1
高祐崔挺
Gao You; Cui Ting
2
高祐，字子集，小名次奴，勃海人也。 本名禧，以與咸陽王同名，高祖賜名祐。 司空允從祖弟也。 祖展，慕容寶黃門郎，太祖平中山，內徙京師，卒於三都大官。 父讜，從世祖滅赫連昌，以功拜游擊將軍，賜爵南皮子。 與崔浩共參著作，遷中書侍郎。 轉給事中、冀青二州中正。 假散騎常侍、平東將軍、蓨縣侯，使高麗。 卒，贈安南將軍、冀州刺史、假滄水公，諡曰康。 祐兄祚，襲爵，東青州刺史。
Gao You, whose courtesy name was Ziji and whose childhood name was Cinu, came from Bohai. His birth name had been Xi, but because it matched that of the Prince of Xianyang, Emperor Gaozu gave him the name You. He was a younger cousin of Gao Yun, the Commandant of Works. His grandfather Zhan had served Murong Bao as Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Yellow Gates; after Emperor Taizu conquered Zhongshan, the family was relocated to the capital, and Zhan died in office as Director of the Three Capitals' Granaries. His father Dan had followed Emperor Shizu in the campaign that destroyed Helian Chang; for his service he was made General of Mobile Cavalry and granted the title Marquis of Nanpi. He worked with Cui Hao on the historical compilations and was promoted to Vice Director of the Central Secretariat. He was then made Attendant Within the Yellow Gates and Rectifier for the two provinces of Ji and Qing. He received provisional appointment as Regular Attendant of Scattered Cavalry and General Who Pacifies the East, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Tiao County, and was dispatched on a mission to Goguryeo. At his death he was posthumously honored as General Who Pacifies the South and Governor of Ji Province, with the provisional title Duke of Cangshui; his posthumous name was Kang. You's elder brother Zuo inherited the family title and served as Governor of Eastern Qing Province.
3
祐博涉書史，好文字雜說，材性通放，不拘小節。 初拜中書學生，轉博士、侍郎。 以祐招下邵郡羣賊之功，賜爵建康子。 高宗末，兗州東郡吏獲一異獸，獻之京師，時人咸無識者。 詔以問祐，祐曰：「此是三吳所出，厥名鯪鯉，餘域率無，今我獲之，吳楚之地，其有歸國者乎？」 又有人於零丘得玉印一以獻，詔以示祐，祐曰：「印上有籀書二字，文曰『宋壽』。 壽者，命也，我獲其命，亦是歸我之徵。」 顯祖初，劉義隆子義陽王昶來奔，薛安都等以五州降附，時謂祐言有驗。
You had wide learning in books and histories, delighted in philology and assorted lore, and was by nature open and unconventional, caring little for petty proprieties. He first entered service as a student of the Central Secretariat, then rose to Erudite and Gentleman Attendant. Because You had persuaded the bandit groups of Shao Commandery to submit, he was enfeoffed as Viscount of Jiankang. Late in the reign of Emperor Gaozong, an official of Dong Commandery in Yan Province caught a strange animal and sent it to the capital, yet no one at court could name it. The emperor ordered You consulted. You replied, "This animal comes from the Three Wu regions; it is called the lingli, and other domains scarcely produce it. Now that we have captured one, does this not mean that the lands of Wu and Chu may yield up those who will return to our rule?" Soon afterward someone found a jade seal at Lingqiu and presented it to the throne. When the edict directed that it be shown to You, he said, "The seal bears two characters in seal script, reading 'Song Shou. Shou means life or mandate. That we have seized their mandate is likewise a sign that they will submit to us." Early in the reign of Emperor Xianzu, Liu Chang, Prince of Yiyang and son of Liu Yilong of Song, defected to Wei, and Xue Andu and others surrendered five provinces. Contemporary opinion held that You's prophecies had been fulfilled.
4
高祖拜祕書令。 後與丞李彪等奏曰：「臣等聞典謨興，話言所以光著； 載籍作，成事所以昭揚。 然則尚書者記言之體，春秋者錄事之辭。 尋覽前志，斯皆言動之實錄也。 夏殷以前，其文弗具。 自周以降，典章備舉。 史官之體，文質不同； 立書之旨，隨時有異。 至若左氏，屬詞比事，兩致並書，可謂存史意，而非全史體。 逮司馬遷、班固，皆博識大才，論敍今古，曲有條章，雖周達未兼，斯實前史之可言者也。 至於後漢、魏、晉咸以放焉。 惟聖朝創制上古，開基長發，自始均以後，至於成帝，其間世數久遠，是以史弗能傳。 臣等疏陋，忝當史職，披覽國記，竊有志焉。 愚謂自王業始基，庶事草創，皇始以降，光宅中土，宜依遷固大體，令事類相從，紀傳區別，表志殊貫，如此修綴，事可備盡。 伏惟陛下先天開物，洪宣帝命，太皇太后淳曜二儀，惠和王度，聲教之所漸洽，風譯之所覃加，固已義振前王矣。 加太和以降，年未一紀，然嘉符禎瑞，備臻於往時； 洪功茂德，事萃於曩世。 會稽佇玉牒之章，岱宗想石記之列。 而祕府策勳，述美未盡。 將令皇風大猷，或闕而不載； 功臣懿績，或遺而弗傳。 著作郎已下，請取有才用者，參造國書，如得其人，三年有成矣。 然後大明之德功，光于帝篇； 聖后之勳業，顯于皇策。 佐命忠貞之倫，納言司直之士，咸以備著載籍矣。」 高祖從之。
Emperor Gaozu appointed him Director of the Secretariat. Later he joined Vice Director Li Biao and others in a memorial that read, "We have heard that when the canons and counsels were established, spoken words were thereby brought to light; and when written records were compiled, accomplished deeds were thereby made known. Thus the Documents preserves the form of recorded speech, and the Spring and Autumn Annals preserves the language of recorded events. When one surveys the chronicles of earlier ages, all are faithful records of words and actions. Before the Xia and Shang, the written records are incomplete. From the Zhou dynasty onward, statutes and regulations were fully established. The institutions of the historiographer's office varied in literary style and plainness; and the purpose of compiling books shifted with each age. Master Zuo grouped words and compared events, setting down both aspects together; this may be said to preserve the historian's intent, yet it is not the full structure of historical writing. By the time of Sima Qian and Ban Gu, both were men of vast learning and great talent; in narrating past and present they achieved subtle organization. Though neither combined every virtue in full measure, these are truly the earlier histories worth speaking of. The histories of Later Han, Wei, and Jin, by contrast, all fell short. Our sage dynasty alone created institutions reaching back to high antiquity and laid a foundation meant to flourish for ages; yet from the era of Shizu down to Emperor Cheng the span of generations is so remote that history could not be fully transmitted. We are unworthy and shallow men who yet hold the office of historiographer; in reading the dynastic records, we have privately cherished this ambition. We humbly propose that from the founding of the royal enterprise and the first drafting of affairs, and from Huangshi onward when the dynasty took luminous possession of the central realm, the court should follow the grand model of Sima Qian and Ban Gu: let events be grouped by kind, distinguish annals from biographies, and set tables and treatises in their proper places. Compiled in this way, the record can be made complete. We bow before Your Majesty, who before Heaven opened the creation and broadly proclaimed the imperial mandate; the Grand Empress Dowager has purified the radiance of the Two Principles and harmonized the royal measure. Wherever sound instruction has gradually spread and transforming influence has broadly extended, righteousness has already surpassed that of the kings of old. Moreover, since the Taihe era began, less than twelve years have passed, yet auspicious signs and blessed omens have already matched those of former ages; and great achievements and abundant virtue have gathered as in ages past. At Kuaiji men await the chapter of the jade register; at Mount Tai they long for the array of stone inscriptions. Yet in the secret archives the recording of merit and the narration of excellence remain unfinished. Thus the great imperial ethos and grand design may be left out and unrecorded; and the deeds of meritorious ministers and outstanding achievements may be lost and never transmitted. From the rank of Gentleman for Compilation downward, we ask that men of talent be chosen to help compose the dynastic history; with the right men, it can be finished in three years. Then the virtue and achievements of great illumination will shine in the imperial annals; and the sage empress's meritorious work will appear in the imperial records. Those who aided the mandate with loyal service, and the remonstrating officials who kept the court straight, will all be fully set forth in the written records." Emperor Gaozu approved the proposal.
5
高祖從容問祐曰：「比水旱不調，五穀不熟，何以止災而致豐稔？」 祐對曰：「昔堯湯之運，不能去陽九之會，陛下道同前聖，其如小旱何？ 但當旌賢佐政，敬授民時，則災消穰至矣。」 又問止盜之方，祐曰：「昔宋均樹德，[1]害獸不過其鄉； 卓茂善教，蝗蟲不入其境。 彼盜賊者，人也，苟訓之有方，寧不易息。 當須宰守貞良，則盜止矣。」 祐又上疏云：「今之選舉，不採識治之優劣，專簡年勞之多少，斯非盡才之謂。 宜停此薄藝，棄彼朽勞，唯才是舉，則官方斯穆。 又勳舊之臣，雖年勤可錄，而才非撫人者，則可加之以爵賞，不宜委之以方任，所謂王者可私人以財，不私人以官者也。」 高祖皆善之。 加給事中、冀州大中正，餘如故。 時李彪專統著作，祐為令，時相關豫而已。
At leisure Emperor Gaozu asked You, "Lately floods and droughts have fallen out of harmony and the five grains have failed to ripen. How can disasters be halted and abundance secured?" You replied, "Even in the ages of Yao and Tang the cycle of yang-nine calamities could not be avoided. Your Majesty's Way equals that of the former sages—what is a minor drought beside that? Only honor the worthy and assist in government, and respectfully grant the seasons to the people—then disasters will fade and abundance will come." He also asked how to stop banditry. You said, "In former times Song Jun cultivated virtue, [1] and harmful beasts would not cross his district; Zhuo Mao excelled in instruction, and locusts did not enter his territory. Bandits and thieves are human beings; if they are instructed by proper methods, will they not easily cease? What is needed are upright and capable magistrates and guardians—then banditry will cease." You also submitted a memorial stating, "Present selections for office do not weigh a candidate's grasp of governance, but look only at years of service. This is not what is meant by employing all available talent. The court should cease rewarding petty accomplishments, discard worn-out seniority, and promote men solely for talent—then the official ranks will be put in good order. Again, for meritorious old ministers, though long service may be recorded, if their talent is not suited to governing people, they may be given titles and rewards, but they should not be entrusted with regional command. As the saying goes, a king may give a man his private wealth, but not his private office." Emperor Gaozu approved all of these proposals. He was additionally appointed Attendant Within the Yellow Gates and Senior Rectifier of Ji Province; his other offices remained unchanged. At the time Li Biao alone directed the historical compilation, while You held the directorship; the two merely consulted with each other as needed.
