1
房陵王房陵王勇，字睍地伐，高祖長子也。 周世，以太祖軍功封博平侯。 及高祖輔政，立為世子，拜大將軍、左司衛，封長寧郡公。 出為洛州總管、東京小塚宰，總統舊齊之地。 後征還京師，進位上柱國、大司馬，領內史禦正，諸禁衛皆屬焉。 高祖受禪，立為皇太子，軍國政事及尚書奏死罪已下，皆令勇參決之。 上以山東民多流冗，遣使按檢，又欲徙民北實邊塞。 勇上書諫曰：「竊以導俗當漸，非可頓革，戀土懷舊，民之本情，波迸流離，蓋不獲已。 有齊之末，主暗時昏，周平東夏，繼以威虐，民不堪命，致有逃亡，非厭家鄉，願為羈旅。 加以去年三方逆亂，賴陛下仁聖，區宇肅清，鋒刃雖屏，瘡痍未複。 若假以數歲，沐浴皇風，逃竄之徒，自然歸本。 雖北夷猖獗，嘗犯邊烽，今城鎮峻峙，所在嚴固，何待遷配，以致勞擾。 臣以庸虛，謬當儲貳，寸誠管見，輒以塵聞。」 上覽而嘉之，遂寢其事。 是後時政不便，多所損益，上每納之。 上嘗從容謂群臣曰：「前世皇王，溺於嬖幸，廢立之所由生。 朕傍無姬侍，五子同母，可謂真兄弟也。 豈若前代多諸內寵，孽子忿諍，為亡國之道邪！」
Yang Yong, Prince of Fangling, whose courtesy name was Yandiba, was the eldest son of Emperor Wen. In the Northern Zhou period, he was made Marquis of Boping on account of his grandfather Yang Zhong's military service. When Emperor Wen assumed the regency, Yong was named heir apparent, appointed General-in-Chief and Left Commander of the Palace Guard, and created Duke of Changning. He was posted as Governor-General of Luozhou and Junior Steward of the Eastern Capital, with overall authority over the former Qi territories. He was later recalled to the capital, promoted to Grand Preceptor of State and Grand Marshal, and given charge of the Inner Scribe Directorate and Imperial Censorate, with all palace guards under his command. When Emperor Wen took the throne, Yong was made crown prince. Matters of war and government, and all Ministry of State Affairs memorials on offenses short of capital crimes, were referred to Yong for his decision. The emperor, seeing that many people in the eastern provinces were displaced and idle, sent officials to investigate and also planned to resettle population northward to strengthen the frontier. Yong submitted a memorial of remonstrance: "I believe that changing custom must be gradual—it cannot be done all at once. Love of home and attachment to native soil are the people's deepest instincts; their flight and dispersion are largely forced upon them. At the end of Qi the rulers were corrupt and the times chaotic; when Zhou conquered the east, harsh rule followed, and the people could not bear it and fled—not because they hated their homes and wished to live as exiles. Then last year rebellions broke out on three fronts; thanks to Your Majesty's benevolence and wisdom the realm was pacified, but though the fighting has ceased, the wounds have not yet healed. If they are given a few years to enjoy the emperor's benevolent rule, those who fled will naturally return home. Though the northern tribes are unruly and have sometimes raided the frontier, the garrison towns are now strong and secure everywhere—why resort to forced resettlement and cause such hardship? I am unworthy in my station as heir apparent, yet I offer this humble opinion in all sincerity. The emperor read the memorial with approval and dropped the plan. Thereafter, whenever government policy seemed flawed, Yong proposed changes, and the emperor usually accepted his advice. The emperor once remarked casually to his ministers: "Emperors of past ages who indulged in favorites were the very cause of depositions and succession crises. I have no concubines at court, and my five sons are all born of the same mother—they are true brothers indeed. How unlike earlier dynasties, with their many favored consorts and rival sons of different mothers—the very road to ruin!"
2
勇頗好學，解屬詞賦，性寬仁和厚，率意任情，無矯飾之行。 引明克讓、姚察、陸開明等為之賓友。 勇嘗文飾蜀鎧，上見而不悅，恐致奢侈之漸，因而誡之曰：「我聞天道無親，唯德是與，曆觀前代帝王，未有奢華而得長久者。 汝當儲後，若不上稱天心，下合人意，何以承宗廟之重，居兆民之上？ 吾昔日衣服，各留一物，時複看之，以自警戒。 今以刀子賜汝，宜識我心。」
Yong was studious and skilled at literary composition; he was generous, kind, and sincere by nature, acting naturally without affectation. He took Ming Kerang, Yao Cha, Lu Kaiming, and others as literary companions. Yong once had a suit of Shu armor decorated with ornamental inscriptions. The emperor saw it and was displeased, fearing the first step toward extravagance, and admonished him: "Heaven favors virtue, not luxury—I have never seen an extravagant emperor whose dynasty endured. You are the heir apparent—if you do not meet Heaven's expectations and the people's wishes, how can you bear the ancestral temple and rule over the masses? I have kept one piece from each of my old garments and look at them from time to time to remind myself. I give you this knife now—remember what I mean by it."
3
其後經冬至，百官朝勇，勇張樂受賀。 高祖知之，問朝臣曰：「近聞至節，內外百官相率朝東宮，是何禮也？」 太常少卿辛亶對曰：「于東宮是賀，不得言朝。」 高祖曰：「改節稱賀，正可三數十人，逐情各去。 何因有司徵召，一時普集，太子法服設樂以待之？ 東宮如此，殊乖禮制。」 於是下詔曰：「禮有等差，君臣不雜，爰自近代，聖教漸虧，俯仰逐情，因循成俗。 皇太子雖居上嗣，義兼臣子，而諸方嶽牧，正冬朝賀，任土作貢，別上東宮，事非典則，宜悉停斷。」 自此恩寵始衰，漸生疑阻。 時高祖令選宗衛侍官，以入上臺宿衛。 高熲奏稱，若盡取強者，恐東宮宿衛太劣。 高祖作色曰：「我有時行動，宿衛須得雄毅。 太子毓德東宮，左右何須強武？ 此極敝法，甚非我意。 如我商量，恆於交番之日，分向東宮上下，團伍不別，豈非好事？ 我熟見前代，公不須仍踵舊風。」 蓋疑高熲男尚勇女，形於此言，以防之也。
Later, at the winter solstice, officials came to congratulate Yong at the Eastern Palace, where he held a celebration with music. Emperor Wen learned of this and asked his ministers: "I hear that at the solstice all the officials went to the Eastern Palace to pay their respects—what kind of ceremony is that? Junior Director of Sacrifices Xin Dan replied: "At the Eastern Palace it was a congratulatory visit, not a formal audience." Emperor Wen said: "If the solstice is to be marked with congratulations, a few dozen people at most should go as they please. Why did officials summon everyone at once, with the crown prince in full regalia and music prepared to receive them? Conduct like this at the Eastern Palace is a serious breach of protocol." An edict was then issued: "Ritual distinguishes rank and keeps ruler and subject separate; in recent times these distinctions have eroded, and custom has formed through careless habit. Though the crown prince is the heir, he is still a subject; for regional governors to bring winter solstice greetings and tribute separately to the Eastern Palace is improper—all such visits are hereby forbidden." From then on the emperor's favor waned, and mutual suspicion grew. At that time Emperor Wen ordered the selection of palace guard attendants from the imperial clan for duty at the upper palace. Gao Jiong reported that if all the strongest guards were taken, the Eastern Palace guard would be left too weak. Emperor Wen's expression darkened: "When I travel, my guard must be strong and resolute. The crown prince cultivates virtue in the Eastern Palace—why does he need fierce warriors at his side? This is a thoroughly bad practice and not at all what I want. As I see it, on rotation days guards should be divided between the upper palace and the Eastern Palace without separate units—is that not better? I know the mistakes of past dynasties well—you need not follow their old ways. This was likely because he suspected Gao Jiong's son was married to Yong's daughter—the remark was meant as a warning.
