Volume 21b: Emperor Xianwen's Six Princes 2

彭城王

The Prince of Pengcheng

彭城王勰，字彥和。少而歧嶷，姿性不羣。太和九年，封始平王，加侍中、征西大將軍。勰生而母潘氏卒，其年顯祖崩。及有所知，啟求追服。文明太后不許，乃毀瘠三年，弗參吉慶。高祖大奇之。敏而耽學，不捨晝夜，博綜經史，雅好屬文。

Xie, Prince of Pengcheng, styled Yanhe. From childhood he was precocious and sharp; in bearing and temperament he stood apart. In Taihe year 9 he was enfeoffed as Prince of Shiping and made palace attendant and general who conquers the west. Xie was born the year his mother Lady Pan died; that same year Xianwen passed away. Once he could understand, he petitioned to mourn her properly. Empress Dowager Wenming refused; he wasted away for three years and joined no festive occasion. Gaozu was deeply struck by him. Quick-witted and devoted to books, he studied day and night without pause, mastered the classics and histories broadly, and loved to write.

高祖革創，解侍中、將軍，拜光祿大夫。復除侍中，長直禁內，參決軍國大政，萬機之事，無不預焉。及車駕南伐，以勰行撫軍將軍，領宗子軍，宿衞左右。開建五等，食邑二千戶，轉中書令，侍中如故，改封彭城王。

While Gaozu was still founding the realm, Xie was relieved of palace attendant and general and made grand master for the glorious. He was again made palace attendant and kept long watch inside the palace, sharing in every great decision of army and state. When the emperor marched south, Xie was made acting general who pacifies the army, took command of the clansmen's guard, and slept in attendance at his side. When the five ranks were instituted he received two thousand revenue households, became director of the secretariat while remaining palace attendant, and was re-enfeoffed as Prince of Pengcheng.

高祖與侍臣昇金墉城，顧見堂後梧桐、竹曰：「鳳皇非梧桐不栖，非竹實不食，今梧桐、竹並茂，詎能降鳳乎？」勰對曰：「鳳皇應德而來，豈竹、梧桐能降？」高祖曰：「何以言之？」勰曰：「昔在虞舜，鳳皇來儀；周之興也，鸑鷟鳴於岐山。未聞降桐食竹。」高祖笑曰：「朕亦未望降之也。」後宴侍臣於清徽堂。日晏，移於流化池芳林之下。高祖曰：「向宴之始，君臣肅然，及將末也，觴情始暢，而流景將頹，竟不盡適，戀戀餘光，故重引卿等。」因仰觀桐葉之茂，曰：「『其桐其椅，其實離離，愷悌君子，莫不令儀』，今林下諸賢，足敷歌詠。」遂令黃門侍郎崔光讀暮春羣臣應詔詩。至勰詩，高祖仍為之改一字，曰：「昔祁奚舉子，天下謂之至公，今見勰詩，始知中令之舉非私也。」勰對曰：「臣露此拙，方見聖朝之私，賴蒙神筆賜刊，得有令譽。」高祖曰：「雖琢一字，猶是玉之本體。」勰曰：「臣聞詩三百，一言可蔽。今陛下賜刊一字，足以價等連城。」

Gaozu climbed the Jinfeng wall with his attendants, glanced at the parasol trees and bamboo behind the hall, and said, "The phoenix perches only on the parasol tree and eats only bamboo seed. Both are lush now—will a phoenix come down?" Xie answered, "The phoenix answers virtue. How could trees and bamboo summon it?" Gaozu asked, "On what grounds?" Xie said, "Under Shun of Yu the phoenix came in ritual order; when Zhou rose, the luan and zhuo cried on Mount Qi. No one ever heard of a phoenix coming down for timber or bamboo alone." Gaozu laughed. "I never expected one either." Later he feasted his attendants in the Clear Emblem Hall. As the day waned they moved to the fragrant grove by the Transforming Flow Pool. Gaozu said, "At first we were all stiff with ceremony; near the end the wine began to flow freely, yet the light was failing before we had our fill. I still hunger for that glow, so I have called you back." He looked up at the thick parasol leaves and quoted, "'Parasol and chair-tree, fruit hanging thick; gracious princes, none without fine bearing.' The men in this grove are fit for verse." He ordered Yellow Gate Attendant Cui Guang to read the late-spring poems composed on imperial command. At Xie's poem Gaozu changed one character himself and said, "When Qi Xi recommended his own son the realm called it perfect fairness. Your poem shows my secretariat director did not favor you privately." Xie replied, "By showing this clumsy verse I only exposed the court's partiality. Your brush's correction is what gives it any reputation at all." Gaozu said, "Even carved by a single character, it remains jade in substance." Xie said, "They say the three hundred poems may be summed in a single line. Your Majesty's one-character revision is worth a city of jade."

勰表解侍中，詔曰：「蟬貂之美，待汝而光，人乏之秋，何容方退也。克念作聖，庶必有資耳。」後幸代都，次于上黨之銅鞮山。路旁有大松樹十數根。時高祖進傘，遂行而賦詩，令人示勰曰：「吾始作此詩，雖不七步，亦不言遠。汝可作之，比至吾所，令就之也。」時勰去帝十餘步，遂且行且作，未至帝所而就。詩曰：「問松林，松林經幾冬？山川何如昔，風雲與古同。」高祖大笑曰：「汝此詩亦調責吾耳。」詔曰：「弟勰所生母潘早齡謝世，顯號未加，勰禍與身具，痛隨形起，今因其展思，有足悲矜，可贈彭城國太妃，以慰存亡。」又除中書監，侍中如故。

Xie asked to resign as palace attendant. The edict read, "The court's dignity waits on you to shine. In a season when talent is scarce, how can you withdraw? If you set your mind to it, you will have much to give." Later, on a journey to the northern capital, the court halted at Tongdi Mountain in Shangdang. More than ten great pines stood beside the road. Gaozu walked on under his umbrella composing a poem and sent word to Xie: "I have just started this piece. It may not be seven paces, but it is not far off. Compose one yourself and finish it by the time you reach me." Xie was still ten paces behind; he wrote as he walked and finished before he arrived. His poem ran: "I ask the pine grove—how many winters has it seen? Are mountains and rivers unchanged? Wind and clouds are as they were of old." Gaozu laughed aloud. "Your poem rebukes me as well." An edict said, "Younger brother Xie's mother Lady Pan died young without a posthumous title. His grief has been with him from birth. Moved by his devotion, posthumously enfeoff her as Grand Consort of Pengcheng to comfort living and dead alike." He was again made director of the secretariat while remaining palace attendant.

高祖南討漢陽，假勰中軍大將軍，加鼓吹一部。勰以寵受頻煩，乃面陳曰：「臣聞兼親疏而兩，並異同而建，此既成文於昔，臣願誦之於後。陳思求而不允，愚臣不請而得。豈但今古云殊，遇否大異，非獨曹植遠羨於臣，是亦陛下踐魏文而不顧。」高祖大笑，執勰手曰：「二曹才名相忌，吾與汝以道德相親，緣此而言，無慚前烈。汝但克己復禮，更何多及。」

When Gaozu marched south against Hanyang he made Xie acting grand general of the center army and granted a set of martial music. Favored again and again, Xie spoke plainly: "I have heard that to join near and far in one office and to set unlike with alike was written long ago. I wish to recite it for what comes after. Chen Si asked and was refused; I did not ask and was given. Past and present are not the only divide—fortune and misfortune differ as well. It is not only that Cao Zhi envies me from afar; Your Majesty walks where Emperor Wen of Wei would not tread." Gaozu laughed and took his hand. "The two Caos were jealous of each other's gifts; you and I are joined by virtue. On that score I need not blush before the ancients. Only restrain yourself and return to ritual. What more is there?"

