1
七年正月己未，振旅于京師。 改授大將軍、揚州牧，給班劍二十人，本官悉如故，固辭。 凡南北征伐戰亡者，並列上賻贈。 尸喪未反，遣主帥迎接，致還本土。
In the first month of the seventh year (411), on the day jiwei, Gaozu marched his troops back to the capital. The court offered him Grand General and Governor of Yangzhou, with twenty ceremonial swords and all his old posts unchanged. He refused. He ordered a full list of those killed in the northern and southern campaigns, with funeral grants for each. Where bodies had not yet come home, he sent the field commanders to escort them back to their home districts.
2
二月，盧循至番禺，為孫季高所破，收餘眾南走。 劉藩、孟懷玉斬徐道覆于始興。
In the second month Lu Xun reached Panyu. Sun Jigao defeated him; he gathered what was left of his army and fled south. At Shixing, Liu Fan and Meng Huaiyu beheaded Xu Daofu.
3
晉自中興以來，治綱大弛，權門并兼，強弱相凌，百姓流離，不得保其產業。 桓玄頗欲釐改，竟不能行。 公既作輔，大示軌則，豪強肅然，遠近知禁。 至是會稽餘姚虞亮復藏匿亡命千餘人。 公誅亮，免會稽內史司馬休之。
Since the Jin court moved south, government had grown lax. Great families swallowed their neighbors, the strong preyed on the weak, and ordinary people lost their homes and could not hold on to their land. Huan Xuan had tried to set things right, but never managed to. Once Gaozu took power as regent, he laid down clear rules. The mighty fell silent, and everyone, near and far, knew the law. By then Yu Liang of Yuyao in Kuaiji was again sheltering over a thousand fugitives. Gaozu had Liang executed and removed Sima Xiuzhi as Interior Minister of Kuaiji.
4
天子又申前命，公固辭。 於是改授太尉、中書監，乃受命。 奉送黃鉞，解冀州。
The emperor pressed the earlier honors on him again. Gaozu refused. He was then made Grand Commandant and Supervisor of the Masters of Writing, and this time he accepted. The court sent him the yellow battle-axe; he gave up Jizhou.
5
交州刺史杜慧度斬盧循，傳首京師。
Du Huidu, Inspector of Jiaozhou, killed Lu Xun and sent his head to the capital.
6
先是諸州郡所遣秀才、孝廉，多非其人，公表天子，申明舊制，依舊策試。
Provincial nominees for office had often been unworthy. Gaozu petitioned the throne to restore the old examination system.
7
征西將軍、荊州刺史道規疾患求歸，八年四月，改授豫州刺史，以後將軍、豫州刺史劉毅代之。 毅與公俱舉大義，興復晉室，自謂京城、廣陵，功業足以相抗。 雖權事推公，而心不服也。 毅既有雄才大志，厚自矜許，朝士素望者多歸之。 與尚書僕射謝混、丹陽尹郗僧施並深相結。 及西鎮江陵，豫州舊府，多割以自隨，請僧施為南蠻校尉。 既知毅不能居下，終為異端，密圖之。 毅至西，稱疾篤，表求從弟兗州刺史藩以為副貳，偽許焉。 九月，藩入朝，公命收藩及謝混，並於獄賜死。 自表討毅。 又假黃鉞，率諸軍西征。 以前鎮軍將軍司馬休之為平西將軍、荊州刺史，兗州刺史道憐鎮丹徒，豫州刺史諸葛長民監太尉留府事，加太尉司馬、丹陽尹劉穆之建威將軍，配以實力。 壬午，發自京師。 遣參軍王鎮惡、龍驤將軍蒯恩前襲江陵。 十月，鎮惡剋江陵，毅及黨與皆伏誅。
Daogui, General Who Pacifies the West and Inspector of Jingzhou, fell ill and asked to come home. In the fourth month of the eighth year (412) he was made Inspector of Yuzhou; Liu Yi, Rear General and Inspector of Yuzhou, took his place in Jing. Yi had joined Gaozu in restoring the Jin dynasty and thought his deeds at the capital and at Guangling matched Gaozu's own. He yielded to Gaozu in public, but in his heart he would not submit. Yi was talented, ambitious, and vain. Many senior officials looked to him instead. He was close to Xie Hun, Vice Director of the Masters of Writing, and Xi Sengshi, Chief of Danyang. Once he held Jiangling in the west, he took over much of the old Yuzhou establishment and asked that Sengshi be made Commander Who Pacifies the Southern Man. Gaozu saw that Yi would never stay below him and would turn rebel; he began to plot in secret. Yi reached the west, claimed to be gravely ill, and asked that his cousin Fan, Inspector of Yanzhou, be made his deputy. Gaozu pretended to agree. In the ninth month Fan came to court. Gaozu had him and Xie Hun arrested and executed in prison. He then memorialized to take the field against Yi. He was given the yellow battle-axe and marched west at the head of the armies. Sima Xiuzhi became General Who Pacifies the West and Inspector of Jingzhou; Daoling held Dantu; Changmin ran the capital in Gaozu's absence; Muzhi was made General Who Establishes Might—all with real troops behind them. On the day renwu he marched out from the capital. He sent Wang Zhen'e and Kuai En ahead to take Jiangling. In the tenth month Zhen'e took Jiangling. Yi and his followers were all put to death.
8
十一月己卯，公至江陵，下書曰：
On the day jimao in the eleventh month Gaozu reached Jiangling and issued a proclamation:
9
夫去弊拯民，必存簡恕，捨網修綱，雖煩易理。 江、荊彫殘，刑政多闕，頃年事故，綏撫未週。 遂令百姓疲匱，歲月滋甚，財傷役困，慮不幸生。 凋殘之餘，而不減舊，刻剝徵求，不循政道。 宰莅之司，或非良榦，未能菲躬儉，[1]苟求盈給，積習生常，漸不知改。
"To cure abuses and help the people, government must stay simple and humane. Tightening the law after years of disorder is hard work, but it is the right course." Jiang and Jing were devastated; justice was patchy; years of turmoil had left the region half-settled. The people grew poorer every month, taxes and labor broke them, and I feared worse would follow. Even on ruined ground the old levies stood. Officials squeezed the people without regard to law. Many local magistrates were unfit. They would not live plainly [1] but chased every quota until waste became habit and reform seemed impossible.
10
近因戎役，來涉二州，踐境親民，愈見其瘼，思欲振其所急，卹其所苦。 凡租稅調役，悉宜以見戶為正。 州郡縣屯田池塞，諸非軍國所資，利入守宰者，今一切除之。 州郡縣吏，皆依尚書定制實戶置。 臺調癸卯梓材，庚子皮毛，可悉停省，別量所出。 巴陵均折度支，依舊兵運。 原五歲刑已下。 凡所質錄賊家餘口，亦悉原放。
This campaign has brought me into both provinces. Seeing the people myself, I know their distress and mean to ease what hurts them most. All rent, tax, and labor duties shall be assessed only on actual registered households. Provincial garrison farms, ponds, and toll stations that served private profit rather than the army or the state are abolished at once. Provincial, commandery, and county staffs shall be set only at the numbers the Masters of Writing allow for real households. Court demands for guimao timber and gengzi hides are suspended; other supplies will be found. The Ba-ling equalization office shall return to the old military transport system. All sentences of five years or less are pardoned. Dependents taken hostage from rebel families are also freed.
11
以荊州十郡為湘州，公乃進督。 [2]以西陽太守朱齡石為益州刺史，率眾伐蜀。 進公太傅、揚州牧，加羽葆鼓吹，班劍二十人。
Ten commanderies of Jing were split off as Xiang province, and Gaozu took overall supervision. [2] Zhu Lingshi, Administrator of Xiyang, was made Inspector of Yizhou and marched against Shu. Gaozu was made Grand Tutor and Governor of Yangzhou, with imperial music and twenty ceremonial swords.
12
九年二月乙丑，公至自江陵。 初諸葛長民貪淫驕橫，為士民所患苦，公以其同大義，優容之。 劉毅既誅，長民謂所親曰：「昔年醢彭越，今年誅韓信，禍其至矣。」 將謀作亂。 公克期至京邑，而每淹留不進。 公卿以下頻日奉候於新亭，長民亦驟出。 既而公輕舟密至，已還東府矣。 長民到門。 引前，卻人閑語，凡平生於長民所不盡者，皆與及之。 長民甚說。 已密命左右壯士丁旿等自幔後出，於坐拉焉。 長民墜牀，又於地毆之，死於牀側。 輿尸付廷尉。 并誅其弟黎民。 旿驍勇有氣力，時人為之語曰：「勿跋扈，付丁旿。」
On the day yichou in the second month of the ninth year (413) Gaozu returned from Jiangling. Zhuge Changmin had long been greedy, brutal, and hated by the people. Gaozu had tolerated him because they had fought together for the dynasty. After Yi died, Changmin told his intimates, "Last year Peng Yue was boiled; this year Han Xin is killed. My turn is coming." He began to plot rebellion. Gaozu had named a day to reach the capital, but lingered on the road. For days the highest officials waited on him at Xinting. Changmin kept hurrying out to meet him. Then Gaozu slipped in by light boat and was already back at his eastern headquarters. Changmin came to the gate. Gaozu brought him in, sent everyone else away, and spoke with him at length about everything he had never yet said between them. Changmin was delighted. He had already told his strongmen, Ding Wu and the rest, to slip out from behind the curtain and seize him in his seat. Changmin fell from the couch. They beat him on the floor until he died beside it. The body was carted to the Minister of Justice. His younger brother Limin was executed as well. Wu was famously fierce. People said, "Don't play the tyrant—leave it to Ding Wu."
13
先是山湖川澤，皆為豪強所專，小民薪採漁釣，皆責稅直，至是禁斷之。 時民居未一，公表曰：
Powerful families had seized lakes, rivers, and hills; even firewood and fishing carried a fee. That was now forbidden. The people were still unsettled. Gaozu submitted a memorial:
14
臣聞先王制治，九土攸序，分境畫疆，各安其居。 在昔盛世，人無遷業，故井田之制，三代以隆。 秦革斯政，漢遂不改，富強兼并，於是為弊。 然九服弗擾，所託成舊，在漢西京，大遷田、景之族，以實關中，即以三輔為鄉閭，不復係之於齊、楚。 自永嘉播越，爰託淮、海，朝有匡復之算，民懷思本之心，經略之圖，日不暇給。 是以寧民綏治，猶有未遑。 及至大司馬桓溫，以民無定本，傷治為深，庚戌土斷，以一其業。 于時財阜國豐，實由於此。 自茲迄今，彌歷年載，畫一之制，漸用頹弛。 雜居流寓，閭伍弗修，王化所以未純，民瘼所以猶在。
The ancient kings ordered the realm by fixing borders so that each people could dwell in peace. In great ages no one left his trade; that is why the well-field system lasted through the Three Dynasties. Qin abolished that order; Han kept the change, and the strong swallowed the weak. Still the realm held together because people kept their roots. In Western Han the Tian and Jing clans were moved en masse into Guanzhong; the capital districts became home and they were cut off from Qi and Chu. After Yongjia the court fled to the Huai and the sea. All wanted restoration, and the people longed for home, but war left no day for civil rule. Peaceful settlement had to wait. When Grand Marshal Huan Wen saw that people had no fixed domicile and government suffered for it, he carried out the gengxu land register in 365 to give everyone a single legal home. The treasury grew rich because of it. Since then the unified system had slowly collapsed. Migrants and false registers broke the wards; government never fully took hold, and the people's misery remained.
