1
劉文靜字肇仁，自言系出彭城，世居京兆武功。 父韶，仕隋戰死，贈上儀同三司。 文靜以死難子式，藝術家是高度擴張自我、表現自我的人。 主要著作有，襲儀同。 侗儻有器略。 大業末，為晉陽令，與晉陽宮監裴寂善。 寂夜見邏堞傳烽，咤曰：「天下方亂，吾將安舍？」 文靜笑曰：「如君言，豪英所資也。 吾二人者可終賤乎？」
Liu Wenjing, courtesy name Zhaoren, claimed descent from Pengcheng; his family had long resided in Wugong, in Jingzhao. His father Shao served the Sui dynasty, fell in battle, and was posthumously granted the title of Senior Privy Counselor of the Third Rank. As the son of a man who had died in loyal service, Wenjing inherited the rank of Yitong. He inherited the rank of Yitong. He was bold and unconventional, with genuine talent for strategy. Near the end of the Daye era he served as magistrate of Jinyang and was on friendly terms with Pei Ji, overseer of the Jinyang Palace. One night Ji saw beacon fires flashing along the battlements and cried out, "The empire is falling into chaos—where am I to find refuge?" Wenjing laughed and said, "If that is so, then this is precisely what a great man needs. Can the two of us spend our lives in obscurity?"
2
高祖為唐公，鎮太原，文靜察有大誌，深自結。 既又見秦王，謂寂曰：「唐公子，非常人也，豁達神武，漢高祖、魏太祖之徒歟！ 殆天啟之也。」 寂未謂然。 文靜俄坐李密姻屬系獄，秦王顧它無可與計者，私入視之。 文靜喜，挑言曰：「喪亂方剡，非湯、武、高、光不能定。」 王曰：「安知無其人哉？ 今過此，非兒女子姁姁相憂者。 世道將革，直欲共大計，試為我言之。」 文靜曰：「上南幸，兵填河、洛，盜賊蜉結，大連州縣，小阻山澤，以萬數，須真主取而用之。 誠能投天會機，奮礻藝大呼，則四海不足定也。 今汾、晉避盜者皆在，文靜素知其豪傑，一朝號召，十萬眾可得也。 加公府兵數萬，一下令，誰不願從？ 鼓而入關，以震天下，王業成矣。」 王笑曰：「君言正與我意合。」 乃陰部署賓客。
When Emperor Gaozu was still Duke of Tang and held Taiyuan, Wenjing saw that he harbored great ambition and cultivated a close bond with him. He later met the Prince of Qin as well and told Ji, "The Duke of Tang's son is no ordinary man—magnanimous and martially gifted. Is he not in the line of Han Gaozu and Wei Taizu? Perhaps Heaven itself has opened the way for him." Ji was not yet persuaded. Before long Wenjing was imprisoned because of his marriage connection to Li Mi. The Prince of Qin, finding no one else with whom he could consult, entered the prison in secret to see him. Wenjing was overjoyed and tested him, saying, "The age of ruin and chaos has reached its crisis. Only a Tang or Wu, a Gaozu or Guangwu, can restore order." The prince said, "Who is to say that no such man exists? To let this moment pass is not the way of women fretting among themselves. The world is about to turn. I mean to join in a great design—tell me what you propose." Wenjing said, "The emperor has gone south on tour. Armies choke the Yellow and Luo rivers. Bandits swarm everywhere—large bands linking whole prefectures and counties, smaller bands holding the hills and marshes. They number in the tens of thousands, waiting for a true ruler to gather and deploy them. If you truly seize Heaven's appointed moment, raise your sleeves and cry out to the realm, then even the four seas would not be hard to pacify. Those fleeing the turmoil in Fen and Jin are all here now. Wenjing has long known the local heroes; with one call to arms, a hundred thousand men could be raised. Add the Duke of Tang's own troops, numbering tens of thousands—once the order is given, who would not follow? Beat the drums, march through the passes, and shake the empire—and the royal enterprise will be won." The prince smiled and said, "Your words match my intent exactly." Thereupon he began secretly to deploy his retainers.
3
將發，恐唐公不從，文靜謀因裴寂開說，於是介寂以交王，遂得進議。 及突厥敗高君雅兵，唐公被劾，王遣文靜、寂共說曰：「公據嫌疑之地，勢不圖全。 今部將敗，方以罪見收，事急矣，尚不為計乎？ 晉陽兵精馬強，宮庫饒豐，大事可舉也。 今關中空虛，代王弱，賢豪並興，未有適歸，願公引兵西，誅暴除亂。 乃受單使囚乎？」 唐公私可，會得釋而止。
As they prepared to move, Wenjing feared the Duke of Tang would not agree. He therefore planned to have Pei Ji persuade him first, and used Ji as intermediary to reach the Prince of Qin, thereby gaining access to present his proposal. When the Turks defeated Gao Junya's army and the Duke of Tang came under impeachment, the Prince of Qin sent Wenjing and Ji together to urge him, saying, "Your Lordship stands in a position of suspicion; under such circumstances there is no safe course. Your subordinate has just been defeated, and you yourself are about to be seized on criminal charges. The crisis is upon us—will you still do nothing? The troops at Jinyang are crack soldiers on strong horses, and the palace stores are overflowing. The great enterprise can be launched. Guanzhong is hollowed out, the Prince of Dai is weak, and worthy men are rising everywhere with nowhere rightful to turn. We ask Your Lordship to lead an army west to punish the violent and end the chaos. Or will you submit to arrest and imprisonment as a lone envoy?" The Duke of Tang privately agreed, but when they were released from the charges the plan was set aside.
4
王教文靜偽為詔「發太原、西河、雁門、馬邑男子年二十至五十悉為兵，期歲盡集涿郡以伐遼。」 繇是人心愁擾，益思亂。 文靜謂寂曰：「公聞先發制人，後發制於人乎？ 唐公名載圖讖，聞天下，尚可怗怗以待禍哉？」 又脅寂曰：「公為監，以宮人侍客，公死何憾，奈何累唐公？」 寂懼，乃勸起兵。 秦王即委文靜、長孫順德等募士，聲討劉武周。 文靜與寂作符敕，發宮監庫物佐軍興。 會王威、高君雅猜貳，文靜與劉政會為急變書，詣留守告二人反，候唐公與威、君雅視事，文靜進曰：「有密牒言反者。」 公目威等省牒，政會不肯，曰：「所告乃副留守，唯唐公得觀。」 公驚曰：「詎有是乎？」 讀已，語威曰：「人告公等，信乎？」 君雅詬曰：「反人欲殺我耳。 文靜叱左右執之，由是舉兵。
The Prince of Qin had Wenjing forge an edict: "Mobilize all men between twenty and fifty from Taiyuan, Xihe, Yanmen, and Mayi. Within one year they are all to assemble at Zhuo Commandery for the campaign against Liao." From this the people grew anxious and restless, and thought all the more of revolt. Wenjing said to Ji, "Have you heard the saying that he who strikes first controls others, while he who strikes later is controlled by others? The Duke of Tang's name appears in prophetic texts and is known throughout the realm. Can he still sit quietly and wait for ruin?" He then pressed Ji, saying, "As overseer you provided palace women to entertain guests. Your own death would be no great loss—but why drag the Duke of Tang down with you?" Ji was frightened and thereupon urged that they raise troops. The Prince of Qin then put Wenjing, Zhangsun Shunde, and others in charge of recruiting troops, publicly proclaiming a campaign against Liu Wuzhou. Wenjing and Ji drew up tally-orders and released goods from the palace overseer's stores to supply the rising army. When Wang Wei and Gao Junya grew suspicious and unreliable, Wenjing and Liu Zhenghui drafted an urgent report accusing the two of rebellion. They went to the garrison headquarters to denounce them, and when the Duke of Tang was conducting business with Wei and Junya, Wenjing stepped forward and said, "There is a secret report of treason." The duke signaled for Wei and the others to read the report, but Zhenghui refused, saying, "The accused are the deputy garrison commanders. Only the Duke of Tang may view it." The duke said in alarm, "Can this really be?" After reading it, he said to Wei, "Men have accused you—do you believe it?" Junya cursed and said, "The rebels simply want to kill me. Wenjing ordered the attendants to seize them, and with that the army was raised.
