1
竇瑾許彥李訢
Dou Jin; Xu Yan; Li Xin
2
竇瑾，字道瑜，頓丘衞國人也。 自云漢司空融之後。 高祖成為頓丘太守，因家焉。 瑾少以文學知名。 自中書博士，為中書侍郎，賜爵繁陽子，加寧遠將軍。 參與軍國之謀，屢有軍功。 遷祕書監，進爵衞國侯，加冠軍將軍，轉西部尚書。 初定三秦，人猶去就，拜使持節、散騎常侍、都督秦雍二州諸軍事、寧西將軍、長安鎮將、毗陵公。 在鎮八年，甚著威惠。 徵為殿中、都官尚書，仍散騎常侍。 世祖親待之，賞賜甚厚。 從征蓋吳，先驅慰諭，因平巴西氐、羌酋領，降下數千家，不下者誅之。 又降蠻酋仇天爾等三千家於五將山。 蓋吳平，瑾留鎮長安。 還京，復為殿中、都官，典左右執法。 世祖歎曰：「古者右賢左戚，國之良翰，毗陵公之謂矣。」 恭宗薨於東宮，瑾兼司徒，奉詔冊諡。 出為鎮南將軍、冀州刺史。 清約沖素，憂勤王事，著稱當時。 還為內都大官。 興光初，瑾女壻鬱林公司馬彌陀以選尚臨涇公主，瑾教彌陀辭託，有誹謗呪詛之言，與彌陀同誅。 瑾有四子，秉、持、依並為中書學生，與父同時伏法。 唯少子遵，逃匿得免。
Dou Jin, whose courtesy name was Daoyu, came from Dunqiu in Weiguo. He claimed descent from Rong, who had served as Grand Commandant under the Han. An ancestor named Cheng had served as Administrator of Dunqiu under the dynasty's High Ancestor, and the family made its home there. From his youth Jin was known for his learning and literary skill. He rose from Doctor of the Secretariat to Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Secretariat, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Fanyang, and was given the additional rank of General for Pacifying the Distance. He joined in counsel on affairs of state and army and won military distinction again and again. He was promoted to Director of the Secretariat, raised to Marquis of Weiguo, given the additional title of General Who Wins Victories, and transferred to Senior Secretary of the Western Bureau. When the Three Qins had just been brought under control and the populace was still wavering in allegiance, he received appointment as Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Regular Attendant, Supervisor of all military affairs in Qin and Yong provinces, General Who Pacifies the West, garrison commander at Chang'an, and Duke of Piling. He remained at his post for eight years and won wide renown for both stern authority and generous kindness. He was recalled to court as Director of the Palace and Director of the Bureau of Justice, and kept his rank as Regular Attendant. Emperor Shizu favored him personally and heaped lavish rewards upon him. He accompanied the expedition against Gai Wu, riding ahead as vanguard to offer reassurance and persuasion, and in the process subdued Di and Qiang leaders in Baxi. Several thousand households surrendered; those who refused were put to death. He likewise brought about the submission at Mount Wujiang of three thousand households led by the Man chieftain Chou Tian'er and others. After Gai Wu was defeated, Jin stayed behind to hold Chang'an. On his return to the capital he again held the posts of Director of the Palace and Director of the Bureau of Justice, with charge of judicial enforcement at court. Emperor Shizu exclaimed, "In ancient times the worthy stood to the right and kinsmen to the left—they were the state's true pillars. That is precisely what the Duke of Piling represents." When Emperor Gongzong died in the Eastern Palace, Jin served concurrently as Minister of Education and, by imperial command, drew up the posthumous designation. He was sent out to serve as General Who Guards the South and Governor of Jizhou. Plain in living and unassuming in manner, he threw himself into the service of the throne and was widely praised in his time. He was recalled to serve as Grand Director of the Inner Court. Early in the Xingguang era, Jin's son-in-law Moduo, a staff officer attached to the Prince of Yulin, was chosen to marry Princess Linjing. Jin urged Moduo to refuse the match on one pretext or another, and words of slander and imprecation were involved; Jin was executed along with Moduo. Jin had four sons. Bing, Chi, and Yi were all students at the Secretariat school and were executed at the same time as their father. Only the youngest son, Zun, escaped by going into hiding.
3
遵善楷篆，北京諸碑及臺殿樓觀、宮門題署，多遵書也。 官至尚書郎、濮陽太守，多所受納。 其子僧演，姦通民婦，為民賈邈所告，免官。 後以善書，拜庫部令，卒官。
Zun was skilled in regular and seal script. Most of the steles in the northern capital and the inscriptions on palace terraces, halls, towers, and gates were written by him. He reached the posts of Gentleman of the Masters of Writing and Administrator of Puyang, and took many bribes. His son Sengyan had an affair with a commoner's wife; a man named Jia Miao reported him, and he was removed from office. Later, on account of his calligraphy, he was appointed Director of the Storehouse Bureau and died in that post.
