1
劉弘基
Liu Hongji
2
劉弘基,雍州池陽人。 少以廕補隋右勛侍。 大業末,從征遼,貲乏,行及汾陰, 度後期且誅,遂與其屬椎牛犯法,諷吏捕系。 歲餘,以贖論,因亡命,盜馬自給。 至太原,陰事高祖。 又察太宗資度非常,益自托。 由是蒙親禮,出入連騎,間至臥內。 兵將舉,弘基募士,得二千人。 王威等鯁大事,弘基與長孫順德伏閤後,麾左右執之。 從攻下西河,宋老生敗,棄馬投塹,弘基斬其首,拜右光祿大夫。 師至蒲,引兵先濟河,下馮翊。 為渭北道大使,命殷開山副之。 西徇扶風,眾至六萬,南度渭,次長安故城,振隊金光門。 隋將衛文升來拒,弘基逆擊,擒甲士千餘,馬數百。 時諸軍尚未至,弘基最先勝。 高祖悅,賜馬二十匹。 京師平,功第一,授右驍衛大將軍。
Liu Hongji came from Chiyang in Yong Prefecture. As a young man he received a hereditary appointment as a Right Merit Attendant under the Sui. Late in the Daye era he marched on the Liaodong campaign; his funds ran out before he had reached Fenyin, realizing that missing the deadline meant death, he and his men slaughtered an ox to break the law and maneuvered officials into arresting them. More than a year later he was released on payment of a fine; he then went into hiding and stole horses to live on. When he reached Taiyuan he quietly pledged himself to Gaozu. He also saw that the future Taizong possessed uncommon talent and placed himself under him all the more firmly. From this he won intimate favor, riding out and in with him, and sometimes even entering his private chambers. As the uprising was about to begin, Hongji raised troops and gathered two thousand men. When Wang Wei and others blocked the great plan, Hongji and Changsun Shunde hid behind the gate and had their men seize them. He followed the capture of Xihe; when Song Laosheng was routed and threw himself from his horse into a ditch, Hongji took his head and was made Right Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. When the army reached Pu he led his men across the river first and took Fengyi. He was appointed envoy of the Weibei Circuit, with Yin Kaishan as his deputy. He swept west through Fufeng until his host reached sixty thousand; crossing the Wei to the south, he encamped at the old site of Chang'an and paraded his troops at Guangming Gate. The Sui general Wei Wensheng came to oppose him; Hongji struck back and took more than a thousand armored men and several hundred horses. The other armies had not yet come up, but Hongji won first. Gaozu was delighted and gave him twenty horses. When the capital was secured his achievement stood first, and he was made General-in-Chief of the Right Valiant Cavalry Guard.
3
討薛舉,戰淺水原,八總管軍皆沒,唯弘基一軍戰力,矢盡,為賊拘。 帝以臨難不屈,優護其家。 仁杲平,乃克歸,官之如初。 劉武周犯太原,弘基屯平陽,復陷賊。 俄自拔歸,授左一總管。 從秦王屯柏壁,以勁卒二千繇隰州趨西河,躡賊歸路。 賊銳甚,弘基堅壁儲勇。 及宋金剛遁走,率騎尾之介休,與王合擊,大破之。 累封任國公。 從擊劉黑闥,還,除井鉞將軍。 會突厥患邊,督步騎萬人備塞,自豳北東拒子午嶺,西抵臨涇,築障遮虜。
In the campaign against Xue Ju they fought at Qianshui Plain; all eight commanders' forces were destroyed, but Hongji's alone kept fighting until his arrows were spent and the enemy took him. Because he had not yielded in danger, the emperor gave his household exceptional care. Once Ren Chuo was subdued he made his way back and was reinstated in his former post. When Liu Wuzhou attacked Taiyuan, Hongji held Pingyang and was captured by the rebels again. Soon he escaped and returned, and was named Left First Commander-in-Chief. He followed the Prince of Qin at Baibi, leading two thousand elite troops by way of Lizhou toward Xihe to cut off the enemy's retreat. The rebels were at their peak; Hongji shut himself in the fort and husbanded his forces. When Song Jingang fled, he led cavalry in pursuit to Jiexiu and, joining forces with the Prince, smashed them completely. He was enfeoffed repeatedly until he became Duke of Ren. After campaigning against Liu Heita he returned and was appointed General of the Well Battle-axe. When the Turks troubled the border he commanded ten thousand infantry and cavalry to guard the frontier, from north of Bin eastward to Ziwu Ridge and westward to Linjing, erecting barriers to hold off the nomads.
4
貞觀初,李孝常等謀反,坐與交,除名為民。 歲餘,起為易州刺史,復封爵。 召授衛尉卿,改封夔國。 以老乞骸,為輔國大將軍,朝朔望,祿賜同職事。 太宗征遼,召為前軍大總管,戰駐蹕山,有功,累加封戶至千一百。 卒,贈開府儀同三司,并州都督,陪葬昭陵,謚曰襄。
Early in Zhenguan, when Li Xiaochang and others conspired rebellion, he was demoted to commoner status for associating with them. A year later he was recalled as prefect of Yi and his title was restored. He was summoned and made Minister of the Court for the Imperial Clan, with his fief changed to the state of Kui. Citing old age he asked to retire and was made Mighty General Who Assists the State, attending court on the first and fifteenth of each month with salary and gifts equal to his former rank. When Taizong campaigned against Liaodong he was recalled as Grand Commander of the Forward Army; at Mount Zhubei he distinguished himself, and his enfeoffment households were raised in stages to eleven hundred. He died and was posthumously made Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with Privileges Equal to the Three Excellencies and Governor of Bingzhou; he was buried beside Zhaoling with the posthumous title Xiang.
5
始,弘基病,給諸子奴婢各十五人,田五頃,謂所親曰:「使賢,固不藉多財; 即不賢,守此可以脫饑凍。」 余悉散之親黨。 子仁實,襲封。
When Hongji first fell ill he gave each of his sons fifteen slaves and five qing of land, and told those close to him: "If they are capable, they hardly need great riches; if they are not, holding to this they can still escape hunger and cold. Everything else he gave away among relatives and friends. His son Renshi inherited the title.
6
殷開山
Yin Kaishan
7
殷開山,名嶠,以字行,世居江南。 祖不害,仕陳為司農卿。 陳亡,徙京兆,為鄠人。 開山涉書,工為尺牘,為隋大谷長。 高祖兵起,召補大將軍掾,從攻西河。 為渭北道元帥長史。 時關輔群盜驁力自張,不相君,命開山招慰,皆下。 與劉弘基屯故城,破衛文升之兵,賜爵陳郡公,遷丞相府掾。
Yin Kaishan, personal name Qiao, was known by his style; his family had long lived in the south. His grandfather Buhai had served Chen as Minister of Agriculture. After Chen fell they moved to the capital region and became residents of Hu. Kaishan was learned and skilled at correspondence; under the Sui he was magistrate of Dagu. When Gaozu raised his army Kaishan was recruited as staff officer to the great general and joined the attack on Xihe. He served as chief clerk to the Weibei Circuit commander. Bandits in the Guanzhong region each flaunted their power and refused to submit to any leader; Kaishan was sent to win them over, and all came down. With Liu Hongji he held the old city, defeated Wei Wensheng's force, was enfeoffed as Duke of Chen Commandery, and was moved to the Chancellor's staff.
