1
尉元慕容白曜
Wei Yuan and Murong Baiyao
2
尉元，字苟仁，代人也。 世為豪宗。 父目斤，勇略聞於當時。 泰常中，為前將軍，從平虎牢，頗有軍功，拜中山太守。 元年十九，以善射稱。 神䴥中，為虎賁中郎將，轉羽林中郎，小心恭肅，以匪懈見知。 世祖嘉其寬雅有風貌，稍遷駕部給事中。 從幸海隅，賜爵富城男，加寧遠將軍。 和平中，遷北部尚書，加散騎常侍，進爵太昌侯，拜冠軍將軍。
Wei Yuan, whose style name was Gourou, came from Dai. His line for generations had been a great local house. His father Mujin was famed in his time for bravery and stratagem. In the Taichang era he became Front General, helped capture Hulao with substantial merit, and was named Administrator of Zhongshan. When he was nineteen he was already famed as a fine archer. In the Shenlu reign he was a tiger-guard cadet, then a forest-guard cadet, esteemed for steady, respectful service without slackening. Emperor Taiwu valued his calm elegance and presence and steadily raised him to Attendant of the Imperial Transport Office. When he accompanied the imperial tour to the eastern coast he was enfeoffed Baron of Fucheng and named General Who Pacifies the Distance. During Heping he rose to Director of the Northern Department with concurrent Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, was promoted to Marquis of Taichang, and named Champion General.
3
天安元年，薛安都以徐州內附，請師救援。 顯祖以元為使持節、都督東道諸軍事、鎮南大將軍、博陵公，與城陽公孔伯恭赴之。 劉彧東平太守、無鹽戍主申纂詐降。 元知非誠款，外示容納，而密備焉。 劉彧兗州刺史畢眾敬遣東平太守章仇𢷋詣軍歸款，元並納之。 遂長驅而進，賊將周凱望聲遁走。 彧遣將張永、沈攸之等率眾討安都，屯于下磕。 永乃分遣羽林監王穆之領卒五千，守輜重於武原，龍驤將軍謝善居領卒二千據呂梁，散騎侍郎張引領卒二千守茱萸，督上租糧，供其軍實。 安都出城見元，元依朝旨，授其徐州刺史。 遣中書侍郎高閭、李璨等與安都俱還入城，別令孔伯恭精甲二千，撫安內外，然後元入彭城。
In Tian'an 1 Xue Andu brought Xuzhou over to Wei and asked for military aid. Emperor Xianwen made Yuan envoy with full credentials, supreme commander on the eastern front, General Who Guards the South, and Duke of Boling, and dispatched him with Duke of Chengyang Kong Bogong. Shen Zuan, Liu Yu's Dongping prefect and commander at Wuyan, pretended to submit. Yuan saw the surrender was false, welcomed it in appearance, and quietly prepared his defenses. Bi Zhongjing, Liu Yu's Yanzhou inspector, sent Dongping prefect Zhang Chou to surrender; Yuan took him in too. He pressed on in force, and the rebel commander Zhou Kai fled before his advance. Liu Yu sent Zhang Yong, Shen Youzhi, and others against Andu and camped at Xiake. Yong posted Wang Muzhi with five thousand men to guard supplies at Wuyuan, Xie Shanjü with two thousand at Liang, and Zhang Yin with two thousand at Zhuyu to collect grain taxes for the army. Andu came out to meet Yuan, who by imperial instruction confirmed him as Inspector of Xuzhou. He sent Secretariat attendants Gao Lü and Li Can into the city with Andu, left Kong Bogong with two thousand elite troops to steady the garrison, and then entered Pengcheng.
4
元以張永仍據險要，攻守勢倍，懼傷士卒。 乃命安都與璨等固守，身率精銳，揚兵於外，分擊呂梁，絕其糧運。 善居遁奔茱萸，仍與張引東走武原。 馳騎追擊，斬首八百餘級。 武原窮寇八千餘人，拒戰不下。 元親擐甲胄，四面攻之，破穆之外營，殺傷太半，獲其輜重五百餘乘，以給彭城諸軍。 然後收師緩戰，開其走路。 穆之率餘燼奔于永軍。 永勢挫力屈，元乘勝圍之，攻其南門，永遂捐城夜遁。 伯恭、安都乘勢追擊，時大雨雪，泗水冰合，永棄船而走。 元豫測永必將奔亡，身率眾軍，邀其走路，南北奮擊，大破於呂梁之東。 斬首數萬級，追北六十餘里，死者相枕，手足凍斷者十八九。 生擒劉彧使持節，都督梁、南、北秦三州諸軍事，梁、秦二州刺史，寧朔將軍，益陽縣開國侯垣恭祖； 龍驤將軍、羽林監沈承伯等。 永、攸之輕騎走免。 收其船車軍資器械不可勝數。 劉彧東徐州刺史張讜據團城，徐州刺史王玄載守下邳，輔國將軍、兗州刺史樊昌侯王整，龍驤將軍、蘭陵太守桓忻驅掠近民，保險自固。 元遣慰喻，張讜及青州刺史沈文秀等皆遣使通誠，王整、桓忻相與歸命。
With Zhang Yong still holding key ground and the odds of attack and defense against him, Yuan feared heavy losses. He had Andu and Can hold the line while he led crack troops abroad, raiding Liang and severing their grain route. Shanjü abandoned Liang for Zhuyu, then fled east with Zhang Yin toward Wuyuan. Pursuing cavalry cut down more than eight hundred of the enemy. Eight thousand trapped enemy soldiers at Wuyuan still refused to surrender. Yuan himself armored and assaulted from four sides, overran Muzhi's outer camp, killed or wounded more than half, and seized over five hundred supply wagons for the Pengcheng force. He then eased the assault and opened a way out for the enemy. Muzhi rallied the survivors and joined Zhang Yong. When Yong's power collapsed Yuan pressed the siege, stormed the south gate, and Yong fled the city at night. Bogong and Andu pursued hard; in driving snow the Si froze, and Yong left his boats and ran. Expecting Yong to run, Yuan himself blocked the escape route and smashed the enemy east of Liang. The slaughter numbered in the tens of thousands; the chase went sixty-odd li; corpses lay heaped, and eight or nine of ten survivors had frozen limbs. They took alive Liu Yu's envoy Yuan Gongzu, commander of Liang, Southern Qin, and Northern Qin, inspector of Liang and Qin, General Who Pacifies the North, and Marquis of Yiyang; along with Dragon-cavalry General and Forest guard supervisor Shen Chengbo and others. Zhang Yong and Shen Youzhi got away on swift mounts. The boats, wagons, stores, and arms taken were beyond reckoning. Zhang Dan held Tuan as Liu Yu's Eastern Xuzhou inspector, Wang Xuanzai held Xiapi, Wang Zheng and Huan Xin raided the countryside and fortified themselves. Yuan sent reassuring messages; Zhang Dan, Qingzhou inspector Shen Wenxiu, and others sent pledges of loyalty, and Wang Zheng and Huan Xin submitted together.