4
勇多內寵，昭訓雲氏，尤稱嬖幸，禮匹於嫡。 勇妃元氏無寵，嘗遇心疾，二日而薨。 獻皇后意有他故，甚責望勇。 自是雲昭訓專擅內政，後彌不平，頗遣人伺察，求勇罪過。 晉王知之，彌自矯飾，姬妾但備員數，唯共蕭妃居處。 皇后由是薄勇，愈稱晉王德行。 其後晉王來朝，車馬侍從，皆為儉素，敬接朝臣，禮極卑屈，聲名籍甚，冠于諸王。 臨還揚州，入內辭皇后，因進言曰：「臣鎮守有限，方違顏色，臣子之戀，實結於心。 一辭階闥，無由侍奉，拜見之期，杳然未日。」 因哽咽流涕，伏不能興。 皇后亦曰：「汝在方鎮，我又年老，今者之別，有切常離。」 又泫然泣下，相對歔欷。 王曰：「臣性識愚下，常守平生昆弟之意，不知何罪，失愛東宮，恆蓄盛怒，欲加屠陷。 每恐讒譖生於投杼，鴆毒遇於杯勺，是用勤憂積念，懼履危亡。」 皇后忿然曰：「睍地伐漸不可耐，我為伊索得元家女，望隆基業，竟不聞作夫妻，專寵阿雲，使有如許豚犬。 前新婦本無病痛，忽爾暴亡，遣人投藥，致此夭逝。 事已如是，我亦不能窮治，何因複於汝處發如此意？ 我在尚爾，我死後，當魚肉汝乎？ 每思東宮竟無正嫡，至尊千秋萬歲之後，遣汝等兄弟向阿雲兒前再拜問訊，此是幾許大苦痛邪！」 晉王又拜，嗚咽不能止，皇后亦悲不自勝。 此別之後，知皇后意移，始構奪宗之計。 因引張衡定策，遣褒公宇文述深交楊約，令喻旨于越國公素，具言皇后此語。 素瞿然曰：「但不知皇后如何？ 必如所言，吾又何為者！」 後數日，素入侍宴，微稱晉王孝悌恭儉，有類至尊，用此揣皇后意。 皇后泣曰：「公言是也。 我兒大孝順，每聞至尊及我遣內使到，必迎於境首。 言及違離，未嘗不泣。 又其新婦亦大可憐，我使婢去，常與之同寢共食。 豈若睍地伐共阿雲相對而坐，終日酣宴，昵近小人，疑阻骨肉。 我所以益憐阿摐者，常恐暗地殺之。」 素既知意，因盛言太子不才。 皇后遂遺素金，始有廢立之意。
Yong kept many concubines; Lady Yun of Zhaoxun was his especial favorite, treated with the honors due a principal wife. Yong's principal consort, Lady Yuan, was unloved; she once fell ill with a heart condition and died within two days. Empress Dugu suspected foul play and severely reproached Yong. From then on Lady Yun dominated the inner household; the empress grew ever more hostile and sent agents to watch Yong and find fault with him. The Prince of Jin, learning of this, became all the more careful in his conduct: he kept concubines only for show and lived exclusively with Consort Xiao. The empress accordingly lost regard for Yong and praised the Prince of Jin's character ever more highly. When the Prince of Jin later came to court, his retinue was plain and modest; he treated ministers with extreme deference, and his reputation surpassed all the other princes. Before returning to Yangzhou he went to bid the empress farewell and said: "My post keeps me far away, and I must leave Your Majesty's presence; a son's longing is deeply rooted in my heart. Once I leave these halls I cannot attend you, and the day I may see you again seems impossibly far. He broke into sobs, wept, and prostrated himself, unable to rise. The empress said: "You are posted far away and I am old—this parting cuts deeper than the usual farewell. Tears streamed down her face as they wept together. The prince said: "I am dull by nature and have always kept brotherly affection, yet somehow I have lost the crown prince's favor; he constantly nurses anger and seeks to destroy me. I live in fear of slander and poison—I worry constantly that I am walking toward ruin. The empress said angrily: "Yandiba is becoming intolerable. I found him a Yuan family bride, hoping for imperial heirs, yet they never act as husband and wife—he dotes on that Yun woman and has sired such worthless sons. The new bride was perfectly healthy, then suddenly died—someone poisoned her and caused her early death. I could not pursue the matter further—but why would you think he would do the same to you? If this is how things are while I live, what will he do to you after I am gone? When I think that after the emperor's death you brothers would have to bow before Yun's sons—what agony that would be!" The Prince of Jin bowed again, sobbing uncontrollably, and the empress was overcome with grief. After this farewell, seeing that the empress's favor had turned, he began plotting to seize the succession. He enlisted Zhang Heng to plan the strategy and sent Duke Yuwen Shu to cultivate Yang Yue, instructing him to convey the empress's words to Yang Su. Yang Su started and said: "But I do not know the empress's mind— if it is truly as you say, what more need I do! A few days later Yang Su attended a banquet and subtly praised the Prince of Jin's filial piety, humility, and frugality, saying he resembled the emperor, to test the empress's reaction. The empress wept: "You are right. My son is deeply filial—whenever he hears the emperor or I have sent palace envoys, he meets them at the border of his province. He weeps whenever separation is mentioned. His bride is also most endearing—when I send maidservants, they sleep and dine with her. How unlike Yandiba, who sits feasting all day with that Yun woman, consorts with low characters, and sows discord among brothers. I favor Guang all the more because I constantly fear Yong will have him killed in secret. Yang Su, now understanding her mind, spoke at length of the crown prince's unfitness. The empress then sent gold to Yang Su, and the plan to depose Yong and install Guang began.
5
勇頗知其謀，憂懼，計無所出。 聞新豐人王輔賢能占候，召而問之。 輔賢曰：「白虹貫東宮門，太白襲月，皇太子廢退之象也。」 以銅鐵五兵造諸厭勝。 又于後園之內作庶人村，屋宇卑陋，太子時于中寢息，布衣草褥，冀以當之。 高祖知其不安，在仁壽宮，使楊素觀勇。 素至東宮，偃息未入，勇束帶待之，故久不進，以激怒勇。 勇銜之，形於言色。 素還，言勇怨望，恐有他變，願深防察。 高祖聞素譖毀，甚疑之。 皇后又遣人伺覘東宮，纖介事皆聞奏，因加媒蘖，構成其罪。 高祖惑于邪議，遂疏忌勇。 乃于玄武門達至德門量置候人，以伺動靜，皆隨事奏聞。 又東宮宿衛之人，侍官已上，名藉悉令屬諸衛府，有健兒者，鹹屏去之。 晉王又令段達私於東宮幸臣姬威，遺以財貨，令取太子消息，密告楊素。 於是內外喧謗，過失日聞。 段達脅姬威曰：「東宮罪過，主上皆知之矣，已奉密詔，定當廢立。 君能靠之，則大富貴。」 威遂許諾。
Yong had some inkling of the plot and was anxious and afraid, but could think of no remedy. Hearing that Wang Fuxian of Xinfeng could read omens, he summoned him for counsel. Fuxian said: "A white rainbow spans the Eastern Palace gate, and Venus eclipses the moon—these are omens of the crown prince's deposition. Yong had apotropaic charms fashioned from copper, iron, and the five weapons. He also built a "commoners' village" in the rear garden with humble dwellings, where he sometimes slept on straw bedding in plain clothes, hoping to avert his fate. Emperor Wen, knowing Yong was uneasy, sent Yang Su from Renshou Palace to observe him. Yang Su arrived at the Eastern Palace and lingered outside without entering; Yong dressed formally and waited, and Su deliberately delayed to provoke him. Yong nursed the insult, and it showed in his words and face. Yang Su reported back that Yong was resentful and discontent, feared further trouble, and urged close surveillance. Emperor Wen, hearing Yang Su's accusations, grew deeply suspicious of Yong. The empress also sent spies to the Eastern Palace; the smallest matters were reported, and slander was piled on to build a case against him. Emperor Wen, swayed by malicious counsel, grew distant and wary of Yong. He posted watchers from Xuanwu Gate to Zhide Gate to monitor Yong's movements and report everything. The Eastern Palace guard roster was transferred to the regular guard offices, and all strong warriors were removed. The Prince of Jin also had Duan Da secretly approach Yong's favorite Ji Wei, bribing him to gather intelligence on the crown prince and report secretly to Yang Su. Slander spread inside and outside the palace, and reports of Yong's faults arrived daily. Duan Da threatened Ji Wei: "The emperor already knows all the crown prince's offenses; a secret edict has been issued—the succession will be changed. If you cooperate, great wealth and honor await you. Ji Wei agreed.
