1
帝祖母號太皇太后，母號皇太后，妃號皇后，漢舊制也。
Under Han precedent, the emperor's grandmother took the title Grand Empress Dowager, his mother Empress Dowager, and his principal consort Empress.
2
晉武帝採漢、魏之制，置貴嬪、夫人、貴人，是為三夫人，位視三公。 淑妃、淑媛、淑儀、脩華、脩容、脩儀、婕妤、容華、充華，是為九嬪，位視九卿。 其餘有美人、才人、中才人，爵視千石以下。 高祖受命，省二才人，其餘仍用晉制。 貴嬪，魏文帝所制。 夫人，魏武帝初建魏國所制。 貴人，漢光武所制。 淑妃，魏明帝所制。 淑媛，魏文帝所制。 淑儀、脩華，晉武帝所制。 脩容，魏文帝所制。 脩儀，魏明帝所制。 婕妤、容華，前漢舊號。 充華，晉武帝所制。 美人，漢光武所制。 世祖孝建三年，省夫人、脩華、脩容，置貴妃，位比相國，進貴嬪，位比丞相，貴人位比三司，以為三夫人。 又置昭儀、昭容、昭華，以代脩華、脩儀、脩容。 又置中才人、充衣，以為散位。 昭儀，漢元帝所制。 昭容，世祖所制。 昭華，魏明帝所制。 中才人，晉武帝所制。 充衣，前漢舊制。 太宗泰始元年，省淑妃、昭華、中才人、充衣，復置脩華、脩儀、脩容、才人、良人。 三年，又省貴人，置貴姬，以備三夫人之數。 又置昭華，增淑容、承徽、列榮。 以淑媛、淑儀、淑容、昭華、昭儀、昭容、脩華、脩儀、脩容為九嬪。 婕妤、容華、充華、承徽、列榮凡五職，班亞九嬪。 美人、中才人、才人三職為散役。 其後太宗留心後房，擬外百官，備位置內職。 列其名品于後。 後宮通尹，準錄尚書。
Emperor Wu of Jin drew on Han and Wei precedent to establish the offices of Honored Consort, Lady, and Honored Person as the Three Consorts, each with rank on a par with the Three Excellencies. The nine ranks of Pure Consort, Pure Lady, Pure Ceremony, Cultivated Splendor, Cultivated Countenance, Cultivated Ceremony, Talented Beauty, Splendid Countenance, and Fulfilling Splendor formed the Nine Consorts, each with rank equivalent to one of the Nine Ministers. Lower still were the Beautiful Lady, Talented Lady, and Middle Talented Lady, whose emoluments matched posts below the rank of one thousand bushels. When Emperor Gaozu took the throne, he eliminated the two Talented Lady offices but otherwise retained the Jin arrangements. Honored Consort was an office created by Emperor Wen of Wei. Lady was instituted when Cao Cao first established the state of Wei. Honored Person was an office created by Emperor Guangwu of Han. Pure Consort was an office created by Emperor Ming of Wei. Pure Lady was an office created by Emperor Wen of Wei. Pure Ceremony and Cultivated Splendor were offices created by Emperor Wu of Jin. Cultivated Countenance was an office created by Emperor Wen of Wei. Cultivated Ceremony was an office created by Emperor Ming of Wei. Talented Beauty and Splendid Countenance were titles inherited from the Former Han. Fulfilling Splendor was an office created by Emperor Wu of Jin. Beautiful Lady was an office created by Emperor Guangwu of Han. In the third year of the Xiaojian era, Emperor Xiaowu abolished the offices of Lady, Cultivated Splendor, and Cultivated Countenance, created Imperial Consort with rank matching the Chancellor of State, elevated Honored Consort to rank matching the Chancellor, and set Honored Person at rank matching the Three Dukes, thus reconstituting the Three Consorts. He further established Illustrious Ceremony, Illustrious Countenance, and Illustrious Splendor in place of Cultivated Splendor, Cultivated Ceremony, and Cultivated Countenance. Middle Talented Lady and Fulfilling Attire were added as supplementary, non-ranked offices. Illustrious Ceremony was an office created by Emperor Yuan of Han. Illustrious Countenance was an office created by Emperor Xiaowu. Illustrious Splendor was an office created by Emperor Ming of Wei. Middle Talented Lady was an office created by Emperor Wu of Jin. Fulfilling Attire was a title inherited from the Former Han. In the first year of the Taishi era, Emperor Ming abolished Pure Consort, Illustrious Splendor, Middle Talented Lady, and Fulfilling Attire, and restored Cultivated Splendor, Cultivated Ceremony, Cultivated Countenance, Talented Lady, and Good Lady. Three years later he eliminated Honored Person and created Honored Concubine to fill out the complement of the Three Consorts. Illustrious Splendor was reinstated, and the offices of Pure Countenance, Bearing Insignia, and Arrayed Glory were added. The Nine Consorts now comprised Pure Lady, Pure Ceremony, Pure Countenance, Illustrious Splendor, Illustrious Ceremony, Illustrious Countenance, Cultivated Splendor, Cultivated Ceremony, and Cultivated Countenance. Talented Beauty, Splendid Countenance, Fulfilling Splendor, Bearing Insignia, and Arrayed Glory formed a group of five offices ranking just below the Nine Consorts. Beautiful Lady, Middle Talented Lady, and Talented Lady were three supplementary attendant posts. Thereafter Emperor Ming reorganized the inner palace, patterning its offices on the civil bureaucracy and filling out the ranks of the harem administration. Their titles and ranks are set forth below. Inner-Palace Director-General, with rank equivalent to Director of the Secretariat.
3
紫極戶主。
Purple Ultimate Household Master.
4
光興戶主。
Glorious Prosperity Household Master.
5
官品第一 〈各置一人，並銓六宮。〉
First grade. 〈One person was appointed to each office; together they administered personnel throughout the six palaces.〉
6
後宮列敍，準尚書令，銓六宮。
Inner-Palace Arranger of Ranks, with rank equivalent to Director of the Department of State Affairs, in charge of personnel throughout the six palaces.
7
紫極中監尹，銓六宮。
Purple Ultimate Central Supervisor-Director, administering personnel in the six palaces.
8
光興中監尹，銓六宮。
Glorious Prosperity Central Supervisor-Director, administering personnel in the six palaces.
9
宣融戶主，銓六宮。
Proclaiming Harmony Household Master, administering personnel in the six palaces.
10
紫極房帥，置一人。
Purple Ultimate Quarters Commander: one post.
11
光興房帥，置一人。
Glorious Prosperity Quarters Commander: one post.
12
官品第二 〈各置一人。〉
Second grade. 〈One person appointed to each office.〉
13
後宮司儀，準左僕射，銓人士。
Inner-Palace Master of Ceremonies, with rank equivalent to Left Vice Director, in charge of harem personnel.
14
後宮司政，準右僕射，銓人士。
Inner-Palace Master of Administration, with rank equivalent to Right Vice Director, in charge of harem personnel.
15
參議女林，準銀青光祿，銓人士。
Councillor of the Women's Grove, with rank equivalent to Silver-Gleaming Light Chamberlain, in charge of harem personnel.
16
中臺侍御尹，銓六宮。
Central Terrace Attendant-Director, administering personnel in the six palaces.
17
宣融便殿中監尹，銓六宮。
Proclaiming Harmony Side-Hall Central Supervisor-Director, administering personnel in the six palaces.
18
采蓺房主，銓六宮。
Gathering Arts Quarters Master, administering personnel in the six palaces.
19
南房主，銓六宮。
Southern Quarters Master, administering personnel in the six palaces.
20
中藏女典，銓六宮。
Central Treasury Palace Mistress, administering personnel in the six palaces.
21
典坊，銓六宮。
Workshop Mistress, administering personnel in the six palaces.
22
樂正，銓六宮。
Director of Music, administering personnel in the six palaces.
23
內保，銓人士。
Inner Guard, in charge of harem personnel.
24
學林祭酒，銓人士。
Libationer of the Learning Grove, in charge of harem personnel.
25
昭陽房帥，置一人。
Bright Yang Quarters Commander: one post.
26
徽音房帥，置一人。
Insignia of Virtue Quarters Commander: one post.
27
宣融房帥，置一人。
Proclaiming Harmony Quarters Commander: one post.
28
官品第三 〈各置一人。〉
Third grade. 〈One person appointed to each office.〉
29
後宮都掌治職，置二人。 〈準左右丞，位比尚書，銓人士。〉
Inner-Palace Directors of Administrative Duties: two posts. 〈With rank equivalent to the Left and Right Assistants and standing on a par with Directors, in charge of harem personnel.〉
30
後宮殿中治職，置一人。 〈準左民尚書，銓人士。〉
Inner-Palace Hall Administrative Director: one post. 〈With rank equivalent to Director of the Left Bureau of the People, in charge of harem personnel.〉
31
後宮源典治職，置一人。 〈準祠部尚書，銓人士。〉
Inner-Palace Ritual Administrative Director: one post. 〈With rank equivalent to Director of the Bureau of Sacrifices, in charge of harem personnel.〉
32
後宮穀帛治職，置一人。 〈準度支尚書。〉
Inner-Palace Grain and Cloth Administrative Director: one post. 〈With rank equivalent to Director of the Bureau of Revenue.〉
33
中傅，置一人。 〈銓人士。〉
Central Tutor: one post. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
34
後宮校事女史，置一人。 〈銓人士。〉
Inner-Palace Investigating Palace Scribe: one post. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
35
紫極中監女史，置一人。 〈銓人士。〉
Purple Ultimate Central Supervisor Palace Scribe: one post. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
36
光興中監女史，置一人。 〈銓人士。〉
Glorious Prosperity Central Supervisor Palace Scribe: one post. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
37
紫極房參事，置人無定數。 〈銓人士。 有限外。〉
Purple Ultimate Quarters Adjutant: no fixed quota. 〈In charge of harem personnel; with additional appointments permitted beyond the standard quota.〉
38
宣融房參事，置人無定數。 〈銓人士。 有限外。〉
Proclaiming Harmony Quarters Adjutant: no fixed quota. 〈In charge of harem personnel; with additional appointments permitted beyond the standard quota.〉
39
中臺侍御奏案女史，置一人。 〈銓人士。〉
Central Terrace Attendant Memorial-Draft Palace Scribe: one post. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
40
贊樂女史，置一人。 〈銓人士。〉
Assistant Director of Music Palace Scribe: one post. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
41
中訓女史，置一人。 〈銓人士。〉
Central Instructor Palace Scribe: one post. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
42
女祝史，置一人。
Female Sacrificer Scribe: one post.
43
紫極中監典，置一人。
Purple Ultimate Central Supervisor Mistress: one post.
44
光興中監典，置一人。
Glorious Prosperity Central Supervisor Mistress: one post.
45
典樂帥，置人無定數。 〈有限外。〉
Director of Music Commander: no fixed quota. 〈Additional appointments permitted beyond the standard quota.〉
46
紫極房廉帥祭酒，置一人。
Purple Ultimate Quarters Integrity Commander Libationer: one post.
47
光興房廉帥祭酒，置一人。
Glorious Prosperity Quarters Integrity Commander Libationer: one post.
48
宣融房廉帥祭酒，置一人。
Proclaiming Harmony Quarters Integrity Commander Libationer: one post.
49
官品第四
Fourth grade.
50
後宮通關參事，置一人。
Inner-Palace Passage Adjutant: one post.
51
景德房參事，置人無定數。 〈銓人士。〉
Jingde Quarters Adjutant: no fixed quota. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
52
采蓺房參事，置人無定數。 〈銓人士。〉
Gathering Arts Quarters Adjutant: no fixed quota. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
53
南房參事，置人無定數。 〈銓人士。〉
Southern Quarters Adjutant: no fixed quota. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
54
內房參事，置一人。 〈銓人士。〉
Inner Quarters Adjutant: one post. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
55
校學女史，置一人。 〈銓人士。〉
School Instruction Palace Scribe: one post. 〈In charge of harem personnel.〉
56
後宮中房帥，置二人。
Inner-Palace Central Quarters Commander: two posts.