5
元表曰：「彭城倉廩虛罄，人有飢色，求運冀、相、濟、兗四州粟，取張永所棄船九百艘，沿清運致，可以濟救新民。」 顯祖從之。 又表分兵置戍，進定青冀。 復表曰：「彭城賊之要蕃，不有積粟強守，不可以固。 若儲糧廣戍，雖劉彧師徒悉動，不敢窺𨵦淮北之地。 此自然之勢也。」 詔曰：「待後軍到，量宜守防。 其青冀已遣軍援，須待克定，更運軍糧。」 元又表曰：「臣受命出疆，再離寒暑，[1]進無鄧艾一舉之功，退無羊祜保境之略，雖淮岱獲振，而民情未安。 臣以愚智，屬當偏任，苟事宜宣徹，敢不以聞。 臣前表以下邳水陸所湊，先規殄滅，遣兵屢討，猶未擒定。 然彭城、下邳信命未斷，而此城之人，元居賊界，心尚戀土。 輒相誑惑，希幸非望，南來息耗，壅塞不達，雖至窮迫，仍不肯降。 彭城民任玄朗從淮南到鎮，稱劉彧將任農夫、陳顯達領兵三千，來循宿豫。 臣即以其日，密遣覘使，驗其虛實，如朗所言。 臣欲自出擊之，以運糧未接，又恐新民生變，遣子都將于沓千、劉龍駒等步騎五千，將往赴擊。 但征人淹久，逃亡者多，迭相扇動，莫有固志，器仗敗毀，無一可用。 臣聞伐國事重，古人所難，功雖可立，必須經略而舉。 若賊向彭城，必由清泗過宿豫，歷下邳； 趨青州，路亦由下邳入沂水，經東安。 即為賊用師之要。 今若先定下邳，平宿豫，鎮淮陽，戍東安，則青冀諸鎮可不攻而克。 若四處不服，青冀雖拔，百姓狼顧，猶懷僥倖之心。 臣愚以為宜釋青冀之師，先定東南之地，斷劉彧北顧之意，絕愚民南望之心。 夏水雖盛，無津途可因； 冬路雖通，無高城可固。 如此，則淮北自舉，暫勞永逸。 今雖向熱，猶可行師，兵尚神速，久則生變。 若天雨既降，或因水通，運糧益眾，規為進取。 恐近淮民庶，翻然改圖，青冀二州，卒未可拔。 臣輒與僚佐共議，咸謂可然。 若隱而不陳，懼有損敗之責； 陳而無驗，恐成誣罔之罪。 惟天鑒懸量，照臣愚款。」
Yuan memorialized: "Pengcheng's stores are empty, and the people show signs of hunger. I request grain from Ji, Xiang, Ji, and Yan provinces, transported along the Qing on the nine hundred boats Zhang Yong abandoned; this can relieve the new subjects." Emperor Xianwen agreed. He also asked to post garrisons and press on to settle Qing and Ji. He memorialized again: "Pengcheng is the enemy's key fortress; without stored grain and a strong defense, it cannot be held. If we store ample grain and spread garrisons widely, even if Liu Yu mobilizes his whole army, he will not dare threaten the land north of the Huai. This is the natural course of events." The edict replied: "Wait until the rear army arrives, then judge how best to defend. Troops have already been sent to aid Qing and Ji; when those regions have been taken, more army grain should be transported." Yuan memorialized again: "I received orders to go beyond the frontier and have passed two winters and summers. Advancing, I have not achieved Deng Ai's single-stroke success; withdrawing, I have not shown Yang Hu's strategy for securing the border. Though the Huai and Dai regions have been stirred, the people's hearts are not yet settled. With my limited judgment, I have been placed in a partial command; if a matter should be fully reported, how would I dare not report it? In my earlier memorial I treated Xiapi, where land and water routes converge, as the first target for destruction; I have repeatedly sent troops against it, yet it is still not captured. Yet Pengcheng and Xiapi have not cut off their pledges, and the people of this city originally lived in enemy territory and still long for their homeland. They deceive and unsettle one another, hoping for the impossible; news from the south is blocked and does not arrive, so even in utmost distress they still refuse to surrender. Ren Xuanlang of Pengcheng came from Huainan to the garrison and said that Liu Yu's generals Ren Nongfu and Chen Xianda were leading three thousand troops toward Suqian. That same day I secretly sent scouts to test whether the report was true, and it was as Xuanlang said. I wanted to go out and strike them myself, but with grain transports not yet connected and fearing unrest among the new subjects, I sent the subordinate generals Yu Taqian and Liu Longju with five thousand infantry and cavalry to attack. But the campaign troops have been abroad too long; many have fled, they stir one another, none has firm resolve, and their weapons are damaged beyond use. I have heard that attacking a state is a grave undertaking, difficult even for the ancients; though success can be won, it must be done through planning. If the enemy moves toward Pengcheng, they must pass through Suqian by the Qing and Si and then through Xiapi; if they head for Qingzhou, the route also runs from Xiapi into the Yi River and through Dong'an. These are the enemy's essential lines of operation. If we first settle Xiapi, pacify Suqian, garrison Huaiyang, and guard Dong'an, then the Qing and Ji garrisons can be taken without attack. If those four places do not submit, then even if Qing and Ji are captured, the people will look back in alarm and still harbor hope. In my foolish view, we should release the Qing-Ji force, first settle the southeastern territory, cut off Liu Yu's northern designs, and end the foolish people's longing toward the south. Though summer waters are high, there is no ford to use; though winter roads are open, there is no strong city to hold. In that way, the land north of the Huai will submit of itself: brief toil for lasting ease. Even though the weather is now hot, an army can still march; warfare values speed, for delay breeds change. If rains fall and water opens routes, grain transports will increase and plans for an offensive may follow. I fear the people near the Huai will abruptly change course, and Qing and Ji will ultimately be impossible to take. I have discussed this with my staff, and all say it can be done. If I hide this and do not report it, I fear the blame for damage and defeat; if I report it and it proves ineffective, I fear the crime of false accusation. May Heaven judge from afar and illuminate my foolish sincerity."
6
彧復遣沈攸之、吳憘公領卒數萬，從沂清而進，欲援下邳。 元遣孔伯恭率步騎一萬以拒之。 并以攸之前敗軍人傷殘手足、瘃膝行者，[2]盡送令還，以沮其眾。 又表求濟師。 詔遣征南大將軍慕容白曜赴之。 白曜到瑕丘，遇患。 會泗水暴竭，賊軍不得前進，白曜遂不行。 伯恭大破賊軍，攸之、憘公等輕騎遁走。 元書與劉彧徐州刺史王玄載，示其禍福。 玄載狼狽夜走，宿豫、淮陽皆棄城而遁。 於是遣南中郎將、中書侍郎高閭領騎一千，與張讜對為東徐州刺史； 中書侍郎李璨與畢眾敬對為東兗州刺史。 以安初附。 拜元都督徐、南、北兗州諸軍事，鎮東大將軍，開府，徐州刺史，淮陽公，持節、散騎常侍、尚書如故。 詔元曰：「賊將沈攸之、吳憘公等驅率蟻眾，進寇下邳，卿戎昭果毅，智勇奮發，水陸邀絕，應時摧殄，自淮以北，蕩然清定。 皆是元帥經略，將士效力之所致也，朕用嘉焉。 所獲諸城要害之處，分兵置戍，以帖民情。 今方欲清蕩吳會，懸旌秣陵，至於用兵所宜，形勢進止，善加量度，動靜以聞。」
Liu Yu sent Shen Youzhi and Duke of Wu Xi with tens of thousands along the Yi and Qing to save Xiapi. Yuan sent Kong Bogong with ten thousand foot and horse to block them. He returned every maimed survivor of Youzhi's earlier rout—men with ruined hands and feet and frostbitten knees—to break enemy morale. He also asked the throne for more troops. The court sent Campaigning South General Murong Baiyao to reinforce him. Baiyao reached Xiqiu but took sick. The Si abruptly ran dry, the enemy could not advance, and Baiyao halted. Bogong shattered the enemy; Youzhi and Duke of Wu escaped on swift horses. Yuan wrote Wang Xuanzai, Liu Yu's Xuzhou inspector, spelling out the consequences. Xuanzai bolted by night; Suqian and Huaiyang were abandoned. He posted Secretariat attendant Gao Lü with a thousand cavalry to serve with Zhang Dan as Eastern Xuzhou inspector; and Li Can with Bi Zhongjing as Eastern Yanzhou inspector. The appointments were meant to steady the newly submitted regions. Yuan was made commander of Xu and the Yan provinces, General Who Guards the East, with an opened staff, Xuzhou inspector, Duke of Huaiyang, keeping his credentials and court posts. The edict to Yuan said: "Enemy generals Shen Youzhi, Duke of Wu Xi, and the others drove their swarm forward to invade Xiapi. You, martial, resolute, wise, and brave, cut them off by land and water and destroyed them at once; north of the Huai was swept clean and settled. All this came from the commander-in-chief's planning and the officers' efforts, and We are pleased. At the important places in the captured cities, divide troops to establish garrisons and calm the people's hearts. Now We intend to sweep Wu and Yue clean and plant banners at Moling; as for the proper use of troops and whether the situation calls for advance or halt, weigh it well and report every movement."