6
出為持節、輔國將軍、西兗州刺史，假東光侯，鎮滑臺。 祐以郡國雖有太學，縣黨宜有黌序，乃縣立講學，黨立小學。 [2]又令一家之中，自立一碓，五家之外，共造一井，以供行客，不聽婦人寄舂取水。 又設禁賊之方，令五五相保，若盜發則連其坐，初雖似煩碎，後風化大行，寇盜止息。
He was sent out as Bearer of the Staff, General Who Assists the State, and Governor of Western Yan Province, with the provisional title Marquis of Dongguang, and was stationed at Huatai. You held that although commanderies and principalities had the Imperial University, districts and townships still needed schools, and so he established lecture halls at the district level and elementary schools at the township level. [2] He also ordered each household to maintain its own mortar, while groups of five households or more were to dig a shared well for travelers' use, and forbade women from pounding grain or drawing water on others' behalf. He also instituted measures against banditry, requiring groups of five households to guarantee one another; if theft broke out, the whole group was held liable. At first the rules seemed burdensome, but in time custom and instruction took hold, and raiders and thieves disappeared.
7
子和璧，字僧壽，有學問。 中書博士。 早卒。
His son Hebi, whose courtesy name was Sengshou, was a learned man. He served as Erudite of the Central Secretariat. He died young.
8
和璧子顥，字門賢，學涉有時譽。 自司空參軍轉員外郎，襲爵建康子，遷符璽郎中。 出為冀州別駕，未之任，屬刺史元愉據州反，世宗遣尚書李平為都督，率眾討之。 平以顥彼州領袖，乃引為錄事參軍，仍領統軍，軍機取捨，多與參決。 擒愉之後，別黨千餘人皆將伏法，顥以為擁逼之徒，前許原免，宜為表陳請。 平從之，於是咸蒙全濟。 事定，顥仍述職。 時軍旅之後，因之飢饉，顥為綱紀，務存寬靜，甚收時譽。 尋加陵江將軍。 坐事免。 久之，除鎮遠將軍，遷輔國將軍、中散大夫，轉征虜將軍，仍中散。 卒，時年四十九。 贈平東將軍、滄州刺史，諡曰惠。
Hebi's son Hao, whose courtesy name was Menxian, was learned and accomplished and enjoyed a fine reputation in his day. He rose from aide to the Commandant of Works to Vice Director, inherited the title Viscount of Jiankang, and was promoted to Gentleman of the Seals and Credentials. He was appointed Chief Administrator of Ji Province but had not yet assumed the post when Governor Yuan Yu seized the province in rebellion. Emperor Shizong sent Minister Li Ping as commander-in-chief to lead troops against him. Because Hao was a leading figure in that province, Ping brought him in as Recording Secretary and also placed him in command of troops; on many military decisions Hao took part in the deliberations. After Yu was captured, more than a thousand members of the rebel faction were to be executed. Hao argued that these men had been coerced and that, since they had already been promised pardon, a memorial should be submitted on their behalf. Ping agreed, and all were spared. When the affair was settled, Hao resumed his duties. After the campaign famine followed, and Hao set policy with an emphasis on leniency and calm, winning wide praise. He was soon additionally appointed General Who Crosses the River. He was dismissed because of an offense. After a long interval he was appointed General Who Pacifies the Distant, then promoted to General Who Assists the State and Palace Attendant, then transferred to General Who Punishes the Barbarians while retaining his post as Palace Attendant. He died at the age of forty-nine. He was posthumously honored as General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Cang Province; his posthumous name was Hui.
9
子德正，襲。 武定中，黃門侍郎。
His son Dezheng inherited the title. During the Wuding era he served as Gentleman Attendant at the Yellow Gates.
10
顥弟雅，字興賢，有風度。 自給事中稍遷司徒府錄事參軍、定州撫軍府長史。 卒，年三十四。 天平中，追贈散騎常侍、平北將軍、冀州刺史。
Hao's younger brother Ya, whose courtesy name was Xingxian, had distinguished bearing. He rose from Attendant Within the Yellow Gates to Recording Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Chief Clerk of the Pacification Army headquarters in Ding Province. He died at the age of thirty-four. During the Tianping era he was posthumously honored as Regular Attendant of Scattered Cavalry, General Who Pacifies the North, and Governor of Ji Province.
11
子德乾，早有令問。 任城太守。 卒。
His son Degan enjoyed a fine reputation from an early age. He served as Administrator of Rencheng. He died.
12
雅弟諒，字脩賢。 少好學，多識強記，居喪以孝聞。 太和末，京兆王愉開府辟召，高祖妙簡行佐，諒與隴西李仲尚、趙郡李鳳起等同時應選。 稍遷太尉主簿、國子博士。 正光中，加驍騎將軍，為徐州行臺。 至彭城，屬元法僧反叛，逼諒同之，諒不許，為法僧所害，時年四十一。 朝廷痛惜之，贈左將軍、滄州刺史。 又下詔，以諒臨危授命，誠節可重，復贈使持節、平北將軍、幽州刺史，贈帛二百匹，優一子出身，諡曰忠侯。 三子。 長惠勝，武定中，司徒外兵參軍。 諒造親表譜錄四十許卷，自五世已下，內外曲盡。 覽者服其博記。
Ya's younger brother Liang, whose courtesy name was Xiuxian. From youth he loved learning, had broad knowledge and a powerful memory, and was known for filial conduct during mourning. Late in the Taihe era, when the Prince of Jingzhao Yu opened his headquarters and summoned staff, Emperor Gaozu carefully selected traveling aides; Liang was chosen together with Li Zhongshang of Longxi, Li Fengqi of Zhao Commandery, and others. He was gradually promoted to Chief Clerk of the Grand Marshal and Erudite of the Imperial University. During the Zhengguang era he was additionally appointed General of Valiant Cavalry and assigned to the mobile headquarters of Xu Province. When he reached Pengcheng, Yuan Faseng rebelled and tried to force Liang to join him. Liang refused and was killed by Faseng. He was forty-one. The court mourned him and posthumously honored him as General of the Left and Governor of Cang Province. The court also issued an edict stating that because Liang had given his life at the crisis, his loyal integrity deserved honor. He was further posthumously granted Bearer of the Staff, General Who Pacifies the North, and Governor of You Province, together with two hundred bolts of silk, preferential entry into office for one son, and the posthumous title Loyal Marquis. He had three sons. The eldest son was Huisheng, who during the Wuding era served as Outer Aide of the Minister of Education. Liang compiled a genealogical record of kin and clan tables in some forty scrolls, covering from the fifth generation downward and treating both inner and outer branches in full detail. Readers marveled at the breadth of his record-keeping.
13
祐弟欽，幼隨從叔濟使於劉義隆，還為中書學生，遷祕書中散。 年四十餘，卒。
You's younger brother Qin had in youth accompanied his father's younger cousin Ji on a mission to Liu Yilong of Song; on his return he became a student of the Central Secretariat and was promoted to Palace Attendant of the Secretariat. He died in his forties.
14
子法永，諸王從事中郎。 亦早亡。
His son Fayong served as Attendant of the Princes. He too died young.
15
祐從父弟次同，永安末，撫軍將軍、定州刺史。
You's younger cousin Citong, late in the Yong'an era, served as General Who Pacifies the Army and Governor of Ding Province.
16
子乾邕，永熙中，司空公、長樂郡開國公。
His son Qianyong, during the Yongxi era, held the titles Duke of the Commandant of Works and Duke Who Founded the State of Changle Commandery.
17
乾邕弟敖曹，天平中，司徒公、京兆郡開國公。
Qianyong's younger brother Aocao, during the Tianping era, held the titles Duke of the Minister of Education and Duke Who Founded the State of Jingzhao Commandery.
18
崔挺，字雙根，博陵安平人也。 六世祖贊，魏尚書僕射。 五世祖洪，晉吏部尚書。 父鬱，濮陽太守。
Cui Ting, whose courtesy name was Shuanggen, came from Anping in Boling. His sixth-generation ancestor Zan had served as Vice Director of the Masters of Writing in Wei. His fifth-generation ancestor Hong had been Director of the Ministry of Personnel under Jin. His father Yu had served as Administrator of Puyang.
19
挺幼居喪盡禮。 少敦學業，多所覽究，推人愛士，州閭親附焉。 每四時與鄉人父老書相存慰，辭旨款備，得者榮之。 三世同居，門有禮讓。 於後頻值飢年，家始分析，挺與弟振推讓田宅舊資，惟守墓田而已。 家徒壁立，兄弟怡然，手不釋卷。 時穀糴踊貴，鄉人或有贍者，遺挺，辭讓而受，仍亦散之貧困，不為畜積，故鄉邑更欽歎焉。
From childhood Ting observed mourning with full propriety. In youth he applied himself to learning, read widely, promoted others and cherished scholars, and won the affection of his district and neighbors. Each season he exchanged letters of inquiry and consolation with the elders of his township; his wording was warm and complete, and those who received them counted it an honor. Three generations lived under one roof, and the household was known for courtesy and mutual deference. Later, after repeated years of famine, the family divided its property; Ting and his younger brother Zhen yielded fields, houses, and old assets to one another, keeping only the grave-plot fields. The household was reduced to bare walls, yet the brothers remained content and never let their books leave their hands. When grain prices soared, some townspeople who could spare food sent gifts to Ting. He declined at first but then accepted, and immediately distributed them to the poor without hoarding anything, which won still greater admiration in his district.
20
舉秀才，射策高第，拜中書博士，轉中書侍郎。 以工書，受敕於長安書文明太后父燕宣王碑，賜爵泰昌子。 轉登聞令，遷典屬國下大夫。 以參議律令，賜布帛八百匹、穀八百石、馬牛各二。 尚書李沖甚重之。 高祖以挺女為嬪。 太和十八年，大將軍、宋王劉昶南鎮彭城，詔假立義將軍，為昶府長史，以疾辭免，乃以王肅為長史。 其被寄遇如此。
Recommended as a cultivated talent, he ranked high in the policy examination, was appointed Erudite of the Central Secretariat, and was promoted to Vice Director of the Central Secretariat. Because of his skill in calligraphy, he received an edict to inscribe at Chang'an the stele of the Empress Dowager Wenming's father, the Prince of Yan and King of Xuan, and was enfeoffed as Viscount of Taichang. He was transferred to Director of the Gate of Hearing Petitions and promoted to Grand Master of the Dependent States. For participating in deliberation on statutes and ordinances, he was rewarded with eight hundred bolts of cloth and silk, eight hundred piculs of grain, and two horses and two oxen. Minister Li Chong held him in high regard. Emperor Gaozu took Ting's daughter into the palace as a concubine. In the eighteenth year of Taihe, when the Grand General and Prince of Song Liu Chang was stationed at Pengcheng in the south, an edict provisionally appointed Ting General Who Establishes Righteousness and Chief Clerk of Chang's headquarters. Ting declined because of illness, and Wang Su was appointed in his place. Such was the degree of trust and favor he enjoyed.
