2
王敬弘
Wang Jinghong
3
王敬弘，琅邪臨沂人也。 與高祖諱同，故稱字。 曾祖廙，晉驃騎將軍。 祖胡之，司州刺史。 父茂之，晉陵太守。
Wang Jinghong was a native of Linyi in Langye. His given name matched the founding emperor's taboo name, so people called him by his courtesy name instead. His great-grandfather Yi had served as Jin General of Agile Cavalry. His grandfather Huzhi had been Inspector of Sizhou. His father Maozhi had been Administrator of Jinling.
4
敬弘少有清尚，起家本國左常侍，衛軍參軍。 性恬靜，樂山水。 為天門太守。 敬弘妻，桓玄姊也。 敬弘之郡，玄時為荊州，遣信要令過。 敬弘至巴陵，謂人曰：「靈寶見要，正當欲與其姊集聚耳，我不能為桓氏贅壻。」 乃遣別船送妻往江陵。 妻在桓氏，彌年不迎。 山郡無事，恣其遊適，累日不回，意甚好之。 轉桓偉安西長史、南平太守。 去官，居作唐縣界。 玄輔政及篡位，屢召不下。
From youth Jinghong was known for pure and lofty character. He entered office as Left Attendant of his native commandery and as Army Aide to the Guard General. Quiet by nature, he loved mountains and rivers. He was appointed Administrator of Tianmen. Jinghong's wife was the elder sister of Huan Xuan. When Jinghong set out for his post, Huan Xuan was governing Jingzhou and sent word asking him to come by on his way. At Baling Jinghong told those around him, "Lingbao wants me only so he can see his sister. I will not become a dependent son-in-law of the Huans." He sent his wife onward to Jiangling in another boat. His wife stayed with the Huans, and for a whole year he did not go to bring her home. The mountain prefecture had little official business, and he roamed at will for days without returning, which pleased him greatly. He was transferred to serve as Chief Clerk on Huan Wei's Anxi staff and as Administrator of Nanping. He resigned his post and settled on the outskirts of Zuotang County. When Huan Xuan held power and then seized the throne, he summoned Jinghong again and again, but Jinghong refused to take office.
5
高祖以為車騎從事中郎，徐州治中從事史，征西將軍道規諮議參軍。 時府主簿宗協亦有高趣，道規並以事外相期。 嘗共酣飲致醉，敬弘因醉失禮，為外司所白，道規即更引還，重申初讌。 召為中書侍郎，始攜家累自作唐還京邑。 久之，轉黃門侍郎，不拜。 仍除太尉從事中郎，出為吳興太守。 舊居餘杭縣，悅是舉也。 尋徵為侍中。 高祖西討司馬休之，敬弘奉使慰勞，通事令史潘尚於道疾病，敬弘單船送還都，存亡不測，有司奏免官，詔可。 未及釋朝服，值赦復官。 宋國初建，為度支尚書，遷太常。
Emperor Gaozu made him Attendant Gentleman of the Household Cavalry, Registrar of Xuzhou, and Advisory Army Aide on the staff of Liu Daogui, General Who Conquers the West. The headquarters registrar Zong Xie was likewise a man of refined tastes, and Daogui counted on both men for companionship outside the duties of office. Once they drank together until drunk. Jinghong offended through drink and was reported by the supervisory office, but Daogui immediately had him brought back and held the feast again as before. Summoned as Attendant Gentleman of the Secretariat, he brought his family for the first time from Zuotang back to the capital. After a time he was transferred to Attendant Gentleman at the Yellow Gate, but he declined the post. He was next appointed Attendant of the Grand Marshal and then sent out as Administrator of Wuxing. He had long lived in Yuhang County and was delighted with the appointment. Before long he was recalled to serve as Palace Attendant. When Emperor Gaozu marched west against Sima Xiuzhi, Jinghong was sent to comfort the army. Communications clerk Pan Shang fell ill on the road, and Jinghong sent him back to the capital alone by boat, with no certainty he would live. The authorities memorialized for Jinghong's dismissal, and the emperor approved. He had not yet removed his court robes when an amnesty restored him to office. When the Song state was first established, he became Minister of Revenue and was then promoted to Minister of Ceremonies.
6
高祖受命，補宣訓衛尉，加散騎常侍。 永初三年，轉吏部尚書，常侍如故。 敬弘每被除召，即便祗奉，既到宜退，旋復解官，高祖嘉其志，不苟違也。 復除廬陵王師，加散騎常侍，自陳無德，不可師範令王，固讓不拜。 又除祕書監，金紫光祿大夫，加散騎常侍，本州中正，又不就。 太祖即位，又以為散騎常侍、金紫光祿大夫，領江夏王師。
When Emperor Gaozu took the throne, Jinghong was appointed Commandant of the Xuanxun Guard with the additional rank of Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry. In the third year of Yongchu he was transferred to Minister of the Civil Service while keeping his post as regular attendant. Whenever Jinghong was appointed he dutifully accepted, but once he had taken up the post he thought it time to withdraw and soon resigned again. Emperor Gaozu admired this resolve and did not press him. He was again made Tutor to the Prince of Luling with the additional rank of Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry, but he declared himself without virtue and unfit to instruct a prince, firmly declined, and refused the appointment. He was next appointed Director of the Secretariat and Grand Master of the Palace with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon, with the additional posts of Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry and Chief Rectifier of his native province, but again he did not accept. When Emperor Taizu came to the throne, Jinghong was again made Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry and Grand Master of the Palace with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon, and concurrently Tutor to the Prince of Jiangxia.