7
是時徐州妖人假姓司馬，字休符，自稱晉王，扇惑百姓。 元遣將追斬之。 四年，詔徵元還京赴西郊，尋還所鎮。 延興元年五月，假元淮陽王。 三年，劉昱將蕭順之、王勑懃等領眾三萬，入寇淮北諸城，元分遣諸將，逆擊走之。 元表：「淮陽郡上黨令韓念祖始臨之初，舊民南叛，全無一人。 令撫綏招集，愛民如子，南來民費係先等前後歸附，戶至二百有餘。 南濟陰郡睢陵縣人趙憐等辭稱念祖善於綏撫，清身潔己，請乞念祖為睢陵令。 若得其人，必能招集離叛，成立一縣。」 顯祖詔曰：「樹君為民，民情如此，可聽如請。」 元好申下人之善，皆此類也。 太和初，徵為內都大官。 既而出為使持節、鎮西大將車、開府、統萬鎮都將，甚得夷民之心。 三年，進爵淮陽王，以舊老見禮，聽乘步挽，杖於朝。
A Xuzhou mystic falsely surnamed himself Sima Xiufu, proclaimed himself King of Jin, and stirred the populace. Yuan sent troops who ran him down and killed him. In year four Yuan was recalled to the capital for the western suburb ceremony, then returned to his post. In Yanxing 1, fifth month, Yuan was made Prince of Huaiyang in name. In year three Xiao Shunzhi and Wang Qin led thirty thousand against the Huai-north towns; Yuan's generals repulsed them. Yuan memorialized: "When Han Nianzu first took office as magistrate of Shangdang in Huaiyang Commandery, the old population had all fled south, and not one person remained. The magistrate soothed and gathered them, loving the people like his children; people from the south, including Fei Xixian, returned one after another until there were more than two hundred households. Zhao Lian and others from Suiling County in Southern Jiyin Commandery stated that Nianzu was skilled at soothing and comforting the people, kept himself clean and upright, and asked that Nianzu be made magistrate of Suiling. If the right man is obtained, he will surely be able to gather those who have fled and establish a whole county." Emperor Xianwen decreed: "Rulers are established for the people. Since the people's feeling is like this, the request may be granted." Yuan liked to bring forward the virtues of his subordinates; cases like this were typical. Early in Taihe he was recalled to serve as Grand Director of the Inner Capital. He was then sent out with full credentials as General Who Guards the West, with an opened staff and command at Tongwan, and deeply won the trust of the frontier tribes. In year three he was raised to Prince of Huaiyang, honored as an elder, allowed a hand-drawn carriage, and a court staff at audience.
8
蕭道成既自立，多遣間諜，扇動新民，不逞之徒，所在蜂起。 以元威名夙振，徵為使持節、侍中、都督南征諸軍事、征西大將軍、大都將，餘官如故，總率諸軍以討之。 元討五固賊桓和等，皆平之。 東南清晏，遠近帖然。 入為侍中、都曹尚書，遷尚書令。 十三年，進位司徒。 十六年，例降庶姓王爵，封山陽郡開國公，食邑六百戶。 元表曰：「臣以天安之初，奉律總戎，廓寧淮右，海內既平，仍忝徐岳。 [3]素餐尸祿，積有年歲，彼土安危，竊所具悉。 每惟彭城水陸之要，江南用兵，莫不因之威陵諸夏。 夫國之大計，豫備為先。 且臣初克徐方，青齊未定，從河以南，猶懷彼此。 時劉彧遣張永、沈攸之、陳顯達、蕭順之等前後數度，規取彭城，勢連青兗。 唯以彭城既固，而永等摧屈。 今計彼戍兵，多是胡人，臣前鎮徐州之日，胡人子都將呼延籠達因於負罪，便爾叛亂，鳩引胡類，一時扇動。 賴威靈遐被，罪人斯戮。 又團城子都將胡人王敕懃負釁南叛，每懼姦圖，狡誘同黨。 愚誠所見，[4]宜以彭城胡軍換取南豫州徙民之兵，轉戍彭城； 又以中州鮮卑增實兵數。 於事為宜。」 詔曰：「公之所陳，甚合事機。」
Once Xiao Daocheng seized power he sent agents to agitate the newly submitted population, and malcontents swarmed up everywhere. His renown led the court to recall him as envoy and Palace Attendant, supreme commander of the southern campaign, General Who Campaigns West, and Grand Commander, with all prior titles, to crush the unrest. Yuan attacked the Wugu rebels under Huan He and pacified them. The southeast grew quiet and distant regions submitted. He returned as Palace Attendant and Director of the Capital Bureau, then became Director of the Masters. In year thirteen he rose to Minister of Education. In year sixteen, when princely surnames were reduced by statute, he became Duke of Shanyang with six hundred households. Yuan memorialized: "From the beginning of Tian'an, I received orders to command the army and pacified the right bank of the Huai. After the realm was settled, I still held the Xu region. For years I drew salary without new merit, and I know that region's dangers and security in detail. I have always considered Pengcheng the critical junction of water and land routes; whenever the south campaigns, it relies on Pengcheng to overawe the central states. A state's great plans must begin with preparation. When I first took Xuzhou, Qing and Ji were still unsettled, and from south of the Yellow River people's loyalties still wavered between the two sides. At that time Liu Yu repeatedly sent Zhang Yong, Shen Youzhi, Chen Xianda, Xiao Shunzhi, and others to plan the capture of Pengcheng, with their force linked to Qing and Yan. Only because Pengcheng was already secure were Yong and the others broken. Now I reckon that their garrison troops are mostly non-Chinese. When I formerly held Xuzhou, the tribal subordinate general Huyan Longda committed a crime and immediately rebelled, gathering his own kind and stirring them all at once. Thanks to imperial power reaching far, the criminal was executed. Also, Wang Qin, a tribal subordinate general of Tuancheng, fled south after committing a crime, and I have always feared treacherous plots and crafty efforts to entice his fellows. In my foolishly sincere view, Pengcheng's tribal troops should be exchanged for relocated troops from Southern Yuzhou and transferred to garrison Pengcheng; then Xianbei from the Central Province should be added to fill out the troop numbers. For the situation, this is the proper course." The edict replied: "What you have stated fits the needs of the moment very well."
9
其年，頻表以老乞身。 八月，詔曰：「元年尊識遠，屢表告退。 朕以公秉德清挹，體懷平隱，仁雅淵廣，謀猷是仗，方委之民政，用康億兆，故頻文累札，仍違沖志。 而謙光逾固，三請彌切，若不屈從高謨，復何以成其美德也。 已許其致仕，主者可出表付外，如禮申遂。」 元詣闕謝老，引見於庭，命昇殿勞宴，賜玄冠素服。 又詔曰：「夫大道凝虛，至德沖挹，故后王法玄猷以御世，[5]聖人崇謙光而降美。 是以天子父事三老，兄事五更，所以明孝悌於萬國，垂教本于天下。 自非道高識博，孰能處之？ 是故五帝憲德，三王乞言，若求備一人，同之古哲，叔世之老，孰能克堪？ 師上聖則難為其舉，傅中庸則易為其選。 朕既虛寡，德謝曩哲，更、老之選，差可有之。 前司徒、山陽郡開國公尉元，前大鴻臚卿、新泰伯游明根並元亨利貞，明允誠素，少著英風，老敷雅迹，位顯台宿，歸終私第。 可謂知始知卒，希世之賢也。 公以八十之年，宜處三老之重； 卿以七十之齡，可充五更之選。」 於是養三老五更於明堂，國老庶老於階下。 高祖再拜三老，親袒割牲，執爵而饋； 於五更行肅拜之禮，賜國老、庶老衣服有差。 既而元言曰：「自天地分判，五行施則，人之所崇，莫重於孝順。 然五孝六順，天下之所先，願陛下重之，以化四方。 臣既衰老，不究遠趣，心耳所及，敢不盡誠。」 高祖曰：「孝順之道，天地之經，今承三老明言，銘之于懷。」 明根言曰：「夫至孝通靈，至順感幽，故詩云：孝悌之至，通於神明，光於四海。 [6]如此則孝順之道，無所不格。 願陛下念之，以濟黎庶。 臣年志朽弊，識見昧然，在於心慮，不敢不盡。」 高祖曰：「五更助三老以言至範，敷展德音，當克己復禮，以行來授。」 禮畢，乃賜步挽一乘。 詔曰：「夫尊老尚更，列聖同致； 欽年敬德，綿哲齊軌。 朕雖道謝玄風，識昧叡則，仰禀先誨，企遵猷旨。 故推老以德，立更以元，父焉斯彰，兄焉斯顯矣。 前司徒公元、前鴻臚卿明根並以沖德懸車，懿量歸老，故尊公以三，[7]事更以五。 雖更、老非官，耄耋罔祿，然況事既高，宜加殊養。 三老可給上公之祿，五更可食元卿之俸，供食之味，亦同其例。」
That year he repeatedly asked to retire on account of age. In the eighth month an edict said: "Since the first year, your honored insight has been farsighted, and you have repeatedly memorialized to retire. Because the Duke holds pure virtue, bears a calm and restrained character, is humane, elegant, deep, and broad, and offers counsel on which We rely, We were about to entrust civil affairs to you to bring peace to the millions; therefore repeated documents still went against your lofty wish. Yet your modest brilliance has grown firmer and your three requests more urgent; if We did not yield to your high counsel, there would be no way to complete your beautiful virtue. We have approved your retirement; the responsible office may issue the memorial to the outside and carry it through according to ritual." Yuan came to court to thank the emperor, was received in the hall, feasted, and given ceremonial cap and plain robes. Another edict said: "The Great Way congeals in emptiness, and supreme virtue is poured out in humility; therefore later kings model themselves on the dark plan to govern the age, [5] and sages honor modest brilliance and confer beauty. Thus the Son of Heaven treats the Three Elders as fathers and the Five Worthies as elder brothers, making filial piety and brotherly duty clear to the ten thousand states and