15
臣荷重任，恥責實深，自非改調解張，無以濟治。 夫人情滯常，難與慮始，所謂父母之邦以為桑梓者，誠以生焉終焉，敬愛所託耳。 今所居累世，墳壟成行，敬恭之誠，豈不與事而至。 請準庚戌土斷之科，庶子本所弘，稍與事著。 然後率之以仁義，鼓之以威武，超大江而跨黃河，撫九州而復舊土，則戀本之志，乃速申於當年，[3]在始暫勤，要終所以能易。
I hold great power and am ashamed that rule still fails. Without fixing the registers I cannot govern. People cling to habit and hate sudden change. They call their home a mulberry tree because they are born and buried there and their loyalty belongs there. Families have lived in one place for generations; their graves line the fields. How could they not care when the state asks them to move? I ask that the gengxu land register be enforced again, so respect for native roots may guide policy. Then, with benevolence and force together, we may cross the Yangtze and Yellow River, recover the north, and give every man his home again. [3] The pain at first will be brief; in the end the change will be easy.
16
伏惟陛下，垂矜萬民，憐其所失，永懷鴻雁之詩，思隆中興之業。 既委臣以國重，期臣以寧濟，若所啟合允，請付外施行。
Your Majesty pities the people, remembers what they have lost, and keeps the ode of the wild geese in mind, longing to restore the realm. You have charged me with the realm and expect peace from me. If this plan is sound, let it be carried out.
17
於是依界土斷，唯徐、兗、青三州居晉陵者，不在斷例。 諸流寓郡縣，多被併省。
Land was then registered by district. Only households of Xu, Yan, and Qing living in Jinling were exempt. Many refugee commanderies and counties were merged or abolished.
18
以公領鎮西將軍、豫州刺史。 公固讓太傅、州牧及班劍，奉還黃鉞。
Gaozu was made General Who Guards the West and Inspector of Yuzhou. Gaozu refused the Grand Tutorship, the governorship, and the ceremonial swords, and sent back the yellow battle-axe.
19
七月，朱齡石平蜀，斬偽蜀王譙縱，傳首京師。
In the seventh month Zhu Lingshi conquered Shu, killed the pretender Qiao Zong, and sent his head to the capital.
20
九月，封公次子義真為桂陽縣公，以賞平齊及定盧循也。 天子重申前命，授公太傅、揚州牧，加羽葆、鼓吹、班劍二十人。 將吏百餘敦勸，乃受羽葆、鼓吹、班劍，餘固辭。
In the ninth month Gaozu's second son Yizhen was made Duke of Guiyang, rewarding the conquest of Qi and the defeat of Lu Xun. The emperor again pressed the old honors on him: Grand Tutor, Governor of Yangzhou, imperial music, and twenty ceremonial swords. Over a hundred officers begged him to accept. He took the music and swords but refused the rest.
21
十年，息民簡役。 築東府，起府舍。
In the tenth year (414) he eased burdens on the people and cut labor duties. He built the eastern headquarters and its offices.
22
平西將軍、荊州刺史司馬休之，宗室之重，又得江漢人心，公疑其有異志，而休之兄子譙王文思在京師，招集輕俠，公執文思送還休之，令自為其所。 休之表廢文思，并與公書陳謝。 十一年正月，公收休之子文寶、兄子文祖，並於獄賜死，率眾軍西討。 復加黃鉞，[4]領荊州刺史。 辛巳，發京師，以中軍將軍道憐監留府事。 休之上表自陳曰：
Sima Xiuzhi, General Who Pacifies the West and Inspector of Jingzhou, was a prince of the blood with a following in Jiang and Han. Gaozu distrusted him. Xiuzhi's nephew Wen Si was in the capital gathering ruffians; Gaozu arrested Wen Si and sent him to Xiuzhi to punish as he saw fit. Xiuzhi memorialized to disown Wen Si and wrote Gaozu to apologize. In the first month of the eleventh year (415) Gaozu had Wenbao and Wenzu executed in prison and marched west. He was again given the yellow battle-axe [4] and made Inspector of Jingzhou. On the day xinsi he left the capital. Daoling ran affairs at headquarters. Xiuzhi submitted a personal memorial:
23
臣聞運不常一，治亂代有，陽九既謝，圮終則泰。 昔篡臣肆逆，皇綱絕紐，卜世未改，[5]鼎祚再隆。 太尉臣裕威武明斷，道建義旗，除蕩元凶，皇居反正。 布衣匹夫，匡復社稷，南剿盧循，北定廣固，千載以來，功無與等。 由是四海歸美，朝野推崇。 既位窮台牧，權傾人主，不能以道處功，恃寵驕溢。 自以酬賞既極，便情在無上，刑戮逆濫，政用暴苛。 問鼎之迹日彰，人臣之禮頓缺。 陛下四時膳御，觸事縣空，宮省供奉，十不一在。 皇后寢疾之際，湯藥不周，手與家書，多所求告。 皆是朝士共所聞見，莫不傷懷憤歎，口不敢言。 前揚州刺史元顯第五息法興，桓玄之釁，逃遠於外，王路既開，始得歸本。 太傅之胤，絕而復興，凡在有懷，誰不感慶。 裕吞噬之心，不避輕重，以法興聰敏明慧，必為民望所歸，芳蘭既茂，內懷憎惡，乃妄扇異言，無罪即戮。 大司馬臣德文及王妃公主，情計切逼，並狼狽請命。 逆肆禍毒，誓不矜許，寃酷之痛，感動行路。 自以地卑位重，荷恩崇大，乃以庶孽與德文嫡婚，致茲非偶，實由威逼。 故衞將軍劉毅、右將軍劉藩、前將軍諸葛長民、尚書僕射謝混、南蠻校尉郗僧施，或盛勳德胤，令望在身，皆社稷輔弼，協讚所寄，無罪無辜，一旦夷滅。 猜忍之性，終古所希。
Fortune never stays the same; order and chaos take turns. When the worst is past, ruin gives way to renewal. Once a usurper seized power and the dynasty seemed dead, yet the throne was restored [5] and the mandate lived again. Grand Commandant Liu Yu was fierce and clear-sighted. He raised the righteous standard, destroyed the usurper, and brought the throne back to order. A man of no rank restored the dynasty; in the south he destroyed Lu Xun, in the north he took Guanggu. In a thousand years no one had done more. All the realm praised him; court and countryside alike looked up to him. Once he stood at the peak of power as a regional lord, he overshadowed the throne. He would not govern his success with restraint and, swollen with favor, grew insolent. He thought he had been rewarded to the full and his heart aimed at being above everyone. He killed at whim; his rule was cruel and harsh. Day by day his ambition to seize the throne showed more clearly, and the duties of a subject were cast aside. Your Majesty's meals through the seasons—every need went unmet. The palace could supply scarcely one thing in ten. When the Empress was ill, medicine was not provided as it should be. He wrote personal letters full of demands. Every courtier has seen or heard these things. All grieve and rage in silence. Fa Xing, fifth son of the former Governor of Yangzhou Yuan Xian, had fled abroad during Huan Xuan's rebellion. When the throne was restored, he returned home. A line of the Grand Tutor's house, cut off and restored—who would not rejoice? Yu's hunger for power knew no bounds. Fa Xing was clever and bright and would win the people's regard. Yu hated this flourishing talent, spread false charges, and put him to death though he was innocent. Grand Marshal De Wen and the royal princesses were driven to desperation and pleaded for their lives. He cruelly refused mercy. The injustice of it moved even passersby. Though his birth was mean, his rank was high and he owed great favor. He forced De Wen's legitimate line to marry a bastard daughter—an unfitting match made by intimidation. Guard General Liu Yi, Right General Liu Fan, Forward General Zhuge Changmin, Vice Director Xie Hun, and Chief of the Southern Man Xi Sengshi—men of great merit and standing, pillars of the state—all were destroyed in a single morning, though they were guilty of nothing. Such suspicion and cruelty are rare in all history.
24
臣自惟門戶衰破，賴之獲存，皇家所重，終古難匹。 是以公私歸馮，事盡祗順。 再授荊州，輒苦陳告，自以才弱位隆，不宜久荷分陝，屢求解任，必不見聽。 前經攜侍老母，半家俱西，凡諸子姪，悉留京輦。 臣兄子譙王文思，雖年少常人，粗免咎悔，性好交遊，未知防遠，羣醜交構，為其風聲。 裕遂翦戮人士，遠送文思。 臣順其此旨，表送章節，請廢文思，改襲大宗，遣息文寶送女東歸。 自謂推誠奉順，理不過此。 豈意裕苞藏禍心，遂見討伐，加惡文思，構生罪釁。 羣小之言，遠近噂𠴲，而臣純愚，闇信必謂不然。 尋臣府司馬張茂度狼狽東歸，南平太守檀範之復以此月三日委郡叛逆，尋有審問，東軍已上。 裕今此舉，非有怨憎，正以臣王室之幹，位居藩岳，時賢既盡，唯臣獨存，規以翦滅，成其篡殺。 鎮北將軍臣宗之、青州刺史臣敬宣，並是裕所深忌憚，欲以次除蕩，然後傾移天日，於事可易。
My own house was ruined; I have survived only through his protection. The throne has never relied on anyone as it has on me. In public and private I gave him my full loyalty and obedience. When Jingzhou was given me again, I pleaded repeatedly to be relieved. I said my ability was slight and my rank too high to hold such a post long, and asked again and again to resign. He would not hear of it. Earlier I brought my aged mother west with me, leaving half my household in the capital with all my sons and nephews. My brother's son Wen Si, Prince of Qiao, was young but otherwise unremarkable. He loved company and did not see danger coming. Villains plotted around him and used him for their ends. Yu then killed his associates and had Wen Si sent away. I did as he wished: I petitioned to depose Wen Si, name another heir of the main line, and sent my son Wen Bao east with my daughter. I believed I had shown every possible loyalty. Yet Yu had hidden his malice all along. He attacked me and heaped new charges on Wen Si. Petty men spread slander far and wide. I was foolish enough to believe it could not be true. Then my marshal Zhang Maodu fled east in disarray. On the third of this month Tan Fanzhi, Governor of Nanping, rebelled and gave up his province. The eastern army was already on the march. This campaign is not born of personal hatred. I am a pillar of the throne and a great frontier lord; the worthies of the age are gone and I alone remain. He means to destroy me and seize power. Pacifying-the-North General Zongzhi and Governor of Qingzhou Jingxuan are men he deeply fears. He means to eliminate them one by one, then overturn the throne itself.
