1
陳亮，字同父，婺州永康人。 生而目光有芒，為人才氣超邁，喜談兵，論議風生，下筆數千言立就。 嘗考古人用兵成敗之跡，著《酌古論》。 郡守周葵得之，相與論難，奇之，曰：「他日國士也。」 請為上客。 及葵為執政，朝士白事，必指令揖亮，因得交一時豪俊，盡其議論。 因授以《中庸》、《大學》，曰：「讀此可精性命之說。」 遂受而盡心焉。
Chen Liang, courtesy name Tongfu, came from Yongkang in Wuzhou prefecture. From birth his gaze flashed; gifted and bold, he loved military talk, debate that swept like wind, and essays of thousands of words at a stroke. He studied how ancients won and lost wars and wrote the Discourses on Weighing Antiquity. Prefect Zhou Kui read his work, argued points with him, and exclaimed, 'One day he will be a pillar of the state. He had Liang received as an honored guest. Once Zhou Kui entered the council, every courtier reporting business was told to bow to Liang; he met the age's boldest minds and aired every argument. He handed him the Mean and Great Learning, saying, 'Read these to master nature and destiny. Liang took them and gave his whole mind.
2
隆興初，與金人約和，天下忻然幸得蘇息，獨亮持不可。 婺州方以解頭薦，因上《中興五論》，奏入，不報。 已而退修於家，學者多歸之，益力學著書者十年。
When Longxing opened with a Jin peace, the realm sighed with relief; only Liang refused to accept it. Wuzhou was set to recommend him as top licentiate; he submitted the Five Discourses on Restoration, but the memorial vanished without answer. He retired home to study; disciples gathered, and for ten years he wrote and read without slackening.
3
先是，亮嘗圜視錢塘，喟然歎曰：「城可灌爾！」 蓋以地下於西湖也。 至是，當淳熙五年，孝宗即位蓋十七年矣。 亮更名同，詣闕上書曰：
Once he circled Qiantang and sighed, 'This city could be flooded! The ground sat lower than West Lake. Now it was Chunxi 5; Xiaozong had reigned some seventeen years. Liang took the name Tong, went to court, and memorialized:
4
臣惟中國天地之正氣也，天命所鍾也，人心所會也，衣冠禮樂所萃也，百代帝王之所相承也。 挈中國衣冠禮樂而寓之偏方，雖天命人心猶有所係，然豈以是為可久安而無事也！ 天地之正氣鬱遏而久不得騁，必將有所發泄，而天命人心，固非偏方所可久係也。
I hold that China is Heaven and Earth's righteous breath, the seat of Mandate and hearts, the home of ritual and robes, the inheritance of a hundred reigns. To drag China's civilization into a corner may still bind Mandate and hearts, yet that cannot be lasting peace. Orthodox qi pent too long must burst forth; Mandate and hearts will not stay tied to a backwater forever.
5
國家二百年太平之基，三代之所無也； 二聖北狩之痛，漢、唐之所未有也。 方南渡之初，君臣上下痛心疾首，誓不與之俱生，卒能以奔敗之餘，而勝百戰之敵。 及秦檜倡邪議以沮之，忠臣義士斥死南方，而天下之氣惰矣。 三十年之餘，雖西北流寓皆抱孫長息於東南，而君父之大仇一切不復關念，自非海陵送死淮南，亦不知兵戈為何事也。 況望其憤故國之恥，而相率以發一矢哉！
Two centuries of peace are a foundation the Three Ages never knew; the Two Sovereigns' capture is a shame Han and Tang never suffered. At the first retreat south, court and throne swore not to live with the enemy and, from rout and ruin, beat a foe unbeaten in a hundred fields. Qin Hui's peace talk exiled loyal men and drained the realm's spirit. Thirty years on, refugees from the north raised grandchildren in the southeast and forgot sovereign and father; only Hailing's death at Huainan reminded them war existed. Who could expect them to burn with old shame and together loose one arrow?
6
丙午、丁未之變，距今尚以為遠，而海陵之禍，蓋陛下即位之前一年也。 獨陛下奮不自顧，誌於殄滅，而天下之人安然如無事。 時方口議腹非，以陛下為喜功名而不恤後患，雖陛下亦不能以崇高之勢而獨勝之，隱忍以至於今，又十有七年矣。
Bingwu and Dingwei feel distant, yet Hailing fell the year before you took the throne. You alone strive to destroy the foe while the world sleeps as if nothing were wrong. Whispers called you vain for glory; even the throne could not silence them, and you bore it seventeen years more.
7
昔春秋時，君臣父子相戕殺之禍，舉一世皆安之。 而孔子獨以為三綱既絕，則人道遂為禽獸，皇皇奔走，義不能以一朝安。 然卒於無所遇，而發其志於《春秋》之書，猶能以懼亂臣賊子。 今舉一世而忘君父之大仇，此豈人道所可安乎？ 使學者知學孔子之道，當道陛下以有為，決不沮陛下以苟安也。 南師之不出，於今幾年矣，豈無一豪傑之能自奮哉？ 其勢必有時而發泄矣。 苟國家不能起而承之，必將有承之者矣。 不可恃衣冠禮樂之舊，祖宗積累之深，以為天命人心可以安坐而久係也。 「皇天無親，惟德是輔。 民心無常，惟惠之懷」。 自三代聖人皆知其為甚可畏也。
In Spring and Autumn, when fathers and sons, lords and ministers killed one another, an age called it normal. Only Confucius said that when the Three Bonds snapped, men became beasts; he could not rest one morning. Finding no ruler, he poured his will into the Spring and Autumn and still terrified traitors. Today the world forgets sovereign and father—how can the human way abide? Scholars of Confucius would urge you to act, not soothe you into sloth. Our armies have not marched north in years—surely some hero could rise! The pressure must break somewhere. If the state will not seize the moment, another will. Do not trust old ritual and deep accumulation to keep Mandate and hearts seated forever. 'Heaven is impartial; only virtue wins aid. Hearts shift; only kindness holds them.' The Three Sage rulers knew how terrible that truth is.