extending the root of teaching throughout the realm. Unless one's Way is high and one's knowledge broad, who can occupy such a place? Thus the Five Emperors honored virtue and the Three Kings sought counsel; if one sought a complete man equal to the sages of old, what elder of a degenerate age could bear it? To take a supreme sage as teacher is difficult; to choose a worthy of the mean is easier. Although We are empty and slight, and Our virtue falls short of former sages, a choice of Worthies and Elders may still be possible. The former Minister of Education, Duke of Shanyang Wei Yuan, and the former Grand Herald, Marquis of Xintai You Minggen are both constant and sincere, bright and trustworthy; in youth they showed heroic bearing, in age they spread elegant conduct, held high office, and ended in private retirement. They may be called men who know beginning and end, rare worthies of the age. The Duke, at eighty years, should occupy the weighty place of the Three Elders; you, at seventy years, may fill the choice of the Five Worthies." The Bright Hall ceremony installed Three Elders and Five Worthies, with state and common elders below. Emperor Gaozu twice bowed to the Three Elders, bared his shoulder, cut the victim, and fed them with his own hands; he bowed to the Five Worthies and gave robes to the state and common elders. Yuan then said: "Since Heaven and Earth divided and the Five Phases set their rules, among the things people revere nothing is weightier than filial obedience. The Five Filial Acts and Six Harmonious Ways are what the realm puts first; may Your Majesty give them weight and thereby transform the four quarters. I am already old and cannot pursue distant aims, but where my heart and ears can reach, how would I dare not offer all sincerity?" Gaozu said: "The way of filial obedience is the warp of Heaven and Earth. Now that I have received the Three Elders' clear words, I will inscribe them in my heart." Minggen said: "Supreme filial piety penetrates the spirits, and supreme obedience moves what is hidden; therefore the Odes say: Filial piety and brotherliness at their height penetrate the spirits and shine over the four seas. [6] Thus the way of filial obedience has nowhere it does not reach. May Your Majesty keep this in mind to aid the common people. My years and will are decayed, and my insight is dim; in what my heart considers, I dare not fail to exhaust myself." Gaozu said: "The Five Worthies assist the Three Elders in speaking the highest model and spreading virtuous words; We should restrain Ourselves and return to ritual in order to carry out what you have granted." When the ceremony ended he gave Yuan a hand-drawn carriage. An edict said: "Honoring the aged and esteeming the Worthies is what successive sage rulers alike attained; respecting years and revering virtue is the shared path of long-continued sages. Although Our Way falls short of the mysterious wind and Our knowledge is dim beside the sagely rule, We receive the former teaching and look up to follow its plan. Therefore, raising the aged by virtue and establishing the Worthies by primacy makes the fatherly role manifest and the elder-brotherly role clear. The former Minister of Education Duke Yuan and the former Grand Herald Minggen both retired with pure virtue and returned to age with noble breadth; therefore the Duke is honored among the Three, [7] and the Minister is served among the Five. Although Worthy and Elder are not offices and the aged have no salary, since the matter is lofty, special support should be added. The Three Elders may be given the salary of the highest dukes, the Five Worthies may receive the stipend of chief ministers, and the provisions supplied for their meals should follow the same rule."
10
十七年七月，元疾篤，高祖親幸省疾。 八月，元薨，時年八十一。 詔曰：「元至行寬純，仁風美富，內秉越羣之武，外挺溫懿之容。 自少暨長，勳勤備至，歷奉五朝，美隆四葉，南曜河淮之功，北光燕然之効，魯宋懷仁，中鉉載德。 所謂立身備於本末，行道著於終始，勳書玉牒，惠結民志者也。 爰及五福攸集，懸車歸老。 謙損既彰，遠近流詠，陟茲父事，儀我萬方。 謂極眉壽，彌贊王業。 天不遺老，奄爾薨逝。 念功惟善，抽怛于懷。 但戎事致奪，恨不盡禮耳。 可賜布帛綵物二千匹、溫明祕器、朝衣一襲，并為營造墳域。」 諡曰景桓公。 葬以殊禮，給羽葆鼓吹、假黃鉞、班劍四十人，賜帛一千匹。
In the seventh month of the seventeenth year, Yuan fell gravely ill, and Gaozu personally visited to inquire after him. In the eighth month, Yuan died at the age of eighty-one. An edict said: "Yuan's conduct was broad and pure, his benevolent manner rich and admirable. Inwardly he possessed martial ability beyond the crowd; outwardly he displayed a warm and excellent bearing. From youth into old age, his merit and diligence were complete. He served through five reigns and brought honor across four generations: in the south his achievements shone over the He and Huai; in the north his service brightened Yanran. Lu and Song cherished his benevolence, and the central court carried his virtue. He was one who established himself perfectly from root to branch, practiced the Way visibly from beginning to end, wrote his merit on jade registers, and bound the people's hearts with kindness. When the five blessings gathered upon him, he retired from office and returned to the life of age. His modesty and self-effacement were manifest, and praise of him spread near and far. Raised to this fatherly office, he became a model for all the realm. We thought he would attain the fullest longevity and continue aiding the royal enterprise. Heaven did not leave us this elder; suddenly he has passed away. As We think on his merit and goodness, grief pierces Our heart. Only military affairs have forced curtailment, and We regret that the rites cannot be performed in full. Grant him two thousand bolts of cloth, silk, and colored goods, imperial funerary regalia, and one set of court robes, and construct a tomb precinct for him." His posthumous title was Duke Jinghuan. He was buried with extraordinary rites: feathered canopies and drums, a provisional yellow battle-axe, forty guards with swords of office, and a grant of one thousand bolts of silk.
11
子羽，名犯肅宗廟諱，頗有器望。 起家祕書中散，駕部令，轉主客給事，加通直散騎常侍，守殿中尚書，兼侍中。 以父憂去職。 又起復本官，詔襲爵，加平南將軍。 高祖親考百司，以羽怠惰，降常侍為長兼，仍守尚書，奪祿一周。 遷洛，以山陽在畿內，改為博陵郡開國公。 後為征虜將軍、恒州刺史。 卒，仍以為贈，諡曰順。
His son Yu, whose name breached a temple taboo of Emperor Suzong, showed real promise. He rose from Secretariat scribe to Chariot Office director, Master of Guests attendant, Direct Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, and concurrent Palace Attendant. He left office to mourn his father. Recalled to office, he inherited the title and was named General Who Pacifies the South. Gaozu's inspection found Yu slack; he was demoted to acting attendant, kept the Masters post, and fined a week's pay. After the move to Luoyang, Shanyang being in the inner circuit, the fief became Duke of Boling. He later served as General Who Punishes the Barbarians and Inspector of Hengzhou. At death he received posthumous honors with the temple name Shun.
12
子景興，襲。 正始元年卒，贈兗州刺史。 無子。
His son Jingxing succeeded. Jingxing died in Zhengshi 1 and was posthumously named Yanzhou inspector. He left no heir.
13
景興弟景儁，襲爵。 員外散騎常侍。 延昌中，坐杖國吏死，降封深澤縣開國公。
His younger brother Jingjun inherited. He served as supernumerary Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. In Yanxing he was reduced to Duke of Shenze for beating a government clerk to death.
14
子伯永，襲。 無子，爵除。
His son Boyong succeeded. Boyong had no son and the line ended.
