1
韋世康韋世康,京兆杜陵人也,世為關右著姓。 祖旭,魏南幽州刺史。 父夐,隱居不仕,魏、週二代,十征不出,號為逍遙公。 世康幼而沉敏,有器度。 年十歲,州辟主簿。 在魏,弱冠為直寢,封漢安縣公,尚周文帝女襄樂公主,授儀同三司。 後仕周,自典祠下大夫曆沔、硤二州刺史。 從武帝平齊,授司州總管長史。 于時東夏初定,百姓未安,世康綏撫之,士民胥悅。 歲餘,入為民部中大夫,進位上開府,轉司會中大夫。
Wei Shikang, of Duling in Jingzhao, came from a family that for generations had ranked among the notable surnames of the Guanzhong region. His grandfather Xu had served as inspector of Southern Youzhou under the Wei. His father Jiong had retired from public life; summoned ten times under both Wei and Zhou, he never accepted appointment and was known as the Duke of Leisure. From childhood Shikang was thoughtful and quick-witted, with natural capacity and bearing. At the age of ten he was recruited by his province as chief clerk. While still young under the Northern Wei he entered the inner guard, was enfeoffed as Duke of Han'an, married Princess Xiangle, daughter of Zhou Emperor Wen, and received the rank of Pillar of State, Third Rank. He later served the Zhou, advancing from lower grand master of sacrifices to governor in turn of Mian and Qia. When Emperor Wu conquered Qi, he was made chief administrator on the staff of the Si Province commissioner-general. The east had only just been pacified and the populace was still unsettled; Shikang reassured them until officials and people alike were content. A year later he was recalled to court as grand master of the ministry of the people, promoted to upper pillar of state, and then transferred to grand master of the department of accounts.
2
尉迥之作亂也,高祖憂之,謂世康曰:「汾、絳舊是周、齊分界,因此亂階,恐生搖動。 今以委公,善為吾守。」 因授絳州刺史,以雅望鎮之,闔境清肅。 世康性恬素好古,不以得喪幹懷。 在州嘗慨然有止足之志,與子弟書曰:「吾生因緒餘,夙沾纓弁,驅馳不已,四紀於茲。 亟登袞命,頻蒞方嶽,志除三惑,心慎四知,以不貪而為寶,處膏脂而莫潤。 如斯之事,頗為時悉。 今耄雖未及,壯年已謝,霜早梧楸,風先蒲柳。 眼暗更劇,不見細書,足疾彌增,非可趨走。 祿豈須多,防滿則退,年不待暮,有疾便辭。 況娘春秋已高,溫清宜奉,晨昏有闕,罪在我躬。 今世穆、世文並從戎役,吾與世沖複嬰遠任,陟岵瞻望,此情彌切,桓山之悲,倍深常戀。 意欲上聞,乞遵養禮,未訪汝等,故遣此及。 興言遠慕,感咽難勝。」 諸弟報以事恐難遂,於是乃止。
When Yuwen Jiong rose in rebellion, Emperor Gaozu was deeply concerned and told Shikang, "Fen and Jiang were once the border between Zhou and Qi—this uprising may shake the region. I am entrusting it to you now; hold it firmly on my behalf. He then appointed him prefect of Jiang, where his prestige kept the entire territory tranquil and disciplined. By nature Shikang was unassuming and drawn to the classics, unmoved by fortune or misfortune. While serving in the province he once declared his wish to know when enough was enough and wrote to his sons and brothers: "I was born into inherited privilege and have worn office and rank without pause for forty years. I have repeatedly received imperial orders and often held regional posts, striving to clear the three confusions and heed the four knowings—taking integrity as my treasure and remaining uncorrupted amid plenty. Such conduct is widely known in our time. I am not yet truly old, yet my strength has faded—like early frost on the parasol and paulownia, or wind that withers rushes and willows before their time. My sight worsens so I cannot read fine characters; my legs grow weaker so I can no longer hurry about. One need not hoard salary—when the measure is full, step back; one need not wait for old age—when illness comes, retire. Moreover my mother is advanced in years and deserves dutiful care; any failure in daily attendance would be my fault alone. Shimu and Shiwen are both away at war, while Shichong and I again hold distant posts—the longing of one who climbs the hill to look homeward grows keener, and the sorrow of Mount Huan is redoubled. I mean to petition the throne to observe the rites of filial nurture; before asking your views I send you this letter. Speaking from afar I am overcome with longing and can scarcely hold back my tears. His brothers answered that the request would likely fail, and he abandoned the plan.
3
在任數年,有惠政,奏課連最,擢為禮部尚書。 世康寡嗜欲,不慕貴勢,未嘗以位望矜物。 聞人之善,若己有之,亦不顯人過咎,以求名譽。 尋進爵上庸郡公,加邑至二千五百戶。 其年轉吏部尚書,餘官如故。 四年,丁母憂去職。 未期,起令視事。 世康固請,乞終私制,上不許。 世康之在吏部,選用平允,請托不行。 開皇七年,將事江南,議重方鎮,拜襄州刺史。 坐事免。 未幾,授安州總管,尋遷為信州總管。 十三年,入朝,複拜吏部尚書。 前後十餘年間,多所進拔,朝廷稱為廉平。 嘗因休暇,謂子弟曰:「吾聞功遂身退,古人常道。 今年將耳順,志在懸車,汝輩以為雲何?」 子福嗣答曰:「大人澡身浴德,名立官成,盈滿之誠,先哲所重。 欲追蹤二疏,伏奉尊命。」 後因侍宴,世康再拜陳讓曰:「臣無尺寸之功,位亞台鉉。 今犬馬齒濆,不益明時,恐先朝露,無以塞責。 願乞骸骨,退避賢能。」 上曰:「朕夙夜庶幾,求賢若渴,冀與公共治天下,以致太平。 今之所請,深乖本望,縱令筋骨衰謝,猶屈公臥治一隅。」 於是出拜荊州總管。 時天下唯置四大總管,並、揚、益三州,並親王臨統,唯荊州委于世康,時論以為美。 世康為政簡靜,百姓愛悅,合境無訟。 十七年,卒于州,時年六十七。 上聞而痛惜之,贈賻甚厚。 贈大將軍,諡曰文。
After several years in post his rule was benevolent; his performance reports ranked first year after year, and he was promoted to minister of rites. Shikang cared little for luxury or power and never looked down on others because of his station. He rejoiced in others' virtues as though they were his own, and never aired others' faults to win praise. He was soon raised to Duke of Shangyong, with his fief enlarged to two thousand five hundred households. That year he became minister of the civil service while retaining his other titles. In the fourth year he resigned to observe mourning for his mother. Before the mourning period ended he was summoned back to duty. Shikang pleaded repeatedly to finish his mourning; the emperor refused. As minister of the civil service his appointments were even-handed and favor-seeking failed. In Kaihuang year seven, as the southern campaign was planned, he was made prefect of Xiang when frontier posts were strengthened. He was removed from office for a transgression. Shortly afterward he was made commissioner-general