1
外戚上
Imperial Consort Kin, Part 1
2
杜審琦 〈（弟審瓊審肇審進從子彥圭彥鈞孫守元曾孫惟序）〉 賀令圖 〈（楊重進附）〉 王繼勳劉知信 〈（子承宗）〉 劉文裕劉美 〈（子從德從廣孫永年馬季良附）〉 郭崇仁楊景宗符惟忠柴宗慶張堯佐
Du Shenqi (younger brothers Shen Qiong, Shen Zhao, and Shen Jin; nephews Yan Gui and Yan Jun; grandson Shou Yuan; great-grandson Wei Xu) Heling Tu (with Yang Chongjin appended) Wang Jixun; Liu Zhixin (son Chengzong) Liu Wenyu; Liu Mei (sons Congde and Congguang; grandson Yongnian; with Ma Jiliang appended) Guo Chongren, Yang Jingzong, Fu Weizhong, Chai Zongqing, and Zhang Yaozuo
3
自西漢有外戚之禍，歷代鑒之，崇爵厚祿，不畀事權，然而一失其馭，猶有肺附之變焉。 宋法待外戚厚，其間有文武才諝，皆擢而用之； 怙勢犯法，繩以重刑，亦不少貸。 仁、英、哲三朝，母後臨朝聽政，而終無外家幹政之患，將法度之嚴，體統之正，有以防閑其過歟？ 抑母後之賢，自有以制其戚裏歟？ 作《外戚傳》。
Since the Western Han, the power of imperial consorts' families has brought disaster; each dynasty took warning, granting lofty titles and rich stipends but withholding real authority—yet once control slipped, calamities still erupted like disease clinging to vital organs. Under Song law, imperial consort kin were treated generously; those with civil or military talent were promoted and put to use; those who abused their position and broke the law were punished severely, without leniency. During the reigns of Renzong, Yingzong, and Zhezong, empresses dowager ruled from behind the screen, yet the maternal clans never seized power—was this because strict laws and proper institutions kept them in check? Or because the empresses dowager were wise enough to restrain their own families? Hence this chapter, 《Biographies of Imperial Consort Kin》.
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杜審琦，定州安喜人，昭憲皇太后之兄。 太后昆仲五人，審琦最長，其次審玉，次審瓊，次審肇，次審進。 世居常山，以積善聞。 審琦仕後唐，為義軍指揮使，天成二年卒，年三十五，審玉前一年卒，年二十二。 太祖開國，贈審琦左神武軍大將軍，以其子彥超為西京作坊使。 彥超卒，贈左領軍衛大將軍。
Du Shenqi, of Anxi in Ding Prefecture, was the elder brother of Empress Dowager Zhaoxian. The empress dowager had five siblings: Shenqi was the eldest, followed by Shenyu, Shen Qiong, Shen Zhao, and Shen Jin. The family had long lived in Changshan and was known for its virtue. Shenqi served the Later Tang as commander of the Yijun army and died in Tiancheng year 2 (927), aged thirty-five. Shenyu had died the year before, aged twenty-two. At the founding of the dynasty, Taizu posthumously made Shenqi Grand General of the Left Divine Martial Army and appointed his son Yanchao commissioner of the Western Capital workshops. When Yanchao died, he was posthumously made Grand General of the Left Leading Army Guard.
5
審瓊，建隆初，授檢校國子祭酒。 二年，拜左領軍衛將軍。 三年，與其弟審肇、審進皆召赴闕。 審瓊改左龍武軍大將軍，遷右衛大將軍。 乾德初，領富州刺史。 三年，以本官權判右金吾街仗事。 四年春，步軍帥王繼勳坐事，詔審瓊兼點檢侍衛步軍司事。 是秋，卒，年七十。 太祖為廢朝三日，發哀成服，贈太保、寧國軍節度使，諡恭僖。
Shen Qiong: at the start of Jianlong (960), he was made acting Director of the Imperial Academy. In year 2 he was made General of the Left Leading Army Guard. In year 3 he and his brothers Shen Zhao and Shen Jin were summoned to court. Shen Qiong became Grand General of the Left Dragon Martial Army, then Grand General of the Right Imperial Guard. Early in Qiande (963) he was made prefect of Fu. In year 3, retaining his rank, he was made acting overseer of the Right Golden Crow Street guard. In spring of year 4, infantry commander Wang Jixun was implicated in misconduct; Shen Qiong was ordered concurrently to inspect the Palace Attendant Infantry Command. That autumn he died, aged seventy. Taizu suspended court for three days, wore mourning, and posthumously made him Grand Tutor and military commissioner of Ningguo Army, posthumous name Gongxi.
6
審瓊性醇質，在公畏慎，宿衛勤謹，徼巡京邑，里閈清肅，人皆稱之。 景德三年春，加贈審瓊太傅，妻吳氏陳留郡太夫人。 是秋，改葬陪陵，又贈審瓊太師、中書令。 子彥圭。
Shen Qiong was sincere and plain; in office he was cautious, diligent in palace guard duty, and when patrolling the capital the neighborhoods were orderly—people praised him. In spring of Jingde 3 (1006), Shen Qiong was further posthumously made Grand Preceptor; his wife Lady Wu was made Lady of Chenliu Commandery. That autumn he was reburied beside the imperial tombs; Shen Qiong was again posthumously made Grand Preceptor and Director of the Secretariat. His son was Yan Gui.
7
審肇，建隆三年，起家授左武衛上將軍、檢校左僕射致仕，賜第於京師。 乾德初，領濰州刺史。 開寶二年，改左衛上將軍，仍致仕。 三年，起為右驍衛上將軍，俄出知澶州，太祖以審肇未嘗曆郡務，乃命司封郎中姚恕通判州事，以左右之。 未幾，河大決，東彙於鄆、濮數郡，民田罹水害。 太祖怒其不即時上言，遣使案鞫，遂論恕棄市，審肇免官歸私第。 俄復舊官，令致仕，特以濰州刺史月奉優給之。 七年，卒，年七十二。 太祖廢朝二日，素服發哀，贈太保、昭信軍節度，諡溫肅，遣中使護喪事。 景德三年，加贈太傅，妻劉氏東海郡太夫人。 子彥遵，至南作坊使。
Shen Zhao: in Jianlong 3 he entered service as General of the Left Martial Guard and acting Left Vice Director, retired, and was granted a mansion in the capital. Early in Qiande he was made prefect of Wei. In Kaibao 2 (969) he was made General of the Left Guard and remained retired. In year 3 he was recalled as General of the Right Valiant Cavalry; soon he went out as prefect of Chan. Taizu, knowing Shen Zhao had never governed a prefecture, sent Yao Shu of the Ministry of Rites as co-administrator to assist him. Soon the Yellow River burst its banks; waters pooled east across Yan and Pu prefectures and farmland was flooded. Taizu was angry they had not reported promptly; he sent investigators; Yao Shu was executed; Shen Zhao was dismissed and sent home. Soon his rank was restored and he was ordered to retire, with his Wei prefect monthly salary paid in full. In year 7 he died, aged seventy-two. Taizu suspended court two days, wore mourning, posthumously made him Grand Tutor and military commissioner of Zhaoxin Army, posthumous name Wensu, and sent a palace envoy to oversee the funeral. In Jingde 3 he was further posthumously made Grand Preceptor; his wife Lady Liu was made Lady of Donghai Commandery. His son Yan Zun rose to commissioner of the Southern workshops.
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審進，建隆三年，起家授右神武大將軍，改右羽林大將軍。 乾德元年，領賀州刺史。 二年，知陝州。 三年，就改保義軍節度觀察留後。 五年，加本軍節度。 太祖郊祀西洛，審進來朝，頒賚甚厚。 太宗嗣位，加檢校太傅。 太平興國二年，會許昌裔刺虢州，捃拾使州闕失事上訴，詔右拾遺李幹鞫之。 幹因上言，請支郡不復隸藩鎮，皆得專達，從之。
Shen Jin: in Jianlong 3 he entered service as Grand General of the Right Divine Martial Army, then Grand General of the Right Feathered Forest. In Qiande 1 he was made prefect of He. In year 2 he governed Shan Prefecture. In year 3 he was made military commissioner and observation commissioner of Baoyi Army. In year 5 he received full military commission of that army. When Taizu performed suburban sacrifice at Luoyang, Shen Jin came to court and received lavish gifts. When Taizong succeeded, he was made acting Grand Preceptor. In Taiping Xingguo 2 (977), when Xu Changyi was prefect of Guo and reported the prefecture's failures, the emperor ordered Right Remonstrator Li Gan to investigate. Gan memorialized that branch prefectures should no longer be subordinate to military commissions but report directly; this was approved.
9
三年秋，以審進妻卒，廢朝。 十一月郊禮畢，加檢校太尉。 四年，上親征河東，審進與嵐州團練使周承晉、德州刺史孫方進、成州刺史慕容福起皆上言願率所部擊太原。 上以審進耆年，不許。 五年，來朝。 是歲，契丹寇邊，出師捍禦。 上幸大名勞軍，留審進警巡，都邑肅然。 六年，復歸陝，親王宴餞，供帳甚盛。 其年，就加檢校太師。 九年夏，上以審進年高，不當煩以劇務，授右衛上將軍，奉給如故。
In autumn of year 3, because Shen Jin's wife died, court was suspended. When the suburban rites ended in the eleventh month, he was made acting Grand Marshal. In year 4 the emperor campaigned east against Hedong; Shen Jin with Zhou Chengjin of Lan, Sun Fangjin of De, and Murong Fuqi of Cheng all asked to lead their troops against Taiyuan. The emperor, considering Shen Jin's age, refused. In year 5 he came to court. That year the Khitan raided the border and troops marched to defend. The emperor went to Daming to encourage the troops and left Shen Jin to patrol; the capital was calm and orderly. In year 6 he returned to Shan; princes gave a lavish farewell feast. That year he was at once made acting Grand Preceptor. In summer of year 9 the emperor, finding Shen Jin too old for heavy duties, made him General of the Right Guard with salary unchanged.