高祖親講喪服於清徽堂，從容謂羣臣曰：「彥和、季豫等年在蒙稚，早登纓紱，失過庭之訓，並未習禮，每欲令我一解喪服。自審義解浮疏，抑而不許。頃因酒醉坐，脫爾言從，故屈朝彥，遂親傳說。將臨講坐，慚戰交情。」御史中尉李彪對曰：「自古及今，未有天子講禮。陛下聖叡淵明，事超百代，臣得親承音旨，千載一時。」

Gaozu lectured on mourning dress in the Clear Emblem Hall and told the ministers at ease, "Yanhe, Jiyu, and the others are still young. They took cap and sash early, missed the courtyard's instruction, and do not yet know ritual. I have often wished to explain mourning dress to them myself. Reviewing my own understanding, I found it shallow and held back. Lately, drunk in my seat, I assented without thinking, and so I have bent the court's worthies to hear me teach it now. As I take the teacher's seat I am ashamed and my heart trembles." Imperial censor Li Biao answered, "From antiquity until now no Son of Heaven has lectured on ritual. Your Majesty's sagacity surpasses a hundred generations. To receive your teaching in person is a moment that comes once in a thousand years."

從征沔北，賜帛三千匹。除使持節、都督南征諸軍事、中軍大將軍、開府。又詔曰：「明便交敵，可敕將士肅爾軍儀。」勰於是親勒大眾。須臾，有二大鳥從南而來，一向行宮，一向府幕，各為人所獲。勰言於高祖曰：「始有一鳥，望旗顛仆，臣謂大吉。」高祖戲之曰：「鳥之畏威，豈獨中軍之略也，吾亦分其一爾。此乃大善，兵法咸說。」至明，便大破崔慧景、蕭衍。其夜大雨，高祖曰：「昔聞國軍獲勝，每逢雲雨。今破新野、南陽及摧此賊，果降時潤。誠哉斯言。」勰對曰：「水德之應，遠稱天心。」高祖令勰為露布，勰辭曰：「臣聞露布者，布於四海，露之耳目，必須宣揚威略，以示天下。臣小才，豈足大用。」高祖曰：「汝豈獨親詔，亦為才達，但可為之。」及就，尤類帝文，有人見者，咸謂御筆。高祖曰：「汝所為者，人謂吾製，非兄則弟，誰能辨之。」勰對曰：「子夏被蚩於先聖，臣又荷責於來今。」

On the campaign north of the Mian he was given three thousand bolts of silk. He was made bearer of the staff, commander of all armies on the southern expedition, grand general of the center army, and opener of the office. An edict added, "Tomorrow we engage the enemy. Order the troops to dress their ranks." Xie personally drilled the great host. Soon two great birds flew from the south—one toward the traveling palace, one toward headquarters—and each was caught. Xie told Gaozu, "Earlier one bird fell before our banners. I called that great fortune." Gaozu teased him, "Birds fear majesty—is that only your stratagem? I claim a share. This is great good fortune, and every military classic says so." At dawn they shattered Cui Huijing and Xiao Yan. That night a great rain fell. Gaozu said, "They say that when the state's army wins, clouds and rain follow. Having taken Xinye and Nanyang and broken this enemy, timely rain has come as promised. The saying is true." Xie answered, "The response of water's virtue has long been called Heaven's own mind." Gaozu ordered Xie to draft the victory bulletin. Xie declined: "A victory bulletin is spread to the four seas and shown to every ear. It must proclaim our martial prestige to the world. My small talent is not fit for so great a use." Gaozu said, "You are not only my kin by decree—you are accomplished. Write it." When it was done it read like the emperor's own hand; all who saw it took it for his writing. Gaozu said, "People say I wrote what you wrote. Between brothers, who can tell?" Xie answered, "Zixia was slandered before the sage; I again bear blame for the age to come."

及至豫州，高祖為家人書於勰曰：「教風密微，禮政嚴嚴，若不深心日勸，何以敬諸。每欲立一宗師，肅我元族。汝親則宸極，位乃中監，風標才器，實足師範。屢有口敕，仍執沖遜，難違清挹，荏苒至今。宗制之重，捨汝誰寄？便委以宗儀，責成汝躬，有不遵教典，隨事以聞，吾別肅治之。若宗室有愆，隱而不舉，鍾罰汝躬。綱維相厲，庶有勸改。吾朝聞夕逝，不為恨也。」勰翌日面陳曰：「奉詔令專主宗制，糾舉非違。臣聞『其身正不令而行，其身不正雖令不從』。臣處宗乏長幼之順，接物無國士之禮，每因啟請，已蒙哀借。不謂今詔，終不矜免。猶願聖慈，賜垂蠲遂。」高祖曰：「汝諧，往欽哉。」勰表以一歲國秩、職俸、親恤以裨軍國，詔曰：「割身存國，理為遠矣。但汝以我親，[1]乃減己助國。職俸便停，親、國二事，聽三分受一。」

At Yuzhou Gaozu wrote Xie a family letter: "Teaching and custom are subtle; ritual and government are strict. Without daily urging from the heart, how can they be honored? I have long wished to set one master over the clan to make our house solemn. You are kin at the throne's height and stand as director at the center. In bearing and talent you are truly fit to be the model. I have commanded you again and again, yet you still refuse in modesty. I could not override your restraint, and time has slipped by. The weight of clan law—on whom else can I lay it? Entrust clan ritual to you and let the charge rest on you. Where teaching is not followed, report each case and I will correct it. If any in the clan offends and you conceal it, the penalty falls on you. Let the net and the warp urge one another—perhaps there will be reform. If I hear at dawn and die at dusk, I shall not regret it." The next day Xie spoke plainly: "I have received command to oversee clan regulation and investigate violations. I have heard: 'when the person is upright, orders run without being given; when the person is crooked, orders are given yet not followed.' Among the clan I lack proper deference between elder and younger; in dealing with others I lack a statesman's ritual. Each time I have petitioned you have indulged me. I did not expect this command to spare me in the end. I still beg your compassion to release me and let the charge be complete elsewhere." Gaozu said, "You are fit—go and honor the charge." Xie memorialized to give one year's state revenue, salary, and kin stipend to the army and state. The edict read, "To cut from oneself to preserve the realm is principle of the farthest reach. Yet because you are my kin,[1] you have reduced yourself to aid the state. Your salary is stopped; for kin and state obligations you may still receive one part in three."

高祖不豫，勰內侍醫藥，外總軍國之務，遐邇肅然，人無異議。徐謇當世之上醫也，先是，假還洛陽，及召至，勰引之別所，泣涕執手而謂之曰：「君今世元化，至尊氣力危惙，願君竭心，專思方治。若聖體日康，令四海有賴，當獲意外之賞；不然，便有不測之誅，非但榮辱，乃存亡由此。君其勉之！」左右見者，莫不嗚咽。及引入，謇便欲進治。勰以高祖神力虛弱，唯令以食味消息。勰乃密為壇於汝水之濱，依周公故事，告天地、顯祖請命，乞以身代。高祖翊日有瘳損。自懸瓠幸鄴，勰常侍坐輿輦，晝夜不離於側，飲食必先嘗之，而後手自進御。

When Gaozu fell ill Xie tended him within on medicine and without held army and state together; far and near were orderly and none disputed it. Xu Jie was the age's finest physician. He had been on leave in Luoyang; when summoned, Xie led him aside, wept, took his hand, and said, "You are the age's great healer. The emperor's strength is critically weak. Exhaust your heart on his cure alone. If he recovers and the realm has someone to rely on, you will receive reward beyond measure; if not, punishment beyond reckoning—not only honor and shame but life and death hang on it. Exert yourself!" Those who witnessed it sobbed. When Xu Jie was brought in he wished to treat him at once. Because Gaozu's strength was feeble, Xie allowed only restorative food and gentle care. Xie then secretly built an altar on the Ru's bank, following the Duke of Zhou's example, reporting to Heaven and Earth and Xianwen to beg for life, offering his own body in substitution. The next day Gaozu showed some improvement. From Xuanchi the court favored Ye. Xie never left the carriage day or night, tasted every meal and drink first, and only then served the emperor with his own hands.

