1
穆崇，代人也。 其先世效節於神元、桓、穆之時。 崇機捷便辟，少以盜竊為事。 太祖之居獨孤部，崇常往來奉給，時人無及者。 後劉顯之謀逆也，平文皇帝外孫梁眷知之，密遣崇告太祖。 眷謂崇曰：「顯若知之問汝者，丈夫當死節，雖刀劍別割，勿泄也。」 因以寵妻及所乘良馬付崇曰：「事覺，吾當以此自明。」 崇來告難，太祖馳如賀蘭部。 顯果疑眷泄其謀，將囚之。 崇乃唱言曰：「梁眷不顧恩義，奬顯為逆，今我掠得其妻馬，足以雪忿。」 顯聞而信之。 窟咄之難，崇外甥于桓等謀執太祖以應之，[1]告崇曰：「今窟咄已立，眾咸歸附，富貴不可失，願舅圖之。」 崇乃夜告太祖，太祖誅桓等，北踰陰山，復幸賀蘭部。 崇甚見寵待。
Biography of Mu Chong His line had served with loyalty since the reigns of Emperor Shenyuan and the Huan and Mu emperors. Chong was sharp and agile; in his youth he lived by theft. While Taizu stayed with the Dugu tribe, Chong went back and forth to provision him as no one else could. Later, when Liu Xian plotted treason, Liang Juan—Emperor Pingwen's grandson by a daughter—learned of the plot and secretly sent Chong to warn Taizu. Juan told Chong, "If Xian finds out and questions you, a man must die for his lord; let them cut you with swords—do not speak. He gave Chong his favorite wife and his best horse, saying, "If we are found out, I will clear myself with these." Chong brought word of danger; Taizu galloped to the Helan tribe. Xian indeed suspected Juan had betrayed the plot and was about to seize him. Chong then shouted aloud, "Liang Juan has forgotten grace and would make Xian rebel! I have taken his wife and horse—that settles the score." Xian heard him and believed it. During Kudou's revolt, Chong's nephew Yu Huan and others plotted to seize Taizu in collusion;[1] they told Chong, "Kudou already holds the throne and all men rally to him—fortune like this is not to be lost. Uncle, we beg you to join us." Chong warned Taizu by night; Taizu executed Huan and his fellows, crossed the Yin Mountains to the north, and again took refuge with the Helan tribe. Chong stood in the highest favor.
2
太祖為魏王，拜崇征虜將軍。 從平中原，賜爵歷陽公，散騎常侍。 後遷太尉，加侍中，徙為安邑公。 又從征高車，大勝而還。 姚興圍洛陽，司馬德宗將辛恭靖請救，太祖遣崇六千騎赴之。 未至，恭靖敗，詔崇即鎮野王，除豫州刺史，仍本將軍。 徵為太尉，又徙宜都公。 天賜三年薨。 先是，衞王儀謀逆，崇豫焉，太祖惜其功而祕之。 及有司奏諡，太祖親覽諡法，至述義不克曰「丁」。 太祖曰：「此當矣。」 乃諡曰丁公。
When Taizu was made Prince of Wei, Chong received the rank of General Who Campaigns Against the Barbarians. He marched in the pacification of the Central Plains and was enfeoffed Duke of Liyang with the post of cavalier attendant-in-ordinary. He was later promoted to Grand Commandant, given the added title of palace attendant, and advanced to Duke of Anyi. He joined the campaign against the Gaoche and came back in triumph. When Yao Xing besieged Luoyang, Xin Gongjing, general under Sima Dezong, begged for relief; Taizu sent Chong with six thousand riders. Chong had not yet arrived when Gongjing fell; an edict set him to garrison Ye immediately, named him inspector of Yuzhou, and left him his former general's rank. He was recalled to Grand Commandant and again advanced to Duke of Yidu. He died in the third year of Tianci. Earlier, when Prince Wei Yi plotted treason, Chong had been party to it; Taizu, valuing his service, concealed the matter. When the offices submitted a posthumous name, Taizu read the statutes himself; at the entry "Unable to Fulfill Righteous Intent" he came to the syllable Ding. Taizu said, "That is the one." He therefore posthumously named him Lord Ding.
3
初，太祖避窟咄之難，遣崇還察人心。 崇夜至民中，留馬與從者，乃微服入其營。 會有火光，為舂妾所識，賊皆驚起。 崇求從者不得，因匿於坑中，徐乃竊馬奔走。 宿於大澤，有白狼向崇而號，崇乃覺悟，馳馬隨狼而走。 適去，賊黨追者已至，遂得免難。 太祖異之，命崇立祀，子孫世奉焉。 太和中，追錄功臣，以崇配饗。
Earlier, fleeing Kudou's revolt, Taizu had sent Chong back to gauge where loyalties lay. Chong reached the camps by night, left his horse with his men, and went in disguised. Firelight betrayed him; a woman at the mortar recognized him, and the rebels leapt up in alarm. Unable to find his men, he hid in a pit, then slowly stole a horse and fled. He spent the night in a great marsh; a white wolf howled at him; taking it as a sign, he galloped after the wolf and escaped. He had barely gone when the rebel pursuers arrived; thus he slipped free. Taizu marveled and ordered a shrine to Chong; descendants have sacrificed there ever since. When the Taihe court recorded founding merit, Chong was admitted to joint sacrifice at the ancestral temple.
4
崇長子遂留，歷顯官。 討蠕蠕有功，賜爵零陵侯。 後以罪廢。
Chong's eldest son Suiliu rose through a series of high posts. For merit against the Rouran he was enfeoffed Marquis of Lingling. He was later stripped of rank for a crime.
5
子乙九，內行長者。 以功賜爵富城公，加建忠將軍，遷散騎常侍、內乘黃令、侍中。 卒，諡曰靜。
His son Yijiu was esteemed within the palace for upright conduct. For merit he was enfeoffed Duke of Fucheng and named General Who Establishes Loyalty, then rose to cavalier attendant-in-ordinary, bearer of the imperial household yellow gate, and palace attendant. He died and was given the posthumous name Jing.
6
子真，起家中散，轉侍東宮，尚長城公主，拜駙馬都尉。 後敕離婚，納文明太后姊。 尋除南部尚書、侍中。 卒，諡曰宣。 高祖追思崇勳，令著作郎韓顯宗與真撰定碑文，建於白登山。
His son Zhen began as central scribe, was moved to attend the heir apparent, married the Princess of Changcheng, and became commandant of cavalry escort. Later an edict forced divorce; he married Empress Dowager Wenming's elder sister. Before long he was named southern department minister and palace attendant. He died and was given the posthumous name Xuan. Gaozu, remembering Chong's service, ordered Han Xianzong of the compilation bureau and Zhen to draft a stele and set it up on Mount Bai.
7
真子泰，本名石洛，高祖賜名焉。 以功臣子孫，尚章武長公主，拜駙馬都尉，典羽獵四曹事，賜爵馮翊侯。 遷殿中尚書，加散騎常侍、安西將軍。 進爵為公。 出為鎮南將軍、洛州刺史。 例降為侯。 尋徵為右光祿大夫、尚書右僕射。 又出為使持節、鎮北將軍、定州刺史。 改封馮翊縣開國侯，食邑五百戶。 進征北將軍。
Zhen's son Tai, originally named Shiluo, received his new name from Gaozu. As a meritorious scion he married the Princess of Zhangwu Chang, became commandant of cavalry escort, oversaw the four bureaus of the imperial hunt, and was enfeoffed Marquis of Fengyi. He was promoted to palace supervisor of the imperial secretariat with the added titles of cavalier attendant-in-ordinary and general who stabilizes the west. He was raised from marquis to duke. He went out as general who stabilizes the south and governor of Luo. Under standing rules he stepped down one grade to marquis. Before long he was recalled as right grand master for splendid happiness and right vice director of the imperial secretariat. He went out again as bearer of staff with full powers, general who stabilizes the north, and governor of Ding. His fief was changed to state-founding Marquis of Fengyi with five hundred households. He was promoted to general who campaigns north.
