1
李崇崔亮
Li Chong and Cui Liang
2
李崇，字繼長，小名繼伯，頓丘人也，文成元皇后第二兄誕之子。 年十四，召拜主文中散，襲爵陳留公，鎮西大將軍。
Li Chong, styled Jichang and known in youth as Jibo, was a native of Dunqiu and the son of Dan, younger brother of Empress Yuan, consort of Emperor Wencheng. At fourteen he was called to court as Chief Clerk for Literary Affairs, succeeded to the dukedom of Chenliu, and was appointed General Who Guards the West.
3
高祖初，為大使巡察冀州。 尋以本官行梁州刺史。 時巴氐擾動，詔崇以本將軍為荊州刺史，鎮上洛，敕發陝秦二州兵送崇至治。 崇辭曰：「邊人失和，本怨刺史，奉詔代之，自然易帖。 但須一宣詔旨而已，不勞發兵自防，使懷懼也。」 高祖從之。 乃輕將數十騎馳到上洛，宣詔綏慰，當即帖然。 尋勒邊戍，掠得蕭賾人者，悉令還之。 南人感德，仍送荊州之口二百許人。 兩境交和，無復烽燧之警。 在治四年，甚有稱績。 召還京師，賞賜隆厚。
Early in the reign of Emperor Gaozu he was sent as a grand inspector to Ji Province. Before long he was dispatched to Liang Province, serving concurrently in his present post. When the Ba and Di peoples rose in unrest, the emperor ordered Chong, retaining his general's rank, to govern Jing Province from Shangluo and commanded forces from Shaan and Qin to convey him to his post. Chong respectfully objected: "The frontier population is unsettled because they resent their governor. Once I arrive under imperial appointment to take his place, they should readily submit. All that is required is to announce the imperial decree—there is no need to march an army for my protection and frighten them further." The emperor accepted his view. He then rode swiftly to Shangluo with only a few dozen horsemen, issued the edict, and reassured the people—and peace was restored immediately. He soon instructed the border posts that any subjects seized from the domain of Xiao Ze must be sent home. Touched by his fairness, the southerners themselves returned roughly two hundred captives who had been held in Jing Province. Harmony prevailed along both borders, and beacon warnings ceased. In four years of administration his record won wide acclaim. Recalled to the capital, he received lavish gifts and honors.
4
以本將軍除兗州刺史。 兗土舊多劫盜，崇乃村置一樓，樓懸一鼓，盜發之處，雙槌亂擊。 四面諸村始聞者撾鼓一通，次復聞者以二為節，次後聞者以三為節，各擊數千槌。 諸村聞鼓，皆守要路，是以盜發俄頃之間，聲布百里之內。 其中險要，悉有伏人，盜竊始發，便爾擒送。 諸州置樓懸鼓，自崇始也。 後例降為侯，改授安東將軍。
Retaining his general's title, he was made governor of Yan Province. Yan Province had long suffered from banditry, so Chong erected a watchtower in every village, suspended a drum from each, and whenever thieves appeared the drums were beaten with both mallets at once. The nearest village sounded one roll; the next relay beat twice; those farther out answered with three beats—each settlement pounding its drum thousands of times. Every village that heard the drums blocked the vital routes, and within moments news of a theft carried a hundred li. Ambushes waited at every choke point, and robbers were captured the moment they struck. Provincial watchtowers and alarm drums were first instituted by Chong. Later his title was lowered by precedent to marquis, and he was appointed General Who Pacifies the East.
5
東駕南征，驃騎大將軍、咸陽王禧都督左翼諸軍事，詔崇以本官副焉。 徐州降人郭陸聚黨作逆，人多應之，搔擾南北。 崇遣高平人卜冀州詐稱犯罪，逃亡歸陸。 陸納之，以為謀主。 數月，冀州斬陸送之，賊徒潰散。 入為河南尹。
During the southern expedition, Prince Xi of Xianyang, General of Agile Cavalry, directed the left wing, and Chong was ordered to serve as his second-in-command. Guo Lu, a defector from Xuzhou, raised a rebel band that drew widespread support and ravaged both sides of the frontier. Chong dispatched Bu Jizhou of Gaoping, who pretended to be a fugitive criminal and sought refuge with Lu. Lu welcomed him and appointed him his chief adviser. Within months Jizhou killed Lu and delivered his head, and the rebels collapsed. He was recalled to serve as Director of the Henan Intendancy.
6
後車駕南討漢陽，崇行梁州刺史。 氐楊靈珍遣弟婆羅與子雙領步騎萬餘，襲破武興，與蕭鸞相結。 詔崇為使持節、都督隴右諸軍事，率眾數萬討之。 崇槎山分進，出其不意，表裏以襲。 羣氐皆棄靈珍散歸，靈珍眾減太半。 崇進據赤土，靈珍又遣從弟建率五千人屯龍門，躬率精勇一萬據鷲硤。 龍門之北數十里中伐樹塞路，鷲硤之口積大木，聚礌石，臨崖下之，以拒官軍。 崇乃命統軍慕容拒率眾五千，從他路夜襲龍門，破之。 崇乃自攻靈珍，靈珍連戰敗走，俘其妻子。 崇多設疑兵，襲克武興。 蕭鸞梁州刺史陰廣宗遣參軍鄭猷、王思考率眾援靈珍。 崇大破之，并斬婆羅首，殺千餘人，俘獲猷等，靈珍走奔漢中。 高祖在南陽，覽表大悅，曰：「使朕無西顧之憂者，李崇之功也。」 以崇為都督梁秦二州諸軍事、本將軍、梁州刺史。 高祖手詔曰：「今仇、隴克清，鎮捍以德，文人威惠既宣，[1]實允遠寄，故敕授梁州，用寧邊服。 便可善思經略，去其可除，安其可育，公私所患，悉令芟夷。」 及靈珍偷據白水，崇擊破之，靈珍遠遁。
When the court later marched south against Hanyang, Chong again governed Liang Province. The Di leader Yang Lingzhen sent his brother Poluo and his son Shuang with over ten thousand foot and horse to overrun Wuxing and enter an alliance with Xiao Luan. Chong was commissioned with the staff of authority to command all forces in Longyou and led tens of thousands against them. Chong divided his army to march over mountain trails, catching the enemy off guard and attacking from both front and rear. The Di tribes deserted Lingzhen and fled to their homes, and his army shrank by more than half. Chong pressed forward to Chitu; Lingzhen sent his cousin Jian with five thousand men to guard Longmen while he himself held Jiuxia Pass with ten thousand elite troops. For miles north of Longmen they cut trees to bar the road; at Jiuxia they heaped logs and stones to hurl from the cliffs against the imperial troops. Chong ordered Commander Murong Ju to take five thousand men by a side path and storm Longmen by night, which fell. Chong then assailed Lingzhen in person; defeated again and again, Lingzhen fled, and his family was taken. Deploying numerous decoys, he retook Wuxing by surprise. Yin Guangzong, Liang governor for Xiao Luan, sent the officers Zheng You and Wang Sikao with reinforcements for Lingzhen. Chong crushed them, took Poluo's head, slew over a thousand men, captured You and his companions, and drove Lingzhen to Hanzhong. At Nanyang the emperor read the dispatch with delight and declared, "Li Chong is the man who lifts from Us all anxiety about the western frontier." Chong was appointed commander of all forces in Liang and Qin, remaining general and governor of Liang. The emperor wrote in his own hand: "With Qiu and Long now pacified, the border must be secured through moral sway. Your combined literary and martial prestige has been shown abroad—[1] you have indeed earned this distant commission; We therefore grant you Liang Province to bring quiet to the borderlands. Plan wisely: uproot what must go, settle what can grow, and eliminate every affliction, public or private." When Lingzhen seized Baishui, Chong drove him off and Lingzhen fled deep into the hills.
7
世宗初，徵為右衞將軍，兼七兵尚書。 尋加撫軍將軍，正尚書。 轉左衞將軍、相州大中正。 魯陽蠻柳北喜、魯北燕等聚眾反叛，諸蠻悉應之，圍逼湖陽。 游擊將軍李暉先鎮此城，盡力捍禦，賊勢甚盛。 詔以崇為使持節、都督征蠻諸軍事以討之。 蠻眾數萬，屯據形要，以拒官軍。 崇累戰破之，斬北燕等，徙萬餘戶於幽并諸州。 世宗追賞平氐之功，封魏昌縣開國伯，邑五百戶。 東荊州蠻樊安，聚眾於龍山，僭稱大號，蕭衍共為脣齒，遣兵應之。 諸將擊討不利，乃以崇為使持節、散騎常侍、都督征蠻諸軍事，進號鎮南將軍，率步騎以討之。 崇分遣諸將，攻擊賊壘，連戰克捷，生擒樊安，進討西荊，諸蠻悉降。
When Emperor Shizong ascended the throne, Chong was recalled as General of the Right Guard and concurrent Minister of the Seventh Bureau. He was soon promoted to General Who Pacifies the Army and full ministerial rank. He was reassigned as General of the Left Guard and Grand Assessor of Xiang Province. The Luyang tribesmen Liu Beixi, Lu Beiyan, and others rose in arms; the barbarian clans joined them and pressed Huyang. Mobile Commander Li Hui held the city with every effort, but the rebels' strength was overwhelming. Chong received the staff of authority and command of all forces assigned to suppress the barbarians. Tens of thousands of tribesmen held the key terrain against the imperial troops. After a series of victories Chong killed Beiyan and his fellows and resettled more than ten thousand households in You and Bing. The emperor rewarded his earlier victory over the Di by creating him Baron of Weichang, fief of five hundred households. In eastern Jing Province the tribesman Fan An rallied men on Longshan, proclaimed himself king, and allied with Xiao Yan, who dispatched aid. After other commanders failed, Chong was given the staff, made Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry and commander of the barbarian campaign, promoted to General Who Guards the South, and sent with mixed forces against them. He sent subordinates against the rebel camps, won battle after battle, took Fan An alive, and marched into western Jing until every tribe surrendered.