10
雍熙四年，復授靜江軍節度。 端拱元年，上親耕籍田，審進預其禮，恩賜彌渥，加開府儀同三司。 是歲，卒，年七十九。 上趣駕臨喪，哭之慟，廢朝三日，設次成服，親王公主以下並詣其第舉哀。 贈中書令，諡恭惠。
In Yongxi 4 (987) he was again made military commissioner of Jingjiang Army. In Duangong 1 (988) the emperor plowed the sacred field; Shen Jin took part, received still richer favor, and was made Commissioner with the same ceremonial rank as the Three Excellencies. That year he died, aged seventy-nine. The emperor hurried to the mourning hall, wept bitterly, suspended court three days, set up mourning, and wore sackcloth; princes, princesses, and all below went to his house to mourn. He was posthumously made Director of the Secretariat, posthumous name Gonghui.
11
審進鎮陝二十餘年，勸農敦本，民庶便之。 雖居位節制，無驕矜之色，人推其醇厚。 景德三年，追封京兆郡王，妻趙氏南陽郡太夫人。 後贈尚書令。 子彥鈞、彥彬。 彥彬至禮賓副使而卒。
Shen Jin governed Shan for over twenty years, encouraging farming and honoring fundamentals; the people benefited. Though he held a military commission he showed no arrogance; people praised his sincerity. In Jingde 3 he was posthumously enfeoffed Prince of Jingzhao Commandery; his wife Lady Zhao was made Lady of Nanyang Commandery. Later he was further posthumously made Director of the Department of State Affairs. His sons were Yan Jun and Yan Bin. Yan Bin rose to Vice Commissioner of the Office of Ceremonial Guests and died.
12
彥圭，起家六宅副使，遷翰林使。 開寶五年，領信州刺史。 六年，改領饒州團練使，俄加領本州防禦使。 從征太原，與曹翰、孫繼業攻城西面。 北征班師，命彥圭與孟玄喆、藥可瓊、趙延進率兵屯中山，坐市竹木矯製免算，責授洛苑使、饒州刺史，裁數日，牽復。 餘年，遷沙州觀察使，出知定州。
Yan Gui entered service as Vice Commissioner of the Six Residences and was promoted Hanlin Commissioner. In Kaibao 5 (972) he held Xin Prefecture. In year 6 he was made regimental commander of Rao and soon also defender of that prefecture. On the Taiyuan campaign he with Cao Han and Sun Jiye attacked the western wall. When the northern expedition returned, Yan Gui with Meng Xuanzhe, Yao Keqiong, and Zhao Yanjin were stationed at Zhongshan; for falsely reporting bamboo and timber to evade tax he was demoted to Luoyuan Commissioner and prefect of Rao; within days he was restored. Years later he was made observation commissioner of Sha and went out as prefect of Ding.
13
雍熙中北伐，命副米信為幽州西北道行營都部署。 彥圭不容軍士晡食，設陣不整，以致亡失，坐左遷均州團練副使。 雍熙二年，卒於貶所，年五十九，贈歸義軍節度。 景德三年春，加贈中書令。 是秋，又贈太師。 子守元。
In the Yongxi northern campaign he was deputy to Mi Xin, supreme commander of the Youzhou northwest route army. Yan Gui denied soldiers their afternoon meal and his formation was disorderly, causing losses; he was demoted to vice regimental commander of Jun. In Yongxi 2 (985) he died in exile, aged fifty-nine; he was posthumously made military commissioner of Guiyi Army. In spring of Jingde 3 he was further posthumously made Director of the Secretariat. That autumn he was again posthumously made Grand Preceptor. His son was Shou Yuan.
14
彥鈞，起家補供奉官，累遷崇儀使。 端拱初，加莊宅使，領羅州刺史。 淳化四年，特置昭宣使，以彥鈞洎王延德、王繼恩為之。 未幾，加領恩州防禦使。 西鄙用兵，命為永興軍駐泊鈐轄。 真宗嗣位，改領潁州防禦使，出知河中府，占謝便坐，求解內使之職，可之。 曆知邠、慶、延、鳳四州。 景德中，為天雄軍副都部署。 車駕駐澶淵，為駕前東面貝冀路副都部署。 契丹騎兵攻月城，彥鈞率兵擊走之，以勞優加封邑。 召還，再任河中。
Yan Jun entered service as attendant officer and rose to Commissioner of Ceremonial Protocol. At the start of Duangong he was made Commissioner of the Manor Estates and held Luo Prefecture. In Chunhua 4 (993) the office of Zhaoxuan Commissioner was created; Yan Jun with Wang Yande and Wang Jien were appointed. Soon he was also given defense of En Prefecture. When war broke out on the western border he was made stationed commander at Yongxing Army. When Zhenzong succeeded he was made defender of Ying, went out as prefect of Hedong, thanked the emperor informally, and asked to leave inner-palace office; this was granted. He successively governed Bin, Qing, Yan, and Feng. In the Jingde period he was deputy supreme commander of Tianxiong Army. When the emperor was at Chanyuan, he served as deputy supreme commander on the eastern Bei-Ji route before the imperial presence. Khitan cavalry attacked the moon city; Yan Jun led troops and drove them off, and his fief was increased for his service. Recalled, he was again appointed at Hedong.
15
守元，開寶中，補左班殿直，得侍便殿，帶禦器械，遷供奉官、莫州監軍。 契丹入邊，與州將固守城壁，出兵邀擊，獲生口羊馬，以功加崇儀副使。 未幾，改正使秩。 曆如京、洛苑使。 至道三年，領梧州刺史，連為並代、鎮定、高陽關鈐轄。 大中祥符二年，副趙稹使契丹，復涖鎮定。 頃之屬疾，詔遣其子殿直惟慶挾太醫乘驛診候，既至而卒，年五十八。
Shou Yuan: in the Kaibao period he was made Left Class Palace Attendant, attended in the informal hall, carried imperial arms, and was promoted attendant officer and military supervisor of Mo. When the Khitan raided the border he and the prefect held the walls, sallied to intercept, captured prisoners and livestock, and was promoted Vice Commissioner of Ceremonial Protocol. Soon he was promoted to full commissioner rank. He successively served as Commissioner of the Capital and Luoyuan. In Zhidao 3 (997) he held Wu Prefecture and was successively stationed commander at Bing-Dai, Zhending, and Gaoyang Pass. In Dazhong Xiangfu 2 (1009) he was deputy to Zhao Zhen on an embassy to the Khitan and again governed Zhending. Soon he fell ill; the emperor sent his son Palace Attendant Wei Qing with imperial physicians by courier to examine him; they arrived after he had died, aged fifty-eight.
16
惟序字舜功，自三班奉職累遷知惠州、莫州，以供備庫使為梓夔路鈐轄，徙環慶路，知邠州，又權慶州。 會任福敗，以騎兵數千由懷安路破賊三砦，斬首數百級，獲牛馬千計。 以功領忠州刺史，為涇原鈐轄，敕巡警邊州。
Wei Xu, style Shungong, rose from Third Class Attendant to govern Huizhou and Mo; as Supply Commissioner he was stationed commander on the Zi-Qi route, moved to Huan-Qing, governed Bin, and also acted for Qing. When Ren Fu was defeated he led several thousand cavalry by the Huai'an route, broke three enemy stockades, beheaded hundreds, and captured over a thousand cattle and horses. For merit he held Zhong Prefecture and was stationed commander of Jingyuan, ordered to patrol border prefectures.
17
久之，改六宅使、知雄州。 時契丹勒兵燕、薊間，遣使求割地。 未至，而惟序購得其草，先以聞。 徙知滄州，又徙定州。 再遷東上閣門使、知涇州。 改四方館使、知瀛州，復知滄州。 入朝，為祁州團練使，出知恩州，徙大名府路總管，改乾州團練使，卒。
After long service he was made Commissioner of the Six Residences and governed Xiong Prefecture. At that time the Khitan massed troops between Yan and Ji and sent envoys seeking ceded territory. Before they arrived Wei Xu bought their draft and reported it first. He was moved to govern Cang, then again Ding. He was again promoted Eastern Upper Gate Commissioner and governed Jing. He was changed to Four Directions Hall Commissioner and governed Ying, then again Cang. He entered court as regimental commander of Qi, went out as prefect of En, was moved to supreme commander of Damingfu route, made regimental commander of Qian, and died.
18
賀令圖，開封陳留人。 父懷浦，孝惠皇后兄也，仕軍中為散指揮使。 太平興國初，出為岳州刺史，領兵屯三交。 雍熙三年，從楊業北征，死於陣。
Heling Tu was from Chenliu in Kaifeng. His father Huai Pu was Empress Xiaohui's elder brother and served as commander of the scattered guard. At the start of Taiping Xingguo he went out as prefect of Yue and led troops at Sanjiao. In Yongxi 3 (986) he followed Yang Ye on the northern expedition and died in battle.
19
令圖少謹願，隸太宗左右，洎即位，補供奉官，改綾錦副使、知莫州，遷崇儀使、知雄州。 雍熙二年，領平州刺史，充幽州行營壕砦使，以所部下固安、新城兩縣，克涿州。 會父戰死，起家為六宅使，領本州團練使，護瀛州屯兵。
Ling Tu was cautious from youth and served at Taizong's side; when Taizong succeeded he was made attendant officer, then deputy brocade commissioner and prefect of Mo, then Ceremonial Protocol Commissioner and prefect of Xiong. In Yongxi 2 he held Ping Prefecture as trench commissioner of the Youzhou field army; with his troops he took Gu'an and Xincheng counties and captured Zhuo Prefecture. When his father died in battle he entered service as Commissioner of the Six Residences and regimental commander of that prefecture, protecting Ying border troops.