8
初，文明太后幽高祖於別室，將謀黜廢，泰切諫乃止。 高祖德之，錫以山河，寵待隆至。 泰自陳病久，乞為恒州，遂轉陸叡為定州，以泰代焉。 泰不願遷都，叡未及發而泰已至，遂濳相扇誘，圖為叛。 乃與叡及安樂侯元隆，撫冥鎮將、魯郡侯元業，驍騎將軍元超，陽平侯賀頭，射聲校尉元樂平，前彭城鎮將元拔，代郡太守元珍，鎮北將軍、樂陵王思譽等謀推朔州刺史陽平王頤為主。 頤不從，偽許以安之，密表其事。 高祖乃遣任城王澄率并肆兵以討之。 澄先遣治書侍御史李煥單車入代，出其不意，泰等驚駭，計無所出。 煥曉諭逆徒，示以禍福，於是凶黨離心，莫為之用。 泰自度必敗，乃率麾下數百人攻煥郭門，冀以一捷。 不克，單馬走出城西，為人擒送。 澄亦尋到，窮治黨與。 高祖幸代，親見罪人，問其反狀，泰等伏誅。
When Empress Dowager Wenming first confined Gaozu apart and plotted to depose him, Tai remonstrated fiercely and she desisted. Gaozu owed him gratitude, granted him the mountains-and-rivers reward, and favored him to the summit. Tai pleaded chronic illness and asked for Heng Province; Lu Rui was moved to Ding and Tai replaced him. Unwilling to see the capital moved, Tai reached his post before Rui could depart; the two secretly stirred each other toward rebellion. He then conspired with Rui, Yuan Long Marquis of Anle, Yuan Ye garrison commander of Fuming and Marquis of Lu, Yuan Chao valiant cavalry general, He Tou Marquis of Yangping, Yuan Yueping commandant of archers who shoot at sound, Yuan Ba former garrison commander of Pengcheng, Yuan Zhen administrator of Dai, Siyu general who stabilizes the north and Prince of Leling, and others to make Yi, Prince of Yangping in Shuozhou, their sovereign. Yi would not join them; he feigned assent to quiet them and reported the plot in a secret memorial. Gaozu sent Prince Cheng of Rencheng with troops from Bing and Si to suppress them. Cheng first sent Li Huan, attendant-in-ordinary who investigates documents, alone on horseback into Dai to catch them off guard; Tai and his party were thrown into panic with no plan left. Huan explained fortune and ruin to the rebels; the plotters lost heart and none would fight for them. Seeing defeat inevitable, Tai led several hundred men against Huan at the outer gate, hoping for a single stroke of luck. He failed, fled alone through the west gate, was captured, and sent to the capital. Cheng arrived soon after and prosecuted the conspiracy to the end. Gaozu came to Dai, questioned the rebels himself, and Tai and his fellows were executed.
9
子伯智，八歲侍學東宮，十歲拜太子洗馬、散騎侍郎。 尚饒陽公主，拜駙馬都尉。 早卒。 子喈。
His son Bozhi entered the Eastern Palace school at eight; at ten he was made palace groom and supernumerary cavalier attendant. He married the Princess of Raoyang and became commandant of cavalry escort. He died before his time. His son was Jie.
10
伯智弟士儒，字叔賢。 徙涼州，後乃得還。 為太尉參軍事。
Bozhi's younger brother Shiru, styled Shuxian. He was relocated to Liang Province and was able to return only later. He served as aide to the Grand Commandant.
11
子容，武定中，汲郡太守。
His son Rong was administrator of Ji commandery in the Wuding era.
12
乙九弟忸頭，侍中、北部尚書。 卒，贈司空公，諡曰敬。
Yijiu's younger brother Niutou served as palace attendant and northern department minister. He died and was posthumously named lord of works with the posthumous title Jing.
13
子蒲坂，虞曹尚書、征虜將軍、涇州刺史。 贈征西將軍、雍州刺史，諡曰昭。
His son Puban was minister of the imperial stud, general who campaigns against the barbarians, and inspector of Jing. He was posthumously named general who campaigns west and inspector of Yong, with the posthumous title Zhao.
14
子韶，字伏興，員外散騎侍郎、代郡太守、征東將軍、金紫光祿大夫。 卒，贈使持節、都督冀相殷三州諸軍事、驃騎大將軍、冀州刺史，諡曰文。
His son Shao, styled Fuxing, was supernumerary cavalier attendant, administrator of Dai commandery, general who campaigns east, and grand master for splendid happiness with golden seal and purple cord. He died and was posthumously named bearer of staff, commander of Ji, Xiang, and Yin military affairs, grand general of agile cavalry, and inspector of Ji, with the posthumous title Wen.
15
子遵伯，幽州司馬。
His son Zunbo was administrator of You province.
16
遂留弟觀，字闥拔，襲崇爵。 少以文藝知名，選充內侍，太祖器之。 太宗即位，為左衞將軍，綰門下中書，出納詔命。 及訪舊事，未嘗有所遺漏，太宗奇之。 尚宜陽公主，拜駙馬都尉，稍遷太尉。 世祖之監國，觀為右弼，出則統攝朝政，入則應對左右，事無巨細，皆關決焉。 終日怡怡，無慍喜之色。 勞謙善誘，不以富貴驕人。 泰常八年，暴疾薨於苑內，時年三十五。 太宗親臨其喪，悲慟左右。 賜以通身隱起金飾棺，喪禮一依安城王叔孫俊故事。 贈宜都王，諡曰文成。 世祖即位，每與羣臣談宴，未嘗不歎惜殷勤，以為自泰常以來，佐命勳臣文武兼濟無及之者，見稱如此。
Suiliu's younger brother Guan, styled Tabo, inherited Chong's title. In youth he was known for literary talent; chosen as inner attendant, he won Taizu's regard. At Taizong's accession he was named left general of the guard, oversaw the gate and secretariat, and issued edicts. When he traced precedents, no detail ever slipped; Taizong marveled. He married the Princess of Yiyang, became commandant of cavalry escort, and rose step by step to Grand Commandant. While Shizu supervised the realm, Guan was his right hand: abroad he directed government, at court he answered the heir—nothing large or small escaped his judgment. He remained cheerful all day, never showing anger or elation on his face. He worked hard, stayed modest, and guided others well, never arrogant in wealth or rank. In the eighth year of Taichang he died suddenly of illness in the park at thirty-five. Taizong attended his funeral in person and grieved until those around him wept. He was given a coffin of gold with relief over the whole body; rites followed the precedent of Prince Shusun Jun of Ancheng. He was posthumously made Prince of Yidu with the title Wencheng. After Shizu took the throne he never feasted with his ministers without sighing in praise, saying that since Taichang no founding minister had matched Guan's civil and military gifts—such was the esteem in which he was held.
17
子壽，襲爵，少以父任選侍東宮。 尚樂陵公主，拜駙馬都尉。 明敏有父風，世祖愛重之，擢為下大夫。 敷奏機辯，有聲內外。 遷侍中、中書監，領南部尚書，進爵宜都王，加征東大將軍。 壽辭曰：「臣祖崇，先皇之世，屬值艱危，幸天贊梁眷，誠心密告，故得效功前朝，流福於後。 昔陳平受賞，歸功無知，今眷元勳未錄，而臣獨弈世受榮，豈惟仰愧古賢，抑亦有虧國典。」 世祖嘉之。 乃求眷後，得其孫，賜爵郡公。
His son Shou inherited the title and, through his father's standing, was chosen in youth to attend the Eastern Palace. He married the Princess of Leling and became commandant of cavalry escort. Clever and sharp, he had his father's bearing; Shizu cherished him and promoted him to lower grand master. His memorials and debate were nimble, and his reputation rang inside and outside the court. He became palace attendant and director of the secretariat, took the southern master of writing, was raised to Prince of Yidu, and named general who pacifies the east. Shou declined, saying, "My grandfather Chong, in the former emperor's day, met danger again and again. Heaven favored Liang Juan's loyal warning, so he served the earlier reign and left blessing for later generations. In antiquity Chen Ping took reward yet credited one who knew nothing. Yet Juan's founding service goes unrecorded while I alone inherit glory age after age—should I not blush before the ancients and breach the state's law?" Emperor Shizu praised him. He sought out Juan's grandson and enfeoffed him duke of a commandery.
18
輿駕征涼州，命壽輔恭宗，總錄要機，內外聽焉。 行次雲中，將濟河，宴諸將於宮。 世祖別御靜室，召壽及司徒崔浩、尚書李順，世祖謂壽曰：「蠕蠕吳提與牧犍連和，今聞朕征涼州，必來犯塞，若伏兵漠南，殄之為易。 朕故留壯兵肥馬，使卿輔佐太子。 收田既訖，便可分伏要害，以待虜至，引使深入，然後擊之，擒之必矣。 涼州路遠，朕不得救。 卿若違朕指授，為虜侵害，朕還斬卿。 崔浩、李順為證，非虛言也。」 壽頓首受詔。 壽信卜筮之言，謂賊不來，竟不設備。 而吳提果至，侵及善無，京師大駭。 壽不知所為，欲築西郭門，請恭宗避保南山。 惠太后不聽，乃止。 遣司空長孫道生等擊走之。 世祖還，以無大損傷，故不追咎。
On the Liangzhou campaign the emperor ordered Shou to assist Gongzong and control all confidential affairs; the whole court obeyed him. At Yunzhong, before crossing the river, he feasted his generals in the palace. Emperor Shizu withdrew to a quiet room and summoned Shou, Minister Cui Hao, and Li Shun of the masters of writing, telling Shou, "Wuti of the Rouran has allied with Mujian; hearing that I march on Liangzhou he will surely raid the frontier. Ambush him south of the desert and destruction will be easy. I have left strong troops and fat horses so that you may assist the crown prince. When the pastures are grazed out, post detachments at the key passes and wait for the enemy; lure them deep, then strike, and capture is certain. Liangzhou is far; I cannot come to your aid. Disobey my orders and let the barbarians harm the realm—I will behead you on my return. Hao and Shun are witnesses; this is no idle threat." Shou kowtowed and received the edict — so the record runs. Shou trusted diviners who said the enemy would not come and made no preparations. Wuti came as foretold, raided as far as Shanwu, and the capital was thrown into terror. Shou knew not what to do, proposed sealing the western gate, and asked Gongzong to hold Mount Bao in the south. Empress Huibao refused and he desisted. He sent Minister of Works Changsun Daosheng and others against them and drove them off. Emperor Shizu returned; as damage was slight he did not punish him.
