Volume 42 Biographies 2: Liu Muzhi, Wang Hong

列傳第二劉穆之王弘

Biographies 2: Liu Muzhi and Wang Hong

劉穆之，字道和，小字道民，東莞莒人，漢齊悼惠王肥後也。世居京口。少好書、傳，博覽多通，為濟陽江敳所知。敳為建武將軍、琅邪內史，以為府主簿。

Liu Muzhi, whose style name was Daohe and childhood name Daomin, came from Ju in Dongguan and was descended from Prince Fei the Lamented and Kind of Qi of Han. His family had lived at Jingkou for generations. As a youth he loved the classics and their commentaries, read widely with deep understanding, and won the recognition of Jiang Ai of Jiyang. When Jiang Ai held the posts of General Who Establishes Martial Might and interior minister of Langye, he made Muzhi chief clerk of his headquarters.

初，穆之嘗夢與高祖俱泛海，忽值大風，驚懼。俯視船下，見有二白龍夾舫。既而至一山，峯㠋聳秀，林樹繁密，意甚悅之。及高祖克京城，問何無忌曰：「急須一府主簿，何由得之？」無忌曰：「無過劉道民。」高祖曰：「吾亦識之。」即馳信召焉。時穆之聞京城有叫譟之聲，晨起出陌頭，屬與信會。穆之直視不言者久之。既而反室，壞布裳為絝，往見高祖。高祖謂之曰：「我始舉大義，方造艱難，須一軍吏甚急，卿謂誰堪其選？」穆之曰：「貴府始建，軍吏實須其才，倉卒之際，當略無見踰者。」高祖笑曰：「卿能自屈，吾事濟矣。」即於坐受署。

Earlier, Muzhi once dreamed that he and Emperor Gaozu were sailing the open sea together when a sudden gale struck, filling him with alarm. When he looked down from the boat, he saw two white dragons flanking the vessel on either side. Before long they reached a mountain whose peaks rose steep and graceful, its woods thick and lush, and he felt deep delight. After Emperor Gaozu captured the capital, he asked He Wuji, "I urgently need a chief clerk for headquarters. How can I find the right man?" He Wuji replied, "No one better than Liu Daomin." Emperor Gaozu said, "I know him too." He immediately sent a fast courier to summon him. Muzhi had heard shouting and uproar in the capital; rising early he went out to the roadside, where he happened upon the courier. Muzhi fixed his gaze ahead and remained silent for a long while. Then he went back inside, ripped his cloth robe to fashion trousers, and went to see Emperor Gaozu. Emperor Gaozu said to him, "I have just raised the great enterprise and am entering hard times. I urgently need a military clerk. Whom do you think is fit for the post?" Muzhi replied, "Your headquarters is only now being established and truly needs a capable military clerk. In this hurried moment, there is scarcely anyone who surpasses me." Emperor Gaozu laughed and said, "If you can humble yourself in this way, my cause is assured." He was appointed on the spot.

從平京邑，高祖始至，諸大處分，皆倉卒立定，並穆之所建也。遂委以腹心之任，動止咨焉。穆之亦竭節盡誠，無所遺隱。時晉綱寬弛，威禁不行，盛族豪右，負勢陵縱，小民窮蹙，自立無所。重以司馬元顯政令違舛，桓玄科條繁密。穆之斟酌時宜，隨方矯正，不盈旬日，風俗頓改。遷尚書祠部郎，復為府主簿，記室錄事參軍，領堂邑太守。以平桓玄功，封西華縣五等子。

When the capital was pacified and Emperor Gaozu first arrived, every major disposition was settled in haste, and all of it was Muzhi's work. He was then entrusted with the emperor's innermost confidence, and Gaozu consulted him in every move he made. Muzhi, for his part, gave his utmost loyalty and held nothing back. At that time the authority of Jin had grown lax, and law could not be enforced. Great clans and powerful houses bullied others at will, while common people were driven to destitution with nowhere to turn. On top of this, Sima Yuanxian's edicts were erratic and contradictory, while Huan Xuan's regulations were numerous and oppressive. Muzhi weighed the needs of the moment and corrected abuses as each case required. In less than ten days the customs of the region were transformed. He was promoted to gentleman of the Ministry of Rites in the Masters of Writing, again made chief clerk of headquarters and recording secretary with registrar duties, and concurrently served as grand administrator of Tangyi. For his merit in suppressing Huan Xuan he was enfeoffed as fifth-rank Viscount of Xihua.

義熙三年，揚州刺史王謐薨，高祖次應入輔，劉毅等不欲高祖入，議以中領軍謝混為揚州。或欲令高祖於丹徒領州，以內事付尚書僕射孟昶。遣尚書右丞皮沈以二議咨高祖。沈先見穆之，具說朝議。穆之偽起如廁，即密疏白高祖曰：「皮沈始至，其言不可從。」高祖既見沈，且令出外，呼穆之問曰：「卿云沈言不可從，其意何也？」穆之曰：「昔晉朝失政，非復一日，加以桓玄篡奪，天命已移。公興復皇祚，勳高萬古。既有大功，便有大位。位大勳高，非可持久。公今日形勢，豈得居謙自弱，遂為守藩之將邪？劉、孟諸公，與公俱起布衣，共立大義，本欲匡主成勳，以取富貴耳。事有前後，故一時推功，非為委體心服，宿定臣主之分也。力敵勢均，終相吞咀。揚州根本所係，不可假人。前者以授王謐，事出權道，豈是始終大計必宜若此而已哉。今若復以他授，便應受制於人。一失權柄，無由可得。而公功高勳重，不可直置，疑畏交加，異端互起，將來之危難，可不熟念。今朝議如此，宜相酬答，必云在我，厝辭又難。唯應云『神州治本，宰輔崇要，興喪所階，宜加詳擇。此事既大，非可懸論，便暫入朝，共盡同異』。公至京，彼必不敢越公更授餘人明矣。」高祖從其言，由是入輔。

In the third year of Yixi, when Grand Administrator of Yangzhou Wang Mi died, Emperor Gaozu was next in line to enter the capital as chief minister. Liu Yi and others did not want him to do so and proposed making Central Commander of the Army Xie Hun governor of Yangzhou instead. Others wanted Emperor Gaozu to hold the province from Dantu while turning internal affairs over to Vice Director of the Masters of Writing Meng Chang. They sent Right Assistant Director of the Masters of Writing Pi Shen to present both proposals to Emperor Gaozu for his view. Shen first met with Muzhi and explained the court deliberations in full. Muzhi pretended to rise as if for the privy and at once sent a secret note to Emperor Gaozu: "Pi Shen has only just arrived. His proposal must not be accepted." After Emperor Gaozu had seen Shen and sent him out for the moment, he summoned Muzhi and asked, "You say Shen's proposal must not be accepted. What do you mean by that?" Muzhi said, "The Jin court lost its way long ago, and that was not a matter of a single day. Then Huan Xuan seized power, and the Mandate had already shifted. Your Lordship has restored the imperial house, and your merit towers above ten thousand ages. Having achieved great merit, you ought to hold great position. Great position and towering merit cannot long endure in this arrangement. Given your position today, how can you remain modest and weaken yourself until you become nothing more than a frontier commander guarding a border province? Liu, Meng, and the others rose with you from common cloth, raised the great cause together, and originally meant only to restore the ruler and win merit so as to gain wealth and rank. Matters have their order of precedence, so for a time they yielded merit to you. That was not because they had surrendered body and heart in lasting submission, or because the bond of lord and minister had been fixed long before. When strength is matched and power equal, in the end they will devour one another. Yangzhou is where the root foundation lies. It cannot be entrusted to another. Giving it earlier to Wang Mi was an expedient measure. How could that be the enduring grand design, necessarily to be done thus forever? If you now hand it to someone else again, you will at once fall under another man's control. Once you lose authority, there will be no way to regain it. Yet your merit is high and your honors weighty; you cannot simply be set aside. Suspicion and fear will press upon one another, strange factions will rise in turn, and the dangers ahead — can you not ponder them with care? Today's court deliberation runs as it does. You should answer in kind. To say outright that you want the post yourself would make the wording difficult. You should only say, "The capital region is the root of the realm, and chief ministers hold honored importance. The rise and fall of the state depend on this appointment, and the choice should receive careful deliberation." This matter is too great to debate at a distance. Let me enter court for a time so we may together settle agreement and difference." When you reach the capital, they will certainly not dare to pass you by and give the post to someone else. That much is clear." Emperor Gaozu followed his advice and thereby entered the capital as chief minister.

從征廣固，還拒盧循，常居幙中畫策，決斷眾事。劉毅等疾穆之見親，每從容言其權重，高祖愈信仗之。穆之外所聞見，莫不大小必白，雖復閭里言謔，塗陌細事，皆一二以聞。高祖每得民間委密消息以示聰明，皆由穆之也。又愛好賓遊，坐客恒滿，布耳目以為視聽，故朝野同異，穆之莫不必知。雖復親暱短長，皆陳奏無隱。人或譏之，穆之曰：「以公之明，將來會自聞達。我蒙公恩，義無隱諱，此張遼所以告關羽欲叛也。」高祖舉止施為，穆之皆下節度。高祖書素拙，穆之曰：「此雖小事，然宣彼四遠，願公小復留意。」高祖既不能厝意，又稟分有在。穆之乃曰：「但縱筆為大字，一字徑尺，無嫌。大既足有所包，且其勢亦美。」 [1]高祖從之，一紙不過六七字便滿。凡所薦達，不進不止，常云：「我雖不及荀令君之舉善，然不舉不善。」穆之與朱齡石並便尺牘，嘗於高祖坐與齡石答書。自旦至日中，[2]穆之得百函，齡石得八十函，而穆之應對無廢也。轉中軍太尉司馬。八年，加丹陽尹。

On the campaign against Guanggu and in the defense against Lu Xun, he constantly worked within the command tent drafting plans and deciding every major affair. Liu Yi and others resented Muzhi's favored intimacy. Whenever they spoke at leisure of his excessive power, Emperor Gaozu trusted and relied on him all the more. Whatever Muzhi heard or saw outside, great or small, he always reported. Even village gossip and roadside trifles he recounted one by one. Whenever Emperor Gaozu obtained confidential news from among the people to display his keen intelligence, it all came through Muzhi. He also loved to entertain guests, and his hall was always full. He spread eyes and ears throughout the realm, so that whatever differed in court and countryside Muzhi invariably knew. Even the faults and merits of those close to the emperor he reported without concealment. Some ridiculed him for it. Muzhi said, "Given your keen intelligence, in time you will hear of these things yourself. I have received your grace. By right I cannot conceal anything. That is why Zhang Liao reported to Guan Yu that someone wished to rebel." Emperor Gaozu's conduct and actions Muzhi all regulated from below. Emperor Gaozu's handwriting was by nature clumsy. Muzhi said, "Though this is a small matter, it is proclaimed to the four quarters. I hope Your Lordship will give it a little attention." Emperor Gaozu could neither set his mind to it nor alter what nature had allotted him. Muzhi then said, "Simply let the brush run in large characters, one character a foot across, and there is no fault. Large characters are sufficient to contain meaning, and their force is also beautiful." Emperor Gaozu followed this advice, and a single sheet held no more than six or seven characters before it was full. Of all he recommended for advancement, he did not stop until they were promoted. He often said, "Though I do not match Director Ling of Xun in recommending the worthy, I never recommend the unworthy." Muzhi and Zhu Lingshi were both adept at correspondence. Once, in Emperor Gaozu's presence, Muzhi and Lingshi answered letters together. From dawn until midday, Muzhi handled a hundred bundles and Lingshi eighty, yet Muzhi's replies never faltered. He was transferred to major of the army under the Central Army and Grand Commandant. In the eighth year he was additionally made intendant of Danyang.

高祖西討劉毅，以諸葛長民監留府，總攝後事。高祖疑長民難獨任，留穆之以輔之。加建威將軍，置佐吏，配給實力。長民果有異謀，而猶豫不能發，乃屏人謂穆之曰：「悠悠之言，皆云太尉與我不平，何以至此？」穆之曰：「公泝流遠伐，而以老母稚子委節下，若一毫不盡，豈容如此邪？」意乃小安。高祖還，長民伏誅。十年，進穆之前將軍，給前軍府年布萬匹，錢三百萬。十一年，高祖西伐司馬休之，中軍將軍道憐知留任，而事無大小，一決穆之。遷尚書右僕射，領選，將軍、尹如故。十二年，高祖北伐，留世子為中軍將軍，監太尉留府；轉穆之左僕射，領監軍、中軍二府軍司，將軍、尹、領選如故。 [3]甲仗五十人，入殿。 [4]入居東城。

When Emperor Gaozu marched west to attack Liu Yi, he placed Zhuge Changmin in charge of the rear headquarters to oversee all subsequent affairs. Emperor Gaozu doubted that Changmin could bear the burden alone and left Muzhi behind to assist him. Muzhi was given the additional title General Who Establishes Martial Might, with staff officers appointed and substantive forces allotted to him. Changmin did harbor a different design, yet hesitated and could not act. He dismissed attendants and said to Muzhi, "Loose talk everywhere says the Grand Commandant and I are at odds. How has it come to this?" Muzhi replied, "Your Lordship is campaigning far upstream while entrusting your aged mother and young children to his command. If he failed in the slightest, how could matters stand thus?" His mind was somewhat eased. When Emperor Gaozu returned, Changmin was executed. In the tenth year Muzhi was advanced to Forward General and granted ten thousand bolts of annual cloth for the Forward Army headquarters and three million in cash. In the eleventh year Emperor Gaozu marched west against Sima Xiuzhi. Central Army General Daolin nominally held the rear post, yet in affairs great and small Muzhi alone decided. He was transferred to right vice director of the Masters of Writing with charge of selection, while his generalship and intendancy remained as before. In the twelfth year Emperor Gaozu marched north. He left the heir as central army general to oversee the rear headquarters of the Grand Commandant. Muzhi was transferred to left vice director, concurrently overseeing the military supervisors of the Supervisory Army and Central Army headquarters, while his generalship, intendancy, and charge of selection remained as before. [3] He was granted fifty armed guards with permission to enter the hall. [4] He took up residence in the Eastern City.