20
先是，令圖握兵邊郡十餘年，恃藩邸舊恩，每歲入奏事，多言邊塞利害，及幽薊可取之狀。 上信之，故有岐溝之舉。 既而師敗，議者皆咎其貪功生事。
Earlier Ling Tu had held border command for over ten years; relying on old favor from Taizong's princely days, each year at court he spoke of border conditions and how You and Ji could be taken. The emperor trusted him, and therefore launched the Qigou campaign. After defeat critics blamed his greed for glory and provoking war.
21
令圖輕而無謀，契丹將耶律遜寧號於越者，使諜紿令圖曰：「我獲罪本國，旦夕願歸南朝，無路自拔，幸君侯少留意焉。」 令圖不虞其詐，私遺以重錦十兩。 是年十二月，於越率眾入寇，大將劉廷讓與戰於君子館，令圖為先鋒，被圍數重。 於越傳言軍中「願得見雄州賀使君。」 令圖嘗為所紿，意其來降而終獲大功，即引麾下數十騎逆之。 將至其帳數步外，於越據床罵曰：「汝常好經度邊事，乃今送死來邪！」 麾左右盡殺其從騎，反縛令圖而去。
Ling Tu was rash and unwise; the Khitan general Yelü Xunnin, titled Yuyue, sent a spy who told Ling Tu: 'I have offended my country and wish daily to defect to the Song but cannot; I hope you will take notice.' Ling Tu did not suspect fraud and privately sent him ten liang of heavy brocade. That twelfth month Yuyue led troops to raid; Liu Tingrang fought at Junzi Lodge; Ling Tu was vanguard and was surrounded many times. Yuyue spread word in the army: 'I wish to see Commissioner Heling of Xiong Prefecture.' Ling Tu, having been deceived before, thought Yuyue came to surrender and he would win great merit; he led several dozen horsemen to meet him. When he was several paces from the tent Yuyue sat on the bed and cursed: 'You always loved to plan border affairs—now you have come to die!' He ordered his attendants to kill all Ling Tu's escort and bound Ling Tu and took him away.
22
令圖與其父首謀北伐，一歲中父子皆陷焉。 令圖時年三十九。 是役也，武州防禦使、高陽關部署楊重進死之。
Ling Tu and his father had chiefly urged the northern expedition; within one year father and son both fell. Ling Tu was then thirty-nine. In this campaign Yang Chongjin, military supervisor of Gaoyang Pass, also died.
23
重進，太原人。 少有膂力，周祖鎮大名，以隸帳下，廣順初，補衛士。 宋初，累遷至內殿直都虞候。 太平興國初，改龍衛軍都校，領徐州刺史。 從征太原，出為萊州刺史。 隨曹彬北征，為右廂排陣使，改武州防禦使、高陽關部署。 會契丹兵至，與之力戰，遂沒於陣。 年六十五。
Chongjin was from Taiyuan. From youth he was strong; when Zhou Taizu held Daming he joined his entourage; at Guangshun's start he became a guardsman. In early Song he rose to Vice Commander of the Inner Hall Direct. At Taiping Xingguo's start he was made Colonel of the Dragon Guard and held Xu Prefecture. On the Taiyuan campaign he went out as prefect of Lai. Following Cao Bin north he was right-wing array commander, then defender of Wu and military supervisor of Gaoyang Pass. When Khitan troops arrived he fought fiercely and died in battle. He was sixty-five.
24
王繼勳，彰德節度饒之子，孝明皇后同母弟也。 生時，其母見一人赤髮，狀貌怪異，入室中，遂生繼勳。 及長，美風儀，性凶率無賴。 以後故，為內殿供奉官、都知、溪州刺史。 建隆二年，加領恩州團練使，又改龍捷右廂都指揮使，尋領永州防禦使。 四年，收復湖南，改領彭州防禦使。 是秋，將討西蜀，命繼勳戒期，將大閱。 繼勳素與大校馬仁瑀不協，陰勒部下市白梃，將以相圖。 太祖知之，為出仁瑀密州。 俄遷保寧軍節度觀察留後、領虎捷左右廂都虞候、權侍衛步軍司事。
Wang Jixun was son of the Raode military commissioner and Empress Xiaoming's younger uterine brother. At his birth his mother saw a red-haired man of strange appearance enter the room, and Jixun was born. Grown, he had fine bearing but was fierce and reckless. Through the empress he was made inner-hall attendant, director, and prefect of Xi. In Jianlong 2 he was also given regimental command of En and made commander of the right Dragon Swift wing; soon defender of Yong. In year 4 Hunan was recovered and he was made defender of Peng. That autumn, preparing to attack Shu, Jixun was ordered to keep the deadline and a great review was held. Jixun had long feuded with Ma Renyu and secretly had his men buy white clubs to fight him. Taizu learned of it and sent Renyu to Mizhou. Soon Jixun was made observation commissioner of Baoning, commander of both Tiger Swift wings, and acting overseer of Palace Attendant Infantry.
25
繼勳所為多不法。 會新募兵千餘隸雄武，將遣出征，多無妻室，太祖謂繼勳曰：「此必有願為婚者，不須備聘財，但酒炙可也。」 繼勳不能諭上旨，縱令掠人子女，京城為之紛擾。 上聞大驚，遣捕斬百餘人，人情始定。 時後已崩，上追念後，故不之罪也。
Jixun often acted unlawfully. When over a thousand new Valiant Martial recruits were to march, most had no wives; Taizu told Jixun: 'Some must wish to marry; no betrothal gifts—wine and meat will suffice.' Jixun missed the emperor's meaning and let his men seize people's children; the capital was thrown into turmoil. The emperor was alarmed and had over a hundred captured and executed; order returned. The empress had already died; remembering her, the emperor did not punish him.
26
乾德四年，繼勳復為部曲所訟，詔中書鞫之。 解兵柄，為彰國軍留後，奉朝請。 繼勳自以失職，常怏怏，專以臠割奴婢為樂，前後多被害。 一日，天雨牆壞，群婢突出，守國門訴冤。 上大駭，命中使就詰之，盡得繼勳所為不法事。 詔削奪官爵，勒歸私第，仍令甲士守之。 俄又配流登州，未至，改右監門率府副率。
In Qiande 4 his troops sued him again; the Secretariat was ordered to investigate. His command was removed; he was made Zhangguo military commissioner and attended court. Jixun, feeling displaced, was resentful and amused himself by cutting up slave girls and boys; many died. One day rain broke a wall and slave girls burst out and appealed at the National Gate. The emperor was alarmed and sent a palace envoy to question him; all his crimes were exposed. He was stripped of rank and sent home under armed guard. Soon he was exiled to Dengzhou; before arrival he was made Vice Director of the Right Prison Gate Rate.
27
開寶三年，命分司西京。 繼勳殘暴愈甚，強市民家子女備給使，小不如意，即殺食之，而棺其骨棄野外。 女儈及鬻棺者出入其門不絕，洛民苦之而不敢告。 太宗在藩邸，頗聞其事。 及即位，人有訴者，命戶部員外郎、知雜事雷德驤乘傳往鞫之。 繼勳具伏，自開寶六年四月至太平興國二年二月，手所殺婢百餘人。 乃斬繼勳洛陽市，及為強市子女者女儈八人、男子三人。 長壽寺僧廣惠常與繼勳同食人肉，令折其脛而斬之。 洛民稱快。
In Kaibao 3 he was ordered to serve at the Western Capital. Jixun grew more brutal, forcibly buying people's children as servants; at slight displeasure he killed and ate them and threw bones in coffins outdoors. Brokers and coffin sellers never left his gate; Luoyang people suffered but dared not report. Taizong at the princely residence had often heard of this. When he succeeded, someone complained; he sent Lei Dezao of the Revenue Ministry by courier to investigate. Jixun confessed fully: from Kaibao 6 month 4 to Taiping Xingguo 2 month 2 he had personally killed over a hundred slave girls. Jixun was executed in Luoyang market with eight brokers and three men who had supplied children. Monk Guanghui of Changshou Temple had often eaten human flesh with Jixun; his shins were broken and he was beheaded. Luoyang people rejoiced.
28
其後家寓西洛潁陽，孫惟德不肖，不能自立，丐食以給。 真宗聞而憫之，授惟德汝州司士參軍。
Later his family lived west of Luoyang at Yingyang; grandson Weide was worthless and begged for food. Zhenzong pitied him and made Weide Assistant Magistrate of Ruzhou.
29
劉知信字至誠，邢州人。 父遷，晉天福末鳳翔帳前軍使，改滑州奉國軍校，從驍將皇甫暉禦邊有功，早卒。 母即昭憲太后之妹也，乾德初，封京兆郡太君，六年，進本郡太夫人，開寶三年十月卒。 太祖廢朝發哀，追封齊國太夫人，陪葬安陵，贈遷太保。
Liu Zhixin, style Zhicheng, was from Xing Prefecture. His father Qian served the Later Jin as Fengxiang front-army commander, then Fengguo Army school at Hua, followed Huangfu Hui on the border with merit, and died young. His mother was Empress Dowager Zhaoxian's younger sister; in Qiande's start she was made Lady of Jingzhao Commandery, advanced in year 6 to Grand Lady, and died Kaibao 3 month 10. Taizu suspended court, mourned, posthumously made her Grand Lady of Qi, buried her beside Anling, and posthumously made Qian Grand Tutor.
