Volume 65: Xing Luan, Li Ping

邢巒李平

Xing Luan and Li Ping

邢巒，字洪賓，河間鄚人也。 [1]五世祖嘏，石勒頻徵，不至。嘏無子，巒高祖蓋，自旁宗入後。蓋孫穎，字宗敬，以才學知名。世祖時，與范陽盧玄、勃海高允等同時被徵。後拜中書侍郎，假通直常侍、寧朔將軍、平城子，銜命使於劉義隆。後以病還鄉里。久之，世祖訪穎於羣臣曰：「往憶邢穎長者，有學義，宜侍講東宮，今其人安在？」司徒崔浩對曰：「穎臥疾在家。」世祖遣太醫馳驛就療。卒，贈冠軍將軍、定州刺史，諡曰康。子脩年，即巒父也，州主簿。

Xing Luan, styled Hongbin, came from Mo in Hejian Commandery. [1] His fifth-generation forebear Jia was repeatedly summoned by Shi Le, yet refused every summons. As Jia had no son, Luan's great-grandfather Gai was adopted from a collateral branch to continue the line. Gai's grandson Ying, styled Zongjing, won renown for literary and scholarly ability. During the reign of Emperor Shizu, he was summoned to court together with Lu Xuan of Fanyang, Gao Yun of Bohai, and others. Later he was appointed Secretariat Gentleman, provisionally invested as Regular Attendant of the Palace Secretariat, General Who Pacifies the North, and Baron of Pingcheng, and sent on a diplomatic mission to Liu Yilong. He later returned home on account of illness. Some time later Emperor Shizu asked his ministers, "I remember Xing Ying as a worthy elder, learned and upright, well suited to instruct the crown prince — where is he now?" Minister over the Masses Cui Hao answered, "Ying is bedridden at home." The emperor dispatched the imperial physician by relay post to treat him. Upon his death he was posthumously honored as General Who Conquers the Enemy and Governor of Dingzhou, with the posthumous epithet Kang. His son Xiunian — Luan's father — served as provincial chief clerk.

巒少而好學，負帙尋師，家貧厲節，遂博覽書傳。有文才幹略，美鬚髯，姿貌甚偉。州郡表貢，拜中書博士，遷員外散騎侍郎，為高祖所知賞。兼員外散騎常侍，使於蕭賾，還，拜通直郎，轉中書侍郎，甚見顧遇，常參座席。高祖因行藥至司空府南，見巒宅，遣使謂巒曰：「朝行藥至此，見卿宅乃住，東望德館，情有依然。」巒對曰：「陛下移構中京，方建無窮之業，臣意在與魏昇降，寧容不務永年之宅。」高祖謂司空穆亮、僕射李沖曰：「巒之此言，其意不小。」有司奏策秀、孝，詔曰：「秀、孝殊問，經權異策，邢巒才清，可令策秀。」

From youth Luan loved learning, shouldering bundles of books to seek out teachers; though poor, he held himself to strict standards and eventually mastered the classics and historical writings. He had literary gifts and strategic insight, a handsome beard, and a strikingly imposing bearing. Recommended by his province and commandery, he was appointed Doctor of the Secretariat, then promoted to Supernumerary Attendant Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, and won the notice and favor of Emperor Gaozu. Serving concurrently as Supernumerary Attendant Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, he was sent on a mission to Xiao Ze; upon returning he was made Direct Attendant, then Secretariat Gentleman, and enjoyed exceptional favor, often sharing the emperor's seat at court. While taking his medicinal walk, Emperor Gaozu came south of the Ministry of Works and saw Luan's home; he sent a messenger saying, "On my morning medicinal stroll I reached your house and paused; gazing east toward the Hall of Virtue, I feel much as I once did." Luan answered, "Your Majesty is moving the capital to the Middle Capital and founding an enterprise without end; my wish is to rise and fall with Wei — how could I concern myself with a house meant to last forever?" Emperor Gaozu told Minister of Works Mu Liang and Director of the Department of State Affairs Li Chong, "In these words of Luan's, his intent is no small matter." When the relevant offices memorialized on examining candidates for Cultivated Talent and Filial and Incorrupt honors, the edict read, "Cultivated Talent and Filial and Incorrupt candidates face different questions, and the classics and statecraft are tested by different topics; Xing Luan's talent is lucid — let him sit for the Cultivated Talent examination."

後兼黃門郎。從征漢北，巒在新野，後至。高祖曰：「伯玉天迷其心，鬼惑其慮，守危邦，固逆主，乃至如此。」巒曰：「新野既摧，眾城悉潰，唯有伯玉，不識危機，平殄之辰，事在旦夕。」高祖曰：「至此以來，雖未擒滅，城隍已崩，想在不遠。所以緩攻者，正待中書為露布耳。」尋除正黃門、兼御史中尉、瀛州大中正，遷散騎常侍、兼尚書。

He later served concurrently as Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. During the campaign north of the Han River, Luan was at Xinye and arrived late. Emperor Gaozu said, "Boyu — heaven has clouded his mind and ghosts his judgment; he defends a doomed state for a rebellious master, and matters have reached this pass." Luan replied, "With Xinye already fallen and the other cities all routed, only Boyu does not recognize the crisis; the hour of complete destruction is near at hand." Emperor Gaozu said, "Since we arrived, though we have not yet captured them outright, their walls and moats have already collapsed — I expect the end is not far off. The reason we have eased the assault is precisely to wait for the Secretariat to draft the victory proclamation." Shortly afterward he was made Regular Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, concurrently Censor-in-Chief and Grand Coordinator of Yingzhou, then promoted to Regular Attendant Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and Concurrent Director of the Department of State Affairs.

世宗初，巒奏曰：「臣聞昔者明王之以德治天下，莫不重粟帛，輕金寶。然粟帛安國育民之方，金玉是虛華損德之物。故先皇深觀古今，去諸奢侈。服御尚質，不貴雕鏤，所珍在素，不務奇綺，至乃以紙絹為帳扆，銅鐵為轡勒。訓朝廷以節儉，示百姓以憂務，日夜孜孜，小大必慎。輕賤珠璣，示其無設，府藏之金，裁給而已，更不買積以費國資。逮景明之初，承升平之業，四疆清晏，遠邇來同，於是蕃貢繼路，商賈交入，諸所獻貿，倍多於常。雖加以節約，猶歲損萬計，珍貨常有餘，國用恒不足。若不裁其分限，便恐無以支歲。自今非為要須者，請皆不受。」世宗從之。尋正尚書，常侍如故。

At the outset of Emperor Shizong's reign, Luan submitted a memorial: "I have heard that the enlightened kings of old governed the realm through virtue, and all of them prized grain and silk while treating gold and treasure lightly. Grain and silk are the means to secure the state and nurture the people; gold and jade are vain display that undermines virtue. Therefore the late emperor looked deeply into past and present and cast off every extravagance. He preferred plainness in dress and furnishings, not prizing carving and inlay; what he valued was simplicity, not exotic silks — even using paper and silk for screens and curtains, and copper and iron for bridle and bit. He instructed the court in frugality and showed the people the seriousness of public affairs, toiling day and night and taking care in matters great and small. He despised pearls and gems, showing he had no need of them; gold in the treasury was allotted only as required, and was no longer bought up and hoarded to waste the state's resources. By the opening of the Jingming era, inheriting an age of peace, the four frontiers were calm and near and far alike submitted; tribute from the borderlands followed in unbroken succession, merchants poured in, and goods offered and traded were more than double the usual. Even with added economy, losses still ran to tens of thousands each year; precious goods were always in surplus while state funds were perpetually short. If we do not cut back their allotted shares, I fear we will be unable to sustain the year's expenditure. Henceforth, unless truly necessary, please accept nothing at all." Emperor Shizong approved the proposal. Shortly afterward he was appointed full Director of the Department of State Affairs, retaining his rank as Regular Attendant.

蕭衍梁秦二州行事夏侯道遷以漢中內附，詔加巒使持節、都督征梁漢諸軍事、假鎮西將軍，進退徵攝，得以便宜從事。巒至漢中，白馬已西猶未歸順，巒遣寧遠將軍楊舉、統軍楊眾愛、汜洪雅等領卒六千討之。軍鋒所臨，賊皆款附，唯補谷戍主何法靜據城拒守。舉等進師討之，[2]法靜奔潰，乘勝追奔至關城之下，蕭衍龍驤將軍關城流雜〈疑〉李侍叔逆以城降。蕭衍輔國將軍任僧幼等三十餘將，率南安、廣長、東洛、大寒、武始、除口、平溪、桶谷諸郡之民七千餘戶，相繼而至。蕭衍平西將軍李天賜、晉壽太守王景胤等擁眾七千，屯據石亭。統軍韓多寶等率眾擊之，破天賜前軍趙䐗，擒斬一千三百。遣統軍李義珍討晉壽，景胤宵遁，遂平之。詔曰：「巒至彼，須有板官，以懷初附，高下品第，可依征義陽都督之格也。」拜巒使持節、安西將軍、梁秦二州刺史。

When Xiahou Daqian, Xiao Yan's acting governor of Liang and Qin provinces, submitted Hanzhong to Wei, an edict added to Luan's commission: Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Commander-in-Chief of All Military Affairs for the Campaign against Liang and Han, and Provisional General Who Pacifies the West, with power to advance and withdraw, summon and command, and act at discretion. When Luan reached Hanzhong, the country west of Baima had not yet submitted; he sent General Who Pacifies the Distance Yang Ju, Army Commander Yang Zhong'ai, Si Hongya, and others at the head of six thousand troops to subdue them. Wherever the army's vanguard reached, the enemy submitted in good faith; only He Fajing, commander of Bugu garrison, held his city and resisted. Ju and the others marched to attack; [2] Fajing broke and fled; pressing the pursuit they came beneath Guancheng, where Xiao Yan's General of the Flying Dragon — the text here reads Guancheng liu za — 〈Textual note: the reading here is doubtful.〉 Li Shishu came out to oppose them and surrendered the city. Xiao Yan's General Who Assists the State Ren Sengyou and more than thirty other generals led over seven thousand households from Nan'an, Guangchang, Dongluo, Dahan, Wushi, Chukou, Pingxi, Tonggu, and other commanderies, arriving in succession. Xiao Yan's General Who Pacifies the West Li Tianci, Administrator of Jinshou Wang Jingyin, and others gathered seven thousand men and encamped at Shiting. Army Commander Han Duobao and others led troops against them, routed Tianci's vanguard Zhao Qi, and captured and killed thirteen hundred men. He dispatched Army Commander Li Yizhen against Jinshou; Jingyin fled by night, and the district was pacified. An edict stated, "When Luan arrives, provisional appointments will be needed to reassure those newly submitting; grades high and low may follow the standards used for the commander who took Yiyang." He was invested Bearer of the Staff of Authority, General Who Pacifies the West, and Governor of Liang and Qin provinces.

蕭衍巴西太守龐景民恃遠不降，巒遣巴州刺史嚴玄思往攻之，斬景民，巴西悉平。蕭衍遣其冠軍將軍孔陵等率眾二萬，屯據深坑，冠軍將軍魯方達固南安，[3]冠軍將軍任僧褒、輔國將軍李畎戍石同。巒統軍王足所在擊破之，梟衍輔國將軍樂保明、寧朔將軍李伯度、龍驤將軍李思賢，賊遂保回車柵。足又進擊衍輔國將軍范峻，自餘斬獲殆將萬數。孔陵等收集遺眾，奔保梓潼，足又破之，斬衍輔國將軍符伯度，其殺傷投溺者萬有餘人。開地定民，東西七百，南北千里，獲郡十四、二部護軍及諸縣戍，遂逼涪城。巒表曰：

Pang Jingmin, Xiao Yan's Administrator of Baxi, trusting in the distance, refused to submit; Luan sent Yan Xuansi, Governor of Ba province, to attack him, executed Jingmin, and Baxi was fully pacified. Xiao Yan sent his General Who Conquers the Enemy Kong Ling and others with twenty thousand men to hold Shenkeng; General Who Conquers the Enemy Lu Fangda fortified Nan'an; [3] General Who Conquers the Enemy Ren Sengbao and General Who Assists the State Li Qu garrisoned Shitong. Wherever Luan's army commander Wang Zu advanced he broke the enemy, taking the heads of Xiao Yan's General Who Assists the State Yue Baoming, General Who Pacifies the North Li Bodo, and General of the Flying Dragon Li Sixian; the enemy then withdrew to Huiche stockade. Zu advanced again against Xiao Yan's General Who Assists the State Fan Jun; beyond these, those killed and captured approached ten thousand. Kong Ling and the others rallied the scattered remnant and fled to Zitong; Zu defeated them again and beheaded Xiao Yan's General Who Assists the State Fu Bodo; those killed, wounded, and drowned numbered more than ten thousand. They opened territory and settled the people across seven hundred li east to west and a thousand li north to south, captured fourteen commanderies, two Protectorates, and various county garrisons, and pressed on to Fucheng. Luan submitted a memorial:

揚州、成都相去萬里，陸途既絕，唯資水路。蕭衍兄子淵藻，去年四月十三日發揚州，今歲四月四日至蜀。水軍西上，非周年不達，外無軍援，一可圖也。益州頃經劉季連反叛，鄧元起攻圍，資儲散盡，倉庫空竭，今猶未復，兼民人喪膽，無復固守之意，二可圖也。蕭淵藻是裙屐少年，[4]未洽治務，及至益州，便戮鄧元起、[5]曹亮宗，臨戎斬將，則是駕馭失方。范國惠津渠退敗，鎖執在獄。今之所任，並非宿將重名，皆是左右少年而已，既不厭民望，多行殘暴，民心離解，三可圖也。蜀之所恃唯劍閣，今既克南安，已奪其險，據彼界內，三分已一。從南安向涪，方軌任意，前軍累破，後眾喪魂，四可圖也。昔劉禪據一國之地，姜維為佐，鄧艾既出綿竹，彼即投降。及苻堅之世，楊安、朱彤三月取漢中，四月至涪城，兵未及州，仲孫逃命。桓溫西征，不旬月而平。蜀地昔來恒多不守。況淵藻是蕭衍兄子，骨肉至親，若其逃亡，當無死理。脫軍克涪城，淵藻復何宜城中坐而受困？若其出鬬，庸蜀之卒唯便刀矟，弓箭至少，假有遙射，弗至傷人，五可圖也。

Yangzhou and Chengdu lie ten thousand li apart; the land route is already severed, and only the water route remains. Xiao Yan's nephew Yuanzao left Yangzhou on the thirteenth day of the fourth month last year and reached Shu on the fourth day of the fourth month this year. An upstream naval march takes at least a full year; with no outside military aid, this is the first reason the region can be taken. Yizhou has lately endured Liu Jilian's rebellion; Deng Yuanqi besieged it until supplies were spent and the granaries empty — recovery is still incomplete; moreover the people have lost heart and no longer mean to hold firm — this is the second reason. Xiao Yuanzao is a pampered young fop; [4] unseasoned in governance — upon reaching Yizhou he put Deng Yuanqi [5] and Cao Liangzong to death; to behead generals on the eve of battle is to lose control of command. Fan Guohui was defeated at the Jinqu canal and is shackled in prison. Those now in office are none of them seasoned commanders of renown — all are young favorites from the inner circle; they meet neither public expectation and often act with brutality; popular loyalty is breaking apart — this is the third reason. Shu relies solely on Jian'ge Pass; with Nan'an already taken, that strongpoint is lost; within their borders, a third is already ours. From Nan'an toward Fu the road lies open at will; the vanguard has won again and again while the rear ranks have lost their nerve — this is the fourth reason. In former times Liu Shan held an entire kingdom with Jiang Wei as his chief aide; once Deng Ai marched out of Mianzhu, they surrendered at once. In Fu Jian's day, Yang An and Zhu Tong took Hanzhong in the third month and reached Fucheng in the fourth; before the army even reached the provincial capital, Zhongsun fled for his life. Huan Wen's western expedition pacified the region in less than ten months. The land of Shu has always been difficult to hold. Moreover Yuanzao is Xiao Yan's own nephew, kin of the closest degree — if he flees, he ought not to face death. If our army captures Fucheng, how can Yuanzao remain in the city and accept siege? If he comes out to give battle, the troops of Yong and Shu are handy only with short blades and spears; bows and arrows are scarce — even at long range they will hardly harm a man — this is the fifth reason.

