1
成淹范紹劉桃符劉道斌董紹馮元興鹿悆張熠
Cheng Yan; Fan Shao; Liu Taofu; Liu Daobin; Dong Shao; Feng Yuanxing; Lu Yu; Zhang Yi
2
成淹，字季文，上谷居庸人也。 自言晉侍中粲之六世孫。 祖昇，家於北海。 父洪，名犯顯祖廟諱，仕劉義隆，為撫軍府中兵參軍。 早卒。 淹好文學，有氣尚。 劉子業輔國府刑獄參軍事，劉彧以為員外郎，假龍驤將軍，領軍主，令援東陽、歷城。 皇興中，降慕容白曜，赴闕，授兼著作郎。 時顯祖於仲冬之月，欲巡漠北，朝臣以寒甚，固諫，並不納。 淹上接輿釋遊論，顯祖覽之，詔尚書李訢曰：「卿等諸人不如成淹論，通釋人意。」 乃敕停行。
Cheng Yan, courtesy name Jiwen, came from Juyong in Shanggu commandery. He claimed descent in the sixth generation from Cai, who had served Jin as Palace Attendant. His grandfather Sheng had settled the family in Beihai. His father Hong—his personal name tabooed that of Emperor Xianzu—served under Liu Yilong as a staff officer in the Pacification Army headquarters. He died while still young. Yan was devoted to letters and carried himself with spirited resolve. Under Emperor Qianfei he served in the Support-the-State headquarters as an aide on penal affairs; Emperor Ming of Song appointed him an outside-section gentleman with the acting rank of Dragon-Prancing General and made him an army commander charged with relieving Dongyang and Licheng. In the Huangxing era he defected to Murong Baiyao, presented himself at court, and received the post of acting Compiler in the Historiography Office. At that time, in deep winter, Emperor Xianzu planned a tour of the northern steppe; his ministers urged him to reconsider because of the bitter cold, but he would not listen. Yan presented his essay "On Loosening the Travels" in the manner of Jieyu; when Emperor Xianzu read it, he told Minister of the Secretariat Li Xin: "None of you understands my intent as well as Cheng Yan's piece does." With that he cancelled the planned tour.
3
太和中，文明太后崩，蕭頤遣其散騎常侍裴昭明、散騎侍郎謝竣等來弔，欲以朝服行事。 主客執之，云：「弔有常式，何得以朱衣入山庭！」 [1]昭明等言：「本奉朝命，不容改易。」 如此者數四，執志不移。 高祖敕尚書李沖，令選一學識者更與論執，沖奏遣淹。 昭明言：「未解魏朝不聽朝服行禮，義出何典？」 淹言：「吉凶不同，禮有成數，玄冠不弔，童孺共聞。 昔季孫將行，請遭喪之禮，千載之下，猶共稱之。 卿遠自江南奉慰，不能式遵成事，方謂議出何典，行人得失，何其異哉！」 昭明言：「二國交和既久，南北皆須準望。 齊高帝崩，魏遣李彪通弔，於時初不素服，齊朝亦不以為疑，那得苦見要逼。」 淹言：「彪通弔之日，朝命以弔服自隨，而彼不遵高宗追遠之慕，乃踰月即吉，彪行弔之時，齊之君臣皆已鳴玉盈庭，貂璫曜日，百僚內外，朱服煥然，彪行人不被主人之命，復何容獨以素服間衣冠之中？ 來責雖高，未敢聞命。 我皇帝仁孝之性，侔於有虞，處諒闇以來，百官聽於冢宰，卿豈得以此方彼也。」 昭明乃搖膝而言：「三皇不同禮，亦安知得失所歸。」 淹言：「若如來談，卿以虞舜、高宗為非也？」 昭明遂相顧而笑曰：「非孝者，宣尼有成責，行人亦弗敢言。 希主人裁以弔服，使人唯齎袴褶，比既戎服，不可以弔，幸借緇衣㡊，以申國命。 今為魏朝所逼，違負指授，還南之日，必得罪本朝。」 淹言：「彼有君子也，卿將命折中，還南之日，應有高賞； 若無君子也，但令有光國之譽，雖復非理見罪，亦復何嫌。 南史、董孤，自當直筆。」 既而，高祖遣李沖問淹昭明所言，淹以狀對。 高祖詔沖曰：「我所用得人。」 仍敕送衣㡊給昭明等，賜淹果食。 明旦引昭明等入，皆令文武盡哀。 後正侍郎。 高祖以淹清貧，賜絹百匹。
During the Taihe reign, after Empress Dowager Wenming's death, Emperor Wu of Qi sent Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry Pei Zhaoming, Gentleman of the Scattered Cavalry Xie Jun, and others to mourn, intending to conduct the condolence rites in their court robes. The host commissioner stood firm, saying: "Mourning has its prescribed forms—how can you enter the mourning precinct in bright court dress!" Zhaoming and his party replied: "We came under imperial orders and are not free to alter our dress." They argued thus four times over, and still would not yield. Emperor Gaozu instructed Minister of the Secretariat Li Chong to choose a learned official to argue the point again; Chong recommended Yan and had him sent. Zhaoming said: "I fail to see on what authority the Wei court refuses court dress at a condolence visit—what text is this based on?" Yan replied: "Joy and mourning are not the same, and ritual has its settled rules—mourning dress is not worn for a condolence call; even children know that much. Long ago, when Jisun was about to travel, he asked what rites to follow on meeting a bereavement—and men still praise him for it a millennium later. You have traveled from the far south to offer condolences, yet you refuse to follow established precedent—and then you ask what text our position comes from! How extraordinary the conduct of envoys can be!" Zhaoming said: "Our two realms have been at peace for years; north and south must hold each other to the same standard. When Emperor Gao of Qi died, Wei sent Li Biao on a condolence mission; he was not in plain mourning dress at the outset, yet the Qi court did not object—why must you press us so relentlessly now?" Yan replied: "When Biao went on his condolence mission, the Wei court had ordered mourning dress brought along, but Qi failed to honor the filial mourning of High Ancestor and returned to normal dress after only a month. By the time Biao arrived, Qi's rulers and ministers were already arrayed in full court splendor—jade pendants chiming, rank badges gleaming, officials inside and out in bright robes. Biao's party had received no permission from their hosts—how could they alone have worn plain mourning amid such finery? Your reproach carries weight, but I cannot accept your demand. Our emperor's filial devotion rivals that of Shun; since he entered mourning seclusion, the hundred officials have obeyed the regent—how can you equate your case with that one?" Zhaoming shifted on his seat and said: "The Three Sovereigns did not follow one ritual code—who can say where right and wrong lie?" Yan said: "If that is your view, you are saying Shun and High Ancestor were wrong?" Zhaoming exchanged glances and laughed: "Confucius left settled rebukes for the unfilial—envoys dare not speak of such matters. We ask that our hosts provide mourning dress; our envoys brought only field trousers and jackets. In military dress we cannot perform the rites—may we borrow black mourning garments to carry out our state's orders? If the Wei court forces us to disobey our orders, we are certain to be punished at home when we return south." Yan said: "If your court has men of integrity, you will fulfill your mission with principled compromise and should be richly rewarded when you return south; if there are not, so long as you bring honor to your state, even unjust punishment is nothing to fear. Historians such as the Recorder of the South and Dong Gu will write the truth plainly." Soon after, Emperor Gaozu sent Li Chong to inquire what had passed between Yan and Zhaoming; Yan gave a full account. The emperor told Chong: "I chose the right man for this." He then had mourning garments sent to Zhaoming's party and rewarded Yan with fruit and refreshments. The next morning he admitted Zhaoming and his party and required the full court, civil and military alike, to observe mourning. He was later promoted to Regular Gentleman. Finding Yan upright but poor, Emperor Gaozu gave him a hundred bolts of silk.
4
十六年，蕭賾遣其散騎常侍庾蓽、散騎侍郎何憲、主書邢宗慶朝貢，值朝廷有事明堂，因登靈臺以觀雲物。 高祖敕淹引蓽等館南矚望行禮，事畢，還外館，賜酒食。 宗慶語淹言：「南北連和既久，而比棄信絕好，為利而動，豈是大國善隣之義？」 淹言：「夫為王者，不拘小節。 中原有菽，工採者獲多，豈眷眷守尾生之信。 且齊先主歷事宋朝，荷恩積世，當應便爾欺奪？」 宗慶、庾蓽及行者皆相顧失色。 何憲知淹昔從南入，而以手掩目曰：「卿何為不作于禁，而作魯肅？」 淹言：「我捨危効順，欲追蹤陳、韓，何于禁之有！」 憲亦不對。
In the sixteenth year, Emperor Ming of Qi sent Regular Attendant Yu Bi, Gentleman He Xian, and Chief Clerk Xing Zongqing to present tribute; the Wei court was preparing rites at the Bright Hall, and the envoys were taken up the Spirit Terrace to observe the heavens. Emperor Gaozu had Yan escort Bi's party to the southern lodge to witness the rites; when the ceremony ended they returned to the guest quarters and were entertained with wine and food. Zongqing said to Yan: "North and south have been at peace for years, yet you have lately broken faith and ended goodwill, acting for gain alone—is this how a great power treats a neighbor?" Yan replied: "A true sovereign does not cling to petty scruples. The Central Plains are rich in beans—skilled gatherers take the most; why cling stubbornly to the punctilio of Weisheng? Moreover, your founding ruler served the Song house for generations and owed it deep gratitude—was he right to seize power so lightly?" Zongqing, Yu Bi, and the entire embassy exchanged glances and blanched. He Xian, knowing Yan had once defected from the south, covered his eyes and said: "Why play not Yu Jin but Lu Su?" Yan replied: "I left danger to serve a righteous cause, seeking to follow the example of Chen Ping and Han Xin—what has that to do with Yu Jin!" Xian had no answer.