57
後宮源典帥，置二人。
Inner-Palace Ritual Commander: two posts.
58
後宮穀帛帥，置二人。
Inner-Palace Grain and Cloth Commander: two posts.
59
中臺帥，置一人。
Central Terrace Commander: one post.
60
中臺侍御起居帥，置二人。
Central Terrace Attendant Daily-Records Commander: two posts.
61
中臺侍御詔誥帥，置二人。
Central Terrace Attendant Edicts Commander: two posts.
62
斯男房帥，置一人。
This Son Quarters Commander: one post.
63
宣豫房帥，置一人。
Proclaiming Ease Quarters Commander: one post.
64
景德房帥，置一人。
Jingde Quarters Commander: one post.
65
采蓺房帥，置一人。
Gathering Arts Quarters Commander: one post.
66
中藏帥，置一人。
Central Treasury Commander: one post.
67
內坊帥，置一人。
Inner Workshop Commander: one post.
68
南房帥，置一人。
Southern Quarters Commander: one post.
69
外華房帥，置一人。
Outer Splendor Quarters Commander: one post.
70
招慶房帥，置一人。
Summoning Celebration Quarters Commander: one post.
71
紫極諸房廉帥，置人無定數。 〈有限外。〉
Purple Ultimate Integrity Commanders for all quarters: no fixed quota. 〈Additional appointments permitted beyond the standard quota.〉
72
紫極中監省帥，置一人。
Purple Ultimate Central Supervisor Inspector Commander: one post.
73
紫極殿帥，置六人。
Purple Ultimate Hall Commander: six posts.
74
光興殿帥，置四人。
Glorious Prosperity Hall Commander: four posts.
75
徽音監帥，置一人。
Insignia of Virtue Supervisor Commander: one post.
76
徽章監帥，置一人。
Insignia of Merit Supervisor Commander: one post.
77
宣融便殿中監典，置一人。
Proclaiming Harmony Side-Hall Central Supervisor Mistress: one post.
78
清商帥，置人無定數。
Clear Shang Commander: no fixed quota.
79
總章帥，置人無定數。
General Accomplishment Commander: no fixed quota.
80
左西章帥，置人無定數。
Left Western Accomplishment Commander: no fixed quota.
81
右西章帥，置人無定數。
Right Western Accomplishment Commander: no fixed quota.
82
中廚帥，置一人。
Central Kitchen Commander: one post.
83
官品第五
Fifth grade.
84
中臺侍御執衞，置人無定數。
Central Terrace Attendant Guard Corps: no fixed quota.
85
中臺侍御監閨帥，置二人。
Central Terrace Attendant Inner-Quarters Overseer Commander: two posts.
86
中臺侍御監司帥，置二人。
Central Terrace Attendant Bureau Overseer Commander: two posts.
87
宣融便殿帥，置一人。
Proclaiming Harmony Side-Hall Commander: one post.
88
永巷帥，置一人。
Long Lane Commander: one post.
89
後宮都掌內史，置二人。
Inner-Palace Director Inner Scribe: two posts.
90
後宮殿中內史，置一人。
Inner-Palace Hall Inner Scribe: one post.
91
後宮源典內史，置一人。
Inner-Palace Ritual Inner Scribe: one post.
92
後宮穀帛內史，置二人。
Inner-Palace Grain and Cloth Inner Scribe: two posts.
93
後宮監臨內史，置二人。
Inner-Palace Supervising Inner Scribe: two posts.
94
中臺侍御執法內史，置一人。
Central Terrace Attendant Law-Enforcement Inner Scribe: one post.
95
中臺侍御典內史，置二人。
Central Terrace Attendant Registry Inner Scribe: two posts.
96
中臺侍御節度內史，置二人。
Central Terrace Attendant Regulation Inner Scribe: two posts.
97
中臺侍御應內史，置六人。
Central Terrace Attendant Response Inner Scribe: six posts.
98
紫極房內史，置一人。
Purple Ultimate Quarters Inner Scribe: one post.
99
光興房內史，置一人。
Glorious Prosperity Quarters Inner Scribe: one post.
100
助教，置一人。
Assistant Instructor: one post.
101
綵製帥，置人無定數。
Brocade Production Commander: no fixed quota.
102
裝飾帥，置人無定數。
Decoration Commander: no fixed quota.
103
繡帥，置人無定數。
Embroidery Commander: no fixed quota.
104
織帥，置人無定數。
Weaving Commander: no fixed quota.
105
學林館帥，置一人。
Learning Grove Quarters Commander: one post.
106
宮閨帥，置一人。
Palace Inner-Quarters Commander: one post.
107
教堂帥，置人無定數。 〈有限外。〉
Instruction Hall Commander: no fixed quota. 〈Additional appointments permitted beyond the standard quota.〉
108
監解帥，置人無定數。
Supervising Release Commander: no fixed quota.
109
累室帥，置人無定數。
Accumulation Quarters Commander: no fixed quota.
110
行病帥，置人無定數。
Sick-Rounds Commander: no fixed quota.
111
官品第六
Sixth grade.
112
合堂帥，置二人。
United Hall Commander: two posts.
113
御清帥，置一人。
Imperial Purity Commander: one post.
114
監夜帥，置一人。
Night Watch Commander: one post.
115
諸房禁防，置人無定數。
Quarters Guard Corps for all quarters: no fixed quota.
116
三廂禁防，置三人。
Three-Wing Guard Corps: three posts.
117
諸房廚帥，各置一人。
Kitchen Commanders for all quarters: one post each.
118
中廚廉，置三人。
Central Kitchen Integrity Officers: three posts.
119
應閨，置六人。
Response Inner-Quarters Attendants: six posts.
120
諸應閤，置人無定數。
Response Chambers for all quarters: no fixed quota.
121
宮閨史，置一人。
Palace Inner-Quarters Scribe: one post.
122
官品第七
Seventh grade.
123
諸房中掾，各置一人。
Quarters Inner Clerks for all quarters: one post each.
124
中藏掾，各置二人。
Central Treasury Clerks: two posts each.
125
比五品敕吏
Rank equivalent to fifth-grade imperial clerks.
126
紫極供殿直倀。
Purple Ultimate Hall-Supply Direct Attendants.
127
光興供殿直倀。
Glorious Prosperity Hall-Supply Direct Attendants.
128
總章伎倀。
General Accomplishment Performer Attendants.
129
侍御扶侍。
Attendant Support Staff.
130
主衣。
Masters of Garments.
131
準二衞五品，敕吏比六品。
With rank equivalent to fifth grade in the Two Guards; imperial clerks ranked as sixth grade.
132
供殿左右。 〈紫極置二十人。 光興置十人。〉
Hall-Supply Left and Right Attendants. 〈Twenty posts for Purple Ultimate; ten for Glorious Prosperity.〉
133
左右守藏，置四人。
Left and Right Treasury Keepers: four posts.
134
典樂人。
Director of Music Staff.
135
比諸房禁防
Rank equivalent to the Quarters Guard Corps.
136
作倀。
Work Attendants.
137
比王官
Rank equivalent to royal household officials.
138
供殿給使。 〈紫極置二十人。 光興置十人。〉
Hall-Supply Supply Attendants. 〈Twenty posts for Purple Ultimate; ten for Glorious Prosperity.〉
139
典殿，置人無定數。
Hall Mistress: no fixed quota.
140
比官人
Rank equivalent to palace staff.
141
紫極三廂給事，置十人。
Purple Ultimate Three-Wing Attendants: ten posts.
142
全堂給使，置五人。
Complete Hall Supply Attendants: five posts.
143
宮閨給使，置六人。
Palace Inner-Quarters Supply Attendants: six posts.
144
比房[1]
Rank equivalent to quarters staff (annotation 1).
145
孝穆趙皇后諱安宗，下邳僮人也。 祖彪字世範，治書侍御史。 父裔字彥冑，平原太守。
Empress Dowager Xiaomu Zhao, whose personal name was Anzong, came from Tong in Xiapi. Her grandfather Zhao Biao, styled Shifan, served as Attendant Imperial Scribe for Legal Documents. Her father Zhao Yi, styled Yanzou, was Administrator of Pingyuan.
146
永初二年，有司奏曰：「大孝之德，盛於榮親。 一人有慶，光被萬國。 是以靈文寵於西京，壽張顯於隆漢。 故平原太守趙裔、故洮陽令蕭卓，並外屬尊戚，不逮休寵。 臣等仰述聖思。 遠稽舊章，並可追贈光祿大夫，加金章紫綬。 裔命婦孫可豫章郡建昌縣君，卓命婦趙可吳郡壽昌縣君。」 孫氏，東莞人也。 其年，又詔曰：「推恩之禮，在情所同。 故內樹宗子，外崇后屬，爰自漢、魏，咸遵斯典。 外祖趙光祿、蕭光祿，名器雖隆，茅土未建，並宜追封開國縣侯，食邑五百戶。」 於是追封裔臨賀縣侯。 裔長子宣之，仕至江乘令。 蚤卒，無子，以弟孫襲之繼宣之紹封。 襲之卒，子祖憐嗣。 齊受禪，國除。 宣之弟倫之，自有傳。
In the second year of Yongchu, the responsible offices submitted a memorial: "The virtue of supreme filial piety reaches its height in honoring one's parents. When one person is blessed, that blessing shines upon all the realm. Thus Lingwen was honored in the Western Capital, and Shouzhang was exalted in the flourishing Han. The late Zhao Yi, Administrator of Pingyuan, and the late Xiao Zhuo, Magistrate of Taoyang, were both distinguished affinal kin, yet had not yet received the full honors due them. We, your subjects, respectfully follow Your Majesty's benevolent intent. Following ancient precedent, both should posthumously receive the title Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, with the golden seal and purple cord. Yi's wife Sun may be created Lady of Jianchang County in Yuzhang; Zhuo's wife Zhao may be created Lady of Shouchang County in Wu." Sun was from Dongguan. That same year, an edict further stated: "The rite of extending favor is one in which all share alike. Within, one establishes the imperial sons; without, one honors the empress's kin — from Han and Wei onward, all have observed this rule. The maternal grandfathers, Zhao and Xiao, both Grandees of Splendid Happiness, though honored in title, had received no fief; both should posthumously be created Marquises of founding counties with five hundred households each." Yi was then posthumously created Marquis of Linhe County. Yi's eldest son Xuanzhi served as Magistrate of Jiangcheng. He died young and left no son; his younger brother's grandson Xizhi succeeded him to inherit the title. When Xizhi died, his son Zulian succeeded. When Qi accepted the abdication, the fief was abolished. Xuanzhi's younger brother Lunzhi has a separate biography.
147
孝懿蕭皇后諱文壽，蘭陵蘭陵人也。 祖亮字保祚，侍御史。 父卓字子略，洮陽令。
Empress Xiaoyi Xiao, whose personal name was Wenshou, came from Lanling in Lanling Commandery. Her grandfather Xiao Liang, styled Baozuo, was Palace Censor. Her father Xiao Zhuo, styled Zilüe, was Magistrate of Taoyang.