臣聞乘機而動，武之善經；攻昧侮亡，春秋明義。未有捨干戚而康時，不征伐而混一。伏惟陛下纂武文之業，當必世之期，跨中州之饒，兼甲兵之盛，清蕩天區，在於今矣。是以踐極之初，壽春馳款；先歲命將，義陽克闢。淮外謐以風清，荊沔於焉肅晏。方欲偃甲息兵，候機而動，而天贊休明，時來斯速，雖欲靖戎，理不獲已。至使道遷歸誠，漢境佇拔。臣以不才，屬當戎寄，內省文吏，不以軍謀自許，指臨漢中，惟規保疆守界。事屬艱途，東西寇竊，上憑國威，下仗將士，邊帥用命，頻有薄捷。藉勢乘威，經度大劍，既克南安，據彼要險，前軍長邁，已至梓潼，新化之民，翻然懷惠，瞻望涪益，旦夕可屠。正以兵少糧匱，未宜前出。為爾稽緩，懼失民心，則更為寇。今若不取，後圖便難，輒率愚管，庶幾殄克，如其無功，分受憲坐。且益州殷實，戶餘十萬，比壽春、義陽三倍非匹，可乘可利，實在于茲。若朝廷志存保民，未欲經略，臣之在此，便為無事，乞歸侍養，微展烏鳥。

I have heard that to act when opportunity presents itself is the supreme principle of war; to strike the benighted and despise the perishing is the explicit teaching of the Spring and Autumn Annals. Never yet has an age been secured by laying aside arms, or the realm unified without campaigning. I humbly consider that Your Majesty inherits the enterprise of Emperors Wu and Wen, stands at the destined hour of certain triumph, commands the wealth of the Central Provinces and the might of armored hosts — to sweep clean the heavenly realm is work for this day. Thus at the beginning of your accession Shouchun submitted; last year you dispatched generals and Yiyang was opened. Beyond the Huai the land grew tranquil as mist cleared in the wind; Jing and Mian were thereby stilled. Just as you wished to sheathe arms and rest the troops, awaiting the moment to strike, heaven favored this bright age and the hour came swiftly; though you wished to still the spear, reason would not allow it. Hence Daqian submitted in loyalty and the Han frontier awaited deliverance. Your subject, lacking talent, has been entrusted with military command; looking within, I am a civil clerk and do not claim mastery of strategy — facing Hanzhong, I intended only to secure the borders and hold the line. The task lay on a hard road; enemies raided east and west; relying above on the state's might and below on officers and men, the frontier commanders obeyed orders and there were repeated minor victories. Borrowing momentum and riding prestige, we crossed the Great Sword Pass; with Nan'an taken and their key strongpoint seized, the vanguard has pressed far forward to Zitong; the newly pacified people have turned in gratitude, and gazing toward Fu and Yi, those cities may fall within days. Precisely because troops are few and grain scarce, we ought not advance yet. For this delay I fear losing popular loyalty — then they would become rebels again. If we do not take it now, later plans will be difficult; I venture my humble counsel, hoping for complete victory; if I fail, let me bear the punishment. Moreover Yizhou is rich and strong, with more than a hundred thousand households — three times the prize of Shouchun and Yiyang, incomparably greater — the opportunity and profit truly lie here. If the court's aim is to preserve the people and not yet to undertake conquest, then my presence here is idle; I beg leave to return and care for my parents, in small fulfillment of filial duty.

詔曰：「若賊敢闚𨵦，觀機翦撲；如其無也，則安民保境，以悅邊心。子蜀之舉，更聽後敕。方將席卷岷蜀，電掃西南，何得辭以戀親，中途告退！宜勗令圖，務申高略。」巒又表曰：

An edict replied, "If the enemy dares to threaten the frontier, watch for the moment and cut them down; if not, then secure the people and hold the borders to satisfy the frontier. As for the campaign to take Shu, await further orders. We are about to roll up Min and Shu and sweep the southwest like lightning — how can you plead attachment to kin and ask to withdraw midway! Press on with your plans and fully declare your grand strategy." Luan memorialized again:

昔鄧艾、鍾會率十八萬眾，傾中國資給，裁得平蜀，所以然者，鬬實力故也。況臣才絕古人，智勇又闕，復何宜請二萬之眾而希平蜀？所以敢者，正以據得要險，士民慕義，此往則易，彼來則難，任力而行，理有可克。今王足前進，已逼涪城，脫得涪城，則益州便是成擒之物，但得之有早晚耳。且梓潼已附，民戶數萬，朝廷豈得不守之也？若守也，直保境之兵則已一萬，臣今請二萬伍千，所增無幾。又劍閣天險，古來所稱，張載銘云：「世亂則逆，世清斯順。」此之一言，良可惜矣。臣誠知征戎危事，不易可為，自軍度劍閣以來，鬢髮中白，憂慮戰懼，寧可一日為心。所以勉強者，既得此地而自退不守，恐辜先皇之恩遇，負陛下之爵祿，是以孜孜，頻有陳請。且臣之意算，正欲先圖涪城，以漸而進。若克涪城，便是中分益州之地，斷水陸之衝，彼外無援軍，孤城自守，復何能持久哉！臣今欲使軍軍相次，聲勢連接，先作萬全之計，然後圖彼，得之則大克，不得則自全。

Formerly Deng Ai and Zhong Hui led one hundred eighty thousand men and exhausted the resources of the Central States before they pacified Shu — because they fought against equal strength. How much less should I, whose talent falls far short of the ancients and whose wisdom and courage are lacking, ask for twenty thousand men and hope to pacify Shu? I dare only because we hold the key strongpoints and the gentry and people incline to us — the advance is easy for us, the return hard for them; acting according to strength, success is reasonable. Now Wang Zu has advanced and already presses Fucheng; once Fucheng falls, Yizhou becomes prey already in hand — only a question of sooner or later. Moreover Zitong has already submitted, with tens of thousands of households — can the court leave it unheld? If we hold it, troops merely to secure the border already number ten thousand; I now ask for twenty-five thousand — the increase is small. Jian'ge Pass is heaven's barrier, famed since antiquity; Zhang Zai's inscription reads, "In chaotic times it defies you; in ordered times it submits." That single line is deeply regrettable. I know well that campaigning is perilous and not easily done; since the army crossed Jian'ge Pass, half my hair has turned white — worry, dread, and fear of battle have never left my heart for a day. I force myself onward because, having gained this territory and then withdrawing without holding it, I fear failing the late emperor's grace and betraying Your Majesty's rank and stipend — therefore I press on and have repeatedly petitioned. My plan is precisely to take Fucheng first and advance by stages. If Fucheng falls, we halve Yizhou and sever its water and land routes; with no outside aid, how long can a lone city hold? I wish to array the armies in succession, linking their momentum, first securing every contingency and then striking — success brings great victory; failure still preserves us.

又巴西、南鄭相離一千四百，去州迢遞，恒多生動。昔在南之日，以其統綰勢難，故增立巴州，鎮靜夷獠，梁州藉利，因而表罷。彼土民望，嚴、蒲、何、楊，非唯五三，族落雖在山居，而多有豪右，文學箋啟，往往可觀，冠帶風流，亦為不少。但以去州既遠，不能仕進，至於州綱，無由厠迹。巴境民豪，便是無梁州之分，是以鬱怏，多生動靜。比建議之始，[6]嚴玄思自號巴州刺史，克城以來，仍使行事。巴西廣袤一千，戶餘四萬，若彼立州，鎮攝華獠，則大帖民情。從墊江已還，不復勞征，自為國有。

Baxi and Nanzheng lie fourteen hundred li apart, far from the provincial capital, and unrest constantly flares. Formerly in the south, because unified control was difficult, Ba province was added to quiet the Yi and Liao peoples; Liang province profited and therefore a memorial was submitted to abolish it. The leading families of that land — Yan, Pu, He, Yang, and more than a handful besides — though their clans dwell in the hills, many are powerful gentry; their literary petitions are often admirable, and men of rank and culture are not few. But because they are far from the provincial capital they cannot advance in office; as for the provincial hierarchy, they have no path into it. The powerful families of Ba territory thus have no share in Liang province — hence their resentment and frequent disturbances. At the start of this proposal, [6] Yan Xuansi styled himself Governor of Ba province; since the city was taken he has continued to serve in that capacity. Baxi spans a thousand li with more than forty thousand households; if a province were established there to govern Chinese and tribal peoples, popular sentiment would be greatly settled. From Dianjiang westward, no further campaigns would be needed — it would belong to the state of itself.

世宗不從。又王足於涪城輒還，遂不定蜀。

Emperor Shizong did not approve. Moreover Wang Zu withdrew from Fucheng on his own, and Shu was not pacified.

巒既克巴西，遣軍主李仲遷守之。仲遷得蕭衍將張法養女，有美色，甚惑之。散費兵儲，專心酒色，公事諮承，無能見者。巒忿之切齒，仲遷懼，謀叛，城人斬其首，以城降衍將譙希遠，巴西遂沒。武興氐楊集起等反叛，巒遣統軍傅豎眼討平之，語在豎眼傳。巒之初至漢中，從容風雅，接豪右以禮，撫細民以惠。歲餘之後，頗因百姓去就，誅滅齊民，藉為奴婢者二百餘口，兼商販聚歛，清論鄙之。徵授度支尚書。

After Luan took Baxi, he sent Army Commander Li Zhongqian to hold it. Zhongqian obtained the daughter of Xiao Yan's general Zhang Fayang, a woman of great beauty, and was deeply infatuated. He squandered military stores, devoting himself wholly to wine and women; when official business was submitted, none could reach him. Luan gnashed his teeth in fury; Zhongqian feared and plotted rebellion; the townspeople cut off his head and surrendered to Xiao Yan's general Qiao Xiyuan — Baxi was lost. The Di of Wuxing, Yang Jiqing and others, rebelled; Luan sent Army Commander Fu Shuyan to suppress them — the account appears in Shuyan's biography. When Luan first reached Hanzhong, he was easy and refined, receiving powerful gentry with courtesy and soothing common people with kindness. After more than a year he frequently executed registered households according to whether common people stayed or left, seizing more than two hundred as slaves; he also traded and amassed wealth — men of clear judgment despised him. He was recalled and appointed Director of the Department of Revenue.

時蕭衍遣兵侵軼徐兗，緣邊鎮戍相繼陷沒，朝廷憂之，乃以巒為使持節、都督東討諸軍事、安東將軍，尚書如故。世宗勞遣巒於東堂曰：「蕭衍寇邊，旬朔滋甚，諸軍舛互，規致連戍陷沒。宋魯之民尤罹湯炭。誠知將軍旋京未久，膝下難違，然東南之寄，非將軍莫可。將軍其勉建殊績，以稱朕懷，自古忠臣亦非無孝也。」巒對曰：「賊雖送死連城，犬羊眾盛，然逆順理殊，滅當無遠。況臣仗陛下之神算，奉律以摧之，平殄之期可指辰而待，願陛下勿以東南為慮。」世宗曰：「漢祖有云『金吾擊郾，吾無憂矣』，今將軍董戎，朕何慮哉。」

At that time Xiao Yan sent troops raiding Xu and Yan; frontier garrisons fell in succession; the court was alarmed and appointed Luan Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Commander-in-Chief of All Eastern Campaign Forces, and General Who Pacifies the East, retaining his directorship. Emperor Shizong saw Luan off with encouragement in the Eastern Hall: "Xiao Yan raids our borders; within weeks the harm grows worse; the armies are at cross purposes, planning in ways that lose garrison after garrison. The people of Song and Lu above all endure fire and boiling water. I know well you have not long returned to the capital and find it hard to leave your parents — yet the southeast trusts no one but you. General, strive for exceptional merit to match my hopes — loyal ministers since antiquity have not lacked filial feeling." Luan answered, "Though the enemy rush to their deaths city after city and their barbarian hordes are many, the logic of rebellion and submission differs — their destruction cannot be far. Moreover I rely on Your Majesty's divine strategy and destroy them by law — the day of total pacification can be counted in days; I pray Your Majesty not to worry over the southeast." Emperor Shizong said, "The Han Founder said, 'When the Golden Guard strikes Ying, I have no worries' — now you command the army; what have I to fear?"