7
元嘉三年，為尚書僕射。 關署文案，初不省讀。 嘗豫聽訟，上問以疑獄，敬弘不對。 上變色，問左右：「何故不以訊牒副僕射？」 敬弘曰：「臣乃得訊牒讀之，政自不解。」 上甚不悅。 六年，遷尚書令，敬弘固讓，表求還東，上不能奪。 改授侍中、特進、左光祿大夫，給親信二十人。 讓侍中、特進，求減親信之半，不許。 及東歸，車駕幸冶亭餞送。
In the third year of Yuanjia he became Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat. He never bothered at first to read the paperwork from the offices under him. Once when he sat in on a hearing, the emperor asked him about a difficult case, and Jinghong gave no answer. The emperor's face darkened and he asked his attendants, "Why were the case briefs not given to the Vice Director?" Jinghong said, "I have only just received and read the briefs, and I still do not understand the case." The emperor was deeply displeased. In the sixth year he was promoted to Director of the Imperial Secretariat, but Jinghong firmly declined and petitioned to return east, and the emperor could not change his mind. He was instead made Palace Attendant, Special Advancement, and Left Grand Master of the Palace, with twenty personal retainers assigned to him. He declined the posts of Palace Attendant and Special Advancement and asked that his retainers be cut in half, but the request was denied. When he went home to the east, the emperor came in person to Ye Pavilion to see him off.
8
十二年，徵為太子少傅。 敬弘詣京師上表曰：「伏見詔書，以臣為太子少傅，承命震惶，喜懼交悸。 臣抱疾東荒，志絕榮觀，不悟聖恩，猥復加寵。 東宮之重，四海瞻望，非臣薄德，所可居之。 今內外英秀，應選者多，且版築之下，豈無高逸，而近私愚朽，污辱清朝。 嗚呼微臣，永非復大之一物矣。 所以牽曳闕下者，實瞻望聖顏，貪繫表之旨。 臣如此而歸，夕死無恨。」 詔不許，表疏屢上，終以不拜。 東歸，上時不豫，自力見焉。 十六年，以為左光祿大夫、開府儀同三司，侍中如故，又詣京師上表曰：「臣比自啟聞，謂誠心已達，天鑒玄邈，未蒙在宥，不敢宴處，牽曳載馳。 臣聞君子行道，忘其為身，三復斯言，若可庶勉，顧惜惽耄，志與願違。 禮年七十，老而傳家，家道猶然，況於在國。 伏願陛下矜臣西夕，愍臣一至，特迴聖恩，賜反其所，則天道下濟，愚心盡矣。」 竟不拜東歸。 二十三年，重申前命，又表曰：「臣躬耕南澧，不求聞達。 先帝拔臣於蠻荊之域，賜以國士之遇。 陛下嗣徽，特蒙眷齒，由是感激，委質聖朝。 雖懷犬馬之誠，遂無塵露之益。 年向九十，生理殆盡，永絕天光，淪沒丘壑。 謹冒奉表，傷心久之。」
In the twelfth year he was summoned to serve as Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent. Jinghong went to the capital and submitted a memorial: "I have read the edict appointing me Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent. I receive the command in awe, my joy and fear mingling in my breast. I am ill in the eastern countryside and have turned my back on rank and display. I never imagined such grace, yet Your Majesty has again heaped favor on me. The Eastern Palace is what the realm looks to, and my slight virtue is not fit for such a post. Within and without the court there are many worthy men fit for selection, and even among common laborers there must be lofty recluses. Yet Your Majesty has drawn near a private, foolish, worn-out man and stained a pure court. Alas, your humble servant is no longer even a part of the great whole. The reason I have come to the palace gate is simply to behold Your Majesty's face and to fulfill the purpose of this petition. If I may return home in this way, I shall die this very evening without regret." The edict refused him, but he submitted memorial after memorial and in the end never took office. On his way home to the east he found the emperor ill and, forcing himself onward, went to see him. In the sixteenth year he was made Left Grand Master of the Palace with the privilege of an office equal to the Three Excellencies, while retaining his post as Palace Attendant. He went again to the capital and submitted a memorial: "I reported myself recently and thought my sincerity had reached you. Heaven's regard is remote, and I have not been pardoned. I dare not rest at ease and have hurried here as best I can. I have heard that the gentleman who pursues the Way forgets himself. I repeat that saying again and again and think I might strive toward it, yet in my senile weakness my will runs counter to my wish. Ritual says that at seventy one is old and passes the household on. If that is so for a family, how much more for the state. I beg Your Majesty to pity my western sunset, to heed my single-minded plea, to turn your grace aside, and to let me return home. Then Heaven's way will reach down to all, and my foolish heart will be at rest." In the end he refused the appointment and went home to the east. In the twenty-third year the former appointment was renewed. He submitted another memorial: "I farm with my own hands in southern Li and seek no fame or advancement. The late emperor drew me up from the wilds of Jing and treated me as a champion of the state. Your Majesty succeeded his fine virtue and especially showed me favor. Moved thereby, I pledged myself to the court. Though I bore the loyalty of a dog or horse, I brought no benefit even as slight as dust or dew. My years approach ninety, my vital forces nearly spent. I shall forever be cut off from Heaven's light and sink into the hills and ravines. I respectfully submit this memorial, my heart long wounded."
9
明年，薨於餘杭之舍亭山，時年八十八。 追贈本官。 順帝昇明二年詔曰：「夫塗祕蘭幽，貞芳載越，徽猷沈遠，懋禮彌昭。 故侍中、左光祿大夫、開府儀同三司敬弘，神韻沖簡，識宇標峻，德敷象魏，道藹丘園。 高挹榮冕，凝心塵外，清光粹範，振俗淳風。 兼以累朝延賞，聲華在詠，而嘉篆闕文，猷策韜采，尚想遙芬，興懷寢寤。 便可詳定輝諡，式旌追典。」 於是諡為文貞公。
The next year he died at Sheting Mountain in Yuhang, at the age of eighty-eight. Posthumously he was granted his former rank. In the second year of Shengming under Emperor Shun an edict said, "When orchids lie hidden in mud and kept in the deep, their pure fragrance still rises above it; when fine counsel lies submerged and far off, earnest rites shine all the brighter. The late Palace Attendant, Left Grand Master of the Palace, and Jinghong, who held the privilege of an office equal to the Three Excellencies, had a spirit unassuming and plain and a vision lofty and far-reaching. His virtue reached the capital's gate-towers, his Way enriched hill and garden alike. He held rank and glory lightly, fixed his mind beyond the dust of the world, and with pure light and refined example stirred custom and purified the age. Through successive reigns he received prolonged favor and his fame was sung in praise, yet fine inscriptions lack their text and his plans and policies lie hidden without luster. We still think of his distant fragrance and are moved waking and sleeping. Let his radiant posthumous title now be determined in detail and the rites of posthumous honor be displayed." Thereupon he was given the posthumous title Duke Wen Zhen.