5
王肅歸國也，高祖以淹曾官江表，詔觀是非。 乃造肅與語，還奏言實。 時議紛紜，猶謂未審。 高祖曰：「明日引入，我與語，自當知之。」 及鑾輿行幸，肅多扈從，敕淹將引，若有古跡，皆使知之。 行到朝歌，肅問此是何城。 淹言紂都朝歌城。 肅言：「故應有殷之頑民也。」 淹言：「昔武王滅紂，悉居河洛，中因劉石亂華，仍隨司馬東渡。」 肅知淹寓於青州，乃笑而謂淹曰：「青州間何必無其餘種。」 淹以肅本隸徐州，言：「青州本非其地，徐州間今日重來，非所知也。」 肅遂伏馬上掩口而笑，顧謂侍御史張思寧曰：「向者聊因戲言，遂致辭溺。」 思寧馳馬奏聞，高祖大悅，謂彭城王勰曰：「淹此段足為制勝。」 輿駕至洛，肅因侍宴。 高祖戲肅曰：「近者行次朝歌，聞成淹共卿殊有往覆，卿試重敍之。」 肅言：「臣前朝歌為淹所困，不謂此事仰聞聽覽。 臣爾日失言，一之已甚，豈宜再說。」 遂皆大笑。 高祖又謂肅曰：「淹能制卿，其才亦不困。」 肅言：「淹才詞便為難有，聖朝宜應敍進。」 高祖言：「若因此進淹，恐辱卿轉甚。」 肅言：「臣屈己達人，正可顯臣之美。」 高祖曰：「卿既為人所屈，欲求屈己之名，復於卿太優。」 肅言：「淹既蒙進，臣得屈己伸人，此所謂陛下惠而不費。」 遂酣笑而止。 乃賜淹龍廐上馬一匹，并鞍勒宛具、朝服一襲，轉謁者僕射。
When Wang Su defected to Wei, Emperor Gaozu—knowing Yan had once served south of the Yangzi—ordered him to judge Su's sincerity. He visited Su and spoke with him, then reported back that Su's loyalty was genuine. Court opinion was still divided, and many doubted the matter was settled. The emperor said: "Bring him in tomorrow; I will speak with him myself and judge." On the imperial tour Su often rode in attendance; the emperor ordered Yan to serve as guide and point out every historic site along the way. When they came to Chaoge, Su asked what city it was. Yan said it was the capital of King Zhou of Shang—Chaoge. Su said: "Then there should still be remnants of the stubborn people of Yin here." Yan said: "When King Wu overthrew Zhou he resettled them all in the He-Luo region; later, during the upheavals of the Liu and Shi, they followed the Sima house east across the Yangzi." Su, knowing Yan had once lived in Qing Province, laughed and said: "Why should Qing Province lack such remnants as well?" Yan, knowing Su came from Xu Province, replied: "Qing was never their homeland; as for Xu, whether they have returned there today, I could not say." Su leaned over his saddle, covered his mouth, and laughed, then turned to Attending Censor Zhang Sining: "A moment ago, in jest, I talked myself into a verbal drowning." Sining rode ahead to report; the emperor was delighted and told Prince Pengcheng Xie: "In that exchange Yan more than held his own." When the court reached Luoyang, Su attended a banquet. The emperor teased Su: "On our recent stop at Chaoge I heard you and Cheng Yan had quite a verbal duel—tell us again." Su said: "I was bested by Yan at Chaoge; I did not think Your Majesty had heard of it. I misspoke that day; once was already too much—how could I repeat it?" Everyone laughed aloud. The emperor added: "Yan got the better of you—his talent is no small thing." Su said: "Yan's literary gifts and eloquence are rare; the court ought to promote him." The emperor said: "If I promote Yan because of this, your embarrassment will only grow." Su said: "By yielding to advance another, I only show my own magnanimity." The emperor said: "You were already bested, yet you claim the credit of humility—that flatters you too much." Su said: "If Yan is promoted, I humble myself to exalt another—Your Majesty's grace at no expense to the treasury." With that they laughed themselves to a stop. He then gave Yan a top-grade horse from the imperial stables with full saddle and trappings, a set of court robes, and appointed him Supervisor of the Imperial Gate.
6
時遷都，高祖以淹家無行資，敕給事力，送至洛陽，并賜假日與家累相隨。 行次靈丘，屬蕭鸞遣使，敕驛馬徵淹。 車駕濟淮，淹於路左請見，高祖竚駕而進之。 淹曰：「蕭鸞悖虐，幽明同棄，陛下俯應人神，按劍江涘，然敵不可小，蜂蠆有毒，而況國乎？ 深願聖明保萬全之策。」 詔曰：「此前車之轍，得不慎乎！」 淹曰：「伏聞發洛已來，諸有諫者，解官奪職，恐非聖明納下之義。」 高祖曰：「此是我命耳，卿不得為干斧鉞。」 淹曰：「昔文王詢於芻蕘，晉文聽輿人之誦，臣雖卑賤，敢同匹夫。」 高祖優而容之，詔賜絹百匹。
During the move of the capital, finding Yan's family without means to travel, the emperor assigned servants to escort them to Luoyang and granted leave so they could bring their households along. At Lingqiu, when Xiao Luan sent envoys, the emperor ordered relay horses to summon Yan at once. As the imperial procession crossed the Huai, Yan requested an audience from the roadside; the emperor halted and had him brought forward. Yan said: "Xiao Luan is cruel and perverse; heaven and earth alike reject him. Your Majesty answers the call of men and gods with sword drawn at the river's edge—yet the enemy must not be underestimated: even bees and scorpions have their sting, and this is a whole kingdom. I earnestly pray Your Majesty will keep to a strategy that leaves nothing to chance." The emperor replied: "The overturned cart ahead—should I not be cautious?" Yan said: "I have heard that since we left Luoyang, every man who remonstrated has been dismissed— I fear that is not how a sage ruler welcomes counsel from below." The emperor said: "That is my own decision—you must not meddle with military matters." Yan said: "King Wen once sought counsel from woodcutters; Duke Wen of Jin listened to songs from the roadside. Though I am humble, I dare speak as any common man may." The emperor received him graciously and ordered a hundred bolts of silk bestowed on him.
7
高祖幸徐州，敕淹與閭龍駒等主舟檝，將汎泗入河，泝流還洛。 軍次碻磝，淹以黃河浚急，慮有傾危，乃上疏陳諫。 高祖敕淹曰：「朕以恒代無運漕之路，故京邑民貧。 今移都伊洛，欲通運四方，而黃河急浚，人皆難涉。 我因有此行，必須乘流，所以開百姓之心。 知卿至誠，而今者不得相納。」 敕賜驊騮馬一匹，衣冠一襲。 除羽林監，領主客令，加威遠將軍。
On a visit to Xuzhou, the emperor put Yan and Lü Longju in charge of the fleet, planning to sail the Si into the Yellow River and return upstream to Luoyang. When the army halted at Qiaolao, Yan, fearing the Yellow River's swift current might capsize the boats, submitted a memorial urging caution. The emperor replied: "Because Heng and Dai had no canal route, the capital region was poor. Now that we have moved the capital to the Yi-Luo region, I wish to open transport in every direction, yet the Yellow River runs swift and deep and everyone finds it hard to cross. That is why I must make this voyage and ride the current—to open the people's minds to what is possible. I know your counsel comes from loyalty, but this time I cannot heed it." He then bestowed a piebald horse and a full set of robes. He was made Supervisor of the Feathered Forest, retained the post of Director of Guests, and received the additional rank of General Who Establishes Might from Afar.
8
于時宮殿初構，經始務廣，兵民運材，日有萬計，伊洛流澌，苦於厲涉，淹遂啟求，敕都水造浮航。 高祖賞納之，意欲榮淹於眾，朔旦受朝，百官在位，乃賜帛百匹，知左右二都水事。 世宗初，司徒、彭城王勰曰：「先帝本有成旨，淹有歸國之誠，兼歷官著稱，宜加優陟。 高祖雖崩，詔猶在耳。」 乃相聞選曹，加淹右軍，領左右都水，仍主客令。 復授驍騎將軍，加輔國將軍，都水、主客如故。
The palaces were then newly rising on a vast scale; tens of thousands of soldiers and laborers hauled materials each day. The Yi and Luo ran with ice, making crossings arduous; Yan petitioned for relief, and the emperor ordered the Director of Waterways to build pontoon bridges. The emperor approved and wished to honor Yan before the court; on the first day of the month, with all officials present at audience, he gave Yan a hundred bolts of silk and put him in charge of both Directorates of Waterways. Early in Emperor Xuanwu's reign, Prince Pengcheng Xie, Minister of Education, said: "The late emperor had already resolved to advance him; Yan showed true loyalty in defecting and has served with distinction—he deserves preferential promotion. Though Emperor Gaozu is gone, his words still ring in our ears." He notified the Selection Bureau, and Yan was promoted to Right Army Commander, continuing to head both Directorates of Waterways while retaining the Directorship of Guests. He was further made Valiant Cavalry General with the additional rank of General Who Supports the State; his waterways and guest-reception duties were unchanged.