8
春秋之末，齊、晉、秦、楚皆衰，吳、越起於小邦，遂伯諸侯。 黃池之會，孔子所甚痛也，可以明中國之無人矣。 此今世儒者之所未講也。 今金源之植根既久，不可以一舉而遂滅； 國家之大勢未張，不可以一朝而大舉。 而人情皆便於通和者，勸陛下積財養兵，以待時也。 臣以為通和者，所以成上下之苟安，而為妄庸兩售之地，宜其為人情之所甚便也。 自和好之成十有餘年，凡今日之指畫方略者，他日將用之以坐籌也； 今日之擊球射雕者，他日將用之以決勝也。 府庫充滿，無非財也； 介胄鮮明，無非兵也。 使兵端一開，則其跡敗矣。 何者？ 人才以用而見其能否，安坐而能者不足恃也。 兵食以用而見其盈虛，安坐而盈者不足恃也。 而朝廷方幸一旦之無事，庸愚齷齪之人皆得以守格令、行文書，以奉陛下之使令，而陛下亦幸其易製而無他也。 徒使度外之士擯棄而不得騁，日月蹉跎而老將至矣。 臣故曰：通和者，所以成上下之苟安，而為妄庸兩售之地也。
At Spring and Autumn's end the great states faded; Wu and Yue rose from hamlets to rule the lords. Huangchi grieved Confucius most—it showed China had no men. Today's scholars never discuss it. Jin has rooted deep; one blow cannot end it; our momentum is not yet full; we cannot strike in a day. Men love peace and urge you to hoard gold and drill troops until the hour comes. Peace buys a false calm for court and people and a market for fools and mediocrities—no wonder all love it. Ten years of peace mean today's strategists will tomorrow sit in council; today's archers and ball-players will tomorrow win battles. Treasuries brim with coin; armor gleams with troops. When war starts, the bluff collapses. Why? Talent proves itself in action; idle competence is hollow. Armies and grain show truth only in use; paper plenty is not trust. The court blesses a quiet day; petty men shuffle papers and you bless them as easy to rule. Men of vision are shelved while days drift to old age. Peace, I say again, buys false calm and feeds fools and mediocrities.
9
東晉百年之間，南北未嘗通和也，故其臣東西馳騁，多可用之才。 今和好一不通，朝野之論常如敵兵之在境，惟恐其不得和也，雖陛下亦不得而不和矣。 昔者金人草居野處，往來無常，能使人不知所備，而兵無日不可出也。 今也城郭宮室、政教號令，一切不異於中國，點兵聚糧，文移往反，動涉歲月。 一方有警，三邊騷動，此豈能歲出師以擾我乎？ 然使朝野常如敵兵之在境，乃國家之福，而英雄所用以爭天下之機也，執事者胡為速和以惰其心乎？
Eastern Jin never made peace with the north; ministers ranged widely and talent flourished. Now one breach of peace and every voice fears war—even you must sue for peace again. Once Jin lived in tents and struck without warning. Now they have cities, laws, and months-long mobilization. One alarm stirs three borders—they cannot raid us every year. If we always felt the enemy at the gate, that would be fortune and heroes' chance—why hurry peace to dull us?
10
晉、楚之戰於邲也，欒書以為：「楚自克庸以來，其君無日不討國人而訓之：『於！ 民生之不易，禍至之無日，戒懼之不可以怠。』 在軍，無日不討軍實而申儆之：『於！ 勝之不可保，紂之百克而卒無後。』」 晉、楚之弭兵於宋也，子罕以為：「兵所以威不軌而昭文德也，聖人以興，亂人以廢，廢興存亡昏明之術，皆兵之由也。 而求去之，是以誣道蔽諸侯也。」 夫人心之不可惰，兵威之不可廢，故雖成、康太平，猶有所謂四征不庭、張皇六師者，此李沆所以深不願真宗皇帝之與遼和親也。 況南北角立之時，而廢兵以惰人心，使之安於忘君父之大仇，而置中國於度外，徒以便妄庸之人，則執事者之失策亦甚矣。 陛下何不明大義而慨然與金絕也？
At Bi, Luan Shu said Chu daily warned its people: Ah! Life is hard, disaster near—never slack vigilance.' In camp, not a day without reviewing stores: Ah! Victory is not sure; Zhou won a hundred fights yet had no heir.' At Song's peace Zi Han said arms awe the lawless and show virtue; to abolish them blinds the lords. Seeking to abolish arms slanders the Way. Hearts must not slack nor arms fade—even Cheng and Kang campaigned; Li Hang dreaded Zhenzong's Liao marriage. In our standoff, disarming dulls hearts, forgets the feud, and comforts fools—that is grave error. Why not break with Jin in righteous wrath?
11
貶損乘輿，卻禦正殿，痛自克責，誓必復仇，以勵群臣，以振天下之氣，以動中原之心，雖未出兵，而人心不敢惰矣。 東西馳騁，而人才出矣。 盈虛相補，而兵食見矣。 狂妄之辭不攻而自息，懦庸之夫不卻而自退縮矣。 當有度外之士起，而惟陛下之所欲用矣。 是雲合響應之勢，而非可安坐所致也。 臣請為陛下陳國家立國之本末，而開今日大有為之略； 論天下形勢之消長，而決今日大有為之機，惟陛下幸聽之。
Lower the throne, mourn in the main hall, swear revenge, rouse ministers and the realm—even without marching, none dare slack. Ride east and west and talent appears. Surplus and want balance; grain and arms reveal truth. Rash talk dies unchallenged; cowards shrink unbidden. Then extraordinary men rise for you alone. That is clouds gathering, echoes answering—not armchair work. Let me lay the state's root and branch and open today's great plan; weigh the realm's rise and fall and seize the hour—hear me, sire.
12
唐自肅、代以後，上失其柄，藩鎮自相雄長，擅其土地人民，用其甲兵財賦，官爵惟其所命，而人才亦各盡心於其所事，卒以成君弱臣強、正統數易之禍。 藝祖皇帝一興，而四方次第平定，藩鎮拱手以趨約束，使列郡各得自達於京師。 以京官權知，三年一易，財歸於漕司，而兵各歸於郡。 朝廷以一紙下郡國，如臂之使指，無有留難。 自筦庫微職，必命於朝廷，而天下之勢一矣。 故京師嘗宿重兵以為固，而郡國亦各有禁軍，無非天子所以自守其地也。 兵皆天子之兵，財皆天子之財，官皆天子之官，民皆天子之民，紀綱總攝，法令明備，郡縣不得以一事自專也。 士以尺度而取，官以資格而進，不求度外之奇才，不慕絕世之雋功。 天子蚤夜憂勤於其上，以義理廉恥嬰士大夫之心，以仁義公恕厚斯民之生，舉天下皆由於規矩準繩之中，而二百年太平之基從此而立。
After Suzong and Daizong the Tang throne slipped; warlords seized land and men until lords grew weak and ministers strong. Taizu rose and the quarters submitted; each prefecture spoke straight to the capital. Capital men ruled three-year terms; revenue went to transport, troops to prefectures. One decree moved the realm like a finger on the arm. Even clerks were court appointees; power was one. The capital garrisoned heavy troops; each circuit kept imperial guards to hold the land. All troops, wealth, officials, and people were the emperor's; law was tight and counties could not act alone. Scholars entered by measure, officers by seniority—no hunt for wild genius or matchless deeds. The emperor toiled, bound scholars with shame and people with grace, and two centuries of peace stood.
