1
王肅宋弁
Wang Su; Song Bian
2
王肅，字恭懿，琅邪臨沂人，司馬衍丞相導之後也。 父奐，蕭賾尚書左僕射。 肅少而聰辯，涉獵經史，頗有大志。 仕蕭賾，歷著作郎、太子舍人、司徒主簿、祕書丞。 肅自謂禮、易為長，亦未能通其大義也。 父奐及兄弟並為蕭賾所殺，肅自建業來奔，是歲，太和十七年也。
Wang Su, whose courtesy name was Gongyi, came from Linyi in Langye and was a descendant of Chancellor Wang Dao, who had served under Emperor Xiaowu (Sima Yan). His father Wang Huan had served Xiao Ze as Left Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat. From boyhood Su was quick-witted and articulate; he read widely in the classics and histories and harbored lofty ambitions. Under Xiao Ze he rose through the posts of Gentleman of the Academy, Attendant to the Heir Apparent, Chief Clerk of the Minister of Education, and Secretary of the Palace Library. Su regarded the Rites and the Changes as his strengths, though even in those he had not fully grasped their deeper principles. His father Huan and his brothers had all been put to death on Xiao Ze's orders. Su fled Jiankang to surrender to the north; it was the seventeenth year of the Taihe reign.
3
高祖幸鄴，聞肅至，虛襟待之，引見問故。 肅辭義敏切，辯而有禮，高祖甚哀惻之。 遂語及為國之道，肅陳說治亂，音韻雅暢，深會帝旨。 高祖嗟納之，促席移景，不覺坐之疲淹也。 因言蕭氏危滅之兆，可乘之機，勸高祖大舉。 於是圖南之規轉銳，器重禮遇日有加焉，親貴舊臣莫能間也。 或屏左右相對談說，至夜分不罷。 肅亦盡忠輸誠，無所隱避，自謂君臣之際猶玄德之遇孔明也。 尋除輔國將軍、大將軍長史，賜爵開陽伯，肅固辭伯爵，許之。
When Emperor Gaozu was at Ye and learned that Su had arrived, he received him with an open mind, summoned him to audience, and asked why he had come. Su spoke with keen precision—forceful in argument yet courteous in manner—and the emperor was deeply moved with compassion. Their talk turned to statecraft. Su discoursed on order and chaos in a voice elegant and fluent, striking the emperor's purpose to the core. The emperor sighed his approval and drew his seat nearer; the sun moved across the sky before either man noticed how long they had sat there. He went on to describe the signs that the Xiao regime was nearing collapse and the openings that could be exploited, urging the emperor to strike on a grand scale. From then on the plan to march south sharpened daily. The emperor's regard and favors toward Su only grew, and neither kinsmen, nobles, nor veteran ministers could come between them. At times they dismissed their attendants and talked alone together far into the night without breaking off. Su for his part gave his full loyalty and candor without reserve, believing that between them ruler and minister stood as Liu Bei had with Zhuge Liang. He was soon made General Who Assists the State and Chief Clerk to the Grand General, and granted the title Marquis of Kaiyang. Su firmly declined the marquisate, and the emperor allowed it.
4
詔肅討蕭鸞義陽。 聽招募壯勇以為爪牙，其募士有功，賞加常募一等； 其從肅行者，六品已下聽先擬用，然後表聞； 若投化之人，聽五品已下先即優授。 於是假肅節，行平南將軍。 肅至義陽，頻破賊軍，降者萬餘。 高祖遣散騎侍郎勞之，以功進號平南將軍，賜駿馬一匹，除持節、都督豫東豫東郢三州諸軍事、[1]本將軍、豫州刺史、揚州大中正。 肅善於撫接，治有聲稱。
The emperor ordered Su to attack Yiyang, which was held by Xiao Luan. He was authorized to recruit stalwart warriors as his fighting men. Recruits who distinguished themselves were to receive rewards one grade above the usual enlistment scale; followers of the sixth rank and below who accompanied Su might be provisionally appointed on the spot and reported afterward by memorial; defectors of the fifth rank and below could receive preferential appointment immediately. Su was then given the credential staff and acted in the capacity of General Who Pacifies the South. At Yiyang Su repeatedly routed the enemy forces, and more than ten thousand men surrendered to him. The emperor sent a Gentleman of the Palace Cadet to congratulate him. For his achievements Su was promoted to General Who Pacifies the South and given a fine horse. He was appointed Bearer of the Staff, Commander-in-Chief of military affairs in the three provinces of Eastern Yu, Eastern Yu, and Ying,[1] retaining his former general's title while also serving as Inspector of Yu Province and Chief Rectifier of Yang Province. Su excelled at winning people over, and his administration earned a strong reputation.
5
尋徵肅入朝，高祖手詔曰：「不見君子，中心如醉，一日三歲，我勞如何。 飾館華林，拂席相待，卿欲以何日發汝墳也？ 故復此敕。」 又詔曰：「肅丁荼虣世，志等伍胥，自拔吳州，膺求魏縣，躬操忘禮之本，而同無數之喪，誓雪怨耻，方展申復，窮諭再期，蔬縕不改，誠季世之高風，末代之孝節也。 但聖人制禮，必均愚智； 先王作則，理齊盈虛。 過之者俯而就之，不及者企而行之。 曾參居罰，寧其哀終； 吳員處酷，豈聞四載。 夫三年者，天下之達喪，古今之所一，其雖欲過禮，朕得不制之以禮乎？ 有司可依禮諭之，為裁練𧝓之制。」
Su was soon recalled to court. The emperor wrote in his own hand: 'Without seeing you, my heart is as though drunk; each day feels like three years—how heavy is my longing for you. I have prepared a lodge in Hualin Park and swept the mat in welcome. On what day will you leave your father's tomb at Ru and come? Hence this further message.' Another edict stated: 'Su has come through a bitter, violent age with a resolve equal to Wu Zixu's. He tore himself away from Wu to seek refuge in Wei. Though he has set aside the fundamentals of ritual propriety, he still observes mourning beyond all measure, vowing to avenge his wrongs and only now preparing to act. Though admonished repeatedly that the second mourning period has ended, he has not laid aside his coarse hemp and mourning belt—truly the lofty conduct of a declining age and the filial devotion of a final generation. Yet when the sages established ritual, they had to make one standard for the wise and the foolish alike; when the former kings set precedents, they aligned principle with what is fitting in every case. Those who went too far had to bend down to meet it; those who fell short had to stretch up to reach it. Zeng Shen endured punishment yet found peace in completing his mourning; Wu Zixu suffered cruel wrongs—who ever heard of mourning for four years? Three years is the universally acknowledged mourning period, the same in every age. Though he wishes to go beyond ritual, how can I fail to bring him within ritual bounds? Let the responsible offices admonish him according to ritual and prescribe the regulations for the second year of mourning in plain white.'