21
後除昭武將軍、光州刺史，威恩並著，風化大行。 十九年，車駕幸兗州，召挺赴行在所。 及見，引諭優厚。 又問挺治邊之略，因及文章。 高祖甚悅，謂挺曰：「別卿已來，倐焉二載，吾所綴文，已成一集，今當給卿副本，時可觀之。」 又顧謂侍臣曰：「擁旄者悉皆如此，吾何憂哉。」 復還州。 及散騎常侍張彝兼侍中巡行風俗，見挺政化之美，謂挺曰：「彝受使省方，採察謠訟，入境觀政，實愧清使之名。」 州治舊掖城，西北數里有斧山，峯嶺高峻，北臨滄海，南望岱嶽，一邦遊觀之地也。 挺於頂上欲營觀宇，故老曰：「此嶺秋夏之際，常有暴雨迅風，巖石盡落，相傳云是龍道，恐此觀不可久立。」 挺曰：「人神相去，何遠之有？ 虬龍倐忽，豈唯一路乎！」 遂營之。 數年間，果無風雨之異。 挺既代，即為風雹所毀，於後作，復尋壞，遂莫能立。 眾以為善化所感。
He was later appointed General Who Displays Martiality and Governor of Guang Province, where his authority and kindness were both manifest and transforming instruction spread widely. In the nineteenth year the emperor visited Yan Province and summoned Ting to the traveling headquarters. When he was received, the emperor drew him forward and addressed him with exceptional kindness. He also questioned Ting about strategy for governing the frontier and then spoke of literature. Emperor Gaozu was greatly pleased and said to Ting, "Since we parted, two years have swiftly passed. The pieces I have composed have already filled one collection, and I shall now give you a copy to read at your leisure." He then turned to the attending officials and said, "If all who bear command banners are like this, what have I to worry about?" He then returned to his province. When Regular Attendant of Scattered Cavalry Zhang Yi, also serving as Palace Attendant, toured the provinces to inspect local customs, he saw the excellence of Ting's governance and said to him, "Yi was sent to inspect the regions, gather popular songs and lawsuits, and observe government on entering each territory—I am truly ashamed of the title 'clear envoy.'" The provincial seat was at Ye City; several li to the northwest stood Mount Fu, whose peaks rose steeply, facing the sea to the north and Mount Tai to the south—a favorite place of sightseeing in the whole commandery. Ting wished to build a viewing hall on the summit. The elders said, "On this ridge, between autumn and summer, violent storms often strike and rocks tumble down. Tradition says this is the dragon's path, and I fear the hall cannot long stand." Ting replied, "How far apart are men and spirits, after all? A coiled dragon moves in a flash—surely it has more than one path!" He built it anyway. For several years there were indeed no unusual storms. After Ting left office, the hall was destroyed by wind and hail; later builders restored it, but it was soon ruined again, and thereafter no one could keep it standing. People believed this was a response to his virtuous transforming influence.
22
時以犯罪配邊者多有逃越，遂立重制，一人犯罪逋亡，合門充役。 挺上書，以為周書父子罪不相及。 天下善人少，惡人多，以一人犯罪，延及合門。 司馬牛受桓魋之罰，柳下惠嬰盜跖之誅，豈不哀哉！ 辭甚雅切，高祖納之。 先是，州內少鐵，器用皆求之他境，挺表復鐵官，公私有賴。 諸州中正，本在論人，高祖將辨天下氏族，仍亦訪定，乃遙授挺本州大中正。
At the time many convicts assigned to the frontier escaped, and so a severe regulation was established: if one member of a household committed a crime and fled, the entire household was conscripted for corvée service. Ting submitted a memorial arguing that in the Book of Zhou the crimes of fathers and sons do not extend to one another. Under Heaven good men are few and evil men many; to punish an entire household because one person has committed a crime is unjust. Sima Niu suffered because of Huan Tui, and the infant son of Liuxia Hui would have shared the punishment of Dao Zhi—how pitiful! The wording was elegant and earnest, and Emperor Gaozu accepted his proposal. Previously iron was scarce in the province and utensils had to be obtained from other regions. Ting memorialized to restore the iron office, to the great benefit of both public and private affairs. The rectifiers of the various provinces were originally charged with evaluating men. When Emperor Gaozu set out to classify clans throughout the realm and fix their rankings, he appointed Ting Senior Rectifier of his native province from afar.
23
掖縣有人，年踰九十，板輿造州。 自稱少曾充使林邑，得一美玉，方尺四寸，甚有光彩，藏之海島，垂六十歲。 忻逢明治，今願奉之。 挺曰：「吾雖德謝古人，未能以玉為寶。」 遣船隨取，光潤果然。 竟不肯受，仍表送京都。 世宗即位，累表乞還。 景明初見代，老幼泣涕追隨，縑帛贈送，挺悉不納。
In Ye County there was a man over ninety who came to the provincial seat in a carrying-chair. He said that in youth he had served as envoy to Linyi and obtained a fine jade, one foot four inches square and very lustrous, which he had hidden on a sea island for nearly sixty years. Rejoicing to meet enlightened governance, he now wished to present it as an offering. Ting said, "Although my virtue falls short of the ancients, I cannot treat jade as a treasure." He sent a boat to fetch it, and its luster was indeed as described. In the end he would not accept it, but instead memorialized to send it to the capital. When Emperor Shizong took the throne, Ting repeatedly memorialized asking to return to the capital. Early in the Jingming era he was replaced; old and young wept and followed him, presenting gifts of silk, but Ting accepted none of them.
24
散騎常侍趙脩得幸世宗，挺雖同州壤，未嘗詣門。 北海王詳為司徒、錄尚書事，以挺為司馬，挺固辭不免。 世人皆歎其屈，而挺處之夷然。 於後詳攝選，眾人競稱考第，以求遷敍，挺終獨無言。 詳曰：「崔光州考級並未加授，宜投一牒，當為申請。 蘧伯玉耻獨為君子，亦何故默然？」 挺對曰：「階級是聖朝大例，考課亦國之恒典。 下官雖慚古賢不伐之美，至於自衒求進，竊以羞之。」 詳大相稱歎。 自為司馬，詳未曾呼名，常稱州號，以示優禮。 四年卒，時年五十九。 其年冬，贈輔國將軍、幽州刺史，諡曰景。 光州故吏聞凶問，莫不悲感，共鑄八尺銅像於城東廣因寺，起八關齋，追奉冥福，其遺愛若此。
Regular Attendant of Scattered Cavalry Zhao Xiu won favor with Emperor Shizong, but although Ting was from the same province, he never called at Zhao's gate. When the Prince of Beihai Xiang served as Minister of Education and recorded affairs of the Masters of Writing, he appointed Ting as Marshal. Ting firmly declined but could not escape the appointment. People of the age all lamented that he had been wronged, yet Ting bore it with calm ease. Later, when Xiang took charge of selections, everyone competed in proclaiming examination grades to seek promotion, but Ting alone remained silent. Xiang said, "Director Cui of Guang Province, your examination grade has not yet been conferred. You ought to submit a note, and I shall apply on your behalf. Qu Boyu was ashamed to be the only gentleman—why then are you silent?" Ting replied, "Ranks and grades are the great precedent of the sage dynasty, and examinations are also the constant statute of the state. Your subordinate, though he admires the ancients' virtue of not boasting, yet feels shame at displaying himself to seek advancement." Xiang greatly praised and admired this. From the time Ting became Marshal, Xiang never called him by personal name but always used his provincial title to show special courtesy. In the fourth year he died at the age of fifty-nine. That winter he was posthumously honored as General Who Assists the State and Governor of You Province; his posthumous name was Jing. The former officials of Guang Province, on hearing of his death, were all grief-stricken; together they cast an eight-foot bronze image at Guangyin Temple east of the city and established an eightfold fasting observance to seek blessings for him in the nether world—such was the affection he left behind.
25
初，崔光之在貧賤也，挺贍遺衣食，常親敬焉。 又識邢巒、宋弁於童稚之中，並謂終當遠致。 世稱其知人。 歷官二十餘年，家資不益，食不重味，室無綺羅，閨門之內，雍雍如也。 舊故多有贈賵，諸子推挺素心，一無所受。 有子六人。
Earlier, when Cui Guang was poor and obscure, Ting supplied him with food and clothing and always treated him with personal respect. He also recognized Xing Luan and Song Bian in their childhood and predicted that both would rise to great eminence. His age praised him for knowing men. Through more than twenty years in office his household wealth did not increase; he ate no dish with more than one flavor, his rooms held no brocade or gauze, and within the inner gates all was harmonious. Old friends often sent funeral gifts, but his sons, deferring to Ting's plain-hearted ways, accepted none of them. He had six sons.
26
長子孝芬，字恭梓。 早有才識，博學好文章。 高祖召見，甚嗟賞之。 李彪謂挺曰：「比見賢子謁帝，旨諭殊優，今當為羣拜紀。」 挺曰：「卿自欲善處人父子之間，然斯言吾所不敢聞也。」
The eldest son was Xiaofen, whose courtesy name was Gongzi. He showed talent and insight from an early age, had broad learning, and loved literary composition. Emperor Gaozu summoned him for an audience and greatly admired him. Li Biao said to Ting, "Recently I saw your worthy son attend upon the emperor; his instructions were exceptionally favorable. He should now be recorded among those who bow in the assembly." Ting replied, "You yourself wish to handle well the relations between father and son, but these are words I dare not hear."