4
許彥，字道謨，小字嘉屯，高陽新城人也。 祖茂，慕容氏高陽太守。 彥少孤貧，好讀書，後從沙門法叡受易。 世祖初，被徵，以卜筮頻驗，遂在左右，參與謀議。 拜散騎常侍，賜爵博陵侯。 彥質厚慎密，與人言不及內事。 世祖以此益親待之。 進爵武昌公，拜安東將軍、相州刺史。 在州受納，多違法度，詔書切讓之。 然以彥腹心近臣，弗之罪也。 真君二年，卒。 諡曰宣公。
Xu Yan, whose courtesy name was Daomo and childhood name Jiatun, came from Xincheng in Gaoyang. His grandfather Mao had served as Administrator of Gaoyang under the Murong. Yan lost his parents early and grew up in poverty, but he loved books and later studied the Book of Changes under the monk Farui. Early in Emperor Shizu's reign he was summoned to court. His divinations proved accurate time after time, so he stayed at the emperor's side and joined in deliberations. He was appointed Regular Attendant and enfeoffed as Marquis of Boling. Yan was steady, discreet, and trustworthy; in speaking with others he never mentioned affairs of the inner court. The emperor valued this discretion and favored him all the more. He was raised to Duke of Wuchang and appointed General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Xiangzhou. In his province he took bribes and frequently broke the law; the throne sent him a sharply worded rebuke. Because Yan was a trusted confidant, however, he went unpunished. He died in the second year of the Zhenjun era. He was given the posthumous title Duke Xuan.
5
子宗之，初入為中散，領內祕書。 世祖臨江，賜爵高鄉侯。 高宗踐阼，遷殿中尚書，出為鎮東將軍、定州刺史，潁川公。 受敕討丁零，丁零既平，宗之因循郡縣，求取不節。 深澤人馬超毀謗宗之，宗之怒，遂毆殺超。 懼超家人告狀，上超謗訕朝政。 高宗聞之，曰：「此必妄也。 朕為天下主，何惡於超，而超有此言。 必是宗之懼罪誣超。」 按驗果然。 事下有司，司空伊馛等以宗之腹心近臣，出居方伯，不能宣揚本朝，盡心綏導，而侵損齊民，枉殺良善，妄列無辜，上塵朝廷，誣詐不道，理合極刑。 太安二年冬，遂斬於都南。
His son Zongzhi entered service as Palace Scribe and headed the Inner Secretariat. When Emperor Shizu campaigned on the Yangzi, Zongzhi was enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaoxiang. After Emperor Gaozong took the throne, Zongzhi was promoted to Director of the Masters of Writing in the Palace, then sent out as General Who Guards the East and Governor of Dingzhou and enfeoffed as Duke of Yingchuan. Ordered to campaign against the Dingling, he lingered in the districts after their defeat and extorted the people without restraint. A man of Shenze named Ma Chao spoke ill of Zongzhi; enraged, Zongzhi beat him to death. Fearing that Chao's kin would bring charges, he accused Chao of slandering the court and the government. When Emperor Gaozong heard of it, he said, "This must be a fabrication. I am sovereign of the realm—what injury have I done Chao that he would say such things? Zongzhi must have invented the charge out of fear of punishment." An investigation confirmed that this was exactly what had happened. The matter was handed to the judicial offices. Minister of Works Yi Ba and others argued that Zongzhi, though a trusted confidant sent out as a regional commander, had failed to proclaim the court's policies or to govern the people with care. Instead he had preyed on the populace, killed an innocent man, and falsely accused the blameless, thereby shaming the throne through deceit and outrage deserving of the death penalty. In the winter of the second year of Taian he was beheaded just south of the capital.
6
宗之孫亮，字元規。 正光中，盪寇將軍，稍遷冀州驃騎長史、司徒諮議參軍。 年五十二，卒。
Zongzhi's grandson Liang, whose courtesy name was Yuangui. During the Zhengguang era he served as General Who Quells Bandits and was gradually promoted to Chief Clerk of the Rapid Cavalry in Jizhou and Consulting Aide to the Minister of Education. He died at the age of fifty-two.
7
宗之長兄熙，字德融，襲爵武昌公。 中書郎，早卒。
Zongzhi's elder brother Xi, whose courtesy name was Derong, inherited the title of Duke of Wuchang. He served as Gentleman of the Secretariat and died young.
8
子安仁，襲。 除中書郎。 卒，贈安東將軍、冀州刺史，諡曰簡。
His son Anren inherited the title. He was appointed Gentleman of the Secretariat. On his death he was posthumously honored as General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Jizhou, with the posthumous title Jian.
