Volume 126 Biographies 13: Antong, Lianxixian

安童，木華黎四世孫，霸突魯長子也。中統初，世祖追錄元勳，召入長宿衛，年方十三，位在百僚上。母弘吉剌氏，昭睿皇后之姊，通籍禁中。世祖一日見之，問及安童，對曰：「安童雖幼，公輔器也。」世祖曰：「何以知之。」對曰：「每退朝必與老成人語，未嘗狎一年少，是以知之。」世祖悅。

Antong, a fourth-generation descendant of Muqali, was the eldest son of Batu. Early in the Zhongtong reign, Kublai posthumously recognized the founding merits of his forebears and summoned Antong into the permanent palace guard. Though only thirteen, he already stood above the entire bureaucracy. His mother belonged to the Hongjila Kereit clan, was the elder sister of Empress Zhaorui, and was registered to reside within the inner palace. One day Kublai saw her and inquired about Antong. She answered, "Young as Antong is, he has the makings of a chief minister." The emperor asked, "How do you know that?" She said, "After every audience he talks with seasoned elders and never keeps company with the young—that is how I know." Kublai was pleased.

四年，執阿里不哥黨千餘，將置之法，安童侍側，帝語之曰：「朕欲置此屬於死地，何如？」對曰：「人各為其主，陛下甫定大難，遽以私憾殺人，將何以懷服未附。」帝驚曰：「卿年少，何從得老成語，此言正與朕意合。」由是深重之。

In the fourth year, over a thousand partisans of Ariq Böke were arrested and were to be dealt with by law. Antong stood beside the throne, and the emperor said, "I mean to put these people to death. What do you think?" He answered, "Each man served his own lord. Your Majesty has only just survived a great crisis; if you kill them now out of private resentment, how will you win over those who are not yet loyal?" The emperor exclaimed, "You are young—where did you learn such seasoned counsel? This is exactly what I had in mind." From then on he held Antong in the highest regard.

至元二年秋八月，拜光祿大夫、中書右丞相，增食邑至四千戶。辭曰：「今三方雖定，江南未附，臣以年少，謬膺重任，恐四方有輕朝廷心。」帝動容有間曰：「朕思之熟矣，無以踰卿。」冬十月，召許衡至，傳旨令衡入省議事，衡以疾辭，安童即親候其館，與語良久，既還，念之不釋者累日。三年，帝諭衡曰：「安童尚幼，未更事，善輔導之。汝有嘉謨，當先告之以達朕，朕將擇焉。」衡對曰：「安童聰敏，且有執守，告以古人所言，悉能領解，臣不敢不盡心。但慮中有人間之，則難行，外用勢力納人其中，則難行。臣入省之日淺，所見如此。」四年三月，安童奏：「內外官須用老成人，宜令儒臣姚樞等入省議事。」帝曰：「此輩雖閑，猶當優養，其令入省議事。」

In the eighth month of autumn in Zhiyuan 2, he was appointed Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and Right Chancellor of the Secretariat, with his fief income raised to four thousand households. He declined, saying, "Though the three regions are settled, the south is not yet won. I am young and have wrongly taken a weighty post; I fear the realm will slight the court." The emperor was moved and, after a pause, said, "I have considered this at length—no one surpasses you." In the tenth month of winter he summoned Xu Heng and ordered him to enter the Secretariat to discuss affairs. Heng declined on grounds of illness, so Antong went in person to his lodging and talked with him at length; after returning, he could not put the matter out of his mind for days. In the third year the emperor told Heng, "Antong is still young and inexperienced; guide him well. If you have excellent counsel, tell him first so it may reach me, and I shall choose from it." Heng replied, "Antong is intelligent and steadfast; when told what the ancients said, he grasps it fully. I dare not fail to give my utmost. But I fear that if someone sows discord in the middle, counsel will be hard to carry out; if outside power pushes people into our midst, it will be equally hard. I have been in the Secretariat only a short time, and this is what I have observed." In the third month of the fourth year Antong memorialized, "Inside and outside the court, seasoned elders should be appointed; let Confucian officials such as Yao Shu enter the Secretariat to discuss affairs." The emperor said, "Though these men are at leisure, they should still be generously maintained. Have them enter the Secretariat to discuss affairs."

五年，廷臣密議立尚書省，以阿合馬領之，乃先奏以安童宜位三公。事下諸儒議，商挺倡言曰：「安童，國之柱石，若為三公，是崇以虛名而實奪之權也，甚不可。」衆曰然，事遂罷。七年四月，奏曰：「臣近言：『尚書省、樞密院各令奏事，並如常制，其大政令，從臣等議定，然後上聞。』既得旨矣，今尚書一切徑奏，似違前旨。」帝曰：「豈阿合馬以朕頗信用之，故爾專權耶。不與卿議，非是。」敕如前旨。

In the fifth year the courtiers secretly discussed establishing a Ministry of Revenue under Ahmad; they first memorialized that Antong should be made one of the Three Dukes. The matter was referred to the Confucian scholars; Shang Ting led the discussion, saying, "Antong is a pillar of the state; to make him one of the Three Dukes would honor him with an empty title while in fact stripping him of power—this must not be done." The assembly agreed, and the proposal was dropped. In the fourth month of the seventh year he memorialized, "I recently proposed that the Ministry of Revenue and the Bureau of Military Affairs each memorialize separately under the usual regulations, and that major policies be decided by us before being reported upward. We already have the imperial assent; now the Ministry memorializes on everything directly, which seems to violate that instruction." The emperor said, "Has Ahmad monopolized power because I trust him rather too much? Not consulting you was wrong." An edict restored the earlier procedure.

八年，陝西省臣也速迭兒建言，比因饑饉，盜賊滋橫，若不顯戮一二，無以示懲。敕中書詳議，安童奏曰：「強、竊均死，恐非所宜，罪至死者，宜仍舊待報。」從之。

In the eighth year the Shaanxi provincial official Yesudier memorialized that recent famine had bred bandits, and unless one or two were publicly executed there would be no deterrent. The Secretariat was ordered to discuss the matter in detail; Antong memorialized, "Treating robbery by force and ordinary theft alike as capital crimes is probably unwise; those whose crimes merit death should still await imperial confirmation as before." His proposal was adopted.

十年春三月，奏以玉冊玉寶上皇后弘吉剌氏，以玉冊金寶立燕王為皇太子，兼中書令，判樞密院事。冬十月，帝諭安童及伯顏等曰：「近史天澤、姚樞纂定新格，朕已親覽，皆可行之典，汝等亦當一一留心參考，豈無一二可增減者。」各令紀錄促議行之。時天下待報死囚五十人，安童奏其中十三人因鬪毆殺人，餘無可疑。於是詔以所奏十三人免死從軍。十一年，奏阿合馬蠹國害民數事；又奏各部與大都路官多非才，乞加黜汰。從之。

In the third month of spring in the tenth year he memorialized to present jade registers and jade seals to Empress Hongjila and to invest the Prince of Yan as heir apparent with jade register and golden seal, concurrently Chancellor of the Secretariat and administrator of Bureau of Military Affairs affairs. In the tenth month of winter the emperor told Antong, Bayan, and the others, "Shi Tianze and Yao Shu have lately compiled the new statutes; I have reviewed them myself, and they are all workable codes. You too should study them carefully; surely one or two points may be added or trimmed." Each was ordered to record his views and press for their implementation. At that time fifty condemned prisoners throughout the realm awaited confirmation; Antong memorialized that thirteen had killed men in brawls while the rest raised no doubt. An edict followed that the thirteen men he had named should be spared death and sent into military service. In the eleventh year he memorialized several instances in which Ahmad had harmed the state and injured the people; he also memorialized that many officials in the ministries and in the Dadu circuit lacked talent and asked that they be dismissed and culled. Both proposals were adopted.