9
淹小心畏法，典客十年，四方貢聘，皆有私遺，毫釐不納，乃至衣食不充。 遂啟乞外祿。 景明三年，出除平陽太守，將軍如故。 還朝，病卒。 贈本將軍、光州刺史，諡曰定。
Yan was scrupulous and law-abiding; for ten years as director of guests, envoys from every quarter offered him private gifts, but he refused every fraction, until he could scarcely afford food and clothing. He then petitioned for an appointment outside the capital. In the third year of Jingming he was appointed Administrator of Pingyang, retaining his general's rank. He returned to court and died of illness. He was posthumously honored with his former general's rank and the governorship of Guang Province, with the posthumous name Ding.
10
子霄，字景鸞。 亦學涉，好為文詠，但詞彩不倫，率多鄙俗。 與河東姜質等朋遊相好，詩賦間起。 知音之士，共所嗤笑； 閭巷淺識，頌諷成羣，乃至大行於世。 歷治書侍御史而卒。
His son Xiao, courtesy name Jingluan. He too was widely read and fond of literary composition, but his style was uneven and mostly coarse. He formed a literary circle with Jiang Zhi of Hedong and others, and poems and fu pieces flowed among them. Men of taste mocked them together; yet shallow folk in the lanes praised them in crowds, until their works spread widely. He served as Attending Censor for Legal Documents and died in office.
11
范紹，字始孫，敦煌龍勒人。 少而聰敏。 年十二，父命就學，師事崔光。 以父憂廢業，母又誡之曰：「汝父卒日，令汝遠就崔生，希有成立。 今已過期，宜遵成命。」 紹還赴學。
Fan Shao, courtesy name Shisun, came from Longle in Dunhuang commandery. From childhood he was clever and quick-witted. At twelve his father sent him to study under Cui Guang. Mourning for his father interrupted his studies; his mother admonished him: "On his deathbed your father sent you far away to study with Master Cui, hoping you would make something of yourself. The mourning period is over; you should honor his last wish." Shao returned to his studies.
12
太和初，充太學生，轉算生，頗涉經史。 十六年，高祖選為門下通事令史，遷錄事，令掌奏文案，高祖善之。 又為侍中李沖、黃門崔光所知，出內文奏，多以委之。 高祖曾謂近臣曰：「崔光從容，范紹之力。」 稍遷強弩將軍、積弩將軍、公車令，加給事中，遷羽林監。
Early in the Taihe reign he entered the Imperial Academy, then became a calendar student, and gained broad knowledge of the classics and histories. In the sixteenth year Emperor Gaozu made him a communications clerk under the Gate, then recorder in charge of memorials and documents; the emperor was pleased with his work. Palace Attendant Li Chong and Cui Guang of the Yellow Gate also recognized his ability; most drafts for court documents were entrusted to him. Emperor Gaozu once told his close ministers: "Cui Guang is unhurried; Fan Shao is forceful." He rose through the ranks to General of Strong Crossbows, General of Accumulated Crossbows, and Director of the Imperial Carriages, was made an additional Palace Attendant, and became Supervisor of the Feathered Forest.
13
揚州刺史、任城王澄請征鍾離，敕紹詣壽春，共量進止。 澄曰：「須兵十萬，往還百日，渦陽、鍾離、廣陵、廬江，欲數道俱進，但糧仗軍資，須朝廷速遣。」 紹曰：「計十萬之眾，往還百日，須糧百日。 頃秋以向末，方欲徵召，兵仗可集，恐糧難至。 有兵無糧，何以克敵？ 願王善思，為社稷深慮。」 澄沉思良久曰：「實如卿言。」 使還，具以狀聞。 後澄遂征鍾離，無功而返。
Prince of Rencheng Yuan Cheng, governor of Yang Province, sought permission to attack Zhongli; the emperor sent Shao to Shouchun to assess the campaign with him. Cheng said: "I need a hundred thousand men and a hundred days there and back. I plan to advance on Woyang, Zhongli, Guangling, and Lujiang by several routes at once, but the court must send grain, arms, and supplies at once." Shao said: "A hundred thousand men on a hundred-day round trip will need a hundred days' provisions. Autumn is almost over and you are only now mobilizing. Arms and troops can be gathered, but grain may not arrive in time. With soldiers but no grain, how can you defeat the enemy? I urge Your Highness to think this through carefully for the sake of the realm." Cheng thought for a long while and said: "You are right." Cheng sent him back, and Shao reported everything to the throne. Cheng later attacked Zhongli anyway and returned without success.
14
尋除長兼奉車都尉，轉右都水使者，錄事如故。 丁母憂去職。 值義陽初復，起紹除寧遠將軍、郢州龍驤府長史，帶義陽太守。 其年冬，使還都，值朝廷有南討之計，發河北數州田兵二萬五千人，通緣淮戍兵合五萬餘人，廣開屯田。 八座奏紹為西道六州營田大使，加步兵校尉。 紹勤於勸課，頻歲大獲。 又詔紹詣鍾離，與都督、中山王英論攻鍾離形勢，英固言必克。 紹觀其城隍防守，恐不可陷，勸令班師，英不從。 紹還，具以狀聞。 俄而英敗。 詔以徐豫二境，民稀土曠，令紹量度處所，更立一州。 紹以譙城形要之所，置州為便，遂立南兗。
He was soon made acting Chief Commandant of the Imperial Carriages, then Right Envoy of the Directorate of Waterways, while retaining his post as recorder. He left office to mourn his mother. When Yiyang was newly recovered, Shao was recalled as General Who Establishes Peace from Afar, chief clerk of the Dragon-Prancing headquarters in Ying Province, and concurrent Administrator of Yiyang. That winter, returning to the capital on mission, he found the court planning a southern campaign: twenty-five thousand farmer-soldiers from the northern provinces were mobilized, and with Huai garrison troops the force exceeded fifty thousand, with garrison farming greatly expanded. The Eight Ministers recommended Shao as Commissioner for Garrison Farming in the six western provinces, with the additional rank of Colonel of Footsoldiers. Shao worked diligently to promote farming and reaped abundant harvests year after year. The emperor also sent Shao to Zhongli to discuss the attack with Commander Prince of Zhongshan Yuan Ying, who insisted the city would fall. Shao inspected the walls and defenses and judged the city could not be taken; he urged withdrawal, but Ying refused. Shao returned and reported everything to the throne. Soon afterward Ying was defeated. Because the Xu and Yu regions were sparsely populated, the emperor ordered Shao to survey the territory and establish a new province. Shao judged Qiao city a strategic site and convenient for a provincial seat; Southern Yan Province was therefore established.
15
入為主衣都統，加中堅將軍，轉前軍將軍。 追賞營田之勤，拜游擊將軍。 遷龍驤將軍、太府少卿，都統如故。 轉長兼太府卿。 紹量功節用，甄煩就簡，凡有賜給，千匹以上，皆別覆奏，然後出之。 靈太后嘉其用心，敕紹每月入見，諸有益國利民之事，皆令面陳。 出除安北將軍、并州刺史。 清慎守法，頗得民和。 值山胡來寇，不能擊，以此損其聲望。 復入為太府卿。 莊帝初，遇害河陰。
He entered court as Director-in-Chief of the Imperial Wardrobe, was made General of the Central Garrison, and then General of the Forward Army. His diligence in garrison farming was rewarded with appointment as General Who Punishes Bandits. He was promoted to Dragon-Prancing General and Vice Director of the Imperial Treasury, retaining his directorship. He was made acting Director of the Imperial Treasury. Shao measured costs carefully and simplified procedures; any grant of a thousand bolts of silk or more required a separate memorial for approval before disbursement. Empress Dowager Ling admired his diligence and ordered him to attend audience monthly and present in person anything that would benefit the state and the people. He was appointed General Who Pacifies the North and Governor of Bing Province. Upright, cautious, and law-abiding, he won the people's goodwill. When the Mountain Hu raided, he failed to repel them, and his reputation suffered. He returned to court as Director of the Imperial Treasury. Early in Emperor Zhuang's reign he was killed at Heyin.
