Volume 60 Biographies 20: Fan Tai, Wang Zhunzhi, Xun Bozi

列傳第二十范泰王淮之王韶之荀伯子

Biographies 20: Fan Tai, Wang Huaizhi, Wang Shaozhi, and Xun Bozi

范泰，字伯倫，順陽山陰人也。祖汪，晉安北將軍、徐、兗二州刺史。父寧，豫章太守。泰初為太學博士，衛將軍謝安、驃騎將軍會稽王道子二府參軍。荊州刺史王忱，泰外弟也，請為天門太守。忱嗜酒，醉輒累旬，及醒，則儼然端肅。泰謂忱曰：「酒雖會性，亦所以傷生。游處以來，常欲有以相戒，當卿沈湎，措言莫由，及今之遇，又無假陳說。」忱嗟歎久之，曰：「見規者眾矣，未有若此者也。」或問忱曰：「范泰何如謝邈？」忱曰：「茂度慢。」又問：「何如殷覬？」忱曰：「伯通易。」忱常有意立功，謂泰曰：「今城池既立，軍甲亦充，將欲掃除中原，以申宿昔之志。伯通意銳，當令擁戈前驅。以君持重，欲相委留事，何如？」泰曰：「百年逋寇，前賢挫屈者多矣。功名雖貴，鄙生所不敢謀。」會忱病卒。召泰為驃騎諮議參軍，遷中書侍郎。時會稽王世子元顯專權，內外百官請假，不復表聞，唯籤元顯而已。泰建言以為非宜，元顯不納。父憂去職，襲爵陽遂鄉侯。桓玄輔晉，使御史中丞祖台之奏泰及前司徒左長史王準之、輔國將軍司馬珣之竝居喪無禮，泰坐廢徙丹徒。

Fan Tai, whose courtesy name was Bolun, came from Shanyin in Shunyang. His grandfather Wang had served as Jin's General Who Pacifies the North and as inspector of Xu and Yan provinces. His father Ning had been prefect of Yuzhang. Tai began as an erudite at the Imperial Academy and then served as a staff officer under both General-in-Chief Xie An and Rapid Cavalry General Daozi, Prince of Kuaiji. Wang Chen, the inspector of Jing Province and Tai's cousin on his mother's side, asked that Tai be appointed administrator of Tianmen. Chen was a heavy drinker who could stay drunk for weeks at a stretch, yet once sober he would again be perfectly composed and dignified. Tai told Chen, "Wine may suit one's temperament, but it also ruins one's health. Ever since we have kept company I have wanted to warn you, but while you were lost in drink there was no way to speak, and now that we meet again there is still no proper moment to lay out what I mean." Chen sighed at length and said, "Many people have tried to correct me, but never like this." Someone asked Chen, "How does Fan Tai compare with Xie Miao?" Chen replied, "Maodu is sluggish." They asked again, "What about Yin Kai?" Chen said, "Botong is easier to deal with." Chen often wanted to win distinction in battle and told Tai, "Our fortifications are in place and our arms are ready; I mean to drive the enemy from the Central Plains and at last fulfill the ambition I have nursed for years. Botong is eager for action and should lead the advance with weapons in hand. Because you are steady and reliable, I would like to leave the rear administration to you—what do you say?" Tai replied, "This enemy has eluded us for a century, and many eminent men before us have been defeated in the attempt. Fame and achievement are splendid things, but I am too mean a man to dare plot for them." Before long Chen fell ill and died. Tai was recalled to serve as an advising staff officer to the Rapid Cavalry General and was then promoted to gentleman attendant of the Central Secretariat. At that time Yuanxian, heir apparent of Kuaiji, held all real power; officials throughout the government, when asking for leave, no longer sent memorials to the throne but only filed slips with Yuanxian. Tai submitted a memorial arguing that this was improper, but Yuanxian ignored it. He resigned on his father's death and inherited the title Marquis of Yangsui township. When Huan Xuan dominated the Jin court, he had Censor-in-Chief Zu Taizhi accuse Tai, together with the former left chief clerk of the Ministry of Education Wang Zhunzhi and Assisting-State General Sima Xunzhi, of failing to observe mourning rites properly; Tai was stripped of office and exiled to Dantu.

義旗建，國子博士。司馬休之為冠軍將軍、荊州刺史，以泰為長史、南郡太守。又除長沙相，散騎常侍，竝不拜。入為黃門郎，御史中丞。坐議殷祠事謬，白衣領職。出為東陽太守。盧循之難，泰預發兵千人，開倉給稟，高祖加泰振武將軍。明年，遷侍中，尋轉度支尚書。時僕射陳郡謝混，後進知名，高祖嘗從容問混：「泰名輩可以比誰？」對曰：「王元太一流人也。」徙為太常。

When the loyalist armies rose against Huan Xuan, he was appointed an erudite at the National University. When Sima Xiuzhi became Champion General and inspector of Jing Province, he made Tai his chief clerk and administrator of Nan commandery. He was also offered the posts of chancellor of Changsha and regular attendant of the scattered cavalry, but declined both. He was recalled to the capital as a gentleman of the Yellow Gates and then as censor-in-chief. He was faulted for a mistake in deliberations over the Yin ancestral sacrifices and continued to hold office only as a commoner out of mourning dress. He was sent out to serve as administrator of Dongyang. During Lu Xun's rebellion Tai had already raised a thousand troops, opened the granaries, and distributed provisions; the High Ancestor then gave him the additional title General Who Quells Martial Foes. The following year he was made palace attendant and soon afterward minister of revenue. At that time Xie Hun of Chen commandery, a celebrated rising star among the vice directors of the Secretariat, was once asked casually by the High Ancestor, "Among famous men of his generation, whom does Tai resemble?" He answered, "He belongs in the same class as Wang Yuantai." He was then transferred to the post of minister of ceremonies.

高祖還彭城，與共登城，泰有足疾，特命乘輿。泰好酒，不拘小節，通率任心，雖在公坐，不異私室，高祖甚賞愛之。然拙於為治，故不得在政事之官。遷護軍將軍，以公事免。高祖受命，拜金紫光祿大夫，加散騎常侍。明年，議建國學，以泰領國子祭酒。泰上表曰：

When the High Ancestor returned to Pengcheng and went up on the city walls with him, Tai, who suffered from a foot ailment, was specially allowed to ride in a carriage. Tai loved wine, cared little for minor etiquette, and was frank and unguarded; even at court he behaved as freely as at home, and the High Ancestor valued and favored him greatly. Yet he was inept at practical administration, and so was never placed in charge of major policy. He was made General Who Protects the Army but was later dismissed for an official offense. When the High Ancestor took the throne, Tai was appointed Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon and given the additional title of regular attendant of the scattered cavalry. The following year, when the court debated founding a national university, Tai was placed in charge as libationer of the imperial academy. Tai submitted a memorial that read:

臣聞風化興於哲王，教訓表於至世。至說莫先講習，甚樂必寄朋來。古人成童入學，易子而教，尋師無遠，負糧忘艱，安親光國，莫不由此。若能出不由戶，則斯道莫從。是以明詔爰發，已成渙汗，學制既下，遠近遵承。臣之愚懷，少有未達。

I have heard that civilizing influence flourishes under sage rulers and that teaching and moral guidance mark the finest ages. The highest form of persuasion begins with study together, and the deepest joy depends on friends gathering to learn. The ancients entered school at maturity, exchanged sons for mutual instruction, sought teachers however far away, and carried grain on their backs without minding the hardship; securing one's parents and bringing honor to the state all stemmed from this. If one cannot even leave home by the proper gate, how can this Way be pursued? Hence your enlightened edict has gone forth and its influence has already spread far and wide; now that the school regulations have been issued, the realm near and far is ready to obey. In my humble understanding, however, a few points remain unclear.