of An, then of Xin. In year thirteen he returned to court and was again made minister of the civil service. Over more than a decade he promoted many capable men, and the court praised his integrity and fairness. Once during a holiday he told his sons and brothers, "I have heard that when one's work is done one steps aside—that is the ancients' constant way. This year I near sixty and wish to retire—what do you think? His son Fusi replied, "You have purified body and character, your name and office are complete, and the sages prized knowing when one is full. We would gladly follow the example of the two Shu and respectfully obey your wish." Later at court he bowed again and said, "I have achieved no merit whatsoever, yet my rank stands just below the Three Excellencies. My strength is spent and I can no longer serve this enlightened age; I fear I may die before I can answer for my office. I beg leave to resign and make way for the worthy." The emperor replied, "From dawn to dusk I strive and seek talent as though thirsty, hoping to govern the realm with you and bring great peace. Your request goes against my deepest hope; even if your strength fails, I still need you to govern a region from your couch." He was then sent out as commissioner-general of Jing. Only four great commissioner-generals existed in the realm; Bing, Yang, and Yi were ruled by imperial princes, while Jing alone was entrusted to Shikang—a distinction widely admired. Shikang governed with simplicity and calm; the people loved him and lawsuits vanished throughout his jurisdiction. In year seventeen he died in office at the age of sixty-seven. The emperor grieved deeply and granted lavish funeral gifts. He was posthumously made grand general with the temple name Wen.
4
世康性孝友,初以諸弟位並隆貴,獨季弟世約宦途不達,共推父時田宅盡以與之,世多其義。
Filial and devoted by nature, he saw his brothers rise to high rank while his youngest brother Shiyue lagged in office; the brothers therefore gave him all their father's land and houses, and contemporaries praised their fairness.
5
長子福子,官至司隸別駕。 次子福嗣,仕至內史舍人,後以罪黜。 楊玄感之作亂也,以兵逼東都,福嗣從衛玄戰於城北,軍敗,為玄感所擒,令作文檄,辭甚不遜。 尋背玄感還東都,帝銜之不已,車裂于高陽。 少子福獎,通事舍人,在東都與玄感戰沒。 弟洸洸字世穆,性剛毅,有器幹,少便弓馬。 仕周,釋褐直寢上士。 數從征伐,累遷開府,賜爵衛國縣公,邑千二百戶。 高祖為丞相,從季父孝寬擊尉迥於相州,以功拜柱國,進封襄陽郡公,邑二千戶。 時突厥寇邊,皇太子屯咸陽,令洸統兵出原州道,與虜相遇,擊破之。 尋拜江陵總管。 未幾,以母疾征還。 俄拜安州總管。 伐陳之役,領行軍總管。 及陳平,拜江州總管,率步騎二萬,略定九江。 陳豫章太守徐璒據郡持兩端,洸遣開府呂昂、長史馮世基以兵相繼而進。 既至城下,璒偽降,其夜率所部二千人襲擊昂。 昂與世基合擊,大破之,擒璒於陣。 高梁女子洗氏率眾迎洸,遂進圖嶺南。 上遣洸書曰:「公鴻勳大業,名高望重,率將戎旅,撫慰彼方,風行電掃,咸應稽服。 若使干戈不用,兆庶獲安,方副朕懷,是公之力。」 至廣州,說陳渝州都督王猛下之,嶺表皆定。 上聞而大悅,許以便宜從事。 洸所綏集二十四州,拜廣州總管。 歲餘,番禺夷王仲宣聚眾為亂,以兵圍洸,洸勒兵拒之,中流矢而卒。 贈上柱國,賜綿絹萬段,諡曰敬。 子協嗣。
His eldest son Fuzi rose to vice director of the imperial secretariat. His second son Fusi became palace secretariat attendant but was later dismissed for an offense. When Yang Xuangan rebelled and besieged the eastern capital, Fusi fought under Wei Xuan north of the city; defeated and captured, he was forced to draft a rebel proclamation in grossly defiant language. He soon deserted Xuangan and returned to the capital, but the emperor never forgave him and had him torn apart by chariots at Gaoyang. His youngest son Fujiang, a communications attendant, was killed fighting Xuangan at the eastern capital. His younger brother Guang, styled Shimu, was resolute and capable and skilled with bow and horse from youth. Under the Zhou he began his career as upper gentleman of the direct attendants. He campaigned repeatedly, rose to pillar of state, and was enfeoffed as Duke of Weiguo with twelve hundred households. When Gaozu was chancellor he followed his uncle Xiaokuan against Yuwen Jiong at Xiangzhou and, for his merit, was made pillar of state and Duke of Xiangyang with two thousand households. When Turks raided the frontier the crown prince camped at Xianyang and sent Guang along the Yuanzhou route; he met the enemy and routed them. He was soon made commissioner-general of Jiangling. Shortly afterward he was recalled when his mother fell ill. He was soon appointed commissioner-general of An. During the conquest of Chen he served as campaign commissioner-general. After Chen fell he became commissioner-general of Jiang and led twenty thousand infantry and cavalry to secure Jiujiang. Xu Yan, Chen's prefect of Yuzhang, hedged his allegiance; Guang sent Lü Ang and Feng Shiji with successive columns. At the city walls Xu Yan pretended to submit, then that night led two thousand men in a night assault on Ang. Ang and Shiji counterattacked, routed the enemy, and captured Xu Yan on the field. Lady Xi of Gaoliang brought her forces to welcome him, and he pressed on into Lingnan. The emperor wrote to Guang: "Your great achievements and high standing lead the army to pacify that region; like wind and lightning all should bow. If war can be avoided and the people live in peace, you will fulfill my dearest wish. At Guangzhou he persuaded Wang Meng, Chen's commissioner of Yu, to surrender, and the entire south was pacified. The emperor was delighted and authorized him to act on his own authority. The twenty-four prefectures he pacified were placed under him as commissioner-general of Guang. A year later the Panyu chieftain Wang Zhongxuan rebelled and besieged him; Guang resisted but was killed by an arrow. He was posthumously made upper pillar of state, granted ten thousand bolts of silk, with the temple name Jing. His son Xie succeeded him.