30
知信三歲而孤，宣祖憐其敏慧。 建隆三年，起家授供奉官，丁內艱，轉六宅副使。 開寶五年，遷軍器庫使，掌武德司。 六年，領錦州刺史。 屬郊祀西洛，為行宮使，駐洛中，又為西京武德、皇城、宮苑等使。 車駕出郊，又充大內留守。
Zhixin was orphaned at three; Emperor Xuan pitied his cleverness. In Jianlong 3 he entered service as attendant officer; on mourning for his mother he became Vice Commissioner of the Six Residences. In Kaibao 5 he was promoted Arsenal Commissioner and managed the Wude Office. In year 6 he held Jin Prefecture. When suburban sacrifice was at Luoyang he was traveling-palace commissioner there and also commissioner of Wude, Imperial City, and Palace Parks. When the emperor went to the suburbs he also served as inner-palace custodian.
31
雍熙初，改左神武軍將軍，尋領檀州團練使，護屯兵於鎮州。 會大舉北伐，與六宅使符昭壽為押陣都監。 師還，諸將失道，知信獨整所部以歸。 俄知定州兼兵馬鈐轄，押大陣右偏。 一日，宴犒將士，契丹騎乘間至，知信不介而出，追之數十里，斬獲甚眾，以功就拜邕州觀察使。 四年，召入，改并州路副都部署。 端拱中，代還，知杭州。 淳化四年，又知天雄軍府。 太宗崩，充修奉永熙陵部署。 咸平初，拜建武軍節度觀察留後，知永平軍府。 契丹犯邊，復知天雄軍。 真宗北巡，充駕前副都部署，曆知河陽、升州。 景德元年，車駕幸澶淵，命為東京都巡檢使，復知定州。 二年，以疾求還京，至鎮州卒，年六十三。 廢朝，贈太尉、天平軍節度。
At Yongxi's start he was made General of the Left Divine Martial Army; soon regimental commander of Tan protecting troops at Zhen. On the great northern campaign he with Fu Zhaoshou were supreme array supervisors. When the army returned the generals lost their way; only Zhixin brought his command back intact. Soon he governed Ding and was military supervisor, commanding the right wing. One day while feasting his troops Khitan cavalry suddenly arrived; Zhixin went out unarmored, pursued tens of li, killed and captured many, and was made observation commissioner of Yong. In year 4 he was summoned and made deputy supreme commander of Bingzhou route. In Duangong he returned and governed Hangzhou. In Chunhua 4 he again governed Tianxiong Army prefecture. When Taizong died he was made commissioner for repairing and serving Yongxi Mausoleum. At Xianping's start he was made observation commissioner of Jianwu Army and governed Yongping Army prefecture. When the Khitan raided the border he again governed Tianxiong Army. On Zhenzong's northern tour he was deputy supreme commander before the emperor and successively governed Heyang and Sheng. In Jingde 1 when the emperor was at Chanyuan he was eastern capital patrol commissioner and again governed Ding. In year 2 he asked to return on illness and died at Zhen Prefecture, aged sixty-three. Court was suspended; he was posthumously made Grand Marshal and military commissioner of Tianping Army.
32
知信以戚裏致貴，尤被親任，中外踐曆，最為舊故。 雖無顯赫稱，亦以循謹聞於時。 子承宗、承渥。
Zhixin rose through consort kin and was especially trusted; he held many posts inside and outside and was the longest-serving intimate. Though without brilliant fame he was known for circumspection. His sons were Chengzong and Chenwo.
33
承宗，幼善射，兼習書數，以蔭補殿直，寄班祗候。 咸平初，轉供奉官、鎮、定、高陽關三路承受公事，還，掌軍器庫。 會真宗臨幸，見其整肅，麵授閣門祗候。 知信卒，轉內殿崇班。 未幾，為河北緣邊安撫都監。 大中祥符初，就加內殿承製，曆如京、文思二副使，徙河東緣邊安撫，又知保州。 俄拜東染院使、知定州。 副薛映使契丹，使還，歸本任，又兼鎮定路兵馬鈐轄，俄改宮苑使、知雄州、河北緣邊安撫使。 在郡有治跡，詔書嘉獎，召歸，時靈昌決河初塞，擇守臣，以承宗為皇城使、知滑州。 未幾，復代還。
Chengzong from youth was skilled at archery and studied writing; by yin privilege he was made Palace Attendant and attached attendant. At Xianping's start he was attendant officer on the Zhen-Ding-Gaoyang route; on return he managed the Arsenal. When Zhenzong visited and saw his orderliness he was appointed Gate Attendant on the spot. When Zhixin died he was promoted Inner Hall Honored Class. Soon he was Hebei frontier pacification supervisor. At Dazhong Xiangfu's start he was Inner Hall Fabricator; he served as Vice Commissioner of Capital and Literary Splendor; moved to Hedong frontier pacification and governed Bao. Soon he was Eastern Dyeing Commissioner and governed Ding. Deputy to Xue Ying on embassy to Khitan; on return he resumed office and was military supervisor of Zhending; soon Palace Parks Commissioner, prefect of Xiong, and Hebei frontier pacification commissioner. He governed well; an edict praised him and recalled him; when the Lingchang breach was first sealed he was made Imperial City Commissioner and prefect of Hua. Soon he returned on replacement.
34
會西邊言吐蕃唃斯囉作文法，頗為邊患。 命副龍圖閣直學士陳堯谘為鄜延、邠寧環慶、涇原儀渭、秦州路巡撫使，詔令堯谘等所至軍州犒官吏將校，諮訪民間利害、郡官使臣能否功過以聞。 或有陳訴屈抑，經轉運、提點司區斷不當，即按鞫詣實，杖以下依法區理，徒以上驛聞，仍取係囚躬親錄問，催促論決。 既行，就命堯谘知秦州，承宗為西上閣門使，充鈐轄。 乾興初，進東上閣門使，徒鄜延都鈐轄而卒。 中使護柩至京師，賜以葬地。
When the western border reported Tibetan Gusiluo was establishing laws and troubling the frontier. He was deputy to Chen Yaozou as pacification commissioner on western routes; the edict ordered them to reward officers and inquire into popular welfare and officials' merits and faults. Where appeals were wrongly judged by transport or investigation offices they should investigate, punish lesser offenders with staff, report greater ones by courier, examine prisoners personally, and urge decisions. On departure Yaozou was made prefect of Qin and Chengzong Western Upper Gate Commissioner and stationed commander. At Qianxing's start he was Eastern Upper Gate Commissioner, moved to Fuyan supreme commander, and died. A palace envoy escorted the coffin to the capital and burial land was granted.
35
承渥蔭補殿直，累任使，喜為條奏，至供奉官、閣門祗候。 承宗子永釗，右侍禁、閣門祗候。
Chenwo by yin privilege was Palace Attendant, held envoy posts, liked regulatory memorials, and rose to attendant officer and Gate Attendant. Chengzong's son Yongzhao was Right Attendant Forbidden and Gate Attendant.
36
劉文裕，字以寧，保州保塞人。 祖正，晉幽州營田使兼平州刺史。 父審奇，武牢關使。 簡穆皇后即文裕祖姑也。 審奇三子，長文遠，建隆中為供奉官，與並人戰萬善而沒。 次即文裕，開寶四年，起家補殿直。 八年，權管雲騎員僚直，預討江南，中弩矢，神色自若。 太宗在藩邸，多得親接。 太平興國二年，擢為內弓箭庫副使，特封其母張氏清河縣太君，出為秦、隴巡檢。
Liu Wenyu, style Yining, was from Baose in Bao Prefecture. His grandfather Zheng was Jin Youzhou agricultural commissioner and concurrent prefect of Ping. His father Shenqi was Wulao Pass commissioner. Empress Jianmu was Wenyu's grandfather's sister. Shenqi had three sons; eldest Wenyuan in Jianlong was attendant officer and died fighting Bing at Wanshan. Next was Wenyu; in Kaibao 4 he entered service as Palace Attendant. In year 8 he commanded Cloud Cavalry attendants on the Jiangnan campaign; struck by a crossbow bolt he remained calm. Taizong in the princely residence had often received him. In Taiping Xingguo 2 he was promoted Vice Commissioner of the Inner Bow and Arrow Arsenal; his mother Lady Zhang was made Grand Lady of Qinghe County; he went out as Qin-Long inspector.
37
有李飛雄者，太保致仕鏻之孫，秦州節度判官若愚之子。 性凶險，不為其家所容，常往來京師、魏博間，與無賴惡少遊處，縱酒蒲博為務。 以其父故，盡知秦州倉庫所積，及地形險易、兵籍多少。 又有妻父張季英為鳳翔盩厔尉，飛雄自京師往省之，因乘季英馬詐為使者，夜抵廄置呼卒索馬。 卒秉炬出迎，飛雄以私市馬纓示之，卒不能辨，即授以馬。 一卒乘一馬前導，以巡邊為名，因矯詔率巡驛殿直姚承遂，至隴州率監軍供奉官王守定，至吳山縣率縣尉盧讚，皆從行。 先是，秦州內屬，羌人為寇，朝廷遣周承晉、田仁朗、王侁、梁崇讚、韋韜、馬知節及文裕領兵屯清水縣，飛雄至，稱製盡縛之。 承晉等見姚承遂數輩同至，不覺其詐。 仁朗獨號泣求詔書，飛雄叱之曰：「我受密旨，以若輩逗撓不用命，令盡誅。 汝豈不聞封州殺李鶴邪？ 詔書汝豈得見！」 先是，上即位，分命親信於諸道廉官吏善惡密以聞。 嶺南使者言封州李鶴不奉法，誣奏軍吏謀反，詔即誅之。 故飛雄引以為言。 將械承晉等詣秦州戮之，因據城叛，遂驅承晉等行。
There was Li Feixiong, grandson of retired Grand Tutor Lin, son of Qin military commissioner Ruoyu. Fierce and dangerous, not tolerated at home, he traveled between capital and Weibo with ruffians, drinking and gambling. Through his father he knew Qin storehouses, terrain, and military registers. His father-in-law Zhang Jiying was Fengxiang Zhouzhi captain; Feixiong visited him, took his horse, pretended to be an envoy, reached a stable at night and demanded a horse. A soldier came out with a torch; Feixiong showed a private bridle; the soldier could not tell and gave him the horse. One soldier rode ahead as border patrol guide; with forged edict he led Yao Chengsui at Long, Wang Shouding at Long's military supervisor post, Lu Zan at Wushan—all followed. Earlier Qin had submitted and Qiang raided; the court sent Zhou Chengjin, Tian Renlang, Wang You, Liang Chongzan, Wei Tao, Ma Zhijie, and Wenyu to Qingshui; Feixiong arrived claiming an edict to bind them all. Chengjin and others seeing Chengsui arrive did not notice the fraud. Only Renlang wept and begged for the edict; Feixiong rebuked him: 'I have a secret edict because you delay and disobey— all are to be executed. Have you not heard Feng Prefecture killed Li He? How can you see the edict! Earlier when the emperor succeeded he assigned trusted men on each route to secretly report officials' conduct. The Lingnan envoy said Li He of Feng Prefecture disobeyed law and falsely reported a military plot; an edict had him executed at once. Therefore Feixiong cited this. He was about to shackle Chengjin and others, execute them at Qin, seize the city and rebel, and drove them onward.
