Volume 71 Biographies 31: Xu Zhan, Jiang Zhan, Wang Sengchao

列傳第三十一徐湛之江湛王僧綽

Biography 31: Xu Zhanzhi, Jiang Zhan, and Wang Sengchuo

徐湛之，字孝源，東海郯人。司徒羨之兄孫，吳郡太守佩之弟子也。祖欽之，秘書監。父逵之，尚高祖長女會稽公主，為振威將軍、彭城、沛二郡太守。高祖諸子並幼，以逵之姻戚，將大任之，欲先令立功。及討司馬休之，使統軍為前鋒，配以精兵利器，事克，當即授荊州。休之遣魯宗之子軌擊破之，於陣見害。追贈中書侍郎。

Xu Zhanzhi, styled Xiaoyuan, came from Tan in Donghai commandery. He was a grandson of Minister over the Masses Xianzhi's elder brother and a nephew of Wu commandery Governor Peizhi. His grandfather Qinzhi had served as Director of the Secretariat. His father Kuizhi had married Princess Kuaiji, Gaozu's eldest daughter, and held the posts of General Who Quells Might and governor of Pengcheng and Pei commanderies. Gaozu's sons were still young; as a kinsman by marriage, Kuizhi was marked for high office, but first he was to earn distinction in the field. In the campaign against Sima Xiuzhi he was placed at the head of the army as vanguard with elite troops and the best arms; on victory he was to receive Jing province immediately. Xiuzhi sent Gui, son of Lu Zong, who routed him and killed him on the field. He was posthumously enfeoffed as Vice Director of the Central Secretariat.

湛之幼孤，為高祖所愛，常與江夏王義恭寢食不離於側。永初三年，詔曰：「永興公主一門嫡長，早罹辛苦。外孫湛之，特所鍾愛。且致節之胤，情實兼常。可封枝江縣侯，食邑五百戶。」年數歲，與弟淳之共車行，牛奔車壞，左右馳來赴之。湛之先令取弟，眾咸歎其幼而有識。及長，頗涉大義，善自位待。事祖母及母，並以孝謹聞。

Zhanzhi lost his father early and was cherished by Gaozu, who kept him at the side of Prince Yigong of Jiangxia day and night. In the third year of Yongchu an edict declared: "Princess Yongxing, eldest in her line, has known hardship from an early age. Her grandson Zhanzhi is especially dear to us. Moreover, as one who has shown utmost integrity, his devotion is truly exceptional. Let him be enfeoffed as Marquis of Zhijiang with a fief of five hundred households." While still a small boy, he was riding with his younger brother Chunzhi when the ox bolted and wrecked the carriage; attendants rushed to their aid. Zhanzhi told them to rescue his brother first; everyone marveled that even as a child he showed such judgment. As he matured he gained a solid grasp of moral principle and knew how to conduct himself according to his rank. His care of his grandmother and mother alike won him a reputation for filial devotion and reverence.

元嘉二年，除著作佐郎，員外散騎侍郎，並不就。六年，東宮始建，起家補太子洗馬，轉國子博士，遷奮威將軍、南彭城、沛二郡太守，徙黃門侍郎。祖母年老，辭以朝直，不拜。復授二郡，加輔國將軍，遷秘書監，領右軍將軍，轉侍中，加驍騎將軍。復為秘書監，加散騎常侍，驍騎如故。

In the second year of Yuanjia he was offered the posts of Assistant in the Bureau of Composition and Extraordinary Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry, but declined both. In the sixth year, when the heir apparent's establishment was founded, he entered service as Groom of the Heir Apparent, became Erudite of the National University, was promoted to General Who Displays Might and governor of Nan Pengcheng and Pei, and then moved to Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. His grandmother was elderly; citing his obligation to attend court, he declined the appointment. He was again given the two commanderies with the rank of General Who Assists the State, became Director of the Secretariat while holding the post of Right Army General, was made Palace Attendant, and received the additional title of Valiant Cavalry General. He again became Director of the Secretariat with the additional rank of Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry, retaining his valiant cavalry title.

會稽公主身居長嫡，為太祖所禮，家事大小，必咨而後行。西征謝晦，使公主留止台內，總攝六宮。忽有不得意，輒號哭，上甚憚之。初，高祖微時，貧陋過甚，嘗自往新洲伐荻，有納布衫襖等衣，皆敬皇后手自作；高祖既貴，以此衣付公主，曰：「後世若有驕奢不節者，可以此衣示之。」湛之為大將軍彭城王義康所愛，與劉湛等頗相附協。及劉湛得罪，事連湛之，太祖大怒，將致大辟。湛之憂懼無計，以告公主。公主即日入宮，既見太祖，因號哭下床，不復施臣妾之禮。以錦囊盛高祖納衣，擲地以示上曰：「汝家本貧賤，此是我母為汝父作此納衣。今日有一頓飽食，便欲殘害我兒子！」上亦號哭，湛之由此得全也。遷中護軍，未拜，又遷太子詹事，尋加侍中。

