Volume 53 Biographies 13: Zhang Maodu, Yu Dengzhi, Xie Fangming, Jiang Yi

列傳第十三張茂度〈子永〉庾登之〈弟炳之〉謝方明江夷

Biography 13: Zhang Maodu 〈Son Yong〉 Yu Dengzhi 〈Younger brother Bingzhi〉 Xie Fangming; Jiang Yi

張茂度

Zhang Maodu

張茂度，吳郡吳人，張良後也。名與高祖諱同，故稱字。良七世孫為長沙太守，始遷于吳。高祖嘉，曾祖澄，晉光祿大夫。祖彭祖，廣州刺史。父敞，侍中、尚書、吳國內史。

Zhang Maodu came from Wu in Wu commandery and was a descendant of Zhang Liang. Because his personal name matched Gaozu's taboo, he was known by his courtesy name instead. A seventh-generation descendant of Liang served as Administrator of Changsha and was the first to relocate the line to Wu. His great-grandfather was Jia; his great-great-grandfather Cheng had been Grand Master of Splendid Happiness under Jin. His grandfather Pengzu had served as Inspector of Guangzhou. His father Chang had held the posts of Attendant-in-Ordinary, Minister, and Interior Governor of Wu.

茂度郡上計吏，主簿，功曹，州命從事史，竝不就。除琅邪王衛軍參軍，員外散騎侍郎，尚書度支郎，父憂不拜。服闋，為何無忌鎮南參軍。頃之，出補晉安太守，盧循為寇，覆沒江州，茂度及建安太守孫蚪之竝受其符書，供其調役。循走，俱坐免官。復以為始興相，郡經賊寇，廨宇焚燒，民物凋散，百不存一。茂度創立城寺，弔死撫傷，收集離散，民戶漸復。在郡一周，徵為太尉參軍，尋轉主簿、揚州治中從事史。高祖西伐劉毅，茂度居守。留州事悉委之。軍還，遷中書侍郎。出為司馬休之平西司馬、河南太守。高祖將討休之，茂度聞知，乘輕船逃下，逢高祖於中路，以為錄事參軍，太守如故。江陵平，驃騎將軍道憐為荊州，茂度仍為諮議參軍，太守如故。還為揚州別駕從事史。高祖北伐關洛，復任留州事。出為使持節、督廣、交二州諸軍事、建武將軍、平越中郎將、廣州刺史。綏靜百越，嶺外安之。以疾求還，復為道憐司馬。丁繼母憂，服闋，除廷尉，轉尚書吏部郎。

Maodu was offered the posts of commandery clerk for annual accounts, chief clerk, merit officer, and provincial staff aide, but he declined every one. He was appointed military aide to the Prince of Langye's guard general, extraordinary cadet of the scattered cavalry, and a revenue post in the Ministry, but he did not take office while mourning his father. After his mourning period ended, he served as military aide on He Wuji's Pacify-the-South staff. Soon afterward he was posted as Administrator of Jin'an. When Lu Xun's rebellion overran Jiangzhou, Maodu and Sun Douzhi, the Administrator of Jian'an, both received Lu's sealed orders and had to furnish his levies and corvée. After Lu Xun withdrew, both men were dismissed from office on that account. He was appointed again as Chancellor of Shixing. The commandery had been ravaged by bandits: government buildings were burned, the population scattered, and scarcely one household in a hundred remained. Maodu rebuilt walls and temples, mourned the dead and cared for the wounded, gathered the scattered population, and households gradually returned. After a full year in office he was summoned as military aide to the Grand Commandant, and soon became chief clerk and senior administrative aide for Yangzhou. When Gaozu marched west against Liu Yi, Maodu stayed behind to hold the capital. He was entrusted with all provincial affairs during the campaign. When the army returned, he was promoted to gentleman of the Secretariat. He was posted as major on Sima Xiuzhi's Pacify-the-West staff and as Administrator of Henan. Learning that Gaozu was about to attack Xiuzhi, Maodu fled downstream in a light boat, met Gaozu on the march, and was appointed recording army aide while retaining his post as Administrator. After Jiangling was pacified, Flying Cavalry General Daolian was assigned to Jingzhou; Maodu continued as consultation army aide and kept his post as Administrator. He returned to Yangzhou as senior clerk attached to the chief administrator. When Gaozu marched north against Guan and Luo, Maodu was again left in charge of provincial affairs. He was posted with the staff of authority as supervisor of military affairs in Guang and Jiao, as Establishing Martial General and Pacify-the-Yue central bulwark general, and as Inspector of Guangzhou. He pacified the Yue peoples, and the lands beyond the mountain ranges were settled. He asked to return on grounds of illness and again served as major on Daolian's staff. After mourning his stepmother he was appointed Commandant of Justice, then transferred to director of the Ministry's personnel bureau.

茂度內足於財，自絕人事，經始本縣之華山以為居止，優遊野澤，如此者七年。十八年，除會稽太守。素有吏能，在郡縣，職事甚理。明年，卒官，時年六十七。諡曰恭子。

Maodu had ample private means, withdrew from public life, built a home on Mount Hua in his home county, and for seven years wandered the countryside at leisure. In the eighteenth year of the reign he was appointed Administrator of Kuaiji. He had long been known for administrative skill, and in every commandery or county his office ran in good order. The following year he died in office, at the age of sixty-seven. He was given the posthumous title Gongzi.

茂度同郡陸仲元者，晉太尉玩曾孫也。以事用見知，歷清資，吏部郎，右衛將軍，侍中，吳郡太守。自玩洎仲元，四世為侍中，時人方之金、張二族。弟子真，元嘉十年，為海陵太守。中書舍人狄當為太祖所信委，家在海陵，死還葬，橋路毀壞，不通喪車，縣求發民脩治，子真不許。司徒彭城王義康聞而善之，召為國子博士，司徒左西掾，州治中，臨海東陽太守。

Lu Zhongyuan, a man of the same commandery as Maodu, was a great-grandson of Jin Grand Commandant Wan. His practical ability won recognition; he rose through prestigious posts to director of personnel, Right Guard General, Attendant-in-Ordinary, and Administrator of Wu commandery. From Wan to Zhongyuan, four generations held the post of Attendant-in-Ordinary, and contemporaries ranked the family with the Jin and Zhang clans. His younger kinsman Zhen became Administrator of Hailing in the tenth year of Yuanjia. Palace Attendant Di Dang, whom Taizu trusted, was from Hailing. When he died and his body was brought home for burial, ruined bridges and roads blocked the funeral procession. The county wanted to draft laborers for repairs, but Zizhen refused. Prince of Pengcheng Yikang, the Minister of Education, approved and summoned him as erudite of the Imperial University, left western aide on the minister's staff, senior provincial administrative aide, and Administrator of Linhai and Dongyang.

茂度子演，太子中舍人；演弟鏡，新安太守，皆有盛名，並早卒。鏡弟永。永字景雲，初為郡主簿，州從事，轉司徒士曹參軍，出補餘姚令，入為尚書中兵郎。先是，尚書中條制繁雜，元嘉十八年，欲加治撰，徙永為刪定郎，掌其任。二十二年，除建康令，所居皆有稱績。又除廣陵王誕北中郎錄事參軍。永涉獵書史，能為文章，善隸書，曉音律，騎射雜藝，觸類兼善，又有巧思，益為太祖所知。紙及墨皆自營造，上每得永表啟，輒執玩咨嗟，自歎供御者了不及也。二十三年，造華林園、玄武湖，並使永監統。凡諸制置，皆受則於永。徙為江夏王義恭太尉中兵參軍、越騎校尉、振武將軍、廣陵、南沛二郡太守。二十八年，又除江夏王義恭驃騎中兵參軍，沛郡如故。

Maodu's son Yan served as palace attendant to the heir apparent; Yan's younger brother Jing was Administrator of Xin'an; both were highly regarded and both died young. Jing's younger brother was Yong. Yong, courtesy name Jingyun, began as commandery chief clerk and provincial staff member, then became military aide in the Minister of Education's office, was posted as magistrate of Yuyao, and entered the central military bureau of the Ministry. The central Ministry's regulations had grown tangled; in the eighteenth year of Yuanjia the court planned a thorough revision, and Yong was made editing officer to oversee it. In the twenty-second year he was appointed magistrate of Jiankang, and in every post he earned a reputation for solid performance. He was also appointed recording army aide on Prince of Guangling Dan's North Central Bulwark staff. Yong read widely in history, wrote well, excelled at clerical script, understood music, and was accomplished in horsemanship, archery, and other arts besides; his ingenuity won him still greater favor with Taizu. He made his own paper and ink. Whenever the emperor received Yong's memorials he would admire them and lament that the palace workshops could not match them. In the twenty-third year the Hualin Garden and Xuanwu Lake were constructed, with Yong supervising both projects. Every design and installation followed standards set by Yong. He was transferred to central military aide on Prince of Jiangxia Yigong's Grand Commandant staff, made Colonel of the Yue Cavalry and Quelling Martial General, and appointed Administrator of Guangling and Nanpei. In the twenty-eighth year he was again appointed central military aide on Yigong's Flying Cavalry staff while retaining his post in Pei commandery.