6
協字欽仁,好學,有雅量。 起家著作佐郎,後轉秘書郎。 開皇中,其父在廣州有功,上令協齎詔書勞問,未至而父卒。 上以其父身死王事,拜協柱國。 後曆定、息、秦三州刺史,皆有能名,卒官。 洸弟藝藝字世文,少受業國子。 周武帝時,數以軍功致位上儀同,賜爵修武縣侯,邑八百戶。 授左旅下大夫。 出為魏郡太守。 及高祖為丞相,尉迥險圖不軌,朝廷微知之,遣藝季父孝寬馳往代迥。 孝寬將至鄴,因詐病,止傳舍,從迥求藥,以察其變。 迥遣藝迎孝寬。 孝寬問迥所為,藝党於迥,不以實答。 孝寬怒,將斬之,藝懼,乃言迥反狀。 孝寬於是將藝西遁,每至亭驛,輒盡驅傳馬而去。 複謂驛司曰:「蜀公將至,宜速具酒食。」 迥尋遣騎追孝寬,追人至驛,輒逢盛饌,又無馬,遂遲留不進,孝寬與藝由是得免。 高祖以孝寬故,弗問藝之罪,加授上開府,即從孝寬擊迥。 及破尉惇,平相州,皆有力焉。 以功進位上大將軍,改封武威縣公,邑千戶。 以修武縣侯別封一子。 高祖受禪,進封魏興郡公。 歲餘,拜齊州刺史。 為政清簡,士庶懷惠。 在職數年,遷營州總管。 藝容貌瑰偉,每夷狄參謁,必整儀衛,盛服以見之,獨坐滿一榻。 番人畏懼,莫敢仰視。 而大治產業,與北夷貿易,家資巨萬,頗為清論所譏。 開皇十五年卒官,時年五十八。 諡曰懷。 藝弟沖沖字世沖,少以名家子,在周釋褐衛公府禮曹參軍。 後從大將軍元定渡江伐陳,為陳人所虜,周武帝以幣贖而還之。 帝複令沖以馬千匹使于陳,以贖開府賀拔華等五十人及元定之柩而還。 沖有辭辯,奉使稱旨,累遷少禦伯下大夫,加上儀同。 于時稽胡屢為寇亂,沖自請安集之,因拜汾州刺史。 高祖踐阼,征為兼散騎常侍,進位開府,賜爵安固縣侯。 歲餘,發南汾州胡千餘人北築長城,在途皆亡。 上呼沖問計,沖曰:「夷狄之性,易為反覆,皆由牧宰不稱之所致也。 臣請以理綏靜,可不勞兵而定。」 上然之,因命沖綏懷叛者。 月餘皆至,並赴長城,上下書勞勉之。 尋拜石州刺史,甚得諸胡歡心。 以母憂去職。 俄而起為南寧州總管,持節撫慰。 複遣柱國王長述以兵繼進。 沖上表固讓。 詔曰:「西南夷裔,屢有生梗,每相殘賊,朕甚湣之,已命戎徒,清撫邊服。 以開府器幹堪濟,識略英遠,軍旅事重,故以相任。 知在艱疚,日月未多,金革奪情,蓋有通式。 宜自抑割,即膺往旨。」 沖既至南寧,渠帥爨震及西爨首領皆詣府參謁。 上大悅,下詔褒揚之。 其兄子伯仁,隨沖在府,掠人之妻,士卒縱暴,邊人失望。 上聞而大怒,令蜀王秀治其事。 益州長史元岩,性方正,案沖無所寬貸,沖竟坐免。 其弟太子洗馬世約,譖岩于皇太子。 上謂太子曰:「古人有沽酒酸而不售者,為噬犬耳。 今何用世約乎? 適累汝也。」 世約遂除名。 後數載,令沖檢校括州事。 時東陽賊帥陶子定、吳州賊帥羅慧方並聚眾為亂,攻圍婺州永康、烏程諸縣,沖率兵擊破之。 改封義豐縣候,檢校泉州事。 尋拜營州總管。 沖容貌都雅,寬厚得眾心。 懷撫靺鞨、契丹,皆能致其死力。 奚、霫畏懼,朝貢相續。 高麗嘗入寇,沖率兵擊走之。 仁壽中,高祖為豫章王暕納沖女為妃,征拜民部尚書。 未幾,卒,時年六十六。 少子挺,最知名。 從父弟壽壽字世齡。 父孝寬,周上柱國、鄖國公。 壽在周,以貴公子,早有令譽,為右侍上士,遷千牛備身。 趙王為雍州牧,引為主簿。 尋遷少禦伯。 武帝親征高氏,拜京兆尹,委以後事。 以父軍功,賜爵永安縣侯,邑八百戶。 高祖為丞相,以其父平尉迥,拜夀儀同三司,進封滑國公,邑五千戶。 俄以父喪去職。 高祖愛禪,起令視事,尋遷恆、毛二州刺史,頗有治名。 開皇十年,以疾征還,卒于家,時年四十二。 諡曰定。 仁壽中,高祖為晉王昭納其女為妃。 以其子保巒嗣。
Xie, styled Qinren, loved learning and possessed refined composure. He began as assistant in the bureau of composition and later became secretariat gentleman. During Kaihuang his father had distinguished himself at Guangzhou; the emperor sent Xie with a commendatory edict, but he arrived too late. Because his father had died in imperial service, the emperor made Xie pillar of state. He later governed Ding, Xi, and Qin in turn, earning a name for competence, and died in office. Guang's younger brother Yi, styled Shiwen, studied in his youth at the imperial academy. Under Zhou Emperor Wu he rose repeatedly through military merit to upper pillar of state and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xiuwu with eight hundred households. He was appointed lower grand master of the left brigade. He was sent out as prefect of Wei. When Gaozu was chancellor, Yuwen Jiong plotted treason; the court had wind of it and sent Yi's uncle Xiaokuan posthaste to replace him. As Xiaokuan neared Ye he feigned illness at a relay station and asked Jiong for medicine to probe his intentions. Jiong sent Yi to welcome Xiaokuan. Xiaokuan asked what Jiong was up to; Yi, loyal to Jiong, lied. Xiaokuan grew angry and was about to execute him; terrified, Yi revealed Jiong's rebellion. Xiaokuan then fled west with Yi, at every post driving off all relay horses. He also told each station master, "The Duke of Shu is coming—prepare food and drink at once. Jiong sent pursuers; at every station they found feasts but no horses and fell behind, so Xiaokuan and Yi escaped. Out of regard for Xiaokuan, Gaozu did not punish Yi, promoted him to upper pillar of state, and sent him with Xiaokuan against Jiong. He played a major part in defeating Yuwen Dun and pacifying Xiangzhou. For his achievements he was promoted to upper grand general and made Duke of Wuwei with a fief of one thousand households. One son was separately enfeoffed as Marquis of Xiuwu. When Gaozu accepted the throne he was raised to Duke of Weixing. A year later he was appointed prefect of Qi. His administration was clear and simple, and officials and people alike were grateful. After several years he was transferred to commissioner-general of Ying. Yi was striking in appearance; whenever frontier peoples came to audience he arrayed full guard of honor and splendid dress, sitting alone across an entire couch. The tribesmen were awed and dared not meet his gaze. Yet he amassed great estates and traded with northern tribes until his household wealth reached millions, drawing criticism from moralists. In Kaihuang year fifteen he died in office at fifty-eight. His posthumous name was Huai. Yi's younger brother Chong, styled Shichong, entered office under the Zhou as ritual officer in the household of the Duke of Wei. He later