9
子元康，襲爵，後降為侯。 拜冠軍將軍、長安鎮副將。 遷監河州諸軍事、河州刺史，將軍如故。 入為廷尉少卿。 除魏郡太守，固辭不拜。 尋卒，贈征虜將軍、營州刺史，諡曰肅。
His son Yuankang inherited the title, which was later reduced from duke to marquis. He was appointed General Who Wins Victories and deputy commander of the Chang'an garrison. He was transferred to Supervisor of military affairs in Hezhou and Governor of Hezhou, while keeping his rank as general. He was recalled to court as Vice Director of the Court of Justice. He was offered the post of Administrator of Weijun but firmly declined it. He died soon after and was posthumously honored as General Who Campaigns against the Barbarians and Governor of Yingzhou, with the posthumous title Su.
10
子廓，字崇遠，襲爵。 除奉朝請，累遷頓丘、東太原二郡太守。 卒，年二十八。 子子躬襲。
His son Kuo, whose courtesy name was Chongyuan, inherited the title. He was appointed Court Gentleman for Attendance and rose in turn to administer Dunqiu and Eastern Taiyuan. He died at the age of twenty-eight. His son Zigong inherited the title.
11
子躬，武定末，中外府水曹參軍。 齊受禪，爵例降。
Zigong, late in the Wuding era, served as an aide in the Water Bureau of the Central and Outer Offices. When the Qi dynasty accepted the abdication, his noble rank was reduced in the usual way.
12
子躬弟子憲，太尉中兵參軍。
Zigong's nephew Xian served as an aide in the Central Troops Bureau under the Grand Commandant.
13
元康弟護，州主簿。
Yuankang's younger brother Hu served as Chief Clerk of the province.
14
子瑞，字徵之，亦州主簿。 卒。
His son Rui, whose courtesy name was Zhengzhi, likewise served as Chief Clerk of the province. He died.
15
瑞弟絢，字伯禮，頗有業尚。 閨門雍睦，三世同居。 吏部尚書李神儁常稱其家風。 自侍御史累遷尚書左民郎、司徒諮議參軍，修起居注。 後拜太中大夫。 興和初卒，年四十七。 贈使持節、都督冀瀛二州諸軍事、征東將軍、吏部尚書、冀州刺史。
Rui's younger brother Xuan, whose courtesy name was Boli, was a man of learning and high principle. His household was harmonious, with three generations living under one roof. Li Shenjun, Director of the Ministry of Personnel, often praised the family's conduct. Starting as Attending Censor, he rose to Gentleman of the Left Bureau for the People in the Masters of Writing and Consulting Aide to the Minister of Education, and helped compile the court diary. He was later appointed Grand Master of Palace Counsel. He died early in the Xinghe era, at the age of forty-seven. He was posthumously honored as Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Supervisor of military affairs in Ji and Ying provinces, General Who Campaigns East, Director of the Ministry of Personnel, and Governor of Jizhou.
16
絢弟遜，武定末，東陽平太守。
Xuan's younger brother Xun, late in the Wuding era, served as Administrator of Eastern Yangping.
17
遜弟曄，字叔明，性開率。 州治中、別駕、西高陽太守、太中大夫。 興和三年卒，年四十一。 贈鎮東將軍、瀛州刺史。
Xun's younger brother Ye, whose courtesy name was Shuming, was open and forthright by nature. He held the posts of Chief Clerk of the province, Administrator-in-Attendance, Administrator of Western Gaoyang, and Grand Master of Palace Counsel. He died in the third year of the Xinghe era, at the age of forty-one. He was posthumously honored as General Who Guards the East and Governor of Yingzhou.
18
曄弟惇，字季良。 武定末，兼大司農卿。
Ye's younger brother Dun, whose courtesy name was Jiliang. Late in the Wuding era he served concurrently as Minister of the National Granaries.
19
熙弟龍，官至趙郡太守。
Xi's younger brother Long rose to serve as Administrator of Zhao Commandery.
20
孫琰，字長琳，有幹用。 初除太學博士，累遷尚書南主客郎、瀛州中正。 孝昌中卒，年四十七。 贈平東將軍、滄州刺史。 永熙中，重贈散騎常侍、衞將軍、尚書右僕射、瀛州刺史。
Sun Yan, whose courtesy name was Changlin, was capable and effective in office. He began as Erudite of the Imperial Academy and rose in turn to Gentleman of the Southern Bureau for Guests in the Masters of Writing and Rectifier of Yingzhou. He died during the Xiaochang era, at the age of forty-seven. He was posthumously honored as General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Cangzhou. During the Yongxi era he received a further posthumous honor as Regular Attendant, General of the Guard, Vice Director of the Right in the Masters of Writing, and Governor of Yingzhou.