永既有才能，所在每盡心力，太祖謂堪為將。二十九年，以永督冀州、青州之濟南、樂安、太原三郡諸軍事、揚威將軍、冀州刺史，督王玄謨、申坦等諸將，經略河南。攻碻磝城，累旬不能拔。其年八月七日夜，虜開門燒樓及攻車，士卒燒死及為虜所殺甚眾，永即夜撤圍退軍，不報告諸將，眾軍驚擾，為虜所乘，死敗塗地；永及申坦並為統府撫軍將軍蕭思話所收，繫於歷城獄。太祖以屢征無功，諸將不可任，責永等與思話詔曰：「虜既乘利，方向盛冬，若脫敢送死，兄弟父子，自共當之耳。言及增憤，可以示張永、申坦。」又與江夏王義恭書曰：「早知諸將輩如此，恨不以白刃驅之，今者悔何所及！」

Yong had talent and drive; in every post he gave his all, and Taizu judged him fit for command. In the twenty-ninth year Yong was put in charge of Ji province and the Jinan, Le'an, and Taiyuan districts of Qing, with the title Raising Might General and Inspector of Ji, and directed Wang Xuanmo, Shen Tan, and other generals in operations south of the Yellow River. They besieged Que'ao for many weeks without taking it. On the night of the seventh day of the eighth month the enemy sallied, burning the siege towers and assault engines; many men were burned or killed. Yong withdrew that same night without informing the other commanders. The armies panicked, the enemy pressed the rout, and the slaughter was catastrophic. Yong and Shen Tan were both arrested by Pacifying Army General Xiao Sihua, commander of the campaign, and imprisoned at Licheng. Taizu, furious that repeated campaigns had failed and that his generals could not be trusted, sent Sihua an edict blaming Yong and the others: "The enemy has the advantage and winter is coming. If they dare to fight to the death, let brothers and fathers and sons answer for it together. Even to speak of it only deepened his anger; let Zhang Yong and Shen Tan see this edict." He also wrote to Prince of Jiangxia Yigong: "Had I known these generals would perform so poorly, I would have driven them forward at sword point. Now what regret can avail?"

三十年，元兇弑立，起永督青州、徐州之東安、東莞二郡諸軍事、輔國將軍、青州刺史。司空南譙王義宣起義，又板永為督冀州、青州之濟南、樂安、太原三郡諸軍事、輔國將軍、冀州刺史。永遣司馬崔勳之、中兵參軍劉則二軍馳赴國難。時蕭思話在彭城，義宣慮二人不相諧緝，與思話書，勸與永坦懷。又使永從兄長史張暢與永書曰：「近有都信，具汝刑網之原，可謂雖在縲絏，而腹心無愧矣。蕭公平厚，先無嫌隙，見汝翰跡，言不相傷，何其滔滔稱人意邪！當今世故艱迫，義旗雲起，方藉群賢，共康時難。當遠慕廉、藺在公之德，近效平、勃忘私之美，忽此蒂芥，克申舊情。公亦命蕭示以疏達，兼令相報，共遵此旨。」事平，召為江夏王義恭大司馬從事中郎，領中兵。

In the thirtieth year, after the regicide Yuanxiong seized the throne, Yong was recalled to supervise Qing and the Dong'an and Dongguan districts of Xu as Assisting the State General and Inspector of Qing. When Minister of Works Prince of Nanqiao Yixuan raised the banner of revolt, he again commissioned Yong to command Ji and the Jinan, Le'an, and Taiyuan districts as Assisting the State General and Inspector of Ji. Yong sent his major Cui Xunzhi and central military aide Liu Ze with two armies to rush to the capital's defense. Xiao Sihua was then at Pengcheng; fearing the two men would not cooperate, Yixuan wrote urging Sihua to reconcile openly with Yong. He also had Zhang Chang, chief clerk and Yong's elder cousin, write to him: "A recent dispatch from the capital explained the reasons for your imprisonment. Though you were in chains, your conscience was clear. Xiao is fair-minded and there was no old grudge between you. He saw your letter and said he bore you no ill will—how warmly he spoke in your favor! These are perilous times and righteous armies are rising everywhere; we need worthy men together to restore order. Take as your distant models Lian Po and Lin Xiangru, who set the public good above private grievance, and as your near models Chen Ping and Zhou Bo, who forgot personal slights; put aside this petty resentment and renew your old bond. The prince has also told Xiao to be open with you and to exchange letters so that you may both follow this course." After the rebellion was suppressed he was summoned as attendant gentleman on Prince of Jiangxia Yigong's Grand Marshal staff, with charge of the central military office.

時使百僚獻讜言，永以為宜立諫官，開不諱之路，講師旅，示安不忘危。世祖孝建元年，臧質反，遣永輔武昌王渾鎮京口。其年，出為揚州別駕從事史。明年，召入為尚書左丞。時將士休假，年開三番，紛紜道路。永建議曰：「臣聞開兵從稼，前王以之兼隙，耕戰遞勞，先代以之經遠。當今化寧萬里，文同九服，捐金走驥，於焉自始。伏見將士休假，多蒙三番，程會既促，裝赴在早。故一歲之間，四馳遙路，或失遽春耜，或違要秋登，致使公替常儲，家闕舊粟，考定利害，宜加詳改。愚謂交代之限，以一年為制，使征士之念，勞未及積；游農之望，收功歲成。斯則王度無騫，民業斯植矣。」從之。

When the court called for candid advice from all officials, Yong argued for remonstrating officers, frank speech without fear, regular military drill, and the principle that in peace one must not forget peril. In the first year of Xiaojian, when Zang Zhi rebelled, Yong was sent to assist Prince of Wuchang Hun in holding Jingkou. That same year he was posted as senior clerk attached to the chief administrator of Yangzhou. The following year he was summoned to the Ministry as left assistant minister. Officers and soldiers were then granted leave three times a year, and the roads were thronged with travelers. Yong submitted a memorial: "I have read that ancient kings drew soldiers from the fields in the intervals between campaigns, alternating farm work with military service so that the state could plan for the long term. Today the realm is at peace for ten thousand li and culture is uniform across the nine domains; it is time to lay aside arms and let horses run free in the fields. Yet soldiers are often granted three leaves a year; schedules are tight and they must pack and depart early. Within a single year they may travel the roads four times, missing spring plowing or the autumn harvest, so public granaries run short and households lose their stored grain. Weighing the costs, the policy should be revised in detail. I propose that the rotation period be fixed at one year, so that soldiers on campaign are not worn down by accumulated fatigue; and farmers who also serve may complete their harvest within the year. Then the royal standard will stand firm and the people's livelihood will take root." The court accepted his proposal.

太宗即位，除吏部尚書。未拜，會四方反叛，復以為吳興太守，加冠軍將軍。假節。未拜，以將軍假節，徙為吳郡太守，率軍東討。又為散騎常侍、太子詹事。未拜，遷使持節、監青、冀、幽、并四州諸軍事、前將軍，青、冀二州刺史，統諸將討徐州刺史薛安都，累戰克捷，破薛索兒等，事在安都傳。又遷散騎常侍、鎮軍將軍、太子詹事，權領徐州刺史。又都督徐、兗、青、冀四州諸軍事，又為使持節、都督南兗、徐二州諸軍事、南兗州刺史，常侍、將軍如故。時薛安都據彭城請降，而誠心不款，太宗遣永與沈攸之以重兵迎之，加督前鋒軍事，進軍彭城。安都招引索虜之兵既至，士卒離散，永狼狽引軍還，為虜所追，大敗。復值寒雪，士卒離散，永腳指斷落，僅以身免，失其第四子。

When Taizong took the throne, Yong was appointed Minister of Personnel. Before he could take office, rebellions erupted across the realm; he was again appointed Administrator of Wuxing with the rank of Champion General. He was granted provisional credentials. Again before taking office, he was transferred to Administrator of Wu commandery with provisional credentials and led troops east to suppress the rebels. He was also appointed regular attendant of the scattered cavalry and steward of the heir apparent. Before he could take those posts he was transferred with the staff of authority to oversee Qing, Ji, You, and Bing, as Forward General and Inspector of Qing and Ji, commanding the campaign against Xuzhou Inspector Xue Andu; he won repeated victories over Xue Suo'er and others, as recounted in Andu's biography. He was then made regular attendant of the scattered cavalry, Pacifying Army General, and steward of the heir apparent, with acting authority as Inspector of Xuzhou. He was made commander of military affairs in Xu, Yan, Qing, and Ji, then bearer of the staff as commander of Southern Yan and Xu and Inspector of Southern Yan, retaining his posts as regular attendant and general. Xue Andu then held Pengcheng and offered to surrender, but his sincerity was doubtful; Taizong sent Yong and Shen Youzhi with a large force to receive him, put Yong in charge of the vanguard, and marched on Pengcheng. When Andu brought in the northern tribes and their troops arrived, Yong's army disintegrated; he withdrew in disorder, was pursued, and suffered a crushing defeat. A blizzard added to the rout; Yong lost toes to frostbite, barely escaped with his life, and lost his fourth son.