8
詔以崇為使持節、兼侍中、東道大使，黜陟能否，著賞罰之稱。 轉中護軍，出除散騎常侍、征南將軍、揚州刺史。 詔曰：「應敵制變，算非一途，救左擊右，疾雷均勢。 今朐山蟻寇，久結未殄，賊衍狡詐，或生詭劫，宜遣銳兵，備其不意。 崇可都督淮南諸軍事，坐敦威重，遙運聲算。」 延昌初，加侍中、車騎將軍、都督江西諸軍事，刺史如故。
He was commissioned with the staff as concurrent palace attendant and eastern grand inspector to judge officials and fix standards of reward and punishment. He became Defender of the Center, then left office as Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry, General Who Campaigns South, and governor of Yang. The edict read: "To answer an enemy one path is not enough; relieving one flank by striking the other is like lightning that balances the field. The petty rebels at Qushan have lingered unconquered; Yan is deceitful and may strike by surprise—send elite troops to meet what he does not expect. Let Chong command all Huainan forces, seated in authority and guiding operations from his post." Early in Yanchang he was further made palace attendant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and commander of all forces west of the river, retaining his governorship.
9
先是，壽春縣人苟泰有子三歲，遇賊亡失，數年不知所在。 後見在同縣人趙奉伯家，泰以狀告。 各言己子，並有隣證，郡縣不能斷。 崇曰：「此易知耳。」 令二父與兒各在別處，禁經數旬，然後遣人告之曰：「君兒遇患，向已暴死，有教解禁，可出奔哀也。」 苟泰聞即號咷，悲不自勝； 奉伯咨嗟而已，殊無痛意。 崇察知之，乃以兒還泰，詰奉伯詐狀。 奉伯乃款引云：「先亡一子，故妄認之。」 又定州流人解慶賓兄弟，坐事俱徙揚州。 弟思安背役亡歸，慶賓懼後役追責，規絕名貫，乃認城外死尸，詐稱其弟為人所殺，迎歸殯葬。 頗類思安，見者莫辨。 又有女巫陽氏自云見鬼，說思安被害之苦，飢渴之意。 慶賓又誣疑同軍兵蘇顯甫、李蓋等所殺，經州訟之，二人不勝楚毒，各自款引。 獄將決竟，崇疑而停之。 密遣二人非州內所識者，為從外來，詣慶賓告曰：「僕住在此州，去此三百。 比有一人見過寄宿，夜中共語，疑其有異，便即詰問，迹其由緒。 乃云是流兵背役逃走，姓解字思安。 時欲送官，苦見求及，稱有兄慶賓，今住揚州相國城內，嫂姓徐，君脫矜愍，為往報告，見申委曲，家兄聞此，必重相報，所有資財，當不愛惜。 今但見質，若往不獲，送官何晚。 是故相造，指申此意。 君欲見雇幾何，當放賢弟。 若其不信，可見隨看之。」 慶賓悵然失色，求其少停，當備財物。 此人具以報，崇攝慶賓問曰：「爾弟逃亡，何故妄認他尸？」 慶賓伏引。 更問蓋等，乃云自誣。 數日之間，思安亦為人縛送。 崇召女巫視之，鞭笞一百。 崇斷獄精審，皆此類也。
Previously Gou Tai of Shouchun had lost his three-year-old son during a raid; for years the boy's whereabouts were unknown. Years later the child turned up in the household of a fellow townsman, Zhao Fengbo, and Tai filed a complaint. Both men insisted the child was theirs, neighbors vouched for each side, and the local authorities could not settle the case. Chong said, "That is simple to determine." He separated the two men from the boy for weeks, then sent word: "Your son has taken ill and died suddenly; the restriction is lifted—come mourn him." Gou Tai burst into wailing and could not master his grief; Fengbo only sighed, with none of a father's anguish. Chong saw through the ruse, gave the boy back to Tai, and pressed Fengbo until his deceit emerged. Fengbo admitted, "I had lost a child before, so I wrongly claimed this boy as mine." In another case the brothers Xie Qingbin of Dingzhou had been banished to Yangzhou for an offense. The younger brother Sian fled his labor duty; fearing pursuit, Qingbin schemed to strike his name from the rolls, claimed an unidentified corpse outside the walls as his brother murdered, and arranged a funeral. The body closely resembled Sian, and witnesses could not distinguish them. A medium, Widow Yang, declared she saw spirits and told of Sian's torment in death, his hunger and thirst. Qingbin also accused comrades Su Xianfu and Li Gai; under torture at the prefecture both confessed. On the eve of sentencing Chong harbored doubts and stayed the proceedings. He secretly dispatched two strangers to Qingbin, saying, "We live in this region, three hundred li away. A traveler lodged with us; talking late into the night we found him odd and pressed him for his history. He proved to be a deserter named Xie, courtesy name Sian. We were about to turn him in, but he pleaded that his brother Qingbin lives in Yangzhou's capital district and his sister-in-law is surnamed Xu; show mercy, carry word to him, and he will reward you handsomely. Hold him hostage meanwhile; if the message fails, there is still time to surrender him. That is why we have sought you out. Name your fee and we will free your brother. If you doubt us, come see with your own eyes." Qingbin's face fell; he begged them to wait while he collected valuables. They reported back; Chong confronted Qingbin: "Your brother is alive—why claim a stranger's corpse?" Qingbin admitted everything. Gai and the rest said under further questioning that they had lied. Within days Sian too was captured and delivered. Chong had the medium brought before him and ordered her beaten a hundred times. Chong's courtroom discernment was invariably of this careful sort.
10
時有泉水湧於八公山頂； 壽春城中有魚無數，從地湧出； 野鴨羣飛入城，與鵲爭巢。 五月，大霖雨十有三日，大水入城，屋宇皆沒，崇與兵泊於城上。 水增未已，乃乘船附於女牆，城不沒者二板而已。 州府勸崇棄壽春，保北山。 崇曰：「吾受國重恩，忝守藩岳，德薄招災，致此大水。 淮南萬里，繫于吾身。 一旦動脚，百姓瓦解，揚州之地，恐非國物。 昔王尊慷慨，義感黃河，吾豈愛一軀，取愧千載。 但憐茲士庶，無辜同死，可桴筏隨高，人規自脫。 吾必守死此城，幸諸君勿言。」 時州人裴絢等受蕭衍假豫州刺史，因乘大水，謀欲為亂，崇皆擊滅之。 崇以洪水為災，請罪解任。 詔曰：「卿居藩累年，威懷兼暢，資儲豐溢，足制勁寇。 然夏雨汎濫，斯非人力，何得以此辭解？ 今水涸路通，公私復業，便可繕甲積糧，修復城雉，勞恤士庶，務盡綏懷之略也。」 崇又表請解州，詔報不聽。 是時非崇，則淮南不守矣。
About then a spring burst from the peak of Mount Bagong; innumerable fish welled up from the earth inside Shouchun; flocks of wild ducks entered the city and contested nests with magpies. In the fifth month torrential rain lasted thirteen days; the flood poured into the city until every house was underwater, and Chong and his troops clung to the ramparts. As the waters kept rising he moored boats against the battlements; only two layers of wall still stood clear. Provincial officials pressed Chong to quit Shouchun and withdraw to the northern mountains. Chong replied, "I owe the dynasty a profound debt and am entrusted with this border province; my failings have invited disaster and brought this flood upon us. All of Huainan hangs on me alone. One step from me and the people scatter—Yang Province may slip from the empire's grasp. Wang Zun once steeled his heart and moved even the Yellow River; shall I cling to my own life and shame posterity? I pity these innocent people facing death with me—you may build rafts as the waters rise and save yourselves as you can. I will hold this city unto death; please speak of it no further." Meanwhile Pei Xuan and others, whom Xiao Yan had made acting governor of Yu, used the flood to plot revolt; Chong destroyed them. Blaming himself for the flood, Chong asked to be punished and relieved of office. The edict read: "You have ruled your province for years with both awe and grace; your granaries are full and you can master strong foes. But the summer rains were beyond human control—how can you resign for that? The waters have fallen and roads are open again—repair arms and walls, store grain, comfort the people, and govern with every measure of reassurance." Chong again asked to leave his post; the court refused. Without Chong, Huainan would have been lost.
11
崇沉深有將略，寬厚善御眾，在州凡經十年，常養壯士數千人，寇賊侵邊，所向摧破，號曰「臥虎」，賊甚憚之。 蕭衍惡其久在淮南，屢設反間，無所不至，世宗雅相委重，衍無以措其姦謀。 衍乃授崇車騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、萬戶郡公，諸子皆為縣侯，欲以構崇。 崇表言其狀，世宗屢賜璽書慰勉之。 賞賜珍異，歲至五三，親待無與為比。 衍每歎息，服世宗之能任崇也。
Deep in counsel and skilled in war, generous with his men, Chong kept thousands of veterans ready through ten years as governor; raiders broke against him wherever he turned, earning the name "Crouching Tiger" and the enemy's dread. Xiao Yan resented Chong's long hold on Huainan and tried every intrigue, but Emperor Shizong's steadfast trust foiled him. Yan then ennobled Chong with grand titles—General of Chariots and Cavalry, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, duke of a ten-thousand-household fief, and county marquisdoms for his sons—hoping to turn him traitor. Chong reported the matter; the emperor repeatedly wrote sealed letters of encouragement. Rare gifts arrived five or six times a year; no one else enjoyed such personal favor. Yan sighed each time, conceding Shizong's wisdom in trusting Chong.