十二年七月，詔以行中書省樞密院事，從太子北平王出鎮極邊，在邊十年。二十一年三月，從王歸，待罪闕下，帝即召見慰勞之，頓首謝曰：「臣奉使無狀，有累聖德。」遂留寢殿，語至四鼓乃出。冬十一月，和禮霍孫罷，復拜中書右丞相，加金紫光祿大夫。二十二年，右丞盧世榮敗，詔與諸儒條其所用人及所為事，悉罷之。

In the seventh month of the twelfth year an edict appointed him to conduct Secretariat and Bureau of Military Affairs affairs on campaign and to follow the heir apparent, the Prince of Yan, in garrisoning the far northern frontier; he remained at the border for ten years. In the third month of the twenty-first year he returned with the prince, waited at the palace gate to accept blame, and the emperor summoned him at once to comfort him. He bowed his head and said, "In carrying out my commission I have been without merit and have burdened Your Majesty's sacred virtue." He was kept in the inner sleeping hall, and they talked until the fourth watch before he emerged. In the eleventh month of winter Heluohosun was dismissed, and Antong was again appointed Right Chancellor of the Secretariat with the additional title Grand Master of the Golden Seal and Purple Robe. In the twenty-second year Right Chancellor Lu Shirong fell; an edict ordered Antong and the Confucian scholars to list the men Lu had appointed and the measures he had taken, and all were abolished.

二十三年夏，中書奏擬漕司諸官姓名，帝曰：「如平章、右丞等，朕當親擇，餘皆卿等職也。」安童奏曰：「比聞聖意欲倚近侍為耳目，臣猥承任使，若所行非法，從其舉奏，罪之輕重，惟陛下裁處。今近臣乃伺隙援引非類，曰某居某官、某居某職，以所署奏目付中書施行。臣謂銓選之法，自有定制，其尤無事例者，臣常廢格不行，慮其黨有短臣者，幸陛下詳察。」帝曰：「卿言是也。今後若此者勿行，其妄奏者，即入言之。」奏徵前吏部尚書李昶，不起；復奏賜田十頃。

In the summer of the twenty-third year the Secretariat memorialized proposing names for transport-office officials. The emperor said, "For posts such as Grand Councilor and Right Chancellor I shall choose personally; the rest are your duty." Antong memorialized, "I have lately heard that Your Majesty wishes to rely on close attendants as eyes and ears. I have undeservedly accepted this commission; if I act unlawfully, let them memorialize against me, and let Your Majesty alone decide the punishment. But now close attendants seize opportunities to recommend unfit men, saying so-and-so should hold such-and-so an office, and hand the memorialized list to the Secretariat for implementation. I hold that selection and appointment have fixed regulations; in the most exceptional cases without precedent I have often set the memorial aside, fearing their faction will find fault with me—may Your Majesty examine this carefully." The emperor said, "You are right. Henceforth such things must not be carried out; whoever memorializes falsely should be reported to me at once." He memorialized to summon the former Minister of Personnel Li Chang, who did not respond; he memorialized again to grant him ten qing of fields.

二十四年，宗王乃顏叛，世祖親討平之。宗室詿誤者，命安童按問，多所平反。嘗退朝，自左掖門出，諸免罪者爭迎謝，或執轡扶上馬，安童毅然不顧。有乘間言於帝曰：「諸王雖有罪，皆帝室近親也，丞相雖尊，人臣也，何悖慢如此！」帝良久曰：「汝等小人，豈知安童所為，特辱之使改過耳。」是歲，復立尚書省，安童切諫曰：「臣力不能回天，乞不用桑哥，別相賢者，猶或不至虐民誤國。」不聽。二十五年，見天下大權盡歸尚書，屢求退，不許。二十八年，罷相，仍領宿衛事。

In the twenty-fourth year the imperial prince Nayan rebelled, and Kublai personally campaigned and pacified him. Those of the imperial clan who had been implicated in error were ordered investigated by Antong, and many were exonerated. Once after leaving court he went out through the left side gate; those who had been spared crowded forward to thank him, some seizing the reins and helping him mount, but Antong steadfastly paid no heed. Someone told the emperor, "Though the princes sinned, they are all close kin of the imperial house; though the chancellor is exalted, he is still a subject—how can he be so disrespectful!" After a long pause the emperor said, "You petty men do not understand Antong; he is deliberately humbling them so they may reform." That year the Ministry of Revenue was re-established; Antong urgently remonstrated, "My strength cannot turn heaven back; I beg that Sangge not be used and that another worthy man be made chancellor—then perhaps the people will not be abused and the state will not be misled." The emperor would not listen. In the twenty-fifth year, seeing that great power throughout the realm had passed to the Ministry of Revenue, he repeatedly asked to retire but was not permitted. In the twenty-eighth year he was dismissed as chancellor but still headed palace guard affairs.

三十年春正月，以疾薨于京師樂安里第，年四十九。雨木冰三日，世祖震悼曰：「人言丞相病，朕固弗信，果喪予良弼。」詔大臣監護喪事。大德七年，成宗制贈推忠同德翊運功臣、太師、開府儀同三司、上柱國、東平忠憲王。碑曰開國元勳命世大臣之碑。子兀都帶。

In the first month of spring in the thirtieth year he died of illness at his residence in Leyue Lane in the capital at the age of forty-nine. Rain froze on the trees for three days; Kublai was shaken with grief and said, "People said the chancellor was ill, but I truly did not believe it—and now I have indeed lost my worthy helper." An edict ordered great ministers to supervise the funeral. In the seventh year of Dade, Emperor Chengzong posthumously enfeoffed him Loyal and Faithful, Same in Virtue, Assisting in Fortune, Meritorious Subject, Grand Preceptor, Grandee of the State with Opening of a Government Office, First Pillar of the State, and Prince of Dongping, posthumous title Loyal and Incorrupt. His stele bore the title Stele of the Founding Merit and World-Shaping Great Minister. His son was Wududai.

大德六年正月薨，年三十一。至大二年，制贈輸誠保德翊運功臣、太師、開府儀同三司、上柱國、東平王，諡忠簡。子拜住，自有傳。

In the first month of Dade 6 he died at the age of thirty-one. In Zhida 2 an edict posthumously enfeoffed him Conveying Sincerity, Preserving Virtue, Assisting in Fortune, Meritorious Subject, Grand Preceptor, Grandee of the State with Opening of a Government Office, First Pillar of the State, and Prince of Dongping, posthumous title Loyal and Simple. His son Baizhu has his own biography.

廉希憲

Lian Xixian

廉希憲字善甫，布魯海牙子也。幼魁偉，舉止異凡兒。九歲，家奴四人盜五馬逃去，既獲，時於法當死，父怒，將付有司，希憲泣諫止之，俱得免死。又嘗侍母居中山，有二奴醉出惡言，希憲曰：「是以我為幼也。」即送繫府獄，杖之。皆奇其有識。世祖為皇弟，希憲年十九，得入侍，見其容止議論，恩寵殊絕。希憲篤好經史，手不釋卷。一日，方讀孟子，聞召，急懷以進。世祖問其說，遂以性善義利仁暴之旨為對，世祖嘉之，目曰廉孟子，由是知名。嘗與近臣校射世祖前，希憲腰插三矢，有欲取以射者，希憲曰：「汝以我為不能耶？但吾弓力稍弱耳。」左右授以勁弓，三發連中。衆驚服曰：「真文武材也。」

Lian Xixian, styled Shanfu, was the son of Buluhaia. As a child he was tall and imposing, and his bearing was unlike that of ordinary boys. At nine, four household slaves stole five horses and fled; when captured, the law called for death. His father was furious and was about to hand them to the authorities, but Xixian wept and remonstrated until he stopped, and all were spared. On another occasion, while attending his mother at Zhongshan, two slaves came out drunk and spoke foully. Xixian said, "You take me for a child." He had them sent at once to the prefectural prison and beaten. All marveled at his judgment. When Kublai was still the imperial younger brother, Xixian at nineteen entered his service; seeing his bearing and discourse, Kublai favored him beyond measure. Xixian was devoted to the classics and histories and never put his books down. One day, while reading Mencius, he heard himself summoned and hurried in with the book still in his sleeve. The emperor asked about its doctrines, and he answered with the themes of innate goodness, righteousness and profit, benevolence and cruelty. The emperor praised him and called him Master Lian, and from this he became renowned. Once, while competing in archery before the emperor with close attendants, Xixian had three arrows at his waist. Someone wished to take them to shoot, and Xixian said, "Do you think I cannot shoot? But my bow is rather weak." Attendants gave him a strong bow, and three shots in succession all hit the mark. The assembly marveled and said, "Truly a man of both civil and military talent."