15
羽弟靜，寬雅有才識。 世宗時，為尚書左民郎中。 卒，贈博陵太守，重贈鎮軍將軍、洛州刺史，諡曰敬。
Yu's brother Jing was cultured, talented, and discerning. Under Emperor Shizong he was Left Bureau Director of the People. He died and was posthumously made Administrator of Boling, then General Who Guards the Army and Luozhou inspector, temple name Jing.
16
子祐之，通直散騎常侍、護軍長史。 卒。
His son Youzhi was Direct Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and chief clerk of the guards. Youzhi died without further record.
17
慕容白曜
Murong Baiyao
18
慕容白曜，慕容元真之玄孫。 父琚，歷官以廉清著稱，賜爵高都侯。 卒於冠軍將軍、尚書左丞，贈安南將軍、并州刺史、高都公，諡曰簡。 白曜少為中書吏，以敦直給事東宮。 高宗即位，拜北部下大夫。 襲爵，遷北部尚書。 在職，執法無所阿縱，高宗厚待之。 高宗崩，與乙渾共秉朝政，遷尚書右僕射，進爵南鄉公，加安南將軍。
Murong Baiyao descended in the fourth generation from Murong Yuanzhen. His father Ju won fame for clean government and was enfeoffed Marquis of Gaodu. Ju died as Champion General and Left Director of the Masters and was posthumously General Who Pacifies the South, Bingzhou inspector, Duke of Gaodu, temple name Jian. As a youth Baiyao was a Secretariat clerk, then served the crown prince for his upright character. At Gaozong's accession he became Lower Grandee of the Northern Department. He inherited the title and rose to Director of the Northern Department. In office he judged without partiality and Gaozong favored him. After Gaozong's death he shared power with Yi Hun, became Right Vice Director of the Masters, Duke of Nanxiang, and General Who Pacifies the South.
19
劉彧徐州刺史薛安都、兗州刺史畢眾敬並以城內附，詔鎮南大將軍尉元、鎮東將軍孔伯恭率師赴之。 而彧東平太守申纂屯無鹽，并州刺史房崇吉屯升城，遏絕王使。 皇興初，加白曜使持節、都督諸軍事、征南大將軍、上黨公，屯於碻磝，以為諸軍後繼。 白曜攻纂於無鹽城，拔其東郭。 其夜纂遁，遣兵追執之，獲其男女數千口。 先是，劉彧青州刺史沈文秀、冀州刺史崔道固並遣使內附，既而彧遣招慰，復歸於彧。 白曜既拔無鹽，回攻升城。 肥城戍主聞軍至，棄城遁走，獲粟三十萬斛。 既至升城，垣苗、麋溝二戍拒守不下。 白曜以千餘騎襲麋溝，麋溝潰，自投濟水死者千餘人。 擊垣苗，又破之，得粟十餘萬斛，由是軍糧充足。 先是，淮陽公皮豹子等再征垣苗不克，白曜以一旬之內，頻拔四城，威震齊土。 顯祖嘉焉，詔曰：「卿總率戎旅，討除不賓，霜戈所向，無不摧靡，旬日之內，克拔四城，韓白之功，何以加此？ 雖升城戍將房崇吉守遠不順，危亡已形，潰在旦夕。 宜勉崇威略，務存長轡，不必窮兵極武，以為勞頓。 且伐罪弔民，國之令典，當招懷以德，使來蘇之澤，加於百姓。」 升城不降，白曜忿之，縱兵陵城，殺數百人，崇吉夜遁。 白曜撫慰其民，無所殺戮，百姓懷之。 獲崇吉母妻，待之以禮。
When Xue Andu and Bi Zhongjing submitted Xuzhou and Yanzhou, Wei Yuan and Kong Bogong were sent to receive them. Yet Shen Zuan held Wuyan and Fang Chongji held Shengcheng, blocking imperial envoys. In Huangxing's opening year Baiyao was made campaign commander with full credentials, General Who Campaigns South, Duke of Shangdang, and camped at Quepo as army reserve. Baiyao assaulted Zuan at Wuyan and seized the eastern suburb. Zuan fled that night, was caught in pursuit, and thousands of captives were taken. Shen Wenxiu and Cui Daogu had once submitted, but Liu Yu's envoys later won them back. After Wuyan fell Baiyao marched on Shengcheng. Feicheng's commander fled at his approach, leaving thirty thousand hu of grain. At Shengcheng the commanders Yuan Miao and Mi Gou of two outworks held out and refused surrender. Baiyao struck Migou with a thousand cavalry; the fort broke, and over a thousand drowned in the Ji. He routed Yuan Miao as well and seized more than a hundred thousand hu of grain, fully supplying the army. Pi Baozi had twice failed against Yuan Miao; Baiyao took four cities in ten days and awed all Qi. Emperor Xianwen was pleased and decreed: "You command the armies and punish the unsubmissive; wherever your frost-bright spear points, nothing fails to crumble. Within ten days you took four cities. What could the achievements of Han Xin and Bai Qi add to this? Although Fang Chongji, the garrison commander at Shengcheng, still holds out far away and refuses submission, ruin is already visible and collapse is close at hand. You should enlarge your awe-inspiring strategy and work to keep the long reins; there is no need to exhaust the army and press force to the utmost, bringing fatigue. Moreover, punishing crime and comforting the people is the state's noble canon; you should win and soothe them with virtue, so that the grace of renewal reaches the common people." When Shengcheng refused surrender Baiyao stormed it, killed hundreds, and Chongji fled by night. He then soothed the populace without massacre, and they embraced him. He seized Chongji's mother and wife and treated them honorably.
20
劉彧遣其將吳憘公率眾數萬，欲寇彭城。 鎮南大將軍尉元表請濟師。 顯祖詔白曜赴之。 白曜到瑕丘，遇患。 時泗水暴竭，船不得進。 憘公退，白曜因停瑕丘。 會崇吉與從弟法壽盜彧盤陽城以贖母妻。 白曜自瑕丘遣將軍長孫觀等率騎入自馬耳關赴之。 觀至盤陽，諸縣悉降。
Liu Yu sent Duke of Wu Xi with tens of thousands to threaten Pengcheng. Wei Yuan asked the throne for reinforcements. Xianwen ordered Baiyao to march to his aid. Baiyao reached Xiqiu but fell sick. The Si abruptly ran dry and boats could not pass. Xi retreated, and Baiyao remained at Xiqiu. Chongji and his cousin Fashou seized Panyang to ransom their families. From Xiqiu he sent Zhangsun Guan through Ma'er Pass with cavalry to support them. At Panyang every county surrendered.