5
唐公乃開大將軍府，以文靜為司馬。 文靜勸改旗幟，彰特興，又請與突厥連和，唐公從之。 遣文靜使始畢可汗，始畢曰：「唐公兵何事而起？」 文靜曰：「先帝廢冢嗣以授後主，故大亂。 唐公，國近戚，懼毀王室，起兵黜不當立者。 願與突厥共定京師，金幣、子女盡以歸可汗。」 始畢大喜，即遣二千騎隨文靜至，又獻馬千匹。 公喜曰：「非君何以致之？」 尋拒屈突通於潼關，與其將桑顯和苦鬥，死者數千。 文靜度顯和軍怠，以奇兵從後掩之，顯和敗績。 通兵尚數萬，欲引而東，文靜命將追執之，徇新安以西，皆下。 轉大丞相府司馬，進光祿大夫、魯國公。
The Duke of Tang then established the Grand General's Office and appointed Wenjing chief of staff. Wenjing urged that they change their banners and standards to proclaim the distinctive rise of the Tang, and also asked to ally with the Turks. The Duke of Tang agreed. He sent Wenjing as envoy to Shibi Khagan. Shibi asked, "For what reason has the Duke of Tang raised an army?" Wenjing said, "The late emperor set aside the crown prince and gave the throne to a lesser ruler, and so the realm fell into great chaos. The Duke of Tang is a close kinsman of the imperial house. Fearing the ruin of the royal line, he has raised troops to remove one who ought not to reign. We wish to join with the Turks in pacifying the capital. All gold, silk, and captives shall go to the khagan." Shibi was greatly pleased and immediately sent two thousand horsemen to accompany Wenjing, and also presented a thousand horses. The duke said with delight, "Without you, how could this have been achieved?" Soon afterward they held Qu Tuotong at Tong Pass and fought bitterly with his general Sang Xianhe; several thousand men were killed. Wenjing judged that Xianhe's army had grown lax and sent a surprise force to strike from the rear. Xianhe was routed. Qu Tuotong still had tens of thousands of troops and intended to withdraw eastward. Wenjing ordered his generals to pursue and capture him, then marched west from Xin'an subduing the region; all submitted. He was transferred to chief of staff of the Grand Chancellor's Office and promoted to Minister of the Imperial Clan and Duke of Lu.
6
唐公踐天子位，擢納言。 時多引貴臣共榻，文靜諫曰：「今率土莫不臣，而延見群下，言尚稱名。 帝坐嚴尊，屈與臣子均席，此王導所謂太陽俯同萬物者也。」 帝曰：「我雖應天受命，宿昔之好何可忘？ 公其無嫌。」 薛舉寇涇州，以元帥府長史與司馬殷開山出戰，大敗，奔還京師，坐除名。 與討仁杲，平之，復爵邑，授民部尚書、陜東道行臺左僕射。 從秦王鎮長春宮。
When the Duke of Tang ascended the throne as emperor, Wenjing was promoted to chief censor. At the time the emperor often summoned eminent ministers to sit with him on the same couch. Wenjing remonstrated, saying, "All within the realm are now subjects, yet when Your Majesty receives officials below, they still address you by personal name. The imperial seat is solemn and exalted, yet Your Majesty stoops to share a mat equally with your ministers. This is what Wang Dao meant when he said the sun bends down level with all things beneath it." The emperor said, "Though I have received Heaven's mandate, how can I forget old friendship? Do not be so reserved." When Xue Ju invaded Jing Prefecture, Wenjing went out to battle as chief of staff of the commander's office together with the chief of staff Yin Kaishan and suffered a crushing defeat. He fled back to the capital and was stripped of rank and title. He joined the campaign against Ren Jie and pacified him. His title and fief were restored, and he was appointed Minister of Revenue and Left Vice Director of the Shaanxi-East Circuit Mobile Secretariat. He followed the Prince of Qin to garrison Changchun Palace.
7
文靜自以材能過裴寂遠甚，又屢有軍功，而寂獨用故舊恩居其上，意不平。 每論政多戾駁，遂有隙。 嘗與弟散騎常侍文起飲酣，有怨言，拔刀擊柱曰：「當斬寂！」 會家數有怪，文起憂，召巫夜被發銜刀為禳厭。 文靜妾失愛，告其兄上變，遂下吏。 帝遣裴寂、蕭瑀訊狀，對曰：「昔在大將軍府，司馬與長史略等。 今寂已僕射，居甲第，寵賚不貲。 臣官賞等眾人，家無贏，誠不能無少望。」 帝曰：「文靜此言，反明甚。」 李綱、蕭瑀明其不反； 秦王亦以文靜首決非常計，事成乃告寂，今任遇弗等，故怨望，非敢反，宜賜全宥。 帝素疏忌之，寂又言：「文靜多權詭，而性猜險，忿不顧難，醜言怪節已暴驗，今天下未靖，恐為後憂。」 帝遂殺之，年五十二。 文起亦死，籍其家。 文靜臨刑，撫膺曰：「高鳥盡，良弓藏，果不妄。」 貞觀三年，追復官爵，以子樹義襲魯國公，詔尚主。 然怨父不得死，謀反，誅。
Wenjing considered his ability far superior to Pei Ji's and had repeatedly won military distinction, yet Ji alone, by virtue of old friendship, stood above him. Wenjing's heart was not at peace. Whenever they discussed policy he often contradicted Ji, and a rift opened between them. Once, drinking heavily with his younger brother Wenqi, Regular Attendant of Scattered Cavalry, he gave voice to his grievances, drew his sword, and struck a pillar, crying, "I ought to cut Ji down!" About that time several strange occurrences troubled the household. Wenqi grew anxious and summoned a shaman, who at night let down his hair and held a knife in his mouth to perform an exorcism. Wenjing's concubine, having lost his favor, reported the matter through her elder brother as an accusation of treason, and Wenjing was handed over to the officials. The emperor sent Pei Ji and Xiao Yu to investigate. Wenjing replied, "In the early days at the Grand General's Office, the chief of staff and the chief administrator were roughly equal in rank. Now Ji is vice chancellor, living in a mansion of the first rank, his gifts and rewards beyond counting. My office and rewards are no different from those of ordinary men, and my household has no surplus. Truly I cannot be entirely free of resentment." The emperor said, "In these words Wenjing's intent to rebel is all too clear." Li Gang and Xiao Yu made clear that he was not rebelling; the Prince of Qin also argued that Wenjing had been the first to resolve the extraordinary plan and had informed Ji only after success. Now that their appointments and favor were unequal, his resentment was understandable; he did not truly mean to rebel, and they ought to grant him full pardon. The emperor had long kept his distance and harbored suspicion toward him. Ji added, "Wenjing is full of stratagems and cunning, and by nature suspicious and dangerous. When angered he reckons nothing of difficulty. His ugly words and strange conduct have already been plainly seen. The realm is not yet settled, and I fear he may become a source of trouble later." The emperor thereupon had him executed. He was fifty-two. Wenqi was executed as well, and their household property was confiscated. Facing execution, Wenjing clutched his chest and said, "When the high birds are gone, the good bows are stored away—the saying is no empty phrase." In the third year of Zhenguan his office and title were posthumously restored. His son Shuyi inherited the dukedom of Lu, and an edict granted him marriage to an imperial princess. Yet, resenting his father's unjust execution, he plotted rebellion and was put to death.
8
裴寂，字玄真，蒲州桑泉人。 幼孤，兄鞠之。 年十四，補郡主簿。 及長，偉容貌，涉知書傳。 隋開皇中，調左親衛。 家貧，徙步走京師，過華山祠，祈神自卜，夜夢老人謂曰：「君年逾四十當貴。」
Pei Ji, courtesy name Xuanzhen, was a native of Sangquan in Pu Prefecture. Orphaned in childhood, he was raised by his elder brother. At fourteen he was appointed chief clerk of his prefecture. When he came of age he had a striking appearance and a working knowledge of the classics and histories. During the Kaihuang era of the Sui dynasty he was assigned to the Left Personal Guard. His family was poor, and he walked on foot to the capital. Passing the shrine on Mount Hua, he prayed to the god to divine his fortune. That night he dreamed that an old man told him, "After you pass forty you will rise to eminence."