13
然契丹遂得以猖狂恣睢，與中國抗衡，儼然為南北兩朝，而頭目手足渾然無別。 微澶淵一戰，則中國之勢浸微，根本雖厚而不可立矣。 故慶曆增幣之事，富弼以為朝廷之大恥，而終身不敢自論其勞。 蓋契丹征令，是主上之操也； 天子供貢，是臣下之禮也。 契丹之所以卒勝中國者，其積有漸也。 立國之初，其勢固必至此。 故我祖宗常嚴廟堂而尊大臣，寬郡縣而重守令。 於文法之內，未嘗折困天下之富商巨室； 於格律之外，有以容獎天下之英偉奇傑，皆所以助立國之勢，而為不虞之備也。
Yet Khitan stood as a second court, hardly different from ours. Without Chanyuan our root would have failed though thick. Qingli's added tribute was Fu Bi's lifelong shame—he never boasted his service. Khitan commands—that is a sovereign's part; the emperor paying tribute—that is a subject's rite. Khitan won by inches piled year by year. At founding the trend was set. Ancestors honored ministers and empowered prefects. They never crushed great merchants within law; beyond statutes they rewarded heroes to brace the state against surprise.
14
慶曆諸臣亦嘗憤中國之勢不振矣，而其大要，則使群臣爭進其說，更法易令，而廟堂輕矣； 嚴按察之權，邀功生事，而郡縣又輕矣。 豈惟於立國之勢無所助，又從而朘削之，雖微章得象、陳執中以排沮其事，亦安得而不自沮哉！ 獨其破去舊例，以不次用人，而勸農桑，務寬大，為有合於因革之宜，而其大要已非矣。 此所以不能洗契丹平視中國之恥，而卒發神宗皇帝之大憤也。
Qingli men raged at China's slump yet made ministers bicker over laws until the court itself grew light; they empowered surveillance to chase merit and made counties lighter still. They eroded the state; even Zhang Dexiang and Chen Zhizhong could only slow the ruin. Only out-of-turn appointments, farming, and leniency fit renewal; the rest was wrong. They never erased Khitan's equal stare and finally enraged Shenzong.
15
王安石以正法度之說，首合聖意，而其實則欲籍天下之兵盡歸於朝廷，別行教閱以為強也； 括郡縣之利盡入於朝廷，別行封樁以為富也。 青苗之政，惟恐富民之不困也； 均輸之法，惟恐商賈之不折也。 罪無大小，動輒興獄，而士大夫緘口畏罪矣。 西、北兩邊致使內臣經畫，而豪傑恥於為役矣。 徒使神宗皇帝見兵財之數既多，銳然南北征伐，卒乖聖意，而天下之勢實未嘗振也。 彼蓋不知朝廷立國之勢，正患文為之太密，事權之太分，郡縣太輕於下而委瑣不足恃，兵財太關於上而重遲不易舉。 祖宗惟用前四者以助其勢，而安石竭之不遺餘力，不知立國之本末者，真不足以謀國也。 元祐、紹聖一反一復，而卒為金人侵侮之資，尚何望其振中國以威四裔哉？
Wang Anshi's 'correct laws' pleased the throne yet meant to seize every troop and drill them at court; to sweep county revenue into the center and call it wealth. Green Sprouts feared only that rich farmers would not suffer; Uniform Transport feared only that merchants would not break. Suits for any crime silenced the scholar-officials. Eunuchs planned the frontiers and heroes refused to serve. Shenzong saw numbers and rushed to war, against his own intent, and the realm never truly stirred. They missed that the state thrived on divided power, light counties, and heavy center—slow but sure. Ancestors used four props; Wang drained them—ignorant of roots, unfit to govern. Yuanyou and Shaosheng's seesaw fed Jin's raids—how could China awe the world?
16
南渡以來，大抵遵祖宗之舊，雖微有因革增損，不足為輕重有無。 如趙鼎諸臣，固已不究變通之理，況秦檜盡取而沮毀之，忍恥事仇，飾太平於一隅以為欺，其罪可勝誅哉！ 陛下憤王業之屈於一隅，勵志復仇，不免籍天下之兵以為強，括郡縣之利以為富。 加惠百姓，而富人無五年之積； 不重徵稅，而大商無巨萬之藏，國勢日以困竭。 臣恐尺籍之兵，府庫之財，不足以支一旦之用也。 陛下蚤朝晏罷，冀中興日月之功，而以繩墨取人，以文法涖事； 聖斷裁制中外，而大臣充位，胥吏坐行條令，而百司逃責，人才日以闒茸。 臣恐程文之士，資格之官，不足當度外之用也。 藝祖經畫天下之大略，太宗已不能盡用，今其遺意，豈無望於陛下也！ 陛下苟推原其意而行之，可以開社稷數百年之基，而況於復故物乎！ 不然，維持之具既窮，臣恐祖宗之積累亦不足恃也。 陛下試令臣畢陳於前，則今日大有為之略必知所處矣。
Since the crossing we mostly kept ancestral ways; tweaks changed little. Zhao Ding lacked flexibility; Qin Hui destroyed all, served the foe, and painted a corner as peace—his crime is beyond death. You rage at our cornered throne and seize troops and revenue for strength. You favor the people yet the rich lack five years' grain; you lighten tax yet merchants lack great stores—the state weakens daily. I fear rostered troops and treasury coin will not last one day's war. You toil for restoration yet hire by rule and govern by paperwork; you judge all, yet ministers are placeholders, clerks rule, offices shirk—talent rots. Exam essayists and seniority men cannot meet extraordinary need. Taizu's design Taizong already half abandoned—surely it waits on you! Trace his intent and you open centuries of foundation—how much more recover the north! When maintenance fails, even ancestors' store may not hold. Let me speak fully and today's plan will find its place.
17
夫吳、蜀天地之偏氣，錢塘又吳之一隅。 當唐之衰，錢鏐以閭巷之雄，起王其地，自以不能獨立，常朝事中國以為重。 及我宋受命，禘盡以其家入京師，而自獻其土。 故錢塘終始五代，被兵最少，而二百年之間，人物日以繁盛，遂甲於東南。 及建炎、紹興之間，為六飛所駐之地，當時論者，固已疑其不足以張形勢而事恢復矣。 秦檜又從而備百司庶府，以講禮樂於其中，其風俗固已華靡，士大夫又從而治園囿臺榭，以樂其生於干戈之餘，上下晏安，而錢塘為樂國矣。 一隙之地，本不足以容萬乘，而鎮壓且五十年，山川之氣蓋亦發泄而無餘矣。 故穀粟、桑麻、絲枲之利，歲耗於一歲，禽獸、魚鱉、草木之生，日微於一日，而上下不以為異也。 公卿將相，大抵多江、浙、閩、蜀之人，而人才亦日以凡下，場屋之士以十萬數，而文墨小異，已足以稱雄於其間矣。 陛下據錢塘已耗之氣，用閩、浙日衰之士，而欲鼓東南習安脆弱之眾，北向以爭中原，臣是以知其難也。
Wu and Shu are marginal breaths; Qiantang is Wu's corner. When Tang fell, Qian Liu, a lane bravo, ruled there and bowed to China for legitimacy. When Song took the Mandate, the Qian house entered the capital and yielded the land. Qiantang saw little war for two centuries and led the southeast. In Jianyan and Shaoxing it housed the court; men doubted it could restore the realm. Qin Hui packed offices there for ritual and music; officials built gardens and Qiantang became a pleasure land. A sliver held the throne fifty years until its qi ran dry. Grain and silk waned yearly, beasts and fish thinned daily—none thought it strange. Officials came from the southeast; talent grew common; a slight literary twist made a hero among thousands. You sit on spent Qiantang, employ fading southeastern scholars, and would drive soft habits north—I know how hard that is.