歲甲寅，世祖以京兆分地命希憲為宣撫使。京兆控制隴蜀，諸王貴藩分布左右，民雜羌戎，尤號難治。希憲講求民病，抑強扶弱。暇日從名儒若許衡、姚樞輩諮訪治道，首請用衡提舉京兆學校，教育人材，為根本計。國制，為士者無隸奴籍，京兆多豪強，廢令不行。希憲至，悉令著籍為儒。有民妻與卜者厭詛其夫，殺之，獄成，僚佐皆言方大旱，卜者宜減死，希憲議當伏法，已而大雨立應。

In the year jiayin Kublai, on dividing the Jingzhao region, appointed Xixian Pacification Commissioner. Jingzhao controlled Long and Shu; imperial princes and noble fiefs lay on every side, and the people were mixed with Qiang and Rong—it was notoriously hard to govern. Xixian investigated the people's afflictions and restrained the strong while supporting the weak. In leisure he consulted famous Confucians such as Xu Heng and Yao Shu on governance, and first requested that Heng direct the Jingzhao schools to educate talent as a fundamental plan. By national regulation scholars were not entered in slave registers; in Jingzhao powerful families were many and the abandoned order went unenforced. When Xixian arrived, he ordered all such persons entered in registers as scholars. A man's wife, with a diviner, cursed her husband by sorcery and killed him. When the case was closed the subordinates all said that with severe drought at hand the diviner's death should be reduced, but Xixian held he should suffer the penalty; soon afterward heavy rain fell at once.

初，世祖受命憲宗，經理河南關右，居數歲，讒者謂王府人多專擅不法，至是，命阿藍荅兒、劉太平檢覈所部，用酷吏分領其事，大開告訐。希憲曰：「宣撫司事由己出，有罪固當獨任，僚屬何預。」及事竟，卒無獲罪者。己未，憲宗駐蹕合州，世祖渡江取鄂州，命希憲入籍府庫。希憲引儒生百餘，拜伏軍門，因言：「今王師渡江，凡軍中俘獲士人，宜官購遣還，以廣異恩。」世祖嘉納之。還者五百餘人。

Earlier, when Kublai received his commission from Emperor Xianzong and administered Henan and the passes to the west, after several years slanderers said many in the princely establishment acted unlawfully on their own authority; Alandai'er and Liu Taiping were then ordered to examine his domain, using harsh officials for each matter and opening wide the door to accusations. Xixian said, "Affairs of the Pacification Commission issue from me; if there is guilt I should bear it alone—what have subordinates to do with it?" When the matter was concluded, in the end no one was found guilty. In the year jiwei Emperor Xianzong halted at Hezhou; Kublai crossed the river to take Ezhou and ordered Xixian to enter and register the treasury stores. Xixian led more than a hundred Confucian scholars, bowed prostrate at the army gate, and said, "Now that the royal army has crossed the river, all scholar-officials captured in the army should be purchased by the state and sent back, to extend exceptional grace." Kublai praised and adopted the proposal. More than five hundred returned.

憲宗崩，訃音至，希憲啟曰：「殿下太祖嫡孫，先皇母弟，前征雲南，剋期撫定，及今南伐，率先渡江，天道可知。且殿下收召才傑，悉從人望，子惠黎庶，率土歸心。今先皇奄棄萬國，神器無主，願速還京，正大位以安天下。」世祖然之，且命希憲先行，審察事變。對曰：「劉太平、霍魯海在關右，渾都海在六盤，征南諸軍散處秦、蜀，太平要結諸將，其性險詐，素畏殿下英武，倘倚關中形勝，設有異謀，漸不可制，宜遣趙良弼往覘人情事宜。」從之。阿里不哥搆亂北邊，遣脫忽思發兵河朔，大肆凶暴。真定名士李槃嘗奉莊聖太后命侍阿里不哥講讀，脫忽思怒槃不附己，械之，希憲訪槃於獄，言於世祖而釋之。世祖命希憲賜膳於宗王塔察兒，希憲即以己意白王，宜首建翊戴之謀，王然之，許以身任其事。歸啟其言，世祖曰：「若此重事，卿何不懼之甚耶！」

When Emperor Xianzong died and the news reached them, Lian Xixian urged Kublai: "Your Highness is Taizu's legitimate grandson and the late emperor's uterine younger brother. You pacified Yunnan on schedule in the earlier campaign, and in this southern expedition you were first across the river—the Mandate is plain to see. You have gathered outstanding men in line with public expectation, treated the people as your children, and won the hearts of the realm. The late emperor has suddenly left the realm without an heir to the throne. I beg you to return to the capital at once, take the throne, and bring peace to the empire." Kublai agreed and ordered Lian Xixian to go on ahead and assess how the situation had shifted. He replied, "Liu Taiping and Boluha hold the western passes, Hunduhai is at Liupan, and the southern expedition forces are scattered through Qin and Shu. Taiping is the linchpin among the generals—treacherous by nature and long in awe of your martial prowess. If he exploits Guanzhong's strategic position and plots rebellion, the situation will slip beyond control. Send Zhao Liangbi to gauge sentiment and the state of affairs." Kublai followed this advice. Ariq Böke stirred up rebellion on the northern frontier and sent Toghos to raise troops in Heshuo, where they committed great atrocities. The renowned scholar of Zhending, Li Pan, had once been ordered by Empress Dowager Zhuangsheng to attend Ariq Böke for instruction. Toghos, furious that Pan would not side with him, had him shackled. Lian Xixian visited Pan in prison, spoke to Kublai, and secured his release. Kublai ordered Lian Xixian to present provisions to Prince Qachar. Lian Xixian told the prince in his own words that he should be the first to launch the plan to support Kublai's accession; the prince agreed and pledged to take personal charge of the matter. On his return he reported the prince's words. Kublai said, "On a matter this grave, why were you not more afraid!"

趙良弼還自關右，奏劉太平、霍魯海反狀，皆如希憲言。初分漢地為十道，乃併京兆、四川為一道，以希憲為宣撫使。太平、霍魯海聞之，乘驛急入京兆，密謀為變。後三日，希憲至，宣布詔旨，遣使安諭六盤。未幾，斷事官闊闊出遣使來告：渾都海已反，殺所遣使者朶羅台，遣人諭其黨密里火者於成都、乞台不花於青居，使各以兵來援，又多與蒙古軍奧魯官兀奴忽等金帛，盡起新軍，且約太平、霍魯海同日俱發。希憲得報，召僚屬謂曰：「上新即位，責任吾等，正為今日。不早為之計，殆將無及。」遣萬戶劉黑馬、京兆治中高鵬霄、華州尹史廣，掩捕太平、霍魯海及其黨，獲之，盡得其奸謀，悉置於獄。復遣劉黑馬誅密里火者，緫帥汪惟正誅乞台不花，具以驛聞。時關中無兵備，命汪惟良將秦、鞏諸軍進六盤，惟良以未得上旨為辭，希憲即解所佩虎符銀印授之曰：「此皆身承密旨，君但辦吾事，制符已飛奏矣。」又付銀一萬五千兩，以充功賞，出庫幣製軍衣，惟良感激，遂行。又發蜀卒更戍，及在家餘丁，推節制諸軍蒙古官八春將之，謂之曰：「君所將之衆，未經訓練，六盤兵精，勿與爭鋒，但張聲勢，使不得東，則大事濟矣。」會有詔赦至，希憲命絞太平等於獄，尸於通衢，方出迎詔，人心遂安。乃遣使自劾停赦行刑、徵調諸軍、擅以惟良為帥等罪，帝深善之。曰：「經所謂行權，此其是也。」別賜金虎符，使節制諸軍，且詔曰：「朕委卿以方面之權，事當從宜，毋拘常制，坐失事機。」