6
九月壬子，車駕至自仁壽宮，翌日，禦大興殿，謂侍臣曰：「我新還京師，應開懷歡樂，不知何意，翻邑然愁苦？」 吏部尚書牛弘對曰：「由臣等不稱職，故至尊憂勞。」 高祖既數聞讒譖，疑朝臣皆具委，故有斯問，冀聞太子之愆。 弘為此對，大乖本旨。 高祖因作色謂東宮官屬曰：「仁壽宮去此不遠，而令我每還京師，嚴備仗衛，如入敵國。 我為患利，不脫衣臥。 昨夜欲得近廁，故在後房，恐有警急，還移就前殿。 豈非爾輩欲壞我國家邪？」 於是執唐令則等數人，付所司訊鞫。 令楊素陳東宮事狀，以告近臣。 素顯言之曰：「臣奉敕向京，令皇太子檢校劉居士餘黨。 太子奉詔，乃作色奮厲，骨肉飛騰，語臣雲：'居士党盡伏法，遣我何處窮討？ 爾作右僕射，委寄不輕，自檢校之，何關我事？ '又雲：'若大事不遂，我先被誅。 今作天子，竟乃令我不如諸弟。 一事以上，不得自由。 '因長歎回視雲：'我大覺身妨。 '」高祖曰：「此兒不堪承嗣久矣。 皇后恆勸我廢之，我以布素時生，複是長子，望其漸改，隱忍至今。 勇昔從南兗州來，語衛王雲：「阿娘不與我一好婦女，亦是可恨。」 因指皇后侍兒曰：「是皆我物。」 此言幾許異事。 其婦初亡，即以鬥帳安余老嫗。 新婦初亡，我深疑使馬嗣明藥殺。 我曾責之，便懟曰：「會殺元孝矩。」 此欲害我而遷怒耳。 初，長寧誕育，朕與皇后共抱養之，自懷彼此，連遣來索。 且雲定興女，在外私合而生，想此由來，何必是其體胤！ 昔晉太子取屠家女，其兒即好屠割。 今儻非類，便亂宗社。 又劉金驎諂佞人也，呼定興作親家翁，定興愚人，受其此語。 我前解金驎者，為其此事。 勇嘗引曹妙達共定興女同燕，妙達在外說雲：'我今得勸妃酒。」 直以其諸子偏庶，畏人不服，故逆縱之，欲收天下之望耳。 我雖德慚堯、舜，終不以萬姓付不肖子也。 我恆畏其加害，如防大敵，今欲廢之，以安天下。」
On the renzi day of the ninth month the emperor returned from Renshou Palace; the next day, at Daxing Hall, he said to his ministers: "I have just returned to the capital and should be happy—why do I feel so deeply troubled? Minister of Personnel Niu Hong replied: "It is because we ministers are unworthy that Your Majesty is troubled." Emperor Wen, having heard much slander, suspected the ministers all knew something and asked this question hoping to hear of the crown prince's faults. Niu Hong's answer completely missed the point. Emperor Wen's expression darkened as he addressed the Eastern Palace officials: "Renshou Palace is not far away, yet every time I return to the capital I must travel under heavy guard, as if entering enemy territory. I suffer from dysentery and sleep without undressing. Last night I needed to be near the privy and stayed in the rear chamber; fearing trouble, I moved to the front hall. Are you not trying to ruin the state? He then arrested Tang Lingze and several others and turned them over for interrogation. He ordered Yang Su to report the Eastern Palace affair to the inner circle of ministers. Yang Su spoke openly: "I received orders to go to the capital and instructed the crown prince to investigate the remaining followers of Liu Jushi. The crown prince received the order but flushed with anger and said to me: 'Liu Jushi's followers have all been executed—where am I supposed to hunt further?' You are Right Vice Director—the trust placed in you is great; investigate it yourself—what business is it of mine? He also said: 'If great matters fail, I will be the first executed.' Now that I am to become emperor, he actually makes me inferior to my younger brothers. I am not free in a single matter. He sighed deeply, turned, and said: 'I feel greatly obstructed.' Emperor Wen said: "This son has long been unfit to inherit." The empress has constantly urged me to depose him; he was born when we were still commoners and he is the eldest son, so I hoped he would reform and have endured until now. Yong once came from Southern Yanzhou and told the Prince of Wei: "Mother never gave me a good woman—that is also hateful." He pointed at the empress's attendants and said: "These are all mine." What extraordinary words these are. When his consort first died, he immediately installed an old woman named Yu in a canopy tent. When the new bride first died, I strongly suspected he had Ma Siming poison her. When I reproached him, he retorted: "I will kill Yuan Xiaoju." He wanted to harm me and vented his anger elsewhere. When Changning was born, the empress and I raised him together, but Yong, favoring his own side, repeatedly sent people to claim him. Moreover, he is the daughter of Yun Dingxing, born of a secret liaison—given this origin, why must he be Yong's true son! Long ago the Jin crown prince married a butcher's daughter, and his son took to butchering. If he is not of the proper kind, he will ruin the dynasty. Liu Jinlin is a flatterer who calls Dingxing "father-in-law," and the fool Dingxing accepts it. I dismissed Jinlin earlier for this very reason. Yong once had Cao Miaoda feast with Dingxing's daughter; Miaoda boasted outside: "Today I got to urge the consort to drink." He indulges them only because his sons are all by concubines and he fears people will not accept them—he seeks to win public favor. Though my virtue falls short of Yao and Shun, I will never entrust the people to an unworthy son. I have constantly feared his harm, guarding against him as against a great enemy; now I wish to depose him to secure the realm."
7
左衛大將軍、五原西元旻諫曰：「廢立大事，天子無二言，詔旨若行，後悔無及。 讒言罔極，惟陛下察之。」 旻辭直爭強，聲色俱厲，上不答。
General of the Left Guard Yuan Min of Wuyuan remonstrated: "Deposition and installation are grave matters; once the Son of Heaven speaks, there is no reversal. If this edict is carried out, regret will come too late. Slander knows no bounds—may Your Majesty examine it carefully. Yuan Min spoke bluntly and forcefully, his voice and expression fierce; the emperor did not answer.
8
是時姬威又抗表告太子非法。 高祖謂威曰：「太子事蹟，宜皆盡言。」 威對曰：「皇太子由來共臣語，唯意在驕奢，欲得從樊川以至於散關，總規為苑。 兼雲：'昔漢武帝將起上林苑，東方朔諫之，賜朔黃金百斤，幾許可笑。 我實無金輒賜此等。 若有諫者，正當斬之，不過殺百許人，自然永息。 '前蘇孝慈解左衛率，皇太子奮髯揚肘曰：'大丈夫會當有一日，終不忘之，決當快意。 '又宮內所須，尚書多執法不與，便怒曰：'僕射以下，吾會戮一二人，使知慢我之禍。 '又于苑內築一小城，春夏秋冬，作役不輟，營起亭殿，朝造夕改。 每雲：'至尊嗔我多側庶，高緯、陳叔寶豈是孽子乎？ '嘗令師姥卜吉凶，語臣曰：'至尊忌在十八年，此期促矣。 '」高祖泫然曰：「誰非父母生，乃至於此！ 我有舊使婦女，令看東宮，奏我雲：'勿令廣平王至皇太子處。 東宮憎婦，亦廣平教之。 '元贊亦知其陰惡，勸我于左藏之東，加置兩隊。 初平陳後，宮人好者悉配春坊，如聞不知厭足，於外更有求訪。 朕近覽《齊書》，見高歡縱其兒子，不勝忿憤，安可效尤邪！」 於是勇及諸子皆被禁錮，部分收其黨與。 楊素舞文巧詆，鍛煉以成其獄。 勇由是遂敗。
At this time Ji Wei submitted another memorial accusing the crown prince of misconduct. Emperor Wen told Ji Wei: "Tell me everything about the crown prince's conduct. Ji Wei replied: "The crown prince has always told me he wanted to take land from Fanchuan to Sanguan Pass and turn it all into an imperial park. He also said: "When Emperor Wu of Han planned the Shanglin Park, Dongfang Shuo remonstrated and was given a hundred jin of gold—how ridiculous!" I have no gold to give such people. If anyone remonstrates, they should simply be beheaded—kill a hundred or so and the matter will end forever. When Su Xiaoci was dismissed as Left Guard Commander, the crown prince bristled and said: "A real man will have his day—I will never forget this and will have my revenge.' When the Ministry of State Affairs refused palace requisitions on legal grounds, he raged: "From the Vice Director down, I will kill one or two to teach them the cost of slighting me.' He also built a small city in the park where labor never ceased through the seasons, erecting pavilions and halls that were built in the morning and changed by evening. He often said: "The emperor blames me for having many sons by concubines—were Gao Wei and Chen Shubao illegitimate sons?' He once had a diviner read fortunes and told me: "The emperor's fate falls in the eighteenth year— that deadline is near.' Emperor Wen said tearfully: "Who is not born of parents—yet it has come to this!" I had an old serving woman watch the Eastern Palace; she reported: "Do not let the Prince of Guangping go to the crown prince." The crown prince hates women—it was Guangping who taught him this. Yuan Zan also knew of his secret wickedness and urged me to add two guard units east of the Left Treasury. After the conquest of Chen, the best palace women were assigned to the Eastern Palace; I hear he is not satisfied and seeks more outside. I recently read the Book of Qi and saw how Gao Huan indulged his son—I was furious; how could I follow such an example!" Yong and all his sons were then confined, and his associates were arrested. Yang Su twisted the law with cunning accusations and forged evidence to complete the case. Yong was thereby ruined.
9
居數日，有司承素意，奏言左衛元旻身備宿衛，常曲事於勇，情存附托，在仁壽宮，裴弘將勇書於朝堂與旻，題封雲勿令人見。 高祖曰：「朕在仁壽宮，有纖小事，東宮必知，疾于驛馬。 怪之甚久，豈非此徒耶？」 遣武士執旻及弘付法治其罪。
Several days later, following Yang Su's lead, officials reported that Left Guard Yuan Min, on night watch duty, curried favor with Yong; at Renshou Palace, Pei Hong delivered Yong's letter to Min in the court hall with a seal reading "Do not let anyone see." Emperor Wen said: "When I am at Renshou Palace, even the smallest matter reaches the Eastern Palace faster than relay horses. I have wondered about this for a long time—is it not these people? He sent warriors to arrest Min and Hong and hand them over for punishment.