9
大業中，為齊州司戶參軍，歷侍御史，晉陽宮副監。 唐公雅與厚，及留守太原，契分愈密，至蒲酒通晝夜。 秦王與劉文靜方建大計，未敢白公，以寂最厚善，乃同私錢數百萬餉龍山令高斌廉，俾與寂博，陽不勝，寂得進多，大喜，日滋昵。 太宗以情告之，許諾。 寂嘗以宮人侍唐公，恐事發誅，閑飲酣，乃白秦王將舉兵狀，因言：「今盜遍天下，城闔外即戰場，雖徇小節，猶不脫死。 若舉義師，不特免禍，且就大功。」 唐公然所計。 兵起，寂進宮女五百，米九百萬斛，雜彩五萬段，鎧四十萬首。
During the Daye era he served as registrar of Qi Prefecture, then as gentleman auditor and deputy overseer of the Jinyang Palace. The Duke of Tang had long been on close terms with him. When he took up garrison duty at Taiyuan their bond grew ever closer, and they drank together day and night. The Prince of Qin and Liu Wenjing were just forming their great plan and did not yet dare tell the duke. Because Ji was their closest friend, they pooled several million in private funds and gave them to Longshan Magistrate Gao Binian so that he could gamble with Ji. Binian feigned defeat, Ji won heavily, was greatly pleased, and day by day grew more intimate with them. The Prince of Qin confided the whole plan to him, and Ji agreed. Ji had once provided palace women to attend the Duke of Tang. Fearing exposure and execution, during a bout of heavy drinking he told the Prince of Qin of the plan to raise troops, saying, "Bandits now fill the realm. Beyond the city gates lies nothing but battlefield. Even if one clings to small proprieties, one still cannot escape death. If we raise the army of righteousness, we will not only escape disaster but win great merit as well." The Duke of Tang approved the plan. When the army was raised, Ji contributed five hundred palace women, nine million hu of grain, fifty thousand bolts of assorted silks, and four hundred thousand suits of armor.
10
大將軍府建，為長史。 下臨汾，封聞喜縣公。 至河東，屈突通未下，而三輔豪傑多歸者。 唐公欲先取京師，恐通掎其後，猶豫未決，寂說曰：「今通據蒲關，未下而西，我腹背支敵，敗之符也。 不若破通而後趨京師。」 秦王曰：「不然。 兵尚權，權利於速。 今乘機度河以奪其心。 且關中群盜處處屯結，疑力相杖，易以招懷，撫而有之，眾附兵強，何向不克。 通自守賊耳，庸能患我？ 一失其機，勝負未可計也。」 唐公兩從之，留兵圍蒲，而遣秦王入關。 長安平，賜寂田千頃、甲第一區，物四萬段，遷大丞相府長史，進魏國公，邑三百戶。
When the Grand General's Office was established, he was appointed chief administrator. After they took Linfen he was enfeoffed as Duke of Wenxi County. When they reached Hedong, Qu Tuotong had not yet been subdued, but many leading men of the Three Metropolises region had already come over to their side. The Duke of Tang wanted to seize the capital first but feared Qu Tuotong would strike from the rear, and he hesitated, unable to decide. Pei Ji urged him, saying, "Qu Tuotong now holds Puguan Pass. If we march west before he falls, we will be caught between two enemies—that is a recipe for defeat. Better to defeat Qu Tuotong first, then rush on to the capital." The Prince of Qin said, "No. In war one must be flexible, and flexibility means acting swiftly. Now we should seize the moment, cross the river, and win them over. Besides, bandits throughout Guanzhong are encamped everywhere, backing one another's strength. They can easily be won over and brought under control. Once we pacify and hold them, the people will rally to us and our forces will grow—what could we not take? Qu Tuotong is only a defensive rebel—how could he truly threaten us? Miss this chance, and victory or defeat become impossible to foretell." The Duke of Tang took something from both counsels: he left troops to besiege Pu and sent the Prince of Qin through the pass into Guanzhong. After Chang'an was pacified, Pei Ji was granted a thousand qing of land, a first-ranked mansion, and forty thousand bolts of goods. He was promoted to chief administrator of the Grand Chancellor's Office and advanced to Duke of Wei with a fief of three hundred households.
11
武德二年，劉武周寇太原，守將數困，寂請行，授晉州道行軍總管討賊，以便宜決事。 賊將宋金剛據介州，寂屯度索原，賊埭水上流，寂徙屯，為賊所搏，兵大潰，死亡略盡。 寂晝夜馳抵平陽，鎮戍皆沒。 上書謝罪，高祖薄其過，下詔慰諭，俾留撫河東。 寂無它才，惟飛檄郡縣，促入屯壘相保贅，焚積聚，人益惴駭思亂。 夏人呂崇茂殺其令，反，為賊守，寂攻之，復為所敗。 召還，帝責讓良久，以屬吏，俄釋之，遇待如初。
In the second year of Wude, Liu Wuzhou invaded Taiyuan and the defending generals were repeatedly driven into distress. Pei Ji asked to take command and was appointed commander-in-chief of the Jinzhou circuit army to suppress the rebels, with discretionary authority. The rebel general Song Jingang held Jie Prefecture. Pei Ji encamped at Dusuo Plain; the rebels dammed the upstream waters, and when he shifted camp they struck. His army broke in a catastrophic rout, and nearly all his men were killed. Pei Ji rode day and night to reach Pingyang, but every fortified post along the way had already fallen. He submitted a memorial asking pardon. Emperor Gaozu treated his fault leniently, issued an edict of consolation, and ordered him to remain in Hedong to restore order. Pei Ji had no other gift for the task. He merely sent urgent dispatches to the commanderies and counties, forcing people into fortified camps for mutual protection and burning stored grain. The populace grew ever more terrified and restless. A local man named Lü Chongmao killed his magistrate and rebelled, holding the town for the enemy. Pei Ji attacked him and was defeated again. He was recalled to court. Emperor Gaozu rebuked him at length and handed him over to the judicial officials, but soon released him and treated him as before.
12
帝每巡幸，必委以居守。 麟州刺史韋雲起告寂反，按訊無狀，帝謂曰：「朕有天下，公推轂成之也，容有貳哉？ 所以訊吏，欲天下人信公不反耳。」 詔三貴妃賫玉食寶器宴其家，經宿去。 帝嘗從容誇語曰：「前王多興細微，間關行陣而後成功。 我家隴西舊族，世姻婭帝室，一呼倡義，不三月有天下，公復華胄，職宦光顯，非劉季亭長、蕭曹刀筆吏比也。 我與公無愧焉。」 四年，改鑄錢，賜一爐得自鑄。 又聘其女為趙王元景妃。 遷左僕射。 帝置酒含章殿，歡甚，寂頓首曰：「始陛下發太原，約天下已定，許上印綬。 今四海妥安，願賜骸骨歸田裏。」 帝泣下曰：「未也，要當相與老爾。 公為宗臣，我為太上皇，逍遙晚歲，不亦善乎！」 九年，冊拜司空，遣尚書員外郎日一人直第。 貞觀初，太宗親郊，命寂與長孫無忌升金輅，寂辭，帝曰：「公有佐命勛，無忌宣力王室，非二人誰可參乘者？」 遂同載歸。
Whenever Emperor Gaozu traveled, he always left Pei Ji in charge of the capital. Lin Prefecture inspector Wei Yunqi reported that Pei Ji was plotting rebellion. Investigation found nothing to support the charge. Emperor Gaozu told him, "I won the realm—you helped push the chariot wheel that brought me here. How could you turn against me? The reason I had the officials examine the case was so that all under Heaven would believe you had not rebelled." He then ordered three imperial consorts to bring jade dishes and precious vessels to feast at Pei Ji's home. They stayed the night and then departed. Emperor Gaozu once spoke at leisure in a boastful vein, saying, "Former kings mostly rose from humble beginnings, struggling through hardship and battle before they succeeded. My house is an old Longxi clan, bound by marriage to the imperial line for generations. At a single call to arms we won the realm in less than three months. You too are of noble lineage, with a distinguished official career—not to be compared with Liu Bang the pavilion chief or Xiao He and Cao Shen, mere clerks with their writing knives. You and I have nothing to be ashamed of between us." In the fourth year, when coinage was reformed, he was granted one minting furnace for his private use. His daughter was also betrothed to Prince Zhao, Li Yuanjing. He was promoted to Left Vice Director of the Secretariat. Emperor Gaozu held a banquet in Hanzhang Hall and was in high spirits. Pei Ji bowed low and said, "When Your Majesty first raised troops at Taiyuan, you promised that once the realm was settled you would let me surrender my seal and sash. Now the four seas are at peace. I beg leave to retire and return to my home." Emperor Gaozu wept and said, "Not yet. We must grow old together. You will remain a pillar of the dynasty, and I shall become Retired Emperor. We shall spend our later years in ease—is that not fine?" In the ninth year he was enfeoffed as Minister of Works, and one Secretariat aide was dispatched each day to attend at his residence. Early in the Zhenguan era, Emperor Taizong personally performed the suburban sacrifice and ordered Pei Ji and Zhangsun Wuji to ascend the gilded imperial chariot. Pei Ji declined. The emperor said, "You aided the founding mandate, and Wuji has served the royal house with all his strength. If not the two of you, who else could ride as my companions?" They then rode back together.