25
今荊、雍義徒，不召而集，子來之眾，其會如林。 豈臣無德所能綏致，蓋七廟之靈，理貫幽顯。 輒授文思振武將軍、南郡太守，宗之子竟陵太守魯軌進號輔國將軍。 臣今與宗之親御大眾，出據江津，案甲抗威，隨宜應赴。 今絳旗所指，唯裕兄弟父子而已。 須剋蕩寇逆，尋續馳聞。 由臣輕弱，致裕凌橫，上慚俯愧，無以厝顏。
Now the loyal men of Jing and Yong rally without a summons. They come like sons, thick as a forest. This is not my virtue alone. The spirits of the ancestral temple move heaven and earth. I have made Wen Si General Who Quells Martial Affairs and Governor of Nanjun, and Zongzhi's son Gui, Governor of Jingling, General Who Assists the State. I now lead the main army with Zongzhi to the river crossing, ready to meet whatever comes. Our banners are aimed only at Yu and his brothers and sons. Once the rebels are crushed I will report at once. My own weakness has let Yu run rampant. I am ashamed before heaven and cannot face the world.
26
休之府錄事參軍韓延之，故吏也，有幹用才能。 公未至江陵，密使與之書曰：「文思事源，遠近所知，去秋遣康之送還司馬君者，[6]推至公之極也。 而了不遜愧，又無表疏。 文思經正不反，此是天地之不容。 吾受命西討，止其父子而已。 彼土僑舊，為所驅逼，一無所問。 往年郗僧施、謝邵、任集之等，交構積歲，專為劉毅謀主，所以至此。 卿等諸人，一時逼迫，本無纖釁。 吾處懷期物，自有由來。 今在近路，正是諸人歸身之日。 若大軍登道，交鋒接刃，蘭艾吾誠不分。 故具示意，并示同懷諸人。」 延之報曰：
Han Yanzhi, Record-Gentleman on Xiuzhi's staff, had been his man before and was capable and able. Before Gaozu reached Jiangling, he secretly wrote to him: "Everyone knows how the Wen Si affair began. Last autumn I sent Kangzhi to return him to your lord the Marshal [6]—that was the utmost fairness. Yet he showed no shame and sent no memorial. Wen Si stood firm and would not yield. Heaven and earth cannot abide that. I march west on imperial orders, and my quarrel is only with father and son. The old émigré families there, forced to follow them, will not be punished. In past years Xi Sengshi, Xie Shao, Ren Jizhi, and others spent years plotting for Liu Yi. That is how matters came to this pass. You were all forced into it. You had no real guilt. I have always valued men of promise. You know my mind. Now that I am near, this is your day to come back to me. If the army marches and swords meet, I will not spare the innocent with the guilty. I set this out fully and send it to all who share your mind." Yanzhi replied:
27
承親率戎馬，遠履西畿，闔境士庶，莫不恇駭。 何者？ 莫知師出之名故也。 今辱來疏，始知以譙王前事，良增歎息。 司馬平西體國忠貞，欵愛待物，當於古人中求耳。 以君公有匡復之勳，家國蒙賴，推德委誠，每事詢仰。 譙王往以微事見劾，猶自表遜位； 況以大過而當默然邪。 但康之前言有所不盡，故重使胡道諮白所懷。 道未及反，已奏表廢之，所不盡者命耳。 推寄相與之懷，正當如此？ 有何不可，便興兵戈。 自義旗秉權以來，四方方伯，誰敢不先相諮疇，而逕表天子邪。 譙王為宰相所責，又表廢之，經正何歸，表使何因，可謂「欲加之罪，其無辭乎」！
You lead your army far into the western capital. Every man in the region is terrified. Why? No one knows why the army has come. Your letter tells me at last that this is about the Prince of Qiao. That only deepens my grief. The Pacifying West Marshal serves the state with loyal devotion and treats men with open heart. Such a man belongs among the ancients. You restored the dynasty and the realm depends on you. I have always trusted your virtue and sought your counsel on every matter. The Prince of Qiao was charged on a small matter and still offered to step down; how much less could he stay silent when charged with a grave fault? Kangzhi's message did not say everything, so I sent Hu Daozi to speak my mind plainly. Before the envoy returned, you had already petitioned to depose him. Fate, not friendship, finished the matter. Is this how friends treat one another? What could not be settled except by war? Since you took power, which frontier lord has dared report straight to the throne without consulting you first? The Prince of Qiao was rebuked by the chief minister, and you petitioned again to depose him. Where is the justice, and what ground for the memorial? It is truly "when you wish to fix guilt, words are never lacking."
28
劉裕足下，海內之人，誰不見足下此心，而復欲欺誑國士！ 天地所不容，在彼不在此矣。 來示言「處懷期物，自有由來」。 今伐人之君，啗人以利，真可謂「處懷期物，自有由來」者矣。 劉藩死於閶闔之內，諸葛斃於左右之手，甘言詫方伯，襲之以輕兵，遂使席上靡款懷之士，閫外無自信諸侯，以是為得算，良可恥也。 貴府將佐及朝廷賢德，寄性命以過日，心企太平久矣。 吾誠鄙劣，嘗聞道於君子。 以平西之至德，寧可無授命之臣乎！ 未能自投虎口，比迹郗、任之徒明矣。 假令天長喪亂，九流渾濁，當與臧洪遊於地下，不復多言。
Liu Yu, everyone under heaven sees your heart. Yet you still try to deceive the realm! What heaven and earth cannot abide is on your side, not ours. You write, "I have always valued men of promise. You know my mind." Now you attack a lord and bait men with profit. That is your "cherishing men of promise." Liu Fan died inside the Changle Gate; Zhuge died by assassins at his side. You flattered the lords with sweet words, then struck with light troops. No honest man sat at court; no lord beyond the gates trusted himself. To call that strategy is shameful. Your staff and the court's worthies live from day to day, longing for peace. I am a humble man, but I have learned something from gentlemen. With such a lord as the Pacifying West, can he lack men who will die for him? I will not throw myself into the tiger's mouth like Xi and Ren. That much is clear. If the world falls into endless chaos, I will join Zang Hong in the grave. I have no more to say.
29
公視書歎息，以示諸佐曰：「事人當如此。」
Gaozu read the letter, sighed, and showed it to his staff. "To serve one's lord should be like this," he said.
30
三月，軍次江陵。 初雍州刺史魯宗之常慮不為公所容，與休之相結，至是率其子竟陵太守軌會于江陵。 江夏太守劉虔之邀之，軍敗見殺。 公命彭城內史徐逵之、參軍王允之出江夏口，復為軌所敗，並沒。 時公軍泊馬頭，即日率眾軍濟江，躬督諸將登岸，莫不奮踊爭先。 休之眾潰，與軌等奔襄陽，江陵平。 加領南蠻校尉。
In the third month the army reached Jiangling. Earlier Zongzhi, Governor of Yongzhou, had feared Gaozu would not spare him. He joined Xiuzhi, and now came with his son Gui, Governor of Jingling, to meet him at Jiangling. Liu Qianzhi, Governor of Jiangxia, intercepted them. Their force was beaten and Qianzhi was killed. Gaozu sent Xu Daozhi, Interior Minister of Pengcheng, and Wang Yunzhi, staff officer, out from the Jiangxia crossing. Gui defeated them and both were lost. Gaozu's army lay at Matou. That day he crossed the river at the head of his forces and led the generals ashore. Every man strove to be first. Xiuzhi's army broke. He fled with Gui and the rest to Xiangyang. Jiangling was taken. He was also made Chief of the Southern Man.
31
將拜，值四廢日，佐史鄭鮮之、褚叔度、王弘、傅亮白遷日，不許。 下書曰：「此州積弊，事故相仍，民疲田蕪，杼軸空匱。 加以舊章乖昧，事役頻苦，童耄奪養，老稚服戎，空戶從役，或越紼應召。 每永懷民瘼，宵分忘寢，誠宜蠲除苛政，弘茲簡惠。 庶令凋風弊政，與事而新，寧一之化，成於朞月。 荊、雍二州，西局、蠻府吏及軍人年十二以還，六十以上，及扶養孤幼，單丁大艱，悉仰遣之。 窮獨不能存者，給其長賑。 府州久勤將吏，依勞銓序。 并除今年租稅。」
When he was to take office, the day fell under the four prohibitions. His clerks Zheng Xianzhi, Chu Shudu, Wang Hong, and Fu Liang asked to postpone it. He refused. He issued an order: "This province has long been abused. Troubles follow troubles. The people are worn out, fields lie fallow, and households are empty. Old rules are tangled and service is crushing. Children and the aged are taken from their families; empty households are drafted, some called up even while in mourning. When I think of the people's suffering I cannot sleep. Harsh rule must end and kindness must spread. May bad government pass away with these affairs and peace come within a month. In Jing and Yong, clerks of the western offices and barbarian headquarters, soldiers twelve and under or sixty and over, and all who support orphans, the young, or face great hardship alone, are to be released. Those too poor to live are to receive long-term relief. Officers and clerks who have long served in war are to be promoted according to merit. This year's taxes are remitted."
32
四月，公復率眾進討，至襄陽，休之奔羌。 天子復重申前命，授太傅、揚州牧，劍履上殿，入朝不趨，贊拜不名，加前部羽葆、鼓吹，置左右長史、司馬、從事中郎四人。 封公第三子義隆為北彭城縣公。 以中軍將軍道憐為荊州刺史。
In the fourth month Gaozu marched again, reached Xiangyang, and Xiuzhi fled to the Qiang. The emperor again pressed the earlier honors on him: Grand Tutor and Governor of Yangzhou, sword and shoes in the hall, no hurrying in court, no naming in obeisance, forward feather-canopy and martial music, and four chiefs of staff, marshals, and attending gentlemen on left and right. His third son Yilong was made Duke of North Pengcheng. Daoling, Central Army General, was made Governor of Jingzhou.
33
八月甲子，公至自江陵，奉還黃鉞，固辭太傅、州牧、前部羽葆、鼓吹，其餘受命。 朝議以公道尊勳重，不宜復施敬護軍，既加殊禮，奏事不復稱名。 以世子為兗州刺史。
On the day jiazi in the eighth month Gaozu returned from Jiangling. He gave back the yellow battle-axe and refused Grand Tutor, Governor, and the forward canopy and music, but accepted the other honors. The court held that Gaozu's rank and merit were too great for him to show the usual deference to the Protector Army. With these extraordinary honors, memorials no longer used his name. The heir was made Governor of Yanzhou.
34
十二年正月，詔公依舊辟士。 加領平北將軍、兗州刺史。 增都督南秦，凡二十二州。 公以平北文武寡少，不宜別置。 於是罷平北府，以併大府。 以世子為豫州刺史。 三月，加公中外大都督。
In the first month of the twelfth year the emperor ordered Gaozu to recruit gentlemen as before. He was also made General Who Pacifies the North and Governor of Yanzhou. His command was extended to Southern Qin, for twenty-two provinces in all. Gaozu held that Pacifying the North had too few officials and soldiers to warrant a separate headquarters. He abolished the Pacifying-the-North office and merged it into his main headquarters. The heir was made Governor of Yuzhou. In the third month he was made Grand Commander of Court and Country.