Zhao Liangbi returned from the western passes and reported signs of rebellion by Liu Taiping and Boluha—everything exactly as Lian Xixian had predicted. When Han territories were first divided into ten circuits, Jingzhao and Sichuan were merged into one, and Lian Xixian was appointed Pacification Commissioner. Taiping and Boluha heard the news, raced by courier post into Jingzhao, and secretly plotted a revolt. Three days later Lian Xixian arrived, proclaimed the imperial edict, and sent envoys to reassure Liupan. Soon the judicial officer Kuokuochu sent word that Hunduhai had rebelled, killed the envoy Duoluotai, and ordered his allies Miri Qoja at Chengdu and Qitai Buhua at Qingju to march to his aid. He lavished gold and silk on Mongol household officials such as Unuqu, mobilized every new army unit, and arranged with Taiping and Boluha to rise on the same day. When Lian Xixian received the report, he summoned his staff and said, "The Emperor has just acceded and entrusted us with responsibility—precisely for a moment like this. If we do not act now, it may soon be too late." He sent the commander of ten thousand Liu Heima, Jingzhao administrator Gao Pengxiao, and Huazhou magistrate Shi Guang to seize Taiping, Boluha, and their followers by surprise. They captured them, uncovered the full conspiracy, and imprisoned them all. He again sent Liu Heima to execute Miri Qoja and commander Wang Weizheng to execute Qitai Buhua, reporting the full account by express courier. Guanzhong had no troops in readiness. He ordered Wang Weiliang to lead the Qin and Gong armies toward Liupan, but Weiliang pleaded that he lacked imperial authorization. Lian Xixian removed his own tiger tally and silver seal and handed them over, saying, "I act under secret orders from the throne. Carry out my commission—the formal tally has already been reported by express courier." He also gave him fifteen thousand taels of silver for merit rewards, issued treasury cloth for army uniforms, and Weiliang, deeply moved, set out at once. He also mobilized rotating Sichuan garrison troops and remaining household males, and put Mongol officer Bachun in command, telling him, "Your men are untrained and Liupan's troops are elite. Do not engage them head-on—only make a show of force to block their eastward advance, and the main objective will be achieved." An amnesty edict then arrived. Lian Xixian had Taiping and the others strangled in prison, displayed their bodies in the main street, and only then went out to receive the edict, and public sentiment settled. He then sent envoys to impeach himself for executing prisoners despite the amnesty, requisitioning troops, and appointing Weiliang commander on his own authority. The Emperor strongly approved his conduct. He said, "This is precisely what the Classics mean by exercising expedient authority." He separately bestowed a gold tiger tally empowering him to command all forces, and issued an edict: "I entrust you with regional authority. Act as circumstances require—do not be bound by routine regulations and let the moment slip away."

西川將紐鄰奧魯官，將舉兵應渾都海，八春獲之，繫其黨五十餘人于乾州獄，送二人至京兆，請并殺之。二人自分必死，希憲謂僚佐曰：「渾都海不能乘勢東來，保無他慮。今衆志未一，猶懷反側，彼軍見其將校執囚，或別生心，為害不細。今因其懼死，並加寬釋，使之感恩效力，就發此軍餘丁，往隸八春，上策也。」初，八春既執諸校，其軍疑懼，駭亂四出，莫可禁遏，及知諸校獲全，紐鄰奧魯官得釋，大喜過望。切諭其屬出兵效力，人人感悅，八春亦釋然開悟，果得精騎數千，將與俱西。

The Sichuan general Niuyin, a household official, was about to raise troops for Hunduhai. Bachun captured him, imprisoned more than fifty of his followers at Qianzhou, and sent two prisoners to Jingzhao requesting their execution along with the rest. The two men assumed they were doomed. Lian Xixian told his staff, "Hunduhai cannot exploit his momentum to march east—there is no further threat to worry about. Popular loyalty is not yet unified and minds still waver. If that army sees its officers imprisoned, they may turn another way—the harm would be considerable. Now that they fear death, release them all in mercy so they will serve in gratitude, and at once assign the army's remaining household males to Bachun—that is the best policy." Earlier, after Bachun seized the officers, their troops panicked and scattered in all directions beyond control. When they learned the officers had been spared and Niuyin released, they rejoiced beyond all expectation. He urgently ordered their men to take the field and serve; every soldier was moved and delighted. Bachun too was greatly relieved, and in the end mustered several thousand elite horsemen and marched west with them.

詔以希憲為中書右丞，行秦蜀省事。渾都海聞京兆有備，遂西渡河，趨甘州，阿藍荅兒復自和林提兵與之合，分結隴、蜀諸將，又使紐鄰兄宿敦為書招紐鄰。於是成都帥百家奴，興元忙古台，青居汪惟正、欽察，俱遣使言，人心危疑，事不可測。希憲遣使深諭戒之，兩川諸將素憚希憲威名，按堵從命。渾都海、阿藍荅兒合軍而東，諸將失利，河右大震，西土親王執畢帖木兒輜重皆空，就食秦雍。朝議欲棄兩川，退守興元，希憲力言不可，乃止。會親王合丹及汪惟良、八春等合兵復戰西涼，大敗之，俘斬略盡，得二叛首以送，梟之京兆市。事聞，帝大嘉之曰：「希憲真男子也。」進拜平章政事，賜宅一區。時希憲年三十矣。

An edict appointed Lian Xixian Right Vice Director of the Secretariat with acting authority over Qin-Shu provincial affairs. Hunduhai heard Jingzhao was ready and crossed west of the river toward Ganzhou. Alandai'er again raised troops from Karakorum to join him, won over generals in Long and Shu, and had Niuyin's elder brother Sudun write to recruit Niuyin. Thereupon the Chengdu commander Baijianu, Mangutai at Xingyuan, and Wang Weizheng and Qincha at Qingju all sent word that morale was fearful and uncertain and the outcome could not be predicted. Lian Xixian sent envoys with stern counsel and warnings. The generals of both Sichuan circuits had long feared his reputation and held their posts in obedience. Hunduhai and Alandai'er combined forces and marched east. Government generals were defeated and the region west of the river was thrown into turmoil. Western princes' supply trains were stripped bare, and they fled to Qin and Yong for provisions. The court debated abandoning both Sichuan circuits and falling back to defend Xingyuan. Lian Xixian argued forcefully against it, and the plan was dropped. Prince Hede, Wang Weiliang, Bachun, and others then combined forces and fought again at Xiliang, inflicting a crushing defeat that left few survivors. The two rebel leaders were captured and sent to Jingzhao, where they were displayed in the market. When word reached the throne, the Emperor praised him highly and said, "Lian Xixian is a true man." He was promoted to Grand Councillor of State and granted a residence. Lian Xixian was then thirty years old.

希憲奏：四川降民，皆散處山谷，宜申敕軍吏，禁止俘掠，違者，千戶以下與犯人同罪。又禁諸人無販易生口，由是四川遂安，降者益衆。又罷解鹽戶所摘軍，及京兆諸處無籍戶之戍靈州屯田者，以寬民力。欽察獲宋臣張炳震、王政二人，俱以母老，願賜矜放，希憲皆遣之還。因為書與宋四川制置余玠，諭以天道人事，玠得書愧感自守，不敢復輕動。鞏昌帥府言，鎮戎州有謀為叛者，連引四百餘人，希憲詳推之，惟誅首惡五人。宋將劉整以瀘州降，盡繫前歸宋者數百人待報。希憲奏釋之，且致書宰臣，待整以恩，當得其死力。整後首建取襄陽之策，果立勳效。宋將家屬之在北者，希憲歲給其糧，仕於宋者，子弟得越界省其親，人皆感之。

Lian Xixian memorialized that Sichuan's surrendered populace were scattered in mountain valleys and urged strict orders to army officers forbidding capture and plunder, with violators down to thousand-household commanders punished equally with the culprits. He also forbade the trafficking of human captives, and Sichuan soon grew calm as ever more people surrendered. He also ended conscription of salt-household troops and the garrison farming duty at Lingzhou imposed on unregistered households around Jingzhao, to ease the burden on the people. Qincha captured the Song officials Zhang Bingzhen and Wang Zheng. Both pleaded that their mothers were elderly and asked for compassionate release. Lian Xixian sent them home. He also wrote to the Song Sichuan commissioner Yu Jie, instructing him on Heaven's mandate and human affairs. Jie, shamed and moved by the letter, held his position and dared not stir again. The Gongchang command reported a conspiracy at Zhenrong Prefecture that implicated more than four hundred people. Lian Xixian investigated thoroughly and executed only the five ringleaders. The Song general Liu Zheng surrendered Luzhou. Several hundred men who had earlier defected to the Song were imprisoned pending orders. Lian Xixian memorialized for their release and wrote the chief ministers that if Liu Zheng were treated with grace, he would serve with his utmost loyalty. Liu Zheng later was the first to propose taking Xiangyang and indeed won great distinction. For Song generals' families held in the north, Lian Xixian supplied grain each year. For those serving the Song, their sons and brothers were allowed to cross the border to visit kin, and all were deeply moved.

