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卷71 裴叔業 夏侯道遷 李元護 席法友 王世弼 江悦之 淳于誕 李苗

Volume 71: Pei Shuye, Xiahou Daoqian, Li Yuanhu, Xi Fayou, Wang Shibi, Jiang Yuezhi, Chun Yudan, Li Miao

Chapter 76 of 魏書 · Book of Wei
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1
Biographies of Pei Shuye, Xiahou Daoqian, Li Yuanhu, Xi Fayou, Wang Shibi, Jiang Yuezhi, Chunyu Yan, and Li Miao
2
Pei Shuye was from Wenxi in Hedong. He traced his line to Pei Hui-zhi, who had served as Governor of Ji Province under Wei. Five generations back, his ancestor Bao had been Governor of Qin Province in the Jin dynasty. His grandfather Yong had left Hedong and made his home in Xiangyang. His father Shunzong and elder brother Shubao had served under Xiao Daocheng and both won distinction and office.
3
From youth Shuye showed force of character and considered himself something of a strategist. Under Xiao Ze he rose through the ranks to General of the Right Army and staff adviser to the General Who Pacifies the East. When Xiao Luan met Shuye he was struck by the man and told him, "With a bearing like yours, what could keep you from the highest honors? You ought to press on with all your might." When Luan took charge of Yuzhou he appointed Shuye marshal and let him hold the concurrent post of Administrator of Chenliu. While Luan acted as regent, Shuye kept several hundred armed men concealed in Jiankang. When Luan deposed Emperor Zhaowen, Shuye marched his men to his support. Once Luan had seized the throne he named Shuye Attendant-in-Ordinary at the Yellow Gate, created him Marquis of Wuchang, and granted him an estate of five hundred households. When Emperor Xiaowen toured the south, the court encamped at Zhongli. Luan commissioned Shuye as Bearer of the Staff, General Who Establishes Valor, and Governor of Xuzhou, and ordered his naval force into the Huai. When he was still several tens of li from the imperial army, Emperor Xiaowen sent Master of Writing Pei Yu to parley with him. Shuye dressed his attendants in lavish finery to impress Yu and said, "This is how prosperous I am in the south—nothing like your shabby northern court." Yu replied, "Your robes are splendid, Uncle—but what a pity you may only wear them at night." He was then moved to General Who Assists the State and Governor of Yuzhou, with his headquarters at Shouyang.
4
After Luan's death his son Baojuan seized power and transferred Shuye to his old rank as general and to the governorship of Southern Yanzhou. When Chen Xianda laid siege to Jiankang, Shuye sent his marshal Li Yuanhu with troops nominally to rescue Baojuan but in fact to side with Xianda. Xianda was defeated and withdrew. Shuye worried that civil strife was not over and did not want Southern Yanzhou, since its proximity to Jiankang would leave him at the court's mercy. Baojuan's favorites Ru Fazhen and Wang Xuanzhi grew suspicious, and everyone coming and going reported that Shuye meant to defect north to Wei. His nephews Zhi, Yang, and Can left their mother behind and fled to join him at Shouyang. Fazhen and his circle, unable to rein him in on the border where he might call in Wei at any crisis, persuaded Baojuan to send Pei Changmu to soothe him with a pledge that his post would not be changed again.
5
便
Though officially allowed to keep his command, Shuye's anxiety never lifted. He sent his kinsman Ma Wenfan to ask Xiao Yan, Governor of Yongzhou, how he might secure himself: "The tide of events is clear—the south can hardly stand alone any longer. If you can hold Xiangyang firmly, I will join you in defending ourselves; otherwise, by turning north I can still hope to become Duke of Henan." Yan sent Wenfan back with this answer: "Petty courtiers are in charge—they cannot see beyond their noses. Send too many replacements and you cannot resist them; send too few and you lack the force you need. Their plans are muddled—they will achieve nothing by themselves. You should send your family back to the capital to reassure the court, and you will have no trouble. If they force your hand, march twenty thousand horse and foot straight to Hengjiang and cut them off from behind—the realm could be decided in a single stroke. If you turn north they will replace you and park you with some petty fief north of the river—do you really think you would still be made Duke of Henan? That would end any hope of your returning to the south." Still unable to decide, Shuye sent to Xue Zhendu, Governor of Yuzhou on the Wei side, to ask whether defecting to Wei was the right course. Zhendu wrote back praising the court's renewal and assuring him that his goodwill was understood—only that he had not yet been able to break with the south in time. But if you wait until you are driven to it, you may not win such generous rewards.
6
使 使 使
Shuye hesitated and changed his mind repeatedly while Zhendu kept sending messengers back and forth. At last he sent his son Fenzhi and his brother's son-in-law Wei Boxin with a memorial offering submission to Wei. In the first month of Jingming year 1, Emperor Xuanwu decreed: "Shuye is brilliant and far-sighted; he saw early where loyalty lay and sent his pledge of allegiance—devotion that puts the ancients to shame. Let us reward him fittingly and honor one who chose wisely in advance. He was appointed Bearer of the Staff, Regular Attendant at the Leisurely Riders, commander of armies in Yu, Yong, Yan, Xu, and Si, General Who Conquers the South, and Governor of Yuzhou, and created Duke of Lanling with an estate of three thousand households." The emperor also sent Shuye a sealed letter: "Our envoys have shuttled back and forth with my orders—you know the gist of them. Baojuan grows more deranged by the day—he tortures his ministers, brutalizes his kin, and lets lawless punishments run wild until no one in court is left standing; the state is coming apart and no household can feel safe. You saw the danger with both wisdom and courage and boldly turned from that sinking realm. You are in my thoughts waking and sleeping, and I deeply honor what you have done. I have already ordered the border garrisons of Yuzhou to march to your relief. Yang Dayan and Xi Kangsheng are already on the road with five thousand armored horsemen; Prince Xie of Pengcheng and Chief Minister Xiao Su follow with a hundred thousand elite troops in an unbroken stream. They will sweep the Huaihai in a long drive and strike like lightning at the Yangzi barrier. Join your strength to ours in this great campaign. Outstanding deeds will be yours to claim, and lofty rank—who else deserves such reward? I have also commanded that your staff and the local gentry receive honors for even the smallest service."
7
Before the army could cross the Huai, Shuye died of illness at the age of sixty-three. Li Yuanhu, Xi Fayou, and the others installed Shuye's nephew Zhi to govern the province. He was posthumously made Grand Master with Golden Seal and Triple Staff; his other honors stood unchanged. He was posthumously titled Duke of Loyal Valor and granted imperial funerary regalia, a set of court robes, three hundred thousand cash, a thousand bolts of silk, five hundred of cloth, and three hundred jin of wax.
8
His son Qianzhi, courtesy name Wencong. He had served Xiao Luan as Left Regular Attendant to the Prince of Suizhou and died before his father. His son Tan inherited the title.
9
祿
Tan was brutal and bloodthirsty—if a mount shied even slightly, he killed it himself. Yet he treated his uncles with filial devotion and shared his annual stipend among them, for which people praised him. Emperor Xuanwu appointed Tan, Empress Gao's brother Zhen, and Wang Suo's son Shao as Masters of Writing for the Crown Prince. When Emperor Suzong came to the throne he was made Regular Attendant Outside the Sequence. He was promoted to General Who Assists the State and Grand Master of the Palace. At his death he was posthumously made General Who Pacifies the South and Governor of Yuzhou, with the posthumous name Jing (Reverent).
10
西
His son Ce, courtesy name Boyuan, inherited the title. He served as Regular Attendant at the Leisurely Riders Direct Communication. During the Tianping era he fled west of the passes.
11
西退
Qianzhi's younger brother Fenzhi, courtesy name Wenfu. He was a man of steady character, generous by nature, and devoted to his brothers. Under Xiao Luan he rose to Supervisor of the Imperial Guard. After defecting to Wei he was made Regular Attendant at the Leisurely Riders Direct Communication and Baron of Shangcai with seven hundred households, in recognition of his father's service. He was offered the post of Interior Minister of Guangping but firmly declined. He was made General Who Assists the State and Governor of Eastern Qinzhou, where he won a reputation for clean and tranquil rule. He was recalled to court as General Who Captures Barbarians and Grand Master of the Palace. His fief was transferred to Shanzhi county. He was sent out as Rear General and Governor of Qizhou. Late in Zhengguang, Yuan Zhi marched west against the Long rebels, was defeated, and fell back to Qizhou, where the rebels besieged him. When the city fell, Zhi and Fenzhi were captured and sent to Shanggui, where Mo Zhe Niansheng had them killed. He was posthumously made General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Qingzhou.
12
His son She, courtesy name Zhongsheng, inherited the title. He died.
13
His son Qiaoni inherited. During Wuding he served as Attendant Outside the Sequence in the Imperial Guard. When Qi took the throne his title was reduced according to custom.
14
Fenzhi's younger brothers Jianzhi and Yingzhi both died young.
15
Yingzhi's younger brother Aizhi, courtesy name Youzhong. He was impulsive by nature and devoted to music and literature. His brother-in-law Liu Xie was an accomplished lutenist; Aizhi studied under him but never quite matched him. He served as Regular Attendant at the Leisurely Riders Direct Communication, General Who Pacifies the East, and Administrator of Anguang and Ruyang. He died.