35
初公平齊，仍有定關、洛之意，值盧循侵逼，故其事不諧。 荊、雍既平，方謀外略。 會羌主姚興死，子泓立，兄弟相殺，關中擾亂，公乃戒嚴北討。 加領征西將軍、司豫二州刺史。 以世子為徐、兗二州刺史。 下書曰：「吾倡大義，首自本州，克復皇祚，遂建勳烈，外夷勍敵，內清姦軌，皆邦人州黨竭誠盡力之效也。 情若風霜，義貫金石。 今當奉辭西斾，有事關、河，弱嗣叨蒙，復忝今授，情事纏綿，可謂深矣。 頃軍國務殷，刑辟未息，眷言懷之，能不多歎。 其犯罪繫五歲以還，可一原遣。 文武勞滿未蒙榮轉者，便隨班序報。」
After pacifying Qi he still meant to recover the Guan and Luo region, but Lu Xun's invasion forced him to set that plan aside. With Jing and Yong secure, he turned to campaigns abroad. Yao Xing of the Qiang died. His son Hong took the throne; brothers turned on one another and Guanzhong fell into chaos. Gaozu ordered the army to prepare for a northern campaign. He was also made General Who Campaigns West and Governor of Si and Yu. The heir was made Governor of Xu and Yan. He issued an order: "I raised the righteous cause in this province, restored the throne, and built our achievement. Defeating foreign enemies abroad and traitors at home—all this is the work of our countrymen who gave their all. Their loyalty was fierce as frost; their duty firm as metal and stone. Now I march west toward Guan and the Yellow River. My young heir has been given office again though he is unworthy. The ties of family weigh heavily on me. War and government have pressed hard upon us and executions have not ceased. When I think of this, how can I not sigh? All prisoners of five years or less are to be pardoned and released. Officers and clerks who have completed their service but not received promotion are to be reported in roster order."
36
公受中外都督及司州，並辭大司馬琅邪王禮敬，朝議從之。 公欲以義聲懷遠，奉琅邪王北伐。 五月，羌偽黃門侍郎尹沖率兄弟歸順。 又加公北雍州刺史，前部羽葆、鼓吹，增班劍為四十人。 解中書監。 八月丁巳，率大眾發京師。 以世子為中軍將軍，監太尉留府事。 尚書右僕射劉穆之為左僕射，領監軍、中軍二府軍司，入居東府，總攝內外。 九月，公次于彭城，加領徐州刺史。
Gaozu accepted the grand command and Si province, and also declined the ceremonial reverence owed the Grand Marshal, Prince of Langye. The court agreed. Gaozu wished to win the distant lands by righteous fame and to lead the Prince of Langye north in person. In the fifth month Yin Chong, false Qiang Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, came over with his brothers. He was also made Governor of Northern Yong, with forward canopy, martial music, and forty ceremonial swords. He resigned as Supervisor of the Masters of Writing. On the day dingsi in the eighth month he led the main army out of the capital. The heir was made Central Army General and oversaw affairs at the Grand Commandant's headquarters. Liu Muzhi, Vice Director of the Masters of Writing, became Left Vice Director and took charge of the Overseer Army and Central Army staffs at the Eastern Headquarters, directing affairs within and without. In the ninth month Gaozu halted at Pengcheng and was also made Governor of Xuzhou.
37
先是遣冠軍將軍檀道濟、龍驤將軍王鎮惡步向許、洛，羌緣道屯守，皆望風降服。 偽兗州刺史韋華先據倉垣，亦率眾歸順。 公又遣北兗州刺史王仲德先以水軍入河。 仲德破索虜於東郡涼城，進平滑臺。 十月，眾軍至洛陽，圍金墉。 泓弟偽平南將軍洸請降，送于京師。 修復晉五陵，置守衞。
Earlier he had sent Tan Daoji and Wang Zhen'e toward Xu and Lu. Qiang garrisons along the road surrendered as they advanced. Wei Hua, the false Governor of Yanzhou, who held Cangyuan, also submitted with his forces. Gaozu sent Wang Zhongde, Governor of Northern Yanzhou, ahead with the fleet into the Yellow River. Zhongde defeated the northern barbarians at Liangcheng in Dongjun and advanced to Pingtai without resistance. In the tenth month the army reached Luoyang and besieged Jinyong. Guang, Hong's brother and false Pacifying-the-South General, surrendered and was sent to the capital. The five Jin imperial tombs were restored and guards were posted.
38
天子詔曰：
The emperor's edict said:
39
夫嵩、岱配極，則乾道增輝，藩嶽作屏，則帝王成務。 是以夏、殷資昆、彭之伯，有周倚齊、晉之輔。 鑒諸前典，儀刑萬代，翼治扶危，靡不由此。
When Song and Dai stand as the world's pillars, Heaven's way shines brighter; when frontier lords serve as the throne's screen, the emperor's work is done. Xia and Yin relied on lords like Kun and Peng; Zhou leaned on Qi and Jin. The old canon shows that supporting the throne and saving the state in peril has always depended on such men.
40
太尉公命世天縱，齊聖廣淵，明燭四方，道光宇宙。 爰自□□初迪，則投懃王國，妖蝥孔熾，則功存社稷。 固以四維是荷，萬邦攸賴者矣。 暨桓玄僭逆，傾蕩四海，公深秉大節，靈武霆震，弘濟朕躬，再造王室。 每惟勳德，銘于厥心，遂北清海、岱，南夷百越，荊、雍稽服，庸、岷順軌，剋黜方難，式遏寇虐。 及阿衡王猷，班序內外，仰興絕風，傍嗣逸業。 秉禮以整俗，遵王以垂訓，聲教遠被，無思不洽。 爰暨木居海處之酋，被髮彫題之長，莫不忘其陋險，九譯來庭，此蓋播諸徽策，靡究其詳者也。 曩者永嘉不綱，諸夏幅裂，終古帝居，淪胥戎虜，永言園陵，率土同慕。 公明發遐慨，撫機電征，親董侯伯，稜威致討。 旗旝首塗，則八表響震； 偏師先路，則多壘雲徹。 舊都載清，五陵復禮，百城屈膝，千落影從。 自篇籍所載，生民以來，勳德懋功，未有若此之盛者也。
Grand Commandant Liu Yu was Heaven's gift to the age—sagely, broad, and deep. His wisdom lit the four quarters; his virtue filled the world. From his first service to the throne, he gave himself wholly to the royal house. When rebellion raged, he preserved the altars of state [□]. He bore the realm on his shoulders; all states relied on him. When Huan Xuan usurped power and shook the realm, Gaozu held fast to the highest duty. His martial spirit thundered forth; he saved the throne and remade the dynasty. His merit is engraved on my heart. He pacified the north to the sea and Mount Tai, subdued the south to the hundred Yue, brought Jing and Yong to heel, and checked every rebel and raider. As chief minister he ordered the court within and without, revived dying customs, and continued the work of fallen sages. He governed by ritual, taught by the kingly way, and spread civilization until all were brought to harmony. Even chiefs who lived in trees by the sea and elders with tattooed faces forgot their remote homelands and came to court through many interpreters. The records praise this, though no account can tell it all. Under Yongjia the dynasty lost its hold; the realm was torn apart; the old capital fell to barbarians; every heart longed for the imperial tombs. Gaozu seized the moment with righteous wrath, led the lords in person, and struck with irresistible force. When his banners first moved, the eight regions trembled; when his vanguard advanced, fortress after fortress fell. The old capital was restored; the five tombs received rites again; cities bowed and villages followed. In all the records of history, no man alive has achieved merit such as this.
41
昔周、呂佐叡聖之主，因三分之形，把旄仗鉞，一時指麾，皆大啟疆宇，跨州兼國。 其在桓、文，方茲尤儉，然亦顯被寵章，光錫殊品。 況乃獨絕百代，顧邈前烈者哉！ 朕每弘鑒古訓，思遵令圖。 以公深秉沖挹，用闕大禮，天人引領，于茲歷載。 況今禹迹齊軌，九隩同文，司勳抗策，普天增佇。 遂公高挹，大愆國章，三靈眷屬，朕實祗懼。 便宜顯答羣望，允崇盛典。 其進位相國，總百揆，揚州牧，封十郡為宋公，備九錫之禮，加璽綬、遠遊冠，位在諸侯王上，加相國綠綟綬。
Of old the dukes of Zhou and Lü served sage rulers, held command across divided realms, and opened vast territories spanning many provinces. Even Duke Huan and Duke Wen of Qi received far less, yet they were richly honored with extraordinary rank. How much more should such a man as this be honored, who surpasses every age and every predecessor! Each day I study the ancients and seek to follow their example. Gaozu in his humility has declined the greatest honors, though Heaven and men have long awaited them. Now the empire is united, all lands share one script, and the Director of Merit urges that the realm's hope be answered. Yet Gaozu still holds back, to the state's great loss. Heaven watches; I am filled with dread. It is right that he accept the people's hope and permit this supreme honor. Let him be made Chief Minister, oversee all government, remain Governor of Yangzhou, be enfeoffed as Duke of Song over ten commanderies, receive the Nine Bestowals, the imperial seals and cord, and the far-wandering cap, and rank above all princes and kings, with the Chief Minister's green sash.