10
先是，勇嘗從仁壽宮參起居還，途中見一枯槐，根幹蟠錯，大且五六圍，顧左右曰：「此堪作何器用？」 或對曰：「古槐尤堪取火。」 于時衛士皆佩火燧，勇因令匠者造數千枚，欲以分賜左右。 至是，獲於庫。 又藥藏局貯艾數斛，亦搜得之。 大將為怪，以問姬威。 威曰：「太子此意別有所在。 比令長寧王已下，詣仁壽宮還，每嘗急行，一宿便至。 恆飼馬千匹，雲徑往捉城門，自然餓死。」 素以威言詰勇，勇不服曰：「竊聞公家馬數萬匹，勇忝備位太子，有馬千匹，乃是反乎？」 素又發洩東宮服玩，似加周飾者，悉陳之於庭，以示文武群官，為太子之罪。 高祖遣將諸物示勇，以誚詰之。 皇后又責之罪。 高祖使使責問勇，勇不服。 太史令袁充進曰：「臣觀天文，皇太子當廢。」 上曰：「玄象久見矣，群臣無敢言者。」 於是使人召勇。 勇見使者，驚曰：「得無殺我耶？」 高祖戎服陳兵，禦武德殿，集百官，立于東面，諸親立於西面，引勇及諸子列於殿庭。 命薛道衡宣廢勇之詔曰：「太子之位，實為國本，苟非其人，不可虛立。 自古儲副，或有不才，長惡不悛，仍令守器，皆由情溺寵愛，失於至理，致使宗社傾亡，蒼生塗地。 由此言之，天下安危，系乎上嗣，大業傳世，豈不重哉！ 皇太子勇，地則居長，情所鍾愛，初登大位，即建春宮，冀德業日新，隆茲負荷。 而性識庸暗，仁孝無聞，昵近小人，委任奸佞，前後愆釁，難以具紀。 但百姓者，天之百姓，朕恭天命，屬當安育，雖欲愛子，實畏上靈，豈敢以不肖之子而亂天下。 勇及其男女為王、公主者，並可廢為庶人。 顧惟兆庶，事不獲已，歎言及此，良深愧歎！」 令薛道衡謂勇曰：「爾之罪惡，人神所棄，欲求不廢，其可得耶？」 勇再拜而言曰：「臣合屍之都市，為將來鑒誡，幸蒙哀憐，得全性命。」 言畢，泣下流襟，既而舞蹈而去。 左右莫不憫默。 又下詔曰：
Earlier, returning from paying respects at Renshou Palace, Yong saw a withered pagoda tree five or six arm-spans around and asked his attendants: "What could this be made into? Someone replied: "Ancient pagoda wood is especially good for fire-striking." The guards all carried fire-strikers at the time, so Yong ordered craftsmen to make several thousand to distribute to his attendants. They were now found in the storehouse. Several hu of mugwort stored in the Medical Storehouse were also found. The general found this suspicious and questioned Ji Wei. Ji Wei said: "The crown prince had another purpose in this. Recently he ordered the Prince of Changning and the others to go to Renshou Palace and return at full speed, arriving in a single night. He kept a thousand horses at the ready, saying they would ride straight to seize the city gates and starve the emperor to death. Yang Su confronted Yong with Ji's accusation; Yong protested: "I hear the government has tens of thousands of horses—I, as crown prince, have a thousand; is that rebellion?" Yang Su also brought out the Eastern Palace's lavish garments and ornaments and displayed them in the courtyard before civil and military officials as evidence of the crown prince's crimes. Emperor Wen sent the items to Yong to confront and reproach him. The empress also reproached him for his crimes. Emperor Wen sent envoys to question Yong; Yong denied the charges. Director of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau Yuan Chong stepped forward: "I observe the heavens—the crown prince should be deposed. The emperor said: "The celestial signs have long been visible, yet no minister dared speak." He then sent for Yong. When Yong saw the envoy, he startled and said: "Are they going to kill me? Emperor Wen, in military dress with troops arrayed, presided at Wude Hall; officials stood on the east, princes on the west, and Yong and his sons were brought before the hall. He ordered Xue Daoheng to proclaim the edict deposing Yong: "The crown prince is the foundation of the state; if the person is unfit, the post cannot be held in vain. Throughout history, unfit heirs who persisted in evil yet retained the succession did so only because rulers indulged affection over reason, bringing down dynasties and ruining the people. The safety of the realm depends on the heir—the succession is no light matter! Crown Prince Yong, the eldest and deeply cherished, was made heir when I first took the throne, in hope that his virtue would grow daily and he would bear this weight well. Yet he is dull of mind, devoid of benevolence and filial piety, consorts with petty men and trusts the wicked—his offenses are too numerous to record. The people belong to Heaven; I receive Heaven's mandate to nurture them in peace. Though I love my son, I fear Heaven—how could I let an unworthy son disrupt the realm? Yong and his sons and daughters who hold princely and princess titles are all deposed to commoner status. For the sake of the people the matter cannot be avoided—I sigh with deep shame and grief! Xue Daoheng told Yong: "Your crimes are abandoned by men and spirits—can you hope to avoid deposition?" Yong bowed twice and said: "I deserve to die in the marketplace as a warning to future generations; I am grateful to be spared my life." When he finished, tears streamed down his robe; he performed the obeisance dance and departed. All present were silent in pity. Another edict was issued:
11
:自古以來，朝危國亂，皆邪臣佞媚，凶黨扇惑，致使禍及宗社，毒流兆庶。 若不標明典憲，何以肅清天下！ 左衛大將軍、五原郡西元旻，任掌兵衛，委以心膂，陪侍左右，恩寵隆渥，乃包藏奸伏，離間君親，崇長厲階，最為魁首。 太子左庶子唐令則，策名儲貳，位長宮僚，諂曲取容，音技自進，躬執樂器，親教內人，贊成驕侈，導引非法。 太子家令鄒文騰，專行左道，偏被親昵，心腹委付，巨細關知，占問國家，希覬災禍。 左衛率司馬夏侯福，內事諂諛，外作威勢，淩侮上下，褻濁宮闈。 典膳監元淹，謬陳愛憎，開示怨隙，妄起訕謗，潛行離阻，進引妖巫，營事厭禱。 前吏部侍郎蕭子寶，往居省閣，舊非宮臣，稟性浮躁，用懷輕險，進畫奸謀，要射榮利，經營間構，開造禍端。 前主璽下士何竦，假託玄象，妄說妖怪，志圖禍亂，心在速發，兼制奇器異服，皆竦規摹，增長驕奢，糜費百姓。 凡此七人，為害乃甚，並處斬，妻妾子孫皆悉沒官。 車騎將軍閻毗、東郡公崔君綽、游騎尉沈福寶、瀛州民章仇太翼等四人，所為之事，皆是悖惡，論其狀跡，罪合極刑。 但朕情存好生，未能盡戮，可並特免死，各決杖一百，身及妻子資財田宅，悉可沒官。 副將作大匠高龍義，豫追番丁，輒配東宮使役，營造亭舍，進入春坊。 率更令晉文建，通直散騎侍郎、判司農少卿事元衡，料度之外，私自出給，虛破丁功，擅割園地。 並處盡。
Since ancient times, court crises and national turmoil have always been caused by wicked ministers who flattered and evil factions who incited confusion, bringing disaster to the state and harm to the people. If the law is not clearly proclaimed, how can the realm be purged! General of the Left Guard Yuan Min of Wuyuan, entrusted with military guard duty and favored at court, harbored treachery, sowed discord between ruler and kin, and was foremost among the ringleaders. Left Assistant to the Crown Prince Tang Lingze, chief among palace officials, flattered for favor, advanced himself through music, personally taught palace women, and abetted extravagance and unlawful conduct. Household Steward of the Crown Prince Zou Wenteng practiced heterodox ways, was especially favored as a confidant privy to all matters, divined about the state, and hoped for calamity. Major of the Left Guard Commander Xiahou Fu flattered within and bullied without, insulting all ranks and defiling the inner palace. Director of Palace Provisions Yuan Yan expressed partiality, stirred up grievances, spread slander, sowed division, introduced sorcerers, and conducted apotropaic rites. Former Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel Xiao Zibao, not originally a palace official, was restless by nature and advanced wicked plots for personal gain, scheming to sow discord and open the way to disaster. Former Seal Keeper Attendant He Song falsely invoked celestial signs, spoke groundlessly of omens, plotted turmoil with haste in mind, and made strange implements and garments of his own design, increasing extravagance and wasting the people's resources. All seven of these men had caused great harm and were executed; their wives, concubines, and descendants were all confiscated. General of Chariots and Cavalry Yan Pi, Duke of Dongjun Cui Junchuo, Cavalry Commandant Shen Fubao, and Zhangqiu Taiyi of Yingzhou had all committed wicked deeds meriting capital punishment. But I cherish life and could not execute them all; they are spared death but each receives a hundred blows with the rod, and their persons, families, property, and estates are confiscated. Assistant Master of Palace Construction Gao Longyi requisitioned corvée laborers in advance and assigned them to the Eastern Palace to build pavilions and lodges. Director of the Water Clock Jin Wenjian and Attendant Cavalier Yuan Heng, acting Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue, issued supplies beyond their estimates, falsely depleted corvée labor, and seized garden land. All were executed.
12
於是集群官于廣陽門外，宣詔以戮之。 廣平王雄答詔曰：「至尊為百姓割骨肉之恩，廢黜無德，實為大慶，天下幸甚！」 乃移勇於內史省，立晉王廣為皇太子，仍以勇付之，複囚於東宮。 賜楊素物三千段，元胄、楊約並千段，楊難敵五百段，皆鞫勇之功賞也。
Officials were then assembled outside Guangyang Gate and the edict was proclaimed as the sentences were carried out. The Prince of Guangping Xiong replied to the edict: "Your Majesty has severed flesh-and-blood ties for the people's sake and deposed the unworthy—this is a great blessing for the realm! Yong was moved to the Inner Scribe Directorate; the Prince of Jin, Yang Guang, was made crown prince, and Yong was handed over to him and imprisoned again in the Eastern Palace. Yang Su was granted three thousand bolts of goods; Yuan Zhou and Yang Yue each a thousand; Yang Nandi five hundred—all rewards for prosecuting Yong.
13
時文林郎楊孝政上書諫曰：「皇太子為小人所誤，宜加訓誨，不宜廢黜。」 上怒，撻其胸。 尋而貝州長史裴肅表稱：「庶人罪黜已久，當克己自新，請封一小國。」 高祖知勇之黜也，不允天下之情，乃征肅入朝，具陳廢立之意。
Palace Scholar Yang Xiaozheng submitted a memorial: "The crown prince was misled by petty men—he should be instructed, not deposed. The emperor was angry and struck him on the chest. Soon Chief Administrator of Beizhou Pei Su submitted a memorial: "The deposed prince has long been punished; he should reform himself—I request he be enfeoffed with a small state. Emperor Wen knew Yong's deposition did not satisfy public sentiment; he summoned Pei Su to court and fully explained the reasons for the deposition.