16
Shuye's nephew Yanxian showed ambition from youth. When Shuye surrendered Shouchun to Wei, Yanxian fled south but returned to Wei in Jingming year 2. The court praised his loyalty and made him Regular Attendant at the Leisurely Riders Direct Communication and Viscount of Yongqiu with three hundred households. As Administrator of Zhao he governed by broad principles rather than petty detail. During Zhengshi he was transferred to Chancellor of Bohai. When Yuan Yu rose in rebellion and the commanderies were ordered to raise troops, Yanxian refused; Yu had him arrested, but he broke out of prison. He took monastic vows and made his way secretly to Luoyang. After Yu's defeat an edict recalled him to his post. He died during Yanchang at the age of sixty-one. During Xiping he was posthumously made Bearer of the Staff, General of the Left, and Governor of Southern Qingzhou, with the posthumous name Huigong (Gracious and Reverent).
17
His son Yue, courtesy name Yuanjian, was notably blunt and unyielding. He entered service as Attendant Outside the Sequence and was promoted to Attendant Within. During Yongping he served as Administrator of Danyang. He later inherited the title. When Mahayana rebels broke out in Jizhou he was commissioned as Separate General with authority over Bohai. The provincial army was later routed, the rebels besieged the city, and when it fell he was killed at thirty-six. During Shengui he was posthumously made Administrator of Pingyuan. Under Emperor Chu he was again posthumously made Forward General and Governor of Yangzhou.
18
His eldest son Yingqi served as Governor of Luozhou at the end of Wuding.
19
Yingqi's younger brother Weiqi died while serving as staff adviser to the Prince of Qi's military staff at thirty-two. He was posthumously made Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial.
20
Yanxian's younger brother Xuan was Chief Clerk of Yangzhou. Heavy rains flooded Yangzhou, and Governor Li Chong took refuge on the city wall, tethering his quarters to boats. Xuan led several thousand families south of the city in boats to higher ground. Thinking Chong had fled north, he and Vice Administrator Zheng Zuqi sent fourteen sons to Xiao Yan and proclaimed himself Governor of Yuzhou. Yan's general Ma Xiankou dispatched troops to his aid. Hearing of the revolt but unsure of the facts, Chong sent Palace Attendant Han Fangxing alone by boat to call him in. Learning that Chong had not fled, Xuan was stricken with dismay and regret. He wrote to Chong: "The flood left me no choice—the people forced me to become their leader. The die is cast and cannot be undone. Your people and your officials are mine now. Leave at once, and spare your troops." Chong sent his cousin General Shen, Ningshuo General, and Danyang Administrator Xie Lingbao with a naval force against Xuan. Xuan met them in battle; Shen routed his army and killed more than ten of his commanders. Xuan's men fled to camp, but Shen stormed the stockade and the army collapsed. Xuan fled alone on horseback until villagers captured him. At Weisheng Lake he said, "I served the state, then rebelled and was taken—how can I face you?" He drowned himself. Zheng Zuqi and his fellows were executed with him.
21
Zhi, courtesy name Wenyuan, was the son of Shuye's elder brother Shubao. From youth he loved learning, mastered the classics and histories, excelled in Buddhist texts, and was skilled in philosophical debate. He served Xiao Baojuan, rose by military merit to Colonel of the Long River, and was with Shuye at Shouchun. After Shuye's death the staff first favored Marshal Li Yuanhu to govern, but after two days of indecision Xi Fayou, Liu Xuanda, Yang Lingbao, and others—distrusting Yuanhu as an outsider—installed Zhi instead. They kept Shuye's death secret; Zhi issued every order. They opened the gates to the Wei army and turned the city treasury and keys over to Xi Kangsheng. He was appointed General Who Captures Barbarians, Governor of Yanzhou, and Marquis of Chongyi with a thousand households.
22
祿
He was soon promoted to General Who Pacifies the East and made Grand Minister of State Ceremonial at court. When his eldest son Xin defected to the south, the authorities sought the death penalty. The emperor decreed: "Zhi surrendered his entire household; Xin was foolish and led astray. The law demands death, but mercy is fitting—let his crime be pardoned to honor the family's loyalty." He was soon made Chief Arbiter of Yangzhou and sent out as General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Yingzhou. When he left the province, he was again made Grand Minister of State Ceremonial. He was promoted to Minister of Revenue with the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon.
23
滿 滿 祿[1]忿 使
Zhi lacked the steadiness of a pillar and was inconsistent in his conduct. Returning from Yanzhou he asked to resign and live in seclusion on Mount Song; Emperor Xuanwu refused, much to his surprise. In public and private he complained that his lineage was no less than Wang Suo's and resented the court's failure to honor him accordingly. When he became Minister, his ambitions were rather satisfied, and he wanted to make government affairs his own responsibility. He told people, "It is not only that I need the Ministry; the Ministry also needs me." His words and bearing were fierce and arrogant. In council he openly ridiculed his colleagues. He also attacked General Who Conquers the South Tian Yizong, claiming that as a barbarian he should not rank above old noble houses. Insults of this sort were his habit. Attendant Yu Zhong and Yellow Gate Yuan Zhao read the memorial with fury and suppressed it. When Wei Boxin accused Zhi of plotting deposition, the Ministry reported: "Yang Zhi charged that Zhi's nephew Huangfu Zhongda, acting on Zhi's orders, had falsely claimed an imperial edict and gathered troops to attack Commander-in-Chief Yu Zhong. Under interrogation Zhongda would not confess. Yet the evidence against him was overwhelming. By law even gathering fewer than a hundred men on the frontier warrants execution—how much more when Zhongda openly in the capital claimed an edict, raised troops, and threw the city into panic. His ultimate aim could not be guessed. The law on fraud prescribes death for falsely claiming an imperial order. On the evidence, Zhongda is sentenced to death. Pei Zhi, Minister with the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon and Marquis of Chongyi, held a remonstrating office as a minister of the prohibitory courts; Zhongda also proclaimed his name and surname and recruited followers—though termed Zhongda's urgent rebuke, [1] he showed no anger or fear. No witness saw Zhi directly, but all agreed Zhongda acted on his orders. Zhongda refused to implicate him when questioned, yet the circumstances pointed to Zhi—the case could not be reduced to an ordinary trial. No ordinary mitigation was possible. Zhi was sentenced to death on the same grounds as Zhongda. They noted that Zhi had led the city to surrender—normally a matter for higher deliberation and imperial mercy." The edict read: "The plot is proved—there can be no pardon. His earlier surrender wins no deliberation, and he need not wait for the autumn executions." Yu Zhong then dominated the court; having engineered Zhi's ruin, he forged the edict, to the outrage of all. Facing death he remained composed, instructing his sons to shave his head and beard, dress him in monastic robes, and bury him on the northern slope of Mount Song by Buddhist rite. He was fifty.
24
使
Zhi had died with Vice Minister Guo Zuo and Commissioner Wei Jun; later Zuo and Jun were exonerated and honored posthumously, while Zhi only had his title restored. His former clerk Diao Chong of Bohai appealed, and Zhi was posthumously made General Who Conquers the South, Vice Minister, and Governor of Yangzhou. He was reburied with full honors.
25
祿
Zhi's mother was Xiahou Daoqian's elder sister—a stern woman who treated her sons like a lord treats subjects. Once grown, they could not see her except in formal dress; for minor faults she made them kneel in the side chamber for days before calling them back for harsh discipline. Only her youngest son Yan was allowed ordinary dress and daily visits. While Zhi governed Yingzhou his mother, past seventy, sold herself to a temple, wore hemp, and swept the floors as a servant of the Three Treasures. His brothers Yu, Can, and Yan wore servants' clothes and followed weeping, moving monks and laypeople alike. The sons each paid hundreds of bolts of cloth to ransom her. She then became a nun on Mount Song and returned home only years later. Zhi sent his salary to support his mother and brothers, yet each kept separate property—they shared a house but not a kitchen, a southern custom they had brought north. Though his mother was elderly, Zhi as eldest son took wife and children with him to his post and left them apart for years. Moralists condemned him for it.
26
His son Tan, courtesy name Daozhe, inherited the title.
27
Zhi's younger brother Yang was bold, resolute, and resourceful. He often campaigned with Shuye and rose to General of Valiant Cavalry under Baojuan. When Shuye defected to Wei, he sent Yang with troops abroad—ostensibly to fight southern barbarians, in fact to hold Baojuan's forces in check. In the first year of Jingming Yang was appointed General Who Assists the State and Governor of Southern Sizhou to garrison Yiyang and created Baron of Yi'an with a thousand households. Before the commission arrived, bandits killed him. He was posthumously made General Who Establishes Valor and advanced to Marquis of the county. Emperor Xuanwu held that Yang had not lived to complete his service, so his son Jiong could not inherit. Early in Suzong's reign Jiong bribed officials and was created Baron of Pingcheng with eight hundred households.