19
恭宗監國，壽與崔浩等輔政，人皆敬浩，壽獨凌之。 又自恃位任，以為人莫己及。 謂其子師曰：「但令吾兒及我，亦足勝人，不須苦教之。」 遇諸父兄弟有如僕隸，夫妻並坐共食，而令諸父餕餘。 其自矜無禮如此，為時人所鄙笑。 真君八年薨。 贈太尉，諡曰文宣。
When Gongzong supervised the realm Shou assisted government with Cui Hao and others; all honored Hao, but Shou alone looked down on him. He also trusted in rank and office, believing none could equal him. He told his son Shi, "Let my son and me alone surpass others—no need to drill him hard." He treated uncles and brothers like slaves; he and his wife ate together while making uncles take their leftovers. Contemporaries mocked him for such arrogant lack of ritual. In the eighth year of Zhenjun he died — so the record runs. He was posthumously named grand commandant with the title Wenzuan.
20
子平國，襲爵。 尚城陽長公主，拜駙馬都尉、侍中、中書監，為太子四輔。 正平元年卒。
His son Pingguo succeeded. He married the Princess of Chengyang and became commandant of the imperial son-in-law, palace attendant, director of the secretariat, and one of the crown prince's four tutors. In the first year of Zhengping he died — so the record runs.
21
子伏干，襲爵。 尚濟北公主，拜駙馬都尉。 和平二年卒。 諡曰康。 無子。
His son Fugan succeeded. He married the Princess of Jibei and became commandant of the imperial son-in-law. In the second year of Heping he died — so the record runs. He received the posthumous title Kang. He left no son.
22
伏干弟羆，襲爵。 尚新平長公主，拜駙馬都尉。 又除虎牢鎮將，頻以不法致罪。 高祖以其勳德之冑，讓而赦之。
Fugan's younger brother Pi succeeded. He married the Princess of Xinping and became commandant of the imperial son-in-law. He was also made garrison general of Hulao and repeatedly broke the law. Emperor Gaozu, remembering old service, rebuked him and pardoned him each time.
23
轉征東將軍、吐京鎮將。 羆賞善罰惡，深自克勵。 時西河胡叛，羆欲討之，而離石都將郭洛頭拒違不從。 羆遂上表自劾，以威不攝下，請就刑戮。 高祖乃免洛頭官。 山胡劉什婆寇掠郡縣，羆討滅之。 自是部內肅然，莫不敬憚。 後改吐京鎮為汾州，仍以羆為刺史。 前吐京太守劉升，在郡甚有威惠，限滿還都，胡民八百餘人詣羆請之。 前定陽令吳平仁亦有恩信，戶增數倍。 羆以吏民懷之，並為表請。 高祖皆從焉。 羆既頻薦升等，所部守令，咸自砥礪，威化大行，百姓安之。 州民李軌、郭及祖等七百餘人，詣闕頌羆恩德。 高祖以羆政和民悅，增秩延限。
He was made general who campaigns east and commander of the Tujing garrison. Pi rewarded the good and punished the wicked and applied himself with strict self-discipline. When the Hu of Xihe rebelled, Pi wished to strike them, but Lishi commandant Guo Luotou refused to obey. Pi memorialized to impeach himself, saying his authority could not restrain subordinates, and asked to suffer execution. Emperor Gaozu dismissed Luotou from office. The mountain Hu Liu Shipo raided the commanderies; Pi destroyed them. From then on his district was orderly, and all respected and feared him. When the Tujing garrison was reorganized as Fenzhou, Pi remained its governor. Former prefect Liu Sheng had ruled Tujing with authority and kindness; when his term ended and he returned to court, over eight hundred Hu petitioned Pi to bring him back. Former Dingyang magistrate Wu Pingren likewise won trust, and registered households multiplied several times over. Pi, seeing how officials and commoners cherished them, memorialized for both appointments. Emperor Gaozu granted each request. Pi's repeated recommendations of Sheng and others spurred every prefect and magistrate under him to sharpen their conduct, and his moral authority transformed the region. Over seven hundred provincials, including Li Gui and Guo Jizu, went to the capital to praise Pi's kindness and virtue. Seeing sound governance and a content populace, Emperor Gaozu raised Pi's rank and extended his term of office.
24
後徵為光祿勳。 隨例降王為魏郡開國公，邑五百戶。 又除鎮北將軍、燕州刺史，鎮廣寧。 尋遷都督夏州、高平鎮諸軍事，本將軍，夏州刺史，鎮統萬。 又除侍中、中書監。 穆泰之反，羆與潛通，赦後事發，削封為民。 卒于家。 世宗時，追贈鎮北將軍、恒州刺史。
He was later summoned to be director of the imperial household. By precedent his title was reduced to Duke Who Founded the State of Weijun, fief five hundred households. He was made general who pacifies the north and inspector of Yan, garrisoning Guangning. Soon he was made commander of Xia Province and the Gaoping garrison, retained his existing rank, became inspector of Xia, and garrisoned Tongwan. He was again made palace attendant and director of the secretariat. During Mu Tai's rebellion Pi had secretly communicated with the plotters; after an amnesty exposed the affair, his fief was revoked and he was reduced to common registration. He passed away at home. Under Emperor Shizong he was posthumously made general who pacifies the north and inspector of Heng.
25
子建，字晚興，性通率，頗好文史。 起家祕書郎，稍遷直閤將軍，兼武衞。 建妻尒朱榮之妹，建常依附榮。 榮入洛之後，除鎮東將軍、金紫光祿大夫、征北將軍，封濟北郡開國公。 後遷散騎常侍、車騎大將軍、左光祿大夫、兼尚書、北道行臺、并州事。 元曄之立，建兼尚書右僕射，俄轉侍中、驃騎大將軍。 出帝末，本將軍、儀同三司、洛州刺史。 天平中，坐事自殺於五原城北。
His son Jian, styled Wanxing, was frank by nature and fond of letters. He began as secretary of the palace, rose to direct-palace general, and served concurrently as defender of the martial guards. Jian's wife was Erzhu Rong's sister; Jian often leaned on Rong. After Rong entered Luoyang he was made general who pacifies the east, household grandee with the golden seal and purple cord, general who campaigns north, and duke who founded the state of Jibei commandery. Later he became scattered cavalier attendant-in-ordinary, grand general of chariots and cavalry, left household grandee, concurrent master of writing, northern-route mobile headquarters, and overseer of Bing. When Yuan Ye was enthroned, Jian was made concurrent right vice director of the masters of writing; soon he became palace attendant and rapid-cavalry grand general. At the end of Emperor Chu's reign he held his existing rank, three excellencies of honor, and was inspector of Luo. In the Tianping era he took his own life north of Wuyuan for an offense.
26
子千牙，武定中，開府祭酒。
His son Qianya, in the Wuding era, was libationer of the bureau that opens offices.
27
建弟衍，字進興。 解褐員外郎，封新興縣開國子，稍遷通直常侍，行雲州事。
Jian's younger brother Yan, styled Jinxing. Upon leaving the russet he was made outer palace attendant, enfeoffed baron who founded the state of Xinxing county, and rose to direct-palace regular attendant in charge of Yun.
28
羆弟亮，字幼輔，初字老生，早有風度。 顯祖時，起家為侍御中散。 尚中山長公主，拜駙馬都尉，封趙郡王，加侍中、征南大將軍。 徙封長樂王。 高祖初，除使持節、秦州刺史。 在州未期，大著聲稱。 徵為殿中尚書。 又遷使持節、征西大將軍、西戎校尉、敦煌鎮都大將。 政尚寬簡，賑恤窮乏。 被徵還朝，百姓追思之。
Pi's younger brother Liang, styled Youfu, first styled Laosheng, showed refinement and presence from youth. Under Emperor Xianzu he began his career as attendant censor. He married the Princess of Zhongshan, became commandant of the imperial son-in-law, was enfeoffed prince of Zhao commandery, and named palace attendant and general who campaigns south. His fief was transferred to the princedom of Changle. At Gaozu's accession he was made bearer of the staff and inspector of Qin. Before his term ended he won great renown in the province. He was summoned as master of writing within the hall. He was made bearer of the staff, general who campaigns west, colonel protector of the western rong, and grand general of the Dunhuang garrison. His rule favored leniency and simplicity; he relieved the poor and exhausted. When he was recalled to court the people missed him.