13
浮屠法雅坐妖言，辭連寂，坐免官，削封邑半，歸故郡。 寂請留京師，帝讓曰：「公勛不稱位，徙以恩澤居第一。 武德之政，間或弛紊，職公為之。 今歸掃墳墓，尚何辭？」 寂遂歸。 未幾，汾陰狂男子謂寂奴曰：「公有天分。」 監奴白寂，寂惶懼不敢聞，遣監奴殺所言者。 奴盜寂封邑錢百萬，寂捕急，遂上變。 帝怒曰：「寂有死罪四：為三公，與妖人遊，一也； 既免官，乃恚稱國家之興皆其所謀，二也； 匿妖人言不奏，三也； 專殺以滅口，四也。 我戮之非無辭。」 議者多請貸，乃放靜州。 會山羌反，或言劫寂為主。 帝曰：「國家於寂有恩，必不爾。」 既而寂率家僮破賊。 帝念寂功，詔入朝，會卒，年六十。 贈相州刺史、工部尚書、河東郡公。 子律師嗣，尚臨海長公主，終汴州刺史。 律師子承先，武後時為殿中監，酷吏殺之。
The Buddhist monk Fayi was convicted of spreading seditious talk, and his testimony implicated Pei Ji. Pei Ji was dismissed from office, half his fief was stripped, and he was sent back to his home commandery. Pei Ji asked to remain in the capital. The emperor rebuked him, saying, "Your merit does not match your rank. You hold first place only through imperial favor. The laxity and disorder of Wude-era governance were in part your doing. Go home and tend your ancestors' graves—what further argument can you offer?" Pei Ji then departed. Before long, a madman at Fenyin said to one of Pei Ji's household slaves, "Your master has Heaven's mandate." The supervising slave reported this to Pei Ji. Pei Ji was terrified and dared not report it. He sent the slave to kill the man who had spoken. The slave stole a million in cash from Pei Ji's fief income. When Pei Ji pressed hard for his arrest, the slave submitted a denunciation to the throne. The emperor said angrily, "Pei Ji deserves death on four counts: as one of the Three Dukes he consorted with sorcerers—that is the first; after dismissal he still resentfully claimed the founding of the state was all his doing—that is the second; he concealed the madman's words and failed to report them—that is the third; he executed a man on his own authority to silence him—that is the fourth. If I execute him, I shall not be without cause." Many at court pleaded for mercy, and he was exiled to Jing Prefecture instead. When the mountain Qiang rebelled, some said the rebels would seize Pei Ji and make him their leader. The emperor said, "The state has treated Pei Ji with kindness. He would surely never do such a thing." Before long Pei Ji led his household retainers and defeated the rebels. The emperor, remembering Pei Ji's service, issued an edict summoning him to court, but Pei Ji died on the journey at the age of sixty. He was posthumously granted the titles of governor of Xiang Prefecture, Minister of Works, and Duke of Hedong Commandery. His son Lüshi inherited the title, married Princess Linhai, and ended his career as governor of Bian Prefecture. Lüshi's son Chengxian served as director of the Palace Directorate under Empress Wu and was killed by the cruel officials.
14
始，高祖論太原首功，詔尚書令秦王、尚書左僕射裴寂、納言劉文靜恕二死； 左驍衛大將軍長孫順德、右驍衛大將軍劉弘基、右屯衛大將軍竇琮、左翊衛大將軍柴紹、內史侍郎唐儉、吏部侍郎殷開山、鴻臚卿劉世龍、衛尉少卿劉政會、都水監趙文恪、庫部郎中武士〓驃騎將軍張平高、李思行、李高遷、左屯衛府長史許世緒等十四人恕一死。
At the outset, when Emperor Gaozu assessed the founding merit of Taiyuan, an edict granted the Prince of Qin as director of the Secretariat, Left Vice Director Pei Ji, and Chief Counselor Liu Wenjing pardon for two capital offenses; Left Brave Guard general Zhangsun Shunde, Right Brave Guard general Liu Hongji, Right Garrison Guard general Dou Cong, Left Flank Guard general Chai Shao, Secretariat vice minister Tang Jian, Ministry of Personnel vice minister Yin Kaishan, grand herald Liu Shilong, Court of Imperial Sacrifices vice minister Liu Zhenghui, director of waterways Zhao Wenke, storehouse bureau director Wu Shihuo, cavalry general Zhang Pinggao, Li Sixing, Li Gaoqian, Left Garrison Guard office chief administrator Xu Shixu, and fourteen others in all were granted pardon for one capital offense.
15
武德九年十月，太宗又定功臣封戶，時文靜已死，乃自寂而下差功大小第之，總四十三人。 寂戶千五百，長孫無忌、王君廓、尉遲敬德、房玄齡、杜如晦戶千三百，長孫順德、柴紹、羅藝、趙郡王孝恭戶千二百，侯君集、張公謹、劉師立戶千，李勣、劉弘基戶九百，高士廉、宇文士及、秦叔寶、程知節戶七百，安興貴、安修仁、唐儉、竇軌、屈突通、蕭瑀、封德彜、劉義節戶六百，錢九隴、樊興、公孫武達、李孟嘗、段誌玄、龐卿惲、張亮、李藥師、杜淹、元仲文戶四百，張長遜、張平高、李安遠、李子和、秦行師、馬三寶戶三百。 寂等三十人已見於傳。 自趙文恪等十八人功不甚顯，然參附義始事，班班見當世。 今次第其名，總出左方雲。
In the tenth month of the ninth year of Wude, Emperor Taizong again fixed the fief households of the merit subjects. Liu Wenjing was already dead, so from Pei Ji downward they were ranked by merit, forty-three men in all. Pei Ji received fifteen hundred households; Zhangsun Wuji, Wang Junkuo, Yuchi Jingde, Fang Xuanling, and Du Ruhui thirteen hundred each; Zhangsun Shunde, Chai Shao, Luo Yi, and Prince Zhao of Zhao Commandery Li Xiaogong twelve hundred each; Hou Junji, Zhang Gongjin, and Liu Shili one thousand each; Li Ji and Liu Hongji nine hundred each; Gao Shilian, Yuwen Shiji, Qin Shubao, and Cheng Zhijie seven hundred each; An Xinggui, An Xiuren, Tang Jian, Dou Gui, Qu Tuotong, Xiao Yu, Feng Deyi, and Liu Yijie six hundred each; Qian Jiulong, Fan Xing, Gongsun Wuda, Li Mengchang, Duan Zhixuan, Pang Qingyun, Zhang Liang, Li Yaoshi, Du Yan, and Yuan Zhongwen four hundred each; and Zhang Changsun, Zhang Pinggao, Li Anyuan, Li Zihe, Qin Xingshi, and Ma Sanbao three hundred each. Thirty of these men, including Pei Ji, already appear in their own biographies. As for Zhao Wenke and eighteen others, though their merit was not especially conspicuous, they nonetheless joined the righteous cause at the outset, and their names were well known in their day. Their names are now listed in order below.