28
Jiong, courtesy name Xiuguang, childhood name Huangtou (Yellow Head). He was literate and adept at courting the powerful. Commander Yuan Cha took his bribes and made him General Who Pacifies the Distant, Regular Attendant, Chief Arbiter of Yangzhou, and Marquis of Gaocheng with an added thousand households. He soon served concurrently as Right Assistant Minister. He was sent out as Administrator of Dong commandery. In Xiaochang year 3 he was killed by townspeople. He was posthumously made Regular Attendant, General Who Pacifies the East, and Governor of Qingzhou, retaining his title, with the posthumous name Jian (Simple).
29
His son Bin inherited the title. During Wuding he served as Long-Flow Staff Adviser of Guangzhou. When Qi took the throne his title was reduced according to custom.
30
Yang's younger brother Yu, courtesy name Wenwan. He was first made Regular Attendant Direct Communication and Viscount of Xiami with three hundred households. He briefly acted as Administrator of Xingyang but was dismissed for brutal murder. His title was later changed to Viscount of Guanjin. He died as Administrator of Bohai at forty-five. He was posthumously made General Who Pacifies the South and Governor of Yuzhou, with the posthumous name Ding (Settled).
31
His son Kan, courtesy name Lingyuan, inherited the title. He served as Master of Writing. During Xinghe he was executed for a crime and the title was revoked.
32
便 使 便
Yu's younger brother Can, courtesy name Wenliang. In the first year of Jingming he was granted the rank of Viscount of Shu. He was dignified and imposing but faulted for arrogance. He served as Administrator of Zhengping and Hengnong. Prince Yong of Gaoyang once asked a favor of Can, who refused, and Yong bore a grudge. On the Double Ninth the emperor ordered all capital-region administrators to attend archery at court. Yong was regional governor; Can paid a courtesy call. Yong greeted him coldly, but Can's easy grace softened Yong's expression. Once seated Yong said to Can, "Do that again for us." Can rose, performed another round, and withdrew with perfect calm. He was dismissed for an offense. Emperor Xuanwu, curious about Can's famous poise, suddenly sent repeated urgent summons to his home. The household panicked, but Can remained perfectly calm. The emperor was astonished. Gao Zhao dominated the court as imperial in-law; everyone groveled, but Can gave him only a formal bow. His family scolded him; Can replied, "Why should I act like everyone else?" Visiting Prince Yi of Qinghe, he was caught in a downpour entering the gate yet walked on with unhurried grace. Yi ordered an umbrella held over him and exclaimed, "Every age has its marvels!" He loved Buddhism and lectured himself—doctrine aside, his presence commanded respect. He neglected the classics, and men of taste looked down on him.
33
祿 西
Late in Xuanwu's reign he rose to Forward General, Grand Master of the Palace, Chief Arbiter of Yangzhou, then General Who Pacifies the South and Chief Secretary. When Suzong performed the sacrifice to Confucius, Can was appointed court lecturer. He was made Grand Master with the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon. When Yuan Hao took Luoyang, Can was made Governor of Western Yanzhou. Soon Puyang Administrator Cui Julun drove him out, and he fled to Mount Song.
34
祿 使
Under the Former Deposed Emperor he was recalled as General of Agile Cavalry, Left Grand Master, and again Chief Secretary. Later, on the last day of the first month, the emperor went out to the banks of the Luo. Can rose before the imperial presence, bowed twice, and said, "This year's returning festival is beautiful; Your Sacred Carriage has gone out to roam. Your servant is fortunate to attend in your company and to share beforehand in the banquet's joy. Unable to contain my delight and reverence, I dare present a longevity cup." The emperor said, "Last year, when Beihai entered court and briefly stole the divine vessel, I heard fully that on that day you admonished him over wine. Now you wish to make me drink; how is this different from the feelings of that time?" Can replied, "Beihai lived to drink—I warned him of that fault. Your Majesty is sober and wise—I offer only sincere loyalty." The emperor said, "I am hardly worthy of such praise." He ordered wine poured.
35
When Emperor Chu came to the throne Can was sent out as Grand General of Agile Cavalry and Governor of Jiaozhou. A drought gripped the region and the people urged him to pray to the Sea God. Can feared to go against everyone's wishes, so he offered the prayer. Sitting upright on a folding stool, he raised a cup and said, "This servant addresses you, my lord." His attendants said precedent required a bow. Can said, "The Five Sacred Peaks rank with the Three Dukes and the Four Rivers with feudal lords—why should a governor bow to the Sea God?" He refused to bow. Qingzhou rebel Geng Xiang, commissioned by Xiao Yan, ravaged the Three Qi region. Can talked grandly but neglected defense. Xiang surprised the undefended city. When told the enemy had come, Can said, "Impossible!" The attendants again said they had already entered the provincial gate. Can then said slowly, "Prince Geng may be brought up to the hall; as for the rest of his troops, leave them outside the city for now." So blind was he to reality. Xiang killed him and sent his head to Xiao Yan. He was sixty-five.
36
His son She, courtesy name Wenruo. Attendant Outside the Sequence at the Leisurely Riders.
37
Can's younger brother Yan, courtesy name Wenshu. He was more learned and capable than his brothers. He was famed for filial piety and had military talent. Under Xiao Baojuan he rose to Administrator of Yinping. In Jingming year 2 he returned to Wei and was made Direct Communication Attendant.
38
便 便
Yan wished to decline the court appointment and request seclusion on Mount Song, and submitted a memorial saying: "Your servant has fortunately met a flourishing age and been able to serve a splendid transformation, bathed in blazing influence and nourished by Tang-like virtue; in life and fortune I am already overflowing, already honored. Yet his constitution was frail and constantly ailing. Lately his health had worsened. He begged leave to recuperate. Mount Song, he wrote, was famed for healing herbs where sages had sought cure. He sought only to heal his illness in those heights, not to imitate immortals. If he recovered, he would return to serve. He had already prepared hermit's garb; and was ready to climb the mountain. I respectfully append this statement and beg that your bright permission be granted." An edict said: "We know that you wish to nurse illness on the central peak, refine stone on Song Ridge, dwell among plain clouds, and feed on fungus in clear ravines; this resolve to soar beyond the world is deeply commendable. Yet government lacked the ancients' purity, he admitted, and shamed a would-be hermit. Since your will to go is difficult to restrain, how could we suppress it? Your earlier request is granted."
39
祿
Late in Xuanwu's reign he emerged and sought office again. Suzong made him Regular Attendant and acting Administrator of Henei. He became Administrator of Jianxing, then Henei, with the additional rank of General Who Captures Barbarians. He resigned to mourn his mother. Over two commanderies he ruled with integrity and won lasting affection.
40
退 使西
In the first year of Xiaochang Cao Jingzong of Liang invaded Jingzhou with mountain tribes, cutting the main routes. Commander Cui Xuan camped tens of thousands at Luyang but could not advance. Jingzhou was in peril and the court was alarmed. Yan was ordered out as Separate General with Wang Pi of Hengnong and ten thousand men through Wuguan to relieve Jingzhou. At Zheyang he routed the enemy and lifted the siege. He was made Bearer of the Staff, Regular Attendant, General Who Pacifies the East, northern-route commander at Wucheng, and Viscount of Anyang with three hundred households.
41
使
Prince Jian of Anle, Governor of Xiangzhou, plotted rebellion; Yan detected it and reported secretly. Ji's Separate General Ji Zong soon reported by express. Yan, Yuan Ziyin, and Li Shengui were ordered to suppress him. He was promoted to Pacifying Army General, Governor of Xiangzhou, acting General Who Pacifies the North, and Duke of Linru with twelve hundred added households. He was then ordered north with Ziyin against Ge Rong. At Zhangqu northeast of Yangping Ge Rong's forces defeated and killed him. All were shocked and grieved. He was posthumously made Bearer of the Staff, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Minister of Works, and Governor of Xiangzhou.
42
His son Song inherited. During Wuding he was Administrator of Henei. When Qi took the throne his title was reduced according to custom.
43
西
Another defector was Yin Ting of Jizhou in Tianshui, who served Xiao Luan and rose to Administrator of Chen by military merit. He joined Shuye in planning submission to Wei. In the first year of Jingming he was made General Who Assists the State and Governor of Southern Sizhou to garrison Yiyang and created Baron of Song with eight hundred households. He was transferred to General Who Establishes Valor and Administrator of Dong. He died before taking up the post. He was granted a hundred bolts of cloth and posthumously made his former rank and Governor of Jingzhou. His son Xun served as Administrator of Taiyuan. Xun's brother Tuan was Magistrate of Rao'an and Administrator of Liaoxi. Both brothers proved capable administrators.
44
Meanwhile Liu Xuanda of Nanjie in Hedong was well read in the classics and histories. He served Xiao Luan on several princes' staffs. Related to Shuye by marriage, he managed Shuye's records at Shouchun. When Shuye faced suspicion and planned to defect, Xuanda backed him and drafted the memorials. In the first year of Jingming he was made General Who Assists the State, staff adviser to the Minister of Education, and Viscount of Nandun with two hundred households. He died in autumn of year 2 at forty-three. His fief was later moved to Xiayang with the same household quota. Xuanda wrote Discourse of the Great Officer on Shuye's defection and a concise Discourse on Mourning Garments. Most of that writing is omitted here.
45
His son Chi inherited. During Wuding he was Administrator of Eastern Taiyuan. When Qi took the throne his title was reduced according to custom.