穆之內總朝政，外供軍旅，決斷如流，事無擁滯。賓客輻輳，求訴百端，內外諮稟，盈堦滿室，目覽辭訟，手答牋書，耳行聽受，口並酬應，不相參涉，皆悉贍舉。又數客暱賓，言談賞笑，引日亘時，未嘗倦苦。裁有閑暇，自手寫書，尋覽篇章，校定墳籍。性奢豪，食必方丈，旦輒為十人饌。穆之既好賓客，未嘗獨餐，每至食時，客止十人以還者，帳下依常下食，以此為常。嘗白高祖曰：「穆之家本貧賤，贍生多闕。自叨忝以來，雖每存約損，而朝夕所須，微為過豐。自此以外，一毫不以負公。」

Within, Muzhi oversaw court government; without, he supplied the armies. His decisions flowed like water, and no affair piled up in delay. Guests converged in crowds, and petitions came by the hundred paths. Memorials from within and without filled the steps and packed the rooms. With his eyes he scanned lawsuits, with his hands answered letters, with his ears he took in reports on the move, and with his mouth he answered all at once, none interfering with another, and all were fully handled. Again and again he entertained close guests in conversation, wit, and laughter, drawing out the day across hours, never weary or suffering. When he had a little leisure he copied books with his own hand, searched through chapters and sections, and collated canonical texts. By nature he was extravagant and grand. His meals always filled a square zhang, and each morning he had food prepared for ten men. Since Muzhi loved guests he never dined alone. Whenever mealtime came, even if guests numbered no more than ten, his staff still served the regular full meal. This was his constant practice. He once reported to Emperor Gaozu, "Muzhi's family was originally poor and lowly, and support for daily life was often lacking. Since receiving undeserved favor, though I have each time sought restraint, what is needed morning and evening is slightly excessive. Beyond this, not a hair's breadth have I failed you."

十三年，疾篤，詔遣正直黃門郎問疾。十一月卒，時年五十八。

In the thirteenth year his illness grew grave, and an edict sent a rectitude gentleman of the Yellow Gate to inquire after his health. He died in the eleventh month, aged fifty-eight.

高祖在長安，聞問驚慟，哀惋者數日。本欲頓駕關中，經略趙、魏。穆之既卒，京邑任虛，乃馳還彭城，以司馬徐羨之代管留任，而朝廷大事常決穆之者，並悉北諮。穆之前軍府文武二萬人，以三千配羨之建威府，餘悉配世子中軍府。追贈穆之散騎常侍、衞將軍、開府儀同三司。

Emperor Gaozu was at Chang'an. On hearing the news he was startled and grieved, mourning in sorrow for several days. He had originally intended to halt in Guanzhong and plan operations in Zhao and Wei. When Muzhi died, the duties of the capital stood vacant. Emperor Gaozu galloped back to Pengcheng and had Secretariat Director Xu Xianzhi take over the rear post, while great affairs of court that Muzhi had regularly decided were all referred north for consultation. The civil and military staff of Muzhi's Forward Army headquarters numbered twenty thousand. Three thousand were allotted to Xianzhi's Establish Martial Might headquarters, and the rest all to the heir's Central Army headquarters. Posthumously Muzhi was enfeoffed as regular attendant of the scattered cavalry, defender general, and commissioner equal to the three excellencies with an office of his own.

高祖又表天子曰：「臣聞崇賢旌善，王教所先；念功簡勞，義深追遠。故司勳秉策，在勤必書；德之休明，沒而彌著。故尚書左僕射、前將軍臣穆之，[5]爰自布衣，協佐義始，內端謀猷，外勤庶政，密勿軍國，心力俱盡。及登庸朝右，尹司京畿，翼新王化，敷讚百揆。頃戎車遠役，居中作扞，撫寄之勳，實洽朝野。方宣讚盛猷，緝隆聖世，志績未究，遠邇悼心。皇恩褒述，班同三事，榮哀兼備，寵靈已厚。臣伏思尋，自義熙草創，艱患未弭，外虞既殷，內難彌結，時屯世故，靡歲暫寧。豈臣以寡乏，負荷國重，實賴穆之匡翼之益。豈唯讜言嘉謀，溢于民聽；若乃忠規遠畫，潛慮密謨，造膝詭辭，莫見其際。功隱於視聽，事隔於皇朝者，[6]不可稱記。所以陳力一紀，克遂有成，出征入輔，幸不辱命，微夫人之左右，未有寧濟其事者矣。履謙居寡，守之彌固，每議及封賞，輒深自抑絕。所以勳高當年，而未沾茅社，撫事永傷，胡寧可昧。謂宜加贈正司，追甄土宇，俾大賚所及，永秩於善人，忠正之烈，不泯於身後。臣契闊屯泰，旋觀始終，金蘭之分，義深情密。是以獻其乃懷，布之朝聽。」於是重贈侍中、司徒，封南昌縣侯，食邑千五百戶。

Emperor Gaozu again memorialized the throne, saying: "I have heard that exalting the worthy and honoring goodness is the first duty of kings; to remember service and mark out toil is the deepest form of reverence for the dead. Thus the Director of Merits keeps the register, and every act of service must be recorded; when virtue is bright and good, after death it shines all the more. The late Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and Former General, your servant Muzhi,[5] rose from commoner rank to assist from the very start of our righteous enterprise, setting plans straight within and diligently handling civil affairs without, attending confidentially to military and state matters until mind and strength were both spent. When promoted to the right hand of court, he governed the capital region, assisted the new royal transformation, and lent his counsel to the hundred officials. Recently, when the army marched on distant campaigns, he remained at the center as a bulwark; his achievements in holding what was entrusted truly won over court and countryside alike. Just as he was about to proclaim the great design and gather in a flourishing sage age, his intent and achievements were cut short, and near and far mourned him. Imperial grace has already praised and described him, ranking him with the Three Excellencies; glory and mourning were both complete, and favor was already generous. Your servant reflects in submission: from the founding of Yixi, hardship and calamity had not ceased; external threats pressed in and internal troubles ever tightened; the times were beset and not a year passed in brief peace. How could I, with my meager inadequacy, bear the heavy burden of state? In truth I depended on Muzhi's counsel and support. Was it only that his forthright words and excellent counsel overflowed into public hearing? As for loyal admonitions and far-reaching designs, hidden deliberations and secret strategies — counsel whispered at the knee in words no one could fully fathom — none could see where they ended. Achievements hidden from sight and hearing, affairs kept apart from the imperial court — [6] these cannot all be enumerated and recorded. Therefore, for a full twelve-year cycle he gave his strength and brought success; whether on campaign or in office, he did not disgrace his commission — without this gentleman's guidance at hand, none could have brought those affairs peacefully to completion. He practiced humility and dwelt in modesty, guarding it ever more firmly; whenever discussion touched on enfeoffment and reward, he deeply restrained and renounced it himself. Thus, though his merit was high in his own age, he never received fief and earth-altar sacrifice; to recall the matter still wounds forever — how could one knowingly obscure it? It is fitting to add posthumous gifts of the proper office and retrospectively grant territory, so that great rewards may reach him, a lasting rank be given to a good man, and the loyalty of the upright not perish after death. Your servant, through separation and reunion, adversity and ease, has looked back on beginning and end; our bond was righteous and deep, our affection close. Therefore I present what is in my heart and lay it before the court." Thereupon Muzhi was again posthumously granted palace attendant and minister of education, enfeoffed as Marquis of Nanchang County with a fief of fifteen hundred households.

高祖受禪，思佐命元勳，詔曰：「故侍中、司徒南昌侯劉穆之，深謀遠猷，肇基王跡，勳造大業，誠實匪躬。今理運惟新，蕃屏並肇，感事懷人，實深悽悼。可進南康郡公，邑三千戶。故左將軍、青州刺史王鎮惡，荊、郢之捷，剋翦放命，北伐之勳，參跡方叔。念勤惟績，無忘厥心。可進龍陽縣侯，增邑千五百戶。」諡穆之曰文宣公。太祖元嘉九年，配食高祖廟庭。二十五年四月，車駕行幸江寧，經穆之墓，詔曰：「故侍中、司徒、南康文宣公穆之，秉德佐命，翼亮景業，謀猷經遠，元勳克茂，功銘鼎彝，義彰典策，故已嗣徽前哲，宣風後代者矣。近因遊踐，瞻其塋域，九原之想，情深悼歎。可致祭墓所，以申永懷。」

When Emperor Gaozu received the abdication, thinking of the founding ministers who aided fate, he issued an edict: "The late palace attendant, minister of education, and Marquis of Nanchang Liu Muzhi — deep counsel and far-reaching design, laying the foundation of the royal enterprise, forging the great achievement with merit, sincere and devoted without sparing himself. Now the governing order is newly renewed and protective screens all newly established; moved by affairs and cherishing the man, my grief is truly deep. He may be promoted to Duke of Nankang Commandery with a fief of three thousand households. The late left general and inspector of Qing Province Wang Zhen'e — in the victories at Jing and Ying he cut down the rebel command; in the northern campaign his merit matched that of Fangshu. Recall his diligence and keep his achievements in mind; do not forget his devotion. He may be promoted to Marquis of Longyang County with an increase of fifteen hundred households to his fief." Muzhi was given the posthumous title Duke Wenxuan. In the ninth year of Yuanjia under Emperor Wu, he was allotted sacrificial food in Emperor Gaozu's temple court. In the fourth month of the twenty-fifth year, the imperial carriage traveled to Jiangning and passed Muzhi's tomb. An edict read: "The late palace attendant, minister of education, and Duke Wenxuan of Nankang, Muzhi — upholding virtue and aiding fate, brightening and supporting the radiant enterprise, counsel and design spanning far, founding merit flourishing abundantly, his achievements inscribed on tripods and cauldrons, his righteousness manifest in canonical records — thus already succeeding and emulating former sages and spreading influence among later generations. Recently, while traveling on an excursion, I gazed upon his grave; thoughts of the Nine Plains stirred deep grief and mourning sighs. Sacrifice may be performed at the tomb to express everlasting remembrance."

穆之三子，長子慮之嗣，仕至員外散騎常侍卒。子邕嗣。先是郡縣為封國者，內史、相並於國主稱臣，去任便止。至世祖孝建中，始革此制，為下官致敬。河東王歆之嘗為南康相，素輕邕。後歆之與邕俱豫元會，並坐。邕性嗜酒，謂歆之曰：「卿昔嘗見臣，今不能見勸一盃酒乎？」歆之因斅孫晧歌答之曰：「昔為汝作臣，今與汝比肩。既不勸汝酒，亦不願汝年。」邕所至嗜食瘡痂，以為味似鰒魚。嘗詣孟靈休，靈休先患灸瘡，瘡痂落牀上，因取食之。靈休大驚。答曰：「性之所嗜。」靈休瘡痂未落者，悉褫取以飴邕。邕既去，靈休與何勗書曰：「劉邕向顧見噉，遂舉體流血。」南康國吏二百許人，[7]不問有罪無罪，遞互與鞭，鞭瘡痂常以給膳。卒，子肜嗣。大明四年，坐刀斫妻，奪爵土，以弟彪紹封。齊受禪，降為南康縣侯，食邑千戶。

Muzhi had three sons. The eldest, Luzhi, succeeded and served up to extraordinary regular attendant of the scattered cavalry, then died. His son Yong succeeded. Previously, where commanderies and counties served as fief-states, the internal administrator and administrator both addressed the lord of the state as subject; when leaving office this ceased. By the Xiaojian period under Emperor Xiaowu, this system was first reformed so that lower officials gave formal respect. Prince of Hedong Xinzhi had once served as administrator of Nankang and always looked down on Yong. Later Xinzhi and Yong both attended the New Year's audience and sat together. Yong was fond of wine by nature. He said to Xinzhi: "You once called yourself my subject — can you not now urge me to drink a cup of wine?" Xinzhi, using Sun Hao's song in reply, answered: "Once I was your subject; now I stand shoulder to shoulder with you. I will neither urge you to drink, nor wish you long years." Wherever Yong went, he loved to eat scabs, thinking the flavor resembled abalone. Once he called on Meng Lingxiu. Lingxiu had earlier suffered moxibustion sores; scabs fell onto the bed, and Yong picked them up and ate them. Lingxiu was greatly alarmed. He replied: "It is what my nature loves." Every scab on Lingxiu that had not yet fallen off, he stripped away entirely to feed Yong. After Yong left, Lingxiu wrote to He Xu: "When Liu Yong turned and saw me being devoured, my whole body bled." About two hundred officials of the Nankang State,[7] regardless of guilt or innocence, were flogged in rotation; the scabs from flogging were regularly supplied for his meals. When he died, his son Tong succeeded. In the fourth year of Daming, for hacking his wife with a knife he was stripped of rank and fief; his younger brother Biao continued the enfeoffment. When Qi received the abdication, the title was reduced to marquis of Nankang County with a fief of one thousand households.

