the chief examiner again placed You high; Hui openly demoted him, and from then on Hui envied him. After Hui's death You at last went to Ningde as recorder in Fuzhou; on recommendation he was appointed reviser at the Edicts and Ordinances Office.
45
時楊存中久掌禁旅，游力陳非便，上嘉其言，遂罷存中。 中貴人有市北方珍玩以進者，游奏：「陛下以『損』名齋，自經籍翰墨外，屏而不御。 小臣不體聖意，輒私買珍玩，虧損聖德，乞嚴行禁絕。」
Yang Cunzhong had long commanded the palace guard. You argued forcefully that this was unwise; the emperor praised him and Cunzhong was dismissed. A eunuch purchased northern curios for presentation. You memorialized: "Your Majesty named your studio 'Diminishment' — apart from classics and brushwork, all else is excluded. Petty officials ignore the emperor's intent and privately buy curios — this damages imperial virtue. I ask that this be strictly forbidden."
46
應詔言：「非宗室外家，雖實有勳勞，毋得輒加王爵。 頃者有以師傅而領殿前都指揮使，復有以太尉而領閤門事，瀆亂名器，乞加訂正。」 遷大理寺司直兼宗正簿。
Responding to an edict he said: "Apart from imperial clansmen and consort kin, even those with real merit must not rashly receive princely titles. Recently tutors have commanded the Palace Front Guard, and Grand Preceptors have directed the Palace Gate Office — titles are debased. I ask for correction." He was transferred to Directing Censor of the Court of Judicial Review, concurrently clerk of the Court of the Imperial Clan.
47
孝宗即位，遷樞密院編修官兼編類聖政所檢討官。 史浩、黃祖舜薦游善詞章，諳典故，召見，上曰：「游力學有聞，言論剴切。」 遂賜進士出身。 入對，言：「陛下初即位，乃信詔令以示人之時，而官吏將帥一切玩習，宜取其尤沮格者，與眾棄之。」
When Xiaozong ascended, he was transferred to compiler at the Bureau of Military Affairs, concurrently reviser at the Office for Compiling Sagely Governance. Shi Hao and Huang Zushun recommended You for literary skill and knowledge of precedent. Summoned to audience, the emperor said: "You are known for diligent learning; your speech is incisive." The emperor thereupon granted him jinshi status. At audience he said: "Your Majesty has just ascended — this is the time to make edicts credible, yet officials and generals treat everything as routine. Punish the worst obstructors before all."
48
和議將成，游又以書白二府曰：「江左自吳以來，未有舍建康他都者。 駐蹕臨安出於權宜，形勢不固，饋餉不便，海道逼近，凜然意外之憂。 一和之後，盟誓已立，動有拘礙。 今當與之約，建康、臨安皆係駐蹕之地，北使朝聘，或就建康，或就臨安，如此則我得以暇時建都立國，彼不我疑。」
As peace talks neared success, You wrote the two departments: "Since Wu ruled the southeast, no dynasty has abandoned Jianye for another capital. Halting at Lin'an was expedient; the position is insecure, logistics awkward, and the sea route dangerously close — inviting unexpected disaster. Once peace is made, oaths bind us and every move is constrained. We should agree that both Jianye and Lin'an are imperial residences; northern envoys on court visits may go to either — thus we can use the interval to build a capital without arousing suspicion."
49
時龍大淵、曾覿用事，游為樞臣張燾言：「覿、大淵招權植黨，熒惑聖聽，公及今不言，異日將不可去。」 燾遽以聞，上詰語所自來，燾以游對。 上怒，出通判建康府，尋易隆興府。 言者論游交結臺諫，鼓唱是非，力說張浚用兵，免歸。 久之，通判夔州。
Long Dayuan and Zeng Di held power. You told Military Commissioner Zhang Jun: "Di and Dayuan gather power and build factions, deluding the emperor — if you do not speak now, they cannot be removed later." Jun hastily reported this. The emperor demanded the source; Jun named You. The emperor was angry. You was sent out as vice prefect of Jianye, then transferred to Longxing. Critics charged that You consorted with censors, stirred controversy, and forcefully urged Zhang Jun to war. He was dismissed and sent home. After a long interval he was made vice prefect of Kuizhou.