46
Chi's younger brother Yuan, courtesy name Jiyun. He was coarse and unrestrained—people called him "Mad Liu." He loved the lute, wine, and occasional verse. He served as a mourning officer for Suzong. Under Emperor Chu he was made staff officer of an equal-rank opening office. He lived for music and drink. Asked for news when he came home, he said, "I heard nothing—and wouldn't understand it if I had." In Yuanxiang year 2 he died of illness while visiting Xiangcheng at forty.
47
Xuanda's brother Xuanyu became Regular Master of Writing, then staff officer to the General Who Pacifies the South with concurrent Ruyin. He died in Yanchang year 2 at fifty-five.
48
His son Xie was literate. A gifted lutenist, he taught new techniques to eager students in the capital. He was made Assistant Editor in the Office of Composition. In the first year of Jianyi he was killed at Heyin at twenty-six.
49
Another ally was Yang Lingbao of Wudu, strong and a fine archer. He served Xiao Luan as a field officer, rose to Administrator of Qiao, and joined Shuye's defection plot. In the first year of Jingming he was made General Who Assists the State and Governor of Southern Yanzhou. He was to garrison Huaiyin and was created Viscount of Ningling with five hundred households. On the Huai he won repeated victories. He was summoned as General Who Establishes Valor and acting Interior Minister of Jingzhao. At his death he was posthumously made Viscount of Shaoling, granted silk, and honored as General Who Captures Barbarians and Governor of Huazhou.
50
His son Biao inherited. During Yongxi he was General Who Captures Barbarians and Grand Master of the Palace. When Qi took the throne his title was reduced according to custom.
51
Lingbao's brother Lingren also earned merit with him. He became Forward General and Interior Minister of Runan.
52
Wei Boxin of Duling in Jingzhao was learned and bold. He thought himself cleverer than Pei Zhi and despised him; Zhi hated him bitterly. He was married to Yanxian's sister. Shuye sent his son Fenzhi as hostage because Boxin was ambitious. In the first year of Jingming he was created Baron of Yunling with two hundred households and made Administrator of Nanyang. Within a few years he was dismissed for misconduct. Later he was made Attendant Outside the Sequence with the additional rank General of the Central Rampart. Late in Yanchang he accused Pei Zhi of plotting deposition; Zhi was executed. Boxin died of illness a hundred days later. Dying, he claimed Pei Zhi's ghost haunted him: "His death wasn't only my doing—why blame me?"
53
西
Shuye's trusted lieutenants included Pei Zhiyuan, General of the Left Army, enfeoffed in Junyi; Wang Hao, General of the Left Army, enfeoffed in Southern Ruyin; Zhao Ge, General of the Right Army, enfeoffed in Western Song. Each was a baron with two hundred households. Li Daozhen, General of the Right Army, Viscount of Suiyang with five hundred households; Hu Wensheng, General of the Right Army, enfeoffed in Gangyang; Wei Chengzu, General of the Right Army, enfeoffed in Pingchun. Each was a viscount with three hundred households.
54
祿
Chengzu was of humble origin in Guangling. He followed Shuye as a personal attendant. Strong and obliging, he won Shuye's deep favor. When Shuye took a provincial post Chengzu became his garrison commander. He was a capable commander; from Jingming on he led armies north and south with steady success. He rose through Administrator of Taiyuan to Grand Master of the Palace and General Who Pacifies the South. Xiao Yan besieged Yiyang and the local elite sided with him. The Three Passes had fallen and the city was desperate. Chengzu was sent as Bearer of the Staff and acting Pacifying Army General to relieve the city. He routed the enemy, lifted the siege, recovered the Three Passes, and became a famed general. He died as Governor of Bingzhou.
55
Other gentry who shared Shuye's rewards included Huangfu Guang, Liang You, Cui Gaoke, Yan Qingyin, and Liu Sengxi.
56
Guang had a fine beard and a ready wit. Under Xiao Luan he rose to General of the Right Army. After defecting to Wei he was made General Who Assists the State and acting Governor of Southern Yanzhou. He died as Administrator of Bohai.
57
椿 椿
His elder brother Chunling married Xue Andu's daughter. Chunling followed Xue Andu in surrendering from Pengcheng and rose to staff adviser and Governor of Qizhou. Guang had not yet reached court when Chunling died.
58
椿
Chunling's son Zhang was a district chancellor.
59
祿 簿
Yang, favored by Hu Guozhen, leapt from the Grand Marshal's staff to Master of Writing. He was corrupt and sold offices at fixed prices. As son-in-law to Chief Minister Prince Yong of Gaoyang he was rushed to Bearer of the Staff, General Who Establishes Valor, and Governor of Yuzhou. He governed with cruelty and the people suffered. After leaving office he suffered paralysis. Long after he was made General Who Pacifies the South and Grand Master of the Palace. He died in Taichang year 1 at fifty-eight. He was posthumously made Grand General of the Guard, Left Vice Minister, and Governor of Yongzhou. His son Changqing served as Chief Clerk of Sizhou, Secretariat Master of Writing, and Grand Marshal's marshal.
60
便 祿 西
You was Shuye's cousin. He loved learning and excelled at arms. Campaigning with Shuye, he took more than fifty wounds. In the first year of Jingming he was made General of the Right Army and Viscount of Shansang. As Administrator of Beidi he ruled with integrity and won praise. He rose to General of Valiant Cavalry, Grand Master of the Palace, and General of the Right. Graceful and literary, he often boated on the Luo with court luminaries, taking pleasure in verse and wine. He was promoted to Grand Master of the Palace and General Who Pacifies the North. He lived quietly and never courted the powerful. He was sent out as General Who Pacifies the West and Interior Minister of Jingzhao—contemporaries thought him undervalued. He died in office and was posthumously made his former rank and Governor of Jingzhou.
61
Gaoke was learned, skilled with documents, and striking in manner. In the first year of Jingming he was made Regular Attendant at the Leisurely Riders. He served on Yangzhou's opening staff as concurrent Administrator of Chenliu. He died in office.
62
Qingyin's father Wang had served on Xue Andu's Pacifying the North staff. When Andu defected to Wei, Wang was allowed to return south. Qingyin was encyclopedic and a brilliant talker—listeners forgot weariness. In the first year of Jingming he was marshal on Li Yuanhu's staff. He died as Administrator of Fucheng.
63
Sengxi excelled in clerical script and was quick-witted. In the first year of Jingming he was marshal on Pei Zhi's staff. He became Administrator of Beidi, ruling leniently so the Di and Qiang loved him. Under Suzong he rose to Grand Master of the Palace and Forward General and served as Administrator of Yingchuan. He died in office.
64
Xiahou Daoqian was from Qiao. From youth he had ambition and integrity. At seventeen his parents betrothed him to the Wei clan; he said, "I aim to roam the empire—I will not marry." His family thought he was joking. On the wedding day he had vanished. Later they learned he had fled to Yizhou. Under Xiao Luan he rose by military merit to Forward General and General Who Assists the State. He followed Pei Shuye to Shouchun as Administrator of Southern Qiao. Though allied by marriage, he fell out with Shuye and rode alone to defect to Wei. He was made General of Valiant Cavalry; Wang Suo sent him to guard Hefei. When Suo died Daoqian abandoned his post and rebelled to the south.
65
使 使 使使
Xiao Yan made Zhuang Qiu Hei governor of Liang and Qin at Nanzheng; Hei took Daoqian as chief clerk with Hanzhong. When Hei died and Wang Zhenguo was named to replace him, Daoqian secretly planned to defect to Wei. Earlier Yang Lingzhen of Qiuchi had rebelled and fled south after defeat. Yan sent Lingzhen back as acting Prince of Wudu with six hundred men; Daoqian feared him. Yan also sent Wu Gongzhi and a dozen envoys to Nanzheng. Daoqian feigned a meeting and summoned Lingzhen, who stayed away in suspicion. He killed five Liang envoys, struck Lingzhen, beheaded him and his sons, and sent five heads to the capital.