27
司徒、彭城王勰板為行參軍，後除著作郎，襲父爵。 尚書令高肇親寵權盛，子植除青州刺史，啟孝芬為司馬。 後除司徒記室參軍、司空屬、定州大中正，長於剖判，甚有能名，府主任城王澄雅重之。 熙平中，澄奏地制八條，孝芬所參定也。 在府久之，除龍驤將軍、廷尉少卿。
The Minister of Education, the Prince of Pengcheng Xie, appointed him Traveling Aide; later he was made Gentleman for Compilation and inherited his father's title. Director of the Masters of Writing Gao Zhao enjoyed personal favor and great power; his son Zhi was appointed Governor of Qing Province and recommended Xiaofen as Marshal. He was later made Recording Secretary of the Minister of Education, Attendant of the Commandant of Works, and Senior Rectifier of Ding Province. He excelled in deciding cases and enjoyed a great reputation for ability; the Prince of Rencheng Cheng, head of the headquarters, greatly valued him. During the Xiping era Cheng memorialized the eight articles on land regulation, which Xiaofen helped to draft. After long service in the headquarters he was appointed General of the Dragon Cavalry and Vice Director of the Court of Justice.
28
孝昌初，蕭衍遣將裴邃等寇淮南。 詔行臺酈道元、都督河間王琛討之，停師城父，累月不進。 敕孝芬持節齎齊庫刀，[3]催令赴接，賊退而還。 荊州刺史李神儁為蕭衍遣將攻圍，詔加孝芬通直散騎常侍，以將軍為荊州刺史，兼尚書南道行臺，領軍司，率諸將以援神儁，因代焉。 於時，州郡內戍悉已陷沒，且路由三鵶，賊已先據。 孝芬所統既少，不得徑進，遂從弘農堰渠山道南入，遣弟孝直輕兵在前，出賊不意，賊便奔散，人還安堵。 肅宗嘉勞之，并賚馬及綿絹等物。
Early in the Xiaochang era, Xiao Yan of Liang sent the generals Pei Sui and others to raid Huainan. An edict ordered the mobile headquarters of Li Daoyuan and the commander-in-chief, the Prince of Hejian Chen, to attack them, but they halted the army at Chengfu and for many months did not advance. An imperial order directed Xiaofen, bearing the staff and carrying the saber from the Qi arsenal, [3] to hurry and join the relief force; the enemy retreated and he returned. Li Shenjun, Governor of Jing Province, was besieged by generals sent by Xiao Yan. An edict additionally appointed Xiaofen Regular Attendant of Direct Communication and Scattered Cavalry, made him Governor of Jing Province with the rank of general, and assigned him as concurrent Director of the Masters of Writing on the Southern Route Mobile Headquarters, commanding the army bureau and leading the generals to rescue Shenjun, thereby replacing him. At the time the garrisons within the province and commanderies had all fallen, and moreover the route passed through Sanyu, which the enemy had already seized. Xiaofen's forces were few and he could not advance directly, so he entered by the Hongnong canal and mountain road to the south and sent his younger brother Xiaozhi ahead with light troops. Catching the enemy unawares, he put them to flight and restored peace to the people. Emperor Suzong praised and rewarded him, also bestowing horses, silk floss, and other goods.
29
後以元叉之黨，與盧同、李奬等並除名，徵還。 又孝芬為廷尉之日，章武王融以贓貨被劾，孝芬按以重法。 及融為都督，北討鮮于脩禮，於時孝芬弟孝演率勒宗從，避賊於博陵，郡城為賊攻陷，尋為賊所害。 融乃密啟，云：「孝演入賊為王。」 遂見收捕，合家逃竄，遇赦乃出。
Later, because he was a partisan of Yuan Cha, he was struck from the rolls together with Lu Tong, Li Jiang, and others and summoned back to the capital. Moreover, when Xiaofen served as Vice Director of the Court of Justice, the Prince of Zhangwu Rong was impeached for bribery, and Xiaofen prosecuted him under the heavy law. When Rong became commander-in-chief and campaigned north against Xianyu Xiuli, Xiaofen's younger brother Xiaoyan led the clan kindred to Boling to escape the rebels. The commandery city fell to the enemy, and Xiaoyan was soon killed. Rong then sent a secret memorial stating, "Xiaoyan joined the rebels and became their king." Thereupon the family was arrested; the whole household fled and hid, and only after an amnesty did they emerge.
30
孝昌三年，蕭衍將成景儁率眾逼彭城，除孝芬寧朔將軍、員外常侍、兼尚書右丞，為徐州行臺。 孝芬將發，入辭。 靈太后謂孝芬曰：「卿女今事我兒，與卿便是親舊，曾何相負而內頭元叉車中，稱此老嫗會須却之。」 孝芬曰：「臣蒙國厚恩，義無斯語。 假實有此，誰能得聞？ 若有聞知，此於元叉親密過臣遠矣。 乞對言者，足辨虛實。」 靈太后悵然意解，乃有愧色。 景儁築柵造堰，謀斷泗水以灌彭城。 孝芬率大都督李叔仁、柴集等赴戰，[4]景儁等力屈退走。 除孝芬安南將軍、光祿大夫、兼尚書，為徐兗行臺。
In the third year of Xiaochang, the Liang general Cheng Jingjun led troops against Pengcheng. Xiaofen was appointed General Who Pacifies the North, Extraordinary Attendant, and concurrent Right Director of the Masters of Writing, and assigned to the mobile headquarters of Xu Province. As Xiaofen was about to set out, he entered the palace to take leave. Empress Ling said to Cui Xiaofen, "Your daughter now serves my son, so you and I are already kin. How have I wronged you, that Yuan Cha said privately, in his carriage, that this old woman would surely be removed?" Cui Xiaofen replied, "Your subject has received the state's deep favor. Such words are utterly unthinkable. Even if such words were truly spoken, who could have overheard them? If anyone did hear them, that person would be far more intimate with Yuan Cha than I am. I ask only to face the accuser—that would be enough to establish the truth." Empress Ling, softened and convinced, showed a look of shame. Cheng Jingjun built fortifications and a dam, intending to divert the Si River and flood Pengcheng. Cui Xiaofen led Grand Commander Li Shuren, Chai Ji, and others into battle; [4] Cheng Jingjun's forces, exhausted, withdrew in defeat. Cui Xiaofen was appointed General Who Pacifies the South, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and concurrent Master of Writing, with charge of the mobile headquarters for Xu and Yan provinces.
31
建義初，太山太守羊侃據郡反，遠引南賊，圍逼兗州。 除孝芬散騎常侍、鎮東將軍、金紫光祿大夫，仍兼尚書東道行臺，大都督刁宣馳往救援，[5]與行臺于暉接，至便圍之。 侃突圍奔蕭衍，餘悉平定。
At the start of the Jianyi era, Yang Kan, Administrator of Mount Tai, seized the commandery in revolt, summoned southern invaders from afar, and pressed Yan Province under siege. Cui Xiaofen was appointed Regular Attendant, General Who Pacifies the East, and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with the golden seal and purple ribbon, while retaining his post as concurrent head of the Eastern Route Mobile Headquarters. Grand Commander Diao Xuan rushed to the rescue; [5] he linked up with Mobile Headquarters Commander Yu Hui and, upon arrival, immediately laid siege. Yang Kan broke out of the encirclement and fled to Emperor Wu of Liang; the remainder were wholly pacified.
32
永安二年，莊帝聞元顥有內侵之計，敕孝芬南赴徐州。 顥遂潛師向考城，擒大都督、濟陰王暉業，乘勝徑進，遣其後軍都督侯暄守梁國城以為後援。 孝芬勒諸將馳往圍暄，恐顥遣援，乃急攻之，晝夜不息。 五日，暄遂突出，擒斬之，俘其卒三千餘人。 莊帝還宮，授西兗州刺史，將軍如故。 孝芬久倦外役，固辭不行，乃除太常卿。
In the second year of Yong'an, Emperor Zhuang learned that Yuan Hao intended to invade from within and ordered Cui Xiaofen south to Xu Province. Yuan Hao then marched in secret toward Kaocheng, captured Grand Commander and Prince of Jiyin Hui Ye, pressed forward on the momentum of victory, and dispatched Rear-Army Commander Hou Xuan to hold the city of Liang Kingdom as his rear guard. Cui Xiaofen drove his generals to race and surround Hou Xuan. Fearing Yuan Hao would send reinforcements, he pressed the assault day and night without pause. On the fifth day Hou Xuan broke out, was captured, and executed; more than three thousand of his troops were taken prisoner. When Emperor Zhuang returned to the capital, Cui Xiaofen was appointed Inspector of Western Yan Province, retaining his rank as general. Cui Xiaofen, long wearied by campaigns abroad, firmly declined the post and refused to go; he was instead appointed Minister of Ceremonies.
33
普泰元年，南陽太守趙脩延襲據荊州城，囚刺史李琰之，招引南寇。 除孝芬衞將軍、荊州刺史，兼尚書南道行臺。 又除都督三荊諸軍事、車騎將軍、假驃騎將軍。 孝芬已出次，改授散騎常侍、驃騎將軍、西兗州刺史。 太昌初，兼殿中尚書。 尋除車騎大將軍、左光祿大夫，仍尚書。 後加儀同三司、兼吏部尚書。
In the first year of Putai, Zhao Xiuyan, Administrator of Nanyang, seized Jing Province's capital by surprise, imprisoned Inspector Li Yanzhi, and called in southern raiders. Cui Xiaofen was appointed General of the Guard, Inspector of Jing Province, and concurrent head of the Southern Route Mobile Headquarters. He was further appointed Commander-in-Chief of Military Affairs in the Three Jing Regions, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Acting General of Rapid Cavalry. After Cui Xiaofen had already marched out and encamped, he was reassigned as Regular Attendant, General of Rapid Cavalry, and Inspector of Western Yan Province. At the start of the Taichang era, he was made concurrent Director of the Palace Masters of Writing. Soon afterward he was appointed Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, retaining his post in the Masters of Writing. Later he was further granted the Three Excellencies of Equal Rank and appointed concurrent Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
34
出帝入關，齊獻武王至洛，與尚書辛雄、劉廞等並誅，時年五十。 沒其家口，天平中乃免之。
When the Deposed Emperor fled west into the pass, Prince Xianwu of Qi reached Luoyang. Cui Xiaofen was executed together with the Masters of Writing Xin Xiong, Liu Yin, and others. He was fifty years old. His household was confiscated; only during the Tianping era were they released from bondage.
35
孝芬博文口辯，善談論，愛好後進，終日忻然，商搉古今，間以嘲謔，聽者忘疲。 所著文章數十篇。 [6]有子八人。
Cui Xiaofen was learned and eloquent, a gifted conversationalist who loved to encourage younger men. All day long he was cheerful, debating past and present and now and then breaking into banter and jest, so that those who listened forgot their weariness. He wrote several dozen essays. [6] He had eight sons.