12
肅宗踐祚，褒賜衣馬。 及蕭衍遣其游擊將軍趙祖悅襲據西硤石，更築外城，逼徙緣淮之人於城內。 又遣二將昌義之、王神念率水軍泝淮而上，規取壽春。 田道龍寇邊城，路長平寇五門，胡興茂寇開霍。 揚州諸戍，皆被寇逼。 崇分遣諸將，與之相持。 密裝船艦二百餘艘，教之水戰，以待臺軍。 蕭衍霍州司馬田休等率眾寇建安，崇遣統軍李神擊走之。 又命邊城戍主邵申賢要其走路，破之於濡水，俘斬三千餘人。 靈太后璽書勞勉。
When Emperor Suzong took the throne, Chong received robes and horses in reward. Xiao Yan sent Mobile Commander Zhao Zuyue to seize West Xiashi, rebuild its outer wall, and drive Huai-dwellers into the city. Two more generals, Chang Yizhi and Wang Shennian, sailed up the Huai to take Shouchun. Tian Daolong struck border posts; Lu Changping hit Wumen; Hu Xingmao attacked Kaihuo. Every Yang garrison came under attack. Chong sent his commanders to hold the line. He secretly fitted out over two hundred warships and drilled men for river fighting while awaiting imperial reinforcements. When Tian Xiu of Huo Province raided Jian'an, Chong sent Li Shen to repulse him. Frontier commander Shao Shenxian ambushed their retreat at the Ru River, killing or capturing over three thousand. Empress Dowager Ling sent a sealed letter of commendation.
13
許昌縣令兼紵麻戍主陳平玉南引衍軍，以戍歸之。 崇自秋請援，表至十餘。 詔遣鎮南將軍崔亮救硤石，鎮東將軍蕭寶夤於衍堰上流決淮東注。 朝廷以諸將乖角，不相順赴，乃以尚書李平兼右僕射，持節節度之。 崇遣李神乘鬬艦百餘艘，沿淮與李平、崔亮合攻硤石。 李神水軍克其東北外城，祖悅力屈乃降，語在平傳。 朝廷嘉之，進號驃騎將軍、儀同三司，刺史、都督如故。 衍淮堰未破，水勢日增。 崇乃於硤石戍間編舟為橋，北更立船樓十，各高三丈，十步置一籬，至兩岸，蕃板裝治，四箱解合，賊至舉用，不戰解下。 又於樓船之北，連覆大船，東西竟水，防賊火栰。 又於八公山之東南，更起一城，以備大水，州人號曰魏昌城。 崇累表解州，前後十餘上，肅宗乃以元志代之。 尋除都督冀定瀛三州諸軍事、驃騎大將軍、冀州刺史，儀同如故。 不行。
Xuchang magistrate Chen Pingyu, also commander of Zhuma garrison, defected to Yan and handed over his post. From autumn onward Chong sent more than ten memorials begging for aid. The court ordered Cui Liang to relieve Xiashi and Xiao Baoyin to breach Yan's dam and divert the Huai eastward. With commanders failing to coordinate, Li Ping was given staff authority to direct operations. Chong sent Li Shen with over a hundred war junks to join Li Ping and Cui Liang against Xiashi. Li Shen's fleet captured the northeastern outer wall; Zuyue surrendered—the full account is in Li Ping's biography. The court promoted Chong to General of Agile Cavalry with the Same Honors as the Three Excellencies; his posts were unchanged. Yan's dam still held and the waters rose daily. Chong lashed boats into a bridge between Xiashi garrisons and raised ten three-zhang ship-towers with palisades to both banks—hinged sections that could be raised against attack and lowered in peace. North of the towers he chained large ships across the river to block enemy fire-rafts. Southeast of Mount Bagong he built Weichang City against the flood. After more than ten requests to resign, Suzong replaced Chong with Yuan Zhi. He was soon made commander of Ji, Ding, and Ying, General of Agile Cavalry, and governor of Ji. He declined to go.
14
崇上表曰：
Chong submitted a memorial:
15
臣聞世室明堂，顯於周夏； 二黌兩學，盛自虞殷。 所以宗配上帝，以著莫大之嚴； 宣布下土，以彰則天之軌。 養黃髮以詢格言，育青襟而敷典式，用能享國久長，風徽萬祀者也。 故孔子稱巍巍乎其有成功，郁郁乎其有文章，此其盛矣。 爰暨亡秦，政失其道，坑儒滅學，以蔽黔首。 國無黌序之風，野有非時之役，故九服分崩，祚終二世。 炎漢勃興，更修儒術，文景已降，禮樂復彰，化致昇平，治幾刑措。 故西京有六學之美，東都有三本之盛，莫不紛綸掩藹，響流無已。 逮自魏晉，撥亂相因，[2]兵革之中，學校不絕，遺文燦然，方軌前代。
I have read that the Hall of the Epoch and Bright Hall shone in Zhou and Xia; the paired academies flourished under Yu and Yin. Through them the state worshipped Heaven and ancestors with supreme solemnity; edicts reached the realm, showing the pattern of ruling in Heaven's image. The old were honored for wisdom, the young trained in classics—thus dynasties endured and their fame outlasted time. Confucius said, "Lofty its achievement, rich its culture"—such was that greatness. When Qin fell, government lost the Way; scholars were buried and learning killed to blind the people. Without academies in the capital and forced labor in the fields, the nine domains split and Qin died in two generations. Han rose, restored learning; from Wen and Jing onward ritual and music returned until peace reigned and punishments nearly ceased. The Western Capital boasted six academies; the Eastern three foundations—each age flourished and its fame never faded. From Wei and Jin through endless turmoil, [2] schools still survived amid war; texts endured, matching earlier ages.
16
仰惟高祖孝文皇帝稟聖自天，道鏡今古，徙馭嵩河，光宅函洛，模唐虞以革軌儀，規周漢以新品制，列教序於鄉黨，敦詩書於郡國。 使揖讓之禮，橫被於崎嶇； 歌詠之音，聲溢於仄陋。 但經始事殷，戎軒屢駕，未遑多就，弓劍弗追。 世宗統曆，聿遵先緒，永平之中，大興板築，續以水旱，戎馬生郊，雖逮為山，還停一簣。
Emperor Gaozu Xiaowen, sage from Heaven, moved the capital to Luoyang, modeled Tang and Yu and Zhou and Han, spread education through villages and books through the commanderies. Rites of courtesy spread even to rugged lands; songs overflowed even humble lanes. But founding tasks pressed and campaigns interrupted—much remained unfinished. Shizong followed his precedent; in Yongping he raised great works, but flood, drought, and war halted them one basket short of completion.
17
竊惟皇遷中縣，垂二十祀。 而明堂禮樂之本，乃鬱荊棘之林； 膠序德義之基，空盈牧竪之跡。 城隍嚴固之重，闕塼石之工； 墉堞顯望之要，少樓榭之飾。 加以風雨稍侵，漸致虧墜。 又府寺初營，頗亦壯美，然一造至今，更不修繕，廳宇凋朽，牆垣頹壞，皆非所謂追隆堂構，儀形萬國者也。 伏聞朝議，以高祖大造區夏，道侔姬文，擬祀明堂，式配上帝。 今若基宇不修，仍同丘畎，即使高皇神享，闕於國陽，宗事之典，有聲無實。 此臣子所以匪寧，億兆所以失望也。
Nearly twenty years have passed since the move to the central plain. Bright Hall, root of ritual and music, stands choked in brambles; the academy foundation holds only shepherds' tracks. Walls and moats lack proper brickwork; towers and ramparts lack proper ornament. Wind and rain have begun to erode what stands. Government halls, once grand, have never been repaired; halls rot and walls fall—this is no image for the empire. Court debate holds that Gaozu, equal to King Wen, should be honored through Bright Hall worship paired with Heaven. If foundations remain unrepaired like field ditches, ancestral rites will be sound without substance. Ministers cannot rest and the people are disappointed.
18
臣又聞官方授能，所以任事，事既任矣，酬之以祿。 如此，上無曠官之譏，下絕尸素之謗。 今國子雖有學官之名，而無教授之實，何異兔絲燕麥，南箕北斗哉！ 昔劉向有言：「王者宜興辟雍，陳禮樂，以風化天下。 夫禮樂所以養人，刑法所以殺人，而有司勤勤請定刑法，至於禮樂，則曰未敢，是則敢於殺人，不敢於養人也。」 臣以為當今四海清平，九服寧晏，經國要重，理應先營； 脫復稽延，則劉向之言徵矣。 但事不兩興，須有進退。 以臣愚量，宜罷尚方雕靡之作，頗省永寧土木之功，并減瑤光材瓦之力，兼分石窟鐫琢之勞，及諸事役非急者，三時農隙，修此數條。 使辟雍之禮，蔚爾而復興； 諷誦之音，煥然而更作。 美榭高墉，嚴壯於外； 槐宮棘宇，顯麗於中。 道發明令，[3]重遵鄉飲，敦進郡學，精課經業。 如此，則元、凱可得之於上序，游夏可致之於下國，豈不休歟！ 誠知佛理淵妙，含識所宗，然比之治要，容可小緩。 苟使魏道熙緝，元首唯康，爾乃經營，未為晚也。
Offices assign ability to tasks and reward service with salary. Then none above reproaches empty posts nor below idle stipends. The Imperial Academy has a name but no teaching—like dodder on wheat, or stars that measure nothing. Liu Xiang said: "A king should raise the Imperial Academy, display ritual and music, and transform the realm. Ritual and music nourish; punishments kill—yet officials rush to fix punishments while claiming ritual and music too bold: daring to kill but not to nourish." Today the realm is peaceful; statecraft should be built first; delay proves Liu Xiang right. Two great works cannot rise at once—choose advance or retreat. Stop lavish palace crafts, cut Yongning construction, reduce Yaoguang timber, share grotto carving labor, and in farm seasons finish these tasks. Let academy rites flourish again; let chanting voices rise anew. Fair pavilions and high walls without; academy halls, splendid within. Issue bright edicts, [3] restore village drinking rites, advance commandery schools, examine classics closely. Then great scholars would fill upper academies and teachers lesser states—would it not be glorious! Buddhist doctrine is profound and revered; yet beside governing essentials it may wait. If Wei's Way shines and the ruler is secure, building later is not too late.