29
除都督秦梁益三州諸軍事、征南大將軍、領護西戎校尉、仇池鎮將。 時宕昌王梁彌機死，子彌博立，為吐谷渾所逼，來奔仇池。 亮以彌機蕃欵素著，[2]矜其亡滅； 彌博凶悖，氐羌所棄； 彌機兄子彌承，戎民歸樂，表請納之。 高祖從焉。 於是率騎三萬，次于龍鵠，擊走吐谷渾，立彌承而還。 是時，階陵比谷羌董耕奴、斯卑等率眾數千人，寇仇池，屯于陽遐嶺，亮副將楊靈珍率騎擊走之。 氐豪楊卜，自延興以來，從軍征伐，二十一戰，前來鎮將，抑而不聞。 亮表卜為廣業太守，豪右咸悅，境內大安。
He was made commander of Qin, Liang, and Yi, general who campaigns south, colonel protector of the western rong, and commander of the Chouchi garrison. Dangchang king Liang Miji died, and his son Mibo succeeded; harried by Tuyuhun, Mibo fled to Chouchi for refuge. Liang judged that Miji's long submission to the court was well known,[2] and pitied his fall; Mibo was violent and perverse and abandoned by the Di and Qiang tribes; Miji's nephew Micheng, whom the tribes gladly followed, memorialized asking that he be installed instead. Emperor Gaozu agreed. He then led thirty thousand horse, halted at Longhu, drove off Tuyuhun, installed Micheng, and withdrew. Then the Jieling Bigu Qiang, Dong Gengnu and Si Bei among them, led several thousand men against Chouchi and encamped at Yangxia Ridge; Liang's deputy Yang Lingzhen drove them off. The Di chieftain Yang Bu had fought in twenty-one campaigns since Yanxing, yet successive garrison commanders had suppressed his record and never reported his merit. Liang memorialized to appoint Bu grand warden of Guangye; local magnates were pleased and the region knew great peace.
30
徵為侍中、尚書右僕射。 [3]于時，復置司州。 高祖曰：「司州始立，未有僚吏，須立中正，以定選舉。 然中正之任，必須德望兼資者。 世祖時，崔浩為冀州中正，長孫嵩為司州中正，可謂得人。 公卿等宜自相推舉，必令稱允。」 尚書陸叡舉亮為司州大中正。
He was summoned to be palace attendant and right vice director of the masters of writing. [3] At that time Sizhou was re-established — so the record runs. Emperor Gaozu said, "Sizhou has only just been founded and lacks staff; we must appoint a Rectifier to govern selection. That office demands both virtue and public standing. Under Emperor Shizu, Cui Hao was Rectifier of Jizhou and Changsun Song Rectifier of Sizhou—true examples of the right choice. You ministers should deliberate and recommend with care." Director Lu Rui recommended Liang as grand rectifier of Sizhou.
31
時蕭賾遣將陳顯達攻陷醴陽，加亮使持節，征南大將軍，都督懷、洛、南、北豫、徐、兗六州諸軍事以討之。 顯達遁走，乃還。 尋遷司空，參議律令。 例降爵為公。
At that time Xiao Ze sent general Chen Xianda to take Liyang; Liang was given the staff of authority as general who campaigns south and commander of military affairs in Huai, Luo, South and North Yu, Xu, and Yan to oppose him. Xianda fled, and Liang withdrew. He was soon made minister of works and helped draft the code of laws. By precedent his title was reduced to duke.
32
時文明太后崩，已過期月，高祖毀瘠猶甚。 亮表曰：「王者居極，至尊至重，父天母地，懷柔百靈。 是以古先哲王，制禮成務。 施政立治，必順天而後動； 宣憲垂範，必依典而後行。 用能四時不忒，陰陽和暢。 若有過舉，咎徵必集。 故大舜至慕，事在納麓之前； 孔子至聖，喪無過瘠之紀。 堯書稽古之美，不錄在服之痛； 禮備諸侯之喪，而無天子之式。 雖有上達之言，未見居喪之典。 然則位重者為世以屈己，居聖者達命以忘情。 伏惟陛下至德參二儀，惠澤覃河海，宣禮明刑，動遵古式。 以至孝之痛，服期年之喪，練事既闋，號慕如始。 統重極之尊，同眾庶之制，廢越紼之大敬，闕宗祀之舊軌。 誠由文明太皇太后聖略超古，惠訓深至，欲報之德，昊天罔極，比之前代，戚為過甚。 豈所謂順帝之則，約躬隨眾者也。 陛下既為天地所子，又為萬民父母。 子過哀，父則為之慘悴； 父過戚，子則為之憂傷。 近蒙接見，咫尺旒冕，聖容哀毀，駭感無止，況神祇至靈，而不久虧和氣，微致風旱者哉？ 書稱『一人有慶，兆民賴之』，今一人過哀，黎元焉繫？ 羣官所以顛殞震懼，率土所以危惶悚慄，百姓何仰而不憂，嘉禾何由而播殖。 願陛下上承金冊遺訓，下稱億兆之心，時襲輕服，數御常膳，修崇郊祠，垂惠咸秩，輿駕時動，以釋憂煩，博採廣諮，以導性氣，息無益之戀，行利見之德； 則休徵可致，嘉應必臻，禮教並宣，孝慈兼備，普天蒙賴，含生幸甚。」 詔曰：「苟孝悌之至，無所不通。 今飄風亢旱，時雨不降，實由誠慕未濃，幽顯無感也。 所言過哀之咎，諒為未衷，省啟以增悲愧。」
Empress Dowager Wenming had died; though more than a month had passed, Gaozu remained wasted with grief. Liang memorialized: "The ruler at the apex holds supreme honor; father Heaven and mother Earth, he cherishes the hundred spirits. Hence the ancient sage-kings made rites to finish their task. To found government and establish order, one must follow Heaven before acting; to proclaim law and leave example, one must rely on the canon before proceeding — so the record runs. Then the four seasons do not err and yin and yang stay in harmony — so the record runs. If conduct goes too far, omens of blame will gather. Thus great Shun in utmost filiality acted before he took his place; Confucius, the utmost sage, left no record of mourning past emaciation — so the record runs. The Documents of Yao praise antiquity's beauty but do not record the pain of sackcloth; — so the record runs. the rites complete a feudal lord's mourning yet provide no form for the Son of Heaven — so the record runs. Though lofty words reach upward, one does not see the canon for occupying mourning. Thus he who is heavy in rank bends himself for the age; he who is sage in station fulfills fate and forgets private feeling — so the record runs. I humbly consider that Your Majesty's supreme virtue matches the two principles, your gracious flood reaches river and sea, you spread ritual and clarify punishment, and in motion follow the ancient pattern — so the record runs. Yet with utmost filial grief you wear mourning for a full year; when the second-year observance ended your cries remained as at the start — so the record runs. You bear the honor of the utmost pole yet share the commoner's rule; you set aside the great reverence of the transition hemp and leave the old track of ancestral sacrifice — so the record runs. Truly because Empress Dowager Wenming's sacred design surpassed antiquity and her gracious instruction reached deep, the virtue owed her has no bound in heaven—compared with former ages, your grief is excessive — so the record runs. Is this what is called following the emperor's norm and restraining oneself to follow the multitude? — so the record runs. Your Majesty is both Heaven and Earth's son and the myriad people's parent — so the record runs. If a son mourns past measure, his father is made wretched; — so the record runs. if a father grieves past measure, his son is made sorrowful — so the record runs. Of late I was granted audience; within a pace of your crown your sacred face was wasted with grief—my shock would not end; How much less will the spirits, utmost in numinous power, long tolerate a slight harm to harmony and a small bringing of wind and drought? The Documents say, 'When one man has blessing, the myriad look to him.' Now when one man mourns past measure, how are the people anchored? — so the record runs. For this reason the officials are overturned with fear, the realm is shaken with dread, the people have nothing to look up to but worry, and how can the good grain be sown and planted? — so the record runs. I pray Your Majesty above inherit the golden-book testament, below answer the hundred millions' hearts, at times wear light mourning, often take ordinary meals, restore suburban sacrifice, extend grace throughout the ranks, move the carriage at times to release sorrow, widely consult to guide the temperament, rest from useless longing, and practice the virtue that brings benefit in sight; — so the record runs. then auspicious omens may be summoned, blessed responses will surely arrive, ritual and teaching will both be proclaimed, filial piety and kindness will both be complete, all under Heaven will receive reliance, and living beings will be greatly fortunate." — so the record runs. An edict said: "When filial piety and brotherly duty reach their utmost, nothing remains blocked. Yet fierce winds and drought persist while timely rain withholds itself—because your longing is not yet deep enough for hidden and manifest alike to respond. What you call the fault of excessive mourning, I am sure is not your true meaning; reading your memorial only adds grief and shame."