穆之中子式之字延叔，通易好士。累遷相國中兵參軍，太子中舍人，黃門侍郎，寧朔將軍、宣城淮南二郡太守。在任贓貨狼藉，揚州刺史王弘遣從事檢校。從事呼攝吏民，欲加辯覆。式之召從事謂曰：「治所還白使君，劉式之於國家粗有微分，偷數百萬錢何有，況不偷邪！吏民及文書不可得。」從事還具白弘，弘曰：「劉式之辯如此奔！」亦由此得停。還為太子右率，左衞將軍，吳郡太守。卒，追贈征虜將軍。從征關、洛有功，封德陽縣五等侯，諡曰恭侯。長子敳，世祖初，黃門侍郎。敳弟衍，大明末，以為黃門郎，出為豫章內史。晉安王子勛稱偽號，以為中護軍。事敗伏誅。

Muzhi's second son Shizhi, courtesy name Yanshu, mastered the Changes and loved scholars. He was repeatedly promoted to central army aide of the chancellor's state, central palace attendant to the heir, gentleman of the Yellow Gate, and general who pacifies the north and administrator of both Xuancheng and Huainan commanderies. While in office his corrupt goods were scattered everywhere; Wang Hong, inspector of Yang Province, sent an aide to inspect and verify. The aide summoned and seized officials and commoners, intending to cross-examine them. Shizhi summoned the aide and said: "Go back and report to the inspector: Liu Shizhi has some slight standing with the state — what is stealing a few million cash? Much less not stealing! The officials, commoners, and documents are not obtainable." The aide returned and fully reported to Wang Hong. Hong said: "Liu Shizhi's defense is this reckless!" Because of this the investigation was halted. He later served as right leader of the heir's guard, left guard general, and administrator of Wu Commandery. When he died he was posthumously granted the title general who punishes the barbarians. For merit in campaigns at Guan and Luo he was enfeoffed as fifth-rank marquis of Deyang County, with the posthumous title Marquis Gong. The eldest son Ai, at the beginning of Emperor Xiaowu's reign, served as gentleman of the Yellow Gate. Ai's younger brother Yan, at the end of the Daming era, was appointed gentleman of the Yellow Gate and sent out as internal administrator of Yuzhang. When Prince of Jin'an Zixun proclaimed a false reign title, Yan was made central army guard general. When the affair failed he was executed.

衍弟瑀字茂琳，少有才氣，為太祖所知。始興王濬為南徐州，以瑀補別駕從事史，為濬所遇。瑀性陵物護前，不欲人居己上。時濬征北府行參軍吳郡顧邁輕薄而有才能，濬待之甚厚，深言密事，皆與參之。瑀乃折節事邁，深布情款，家內婦女間事，言語所不得至者，莫不倒寫備說。邁以瑀與之款盡，深相感信。濬所言密事，悉以語瑀。瑀與邁共進射堂下，瑀忽顧左右索單衣幘，邁問其所以，瑀曰：「公以家人待卿，相與言無所隱，而卿於外宣泄，致使人無不知。我是公吏，何得不啟。」因而白之。濬大怒，啟太祖徙邁廣州。邁在廣州，值蕭簡為亂，為之盡力，與簡俱死。

Yan's younger brother Yu, courtesy name Maolin, from youth had talent and spirit, and was known to Emperor Wu. When Prince of Shixing Jun was governor of South Xuzhou, Yu was appointed as attendant master and staff officer and was favored by Jun. Yu by nature looked down on others and protected his own precedence; he did not wish anyone to stand above him. At the time Jun's northern campaign headquarters staff officer Gu Mai of Wu commandery was frivolous yet capable; Jun treated him very generously and shared profound secret matters, consulting with him on all of them. Yu then humbled himself to serve Mai, laying out deep affection and trust; matters within the household among women, things words could not reach — none were not copied out and fully told. Mai, because Yu's intimacy with him was complete, deeply felt and trusted him. The secret matters Jun spoke of — all were told to Yu. Yu and Mai together entered below the archery hall. Yu suddenly turned to his attendants asking for a plain cap and headcloth. Mai asked why. Yu said: "The prince treats you like family; you speak together hiding nothing — yet you leak it outside, so that everyone knows. I am the prince's official — how could I not report it?" And so he reported it. Jun was greatly angered and memorialized Emperor Wu to transfer Mai to Guangzhou. Mai was in Guangzhou when Xiao Jian raised rebellion; he exerted himself fully for Jian and died together with him.

瑀遷從事中郎，領淮南太守。元嘉二十九年，出為寧遠將軍、益州刺史。元凶弒立，以為青州刺史。瑀聞問，即起義遣軍，并送資實於荊州。世祖即位，召為御史中丞。還至江陵，值南郡王義宣為逆，瑀陳其不可，言甚切至。義宣以為丞相左司馬，俱至梁山。瑀猶乘其蜀中船舫，又有義宣故部曲潛於梁山洲外下投官軍。 [8]除司徒左長史。明年，遷御史中丞。瑀使氣尚人，為憲司甚得志。彈王僧達云：「廕籍高華，人品宂末。」朝士莫不畏其筆端。尋轉右衞將軍。瑀願為侍中，不得，謂所親曰：「人仕宦不出當入，不入當出，安能長居戶限上。」因求益州。世祖知其此意，許之。孝建三年，除輔國將軍、益州刺史。既行，甚不得意。至江陵，與顏竣書曰：「朱脩之三世叛兵，一旦居荊州，青油幙下，作謝宣明面見向，使齋師以長刀引吾下席。於吾何有，政恐匈奴輕漢耳。」其年，坐奪人妻為妾，免官。大明元年，起為東陽太守。明年，遷吳興太守。侍中何偃嘗案云：「參伍時望。」瑀大怒曰：「我於時望何參伍之有！」遂與偃絕。及為吏部尚書，意彌憤憤。族叔秀之為丹陽尹，瑀又與親故書曰：「吾家黑面阿秀，遂居劉安眾處，[9]朝廷不為多士。」其年疽發背，何偃亦發背癕，瑀疾已篤，聞偃亡，歡躍叫呼，於是亦卒。諡曰剛子。子卷，南徐州別駕。卷弟藏，尚書左丞。

Yu was promoted to staff officer and concurrently served as administrator of Huainan. In the twenty-ninth year of Yuanjia he was sent out as general who pacifies the distant and inspector of Yizhou. When the crown prince assassin usurped the throne, Yu was made inspector of Qing Province. When Yu heard the news, he immediately raised righteous troops and dispatched armies, and also sent supplies and goods to Jing Province. When Emperor Xiaowu ascended, Yu was summoned as imperial censor. Returning to Jiangling, he encountered Prince of Nanjun Yixuan in rebellion; Yu stated it could not be done, his words very urgent and direct. Yixuan made him left staff master to the chancellor; together they reached Liangshan. Yu still rode in his Shu-region boats and ships, and furthermore had Yixuan's former retainers secretly below Liangshan islet defect to the government army. [8] He was appointed left chief clerk of the minister of education. The next year he was transferred to imperial censor. Yu swaggered and looked down on others; as censor he was very satisfied with himself. He impeached Wang Sengda, saying: "By inherited registry he is high and splendid; in human quality he is coarse and base." Court gentlemen all feared his pen. Soon he was transferred to right guard general. Yu wished to become Palace Attendant but did not receive the post. He said to those close to him: "In official service one either goes in or goes out — how can one long remain on the threshold?" And so he requested Yizhou. Emperor Xiaowu understood this intent and granted it. In the third year of Xiaojian he was appointed general who assists the state and inspector of Yizhou. Once he set out, he was very discontented. Reaching Jiangling, he wrote to Yan Jun: "Zhu Xiuzhi — rebel soldier for three generations — suddenly holds Jing Province. Under the green-oil canopy he receives audiences like Xie Xuanyuan, and had ritual masters with long knives lead me down from my seat. What does that have to do with me? I only fear the Xiongnu will look down on Han." That year, for taking another man's wife as concubine he was dismissed from office. In the first year of Daming he returned to office as Grand Administrator of Dongyang. The following year he was transferred to Grand Administrator of Wuxing. Palace Attendant He Yan once wrote in a dossier: "He may be counted among the leading men of the age." Yu flew into a rage and said: "What place have I among the men of the age!" He broke with Yan entirely. Once he became Director of the Ministry of Personnel, his resentment only deepened. When his clansman uncle Xiuzhi became Intendant of Danyang, Yu wrote again to kinsmen and friends: "That dark-faced Little Xi of our house now sits among Liu Anzhong's crowd,[9] as though the court were no assembly of true talent." That year a carbuncle erupted on his back. He Yan developed the same affliction. Yu's illness was already grave; when he heard that Yan had died, he leaped for joy and cried out — and then he too died. He was posthumously titled Gengzi, "The Forceful." His son Juan served as Vice Director of Southern Xuzhou. Juan's younger brother Zang served as Left Assistant Director of the Masters of Writing.

穆之少子貞之，中書黃門侍郎，太子右衞率，寧朔將軍、江夏內史。卒官。子裒，始興相，以贓貨繫東冶內。

Muzhi's youngest son Zhenzhi held the posts of Gentleman of the Yellow Gate at the Palace Secretariat, Right Commandant of the Heir Apparent's Guard, General Who Pacifies the North, and Interior Minister of Jiangxia. He died in office. His son Pou served as Chancellor of Shixing; for taking bribes he was imprisoned in the Eastern Workshop.

穆之女適濟陽蔡祐，年老貧窮。世祖以祐子平南參軍孫為始安太守。

Muzhi's daughter had married Cai You of Jiyang; in her old age she was poor and destitute. Emperor Xiaowu appointed You's son Sun, a staff officer of the Army for Pacifying the South, Grand Administrator of Shi'an.

王弘字休元，琅邪臨沂人也。曾祖導，晉丞相。祖洽，中領軍。父珣，司徒。

Wang Hong, courtesy name Xiuyuan, came from Langya commandery, Linyi county. His great-grandfather Dao had served as Chancellor of Jin. His grandfather Qia had served as Central Army Commander. His father Xun had served as Minister of Education.

弘少好學，以清恬知名，與尚書僕射謝混善。弱冠，為會稽王司馬道子驃騎參軍主簿。時農務頓息，末役繁興，弘以為宜建屯田，陳之曰：「近面所諮立屯田事，已具簡聖懷。南畝事興，時不可失，宜早督田畯，以要歲功。而府資役單刻，[10]控引無所，雖復厲以重勸，肅以嚴威，適足令囹圄充積，而無救於事實也。伏見南局諸冶，募吏數百，雖資以廩贍，收入甚微。愚謂若回以配農，必功利百倍矣。然軍器所須，不可都廢，今欲留銅官大冶及都邑小冶各一所，重其功課，一准揚州，州之求取，亦當無乏，餘者罷之，以充東作之要。又欲二局田曹，各立典軍募吏，依冶募比例，并聽取山湖人，此皆無損於私，有益於公者也。其中亦應疇量，分判番假，及給廩多少，自可一以委之本曹。親局所統，必當練悉，且近東曹板水曹參軍納之領此任，其人頗有幹能，自足了其事耳。頃年以來，斯務弛廢，田蕪廩虛，實亦由此。弘過蒙飾擢，志輸短効，豈可相與寢默，有懷弗聞邪！至於當否，尊自當裁以遠鑒。若所啟謬允者，伏願便以時施行，庶歲有務農之勤，倉有盈廩之實，禮節之興，可以垂拱待也。」道子欲以為黃門侍郎，珣以其年少固辭。

From boyhood Hong loved study and was known for pure, unassuming temperament; he was close to Xie Hun, Vice Director of the Masters of Writing. In his early twenties he served as chief clerk and staff officer to Cavalry General Sima Daozi, Prince of Kuaiji. At the time farming had suddenly stalled while corvée levies multiplied; Hong argued that garrison farms should be established and submitted a statement: "In our recent audience I discussed establishing garrison farms, and the matter has already been laid before your sagely mind. When planting in the southern fields begins, the season cannot be missed; field officers should be urged at once to secure the year's harvest. Yet the headquarters' labor pool is too thin,[10] with no reserves to draw on; even heavy incentives and stern threats would only fill the prisons without remedying the real shortage. I observe that the southern bureau's smelting works employ several hundred conscript clerks; though they receive grain rations, the revenue they yield is negligible. I suggest that if these men were reassigned to farming, the public benefit would increase a hundredfold. Military equipment cannot be abandoned entirely; I propose keeping one major smeltery at Tongguan and one small smeltery in the capital, doubling their labor quotas to Yang Province's standard so that provincial requisitions will not fall short, and abolishing the rest to supply the urgent work of spring planting. I also propose that each of the two bureaus' field offices establish recruiting officers for conscript clerks on the same scale as the smelting works, and that people of the lakes and mountains be allowed to join — all at no cost to private interests and with clear benefit to the public weal. Questions of measuring allotments, assigning rotations and leave, and setting grain rations should all be left entirely to the field office. The bureau in direct charge must know the work thoroughly; moreover, Na, staff officer of the Eastern Bureau's Board of Works and Water Board, recently assigned this duty, is quite capable and would suffice on his own. In recent years this work has been neglected; fields lie fallow and granaries empty — and the cause lies here. Hong has undeservedly received favor and promotion, and wishes only to offer whatever small service he can — how can we keep silent together and leave what weighs on the heart unspoken! Whether this is right, my lord will surely judge with far-reaching discernment. If what I submit is approved, I humbly hope it may be carried out in season, so that the year brings diligence in farming, the granaries fullness, and the flourishing of ritual and order may be awaited with folded hands." Daozi wished to appoint him Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, but Xun, citing his son's youth, firmly declined.