先是，蕭衍輔國將軍蕭及先率眾二萬，寇陷固城；冠軍將軍魯顯文、驍騎將軍相文玉等率眾一萬，屯於孤山； [7]衍將角念等率眾一萬，擾亂龜蒙，土民從逆，十室而五。巒遣統軍樊魯討文玉，別將元恒攻固城，統軍畢祖朽討角念。樊魯大破文玉等，追奔八十餘里，斬首四千餘級。元恒又破固城，畢祖朽復破念等，兗州悉平。巒破賊將藍懷恭於睢口，進圍宿豫。而懷恭等復於清南造城，[8]規斷水陸之路。巒身率諸軍，自水南而進，遣平南將軍楊大眼從北逼之，統軍劉思祖等夾水造筏，燒其船舫。眾軍齊進，拔柵填塹，登其城。火起中流，四面俱擊，仍陷賊城，俘斬數萬。在陳別斬懷恭，擒其列侯、列將、直閤、直後三十餘人，俘斬一萬。宿豫既平，蕭昞亦於淮陽退走，二戍獲米四十餘萬石。

Earlier, Xiao Yan's General Who Assists the State Xiao Jixian led twenty thousand men, raided, and took Gucheng; General Who Conquers the Enemy Lu Xianwen and General of the Valiant Cavalry Xiang Wenyu and others led ten thousand men and camped at Gushan; [7] Xiao Yan's general Jiao Nian and others led ten thousand men and disturbed Gui and Meng; local people joined the rebellion — five households in ten. Luan sent Army Commander Fan Lu against Wenyu; another detachment under Yuan Heng against Gucheng; Army Commander Bi Zuxiu against Nian. Fan Lu routed Wenyu and the others, pursuing over eighty li and taking more than four thousand heads. Yuan Heng again broke Gucheng; Bi Zuxiu again defeated Nian — Yan province was entirely pacified. Luan routed the rebel general Lan Huigong at Suikou and advanced to invest Suyu. Huigong and the others again built a city at Qingnan [8], planning to sever the water and land routes. Luan personally led the armies forward from the south bank and sent General Who Pacifies the South Yang Dayan to press from the north; Army Commander Liu Sizu and others built rafts on both sides and burned the enemy boats. All armies advanced together, pulling palisades and filling moats, and scaled the wall. Fire rose midstream; they struck on four sides and took the rebel city; captives and heads numbered in the tens of thousands. At Chen they separately executed Huigong and captured more than thirty marquises, generals, Direct Attendants, and Direct Rear Attendants; captives and heads reached ten thousand. Once Suyu was pacified, Xiao Bing also withdrew from Huaiyang; the two garrisons yielded more than four hundred thousand shi of grain.

世宗賜巒璽書曰：「知大龕醜虜，威振賊庭，淮外霧披，徐方卷壒，王略遠恢，混一維始，公私慶泰，何快如之！賊衍此舉，實為傾國。比者宿豫陷歿，淮陽嬰城，凶狡侜張，規抗王旅。將軍忠規協著，火烈霜摧，電動岱陰，風掃沂嶧，遂令逋誅之寇，一朝殲夷；元鯨大憝，千里折首。殊勳茂捷，自古莫二。但揚區未安，餘燼宜盪，乘勝掎角，勢不可遺。便可率厲三軍，因時經略，申威東南，清彼江介，忘此仍勞，用圖永逸，進退規度，委之高算。」又詔巒曰：「淮陽、宿豫雖已清復，梁城之賊，猶敢聚結，事宜乘勝，并勢摧殄。可率二萬之眾渡淮，與征南掎角，以圖進取之計。」

Emperor Shizong sent Luan an imperial letter: "I know the great lair of ugly barbarians has shaken the rebel court; beyond the Huai the mist is scattered and Xu swept clean — the royal strategy extends far and unification begins; public and private rejoice — what joy equals this! This move of the rebel Yan truly exhausted his nation. Not long ago Suyu fell and Huaiyang clung to its walls; the vicious and cunning blustered, planning to resist the royal army. The general's loyal design shone forth; fire scorched and frost shattered; lightning moved in Dai's shadow and wind swept Yi and Yi — thus long-fugitive bandits were destroyed in a morning; the great villain was broken a thousand li away like a beached whale. Merit so exceptional and victory so splendid — since antiquity, none its equal. But the Yang region is not yet secure; remaining embers should be swept; pressing the advantage from two sides — momentum must not be lost. Lead and rouse the three armies, seize the moment, display might in the southeast and clear the river lands; forget present toil for lasting ease — advance and retreat, leave to your high calculation." Another edict to Luan said, "Though Huaiyang and Suyu are cleared, the bandits at Liangcheng still dare gather — the time calls for pressing the advantage and combining momentum to destroy them. Lead twenty thousand men across the Huai, coordinate with the southern expedition in pincer fashion, and plan the advance."

及梁城賊走，中山王英乘勝攻鍾離，又詔巒帥眾會之。巒表曰：「奉被詔旨，令臣濟淮與征南掎角，乘勝長驅，實是其會。但愚懷所量，竊有未盡。夫圖南因於積風，伐國在於資給，用兵治戎，須先計校。非可抑為必勝，[9]幸其無能。若欲掠地誅民，必應萬勝；如欲攻城取邑，未見其果。得之則所益未幾，不獲則虧損必大。蕭衍傾竭江東，為今歲之舉，疲兵喪眾，大敗而還，君臣失計，取笑天下。雖野戰非人敵，守城足有餘，今雖攻之，未易可克。又廣陵懸遠，去江四十里，鍾離、淮陰介在淮外，假其歸順而來，猶恐無糧艱守，況加攻討，勞兵士乎？且征南軍士從戎二時，疲弊死病，量可知已。雖有乘勝之資，懼無遠用之力。若臣之愚見，謂宜修復舊戍，牢實邊方，息養中州，擬之後舉。又江東之釁，不患久無，畜力待機，謂為勝計。」詔曰：「濟淮掎角，事如前敕，何容猶爾磐桓，方有此請！可速進軍，經略之宜聽征南至要。」

When the bandits at Liangcheng fled, Prince of Zhongshan Yuan Ying pressed the advantage against Zhongli; another edict ordered Luan to lead his troops to join him. Luan memorialized: "Obeying the edict to cross the Huai and coordinate with the southern expedition, pressing the advantage in long pursuit — truly this is the moment. But what my foolish heart measures, I find incomplete. Plans for the south depend on accumulated wind; conquering a state depends on supplies; using troops — one must first calculate. One cannot simply assume certain victory [9] and count on their incompetence. To seize land and punish the people requires ten thousand victories; if one wishes to storm cities and take towns, success is not yet assured. If gained, the benefit is slight; if not, the loss is sure to be great. Xiao Yan exhausted the lands east of the Yang for this year's campaign; his troops are weary and his masses lost — a great defeat; ruler and ministers lost their plan and became the world's laughingstock. Though no match in field battle, for holding cities they more than suffice; attacked now, they are not easily taken. Moreover Guangling hangs far away, forty li from the Yang; Zhongli and Huaiyin lie beyond the Huai — even if they submitted, holding them without grain would be hard; how much more if we add assault and weary the soldiers? Moreover the southern expedition's soldiers have campaigned two seasons; weariness, death, and sickness — the measure is known. Though victory's momentum is ours, I fear we lack strength for distant operations. In my foolish view, we should restore the old garrisons, solidify the borders, rest the Central Provinces, and plan a later campaign. Moreover trouble east of the Yang will not long be absent; storing strength and awaiting the moment is the winning plan." An edict said, "Cross the Huai in pincer fashion — as in the earlier edict; how can you still hesitate and make this request! Advance swiftly; strategic matters — heed the southern expedition's essentials."

巒又表曰：「蕭衍侵境，久勞王師，今者奔走，實除邊患，斯由靈贊皇魏，天敗寇豎，非臣等弱劣所能克勝。若臣之愚見，今正宜修復邊鎮，俟之後動。且蕭衍尚在，凶身未除，螳蜋之志，何能自息。唯應廣備以待其來，實不宜勞師遠入，自取疲困。今中山進軍鍾離，實所未解，若能為得失之計，不顧萬全，直襲廣陵，入其內地，出其不備，或未可知。正欲屯兵，蕭密餘軍猶自在彼； [10]欲言無糧，運船復至。而欲以八十日糧圖城者，臣未之前聞。且廣陵、任城可為前戒，豈容今者復欲同之。今若往也，彼牢城自守，不與人戰，城壍水深，非可填塞，空坐至春，則士自弊苦。遣臣赴彼，糧何以致？夏來之兵，不齎冬服，脫遇冰雪，取濟何方？臣寧荷怯懦不進之責，不受敗損空行之罪。鍾離天險，朝貴所具，若有內應，則所不知，如其無也，必無克狀。若其不復，其辱如何！若信臣言也，願賜臣停；若謂臣難行求回，臣所領兵統悉付中山，任其處分，臣求單騎隨逐東西。且俗諺云，耕則問田奴，絹則問織婢。臣雖不武，忝備征將，前宜可否，頗實知之，臣既謂難，何容強遣。」詔曰：「安東頻請罷軍，遲回未往，阻異戎規，殊乖至望。士馬既殷，無容停積，宜務神速，東西齊契，乘勝掃殄，以赴機會。」巒累表求還，世宗許之。英果敗退，時人伏其識略。

Luan memorialized again: "Xiao Yan invaded the borders and long wearied the royal army; now they flee — truly removing frontier trouble — by the numinous favor of great Wei and heaven's defeat of the rebels, not because we weaklings overcame them. In my view, now is precisely the time to restore frontier garrisons and wait. Moreover Xiao Yan still lives and his vicious self is not removed — the mantis's ambition, how can it rest? We should only prepare broadly and await his coming — not weary the army with distant entry and bring exhaustion on ourselves. Now Prince of Zhongshan advances on Zhongli — I do not understand it; if he can weigh gain and loss, disregard complete safety, strike directly at Guangling into their interior, catching them unprepared — perhaps something may come of it. Just when he intends to encamp, Xiao Yan's remaining troops are still there; [10] say there is no grain, and supply ships arrive again. Yet to plan taking a city with eighty days' grain — I have never heard of it. Guangling and Rencheng serve as prior warning — how can we wish to do the same again? If we go now, they will hold the strong city and refuse battle; the moat is deep and cannot be filled — sitting idle until spring, the soldiers will wear themselves out. Send me there — how will grain arrive? Soldiers coming in summer carry no winter clothing — if they meet ice and snow, where will relief come from? I would rather bear the charge of timidity and not advancing than accept the crime of defeat and empty marching. Zhongli is heaven's barrier — the court nobles know it; if there is collusion within, I do not know; if not, success is surely impossible. If it is not recovered, what disgrace will follow! If Your Majesty trusts my words, I beg permission to halt; if you say I find the march hard and seek return, all troops under my command I hand to Prince of Zhongshan; I ask to follow with a single horse. The common saying goes: for plowing ask the field slave; for silk ask the weaving maid. I, though not martial, disgracefully hold the rank of campaign general; of what should precede and what should not, I truly know — since I say it is hard, how can I be forced to go? An edict said, "The Pacifier of the East repeatedly requests to halt, delays and has not gone, obstructing the military plan — greatly contrary to expectation. Soldiers and horses are abundant — no room for delay; strive for swiftness; east and west in accord; press the advantage to seize the moment." Luan repeatedly petitioned to return; Emperor Shizong granted his request. Ying was indeed defeated and withdrew; men of the time admired Luan's foresight.

初，侍中盧昶與巒不平，昶與元暉俱世宗所寵，御史中尉崔亮，昶之黨也。昶、暉令亮糾巒，事成許言於世宗以亮為侍中。亮於是奏劾巒在漢中掠良人為奴婢。巒懼為昶等所陷，乃以漢中所得巴西太守龐景民女化生等二十餘口與暉。化生等數人，奇色也，暉大悅，乃背昶為巒言於世宗云：「巒新有大功，已經赦宥，不宜方為此獄也。」世宗納之。高肇以巒有克敵之效，而為昶等所排，助巒申釋，故得不坐。

Earlier, Attendant-in-Ordinary Lu Chang was on bad terms with Luan; Chang and Yuan Hui were both favorites of Emperor Shizong; Censor-in-Chief Cui Liang was Chang's ally. Chang and Hui had Liang impeach Luan, promising that if the case succeeded they would speak to Emperor Shizong to make Liang Attendant-in-Ordinary. Liang then memorialized, accusing Luan of seizing registered commoners as slaves in Hanzhong. Luan feared being trapped by Chang and the others and gave Hui more than twenty persons taken in Hanzhong, including Huasheng, daughter of Baxi Administrator Pang Jingmin. Huasheng and several others were of extraordinary beauty; Hui was greatly pleased, turned against Chang, and spoke for Luan to Emperor Shizong: "Luan has lately achieved great merit and has already been pardoned — he should not now face this prosecution." The emperor accepted this. Gao Zhao, because Luan had defeated the enemy yet was pushed aside by Chang and the others, helped plead his case, and therefore he was not punished.

豫州城民白早生殺刺史司馬悅，以城南入，蕭衍遣其冠軍將軍齊苟仁率眾入據懸瓠。詔巒持節率羽林精騎以討之。封平舒縣開國伯，食邑五百戶，賞宿豫之功也。世宗臨東堂，勞遣巒曰：「司馬悅不慎重門之戒，智不足以謀身，匪直喪元隸豎，[11]乃大虧王略。懸瓠密邇近畿，東南藩捍，度公之在彼，[12]憂慮尤深。早生理不獨立，必遠引吳楚，士民同惡，勢或交兵。卿文昭武烈，朝之南仲，故令卿星言電邁，出其不意。卿言早生走也守也？何時可以平之？」巒對曰：「早生非有深謀大智能構成此也，但因司馬悅虐於百姓，乘眾怒而為之，民為凶威所懾，不得已而苟附。假蕭衍軍入應，水路不通，糧運不繼，亦成擒耳，不能為害也。早生得衍軍之接，溺於利欲之情，必守而不走。今王師若臨，士民必翻然歸順。圍之窮城，奔走路絕，不度此年，必傳首京師。願陛下不足垂慮。」世宗笑曰：「卿言何其壯哉！深會朕遣卿之意。知卿親老，頻勞於外，然忠孝不俱，才宜救世，不得辭也。」

The city people of Yuzhou, Bai Zaosheng, killed Governor Sima Yue and submitted the south of the city; Xiao Yan sent his General Who Conquers the Enemy Qi Gouren with troops to enter and hold Xuanhu. An edict ordered Luan to bear the staff and lead picked Feathered Forest cavalry against them. He was enfeoffed as Baron of Pingshu District with a fief of five hundred households — reward for the victory at Suyu. Emperor Shizong received him in the Eastern Hall and saw him off: "Sima Yue ignored the warning of the heavy gate; his wisdom could not preserve him — not only did he lose his head to the villain, [11] he greatly harmed the royal strategy. Xuanhu lies close to the near capital, the southeastern bulwark — knowing you will be there, [12] my worry is especially deep. If Zaosheng cannot stand alone, he will surely draw Wu and Chu from afar; gentry and people share the hatred — battle may join. You combine literary brilliance and martial valor — the court's Nan Zhong; therefore I order you to move like a star, swift as lightning, catching them unprepared. Will Zaosheng flee or hold? When can the region be pacified? Luan answered, "Zaosheng has no deep plan or great wisdom to bring this about — he acted because Sima Yue was cruel to the people and he rode popular anger; the people, awed by his vicious might, joined unwillingly for the moment. Even if Xiao Yan's army enters to support him, the water route is blocked and grain cannot follow — he becomes prey in hand and cannot harm us. Zaosheng, receiving Xiao Yan's support, drowned in greed — he is sure to hold and not flee. If the royal army arrives now, gentry and people will surely turn and submit. Besieged in a desperate city with flight cut off, before this year ends his head will reach the capital. I pray Your Majesty need not worry." Emperor Shizong smiled: "How bold your words! You fully grasp why I am sending you. I know your parents are aged and you are frequently wearied abroad — yet loyalty and filial piety cannot both be fulfilled; talent should save the age — you may not decline."