66
便 歿 使 使 退 西 便 西 [2]便
Jiang Yuezhi and others proclaimed him Bearer of the Staff, General Who Establishes Valor, and Governor of Liang and Qin. Daoqian memorialized, "Your servant has heard that to know the moment is almost divine, and to hasten toward advantage answers like an echo. Though your servant is no warrior, how could I dare forget moment and advantage? I humbly reflect that Your Majesty's grace covers the realm, your virtue aids the living people, the eight directions rejoice together, and all beings rely on you. Your servant recently escaped from the petty rebels and returned to the palace gate on a single horse. Since then, in struggle and conflict, I have exhausted my whole loyal sincerity. But at Shouyang Wei Zuan slandered me. Whether the rights or wrongs of the case bend or stand straight is entirely known to Yang Jilang and Wang Bing. Your servant is truly foolish and limited; how could I have been at ease? I therefore fled to Jiang and Wu, merely preserving breath and sight. Zhuang Qiu Hei, Xiao Yan's Inspector of Liang Province, had long been an old acquaintance of your servant, and he recommended your servant as Chief Clerk. When Hei died and I alone held responsibility, the heavenly timing long desired had arrived; the opportunity was here. When Zheng Luosheng, Wuxing's privately appointed Attendant, came here, your servant immediately laid bare his sincere loyalty. I joined with him in an agreement on the essential plans and reported to Yang Shaoxian, Prince of Wuxing, and to his uncle Jiqi and the others, requesting that they send troops to support me from front and rear. I immediately sent Zuo Tianchang by the Hanshan route with an urgent report, and again met the Regular Attendant for Direct Access, your servant Jilang, as he returned to Wuxing. When your servant heard that he had arrived, I knew the affair would surely succeed. Jilang indeed sent Zheng Youliu as envoy to my place, secretly consulting on the operation. Just then Xiao Yan's envoy Wu Gongzhi arrived. Knowing that your servant harbored sincerity and was about to return to the great transformation, he conspired secretly with the prefectural Sima Yan Si, Zang Gong, the clerk Wu Zongsu, Wang Sheng, and the others, together with Yang Lingzhen and his sons, setting a time to seize your servant. Your servant was fortunate to perceive it first and was able to execute Si, Gong, and the others. Your servant immediately sent Zheng Wei racing to report to Jilang and urgently request military aid. But before the Wuxing army arrived, Xiao Yan's Baima garrison commander Yin Tianbao, not recognizing Heaven's mandate and stubbornly clinging to foolish delusion, led his followers to drive off and plunder the people and dared to behave lawlessly. Your servant immediately sent Army Commander Jiang Yuezhi to lead the army commanders Xi Lingtan, Pang Shu, and the others, with loyal volunteers, to attack and suppress him at once. But Pang Shu's sharp spirit was hard to restrain; he violated Yuezhi's command, advanced rashly, and lost the chance to catch him. Tianbao therefore drove straight to Nanzheng and placed the provincial city under heavy siege. The gentry and commoners of Liang and Qin all said the danger was urgent. Pressing your servant on grounds of righteousness, they urged me to become Inspector, saying that it was necessary to rely on this authority to pacify inside and outside. Your servant served the state with red sincerity. If it could save the affair, I would set aside minor traces, follow temporary expediency, and provisionally occupy the provincial office. I again sent Huangfu Xuan by the Xiegu route to report the matter. Your servant then personally led the soldiers for four days and three nights, crossing blades in bitter battle. The army from Wuxing took advantage of the opening and pressed on from the rear. Tianbao's vicious followers scattered by night like birds. Advancing, they had been smashed; retreating, they lost their nest. He secretly abandoned his troops, relied on mountains and dangerous ground, and burst into Baima. Jilang and his two younger brothers personally put on armor, led their men, and immediately climbed up, seized him, and beheaded him. The households inside the garrison were then released and returned to civilian status. This happened because imperial might shook afar, the criminal offered his head, and the fierce and cunning were destroyed in time. Public and private alike rejoiced. It was not only the full exertion of Liang and Qin; it truly depended on the moment of Jilang's arrival in support. Your servant had earlier sent Army Commander Du Faxian back to Xunyang to gather followers and draw together the villages; I ordered the Jinshou local magnates Wang Sengcheng, Wang Wencan, and the others to return to Xiguan and raise the great righteous cause together. At present Yong and Shu are weak, and Chu and Deng hang in danger. The advantage of the strategic situation for opening the nine regions and sweeping clean the six directions lies at this moment. For the plan of advance, I ask that instructions be issued swiftly. Your servant, foolish and lowly, has undeservingly been put forward. Once the affair is settled, I will immediately bind myself and hasten back to the heavenly court. But local opinion was still unsettled. Xiao Yan's Administrator of Weixing, Fan Xun, the Administrator of Ankang, Fan Bi, and the former Administrator of Baxi, Jiang Xiu, are gathered in eastern Chuan and still plan to raise the axe. I have already sent troops to attack them; the details are in a separate report. Jilang and his brothers all discussed retaining your servant temporarily to comfort and encourage the people by authority. [2] Once Xun and the others have been destroyed, I will immediately set out on the road. I bow and hope that Your Sacred Compassion will especially extend its clear regard. I respectfully send Concurrent Chief Clerk Zhang Tianliang to present this memorial and report the outline."
67
西 使西
The edict said, "I have received the memorial and heard the matter. General, earlier you recognized the moment and had already offered sincere loyalty, but in the midst of this you encountered suspicion and estrangement, causing you to wander in exile. Now you have turned back with the wind and established this extraordinary achievement; your loyalty penetrates the valor of antiquity, and your righteousness moves those far and near. Since Han and Zheng have been opened, the momentum cuts down Yong and Shu, and the strategy of unification begins from this. What joy to sweep away the wicked! I expect the remaining parties will all be pacified and the southwest swept clean. Your planning has taken many months, and you must have labored hard. As for the military arrangements you requested, I will issue separate orders item by item." He also bestowed a sealed imperial letter on Daoqian, saying, "I have received the memorial and fully know your heart of sincere loyalty. Your loyalty and righteousness stood out from early on, and trust and commission have belonged to you since of old. In the middle there were circumstances that led to error and separation. I know that you were able to seize the moment and change like a leopard, turn about and alter your plan, encourage and lead those of one heart, submit from ten thousand li away, and raise Hanzhong from afar as the beginning of opening Shu. This grand design and excellent strategy are deeply commendable. Now I appoint you Bearer of the Staff, Regular Attendant, General Who Pacifies the South, Inspector of Yu Province, and Founding Marquis of Feng County, with a fief of one thousand households. Those others who shared in the righteous cause will soon receive separate appointments. The royal armies on several routes are advancing in continuous streams, swift as lightning. I am sending Xing Luan, Bearer of the Staff, Regular Attendant, Commander-in-Chief of all military affairs for the campaign against Liang and Han, General Who Guards the West, and Minister, to indicate and confer command instructions. You should skillfully establish extraordinary achievement and accord with my intent." Daoqian accepted Pacifying the South but declined Yuzhou and the marquisate, citing Pei Shuye's precedent. Emperor Xuanwu refused.
68
Daoqian came from Nanzheng to court at the capital and was received in audience in the eastern hall of Taiji. Bareheaded and barefoot, he apologized, saying, "In former days your servant returned in sincerity and swore to exhaust heart and strength. I received honors and rewards beyond measure; even if reduced to ashes and destroyed, I could not repay them. But recently at Shouchun I encountered Wei Zuan's cruelty; I had nowhere to present my appeal, and this led to such wild conduct. In coming this time, I hope to repay the treatment I received before. My merit is slight and your grace is heavy; my heart and face are ashamed." The emperor said, "A mountain needs no apology for a pebble's flaw." Daoqian thought the reward too small and hesitated to bow. An edict said: "Daoqian has been here for some time and has not yet respectfully received his provincial appointment; order the Ministry of Personnel to summon and appoint him at once." On his appointment day he was granted supplies for a hundred fifty men. His fief was soon changed to Marquis of Puyang with the same household quota. After a year he repeatedly asked to leave office and the emperor agreed. He was offered Chief Arbiter of Southern Yanzhou but declined.
69
西 滿
Though not deeply learned, he read widely and wrote lucid correspondence. He loved feasts and collected every delicacy of the capital. West of the capital he built gardens, entertained scholars, and kept a dozen concubines for amusement. He spent his three-thousand-bolt stipend on wine and feasting, not on property. He quoted Kong Rong: "A full table and a full cup—that is all I need." Connoisseurs approved.
70
西
He served as Regular Attendant, General Who Pacifies the West, and Governor of Huazhou, then General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Yingzhou. He governed strictly and suppressed banditry. He died in Xiping at sixty-nine. He was posthumously made Pacifying Army General and Governor of Yongzhou, with the posthumous title Marquis Ming.
71
He had wanted to reward Wang Yingxing with five hundred households for the Hanzhong plan, but Xuanwu refused. Under Empress Ling he asked again. The empress considered it but Yingxing died before it was done. He never took a principal wife and had only bastard sons.
72
鹿 便 便
His eldest son Gui, courtesy name Yuanting. He rose to Forward General, General Who Pacifies the Distant, and Chief Arbiter of Southern Yanzhou. Gui was a drunkard who feasted even during mourning. He drank away his wealth. He sold the family estates and left debts; his siblings went hungry. Daoqian had refused to pass the title to him because of his drinking. Gui dreamed Fang Shibao came to his house and met his father in secret. Gui was frightened and told someone: "When Shibao reaches office, he will surely strike me." Soon someone arrived and said, "The office summons you, sir." He was caned two hundred strokes. At dawn, former Administrator of Liangcheng Zhao Zhuo came to him, saw that his clothes were wet, and said to Gui, "You must have drunk heavily last night, to have soaked your clothes like this." Zhao Zhuo found him drenched and teased him about drunkenness. Gui told the dream. When Gui heard this, he said to Zhuo, "What constancy is there in human life? One should only drink freely." After this his drunken stupors grew even worse. Two days after the dream he lost the power of speech; acupuncture restored it, but he remained frail. His cousins Shen and the others nursed him and thought he had pulled back from danger. Soon afterward he felt a tightness in his chest, rolled over, and died. When his body was washed, they found roughly two hundred raised blue-red welts, as if from a beating. He was posthumously made Administrator of Julu. Earlier, Gui, together with southerners Xin Chen, Yu Dao, Jiang Wenyao, and others, spent whole days roaming and drinking. In their cups they would say to one another, "Human life is brief, no different from morning dew. As we sit here looking at each other, it is only a question of who goes first and who follows. If one of us dies first, on a fine day the rest should drink and feast before his spirit. If the dead retain awareness, perhaps he may share in the enjoyment." After Gui died, on the upper si festival of the third month, the others gathered before his spirit and poured drinks. It was late, the sky was overcast, and the room was dim. They all saw Gui seated there, dressed and looking just as before, sometimes holding a cup as if exchanging toasts, but saying nothing. Gui's house guest Yong Sengming grew frightened, lifted the curtain to leave, and immediately collapsed as if struck. Gui's elder cousin Xinzong said, "Today is a festival. These men remembered what my younger brother once said and came to drink together. What crime has Sengming committed that he should be punished in anger?" Sengming then woke up. Then Xinzong spoke with the ghost's voice as if Gui were alive, angrily naming the household members and exposing their secret thefts one by one. Gui's wife, a daughter of Pei Zhi, was at odds with Daoqian's concubines, and their quarrels and lawsuits reached the public court.