Princess Kuaiji, as eldest legitimate daughter, was held in honor by Emperor Wen; on household matters great and small he always sought her counsel before acting. On the western campaign against Xie Hui he left the princess at court to oversee the inner palaces. Whenever something displeased her she would burst into loud weeping, and the emperor was much afraid of it. In his early days Gaozu had been desperately poor; he once went to Xinzhou himself to cut reeds. A cotton jacket and padded coat he owned had been sewn by Empress Jing with her own hands; after he rose to power he gave those garments to the princess, saying, "If any descendant grows arrogant and extravagant, show him these clothes." Zhanzhi won the favor of Grand General Yikang, Prince of Pengcheng, and aligned himself closely with Liu Tan and his circle. When Liu Tan fell, the case implicated Zhanzhi; Emperor Wen was furious and was about to sentence him to death. In dread and despair Zhanzhi confided in the princess. The princess went to court that same day; as soon as she saw Emperor Wen she wailed and threw herself from the couch, abandoning all courtly decorum. She took Gaozu's cotton garments from a brocade pouch and flung them down before the emperor. "Your family was poor," she cried. "My mother sewed this cotton coat for your father. Now that you have your fill, you would destroy my son!" The emperor wept as well, and Zhanzhi was spared. He was appointed Central Army Protector but did not take up the post; he was then made Steward of the Heir Apparent's Household and soon after Palace Attendant as well.

湛之善於尺牘，音辭流暢。貴戚豪家，產業甚厚。室宇園池，貴游莫及。伎樂之妙，冠絕一時。門生千餘人，皆三吳富人之子，姿質端妍，衣服鮮麗。每出入行遊，途巷盈滿，泥雨日，悉以後車載之。太祖嫌其侈縱，每以為言。時安成公何勖，無忌之子也，臨汝公孟靈休，昶之子也，並各奢豪，與湛之共以肴膳、器服、車馬相尚。京邑為之語曰：「安成食，臨汝飾。」湛之二事之美，兼于何、孟。勖官至侍中，追諡荒公。靈休善彈棋，官至秘書監。

Zhanzhi wrote with great skill, his phrasing fluent and graceful. As a great noble house, his wealth was immense. His mansions, gardens, and ponds surpassed those of any noble in the capital. His musicians and entertainers were unrivaled in their day. He kept more than a thousand retainers, all sons of wealthy families from the Three Wu, handsome in face and splendid in dress. Whenever he went abroad the streets were packed with his train; on muddy days they rode in carriages at the rear of the procession. Emperor Wen disapproved of his extravagance and often reproved him for it. Duke Xu of Ancheng, son of Wuji, and Duke Lingxiu of Linru, son of Chang, were equally lavish; with Zhanzhi they competed in cuisine, furnishings, dress, and equipage. The capital had a saying: "Ancheng for food, Linru for finery." Zhanzhi surpassed them both in food and finery alike. Xu reached the post of Palace Attendant and was posthumously styled Duke of Dissipation. Lingxiu was a master of pitch-pot and rose to Director of the Secretariat.

湛之遷冠軍將軍、丹陽尹，進號征虜將軍，加散騎常侍，以公主憂不拜。過葬，復授前職，湛之表啟固辭，又詣廷尉受罪；上詔獄官勿得受，然後就命。固辭常侍，許之。二十二年，范曄等謀逆，湛之始與之同，後發其事，所陳多不盡，為曄等款辭所連，乃詣廷尉歸罪，上慰遣令還郡。湛之上表曰：

Zhanzhi was made Champion General and Governor of Danyang, promoted to General Who Pacifies the Barbarians with the additional rank of Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry, but declined the posts while the princess was in mourning. After the mourning period he was offered his former posts again; Zhanzhi memorialized a firm refusal and presented himself to the Minister of Justice to accept punishment; the emperor ordered the prison officials not to accept his submission, and only then did he take office. He firmly declined the attendant post, and his request was granted. In the twenty-second year Fan Ye and others plotted treason. Zhanzhi had initially been involved but later exposed the plot; his report was incomplete, and Fan Ye's confessions implicated him further. He went to the Minister of Justice to confess; the emperor consoled him and sent him back to his post. Zhanzhi submitted a memorial:

賊臣范曄、孔熙先等，連結謀逆，法靜尼宣分往還，與大將軍臣義康共相脣齒，備于鞠對。伏尋仲承祖始達熙先等意，便極言奸狀。而臣兒女近情，不識大體，上聞之初，不務指斥，紙翰所載，尤復漫略者，實以凶計既表，逆事歸露；又仰緣聖慈，不欲窮盡，故言勢依違，未敢縷陳。情旨無隱，已昭天鑒。及群凶收禽，各有所列，曄等口辭，多見誣謗；承祖醜言，紛紜特甚。乃雲臣與義康宿有密契，在省之言，期以為定，潛通姦意，報示天文。末雲熙先縣指必同，以誑於曄，或以智勇見稱，或以愚懦為目。既美其信懷可履，復駭其動止必啟。凡諸詭妄，還自違伐，多舉事端，不究源統，齎傳之信，無有主名，所征之人，又已死沒，首尾乖互，自為矛楯。即臣誘引之辭，以為始謀之證，銜臣糾告，並見怨咎，縱肆狂言，必規禍陷。伏自探省，亦復有由。