今惟新告始，盛業初基，天下改觀，有志景慕。而置生之制，取少停多，開不來之端，非一塗而已。臣以家推國，則知所聚不多，恐不足以宣大宋之風，弘濟濟之美。臣謂合選之家，雖制所未達，父兄欲其入學，理合開通；雖小違晨昏，所以大弘孝道。不知《春秋》，則所陷或大，故趙盾忠而書弑，許子孝而得罪，以斯為戒，可不懼哉！十五志學，誠有其文，若年降無幾，而深有志尚者，何必限以一格，而不許其進邪！揚烏豫《玄》，實在弱齒；五十學《易》，乃無大過。

Your new reign has only just begun and the great enterprise is still being laid; the whole realm is watching with fresh eyes, and men of ambition look to you with admiration. Yet the rules for enrolling students admit few and exclude many, opening more than one path by which eager learners are turned away. If one judges the state by the household, the number gathered will be small; I fear it will not be enough to spread the civilizing influence of great Song or to display the full splendor of its cultivated talent. I believe that in families eligible for selection, even when the regulations do not yet cover them, if fathers and elder brothers wish their sons to study, the way ought to be opened; even if they must be away from home morning and evening, this would greatly advance the practice of filial piety. Without knowledge of the Spring and Autumn Annals one may fall into grave error; Zhao Dun was loyal yet was recorded as a regicide, and Xu Zi was filial yet was judged guilty—taking this as a warning, should we not be afraid! The canon says that at fifteen one sets one's will on learning; if a youth is only slightly younger and has strong ambition, why confine him to one rigid rule and refuse him entry! Yang Xiong drafted the Profound Meaning while still very young; and to study the Changes at fifty was still no great fault.

昔中朝助教，亦用二品。潁川陳載已辟太保掾，而國子取為助教，即太尉淮之弟。所貴在於得才，無繫於定品。教學不明，獎厲不著，今有職閑而學優者，可以本官領之，門地二品，宜以朝請領助教，既可以甄其名品，斯亦敦學之一隅。其二品才堪，自依舊從事。會今生到有期，而學校未立。覆簣實望其速，回轍已淹其遲。事有似賒而宜急者，殆此之謂。古人重寸陰而賤尺璧，其道然也。

In the earlier central court the assistant instructor had also been drawn from the second rank. Chen Zai of Yingchuan had already been recruited as a staff officer to the Grand Guardian, yet the imperial academy appointed him assistant instructor; he was the younger brother of Grand Marshal Huai. What matters is obtaining talent, not fixing rigid rank. Because teaching is not clearly organized and incentives are weak, men who hold idle offices but excel in learning should be allowed to serve concurrently in their present posts; for families of the second rank, court gentlemen should head assistant instructorships—this would distinguish their standing and be one way to encourage learning. Those of the second rank whose talent is adequate may continue in their former duties as before. The season when new students should arrive is already at hand, yet the school has still not been founded. One who overturns a basket of earth truly hopes for speed, yet to turn the cart around is already to be late. There are matters that seem to permit delay yet ought to be rushed—this is surely one of them. The ancients valued an inch of time above a foot of jade—that was their principle.

時學竟不立。時言事者多以錢貨減少，國用不足，欲悉市民銅，更造五銖錢。泰又諫曰：

In the end the school was never established. At that time many memorialists argued that money was scarce and state revenue insufficient, and proposed buying up all private copper to recast new five-zhu coins. Tai remonstrated again, saying:

流聞將禁私銅，以充官銅。民雖失器，終於獲直，國用不足，其利實多。臣愚意異，不寧寢默。臣聞治國若烹小鮮，拯敝莫若務本。百姓不足，君孰與足。未有民貧而國富，本不足而末有餘者也。故囊漏貯中，識者不吝；反裘負薪，存毛實難。王者不言有無，諸侯不言多少，食祿之家，不與百姓爭利。故拔葵所以明治，織蒲謂之不仁，是以貴賤有章，職分無爽。

I hear it said that private copper is to be banned so that the state's supply may be filled. Though the people would lose their utensils, they would finally receive payment; state revenue is short, and the profit would indeed be considerable. My humble view differs, and I cannot keep silent even in sleep. I have heard that governing a state is like cooking a small fish, and that to rescue decline nothing surpasses strengthening the fundamentals. When the common people lack sufficiency, how can the ruler be sufficient? Never yet has a state been rich while its people were poor, or the branches abundant while the root was wanting. Hence when the purse leaks into the treasury, the wise do not begrudge the loss; to wear the fur cloak inside out while carrying firewood—to preserve the hide is truly hard. The Son of Heaven does not speak of gain and loss; feudal lords do not haggle over amounts; families on state stipends do not compete with the common people for profit. Hence uprooting mallows was held to clarify government, and weaving rushes was deemed inhumane; noble and base each have their place, and offices their proper duties without confusion.

今之所憂，在農民尚寡，倉廩未充，轉運無已，資食者眾，家無私積，難以禦荒耳。夫貨存貿易，不在少多，昔日之貴，今者之賤，彼此共之，其揆一也。但令官民均通，則無患不足。若使必資貨廣以收國用者，則龜貝之屬，自古所行。尋銅之為器，在用也博矣。鍾律所通者遠，機衡所揆者大。夏鼎負《圖》，實冠眾瑞，晉鐸呈象，亦啟休徵。器有要用，則貴賤同資；物有適宜，則家國共急。今毀必資之器，而為無施之錢，於貨則功不補勞，在用則君民俱困，校之以實，損多益少。陛下勞謙終日，無倦庶務，以身率物，勤素成風，而頌聲不作，板、渭不至者，良由基根未固，意在遠略。伏願思可久之道，賒欲速之情，弘山海之納，擇芻收之說，則嘉謀日陳，聖慮可廣。其亡存心，然後苞桑可繋。愚誠一至，用忘寢食。

What we should worry about now is that farmers are still too few, the granaries are not full, transport never ends, too many live on state grain, households have no private reserves, and famine would be hard to withstand. Goods exist for exchange; the issue is not quantity alone—what was costly yesterday is cheap today, and both sides share the change by the same principle. If only government and people circulate money evenly, there will be no fear of shortage. If the state must enlarge revenue by manipulating currency, tortoise shells and cowries and the like have been used since antiquity. Consider copper as a material for vessels—its uses are indeed wide-ranging. Bells and pitch pipes reach far; armillary spheres and steelyard rods measure what is vast. The Xia tripod bore the Chart and truly crowned all auspicious omens; the Jin bell displayed images and likewise heralded blessed signs. When vessels serve essential purposes, noble and common alike depend on them; when things suit their proper use, household and state share the same urgent need. To destroy indispensable vessels and mint useless coin—in trade the effort will not repay the labor, and in daily use ruler and people alike will suffer; judged by fact, the losses outweigh the gains. Your Majesty labors humbly all day without tiring of public affairs, leads by personal example, and frugality has become the prevailing custom—yet praise does not arise and the songs of Ban and Wei do not come, truly because the foundations are not yet secure and your mind is set on distant plans. I beg you to consider what can long endure, set aside the urge for haste, enlarge your acceptance as mountains and seas do, and choose wisely among humble counsel—then good plans will daily be offered and your sage deliberation may broaden. Keep the thought of ruin ever in mind, and then the state may be secured as firmly as mulberry roots on the riverbank. My foolish sincerity is complete, and I have forgotten sleep and food in offering this.