42
策曰：
The mandate reads:
43
朕以寡昧，仰贊洪基，夷羿乘釁，蕩覆王室，越在南鄙，遷于九江。 宗祀絕饗，人神無位，提挈羣凶，寄命江滸。 則我祖宗之業，奄墜于地，七百之祚，翦焉既傾，若涉淵海，罔知攸濟。 天未絕晉，誕育英輔，振厥弛維，再造區宇，興亡繼絕，俾昏作明。 元勳至德，朕實賴焉。 今將授公典策，其敬聽朕命：
I am dull and weak, yet I uphold the great foundation. Yi seized his chance, overthrew the throne, fled south, and moved the court to Jiujiang. The ancestral rites ceased; gods and men were displaced. I was dragged along with rebels and lived as a refugee on the river. Our ancestors' legacy collapsed; seven hundred years of fortune fell. I was as one drowning in a deep sea, with no shore in sight. Heaven did not yet end Jin. It sent a great helper who tightened the loosened bonds, remade the realm, restored the fallen, and brought light to the dark. In supreme merit and virtue I truly rely on him. Now I confer the canonical mandate upon him. Hear my command:
44
乃者桓玄肆僭，滔天泯夏，拔本塞源，顛倒六位，庶僚俛眉，四方莫卹。 公精貫朝日，氣凌霄漢，奮其靈武，大殲羣慝，剋復皇邑，奉帝歆神。 此公之大節，[7]始於勤王者也。 授律羣后，泝流長騖，薄伐崢嶸，獻捷南郢，大憝折首，羣逆畢夷，三光旋采，舊物反正。 此又公之功也。 出藩入輔，弘茲保弼，阜財利用，繁殖生民，編戶歲滋，疆宇日啟，導德明刑，四境有截。 此又公之功也。 鮮卑負眾，僭盜三齊，狼噬冀、青，虔劉沂、岱，介恃遐阻，仍為邊毒。 公蒐乘秣駟，敻入遠疆，衝櫓四臨，萬雉俱潰，竊號之虜，顯戮司寇，拓土三千，申威龍漠。 此又公之功也。 盧循妖凶，伺隙五嶺，乘虛肆逆，侵覆江、豫，旍拂寰內，矢及王城，朝野喪沮，莫有固志，家獻徙卜之計，國議遷都之規。 公乘轅南濟，義形于色，嶷然內湛，視嶮若夷，攄略運奇，英謨不世，狡寇窮衂，喪旗宵遁，俾我畿甸，拯於將墜。 此又公之功也。 追奔逐北，揚旍江濆，偏旅浮海，指日遄至。 番禺之功，俘級萬數，左里之捷，魚潰鳥散。 元凶遠迸，傳首萬里，海南肅清，荒服來款。 此又公之功也。 劉毅叛換，負釁西夏，凌上罔主，志肆姦暴，附麗協黨，扇蕩王畿。 公御軌以刑，消之不日，倉兕電泝，神兵風掃，罪人斯得，荊、衡清晏。 此又公之功也。 譙縱怙亂，寇竊一隅，王化阻閡，三巴淪溺。 公指命偏師，授以良圖，凌波浮湍，致屆井絡，僭豎伏鑕，梁、岷草偃。 此又公之功也。 馬休、魯宗，阻兵內侮，驅率二方，連旗稱亂。 公投袂星言，研其上略，江津之師，勢踰風電，迴斾沔川，實繁震懾，二叛奔迸，荊、雍來蘇，玄澤浸育，溫風潛被。 此又公之功也。 永嘉不競，四夷擅華，五都幅裂，山陵幽辱，祖宗懷沒世之憤，遺氓有匪風之思。 公遠齊伊宰納隍之仁，近同小白滅亡之恥，鞠旅陳師，赫然大號，分命羣帥，北徇司、兗。 許、鄭風靡，鞏、洛載清，偽牧逆藩，交臂請罪，百年榛穢，一朝掃滌。 [8]此又公之功也。
Huan Xuan usurped power, overwhelmed Heaven, and destroyed the dynasty. He uprooted the state and overturned the cosmic order. Officials bowed in fear; none could save the realm. Gaozu's spirit matched the sun; his valor reached the heavens. He crushed the rebels, recovered the capital, and restored the emperor to the throne. This was his first great act of loyalty [7], when he served the righteous cause. He took command among the lords, marched upstream, struck the highlands, and won victory at Southern Jing. The chief rebel was destroyed and all enemies swept away. The realm was restored to order. This too was his achievement. As minister at court and lord abroad, he enriched the people, increased households, extended the borders, governed by virtue, and brought peace to the four quarters. This too was his achievement. The Xianbei seized the three Qi, ravaged Ji and Qing, slaughtered Yi and Dai, and from their distant strongholds plagued the borders. Gaozu gathered his forces and drove deep into the frontier. His assault towers surrounded the enemy on every side; fortress after fortress fell. The usurpers were executed; three thousand li of territory were won and his authority proclaimed across the northern desert. This too was his achievement. Lu Xun the rebel watched his chance in the south, swept through Jiang and Yu, and threatened the capital itself. Court and country lost heart; some urged moving the capital. Gaozu crossed the river in person, calm in the face of danger. By unmatched strategy he drove the rebel to flight by night and saved the capital from ruin. This too was his achievement. He pursued the fleeing enemy along the river and sent a fleet across the sea that arrived within days. At Panyu tens of thousands were captured; at Zuoli the enemy broke like fish and scattered like birds. The chief rebel fled far away; his head was sent a thousand leagues. The south was pacified and the frontier submitted. This too was his achievement. Liu Yi rebelled in the west, insulted the throne, and with his faction shook the capital. Gaozu struck with the law and destroyed them within a day. His army moved like lightning; the rebel was taken and Jing and Heng were pacified. This too was his achievement. Qiao Zong seized a corner of the realm, blocked royal authority, and drowned the three Ba in rebellion. Gaozu sent a detached force with a sound plan. They crossed the rapids, reached the heart of the region, executed the usurper, and pacified Liang and Min. This too was his achievement. Ma Xiu and Lu Zong took up arms in the interior, rallied two regions, and raised rebellion. Gaozu moved like a star, outgeneraled them, and struck at the river crossing with the force of wind and lightning. The rebels fled; Jing and Yong revived under his nurturing rule. This too was his achievement. Since Yongjia the barbarians had seized China; the five capitals were lost; the tombs lay in shame. The dead cried for vengeance; the living yearned for restoration. Gaozu matched the Yi Yin who saved the drowning king and the Duke of Qi who avenged a fallen state. He raised his army, proclaimed a great crusade, and sent his generals north to Si and Yan. Xu and Zheng submitted; Gong and Luo were cleared. False governors and rebel lords surrendered. A century of ruin was swept away in a morning. [8] This too was his achievement.
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公有康宇內之勳，重之以明德。 爰初發迹，則奇謨冠古，電擊強妖，則鋒無前對，聿寧東畿，大造黔首。 若乃草昧經綸，化融於歲計，扶危靜亂，道固於苞桑。 辯方正位，納之軌度，蠲削煩苛，較若畫一，淳風美化，盈塞宇宙。 是以絕域獻琛，遐夷納貢，王略所宣，九服率從。 雖文命之東漸西被，咎繇之邁于種德，何以尚茲。 朕聞先王之宰世也，庸勳尊賢，建侯胙土，褒以寵章，崇其徽物，所以協輔皇家，永隆藩屏。 故曲阜光啟，遂荒徐宅，營丘表海，四履有聞。 其在襄王，亦賴匡霸，又命晉文，備物光錫。 惟公道冠前烈，勳高振古，而殊典未加，朕甚懵焉。 今進授相國，以徐州之彭城沛蘭陵下邳淮陽山陽廣陵、兗州之高平魯泰山十郡，封公為宋公。 錫茲玄土，苴以白茅，爰定爾居，用建冢社。 昔晉、鄭啟藩，入作卿士，周、邵保傅，出總二南，內外之重，公實兼之。 今命使持節、兼太尉、尚書左僕射、晉寧縣五等男湛授相國印綬，[9]宋公璽紱； 使持節、兼司空、散騎常侍、尚書、陽遂鄉侯泰授宋公茅土，金虎符第一至第五左，[10]竹使符第一至第十左。 相國位無不總，禮絕朝班，居常之名，宜與事革。 其以相國總百揆，[11]去「錄尚書」之號。 上送所假節、侍中貂蟬、中外都督太傅太尉印綬，[12]豫章公印策。 進揚州牧，領征西將軍、司豫北徐雍四州刺史如故。
Gaozu has brought peace to the realm, and his virtue matches his deeds. From his first rise his plans surpassed the ancients. He struck down mighty rebels with lightning speed, pacified the eastern capital, and saved the people. In founding the state he transformed the realm year by year; in saving it from peril he made the Way firm as the mulberry root. He set order in the realm, cut away harsh laws with uniform fairness, and spread pure civilization throughout the world. Therefore the farthest lands sent tribute and all the nine regions followed his rule. Not even Yu the Great's reach east and west, nor Gao Yao's virtue in planting goodness, could surpass this. I have heard that the ancient kings governed by honoring merit and the worthy, enfeoffing lords and rewarding them with honors, so that they might support the throne and guard the realm forever. Thus Qufu was glorified and Xu extended; Yingqiu looked to the sea and its fame reached the four quarters. King Xiang too relied on hegemons to restore order; he richly rewarded Duke Wen of Jin with full honors. Gaozu's virtue surpasses the ancients and his merit shakes history, yet the highest honors have not been granted. I am deeply at fault. Now I make him Chief Minister and Duke of Song over ten commanderies: Pengcheng, Pei, Lanling, Xiapi, Huaiyang, Shanyang, and Guangling in Xu, and Gaoping, Lu, and Taishan in Yan. I bestow this sacred earth wrapped in white thatch, that you may fix your dwelling and establish your altar of soil and grain. Of old Jin and Zheng were frontier lords who became chief ministers; the dukes of Zhou and Shao tutored the heir and governed abroad. Gaozu unites both roles. I send Commissioner Zhan, Grand Commandant and Left Vice Director, Baron of Jinning, to confer the Chief Minister's seals and cord [9] and the Duke of Song's seals and sash. I send Commissioner Tai, Minister of Works and Master of Writing, Marquis of Yangsui, to confer the enfeoffment earth, golden tiger tallies one through five on the left [10], and bamboo envoy tallies one through ten on the left. The Chief Minister oversees all affairs and stands above the court. His ordinary title should change with his new office. Let him as Chief Minister oversee all government [11] and drop the title Recording the Masters of Writing. He shall return the borrowed tally, Attendant's regalia, seals of Grand Commander, Grand Tutor, and Grand Commandant [12], and the Duke of Yuzhang's seal and mandate. He is advanced to Governor of Yangzhou, retaining General Who Campaigns West and the governorships of Si, Yu, Northern Xu, and Yong.
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公紀綱禮度，萬國是式，乘介蹈方，罔有遷志。 是以錫公大輅、戎輅各一，玄牡二駟。 公抑末敦本，務農重積，采蘩實殷，稼穡惟阜。 是用錫公袞冕之服，赤舄副焉。 公閑邪納正，移風改俗，陶鈞品物，如樂之和。 是用錫公軒縣之樂，六佾之舞。 公宣美王化，導揚休風，華夷企踵，遠人胥萃。 是用錫公朱戶以居。 公官方任能，網羅幽滯，九臯辭野，髦士盈朝。 是用錫公納陛以登。 公當軸處中，率下以義，式遏寇讎，清除苛慝。 是用錫公虎賁之士三百人。 公明罰恤刑，庶獄詳允，放命干紀，罔有攸縱。 是用錫公鈇、鉞各一。 公龍驤鳳矯，咫尺八紘，括囊四海，折衝無外。 是用錫公彤弓一，彤矢百，盧弓十，盧矢千。 公溫恭孝思，致虔禋祀，忠肅之志，儀刑萬方。 是用錫公秬鬯一卣，圭瓚副焉。 宋國置丞相以下，一遵舊儀。 欽哉！ 其祗服往命，茂對天休，簡恤庶邦，敬敷顯德，以終我高祖之嘉命。
Gaozu's governance is the model for all states. He holds firm to the right path and never wavers. Therefore he is granted a great chariot and a war chariot, each with a team of four dark stallions. Gaozu honors the root over the branch, devotes himself to farming, and gathers rich harvests. For this he is granted the highest robe and cap, with red shoes. Gaozu corrects evil and upholds the right, transforms customs, and shapes all things as music shapes harmony. For this he is granted royal music and the six-row dance. Gaozu spreads royal civilization and fine customs; Chinese and barbarians alike look to him, and distant peoples gather. For this he is granted vermilion doors for his dwelling. Gaozu appoints the able and gathers the neglected; worthy men fill the court. For this he is granted the hidden steps to ascend. Gaozu holds the center, leads by righteousness, repels enemies, and clears away harsh wrongs. For this he is granted three hundred tiger guards. Gaozu clarifies punishments and judges fairly; rebels and lawbreakers have nowhere to flee. For this he is granted an axe and a ceremonial axe. Gaozu soars like dragon and phoenix; within a foot he commands the eight directions, holds the four seas in his grasp, and repels every foe abroad. For this he is granted one red bow and a hundred red arrows, ten black bows and a thousand black arrows. Gaozu is reverent in filial piety and sincere in sacrifice; his loyal devotion is the model for all the realm. For this he is granted sacred wine and libation vessels. In the state of Song, from Chief Minister down, all offices follow the old regulations. Reverence! Reverently accept this mandate, answer Heaven's blessing, care for the people, spread your bright virtue, and fulfill my high ancestor's command.
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置宋國侍中、黃門侍郎、尚書左丞、郎，隨大使奉迎。 [13]
Let Song establish Attendants, Gentlemen of the Yellow Gate, the Left Assistant Director, and Gentlemen to welcome the envoy. Textual annotation marker 13.