16
劉桃符，中山盧奴人。 生不識父，九歲喪母。 性恭謹，好學。 舉孝廉，射策甲科，歷碎職。 景明中，羽林監，領主書。 蕭寶夤之降也，桃符受詔迎接。 歷奉車都尉、長水校尉、游擊將軍。 正始中，除征虜將軍、中書舍人，以勤明見知。 久不遷職，世宗謂之曰：「揚子雲為黃門，頓歷三世。 卿居此任始十年，不足辭也。」 東豫州刺史田益宗居邊貪穢，世宗頻詔桃符為使慰喻之。 桃符還，具稱益宗既老耄，而諸子非理處物。 世宗後欲代之，恐其背叛，拜桃符征虜將軍、豫州刺史，[2]與後軍將軍李世哲領眾襲益宗。 語在益宗傳。 桃符善恤蠻左，為民吏所懷。 久之，徵還。 病卒，年五十一。 贈後將軍、洛州刺史。
Liu Taofu came from Lunu in Zhongshan commandery. He never knew his father; his mother died when he was nine. By nature he was respectful, cautious, and devoted to learning. Recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, he ranked first in the palace examination and served through a series of minor posts. During the Jingming era he was Supervisor of the Feathered Forest and head clerk. When Xiao Baoyin defected, Taofu was ordered to receive him. He served as Commandant of the Imperial Carriages, Colonel of the Long River, and General Who Punishes Bandits. During the Zhengshi era he was made General Who Punishes the Barbarians and Palace Secretariat Attendant, and was valued for his diligence and sound judgment. After long service without promotion, Emperor Xuanwu told him: "Yang Ziyun held the Yellow Gate post through three reigns. You have held this post for only ten years—that is hardly cause for complaint." Tian Yizong, governor of Eastern Yu Province, was corrupt on the frontier; the emperor repeatedly sent Taofu as envoy to admonish him. On returning, Taofu reported that Yizong was senile and his sons governed unjustly. The emperor later wished to replace him but feared rebellion; he made Taofu General Who Punishes the Barbarians and Governor of Yu Province, and with Rear Army General Li Shizhe led troops against Yizong. The full account appears in Yizong's biography. Taofu treated the tribal peoples well and was beloved by officials and commoners alike. After some years he was recalled to court. He died of illness at fifty-one. He was posthumously honored as Rear General and Governor of Luo Province.
17
子景均，殿中侍御史。
His son Jingjun served as Attending Censor in the Palace.
18
劉道斌，武邑灌津人，自云中山靖王勝之後也。 幼而好學，有器幹。 及長，腰帶十圍，鬚髯甚美。 舉孝廉入京，拜校書郎，轉主書，頗為高祖所知。 從征南陽，還，加積射將軍，給事中。 高祖謂黃門侍郎邢巒曰：「道斌是段之舉，便異儕流矣。」 世宗即位，遷謁者僕射。 轉步兵校尉、廣武將軍，領中書舍人。 出為武邑太守。 時冀州新經元愉逆亂之後，加以連年災儉，道斌頻為表請，蠲其租賦，百姓賴之。 罷郡還，除右將軍、太中大夫。 又以本將軍出為恒農太守，遷岐州刺史，所在有清治之稱。 正光四年，卒於州。 贈平東將軍、滄州刺史，改贈濟州，諡曰康。 道斌在恒農，修立學館，建孔子廟堂，圖畫形像。 去郡之後，民故追思之，乃復畫道斌形於孔子像之西而拜謁焉。
Liu Daobin came from Guanjin in Wuyi and claimed descent from Prince Jing of Zhongshan, Liu Sheng. From childhood he loved learning and showed ability and force of character. When grown, his waist measured ten spans around and he wore a magnificent beard. Recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, he entered the capital as Proofreader, then head clerk, and came to Emperor Gaozu's notice. He took part in the campaign against Nanyang; on returning he was made General of Accumulated Arrows and Palace Attendant. Emperor Gaozu told Gentleman of the Yellow Gate Xing Luan: "Daobin is a man of the first rank—already he stands apart from his peers." When Emperor Xuanwu succeeded, Daobin was promoted to Supervisor of the Imperial Gate. He was made Colonel of Footsoldiers and General of Broad Might, and retained his post as Palace Secretariat Attendant. He was appointed Administrator of Wuyi. Ji Province had just endured Yuan Yu's rebellion and years of famine; Daobin repeatedly memorialized for tax relief, and the people depended on him. On leaving his post he was made General of the Right and Grand Master of Palace Counsel. He was again sent out as Administrator of Hengnong with his former general's rank, then made Governor of Qi Province; everywhere he served he was praised for clean administration. In the fourth year of Zhengguang he died in office. He was posthumously honored as General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Cang Province, later changed to Ji Province, with the posthumous name Kang. At Hengnong, Daobin founded a school, built a temple to Confucius, and painted his image. After he left office, the people still cherished his memory and painted his portrait west of Confucius's image, where they came to pay homage.
19
子士長，武定中，碭郡太守。 卒。
His son Shichang served as Administrator of Dang commandery during the Wuding era. He died.
20
董紹，字興遠，新蔡鮦陽人也。 少好學，頗有文義。 起家四門博士，歷殿中侍御史、國子助教、積射將軍、兼中書舍人。 辯於對問，為世宗所賞。
Dong Shao, courtesy name Xingyuan, came from Fuyang in Xincai commandery. From youth he loved learning and showed real literary talent. He began as Erudite of the Four Gates, then served as Attending Censor in the Palace, Assistant Instructor of the Imperial University, General of Accumulated Arrows, and acting Palace Secretariat Attendant. Quick in debate, he won Emperor Xuanwu's favor.
21
豫州城人白早生以城南叛，詔紹慰勞。 至上蔡，為賊所襲，囚送江東，仍被鎖禁。 蕭衍領軍將軍呂僧珍暫與紹言，便相器重。 衍聞之，遣使勞紹云：「忠臣孝子，不可無人。 今當聽卿還國。」 紹對曰：「老母在洛，無復方寸，既奉恩貸，實若更生。」 衍又遣主書霍靈超謂紹曰：「今放卿還，令卿通兩家之好，彼此息民，豈不善也。」 對曰：「通好息民，乃兩國之事，既蒙命及，輒當聞奏本朝。」 衍賜紹衣物，引入見之，令其舍人周捨慰勞，并稱：「戰爭多年，民物塗炭，是以不耻先言，與魏朝通好。 比亦有書，都無報旨。 卿宜備申此意，故遣傳詔周靈秀送卿至國，遲有嘉問。」 又令謂紹曰：「卿知所以得不死不？ 今者獲卿，乃天意也。 夫千人之聚，不散則亂，故須立君以治天下，不以天下養一人。 凡在民上，胡不思此？ 若欲通好，今以宿豫還彼，彼當以漢中見歸。」 先是，詔有司以所獲衍將齊苟兒等十人欲以換紹，事在司馬悅傳。 及紹還，世宗愍之，永平中，除給事中，仍兼舍人。 紹雖陳說和計，朝廷不許。 久之，加輕車將軍，正舍人，又除步兵校尉。
When Bai Zaosheng of Yuzhou rebelled with the southern quarter of the city, the emperor sent Shao to console the region. At Shangcai he was ambushed by rebels, taken prisoner, and sent east of the Yangzi, where he was kept in chains. Xiao Yan's commander-in-chief Lü Sengzhen spoke with Shao briefly and immediately took a liking to him. When Xiao Yan heard of this, he sent an envoy to comfort Shao, saying: "The realm cannot be without loyal ministers and filial sons. I shall now allow you to return home." Shao replied: "My mother is in Luoyang and my mind is in turmoil. Your gracious pardon is like being given life anew." Yan also sent Chief Clerk Huo Lingchao to tell Shao: "I release you now so you may restore goodwill between our realms and give both peoples peace—is that not best?" He replied: "Peace and goodwill concern both states alike. I have received your charge and shall report it to my court at once." Yan gave Shao clothing, received him in audience, and had his Attendant Zhou She comfort him, saying: "Years of war have left the people in ruin; that is why I am not ashamed to speak first of peace with Wei. I sent a letter recently as well, but received no answer. Convey this fully to your court; I am sending Edict-Bearer Zhou Lingxiu to escort you home and await a favorable reply." He also asked Shao: "Do you know why you were spared? Capturing you now was Heaven's will. When a thousand men gather without dispersing, chaos follows; a ruler must govern the realm—the realm exists not to sustain one man alone. Why do those who rule the people never reflect on this? If you seek peace, I will return Suyu to you; you must return Hanzhong in exchange." Earlier the court had ordered an exchange of ten captured Liang generals including Qi Gou'er for Shao; the account appears in Sima Yue's biography. When Shao returned, Emperor Xuanwu showed him compassion; during Yongping he was made Palace Attendant and retained his post as Attendant. Though Shao urged a peace settlement, the court refused. After some years he was made General of Light Chariots and Regular Attendant, then Colonel of Footsoldiers.
22
肅宗初，紹上御天馬頌，帝賞其辭，賜帛八十匹。 又除龍驤將軍、中散大夫，舍人如故。 加冠軍將軍，出除右將軍、洛州刺史。 紹好行小惠，頗得民情。 蕭衍將軍曹義宗、王玄真等寇荊州，據順陽馬圈，裴衍、王羆討之。 既復順陽，進圍馬圈。 城堅，裴王糧少，紹上書言其必敗。 未幾，裴衍等果失利，順陽復為義宗所據。 紹有氣病，啟求解州，詔不許。
Early in Emperor Xiaoming's reign, Shao submitted a rhapsody on the imperial heavenly horse; the emperor admired it and gave him eighty bolts of silk. He was made Dragon-Prancing General and Grand Master of Palace Leisure, retaining his post as Attendant. He was made Champion General and sent out as General of the Right and Governor of Luo Province. Shao was fond of small acts of kindness and won the people's goodwill. Xiao Yan's generals Cao Yizong and Wang Xuanzhen raided Jing Province and seized the horse pastures at Shunyang; Pei Yan and Wang Pi marched against them. After recovering Shunyang, they advanced to besiege the horse pastures. The fortress was strong and Pei and Wang were short of grain; Shao memorialized that they were bound to fail. Soon Pei Yan and his forces were defeated, and Shunyang fell again to Yizong. Shao suffered from a respiratory ailment and asked to leave his post; the emperor refused.