景平初，加位特進。明年，致仕，解國子祭酒。少帝在位，多諸愆失，上封事極諫，曰：

At the beginning of the Jingping era he was granted the special advancement rank. The following year he retired from office and resigned as libationer of the imperial academy. While the young emperor reigned there were many failings; Tai submitted a sealed memorial of stern remonstrance, saying:

伏聞陛下時在後園，頗習武備，鼓鞞在宮，聲聞於外；黷武掖庭之內，喧嘩省闥之間，不聞將帥之臣，統御之主，非徒不足以威四夷，祗生遠近之怪。近者東寇紛擾，皆欲伺國瑕隙，今之吳、會，寧過二漢關、河，根本既搖，於何不有。如水旱成災，役夫不息，無寇而戒，為費漸多。河南非復國有，羯虜難以理期，此臣所以用忘寢食，而幹非其位者也。

I have heard that Your Majesty often drills in the rear garden, practicing military exercises; drums and shields resound within the palace and are heard outside; indulging in arms within the inner palaces and raising clamor at the gates of the secretariat, without the presence of generals or commanders in charge—not only is this insufficient to awe the four quarters, it only breeds wonder near and far. Recently eastern rebels have been in turmoil, all watching for cracks in the state; today's Wu and Kuaiji regions are no less vital than the passes and rivers of the two Han dynasties—once the root is shaken, what calamity may not follow? When floods and droughts strike, corvée labor never ceases, and the realm is put on alert though no enemy threatens—costs mount steadily. The heartland south of the Yellow River is no longer securely ours, and the Jie invaders cannot be managed by ordinary means—this is why I forget sleep and food and speak though it is not my place.

陛下踐阼，委政宰臣，實同高宗諒闇之美。而更親狎小人，不免近習，懼非社稷至計，經世之道。王言如絲，其出如綸，下觀而化，疾於影響。伏願陛下思弘古道，式遵遺訓，從理無滯，任賢勿疑，如此則天下歸德，宗社惟永。《書》云：「一人有慶，兆民賴之。」天高聽卑，無幽不察，興衰在人，成敗易曉，未有政治在於上而人亂於下者也。

Since Your Majesty took the throne and entrusted affairs to your chief ministers, you have truly matched the virtue of Gaozong who ruled from mourning seclusion. Yet you draw too close to petty men and cannot avoid familiar favorites—I fear this is not the best course for the altars of state or for governing the age. The ruler's words may be as fine as silk, yet when spoken they bind like great cords; those below look up and are transformed swifter than shadow follows form. I beg Your Majesty to reflect on the ancient Way, follow the legacy teachings, act without obstruction where reason leads, and employ the worthy without doubt—then the realm will turn to you in virtue and the altars of state will endure. The Book of Documents says, "When one man is blessed, the myriad people rely upon him." Heaven is high yet hears the lowly; nothing in the dark escapes its gaze; prosperity and decline depend on men, success and failure are easy to discern—never yet has order reigned above while the people were in chaos below.

臣蒙先朝過遇，陛下殊私，實欲盡心竭誠，少報萬分；而惛耄已及，百疾互生，便為永違聖顏，無復自盡之路，貪及視息，陳其狂瞽。陛下若能哀其所請，留心覽察，則臣夕殞於地，無恨九泉。

I received exceptional favor from the former court and special kindness from Your Majesty, and truly wish to give all my heart and loyalty to repay even the smallest part of it; but senility has overtaken me and ailments multiply; I must soon part forever from your sage countenance and have no further way to serve—yet greedy still for life, I offer this reckless counsel. If Your Majesty will pity my plea and give it careful reading, I may die this very evening without regret in the world below.

少帝雖不能納，亦不加譴。徐羨之、傅亮等與泰素不平，及廬陵王義真、少帝見害，泰謂所親曰：「吾觀古今多矣，未有受遺顧託，而嗣君見殺，賢王嬰戮者也。」元嘉二年，表賀元正，並陳旱災，曰：

The young emperor, though he did not heed the advice, did not punish him either. Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and others had long disliked Tai; when Prince of Luling Yizhen and the young emperor were killed, Tai told his intimates, "I have read much of past and present, yet never seen one who received a deathbed charge and regency, only to have the heir murdered and worthy princes slaughtered." In the second year of Yuanjia he submitted a memorial congratulating the New Year and also describing the drought, saying:

元正改律，品物惟新。陛下藉日新以畜德，仰乾元以履祚，吉祥集室，百福來庭。頃旱魃為虐，亢陽愆度，通川燥流，異井同竭。老弱不堪遠汲，貧寡單於負水。租輸既重，賦稅無降，百姓怨咨。臣年過七十，未見此旱。陰陽並隔，則和氣不交，豈惟凶荒，必生疾疫，其為憂虞，不可備序。

At the New Year the calendar is renewed and all things are made fresh. Your Majesty, drawing on daily renewal to nurture virtue, ascends the throne in accord with Heaven; auspicious signs gather in the hall and a hundred blessings attend the court. Recently the drought demon has wrought havoc; the blazing sun has exceeded its proper measure; rivers that should flow run dry, and wells of every kind are exhausted alike. The old and weak cannot endure hauling water from far away; the poor and isolated struggle alone to carry water. Rent and tribute are already heavy and taxes are not reduced; the common people murmur in complaint. I am past seventy and have never seen drought like this. When yin and yang are both blocked, harmonizing qi cannot mingle—not only will famine follow, but pestilence is sure to arise; the worries are beyond numbering.