10
敬弘形狀短小，而坐起端方，桓玄謂之「彈棊八勢」。 所居舍亭山，林澗環周，備登臨之美，時人謂之王東山。 太祖嘗問為政得失，敬弘對曰：「天下有道，庶人不議。」 上高其言。 左右常使二老婢，戴五絛五辮，著青紋袴襦，飾以朱粉。 女適尚書僕射何尚之弟述之，敬弘嘗往何氏看女，值尚之不在，寄齋中臥。 俄頃尚之還，敬弘使二婢守閤不聽尚之入，云「正熱，不堪相見，君可且去。」 尚之於是移於它室。 子恢之被召為祕書郎，敬弘為求奉朝請，與恢之書曰：「祕書有限，故有競。 朝請無限，故無競。 吾欲使汝處於不競之地。」 太祖嘉而許之。 敬弘見兒孫歲中不過一再相見，見輒克日。 恢之嘗請假還東定省，敬弘克日見之，至日輒不果，假日將盡，恢之乞求奉辭，敬弘呼前，既至閤，復不見。 恢之於閤外拜辭，流涕而去。
Jinghong was short in stature, yet in sitting and rising he was perfectly upright. Huan Xuan called him "the eight formations of go." He lived at Sheting Mountain, where forests and streams surrounded him on all sides with every beauty for climbing and looking out. Men of the time called him Wang of the Eastern Hills. Emperor Taizu once asked about the gains and losses of government. Jinghong replied, "When all under Heaven has the Way, the common people do not discuss politics." The emperor prized his words. He always kept at his side two old maidservants wearing five cords and five braids, dressed in blue-patterned trousers and jackets and adorned with vermilion powder. His daughter married Shuzhi, younger brother of Vice Director He Shangzhi. Jinghong once went to the He household to see his daughter. Shangzhi was away, so he lay down to rest in the study. Before long Shangzhi returned. Jinghong had the two maidservants guard the door and would not let him in, saying, "It is too hot; I cannot bear to see anyone. You may go for now." Shangzhi thereupon moved to another room. His son Huizhi was summoned as Secretary Gentleman. Jinghong sought for him the post of Court Gentleman for Imperial Audience and wrote to Huizhi, "Secretary posts are limited, so there is competition. Court Gentleman for Imperial Audience posts are unlimited, so there is no competition. I wish to place you where there is no competition." Emperor Taizu praised this and approved it. Jinghong saw his sons and grandsons no more than once or twice a year, and when he did see them he always fixed the day in advance. Huizhi once asked leave to return east to pay his respects at home. Jinghong fixed a day to see him, but when the day came he would not receive him. As the leave was nearly over, Huizhi begged to take formal leave. Jinghong called him forward, but once he reached the gate he again would not see him. Outside the gate Huizhi bowed his farewell and left in tears.
11
恢之至新安太守，中大夫。 恢之弟瓚之，世祖大明中，吏部尚書，金紫光祿大夫，諡曰貞子。 瓚之弟昇之，都官尚書。 昇之子延之，昇明末，為尚書左僕射，江州刺史。
Huizhi rose to Administrator of Xin'an and Grand Master of the Palace. Huizhi's younger brother Zanzhi, in the Daming era of Emperor Shizu, was Minister of the Civil Service and Grand Master of the Palace with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon; his posthumous title was Zhenzi. Zanzhi's younger brother Shengshi was Minister of Justice. Shengshi's son Yanzhi, at the end of the Shengming era, was Left Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat and Inspector of Jiangzhou.
12
何尚之
He Shangzhi
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何尚之字彥德，廬江灊人也。 曾祖準，高尚不應徵辟。 祖惔，南康太守。 父叔度，恭謹有行業，姨適沛郡劉璩，與叔度母情愛甚篤，叔度母蚤卒，奉姨有若所生。 姨亡，朔望必往致哀，并設祭奠，食並珍新，躬自臨視。 若朔望應有公事，則先遣送祭，皆手自料簡，流涕對之，公事畢，即往致哀，以此為常，至三年服竟。 義熙五年，吳興武康縣民王延祖為劫，父睦以告官。 新制，凡劫身斬刑，家人棄市。 睦既自告，於法有疑。 時叔度為尚書，議曰：「設法止姦，本於情理，非謂一人為劫，闔門應刑。 所以罪及同產，欲開其相告，以出為惡之身。 睦父子之至，容可悉共逃亡，而割其天屬，還相縛送，螫毒在手，解腕求全，於情可愍，理亦宜宥。 使凶人不容於家，逃刑無所，乃大絕根源也。 睦既糾送，則餘人無應復告，並合從原。」 從之。 後為金紫光祿大夫，吳郡太守，加秩中二千石。 太保王弘稱其清身潔己。 元嘉八年，卒。
He Shangzhi, courtesy name Yande, was a native of Qian in Lujiang. His great-grandfather Zhun was a man of lofty character who refused all summons and recruitment. His grandfather Tan had been Administrator of Nankang. His father Shudu was respectful, cautious, and a man of proven conduct. His aunt had married Liu Qu of Pei Commandery and was deeply close to Shudu's mother. When Shudu's mother died young, he served his aunt as if she had borne him. When his aunt died, on the first and fifteenth of each month he always went to mourn her and set out offerings of the finest fresh food, overseeing everything in person. When the first or fifteenth fell on a day with official business, he sent offerings ahead and personally inspected each item, weeping as he did so. When the business was finished he went at once to mourn. He kept this practice until the three-year mourning was complete. In the fifth year of Yixi, Wang Yanzu of Wukang County in Wuxing committed robbery, and his father Mu reported him to the authorities. Under the new statute, robbers were decapitated and their families put to death in the market. Because Mu had reported the crime himself, the case raised a legal question. At the time Shudu was Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and argued, "Laws are made to stop wickedness and must rest on reason and feeling. It cannot mean that because one man commits robbery the whole household should be punished. Punishment extends to siblings in order to encourage them to report one another and remove evildoers from the family. The bond between father and son might have led them to flee together, yet Mu severed his closest kin and bound and delivered his son instead. With poison in hand he cut his wrist to save himself—a deed pitiable in feeling and deserving of pardon in principle. To leave the wicked no refuge in the family and nowhere to flee punishment is to cut off the roots entirely. Since Mu has already reported and delivered the culprit, the others need not report again, and all should be pardoned." The court followed this view. Later he became Grand Master of the Palace with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon and Administrator of Wu Commandery, with rank raised to the equivalent of two thousand bushels. Grand Tutor Wang Hong praised his purity of conduct and self-restraint. He died in the eighth year of Yuanjia.