於是巒率騎八百，倍道兼行，五日次於鮑口。賊遣大將軍胡孝智率眾七千，去城二百，逆來拒戰。巒擊破孝智，乘勝長驅，至於懸瓠。賊出城逆戰，又大破之，因即渡汝。既而大兵繼至，遂長圍之。詔加巒使持節、假鎮南將軍、都督南討諸軍事。征南將軍、中山王英南討三關，亦次於懸瓠，以後軍未至，前寇稍多，憚不敢進，乃與巒分兵掎角攻之。衍將齊苟仁等二十一人開門出降，即斬早生等同惡數十人。豫州平，巒振旅還京師。世宗臨東堂勞之，曰：「卿役不踰時，克清妖醜，鴻勳碩美，可謂無愧古人。」巒對曰：「此自陛下聖略威靈，英等將士之力，臣何功之有。」世宗笑曰：「卿匪直一月三捷，所足稱奇，乃存士伯，欲功成而不處。」

Thereupon Luan led eight hundred cavalry by forced marches and on the fifth day halted at Baokou. The rebels sent Grand General Hu Xiaozhi with seven thousand men two hundred li from the city to oppose them. Luan defeated Xiaozhi and pressed the pursuit to Xuanhu. The rebels came out to fight and were again routed; he thereupon crossed the Ru. Soon the main army arrived and a long siege was established. An edict further invested Luan as Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Provisional General Who Pacifies the South, and Commander-in-Chief of All Southern Campaign Forces. General Who Conquers the South Prince of Zhongshan Yuan Ying campaigned south against the Three Passes and also halted at Xuanhu; because the rear army had not arrived and enemies ahead were numerous, he feared and dared not advance — he and Luan divided forces in pincer fashion. Xiao Yan's generals Qi Gouren and twenty others opened the gate and surrendered; they immediately beheaded Zaosheng and several dozen fellow evildoers. With Yuzhou pacified, Luan led the army back to the capital. Emperor Shizong received him in the Eastern Hall: "Your service did not exceed the season yet you cleared away evil — splendid merit, without shame before the ancients. Luan answered, "This is by Your Majesty's sacred strategy and the strength of Prince Ying and the officers — what merit have I?" Emperor Shizong smiled: "You are not merely remarkable for three victories in one month — you preserve the manner of a gentleman, wishing merit done yet not claiming it."

巒自宿豫大捷，及平懸瓠，志行修正，不復以財賄為懷，戎資軍實絲毫無犯。遷殿中尚書，加撫軍將軍。延昌三年，暴疾卒，年五十一。巒才兼文武，朝野瞻望，上下悼惜之。詔賻帛四百匹，朝服一襲，贈車騎大將軍、瀛州刺史。初，世宗欲贈冀州，黃門甄琛以巒前曾劾己，乃云：「瀛州巒之本邦，人情所欲。」乃從之。及琛為詔，乃云「優贈車騎將軍、瀛州刺史」，議者笑琛淺薄。諡曰文定。

From the great victory at Suyu and the pacification of Xuanhu, Luan corrected his conduct; he no longer sought bribes, and military funds and stores he did not touch in the slightest. He was promoted to Director of the Palace Secretariat and given the additional rank of General Who Pacifies the Army. In the third year of Yan chang he died suddenly of illness at fifty-one. Luan combined civil and military talent; court and country looked up to him; all mourned him. An edict granted four hundred bolts of silk and one set of court robes, and posthumously honored him as Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and Governor of Yingzhou. Earlier Emperor Shizong wished to award Jizhou; Gentleman of the Yellow Gate Zhen Chen, because Luan had once impeached him, said, "Yingzhou is Luan's native commandery — that is what people wish." The emperor followed this. When Chen drafted the edict, he wrote only "posthumously awarded with special honor Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and Governor of Yingzhou" — onlookers laughed at Chen's pettiness. Posthumous epithet: Wendin.

子遜，字子言。貌雖陋短，頗有風氣。解褐司徒行參軍。襲爵。後遷國子博士、本州中正。因謁靈太后，自陳：「功名之子，久抱沉屈。臣父屢為大將，而臣身無軍功階級，臣父唯為忠臣，不為慈父。」靈太后慨然，以遜為長兼吏部郎中。出為安遠將軍、平州刺史。時北蕃多難，稽留不進，免。孝莊初，除輔國將軍、通直散騎常侍、東道軍司，討逆賊劉舉於濮陽，不克。還，除散騎常侍，加前將軍。永安二年，坐受任元顥，除名。尋除撫軍將軍、金紫光祿大夫。出帝時，轉衞將軍、右光祿大夫。孝靜初，以本官領嘗藥典御，加車騎將軍。久之，除大司農卿，與少卿馬慶哲至相糾訟。遜銳於財利，議者鄙之。武定四年卒，年五十六。贈本將軍、光祿勳卿、幽州刺史。

His son Xun, styled Ziyan. Though ugly and short in stature, he had considerable spirit. Upon first office he was appointed clerk in the Ministry of Works. He succeeded to the title. Later he was made Doctor of the Imperial University and Grand Coordinator of his native province. On audience with Empress Dowager Ling he stated: "The son of a man of merit long bears hidden grievance. My father repeatedly served as grand general yet I have no military merit or rank; my father was only a loyal minister, not a loving father." Empress Dowager Ling was moved and made Xun Senior Concurrent Director of the Ministry of Personnel. He was sent out as General Who Pacifies the Distance and Governor of Ping province. At that time the northern frontier had many troubles; he delayed and did not advance and was dismissed. At the beginning of Emperor Xiaozhuang's reign he was appointed General Who Assists the State, Regular Attendant Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, and Eastern Route Army Commander against the rebel Liu Ju at Puyang — he did not overcome him. On return he was made Regular Attendant Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary with the additional rank of Forward General. In the second year of Yong an he was punished for accepting appointment under Yuan Hao and was struck from the registers. Soon afterward he was made General Who Pacifies the Army and Grand Master of the Gold Seal and Purple Cord. Under Emperor Chu he was transferred to General of the Guard and Grand Master of the Right Gold Seal and Purple Cord. At the beginning of Emperor Xiaojing's reign he retained his former office and headed the Office of Imperial Pharmacy, with the additional rank of General of Chariots and Cavalry. After some time he was appointed Grand Minister of Agriculture and mutually impeached Vice Minister Ma Qingzhe in lawsuits. Xun was sharp in pursuit of profit — men of judgment despised him. In the fourth year of Wuding he died at fifty-six. Posthumously honored with his former general's rank, Minister of the Gold Seal and Purple Cord, and Governor of You province.

子祖微，開府祭酒。父喪未終，謀反，伏法。

His son Zuwai served as Staff Officer of the Grand General's Office. Before his father's mourning period had ended he plotted rebellion and was executed.

巒弟儒，瀛州鎮遠府長史、給事中。

Luan's younger brother Ru was Chief Clerk of the Pacifying Distance Office of Ying province and Attendant.

儒弟偉，尚書郎中。卒，贈博陵太守。子昕，在文苑傳。

Ru's younger brother Wei was Gentleman of the Masters of Writing. When he died he was posthumously honored as Administrator of Boling. His son Xin — the account appears in the Literary Garden biography.

偉弟季彥。

Jiyan was Wei's younger brother.

季彥弟晏，字幼平。美風儀，博涉經史，善談釋老，雅好文詠。起家太學博士、司徒東閤祭酒。世宗初，為與廣平王懷遊宴，左遷鄚縣令，未之官。除給事中，遷司空主簿、本州中正、汝南王文學。稍遷輔國將軍、司空長史、兼吏部郎中。以本將軍出為南兗州刺史。徵為太中大夫、兼丞相高陽王右長史。尋以本將軍除滄州刺史。為政清靜，吏民安之。孝昌中卒，時年五十一。贈征北將軍、尚書左僕射、瀛州刺史，諡曰文貞。晏篤於義讓，初為南兗州刺史，例得一子解褐，乃啟其孤弟子子慎，年甫十二，而其子已弱冠矣。後為滄州，復啟孤兄子昕為府主簿，而其子並未從官。世人以此多之。

Jiyan's younger brother Yan, styled Youping. Fine bearing; broad learning in classics and histories; skilled in discussing Buddhism and Daoism; he loved literary composition. He began as Doctor of the Imperial University and Libationer of the Eastern Pavilion of the Ministry of Works. At the beginning of Emperor Shizong's reign he joined Prince of Guangping Yuan Huai in feasting and was demoted to Magistrate of Mo county — he did not take up the post. He was made Attendant, then Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, Grand Coordinator of his native province, and Literary Scholar to the Prince of Runan. He rose gradually to General Who Assists the State, Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, and Concurrent Director of the Ministry of Personnel. Retaining his general's rank, he went out to govern Southern Yan province. He was summoned as Grand Master of the Palace and Concurrent Right Chief Clerk to Prince of Gaoyang, Chancellor. Soon, retaining his general's rank, he was appointed Governor of Cang province. His rule was clear and quiet; officials and people lived in peace. He died during the Xiaochang era at fifty-one. Posthumously honored as General Who Conquers the North, Director of the Left of the Department of State Affairs, and Governor of Yingzhou — posthumous epithet Wenzhen. Yan was deeply devoted to righteous yielding; when he first became Governor of Southern Yan, by precedent one son could enter first office — he petitioned for his orphaned nephew Zishen, just twelve, though his own son was already grown. Later as Governor of Cang he again petitioned for his orphaned elder brother's son Xin as prefectural chief clerk, while his own sons had not yet held office. Contemporaries praised him greatly for this.

子測，武定末，太子洗馬。

His son Ce served as Crown Prince's Reader at the end of Wuding.

測弟亢，字子高，頗有文學。釋褐司空行參軍。遷廣平王開府從事中郎。兼通直散騎常侍，使於蕭衍，時年二十八。還，除平東將軍，齊文襄王大將軍府屬，又轉中外府屬。武定七年，坐事死於晉陽，年三十四。

Ce's younger brother Kang, styled Zigao, had considerable literary talent. Upon first office he was clerk in the Ministry of Works. He was promoted to Retainer in Prince of Guangping's Grand General's Office. Serving concurrently as Regular Attendant Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, he was sent on a mission to Xiao Yan at twenty-eight. On return he was appointed General Who Pacifies the East, staff member in Grand General Qi Wenxiang's office, then transferred to the Central and Outer Office. In the seventh year of Wuding he was executed at Jinyang for a crime, aged thirty-four.

巒叔祖祐，字宗祐。少有學尚，知名於時。徵除著作郎，領樂浪王傅。後假員外散騎常侍，使於劉彧。以將命之勤，除建威將軍、平原太守，賜爵城平男。政清刑肅，百姓安之。卒，年七十三。子產，字神寶。好學，善屬文。少時作孤蓬賦，為時所稱。舉秀才，除著作佐郎。假員外常侍、鄚縣子，使於蕭賾。產仍世將命，時人美之。後遷中書侍郎，俄遷太子中庶子。卒，年四十六，朝廷嗟惜焉。贈建威將軍、平州刺史、樂城子，諡曰定。

Luan's granduncle You, styled Zongyou. From youth he loved learning and won renown in his time. Summoned and made Gentleman of the Palace Library and Tutor to the Prince of Lelang. Later, provisionally Supernumerary Attendant Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, he was sent on a mission to Liu Yu. For diligence in carrying out orders he was appointed General Who Establishes Might and Administrator of Pingyuan, and enfeoffed as Baron of Chengping. His governance was clear and punishments strict; the people were at peace. He died aged seventy-three. His son Chan, styled Shenbao. He loved learning and excelled at literary composition. In youth he wrote the Rhapsody on the Lone Thistle, which won praise in its day. Recommended as Cultivated Talent, he became Assistant Gentleman of the Palace Library. Provisionally Supernumerary Regular Attendant and Baron of Mo District, sent on a mission to Xiao Ze. For generations the family carried out missions — men of the time praised Chan. Later he was promoted to Secretariat Gentleman, then soon to Vice Director of the Crown Prince's Palace. He died aged forty-six; court and country sighed in regret. Posthumously honored as General Who Establishes Might, Governor of Ping province, and Baron of Lecheng — posthumous epithet Ding.