148
孝穆后殂，孝皇帝娉后為繼室，生長沙景王道憐、臨川烈武王道規。 義熙七年，拜豫章公太夫人。 高祖為宋王，又加太妃之號。 高祖以十二年北伐，仍停彭城、壽陽，至元熙二年入朝，因受晉禪，在外凡五年，后常留東府。 高祖踐阼，有司奏曰：「臣聞道積者慶流，德洽者禮備。 故祗敬表於崇高，嘉號彰於盛典。 伏惟太妃母儀之德，化穆不言，保翼之訓，光被洪業。 雖幽明同慶，而稱謂未窮。 稽之前代，禮有恒準，宜式遵舊章，允副羣望。 臣等請上宋王太后號皇太后。」 [2]故有司奏猶稱太妃也。
After Empress Dowager Xiaomu's death, Emperor Xiaowu took her as his successor consort; she bore Prince Jing of Changsha, Daolian, and Prince Liewu of Linchuan, Daogui. In the seventh year of Yixi she received the title Grand Lady of the Duke of Yuzhang. When Emperor Gaozu became Prince of Song, she was further styled Grand Consort. In the twelfth year Emperor Gaozu marched north and remained at Pengcheng and Shouyang; he entered court in the second year of Yuanxi and accepted the Jin abdication — away for five years in all, while the empress usually stayed at the Eastern Residence. When Emperor Gaozu took the throne, the responsible offices memorialized: "We have heard that where the Way is amassed, blessings flow forth; where virtue is complete, ritual follows. Therefore reverence is shown in what is lofty, and honored titles are proclaimed in great ceremonies. We humbly consider that the Grand Consort's virtue as mother of the realm is tranquil in its transforming power and modest in speech; her nurturing guidance has illuminated the great enterprise. Though the living and the dead share in rejoicing, her titles have not yet been fully bestowed. Examining former ages, ritual has its constant standards; it is fitting to follow precedent and satisfy the hopes of all. We request that the Prince of Song's mother be given the title Empress Dowager." [2] Accordingly, in memorials the offices still referred to her as Grand Consort.
149
上以恭孝為行，奉太后素謹，及即大位，春秋已高，每旦入朝太后，未嘗失時刻。
The emperor made respectful filial piety his way of life and served the empress dowager with constant devotion; after his accession, though already advanced in years, every morning he attended her at court and never missed the appointed hour.
150
少帝即位，加崇曰太皇太后。 景平元年，崩于顯陽殿，時年八十一。 遺令曰：「孝皇背世五十餘年，古不祔葬。 且漢世帝后陵皆異處，今可於塋域之內別為一壙。 孝皇陵墳本用素門之禮，與王者制度奢儉不同，婦人禮有所從，可一遵往式。」 乃開別壙，與興寧陵合墳。 初，高祖微時，貧約過甚，孝皇之殂，葬禮多闕，高祖遺旨，太后百歲後不須祔葬。 至是故稱后遺旨施行。
When Emperor Shaodi took the throne, she was further honored as Grand Empress Dowager. In the first year of Jingping she died in the Xianyang Hall at the age of eighty-one. Her testament read: "Emperor Xiaowu has been gone more than fifty years; antiquity did not permit joint burial. Moreover, in Han times imperial and empress tombs were always separate; within the burial precinct a separate vault may now be made. Emperor Xiaowu's tomb originally followed the rites of a common household, differing in splendor from royal regulations; a woman's rites have their own precedents — the former style may be followed throughout." A separate vault was opened and its burial mound joined with that of Xingning Tomb. Earlier, when Emperor Gaozu was still obscure, poverty was extreme; at Emperor Xiaowu's death many funeral rites were omitted, and Gaozu left instructions that after the empress dowager reached a hundred years she need not receive joint burial. Therefore it was said that the empress's testament was being followed.
151
卓初與趙裔俱贈金紫光祿大夫，又追封封陽縣侯，妻下邳趙氏封吳郡壽昌縣君。 卓子源之襲爵，源之見子思話傳。
Zhuo was at first, together with Zhao Yi, granted Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with golden seal, and was posthumously created Marquis of Fengyang County; his wife, Zhao of Xiapi, was made Lady of Shouchang County in Wu. Zhuo's son Yuanzhi inherited the title; Yuanzhi's son Sihua has a separate biography.
152
武敬臧皇后諱愛親，東莞人也。 祖汪字山甫，尚書郎。 父儁字宣乂，郡功曹。
Empress Wujing Zang, whose personal name was Aiqin, came from Dongguan. Her grandfather Zang Wang, styled Shanfu, was a Gentleman of the Masters of Writing. Her father Zang Jun, styled Xuanyi, was Commandery Merit Officer.
153
后適高祖，生會稽宣長公主興弟。 高祖以儉正率下，后恭謹不違。 及高祖興復晉室，居上相之重，而后器服粗素，不為親屬請謁。 義熙四年正月甲午，殂於東城，時年四十八，追贈豫章公夫人，還葬丹徒。 高祖臨崩，遺詔留葬京師，於是備法駕，迎梓宮祔葬初寧陵。
She married Emperor Gaozu and bore the Princess Chang of Kuaiji, Xingdi. Emperor Gaozu led his subordinates with frugal rectitude; the empress was respectful and careful and never transgressed. When Emperor Gaozu restored the Jin house and held the weight of chief minister, the empress wore coarse and plain dress and made no requests on behalf of her kin. On the jiawu day of the first month of the fourth year of Yixi she died in the Eastern City at forty-eight; posthumously she was made Lady of the Duke of Yuzhang and was buried in Dantu. At Emperor Gaozu's deathbed his testament ordered burial in the capital; the imperial equipage was prepared and her coffin was welcomed for joint burial at Chuning Tomb.
154
宋初追贈儁金紫光祿大夫，妻高密叔孫氏封遷陵永平鄉君。 [3]儁子燾，燾弟熹，熹子質，自有傳。
At the beginning of Song, Jun was posthumously granted Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with golden seal; his wife, Shusun of Gaomi, was made Lady of Yongping Township in Qianling. [3] Jun's son Yan, Yan's younger brother Xi, and Xi's son Zhi have separate biographies.
155
武帝胡婕妤諱道安，[6]淮南人。 義熙初，為高祖所納，生文帝。 五年，被譴賜死，時年四十二。 葬丹徒。 高祖踐阼，追贈婕妤。
Honored Beauty Hu of Emperor Wu, whose personal name was Dao'an,[6] came from Huainan. At the beginning of Yixi she was taken in by Emperor Gaozu and bore Emperor Wen. In the fifth year she was condemned and ordered to take her own life at the age of forty-two. She was buried in Dantu. When Emperor Gaozu took the throne, she was posthumously granted the title Honored Beauty.
156
太后兄子元慶，位至奉朝請。
The empress dowager's nephew's son Yuanqing rose to the post of Court Attendant.
157
文帝袁皇后諱齊媯，陳郡陽夏人，左光祿大夫敬公湛之庶女也。 母本卑賤，后年五六歲，方見舉。 後適太祖，初拜宜都王妃。 生子劭、東陽獻公主英娥。 上待后恩禮甚篤，袁氏貧薄，后每就上求錢帛以贍與之，上性節儉，所得不過三五萬、三五十匹。 後潘淑妃有寵，愛傾後宮，咸言所求無不得，后聞之，欲知信否，乃因潘求三十萬錢與家，以觀上意，信宿便得。 因此恚恨甚深，稱疾不復見上。 上每入，必他處回避。 上數掩伺之，不能得。 始興王濬諸庶子問訊，后未嘗視也。 后遂憤恚成疾。 元嘉十七年，疾篤，上執手流涕問所欲言，[7]后視上良久，乃引被覆面。 崩于顯陽殿，時年三十六。 上甚相悼痛，詔前永嘉太守顏延之為哀策，文甚麗。 其辭曰：
Empress Yuan of Emperor Wen, whose personal name was Qiji, came from Yangxia in Chen Commandery; she was a secondary daughter of Left Director of the Masters of Writing for Splendid Happiness Jinggong Zhan. Her mother was originally of humble status; only when the empress was five or six was she recognized and raised in standing. She later married Emperor Taizu and was at first invested as Princess of Yidu. She bore Shao and the Princess Xian of Dongyang, Ying'e. The emperor treated the empress with deep favor and courtesy; the Yuan clan was poor, and she often asked him for money and cloth to support them; he was by nature frugal, and what she received never exceeded thirty to fifty thousand cash or thirty to fifty bolts. Later Honored Consort Pan gained favor, and the inner palace's affection inclined wholly to her; all said that what she sought was never denied. When the empress heard this, wishing to test the report, she asked Pan for three hundred thousand cash for her family to observe the emperor's intent — within a day and night she received it. Because of this her resentment ran very deep; she claimed illness and would no longer see the emperor. Whenever the emperor came in, she always avoided him elsewhere. The emperor several times concealed himself to watch for her but could not obtain a meeting. When the various secondary sons, including Prince Jun of Shixing, came to inquire after her health, the empress never even looked at them. The empress thereupon fell ill from anger and resentment. In the seventeenth year of Yuanjia her illness was grave; the emperor held her hand in tears and asked what she wished to say;[7] the empress gazed at him a long while, then drew the coverlet over her face. She died in the Xianyang Hall at the age of thirty-six. The emperor grieved deeply; he ordered the former Administrator of Yongjia Yan Yanzhi to compose a mourning text, and the prose was very beautiful. The text reads:
158
龍輁纚綍，容翟結驂。 皇塗昭列，神路幽嚴。 皇帝親臨祖饋，躬瞻宵載。 飾遺儀於組旒，想徂音乎珩珮。 悲黼筵之移御，痛翬褕之重晦。 降輿客位，撤奠殯階。 乃命史臣，誄德述懷。 其辭曰：
The dragon hearse with trailing cords, pheasant banners, and paired teams. The imperial road shines in array; the spirit path is dark and solemn. The emperor in person attended the sending-off feast and himself gazed upon the night departure. Adorning the departed rites with corded tassels, recalling the departing sound in pendant ornaments. Grieving that the embroidered mat seat has shifted; pained that the feathered canopy is darkened once more. The carriage descends to the guest seat; the offerings are withdrawn from the bier steps. He then ordered the historiographer to eulogize her virtue and set forth his feelings. The text reads:
159
倫昭儷昇，有物有憑。 圓精初鑠，方祇始凝。 昭哉世族，祥發慶膺。 祕儀景冑，圖光玉繩。 昌輝在陰，柔明將進。 率禮蹈和，稱詩納順。 爰自待年，金聲夙振。 亦既有行，素章增絢。
Pattern and brightness paired in ascent — there are things, and there is what they rely upon. The round essence first gleams; the square earth-spirit first congeals. Splendid is her clan of generations; auspicious blessing arises and felicity is received. Secret rites and luminous lineage; charted glory like the jade cord of stars. Flourishing brilliance dwells in the yin; gentle brightness is about to advance. Leading ritual and treading harmony; citing poetry and receiving obedience. From the years of waiting for marriage, her golden reputation resounded early. Already she had conduct; plain pattern was further adorned.
160
象服是加，言觀惟則。 俾我王風，始基嬪德。 蕙問川流，芳猷淵塞。 方江泳漢，再謠南國。 伊昔不造，洪化中微。 用集寶命，仰陟天機。 釋位公宮，登耀紫闈。 欽若皇姑，允迪前徽。 孝達寧親，敬行宗祀。 進思才淑，傍綜圖史。 發音在咏，動容成紀。 壼政穆宣，房樂昭理。 [8]坤則順成，星軒潤飾。 德之所屆，惟深必測。 下節震騰，上清朓側。 有來斯雍，無思不極。 謂道輔仁，司化莫晰。
Symbolic garments were added to her; her words and bearing were the standard. She made our royal wind begin to found consort virtue. Orchid fragrance flows like a stream; fragrant plans fill the deep. As the river flows through Han, again a song rises for the southern realm. In former times fortune failed; the great transforming influence waned at its center. Thus gathering the precious Mandate, ascending to Heaven's design. Relinquishing position in the ducal palace, ascending to shine in the purple gate. Reverently following the imperial aunt, truly continuing former excellence. Filial piety reaching to comfort parents; respectfully performing ancestral sacrifices. Advancing thought to talented virtue; broadly gathering charts and histories. Giving voice in song; moving countenance to form record. Inner governance serenely proclaimed; chamber music brightly ordered. [8] The earth principle followed and completed; the star carriage moistened and adorned. Where virtue reaches, only the deep can be fathomed. The lower nodes quake and rise; the upper clarity wanes on its side. When they come, there is harmony; no thought fails to reach the utmost. They said the Way assists benevolence; who governs transformation is not clear.