8
以吏部侍郎從秦王討薛舉。 會王疾甚,臥營,委軍於劉文靜,誡曰:「賊方熾,邀速戰利。 公等毋與爭,糧盡眾枵,乃可圖。」 開山銳立事,說文靜曰:「王屬疾,憂公弗克濟,故不欲戰。 今宜逗機制敵,無專以賊遺王也。 請勒兵以怖之。」 遂戰折墌,為舉所乘,遂大敗。 下吏當死,詔貸之,除名為民。 頃之,從平仁杲,復爵位,兼陜東道行臺兵部尚書,遷吏部。 從討王世充,以功進爵鄖國公。
As Vice Minister of Personnel he accompanied the Prince of Qin against Xue Ju. The Prince fell seriously ill and lay in camp; he entrusted the army to Liu Wenjing and warned him: "The enemy is at full strength—seek a quick victory. Do not engage them yet; when their grain is gone and their men are spent, then you may act. Kaishan was eager to make his mark and urged Wenjing: "The Prince is ill and fears you cannot finish the task, so he does not want to fight. You should seize the moment and control the enemy—do not leave the whole burden to the Prince when he recovers. Please array the troops and overawe them. They gave battle at Zheyi, were caught by Ju's counterstroke, and suffered a crushing defeat. He was handed to the law as deserving death, but an edict spared him and he was struck from the rolls as a commoner. Soon afterward, after the pacification of Ren Chuo, his title was restored; he served concurrently as Minister of War on the Eastern Shaanxi circuit and was later transferred to the Ministry of Personnel. In the campaign against Wang Shichong he earned merit and was advanced to Duke of Yun.
9
征劉黑闥,道病卒,王哭之慟,詔贈陜東道大行臺右僕射,謚曰節。 貞觀十四年,與淮安王神通、河間王孝恭、民部尚書劉政會俱配饗高祖廟廷。 永徽中,加贈司空。
On the campaign against Liu Heita he died of illness on the march; the Prince mourned him deeply, and an edict posthumously made him Right Vice Director of the great Eastern Shaanxi office, with the posthumous title Jie. In the fourteenth year of Zhenguan he was granted joint sacrifice in Gaozu's temple hall together with the Prince of Huai'an Li Shentong, the Prince of Hejian Li Xiaogong, and Minister of the People Liu Zhenghui. In the Yonghui era he was posthumously further honored as Minister of Works.
10
劉政會
Liu Zhenghui
11
劉政會,滑州胙人。 隋大業中,為太原鷹揚府司馬,以兵隸高祖麾下。 王威等既貳,秦王欲先事除之,遣政會為急變書告其反。 時募士已集,乃執威等囚之,然後舉兵,政會功也。
Liu Zhenghui came from Zuo in Hua Prefecture. During the Daye era he was adjutant of the Hawk-and-Bolt garrison at Taiyuan, and his troops served under Gaozu. When Wang Wei and others turned disloyal, the Prince of Qin wished to strike first and sent Zhenghui with an urgent memorial accusing them of rebellion. By then the recruits were assembled; they seized Wei and the others and only then raised the army—this was Zhenghui's doing.
12
大將軍府建,為戶曹參軍,遷丞相府掾。 武德初,授衛尉少卿,留守太原,調輯戎政,遠近歡服。 會劉武周寇并州,晉陽豪傑舉應之,政會為武周所擒,每密表賊形勢。 既平,復官爵,歷光祿卿,封邢國公。 貞觀初,轉洪州都督,卒。 太宗手詔:「政會昔預義舉,有殊功,葬宜異等。」 於是贈民部尚書,謚曰襄。 後追徙渝國。
When the Great General's Office was set up he was Household Registrar, then moved to the Chancellor's staff. At the start of Wude he was made Vice Minister of the Court for the Imperial Clan and left to guard Taiyuan; he put frontier affairs in order and won submission near and far. When Liu Wuzhou attacked Bingzhou the leading men of Jinyang rose for him; Zhenghui was taken by Wuzhou but kept sending secret reports on the enemy's movements. After the region was pacified his rank was restored; he served as Grand Master for Splendid Happiness and was enfeoffed Duke of Xing. Early in Zhenguan he was transferred to Governor of Hong Prefecture and died there. Taizong wrote in his own hand: "Zhenghui took part in the righteous rising and rendered exceptional service; his funeral should be of a special grade. He was therefore posthumously made Minister of the People with the posthumous title Xiang. Later his fief was changed to the state of Yu.
13
子玄意襲爵,尚南平公主。 高宗時為汝州刺史。 次子奇,長壽中,為天官侍郎,薦張鷟、司馬锽為監察御史,二人因申屠瑒以謝,奇正色曰:「舉賢本無私,何見謝?」 聞者皆竦。 後為酷吏陷,被誅。
His son Xuanyi inherited the title and married the Princess of Nanping. Under Gaozong he served as prefect of Ru Prefecture. His second son Qi, in the Changshou era, was Vice Minister of the Celestial Office; he recommended Zhang Zhuo and Sima Zheng as inspecting censors; the two tried to thank him through Shentu Yang, but Qi said sternly: "Recommending talent is not a private favor—why thank me? All who heard it were struck with awe. Later he was framed by a cruel official and executed.