三年，徙都督會稽、東陽、臨海、永嘉、新安五郡諸軍事、會稽太守，將軍如故。以北討失律，固求自貶，降號左將軍。永痛悼所失之子，有兼常哀，服制雖除，猶立靈座，飲食衣服，待之如生。每出行，常別具名車好馬，號曰侍從，有事輒語左右報郎君。以破薛索兒功，封孝昌縣侯，食邑千戶。在會稽，賓客有謝方童等，坐贓下獄死，永又降號冠軍將軍。四年，遷使持節、督雍、梁、南北秦四州、郢州之竟陵、隨二郡諸軍事、右將軍、雍州刺史。未拜，停為太子詹事，加散騎常侍、本州大中正。六年，又加護軍將軍，領石頭戍事；給鼓吹一部。七年，遷金紫光祿大夫，尋復領護軍。後廢帝即位，進右光祿大夫，加侍中，領安成王師，加親信二十人。又領本州中正，出為吳郡太守，秩中二千石，侍中、右光祿如故。元徽二年，遷使持節、都督南兗、徐、青、冀、益五州諸軍事、征北將軍、南兗州刺史，侍中如故。

In the third year he was transferred to command the five commanderies of Kuaiji, Dongyang, Linhai, Yongjia, and Xin'an as Administrator of Kuaiji, retaining his general's rank. After his defeat in the northern campaign he insisted on demotion and was reduced to Left General. Yong mourned his dead son with grief that went beyond ordinary sorrow. Even after the mourning period ended, he kept a spirit seat and continued to set out food, drink, and clothing for the boy as though he were still alive. Whenever he went out, he had a separate fine carriage and horses set aside, which he called his son's attendants; if anything happened, he would tell his servants to report it to the young master. For defeating Xue Suo'er he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xiaochang with a fief of one thousand households. While serving in Kuaiji, his guests Xie Fangtong and others were imprisoned and executed for corruption, and Yong was demoted again to Champion General. In the fourth year he was appointed Bearer of the Staff, commander of military affairs in Yong, Liang, North and South Qin, and the Jingling and Sui commanderies of Yingzhou, as Right General and Inspector of Yongzhou. Before he could take up the post he was kept at court as Grand Master of the Crown Prince's Household, with additional appointments as Regular Attendant of the Scatterers and Chief Rectifier of his native province. In the sixth year he was further made Guardian General and put in charge of the Stone City garrison; and granted a set of drum-and-pipe musicians. In the seventh year he was promoted to Grand Master of Glorious Happiness with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon, and soon afterward resumed command of the Guardians. When the Deposed Emperor took the throne, Yong was promoted to Right Grand Master of Glorious Happiness, made Palace Attendant and Preceptor to the Prince of Ancheng, and granted twenty personal attendants. He also served as Chief Rectifier of his native province and was sent out as Administrator of Wu Commandery at the middle two-thousand-dan salary grade, retaining his posts as Palace Attendant and Right Grand Master of Glorious Happiness. In the second year of Yuanhui he was appointed Bearer of the Staff and commander-in-chief of military affairs in South Yan, Xu, Qing, Ji, and Yi, as General Who Conquers the North and Inspector of South Yanzhou, retaining his post as Palace Attendant.

永少便驅馳，志在宣力，年雖已老，志氣未衰，優遊閑任，意甚不樂，及有此授，喜悅非常，即日命駕還都。未之鎮，值桂陽王休範作亂，永率所領出屯白下。休範至新亭，大桁不守，前鋒遂攻南掖門。永遣人覘賊，既返，唱云：「臺城陷矣。」永眾於此潰散，永亦棄軍奔走，還先所住南苑。以永舊臣不加罪，止免官削爵，永亦愧歎發病。三年，卒，時年六十六。順帝昇明二年，追贈侍中、右光祿大夫。子瑰，昇明末，達官。永弟辯，太宗亦見任遇，歷尚書吏部郎，廣州刺史，大司農。辯弟岱，昇明末，吏部尚書。

Yong had been a skilled rider since youth and was eager to serve in the field. Though advanced in years, his fighting spirit had not waned, and he had been deeply unhappy in easy, idle posts. When this appointment came he was overjoyed and that same day ordered his carriage back to the capital. Before he could take up his provincial post, the Prince of Guiyang, Xiu Fan, rebelled, and Yong led his troops out to encamp at Baixia. When Xiu Fan reached Xinting, the Great Bridge was abandoned, and his vanguard pressed on to attack the South Side Gate of the palace. Yong sent men to scout the rebels; when they returned, they shouted aloud: "The palace city has fallen!" At this Yong's troops broke and fled. Yong too abandoned his army and ran, retreating to the Southern Park where he had lodged before. Because Yong was a veteran minister he was not punished further—only dismissed and stripped of his title. Yong, shamed and despairing, fell ill. In the third year he died, at the age of sixty-six. In the second year of Shengming under Emperor Shun, he was posthumously granted Palace Attendant and Right Grand Master of Glorious Happiness. His son Gui reached high office at the end of the Shengming era. Yong's younger brother Bian was also favored under Taizong, serving as Director in the Ministry of Personnel, Inspector of Guangzhou, and Grand Minister of Agriculture. Bian's younger brother Dai became Minister of Personnel at the end of the Shengming era.

庾登之

Yu Dengzhi

庾登之，字元龍，潁川鄢陵人也。曾祖冰，晉司空。祖蘊，廣州刺史。父廓，東陽太守。登之少以強濟自立，初為晉會稽王道子太傅參軍。義旗初，又為高祖鎮軍參軍。以預討桓玄功，封曲江縣五等男。參大司馬琅邪王軍事，豫州別駕從事史，大司馬主簿，司徒左西曹屬。登之雖不涉學，善於世事，王弘、謝晦、江夷之徒，皆相知友。轉太尉主簿。義熙十二年，高祖北伐，登之擊節驅馳，退告劉穆之，以母老求郡。於是士庶咸憚遠役，而登之二三其心，高祖大怒，除吏名。大軍發後，乃以補鎮蠻護軍、西陽太守。入為太子庶子，尚書左丞。出為新安太守。

Yu Dengzhi, courtesy name Yuanlong, was a native of Yanling in Yingchuan. His great-grandfather Bing had been Minister of Works under Jin. His grandfather Yun had been Inspector of Guangzhou. His father Kuo had been Administrator of Dongyang. Dengzhi established himself in youth through forceful capability. He first served as aide to the Grand Tutor of Prince of Kuaiji Daozi under Jin. At the beginning of the Righteous Banner uprising he again served as aide on Gaozu's Suppressing Army staff. For taking part in the campaign against Huan Xuan he was enfeoffed as Fifth-rank Baron of Qujiang. He served on the Grand Marshal's staff of the Prince of Langya, as Attendant Officer on the Registrar's staff of Yuzhou, as Chief Clerk to the Grand Marshal, and as Aide in the Left Western Section of the Minister of Education. Though Dengzhi was not a scholar, he was skilled in practical affairs, and Wang Hong, Xie Hui, Jiang Yi, and others counted him as a friend. He was transferred to Chief Clerk to the Grand Commandant. In the twelfth year of Yixi, when Gaozu marched north, Dengzhi drove hard at the drum's beat, then withdrew and reported to Liu Muzhi, asking for a commandery post because his mother was old. At a time when officials and commoners alike dreaded distant service, Dengzhi wavered in his commitment. Gaozu was furious and struck his name from the rolls. After the main army had set out, he was appointed Protector General of the Barbarian Pacification and Administrator of Xiyang. He entered the capital as Vice Tutor to the Crown Prince and Senior Assistant in the Ministry of Works. He was sent out as Administrator of Xin'an.

謝晦為撫軍將軍、荊州刺史，請為長史、南郡太守，仍為衛軍長史，太守如故。登之與晦俱曹氏婿，名位本同，一旦為之佐，意甚不愜。到廳牋，唯云「即日恭到」，初無感謝之言。每入覲見，備持箱囊几席之屬，一物不具不坐。晦常優容之。晦拒王師，欲使登之留守，登之不許，語在晦傳。晦敗，登之以無任免罪，禁錮還家。

When Xie Hui became General Who Pacifies the Army and Inspector of Jingzhou, he asked for Dengzhi as his Chief Administrator and Administrator of Nan Commandery. Dengzhi later served as Chief Administrator on the Guard Army staff while retaining his post as Administrator. Dengzhi and Hui were both sons-in-law of the Cao family and had originally been equals in rank. To serve suddenly as Hui's subordinate left Dengzhi deeply discontented. When he arrived at headquarters and submitted his arrival memorial, he wrote only "Respectfully arrived this day," with no word of thanks. Whenever he went in for an audience he brought his own chests, bags, tables, and mats; if a single item was missing he would not sit down. Hui often indulged him. When Hui resisted the imperial army he wanted Dengzhi to remain and hold the fort, but Dengzhi refused—the account is given in Hui's biography. When Hui was defeated, Dengzhi was punished for failing to act and was confined and sent home.