23
蕭寶夤反於長安也，紹上書求擊之，云：「臣當出瞎巴三千，生噉蜀子。」 肅宗謂黃門徐紇曰：「此巴真瞎也？」 紇曰：「此是紹之壯辭，云巴人勁勇，見敵無所畏懼，非實瞎也。」 帝大笑，敕紹速行。 又加平西將軍。 以拒寶夤之功，賞新蔡縣開國男，食邑二百戶。 [3]
When Xiao Baoyin rebelled at Chang'an, Shao memorialized asking to attack him, saying: "I will lead three thousand fearless Ba warriors to devour the Shu rebels alive." Emperor Xiaoming asked Gentleman of the Yellow Gate Xu He: "Are these Ba truly blind?" Xu He said: "That is Shao's bold rhetoric—the Ba are fierce and fearless before the enemy; they are not literally blind." The emperor laughed and ordered Shao to depart at once. He was also made General Who Pacifies the West. For resisting Baoyin he was enfeoffed as Baron of Xincai with a fief of two hundred households. Footnote marker [3] in the received text.
24
永安中，代還。 於是除安西將軍、梁州刺史、假撫軍將軍、兼尚書，為山南行臺，頗有清稱。 前廢帝以元孚代之。 紹至長安，時尒朱天光為關右大行臺，啟紹為大行臺從事、兼吏部尚書，又除征西將軍、金紫光祿大夫。 天光赴洛，留紹於後。 天光敗，賀拔岳復請紹為其開府諮議參軍。 永熙中，加車騎將軍。 岳後攜紹於高平牧馬，紹悲而賦詩曰：「走馬山之阿，馬渴飲黃河，寧謂胡關下，復聞楚客歌。」 後為宇文黑獺所殺。
During Yongan he was replaced and recalled. He was then made General Who Pacifies the West, Governor of Liang Province, acting General Who Pacifies the Army, and concurrent Minister of the Secretariat, heading the Southern Mountains Mobile Headquarters, and earned a reputation for clean governance. The Deposed Former Emperor replaced him with Yuan Fu. When Shao reached Chang'an, Erzhu Tianguang commanded the Mobile Headquarters west of the Pass and appointed Shao as its staff officer and concurrent Minister of Personnel, with the additional ranks of General Who Punishes the West and Grand Master of the Golden Chariot with Purple Tassel. Tianguang went to Luoyang and left Shao in the rear. After Tianguang's defeat, Heba Yue again took Shao on as advisory staff officer in his headquarters. During Yongxi he was made General of Chariots and Cavalry. Later Yue took Shao to pasture horses at Gaoping; in sorrow Shao composed a poem: "Galloping horses on the mountain slope, thirsty horses drink from the Yellow River—who would have thought that below the northern passes one would hear a Chu traveler's song again?" He was later killed by Yuwen Heita.
25
子敏，永安中，為太尉西閤祭酒。
His son Min served during Yongan as Libationer of the Western Pavilion of the Minister of War.
26
馮元興，字子盛，東魏郡肥鄉人也。 其世父僧集，官至東清河、西平原二郡太守，贈濟州刺史。 元興少有操尚，隨僧集在平原，因就中山張吾貴、常山房虬學，通禮傳，頗有文才。 年二十三，還鄉教授，常數百人。 領僚孝廉，對策高第，又舉秀才。 時御史中尉王顯有權寵，元興奏記於顯，召為檢校御史。 尋轉殿中，除奉朝請，三使高麗。
Feng Yuanxing, courtesy name Zisheng, came from Feixiang in Eastern Wei commandery. His father's elder brother Sengji served as Administrator of Eastern Qinghe and Western Pingyuan and was posthumously honored as Governor of Ji Province. From youth Yuanxing showed moral seriousness; while with Sengji in Pingyuan he studied under Zhang Wugui of Zhongshan and Fang Qiu of Changshan, mastered the Rites tradition, and showed real literary talent. At twenty-three he returned home to teach, with hundreds of students. Recommended as Filial and Incorrupt by his district, he ranked first in the policy examination and was also nominated as Outstanding Talent. Censor-in-Chief Wang Xian then held power; Yuanxing submitted a letter to him and was summoned as Investigating Censor. He was soon transferred to the Palace Censorate, made Court Gentleman for Imperial Audiences, and served three missions to Goguryeo.
27
江陽王繼為司徒，元興為記室參軍，遂為元叉所知。 叉秉朝政，引元興為尚書殿中郎，領中書舍人，仍御史。 元興居其腹心，預聞時事，卑身克己，人無恨焉。 家素貧約，食客恒數十人，同其飢飽，曾無吝色，時人歎尚之。 及太保崔光臨薨，薦元興為侍讀。 尚書賈思伯為侍講，授肅宗杜氏春秋於式乾殿，元興常為摘句，儒者榮之。 及叉欲解領軍，以訪元興。 元興曰：「未知公意如何耳？」 叉曰：「卿謂吾欲反也？」 元興不敢言，因勸之。 叉既賜死，元興亦被廢。 乃為浮萍詩以自喻曰：「有草生碧池，無根綠水上。 脆弱惡風波，危微苦驚浪。」
When Prince Jiangyang Ji became Minister of Education, Yuanxing served as his staff recorder and came to Yuan Cha's notice. Cha dominated the government and made Yuanxing Palace Attendant of the Secretariat and Palace Secretariat Attendant while keeping him as censor. Yuanxing stood at Cha's inner circle, privy to state affairs; humble and self-restrained, he aroused no resentment. His household was always poor; he kept dozens of guests and shared their fare without stint—men of the time admired him for it. When Grand Guardian Cui Guang was dying, he recommended Yuanxing as Lecturer-in-Attendance. Minister Jia Sibo lectured Emperor Xiaoming on the Zuo Commentary in the Shiqian Hall; Yuanxing often selected passages, to the scholars' acclaim. When Cha wished to resign command of the army, he consulted Yuanxing. Yuanxing said: "I do not yet know what you truly intend?" Cha said: "Do you think I plan to rebel?" Yuanxing said no more and urged him to proceed. After Cha was ordered to commit suicide, Yuanxing was dismissed as well. He then wrote a poem on duckweed as self-description: "A plant grows in the jade pool, rootless on the green water. Frail, it dreads wind and waves; in peril it suffers every surge."
28
丞相、高陽王雍召為兼屬。 未幾，去任還鄉。 僕射元羅為東道大使，以元興為本郡太守。 尋徵赴闕。 以母憂還家，頻值鄉亂，數為監軍，元興多所賞罰，鄉黨頗以此憾焉。 上黨王天穆之討邢杲，引為大將軍從事中郎。 元顥入洛，復為平北將軍、光祿大夫，領中書舍人。 莊帝還宮，天穆以為太宰諮議參軍，加征虜將軍。 普泰初，安東將軍、光祿大夫，領中書舍人。 太昌初，卒於家，贈征東將軍、齊州刺史。 文集百餘篇。 元興世寒，因元叉之勢，託其交道，相用為州主簿，[4]論者以為非倫。
Chancellor Prince of Gaoyang Yuan Yong summoned him as an additional staff member. Soon he left his post and returned home. Vice Director Yuan Luo, envoy of the Eastern Route, made Yuanxing Administrator of his home commandery. He was soon summoned to court. He returned home to mourn his mother; with repeated local unrest he served several times as army supervisor, meting out many rewards and punishments, to his neighbors' resentment. When Prince of Shangdang Tianmu campaigned against Xing Guo, he took Yuanxing on as staff officer of the great general. When Yuan Hao entered Luoyang, Yuanxing again became General Who Pacifies the North and Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, and Palace Secretariat Attendant. When Emperor Zhuang returned to the palace, Tianmu made him advisory staff officer of the Grand Minister of War with the additional rank of General Who Punishes the Barbarians. Early in Putai he was General Who Pacifies the East and Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, and Palace Secretariat Attendant. Early in Taichang he died at home and was posthumously honored as General Who Punishes the East and Governor of Qi Province. He left a collected corpus of more than a hundred pieces. Yuanxing's family was poor; through Yuan Cha's influence he had Xiang Yong appointed provincial chief clerk—critics judged this improper.
29
高祖時，有譙郡曹道，頗涉經史，有幹用。 舉孝廉。 太和中，東宮主書、門下錄事。 景明中，尚書都令史，領主書。 後轉中書舍人。 行使，每稱旨。 出除東郡太守。 卒，贈儀同三司。
In Emperor Gaozu's time there was Cao Dao of Qiao commandery, well read in the classics and histories and capable in practical affairs. He was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt. During Taihe he was head clerk of the Eastern Palace and recorder under the Gate. During Jingming he was chief clerk of the Secretariat and head clerk. He was later made Palace Secretariat Attendant. On missions he always pleased the emperor. He was appointed Administrator of Dong commandery. He died and was posthumously honored with rank equal to the Three Excellencies.
30
又有北海曹昇，亦以學識清立見知。 歷治書侍御史。 永安中，黃門郎、散騎常侍。 出帝世，國子祭酒。 不營家產，至以餒卒於鄴，時人傷歎之。
There was also Cao Sheng of Beihai, likewise known for learning and upright character. He rose to Attending Censor for Legal Documents. During Yongan he was Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry. Under the Departure Emperor he was Libationer of the Imperial University. He built no family fortune and died of hunger at Ye; contemporaries mourned him.