50
王炎宣撫川、陝，辟為幹辦公事。 游為炎陳進取之策，以為經略中原必自長安始，取長安必自隴右始。 當積粟練兵，有釁則攻，無則守。 吳璘子挺代掌兵，頗驕恣，傾財結士，屢以過誤殺人，炎莫誰何。 游請以玠子拱代挺。 炎曰：「拱怯而寡謀，遇敵必敗。」 游曰：「使挺遇敵，安保其不敗。 就令有功，愈不可駕馭。」 及挺子曦僭叛，游言始驗。
Wang Yan was dispatched to pacify Sichuan and Shaanxi and recruited him as administrative officer. You presented Yan a strategy of advance: to recover the Central Plain one must begin at Chang'an, and to take Chang'an one must begin at Longyou. Accumulate grain and drill troops — attack when opportunity opens, defend when it does not. Wu Lin's son Ting took command, arrogant and willful, spending wealth to win scholars and repeatedly killing men through negligence — Yan could not restrain him. You asked that Wu Jie's son Gong replace Ting. Yan said: "Gong is timid and lacks strategy; he will surely be defeated." You replied: "If Ting meets the enemy, who guarantees he will not be defeated? Even if he won battles, he would be harder still to control." When Ting's son Xi rebelled, You's warning was vindicated.
51
范成大帥蜀，游為參議官，以文字交，不拘禮法，人譏其頹放，因自號放翁。 後累遷江西常平提舉。 江西水災。 奏：「撥義倉振濟，檄諸郡發粟以予民。」 召還，給事中趙汝愚駁之，遂與祠。 起知嚴州，過闕，陛辭，上諭曰：「嚴陵山水勝處，職事之暇，可以賦詠自適。」 再召入見，上曰：「卿筆力回斡甚善，非他人可及。」 除軍器少監。
Fan Chengda commanded Sichuan; You served as deliberation officer. They exchanged writings without ritual constraint; critics mocked his dissolute freedom, and he styled himself Old Man Let-Go. He was later promoted to Jiangxi Ever-Normal Granary intendant. Jiangxi was struck by flooding. He memorialized: "Allocate charity granaries for relief and order all prefectures to release grain to the people." Recalled to court, Supervising Censor Zhao Ruyu rejected the policy and he was given a sinecure. He was appointed prefect of Yanzhou. At leave-taking audience the emperor said: "Yanling has fine mountains and waters; in leisure from duty you may compose poetry for pleasure." Summoned again, the emperor said: "Your brush turns and weaves exceedingly well — no one else matches it." He was made Vice Director of the Armory.
52
紹熙元年，遷禮部郎中兼實錄院檢討官。 嘉泰二年，以孝宗、光宗兩朝實錄及三朝史未就，詔游權同修國史、實錄院同修撰，免奉朝請，尋兼秘書監。 三年，書成，遂升寶章閣待制，致仕。
In Shaoxi 1 (1190) he was transferred to Director in the Ministry of Rites, concurrently Veritable Records reviser. In Jiatai 2 (1202), with Xiaozong's and Guangzong's veritable records and the three-reign history unfinished, an edict ordered You to serve as associate National History compiler and Veritable Records reviser, exempt from court attendance, soon concurrently Director of the Secretariat. In the third year the books were complete; he was promoted to Baozhang Pavilion attendant and retired.
53
游才氣超逸，尤長於詩。 晚年再出，為韓侂胄撰《南園》、《閱古泉記》，見譏清議。 朱熹嘗言：「其能太高，跡太近，恐為有力者所牽挽，不得全其晚節。」 蓋有先見之明焉。 嘉定二年卒，年八十五。
You's talent and spirit were transcendent; he was especially masterful in poetry. In later years he emerged again to write the Southern Garden and Yuegu Spring records for Han Tuozhou — earning mockery from moral critics. Zhu Xi once said: "His talent is too high and his tracks too near power — I fear the powerful will pull him and he will not preserve his late integrity." It was true foresight. He died in Jiading 2 (1210) at eighty-five.