李璮反山東，事連王文統，平章趙璧素忌希憲勳名，因言文統由張易、希憲薦引，遂至大用，且關中形勝之地，希憲得民心，有商挺、趙良弼為之輔，此事宜關聖慮。帝曰：「希憲自幼事朕，朕知其心，挺、良弼皆正士，何慮焉。」蜀降人費正寅以私怨譖希憲因李璮叛，亦修城治兵，潛畜異志，帝因惑之，命中書右丞南合代希憲行省，且覆視所告事，卒無實狀。詔希憲還京師，陛見，言曰：「方關陝叛亂，川蜀未寧，事急星火，臣隨宜行事，不謀佐貳，如寅所言，罪止在臣，臣請逮繫有司。」帝撫御床曰：「當時之言，天知之，朕知之，卿果何罪！」慰諭良久。進拜中書平章政事。

When Li Tan rebelled in Shandong, the affair implicated Wang Wentong. Grand Councillor Zhao Bi, who had long resented Lian Xixian's fame, said Wentong had risen through recommendations by Zhang Yi and Lian Xixian, that Lian Xixian held the strategic Guanzhong region and had won popular loyalty with Shang Ting and Zhao Liangbi as his aides—matters that should concern the throne. The Emperor said, "Lian Xixian has served me since youth and I know his heart. Ting and Liangbi are both upright men—what is there to fear?" A surrendered Shu man, Fei Zhengyin, slandered Lian Xixian out of private spite, claiming that amid Li Tan's rebellion he too was fortifying cities, drilling troops, and harboring secret ambitions. The Emperor was unsettled and ordered Right Vice Director Nanhe to replace him in provincial administration and reinvestigate the charges. In the end nothing was substantiated. An edict recalled Lian Xixian to the capital. At audience he said, "When Guan-Shaan was in rebellion and Sichuan unsettled, affairs were urgent as fire. I acted as circumstances required without consulting colleagues. If Zhengyin's charges hold, guilt rests on me alone—I ask to be handed over to the authorities." The Emperor stroked the imperial couch and said, "Heaven knows what you did then, and so do I—what crime have you truly committed!" He comforted and reassured him at length. He was promoted to Grand Councillor of the Secretariat.

一日夜半，召希憲入禁中，從容道藩邸時事，因及趙璧所言。希憲曰：「昔攻鄂時，賈似道作木柵環城，一夕而成，陛下顧扈從諸臣曰『吾安得如似道者用之』。劉秉忠、張易進曰『山東王文統，才智士也。今為李璮幕僚』。詔問臣，臣對『亦聞之，實未嘗識其人也』。」帝曰：「朕亦記此。」

One night at midnight he summoned Lian Xixian into the inner palace, spoke at ease of affairs from the princely years, and brought up what Zhao Bi had said. Lian Xixian said, "During the attack on Ezhou, Jia Sidao built wooden palisades around the city wall in a single night. Your Majesty turned to your attendants and said, 'How might I find and employ someone like Sidao? Liu Bingzhong and Zhang Yi stepped forward and said, 'Wang Wentong of Shandong is a man of talent and wisdom.' He is now on Li Tan's staff.' Your Majesty asked me, and I replied, 'I too have heard of him, but I have never actually known the man.' The Emperor said, "I remember that as well."

希憲在中書，振舉綱維，綜劾名實，汰逐冗濫，裁抑僥倖，興利除害，事無不便，當時翕然稱治，典章文物，粲然可考。又建言：「國家自開創已來，凡納土及始命之臣，咸令世守，至今將六十年，子孫皆奴視部下，都邑長吏，皆其皂隸僮使，前古所無，宜更張之，使考課黜陟。」始議行遷轉法。

At the Secretariat Lian Xixian revived governance, matched names to realities, purged redundancy, curbed opportunism, and advanced the public good—nothing was left ill served. The age hailed his rule, and institutions and cultural standards shone forth for all to see. He also proposed that since the founding, surrendered territories and first-appointed ministers had held hereditary posts for nearly sixty years, their descendants treating subordinates as slaves and local officials as personal servants—unprecedented in history—and urged reform with examination-based promotion and demotion. Discussion then began on instituting a rotation system for officials.

至元元年，丁母憂，率親族行古喪禮，勺飲不入口者三日，慟則嘔血，不能起，寢卧草土，廬于墓傍。宰執以憂制未定，欲極力起之，相與詣廬，聞號痛聲，竟不忍言。未幾，有詔奪情起復，希憲雖不敢違旨，然出則素服從事，入必縗絰。及喪父，亦如之。

In the first year of Zhiyuan he mourned his mother, led his kin in ancient funeral rites, and for three days took no food or drink. Grief brought him to vomiting blood; he could not rise, slept on bare earth, and built a mourning hut beside the tomb. The chief ministers, with mourning regulations still unsettled, wished to recall him to office and went together to the mourning hut. Hearing his cries of grief, they could not bring themselves to speak. Soon an edict ordered him recalled from mourning to office. Though he dared not disobey, he wore plain mourning dress when he went out to work and full mourning garb whenever he returned home. When his father died, he did the same.

奸臣阿合馬領左右部，專緫財賦，會其黨相攻擊，帝命中書推覆，衆畏其權，莫敢問。希憲窮治其事，以狀聞，杖阿合馬，罷所領歸有司。

The corrupt minister Ahmad headed the Left and Right Offices and controlled finances. When his faction turned on one another, the Emperor ordered the Secretariat to investigate, but all feared his power and none dared pursue the case. Lian Xixian prosecuted the case to the end, reported the findings, had Ahmad beaten with the staff, and stripped him of his offices, returning their functions to the regular bureaucracy.

帝諭希憲曰：「吏廢法而貪，民失業而逃，工不給用，財不贍費，先朝患此久矣。自卿等為相，朕無此憂。」對曰：「陛下聖猶堯、舜，臣等未能以皋陶、稷、契之道，贊輔治化，以致太平，懷愧多矣。今日小治，未足多也。」因論及魏徵，對曰：「忠臣良臣，何代無之，顧人主用不用爾。」有內侍傳旨入朝堂，言某事當爾，希憲曰：「此閹宦預政之漸，不可啟也。」遂入奏，杖之。

The Emperor told Lian Xixian, "Officials abandon the law and grow greedy; the people lose their livelihoods and flee; craftsmen cannot meet demand; revenues cannot cover expenses—the previous reign suffered from this for years. Since you and the others became chancellors, I have had no such worry." He replied, "Your Majesty's sagacity equals Yao and Shun's, yet we have failed to assist your rule with the wisdom of Gao Yao, Ji, and Qi and bring true peace—we are deeply ashamed. Today's modest order is hardly worth boasting of." They then spoke of Wei Zheng. He replied, "Loyal and worthy ministers exist in every age—it only depends on whether the ruler uses them." A palace attendant brought an order into court saying a certain matter should be handled thus. Lian Xixian said, "This is the first step toward eunuchs meddling in government—it must not be allowed." He then memorialized the throne and had the attendant beaten with the staff.

言者訟丞相史天澤，親黨布列中外，威權日盛，漸不可制。詔罷天澤政事，使待鞫問。希憲進曰：「天澤事陛下久，知天澤深者，無如陛下。始自潛藩，多經任使，將兵牧民，悉有治效。陛下知其可付大事，用為輔相，小人一旦有言，陛下當熟察其心跡，果有肆橫不臣者乎？今日信臣，故臣得預此旨，他日有訟臣者，臣亦遭疑矣。臣等備員政府，陛下之疑信若此，何敢自保。天澤既罷，亦當罷臣。」帝良久曰：「卿且退，朕思之。」明日，帝召希憲諭曰：「昨思之，天澤無對訟者。」事遂解。

Accusers charged Chancellor Shi Tianze with deploying kin and allies throughout the realm, his power growing daily until it was becoming ungovernable. An edict removed Tianze from office and ordered him held pending interrogation. Lian Xixian stepped forward and said, "Tianze has served Your Majesty for many years. No one knows him as well as you do. From your princely years he held many posts; whether leading troops or governing the people, he achieved real results. Your Majesty knew he could bear great responsibility and made him chancellor. When petty men speak against him, you should examine his conduct carefully—is there truly any sign of arrogance or disloyalty? Today you trust me, so I may speak thus. Another day, if someone accuses me, I too will fall under suspicion. We merely fill posts in your government. If your trust and doubt swing like this, how can any of us feel secure? If Tianze is removed, I should be removed as well." After a long silence the Emperor said, "Withdraw for now—I will consider it." The next day the Emperor summoned Lian Xixian and said, "I thought it over—no one has come forward to substantiate the charges against Tianze." The matter was dropped.