雩絜之典，以誠會事，巫祝常祈，罕能有感，上天之譴，不可不察。漢東海枉殺孝婦，亢旱三年；及祭其墓，澍雨立降，歲以有年。是以衛人伐邢，師興而雨。伏願陛下式遵遠猷，思隆高構，推忠恕之愛，矜冤枉之獄，遊心下民之瘼，厝思幽冥之紀。令謗木豎闕，諫鼓鳴朝，察芻牧之言，總統御之要。如此，則苞桑可繫，危幾無兆。斯而災害不消，未之有也。故夏禹引百姓之罪，殷湯甘萬方之過，太戊資桑穀以進德，宋景藉熒惑以修善，斯皆因敗以轉成，往事之昭晰也。循末俗者難為風，就正路者易為雅。臣疾患日篤，夕不謀朝，會及歲慶，得一聞達，微誠少亮，無恨泉壤，永違聖顏，拜表悲咽。

The rites of rain-prayer rely on sincerity in the affair; shamans constantly pray, yet rarely is there any response—the reprimand of Heaven must be examined. In Han times Donghai wrongly executed a filial daughter-in-law, and drought lasted three years; when her tomb was sacrificed to, timely rain fell at once and the year brought harvest. Therefore when the men of Wei attacked Xing, the army marched and rain fell. I beg Your Majesty to follow far-reaching plans, think to elevate great institutions, extend loyal and forgiving love, pity the unjustly imprisoned, attend to the sufferings of the people below, and reflect on the unseen realm. Let the slander-post stand at the gate and the remonstrance drum sound at court; heed the words of common herdsmen and gather the essentials of rule. If so, the state may be secured as firmly as mulberry roots on the bank, and perilous omens will find no foothold. Then for disasters not to vanish—there has never been such a thing. Thus Yu of Xia took upon himself the people's faults, Tang of Yin willingly bore the myriad regions' errors, Tai Jia used the mulberry-and-grain omen to advance in virtue, and King Jing of Song used the Mars omen to cultivate goodness—all turned misfortune into success, as past events make clear. Those who follow decadent custom find it hard to set the trend; those who take the correct road find elegance easy. My illness grows worse day by day; I do not plan for tomorrow; meeting the year's celebration I gain one hearing—if my slight sincerity finds a little light, I shall have no regret in the grave, forever parting from your sage countenance; I bow in this memorial with sobs.

遂輕舟游東陽，任心行止，不關朝廷。有司劾奏之，太祖不問也。時太祖雖當陽親覽，而羨之等猶秉重權，復上表曰：「伏承廬陵王已複封爵，猶未加贈。陛下孝慈天至，友于過隆，伏揆聖心，已自有在。但司契以不唱為高，冕旒以因寄成用。臣雖言不足采，誠不亮時，但猥蒙先朝忘醜之眷，復沾廬陵矜顧之末，息晏委質，有兼常款，契闊戎陣，顛狽艱危，厚德無報，授令路絕，此老臣兼不能自已者也。朽謝越局，無所逃刑。」泰諸子禁之，表竟不奏。

Thereupon he took a light boat to travel in Dongyang, going and stopping as his heart pleased, without regard to the court. The responsible office memorialized to impeach him; the Founding Emperor took no notice. At that time, though the Founding Emperor personally governed, Xianzhi and others still held heavy power; Tai again submitted a memorial, saying, "I hear that the Prince of Luling has already had his title and fief restored, yet posthumous honors have not been granted. Your Majesty's filial kindness reaches Heaven and brotherly love exceeds the norm—I gauge your sage heart and know you already have your own intent. Yet the Keeper of the Tablet takes silence as loftiness, and the royal cap achieves its use through delegation. My words may be unworthy and my sincerity may not suit the age, yet I have received the former court's favor that overlooked my faults and again been touched by the Prince of Luling's pity at the end; I entrusted myself to him with more than ordinary bond, sharing hardship in the army camps—great kindness without repayment, the command ended on the road—this old servant moreover cannot restrain himself. Decrepit and declining, I overstepped my bounds and could not escape punishment." Tai's sons forbade it, and the memorial was never submitted.

三年，羨之等伏誅，進位侍中、左光祿大夫、國子祭酒，領江夏王師，特進如故。上以泰先朝舊臣，恩禮甚重，以有腳疾，起居艱難，宴見之日，特聽乘輿到坐。累陳時事，上每優容之。其年秋，旱蝗，又上表曰：

In the third year Xianzhi and the others were executed; Tai was promoted to palace attendant, left grand master of splendid happiness, libationer of the imperial academy, and tutor to the Prince of Jiangxia, with special advancement as before. Because Tai was an old minister of the former court and was treated with exceptional honor, and because a foot ailment made rising and sitting difficult, on days of audience the emperor specially allowed him to ride in a carriage to his seat. He repeatedly addressed affairs of the day, and the emperor each time treated him with generous forbearance. That autumn there was drought and locusts; he again submitted a memorial, saying:

陛下昧旦丕顯，求民之瘼，明斷庶獄，無倦政事，理出群心，澤謠民口，百姓翕然，皆自以為遇其時也。災變雖小，要有以致之。守宰之失，臣所不能究；上天之譴，臣所不敢誣。有蝗之處，縣官多課民捕之，無益於枯苗，有傷於殺害。臣聞桑穀時亡，無假斤斧，楚昭仁愛，不絜自瘳，卓茂去無知之蟲，宋均囚有異之虎，蝗生有由，非所宜殺。石不能言，星不自隕，《春秋》之旨，所宜詳察。

Your Majesty rises early to govern, seeks the people's sufferings, clearly decides the many cases, and is untiring in government; reason emerges from the people's hearts and favor spreads on their lips—the common people are harmonious, all believing they have met their time. Though calamities and portents are small, there must be something that brings them about. The faults of local officials I cannot investigate; the reprimand of Heaven I dare not falsely attribute. Where locusts appear, county officials mostly compel the people to catch them—this does no good to withered crops but harms through killing. I have heard that when mulberry and grain failed in their season, no axe was needed; King Zhao of Chu's benevolence healed without rites; Zhuo Mao removed harmless insects; Song Jun imprisoned a strange tiger—locusts arise with cause and ought not to be killed. Stones cannot speak, stars do not fall of themselves—the purport of the Spring and Autumn Annals is that this ought to be examined carefully.

禮，婦人有三從之義，而無自專之道；《周書》父子兄弟，罪不相及，女人被宥，由來尚矣。謝晦婦女，猶在尚方，始貴後賤，物情之所甚苦，匹婦一至，亦能有所感激。臣於謝氏，不容有情，蒙國重恩，寢處思報，伏度聖心，已當有在。

By ritual, women have the principle of three followings and no way of self-determination; the Book of Zhou says that among fathers, sons, and brothers crimes do not extend to one another; pardon for women has been honored since antiquity. Xie Hui's wife and daughters are still in the palace workshops; first honored, then debased—this is what human feeling finds most bitter; even a common wife can be moved to some response. Toward the Xie family I cannot be without feeling; receiving the state's heavy grace, I think of repayment waking and sleeping—I gauge your sage heart and know you already have your intent.

禮春夏教《詩》，無一而闕也。臣近侍坐，聞立學當在入年。陛下經略粗建，意存民食，入年則農功興，農功興則田里辟，入秋治庠序，入冬集遠生，二塗並行，事不相害。夫事多以淹稽為戒，不遠為患，任臣學官，竟無微績，徒墜天施，無情自處。臣之區區，不望目睹盛化，竊慕子囊城郢之心，庶免荀偃不瞑之恨。臣比陳愚見，便是都無可采，徒煩天聽，愧作反側。

By ritual, spring and summer teach the Odes, and none is omitted. I recently attended at audience and heard that establishing the school should come in the entering year. Your Majesty's strategic planning is roughly established and your intent rests on the people's food; in the entering year agricultural work rises, and when it rises fields and hamlets are opened—in autumn one orders the school, in winter one gathers distant students; the two paths may proceed together without mutual harm. Matters mostly warn against delay and obstruction, not against distance as harm; yet I as academic official in the end achieved nothing, only falling short of Heaven's gift through my own inaction. My slight aim does not hope to witness the flourishing transformation with my own eyes; I secretly admire Zisang's heart in defending Ying and hope to avoid Xun Yan's regret of dying with eyes open. My recent foolish views were altogether unworthy of adoption, only troubling your hearing and filling me with shame.