18
荊、襄之地，在春秋時，楚用以虎視齊、晉，而齊、晉不能屈也。 及戰國之際，獨能與秦爭帝。 其後三百餘年，而光武起於南陽，同時共事，往往多南陽故人。 又二百餘年，遂為三國交據之地，諸葛亮由此起輔先主，荊楚之士從之如雲，而漢氏賴以復存於蜀； 周瑜、魯肅、呂蒙、陸遜、陸抗、鄧艾、羊祜皆以其地顯名。 又百餘年，而晉氏南渡，荊、雍常雄於東南，而東南往往倚以為強，梁竟以此代齊。 及其氣發泄無餘，而隋、唐以來，遂為偏方下州。 五代之際，高氏獨常臣事諸國。 本朝二百年之間，降為荒落之邦，北連許、汝，民居稀少，土產卑薄，人才之能通姓名於上國者，如晨星之相望。 況至於建炎、紹興之際，群盜出沒於其間，而被禍尤極，以迄於今，雖南北分畫交據，往往又置於不足用，民食無所從出，而兵不可由此而進。 議者或以為憂，而不知其勢之足用也。 其地雖要為偏方，然未有偏方之氣五六百年而不發泄者，況其東通吳會，西連巴蜀，南極湖湘，北控關洛，左右伸縮，皆足以為進取之機。 今誠能開墾其地，洗濯其人，以發泄其氣而用之，使足以接關洛之氣，則可以爭衡於中國矣，是亦形勢消長之常數也。
In Spring and Autumn Chu used Jing and Xiang to stare down Qi and Jin. In Warring States only they could vie with Qin for empire. Three centuries later Guangwu rose in Nanyang surrounded by hometown men. Two centuries on it was Three Kingdoms ground; Zhuge Liang gathered Jing-Chu men and Shu lived; Zhou Yu, Lu Su, Lü Meng, Lu Xun, Lu Kang, Deng Ai, and Yang Hu won fame there. A century later Jin fled south; Jing and Yong led the southeast until Liang replaced Qi. When qi ran out, Sui and Tang made it a backwater. In Five Dynasties only the Gaos often submitted. For two Song centuries it was barren—few people, poor goods, rare talent. In Jianyan and Shaoxing bandits ravaged it; even now food fails and armies cannot march from there. Critics worry, not seeing its stored force. Yet corner qi must vent; it links east to Wu-Yue, west to Ba-Shu, south to lakes, north to passes—every side an avenue. Reclaim it, rouse its people, connect to the north, and we can contend for the realm—that is momentum's law.
19
陛下慨然移都建業，百司庶府皆從草創，軍國之儀皆從簡略，又作行宮於武昌，以示不敢寧居之意。 常以江、淮之師為金人侵軼之備，而精擇一人之沈鷙有謀、開豁無他者，委以荊、襄之任，寬其文法，聽其廢置，撫摩振厲於三數年之間，則國家之勢成矣。
You moved boldly to Jianye, rebuilt offices from scratch, simplified ritual, and built a Wuchang palace to show you would not rest. Keep Huai armies against Jin, choose one deep planner for Jing-Xiang, loosen his rules, and in a few years the state's force stands.
20
臣不佞，自少有驅馳四方之志，嘗數至行都，人物如林，其論皆不足以起人意，臣是以知陛下大有為之志孤矣。 辛卯、壬辰之間，始退而窮天地造化之初，考古今沿革之變，以推極皇帝王伯之道，而得漢、魏、晉、唐長短之由，天人之際昭昭然可考而知也。 始悟今世之儒士自以為得正心誠意之學者，皆風痹不知痛癢之人也。 舉一世安於君父之仇，而方低頭拱手以談性命，不知何者謂之性命乎？ 陛下接之而不任以事，臣於是服陛下之仁。 又悟今世之才臣自以為得富國強兵之術者，皆狂惑以肆叫呼之人也。 不以暇時謀究立國之本末，而方揚眉伸氣以論富強，不知何者謂之富強乎？ 陛下察之而不敢盡用，臣於是服陛下之明。 陛下厲志復仇足以對天命，篤於仁愛足以結民心，而又仁明足以照臨群臣一偏之論，此百代之英主也。 今乃委任庸人，籠絡小儒，以遷延大有為之歲月，臣不勝憤悱，是以忘其賤而獻其愚。 陛下誠令臣畢陳於前，豈惟臣區區之願，將天地之神、祖宗之靈，實與聞之。
I am untalented yet roamed to the capital; crowds talked, none stirred the heart—I know your great plan stands alone. In xinmao and renchen I studied heaven, history, and the ways of kings, and saw Heaven and man clearly. I saw today's 'sincere mind' scholars are numb to pain like men with wind paralysis. The age forgets the feud yet chats of nature and destiny—what is that! You heard me but gave no office—I honor your benevolence. I saw 'strong army' ministers are madmen shouting. They never study how states stand yet boast of strength—what is strength! You saw through them and did not fully use them—I honor your clarity. Your revenge answers Heaven, your love binds hearts, your light pierces partial talk—you are a lord of ages. Yet you trust mediocres and cage small Ruists, wasting the months of action—I forget rank and speak plainly. If you let me speak fully, not only I but heaven and ancestors will hear.
21
書奏，孝宗赫然震動，欲榜朝堂以勵群臣，用種放故事，召令上殿，將擢用之。 左右大臣莫知所為，惟曾覿知之，將見亮，亮恥之，逾垣而逃。 覿以其不詣己，不悅。 大臣尤惡其直言無諱，交沮之，乃有都堂審察之命。 宰相臨以上旨，問所欲言，皆落落不少貶，又不合。
The memorial shook Xiaozong; he would post it in court and promote Liang as with Zhong Fang. Ministers were baffled; Zeng Di came to see him—Liang scaled the wall and fled. Di was angry that Liang snubbed him. Ministers hated his bluntness and ordered a Hall review. The chief councilor questioned him; he would not soften—again rejected.