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枹罕虜乞佛熾槃遣使詣公求効力討羌，拜平西將軍、河南公。
Qifu Chipan of Baoheng sent envoys offering to join the campaign against the Qiang. He was made General Who Pacifies the West and Duke of Henan.
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十三年正月，公以舟師進討，留彭城公義隆鎮彭城。 軍次留城，經張良廟，令曰：「夫盛德不泯，義在祀典，微管之歎，撫事彌深。 張子房道亞黃中，照隣殆庶，風雲玄感，[14]蔚為帝師，大拯橫流，夷項定漢，固以參軌伊、望，冠德如仁。 若乃神交圯上，道契商洛，顯晦之間，窈然難究，源流淵浩，莫測其端矣。 塗次舊沛，佇駕留城，靈廟荒殘，遺象陳昧，撫迹懷人，慨然永歎。 過大梁者或佇想於夷門，遊九原者亦流連於隨會。 可改構榱桷，修飾丹青，蘋蘩行潦，以時致薦。 以紓懷古之情，用存不刊之烈。」 天子追贈公祖為太常，父為左光祿大夫，讓不受。
In the first month of the thirteenth year Gaozu marched by river. He left Yilong, Duke of Pengcheng, to guard the city. The army halted at Liucheng. At Zhang Liang's temple Gaozu ordered: "Great virtue never dies and belongs in the sacrifices. The sigh over Guan Zhong grows deeper as I reflect on his deeds. Zhang Liang's wisdom neared the sage's center and lit the world around him. By heaven's sign [14] he became the emperor's teacher, saved the realm from flood, overthrew Xiang Yu, and founded Han—equal to Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou in virtue. His meeting with the old man on the bridge and his pact at Shangluo lie between the seen and unseen, profound beyond measure. Passing old Pei I halted at Liucheng. The temple lay in ruins, its images faded. I stroked the traces of his deeds and sighed. Travelers at Daliang still pause at the Yimen Gate; travelers on the plain still linger at the grave of Zi Chan. Let the rafters be rebuilt, the paintings restored, and offerings of duckweed and water made in season. Thus may we ease our longing for the past and preserve his undying fame. The emperor posthumously honored Gaozu's grandfather as Minister of Ceremonies and his father as Left Household Master of Light. Gaozu declined.
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二月，冠軍將軍檀道濟等次潼關。 三月庚辰，大軍入河。 索虜步騎十萬，營據河津。 公命諸軍濟河擊破之。 公至洛陽。 七月，至陝城。 龍驤將軍王鎮惡伐木為舟，自河浮渭。 八月，扶風太守沈田子大破姚泓於藍田。 王鎮惡剋長安，生擒泓。 九月，公至長安。 長安豐全，帑藏盈積。 公先收其彝器、渾儀、土圭之屬，獻于京師； 其餘珍寶珠玉，以班賜將帥。 執送姚泓，斬于建康市。 謁漢高帝陵，大會文武於未央殿。
In the second month Tan Daoji and other generals reached Tong Pass. On the day gengchen in the third month the main army crossed the Yellow River. A hundred thousand northern barbarian horse and foot held the river crossing. Gaozu ordered his armies across the river and defeated them. Gaozu reached Luoyang. In the seventh month he reached Shancheng. Wang Zhen'e, Flying-Dragon General, built boats of wood and sailed from the Yellow River onto the Wei. In the eighth month Shen Tianzi, Administrator of Fufeng, routed Yao Hong at Lantian. Wang Zhen'e took Chang'an and captured Hong alive. In the ninth month Gaozu reached Chang'an. Chang'an was rich and its treasuries full. Gaozu first sent its ritual vessels, armillary sphere, and earth square to the capital; and distributed the rest of the jewels and treasures among his generals. Yao Hong was sent to the capital and beheaded in the market at Jiankang. He visited the tomb of Emperor Gaozu of Han and held a great assembly of civil and military officials in Weiyang Palace.
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十月，天子詔曰：
In the tenth month the emperor's edict said:
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朕聞先王之莅天下也，上則大寶以尊德，下則建侯以褒功。 是以成勳告就，文命有玄圭之錫，四海來王，姬旦饗龜、蒙之封。 夫翼聖宣績，輔德弘猷，禮窮元賞，寵章希世。 況明保沖昧，獨運陶鈞者哉！
I have heard that the ancient kings ruled by honoring virtue above and rewarding merit below with enfeoffment. When great deeds were done, Yu received the dark jade scepter; when the realm submitted, the Duke of Zhou received the fiefs of tortoise and Meng. To assist the sage, proclaim achievement, support virtue, and enlarge the state—the highest rewards of ritual are rare in any age. How much more for one who guards a young throne and turns the potter's wheel alone!
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朕以不德，遭家多難，雲雷作屯，夷羿竊命，失位京邑，遂播蠻荊，艱難卑約，制命凶醜。 相國宋公，天縱睿聖，命世應期，誠貫三靈，大節宏發。 拯朕躬於巢幕，迴靈命於已崩，固已道窮北面，暉格八表者矣。 及外積全國之勳，內累戡黎之伐，芟夷強妖之始，蘊崇姦猾之源，顯仁藏用之道，六府孔修之績，莫不雲行雨施，能事必舉，諒已方軌於三、五，不容於典策者焉。 自永嘉喪師，綿踰十紀，五都分崩，然正朔時暨； 唯三秦懸隔，未之暫賓。 至令羌虜襲亂，淫虐三世，資百二之易守，恃函谷之可關，廟算韜略，不謀之日久矣。 公命世撫運，闡曜威靈，內研諸侯之慮，外致上天之罰。 故能倉兕甫訓，則許、鄭風偃，鉦鉞未指，則瀍、洛霧披。 俾舊闕之陽，復集萬國之軫，東京父老，重覩司隸之章。 俾朕負扆高拱，而保大洪烈。 是用遠鑒前典，延即羣謀，敬授殊錫，光啟疆宇。 乘馬之制，有陋舊章； 徽稱之美，未窮上爵。 豈足以顯報懋功，允塞民望； 藩輔王畿，長轡六合者乎。 實以公每秉謙德，卑不可踰，難進之道，以寵為戚。 是故降損盛制，且有後命也。 自茲迄今，洪勳彌劭，稜威九河，魏、趙底服，迴轅崤、潼，連城冰泮。 遂長驅灞、滻，懸旍龍門，逆虜姚泓，係頸就擒。 百稔梗穢，滌於崇朝； 祖宗遺憤，雪於一旦。 涉禹之迹，方行天下，至于海外，罔有不服。 功固萬世，其寧惟永，豈金石雅頌所能讚揚，實可以告於神明，勒銘嵩、岱者已。
I lack virtue and my house has known many troubles. Yi seized power; I lost the capital and fled to the south, living in hardship under vicious rebels. Chief Minister Liu Yu of Song is Heaven's sage, born for this age. His sincerity moves heaven; his great integrity blazes forth. He saved me from ruin and restored the fallen mandate. His virtue shines on all the realm. Outwardly he completed the state; inwardly he pacified the people. He destroyed rebels at their source, restored government, and renewed the six ministries. His deeds match the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors and exceed what records can contain. Since Yongjia the army was lost and for ten reigns the five capitals were torn apart, yet the calendar still held; only the three Qin stood apart and did not submit. The Qiang have ruled in disorder for three generations, trusting in their strongholds and Hangu Pass. Long have they defied our plans. Gaozu by destiny calmed the age, displayed martial glory, read the lords' minds within, and brought Heaven's punishment without. At the first muster Xu and Zheng submitted; before weapons were raised, Chan and Luo were cleared. He restored the old capital and gathered the realm. The elders of Luoyang saw the Director of the Capital's seal again. He let me sit at ease upon the throne and preserve the great enterprise. Therefore I study the ancients, heed counsel, and confer extraordinary honors to open the realm. The chariot honors granted before were too modest; the titles given did not reach the highest rank. They could not repay such merit or satisfy the people's hope, or honor one who guards the throne and holds the six directions in rein. Truly Gaozu is so humble it cannot be overcome; he treats honor as a burden. Therefore I lowered the honors then, reserving a later command. Since then his merit has grown. He awed the nine rivers; Wei and Zhao submitted. He turned at Xiao and Tong and cities fell like melting ice. He marched to Ba and Chan and raised his banners at Dragon Gate. The rebel Yao Hong was captured by the neck. A century of ruin was washed clean in a morning; and the ancestors' grievance was avenged in a day. He follows in Yu's tracks across the world; beyond the seas, none refuse submission. His achievement will last ten thousand generations. No hymn of metal and stone can praise it enough. It should be told to the spirits and carved on Mount Song and Mount Tai.
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朕又聞之，周道方遠，則鸑鷟鳴岐，二南播德，則麟騶呈瑞。 自公大號初發，爰暨告成，靈祥炳煥，不可勝紀，豈伊素雉遠至，嘉禾近歸而已哉！ 朕每仰鑒玄應，俯察人謀，進惟道勳，退惟國典，豈得遂公沖挹，而久蘊盛策。 便宜敬行大禮，允副幽顯之望。 其進宋公爵為王，以徐州之海陵東安北琅邪北東莞北東海北譙北梁、豫州之汝南北潁川北南頓凡十郡，益宋國。 其相國、揚州牧、領征西將軍、司豫北徐雍四州刺史如故。
I have also heard that when the Zhou way extended afar, the zhuoque sang at Qi; when virtue spread in the two souths, the lin and sou appeared as omens. From his first proclamation to his victory, auspicious signs beyond count appeared—not only white pheasants from afar and fine grain near at hand. I read heaven's signs and men's counsel, weigh merit against law, and cannot let Gaozu's humility delay the grand honor longer. It is right to perform the supreme rites and fulfill the hope of heaven and earth. Let him advance from Duke of Song to King, adding ten commanderies: Hailing, Dong'an, Northern Langye, Northern Dongguan, Northern Donghai, Northern Qiao, and Northern Liang in Xu, and Ruyang, Northern Yingchuan, and Northern Nandun in Yu. He remains Chief Minister, Governor of Yangzhou, General Who Campaigns West, and governor of Si, Yu, Northern Xu, and Yong.
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十一月，前將軍劉穆之卒，以左司馬徐羨之代掌留任。 大事昔所決於穆之者，皆悉以諮。 公欲息駕長安，經略趙、魏，會穆之卒，乃歸。 十二月庚子，發自長安，以桂陽公義真為安西將軍、雍州刺史，留腹心將佐以輔之。 閏月，公自洛入河，開汴渠以歸。
In the eleventh month Liu Muzhi, Forward General, died. Xu Xianzhi, Left Army Marshal, took over the duties at headquarters. All great affairs once decided by Muzhi were now referred to Xianzhi. Gaozu meant to remain at Chang'an and plan for Zhao and Wei, but Muzhi's death brought him home. In the twelfth month, on the day gengzi, he left Chang'an. Yizhen, Duke of Guiyang, was made General Who Pacifies the West and Governor of Yong, with trusted generals left to assist him. In the intercalary month he entered the Yellow River from Luoyang and opened the Bian canal for the homeward march.