The traitors Fan Ye, Kong Xixian, and their confederates plotted rebellion; the nun Fajing and Xuanfen carried messages between them; they were bound to Grand General Yikang like lip and teeth—the record of interrogation sets this forth in full. When Zhong Chengzu first relayed Xixian's designs, he spoke at once in full detail of their treachery. But I, swayed by family feeling, failed to grasp the larger issue; in my first report to Your Majesty I did not press the accusation, and my written memorial was especially vague—because the wicked plot was already exposed and treason had come to light; and relying on Your compassion, I did not wish to pursue the matter to the end; hence my words were hesitant and I did not dare lay out every detail. My true intent, without concealment, is already clear to Heaven's scrutiny. When the conspirators were seized each made his deposition; Fan Ye and the others, in their statements, slandered me heavily; Chengzu's calumnies were especially numerous. They claimed I had long held a secret pact with Yikang, that remarks in the Secretariat were taken as binding agreements, that I secretly communicated treasonous designs, and reported celestial omens to him. Finally they said Xixian, pointing at me, declared we would surely act together—to deceive Fan Ye; sometimes I was praised as wise and brave, sometimes dismissed as foolish and timid. They praised my trustworthiness as reliable, yet feared that my every move would expose the plot. All such fabrications contradicted themselves; they cited many incidents without tracing their source; the letters they mentioned had no identifiable author; the persons they named were already dead; beginning and end conflicted—they refuted their own claims. They twisted my words of persuasion into proof of initial plotting; resenting my denunciation, they all sought revenge with reckless accusations meant to destroy me. On reflection, I find there is indeed some cause for their accusations.

昔義康南出之始，敕臣入相伴慰，晨夕覲對，經逾旬日。逆圖成謀，雖無顯然，懟容異意，頗形言旨。遺臣利刃，期以際會，臣苦相諫譬，深加拒塞。以為怨憤所至，不足為慮，便以關啟，懼成虛妄，思量反覆，實經愚心，非為納受，曲相蔽匿。又令申情范曄，釋中間之憾，致懷蕭思話，恨婚意未申，謂此僥倖，亦不宣達。

When Yikang was first sent into exile in the south, I was ordered to keep him company and console him; morning and evening I was in his presence for more than ten days. Though no open treason appeared, resentment showed in his bearing and disaffection was evident in his words. He gave me a sharp blade, awaiting the right moment; I earnestly remonstrated with him, but he firmly refused to listen. I thought it arose only from resentment and was not worth troubling Your Majesty with; I meant to report it but feared it might prove groundless; I weighed the matter again and again in my foolish mind—it was not that I accepted his plot or deliberately concealed him. He also had me convey his feelings to Fan Ye to settle their quarrel and express regard for Xiao Sihua, regretting that a marriage alliance had not been concluded; I regarded this as trivial and did not report it either.

陛下敦惜天倫，彰于四海，籓禁優簡，親理咸通；又昔蒙眷顧，不容自絕，音翰信命，時相往來。或言少意多，旨深文淺，辭色之間，往往難測。臣每懼異聞，皆略而不答。惟心無邪悖，故不稍以自嫌。慺慺丹實，具如此啟。至於法靜所傳，及熙先等謀，知實不早，見關之日，便即以聞。雖晨光幽燭，曲昭窮款，裁以正義，無所逃刑。束骸北闕，請罪司寇，乾施含宥，未加治考，中旨頻降，制使還往，仰荷恩私，哀惶失守。

Your Majesty cherishes family bonds and makes this known throughout the realm; princes in confinement are treated generously, and kinship ties remain open; moreover, having once enjoyed your gracious favor toward him, I could not break off relations; letters and messages passed between us from time to time. Sometimes his words were few but his meaning weighty, the purport deep though the text slight; his tone and expression were often hard to read. Fearing suspicious reports, I always answered briefly or not at all. Only because my heart was free of treachery did I feel no need for self-reproach. With earnest loyalty I report all of this to Your Majesty. As for Fajing's messages and the plots of Xixian and his confederates, I did not learn the truth early; on the day I was implicated I reported at once. Though Your Majesty's light reveals every detail of my confession, judged by justice I cannot escape punishment. I presented myself at the northern gate to accept judgment from the Minister of Justice; Your gracious pardon spared me investigation; repeated imperial orders commanded my return; overwhelmed by your kindness, I am grief-stricken and distraught.