14
時勇自以廢非其罪，頻請見上，面申冤屈。 而皇太子遏之，不得聞奏。 勇於是升樹大叫，聲聞于上，冀得引見。 素因奏言：「勇情志昏亂，為癲鬼所著，不可複收。」 上以為然，卒不得見。 素誣陷經營，構成其罪，類皆如此。
Yong believed his deposition was unjust and repeatedly requested an audience to plead his case in person. But the crown prince blocked him and his petitions never reached the emperor. Yong climbed a tree and shouted loudly, hoping his voice would reach the emperor and win him an audience. Yang Su memorialized: "Yong's mind is deranged—he is possessed by madness and cannot be restored. The emperor agreed, and Yong never obtained an audience. Yang Su's fabrications and frame-ups were all of this sort.
15
高祖寢疾于仁壽宮，征皇太子入侍醫藥，而奸亂宮闈，事聞于高祖。 高祖抵床曰：「枉廢我兒！」 因遣追勇。 未及發使，高祖暴崩，秘不發喪。 遽收柳述、元岩，系於大理獄，偽為高祖敕書，賜庶人死。 追封房陵王，不為立嗣。
Emperor Wen fell ill at Renshou Palace and summoned the crown prince to attend him, but misconduct in the inner palace reached his ears. Emperor Wen struck the bed and cried: "I wrongly deposed my son! He sent orders to recall Yong. Before the envoy could be sent, Emperor Wen suddenly died; the death was kept secret. Liu Shu and Yuan Yan were hastily arrested and imprisoned; a forged edict in the late emperor's name ordered Yong's death. He was posthumously enfeoffed as Prince of Fangling, but no heir was established.
16
勇有十男：雲昭訓生長寧王儼、平原王裕、安城王筠，高良娣生安平王嶷、襄城王恪，王良媛生高陽王該、建安王韶，成姬生潁川王煚，後宮生孝實、孝範。
Yong had ten sons: Lady Yun Zhaoxun bore the Princes of Changning (Yan), Pingyuan (Yu), and Ancheng (Jun); Lady Gao bore the Princes of Anping (Ni) and Xiangcheng (Ke); Lady Wang bore the Princes of Gaoyang (Gai) and Jian'an (Shao); Lady Cheng bore the Prince of Yingchuan (Jiong); and the rear palace bore Xiaoshi and Xiaofan.
17
長寧王儼，勇長子也。 誕乳之初，以報高祖，高祖曰：「此即皇太孫，何乃生不得地？」 雲定興奏曰：「天生龍種，所以因雲而出。」 時人以為敏對。 六歲，封長寧郡王。 勇敗，亦坐廢黜。 上表乞宿衛，辭情哀切，高祖覽而憫焉。 楊素進曰：「伏願聖心同於螫手，不宜複留意。」 煬帝踐極，儼常從行，卒於道，實鴆之也。 諸弟分徙嶺外，仍敕在所皆殺焉。 秦孝王秦孝王俊，字阿祗，高祖第三子也。 立為秦王。 二年春，拜上柱國、河南道行台尚書令、洛州刺史，時年十二。 加右武衛大將軍，領關東兵。 三年，遷秦州總管。 隴右諸州盡隸焉。 俊仁恕慈愛，崇敬佛道，請為沙門，上不許。 六年，遷山南道行台尚書令。 伐陳之役，以為山南道行軍元帥，督三十總管，水陸十余萬，屯漢口，為上流節度。 陳將周羅睺、荀法尚等，以勁兵數萬屯鸚鵡洲，總管崔弘度請擊之。 俊慮殺傷，不許。 羅睺亦相率而降。 於是遣使奉章詣闕，垂泣謂使者曰：「謬當推轂，愧無尺寸之功，以此多慚耳。」 上聞而善之。 授揚州總管四十四州諸軍事，鎮廣陵。 歲餘，轉并州總管二十四州諸軍事。 初頗有令問，高祖聞而大悅，下書獎勵焉。 其後俊漸奢侈，違犯制度，出錢求息，民吏苦之。 上遣使按其事，與相連坐者百餘人。 俊猶不悛，於是盛治宮室，窮極侈麗。 俊有巧思，每親運斤斧，工巧之器，飾以珠玉。 為妃作七寶羃籬，又為水殿，香塗粉壁，玉砌金階。 樑柱楣棟之間，周以明鏡，間以寶珠，極榮飾之美。 每與賓客妓女弦歌于其上。 俊頗好內，妃崔氏性妒，甚不平之，遂於瓜中進毒。 俊由是遇疾，征還京師。 上以其奢縱，免官，以王就第。 左武衛將軍劉升諫曰：「秦王非有他過，但費官物營廨舍而已。 臣謂可容。」 上曰：「法不可違。」 升固諫，上忿然作色，升乃止。 其後楊素複進諫曰：「秦王之過，不應至此，願陛下詳之。」 上曰：「我是五兒之父，若如公意，何不別制天子兒律？ 以周公之為人，尚誅管、蔡，我誠不及周公遠矣，安能虧法乎？」 卒不許。
The Prince of Changning, Yan, was Yong's eldest son. When his birth was reported, Emperor Wen said: "This is the imperial great-grandson—why was he born in an improper place? Yun Dingxing replied: "Heaven-born dragon seed—therefore he emerged with the clouds." People of the time considered this a clever reply. At six he was enfeoffed as Prince of Changning. When Yong fell, he was deposed as well. He submitted a memorial begging for palace guard duty; his words were mournful and earnest, and Emperor Wen pitied him. Yang Su stepped forward: "I humbly wish Your Majesty's heart would be like one stung by a scorpion—you should not take notice of him again. When Emperor Yang ascended the throne, Yan often accompanied him on travels and died on the road—he was in fact poisoned. His younger brothers were exiled beyond the mountains, and orders were issued that all be killed wherever they were. Yang Jun, Prince Xiao of Qin, whose courtesy name was Azhi, was the third son of Emperor Wen. He was made Prince of Qin. In the spring of the second year he was appointed Grand Preceptor of State, Director of the Henan Circuit Executive, and Governor of Luozhou—he was twelve years old. He was additionally made General of the Right Martial Guard and put in charge of the eastern pass troops. In the third year he was transferred to Governor-General of Qinzhou. All the prefectures of Longyou were placed under his authority. Jun was benevolent and compassionate, revered Buddhism and Daoism, and requested to become a monk—the emperor refused. In the sixth year he was transferred to Director of the Shannan Circuit Executive. In the campaign against Chen he served as campaign commander of the Shannan Circuit, supervising thirty governor-generals with more than a hundred thousand troops by land and water, encamped at Hankou commanding the upper stream. The Chen generals Zhou Luohou and Xun Fashang encamped with tens of thousands of elite troops at Parrot Isle; Governor-General Cui Hongdu requested to attack. Jun, concerned about casualties, refused. Luohou then led his men in surrender. He sent an emissary to submit a memorial to the throne and said through tears: "I was wrongly placed in command and am ashamed to have achieved no merit at all. The emperor heard of this and approved. He was appointed Governor-General of Yangzhou over forty-four prefectures, stationed at Guangling. After more than a year he was transferred to Governor-General of Bingzhou over twenty-four prefectures. At first he had a good reputation; Emperor Wen was greatly pleased and issued a letter of commendation. Later Jun grew extravagant, violated regulations, lent money at interest, and the people and officials suffered. The emperor sent officials to investigate; more than a hundred people were implicated. Jun still did not reform and lavishly built palaces to the utmost extravagance. Jun was clever with his hands and personally wielded tools, making ingenious implements ornamented with pearls and jade. For his consort he made a seven-jewel canopy screen and a water palace with fragrant plaster, powdered walls, jade steps, and golden stairs. Between beams, pillars, and rafters he placed bright mirrors interspersed with pearls—ornament taken to the extreme. He often feasted with guests and courtesans there, playing music and singing. Jun was fond of women; his consort Lady Cui was jealous and placed poison in a melon. Jun fell ill and was summoned back to the capital. The emperor removed his offices for extravagance and reduced him to prince living at his estate. General of the Left Martial Guard Liu Sheng remonstrated: "The Prince of Qin has no other fault—he merely spent government goods to build official quarters. I consider this tolerable. The emperor said: "The law cannot be violated." Liu Sheng firmly remonstrated; the emperor's expression darkened with anger, and Liu Sheng stopped. Later Yang Su remonstrated again: "The Prince of Qin's fault should not have reached this point—I wish Your Majesty would reconsider. The emperor said: "I am the father of five sons—if it were as you suggest, why not make separate laws for the emperor's sons? Even the Duke of Zhou executed Guan and Cai—I fall far short of him; how could I impair the law?" He ultimately refused.