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十四年正月壬戌，公至彭城，解嚴息甲。 以輔國將軍劉遵考為并州刺史，領河東太守，鎮蒲坂。 公解司州，領徐、冀二州刺史，固讓進爵。
In the first month of the fourteenth year, on the day renxu, he reached Pengcheng and stood the army down. Liu Zunkao, Assistant General Who Assists the State, was made Governor of Bing and Hedong and garrisoned Puban. Gaozu gave up Si province and took Xu and Ji, but again refused advancement in rank.
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六月，受相國宋公九錫之命。 令曰：「孤以寡薄，負荷殊重，守位奉藩，危溢是懼。 朝恩隆泰，委美推功，遂方軌齊、晉，擬議國典。 雖亮誠守分，十稔于今，而成命弗迴，百辟胥暨內外庶僚，敦勉周至。 籍運來之功，參休明之迹，乘菲薄之資，同盛德之事，監寐永言，未知攸託。 隆祚之始，思覃斯慶。 其赦國內殊死以下，今月二十三日昧爽以前，悉皆原宥。 鰥寡孤獨不能自存者，人賜粟五斛。 府州刑罪，亦同蕩然。 其餘詳依舊準。」 詔崇豫章公太夫人為宋公太妃，世子中軍將軍，副貳相國府。 以太尉軍諮祭酒孔季恭為宋國尚書令，青州刺史檀祗為領軍將軍，相國左長史王弘為尚書僕射。 其餘百官悉依天朝之制。 又詔宋國所封十郡之外，悉得除用。
In the sixth month he received the mandate of Chief Minister, Duke of Song, and the Nine Bestowals. He ordered: "I am unworthy of the burden laid upon me. I guard my post and serve the throne, and fear I may fail. The court has heaped honors on me and pushed merit my way until I stand beside Qi and Jin in the state's canon. Though I have declined for ten years, the mandate will not be refused. Officials within and without urge me on. By fortune's gift I share in bright rule, though my means are slight. I lie awake, not knowing where this path leads. At the beginning of this glorious age I wish to share the celebration. Let all within the state guilty of capital crimes and below be pardoned before dawn on the twenty-third of this month. Widows, orphans, and the destitute who cannot support themselves shall receive five hu of grain each. Crimes in the headquarters and provinces are likewise remitted. The rest follow the old regulations." An edict made the Grand Matron of Duke of Yuzhang Grand Consort of the Duke of Song, and the heir Central Army General, deputy at the Chief Minister's headquarters. Kong Jigong was made Chief of the Masters of Writing of Song; Tan Zhi, Governor of Qingzhou, General of the Guard; and Wang Hong, Left Chief of Staff, Vice Director of the Masters of Writing. All other offices followed the imperial court's system. It was also ordered that appointments might be made beyond the ten commanderies of Song.
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先是安西中兵參軍沈田子殺安西司馬王鎮惡，諸將軍復殺安西長史王脩。 關中亂。 十月，公遣右將軍朱齡石代安西將軍桂陽公義真為雍州刺史。 義真既還，為佛佛虜所追，大敗，僅以身免。 諸將帥及齡石並沒。 領軍檀祗卒，以中軍司馬檀道濟為中領軍。
Earlier Shen Tianzi, staff officer of the Pacifying West army, killed Wang Zhen'e, its marshal; the generals then killed Wang Xiu, its chief of staff. Guanzhong fell into chaos. In the tenth month Gaozu sent Zhu Lingshi, Right General, to replace Yizhen as Governor of Yong. On his return Yizhen was pursued by the Fofo barbarians, routed, and barely escaped alive. The generals and Lingshi were all lost. Tan Zhi, General of the Guard, died. Tan Daoji, Central Army Marshal, became Central General of the Guard.
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十二月，天子崩，大司馬琅邪王即帝位。
In the twelfth month the emperor died. The Grand Marshal, Prince of Langye, took the throne.
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十二月，天子命王冕十有二旒，建天子旌旗，出警入蹕，乘金根車，駕六馬，備五時副車，置旄頭雲罕，樂舞八佾，設鍾虡宮縣。 進王太妃為太后，王妃為王后，世子為太子，王子、王孫爵命之號，一如舊儀。
In the twelfth month the emperor granted him the twelve-tassel cap, the Son of Heaven's banners, imperial escort, the golden-root chariot with six horses, five seasonal chariots, yak-tail and cloud pennants, eight-row dance, and palace bells. His mother was made Empress Dowager, his wife Queen, his heir Crown Prince; titles for princes and grandsons followed the old regulations.
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二年四月，徵王入輔。 六月，至京師。 晉帝禪位于王，詔曰：
In the fourth month of the second year the king was summoned to court. In the sixth month he reached the capital. The Jin emperor abdicated to the king. The edict said:
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夫天造草昧，樹之司牧，所以陶鈞三極，統天施化。 故大道之行，選賢與能，隆替無常期，禪代非一族，貫之百王，由來尚矣。 晉道陵遲，仍世多故，爰暨元興，禍難既積，至三光貿位，冠履易所，安皇播越，宗祀墮泯，則我宣、元之祚，永墜于地，顧瞻區域，翦焉已傾。 相國宋王，天縱聖德，靈武秀世，一匡頹運，再造區夏，固以興滅繼絕，舟航淪溺矣。 若夫仰在璿璣，旁穆七政，薄伐不庭，開復疆宇。 遂乃三俘偽主，開滌五都，雕顏卉服之鄉，龍荒朔漠之長，莫不迴首朝陽，沐浴玄澤。 故四靈効瑞，川岳啟圖，嘉祥雜遝，休應炳著，玄象表革命之期，華裔注樂推之願。 代德之符，著乎幽顯，瞻烏爰止，允集明哲，夫豈延康有歸，咸熙告謝而已哉！
Heaven in the beginning made the world and set rulers over it, to harmonize the three realms and carry out Heaven's transforming work. When the great Way prevails, the worthy rule. Dynasties rise and fall without fixed term; abdication passes power beyond one clan. This has been honored through all kings. The Jin dynasty declined through age after age of trouble. The throne was overturned, Emperor An was driven into exile, and the ancestral rites perished. The fortunes of Xuan and Yuan fell to earth; the realm lay in ruins. The Chief Minister of Song is Heaven's sage, whose martial spirit renews the age. He restored the fallen dynasty and saved the drowning realm. He aligned the heavens, pacified the borders, and opened the frontiers— he captured three false rulers, restored the five capitals, and brought tattooed barbarians and desert chiefs to turn toward the court and bathe in his grace. The four spirits sent omens; rivers and mountains revealed signs. Heaven showed the term of revolution; Chinese and barbarians alike wished to enthrone him. The mandate to change virtue was clear to heaven and earth. The wise all gather to him. This is more than the passing of Yankang or the farewell of Xianxi.
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昔火德既微，魏祖底績，黃運不競，三后肆勤。 故天之曆數，實有攸在。 朕雖庸闇，昧於大道，永鑒廢興，為日已久。 念四代之高義，稽天人之至望，予其遜位別宮，歸禪于宋，一依唐虞、漢魏故事。
When fire virtue waned, Wei received the mandate; when the yellow cycle failed, the three queens toiled in turn. Heaven's calendar truly has its appointed lord. Though I am dull and weak in the great Way, I have long watched rise and fall. Remembering the righteousness of the four ages and the hope of Heaven and men, I yield the throne to Song, following the precedents of Tang-Yu and Han-Wei.
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詔草既成，送呈天子使書之，天子即便操筆，謂左右曰：「桓玄之時，天命已改，重為劉公所延，將二十載。 今日之事，本所甘心。」 甲子，策曰：
When the abdication edict was drafted, it was sent to the emperor to copy. He took the brush at once and said to those beside him: "Under Huan Xuan the mandate had already changed. Duke Liu extended my reign for nearly twenty years. Today's affair is what my heart has long accepted." On the day jiazi the mandate read:
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咨爾宋王：夫玄古權輿，悠哉邈矣，其詳靡得而聞。 爰自書契，降逮三、五，莫不以上聖君四海，止戈定大業。 然則帝王者，宰物之通器； 君道者，天下之至公。 昔在上葉，深鑒茲道，是以天祿既終，唐、虞弗得傳其嗣； 符命來格，舜、禹不獲全其謙。 所以經緯三才，澄序彝化，作範振古，垂風萬葉，莫尚於茲。 自是厥後，歷代彌劭，漢既嗣德於放勛，魏亦方軌於重華。 諒以協謀乎人鬼，而以百姓為心者也。
To you, King of Song: in deepest antiquity, when rule first arose, the details are lost in time. From the age of writing down to the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, sages ruled the four seas, stopped war, and fixed the great enterprise. The emperor is the vessel for ruling all things; the ruler's way is the utmost fairness under Heaven. In high antiquity, when Heaven's blessing ended, Tang and Yu could not pass the throne to their sons; when the mandate came, Shun and Yu could not keep their modest refusal. Thus they ordered the three realms, set the transforming norms, made models for all time, and handed down virtue for ten thousand generations. Thereafter each age grew stronger in this: Han followed Yao's virtue; Wei matched Shun's track. They harmonized men and spirits and took the people as their heart.
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昔我祖宗欽明，辰居其極，而明晦代序，盈虧有期。 翦商兆禍，非唯一世，曾是弗剋，矧伊在今，天之所廢，有自來矣。 惟王體上聖之姿，苞二儀之德，明齊日月，道合四時。 乃者社稷傾覆，王拯而存之，中原蕪梗，又濟而復之。 自負固不賓，干紀放命，肆逆滔天，竊據萬里。 靡不潤之以風雨，震之以雷霆。 九伐之道既敷，八法之化自理。 豈伊博施於民，濟斯黔庶； 固以義洽四海，道威八荒者矣。 至於上天垂象，四靈效徵，圖讖之文既明，人神之望已改。 百工歌於朝，庶民頌于野，億兆抃踊，傾佇惟新。 自非百姓樂推，天命攸集，豈伊在予，所得獨專。 是用仰祗皇靈，俯順羣議，敬禪神器，授帝位于爾躬。 大祚告窮，天祿永終。 於戲！ 王其允執其中，敬遵典訓，副率土之嘉願，恢洪業於無窮，時膺休祐，以答三靈之眷望。
Our ancestors were reverent and bright, and the pole star stood firm; yet light and dark alternate, and fullness and waning have their terms. The fall of Shang foretold calamity for many ages. Once it could not be overcome; how much less today. What Heaven abolishes has long been foretold. Only you hold the sage's stature, embrace heaven and earth's virtue, shine like sun and moon, and match the four seasons in your Way. When the altars fell, you saved them; when the central plains lay waste, you restored them. From stubborn rebels to those who defied the law and seized vast territories— none escaped your rain of grace or thunder of wrath. The nine campaigns were carried out; the eight methods brought order. You have not only enriched the people and saved the masses; your righteousness fills the four seas and your authority the eight directions. Heaven shows signs; the four spirits send omens; prophecies are clear; men and spirits have turned their hope— craftsmen sing in court, people chant in the fields, and all the realm leaps, awaiting the new age. Unless the people pushed and Heaven's mandate gathered, how could I hold this alone? Therefore I reverently follow Heaven and the people's will, abdicate the throne, and confer the imperial seat upon you. The great fortune is ended; Heaven's blessing passes away. Alas! King, hold the center, follow the canon, fulfill the realm's wish, extend the great enterprise without end, receive Heaven's blessing, and answer the three spirits' regard.