19
靈太后令曰：「省表，具悉體國之誠。 配饗大禮，為國之本，比以戎馬在郊，未遑修繕。 今四表晏寧，年和歲稔，當敕有司別議經始。」
Empress Dowager Ling ordered: "Your memorial shows true loyalty to the state. The great offering rite is the state's root; war lately prevented repair. Now borders are calm and harvests rich; offices shall plan the work."
20
除中書監、驃騎大將軍，儀同如故。 又授右光祿大夫，出為使持節、侍中、都督定幽燕瀛四州諸軍事、本將軍、定州刺史，儀同如故。 徵拜尚書左僕射，加散騎常侍，驃騎、儀同如故。 遷尚書令，加侍中。 崇在官和厚，明於決斷，受納辭訟，必理在可推，始為下筆，不徒爾收領也。 然性好財貨，販肆聚斂，家資巨萬，營求不息。 子世哲為相州刺史，亦無清白狀。 鄴洛市鄽，收擅其利，為時論所鄙。
He became Director of the Secretariat and General of Agile Cavalry with honors unchanged. He was made Right Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and sent to command Ding, You, Yan, and Ying as governor of Ding. He was recalled as Left Vice Director with Regular Attendant rank; honors unchanged. He became Director of the Secretariat and Palace Attendant. In office Chong was fair and decisive; he ruled on lawsuits only when reason was clear, never merely shuffling papers. Yet he loved wealth, traded and hoarded without cease until his estate reached vast sums. His son Shizhe as Xiang governor likewise lacked integrity. He monopolized Ye and Luoyang markets and was scorned for it.
21
蠕蠕主阿那瓌率眾犯塞，詔崇以本官都督北討諸軍事以討之。 崇辭於顯陽殿，戎服武飾，志氣奮揚，時年六十九，幹力如少。 肅宗目而壯之，朝廷莫不稱善。 崇遂出塞三千餘里，不及賊而還。
When Rouran ruler Anagui raided the frontier, Chong was ordered to command the northern campaign. Taking leave at Xianyang Hall in full armor at sixty-nine, his spirit burned like a young man's. Suzong looked on approvingly; the whole court praised him. Chong marched over three thousand li beyond the frontier, failed to overtake the enemy, and turned back.
22
後北鎮破落汗拔陵反叛，所在響應。 征北將軍、臨淮王彧大敗於五原，安北將軍李叔仁尋敗於白道，賊眾日甚。 詔引丞相、令、僕、尚書、侍中、黃門於顯陽殿，詔曰：「朕比以鎮人搆逆，登遣都督臨淮王克時除翦。 軍屆五原，前鋒失利，二將殞命，兵士挫衂。 又武川乖防，復陷凶手。 恐賊勢侵淫，寇連恒朔。 金陵在彼，夙夜憂惶。 諸人宜陳良策，以副朕懷。」 吏部尚書元脩義曰：「強寇充斥，事須得討。 臣謂須得重貴，鎮壓恒朔，總彼師旅，備衞金陵。」 詔曰：「去歲阿那瓌叛逆，遣李崇令北征，崇遂長驅塞北，返旆榆關，此亦一時之盛。 崇乃上表求改鎮為州，罷削舊貫。 朕于時以舊典難革，不許其請。 尋李崇此表，開諸鎮非異之心，致有今日之事。 但既往難追，為復略論此耳。 朕以李崇國戚望重，器識英斷，意欲還遣崇行，總督三軍，揚旌恒朔，除彼羣盜。 諸人謂可爾以不？」 僕射蕭寶夤等曰：「陛下以舊都在北，憂慮金陵，臣等實懷悚息。 李崇德位隆重，社稷之臣，陛下此遣，實合羣望。」 崇啟曰：「臣實無用，猥蒙殊寵，位妨賢路，遂充北伐。 徒勞將士，無勳而還，慚負聖朝，於今莫已。 臣以六鎮幽垂，與賊接對，鳴柝聲弦，弗離旬朔。 州名差重於鎮，謂實可悅彼心，使聲教日揚，微塵去塞。 豈敢導此凶源，開生賊意。 臣之愆負，死有餘責。 屬陛下慈寬，賜全腰領。 今更遣臣北行，正是報恩改過，所不敢辭。 但臣年七十，自惟老疾，不堪敵場，更願英賢，收功盛日。」
Later Baling of Broken Locust Han rebelled at the Northern Garrison, and uprisings spread everywhere. Prince Yu of Linhuai, General Who Campaigns North, was routed at Wuyuan; Li Shuren was beaten at Baidao—and the rebels swelled daily. The emperor summoned the high ministers to Xianyang Hall and said, "When garrison troops rebelled We sent Prince Yu of Linhuai to crush them promptly. At Wuyuan the vanguard failed, two generals died, and the army was shattered. Wuchuan's defenses collapsed and the killers took it again. We fear the rebellion will spread and raids will sweep Heng and Shuo. Jinling lies ahead; We worry day and night. Propose good strategies to meet Our need." Minister Yuan Xiuyi said, "Bandits fill the land; they must be crushed. We need a man of high rank to hold Heng and Shuo, command the armies, and guard Jinling." The emperor said, "Last year We sent Li Chong north; he drove deep into the frontier and returned via Yugu—a moment of glory. Chong had memorialized to turn garrisons into provinces and erase old registers. We refused because old statutes were hard to change. That memorial planted alienation in the garrisons and led to today's disaster. The past cannot be undone; We mention it only in passing. Li Chong is a royal in-law of weight and talent; We intend to send him again to command three armies in Heng and Shuo and destroy the bandits. Do you approve?" Xiao Baoyin said, "Your Majesty rightly fears for Jinling with the old capital in the north. Li Chong is a pillar of the state; this appointment fits everyone's hope." Chong replied, "I am unworthy yet overfavored; I blocked worthies and failed the northern campaign. I wasted soldiers and returned without merit, shaming the court without end. The six garrisons face the enemy constantly; alarms never cease. I thought renaming garrisons as provinces would win hearts and spread civilization to the frontier. I never meant to sow rebellion. My guilt deserves death. Your mercy spared my life. To march north again is my chance to repay grace and amend fault; I dare not refuse. But I am seventy, ill and unfit for battle; let an able man win glory instead."
23
於是詔崇以本官加使持節、開府、北討大都督，撫軍將軍崔暹，鎮軍將軍、廣陵王淵皆受崇節度。 又詔崇子光祿大夫神軌，假平北將軍，隨崇北討。 崇至五原，崔暹大敗于白道之北，賊遂并力攻崇。 崇與廣陵王淵力戰，累破賊眾，相持至冬，乃引還平城。 淵表崇長史祖瑩詐增功級，盜沒軍資。 崇坐免官爵，徵還，以後事付淵。
Chong was made Grand Commander of the Northern Campaign with staff authority; Cui Xuan and Prince Yuan of Guangling served under him. His son Shengui was made acting General Who Pacifies the North and accompanied him. At Wuyuan Cui Xuan was routed north of Baidao; the rebels then massed against Chong. Chong and Prince Yuan fought through winter, repeatedly defeating rebels, then withdrew to Pingcheng. Yuan accused Chong's chief clerk Zu Ying of inflating merit rolls and embezzling supplies. Chong was stripped of rank and recalled; Yuan took over.
24
後徐州刺史元法僧以彭城南叛，時除安樂王鑒為徐州刺史以討法僧，為法僧所敗，單馬奔歸。 乃詔復崇官爵，為徐州大都督，節度諸軍事。 會崇疾篤，乃以衞將軍、安豐王延明代之。 改除開府、相州刺史，侍中、將軍、儀同並如故。 孝昌元年薨於位，時年七十一。 贈侍中、驃騎大將軍、司徒公、雍州刺史，諡曰武康。 後重贈太尉公，增邑一千戶，餘如故。
When Yuan Faseng rebelled at Pengcheng, Prince Jian of Anle was sent against him, defeated, and fled alone. Chong's rank was restored and he was made grand commander of Xuzhou. As Chong fell gravely ill, Prince Yan of Anfeng replaced him. He was reassigned to open an office and govern Xiang, retaining his honors. He died in office in Xiaochang 1 at seventy-one. Posthumously he was made Palace Attendant, General of Agile Cavalry, Minister of Education, and Yong governor, titled Wukang. Later he was posthumously made Grand Minister of War with a thousand added households.
25
長子世哲，性輕率，供奉豪侈。 少經征役，頗有將用。 自司徒中兵參軍，超為征虜將軍、驍騎將軍。 尋遷後將軍，為三關別將，討羣蠻，大破之，斬蕭衍龍驤將軍文思之等。 還拜鴻臚少卿。 性傾巧，善事人，亦以貨賂自達。 高肇、劉騰之處勢也，皆與親善，故世號為「李錐」。 肅宗末，遷宗正卿，加平南將軍，轉大司農卿，仍本將軍。 又改授太僕卿，加鎮東將軍。 尋出為相州刺史，將軍如故。 世哲至州，斥逐細人，遷徙佛寺，逼買其地，廣興第宅，百姓患之。 崇北征之後，徵兼太常卿。 御史高道穆毀發其宅，表其罪過。 後除鎮西將軍、涇州刺史，賜爵衞國子。 正光五年七月卒。 賻帛五百匹、朝服一襲，贈散騎常侍、衞將軍、吏部尚書、冀州刺史，子如故。
Eldest son Shizhe was rash and lived in luxury. He saw campaigns in youth and proved useful in war. From a staff post he leapt to General Who Captures the Enemy and General of Valiant Cavalry. Made Separate Commander of the Three Passes, he crushed barbarians and killed Xiao Yan's General Wensizhi. Returning, he became Vice Director of the Court for Diplomatic Relations. Crafty and skilled at pleasing men, he also bought advancement. Close to Gao Zhao and Liu Teng in power, he was nicknamed "Li Awl." Late in Suzong's reign he became Director of the Imperial Clan, then Grand Minister of Agriculture. He was made Grand Master of the Stud and General Who Guards the East. Soon he governed Xiang as before. As Xiang governor he expelled commoners, seized temple lands, and built mansions—the people suffered. After Chong's northern campaign he was recalled as Concurrent Director of Imperial Sacrifices. Censor Gao Daomu tore down his mansion and reported his crimes. Later he became General Who Guards the West and Jing governor, ennobled as Marquis of Weiguo. He died in the seventh month of Zhengguang 5. Funeral gifts of five hundred bolts of silk were sent; posthumously he was made Regular Attendant, General of the Guard, Minister of Personnel, and Ji governor.