161
象物方臻，眡祲告沴。 太和既融，收華委世。 蘭殿長陰，椒塗弛衞。 嗚呼哀哉！
Symbolic things just arriving; observing omens announces calamity. The supreme harmony already blended — gathering splendor and yielding to the world. The orchid hall long in shade; the pepper path relaxed its guard. Alas, how mournful!
162
戒涼在肂，[9]杪秋即穸。 霜夜流唱，曉月升魄。 八神警引，五輅遷迹。 噭噭儲嗣，哀哀列辟。 灑零玉墀，雨泗丹掖，撫存悼亡，感今懷昔。 嗚呼哀哉！
Warning of coolness at the bier;[9] the last autumn month approaches burial. On a frosty night the procession moves singing; at dawn the moon raises its soul. The eight spirits alertly lead; the five carriages shift their tracks. Wailing the heir apparent; mournful the ranks of lords. Tears fall on the jade court; rain streams in the crimson sleeve — cherishing the living, mourning the dead, moved by the present, remembering the past. Alas, how mournful!
163
南背國門，北首山園。 僕人案節，服馬顧轅。 遙酸紫蓋，眇泣素軒。 滅綵清都，夷體壽原。 邑野淪藹，戎夏悲嚾。 來芳可述，往駕弗援。 嗚呼哀哉！
Turning south from the state gate, heading north toward the mountain garden. Attendants hold the rhythm; harnessed horses look back at the shafts. From afar grieving at the purple canopy; dimly weeping at the plain carriage. Extinguishing splendor in the pure capital; leveling the body on the longevity plain. Town and countryside sink in mist; barbarian and Chinese grieve with cries. Coming fragrance may be told; the departing carriage cannot be drawn back. Alas, how mournful!
164
策既奏，上自益「撫存悼亡，感今懷昔」八字，以致其意焉。 有司奏諡宣皇后，上特詔曰「元」。
When the text was presented, the emperor himself added the eight characters "cherishing the living, mourning the dead, moved by the present, remembering the past" to convey his intent. The responsible offices memorialized the posthumous title Xuan Empress; the emperor specially issued an edict "Yuan."
165
初，后生劭，自詳視之，馳白太祖：「此兒形貌異常，必破國亡家，不可舉。」 便欲殺之。 太祖狼狽至后殿戶外，手撥幔禁之，乃止。
Earlier, after the empress bore Shao, she herself examined him closely and hurried to tell Emperor Taizu: "This child's form is abnormal; he will surely destroy the state and ruin the family — he must not be raised." She at once wished to kill him. Emperor Taizu in distress came to the outside of the empress's hall door, pushed aside the curtain with his hand to forbid it, and only then stopped.
166
后亡後，常有小小靈應。 沈美人者，太祖所幸也。 [10]嘗以非罪見責，應賜死。 從后昔所住徽音殿前度。 此殿有五間，自后崩後常閉。 美人至殿前，流涕大言曰：「今日無罪就死，先后若有靈，當知之！」 殿諸窗戶應聲豁然開。 職掌遽白太祖，太祖驚往視之，美人乃得釋。
After the empress died there were often small spiritual responses. Beautiful Lady Shen was one favored by Emperor Taizu. [10] Once for a non-capital offense she was blamed and was to be granted death. She passed before the Hall of Insignia of Virtue where the empress had formerly dwelt. This hall had five bays; since the empress's death it had usually been closed. The Beautiful Lady came before the hall, weeping and crying loudly: "Today I die without guilt — if the late empress has a spirit, she should know this!" All the hall's windows at the sound suddenly opened wide. The duty officer hurried to report to Emperor Taizu; Taizu in alarm went to look, and the Beautiful Lady was then released.
167
大明五年，世祖詔曰：「昔漢道既靈，博平煇絕，魏國方安，嘉憲啟策，皆因心所弘，酌典沿誥。 亡外祖親王夫人柔德淑範，光啟坤載。 屬內位闕正，攝饋閨庭，儀被芳闈，聞宣戚里。 永言感遠，思追榮秩，宜式傍鴻則，敬登徽序。」 乃追贈豫章郡新淦縣平樂鄉君。 后之所生母也。 又詔：「趙、蕭、臧光祿、袁敬公、平樂鄉君墓，[11]先未給塋戶。 加世數已遠，胤嗣衰陵。 外戚尊屬，不宜使墳塋蕪穢。 可各給蠻戶三，以供灑掃。」
In the fifth year of Daming, Emperor Xiaowu issued an edict: "Formerly when the Han Way had declined, Bo Ping's glory was extinguished; when the Wei state was just secure, Jia Xian opened his plan — all followed what the heart commended, drawing on canons and continuing edicts. The deceased maternal grandfather's Lady Wang had gentle virtue and fine model, illuminating and opening the earth's bearing. When the inner position lacked its proper occupant, she oversaw provisions in the inner court; her ceremony covered the fragrant inner quarters, her reputation proclaimed among affinal kin. Ever speaking of feeling for the distant, thinking to pursue honored rank — it is fitting to follow the great precedent and respectfully ascend to fine order." She was posthumously granted Lady of Pingle Township in Xingan County, Yuzhang Commandery. She was the empress's birth mother. Another edict stated: "The tombs of the Zhao, Xiao, and Zang Grandees, Jinggong Yuan, and the Lady of Pingle Township[11] had not previously been given grave households. Moreover generations are already distant and descendants decline. Honored affinal kin should not have their tombs and mounds left overgrown and defiled. Each may be given three barbarian households to supply sweeping and sprinkling."
168
后父湛，自有傳。 [12]
The empress's father Zhan has a separate biography. Textual annotation marker 12.
169
文帝路淑媛諱惠男，丹陽建康人也。 以色貌選入後宮，生孝武帝，拜為淑媛。 年既長，無寵，常隨世祖出蕃。 世祖入討元凶，淑媛留尋陽。 上即位，遣建平王宏奉迎。 有司奏曰：「臣聞曆集周邦，徽音克嗣，[13]氣淳漢國，沙麓發祥。 昔在上代，業隆祚遠，未有不敷陰教以闡洪基，膺淑慶以載聖哲者也。 伏惟淑媛柔明內昭，徽儀外範，合靈初迪，則庶姬仰燿； 引訓蕃閫，則家邦被德。 民應惟和，神屬惟祉，故能誕鍾叡躬，用集大命，固靈根於既殞，融盛烈乎中興。 載厚化深，聲詠允緝，宜式諧舊典，恭享極號。 謹奉尊號曰皇太后，[14]宮曰崇憲。」 太后居顯陽殿。
Pure Lady Lu of Emperor Wen, whose personal name was Huinan, came from Jianye in Danyang. Selected into the inner palace for beauty and appearance, she bore Emperor Xiaowu and was appointed Pure Lady. When her years had grown, she had no favor and usually followed Emperor Xiaowu when he went out to his fief. When Xiaowu entered to attack the chief culprit, the Pure Lady remained at Xunyang. When the emperor ascended the throne, he sent Prince Jianping Hong to welcome her. The responsible offices memorialized: "We have heard that when the calendar gathered in the Zhou state, fine reputation could succeed;[13] when breath was pure in the Han realm, Sha Lu sent forth auspice. In former superior ages, enterprise was lofty and fortune distant — none failed to spread yin instruction to unfold the great foundation and receive fine celebration to bear the sage and wise. We humbly consider that the Pure Lady is gentle and bright within, with fine ceremony without; joining spirit at first guidance, then the various consorts look up in radiance; leading instruction in the feudal enclosure, then family and state receive virtue. The people respond only in harmony, the spirits attach only blessing — therefore she could bear the sagely person and gather the great Mandate, firming the spiritual root where it had fallen and blending flourishing merit in restoration. Bearing thick transformation and deep influence, her reputation and song truly harmonized — it is fitting to follow and harmonize with old canons and respectfully receive the utmost title. We respectfully offer the honored title Empress Dowager;[14] her palace is called Chongxian." The empress dowager dwelt in the Xianyang Hall.
170
上於閨房之內，禮敬甚寡，有所御幸，或留止太后房內，故民間諠然，咸有醜聲。 宮掖事祕，莫能辨也。
The emperor within the inner chambers showed very little ritual respect; when he favored someone, he sometimes stayed in the empress dowager's quarters — therefore among the people there was clamor and scandalous talk. Palace inner matters were secret; none could distinguish truth.
171
孝建二年，追贈太后父興之散騎常侍，興之妻徐氏餘杭縣廣昌鄉君。 大明四年，太后弟子撫軍參軍瓊之上表曰：「先臣故懷安令道慶賦命乖辰，自違明世。 敢緣衞戍請名之典，特乞雲雨，微垂灑潤。」 詔付門下。 有司承旨奏贈給事中。 瓊之及弟休之、茂之並超顯職。 太后頗豫政事，賜與瓊之等財物，家累千金，居處服器，與帝子相侔。
In the second year of Xiaojian the empress dowager's father Xingzhi was posthumously granted Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary; Xingzhi's wife Xu was made Lady of Guangchang Township in Yuhang County. In the fourth year of Daming the empress dowager's younger brother's son Staff Officer of the Pacification Army Qiongzhi memorialized: "My late uncle, the former Magistrate of Huai'an Daoqing, received an ill-fated span and departed the bright age. I venture to follow the precedent of requesting a name through frontier service, and specially beg cloud and rain, slightly bestowing moistening grace." The edict was sent to the Chancellery. The responsible offices received the intent and memorialized to grant Gentlemen Attendant. Qiongzhi and his younger brothers Xiuzhi and Maozhi all rose to conspicuous posts. The empress dowager took considerable part in government affairs, bestowing goods on Qiongzhi and others; their households accumulated thousands in gold, and dwelling, dress, and vessels rivaled those of imperial sons.
172
瓊之宅與太常王僧達並門。 嘗盛車服衞從造僧達，僧達不為之禮。 瓊之以訴太后，太后大怒，告上曰：「我尚在，而人皆陵我家，死後乞食矣。」 欲罪僧達。 上曰：「瓊之年少，自不宜輕造詣。 王僧達貴公子，豈可以此事加罪。」
Qiongzhi's residence shared a gate with the Minister of Ceremonies Wang Sengda. Once with lavish carriage, dress, and guard retinue he went to visit Sengda; Sengda did not show him courtesy. Qiongzhi complained to the empress dowager; she was greatly angered and told the emperor: "While I am still alive, everyone insults my family — after death we shall beg for food." She wished to punish Sengda. The emperor said: "Qiongzhi is young and by nature should not lightly go calling. Wang Sengda is a noble gentleman — how can he be punished for this matter."
173
大明五年，太后隨上巡南豫州，妃主以下並從。 廢帝即位，號太皇太后。
In the fifth year of Daming the empress dowager followed the emperor on tour to Southern Yuzhou; princesses and consorts and below all accompanied. When Emperor Feidi ascended the throne, she was styled Grand Empress Dowager.