臣殃積罪深，丁罹酷罰，久應屏棄，永謝人理。況奸謀所染，忠孝頓闕，智防愚淺，暗於禍萌，士類未明其心，群庶謂之同惡，朝野側目，眾議沸騰，專信仇隙之辭，不復稍相申體。臣雖駑下，情非木石。豈不知醜點難嬰，伏劍為易。而靦然視息，忍此餘生，實非苟吝微命，假延漏刻。誠以負戾灰滅，貽惡方來，貪及視息，少自披訴；冀幽誠丹款，儻或昭然，雖復身膏草土，九泉無恨。顯居官次，垢穢朝班，厚顏何地，可以自處。乞蒙隳放，伏待鈇钅質。

My accumulated guilt is deep; having suffered harsh punishment I ought long ago to have been cast aside, forever cut off from human society. Moreover, implicated in treason, I seem to have abandoned loyalty and filial piety; my wit is poor and my folly deep; I was blind to disaster in the making; the gentry do not understand my heart; the people call me a fellow conspirator; court and countryside look on with suspicion; public opinion seethes; they heed only the words of enemies and will hear no explanation. Though I am base and unworthy, I am not made of wood or stone. Do I not know that shame is unbearable and that death by the sword would be easy? Yet I calmly draw breath and endure this remnant of life—not from clinging to a worthless existence or begging for a few more moments. It is truly because, bearing guilt that should reduce me to ashes, I would leave evil for posterity; clinging to life, I wish briefly to plead my case; hoping that my hidden sincerity may yet become clear; though my body nourish grass and soil, I would have no regret in the grave. To hold office openly defiles the court; with what face can I remain among its ranks? I beg to be dismissed and cast down, prostrate awaiting the executioner's axe.

上優詔不許。二十四年，服闋，轉中書令，領太子詹事。出為前軍將軍、南兗州刺史。善於為政，威惠並行。廣陵城舊有高樓，湛之更加修整，南望鐘山。城北有陂澤，水物豐盛。湛之更起風亭、月觀，吹台、琴室，果竹繁茂，花藥成行，招集文士，盡遊玩之適，一時之盛也。時有沙門釋惠休，善屬文，辭采綺豔，湛之與之甚厚。世祖命使還俗。本姓湯，位至揚州從事史。二十六年，復入為丹陽尹，領太子詹事，將軍如故。二十七年，索虜至瓜步，湛之領兵置佐，與皇太子分守石頭。二十八年春，魯爽兄弟率部曲歸順，爽等，魯軌子也。湛之以為廟算遠圖，特所獎納，不敢苟申私怨。乞屏居田里，不許。

The emperor issued a gracious edict refusing his request. In the twenty-fourth year, when his mourning was complete, he became Director of the Central Secretariat while retaining the post of Steward of the Heir Apparent's Household. He was sent out as Forward Army General and Governor of Southern Yan province. He governed well, combining stern authority with kindness. Guangling already had a tall tower; Zhanzhi restored and embellished it to look south toward Zhong Mountain. North of the city lay ponds and marshes teeming with fish and waterfowl. Zhanzhi added the Wind Pavilion and Moon View, the Flute Terrace and Zither Room; fruit trees and bamboo flourished, flowers and herbs lined the paths; he gathered literati and enjoyed every diversion—the glory of the age. At the time the monk Huixiu was skilled at composition, his style gorgeous and brilliant; Zhanzhi was very close to him. Emperor Xiaowu ordered him to return to lay life. His original surname was Tang; he rose to staff officer of Yang province. In the twenty-sixth year he returned to the capital as Governor of Danyang while retaining the post of Steward of the Heir Apparent's Household; his general's rank was unchanged. In the twenty-seventh year the Northern Wei reached Guabu; Zhanzhi took command and, with the crown prince, jointly defended Shitou fortress. In the spring of the twenty-eighth year Lu Shuang and his brothers led their followers in submission to the Song; they were sons of Lu Gui. Zhanzhi regarded their submission as part of the court's long-range strategy and warmly welcomed them, not daring to press a private grudge. He asked to retire to the countryside; his request was refused.

轉尚書僕射，領護軍將軍。時尚書令何尚之以湛之國戚，任遇隆重，欲以朝政推之。凡諸辭訴，一不料省。湛之亦以《職官記》及令文，尚書令敷奏出內，事無不總，令缺則僕射總任。又以事歸尚之，互相推委。御史中丞袁淑並奏免官，詔曰：「令僕治務所寄，不共求體當，而互相推委，糾之是也。然故事殘舛，所以致茲疑執，特無所問，時詳正之。」乃使湛之與尚之並受辭訴。尚之雖為令，而朝事悉歸湛之。

He was made Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and concurrently Army Protector General. Director He Shangzhi, seeing that Zhanzhi was an imperial kinsman in high favor, wished to turn court affairs over to him. He examined none of the petitions and suits submitted. Zhanzhi cited the Record of Offices and current regulations: the director presents memorials from within the palace and oversees all affairs; when that post is vacant the vice director assumes full responsibility. He likewise held that affairs were Shangzhi's responsibility; the two pushed duty back and forth. Censor-in-Chief Yuan Shu memorialized for their dismissal; an edict declared: "Director and vice director are entrusted with governing affairs; instead of working together they shirk responsibility—censure is justified. Yet precedent is fragmentary and confused, which caused this dispute; they are not punished for now, but the regulations are to be clarified." Zhanzhi and Shangzhi were then both ordered to handle petitions and suits. Though Shangzhi held the directorship, all court affairs passed to Zhanzhi.