6
二十年七月，高祖以久旱不雨，輟膳三旦，百僚詣闕，引在中書省。 高祖在崇虛樓，遣舍人問曰：「朕知卿等至，不獲相見，卿何為而來？」 肅對曰：「伏承陛下輟膳已經三旦，羣臣焦怖，不敢自寧。 臣聞堯水湯旱，自然之數，須聖人以濟世，不由聖以致災。 是以國儲九年，以禦九年之變。 臣又聞至於八月不雨，然後君不舉膳。 昨四郊之外已蒙滂澍，唯京城之內微為少澤。 蒸民未闕一餐，陛下輟膳三日，臣庶惶惶，無復情地。」 高祖遣舍人答曰：「昔堯水湯旱，賴聖人以濟民，朕雖居羣黎之上，道謝前王，今日之旱，無以救恤，應待立秋，克躬自咎。 但此月十日已來，炎熱焦酷，人物同悴，而連雲數日，高風蕭條，雖不食數朝，猶自無感，朕誠心未至之所致也。」 肅曰：「臣聞聖人與凡同者五常，異者神明。 昔姑射之神，不食五穀，臣常謂矯。 今見陛下，始知其驗。 且陛下自輟膳以來，若天全無應，臣亦謂上天無知，陛下無感。 一昨之前，外有滂澤，此有密雲，臣即謂天有知，陛下有感矣。」 高祖遣舍人答曰：「昨內外貴賤咸云四郊有雨，朕恐此輩皆勉勸之辭，三覆之慎，必欲使信而有徵。 比當遣人往行，若果雨也，便命大官欣然進膳。 豈可以近郊之內而慷慨要天乎？ 若其無也，朕之無感，安用朕身以擾民庶！ 朕志確然，死而後已。」 是夜澍雨大降。
In the seventh month of the twentieth year, after a prolonged drought the Emperor Gaozu abstained from meals for three mornings. The officials came to the palace and were received in the Secretariat. The emperor was in the Chongxu Tower and sent a chamberlain to ask: 'I know you have arrived but cannot receive you in audience. Why have you come?' Su replied: 'We have learned that Your Majesty has abstained from meals for three mornings. The officials are consumed with anxiety and dare not rest easy. I have heard that the floods in Yao's time and the drought in Tang's were part of nature's cycles. It takes a sage to rescue the age—calamity does not arise because one is a sage. That is why a state stores grain for nine years, to meet nine years of hardship. I have also heard that a ruler should abstain from meals only when rain has failed until the eighth month. Yesterday the countryside beyond the four suburbs already received heavy rain; only within the capital the moisture was somewhat less. The common people have not yet missed a single meal, yet Your Majesty has abstained for three days. Officials and subjects alike are in turmoil and can find no peace.' The emperor sent the chamberlain to reply: 'In Yao's floods and Tang's drought, the people were saved through sages. Though I stand above the multitude, my conduct falls short of the former kings. I have no means to relieve this drought and should wait until the Beginning of Autumn to examine my own faults. Yet since the tenth of this month the heat has been fierce and all creation withers, while clouds have massed for days and high winds blow bleak. Though I have abstained for several mornings, heaven still does not respond—it is because my sincerity has not yet been sufficient.' Su said: 'I have heard that what sages share with ordinary men are the five constant virtues; what sets them apart is their divine clarity. The spirit of Mount Guye in antiquity did not eat grain—I always took that for pretense. Now that I see Your Majesty, I know it can be true. Moreover, since Your Majesty began abstaining, if heaven had given no response at all, I too would say heaven was unaware and Your Majesty's sincerity had not moved it. Before yesterday there was heavy rain outside and dense clouds here—I would say heaven has taken notice and Your Majesty's sincerity has moved it.' The emperor sent the chamberlain to reply: 'Yesterday everyone within and without the court said the four suburbs had rain. I fear these were words of encouragement. I must be thrice cautious and require proof before I believe. I shall soon send men to verify. If rain has truly fallen, I shall order the Grand Provisioner to serve meals with gladness. How can one within the near suburbs make passionate demands of heaven? If there is none, then my sincerity has not moved heaven—of what use is my person to trouble the people! My resolve is firm and will not cease until death.' That night a soaking rain fell in abundance.
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以破蕭鸞將裴叔業功，進號鎮南將軍，加都督豫、南兗、東荊、東豫四州諸軍事，封汝陽縣開國子，食邑三百戶，持節、中正、刺史如故。 肅頻表固讓，不許，詔加鼓吹一部。 二十二年，既平漢陽，詔肅曰：「夫知己貴義，君臣務恩，不能矜災卹禍，恩義焉措？ 卿情同伍員，懷酷歸朕，然未能翦一讎人，馘彼凶帥，何嘗不興言憤歎，羨吳閭而長息。 比獲蕭鸞輔國將軍黃瑤起，乃知是卿怨也。 尋當相付，微望紓泄，使吾見卿之日，差得緩懷。」 初，賾之收肅父奐也，司馬黃瑤起攻奐殺之，故詔云然。
For defeating Xiao Luan's general Pei Shuye, Su was promoted to General Who Guards the South and made Commander-in-Chief of military affairs in Yu, Southern Yanzhou, Eastern Jing, and Eastern Yu. He was enfeoffed as Viscount of Ruyang with an estate of three hundred households, retaining his credential staff, rectifier's post, and inspector's title. Su repeatedly memorialized to decline the honors, but the emperor would not allow it and added a set of martial music to his entourage. In the twenty-second year, after Hanyang was pacified, the emperor wrote to Su: 'A true friend values righteousness; ruler and minister must honor mutual obligation. If one cannot show pity in disaster and relieve suffering, where can grace and righteousness remain? Your feelings match Wu Zixu's; you suffered cruel wrongs and came to me, yet you have not been able to cut down a single foe or take that vicious commander's head. How often have I not spoken in anger and sighing, envying King Helü of Wu and drawing long breaths. We have recently captured Xiao Luan's General Who Assists the State Huang Yaoqi—now I know he is the man you seek. He shall soon be handed over to you. I hope this may ease your grief somewhat, so that when I see you again my heart may be a little lighter.' Earlier, when Xiao Ze arrested Su's father Huan, the Major Huang Yaoqi had attacked and killed him—hence the edict spoke as it did.