31
又齊郡曹昂，有學識，舉秀才。 永安中，太學博士、兼尚書郎。 而常徒步上省，以示清貧。 忽遇盜，大失綾縑，時人鄙其矯詐。
There was also Cao Ang of Qi commandery, a learned man nominated as Outstanding Talent. During Yongan he was Erudite of the Imperial University and acting Gentleman of the Secretariat. He often walked to the offices on foot to display his poverty and integrity. Robbers struck and he lost a great quantity of silk; contemporaries despised his affectation.
32
鹿悆，字永吉，濟陰人。 父生，在良吏傳。 悆好兵書、陰陽、釋氏之學。 太師、彭城王勰召為館客。 嘗詣徐州，馬疫，附船而至大梁。 夜睡，從者上岸竊禾四束以飼其馬。 船行數里，悆覺，問得禾之處，從者以告。 悆大忿，即停船上岸，至取禾處，以縑三丈置禾束下而返。
Lu Yu, courtesy name Yongji, came from Jiyin. His father Sheng has a biography among the worthy officials. Yu was devoted to military texts, yin-yang lore, and Buddhist learning. Grand Tutor Prince of Pengcheng Xie took him on as a lodge guest. Once on a journey to Xuzhou his horse fell ill, and he took a boat to Daliang. He slept while his attendants went ashore and stole four sheaves of grain to feed his horse. After the boat had gone several li, Yu woke, asked where the grain had been taken, and his attendants told him. Yu was furious; he stopped the boat, went ashore to the spot, left three zhang of silk under the sheaves as payment, and returned.
33
初為真定公元子直國中尉，恒勸以忠廉之節。 嘗賦五言詩曰：「嶧山萬丈樹，雕鏤作琵琶。 由此材高遠，弦響藹中華。」 又曰：「援琴起何調？ 幽蘭與白雪。 絲管韻未成，莫使弦響絕。」 子直少有令問，悆欲其善終，故以諷焉。 母憂去職。 服闋，仍卒任。 子直出鎮梁州，悆隨之州。 州有兵糧和糴，和糴者靡不潤屋，悆獨不取，子直強之，終不從命。
He first served as commandant of the principality of Prince Zizhi of Zhending and constantly urged him to loyalty and integrity. He once wrote a five-character poem: "A tree ten thousand zhang tall on Mount Yi, carved and inlaid into a pipa. Thus talent rises high and far, and the music's resonance fills all the land." It continues: "When you draw the qin to play, what tune will you raise? The Hidden Orchid or White Snow? Let the music find its form before the last note dies away." Yuan Zizhi had enjoyed an excellent reputation since youth, and Yu offered these lines in the hope that he would finish well. He resigned when mourning his mother. After the mourning term, he returned and finished out his term of office. When Zizhi was posted to Liang Province, Yu accompanied him there. The province ran government grain purchases for the army, and officials who handled them invariably grew rich—yet Yu refused to take a share, and though Zizhi insisted, Lu Yu never yielded.
34
莊帝為御史中尉，悆兼殿中侍御史，監臨淮王彧軍。 時蕭衍遣其豫章王綜據徐州，綜密信通彧，云欲歸款。 綜時為蕭衍愛子，眾議咸謂不然。 彧募人入報，驗其虛實，悆遂請行，曰：「若綜有誠心，與之盟約； 如其詐也，豈惜一人命也。」 時徐州始陷，邊方騷擾，綜部將成景儁、胡龍牙並總強兵，內外嚴固。 悆遂單馬間出，徑趣彭城。 未至之間，為綜軍主程兵潤所止，問其來狀。 悆答曰：「兵交使在，自昔通言。 我為臨淮王所使，須有交易。」 兵潤遂先遣人白龍牙等。 綜既有誠心，聞悆被執，語景儁等曰：「我每疑元略規欲叛城，將驗其虛實，且遣左右為元略使入魏軍中，喚彼一人，其使果至。 可令人詐作略身，在一深室，詭為患狀，呼使戶外，令人傳語。」 時略始被衍追還。 綜又遣腹心梁話迎悆，密語意狀，令善酬答，引悆入城，詣龍牙所。
While Emperor Zhuang held the post of Censor-in-Chief, Yu was also appointed Palace Attendant Censor, with oversight of Prince Huaiyang Yuan Ye's forces. At that time Xiao Yan had placed his son, Prince Zong of Yuzhang, in command at Xuzhou, and Zong sent covert messages to Yuan Ye offering to defect. Since Zong was Xiao Yan's favored son, nearly everyone dismissed the report as impossible. Yuan Ye sought volunteers to go in and confirm the truth of the matter, and Yu offered himself, saying, "If Zong is sincere, I will treat with him and bind our agreement; and if this is a trap, what is one life against the chance to learn the truth?" Xuzhou had only recently been lost and the frontier was unsettled; Zong's generals Cheng Jingjun and Hu Longya commanded sizable forces, and the city's defenses were strong inside and out. Lu Yu set out alone on horseback by back roads, heading straight for Pengcheng. Before he reached the city, he was intercepted by Zong's officer Cheng Bingrun, who questioned his purpose. Yu answered, "Envoys have always moved between hostile camps—it is an ancient custom. I come on Prince Huaiyang's orders and have urgent business to discuss." Bingrun immediately sent word ahead to Hu Longya and the others. Zong's intent was genuine; learning that Yu had been seized, he told Jingjun and his colleagues, "I have long suspected Yuan Lue of planning to hand over the city. To test whether the Wei side was serious, I sent men posing as Yuan Lue's envoys to summon a representative—and the envoy actually came. Have someone impersonate Lue, shut away in an inner room as if ill, and speak to the envoy from beyond the door through an intermediary." By then Xiao Yan had already recalled Yuan Lue. Zong then sent his confidant Liang Hua to receive Yu, briefing him privately on how to respond, and escorted him into the city to Hu Longya's quarters.
35
時日已暮，龍牙列仗舉火引悆曰：「元中山甚欲相見，故令喚卿。」 又曰：「安豐、臨淮將少弱卒，規復此城，容可得乎！」 悆曰：「彭城魏之東鄙，勢在必爭，得否在天，非人所測。」 龍牙曰：「當如卿言。」 復詣景儁住所，停悆在外門，久而未入。 時夜已久，星月甚明。 有綜軍主姜桃來與悆語曰：「君年已長宿，又充今使，良有所達。 元法僧魏之微子，拔城歸梁，梁主待物有道。」 乃舉手上指：「今歲星在斗。 斗，吳之分野，君何為不歸梁國，我令君富貴。」 悆答曰：「君徒知其一，未知其二。 法僧者，莒僕之流，而梁納之，無乃有愧於季孫也？ 今月建鶉首，斗牛受破，歲星木也，逆而克之。 君吳國敗喪不久。 且衣錦夜遊，有識不許。」 言未及盡，引入見景儁，景儁曰：「元中山雖曰相喚，不懼而來何也？」 答曰：「昔楚伐吳，吳遣蹷由勞師，今者此行，略同於彼。」 又曰：「遊歷多年，與卿先經相識。」 仍敍由緣，景儁便記。 引悆同坐，謂悆曰：「卿不為刺客也？」 答曰：「今者為使，欲返命本朝，相刺之事，更卜後圖。」 為設飯食雜果，悆強飲多食，向敵數人，微自夸矜。 諸人相謂曰：「壯士哉！」 乃引向元略所，一人引入戶內，指床令坐。 一人別在室中，出謂悆曰：「中山有教，與君相聞。」 悆遂起立。 使人謂悆曰：「君但坐。」 悆曰：「家國王子，豈有坐聽教命。」 使人曰：「頓首君，我昔有以向南，旦遣相喚，欲聞鄉事。 晚來患動，不獲相見。」 悆曰：「旦奉音旨，冒險祇赴，不得瞻見，內懷反側。」 遂辭而退。
By then evening had fallen. Hu Longya drew up his guard, lit torches, and led Yu in, saying, "Yuan Zhongshan is eager to see you and has sent for you." He added, "The Wei forces at Anfeng and Huaiyang are weak in number—do you really think they can retake this city?" Yu replied, "Pengcheng is the eastern gateway of Wei and both sides must fight for it. Whether it falls is fate's matter, not ours to foretell." Longya said, "No doubt you are right." They then went to Cheng Jingjun's residence, where Yu was held at the outer gate for quite some time before being admitted. It was late at night, under a clear, bright sky. One of Zong's officers, Jiang Tao, came to speak with him and said, "You are a man of age and experience, and you come as an envoy—you must see things clearly. Yuan Faseng was a lesser prince of Wei who surrendered his city to Liang, and the Liang emperor knows how to reward such men." He lifted a hand toward the sky: "This year the Year Star sits in the Dipper. The Dipper is Wu's celestial domain. Why not come over to Liang? I can make you wealthy." Yu answered, "You see one side of the matter, not the other. Faseng is the sort of renegade Jisun would have despised—does Liang feel no shame in sheltering him? This month falls under the Quail's Head asterism, and the Dipper and Ox are under attack—the Wood star moves contrary to them and will overcome them. Defeat for your southern realm is not far off. And besides, no wise man praises the vanity of parading in finery by night." Before he could finish, he was ushered in to see Cheng Jingjun, who said, "Yuan Zhongshan sent for you—yet you entered his camp without hesitation. Why?" He replied, "When Chu once marched against Wu, Wu sent Jue You to wear down the enemy—a mission much like mine today." He added, "I have traveled widely for years and believe we have met before." He recounted their prior acquaintance, and Jingjun wrote it down. He invited Yu to sit beside him and asked, "You are not here as an assassin, are you?" He answered, "I am an envoy on state business and must return with my report. As for killing, that can wait for another day." They served a meal with fruit. Yu ate and drank freely, facing down several hostile officers with a touch of swagger. The others murmured among themselves, "A true bold spirit!" They then took him to Yuan Lue's quarters, where a man ushered him inside and directed him to a seat on the bed. Another man waited in the adjoining room and came out to say, "Zhongshan sends word and wishes to speak with you." Lu Yu immediately stood up. The intermediary told him, "Please remain seated." Yu said, "He is a prince of our house and realm—how could I sit while he addressed me from afar?" The voice from the next room said, "I bow to you, sir. I had matters requiring me to look southward and sent for you this morning to hear news from home. My illness worsened this evening, and I could not receive you in person." Yu replied, "I obeyed your summons at dawn and came through peril to answer you. Unable to see you, my heart is troubled." With that he bowed out and left.