73
His son Ji, just over ten, inherited his grandfather's title. Several years later, Gui's younger brothers Shen and the others claimed Ji was one-eyed and epileptic and unfit to inherit; since they shared Gui's concubine-born line, they argued that they should succeed instead. The Ministry of State upheld Ji's succession. In the Yuanxiang period he was General Who Pacifies the East and Grand Master of the Palace. When Qi took the throne, his title was reduced according to precedent.
74
Shen was Daoqian's nephew. He rose as high as Administrator of Xianyang.
75
Li Yuanhu was from Xiangping in Liaodong. His eighth-generation ancestor Yin had been Jin Minister of Education and Marquis of Guanglu. Yin's sons Shun and Fan and his grandsons Chen and Zhi all became noted officials. Chen's grandson Gen served Murong Bao as Secretariat Director. Gen's sons Houzhi and the others followed Murong De south across the Yellow River and settled in Qingzhou. For several generations they held no rank or reputation, and the great families of the Three Qi looked down on them.
76
使
After Wei pacified Qi, Yuanhu fled south with his father Huaiqing. He was eight chi tall, with a handsome beard, and was strong in arms from youth. He served Xiao Daocheng, holding posts including Administrator of Matou, General of the Rear Army, and Dragon-Proud General. Though he made his way as a soldier, he also read histories and was skilled with documents. When Emperor Gaozu reached Zhongli, Yuanhu was in the city and came to the army as envoy for Xiao Huixiu, Xiao Luan's Xuzhou inspector; Gaozu met him and was impressed. Later he became Pei Shuye's marshal, concurrently Administrator of Ruyin. When Shuye submitted to Wei, Yuanhu supported the plan. When Shuye fell ill and loyalties inside and outside wavered, Yuanhu kept the ranks together while awaiting relief. When Shouchun was pacified, Yuanhu had played a major part.
77
便
At the beginning of Jingming, Yuanhu was made General Who Assists the State, governor of Qizhou, and Founding Baron of Guangrao County, with a fief of one thousand households, and went directly to take up the post. That year he visited court. Soon Liu Shiming of the province plotted rebellion, and Yuanhu hurried back to Licheng. He seized and destroyed the plotters as soon as he arrived, though his executions were somewhat excessive and cruel. When famine struck the province and the people were distressed, he showed concern, requesting relief loans and remission of taxes and labor service. But he had many retainers who often harassed the people; the towns suffered from them, so he could not be called a good governor. He died in the summer of the third year, aged fifty-one. More than a month before his fatal illness, rumors of his death inexplicably spread in the capital. Someone also wrote on a pillar of the guest-sending pavilion outside the city, "Li of Qizhou is dead." Staff members seeing off guests noticed it and wiped it away, but afterward the same words appeared again.
78
簿
Yuanhu kept more than ten concubines and entertainers and abandoned himself to sensual pleasures. His lust was so intense that his body wasted away, and his two-chi beard fell out all at once. He was posthumously made General Who Pacifies the East and governor of Qingzhou. When Yuanhu served in Qizhou, he visited the ancestral tombs, inspected the old residence, and feasted and rewarded the village elders, who were all delighted. As he was about to die, he told his attendants, "I once came to Qingzhou as a regional governor, with clerks and troops, and men and women all fixed their eyes on me. If my funeral passes Dongyang, you must arrange splendid ceremonial guards and mourn with full grief, so the onlookers are moved." His family obeyed his instruction.
79
姿
His son Hui inherited. In the Zhengshi period, the title was reduced to viscount with a fief of five hundred households. In the Yanchang period he was made General Who Proclaims Might and Attendant Within. Hui was dull-witted and fond of wine. His wife, a daughter of Fang Boyu of Qinghe, Administrator of Nanyang, was very beautiful, but Hui neglected her. Fang then had an affair with Hui's younger brother Ji, and they killed Hui when he was drunk. His son Jingxuan inherited. In the Tianping period he was appointed Attendant Within. When Qi took the throne, his title was reduced according to precedent. Ji and Fang then lived as husband and wife. After more than ten years, when Fang's beauty faded, he married someone else.
80
便
Yuanhu's younger brother Jing was made Forward General at the beginning of Jingming for the family's submission. He was greedy and cruel by nature. Before his brother had even been placed in the coffin, he stripped the concubines and entertainers of their clothes, ornaments, and other property. He served successively as Interior Minister of Qizhou and Administrator of Tianshui. Jing's son Xuan was Supervisor of the Feathered Forest.
81
Yuanhu's paternal uncle Xu died as Administrator of Eastern Dai Commandery. His son was Kuangzhi.
82
[3] 祿 西
Xi Fayou was from Anding. His grandfather fled south to the Liang. Fayou served Xiao Luan and rose by strength to govern Anfeng and New Cai. [3] Xiao Baojuan sent Hu Jinglue to replace him. Fayou stayed at Shouchun and plotted defection with Shuye. In the first year of Jingming he was made General Who Establishes Valor, Governor of Yuzhou, and Baron of Baoxin. After Shuye's death Fayou and Pei Zhi secured the Huai, with Fayou playing a major role. He was soon moved to Huazhou, then Bingzhou. He returned after a year. Yan sent Yang Gongze against Yangzhou; Fayou was sent to repel him. Gongze fled before Fayou arrived. Later he was sent as Separate General to relieve Qushan. Qushan fell as he crossed the Huai; he was idle ten years. He lived quietly, shunning power. Late in Xuanwu's reign he governed Jizhou. He was praised for mild rule in Jizhou. His fief was moved to Chengsi. Under Suzong he was Grand Master of the Palace. He died in Xiping year 2. He was posthumously made General Who Pacifies the West and Governor of Qinzhou, with the posthumous title Marquis Xiang.
83
His son Jingtong inherited. Jingtong curried favor with Yuan Cha and his father. He rose to General of the Right Army and died in office. He was posthumously made General Who Assists the State and Vice Minister of the Imperial Stud.
84
西
His son Yan inherited. At the end of Yong'an he was a Gentleman of the Ministry of State. He fled west of the passes.
85
Wang Shibi was from Bacheng in Jingzhao. His grandfather followed Liu Yu south when Yao Hong fell. Shibi was tall and imposing. He excelled in calligraphy and loved the classics. He served Xiao Luan, garrisoned Shouchun, and joined Shuye's defection. In the first year of Jingming he was to garrison Zhongli as Baron of Shen. As Governor of Eastern Xuzhou he ruled harshly and was accused of bribery. Li Ping impeached him; an amnesty saved him. Later he was Grand Master of the Palace and General Who Captures Barbarians. He governed Hebei with a clean reputation. He became Chancellor of Bohai and Interior Minister of Zhongshan. Direct Attendant Yuan Luo, younger brother of Commander-in-Chief Yuan Cha, once passed through Zhongshan and said to Shibi, "After serving as inspector of two provinces, you have turned back into a commandery administrator; you must be resentful too." Shibi said, "The title Equal in Rank began with Deng Zhi; Pacifying the North as a commandery post begins with me." He died in office in Zhengguang year 1. He was posthumously made his former rank and Governor of Yuzhou, with the posthumous name Kang.
86
His eldest son Hui was Administrator of Ruyang.
87
His second son You, courtesy name Maodao. You was learned and skilled in calligraphy. He had the bearing of a gentleman. He was also admired as a painter. He served as Attendant, Master of Writing, and Administrator of Donglai. After leaving office he lived in Yingchuan. In the first year of Tianping he was killed in Yuan Hongwei's rebellion at forty-three. Men of note mourned him.
88
Jiang Yuezhi, courtesy name Yanhe, was from Kaocheng in Jiyang. His ancestor Tong of the seventh generation was Jin Regular Attendant. His line fled south in the Jin disorders. His grandfather and father were executed by Liu Yu.
89
駿 西
Yuezhi was orphaned young. He served Liu Jun on princes' staffs. He read military texts, commanded men, and kept hundreds of retainers. Under Xiao Daocheng he was staff officer at Jingzhou and capital army commander. He rose to Colonel of the Garrison Cavalry and Rear General. His retinue grew to over a thousand. Xiao Ze garrisoned him in Hanzhong as General Who Assists the State. He crushed Liu Jilian's rebellion in Shu and was promoted to General Who Establishes Valor. He defeated the Di at Baima and recovered the post.