8
高祖之伐淮北，令肅討義陽，未克，而蕭鸞遣將裴叔業寇渦陽。 劉藻等救之，為叔業所敗。 肅表求更遣軍援渦陽。 詔曰：「得表，覽之憮然，觀卿意非專在水，當是以藻等銳兵新敗於前，事往勢難故也。 朕若分兵，遣之非多，會無所制，多遣則禁旅難闕。 今日之計，唯當作必克之舉，不可為狐疑之師，徒失南兗也。 卿便息意停彼，以圖義陽之寇。 宜止則止，還取義陽； 宜下則下，鎮軍淮北。 深量二途，勿致重爽。 若孟表糧盡，軍不及至，致失渦陽，卿之過也。」 肅乃解義陽之圍，以赴渦陽，叔業乃引師而退。 肅坐劉藻等敗，黜為平南將軍，中正、刺史如故。
During the Emperor Gaozu's campaign north of the Huai, Su was ordered to attack Yiyang but had not taken it when Xiao Luan sent General Pei Shuye to raid Woyang. Liu Zao and others went to relieve the city but were defeated by Pei Shuye. Su memorialized asking that another army be sent to relieve Woyang. An edict stated: 'I have received your memorial and read it with distress. I see your concern is not solely for the river—it must be because Liu Zao and the others' crack troops were just defeated, the situation has turned difficult. If I divide forces and send too few, they will be unable to control the situation; if I send too many, the capital guard will be dangerously depleted. Today's plan must be a strike certain to succeed. Do not lead a hesitant force and vainly lose Southern Yanzhou. Set your mind at ease and hold your position there to deal with the enemy at Yiyang. If you should hold, then hold and return to take Yiyang; if you should advance, then advance and garrison your forces north of the Huai. Weigh both courses carefully and do not bring about a double failure. If Meng Biao's supplies run out and your army does not arrive in time, causing Woyang to be lost, the fault will be yours.' Su thereupon lifted the siege of Yiyang and marched to Woyang, whereupon Pei Shuye withdrew his army. Su was demoted to General Who Pacifies the South on account of Liu Zao's defeat, but retained his posts as Rectifier and Inspector.
9
高祖崩，遺詔以肅為尚書令，與咸陽王禧等同為宰輔，徵肅會駕魯陽。 肅至，遂與禧等參同謀謨。 自魯陽至於京洛，行途喪紀，委肅參量，憂勤經綜，有過舊戚。 禧兄弟並敬而昵之，上下稱為和輯。 唯任城王澄以其起自羇遠，一旦在己之上，以為憾焉。 每謂人曰：「朝廷以王肅加我上尚可，從叔廣陽，宗室尊宿，[2]歷任內外，云何一朝令肅居其右也？」 肅聞其言，恒降而避之。 尋為澄所奏劾，稱肅謀叛，言尋申釋。 詔肅尚陳留長公主，本劉昶子婦彭城公主也，賜錢二十萬、帛三千匹。 肅奏：「考以顯能，陟由績著，昇明退闇，於是乎在。 自百僚曠察，四稔于茲，請依舊式考檢能否。」 從之。
When the Emperor Gaozu died, his final edict appointed Su Director of the Imperial Secretariat and made him a chief minister alongside the Prince of Xianyang Xi and others. Su was summoned to join the imperial procession at Luyang. When Su arrived, he joined Xi and the others in deliberating on state affairs. From Luyang to Luoyang, the mourning arrangements along the route were entrusted to Su for oversight. His anxious diligence in managing affairs surpassed even the emperor's kinsmen. Xi and his brothers all respected and drew close to him; court and camp alike praised their harmony. Only the Prince of Rencheng Cheng resented him, for Su had risen from distant, subject origins and now stood suddenly above him. He often said: 'For the court to place Wang Su above me is still tolerable. But my father's younger brother the Prince of Guangyang is a senior member of the imperial clan,[2] who has served in posts within and without the capital—how can they place Su to his right in a single morning?' When Su heard this, he always deferred to him and kept his distance. Soon Cheng impeached him, charging Su with plotting rebellion; the charge was soon clarified and dismissed. An edict ordered Su to marry the Elder Princess of Chenliu, formerly the Princess of Pengcheng and daughter-in-law of Liu Chang. He was granted two hundred thousand cash and three thousand bolts of silk. Su memorialized: 'Examinations reveal ability; promotion follows outstanding achievement. Raising the capable and removing the incompetent—that is the principle. The officials have gone without inspection for four years now. I request that examinations be conducted according to the established form to test their competence.' The request was approved.
10
裴叔業以壽春內附，拜肅使持節、都督江西諸軍事、車騎將軍，與驃騎大將軍、彭城王勰率步騎十萬以赴之。 蕭寶卷豫州刺史蕭懿率眾三萬屯於小峴，交州刺史李叔獻屯合肥，將圖壽春。 懿遣將胡松、李居士等領眾萬餘屯據死虎。 肅進師討擊，大破之，擒其將橋珉等，斬首數千。 進討合肥，生擒叔獻，蕭懿棄小峴南走。 肅還京師，世宗臨東堂引見勞之，又問：「江左有何息耗？」 肅曰：「如聞崔慧景已死。 寶卷所仗，非邪即佞。 天殆以此資陛下，廓定之期，勢將不久。」 以肅淮南累捷，賞帛四千七百五十匹，進位開府儀同三司，封昌國縣開國侯，食邑八百戶，餘如故。 尋以肅為散騎常侍、都督淮南諸軍事、揚州刺史、持節，餘官如故。
When Pei Shuye surrendered Shouchun to the north, Su was appointed Bearer of the Staff, Commander-in-Chief of military affairs west of the river, and General of the Chariots and Cavalry. He joined the General of Agile Cavalry, the Prince of Pengcheng Xie, in leading one hundred thousand infantry and cavalry to the scene. Xiao Baojuan's Inspector of Yu Province Xiao Yi led thirty thousand men to encamp at Xiaoxian, while the Inspector of Jiaozhou Li Shuxian encamped at Hefei, both intending to retake Shouchun. Yi sent Generals Hu Song, Li Jushi, and others with more than ten thousand men to hold the fortress of Sihu. Su advanced to attack and routed them utterly, capturing Generals Qiao Min and others and taking several thousand heads. He then advanced on Hefei and took Li Shuxian alive. Xiao Yi abandoned Xiaoxian and fled south. When Su returned to the capital, Emperor Shizong received him in audience at the Eastern Hall and congratulated him, then asked: 'What news is there from south of the Yangtze?' Su replied: 'As I have heard, Cui Huijing is already dead. Those Baojuan relies on are either wicked or sycophantic. Heaven may be furnishing Your Majesty with the means; the time for pacification cannot be far off.' For Su's repeated victories in Huainan, he was rewarded with four thousand seven hundred fifty bolts of silk, promoted to Bearer of the Staff with the Ceremonies of the Three Dukes, and enfeoffed as Marquis of Changguo with an estate of eight hundred households; his other titles remained unchanged. Su was soon made Attendant at the Palace Cadet, Commander-in-Chief of military affairs in Huainan, Inspector of Yang Province, and Bearer of the Staff, while his other offices remained unchanged.