14
七世孫崇望
Seventh-generation descendant Chongwang
15
七世孫崇望,字希徒,及進士第,宣歙王凝辟轉運巡官。 崔安潛帥許及劍南,崇望昆弟四人同幕府,世以為才。 安潛入為吏部尚書,崇望又以員外郎主南曹,選事清辦。 僖宗幸山南,王重榮怨宦豎,不肯率職,時高選使者,即河中鐫諭使自新,崇望以諫議大夫持節往。 既至,陳君臣大義動之,重榮順服,請誅硃玫自效。 使還,稱旨,擢翰林學士。 昭宗即位,進中書侍郎、同中書門下平章事。 張浚伐太原,崇望固執不可,浚果敗。 代為門下侍郎、判度支。 玉山都將楊守信反,夜陳兵闕下。 帝列兵延喜門,命崇望守度支庫。 巉旦,含光門未開,禁卒左右植立,將大掠長安中。 俄聞傳呼宰相來者,門辟,崇望駐馬勞曰:「上自將在中營,公等禁軍也,不帝前殺賊取功,而茍欲剽掠成惡名乎?」 士皆唯唯。 至長樂門,賊望兵至,乃遁去,軍中咸呼「萬歲」。 是日,京師不亂,繄其力。 進尚書左僕射。 硃全忠謀取徐、泗,表請以大臣代時溥,乃授崇望武寧軍節度使。 溥拒命,崇望還為太常卿。 會王珂、王珙爭河中,詔以崔胤為節度使。 珂,李克用婿也。 太原邸吏薛誌勤曰:「崔公鎮河中,不若光德劉公於我公最善。」 光德,崇望所居坊也。 後李茂貞、王行瑜入誅執政,坐是,貶昭州司馬。 行瑜誅,克用直其冤,召為吏部尚書。 會王摶以吏部輔政,徙兵部。 王建欲並東川,詔崇望為劍南東川節度使、同中書門下平章事。 未至,建已使王宗滌知留後,崇望乃還為兵部尚書。 卒,贈司空。
His seventh-generation descendant Chongwang, styled Xitu, passed the jinshi examination; Prince Ning of Xuan-She recruited him as transport patrol officer. When Cui Anqian commanded Xu and then the Sword South circuit, Chongwang and four brothers all served in his staff, and the age regarded them as a talented clan. When Anqian entered the capital as Minister of Personnel, Chongwang again headed the Southern Bureau as Director and handled selections with clarity. When Xizong went south of the mountains, Wang Chongrong resented the eunuchs and refused to perform his duties; a high-ranking envoy was needed, and instructions were carved at Hezhong urging him to reform; Chongwang went as Remonstrating Censor with credentials. On arrival he set forth the righteousness owed between ruler and minister and moved him; Chongrong submitted and offered to kill Zhu Mei to prove his loyalty. When he returned his mission pleased the throne and he was raised to Hanlin Academician. When Zhaozong took the throne he was promoted to Vice Director of the Secretariat and Concurrent Councilor. When Zhang Jun campaigned against Taiyuan, Chongwang firmly opposed it, and Jun was indeed defeated. He was replaced as Vice Director of the Gate and put in charge of the Department of Revenue. Yushan commander Yang Shouxin rebelled and by night deployed troops below the palace gates. The emperor arrayed troops at Yanxi Gate and ordered Chongwang to guard the revenue treasury. At dawn the Han guang Gate had not yet opened; palace guards stood on either side, about to loot Chang'an on a grand scale. Soon a cry went up that the chancellor was coming; the gate opened; Chongwang reined in his horse and addressed them: "The emperor leads the central camp in person; you are the imperial guard—will you not kill the rebels before the emperor to win merit, but only loot and earn an evil name? The men all murmured agreement. At Everlasting Joy Gate the rebels saw troops coming and fled; the whole army shouted "Long live!" That day the capital was not thrown into chaos—it was due to his effort. He was promoted to Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works. Zhu Quanzhong plotted to seize Xu and Si and memorialized that a senior minister replace Shi Pu; Chongwang was therefore made Military Commissioner of Wuning. Pu refused the order, and Chongwang returned as Minister of Ceremonies. Wang Ke and Wang Hong were fighting over Hezhong; the court appointed Cui Yin as military commissioner. Ke was Li Keyong's son-in-law. A clerk at Li Keyong's Taiyuan lodge, Xue Zhiqin, said: "If Lord Cui takes Hezhong, he is not as close to our lord as Lord Liu of Guangde. Guangde was the ward where Chongwang lived. Later, when Li Maozhen and Wang Xingyu entered the capital and killed the chief ministers, he was demoted to prefectural adjutant of Zhaozhou. After Xingyu was killed, Keyong vindicated him and recalled him as Minister of Personnel. When Wang Tuan joined the government as Minister of Personnel, Chongwang was transferred to the Ministry of War. Wang Jian sought to annex Dongchuan; Chongwang was made Military Commissioner of Eastern Sword South and Concurrent Councilor. Before he arrived, Jian had already sent Wang Zongdi to hold the post; Chongwang returned as Minister of War. He died and was posthumously made Minister of Works.
16
崇望兄崇龜
Chongwang's elder brother Chonggui
17
兄崇龜,字子長。 擢進士,仕累華要,終清海軍節度使。 廣有大賈,約倡女夜集,而它盜殺女,遺刀去。 賈入倡家,踐其血乃覺,乘艑亡。 吏跡賈捕劾,得約女狀而不殺也。 崇龜方大饗軍中,悉集宰人,至日入,乃遣。 陰以遺刀易一雜置之。 詰朝,群宰即庖取刀,一人不去,曰:「是非我刀。」 問之,得其主名。 往視,則亡矣。 崇龜取它囚殺之,聲言賈也,陳諸市。 亡宰歸,捕詰具伏。 其精明類此。 姻舊或幹以財,率不答,但寫《荔支圖》與之。 然不能防檢其家,既沒,有鬻珠翠羽者,由是名損。
His elder brother Chonggui, styled Zichang. He passed the jinshi, rose through important offices, and ended as Military Commissioner of Qinghai. A wealthy merchant in Guang arranged a night meeting with a courtesan, but another thief killed her and left the knife behind. The merchant entered the courtesan's house, stepped in blood, realized what had happened, and fled by boat. Officers tracked him down and arrested him; the courtesan's account showed he had not killed her. Chonggui was hosting a great feast for the army and had all the cooks assembled; he dismissed them only at sunset. In secret he swapped the abandoned knife for a kitchen knife and mixed it in. Next morning, as the cooks took knives from the kitchen, one refused to leave, saying: "This is not my knife. Questioned, he gave the owner's name. When they went to look, he had already fled. Chonggui executed another prisoner, announced it was the merchant, and displayed the body in the market. The escaped cook returned, was seized, and confessed everything. His sharp discernment was of this kind. When relatives or friends asked him for money he usually refused and only gave them a painting of lychees instead. Yet he could not restrain his household; after his death some sold pearls and kingfisher ornaments, and his name was damaged.