元嘉五年，起為衡陽王義季征虜長史。義季年少，未親政，眾事一以委之。尋加南東海太守。入為司徒右長史，尚書吏部郎，司徒左長史，南東海太守。府公彭城王義康專覽政事，不欲自下厝懷，而登之性剛，每陳己意，義康甚不悅，出為吳郡太守。州郡相臨，執意無改，因其蒞任贓貨，以事免官。弟炳之時為臨川內史，登之隨弟之郡，優遊自適。俄而除豫章太守，便道之官。登之初至臨川，吏民咸相輕侮，豫章與臨川接境，郡又華大，儀迓光赫，土人並驚歎焉。十八年，遷江州刺史。疾篤，徵為中護軍。未拜。二十年，卒，時年六十二。即以為贈。

In the fifth year of Yuanjia he was recalled as Chief Administrator on Prince of Hengyang Yiji's Campaign Army staff. Yiji was young and did not personally attend to government; all affairs were entrusted entirely to Dengzhi. Soon he was additionally appointed Administrator of South Donghai. He entered the capital as Senior Administrator on the Right of the Minister of Education, Director in the Ministry of Personnel, Senior Administrator on the Left of the Minister of Education, and Administrator of South Donghai. Prince of Pengcheng Yikang, head of the office, monopolized government affairs and did not wish to hear subordinates' views. Dengzhi was stiff by nature and often stated his own opinions, which greatly displeased Yikang, and Dengzhi was sent out as Administrator of Wu Commandery. The two provinces adjoined each other, and Dengzhi's obstinacy was unchanged. On charges of corruption during Yikang's tenure he was dismissed from office. His younger brother Bingzhi was then Administrator of Linchuan, and Dengzhi followed him to the commandery, living at ease. Before long he was appointed Administrator of Yuzhang and proceeded directly to his post. When Dengzhi first arrived at Linchuan, officials and people had all slighted him. Yuzhang bordered Linchuan and was a splendid, great commandery; when Dengzhi's ceremonial reception blazed in splendor, the local people were astonished. In the eighteenth year he was transferred to Inspector of Jiangzhou. When his illness grew grave he was summoned as Chief of the Palace Guard. He did not assume the post. In the twentieth year he died, at the age of sixty-two. The post to which he had been summoned was granted posthumously.

子沖遠，太宗鎮姑孰，為衛軍長史，卒於豫章太守，追贈侍中。

His son Chongyuan, when Taizong garrisoned Gushu, served as Chief Administrator on the Guard Army staff. He died while Administrator of Yuzhang and was posthumously granted Palace Attendant.

弟炳之

(Younger brother Bingzhi)

炳之，字仲文，初為秘書、太子舍人，劉粹征北長史、廣平太守。兄登之為謝晦長史，炳之往省之。晦時位高權重，朝士莫不加敬，炳之獨與抗禮，時論健之。為尚書度支郎，不拜。出補錢塘令，治民有績。轉彭城王義康驃騎主簿，未就，徙為丹陽丞。炳之既未到府，疑於府公禮敬，下禮官博議。中書侍郎裴松之議曰：「案《春秋》桓八年，祭公逆王后于紀。《公羊傳》曰：『女在國稱女，此其稱王后何？王者無外，其辭成矣。』推此而言，則炳之為吏之道，定於受命之日矣，其辭已成，在官無外，名器既正，則禮亦從之。且今宰牧之官，拜不之職，未接之民，必有其敬者，以既受王命，則成君民之義故也。吏之被敕，猶除者受拜，民不以未見闕其被禮，吏安可以未到廢其節乎？愚懷所見，宜執吏禮。」從之。遷司徒左西屬。左將軍竟陵王義宣未親府，板炳之為諮議參軍，眾務悉委焉。後將軍長沙王義欣鎮壽陽，炳之為長史、南梁郡太守，轉鎮國長史，太守如故。出為臨川內史。後將軍始興王濬鎮湘州，以炳之為司馬，領長沙內史。濬不之任，除南太山太守，司馬如故。

Bingzhi, courtesy name Zhongwen, first served as Secretary and Staff Officer to the Crown Prince, then as Chief Administrator on Liu Cui's North Conquest Army staff and Administrator of Guangping. When his elder brother Dengzhi was Chief Administrator to Xie Hui, Bingzhi went to visit him. Hui then held high rank and great power, and every court official showed him extra deference. Bingzhi alone treated him as an equal, and opinion at the time praised his boldness. He was appointed Director of Revenue in the Ministry of Works but did not accept the post. He went out to serve as Magistrate of Qiantang and governed the people with distinction. He was transferred to Chief Clerk on Prince of Pengcheng Yikang's Swift Cavalry staff, but before he took up the post he was moved to Assistant Administrator of Danyang. Since Bingzhi had not yet reached the prince's headquarters, he was uncertain about the courtesies owed the prince's household and submitted the question for broad deliberation by the ritual officials. Palace Attendant Pei Songzhi submitted an opinion: "Examining the Spring and Autumn Annals, in Duke Huan's eighth year Duke Ji met the queen in Ji. The Gongyang Commentary says: 'An unmarried woman in her state is called nǚ; why is she here called queen?' The king has no outside—thereby the designation is complete.' Applying this principle, Bingzhi's status as an official was fixed from the day he received his appointment: the designation was already complete; once in office there is no 'outside'; when title and office are correct, ritual follows accordingly." Moreover, among magistrates and governors today, those who accept appointment but have not yet taken up their posts will find people they have never met showing them respect, because once they have received the royal mandate the bond between lord and subject is complete. An official who receives an edict of appointment is like one who receives investiture: the people do not withhold the rites of respect because they have not yet seen him—how can an official abandon his ritual obligations merely because he has not yet arrived? In my humble view, he should observe the rites due an official." His opinion was adopted. Bingzhi was transferred to Aide in the Left Western Section of the Minister of Education. Left General Prince of Jingling Yixuan did not personally attend to his headquarters. Bingzhi was appointed Consulting Army Aide on his staff, and all affairs were entrusted entirely to him. Rear General Prince of Changsha Yixin garrisoned Shouyang. Bingzhi served as Chief Administrator and Administrator of South Liang Commandery, then was transferred to Chief Administrator on the Pacifying the State staff while retaining his post as Administrator. He was sent out as Administrator of Linchuan. Rear General Prince of Shixing Jun garrisoned Xiangzhou and appointed Bingzhi Chief Administrator and concurrently Administrator of Changsha. Jun did not go to his post. Bingzhi was appointed Administrator of South Taishan while retaining his post as Chief Administrator.

于時領軍將軍劉湛協附大將軍彭城王義康，而與僕射殷景仁有隙，凡朝士游殷氏者，不得入劉氏之門，獨炳之遊二人之間，密盡忠於朝廷。景仁稱疾不朝見者歷年，太祖常令炳之銜命去來，湛不疑也。義康出藩，湛伏誅，以炳之為尚書吏部郎，與右衛將軍沈演之俱參機密。頃之，轉侍中，本州大中正。遷吏部尚書，領義陽王師。內外歸附，勢傾朝野。

At that time Palace Guard General Liu Zhan attached himself to Grand General Prince of Pengcheng Yikang but was at odds with Vice Director Yin Jingren. Any court official who associated with the Yin clan could not enter the Liu clan's gate—Bingzhi alone moved between the two camps, secretly giving his full loyalty to the court. Jingren feigned illness and did not attend court for years. Taizu often sent Bingzhi back and forth bearing orders, and Zhan suspected nothing. When Yikang was sent out to his fief and Zhan was executed, Bingzhi was appointed Director in the Ministry of Personnel and, with Right Guard General Shen Yanzhi, jointly handled secret affairs of state. Before long he was transferred to Palace Attendant and Chief Rectifier of his native province. He was transferred to Minister of Personnel and appointed Preceptor to the Prince of Yiyang. Within and without the court, men rallied to him, and his power overshadowed court and countryside.

炳之為人彊急而不耐煩，賓客干訴非理者，忿詈形於辭色。素無術學，不為眾望所推。性好潔，士大夫造之者，去未出戶，輒令人拭席洗床。時陳郡殷沖亦好淨，小史非淨浴新衣，不得近左右。士大夫小不整潔，每容接之。炳之好潔反是，沖每以此譏焉。領選既不緝眾論，又頗通貨賄。炳之請急還家，吏部令史錢泰、主客令史周伯齊出炳之宅咨事。泰能彈琵琶，伯齊善歌，炳之因留停宿。尚書舊制，令史咨事，不得宿停外，雖有八座命，亦不許。為有司所奏。上於炳之素厚，將恕之，召問尚書右僕射何尚之，尚之具陳炳之得失。又密奏曰：「夫為國為家，何嘗不謹用前典，今苟欲通一人，慮非哲王御世之長術。炳之所行，非曖昧而已。臣所聞既非一旦，又往往眼見，事如丘山，彰彰若此，遂縱而不糾，不知復何以為治。晉武不曰明主，斷鬲令事，遂能奮發，華暠見待不輕，廢錮累年，後起，止作城門校尉耳。若言炳之有誠於國，未知的是何事？政當云與殷景仁不失其舊，與劉湛亦復不疏。且景仁當時事意，豈復可蔑，朝士兩邊相推，亦復何限，縱有微誠，復何足掩其惡。今賈充勳烈，晉之重臣，雖事業不勝，不聞有大罪，諸臣進說，便遠出之。陛下聖叡，反更遲遲於此。炳之身上之釁，既自藉藉，交結朋黨，構扇是非，實足亂俗傷風。諸惡紛紜，過於范曄，所少賊一事耳。伏願深加三思，試以諸聲傳，普訪諸可顧問者。群下見陛下顧遇既重，恐不敢苦相侵傷；顧問之日，宜布嫌責之旨。若不如此，亦當不辯有所得失。臣蠢，既有所啟，要欲盡其心，如無可納，伏願宥其觸忤之罪。」