14
尚之少時頗輕薄，好摴蒲，既長折節蹈道，以操立見稱。 為陳郡謝混所知，與之遊處。 家貧，起為臨津令。 高祖領征西將軍，補府主簿。 從征長安，以公事免，還都。 因患勞疾積年，飲婦人乳，乃得差。 以從征之勞，賜爵都鄉侯。 少帝即位，為廬陵王義真車騎諮議參軍。 義真與司徒徐羨之、尚書令傅亮等不協，每有不平之言，尚之諫戒，不納。 義真被廢，入為中書侍郎。 太祖即位，出為臨川內史，入為黃門侍郎，尚書吏部郎，左衛將軍，父憂去職。 服闋，復為左衛，領太子中庶子。 尚之雅好文義，從容賞會，甚為太祖所知。 十二年，遷侍中，中庶子如故。 尋改領游擊將軍。
In youth Shangzhi was rather frivolous and fond of dice games, but once grown he restrained himself and followed the Way and was praised for his established conduct. He was recognized by Xie Hun of Chen Commandery and became his companion. His family was poor, and he began his career as Magistrate of Linjin. When Emperor Gaozu held the post of General Who Conquers the West, Shangzhi was appointed Headquarters Registrar on his staff. He followed the campaign to Chang'an, was dismissed for an official matter, and returned to the capital. He suffered from chronic consumptive illness for years and recovered only after drinking women's milk. For his service on the campaign he was granted the title Marquis of Duxiang. When Emperor Shaodi came to the throne, Shangzhi became Advisory Army Aide on the Household Cavalry staff of the Prince of Luling, Yizhen. Yizhen was at odds with Minister of Education Xu Xianzhi, Director Fu Liang, and others and often spoke resentfully. Shangzhi admonished him, but he would not listen. After Yizhen was deposed, Shangzhi entered office as Attendant Gentleman of the Secretariat. When Emperor Taizu came to the throne, Shangzhi was sent out as Interior Secretary of Linchuan, then served as Attendant Gentleman at the Yellow Gate, Director of Personnel, and General of the Left Guard before leaving office on his father's death. When mourning was complete, he again became General of the Left Guard and concurrently Senior Tutor of the Heir Apparent. Shangzhi loved literature and, in easy leisure, joined appreciative gatherings; Emperor Taizu knew him well. In the twelfth year he was promoted to Palace Attendant while retaining his post as Senior Tutor. Soon he was changed to command the Mobile Strike General.
15
十三年，彭城王義康欲以司徒左長史劉斌為丹陽尹，上不許。 乃以尚之為尹，立宅南郭外，置玄學，聚生徒。 東海徐秀、廬江何曇、黃回、潁川荀子華、太原孫宗昌、王延秀、魯郡孔惠宣，並慕道來遊，謂之南學。 女適劉湛子黯，而湛與尚之意好不篤。 湛欲領丹陽，乃徙尚之為祠部尚書，領國子祭酒。 尚之甚不平。 湛誅，遷吏部尚書。 時左衛將軍范曄任參機密，尚之察其意趣異常，白太祖宜出為廣州，若在內釁成，不得不加以鈇鉞，屢誅大臣，有虧皇化。 上曰：「始誅劉湛等，方欲超昇後進。 曄事跡未彰，便豫相黜斥，萬方將謂卿等不能容才，以我為信受讒說。 但使共知如此，不憂致大變也。」 曄後謀反伏誅，上嘉其先見。 國子學建，領國子祭酒。 又領建平王師，乃徙中書令，中護軍。
In the thirteenth year the Prince of Pengcheng, Yikang, wished to make Liu Bin, Chief Clerk on the Minister of Education's left staff, Governor of Danyang, but the emperor refused. Shangzhi was then made Governor, established a residence outside the southern wall, set up a school of dark learning, and gathered students. Xu Xiu of Donghai, He Tan of Lujiang, Huang Hui, Sun Zichang and Wang Yanxiu of Taiyuan, Kong Huixuan of Lu Commandery, and others all admired the Way and came to study; this was called the Southern School. His daughter married An, son of Liu Zhan, but Zhan and Shangzhi were not close friends. Zhan wished to take charge of Danyang himself, so Shangzhi was moved to Minister of Rites for the Imperial Ancestral Temple and made Chancellor of the Imperial University. Shangzhi was deeply resentful. When Zhan was executed, Shangzhi was promoted to Minister of the Civil Service. At the time Fan Ye, General of the Left Guard, shared in confidential affairs. Shangzhi observed that his intent and bearing were unusual and reported to Emperor Taizu that he should be sent out as Inspector of Guangzhou; if trouble arose within the court he would have to be executed, and repeated executions of great ministers would harm the imperial transformation. The emperor said, "We have only just executed Liu Zhan and others and now wish to promote the rising generation. Ye's deeds are not yet manifest, yet you would dismiss him beforehand; the realm will say you cannot tolerate talent and that I believe slander. Only let all know it is thus, and I do not fear a great upheaval." Later Ye plotted rebellion and was executed, and the emperor praised Shangzhi's foresight. When the Imperial University was established, he served as its chancellor. He also served as Tutor to the Prince of Jianping, then was moved to Director of the Secretariat and General of the Central Guard.