21
平東將軍長孫陵、寧東將軍尉眷東討青州，白曜自瑕丘進攻歷城。 白曜乃為書以喻之曰：「天棄劉彧，禍難滋興，骨肉兄弟，自相誅戮，君臣上下，靡復紀綱。 徐州刺史薛安都、豫州刺史常珍奇、兗州刺史畢眾敬等深覩存亡，翻然歸義。 故朝廷納其誠欵，委以南蕃。 皆目前之見事，東西所備聞也。 彼無鹽戍主申纂敢縱姦慝，劫奪行人，官軍始臨，一時授首。 房崇吉固守升城，尋即潰散。 自襄陽以東，至于淮海，莫不風靡，服從正化。 謂東陽、歷城有識之士，上思安都之榮顯，下念申纂之死亡，追悔前惑，改圖後悟。 然執守愚迷，不能自革。 猥總戎旅，掃定北方。 濟黃河知十二之虛說，臨齊境想一變之清風，踟躕周覽，依然何極。 故先馳書，以喻成敗。 夫見機而動，周易所稱； 去危就安，人事常理。 若以一介為高，不悛為美，則微子負嫌於時，紀季受譏於世。 我皇魏重光累葉，德懷無外，軍威所拂，無不披靡。 固非三吳弱卒所能擬抗。 況於今者，勢已土崩。 劉彧威不制秣陵，政不出閫外，豈復能浮江越海，赴危救急。 恃此為援，何異於蹄涔之魚，冀拯江海。 夫蝮蛇螫手則斷手，螫足則斷足，誠忍肌體以救性命。 若推義而行之，無割身之痛也，而可以保家寧宗，長守安樂。 此智士所宜深思重慮，自求多福。」
Zhangsun Ling and Wei Juan marched on Qingzhou while Baiyao advanced from Xiqiu against Licheng. Baiyao then wrote to instruct Licheng: "Heaven has abandoned Liu Yu; disasters and troubles multiply; flesh-and-blood brothers slaughter one another; between ruler and minister, above and below, no order remains. Xue Andu, Inspector of Xuzhou, Chang Zhenqi, Inspector of Yuzhou, Bi Zhongjing, Inspector of Yanzhou, and others deeply saw survival and ruin and suddenly turned to righteousness. Therefore the court accepted their sincere pledge and entrusted them with the southern frontier. All these are matters plainly before your eyes, fully heard in east and west alike. Shen Zuan, garrison commander of Wuyan, dared indulge wickedness and rob travelers; as soon as the official army arrived, he lost his head. Fang Chongji firmly held Shengcheng, but it soon collapsed and scattered. From Xiangyang east to the Huai and the sea, all bent before the wind and submitted to correct transformation. I say that men of insight in Dongyang and Licheng should think upward of Andu's glory and downward of Shen Zuan's death, repent their former delusion, and change course after awakening. Yet they clung to folly and would not change. I have swept the north with the imperial host. Crossing the Yellow River I see through empty boasts; entering Qi I await a change of heart—yet you hesitate without end. I send this letter first to show you triumph and ruin. The Changes praise acting when the moment appears; leaving danger for safety is human nature's rule. Stubborn loyalty made Weizi and Ji Ji objects of scorn in their own ages. Great Wei shines through generations; where its armies pass, none stand. The feeble troops of Wu cannot withstand this. Now your state has already crumbled. Liu Yu cannot rule beyond his capital, much less cross the Yangtze to save you. To rely on him is like a puddle fish hoping for the ocean. When a viper stings hand or foot, the wise cut off the limb to save life. Act with righteousness and you need not maim yourself yet may keep your house at peace. Wise men should ponder this and choose blessing for themselves."
22
道固固守不降，白曜築長圍以攻之。 長孫陵等既至青州，沈文秀遣使請降。 軍人入其西郛，頗有採掠，文秀悔之，遂嬰城拒守。 二年，崔道固及兗州刺史梁鄒守將劉休賓並面縛而降。 白曜皆釋而禮之。 送道固、休賓及其僚屬于京師。 後乃徙二城民望於下館，朝廷置平齊郡，懷寧、歸安二縣以居之。 自餘悉為奴婢，分賜百官。 白曜雖在軍旅，而接待人物，寬和有禮。 獲崇吉母妻、申纂婦女，皆別營安置，不令士卒諠雜。
Cui Daogu held out; Baiyao invested the city with a long siege. At Qingzhou Shen Wenxiu first sent envoys to surrender. Troops plundered his western suburb; Wenxiu repented and shut the gates to resist. In year two Cui Daogu and Liu Xiubin of Liangzou came bound in surrender. Baiyao freed them and treated them with courtesy. He sent Daogu, Xiubin, and their staffs to the capital. Leading families of both cities were moved to Xiaguan under the new Pingqi commandery with Huaining and Gui'an. The remainder were enslaved and given to officials. Even in camp Baiyao received people with ease and courtesy. He housed Chongji's and Zuan's families apart and kept soldiers from harassing them.
23
乃進討東陽。 冬，入其西郭。 三年春，克東陽，擒沈文秀。 凡獲倉粟八十五萬斛，米三千斛，弓九千張，箭十八萬八千，刀二萬二千四百，甲冑各三千三百，銅五千斤，錢十五萬； 城內戶八千六百，口四萬一千，吳蠻戶三百餘。 始末三年，築圍攻擊，日日交兵，雖士卒死傷，無多怨叛。 督上土人租絹，以為軍資，不至侵苦。 三齊欣然，安堵樂業。 克城之日，以沈文秀抗倨不為之拜，忿而箠撻，唯以此見譏。 以功拜使持節、都督青齊東徐州諸軍事、開府儀同三司、青州刺史、濟南王，將軍如故。
He then marched against Dongyang. That winter he entered Dongyang's western suburb. In the third year's spring he took Dongyang and seized Shen Wenxiu. The booty included 850,000 hu of grain, 9,000 bows, 188,000 arrows, 22,400 knives, 3,300 suits of armor, and 150,000 cash; the city held 8,600 households, 41,000 people, and 300-odd Wu barbarian families. For three years of daily fighting, though men fell, few turned mutinous. He levied local silk taxes for supplies without oppressing the people. The Three Qi submitted gladly and lived in peace. When Wenxiu refused to bow he flogged him—the only act for which he was criticized. For his merit he became commander of Qing, Qi, and Eastern Xu, equal to the Three Excellencies, Qingzhou inspector, and Prince of Jinan.
24
四年冬見誅。 初乙渾專權，白曜頗所俠附，緣此追以為責。 及將誅也，云謀反叛，時論冤之。
In the fourth year's winter he was put to death. He had leaned on Yi Hun's faction, which later counted against him. He was charged with rebellion at his death, which contemporaries deemed unjust.
25
白曜少子真安，年十一，聞父被執，將自殺。 家人止之，曰：「輕重未可知。」 真安曰：「王位高功重，若有小罪，終不至此。 我何忍見父之死。」 遂自縊焉。
His eleven-year-old son Zhen'an, hearing his father was arrested, tried to kill himself. His family stopped him, saying: "The gravity of the matter is not yet known." Zhen'an replied: "The prince's rank is high and his merit weighty; if there were only a small crime, it would never come to this. He could not bear to see his father die." He hanged himself.
26
白曜弟如意，亦從白曜平歷下，與白曜同誅。
His brother Ruyi, who had helped pacify Lixia, was executed with him.
27
太和中，著作佐郎成淹上表理白曜曰：
In Taihe, Editorial Assistant Cheng Yan memorialized to vindicate Baiyao:
28
臣聞經疆啟宇，實良將之功； 褒德酬庸，乃聖王之務。 昔姜公杖鉞，開隆周之基； 韓生秉旄，興鴻漢之業。 故能賞超當時，名垂前史。 若閫外功成，而流言內作，人主猜疑，良將懷懼，樂毅所以背燕，章邯所以奔楚。 至如鄧艾懷忠，矯命寧國，赤心皎然，幽顯同見，而橫受屠戮，良可悲哀。 及士治伐吳，[9]奮不顧命，萬里浮江，應機直指，使孫皓君臣，輿櫬入洛。 大功亦舉，讒書驟至，內外唱和，貝錦將成，微晉武之鑒，亦幾於顛沛矣。 每覽其事，常為痛心，聖主明王，固宜深察。
Opening borders, he wrote, was the work of great generals; rewarding merit was the duty of sage kings. Jiang Taigong took the axe and founded Zhou; Han Xin raised the banner and built Han. Their rewards and names outlasted their ages. When court slander follows frontier victory, rulers grow suspicious and generals flee, as with Yue Yi and Zhang Han. Deng Ai served loyally yet was slaughtered—a pitiable case. Wang Jun, ignoring death, sailed ten thousand li and brought Sun Hao to Luoyang in surrender. Yet slander nearly destroyed Wang Jun until Jin Wu saw through it. Reading such cases pains me; sage rulers must judge more deeply.