26
世哲弟神軌，受父爵陳留侯。 自給事中，稍遷員外常侍、光祿大夫。 累出征討，頗有將領之氣。 孝昌中，為靈太后寵遇，勢傾朝野，時云見幸帷幄，與鄭儼為雙，時人莫能明也。 頻遷征東將軍、武衞將軍、給事黃門侍郎，常領中書舍人。 時相州刺史、安樂王鑒據州反，詔神軌與都督源子邕等討平之。 武泰初，蠻帥李洪扇動諸落，伊闕已東，至於鞏縣，多被燒劫。 詔神軌為都督，破平之。 尒朱榮之向洛也，復為大都督，率眾禦之。 出至河橋，值北中不守，遂便退還。 尋與百官候駕於河陰，仍遇害焉。 建義初，贈侍中、驃騎大將軍、司空公、相州刺史，諡曰烈。
Younger brother Shengui inherited the Chenliu marquisate. From Attendant Within he rose to Outside Regular Attendant and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. Repeated campaigns gave him a commander's bearing. In Xiaochang Empress Dowager Ling favored him; rumor paired him with Zheng Yan in imperial intimacy. He rose through eastern campaign commands to Yellow Gate Attendant and often held Chief Secretary. When Prince Jian of Anle rebelled in Xiang, Shengui and Yuan Ziyong suppressed him. Early in Wutai barbarian chief Li Hong ravaged from Yique east to Gong County. Made commander, he crushed the uprising. When Erzhu Rong marched on Luoyang he was again made Grand Commander to resist. At Heqiao, finding the northern center lost, he withdrew. Waiting for the emperor at Heyin with the court, he was killed. Posthumously he was made Palace Attendant, General of Agile Cavalry, Minister of Works, and Xiang governor, titled Lie.
27
崔亮，字敬儒，清河東武城人也。 父元孫，劉駿尚書郎。 劉彧之僭立也，彧青州刺史沈文秀阻兵叛之。 彧使元孫討文秀，為文秀所害。 亮母房氏，攜亮依冀州刺史崔道固於歷城，道固即亮之叔祖也。 及慕容白曜之平三齊，內徙桑乾，為平齊民。 時年十歲，常依季父幼孫，居家貧，傭書自業。
Cui Liang, styled Jingru, was a native of Dongwucheng in Qinghe. His father Yuansun served Liu Jun as Secretariat Gentleman. When Liu Yu usurped the throne, Shen Wenxiu of Qing Province rebelled. Yu sent Yuansun against Wenxiu; Wenxiu killed him. Mother Lady Fang brought Liang to granduncle Cui Daogu, Ji governor at Licheng. When Murong Baiyao pacified the Three Qi they were resettled at Sanggan as Pacified-Qi people. At ten he lived with uncle Yousun in poverty, copying books for a living.
28
時隴西李沖當朝任事，亮從兄光往依之，謂亮曰：「安能久事筆硯，而不往託李氏也？ 彼家饒書，因可得學。」 亮曰：「弟妹飢寒，豈可獨飽？ 自可觀書於市，安能看人眉睫乎！」 光言之於沖，沖召亮與語，因謂亮曰：「比見卿先人相命論，使人胸中無復怵迫之念。 今遂亡本，卿能記之不？」 亮即為誦之，涕淚交零，聲韻不異。 沖甚奇之，迎為館客。 沖謂其兄子彥曰：「大崔生寬和篤雅，汝宜友之； 小崔生峭整清徹，汝宜敬之。 二人終將大至。」 沖薦之為中書博士。 轉議郎，尋遷尚書二千石郎。
Cousin Guang, serving Li Chong of Longxi, urged Liang: "Why copy books forever instead of joining the Lis? Their house is full of books—you could learn there." Liang said, "My siblings are hungry—how can I eat alone? I can read in the market; I won't live at others' whim!" Guang told Li Chong, who summoned Liang and said, "Your forefather's physiognomy text once eased my mind. The book is lost—can you recite it?" Liang recited it through tears with perfect tone and rhythm. Li Chong marveled and took him as house guest. Li Chong told his nephew Yan, "Elder Cui is generous and steady—befriend him; Younger Cui is sharp and clear—respect him. Both will rise far." Li Chong recommended him as Secretariat Erudite. He became Reviewer, then Gentleman of the Ministry of State.
29
高祖在洛，欲創革舊制，選置百官，謂羣臣曰：「與朕舉一吏部郎，必使才望兼允者，給卿三日假。」 又一日，高祖曰：「朕已得之，不煩卿輩也。」 馳驛徵亮兼吏部郎。 俄為太子中舍人，遷中書侍郎，兼尚書左丞。 亮雖歷顯任，其妻不免親事舂簸。 高祖聞之，嘉其清貧，詔帶野王令。 世宗親政，遷給事黃門侍郎，仍兼吏部郎，領青州大中正。 亮自參選事，垂將十年，廉慎明決，為尚書郭祚所委，[4]每云：「非崔郎中，選事不辦。」
At Luoyang Gaozu told ministers, "Find a Director of Personnel combining talent and reputation—you have three days." Next day he said, "I have him; trouble yourselves no more." Liang was summoned by post as Concurrent Director of Personnel. Soon he was Crown Prince Attendant, then Secretariat Vice Director and Left Vice Director. Though he held high office, his wife still pounded grain herself. Gaozu praised his poverty and made him concurrent magistrate of Yewang. When Shizong took power he became Yellow Gate Attendant, still directing Personnel and assessing Qing. For nearly ten years in Personnel he was incorrupt and decisive; Minister Guo Zuo [4] said, "Without Cui, Personnel cannot function."
30
尋除散騎常侍，仍為黃門。 遷度支尚書，領御史中尉。 自遷都之後，經略四方，又營洛邑，費用甚廣。 亮在度支，別立條格，歲省億計。 又議修汴蔡二渠，以通邊運，公私賴焉。 侍中、廣平王懷以母弟之親，左右不遵憲法，敕亮推治。 世宗禁懷不通賓客者久之。 後因宴集，懷恃親使忿，欲陵突亮。 亮乃正色責之，即起於世宗前，脫冠請罪，遂拜辭欲出。 世宗曰：「廣平粗疏，向來又醉，卿之所悉，何乃如此也？」 遂詔亮復坐，令懷謝焉。 亮外雖方正，內亦承候時情，宣傳左右郭神安頗被世宗識遇，以弟託亮，亮引為御史，及神安敗後，因集禁中，世宗令兼侍中盧昶宣旨責亮曰：「在法官何故受左右囑請？」 亮拜謝而已，無以上對。 轉都官尚書，又轉七兵，領廷尉卿，加散騎常侍，中正如故。 徐州刺史元昞撫御失和，詔亮馳驛安撫。 亮至，劾昞，處以大辟，勞賚綏慰，百姓帖然。
Soon he was Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry while keeping the Yellow Gate. He became Minister of Revenue and concurrent Imperial Censor. After the capital moved, campaigns and building Luoyang cost enormously. As Minister of Revenue Liang set new rules saving hundreds of millions each year. He proposed repairing the Bian and Cai canals for frontier transport, to public and private benefit. Prince Huai of Guangping's attendants broke the law; Liang was ordered to investigate. Shizong barred Huai from receiving guests for a long while. At a later banquet Huai, relying on kinship, tried to browbeat Liang. Liang rebuked him, then before Shizong removed his cap to accept punishment and started to leave. Shizong said, "Guangping is rough and was drunk—you know this; why take it so hard?" Liang was told to sit again and Huai was made to apologize. Outwardly upright, Liang also accommodated the times; he made Guo Shen'an's brother a censor, and after Shen'an fell Shizong had Lu Chang rebuke him for taking attendants' favors." Liang could only bow and had no reply. He became Minister of Punishments, then Seventh Bureau minister, concurrent Court of Justice director and Regular Attendant. When Xu governor Yuan Bing lost control, Liang was sent by post to soothe the province. Liang impeached Bing, sentenced him to death, rewarded the people, and restored order.
31
除安西將軍、雍州刺史。 城北渭水淺不通船，行人艱阻。 亮謂僚佐曰：「昔杜預乃造河梁，況此有異長河，且魏晉之日亦自有橋，吾今決欲營之。」 咸曰：「水淺，不可為浮橋，汎長無恒，又不可施柱，恐難成立。」 亮曰：「昔秦居咸陽，橫橋渡渭，以像閣道，此即以柱為橋。 今唯慮長柱不可得耳。」 會天大雨，山水暴至，浮出長木數百根。 藉此為用，橋遂成立，百姓利之，至今猶名崔公橋。 亮性公清，敏于斷決，所在並號稱職，三輔服其德政。 世宗嘉之，詔賜衣馬被褥。 後納其女為九嬪，徵為太常卿，攝吏部事。
He was made General Who Pacifies the West and Yong governor. North of the city the Wei was too shallow for boats and travel was hard. Liang told his staff, "Du Yu built a river bridge; we can do the same on the Wei." Staff said a floating bridge was impossible—the river was too shallow and unstable. Liang said, "Qin at Xianyang bridged the Wei with pillars—that is our model. Only long pillars might be hard to find. Heavy rains washed hundreds of long logs downriver. With those logs the bridge was built; the people still call it Lord Cui's Bridge. Fair and decisive, he was praised everywhere; the capital region respected his governance. Shizong rewarded him with robes, horses, and bedding. His daughter entered the palace; he was recalled as Director of Imperial Sacrifices, acting for Personnel.