16
二十二年，遷尚書右僕射，加散騎常侍。 是歲造玄武湖，上欲於湖中立方丈、蓬萊、瀛洲三神山，尚之固諫乃止。 時又造華林園，並盛暑役人工，尚之又諫，宜加休息，上不許，曰：「小人常自暴背，此不足為勞。」 時上行幸，還多侵夕，尚之又表諫曰：「萬乘宜重，尊不可輕，此聖心所鑒，豈假臣啟。 輿駕比出，還多冒夜，羣情傾側，實有未寧。 清道而動，帝王成則，古今深誡，安不忘危。 若值汲黯、辛毗，必將犯顏切諫，但臣等碌碌，每存順默耳。 伏願少採愚誠，思垂省察，不以人廢，適可以慰四海之望。」 亦優詔納之。
In the twenty-second year he was promoted to Right Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat with the additional rank of Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry. That year the Xuanwu Lake was constructed. The emperor wished to build in the lake the three divine mountains Fangzhang, Penglai, and Yingzhou, but Shangzhi firmly remonstrated and the plan was abandoned. At the time the Hualin Garden was also being built, and in the height of summer laborers were pressed into service. Shangzhi again remonstrated that they should be given more rest, but the emperor refused, saying, "Common men often expose their backs to the sun; this is not enough to count as toil." When the emperor went on progress, his return often encroached on evening. Shangzhi submitted another memorial: "The imperial carriage should be weighty and dignity must not be slighted. Your Majesty's heart perceives this—how could it need a subject's prompting? The imperial carriage has lately gone out and returned often in the dark of night; public feeling is unsettled and there is real unease. To move only after the road is cleared is the established rule for emperors and kings; ancient and modern give deep warning—in peace do not forget peril. Had there been a Ji An or Xin Pi, they would surely have braved your countenance and remonstrated sharply; but subjects such as we are mediocre and can only preserve compliant silence. I beg Your Majesty to take a little of my foolish sincerity, reflect and examine, and not reject the message because of the man—then you may rightly comfort the hopes of the realm." A gracious edict also accepted this.
17
先是患貨重，鑄四銖錢，民間頗盜鑄，多翦鑿古錢以取銅，上患之。 二十四年，錄尚書江夏王義恭建議，以一大錢當兩，以防翦鑿，議者多同。 尚之議曰：「伏覽明命，欲改錢制，不勞採鑄，其利自倍，實救弊之弘算，增貨之良術。 求之管淺，猶有未譬。 夫泉貝之興，以估貨為本，事存交易，豈假數多。 數少則幣重，數多則物重，多少雖異，濟用不殊。 況復以一當兩，徒崇虛價者邪。 凡創制改法，宜從民情，未有違眾矯物而可久也。 泉布廢興，未容驟議，前代赤仄白金，俄而罷息，六貨憒亂，民泣於市。 良由事不畫一，難用遵行，自非急病權時，宜守久長之業。 煩政曲雜，致遠常泥。 且貨偏則民病，故先王立井田以一之，使富不淫侈，貧不過匱。 雖茲法久廢，不可頓施，要宜而近，粗相放擬。 若今制遂行，富人貲貨自倍，貧者彌增其困，懼非所以欲均之意。 又錢之形式，大小多品，直云大錢，則未知其格。 若止於四銖五銖，則文皆古篆，既非下走所識，加或漫滅，尤難分明，公私交亂，爭訟必起，此最是其深疑者也。 命旨兼慮翦鑿日多，以至消盡； 鄙意復謂殆無此嫌。 民巧雖密，要有蹤跡，且用錢貨銅，事可尋檢，直由屬所怠縱，糾察不精，致使立制以來，發覺者寡。 今雖有懸金之名，竟無酬與之實，若申明舊科，禽獲即報，畏法希賞，不日自定矣。 愚者之議，智者擇焉，猥參訪逮，敢不輸盡。」
Earlier there had been concern that currency was too heavy in value; four-zhu coins were cast, but the people widely counterfeited them and often clipped and chiseled ancient coins to obtain copper. The emperor was troubled by this. In the twenty-fourth year the Prince of Jiangxia, Yigong, as Overseer of the Imperial Secretariat, proposed that one large coin count as two to guard against clipping and chiseling; most debaters agreed. Shangzhi argued: "I have read the clear command wishing to change the coinage without the labor of mining and casting yet with profit doubled of itself—truly a great plan to save from ruin and a fine method to increase currency. Yet sought with shallow understanding, there are still points not clear. Coin and shell currency rest on valuing goods; the matter lies in exchange—how could it depend on great numbers? When numbers are few, currency is heavy; when numbers are many, goods are heavy. Though more or less differ, usefulness in exchange is not different. How much more to make one count as two—would this not merely exalt empty price? Whenever institutions are created and laws changed, one should follow the people's feelings; never has going against the multitude and forcing things endured long. The rise and fall of currency cannot be debated in haste. In former ages the red-rimmed and white-gold coins were soon abolished; the six currencies fell into disorder and the people wept in the markets. Truly because matters were not unified, they were hard to follow; unless there is urgent crisis and a time of expedient measure, one should keep to a long-enduring enterprise. Troublesome government, twisted and complex, often mires those who would reach far. Moreover, when goods are skewed the people suffer; therefore the former kings established the well-field system to unify them, so the rich would not be extravagant and the poor would not pass want. Although this law has long been abandoned and cannot be suddenly applied, what is essential is what is fitting and near; one may roughly imitate it. If the present system is carried out, the rich will double their wealth of themselves while the poor will increase their distress—I fear this is not the intent of seeking equality. Moreover, coins have many sizes and types; if one simply says 'large coin,' its standard is unknown. If limited to four or five zhu, the inscriptions are all ancient seal script, which common people do not recognize; moreover some are worn away and especially hard to distinguish. Public and private will be thrown into confusion and lawsuits will surely arise—this is his deepest doubt. The command also considered that clipping and chiseling grow daily until coins are consumed entirely; my humble view again says there is probably no such worry. Though the people's craft is subtle, there must be traces; moreover, using copper for coinage can be traced and inspected. It is simply that the responsible offices are lax and supervision is not precise, so that since the system was established few offenders have been discovered. Now although there is the name of a posted reward, in the end there is no payment in fact. If the old statutes were clarified and capture were rewarded at once, those who fear the law and hope for reward would soon settle matters of themselves. The foolish man's discussion—the wise man chooses from it. I have presumptuously joined the inquiry and dare not withhold my utmost."