車駕還京，會百僚於宣極堂，行飲至策勳之禮。命舍人宣旨：「勰翼弼六師，纂戎荊楚，沔北之勳，每毗廟算。從討新野，有克城之謀；受命鄧城，致大捷之效。功為羣將之最也。別當授賞，不替厥庸。」高祖謂勰曰：「吾與汝等，早罹艱苦，中逢契闊，每謂情義隨事而疏。比纏患經歲，危如寒葉，非汝孔懷，情敦忠孝，孰能動止躬親，必先藥膳。每尋此事，感思殊遠。」勰悲泣對曰：「臣等宿遭不天，酷恨長世，賴陛下撫育，得參人伍。豈謂上靈無鑒，復使聖躬違和，萬國所懸，蒼生繫氣。寢興之勞，豈申荼蓼。」以破慧景等勳，增邑五百戶。又詔曰：「朕形疲稚年，心勞長歲，積思成疴，頓發汝潁。第六弟勰，孝均周弟，感侔姬旦，遺食捨寐，動止必親，敦醫勸膳，誠力俱竭，致茲保康，實賴同氣。又秉務緝政，百司是憑，綱維折衷，萬揆獲濟。撫師於霖浩之辰，處戎於薦逼之日。安外靜內，功臣大道。侍省之績，可以孔懷無褒；翼亮之勤，實乃勳存社稷。宜有酬賞，以旌國功，可增邑一千戶。」勰辭曰：「臣受遇緣親，榮枯事等，以此獲賞，殊乖情願，乞追成旨，用息謗言。」詔曰：「汝在私能孝，處公必忠，比來勤憂，足布朝野，但可祗膺。」尋以勰為司徒、太子太傅，侍中如故。

Back in the capital the court met the hundred officials in the Hall of Proclaiming the Ultimate and performed the rite of drinking to the end and recording merit. A palace attendant proclaimed: "Xie assisted the six armies and gathered arms in Jing-Chu. North of the Mian his merit joined every plan of the temple. On the Xinye campaign he devised how to take the city; at Dengcheng he won the great victory. His merit stands first among the generals. He shall be rewarded apart without diminishing his service." Gaozu told Xie, "You and I early knew hardship, then separation. I have often said affection thins with circumstance. Lately, a year in illness, perilous as a leaf in frost—without your deep kinship and loyal filial piety, who could attend in person, tasting medicine and food before me? Each time I recall it my gratitude goes very deep." Xie wept and answered, "We long suffered heaven's cruelty and bitterly resent long life. Only by Your Majesty's fostering did we join the ranks of men. Who thought heaven had no mirror and would again make the holy person ill—the realm hangs on it, the people tie their breath to it. Our labor waking and sleeping cannot express our bitter thoroughwort." For breaking Huijing and the rest his fief was increased by five hundred households. An edict said, "My body was weary from youth and my heart labored through long years. Thought piled into illness and suddenly broke out at Ru and Ying. My sixth brother Xie's filial piety matched Zhou's brother; his feeling matched the Duke of Zhou. He left food and sleep, was always in person, urged physicians and pressed food, spent himself utterly, and brought this recovery. It truly rested on shared breath. He also held government together; the hundred offices relied on him; he weighed the net and warp; the ten thousand measures were settled. He pacified armies in seasons of flood and handled arms on days of ill omen. Securing the outer and quieting the inner—that is a great minister's way. Attendance at the bedside needs no praise for deep kin feeling; but assisting and brightening is merit that preserves the altars. There should be reward to mark the state's debt. Increase his fief by one thousand households." Xie declined: "I was favored through kinship; glory and decline are one affair. Reward on this account goes against my wish. I beg to restore the former intent and still slander." The edict read, "In private you are filial; in public you are loyal. Your recent care fills court and countryside. Only receive it." Soon he was made minister of works and grand tutor of the heir apparent while remaining palace attendant.

俄而蕭寶卷將陳顯達內寇，高祖復親討之。詔勰使持節、都督中外諸軍事、總攝六師。是時，高祖不豫。勰辭曰：「臣侍疾無暇，六軍須有所託，事不兩興，情力又竭。更請一王總當軍要。」高祖曰：「戎務、侍疾，皆憑於汝。牽痾如此，吾深慮不濟。安六軍、保社稷者，捨汝而誰？何容方便請人，以違心寄。宗祏所賴，唯在於汝。諸葛孔明、霍子孟異姓受託，而況汝乎！」行次淯陽，高祖謂勰曰：「吾患轉惡，汝其努力。」車駕至馬圈，去賊營數里，顯達等出戰，諸將大破之。勰部分諸軍，將攻賊壘，其夜奔退。高祖疾甚，謂勰曰：「修短命也，死生大分，今吾氣力危惙，當成不濟矣。雖敗顯達，國家安危，在此一舉，社稷所仗，唯在汝身。霍子孟以異姓受付，況汝親賢，可不勉也！」勰泣曰：「士於布衣，猶為知己盡命，況臣託靈先皇，聯暉陛下，誠應竭股肱之力，加之以忠貞。但臣出入喉膂，每跨時要，及於寵靈輝赫，聞之遐邇。復參宰匠，機政畢歸，震主之聲，見忌必矣。此乃周旦遁逃，成王疑惑，陛下愛臣，便為未盡始終之美。臣非所以惡華捐勢，非所以辭勤請逸，正希仰成陛下日鏡之明，下念愚臣忘退之禍。」高祖久之曰：「吾尋思汝言，理實難奪。」乃手詔世宗曰：「汝第六叔父勰，清規懋賞，與白雲俱潔；厭榮捨紱，以松竹為心。吾少與綢繆，提攜道趣。每請解朝纓，恬真丘壑，吾以長兄之重，未忍離遠。何容仍屈素業，長嬰世網。吾百年之後，其聽勰辭蟬捨冕，遂其沖挹之性。無使成王之朝，翻疑姬旦之聖，不亦善乎。汝為孝子，勿違吾敕。」

Before long Xiao Baojuan was to have Chen Xianda invade from within, and Gaozu again took the field in person. Xie was made bearer of the staff, commander of all military affairs within and without, and overall commander of the six armies. Gaozu was then unwell. Xie declined: "I attend his illness without rest. The six armies need another hand. Two burdens cannot rise together, and my strength is spent. I beg another prince to hold the military command." Gaozu said, "Military affairs and his sickbed both rest on you. Bound by illness as I am, I deeply fear I will not recover. To secure the six armies and preserve the realm—apart from you, whom? How can you for convenience ask another and betray what my heart entrusts? The ancestral temple relies on you alone. Zhuge Kongming and Huo Zimeng were entrusted though of different surname—how much more you!" At Yuyang Gaozu told Xie, "My illness grows worse. Exert yourself." At Horse Pen, a few li from the enemy camp, Xianda came out to fight and the generals broke him utterly. Xie disposed the armies to storm the enemy ramparts; that night they fled. Gaozu's illness was grave. He told Xie, "Xiu's life is short; death and life are a great divide. My breath is failing and I will not recover. Though Xianda is beaten, the state's safety hangs on this one throw. The altars rely on you alone. Huo Zimeng took charge though of different surname—how much more you, kin and worthy. Exert yourself!" Xie wept: "A man in plain cloth still dies for one who knows him. I was entrusted by the Former Emperor and shine beside Your Majesty. I should spend my limbs and add loyalty. Yet I pass through the throat of power and each time cross the timely post. Favor has grown radiant and is heard far and near. Again I share the chief craft; machine and government all return to me. The sound that shakes the ruler is sure to be envied. This is the Duke of Zhou in flight and King Cheng in doubt. Your Majesty loves me yet has not completed the beauty of beginning and end. I do not hate glory or cast off power, nor decline diligence to seek ease. I only hope to complete Your Majesty's mirror-bright day above and spare me the calamity of forgetting to withdraw below." Gaozu was silent a long while. "I have pondered your words. The principle cannot be wrested away." He then wrote Shizong by his own hand: "Your sixth uncle Xie keeps pure regulation and splendid reward, clean as white clouds; weary of glory and casting off rank, with pine and bamboo for a heart. From youth I was intimate with him and led him in the way. Each time he asked to leave court and dwell in true hills I, as elder brother, could not bear to let him go far. How can he still be bent to plain vocation and long entangled in the world's net? After my hundred years let Xie resign rank and crown and follow his pure restraint. Do not let King Cheng's court turn and doubt the Duke of Zhou's sagehood. Is that not good? You are a filial son. Do not disobey my command."