54
方信孺
Fang Xinru (section)
55
方信孺，字孚若，興化軍人。 有雋材，未冠能文，周必大、楊萬里見而異之。 以父崧卿蔭，補番禺縣尉。 盜劫海賈，信孺捕之，盜方沙聚分鹵獲，惶駭欲趨舟，信孺已使人負盜舟去矣，乃悉縛盜，不失一人。
Fang Xinru, courtesy name Furuo, came from the Xinghua garrison. He had outstanding talent; before coming of age he could write. Zhou Bida and Yang Wanli were struck by him. By his father Songqing's yin privilege he was appointed sheriff of Panyu County. Bandits robbed maritime merchants. Xinru captured them while they divided loot on the sand; panic-stricken, they rushed for their boats — but Xinru had already had the boats removed. He bound every bandit without losing one.
56
韓侂胄舉恢復之謀，諸將僨軍，邊釁不已。 朝廷尋悔，金人亦厭兵，乃遣韓元靚來使，而都督府亦再遣壯士遺敵書，然皆莫能得其要領。 近臣薦信孺可使，自蕭山丞召赴都，命以使事。 信孺曰：「開釁自我，金人設問首謀，當何以答之？」 侂胄矍然。 假朝奉郎、樞密院檢詳文字，充樞密院參謀官，持督帥張岩書通問於金國元帥府。
Han Tuozhou launched the recovery campaign; generals ruined the army and border clashes continued. The court soon repented; the Jurchens also wearied of war and sent Han Yuanjing as envoy. The command headquarters twice sent bold men with letters to the enemy — yet none grasped the essentials. A close minister recommended Xinru for the mission. From Xiangshan assistant magistrate he was summoned to the capital and charged with diplomacy. Xinru said: "We opened hostilities. If the Jurchens ask who the chief instigator was, how do we answer?" Tuozhou was visibly startled. Given temporary rank as Court Gentleman for Meritorious Achievement and Detailed Examiner at the Bureau of Military Affairs, he served as staff officer there, bearing Commander Zhang Yan's letter to the Jin Grand Marshal's headquarters.
57
至濠州，金帥紇石烈子仁之止於獄中，露刃環守之，絕其薪水，要以五事。 信孺曰：「反俘、歸幣可也，縛送首謀，於古無之，稱藩、割地，則非臣子所忍言。」 子仁怒曰：「若不望生還耶？」 信孺曰：「吾將命出國門時，已置生死度外矣。」
At Haozhou the Jin commander He Shilie Ziren detained him in prison, ringed him with bare blades, cut off fuel and water, and demanded five concessions. Xinru said: "Returning captives and tribute coins — yes. Sending bound the chief instigator has no ancient precedent. Declaring vassalage and ceding territory — a subject cannot bear to speak of these." Ziren shouted angrily: "Do you expect to return alive?" Xinru said: "When I received my commission and left the nation's gate, I had already set life and death aside."
58
至汴，見金左丞相、都元帥完顏宗浩，出就傳舍。 宗浩使將命者來，堅持五說，且謂：「稱藩、割地，自有故事。」 信孺曰：「昔靖康倉卒割三鎮，紹興以太母故暫屈，今日顧可用為故事耶？ 此事不獨小臣不敢言，行府亦不敢奏也。 請面見丞相決之。」 將命者引而前，宗浩方坐幄中，陳兵見之，云：「五事不從，兵南下矣。」 信孺辯對不少詘。 宗浩叱之曰：「前日興兵，今日求和，何也？」 信孺曰：「前日興兵復仇，為社稷也。 今日屈己求和，為生靈也。」 宗浩不能詰，授以報書曰：「和與戰，俟再至決之。」
At Kaifeng he saw Jin Left Chief Councillor and Grand Marshal Wanyan Zonghao and withdrew to guest quarters. Zonghao sent his envoy, firmly holding to the five demands and saying: "Vassalage and cession have precedents." Xinru said: "At Jingkang the three prefectures were hastily ceded; at Shaoxing there was temporary submission for the empress dowager's sake — can these serve as precedents today? Not only dare I not speak of this — the command headquarters dare not memorialize it either. I request an audience with the chief councillor to decide the matter. The envoy led him forward. Zonghao sat in his tent with troops displayed and said: "Reject the five demands and troops march south." Xinru argued back without yielding an inch. Zonghao shouted: "Yesterday you raised troops; today you seek peace — why?" Xinru said: "Yesterday troops were raised for revenge — for the altars of state. Today we humble ourselves to seek peace — for the sake of the people. Zonghao could not refute him and gave a reply: "Peace and war — wait until your next visit to decide."