174
太宗踐阼，號崇憲太后。 初太宗少失所生，為太后所攝養，太宗盡心袛事，[15]而太后撫愛亦篤。 及上即位，供奉禮儀，不異舊日。 有司奏曰：「夫德敷於內，典章必遠； 化覃于外，徽號宜宣。 伏惟皇太后懿聖自天，母儀允著，義明八遠，道變九圍。 聖明登御，景胙攸改，皇太后宜即前號，別居外宮。」 詔曰：「朕備丁艱罰，蚤嬰孤苦，特蒙崇憲太后聖訓撫育。 昔在蕃閫，常奉藥膳，中迫凶威，抱懷莫遂。 今泰運初啟，情典獲申，方欲親奉晨昏，盡歡閨禁。 不得如所奏。」 尋崩，時年五十五。 遷殯東宮，門題曰崇憲宮。 上又詔曰：「朕幼集荼蓼，夙憑德訓，龕虣定業，實資仁範，恩著屯夷，有兼常慕。 夫禮沿情施，義循事立，可特齊衰三月，以申追仰之心。」 諡曰昭皇太后，葬世祖陵東南，號曰脩寧陵。
When Emperor Ming ascended the throne, she was styled Chongxian Empress Dowager. Earlier Ming in youth had lost his birth mother and was reared by the empress dowager; Ming served her with full devotion,[15] and the empress dowager's nurturing love was also deep. When he ascended the throne, offerings and ritual courtesy were no different from former days. The responsible offices memorialized: "Where virtue is spread within, regulations must reach far; where transforming influence extends without, fine titles should be proclaimed. We humbly consider that the Empress Dowager's fine sagacity comes from Heaven, her model as mother is truly manifest, righteousness illumines the eight distances, the Way transforms the nine domains. The sage and bright ascends the throne; the auspicious fortune is thereby changed — the Empress Dowager should take her former title and dwell separately in the outer palace." The edict stated: "We have suffered the full weight of bereavement, early orphaned and alone, and were specially favored with the Chongxian Empress Dowager's sage instruction and nurturing. Formerly in the feudal enclosure we constantly offered medicine and food; midway constrained by fierce authority, our embrace could not be fulfilled. Now the great fortune first opens and feeling's canon may be expressed — we are just about to attend morning and evening in person and exhaust joy within the inner quarters. It cannot be as memorialized." Soon she died at the age of fifty-five. Her coffin was moved to the Eastern Palace; the gate inscription read Chongxian Palace. The emperor further issued an edict: "We in youth gathered hardship, long relying on virtuous instruction; securing the fierce and settling the enterprise truly depended on benevolent model — grace marked in hardship, with doubled ordinary longing. Since rites follow feelings in application and righteousness is established according to circumstances, we may specially wear sackcloth mourning for three months to express our heart of remembrance and reverence." She was posthumously styled Zhao Grand Empress Dowager, buried southeast of Emperor Shizu's tomb, the tomb called Xiuning.
175
先是晉安王子勛未平，巫者謂宜開昭太后陵以為厭勝。 脩復倉卒，不得如禮。 上性忌，慮將來致災。 泰始四年夏，詔有司曰：「崇憲昭太后脩寧陵地，大明之世，久所考卜。 前歲遭諸蕃之難，禮從權宜。 奉營倉卒，未暇營改。 而塋隧之所，山原卑陋。 頃年頹壞，日有滋甚，恒費脩整，終無永固。 且詳考地形，殊乖相勢。 朕蚤蒙慈遇，情禮兼常，思使終始之義，載彰幽顯。 史官可就巖山左右，更宅吉地。 明審龜筮，須選令辰，式遵舊典，以禮創制。 今中宇雖寧，邊虜未息，營就之功，務在從簡。 舉言尋悲，情如切割。」 有司奏：「北疆未緝，戎役是務，禮之詳略，各沿時宜。 臣等參議，脩寧陵玄宮補治毀壞，權施油殿，暫出梓宮，事畢即窆，於事為允。」 詔可。
Earlier, before Prince Zixun of Jin'an was pacified, sorcerers said the Zhao Empress Dowager's tomb should be opened as a means of countering evil. The repairs were done in haste and could not follow the rites. The emperor by nature was superstitious and feared disaster would come in the future. In summer of the fourth year of Taishi, he issued an edict the relevant offices: "The site of the Xiuning Tomb of the Chongxian Zhao Empress Dowager was long ago divined in the Daming era. Last year we suffered the troubles of the various princes; the rites followed expediency. The construction was undertaken hastily and there was no time to rebuild and alter. But the place of the tomb mound — hill and plain — was low and mean. In recent years it has crumbled, daily growing worse; constantly we spend on repairs yet never achieve lasting solidity. Moreover on detailed examination of the terrain, it greatly fails to match geomantic auspiciousness. We early received kind favor; feeling and rites both constant — we think to make the meaning of beginning to end manifest in hidden and manifest realms. The historians may go to the left and right of Mount Yan and select a new auspicious site. Clearly examine tortoise and milfoil, must choose a fine day, follow the old canon in form, and create the regulation by rites. Now though the central realm is at peace, border barbarians have not ceased; the work of completing construction should strive to be simple. To speak brings forth sorrow; our feelings are like cutting." The relevant offices memorialized: "The northern frontier is not yet settled; military service is the task — whether rites are detailed or brief should each follow the time's suitability. We your ministers deliberating propose: repair damage to the Xiuning Tomb's inner chamber, provisionally erect an oiled canopy hall, temporarily remove the outer coffin, reinter as soon as the work is done — this is acceptable." The edict approved.
176
瓊之為衡陽內史，先后卒。 廢帝景和中，以休之為黃門侍郎，茂之左軍將軍，並封開國縣侯，邑千戶。 又追贈興之侍中、金紫光祿大夫，諡曰孝侯； 道慶散騎常侍、光祿大夫、開府儀同三司，諡曰敬侯。 立道慶女為皇后，以休之為侍中，茂之黃門郎。 太宗廢幼主，欲說太后之心，乃下令書曰：「太皇太后蚤垂愛遇，沿情即事，同於天屬。 前車騎諮議參軍路休之、前丹陽丞路茂之，崇憲密戚，蚤延榮貫，並懷所勳，宜殊恒飾。 休之可黃門侍郎，領步兵校尉； 茂之可中書侍郎。」 太宗未即位，故稱令書。 茂之又遷司徒從事中郎，休之桂陽王休範鎮北諮議參軍。 太宗殺世祖諸子，因此陷休之等，宥其諸子。
When Qiong was Interior Secretary of Hengyang, his first and second wives died in succession. In the Jinghe era under the deposed emperor, Xiuzhi was made Attendant at the Yellow Gate and Maozhi Left Army General; both were enfeoffed as Marquises of Kaiguo County with a fief of a thousand households. Also posthumously granted Xingzhi Attendant-in-Ordinary and Grand Master of the Palace with the Gold Seal and Purple Ribbon, posthumous name Marquis Xiao; Daoqing Regular Palace Attendant, Grand Master of Brilliant Happiness, Keeper of the Seal with the Three Excellencies' Privileges, posthumous name Marquis Jing. He installed Daoqing's daughter as empress, made Xiuzhi Attendant-in-Ordinary, and Maozhi Gentleman at the Yellow Gate. When Emperor Ming deposed the young emperor, wishing to win the Empress Dowager's heart, he issued an order stating: "The Grand Empress Dowager early showed love and favor; following feeling and attending to matters, it is the same as kin by Heaven. Former Staff Adviser to the Rapid-Cavalry General Lu Xiuzhi, former Assistant Magistrate of Danyang Lu Maozhi — close kin of Chongxian, early extended with glory and rank, both bearing meritorious service — should receive special honors beyond the ordinary. Xiuzhi may be Attendant at the Yellow Gate, concurrently Colonel of Footsoldiers; Maozhi may be Attendant of the Secretariat." Emperor Ming had not yet taken the throne, hence it was called an order rather than an edict. Maozhi was further transferred to Staff Officer of the Minister of Education; Xiuzhi became Staff Adviser to Prince Xiufan of Guiyang as Pacifying-North General. Emperor Ming killed Shizu's sons and thereby framed Xiuzhi and the others, pardoning their sons.
177
孝武文穆王皇后諱憲嫄，琅邪臨沂人。 元嘉二十年，拜武陵王妃。 生廢帝、豫章王子尚、山陰公主楚玉、臨淮康哀公主楚佩、皇女楚琇、康樂公主脩明。 世祖在蕃，后甚有寵。 上入伐凶逆，后留尋陽，與太后同還京都，立為皇后。
Empress of Emperor Xiaowu's Wenmu era was named Xianyuan, from Langya Linyi. In the twentieth year of Yuanjia she was invested as Princess Consort of Wuling. She bore the deposed emperor, Zishang Prince of Yuzhang, the Princess of Shanyin Chuyu, the Princess Kang'ai of Linhuai Chupei, the imperial daughter Chuqiu, and the Princess of Kangle Xiuming. When Shizu was in his principality the empress was greatly favored. When the emperor entered to campaign against the wicked rebels, the empress remained at Xunyang; she returned to the capital with the empress dowager and was installed as empress.
178
大明四年，后率六宮躬桑于西郊，皇太后觀禮。 上下詔曰：「朕卜祥大昕，測辰拂羽，爰詔六宮，親蠶川室。 皇太后降鑾從御，佇蹕觀禮。 綠蘧既具，玄紞方脩，庶儀發椒，闈化動中。 縣妃主以下，可量加班錫。」
In the fourth year of Daming the empress led the Six Palaces to personally mulberry-pick at the western suburb; the empress dowager observed the ceremony. The emperor issued an edict: "We divined auspiciousness on the great propitious day, measured the time and set the plume standard, thus commanding the Six Palaces to personally tend silkworms at the river-side chamber. The empress dowager descended her carriage to accompany, halting her train to observe the rite. Green cushions are ready, black sashes being prepared — various rites emanate from the inner quarters, transforming influence stirs within. County princesses, consorts and below may be granted rewards in measured degrees according to rank."
179
廢帝即位，尊曰皇太后，宮曰永訓。 其年，崩于含章殿，時年三十八。 祔葬景寧陵。
When the deposed emperor ascended the throne she was honored as Empress Dowager; her palace was called Yongxun. That year she died in Hanzhang Hall at the age of thirty-eight. She was buried jointly at Jingning Tomb.
180
長子藻，位至東陽太守。 尚太祖第六女臨川長公主諱英媛。 公主性妒，而藻別愛左右人吳崇祖，前廢帝景和中，主讒之於廢帝，藻坐下獄死，主與王氏離婚。 泰始初，以主適豫章太守庾沖遠，未及成禮而沖遠卒。
The eldest son Zao rose to Governor of Dongyang. He married Emperor Taizu's sixth daughter, the Princess Chang of Linchuan, named Yingyuan. The princess was jealous by nature; Zao separately favored his attendant Wu Chongzu. In the Jinghe era under the former deposed emperor the princess slandered him to the deposed emperor; Zao was imprisoned and died; the princess divorced the Wang clan. At the beginning of Taishi the princess was betrothed to Governor of Yuzhang Yu Chongyuan; before the ceremony was completed Chongyuan died.
181
宋世諸主，莫不嚴妒，太宗每疾之。 湖熟令袁慆妻以妒忌賜死，使近臣虞通之撰妒婦記。 左光祿大夫江湛孫斅當尚世祖女，上乃使人為斅作表讓婚，曰：
All the princesses of the Song era were severely jealous without exception; Emperor Ming was always displeased by this. The wife of Yuan Tao, Magistrate of Hushu, was sentenced to death for jealousy; he had close minister Yu Tongzhi compose a Record of Jealous Wives. Left Grand Master of the Palace with the Splendor of Light Jiang Zhan's grandson Jiao was to marry Shizu's daughter; the emperor had someone compose for Jiao a memorial declining the marriage, saying:
182
伏承詔旨，當以臨汝公主降嬪，[18]榮出望表，恩加典外。 顧審輶蔽，伏用憂惶。 臣寒門顇族，人凡質陋，閭閻有對，本隔天姻。 如臣素流，室貧業寡，年近將冠，皆已有室，荊釵布裙，足得成禮。 每不自解，無偶迄茲，媒訪莫尋，[19]素族弗問。 自惟門慶，屬降公主，天恩所覃，容及醜末。 懷憂抱惕，慮不獲免，徵命所當，果膺茲舉。 雖門泰宗榮，於臣非幸，仰緣聖貸，冒陳愚實。
Your servant humbly receives the imperial edict that the Princess of Linru will descend to become my spouse, [18] glory exceeding what was hoped, grace added beyond the ordinary canon. Yet considering my own obscurity and low capacity, your servant is filled with worry and fear. Your servant is of a cold gate and withered clan, a man of common quality and humble appearance; though our neighborhoods face each other we are originally separated by heavenly marriage ties. Such as your servant's plain station: the household poor, affairs few; nearly reaching capping age, all already have spouses — thorn hairpins and cloth skirts would suffice to complete the rites. Each time I cannot understand myself — without a mate until now, matchmakers sought but not found, [19] plain clans not asked. Reflecting on my family's honor that a princess should descend, Heaven's grace extending, indulging even an ugly last-born. Bearing worry and trepidation, fearing one cannot escape; when the summons came that should be answered, truly received this appointment. Though for the clan it is great and for the lineage glorious, for your servant it is not fortune; relying on holy indulgence, I dare state my foolish truth.