18
俊疾篤，未能起，遣使奉表陳謝。 上謂其使曰：「我戮力關塞，創茲大業，作訓垂範，庶臣下守之而不失。 汝為吾子，而欲敗之，不知何以責汝！」 俊慚怖，疾甚。 大都督皇甫統上表，請複王官，不許。 歲餘，以疾篤，複拜上柱國。 二十年六月，薨于秦邸。 上哭之數聲而已。 俊所為侈麗之物，悉命焚之。 敕送終之具，務從儉約，以為後法也。 王府僚佐請立碑，上曰：「欲求名，一卷史書足矣，何用碑為？ 若子孫不能保家，徒與人作鎮石耳。」
Jun's illness was severe and he could not rise; he sent an emissary to submit a memorial of repentance. The emperor told his emissary: "I exerted myself at the frontier and created this great enterprise, establishing teachings as models, hoping my subjects would uphold them. You are my son, yet you wish to ruin it—I do not know how to reproach you! Jun was ashamed and fearful, and his illness grew worse. Great Commander Huangfu Tong submitted a memorial requesting restoration of Jun's princely offices—it was refused. After more than a year, because his illness was severe, he was again appointed Grand Preceptor of State. In the sixth month of the twentieth year he died at the Qin residence. The emperor wept for him only briefly. All the extravagant things Jun had made were ordered burned. Funeral arrangements were ordered to be strictly simple, to serve as a model for the future. The prince's staff requested a stele; the emperor said: "If one seeks fame, one volume of history is enough—what use is a stele? If descendants cannot preserve the family, it would merely serve as a gate stone for others."
19
妃崔氏以毒王之故，下詔廢絕，賜死於其家。 子浩，崔氏所生也。 庶子曰湛。 群臣議曰：「《春秋》之義，母以子貴，子以母貴。 貴既如此，罪則可知。 故漢時栗姬有罪，其子便廢，郭后被廢，其子斯黜。 大既然矣，小亦宜同。 今秦王二子，母皆罪廢，不合承嗣。」 於是以秦國官為喪主。 俊長女永豐公主，年十二，遭父憂，哀慕盡禮，免喪，遂絕魚肉。 每至忌日，輒流涕不食。 有開府王延者，性忠厚，領親信兵十餘年，俊甚禮之。 及俊有疾，延恆在閤下，衣不解帶。 俊薨，勺飲不入口者數日，羸頓骨立。 上聞而憫之，賜以禦藥，授驃騎將軍，典宿衛。 俊葬之日，延號慟而絕。 上嗟異之，令通事舍人弔祭焉。 詔葬延於俊墓側。
Consort Lady Cui, for poisoning the prince, was deposed by edict and ordered to die at her home. His son Hao was born of Lady Cui. The son by a concubine was Zhan. The ministers deliberated: "According to the Spring and Autumn Annals, the mother is ennobled through the son, and the son through the mother. If ennoblement works thus, guilt works likewise. In Han times when Lady Li was guilty, her son was deposed; when Empress Guo was deposed, her son was removed. Since the great principle is established, the lesser should follow. The Prince of Qin's two sons—both their mothers were guilty and deposed—are not fit to inherit. Officials of the Qin state were then made chief mourners. Jun's eldest daughter, the Princess of Yongfeng, was twelve; mourning her father with full propriety, she ceased eating fish and meat after the mourning period. On each anniversary of his death she wept and would not eat. Establishment Commander Wang Yan, loyal and honest by nature, led trusted troops for more than ten years and was greatly honored by Jun. When Jun fell ill, Yan stayed constantly at his door, never removing his belt. When Jun died, Yan took no food or drink for several days and became emaciated. The emperor heard of this and pitied him, granting him imperial medicine and appointing him General of Agile Cavalry in charge of palace guard. On the day of Jun's burial, Yan wailed until he died. The emperor marveled at this and ordered a Palace Attendant to offer condolences and sacrifices. By edict Yan was buried beside Jun's tomb.
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煬帝即位，立浩為秦王，以奉孝王嗣。 封湛為濟北侯。 後以浩為河陽都尉。 楊玄感作逆之際，左翊衛大將軍宇文述勒兵討之。 至河陽，修啟於浩，浩複詣述營，兵相往復。 有司劾浩，以諸侯交通內臣，竟坐廢免。 宇文化及殺逆之始，立浩為帝。 化及敗于黎陽，北走魏縣，自僭偽號，因而害之。 湛驍果，有膽烈。 大業初，為滎陽太守，坐浩免，亦為化及所害。 庶人秀庶人秀，高祖第四子也。 ，立為越王。 未幾，徙封於蜀，拜柱國、益州刺史、總管，二十四州諸軍事。 二年，進位上柱國、西南道行台尚書令，本官如故。 歲餘而罷。 十二年，又為內史令、右領軍大將軍。 尋複出鎮於蜀。
When Emperor Yang ascended the throne, he made Hao Prince of Qin to continue Prince Xiao's line. Zhan was enfeoffed as Marquis of Jibei. Later Hao was appointed Commandant of Heyang. When Yang Xuangan rebelled, General of the Left Wing Guard Yuwen Shu led troops against him. Arriving at Heyang, Yuwen Shu sent a letter to Hao; Hao visited Shu's camp in return, and troops passed back and forth. Officials impeached Hao for a feudal lord communicating with inner officials; he was ultimately deposed. At the start of Yuwen Huaji's regicide, he made Hao emperor. Huaji was defeated at Liyang, fled north to Wei County, took a false imperial title, and killed Hao. Zhan was fierce and resolute, with bold courage. At the beginning of Daye he served as Governor of Xingyang; implicated by Hao's fall, he was also killed by Huaji. Yang Xiu, later the commoner Xiu, was the fourth son of Emperor Wen. He was made Prince of Yue. Before long he was transferred to Shu, appointed Preceptor of State, Governor of Yizhou, and Governor-General over twenty-four prefectures. In the second year he was promoted to Grand Preceptor of State and Director of the Southwest Circuit Executive, retaining his other offices. After more than a year he was dismissed. In the twelfth year he again served as Director of the Inner Scribe and General of the Right Forward Guard. Soon afterward he was again posted to garrison Shu.
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秀有膽氣，容貌瑰偉，美須髯，多武藝，甚為朝臣所憚。 上每謂獻皇后曰：「秀必以惡終。 我在當無慮，至兄弟必反。」 兵部侍郎元衡使於蜀，秀深結於衡，以左右為請。 既還京師，請益左右，上不許。 大將軍劉噲之討西爨也，高祖令上開府楊武通將兵繼進。 秀使嬖人萬智光為武通行軍司馬，上以秀任非其人，譴責之。 因謂群臣曰：「壞我法者，必在子孫乎？ 譬如猛獸，物不能害，反為毛間蟲所損食耳。」 於是遂分秀所統。
Xiu was bold in spirit, magnificent in appearance, with a handsome beard; skilled in many martial arts, he was greatly feared by court ministers. The emperor often told Empress Dugu: "Xiu will surely meet an evil end. While I live there is no worry, but toward his brothers he will surely rebel. Vice Director of the Ministry of War Yuan Heng was sent on mission to Shu; Xiu formed deep ties with him and requested additional attendants. After returning to the capital, Xiu requested more attendants—the emperor refused. When General Liu Huai attacked the Western Cuan, Emperor Wen ordered Establishment General Yang Wutong to lead troops in support. Xiu appointed his favorite Wan Zhiguang as Yang Wutong's campaign major; the emperor reproached him for appointing an unworthy person. He told the ministers: "Must those who ruin my laws be among my own descendants? It is like a fierce beast that nothing can harm, yet is eaten by insects in its fur. Xiu's jurisdiction was then divided.
22
秀漸奢侈，違犯制度，車馬被服，擬于天子。 及太子勇以讒毀廢，晉王廣為皇太子，秀意甚不平。 皇太子恐秀終為後變，陰令楊素求其罪而譖之。 ，征還京師，上見，不與語。 明日，使使切讓之。 秀謝曰：「忝荷國恩，出臨籓嶽，不能奉法，罪當萬死。」 皇太子及諸王流涕庭謝。 上曰：「頃者秦王糜費財物，我以父道訓之。 今秀蠹害生民，當以君道繩之。」 於是付執法者。 開府慶整諫曰：「庶人勇既廢，秦王已薨，陛下兒子無多，何至如是？ 然蜀王性甚耿介，今被重責，恐不自全。」 上大怒，欲斷其舌。 因謂群臣曰：「當斬秀於市，以謝百姓。」 乃令楊素、蘇威、牛弘、柳述、趙綽等推治之。 太子陰作偶人，書上及漢王姓字，縛手釘心，令人埋之華山下，令楊素髮之。 又作檄文曰：「逆臣賊子，專弄威柄，陛下唯守虛器，一無所知。」 陳甲兵之盛，雲「指期問罪」。 置秀集中，因以聞奏。 上曰：「天下寧有是耶！」 於是廢為庶人，幽內侍省，不得與妻子相見，令給獠婢二人驅使。 與相連坐者百餘人。
Xiu gradually grew extravagant, violated regulations, and his carriages, horses, and garments rivaled the emperor's. When Crown Prince Yong was deposed through slander and the Prince of Jin, Yang Guang, became crown prince, Xiu was greatly resentful. The crown prince feared Xiu would cause future trouble and secretly ordered Yang Su to find fault with him and slander him. Xiu was summoned back to the capital; when the emperor saw him, he did not speak to him. The next day he sent envoys to sternly reproach him. Xiu apologized: "I am unworthy of the state's grace in governing a frontier province; I failed to uphold the law—my crime deserves death. The crown prince and the other princes wept in the courtyard pleading for mercy. The emperor said: "Recently the Prince of Qin wasted goods—I admonished him as a father. Now Xiu harms the people—he must be restrained as a ruler would. He was then handed over to the law officers. Establishment General Qing Zheng remonstrated: "Commoner Yong is deposed and the Prince of Qin is dead—Your Majesty has few sons; why go this far? Yet the Prince of Shu is very upright by nature; under such heavy blame, I fear he may not survive. The emperor was furious and wished to cut out his tongue. He told the ministers: "Xiu should be beheaded in the marketplace to appease the people. He ordered Yang Su, Su Wei, Niu Hong, Liu Shu, Zhao Chuo, and others to investigate the case. The crown prince secretly made effigies bearing the emperor's and the Prince of Han's names, bound their hands and nailed their hearts, had them buried beneath Mount Hua, and ordered Yang Su to dig them up. He also forged a proclamation: "Rebellious ministers and wicked sons monopolize power; Your Majesty merely holds an empty vessel and knows nothing. It described abundant armored troops and declared "a set date to demand punishment." These were planted among Xiu's possessions and reported to the throne. The emperor said: "Can such a thing exist under Heaven! He was deposed to commoner status, confined in the Inner Attendant Directorate, forbidden to see his wife and children, and given two Liao maidservants. More than a hundred people were implicated.