及高祖崩于行宮，遏祕喪事，獨與右僕射、任城王澄及左右數人為計，奉遷高祖於安車中，勰等出入如平常，視疾進膳，可決外奏。累日達宛城，乃夜進安車於郡廳事，得加斂櫬，還載臥輿。六軍內外莫有知者。遣中書舍人張儒，奉詔徵世宗會駕。梓宮至魯陽，乃發喪行服。

When Gaozu died at the traveling palace they concealed the mourning. Xie alone with Right Vice Director Prince Cheng of Rencheng and a few close attendants laid plans, moved Gaozu into the comfort carriage, and went in and out as on ordinary days, still attending illness and serving food while deciding outside memorials. After many days they reached Wancheng. At night they brought the comfort carriage into the commandery hall, enclosed the coffin, and returned in the lying carriage. Inside and outside the six armies, no one knew. They sent palace attendant Zhang Ru with an edict to summon Shizong to join the carriage. When the coffin reached Luyang they issued mourning and put on mourning dress.

世宗即位，勰跪授高祖遺敕數紙。咸陽王禧疑勰為變，停在魯陽郡外，久之乃入。謂勰曰：「汝非但辛勤，亦危險至極。」勰恨之，對曰：「兄識高年長，故知有夷險，彥和握蛇騎虎，不覺艱難。」禧曰：「汝恨吾後至耳！」自高祖不豫，勰常居中，親侍醫藥，夙夜不離左右，至於衣帶罕解，亂首垢面。帝患久多忿，因之以遷怒。勰每被誚詈，言至厲切，威責近侍，動將誅斬。勰承顏悉心，多所匡濟。及高祖昇遐，陳顯達奔遁始爾，慮凶問洩漏，致有逼迫。勰內雖悲慟，外示吉容，出入俯仰，神貌無異。及至魯陽也，東宮官屬，多疑勰有異志，竊懷防懼。而勰推誠盡禮，卒無纖介。勰上高祖諡議：「謹案諡法，協時肇享曰『孝』，五宗安之曰『孝』，道德博聞曰『文』，經緯天地曰『文』，仰惟大行皇帝，義實該之，宜上尊號為孝文皇帝，廟曰高祖，陵曰長陵。」世宗從之。

When Shizong took the throne Xie knelt and handed over Gaozu's testamentary sheets. Prince Xi of Xianyang suspected Xie of rebellion and halted outside Luyang a long time before entering. He told Xie, "You were not only toilsome—you were perilous to the extreme." Xie answered with resentment, "Elder brother's understanding is high and your years are long, so you know peace and peril. Yanhe grasped a snake and rode a tiger and felt no hardship." Xi said, "You resent that I came late!" From Gaozu's illness Xie constantly attended at the center, personally tending medicine day and night without leaving his side, rarely unfastening belt or garments, hair disordered and face unwashed. The emperor's long illness bred many angers, and he turned them on those around him. Xie was often scolded in words severe enough to kill; authority fell on attendants and death followed. Xie bore the face with full heart and in many cases corrected and aided. When Gaozu ascended the far journey Chen Xianda had just begun to flee; they feared the evil news would leak and bring pressing force. Within, Xie grieved; without, he showed an auspicious face. In going out and coming in, bowing and looking up, his divine bearing never changed. At Luyang also, the Eastern Palace's officers mostly suspected Xie of different intent and secretly guarded against him. Yet Xie pushed sincerity to the utmost in ritual and in the end showed not the slightest fault. Xie submitted Gaozu's posthumous-title deliberation: "According to the law of posthumous titles, harmonizing the times and securing the five kindreds is 'Filial'; virtue broadly heard and threading heaven and earth is 'Cultured.' The late emperor's meaning truly covers these. The honored title should be Emperor Filial Cultured; temple name Gaozu; tomb name Long Mound." Shizong approved.

既葬，世宗固以勰為宰輔。勰頻口陳遺旨，請遂素懷。世宗對勰悲慟，每不許之。勰頻煩表聞，辭義懇切。世宗難違遺敕，遂其雅情，猶逼以外任，乃以勰為使持節、侍中、都督冀定幽瀛營安平七州諸軍事、驃騎大將軍、開府、定州刺史。勰仍陳讓，又面申前意，世宗固執不許，乃述職。

After the burial Shizong pressed Xie to serve as chief minister. Xie repeatedly cited the testament and asked to follow his plain wish. Shizong, grieving toward Xie, each time refused. Xie repeatedly memorialized in earnest words. Shizong could not override the testament yet wished to honor his elegance; still pressing an outside post, he made Xie bearer of the staff, palace attendant, commander of military affairs in the seven provinces of Ji, Ding, You, Ying, and Anping, grand general of agile cavalry, opener of the office, and governor of Dingzhou. Xie still declined and spoke his former intent to his face; Shizong firmly refused; he then took up his post.

尚書令王肅等奏：「臣等聞旌功表德，道貴前王；庸勳親親，義高盛典。是故姬旦翼周，光宅曲阜；東平宰漢，寵絕列蕃。彭城王勰景思內昭，英風外發，協廓乾規，掃氛漢沔。屬先帝在天，鳳旌旋斾，靜一六師，肅寧南服。登聖皇於天衢，開有魏之靈祐，論道中鉉，王猷以穆，七德丕宣，九功在詠。臣等參詳，宜增邑一千五百戶。」詔曰：「覽奏，倍增崩絕，未足以上酬勳德，且可如奏。」勰頻表固讓，世宗許之。世宗與勰書曰：「恪奉辭暨今，悲戀哽咽，歲月易遠，便迫暮冬，每思聞道，奉承風教。父既辭榮閑外，無容頓違至德。出蕃累朔，荒馳實深。今遣主書劉道斌奉宣悲戀，願父來望，必當屆京。展洩哀窮，指不云遠。」勰乃朝於京師。

Director of the Masters of Writing Wang Su and others memorialized: "We have heard that to display merit and mark virtue is the way of former kings; merit for service and kin for kin is lofty in great canon. Therefore the Duke of Zhou assisted Zhou and brightly dwelt at Qufu; the Eastern Prince governed Han and favor surpassed the feudatories. Prince Xie of Pengcheng's bright thought shines within and heroic wind without; he harmonized Qian's regulation and swept the vapors of Han and Mian. When the Former Emperor was in Heaven the phoenix banner turned homeward; he quieted the six armies at once and solemnly pacified the south. He set the sage emperor on the heavenly ford and opened Great Wei's blessing; deliberating the way at the center, royal plans grew solemn; the seven virtues were proclaimed and the nine achievements sung. We jointly examined and deem his fief should increase by one thousand five hundred households." The edict read, "Reading the memorial doubles my grief at the collapse—still not enough to repay his merit. For now, as memorialized." Xie repeatedly memorialized firm decline; Shizong permitted it. Shizong wrote Xie: "Since our farewell grief has choked me. Months slip away and late winter presses. I think constantly of hearing your teaching and following your way. Father has resigned glory and rests apart; I cannot for a moment go against utmost virtue. You have been in the feudatory many months—the desolation of parting is deep. Now I send chief clerk Liu Daobin with my grief and longing. I wish Father to come and look—surely you will reach the capital. To unfold sorrow's end—the day is not far." Xie then came to court at the capital.