followed Yuan Ding across the Yangzi against Chen, was captured, and was ransomed back by Zhou Emperor Wu. The emperor sent him to Chen with a thousand horses to ransom fifty captives including Heba Hua and recover Yuan Ding's coffin. Eloquent as an envoy, he rose to lower imperial bearer grand master with the added rank of upper pillar of state. When the Jiéhu raided repeatedly he volunteered to pacify them and was made prefect of Fen. At Gaozu's accession he was summoned as concurrent regular attendant, made pillar of state, and enfeoffed as Marquis of Angu. A year later more than a thousand southern Fenzhou Hu sent north to build the Great Wall deserted on the march. The emperor asked his counsel; Chong said, "Barbarians are quick to turn treacherous when their overseers are unfit. I can pacify them by just governance without troops. The emperor agreed and sent Chong to win over the deserters. Within a month all returned and went to the wall; the court praised them in edicts. He was soon made prefect of Shi and won the frontier peoples' loyalty. He resigned to mourn his mother. He was soon recalled as commissioner-general of Nanning with credentials to pacify the south. Pillar of State Wang Changshu was sent with troops in support. Chong petitioned firmly to decline. An edict read: "Southwestern tribes repeatedly rebel and slaughter one another; We pity them and have sent troops to pacify the frontier. Your capacity and insight suit military command, and We therefore entrust this mission to you. Though your mourning is recent, custom allows service to resume in wartime. Restrain your grief and obey this order at once. At Nanning the chieftains Cuan Zhen and the western Cuan leaders all came to his headquarters. The emperor was delighted and issued a commendatory edict. His nephew Boren, serving on his staff, seized women and soldiers plundered until the frontier lost faith. The emperor was furious and ordered Prince Xiu of Shu to investigate. Yi region chief administrator Yuan Yan investigated without favor and Chong was dismissed. His brother Shiyue, crown prince libationer, slandered Yan to the heir apparent. The emperor told the crown prince, "The ancients had a wine seller whose stock turned sour because of a biting dog. What use is Shiyue to you now? He will only burden you. Shiyue was struck from the registers. Years later Chong was ordered to inspect Kuozhou. Rebel leaders Tao Ziding and Luo Huifang besieged Wuzhou counties; Chong routed them. He was re-enfeoffed as Marquis of Yifeng and made inspector of Quanzhou. He was soon made commissioner-general of Ying again. Refined in bearing and generous in manner, he won popular loyalty. He soothed the Mohe and Khitan until they would fight to the death for him. The Xi and Xie tribes submitted and sent tribute in succession. When Goguryeo raided he drove them back by force. In Renshou, Gaozu betrothed Chong's daughter to Prince Yang Guang and made him minister of the people. He died soon afterward at sixty-six. His youngest son Ting was the most famous. His paternal cousin Shou, styled Shiling. His father Xiaokuan was Zhou upper pillar of state and Duke of Yun. Under the Zhou the young noble Shou won early renown as right attendant upper gentleman and thousand-ox guard. When Prince Zhao became prefect of Yong he made Shou his chief clerk. He was soon promoted to lower imperial bearer. When Emperor Wu campaigned against the Gao he made Shou metropolitan governor of Jingzhao with charge of the rear. For his father's military merit he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yong'an with eight hundred households. When Gaozu was chancellor he made Shou pillar of state, third rank, then Duke of Hua with five thousand households for pacifying Jiong. He soon resigned to mourn his father. At the founding of Sui he was recalled to duty, then governed Heng and Mao with distinction. In Kaihuang year ten he was recalled ill and died at home at forty-two. His posthumous name was Ding. In Renshou Gaozu betrothed his daughter to Prince Yang Zhao of Jin. His son Baoluan succeeded him.
7
壽弟霽,位至太常少卿,安邑縣伯。 津,位至內史侍郎,判民部尚書事。
Shou's younger brother Ji rose to vice minister of imperial sacrifices and Marquis of Anyi. Jin became vice director of the secretariat and concurrently judged civil service affairs.