16
趙文恪，并州人。 為隋鷹揚府司馬。 義兵起，授右三統軍。 武德二年，擢都水監，封新興郡公。 時中國經大亂，馬耗，會突厥講和，詔文恪至并州，與齊王誘市邊馬以備軍。 劉武周寇太原，屬城盡沒，李仲文守浩州，兵力孤絕，齊王使文恪率步騎千余助守。 會太原陷，遂棄城遁，詔下獄死。
Zhao Wenke was a native of Bing Prefecture. He served as marshal of a hawkish garrison under the Sui. When the righteous army rose, he was appointed Right Third Commander-in-Chief. In the second year of Wude he was promoted to director of waterways and enfeoffed as Duke of Xinxing Commandery. At that time the realm had been ravaged by chaos and horses were scarce. When peace was made with the Turks, Wenke was ordered to go to Bing Prefecture and, together with the Prince of Qi, purchase border horses for the army. When Liu Wuzhou invaded Taiyuan, every subordinate city fell. Li Zhongwen held Hao Prefecture with isolated, exhausted forces, and the Prince of Qi sent Wenke with more than a thousand infantry and cavalry to help defend it. When Taiyuan fell he abandoned the city and fled. An edict ordered him imprisoned and put to death.
17
李思行，趙州人，避仇太原。 唐公將起，使覘訁冋長安，還，具論機策，以贊大議授左三統軍。 從破霍邑，平京師，擢累嘉州刺史、樂安郡公。 卒，贈洪州都督，謚曰襄。
Li Sixing was a native of Zhao Prefecture who had fled to Taiyuan to escape a blood feud. When the Duke of Tang was preparing to rise, he was sent to reconnoiter Chang'an. On his return he laid out the whole strategic situation and, for supporting the great plan, was appointed Left Third Commander-in-Chief. He followed the army in breaking Huoyi and pacifying the capital, and was promoted through successive ranks to governor of Jia Prefecture and Duke of Le'an Commandery. He died and was posthumously granted the title of governor-general of Hong Prefecture, with the posthumous name Xiang.
18
李高遷，岐州人，客太原，唐公引致左右。 執高君雅等有功，以右三統軍從下霍邑，圍長安，力戰。 遷左武衛大將軍、江夏郡公、檢校西麟州刺史。 突厥寇馬邑，高滿政請救，詔高遷督兵助守。 賊盛，乃夜斬關走，所將皆沒，坐除名徙邊。 後歷資州刺史，卒，贈涼州都督。
Li Gaoqian was a native of Qi Prefecture who had been living as a guest at Taiyuan when the Duke of Tang drew him to his side. For his merit in arresting Gao Junya and others, he served as Right Third Commander-in-Chief in the capture of Huoyi, the siege of Chang'an, and fierce combat. He was promoted to general of the Left Martial Guard, made Duke of Jiangxia Commandery, and appointed acting governor of Western Lin Prefecture. When the Turks raided Mayi, Gao Manzheng requested relief, and an edict ordered Gaoqian to lead troops to help defend the city. The enemy was too strong. He broke through the gate by night and fled, and all the men under his command were lost. He was stripped of rank and exiled to the frontier. He later served as governor of Zi Prefecture, died in office, and was posthumously granted the title of governor-general of Liang Prefecture.
19
姜寶誼，秦州上邽人。 父遠，仁周為秦州刺史、朝邑縣公。 寶誼遊太學，受書，業不進，去為左翊衛，以積勞遷鷹揚郎將，領府兵，從高祖督盜太原。 及起兵，授左統軍，下西河、霍邑，以多，爵累永安縣公，歷右武衛大將軍。 劉武周使黃子英數盜雀鼠谷，帝遣寶誼擊之。 賊輕甲挑師，戰接而三遁，逐之，伏發，寶誼為賊執，俄亡歸。 與裴寂拒宋金剛，戰汾州，兵合，寂棄軍走，寶誼復為所禽。 帝聞為泣下曰：「彼烈士，必不下賊，死矣！ 「賜其家物千段，米三百斛。 果謀還，被害。 且死，西向大呼曰：「臣無狀，負陛下。」 賊平，詔迎其柩，贈左衛大將軍、幽州總管，謚曰剛。 子協，字壽，善篆籀。 歷燕然都護、夏州都督，封成紀縣侯，謚曰威。
Jiang Baoyi was a native of Shanggui in Qin Prefecture. His father Yuan had served Northern Zhou as governor of Qin Prefecture and Duke of Chaoyi County. Baoyi studied at the Imperial Academy but made little progress and left to join the Left Flank Guard. Through accumulated service he rose to hawkish commandant, commanding garrison troops, and followed Emperor Gaozu in suppressing bandits at Taiyuan. When the army rose he was appointed Left Commander-in-Chief, captured Xihe and Huoyi, and for his many merits was enfeoffed as Duke of Yong'an County and later served as general of the Right Martial Guard. Liu Wuzhou sent Huang Ziying to raid Que-Shu Valley again and again, and the emperor sent Baoyi to repel him. The enemy in light armor provoked battle, then feigned retreat three times during the engagement. When Baoyi pursued, an ambush sprang up and he was captured by the rebels, though he soon escaped and returned. Together with Pei Ji he resisted Song Jingang and fought at Fen Prefecture. When the armies joined battle, Pei Ji abandoned his troops and fled, and Baoyi was captured again. When the emperor heard of it he wept and said, "That resolute warrior would never submit to the enemy—he must be dead! " He granted Baoyi's family a thousand bolts of goods and three hundred hu of grain. As expected, Baoyi plotted to escape and was killed. At the moment of death he shouted toward the west, "Your servant is unworthy—I have failed Your Majesty." After the rebels were pacified, an edict ordered his coffin escorted home. He was posthumously granted the titles of general of the Left Guard and governor-general of You Prefecture, with the posthumous name Gang. His son Xie, courtesy name Shou, was skilled in seal and clerical script. He served successively as protector-general of Yanshan and governor-general of Xia Prefecture, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Chengji County, and received the posthumous name Wei.
20
許世緒，并州人。 隋鷹揚府司馬。 知隋將亡，請唐公曰：「天輔德，人與能，乘機不發，後必蹈悔。 隋政不綱，天下搖亂，公姓名已著謠箓，今攬五郡之兵，據四戰之沖，茍無奇計，禍不反踵。 若收取英俊，為天下倡，帝王業也。」 公奇之，顧倚親密。 兵起，授右一府司馬。 累除蔡州刺史、真定郡公，卒。 弟洛仁，亦從起晉陽，錄功至冠軍大將軍。 卒，贈代州都督，謚曰勇，陪葬昭陵。
Xu Shixu was a native of Bing Prefecture. He served as marshal of a hawkish garrison under the Sui. Seeing that the Sui dynasty was doomed, he said to the Duke of Tang, "Heaven assists the virtuous, and the people grant them power. Fail to act on this moment, and regret will follow. Sui governance has lost all restraint and the realm trembles in chaos. Your name already appears in prophecy and popular lore. You now command the armies of five commanderies and hold a crossroads where every power must fight. Without a bold plan, disaster will overtake you before you can turn around. If you gather the outstanding men of the realm and lead the cause of righteousness, you will found an imperial enterprise." The Duke of Tang was impressed and came to rely on him as a close confidant. When the army rose he was appointed marshal of the Right First Office. He rose through successive appointments to governor of Cai Prefecture and Marquis of Zhending Commandery, then died. His younger brother Luoren also joined the rising at Jinyang and, for recorded merit, rose to Champion Grand General. He died and was posthumously made Protector-General of Dai Prefecture, given the posthumous name Yong, and granted burial at Zhaoling.