21
琰弟璣，字仲衡，有識尚。 廣平王常侍、員外散騎侍郎、諫議大夫。 遷通直散騎常侍、瀛州大中正、散騎常侍、滎陽太守、行南青州事。 卒，年五十五。 琰兄弟並通率，多與勝流交遊。
Yan's younger brother Ji, whose courtesy name was Zhongheng, was a man of insight and principle. He served as Attendant-in-Ordinary to the Prince of Guangping, Extraordinary Attendant of the Secretariat, and Grand Master of Remonstrance. He was promoted to Regular Attendant Direct and Upright, Senior Rectifier of Yingzhou, Regular Attendant, Administrator of Xingyang, and acting supervisor of Southern Qingzhou. He died at the age of fifty-five. Yan and his brothers were all open and unpretentious, and they moved in the circles of the day's leading scholars and gentlemen.
22
又有博陵許赤虎，涉獵經史，善嘲謔。 延興中，著作佐郎，與慕容白曜南討。 後使江南，應對敏捷，雖言不典故，而南人頗稱機辯滑稽焉。 使還，為東郡太守，卒官。
There was also Xu Chihu of Boling, a man who had read widely in the classics and histories and was skilled at witty banter. During the Yanxing era he served as Assistant Gentleman of Composition and accompanied Murong Baiyao on the southern expedition. Later he was sent on a mission south of the Yangzi. His replies were quick and sharp; though he did not speak in learned allusions, southerners praised him for his wit and humor. After returning from his mission he was appointed Administrator of Dongjun and died in that post.
23
子陀，定州長史。
His son Tuo served as Chief Clerk of Dingzhou.
24
李訢，字元盛，小名真奴，范陽人也。 曾袓產，產子績，二世知名於慕容氏。 父崇，馮跋吏部尚書、石城太守。 延和初，車駕至和龍，崇率十餘郡歸降。 世袓甚禮之，呼曰「李公」，以崇為平西將軍、北幽州刺史、固安侯。 卒，年八十一，諡曰襄侯。
Li Xin, whose courtesy name was Yuansheng and childhood name Zhennu, came from Fanyang. His great-grandfather Chan and Chan's son Ji had both won renown for two generations under the Murong. His father Chong had served Feng Ba as Director of the Ministry of Personnel and Administrator of Shicheng. Early in the Yanhe era, when the emperor reached Helong, Chong led more than ten commanderies in submitting to the Wei court. Emperor Shizu honored him greatly, addressing him as "Lord Li," and appointed him General Who Pacifies the West, Governor of Northern Youzhou, and Marquis of Gu'an. He died at the age of eighty-one and was given the posthumous title Marquis Xiang.
25
訢母賤，為諸兄所輕。 崇曰：「此子之生，相者言貴，吾每觀察，或未可知。」 遂使入都，為中書學生。 世袓幸中書學，見而異之，指謂從者曰：「此小兒終效用於朕之子孫矣。」 因識眄之。 世袓舅陽平王杜超有女，將許貴戚。 世袓聞之，謂超曰：「李訢後必宦達，益人門戶，可以女妻之，勿許他貴也。」 遂勸成婚。 南人李哲嘗言訢必當貴達。 杜超之死也，世袓親哭三日。 訢以超壻，得在喪位出入。 帝目而指之，謂左右曰：「觀此人舉動，豈不有異於眾？ 必為朕家幹事之臣。」 訢聰敏機辯，強記明察。 初，李靈為高宗博士、諮議，[1]詔崔浩選中書學生器業優者為助教。 浩舉其弟子箱子與盧度世、李敷三人應之。 給事高讜子祐、尚書段霸兒姪等以為浩阿其親戚，言於恭宗。 恭宗以浩為不平，聞之於世袓。 世袓意在於訢，曰：「云何不取幽州刺史李崇老翁兒也？」 浩對曰：「前亦言訢合選，但以其先行在外，故不取之。」 世袓曰：「可待訢還，箱子等罷之。」 訢為世袓所識如此。 遂除中書助教博士，稍見任用，入授高宗經。
Because Xin's mother was of humble birth, his elder brothers looked down on him. Chong said, "When this boy was born, a physiognomist declared he would rise to greatness. Each time I watch him, I think that may yet come true." He accordingly sent the boy to the capital to enroll as a student at the Secretariat school. When Emperor Shizu visited the Secretariat school, he noticed Xin and was impressed. Pointing at him, he told his attendants, "This boy will one day serve my sons and grandsons well." From that day the emperor marked him for favor. Du Chao, Prince of Yangping and the emperor's uncle by marriage, had a daughter who was about to be betrothed to a noble family. When the emperor heard of this, he told Chao, "Li Xin is bound for high office and will bring honor to whatever house he joins. Give him your daughter in marriage, and do not promise her to another noble family." He then pressed for the marriage to be concluded. A southerner named Li Zhe had once predicted that Xin would rise to wealth and high office. When Du Chao died, Emperor Shizu personally mourned him for three days. As Chao's son-in-law, Xin was permitted to come and go at the mourning site. The emperor fixed his eyes on him and said to those around him, "Look at this man's