珣頗好積聚，財物布在民間。珣薨，弘悉燔燒券書，一不收責；餘舊業悉以委付諸弟。未免喪，後將軍司馬元顯以為諮議參軍，加寧遠將軍，知記室事，固辭不就。道子復以為諮議參軍，加建威將軍，領中兵，又固辭。時內外多難，在喪者皆不終其哀，唯弘固執得免。桓玄剋京邑，收道子付廷尉，臣吏畏恐，莫敢瞻送。弘時尚在喪，獨於道側拜，攀車涕泣，論者稱焉。

Xun had been fond of amassing wealth, with loans scattered far and wide among the people. When Xun died, Hong burned every bond and pressed no debtor for repayment; he turned the remainder of the family holdings over entirely to his younger brothers. Before his mourning was complete, Rear General Sima Yuansian wished to appoint him Adviser with the additional title General Who Pacifies the Distant and charge of secretarial affairs; Hong firmly declined. Daozi again wished to appoint him Adviser, add the title General Who Establishes Might, and put him in charge of the central army; again he firmly declined. The realm was racked by turmoil inside and out, and mourners could scarcely finish their rites — yet Hong alone held firm and was left in peace. When Huan Xuan seized the capital he delivered Daozi to the Court of Justice; clerks and officers were terrified and dared neither watch nor follow him. Hong was still in mourning, yet he alone bowed from the roadside, clinging to the carriage in tears — and commentators praised him for it.

高祖為鎮軍，召補諮議參軍。以功封華容縣五等侯。遷琅邪王大司馬從事中郎。出為寧遠將軍、琅邪內史，尚書吏部郎中，豫章相。盧循寇南康諸郡，弘奔尋陽。高祖復命為中軍諮議參軍，遷大司馬右長史，轉吳國內史。義熙十一年，徵為太尉長史，轉左長史。從北征，前鋒已平洛陽，而未遣九錫，弘銜使還京師，諷旨朝廷。時劉穆之掌留任，而旨反從北來，穆之愧懼，發病遂卒。而高祖還彭城，弘領彭城太守。

When Emperor Gaozu served as General Who Guards the Army, he summoned Hong as Adviser. For his service he was enfeoffed as fifth-rank Marquis of Huarong County. He was transferred to Attendant Gentleman on the staff of the Grand Marshal, Prince of Langye. He was sent out as General Who Pacifies the Distant and Interior Minister of Langye, also serving as Gentleman of the Ministry of Personnel in the Masters of Writing and Chancellor of Yuzhang. When Lu Xun raided the commanderies around Nankang, Hong fled to Xunyang. Emperor Gaozu again appointed him Adviser to the Central Army, then promoted him to Right Chief Clerk of the Grand Marshal and transferred him to Interior Minister of Wu. In the eleventh year of Yixi he was summoned as Chief Clerk to the Grand Commandant and then transferred to Left Chief Clerk. During the northern campaign the vanguard had already taken Luoyang, but the Nine Bestowments had not yet been granted; Hong returned to the capital on embassy to nudge the court toward that step. Liu Muzhi was then in charge at the capital, but the emperor's intent arrived from the north; stricken with shame and fear, Muzhi fell ill and died. When Emperor Gaozu returned to Pengcheng, Hong also served as Administrator of Pengcheng.

宋國初建，遷尚書僕射領選，太守如故。奏彈謝靈運曰：「臣聞閑厥有家，垂訓大易，作威專戮，致誡周書。斯典或違，刑茲無赦。世子左衞率康樂縣公謝靈運，力人桂興淫其嬖妾，殺興江涘，棄尸洪流。事發京畿，播聞遐邇。宜加重劾，肅正朝風。案世子左衞率康樂縣公謝靈運過蒙恩奬，頻叨榮授，聞禮知禁，為日已久。而不能防閑閫闈，致茲紛穢，罔顧憲軌，忿殺自由。此而勿治，典刑將替。請以見事免靈運所居官，上臺削爵土，收付大理治罪。御史中丞都亭侯王准之，[11]顯居要任，邦之司直，風聲噂𠴲，曾不彈舉。若知而弗糾，則情法斯撓；如其不知，則尸昧已甚。豈可復預班清階，式是國憲。請免所居官，以侯還散輩中。內臺舊體，不得用風聲舉彈，此事彰赫，曝之朝野，執憲蔑聞，羣司循舊，國典既頹，所虧者重。臣弘忝承人乏，位副朝端，若復謹守常科，則終莫之糾正。所以不敢拱默，自同秉彝。違舊之愆，伏須准裁。」高祖令曰：「靈運免官而已，餘如奏。端右肅正風軌，誠副所期，豈拘常儀。自今為永制。」

When the Song state was first established, he became Vice Director of the Masters of Writing with charge of appointments, while retaining his post as administrator. He submitted an impeachment of Xie Lingyun, saying: "I have heard that governing the household requires rectitude — so the Great Change teaches; that wielding authority and killing at will brings warning — so the Book of Zhou admonishes. When such canonical norms are violated, punishment must admit no pardon. Xie Lingyun, Left Commandant of the Heir Apparent's Guard and Duke of Kangle County, had a strongman named Gui Xing violate his favorite concubine; Lingyun killed Xing by the riverbank and threw the body into the torrent. The affair broke out in the capital region and was known far and wide. He should be impeached with full severity to rectify the tone of the court. I find that Xie Lingyun, Left Commandant of the Heir Apparent's Guard and Duke of Kangle County, has undeservedly received the court's grace and has repeatedly been granted honorable posts; he has long understood ritual and known what is forbidden. Yet he could not guard his inner household, and so this sordid affair arose; heedless of the law, he killed in unchecked rage. If this goes unpunished, the canonical punishments will fall into disuse. I request that, on the basis of this matter, Lingyun be removed from office, that the upper offices strip his rank and fief, and that he be handed over to the Grand Judge for punishment according to law. Wang Zhunzhi, Imperial Censor and Marquis of Duting,[11] holds a crucial post as the state's uprightness; rumors spread far and wide, yet he never impeached or reported the matter. If he knew and failed to investigate, then both sentiment and law are bent; if he truly did not know, then his oblivious dereliction is already extreme. How can he again stand in the pure ranks and embody the state's law? I request that he be removed from office and returned as marquis to the ranks of inactive nobles. The old rule of the inner censorate does not permit impeachment on hearsay alone; yet this affair blazes so brightly, exposed to court and realm, while the law-enforcer claims never to have heard — all offices follow the old ways, and the state norm is already in decay; the loss is grave. Your subject Hong undeservedly fills a post no one else could fill, with rank second only to the summit of court; if I again strictly hold to ordinary statutes, in the end nothing would be corrected. Therefore I dare not fold my hands in silence and make myself one who merely upholds the letter of the law. The offense of violating the old rule — I humbly await your judgment and decision. Emperor Gaozu ordered: "Strip Lingyun of office only; the rest as memorialized. You at the right hand of government have set the tone straight — truly matching what was hoped; how could one be bound by ordinary ritual? Let this stand as permanent practice from this day forward."

高祖因宴集，謂羣公曰：「我布衣，始望不至此。」傅亮之徒並撰辭欲盛稱功德。弘率爾對曰：「此所謂天命，求之不可得，推之不可去。」時人稱其簡舉。

At a banquet Emperor Gaozu said to the assembled lords: "I began as a man in plain cloth and never expected to reach this height." Fu Liang and his fellows all drafted words wishing to lavishly praise his merit and virtue. Hong answered without premeditation: "This is what men call the Mandate of Heaven — sought, it cannot be obtained; pushed away, it cannot be removed." People of the time praised his brevity and aptness.

少帝景平二年，徐羨之等謀廢立，召弘入朝。太祖即位，以定策安社稷，進位司空，封建安郡公，食邑千戶。上表固辭曰：「臣聞趙武稱隨會夫子之家事治，言於晉國無隱情。臣千載幸會，謬荷榮遇，雖以智能虛薄，政績蔑聞，而言無隱情，竊所庶幾。向令天啟其心，預定大策，而名編司勳，功不見紀，固將請不賞之罪，懸龍蛇之書，豈當稽違成命，苟修小節。但無功勤，暴之四海，進闕君子勞心之謀，退微小人勞力之効，而聖朝僭賞於上，愚臣苟忝於下，則為厚誣當時，永貽口實。竊財之誚，比此為輕，惟塵盛猷，虧玷為大。微躬所惜，一朝亦盡，非唯仰塵國紀，實亦俯畏友朋。憂心彌疹，胡顏靡託。且凡人之交，尚申知己，況在明主，可用理干。所以敢遂愚狷，守之以死。」乃見許。加使持節、侍中，改監為都督，進號車騎大將軍，開府、刺史如故。

In the second year of Jingping under the deposed young emperor, Xu Xianzhi and his fellows plotted to depose and enthrone and summoned Hong to court. When Emperor Wen ascended, for helping settle the strategy and secure the realm he was promoted to Minister of Works and enfeoffed as Duke of Jian'an Commandery with a fief of one thousand households. He submitted a memorial firmly declining: "I have heard that Duke Wu of Zhao praised Suí Huì's household as well governed, saying that to the state of Jin there was no concealment. Your subject, at this once-in-a-thousand-years meeting of fortune, has undeservedly received glory and favor; though my intelligence is hollow and thin and my administrative merit has never been heard of, to speak without concealment is what I privately aspire to. If Heaven had opened my heart and I had shared in settling the great strategy, yet my name was entered in the merit rolls while my service went unrecorded, I would surely request the punishment of refusing reward and hang up the writ of dragon and snake — how could I delay contrary to the settled command and scrupulously polish small proprieties? But having no meritorious toil, to display this to the four seas — in advance I lack the gentleman's plan of laboring in mind, and in retreat I lack the small man's effect of laboring in strength; yet the sacred court extravagantly rewards from above while this foolish subject undeservedly disgraces from below — then we thickly deceive the age and forever bequeath a matter for mockery. The reproach of embezzling wealth is lighter by comparison; only the dust on the grand design — the stain and blemish is great. What my insignificant person treasures would in one morning likewise be exhausted — not only upward would I bear the dust of the state norm, but downward I would also bow in fear before friends. Anxious sorrow grows ever worse; what face remains to show? Moreover, in the dealings of ordinary men one still speaks plainly to an intimate — how much more under an enlightened lord may one appeal to reason? Therefore I dare persist in my stubborn refusal and hold to this unto death. Thereupon his request was granted. He was further granted the insignia of envoy and made Palace Attendant; his post as inspector was changed to military commissioner; his title was advanced to General of Chariots and Cavalry; his grand headquarters and provincial post remained as before.

徐羨之等以廢弒之罪將見誅，弘既非首謀，弟曇首又為上所親委，事將發，密使報弘。羨之等誅，徵弘為侍中、司徒、揚州刺史，錄尚書。給班劍三十人。上西征謝晦，弘與驃騎彭城王義康居守，入住中書下省，引隊仗出入。司徒府權置參軍。

When Xu Xianzhi and his fellows were about to be executed for deposing and murdering the emperor, Hong had not been the chief plotter, and his younger brother Tanshou was also trusted by the throne; as the affair was about to break, they secretly sent word to Hong. After Xu Xianzhi and his fellows were executed, Hong was summoned as Palace Attendant, Minister of Education, and Inspector of Yang Province, with charge of the chief records of the Masters of Writing. He was granted thirty ceremonial halberds. When the emperor marched west against Xie Hui, Hong and Cavalry General Prince of Pengcheng Yikang remained to guard the capital, taking up residence in the lower offices of the Palace Secretariat and entering and leaving with an armed escort. Staff officers were provisionally appointed in the Minister of Education's headquarters.