初，劉湛伏誅，殷景仁卒，太祖委任沈演之、庾炳之、范曄等，後又有江湛、何瑀之。曄誅，炳之免，演之、瑀之並卒，至是江湛為吏部尚書，與湛之並居權要，世謂之江、徐焉。

After Liu Tan was executed and Yin Jingren died, Emperor Wen entrusted Shen Yanzhi, Yu Bingzhi, Fan Ye, and others; later Jiang Zhan and He Yuzhi joined them. After Fan Ye's execution and Yu Bingzhi's dismissal, and with the deaths of Yanzhi and Yuzhi, Jiang Zhan became Director of Personnel and shared power with Xu Zhanzhi; the age spoke of "Jiang and Xu."

上每有疾，湛之輒入侍醫藥。二凶巫蠱事發，上欲廢劭，賜浚死。而世祖不見寵，故累出外蕃，不得停京輦。南平王鑠、建平王宏並為上所愛，而鑠妃即湛妹，勸上立之。元嘉末，征鑠自壽陽入朝，既至，又失旨，欲立宏，嫌其非次，是以議久不決。與湛之屏人共言論，或連日累夕。每夜常使湛之自秉燭，繞壁檢行，慮有竊聽者。劭入弑之旦，其夕，上與湛之屏人語，至曉猶未滅燭。湛之驚起趣北戶，未及開，見害。時年四十四。世祖即位，追贈司空，加散騎常侍，本官如故，諡曰忠烈公。又詔曰：「徐湛之、江湛、王僧綽門戶荼酷，遺孤流寓，言念既往，感痛兼深。可令歸居本宅，厚加恤賜。」於是三家長給廩。

Whenever the emperor fell ill, Zhanzhi attended him with medicine. When the witchcraft plot of the two princes was exposed, the emperor wished to depose Shao and order Jun to take his own life. Prince Jun, however, was not favored and was repeatedly posted to distant principalities, unable to remain at court. Princes Shuo of Nanping and Hong of Jianping were both favored by the emperor; Shuo's consort was Zhanzhi's sister and urged the emperor to name Shuo heir. Late in Yuanjia, Shuo was summoned from Shouyang to court; once he arrived he again displeased the emperor. The emperor wished to name Hong heir but hesitated over his birth order, and deliberation dragged on. He discussed the matter with Zhanzhi in private, sometimes for days and nights on end. Each night he had Zhanzhi carry a candle and patrol the walls, fearing eavesdroppers. On the night before Shao murdered him, the emperor had been speaking with Zhanzhi in private until dawn, candles still burning. Zhanzhi sprang up in alarm and rushed to the north door; before he could open it he was slain. He was forty-four. When Emperor Xiaowu took the throne, Zhanzhi was posthumously made Minister of Works with the additional rank of Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry; his former titles were confirmed; he was posthumously styled Duke of Loyal Valor. Another edict declared: "The houses of Xu Zhanzhi, Jiang Zhan, and Wang Sengchuo have suffered bitter cruelty; orphaned survivors wander in exile; remembering what has passed fills us with deep grief. Let them return to their family homes and receive generous relief and gifts." Thereupon the three families received long-term grain stipends.

三子：聿之、謙之，為元凶所殺。恆之嗣侯，尚太祖第十五女南陽公主，蚤卒，無子。聿之子孝嗣紹封，齊受禪，國除。

He had three sons: Yuzhi and Qianzhi were killed by Liu Shao. Hengzhi inherited the marquisate and married Princess Nanyang, Emperor Wen's fifteenth daughter; he died young without issue. Yuzhi's son Xiaosi inherited the title; when the Qi dynasty succeeded the Song, the fief was abolished.

江湛，字徽淵，濟陽考城人，湘州刺史夷子也。居喪以孝聞。愛好文義，喜彈棋鼓琴，兼明算術。初為著作佐郎，遷彭城王義康司徒行參軍，南譙王義宣左軍功曹。復為義康司徒主簿，太子中舍人。司空檀道濟為子求湛妹婚，不許。義康有命，又不從。時人重其立志。義康欲引與日夕，湛固求外出，乃以為武陵內史，還為司徒從事中郎，遷太子中庶子，尚書吏部郎。隨王誕為北中郎將、南徐州刺史，以湛為長史、南東海太守，政事委之。

Jiang Zhan, styled Huiyuan, came from Kaocheng in Jiyang commandery and was the son of Xiang province Governor Yi. His filial devotion during mourning was widely praised. He loved learning and letters, enjoyed pitch-pot and the zither, and was skilled in mathematics. He began as Assistant in the Bureau of Composition, then served on Prince Yikang of Pengcheng's staff and as recorder of the Left Army under Prince Yixuan of Nanqiao. He again served as chief clerk on Yikang's secretariat and as attendant in the heir apparent's household. Minister of Works Tan Daoji asked for Zhan's sister for his son; Zhan refused. Yikang commanded it, and again he refused. Contemporaries respected his firm resolve. Yikang wished to keep him close at hand; Zhan insisted on leaving court and was made interior minister of Wuling. On his return he became secretariat attendant, then vice-steward of the heir apparent's household, then director of personnel. When Prince Dan of Sui was Northern Central Commandant and governor of Southern Xu, he made Zhan his chief of staff and governor of Southern Donghai, entrusting all administration to him.