38
初，飛雄詐宣製時，自言我上南府時親吏，文裕因哀告飛雄曰：「我亦嘗依晉邸，使者豈不營救之乎？」 飛雄低語謂文裕曰：「爾能與我同富貴否？」 文裕覺其詐，偽許之。 飛雄即命左右釋文裕縛。 文裕策馬前附耳語仁朗，仁朗佯墜馬，若卒中風眩狀。 飛雄共前視之，又釋其縛。 仁朗奮起搏飛雄，與文裕共擒之。 飛雄尚呼云：「田仁郎等謀反殺使者。」 送秦州獄鞫得實，飛雄、承遂、守定、讚坐要斬，夷飛雄家。 捕先與飛雄善者何大舉等數輩，悉棄市，廄置卒亦夷其族。 因下詔：中外臣庶之家，子弟或有乖檢，甚為鄉黨所知，雖加戒勖曾不悛改者，並許本家尊長具名聞，州縣遣吏錮送闕下，當配隸諸處。 敢有藏匿不以名聞者，異時醜狀彰露，期功以上悉以其罪罪之。
When Feixiong falsely proclaimed the edict he said he had been close clerk at the southern residence; Wenyu pleaded: 'I also served the Jin residence—will you not save me?' Feixiong whispered: 'Can you share wealth and honor with me?' Wenyu sensed the fraud and falsely agreed. Feixiong then ordered Wenyu's bonds released. Wenyu spurred forward and whispered to Renlang; Renlang pretended to fall as if stricken. Feixiong all went to look and again released his bonds. Renlang sprang up and grappled Feixiong; with Wenyu they seized him. Feixiong still cried: 'Tian Renlang and others rebel and kill the envoy!' Sent to Qin prison; truth obtained; Feixiong, Chengsui, Shouding, and Zan were waist-sliced; Feixiong's family exterminated. Those friendly with Feixiong such as He Daju were captured and executed; stable soldiers' families were also exterminated. An edict followed: if household sons are undisciplined and known though admonished they do not reform, elders may report them; counties shall escort them to court for assignment. Whoever conceals them—when guilt is later exposed—all within one degree of mourning shall be punished.
39
文裕後遷軍器庫使。 四年，車駕征太原，命文裕與通事舍人王侁分兵控石嶺關。 六年，領儒州刺史。 明年，為高陽關都監。 會契丹萬餘騎入，文裕與大將崔彥進擊卻之。 雍熙初，徙屯三交，加領順州團練使。 會李繼遷率折遇乜寇邊，初詔田仁朗與王侁等討之，仁朗坐逗遛，命文裕代仁朗。 繼遷等遁去。
Later Wenyu was promoted Arsenal Commissioner. In year 4 on the Taiyuan campaign Wenyu with Wang You divided troops to hold Shiling Pass. In year 6 he held Ru Prefecture. Next year he was supreme commander of Gaoyang Pass. When over ten thousand Khitan horsemen entered Wenyu with Cui Yanjin drove them back. At Yongxi's start he moved to Sanjiao and was given regimental command of Shun. When Li Jiyuan with Zheyu Nie raided, Tian Renlang was first ordered to attack; Renlang was punished for delay and Wenyu replaced him. Jiyuan and the others fled.
40
劉美字世濟，并州人。 四世祖質，絳州刺史。 曾祖維嶽，不仕。 祖延慶，右驍衛將軍。 父通，宋初掌禁旅，從潘美征廣南，又累戰北面，積勞至虎捷都指揮使，領嘉州刺史，太平興國中，扈蹕太原，卒於師，贈潁州防禦使。 長女為真宗德妃，加贈定國軍節度兼侍中。 大中祥符五年，德妃正位中宮，又贈維嶽忠正軍節度、檢校太傅，延慶彰德軍節度、檢校太尉，通永興軍節度兼中書令，追封曾祖母宋氏吳國太夫人，祖母河南縣君元氏許國太夫人，母龐氏徐國太夫人。 初，通之卒，窆京城西。 天禧二年，詔贈太師、尚書令，諡武懿，七月，遣升王府諮議參軍張士遜具鹵簿鼓吹，改葬於祥符鄧公原。 皇后親臨奠，真宗御製祭文置靈坐右。
Liu Mei, style Shiji, was from Bing Prefecture. His fourth-generation ancestor Zhi was prefect of Jiang. Great-grandfather Weiyue did not serve. Grandfather Yanqing was General of the Right Valiant Guard. Father Tong in early Song commanded palace guard; followed Pan Mei to Guangnan and fought north repeatedly; rose to Tiger Swift commander and Jia prefect; on Taiyuan campaign died; posthumously defender of Ying. Eldest daughter was Zhenzong's Virtuous Consort; Tong was further posthumously military commissioner of Dingguo and Palace Attendant. In Dazhong Xiangfu 5 when the Virtuous Consort became empress, ancestors were posthumously ennobled: Weiyue Zhongzheng military commissioner and acting Grand Preceptor, Yanqing Zhangde and acting Grand Marshal, Tong Yongxing and Director of the Secretariat; wives were posthumously ennobled. When Tong died he was buried west of the capital. In Tianxi 2 an edict posthumously made him Grand Preceptor and Director of the Department of State Affairs, posthumous Wuyi; month 7 Zhang Shisun was sent with full honor guard to rebury at Xiangfu Deng Duke's plain. The empress personally mourned; Zhenzong composed sacrificial text placed by the spirit seat.
41
大中祥符二年，護屯兵於漢州，曆遷供奉官，徒嘉州。 士卒有病皆給醫藥，親察視撫循之。 召還，改內殿崇班，提點在京倉場、東西八作司，以舉職聞，遷洛苑副使。 八年，預修大內，以勞改南作坊使、同勾當皇城司。 天禧初，遷洛苑使，領勤州刺史，與周懷政聯職。 懷政奸恣，美未嘗阿附，懷政左右有過，必痛繩之。 親從卒偵邏者多不時更易，美按籍分番次均使焉。 上屢欲委之兵柄，以皇后懇讓故，中輟者數四。 三年，授龍神衛四廂都指揮使，領昭州防禦使，改侍衛馬軍都虞候。 五年，加武勝軍節度觀察留後。 卒，年六十。 廢朝三日，贈太尉、昭德軍節度，錄其子從德供備庫使，從廣內殿崇班，旁親遷補者數人，追封美亡妻宋氏河內郡夫人。
In Dazhong Xiangfu 2 he protected troops at Han, rose to attendant officer, moved to Jia. When soldiers were ill he gave medicine and personally comforted them. Recalled, he was Inner Hall Honored Class, investigated capital granaries and Eight Workshops, known for duty; promoted Vice Luoyuan Commissioner. In year 8 he repaired the great inner palace; for labor he was Southern Workshops Commissioner and concurrent Imperial City overseer. At Tianxi's start he was Luoyuan Commissioner and held Qin, linked with Zhou Huai Zheng. Huai Zheng was treacherous; Mei never flattered him and severely punished his attendants' faults. Close attendants on patrol were not rotated on schedule; Mei checked the register and assigned turns evenly. The emperor several times wished to give him military command but the empress earnestly declined four times. In year 3 he was commander of four Dragon Divine Guard wings, defender of Zhao, and Vice Commander of Palace Attendant Horse Army. In year 5 he was observation commissioner of Wusheng Army. He died, aged sixty. Court suspended three days; posthumously Grand Marshal and Zhaode military commissioner; son Congde Supply Commissioner, Congguang Inner Hall Honored Class; collateral kin promoted; wife Lady Song posthumously Lady of Henei.
42
仁宗嗣位，尊皇后為皇太后，贈維嶽鎮寧軍節度兼侍中，延慶建雄軍節度兼中書令，通彭城郡王，曾祖母宋氏陳國太夫人，祖母元氏衛國太夫人。 母龐氏鄆國太夫人，美亦贈侍中。 天聖二年，郊祀，加贈維嶽彰信軍節度兼中書令，延慶鎮安軍節度兼中書令，通鄭王，宋氏楚國太夫人，元氏韓國太夫人，龐氏魏國太夫人。 五年，再郊，又贈維嶽天平軍節度、中書令兼尚書令，延慶彰化軍節度、許國公，通開府儀同三司、魏王，宋氏安國太夫人，元氏齊國太夫人，龐氏晉國太夫人，從德和州刺史，從廣內殿承製。 有龔知進者，即通之友婿也，亦贈衛尉卿，其妻追封南安郡君。
When Renzong succeeded, empress became dowager; ancestors further ennobled; great-grandmother Lady Song Grand Lady of Chen, grandmother Lady Yuan Grand Lady of Wei. Mother Lady Pang Grand Lady of Yun; Mei was also posthumously Palace Attendant. Tiansheng 2 suburban sacrifice: ancestors further ennobled; Lady Song Grand Lady of Chu, Lady Yuan of Han, Lady Pang of Wei. Tiansheng 5 second suburban sacrifice: again ancestors ennobled; Congde prefect of He, Congguang Inner Hall Fabricator. Gong Zhijin, Tong's friend by marriage, was also posthumously Commandant of the Guards; his wife posthumously Lady of Nan'an.