59
信孺還，詔侍從、兩省、臺諫官議所以復命。 眾議還俘獲，罪首謀，增歲幣五萬，遣信孺再往。 時吳曦已誅，金人氣頗索，然猶執初議。 信孺曰：「本朝謂增幣已為卑屈，況名分地界哉？ 且以曲直校之，本朝興兵在去年四月，若貽書誘吳曦，則去年三月也，其曲固有在矣。 如以強弱言之，若得滁、濠，我亦得泗、漣水。 若誇胥浦橋之勝，我亦有鳳凰山之捷。 若謂我不能下宿、壽，若圍廬、和、楚果能下乎？ 五事已從其三，而猶不我聽，不過再交兵耳。」
Xinru returned. An edict ordered attendant officials, both secretariats, and censorial and remonstrance officials to debate the reply. Consensus favored returning captives, punishing the chief instigator, increasing annual tribute by fifty thousand, and sending Xinru again. Wu Xi had already been executed; Jin's morale was somewhat slackened, yet they still held to the original demands. Xinru said: "Our court already considers increased tribute humiliating — how much more titles and territory? On right and wrong: we raised troops last April; enticing Wu Xi was last March — the wrong is already theirs. On strength: if they took Chuzhou and Haozhou, we took Si and Lianshui. If they boast Xupu Bridge, we have Fenghuang Mountain. If they say we cannot take Suzhou and Shouzhou — can they truly take Luzhou, Hezhou, and Chuzhou under siege? Of five demands, three are already accepted, yet they still refuse — nothing remains but fighting again."
60
金人見信孺忠懇，乃曰：「割地之議姑寢，但稱藩不從，當以叔為伯，歲幣外，別犒師可也。」 信孺固執不許。 宗浩計窮，遂密與定約。 復命，再差充通謝國信所參謀官，奉國書誓草及許通謝百萬緡抵汴。 宗浩變前說，怒信孺不曲折建白，遽以誓書來，有「誅戮禁錮」語。 信孺不為動，將命曰：「此事非犒軍錢可了。」 別出事目。 信孺曰：「歲幣不可再增，故代以通謝錢。 今得此求彼，吾有隕首而已。」 將命曰：「不爾，丞相欲留公。」 信孺曰：「留於此死，辱命亦死，不若死於此。」 會蜀兵取散關，金人益疑。
Seeing Xinru's sincerity, the Jurchens said: "Cession may rest for now, but if vassalage is refused, 'uncle' may become 'elder brother'; apart from tribute, a separate army reward may be paid." Xinru firmly refused. Zonghao's plans were exhausted; he secretly fixed a treaty. Reporting back, he was again dispatched as staff officer of the Office of Credentials of Gratitude, bearing the state letter, oath draft, and promised gratitude payment of one million strings to Kaifeng. Zonghao changed his earlier position, angry that Xinru had not tactfully reported upward, and hastily sent an oath letter containing language of "execution and imprisonment." Xinru was unmoved. The envoy said: "This cannot be settled with army reward money alone." Separate demands were produced. Xinru said: "Tribute cannot be increased again — gratitude money substitutes for it. Now they get this and seek that — I have only my head to lose." The envoy said: "Otherwise the chief councillor wishes to detain you." Xinru said: "Die detained here or die disgracing my commission — better to die here." When Shu forces seized Sanshui Pass, the Jurchens grew still more suspicious.
61
信孺還，言：「敵所欲者五事：割兩淮一，增歲幣二，犒軍三，索歸正等人四，其五不敢言。」 侂胄再三問，至厲聲詰之，信孺徐曰：「欲得太師頭耳。」 侂胄大怒，奪三秩，臨江軍居住。
Xinru returned and said: "The enemy wants five things: cede the two Huai; increase tribute; army rewards; demand returnees; the fifth he dares not speak." Tuozhou pressed repeatedly, even interrogating harshly. Xinru slowly said: "They want the Grand Preceptor's head — that is all." Tuozhou was furious, stripped him of three ranks, and ordered residence in Linjiang.