書奏，上乃原謝晦婦女。

When the memorial was submitted, the emperor thereupon pardoned Xie Hui's wife and daughters.

時司徒王弘輔政，泰謂弘曰：「天下務廣，而權要難居；卿兄弟盛滿，當深存降挹。彭城王，帝之次弟，宜徵還入朝，共參朝政。」弘納其言。

At that time Minister of Education Wang Hong assisted in government; Tai said to Hong, "Affairs under Heaven are broad, yet holding power is hard to sustain; you and your brothers are full to overflowing—you ought deeply to preserve humility and restraint. The Prince of Pengcheng is the emperor's next younger brother; he should be summoned back to court to share in government." Hong accepted his advice.

時旱災未已，加以疾疫，泰又上表曰：「頃亢旱歷時，疾疫未已，方之常災，實為過差，古以為王澤不流之徵。陛下昧旦臨朝，無懈治道，躬自菲薄，勞心民庶，以理而言，不應致此。意以為上天之於賢君，正自殷勤無已。陛下同規禹、湯引百姓之過，言動於心，道敷自遠。桑穀生朝而殞，熒惑犯心而退，非唯消災弭患，乃所以大啟聖明；靈雨立降，百姓改瞻，應感之來，有同影響。陛下近當仰推天意，俯察人謀，升平之化，尚存舊典，顧思與不思，行與不行耳。大宋雖揖讓受終，未積有虞之道，先帝登遐之日，便是道消之初。至乃嗣主被殺，哲藩嬰禍，九服徘徊，有心喪氣，佐命託孤之臣，俄為戎首。天下蕩蕩，王道已淪，自非神英，撥亂反正，則宗社非復宋有。革命之與隨時，其義尤大。是以古今異用，循方必壅，大道隱於小成，欲速或未必達。深根固蒂之術，未洽於愚心，是用倡狂妄作而不能緘默者也。臣既頑且鄙，不達治宜，加之以篤疾，重之以昏耄，言或非言而復不能無言，陛下錄其一毫之誠，則臣不知厝身之所。」

As drought had not yet ended and epidemic was added, Tai again submitted a memorial, saying, "Recently blazing drought has lasted through the seasons and epidemic has not yet ended; compared with ordinary disasters this is truly excessive—antiquity took this as a sign that the ruler's favor does not flow. Your Majesty rises early at court without slackening in governance, personally practices frugality and toils for the people—by reason this ought not to occur. I think Heaven toward a worthy ruler is especially diligent without end. Your Majesty, matching Yu and Tang, takes upon yourself the people's faults; words move in the heart and the Way spreads from afar. Mulberry and grain grew in the court and perished; Mars invaded the heart and retreated—not only eliminating disaster and quelling harm, but thereby greatly opening sage clarity; spirit rain fell at once and the people changed their gaze; the response came like shadow and echo. Your Majesty ought soon to look up and follow Heaven's intent and look down to examine human counsel—the transformation of peace and ascent still preserves the old canons; it depends only on whether you will think and act. Great Song, though it received the throne by yielding, has not yet accumulated the Way of Yu and Shun; the day the former emperor died was the beginning of the Way's decline. Then the successor was killed and worthy princes were slaughtered; the realm wandered in confusion, hearts grieving and spirits broken; ministers entrusted with the regency soon became leaders of armed strife. All under Heaven was in turmoil and the kingly Way was already sunk; unless one were divinely heroic and turned chaos to order, the altars would no longer belong to Song. Revolution follows the times—its meaning is especially great. Therefore ancient and modern use different methods; following the square path necessarily blocks; the great Way is hidden in small achievements, and desiring speed may not reach the goal. The art of deep roots and firm foundations has not yet harmonized with my foolish heart—this is why I advocate bold counsel and cannot keep silent. I am both stubborn and coarse, not understanding the fitness of rule, and to this is added grave illness and further dim senility—I may speak what ought not to be spoken, yet I cannot be silent; if Your Majesty records even a hair's breadth of my sincerity, I do not know where to place myself."'

泰博覽篇籍，好為文章，愛獎後生，孜孜無倦。撰《古今善言》二十四篇及文集，傳於世。暮年事佛甚精，於宅西立祗洹精舍。五年，卒，時年七十四。追贈車騎將軍，侍中、特進、王師如故。諡曰宣侯。

Tai read widely in books and records, loved to write, and loved to encourage younger scholars, diligent without weariness. He compiled twenty-four chapters of Fine Words Ancient and Modern and a collected writings, both transmitted in the world. In his later years he devoted himself deeply to Buddhism and west of his residence established the Jizhi Pure Abode. In the fifth year he died, at the age of seventy-four. Posthumously he was given the title General of the Chariots of War, with palace attendant, special advancement, and royal tutor as before. His posthumous name was Marquis Xuan.

長子昂，早卒。次子暠，宜都太守。次晏，侍中、光祿大夫。次曄，太子詹事，謀反伏誅，自有傳。少子廣淵，善屬文，世祖撫軍諮議參軍，領記室，坐曄事從誅。

His eldest son Ang died young. His second son Gao was administrator of Yidu. The third son Yan was palace attendant and grand master of splendid happiness. The fourth son Ye was supervisor of the heir apparent's household; he rebelled and was executed—he has his own biography. The youngest son Guangyuan was skilled at prose composition; he was an advising staff officer to the Founding Emperor's son the General Who Pacifies the Army and headed the secretariat; because of Ye's affair he was executed with him.

王淮之，字元曾，琅邪臨沂人。高祖彬，尚書僕射。曾祖彪之，尚書令。祖臨之，父納之，並御史中丞。彪之博聞多識，練悉朝儀，自是家世相傳，並諳江左舊事，緘之青箱，世人謂之「王氏青箱學」。

Wang Huaizhi, whose courtesy name was Yuanceng, came from Linyi in Langye. His founding ancestor Bin was vice director of the Secretariat. His great-grandfather Biaozhi was minister of the Secretariat. His grandfather Linzhi and father Nazhi had both been censors-in-chief. Biaozhi was broadly learned and skilled in court ritual; from this the family transmitted generation after generation, all versed in the old affairs of the Jiang left, stored in the blue box—men of the age called it the Wang family's Blue Box learning.