32
肅宗初，出為撫軍將軍、定州刺史。 蕭衍左游擊將軍趙祖悅率眾偷據硤石。 詔亮假鎮南將軍，齊王蕭寶夤鎮東將軍，章武王融安南將軍，並使持節、都督諸軍事以討之。 靈太后勞遣亮等，賜戎服雜物。 亮至硤石，祖悅出城逆戰，大破之。 賊復於城外置二柵，欲拒官軍，亮焚擊破之，殺三千餘人。 亮與李崇為水陸之期，日日進攻，而崇不至。 及李平至，崇乃進軍，共平硤石，語在平傳。 靈太后賜亮璽書曰：「硤石既平，大勢全舉，淮堰孤危，自將奔遁。 若仍敢遊魂，此當易以立計，擒翦蟻徒，應在旦夕。 將軍推轂所憑，親對其事，處分經略，宜共協齊，必令得掃盪之理，盡彼遺燼也。 隨便守禦，及分渡掠截，扼其咽喉，防塞走路，期之全獲，無令漏逸。 若畏威降首者，自加蠲宥，以仁為本，任之雅算。 一二往使別宣。」 以功進號鎮北將軍。
Early in Suzong's reign he governed Ding as General Who Pacifies the Army. Xiao Yan's commander Zhao Zuyue seized Xiashi. Liang, Xiao Baoyin, and Prince Rong of Zhangwu were sent with staff authority against Xiashi. Empress Dowager Ling saw them off with gifts and martial dress. At Xiashi Liang routed Zuyue in open battle. Rebels rebuilt outer palisades; Liang burned them and killed three thousand. Liang and Li Chong agreed on joint land-and-water attacks, but Chong failed to come. When Li Ping came, Chong advanced and Xiashi fell—the account is in Ping's biography. The empress dowager wrote, "Xiashi is taken; the Huai dam rebels will flee. If any remain, destroy them quickly. Coordinate strategy to wipe out every remnant. Block escape routes and allow no fugitives. Spare those who surrender; act with benevolence. Further orders will follow by envoy." For merit he was promoted to General Who Guards the North.
33
李平部分諸軍，將水陸兼進，以討堰賊。 亮違平節度，以疾請還，隨表而發。 平表曰：「臣以蕭衍將湛僧珍、田道龍遊魂境內，猶未收跡，義之、神念尚住梁城，令都督崔亮權據下蔡，別將瓫生即往東岸，與亮接勢，以防橋道。 臣發引向堰，舍人曹道至，奉敕更有處分，而亮已輒還京。 按亮受付東南，推轂是託，誠應憂國忘家，致命為限。 而始屆汝陰，磐桓不進； 暨到寇所，停淹八旬； 所營土山攻道，並不克就。 損費糧力，坐延歲序。 賴天威遠被，士卒憤激，東北騰上，垂至北門； 而亮遲回，仍不肯上，臣逼以白刃，甫乃登陟。 及平硤石，宜聽處分，方更肆其專恣，輕輒還歸。 此而不糾，法將焉寄？ 按律『臨軍征討而故留不赴者死』，又云『軍還先歸者流』。 軍罷先還，尚有流坐，況亮被符令停，委棄而反，失乘勝之機，闕水陸之會？ 緣情據理，咎深『故留』。 今處亮死，上議。」 靈太后令曰：「亮為臣不忠，去留自擅，既損威稜，違我經略。 雖有小捷，豈免大咎。 但吾攝御萬幾，庶茲惡殺，可特聽以功補過。」 及平至，亮與爭功於禁中，形於聲色。
Li Ping planned a joint land-and-water assault on the dam rebels. Liang defied Ping, pleaded illness, and returned without leave. Ping reported that Liang was assigned to hold Xiaqi and guard the bridge route while enemies remained active. While Ping advanced on the dam, Liang had already returned to the capital. Entrusted with the southeast, Liang should have forgotten home for the state. At Runan he lingered without advancing; at the enemy site he stalled eighty days; his siege works never finished. He wasted supplies and time. Only when soldiers surged northeast nearly to the north gate did Ping force Liang up the walls with drawn swords. After Xiashi fell Liang again returned on his own authority. If this goes unpunished, law is dead. By law, deserting a campaign is death; returning ahead of the army is exile. Even routine early return earns exile—how much worse Liang's unauthorized withdrawal? By reason his guilt exceeds deliberate desertion. I ask that Liang be sentenced to death." The empress dowager said, "Liang was disloyal, coming and going at will, damaging Our strategy. Small success cannot erase great fault. Yet We allow merit to offset fault. When Ping arrived Liang quarreled over credit in the palace.
34
尋除殿中尚書，遷吏部尚書。 時羽林新害張彝之後，靈太后令武官得依資入選。 官員既少，應選者多，前尚書李韶循常擢人，百姓大為嗟怨。 亮乃奏為格制，不問士之賢愚，專以停解日月為斷。 雖復官須此人，停日後者終於不得； 庸才下品，年月久者灼然先用。 沉滯者皆稱其能。 亮外甥司空諮議劉景安書規亮曰：「殷周以鄉塾貢士，兩漢由州郡薦才，魏晉因循，又置中正。 諦觀在昔，莫不審舉，雖未盡美，足應十收六七。 而朝廷貢秀才，[5]止求其文，不取其理； 察孝廉唯論章句，不及治道； 立中正不考人才行業，空辨氏姓高下。 至於取士之途不溥，沙汰之理未精。 而舅屬當銓衡，宜須改張易調。 如之何反為停年格以限之？ 天下士子誰復修厲名行哉！」 亮答書曰：「汝所言乃有深致。 吾乘時邀幸，得為吏部尚書。 當其壯也，尚不如人，況今朽老而居帝難之任。 常思同昇舉直，[6]以報明主之恩； 盡忠竭力，不為貽厥之累。 昨為此格，有由而然，今已為汝所怪，千載之後，誰知我哉？ 可靜念吾言，當為汝論之。 吾兼、正六為吏部郎，三為尚書，銓衡所宜，頗知之矣。 但古今不同，時宜須異。 何者？ 昔有中正，品其才第，上之尚書，尚書據狀，量人授職，此乃與天下羣賢共爵人也。 吾謂當爾之時，無遺才，無濫舉矣，而汝猶云十收六七。 況今日之選專歸尚書，以一人之鑒照察天下。 劉毅所云：『一吏部、兩郎中而欲究竟人物，何異以管闚天，而求其博哉。』 今勳人甚多，又羽林入選，武夫崛起，不解書計，唯可彍弩前驅，指蹤捕噬而已。 忽令垂組乘軒，求其烹鮮之效，未曾操刀，而使專割。 又武人至多，官員至少，不可周溥。 設令十人共一官，猶無官可授，況一人望一官，何由可不怨哉？ 吾近面執，不宜使武人入選，請賜其爵，厚其祿。 既不見從，是以權立此格，限以停年耳。 昔子產鑄刑書以救弊，叔向譏之以正法，何異汝以古禮難權宜哉！ 仲尼云：德我者亦春秋，罪我者亦春秋。 吾之此指，其由是也。 但令當來君子，知吾意焉。」 後甄琛、元脩義、城陽王徽相繼為吏部尚書，利其便己，踵而行之。 自是賢愚同貫，涇渭無別，魏之失才，從亮始也。
Soon he became Director Within the Hall and Minister of Personnel. After the guard corps killed Zhang Yi, military officers were allowed into Personnel selection by seniority. Posts were few and candidates many; Li Shao's routine promotions angered the people. Liang created a seniority grid ignoring merit, counting only months out of office. Even when a post needed a capable man, seniority blocked him; mediocre men with longer service won first. The long-serving praised the system. Nephew Liu Jing'an wrote, "Past dynasties selected talent by merit through schools, recommendations, and assessors. Past systems, though imperfect, picked six or seven good men in ten. Today Excellent Scholars [5] are judged on prose, not substance; Filial and Incorrupt candidates are judged on phrases, not governance; Grand Assessors rank clans, not character. The paths of selection are narrow and refinement lacking. You hold Personnel—you should reform this. Why impose a seniority grid instead? Who will cultivate virtue under seniority rules?" Liang replied, "You speak with depth. I reached Personnel by fortune of the times. In my prime I was unequal to others; now old, I hold an impossible post. I wished to promote the worthy [6] and repay the emperor's grace; to serve loyally without burdening my heirs. I made the grid for cause; a thousand years hence who will judge me? Consider my explanation. Three times in Personnel, I know the balance well. But times differ from antiquity. How so? Once assessors graded talent and the Ministry appointed by record—sharing power with the worthy. Even then you admit only six or seven in ten succeeded. Today one Ministry mirrors the whole empire. Liu Yi said one Personnel Ministry cannot survey all men, like viewing heaven through a tube. Merit-holders and guard corps flood in—warriors who cannot govern. Making them officials is like giving knives to men who never cooked. Warriors are many, posts few—no fair distribution. Ten men per post would still leave men without posts—resentment is inevitable. I argued military men should take rank and salary, not civil posts. Denied that, I imposed the seniority grid. Zichan cast penal codes to save decay; Shuxiang mocked him—as you mock my expedient. Confucius said praise and blame alike belong to history. My intent is the same. Let future gentlemen understand my intent." Later Zhen Chen, Yuan Xiuyi, and Prince Hui of Chengyang kept the grid for their convenience. From then worthy and foolish were indistinguishable—Wei began losing talent with Liang.