bearing—is it not unlike that of ordinary men? He is sure to become a minister who will accomplish great deeds for my house." Xin was clever, quick-witted, and sharp in debate, with a formidable memory and keen powers of observation. Earlier, Li Ling had served Emperor Gaozong as Erudite and Consulting Aide. An edict ordered Cui Hao to choose the most capable students at the Secretariat school to serve as assistant teachers. Hao nominated his own disciple Xiangzi, together with Lu Dushi and Li Fu, for the appointments. Gao You, son of the Attendant Gao Dan, and a nephew of Duan Ba, among others, believed that Hao was favoring his own kin and reported this to Emperor Gongzong. Emperor Gongzong, judging Hao's conduct unfair, reported the matter to Emperor Shizu. Emperor Shizu's mind was set on Xin. He said, "Why not choose the son of old Li Chong, the former Governor of Youzhou?" Hao replied, "I had said earlier that Xin was qualified, but because he was already away on assignment I did not name him." The emperor said, "We can wait until Xin returns, and then dismiss Xiangzi and the others." In this way Xin came to be singled out by Emperor Shizu. He was appointed Assistant Teacher and Erudite of the Secretariat, was gradually given greater responsibility, and entered the palace to instruct the crown prince in the classics.
26
訢上疏求立學校曰：「臣聞至治之隆，非文德無以經綸王道； 太平之美，非良才無以光贊皇化。 是以昔之明主，建庠序於京畿，立學官於郡邑，教國子弟，習其道藝。 然後選其俊異，以為造士。 今聖治欽明，道隆三五，九服之民，咸仰德化，而所在州土，學校未立。 臣雖不敏，誠願備之，使後生聞雅頌之音，童幼覩經教之本。 臣昔蒙恩寵，長管中祕，時課修學有成立之人，髦俊之士，已蒙進用。 臣今重荷榮遇，顯任方岳，思闡帝猷，光宣於外。 自到以來，訪諸文學，舊德已老，後生未進。 歲首所貢，雖依制遣，對問之日，懼不克堪。 臣愚欲仰依先典，於州郡治所各立學官。 使士望之流、冠冕之胄，就而受業，庶必有成。 其經藝通明者貢之王府。 則郁郁之文，於是不墜。」 書奏，顯袓從之。
Xin submitted a memorial asking that schools be established, saying, "I have heard that the height of perfect governance cannot sustain the kingly Way without civil virtue; and the splendor of an age of great peace cannot glorify and advance the imperial transformation without men of outstanding talent. For this reason enlightened rulers of old built academies in the capital region, established school officials in every commandery and district, taught the sons of the state, and had them study the Way and its arts. Only then did they select the most outstanding among them to become accomplished scholars for the state. Today Your Majesty's sage rule is revered and bright, your Way surpasses that of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, and the people of the nine domains all look up to your transforming virtue—yet in the provinces where I serve, no schools have yet been established. Though I am not clever, I sincerely wish to provide for this, so that later generations may hear the music of the Odes and Hymns and children may behold the foundations of classical teaching. I was once favored and long directed the Inner Secretariat. Students who completed their studies and outstanding talents from that time have already been promoted and employed. I now bear honored appointment again as a regional commander, and I wish to unfold Your Majesty's designs and spread their radiance throughout the realm. Since my arrival I have sought out men of learning: the old masters have grown aged, and the younger generation has not yet advanced. The candidates presented at the year's beginning are sent according to regulation, but on the day of examination I fear they will not measure up. In my folly I wish to follow the ancient canon and establish school officials at each provincial and commandery seat. Let men of local standing and heirs of eminent houses come to receive instruction there, and perhaps they will achieve real success. Those whose mastery of the classics is thorough should be presented to the imperial court. Then the flourishing of culture will not be lost." When the memorial was submitted, Emperor Xianzu approved it.