23
秀既幽逼，憤懣不知所為，乃上表曰：「臣以多幸，聯慶皇枝，蒙天慈鞠養，九歲榮貴，唯知富樂，未嘗憂懼。 輕恣愚心，陷茲刑網，負深山嶽，甘心九泉。 不謂天恩尚假餘漏，至如今者，方知愚心不可縱，國法不可犯，撫膺念咎，自新莫及。 猶望分身竭命，少答慈造，但以靈祗不祜，福祿消盡，夫婦抱思，不相勝致。 只恐長辭明世，永歸泉壤，伏願慈恩，賜垂矜湣，殘息未盡之間，希與爪子相見。 請賜一穴，令骸骨有所。」 爪子即其愛子也。 上因下詔數其罪曰：
Confined and desperate, Xiu submitted a memorial: "Through great fortune I joined the imperial branch, was nurtured by Heaven's compassion, and at nine enjoyed honor and wealth—knowing only riches and pleasure, never fear. Indulging my foolish heart, I fell into this punishment; bearing guilt as heavy as mountains, I am willing to die. I did not expect Heaven's grace to spare me; only now do I know the foolish heart cannot be indulged and state law cannot be violated—beating my breast, I see reform comes too late. I still hope to give my life to repay your compassion, but fortune is exhausted and my wife and I hold longing we cannot bear. I fear eternal parting from this world; I beg compassionate grace—while my breath remains, I hope to see my beloved son once more. I request a grave so my bones may have a resting place. Zhua-zi was his beloved son. The emperor issued an edict enumerating his crimes:
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汝地居臣子，情兼家國，庸、蜀要重，委以鎮之。 汝乃干紀亂常，懷惡樂禍，䁹睨二宮，佇遲災釁，容納不逞，結構異端。 我有不和，汝便覘候，望我不起，便有異心。 皇太子汝兄也，次當建立，汝假託妖言，乃雲不終其位。 妄稱鬼怪，又道不得入宮，自言骨相非人臣，德業堪承重器，妄道清城出聖，欲以己當之，詐稱益州龍見，托言吉兆。 重述木易之姓，更治成都之宮； 妄說禾乃之名，以當八千之運。 橫生京師妖異，以證父兄之災； 妄造蜀地徵祥，以符己身之籙。 汝豈不欲得國家惡也，天下亂也，輒造白玉之珽，又為白羽之箭，文物服飾，豈似有君，鳩集左道，符書厭鎮。 漢王於汝，親則弟也，乃畫其形像，書其姓名，縛手釘心，枷鎖杻械。 仍雲請西嶽華山慈父聖母神兵九億萬騎，收楊諒魂神，閉在華山下，勿令散蕩。 我之於汝，親則父也，複雲請西嶽華山慈父呈母，賜為開化楊堅夫妻，回心歡喜。 又畫我形像，縛手撮頭，仍雲請西嶽神兵收楊堅魂神。 如此形狀，我今不知楊諒、楊堅是汝何親也？ 苞藏凶慝，圖謀不軌，逆臣之跡也； 希父之災，以為身幸，賊子之心也； 懷非分之望，肆毒心于兄，悖弟之行也； 嫉妒于弟，無惡不為，無孔懷之情也； 違犯制度，壞亂之極也； 多殺不幸，豺狼之暴也； 剝削民庶，酷虐之甚也； 唯求財貨，市井之業也； 專事妖邪，頑囂之性也； 弗克負荷，不材之器也。 凡此十者，滅天理，逆人倫，汝皆為之，不祥之甚也，欲免禍患，長守富貴，其可得乎！
You are a subject who shares in family and state; Yong and Shu are strategically vital—I entrusted you to garrison them. Yet you violated discipline, harbored evil and delighted in calamity, cast covetous eyes on the two palaces, awaited disaster, harbored the unrestrained, and formed heterodox factions. When I was unwell, you watched and waited; hoping I would not recover, you harbored rebellious intent. The crown prince is your elder brother and heir—you falsely invoked omens, saying he would not complete his tenure. You spoke groundlessly of ghosts, claimed you could not enter the palace, said your bone structure was not that of a subject and your virtue could bear the great vessel, claimed a sage would emerge from Qingcheng and wished to take that place, and falsely claimed a dragon appeared in Yizhou as an omen. You repeatedly spoke of the surname Mu-Yi and rebuilt the palace at Chengdu; groundlessly spoke the name He-Nai to claim the fortune of eight thousand years. You groundlessly produced strange omens in the capital to prove disaster for father and brothers; and groundlessly fabricated auspicious signs in Shu to match your own destiny. Did you not wish the state ill and the realm in chaos? You made white jade scepters and white-feathered arrows; your regalia resembled a ruler's; you gathered heterodox ways, talismans, and apotropaic charms. The Prince of Han is your younger brother—yet you painted his image, wrote his name, bound his hands and nailed his heart, and put him in chains and shackles. You also claimed to invoke the divine troops of Mount Hua to seize Yang Liang's soul and confine it beneath the mountain. I am your father—yet you also claimed to invoke the divine parents of Mount Hua as the couple Yang Jian of Kaihua, rejoicing in their favor. You also painted my image with bound hands and grasped head, claiming to invoke Mount Hua's divine troops to seize Yang Jian's soul. In such form—what kin are Yang Liang and Yang Jian to you? Harboring fierce wickedness and plotting unlawful designs—the mark of a rebellious subject; Hoping for your father's disaster as your own fortune—the heart of a wicked son; Harboring improper ambitions and unleashing malice upon your elder brother—the conduct of a rebellious younger brother; Jealous of your younger brother, doing every evil—no brotherly feeling; Violating regulations—the height of disorder; Killing many innocents—the cruelty of wolves; Exploiting the common people—the extremity of cruel tyranny; Seeking only wealth—the trade of the marketplace; Devoting yourself to demonic evil—the nature of the stubborn and arrogant; Unable to bear the burden—a vessel of no talent. All ten of these—destroying Heaven's principle and violating human relations—you have done them all; how inauspicious! To wish to escape calamity and preserve wealth and honor—can that be obtained?
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後複聽與其子同處。
Later he was again permitted to live with his son.
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煬帝即位，禁錮如初。 宇文化及之弑逆也，欲立秀為帝，群議不許。 於是害之，並其諸子。 庶人諒庶人諒，字德章，一名傑，，立為漢王。 十二年，為雍州牧，加上柱國、右衛大將軍。 歲餘，轉左衛大將軍。 十七年，出為并州總管，上幸溫湯而送之。 自山以東，至於滄海，南拒黃河，五十二州盡隸焉。 特許以便宜，不拘律令。 十八年，起遼東之役，以諒為行軍元帥，率眾至遼水，遇疾疫，不利而還。 十九年，突厥犯塞，以諒為行軍元帥，竟不臨戎。 高祖甚寵愛之。 諒自以所居天下精兵處，以太子讒廢，居常怏怏，陰有異圖。 遂諷高祖雲：「突厥方強，太原即為重鎮，宜修武備。」 高祖從之。 於是大發工役，繕治器械，貯納於并州。 招傭亡命，左右私人，殆將數萬。 王頍者，梁將王僧辯之子也，少倜儻，有奇略，為諒諮議參軍。 蕭摩訶者，陳氏舊將。 二人俱不得志，每鬱鬱思亂，並為諒所親善。
When Emperor Yang ascended the throne, confinement continued as before. When Yuwen Huaji committed regicide, he wished to make Xiu emperor—the assembled opinion did not permit it. He then killed Xiu, together with all his sons. Yang Liang, later the commoner Liang, whose courtesy name was Dezhang and who was also named Jie, was made Prince of Han. In the twelfth year he served as Governor of Yongzhou and was additionally appointed Grand Preceptor of State and General of the Right Guard. After more than a year he was transferred to General of the Left Guard. In the seventeenth year he was posted as Governor-General of Bingzhou; the emperor visited the hot springs to see him off. From east of the mountains to the sea, south to the Yellow River—all fifty-two prefectures were under his authority. He was specially granted discretionary authority, not bound by statutes. In the eighteenth year the Liaodong campaign was launched; Liang served as campaign commander, leading troops to the Liao River; epidemic disease forced a retreat. In the nineteenth year when the Turks raided the frontier, Liang served as campaign commander but never went to battle. Emperor Wen greatly favored him. Liang, holding the realm's elite troops and seeing the crown prince deposed through slander, was constantly resentful and secretly harbored rebellious designs. He remonstrated with Emperor Wen: "The Turks are growing strong; Taiyuan is a strategic fortress and military preparations should be strengthened. Emperor Wen agreed. Corvée labor was greatly mobilized, weapons were prepared, and stores accumulated at Bingzhou. Desperate men were recruited and personal retainers gathered—nearly tens of thousands. Wang E, son of the Liang general Wang Sengbian, was unconventional in youth and possessed extraordinary stratagems; he served as Liang's advisory aide. Xiao Mohe was a former general of Chen. Both were frustrated in their ambitions and constantly brooded on rebellion; both were favored by Liang.