11
肅頻在邊，悉心撫接，遠近歸懷，附者若市，以誠綏納，咸得其心。 清身好施，簡絕聲色，終始廉約，家無餘財。 然性微輕佻，頗以功名自許，護疵稱伐，少所推下，高祖每以此為言。 景明二年薨於壽春，年三十八。 世宗為舉哀，詔曰：「肅奄至不救，痛惋兼懷，可遣中書侍郎賈思伯兼通直散騎常侍撫慰厥孤，給東園祕器、朝服一襲、錢三十萬、帛一千匹、布五百匹、蠟三百斤，并問其卜遷遠近，專遣侍御史一人監護喪事，務令優厚。」 又詔曰：「死生動靜，卑高有域，勝達所居，存亡崇顯。 故杜預之歿，窆於首陽； 司空李沖，覆舟是託。 顧瞻斯所，誠亦二代之九原也。 故揚州刺史肅誠義結於二世，英惠符於李杜，平生本意，願終京陵，既有宿心，宜遂先志。 其令葬於沖、預兩墳之間，使之神遊相得也。」 贈侍中、司空公，本官如故。 有司奏以肅忠心大度，宜諡匡公，詔諡宣簡。 肅宗初，詔為肅建碑銘。 子紹襲。
Su was often on the frontier and devoted himself to winning people over. Near and far alike turned to him in allegiance, and those who came to join him were as numerous as a market crowd. Through sincere kindness he won them all. He lived plainly and gave generously, shunning music and women. Throughout his life he was frugal, and his household left no surplus wealth. Yet he was somewhat frivolous by nature, took pride in fame and achievement, glossed over his faults while trumpeting his merits, and seldom deferred to others. The Emperor Gaozu often remarked on this. In the second year of the Jingming reign he died at Shouchun, at the age of thirty-eight. Emperor Shizong ordered mourning rites. An edict stated: 'Su's sudden death fills me with grief and regret. Send Palace Attendant Jia Sibo, also acting as Direct Attendant at the Palace Cadet, to comfort his orphans. Grant the secret funerary vessels of the Eastern Garden, one set of court robes, three hundred thousand cash, one thousand bolts of silk, five hundred bolts of cloth, and three hundred jin of wax. Inquire about the distance for choosing a burial site, and send a dedicated Attending Censor to oversee the funeral, ensuring that all arrangements be generous.' Another edict stated: 'Life and death, movement and stillness, high and low each have their proper domain. Where the eminent rest, survival and extinction alike are honored and displayed. When Du Yu died, he was buried at Shouyang; Minister of Works Li Chong was laid to rest beside the capsized boat. Gazing upon this place, it is truly a burial ground worthy of two dynasties. The former Inspector of Yang Province Su bound his loyalty to two emperors, and his brilliance and kindness matched those of Li Chong and Du Yu. His lifelong wish was to be buried at the capital tombs. Since this was his longstanding desire, his former purpose should be fulfilled. Let him be buried between the tombs of Li Chong and Du Yu, so that their spirits may keep company in the afterlife.' He was posthumously made Palace Attendant and Minister of Works, while his former titles remained unchanged. The responsible offices recommended the posthumous title Lord Kuang for Su's loyal heart and great magnanimity, but an edict granted the posthumous title Xuanjian. Early in the Suzong reign, an edict ordered a memorial stele erected for Su. His son Shao inherited his titles.
12
紹，字三歸。 歷官太子洗馬、員外常侍、中書侍郎。 卒，贈輔國將軍、徐州刺史。
Shao, whose courtesy name was Sangui. He served successively as Groom of the Heir Apparent, Acting Regular Attendant, and Palace Attendant. He died and was posthumously made General Who Assists the State and Inspector of Xuzhou.
13
子遷，襲。 武定中，通直常侍。 齊受禪，爵隨例降。
His son Qian inherited the title. During the Wuding reign he served as Direct Regular Attendant. When Qi received the abdication, his noble rank was reduced according to precedent.
14
紹弟理，孝靜初，始得還朝。 武定末，著作佐郎。
Shao's younger brother Li was at last able to return to court early in the Xiaojing reign. At the end of the Wuding reign he served as Assistant Gentleman of the Academy.
15
紹，肅前妻謝生也，肅臨薨，謝始攜二女及紹至壽春。 世宗納其女為夫人，肅宗又納紹女為嬪。
Shao was the son of Su's former wife, Lady Xie. When Su was dying, Lady Xie at last brought her two daughters and Shao to Shouchun. Emperor Shizong took his daughter as a consort, and Emperor Suzong later took Shao's daughter as an imperial concubine.
16
肅弟秉，字文政。 涉獵書史，微有兄風。 世宗初，攜兄子誦、翊、衍等入國，拜中書郎，遷司徒諮議，出為輔國將軍、幽州刺史。 卒，贈征虜將軍、徐州刺史。
Su's younger brother Bing, whose courtesy name was Wenzheng. He read widely in books and histories and showed something of his elder brother's manner. Early in the Shizong reign he brought his elder brother's sons Song, Yi, Yan, and others into Wei territory. He was appointed Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat, then Adviser to the Minister of Education, and later sent out as General Who Assists the State and Inspector of You Province. He died and was posthumously made General Who Punishes the Barbarians and Inspector of Xuzhou.
17
誦，字國章，肅長兄融之子。 學涉有文才，神氣清儁，風流甚美。 自員外郎、司徒主簿，轉司徒屬、司空諮議、通直常侍、汝南王友。 遷司徒諮議，加前軍、散騎常侍、光祿大夫。 出為左將軍、幽州刺史。 未幾，徵為長兼祕書監，徙給事黃門侍郎。 肅宗崩，靈太后之立幼主也，於時大赦，誦宣讀詔書，音制抑揚，風神疎秀，百僚傾屬，莫不歎美。 孝莊初，於河陰遇害，年三十七。 [3]贈驃騎大將軍、尚書左僕射、司空公、徐州刺史，諡曰文宣。
Song, whose courtesy name was Guozhang, was the son of Su's elder brother Rong. He was learned and gifted in letters, with a clear and handsome presence and an exceptionally refined bearing. He rose from Gentleman of the Palace and Chief Clerk of the Minister of Education to Attendant of the Minister of Education, Adviser to the Minister of Works, Direct Regular Attendant, and Companion to the Prince of Runan. He was promoted to Adviser to the Minister of Education, with additional titles of Vanguard General, Attendant at the Palace Cadet, and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. He was sent out as General of the Left and Inspector of You Province. Before long he was recalled as Senior Acting Director of the Palace Library, then transferred to Attendant Gentleman at the Yellow Gate. When Emperor Suzong died and Empress Dowager Ling installed the young emperor, a general amnesty was proclaimed. Song read the edict aloud with cadences rising and falling, his bearing open and refined. The officials all turned to him in admiration. Early in the Xiaozhuang reign he was killed at Heyin, at the age of thirty-seven. [3] He was posthumously made General of Agile Cavalry, Left Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Minister of Works, and Inspector of Xuzhou, with the posthumous title Wenhuan.
18
子孝康，武定中，尚書郎中。 卒。
His son Xiaokang served as Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat during the Wuding reign. He died.
19
孝康弟儁康，性清雅，頗有文才。 齊文襄王中外府祭酒。 卒，贈征虜將軍、太府少卿。
Xiaokang's younger brother Junkang was refined and elegant by nature and showed considerable literary talent. He served as Libationer of the Central and Outer Office under the Prince of Wenxiang of Qi. He died and was posthumously made General Who Punishes the Barbarians and Vice Director of the Grand Treasury.