183
自晉氏以來，配尚王姬者，雖累經美冑，亟有名才，至如王敦懾氣，桓溫斂威，真長佯愚以求免，子敬灸足以違詔，王偃無仲都之質，而倮露於北階，何瑀闕龍工之姿，而投軀於深井，謝莊殆自同於矇叟，[20]殷沖幾不免於強鉏。 彼數人者，[21]非無才意，而勢屈於崇貴，事隔於聞覽，吞悲茹氣，無所逃訴。 制勒甚於僕隸，防閑過於婢妾。 往來出入，人理之常，當賓待客，朋從之義。 而令掃轍息駕，無闚門之期； 廢筵抽席，絕接對之理。 非唯交友離異，乃亦兄弟疏闊。 第令受酒肉之賜，制以動靜； 監子荷錢帛之私，節其言笑。 姆嬭爭媚，相勸以嚴； 妮媼競前，相諂以急。 第令必凡庸下才，監子皆葭萌愚豎，議舉止則未閑是非，聽言語則謬於虛實。 姆嬭敢恃耆舊，唯贊妒忌，尼媼自倡多知，務檢口舌。 其間又有應答問訊，卜筮師母，乃至殘餘飲食，詰辯與誰，衣被故敝，必責頭領。 又出入之宜，繁省難衷，或進不獲前，或入不聽出。 不入則嫌於欲疏，求出則疑有別意，召必以三晡為期，遣必以日出為限，夕不見晚魄，朝不識曙星。 至於夜步月而弄琴，晝拱袂而披卷，一生之內，與此長乖。 又聲影裁聞，則少婢奔迸； 裾袂向席，則老醜叢來。 左右整刷，以疑寵見嫌； 賓客未冠，以少容致斥。 禮則有列媵，象則有貫魚，本無嫚嫡之嫌，豈有輕婦之誚。 況今義絕傍私，虔恭正匹，而每事必言無儀適，設辭輒言輕易我。 又竊聞諸主集聚，唯論夫族。 緩不足為急者法，急則可為緩者師，更相扇誘，本其恒意，不可貸借，固實常辭。 或言野敗去，或言人笑我，雖家曰私理，有甚王憲，發口所言，恒同科律。 王藻雖復強佷，頗經學涉，戲笑之事，遂為寃魂。 褚曖憂憤，用致夭絕。 傷理害義，難以具聞。
Since the Jin house, those matched to imperial princesses, though repeatedly of fine lineage and often men of renown — such as Wang Dun cowed in spirit, Huan Wen reined in in awe, Zhenchang feigned stupidity to seek escape, Zijing cauterized his foot to disobey the edict, Wang Yan lacking Zhongdu's quality yet exposed naked on the north steps, He Yu lacking the dragon-craftsman's bearing yet cast his body into a deep well, Xie Zhuang nearly the same as a blind old man, [20] Yin Chong almost not escaping forced hoeing. Those several men, [21] were not without talent and intention, yet their power bent before exalted nobility, affairs blocked from imperial hearing, swallowing grief and choking on resentment with nowhere to flee or complain. Control and restraint exceeded that over servant-boys; guard and surveillance exceeded that over maid-servants. Coming and going in and out is the constant of human reason; receiving guests and hosting visitors is the right of companionship. Yet orders swept the ruts and halted the carriage — no date to peek at the gate; banquets dismantled, mats withdrawn — cutting off the principle of meeting face to face. Not only did friends and companions grow estranged — even brothers grew distant. The house steward received gifts of wine and meat and controlled one's movements; the chief attendant carried private money and silk and regulated one's speech and laughter. Nurses and wet-nurses vied in flattery, each urging the other to be severe; old matrons vied to advance, flattering each other with haste. House stewards are invariably mediocre inferior talents; chief attendants are all budding fools — judging conduct they do not understand right from wrong, hearing speech they err on truth and falsehood. Nurses dare rely on senior standing only to praise jealousy; nuns pose as knowing much, bent on policing the tongue. Among them are also answering inquiries, diviners and midwives, even leftover food and drink — interrogated as to who shared them; old worn clothing — the steward is always blamed. Also the propriety of going in and out — whether elaborate or simple is hard to reconcile; sometimes one could not advance, sometimes one entered but was not allowed to leave. Not entering then suspected of wishing estrangement; seeking to leave then suspected of other intent — summons must be by the third watch before dusk, dismissal must be by sunrise; evenings without seeing the late moon, mornings without recognizing the dawn stars. As for strolling by moonlight at night playing the zither, by day holding sleeves reading scrolls — within one lifetime, long estranged from these. Also at the slightest sound or shadow young maidservants would rush about; when a hem or sleeve turned toward the mat old ugly women would crowd in. Attendants grooming and combing — suspected of favored love and seen with jealousy; guests not yet capped — rejected on account of youthful appearance. In rites there are ranked secondary consorts; in symbolism there are strung fish — originally no suspicion of slighting the principal wife, how could there be rebuke for favoring a lesser wife? Moreover now the rite forbids side attachments — reverently honoring the proper spouse — yet on every matter must speak of improper conduct, and every argument says I am treated lightly. Also your servant has secretly heard that when princesses gather they speak only of their husbands' families. The lenient not adequate as models for the strict — the strict may serve as teachers for the lenient; egging each other on, each stating her usual view that no grace may be extended — this is indeed their constant phrase. Some say the husband was defeated and driven off, some say people laugh at me — though the household calls it a private matter, it exceeds royal statutes; words spoken are always on the same level as penal law. Though Wang Zao was again stubborn and harsh, he had considerable learning — a matter of jest became a wronged spirit. Chu Ai, through worry and anger, came to early death. Injuring reason and harming righteousness — too much to recite fully.
184
夫螽斯之德，實致克昌； 專妒之行，有妨繁衍。 是以尚主之門，往往絕嗣； 駙馬之身，通離釁咎。 以臣凡弱，何以克堪。 必將毀族淪門，豈伊身眚。 前後嬰此，其人雖眾，然皆患彰遐邇，事隔天朝，故吞言咽理，無敢論訴。 臣幸屬聖明，矜照由道，弘物以典，處親以公，臣之鄙懷，可得自盡。 如臣門分，世荷殊榮，足守前基，便預提拂，清官顯宦，或由才升，一叨婚戚，咸成恩假。 [22]是以仰冒非宜，披露丹實。 非唯止陳一己，規全身願； 實乃廣申諸門憂患之切。 伏願天慈照察，特賜蠲停，使燕雀微羣，得保叢蔚，蠢物含生，自己彌篤。 若恩詔難降，披請不申，便當刊膚剪髮，投山竄海。
The virtue of the locust hives truly brings flourishing; Exclusive jealousy has impeded propagation. Thus the gates of those who marry princesses often end up without heirs; the bodies of imperial sons-in-law constantly suffer separation and blame. Your servant being common and weak — how could he bear it? It will surely ruin the clan and overthrow the gate — not merely his body's misfortune. Before and after afflicted by this — though many the men — yet all sufferings were manifest far and near, affairs blocked by the heavenly court; hence they swallowed words and choked on reason, none daring to petition and complain. Your servant fortunately belongs to a sage and bright reign that pities and illuminates according to the Way, enlarges things by canon, treats kin with fairness — my humble sentiments may be fully expressed. As for your servant's clan station — generations bearing special glory, sufficient to guard the former foundation, then prematurely lifted and groomed — clear offices and prominent posts might sometimes rise by talent; once tainted with marriage kinship, all become favors granted. [22] Therefore I impertinently presume the unsuitable and disclose my sincere truth. Not only to state my own case and scheme for self-preservation; truly to broadly declare the acute grief of all such households. I prostrate myself and hope Your Heaven-sent compassion will examine the matter and specially grant exemption, so that humble folk like swallows and sparrows may keep their thickets and shade, and witless creatures bearing life may thereby grow ever more devoted. If gracious edicts cannot be issued and our open plea goes unheeded, we shall shave our flesh and cut our hair and flee to the mountains or burrow into the sea.
185
太宗以此表徧示諸主。 於是臨川長公主上表曰：「妾遭隨奇薄，絕於王氏，私庭囂戾，致此分異。 今孤疾煢然，假息朝夕，情寄所鍾，唯在一子。 契闊荼炭，持兼憐愍，否泰枯榮，繫以為命。 實願申其門釁，還為母子。 推遷僶俛，未及自聞。 先朝慈愛，鑑妾丹衷。 若賜使息徹歸第定省，仰揆天旨，或有可尋。 今事迫誠切，不顧典憲，敢緣恩燾，觸冒披聞。 特乞還身王族，守養弱嗣。 雖死之日，實甘於生。」 許之。
Emperor Ming circulated this memorial among all the princesses for them to see. Thereupon the Princess of Linchuan submitted a memorial: "Your handmaiden met with cruelly meager fortune and was severed from the Wang clan; the private household grew clamorous and abusive, which brought about this rupture. Now I am alone, ill, and desolate, living on borrowed breath from day to day; the one to whom my heart is devoted is my single son. Parting and reunion, hardship and suffering — I hold them together with pity; whether in adversity or ease, withering or flourishing, my life hangs upon him. I earnestly wish to clear the stain upon our clan's name and be restored as mother and son. Time has passed while I bowed in deferential silence, unable until now to speak for myself. The former emperor in his loving kindness saw into your handmaiden's sincere heart. If you would permit my son Che to return home for regular visits, and I look up to discern Heaven's intent, there may yet be grounds for reconciliation. The matter now presses upon me with urgent sincerity; disregarding law and regulation, I dare rely on your enveloping grace and impertinently lay my plea before you. I specially beg to be received back into the Wang clan and to guard and nurture my young heir. Even the day of my death would be sweeter than life itself." Her request was granted.
186
藻弟懋，昇明末貴達。 懋弟攸，太宰從事中郎。 蚤卒，追贈黃門侍郎。 弟臻，昇明末顯宦。
Zao's younger brother Mao rose to high rank and eminence at the end of the Shengming era. Mao's younger brother You served as Attendant Gentleman in the Grand Tutor's office. He died young and was posthumously granted the title Yellow Gate Attendant. Younger brother Zhen held high office at the end of the Shengming era.
187
前廢帝何皇后諱令婉，廬江灊人也。 孝建三年，納為皇太子妃，大明五年，薨于東宮徽光殿，時年十七。 葬□□，諡曰獻妃。 上更為太子置內職二等，曰保林，曰良娣。 納南中郎長史太山羊瞻女為良娣，宜都太守袁僧惠女為保林。 廢帝即位，追崇獻妃曰獻皇后。 太宗踐阼，遷后與廢帝合葬龍山北。
Empress He of the Former Deposed Emperor, whose personal name was Lingwan, came from Qian in Lujiang commandery. In the third year of Xiaojian she was installed as crown princess; in the fifth year of Daming she died in Huiguang Hall of the Eastern Palace, at the age of seventeen. She was buried at □□ [text lost] and given the posthumous title Consort Xian. The emperor then established two ranks of inner palace posts for the crown prince, Baolin and Liangdi. He took Yang Zhan of Taishan's daughter — Senior Clerk of the Southern Palace Attendant — as Liangdi, and Yuan Senghui of Yidu commandery's daughter as Baolin. When the Deposed Emperor took the throne, he posthumously elevated Consort Xian to Empress Xian. When Emperor Ming took the throne, he reinterred the empress to be buried jointly with the Deposed Emperor north of Long Mountain.