元嘉二十五年，徵為侍中，任以機密，領本州大中正，遷左衛將軍。時改選學職，以太尉江夏王義恭領國子祭酒，湛及侍中何攸之領博士。二十七年，轉吏部尚書。家甚貧約，不營財利，餉饋盈門，一無所受，無兼衣餘食。嘗為上所召，值浣衣，稱疾經日，衣成然後赴。牛餓，馭人求草，湛良久曰：「可與飲。」在選職，頗有刻核之譏，而公平無私，不受請謁，論者以此稱焉。

In the twenty-fifth year of Yuanjia he was summoned as Palace Attendant and entrusted with confidential affairs, made Great Rectifier of his native province, and promoted to Left Guard General. Academic offices were reformed; Grand Marshal Yigong, Prince of Jiangxia, became chancellor of the National University, while Zhan and Palace Attendant He Youzhi served as erudites. In the twenty-seventh year he became Director of Personnel. His household was very poor; he sought no profit though gifts filled his gate, accepting none; he owned no spare clothes or extra food. Once when summoned by the emperor he was washing his only clothes; he pleaded illness for a day and went only after they were dry. When his ox grew hungry the driver asked for fodder; after a long pause Zhan said, "Give it water to drink." In the selection office he drew some criticism for severity, yet he was fair and accepted no bribes; commentators praised him for this.

上大舉北代，舉朝為不可，唯湛贊成之。索虜至瓜步，領軍將軍劉遵考率軍出江上，以湛兼領軍，軍事處分，一以委焉。虜遣使求婚，上召太子劭以下集議，眾並謂宜許，湛曰：「戎狄無信，許之無益。」劭怒，謂湛曰：「今三王在厄，詎宜苟執異議。」聲色甚厲。坐散俱出，劭使班劍及左右推之，殆將側倒。劭又謂上曰：「北伐敗辱，數州淪破，獨有斬江湛，可以謝天下。」上曰：「北伐自我意，江湛但不異耳。」劭後燕集，未嘗命湛。常謂上曰：「江湛佞人，不宜親也。」上乃為劭長子偉之娉湛第三女，欲以和之。

When the emperor launched a great northern campaign the whole court opposed it—only Jiang Zhan supported it. When the Northern Wei reached Guabu, Army Commandant Liu Zunkao led troops onto the Yangtze; Zhan was made concurrent army commandant and all military decisions were entrusted to him. The barbarians sent envoys seeking a marriage alliance; the emperor summoned Crown Prince Shao and the court to deliberate; all favored acceptance; Zhan said, "The barbarians are faithless—agreeing would serve no purpose." Shao was furious and said to Zhan, "The three princes are in peril—how can you stubbornly dissent?" His tone was fierce. As the meeting ended Shao had his guards and attendants shove Zhan, nearly knocking him over. Shao also told the emperor, "The northern campaign ended in defeat and several provinces were lost—only by executing Jiang Zhan can we answer to the realm." The emperor replied, "The northern campaign was my own decision; Jiang Zhan merely did not dissent." Afterward Shao never invited Zhan to his banquets. He often told the emperor, "Jiang Zhan is a flatterer and should not be trusted." The emperor betrothed Shao's eldest son Weizhi to Zhan's third daughter, hoping to reconcile them.

上將廢劭，使湛具詔草。劭之入弑也，湛直上省，聞叫噪之聲，乃匿傍小屋中。劭遣收之，舍吏紿云：「不在此。」兵士即殺舍吏，乃得湛。湛據窗受害，意色不撓。時年四十六。湛五子恁、恕、憼、愻、法壽，皆見殺。初，湛家數見怪異，未敗少日，所眠床忽有數升血。世祖即位，追贈左光祿大夫、開府儀同三司，加散騎常侍，本官如故，諡曰忠簡公。長子恁，尚太祖第九女淮陽長公主，為著作佐郎。

When the emperor prepared to depose Shao, he had Zhan draft the edict. When Shao entered to murder the emperor, Zhan had gone to the Secretariat; hearing the uproar, he hid in a small room nearby. Shao sent men to seize him; an office clerk deceived them, saying he was not there. The soldiers killed the clerk and then seized Zhan. Zhan braced himself against the window as he was killed; his expression never changed. He was forty-six. Zhan's five sons Ren, Shu, Cong, Xun, and Fashou were all executed. Earlier strange omens had appeared in Zhan's household; a few days before his fall several pints of blood suddenly appeared on his bed. When Emperor Xiaowu took the throne, Zhan was posthumously made Left Household Grandee with privileges equal to the Three Excellencies and Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry; his former titles were confirmed; he was posthumously styled Duke of Loyal Simplicity. His eldest son Ren married Eldest Princess Huaiyang, Emperor Wen's ninth daughter, and served as Assistant in the Bureau of Composition.