20
誦弟衍，字文舒。 名行器藝亞於誦。 自著作佐郎，稍遷尚書郎、員外常侍、司空諮議、光祿大夫、廷尉、揚州大中正、度支尚書，仍轉七兵，徙太常卿。 出為散騎常侍、征東將軍、西兗州刺史。 衍屆治未幾，屬尒朱仲遠稱兵內向，州既路衝，為其攻逼。 衍不能守，為仲遠所擒，以其名望不害也，令其騎牛從軍，久乃見釋。 還洛，除車騎將軍、左光祿大夫。 孝靜初，轉侍中，將軍如故。 天平三年卒，年五十二。 敕給東園祕器、賵物三百段，贈使持節、都督青徐兗三州諸軍事、驃騎大將軍、尚書令、司徒公、徐州刺史，諡曰文獻。 衍篤於交舊，有故人竺虩，於西兗為仲遠所害，其妻子飢寒，衍置之於家，累年贍恤，世人稱其敦厚。
Song's younger brother Yan, whose courtesy name was Wenshu. His reputation, conduct, and abilities were second only to Song's. Starting as Assistant Gentleman of the Academy, he rose through Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat, Acting Regular Attendant, Adviser to the Minister of Works, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Minister of Justice, Chief Rectifier of Yang Province, and Director of Revenue, then transferred to the Seven Troops and became Minister of Ceremonies. He was sent out as Attendant at the Palace Cadet, General Who Conquers the East, and Inspector of Western Yanzhou. Yan had been in office only a short time when Erzhu Zhongyuan raised troops and marched inward. The province lay on the main route and came under his attack. Yan could not hold the province and was captured by Zhongyuan. Because of his reputation he was not harmed, but was made to ride an ox with the army. Only after a long time was he released. On returning to Luoyang he was made General of the Chariots and Cavalry and Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. Early in the Xiaojing reign he was made Palace Attendant while retaining his general's title. In the third year of the Tianping reign he died, at the age of fifty-two. An edict granted the secret funerary vessels of the Eastern Garden and three hundred sections of funeral goods. He was posthumously made Bearer of the Staff, Commander-in-Chief of military affairs in Qing, Xu, and Yan provinces, General of Agile Cavalry, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Minister of Education, and Inspector of Xuzhou, with the posthumous title Wenxian. Yan was devoted to old friends. An acquaintance named Zhu Xi had been killed by Zhongyuan in Western Yanzhou, leaving his wife and children hungry and cold. Yan took them into his household and supported them for years, and the world praised his generosity.
21
翊，字士遊，肅次兄琛子也。 風神秀立，好學有文才。 歷司空主簿、清河王友、中書侍郎。 頗銳於榮利，結婚於元叉，超拜左將軍、濟州刺史，尋加平東將軍。 清靜愛民，有政治之稱。 入為散騎常侍。 孝莊初，遷鎮南將軍、金紫光祿大夫，領國子祭酒。 永安元年冬卒，年三十七。 贈侍中、衞將軍、司空公、徐州刺史。
Yi, whose courtesy name was Shiyou, was the son of Su's second elder brother Chen. His bearing was outstanding; he loved learning and had literary talent. He served successively as Chief Clerk of the Minister of Works, Companion to the Prince of Qinghe, and Palace Attendant. He was keen on glory and profit. He married into Yuan Cha's family and was abruptly promoted to General of the Left and Inspector of Jizhou, soon receiving the additional title General Who Pacifies the East. He governed with purity and cared for the people, earning a reputation for good administration. He was recalled to court as Attendant at the Palace Cadet. Early in the Xiaozhuang reign he was promoted to General Who Guards the South and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with the Golden Seal, and made Director of the Imperial Academy. In the winter of the first year of the Yong'an reign he died, at the age of thirty-seven. He was posthumously made Palace Attendant, General of the Guard, Minister of Works, and Inspector of Xuzhou.
22
子淵，武定中，儀同開府記室參軍。
His son Yuan served as Secretary to the General with Ceremonies Equal to the Three Dukes during the Wuding reign.
23
宋弁，字義和，廣平列人人也。 祖愔，與從叔宣、博陵崔建俱知名。 世祖時，歷位中書博士、員外散騎常侍，使江南，賜爵列人子，還拜廣平太守。 興安五年卒，[4]贈安遠將軍、相州刺史，諡曰惠。 長子顯襲爵。 弁伯父世顯無子，[5]養弁為後。 弁父叔珍，李敷妹夫，因敷事而死。
Song Bian, whose courtesy name was Yihe, came from Lieren in Guangping. His grandfather Yin, together with his father's younger cousin Xuan and Cui Jian of Boling, were all well known. Under Emperor Shizu he served as Doctor of the Palace Secretariat and Acting Attendant at the Palace Cadet, was sent on a mission to Jiangnan, and was granted the title Viscount of Lieren. On his return he was appointed Administrator of Guangping. He died in the fifth year of the Xing'an reign.[4] He was posthumously made General Who Pacifies the Distant and Inspector of Xiang Province, with the posthumous title Hui. His eldest son Xian inherited the title. Bian's father's elder brother Shixian had no son[5] and adopted Bian as his heir. Bian's father Shuzhen was married to Li Fu's sister and was put to death in connection with the Li Fu affair.
24
弁才學儁贍，少有美名。 高祖初，曾至京師，見尚書李沖，因言論移日。 沖竦然異之，退而言曰：「此人一日千里，王佐才也。」 顯卒，弁襲爵。 弁與李彪州里，迭相祗好。 彪為祕書丞，弁自中散彪請為著作佐郎，尋除尚書殿中郎中。 高祖曾因朝會之次，歷訪治道，弁年少官微，自下而對，聲姿清亮，進止可觀，高祖稱善者久之。 因是大被知遇，賜名為弁，意取弁和獻玉，楚王不知寶之也。
Bian was outstanding in talent and learning and enjoyed a fine reputation from youth. Early in the Gaozu reign he came to the capital and met Director of the Imperial Secretariat Li Chong. Their discussion lasted a full day. Chong was astonished and considered him extraordinary. On retiring he said: 'This man advances a thousand li in a day—he has the talent of a king's assistant.' When Xian died, Bian inherited the title. Bian and Li Biao were from the same district and were close friends who treated each other with mutual respect. When Biao was Secretary of the Palace Library, Bian asked him, then a Palace Cadet, to secure the post of Assistant Gentleman of the Academy for him. He was soon appointed Gentleman of the Palace for Palace Affairs. At a court assembly the Emperor Gaozu once inquired about the way of governance. Though young and of low rank, Bian answered from the lower ranks in a clear, bright voice with admirable bearing. The emperor praised him at length. Thereupon he won great favor. He was granted the name Bian, alluding to Bian He presenting jade when the King of Chu did not recognize its worth.