43
從德字復本，父美卒，年十四，自殿直遷至供備庫副使。 弟從廣是歲始生，亦補西頭供奉官，遷內殿崇班。 太后臨朝，從德以崇儀使真拜恩州刺史，改和州，又遷蔡州團練使，出知衛州，改恩州兵馬都總管，知相州。 從德齒少無才能，特以外家故，恩寵無比。 其在衛州，縣吏李熙輔者善事從德，乃薦其才於朝。 太后喜曰：「兒能薦士，知所以為政矣。」 即擢熙輔京官。 從事鄭驤因緣從德，亦擢美官。 從德妻，嘉州王蒙正女也。 蒙正家豪右，以厚賂結納至郎官，為郡守。 既而從德病，召還，道卒，年二十四。 贈保寧軍節度使，封榮國公，諡康懷。 太后悲憐之尤甚，錄內外姻戚門人及僮隸數十人。 從德娣婿龍圖閣直學士馬季良、母越國夫人錢氏兄惟演子集賢校理曖及蒙正皆遷二官。 尚書屯田員外郎戴融嘗佐從德衛州，以為三司度支判官。 御史曹修古、楊偕、郭勸、推直官段少連上疏論之，皆坐貶。 子永年。
Congde, style Fuben, when Mei died was fourteen; from Palace Attendant he rose to Vice Supply Commissioner. Younger brother Congguang born that year was also made Western Head attendant officer and Inner Hall Honored Class. When the empress dowager held court Congde was made regimental commander of En, then He, then Cai; he governed Wei, then was En supreme commander and governed Xiang. Congde was young and without ability but through the maternal clan received matchless favor. At Wei county clerk Li Xifu who served Congde well recommended his talent to court. The empress dowager was pleased and said: 'My son can recommend men—he knows how to govern.' Xifu was at once promoted capital official. Attendant Zheng Xiang through Congde was also promoted to a fine office. Congde's wife was daughter of Wang Mengzheng of Jia. Mengzheng's family was powerful; with bribes he rose to court official and prefect. Later Congde fell ill, was recalled, and died on the road, aged twenty-four. Posthumously military commissioner of Baoning Army, enfeoffed Duke of Rong, posthumous Kanghuai. The empress dowager pitied him especially and enrolled dozens of kin, retainers, and servants. Brother-in-law Ma Jiliang, uncle Qian Weiyan's son Proofreader Ai, and Mengzheng were all promoted two ranks. Revenue Officer Dai Rong who had assisted Congde at Wei was made Three Departments Expenditure Vice Commissioner. Censors Cao Xiugu, Yang Xie, Guo Quan, and investigator Duan Shaolian memorialized; all were demoted. His son Yongnian.
44
從廣字景元，少出入禁中，侍仁宗左右，太后愛之如家人子。 太后崩，真拜崇州團練使。 娶荊王元儼女。 為滁州防禦使，時年十七。 趙元昊反，從廣自言待罪行間，不能扞患疆埸，坐耗縣官，願上所給公使錢，帝嘉納之。 為群牧都監，改副使。
Congguang, style Jingyuan, from youth entered the forbidden palace and attended Renzong; the empress dowager loved him like family. When the empress dowager died he was made regimental commander of Chong. He married Prince Jing of Jing's daughter. He was defender of Chu at seventeen. When Zhao Yuanhao rebelled Congguang said he awaited punishment, could not defend the border, wasted funds, and offered to return his public allowance; the emperor praised this. He was Herd Commissioner, then Vice Commissioner.
45
從廣自為防禦使十年不遷，特拜宣州觀察使、同勾當三班院，請補外自效，以知洺州。 漳水溢，從廣穿隋故渠以殺水勢，洺人便之。 徙邢州，籍鄉軍之罷老者聽引子弟自代，著為令。 召還，復領三班院。 出知襄州，徙真定府路馬步軍副都總管。 卒，贈昭慶軍節度使，諡良惠。 從廣性謹飭，然喜交士大夫，時頗稱之。
Defender ten years without promotion; specially made Xuan observation commissioner and Third Class overseer; he asked to serve outside and was made prefect of Luo. When the Zhang overflowed Congguang cut the Sui old canal to reduce flooding; Luo people benefited. Moved to Xing; he registered aged local troops to bring sons as substitutes and made it law. Recalled; again oversaw the Third Class Office. He governed Xiang and was deputy supreme commander of Zhendingfu horse and foot. He died; posthumously Zhaoqing military commissioner, posthumous Lianghui. Congguang was cautious yet liked scholar-officials and was praised.
46
永年字君錫，生四歲，授內殿崇班，許出入兩宮。 仁宗使賦《小山詩》，有「一柱擎天」之語。 帝誤投金杯瑤津亭下，戲謂左右曰：「能取之乎？」 永年一躍持之而出，帝拊其首曰：「奇童子也。」 常置內中，年十二，始聽出外，累遷廉州團練使，為陝州都監。 郭邈山等為盜，永年密遣壯士夜渡河，殺其凶桀二十餘人，眾遂散。 遷鈐轄，代還召見，問破賊狀，擢幹辦皇城司，改單州團練使、永興軍路總管。
Yongnian, style Junxi, at four was Inner Hall Honored Class and allowed in both palaces. Renzong had him compose 'Small Mountain' with the phrase 'a single pillar holding up heaven.' The emperor dropped a gold cup at Yaojin Pavilion and jested: 'Can anyone fetch it?' Yongnian leaped, fetched it, and came out; the emperor patted his head: 'What a remarkable boy.' Often kept inside; at twelve allowed outside; rose to Lian regimental commander and Shaanxi supreme commander. When Guo Miaoshan and others were bandits Yongnian secretly sent men by night across the river, killed over twenty ringleaders, and the crowd dispersed. Promoted stationed commander; recalled and asked about the bandits; promoted Imperial City manager; made Shan regimental commander and Yongxing supreme commander.
47
契丹遣使來請帝繪像，選副張報使。 契丹以未得志，夜取巨石塞驛門，眾皆恐，永年素有力，手擲棄之，契丹驚以為神。
The Khitan requested the emperor's portrait; chosen deputy to Zhang on the response embassy. The Khitan at night blocked the post gate with stones; all feared; Yongnian threw them aside; the Khitan thought it divine.
48
出知涇州，帝賜詩寵之。 郡兵歲以香藥為折支，三司不時輦致。 振武卒素驕，突入通判聽事，請以他物代給，歡嘩語不遜。 永年召至庭下數其罪，斬為首二人，餘不敢動。 同提舉在京諸司庫務。 凡三除防禦使，皆為言者所論而寢。
He governed Jing; the emperor bestowed an honoring poem. Border troops yearly took spices as partial pay; the Three Departments did not deliver in time. Zhenwu soldiers were arrogant; they burst into the vice prefect's hall demanding other goods, clamoring rudely. Yongnian summoned them, counted crimes, beheaded two leaders; the rest dared not move. Concurrently investigated capital storehouses. Three times made defender; each time critics stopped it.
49
知代州。 契丹取西山木積十餘里，輦載相屬於路，前守不敢遏，永年遣人焚之，一夕盡。 上其事，帝稱善。 契丹移檄捕縱火盜，永年曰：「盜固有罪，然發在我境，何預汝事？」 乃不敢復言。 帝嘗問禦戎策，對合旨，書「忠孝」字以賜。
He governed Dai Prefecture. The Khitan piled western mountain timber for over ten li; previous guardians dared not stop them; Yongnian burned it in one night. He reported; the emperor praised it. The Khitan proclaimed to capture the arsonist; Yongnian said: 'The thief is guilty, but the fire was in our territory—what is it to you?' They dared not speak again. The emperor asked border strategy; his answer suited intent and he received 'Loyal and Filial.'
50
英宗立，遷沂州防禦使，復知代州。 曆步軍馬軍殿前都虞候、太原定州路副都總管。 王師征安南，永年請先士卒，度富良江取賊以獻，不許。 遷邕州觀察使、步軍副都指揮使。 卒，贈崇信軍節度使，諡曰莊恪。
When Yingzong succeeded he was defender of Yi and again governed Dai. He was Vice Commander of Foot, Horse, and Palace Front Armies and deputy supreme commander of Taiyuan-Ding route. On the Annan campaign Yongnian asked to lead the vanguard, cross Fu Liang River and capture the enemy; refused. He was Yong observation commissioner and Foot Army Vice Commander. He died; posthumously Chongxin military commissioner, posthumous Zhuangke.
51
馬季良字元之，開封府尉氏人。 家本茶商，娶劉美女。 初補越州上虞尉，改秘書省校書郎，知明州鄞縣，入為刑部詳覆官。 太后臨朝，遷光祿寺丞。 頃之，擢秘閣校理、同判太常禮院，再遷太子中允、判三司度支勾院，以太常丞、直史館提舉在京諸司庫務，擢龍圖閣待制。 三丞充近職，非故事也。 遷尚書工部員外郎、龍圖閣直學士、同知審官院。 劉從德卒，遺表季良遷二官，辭不就，而請以其子直方為館閣讀書。
Ma Jiliang, style Yuanzhi, was from Weishi in Kaifeng Prefecture. The family were tea merchants; he married Lady Liu the Beautiful. He first was Shangyu captain in Yue, Secretariat Proofreader, Yin county magistrate in Ming, then Punishments detailed reviewer. When the empress dowager held court he was Director of Imperial Sacrifices. Soon Secretariat collator and Rites Court judge, Crown Prince Attendant and Expenditure judge, Grand Sacrifices Director and Historian supervising storehouses, Longtu Attendant Academician. Three near-office posts—not precedent. Promoted Works Outer Section Officer, Longtu Direct Academician, Review Office judge. When Congde died his will wished Jiliang promoted two ranks; he declined and asked son Zhifang study in the pavilion.