又有訟四川帥欽察者，帝敕中書急遣使誅之。明日，希憲覆奏，帝怒曰：「尚爾遲回耶！」對曰：「欽察大帥，以一小人言被誅，民心必駭，收繫至此，與訟者廷對，然後明其罪於天下為宜。」詔遣能者按問，其後事竟無實，欽察得免。

Accusers again charged the Sichuan commander Qincha. The Emperor ordered the Secretariat to send envoys at once to execute him. The next day Lian Xixian submitted a follow-up memorial. The Emperor said angrily, "Still dragging your feet!" He replied, "Qincha is a senior commander. To execute him on a petty man's word will terrify the people. Bring him here, confront him in court with his accusers, and only then make his guilt clear to the realm—that is the proper course." An edict sent capable investigators. The charges proved baseless, and Qincha was spared.

希憲每奏議帝前，論事激切，無少回惜。帝曰：「卿昔事朕王府，多所容受，今為天子臣，乃爾木強耶？」希憲對曰：「王府事輕，天下事重，一或面從，天下將受其害，臣非不自愛也。」

Whenever Lian Xixian addressed the throne, he spoke with fierce urgency and never held back. The Emperor said, "When you served me in the princely household I indulged you often. Now that you are the Son of Heaven's minister, have you become so stubborn?" Lian Xixian replied, "Princely affairs were light; the affairs of the empire are heavy. If I once agreed to your face for convenience, the realm would suffer—and I am not without regard for my own safety."

方士請煉大丹，敕中書給所需，希憲具以秦、漢故事奏，且曰：「堯、舜得壽，不因大丹也。」帝曰：「然。」遂却之。時方尊禮國師，帝命希憲受戒，對曰：「臣受孔子戒矣。」帝曰：「孔子亦有戒耶？」對曰：「為臣當忠，為子當孝，孔子之戒，如是而已。」

Daoist alchemists asked to refine the great elixir of immortality, and Kublai ordered the Secretariat to provide whatever they needed. Lian Xixian memorialized the throne at length with Qin and Han precedents and said, "Yao and Shun lived long lives without any such pill." The Emperor said, "That is so." The request was refused. The court was then honoring the State Preceptor, and Kublai ordered Lian Xixian to take Buddhist vows. He replied, "Your servant has already taken Confucius's vows." The Emperor said, "Does Confucius have vows too?" He replied, "A minister should be loyal; a son should be filial—that is all there is to Confucius's vows."

五年，始建御史臺，繼設各道提刑按察司。時阿合馬專緫財利，乃曰：「庶務責成諸路，錢穀付之轉運，今繩治之如此，事何由辦？」希憲曰：「立臺察，古制也，內則彈劾奸邪，外則察視非常，訪求民瘼，裨益國政，無大於此。若去之，使上下專恣貪暴，事豈可集耶！」阿合馬不能對。

In the fifth year of his reign, Kublai established the Censorate and then set up circuit offices for criminal investigation and surveillance in every province. Ahmad then controlled the finances single-handedly and objected: "Routine administration is left to the provinces, and grain and revenue to the transport offices—if you tie our hands like this, how is anything supposed to get done?" Lian Xixian replied, "Surveillance offices are an ancient institution: within the court they impeach the corrupt; beyond it they watch for irregularities, seek out the people's grievances, and strengthen the state. Nothing matters more. Remove them, and those above and below will give themselves wholly to greed and violence—how then can the state function at all?" Ahmad had no answer.

七年，詔釋京師繫囚。西域人匿贊馬丁，用事先朝，資累鉅萬，為怨家所告，繫大都獄，既釋之矣，時希憲在告，實不預其事。是秋，車駕還自上都，怨家訴於帝，希憲取堂判補署之，曰：「天威莫測，豈可幸其獨不署以苟免耶。」希憲入見，以詔書為言，帝曰：「詔釋囚耳，豈有詔釋匿贊馬丁耶？」對曰：「不釋匿贊馬丁，臣等亦未聞有此詔。」帝怒曰：「汝等號稱讀書，臨事乃爾，宜得何罪？」對曰：「臣等忝為宰相，有罪當罷退。」帝曰：「但從汝言。」即與左丞相耶律鑄同罷。一日，帝問侍臣，希憲居家何為，侍臣以讀書對。帝曰：「讀書固朕所教，然讀之而不肯用，多讀何為。」意責其罷政而不復求進也。阿合馬因讒之曰：「希憲日與妻子宴樂爾。」帝變色曰：「希憲清貧，何從宴設。」希憲嘗有疾，帝遣醫三人診視，醫言須用沙糖作飲，時最艱得，家人求於外，阿合馬與之二斤，且致密意。希憲却之曰：「使此物果能活人，吾終不以奸人所與求活也。」帝聞而遣賜之。

In the seventh year, an edict ordered the release of prisoners held in the capital. A Central Asian named Nazr al-Din, who had served the previous regime and amassed a fortune, was denounced by an enemy and imprisoned in Dadu; he had already been released. Lian Xixian was on leave at the time and had nothing to do with the decision. That autumn, when the imperial procession returned from Shangdu, the accuser appealed to Kublai. Lian Xixian found the court order and signed it, saying, "The Emperor's will is unpredictable—how could I gamble on being the one official who had not signed and hope to escape blame?" Lian Xixian went in to see him and cited the edict. Kublai said, "The edict was to release prisoners in general—when did it order the release of Nazr al-Din?" He replied, "If Nazr al-Din was not to be released, then we too had never heard of any such edict." Kublai said angrily, "You style yourselves scholars, yet this is how you handle affairs—what punishment do you deserve?" He replied, "We are unworthy to serve as chancellors; if we are guilty, we should be dismissed." Kublai said, "Very well—do as you say." He was dismissed at once, together with the left chancellor Yelü Zhu. One day Kublai asked his attendants what Lian Xixian did at home. They said he spent his time reading. Kublai said, "I am the one who taught him to read—but what is the point of reading if he will not put what he learns to use?" The remark was meant to reproach him for leaving office and not seeking to return. Ahmad seized the moment to slander him: "Lian Xixian spends his days feasting with his wife and children, nothing more." Kublai's expression darkened. "Lian Xixian is poor and austere—where would he find the means for feasting?" When Lian Xixian fell ill, Kublai sent three physicians. They prescribed a drink made with rock sugar, which was then almost impossible to find. His household searched outside the home; Ahmad gave them two jin and sent his regards with the gift. Lian Xixian refused it, saying, "Even if this could truly save my life, I would never buy my survival with a villain's gift." When Kublai heard of this, he sent the sugar as an imperial gift.

嗣國王頭輦哥行省鎮遼陽，有言其擾民不便者。十一年，詔起希憲為北京行省平章政事。將行，肩輿入辭，賜坐，帝曰：「昔在先朝，卿深識事機，每以帝道啟朕，及鄂漢班師，屢陳天命，朕心不忘，丞相卿實宜為，顧退托耳。遼霫戶不下數萬，諸王、國壻分地所在，彼皆素知卿能，故命卿往鎮，體朕此意。」遼東多親王，使者傳令旨，官吏立聽，希憲至，始革正之。

The heir king Toulenko was governing Liaoyang as regional commissioner, and there were complaints that his administration was oppressing the people. In the eleventh year, an edict recalled Lian Xixian and appointed him Pacification Commissioner of the Beijing Branch Secretariat. Before he left, he came to take leave in a sedan chair and was given a seat. Kublai said, "In my princely days you understood affairs deeply and always set me on the path of kingship; when our forces withdrew from Ezhou and Hankou you spoke again and again of Heaven's mandate, and I have never forgotten. You were truly fit to be chancellor—you only declined on one pretext or another. Liaoyang and the Mohe lands have tens of thousands of households, and wherever princes and imperial sons-in-law hold fiefs they have long known your abilities. That is why I send you to govern there—carry out my intent." Liaodong had many imperial princes whose envoys delivered orders while officials stood at attention to hear them. Only after Lian Xixian arrived was that practice corrected.