33
尋領太子太傅。 時將建太極殿，引見羣臣於太華殿，高祖曰：「朕仰遵先意，將營殿宇，役夫既至，興功有日。 今欲徙居永樂，以避囂埃。 土木雖復無心，毀之能不悽愴。 今故臨對卿等，與之取別。 此殿乃高宗所制，爰歷顯祖，逮朕冲年，受位於此。 但事來奪情，將有改制，仰惟疇昔，惟深悲感。」 亮稽首對曰：「臣聞稽之卜筮，載自典經，占以決疑，古今攸尚。 興建之功，事在不易，願陛下訊之蓍龜，以定可否。 又去歲役作，為功甚多，太廟明堂，一年便就。 若仍歲頻興，恐民力凋弊。 且材幹新伐，為功不固，願得逾年，小康百姓。」 高祖曰：「若終不為，可如卿言。 後必為之，逾年何益？ 朕遠覽前王，無不興造。 故有周創業，經建靈臺； 洪漢受終，未央是作。 草創之初，猶尚若此，況朕承累聖之運，屬太平之基。 且今八表清晏，年穀又登，爰及此時，以就大功。 人生定分，修短命也，蓍蔡雖智，其如之何。 當委之大分，豈假卜筮。」 遂移御永樂宮。
He soon also became grand tutor of the heir apparent. When the Taiji Hall was to be built, Gaozu received the ministers at Taihua Hall and said: "We follow our predecessors' intent and will raise palace halls; the laborers have arrived and the work will begin within days. We now wish to move to Yongle to escape dust and clamor — so the record runs. Though I am no builder at heart, how can tearing them down fail to wring my heart! I have called you here to take leave together. This hall was built by Emperor Gaozong, passed through Emperor Xianzu, and in my tender years I received the throne here. But necessity overrides sentiment, and the design must change. Looking back on those days fills me only with grief." Liang bowed and replied: "Your subject has heard that consulting divination is recorded in the canonical classics; using it to resolve doubt is honored in ancient and modern times alike. The work of construction is not easy to accomplish; I pray Your Majesty consult the milfoil and tortoise to fix whether it may proceed — so the record runs. Moreover last year's labor had already accomplished much—the Imperial Ancestral Temple and Bright Hall were finished within a year. If works are raised year after year, I fear the people will be exhausted. Moreover timber has just been freshly cut and will not stand firm as work; I wish to wait further years and give the people a little ease." — so the record runs. Gaozu said: "If in the end it is not done, it may be as you say — so the record runs. But when it must later be done, what good is waiting another year?" — so the record runs. I have looked far back at former kings, and none failed to build. When Zhou founded its enterprise it raised the Spirit Terrace; when mighty Han received the Mandate, Weiyang was built. Even at founding they did as much; how much more should I, inheriting many sages' fortune upon an age of great peace. Moreover the eight directions are clear and calm and the year's grain has ripened again—seize this time to complete the great work. A man's allotted span fixes short life or long; milfoil and tortoise may be wise, but what can they do against fate? What fate entrusts does not wait on divination!" He moved his residence to Yongle Palace.
34
後高祖臨朝堂，謂亮曰：「三代之禮，日出視朝，自漢魏已降，禮儀漸殺。 晉令有朔望集公卿於朝堂而論政事，亦無天子親臨之文。 今因卿等日中之集，中前則卿等自論政事，中後與卿等共議可否。」 遂命讀奏案，高祖親自決之。 又謂亮曰：「徐州表給歸化人稟。 王者民之父母，誠宜許之。 但今荊揚不賓，書軌未一，方欲親御六師，問罪江介。 計萬戶投化，歲食百萬，若聽其給也，則蕃儲虛竭。 雖得戶千萬，猶未成一同。 且欲隨貧賑恤，卿意何如？」 亮對曰：「所存遠大，實如聖旨。」 及車駕南遷，遷武衞大將軍，以本官董攝中軍事。
Later at the Hall of Audience Gaozu told Liang: "The Three Dynasties held court as the sun rose; from Han and Wei onward ceremony decayed. Jin ordinances gathered ministers on the first and fifteenth to discuss government, yet never required the Son of Heaven in person. Now that you gather at midday, before noon you shall discuss government among yourselves; after noon I shall deliberate with you what may or may not be done." He then had memorials read aloud and decided them himself. He also told Liang: "Xuzhou has memorialized granting grain rations to submitted barbarians — so the record runs. The king is the people's parent; truly it should be granted — so the record runs. But now Jing and Yang are not submissive, the written track is not one; we mean personally to lead the six armies and ask guilt of the Jiang region — so the record runs. Reckoning ten thousand households submitting, a year's grain would be a million; if we heed granting it, the border stores will be emptied — so the record runs. Though we gain a thousand myriad households, we still have not achieved unity — so the record runs. For now we wish to follow poverty in relief—what is your view?" — so the record runs. Liang replied: "What you preserve is far-reaching; it is truly as the sacred edict says." — so the record runs. When the capital moved south he was made grand general of martial guards and, retaining his existing posts, oversaw central military affairs.
35
高祖南伐，以亮錄尚書事，留鎮洛陽。 後高祖將自小平汎舟幸石濟，亮諫曰：「臣聞垂堂之誨，振古成規，於安思危，著於周易。 是以憑險弗防，沒而不弔。 匹夫之賤，猶不自輕，況萬乘之尊，含生所仰，而可忽乎！ 是故處則深宮廣廈，行則萬騎千乘。 昔漢帝欲乘舟渡渭，廣德將以首血汙車輪，帝乃感而就橋。 夫一渡小水，猶尚若斯，況洪河浩汗，有不測之慮。 且車乘由人，猶有奔逸致敗之害，況水之緩急，非人所制，脫難出慮表，其如宗廟何！」 高祖曰：「司空言是也。」
On the southern campaign Gaozu put Liang in charge of Masters of Writing affairs and left him to guard Luoyang. Later Gaozu was about to take a boat from Xiaoping Ford to Shiji; Liang admonished: "Your subject has heard the teaching of not leaning over the hall's edge—a rule from antiquity to the present; to think of danger in security is set forth in the Book of Changes. Therefore relying on peril without guarding ends in drowning without mourning — so the record runs. Even a common man does not lightly endanger himself; how much more the honor of ten thousand chariots, upon whom living beings rely—can it be neglected! Hence at rest one dwells in deep palace and broad hall; in motion one has ten thousand riders and a thousand chariots — so the record runs. Of old a Han emperor wished to cross the Wei by boat; Guangde threatened to stain the chariot wheels with his own blood, and the emperor was moved to take the bridge instead. That one crossing of a small stream was still so perilous; how much more this great river's vast flood, with immeasurable peril! Moreover the carriage is driven by men, and even so there is the harm of running wild to ruin; how much more the river's slow or swift current, which men do not control—if disaster comes outside all foresight, what of the ancestral temple! — so the record runs. Gaozu said: "The minister of works is right."
36
及亮兄羆預穆泰反事，亮以府事付司馬慕容契，上表自劾。 高祖優詔不許，還令攝事。 亮頻煩固請，久乃許之。 尋除使持節、征北大將軍、開府、儀同三司、冀州刺史。 徙封頓丘郡開國公，食邑五百戶，以紹崇爵。
When Liang's elder brother Pi was implicated in Mu Tai's rebellion, Liang entrusted office affairs to marshal Murong Qi and memorialized to impeach himself. Gaozu answered graciously and would not permit it, ordering him to resume his duties. Liang firmly refused; only after long insistence was permission granted. He was soon made bearer of the staff of authority, general who campaigns north, with an open office and ceremonial insignia equal to the Three Excellencies, and inspector of Ji province. His fief was changed to duke of Dunqiu with five hundred households, to continue the ennobled line.
37
世宗即位，遷定州刺史，尋除驃騎大將軍、尚書令，俄轉司空公。 景明三年薨，時年五十二。 給東園溫明祕器、朝服一具、衣一襲，錢四十萬、布七百匹、蠟二百斤。 世宗親臨小斂。 贈太尉公，領司州牧，諡曰匡。
At Shizong's accession he was made inspector of Ding province; before long he was grand general of agile cavalry and director of the Masters of Writing, and soon after minister of works. He died in Jingming year 3, at fifty-two. He was given the warm-bright secret coffin of the Eastern Garden, one set of court robes, one suit of clothes, four hundred thousand cash, seven hundred bolts of cloth, and two hundred jin of wax — so the record runs. Shizong personally attended the lesser obsequies — so the record runs. He was posthumously made grand commandant and given charge of Sizhou; his posthumous title was Kuang.