27
以訢治為諸州之最，加賜衣服。 自是遂有驕矜自得之志。 乃受納民財及商胡珍寶。 兵民告言，尚書李敷與訢少長相好，每左右之。 或有勸以奏聞，敷不許。 顯袓聞訢罪狀，檻車徵訢，拷劾抵罪。 時敷兄弟將見疏斥，有司諷訢以中旨嫌敷兄弟之意，令訢告列敷等隱罪，可得自全。 訢深所不欲，且弗之知也。 乃謂其女壻裴攸曰：「吾宗與李敷族世雖遠，情如一家。 在事既有此勸，竟如何也？ 昨來每欲為此取死，引簪自刺，以帶自絞，而不能致絕。 且亦不知其事。」 攸曰：「何為為他死也？ 敷兄弟事釁可知。 有馮闡者，先為敷所敗，其家切恨之，但呼闡弟問之，足知委曲。」 訢從其言。 又趙郡范𢷋具條列敷兄弟事狀，有司以聞。 敷坐得罪。 詔列訢貪冒，罪應死。 以糾李敷兄弟，故得降免，百鞭髠刑，配為厮役。
Because Xin's governance ranked first among all the provinces, he received an additional gift of robes. From that point on he grew proud and self-satisfied. He then accepted bribes from the people and precious goods from foreign merchants. Soldiers and commoners reported the matter. Li Fu of the Masters of Writing had been close to Xin since they were young and always spoke in his favor. Some urged that the matter be reported to the throne, but Fu would not permit it. When Emperor Xianzu learned of Xin's crimes, he had Xin brought to court in a prisoner cart and interrogated under torture until his guilt was established. At that time the Fu brothers were about to fall from favor. The judicial offices hinted to Xin that the emperor secretly resented them and that if Xin reported their hidden crimes he could save himself. Xin was deeply unwilling to do this and, moreover, knew nothing of their crimes. He then said to his son-in-law Pei You, "My clan and the Li Fu clan are distant in lineage, but in feeling we are like one family. In this affair I have already been urged to act—what am I finally to do? Yesterday I several times wished to die rather than do this—I drew a hairpin to stab myself and used my belt to strangle myself, yet I could not bring about my end. Moreover, I do not even know what crimes they are supposed to have committed." You replied, "Why should you die for them? The Fu brothers' offenses are plain enough. There is a man named Feng Kan whom Fu ruined earlier; his family hates Fu bitterly. Simply summon Kan's younger brother and question him, and you will learn the full story." Xin followed his advice. Fan Xie of Zhao Commandery also drew up a detailed account of the Fu brothers' offenses, and the judicial offices reported it to the throne. Fu was found guilty and punished. An edict listed Xin's greed and corruption; his crime deserved death. Because he had exposed the Li Fu brothers, his sentence was reduced to a hundred lashes, shaving of the head, and assignment as a menial servant.
28
訢之廢也，平壽侯張讜見訢，與語奇之，謂人曰：「此佳士也，終不久屈。」 未幾而復為太倉尚書，攝南部事。 用范𢷋、陳端等計，令千里之外，戶別轉運，詣倉輸之。 所在委滯，停延歲月，百姓競以貨賂各求在前，於是遠近大為困弊。 道路羣議曰：「畜聚斂之臣，未若盜臣。」 訢弟左將軍璞謂訢曰：「范𢷋善能降人以色，假人以辭，未聞德義之言，但有勢利之說。 聽其言也甘，察其行也賊，所謂諂諛、讒慝、貪冒、姦佞，不早絕之，後悔無及。」 訢不從，彌信之，腹心之事，皆以告𢷋。
When Xin fell from favor, Zhang Chan, Marquis of Pingshou, met him and was struck by him in conversation. He told others, "This is an excellent man; he will not remain humbled for long." Before long he was again appointed Director of the Grand Granary and put in charge of southern-bureau affairs. Following the plans of Fan Xie, Chen Duan, and others, he ordered households a thousand li away to transport grain separately and deliver it to the granaries. Everywhere grain piled up and stalled, delays stretched for months, and common people vied in bribes to move ahead in line. Near and far alike were plunged into hardship. People along the roads said, "A minister who amasses wealth is worse than a thief." Xin's younger brother Pu, General of the Left, said to him, "Fan Xie is skilled at winning men with a pleasant manner and lending them fine phrases. You never hear him speak of virtue and righteousness—only of power and profit. His words sound sweet, but look at his conduct and it is treacherous—the very type called flatterer, slanderer, greedy, and villainous. If you do not cut him off now, you will regret it when it is too late." Xin would not listen. He trusted Fan Xie all the more and confided in him every matter closest to his heart.