18
崇望弟崇魯
Chongwang's younger brother Chonglu
19
弟崇魯,字郊文,亦第進士,擢士補闕、翰林學士,僖宗避難山南,為嗣襄王煴史館修撰,得不誅。 景福中,以水部郎中知制誥。 雅與崔昭緯善。 帝以韋昭度、李磎輔政,而昭緯外倚邠、岐兵為援,以久其權。 於是天子厚禮磎,昭緯懼見奪,共謀沮之。 及磎墨麻出,崇魯輒掠麻大哭。 帝問焉,崇魯曰:「今雖乏人,豈宜取憸人為宰相。 磎以楊復恭、西門重遂得近職,奈何用之? 前日杜讓能羞戮未刷,尚忍蹈覆轍乎?」 磎由是不得相。 磎亦劾奏其奸,因自陳「為山南楊守亮詆毀,不容與復恭交私」。 又言:「崇望為宰相,使親吏日夕謁左軍,與復恭相親厚。 絁巾慘帶,不入禁門; 崇魯向殿哭,厭詛天詐,殆人之妖。 且其父坐賄飲藥死。 崇魯身為硃玫史官,作勸進表。 在太原府使西川,見田令孜,沒階趨,廢制度自崇魯始。」 其相詈訾,俚淺稽校,譬市人然。 崇龜始聞哭麻,恚不食。 曰:「吾兄弟未始以聲利敗名,今不幸乃生是兒。」 後王行瑜、崔昭緯相繼誅,崇魯貶崖州司戶參軍。 終水部員外郎。
His younger brother Chonglu, styled Jiaowen, also passed the jinshi and rose to Supplementation Censor and Hanlin Academician; when Xizong fled south of the mountains he served as historiographer to the heir Prince Yun and was not executed. In the Jingfu era he was Director of the Water Department with charge of drafting edicts. He was on intimate terms with Cui Zhaowei. The emperor made Wei Zhaodu and Li Xi chief ministers, while Zhaowei relied outwardly on the Bin and Qi armies to prolong his power. The emperor then honored Xi generously; Zhaowei, fearing displacement, plotted with him to block Xi's appointment. When Xi's appointment edict was issued, Chonglu would snatch the document and wail loudly. The emperor asked why; Chonglu said: "Even if talent is scarce, how can we make a treacherous man chancellor? Xi got his recent post through Yang Fugong and Ximen Chongsui — how can we use him? Du Rangneng's disgraceful death is not yet expunged — can we repeat that mistake? Xi therefore did not become chancellor. Xi also memorialized accusing him of treachery, stating that "in the south Yang Shouliang slandered me, and I cannot be intimate with Fugong." He also said: "When Chongwang was chancellor his private clerk visited the Left Army daily and was close to Fugong. Wearing a silk headcloth and mourning sash, he would not enter the forbidden gate; Chonglu wept before the hall and cursed heaven's fraud — nearly a demon in human form. Moreover his father took poison after a bribery conviction. Chonglu himself was Zhu Mei's historiographer and wrote the memorial urging enthronement. Sent from Taiyuan to the western circuit, he saw Tian Lingzi and rushed down the steps — the collapse of court ritual began with Chonglu. Their mutual abuse was vulgar and petty, like street traders. When Chonggui first heard of the weeping over the edict, he was furious and refused to eat. He said: "Our brothers never ruined our names chasing profit; now, unhappily, this son was born. Later Wang Xingyu and Cui Zhaowei were executed in turn; Chonglu was demoted to registrar of Yazhou. He ended as Director of the Water Department.
20
許紹,字嗣宗,安州安陸人。 父法光,在隋為楚州刺史。 元皇帝為安州總管,紹時為兒,與高祖同學,相愛也。 大業末,任夷陵通守,會盜起,州境獨完,流人自占數十萬,開倉賑給。 煬帝崩問至,紹率人吏三日臨,以所部遙屬越王侗。 後王世充篡立,遂遣使以黔安、武陵、澧陽歸國,授峽州刺史,封安陸郡公。 高祖賜書道平生舊,以加慰納。
Xu Shao, styled Sizong, came from Anlu in An Prefecture. His father Faguang had been prefect of Chu under the Sui. When the Prince of Yuan was Grand Protector of An, Shao was still a boy and studied with the future Gaozu; they were fond of each other. At the end of Daye he was transit governor of Yiling; when bandits rose his district alone stayed intact, and hundreds of thousands of refugees gathered; he opened the granaries to feed them. When news of Yang's death arrived, Shao led officials and people in mourning for three days and submitted his district to Prince Tong of Yue. Later, when Wang Shichong seized the throne, he sent envoys offering Qian'an, Wuling, and Liyang to the Tang and was made prefect of Xia and enfeoffed Duke of Anlu. Gaozu wrote recalling their old friendship to comfort and win him over.
21
蕭銑將董景珍降,命紹率兵應接。 以破銑功,擢其子智仁為溫州刺史。 銑遣楊道生圍峽州,紹擊走之。 銑將陳普環具大艦溯江,與開州賊蕭阇提略巴、蜀,紹遣智仁及婿張玄靖、掾李弘節追戰西陵,覆其兵,禽普環,悉獲戰艦。 江之南有安蜀城,地直夷陵,荊門城峙其東,皆峭險處。 銑以兵戍守,紹遣智仁等攻荊門,取之。 制書褒美,許以便宜。 紹境連王世充及銑,其下為賊剽者皆見殺,紹得敵人,獨資遣之,二邦感義,殺掠為止。 進譙國公,賜帛千段。
When Xiao Xian's general Dong Jingzhen surrendered, Shao was ordered to lead troops to receive him. For defeating Xian, his son Zhiren was made prefect of Wen. Xian sent Yang Daosheng to besiege Xia; Shao attacked and repelled him. Xian's general Chen Puhuan sailed upriver with great ships, together with Kaizhou's Xiao Sheti raiding Ba and Shu; Shao sent Zhiren, his son-in-law Zhang Xuanjing, and aide Li Hongjie to fight at Xiling, destroyed the force, captured Puhuan, and seized all the warships. South of the river stood Fortress Pacify Shu facing Yiling, with Jingmen Fortress looming to the east — all steep strongpoints. Xian stationed troops there; Shao sent Zhiren and others to attack Jingmen and captured it. An edict praised him and allowed discretionary authority. Shao's territory bordered Shichong and Xian; subordinates who robbed as bandits he executed, but captives he supplied and released; both states were moved by his righteousness and raids stopped. He was advanced to Duke of Qiao and given a thousand bolts of silk.
22
趙郡王孝恭等代銑,復詔督兵圖荊州。 會病,卒於軍,帝為流涕。 貞觀中,贈荊州都督。 智仁,初以勛授封孝昌縣公,紹卒,繼守夷陵,終涼州都督。 次子圉師。
When the Prince of Zhao Li Xiaogong and others replaced Xian, he was again ordered to direct troops against Jingzhou. He fell ill and died in camp; the emperor wept for him. In Zhenguan he was posthumously made Governor of Jing. Zhiren first received the fief of Xiaochang through merit; when Shao died he continued guarding Yiling and ended as Governor of Liang. The second son Tushi.