Bingzhi was forceful and impatient by nature. When guests petitioned him unreasonably, anger and curses showed plainly in his words and face. He had never possessed learning and was not favored by public expectation. He was fastidiously clean by nature. When gentry visitors left, before they had even passed the door he would have someone wipe the mat and wash the couch. At the time Yin Chong of Chen Commandery also loved cleanliness. Lesser clerks who had not bathed clean and donned fresh clothes could not approach his side. Even when gentry were slightly untidy, he would still receive them. Bingzhi's fastidiousness was the opposite, and Yin Chong often mocked him for it. As head of selection he neither reconciled public opinion nor refrained from trafficking in bribes. Bingzhi requested urgent leave to return home. Ministry of Personnel Clerk Qian Tai and Guest Affairs Clerk Zhou Boqi came to Bingzhi's residence on official business. Tai could play the pipa and Boqi was skilled at song, so Bingzhi kept them overnight. Under the old regulations of the Secretariat, when clerks came on official consultation they were not permitted to stay overnight outside the office—even on orders from the eight chief ministers this was forbidden. He was reported by the relevant officials. The sovereign had long been close to Bingzhi and was about to pardon him. He summoned Vice Director of the Secretariat He Shangzhi and questioned him, and Shangzhi fully stated Bingzhi's faults and merits. He also submitted a secret memorial saying: "In governing state and family, when has one ever failed to carefully follow precedent? If Your Majesty now wishes merely to let one man through, I fear that is not the sage king's long method for governing the age. Bingzhi's conduct is not merely ambiguous. What I have heard was not accumulated in a single day, and I have often seen it with my own eyes. The matter is mountain-high and glaringly obvious, yet he is indulged and not punished. I know not by what further means governance can be carried on. Emperor Wu of Jin cannot be called an enlightened ruler, yet in the Ge Ling affair he was able to rouse himself to action. Hua Gao had been treated with no small consideration, yet was confined and banned for years; when he was later recalled, he held only the post of Gate Commandant. If one says Bingzhi has shown sincerity toward the state, I know not what exactly that would be. One might as well say that with Yin Jingren he maintained their old closeness and with Liu Zhan he was again not estranged. Moreover, can Jingren's role in the affairs of that time truly be dismissed? Court officials pushing one another between the two factions were without limit. Even if there were slight sincerity, how could it suffice to cover his wickedness? Now Jia Chong's meritorious achievements made him a chief minister of Jin. Although his accomplishments did not measure up, one never heard of great crimes, yet when the ministers urged it, he was sent far away. Your Majesty is sage and perceptive, yet you are all the more slow in this. The offenses on Bingzhi's own person are already notorious. He forms factions and cliques, stirs up right and wrong—more than enough to corrupt customs and harm the age. The various wicked deeds are confused and manifold, exceeding Fan Ye—he lacks only the one crime of treason. I humbly wish Your Majesty would deeply reconsider thrice, try to follow the various rumors, and broadly inquire of all who may be consulted. When the ranks below see that Your Majesty's gracious treatment of Bingzhi is already weighty, I fear they will not dare to press the injury harshly; On the day of inquiry, it would be fitting to proclaim your intent of distrust and censure. If it is not thus, one will likewise be unable to distinguish whether there is gain or loss. Your servant is dull. Since I have made this appeal, I must wish to exhaust my heart. If there is nothing to be accepted, I humbly pray you pardon the crime of having offended."

時炳之自理：「不諳臺制，令史並言停外非嫌。」太祖以炳之信受失所，小事不足傷大臣。尚之又陳曰：「炳之呼二令史出宿，令史諮都令史駱宰，宰云不通，吏部曹亦咸知不可，令史具向炳之說不得停之意，炳之了不聽納。此非為不解，直是苟相留耳。由外悉知此，而誣於信受，群情豈了，陛下不假為之辭。雖是令史，出乃遠虧朝典，又不得謂之小事。謝晦望實，非今者之疇，一事錯誤，免侍中官。王珣時賢小失，桓胤春蒐之謬，皆白衣領職。況公犯憲制者邪？不審可有同王、桓白衣例不？於任使無損，兼可得以為肅戒。孔萬祀居左丞之局，不念相當，語駱宰云：『炳之貴要，異他尚書身，政可得無言耳。』又云：『不癡不聾，不成姑公。』敢作此言，亦為異也。」

At the time Bingzhi explained in his own defense: "I was unfamiliar with the regulations of the Secretariat; the clerks both said that overnight lodging outside involved no offense." Taizu considered that Bingzhi had merely failed to receive and trust properly—a small matter, not enough to injure a great minister. Shangzhi again submitted, saying: "Bingzhi called the two clerks out to lodge overnight. The clerks consulted Chief Clerk Luo Zai; Zai said it was impermissible. The Ministry of Personnel section also all knew it could not be done. The clerks fully explained to Bingzhi why overnight lodging was forbidden, yet Bingzhi completely refused to accept it. This was not because he did not understand—it was simply that he wanted to keep them on by any means. Everyone outside knew this, yet he pretends it was a failure of trust and receipt—how could public sentiment be satisfied? Your Majesty need not make excuses for him. Although they were mere clerks, allowing them out grossly violated court precedent, and this cannot be called a small matter. Xie Hui's reputation and accomplishment were not in the same category as today's case; one mistaken affair cost him his post as Palace Attendant. Wang Xun, a man of talent, suffered a small fault; Huan Yin's error at the spring hunt—both served their posts in plain clothes. How much more when a public servant violates statutes and regulations? I know not whether there exists a precedent, like Wang and Huan, of serving in plain clothes? It would not harm his employment and appointment, and would also serve as a disciplinary warning. Kong Wansi held the post of Left Assistant Director yet gave no thought to propriety. He told Luo Zai: 'Bingzhi is lofty and influential, unlike other ministers of the Secretariat; one really can say nothing about him.' He also said: 'Without being foolish or deaf, one cannot be an aunt-mother-in-law.' To dare speak such words is also extraordinary."

太祖猶優游之，使尚之更陳其意。尚之乃備言炳之愆過，曰：「尚書舊有增置幹二十人，以元、凱丞郎幹之假疾病，炳之常取十人私使，詢處幹闕，不得時補。近得王師，猶不遣還，臣令人語之，『先取人使，意常未安，今既有手力，不宜復留。』得臣此信，方復遣耳。大都為人好率懷行事，有諸紜紜，不悉可曉。臣思張遼之言，關羽雖兄弟，曹公父子，豈得不言。觀今人憂國實寡，臣復結舌，日月之明，或有所蔽。然不知臣者，豈不謂臣有爭競之跡，追以悵悵。臣與炳之周旋，俱被恩接，不宜復生厚薄。太尉昨與臣言，說炳之有諸不可，非唯一條，遠近相崇畏，震動四海，凡短人辦得致此，更復可嘉。虞秀之門生事之，累味珍肴，未嘗有乏，其外別貢，豈可具詳。炳之門中不問大小，誅求張幼緒，幼緒轉無以堪命。炳之先與劉德願殊惡，德願自持琵琶甚精麗。遺之，便復款然。市令盛馥進數百口材助營宅，恐人知，作虛買券。劉道錫驟有所輸，傾南俸之半。劉雍自謂得其力助，事之如父，夏中送甘庶，若新發於州。國吏運載樵荻，無輟於道。諸見人有物，鮮或不求。聞劉遵考有材；便乞材，見好燭盤，便復乞之。選用不平，不可一二。太尉又云，炳之都無共事之體，凡所選舉，悉是其意，政令太尉知耳。論虞秀之作黃門，太尉不正答和，故得停。太尉近與炳之疏，欲用德原兒作州西曹，炳之乃啟用為主簿，即語德願，德願謝太尉。前後漏泄賣恩，亦復何極，縱不加罪，故宜出之。士庶忿疾之，非直項羽楚歌而已也。自從裴、劉刑罰以來，諸將陳力百倍，今日事實好惡可問。若赫然發憤，顯明法憲，陛下便可閑臥紫闥，無復一事也。」

Taizu still treated the matter leniently and had Shangzhi state his views again. Shangzhi then fully stated Bingzhi's faults and offenses, saying: "The Secretariat formerly had twenty additional clerks appointed. Clerks Yuan and Kai feigned illness; Bingzhi regularly took ten for his private use. When I inquired, the posts of the clerks were vacant and could not be filled in time. Recently when the army returned in victory he still would not send them back. I had someone tell him, 'First you took men for your use—I have always felt uneasy about this. Now that you have your own servants, they should not be kept anymore.' Only upon receiving this letter of mine did he finally send them back. Generally he is the sort of man who acts from impulse and favor in all things; there are many confused matters that cannot all be understood. I think of Zhang Liao's words—even though Guan Yu was a sworn brother and Cao Cao father and son, could one fail to speak? Looking at men today, there are truly few who worry for the state. Your servant again holds his tongue; the sun and moon's brightness may in places be obscured. Yet those who do not know me will surely think I bear the traces of rivalry—I follow this thought with lingering sorrow. Bingzhi and I have associated together; both of us received gracious treatment. One ought not again to give rise to favor or disfavor. Yesterday the Grand Commander spoke with me, saying Bingzhi has many offenses, not only one item. Near and far regard him with reverence and fear, and the realm is shaken. That a man of small stature could bring this about is again worthy of note. A protege of Yu Xiuzhi waited on him; successive dishes of rare delicacies were never lacking. Other tributes besides these—how could they be fully detailed? In Bingzhi's household, great and small without distinction extort from Zhang Youxu; Youxu in turn could not bear it. Bingzhi had first been on very bad terms with Liu Deyuan; Deyuan's own pipa was extremely fine and beautiful. When Bingzhi sent it to him as a gift, they became friendly again at once. Market Magistrate Sheng Fu presented several hundred cartloads of timber to help build his residence; fearing people would know, he made a false purchase contract. Liu Daoxi suddenly made some payment—half his southern salary gone. Liu Yong considered that he owed his strength and aid, and served him like a father. In midsummer he sent him sugarcane, as if freshly shipped from the province. State clerks transported firewood and reeds without pause on the roads. When he saw anyone with goods, if they were fresh, he rarely did not demand them. Hearing that Liu Zunkao had timber; he asked for timber; seeing a fine candle stand, he again asked for it. Unfairness in selection and appointment—more than one or two instances. The Grand Commander also said that Bingzhi entirely lacked the bearing of one who serves jointly in office. All selections and promotions were entirely according to his will; the Grand Commander merely knew about them. When Yu Xiuzhi's appointment as Yellow Gate Attendant was discussed, the Grand Commander did not immediately agree—and so it was halted. Recently the Grand Commander grew distant from Bingzhi and wished to appoint Deyuan's son as Western Aide of the province. Bingzhi then memorialized to appoint him as Chief Clerk and immediately told Deyuan, who thanked the Grand Commander. Leaking secrets and selling favors before and after—again how limitless! Even if no additional crime is imposed, he ought for that reason alone to be sent out. Scholars and commoners hate and resent him—not merely the Chu songs around Xiang Yu. Since the punishments of Pei and Liu, the various generals have exerted themselves a hundredfold; today's facts, good and bad, can be asked about. If Your Majesty now rouses your wrath and clearly displays the laws, you may then lie at ease in the purple inner chambers with never another matter to attend to!"