29
臣伏見故征南大將軍、開府儀同三司、青州刺史、濟南王慕容白曜，祖父相資，世酋東裔，值皇運廓被，委節臣妾。 白曜生長王國，飲服道教，爵列上階，位登帝伯。 [10]去天安初，江陰夷楚，敢拒王命，三方阻兵，連城岳峙。 海岱蒼生，翹首拯援。 聖朝乃眷南顧，思救荒黎，大議廟堂，顯舉元將，百僚同音，僉曰惟允。 遂推轂委誠，授以專征之任，握兵十萬，杖鉞一方。 威陵河濟則淮徐震懼，師出無鹽而申纂授首。 濟北、太原，同時消潰； 麋溝、垣苗，相尋奔走。 及回麾東掃，道固銜璧，盤陽、梁鄒，肉袒請命。 于時東陽未平，人懷去就。 沈文靜、高崇仁擁眾不朝，扇擾邊服。 崔僧祐、蓋次陽、陳顯達連兵淮海，水陸鋒起，揚旌而至，規援青齊。 士民汹汹，莫不南顧。 時兵役既久，咸有歸心，而白曜外宣皇風，內盡方略，身擐甲冑，與士卒同，安撫初附，示以恩厚。 三軍懷挾纊之溫，新民欣來蘇之澤。 遂使僧祐擁徒弭旆，効順軍門； 文靜、崇仁棄城竄海； 次陽、顯達望塵南奔。 聲震江吳，風偃荊漢。 及青州克平，文秀面縛，海波清靜，三齊克定，逖彼東南，永為國有。 使天府納六州之貢，濟泗息烽警之虞，開岱宗封禪之略，闢山川望秩之序。 斯誠宗廟之靈，神算所授，然抑亦白曜與有力矣。
Baiyao's line had served as eastern chieftains and long submitted when the imperial fortune spread. He grew in the royal domain, rose to the highest ranks, and stood among the empire's peers. From Tian'an onward the south resisted, cities linked like mountains. The people of the coast looked up for deliverance. The court turned south, chose a supreme commander, and every office agreed on Baiyao. He received full command with a hundred thousand men and the battle-axe of one region. His might shook the He and Ji; at Wuyan Shen Zuan lost his head. Jibei and Taiyuan fell together; Migou and Yuan Miao fled one after another. Turning east, Daogu surrendered, and Panyang and Liangzou came bound. Dongyang still held out and hearts wavered. Shen Wenjing and Gao Chongren held troops and refused court. Cui Sengyou, Gai Ciyang, and Chen Xianda marched on the Huai to relieve Qing and Qi. Soldiers and people looked anxiously southward. Though troops longed for home, Baiyao wore armor with them, proclaimed imperial virtue, and gently settled new subjects. His soldiers felt cared for; new subjects felt the blessing of renewal. Sengyou then lowered his banners and submitted at the camp gate; Wenjing and Chongren fled by sea; Ciyang and Xianda ran south at the first rumor of defeat. His fame shook the lower Yangtze and humbled the Han riverlands. Qingzhou fell, Wenxiu was bound, the sea grew calm, the Three Qi were settled, and the southeast became imperial territory. Imperial storehouses filled with tribute from six provinces, beacon fires on the Ji and Si died out, and the rites of Tai and the ranked sacrifices were restored. It was the ancestral temple's blessing and Heaven's plan—yet Baiyao had borne no small part.
30
及氛翳既靜，爵命亦隆，榮燭當時，聲譽日遠。 而民惡其上，妄生尤隙，因其功高，流言惑聽。 巧偽亂真，朱紫難辨，傷夷未瘳，合門屠戮。 鴻勳盛德，蔑爾無聞。 有識之徒，能不悽愴。
After peace returned his honors mounted and his fame spread far. Yet malcontents slandered him, and because his merit was great rumor swayed the court. Slander confused truth; before wounds had healed his whole house was slaughtered. His great merit and virtue were erased. Thoughtful men could only grieve.
31
臣謂白曜策名王庭，累荷榮授，歷司出內，世載忠美。 秉鉞啟蕃，折衝敵國，開疆千里，拔城十二，辛勤於戎旅之際，契闊於矢石之間，登鋒履危，志存靜亂。 及方難既夷，身膺高賞，受胙河山，與國昇降，六十之年，寵靈已極。 觀其立功，足明機運，豈容僥倖，更邀非望者乎？ 且於時，國家士馬，屯積京南，跨州連鎮，勢侔雲岳。 主將驍雄，按鉀在所，莫不殉忠死難，効節奉時。 此之不可生心，白曜足知之矣。 況潛逆阻兵，營岱厭亂，加以王師仍舉，州郡屠裂，齊民勞止，神膽俱喪，亡燼之眾不可與圖存，離敗之民不可與語勇哉！ 白曜果毅習戎，體閑兵勢，寧不知士民之不可藉，將士之不同己，據強兵之勢，因塗炭之民，而欲立非常之事，此愚夫之所弗為也。 料此推之，事可知矣。
Baiyao had served the throne for generations with loyal distinction. He opened a thousand li, took twelve cities, shared hardship with his troops, and sought only to pacify chaos. After victory he received a great fief and sixty years of honors at the state's side. His merit showed Heaven's favor; how could he have sought more? Imperial armies massed south of the capital, province linked to province, their strength like mountains. Fierce commanders stood ready everywhere, each willing to die for the throne. Baiyao knew well that rebellion was impossible. Rebels were crushed, provinces ravaged, Qi lay exhausted, and broken men could neither fight nor plot. Baiyao knew soldiers and people would not follow a revolt and that only a fool would exploit ruin to rebel. From this the truth is clear.
32
伏惟陛下聖鑒自天，仁孝宰世，風冠宇宙，道超百王。 開國以來，諸有罪犯極刑，不得骸骨者，悉聽收葬。 大造之恩，振古未有。 而白曜人舊功高，嬰禍淪覆，名滅國除，爵命無紹。 天下眾庶，咸共哀憐，方之餘流，應有差異。 願陛下揚日月之光，明勳臣之績，垂天地之施，慰僵屍之魂。 使合棺定諡，歿有餘稱。 選其宗近，才堪驅策，錫以微爵，繼其絕世。 進可以奬勸將來，退可以顯國恩澤。 使存者荷莫大之恩，死者受骨肉之惠，豈不美哉！ 仰惟聖明，霈然昭覽，狂瞽之言，伏待刑憲。
Your Majesty's wisdom surpasses all kings, your benevolence rules the age. Since the founding, even men executed for grave crimes have been allowed burial. Such grace is unmatched in history. Yet Baiyao, though old and meritorious, was destroyed without heirs or rank. All the realm pitied him and asked mercy for his line. May Your Majesty shine sun and moon on his merit and comfort the dead. Grant him coffin, title, and posthumous praise. Choose a worthy kinsman, give a modest title, and continue his line. This would reward the living and honor the dead while displaying imperial grace. The living would be boundlessly grateful and the dead kindly remembered—how beautiful! I submit these rash words for your judgment and punishment if I err.
33
高祖覽表，嘉愍之。
Gaozu read the memorial and was moved to pity.
34
白曜弟子契，輕薄無檢。 太和初，以名家子擢為中散，遷宰官。 南安王楨有貪暴之響，遣中散閭文祖詣長安察之。 文祖受楨金寶之賂，為楨隱而不言。 事發，坐之。 文明太后引見羣臣，謂之曰：「前論貪清，皆云克修，文祖時亦在中，後竟犯法。 以此言之，人心信不可知。」 高祖曰：「古有待放之臣，亦有離俗之士，卿等自審不勝貪心者，聽辭位歸第。」 契進曰：「臣卑微小人，聞識不遠，過蒙曲照，虛忝令職。 小人之心無定，帝王之法有常。 以無恒之心，奉有常之法，非所克堪。 乞垂退免。」 高祖曰：「昔鄭相嗜魚，人有獻魚者，相曰『若取此魚，恐削名祿』，遂不肯受。 契若知心不可常，即知貪之惡矣，何為求退？」 遷宰官令，微好碎事，頗曉工作，主司厨宰，稍以見知。 及營洛陽基構，征新野、南陽起諸攻具，契皆參典。 太和末，以功遷太中大夫、光祿少卿、營州大中正，賜爵定陶男。 正始初，除征虜將軍、營州刺史。 徙都督沃野、薄骨律二鎮諸軍事，沃野鎮將，轉都督禦夷、懷荒二鎮諸軍事，平城鎮將，將軍並如故。 轉都督朔州、沃野懷朔武川三鎮三道諸軍事，後將軍，朔州刺史。 熙平元年卒，贈鎮北將軍、并州刺史，諡曰克。
Baiyao's nephew Qi was frivolous and unrestrained. Early in Taihe this scion of a great house rose to Central Scribe and Director of the Masters. Prince of Nan'an Zhen was known for greed; the court sent Lü Wenzu to Chang'an to investigate. Wenzu took Zhen's gold and concealed his crimes. When exposed he was punished. Empress Dowager Wenming received the assembled ministers and said to them: "Earlier, when we discussed greed and purity, all said they could cultivate themselves. Wenzu was among them then, yet afterward he ultimately violated the law. Speaking from this, the human heart truly cannot be known." Gaozu said: "In antiquity there were ministers awaiting dismissal and also men who left vulgar society. If any of you judge that you cannot overcome a greedy heart, you may resign your post and return home." Qi came forward and said: "Your servant is a lowly petty man, with little knowledge or understanding. I have received excessive favor and undeservedly occupy a fine office. The petty man's heart has no fixity, while an emperor's law has constancy. To serve constant law with an inconstant heart is more than I can bear. I beg that you grant dismissal and removal." Gaozu said: "Formerly a minister of Zheng loved fish. Someone presented him fish, and the minister said, 'If I take this fish, I fear my name and salary will be cut away,' so he refused to accept it. If you know that the heart cannot remain constant, then you know the evil of greed; why seek dismissal?" He became Director of the Masters, showed skill in practical work, and won notice in the kitchen offices. When Luoyang was built and siege engines were raised in Xinye and Nanyang, Qi took part. Late in Taihe he became Grand Palace Doctor, Vice Director of the Imperial Household, Yingzhou chief rectifier, and Baron of Dingtao. In Zhengshi's opening year he became General Who Punishes the Barbarians and Yingzhou inspector. He commanded the Woye and Bogulü garrisons, then the Yiyi and Huaihuang garrisons, keeping his general's rank. He later commanded Shuozhou and three frontier routes as Rear General and Shuozhou inspector. He died in Xiping 1 and was posthumously General Who Guards the North, Bingzhou inspector, temple name Ke.