38
子紹，字永業。 高祖以其貴臣世冑，顧念之。 九歲除員外郎，侍學東宮，轉太子舍人。 十一尚琅邪長公主，拜駙馬都尉、散騎侍郎，領京兆王愉文學。 世宗初，通直散騎常侍、高陽王雍友。 遭父憂，詔起襲爵，散騎常侍，領主衣都統。 遷祕書監、侍中、金紫光祿大夫、光祿卿，又遷衞將軍、太常卿。 尋除使持節、都督冀瀛二州諸軍事、本將軍、冀州刺史，以母老固辭，忤旨免官。 除中書令，轉七兵尚書，徙殿中尚書。 遭所生憂免，居喪以孝聞。 又除衞大將軍、左光祿大夫、中書監，復為侍中，領本邑中正。
His son Shao, courtesy name Yongye — so the record runs. Gaozu, seeing him a noble minister's hereditary scion, showed him special regard. At nine he was made outer gentleman and attended study in the Eastern Palace; he was transferred to heir-apparent attendant. At eleven he married the princess of Langye and was made commandant of the horse guards, regular attendant of scattered cavalry, and literary tutor to Prince of Jingzhao Yu. At Shizong's accession he was regular attendant of direct communication and companion to Prince of Gaoyang Yong. When his father died an edict ordered him to rise from mourning, inherit the title, take regular attendant of scattered cavalry, and command the masters of the imperial wardrobe. He became director of the palace secretariat, attendant-in-ordinary, grand master of the golden seal and purple ribbon, and minister of the imperial household; he was again made general of the guards and minister of ceremonies. He was soon made bearer of the staff of authority and commander of military affairs in Ji and Ying, retaining his rank as general and inspector of Ji; pleading his mother's age he firmly declined, offended the throne, and was dismissed. He was made director of the secretariat, transferred to minister of the seven arms, and moved to director of the palace department. When his birth mother died he left office; his mourning conduct won renown for filial piety. He later returned as grand general of the guards, left grand master of the palace, director of the palace secretariat, again attendant-in-ordinary, and rectifier of his native commandery.
39
紹無他才能，而資性方重，罕接賓客，希造人門。 領軍元叉當權熏灼，曾往候紹，紹迎送下階而已，時人歎尚之。 及靈太后欲黜叉，猶豫未決，紹贊成之。 以功加特進，又拜其次子巖為給事中。 尋加儀同三司，領左右。 時侍中元順與紹同直，順嘗因醉入其寢所。 紹擁被而起，正色讓順曰：「身二十年侍中，與卿先君亟連職事，縱卿後進，何宜相排突也！」 遂謝事還家。 詔喻久乃起。 除車騎大將軍、開府、定州刺史，固辭不拜。 又除侍中，託疾未起。 河陰之役，故得免害。
Shao had no special talent, but his nature was square and grave; he rarely received guests and seldom crossed another man's threshold. When commander Yuan Cha's power blazed, he once visited Shao's house; Shao merely met him at the gate and saw him down the steps, and contemporaries admired him for it. When Empress Dowager Ling wished to depose Cha but hesitated, Shao urged her to act. For this service he received special advancement, and his second son Yan was made palace attendant. Soon he was further made equal in honor to the Three Excellencies and oversaw the left and right guards — so the record runs. Attendant-in-Ordinary Yuan Shun shared duty with Shao; once, drunk, he entered Shao's sleeping quarters. Shao threw off his quilt and rose, sternly reproaching him: "I have been Attendant-in-Ordinary twenty years and served repeatedly with your late father; though you are junior in rank, how dare you crowd and affront me!" He thereupon resigned and went home. Only when an edict admonished him for a long time did he return to office. He was made grand general of chariots and cavalry, opener of the government, and inspector of Dingzhou, but firmly declined. He was again made Attendant-in-Ordinary but pleaded illness and did not take up the post. At the massacre at Heyin he therefore escaped harm.
40
莊帝立，尒朱榮遣人徵之。 紹以為必死，哭辭家廟。 及往見榮於邙山，捧手不拜。 榮亦矯意禮之，顧謂人曰：「穆紹不虛大家兒。」 車駕入宮，尋授尚書令、司空公，進爵為王，給班劍四十人，仍加侍中。 時河南尹李奬往詣紹。 奬以紹郡民，謂必加敬，紹又恃封邑，是奬國主，待之不為動膝。 奬憚其位望，致拜而還。 議者兩譏焉。
When Emperor Zhuang was enthroned, Erzhu Rong sent men to summon him. Shao believed he would surely die and wept farewell before the family shrine. Meeting Rong at Mount Mang, he clasped his hands and did not bow. Rong likewise affected courtesy and said to those around him, "Mu Shao does not falsely bear the name of a great house." When the emperor entered the palace he was soon made director of the masters of writing and minister of works, advanced to prince, granted forty halberds of the imperial guard, and retained Attendant-in-Ordinary. At that time Li Jiang, governor of Henan, went to call on Shao. Jiang, as Shao's fellow townsman, expected deference; Shao also relied on his fief being Jiang's sovereign state and sat upright awaiting him without rising. Jiang, fearing his rank and standing, bowed and withdrew. Observers reproached them both.
41
尒朱榮之討葛榮也，詔上黨王天穆為前鋒，次於懷縣； 司徒公楊椿為右軍； 紹為後繼。 未發，會擒葛榮乃止。 未幾，降王復本爵。 元顥入洛，以紹為兗州刺史。 行達東郡，顥敗而反。
When Erzhu Rong campaigned against Ge Rong, an edict made Prince of Shangdang Tianmu vanguard, halting at Huaixian; — so the record runs. Minister of Works Yang Chun was right army; — so the record runs. Shao was rear guard, the annals record. Before they set out, Ge Rong was captured and the march was called off. Before long the reduced prince was restored to his former noble rank. When Yuan Hao entered Luoyang, Shao was made inspector of Yan Province. En route he reached Dongjun; Hao was defeated and he turned back.
42
子長嵩，字子岳。 起家通直郎，再遷散騎常侍。 襲爵，轉鎮東將軍、光祿少卿。 興和中卒，贈都督冀滄二州諸軍事、征東將軍、冀州刺史。
His son Changsong, courtesy name Ziyue — so the record runs. He began as general of the palace library and was twice promoted to regular attendant of scattered cavalry. He inherited the title and was transferred to general who pacifies the east and vice director of the household for imperial clan affairs. He died in the Xinghe era and was posthumously made supervisor of military affairs in Ji and Cang provinces, general who pacifies the east, and inspector of Ji Province.
43
子巖，武定中，司徒諮議參軍。
His son Yan was counsellor-consultant in the ministry of works in the Wuding era.
44
平國弟相國，官至安東將軍、濟州刺史、上洛公。
Pingguo's younger brother Xiangguo rose to general who pacifies the east, inspector of Ji Province, and duke of Shangluo.
45
相國弟正國，尚長樂公主，拜駙馬都尉。
Xiangguo's younger brother Zhengguo married the Princess of Changle and was made commandant of the horse guards.
46
子平城，早卒。 高祖時，始平公主薨於宮，追贈平城駙馬都尉，與公主合葬。
His son Pingcheng died young — so the record runs. Under Emperor Xiaowen, when the Princess of Shiping died in the palace, Pingcheng was posthumously made commandant of the horse guards and given a posthumous marriage burial with her.
47
平城弟長城，司徒左長史。
Pingcheng's younger brother Changcheng was left chief clerk in the ministry of works.
48
子世恭，武定中，朱衣直閤。
His son Shigong was supervisor of the red-robed palace attendants in the Wuding era.
49
長城弟彧，符璽郎中。 卒。
Changcheng's younger brother Yu was attendant of the seals. He passed away.
50
子永延，尚書騎兵郎、青州征東司馬。
His son Yongyan was cavalry officer in the ministry of writing and eastern campaign marshal of Qing Province.
51
正國弟應國，征西將軍、張掖公。
Zhengguo's younger brother Yingguo was general who pacifies the west and duke of Zhangye.
52
子度孤，襲爵。 平南將軍、梁城鎮將。
His son Dugu succeeded him the title. He was general who pacifies the south and garrison commander of Liangcheng.
53
子清休，頗有將略。 司農少卿、武衞將軍、左光祿大夫。 出為驃騎大將軍、夏州刺史。
His son Qingxiu had considerable military talent — so the record runs. He was vice director of the imperial granaries, general of the martial guard, and grand master of brilliant happiness. He went out as grand general of agile cavalry and inspector of Xia Province.
54
子鐵槌，祕書郎。
His son Tiechui was secretary.
55
應國弟安國，歷金部長、殿中尚書，加右衞將軍，賜爵新平子。 為乙渾所殺，追贈征虜674將軍。
Yingguo's younger brother Anguo served in turn as director of the gold section and director of the palace secretariat, was added general of the right guard, and enfeoffed as marquis of Xinping. He was killed by Yihun and posthumously made general who subdues the barbarians.
56
子吐萬，襲爵。 襄城鎮將。
His son Tuman succeeded him the title. He was garrison commander of Xiangcheng.
57
子金寶，祕書郎。
His son Jinbao was secretary.
58
壽弟伏真，高宗世，稍遷尚書，賜爵任城侯。 出為兗州刺史、假寧東將軍、濮陽公。
Shou's younger brother Fuzhen, under Emperor Wencheng, was gradually promoted to director of the secretariat and enfeoffed as marquis of Rencheng. He went out as inspector of Yan Province, acting general who pacifies the east, and duke of Puyang.
59
子常貴，南陽太守。
His son Changgui was administrator of Nanyang.