52
會江南旱，出為安撫使，再遷兵部郎中。 太后崩，換濠州防禦使，赴本州。 御史中丞範諷言季良徼幸得官，降屯衛將軍、滁州安置。 開封府劾奏季良冒立券，庇占富民劉守謙免戶役，詔許季良自陳，以地給還。 歲餘，徙壽州，致仕，還京師卒。
When Jiangnan droughted he was pacification commissioner and promoted Military Affairs Langzhong. When the empress dowager died he was defender of Hao. Censor Fan Feng said Jiliang gained office by luck; demoted Tunwei General, settled at Chu. Kaifeng impeached him for false bonds and shielding Liu Shouqian from service; allowed to explain; land returned. After a year moved to Shou, retired, returned to capital and died.
53
季良因緣以進，無他行能，在禮院嘗建言，攝祠事官致齋三日無供帳飲食，非所以重祠事也。 自是翰林、儀鸞司供帳，大官給食於祠所雲。
Jiliang advanced by connections; in Rites Court he memorialized acting sacrifice officers should fast three days without food—not honoring sacrifice. Thence Hanlin and Ceremonial Guard provided provisions and Grand Commissary gave food at the site.
54
郭崇仁，字永年，守文之子，章穆皇后弟也，淳化四年，補左班殿直，遷東頭供奉官、閣門祗候。 契丹入寇，齎密詔諭河北諸將，還奏稱旨，累遷崇儀副使兼閣門通事舍人。 章穆崩，特除莊宅使、康州刺史，再遷宮苑使、昭州團練使。 丁母憂，起復雲麾將軍，拜解州團練使，改蔡州，擢捧日天武四廂都指揮使、賀州防禦使、高陽關路馬步軍副都總管。 以疾落軍職，改磁州防禦使。 卒，贈彰德軍節度觀察留後。
Guo Chongren, style Yongnian, Shouwen's son and Empress Zhangmu's younger brother; Chunhua 4 Left Class Palace Attendant, then Eastern Head attendant and Gate Attendant. When Khitan raided he carried secret edicts to Hebei generals; report suited intent; rose to Vice Ceremonial Protocol and Gate Communications Officer. When Zhangmu died specially Manor Estates Commissioner and Kang defender; again Palace Parks and Zhao regimental commander. On mother's mourning recalled Cloud Commander, Qi regimental commander, Cai, four Sun-facing wings commander, He defender, Gaoyang deputy supreme commander. On illness lost military office; made Ci defender. He died; posthumously Zhangde observation commissioner.
55
崇仁雖外戚，朝廷未嘗過推恩澤，其為解州團練使十年不遷，嘗除知相、衛二州，皆辭不行，蓋性慎靜，不樂外官也。
Though consort kin the court never over-favored him; Qi regimental commander ten years without promotion; offered Xiang and Wei but declined—cautious, disliking outer office.
56
楊景宗，字正臣，章惠皇太后從父弟，少蒲博無賴，客京師，以罪黜隸致遠務。 章惠入宮為美人，奏補茶酒班殿侍，累遷西頭供奉官、閣門祗候，坐事降左侍禁、郢州兵馬都監。 未久復官，累遷東染院副使。 章惠為太后，進崇儀使，領連州刺史、揚州兵馬鈐轄。 未幾，授秦州刺史，徙滑州鈐轄，遷舒州團練使，為兵馬總管。
Yang Jingzong, style Zhengchen, Empress Zhanghui's maternal younger brother; from youth gambled, was worthless in the capital, demoted to Zhiyuan bonded service. When Zhanghui became Beautiful Lady she made him tea-wine attendant; rose to Western Head and Gate Attendant; demoted Left Attendant Forbidden and E commander. Soon restored; rose to Eastern Dyeing Vice Commissioner. When Zhanghui became empress dowager he was Ceremonial Protocol Commissioner, Lian and Yang military supervisor. Soon Qin prefect, Hua military supervisor, Shu regimental commander and military commander.
57
章惠崩，遷成州防禦使，坐入臨皇儀殿被酒歡噪，出為兗州總管，改天雄軍副都總管。 時呂夷簡守魏，常以官屬禮飭戒之，而景宗肆誌不悛，遂以不法奏。 貶齊州都監，徒衛州，又徒鄆州鈐轄。 召還，同勾當景靈宮、提舉四園苑。 章獻、章懿二後升祔太廟，帝念章惠，故特拜景宗徐州觀察使，給留後奉。 逾年，領軍頭引見司，出知磁州，為建寧軍節度觀察留後、知潞州，給節度使奉。 領皇城司，坐衛士入禁中謀為亂，貶徐州觀察使、知濟州。 還，提舉萬壽觀，復建寧軍留後，復領軍頭引見。 又坐從卒王安挾刃入皇城，謫左監門衛大將軍、均州安置，起為汝州鈐轄。 祀明堂覃恩，願還所改官，求為郡。 帝謂輔臣曰：「景宗性貪虐，老而益甚，郡不可予也。」 乃復以為建寧軍留後、提舉四園苑，改提舉在京諸司庫務。 卒，贈安武軍節度使兼太尉，諡莊定。
When Zhanghui died Cheng defender; for entering Imperial Rites Hall drunk and clamoring, Yan supreme commander, Tianxiong deputy supreme commander. Lü Yijian guarded Wei and restrained him; Jingzong indulged himself and did not reform; memorialized for misconduct. Demoted Qi supreme commander, Wei, Yan military supervisor. Recalled; Jingling Palace and Four Gardens supervisor. When Zhangxian and Zhangyi entered the temple the emperor recalled Zhanghui and made Jingzong Xu observation commissioner withthe cited text salary. After a year Army Head Introduction Office, Ci prefect, Jianning observation commissioner and Luo prefect with commissioner salary. Imperial City overseer; guards plotted rebellion in forbidden palace; demoted Xu observation commissioner and Ji prefect. Returned; Wanshouthe cited text supervisor; again Jianningthe cited text; again Army Head Introduction. Again follower Wang An entered Imperial City with blade; demoted Left Prison Gate Grand General, Jun; recalled Ru military supervisor. On Bright Hall amnesty he wished offices restored and sought a prefecture. The emperor told ministers: 'Jingzong is greedy and cruel, worse in old age—a prefecture cannot be given.' Again Jianningthe cited text, Four Gardens supervisor, capital storehouses supervisor. He died; posthumously Anwu military commissioner and Grand Marshal, posthumous Zhuangding.
58
景宗起徒中，以外戚故至顯官，然暴戾，所至為人患。 復使酒任氣，在滑州嘗毆通判王述仆地。 帝深戒毋飲酒，景宗雖書其戒坐右，頃之輒復醉。 其奉賜亦隨費無餘。 始，宰相丁謂方盛，築第敦教坊，景宗為役卒負土第中，後謂敗，仁宗以其第賜景宗，居三十年乃終。
Jingzong rose from bondage through consort kin but was violent; wherever he went he harmed people. He loved wine and temper; at Hua he beat Vice Prefect Wang Shu to the ground. The emperor warned him not to drink; he wrote the warning at his seat; soon drunk again. Stipends and gifts were spent without remainder. When Ding Wei flourished he built in Dunjiao Ward; Jingzong carried earth as laborer; when Wei fell Renzong gave him the mansion; he lived there thirty years until death.
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符惟忠，字正臣，彥卿曾孫也。 以外祖母賢靖大長公主蔭，為三班奉職，後擢閣門通事舍人、勾當東排岸司。 三司使寇瑊繩下急，漕米數不足綱，吏卒率論以自盜。 惟忠爭曰：「在法，欠不滿四百者不坐，若以自盜論，則計直八百即當坐徒矣。」 瑊怒曰：「敢抗三司使邪？」 惟忠曰：「職有當辨，非抗也。」 瑊益怒，惟忠爭愈力，如所議乃已。
Fu Weizhong, style Zhengchen, was Yanqing's great-grandson. By yin of his grandmother the Worthy and Tranquil Grand Imperial Princess he was Third Class Attendant, later Gate Communications Officer and Eastern Wharf overseer. Commissioner Kou Zhen was harsh; when transport grain fell short clerks were charged as self-theft. Weizhong argued: 'By law shortage under four hundred is unpunished; self-theft at eight hundred means exile.' Zhen angrily said: 'You dare resist the Three Departments Commissioner!' Weizhong said: 'It is my duty to distinguish—not resistance.' Zhen grew angrier; Weizhong argued harder and it stopped as he argued.
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以西染院副使權提舉倉草場、提點開封府界縣鎮公事。 開封主簿樂誥，宰相王曾外孫也。 或風使薦之。 惟忠不從，曰：「誥無善狀，安可以勢使我。」 既而誥果以贓敗。 時吳奎為長垣尉，惟忠厚遇奎，白府共薦之。
As Western Dyeing Vice Commissioner he supervised the grain yard and investigated Kaifeng circuit affairs. Kaifeng chief clerk Yue Hao was Wang Zeng's grandson. Some urged recommending him. Weizhong refused: 'Hao has no good record—how can power make me?' Later Hao indeed fell for corruption. Wu Kui was Changyuan captain; Weizhong treated him well and jointly recommended him.