太祖欲出炳之為丹陽，又以問尚之。尚之答曰：「臣既乏賈生應對之才，又謝汲公犯顏之直，至於侍坐仰酬，每不能盡。昨出伏復深思，祇有愚滯，今之事蹟，異口同音，便是彰著，政未測得物之數耳。可為蹈罪負恩，無所復少。且居官失和，未有此比。陛下遲遲舊恩，未忍窮法，為弘之大，莫復過此。方復有尹京赫赫之授，恐悉心奉國之人，於此而息；貪狼恣意者，歲月滋甚。非但虧點王化，乃治亂所由。如臣所聞天下論議，炳之常塵累日月，未見一豪增輝。今曲阿在水南，恩寵無異，而協首郡之榮，乃更成其形勢，便是老王雅也。古人云：『賞罰，雖堯、舜不能為治也。』陛下豈可坐損皇家之重，迷一凡人。事若復在可否之間，亦不敢苟陳穴管。今之枉直，明白灼然，而叡王令王，反更不悟，令賈誼、劉向重生，豈不慷慨流涕於聖世邪！臣昔啟范曄，當時亦懼犯觸之尤，苟是愚懷所挹，政自不能不舒達，所謂雖九死而不悔者也。謂炳之且外出，若能脩改，在職著稱，還亦不難，則可得少明國典，粗酬四海之誚。今愆釁如山，榮任不損，炳之若復有彰大之罪，誰復敢以聞述。且自非殊勳異績，亦何足塞今日之尤。歷觀古今，未有眾過藉藉，受貨數百萬，更得高官厚祿如今者也。臣每念聖化中有此事，未嘗不痛心疾首。設令臣等數人縱橫狼藉復如此，不審當復云何處之。近啟賈充遠鎮，今亦何足分，外出恐是策之良者。臣知陛下不能采臣言，故是臣不能盡己之愚至耳。今蒙恩榮者不少，臣何為獨懇懇於斯，實是尊主樂治之意。伏願試更垂察」

Taizu wished to send Bingzhi out as Administrator of Danyang and again questioned Shangzhi. Shangzhi answered: "Your servant lacks Jia Yi's talent for responsive eloquence and Ji An's forthright courage in offending the monarch. As for sitting in attendance and answering face to face, I can never fully exhaust the matter. Yesterday when I left I again bowed and deeply considered. I have only foolishness and slowness. Today's facts, same mouth same sound—are already clear and manifest. It is merely that one cannot yet measure how far things extend. One may say he treads on guilt and bears ingratitude—there is nothing left that is slight. And in losing harmony in office, never has there been the like. Your Majesty, out of lingering old kindness, has not yet been able to exhaust the law. For the greatness of magnanimity, nothing surpasses this. Yet one would again grant him the glorious appointment of governing the capital—I fear those who give their whole hearts to serving the state will on this account cease; the greedy and savage who do as they please will from month to year grow worse. This not only mars the royal transformation—it is the source from which order and chaos arise. As I have heard, discussion throughout the realm holds that Bingzhi constantly dims and burdens the sun and moon; one has not seen a single hair's worth add luster. Now Qu'a is south of the river; favor and grace are no different. Yet the glory of a capital commandery would further expand his power—this would be the old case of Wang Ya. The ancients said: 'Reward and punishment—even Yao and Shun cannot govern by that alone.' How can Your Majesty sit and diminish the weight of the imperial house, bewildered by one ordinary man? If the matter were again between yes and no, I would not dare casually offer a narrow view from a hole. Today right and wrong are clear as fire, yet the sage king who makes kings is all the more uncomprehending. If Jia Yi and Liu Xiang were reborn, would they not weep in indignation in this sacred age! I formerly memorialized on Fan Ye. At the time I likewise feared the offense of having touched and offended. If it was what my foolish heart drew up, I truly could not but express it openly—what they call 'though nine deaths, still no regret.' One may say that once Bingzhi goes out, if he can reform, perform well in office and win renown, reinstatement would not be difficult. Then one could at least slightly clarify the statutes of the state and roughly answer the reproaches of the four seas. Now faults and offenses are like mountains, yet glory and office are undiminished. If Bingzhi again commits greater glaring crimes, who will again dare report them? Moreover, unless there were extraordinary merit and unusual achievement, what would suffice to fill today's blame? Reviewing past and present, never has one seen a man of numerous notorious offenses who accepted bribes of millions and yet again received high office and rich emolument as now. Each time I think that in the sacred transformation there is this matter, I have never failed to grieve to the heart and ache in the head. Suppose I and several others wantonly spread chaos again like this—I know not how Your Majesty would dispose of us. Recently I memorialized that Jia Chong should be sent far to a garrison. Today too he shares nothing of Bingzhi's blame. Sending him out would probably be a sound stratagem. I know Your Majesty cannot adopt my words—thus it is merely that I cannot exhaust my own foolishness to the end. Now those who receive grace and glory are not few. Why should I alone speak earnestly in this? It is truly the intent to honor the sovereign and rejoice in good governance. I humbly pray you try again to look down and examine."

又曰：「臣見劉伯寵大慷慨炳之所行，云有人送張幼緒，幼緒語人，吾雖得一縣，負三十萬錢，庾沖遠乃當送至新林，見縛束，猶未得解手。荀萬秋嘗詣炳之，值一客姓夏侯，主人問『有好牛不？』云：『無。』問『有好馬不？』又云：『無。政有佳驢耳。』炳之便答：『甚是所欲。』客出門，遂與相聞索之。劉道錫云是炳之所舉，就道錫索嫁女具及祠器，乃當百萬數。猶謂不然。選令史章龍向臣說，亦歎其受納之過，言『實得嫁女具，銅爐四人舉乃勝，細葛斗帳等物，不可稱數。 '在尚書中，令奴酤酃酒，利其百十，亦是立臺閣所無，不審少簡聖聽不？恐仰傷日月之明，臣竊為之歎息。」

He also said: "I saw Liu Bochong become greatly indignant at Bingzhi's conduct. He said someone sent for Zhang Youxu; Youxu told people: 'Though I gain one county, I owe three hundred thousand cash.' Yu Chongyuan was about to send him to Xinlin—when he saw the bundles he still could not free his hands. Xun Wanqiu once called on Bingzhi when there was a guest surnamed Xiahou. The host asked, 'Have you a good ox?' He said: 'None.' He asked, 'Have you a good horse?' Again he said: 'None.' I have only a fine donkey.' Bingzhi at once answered: 'That is exactly what I desire.' When the guest left the door, Bingzhi immediately sent word to ask for it. Liu Daoxi said it was Bingzhi who had recommended him; Bingzhi then asked Daoxi for bridal outfit and ritual vessels—worth perhaps a million in all. One still thinks it cannot be so. Selection Clerk Zhang Long told me, also sighing over his acceptance of bribes. He said, 'He really received the bridal outfit—a bronze brazier that four men could barely lift—and fine hemp gauze canopy covers and such things, beyond count.' In the Ministry of Personnel, he had a slave sell Luling wine and profit one or two hundred—this too is unheard of in the establishment of the upper offices. I know not whether Your Majesty's sacred hearing might briefly examine it? I fear it will wound the brightness of the sun and moon above. I privately sigh for this."

太祖乃可有司之奏，免炳之官。是歲，元嘉二十五年也。二十七年，卒於家，時年六十三。太祖錄其宿誠，追復本官。二子季遠、弘遠。

Taizu then approved the memorial of the relevant officials and dismissed Bingzhi from office. That was the twenty-fifth year of Yuanjia. In the twenty-seventh year he died at home, at the age of sixty-three. Taizu took note of his long-standing loyalty and posthumously restored him to his former office. He had two sons: Jiyuan and Hongyuan.