五年春，大旱，弘引咎遜位，曰：「臣聞三才雖殊，其致則一。故世道休明，五福攸應；政有失德，咎徵必顯。臣抑又聞之，台輔之職，論道讚契，上佐人主，燮理陰陽。位以德授，則和氣淳穆；寇竊非據，則讁見于天。是以陳平有辭，不濫主者之局；邴吉停駕，大懼牛喘之由。斯固有國之所同，天人之遠旨。陛下聖哲御世，光隆中興，[12]宜休徵表祥，醴泉毖涌。而頃陰陽隔并，亢旱成災，秋無嚴霜，冬無積雪，疾厲之氣，彌歷四時。此豈非任失其人，覆餗之咎。臣以庸短，自輩凡流，謬逢嘉運，叨恩在昔。陛下忘其不腆，又重之以今任。正位槐鼎，統理神州，珥貂衣袞，總錄朝端，內外要重，頓萃微躬，窮極寵貴，人臣莫比。令德居之，猶或難稱，矧伊陋昧，何以克任。此之易了，不俟明識。但受命之始，屬值時艱，六戎親戒，憂及社稷，誠是臣下致節忘身之時，當有何心，塵撓聖聽。所以僶俛從事，循牆馳驅，志在宣力，慮不及遠。既鯨鯢折首，西夏底定，便宜訴其本懷，避賢謝拙。而常人偷安，日甘一日，實亦仰佩天眷，未能自已。荏苒推遷，忽及三載。遂令負乘之釁，彰著幽明；愆伏之災，患纏氓庶。上缺皇朝緝熙之美，下增官謗覆折之災。伏念惶赧，五情飛散，雖曰厚顏，何以寧處。不遠而復，大易攸稱，小懲大戒，細人之福。近復之美，非所敢觖，懲戒之幸，竊懷庶幾。今履端惟始，朝慶禮畢，輒還私門，思愆家巷，庶微塞天譴，少弭謗讟。伏願鑑其所守，即而許之。臨啟愧塞，不自宣盡。」

In the spring of the fifth year, during a great drought, Hong took blame upon himself and yielded his post, saying: "I have heard that though Heaven, Earth, and Man differ, their attainment is one. Thus when the age's way is flourishing and bright, the Five Blessings respond in kind; When government loses virtue, signs of blame are sure to manifest. I have also heard that the chief ministers' duty is to expound the Way and maintain harmony with the sovereign, to assist the ruler from above, and to harmonize yin and yang. When office is granted on the basis of virtue, harmonious qi becomes pure and solemn; When unworthy men usurp posts they do not deserve, reproach appears in Heaven. Thus Chen Ping had cause to decline and did not improperly assume the ruler's position; Bing Ji halted his carriage, deeply alarmed at what the panting ox might signify. This is indeed what all states hold in common — the far-reaching purpose that links Heaven and humanity. Your Majesty is sage and wise in governing the age, gloriously bringing the restoration to fruition, [12] and ought to see auspicious signs and sweet springs gushing forth abundantly. Yet recently yin and yang have fallen out of balance, severe drought has brought disaster, autumn has known no hard frost, winter no accumulated snow, and pestilence has spread through all four seasons. Is this not the fault of putting the wrong man in office — the calamity of the overturned soup kettle? I am mediocre and limited, no more than one of the common run, who by sheer fortune encountered a blessed age and undeservedly received favor in years past. Your Majesty overlooked my unworthiness and further burdened me with my present appointment. I hold the highest ministerial posts, govern the heartland, wear the fur of office and the ceremonial robe, and oversee all affairs at court — every weighty post within and without has been heaped upon my insignificant person; favor and rank could go no higher, and no minister compares. Even a man of outstanding virtue might scarcely fill such a role; how much less could someone as base and dull as I hope to bear the charge? This is easy enough to see and requires no keen insight to understand. But when I first took office, the times were desperate — the barbarians threatening at the borders, the altars of soil and grain in peril — and it was truly a moment for subjects to devote themselves utterly. What heart could I have had to trouble Your Majesty's ear? Therefore I applied myself diligently, clinging to the wall and pressing forward, intent only on doing what I could, with no thought for the long term. Once the great enemies had been broken and the western regions pacified, I ought to have expressed my true feelings and yielded to better men while confessing my inadequacy. Yet like any ordinary man I sought ease and grew content day by day — in truth also awed by Heaven's favor upon me, and unable to stop myself. Time flowed on, and before I knew it three years had passed. Thus the omen of the unfit rider has become plain to both the living and the dead; Disasters born of hidden faults now afflict the common people. Above, it blemishes the radiance of the imperial court's governance; below, it increases official scandal and the calamity of ruin. Prostrate in reflection, I am fearful and ashamed, my every feeling scattered — shameless though I may be called, how can I rest at ease? Not going far before turning back — this the Book of Changes praises; a small punishment can serve as a great warning, and that is the petty man's blessing. I dare not hope for the glory of a swift return; I can only pray for the fortune of receiving correction. Now at the year's beginning, once the court celebration is finished, I would return to my private home, there to reflect on my faults, hoping in some small measure to avert Heaven's reprimand and ease the slander against me. I humbly pray that Your Majesty will discern my sincerity and grant my request. As I present this memorial, shame overwhelms me and I cannot say all I feel."

先是彭城王義康為荊州刺史，鎮江陵。平陸令河南成粲與弘書曰：「僕聞軌物設教，必隨時制宜；世代盈虛，亦與之消息。夫勢之所處，非親不居。是以周之宗盟，異姓為後。權軸之要，任歸二南，斯前代之明謨，當今之顯轍。明公位極台鼎，四海具瞻，劬勞夙夜，義同吐握。而總錄百揆，兼牧畿甸，功實盛大，莫之與儔。天道福謙，宜存挹損。驃騎彭城王道德昭備，上之懿弟，宗本歸源，所應推先，〔宜入秉朝政，翊贊皇猷。竟陵、衡陽春秋已長，又〕宜出據列蕃，齊光魯、衞。 [13]明公高枕論道，燮理陰陽，則天下和平，災害不作，福慶與大宋升降，享年與松、喬齊久，名垂萬代，豈不美歟！」弘本有退志，挾粲言，由是固自陳請，乃降為衞將軍、開府儀同三司。

Earlier, Prince of Pengcheng Yikang had served as Inspector of Jing Province, stationed at Jiangling. Pinglu Magistrate Cheng Can of Henan wrote to Hong, saying: "I have heard that to regulate affairs and establish instruction one must adapt to the times and suit circumstances; Dynasties rise and fall, and policy must rise and fall with them. Positions of power should be held by none but those closest to the throne. Thus in the Zhou enfeoffment system, those of different surnames ranked below. The pivot of power should rest with the royal kin — this was the enlightened design of former ages and is the plain path for our own day. My lord stands at the pinnacle of government, the whole realm looks to you, toiling from dawn to dusk with a devotion equal to Duke Zhou's "spitting in his palm and clasping hands." Yet you oversee all affairs of state and govern the capital domain as well — your power is truly immense, and none can compare. Heaven's Way blesses humility; you ought to preserve modest restraint. Cavalry General the Prince of Pengcheng possesses shining virtue, is the emperor's honored younger brother and the root of the royal house — he should be placed first, [and ought to take charge of court governance and support the imperial design. The Princes of Jingling and Hengyang have come of age as well,] and ought to take up command of the various domains, sharing in the glory of the ancient marquisates of Lu and Wei. [13] My lord could then rest at ease, expounding the Way and harmonizing yin and yang — all under Heaven would be at peace, disasters would cease, your blessings would rise and fall with the Song dynasty, your years would match those of the immortals Song and Qiao, and your name would endure for ten thousand generations — would that not be splendid! Hong had already wished to retire; bolstered by Cheng Can's letter, he pressed his request all the more firmly and was reduced to General of the Guard with grand headquarters and ceremonials equal to the Three Excellencies.

六年，弘又上表曰：「臣聞異姓為後，宗周之明義；親不在外，有國之所先。故魯長滕君，春秋所美，楚出棄疾，前史垂誡。矧乃茂親明德，道光一時，述職侯甸，朝政弗及，而以庶族庸陋浮華之臣，超踰先典，居中贊契，豈所以憲章古式，緝熙治道？驃騎將軍臣義康，徽猷淵邈，明德彌劭，敷政江漢，化被荊南，搢紳屬情，想樂當務，周旦之寄，不謀同詞，分陝雖重，比此為輕。臣實空闇，階恩踰越，俯積素餐，仰玷盛化，公私二三，無一而可。昔孫叔未進，優孟見弞；展季在下，臧文貽譏。況道隆地昵，義兼前禮。臣於古人，無能為役，負乘竊位，萬物謂何，雖曰厚顏，胡寧以處。斯亡之懼，實疚其心。乞解州錄，以允民望。伏願陛下遠存至公，近鑑丹款，俯順朝野，改授親賢。豈唯下臣，獲免大戾，凡厥眾隸，孰不慶幸。若天眷罔已，脫復遲回，請出臣表，逮聞外內，朝議輿誦，或有可擇。」詔曰：「省表，遠擬隆周經國之體，近述大易卑牧之志，三復沖旨，良用憮然。公體道淵虛，明識經遠，毗翼艱難，勳猷光茂，俾朕獲辰居垂拱，司契委成。豈容高遜總錄，固辭神州，使成務有虧，以重朕之不德邪！深存體國，所望夤亮。驃騎親賢之寄，地均旦、奭，還入內輔，參讚機務，輒敬從所執。」義康由是代弘為司徒，與之分錄。

In the sixth year, Hong again submitted a memorial, saying: "I have heard that those of different surnames rank below — the enlightened principle by which the Zhou honored their royal house; Keeping kin close and outsiders at arm's length — this is what every state puts first. Thus the Elder Lord of Teng in Lu was praised in the Spring and Autumn Annals, while Chu sent Qi Ji into exile — the earlier histories preserve both the model and the warning. How much more when an illustrious prince of shining virtue, the light of his age, serves in the marquisate domains yet cannot attend to court governance — while a vulgar, flashy minister of common birth surpasses the precedents of old and sits at the center harmonizing with the throne: how can this be the way to follow ancient models and achieve radiant governance? Cavalry General Yikang possesses far-reaching wisdom and ever-growing virtue; he has spread good governance across the Jiang and Han, and his influence has reached all of southern Jing. Officials and gentry look to him with affection and eagerness, and all agree he is fit to bear the trust that Zhou Gong once bore. Though the division of governance at Shaan was weighty, it was lighter than this charge. I am truly empty and obtuse, raised beyond my deserts through your grace; I have eaten my salary without earning it and tarnished your glorious rule — in public and private alike I find nothing in myself worth defending. When Sun Shu had not yet risen to office, You Meng wept for the state; When Zhan Ji remained in a low post, Zang Wen was mocked for it. How much more when virtue is eminent and kinship is close — the principle here combines the rites of antiquity. Compared with the ancients I am fit for nothing; I am an unfit rider clinging to my post — what would the world say of me? Shameless though I may be called, how can I remain? The fear of disaster this inspires truly afflicts my heart. I beg to be relieved of my provincial post and charge over the chief records, to satisfy the people's expectation. I humbly pray that Your Majesty will look to impartiality above all, discern the sincerity of my heart, follow the wishes of court and countryside, and transfer this appointment to a worthy kinsman. Would this not spare your humble servant alone from great blame — would not every official under Heaven rejoice? If Heaven's favor will not release me and Your Majesty still hesitates, please publish my memorial and make it known throughout the realm, so that court and public debate may yield something worth choosing. An edict said: "Having read your memorial — which draws from afar on the statecraft of flourishing Zhou and expounds from near the humble shepherd's intent in the Book of Changes — I have read its modest message again and again and am deeply moved. My lord embodies the Way with profound clarity and far-reaching wisdom; you have supported me through hardship, and your meritorious service shines bright — you have enabled me to sit at ease upon the throne while entrusting you with the seal of governance. How can I permit you to yield your overall charge and firmly refuse the heartland, letting great affairs suffer and thereby compounding my own lack of virtue! I earnestly hope you will continue to care for the state and rely on your loyal assistance. The trust placed in the Cavalry General as a close kinsman equals that once placed in the Duke of Zhou and Duke of Shao; let him return within as inner counsellor and take part in critical affairs. I respectfully defer to your wish in this. Yikang thereupon replaced Hong as Minister of Education, and the two divided the chief records between them.

弘又表曰：「近冒表聞，披陳愚管，實冀天鑒，體其至誠。而奉被還詔，未蒙酬察，徒塵聖覽，仰延優旨，顧影慚惶，罔識攸厝。臣忝荷要重，四載于今，既違前史量力之誡，又微古人進賢之美，尸位固寵，日積官謗，旋觀周行，興愧已厚。況在親賢，朝野歸德，甫思引身，曷云能補，惟塵大典，虧喪已多。不悟天眷之隆，復垂恩奬，名器弗改，蒙寵如舊，愚惑自揆，[14]茫若無涯。臣義康既總錄百揆，毗讚盛化，忝廁下風，諮憑有所。內朝細務，庶可免竭，神州任重，望實兼該，臣何人斯，寇竊不已。為尒推遷，覆敗將及，就無人事之愆，必有陰陽之患。伏念惟憂，疢如疾首，不知何理，可以自安。但成旨已決，渙汗難反，加臣懦劣，少無此志，進不能抗言陳辭，以死自固，退不能重繭置冰，鮮食為瘠，祗畏天威，遂復俛仰。至於攝督所部，料綜文案，曹局吏役，所須不多，其餘文武，皆為宂長。相府初建，或有未充，請留職僚同事而已，自此以外，及諸資實，一送司徒。臣受恩深重，休戚是預，義無虛飾，苟自貶損。伏願聖察，特垂許順，不令誠訴，見其抑奪。」 [15]上又詔曰：「衞軍表如此，司徒宜須事力，可順公雅懷，割二千人配府。資儲不煩事送。」

Hong again submitted a memorial, saying: "I recently presumed to lay my views before you, hoping Heaven would discern and honor my utmost sincerity. Yet I received in reply an edict that did not answer my plea — my words merely troubled Your Majesty's eye while you extended gracious words to me; looking at my own shadow, I am ashamed and alarmed, not knowing where to turn. I have undeservedly borne weighty office for four years now — already violating the admonition of the histories to know one's limits, and falling short of the ancients' ideal of advancing the worthy. I have clung to my post and my favor, and official scandal accumulates day by day; looking at my colleagues around me, my shame is already deep. Now that a worthy kinsman has the devotion of court and countryside, the moment I thought to withdraw, how could I hope to make good the loss? I have already blemished the great enterprise in countless ways. Yet unaware of how great Heaven's favor has been, you again bestowed grace upon me — my titles unchanged, favored as before — and in my foolish confusion I find myself, [14] lost as though in boundless darkness. Since Yikang already oversees all affairs of state and supports your glorious rule, I can humbly stand in his lee and turn to him for counsel when needed. Minor affairs of the inner court I might perhaps manage without exhausting myself, but the heartland carries weighty responsibility and demands both reputation and real ability — who am I to go on usurping a post I do not deserve? Yet I go on procrastinating, and ruin draws near; even if no human fault were involved, calamity of yin and yang would surely follow. Prostrate in reflection, my worry is like a sickness in the head; I cannot see by what right I might rest at ease. Yet your decree had already been settled and could not easily be reversed; added to my own cowardice and weakness — I had little of such resolve — I could not advance to speak boldly and hold my ground even unto death, nor retreat to wrap myself in cocoon or walk on ice until I grew thin from fasting. Reverent before Heaven's majesty, I could only bow once more in submission. As for supervising my own staff and reviewing documents, the bureau clerks and attendants I need are not many; the rest of my civil and military officials are all superfluous. Since the chief minister's headquarters has only just been established and may not yet be fully staffed, I ask only to retain enough colleagues for daily work; everything else, including all resources and supplies, I would send to the Minister of Education. Having received your grace so deeply, sharing in your joys and sorrows, I cannot offer empty ceremony — I speak only to diminish myself. I humbly pray that Your Majesty will discern my sincerity and grant my request, and not let my honest plea be set aside. [15] The emperor again issued an edict: "The General of the Guard's memorial reads as follows. The Minister of Education will need staff; in deference to your refined wishes, two thousand men may be cut from your staff and assigned to his headquarters. As for resources and stores, do not trouble yourself to send them."