22
待命十日，再詣闕上書曰：
Ten days later he memorialized again:
23
恭惟皇帝陛下厲志復仇，不肯即安於一隅，是有大功於社稷也。 然坐錢塘浮侈之隅以圖中原，則非其地； 用東南習安之眾以行進取，則非其人。 財止於府庫，則不足以通天下之有無； 兵止於尺籍，則不足以兼天下之勇怯。 是以遷延之計遂行，而陛下大有為之志乖矣。 此臣所以不勝忠憤，齋沐裁書，獻之闕下，願得望見顏色，陳國家立國之本末，而開大有為之略； 論天下形勢之消長，而決大有為之機，務合於藝祖經畫天下之本旨。 然待命八日，未有聞焉。 臣恐天下豪傑有以測陛下之意向，而雲合響應之勢不得而成矣。
Your resolve on revenge, refusing ease in a corner, is great merit. Yet Qiantang's luxury is the wrong ground for the Central Plain; the southeast's soft habits are the wrong army. Treasury wealth cannot read the realm's want and plenty; Roster troops cannot grasp the realm's courage and fear. So delay wins and your great plan stalls. In loyal rage I bathe and write, begging audience to lay root and branch and open the great plan; weigh rise and fall and seize the hour, fitting Taizu's design. Eight days passed without word. Heroes will read your intent—and the gathering cloud, answering echo, will never form.
24
又上書曰：
He memorialized again:
25
臣妄意國家維持之具，至今日而窮，而藝祖皇帝經畫天下之大指，猶可恃以長久，苟推原其意而變通之，則恢復不足為矣。 然而變通之道有三：有可以遷延數十年之策，有可以為百五六十年之計，有可以復開數百年之基。 事勢昭然而效見殊絕，非陛下聰明度越百代，決不能一一以聽之。 臣不敢泄之大臣之前，而大臣拱手稱旨以問，臣亦姑取其大體之可言者三事以答之。
Maintenance is spent, yet Taizu's design can still last—adapt it and recovery is near. Adaptation has three paths: decades, a century and a half, or centuries reborn. Effects differ wildly—only a sage of ages could hear each in turn. I dare not tell ministers first; they ask with folded hands, so I give three broad answers.
26
其一曰：二聖北狩之痛，蓋國家之大恥，而天下之公憤也。 五十年之餘，雖天下之氣銷鑠頹墮，不復知仇恥之當念，正在主上與二三大臣振作其氣，以泄其憤，使人人如報私仇，此《春秋》書衛人殺州籲之意也。
First: the Two Sovereigns' capture is national shame and public rage. Fifty years of sloth needs you and a few ministers to rouse men like private vengeance—as Spring and Autumn praised Wei's revenge.
27
其二曰：國家之規模，使天下奉規矩準繩以從事，群臣救過之不給，而何暇展布四體以求濟度外之功哉！
Second: the state binds all in rules; ministers chase faults—who has leisure for conquest!
28
其三曰：藝祖皇帝用天下之士人，以易武臣之任事者，故本朝以儒立國。 而儒道之振，獨優於前代。 今天下之士熟爛委靡，誠可厭惡，正在主上與二三大臣反其道以教之，作其氣而養之，使臨事不至乏才，隨才皆足有用，則立國之規模不至戾藝祖之本旨，而東西馳騁以定禍亂，不必專在武臣也。
Third: Taizu replaced warriors with scholars; this dynasty is Ru. And our Ru flourish beyond any age. Scholars are flaccid—reverse the way, rouse them, and civil men can settle turmoil without relying only on generals.
29
臣所以為大臣論者，其略如此。
That is what I would tell your ministers.
30
書既上，帝欲官之，亮笑曰：「吾欲為社稷開數百年之基，寧用以博一官乎！」 亟渡江而歸。 日落魄醉酒，與邑之狂士飲，醉中戲為大言，言涉犯上。 一士欲中亮，以其事首刑部。 侍郎何澹嘗為考試官，黜亮，亮不平，語數侵澹，澹聞而嗛之，即繳狀以聞。 事下大理，笞掠亮無完膚，誣服為不軌。 事聞，孝宗知為亮，嘗陰遣左右廉知其事，及奏入取旨，帝曰：「秀才醉後妄言，何罪之有！」 劃其牘於地，亮遂得免。
The emperor offered office; Liang laughed, 'I aim at centuries of foundation—not one post!' He crossed the river home at once. He drank with local rakes and, drunk, jested words that touched treason. A scholar denounced him to the Ministry of Justice. He Dan, who had failed him in exams, seized on insults and forwarded the charge. The Court of Judicial Review flogged him broken and forced a false confession. Xiaozong knew it was Liang; when the report came he said, 'A drunk scholar's babble is no crime!' He threw the paper down and Liang was spared.
31
居無何，亮家僮殺人於境，適被殺者嘗辱亮父次尹，其家疑事由亮。 聞於官，笞榜僮，死而復甦者數，不服。 又囚亮父於州獄。 而屬臺官論亮情重，下大理。 時丞相淮知帝欲生亮，而辛棄疾、羅點素高亮才，援之尤力，復得不死。
Soon his servant killed a man who had once insulted Liang's father; the dead man's kin blamed Liang. Once officials heard of it, he had the boy beaten with the cudgel until the lad died and revived several times, but the servant still refused to admit guilt. He also threw Liang's father into the prefectural prison. He then had the censorate deem Liang's crime serious and refer the case to the Court of Judicial Review. Chief Councilor Huai knew the emperor wanted Liang to live; Xin Qiji and Luo Dian, who had long admired his ability, argued for him with unusual vigor, and he was spared once more.
32
亮自以豪俠屢遭大獄，歸家益厲志讀書，所學益博。 其學自孟子後惟推王通，嘗曰：「研窮義理之精微，辨析古今之同異，原心於秒忽，較禮於分寸，以積累為工，以涵養為正，麵盎背，則於諸儒誠有愧焉。 至於堂堂之陳，正正之旗，風雨雲雷交發而並至，龍蛇虎豹變現而出沒，推倒一世之智勇，開拓萬古之心胸，自謂差有一日之長。」 亮意蓋指朱熹、呂祖謙等云。
Taking himself for a swashbuckling spirit who had weathered repeated capital trials, Liang went home and threw himself into study with renewed zeal until his learning grew remarkably wide. After Mencius he ranked no scholar above Wang Tong, and he once remarked that to plumb principle to its finest grain, sift past from present, trace the mind in a flash and weigh ritual to the inch, to labor by accumulation and stand upright by nurture, with glowing face and bent back, would leave one ashamed before the Confucians. Yet in marshaling a grand host under righteous banners, when storm and thunder break at once and dragon, serpent, tiger, and leopard leap in and out of sight, toppling a generation's wit and daring and widening the breast across ten thousand years, he believed himself for a day their better. Liang had Zhu Xi, Lü Zuqian, and such men chiefly in mind.