29
訢既寵於顯袓，參決軍國大議，兼典選舉，權傾內外，百僚莫不曲節以事之。 𢷋以無功，起家拜慮奴令。 延興末，詔曰：「尚書李訢著勳先朝，弼諧皇極，讜言嘉謀，旬日屢進，實國家之楨幹，當今之老成也。 是以擢授南部，綜理煩務。 自在厥位，夙夜惟夤，乃心匪懈，克己復禮，退食自公，利上之事，知無不為，賞罰所加，不避疏戚。 雖孝子之思慈母，鷹鸇之逐鳥雀，何以方之。 若鄭之子產，魯之季文亦未加也。 然惡直醜正，盜憎主人。 自往年以來，羣姦不息，劫訢宗人李英等四家，焚燒舍宅，傷害良善。 此而可忍，孰不可恕！ 有司可明加購募，必令擒殄。」
Once favored by Emperor Xianzu, Xin joined in deciding the great affairs of state and army, also controlled appointments, and his power dominated court and realm alike. No official failed to bow and scrape in serving him. Fan Xie, though he had done nothing to deserve it, began his official career as Magistrate of Lunu. Late in the Yanxing era an edict declared, "Li Xin of the Masters of Writing rendered distinguished service under the previous emperor, assisted the throne, and within ten days repeatedly offered forthright counsel and excellent plans. He is truly a pillar of the state and a seasoned elder of our own day. For this reason he is promoted to the southern bureau to oversee its most burdensome affairs. Since taking this post he has labored early and late without slackening, restrained himself and returned to propriety, left his meals with public duty in mind, and in all matters benefiting the throne has done whatever needed doing. In rewards and punishments he has not spared kin near or distant. Not even a filial son's longing for his mother, or a hawk's pursuit of sparrows, could match his devotion. Even Zichan of Zheng or Jiwen of Lu would not surpass him. Yet the wicked hate the upright, and thieves hate their master. Since last year bandits have not ceased. They robbed four households including Xin's clansman Li Ying, burned their dwellings, and harmed innocent people. If this can be tolerated, what outrage could not be forgiven! The relevant offices should post clear rewards for capture and ensure that the culprits are seized and destroyed."
30
六月，顯袓崩。 訢遷司空，進爵范陽公。 七月，以訢為侍中、鎮南大將軍、開府儀同三司、徐州刺史。 范𢷋知文明太后忿訢也，又知內外疾之。 太和元年二月，希旨告訢外叛。 文明太后徵訢至京師，言其叛狀，訢曰無之。 引𢷋證訢，訢言：「爾妄云知我，吾又何言！ 雖然，爾不顧余之厚德而忍為此，不仁甚矣。」 𢷋曰：「公德於𢷋，何若李敷之德於公？ 公昔忍於敷，𢷋今敢不忍於公乎？」 訢慨然曰：「吾不用璞言，自貽伊戚，萬悔於心，何嗟及矣！」 遂見誅。 訢有三子。
In the sixth month Emperor Xianzu died. Xin was promoted to Minister of Works and raised to Duke of Fanyang. In the seventh month Xin was appointed Attendant-in-Ordinary, General Who Guards the South, with the ceremonial privileges of the Three Excellencies, and Governor of Xuzhou. Fan Xie knew that Empress Dowager Wenming resented Xin and that he was detested throughout court and realm. In the second month of the first year of Taihe, seeking to please those in power, he reported that Xin was plotting rebellion abroad. Empress Dowager Wenming summoned Xin to the capital and confronted him with charges of rebellion. Xin denied them. Fan Xie was brought in to testify against him. Xin said, "You falsely claim to know me—what more can I say! Even so, you disregard the deep kindness I showed you and can bear to do this—how utterly heartless!" Fan Xie replied, "The kindness you showed me—how does it compare with the kindness Li Fu showed you? You once hardened your heart against Fu—why should I now dare spare you?" Xin sighed and said, "I did not heed Pu's warning and brought this ruin on myself. My heart is filled with regret—but what use is lament now!" He was thereupon executed. Xin had three sons.
31
長子邃，起家拜侍御中散、東宮門大夫。 遷散騎常侍，加平東將軍。 先訢卒。
His eldest son Sui began his career as Attending Scribe in the Imperial Secretariat and Gate Master of the Eastern Palace. He was promoted to Regular Attendant and given the additional title of General Who Pacifies the East. He died before his father.
32
子晴，字誨明。 逃竄，遇赦免。
His son Qing, whose courtesy name was Huiming. He fled into hiding and was spared by an amnesty.
33
晴子衡，字伯琳。 武定中，中堅將軍、齊獻武王丞相府水曹參軍。
Qing's son Heng, whose courtesy name was Bolin. During the Wuding era he served as General of Firm Resolve and as an aide in the Water Bureau of the Chief Minister's office under the Prince of Qi, Xianwu.
34
邃弟令和、令度，與訢同時死。
Sui's younger brothers Linghe and Lingdu were executed at the same time as Xin.
35
訢長兄恭，字元順。 成周太守。 卒，贈幽州刺史、容成侯，諡曰簡侯。
Xin's elder brother Gong, whose courtesy name was Yuanshun. He served as Administrator of Chengzhou. On his death he was posthumously honored as Governor of Youzhou and Marquis of Rongcheng, with the posthumous title Marquis Jian.