35
轉侍中、太常卿，尋遷左光祿大夫、尚書右僕射。 時劉騰擅權，亮託妻劉氏，傾身事之，故頻年之中名位隆赫，有識者譏之。 轉尚書僕射，加散騎常侍。 正光二年秋，疽發於背，肅宗遣舍人問疾，亮上表乞解僕射，送所負荷及印綬，詔不許。 尋卒，詔給東園祕器、朝服一襲，賵物七百段、蠟三百斤。 贈使持節、散騎常侍、車騎大將軍、儀同三司、冀州刺史，諡曰貞烈。 亮在雍州，讀杜預傳，見為八磨，嘉其有濟時用，遂教民為碾。 及為僕射，奏於張方橋東堰穀水造水碾磨數十區，其利十倍，國用便之。 亮有三子，士安、士和、士泰，並強幹善於當世。
He became Palace Attendant and Director of Imperial Sacrifices, then Left Grand Master and Right Vice Director. When Liu Teng held power Liang served him through his wife's kin and was mocked for rapid advancement. He became Vice Director of the Secretariat and Regular Attendant. In Zhengguang 2 a back carbuncle broke out; he asked to resign vice director but was refused. He soon died; the court sent funeral gifts of seven hundred bolts and three hundred jin of wax. Posthumously he was made General of Chariots and Cavalry with Same Honors as the Three Excellencies and Ji governor, titled Zhenlie. In Yong Province Liang read Du Yu's biography, admired his mills, and taught the people milling. As vice director he built dozens of water mills east of Zhangfang Bridge, tenfold profit to the state. Liang's three sons Shian, Shihe, and Shitai were all capable men.
36
士安，歷尚書比部郎，卒於諫議大夫。 贈左將軍、光州刺史。 無子，弟士和以子乾亨繼。
Shian served in the Comparison Bureau and died as Remonstrating Grand Master. Posthumously he was made General of the Left and Guang governor. Without sons, nephew Qianheng succeeded.
37
乾亨，武定中，尚書都兵郎中。
Qianheng in Wuding era served in the Arms Bureau.
38
士和，歷司空主簿、通直郎。 從亮征硤石，以軍勳拜冠軍將軍、中散大夫、西道行臺元脩義左丞，行涇州事。 蕭寶夤之在關中，高選遼佐，以為督府長史。 時莫折念生遣使詐降，寶夤表士和兼度支尚書，為隴右行臺，令入秦撫慰，為念生所害。
Shihe served as Staff Controller of Works and Direct Attendant. On the Xiashi campaign Shihe earned General Who Captures the Enemy and acted as Jing governor. Xiao Baoyin in Guanzhong made him commandery chief clerk. Sent to accept Moqi Niansheng's false surrender, Shihe was killed in Qin.
39
士泰，歷給事中、司空從事中郎、諫議大夫、司空司馬。 肅宗末，荊蠻侵斥，以士泰為龍驤將軍、征蠻別將，事平，以功賜爵五等男。 建義初，遇害於河陰。 贈都督青兗二州諸軍事、鎮東將軍、青州刺史，諡曰文肅。
Shitai served as Attendant Within, staff advisor, remonstrator, and Works staff controller. Late in Suzong's reign he suppressed Jing barbarians and was ennobled Fifth-Rank Baron. At Jianyi he was killed at Heyin. Posthumously he was made commander of Qing and Yan, General Who Pacifies the East, and Qing governor, titled Wensu.
40
子肇師，襲爵。 武定末，中書舍人。
Son Zhaoshi inherited the rank. Late in Wuding he was Chief Secretary.
41
亮弟敬默，奉朝請。 卒於征虜長史，贈南陽太守。
Younger brother Jingmo was Court Gentleman. He died as Campaign Against the Enemy chief clerk; posthumously Nanyang administrator.
42
子思韶，從亮征硤石，以軍功賜爵武城子，為冀州別駕。
Son Sishao earned Viscount of Wucheng on the Xiashi campaign and served as Ji aide.
43
敬默弟隱處，[7]青州州都。 亮以其賤出，殊不經紀，論者譏焉。
Jingmo's brother Yinchu [7] was Qing provincial assessor. Liang ignored Yinchu for low birth and was mocked.
44
亮從父弟光韶，事親以孝聞。 初除奉朝請。 光韶與弟光伯雙生，操業相侔，特相友愛，遂經吏部尚書李沖，讓官於光伯，辭色懇至。 沖為奏聞，高祖嘉而許之。 太和二十年，以光韶為司空行參軍，復請讓從叔和，曰：「臣誠微賤，未登讓品，屬逢唐朝，耻無讓德。」 和亦謙退，辭而不當。 高祖善之，遂以和為廣陵王國常侍。 尋敕光韶兼祕書郎，掌校華林御書。
Cousin Guangshao was famed for filial piety. He was first appointed Court Gentleman. Twin brothers Guangshao and Guangbo yielded offices to each other through Li Chong with earnest devotion. Li Chong reported it; Gaozu approved. In Taihe 20 Guangshao again yielded office to cousin He, claiming unworthiness." He too declined. Gaozu made He Regular Attendant of Guangling principality. Guangshao was ordered to collate the Hualin imperial library.
45
肅宗初，除青州治中，後為司空騎兵參軍，又兼司徒戶曹。 出為濟州輔國府司馬，刺史高植甚知之，政事多委訪焉。 遷青州平東府長史，府解，敕知州事。 光韶清直明斷，民吏畏愛之。 入為司空從事中郎，以母老解官歸養，賦詩展意，朝士屬和者數十人。 久之，徵為司徒諮議，固辭不拜。 光韶性嚴毅，聲韻抗烈，與人平談，常若震厲。 至於兄弟議論，外聞謂為忿怒，然孔懷雍睦，人少逮之。
Early in Suzong's reign he served Qing as aide, then Works cavalry controller and Education household bureau. As Ji assistant to Fuguo principality he was trusted by Governor Gao Zhi. He became Pacify-the-East chief clerk and then acting Qing governor. Clean and decisive, he was feared and loved by officials and people. He resigned to care for his aged mother; dozens of courtiers harmonized with his farewell poem. Summoned as Education staff advisor, he firmly declined. Stern and sharp-voiced, his ordinary speech sounded like thunder. Brothers' debates sounded like rage yet their bond was deeply harmonious.
46
孝莊初，河間邢杲率河北流民十餘萬眾，攻逼州郡。 刺史元儁憂不自安，州人乞光韶為長史以鎮之。 時陽平路回寓居齊土，與杲潛相影響，引賊入郭。 光韶臨機處分，在難確然。 賊退之後，刺史表光韶忠毅，朝廷嘉之，發使慰勞焉。 尋為東道軍司。 及元顥入洛，自河以南，莫不風靡。 而刺史、廣陵王欣集文武以議所從。 欣曰：「北海、長樂俱是同堂兄弟，今宗祏不移，我欲受赦，諸君意各何如？」 在坐之人莫不失色，光韶獨抗言曰：「元顥受制梁國，稱兵本朝，拔本塞源，以資讎敵，賊臣亂子，曠代少儔，何但大王家事所宜切齒，等荷朝眷，未敢仰從。」 長史崔景茂、前瀛州刺史張烈、前郢州刺史房叔祖、徵士張僧皓咸云：「軍司議是。」 欣乃斬顥使。
Early in Xiaozhuang's reign Xing Gao led a hundred thousand refugees against the provinces. Governor Yuan Jun asked Guangshao as chief clerk to stabilize the province. Lu Hui of Yangping secretly colluded with Gao and led rebels into the city. Guangshao acted decisively in the crisis. After the rebels fled the governor praised his loyalty and the court sent envoys. Soon he was Eastern Circuit Army Controller. When Yuan Hao took Luoyang the south bank collapsed. Governor Prince Xin of Guangling gathered officials to choose sides. Xin said, "Beihai and Changle are kin; I wish to accept amnesty—what do you think?" All paled; Guangshao alone refused: "Hao is a Liang puppet rebel—we who owe the court dare not submit." Staff agreed with Guangshao." Xin beheaded Hao's envoy.
47
尋徵輔國將軍、廷尉少卿。 未至，除太尉長史，加左將軍，俄遷廷尉卿。 時祕書監祖瑩以贓罪被劾，光韶必欲致之重法。 太尉、陽城王徽、尚書令、臨淮王彧、吏部尚書李神儁、侍中李彧，並勢望當時，皆為瑩求寬。 光韶正色曰：「朝賢執事，於舜之功未聞有一，如何反為罪人言乎！」 其執意不回如此。
Soon he was summoned as General Who Assists the State and Vice Director of Justice. Before arriving he became Ministry of War chief clerk and soon Director of Justice. When Zu Ying was impeached for bribery Guangshao demanded heavy punishment. Princes Hui and Yu, Li Shenjun, and Li Yu all pleaded for Zu Ying. Guangshao said, "You great men have done nothing like Shun—why speak for a criminal?" He would not bend.