62
信孺自春至秋，使金三往返，以口舌折強敵，金人計屈情見，然憤其不屈，議用弗就。 已而王柟出使，定和議，增幣、函首，皆前信孺所持不可者。 柟白廟堂：「信孺辯折敵酋於強愎未易告語之時，信孺當其難，柟當其易。 柟每見，金人必問信孺安在，公論所推，雖敵人不能掩也。」 乃詔信孺自便。
From spring to autumn Xinru traveled to Jin three times; with words alone he bent a strong enemy. Jin's plans were exhausted and their feelings exposed, yet angered by his refusal to yield, his appointment was not confirmed. Soon Wang Nan went as envoy and fixed peace — increased tribute and the boxed head were both what Xinru had refused. Nan reported to court: "Xinru argued down the enemy chieftain when he was strong, stubborn, and hard to reason with — Xinru took the hard part, Nan the easy. Whenever I appeared, the Jurchens asked where Xinru was — public esteem that even enemies cannot hide." An edict then allowed Xinru to go where he pleased.
63
尋知韶州，累遷淮東轉運判官兼提刑。 知真州，即北山匱水築石堤，袤二十里，人莫知其所為。 後金人薄儀真，守將決水匱以退敵，城乃獲全。 山東初內附，信孺言：「豪傑不可以虛名駕馭，武夫不可以弱勢彈壓，宜選威望重臣，將精兵數萬，開幕山東，以主制客，以重馭輕，則可以包山東，固江北，而兩河在吾目中矣。」 坐責降三秩，再奉祠，稍復官。
Soon he was prefect of Shaozhou, then repeatedly promoted to Eastern Huai transport vice intendant concurrently intendant for punishments. As prefect of Zhenzhou he built a twenty-li stone dike at North Mountain to impound water — no one knew why. Later when Jurchens pressed Yizhen, the defender released the impounded water to repel them and the city was saved. When Shandong first submitted, Xinru said: "Heroes cannot be ruled by empty titles; soldiers cannot be controlled by weak force. Choose a prestigious minister, lead tens of thousands of elite troops, and establish headquarters in Shandong. With the host controlling the guest and weight governing lightness, Shandong can be enveloped, the north of the river secured, and the two He regions brought within sight." He was demoted three ranks, given a sinecure again, and gradually had his office restored.
64
信孺性豪爽，揮金如糞土，所至賓客滿其後車。 使北時，年財三十。 既齟齬歸，營居室岩竇，自放於詩酒。 後貲用竭，賓客益落，信孺尋亦死矣。
Xinru was bold and generous, spending gold like dirt; wherever he went guests filled the carriages behind him. When he went north as envoy he was not yet thirty. After his falling-out he built a dwelling among rocky caves and gave himself to poetry and wine. Later his wealth ran out and guests dwindled; Xinru soon died as well.
65
王柟，字汝良，大名人。 祖倫，同簽書樞密院事。 倫使北死，孝宗訪求其孫之未祿者三人官之，柟其一也。 調通州海門尉。 乘輕舟入海濤，捕劇賊小吳郎，並其徒十七人獲之，獄成，不受賞。
Wang Nan, courtesy name Ruliang, came from Daming. His grandfather Lun had concurrently served as Assistant Commissioner of Military Affairs. Lun died on a northern mission. Xiaozong sought unappointed grandsons and gave three office — Nan was one. He was assigned sheriff of Haimen in Tongzhou. Taking a light boat into ocean swells, he captured the notorious bandit Xiao Wulang and seventeen followers. When the case closed he refused reward.