8
世康從父弟操,字元節,剛簡有風概。 仕周,致位上開府、光州刺史。 高祖為丞相,以平尉迥功,進位柱國,封平桑郡公,曆青、荊二州總管,卒官。 諡曰靜。 柳機柳機,字匡時,河東解人也。 父慶,魏尚書左僕射。 機偉儀容,有器局,頗涉經史。 年十九,周武帝時為魯公,引為記室。 及帝嗣位,自宣納上士累遷少納言、太子宮尹,封平齊縣公。 從帝平齊,拜開府,轉司宗中大夫。 宣帝時,遷禦正上大夫。 機見帝失德,屢諫不聽,恐禍及己,托于鄭譯,陰求出外,於是拜華州刺史。 及高祖作相,征還京師。 時周代舊臣皆勸禪讓,機獨義形於色,無所陳請。 俄拜衛州刺史。 及踐阼,進爵建安郡公,邑二千四百戶,征為納言。 機性寬簡,有雅望,然當近侍,無所損益,又好飲酒,不親細務,在職數年,複出為華州刺史。 奉詔每月朝見。 尋轉冀州刺史。 後征入朝,以其子述尚蘭陵公主,禮遇益隆。
Shikang's paternal cousin Cao, styled Yuanjie, was stern, principled, and imposing. Under the Zhou he rose to upper pillar of state and prefect of Guang. When Gaozu was chancellor he was made pillar of state and Duke of Pingsang for pacifying Jiong, then commissioner-general of Qing and Jing until he died in office. His posthumous name was Jing. Liu Ji, styled Kuangshi, was a native of Jie in Hedong. His father Qing was left vice director of the secretariat under the Wei. Ji had imposing presence and breadth of vision and was well read in the classics and histories. At nineteen, when Zhou Emperor Wu was still Duke of Lu, Ji became his recorder. When the emperor succeeded he rose from secretariat gentleman to lower chamberlain and palace chamberlain of the heir apparent, enfeoffed as Duke of Pingqi. He followed the emperor in pacifying Qi, was made pillar of state, then grand master of the imperial clan. Under Emperor Xuan he became upper grand master of imperial rectification. Seeing the emperor's debauchery and failing to reform him, Ji feared for his life, relied on Zheng Yi, and secured appointment as prefect of Hua. When Gaozu became chancellor he was recalled to the capital. When Zhou ministers urged abdication Ji alone showed open disapproval and made no petition. He was soon made prefect of Wei. At the founding of Sui he was raised to Duke of Jian'an with twenty-four hundred households and made chamberlain. Though refined and respected, he drank heavily, neglected detail, and after years at court returned to Hua as prefect. He was ordered to attend court monthly. He was soon transferred to prefect of Ji. Recalled to court, he gained favor when his son Shu married Princess Lanling.
9
初,機在周,與族人文城公昂俱曆顯要。 及此,機、昂並為外職,楊素時為納言,方用事,因上賜宴,素戲機曰:「二柳俱摧,孤楊獨聳。」 坐者歡笑,機竟無言。 未幾,還州。 前後作牧,俱稱寬惠。 後數年,以疾征還京師,卒于家,時年五十六。 贈大將軍、青州刺史,諡曰簡。 子述嗣。 子述柳述,字業隆,性明敏,有幹略,頗涉文藝。 少以父廕,為太子親衛。 後以尚主之故,拜開府儀同三司、內史侍郎。 上于諸婿中,特所寵敬。 歲餘,判兵部尚書事。 丁父艱去職。 未幾,起攝給事黃門侍郎事,襲爵建安郡公。 仁壽中,判吏部尚書事。 述雖職務修理,為當時所稱,然不達大體,暴於馭下,又怙寵驕豪,無所降屈。 楊素時稱貴幸,朝臣莫不讋憚,述每陵侮之,數於上前面折素短。 判事有不合素意,素或令述改之,輒謂將命者曰:「語僕射,道尚書不肯。」 素由是銜之。 俄而楊素亦被疏忌,不知省務。 述任寄逾重,拜兵部尚書,參掌機密。 述自以無功可紀,過叨匪服,抗表陳讓。 上許之,令攝兵部尚書事。 上于仁壽宮寢疾,述與楊素、黃門侍郎元岩等侍疾宮中。 時皇太子無禮于陳貴人,上知而大怒,因令述召房陵王。 述與元岩出外作敕書,楊素聞之,與皇太子協謀,便矯詔執述、岩二人,持以屬吏。 及煬帝嗣位,述竟坐除名,與公主離絕。 徙述于龍川郡。 公主請與述同徙,帝不聽,事見《列女傳》。 述在龍川數年,複徙寧越,遇瘴癘而死,時年三十九。 弟旦旦字匡德,工騎射,頗涉書籍。 起家周左侍上士,累遷兵部下大夫。 頃之,益州總管王謙起逆,拜為行軍長史,從梁睿討平之,以功授儀同三司。 開皇元年,加授開府,封新城縣男,遷授掌設驃騎。 曆羅、淅、魯三州刺史,並有能名。 大業初,拜龍川太守。 民居山洞,好相攻擊,旦為開設學校,大變其風。 帝聞而善之,下詔褒美。 四年,征為太常少卿,攝判黃門侍郎事。 卒官,年六十一。 子燮,官至河內掾。 旦弟肅肅字匡仁,少聰敏,閑於占對。 起家周齊王文學。 武帝見而異之,召拜宣納上士。 高祖作相,引為賓曹參軍。 開皇初,授太子洗馬。 陳使謝泉來聘,以才學見稱,詔肅宴接,時論稱其華辯。 轉太子內舍人,遷太子僕。 太子廢,坐除名為民。 大業中,帝與段達語及庶人罪惡之狀,達雲:「柳肅在宮,大見疏斥。」 帝問其故,答曰:「學士劉臻,嘗進章仇太翼于宮中,為巫蠱事。 肅知而諫曰:'殿下帝之塚子,位當儲貳,誡在不孝,無患見疑。 劉臻書生,鼓搖脣舌,適足以相誑誤,願殿下勿納之。 '庶人不懌,他日謂臻曰:'汝何故漏泄,使柳肅知之,令面折我? '自是後言皆不用。」 帝曰:「肅橫除名,非其罪也。」 召守禮部侍郎,轉工部侍郎,大見親任。 每行幸遼東,常委之于涿郡留守。 十一年卒,時年六十二。 從弟雄亮雄亮字信誠。 父檜,仕周華陽太守。 遇黃眾寶作亂,攻陷華陽,檜為賊所害。 雄亮時年十四,哀毀過禮,陰有復仇之志。 武帝時,眾寶率其所部歸於長安,帝待之甚厚。 雄亮手斬眾寶於城中,請罪闕下,帝特原之。 尋治梁州總管記室,遷湖城令,累遷內史中大夫,賜爵汝陽縣子。 司馬消難作亂江北,高祖令雄亮聘于陳,以結鄰好。 及還,會高祖受禪,拜尚書考功侍郎,尋遷給事黃門侍郎。 尚書省凡有奏事,雄亮多所駁正,深為公卿所憚。 俄以本官檢校太子左庶子,進爵為伯。 秦王俊之鎮隴右也,出為秦州總管府司馬,領山南道行台左丞,卒官,時年五十一。 有子贊。 從子謇之謇之字公正。 父蔡年,周順州刺史。 謇之身長七尺五寸,儀容甚偉,風神爽亮,進止可觀。 為童兒時,周齊王憲嘗遇謇之於途,異而與語,大奇之。 因奏入國子,以明經擢第,拜宗師中士,尋轉守廟下士。 武帝嘗有事太廟,謇之讀祝文,音韻清雅,觀者屬目。 帝善之,擢為宣納上士。 及高祖作相,引為田曹參軍,仍諮典簽事。 開皇初,拜通事舍人,尋遷內史舍人,曆兵部、司勳二曹侍郎。 朝廷以謇之有雅望,善談謔,又飲酒至石不亂,由是每梁、陳使至,輒令謇之接對。 後遷光祿少卿。 出入十餘年,每參掌敷奏。 會吐谷渾來降,朝廷以宗女光化公主妻之,以謇之兼散騎常侍,送公主于西域。 俄而突厥啟民可汗求結和親,複令謇之送義成公主于突厥。 謇之前後奉使,得二國所贈馬千餘匹,雜物稱是,皆散之宗族,家無餘財。 仁壽中,出為肅州刺史,尋轉息州刺史,俱有惠政。 後二歲,以母憂去職。 煬帝踐阼,複拜光祿少卿。 大業初,啟民可汗自以內附,遂畜牧於定襄、馬邑間,帝使謇之諭令出塞。 及還,奏事稱旨,拜黃門侍郎。 時元德太子初薨,朝野注望,皆以齊王當立。 帝方重王府之選,大業三年,車駕還京師,拜為齊王長史。 帝法服臨軒,備儀衛,命齊王立於西朝堂之前,北面。 遣吏部尚書牛弘、內史令楊約、左衛大將軍宇文述等,從殿廷引謇之詣齊王所,西面立。 牛弘宣敕謂齊王曰:「我昔階緣恩寵,啟封晉陽,出籓之初,時年十二。 先帝立我於西朝堂,乃令高熲、虞慶則、元旻等,從內送王子相于我。 于時誡我曰:'以汝幼沖,未更世事,今令子相作輔於汝,事無大小,皆可委之。 無得昵近小人,疏遠子相。 若從我言者,有益於社稷,成立汝名行。 如不用此言,唯國及身,敗無日矣。 '吾受敕之後,奉以周旋,不敢失墜。 微子相之力,吾無今日矣。 若與謇之從事,一如子相也。」 又敕謇之曰:「今以卿作輔于齊,善思匡救之理,副朕所望。 若齊王德業修備,富貴自當鐘卿一門。 若有不善,罪亦相及。」 時齊王正擅寵,左右放縱,喬令則之徒,深見昵狎。 謇之雖知其罪失,不能匡正。 及王得罪,謇之竟坐除名。 帝幸遼東,召謇之檢校燕郡事。 及帝班師,至燕郡,坐供頓不給,配戍嶺南。 卒于洭口,時年六十。 子威明。 族弟昂昂字千里。 父敏,有高名,好禮篤學,治家如官。 仕周,曆職清顯。 開皇初,為太子太保。 昂有器識,幹局過人。 周武帝時,為大內史,賜爵文城郡公,致位開府,當途用事,百僚皆出其下。 宣帝嗣位,稍被疏遠,然不離本職。 及高祖為丞相,深自結納。 高祖大悅之,以為大宗伯。 昂受拜之日,遂得偏風,不能視事。 高祖受禪,昂疾愈,加上開府,拜潞州刺史。 昂見天下無事,可以勸學行禮,因上表曰:
In Zhou days he and his kinsman Duke Ang of Wencheng had both held high office. Now Ji and Ang served in the provinces while Yang Su, chamberlain and favorite, jested at court: "Both willows are broken; the lone poplar stands tall. The company laughed; Ji said nothing. He soon returned to his province. As regional governor he was always praised for lenient rule. Years later, recalled ill, he died at home at fifty-six. He was posthumously made grand general and prefect of Qing with the temple name Jian. His son Shu succeeded him. Shu, styled Yelong, was clever, capable, and accomplished in letters. Through his father's privilege he became a close guard of the heir apparent. Marriage to an imperial princess brought him pillar of state with insignia of office and vice director of the secretariat. Among the imperial