188
瑀兄子亮，孝建初，為桂陽太守。 丞相南郡王義宣為逆，遣參軍王師壽斷桂陽道，以防廣州刺史宗慤，亮收斬之。 [24]官至新安內史。 亮弟恢，廢帝元徽初，為廣州剌史，未之鎮，坐國哀朞晦不到，免官。 復起為都官尚書，未拜，卒。 恢弟誕，司徒右長史。 誕弟衍，最知名。 性躁動。 太宗初，為建安王休仁司徒從事中郎，仍除黃門郎。 未拜竟，求轉司徒司馬。 得司馬，復求太子右率。 拜右率一二日，復求侍中。 旬日之間，求進無已。 不得侍中，以怨詈賜死。
Yu's nephew Liang served as Administrator of Guiyang at the beginning of the Xiaojian era. When the Chancellor, Prince of Nanjun Yixuan, rebelled, he dispatched Staff Officer Wang Shishou to cut the Guiyang route so as to block Guangzhou Inspector Zong Que; Liang captured and executed him. [24] He rose to the post of Inner Administrator of Xin'an. Liang's younger brother Hui, at the start of the Yuanhui era under the Deposed Emperor, was appointed Inspector of Guangzhou; before he took up the post he was dismissed for failing to appear on the dark day marking the end of the period of national mourning. He was reappointed Minister of Justice but died before he could accept the commission. Hui's younger brother Yan served as Senior Clerk on the right in the Ministry of Works. Yan's younger brother Yan was the best known of the family. He was restless and impulsive by nature. At the start of Emperor Ming's reign he served as Attendant Gentleman in the Ministry of Works under Prince Jian'an Xiuren, and was then appointed Yellow Gate Gentleman. Before he had even formally assumed the Yellow Gate post, he asked to be transferred to Marshal of the Ministry of Works. Once he had the marshal's post, he asked again for Right Leader of the Crown Prince's Guard. After only a day or two as Right Leader, he asked again to be made Attendant-in-Ordinary. Within a fortnight his demands for promotion knew no end. When he failed to obtain the post of Attendant-in-Ordinary, he was executed by imperial order for cursing in resentment.
189
以太后弟道慶為給事中。 泰始三年卒，追贈通直散騎常侍，賜爵縣侯。 又追贈太后父散騎常侍，母王氏成樂鄉君。
He appointed the Empress Dowager's younger brother Daoqing Supplicant Within the Gates. He died in the third year of Taishi and was posthumously made Regular Attendant of Direct Communication and Cavalry and enfeoffed as District Marquis. The Empress Dowager's father was also posthumously made Regular Attendant of Cavalry, and her mother, Lady Wang, was made Lady of Chengle Township.
190
上嘗宮內大集，而臝婦人觀之，以為歡笑。 后以扇障面，獨無所言。 帝怒曰：「外舍家寒乞，今共為笑樂，何獨不視？」 后曰：「為樂之事，其方自多。 豈有姑姊妹集聚，而臝婦人形體。 以此為樂，外舍之為歡適，實與此不同。」 帝大怒，遣后令起。 后兄揚州刺史景文以此事語從舅陳郡謝緯曰：「后在家為儜弱婦人，不知今段遂能剛正如此。」
The emperor once held a great gathering inside the palace at which naked women were made to watch as a source of amusement. The empress screened her face with a fan and alone said nothing. The emperor said angrily: "You come from an outsider's cold and beggarly household — now we are all sharing this mirth; why will you alone not look?" The empress said: "There are many proper ways to take pleasure. How can one gather with sisters-in-law and female kin and expose the naked bodies of women? To take this as pleasure — what we outsiders call true enjoyment is altogether different." The emperor flew into a rage and had the empress dismissed. The empress's elder brother, Yangzhou Inspector Jingwen, told their maternal uncle Xie Wei of Chen commandery about the affair: "At home the empress was a weak and timid woman — I never imagined she could be so upright and firm as this."
191
廢帝即位，尊為皇太后，宮曰弘訓。 廢帝失德，太后每加勗譬，始者猶見順從，後狂慝轉甚，漸不悅。 元徽五年五月五日，太后賜帝玉柄毛扇，帝嫌其毛柄不華，因此欲加酖害，已令太醫煑藥，左右人止之曰：「若行此事，官便應作孝子，豈復得出入狡獪。」 帝曰：「汝語大有理。」 乃止。
When the Deposed Emperor took the throne, she was honored as Empress Dowager, with her residence named Hongxun. As the Deposed Emperor's conduct deteriorated, the Empress Dowager repeatedly exhorted and admonished him; at first he still seemed compliant, but as his wild depravity worsened she grew increasingly displeased. On the fifth day of the fifth month in the fifth year of Yuanhui, the Empress Dowager gave the emperor a feather fan with a jade handle; the emperor disliked the plain feather handle and therefore plotted to poison her; he had already ordered the imperial physician to brew the drug, but attendants stopped him, saying: "If you do this, Your Majesty will have to play the filial son — how then could you roam about in roguish freedom?" The emperor said: "You speak with great sense." And so he desisted.
192
明帝陳貴妃諱妙登，丹陽建康人，屠家女也。 世祖常使尉司採訪民間子女有姿色者。 太妃家在建康縣界，家貧，有草屋兩三間。 上出行，問尉曰：「御道邊那得此草屋，當由家貧。」 賜錢三萬，令起瓦屋。 尉自送錢與之，家人並不在，唯太妃在家，時年十二三。 尉見其容質甚美，即以白世祖，於是迎入宮。 在路太后房內，經二三年，再呼，不見幸。 太后因言於上，以賜太宗。 始有寵，一年許衰歇，以乞李道兒。 尋又迎還，生廢帝，故民中皆呼廢帝為李氏子。 廢帝後每自稱李將軍，或自謂李統。
Honored Consort Chen of Emperor Ming, whose personal name was Miaodeng, came from Jiankang in Danyang commandery; she was the daughter of a butcher's family. Emperor Xiaowu regularly sent guard officers to seek out among the common people young women of fine appearance. Her family lived within Jiankang county; they were poor and had only two or three thatched huts. On an outing the emperor asked the guard officer: "How does a grass hut come to be beside the imperial road? The family must be poor." He granted thirty thousand cash and ordered a tiled house built for them. The guard officer delivered the money himself; none of her family were home — only she was there, twelve or thirteen years old at the time. The guard officer saw how beautiful she was and reported it at once to Emperor Xiaowu, and she was brought into the palace. She remained in the Empress Dowager's chambers for two or three years; though summoned twice, she never received the emperor's favor. The Empress Dowager spoke to the emperor and had her given to Emperor Ming. At first she won his favor, but after about a year it faded, and he gave her away to Li Dao'er. Before long she was brought back; she bore the Deposed Emperor, and so among the people he was widely called Li's son. Later the Deposed Emperor often styled himself General Li, or called himself Commander Li.
193
伯父照宗，中書通事舍人。 叔佛念，步兵校尉。 兄敬元，通直郎，南魯郡太守。 佛念大通貨賄，侵亂朝政。 昇明初，賜死。
Her paternal uncle Zhao Zong served as General Attendant of Affairs at the Secretariat. Her uncle Fonian served as Colonel of the Footsoldiers. Her elder brother Jingyuan served as Attendant of Direct Communication and Administrator of Nanlu commandery. Fonian engaged heavily in bribery and corrupt trade, disrupting court governance. At the beginning of the Shengming era he was executed by imperial order.
194
後廢帝江皇后諱簡珪，濟陽考城人，北中郎長史智淵孫女。 泰始五年，太宗訪求太子妃，而雅信小數，名家女多不合。 后弱小，門無強廕，以卜筮最吉，故為太子納之。 諷朝士州郡令獻物，多者將直百金。 始興太守孫奉伯止獻琴書，其外無餘物。 上大怒，封藥賜死，既而原之。 太子即帝位，立為皇后。 帝既廢，降為蒼梧王妃。 智淵自有傳。
Empress Jiang of the Later Deposed Emperor, whose personal name was Jiangui, came from Kaocheng in Jiyang commandery; she was the granddaughter of Senior Clerk Zhiyuan of the Northern Palace Attendant. In the fifth year of Taishi, Emperor Ming sought a crown princess; as he greatly trusted divination, daughters of eminent families mostly failed to match the auguries. The future empress was young and slight, and her family lacked powerful patronage; because divination proved most auspicious, the crown prince took her in marriage. He strongly hinted that court officials and local magistrates should present gifts — the most lavish were worth nearly a hundred gold pieces. Shixing Administrator Sun Fengbo presented only a zither and books — nothing else besides. The emperor flew into a rage and sent sealed poison with orders for his execution, but then pardoned him. When the crown prince ascended the throne, she was made empress. After the emperor was deposed, she was demoted to Princess Consort of Cangwu. Zhiyuan has a separate biography.
195
順帝謝皇后諱梵境，陳郡陽夏人，右光祿大夫莊孫女也。 昇明二年，立為皇后。 順帝禪位，降為汝陰王妃。 莊自有傳。
Empress Xie of Emperor Shun, whose personal name was Fanjing, came from Yangxia in Chen commandery; she was the granddaughter of Right Grand Master of Splendor Xie Zhuang. In the second year of Shengming she was made empress. When Emperor Shun abdicated, she was reduced to Princess Consort of Runan. Zhuang has a separate biography.
196
史臣曰：飲食男女，人之大欲存焉。 [28]故聖人順民情而為之度，王宮六列，士室二等，皆司事設防，典文曲立。 若夫義篤閫闈，化形邦國，古先哲王有以之致治者矣。 夫后妃專夕，配以德升； 姬嬙並御，進非色幸。 欲使情有覃被，愛罔偏流，專貞內表，妖蠱外息。 至於娉納有章，俔天作儷，必四岳之後。 雖正位天閨，禮亢尊極，而衰厭易兆，恩宴難留，一謝屬車之塵，永隔青蒲之地。 是故元后慎終，良有以也。 自元嘉以降，內職稍繁，椒庭綺觀，千門萬戶，而淫粧怪飾，變炫無窮。 自漢氏昭陽之輪奐，魏室九華之照曜，曾不能概其萬一。 徒以所選止於軍署之內，徵引極乎厮皁之間，非若晉氏採擇濫及冠冕也。 [29]且愛止帷房，權無外授，戚屬餼賚，歲時不過肴漿，斯為美矣。 及太祖之傾惑潘嫗，謀及婦人； 大明之淪溺殷姬，並后匹嫡，至使多難起於肌膚，并命行於同產，又況進於此者乎。 以斯言之，三代、二漢之亡於淫嬖，非不幸也。
The historian writes: Food, drink, and sexual desire — in these lie humanity's greatest appetites. [28] Therefore the sages followed the people's inclinations and set bounds accordingly: the six ranks of the royal harem and the two grades permitted to gentlemen were all offices with defined duties and safeguards, established in canonical law. When righteousness is cultivated within the inner quarters and its influence shapes the state, ancient sage-kings have indeed achieved good governance thereby. Empresses and consorts were to monopolize the royal bedchamber, elevated by virtue rather than beauty; secondary consorts shared attendance, advancement not granted through physical favor alone. The aim was that affection be broadly shared, love not narrowly channeled — exclusive fidelity within, and seductive intrigue stilled without. As for marriage and reception, rites were fixed: to match Heaven in taking a consort required a daughter of the Four Peaks. Though one might hold the highest place in the inner palace and receive the most exalted rites, weariness comes easily and royal favor is hard to hold; once one falls behind the imperial procession's dust, one is forever cut off from the green rush mats of the inner court. That is why the chief consort must be careful to the end — and with good reason. From the Yuankai era onward, inner-palace offices gradually multiplied; brocade halls opened in the inner quarters with a thousand gates and ten thousand doorways, and wanton dress and bizarre ornament shifted and dazzled without end. Not even the splendor of Han's Zhaoyang Hall or the radiance of Wei's Nine Splendors could encompass one ten-thousandth of this. At least selection was confined to military compounds and recruits were drawn only from menial ranks — unlike the Jin, whose choices indiscriminately reached even to families of high office. [29] Moreover, affection was confined to the bedchamber and authority was not extended outward; kin received seasonal gifts of no more than simple food and drink — in this there was beauty. Then came Emperor Wen's infatuation with Lady Pan, when counsel reached even into women's hands; and Emperor Xiaowu's obsession with Lady Yin, elevating a consort to rival the empress — until calamities rose from the emperor's own flesh, and brothers of the same womb were put to death together; what of those who went even further? Viewed in this light, the fall of the Three Dynasties and the two Han through licentious indulgence was no accident.