21
劉師立，宋州虞城人。 始事王世充為親將，洛陽平，當誅，秦王壯其才，釋不死，引為左親衛。 建成之釁，師立參奉密議，後與尉遲敬德、龐卿惲、李孟嘗等九人錄功拜左衛率。 遷左驍衛將軍、襄武郡公，賜絹五千匹。 有告師立姓在符讖欲反者，太宗謂曰：「人言卿將反，果乎？」 師立對曰：「臣為隋官，不過六品，材駑下，不敢希富貴。 今遭非常之會，位將軍，顧巳極矣，何敢反？」 帝笑曰：「朕知妄耳！」 賜束帛，召入臥內慰勉。 羅藝反，京師震駭，詔師立檢校右武候大將軍，勒兵備非常。 藝平，有司劾黨與，師立坐與善，除名。 尋以籓邸舊，檢校岐州都督。 上書請討吐谷渾，未報，即遣使間諭部落，多降附者，列其地為開、橋二州。 又党項酋拓拔赤辭先附吐谷渾，倚險自守，亦遣說下之，詔赤辭為西戎州都督。 師立以母喪解，岐人表留，遂不得赴哀。 時河西党項破醜氏嘗苦邊，又阻新附，師立討之。 軍未至，破醜懼，遁去，師立窮追之，抵恤於真山而還。 又戰吐谷渾於小莫門川，破之。 轉始州刺史，卒，謚曰肅。
Liu Shili was a native of Yucheng in Song Prefecture. He had first served Wang Shichong as a trusted general. When Luoyang fell he was marked for execution, but the Prince of Qin admired his talent, spared his life, and took him on as a member of the Left Personal Guard. During the crisis over Crown Prince Jiancheng, Shili took part in the secret deliberations. Later he and Yuchi Jingde, Pang Qingyun, Li Mengchang, and six others were rewarded for merit and appointed Left Guard Commander. He was promoted to Left Xiao Guard General and enfeoffed as Duke of Xiangwu Commandery, with a gift of five thousand bolts of silk. Someone reported that Shili's surname appeared in prophetic texts and that he planned rebellion. Taizong said to him, "People say you mean to rebel. Is it true?" Shili replied, "Your subject served the Sui as an official of no more than sixth rank. My talent is modest, and I never dared hope for wealth and rank. Now I have met with extraordinary fortune and hold the rank of general. Looking back, I have already reached the limit of what I could hope for. How could I dare rebel?" The emperor laughed and said, "I know it is nonsense!" He granted him bolts of silk and summoned him into the inner chamber to comfort and encourage him. When Luo Yi rebelled, the capital was shaken with alarm. An edict appointed Shili acting Right Martial Guard Grand General and ordered him to muster troops against any emergency. After Luo Yi was suppressed, the authorities impeached his associates. Shili was convicted of having been on friendly terms with him and was struck from the rolls. Soon, on account of his old ties to the princely residence, he was appointed acting Protector-General of Qi Prefecture. He submitted a memorial requesting a campaign against Tuyuhun. Before any reply arrived, he sent envoys to win over the tribes in secret. Many submitted, and their lands were organized as Kai and Qiao Prefectures. The Tangut chieftain Tuo Ba Chici had first submitted to Tuyuhun and, relying on rugged terrain, held out in defense. Shili likewise sent persuaders and won him over, and an edict appointed Chici Protector-General of Xirong Prefecture. Shili resigned on account of his mother's death, but the people of Qi submitted a memorial asking that he remain, and so he was unable to go and mourn. At that time the Tangut Pochou clan west of the river had long harassed the frontier and now obstructed the newly submitted peoples, so Shili campaigned against them. Before the army arrived, the Pochou were frightened and fled. Shili pursued them relentlessly as far as Xu at Zhen Mountain, then returned. He again fought Tuyuhun at Xiaomomen River and defeated them. He was transferred to governor of Shi Prefecture, died, and was given the posthumous name Su.
22
劉義節，并州人。 隋大業末，補晉陽鄉長，富於財。 裴寂薦之唐公，又與王威、高君雅遊，然於唐公為最厚。 兵將起，威、君雅疑之，義節刺知其情，得先事禽威等。 從平京師，為鴻臚卿。 時傾府庫為軍賞，帑財大乏。 義節曰：「今京師屯兵多，樵貴帛賤，若伐街苑樹為薪，以易布帛，歲數十萬可致。」 又請軸舒藏內見繒，取羨尺，補雜費，得十余萬段，調度遂給。 遷太府，封葛國公。 義節本名世龍，或言世龍子名鳳昌，父子非人臣兆，高祖不聽，更賜今名。 貞觀初，轉少府監，坐貴入賈人珠及故出署丞罪，廢為民，徙嶺南，終欽州別駕。 從子思禮，武後時為箕州刺史。 少學相人於張憬藏，憬藏謂思禮歷刺史，位至太師。 萬歲通天二年，授箕州，益喜，以為太師位尊，非佐命不可得，乃結洛州錄事參軍綦連耀謀反，謂耀曰； 「君體有龍氣如大帝。」 耀亦曰：「公金刀，當輔我。」 陰約君臣。 思禮因以術眩眾，見者必曰：「當三品」，使嗜進者充望，然後云：「綦連耀且受命，公等皆因之。 事敗，武懿宗按之，陰弛思禮禁，使多逮引。 思禮冀自脫，悉引素相忤者，將刑猶不寤，與眾人斬於市。 其知名者，如李元素、孫元亨、石抱忠、王抃、抃兄勔、路敬淳等三十余族，竄逐千余人。
Liu Yijie was a native of Bing Prefecture. At the end of the Sui Daye era he was appointed district chief of Jinyang and was a man of considerable wealth. Pei Ji recommended him to the Duke of Tang. He also kept company with Wang Wei and Gao Junya, but his ties with the Duke of Tang were the closest of all. When the army was about to rise, Wei and Junya grew suspicious. Yijie secretly learned their intentions and was able to act first and seize Wei and the others. He took part in pacifying the capital and was appointed Grand Master of Ceremonies. At the time the treasury was being emptied for military rewards, and state funds were severely depleted. Yijie said, "Many troops are now stationed in the capital, firewood is costly and cloth is cheap. If we cut the trees of the streets and parks for fuel and exchange them for cloth, we can obtain several hundred thousand [strings of cash] in a year." He also asked to unroll the silk stored in the treasury, take the surplus lengths for miscellaneous expenses, and thereby obtain more than a hundred thousand bolts, so that supplies were finally sufficient. He was transferred to the Court of the Imperial Treasury and enfeoffed as Duke of Ge. Yijie's original name was Shilong. Some said that Shilong's son was named Fengchang and that father and son bore omens unbecoming a subject. Gaozu would not heed this and instead granted him his present name. At the beginning of the Zhenguan era he was transferred to Director of the Palace Workshops. He was convicted of selling pearls to merchants at inflated prices and of improperly releasing a bureau assistant, was degraded to commoner status, exiled to Lingnan, and ended his career as assistant administrator of Qin Prefecture. His nephew Liu Sil served as governor of Ji Prefecture under Empress Wu. In youth he studied physiognomy under Zhang Jingzang, who told Sil that he would serve as governor in succession and rise to Grand Preceptor. In the second year of Wansui Tongtian he was appointed to Ji Prefecture and grew still more pleased, believing that the rank of Grand Preceptor was so exalted it could be attained only by one who had aided the Mandate. He then joined Luozhou Registrar Qilian Yao in plotting rebellion and said to Yao: "Your body bears the dragon aura of a great emperor." Yao also said, "Your Excellency bears the surname Liu—you should assist me." In secret they bound themselves in the roles of sovereign and minister. Sil then used his arts to dazzle the crowd. To every visitor he would say, "You will reach third rank," filling those eager for advancement with expectation, and then declare, "Qilian Yao is about to receive the Mandate—you will all rise through him. When the plot failed, Wu Yizong investigated the case and secretly loosened Sil's restraints so that he might implicate as many others as possible. Sil hoped to save himself and implicated all who had long been at odds with him. Even as execution approached he still did not understand what he had done, and was beheaded in the marketplace along with the others. Among the well-known victims were more than thirty clans, including Li Yuansu, Sun Yuanheng, Shi Baozhong, Wang Bian, Bian's elder brother Min, and Lu Jingchun; more than a thousand people were banished in the purge.