祐從子虬，字神虎。少為三禮鄭氏學，明經有文思。舉秀才上第，為中書議郎、尚書殿中郎。高祖因公事與語，問朝覲宴饗之禮，虬以經對，大合上旨。轉司徒屬、國子博士。高祖崩，尚書令王肅多用新儀，虬往往折以五經正禮。轉尚書右丞，徙左丞，多所糾正，臺閣肅然。時雁門人有害母者，八座奏轘之而潴其室，宥其二子。虬駁奏云：「君親無將，將而必誅。今謀逆者戮及期親，害親者今不及子，既逆甚梟鏡，禽獸之不若，而使禋祀不絕，遺育永傳，非所以勸忠孝之道，存三綱之義。若聖教含容，不加孥戮，使父子罪不相及，惡止於其身，不則宜投之四裔，敕所在不聽配匹。盤庚言『無令易種於新邑』，漢法五月食梟羹，皆欲絕其類也。」奏入，世宗從之。尋除司徒右長史，遷龍驤將軍、光祿少卿。虬母在鄉遇患，請假歸。值秋水暴長，河梁破絕，虬得一小船而渡，漏而不沒，時人異之。母喪，哀毀過禮，為時所稱。年四十九，卒。贈征虜將軍、幽州刺史，諡曰威。虬善與人交，清河崔亮、頓丘李平並與親善。所作碑頌雜筆三十餘篇。有二子。

You's nephew's son Qiu, styled Shenhu. From youth he studied the Zheng school of the Three Rites, was versed in the classics, and had literary gifts. Recommended as Cultivated Talent with highest rank, he became Gentleman Consultant of the Secretariat and Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat. Emperor Gaozu on public business conversed with him and asked about court audience and banquet rites; Qiu answered from the classics — greatly matching imperial intent. He moved to the staff of the Ministry of Works and became Doctor of the Imperial University. When Emperor Gaozu died, Director Wang Su often used new rites; Qiu frequently corrected them with the orthodox rites of the Five Classics. He was transferred to Right Director of the Masters of Writing, then Left Director; he corrected much and the secretariat grew orderly. At that time a man of Yanmen killed his mother; the Eight Ministers memorialized to dismember him by chariot and impound his house, pardoning his two sons. Qiu rebutted the memorial: "Ruler and parent must not be plotted against — plot and you are surely executed. Now rebels are executed to close kin, yet parricides' sons go unpunished — this inverts the severity owed the owl and mirror, worse than beasts — yet sacrificial rites continue and descendants perpetually transmit; this is not the way to encourage loyalty and filial piety or preserve the three bonds. If sage teaching is inclusive and does not extend punishment to wives and children, so father and son crimes do not reach each other and evil stops with the person — otherwise cast them to the four wilds and forbid the land to give them spouses. Pan Geng said, 'Do not let a different seed be planted in the new city'; Han law served owl broth in the fifth month — both sought to cut off their kind. When the memorial entered, Emperor Shizong approved it. Soon he was made Right Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, then General of the Flying Dragon and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Ceremonies. Qiu's mother fell ill in their home district; he asked leave to return. When autumn waters rose suddenly and the river bridge broke, Qiu obtained a small boat and crossed — leaking yet not sinking; men of the time marveled. Mourning his mother, he grieved beyond the rites — praised in his time. He died aged forty-nine. Posthumously honored as General Who Conquers the Barbarians and Governor of You province — posthumous epithet Wei. Qiu was skilled at friendship; Cui Liang of Qinghe and Li Ping of Dunqiu were both on intimate terms with him. His stele inscriptions, eulogies, and miscellaneous writings numbered more than thirty. There were two sons.

長子臧，在文苑傳。

The eldest son Zang — the account appears in the Literary Garden biography.

臧弟子才，武定末，太常卿。

Zang's nephew Cai, at the end of Wuding, served as Minister of Ceremonies.

虬從子策，亦有才學。卒於齊王儀同開府主簿。

Qiu's nephew's son Ce likewise had talent and learning. He died while serving as Chief Clerk on the Prince of Qi's Staff of the Same Rank as the Grand General's Office.

李平，字曇定，頓丘人也，彭城王嶷之長子。少有大度。及長，涉獵羣書，好禮、易，頗有文才。太和初，拜通直散騎侍郎，高祖禮之甚重。頻經大憂，居喪以孝稱。後以例降，襲爵彭城公。拜太子中舍人，遷散騎侍郎，舍人如故，遷太子中庶子。平因侍從容請自效一郡，高祖曰：「卿復欲以吏事自試也。」拜長樂太守，政務清靜，吏民懷之。車駕南伐，以平兼冀州儀同開府長史，甚著聲稱，仍除正長史，太守如故。未幾，遂行河南尹，豪右權貴憚之。世宗即位，除黃門郎，遷司徒左長史，行尹如故。尋以稱職正尹，長史如故。

Li Ping, styled Tanding, was a native of Dunqiu — eldest son of Prince of Pengcheng Yuan Xie. Even from youth he showed great magnanimity. When grown he read widely, loved the Rites and Changes, and had considerable literary talent. At the opening of the Taihe era he was appointed Regular Attendant Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary; Emperor Gaozu treated him with exceptional respect. He suffered repeated bereavements and was famed for filial mourning. Later, by precedent demoted in rank, he inherited the dukedom of Pengcheng. He was appointed Crown Prince's Household Attendant, promoted to Attendant Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, retaining his household post, then Vice Director of the Crown Prince's Palace. While attending in relaxed conversation, Ping asked to prove himself in one commandery; Emperor Gaozu said, "You wish again to test yourself in administrative affairs." He was made Administrator of Changle; his rule was clear and quiet, and officials and people held him dear. When the imperial carriage campaigned south he was appointed Concurrent Chief Clerk of the Staff of the Same Rank as the Grand General's Office for Ji province, winning great renown, then full Chief Clerk, retaining his administrator's post. Before long he served as acting Intendant of Henan; powerful gentry and noble families feared him. When Emperor Shizong acceded he was appointed Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and promoted to Left Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, continuing as acting Intendant. Soon, for distinguished service, he was confirmed as full Intendant while retaining his chief clerk's post.

車駕將幸鄴，平上表諫曰：「伏見己丑詔書，雲軒鑾輅，行幸有期，鳳服龍驂，剋駕近日。將欲講武淇陽，大習鄴魏，馳驌騻於綠竹之區，騁驎驥於漳滏之壤。斯誠幽顯同忻，人靈共悅。臣之愚管，竊有惑焉。何者？嵩京創構，洛邑俶營，雖年跨十稔，根基未就。代民至洛，始欲向盡，資產罄於遷移，牛畜斃於輦運，陵太行之險，越長津之難，辛勤備經，得達京闕，富者猶損太半，貧者可以意知。兼歷歲從戎，不遑啟處，自景明已來，差得休息。事農者未積二年之儲，築室者裁有數間之屋，莫不肆力伊瀍，人急其務。實宜安靜新人，勸其稼穡，令國有九年之糧，家有水旱之備。若乘之以羈紲，則所廢多矣。一夫從役，舉家失業。今復秋稼盈田，禾菽遍野，鑾駕所幸，騰踐必殷。未若端拱中天，坐招四海，耀武崧原，禮射伊洛，士馬無跋涉之勞，兆民有康哉之詠，可不美歟？」不從。詔以本官行相州事。世宗至鄴，親幸平第，見其諸子。尋正刺史，加征虜將軍。

The emperor was preparing to visit Ye; Li Ping submitted a memorial of remonstrance: "I have read the edict of the jichou day, which announces that the imperial carriage will depart on a set date—that phoenix-robed escort and dragon-harnessed steeds will soon be on the road. He plans to review troops at Qiyang and stage grand exercises at Ye and Wei—to let piebald horses thunder through bamboo groves and let thoroughbreds race the banks of the Zhang and Fu. Truly this would bring joy to heaven and earth alike, and delight to gods and men together. Yet in my humble judgment I cannot help but harbor doubts. Why is this so? The new capital at Song was only just raised and Luoyang only just begun—though more than a decade has passed, the foundations are still unfinished. When the people of Dai arrived in Luoyang they poured out everything they owned: fortunes were drained by relocation, draft animals died on the road, and they braved Taihang's cliffs and long river crossings. After every hardship they reached the capital—yet even the rich lost more than half their wealth, and the poor fared far worse. They have moreover campaigned year after year without respite; only since the Jingming reign have they begun to recover. Farmers have not yet laid up two years' provisions; builders have only a few rooms to their name. All are straining along the Yi and Chan, every hand pressed to urgent work. This is precisely the time to let the newcomers settle and encourage their planting, until the realm holds nine years' grain and every home keeps stores against flood and drought. If they are yoked to corvée and conscription, far more will be lost. One man taken for service means an entire household left without livelihood. Autumn grain now fills the fields and beans blanket the countryside; wherever the imperial procession treads, crops will be crushed underfoot. Better to hold court at the center and draw the four seas to you—to show martial splendor on Song's heights and perform the archery rites on the Yi and Luo, so that troops need no long march and the people may sing of peace. Would that not be the finer course? His counsel was rejected. He was ordered to govern Xiangzhou in his existing capacity. When Shizong arrived at Ye he visited Ping's home in person and saw his sons. He was soon confirmed as regional inspector and given the additional title General Who Pacifies Barbarians.

平勸課農桑，修飾太學，簡試通儒以充博士，選五郡聰敏者以教之，圖孔子及七十二子於堂，親為立讚。前來臺使頗好侵取，平乃畫「履虎尾」、「踐薄冰」於客館，注頌其下，以示誡焉。加平東將軍，徵拜長兼度支尚書，尋正尚書，領御史中尉。

Ping promoted agriculture and sericulture, refurbished the Imperial Academy, tested broadly learned scholars for appointment as erudites, selected the brightest youths from five commanderies to teach, had portraits of Confucius and the seventy-two disciples painted in the hall, and wrote encomia for them himself. Imperial envoys had often abused their power to extort; Ping painted "Treading the tiger's tail" and "Walking on thin ice" in the guest lodge and added encomia below as a warning. He was promoted to General Who Pacifies the East, appointed concurrently Director of the Department of Revenue, soon made regular Director of the Masters of Writing, and given the concurrent post of Inspector of the Masters of Writing.

冀州刺史、京兆王愉反於信都，以平為使持節、都督北討諸軍事、鎮北將軍，行冀州事以討之。世宗臨式乾殿，勞遣平曰：「愉，朕之元弟，居不疑之地，豺狼之心，不意而發，欲上傾社稷，下殘萬姓。大義滅親，夫豈獲止。周公行之於古，朕亦當行之於今。委卿以專征之任，必令應期摧殄，務盡經略之規，勿虧推轂之寄也。何圖今日言及斯事。」因歔欷流涕。平對曰：「臣愉天迷其心，構此梟悖。陛下不以臣不武，委以總督之任，今大宥既敷，便應有征無戰。脫守迷不悟者，當仰憑天威，抑厲將士，譬猶太陽之消微露，巨海之蕩熒燭，天時人事，滅在昭然。如其稽顙軍門，則送之大理，若不悛待戮，則鳴鼓釁鍾，非陛下之事。」

When the Prince of Jingzhao, Yu, regional inspector of Jizhou, rebelled at Xindu, Ping was appointed Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Commander of the Northern Campaign, General Who Pacifies the North, and acting regional inspector of Jizhou to subdue him. Shizong came to the Shiqian Hall to send Ping off with encouragement: "Yu is my own elder brother, placed beyond all suspicion—yet the heart of a wolf flared up unlooked-for. He would topple the altars of state and slaughter the people. To put righteousness above kinship—how could I hold back? The Duke of Zhou did this in ancient times; I must do the same now. I entrust you with full command. Crush them within the appointed time, leave no stratagem untried, and do not betray the trust invested in you. I never thought the day would come when I must speak of this. He sighed and wept. Ping replied: "Prince Yu's heart has been clouded, and he has raised this treason. Your Majesty, not judging me unfit for war, has given me overall command. Now that Your Majesty's clemency has been proclaimed, they should submit without a fight. If any remain deluded and refuse to yield, I shall lean on Heaven's majesty and steel the troops—as the sun melts morning dew, as the ocean swallows a candle-flame. Heaven and earth have already decreed their ruin. If he kneels at the camp gate, I shall send him to the Court of Justice; if he will not repent and awaits the blade, then drums and war-gongs—that will no longer be Your Majesty's concern."

平進次經縣，諸軍大集。夜有蠻兵數千斫平前壘，矢及平帳，平堅臥不動，俄而乃定。遂至冀州城南十六里。賊攻圍濟州軍，拔柵填塹，未滿者數尺。諸將合戰，無利而還，憚於更進。平親入行間，勸以重賞，士卒乃前，大破逆眾。愉時墜馬，乃有一人下馬授愉，止而鬬死。乘勝逐北，至於城門，斬首數萬級，遂圍城燒門。愉與百餘騎突門出走，遣統軍叔孫頭追之，去信都十里擒愉。冀州平，世宗遣兼給事黃門侍郎、祕書丞元梵宣旨慰勞。徵還京師，以本官領相州大中正。

Ping moved forward and encamped at Jing County, where the armies massed. By night several thousand tribal soldiers struck at Ping's forward ramparts; arrows pierced his tent, yet he lay still until the disturbance passed. He advanced to sixteen li south of the Jizhou capital. The rebels besieged the Jizhou force, tearing up palisades and filling the moat until only a few feet remained open. The generals fought without gain and fell back, afraid to press forward again. Ping walked among the ranks himself, promising rich rewards; the men surged forward and broke the rebel army. Yu was thrown from his horse; a follower dismounted, gave Yu his mount, and died fighting where he stood. They pursued north to the city gate, taking tens of thousands of heads, then invested the city and set the gate afire. Yu fled with a little over a hundred riders; Ping sent Commander Shusun Tou after him and took Yu ten li from Xindu. After Jizhou was pacified, Shizong sent the concurrent Supervising Attendant Within the Yellow Gate and Secretary Director Yuan Fan with an imperial message of commendation. Recalled to the capital, he kept his original post and was also made Chief Rectifier of Xiangzhou.

平先為尚書令高肇、侍御史王顯所恨，後顯代平為中尉，平加散騎常侍，顯劾平在冀州隱截官口，肇又扶成其狀，奏除平名。延昌初，詔復官爵，除其定冀之勳。前來良賤之訟，多有積年不決，平奏不問真偽，一以景明年前為限，於是諍訟止息。武川鎮民飢，鎮將任款請貸未許，擅開倉賑恤，有司繩以費散之條，免其官爵。平奏款意在濟人，心無不善，世宗原之。遷中書令，尚書如故。肅宗初，轉吏部尚書，加撫軍將軍。平高明強濟，所在有聲，但以性急為累。尚書令、任城王澄奏理平定冀之勳，請酬以山河之賞。靈太后乃封武邑郡開國公，食邑一千五百戶，縑二千五百匹。

Ping had long been hated by Director Gao Zhao and Attendant Imperial Secretary Wang Xian. When Xian replaced Ping as inspector, Ping was given the additional title Regular Attendant; Xian then impeached him for secretly seizing registered households in Jizhou, Zhao backed the accusation, and a memorial was submitted to strip him of rank. At the start of Yanxing an edict restored his office and title but withheld credit for pacifying Ji and Ji. Lawsuits between free and bonded persons had often dragged on for years. Ping proposed that, without inquiring into truth or falsehood, all cases be cut off at the Jingming era—and litigation ceased. When Wuchuan garrison faced famine, Commander Ren Kuan asked for grain on loan and, denied permission, opened the granary on his own to feed the people. Officials charged him with unauthorized disbursement and removed him from office. Ping argued that Kuan's intent was to save lives and his heart was good; Shizong pardoned him. He was moved to Director of the Secretariat while retaining his post as Director of the Masters of Writing. When Suzong came to the throne he was made Director of the Ministry of Personnel and additionally General Who Pacifies the Army. Ping was brilliant, forceful, and effective; everywhere he served he made a name, though his quick temper was a handicap. Director of the Masters of Writing, the Prince of Rencheng Cheng, petitioned to settle credit for Ping's pacification of Ji and asked that he be rewarded with a territorial fief. Empress Dowager Ling then enfeoffed him Duke of Wuyi Commandery with fifteen hundred households and twenty-five hundred bolts of silk.