36
長子勉，字宣祖。 頗涉史傳，有几案才。 正光初，除太學博士。 莊帝之為御史中尉，啟除侍御史。 永安初，除建節將軍、尚書右中兵郎中。 後太尉、豫章王蕭贊啟為諮議參軍，郎中如故。 以舉人失衷，為中尉高道穆奏免其官。 普泰中，兼尚書左丞。 勉善附會，世論以浮競譏之。 為尚書令尒朱世隆所親待，而尚書郎魏季景尤為世隆知任，勉與季景內頗不穆。 季景陰求右丞，奪勉所兼。 世隆啟用季景，勉遂悵怏自失。 尋除安南將軍、光祿大夫、兼國子祭酒，典儀注。 太昌初，除散騎常侍、征東將軍、金紫光祿大夫、定州大中正，敕左右廂出入其家。 被收之際，在外逃免。 於後乃出，見齊獻武王於晉陽，王勞撫之。 天平末，王遣勉送勳貴妻子赴定州，因得還家。 屬母李氏喪亡，勉哀號過性，遇病卒，時年四十七。 無子，弟宣度以子龍後之。
His eldest son was Mian, courtesy name Xuanzu. He was well versed in history and the classics and had a gift for administrative work. At the start of the Zhengguang era, he was appointed Doctor of the Imperial Academy. When Emperor Zhuang served as Censor-in-Chief, he petitioned to have Mian appointed Attending Censor. At the start of the Yong'an era, he was appointed General Who Establishes Military Authority and Right Director of the Central Military Section in the Masters of Writing. Later Grand Marshal and Prince of Yuzhang Xiao Zan petitioned to appoint him Staff Adviser, while he retained his post as director. Because his recommendations of personnel had missed the mark, Censor-in-Chief Gao Daomu memorialized for his dismissal from office. During the Putai era, he was appointed concurrent Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing. Mian was skilled at currying favor, and public opinion mocked him as shallow and ambitious. He was favored by Master of Writing Erzhu Shilong, but Master of Writing Attendant Wei Jijing enjoyed Shilong's trust above all others; inwardly Mian and Jijing were deeply at odds. Jijing secretly sought the vice directorship and stripped Mian of his concurrent appointment. Shilong petitioned to appoint Jijing, and Mian, resentful and dispirited, fell into despondency. Soon afterward he was appointed General Who Pacifies the South, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and concurrent Rector of the National University, with charge of ritual protocol. At the start of the Taichang era, he was appointed Regular Attendant, General Who Pacifies the East, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with the golden seal and purple ribbon, and Chief Rectifier of Ding Province; an edict permitted the left and right guard posts to pass through his household. When the arrests came, he was abroad and escaped capture. Only afterward did he emerge and present himself to Prince Xianwu of Qi at Jinyang; the prince received him with kindness and reassurance. Near the end of the Tianping era, the prince sent Mian to escort the wives and children of meritorious nobles to Ding Province, and in that way he was able to return home. When his mother Lady Li died, Mian mourned with a grief that exceeded all natural bounds, fell ill, and died at the age of forty-seven. He had no sons; his younger brother Xuandu adopted his son Long as Mian's heir.
37
勉弟宣猷，司徒中郎，走於關西。
Mian's younger brother Xuanyou served as Gentleman of the Secretariat and fled to the western passes.
38
宣猷弟宣度，齊王儀同開府司馬。
Xuanyou's younger brother Xuandu served as Assistant Master of the Prince of Qi's Establishment of Equal Rank.
39
宣度弟宣軌，頗有才學。 尚書考功郎中。 與弟宣質、宣靜、宣略，並死於晉陽。
Xuandu's younger brother Xuangui was a man of considerable talent and learning. He served as Director of Merit Evaluation in the Masters of Writing. He and his younger brothers Xuanzhi, Xuanjing, and Xuanlüe all died at Jinyang.
40
孝芬弟孝暐，字敬業。 少寬雅，早著長者之風。 彭城王勰之臨定州，辟為主簿。 釋褐冀州安東府外兵參軍，歷員外散騎侍郎、寧朔將軍、員外散騎常侍。 武泰初，蠻首李洪扇動諸蠻，詔孝暐持節為別將，隸都督李神軌討平之。 尒朱榮之害朝士，孝暐與弟孝直攜家避難定陶。 孝莊初，徵拜通直散騎常侍，加征虜將軍，尋除趙郡太守。 郡經葛榮離亂之後，民戶喪亡，六畜無遺，斗粟乃至數縑，民皆賣鬻兒女。 夏椹大熟，孝暐勸民多收之。 郡內無牛，教其人種。 招撫遺散，先恩後威，一周之後，流民大至。 興立學校，親加勸篤，百姓賴之。 卒於郡，時年四十九。 贈通直散騎常侍、平東將軍、瀛州刺史，諡曰簡。 朝議謂為未申，復贈安北將軍、定州刺史。
Cui Xiaofen's younger brother was Xiaowei, courtesy name Jingye. From youth he was broad-minded and refined, and early on he showed the bearing of a man of mature character. When Prince Xie of Pengcheng took up his post in Ding Province, he recruited Xiaowei as Chief Clerk. Upon entering office he served as Outside Army Officer of the Pacifying East Headquarters in Ji Province, and later held the posts of Extraordinary Attendant of the Loose Cavalry, General Who Pacifies the North, and Extraordinary Regular Attendant of the Loose Cavalry. At the start of the Wutai era, the Man chieftain Li Hong stirred up the various Man tribes. An edict ordered Xiaowei to bear the staff as a separate commander under Commander-in-Chief Li Shengui and suppress them. When Erzhu Rong slaughtered the court officials, Xiaowei and his younger brother Xiaozhi took their families and fled to Dingtao for refuge. At the start of Emperor Xiaozhuang's reign, he was summoned and appointed Regular Attendant of Direct Communication with the additional rank of General Who Repels the Barbarians; soon afterward he was made Administrator of Zhao Commandery. The commandery had been ravaged by Ge Rong's upheaval: households were wiped out, not a single head of livestock remained, and a peck of grain could cost several bolts of silk. The people were selling their sons and daughters. When the summer mulberries ripened in abundance, Xiaowei urged the people to gather as many as they could. The commandery had no oxen, so he taught the people to plow and plant by hand. He summoned and reassured the scattered refugees, showing kindness before severity. Within a week displaced people came flooding in. He founded schools and personally encouraged learning; the people came to depend on him. He died in office in the commandery at the age of forty-nine. He was posthumously granted the ranks of Regular Attendant of Direct Communication, General Who Pacifies the East, and Inspector of Ying Province, with the posthumous name Jian. Court opinion held that this was insufficient, and he was posthumously granted the additional ranks of General Who Pacifies the North and Inspector of Ding Province.
41
子昂，武定中，尚書左丞、兼度支尚書。
His son Ang, during the Wuding era, served as Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing and concurrent Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.
42
孝暐弟孝演，字則伯，出繼伯父。 性通率，美鬚髯，姿貌魁傑。 少無宦情，沉浮鄉里。 河間王琛為定州刺史，以為治中。 晚除瀛州安西府外兵參軍，因罷歸。 及鮮于脩禮起逆，孝演率宗屬保郡城，為賊攻陷。 賊以孝演民望，恐移眾心，乃害之，時年四十。 無子，弟孝直以子士遊為後。 士遊，儀同開府倉曹參軍。
Xiaowei's younger brother was Xiaoyan, courtesy name Zebo, who had been adopted as heir to his paternal uncle. By nature he was frank and unpretentious, with a fine beard and imposing, heroic bearing. In youth he had no taste for official life and drifted quietly in his home district. When Prince Chen of Hejian served as Inspector of Ding Province, he appointed Xiaoyan Administrative Adviser. Only late in life was he appointed Outside Army Officer of the Pacifying West Headquarters in Ying Province; he then resigned and returned home. When Xianyu Xiuli rose in rebellion, Xiaoyan led the clan to defend the commandery city, but it was overrun by the rebels. Because Xiaoyan enjoyed standing among the people, the rebels feared he would turn popular sentiment against them and killed him. He was forty years old. He had no sons; his younger brother Xiaozhi adopted his son Shiyou as Xiaoyan's heir. Shiyou served as Record-keeping Officer of an Establishment of Equal Rank.
43
孝演弟孝直，字叔廉。 身八尺，眉目踈朗。 早有志尚，起家司空行參軍。 尋為員外散騎侍郎、宣威將，[7]仍以本官入領直後。 轉寧遠將軍、汝南王開府掾，領直寢。 兄孝芬除荊州，詔孝直假征虜將軍，別將，總羽林二千騎，與孝芬俱行。 孝直潛師徑進，賊遂破走。 孝芬入城後，蕭衍將曹義宗仍在馬圈，鼓動順陽蠻夷，緣邊寇竊。 孝直率眾禦之，賊皆退散。 還轉直閤將軍、通直散騎常侍。 尒朱兆入洛，孝直以天下未寧，去職歸鄉里，勸督宗人，務行禮義。 後除安東將軍、光祿大夫，太昌中，又除衞將軍、右光祿大夫，並辭不赴。 宗親勸孝直曰：「榮華人之所願，何故陸沉？」 孝直不答。 年五十八，卒於鄉里，顧命諸子曰：「吾才疏效薄，於國無功，若朝廷復加贈諡，宜循吾意，不得祗受，若致干求，則非吾子，斂以時服，祭勿殺生。」 其子皆遵行之。 有四子。
Xiaoyan's younger brother was Xiaozhi, courtesy name Shulian. He stood eight feet tall, with sparse, clear-bright brows and eyes. From early on he had lofty aspirations and began his career as Master of Protocol under the Minister of Works. Soon afterward he was appointed Extraordinary Attendant of the Loose Cavalry and General Who Proclaims Majesty; [7] retaining his original rank, he entered palace service as head of the Palace Guard Rear. He was transferred to General of Distant Service and staff officer on the Prince of Runan's establishment, with charge of the Palace Guard Chamber. When his elder brother Cui Xiaofen was appointed Inspector of Jing Province, an edict named Xiaozhi Acting General Who Repels the Barbarians and Separate Commander, commanding two thousand Household Guard cavalry, to march with Cui Xiaofen. Xiaozhi marched by a secret route straight at the enemy, and the rebels were broken and put to flight. After Cui Xiaofen entered the city, Emperor Wu of Liang's general Cao Yizong still held Maquan, inciting the Shunyang barbarians and frontier peoples to raid along the border. Xiaozhi led his troops to repel them, and the raiders all withdrew and dispersed. Upon his return he was transferred to General of the Palace Guard and Regular Attendant of Direct Communication. When Erzhu Zhao entered Luoyang, Xiaozhi, seeing that the realm was still unsettled, resigned and returned to his home district, urging and guiding his clansmen to observe ritual propriety. Later he was appointed General Who Pacifies the East and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness; during the Taichang era he was again offered the posts of General of the Guard and Right Grand Master of Splendid Happiness—all of which he declined. Kinsmen urged Xiaozhi, "Glory and honor are what every man desires—why do you bury yourself in obscurity?" Xiaozhi did not reply. At the age of fifty-eight he died in his home district. He gave his final instructions to his sons: "My talent is slight and my achievements meager; I have done nothing for the state. If the court should again offer posthumous honors, you must follow my wishes and refuse them. If you petition for such honors, you are no sons of mine. Bury me in ordinary dress, and at sacrifices do not kill living creatures." His sons all obeyed. He had four sons.