23
圉師有器幹,研涉藝文,擢進士第。 累遷給事中、黃門侍郎、同中書門下三品。 龍朔中,為左相。 高宗自書詔賜遼東諸將,謂許敬宗曰:「圉師愛書,可示之。」 俄坐其子獵犯人田,有辭,怒而射之,圉師掩不奏,為人告擿。 帝讓曰:「宰相而暴百姓,非作威福乎?」 圉師謝,且言:「作威福者,強兵重鎮,嫚天子法。 臣文吏,何敢然!」 帝曰:「慊無兵邪?」 敬宗因是劾抵,遂免官。 久之,為虔州刺史,稍遷相州,專以寬治,州人刻石頌美。 部有受賕者,圉師不忍按,但賜《清白箴》,其人自愧,後修飾,更為廉士。 進戶部尚書。 卒,贈幽州都督,謚曰簡,陪葬恭陵。 紹初爵譙國公,以子智仁自有封,故詔孫力士襲之,終洛州長史。
Tushi had ability and breadth, studied literature, and passed the jinshi. He rose to Supervising Censor, Vice Director of the Gate, and Third Rank Councilor. In the Longshuo era he was Left Chancellor. Gaozong wrote in his own hand an edict for the Liaodong generals and told Xu Jingzong: "Tushi loves books — show it to him. Soon his son hunted on another man's land, quarreled, and Tushi angrily shot the man; Tushi concealed it and did not report it, and someone exposed him. The emperor reproved him: "A chancellor who brutalizes the people — is that not lording power over them? Tushi apologized and said: "Those who lord power are great armies and heavy commands that despise imperial law. I am a civil official — how would I dare!" The emperor said: "Do you mean you have no troops?" Jingzong seized on this to impeach him, and he was dismissed. After a long interval he was prefect of Qian, then of Xiang, governing with leniency; the people set up a stone to praise him. Someone in his department took bribes; Tushi could not bear to prosecute him but gave him the Admonition on Integrity; the man was ashamed, reformed, and became upright. He was advanced to Minister of the People. He died and was posthumously made Governor of You with posthumous title Jian and buried beside Gongling. Shao was first Duke of Qiao; because Zhiren already had a fief, an edict had grandson Lishi inherit; Lishi ended as secretary of Luo Prefecture.
24
子欽寂
The son Qinji
25
欽寂弟欽明
Qinji's younger brother Qinming
26
欽寂弟欽明,以軍功擢左玉鈐衛將軍、安西大都護、鹽山郡公。 出為涼州都督。 嘗輕騎按部,會突厥默啜兵奄至,被執。 賊與皆至靈州,使說之降。 欽明至城下,呼曰:「我乏食,有美醬乎? 有粱米乎? 並乞墨一枝!」 時賊營四面阻水,惟一路得入。 欽明欲選將簡兵,乘夜襲賊也,而城中無寤其瘦者,遂見害。 兄弟死王事,世名其忠。
Qinming, younger brother of Qinji, through military merit became General of the Left Jade Bell Guard, Grand Protector of Anxi, and Duke of Yanshan. He went out as Governor of Liang. Once while inspecting lightly mounted, the Turk Mohe's troops suddenly arrived and seized him. The bandits brought him to Ling Prefecture and made him urge surrender. Qinming came to the foot of the wall and shouted: "I have no food — do you have good sauce? Do you have millet? And lend me one stick of ink! The bandit camp was surrounded by water on four sides; only one road led in. Qinming meant to choose a general and crack troops for a night raid, but the city did not understand his subtlety and he was killed. The brothers died in the ruler's service; the age calls them loyal.
27
程知節
Cheng Zhijie
28
程知節本名咬金,濟州東阿人。 善馬槊。 隋末,所在盜起,知節聚眾數百保鄉里。 後事李密,而密料士八千隸四驃騎,分左右以自衛,號「內軍」,常曰:「此可當百萬。」 知節領驃騎之一,恩遇隆特。 王世充與密戰,知節以內騎營北邙,單雄信以外騎營偃師。 世充襲雄信,密遣知節及裴行儼助之。 行儼中流矢墜馬,知節馳救之,殺數人,軍辟易,乃抱行儼重騎馳。 追兵以槊撞之,知節折其槊,斬追者,乃免。 後密敗,為世充所獲。 惡其為人,與秦叔寶來奔,授秦王府左三統軍。 從破宋金剛、竇建德、王世充,並領左一馬軍總管,搴旗先登者不一,以功封宿國公。 七年,隱太子譖之,出為康州刺史,白秦王曰:「大王去左右手矣,身欲久全,得乎? 知節有死,不敢去!」 事平,拜太子右衛率。 尋遷右武衛大將軍,實封七百戶。 貞觀中,歷瀘州都督、左領軍大將軍,改封盧國。 顯慶二年,授蔥山道行軍大總管,以討賀魯。 師次怛篤城,胡人數千出降,知節屠其城去,賀魯因遠遁。 軍還,坐免。 未幾,起為岐州刺史,致仕。 卒,贈驃騎大將軍、益州大都督,陪葬昭陵。 子處亮,尚清河公主。
Cheng Zhijie, born Yaojin, came from Dong'e in Ji Prefecture. He was skilled with the cavalry lance. Late in the Sui, when bandits rose everywhere, Zhijie gathered several hundred men to defend his home district. Later he served Li Mi, who picked eight thousand elite troops for four Swift Cavalry commands as his personal guard, the "Inner Army"; Mi often said they were worth a million men. Zhijie led one Swift Cavalry unit and was favored exceptionally. When Wang Shichong fought Mi, Zhijie's inner cavalry camp was at Beimang and Shan Xiongxin's outer camp at Yanshi. Shichong attacked Xiongxin; Mi sent Zhijie and Pei Xingyan to help. Xingyan took an arrow and fell; Zhijie charged to save him, killed several men, forced the enemy aside, lifted Xingyan onto a horse, and rode off. Pursuers struck with lances; he broke the lances, killed the pursuers, and got away. When Mi was defeated he was taken by Shichong. Disliking Shichong, he fled with Qin Shubao and was made Left Third Commander of the Qin princely household. He helped defeat Song Jingang, Dou Jiande, and Wang Shichong, repeatedly commanding the Left First Horse Army, seizing banners and charging first, and was enfeoffed Duke of Su. In year seven the Hidden Crown Prince slandered him and he was posted to Kang; he told the Prince of Qin: "You have lost your right and left hands — can you long remain safe? Zhijie would die before he would leave! After the affair was settled he was made Right Guard of the Crown Prince. Soon he became General-in-Chief of the Right Martial Guard with seven hundred substantive households. In Zhenguan he was Governor of Lu and Left Commander-in-Chief, and his fief became the state of Lu. In Xianqing year two he was Grand Commander of the Onion Mountain campaign against Helu. At Dudu City thousands of barbarians surrendered; Zhijie massacred the city and withdrew, and Helu fled far away. On return he was dismissed for it. Soon he was recalled as prefect of Qi and retired. He died and was posthumously made General-in-Chief of Swift Cavalry and Grand Protector of Yi, buried beside Zhaoling. His son Chuliang married the Princess of Qinghe.