先是，蕭衍遣其左游擊將軍趙祖悅偷據西硤石，眾至數萬，以逼壽春。鎮南崔亮攻之，未克，又與李崇乖貳。詔平以本官使持節、鎮軍大將軍、兼尚書右僕射為行臺，節度諸軍，東西州將一以禀之，如有乖異，以軍法從事。詔平長子奬以通直郎從，賜平縑帛百段、紫納金裝衫甲一領，賜奬縑布六十段、絳衲襖一領。父子重列，拜受家庭，觀者榮之。於是率步騎二千以赴壽春。平巡視硤石內外，知其盈虛之所。嚴勒崇、亮，令水陸兼備，剋期齊舉。崇、亮憚之，無敢乖互。頻日交戰，屢破賊軍。安南將軍崔延伯立橋於下蔡，以拒賊之援軍。賊將王神念、昌義之等不得進救，祖悅守死窮城。平乃部分攻之。令崔亮督陸卒攻其城西，李崇勒水軍擊其東面，然後鼓噪，南北俱上。賊眾周章，東西赴戰。屠賊外城，賊之將士相率歸附。袓悅率其餘眾固保南城，通夜攻守，至明乃降。斬袓悅，送首於洛，俘獲甚眾。以功遷尚書右僕射，加散騎常侍，將軍如故。

Earlier Xiao Yan had sent his Left Mobile-Attack General Zhao Zuyue to seize Xixia Rock by stealth with tens of thousands of men, threatening Shouyang. Cui Liang, Pacifier of the South, besieged it without success and quarreled with Li Chong. Ping was ordered, in his existing capacity, to serve as Bearer of the Staff of Authority, Grand General Who Pacifies the Army, and Concurrent Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing at mobile headquarters, commanding all forces. Eastern and western commanders were to obey him; disobedience would be punished by military law. The edict had Ping's eldest son Jiang accompany him as Attendant of Direct Communication. Ping received a hundred sections of silk and brocade and a suit of purple-lined gold-trimmed armor; Jiang received sixty sections and a purple-lined padded jacket. Father and son received honors side by side at home, to the envy of all who saw. He then led two thousand infantry and cavalry to Shouyang. Ping surveyed Xixia Rock's inner and outer defenses and mapped its strengths and gaps. He sternly ordered Chong and Liang to ready land and river forces alike and to attack together on the appointed day. Chong and Liang were afraid of him and did not dare act independently. Battle followed battle for days, and the enemy was beaten again and again. General Who Pacifies the South Cui Yanbo built a bridge at Xia Cai to cut off enemy reinforcements. Rebel generals Wang Shennian and Chang Yizhi could not break through to help; Zuyue clung to the doomed fortress. Ping then deployed his forces for the assault. He had Cui Liang lead the land force against the west wall and Li Chong the river force against the east; at the drum's signal both wings scaled the walls together. The rebel troops panicked, rushing back and forth to meet the attack. They stormed the outer city, and rebel officers and soldiers surrendered in succession. Zuyue held the south city with what remained of his force, fighting through the night until he surrendered at dawn. Zuyue was executed, his head sent to Luoyang, and captives were many. For this achievement he was promoted to Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing with the additional title Regular Attendant; his generalship was unchanged.

平還京師，靈太后見於宣光殿，賜以金裝刀杖一口。時南徐州表云，蕭衍堰淮水為患，詔公卿議之，平以為不假兵力，終自毀壞。及淮堰破，靈太后大悅，引群臣入宴，敕平前鳴簫管，肅宗手賜縑布百段。熙平元年冬卒，遺令薄葬。詔給東園祕器、朝服一具、衣一襲、帛七百匹。靈太后為舉哀於東堂。贈侍中、驃騎大將軍、儀同三司、冀州刺史，諡文烈公。平自在度支，至於端副，夙夜在公，孜孜匪懈，凡處機密十有餘年，有獻替之稱。所製詩賦箴諫詠頌，[13]別有集錄。

On returning to the capital, Ping was received by Empress Dowager Ling in the Xuan'guang Hall and given a gold-trimmed sword and staff. Southern Xuzhou reported that Xiao Yan was damming the Huai to cause flooding. When ministers were ordered to discuss the matter, Ping argued that no troops were needed—the dam would collapse on its own. When the Huai dam broke, Empress Dowager Ling was delighted. She feasted the ministers, had Ping play pipes and flutes, and Suzong personally granted him a hundred sections of silk and brocade. He died in winter of Xiping 1, instructing that he be buried simply. An edict granted eastern-garden funeral vessels, one set of court robes, one suit of clothes, and seven hundred bolts of silk. Empress Dowager Ling mourned him in the Eastern Hall. Posthumously he was made Attendant, Grand General of Agile Cavalry, Three Excellencies of Honor, and regional inspector of Jizhou, with the posthumous title Duke Wenlie. From his time in the Department of Revenue to his place at the head of the secretariat, Ping toiled day and night without slackening. For more than ten years he handled state secrets and won praise for frank counsel. The poems, fu, admonitions, remonstrances, songs, and encomia he wrote [13] were collected in a separate compilation.

平長子奬，字遵穆，襲。容貌魁偉，有當世才度。自太尉參軍事，稍遷通直郎、中書侍郎、直閤將軍、吏部郎中、征虜將軍，遷安東將軍、光祿大夫，仍吏部郎中。又以本官兼尚書，出為撫軍將軍、相州刺史。初，元叉擅朝，奬為其親待，頻居顯要。靈太后反政，削除官爵。孝莊初，為散騎常侍、鎮東將軍、河南尹。奬前後所歷，皆以明濟著稱。元顥入洛，顥以奬兼尚書右僕射，慰勞徐州羽林及城人，不承顥旨，害奬，傳首洛陽。

Ping's eldest son Jiang, courtesy name Zunmu, succeeded to the title. He was tall and imposing, with talent and presence suited to his times. Starting as an aide in the Ministry of War, he rose through Attendant of Direct Communication, Gentleman of the Secretariat, General of the Direct Office, Director in the Ministry of Personnel, and General Who Subdues Barbarians to General Who Pacifies the East and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, still serving as Director in the Ministry of Personnel. He also served concurrently as Director of the Masters of Writing and was sent out as General Who Pacifies the Army and regional inspector of Xiangzhou. When Yuan Cha dominated the court, Jiang was treated as kin and repeatedly held high office. When Empress Dowager Ling regained power she removed his rank and office. At the start of Xiaozhuang's reign he became Regular Attendant, General Who Pacifies the East, and Intendant of Henan. In every office he held, Jiang was known for clarity and competence. When Yuan Hao entered Luoyang he made Jiang Concurrent Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing to reassure the Xuzhou guard and townspeople. They refused Hao's orders, killed Jiang, and sent his head to Luoyang.

出帝時，奬故吏通直散騎常侍宋遊道上書理奬曰：「臣聞賞善罰惡，謂之二機，有道存焉，所貴不濫。是以子胥無罪，吳人痛之；郤宛不幸，國言未息。故河南尹李奬，門居戚里，世擅名家，有此良才，是兼周用。自少及長，忠孝為心，入朝出牧，清明流譽。襟懷放暢，風神爽發，實廊廟之瑚璉，社稷之楨幹。往歲，北海竊據，負扆當朝，王公卿士，俛眉從事。而奬闔門百口，同居京洛，既被覊縶，自拔無由。託使東南，情存避難，當時物論謂其得所。然北海未敗之日，徐州刺史元孚為其純臣，莫之敢距，表啟相望，遲速唯命。及皇輿返正，神器斯復，輕薄之徒，共生僥倖，詭言要賞，曲道求通，濫及善人，稱為己力。若以奬受命賊朝，語跡成罪，便與天下共當此責。于時朝旨唯命免官，亦既經恩，方加酷濫。伊昔具臣，比肩賊所，身臨河上，日尋干戈，時逢寬政，任遇不改。一介使人，獨嬰斯戮，凡在有心，孰不嗟悼！前朝所以論功者，見其邊人且相慰悅，其猶郭默生亂，劉胤懸首，事乃權宜，蓋非實錄。昔鄧艾下世，段灼理其冤；馬援物故，朱勃申其屈。臣雖小人，趣事君子，有懷舊恩，義兼人故，見其若此，久欲陳辭。含言未吐，遂至今日，幽泉已閉，壟樹成行，內手捫心，顧懷愧慨。幸逢興聖，理運唯新，雖曰纂戎，事同創革。頻有大恩，被於率土，亡官失爵者悉蒙追復。而奬雜木猶存，牛車未改。士感知己，懷此無忘，輕率瞽言，干犯輦轂。伏願天鑒，賜垂矜覽，加其贈秩，慰此幽魂。」詔贈衞將軍、冀州刺史。

Under Emperor Chu, Jiang's former subordinate Song Youdao petitioned on his behalf: "I have heard that rewarding virtue and punishing vice are the two hinges of governance; where the Way holds sway, what matters is that neither be applied too freely. Thus though Wu Zixu was innocent, the people of Wu mourned him; though Xi Wan met with misfortune, public outrage did not subside. The former Intendant of Henan, Li Jiang, came from an imperial affinal house and a distinguished clan; gifted as he was, he was fit for the highest service. From youth to manhood loyalty and filial piety shaped his heart; in court or in the provinces his name stood for integrity. Open in spirit and quick in bearing, he was truly a ritual vessel of the state and a pillar of the realm. In past years, when the Prince of Beihai seized power and held court, princes, dukes, and ministers bowed and obeyed. Yet Jiang's household of a hundred mouths lived together in Luoyang; once bound, he had no means of escape. Sent on a mission to the southeast, he sought only to survive; public opinion at the time held that he had chosen wisely. Yet before Beihai fell, Xuzhou's regional inspector Yuan Fu was his loyal follower and none dared resist; memorials streamed in and all awaited his word. When the throne was restored and the sacred vessel recovered, the frivolous seized their chance—spinning false tales for reward, bending rules for advancement, and claiming credit for good men's deeds. If taking orders from the rebel court makes Jiang guilty by word and deed, then the whole court must share that guilt. At the time the court meant only to dismiss him from office; he had already been shown mercy, yet afterward cruel excess was piled on. In former days worthy ministers stood side by side in the rebel camp, themselves on the riverbank fighting day after day—yet under a lenient policy their posts went unchanged. Yet one lone envoy alone suffered this slaughter—who with a heart does not mourn? The former court counted his merit only because border people seemed reassured—as with Guo Mo's revolt and Liu Yin's head on display, the affair was expedient, not a true reckoning. When Deng Ai died, Duan Zhuo pleaded his injustice; when Ma Yuan died, Zhu Bo pleaded his case. I am only a petty man who serves gentlemen; remembering old kindness and bound by human ties, seeing him treated thus I have long wished to speak. Words I held back have reached this day; the grave is closed and tomb trees stand in rows—I press my hand to my heart in shame and grief. Fortunately we meet a sage on the throne and an age renewed; though called succession, it is like a new founding. Great grace has repeatedly covered the realm; those stripped of rank have all been restored. Yet Jiang, like a stray tree still standing, remains unredeemed. Those who know loyalty hold this and do not forget; with rash words I offend the throne. I beg Heaven's mirror to look with compassion, grant posthumous rank, and comfort his shade. An edict posthumously made him Guard General and regional inspector of Jizhou.

子構，襲。武定末，太子中舍人。齊受禪，爵例降。

His son Gou succeeded to the title. At the end of Wuding he served as Attendant in the Crown Prince's Household. When Qi received the abdication, noble ranks were reduced according to precedent.

構弟訓，太尉默曹參軍。

Gou's younger brother Xun served as an aide in the Ministry of War's Secretariat.

奬弟諧，字虔和。風流閑潤，博學有文辯，當時才俊，咸相欽賞。受父前爵彭城侯。自太尉參軍，歷尚書郎、徐州北海王顥撫軍府司馬，入為長兼中書侍郎。崔光引為兼著作郎，諧在史職，無所歷意。加輔國將軍、相州大中正、光祿大夫，除金紫光祿大夫，加衞將軍。元顥入洛，以為給事黃門侍郎。顥敗，除名，乃為述身賦曰：

Jiang's younger brother was Xie, styled Qianhe. Graceful and polished, broadly learned and eloquent, he was admired by the leading men of his day. He inherited his father's former title, Marquis of Pengcheng. From aide in the Ministry of War he served as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing and staff officer to Yuan Hao, Prince of Beihai of Xuzhou, then entered the capital as Concurrent Gentleman of the Secretariat. Cui Guang appointed him Concurrent Compiler in the History Office; Xie, in that post, applied no real effort. He was made additionally General Who Assists the State, Chief Rectifier of Xiangzhou, and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, then Grand Master of Golden Splendor and additionally Guard General. When Yuan Hao took Luoyang, Xie was appointed Supervising Attendant Within the Yellow Gate. Stripped of rank after Hao's defeat, he composed the "Fu on Describing the Self":

夫休咎相躡，禍福相生。龜筮迷其兆，聖達蔽其萌。覽成敗於前迹，料趣捨於人情。咸爭途以走利，罕外己以逃名。連從車以載禍，多廐馬以取刑。豈知夫一介獨往，乃千乘所不能傾。伊薄躬之悔吝，無性命之淑靈。藉休庸於祖武，仰餘烈於家聲。徒從師以下學，乏遊道於上京。洎方年之四五，實始筮之弱齡。爰釋巾而從吏，謬邀寵於時明。

Fortune and calamity walk in each other's footsteps; disaster and blessing give birth to one another. Tortoise shells and milfoil stalks blur their signs; even sages cannot see calamity at its first sprouting. Reading success and failure in the traces of the past, I weigh advance and retreat by the measure of human hearts. All race the road to profit; few step outside themselves to escape renown. They hitch their carts to power and invite ruin; they keep many horses in the stable and court punishment. Little do they know that one man walking alone cannot be toppled even by a thousand chariots. Alas for my humble self and its regrets—I was granted no fair portion of life's grace. I leaned on my forebears' martial merit and looked up to the lingering glory of our house. I merely followed teachers in lower learning; I never wandered the Way in the great capital. When I reached four or five, I was still in the tender years of first divination. Then I put aside the scholar's cloth and entered office, wrongly seeking favor in a bright age.