197
校勘記
Collation notes
198
比房「房」下疑有奪字。
Bi fang ('Equal quarters'): a character may be missing after 'fang'.
199
臣等請上宋王太后號皇太后各本並作「臣等參受宋王太后號」，據元龜一八九訂正。
'Your ministers request elevating the Princess Dowager of the Prince of Song to the title Empress Dowager': all editions read 'Your ministers received the title of the Princess Dowager of the Prince of Song'; corrected from Yuan Gui, juan 189.
200
妻高密叔孫氏封遷陵永平鄉君各本並作「封永陵平鄉君」，據南史改。 州郡志郢州武陵太守領遷陵侯相。 永平蓋即遷陵縣之鄉名。
'His wife, née Shusun of Gaomi, was enfeoffed as Lady of Yongping Township in Qianling': all editions read 'Enfeoffed Lady of Ping Township, Yongling'; corrected from the History of Southern Dynasties. The Treatise on Provinces and Commanderies records that the Administrator of Wuling in Ying Province also served as Chancellor of the Marquisate of Qianling. Yongping was presumably the name of a township within Qianling County.
201
少帝司馬皇后諱茂英「皇后」各本並作「皇太妃」，據南史、御覽一四九引改。
'Empress Sima, consort of Emperor Shao, personal name Maoying': all editions read 'Imperial Consort Dowager' for 'Empress'; corrected from the History of Southern Dynasties and Imperial Readings, juan 149.
202
時年四十七張森楷校勘記云：「按少帝死年十九，則妃于時亦當二十左右。 後十六七年至元嘉十六年卒，應年三十六七，不應四十七，疑有誤。」
'She was forty-seven at the time': Zhang Senkai's collation note observes: 「Since Emperor Shao died at nineteen, the consort at that time should have been about twenty. Sixteen or seventeen years later she died in the sixteenth year of Yuanjia; she should have been thirty-six or thirty-seven, not forty-seven — an error is likely.」
203
武帝胡婕妤諱道安「道安」各本並作「道女」，據南史、御覽一四二引改。
'Lady Hu, Elegant Beauty of Emperor Wu, personal name Dao'an': all editions read 'Dao'nu' for 'Dao'an'; corrected from the History of Southern Dynasties and Imperial Readings, juan 142.
204
上執手流涕問所欲言「言」字上，各本並有「不」字，據南史刪。
'The emperor, holding her hand, wept and asked what she wished to say': all editions insert 'not' before 'speak'; removed per the History of Southern Dynasties.
205
房樂昭理「昭」文選作「韶」。 李善注引禮記注曰：「韶，繼也。」
'Chambers' music, orderly and clear': the Selections of Refined Literature has 'Shao' for 'Zhao'. Li Shan's commentary cites the Record of Rites commentary: 「Shao means 'to continue.'」
206
戒涼在肂「肂」各本並作「律」，據文選改。 李善注引儀禮注曰：「死三日而肂，三月而葬。」 說文曰：「肂，瘞也。」
'Guarding against chill at the temporary coffin': all editions read 'lu' for 'si' (temporary interment); corrected from the Selections of Refined Literature. Li Shan's commentary cites the Ceremonies and Rites commentary: 「Three days after death comes temporary interment; burial follows three months later. 」The Shuowen states: 「Si means 'to inter.'」
207
沈美人者太祖所幸也「太祖」各本並作「太宗」。 按太宗即明帝，沈美人為明帝生母沈婕妤，此太宗當作太祖，今改正。
'Beautiful Lady Shen was one favored by Emperor Taizu': all editions read 'Taizong' for 'Taizu'. Note: 'Taizong' refers to Emperor Ming; Beautiful Lady Shen was the birth mother of Emperor Ming, Elegant Beauty Shen — 'Taizong' should read 'Taizu'; corrected accordingly.
208
趙蕭臧光祿袁敬公平樂鄉君墓「鄉君」各本並作「郡君」。 據南史改正。 按上云追贈豫章郡新淦縣平樂鄉君，則此不當稱平樂郡君，疑誤。
'Tomb of the Zhao, Xiao, and Zang Grandees, Jinggong Yuan, and the Lady of Pingle Township': all editions read 'Commandery Lady' for 'Township Lady'. Corrected from the History of Southern Dynasties. Note: the text above records posthumous enfeoffment as Lady of Pingle Township in Xingan County, Yuzhang Commandery — 'Lady of Pingle Commandery' here is likely an error.
209
后父湛自有傳「湛」各本並作「湛之」，據本傳刪「之」字。
'The empress's father Zhan has his own biography': all editions read 'Zhanzhi' for 'Zhan'; 'zhi' removed per his biography.
210
徽音克嗣「克」各本並作「充」，據元龜一八九改。
'Virtuous renown able to succeed': all editions read 'chong' for 'ke'; corrected from Yuan Gui, juan 189.
211
謹奉尊號曰皇太后各本並脫「謹」字，據元龜一八九補。
'Respectfully presenting the honored title Empress Dowager': all editions omit 'respectfully'; restored from Yuan Gui, juan 189.
212
太宗盡心祗事「太宗」各本並作「世祖」。 孫虨宋書考論云：「案文義，當云『太宗盡心祗事』，『世祖』誤。」 按孫說是，今改正。
'Emperor Ming devoted himself in reverent service': all editions read 'Emperor Shizu' for 'Emperor Ming'. Sun Bi's Critical Study of the Book of Song observes: 「By the sense of the passage, it should read 'Emperor Ming devoted himself in reverent service'; 'Emperor Shizu' is wrong. 」Sun's view is accepted; corrected accordingly.
213
尚書嘏之子也各本並脫「書」字。 孫虨宋書考論云：「當作尚書嘏之子。」 按孫說是，今補正。
'He was the son of Minister Gu': all editions omit 'shu' (minister). Sun Bi's Critical Study of the Book of Song says: 「It should read 'son of Minister Gu.' 」Sun's view is accepted; restored and corrected accordingly.
214
母晉孝武帝女鄱陽公主張森楷校勘記云：「據晉書王導傳，公主是簡文帝女，孝武帝妹。 此女字疑是妹字之誤。」
'His mother was the Princess of Poyang, daughter of Emperor Xiaowu of Jin': Zhang Senkai's collation note observes: 「According to the biography of Wang Dao in the History of Jin, the princess was a daughter of Emperor Jianwen and younger sister of Emperor Xiaowu. The character 'daughter' here is likely a mistake for 'younger sister.'」
215
當以臨汝公主降嬪「臨汝公主」各本並作「臨海公主」，據南齊書江斅傳改正。 洪頤煊諸史考異云：「按何尚之傳，顒之尚太祖第四女臨海惠公主，封號不應同名。 南齊書江斅傳，尚孝武帝女臨汝公主。 『臨海』當是『臨汝』之譌。」
'The Princess of Linru will descend to become my spouse': all editions read 'Princess of Linhai' for 'Princess of Linru'; corrected from the biography of Jiang Jiao in the Book of Southern Qi. Hong Yixuan's Comparative Study of Various Histories notes: 「According to the biography of He Shangzhi, Yan married Emperor Taizu's fourth daughter, Princess Hui of Linhai — the titles should not be identical. The biography of Jiang Jiao in the Book of Southern Qi records marriage to Emperor Xiaowu's daughter, the Princess of Linru. 'Linhai' is likely a corruption of 'Linru.'」
216
媒訪莫尋「媒」各本並作「謀」，據南史改。
'Matchmakers sought but none found': all editions read 'mou' (to seek) for 'mei' (matchmaker); corrected from the History of Southern Dynasties.
217
謝莊殆自同於矇叟「矇叟」各本並作「矇室」，據南史改。 錢大昕廿二史考異云：「案謝莊傳，無尚主事，疑以目疾辭，遂停尚主也。」
'Xie Zhuang was nearly like a blind old man himself': all editions read 'meng shi' for 'meng sou' (blind old man); corrected from the History of Southern Dynasties. Qian Daxin's Comparative Study of the Twenty-Two Histories observes: 「The biography of Xie Zhuang records no imperial marriage; he likely declined on account of eye disease and the marriage was abandoned.」
218
彼數人者各本並脫「彼」字，據南史補。
'Those several men': all editions omit 'those'; restored from the History of Southern Dynasties.
219
咸成恩假「成」各本並作「有」，據南史、初學記一０引、藝文類聚一六引、御覽一五三引改。
'All became favor by marriage connection': all editions read 'have' for 'became'; corrected from the History of Southern Dynasties, Initial Learning Notes juan 10, Literary Anthology juan 16, and Imperial Readings juan 153.
220
至衞將軍「衞將軍」南史作「右衞將軍」。
'Reached Guard General': the History of Southern Dynasties has 'Right Guard General' for 'Guard General'.
221
亮收斬之各本並作「收亮斬之」，孫虨宋書考論云：「案文義當為『亮收斬之』。」 按孫說是，今改正。
'Liang captured and beheaded him': all editions read 'captured Liang and beheaded him'; Sun Bi's Critical Study of the Book of Song observes: 「By the sense of the passage, it should read 'Liang captured and beheaded him.' 」Sun's view is accepted; corrected accordingly.
222
文帝沈婕妤諱容姬各本並脫「姬」字，據南史補。
'Lady Shen, Elegant Beauty of Emperor Wen, personal name Rongji': all editions omit 'ji'; restored from the History of Southern Dynasties.
223
太宗改封又為湘東王妃各本並脫「又為」二字，據南史補。 按太宗即明帝，初封淮陽王，元嘉二十九年，改封湘東王，故其妃亦改稱湘東王妃。
'When Emperor Ming's title was changed, she again became Princess Consort of Xiangdong': all editions omit 'again became'; restored from the History of Southern Dynasties. Note: 'Taizong' is Emperor Ming; he was first enfeoffed Prince of Huaiyang and in the twenty-ninth year of Yuanjia was re-enfeoffed Prince of Xiangdong — hence his consort's title was likewise changed to Princess Consort of Xiangdong.
224
改諸國太妃曰太妃 〈妃音怡〉 「太妃」南史、御覽一四二引作「太姬」。 孫虨宋書考論云：「姬字是。」
The title of the grand consorts of all princedoms was changed to Grand Consort. 〈Fei is pronounced yi.〉 'Grand Consort' appears as 'Grand Lady' in the History of Southern Dynasties and Imperial Readings, juan 142. Sun Bi's Critical Study of the Book of Song holds: 「The character 'ji' is correct.」
225
飲食男女人之大欲存焉「人」各本並作「民」，據禮記禮運原文改正。
'Food, drink, male and female — in these man's great desires reside': all editions read 'common people' for 'man'; corrected from the original text of the Record of Rites, Evolution of Rites.
226
非若晉氏採擇濫及冠冕也各本並脫「若」字，據南史補。
'Not like the Jin house's selection spreading undiscriminately even to cap-and-girdle families': all editions omit 'like'; restored from the History of Southern Dynasties.