35
初，慕容破後，種族仍繁。 天賜末，頗忌而誅之。 時有遺免，不敢復姓，皆以「輿」為氏。 延昌末，詔復舊姓，而其子女先入掖庭者，猶號慕容，特多於他族。
After Murong's fall the clan remained numerous. At Tianxi's end many were feared and executed. Survivors dared not use the Murong surname and took "Yu" instead. Yanxing restored the surname, though palace women still bore Murong, more than other lines.
36
契長子昇，字僧度。 建興太守，遷鎮遠將軍、沃野鎮將，進號征虜將軍。 甚得邊民情。
Qi's eldest son was Sheng, style name Sengdu. He was Administrator of Jianxing, then General Who Pacifies the Distance and Woye garrison commander, then General Who Punishes the Barbarians. He deeply won the frontier people's trust.
37
和第二子僧濟，自奉朝請稍轉至五校。 耽淫酒色，不事名行。
Qi's second son Sengji rose from Court Attendant to the Five Commandants. He drowned in wine and women and cared nothing for reputation.
38
契弟暉，歷涇州長史、新平太守，有惠政。 景明中，大使于忠賞粟二百石。 卒，贈幽州刺史。
Qi's brother Hui was Jingzhou chief clerk and Xinping administrator with humane rule. In Jingming envoy Yu Zhong rewarded him two hundred shi of grain. At death he was posthumously Youzhou inspector.
39
孫善，儀同開府主簿。
His grandson Shan was chief clerk on an equal-to-three-excellencies staff.
40
史臣曰：魏之諸將，罕立方面之功。 尉元以寬雅之風，受將帥之任，取瑕丘如覆掌，克彭城猶拾遺，擒將馘醜，威名遠被。 位極公老，聖主乞言。 無乃近世之一人歟？ 白曜有敦正之風，出當薄伐，席卷三齊，如風靡草，接物有禮，海垂欣慰。 其勞固不細矣。 功名難處，追猜嬰戮，宥賢議勤，未聞於斯日也。
The historian notes that few Wei generals won regional command. Wei Yuan took Xiaqiu as easily as turning his hand and Pengcheng as lightly as picking up a dropped object, capturing enemy leaders until his fame spread far. He rose to the highest rank and the emperor sought his counsel. Was he not among the finest men of recent times? Baiyao campaigned with upright severity, swept the Three Qi like wind through grass, treated people courteously, and won the coast's relief. His labor was no small thing. Yet merit invites suspicion; he was slaughtered while pardoning merit went unheard.
41
校勘記
Collation Notes
42
再離寒暑通鑑卷一三二 〈四一三六頁〉 考異云：「蓋『再』當作『載』，是語助辭，非謂再經寒暑也。」
Again passing cold and heat — Zizhi Tongjian, scroll 132 〈page 4136〉 Kaoyi: 'again' should read 'zai,' a particle, not 'twice through cold and heat.'
43
瘃膝行者汲、殿、局三本「」作「瓦」，百衲本、南本、北本作「」。 李慈銘所見宋本也作「」，云：「蓋當作『尢』，即『尪』字，俗作『尫』。」
On frostbitten knee walkers: Ji, Dian, and Ju editions read " " as "wa"; Baibaina, Nan, and Bei editions read " ". Li Ciming's Song edition also has " ", saying: "It should probably be 'you,' the character 'wang,' vulgarly written 'kuang.'"
44
海內既平仍忝徐岳冊府卷三六四 〈四三二六頁〉 「內」作「岱」。 按二句是說魏佔青齊後，尉元任徐州刺史。 「海岱」指今山東一帶，作「岱」是。
Within the seas pacified, still holding Xu and mountains — Cefu, scroll 364 〈page 4326〉 'Within' reads 'Dai.' The lines mean that after Wei took Qing and Qi, Wei Yuan held Xuzhou. 'Hai Dai' means Shandong; 'Dai' is correct.
45
愚誠所見諸本「愚」字缺，今據冊府卷三六四 〈四三二六頁〉 補。
On 'foolish sincerity': editions lack 'foolish'; restored from Cefu 364 〈page 4326〉 Supplemented.
46
故后王法玄猷以御世諸本「后」訛「尹」，今據冊府卷五五 〈六一四頁〉 改。
On 'later kings': editions miswrite hou as yin; corrected from Cefu 55 〈page 614〉 Corrected.
47
故詩云孝悌之至通於神明光於四海按「孝悌之至」三句是孝經感應章文，疑「詩」字誤，或「詩云」下本引詩，然後引孝經，傳本「云」下有脫文。
The 'Odes' citation is likely the Xiaojing; the text may have dropped words.
48
故尊公以三北史卷二五尉元傳「公」作「老」。 按這裏是說「三老五更」，下云：「事更以五」，則上自應作「尊老以三」。 「公」字當誤。
Beishi 25 reads 'elder' for 'Duke' in 'honor the Three.' The passage concerns Three Elders and Five Worthies; 'Duke' is likely wrong for 'elders.' 'Duke' is erroneous.
49
抽怛於懷李慈銘云：「『抽』當作『妯』，用詩『憂心且妯』也。 本字作『怞』。」
Li Ciming: 'chou' should be 'zhou' from the Odes, original you. Vulgar form: you."
50
及士治伐吳諸本「治」作「冶」。 李慈銘云：「『冶』當作『治』，王濬字士治。」 按李說是，「冶」字訛，今改正。
On Wang Jun's Wu campaign: editions write "Ye" for "Zhi." Li Ciming says: "'Ye' should be 'Zhi'; Wang Jun's style was Shi Zhi." Li is correct; "Ye" is a corruption, now corrected.
51
位登帝伯冊府卷八七五 〈一０三七二頁〉 「帝」作「嘗」，即「常」，明本避諱改。 按「帝伯」罕見。 嚴可均全後魏文卷三四錄此文，也作「常」，當是以意改。 「常伯」一般指侍中，初學記卷一二侍中條、御覽卷二一九侍中下引漢書典職、環濟要略，通典卷二一侍中條引干寶注漢官，都以為見於尚書立政篇的常伯相當於漢以後的侍中。 疑作「常伯」是，但此傳不言白曜曾為侍中，今不改。
Rank reaching imperial peer — Cefu, scroll 875 〈page 10372〉 "Imperial" reads "once" (chang); the Ming edition altered it to avoid taboo. Note: "imperial peer" is uncommon. Yan Kejun's collected Northern Wei texts also read "chang", likely an intentional change. "Changbo" usually means Palace Attendant; early texts equate the Shangshu's changbo with the Han and later Palace Attendant. "Changbo" may be correct, but the biography never says Baiyao was Palace Attendant; left unchanged.
52
和第二子僧濟北、殿、局三本「和」作「契」，百衲、南、汲三本作「和」。 按上不出「和」名，不知「和」是誰，似作「契」是。 但若是契次子，按傳例應云：「昇 〈或僧度〉 弟僧濟。」 或上有脫文。 北本以下當是以意改，今從百衲本。
On "He and Qi's second son Sengji": Bei, Dian, and Ju read He as Qi; Baibaina, Nan, and Ji read He. The text above never names "He"; it is not clear who "He" is, and "Qi" seems correct. If he were Qi's second son, the biography should read "Sheng 〈or Sengdu〉 younger brother Sengji." Or words are missing above. Later editions likely changed the text deliberately; the Baibaina reading is followed.