1
韓麒麟程駿
Han Qilin and Cheng Jun
2
後參征南慕容白曜軍事，進攻升城，師人多傷。 及城潰，白曜將坑之，麒麟諫曰：「今始踐偽境，方圖進取，宜寬威厚惠，以示賊人，此韓信降范陽之計。 勁敵在前，而便坑其眾，恐自此以東，將人各為守，攻之難克。 日久師老，外民乘之，以生變故，則三齊未易圖也。」 白曜從之，皆令復業，齊人大悅。 後白曜表麒麟為冠軍將軍，與房法壽對為冀州刺史。 白曜攻東陽，麒麟上義租六十萬斛，并攻戰器械，於是軍資無乏。 及白曜被誅，麒麟亦徵還，停滯多年。 高祖時，拜給事黃門侍郎，乘傳招慰徐兗，叛民歸順者四千餘家。
He later served on the staff of Murong Baiyao, the Campaign South general, in the assault on Shengcheng, where the army suffered heavy casualties. When the city fell, Baiyao prepared to massacre the captives by burying them alive. Qilin urged him: "We have only just entered the usurpers' territory and are still planning our advance. We ought to temper severity with generous clemency as a signal to the enemy—this is the same strategy Han Xin used to win over Fanyang. With formidable enemies still ahead, to slaughter the populace now would likely drive every commander east of here to hold his ground independently, making the region far harder to conquer. As the campaign drags on the army will tire, outsiders will seize their chance to stir up trouble, and the three Qi regions will no longer be easy to bring under control." Baiyao accepted his advice, restored everyone to their livelihoods, and the people of Qi were overjoyed. Baiyao later recommended Qilin for appointment as Champion General, to serve jointly with Fang Fashou as inspector of Jizhou. During Baiyao's siege of Dongyang, Qilin supplied six hundred thousand hu of grain as voluntary tribute, along with siege equipment, so that the army never wanted for provisions. After Baiyao was put to death, Qilin too was recalled to court and languished without appointment for many years. Under Emperor Xiaowen he was made Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and sent by post-chaise to pacify Xu and Yan; more than four thousand rebel households came back into allegiance.
3
尋除冠軍將軍、齊州刺史，假魏昌侯。 麒麟在官，寡於刑罰，從事劉普慶說麒麟曰：「明公仗節方夏，而無所斬戮，何以示威？」 麒麟曰：「刑罰所以止惡，蓋不得已而用之。 今民不犯法，何所戮乎？ 若必須斬斷以立威名，當以卿應之。」 普慶慚懼而退。 麒麟以新附之人，未階臺宦，士人沉抑，乃表曰：「齊土自屬偽方，歷載久遠，舊州府僚，動有數百。 自皇威開被，并職從省，守宰闕任，不聽土人監督。 竊惟新人未階朝宦，州郡局任甚少，沉塞者多，願言冠冕，輕為去就。 愚謂守宰有闕，宜推用豪望，增置吏員，廣延賢哲。 則華族蒙榮，良才獲敍，懷德安土，庶或在茲。」 朝議從之。
He was soon appointed Champion General and inspector of Qizhou, with the provisional title Marquis of Weichang. In office Qilin was sparing with punishments. His aide Liu Puqing pressed him: "My lord, you hold imperial commission in the height of summer yet have not ordered a single execution—how can you inspire awe?" Qilin replied: "Punishment exists to restrain wickedness and should be used only when there is no other choice. The people are not breaking the law—whom am I to execute? If heads truly must fall to establish my reputation, then you yourself should supply the example." Puqing withdrew, ashamed and alarmed. Because men newly brought under the dynasty had not yet risen to court posts and local scholars remained sidelined, Qilin submitted a memorial: "Qi has long been under the southern regime; former prefectural staffs alone run to hundreds. Since Your Majesty's authority reached this land, offices were merged and trimmed; when prefects and magistrates were unfilled, local men were not permitted even to oversee affairs. I observe that newcomers still hold no court rank, that few posts remain open in the provinces, and that many capable men are shut out; those who seek official caps and robes therefore come and go with little loyalty. I humbly suggest that when prefects and magistrates are lacking, local leaders of standing should be promoted, the number of posts increased, and worthy men sought far and wide. Then eminent clans would share in honor, able men would find employment, and gratitude for imperial grace together with attachment to the land might be secured by this means." The court accepted his proposal.
4
太和十一年，京都大饑，麒麟表陳時務曰：
In the eleventh year of the Taihe era a great famine struck the capital; Qilin submitted a memorial on urgent policy matters, stating:
5
古先哲王經國立治，積儲九稔，謂之太平。 故躬籍千畝，以勵百姓，用能衣食滋茂，禮教興行。 逮於中代，亦崇斯業，入粟者與斬敵同爵，力田者與孝悌均賞，實百王之常軌，為治之所先。
The sage kings of antiquity, in ordering the state and establishing rule, laid up grain for nine harvests and called that true peace. They therefore plowed the sacred field themselves to encourage the people, so that food and clothing abounded and ritual and instruction flourished. Even in later ages rulers prized the same work: men who contributed grain were ennobled like men who slew enemies in battle, and diligent farmers were rewarded like men famed for filial piety—this has been the constant practice of the hundred kings and the foundation of good government.
6
今京師民庶，不田者多，遊食之口，三分居二。 蓋一夫不耕，或受其飢，況於今者，動以萬計。 故頃年山東遭水，而民有餒終； 今秋京都遇旱，穀價踊貴。 實由農人不勸，素無儲積故也。
Today in the capital many common people do not till the soil; idlers and dependents make up two thirds of the population. When one man fails to farm, others may go hungry; how much worse when the idle number in the tens of thousands. That is why, when floods struck Shandong in recent years, people there actually starved to death; and this autumn drought in the capital has sent grain prices soaring. The root cause is that farming has not been encouraged and no reserves have been built up.
7
伏惟陛下天縱欽明，道高三、五，昧旦憂勤，思恤民弊，雖帝虞一日萬幾，周文昃不暇食，蔑以為喻。 上垂覆載之澤，下有凍餒之人，皆由有司不為明制，長吏不恤其本。 自承平日久，豐穰積年，競相矜夸，遂成侈俗。 車服第宅，奢僭無限； 喪葬婚娶，為費實多； 貴富之家，童妾袨服； 工商之族，玉食錦衣。 農夫餔糟糠，蠶婦乏短褐。 故令耕者日少，田有荒蕪。 穀帛罄於府庫，寶貨盈於市里； 衣食匱於室，麗服溢於路。 飢寒之本，實在於斯。 愚謂凡珍玩之物，皆宜禁斷，吉凶之禮，備為格式，令貴賤有別，民歸朴素。 制天下男女，計口受田。 宰司四時巡行，臺使歲一按檢。 勤相勸課，嚴加賞賜。 數年之中，必有盈贍，雖遇災凶，免於流亡矣。
Your Majesty is heaven-endowed with sagely brilliance; your Way surpasses even the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors; you rise before dawn in anxious toil to ease the people's hardships—yet even Emperor Shun's ten thousand affairs a day and King Wen's meals taken only at sunset scarcely suffice as comparisons. Yet while imperial grace covers all like heaven and earth, below there are people who freeze and starve—because the ministries have not framed clear laws and local chiefs have neglected the root of the problem. Peace has lasted so long and harvests have been rich for so many years that people compete in display until extravagance has become custom. Carriages, clothing, mansions, and estates know no limit of luxury or presumption; funerals, weddings, and betrothals consume vast sums; in rich and noble households even child concubines dress in finery; merchant and artisan families feast on delicacies and clothe themselves in brocade. While farmers eat chaff and bran, women who tend silkworms lack even coarse hemp to wear. Hence tillers grow fewer by the day and fields fall idle. Grain and cloth are drained from the treasuries while valuables pile up in the markets; yet food and clothing are scarce within homes while gorgeous dress spills into the streets. The root of hunger and cold lies here. I humbly propose that precious luxuries be banned outright, that rites for weddings and funerals be codified in full, and that distinctions of rank be enforced so the people may return to simplicity. Assign fields throughout the realm to men and women according to household size. Let chief officials tour the fields in all four seasons and imperial commissioners conduct an annual inspection. Encourage farming diligently and reward it generously. Within a few years there will surely be surplus grain; even if disaster strikes, the people will be spared mass flight.
8
往年校比戶貫，租賦輕少。 臣所統齊州，租粟纔可給俸，略無入倉。 雖於民為利，而不可長久。 脫有戎役，或遭天災，恐供給之方，無所取濟。 可減絹布，增益穀租，年豐多積，歲儉出賑。 所謂私民之穀，寄積於官，官有宿積，則民無荒年矣。
In recent years, when household registers were checked and compared, rents and levies were set low. In Qizhou, which I administer, grain rents barely cover official salaries and almost nothing reaches the public granaries. That may benefit the people in the short term, but it cannot be sustained. Should war break out or heaven send disaster, I fear there will be no reserve from which to draw relief. Silk and cloth levies could be reduced while grain rents are increased; store more in good years and release grain for relief in lean ones. This is what is meant by the people's grain held in trust by the state: when the government keeps reserves, the people need not face famine.
9
十二年春，卒於官，年五十六。 遺敕其子，殯以素棺，事從儉約。 麒麟立性恭慎，恒置律令於坐旁。 臨終之日，唯有俸絹數十匹，其清貧如此。 贈散騎常侍、安東將軍、燕郡公，諡曰康。
In the spring of the twelfth year he died in office at the age of fifty-six. He left instructions to his sons to bury him in an unadorned coffin and keep the funeral simple. Qilin was by nature respectful and cautious and always kept the law codes at his side. At his death he possessed only a few dozen bolts of his official salary silk—such was his integrity and poverty. He was posthumously honored as Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry, Pacification-East General, and Duke of Yan Commandery, with the posthumous name Kang.
10
長子興宗，字茂先。 好學，有文才。 年十五，受道太學。 後司空高允奏為祕書郎，參著作事。 中山王叡貴寵當世。 〈闕〉 為文。 遷祕書中散。 太和十四年冬，卒。 贈寧遠將軍、漁陽太守。
His eldest son was Xingzong, whose style was Maoxian. He loved learning and possessed literary talent. At fifteen he entered the Imperial Academy. Later Minister of Works Gao Yun recommended him as Secretariat Gentleman to take part in the historiographical office. Prince Rui of Zhongshan enjoyed extraordinary favor in his day. 〈Lacuna in the text.〉 He composed literary pieces for the prince. He was promoted to Secretariat Palace Attendant. He died in the winter of the fourteenth year of the Taihe era. He was posthumously honored as Pacification-Distant General and administrator of Yuyang.
11
子子熙，字元雍。 少自修整，頗有學識。 弱冠，未能自通，侍中崔光舉子熙為清河王懌常侍，遷郎中令。 初，子熙父以爵讓弟顯宗，不受。 子熙緣父素懷，卒亦不襲。 及顯宗卒，子熙別蒙賜爵，乃以其先爵讓弟仲穆。 兄弟友愛如此。 父亡，居喪有禮。 子熙為懌所眷遇，遂闕位，待其畢喪後復用。
His son was Zixi, whose style was Yuanyong. From youth he cultivated himself carefully and possessed considerable learning. Coming of age, he had not yet found a post on his own; Attendant-in-Ordinary Cui Guang recommended Zixi as regular attendant to Prince Yi of Qinghe, after which he rose to chief of the palace secretariat. Earlier Zixi's father had tried to yield his noble title to his younger brother Xianzong, who refused it. Honoring his father's longstanding wish, Zixi in the end did not inherit the title either. When Xianzong died, Zixi received a separate ennoblement and then yielded his original title to his younger brother Zhongmu. Such was the brothers' mutual devotion. When his father died he observed mourning with full propriety. Because the prince favored Zixi, he left the post vacant until mourning was finished and then took him back into service.