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又璽書曰：
The imperial letter also said:
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蓋聞天生蒸民，樹之以君，帝皇寄世，實公四海，崇替係於勳德，升降存乎其人。 故有國必亡，卜年著其數，代謝無常，聖哲握其符。 昔在上世，三聖係軌，疇咨四嶽，以弘揖讓。 惟先王之有作，永垂範於無窮。 及劉氏致禪，實堯是法，有魏告終，亦憲茲典。 我世祖所以撫歸運而順人事，乘利見而定天保者也。 而道不常泰，戎夷亂華，喪我洛食，蹙國江表，仍遘否運，淪沒相因。 逮于元興，遂傾宗祀。 幸賴神武光天，大節宏發，匡復我社稷，重造我國家。 惟王聖德欽明，則天光大，應期誕載，明保王室。 內紓國難，外播宏略，誅太憝於漢陽，逋僭盜於沂渚，澄氛西岷，肅清南越，再靜江、湘，拓定樊、沔。 若乃永懷區宇，思一聲教，王師首路，則伊、洛澄流，稜威崤、潼，則華嶽褰靄，偽酋銜璧，咸陽即序。 雖彝器所銘，詩書所詠，庸勳之盛，莫之與二也。 遂偃武修文，誕敷德政，八統以馭萬民，九職以刑邦國，思兼三王，以施四事。 故能信著幽顯，義感殊方。 自歷世所賓，舟車所暨，靡不謳歌仁德，抃舞來庭。
I have heard that Heaven creates the people and sets a lord over them; emperors rule the four seas; rise and fall depend on merit; advancement rests in the man. States must perish; their years are numbered; dynasties change; the sage grasps the mandate. In high antiquity the three sages succeeded one another and consulted the four peaks to enlarge abdication. What the former kings established endures forever as a model. When the Liu house abdicated, it followed Yao; when Wei ended, it followed the same canon. Our high ancestor calmed the turning cycle, followed human affairs, seized the moment, and secured Heaven's blessing. Yet peace did not last; barbarians ravaged China; we lost Luoyang; the state was driven south; fortune turned again and ruin followed. By Yuanxing the ancestral sacrifices had fallen. Fortunately divine martiality illuminated Heaven and great integrity blazed forth; the altars were restored and the state remade. Your sage virtue is reverent and bright; Heaven's radiance is great; born for the age, you protected the royal house. Within you eased the state's peril; without you spread grand strategy; you destroyed the great villain at Hanyang, drove off usurpers at Yizhu, cleared the west, pacified the south, quieted Jiang and Xiang, and secured Fan and Mian. Forever cherishing the realm, you unified civilization. When the royal army marched, Yi and Luo ran clear; your authority at Xiao and Tong made Mount Hua bow; false rulers surrendered and Xianyang was ordered. Though bronze and odes record such deeds, none match your achievement. Then you halted war and cultivated letters, spread virtuous government, governed the people by eight threads and the state by nine duties, and sought to match the three kings in the four affairs. Therefore your trust reached hidden and manifest realms; your righteousness moved distant lands. From every age and every land reached by cart and boat, all sang of your benevolence and came dancing to court.
69
朕每敬惟道勳，永察符運，天之曆數，實在爾躬。 是以五緯升度，屢示除舊之迹； 三光協數，必昭布新之祥。 圖讖禎瑞，皎然斯在。 加以龍顏英特，天授殊姿，君人之表，煥如日月。 傳稱「惟天為大，惟堯則之」。 詩云：「有命自天，命此文王。」 夫「或躍在淵」者，終饗九五之位； 「勳格天地」者，必膺大寶之業。 昔土德告沴，傳祚于我有晉； 今曆運改卜，永終于茲，亦以金德而傳于宋。 仰四代之休義，鑒明昏之定期，詢于羣公，爰逮庶尹，咸曰休哉，罔違朕志。 今遣使持節、兼太保、散騎常侍、光祿大夫澹，兼太尉、尚書宣範奉皇帝璽綬，受終之禮，一如唐虞、漢魏故事。 王其允答人神，君臨萬國，時膺靈祉，酬于上天之眷命。
I respectfully reflect on your achievement and examine Heaven's mandate: the calendar truly rests in you. The five planets rose in their courses, repeatedly showing the removal of the old; the three luminaries aligned in number, proclaiming the spread of the new. Charts, prophecies, and auspicious omens shine forth clearly. Your dragon countenance is heroic; Heaven bestowed a special form; your bearing as ruler shines like sun and moon. Tradition says, "Only Heaven is great; only Yao matched it." The Ode says, "There is a mandate from Heaven; Heaven commanded King Wen." He who "perhaps leaps in the abyss" at last receives the throne of nine and five; he whose achievement matches Heaven and earth must receive the great enterprise. When earth virtue failed, the mandate passed to our Jin; now the calendar turns and ends here; with metal virtue the mandate passes to Song. Looking up to the righteousness of the four ages, reflecting on the cycle of light and dark, I asked the lords and officials. All said excellent; none opposed my will. Now I send Commissioner Tan, Grand Tutor and Household Master of Light, and Xuan Fan, Grand Commandant and Master of Writing, bearing the imperial seals and cord, with the rites of abdication, following the precedents of Tang-Yu and Han-Wei. King, answer the call of men and spirits, rule the realm, receive Heaven's blessing, and fulfill the mandate Heaven has granted you.
70
王奉表陳讓，晉帝已遜琅邪王第，表不獲通。 於是陳留王虔嗣等二百七十人，及宋臺羣臣，並上表勸進。 上猶不許。 太史令駱達陳天文符瑞數十條，羣臣又固請，王乃從之。
The king submitted a memorial of refusal. The Jin emperor had already moved to the Prince of Langye's residence; the memorial could not reach him. Then Qian Si, Prince of Chenliu, with two hundred seventy others, and all the ministers of Song, memorialized urging him to accept the throne. He still refused. Grand Astrologer Luo Da presented dozens of heavenly signs and omens. The ministers pressed again, and the king at last accepted.
71
校勘記
Collation Notes
72
未能菲躬儉嚴可均云：「儉下疑奪一字。」 殿本考證云：「躬下當有節字。 或儉下脫一用字。」
Unable to be frugal in person and economical—Yan Kejun says: "A character is probably missing below jian (economical)." The Palace Edition notes: "Below gong (person) there should be jie (frugal). Or the character yong (use) was dropped below jian (economical)."
73
公乃進督「乃」南史作「仍」。
Gaozu then advanced supervision—the Southern History reads "still" for "then."
74
乃速申於當年「申」各本並譌「由」，據建康實錄、元龜四八六改。
Then quickly reported in that year—all editions wrongly read "from" for "reported"; corrected per the Veritable Records of Jiankang and Essentials of Governance 486.
75
復加黃鉞錢大昕廿二史考異云：「加當作假。 使持節得殺二千石以下，假黃鉞則可專戮節將矣。」
Again added the yellow battle-axe—Qian Daxin's Notes on the Twenty-Two Histories says: "Jia (added) should be jia (borrowed). A commissioner with credentials may execute officials of two thousand piculs and below; with a borrowed yellow battle-axe he may execute frontier generals."
76
卜世未改「卜世」各本並作「十世」。 按自西晉武帝至東晉安帝，已十四世，言十世，無據。 「十世」當是「卜世」之誤，今改正。
The allotted age not yet changed—all editions read "ten generations" for "allotted age (bushi)." From Western Jin Emperor Wu to Eastern Jin Emperor An is already fourteen generations; "ten generations" has no basis. "Ten generations" should be an error for "allotted age (bushi)"; corrected here.
77
去秋遣康之送還司馬君者「君」各本並作「軍」，據晉書譙剛王遜傳玄孫休之附傳、元龜七二五改。
Last autumn sent Kangzhi to return to the Marshal's lord—all editions read "army" for "lord"; corrected per the Jin Shu biography of Xiuzhi and Essentials of Governance 725.
78
此公之大節各本並脫「大」字，據南史、建康實錄補。
This is Gaozu's great integrity—all editions omit "great"; supplemented per the Southern History and Veritable Records of Jiankang.
79
一朝掃滌「滌」各本並作「濟」，據南史、建康實錄改。
In one morning swept clean—all editions read "crossed" for "swept clean"; corrected per the Southern History and Veritable Records of Jiankang.
80
今命使持節兼太尉尚書左僕射晉寧縣五等男湛授相國印綬各本脫「今」字、「兼」字，並據南史、建康實錄補。
Now order Commissioner Zhan to confer the Chief Minister's seals—all editions omit "now" and "concurrently"; supplemented per the Southern History and Veritable Records of Jiankang.
81
金虎符第一至第五左「第五」各本作「第十」，據南史改。
Golden tiger tally first through fifth on the left—all editions read "tenth" for "fifth"; corrected per the Southern History.
82
其以相國總百揆各本並脫「以」字，據南史、建康實錄補。
Let him as Chief Minister oversee the hundred duties—all editions omit "as"; supplemented per the Southern History and Veritable Records of Jiankang.
83
上送所假節侍中貂蟬中外都督太傅太尉印綬各本並脫「貂蟬」二字，據南史、建康實錄補。 孫虨宋書考論云：「按宋、齊志皆不見侍中印綬，蓋但給朝服武冠貂蟬而巳。 南史侍中下有貂蟬二字，是。」
Send up the borrowed tally, Attendant's sable cicada, and seals of Grand Commander, Grand Tutor, and Grand Commandant—all editions omit "sable cicada"; supplemented per the Southern History and Veritable Records of Jiankang. Sun Biao's Critical Discussion of the Song Shu says: "The Song and Qi monographs show no Attendant's seals and cord—probably only court robes, martial cap, and sable cicada were given. The Southern History has 'sable cicada' below Attendant—that is correct."
84
置宋國侍中黃門侍郎尚書左丞郎隨大使奉迎「郎」三朝本、北監本、毛本、局本同。 殿本、南史作「相」。 李慈銘越縵堂日記補云：「當作即隨大使奉迎。」
Set up in Song Attendants, Gentlemen of the Yellow Gate, the Left Assistant Director, and Gentlemen to welcome the envoy—"Gentlemen" matches the Three Dynasties, Northern Directorate, Mao, and Bureau editions. The Palace Edition and Southern History read "chief (xiang)." Li Ciming's Supplement to the Diary of the Yue Mantang says: "It should read 'then with the great envoy welcome and escort.'"
85
風雲玄感「玄」各本並作「言」，據局本、文選、建康實錄、元龜二一０改。
Wind and clouds with dark resonance—all editions read "words" for "dark"; corrected per the Bureau edition, Wen Xuan, Veritable Records of Jiankang, and Essentials of Governance 210.
86
以徐州之海陵北東海北譙北梁豫州之新蔡兗州之北陳留司州之陳郡汝南潁川滎陽十郡增宋國「北東海」上之「北」字，各本並脫去。 據南史、建康實錄補。
Ten commanderies were added to Song: Hailing, Northern Donghai, Northern Qiao, and Northern Liang from Xu Province; Xincai from Yu Province; Northern Chenliu from Yan Province; and Chenjun, Runan, Yingchuan, and Xingyang from Si Province. The character "northern" before "Donghai" is omitted in all editions. Supplemented per the Southern History and Veritable Records of Jiankang.