景明初，蕭寶卷豫州刺史裴叔業以壽春內屬，詔勰都督南征諸軍事，餘官如故，與尚書令王肅迎接壽春。詔曰：「五教治樞，古難其選，自非親賢兼切，莫應斯舉。王以明德懋親，任屬保傅，出居蕃陝，入御袞章，內外克諧，民神攸屬。今董率戎麾，威號宜重，可復授司徒，以光望實。」又詔勰以本官領揚州刺史。勰簡刑導禮，與民休息，州境無虞，遐邇安靜。揚州所統建安戍主胡景略猶為寶卷拒守不下，勰水陸討之，景略面縛出降。自勰之至壽春，東定城戍，至於陽石，西降建安，山蠻順命，斬首獲生，以數萬計。進位大司馬，領司徒，餘如故。增邑八百戶。又寶卷遣將陳伯之屯於肥口，胡松又據梁城，水軍相繼二百餘里。勰部分將士，分攻諸營，伯之、胡松率眾出戰，諸將擊之，斬首九千，俘獲一萬。伯之等僅以身免，屯於烽火。勰又分命諸將頻戰，伯之計窮宵遁。淮南平，詔曰：「王戚尊上輔，德勳莫二，孤心昧識，訓保攸憑。比以壽春初開，鎮壓任重，故令王親董元戎，遠撫淮外。冒茲炎蒸，衡蓋飄颻，經略踰時，必有虧損。淹違詣覿，夙夜係情。兼制勝宣規，威效兼著，公私允稱，義所欽嘉。雖凱旋有期，無申延屬，可遣給事黃門侍郎鄭道昭就彼祗勞。」徵勰還朝。

At the beginning of Jingming, Xiao Baojuan's Yuzhou inspector Pei Shuye submitted Shouyang to the inner. Xie was ordered commander of all armies on the southern expedition with other offices unchanged, and with Director of the Masters of Writing Wang Su to welcome Shouyang. An edict read: "The five teachings sit at the heart of rule, and since antiquity the right choice has been rare. Only kin who are also worthy and urgently needed should take up this charge. The king's bright virtue and close kinship made him guardian and tutor; abroad he held the frontier, at court he wore the grand robes—within and without in harmony, and people and spirits alike looked to him. Now that he led the army, his prestige deserved weight; he was again made Minister over the Masses to magnify his standing." Another edict kept his present offices and added inspector of Yang Province. Xie eased punishments, guided ritual, and let the people rest; the province was untroubled and far and near were calm. Jian'an garrison commander Hu Jinglue still held for Baojuan; Xie attacked by land and water until Jinglue came out bound to surrender. From Shouchun he secured the east to Yangshi, took Jian'an in the west, won the mountain tribes, and counted tens of thousands in heads and captives. He was promoted to grand marshal while keeping the ministry; all else unchanged. His fief grew by eight hundred households. Baojuan again sent Chen Bozhi to Feikou and Hu Song to Liang city, with a water line over two hundred li. Xie split his forces against the camps; Bozhi and Hu Song came out and were beaten—nine thousand heads and ten thousand prisoners. Bozhi and the rest barely escaped and camped at Fenghuo. Xie ordered repeated attacks until Bozhi's plans failed and he fled by night. Huainan was pacified. An edict said: "As kin you honor the highest minister; in merit none stands beside you. My judgment is dim—I lean on you for counsel and guard. When Shouchun first fell the burden of holding it was heavy, so you were sent in person to command the host and pacify the Huai frontier. You braved this heat with canopy and carriage in the wind; long campaigning must wear you down. Kept from audience so long, day and night my heart is bound to you. Your victories and plans together showed their power; public and private alike praised what duty required us to honor. Though your return is fixed, I cannot wait to see you—send Palace Attendant Zheng Daozhao to greet you there." Xie was recalled to court.

勰政崇寬裕，絲毫不犯，淮南士庶，追其餘惠，至今思之。初，勰之定壽春也，獲蕭寶卷汝陰太守王果、豫州治中庾禝等數人，勰傾衿禮之，常參坐席。果承間進曰：「果等契闊生平，皓首播越，顧瞻西夕，餘光幾何。今遭聖化，正應力茲愚老，申展尺寸，但在南百口，生死分張，乞還江外，以申德澤。」勰矜而許之。果又謝曰：「殿下賜處，有過國士。果等今還，仰負慈澤，請聽仁駕振旅，反跡江外。」至此乃還。其為遠人所懷如此。

Xie ruled with leniency and touched nothing unjust; Huainan's people still cherish what he left them. When he took Shouchun he captured Baojuan's Ruyin administrator Wang Guo, Yu Province aide Yu Ji, and others; Xie treated them with open courtesy and often seated them beside him. Guo spoke up: "We have been torn from our life's bond; white hair is scattered abroad; looking west at the setting sun, how little light remains. Now under your sage rule we should exert what these old men still have—but south of the river a hundred mouths stand divided between life and death; let us return beyond the river and declare your grace." Xie pitied them and agreed. Guo thanked him again: "Your Highness has treated us beyond what a state's scholar deserves. We go home carrying your kindness on our backs; grant your carriage to shake the host so we may turn our steps beyond the river." Only then did they return. So deeply did distant peoples hold him in their hearts.

勰至京師，世宗臨東堂引見，詔勰曰：「比鳳皇未至，[2]蒼黎二化，故仰屈尊謨，綏懷邊附，而寇豎昏迷，敢鬬淮楚。叔父英略高明，應機殄定，凱旋今辰，伏慰悲佇。」勰謝曰：「臣忝充戍帥，撫安新故，而不能宣武導恩，威懷遐邇。致小豎伯之，驅率蟻徒，侵擾邊堡。非唯仰慚天顏，實亦俯愧朝列。春秋責帥，臣實當之。賴陛下慈深捨過，故使愚臣獲免罪責。」勰頻表辭大司馬、領司徒及所增邑，乞還中山。有詔不許。乃除錄尚書、侍中，司徒如故。固辭不免。勰雅好恬素，不以勢利嬰心。高祖重其事幹，縶維不許。雖臨崩遺詔，復世宗留連，每乖情願。常悽然歎息，以詔旨殷勤，僶俛應命。

At the capital Shizong received him in the Eastern Hall and said: "The phoenix has not yet come,[2] the people stand between two orders—so I bent your counsel to win the frontier; yet that benighted bandit dared fight in Huai-Chu. Uncle, your strategy is bright; you answered the moment and ended them. Today's triumph eases what I have long grieved and waited for." Xie replied: "I disgracefully held the frontier and could not spread force and grace to awe far and near. That let the petty Bozhi drive ant-like followers against our border forts. I am ashamed before your face and before the court alike. Spring and Autumn blames the commander—and that blame is mine. Only your deep mercy let this fool escape punishment." Xie repeatedly asked to resign grand marshal, the ministry, and the added fief and return to Zhongshan. The throne refused. He was made recorder of the Masters of Writing and palace attendant while keeping the ministry. He refused firmly but could not escape office. Xie loved quiet simplicity and let power and profit never touch his heart. Gaozu valued his capacity and would not release him. Even the deathbed testament had Shizong keep him—each time against his wish. He often sighed; when the edict pressed earnestly he bent his will and obeyed.

時咸陽王禧漸以驕矜，頗有不法，北海王詳陰言於世宗，世宗深忌之。又言勰大得人情，不宜久在宰輔，勸世宗遵高祖遺敕。禧等又出領軍于烈為恒州，非烈情願，固強之，烈深以為忿。烈子忠嘗在左右，密令忠言於世宗云：「諸王等意不可測，宜廢之，早自覽政。」時將礿祭，王公並齋於廟東坊。世宗遣于烈將宿衞壯士六十餘人召禧、勰、詳等，引入，見之於光極殿。世宗謂勰曰：「頃來南北務殷，不容仰遂沖操。恪是何人，而敢久違先敕，今遂叔父高蹈之意。」勰謝曰：「先帝不以臣虛薄，曲垂罔己之澤，出入綢繆，公私無捨。自陛下龍飛九五，屢求解落，既為宰輔所抑，亦不為陛下所許。先歲夏中，重塵天聽，時蒙優借，出為定州。往年還洛陽，敕總戎淮肥，雖無功效，幸免罪戾。云歸未幾，復委臣以非據之任。臣頻煩干請，具簡聖聽。陛下孝深無改，仰遵先詔，上成睿明之美，下遂微臣之志，感惟今往，悲喜交深。」乃詔曰：「王宿尚閑靜，志捐世務，先帝愛亮之至，弗奪此情，遺敕炳然，許遂沖退。雅操不移，朕亦未敢違奪。今乃釋位歸第，丘園是營，高尚之節，確爾貞固，賁、履之操，邈焉難追。而王宅初構，財力多闕，成立之期，歲月莫就。可量遣工役，分給材瓦，禀王所好，速令制辦，務從簡素，以稱王心。」勰因是作蠅賦以諭懷，惡讒構也。