44
長子士順，儀同開府行參軍。
His eldest son Shishun served as Master of Protocol of an Establishment of Equal Rank.
45
孝直弟孝政，字季讓。 十歲，挺亡，號哭不絕，見者為之悲傷。 操尚貞立，博洽經史，雅好辭賦。 喪紀之禮，特所留情，衣服制度，手能執造。 太尉、汝南王悅辟行參軍。 年四十九，卒。
Xiaozhi's younger brother was Xiaozheng, courtesy name Jirang. At the age of ten, when Cui Ting died, he wailed without stopping; all who saw him were moved to grief. His conduct prized integrity and uprightness; he was broadly versed in the classics and histories and had an elegant love of poetry and rhapsody. He took particular care with the rites of mourning, and could personally cut and sew the prescribed vestments and ritual dress. The Defender-in-Chief, Prince Yue of Runan, recruited him as a staff officer on his establishment. He died at the age of forty-nine.
46
子巖，武定中，員外常侍。
His son Yan served as Extraordinary Regular Attendant during the Wuding era.
47
孝芬兄弟孝義慈厚，弟孝演、孝政先亡，孝芬等哭泣哀慟，絕內，蔬食，容貌損瘠，見者傷之。 孝暐等奉孝芬盡恭順之禮，坐食進退，孝芬不命則不敢也。 鷄鳴而起，旦參顏色，一錢尺帛，不入私房，吉凶有須，聚對分給。 諸婦亦相親愛，有無共之。 始挺兄弟同居，孝芬叔振既亡之後，孝芬等奉承叔母李氏，若事所生，旦夕溫凊，出入啟覲，家事巨細，一以諮決。 每兄弟出行，有獲財物，尺寸已上，皆內李氏之庫，四時分賚，李自裁之，如此者二十餘歲。 撫從弟宣伯子朗，如同氣焉。
The Xiaofen brothers were filial, benevolent, and generous in spirit. When their younger brothers Xiaoyan and Xiaozheng died first, Xiaofen and the others wept in anguish, abstained from their wives, ate only plain food, and grew gaunt and wasted in appearance. All who saw them were moved to grief. Xiaowei and the others treated Xiaofen with the utmost reverence and obedience. In sitting down, eating, or coming and going, they would not act unless Xiaofen directed them. They rose at cockcrow and each morning inquired after his health. Not a single coin or inch of silk went into their private stores; whenever expenses for festive or mournful occasions arose, they pooled resources and divided them among themselves. The wives also loved one another dearly and shared whatever they had. The Cui Ting brothers had lived together from the start. After their uncle Zhen died, Xiaofen and the others cared for their aunt, Lady Li, as though she were their own mother—attending to her comfort morning and evening, reporting to her whenever they came or went, and consulting her on every matter of household affairs, great or small. Whenever the brothers went out and acquired goods, even the smallest items were placed in Lady Li's storeroom. Season after season she distributed them as gifts at her own discretion, and this continued for more than twenty years. He raised his younger cousin Xuanbo's son Lang as though he were his own brother.
48
挺弟振，字延根。 少有學行，居家孝友，為宗族所稱。 自中書學生為祕書中散，在內謹敕，為高祖所知。 出為冀州、咸陽王禧驃騎府司馬，在任久之。 太和二十年，遷建威將軍、平陽太守。 不拜，轉高陽內史。 高祖南討，徵兼尚書左丞，留京。 振既才幹被擢，當世以為榮。 後改定職令，振本資惟擬五品，詔曰：「振在郡著績，宜有褒升。」 除太子庶子。 景明初，除長兼廷尉少卿。 振有公斷，以明察稱。 河內太守陸琇與咸陽王禧同謀為逆，禧敗事發，振窮治之。 時琇內外親黨及當朝貴要咸為之言，振研覈切至，終無縱緩，遂斃之於獄。 其奉法如此。 正始初，除龍驤將軍、肆州刺史，在任有政績。 還朝，除河東太守。 永平中，卒於郡，時年五十九。 贈本將軍、南兗州刺史，諡曰定。 振歷官四十餘載，考課恒為稱職。 議者善之。
Cui Ting's younger brother was Zhen, courtesy name Yangen. From youth he showed learning and integrity. Filial and amiable at home, he was praised throughout the clan. Starting as a student of the Central Secretariat, he became Palace Attendant of the Secretariat. Diligent and disciplined within the palace, he came to Emperor Gaozu's attention. He was sent out to serve as Chief Administrator of the Rapid Cavalry Headquarters of Prince Xi of Xianyang in Ji Province, and remained in that post for a long time. In the twentieth year of Taihe he was promoted to General Who Establishes Might and Administrator of Pingyang. He declined the appointment and was transferred to Inner Magistrate of Gaoyang. When Emperor Gaozu marched south on campaign, Zhen was summoned to serve concurrently as Left Assistant Director of the Masters of Writing and was left in the capital. Since Zhen had been promoted for his talent and ability, his contemporaries regarded it as a distinction. Later, when the official rank system was reformed, Zhen's original qualification would have placed him only in the fifth rank. An edict stated: "Zhen has achieved distinction in his commandery and deserves commendation and promotion." He was appointed Attendant of the Heir Apparent. At the start of the Jingming era he was appointed Senior Concurrent Vice Director of the Court of Justice. Zhen was known for fair judgment and keen discernment. When Henei Administrator Lu Qiu conspired with Prince Xi of Xianyang to rebel, and Xi's plot collapsed, Zhen prosecuted the case with exhaustive thoroughness. At the time Qiu's kin and the court's powerful figures all interceded on his behalf, but Zhen's investigation was exhaustive and unsparing. Showing no leniency, he had Qiu beaten to death in prison. Such was his devotion to the law. At the start of the Zhengshi era he was appointed General of the Dragon Cavalry and Inspector of Si Province, where he achieved notable results in office. After returning to court, he was appointed Administrator of Hedong. During the Yongping era he died in office at the age of fifty-nine. He was posthumously honored with his former rank of general and as Inspector of Southern Yan Province; his posthumous name was Ding. Zhen served in office for more than forty years, and in merit evaluations he was consistently rated as fulfilling his duties. Those who discussed the matter praised it.
49
長子宣伯，早喪。 子勁，字仲括。 驃騎參軍。
His eldest son Xuanbo died prematurely. His son was Jin, courtesy name Zhongkuo. He served as aide on a Rapid Cavalry staff.
50
宣伯弟子朗，美容貌，涉獵經史，少溫厚，有風尚。 以軍功起家襄威將軍、員外散騎侍郎。 普泰中，從兄孝芬為荊州，請為車騎府司馬。 孝芬轉西兗州，為驃騎府司馬。 太昌初，冠軍將軍、北徐州撫軍府長史，固辭，不獲免。 興和二年，中尉高仲密引為侍御史，尋加平西將軍。 武定中卒。 子道綱。
Xuanbo's nephew Lang was handsome in appearance, widely read in the classics and histories, gentle and generous from youth, and possessed a cultivated moral bearing. He entered office through military merit as General Who Displays Martiality and Extraordinary Attendant of the Loose Cavalry. During the Putai era, when his older cousin Xiaofen became Inspector of Jing Province, he invited Lang to serve as Chief Administrator of his Chariots and Cavalry Headquarters. When Xiaofen was transferred to Western Yan Province, Lang served as Chief Administrator of his Rapid Cavalry Headquarters. At the start of the Taichang era he was appointed Champion General and Chief Clerk of the Pacification Army headquarters in Northern Xu Province. He firmly declined but could not secure a release from the appointment. In the second year of Xinghe, Censor-in-Chief Gao Zhongmi brought him in as Attending Censor, and soon afterward he was granted the additional rank of General Who Pacifies the West. He died during the Wuding era. His son was Daogang.
51
挺從父弟元珍，釋褐司徒行參軍，稍遷司徒主簿、趙郡王幹開府屬。 景明中，荊州長史。 久之，為司徒從事中郎，有公平稱。 後遷中散大夫，加征虜將軍。 正光末，山胡作逆，除平陽太守，假右將軍，為別將以討之，頻破胡賊，郡內以安。 武泰初，改郡為唐州，仍除元珍為刺史，加右將軍。 以破胡勳，賜爵涼城侯。 尒朱榮之趣洛也，遣其都督樊子鵠取唐州。 元珍與行臺酈惲拒守不從，為子鵠所陷，被害。 世咸痛之。 子叔恭。
Ting's paternal cousin Yuanzhen entered office as a staff officer under the Minister of Education, then gradually rose to Chief Clerk of the Minister of Education and a member of Prince Gan of Zhao Commandery's princely establishment. During the Jingming era he served as Chief Clerk of Jing Province. After some time he was appointed Attendant of the Minister of Education and earned a reputation for fairness. He was later promoted to Palace Attendant with the additional rank of General Who Repels the Barbarians. Late in the Zhengguang era, when the Mountain Hu rebelled, he was appointed Administrator of Pingyang and provisionally made General of the Right, serving as a separate commander to suppress them. He repeatedly defeated the Hu raiders and pacified the commandery. At the start of the Wutai era the commandery was redesignated as Tang Province, and Yuanzhen was appointed its inspector with the additional rank of General of the Right. For his merit in defeating the Hu he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Liangcheng. When Erzhu Rong marched on Luoyang, he dispatched his commander Fan Zihu to seize Tang Province. Yuanzhen and Mobile Headquarters Commissioner Li Yun held the city in defiance, but were outmaneuvered by Zihu and killed. All who knew of it mourned him. His son was Shugong.