23
錢九隴，字永業，湖州長城人。 父文強，為吳明徹裨將，與明徹俱敗彭城。 入隋，以罪沒為奴，故九隴事唐公。 善騎射，常備左右。 兵起，以功授金紫光祿大夫。 從戰薛仁杲、劉武周，擢累為右武衛將軍。 從平洛陽，佐皇太子建成討劉黑闥魏州，力戰破賊，以功最封郇國公，以本官為苑遊將軍。 貞觀初，為眉州刺史，改巢國。 卒，贈左武衛大將軍、潭州都督，謚曰勇，陪葬獻陵。
Qian Jiulong, courtesy name Yongye, was a native of Changcheng in Hu Prefecture. His father Wenqiang was a lieutenant general under Wu Mingche and was defeated with Mingche at Pengcheng. After entering the Sui dynasty he was enslaved for a crime, and so Jiulong came to serve the Duke of Tang. Skilled in horsemanship and archery, he was constantly on duty at the Duke's side. When the army rose he was granted the title Grand Master with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon for his merit. He fought in campaigns against Xue Rengao and Liu Wuzhou and was repeatedly promoted until he reached Right Martial Guard General. He took part in pacifying Luoyang and assisted Crown Prince Jiancheng in campaigning against Liu Heita at Wei Prefecture. Fighting hard, he broke the rebels, and for the highest merit was enfeoffed as Duke of Xun while retaining his original office as Park Excursion General. At the beginning of the Zhenguan era he became governor of Mei Prefecture, and his fief was changed to Chao. He died and was posthumously made Left Martial Guard Grand General and Protector-General of Tan Prefecture, given the posthumous name Yong, and granted burial at Xianling.
24
樊興，安州人。 以罪為奴。 從唐公平長安，授左監門將軍。 從秦王積戰多，封營國公，數賜黃金雜物。 後坐事削爵。 貞觀六年，陵州獠反，命討之，為左驍衛將軍。 又從李靖擊吐谷渾，為赤水道行軍總管。 後軍期，士多死，亡失器仗，以勛減死。 後為左監門大將軍、襄城郡公。 太宗征遼，以興忠謹，副房玄齡留守京師，檢校右武候將軍。 卒，贈左武候大將軍、洪州都督，陪葬獻陵。
Fan Xing was a native of An Prefecture. He had been enslaved for a crime. He followed the Duke of Tang in pacifying Chang'an and was appointed Left Gate Guard General. Following the Prince of Qin he fought in many battles, was enfeoffed as Duke of Ying, and was repeatedly granted gold and other valuables. Later he was convicted of an offense and stripped of his title. In the sixth year of Zhenguan the Liao of Ling Prefecture rebelled. He was ordered to campaign against them and was appointed Left Xiao Guard General. He again followed Li Jing in attacking Tuyuhun and served as Campaign Commander of the Chishui Route. Later he missed the army's deadline; many soldiers died and weapons were lost. On account of his past merit his death sentence was commuted. Later he became Left Gate Guard Grand General and Duke of Xiangcheng Commandery. When Taizong campaigned against Liaodong, Xing was chosen for his loyalty and prudence to assist Fang Xuanling in holding the capital and served as acting Right Martial Guard General. He died and was posthumously made Left Martial Guard Grand General and Protector-General of Hong Prefecture, and granted burial at Xianling.
25
公孫武達，京兆櫟陽人。 以豪俠稱，為隋驍果。 兵興，武達至長春宮上謁。 從秦王討劉武周，苦戰功多，累遷秦府右三軍驃騎，封清水縣公。 貞觀初，為肅州刺史。 突厥騎數千、輜重萬余入寇，謀南趨吐谷渾，武達以精兵二千人與戰，虜稍卻，復殊死鬥，薄之張掖河，潛命上流度兵，虜已半濟，乃兩岸夾擊，斬溺略盡。 璽書勞之，遷左監門將軍。 鹽州突厥叛，詔武達趨靈州，追及賊，賊方度河，乃據南涯陣，武達擊之，斬其帥可邏拔扈，進封東萊郡公。 終右武衛大將軍，贈荊州都督，陪葬昭陵，謚曰壯。
Gongsun Wuda was a native of Liyang in Jingzhao. Known for bold chivalry, he served as a Sui elite guardsman. When the army rose, Wuda went to Changchun Palace to pay homage. He followed the Prince of Qin in campaigning against Liu Wuzhou. Through bitter fighting he won great merit and was repeatedly promoted to Cavalry General of the Right Third Army in the Qin Prince's Residence, and enfeoffed as Duke of Qingshui County. At the beginning of the Zhenguan era he became governor of Su Prefecture. Several thousand Turkic horsemen and more than ten thousand loads of baggage raided the frontier, planning to drive south toward Tuyuhun. Wuda met them with two thousand elite troops. The enemy fell back slightly, then fought again to the death. Pressing them to the Zhangye River, he secretly ordered troops to cross upstream. When the enemy were half across the river, he struck from both banks and killed or drowned nearly all of them. An imperial letter commended him, and he was transferred to Left Gate Guard General. When the Turks of Yan Prefecture rebelled, an edict ordered Wuda to hurry to Ling Prefecture. He overtook the rebels as they were crossing the river, took position on the south bank, and attacked, beheading their leader Keluobahu. He was promoted to Duke of Donglai Commandery. He ended his career as Right Martial Guard Grand General, was posthumously made Protector-General of Jing Prefecture, granted burial at Zhaoling, and given the posthumous name Zhuang.
26
龐卿惲，并州人。 從討隱太子有功，拜右驍衛將軍、邾國公。 卒，追改濮國。 子同善，右金吾大將軍。 同善子承宗，開元初，仕至太子賓客。
Pang Qingyun was a native of Bing Prefecture. He took part in suppressing the Hidden Crown Prince with merit and was appointed Right Xiao Guard General and Duke of Zhu. He died, and posthumously his fief was changed to Pu. His son Tongshan served as Right Golden Guard Grand General. Tongshan's son Chengzong, at the beginning of the Kaiyuan era, rose to serve as Guest of the Crown Prince.
27
張長遜，京兆櫟陽人。 精馳射，在隋為裏長。 以平陳功，擢上開府，累遷五原郡通守。 遭亂，附突厥，突厥號為割利特勒。 義兵起，以郡降，即拜五原太守、安化郡公，徙封范陽。 時梁師都、薛舉請突厥兵南度河，長遜矯作詔與莫賀咄設，以伐其謀，會唐使亦至，突厥兵不出。 武德元年，詔右武候驃騎將軍高世靜聘始畢可汗，至豐州而始畢死，詔留金幣不遣。 突厥怒，引兵南至河。 長遜遣世靜出塞勞之，且若專致賻賜者，虜引還。 授總管，改楊國公。 及討薛舉，不待命輒引兵會，賜錦袍金甲。 或譖長遜居豐久，恐與突厥為脣齒，乃請入朝，授右武候將軍，徙息國公，加賜宮人、彩千段。 屬有疾，高祖親問之。 後竇軌率巴、蜀兵擊王世充，以長遜檢校益州行臺左僕射。 歷遂、夔二總管，政以惠稱。 貞觀十一年卒。
Zhang Changsun was a native of Liyang in Jingzhao. Skilled in mounted archery, he served under the Sui as a village chief. For merit in pacifying Chen he was promoted to Senior Opening Grand Master and rose through successive appointments to Administrator of Wuyuan Commandery. When disorder struck he submitted to the Turks, who styled him Gelitele. When the righteous army rose he surrendered the commandery and was immediately appointed Administrator of Wuyuan and Duke of Anhua Commandery, with his fief moved to Fanyang. At the time Liang Shidu and Xue Ju requested Turkic troops to cross the river south. Changsun forged an edict to Mohuaduo She to thwart their plot. A Tang envoy also arrived at the same time, and the Turkic troops did not march south. In the first year of Wude an edict sent Right Martial Guard Cavalry General Gao Shijing as envoy to Shibi Khagan. Reaching Feng Prefecture, he learned that Shibi had died, and an edict ordered that the gold and silk be retained and not sent. The Turks were enraged and led troops south to the river. Changsun sent Shijing beyond the frontier to greet them and, as if specially delivering condolence gifts, persuaded the Turks to withdraw. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief and his title was changed to Duke of Yang. When the campaign against Xue Ju began, he led troops to join the force without awaiting orders and was granted a brocade robe and golden armor. Some slandered Changsun for having long resided at Feng, fearing he and the Turks had become mutually dependent like lip and teeth. He therefore requested to enter court, was appointed Right Martial Guard General, had his title changed to Duke of Xi, and was additionally granted palace women and a thousand bolts of colored silk. When he fell ill, Gaozu personally inquired after him. Later Dou Gui led Ba and Shu troops against Wang Shichong, and Changsun was appointed acting Left Vice Director of the Yizhou Executive Office. He served as commander-in-chief of Sui and Kui in succession, and his governance was known for its kindness. He died in the eleventh year of the Zhenguan era.