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惠民河與刁河合流，歲多決溢，害民田，惟忠自宋樓鎮碾灣、橫隴村置二斗門殺水勢，以接鄭河、圭河，自是無復有水害。 陝西用兵，除涇原路兵馬鈐轄兼知涇州。 三司使鄭戩奏留都大管勾汴河使，建議以為渠有廣狹，若水闊而行緩，則沙伏而不利於舟，請即其廣處束以木岸。 三司以為不便，後卒用其議。 再遷西上閣門副使。 契丹遣使求地，惟忠副富弼往報使，遷閣門使，至武強縣，疽發背卒。 贈客省使、眉州防禦使。
Huimin and Diao rivers yearly flooded; Weizhong set sluice gates at Songlou and Henglong to connect Zheng and Gui—no further floods. When Shaanxi warred he was Jingyuan military supervisor and prefect of Jing. Zheng Xian retained him as Bian Canal overseer; he proposed binding wide slow sections with wooden banks against sand. The Three Departments objected; later his plan was used. Again Western Upper Gate Vice Commissioner. Khitan sought territory; Weizhong deputy to Fu Bi; promoted Gate Commissioner; died of back abscess at Wuqiang. Posthumously Guest Commissioner and Mei defender.
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柴宗慶，字天祐，大名人。 祖禹錫，鎮寧軍節度使。 父宗亮，太子中舍。 宗慶尚太宗女魯國長公主，升其行為禹錫子，拜左衛將軍，駙馬都尉，領恩州刺史。 禹錫卒，真拜康州防禦使，改復州。
Chai Zongqing, style Tianyou, was from Daming. Grandfather Yuxi was Zhenning military commissioner. Father Zongliang was Crown Prince Attendant. Zongqing married Taizong's daughter Princess of Lu; raised as Yuxi's son; Left Guard General, imperial son-in-law, En Prefecture. When Yuxi died truly Kang defender, then Fu.
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舊制，諸公主宅皆雜買務市物，宗慶遣家僮自外州市炭，所過免算，至則盡鬻之，復市於務中。 自是詔雜買務罷公主宅所市物。 從祀汾陰，為行宮四面都巡檢，進泉州管內觀察使。 又自言陝西市材木至京師，求蠲所過稅。 真宗曰：「向諭汝毋私販以奪民利，今復爾邪！」 既而河東提點刑獄劾宗慶私使人市馬不輸稅，貸不問。 授武勝軍節度觀察留後，曆拜彰德軍節度使。
By old rule princess mansions bought from Miscellaneous Purchase Office; Zongqing sent slaves to buy charcoal outside tax-free, sold it, rebought from the Office. An edict stopped the Office selling to princess mansions. At Fenyin sacrifice he was traveling-palace patrol commissioner and Quan observation commissioner. He again sought tax exemption for Shaanxi timber to the capital. Zhenzong said: 'I told you not to privately trade and seize profit—now again!' Later Hedong impeached him for private horse-buying without tax; pardoned. Wusheng observation commissioner, then Zhangde military commissioner.
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宗慶曆官多過失，性極貪鄙，積財钜萬，而薄於自奉，甚至優人以為戲，宗慶雖知，莫能改也。 無子。 及終，願以貲產送官，仁宗以其女尚幼，不許。 人謂宗慶選尚榮貴逾四十年，晚上積奉以裨軍用，蓋亦追補前過雲。
Zongqing had many faults, extremely greedy, amassed great wealth yet lived meanly—even actors mocked him and he could not change. He had no son. At death he wished property sent to the state; Renzong, his daughter still young, refused. People said Zongqing married nobly over forty years and in old age offered stipends to the army—perhaps atoning for past faults.
65
張堯佐，字希元，河南永安人，溫成皇后世父也。 舉進士，曆憲州、筠州推官。 吉州有道士與商人夜飲，商人暴死，道士懼而遁，為邏者所獲，捕係百餘人。 轉運使命堯佐覆治，盡得其冤。 改大理寺丞、知汜水縣，遷殿中丞、知犀浦縣。 犀浦地狹民繁，多田訟。 堯佐正其疆界，條眾敝以曉之，訟遂簡。 知開州，還，判登聞鼓院。
Zhang Yaozuo, style Xiyuan, Yong'an in Henan, Empress Wencheng's maternal uncle. He passed jinshi and served investigating officer at Xian and Yun. In Ji a Daoist drank with a merchant who died suddenly; the Daoist fled; patrol caught him; over a hundred imprisoned. The transport commissioner ordered Yaozuo to retry and proved their innocence. Dali Assistant, Sishui magistrate; Palace Attendant, Xipu magistrate. Xipu was narrow, populous, with many land suits. Yaozuo corrected boundaries and listed abuses; suits simplified. He governed Kai and judged Imperial Complaints.
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時溫成方為脩媛，欲以門閥自表異，故堯佐稍進用，權開封府推官，又提點府界公事。 諫官余靖言：「用堯佐不宜太遽，頃者郭后之禍起於楊尚，不可不監。」 未幾，遷三司戶部判官，又為副使。 擢天章閣待制、吏部流內銓，累遷兵部郎中、權知開封府，加龍圖閣直學士，遷給事中、端明殿學士，拜三司使。
When Wencheng was Cultivated Consort she wished to distinguish her clan; Yaozuo was gradually promoted, acting Kaifeng investigator. Remonstrator Yu Jing said: 'Promoting Yaozuo should not be hasty; Empress Guo's calamity arose from Yang Shang—we must watch.' Soon Three Departments Revenue Vice Commissioner, again Vice Commissioner. Tianzhang Attendant, Personnel Registrar, Military Affairs Langzhong, acting Kaifeng prefect, Longtu Direct, Chief Drafting Officer, Duanming Academician, Three Departments Commissioner.
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明年，諫官包拯、陳升之、吳奎言：「比年以來，水冒城郭，地震河溢，蓋小人道盛。 天下皆謂堯佐主大計，諸路困於誅求，內帑煩於借助，法制剚敞，實自堯佐。 臣等竊惟親昵之私，聖人不免，惟處之有道，使不踐危機，斯為得矣。」 仁宗祀明堂，改戶部侍郎，尋拜淮康軍節度使、群牧製置使、宣徽南院使、景靈宮使，賜二子進士出身。 拯等復言：「陛下即位僅三十年，未有失道敗德之事，乃五六年來擢用堯佐，群口竊議，以謂其過不在陛下，在女謁、近習與執政大臣也。 蓋女謁、近習知陛下繼嗣未立，既有所私，莫不潛有趨向； 執政大臣不能規諫，乃從諛順旨，高官要職惟恐堯佐不滿其意，致陷陛下於私昵後宮之過。 製下之日，陽精晦塞，氛霧蒙孛，宜斷以大義，亟命追寢。 必不得已，宣徽、節度擇與一焉。 如此，則合天意，順人情矣。」 御史中丞王舉正留百官班，欲廷議，不許。 乃詔曰：「近台諫官乞罷堯佐三司，及言不可用為執政，若優與之官，於體為善，朕用其言，遂有是命。 今復以為不可，前後反覆，於法當黜。 其令中書戒諭之。 自今言事官，相率上殿，先取旨。」 是日，堯佐辭宣徽、景靈使，從之。
Next year Bao Zheng, Chen Shengzhi, and Wu Kui said: 'Recent floods and earthquakes show petty men flourishing. All say Yaozuo controls planning; routes suffer exactions, inner treasury loans, laws broken—truly from Yaozuo. We consider intimate favor unavoidable for a sage—only handle it so he does not tread crisis. At Bright Hall sacrifice Revenue Vice Minister; soon Huaiang military commissioner, Herd Commissioner, Xuanyi South Court, Jingling Palace; two sons granted jinshi. Zheng and others again said: 'Your Majesty has reigned thirty years without misrule; yet five or six years promoting Yaozuo—whispers say fault lies with palace women, close attendants, and chief ministers. Palace women and attendants know no heir is named and secretly incline; chief ministers cannot remonstrate but flatter; high offices fear displeasing Yaozuo, trapping Your Majesty in inner-palace favor. When the decree issued the sun dimmed and comets appeared—revoke with great righteousness. If unavoidable, give Xuanyi or military commission—one only. Thus heaven's intent and people's hearts would be satisfied. Censor Wang Juzheng detained officials wishing court debate; refused. Edict: 'Remonstrators asked to remove Yaozuo from Three Departments; if favorably given office that is proper—I used their words. Now again impossible—contradicting—in law should dismiss. Let the Secretariat admonish them. From now memorializers in groups shall first receive instruction.' That day Yaozuo declined Xuanyi and Jingling; accepted.
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未幾，復以宣徽使判河陽，舉正又抗章論之，至於三。 時吳育判西京留台，河陽民訟有不決者多詣育，育於狀尾判曲直。 堯佐畏恐，即奉行之。 召還，徒鎮天平軍。 卒，贈太師，賜其家僦舍錢日三千。
Soon again Xuanyi commissioner at Heyang; Juzheng resisted three memorials. Wu Yu judged Western Capitalthe cited text; many Heyang suits went to Yu; he judged at petition's end. Yaozuo feared and at once obeyed. Recalled; Tianping Army. He died; posthumously Grand Preceptor; daily three thousand cash rent for his family.
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堯佐起寒士，持身謹畏，頗通吏治，曉法律，以戚裏進，遽至崇顯，戀嫪恩寵，為世所鄙。 子山甫，引進副使、樞密副都承旨。
Yaozuo rose humble, was cautious, knew administration and law; through consort kin reached eminence, clung to favor, despised by the world. Son Shanfu was Deputy Introduction Commissioner and Deputy Military Affairs Director.
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從弟堯封，孝謹好學，舉進士，為石州推官卒。 次女，即溫成皇后也。 累贈至中書令、清河郡王，諡曰景思。
Cousin Yao Feng was filial and studious; passed jinshi; died Shizhou investigating officer. The younger daughter was Empress Wencheng. Cumulatively posthumously Director of the Secretariat, Prince of Qinghe, posthumous Jingsi.