謝方明

Xie Fangming

謝方明，陳郡陽夏人，尚書僕射景仁從祖弟也。祖鐵，永嘉太守。父沖，中書侍郎。家在會稽，謝病歸，除黃門侍郎，不就。為孫恩所殺，追贈散騎常侍。

Xie Fangming came from Yangxia in Chen commandery and was a first cousin once removed of Jingren, Deputy Minister of the Masters of Writing. His grandfather Tie had served as Administrator of Yongjia. His father Chong had been Attendant of the Secretariat. His family lived in Kuaiji. He returned home on grounds of illness, was appointed Yellow Gate Attendant, and declined the post. Sun En killed him, and he was posthumously awarded the title Regular Attendant-in-Ordinary.

方明隨伯父吳興太守邈在郡，孫恩寇會稽，東土諸郡皆回應，吳興民胡桀、郜驃破東遷縣，方明勸邈避之，不從，賊至被害，方明逃竄遂免。初，邈舅子長樂馮嗣之及北方學士馮翊仇玄達，俱往吳興投邈，並舍之郡學，禮待甚簡。二人並忿慍，遂與恩通謀。恩嘗為嗣之等從者，夜入郡，見邈眾，遁，不悟。本欲於吳興起兵，事趣不果，乃遷於會稽。及郜等攻郡，嗣之、玄達並豫其謀。劉牢之、謝琰等討恩，恩走入海，嗣之等不得同去，方更聚合。方明結邈門生義故得百餘人，掩討嗣之等，悉禽而手刃之。

Fangming was with his uncle Miao, who served as Administrator of Wuxing. When Sun En attacked Kuaiji and commanderies throughout the east answered his call, the Wuxing commoners Hu Jie and Gao Biao stormed Dongqian county. Fangming urged Miao to withdraw, but Miao refused. The rebels arrived and killed Miao; Fangming fled and survived. Earlier, Miao's nephew by marriage Feng Sizhi of Changle and the northern scholar Qiu Xuanda of Fufeng had both gone to Wuxing to place themselves under Miao's protection. Both were housed at the commandery school, but received only the barest courtesy. Resentful and indignant, the two men soon entered into conspiracy with Sun En. Sun En once came as a follower of Sizhi and the others. Entering the commandery seat by night, he saw Miao surrounded by his retainers and slipped away unrecognized. He had originally planned to raise arms in Wuxing, but the attempt failed, and he shifted operations to Kuaiji. When Gao and the others assaulted the commandery, both Sizhi and Xuanda were involved in the conspiracy. Liu Laozhi, Xie Yan, and others marched against Sun En, who fled out to sea. Unable to follow him, Sizhi and his cohort were only then regrouping. Fangming rallied more than a hundred of Miao's former students and old associates, launched a surprise strike against Sizhi and the others, captured them all, and personally executed them with his own blade.

于時荒亂之後，吉凶禮廢。方明合門遇禍，資產無遺，而營舉凶事，盡其力用；數月之間，葬送並畢，平世備禮，無以加也。頃之，孫恩重沒會稽，謝琰見害。恩購求方明甚急。方明於上虞載母妹奔東陽，由黃蘖嶠出鄱陽，附載還都，寄居國子學。流離險厄，屯苦備經，而貞立之操，在約無改。元興元年，桓玄克京邑，丹陽尹卞範之勢傾朝野，欲以女嫁方明，使尚書吏部郎王騰譬說備至，方明終不回。桓玄聞而賞之，即除著作佐郎，補司徒王謐主簿。

In that age of ruin and chaos, the rites governing life and death had fallen into neglect. Fangming's whole household had been struck by disaster, and nothing of their property survived; yet he still managed the funeral rites and spent everything he could muster; Within a few months he had seen to burial and obsequies completely—such ceremony as might have been expected even in peaceful times could hardly have exceeded it. Soon afterward Sun En overran Kuaiji again, and Xie Yan was killed. Sun En urgently offered a rich reward for Fangming's capture. At Shangyu, Fangming took his mother and younger sister and fled toward Dongyang, crossing Huangbo Ridge into Poyang, then boarding a returning vessel to the capital and lodging at the Imperial Academy. He endured exile, danger, and every hardship of privation, yet his steadfast character never wavered even in straitened circumstances. In the first year of Yuanxing, Huan Xuan seized the capital. Bian Fanzhi, Chief Administrator of Danyang, wielded power that dominated court and countryside alike. He wished to give his daughter to Fangming in marriage and sent Wang Teng, Director of the Personnel Section in the Masters of Writing, to persuade him with every argument at his disposal—but Fangming would not be moved. Huan Xuan heard of this and admired him, immediately appointing him Assistant Editorial Director and then assigning him as Chief Clerk to Grand Preceptor Wang Mi.

從兄景仁舉為高祖中兵主簿。方明事思忠益，知無不為。高祖謂之曰：「愧未有瓜衍之賞，且當與卿共豫章國祿。」屢加賞賜。方明嚴恪，善自居遇，雖處暗室，未嘗有惰容。無他伎能，自然有雅韻。從兄混有重名，唯歲節朝宗而已。丹陽尹劉穆之權重當時，朝野輻輳，不與穆之相識者，唯有混、方明、郗僧施、蔡廓四人而已；穆之甚以為恨。方明、廓後往造之，大悅，白高祖曰：「謝方明可謂名家駒。直置便自是臺鼎人，無論復有才用。」頃之，轉從事中郎，仍為左將軍道憐長史、高祖命府內眾事，皆咨決之。隨府轉中軍長史。尋更加晉陵太守，復為驃騎長史、南郡相，委任如初。

His cousin Jingren recommended him to Gaozu for the post of Central Army Chief Clerk. In his service Fangming devoted himself to loyal counsel and gave his all; where he saw a need, he did whatever he could. Gaozu told him, "I regret that I have no Guayan-scale reward to offer you—for now, let us share the income of the State of Yuzhang between us. Gaozu showered him with rewards again and again. Fangming was strict and disciplined, careful in his conduct; even alone in a dark room he never showed a negligent air. He possessed no special talents, yet had a natural grace and refinement. His cousin Hun was widely celebrated, yet the two met only at New Year's clan gatherings. Liu Muzhi, Chief Administrator of Danyang, held power that dominated the age, and court and countryside alike thronged about him. Of those in official life who did not know Muzhi personally, there were only Hun, Fangming, Chi Sengshi, and Cai Kuo; Muzhi deeply resented this. When Fangming and Kuo later visited him, Muzhi was delighted and told Gaozu, "Xie Fangming is a true thoroughbred of a great clan. Even without further cultivation he would be a man destined for the highest offices, quite apart from whatever talent and ability he may possess. Soon he was promoted to Attendant-in-Ordinary, then served as Chief of Staff to General of the Left Daolin, with Gaozu directing that all matters within the commandery seat be resolved on his counsel. When the commandery seat moved, he became Chief of Staff of the Central Army. He was soon given the additional post of Administrator of Jinling, then again served as Chief of Staff to the Cavalry General while also governing Nan commandery, with trust as unwavering as before.

嘗年終，江陵縣獄囚事無輕重，悉散聽歸家，使過正三日還到。罪應入重者有二十餘人，綱紀以下，莫不疑懼。時晉陵郡送故主簿弘季盛、徐壽之並隨在西，固諫以為：「昔人雖有其事，或是記籍過言。且當今民情偽薄，不可以古義相許。」方明不納，一時遣之。囚及父兄皆驚喜涕泣，以為就死無恨。至期，有重罪二人不還，方明不聽討捕。其一人醉不能歸，逮二日乃反；餘一囚十日不至，五官硃千期請見欲白討之，方明知為囚事，使左右謝五官不須入，囚自當反。囚逡巡墟裏，不能自歸，鄉村責讓之，率領將送，遂竟無逃亡者。遠近咸嘆服焉。遭母憂，去職。服闋，為宋臺尚書吏部郎。

At one year's end, he had every prisoner in Jiangling county, regardless of offense, released to go home on the condition that they return after the third day of the New Year. More than twenty faced penalties that could carry heavy punishment; from the staff officers down, everyone was baffled and alarmed. At the time, two former chief clerks sent from Jinling commandery, Hong Jisheng and Xu Shouzhi, who were serving with him in the west, strongly objected: "Earlier ages may indeed have done such things, but perhaps those accounts overstate the case. Besides, the temper of the people today is deceitful and shallow; one cannot expect them to live up to the standards of antiquity." Fangming ignored them and released the prisoners at once. The prisoners and their fathers and elder brothers wept for joy, saying they could face death without regret. When the deadline came, two of the serious offenders failed to return—but Fangming refused to send anyone after them. One had been too drunk to return and showed up two days late; The other did not appear for ten days. Zhu Qianqi of the Five Offices asked for an audience to report the lapse and request a hunt, but Fangming, knowing it concerned the prisoners, had an attendant tell Zhu that he need not come in—the man would return of his own accord. That prisoner wandered the lanes of his neighborhood, unable to bring himself home, until the villagers rebuked him and led him back under escort—and in the end not a single man absconded. Near and far alike marvelled at his judgment. When his mother died, he left office to observe mourning. After mourning he served as Personnel Director in the Masters of Writing of the Song Platform.