36
須臾天曉，綜軍主范勗、景儁、司馬楊㬓等競問北朝士馬多少。 悆云：「秦隴既平，三方靜晏，今有高車、白眼、羌、蜀五十萬，齊王、李陳留、[5]崔延伯、李叔仁等分為三道，徑趣江西； 安樂王鑒、李神領冀、相、齊、濟、青、光羽林十萬，直向琅邪南出。」 諸人相謂曰：「詎非華辭也？」 悆曰：「可驗崇朝，何華之有！」 日晏令還。 景儁送悆上戲馬臺，北望城壘，曰：「何此城之固，良非彼軍士所能圖擬，卿可語二王，回師改計。」 悆曰：「金墉湯池，衝甲彌巧，貴守以人，何論險害。」 還軍，於路與梁話誓盟。 契約既固，未旬，綜果降。
Before long daylight came, and Zong's officers Fan Xu, Cheng Jingjun, Chief Commandant Yang Jun, and others eagerly asked how large the Northern armies were. Yu told them, "With Qin and Long secure and the empire quiet, five hundred thousand troops of the Gaoche, Baiyan, Qiang, and Shu peoples are now advancing in three columns led by the Prince of Qi, Li of Chenliu, Footnote marker [5] in the received text. Cui Yanbo, and Li Shuren, marching directly on the territory west of the Yangzi; Prince Anle Jian and Li Shen are leading one hundred thousand imperial guards from Ji, Xiang, Qi, Ji, Qing, and Guang provinces in a direct thrust south from Langye." The officers whispered to one another, "Surely this is empty boasting?" Yu said, "You will see by tomorrow whether I speak truth—there is nothing hollow in it!" At day's end they sent him back. Cheng Jingjun walked Lu Yu up to the Play-Horse Terrace and, looking north over the fortifications, said, "See how strong this city is—those Wei troops could never take it. Tell your two princes to abandon the attempt." Yu replied, "Walls and moats mean little—siege craft grows ever cleverer. A city's strength lies in its defenders, not in its terrain." On the march home he bound himself in covenant with Liang Hua. The pact held, and within ten days Zong surrendered as promised.
37
詔曰：「日者，法僧父子，頑固自天，長惡不已，竊城外叛，職此亂階，遂使彭宋名藩，翻為賊有。 雖宗臣名將，揮戈於泗濱； 虎士雄卒，竦劍於汴渚。 然高墉峻堞，非可易登； 廣涘深隍，實為難踐。 是用日昃忘食，中宵憤惋者也。 而衍都督、豫章王蕭綜體運知機，欲歸有道，潛遣密信，送款於都督臨淮王。 于時事同夜光，能不按劍。 殿中侍御史監軍鹿悆，不憚虎口，視險若夷，便能占募，入驗虛實。 誓盟既固，所圖遂果。 返地復城，息我兵甲，亦是悆之力焉。 若不酬以榮祿，何以勸厲將來，可封定陶縣開國子，食邑三百戶。」
An edict read: "Recently Faseng and his son, incorrigible by nature, persisted in wickedness, seized the city, and rebelled—setting chaos in motion and handing the prized fortresses of Peng and Song over to the enemy. Though loyal ministers and famed generals fought fiercely along the Si River; and brave soldiers stood ready with swords drawn on the banks of the Bian; still the high walls and steep parapets could not be taken easily; and the wide moats and deep trenches proved nearly impassable. The emperor worked past sunset without eating and brooded in anger far into the night. But Xiao Yan's area commander, Prince Zong of Yuzhang, read the times wisely, wished to submit to legitimate rule, and sent secret letters offering allegiance to Area Commander Prince Huaiyang Yuan Ye. At such a moment, who could sit idle with hand on sword-hilt? Palace Attendant Censor and army supervisor Lu Yu, undaunted by mortal danger, treated the risk as nothing, volunteered for the mission, and went in to learn the truth. The sworn pact held, and the plan succeeded. Recovering the land and city and sparing our armies was also Lu Yu's doing. If such service goes unrewarded, what lesson would future officers draw? Let him be enfeoffed as Viscount of Dingtao with three hundred taxable households."
38
除員外散騎常侍。 俄出為青州彭城王劭府長兼司馬。 尋解長兼。 廣川人劉鈞、東清河人房須反，[6]劭遣悆監州軍討之，戰於商山，頗有所捷。 將統皆劭左右，擅增首級，妄請賞帛，悆面執不與，劭弗從。 悆勃然作色曰：「竭志立言，為王為國，豈悆家事！」 不辭而出，劭追而謝焉。 竊勳者放言噂𠴲，欲加私害，悆聞而笑之，不以介意。
He was appointed Outside-section Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry. Before long he was posted as chief administrator and concurrent commandant in the Qing Province headquarters of Prince Shao of Pengcheng. He soon relinquished the concurrent chief administrator role. Liu Jun of Guangchuan and Fang Xu of East Qinghe rose in rebellion. Footnote marker [6] in the received text. Prince Shao dispatched Yu to command the provincial forces against them, and at Shangshan they won notable success. The field commanders were Prince Shao's favorites; they inflated their kill counts and demanded bounty silk, which Yu refused to authorize—yet Shao sided against him. Lu Yu flushed with anger and said, "I speak my mind and serve the prince and the realm—this is not some private family matter of mine!" He stalked out without farewell, and Prince Shao followed to apologize. Those who had embezzled credit for themselves spread gossip hoping to harm him, but Yu only laughed and paid it no mind.
39
先是，蕭衍遣將彭羣、王辯率眾七萬圍逼琅邪。 自春及秋，官軍不至，而兩青士馬，裁可萬餘，師次鄖城，[7]久而未進。 劭乃遣悆，南青州刺史胡平遣長史劉仁之，並監勒諸將，徑赴賊壘，大破之，斬羣首，俘馘二千餘級。 肅宗嘉之，璽書勞問。 永安中，入為左將軍、給事黃門侍郎，又以前賞悆入徐之功未盡，增邑二百戶，進爵為侯。 雖任居通顯，志在謙退，迎送親賓，加於疇昔，而自無室宅，常假賃居止，布衣糲食，寒暑不變。 莊帝嘉其清素，時復賜以錢帛。
Earlier, Xiao Yan had sent Peng Qun and Wang Bian with seventy thousand men to press Langye. From spring through autumn no relief force came, while Qing Province could field barely ten thousand troops, camped at Yuncheng. Footnote marker [7] in the received text. For a long time they did not advance. Prince Shao then dispatched Yu, while Governor Hu Ping of Southern Qing Province sent his chief clerk Liu Renzhi; together they drove the generals straight against the enemy camp, inflicted a crushing defeat, killed Peng Qun, and took more than two thousand heads and prisoners. Emperor Xiaoming praised the victory and sent an imperial letter of commendation. In the Yong'an era he was recalled as Left General and Attendant of the Yellow Gate. Because his reward for the Xu campaign had still not been fully granted, his fief was increased by two hundred households and he was raised to marquis. Though he held high office, he lived modestly, treating guests with even greater courtesy than before—yet he owned no house and always rented lodgings, dressing plainly and eating simply through every season. Emperor Zhuang admired his frugal integrity and occasionally sent him gifts of money and silk.
40
及東徐城民呂文欣殺刺史元大賓，南引賊眾，屯柵曲術，詔悆使持節、散騎常侍、安東將軍，為六州大使，與行臺樊子鵠討破之。 文欣黨重以購之，文欣同逆人韓端正斬文欣送首，魁帥同死者十二人。 詔書褒慰。 還，拜鎮東將軍、金紫光祿大夫。 尋詔為使持節、兼尚書左僕射、東南道三徐行臺。 至東郡，值尒朱仲遠陷西兗，向滑臺，詔與都督賀拔勝等拒仲遠。 軍敗，還京。
When Lü Wenxin of Dongxu City murdered Governor Yuan Dabin and summoned southern rebels to fortify Qushu, Lu Yu was commissioned as Bearer of the Staff, Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry, and Pacifying-the-East General, envoy over six provinces; with Mobile Headquarters commander Fan Zihu he crushed the uprising. Wenxin's followers placed a heavy price on Lu Yu's head, but Wenxin's own co-conspirator Han Duanzheng killed Wenxin and sent his head. Twelve rebel leaders died in the affair. An imperial edict praised and rewarded him. On his return he was appointed Pacifying-the-East General and Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Girdle. He was soon appointed Bearer of the Staff, Concurrent Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing, and mobile headquarters commander for the southeastern Three-Xu front. When he reached Dong Commandery, Erzhu Zhongyuan had overrun Western Yan Province and was marching on Huaitai; he was ordered to join Area Commander Heba Sheng and others in blocking Zhongyuan. The army was defeated, and he withdrew to the capital.