52
挺從父弟瑜之，字仲璉。 少孤，有學業。 太和中，釋褐奉朝請，廣陵王羽常侍，累歷蕃佐。 入為司空功曹參軍事、太尉主簿，遷冀州撫軍府長史。 後為揚州平東府長史，帶南梁太守。 蕭衍義州刺史文僧明來降，瑜之迎接有勳，賜爵高邑男。 孝昌初，除鴻臚少卿。 三年卒，年五十六。 贈平北將軍、瀛州刺史。 有三子。
Ting's paternal cousin was Yuzhi, courtesy name Zhonglian. Orphaned in youth, he applied himself to learning. During the Taihe era he entered office as Attendant at Court and Regular Attendant to Prince Yu of Guangling, later serving in various princely staffs. He entered central government as Merit Evaluation Officer in the Bureau of Works and Chief Clerk of the Defender-in-Chief, then was transferred to Chief Clerk of the Pacification Army headquarters in Ji Province. He later served as Chief Clerk of the Pacifying East Headquarters in Yang Province, concurrently holding the post of Administrator of Nanliang. When Wen Sengming, Inspector of Yi Province under Xiao Yan, came over in surrender, Yuzhi distinguished himself in receiving him and was enfeoffed as Baron of Gaoyi. At the start of the Xiaochang era he was appointed Vice Director of the Chamberlain for Dependencies. In the third year of Xiaochang he died at the age of fifty-six. He was posthumously honored as General Who Pacifies the North and Inspector of Ying Province. He had three sons.
53
長子孟舒，字長才，襲父爵。 累遷平東將軍、太中大夫。 興和中，除廣平太守。 卒，贈中軍將軍、殷州刺史，贈平東將軍，[8]諡曰康。
His eldest son was Mengshu, courtesy name Changcai, who inherited his father's title. He rose through repeated promotion to General Who Pacifies the East and Palace Attendant. During the Xinghe era he was appointed Administrator of Guangping. At his death he was posthumously honored as General of the Central Army and Inspector of Yin Province, and again as General Who Pacifies the East; [8] his posthumous name was Kang.
54
孟舒弟仲舒，武定末，鄴縣令。
Mengshu's younger brother Zhongshu served as Magistrate of Ye County at the end of the Wuding era.
55
仲舒弟季舒，給事黃門侍郎。
Zhongshu's younger brother Jishu served as Attendant Serving Within the Yellow Gates and Gentleman Attendant.
56
挺從祖弟脩和，州主簿。
Ting's younger cousin Xiuhe served as Chief Clerk of the province.
57
子儉，字元恭，雅有器度。 歷太學博士，終於符璽郎中。
His son Jian, courtesy name Yuangong, was refined in bearing and possessed of capacity. He served as Erudite of the Imperial Academy and ended his career as Gentleman of the Seals and Credentials.
58
儉弟緒，字仲穆。 定州撫軍府法曹參軍。 緒小弟孝忠，侍御史、祕書郎。 並有容貌，無他才識。
Jian's younger brother was Xu, courtesy name Zhongmu. He served as Legal Affairs Officer of the Pacification Army headquarters in Ding Province. Xu's youngest brother Xiaozhong served as Attending Censor and Secretary Gentleman. All were handsome in appearance but lacked other talent or discernment.
59
緒子子謙，尚書郎。
Xu's son Ziqian served as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing.
60
子謙弟子讓，與侯景同反，子謙坐以囚執，遇病死於晉陽。 子讓弟子廉等，並伏法。
Ziqian's nephew Rang rebelled together with Hou Jing. Ziqian was implicated, imprisoned, and died of illness at Jinyang. Rang's nephews Lian and others were all executed by law.
61
脩和弟敬邕，性長者，有幹用。 高祖時，自司徒主簿轉尚書都官郎中，所在稱職。 遷太子步兵校尉。 景明初，母憂去職。 後中山王英南討，引為都督府長史，加左中郎將，以功賜爵臨淄男。 遷龍驤將軍、太府少卿，以本將軍出除營州刺史。 [9]庫莫奚國有馬百匹因風入境，敬邕悉令送還，於是夷人感附。 熙平二年，拜征虜將軍、太中大夫。 神龜中卒，[10]年五十七。 贈左將軍、濟州刺史，諡曰恭。
Xiuhe's younger brother Jingyong was by nature a man of mature and steady character, possessed of practical ability. During Emperor Gaozu's reign he rose from Chief Clerk of the Minister of Education to Director of Penal Affairs in the Masters of Writing, and in every post was rated as fulfilling his duties. He was promoted to Commandant of Footsoldiers of the Heir Apparent. At the start of the Jingming era he left office to observe mourning for his mother. Later, when Prince Ying of Zhongshan marched south on campaign, Jingyong was recruited as Chief Clerk of the commander-in-chief's headquarters with the additional rank of Left Commandant of the Center, and for his merit was enfeoffed as Baron of Linzi. He was promoted to General of the Dragon Cavalry and Vice Director of the Imperial Treasury, then sent out with his former rank as Inspector of Ying Province. [9] A hundred horses from the Kumo Xi entered the border driven by the wind. Jingyong had them all returned, and the barbarian peoples were thereby moved to submit. In the second year of Xiping he was appointed General Who Repels the Barbarians and Palace Attendant. He died during the Shengui era, [10] at the age of fifty-seven. He was posthumously honored as General of the Left and Inspector of Ji Province; his posthumous name was Gong.
62
子子盛，襲爵。 除奉朝請。
His son Zisheng inherited the title. He was appointed Attendant at Court.
63
脩和從弟接，字顯賓。 容貌魁偉，放邁自高，不拘常檢。 為中書博士、樂陵內史。 雅為任城王澄所禮待，及澄為定州刺史，接了無民敬，王忻然容下之。 後為冀州安東府司馬，轉樂陵太守。 還鄉而卒。
Xiuhe's younger cousin was Jie, courtesy name Xianbin. He was tall and imposing in appearance, free-spirited and proud, and unconstrained by conventional propriety. He served as Erudite of the Central Secretariat and Inner Magistrate of Leling. He had long been treated with courtesy by Prince Cheng of Rencheng. When Cheng became Inspector of Ding Province, Jie showed no proper deference befitting his office, yet the prince graciously tolerated him. He later served as Chief Administrator of the Pacifying East Headquarters in Ji Province, then was transferred to Administrator of Leling. He returned home and died there.
64
挺族子纂，字叔則，博學有文才。 景明中，太學博士，轉員外散騎侍郎、襄威將軍。 既不為時知，乃著無談子論。 後為給事中。 延昌中，除梁州征虜府長史。 熙平初，為寧遠將軍、廷尉正，每於大獄，多所據明，有當官之譽。 時太原王靜自廷尉監遷少卿，纂耻居其下，乃與靜書，辭氣抑揚，無上下之體。 又啟求解任，乃除左中郎將，領尚書三公郎中。 未幾，以公事免。 後為洛陽令。 正光中卒，年四十五。 贈司徒左長史。 凡所製文，多行於世。
Cui Ting's clansman Zuan, courtesy name Shuze, was broadly learned and possessed literary talent. During the Jingming era he served as Erudite of the Imperial Academy, then was transferred to Extraordinary Attendant of the Loose Cavalry and General Who Displays Martiality. Finding no recognition in his day, he wrote the Treatise of Master Wutan. He later served as Gentlemen Attendant. During the Yanchang era he was appointed Chief Administrator of the Pacifying Barbarians Headquarters in Liang Province. At the start of the Xiping era he became General Who Pacifies the Distant and Director of the Court of Justice; in major cases he often clarified matters on the evidence, earning a reputation for being fit for his post. At the time Wang Jing of Taiyuan was promoted from Supervisor of the Court of Justice to Vice Director. Zuan was ashamed to rank beneath him and wrote Jing a letter whose tone rose and fell without the proper deference owed between superior and subordinate. He also memorialized asking to be relieved of his duties and was then appointed Left Commandant of the Palace Guards, concurrently serving as Director of the Three Excellencies Office in the Masters of Writing. Before long he was dismissed for an official matter. He later served as Magistrate of Luoyang. He died during the Zhengguang era at the age of forty-five. He was posthumously awarded the title of Left Chief Administrator of the Minister of Education. Many of the writings he composed circulated widely in his day.
65
長子史，武定末，儀同府長流參軍。
His eldest son Shi, at the end of the Wuding era, served as Chief Administrator's Adjutant of Flowing Streams in a household equal in rank to the Three Excellencies.
66
纂兄穆，寬雅有度量，州辟主簿。 卒。
Zuan's elder brother Mu was broad-minded and refined, possessed of magnanimity; the province recruited him as Chief Clerk. He died.
67
子暹，武定末，度支尚書、兼右僕射。
His son Xian, at the end of the Wuding era, served as Minister of Revenue and concurrently Right Vice Director.
68
纂弟融，字脩業。 奉朝請。 尚書令高肇出討巴蜀，引為統軍。 還，除員外散騎侍郎。 正光中，定州別駕。 年四十二，卒。
Zuan's younger brother Rong, courtesy name Xiuye. He served as Gentlemen Attendant at Court. When Director of the Masters of Writing Gao Zhao marched out to campaign against Ba and Shu, he recruited Rong as General-in-Command. After returning he was appointed Extraordinary Attendant of the Loose Cavalry. During the Zhengguang era he served as Vice Administrator of Ding Province. He died at the age of forty-two.
69
子鴻翻，郡功曹。
His son Hongfan served as Records Officer of the commandery.
70
纂從祖弟遊，字延叔，少有風概。 釋褐奉朝請，稍遷太尉主簿。 江州刺史陳伯之啟為司馬，還除奉車都尉。 大都督、中山王英征義陽，引為錄事參軍，尋轉司馬。 及英敗於鍾離，遊坐徙秦州，久而得還。 大將軍高肇西征，引為統軍，除步兵校尉，遷豫州征虜府長史，未幾，除征虜將軍、北趙郡太守，並有政績。
Zuan's younger paternal cousin You, courtesy name Yanshu, from youth possessed bearing and resolve. On first entering office he was Gentlemen Attendant at Court and was gradually promoted to Chief Clerk of the Grand Commandant. Inspector of Jiang Province Chen Buzhi requested him as Chief Administrator; after returning he was appointed Commandant Who Carries Imperial Vehicles. Grand Commander, Prince of Zhongshan Ying, on campaign against Yiyang recruited him as Recording Adjutant; he was soon transferred to Chief Administrator. When Ying was defeated at Zhongli, You was implicated and exiled to Qin Province; only after a long interval was he able to return. On Great General Gao Zhao's western campaign he recruited You as General-in-Command. You was appointed Commandant of Footsoldiers, then transferred to Chief Administrator of the Pacifying Barbarians Headquarters in Yu Province; before long he was made General Who Pacifies Barbarians and Administrator of North Zhao Commandery, and in every post achieved notable administrative success.