12
及元叉害懌，久不得葬。 子熙為之憂悴，屏處田野，每言王若不得復封，以禮遷葬，誓以終身不仕。 後靈太后返政，以元叉為尚書令，解其領軍。 子熙與懌中大夫劉定興、學官令傅靈𢷋、賓客張子慎伏闕上書曰：
When Yuan Cha brought about Prince Yi's death, proper burial was long delayed. Zixi was consumed with grief, withdrew to live in the countryside, and declared that unless the prince were restored to his fief and given a proper burial he would never take office again as long as he lived. Later, when Empress Dowager Ling resumed power, Yuan Cha was made Minister of the Masters of Writing and stripped of his command over the guards. Zixi, together with Prince Yi's palace grandee Liu Dingxing, director of studies Fu Lingxie, and retainer Zhang Zishen, prostrated themselves at the palace gate and submitted a memorial stating:
13
竊惟故主太傅清河王，職綜樞衡，位居論道，盡忠貞以奉公，竭心膂以事國，自先皇崩殂，陛下沖幼，負扆當朝，義同分陝。 宋維反常小子，性若青蠅，汙白點黑，讒佞是務，以元叉皇姨之壻，權勢攸歸，遂相附託，規求榮利，共結圖謀，坐生眉眼，誣告國王，枉以大逆。 賴明明在上，赫赫臨下，泥漬自消，玉質還潔。 謹案律文：諸告事不實，以其罪罪之。 維遂無罪，出為大郡，刑賞僭差，朝野怪愕。 若非宋維與叉為計，豈得全其身命，方撫千里？
We humbly recall our late lord, the Grand Tutor Prince of Qinghe, who held the pivot of government and stood among those who counsel the throne, who served the public good with utter loyalty and gave his whole strength to the state. From the late emperor's death, when Your Majesty was still a child, he stood behind the screen and governed—the moral equivalent of the Duke of Zhou's regency. Song Wei was a vicious nobody, foul as the fly that soils what is white and blackens what is clean, devoted to slander and flattery. As Yuan Cha was the empress's nephew by marriage, power flowed to him; the two joined forces, schemed for advancement, invented evidence, and falsely accused the prince of high treason. Thanks to Your Majesty's luminous clarity and majestic authority, the mud has washed away of itself and the jade has regained its purity. We respectfully cite the law: whoever lodges a false accusation shall be punished with the crime he alleged. Yet Wei went unpunished and was sent to govern a great commandery—rewards and punishments were grossly out of balance, and court and countryside alike were appalled. Had Song Wei not been acting in concert with Yuan Cha, how could he have escaped with his life and now be governing a great territory?
14
王以權在寵家，塵謗紛雜，恭慎之心，逾深逾厲，去其本宅，移住殿西，闔門靜守，親賓阻絕。 于時，吏部諮禀劉騰，奏其弟官，郡戍兼補。 及經內呈，為王駁退。 騰由此生嫌，私深怨怒，遂乃擅廢太后，離隔二宮，拷掠胡定，[1]誣王行毒，含齒戴髮，莫不悲惋。 及會公卿，議王之罪，莫不俛眉飲氣，唯諮是從。 [2]僕射游肇，亢言厲氣，發憤成疾，為王致死。 王之忠誠款篤，節義純貞，非但蘊藏胸襟，實乃形於文翰，搜括史傳，撰顯忠錄，區目十篇，分卷二十。 既欲彰忠心於萬代，豈可為逆亂於一朝。 乞追遺志，足明丹款。
Because power lay with the favored faction and slander swirled about him, the prince grew ever more respectful and cautious; he left his own residence, moved to quarters west of the palace hall, kept his gates closed in quiet seclusion, and cut himself off from kin and guests. At that time the Ministry of Personnel consulted Liu Teng and memorialized an appointment for the prince's younger brother, with a concurrent garrison post in the commandery. When the proposal reached the inner court, the prince rejected it. Teng took offense at this and nursed a deep private grudge; he then arrogated to himself the deposing of the empress dowager, separated the two palaces, tortured Hu Ding, falsely accused the prince of poisoning, and every man and woman in the realm grieved. When the high ministers assembled to judge the prince's alleged crime, every man lowered his eyes and held his breath, daring only to echo what they were told. Vice Director You Zhao alone spoke out boldly and with fierce resolve; he fell ill from righteous anger and died for the prince's sake. The prince's loyalty was earnest and deep, his integrity pure—not merely held in his heart but set down in writing: he searched the historical records and compiled Records of Manifest Loyalty in ten sections across twenty scrolls. A man who sought to proclaim loyal hearts for ten thousand generations could hardly have plotted rebellion in a single morning. We beg that his surviving writings be examined—they are proof enough of his loyal heart.
15
叉籍寵姻戚，恃握兵馬，無君之心，實懷皂白。 擅廢太后，枉害國王，生殺之柄，不由陛下，賞罰之詔，一出於叉。 名藩重地，皆其親黨； 京官要任，必其心腹。 中山王熙，本興義兵，不圖神器，戮其大逆，合門滅盡，遂令元略南奔，為國巨患。 [3]奚康生國之猛將，盡忠棄市。 其餘枉被屠戮者，不可稱數。 緣此普天喪氣，匝地憤傷。 致使朔隴猖狂，歷歲為亂，荊徐蠢動，職是之由。 昔趙高秉秦，令關東鼎沸； 今元叉執權，使四方雲擾。 自古及今，竹帛所載，賊子亂臣，莫此為甚。
Yuan Cha, relying on favor as the empress's kinsman and on his command of troops and horses, harbored a heart that acknowledged no sovereign and truly inverted right and wrong. He deposed the empress dowager on his own authority and wrongfully destroyed the prince; the power of life and death no longer rested with Your Majesty, and orders of reward and punishment issued from Yuan Cha alone. Famous principalities and strategic territories were all given to his kin and partisans; Every important post at court went to his own men. Prince Xi of Zhongshan had raised loyal troops without seeking the throne, yet they executed him for high treason and wiped out his whole clan, driving Yuan Lue south to become a grave menace to the realm. [3] Xi Kangsheng, one of the realm's fiercest generals, served with utter loyalty yet was cast out to public execution. The others wrongfully put to death are beyond numbering. Because of this the whole realm lost heart and grief and rage spread everywhere. This is why the northwest has raged in rebellion year after year and Jing and Xu have stirred in unrest. Long ago Zhao Gao seized Qin and set the east ablaze; today Yuan Cha holds power and throws the four quarters into turmoil. From antiquity to the present, in all that history records on bamboo and silk, no traitor or rebel minister has surpassed this.
16
開逆之始。 起自宋維，成禍之末，良由騰矣。 而令凶徒姦黨，迭相樹置，高官厚祿，任情自取，非但臣等痛恨終身，抑為聖朝懷慚負愧。 以臣赤心慺慺之見，宜梟諸兩觀，洿其舍廬。 騰合斵棺斬骸，沉其五族。 上謝天人幽隔之憤，下報忠臣冤酷之痛。 方乃崇亞三事，委以樞端，所謂虎也更傅其翼。 朝野切齒，遐邇扼腕。 蔓草難除，去之宜盡。 臣歷觀曠代，緬追振古，當斷不斷，其禍更生。 況叉猜忍，更居衡要。 臣中宵九歎，竊以寒心，實願宸鑒，早為之所。
The opening of rebellion began with Song Wei; the disaster was brought to completion chiefly by Liu Teng. Yet these vicious men and treacherous factions are installed one after another, taking high office and rich salaries at will—not only do we hate this for life, but the sacred court itself must bear shame for it. In our loyal and earnest view, they should be exposed at the palace gates and their dwellings defiled. Liu Teng's coffin should be broken open, his corpse cut down, and his entire clan destroyed. This would appease heaven's wrath above and repay loyal ministers' bitter wrongs below. Yet now Yuan Cha is honored next to the Three Excellencies and entrusted with the pivot of power—this is giving wings to a tiger. Court and countryside grind their teeth in rage; near and far clench their fists in helpless anger. Running weeds are hard to uproot—they must be removed to the last root. We have surveyed distant ages and traced back to antiquity: when rulers fail to act decisively, disaster springs up again. How much worse when Yuan Cha, suspicious and cruel, again holds the balance of power. We sigh through the night and our hearts grow cold; we beg Your Majesty's clear sight to act before it is too late.
17
臣等潛伏閭閻，於茲六載，旦號白日，夕泣星辰，叩地寂寥，呼天無響。 衞野納肝，秦庭夜哭，千古之痛，何足相比。 今幸遇陛下叡聖，親覽萬幾，太后仁明，更撫四海，臣等敢詣闕披陳，乞報冤毒。
We have lain hidden in our homes for six years, crying out by day to the sun and weeping by night to the stars, beating the silent earth and calling to heaven without answer. The grief of Wei Yi offering his liver and the night weeping in the court of Qin scarcely compare with ours. Now we are fortunate that Your Majesty's sagely brilliance personally governs the realm and the empress dowager's benevolent clarity again comforts the four seas; we dare come to the gate to lay bare our plea and beg redress for these poisonous wrongs.
18
書奏，靈太后義之，乃引子熙為中書舍人。 後遂剖騰棺，賜叉死。
When the memorial was submitted, Empress Dowager Ling approved its righteousness and appointed Zixi Secretariat Attendant. Later Liu Teng's coffin was broken open and Yuan Cha was sentenced to death.
19
尋修國史，加寧朔將軍。 未幾，除著作郎，又兼司州別駕。 轉輔國將軍、鴻臚少卿。 建義初，兼黃門，尋正。
He soon took part in compiling the national history and was given the additional title Pacification-North General. Before long he was appointed Compilation Gentleman and concurrently served as vice-prefect of Sizhou. He was transferred to Support-the-State General and vice minister of the Court of State Ceremonial. At the beginning of the Jianyi era he served concurrently in the Yellow Gate and soon received a regular appointment.
20
子熙清白自守，不交人事。 又少孤，為叔顯宗所撫養，及顯宗卒，顯宗子伯華又幼，子熙友愛，等於同生，長猶共居，車馬資財，隨其費用，未嘗見於言色。 又上書求析階與伯華，於是除伯華東太原太守。 及伯華在郡，為刺史元弼所辱，子熙乃泣訴朝廷，肅宗詔遣按檢，弼遂大見詰讓。
Zixi kept himself pure and aloof and did not mix in worldly affairs. Orphaned young, he was raised by his uncle Xianzong; when Xianzong died, Xianzong's son Bohua was still a child. Zixi treated him with the devotion of a full brother; even as adults they lived together, sharing horses, carriages, and property as needed without a trace of resentment in word or manner. He also memorialized asking to share his official rank with Bohua, who was then appointed administrator of Eastern Taiyuan. When Bohua was insulted in his commandery by Inspector Yuan Bi, Zixi wept and appealed to the court; Emperor Suzong ordered an investigation, and Bi was severely reprimanded.