王僧綽，琅邪臨沂人，左光祿大夫曇首子也。幼有大成之度，弱年眾以國器許之。好學有理思，練悉朝典。年十三，太祖引見，下拜便流涕哽咽，上亦悲不自勝。襲封豫章縣侯，尚太祖長女東陽獻公主。初為江夏王義恭司徒參軍，轉始興王文學，秘書丞，司徒左長史，太子中庶子。元嘉二十六年，徙尚書吏部郎，參掌大選。究識流品，諳悉人物，拔才舉能，咸得其分。二十八年，遷侍中，任以機密。僧綽沈深有局度，不以才能高人。先是，父曇首與王華並為太祖所任，華子嗣人才既劣，位遇亦輕。僧綽嘗謂中書侍郎蔡興宗曰：「弟名位應與新建齊，超至今日，蓋由姻戚所致也。」新建者，嗣之封也。及為侍中，時年二十九。始興王浚嘗問其年，僧綽自嫌蚤達，逡巡良久乃答，其謙虛自退若此。

Wang Sengchuo came from Linyi in Langye commandery and was the son of Left Household Grandee Tanshou. From childhood he showed the makings of greatness; even in youth all regarded him as a pillar of the state. He loved learning and thought deeply; he was thoroughly versed in court regulations. At thirteen Emperor Wen summoned him; as he bowed tears streamed down and he choked with sobs; the emperor too was overcome with grief. He inherited the marquisate of Yuzhang and married Eldest Princess Xian of Dongyang, Emperor Wen's eldest daughter. He began on Prince Yigong of Jiangxia's staff, then served as literary adjunct under the Prince of Shixing, director of the Secretariat, left chief of staff, and vice-steward of the heir apparent's household. In the twenty-sixth year of Yuanjia he became Director of Personnel and took charge of major appointments. He thoroughly understood grades of talent, knew men well, and in promoting the able always made the right choice. In the twenty-eighth year he became Palace Attendant and was entrusted with confidential affairs. Sengchuo was deep and steady, with sound judgment; he did not condescend to others on account of his talent. His father Tanshou and Wang Hua had both been trusted by Emperor Wen; Hua's son Si was inferior in talent and held a far lower position. Sengchuo once told Vice Director Cai Xingzong: "Brother, your rank ought to match the Marquis of Xinjian's; you have risen higher chiefly through marriage ties." Xinjian was Wang Si's title. When he became Palace Attendant he was twenty-nine. Prince Jun of Shixing once asked his age; ashamed of his early advancement, Sengchuo hesitated a long while before answering—such was his modesty.

元嘉末，太祖頗以後事為念，以其年少，方欲大相付託，朝政小大，皆與參焉。從兄徽，清介士也，懼其太盛，勸令損抑。僧綽乃求吳郡及廣州，上並不許。會二凶巫蠱事泄，上獨先召僧綽具言之。及將廢立，使尋求前朝舊典。劭於東宮夜饗將士，僧綽密以啟聞，上又令撰漢魏以來廢諸王故事。撰畢，送與江湛、徐湛之。湛之欲立隨王誕，江湛欲立南平王鑠，太祖欲立建平王宏，議久不決。延妃即湛之女，鑠妃即湛妹。太祖謂僧綽曰：「諸人各為身計，便無與國家同憂者。」僧綽曰：「建立之事，仰由聖懷。臣謂唯宜速斷，不可稽緩。當斷不斷，反受其亂。願以義割恩，略小不忍。不爾，便應坦懷如初，無煩疑論。淮南云：'以石投水，吳越之善沒取之。 '事機雖密，易致宣廣，不可使難生慮表，取笑千載。」上曰：「卿可謂能斷大事。此事重，不可不殷勤三思。且庶人始亡，人將謂我無復慈愛之道。」僧綽曰：「臣恐千載之後，言陛下唯能裁弟，不能裁兒。」上默然。江湛同侍坐，出閣，謂僧綽曰：「卿向言，將不大傷切直。」僧綽曰：「弟亦恨君不直。」

Late in Yuanjia Emperor Wen thought much of the succession; though Sengchuo was young, he intended to entrust him with great responsibility and consulted him on all matters of state. His cousin Hui, a man of pure integrity, fearing his eminence had grown excessive, urged him to restrain himself. Sengchuo then asked for posts in Wu commandery and Guang province; the emperor refused both. When the witchcraft plot of the two princes was exposed, the emperor summoned Sengchuo alone and told him everything. When he prepared to depose the heir and name another, he had Sengchuo search out precedents from earlier dynasties. When Shao feasted his officers at night in the Eastern Palace, Sengchuo secretly informed the emperor, who also ordered him to compile precedents since Han and Wei for deposing princes. When the compilation was finished it was sent to Jiang Zhan and Xu Zhanzhi. Xu Zhanzhi favored Prince Dan of Sui; Jiang Zhan favored Prince Shuo of Nanping; Emperor Wen favored Prince Hong of Jianping; deliberation dragged on without resolution. Dan's consort was Xu Zhanzhi's daughter; Shuo's consort was his sister. Emperor Wen told Sengchuo: "Each of them schemes for himself; none shares the state's concern." Sengchuo replied: "The choice of heir rests with Your Majesty alone. I believe you should decide swiftly and not delay. He who ought to decide and does not will suffer disorder in return. I pray that you will let righteousness override affection and set aside small reluctance to act. Otherwise you should be open-hearted as before and have no need for suspicious deliberation. The Huainanzi says: 'Cast a stone into water and the expert divers of Wu and Yue will fetch it out.' Though the affair is secret, it can easily leak abroad; you must not let suspicion arise and become a laughingstock for ages.' The emperor said, "You may be said to know how to decide great affairs. This matter is weighty and must be considered again and again with the utmost care. Moreover, my son has only just died; men will say I no longer know fatherly love. Sengchuo replied, "I fear that ages hence men will say Your Majesty could judge younger brothers but not his own son." The emperor fell silent. Jiang Zhan had been in attendance; leaving the pavilion he told Sengchuo, "What you just said was rather blunt and will wound him deeply." Sengchuo replied, "Brother, I too regret that you were not blunt enough."