淮之兼明《禮傳》，贍於文辭。起家為本國右常侍，桓玄大將軍行參軍。玄篡位，以為尚書祠部郎。義熙初，又為尚書中兵郎，遷參高祖車騎中軍軍事，丹陽丞，中軍太尉主簿，出為山陰令，有能名。預討盧循功，封都亭侯。又為高祖鎮西、平北、太尉參軍，尚書左丞，本郡大中正。宋臺建，除御史中丞，為僚友所憚。淮之父納之、祖臨之、曾祖彪之至淮之，四世居此職。淮之嘗作五言，范泰嘲之曰：「卿唯解彈事耳。」淮之正色答：「猶差卿世載雄狐。」坐世子右衛率謝靈運殺人不舉，免官。

Huaizhi was also well versed in the Record of Rites and accomplished in literary composition. He began his career as right regular attendant of his native commandery and a traveling staff officer under Huan Xuan, Grand General. When Xuan usurped the throne he was made gentleman of the Ministry of Rites in charge of sacrifices. At the beginning of Yixi he again became gentleman of the central army in the Secretariat, was transferred to serve in the military staff of the High Ancestor's rapid cavalry and central army, became assistant magistrate of Danyang and chief clerk to the grand marshal, then went out as magistrate of Shanyin with a reputation for ability. For his share in the campaign against Lu Xun he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Duting. He also served as staff officer to the High Ancestor's general who pacifies the west, general who pacifies the north, and grand marshal, as left assistant director of the Secretariat, and as senior evaluator of his native commandery. When the Song regime was established he was appointed censor-in-chief, and his colleagues feared him. From Huaizhi's father Nazhi and grandfather Linzhi back through great-grandfather Biaozhi to Huaizhi himself, four generations had held this post. Huaizhi once wrote a five-character poem; Fan Tai teased him, saying, "All you know is how to impeach people." Huaizhi answered gravely: "Still better than your family's generations of male foxes." He was dismissed because, as censor-in-chief, he had failed to report that Xie Lingyun, colonel of the heir apparent's right guard, had committed murder.

高祖受命，拜黃門侍郎。永初二年，奏曰：「鄭玄注《禮》，三年之喪，二十七月而吉，古今學者多謂得禮之宜。晉初用王肅議，祥禫共月，故二十五月而除，遂以為制。江左以來，唯晉朝施用；搢紳之士，多遵玄義。夫先王制禮，以大順群心。喪也寧戚，著自前訓。今大宋開泰，品物遂理。愚謂宜同即物情，以玄義為制，朝野一禮，則家無殊俗。」從之。

When the High Ancestor received the Mandate he was appointed gentleman at the yellow gate. In the second year of Yongchu he submitted a memorial saying, "Zheng Xuan's commentary on the Rites holds that the three-year mourning period becomes auspicious in the twenty-seventh month; scholars ancient and modern have mostly regarded this as ritually proper. At the beginning of Jin they adopted Wang Su's proposal, placing the xiang and chan sacrifices in the same month, so mourning ended in the twenty-fifth month and this became law. Since the Jiang left, only the Jin dynasty had applied it; and gentry and officials mostly followed Xuan's interpretation. The former kings established ritual so that it would accord with the hearts of the people. "In mourning, better to express grief"—this principle is recorded in earlier instruction. Now the Great Song opens an age of peace, and the myriad things have attained their proper order. I humbly believe we should align with present human feeling, adopt Xuan's interpretation as law, and unify ritual in court and countryside—then no household would follow a divergent custom." The court approved his proposal.

遷司徒左長史，出為始興太守。元嘉二年，為江夏王義恭撫軍長史、歷陽太守，行州府之任，綏懷得理，軍民便之。尋入為侍中。明年，徙為都官尚書，改領吏部。性峭急，頗失搢紳之望。出為丹陽尹。淮之究識舊儀，問無不對，時大將軍彭城王義康錄尚書事，每歎曰：「何須高論玄虛，正得如王淮之兩三人，天下便治矣。」然寡乏風素，不為時流所重。撰《儀注》，朝廷至今遵用之。十年，卒，時年五十六。追贈太常。子興之，征虜主簿。

He was transferred to left chief clerk of the minister of education, then went out as administrator of Shixing. In the second year of Yuanjia he served as chief clerk to the pacification army of Prince Yigong of Jiangxia and as administrator of Liyang, exercising the duties of the province and princely establishment; he governed with soothing propriety, and both soldiers and civilians benefited. Soon afterward he entered court service as palace attendant. The following year he was transferred to minister of justice and then reassigned to head the Ministry of Personnel. His nature was harsh and impatient, and he lost much standing among the gentry. He went out to serve as magistrate of Danyang. Huaizhi had mastered the old rituals and could answer any question put to him. At the time the grand general, Prince Yikang of Pengcheng, was recording affairs of the Secretariat; he often sighed and said, "Why discourse loftily on the abstruse? Two or three men like Wang Huaizhi would be enough to bring the realm to order." Yet he lacked moral stature and was not highly regarded by men of the age. He compiled Ceremonial Regulations, which the court still follows today. In the tenth year he died at the age of fifty-six. Posthumously he was enfeoffed as grand master of splendid happiness. His son Xingzhi served as chief clerk to the general who conquers the barbarians.

高祖受禪，加驍騎將軍、本郡中正，黃門如故，西省職解，復掌宋書。有司奏東冶士朱道民禽三叛士，依例放遣，韶之啟曰：「尚書金部奏事如右，斯誠檢忘一時權制，懼非經國弘本之令典。臣尋舊制，以罪補士，凡有十餘條，雖同異不紊，而輕重實殊。至於詐列父母死，誣罔父母淫亂，破義反逆，此四條，實窮亂抵逆，人理必盡。雖復殊刑過制，猶不足以塞莫大之罪。既獲全首領，大造已隆，寧可復遂拔徒隸，緩帶當年，自同編戶，列齒齊民乎？臣懼此制永行，所虧實大。方今聖化惟新，崇本棄末，一切之令，宜加詳改。愚謂此四條不合加贖罪之恩。」侍中褚淡之同韶之三條，卻宜仍舊。詔可。又駁員外散騎侍郎王實之請假事曰：「伏尋舊制，群臣家有情事，聽並急六十日。太元中改制，年賜假百日。又居在千里外，聽並請來年限，合為二百日。此蓋一時之令，非經通之旨。會稽雖途盈千里，未足為難，百日歸休，於事自足。若私理不同，便應自表陳解，豈宜名班朝列，而久淹私門？臣等參議，謂不合開許。或家在河、洛及嶺、沔、漢者，道阻且長，猶宜別有條品，請付尚書詳為其制。」從之。坐璽封謬誤，免黃門，事在《謝晦傳》。

When the High Ancestor received the abdication he was additionally appointed general of agile cavalry and senior evaluator of his native commandery; his yellow-gate post remained unchanged, his western-office duty was released, and he again took charge of the Song History. The relevant office reported that Zhu Daomin, a smith at the eastern foundry, had captured three rebel soldiers and, by precedent, should be released; Shaozhi submitted, "The Ministry of Revenue's report is as cited; this may be a provisional measure for a time of inspection, but I fear it is not a lasting statute for governing the state. I have examined the old system: using criminals to fill shortfalls in conscript rolls—there are more than ten such articles; though they are of the same kind, their severity in fact differs greatly. As for falsely reporting a parent's death, falsely accusing parents of sexual misconduct, destroying righteousness, and rebelling against kin—these four crimes exhaust chaos and defiance and utterly extinguish human decency. Even extraordinary punishments beyond the norm would not suffice to answer a crime of the utmost enormity. Having already been spared one's head, the great favor is already ample—how can one again allow them to be drafted as bondsmen, live at ease in their prime, and stand on equal footing with registered households and common people? I fear that if this system is perpetuated, the harm will be truly great. Now that sage transformation is newly renewed and the state honors the root while discarding the branch, every blanket order of this kind ought to be examined and revised in detail. I humbly believe these four offenses should not receive the grace of commutable punishment." Palace Attendant Chu Danzhi agreed with Shaozhi on three articles but held that the third should remain unchanged. An edict approved the proposal. He also rebutted supernumerary palace attendant Wang Shizhi's request for leave, saying, "I have examined the old system: when a minister's family had urgent affairs he was permitted a combined urgent leave of sixty days. In the Taiyuan period the system was changed to grant one hundred days of leave per year. Moreover, those dwelling more than a thousand li away were permitted to combine years of leave for travel, totaling two hundred days. This was an order for a particular time, not a principle meant for constant application. Although the journey to Kuaiji exceeds a thousand li, it is not truly arduous; a hundred days for return and rest is fully adequate. If private circumstances differ, one should submit a memorial requesting dismissal—how can one remain on the court roster yet linger at home for long? We jointly deliberate and hold that permission should not be granted. Those whose families lie in the Yellow River, Luo, Ling, Mian, or Han regions, where roads are long and arduous, should still have separate provisions; we request that the Secretariat draft detailed regulations." The court approved. He was dismissed from the yellow gate for a seal-closing error; the matter is recorded in the biography of Xie Hui.