21
尒朱榮之擒葛榮也，送至京師，莊帝欲面見數之。 子熙以為榮既元兇，自知必死，恐或不遜，無宜見之。 尒朱榮聞而大怒，請罪子熙，莊帝恕而不責。 尋加征虜將軍。 及邢杲之起逆，詔子熙慰勞。 杲詐降，而子熙信之，還至樂陵，杲復反，子熙遂還。 坐付廷尉，論以大辟，恕死免官。 未幾，兼尚書吏部郎。 普泰初，除通直散騎常侍、撫軍將軍、光祿大夫，尋正吏部郎。 出帝初，還領著作郎。 以奉冊之故，封歷城縣開國子，食邑五百戶，又加衞將軍、右光祿大夫。
When Erzhu Rong captured Ge Rong and sent him to the capital, Emperor Zhuang wished to see him face to face and rebuke him. Zixi argued that as the chief culprit Ge Rong knew he must die and might not be submissive, so the emperor ought not see him. Erzhu Rong heard this and was furious, demanding that Zixi be punished; Emperor Zhuang pardoned him. He was soon given the additional title Campaign-Barbarian General. When Xing Gao rose in rebellion, an edict ordered Zixi to go and console the troops. Gao feigned surrender and Zixi believed him; after returning to Leling, Gao rebelled again and Zixi withdrew. He was handed over to the Court of Justice and sentenced to death, but was pardoned and dismissed from office. Before long he served concurrently as director of the Ministry of Personnel. At the beginning of the Putai era he was appointed Regular Attendant of Scattered Cavalry for Direct Communication, Pacification-Army General, and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and soon received regular appointment as director of personnel. At the beginning of Emperor Chu's reign he again headed the historiographical office as Compilation Gentleman. For presenting the imperial register he was enfeoffed as Viscount of Licheng with a fief of five hundred households and given the additional titles Guard General and Right Grand Master of Splendid Happiness.
22
天平初，為侍讀，又除國子祭酒。 子熙儉素安貧，常好退靜，遷鄴之始，百司並給兵力，時以祭酒閑務，止給二人。 或有令其陳請者，子熙曰：「朝廷自不給祭酒兵，何關韓子熙事也。」 論者高之。 尋除驃騎將軍。 元象中，加衞大將軍。
At the beginning of the Tianping era he served as lecturer-in-attendance and was appointed director of the Imperial Academy. Zixi was frugal and content in poverty and always preferred retirement and quiet; at the beginning of the move to Ye every office was allotted military retainers, but because the academy directorship was considered a light post, he was given only two. When someone urged him to petition for more, Zixi said: "If the court itself does not supply retainers to the academy director, what has that to do with Han Zixi?" Commentators esteemed him for this. He was soon appointed Valiant Cavalry General. In the Yuanxiang era he was given the additional title Guard Grand General.
23
先是，子熙與弟娉王氏為妻，姑之女也，生二子。 子熙尚未婚，後遂與寡嫗李氏姦合而生三子。 王李不穆，迭相告言，歷年不罷。 子熙因此慚恨，遂以發疾。 興和中，孝靜欲行釋奠，敕子熙為侍講。 尋卒，遺戒不求贈諡，其子不能遵奉，遂至干謁。 武定初，贈驃騎將軍、儀同三司、幽州刺史。
Earlier Zixi had betrothed a woman of the Wang clan, his aunt's daughter, as wife for his younger brother; she bore two sons. Zixi himself was still unmarried; later he had an affair with the widow Lady Li, who bore three sons. Lady Wang and Lady Li were at odds and accused each other back and forth for years without end. Zixi was consumed with shame and resentment and fell ill. In the Xinghe era Emperor Xiaojing wished to perform the libation sacrifice to Confucius and ordered Zixi to serve as lecturer-in-attendance. He soon died, leaving instructions not to seek a posthumous title; his sons could not obey and went so far as to lobby for one. At the beginning of the Wuding era he was posthumously honored as Valiant Cavalry General, Palace Attendant of the Third Rank, and inspector of Youzhou.
24
興宗弟顯宗，字茂親。 性剛直，能面折庭諍，亦有才學。 沙門法撫，三齊稱其聰悟，常與顯宗校試，抄百餘人名，各讀一遍，隨即覆呼，法撫猶有一二舛謬，顯宗了無誤錯。 法撫歎曰：「貧道生平以來，唯服郎耳。」
Xingzong's younger brother was Xianzong, whose style was Maoqin. He was upright and blunt by nature, able to rebuke others face to face at court, and possessed talent and learning as well. The monk Fafu, famed in the three Qi regions for his keen intelligence, often tested himself against Xianzong: they would copy more than a hundred names, read each list once, then immediately call them back from memory. Fafu still made one or two mistakes; Xianzong made none. Fafu sighed and said: "In all my life as a monk I have admired only you, sir."
25
太和初，舉秀才，對策甲科，除著作佐郎。 車駕南討，兼中書侍郎。 既定遷都，顯宗上書：
At the beginning of the Taihe era he was recommended as Cultivated Talent, ranked first in the policy examination, and was appointed Assistant Compilation Gentleman. When the emperor campaigned south he served concurrently as Secretariat Vice Director. Once the move of the capital was decided, Xianzong submitted a memorial:
26
其一曰：竊聞輿駕今夏若不巡三齊，當幸中山，竊以為非計也。 何者？ 當今徭役宜早息，洛京宜速成。 省費則徭役可簡，并功則洛京易就。 往冬輿駕停鄴，是閑隙之時，猶編戶供奉，勞費為劇。 聖鑒矜愍，優旨殷勤，爵浹高年，賚周鰥寡，雖賑貸普霑，今猶恐來夏菜色。 [4]況三農要時，六軍雲會，其所損業，實為不少。 雖調斂輕省，未足稱勞，然大駕親臨，誰敢寧息？ 往來承奉，紛紛道路，田蠶暫廢，則將來無資。 此國之深憂也。 且向炎暑，而六軍暴露，恐生癘疫，此可憂之次也。 臣願輿駕早還北京，以省諸州供帳之費，并功專力，以營洛邑。 則南州免雜徭之煩，北都息分析之歎，洛京可以時就，遷者僉爾如歸。
First: I have heard that if Your Majesty does not tour the three Qi this summer, you will visit Zhongshan—I humbly believe this is unwise. Why? Corvée labor ought to cease as soon as possible and the Luo capital ought to be completed quickly. Reduce expenses and corvée can be lightened; combine efforts and the Luo capital will be finished sooner. Last winter, when the imperial progress halted at Ye—a time of relative leisure—registered households still had to supply provisions, and the burden was severe. Your Majesty's compassionate regard and gracious edicts reached the aged and surrounded widows and orphans with gifts—yet even though relief was widely distributed, I still fear wan faces next summer. [4] How much worse at the crucial season of agriculture, when the six armies gather like clouds—the damage to livelihoods will be considerable. Even if levies are lightened, that scarcely counts as easing the burden—when the emperor comes in person, who dares rest? With attendants coming and going and the roads in turmoil, fields and silkworms will be neglected—and then the future will have no resources. This is a grave worry for the state. Moreover, in scorching heat the six armies will be exposed in the open—I fear pestilence may arise; this is the next worry. I beg that Your Majesty return early to the northern capital to save the provinces the cost of supplying the progress, and concentrate all effort on building the Luo capital. Then the southern provinces would be spared mixed corvée burdens, the northern capital would cease its laments over division, the Luo capital could be finished on schedule, and those who relocate would all come as if returning home.
27
其二曰：自古聖帝必以儉約為美，亂主必以奢侈貽患。 仰惟先朝，皆卑宮室而致力於經略，故能基宇開廣，業祚隆泰。 今洛陽基址，魏明帝所營，取譏前代。 伏願陛下損之又損。 頃來北都富室，競以第宅相尚，今因遷徙，宜申禁約，令貴賤有檢，無得踰制。 端廣衢路，通利溝渠，使寺署有別，四民異居，永垂百世不刊之範，則天下幸甚矣。
Second: from antiquity sage emperors have prized frugality, while chaotic rulers have brought disaster through extravagance. Our former emperors kept their palaces modest and devoted themselves to statecraft, and therefore broadened the foundation and secured a lofty inheritance. The present foundations of Luoyang were built by Emperor Ming of Wei and drew mockery even in his own age. I humbly beg Your Majesty to reduce them again and again. Recently in the northern capital wealthy families competed in building grand mansions; with the move now at hand, prohibitions should be enforced so that noble and humble alike observe proper limits and none may exceed regulations. Straighten and broaden the avenues, open and improve the canals, let temples and offices be distinct and the four classes dwell apart—if an enduring model is left for a hundred generations, the realm will be greatly fortunate.
28
三曰：竊聞輿駕還洛陽，輕將數千騎。 臣甚為陛下不取也。 夫千金之子，猶坐不垂堂，況萬乘之尊，富有四海乎？ 警蹕於闈闥之內者，豈以為儀容而已，蓋以戒不虞也。 清道而後行，尚恐銜蹶之或失，況履涉山河，而不加三思哉！ 此愚臣之所以悚息，伏願少垂省察。
Third: I have heard that when Your Majesty returns to Luoyang you will travel with only a few thousand horsemen. I strongly disapprove of this on Your Majesty's behalf. A man worth a thousand gold pieces still will not sit where a tile might fall—how much more the Son of Heaven, who possesses the four seas? Imperial guards within the palace gates are not mere display—they guard against the unexpected. Even when the road is cleared beforehand one still fears the horse may stumble—how much more when crossing mountains and rivers without careful thought! This is why your humble servant trembles with fear; I beg Your Majesty to reflect on this.
29
其四曰：伏惟陛下耳聽法音，目玩墳典，口對百辟，心虞萬幾，晷昃而食，夜分而寢。 加以孝思之至，隨時而深； 文章之業，日成篇卷。 雖叡明所用，未足為煩，然非所以嗇神養性，頤無疆之祚。 莊周有言：形有待而智無涯，以有待之形，役無涯之智，殆矣。 此愚臣所不安，伏願陛下垂拱司契，委下責成，唯冕旒垂纊，而天下治矣。
Fourth: Your Majesty's ears hear the sounds of law, your eyes peruse the classics, your mouth answers the hundred ministers, your mind worries over ten thousand affairs—you eat when the sundial slants and sleep only after night has divided. Added to this, filial devotion deepens with every season; and literary work daily completes new scrolls. Though your sagely brilliance makes this no burden, it is not the way to spare the spirit, nurture your nature, and secure boundless fortune. Zhuang Zhou said: the body has limits but the mind has none—to drive a limited body with an unlimited mind is perilous. This is what troubles your humble servant; I beg Your Majesty to fold your hands in rule, delegate responsibility below, and let the tasselled cap hang down while the realm governs itself.
30
高祖頗納之。
Emperor Xiaowen largely accepted his advice.