及劭弑逆，江湛在尚書上省，聞變，歎曰：「不用僧綽言，以至於此。」劭既立，轉為吏部尚書，委以事任，事在《二凶傳》。頃之，劭料檢太祖巾箱及江湛家書疏，得僧綽所啟饗士並廢諸王事，乃收害焉，時年三十一。因此陷北第諸王侯，以為與僧綽有異志，並殺僧綽門客太學博士賈匪之、奉朝請司馬文穎、建平國常侍司馬仲秀等。世祖即位，追贈散騎常侍、金紫光祿大夫，諡曰湣侯。

When Shao murdered the emperor, Jiang Zhan was at the Masters of Writing offices; hearing the news he sighed, "Had we heeded Sengchuo's counsel, it would not have come to this." After Shao usurped the throne, Sengchuo was made Director of Personnel and entrusted with affairs of state; the account is in the 《Biography of the Two Villains》. Soon Shao searched the emperor's private chest and Jiang Zhan's papers; finding Sengchuo's reports on the feast for officers and the plan to depose the princes, he had him seized and killed; Sengchuo was thirty-one. On this pretext he implicated the princes of the Northern Residence, claiming they shared Sengchuo's disloyal intent; he also executed Sengchuo's clients Jia Feizhi, Erudite of the National University, court attendant Sima Wenying, regular attendant Sima Zhongxiu of Jianping, and others. When Emperor Xiaowu took the throne, Sengchuo was posthumously made Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry and Household Grandee with the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon; he was posthumously styled Marquis of Lamentation.

初，太社西空地一區，吳時丁奉宅，孫晧流徙其家。江左初為周顗、蘇峻宅，其後為袁悅宅，又為章武王司馬秀宅，皆以凶終。後給臧燾，亦頗遇喪禍，故世稱為凶地。僧綽常以正達自居，謂宅無吉凶，請以為第。始就造築，未及居而敗。

A vacant plot west of the Grand Altar of Soil and Grain had been Ding Feng's residence in Wu times; Sun Hao exiled his household from it. In the early years south of the Yangtze it had been the home of Zhou Yi and Su Jun; later of Yuan Yue, then of Prince Zhangwu Sima Xiu—all met violent ends. Later it was given to Zang Tao, who also suffered bereavement and disaster; the age therefore called it an ill-omened place. Sengchuo, holding himself a man of upright character, maintained that dwellings had no luck or ill luck and asked to take it as his residence. He had just begun building when, before he could move in, he met his downfall.

子儉嗣，升明末，為齊國尚書右僕射。

His son Jian succeeded; at the end of the Shengming era he was Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing in Qi.

史臣曰：甚矣，宋氏之家難也，仇釁所鐘，親地兼極，雖復傾天滅道，跡非嫌路，而災隙內兆，邪蠱外興，天性既離，愛敬同盡，探雀請熊，非無前釁，猜防之道，有未足乎。世祖弱年輕躁，夙無朝寵，累任邊外，未嘗居中。當璧之重，將由愛立，臣主回疑，事無蚤斷。若使守器以長，命不待賢，則密禍自銷，危機可免。聖哲之訓，豈欺我哉！昔山濤舉羊祜為太子太傅，蓋欲以後事委之，而羊公短世。僧綽綢繆主心，將任以國重，而宮車晏駕。二臣並以道德謙沖，名高兩代。胙未中年，功謝成日，惜矣哉！

The historiographer writes: How severe were the Liu Song's domestic calamities! Enmity converged upon them as kinship reached its breaking point. Though they overturned Heaven and extinguished the Way, their course was not mere suspicion—yet disaster sprouted within while witchcraft arose without; natural affection was severed and love and reverence alike exhausted. To take a sparrow and demand a bear—had there been no prior warning? Were suspicion and precaution not yet enough? Prince Jun in his youth was frivolous and impetuous; he had never enjoyed favor at court; repeatedly posted to the frontiers, he had never held power at the center. The choice of heir was to be settled by affection; ruler and ministers wavered; the matter was never decided in time. If the heir had been kept by seniority and the throne had not awaited the worthy, hidden calamity would have dissolved and crisis been avoided. Can the teachings of the sages deceive us! Formerly Shan Tao recommended Yang Hu as Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent, intending to entrust the succession to him, but Yang Hu died young. Sengchuo had won the emperor's trust and was about to be entrusted with the weight of state, but the emperor died before he could take office. Both men were alike in moral virtue and modest humility, renowned across two generations. They had not reached midlife; their merit departed before its day—how regrettable!

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