25
遷中書侍郎，兼員外常侍，使於蕭賾。 賾司徒蕭子良、祕書丞王融等皆稱美之，以為志氣謇烈不逮李彪，而體韻和雅、舉止閑邃過之。 轉散騎侍郎，時散騎位在中書之右。 高祖曾論江左事，因問弁曰：「卿比南行，入其隅隩，彼政道云何？ 興亡之數可得知不？」 弁對曰：「蕭氏父子無大功於天下，既以逆取，不能順守。 德政不理，徭役滋劇，內無股肱之助，外有怨叛之民，以臣觀之，必不能貽厥孫謀，保有南海。 若物憚其威，身免為幸。」
He was promoted to Palace Attendant and Acting Regular Attendant and sent on a mission to Xiao Ze. Xiao Ze's Minister of Education Xiao Ziliang, Secretary Wang Rong, and others all praised him, finding that in resolve and boldness he did not match Li Biao, but in grace of manner and refined bearing he surpassed him. He was transferred to Attendant at the Palace Cadet, whose rank at the time stood above that of the Palace Secretariat. The Emperor Gaozu once discussed affairs south of the Yangtze and asked Bian: 'On your recent mission south you entered their inner circles—how is their governance? Can one discern the signs of their rise or fall?' Bian replied: 'The Xiao father and son have won no great merit for the realm. Having seized power by rebellion, they cannot preserve it through proper governance. Their virtuous governance is in disorder and corvée labor grows ever heavier. Within they lack loyal ministers; without they face resentful and rebellious subjects. In my view they cannot bequeath lasting plans to their descendants or long hold the south. If men fear their might, merely to escape with one's life is already fortunate.'
26
後車駕南征，以弁為司徒司馬、曜武將軍、東道副將。 軍人有盜馬靽者，斬而徇之，於是三軍振懼，莫敢犯法。
Later, when the emperor campaigned south, Bian was made Major of the Minister of Education, General of Shining Martiality, and Deputy Commander of the Eastern Route. When a soldier stole horse reins, Bian had him beheaded and displayed the punishment. The entire army was shaken with fear, and none dared break the law.
27
黃門郎崔光薦弁自代，高祖不許，然亦賞光知人。 未幾，以弁兼黃門，尋即正，兼司徒左長史。 時大選內外羣官，並定四海士族，弁專參銓量之任，事多稱旨。 然好言人之陰短，高門大族意所不便者，弁因毀之； 至於舊族淪滯，人非可忌者，又申達之。 弁又為本州大中正，姓族多所降抑，頗為時人所怨。
Gentleman at the Yellow Gate Cui Guang recommended Bian to succeed him, but the Emperor Gaozu would not allow it, though he praised Guang for recognizing talent. Before long Bian was made concurrent Gentleman at the Yellow Gate, soon confirmed in that post, and concurrently Left Chief Clerk of the Minister of Education. At the time a great selection of officials was underway and the clans of the realm were being ranked. Bian took charge of evaluation, and his decisions mostly met the emperor's intent. Yet he loved to speak of people's hidden faults. When great clans displeased him, he would slander them; but for old clans fallen into neglect, or men who posed no threat, he would bring them forward again. Bian also served as Chief Rectifier of his native province and demoted many clans, earning considerable resentment.
28
從駕南討，詔弁於豫州都督所部及東荊領葉，皆減戍士營農，[6]水陸兼作。 遷散騎常侍，尋遷右衞將軍，領黃門。 弁屢自陳讓，高祖曰：「吾為相知者，卿亦不可有辭，豈得專守一官，不助朕為治？ 且常侍者黃門之粗冗，領軍者二衞之假攝，不足空存推讓，以棄大委。」 其被知遇如此。
On the southern campaign an edict ordered Bian to reduce garrison troops under the Commander of Yu Province and in Ye under Eastern Jing and set them to farming,[6] with work on both water and land. He was promoted to Attendant at the Palace Cadet, then soon to General of the Right Guard while retaining headship of the Yellow Gate. Bian repeatedly asked to decline additional posts. The Emperor Gaozu said: 'As one who knows and esteems you, you may not decline. How can you hold to a single office and not assist me in governing? Moreover, Attendant at the Palace Cadet is a subordinate post of the Yellow Gate, and commanding the guard is a provisional assignment of the Two Guards—not reason enough to keep declining and abandon great responsibilities.' Such was the favor he enjoyed.
29
始，高祖北都之選也，李沖多所參預，頗抑宋氏。 弁有恨於沖，而與李彪交結，雅相知重。 及彪之抗沖，沖謂彪曰：「爾如狗耳，為人所嗾。」 及沖劾彪，不至大罪，弁之力也。 彪除名為民，弁大相嗟慨，密圖申復。
Earlier, when the Emperor Gaozu selected the northern capital, Li Chong took a leading part and rather suppressed the Song clan. Bian resented Chong and formed a close alliance with Li Biao, and the two held each other in high regard. When Biao opposed Chong, Chong told him: 'You are no better than a dog set on by others.' When Chong impeached Biao, Biao escaped the severest penalty through Bian's intervention. Biao was struck from the rolls and reduced to commoner status. Bian lamented deeply and secretly plotted to restore him.
30
高祖在汝南不豫，大漸，旬有餘日，不見侍臣，左右唯彭城王勰等數人而已。 小瘳，乃引見門下及宗室長幼諸人，入者未能知致悲泣，弁獨進及御床，歔欷流涕曰：「臣不謂陛下聖顏毀瘠乃爾！」 由是益重之。 車駕征馬圈，留弁以本官兼祠部尚書，攝七兵事。 及行，執其手曰：「國之大事，在祀與戎，故令卿綰攝二曹，可不自勉。」 弁頓首辭謝。 弁劬勞王事，夙夜在公，恩遇之甚，輩流莫及，名重朝野，亞於李沖。 高祖每稱弁可為吏部尚書。 及崩，遺詔以弁為之，與咸陽王禧等六人輔政，而弁已先卒，年四十八。 詔賜錢十萬、布三百匹，贈安東將軍、瀛州刺史，諡曰貞順。
The Emperor Gaozu fell gravely ill at Runan. For more than ten days he received no attending ministers; only the Prince of Pengcheng Xie and a few others remained at his side. When he recovered slightly, he summoned the officials of the Gate and Below and the elders and juniors of the imperial clan. Those who entered wept in grief, unable to find words. Bian alone advanced to the imperial couch, sobbing: 'I never imagined Your Majesty's countenance would be so wasted and emaciated!' From this he won still greater esteem. When the emperor campaigned at Maquan, Bian was left in the capital with his former office while also serving as Director of the Ministry of Sacrifices and overseeing the affairs of the Seven Troops. As he departed, he took Bian's hand and said: 'The great affairs of the state lie in sacrifice and war. I have therefore placed both ministries in your hands—you must exert yourself.' Bian bowed to the ground and thanked him. Bian toiled tirelessly at state affairs from dawn to dusk. His favor was extraordinary, his peers could not match him, and his reputation in court and countryside was second only to Li Chong. The Emperor Gaozu often said that Bian was fit to serve as Director of the Ministry of Personnel. At his death his final edict appointed Bian to that post, with the Prince of Xianyang Xi and five others as regents—but Bian had already died, at the age of forty-eight. An edict granted one hundred thousand cash and three hundred bolts of cloth. He was posthumously made General Who Pacifies the East and Inspector of Ying Province, with the posthumous title Zhenshun.