90
使
When Zhuang Qiu Hei died, Yuezhi joined Daoqian's plot to defect Liangzhou to Wei. After killing Liang envoys, Yin Tianbao marched on Nanzheng. Yuezhi was defeated and Nanzheng besieged. After four days morale cracked. Yuezhi spent his fortune on the troops and fought day and night. Wuxing reinforcements routed Tianbao. Yuezhi was vital to Daoqian's success. In Zhengshi year 2 he reached Luoyang with Daoqian. He died at sixty-one. He was posthumously made General Who Assists the State and Governor of Liangzhou, Viscount of Anping, with the posthumous name Zhuang. His sons were Wenyao and Wenyuan.
91
Wenyao was generous and gathered followers. Wenyao personally beheaded Yang Lingzhen in Daoqian's coup. In Zhengshi year 2 he was Colonel of the Foot Soldiers. He resigned to mourn his father. In the first year of Yongping he inherited and was made Forward General. He was Administrator of Xianyang. He received petitioners all day and learned every grievance and thief's name. His district became the best-governed in Yongzhou. He was summoned as General of Valiant Cavalry and General Who Captures Barbarians. Under Suzong he was Administrator of Pingyuan. For six years he governed Pingyuan as he had Xianyang.
92
He was transferred to Rear General and Inspector of An Province. Wenyao was skilled at pacifying and winning people over, and he gained deep popular support. At the time Du Luozhou, Ge Rong, and others rebelled one after another. From You and Yan southward everything fell, and only Wenyao, isolated beyond the rebel bands, held a lone city by himself. He gathered the scattered survivors, farmed while fighting, and the common people were all willing to serve him. In the seventh month of the first year of Jianyi, he fell ill and died in the province, aged fifty-five.
93
使 [4]
The people pushed his son Guo to govern. Guo memorialized the throne. Emperor Zhuang made Guo Regular Attendant and acting commander of Anzhou. Cut off by rebels, Guo fled east to Goguryeo with his kin. In Tianping year [4] Goguryeo was ordered to return them. In Yuanxiang they returned to court.
94
His brother Mao inherited in Wuding year 3. When Qi took the throne his title was reduced.
95
Wenyuan was a bold cavalryman. He rose by merit to Grand Master and Dragon Cavalry General.
96
Pang Shu was from Nan'an. Xuanwu enfeoffed Shu's son Jingliang as Baron of Xiangyi.
97
歿
Li Xinxing was from Hanzhong. He fell fighting Tianbao with Pang Shu. His son Jian was enfeoffed Viscount of Qingshui.
98
便
Zhang Yuanliang was from Hanzhong. He was skilled in archery and combat. He was enfeoffed Viscount of Fuyi. He became Administrator of Donglai and Left General of the Guard. He was Grand Master with Dragon Cavalry General. He was posthumously made General of the Left and Governor of Bazhou.
99
西
Shi Sun Tianyu was from Fufeng. He was enfeoffed Baron of Moxi. He was Administrator of Wugong.
100
Luo Daozhen of Xiangyang, Wang Anshi of Beihai, Xin Chen of Yingchuan, Jiang Yong of Hanzhong, and others all shared in the lesser portion of the merit.
101
Daozhen governed Eastern Pingyuan well. He died as General Who Pacifies the Distant.
102
西
Anshi descended from Wang Meng of Former Qin. He was widely read and quick-witted. From Supervisor of the Feathered Forest he gradually rose to General Who Pacifies the West and governor of Northern Huazhou. He was posthumously honored as Governor of Liangzhou.
103
Chen descended from Xin Pi. He was literate. He served as colonel and administrator of Puyang and Shangdang. He was posthumously made General Who Captures Barbarians.
104
His son Ruzhi was Marshal of Jizhou.
105
Yong played the zither and wrote well. He was Attendant, Vice Administrator of Liangzhou, and Administrator of Hanzhong.
106
His brother Yang was also esteemed. Yang was famed for filial piety in Hanzhong. When Yuan Luo fell Yong went to Jiankang and died there.
107
[5] 簿
Yu Daozhe of Yingchuan also defected with Daoqian as an eccentric scholar. He read history, wrote well, and valued honor over money. He had served Liang at Hanzhong. In Luoyang he lived in poverty. For twenty years he refused office and kept scholarly company. In Zhengguang he briefly served as staff master and magistrate. After leaving office he wandered Qi and Lu. He died in Qingzhou during Tianping.
108
Huangfu Hui, courtesy name Zixuan, was from Zhaoge in Anding. He had served Liang as staff and administrator. When Daoqian defected Hui came over too. Daoqian wanted to credit his nephew-in-law Hui as chief plotter. Hui refused: "I did not start the plot and would be ashamed to take chief credit." He refused the honor. Governor Yang Zuo appointed him staff marshal; he died in office.
109
His son He was Marshal of the Minister of Works at the end of Wuding.
110
His brother Liang was in the Ceremonial Office.
111
[6] 簿
Chunyu Yan, courtesy name Lingyuan. His ancestors were from Taishan; later the family lived in Shu and Anding. [6] His father Xingzong was Administrator of Nan'an under Xiao Ze. At twelve he accompanied his father to Yangzhou. His father was killed by bandits on the road. Though a boy, he hired men and avenged his father within weeks, astonishing the district. Liu Jun of Yizhou made him chief clerk. Xiao Yan made him Colonel of the Foot Soldiers.
112
In Jingming he defected from Hanzhong to Wei. At court he proposed conquering Shu and Xuanwu approved. In Yanchang a great campaign began; he was made guide-general for the Shu expedition. He refused honorary rank until merit was earned. The emperor promised him Yizhou if Chengdu fell. The army reached Jinshou and Shu trembled. When Xuanwu died the campaign was abandoned. He later entered service as Supervisor of the Imperial Guard. When Zhang Qi besieged Yizhou Yan was sent to relieve with Fu Shuyan. After relief he returned to court.
113
西 [7]
In Zhengguang he campaigned in the southwest with Wei Zijian. Yuanyou's generals besieged Xiaojian; Bing Qiu's son resisted. [7] Shifting camp, he was ambushed and commanders were captured. Zijian sent Yan to relieve. Yan fought a month without victory. Wench Chi fortified Dragon-Mustache Mountain above his line of retreat. Yan sent two hundred men to storm the palisade by night. [8] Fire lit the sky. The enemy panicked, cut off from retreat. Yan routed Wench Chi, taking tens of thousands of heads. Wench Chi fled.
114
西
In the first year of Xiaochang Yan held Huayang and Baima. In year 2 he acted in Bazhou. In year 3 Eastern Liangzhou was split off and Yan was made its governor. He died in Yongan second year, fourth month, at sixty. He was posthumously made General Who Pacifies the West and Governor of Yizhou, with the posthumous name Zhuang.
115
His eldest son was Kang.
116
His younger brother Yin, courtesy name [illegible]. At the end of Wuding he was staff marshal in Liangzhou.
117
[9] 退 使 西
Li Miao, courtesy name Zixuan, was from Fu in Zitong. His father Ying was Liang Master of Writing and Minister of the Imperial Stud. Miao was adopted by his uncle Lue. [9] Lue was famed as Governor of Ningzhou under Liang. Wang Zu attacked Shu; Yan promised Lue Yizhou if he stopped Zu at Fu. When Zu withdrew Yan broke his promise. Lue plotted revenge and Yan had him killed. At fifteen Miao vowed revenge; in Yanchang he defected to Wei. He again proposed conquering Shu. Gao Zhao marched west; Miao was guide-general. The army halted at Jinshou; when Xuanwu died it withdrew. He was made Attendant Outside the Sequence and General Who Establishes Might.
118
西 滿
Brilliant yet denied vengeance for his uncle, he burned with frustration. He then submitted a memorial saying: "Formerly the Jin house met repeated misfortune; Chinese and barbarians seethed like boiling cauldrons, the Three Yan and Two Qin roared through the central lands, the nine domains split apart, and the five directions crumbled. The imperial fortune inherited the sequence from north to south, executed and destroyed traitorous strongmen, and fixed the tripod in the He and Luo region. Only Jing and Yang still block the sound of our teaching. Now excellent virtue is widely spread over the Jiang and Han, august power shakes afar through Wu and Chu, the state is rich, the army strong, households supplied, and people sufficient. With the shape of nine parts occupying eight, we have the momentum to annex the weak and attack the benighted. Yet to wish for ease, leave the disease to descendants, and violate Gaozu's original design is not deep planning for the altars of state. We truly should weigh the importance of the eastern and western garrisons and defenses, calculate the principles of danger and ease, safety and peril along the frontiers, probe the southern people's intentions in attack, defense, and spying, and plan the soldiers, cavalry, weapons, and equipment needed for the campaign. Only then should we set aside our weaknesses, avoid their strengths, leave aside what is most difficult, attack what is easiest, seize their dangerous passes, and cut off their rich lands. Within several years, Jing and Yang can be annexed. If we abandon boats and oars and go onto the plains, drawing in the rear and leaving the front thin, then this is the weakness of the Jiang and Huai region; to abandon carts and horses, roam over racing waves, and ride the current in pursuit is not what the Central States excel at. They do not dare enter level land to contend with us, just as we cannot cross great rivers in pursuit of advantage. If both sides abandon their weaknesses and each relies on its strengths, then in the southeast no opportunity for destruction will appear, and along the Huai and Mian there will only be a situation of mutual standoff. Moreover, fullness and decline overturn one another; this is the constant principle of yin and yang; prosperity and decay follow one another; this is the constant movement of the Five Virtues. Now if the utmost strong attacks the utmost weak, the principle of swallowing and annexing must be seen; if the utmost weak defends against the utmost strong, how could there be any method for complete preservation? Thus enlightened kings and sage rulers all wish to establish merit in season and make an enterprise for ten thousand generations. Leaving the high and going to the low is the constant flow of the hundred rivers; taking the easy and avoiding the difficult is how military strategists constantly win. Now Ba and Shu hang isolated, far from Jiankang. A detached force alone garrisons them ten thousand li upstream. Their governors are not good and devote themselves to robbery and plunder; offices advance through wealth, and lawsuits are decided by bribes. Nine households in ten among the officers and people long for transformation, stretch their necks northward, and daily hope for the royal army. If one orders a detached general to comfort the people and punish the guilty, without even the dust of battle touching, it can be settled by proclamation. Hold the narrows of Baidi, occupy the strategic points of the upper reaches, follow the traces of scholar governance, and sweep away the fugitives of Jiankang. After that, rest arms and cultivate culture, establish rites and compose music; the world would be exceedingly fortunate. Would this not be splendid!" Young Emperor Suzong ignored the plan.