18
吏部尚書庾炳之、侍中太子左衛率蕭思話、中護軍趙伯符、御史中丞何承天、太常郗敬叔並同尚之議。 中領軍沈演之以為：「龜貝行於上古，泉刀興自有周，皆所以阜財通利，實國富民者也。 歷代雖遠，資用彌便，但採鑄久廢，兼喪亂累仍，糜散湮滅，何可勝計。 晉遷江南，疆境未廓，或土習其風，錢不普用，其數本少，為患尚輕。 今王略開廣，聲教遐暨，金鏹所布，爰逮荒服，昔所不及，悉已流行之矣。 用彌廣而貨愈狹，加復競竊翦鑿，銷毀滋繁，刑禁雖重，姦避方密，遂使歲月增貴，貧室日虛，暋作肆力之氓，徒勤不足以供贍。 誠由貨貴物賤，常調未革，弗思釐改，為弊轉深，斯實親教之良時，通變之嘉會。 愚謂若以大錢當兩，則國傳難朽之寶，家贏一倍之利，不俟加憲，巧源自絕，施一令而眾美兼，無興造之費，莫盛於茲矣。」 上從演之議，遂以一錢當兩，行之經時，公私非便，乃罷。
Minister of the Civil Service Yu Bingzhi, Palace Attendant and Left Commander of the Heir Apparent's Guard Xiao Sihua, General of the Central Guard Zhao Bofu, Imperial Censor He Chengtian, and Minister of Ceremonies Xi Jingshu all agreed with Shangzhi's view. Central Commander Shen Yanzhi held: "Tortoise shells and cowries circulated in high antiquity; coin knives arose from the Zhou onward—all were to enrich goods and open profit, truly to strengthen the state and enrich the people. Though dynasties were distant, use became ever more convenient; but mining and casting had long been abandoned, and repeated disorders had scattered and destroyed the coins beyond reckoning. When Jin moved south of the Yangtze, the borders were not yet broad; in some regions custom differed and coin was not universally used. The supply was originally small and the harm still light. Now the royal plan is broad and open, and sound instruction reaches far. Where metal currency is distributed, it extends even to the wild borderlands; what formerly did not reach them all circulates there now. Use grows broader while goods grow scarcer; moreover rivalry, theft, clipping, and chiseling increase, and melting down grows frequent. Though punishments are severe, evasion grows subtler, so that month by month prices rise, poor households daily grow empty, and laboring folk who toil with all their strength find their labor alone insufficient for support. Truly because currency is dear and goods cheap, the regular levies are not reformed, and without thinking to rectify and change, the harm turns deeper—this is truly a fine time for close instruction and a splendid occasion for adaptive change. I foolishly hold that if a large coin counts as two, the state will pass on treasure hard to perish and households will win profit doubled; without waiting to add penalties, crafty sources will cut themselves off. One order issued and many benefits combined, with no cost of construction—nothing greater than this." The emperor followed Yanzhi's view and made one coin count as two. It was practiced for a time, but public and private found it inconvenient, and it was abolished.
19
二十五年，遷左僕射，領汝陰王師，常侍如故。 二十八年，轉尚書令，領太子詹事。 二十九年，致仕，於方山著退居賦以明所守，而議者咸謂尚之不能固志，太子左衛率袁淑與尚之書曰：「昨遣修問，承丈人已晦志山田，雖曰年禮宜遵，亦事難斯貴，俾疎、班、邴、魏，通美於前策，龔、貢、山、衛，淪慚乎曩篇。 規迨休告，雪滌素懷，冀尋幽之歡，畢棲玄之適。 但淑逸操偏迥，野性瞢滯，果茲沖寂，必沈樂忘歸。 然而已議塗聞者，謂丈人徽明未耗，譽業方籍，儻能屈事康道，降節殉務，舍南瀕之操，淑此行永決矣。 望眷有積，約日無誤。」 尚之宅在南澗寺側，故書云「南瀕」，毛詩所謂「于以採蘋，南澗之瀕」也。 詔書敦勸，上又與江夏王義恭詔曰：「今朝賢無多，且羊、孟尚不得告謝，尚之任遇有殊，便未宜申許邪。」 義恭答曰：「尚之清忠貞固，歷事唯允，雖年在懸車，而體獨充壯，未相申許，下情所同。」 尚之復攝職。 羊即羊玄保，孟即孟顗，字彥重，平昌安丘人。 兄昶貴盛，顗不就徵辟。 昶死後，起家為東陽太守，遂歷吳郡、會稽、丹陽三郡，侍中，僕射，太子詹事，復為會稽太守，卒官，贈左光祿大夫。 子劭，尚太祖第十六女南郡公主，女適彭城王義康、巴陵哀王休若。
In the twenty-fifth year he was promoted to Left Vice Director and concurrently Tutor to the Prince of Ruyin while retaining his post as regular attendant. In the twenty-eighth year he was transferred to Director of the Imperial Secretariat and made Steward of the Heir Apparent. In the twenty-ninth year he retired and at Fang Mountain wrote a Rhapsody on Retirement to declare what he upheld, but commentators all said Shangzhi could not hold firm to his resolve. Yuan Shu, Left Commander of the Heir Apparent's Guard, wrote to him: "Yesterday I sent inquiry and learned that you, sir, have hidden your will in mountain fields. Though one says the rites of age should be followed, this is hard to esteem so highly. Bi Shu, Ban Chao, Bing, and Wei would shine in former records; Gong, Gong, Shan, and Wei would sink in shame in past chapters. I planned to await your leave and cleanse my plain heart, hoping to find the joy of seeking the hidden and complete the ease of dwelling in retirement. But I am by nature remote in conduct and partial in bent; my wild disposition is dull and slow. If this unassuming stillness is realized, I shall surely sink into pleasure and forget to return. Yet those whose talk has already spread say that you, sir, are not yet spent in brilliance and that fame and achievement are still recorded. If you could bend to serve the peaceful Way, lower your integrity to devote yourself to duty, and abandon the conduct of the southern bank, then my journey with you would be ended forever. I hope affection will accumulate and the appointed day will not be missed." Shangzhi's residence was beside Nanjian Temple, hence the letter says 'southern bank'—as in the Mao Ode's 'To gather duckweed, on the southern stream's bank.'" Edicts earnestly urged him. The emperor also sent an edict to the Prince of Jiangxia, Yigong, saying, "Court worthies are few today, and Yang and Meng have not yet been permitted to retire. Shangzhi's appointment and favor are special—is it then not fitting to grant his request?" Yigong replied, "Shangzhi is pure, loyal, and steadfast and in successive service has been only fitting. Though his years are at the hanging-cart age, his body alone is full and strong. Not to grant his request is what all below share alike." Shangzhi again assumed his duties. Yang is Yang Xuanbao; Meng is Meng Yan, courtesy name Yanchong, a native of Anqiu in Pingchang. His elder brother Chang was noble and powerful; Yan did not accept summons or recruitment. After Chang died, Yan began his career as Administrator of Dongyang, then held Wu, Kuaiji, and Danyang in turn, became Palace Attendant, Vice Director, and Steward of the Heir Apparent, again served as Administrator of Kuaiji, died in office, and was posthumously granted Left Grand Master of the Palace. His son Shao married the sixteenth daughter of Emperor Taizu, the Princess of Nan Commandery; his daughter married the Prince of Pengcheng, Yikang, and the Lamented Prince of Baling, Xiuruo.