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及蜀王以罪廢，諒愈不自安。 會高祖崩，征之不赴，遂發兵反。 總管司馬皇甫誕切諫，諒怒，收擊之。 王頍說諒曰：「王所部將吏家屬，盡在關西，若用此等，即宜長驅深入，直據京都，所謂疾雷不及掩耳。 若但欲割據舊齊之地，宜任東人。」 諒不能專定，乃兼用二策，唱言曰：「楊素反，將誅之。」 聞喜人總管府兵曹裴文安說諒曰：「井陘以西，是王掌握之內，山東士馬，亦為我有，宜悉發之。 分遣羸兵，屯守要路，仍令隨方略地。 率其精銳，直入蒲津。 文安請為前鋒，王以大軍繼後，風行電擊，頓於霸上，咸陽以東可指麾而定。 京師震擾，兵不暇集，上下相疑，群情離駭，我即陳兵號令，誰敢不從，旬日之間，事可定矣。」 諒大悅。 於是遣所署大將軍余公理出太谷，以趣河陽。 大將軍綦良出滏口，以趣黎陽。 大將軍劉建出井陘，以略燕趙。 柱國喬鐘葵出雁門。 署文安為柱國，紇單貴、王聃、大將軍茹茹天保、侯莫陳惠直指京師。 未至蒲津百餘里，諒忽改圖，令紇單貴斷河橋，守蒲州，而召文安。 文安至曰：「兵機詭速，本欲出其不意。 王既不行，文安又退，使彼計成，大事去矣。」 諒不對。 以王聃為蒲州刺史，裴文安為晉州，薛粹為絳州，梁菩薩為潞州，韋道正為韓州，張伯英為澤州。 煬帝遣楊素率騎五千，襲王聃、紇單貴于蒲州，破之。 於是率步騎四萬趣太原。 諒使趙子開守高壁，楊素擊走之。 諒大懼，拒素於蒿澤。 屬天大雨，諒欲旋師，王頍諫曰：「楊素懸軍，士馬疲弊，王以銳卒親戎擊之，其勢必舉。 今見敵而還，示人以怯，阻戰士之心，益西軍之氣，願王必勿還也。」 諒不從，退守清源。 素進擊之，諒勒兵與官軍大戰，死者萬八千人。 諒退保并州，楊素進兵圍之。 諒窮蹙，降於素。 百僚奏諒罪當死，帝曰：「終鮮兄弟，情不忍言，欲屈法恕諒一死。」 於是除名為民，絕其屬籍，竟以幽死。 子顥，因而禁錮，宇文化及弑逆之際，遇害。 【論】史臣曰：高祖之子五人，莫有終其天命，異哉！ 房陵資於骨肉之親，篤以君臣之義，經綸締構，契闊夷險，撫軍監國，凡二十年，雖三善未稱，而視膳無闕。 恩寵既變，讒言間之，顧複之慈，頓隔於人理，父子之道，遂滅於天性。 隋室將亡之效，眾庶皆知之矣。 《慎子》有言曰：「一兔走街，百人逐之，積兔於市，過者不顧。」 豈有無欲哉？ 分定故也。 房陵分定久矣，高祖一朝易之，開逆亂之源，長覬覦之望。 又維城肇建，崇其威重，恃寵而驕，厚自封植，進之既逾制，退之不以道。 俊以憂卒，實此之由。 俄屬天步方艱，讒人已勝，尺布鬥粟，莫肯相容。 秀窺岷蜀之阻，諒起晉陽之甲，成茲亂常之釁，蓋亦有以動之也。 《棠棣》之詩徒賦，有鼻之封無期，或幽囚於囹圄，或顛殞於鴆毒。 本根既絕，枝葉畢剪，十有餘年，宗社淪陷。 自古廢嫡立庶，覆族傾宗者多矣，考其亂亡之禍，未若有隋之酷。 《詩》曰：「殷鑒不遠，在夏後之世。」 後之有國有家者，可不深戒哉！
When the Prince of Shu was deposed, Liang grew all the more unsettled. When Emperor Wen died, Liang was summoned but did not come and raised troops in rebellion. Governor-General's major Huangfu Dan remonstrated forcefully; Liang had him arrested and beaten. Wang E told Liang: "Your officers' families are all in the west; if you use such men, drive deep at once and seize the capital—as they say, swift thunder gives no time to cover the ears. If you only wish to hold the former Qi territories, employ eastern men. Liang could not decide and used both strategies, proclaiming: "Yang Su has rebelled—I will execute him." Pei Wen'an, military clerk of the Wenxi Governor-General's office, told Liang: "West of Jingxing Pass is within your grasp; Shandong's troops are also yours—mobilize them all. Dispatch weak troops to garrison strategic routes and seize territory as they advance. Lead the elite forces straight to Pujin. Wen'an offered to serve as vanguard while Liang followed with the main army—moving like wind and striking like lightning, halting at Bashang; east of Xianyang could be secured at a gesture. The capital would be shaken; troops would have no time to assemble; superiors and inferiors would suspect each other; the people would scatter in alarm. Deploy troops and issue commands—who would dare disobey? Within ten days the matter could be settled." Liang was greatly pleased. He dispatched his appointed Grand General Yu Gongli through Taigu toward Heyang. Grand General Qi Liang went out through Fukou toward Liyang. Grand General Liu Jian went out through Jingxing to overrun Yan and Zhao. Preceptor of State Qiao Zhongkui went out through Yanmen. Wen'an was appointed Preceptor of State; Gedan Gui, Wang Dan, Grand General Ruru Tianbao, and Houmochen Hui marched directly on the capital. When still more than a hundred li from Pujin, Liang suddenly changed his plan, ordering Gedan Gui to destroy the river bridge, hold Puzhou, and summoning Wen'an back. When Wen'an arrived he said: "Military opportunity is cunning and swift—we intended to catch them unawares. You would not advance and I have retreated—letting their plans succeed; the great affair is lost. Liang did not reply. Wang Dan was made Governor of Puzhou; Pei Wen'an of Jinzhou; Xue Cui of Jiangzhou; Liang Pusa of Luzhou; Wei Daozheng of Hanzhou; Zhang Boying of Zezhou. Emperor Yang dispatched Yang Su with five thousand cavalry to strike Wang Dan and Gedan Gui at Puzhou and defeated them. He then led forty thousand infantry and cavalry toward Taiyuan. Liang had Zhao Zikai defend Gaobi; Yang Su attacked and drove him off. Liang was greatly afraid and blocked Yang Su at Haozhe. As heavy rain fell, Liang wished to withdraw. Wang E remonstrated: "Yang Su's army is isolated and exhausted—if you personally lead elite troops to attack, victory is certain. To see the enemy and retreat shows cowardice, dampens your warriors' hearts, and boosts the enemy's morale—I beg you not to retreat. Liang did not listen and withdrew to defend Qingyuan. Yang Su advanced to attack; Liang marshaled his troops and fought a great battle with the government army—eighteen thousand died. Liang retreated to Bingzhou; Yang Su advanced and besieged it. Cornered, Liang surrendered to Yang Su. Officials memorialized that Liang's crime deserved death. The emperor said: "Brothers are rare to the end—I cannot bear to speak of it; I wish to bend the law and spare Liang's life. His name was removed and he was made a commoner; his clan register was severed, and he ultimately died in confinement. His son Hao was confined and killed during Yuwen Huaji's regicide. [Commentary] The historian says: Of Emperor Wen's five sons, not one completed his allotted span—how strange! The Prince of Fangling possessed flesh-and-blood kinship and the righteousness of ruler and subject; in founding the state through hardship, overseeing the army and supervising government for twenty years—though the three virtues were not fully achieved, he never failed in his duties. Once favor changed and slander intervened, paternal compassion was cut off from human principle, and the bond of father and son was extinguished. The sign that the Sui dynasty would perish was known to all. Master Shen said: "One rabbit runs through the street and a hundred people chase it; pile rabbits in the market and passersby do not glance at them. Is it that they have no desire?" It is because shares are fixed. The Prince of Fangling's place had long been fixed; Emperor Wen changed it in a single morning, opening the source of rebellion and feeding covetous hopes. When the princely domains were established, their authority was exalted; relying on favor they grew arrogant and enriched themselves—advancement exceeded regulations, and withdrawal was not by proper means. Jun died of grief—this was truly the cause. Soon the times grew difficult and slanderers prevailed; like brothers who would not share a foot of cloth or a peck of grain, none would tolerate the other. Xiu eyed the barriers of Min and Shu; Liang raised arms at Jinyang—forming these breaches of order, there were surely things that provoked them. The Ode to the Cherry-apple was recited in vain; princely fiefs brought no peace—some were imprisoned, some perished by poison. Once the root was severed, the branches were all cut away; within little more than ten years, the dynasty fell. Since ancient times many who deposed legitimate heirs and installed illegitimate ones have overturned clans—but examining the calamity of ruin, none has been as cruel as Sui's. The Odes say: "Yin's mirror is not far—it is in the age after Xia. Those who afterward possess states and families—can they not deeply take warning!"