33
高宗崩，金遣使來弔，簡慢。 而光宗由潛邸判臨安府，亮感孝宗之知，至金陵視形勢，復上疏曰：
After Gaozong's death the Jin dispatched mourners who were curt and disrespectful. Guangzong, still heir in the Hidden Residence, was put in charge of Lin'an; grateful for Xiaozong's trust, Liang traveled to Jinling to study the terrain and submitted another memorial:
34
有非常之人，然後可以建非常之功。 求非常之功，而用常才、出常計、舉常事以應之者，不待知者而後知其不濟也。 秦檜以和誤國二十餘年，而天下之氣索然無餘矣。 陛下慨然有削平宇內之志，又二十餘年，天下之士始知所向，其有功於宗廟社稷者，非臣區區所能誦說其萬一也。 高宗皇帝春秋既高，陛下不欲大舉，驚動慈顏，抑心俯首，以致色養，聖孝之盛，書冊之所未有也。 今者高宗既已祔廟，天下之英雄豪傑皆仰首以觀陛下之舉動，陛下其忍使二十年間所以作天下之氣者，一旦而復索然乎？
It takes an extraordinary man to achieve an extraordinary feat. To pursue a great enterprise with mediocre men, ordinary schemes, and routine measures is doomed—anyone can see that without being wise. For over twenty years Qin Hui's peace policy sapped the realm until its spirit lay flat and empty. Your Majesty's resolve to reunify the realm has, for another twenty years, shown scholars where their duty lies; the worthies who have served throne and state are beyond this humble servant's power to praise even in part. Gaozong was old; unwilling to shock him with war, you bowed your will and bent your head to comfort him in retirement—a filial devotion books have never matched. Now that Gaozong rests in the temple, heroes everywhere watch your next step—will you let the spirit you raised for twenty years collapse in a day?
35
天下不可以坐取也，兵不可以常勝也，驅馳運動又非年高德尊者之所宜也。 東宮居曰監國，行曰撫軍，陛下何以不於此時而命東宮為撫軍大將軍，歲巡建業，使之兼統諸司，盡護諸將，置長史、司馬以專其勞，而陛下於宅憂之餘，運用人才，均調天下，以應無窮之變？ 此肅宗所以命廣平王之故事也。
Empires are not won from an armchair, victories do not last forever, and hard campaigning ill suits an elder of years and dignity. An heir at home 'oversees the state'; abroad he 'pacifies the army.' Why not now name the crown prince Pacifying-Army Grand General, send him yearly to Jianye to command all offices and generals, with a chief administrator to bear the toil, while you, in mourning, marshal men and balance the realm against every turn? That was the model Suzong followed in appointing the Prince of Guangping.
36
高宗與金有父兄之仇，生不能以報之，則死必有望於子孫，何忍以升遐之哀告諸仇哉！ 遺留、報謝，三使繼遣，金帛寶貨，千兩連發。 而金人僅以一使，如臨小邦，哀祭之辭寂寥簡慢，義士仁人痛切心骨，豈以陛下之聖明智勇而能忍之乎！
Gaozong's feud with Jin was a father's and elder brother's wrong; living, he could not avenge it—dying, he surely hoped his sons would. How could you tell that grief to the enemy? Mission followed mission—legacy bearers, thanksgiving envoys, return embassies—while gold, silk, and treasure poured out in trains of a thousand taels each. Jin sent only one envoy, treating us like a vassal; their mourning words were thin and insulting, and every loyal heart burned—could your sacred courage truly swallow that?
37
陛下倘以大義為當正，撫軍之言為可行，則當先經理建業而後使臨之。 縱今歲未為北舉之謀，而為經理建康之計，以振動天下而與金絕，陛下之初誌亦庶幾於少伸矣！ 陛下試一聽臣，用其喜怒哀樂之權鼓動天下。
If you deem righteousness paramount and the pacifying-army scheme feasible, put Jianye in order first, then send the heir to hold it. Even without a northern campaign this year, to organize Jianye, rouse the empire, and break with Jin would let your first ambition breathe again. Hear me once, sire, and wield joy, wrath, grief, and gladness to move the world.
38
大略欲激孝宗恢復，而是時孝宗將內禪，不報。 由是在廷交怒，以為狂怪。
His thrust was to spur Xiaozong toward reconquest, but Xiaozong was on the verge of abdicating and never answered. Courtiers turned on him in fury, calling him reckless and strange.
39
先是，鄉人會宴，末胡椒特置亮羹胾中，蓋村俚敬待異禮也。 同坐者歸而暴死，疑食異味有毒，已入大理。 會呂興、何念四毆呂天濟且死，恨曰：「陳上舍使殺我。」 縣令王恬實其事，臺官諭監司選酷吏訊問，無所得，取入大理，眾意必死。 少卿鄭汝諧閱其單辭，大異曰：「此天下奇材也。 國家若無罪而殺士，上干天和，下傷國脈矣。」 力言於光宗，遂得免。
Before that, at a hometown feast, hosts had placed pepper last in Liang's stew alone—a village honor for a distinguished guest. A table companion went home and died abruptly; rumor blamed poison in the special dish, and the case was already before the Court of Judicial Review. Then Lü Xing and He Niansi beat Lü Tianji almost dead, snarling that Student Chen had ordered his death. Magistrate Wang Tian made the charge stick; the censorate told surveillance officials to pick pitiless examiners, but they found nothing and sent him to the Court of Judicial Review anyway, and everyone expected execution. Vice Minister Zheng Runan read the lone confession and exclaimed, 'Here is a wonder of the age. To execute an innocent scholar offends Heaven and severs the state's lifeblood.' He pleaded urgently before Guangzong, and Liang was released.
40
未幾，光宗策進士，問以禮樂刑政之要，亮以君道、師道對，且曰：「臣竊歎陛下之於壽皇蒞政二十有八年之間，寧有一政一事之不在聖懷？ 而問安視寢之餘，所以察辭而觀色，因此而得彼者其端甚眾，亦既得其機要而見諸施行矣。 豈徒一月四朝而以為京邑之美觀也哉！」 時光宗不朝重華宮，群臣更進迭諫，皆不聽，得亮策，乃大喜，以為善處父子之間。 奏名第三，御筆擢第一。 既知為亮，則大喜曰：「朕擢果不謬。」 孝宗在南內，寧宗在東宮，聞知皆喜，故賜第告詞曰：「爾蚤以藝文首賢能之書，旋以論奏動慈宸之聽。 親閱大對，嘉其淵源，擢置舉首，殆天留以遺朕也。」 授僉書建康府判官廳公事。 未至官，一夕，卒。
Soon Guangzong tested the palace graduates on ritual, music, law, and government; Liang spoke of the prince's and teacher's ways and said, 'I marvel that through twenty-eight years at Shouhuang's side not one matter escaped your mind. Between visits to his chamber you read his words and face, learned from countless signs, and already turned insight into action. Surely that was more than the capital's boast of four audiences a month!' Guangzong had stopped visiting Chonghua; ministers pleaded in turn without success, yet Liang's answer delighted him as the right medicine for father and son. Listed third on the rolls, he was promoted by imperial brush to the top. Learning it was Liang, the emperor cried, 'We chose well after all.' Xiaozong in the Southern Palace and Ningzong in the Eastern Palace rejoiced alike, so the residence grant read: 'Long ago you topped the civil lists; soon your memorials stirred the retired emperor's ear. Reading your palace answers, I rejoice in your depth and set you first—Heaven may have spared you for Us.' He received appointment as signing clerk in the Jianye prefectural office. He never took up the post; one night he died.