Prince Xi of Xianyang grew proud and lawless; Prince Xiang of Beihai spoke privately to Shizong, who came to resent him deeply. He also said Xie had won the people's hearts and should not long stay chief minister, urging Shizong to follow Gaozu's testament. Xi and the others also sent army commander Yu Lie to Hengzhou—not his wish; they forced him, and he burned with resentment. Lie's son Zhong, once at court, was told in secret: "The princes' minds cannot be read—remove them and take the reins early." The autumn di sacrifice was due; princes and dukes fasted in the temple's eastern lodge. Shizong sent Yu Lie with sixty-odd night guards to summon Xi, Xie, Xiang, and the rest to the Hall of Ultimate Light. Shizong told Xie: "North and south have pressed me—I could not honor your wish to withdraw. What is Ke that he should defy the former charge? Now I grant uncle's wish to walk the high path." Xie replied: "The late emperor, not deeming me slight, bent down grace that never forgot me; in and out we were bound, public and private without reserve. Since Your Majesty took the throne I have sought release again and again—the ministers blocked it and you would not grant it. Midsummer before last I troubled Heaven's ear again and was lent out as Dingzhou inspector. The year before I returned to Luoyang and was ordered to command Huai-Fei; though I achieved little I barely escaped blame. Hardly home, I was again given a post beyond my measure. I have troubled you with requests, all plainly set before your ear. Your filial heart is unchanged; you follow the former edict above, complete sagely clarity, and below fulfill my wish—past and present move me, joy and sorrow together." An edict said: "The king has long honored quiet and abandoned worldly affairs. The late emperor loved that brightness and would not seize it; the testament clearly permits this withdrawal. His refined conduct does not shift; I too have not dared to seize it. Now he leaves office for his residence and tends hill and garden—conduct lofty and firm, the integrity of Ben and Lü, hard to follow. Yet his house is newly built and funds are short; completion is still months away. Send measured labor and timber and tile as he wishes, build quickly and simply to match his heart." Xie then wrote the "Fly" rhapsody to voice his feelings, hating slander and plots.

又以勰為太師，勰遂固辭。詔曰：「蓋二儀分象，君臣之位形焉；上下既位，唱和之義生焉。自古統天位主，曷常不賴明師，仗賢輔，而後燮和陰陽，彝倫民物者哉？往而不返者，先民誠有之，斯所謂獨善其身而亂大倫，山林之士耳。賢人君子則不然也。屈己以安民，艱身以濟物，所謂以先知覺後知，同塵而與天下俱潔者也。朕猥以沖年，纂臨寶曆，實賴叔父匡濟之功，誠宜永兼將相，以綱維內外。但逼奪先旨，憚違沖挹，俛志割心，以遂高素。自比水旱乖和，陰陽失序，是以屈王論道，庶燮茲玉燭。且師宰從容，無廢清尚，故周旦復辟而居之，尚父期頤以終位。王義兼家國，理絕獨高，可遣侍中敦諭。」世宗又修家人書於勰曰：「恪言：奉還告承，猶執沖遜，恪實闇寡，政術多粃，匡弼之寄，仰屬親尊。父德望兼重，師訓所歸，豈得近遺家國，遠崇清尚也。便願紆降，時副傾注之心。」勰不得已而應命。

He was again made grand preceptor; Xie refused firmly. An edict said: "Heaven and earth divide their signs and ruler and minister take their places. Once ranks are set, leading and following arise. Since antiquity, who has held Heaven's seat without bright teachers and worthy assistants before harmonizing yin and yang and ordering the people's norms? Those who go and never return—the ancients knew them too; they kept goodness alone and broke the great norms, men of mountain and forest. Worthy men and noble sons are not like that. They bend themselves to settle the people and strain their persons to aid the world—awakening the late with the early, sharing dust until all are clean. Young and coarse on the throne, I truly rely on uncle's rescue; he should forever hold general and minister to weave within and without. Yet forced to seize the former charge I feared violating his withdrawal; I bent my will and cut my heart to follow his simplicity. Lately flood and drought and yin and yang have fallen out of step—so I bend the king to discuss the Way and harmonize the jade candle of rule. A teacher-minister may be at ease without losing pure elevation—the Duke of Zhou returned rule yet remained; the Martial Father ended at a full age. The king's duty embraces family and state; principle forbids standing alone on high—send a palace attendant to instruct him earnestly." Shizong also wrote him as family: "Ke says: your report still holds lofty modesty. Ke is dim and few; government has much chaff; support and correction rely on you. Father's virtue and repute are weighty; teacherly instruction is our return—how can we nearly abandon family and state for distant purity? Only bend down in time to match the heart that leans on you." Xie had no way out and obeyed.

世宗後頻幸勰第。及京兆、廣平暴虐不法，詔宿衞隊主率羽林虎賁，幽守諸王於其第。勰上表切諫，世宗不納。勰既無山水之適，又絕知己之遊，唯對妻子，鬱鬱不樂。議定律令，勰與高陽王雍、八座、朝士有才學者五日一集，參論軌制應否之宜。而勰夙侍高祖，兼聰達博聞，凡所裁決，時彥歸仰。加以美容貌，善風儀，端嚴若神，折旋合度，出入言笑，觀者忘疲。又加侍中。勰敦尚文史，物務之暇，披覽不輟。撰自古帝王賢達至於魏世子孫，三十卷，名曰要略。小心謹慎，初無過失，雖閑居宴處，亦無慢色惰容。愛敬儒彥，傾心禮待。清正儉素，門無私謁。

Afterward Shizong often visited his house. When the Jingzhao and Guangping princes turned violent, an edict had the night-guard chief lead tiger guards to confine the princes in their houses. Xie memorialized urgently; Shizong would not hear it. Without mountains, waters, or knowing friends, he faced only wife and children and grew depressed. When statutes were debated, Xie met every five days with Prince Yong of Gaoyang, the Eight Seats, and learned courtiers to weigh what fit. He had long attended Gaozu and was penetrating and broad in hearing; whatever he decided, men of the age looked up. Fine looks and bearing, stern as a spirit, every turn measured—in speech and laughter watchers forgot fatigue. He was again made palace attendant. Xie honored literature and history and read without cease between affairs. He compiled thirty scrolls from ancient rulers and worthies down to Wei imperial kin, titled Essentials in Brief. Careful from the first, he had no faults; even at leisure he showed no slackness. He loved Confucian talent and bent his heart to courtesy. Upright, pure, and frugal—his gate knew no private callers.

性仁孝，言於朝廷，以其舅潘僧固為冀州樂陵太守。 [3]京兆王愉搆逆，僧固見逼從之。尚書令高肇性既凶愎，賊害賢俊。又肇之兄女，入為夫人，順皇后崩，世宗欲以為后，勰固執以為不可。肇於是屢譖勰於世宗，世宗不納。因僧固之同愉逆，肇誣勰北與愉通，南招蠻賊。勰國郎中令魏偃、前防閤高祖珍希肇提攜，搆成其事。肇初令侍中元暉以奏世宗，暉不從，令左衞元珍言之。世宗訪之於暉，暉明勰無此。世宗更以問肇，肇以魏偃、祖珍為證，世宗乃信之。

Benevolent and filial by nature, he spoke at court and had his uncle Pan Senggu made Leling administrator in Ji. [3] Prince Yu of Jingzhao rebelled; Senggu was forced to follow. Minister Gao Zhao was fierce by nature and harmed the worthy. Zhao's brother's daughter had entered the inner quarters; when Empress Shun died Shizong wished to make her empress, and Xie firmly refused. Zhao then slandered Xie again and again; Shizong would not hear it. When Senggu shared Yu's rebellion, Zhao claimed Xie had conspired with Yu in the north and recruited southern tribes. Xie's household chief Wei Yan and former gate guard Gaozu Zhen, hoping for Zhao's favor, framed the affair. Zhao first had Palace Attendant Yuan Hui report to Shizong; Hui refused; he had Left Guard Yuan Zhen speak instead. Shizong asked Hui, who made clear Xie had done no such thing. Shizong asked Zhao again; Zhao cited Wei Yan and Zhen as proof, and Shizong believed.