36
恭弟瓘，字元衡。 營丘太守，襲父爵固安侯，平西將軍。 卒，贈兗州刺史，諡曰康侯。
Gong's younger brother Guan, whose courtesy name was Yuanheng. He served as Administrator of Yingqiu, inherited his father's title of Marquis of Gu'an, and held the rank of General Who Pacifies the West. On his death he was posthumously honored as Governor of Yanzhou, with the posthumous title Marquis Kang.
37
子長生，襲。 長生卒，子元宗襲。 廣平郡丞，陳郡太守。
His son Changsheng inherited the title. When Changsheng died, his son Yuanzong inherited the title. He served as Assistant in Guangping Commandery and as Administrator of Chen Commandery.
38
璞字季真，性惇厚，多識人物。 歷中書博士、侍郎、漁陽王尉眷傅、左將軍、長安副將，賜爵宜陽侯，太常卿。 承明元年，年五十一，先訢卒。 贈安西將軍、雍州刺史，諡曰穆。
Pu, whose courtesy name was Jizhen, was sincere and steady by nature and knew many distinguished men. He served in turn as Doctor of the Secretariat, Attendant, tutor to Prince Yu Juan of Yuyang, General of the Left, and deputy commander at Chang'an, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yiyang, and rose to Minister of Ceremonies. In the first year of the Chengming era, at the age of fifty-one, he died before his brother Xin. He was posthumously honored as General Who Pacifies the West and Governor of Yongzhou, with the posthumous title Mu.
39
子暉，中書議郎。
His son Hui served as Discussion Gentleman of the Secretariat.
40
暉弟固，太學博士、高密太守。
Hui's younger brother Gu served as Erudite of the Imperial Academy and Administrator of Gaomi.
41
固弟欽，州主簿。
Gu's younger brother Qin served as Chief Clerk of the province.
42
欽子奭，字元熾。 武定末，鎮西將軍、南營州別駕。
Qin's son Shi, whose courtesy name was Yuanchi. Late in the Wuding era he served as General Who Guards the West and Administrator-in-Attendance of Southern Yingzhou.
43
奭弟盛，字仲炎。 安東將軍、開府諮議參軍。
Shi's younger brother Sheng, whose courtesy name was Zhongyan. He served as General Who Pacifies the East and Consulting Aide on a commander's staff.
44
盛弟叔樊，平西將軍、太中大夫。
Sheng's younger brother Shufan served as General Who Pacifies the West and Grand Master of Palace Counsel.
45
欽弟蘊，字宗令，有器幹。 中書學生、祕書中散、侍御中散。 出為燕郡、范陽二郡太守。 入為員外散騎常侍、尚書右丞、中堅將軍，遷左丞。 延昌三年卒，贈平遠將軍、南青州刺史，諡曰敬。
Qin's younger brother Yun, whose courtesy name was Zongling, was a man of talent and executive ability. He was a student at the Secretariat school, then Attending Scribe of the Secretariat and Attending Scribe in the Imperial Secretariat. He was sent out to administer Yan Commandery and Fanyang. He was recalled to court as Extraordinary Regular Attendant, Vice Director of the Right in the Masters of Writing, and General of Firm Resolve, and was later promoted to Vice Director of the Left. He died in the third year of the Yanchang era and was posthumously honored as General of Level Distance and Governor of Southern Qingzhou, with the posthumous title Jing.
46
初，崇之歸魏也，與州里北平田彪俱降，而彪子孫遂微劣焉。
When Chong first submitted to Wei, he surrendered together with Tian Biao of Beiping, a fellow townsman. Yet Biao's descendants thereafter sank into obscurity.
47
史臣曰：魏氏之有天下，百餘年中，任刑為治，蹉跌之間，便至夷滅。 竇瑾、李訢器識既美，時曰良幹。 瑾以片言疑似，訢以夙故猜嫌，而嬰合門之戮，悲夫！ 宗之不全，自貽伊戚矣。
The historian comments: In the hundred-odd years that the Wei house held the realm, they governed through punishment. In a single misstep they were brought to ruin. Dou Jin and Li Xin were both men of outstanding talent and judgment, and their contemporaries called them able pillars of the state. Jin fell on a few words of suspected disloyalty, Xin on old grudges and suspicion—yet both brought execution upon their entire households. How lamentable! That Zongzhi did not preserve himself was a ruin he brought upon himself.
48
校勘記
Collation Notes
49
為高宗博士諮議北史卷二七李訢傳無「諮議」二字。 按卷四九李靈傳云：「拜中書博士，選授高宗經，」亦不云為「諮議」。 二字疑衍。
Regarding "Erudite and Consulting Aide to Emperor Gaozong": the biography of Li Xin in the Northern History, juan 27, does not include the two characters for "Consulting Aide." The biography of Li Ling in juan 49 states, "He was appointed Doctor of the Secretariat and selected to instruct the crown prince in the classics," and likewise does not mention "Consulting Aide." The two characters are probably a spurious addition.