60
伏真弟多侯，歷位殿中給事、左將軍，賜爵長寧子。 遷司衞監。 高宗崩，乙渾專權。 時司徒陸麗在代郡溫湯療病，渾忌之，遣多侯追麗。 多侯謂麗曰：「渾有無君之心，大王眾所望也，去必危，宜徐歸而圖之。」 麗不從，遂為渾所害，多侯亦見殺。 諡曰烈。 子胡兒襲爵。
Fuzhen's younger brother Duohou served in turn as attendant within the palace hall and general of the left, and was enfeoffed as marquis of Changning. He was transferred to supervisor of the palace guards. When Emperor Wencheng died, Yihun monopolized power — so the record runs. Minister of Works Lu Li was then taking the waters for illness in Dai Commandery; Hun envied him and sent Duohou to pursue him. Duohou told him, "Hun harbors treason against his sovereign. Your Highness is whom the realm looks to; if you go you will surely be in peril. Return slowly and plot against him." Li did not listen and was killed by Hun; Duohou was killed as well. Posthumous title Lie (Fierce). His son Hu'er succeeded him the title.
61
觀弟翰，平原鎮將、西海王。 薨。
Guan's younger brother Han was garrison commander of Pingyuan and prince of Xihai. He passed away.
62
子龍仁，襲爵，降為公。 卒。
His son Longren succeeded him the title and was reduced to duke. He passed away.
63
子豐國，襲爵。
His son Fengguo succeeded him the title.
64
豐國弟子弼，有風格，善自位置。 涉獵經史，與長孫稚、陸希道等齊名於世，矜己陵物，頗以損焉。 高祖初定氏族，欲以弼為國子助教。 弼辭曰：「先臣以來，蒙恩累世，比校徒流，實用慚屈。」 高祖曰：「朕欲敦厲冑子，故屈卿光之。 [4]白玉投泥，豈能相污？」 弼曰：「既遇明時，耻沉泥滓。」 會司州牧、咸陽王禧入，高祖謂禧曰：「朕與卿作州都，舉一主簿。」 即命弼謁之。 因為高祖所知。 輿駕南征，特敕隨從。 世宗初，除尚書郎，以選為廣平王懷國郎中令。 [5]數有匡諫之益。 世宗善之。 除中書舍人，轉司州治中、別駕，歷任有稱。 肅宗時，河州羌却鐵怱反，[6]敕兼黃門，慰喻怱。 以功加前將軍，賜以錢帛。 尋以本將軍行揚州事，追拜平西將軍、華州刺史。 卒於州，時年五十一。 贈使持節、征北將軍、定州刺史，諡曰懿。
Fengguo's nephew Bi had style and presence and knew his place. He ranged through the classics and histories and stood equal in renown with Changsun Zhi, Lu Xidao, and others, yet he prized himself and looked down on others and suffered for it. When Emperor Xiaowen at the beginning fixed the clans, he wished to make Bi assistant director of the imperial academy. Bi declined, saying, "From my forefathers on we have received favor generation after generation; compared with the student officials, this would truly humble me in shame." The emperor said, "I wish to encourage the sons of the nobility; therefore I humble you to go first and shine there. [4] "White jade cast in mud cannot be stained!" Bi said, "In a bright age I would be ashamed to sink in the mire." Just then Prince of Xianyang Wang Xi entered; the emperor said to Xi, "I make you and the prince provincial overseers; choose one chief clerk." He immediately ordered Bi to pay his respects to the prince. Thus he came to the emperor's notice — so the record runs. When the emperor campaigned south, a special edict ordered him to follow. At the beginning of Emperor Xuanwu's reign he was made director in the masters of writing and, by selection, director of the household of Prince of Guangping Huai. [5] He often offered useful corrective counsel. The emperor favored him, the annals record. He was made palace secretariat attendant, transferred to administrator of the secretariat of the department of state affairs and vice director, and earned a reputation in successive posts. Under Suzong, when the Qiang of Hezhou, Que Tiecong, rebelled, [6] he was ordered concurrently as yellow gate attendant to console and persuade Tiecong. For merit he was added general of the vanguard and granted money and silks. Soon, with his former rank as general, he administered Yang Province; he was then advanced to general who pacifies the west and inspector of Hua Province. He died in office, aged fifty-one. He was posthumously made bearer of the staff, general who pacifies the north, and inspector of Dingzhou, with the posthumous title Yi.
65
子季齊，釋褐司徒參軍事、開府騎兵參軍。
His son Jiqi, on first entering service, was clerk in the ministry of works and cavalry officer in the opening office.
66
翰弟顗，忠謹有材力。 太宗時為中散，轉侍御郎。 從世祖征赫連昌，勇冠一時，世祖嘉之。 遷侍輦郎、殿中將軍，賜爵泥陽子。 從征和龍，功超諸將，拜司衞監，加龍驤將軍，進爵長樂侯。
Han's younger brother Yan was loyal, careful, and had strength and talent — so the record runs. Under Emperor Mingyuan he was attendant censor, then attendant of the imperial carriage. He followed Emperor Taiwu against Helian Chang; his bravery led the age, and Taiwu praised him. He was transferred to attendant of the imperial carriage and general in the palace hall and enfeoffed as marquis of Niyang. He followed the expedition against Helong; his merit surpassed the other generals; he was made supervisor of the palace guards, added general of agile cavalry, and advanced to marquis of Changle.
67
曾從世祖田於崞山，有虎突出，顗搏而獲之。 世祖歎曰：「詩所謂『有力如虎』，顗乃過之。」 後從駕西征白龍，北討蠕蠕，以功加散騎常侍、鎮北將軍，進爵建安公。 出為北鎮都將，徵拜殿中尚書。 出鎮涼州，所在著稱。 還加散騎常侍，領太倉尚書。
Once, following the emperor hunting at Mount Guo, a tiger burst out and Yan wrestled it down. The emperor exclaimed, "The Odes say, 'Strong as a tiger'—Yan surpasses even that!" He later followed campaigns west against Bailong and north against the Rouran; for merit he was added regular attendant of scattered cavalry and general who pacifies the north, and advanced to duke of Jian'an. He went out as commander of the northern garrison, was summoned, and made director of the palace secretariat. He was sent to garrison Liangzhou and won renown wherever he served. On his return he was added regular attendant of scattered cavalry and concurrent director of the imperial granary.
68
高宗時，為征西大將軍、督諸軍事，西征吐谷渾，出南道。 坐擊賊不進，免官爵徙邊。 高祖又以顗著勳前朝，徵為內都大官。 天安元年卒。 贈征西大將軍、建安王，諡曰康。
Under Emperor Wencheng he was general who pacifies the west, supervised all military affairs in the western campaign against Tuyuhun, and took the southern route. Because he failed to press the attack, he was stripped of office and rank and sent to the frontier. Gaozu, remembering Yi's merit under the former emperor, recalled him as grand inner custodian. He died in Tian'an year 1. He was posthumously made general who campaigns west and prince of Jian'an, with the posthumous title Kang.
69
子寄生，襲。
His son Jisheng succeeded.
70
寄生弟栗，涼州鎮將、安南公。
Jisheng's brother Li was Liangzhou garrison commander and duke who pacifies the south.
71
子祁，字願德。 通直常侍、上谷河內二郡太守、司州治中、太子右衞率。 卒，贈齊州刺史。
His son Qi, styled Yuande. He served as regular attendant of direct communication, administrator of Shanggu and Hanoi, secretariat aide of Si Province, and crown prince right guard leader. He died and was posthumously made inspector of Qi Province.
72
子景相，字霸都。 中書舍人、上黨太守。
His son Jingxiang, styled Badu. He was secretariat attendant and administrator of Shangdang.
73
栗弟泥乾，為羽林中郎，賜爵臨安男。 後稍歷顯職，除冀州刺史，假安南將軍、鉅鹿公。 卒。
Li's brother Nigan was a central protocol regiment lieutenant and was enfeoffed baron of Lin'an. He later rose through eminent posts, became inspector of Ji Province, and held acting rank as general who pacifies the south and duke of Julu. He passed away.
74
子渾，襲爵。 祕書中散。
His son Hun succeeded him the title. He was secretariat archivist.
75
子令宣，通直常侍。
His son Lingxuan was regular attendant of direct communication.
76
崇宗人醜善，太祖初，率部歸附，與崇同心勠力，禦侮左右。 從征窟咄、劉顯，破平之。 又從擊賀蘭部，平庫莫奚。 拜天部大人，居於東蕃。 卒。 子莫提，從平中原，為中山太守。 除寧南將軍、相州刺史，假陽陵侯。 卒。
Chong's clansman Chou Shan, in Taizu's early reign, led his following in to submit and, with Chong, fought side by side at the ruler's left and right. He followed the campaigns against Kuduo and Liu Xian and broke and pacified them. He also followed in attacking the Helan and pacified the Kumoxi. He was made grandee of the heavenly division and dwelt in the eastern quarter. He passed away. His son Moti, after helping pacify the central plains, was administrator of Zhongshan. He was made general who pacifies the south and inspector of Xiangzhou, with acting rank as marquis of Yangling. He passed away.