20
尚之既還任事，上待之愈隆。 是時復遣軍北伐，資給戎旅，悉以委之。 元凶弒立，進位司空，領尚書令。 時三方興義，將佐家在都邑，劭悉欲誅之，尚之誘說百端，並得免。 世祖即位，復為尚書令，領吏部，遷侍中、左光祿大夫，領護軍將軍。 尋辭護軍，加特進。 復以本官領尚書令。 丞相南郡王義宣、車騎將軍臧質反，義宣司馬竺超民、臧質長史陸展兄弟並應從誅，尚之上言曰：「刑罰得失，治亂所由，聖賢留心，不可不慎。 竺超民為義宣司馬，賊既遁走，一夫可禽，若反覆昧利，即當取之，非唯免愆，亦可要不義之賞，而超民曾無此意，微足觀過知仁。 且為官保全城府，謹守庫藏，端坐待縛。 今戮及兄弟，與向始末無論者復成何異。 陸展盡質復灼然，便同之巨逆，於事為重。 臣豫蒙顧待，自殊凡隸，苟有所懷，不敢自默。」 超民坐者由此得原。
Once Shangzhi had returned to his duties, the emperor treated him with ever greater favor. At this time armies were again sent north on campaign, and the supply of the military forces was entirely entrusted to him. When the Original Culprit usurped the throne by regicide, Shangzhi was promoted to Minister of Works and made Director of the Imperial Secretariat. At the time righteous armies rose in the three directions; the generals and aides had families in the capital, and Shao wished to execute them all. Shangzhi persuaded him by every argument, and all were spared. When Emperor Shizu came to the throne, Shangzhi again became Director of the Imperial Secretariat, oversaw the Ministry of the Civil Service, was promoted to Palace Attendant and Left Grand Master of the Palace, and commanded the General of the Guard Army. Soon he resigned the Guard Army command and was given Special Advancement. He again held his former office and concurrently served as Director of the Imperial Secretariat. The Chancellor, Prince of Nan Commandery Yixuan, and Zang Zhi, General of the Household Cavalry, rebelled. Yixuan's Chief Clerk Zhu Chaomin and Zhi's Chief Clerk Lu Zhan and his brothers were all to be executed with the rebels. Shangzhi submitted a memorial: "The gain and loss of punishments are the source of order and chaos; sages attend to them and one cannot be inattentive. Zhu Chaomin was Yixuan's Chief Clerk. Once the rebels had fled, a single man could have been captured; if one turned back for hidden profit, he should have been taken—not only to escape fault but also to demand an unrighteous reward. Yet Chaomin never had this intent, which is slightly enough to observe fault and know benevolence. Moreover, as an official he preserved the city walls and moat, carefully guarded the storehouses, and sat upright awaiting arrest. Now to execute him together with his brothers—how would that differ from punishing those who had nothing to do with the affair from start to finish? Lu Zhan's devotion to Zhi was again clearly shown; to treat him the same as the great traitors is, in the matter, grave. I have received favored treatment and am unlike ordinary subordinates; if I have something in mind, I dare not keep silent." Those implicated with Chaomin were thereby pardoned.
21
時欲分荊州置郢州，議其所居。 江夏王義恭以為宜在巴陵，尚之議曰：「夏口在荊、江之中，正對沔口，通接雍、梁，實為津要，由來舊鎮，根基不易。 今分取江夏、武陵、天門、竟陵、隨五郡為一州，鎮在夏口，既有見城，浦大容舫。 竟陵出道取荊州，雖水路，與去江夏不異，諸郡至夏口皆從流，並為利便。 湘州所領十一郡，其巴陵邊帶長江，去夏口密邇，既分湘中，乃更成大，亦可割巴陵屬新州，於事為允。」 上從其議。 荊、揚二州，戶口半天下，江左以來，揚州根本，委荊以閫外，至是並分，欲以削臣下之權，而荊、揚並因此虛耗。 尚之建言復合二州，上不許。
At the time they wished to divide Jingzhou and establish Yingzhou, and debated where its seat should be. The Prince of Jiangxia, Yigong, held that it should be at Baling. Shangzhi argued: "Xiakou lies between Jing and the Yangtze, directly facing the mouth of the Han, connecting with Yong and Liang—it is truly a strategic crossing. It has long been an old garrison and its foundations are not easily changed. Now take Jiangxia, Wuling, Tianmen, Jingling, and Sui—five commanderies—as one province, with the garrison at Xiakou. There is already an existing city, and the harbor is large enough to hold ships. From Jingling the route out to Jingzhou, though by water, differs little from going to Jiangxia; all commanderies reaching Xiakou follow the current, and all is convenient. The eleven commanderies under Xiangzhou include Baling along the Yangtze, close to Xiakou. Since central Xiang has been divided, it has become even larger; Baling may also be cut off to belong to the new province, which would be fitting." The emperor followed his view. Jing and Yang, the two provinces, held half the empire's registered households. Since the east of the Yangtze, Yangzhou was the root and Jing was entrusted with matters beyond the gate; now both were divided to cut down the power of subjects below, and Jing and Yang were both thereby drained and weakened. Shangzhi proposed reuniting the two provinces; the emperor did not permit it.