29
柴紹,字嗣昌,晉州臨汾人。 幼矯悍,有武力,以任俠聞。 補隋太子千牛備身。 高祖妻以平陽公主。 將起兵,紹走間道迎謁。 時太子建成、齊王元吉亦自河東往,遇諸塗。 建成曰:「追書急,恐吏逮捕,請依劇賊,冀自全。」 紹曰:「不可。 賊知君唐公子,必執以為功,徒死爾。 不如疾走太原。」 既入雀鼠谷,聞義兵起,謂紹有謀,乃相賀。 授右領軍大都督府長史,領彀騎,發晉陽。 先抵霍邑城下,覘形勢。 還白:「宋老生一夫敵,我兵到必出戰,可虜也。」 大師至,老生果出,紹力戰有功。 從下臨汾、絳郡,隋將桑顯和來戰,紹引軍繚其背,與史大奈合攻之。 顯和敗,遂平京師。 進右光祿大夫,封臨汾郡公。 高祖即位,拜左翊衛大將軍,累從征討,以多,進封霍國公,遷右驍衛大將軍。 吐谷渾、党項寇邊,敕紹討之,虜據高射紹軍,雨矢,士失色。 紹安坐,遣人彈胡琵琶,使二女子舞。 虜疑之,休射觀。 紹伺其懈,以精騎從後掩擊,虜大潰,斬首五百級。 貞觀二年,平梁師都,轉左衛大將軍。 出為華州刺史,加鎮軍大將軍,徙譙國。 既病,太宗親問之。 卒,贈荊州都督,謚曰襄。 二子:哲威、令武。 哲威為右屯衛將軍,襲封。 坐弟謀反,免死,流邵州。 起為交州都督,卒。 令武尚巴陵公主,遷太僕少卿、衛州刺史、襄陽郡公。 與房遺愛謀反,貶嵐州刺史,自殺。 公主亦賜死。
Chai Shao, styled Sichang, came from Linfen in Jin Prefecture. As a youth he was fierce and strong, famed for chivalry. He served as Thousand-Ox Attendant to the Sui crown prince. Gaozu married him to the Princess of Pingyang. When the uprising was planned Shao took a hidden route to join them. The crown prince Jiancheng and Prince of Qi Yuanji were also coming from Hedong and met them on the road. Jiancheng said: "Pursuit is urgent and officials may arrest us — let us join fierce bandits to save ourselves. Shao said: "That will not do. Bandits will know you are Tang princes and seize you for reward — you will die for nothing. Better hurry to Taiyuan." Entering Sparrow-Rat Valley they heard the uprising had begun, thought Shao had planned it, and congratulated one another. He was made chief clerk of the Right Commander-in-Chief's office, led Garrison Cavalry, and marched from Jinyang. He first reached Huoyi and reconnoitered. He reported: "Song Laosheng is alone in command; when our army comes he will fight and we can take him. When the main army came Laosheng did come out; Shao fought with merit. In taking Linfen and Jiang, Sui general Sang Xianhe attacked; Shao circled his rear and with Shi Danae struck him. Xianhe was defeated and the capital was secured. He was made Right Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and Duke of Linfen. At Gaozu's accession he was General-in-Chief of the Left Wing Guard; on many campaigns he was advanced to Duke of Huo and made General-in-Chief of the Right Valiant Cavalry. When Tuyuhun and Tangut raided the frontier, Shao attacked; the enemy held high ground and rained arrows; the troops blanched. Shao sat calmly, had someone play the Kuchean pipa, and set two women dancing. The barbarians were puzzled, stopped shooting, and watched. When they relaxed he struck from the rear with elite cavalry; the enemy fled in rout and five hundred heads were taken. In Zhenguan year two he pacified Liang Shidu and became General-in-Chief of the Left Guard. He became prefect of Hua, Mighty General Who Guards the Army, and his fief moved to Qiao. When ill Taizong visited him personally. He died and was posthumously Governor of Jing with posthumous title Xiang. He had two sons: Zhewei and Lingwu. Zhewei was General of the Right Encampment Guard and inherited the title. For his brother's rebellion he was spared death and exiled to Shao. He was recalled as Governor of Jiaozhou and died. Lingwu married the Princess of Baling, became Vice Minister of the Imperial Stud, prefect of Wei, and Duke of Xiangyang. For plotting with Fang Yiai he was demoted to Lan and killed himself. The princess was also ordered to die.
30
任瑰,字瑋,廬州合淝人。 父七寶,陳將忠之弟,為陳定遠太守。 瑰早孤,忠撫愛甚,每曰:「吾子雖多,庸保耳。 所以寄門戶者,瑰也!」 年十九,試守靈溪令。 遷衡州司馬,都督王勇盡以州務屬瑰。 陳亡,瑰勸勇據嶺外,立陳後輔之。 勇不從,以地降隋,瑰棄官去。 仁壽中,調韓城尉,未幾,罷。 高祖討捕於汾、晉,瑰上謁轅門,承制署河東縣戶曹。 高祖之晉陽,留隱太子托之。 義師起,瑰至龍門請見。 高祖曰:「隋失其政,四海群沸,吾以外戚據重任,不忍坐觀其亡。 晉陽,天下用武處,兵精馬強,今率之,將厭國難。 公,將家子,智算練達,論吾此舉其濟乎?」 瑰曰:「今主政殘酷,兵役不止,天下之人,思見拯亂,與之息肩。 公天付神武,杖順而起,軍令嚴明,所下城邑,無秋豪之犯。 關中起兵者跂踵而待。 擁義師,迎眾欲,何不濟哉! 瑰在馮翊久,悉其人情,願為一介使,入關宣布威靈,以收左輔。 繇梁山濟河,直趣韓城,逼郃陽,徇朝邑。 蕭造文吏,勢當自下。 次招諸賊,然後鼓行而前,據永豐積粟,雖未得京師,關中固已定矣。」 高祖曰:「是吾心也!」 乃授銀青光祿大夫。 遣陳演壽、史大奈步騎六千趣梁山,以瑰及薛獻為招慰大使。 高祖謂演壽曰:「閫外事與任瑰籌之。」 既而賊孫華、白玄度等果降,且具舟於河以濟師。 瑰行說下韓城,與諸將進擊飲馬泉,破之。 拜左光祿大夫,留戍永豐倉。 高祖即位,授谷州刺史。 王世充數攻新安,瑰拒破之。 以功封管國公。 秦王東討,瑰從至邙山,主水運餉軍。 關東平,為河南安撫大使。 王世辯以徐州降瑰,瑰至宋州,會徐圓朗反,副使柳浚勸退保汴,瑰笑曰:「公何怯? 老將居邊久,自當有計。」 俄而賊陷楚丘,將圍虞城,瑰遣崔樞、張公謹自鄢陵領諸州豪質子百餘守之。 浚曰:「樞等故世充將,且諸州質子父兄皆反,奈何令保城?」 瑰不答。 樞至,則分質子與土人合隊,賊近,質子稍叛,樞即斬其隊帥。 城中人懼曰:「是皆賊子弟,安可與守乎?」 樞因聽諸隊殺質子,梟首門外。 瑰陽怒曰:「去者遣招慰,何乃殺之?」 退謂浚曰:「固知崔樞辦之。 縣殺賊子,為怨已大,人今自為戰矣。」 圓朗攻虞城,不能拔。 賊平,遷徐州總管,仍為大使。 輔公祏反,詔以兵自揚子津濟江討之。 公祏平,拜邗州都督,遷陜州。 瑰弟璨,為隱太子典膳監。 太子廢,璨得罪,瑰亦左授通州都督。 貞觀四年卒。 瑰歷職有功,然補吏多為親故人私,至負勢賕請,瑰知,不甚禁遏,世以此譏之。 瑰卒,時有司以在外對仗白奏,太宗怒曰:「昔杜如晦亡,朕不能事者數日。 今瑰喪,所司不以狀言,豈朕意乎? 有如朕子弟不幸死,當此奏邪!」 自是大臣喪,遂不對仗奏云。