31
顯宗又上言曰：「進賢求才，百王之所先也。 前代取士，必先正名，故有賢良、方正之稱。 今之州郡貢察，徒有秀、孝之名，而無秀、孝之實。 而朝廷但檢其門望，不復彈坐。 如此，則可令別貢門望，以敍士人，何假冒秀、孝之名也？ 夫門望者，是其父祖之遺烈，亦何益於皇家？ 益於時者，賢才而已。 苟有其才，雖屠釣奴虜之賤，聖皇不耻以為臣； 苟非其才，雖三后之胤，自墜於皂隸矣。 是以大才受大官，小才受小官，各得其所，以致雍熙。 議者或云，今世等無奇才，不若取士於門。 此亦失矣。 豈可以世無周邵，便廢宰相而不置哉？ 但當校其有寸長銖重者，即先敍之，則賢才無遺矣。」
Xianzong submitted another memorial, stating: "Advancing the worthy and seeking talent is what the hundred kings put first. Former ages, in selecting officials, first rectified names, and therefore had titles such as Worthy and Upright and Upright and Direct. Today's provincial and commandery recommendations bear only the names Cultivated and Filial, without the reality of cultivated talent or filial virtue. Yet the court only verifies their pedigree and no longer holds anyone accountable for fraud. In that case, you might as well establish a separate recommendation track for pedigree and use it to appoint officials—why bother with the pretense of Cultivated and Filial titles at all? Family pedigree is nothing but the inherited renown of one's ancestors—what good does that do the throne? What the age needs is talent, nothing more. If a man has talent, even one as humble as a butcher, fisherman, bondsman, or captive, the sage ruler will not hesitate to take him into service; If he lacks talent, even a descendant of the Three Sage Kings will sink to the status of a menial. Great talent should fill great office, lesser talent lesser office—each in his proper place, until the realm knows peace and prosperity. Some argue that no one in our generation has truly exceptional talent, and that it would be better to recruit officials from distinguished families. That view is mistaken as well. Would you abolish the office of chancellor altogether just because no Duke of Zhou or Duke of Shao walks the earth? One need only weigh whoever has even the smallest measure of merit and appoint him promptly—and no worthy talent will be left behind."
32
又曰：「夫帝皇所以居尊以御下者，威也； 兆庶所以徙惡以從善者，法也。 是以有國有家，必以刑法為治，生民之命，於是而在。 有罪必罰，罰必當辜，則雖箠撻之刑，而人莫敢犯也。 有制不行，人得僥倖，則雖參夷之誅，不足以肅。 自太和以來，未多坐盜棄市，[5]而遠近肅清。 由此言之，止姦在於防檢，不在麗刑也。 今州郡牧守，邀當時之名，行一切之法； 臺閣百官，亦咸以深酷為無私，以仁恕為容盜。 迭相敦厲，遂成風俗。 陛下居九重之內，視人如赤子； 百司分萬務之要，遇下如仇讎。 是則堯舜止一人，而桀紂以千百。 和氣不至，蓋由於此。 書曰：『與其殺不辜，寧失不經。』 實宜敕示百僚，以惠元元之命。」
He also said: "An emperor holds the highest place and governs those below through authority; The reason the myriad common people turn from wickedness and embrace goodness is law. Whoever holds a state or a household must govern through law and punishment; the lives of the people depend on it. When guilt is certain, punishment must follow, and punishment must fit the offense—then even if the penalty is no more than flogging, no one will dare to transgress. When rules exist but go unenforced and people can count on luck, even the extermination of three clans will not restore discipline. Since the Taihe era, relatively few thieves have been executed in the public market,[5] yet order has been restored near and far. From this it follows that suppressing crime depends on prevention and enforcement, not on ever harsher punishments. Today provincial and commandery governors and prefects, chasing reputations of the moment, impose sweeping harsh measures; Central offices and officials everywhere treat brutal severity as proof of impartiality and humane leniency as indulgence of crime. Each office urging the next on, this has hardened into custom. Your Majesty dwells deep within the palace and treats the people like infants; The hundred offices, each handling vital affairs, treat those beneath them like mortal enemies. In effect there is only one Yao or Shun, but Jie and Zhou by the hundreds and thousands. That harmonious spirit never reaches the people—likely for this very reason. The Documents say: 'Better to err through excess than to put the innocent to death. It would truly be fitting to instruct all officials accordingly, for the sake of the common people's lives."
33
又曰：「昔周王為犬戎所逐，東遷河洛，鎬京猶稱『宗周』，以存本也。 光武雖曰中興，實自創革，西京尚置京尹，亦不廢舊。 今陛下光隆先業，遷宅中土，稽古復禮，於斯為盛，豈若周漢，出於不得已哉。 按春秋之義，有宗廟曰都，無則謂之邑，此不刊之典也。 況北代宗廟在焉，山陵託焉，王業所基，聖躬所載，其為神鄉福地，實亦遠矣。 今便同之郡國，臣竊不安。 愚謂代京宜建畿置尹，一如故事，崇本重舊，以光萬葉。」
He also said: "In antiquity the Zhou king was driven off by the Quan Rong and moved east to the Luo River region; Hao was still called 'Ancestral Zhou' in order to preserve the original foundation. Although Emperor Guangwu is called a restorer, he in fact founded a new order; still the Western Capital kept its capital commandant, and the old capital was not abandoned. Now Your Majesty has gloriously advanced the prior enterprise, moved the capital to the Central Lands, and looked to antiquity to restore ritual—an achievement greater than any before. How can this be compared with Zhou and Han, where relocation was born of necessity? According to the Spring and Autumn Annals, a place with an ancestral temple is called a capital; without one it is called a settlement—an immutable rule. Moreover, Northern Dai holds the ancestral temples, entrusts the imperial tombs, founded the royal enterprise, and nurtured Your Majesty's own person—as a sacred homeland and blessed ground, its significance is truly profound. To treat it now as just another commandery or kingdom leaves me deeply uneasy. I respectfully suggest that the Dai capital should have a capital region established and a commandant appointed, following precedent—honoring the root and valuing the old, to glorify ten thousand generations."
34
又曰：「伏見洛京之制，居民以官位相從，不依族類。 然官位非常，有朝榮而夕悴，則衣冠淪於厮竪之邑，臧獲騰於膏腴之里。 物之顛倒，或至於斯。 古之聖王，必令四民異居者，欲其業定而志專。 業定則不偽，志專則不淫。 故耳目所習，不督而就； 父兄之教，不肅而成。 仰惟太祖道武皇帝創基撥亂，日不暇給，然猶分別士庶，不令雜居，伎作屠沽，各有攸處。 但不設科禁，賣買任情，販貴易賤，錯居混雜。 假令一處彈箏吹笛，緩舞長歌； 一處嚴師苦訓，誦詩講禮。 宣令童齓，任意所從，其走赴舞堂者萬數，往就學館者無一。 此則伎作不可雜居，士人不宜異處之明驗也。 故孔父云里仁之美，孟母弘三徙之訓，賢聖明誨，若此之重。 今令伎作家習士人風禮，則百年難成； 令士人兒童効伎作容態，則一朝可得。 是以士人同處，則禮教易興； 伎作雜居，則風俗難改。 朝廷每選舉人士，則校其一婚一宦，以為升降，何其密也。 至於開伎作宦途，[6]得與膏粱華望接閤連甍，何其略也。 此愚臣之所惑。 今稽古建極，光宅中區，凡所徙居，皆是公地，分別伎作，在於一言，有何為疑，而闕盛美。」
He also said: "I humbly observe that under Luoyang's regulations, residents are grouped by official rank rather than by clan or social class. Yet official rank is not permanent; when a man is honored in the morning and ruined by evening, the gentry sink into neighborhoods of menials while bondservants rise into the finest districts. The world turned upside down can reach this extreme. The sage kings of old required the four classes of people to live apart so that each occupation would be settled and each mind focused. When occupation is settled, there is no pretense; when the mind is focused, there is no dissipation. What eye and ear grow accustomed to is mastered without supervision; The teaching of fathers and elder brothers takes hold without harsh discipline. Reflecting on Emperor Daowu, who founded the state amid chaos and had scarcely a free hour in the day, he still separated gentry from commoners, forbade mixed residence, and assigned artisans, butchers, and wine sellers each to their proper place. But because no statutory prohibitions were imposed, buying and selling followed whim, the costly was traded for the cheap, and neighborhoods became jumbled and mixed. Suppose in one place zithers are plucked and flutes blown, with languid dances and long songs; In another place stern teachers labor over their pupils, reciting the Odes and expounding ritual. If children were told to follow their own inclination, tens of thousands would rush to the dance hall and not one would go to the study hall. This is clear proof that artisans must not live intermingled and that men of learning should dwell together rather than scattered apart. That is why Master Kong praised the beauty of dwelling among the benevolent, and Mencius's mother honored the lesson of the three moves—the wise and sage treat such teaching with this weight. If artisan households are now made to learn the customs and rites of scholar-officials, a hundred years may not suffice; If the children of scholar-officials are made to imitate the postures of artisans, it can be done in a single morning. When men of learning dwell together, ritual teaching is easily fostered; When artisans live intermingled, custom is hard to change. Whenever the court selects and recommends men, it scrutinizes a single marriage and a single office appointment to determine rank—how meticulous that is! Yet as for opening the official path to artisans,[6] allowing them to live eave to eave with noble-born families of the highest standing—how lax that is! This is what your humble subject finds perplexing. Now, in examining antiquity to establish the supreme norm and illuminating the Central Realm, all who have moved reside on public land; separating artisans requires only a word of command—what is there to doubt, and why neglect so great an improvement?"
35
又曰：「自南偽相承，竊有淮北，欲擅中華之稱，且以招誘邊民，故僑置中州郡縣。 自皇風南被，仍而不改，凡有重名，其數甚眾。 疑惑書記，錯亂區宇，非所以疆域物土，必也正名之謂也。 愚以為可依地理舊名，一皆釐革。 小者并合，大者分置。 及中州郡縣，昔以戶少併省，今人口既多，亦可復舊。 [7]君人者，以天下為家，不得有所私也。 故倉庫儲貯，以俟水旱之災，供軍國之用，至於有功德者，然後加賜。 爰及末代，乃寵之所隆，賜賚無限。 自比以來，亦為太過。 在朝諸貴，受祿不輕，土木被錦綺，僮妾厭粱肉，而復厚賚屢加，動以千計。 若分賜鰥寡，贍濟實多。 如不悛革，豈周急不繼富之謂也？ [8]愚謂事有可賞，則明旨褒揚，稱事加賜，以勸為善，不可以親近之昵，猥損天府之儲。」
He also said: "Since the Southern usurpers succeeded one another, holding the region north of the Huai, they wished to monopolize the title of Central States and entice frontier peoples, and so provisionally established Central Province commanderies and counties. Since imperial influence spread south, this has continued unchanged; duplicated place names are now extremely numerous. This confuses the records and disarranges the territorial realm—it is no way to demarcate lands and classify terrain; this is precisely what is meant by 'the rectification of names must come first.' I respectfully suggest that the old geographical names be followed and all of them reformed accordingly. Small districts should be merged; large ones subdivided. As for Central Province commanderies and counties, which were formerly merged and abolished when households were few—now that the population has grown, the old divisions can be restored as well. [7] One who rules the people takes all under Heaven as his home and must not show partiality. Storehouses are stocked to await flood and drought and to supply the army and state; only when there is merit and virtue are additional grants made. By the late age, what favorites received had grown exalted, and gifts and grants knew no limit. Since then as well, this has gone too far. The nobles at court already receive generous salaries; their buildings are draped in brocade and silk, their servants and concubines surfeit on fine grain and meat—yet heavy grants are repeatedly added, often running to the thousands. If distributed instead to widowers and widows, the relief would be far greater. If this is not reformed, is this not the very opposite of 'aid the urgent, not enrich the already wealthy'? [8] I respectfully suggest that when something deserves reward, let a clear edict praise it and add grants commensurate with the deed to encourage good conduct—you must not, out of intimacy with favorites, rashly drain the imperial treasury."