高祖受命，遷侍中。永初三年，出為丹陽尹，有能名。轉會稽太守。江東民戶殷盛，風俗峻刻，強弱相陵，奸吏蜂起，符書一下，文攝相續。又罪及比伍，動相連坐，一人犯吏，則一村廢業，邑裏驚擾，狗吠達旦。方明深達治體，不拘文法，闊略苛細，務存綱領。州臺符攝，即時宣下，緩民期會，展其辦舉；郡縣監司，不得妄出，貴族豪士，莫敢犯禁，除比伍之坐，判久系之獄。前後征伐，每兵運不充，悉發倩士庶；事既寧息，皆使還本。而屬所刻害，或即以補吏。守宰不明，與奪乖舛，人事不至，必被抑塞。方明簡汰精當，各慎所宜，雖服役十載，亦一朝從理，東土至今稱詠之。性尤愛惜，未嘗有所是非，承代前人，不易其政。有必宜改者，則以漸移變，使無跡可尋。元嘉三年，卒官，年四十七。

When Gaozu took the throne, he was promoted to Palace Attendant. In the third year of Yongchu he was appointed Chief Administrator of Danyang and earned a name for capable administration. He was transferred to Administrator of Kuaiji. East of the river the population was dense and prosperous, yet customs were harsh and unyielding: the strong preyed upon the weak, corrupt officials swarmed like bees, and whenever an official dispatch arrived a flood of coercive paperwork followed. Punishment extended by mutual responsibility to whole neighborhoods, so that the arrest of one man could idle an entire village; towns were in constant uproar and dogs barked until dawn. Fangming had a deep grasp of how governance actually worked; he did not bind himself slavishly to the code, set aside petty strictures, and kept his eye on essentials. When orders came from the province or the central government he promulgated them promptly, but eased deadlines for the people and allowed more time for compliance; he kept district and county inspectors from meddling at will, barred the wealthy elite from defying the law, abolished collective punishments, and cleared long-pending cases from the jails. In successive campaigns, when military transport fell short he levied labor from gentry and commoners alike; but once the emergency passed he sent every one of them home. Yet subordinates who had oppressed the people were sometimes rewarded with official posts. When magistrates were incompetent or decisions capricious, grievances that never reached the top were invariably stifled. Fangming reviewed cases with precision and placed each man where he belonged; even those who had been forced into service for ten years were released in a single day. To this day the eastern region praises him in song. He was especially cautious by nature, rarely pronouncing judgments of right and wrong; when he succeeded a predecessor he left his policies unchanged. When change was truly needed, he altered things by degrees so that no one could tell precisely when or how the shift had been made. In the third year of Yuanjia he died in office, at the age of forty-seven.

子惠連，幼而聰敏，年十歲，能屬文，族兄靈運深相知賞，事在《靈運傳》。本州辟主簿，不就。惠連先愛會稽郡吏杜德靈，及居父憂，贈以五言詩十餘首，文行於世。坐被徙廢塞，不豫榮伍。尚書僕射殷景仁愛其才，因言次白太祖：「臣小兒時，便見世中有此文，而論者雲是謝惠連，其實非也。」太祖曰：「若如此，便應通之。」元嘉七年，方為司徒彭城王義康法曹參軍。是時義康治東府城，城塹中得古塚，為之改葬，使惠連為祭文，留信待成，其文甚美。又為《雪賦》，亦以高麗見奇。文章並傳於世。十年，卒，時年二十七。既早亡，且輕薄多尤累，故官位不顯。無子。弟惠宣，竟陵王誕司徒從事中郎，臨川內史。

His son Huilian was clever from childhood. At ten he could write polished prose; his kinsman Lingyun held him in high esteem—the account is in Lingyun's biography. The province offered him the post of chief clerk; he declined. Huilian had previously been enamored of Du Deling, a clerk in Kuaiji commandery; while in mourning for his father he sent him more than a dozen pentasyllabic poems, and the verses soon circulated widely. For this he was banished to the frontier and barred from official advancement. Yin Jingren, Deputy Minister of the Masters of Writing, admired his talent and took occasion to tell Taizu, "When I was a child I already saw such writing in circulation, and some claimed it was Xie Huilian's—but it was not. Taizu said, "If that is so, then he should be restored. In the seventh year of Yuanjia he was at last appointed Administrative Officer of the Law Section on the staff of Prince Yikang of Pengcheng as Grand Preceptor. At the time Yikang was repairing the eastern headquarters wall when an ancient tomb was found in the moat. Yikang ordered a proper reburial and commissioned Huilian to write the funerary text, keeping a messenger waiting until the piece was finished—and the writing was superb. He also wrote the "Rhapsody on Snow," which likewise astonished readers with its elegance. His writings remain in circulation to this day. In the tenth year he died, at the age of twenty-seven. He died young, and his frivolity and many failings kept him from distinction in office. He left no sons. His younger brother Huixuan served as Attendant-in-Ordinary on the Grand Preceptor staff of Prince Dan of Jingling and as Administrator of Linchuan.

江夷，字茂遠，濟陽考城人也。祖霖彡，晉護軍將軍。父敳，驃騎諮議參軍。夷少自藻厲，為後進之美。州辟主簿，不就。桓玄篡位，以為豫章王文學。義旗建，高祖板為鎮軍行參軍，尋參大司馬琅邪王軍事，轉以公事免。頃之，復補主簿。豫討桓玄功，封南郡州陵縣五等侯。孟昶建威府司馬，中書侍郎，中軍太尉從事中郎，征西大將軍道規長史、南郡太守，尋轉太尉諮議參軍，領錄事，遷長史，入為侍中，大司馬，從府公北伐，拜洛陽園陵，進至潼關。還領寧遠將軍、琅邪內史、本州大中正。高祖命大司馬府、琅邪國事，一以委焉。

Jiang Yi, styled Maoyuan, came from Kaocheng in Jiyang commandery. His grandfather Bin had served as Protector-General of the Army under Jin. His father Ao had been an advisory officer on the staff of the Cavalry General. From youth Yi refined himself with strict discipline and stood out among his generation. The province offered him the post of chief clerk; he declined. When Huan Xuan seized the throne, Yi was appointed Literary Instructor to the Prince of Yuzhang. When the Righteous Banner uprising began, Gaozu commissioned him as acting aide on the Suppressing Army staff. He soon joined the staff of the Prince of Langya as Grand Marshal, but was later dismissed on official grounds. Before long he was reappointed chief clerk. For his service in the campaign against Huan Xuan he was enfeoffed as fifth-rank Marquis of Zhouling in Nan commandery. He served as staff officer of the Establishing Might Commandery under Meng Chang, then as Palace Secretary Attendant, then as an attendant on the Grand Commander's Central Army staff, then as chief of staff and Administrator of Nan commandery under the Western Expedition Grand General Daogui. He was soon transferred to the Grand Commander's advisory staff with responsibility for record-keeping, then promoted to chief of staff. He entered court service as palace attendant on the Grand Marshal's staff, accompanied the prince on the northern expedition, performed obeisance at the Luoyang imperial tombs, and advanced as far as Tong Pass. On returning he was made concurrently General Who Pacifies the Distance, Administrator of Langya, and Senior Arbiter of his native province. Gaozu entrusted to him every affair of the Grand Marshal's headquarters and the State of Langya.

宋臺初建，為五兵尚書。高祖受命，轉掌度支。出為義興太守，加秩中二千石，以疾去職。尋拜吏部尚書，為吳郡太守。營陽王于吳縣見害，夷臨哭盡禮。又以兄疾去官。復為丹陽尹，吏部尚書，加散騎常侍，遷右僕射。夷美風儀，善舉止，歷任以和簡著稱。出為湘州刺史，加散騎常侍，未之職，病卒，時年四十八。遺命薄斂蔬奠，務存儉約。追贈前將軍，本官如故。子湛，別有傳。

When the Song Platform was first established, he was appointed Minister of the Five Armies. When Gaozu took the throne, he was put in charge of the Revenue Section. He was appointed Administrator of Yixing with emolument at two thousand piculs in the middle grade, but resigned because of illness. He was soon appointed Minister of Personnel and Administrator of Wu commandery. When Prince of Yingyang was murdered at Wu county, Yi came to the funeral and observed every mourning rite. He again resigned when his elder brother fell ill. He served again as intendant of Danyang and Minister of Personnel, was made regular attendant of the scattered cavalry, and was promoted to right vice minister. Yi had a graceful presence and excellent manners, and in every office he was praised for his mild, unassuming style. He was posted as Inspector of Xiangzhou with the additional rank of regular attendant of the scattered cavalry, but died of illness before taking office, at the age of forty-eight. In his final instructions he called for a plain burial with simple vegetable offerings, insisting on austerity. He was posthumously made Forward General, with his former titles confirmed. His son Zhan is treated in a separate biography.

史臣曰：為國之道，食不如信，立人之要，先質後文。士君子當以體正為基，蹈義為本，然後飾以藝能，文以禮樂，苟或難備，不若文不足而質有餘也。是以小心翼翼，可祗事於上帝，嗇夫喋喋，終不離於虎圈。江夷、謝方明、謝弘微、王惠、王球，學義之美，未足以成名，而貞心雅體，廷臣所罕及。《詩》云：「溫溫恭人，惟德之基，」信矣！

The historiographer writes: In governing a state, sustenance is less important than trust; in raising up men, character must come before polish. A gentleman should ground himself in moral integrity and root himself in righteousness, then adorn that foundation with talent and grace it with ritual and music; if he cannot have both, it is better to lack polish than to lack substance. Thus the reverent and careful may serve Heaven, while the petty and quarrelsome never escape the tiger's cage. Jiang Yi, Xie Fangming, Xie Hongwei, Wang Hui, and Wang Qiu were learned and upright, yet not famous for brilliance; their constancy and refined character, however, few courtiers could equal. The Book of Odes says, "Gentle and reverent is the man—he is virtue's foundation"—and how true that is!

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