41
亮之既第而歸也，弟充迎拜於境，相對感泣。 亮曰：「使吾他日而貴，澤首逮汝，死之日，各以命服見先人於地下足矣。」 聞者悲傷其意。 然志存經濟，重許可，人人見其肺肝。 與人言，必本於君臣父子之義，雖為布衣，薦士恐弗及。 家僅中產，畸人寒士衣食之，久不衰。 卒之後，吏部侍郎葉適請於朝，命補一子官，非故典也。 端平初，諡文毅，更與一子官。
Returning home after his degree, Liang met his brother Chong at the county line; they bowed and wept together. Liang said, 'Should I rise and my grace reach you, let us meet our ancestors below in the robes our ranks allow—that will be enough.' Listeners were pierced by what he meant. Still his heart was fixed on public service; he prized his word, and all could read him through. He spoke always from the duties of ruler and subject, father and son; though without office, he recommended talent as zealously as any minister. A household of modest means, he still fed odd scholars and poor gentlemen year after year. After his death Vice Minister of Personnel Ye Shi asked the court to give one son an office—outside usual practice. Early in Duanping he received the posthumous title Wenyi and another son was given rank.
42
鄭樵，字漁仲，興化軍莆田人。 好著書，不為文章，自負不下劉向、楊雄。 居夾漈山，謝絕人事。 久之，乃遊名山大川，搜奇訪古，遇藏書家，必借留讀盡乃去。 趙鼎、張浚而下皆器之。 初為經旨，禮樂、文字、天文、地理、蟲魚、草木、方書之學，皆有論辨，紹興十九年上之，詔藏秘府。 樵歸，益厲所學，從者二百餘人。
Zheng Qiao, courtesy name Yuzhong, came from Putian in Xinghua prefecture. He wrote books, not belles-lettres, and held himself no lesser than Liu Xiang or Yang Xiong. Living on Jiaji Mountain, he shut out the world. Later he roamed famous peaks and rivers, hunting curiosities and ruins; at every private library he borrowed and stayed until he had read every volume. From Zhao Ding and Zhang Jun on down, leading men prized him. He first wrote treatises on classics, ritual, writing, astronomy, geography, natural history, and esoterica; in Shaoxing year 19 he presented them and the throne ordered them into the imperial archives. Back home he drove his studies harder; over two hundred disciples gathered.
43
以侍講王綸、賀允中薦，得召對，因言班固以來歷代為史之非。 帝曰：「聞卿名久矣，敷陳古學，自成一家，何相見之晚耶？」 授右迪功郎、禮、兵部架閣，以御史葉義問劾之，改監潭州南嶽廟，給劄歸抄所著《通志》。 書成，入為樞密院編修官，尋兼攝檢詳諸房文學。 請修金正隆官制，比附中國秩序，因求入秘書省翻閱書籍。 未幾，又坐言者寢其事。 金人之犯邊也，樵言歲星分在宋，金主將自斃，後果然。 高宗幸建康，命以《通志》進，會病卒，年五十九，學者稱夾漈先生。
Recommended by Academician Wang Lun and He Yunzhong, he was called to court and denounced the flaws of official histories since Ban Gu. The emperor said, 'Your name has long been known to Us; you expound antiquity in a school of your own—why meet so late?' He was made Right Junior Merit Officer and war and rites archivist; Censor Ye Yiwen attacked him, so he became superintendent of Tanzhou's Southern Mountain temple, with orders to go home and copy his 《Comprehensive Treatises》. When the book was done he entered the Bureau of Military Affairs as compiler, soon adding review of documents for every office. He asked to revise Jin's Zhenglong bureaucracy against Song ranks and sought access to the Directorate of Archives to read its collections. Soon critics silenced the proposal and it died. When Jin raided the frontier, Qiao said Jupiter favored Song and the Jin ruler would kill himself—and so it happened. Gaozong's visit to Jianye called for presentation of the 《Comprehensive Treatises》, but Qiao fell ill and died at fifty-nine; scholars honor him as Master Jiaji.
44
樵好為考證倫類之學，成書雖多，大抵博學而寡要。 平生甘枯淡，樂施與，獨切切於仕進，識者以是少之。
Qiao loved categorical scholarship; though prolific, he was learned without focus. He lived plainly and gave freely, yet hungered for office, and the knowing thought less of him for it.
45
同郡林霆，字時隱，擢政和進士第，博學深象數，與樵為金石交。 林光朝嘗師事之。 聚書數千卷，皆自校讎，謂子孫曰：「吾為汝曹獲良產矣。」 紹興中，為敕令所刪定官，力詆秦檜和議之非，即掛冠去，當世高之。
Lin Ting of the same district, courtesy name Shiyin, took the Zhenghe jinshi; expert in numerology, he was Qiao's sworn friend. Lin Guangchao had been his pupil. He gathered thousands of volumes, collated them himself, and told his sons, 'I have secured a good inheritance for you.' Under Shaoxing he revised edicts in the statutes office, fiercely attacked Qin Hui's peace, resigned at once, and won the age's respect.
46
李道傳
Li Daochuan
47
李道傳，字貫之，隆州井研人。 父舜臣，嘗為宗正寺主簿。 道傳少莊重，稍長，讀河南程氏書，玩索義理，至忘寢食，雖處暗室，整襟危坐，肅如也。 擢慶元二年進士第，調利州司戶參軍，徙蓬州教授。
Li Daochuan, courtesy name Guanzhi, came from Jingyan in Long prefecture. His father Shunchen had served as registrar in the Court of the Imperial Clan. Daochuan was solemn from boyhood; later he studied the Cheng brothers of Henan, brooding on principle until he forgot meals, and even in a dark room sat straight-collared and still as at court. He took the jinshi in Qingyuan year 2, became revenue assistant in Lizhou, then instructor in Pengzhou.
48
開禧用兵，金人窺散關急，道傳以諸司檄計事，道聞吳曦反，痛憤見於形色。 遣其客間道持書遺安撫使楊輔，論曦必敗，曰：「彼素非雄才，犯順首亂，人心離怨，因人心而用之，可坐而縛也。 誠決此舉，不惟內變可定，抑使金知中國有人，稍息窺覬。 正使不捷，亦無愧千古矣。」 曦黨以曦意脅道傳，道傳以義折之，竟棄官歸。 曦平，詔以道傳抗節不撓，進官二等。
When Kaixi war began and Jin pressed San Pass, Daochuan was drafting plans for the ministries when word came that Wu Xi had rebelled; outrage filled his face. He sent a messenger by hidden route to Pacification Commissioner Yang Fu, arguing Xi must fall: 'He is no hero; his treason alienates men—turn their hearts against him and you can bind him sitting down. Act decisively and you still the mutiny and show Jin that the empire has men, cooling their greed. Even defeat would stand without shame for ages.' Xi's party threatened him in Xi's name; Daochuan answered with duty, resigned, and went home. After Xi's fall an edict praised Daochuan's steadfastness and raised him two ranks.