彼□□之赫赫，乃陋周而小漢。帝文篤其成功，我武治其未亂。掩四奧而同軌，穆三辰而貞觀。威北暢而武戢，鼎南遷而文煥。異人相趨於絳闕，鴻生接武於儒館。總羣雅而同歸，果方員而殊貫。伊濫吹之所從，初竊服於宰旅。奉盛王之高義，遊兔園而容與。綴鴻鷺之末行，連英髦之茂序。

That [lacuna] in its blaze and splendor—it made Zhou seem narrow and Han seem small. Emperor Wen was earnest in completing the work; our martial house governed before chaos could arise. It covered the four quarters and made one road; it harmonized sun, moon, and stars in a reign of right rule. Its might spread north while arms were sheathed; the cauldron moved south while culture flamed anew. Strange talents flocked to the crimson gate; great scholars walked in succession at the halls of learning. Gathering all refinement they converged as one—square and round in talent, each with a different thread. Ah—from the ranks of indiscriminate piping I first stole a place among the clerks. Serving the great king's lofty righteousness, I wandered at ease in the Rabbit Garden. I joined the last ranks of swans and egrets and kept company with the finest youths of the age.

及伯舅之西伐，赫靈旗之東舉。復奉役於前轅，仍執覊於後距。迫玄冬之暮歲，歷關山之遐阻。風激沙而破石，雪浮河而漫野。樂在志其無端，悲涉物而多緒。俄宮車之晏駕，改乘轅而歸予。

When my uncle by marriage marched west, the imperial banner blazed eastward. Again I served at the front axle and still was held in bonds at the rear guard. Forced in deep winter at year's end, I crossed long passes and distant barriers. Wind whipped sand against stone; snow drifted on the river and drowned the plain. Joy lay in a will without root; grief touched every thing and bore many threads of feeling. Soon the imperial carriage halted on its journey; the axle was changed and I was sent home.

屬推恩之在今，自傍枝而禔福。既獻□以命宗，叨微躬於侯服。禮空文於覜饗，賦無征於湯沐。思守位而匪懈，每屏居而自肅。忽忝命於建禮，遊丹綺之重複。信茲選之為難，乃上應於列宿。陽源猶且自免，何稱仲治與太叔。余生□之蕭散，本寓名而為仕。好不存於吏法，才實疏於政理。竟火燭之不事，徒博弈其賢已。竊自託於諸生，頗馳騁於文史。通人假其餘論，士林察於□理。乃妄涉於風流，遂飾輩於士子。且以自託，□□□□。

Grace fell in my own day; from a collateral line I drew my share of fortune. Having presented [lacuna] to head the clan, I unworthily took a marquis's fief upon my humble self. Court rites were hollow at the audience feast; no tribute was levied for the lord's bath. I resolved to hold my post without slack and often withdrew to my rooms to keep myself in check. Suddenly I was honored with office at Jianli and walked among layered halls of crimson silk. Truly the choice was hard—it matched, above, the ordering of the stars. If even Yang Yuan could beg off, what of men like Zhongzhi and Taishu? The rest of my days [lacuna], scattered and free—I took office only as a lodging for my name. What I loved lay outside clerical law; my talent was truly thin for governing. At last I left fire and candle untended and merely played chess, like the sages before me. In private I cast my lot with scholars and ranged a little through literature and history. Learned men lent me their spare talk; the grove of scholars weighed my [lacuna] mind. Then I rashly entered elegant company and so dressed myself among gentlemen. And so I made my refuge [lacuna][lacuna][lacuna][lacuna].

雖邇傒塵滓，而賞許雲霞。栖閑虛以築館，背城闕而為家。帶二學之高宇，遠三市之狹邪。事雖儉而未陋，製有度而不奢。山隱勢於複石，水回流於激沙。樹先春而動色，草迎歲而發花。座有清談之客，門交好事之車。或林嬉於月夜，或水宴於景斜。肆雕章之腴旨，咀文藝之英華。羞綠芰與丹藕，薦朱李及甘瓜。雖慚洛水之名致，有類金谷之諠譁。聊自足於所好，豈留連於或號。思炯戒而自反，勗身名於所蹈。奉哲后之淵猷，讚崇麾於華奧。豈千乘之乏使，感一眄之相勞。竟不留於三月，因病滿而休告。

Though near at hand they scorned the mud, from afar they praised me as cloud and dawn-light. In quiet emptiness I built a lodge, turning my back on the city gate to make a home. It lay beside the high halls of the two academies, far from the narrow lanes of the three markets. Though frugal, nothing was crude; though measured, nothing was mean. Mountains banked their strength in stacked stone; water doubled back through rushing sand. Trees flushed with color before spring; grass greeted the year and broke into flower. My seats held guests of pure talk; my gate received the carriages of men who loved good company. Some sported in groves beneath the moon; some feasted on the water as the light slanted. We unfolded the rich savor of polished prose and tasted the splendor of literary craft. We served green lotus and red lotus-root, red plums and sweet melons. Though shamed before the fame of the Luo waters, our revel had something of the Golden Valley's clamor. I was content with what I loved—why linger over any title? I took bright warning to heart and turned inward, urging body and name along the path I walked. Serving the wise ruler's deep design, I sang the praises of his lofty banner. Could a realm of a thousand chariots lack envoys? A single glance of favor moved me to serve. At last I was not kept three months; when illness had run its course I asked leave.

彼東觀之清華，乃任隆於載筆。蔡一去而貽恨，張再還而有述。忽牽短而濫官，司惇史於藏室。慚班子之繁麗，微馬生之簡實。復通籍而延寵，陪帝扃之華密。信儀鳳之所栖，乃絲文之自出。歷五載而徘徊，猶官命之不改。謝能飛於無翼，故同滯於有待。晚加秩於戎章，乃□號之斯在。

That Eastern Pavilion, pure and splendid—its charge was weighty for the hand that bears the brush. Cai, going once, left regret behind; Zhang, returning twice, had a tale to tell. Suddenly, unfit and overmatched, I was thrust into office and charged with honest history in the archive chamber. Ashamed before Ban's son in his luxuriant style, I shrank before Master Ma in his plain truth. Again I passed the palace gate and received extended favor, attending the emperor's door in flowery secrecy. Truly where the ceremonial phoenix rests, silk and writing issue of themselves. Five years I lingered, and still the command of office did not change. I thanked the one who could fly without wings—and so I too was stalled in waiting. Late came rank in the military chapter—then [lacuna] title was mine.

屬運道之將季，諒冠屨之無礙。奄昇御於鼎湖，忽流哀於四海。昔漢命之中微，皇統於是三絕。暨孝昌之陵陂，亦繼□而禍結。將小雅之詩廢，復三綱之道滅。思跼蹐於時昏，獨沉吟於運閉。遂退處於窮里，不外交於人世。及數反於中興，驅時雄而電逝。既籍取亂之權，方乘轉圓之勢。俄隙開而守廢，遂冠冕之毀裂。彼膏原而塗野，嗟衞肝與嵇血。

Just as the Way's fortune was about to fail, I trusted that cap and shoes would not hinder me. Suddenly the emperor ascended at Dinghu; suddenly grief poured through the four seas. In former times, when Han's mandate waned, the imperial line was cut off thrice. At Xiaochang's mound-slope too, calamity knotted one upon another [lacuna]. The Lesser Elegantia would fall silent; again the Way of the Three Bonds was extinguished. I thought of cramped steps in a dark age and brooded alone while fortune closed in. Then I withdrew to a poor hamlet and kept no outward commerce with the world of men. When restoration came again and again, the age's heroes were driven like lightning. Having borrowed the power to seize disorder, they rode the turning momentum of the wheel. Soon gaps opened, defense collapsed, and caps and crowns were torn apart. There the fat plain was smeared across the wild—alas for Wei's liver and Ji's blood!

何古今之一揆，每治少而亂多。盧遁身於東掖，荀窘迹於南羅。時獲逃於□阜，仍竄宿於巖阿。首丘急於明發，東路長其如何。遽登舟而鼓柂，乃沿洛而汎河。騖寸陰於不測，競征鳥於歸波。時在所而放命，連百萬於山東。何信都之巨猾，若封豕與大風。肆吞噬於觜距，咸邑燼而野空。徑黎陽之寇聚，迫崖壘之渢隆。躁通川而鼎沸，矢交射於舟中。備百罹於茲日，諒陳蔡之非窮。乘虎口而獲濟，陵陽侯而迅往，得投憩於濮陽，實陶衞之舊壤。望鄉村而佇立，曾不遙之河廣。聞虜馬之夕嘶，見胡塵之晝上。

Why do ancient and modern follow one measure—in every age order is brief and disorder long? Lu hid himself in the eastern side-room; Xun cramped his tracks in the southern net. At times I fled to [lacuna] mounds and still hid and lodged in cliff caves. Homeward longing pressed at dawn; the eastern road was long—what could I do? Hurriedly I boarded, beat the oar, and followed the Luo out onto the river. I raced each inch of shade into the unknown and vied with homeward birds on the returning wave. At the time they acted lawlessly wherever they stood and linked a million men in Shandong. What villainy at Xindu—like a penned boar, like a great wind! They devoured with beak and claw; cities burned and the wild lay empty. Passing the bandits' nest at Liyang, pressing cliff ramparts that swelled with danger. Restless, the open river seethed like a cauldron; arrows crossed and struck the boat. A hundred calamities on this one day—I trust even Chen and Cai had not yet ended. Through the tiger's mouth I won crossing; over the lord of Yang I sped forward and found rest at Puyang—the old soil of Tao and Wei. Gazing toward the village I stood and waited; the river's breadth was not far. I heard barbarian horses neigh at dusk and saw Hu dust rise by day.

王略恢而廟勝，車徒發而雷響。扇風師之猛氣，張天罼之層網。裁一鼓而冰銷，俄氛祲之廓蕩。昔蘧生之出奔，覩亡徵於亂政。及季子之來反，乃君立而位定。伊吾人之蕞爾，本無傒於衰盛。忻草茅而偃伏，且優遊於辰慶。復推斥於宦流，延光華於璽命。甫聞內侍之忝，復奉優加之令。何金紫之陸離，鬱貂玉之相映。

The royal plan was broad, the temple victory sure; chariots and foot set out with thunder's roar. They fanned the wind-master's fierce breath and spread Heaven's layered snare. At one drum-stroke the ice melted; soon the baleful mists were cleared away. In former times, when Master Qu fled, he saw ruin's sign in disorder's governance. When the younger son returned in turn, the lord was established and rank was fixed. Ah—we people, slight as we are, never looked to decline or flourish. Glad in thatched huts I lay low and for a time wandered free in the year's blessing. Again I was pushed aside in office's stream and extended splendor in the seal's command. Just then I heard the inner attendant's shame; again I received an order of added favor. What scattered gold and purple—sable and jade glowing against each other!

時權定之云初，尚民心之易擾。何建武之明傑，茂雄姿於天表。忽靈命之有歸，藉親均而爭紹。師出楚而飈發，旆陵江而雲矯。闢閶闔之崢嶸，端冕旒於億兆。神駕逝以流越，翠華飈而繚繞。苟命舛而數違，雖功深而祚天。時難忽然已及，網羅周其四張。非五三之親暱，罕狥節於漢陽。彼百僚之冠帶，咸北面於西王。矧恩疏而任遠，固身存而義亡。及宸居之反正，振天網於頹綱。甄大義以明罰，虛半列於周行。乃褫帶而來反，驅下澤於故鄉。

At the time power was first settled and the people's hearts were still easily disturbed. What brilliance in Jianwu; what heroic bearing above heaven's brow! Suddenly the spirit mandate turned homeward; leaning on kinship they contended for succession. Armies issued from Chu like a gale; banners crossed the river like arching clouds. They opened the towering Changhe gate and set crown and tassels before the hundred millions. The spirit carriage passed in flowing flight; the emerald canopy streamed and wheeled. If fate turns contrary and numbers oppose, though merit runs deep the throne belongs to Heaven. Hardship came suddenly and was already upon us; nets and snares closed on every side. Not kin of the Five Three—few followed integrity at Hanyang. Those hundred officials in caps and sashes—all turned north to the Western King. How much more when grace was distant and trust far—the body was kept, but righteousness was lost. When the throne returned to right rule, the heaven-net was shaken out over collapsed bonds. Discerning great righteousness to clarify punishment, half the ranks stood empty in the court row. Then I was stripped of my belt and came back, driving my humble cart to my old home.

探宿志以內求，撫身途而自計。不詭遇以邀合，豈釣名以干世。獨浩然而任己，同虛舟之不繫。既未識其所以來，亦豈知其所以逝。於是得喪同遣，忘懷自深。遇物栖息，觸地山林。雖因西浮之迹，何異東都之心。願自託於魚鳥，永得性於飛沉。庶保此以獲沒，不再罪於當今。

I searched my old will within and traced my life's path to reckon for myself. I did not meet fortune by crooked paths to seek alliance; how could I fish for fame and importune the age? Alone and vast I entrusted myself to myself, like an empty boat untied. I had not yet known whence I came—how could I know whither I went? Thereupon gain and loss took the same road; forgetting lodged deep within. Meeting things, I rested; touching earth, I found mountains and forests. Though my trace floated westward, what differed from the heart of the eastern capital? I wished to lodge with fish and birds and keep forever my nature in flight and depth. I hoped by this to win a peaceful grave and not again be guilty in the present age.