66
韓侂胄以恢復起兵端，天子思繼好息民，凡七遣使無成。 續遣方信孺往，將有成說矣，坐白事忤侂胄得罪。 欲再遣使，顧在廷無可者，近臣以柟薦，擢監登聞鼓院，假右司郎中，使持書北行。 柟歸白其母，母曰：「而祖以忠死國，故恩及子孫。 汝其勉旃，毋以吾老為念。」 乃拜命，疾驅抵敵所。
Han Tuozhou launched the recovery campaign. The emperor wished to renew good relations and rest the people — seven envoys were sent without success. Fang Xinru was then sent and nearly reached agreement, but offended Tuozhou by reporting facts and was punished. Wanting to send another envoy but finding no one suitable, a close minister recommended Nan. He was promoted director of the Palace Drum Petition Office, given temporary rank as Right Director, and sent north bearing a letter. Nan returned to tell his mother. She said: "Your grandfather died loyally for the state — therefore favor reaches his descendants. Exert yourself — do not think of my old age." He accepted the commission and galloped to the enemy camp.
67
金將烏骨論等四人列坐，問：「韓侂胄貴顯幾年矣？」 柟對：「已十餘年，平章國事財二年耳。」 又問：「今欲去此人可乎？」 柟曰：「主上英斷，去之何難。」 四人相顧而笑。 有完顏天寵者，袖出文書，云：「王柟雖持韓侂胄書，乃朝廷有旨遣其來元帥府議和，宜詳議以報。」 於是金人知侂胄已誅，和議遂決。
Jin generals including Wugulun sat in a row and asked: "How long has Han Tuozhou been noble and prominent?" Nan answered: "More than ten years; as chief councillor only two." They asked again: "If we wished to remove this man now, could it be done?" Nan said: "Our ruler is brilliant and decisive — removing him would be easy." The four exchanged glances and laughed. Wanyan Tianchong drew a document from his sleeve: "Though Wang Nan bears Han Tuozhou's letter, the court ordered him to the Grand Marshal's headquarters to discuss peace — deliberate in detail and reply." The Jurchens then knew Tuozhou had been executed and peace was settled.
68
柟持金人牒歸，求函侂胄首，以起居郎許奕為通謝使，柟為通謝所參謀官。 柟自軍前再還，議以侂胄首易淮、陝侵地，從之。 柟奏：「和約之成，皆方信孺備嘗險阻再三將命之功，臣因人成事，乞錄信孺功而蠲其過。」 朝論以柟不掩人揚己多之。 守軍器少監，知楚州，累官至太府卿。 告歸，以右文殿修撰知太平州，加集英殿修撰，致仕。 卒，贈寶章閣待制。
Nan returned with the Jurchen document demanding Tuozhou's head in a box. Attendant Gentleman Xu Yi was made envoy of gratitude; Nan served as staff officer of the Gratitude Office. Nan returned again from the front. The court debated exchanging Tuozhou's head for invaded Huai and Shan territory — and agreed. Nan memorialized: "Peace was achieved through Fang Xinru's repeated dangerous missions — I accomplished it through another's work. I ask that Xinru's merit be recorded and his faults remitted." Court opinion praised Nan for not hiding others' merit to boast of himself. He served as Vice Director of the Armory, prefect of Chuzhou, and rose to Director of the Court of the Imperial Granary. Requesting retirement, as Right Culture Hall compiler he was prefect of Taiping; promoted to Hall Compiler of the Hall for Assembling Excellence, he retired. At death he was posthumously granted Baozhang Pavilion attendant.
69
論曰：樓鑰渾厚正大，李大性直言不愧其先，任希夷請諡先儒，徐應龍在經筵多所裨益，莊夏、王阮、王質皆負其有為之才，卒奉祠去國。 陸遊學廣而望隆，晚為韓侂胄著堂記，君子惜之，抑《春秋》責賢者備也。 方信孺年少奉使，而以意氣折金人。 王柟北歸，請錄信孺之功，長者哉！
The judgment: Lou Yao was solid and upright; Li Daxing spoke plainly without shaming his line; Ren Xiyi sought posthumous titles for the early Confucians; Xu Yinglong benefited the lecture hall greatly; Zhuang Xia, Wang Ruan, and Wang Zhi all had talent for action — yet all ended with sinecures, leaving the capital. Lu You's learning was broad and his repute lofty; in old age he wrote hall records for Han Tuozhou — gentlemen regretted it; yet does not the Spring and Autumn Annals hold the worthy to the fullest standard? Fang Xinru at a young age served as envoy and with sheer spirit bent the Jurchens. Wang Nan, returning from the north, asked that Xinru's merit be recorded — what elder's grace!