31
弁性好矜伐，自許膏腴。 高祖以郭祚晉魏名門，從容謂弁曰：「卿固應推郭祚之門也。」 弁笑曰：「臣家未肯推祚。」 高祖曰：「卿自漢魏以來，既無高官，又無儁秀，何得不推？」 弁曰：「臣清素自立，要爾不推。」 侍臣出後，高祖謂彭城王勰曰：「弁人身良自不惡，乃復欲以門戶自矜，殊為可怪。」
Bian was boastful by nature and considered his clan among the finest. Because Guo Zuo came from a famous Jin and Wei clan, the Emperor Gaozu said calmly to Bian: 'You surely ought to defer to Guo Zuo's house.' Bian laughed and said: 'My house is not willing to defer to him.' The emperor said: 'Since Han and Wei your house has produced neither high offices nor outstanding talents—how can you refuse to defer?' Bian said: 'I stand on my own integrity—I simply will not defer.' After the ministers had left, the emperor said to the Prince of Pengcheng Xie: 'Bian is not a bad man in himself, yet he still prides himself on his clan—how strange.'
32
長子維，字伯緒。 維弟紀，字仲烈。 維少襲父爵，自員外郎遷給事中。 坐諂事高肇，出為益州龍驤府長史，辭疾不行。 太尉、清河王懌輔政，以維名臣之子，薦為通直郎，辟其弟紀行參軍。 靈太后臨政，委任元叉，而叉恃寵驕盈，懌每以分理裁斷。 叉甚忿恨，思以害懌，遂與維為計，以富貴許之。 維見叉寵勢日隆，便至乾沒，乃告司染都尉韓文殊父子欲謀逆立懌。 懌坐被錄禁中。 文殊父子懼而逃遁。 鞫無反狀。 以文殊亡走，懸處大辟。 置懌於宮西別館，禁兵守之。 維應反坐，叉言於太后，欲開將來告者之路，乃黜為燕州昌平郡守，紀為秦州大羌令。 維及紀頗涉經史，而浮薄無行。 懌親尊懿望，朝野瞻屬，維受懌眷賞，而無狀構間，天下人士莫不怪忿而賤薄之。 及叉殺懌，專斷朝政，以維兄弟前者告懌，徵維為散騎侍郎，紀為太學博士，領侍御史，甚昵之。 維超遷通直常侍，又除冠軍將軍、洛州刺史； 紀超遷尚書郎。 初，弁謂族弟世景言：「維性疏險，而紀識慧不足，終必敗吾業也。」 世景以為不爾，至是果然，聞者以為知子莫若父。 尚書令李崇、尚書左僕射郭祚、右僕射游肇每云：「伯緒兇疏，終敗宋氏，幸得殺身耳。」 論者以為有徵。 後除營州刺史，仍本將軍。 靈太后反政，以叉黨除名，遂還鄉里。 尋追其前誣告清河王事，於鄴賜死。 子春卿，早亡。 弟紀以次子欽仁繼。
His eldest son Wei, whose courtesy name was Boxu. Wei's younger brother Ji, whose courtesy name was Zhonglie. Wei inherited his father's title in youth and rose from Gentleman of the Palace to Attendant at the Imperial Secretariat. For currying favor with Gao Zhao, he was sent out as Chief Clerk of the Dragon-Agile Commandery in Yi Province, but pleaded illness and refused to go. When the Grand Minister, the Prince of Qinghe Yi, took charge of government, he recommended Wei as Direct Attendant because he was the son of a famous minister, and appointed his younger brother Ji as Acting Staff Officer. When Empress Dowager Ling held power she entrusted Yuan Cha, but Cha grew arrogant on imperial favor while Yi often judged cases with impartial reason. Cha resented this deeply and plotted to destroy Yi. He conspired with Wei and promised him wealth and honor. Seeing Cha's power grow daily, Wei went to outrageous lengths and reported that Commandant of the Dye Office Han Wenshu and his son were plotting rebellion to install Yi on the throne. On this charge Yi was arrested and confined within the palace. Wenshu and his son fled in fear. Interrogation found no evidence of rebellion. Because Wenshu had fled, he was sentenced in absentia to death. Yi was placed in a separate lodge west of the palace and guarded by imperial troops. Wei should have been punished by law, but Cha told the Empress Dowager he wished to encourage future informers. Wei was demoted to Administrator of Changping in Yan Province, and Ji was made Magistrate of Daqiang in Qin Province. Wei and Ji had read widely in the classics and histories, but were frivolous and unprincipled. Yi was a kinsman of honored standing whom court and countryside alike looked to with respect. Wei had enjoyed Yi's affection and rewards, yet without cause fabricated a conspiracy against him. Men throughout the realm marveled in anger and despised him. When Cha killed Yi and monopolized the government, he recalled the Wei brothers for having informed on Yi. Wei was made Attendant at the Palace Cadet and Ji Doctor of the Imperial Academy and Attending Censor, and Cha treated them with great intimacy. Wei was abruptly promoted to Direct Regular Attendant and also made General Who Wins the Championship and Inspector of Luo Province; Ji was abruptly promoted to Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat. Earlier Bian had told his clansman Shijing: 'Wei is reckless and dangerous, and Ji's insight is insufficient—they will ruin my legacy in the end.' Shijing thought otherwise, but events proved Bian right. Those who heard said that no one knows a son like his father. Director Li Chong, Left Vice Director Guo Zuo, and Right Vice Director You Zhao often said: 'Boxu is vicious and reckless and will ruin the Song clan in the end—fortunate if he dies by the sword.' Commentators considered this prophetic. He was later appointed Inspector of Ying Province while retaining his former general's title. When Empress Dowager Ling restored the government, he was struck from the rolls as a member of Cha's faction and returned to his home district. Soon his earlier false accusation against the Prince of Qinghe was pursued, and he was ordered to take his own life at Ye. His son Chunqing died young. His younger brother Ji had his second son Qinren succeed to the line.
33
欽仁，武定末，太尉祭酒。
Qinren served as Libationer to the Grand Minister at the end of the Wuding reign.
34
紀，肅宗末，為北道行臺。 卒於晉陽。
At the end of the Suzong reign Ji served as Northern Route Mobile Headquarters. He died at Jinyang.
35
子欽道，武定末，冀州別駕。
His son Qindao served as Vice Director of Ji Province at the end of the Wuding reign.
36
弁弟機，本州治中。
Bian's younger brother Ji served as Administrator of his native province.
37
子寶積，卒於中散大夫。
His son Baoji died while serving as Grand Master of Leisure.