36
又曰：「諸宿衞內直者，宜令武官習弓矢，文官諷書傳。 而今給其蒱博之具，以成褻狎之容，長矜爭之心，恣諠囂之慢，徒損朝儀，無益事實。 如此之類，一宜禁止。」
He also said: "All palace guards on internal duty should have military officers practice the bow and civil officers recite the classics and histories. Yet now they are supplied with gambling equipment, fostering an air of coarse familiarity, nurturing contentious pride, and indulging clamorous disrespect—they only harm court decorum and serve no practical purpose. Matters of this kind should all be forbidden."
37
高祖善之。
Emperor Xiaowen approved of this.
38
後乃啟乞宋王劉昶府諮議參軍事，欲立効南境，高祖不許。 高祖曾謂顯宗及程靈虬曰：「著作之任，國書是司。 卿等之文，朕自委悉，中省之品，卿等所聞。 若欲取況古人，班馬之徒，固自遼闊。 若求之當世，文學之能，卿等應推崔孝伯。」 又謂顯宗曰：「見卿所撰燕志及在齊詩詠，大勝比來之文。 然著述之功，我所不見，當更訪之監、令。 校卿才能，可居中第。」 又謂程靈虬曰：「卿比顯宗復有差降，可居下上。」 顯宗對曰：「臣才第短淺，猥聞上天，至乃比於崔光，實為隆渥。 然臣竊謂陛下貴古而賤今，臣學微才短，誠不敢仰希古人，然遭聖明之世，覩惟新之禮，染翰勒素，實錄時事，亦未慚於後人。 昔揚雄著太玄經，當時不免覆盎之談，二百年外，則越諸子。 今臣之所撰，雖未足光述帝載，稗暉日月，然萬祀之後，仰觀祖宗巍巍之功，上覩陛下明明之德，亦何謝欽明於唐典，慎徽於虞書。」 高祖曰：「假使朕無愧於虞舜，卿復何如於堯臣？」 顯宗曰：「臣聞君不可以獨治，故設百官以贊務。 陛下齊蹤堯舜，公卿寧非二八之儔。」 高祖曰：「卿為著作，僅名奉職，未是良史也。」 顯宗曰：「臣仰遭明時，直筆而無懼，又不受金，安眠美食，此臣優於遷固也。」 高祖哂之。 後與員外郎崔逸等參定朝儀。
Later he submitted a request for the post of consulting adjutant on the staff of the Prince of Song, Liu Chang, wishing to render service on the southern frontier; Emperor Xiaowen did not permit it. Emperor Xiaowen once said to Xianzong and Cheng Lingqiu: "The charge of compilation is to manage the state chronicle. Your writings—I know them thoroughly myself; the appraisals of the inner secretariat—you have heard them. If one wishes to compare with the ancients, the likes of Ban Gu and Sima Qian are naturally far beyond reach. If one seeks literary ability in the present age, you should rank Cui Xiaobo first. He also said to Xianzong: "Having seen your Yan Chronicles and the poems you wrote while in Qi, they far surpass your recent writings. Yet I have not seen the merit of your compilations myself; I must inquire further of the director and chief. Judging your talent, you can be placed in the middle rank. He also said to Cheng Lingqiu: "Compared with Xianzong you rank somewhat lower; you can be placed in the lower-middle rank. Xianzong replied: "Your subject's talent and rank are shallow and slight; to hear the words of Heaven at all is presumptuous enough, and to be compared with Cui Guang is truly overwhelming favor. Yet your subject privately thinks that Your Majesty values the ancient and undervalues the present. My learning is slight and my talent limited—I truly dare not aspire to the ancients. Yet having encountered a sage and enlightened age, witnessed renewing rites, and taken brush to plain silk to record the events of the time, I would not yet feel ashamed before posterity. Formerly Yang Xiong wrote the Classic of Supreme Mystery; at the time he could not escape talk of a covered jar, but two hundred years later he surpassed all the other masters. What your subject has compiled, though insufficient to gloriously set forth the imperial record or add even a grain of light to sun and moon, yet ten thousand generations hence, looking up to the towering achievements of the ancestors and above to Your Majesty's luminous virtue—why should it fall short of reverent brilliance in the Documents of Tang, or careful virtue in the Documents of Yu? Emperor Xiaowen said: "Suppose I am not unworthy of Emperor Shun—how then do you compare with the ministers of Yao? Xianzong said: "Your subject has heard that a ruler cannot govern alone, and therefore the hundred offices were established to assist in affairs. Your Majesty walks in the footsteps of Yao and Shun; are the ministers and high officials not the peers of the Two Assistants and Eight Worthies? Emperor Xiaowen said: "You serve as compiler in name only—you are not yet a good historian. Xianzong said: "Your subject has fortunately encountered an enlightened age, writes with a straight brush without fear, and accepts no bribes—I sleep in peace and eat well. In that respect your subject surpasses Sima Qian and Ban Gu. Emperor Xiaowen smiled at this. Later he joined Adjunct Officer Cui Yi and others in drafting court ceremony.
39
高祖曾詔諸官曰：「自近代已來，高卑出身，恒有常分。 朕意一以為可，復以為不可。 宜相與量之。」 李沖對曰：「未審上古已來，置官列位，為欲為膏粱兒地，為欲益治讚時？」 高祖曰：「俱欲為治。」 沖曰：「若欲為治，陛下今日何為專崇門品，不有拔才之詔？」 高祖曰：「苟有殊人之伎，不患不知。 然君子之門，假使無當世之用者，要自德行純篤，朕是以用之。」 沖曰：「傅巖、呂望，豈可以門見舉？」 高祖曰：「如此濟世者希，曠代有一兩人耳。」 沖謂諸卿士曰：「適欲請諸賢救之。」 祕書令李彪曰：「師旅寡少，未足為援，意有所懷，不敢盡言於聖日。 陛下若專以門地，不審魯之三卿，孰若四科？」 高祖曰：「猶如向解。」 顯宗進曰：「陛下光宅洛邑，百禮唯新，國之興否，指此一選。 臣既學識浮淺，不能援引古今，以證此議，且以國事論之。 不審中、祕書監令之子，必為祕書郎，頃來為監、令者，子皆可為不？」 高祖曰：「卿何不論當世膏腴為監、令者？」 顯宗曰：「陛下以物不可類，不應以貴承貴，以賤襲賤。」 高祖曰：「若有高明卓爾、才具雋出者，朕亦不拘此例。」 後為本州中正。
Emperor Xiaowen once issued an edict to the officials, saying: "Since recent times, high and low in origin have always had fixed divisions. At one moment my mind finds this acceptable, at the next unacceptable. You should weigh this together. Li Chong replied: "I do not yet know whether, from high antiquity onward, offices and ranks were established to carve out positions for the sons of noble families, or to benefit governance and assist the age? Emperor Xiaowen said: "Both were meant for governance. Li Chong said: "If the aim is governance, why does Your Majesty today exclusively exalt family rank, without an edict to elevate talent? Emperor Xiaowen said: "If a man has extraordinary talent, he need not fear going unnoticed. Yet in a gentleman's household, even when someone lacks immediate use for the times, if his virtue and conduct are pure and steadfast, that is reason enough for me to employ him." Li Chong said: "Fu Yue of Fu Cliff and Lü Wang — were they ever raised up because of their family rank?" Emperor Xiaowen said: "Men who can save the age are rare — an era may produce only one or two." Li Chong said to the assembled ministers and worthies: "I was on the point of asking you gentlemen to save the argument." Secretary Director Li Biao said: "Our allies are too few to lend weight to the debate; I have something in mind, but dare not speak it fully before Your Majesty on this august day. If Your Majesty relies solely on family status, I ask: compared with the three ministerial houses of Lu, how do they measure against Confucius's Four Categories?" Emperor Xiaowen said: "As I explained earlier." Xianzong stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty has gloriously established the capital at Luoyang, and every rite is being made anew; the fate of the state turns on this one choice of men. My own learning is shallow, and I cannot summon antiquity and the present to prove this point; let me speak instead from the affairs of state. I ask: must the sons of central and secretariat supervisors and directors inevitably become secretariat gentlemen? In recent years, have all the sons of men appointed supervisor or director truly been fit for the post?" Emperor Xiaowen said: "Why do you not speak of the wealthy and eminent families who hold the posts of supervisor and director today?" Xianzong said: "Your Majesty holds that things cannot be lumped together; one ought not have the noble inherit nobility, or the base inherit baseness." Emperor Xiaowen said: "If someone is brilliant and outstanding, with talent that rises above the rest, I do not bind myself to this rule either." Later he was appointed Rectifier of his native province.
40
二十一年，車駕南伐，顯宗為右軍府長史、征虜將軍、統軍。 軍次赭陽，蕭鸞戍主成公期遣其軍主胡松、高法援等并引蠻賊來擊軍營，顯宗親率拒戰，遂斬法援首。 顯宗至新野，高祖詔曰：「卿破賊斬帥，殊益軍勢，朕方攻堅城，何為不作露布也？」 顯宗曰：「臣頃聞鎮南將軍王肅獲賊二三，驢馬數匹，皆為露布，臣在東觀，私每哂之。 近雖仰憑威靈，得摧醜虜，兵寡力弱，擒斬不多。 脫復高曳長縑，虛張功捷，尤而效之，其罪彌甚。 臣所以斂毫卷帛，解上而已。」 高祖笑曰：「如卿此勳，誠合茅社，須赭陽平定，檢審相酬。」 新野平，以顯宗為鎮南、廣陽王嘉諮議參軍。 顯宗後上表，頗自矜伐，訴前征勳，詔曰：「顯宗斐然成章，甚可怪責，進退無檢，虧我清風。 此而不糾，或長弊俗。 可付尚書，推列以聞。」 兼尚書張彝奏免顯宗官，詔曰：「顯宗雖浮矯致愆，才猶可用，豈得永棄之也！ 可以白衣守諮議，展其後效。 但鄙很之性，不足參華，可奪見□，并禁問訊諸王。」
In the twenty-first year, when the emperor marched south on campaign, Xianzong served as chief clerk of the Right Army headquarters, General Who Conquers the Barbarians, and commander of the army. When the army halted at Zheyang, Cheng Gongqi, garrison commander under Xiao Luan, sent his commanders Hu Song and Gao Fayuan, among others, together with tribal allies to strike the camp; Xianzong personally led the defense and cut off Fayuan's head. When Xianzong reached Xinye, Emperor Xiaowen sent an edict: "You broke the enemy and beheaded their commander, greatly strengthening our army's momentum; I am pressing a hard siege — why did you not publish a victory bulletin?" Xianzong said: "I recently heard that General Who Pacifies the South Wang Su captured two or three enemies and a few donkeys and horses, yet still issued victory bulletins; when I served at the Eastern Hall, I privately laughed at that every time. Recently, though I leaned on your august power and was able to break the foul enemy, my troops were few and my strength slight; captures and kills were not many. If I now unfurled long silk banners and falsely inflated my achievements, copying that fault and making it my own, my offense would be all the graver. That is why I put away brush and silk and submitted only a plain report." Emperor Xiaowen smiled and said: "Merit such as yours truly deserves a fief of earth and altar; once Zheyang is pacified, I shall review the matter and reward you properly." When Xinye was pacified, Xianzong was appointed consulting adjutant on the staff of Prince Jia of Guangyang under the General Who Pacifies the South. Later Xianzong submitted a memorial, rather full of self-praise, pleading his earlier campaign merit. An edict said: "Xianzong's polished prose is very much to be censured; his conduct lacks restraint in advance and retreat, and it tarnishes our pure ethos. If this is not corrected, corrupt custom may take deeper root. Let the matter be referred to the Masters of Writing for investigation and report." Concurrent Master of Writing Zhang Yi memorialized to dismiss Xianzong from office. An edict said: "Though Xianzong's vanity brought him to fault, his talent is still usable — how can he be cast off forever! He may continue as adviser in plain clothes and prove his worth hereafter. But his coarse and obstinate nature makes him unfit for elegant company; his privilege of audience may be revoked, and he is forbidden to call upon or inquire after the princes."