Ren Gui, styled Wei, came from Hefei in Lu Prefecture. His father Qibao was younger brother of Chen general Ren Zhong and Chen prefect of Dingyuan. Gui was orphaned young; Zhong cherished him and often said: "I have many sons, but they are mere hirelings. The one I trust with the house is Gui! At nineteen he served as acting magistrate of Lingxi. He became adjutant of Heng; Protector Wang Yong gave him all prefectural business. When Chen fell Gui urged Yong to hold the far south and install a Chen heir. Yong refused and surrendered to Sui; Gui quit his post and left. In Renshou he was aide of Hancheng and soon left. When Gaozu campaigned in Fen and Jin, Gui came to the camp and was made Hedong County Household Registrar. When Gaozu went to Jinyang he entrusted the Hidden Crown Prince to Gui. When the uprising began Gui came to Longmen to see him. Gaozu said: "Sui has lost the Way and the realm boils; as an imperial in-law in heavy office I cannot watch it fall. Jinyang is the realm's martial center — troops and horses are strong; leading them we can end the crisis. You are a general's son, shrewd in counsel — will this succeed? Gui said: "The throne is cruel and conscription endless; the people long for deliverance. You rise with heaven's mandate and righteous arms; discipline is strict and no city you take suffers harm. Forces in Guanzhong wait eagerly. Lead the righteous army and the people's wish — how could you fail? Gui knows Fengyi well and asks to go alone into the passes to proclaim your power and win the left flank. Cross at Liang Mountain, strike Hancheng, press Heyang, and take Chaoyi. Xiao Zao is a civil official — he will submit. Then win the other bandits, advance, hold Yongfeng's grain — even without the capital, Guanzhong is secured." Gaozu said: "That is exactly my mind!" He was made Grand Master for Splendid Happiness with silver seal. He sent Chen Yanshou and Shi Danae with six thousand troops toward Liang Mountain, with Gui and Xue Xian as envoys. Gaozu told Yanshou: "Outside affairs — consult Ren Gui. Soon Sun Hua, Bai Xuandu, and others submitted and prepared boats to ferry the army. Gui won Hancheng and with the generals attacked Drinking-Horse Spring and won. He was made Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and guarded Yongfeng granary. At Gaozu's accession he was prefect of Gu. Shichong repeatedly attacked Xin'an; Gui repelled him. For merit he was enfeoffed Duke of Guan. When the Prince of Qin marched east Gui followed to Mount Mang and supplied the army by water. When the east was pacified he was Pacification Commissioner of Henan. Wang Shibian surrendered Xuzhou; at Song, Xu Yuanlang rebelled; Liu Jun urged retreat to Bian; Gui laughed: "How timid you are! An old frontier general surely has a plan. The rebels took Chuqiu and besieged Yucheng; Gui sent Cui Shu and Zhang Gongjin with over a hundred magnates' sons as hostages to hold the city. Jun said: "Shu was Shichong's man, and the hostages' kin have rebelled — how can they hold the city? Gui did not answer. Shu mixed hostages with locals; when rebels neared some wavered and Shu killed their captains. The townspeople feared: "These are bandits' sons — how can we defend with them? Shu let each company kill its hostages and hung the heads outside the gate. Gui feigned anger: "I sent them to win people — why kill them? Later he told Jun: "I knew Cui Shu would manage it. The county had killed the bandits' sons, deepening the feud — the people now fought on their own." Yuanlang besieged Yucheng but could not capture it. After the rebels were subdued he became Commander of Xuzhou and remained commissioner. When Fu Gongshi rebelled he was ordered to cross the Yangzi at Yangzi Ford to attack. After Gongshi was subdued he was Governor of Han, then transferred to Shaan. Gui's brother Can was Provision Director for the Hidden Crown Prince. When the crown prince fell Can was punished and Gui was demoted to Governor of Tong. He died in the fourth year of Zhenguan. Gui served with merit, but many appointees were kin and friends; he tolerated bribery and favor-seeking, and the age criticized him. When Gui died the office reported in formal audience; Taizong said angrily: "When Du Ruhui died I could not work for days. Now Gui is dead and they do not report properly — is that what I want? If my own kin died, would you report it this way? After that great ministers' deaths were no longer announced in that formal manner.