41
普泰中，加征東將軍，轉衞將軍、右光祿大夫、兼度支尚書、河北五州和糴大使。 天平中，除梁州刺史。 時滎陽民鄭榮業等聚眾反，圍逼州城。 悆不能固守，遂以城降。 榮業送悆於關西。
During the Putai era he was given the additional title of Eastern General, then made Guard General, Right Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, Concurrent Director of the Ministry of Revenue, and commissioner for harmonized grain purchases across the five Hebei provinces. During the Tianping era he was appointed governor of Liang Province. Meanwhile Zheng Rongye and other men of Xingyang raised a rebel force and besieged the provincial seat. Yu could not hold out and surrendered the city. Rongye sent Yu west of the pass into captivity.
42
張熠，[8]字景世，自云南陽西鄂人，漢侍中衡是其十世祖。 熠自奉朝請為揚州車騎府錄事參軍。 入除步兵校尉。
Zhang Yi, Footnote marker [8] in the received text. courtesy name Jingshi, claimed descent from Xi'e in Nanyang; his tenth-generation ancestor was Heng, Attendant-in-Ordinary of Han. From Court Gentleman for Imperial Audiences, Yi became recorder in the Yang Province Chariot-and-Cavalry staff office. He entered court service as Commandant of Footsoldiers.
43
永寧寺塔大興，[9]經營務廣，靈太后曾幸作所，凡有顧問，熠敷陳指畫，無所遺闕，太后善之。 久之，除冠軍將軍、中散大夫。 後為別將，隨長孫稚西征，轉平西將軍、太中大夫，為關西都督。 以功封長平縣開國男，食邑二百戶。 永安初，除平西將軍、岐州刺史、假安西將軍，尋加撫軍將軍。 矜恤貧弱，為民所愛。 代還，值元顥入洛，仍令復州，熠遂私還。 莊帝還宮，出除鎮南將軍、東荊州刺史。 尋加散騎常侍、征蠻大都督，轉荊州刺史。 值尒朱兆入洛，不行。 普泰中，衞將軍、金紫光祿大夫。
When construction of the Yongning Temple pagoda was launched on a vast scale, Footnote marker [9] in the received text. Empress Dowager Ling visited the worksite; whenever she asked a question, Yi explained the design in full detail, and the empress dowager was pleased with him. After a time he was made Champion General and Gentleman Attendant at the Palace. He later served as a detached commander under Zhangsun Zhi on the western campaign, then became Pacifying-the-West General and Grand Master for Persuasion, with command of Guanxi. For his achievements he was enfeoffed as founding Baron of Changping County with a fief of two hundred households. At the start of the Yongan era he was appointed Pacifying-the-West General and governor of Qi Province, with acting rank as Pacifying-the-West General; he was soon given the additional title of General Who Pacifies the Army. He cared for the poor and downtrodden and was beloved by the people. When his term ended and he was replaced, Yuan Hao had entered Luoyang; though ordered to return to his post, Yi went home on his own instead. After Emperor Zhuang returned to the palace, Yi was made General Who Guards the South and governor of Eastern Jing Province. He was soon given the additional titles of Regular Attendant of the Scattered Riders and Grand Commander for the Punishment of the Barbarians, and transferred to governor of Jing Province. When Erzhu Zhao took Luoyang, he declined to take up the post. During the Putai era he held the ranks of Guard General and Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Girdle.
44
天平初，遷鄴草創，右僕射高隆之、吏部尚書元世儁奏曰：「南京宮殿，毀撤送都，連筏竟河，首尾大至，自非賢明一人，專委受納，則恐材木耗損，有闕經構。 熠清貞素著，有稱一時，臣等輒舉為大將。」 詔從之。 熠勤於其事。 尋轉營構左都將。 興和初，衞大將軍。 宮殿成，以本將軍除東徐州刺史。 三年，卒於州，時年六十。 贈驃騎大將軍、司空公、兗州刺史，諡曰懿。
When Tianping began and Ye was chosen as the new capital, Right Vice Director Gao Longzhi and Director of the Masters of Writing Yuan Shijun memorialized: "The Southern Capital's palaces are being torn down and floated upriver to the new seat; the convoys stretch for miles. Unless one capable man is put in sole charge of receiving the timber, material will be wasted and construction delayed. Yi is renowned for integrity and stands out among his contemporaries; we recommend him as chief construction officer. The emperor approved. Yi applied himself diligently to the work. He was soon made Left Chief General of Construction. At the start of the Xinghe era he was made Guard Grand General. After the palaces were finished, he was appointed governor of Eastern Xu Province, retaining his general's rank. In the third year of his tenure he died in office, at the age of sixty. Posthumously he was made General of Agile Cavalry, Duke of Works, and governor of Yan Province, with the posthumous name Yi.
45
子孝直，武定末，司空騎兵參軍。
His son Xiaozhi, in the late Wuding era, served as Cavalry Attendant to the Minister of Works.
46
史臣曰：成淹等身遭際會，俱得効其所能，以至於顯達，苟曰非才，亦何可以致。
The historian writes: Cheng Yan and his fellows each met their moment and were able to put their talents to use, rising to prominence; had they lacked ability, how could they have attained such heights?
47
校勘記
Collation Notes
48
何得以朱衣入山庭通鑑卷一三七 〈四三０七頁〉 「山」作「凶」，當是。
On "How can you enter the mourning hall in vermilion robes!": Zizhi tongjian, juan 137 〈p. 4307〉 "shan" (mountain/hall) should read "xiong" (mourning); this is the correct reading.
49
拜桃符征虜將軍豫州刺史北史卷四六劉桃符傳「豫州」上有「東」字。 按上文稱東豫州刺史田益宗，桃符此授，即代益宗，當脫「東」字。
On "appointed Taofu General Who Punishes the Barbarians and Governor of Yu Province": Bei Shi, juan 46 (Biography of Liu Taofu), has "East" before "Yu Province." Note: the text above calls Tian Yizong Governor of Eastern Yu Province; Taofu's appointment here was to replace him—the character "East" has probably dropped out.
50
食邑二百戶三朝本、汲本脫「百」字，北本、殿本「百」作「千」，南本、局本作「百」。 按下張熠傳稱「封長平縣開國男，食邑二百戶」，同一等級，封戶雖或有多少，不會相去懸殊，今從南、局本。
On "fief of two hundred households": the Sanchao and Ji editions omit "hundred"; the Northern and Dian editions read "hundred" as "thousand"; the Southern and Bureau editions read "hundred." Note: the biography of Zhang Yi below gives "Enfeoffed as founding Baron of Changping County, fief of two hundred households" for the same rank; fief sizes may differ, but not wildly—Southern and Bureau editions are followed here.
51
元興世寒因元叉之勢託其交道相用為州主簿按上文不云元興曾官州主簿，託附元叉時，他已由司徒記室參軍遷尚書殿中郎，領中書舍人，不得方因叉勢為州主簿。 疑上脫子某，託元叉之勢官州主簿的是元興之子。
On "Yuanxing's family was poor; through Yuan Cha's power he used their connection to have Xiang appointed provincial chief clerk": the text above never says Yuanxing held that office; by the time he relied on Cha's influence he had already risen from Recorder in the Minister of Works' staff to Palace Attendant in the Masters of Writing and concurrent Palace Secretariat Attendant—he could hardly then have used Cha's favor to become provincial chief clerk. Probably a name such as "his son ___" has dropped out above; it was Yuanxing's son, not Yuanxing himself, who held the provincial chief clerkship through Yuan Cha's influence.
52
東清河人房須反卷二一下彭成王卲傳、冊府卷一二一 〈一四五一頁〉 「須」作「頃」，通鑑卷一五一 〈四七二四頁〉 作「項」。 參卷九校記。
Fang Xu of East Qinghe rebelled: juan 21, part 2 (Biography of Prince of Pengcheng Shao), Cefu juan 121 〈p. 1451〉 reads "Xu" as "Qing"; Zizhi tongjian, juan 151 〈p. 4724〉 which reads "Xiang." See the collation note in juan 9.
53
師次鄖城按鄖城遠在今湖北安陸，琅邪一帶不聞有此城名，「鄖」字疑訛。
On "the army halted at Yuncheng": Yuncheng lies far to the south in present-day Anlu, Hubei; no such place is known in the Langye region—the character "Yun" is probably corrupt.
54
張熠北史卷四六「熠」作「燿」。
On "Zhang Yi": Bei Shi, juan 46, reads "Yao" for "Yi."
55
永寧寺塔大興諸本「永寧」下有「中」字。 按魏無「永寧」年號。 永寧是寺名，屢見本書，「中」字衍，今刪。
On "construction of the Yongning Temple pagoda was launched": various editions insert "zhong" (middle/period) after "Yongning." Note: the Northern Wei had no reign era called Yongning. Yongning is a temple name, common in this history; "zhong" is a spurious addition and is omitted here.