弘博練治體，留心庶事，斟酌時宜，每存優允。與八座丞郎疏曰：「同伍犯法，無士人不罪之科，然每至詰謫，輒有請訴。若垂恩宥，則法廢不可行；依事糾責，則物以為苦怨。宜更為其制，使得優苦之衷也。 [16]又主守偷五匹，常偷四十匹，並加大辟，議者咸以為重，宜進主守偷十匹、常偷五十匹死，四十匹降以補兵。既得小寬民命，亦足以有懲也。想各言所懷。」

Hong was thoroughly versed in the principles of governance, attentive to everyday affairs, weighing each situation on its merits, and always inclined toward generous approval. In a letter to the heads of the chief ministries and their department directors, he wrote: "When members of the same household register violate the law, there is no statute that punishes men of the gentry class directly, yet whenever punishment is imposed, appeals are always lodged. If mercy is granted, the law becomes unenforceable; if punishment is imposed according to the law, people complain bitterly. A new regulation should be created that strikes a fair balance between leniency and severity. [16] He also noted that stealing five bolts was punishable by death for a chief storekeeper and forty bolts for an ordinary keeper — punishments all agreed were too severe. He proposed raising the threshold to ten bolts for a chief keeper and fifty for an ordinary keeper before imposing death, with theft of forty bolts reduced to conscription as a soldier. This would slightly ease the burden on the people while still serving as a deterrent. I would like each of you to state your views."

左丞江奧議：「士人犯盜贓不及棄市者，刑竟，自在贓汙淫盜之目，清議終身，經赦不原。當之者足以塞愆，聞之者足以鑒誡。若復雷同羣小，謫以兵役，愚謂為苦。符伍雖比屋鄰居，至於士庶之際，實自天隔，舍藏之罪，無以相關。奴客與符伍交接，有所藏蔽，可以得知，是以罪及奴客。自是客身犯愆，非代郎主受罪也。如其無奴，則不應坐。」

Left Assistant Director Jiang Ao argued: "When a man of the gentry commits theft or embezzlement short of execution, once his sentence is served he still falls under the category of corrupt theft — he bears the stain of public censure for life, and amnesty does not restore him. Those who suffer this penalty have their guilt answered, and those who hear of it receive a sufficient warning. If members of the same register were again treated alike and relegated to military service along with common offenders, I believe that would be unduly harsh. Members of the same register may be neighbors under the same roof, but between gentry and commoners the gap is as wide as heaven itself; the crime of harboring stolen goods cannot reasonably connect them. When slaves and retainers interact with members of the register, any concealment can be discovered — that is why punishment may reach slaves and retainers. In such cases it is the retainer himself who commits the offense — not the gentleman master who suffers punishment on his behalf. If a gentleman has no retainers, he should not be implicated."

右丞孔默之議：「君子小人，既雜為符伍，不得不以相檢為義。士庶雖殊，而理有聞察，譬百司居上，所以下不必躬親而後同坐。是故犯違之日，理自相關。 [17]今罪其養子、典計者，蓋義存戮僕。如此，則無奴之室，豈得宴安。但既云復士，宜令輸贖。常盜四十匹，主守五匹，降死補兵。雖大存寬惠，以紓民命，然官及二千石及失節士大夫，時有犯者，罪乃可戮，恐不可以補兵也。謂此制可施小人，士人自還用舊律。」

Right Assistant Director Kong Mozhi argued: "Gentlemen and commoners are already mixed within the same household registers, and mutual supervision is unavoidable in principle. Though gentry and commoners differ, principle still requires oversight — just as when the hundred offices sit in authority above, those below need not be personally involved to share liability. Therefore when an offense is committed, liability naturally extends to those connected by register. [17] To punish a gentleman's adopted son or steward is essentially to maintain the principle of holding servants accountable. If that is so, then how could a household without slaves rest at ease? Yet since the gentleman is to be restored to status, he should be allowed to pay a fine in redemption. For ordinary theft, the threshold would be forty bolts; for a chief storekeeper, five bolts — with the death penalty reduced to conscription as a soldier. Although much is done to show leniency and ease the burden on common people, officials of rank and gentry who have lost their integrity do sometimes offend — their crimes merit execution, and I fear they should not be reduced to conscription. This regulation may be applied to commoners; for men of the gentry, the old law should still apply."

尚書王准之議：「昔為山陰令，士人在伍，謂之押符。同伍有愆，得不及坐，士人有罪，符伍糾之。此非士庶殊制，實使即刑當罪耳。夫束脩之冑，與小人隔絕，防檢無方，宜及不逞之士，事接羣細，既同符伍，故使糾之。于時行此，非唯一處。左丞議奴客與鄰伍相關，可得檢察，符中有犯，使及刑坐。即事而求，有乖實理。有奴客者，類多使役，東西分散，住家者少。其有停者，左右驅馳，動止所須，出門甚寡，典計者在家十無其一。奴客坐伍，濫刑必眾，恐非立法當罪本旨。右丞議士人犯偷，不及大辟者，宥補兵。雖欲弘士，懼無以懲邪。乘理則君子，違之則小人。制嚴於上，猶冒犯之，以其宥科，犯者或眾。使畏法革心，[18]乃所以大宥也。且士庶異制，意所不同。」

Minister of the Masters of Writing Wang Zhunzhi argued: "When I served as Magistrate of Shanyin, gentlemen enrolled in the household register were called register-pledges. When a fellow member of the register committed an offense, a gentleman could avoid joint punishment; but when a gentleman himself committed an offense, the register ward would investigate him. This was not a separate legal regime for gentry and commoners — it simply ensured that punishment matched the offense. Men who have passed through formal schooling are insulated from commoners, and there is no ready way to supervise them. When unrestrained gentlemen become involved in petty affairs, since they are on the same register ward, it is only right that they be investigated. At that time this practice was not limited to a single locality. The Left Assistant Director argued that bond-servants and retainers are connected to neighboring ward registers and can therefore be supervised; when an offense appears on the register, their masters should bear criminal liability. Judged by the facts of the matter, this departs from sound principle. Households with bond-servants and retainers mostly send them out on errands, scattering them far and wide; few remain at home. Even those who remain are kept running about on every errand and rarely leave the premises; stewards who actually stay at home are fewer than one in ten. Punishing bond-servants and retainers through ward liability would inevitably multiply excessive punishments, and I fear this is not what the law intended when it required punishment to fit the crime. The Right Assistant Director argued that when a gentleman commits theft short of capital punishment, he should be pardoned from death but conscripted as a soldier. Although the aim is to show mercy to men of the gentry, I fear there will be no means of deterring misconduct. He who follows principle is a gentleman; he who violates it is a common offender. Even when the law is strict, people still offend against it; because the penalty is lenient, offenders may become numerous. The purpose of leniency is to make offenders fear the law and reform their hearts — that is how one greatly pardons. Besides, gentry and commoners are governed by different rules, and their situations are not alike."

殿中郎謝元議謂：「事必先正其本，[19]然後其末可理。本所以押士大夫於符伍者，所以檢小人邪？ [20]為使受檢於小人邪？ [21]案左丞稱士庶天隔，[22]則士無弘庶之由，以不知而押之於伍，則是受檢於小人也。然則小人有罪，士人無事，僕隸何罪，而令坐之。若以實相交關，責其聞察，[23]則意有未因。何者？名實殊章，公私異令，奴不押符，是無名也，民乏貲財，是私賤也。以私賤無名之人，豫公家有實之任，公私混淆，名實非允。由此而言，謂不宜坐。還從其主，於事為宜。無奴之士，不在此例。若士人本檢小人，則小人有過，己應獲罪，而其奴則義歸戮僕，然則無奴之士，未合宴安，使之輸贖，於事非謬。二科所附，惟制之本耳。此自是辯章二本，欲使各從其分。至於求之管見，宜附前科，區別士庶，於義為美。盜制，按左丞議，士人既終不為兵革，幸可同寬宥之惠，不必依舊律，於議咸允。」

Supervisor of Attendants Xie Yuan argued: "In any matter one must first set right the root,[19] and only then can the branches be ordered. Is the purpose of binding gentlemen and officials to the register ward to supervise commoners? [20] Or is it to make them subject to inspection by commoners? [21] The Left Assistant Director says gentry and commoners are as far apart as heaven and earth,[22] which gives gentlemen no reason to show commoners the same leniency. Yet if they are bound to the ward register without knowledge of commoners' affairs, they are made subject to supervision by commoners. If that is so, when commoners are guilty and the gentleman himself is blameless, what crime have his servants committed that they should be punished for it? If one holds them liable on the ground of actual connection and demands that they keep watch,[23] the reasoning is incomplete. Why is that? Title and reality follow different rules, and public law and private status are not the same. Slaves are not enrolled on the register — they have no official standing; and the people who lack wealth are privately held in low status. To assign privately held, unregistered persons to duties that properly belong to the public realm is to blur public and private law — the arrangement is neither proper in name nor in reality. For this reason, I say they should not bear joint punishment. The matter should be referred back to the master — that would be the proper course. Gentlemen without slaves are not covered by this rule. If the original purpose was for gentlemen to supervise commoners, then when commoners offend the gentleman himself should be held liable, while his slaves should be punished according to the principle of holding servants accountable. But then a gentleman without slaves cannot simply rest at ease — requiring him to pay a fine in redemption would not be unreasonable. The two penalties that apply here concern only the fundamental structure of the law. This is simply a matter of distinguishing the two basic categories and letting each follow its proper rule. In my humble view, one should follow the earlier statute and distinguish gentry from commoners — that would be fair in principle. On the theft statutes, following the Left Assistant Director's view: since gentlemen are never conscripted as soldiers in any case, they may as well share in the leniency proposed. There is no need to apply the old law — and on this point all present agreed."

吏部郎何尚之議：「按孔右丞議，士人坐符伍為罪，有奴罪奴，無奴輸贖。既許士庶緬隔，則聞察自難，不宜以難知之事，定以必知之法。夫有奴不賢，無奴不必不賢。今多僮者傲然於王憲，無僕者怵迫於時網，是為恩之所霑，恒在程、卓，法之所設，必加顏、原，求之鄙懷，竊所未愜。謝殿中謂奴不隨主，於名分不明，誠是有理。然奴僕實與閭里相關，今都不問，恐有所失。意同左丞議。」

Gentleman of the Ministry of Personnel He Shangzhi argued: "Following Right Assistant Director Kong's proposal: when a gentleman is held liable through the register ward, if he has slaves the slaves are punished; if he has none, he pays a fine in redemption. Since gentry and commoners are held to be widely separated, mutual awareness is naturally difficult. One should not impose a law requiring certain knowledge for what is in fact hard to know. Having slaves does not make a man unworthy, and lacking slaves does not necessarily make him virtuous. Today those with many household slaves defy the royal statutes with impunity, while those without servants are trapped by the law — so mercy always falls on the Cheng and Zhuo, while punishment always falls on the Yan and Yuan. In my humble view, this is deeply unsatisfying. Supervisor Xie is right that slaves are not legally bound to their masters in the register system — there is real force to that objection. Yet servants and attendants are in fact connected to neighborhood ward registers, and if we ignore that entirely, something important may be lost. My view agrees with the Left Assistant Director's proposal."