孝靜初，遭母憂，還鄉里。徵為魏尹，將軍如故，以禫制未終，表辭。朝議亦以為優，仍許其讓。蕭衍求通和好，朝廷盛選行人，以諧兼散騎常侍，為聘使主。諧至石頭，蕭衍遣其主客郎范胥當接。諧問胥曰：「主客在郎官幾時？」胥答曰：「我本訓冑虎門，適復今任。」諧言：「國子博士不應左轉為郎。」胥答曰：「特為應接遠賓，故權兼耳。」諧言：「屈己濟務，誠得事宜。由我一介行人，令卿左轉。」胥答曰：「自顧菲薄，不足對揚盛美，豈敢言屈。」胥問曰：「今猶尚暖，北間當小寒於此？」諧答曰：「地居陰陽之正，寒暑適時，不知多少。」胥曰：「所訪鄴下，豈是測影之地？」諧答曰：「皆是皇居帝里，相去不遠，可得統而言之。」胥曰：「洛陽既稱盛美，何事遷鄴？」諧答曰：「不常厥邑，于茲五邦，王者無外，所在關河，復何所怪？」胥曰：「殷人否危，故遷相耿，貴朝何為而遷？」諧答：「聖人藏往知來，相時而動，何必俟於隆替？」胥曰：「金陵王氣兆於先代，黃旗紫蓋，本出東南，君臨萬邦，故宜在此。」諧答曰：「帝王符命，豈得與中國比隆？紫蓋黃旗，終於入洛，無乃自害也？有口之說，乃是俳諧，亦何足道！」蕭衍親問諧曰：「魏朝人士，德行四科之徒凡有幾人？」諧對曰：「本朝多士，義等如林，文武賢才，布在列位，四科之美，非無其人，庸短造次，無以備啟。」衍曰：「武王有亂臣十人，魏雖人物之盛，豈得頓如卿言？」諧曰：「愚謂周稱十人，本舉佐命，至於『濟濟多士』，實是文王之詩。皇朝廊廟之才，足與周人有競。」衍曰：「若爾，文足標異、武有冠絕者，便可指陳。」諧曰：「大丞相勃海王秉文經武，左右皇極，畫一九州，懸衡四海。錄尚書、汝陽王元叔昭、尚書令元世儁，宗室之秀，綰政朝端。左僕射司馬子如、右僕射高隆之，並時譽民英，勠力匡輔。侍中高岳、侍中孫騰，勳賢忠亮，宣讚王猷。自餘才美不可具悉。」衍曰：「故宜輔弼幼主，永固基業，深不可言。」江南稱其才辯。

At the start of Xiaojing's reign he went into mourning for his mother and returned home. Summoned as Intendant of Wei with his generalship unchanged, he declined because mourning was not yet complete. The court agreed his refusal was fitting and allowed it. When Xiao Yan sought peace, the court carefully chose envoys and made Xie Concurrent Regular Attendant head of the embassy. When Xie reached Stone City, Xiao Yan sent his Chief of Receiving Guests, Gentleman Lang Fan Xu, to receive him. Xie asked Xu: "How long have you served as Gentleman Lang in the office of Chief of Receiving Guests?" Xu replied: "I was trained at the Tiger Gate and have only just taken this post again." Xie said: "A National University erudite ought not be demoted to Gentleman Lang." Xu replied: "It is only to receive distant guests, so the concurrent post is temporary." Xie said: "Bending oneself to serve affairs—truly that fits the occasion. Because of one lone envoy like me, you have been demoted." Xu replied: "Considering my slight worth, I am hardly fit to answer your gracious words—how dare I speak of being wronged?" Xu asked: "It is still warm here—is the north a little colder than this?" Xie replied: "Our land sits in the balance of yin and yang; cold and heat come in their seasons—I could not say how much." Xu said: "The place you ask about below Ye—is that where one measures shadows?" Xie replied: "They are all imperial residences and emperors' capitals, not far apart—they may be spoken of as one." Xu said: "If Luoyang was called splendid, why move the capital to Ye?" Xie replied: "Capitals are not fixed; we have had five in succession. A king has no outside—all lies within the passes and rivers—what is strange in that?" Xu said: "The Yin moved when in peril—why does your exalted court move?" Xie replied: "Sages store the past and know what comes; they move with the times—why wait for rise and fall?" Xu said: "Jinling's royal aura was foretold in the former age; the yellow flag and purple canopy came from the southeast—to rule the myriad states, it should be here." Xie replied: "Imperial mandate—how can it be compared in splendor with the Central States? The purple canopy and yellow flag end by entering Luoyang—is that not self-harm? Mouth-talk is merely jest and banter—what is there worth saying!" Xiao Yan asked Xie in person: "Among Wei's men of virtue in the four categories, how many are there?" Xie replied: "Our court has many scholars, righteous as a forest; civil and military talents fill the ranks—the four categories are not without men, but in my haste I cannot fully report." Yan said: "King Wu had ten disorderly ministers—can Wei, rich as it is in men, suddenly match your claim?" Xie said: "I hold that Zhou's ten men originally cited those who aided the mandate; as for 'the many scholars,' that is truly King Wen's poem. Our court's hall-and-temple talent is enough to rival Zhou's men." Yan said: "If so, name those whose literature marks them out and whose martial skill crowns all." Xie said: "Grand Chancellor, the Prince of Bohai, holds the literary and military classics and assists the throne; he governs the nine provinces with one plan and holds the balance over the four seas. Recorder of the Masters of Writing, Prince of Ruyang Yuan Shuzhao, and Director Yuan Shijun—clan talents who hold the reins at court. Left Vice Director Sima Ziru and Right Vice Director Gao Longzhi—both famed as heroes of the age, striving together in support. Attendants Gao Yue and Sun Teng—meritorious worthies, loyal and bright, proclaiming the king's design. The remaining talents cannot all be told in detail." Yan said: "They should assist the young lord and forever solidify the foundation—profound beyond words." South of the river praised his wit and eloquence.

使還，除大司農卿，加驃騎將軍，轉祕書監。遇偏風廢頓。武定二年卒，年四十九，時人悼惜之。贈驃騎大將軍、衞尉卿、齊州刺史。所著文集，別有集錄行於世。

On returning he was made Grand Director of Agriculture, additionally Grand General of Agile Cavalry, and transferred to Director of the Secretariat. He was crippled by partial paralysis. He died in Wuding 2 at forty-nine; contemporaries mourned him. Posthumously he was made Grand General of Agile Cavalry, Minister of the Guard, and regional inspector of Qizhou. His collected writings circulated separately in the world.

長子嶽，武定末，司徒祭酒。

His eldest son Yue, at the end of Wuding, was Libationer in the Ministry of Education.

嶽弟庶，尚書南主客郎。

Yue's younger brother Shu served as Gentleman of the Southern Receiving Guests in the Masters of Writing.

諧弟邕，字修穆。幼而儁爽，有逸才。著作佐郎、高陽王雍友。凡所交遊皆倍年，儁秀才藻之美，為時所稱。年二十五，卒。贈鎮遠將軍、洛州刺史，諡曰文。

Xie's younger brother was Yong, styled Xiumu. In youth he was handsome and quick, with exceptional talent. He was Assistant Compiler and companion to the Prince of Gaoyang, Yong. All his companions were twice his age; the beauty of his talent and literary ornament was praised in his day. He died at twenty-five. Posthumously he was made General Who Pacifies the Distance and regional inspector of Luozhou, with the posthumous title Wen.

史臣曰：邢巒以文武才策，當軍國之任，內參機揆，外寄折衝，其緯世之器歟？李平以高明幹略，効智於時，出入當官，功名克著，蓋贊務之英也。

The historiographer says: Xing Luan, with civil and military talent and stratagem, bore army and state; within he joined secret counsel, outside he broke the foe—was he not a vessel to weave the age? Li Ping, with lofty clarity and capable strategy, applied wisdom to his age; in every office merit and fame stood out—he was indeed a hero of statecraft.

校勘記

Collation Notes

河間鄚人也諸本「鄚」訛「鄭」，今據北史卷四三邢巒傳改。

"Native of Mo in Hejian"—all editions wrongly read "Zheng" for "Mo"; corrected per Biography of Xing Luan, History of the North juan 43.

舉等進師討之諸本「舉」作「懸」，冊府卷三五三〈四一九五頁〉作「舉」。按「舉」即指上文的「楊舉」，作「懸」無義，今據改。

"Yang Ju and others advanced the army to attack them"—all editions read "Xuan" for "Ju"; Cefu yuangui juan 353 〈p. 4195〉 reads "Ju." Note: "Ju" refers to "Yang Ju" above; "Xuan" is meaningless—corrected accordingly.

冠軍將軍魯方達固南安諸本「魯」作「曾」，通鑑卷一四六〈四五四九頁〉作「魯」。按「魯方達」屢見卷八世宗紀正始二年、卷九八蕭衍傳，是這次戰事中梁朝重要將領。梁書卷一０鄧元起傳中也幾次提到他，當時別無「曾方達」其人。「曾」乃「魯」之訛，今據改。

"Champion General Lu Fangda held Nan'an firm"—all editions read "Zeng" for "Lu"; Zizhi tongjian juan 146 〈p. 4549〉 reads "Lu." Note: "Lu Fangda" appears repeatedly in Annals of Emperor Shizong, Zhengshi 2, juan 8, and Biography of Xiao Yan, juan 98—an important Liang commander in this campaign. Biography of Deng Yuanqi, Book of Liang juan 10, also mentions him several times; there was no "Zeng Fangda" at the time. "Zeng" is a corruption of "Lu"—corrected accordingly.

蕭淵藻是裙屐少年諸本「裙屐」作「羣劇」，北史卷四三、通鑑卷一四六〈四五五二頁〉作「裙屐」。按「羣劇」無義，今據改。

"Xiao Yuanzao was a silk-slipper youth"—all editions read "group drama" for "silk-slipper"; History of the North juan 43, Zizhi tongjian juan 146 〈p. 4552〉 reads "silk-slipper." Note: "group drama" is meaningless—corrected accordingly.

便戮鄧元起諸本「起」作「超」。按蕭淵藻殺鄧元起，事見南史卷五五鄧元起傳。梁書卷一０鄧元起傳說元起「被收付州獄，於獄自縊」，微異，但死於淵藻之手的是鄧元起則一，「超」字訛，今改正。

"Then executed Deng Yuanqi"—all editions read "Yuanchao" for "Yuanqi." Note: Xiao Yuanzao's killing of Deng Yuanqi is recorded in Biography of Deng Yuanqi, History of the South juan 55. Book of Liang juan 10 says Yuanqi "was taken into provincial prison and hanged himself"—slightly different, but that Yuanqi died at Yuanzao's hands is the same; "chao" is corrupt—corrected.

比建議之始通鑑卷一四六〈四五五四頁〉「比」下有「道遷」二字「議」作「義」。按上二字當是通鑑所增，「議」疑當作「義」。

"When the proposal first began"—Comprehensive Mirror juan 146 〈p. 4554〉 After "bi" appear the two characters "Daoqian"; "yi" ( deliberation ) is written "yi" ( righteousness ). Note: The two characters above were probably added by the Tongjian; "yi" is suspected to should read "yi" ( righteousness ).

驍騎將軍相文玉等率眾一萬屯於孤山冊府卷三一三〈四一九六頁〉「相」作「桓」。按卷八世宗紀正始三年七月丙寅稱「衍將桓和寇孤山，陷固城」，八月壬寅又稱「邢巒破蕭衍將桓和於孤山」。卷九八蕭衍傳同，並不見所謂「相文玉」。通鑑卷一四六〈四五六三頁〉也作「桓和屯孤山」，而此傳下文兩見「文玉」，通鑑都作「和」。則司馬光所見魏書當作「桓文玉」，故認為「文玉」即「桓和」。這裏「相」當是「桓」之訛，「文玉」或是和字。

"General of Agile Cavalry Xiang Wenyu and others led ten thousand men and encamped at Gushan"—Cefu yuangui juan 313 〈p. 4196〉 reads "Huan" for "Xiang." Note: Annals of Emperor Shizong, Zhengshi 3, seventh month bingyin, says "Yan's general Huan He invaded Gushan and took Gucheng"; eighth month renyin says "Xing Luan defeated Liang general Huan He at Gushan." Biography of Xiao Yan juan 98 agrees, and "Xiang Wenyu" is nowhere seen. Zizhi tongjian juan 146 〈p. 4563〉 also reads "Huan He encamped at Gushan," while in this biography "Wenyu" appears twice below, and the Tongjian reads "He" both times. Thus the Wei shu Sima Guang saw should read "Huan Wenyu," and he took "Wenyu" to be "Huan He." Here "Xiang" is likely a corruption of "Huan"; "Wenyu" may represent the character "he" in Huan He's name.

而懷恭等復於清南造城諸本「清」作「淮」，冊府卷三五三〈四一九六頁〉、通鑑卷一四六〈四五六四頁〉「淮」作「清」。按宿豫城在泗水即清水旁，「淮」字訛，今據改。

"While Huai Gong and others again built a city at Qingnan"—all editions read "Huai" for "Qing"; Cefu yuangui juan 353 〈p. 4196〉 , Zizhi tongjian juan 146 〈p. 4564〉 reads "Qing" for "Huai." Note: Suyu city stood beside the Si River, which is the Qing River—"Huai" is corrupt; corrected accordingly.

非可抑為必勝諸本「勝」字闕，今據冊府卷四０四〈四八０七頁〉補。

"It cannot be suppressed into certain victory"—all editions omit "sheng" ( victory ); supplemented per Cefu yuangui juan 404 〈p. 4807〉 supplemented.

蕭密餘軍猶自在彼按「蕭密」即梁臨川王蕭宏，卷八世宗紀正始三年四月作「蕭容」，「密」「容」都是避元宏諱改。參卷八校記[一二]。

"Xiao Mi's remaining army is still there"—Note: "Xiao Mi" is Liang Prince of Linchuan Xiao Hong; Annals of Emperor Shizong, Zhengshi 3, fourth month, juan 8, reads "Xiao Rong"—both "Mi" and "Rong" avoid the taboo on Yuan Hong. See collation note [12] in juan 8.

喪元隸豎諸本「豎」訛「賢」，不可解，今據冊府卷四二八〈五０九九頁〉改。

"Lost his head to the slave Shu"—all editions wrongly read "Xian" for "Shu," which cannot be understood; corrected per Cefu yuangui juan 428 〈p. 5099〉 corrected.

度公之在彼諸本此句作「兼云□公在彼」，不可解，今據冊府〈同上卷頁〉補改。

"When Duke Du was there"—all editions read "Also saying [lacuna] Duke was there," which cannot be understood; supplemented and corrected per Cefu 〈same juan and page as above〉 supplemented and corrected.

所製詩賦箴諫詠頌按「諫」非文體之名，疑是「誄」之訛。

"The poems, fu, admonitions, remonstrances, songs, and encomia he composed"—Note: "remonstrance" ( jian ) is not a genre name; suspected corruption of "elegy" ( lei ).

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