有西域人自稱駙馬，營于城外，繫富民，誣其祖父嘗貸息錢，索償甚急，民訴之行省，希憲命收捕之。其人怒，乘馬入省堂，坐榻上，希憲命捽下跪，而問之曰：「法無私獄，汝何人，敢擅繫民？」令械繫之。其人惶懼求哀，國王亦為之請，乃稍寬，令待對，舉營夜遁。俄詔國王歸國，希憲獨行省事。朝廷降鈔買馬六千五百，希憲遣買於東州，得羨餘馬千三百。希憲曰：「上之則若自衒。」即與他郡之不及者，以其直還官。長公主及國壻入朝，縱獵郊原，擾民為甚，希憲面諭國壻，欲入奏之。國壻驚愕，入語公主，公主出，飲希憲酒曰：「從者擾民，吾不知也。請以鈔萬五千貫還斂民之直，幸勿遣使者。」自是貴人過者，皆莫敢縱。

A Central Asian who called himself an imperial son-in-law camped outside the city, seized a wealthy man, and falsely claimed his grandfather had once lent money at interest, demanding repayment at once. The victim appealed to the regional government, and Lian Xixian ordered his arrest. The man stormed in on horseback, entered the hall, and sat on the dais. Lian Xixian had him seized and forced to his knees, then demanded: "The law permits no private prisons—who are you to detain subjects on your own authority?" He ordered him shackled and imprisoned. Terrified, the man begged for mercy, and the king interceded for him. Lian Xixian relented slightly and ordered him held for trial—but that night the man broke camp and fled. Soon an edict recalled the king to his domain, and Lian Xixian governed the region alone. The court issued paper money to purchase 6,500 horses. Lian Xixian bought them in Dongzhou and obtained 1,300 extra. Lian Xixian said, "To present them to the court would look like self-promotion." He gave the surplus to other districts that had fallen short of their quotas and returned the purchase price to the treasury. The eldest princess and her sons-in-law came to court and hunted freely in the countryside, greatly disturbing the people. Lian Xixian rebuked the son-in-law to his face and prepared to memorialize the throne. The son-in-law was alarmed and told the princess. She came out herself, offered Lian Xixian wine, and said, "My attendants disturbed the people—I did not know. Take 15,000 strings of paper money to repay what was taken from the people, and please do not send an envoy to the court." After that, no noble passing through dared to hunt recklessly again.

十二年，右丞阿里海牙下江陵，圖地形上於朝，請命重臣開大府鎮之。帝急召希憲還，使行省荊南，賜坐，諭曰：「荊南入我版籍，欲使新附者感恩、未來者向化，宋知我朝有臣如此，亦足以降其心。南土卑濕，於卿非宜，今以大事付託，度卿不辭。」賜田以養居者，馬五十以給從者。希憲曰：「臣每懼才識淺近，不能勝負大任，何敢辭疾。然敢辭新賜。」復有詔，令希憲承制授三品以下官。

In the twelfth year, the right chancellor Ali Haiya captured Jiangling, submitted a map of the terrain to court, and asked that a senior minister be sent to establish a major administrative center there. Kublai urgently recalled Lian Xixian and appointed him regional commissioner of Jingnan. Granted a seat, he instructed him: "Jingnan is now part of our realm. I want those who have just submitted to feel gratitude and those who have not yet submitted to be drawn to us. When the Song see that our court has a minister like you, that alone will win their hearts. The south is low and damp and hardly suited to your health, but I entrust you with a great task and expect you will not refuse." He granted him fields to support his household and fifty horses for his retinue. Lian Xixian said, "I always fear that my talent is too slight for so great a charge—how could I refuse on grounds of illness? But I must decline the new grants." Another edict authorized Lian Xixian, acting by imperial commission, to appoint officials of the third rank and below.

希憲冒暑疾驅以進。至鎮，阿里海牙率其屬郊迎，望拜塵中，荊人大駭。即日禁剽奪，通商販，興利除害，兵民按堵。首錄宋故宣撫、制置二司幕僚能任事者，以備采訪，仍擇二十餘人，隨材授職。左右難之，希憲曰：「今皆國家臣子也，何用致疑。」時宋故官禮謁大府，必廣致珍玩，希憲拒之，且語之曰：「汝等身仍故官，或不次遷擢，當念聖恩，盡力報效。今所饋者，若皆己物，我取之為非義；一或係官，事同盜竊；若斂於民，不為無罪。宜戒慎之。」皆感激謝去。令凡俘獲之人，敢殺者，以故殺平民論。為軍士所虜，病而棄之者，許人收養；病愈，故主不得復有。立契券質賣妻子者，重其罪，仍沒入其直。先時，江陵城外蓄水扞禦，希憲命決之，得良田數萬畝，以為貧民之業。發沙市倉粟之不入官籍者二十萬斛，以賑公安之饑。大綱既舉，乃曰：「教不可緩也。」遂大興學，選教官，置經籍，旦日親詣講舍，以厲諸生。

Lian Xixian pressed on through the summer heat without delay. When he reached his post, Ali Haiya led his subordinates out to welcome him at the suburbs, bowing from afar through the dust. The people of Jing were astonished. That same day he banned looting, reopened trade, promoted what benefited the people and removed what harmed them, and soldiers and civilians alike lived in peace. First he registered capable former staff of the Song xuanfu and zhizhi offices for consideration, then selected more than twenty and assigned them posts according to their abilities. Those around him objected. Lian Xixian said, "They are all subjects of the state now—why doubt them?" Former Song officials visiting the regional seat would bring lavish gifts of curios and treasures. Lian Xixian refused them and said, "You still hold your former ranks, or may be promoted out of turn—you should remember the Emperor's grace and serve with all your strength. If what you offer is entirely your own property, my taking it would be wrong; if any of it is government property, that is theft; if extorted from the people, that is also a crime. Be on your guard." They left deeply moved and grateful. He decreed that anyone who killed a captive would be prosecuted as having murdered a civilian. Captives taken by soldiers who fell ill and were abandoned might be adopted by others; and once they recovered, their former captors could not reclaim them. Those who pawned or sold wives and children under contract were punished severely, and the purchase price was confiscated. Previously a reservoir outside Jiangling had been kept for defense. Lian Xixian ordered it drained, reclaiming tens of thousands of mu of good farmland for the poor. He released 200,000 hu of grain from the Shashi granary that had not been entered in the official registers to relieve famine in Gong'an. Once the main policies were in place, he said, "Education must not be neglected." He then greatly expanded education, appointed instructors, stocked the libraries with classics, and each day went in person to the lecture hall to encourage the students.

西南溪洞，及思、播田、楊二氏，重慶制置趙定應，俱越境請降。事聞，帝曰：「先朝非用兵不可得地，今希憲能令數千百里外越境納土，其治化可見也。」關吏得江陵人私書，不敢發，上之，樞密臣發之帝前，其中有曰：「歸附之初，人不聊生。皇帝遣廉相出鎮荊南，豈惟人漸德化，昆蟲草木，咸被澤矣。」帝曰：「希憲不嗜殺人，故能爾也。」

Southwestern tribal territories, the Si, Bo, Tian, and Yang clans, and Zhao Dingying, the Chongqing regional commissioner, all crossed the border to offer submission. When word reached Kublai, he said, "The previous regime could not take territory without force—yet Lian Xixian has brought lands thousands of li away to submit across the border. His power to govern and transform is plain to see." Border officials seized a private letter from a man in Jiangling but dared not open it and sent it up. Privy Council ministers opened it before Kublai. It read, "When we first submitted, the people could barely survive. The Emperor sent Chancellor Lian to govern Jingnan—not only have the people gradually been transformed by virtue; even insects, plants, and trees have all felt his grace." Kublai said, "Lian Xixian has no taste for killing—that is why it is so."

希憲疾久不愈，十四年春，近臣董文忠言：「江陵濕熱，如希憲病何？」即召希憲還，江陵民號泣遮道留之不得，相與畫像建祠。希憲還，囊橐蕭然，琴書自隨而已。帝知其貧，特賜白金五千兩、鈔萬貫。

Lian Xixian's illness lingered without recovery. In the spring of the fourteenth year, the intimate minister Dong Wenzhong said, "Jiangling is damp and hot—what will become of Lian Xixian's health?" Lian Xixian was recalled at once. The people of Jiangling wept and blocked the road, but could not keep him. Together they painted his portrait and built a shrine. When Lian Xixian returned, his bags were empty—he had brought home only his zither and his books. Knowing how poor he was, Kublai specially granted him five thousand taels of silver and ten thousand strings of paper money.