弘議曰：「尋律令既不分別士庶，又士人坐同伍罹謫者，無處無之，多為時恩所宥，故不盡親謫耳。吳及義興適有許、陸之徒，以同符合給，二千石論啟丹書。己未間，會稽士人云十數年前，亦有四族坐此被責，以時恩獲停。而王尚書云人舊無同伍坐，所未之解。恐莅任之日，偶不值此事故邪。聖明御世，士人誠不憂至苦，然要須臨事論通，上干天聽為紛擾，不如近為定科，使輕重有節也。又尋甲符制，蠲士人不傳符耳，令史復除，亦得如之。共相押領，有違糾列，了無等衰，非許士人閭里之外也。諸議云士庶緬絕，不相參知，則士人犯法，庶民得不知。若庶民不許不知，何許士人不知。小民自非超然簡獨，永絕塵粃者，比門接棟，小以為意，終自聞知，不必須日夕來往也。右丞百司之言，粗是其況。如衰陵士人，實與里巷關接，[24]相知情狀，乃當於冠帶小民。今謂之士人，便無小人之坐；署為小民，輒受士人之罰。於情於法，不其頗歟？且都令不及士流，士流為輕，則小人令使徵預其罰，便事至相糾，閭伍之防，亦為不同。謂士人可不受同伍之讁耳，罪其奴客，庸何傷邪？無奴客，可令輸贖，又或無奴僮為眾所明者，官長二千石便當親臨列上，依事遣判。又主偷五匹，常偷四十匹，[25]謂應見優量者，實以小吏無知，臨財易昧，或由疏慢，事蹈重科，求之於心，常有可愍，故欲小進匹數，寬其性命耳。至於官長以上，荷蒙祿榮，付以局任，當正己明憲，檢下防非，而親犯科律，亂法冒利，五匹乃已為弘矣。士人無私相偷四十匹理，就使至此，致以明罰，固其宜耳，並何容復加哀矜。且此輩士人，可殺不可讁，有如諸論，本意自不在此也。近聞之道路，聊欲共論，不呼乃爾難精。既眾議糾紛，將不如其已。若呼不應停寢，謂宜集議奏聞，決之聖旨。」太祖詔：「衞軍議為允。」

Hong argued: "The statutes do not distinguish gentry from commoners, and gentlemen punished through same-ward liability can be found everywhere — though in practice many are pardoned by imperial grace, so the full penalty is rarely imposed. In Wu and Yixing, members of the Xu and Lu clans were implicated through register liability and turned over for punishment; the provincial governors memorialized with documents in red ink. During the jiwei reign period, gentry in Kuaiji reported that more than ten years earlier four clans had been punished on the same grounds, but execution was stayed by imperial grace. Yet Minister Wang claims that same-ward punishment did not exist in the past — a claim I do not understand. Perhaps during his tenure he simply never encountered such a case. Under a sage emperor, gentlemen need not fear the worst, yet each case still requires individual consideration, and flooding the throne with petitions creates turmoil. It would be better to establish a fixed statute now so that penalties are consistent. Examining the household register system again, gentlemen are merely exempt from transmitting their registers personally; clerks and dismissed officials enjoy the same exemption. Members of the register mutually guarantee one another and are investigated when violations occur — there is no gradation of liability, and gentlemen are not exempt from neighborhood obligations. Some argue that gentry and commoners are vastly separated and have no knowledge of one another — yet if that were so, would commoners truly be unaware when gentlemen break the law? If commoners may not plead ignorance, why should gentlemen be allowed to? Commoners, unless they live in utter seclusion, live door to door and eave to eave; with a little attention they will eventually learn what is happening around them — daily contact is not required. The Right Assistant Director's account of office practice broadly reflects the reality. Declining gentry in particular are in fact connected to their lanes and alleys,[24] well aware of local circumstances — they should be treated like any other registered commoner. If we call a man a gentleman, he is immediately exempt from the commoner's penalty; yet if he is registered as a commoner, he immediately receives the gentleman's penalty. Is this not contrary to both reason and law? Moreover, capital ordinances do not apply to the gentry class, who are treated leniently — yet common ordinances make them share in punishment. This creates mutual denunciation and undermines the purpose of ward liability. Gentlemen need only be exempt from direct ward punishment; punishing their bond-servants and retainers — what harm is there in that? If he has no bond-servants or retainers, he may pay a fine in redemption; or if everyone knows he has no slaves, the two-thousand-dan official should personally investigate and render judgment according to the facts. As for the five-bolt threshold for chief storekeepers and forty bolts for ordinary theft,[25] the proposed leniency is meant for petty clerks who, ignorant and tempted by opportunity, or through carelessness commit offenses punishable by death — offenses that often inspire pity. The intent was merely to raise the threshold slightly and spare their lives. As for officials of rank and above, who enjoy salary and honor and are entrusted with public office — they should discipline themselves, uphold the law, and supervise their subordinates. When they personally violate the law for profit, leniency at five bolts is already generous enough. There is no reason for a gentleman to steal forty bolts on his own account; even if a case reached that threshold, clear punishment would be entirely appropriate — how could further leniency be justified? Moreover, these gentlemen may be executed but should not be publicly reproved — as the various memorials show, that was never the point under discussion. I recently heard discussion of this on the street and merely wished to join the debate — without formal convocation, the matter is hard to resolve with precision. Since opinions are so tangled, perhaps it would be better to let the matter drop. If the debate cannot simply be dropped, I propose that the matter be referred for collective discussion and memorialized to the throne for imperial decision." Emperor Taizu issued an edict: "The General of the Guard's proposal is approved."

弘又上言：「舊制，民年十三半役，十六全役。當以十三以上，能自營私及公，故以充役。而考之見事，猶或未盡。體有強弱，不皆稱年。且在家自隨，力所能堪，不容過苦。移之公役，動有定科，循吏隱恤，可無其患，庸宰守常，已有勤劇，況值苛政，豈可稱言。乃有務在豐役，增進年齒，孤遠貧弱，其敝尤深。至令依寄無所，生死靡告，一身之切，逃竄求免，家人遠討，胎孕不育，巧避羅憲，實亦由之。今皇化惟新，四方無事，役召之宜，[26]應存乎消息。十五至十六，宜為半丁，十七為全丁。」 [27]從之。

Hong submitted another memorial: "Under the old system, commoners performed half corvée duty at age thirteen and full duty at sixteen. The assumption was that from age thirteen a person could manage private and public affairs on his own and was therefore fit for corvée. Yet in practice this has not always proved to be the case. Physical strength varies, and not all match their age. At home, each person works at his own pace and bears only what he can — the labor cannot be excessive. Public corvée follows fixed quotas. A conscientious official may show compassion, but a mediocre magistrate simply follows convention — and the burden is already severe. Under harsh administration, the suffering is beyond words. Some officials inflate corvée quotas and advance people's registered ages; the isolated, distant, and poor suffer most deeply. People are left with nowhere to turn; life and death go unreported. Desperate individuals flee to escape service; families are hunted down from afar; pregnancies miscarry; and cunning evasion of the law — all stem from this. Now that the imperial order is newly restored and the realm is at peace, corvée requirements[26] should be calibrated accordingly. Ages fifteen and sixteen should count as half laborers; seventeen as full laborers." [27] The proposal was approved.

其後弘寢疾，弘表屢乞骸骨，上輒優詔不許。九年，進位太保，領中書監，餘如故。其年，薨。時年五十四。即贈太保、中書監，給節，加羽葆、鼓吹，增班劍為六十人，侍中、錄尚書、刺史如故。諡曰文昭公。配食高祖廟廷。其年，詔曰：「乃者三逆煽禍，實繁有徒，爰初遵養，暨于明罰，外虞內慮，實惟艱難。故太保華容縣公弘、故衞將軍華、故左光祿大夫曇首，抱義懷忠，乃情同至，籌謀廟堂，竭盡智力，經綸夷險，[28]簡自朕心。國恥既雪，允膺茅土，而並執謙挹，志不命踰，故用佇朝典，將有後命。盛業不究，相係殞落，永懷傷歎，痛恨無已。弘可增封千戶，華、曇首封開國縣侯，食邑各千戶。護軍將軍建昌公彥之，深誠密謨，比蹤齊望，其復先食邑，以酬忠勳。」又詔：「聞王太保家便已匱乏，清約之美，同規古人。言念始終，情增悽歎。可賜錢百萬，米千斛。」

Thereafter Hong fell seriously ill and repeatedly memorialized asking to retire; the emperor always issued gracious edicts refusing. In the ninth year he was promoted to Grand Mentor and Director of the Palace Secretariat; his other posts remained unchanged. That same year he died. He was fifty-four years old. He was posthumously granted the titles of Grand Mentor and Director of the Palace Secretariat, presented with the imperial staff, feather canopy, and martial pipes, and given a guard of sixty halberds; his posts as Attendant-in-Ordinary, Recorder of the Masters of Writing, and Inspector remained as before. He was posthumously titled Duke Wenzhao. He was granted a place in the sacrificial rites at Emperor Gaozu's temple. That year an edict declared: "When the three rebels recently fanned rebellion, their followers were many indeed. From initial restraint through to open punishment, we faced threats abroad and anxiety at home — a time of genuine hardship. The late Grand Mentor, Duke of Huarong, Hong; the late General of the Guard, Hua; and the late Left Grand Master of the Bright, Tan Shou — all embraced righteousness and loyalty with equal devotion, counseled in the throne room, and exhausted their wisdom and strength in steering the state through peril.[28] They were chosen from the bottom of my heart. When national humiliation was avenged, they were duly granted fiefs — yet all remained humble and refused to overstep their station. Accordingly they awaited further court appointments that were never issued. Their great work unfinished, they fell one after another — my grief and bitter regret are endless. Hong's fief was increased by one thousand households; Hua and Tan Shou were enfeoffed as founding marquises of a county, each with a fief of one thousand households. General Who Protects the Army, Duke of Jianchang, Yanzhi — who served with deep loyalty and secret counsel, equal to the others in merit — had his prior fief restored as reward for his service." Another edict stated: "I have heard that Grand Mentor Wang's household is already in want — the austerity of his life matched that of the ancients. Reflecting on his lifelong devotion, my grief only deepens. Let one million coins and one thousand hu of rice be granted to his household."

世祖大明五年，車駕遊幸，經弘墓。下詔曰：「故侍中、中書監、太保、錄尚書事、揚州刺史華容文昭公弘，德猷光劭，鑒識明遠。故散騎常侍、左光祿大夫、太子詹事豫寧文侯曇首，[29]夙尚恬素，理心貞正。並綢繆先眷，契闊屯夷，內亮王道，外流徽譽。以國圖令勳，民思茂惠。朕薄巡都外，瞻覽墳塋，永言想慨，良深于懷。便可遣使致祭墓所。」

In the fifth year of Daming, Emperor Shizu passed Wang Hong's tomb during an imperial tour. An edict was issued: "The late Attendant-in-Ordinary, Director of the Palace Secretariat, Grand Mentor, Recorder of the Masters of Writing, and Inspector of Yangzhou — Duke Wenzhao of Huarong, Hong — whose virtue and counsel were radiant, whose discernment was bright and far-reaching. The late General of the Cadet Cavalry Attendant-in-Ordinary, Left Grand Master of the Bright, and Crown Prince's Chamberlain — Marquis Wen of Yunin, Tan Shou —[29] who from youth cherished simplicity and whose conduct was upright and principled. Both enjoyed the founder's intimate favor, endured separation and hardship together, inwardly upheld the royal way, and outwardly won fine renown. Their merit matched the state's design, and the people remember their abundant kindness. On a brief tour outside the capital I viewed their tombs; my lasting remembrance and grief are truly deep in my heart. Let envoys be sent at once to offer sacrifice at their tombs."

弘明敏有思致，既以民望所宗，造次必存禮法，凡動止施為，及書翰儀體，後人皆依倣之，謂為王太保家法。雖歷任藩輔，[30]不營財利，薨亡之後，家無餘業。而輕率少威儀，性又褊隘，人忤意者，輒面加責辱。少時嘗摴蒲公城子野舍，及後當權，有人就弘求縣，辭訴頗切。此人嘗以蒲戲得罪，弘詰之曰：「君得錢會戲，何用祿為！」答曰：「不審公城子野何在？」弘默然。

Hong was bright, keen, and thoughtful. As the people looked up to him, he unfailingly observed ritual and law in every circumstance. Every movement, action, letter, and formal gesture was imitated by later generations — they called it the household code of Grand Mentor Wang. Although he served repeatedly as a regional counselor,[30] he never pursued profit; after his death his household had no surplus property. Yet he was rash and lacked dignified bearing; his nature was also narrow and intolerant — whoever crossed him he would immediately face and berate. In youth he once played liubo at Ziye's lodge at Gongcheng; later when he held power, someone came to Hong seeking a county post and pleaded his case quite urgently. This man had once offended through liubo gambling; Hong questioned him: "You know how to spend money on games — what need have you of a salary!" He replied: "May I ask where Ziye of Gongcheng is now?" Hong fell silent.

子錫嗣。少以宰相子，起家為員外散騎，歷清職，中書郎，太子左衞率，江夏內史。高自位遇。太尉江夏王義恭當朝，錫箕踞大坐，殆無推敬。卒官。子僧亮嗣。齊受禪，降爵為侯，食邑五百戶。弘少子僧達，別有傳。

His son Xi succeeded him. As a prime minister's son, he began his career in youth as Supernumerary Cadet Cavalry Attendant-in-Ordinary; he passed through pure offices — Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat, Left Commandant of the Crown Prince's Guard, and Interior Administrator of Jiangxia. He held himself in high esteem for his rank and treatment. When Grand Commandant Liu Yigong, Prince of Jiangxia, held court, Xi sat sprawling with legs spread — scarcely showing deference. He died in office. His son Sengliang succeeded him. When Qi received the abdication, his rank was reduced to marquis with a fief of five hundred households. Hong's youngest son Sengda has a separate biography.

弘弟虞，廷尉卿。虞子深，有美名，官至新安太守。虞弟抑，光祿大夫。抑弟孺，侍中。孺弟曇首，別有傳。

Hong's younger brother Yu served as Minister of Justice. Yu's son Shen had a fine reputation and rose to Administrator of Xin'an. Yu's younger brother Yi served as Grand Master for Splendor. Yi's younger brother Ru served as Attendant-in-Ordinary. Ru's younger brother Tanshou has a separate biography.

弘從父弟練，晉中書令珉子也。元嘉中，歷顯官，侍中，度支尚書。練子釗，世祖大明中，亦經清職，黃門郎，臨海王子頊晉安王子勛征虜、前軍長史，左民尚書。太宗初，為司徒左長史。隨司徒建安王休仁出赭圻，時居母憂，加冠軍將軍。忤犯休仁，出為始興相。休仁恚之不已，太宗乃收付廷尉，賜死。

Hong's paternal cousin Lian was the son of Min, Central Secretariat Director of Jin. During Yuanjia he passed through eminent offices — Attendant-in-Ordinary and Director of the Masters of Writing for Revenue. Lian's son Zhao — during Daming under Emperor Shizu also passed through pure offices: Gentleman at the Yellow Gate, Chief Clerk to the General Who Subdues Barbarians and to the Front Army under Prince Zixu of Linhai and Prince Zixun of Jin'an, and Director of the Masters of Writing for the Left People. At the beginning of Emperor Taizong's reign he served as Left Chief Clerk to the Minister of Education. He followed Minister of Education Liu Xiuren, Prince of Jian'an, out to Zhechi; at the time he was in mourning for his mother and was additionally made General Who Conquers Champions. He offended Xiuren and was sent out as Chancellor of Shixing. Xiuren's resentment never ceased; Emperor Taizong then had him arrested and handed to the Court of Justice, and granted death.