38
弁族弟穎，字文賢。 自奉朝請稍遷尚書郎、魏郡太守。 納貨劉騰，騰言之於元叉，以穎為冠軍將軍、涼州刺史。 穎前妻鄧氏亡後十五年，穎夢見之，向穎拜曰：「新婦今被處分為高崇妻，故來辭君。」 泫然流涕。 穎旦而見崇言之，崇後數日而卒。
Bian's clansman Ying, whose courtesy name was Wenxian. He rose from Court Attendant to Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat and Administrator of Wei Commandery. He bribed Liu Teng, who spoke of him to Yuan Cha. Ying was then made General Who Wins the Championship and Inspector of Liang Province. Fifteen years after Ying's former wife Lady Deng died, Ying dreamed of her. She bowed to him and said: 'Your new wife has now been assigned to become Gao Chong's wife, and I have come to take leave of you.' Tears streamed down her face. At dawn Ying told Chong what he had dreamed, and Chong died a few days later.
39
穎族弟燮，字崇和。 廣平王懷郎中令、員外常侍。 為征北李平司馬，北殄元愉，頗有贊謀之功。
Ying's clansman Xie, whose courtesy name was Chonghe. He served as Director of the Household of the Prince of Guangping Huai and Acting Regular Attendant. As Major to Li Ping, General Who Conquers the North, he helped destroy Yuan Yu in the north and contributed significantly to planning and counsel.
40
燮族弟鴻貴，為定州平北府參軍，送兵於荊州。 坐取兵絹四百匹，兵欲告之，乃斬十人。 又疏凡不達律令，見律有梟首之罪，乃生斷兵手，以水澆之，然後斬決。 尋坐伏法。 時人哀兵之苦，笑鴻貴之愚。
Xie's clansman Honggui was a Staff Officer of the Pacify-the-North Commandery in Ding Province, escorting troops to Jing Province. He seized four hundred bolts of soldiers' silk. When the soldiers threatened to report him, he beheaded ten of them. He was crude and ignorant of the law. Seeing that the statutes provided for the crime of exposing the head on display, he cut off a soldier's hand while the man was still alive, poured water on it, and then beheaded him. He was soon executed. People of the time pitied the soldiers' suffering and laughed at Honggui's folly.
41
史臣曰：古人有云，才未半古，功以過之，非徒語也。 王肅流寓之人，見知一面，雖器業自致，抑亦逢時，榮任赫然，寄同舊列，美矣。 誦翊繼軌，不殞光風。 宋弁以才度見知，迹參顧命，拔萃出類，其有以哉。 無子之歎，豈徒羊舌，宗祀之不亡，幸矣。
The historiographer remarks: The ancients said that when one's talent falls short of antiquity, one's achievements may still surpass it—this is no empty saying. Wang Su was a sojourner from abroad who won recognition in a single audience. Though his achievements were his own, he also met the right moment. His honors blazed forth and placed him among the old ministers—admirable indeed. Song and Yi followed in his footsteps and did not let his luminous reputation fade. Song Bian was recognized for his talent and capacity and took part in the entrusted regency. He stood out from the crowd—there was good reason for it. The lament over having no son was not Yangshe's alone. That the ancestral sacrifices did not perish was fortunate indeed.
42
校勘記
Collation Notes
43
除持節都督豫東豫東郢三州諸軍事諸本「東豫」二字缺，今據冊府卷三八一 〈四五三三頁〉 補。 又冊府「東郢」無「東」字，檢一０六中地形志中北揚州汝陰郡條稱「太和十八年為東郢州，後罷」，又文館詞林卷六六二後魏孝文帝出師詔，亦見「東郢州」。 知有「東」字不誤。
Appointed Bearer of the Staff, Commander-in-Chief of military affairs in the three provinces of Eastern Yu, Eastern Yu, and Ying: Various editions lack the two characters 'Eastern Yu'; the text is here restored from Cefu, juan 381 〈page 4533〉 supplemented. Cefu also lacks the character 'east' in 'Eastern Ying.' The Treatise on Geography (106), entry for Ruyin in Northern Yangzhou, states that in the eighteenth year of Taihe it became Eastern Ying Province and was later abolished. Wen'guan Cilin, juan 662, likewise records 'Eastern Ying Province' in Emperor Xiaowen's campaign edict. This confirms that the character 'east' is correct.
44
從叔廣陽宗室尊宿諸本及北史卷四二王肅傳「陽」作「陵」。 按當時無所謂「宗室尊宿」封於廣陵。 據卷七下高祖紀下太和二十三年二月稱以王肅為尚書令，廣陽王嘉為尚書左僕射。 故元澄說王肅不應位居嘉之上，嘉為拓跋燾孫，澄為燾曾孫，故稱嘉為「從叔」。 「廣陵」顯為「廣陽」之訛，今改正。
Father's younger cousin, the Prince of Guangyang, senior of the imperial clan: Various editions and Beishi, juan 42, Wang Su's biography, read 'yang' as 'ling.' At the time there was no senior member of the imperial clan enfeoffed at Guangling. Juan 7b of Gaozu's Annals records that in the second month of the twenty-third year of Taihe, Wang Su was made Director of the Imperial Secretariat and the Prince of Guangyang Jia Left Vice Director. Hence Yuan Cheng objected that Wang Su should not rank above Jia. Jia was the grandson of Tuoba Tao and Cheng his great-grandson, which is why Jia was called 'father's younger cousin.' 'Guangling' is clearly an error for 'Guangyang' and is corrected here.
45
興安五年卒張森楷云：「興安只二年，『五』當是『二』之訛。」
Died in the fifth year of Xing'an: Zhang Senkai notes: 'The Xing'an reign had only two years; "five" must be an error for "two."'
46
長子顯襲爵弁伯父世顯無子張森楷云：「弁伯父即愔長子，而上云『顯』，下云『世顯』。 據下云：『顯卒，弁襲爵。』 北史 〈卷二六〉 亦無『顯』字，疑『世』字不當有。」 按「弁伯父」三字也是贅文，疑是後人旁注羼入。
The eldest son Xian inherited the title; Bian's father's elder brother Shixian had no son: Zhang Senkai notes: 'Bian's father's elder brother was Yin's eldest son, yet above the text reads "Xian" and below "Shixian. The text below states: 'When Xian died, Bian inherited the title.' Beishi 〈juan 26〉 also lacks the character for Xian; the character 'shi' is probably spurious.' The three characters 'Bian's father's elder brother' are also probably superfluous, likely a later marginal note worked into the main text.
47
詔弁於豫州都督所部及東荊領葉皆減戍士營農冊府卷五０三 〈六０三五頁〉 「領葉」作「潁鄴」。 按「領葉」不可解，「領」或是「潁」之訛，然鄴太遠，也可疑。
Edict ordering Bian to reduce garrison troops under the Commander of Yu Province and in Ye under Eastern Jing and set them to farming: Cefu, juan 503 〈page 6035〉 'Command Ye' is written as 'Ying and Ye.' 'Command Ye' is unintelligible; 'command' may be an error for 'Ying,' though Ye is geographically distant and also doubtful.