荀伯子，潁川潁陰人也。祖羨，驃騎將軍。父猗，秘書郎。伯子少好學，博覽經傳，而通率好為雜戲，遨遊閭里，故以此失清塗。解褐為駙馬都尉，奉朝請，員外散騎侍郎。著作郎徐廣重其才學，舉伯子及王韶之並為佐郎，助撰晉史及著桓玄等傳。遷尚書祠部郎。

Xun Bozi came from Yingyin in Yingchuan. His grandfather Xian was general of agile cavalry. His father Yi was a secretary gentleman. From youth Bozi loved learning and read widely in the classics and commentaries, yet he was unceremonious and fond of miscellaneous games, roaming his neighborhood lanes—thus he lost the path of clear advancement. Upon entering office he became commandant of the horse-enclosure, attendant at court, and supernumerary palace attendant. Compilation gentleman Xu Guang valued his talent and learning and recommended Bozi and Wang Shaozhi together as assistant gentlemen, helping compile the Jin History and write biographies of Huan Xuan and others. He was transferred to gentleman of the Ministry of Rites in charge of sacrifices in the Secretariat.

義熙九年，上表曰：「臣聞咎繇亡後，臧文以為深歎；伯氏奪邑，管仲所以稱仁。功高可百世不泯，濫賞無崇朝宜許。故太傅鉅平侯祜，明德通賢，宗臣莫二，勳參佐命，功成平吳，而後嗣闕然，烝嘗莫寄。漢以蕭何元功，故絕世輒紹。愚謂鉅平之封，宜同酇國。故太尉廣陵公陳淮，黨翼孫秀，禍加淮南，竊饗大國，因罪為利。值西朝政刑失裁，中興復因而不奪。今王道惟新，豈可不大判臧否？謂廣陵之國，宜在削除。故太保衛瓘，本爵蕭陽縣公，既被橫禍，及進弟秩，始贈蘭陵，又轉江夏。中朝公輔，多非理終，瓘功德不殊，亦無緣獨受偏賞，宜復本封，以正國章。」詔付門下。

In the ninth year of Yixi he submitted a memorial, saying, "I have heard that after Gao Yao perished, Zang Wen lamented deeply; when the Bo clan lost its fief, Guan Zhong therefore praised the act as humane. Merit so high may endure for a hundred generations; reckless reward should not be permitted even for a single morning. The late Grand Tutor, Marquis Juping Huo, combined bright virtue with penetrating worth and stood second to none among the imperial clans; his merit joined in assisting the Mandate, and when the work of pacifying Wu was done, still his later line was cut off and no one offered the seasonal sacrifices. Because of Xiao He's founding merit, Han whenever the line ended always continued the succession. I humbly believe the enfeoffment of Juping should be treated like the state of Zan. The late Grand Marshal, Duke of Guangling Chen Huai, aided and sheltered Sun Xiu; when disaster struck Huainan he usurped enjoyment of a great state and turned crime into profit. It happened that the Western Court lost proper measure in government and punishments, and at the restoration they again followed precedent without revoking the grant. Now that the royal way is newly renewed, how can one fail to judge good and ill on a grand scale? I believe the state of Guangling ought to be abolished. The late Grand Guardian Wei Guan had originally held the enfeoffment of Duke of Xiaoyang County; after he suffered violent death, when his younger brother's rank was advanced he was first posthumously enfeoffed as Duke of Lanling and then transferred to Jiangxia. Many grandees and assistants of the central court did not meet a natural end; Guan's merit and virtue were not exceptional, and there is no reason he alone should keep a partial reward—his original enfeoffment should be restored to set the state's regulations right." An edict referred the memorial to the Gate Department.

前散騎常侍江夏公衛璵上表自陳曰：「臣乃祖故太保瓘，於魏咸熙之中，太祖文皇帝為元輔之日，封蕭陽侯；大晉受禪，進爵為公。歷位太保，揔錄朝政。於時賈庶人及諸王用事，忌瓘忠節，故楚王瑋矯詔致禍。前朝以瓘秉心忠正，加以伐蜀之勳，故追封蘭陵郡公。永嘉之中，東海王越食蘭陵，換封江夏，戶邑如舊。臣高祖散騎侍郎璪，囗之嫡孫，纂承封爵。中宗元皇帝以曾祖故右衛將軍崇承襲，逮于臣身。伏聞祠部郎荀伯子表，欲貶降復封蕭陽。夫趙氏之忠，寵延累葉，漢祖開封，誓以山河。伏願陛下錄既往之勳，垂罔極之施，乞出臣表，付外參詳。」潁川陳茂先亦上表曰：「祠部郎荀伯子表臣七世祖太尉准禍加淮南，不應濫賞。尋先臣以剪除賈謐，封海陵公，事在淮南遇禍之前。後廣陵雖在擾攘之際，臣祖乃始蒙殊遇，歷位元、凱。後被遠外，乃作平州，而猶不至除國。良以先勳深重，百世不泯故也。聖明御世，英輔係興，曾無疑議，以為濫賞。臣以微弱，未齒人倫，加始勉視息，封爵兼嗣。伏願陛下遠錄舊勳，特垂矜察。」詔皆付門下，並不施行。