永平元年九月，召勰及高陽王雍、廣陽王嘉、清河王懌、廣平王懷及高肇等入。時勰妃方產，勰乃固辭不赴。中使相繼，不得已乃令命駕，意甚憂懼，與妃訣而登車。入東掖門，度一小橋，牛不肯進，遂擊之，良久。更有使者責勰來遲，乃令去牛，人挽而進，宴於禁中。至夜皆醉，各就別所消息。俄而元珍將武士齎毒酒而至。勰曰：「吾忠於朝廷，何罪見殺！一見至尊，死無恨也。」珍曰：「至尊何可復見！王但飲酒。」勰曰：「至尊聖明，不應無事殺我，求與告我罪者一對曲直。」武士以刀鐶築勰二下。勰大言曰：「皇天！忠而見殺。」武士又以刀鐶築勰。勰乃飲毒酒，武士就殺之。向晨，以褥裹屍，輿從屏門而出，載屍歸第，云王因飲而薨。勰妃李氏，司空沖之女也，號哭大言曰：「高肇枉理殺人，天道有靈，汝還當惡死。」及肇以罪見殺，論者知有報應焉。世宗為舉哀於東堂，給東園第一祕器、朝服一襲、賻錢八十萬、布二千匹、蠟五百斤，大鴻臚護喪事。

In the first year of Yongping, ninth month, Xie and Princes Yong of Gaoyang, Jia of Guangyang, Yi of Qinghe, Huai of Guangping, and Gao Zhao were summoned. His consort was in childbirth; he firmly refused to go. Envoys came one after another; he had no choice but to order the carriage, fearful and anxious, and took leave of his consort before mounting. At the Eastern Flank Gate his ox would not cross a small bridge though they beat it long. Another envoy blamed his lateness; the ox was removed and men pulled him in; they feasted within the palace. By night all were drunk and each went to a separate room to rest. Soon Yuan Zhen came with warriors bearing poisoned wine. Xie said: "I am loyal to the court—what crime brings death? Let me see the emperor once and I die without regret." Zhen said: "The emperor—how can you see him again? Only drink." Xie said: "The emperor is sage and bright; he should not kill me without cause—let me face my accuser once and settle right and wrong." The warriors struck him twice with the ring of the blade. Xie cried: "Heaven! Loyal—and killed." They struck him again with the ring. He drank the poison; the warriors then killed him. At dawn they wrapped the corpse, carried it out the screen gate, and sent it home saying the king had died from drink. Consort Lady Li, daughter of Minister Chong, wailed: "Gao Zhao killed against reason; Heaven has spirit—you will yet die wickedly." When Zhao was killed for his crimes, men said retribution had come. Shizong mourned him in the Eastern Hall and gave Eastern Garden rites, court dress, eighty myriad cash, two thousand bolts of cloth, five hundred jin of wax; the Grand Herald oversaw the funeral.

勰既有大功於國，無罪見害，百姓冤之。行路士女，流涕而言曰：「高令公枉殺如此賢王！」在朝貴賤，莫不喪氣。追崇假黃鉞、使持節、都督中外諸軍事，司徒公、侍中、太師、王如故。給鑾輅九旒、虎賁班劍百人、前後部羽葆鼓吹、轀輬車。有司奏太常卿劉芳議勰諡曰：「王挺德弱齡，誕資至孝，睿性過人，學不師授。卓爾之操，發自天然；不羣之美，幼而獨出。及入參政務，綸綍有光；爰登中鉉，敷明五教。漢北告危，皇赫問罪，王內親藥膳，外總六師。及宮車晏駕，上下哀慘。奮猛銜戚，英略潛通，翼衞靈輿，整戎振斾。歷次宛謝，迄于魯陽，送往奉居，無慚周霍，禀遺作輔，遠至邇安。分陝恒方，流詠燕趙；廓靖江西，威懾南越。入釐百揆，庶績咸熙，履勤不憚，在功愈挹。溫恭愷悌，忠雅寬仁，興居有度，善終篤始。高尚厥心，功成身退。義亮聖衷，美光世典。依諡法，保大定功曰『武』，善問周達曰『宣』，諡曰武宣王。」及莊帝即位，追號文穆皇帝，妃李氏為文穆皇后，遷神主於太廟，廟稱肅祖。語在臨淮王彧傳。前廢帝時，去其神主。

Xie had served the state greatly yet was killed without crime; the people resented it. Men and women on the road wept and said: "Chief Minister Gao wrongly killed so worthy a king!" At court, high and low alike lost heart. He was posthumously given acting yellow battle-ax, bearer of the staff, commander of all armies, duke minister over the masses, palace attendant, and grand preceptor, prince as before. They gave him the imperial carriage with nine tassels, a hundred tiger guards with swords of state, front and rear feathered escort, and covered funeral carriage. The relevant office reported Minister Liu Fang's posthumous proposal: "The king from youth raised virtue, born to utmost filiality, keen beyond others, learning without teachers. Outstanding conduct sprang from nature; uncommon beauty emerged alone in youth. Entering government, his commands shone; on the central axis he spread the five teachings. When the north of Han cried danger the emperor asked guilt; inwardly he tended the broth, outwardly he commanded the six armies. When the imperial carriage halted, court and realm mourned. Fierce in grief, strategy flowing in secret, he guarded the spirit carriage and arrayed troops and banners. From Wan to Luoyang he sent off and received the dwelling without shame before Zhou and Huo; taking the testament he assisted until far and near were calm. Holding Shaan and Heng, praise flowed through Yan and Zhao; pacifying the west of the river, his awe subdued the southern Yue. Adjusting the hundred duties, all achievements bright; tireless in toil, in merit he only grew more modest. Warm, respectful, harmonious, and kind; loyal, refined, and broad; measured in rising and dwelling; he ended as deeply as he began. Lofty in heart; merit complete, he withdrew. Righteousness lit the sage breast; beauty lit the age's canon. By posthumous law, preserving the great and settling merit is Martial, good inquiry everywhere is Proclaimer—the posthumous name Prince Martial-Proclaimer." When Zhuangdi took the throne he was posthumously Emperor Wenmu and Lady Li Empress Wenmu; the tablet entered the ancestral temple as Sizu. The account is in the biography of Prince Yu of Linhuai. Under the Former Deposed Emperor his tablet was removed.

韶字世冑，襲。武定末，司州牧。齊受禪，爵例降。

Shao, styled Shizhou, succeeded. At the end of Wuding he was Si Province governor. When Northern Qi took the throne, his title was lowered per precedent.

韶弟襲，字世紹。武定初，封武安王，邑一千戶。武定末，中書侍郎。齊受禪，爵例降。

Shao's younger brother Xi, styled Shishao. Early in Wuding he was made Prince of Wu'an with a thousand-household fief. At the end of Wuding he was secretariat gentleman. When Northern Qi took the throne, his title was lowered per precedent.