史臣曰：晉綱弛紊，其漸有由，孝武守文於上，化不下及，道子昏德居宗，憲章墜矣。重之以國寶啟亂，加之以元顯嗣虐，而祖宗之遺典，羣公之舊章，莫不葉散冰離，掃地盡矣。主威不樹，臣道專行，國典人殊，朝綱家異，編戶之命，竭於豪門，王府之蓄，變為私藏。由是禍基東妖，難結天下，蕩蕩然王道不絕者若綖。高祖一朝創義，事屬橫流，改亂章，布平道，尊主卑臣之義，定於馬棰之間。威令一施，內外從禁，以建武、永平之風，變太元、隆安之俗，此蓋文宣公之為也。為一代宗臣，配饗清廟，豈徒然哉！

The historian writes: Jin's imperial order slackened into disorder, and the process had its causes. Emperor Xiaowu above preserved the written tradition, yet his influence never reached those below; Daozi, debased in virtue, held the imperial lineage, and the laws and statutes collapsed. Compounded by Wang Guobao's instigation of rebellion and Sima Yuanxian's cruel succession, the ancestral codes and the ministers' old regulations scattered like leaves and melted like ice until nothing remained. Sovereign authority was not established and ministerial conduct ran unchecked. State codes and human relations diverged; court norms and household customs differed. The lives of registered households were drained by great clans, and princely storehouses became private hoards. Hence the foundation of calamity arose in the east's sorcery, and difficulties bound the realm — the kingly way hung by a thread as if on a single strand. The Founding Emperor in one stroke raised righteous arms in a torrential age. He mended disorder's statutes, spread the way of peace, and fixed the principle of honoring the sovereign and subordinating ministers between strokes of the riding crop. Once authority and command were applied, inner and outer obeyed and were restrained; with the style of Jianwu and Yongping he transformed the customs of Taiyuan and Long'an. This was surely the achievement of Duke Wenxuan. As a pillar minister of his generation, honored with sacrifice in the Pure Temple — was it for nothing!

校勘記

Collation notes

且其勢亦美「勢」各本並作「名」，據南史、元龜七二二改。

'And moreover its situation is also fine': all editions read 'name' for 'situation'; corrected from the History of Southern Dynasties and Yuan Gui, juan 722.

自旦至日中各本並脫「日」字，據南史、藝文類聚五八引、建康實錄、元龜三八八、七一八、八五０、御覽五九五引補。

'From dawn to midday': all editions omit the character 'day'; supplemented from the History of Southern Dynasties, Art and Literature Collection juan 58, Veritable Record of Jiankang, Yuan Gui 388, 718, and 850, and Imperial Readings juan 595.

將軍尹領選如故各本並脫「軍」字，據南史補。

'General Yin continuing selection as before': all editions omit the character 'general'; supplemented from the History of Southern Dynasties.

甲仗五十人入殿各本並脫「入殿」二字，據南史補。

'Fifty sets of armor and weapons entering the hall': all editions omit the two characters 'entering the hall'; supplemented from the History of Southern Dynasties.

故尚書左僕射前將軍臣穆之「前將軍」各本並作「前軍將軍」，據南史刪「軍」字。孫虨宋書考論云：「是前將軍，誤多軍字。」

'Former Vice Director of the Masters of Writing, General of the Van, your minister Muzhi': all editions read 'General of the Front Army' for 'General of the Van'; the character 'army' was removed per the History of Southern Dynasties. Sun Biao's Critical Study of the Book of Song observes: "The title is General of the Van — the character 'army' was added in error."

事隔於皇朝者各本並脫「者」字，據南史補。

'Matters separated from the imperial court by': all editions omit the character 'by'; supplemented from the History of Southern Dynasties.

南康國吏二百許人「吏」各本並作「史」，據南史、元龜九二八、御覽七四二引改。

'Two hundred or so clerks of the Principality of Nankang': all editions read 'histories' for 'clerks'; corrected from the History of Southern Dynasties, Yuan Gui 928, and Imperial Readings, juan 742.

又有義宣故部曲潛於梁山洲外下投官軍「有」疑當作「與」，或文有譌奪。

'Again there were Yixuan's former retainers secretly outside Liangshan Isle going down to join the government army': 'there were' is suspected to read 'with,' or the text is corrupt and incomplete.

遂居劉安眾處「劉」各本並作「留」，據南史、元龜九四四改。孫虨宋書考論云：「留當為劉，謂劉湛也。湛父柳，晉時封；湛襲封安眾男爵。」按劉湛出繼伯父淡，襲封安眾縣五等男。

'Then occupied Liu An's crowd's place': all editions read 'remain' for 'Liu'; corrected from the History of Southern Dynasties and Yuan Gui 944. Sun Biao's Critical Study of the Book of Song observes: "Remain should be Liu — meaning Liu Zhan. Zhan's father Liu was enfeoffed in Jin times; Zhan inherited the enfeoffment as Baron of Anzhong." Note: Liu Zhan was adopted to his paternal uncle Dan and inherited the fifth-rank barony of Anzhong county.

而府資役單刻各本並脫「役」字，據元龜五０三補。按府資單刻，謂軍府資望不足。府資役單刻，謂軍府役力不足。驃騎府不得謂資望不足，故當加「役」字。

'Yet the headquarters' labor resources were scant': all editions omit the character 'labor'; supplemented from Yuan Gui 503. Note: 'headquarters resources scant' means the military headquarters' prestige was insufficient. 'Headquarters labor resources scant' means the military headquarters' labor power was insufficient. The Cavalry General's headquarters cannot be said to have insufficient prestige; therefore the character 'labor' should be added.

御史中丞都亭侯王准之「王准之」三朝本、北監本、毛本、殿本、局本並作「王淮之」。按三朝本所據宋本殘葉，本作「王准之」。張元濟校勘記云：「當作王准之，見傳二十。」及影印百衲本時，襄校事者又據誤本改成「王淮之」。今改正。元龜五一八亦作「王准之」不誤。「准」本作「準」，以宋順帝諱，改作「准」。

'Supervisor of Attendants, Marquis of Duting, Wang Zhunzhi': the Three Dynasties, Northern Directorate, Mao, Palace, and Bureau editions all read 'Wang Huaizhi'. Note: the Song fragment on which the Three Dynasties edition is based originally read 'Wang Zhunzhi'. Zhang Yuanji's collation note states: "It should read Wang Zhunzhi, as seen in Biography 20." When the photolithographic patchwork edition was produced, those assisting in collation again changed it to 'Wang Huaizhi' based on the erroneous text. Now corrected. Yuan Gui 518 also reads 'Wang Zhunzhi' without error. The graph zhun was originally the full-form graph; because of Emperor Shun of Song's taboo, it was changed to the simplified graph.

光隆中興各本並脫「中興」二字，據元龜三三二補。

'Glorious restoration': all editions omit the two characters 'restoration'; supplemented from Yuan Gui 332.

宜入秉朝政翊贊皇猷竟陵衡陽春秋已長又宜出據列蕃齊光魯衞各本並脫「宜入秉朝政〈至〉春秋已長又」共十八字，據建康實錄補。

'Ought to enter and hold court governance, assist and support the imperial design; Princes of Jingling and Hengyang, their years already grown; again ought to go out and occupy the various fiefs, equal to the glory of Lu and Wei': all editions omit 'ought to enter and hold court governance'. 〈to〉 'Their years already grown, again' — eighteen characters in all; supplemented from the Veritable Record of Jiankang.

愚惑自揆「愚惑」各本並作「感愚」，永樂大典卷六八三一作「感恩」，元龜三三一作「愚惑」。今據元龜改。

'Foolish and perplexed, self-examining': all editions read 'moved and foolish' for 'foolish and perplexed'; Yongle Encyclopedia juan 6831 reads 'grateful'; Yuan Gui 331 reads 'foolish and perplexed'. Now corrected from Yuan Gui.

見其抑奪「見其」各本並作「其見」，據元龜三三一改正。

'Seeing his suppression and seizure': all editions read 'his seeing' for 'seeing his'; corrected from Yuan Gui 331.

使得優苦之衷也「優」各本並作「憂」，據元龜六一五改。

'So as to enable the expression of heartfelt hardship': all editions read 'anxiety' for 'expression'; corrected from Yuan Gui 615.

理自相關各本並脫「相」字，據元龜六一五補。

'Principle naturally mutually connected': all editions omit the character 'mutually'; supplemented from Yuan Gui 615.

使畏法革心「革」各本並作「其」，據元龜六一五改。

'Make them fear the law and reform their hearts': all editions read 'their' for 'reform'; corrected from Yuan Gui 615.

事必先正其本「事必先正」四字，宋本空格，弘治本、北監本、毛本、殿本、局本作「宜先治」三字，今據元龜六一五補。

'Affairs must first rectify the root': the four characters 'affairs must first rectify' are blank in the Song edition; the Hongzhi, Northern Directorate, Mao, Palace, and Bureau editions read the three characters 'ought first govern'; now supplemented from Yuan Gui 615.

本所以押士大夫於符伍者所以檢小人邪「押」各本並作「探」，據元龜六一五改。「伍者所」三字，宋本殘葉空白，弘治本、北監本、毛本、殿本、局本作「而末所」三字，今據元龜六一五補。

'The root reason for binding gentlemen and officials to the register ward is to inspect commoners for wrong, is it not': all editions read 'probe' for 'bind'; corrected from Yuan Gui 615. The three characters 'ward groups what' are blank in the Song fragment; the Hongzhi, Northern Directorate, Mao, Palace, and Bureau editions read the three characters 'and end what'; now supplemented from Yuan Gui 615.

為使受檢於小人邪「為」字，宋本殘葉空白，弘治本、北監本、毛本、殿本、局本作「可」字，元龜六一五作「為」字。今據元龜補。

'To make them receive inspection from petty people for wrong': the character 'to make' is blank in the Song fragment; the Hongzhi, Northern Directorate, Mao, Palace, and Bureau editions read 'may'; Yuan Gui 615 reads 'to make'. Now supplemented from Yuan Gui.

案左丞稱士庶天隔「案左丞稱」四字，宋本殘葉空白，弘治本、北監本、毛本、殿本、局本作「士犯坐奴是」五字，今據元龜六一五補。

'Note: the Left Assistant Director said gentlemen and commoners are separated by heaven': the four characters 'Note Left Assistant Director said' are blank in the Song fragment; the Hongzhi, Northern Directorate, Mao, Palace, and Bureau editions read the five characters 'gentleman commits offense bond-servant is'; now supplemented from Yuan Gui 615.

責其聞察「責」各本並作「貴」，據元龜六一五改。

'Blame their failure to investigate and report': all editions read 'honor' for 'blame'; corrected from Yuan Gui 615.

實與里巷關接「接」宋本殘葉空白，弘治本、北監本、毛本、殿本、局本作「通」，今據元龜六一五補。

'In fact connected with lanes and alleys': 'connected' is blank in the Song fragment; the Hongzhi, Northern Directorate, Mao, Palace, and Bureau editions read 'communicate'; now supplemented from Yuan Gui 615.

又主偷五匹常偷四十匹各本並作「偷五匹，四十匹」，據南史訂補。

'Again chief theft five bolts, ordinary theft forty bolts': all editions read 'theft five bolts, forty bolts'; corrected and supplemented from the History of Southern Dynasties.

役召之宜各本並脫「宜」字，據通典食貨典、元龜四八六補。

'The propriety of corvée summons': all editions omit the character 'propriety'; supplemented from the Treatises on Food and Commodities in the Comprehensive Institutions and Yuan Gui 486.

十七為全丁各本並脫「丁」字，據南史、通典食貨典、元龜四八六補。

'Seventeen makes a full adult male': all editions omit the character 'adult male'; supplemented from the History of Southern Dynasties, Treatises on Food and Commodities in the Comprehensive Institutions, and Yuan Gui 486.

經綸夷險宋本殘葉作「經囗囗險」，弘治本、北監本、毛本、殿本、局本作「經營艱險」，元龜二一八作「經綸夷險」。今據元龜補。

'Governing through peace and peril': the Song fragment reads 'governing □□ peril'; the Hongzhi, Northern Directorate, Mao, Palace, and Bureau editions read 'managing hardship and peril'; Yuan Gui 218 reads 'governing through peace and peril'. Now supplemented from Yuan Gui.

豫寧文侯曇首「豫寧」各本並作「豫章」，據王曇首傳改正。按州郡志，豫章郡有豫寧縣，無豫章縣，作豫寧是。

'Marquis Wen of Yunin Tanshou': all editions read 'Yuzhang' for 'Yunin'; corrected from the biography of Wang Tanshou. Note: according to the Treatise on Provinces and Commanderies, Yuzhang commandery had Yunin county but no Yuzhang county — reading Yunin is correct.

雖歷任藩輔「藩輔」各本作「藩翰」，據南史改。

'Although repeatedly serving as regional counselor': all editions read 'regional bulwark' for 'regional counselor'; corrected from the History of Southern Dynasties.

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