sons-in-law the emperor favored and respected him above the rest. A year later he was given concurrent charge of the ministry of war. He resigned to observe mourning for his father. He was soon recalled as acting vice director of the yellow gate and inherited the dukedom of Jian'an. During Renshou he was given concurrent charge of the civil service ministry. Though efficient and praised at court, he lacked breadth of vision, bullied subordinates, and grew arrogant on imperial favor. Yang Su then dominated the court, yet Shu repeatedly humiliated him and exposed his faults before the emperor. When Su ordered him to alter a decision Shu refused, telling the messenger, "Tell the Vice Director the Minister will not. Su therefore nursed a grievance against him. Soon Yang Su too fell from favor and neglected his duties. Shu's responsibilities grew; he became minister of war and shared state secrets. Believing he had no merit for such rank, he petitioned to resign. The emperor agreed and had him act as minister of war. When the emperor fell ill at Renshou Palace, Shu attended him with Yang Su and Yuan Yan. Learning the crown prince had insulted Lady Chen, the emperor angrily ordered Shu to summon Prince Yong of Fangling. Shu and Yuan Yan went out to draft the edict; Yang Su conspired with the crown prince, forged orders, and had them arrested. When Emperor Yang succeeded, Shu was dismissed and separated from the princess. He was exiled to Longchuan. The princess asked to share his exile; the emperor refused—the account appears in the 《Biographies of Exemplary Women》. After years in Longchuan he was moved to Ningyue, where miasma killed him at thirty-nine. His younger brother Dan, styled Kuangde, excelled at horsemanship and archery and was well read. He entered service under the Zhou as left attendant upper gentleman and rose to lower grand master of war. When Wang Qian of Yi rebelled he served as campaign chief administrator under Liang Rui and was made pillar of state, third rank. In Kaihuang year one he was made pillar of state, enfeoffed Baron of Xincheng, and given command of the setting pillar of cavalry. He governed Luo, Xi, and Lu in turn, all with a reputation for competence. At the start of Daye he was made prefect of Longchuan. The people lived in mountain caves and raided one another until Dan founded schools and transformed their ways. The emperor praised him in an edict. In year four he was recalled as vice minister of imperial sacrifices and acting vice director of the yellow gate. He died in office at sixty-one. His son Xie rose to administrator of Henei. Dan's younger brother Su, styled Kuangren, was clever and quick in debate from youth. He began under the Zhou as literary scholar to Prince Wen of Qi. Zhou Emperor Wu was impressed and appointed him upper gentleman of the secretariat. When Gaozu became chancellor he was made guest army officer. In early Kaihuang he became crown prince libationer. When the Chen envoy Xie Quan came, Su was ordered to entertain him and was praised for eloquence. He became crown prince inner attendant, then crown prince steward. When the crown prince was deposed he was dismissed to commoner status. In Daye the emperor discussed the deposed heir with Duan Da, who said Liu Su had been greatly slighted in the palace. The emperor asked why. Duan Da answered, "The scholar Liu Zhen once brought Zhang Qiu Taiyi into the palace for sorcery. Su warned, "You are the emperor's heir—beware unfilial conduct, not suspicion." Liu Zhen is a scholar who wags his tongue—do not heed him. The deposed heir was displeased and later demanded of Zhen, "Why did you leak this so Liu Su could rebuke me to my face?" After that his counsel went unheeded." The emperor said, "Su was wrongly dismissed—it was not his fault." He was recalled as vice minister of rites, then works, and greatly trusted. On each Liaodong campaign he left Su as guardian at Zhuo. In year eleven he died at sixty-two. His paternal cousin Xiongliang, styled Xincheng. His father Hui was prefect of Huayang under the Zhou. When Huang Zhongbao rebelled and took Huayang, Hui was killed. Xiongliang was fourteen; his mourning exceeded propriety and he secretly vowed revenge. Later Zhongbao submitted to Chang'an and was generously treated by Emperor Wu. Xiongliang slew Zhongbao in the city and surrendered for punishment; the emperor pardoned him. He served as recorder on the Liang commissioner-general's staff, then magistrate of Hucheng, then secretariat grand master and Viscount of Ruyang. When Sima Xiaonan rebelled, Gaozu sent him to Chen to secure an alliance. On his return Gaozu had taken the throne; he became vice director for merit evaluation, then yellow gate attendant. He often rejected Secretariat memorials and was feared by the ministers. He was soon made acting left heir apparent of the crown prince and raised to earl. When Prince Jun of Qin went to Longyou he served as his chief administrator and south mountain route assistant until he died at fifty-one. He had a son Zan. His nephew Jianzhi, styled Gongzheng. His father Cai'nian was prefect of Shun under the Zhou. Jianzhi stood seven feet five inches, imposing in bearing and graceful in movement. As a boy he met Prince Xian of Qi, who was astonished and recommended him. He entered the imperial academy, passed the classics examination, and became master of the imperial clan. Reading