41
顯宗既失意，遇信向洛，乃為五言詩贈御史中尉李彪曰：「賈生謫長沙，董儒詣臨江。 愧無若人跡，忽尋兩賢蹤。 追昔渠閣游，策駑厠羣龍。 如何情願奪，飄然獨遠從？ 痛哭去舊國，銜淚届新邦。 哀哉無援民，嗷然失侶鴻。 彼蒼不我聞，千里告志同。」 二十三年卒。 顯宗撰馮氏燕志，孝友傳各十卷，所作文章，頗傳於世。 景明初，追赭陽勳，賜爵章武男。
Disappointed in office, when orders came directing him toward Luoyang, Xianzong composed a five-character poem for Li Biao, Vice Censor, saying: "Jia Yi was exiled to Changsha; Dong Zhongshu went to Linjiang. Ashamed that I lack the footprints of such men, I suddenly find myself walking in the traces of two sages. Recalling our old companionship at the library pavilion, I drove my sorry nag to stand among dragons. How was my heart's wish torn away, that I drift alone on a distant posting? Weeping, I leave the old country; holding back tears, I arrive in a new land. Alas for the people left without aid — they cry out like a goose that has lost its mate. Heaven does not hear me; across a thousand li I declare that our hearts are one." In the twenty-third year he died. Xianzong compiled the Annals of Yan of the Feng clan and Filial Piety and Friendship, ten scrolls each; his writings circulated widely in his time. At the beginning of the Jingming era, his merit at Zheyang was posthumously honored with the title Baron of Zhangwu.
42
子武華，襲。 除討寇將軍、奉朝請、太原太守。
His son Wuhua inherited the title. He was appointed General Who Punishes Bandits, Attendant at Court, and Administrator of Taiyuan.
43
程駿，字驎駒，本廣平曲安人也。 六世祖良，晉都水使者，坐事流于涼州。 祖父肇，呂光民部尚書。
Cheng Jun, style Linju, was originally from Qu'an in Guangping. His sixth-generation ancestor Liang served as Jin Director of Waterworks; punished for an offense, he was exiled to Liangzhou. His grandfather Zhao was Minister of the People under Lü Guang.
44
駿少孤貧，居喪以孝稱。 師事劉昞，性機敏好學，晝夜無倦。 昞謂門人曰：「舉一隅而以三隅反者，此子亞之也。」 駿謂昞曰：「今世名教之儒，咸謂老莊其言虛誕，不切實要，弗可以經世，駿意以為不然。 夫老子著抱一之言，莊生申性本之旨，若斯者，可謂至順矣。 人若乖一則煩偽生，若爽性則沖真喪。」 昞曰：「卿年尚稚，言若老成，美哉！」 由是聲譽益播，沮渠牧犍擢為東宮侍講。
Jun was orphaned young and poor; in mourning he was famed for filial piety. He studied under Liu Bing; quick-witted and devoted to learning, he toiled day and night without weariness. Bing told his disciples: "One who is shown one corner and infers the other three — this youth ranks next to such a man." Jun said to Bing: "Confucian scholars of the age all hold that Laozi and Zhuangzi speak empty and false words, ungrounded in practical essentials and unfit to govern the world — I do not think so. Laozi wrote on embracing unity; Master Zhuang expounded the original nature of things — teachings such as these may be called perfectly harmonious. When men depart from unity, fuss and falsehood arise; when they violate their nature, pure truth is lost." Bing said: "You are still young, yet speak like a seasoned elder — splendid!" Thereupon his reputation spread further, and Juqu Mujian promoted him to lecturer in the Eastern Palace.
45
太延五年，世祖平涼，遷于京師，為司徒崔浩所知。 高宗踐阼，拜著作佐郎，未幾，遷著作郎。 為任城王雲郎中令，進箴於王，王納而嘉之。 皇興中，除高密太守。 尚書李敷奏曰：「夫君之使臣，必須終效。 駿實史才，方申直筆，千里之任，十室可有。 請留之數載，以成前籍，後授方伯，愚以為允。」 書奏，從之。 顯祖屢引駿與論易老之義，顧謂羣臣曰：「朕與此人言，意甚開暢。」 又問駿曰：「卿年幾何？」 對曰：「臣六十有一。」 顯祖曰：「昔太公既老而遭文王。 卿今遇朕，豈非早也？」 駿曰：「臣雖才謝呂望，而陛下尊過西伯。 覬天假餘年，竭六韜之効。」
In the fifth year of Taiyan, after Emperor Shizu pacified Liangzhou, he moved to the capital and came to the notice of Minister Cui Hao. When Emperor Wencheng acceded, he was appointed Associate Master of Letters; soon after, he was promoted to Master of Letters. As Director of the Palace for Prince Yun of Chengyun, he presented admonitions to the prince, who accepted and praised them. During Huangxing, he was appointed Administrator of Gaomi. Master of Writing Li Fu memorialized: "When a ruler employs a minister, the minister must see his charge through to the end. Jun is truly a historian's talent, now wielding the straight brush; for the charge of a thousand li, one man in ten households would suffice. Please retain him several years to complete the earlier records; afterward appoint him regional governor — I deem this acceptable." The memorial was submitted and approved. Emperor Xianzu repeatedly summoned Jun to discuss the meanings of the Changes and Laozi, and turning to the ministers said: "When I speak with this man, my mind opens freely." He also asked Jun: "How old are you?" He replied: "Your subject is sixty-one." Emperor Xianzu said: "In olden days Taigong was already aged when he met King Wen. You now meet me — is this not early?" Jun said: "Though my talent falls short of Lü Wang, Your Majesty's honor surpasses the Western Earl. I hope Heaven grants me remaining years to exhaust the efficacy of the Six Strategies."
46
延興末，高麗王璉求納女於掖庭，顯祖許之，假駿散騎常侍，賜爵安豐男，加伏波將軍，持節如高麗迎女，賜布帛百匹。 駿至平壤城。 或勸璉曰：「魏昔與燕婚，既而伐之，由行人具其夷險故也。 今若送女，恐不異於馮氏。」 璉遂謬言女喪。 駿與璉往復經年，責璉以義方，璉不勝其忿，遂斷駿從者酒食。 璉欲逼辱之，憚而不敢害。 會顯祖崩，乃還，拜祕書令。
Near the end of Yanxing, King Rian of Goguryeo sought to send a daughter into the inner court; Emperor Xianzu agreed, temporarily appointing Jun Attendant Cavalier at Large, bestowing the title Baron of Anfeng, adding General Who Subdues the Waves, and sending him with staff of authority to Goguryeo to receive the princess, with a gift of a hundred bolts of cloth and silk. Jun reached Pyongyang. Someone advised Rian: "Wei once married with Yan, then attacked it — because the envoy had mapped their mountains and passes. If you now send a daughter, I fear it will be no different from the affair of Lady Feng." Rian then falsely claimed the girl had died. Jun and Rian exchanged messages for a year; Jun upbraided Rian on moral principle; Rian, unable to contain his anger, cut off wine and food for Jun's attendants. Rian wished to humiliate him but feared to do so and did not dare harm him. When Emperor Xianzu died, he returned and was appointed Secretary Director.
47
初遷神主于太廟，有司奏：舊事，廟中執事之官，例皆賜爵，今宜依舊。 詔百僚評議，羣臣咸以為宜依舊事，駿獨以為不可。 表曰：「臣聞：名器為帝王所貴，山河為區夏之重。 是以漢祖有約，非功不侯。 必當屬有命於大君之辰，展心力於戰謀之日，然後可以應茅土之錫。 未見預事於宗廟，而獲賞於疆土； 徒見晉鄭之后以夾輔為至勳，吳鄧之儔以征伐為重績。 周漢既無文於遠代，魏晉亦靡記於往年。 自皇道開符，乾業創統，務高三、五之規，思隆百王之軌，罰頗減古，賞實增昔。 時因神主改祔、清廟致肅，而授羣司以九品之命，顯執事以五等之名。 雖復帝王制作，弗相沿襲，然當時恩澤，豈足為長世之軌乎？ 乖眾之愆，伏待罪譴。」 書奏，從之。 文明太后謂羣臣曰：「言事固當正直而準古典，安可依附暫時舊事乎？」 賜駿衣一襲、帛二百匹。
When the spirit tablets were first moved to the Grand Temple, the relevant office memorialized: by precedent, officials serving in the temple were routinely ennobled; the old custom should be followed. An edict ordered the hundred officials to discuss; all the ministers held that the old custom should be followed; Jun alone disagreed. He memorialized: "I have heard that titles and instruments are what emperors treasure, and mountains and rivers are the weight of the central realm. Therefore Han's Founding Emperor had a covenant: no enfeoffment without merit. One must have been entrusted with mandate at the great ruler's accession and exerted mind and strength on days of battle and planning — only then may one receive the grant of earth and altar. I have never seen one who merely attended affairs in the ancestral temple rewarded with territory; I have only seen descendants of Jin and Zheng honored for assisting the throne, and men like Wu and Deng prized for military achievements. Zhou and Han left no such records in distant ages; Wei and Jin likewise preserved no such precedents in recent years. Since the imperial way opened its mandate and the heavenly enterprise founded its succession, striving to match the standards of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors and to elevate the tracks of the hundred kings — punishments were somewhat lighter than antiquity, rewards more real than before. At the time, because the spirit tablets were re-enshrined and the pure temple made solemn, offices were granted nine-rank appointments and functionaries given five-grade titles. Though imperial institutions do not simply follow one another, can that moment's grace suffice as a standard for generations? My fault of opposing the multitude — I submit and await punishment." The memorial was submitted and accepted. Empress Dowager Wenming told the ministers: "To speak on affairs should indeed be upright and measured against classical models — how can one cling to temporary old precedents?" She bestowed on Jun one suit of clothes and two hundred bolts of silk.