71
熙平末，轉河東太守。 郡有鹽戶，常供州郡為兵，子孫見丁從役，遊矜其勞苦，乃表聞請聽更代，郡內感之。 太學舊在城內，遊乃移置城南閑敞之處，親自說經，當時學者莫不勸慕，號為良守。 以本將軍遷涼州刺史，以母憂解任。
At the end of the Xiping era he was transferred to Administrator of Hedong. The commandery had salt households who regularly supplied conscripts to the province and commandery; descendants were liable for service as they came of age. You took pity on their hardship and submitted a memorial asking that rotation of duty be permitted, and the people of the commandery were deeply moved. The Imperial Academy had formerly stood inside the city walls; You moved it to an open, spacious site south of the city and personally lectured on the classics. Scholars of the day all admired and aspired to study there, and he was hailed as a good Administrator. Retaining his general's rank, he was transferred to Inspector of Liang Province but left office to observe mourning for his mother.
72
正光中，起除右將軍、南秦州刺史，固辭不免。 先是，州人楊松柏、楊洛德兄弟數為反叛，遊至州，深加招慰。 松柏歸款，引為主簿，稍以辭色誘之，兄弟俱至。 松柏既州之豪帥，感遊恩遇，奬諭羣氐，咸來歸款，且以過在前政，不復自疑。 遊乃因宴會，一時俱斬，於是外人以其不信，合境皆反。 正光五年夏，秦州城人殺刺史李彥據州為逆。 數日之後，遊知必不安，謀欲出外，尋為城人韓祖香、孫𥛰攻於州館。 遊事窘，登樓慷慨悲歎，乃推下小女而殺之，義不為羣小所辱也。 尋為祖香等所執害，時年五十二。 永安中，贈散騎侍郎、鎮北將軍、定州刺史。
During the Zhengguang era he was summoned and appointed Right General and Inspector of South Qin Province; he firmly declined but could not escape appointment. Previously the brothers Yang Songbai and Yang Luode, natives of the province, had repeatedly rebelled. When You arrived he extended generous outreach and consolation. Songbai submitted in good faith; You appointed him Chief Clerk and gradually drew him in with friendly words and manner until both brothers came. Songbai was a powerful leader of the province; moved by You's kindness, he encouraged the various Di peoples, who all came to submit in good faith. Because the fault had lain with the previous administration, they no longer held themselves in doubt. You then used a banquet as his occasion and executed them all at once. Outsiders, judging him untrustworthy, rebelled throughout the entire province. In the summer of the fifth year of Zhengguang, the people of Qin Province's capital killed Inspector Li Yan and seized the province in rebellion. Several days later You knew he could not remain secure and planned to leave; soon he was attacked at the provincial hostel by the city men Han Zuxiang and Sun Yan. Hard pressed, You mounted a tower and lamented with passionate grief; he then pushed his young daughter down and killed her, refusing on principle to let the mob dishonor him. Soon afterward he was seized and killed by Zuxiang and the others; he was fifty-two years old. In the Yong'an era he was posthumously awarded Attendant of the Loose Cavalry, General Who Pacifies the North, and Inspector of Ding Province.
73
子伏護，開府參軍。
His son Fuhu served as Staff Officer of the General-in-Chief's Headquarters.
74
史臣曰：高祐學業優通，知名前世，儒俊之風，門舊不隕。 諸子經傳之器，加有捨生之節。 崔挺兄弟，風操高亮，懷文抱質，歷事著稱，見重於朝野，繼世承家，門族並著，蓋所謂彼有人焉。
The historian says: Gao You's learning and accomplishments were excellent and comprehensive; renowned in earlier generations, the scholarly brilliance of his house did not fade. His sons were fit vessels of the classics and commentaries, and moreover possessed the integrity to give up their lives. The brothers Cui Ting bore lofty conduct and bright integrity, treasured literature and embraced substance; in successive service they won notable acclaim and were esteemed in court and countryside alike. Carrying on the family from generation to generation, the whole clan was eminent — this is what is meant by "over there they have their men."
75
校勘記
Textual notes
76
昔宋均樹德諸本「均」作「鈞」，冊府卷一０四 〈一二三七頁〉 作「均」。 按事見後漢書卷四一宋均傳，今據改。
"In former times Song Jun planted virtue": in various editions the character jun is written as a homophonous variant; Celifu juan 104 〈Page 1237〉 reads jun. The matter appears in Hou Han shu juan 41, Song Jun biography; emended accordingly.
77
乃縣立講學黨立小學諸本及北史卷三一高允附高祐傳「小學」作「教學」，下更有「村立小學」四字。 獨百衲本如上摘句。 按通鑑卷一三六 〈四二七九頁〉 敍高祐語全本魏書，却和百衲本同，知司馬光所見魏書舊本即如此，南本以下諸本當即據北史改補。 且上文只說「縣黨宜有黌序」，沒有提到村，北魏鄉閭組織也沒有村的一級。 雖北史或有所本，却未必是魏書脫誤，今從百衲本。
"Thereupon counties would establish lecture halls, communities would establish elementary schools": in various editions and Beishi juan 31, appendix Gao You biography, xiaoxue (elementary school) reads jiaoxue (teaching), with four additional characters below, "villages establish elementary schools." Only the Baiken edition reads as quoted above. Per Zizhi tongjian juan 136 〈Page 4279〉 In narrating Gao You's words, the complete Wei shu agrees with the Baiken edition; since the old Wei shu text Sima Guang saw read just so, editions from the Southern edition downward must have been altered and supplemented from Beishi. Moreover, the passage above speaks only of "counties and communities ought to have schools"; it does not mention villages, and Northern Wei's neighborhood organization likewise had no village tier. Although Beishi may have had some source, that need not mean Wei shu is lacunose or corrupt; the text now follows the Baiken edition.
78
敕孝芬持節齎齊庫刀通鑑卷一五０ 〈四六九二頁〉 「齊」作「齋」。 胡注：「齋庫刀，千牛刀也。」 按「齋庫」亦見卷一三文成元皇后傳。 疑「齊」字訛，但卷七七辛雄傳亦作「齊庫刀」，今仍之。
"Ordered Xiaofen to carry credentials and present the Qi-store swords": Zizhi tongjian juan 150 〈Page 4692〉 qi reads zhai. Hu's note: "The zhai-store swords are the thousand-ox swords." "Zhai store" also appears in juan 13, biography of Empress Yuan of Emperor Wencheng. The character qi is probably corrupt, but juan 77, Xin Xiong biography, also reads "qi-store swords"; the text is retained as is.
79
孝芬率大都督李叔仁柴集等赴戰諸本「赴」訛「起」，今據冊府卷三五四 〈四一九八頁〉 改。
"Xiaofen led the Grand Commanders Li Shuren, Chai Ji, and others to go to battle": editions wrongly read fu (go to) as qi (rise); emended per Celifu juan 354 〈Page 4198〉 Emended.
80
大都督刁宣馳往救援按文義「大都督」上當有「與」字。
"Grand Commander Diao Xuan rode swiftly to the rescue": by sense, yu (with) is missing before "Grand Commander."
81
所著文章數十篇北史卷三二崔挺附崔孝芬傳「文章」作「文筆」。 按當時以無韵之文為筆，疑北史是。
"His compositions numbered several tens of pieces": Beishi juan 32, Cui Ting appendix, Cui Xiaofen biography, reads wenbi (literary brush) for wenzhang (literary composition). Prose without rhyme was then called bi (brush); Beishi is probably correct.
82
尋為員外散騎侍郎宣威將按卷一一三官氏志太和後品令，宣威將軍在第六品，這裏「將」下脫「軍」字。
"Soon made Extraordinary Attendant of the Loose Cavalry and General Who Displays Authority": per juan 113, Offices and Clans Treatise, post-Taihe rank table, General Who Displays Authority is sixth rank; here jun (army) is omitted after jiang (general).
83
贈中軍將軍殷州刺史贈平東將軍北史卷三二崔挺傳附見孟舒作「贈殷州刺史、鎮東將軍」。 按上云「贈中軍將軍」，下又云「贈平東將軍」，不可通。 卷一一三官氏志太和後職令，「平東」在第三品，「中軍」與「鎮東」並在從第二品，而「四鎮」班在前。 疑本云「再 （或加） 贈鎮東將軍」，傳本「贈」上脫「再」或「加」字，又涉上「累遷平東將軍」語，「鎮」訛作「平」。
"Posthumously awarded General of the Central Army and Inspector of Yin Province; posthumously awarded General Who Pacifies the East": Beishi juan 32, Cui Ting biography appendix, Meng Shu entry, reads "posthumously awarded Inspector of Yin Province and General Who Garrisons the East." Above it says "posthumously awarded General of the Central Army," and below again "posthumously awarded General Who Pacifies the East"; the wording cannot be coherent. Juan 113, Offices and Clans Treatise, post-Taihe office table: Pacifies the East is third rank; Central Army and Garrisons the East are both second subordinate rank, and the Four Garrisoning generals rank ahead. The original probably read "again (or additionally) posthumously awarded General Who Garrisons the East"; in the transmitted text, zai (again) or jia (additionally) has dropped out before "posthumously awarded," and influenced by the phrase above "was repeatedly promoted to General Who Pacifies the East," zhen (garrison) was corrupted to ping (pacify).
84
以本將軍出除營州刺史諸本「營」作「管」，無此州名，今據北史卷三二崔挺附崔敬邕傳、墓誌集釋崔敬邕墓誌 〈圖版二二三〉 改。
"With his existing rank of general he went out and was appointed Inspector of Ying Province": editions read ying as guan; no such province exists; emended per Beishi juan 32, Cui Ting appendix, Cui Jingyong biography, and Jishi jishi, epitaph of Cui Jingyong 〈Plate 223〉 Emended.
85
熙平二年拜征虜將軍太中大夫神龜中卒按崔敬邕墓誌，授此官在延昌四年 〈五一五〉 ，熙平二年乃其卒年。 疑傳記授官及卒年皆誤。
"In the second year of Xiping appointed General Who Pacifies Barbarians and Grand Master of Palace Counsel; died in the Shengui era": per the epitaph of Cui Jingyong, this office was conferred in the fourth year of Yanchang 〈515〉 ; the second year of Xiping was in fact the year of his death. Both the recorded conferral of office and the year of death in the biography are probably in error.