prayers at the Grand Temple with clear, elegant delivery, he drew every eye. The emperor was pleased and made him upper gentleman of the secretariat. When Gaozu became chancellor he became field army officer and registry adviser. In early Kaihuang he was communications attendant, then secretariat attendant, then vice director of war and merit. The court valued his wit and his capacity to drink a stone of wine without disorder, and always sent him to receive Liang and Chen envoys. He was later made vice minister of the imperial household. For more than ten years he helped draft and present memorials. When Tuyuhun submitted, he escorted Princess Guanghua west as concurrent regular attendant. When the Türk Qimin Qaghan sought alliance he escorted Princess Yicheng to the Türks. On both missions he received over a thousand horses and gave everything to his kin, leaving nothing at home. In Renshou he governed Su, then Xi, both with benevolent rule. Two years later he resigned to mourn his mother. When Emperor Yang succeeded he was again made vice minister of the imperial household. In early Daye Qimin pastured near the border; the emperor sent Jianzhi to order him beyond the frontier. His report pleased the emperor and he was made yellow gate vice director. When Crown Prince Yuande died, all expected Prince Qi to succeed. In Daye year three the emperor made him chief administrator to Prince Qi. In full ritual the emperor had Prince Qi stand before the western court hall facing north. Niu Hong, Yang Yue, and Yuwen Shu led Jianzhi to stand before the prince facing west. Niu Hong proclaimed to Prince Qi, "Through imperial favor I was once enfeoffed at Jinyang; when I first went to my fief I was only twelve years old. The former emperor had Gao Feng and others present Prince Xiang to me as companion. He warned me, "You are young—in all matters great or small entrust them to Xiang." Do not favor petty men or distance yourself from Xiang. If you heed this it will benefit the realm and your reputation. If you ignore it, ruin will come swiftly to you and the state. I have kept this counsel ever since. Without Xiang I would not be emperor today. Treat Jianzhi as you would Xiang. He charged Jianzhi, "Serve Qi as Xiang served me—fulfill my hope. If Qi cultivates virtue, your whole house will prosper. If he errs, you will share the guilt." Prince Qi then held favor and his intimates, including Qiao Lingze, ran wild. Jianzhi knew their faults but could not correct them. When Prince Qi fell from favor, Jianzhi was struck from the registers. On the Liaodong campaign the emperor summoned him to oversee Yan commandery. On the return march he was convicted of failing to supply the army and was banished to Lingnan. He died at Kuangkou at the age of sixty. His son was Weiming. His clansman Ang, styled Qianli. His father Min was renowned for propriety, learning, and running his household with official discipline. Under the Zhou he held prominent offices. In early Kaihuang he became crown prince grand tutor. Ang had vision and administrative talent beyond ordinary men. Under Zhou Emperor Wu he was grand secretariat director, Duke of Wencheng, pillar of state, and dominated the court. Under Emperor Xuan he was gradually sidelined but kept his post. When Gaozu became chancellor he allied himself closely with him. Gaozu was delighted and appointed him grand director of the imperial clan. On the day of his appointment he suffered a stroke and could not take up his duties. When Gaozu took the throne Ang recovered, was made upper pillar of state, and appointed prefect of Lu. Seeing the realm at peace, Ang memorialized that learning and ritual should be promoted:
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臣聞帝王受命,建學制禮,故能移既往之風,成惟新之俗。 自魏道將謝,分割九區,關右、山東,久為戰國,各逞權詐,俱殉干戈,賦役繁重,刑政嚴急。 蓋救焚拯溺,無暇從容,非朝野之願,以至於此。 晚世因循,遂成希慕,俗化澆敝,流宕忘反,自非天然上哲,挺生於時,則儒雅之道,經禮之制,衣冠民庶,莫肯用心。 世事所以未清,軌物由茲而壞。 伏惟陛下稟靈上帝,受命昊天,合三陽之期,膺千祀之運。 往者周室頹毀,區宇沸騰,聖策風行,神謀電發,端坐廊廟,蕩滌萬方,俯順幽明,君臨四海。 擇萬古之典,無善不為; 改百王之弊,無惡不盡。 至若因情緣義,為其節文,故以三百三千,事高前代。 然下土黎獻,尚未盡行。 臣謬蒙獎策,從政籓部,人庶軌儀,實見多闕,儒風以墜,禮教猶微,是知百姓之心,未能頓變。 仰惟深思遠慮,情念下民,漸被以儉,使至於道。 臣恐業淹事緩,動延年世。 若行禮勸學,道教相催,必當靡然向風,不遠而就。 家知禮節,人識義方,比屋可封,輒謂非遠。
I have heard that rulers who receive the Mandate establish schools and fix rites to transform old customs and shape new ones. After the Wei declined the land was divided; east and west warred for generations under heavy taxes and harsh law. Men had no leisure but to rescue the realm from fire and flood—it was not their wish that culture should perish. Later ages followed bad precedent until ritual collapsed unless a sage arose. Hence the age remained unsettled and standards decayed. Your Majesty received the Mandate of Heaven and the fortune of a thousand reigns. When the Zhou fell You swept the realm clean and ruled all within the seas. You chose the best of antiquity and did every good thing; and reformed every abuse of past kings. Your ritual code of three hundred and three thousand rules surpasses all former ages. Yet the common people have not yet fully adopted it. In my own province I see how far the people still fall short of ritual. I beg Your Majesty to continue to lead the people toward the Way through frugality. I fear delay will cost years of progress. If rites and learning are urged together, the people will turn like wind and soon arrive. Then every household may know ritual and every person know righteousness.