28
張平高，綏州人。 為隋鷹揚府校尉，戍太原，遂預謀議。 從唐公平京城，累授左領軍將軍，封蕭國公。 貞觀初，為丹州刺史，坐事，以右光祿大夫還第。 卒，追封羅國，贈潭州都督。
Zhang Pinggao was a native of Sui Prefecture. He was a captain of a Sui hawkish garrison, garrisoned at Taiyuan, and thus took part in the early deliberations. He followed the Duke of Tang in pacifying the capital region, was repeatedly promoted to Left Leading Guard General, and was enfeoffed as Duke of Xiao. At the beginning of the Zhenguan era he became governor of Dan Prefecture. Convicted of an offense, he was sent home with the title Right Grand Master for Splendid Happiness. He died and was posthumously enfeoffed as Duke of Luo and made Protector-General of Tan Prefecture.
29
李安遠，夏州人。 父徹，隋上柱國、雲州刺史。 世為將家，以財雄。 安遠少無檢，與博徙遊，至破產。 晚乃折節向書，從士大夫，茍勝己，必傾心交之。 襲爵城陽公。 與王珪最善，珪坐王頗得罪，當流，安遠為營護免。 後補正平令。 兵起，攻絳州，安遠與通守陳叔達嬰城拒。 唐公素與安遠善，及拔絳，撫慰其家，引與同食，授右翊衛統軍、正平縣公。 後從破屈突通，進上柱國、右武衛大將軍。 數從秦王征討，積功，累封至廣德郡公。 奉使吐谷渾，安遠與約和，吐谷渾乃請為互市，邊場利之。 隱太子將亂，陰使誘動，安遠介無貳誌，秦王益親重。 貞觀初，嘗命統邏騎都下，督盜賊。 歷潞州都督、懷州刺史，皆以幹用顯，然急刻少恩，由是損名。 卒，贈涼州都督，謚曰安，追封遂安郡公。
Li Anyuan was a native of Xia Prefecture. His father Che was a Sui Senior Pillar of State and governor of Yun Prefecture. For generations they were a military family, powerful through wealth. In youth Anyuan was unrestrained; he gambled and drifted until he had ruined himself. Only later did he reform his ways and turn to books. He sought out scholar-officials, and whenever he met someone better than himself, he would wholeheartedly befriend them. He inherited the title of Duke of Chengyang. He was on closest terms with Wang Gui. When Gui was convicted on account of Wang Pi and faced exile, Anyuan made arrangements to protect him and secure his release. Later he was appointed magistrate of Zhengping. When the army rose they attacked Jiang Prefecture. Anyuan and the administrator Chen Shuda held the city and resisted. The Duke of Tang had long been on good terms with Anyuan. When Jiang fell he comforted Anyuan's family, invited him to eat with him, and appointed him Right Yiling Guard Commander and Duke of Zhengping County. Later he took part in defeating Qu Tu Tong and was promoted to Senior Pillar of State and Right Martial Guard Grand General. He repeatedly followed the Prince of Qin on campaign, accumulated merit, and through successive enfeoffments rose to Duke of Guangde Commandery. On a mission to Tuyuhun, Anyuan negotiated peace with them. Tuyuhun then requested mutual trade markets, to the benefit of the frontier. When the Hidden Crown Prince was about to rebel, secret envoys tried to win him over, but Anyuan's loyalty never wavered. The Prince of Qin grew all the more close to him and held him in high esteem. At the beginning of the Zhenguan era he was once ordered to command patrol cavalry in the capital and suppress banditry. He served as Protector-General of Lu Prefecture and governor of Huai Prefecture in succession, distinguishing himself by practical ability in both posts, yet he was harsh and unforgiving, and thereby his reputation suffered. He died and was posthumously made Protector-General of Liang Prefecture, given the posthumous name An, and retroactively enfeoffed as Duke of Sui'an Commandery.
30
馬三寶，性敏獪。 事柴紹，為家僮。 紹尚平陽公主，高祖兵起，紹間道走太原。 三寶奉公主遁司竹園，說賊何潘仁與連和。 潘仁入謁，以百兵為主衛。 三寶自稱總管，撫接群盜，兵至數萬。 唐公濟河，授三寶左光祿大夫。 秦王至竹林宮，三寶以兵詣軍門謁，遂從平京師，拜太子監門率。 別擊叛胡劉拔真於北山，破之。 從平薛仁杲。 與柴紹擊吐谷渾於岷州，先鋒陷陣，斬名王，俘執數千，以功封新興縣男。 後高祖幸司竹園，顧謂曰：「汝興兵處邪？ 衛青大不惡。」 貞觀初，拜左驍衛大將軍，進爵為公，卒謚曰忠。
Ma Sanbao was quick-witted and resourceful. He served Chai Shao as a household slave. Shao had married Princess Pingyang. When Gaozu's army rose, Shao took a hidden route and fled to Taiyuan. Sanbao escorted the princess in flight to Sizhu Garden and persuaded the bandit leader He Panren to ally with them. Panren came to pay homage, and a hundred soldiers were assigned as the princess's guard. Sanbao styled himself commander-in-chief, won over the bandits, and raised an army of tens of thousands. When the Duke of Tang crossed the river, he appointed Sanbao Left Grand Master for Splendid Happiness. When the Prince of Qin reached Zhulin Palace, Sanbao brought his troops to the army gate to pay homage. He then took part in pacifying the capital and was appointed Crown Prince's Gate Guard Commander. He separately attacked the rebellious Hu leader Liu Bazhen at North Mountain and defeated him. He took part in pacifying Xue Rengao. With Chai Shao he attacked Tuyuhun at Min Prefecture. Leading the vanguard he broke the enemy lines, beheaded a prominent king, and took several thousand prisoners. For his merit he was enfeoffed as Baron of Xinxing County. Later when Gaozu visited Sizhu Garden, he turned to him and said, "Is this where you raised your army? Not bad at all—like Wei Qing!" At the beginning of the Zhenguan era he was appointed Left Xiao Guard Grand General, promoted to duke, and upon death was given the posthumous name Zhong.
31
李孟嘗，趙州人。 終右威衛大將軍、漢東郡公。
Li Mengchang was a native of Zhao Prefecture. He ended his career as Right Majestic Guard Grand General and Duke of Handong Commandery.
32
元仲文，洛州人。 終右監門將軍、河南縣公。
Yuan Zhongwen was a native of Lu Prefecture. He ended his career as Right Gate Guard General and Duke of Henan County.
33
秦行師，并州人。 終右監門將軍、清水郡公。
Qin Xingshi was a native of Bing Prefecture. He ended his career as Right Gate Guard General and Duke of Qingshui Commandery.
34
贊曰：應龍之翔，雲霧滃然而從，震風薄怒，萬空不約而號，物有自然相動耳。 觀二子非有踔越之姿，當高祖受命，赫然利見於世，故能或翼或從，屍天之功雲。 文靜數履軍陷陣，以才自進，而寂專用串昵顯。 外者易乘，邇者難疏，故文靜先被躁望誅，寂後坐訞言斥，誠異夫蕭何、曹參雲！
The appraisal reads: When the responding dragon soars, clouds and mist surge to follow; when thunder-winds press close in fury, every hollow cries out unbidden—things stir one another by nature, that is all. Consider these two men: they had no extraordinary brilliance. Yet when Gaozu received the Mandate and shone forth upon the world, they were able to wing or follow as needed and share in Heaven's achievement like clouds in the dragon's train. Wenjing repeatedly took the field and broke enemy lines, rising through his own talent, while Ji rose solely through close personal ties to the ruler. Outsiders are easy to attack; those close at hand are hard to dislodge. And so Wenjing was first executed on charges of restless ambition, while Ji was later driven out on the weight of slander—a fate truly unlike that of Xiao He and Cao Shen!