48
永安末，擾亂之際，遂還鄉里。 光韶博學強辯，尤好理論，至於人倫名教得失之間，搉而論之，不以一毫假物。 家足於財，而性儉吝，衣馬弊瘦，食味粗薄。 始光韶在都，同里人王蔓於夜遇盜，害其二子。 孝莊詔黃門高道穆令加檢捕，一坊之內，家別搜索。 至光韶宅，綾絹錢布，匱篋充積。 議者譏其矯嗇。 其家資產，皆光伯所營。 光伯亡，悉焚其契。 河間邢子才曾貸錢數萬，後送還之。 光韶曰：「此亡弟相貸，僕不知也。」 竟不納。 刺史元弼前妻，是光韶之繼室兄女，而弼貪婪，多諸不法，光韶以親情，亟相非責，弼銜之。 時耿翔反於州界，弼誣光韶子通與賊連結，囚其合家，考掠非理，而光韶與之辯爭，辭色不屈，會樊子鵠為東道大使，知其見枉，理出之。 時人勸令詣樊陳謝，光韶曰：「羊舌大夫已有成事，何勞往也。」 子鵠亦歎尚之。 後刺史侯淵代下疑懼，停軍益都，謀為不軌。 令數百騎夜入南郭，劫光韶，以兵脅之，責以謀略。 光韶曰：「凡起兵者，須有名義，使君今日舉動直是作賊耳。 父老知復何計？」 淵雖恨之，敬而不敢害。 尋除征東將軍、金紫光祿大夫，不起。
At the end of Yongtai he returned home amid turmoil. Learned and argumentative, he debated ethics without compromise. Wealthy yet miserly, he wore thin clothes and ate coarse food. In the capital townsman Wang Man lost two sons to robbers at night. Xiaozhuang ordered searches house by house in the ward. Guangshao's house was found full of silk and cash. Critics mocked his pretended poverty. Guangbo managed the family wealth. When Guangbo died he burned all debt contracts. Xing Zicai once lent tens of thousands; when repaid Guangshao said, "That was my dead brother's loan—I knew nothing of it." He refused the repayment. Governor Yuan Bi, related by marriage, was greedy; Guangshao rebuked him and Bi resented it. Bi framed Guangshao's son for treason; Guangshao argued unbowed until Fan Zihu cleared them. Urged to thank Fan Zihu, Guangshao said, "Yangshe the grandee needed no thanks—why should I?" Fan admired him all the same. Later Governor Hou Yuan halted at Yidu plotting rebellion. Hou sent horsemen to seize Guangshao at night and demand strategy. Guangshao said, "Armies need righteous cause—you are simply bandits. What counsel can elders offer rebels?" Hou hated but feared to harm him. Made General Who Campaigns East, he declined.
49
光韶以世道屯邅，朝廷屢變，閉門却掃，吉凶斷絕。 誡子孫曰：「吾自謂立身無慚古烈，但以祿命有限，無容希世取進。 在官以來，不冒一級，官雖不達，經為九卿。 且吾平生素業，足以遺汝，官閥亦何足言也。 吾既運薄，便經三娶，而汝之兄弟各不同生，合葬非古，吾百年之後，不須合也。 然贈諡之及，出自君恩，豈容子孫自求之也，勿須求贈。 若違吾志，如有神靈，不享汝祀。 吾兄弟自幼及老，衣服飲食未曾一片不同，至於兒女官婚榮利之事，未嘗不先以推弟。 弟頃橫禍，權作松櫬，亦可為吾作松棺，使吾見之。」 卒年七十一。 孝靜初，侍中賈思同申啟，稱述光韶，贈散騎常侍、驃騎將軍、青州刺史。
Amid turmoil he shut his door and cut off social ties. He told heirs, "I stand without shame before ancients, but fortune limits ambition. I never stole rank; though not highest, I served nine ministries. My plain life's work suffices for you—pedigree is nothing. Three marriages, sons by different mothers—do not bury me with them; joint burial is unancient. Posthumous honors come from the throne—do not seek them. Break my will and spirits will reject your sacrifices. My brothers shared everything; I always favored younger brothers in marriage and office. My brother's pine coffin may serve for me too." He died at seventy-one. Early in Xiaojing Jia Sitong praised him; posthumously he was made Regular Attendant and Qing governor.
50
光韶弟光伯，尚書郎、青州別駕。 後以族弟休臨州，遂申牒求解。 尚書奏：「按禮：始封之君不臣諸父昆弟，封君之子臣昆弟不臣諸父，封君之孫得盡臣。 計始封之君，即是世繼之祖，尚不得臣，況今之刺史，既非世繼，而得行臣吏之節，執笏稱名者乎？ 檢光伯請解，率禮不愆，請宜許遂，以明道教。」 靈太后令從之。 尋除北海太守，有司以其更滿，依例奏代。 肅宗詔曰：「光伯自莅海沂，清風遠著，兼其兄光韶復能辭榮侍養，兄弟忠孝，宜有甄錄，可更申三年，以厲風化。」 後歷太傅諮議參軍。
Brother Guangbo was Secretariat Gentleman and Qing aide. When clansman Xiu became governor he asked to be dismissed. The Ministry reported: "By rite a first enfeoffed lord does not treat kin as subjects; his grandsons may treat all kin as subjects. The founding enfeoffed ancestor is not a subject—how can mere governors, not heirs, hold tablets and speak names as subjects? Guangbo's dismissal request follows rite without fault—grant it to clarify doctrine." Empress Dowager Ling agreed. Soon Beihai administrator; when his term ended the office requested replacement. Suzong extended Guangbo three years for clean rule and brotherly filial piety." Later he was Grand Tutor staff advisor.
51
前廢帝時，崔祖螭、張僧皓起逆，攻東陽，旬日之間，眾十餘萬。 刺史、東萊王貴平欲令光伯出城慰勞。 兄光韶曰：「城民陵縱，為日已久，人人恨之，其氣甚盛。 古人有言『眾怒如水火焉』，以此觀之，今日非可慰諭止也。」 貴平強之，光韶曰：「使君受委一方，董攝萬里，而經略大事，不與國士圖之。 所共腹心，皆趨走羣小。 既不能綏遏以杜其萌，又不能坐觀，待其衰挫。 蹙迫小弟，從為無名之行。 若單騎獨往，或見拘縶，若以眾臨之，勢必相拒敵，懸見無益也。」 貴平逼之，不得已，光伯遂出城。 數里，城民以光伯兄弟羣情所繫，慮人劫留，防衞者眾。 外人疑其欲戰，未及曉諭，為飛矢所中，卒。 贈征東將軍、青州刺史。
Under the deposed emperor Cui Zuchi and Zhang Senghao rebelled at Dongyang with a hundred thousand men in ten days. Governor Prince Guiping of Donglai wanted Guangbo to leave the city to soothe the rebels. Guangshao said, "The city people have long resented outsiders; their rage is immense. As the ancients said, mob rage is like water and fire—soothing words will not stop it today." Guiping forced him; Guangshao said, "You rule a region yet plot with lackeys, not worthies. Your intimates are all flatterers. You neither stop the sprout nor wait for collapse. You push my brother into a pointless errand. Alone he may be seized; with troops you will fight—either way it fails." Forced at last, Guangbo went out. Miles out, guards feared the brothers would be seized and escorted them heavily. Outsiders thought it was an attack; before he could explain, a stray arrow killed him. Posthumously he was made General Who Campaigns East and Qing governor.
52
子滔，武定末，殷州別駕。
Son Tao late in Wuding was Yin Province aide.
53
史臣曰：李崇以風質英重，毅然秀立，任當將相，望高朝野，美矣。 崔亮既明達後事，動有名迹，於斷年之選，失之逾遠，救弊未聞，終為國蠹，「無所苟而已」，其若是乎？ 光韶居雅仗正，有國士之風矣。
The historian writes: Li Chong was heroically weighty, fit for general and minister, famed in court and field— admirable. Cui Liang was clear in office yet his seniority grid lost talent far and wide, ending as a state plague—is that "doing nothing carelessly"? Guangshao stood on rectitude with a true grandee's bearing.
54
校勘記
Collation notes
55
鎮捍以德文人威惠既宣冊府卷一三二宋本「文人」作「乂人」，明本 〈一五九六頁〉 作「爾之」。 按作「文人」不可通，據文義似作「爾之」是，但恐是明人以意改。 疑「鎮捍」下有脫文，「以德乂人」連讀，傳本「乂」訛「文」。
Hold the frontier by virtue; civil authority proclaimed—Song reads "righteous men," Ming edition 〈page 1596〉 reads "you thereof." "Civil men" fails logically; "you thereof" fits, though Ming editors may have changed it. Text may be lost after "hold the frontier"; "righteous" was corrupted to "civil."
56
撥亂相因冊府明本卷五八三 〈六九八三頁〉 「撥」作「廢」，疑是。 但冊府宋本也作「撥」，今不改。
Turmoil following turmoil—Ce fu Ming ed. vol. 583 〈page 6983〉 "Turmoil" may should read "abandon." Song edition also has "turmoil"—left unchanged.
57
道發明令冊府 〈同上卷頁〉 「道」作「更」。 按「道發」不可解，疑作「更」是。
Issue bright edicts—Ce fu 〈same volume page〉 "Way" may read "again." "Way issue" is unintelligible; "again" is likely correct.
58
為尚書郭祚所委諸本「祚」作「秬」，北史卷四四崔亮傳作「祚」。 按元恪即位後，郭祚即兼吏部尚書，後正除尚書，見卷六四本傳，別無「郭秬」其人為此官。 「秬」字訛，今據改。
Entrusted by Guo Zuo—editions corrupt to "Ju"; Northern History has "Zuo." After Yuan Ke's accession Guo Zuo held Personnel—no "Guo Ju" existed. "Ju" is corrupt—emended to "Zuo."
59
而朝廷貢秀才諸本無「秀」字，冊府卷六三八 〈七六五三頁〉 有。 按當時秀才試文，孝廉試經，這裏「貢秀才」和下「察孝廉」並舉，顯脫「秀」字，今據補。
Court presents Excellent Scholars—all editions omit "Excellent"; Ce fu vol. 638 〈page 7653〉 has it. Excellent Scholars tested writing, Filial and Incorrupt classics—"Excellent" was lost and is restored.
60
常思同昇舉直冊府卷八四九 〈一００九０頁〉 「同昇」作「昇賢」。 按「同昇舉直」文義較晦，疑作「昇賢」是。
Rise together lift straight—Ce fu vol. 849 〈page 10090〉 "Rise together" reads "promote worthy." "Rise together lift straight" is obscure; "promote worthy" fits.
61
敬默弟隱處北史卷四四「隱處」作「敬遠」。 按亮字敬儒，弟兄以「敬」字排行，疑作「敬遠」是。 也可能「隱處」作「隱居」解，上下有脫文。
Jingmo's brother Yinchu—Northern History reads "Jingyuan." Brothers share "Jing" in naming—"Jingyuan" may be correct. Or "Yinchu" means "living in seclusion"—text may be defective.