The former supernumerary palace attendant, Duke of Jiangxia Wei Yun, submitted a memorial in his own name, saying, "My founding ancestor, the late Grand Guardian Guan, in the middle of the Wei period of Xianxi, when the founding Emperor Wen was chief minister, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xiaoyang; After the Great Jin received the abdication, his rank was advanced to duke. He successively held the post of grand guardian and oversaw the recording of court affairs. At that time the commoner Jia and the various princes held power; jealous of Guan's loyal integrity, Prince Yun of Chu forged an edict and brought disaster upon him. The former court, seeing that Guan held his heart loyal and upright and added the merit of conquering Shu, therefore posthumously enfeoffed him as Duke of Lanling Commandery. In the middle of the Yongjia period, Prince Yue of Donghai took Lanling as his sustenance and exchanged the enfeoffment for Jiangxia, with households and fief left unchanged. My founding ancestor, Supernumerary Palace Attendant Sao, was the legitimate grandson of [text damaged] and inherited the enfeoffment. The Central Ancestor, Emperor Yuan, because of his founding ancestor the right colonel of the guard Chong, continued the succession down to my own person. I have heard that gentleman of the Ministry of Rites Bozi memorialized, wishing to demote and restore the enfeoffment to Xiaoyang. Zhao's loyalty won favor through successive generations; when the Han founder opened enfeoffments, he bound them with oaths of mountains and rivers. I humbly beg Your Majesty to record past merit and extend boundless favor, and to take my memorial out and refer it outside for joint deliberation." Chen Maoxian of Yingchuan also submitted a memorial, saying, "Gentleman of the Ministry of Rites Bozi memorialized that my seventh-generation ancestor the Grand Marshal Huai suffered disaster in Huainan and should not have received a reckless reward. I find that my founding ancestor, for cutting down Jia Mi, was enfeoffed as Duke of Hailing—this occurred before Huainan met with disaster. Later, though Guangling was in a time of turmoil, my grandfather only then received special favor and successively held posts among the foremost. Afterward he was sent far abroad and made governor of Ping Province, yet the state was still not abolished. This was truly because the founding merit was weighty and could not be extinguished for a hundred generations. Under sage clarity governing the age, worthy assistants arose in succession, and never was there doubt that the grant had been reckless. I, being slight and weak, have not yet taken my place among men; moreover I have only just barely drawn breath and inherited the enfeoffment by succession. I humbly beg Your Majesty to look back upon the old merit from afar and especially bestow compassionate scrutiny." Edicts referred all memorials to the Gate Department, and none was implemented.

伯子為世子征虜功曹，國子博士。妻弟謝晦薦達之，入為尚書左丞，出補臨川內史。車騎將軍王弘稱之曰：「沈重不華，有平陽侯之風。」伯子常自矜廕藉之美，謂弘曰：「天下膏粱，唯使君與下官耳。宣明之徒，不足數也。」遷散騎常侍，本邑大中正。又上表曰：「伏見百官位次，陳留王在零陵王上，臣愚竊以為疑。昔武王克殷，封神農之後於焦，黃帝之後於祝，帝堯之後於薊，帝舜之後於陳，夏後於杞，殷後於宋。杞、陳並為列國，而薊、祝、焦無聞焉。斯則褒崇所承，優於遠代之顯驗也。是以《春秋》次序諸侯，宋居杞、陳之上。考之近世，事亦有徵。晉泰始元年，詔賜山陽公劉康子弟一人爵關內侯，衛公姬署、宋侯孔紹子一人駙馬都尉。又泰始三年，太常上博士劉憙等議，稱衛公署於大晉在三恪之數，應降稱侯。臣以零陵王位宜在陳留之上。」從之。

Bozi was merit officer to the heir apparent's campaign against the barbarians and erudite of the Imperial Academy. His wife's younger brother Xie Hui recommended and advanced him; he entered as left assistant director of the Secretariat and went out to serve as internal administrator of Linchuan. General of agile cavalry Wang Hong praised him, saying, "Solemn without showiness—he has the bearing of Marquis Pingyang." Bozi often prided himself on the beauty of his hereditary privilege and said to Hong, "Under Heaven the cream of society are only you and I. Men such as Xuanming are not worth counting." He was transferred to supernumerary palace attendant and senior evaluator of his native commandery. He again submitted a memorial, saying, "I have seen the ranking of the hundred officials: the Prince of Chenliu stands above the Prince of Lingling; I humbly think this doubtful. In antiquity, when King Wu conquered Yin, he enfeoffed Shen Nong's descendant at Jiao, the Yellow Emperor's descendant at Zhu, Emperor Yao's descendant at Ji, Emperor Shun's descendant at Chen, the Xia descendant at Qi, and the Yin descendant at Song. Qi and Chen both became ranked states, whereas Ji, Zhu, and Jiao are not heard of. This shows that what the enfeoffment honors and upholds ranks above the distant display of antiquity. Therefore the Spring and Autumn Annals ranks the feudal lords with Song above Qi and Chen. Examining recent times, there is also evidence for this. In the first year of Taishi of Jin, an edict enfeoffed one man of the household of Duke Liu Kang of Shanyang with the rank of marquis within the passes, one man of Duke Ji Shu of Wei with commandant of the horse-enclosure, and one man of Marquis Kong Shaozi of Song with commandant of the horse-enclosure. Again in the third year of Taishi, the erudites of the grand master of ceremonies, Liu Xi and others, deliberated and stated that Duke Ji Shu of Wei, within the Great Jin, was among the Three Honored, and his title should be lowered to marquis. I hold that the rank of the Prince of Lingling should stand above Chenliu." The court approved.

遷太子僕，御史中丞，蒞職勤恪，有匪躬之稱；立朝正色，外內憚之。凡所奏劾，莫不深相謗毀，或延及祖禰，示其切直；又頗雜嘲戲，故世人以此非之。出補司徒左長史，東陽太守。元嘉十五年，卒官，時年六十一。文集傳於世。

He was transferred to supervisor of the heir apparent's household and censor-in-chief; in office he was diligent and respectful, with a reputation for not sparing himself; standing in court with upright bearing, he was feared inside and outside. Whatever he memorialized for impeachment he deeply slandered and defamed, sometimes extending to ancestors and fathers, to show his severity and directness; he also mixed in much mocking play, so men of the age criticized him for this. He went out to serve as left chief clerk of the minister of education and administrator of Dongyang. In the fifteenth year of Yuanjia he died in office at the age of sixty-one. His collected writings still circulate in the world.

子赤松，為尚書左丞，以徐湛之黨，為元兇所殺。伯子族弟昶，字茂祖，與伯子絕服五世。元嘉初，以文義至中書郎。昶子萬秋，字元寶，亦用才學自顯。世祖初，為晉陵太守。坐於郡立華林閣，置主書、主衣，下獄免。前廢帝末，為御史中丞，卒官。

His son Chisong was left assistant director of the Secretariat; because of Xu Tanzhi's faction he was killed by the prime culprit. Bozi's clansman younger cousin Chang, whose courtesy name was Maozu, was five generations removed from Bozi in the mourning grades. At the beginning of Yuanjia, through literary accomplishment he reached gentleman of the central secretariat. Chang's son Wanqiu, whose courtesy name was Yuanbao, also made himself known through talent and learning. At the beginning of the Founding Emperor's reign he was administrator of Jinling. He was imprisoned and dismissed because, within his commandery, he had established a Hualin Pavilion and appointed chief clerks for documents and for robes. At the end of the Former Deposed Emperor's reign he was censor-in-chief and died in office.

史臣曰：夫令問令望，詩人所以作詠；有禮有法，前謨以之垂美。荀、范、二王，雖以學義自顯，而在朝之譽不弘，蓋由才有餘而智未足也，惜矣哉！

The historiographer says: A fine reputation and fine expectation are what the poet therefore sings; to have ritual and to have law is how former deliberations hand down lasting beauty. Xun, Fan, and the two Wangs, though they made themselves known through learning and righteousness, yet won little reputation at court—probably because their talent was ample but their wisdom insufficient. Alas!

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