119
Late in Zhengguang Qin rebels threatened the capital region. Peace had left the people unwarlike. Miao judged that the Long troops were fierce and strong and that, gathered in a mass, they lacked supplies, so he submitted a memorial saying: "Your servant has heard that when food is scarce and soldiers are elite, swift battle is advantageous; When grain is plentiful and soldiers numerous, affairs are suited to endurance. Now the Long rebels are rampant and have no long-standing stores. Though they occupy two cities, they fundamentally have no virtue or righteousness. Their situation depends on swift attack. Each day there are men who submit; if delayed, people's feelings will separate and obstruct them, and they will sit awaiting collapse and abandonment. When a gale arrives and the wind rises, those who go against us seek a one-in-ten-thousand achievement; with high walls and deep ramparts, the royal army has the plan for complete control. But the realm has long been at peace, and people do not understand war. Rushing after profit, they do not wait for one another; fleeing danger, they do not look back for one another. Generals have no law or orders, and soldiers are not trained or practiced. Using arrogant generals to command lazy troops, not thinking of long-term plans and busying themselves only with the interplay of the extraordinary and the regular, they will surely have Mo'ao's intent to slight the enemy; I fear they will not have Zhao Chongguo's measured rules. If Longdong is not held and the Qian army is defeated and scattered, then the two Qin will become strong, the Three Adjuncts will be endangered and weakened, and the state's right arm will be abandoned here. For now, it is proper to command the great general to dig deep moats and raise high ramparts, defend firmly, and not give battle. Separately order several thousand picked soldiers in a side force to go out by Maiji Cliff and strike their rear; then below Qian and Qi, the demon host will scatter by itself." Miao was made overall commander with Chunyu Yan under Wei Zijian. Zijian trusted him with command.
120
西
In Xiaochang he returned as General Who Pacifies the Distant. He helped crush northwestern rebels. He rose to Vice Minister of the Grand Treasury.
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西西使 便 歿 使
Liang magnates invited Wei into Bashu; Miao was sent to soothe the southwest. Before he left, Erzhu Rong was killed and Shilong seized the capital. Emperor Xiaozhuang held council at the Great Xia Gate. Officials were terrified and helpless. Miao alone flung his robes and rose, saying, "Now petty bandits intrude in this way; the court faces unforeseen peril—this is exactly the day for loyal ministers and heroic martyrs to offer their loyalty. I am no warrior, but I will try. Give me a brigade to break Heqiao." Prince Hui and Gao Daomu backed him. The emperor agreed. Miao sent fire-ships downriver by night. The rebels panicked on the bridge; it broke and many drowned. Miao waited on a shoal with a hundred men for reinforcements. Reinforcements never came; the rebels waded over and killed him fighting. Outnumbered, he died in the river at forty-six. When the emperor heard that Miao had died, he grieved for a long while and said, "If Miao had not died, he would surely have established further extraordinary merit." He was posthumously honored as Bearer of the Staff, commander-in-chief of military affairs in Liang, Yi, Badong, and Eastern Liang provinces, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Equal-in-Rank with the Three Excellencies, governor of Liangzhou, and Founding Marquis of Heyang County with a fief of one thousand households; the court sent condolence gifts of five hundred bolts of silk and five hundred shi of grain. His posthumous name was Marquis Zhonglie (Loyal and Ardent).
122
便
From youth he sought honor. Reading of Zhuge Liang refusing Wei Yan's march, he sighed at missed chances. He adored Zhou Yu's biography. He mediated between feuding princes Hui and Yu. When Prince Hui grew too powerful, Miao warned others: "Chengyang's bee eyes and jackal voice grow ominous." He loved music, verse, and swift writing. All mourned his death. After the emperor was murdered, officials sought to honor Miao before Shilong. Shilong said, "At that time, in our general deliberations, in another day or two I was about to release the soldiers widely to burn the capital and let them plunder at will. Thanks to Miao the capital was saved. That was a great good. He needs no posthumous title."
123
His son Tan inherited. Tan served in Yizhou at the end of Wuding. When Qi took the throne his title was reduced.
124
歿
Shouchun and Nanzheng were keys to Jiankang and Chengdu. Pei Shuye and Xiahou Daoqian seized their moment and defected with splendid merit. Grand rewards suited their service. Pei Zhi's small character brought his fall. Yan died before his promise was fulfilled—pity! Li, Xi, Wang, and Jiang were decisive even when riding others' success. Chunyu Yan's ambition was fulfilled. Li Miao died loyal at Heqiao—courage matched his gifts. Truly, benevolence and courage met in such men.
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Collation notes
126
On the phrase "although called Zhongda's urgent rebuke": the character read ming should be zhao (summon), as the impeachment text below confirms.
127
殿 殿
In several editions a long passage is wrongly inserted after the words "all discussed," corrupting the memorial text. 〈The collation note continues below.〉 A block of three hundred twenty-three characters about Daoqian and Hanzhong is attached to the wrong place and makes the passage unintelligible. The north edition too inserts spurious words after "all discussed. 〈The note continues.〉 Dian and Ju editions follow the flawed Bei text." Now Cefu yuangui 417.4175 pages 〈The note continues.〉 Those nineteen characters wrongly inserted in the northern edition are in fact not words from the memorial, but belong below "bareheaded and barefoot he apologized" and above the sentence "when at Shouchun." Because of the displaced passage, the yue character of "apologized saying" was moved upward; the north edition therefore added another yue under "apologized." The transposition of the nineteen characters in the northern, Dian, and Ju editions is now corrected according to Cefu, and the added character "said" is also deleted.
128
On "he gradually advanced to Administrator of Anfeng and Xincai commanderies and garrison commander of Jian'an": below it says, "Xiao Baojuan sent Hu Jinglue to replace him," so Jinglue's office was the same as Fayou's. Nan Qi shu, juan 57, Wei Captives, says, "Xi Fayou attacked Hu Jinglue, Administrator of Northern Xincai and Anfeng commanderies, at Jian'an city." "North" is missing before New Cai. Qi annals list Northern New Cai and Anfeng. Here the character "Northern" must be missing before "Xincai."
129
On "in the Tianping era": editions wrongly read tai for tian; the Beishi biography of Jiang Yuezhi has tian. Wei has no "Taiping" era title; below it says "Yuanxiang," clearly an error for "Tianping," and this is now corrected accordingly.
130
On "Yu Daozhe of Yingchuan": all editions read dao as the alternate graph dao-with-hand; Beishi Jiang Yuezhi biography has dao. The Xiahou Gui biography above also reads "dao." The Beishi Gui biography reads "zun," which should be an error for "dao-with-hand." "Dao" and "dao-with-hand" were originally one character; the text is now standardized as "dao."
131
On "or the family was in Huanling county of Anguo": all editions and Beishi Chunyu Yan read guo for gu (solid). Hongshi Kaoyi, juan 10, says: "The Treatise on Geography has no such commandery or county; the Treatise on Provinces and Commanderies in Nan Qi shu 〈juan 15〉 has Huanling county in Angu commandery of Yi Province; 'Anguo' is an error for 'Angu.'" Hong's statement is correct; the Treatises on Provinces and Commanderies in Song shu, juan 37 and juan 38, record that Qin Province and Yi Province both had Angu commandery and Huanling county. The character "guo" is erroneous and is now corrected to "gu."
132
On "when fire rose in time": all editions read fu for qi; only the Ju edition has qi. According to Cefu 368 〈page 4382〉 It correctly has "qi," and the Ju edition is now followed.
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[]
On "Miao was adopted by paternal uncle Lue": Beishi Li Miao biography reads quan for lue. The Xing Luan biography in juan 65 also reads "quan"; suspect that "lue" is an error for "quan." See collation note [9] in vol. 8.
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