劭兄子直，字方言。少知名，為清河文獻王所賞愛。起家除散騎侍郎，轉中書侍郎。後除通直散騎常侍，遷給事黃門侍郎。靈太后詔曰：「故太師、彭城武宣王道隆德盛，功高微管，協契先朝，導揚末命。扶痾濟難，效漢北之誠；送往奉居，盡魯南之節。宗社賴之以安，皇基由之永固。而謙光守約，屢撝增邑之賞；辭多受少，終保初錫之封。非所謂追舊報恩、念勳酬德者也。可以前後所封戶，別封三子為縣公，食邑各一千戶，庶以少慰仁魂，微申朝典。」子直封真定縣開國公。出為冠軍將軍、梁州刺史。未幾遇患，優遊南鄭，無他政績。徵還京師，病卒。贈散騎常侍、安南將軍、都官尚書、冀州刺史。孝莊踐阼，追封陳留王，邑二千戶，贈假黃鉞、太師、大司馬、太尉，加前後部羽葆鼓吹。

Shao's nephew Zhi, styled Fangyan. Known from youth, he was prized by the Literary Prince of Qinghe. He began as regular attendant of scattered cavalry, then secretariat gentleman. Later he was regular attendant of direct communication, then gentleman of the Yellow Gate. Empress Dowager Ling wrote: "The late grand preceptor, Prince Martial-Proclaimer of Pengcheng—Way lofty, virtue abundant, merit past Weiguan, matched the former court and guided the last charge. Supporting illness and rescuing trouble, he showed loyalty north of Han; sending off and receiving the dwelling, he fulfilled the integrity south of Lu. The altars leaned on him; the throne stood firm by him. Yet humble and keeping covenant, he waved off added fiefs; declining much and taking little, he kept the first grant. That is not pursuing the old to repay kindness or remembering merit to repay virtue. From fiefs given before and after, enfeoff three sons as county dukes of a thousand households each, to comfort his soul and slightly declare the court's canon." Zhi was enfeoffed Duke of Zhending with an open state. He went out as champion general and Liang inspector. Soon he fell ill and lingered at ease in Nanzheng without other achievement. Recalled to the capital, he died of illness. Posthumously: regular attendant of scattered cavalry, general who pacifies the south, director of the ministry of justice, and Ji inspector. At Xiaozhuang's accession he was posthumously Prince of Chenliu with two thousand households, acting yellow battle-ax, grand preceptor, grand marshal, and grand commandant, with feathered escort.

子寬，字思猛，襲王爵。除散騎常侍、平南將軍。尋除侍中、撫軍將軍。永安三年，尒朱兆害之於晉陽。無後，國除。出帝初，追贈使持節、散騎常侍、都督青齊濟三州諸軍事、衞大將軍、青州刺史，重贈司徒公。

Son Kuan, styled Simeng, inherited the title. He was regular attendant of scattered cavalry and general who pacifies the south. Soon he was palace attendant and general who pacifies the army. In Yong'an year 3 Erzhu Zhao killed him at Jinyang. He had no heir; the fief was abolished. At the Deposed Emperor's accession he was posthumously bearer of the staff, scattered-cavalry attendant, commander of Qing, Qi, and Ji, defender grand general, and Qing inspector, then again duke minister over the masses.

弟剛，字金明。莊帝初，封浮陽王，邑千戶。武定末，宗正少卿。齊受禪，爵例降。

Younger brother Gang, styled Jinming. At Zhuangdi's accession he was Prince of Fuyang with a thousand households. At the end of Wuding he was vice director of the imperial clan court. When Northern Qi took the throne, his title was lowered per precedent.

剛弟質，莊帝初，林慮王，邑千戶。永安三年薨。出帝時，贈車騎大將軍、左光祿大夫、儀同三司。

Gang's younger brother Zhi was Prince of Linyu at Zhuangdi's accession, with a thousand households. He died in Yong'an year 3. Under the Deposed Emperor he was posthumously general of chariots and cavalry, left grand master of splendid happiness, and protocol of the third rank.

劭弟子正，美貌，性寬和。肅宗初，封霸城縣公，邑一千戶。歷散騎侍郎、太常少卿。莊帝即位，除尚書令，封始平王。與兄劭俱遇害。贈假黃鉞、侍中、都督中外諸軍事、大將軍、錄尚書事、相，[5]王如故，鸞輅九旒、黃屋左纛、前後部羽葆鼓吹、虎賁班劍一百人，諡曰貞。

Shao's nephew Zheng was handsome and mild by nature. At Suzong's accession he was Duke of Bacheng with a thousand households. He served as scattered-cavalry attendant and vice minister of rites. At Zhuangdi's accession he was minister over the masses and Prince of Shiping. He and his elder brother Shao both met disaster. Posthumously: acting yellow battle-ax, palace attendant, commander of all armies, grand general, recorder of the Masters of Writing, Xiang [5], prince as before; nine-tassel carriage, yellow canopy with left streamer, feathered escort, a hundred tiger guards; posthumous name Upright.

子欽，字世道，襲。武定中，散騎侍郎。齊受禪，爵例降。

Son Qin, styled Shidao, succeeded. In Wuding he was scattered-cavalry attendant. When Northern Qi took the throne, his title was lowered per precedent.

史臣曰：武宣王孝以為質，忠而樹行，文謀武略，自得懷抱，綢繆太和之世，豈徒然哉！至夫在安處危之操，送往事居之節，周旦匪他之義，霍光異姓之誠，事兼之矣。功高震主，德隆動俗，間言一入，卒不全志。烏呼！周成、漢昭亦未易遇也。

The historian says: Prince Martial-Proclaimer made filial piety his substance and loyalty his conduct; literary and martial strategy came from his own breast; in the Taihe years he was bound close—not in vain. Conduct safe in danger, integrity in sending off the past and dwelling in the present, Zhou's righteousness not being another's, Huo's loyalty though of different surname—all combined in him. Merit that shook the throne, virtue that moved custom—one whisper entered, and his will was not preserved. Alas! Even the Zhou of King Cheng or the Han of Emperor Zhao was scarcely met with again.

校勘記

Collation notes

但汝以我親諸本「以我親」作「亦我」二字。冊府卷二八六宋本如上摘句，明本〈三三六五頁〉作「以親」二字。按「但汝亦我」語不可解，顯誤，今據宋本冊府改補。

"But you take me as kin": editions read yi wo qin (take me as kin) as the two characters yi wo (also me). Cefu juan 286, Song edition as above; Ming edition 〈folio 3365〉 has "yi qin" (as kin). Note: "but you also me" makes no sense and is clearly corrupt; the text is emended per the Song Cefu.

比鳳皇未至諸本「至」作「一」，下注「疑」字，今據冊府卷二六九〈三一八四頁〉改。

"Compared to the phoenix not yet arriving": editions read zhi (arrive) as yi (one), with yi (suspect) in the note below; emended per Cefu juan 269 〈folio 3184〉 Emended.

以其舅潘僧固為冀州樂陵太守北史卷一九彭城王勰傳「樂陵」作「長樂」。按冀州有長樂，無樂陵，樂陵屬青州，見卷一０六地形志上及中。此傳當誤。

"Appointed his maternal uncle Pan Senggu Administrator of Leling, Ji Province": Beishi juan 19 (Pengcheng Wang Xie) reads Leling as Changle. Note: Ji had Changle but not Leling; Leling was in Qing—Geography monograph juan 106, upper and middle. The life is in error.

于時齊州民劉均房頃等扇動三齊蕭衍遣將彭群王辯等搔擾邊陲卷九肅宗紀孝昌三年三月「房頃」作「房須」，參卷九校記[二０]。又諸本「彭」下有「城」字，「群」作「郡」。按卷九肅宗紀孝昌三年正月、卷七九鹿悆傳、冊府卷一二一〈一四五一頁〉均作「彭群、王辯」，彭群是人名。這裏「群」訛「郡」，後人又妄加「城」字。今據刪正。

"At that time Qi people Liu Jun, Fang Qing, and others stirred the Three Qi; Xiao Yan sent Peng Qun, Wang Bian, and others to trouble the border": Suzong annals juan 9, Xiaochang third year, third month reads Fang Qing as Fang Xu—see juan 9 collation note [20]. Editions also add cheng (city) after Peng and read qun (cluster) as jun (commandery). Note: Suzong annals juan 9, Xiaochang third year, first month; Lu Yu biography juan 79; Cefu juan 121 〈folio 1451〉 all have "Peng Qun, Wang Bian"—Peng Qun is a man's name. Here qun (cluster) was miscopied as jun (commandery), and later scribes spuriously added cheng (city). The text is now trimmed and emended accordingly.

錄尚書事相按「相」上當脫「丞」字，或「相」下脫「國」字。

"Director of the Masters of Writing, minister": Note: cheng (director) may be missing before xiang (minister), or guo (state) after xiang.

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