48
駿又表曰：「春秋有云：見有禮於其君者，若孝子之養父母； 見無禮於其君者，若鷹鸇之逐鳥雀。 所以勸誡將來，垂範萬代。 昔陳恒殺君，宣尼請討，雖欲晏逸，其得已乎？ 今廟算天回，七州雲動，將水蕩鯨鯢，陸掃凶逆。 然戰貴不陳，兵家所美。 宜先遣劉昶招喻淮南。 若應聲響悅，同心齊舉，則長江之險，可朝服而濟，道成之首，可崇朝而懸。 苟江南之輕薄，背劉氏之恩義，則曲在彼矣，何負神明哉！ 直義檄江南，振旅回斾，亦足以示救患之大仁，揚義風於四海。 且攻難守易，則力懸百倍，不可不深思，不可不熟慮。 今天下雖謐，方外猶虞，拾夤僥倖於西南，狂虜伺舋於漠北。 脫攻不稱心，恐兵不卒解，兵不卒解，則憂慮逾深。 夫為社稷之計者，莫不先於守本。 臣愚以為觀兵江滸，振曜皇威，宜特加撫慰。 秋毫無犯，則民知德信； 民知德信，則襁負而來； 襁負而來，則淮北可定； 淮北可定，則吳寇異圖； 寇圖異則禍釁出。 然後觀釁而動，則不晚矣。 請停諸州之兵，且待後舉。 所謂守本者也。 伏惟陛下、太皇太后英算神規，彌綸百勝之外； 應機體變，獨悟方寸之中。 臣影頹虞淵，昏耄將及，雖思憂國，終無云補。」 不從。
Jun again memorialized: "The Spring and Autumn Annals says: seeing one who shows courtesy to his ruler is like a filial son nourishing his parents; seeing one who shows discourtesy to his ruler is like a hawk pursuing sparrows. This is to admonish the future and leave a model for ten thousand generations. Formerly when Chen Heng killed his ruler, Confucius asked for punitive action — though he wished to rest at ease, could he have desisted? Now heaven itself favors our plans in the temple; seven provinces rise like storm clouds; on the rivers we shall wash away the great rebels, on land sweep away the violent enemy. Yet warfare prizes avoiding pitched battle — this the strategists praise. We should first send Liu Chang to summon and persuade Huainan. If they respond gladly in echo and rise together in unity, the Yangzi's barrier could be crossed in court robes by morning; Xiao Daocheng's head could be hung by noon. If the frivolous south betrays the Liu family's grace and righteousness, the fault lies with them — why would we owe Heaven anything? Even a righteous proclamation to Jiangnan, followed by rallying the army and turning home, would show enough benevolence in relieving distress and spread our righteous repute across the realm. Moreover, attack is hard and defense easy, so the disparity in strength may run a hundredfold — this demands deep thought and careful deliberation. Though the realm is at peace, the frontiers still give cause for worry — Shiyin of Tuyuhun seeks advantage in the southwest, while fierce enemies on the northern steppe watch for their chance. If the campaign falls short of expectations, the army may not be withdrawn quickly; and if the army cannot be withdrawn quickly, our worries will only deepen. Anyone planning for the state's welfare must put securing the foundation first. I respectfully suggest that in displaying troops on the Yangzi's banks and projecting imperial majesty, special care should be taken to reassure and comfort the people. If not even the slightest harm is done, the people will know our virtue and good faith; when they know our virtue and good faith, they will come bringing even their infants on their backs; once they come flocking in, north of the Huai can be secured; once north of the Huai is secured, the Wu enemy will change their plans; when the enemy changes their plans, disaster and strife will break out among them. Only then, watching for the opening to strike, we would not be too late. I ask that the armies of the provinces be halted pending a later campaign. This is what is meant by securing the foundation. Humbly reflecting, Your Majesty and the Grand Empress Dowager possess brilliant stratagems and divine wisdom extending beyond mere battlefield triumph; adapting to circumstances and grasping change with insight known only in your own heart. Your servant's shadow fades like the sun at Yu-yuan — old age is upon me; though my heart is full of concern for the state, I can offer nothing of use." His advice was not accepted.
49
沙門法秀謀反伏誅。 駿表曰：「臣聞詩之作也，蓋以言志。 邇之事父，遠之事君，關諸風俗，靡不備焉。 上可以頌美聖德，下可以申厚風化，言之者無罪，聞之者足以誡。 此古人用詩之本意。 臣以垂沒之年，得逢盛明之運，雖復昏耄將及，猶慕廉頗強飯之風。 伏惟陛下、太皇太后，道合天地，明侔日月，則天與唐風斯穆，順帝與周道通靈。 是以狂妖懷逆，無隱謀之地； 冥靈潛翦，伏發覺之誅。 用能七廟幽贊，人神扶助者已。 臣不勝喜踴。 謹竭老鈍之思，上慶國頌十六章，并序巡狩、甘雨之德焉。」 其頌曰：
The monk Faxiu plotted rebellion and was executed when his plot was uncovered. Jun memorialized: "Your servant has heard that the Odes were composed essentially to give voice to one's intent. Near at hand they guide filial duty to fathers; at a distance they guide loyal service to rulers — touching on every custom, nothing is left out. Above they can praise sage virtue; below they can promote moral transformation — those who speak them incur no blame, and those who hear them receive adequate admonition. This was the ancients' original purpose in using poetry. In my declining years I have been fortunate enough to live in this flourishing age; though old age is upon me, I still aspire to the spirit of Lian Po, who kept his vigor to the end. Humbly reflecting, Your Majesty and the Grand Empress Dowager — your Way accords with Heaven and Earth, your brilliance equals sun and moon: as Heaven's chosen, you match the solemn virtue of Tang; as rightful sovereigns, you share in the numinous Way of Zhou. Thus when mad rebels harbor treachery, they have nowhere to hide their plots; unseen spirits cut them down in secret, and they face execution the moment their plot is discovered. By this the ancestral temples receive unseen endorsement, and both men and spirits lend their support. Your servant is overcome with joy. I respectfully offer these verses from my aging mind — sixteen stanzas celebrating the state, with introductions to the virtues shown in the imperial tour and the sweet rain." The eulogy reads:
50
乾德不言，四時迭序。 於皇大魏，則天承祜。 疊聖三宗，重明四祖。 豈伊殷周，遐契三、五。 明明在上，聖敬日新。 汪汪叡后，體治垂仁。 德從風穆，教與化津。 千載昌運，道隆茲辰。
Heaven's virtue is silent, yet the four seasons follow in turn. O resplendent Great Wei — Heaven's chosen, blessed from above. Sage succeeds sage through three reigns, doubly luminous through four founders. Not merely the Yin and Zhou — they reach back to match the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. Radiantly enthroned on high, sage reverence grows day by day. Vast in wisdom, the sage ruler embodies good governance and extends benevolence to all. Virtue spreads gently as the wind; instruction joins transformation like a ford across the waters. A thousand-year age of prosperity — the Way reaches its height in this hour.
51
歲惟巡狩，應運遊田。 省方問苦，訪政高年。 咸秩百靈，柴望山川。 誰云禮滯，遇聖則宣。 王業初定，中山是由。 臨幸之盛，情特綢繆。 仰歌祖業，俯欣春柔。 大哉肆眚，蕩民百憂。 百憂既蕩，與之更初。 邕邕億兆，戶詠來蘇。
This year the sovereign tours the realm, hunting in the fields as Heaven ordains. He inspects the provinces and inquires into suffering; he seeks the counsel of the aged on governance. He properly ranks the hundred spirits; he burns offerings and gazes toward the mountains and rivers. Who would say rites have fallen into disuse? Under a sage, they flourish anew. When the imperial enterprise was first established, Zhongshan was the path taken. The grandeur of the imperial visit shows special tenderness and care. Looking up, he sings the ancestors' achievement; looking down, he delights in the gentle spring. Great is the general amnesty — it washes away the people's every care. Once every care is washed away, the people begin anew. In harmony, countless multitudes — every household sings of renewal and relief.
52
忽有狂竪，謀逆聖都。 明靈幽告，發覺伏誅。 羿浞為亂，祖龍千紀。 狂華冬茂，有自來矣。 美哉皇度，道固千祀。 百靈潛翦，姦不遑起。 姦不遑起，罪人得情。 憲章刑律，五秩猶輕。 於穆二聖，仁等春生。 除棄周漢，遐軌犧庭。 周漢奚棄？ 忿彼苛刻。 犧庭曷軌？ 希仁尚德。 徽音一振，聲教四塞。 豈惟京甸，化播萬國。
Suddenly a mad rebel plotted treason against the sacred capital. Bright spirits gave secret warning; the plot was discovered and he was executed. Chaos came with Yi and Han Zhuo; the First Emperor's thousand-year destiny. Madness flowering in winter — this has always happened. How beautiful the imperial measure — the Way endures for a thousand generations. The hundred spirits cut them down in secret — treachery never gets the chance to rise. When treachery cannot rise, the guilty receive what they deserve. By the statutes of penal law, even the five punishments seem lenient. So solemn are the two sages — their benevolence equals the renewing force of spring. Leaving Zhou and Han behind, they follow the distant model of Fuxi's court. Why leave Zhou and Han behind? Because of their harsh severity. Why follow Fuxi's court? Because they aspire to benevolence and honor virtue. One flourish of their noble voice — civilizing instruction fills the four corners of the realm. Not only the capital region — their transforming influence reaches every land.
53
誠信幽贊，陰陽以調。 谷風扇夕，甘雨降朝。 嘉生含穎，深盛熙苗。 鰥貧巷詠，寡婦室謠。 聞諸詩者，雲漢賦宣。 章句迥秀，英昭雅篇。 矧乃盛明，德隆道玄。 豈唯兩施，神徵豐年。 豐年盛矣，化無不濃。 有禮有樂，政莫不通。 咨臣延躍，欣詠時邕。 誰云易遇，曠齡一逢。
Sincerity and trust win unseen blessing — yin and yang fall into harmony. The valley breeze blows at evening; sweet rain falls at dawn. Fine crops show their budding tips; deep and flourishing grow the verdant seedlings. Widowers and the poor sing in the lanes; widows chant in their homes. Those versed in the Odes say it is proclaimed in the "Clouded Heavens." Its verses stand uniquely splendid — its brilliance illumines the great elegancies of the canon. How much more in this resplendent age — virtue is exalted and the Way profound. Not only the double bounty of rain — divine signs herald a harvest year. The harvest year is rich indeed — transformation nowhere fails to reach. With rites and music, no aspect of governance fails to thrive. Your minister leaps with joy, delighting to sing of this harmonious age. Who would say such an age is easily met? Once in a lifetime one may encounter it.
54
上天無親，唯德是在。 思樂盛明，雖疲勿怠。 差之毫釐，千里之倍。 願言勞謙，求仁不悔。 人亦有言，聖主慎微。 五國連兵，踰年歷時。 鹿車而運，廟算失思。 有司不惠。 蠶食役煩。 民不堪命，將家逃山。 宜督厥守，威德是宣。 威德如何？ 聚眾盈川。 民之從令，實賴衣食。 農桑失本，誰耕誰織？ 飢寒切身，易子而食。 靜言念之，實懷歎息。 昔聞典論，非位不謀。 漆室憂國，遺芳載臭。 咨臣昏老，偏蒙恩祐。 忽忘狂瞽，敢獻愚陋。
High Heaven shows no partiality — only virtue draws its favor. Rejoice in this resplendent age — though wearied, do not slacken. A miss of a hair's breadth can become an error of a thousand li. I pray for humble diligence — seeking benevolence without regret. As men say, the sage ruler is careful of the smallest things. Five kingdoms joined in war — year after year, season after season. Convoys stream like fleeing deer — strategic planning loses its way. The responsible officials show no mercy. Demands eat away like silkworms — corvée labor grows unbearable. The people cannot bear their plight — families flee to the mountains. Those in charge should be overseen — majesty and virtue must be proclaimed. What should majesty and virtue look like? Gathering the masses until rivers brim with people. The people's obedience truly depends on food and clothing. When farming and sericulture lose their foundation — who will plow, who will weave? With hunger and cold at their door — they exchange children to eat. When I reflect quietly on this, my heart can only sigh. I have heard the canonical teaching: outside one's office, do not meddle in policy. The Lady of Lacquer Chamber worried for the state — her fame lives on, for good or ill. Your humble minister, old and dim of sight, has been specially favored with grace. Forgetting my reckless blindness, I dare offer this humble counsel.