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上覽而善之,因下詔曰:
The emperor approved and issued an edict:
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建國重道,莫先於學,尊主庇民,莫先於禮。 自魏氏不競,周、齊抗衡,分四海之民,鬥二邦之力,遞為強弱,多歷年所。 務權詐而薄儒雅,重干戈而輕俎豆,民不見德,唯爭是聞。 朝野以機巧為師,文吏用深刻為法,風澆俗弊,化之然也。 雖複建立庠序,兼啟黌塾,業非時貴,道亦不行。 其間服膺儒術,蓋有之矣,彼眾我寡,未能移俗。 然其維持名教,獎飾彝倫,微相弘益,賴斯而已。 王者承天,休咎隨化,有禮則祥瑞必降,無禮則妖孽興起。 人稟五常,性靈不一,有禮則陰陽合德,無禮則禽獸其心。 治國立身,非禮不可。 朕受命于天,財成萬物,去華夷之亂,求風化之宜。 戒奢崇儉,率先百辟,輕徭薄賦,冀以寬弘。 而積習生常,未能懲革,閭閻士庶,吉凶之禮,動悉乖方,不依制度。 執憲之職,似塞耳而無聞,蒞民之官,猶蔽目而不察。 宣揚朝化,其若是乎? 古人之學,且耕且養。 今者民丁非役之日,農畝時候之餘,若敦以學業,勸以經禮,自可家慕大道,人希至德。 豈止知禮節,識廉恥,父慈子孝,兄恭弟順者乎? 始自京師,爰及州郡,宜祗朕意,勸學行禮。
To establish a state nothing comes before learning; to honor the ruler and shelter the people nothing comes before rites. Since the Wei fell, Zhou and Qi divided the realm and contended for generations. They prized cunning over learning and arms over ritual until the people knew only contention. Court and countryside took craft as teacher and clerks took severity as law until customs were debased. Schools were founded but learning was not honored and the Way was not practiced. A few still studied the classics but were too few to change the age. Yet they alone sustained name and teaching and moral norms. Kings inherit Heaven: with rites come omens, without rites come portents. With rites yin and yang harmonize; without rites men become beasts at heart. To govern the state and establish the person rites are indispensable. We received Heaven's Mandate, ordered the myriad things, ended barbarian disorder, and sought proper customs. We warned against extravagance, lightened burdens, and sought broad relief for the people. Yet old habits remained; gentry and commoners alike violated ritual norms. Law officers seemed deaf; local officials seemed blind. Is this how court transformation is proclaimed? The ancients both plowed and studied. On days free from corvée, if we urge study and ritual, families will turn to the Way. They will know ritual, shame, and filial piety as well. From the capital to every commandery, all should encourage learning and rites.
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自是天下州縣皆置博士習禮焉。
Thereafter every prefecture and county established erudites to teach rites.
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昂在州,甚有惠政,數年,卒官。 昂子調子調,起家秘書郎,尋轉侍御史。 左僕射楊素嘗於朝堂見調,因獨言曰:「柳條通體弱,獨搖不須風。」 調斂板正色曰:「調信無取者,公不當以為侍御史; 調信有可取,不應發此言。 公當具瞻之秋,樞機何可輕發!」 素甚奇之。 煬帝嗣位,累遷尚書左司郎。 時王綱不振,朝士多贓貨,唯調清素守常,為時所美。 然於幹用,非其所長。 史評史臣曰:韋氏自居京兆,代有人物。 世康昆季,餘慶所鐘,或入處禮闈,或出總方嶽,硃輸接軫,成陰,在周暨隋,勳庸並茂,盛矣! 建安風韻閒雅,望重當時。 述恃寵驕人,終致傾敗。 旦屢有惠政,肅每存誠讜。 雄亮名節自立,忠正見稱,謇之神情開爽,頗為疏放。 文城曆仕二朝,鹹見推重,獻書高祖,遂興學校,言能弘道,其利博哉!
Ang governed Lu with benevolence and died in office after several years. Ang's son Diao began as secretariat gentleman and became attending censor. Left vice director Yang Su once said to Diao alone, "The willow is weak all through yet sways without wind. Diao replied sternly, "If I am worthless you should not have made me censor; if I am worthy you should not have spoken thus. You stand at the center of power—how can you speak so lightly! Su was greatly impressed. Under Emperor Yang he rose to left department director of the secretariat. When the court was corrupt only Diao remained pure and was praised. Practical administration was not his strength. The historian comments: The Wei of Jingzhao produced outstanding men for generations. Shikang and his brothers enjoyed accumulated blessing; some held central posts, some governed regions—a glory spanning Zhou and Sui. Ji of Jian'an was refined and widely respected. Shu grew arrogant on favor and ended in ruin. Dan governed with benevolence; Su offered sincere remonstrance. Xiongliang was known for integrity; Jianzhi was open and somewhat unrestrained. Ang of Wencheng served two dynasties with honor; his memorial to Gaozu raised schools—the benefit of his words was vast indeed!