五月，至上都，太常卿田忠良來問疾，希憲謂曰：「上都，聖上龍飛之地，天下視為根本近聞龍岡遺火，延燒民居，此常事耳，慎勿令妄談地理者惑動上意。」未幾，果有數輩以徙置都邑事奏，樞密副使張易、中書左丞張文謙與之廷辨，力言不可，帝不悅。明日，召忠良質其事，忠良以希憲語對，帝曰：「希憲病甚，猶慮及此耶。」其議遂止。

In the fifth month he reached Shangdu. Tian Zhongliang, Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, came to inquire after his health. Lian Xixian told him, "Shangdu is where the Emperor rose to power—the realm regards it as the foundation. I have lately heard that stray fire at Dragon Mound spread to burn common dwellings. That is an ordinary matter. Be careful not to let geomancers who talk recklessly of fate sway the Emperor's mind." Before long, several officials did indeed memorialize on moving the capital. Privy Council Vice Commissioner Zhang Yi and Secretariat Left Assistant Zhang Wenqian argued against them in open court, insisting it must not be done. Kublai was displeased. The next day Kublai summoned Zhongliang to question him about the matter. Zhongliang repeated Lian Xixian's words. Kublai said, "Lian Xixian is gravely ill—he still worries about this?" The proposal was dropped.

詔徵揚州名醫王仲明視希憲疾，既至，希憲服其藥，能杖而起，帝喜謂希憲曰：「卿得良醫，疾向愈矣。」對曰：「醫持善藥以療臣疾，苟能戒慎，則誠如聖諭；設或肆惰，良醫何益。」蓋以醫諷諫也。

An edict summoned Wang Zhongming, a famous physician from Yangzhou, to treat Lian Xixian. When he arrived, Lian Xixian took his medicine and was able to rise with a staff. Kublai said joyfully to him, "You have found a fine physician—your illness is nearly cured." He replied, "The physician has good medicine for my illness. If I can be vigilant and careful, then it will indeed be as Your Majesty says; but if I indulge in idleness, what good is even the finest physician?" He was using the physician as a vehicle for indirect remonstrance.

會議立門下省，帝曰：「侍中非希憲不可。」遣中使諭旨曰：「鞍馬之任，不以勞卿，坐而論道，時至省中，事有必須執奏，肩輿以入可也。」希憲附奏曰：「臣疾何足卹。輸忠效力，生平所願。」皇太子亦遣人諭旨曰：「上命卿領門下省，無憚群小，吾為卿除之。」竟為阿合馬所沮。

At a conference on establishing the Department of Palace Attendants, Kublai said, "For attendant-in-chief, no one but Lian Xixian will do." He sent a palace envoy with the order: "You need not trouble yourself with riding duties—sit and discuss policy, and come to the department when needed. When something must be firmly memorialized, you may enter by sedan chair." Lian Xixian added a memorial saying, "My illness is nothing worth grieving over. To offer loyal service with all my strength is what I have wished for all my life." The crown prince also sent a messenger with the order: "His Majesty commands you to head the Department of Palace Attendants. Do not fear petty men—I will remove them for you." In the end Ahmad blocked it.

十六年春，賜鈔萬貫，詔復入中書，希憲稱疾篤。皇太子遣侍臣問疾，因問治道，希憲曰：「君天下在用人，用君子則治，用小人則亂。臣病雖劇，委之於天。所甚憂者，大奸專政，群小阿附，誤國害民，病之大者。殿下宜開聖意，急為屏除，不然，日就沉痾，不可藥矣。」戒其子曰：「丈夫見義勇為，禍福無預於己，謂皋、夔、稷、契、伊、傅、周、召為不可及，是自棄也。天下事苟無牽制，三代可復也。」又曰：「汝讀狄梁公傳乎？梁公有大節，為不肖子所墜，汝輩宜慎之！」

In the spring of the sixteenth year he was granted ten thousand strings of paper money, and an edict recalled him to the Secretariat. Lian Xixian said his illness was grave. The crown prince sent attendants to inquire after his health and asked him about governance. Lian Xixian said, "Ruling the realm depends on whom you employ—employ gentlemen and there is order; employ petty men and there is chaos. As for my own illness, severe though it is, I leave it to Heaven. What I greatly fear is that a great villain monopolizes power, petty men fawn upon him, and the state is harmed and the people injured—that is the grave illness. Your Highness should open the Emperor's mind and remove them at once—otherwise the realm will sink day by day into mortal illness, beyond any physician's cure." He admonished his sons: "A man who sees what is right acts boldly—fortune and misfortune should not enter his calculations. To say that Gao Yao, Kui, Hou Ji, Qi, Yi Yin, Fu Yue, the Duke of Zhou, and the Duke of Shao are beyond reach is to abandon yourself. If nothing held back the affairs of the realm, the golden age of the Three Dynasties could be restored." He also asked, "Have you read the biography of Duke Liang of Di? The Duke possessed great integrity yet was ruined by unworthy sons—you must take care!"

十七年十一月十九夜，有大星隕于正寢之旁，流光照地，久之方滅。是夕，希憲卒，年五十。大德八年，贈忠清粹德功臣、太傅、開府儀同三司，追封魏國公，諡文正。加贈推忠佐理翊運功臣、太師、開府儀同三司、上柱國、恒陽王，諡如故。

On the night of the nineteenth day of the eleventh month in the seventeenth year, a great star fell beside the main sleeping hall; its streaming light lit the ground and only after a long time faded away. That same night Lian Xixian died at the age of fifty. In Dade 8 he was posthumously granted Loyal, Pure, and Refined in Virtue, Meritorious Subject, Grand Tutor, Grandee of the State with Opening of a Government Office, and enfeoffed posthumously as Duke of Wei with the posthumous title Cultured and Upright. He was further posthumously granted Conveying Loyalty, Assisting in Governance, Assisting in Fortune, Meritorious Subject, Grand Preceptor, Grandee of the State with Opening of a Government Office, First Pillar of the State, and Prince of Hengyang, with the posthumous title unchanged.

子六人：孚，僉遼陽等處行中書事；恪，台州路緫管；恂，中書平章政事；忱，邵武路緫管；恒，御史中丞；惇，江西等處行中書省參知政事。從弟希賢。

He had six sons: Fu, who concurrently administered the Secretariat for the Liaoyang circuit and elsewhere; Ke, circuit intendant of Taizhou; Xun, Grand Councilor of the Secretariat; Chen, circuit intendant of Shaowu; Heng, Vice Censor-in-Chief; Dun, Vice Director of the Secretariat for Jiangxi and elsewhere. He had a younger cousin, Lian Xixian.

希賢字達甫，一名中都海牙。伯父布魯海牙嘗曰：「是兒剛果，當大吾家。」年二十餘，與從兄希憲同侍世祖，出入禁中，小心慎密。

Lian Xixian, styled Dafu, was also known as Zhongdu Haiya. His uncle Buluhaia once said, "This boy is firm and resolute; he will bring greatness to our house." In his twenties he served Kublai together with his elder cousin Lian Xixian, moving in and out of the inner palace with careful discretion.

至元初，北部王拘殺使者，世祖選使往諭之，廷臣推希賢。至則布上意，辭旨條暢，王悔謝，為設宴，贈貂裘一襲、白金一笏。還奏，帝喜，賜以御膳。尋進中議大夫、兵部尚書。

Early in the Zhiyuan era a northern prince detained and killed envoys; Kublai chose an envoy to instruct him, and the courtiers recommended Lian Xixian. On arrival he conveyed the imperial intent in clear and orderly speech; the prince repented and apologized, held a feast for him, and gave him a sable fur coat and an ingot of white silver. On returning to report, the emperor was pleased and granted him food from the imperial table. Soon afterward he was promoted to Grand Master for Discussion and Minister of War.

左丞相伯顏伐宋，既渡江，至元十二年春，授希賢禮部尚書，佩金虎符，與工部侍郎嚴忠範、祕書丞柴紫芝持國書使宋。三月丙戌，至廣德軍獨松關，守關者不知為使，襲而殺之。張濡以為己功，受賞，知廣德軍。明年宋亡，獲張濡殺之，詔遣使護希賢喪歸，後復籍濡家貲付其家。希賢死時，年二十九。

Left Chancellor Bayan campaigned against Song; after crossing the river, in the spring of Zhiyuan 12, Lian Xixian was appointed Minister of Rites, wore the golden tiger tally, and with Vice Minister of Works Yan Zhongfan and Secretariat Director Chai Zizhi bore the state letter as envoy to Song. On the day bingxu of the third month they reached Dusong Pass in the Guangde army; the guards did not know they were envoys and attacked and killed them. Zhang Ru claimed the deed as his own achievement, received a reward, and was made administrator of the Guangde army. The next year Song fell; Zhang Ru was captured and executed; an edict ordered envoys to escort Lian Xixian's remains home, and later the property seized from Ru's family was returned to them. Lian Xixian was twenty-nine when he died.

Cite this Chapter