49
嘉定初，召為太學博士，遷太常博士兼沂王府小學教授。 會沂府有母喪，遺表官吏例進秩，道傳曰：「有襄事之勞者，推恩可也，吾屬何與？」 於是皆辭不受。 遷秘書郎、著作佐郎，見帝，首言：「憂危之言不聞於朝廷，非治世之象。 今民力未裕，民心未固，財用未阜，儲蓄未豐，邊備未修，將帥未擇，風俗未能知義而不偷，人才未能彙進而不乏。 而八者之中，復以人才為要。 至於人才盛衰，係學術之明晦，今學禁雖除，而未嘗明示天下以除之之意。 願下明詔，崇尚正學，取朱熹《論語》、《孟子集注》、《中庸大學章句》、《或問》四書，頒之太學，仍請以周惇頤、邵雍、程顥、程頤、張載五人從祀孔子廟。」 時執政有不樂道學者，以語侵道傳，道傳不為動。 兼權考功郎官，遷著作郎。
Early in Jiading he became academy erudite, then court-of-sacrifices erudite and tutor in the Prince of Qi's school. When the prince mourned his mother, staff normally gained promotion; Daochuan said, 'Let those who served the rites receive grace—what is that to us?' All refused the reward. Promoted to secretary and assistant compiler, he told the emperor first, 'When warnings of danger never reach court, the age is not well ruled. People's strength is still thin, hearts unsettled, revenues meager, stores empty, borders unrepaired, generals unchosen, morals not yet upright, and talent not yet assembled without shortage. Of those eight, talent remains the key. Talent rises and falls with learning's light; though the learning ban was lifted, the court never openly declared it gone. Issue a clear edict to honor true learning, distribute Zhu Xi's Four Books—the 《Analects》, 《Mencius》, 《Great Learning and Mean》, and 《Questions》—through the academy, and add Zhou Dunyi, Shao Yong, the two Chengs, and Zhang Zai to Confucius's temple.' Ministers hostile to Learning of the Way sneered at him; he did not flinch. He briefly directed the Bureau of Evaluations, then became compiler.
50
時薛拯、胡榘等皆以新進用事，賄賂成風，道傳言：「今名優儒臣，實取材吏，刻剝殘忍、誕謾傾危之人進矣。」 遂求補郡，於是出知真州。 城圮弗治，道傳甓之，築兩石壩以護並江居民，益浚二壕，又堤陳公塘，有警，則決之以為阻，人心始固。 除提舉江東路常平茶鹽公事。 初至，即按部劾吏之貪縱者十餘人，胥吏為民害者，大黥小逐百餘人，釋獄之濫係者二百餘人，弛負錢一十餘萬緡。 夏大旱，道傳應詔言楮幣之換，官民如仇； 鈔法之行，商賈疑怨； 賦斂增加，軍將推剝，皆切中時病。 遂條上荒政，朝廷多從之。 與漕臣真德秀振饑，道傳分池、宣、徽三州，窮冬行風雪中，雖深村窮谷必至，賴以全活者甚眾。 攝宣州守，行朱熹社倉法，上饒、新安、南康諸郡翕然應命，人蒙其利。
Xue Zheng, Hu Ju, and other upstarts ruled by graft; Daochuan warned, 'Famed Ruists are now clerk fodder; cruel, lying adventurers rise instead.' He asked for a prefecture and was sent to govern Zhen. City walls crumbled; he rebuilt them in brick, raised two stone dams for riverside folk, deepened two moats, and diked Chen Gong Pond to flood as a barrier in alarm—then hearts steadied. He was made commissioner for Jiangdong's ever-normal granary and tea-salt monopoly. On arrival he inspected the circuit and impeached a dozen corrupt officers; he tattooed or expelled over a hundred harmful clerks, freed two hundred prisoners held without cause, and canceled levies owed in excess of a hundred thousand strings. In a fierce summer drought he answered an imperial edict, declaring that paper-money exchange had turned officials and people into enemies; Paper notes in circulation bred merchant suspicion and resentment; Higher levies and bullying by military officers struck every sore of the age. He then listed famine policies point by point, and the court mostly adopted them. With Intendant Zhen Dexiu he fought famine; Daochuan covered Chizhou, Xuanzhou, and Huizhou, trudging through winter storms into the remotest hamlets until multitudes lived. As acting prefect of Xuan he enforced Zhu Xi's community granaries; Shangrao, Xin'an, Nanchang, and neighboring circuits followed suit and the people gained.
51
廣德守魏峴劾教官林庠委堂試而任荒政，挾漕臣以淩郡守，且言真德秀輕視朝廷，自專掠美，乞遠之。 道傳上疏力辨，峴坐免。 會胡榘為吏部侍郎，薦道傳自代。 引疾乞去，不許。 召令奏事，再辭，又不許，遂入對。 上自宮掖，次及朝廷，以至侍從、臺諫闕失，盡言無所諱，帝不以為忤。 除兵部郎官，辭未就。 監察御史李楠覘當路指意，乞授以節鎮蜀，遂出知果州。 至九江，得疾卒，年四十八，詔特轉一官致仕，諡文節。
Guangde Prefect Wei Xian attacked Instructor Lin Xiu for neglecting exams to run famine relief, wielding the intendant against the prefect, and charged Zhen Dexiu with scorning court and hogging glory, demanding his removal. Daochuan rebutted him in a fierce memorial and Xian was dismissed. When Hu Ju became vice minister of personnel he nominated Daochuan as his successor. He pleaded illness to resign but was refused. Summoned to memorial duties he refused twice, was refused again, and at last faced the throne. From palace to court, attendants to censors, he named every fault without reserve, and the emperor did not bristle. Named war ministry lang official, he declined and never took office. Censor Li Nan, reading the powers that be, asked that he be given a Shu commandery and was sent to govern Guo prefecture. At Jiujiang he fell ill and died at forty-eight; an edict promoted him one rank in retirement and posthumously titled him Wenjie.
52
道傳自蜀來東南，雖不及登朱熹之門，而訪求所嘗從學者與講習，盡得遺書讀之。 篤於踐履，氣節卓然。 於經史未有論著，曰：「學未至，不敢。」 於詩文未嘗苟作，曰：「學未至，不暇。」 一日以疾謁告，真德秀造焉，臥榻屏間，大書「喚起截斷」四字，知其用功慎獨如此。 居官以惠利為本，振荒遺愛江東，人久而思焉。
From Shu to the southeast he never studied at Zhu Xi's door, yet sought his disciples, joined their discussions, and read every book the master left. He lived what he preached, and his integrity was unmistakable. He wrote no works on the classics, saying, 'My learning is not ripe—I dare not.' He would not rush verses, saying, 'My learning is not ripe—I have no time.' Once he was ill at home when Zhen Dexiu visited; beside the couch stood four large characters—'Wake up, cut it off'—showing how sternly he guarded solitude. He governed for the people's good; his famine work left Jiangdong grateful for years.
53
三子：達可、當可、獻可。 獻可為心傳後。
He had three sons—Dake, Dangke, and Xiankhe. Xiankhe succeeded Li Xinchuan.