22
大明二年，以為左光祿、開府儀同三司，侍中如故。 尚之在家常著鹿皮帽，及拜開府，天子臨軒，百僚陪位，沈慶之於殿廷戲之曰：「今日何不著鹿皮冠？」 慶之累辭爵命，朝廷敦勸甚篤，尚之謂曰：「主上虛懷側席，詎宜固辭。」 慶之曰：「沈公不効何公，去而復還也。」 尚之有愧色。 愛尚文義，老而不休，與太常顏延之論議往反，傳於世。 立身簡約，車服率素，妻亡不娶，又無姬妾。 秉衡當朝，畏遠權柄，親戚故舊，一無薦舉，既以致怨，亦以此見稱。 復以本官領中書令。 四年，疾篤，詔遣侍中沈懷文、黃門侍郎王釗問疾。 薨于位，時年七十九。 追贈司空，侍中、中書令如故。 諡曰簡穆公。 子偃，別有傳。
In the second year of Daming he was made Left Grand Master of the Palace with the privilege of an office equal to the Three Excellencies, retaining his post as Palace Attendant. At home Shangzhi often wore a deerskin cap. When he was invested with the privilege of an office equal to the Three Excellencies, the Son of Heaven came to the hall and all officials attended. Shen Qingzhi jested in the court hall, "Why not wear your deerskin cap today?" Qingzhi repeatedly declined ennoblement; the court earnestly urged him with great sincerity. Shangzhi said to him, "The sovereign empties his mind and sits sidewise—how could you firmly decline?" Qingzhi said, "Master Shen does not imitate Master He—going away and coming back again." Shangzhi showed a look of shame. He loved literature and, old though he was, did not cease. With Yan Yanzhi, Minister of Ceremonies, he debated back and forth, and their exchanges were transmitted in the world. In personal conduct he was simple and restrained; carriages and dress were generally plain. When his wife died he did not remarry, nor did he keep concubines. Holding high office in the court, he feared and kept distant from power; among kin and old friends he made not a single recommendation. This both brought resentment and won him praise. He again held his former office and concurrently served as Director of the Secretariat. In the fourth year his illness grew grave; an edict sent Palace Attendant Shen Huaiwen and Attendant Gentleman at the Yellow Gate Wang Zhao to inquire after his health. He died in office at the age of seventy-nine. Posthumously he was granted Minister of Works, retaining his posts as Palace Attendant and Director of the Secretariat. His posthumous title was Duke Jian Mu. His son Yan has a separate biography.
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尚之弟悠之，義興太守，侍中，太常。 與琅邪王微相善，悠之卒，微與偃書曰：「吾與義興，直恨相知之晚，每惟君子知我。 若夫嘉我小善，矜余不能，唯賢叔耳。」 悠之弟愉之，新安太守。 愉之弟翌之，都官尚書。 悠之子顒之，尚太祖第四女臨海惠公主。 太宗世，官至通直常侍。
Shangzhi's younger brother Youzhi was Administrator of Yixing, Palace Attendant, and Minister of Ceremonies. He was on good terms with Wang Wei of Langye. When Youzhi died, Wei wrote to Yan: "The Administrator of Yixing and I only regret that we knew each other late; I always thought that a gentleman understood me. As for praising my small good points and pitying my incapacities—only your worthy uncle did that." Youzhi's younger brother Yuzhi was Administrator of Xin'an. Yuzhi's younger brother Yizhi was Minister of Justice. Youzhi's son Yongzhi married the fourth daughter of Emperor Taizu, the Princess Hui of Linhai. In the era of Emperor Taizong he rose to Regular Attendant for Direct Communication.
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史評
Historian's Appraisal
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史臣曰：江左以來，樹根本於揚越，任推轂於荊楚。 揚土自廬、蠡以北，臨海而極大江； 荊部則包括湘、沅，跨巫山而掩鄧塞。 民戶境域，過半於天下。 晉世幼主在位，政歸輔臣，荊、揚司牧，事同二陝。 宋室受命，權不能移，二州之重，咸歸密戚。 是以義宣藉西楚強富，因十載之基，嫌隙既樹，遂規問鼎。 而建郢分揚，矯枉過直，藩城既剖，盜實人單，閫外之寄，於斯而盡。 若長君南面，威刑自出，至親在外，事不患強。 若運經盛衰，時艱主弱，雖近臣懷禍，止有外憚，呂宗不競，實由齊、楚，興喪之源，於斯尤著。 尚之言并合，可謂識治也矣。
The historian says: Since the east of the Yangtze, the root has been planted in Yang and Yue, and the pushing of the chariot-wheel has been entrusted to Jing and Chu. The territory of Yang from Lu and Li northward borders the sea and reaches the great river; the Jing region embraces Xiang and Yuan, spans Mount Wu, and covers the passes of Deng. Its registered households and territory were more than half of all under Heaven. In the Jin age, when young lords held the throne, government returned to assisting ministers; the governors of Jing and Yang were matters like the two Shans. When the Song house received the Mandate, power could not be shifted; the weight of the two provinces all returned to close kin. Thus Yixuan relied on the strength and wealth of western Chu, built on a foundation of ten years; once rancor was planted, he then plotted to seize the throne. Yet in establishing Ying and dividing Yang, straightening the bent went too far. Once the barrier cities were cut apart, the substance of rebellion was thinned and men were few; the trust placed beyond the gate ended at this point. If a mature ruler faces south, authority and punishments issue from himself, and the closest kin are outside, the matter need not fear strength. If fortune passes through rise and decline, the times are hard and the ruler weak, though near ministers harbor malice they have only outward fear. The Lü clan did not contend—truly because of Qi and Chu; the source of rise and fall is especially clear here. Shangzhi's words on reuniting them may be called understanding of governance.