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丘和,河南洛陽人,後徙家郿。 少重氣俠,閑弓馬,長乃折節自將。 仕周開府儀同三司。 入隋為右武衛將軍,封平城郡公,歷資、梁、蒲三州刺史,以寬惠著名。 漢王諒反,使卒衣婦人衣,襲取蒲州,和挺身免,坐廢為民。 宇文述有寵,和傾心附納。 俄以發武陵公元胄罪,復拜代州刺史。 煬帝北巡,和饋獻精腆,至朔州,而刺史楊廓無所進,帝不悅。 述盛稱和美,帝用為博陵太守,詔廓就視和為式。 後帝過博陵,和上食加豐,愈喜。 由是所過競為珍侈獻,自和發也。 然和善撫吏士,得其心。 遷天水郡守,入為左禦衛將軍。 大業末,海南苦吏侵,數怨畔。 帝以和所蒞稱淳良,而黃門侍郎裴矩亦薦之,遂拜交址太過,撫接盡情,荒憬安之。 煬帝崩,而和未知。 於是鴻臚卿寧長真舉郁林附蕭銑,馮盎舉珠崖、番禺附林士弘,各遣使招和,不從。 林邑西諸國,數遺和明珠、文犀、金寶,故和富埒王者。 銑聞,利之,命長真以南粵蠻、俚攻交址,和遣長史高士廉率兵擊走之,郡為樹石勒其功。 會隋驍果自江都來,乃審隋亡,和即陳款歸國,而嶺嶠閉岨,乃權附銑。 銑平,遂得歸。 詔李道裕即授和交州大總管,爵譚國公。 和遣士廉奉表請入朝,詔其子師利迎之。 及謁見,高祖為興,引入臥內,語平生,歡甚,奏九部樂饗之,除左武候大將軍。 和時已老,以稷州其故鄉也,令為刺史以自養。 尋除特進。 貞觀十一年卒,年八十六,贈荊州總管,謚曰襄,陪葬獻陵。 有子十五人,多至大官,而行恭為知名。
Qiu He came from Luoyang in Henan and later moved to Mei. In youth he was chivalrous and skilled in arms; in maturity he disciplined himself. Under Zhou he was Grand Master of Splendid Happiness with Privileges Equal to the Three Excellencies. In Sui he was General of the Right Martial Guard, Duke of Pingcheng, and prefect of Zi, Liang, and Pu, famed for mild rule. When Prince Han rebelled, soldiers in women's dress seized Pu; He escaped and was reduced to commoner. Yuwen Shu was favored and He attached himself to him. Soon, for exposing Prince Wuling Yuan Chou's crime, he was again prefect of Dai. On the northern tour He gave fine provisions; at Shuozhou Yang Kuo gave nothing and the emperor was displeased. Shu praised He and the emperor made him prefect of Boling, telling Kuo to learn from him. When the emperor passed Boling again, He's feast was richer and the emperor was delighted. From then on every stop vied in luxury gifts — it began with He. Yet He won officials and soldiers by kindness. He became commandant of Tian Shui and entered as General of the Left Imperial Guard. Late in Daye Hainan suffered cruel officials and rebelled often. The emperor, hearing He's rule was pure, and with Pei Ju's recommendation, made him Grand Administrator of Jiaozhi; he governed wholeheartedly and the frontier was calmed. When Yang died He had not yet heard. Ning Changzhen joined Xiao Xian, Feng Ang joined Lin Shihong — each sent envoys; He refused. Linyi and western states sent pearls, rhinoceros horn, and gold, and He grew as rich as a king. Xian coveted his wealth and sent Changzhen to attack with southern tribes; He sent Gao Shilian to repel them and erected a memorial stone. When Sui veterans came from Jiangdu he learned the dynasty had fallen; he submitted to Tang, but passes were closed and he temporarily joined Xian. When Xian fell he returned. He was appointed Grand Commander of Jiaozhou and Duke of Tan. He sent Shilian with a memorial to request audience; his son Shili was sent to welcome him. Gaozu rose to meet him, took him to his private chambers, reminisced joyfully, feasted him with the nine suites, and made him General-in-Chief of the Left Martial Guard. He was old; as Ji was his homeland he was made prefect to live out his days. Soon he was made Special Advancement. He died in Zhenguan year eleven at eighty-six, posthumously Governor of Jing with title Xiang, buried beside Xianling. He had fifteen sons, many in high office; Xinggong was best known.
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子行恭
His son Xinggong
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行恭有勇,善騎射。 大業末,與兄師利聚兵萬人保郿城,人多依之,群盜不敢窺境。 後原州奴賊圍扶風,太守竇璡堅守。 賊食盡無所掠,眾稍散歸行恭。 行恭遣其酋說賊共迎高祖,乃自率五百人負糧持牛酒詣賊營。 奴帥長揖,行恭手斬之,謂眾曰:「若皆豪桀也,何為事奴乎? 使天下號曰奴賊。」 眾皆伏,曰:「願改事公。」 行恭乃率其眾,與師利迎謁秦王於渭北,拜光祿大夫。 累從戰伐,功多,遷左一府驃騎,錫勞甚厚。 隱太子誅,以功擢左衛將軍。 貞觀中,坐與兄爭葬所生母,廢為民。 從侯君集平高昌,封天水郡公,進右武候將軍。 高宗立,遷大將軍、冀陜二州刺史,致仕。 卒,年八十,贈荊州刺史,謚曰襄,陪葬昭陵。 行恭所守嚴烈,僚吏畏之。 數坐事免,太宗思其功,不逾時輒復官。 初,從討王世充,戰邙山。 太宗欲嘗賊虛實,與數十騎沖出陣後,多所殺傷,而限長堤,與諸騎相失,唯行恭從。 賊騎追及,流矢著太宗馬,行恭回射之,發無虛鏃,賊不敢前。 遂下拔箭,以己馬進太宗,步執長刀,大呼導之,斬數人,突陣而還。 貞觀中,詔斫石為人馬,象拔箭狀,立昭陵闕前,以旌武功云。 子神勣,見《酷吏傳》。
Xinggong was brave and skilled in mounted archery. Late in Daye he and Shili raised ten thousand men to hold Mei; people flocked to them and bandits did not dare approach. Later slave rebels from Yuan besieged Fufeng while Prefect Dou Jin held out. When their food ran out the rebels dispersed toward Xinggong. He sent chiefs to urge them to welcome Gaozu, then led five hundred men with grain, cattle, and wine to the camp. The slave leader bowed; Xinggong struck him down and said: "If you are heroes, why serve as slaves? Let the realm no longer call you slave rebels. All submitted: "We wish to serve you." He led them with Shili to welcome the Prince of Qin north of the Wei and was made Grand Master for Splendid Happiness. He fought on many campaigns, rose to Swift Cavalry of the Left First Office, and was richly rewarded. After the crown prince's fall he was raised to General of the Left Guard for merit. In Zhenguan he quarreled with his brother over their mother's burial and was reduced to commoner. He followed Hou Junji against Gaochang, was enfeoffed Duke of Tian Shui, and made General of the Right Martial Guard. Under Gaozong he was Grand General and prefect of Ji and Shaan, then retired. He died at eighty, posthumously Governor of Jing with title Xiang, buried beside Zhaoling. His rule was stern and subordinates feared him. Dismissed repeatedly, he was soon restored each time for his old service. Early on, campaigning against Wang Shichong, they fought at Mount Mang. Taizong probed the enemy with a few dozen riders, charging behind their lines; a long dike cut him off from the others — only Xinggong followed. Enemy horsemen caught up; an arrow hit Taizong's horse; Xinggong shot back without missing and they held back. He pulled the arrow, gave Taizong his horse, took a long blade on foot, cut a path through the enemy, and broke back to the lines. In Zhenguan stone figures of man and horse showing the arrow scene were set before Zhaoling to honor his valor. His son Shenji appears in the Biography of Cruel Officials.
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贊曰:帝王之將興,其威靈氣焰有以動物悟人者,故士有一概,皆填然躍而附之,若榱椽梁柱以成大室,又負偃植,各安所施而無遺材,諸將之謂邪。 然皆能禮法自完,賢矣哉!
The comment says: When a dynasty rises, its aura moves men to rally like timbers fitting a hall — each general finding his place. Such were these men. Yet all kept themselves within ritual and law — admirable indeed!"