77
子吐，太宗世，散騎常侍。 卒於侍中、鎮東將軍。
His son Tu was regular attendant of scattered cavalry under Taizong. He died while serving as palace attendant and general who pacifies the east.
78
子敦，輔國將軍、西部都將。 賜爵富平子。 卒。
His son Dun was general who assists the state and western frontier commander. He was enfeoffed viscount of Fuping. He passed away.
79
子純，襲爵。 歷散騎常侍、光祿勳。 高祖時，右衞將軍，尋除右將軍、河州刺史。 卒，贈鎮北將軍、并州刺史。
His son Chun succeeded him the title. He was regular attendant of scattered cavalry and director of the palace residence. Under Gaozong he was right guard general, then right general and inspector of He Province. He died and was posthumously made general who pacifies the north and inspector of Bing Province.
80
子盛，襲爵。 直閤將軍。
His son Sheng succeeded him the title. He was direct-palace general.
81
盛弟裕，輔國將軍、中散大夫。
Sheng's brother Yu was general who assists the state and palace scribe.
82
裕子禮，東牟太守。
Yu's son Li was administrator of Dongmou.
83
禮弟略，武定末，魏尹丞。
Li's brother Lue, at the end of Wuding, was vice director under the capital intendant.
84
純弟鑖，歷東宮庶子、汲郡太守。 世宗時，為懷朔鎮將，東、北中郎將，豳、幽、涼三州刺史。 肅宗世，除平北將軍、并州刺史、金紫光祿大夫。 在公以威猛見稱。 卒時年七十四，贈散騎常侍、征東將軍、相州刺史，諡曰安。
Chun's brother Sa was eastern palace vice prefect and administrator of Ji commandery. Under Shizong he was garrison commander of Huaishuo, eastern and northern central commander, and inspector of Bin, You, and Liang provinces. Under Suzong he was made general who pacifies the north, inspector of Bing Province, and grandee of the golden crown and purple radiance. In office he was famed for fierce might — so the record runs. He died at seventy-four and was posthumously made regular attendant of scattered cavalry, general who campaigns east, and inspector of Xiangzhou, with the posthumous title An.
85
子顯壽，長水校尉。
His son Xianshou was colonel of the long river.
86
顯壽弟顯業，卒於散騎侍郎。
Xianshou's brother Xianye died as regular attendant of scattered cavalry.
87
子琳弟良，字先德。 司空行參軍、將作丞、司徒祭酒、安東將軍、南鉅鹿太守。 頗有民譽。 入為司徒司馬、大將軍從事中郎、中書舍人。 武定六年卒。 贈征東將軍、徐州刺史。
Zilin's younger brother Liang, styled Xiande. He was directorate of works bureau aide, director of palace construction, libationer of the masters of writing, general who pacifies the east, and administrator of southern Julu. He enjoyed considerable repute among the people. He entered the capital as masters of writing marshal, staff supervisor of the grand general, and secretariat attendant. He died in Wuding year 6. He was posthumously made general who campaigns east and inspector of Xu Province.
88
史臣曰：穆崇夙奉龍顏，早著誠節，遂膺寵眷，位極台鼎； 至乃身豫逆謀，卒蒙全護，明主之於勞臣，不亦厚矣！ 從享廟庭，抑亦尚功之義。 觀少當公輔之任，業器其優乎？ 顗壯烈顯達，亮寬厚致位，紹立虛簡之操，弼有風格之名，世載不隕，青紫兼列，盛矣。 至於壽以貴終，羆止削廢，人之無禮，為幸蓋多。 醜之子孫，不乏名位，亦有人哉！
The historiographer writes: Mu Chong long served the throne, showed early loyalty, and rose to the secretariat's peak; he even joined treason yet was spared in the end — how generous is an enlightened ruler toward a weary servant! Sharing the temple sacrifice likewise honored merit above all. Guan in youth was fit for the highest offices — were his talent and bearing not outstanding? Yi blazed with martial fame; Liang rose through generous breadth; Shao kept unadorned simplicity; Bi won a name for style — generation after generation the house did not decline, purple and blue rank filling the rolls — how grand! Shou died in wealth and rank; Pi alone was stripped and reduced — when men abandon propriety, luck counts for more. Chou's descendants too held name and rank — the line also had its men!
89
校勘記
Textual notes
90
崇外甥于桓等謀執太祖以應之諸本及北史卷二０穆崇傳「桓」都作「植」。 冊府卷一三四 〈一六一六頁〉 作「桓」。 按卷二太祖紀記此事百衲本、南本作「桓」，他本作「植」。 北史卷一魏紀一、本書及北史卷一五窟咄傳作「桓」。 冊府此條採自穆崇傳，却也作「桓」。 知「植」字訛，今據冊府改。 下同。
"Chong's nephew Yu Huan and others plotted to seize Taizu to join them": editions and Beishi juan 20, Mu Chong's life, all read Huan as Zhi . Cefu, juan 134 〈folio 1616〉 has "Huan." Note: Taizu's annals, juan 2, on this affair have patchwork and Southern texts with Huan and other editions with Zhi. Beishi juan 1 (Wei annals 1), this book, and Beishi juan 15 (Kuduo) all have Huan. This Cefu entry comes from Mu Chong's life yet also reads Huan. Zhi is a corruption; the text is emended per Cefu. The same below; not listed again.
91
蕃欵素著諸本「欵」作「教」。 冊府卷三五三 〈四一九二頁〉 作「欵」。 按「欵」是「欵服」「誠欵」之意，意謂作為「藩臣」的「忠誠」態度素著，「教」字訛，今據改。
"As a frontier subject his loyal submission was long manifest": editions read kuan (submission) as jiao (teach). Cefu, juan 353 〈folio 4192〉 has "kuan" (submission). Note: kuan means loyal submission as a frontier subject; jiao is a corruption and is emended accordingly.
92
徵為侍中尚書右僕射北史卷二０「右」作「左」。 按卷七上高祖紀太和十二年四月、十二月並見「左僕射穆亮」。 疑作「左」是。
"Summoned as palace attendant and right vice director of the masters of writing": Northern History juan 20 reads right as left. Note: Gaozu's annals, juan 7 upper, Taihe year 12, months 4 and 12, both record "left vice director Mu Liang." Left is likely correct.
93
故屈卿光之南、北、殿、局四本「光」作「先」，百衲本、汲本作「光」。 按這是說穆觀當國子助教，於此官有光，今從百衲本。
"Therefore I humble you to bring glory to it": Southern, Northern, Palace, and Bureau editions read guang (glory) as xian (before); patchwork and Ji have guang. Note: Mu Guan was to be national university assistant, an office that brought honor; the patchwork reading is followed.
94
以選為廣平王懷國郎中令諸本「廣」作「高」，北史卷二０作「廣」。 按廣平王懷，本書卷二二、北史卷一九有傳，「高」字顯訛，今據改。
"Selected as kingdom chamberlain for Prince of Guangping Huai": editions read Guang as Gao ; Northern History juan 20 has Guang. Note: Prince of Guangping Huai has lives in this book juan 22 and Beishi juan 19; Gao is clearly wrong and is emended accordingly.
95
河州羌却鐵怱反諸本「怱」作「忽」，卷九肅宗紀神龜元年、卷一０五之四天象志四記此事作「怱」。 卷四一源賀附源子恭傳作「忽」，而北史卷二八源子恭傳作「怱」。 按却鐵怱乃羌人名。 周書三朝本屢見「傍乞鐵怱」，殿本也常訛作「忽」。 今據紀改。
"The Qiang of He Province, Que Tiecong, rebelled": editions read cong as hu ; Suzong annals juan 9, Shengui year 1, and Astronomy monograph juan 105.4 all have cong. Juan 41, Yuan He with attached Yuan Zigong, has hu; Beishi juan 28, Yuan Zigong, has cong. Note: Que Tiecong was a Qiang man's name. The Zhou shu three-dynasty text repeatedly has "Pangqi Tiecong," and the Palace edition also often corrupts this to hu. Emended per the annals.
96
阿至羅國主副羅越居為蠕蠕所破百衲本「阿」作「河」，他本作「何」，冊府卷七二八 〈八六六０頁〉 作「阿」。 按北史卷六齊紀上，北齊書卷一神武紀上 〈補〉 永熙二年、卷二神武紀下 〈補〉 武定三年並見「阿至羅」，今據冊府改。
"The Azhi Luo lord Fuluo Yueju was broken by the Rouran": patchwork reads A as He ; other editions as He ; Cefu juan 728 〈folio 8660〉 has "A" (Azhi). Note: Beishi juan 6 (Qi annals, upper), Beishi juan 1 (Divine Martiality, upper) 〈supplement〉 Yongxi year 2, and juan 2 (Divine Martiality, lower) 〈supplement〉 Wuding year 3 all have "Azhi Luo"; emended per Cefu.