55
文明太后令曰：「省詩表，聞之。 歌頌宗祖之功德可爾，當世之言，何其過也。 所箴下章，戢之不忘。」 駿又奏得一頌，始於固業，終於無為，十篇。 文多不載。 文明太后令曰：「省表并頌十篇，聞之。 鑒戒既備，良用欽玩。 養老乞言，其斯之謂。」 又詔曰：「程駿歷官清慎，言事每愜。 又門無俠貨之賓，室有懷道之士。 可賜帛六百匹，旌其儉德。」 駿悉散之親舊。
Empress Dowager Wenming issued an order: "I have reviewed your poetry memorial and received it. Praise of the ancestors' achievements is fitting enough, but your words about the present age go too far. Your admonitions in the sections below — I will keep them and not forget. Jun also submitted an eulogy cycle of ten pieces, opening with "Solid Foundation" and closing with "Non-Action." Most of the text is omitted here. Empress Dowager Wenming issued an order: "I have reviewed your memorial and the ten eulogies and received them. Your mirrors and warnings are complete — I greatly esteem and delight in them. This is what is meant by honoring the aged and soliciting counsel. An edict also said: "Cheng Jun served in office with purity and discretion, and his memorials were always to the point. His gate admitted no guests bearing flashy gifts, yet his house held men devoted to the Way. Grant him six hundred bolts of silk to honor his frugal virtue. Jun distributed the entire gift among relatives and old friends.
56
性介直，不競時榮。 太和九年正月，病篤，乃遺令曰：「吾存尚儉薄，豈可沒為奢厚哉？ 昔王孫裸葬，有感而然； 士安籧篨，頗亦矯厲。 今世既休明，百度循禮，彼非吾志也。 可斂以時服，器皿從古。」 遂卒，年七十二。 初，駿病甚，高祖、文明太后遣使者更問其疾，敕御師徐謇診視，[9]賜以湯藥。 臨終，詔以小子公稱為中散，從子靈虬為著作佐郎。 及卒，高祖、文明太后傷惜之，賜東園祕器、朝服一稱、帛三百匹，贈冠軍將軍、兗州刺史、曲安侯，諡曰憲。 所製文筆，自有集錄。
By nature upright and direct, he did not compete for worldly advancement. In the first month of the ninth year of the Taihe era, his illness grew grave, and he left testamentary instructions: "In life I still valued thrift and simplicity — how could I in death be buried in luxury? In antiquity Wang Sun was buried naked, moved by principle to do so; Shi An chose a bamboo mat and coarse cloth — also rather an extreme corrective. The present age is already enlightened and all affairs follow ritual — those examples are not my intent. Wrap me in seasonal dress and use utensils according to ancient custom. He then died, aged seventy-two. Earlier, when Jun's illness was severe, Emperor Xiaowen and Empress Dowager Wenming sent emissaries repeatedly to inquire after him, ordered Imperial Physician Xu Qian to examine him, [9] and granted him decoctions and medicines. On his deathbed, an edict appointed his youngest son Gongcheng as Palace Attendant and his nephew Lingqiu as Assistant Compilation Gentleman. When he died, Emperor Xiaowen and Empress Dowager Wenming mourned him deeply, granted Eastern Garden funerary regalia, one set of court dress, and three hundred bolts of silk, and posthumously honored him as Champion General, inspector of Yanzhou, and Marquis of Qu'an, with the posthumous name Xian. His literary compositions were collected in a separate compilation.
57
駿六子，元繼、公達、公亮、公禮，並無官。
Jun had six sons; Yuanji, Gongda, Gongliang, and Gongli all held no office.
58
公義，侍御史、謁者僕射、都水使者、武昌王司馬、沛郡太守。 公稱，主文中散、給事中、尚書郎。 並早卒。
Gongyi served as Attending Censor, Director of the Masters of Ceremonials, Commissioner of Waterworks, military administrator for the Prince of Wuchang, and administrator of Pei. Gongcheng served as Chief Textual Palace Attendant, Palace Attendant Within the Gates, and Master of Writing Gentleman. Both died young.
59
公禮子畿，字世伯。 好學，頗有文才。 荊州府主簿。
Gongli's son was Ji, whose style was Shibo. He loved learning and had considerable literary talent. He served as chief clerk of the Jingzhou prefectural office.
60
始駿從祖弟伯達，伯達名犯顯祖廟諱。 與駿同年，亦以文辯。 〈闕〉 沮渠牧犍時，俱選與牧犍世子參乘出入，時論美之。 伯達早亡。
Jun's younger cousin from the great-grandfather's line was Boda, whose given name violated the temple taboo of Emperor Xianzu. He was the same age as Jun and was also known for literary eloquence. 〈Lacuna in the text.〉 During Juqu Mujian's reign, both were chosen to attend the heir as carriage companions in and out of court, and contemporary opinion praised them. Boda died young.
61
弟子靈虬幼孤，頗有文才，而久淪末役。 在吏職十餘年，坐事免。 會駿臨終啟請，得擢為著作佐郎。 後坐稱在京無緦親，而高祖知其與駿子公義為始族，故致譴免。 至洛，無官，貧病。 久之，崔光啟申為羽林監，選補徐州、梁郡太守，以酗酒為刺史武昌王鑒所劾，失官。 既下梁郡，志力少衰，猶時為酒困。 久去官祿，不免飢寒，屢詣尚書乞効舊任。 僕射高肇領選，還申為著作郎，以崔光領任，敕令外敍。
Jun's nephew Lingqiu was orphaned young and had considerable literary talent, yet for long he languished in lowly clerical posts. He served in clerical posts for more than ten years before being dismissed for an offense. When Jun submitted a petition on his deathbed, Lingqiu was promoted to Assistant Compilation Gentleman. Later he was convicted for claiming to have no close kin in the capital, but Emperor Xiaowen knew that he and Jun's son Gongyi were of the same founding clan, and so had him censured and dismissed. When he reached Luoyang he held no office and was poor and ill. After a long time, Cui Guang petitioned to have him appointed Supervisor of the Feathered Forest; he was then selected and appointed administrator of Liang commandery in Xuzhou, but was indicted for drunkenness by the inspector, Prince of Wuchang Jian, and lost his office. Once he took up his post in Liang commandery, his resolve and strength declined somewhat, yet he was still sometimes overcome by wine. Long deprived of official salary, he could not escape hunger and cold and repeatedly went to the Masters of Writing begging to serve again in his former capacity. Vice Director Gao Zhao, overseeing selection, again had him appointed Compilation Gentleman; with Cui Guang holding the concurrent post, an edict ordered his appointment recorded externally.
62
史臣曰：韓麒麟以才器識用，遂見紀於齊土。 顯宗文學立己，屢陳時務，至於實錄之功，所未聞也。 子熙清尚自守，榮過其器。 程駿才業未多，見知於世者，蓋當時之長策乎？
The historian writes: Han Qilin, through talent, capacity, and discernment in employment, came to be recorded in Qi territory. Xianzong established himself through literary learning and repeatedly presented affairs of the age, but as for achievement in truthful recording, none has been heard. Zixi was pure and high-minded in self-restraint, yet the honors he received exceeded his capacity. Cheng Jun's talent and achievement were not great — was what the world recognized in him perhaps the far-reaching policies of his age?
63
校勘記
Textual Collation Notes
64
拷掠胡定諸本「掠」字缺，冊府卷七一五 〈八五０二頁〉 作「掠拷」，今據補「掠」字。
[Passage "beat and plunder Hu Ding"] In all editions the character the cited text is absent; Cefu yuangui, juan 715 〈p. 8502〉 reads the cited text; the character the cited text is now supplied on that evidence.
65
唯諮是從冊府同上卷頁「諮」作「諾」。 按「唯諮是從」語意晦澀，「諮」當是「諾」之訛。
[Phrase "the cited text"] In Cefu, same juan and page, the cited text appears as the cited text. Comment: The phrase "the cited text" is obscure in meaning; the cited text must be a corruption of the cited text.
66
為國巨患諸本「巨」作「臣」，獨局本作「巨」。 按作「臣」不可通，冊府 〈同上卷頁〉 也作「巨」，今從局本。
[Phrase "the cited text"] In all editions the cited text appears as the cited text; only the Ju ben has the cited text. Comment: Read as the cited text the phrase makes no sense; Cefu yuangui 〈same juan and page〉 also has the cited text; the text now follows the Ju ben.
67
雖賑貸普霑今猶恐來夏菜色諸本無「貸」字，語氣不完，今據冊府卷四七二 〈五六二五頁〉 補。 又冊府「恐」作「愍雨」二字，兩通，今不改。
[Passage "the cited text"] All editions lack the cited text and the sense is incomplete; it is now supplied from Cefu yuangui, juan 472 〈p. 5625〉 Supplied. Moreover, in Cefu the cited text appears as the two characters the cited text; both readings are acceptable, and no change is made.
68
未多坐盜棄市諸本「多」上無「未」字，北史卷四０韓麒麟附韓顯宗傳、冊府卷四七二 〈五六二六頁〉 有。 按顯宗意謂嚴刑無效，若無「未」字，便和原意相反，今據補。
[Passage "the cited text"] All editions lack the cited text before the cited text; Beishi, juan 40, appended biography of Han Xianzong under Han Qilin; Cefu yuangui, juan 472 〈p. 5626〉 have it. Comment: Xianzong means that harsh punishments were ineffective; without the cited text the sense would be reversed, and it is now supplied on that evidence.
69
至於開伎作宦途諸本「於」訛「與」，今據北史卷四０、冊府卷四七二 〈五六二七頁〉 改。
[Passage "the cited text"] In all editions the cited text is corrupted as the cited text; it is now corrected on the authority of Beishi, juan 40, and Cefu yuangui, juan 472 〈p. 5627〉 Corrected.
70
亦可復舊諸本「可」上有「不」字，北史卷四０、冊府卷四七二 〈五六二七頁〉 無。 按若云「不可復舊」，則無需申說。 「不」字衍，今據刪。
[Phrase "the cited text"] All editions have the cited text above the cited text; Beishi, juan 40; Cefu yuangui, juan 472 〈p. 5627〉 do not have it. Comment: If it read "the cited text", further explanation would be unnecessary. The character the cited text is superfluous and is now deleted on that evidence.
71
豈周急不繼富之謂也諸本「急」訛「給」。 今據北史卷四０、冊府 〈同上卷頁〉 及論語雍也章原文改。
[Phrase "the cited text"] In all editions the cited text is corrupted as the cited text. It is now corrected on the authority of Beishi, juan 40, and Cefu yuangui 〈same juan and page〉 and the original text of the Yong ye chapter of the Analects.
72
敕御師徐謇診視北史卷四０程駿傳「御師」上有「侍」字，與本書卷九一徐謇傳合，這裏當脫「侍」字。
[Passage "the cited text"] In Beishi, juan 40, Cheng Jun biography, the character the cited text appears before the cited text; this agrees with the Xu Qian biography in juan 91 of this book - here the cited text must have been omitted.