1
陳祐天祥
Chen You and Tianxiang
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陳祐,一名天祐,字慶甫,趙州寧晉人,世業農。 祖忠,博究經史,鄉黨皆尊而師之,既歿,門人諡曰茂行先生。 祐少好學,家貧,母張氏嘗剪髮易書使讀之,長遂博通經史。 時諸王得自辟官屬,歲癸丑,穆王府署祐為其府尚書,賜其父母銀十鋌、錦衣一襲。 王既分土於陝、洛,表祐為河南府總管。 下車之日,首禮金季名士李國維、楊杲、李微、薛玄,諮訪治道,商議古今,奏免征西軍數百家及椒竹諸稅、糧料等錢,又上便民二十餘事,朝廷皆從之。 世祖即位,分陝、洛為河南西路。 中統元年,真除祐為總管。 時州縣官以未給俸,多貪暴,祐獨以清慎見稱,在官八年,如始至之日。 至元二年,調官法行,改南京路治中。 適東方大蝗,徐、邳尤甚,責捕至急。 祐部民丁數万人至其地,謂左右曰:「捕蝗慮其傷稼也,今蝗雖盛,而谷已熟,不如令早刈之,庶力小而有得。」 或以事涉專擅,不可,祐曰:「救民獲罪,亦所甘心。」 即諭之使散去,兩州之民皆賴焉。 三年,朝廷以祐降官無名,乃賜虎符,授嘉議大夫、衛輝路總管。 衛當四方之衝,號為難治,祐申明法令,創立孔子廟,修比干墓,且請於朝著於祀典。 及去官,民為立碑頌德。 嘗上書世祖,言樹太平之本有三:一曰太子國本,建立宜早; 二曰中書政本,責成宜專; 三曰人材治本,選舉宜審。 事雖未能盡行,時論稱之。
Chen You, also known as Tianyou and styled Qingfu, was a native of Ningjin in Zhao Prefecture; his family had farmed for generations. His grandfather Zhong had mastered the classics and histories; everyone in the village honored and looked to him as a teacher. After his death, his disciples gave him the posthumous title Master of Abundant Conduct. You loved learning from an early age. The family was poor, and his mother, Lady Zhang, once cut her hair to trade for books so he could read. When he grew up, he attained a broad mastery of the classics and histories. At that time the princes were permitted to recruit their own staff. In the guichou year, the Prince of Mu appointed You as Director of his princely household and gave his parents ten ingots of silver and a suit of brocade robes. After the prince was granted territory in Shaanxi and Luoyang, he recommended You for appointment as Chief Administrator of Henan Prefecture. On the day he took office, he first paid his respects to the eminent Jin-dynasty scholars Li Guowei, Yang Gao, Li Wei, and Xue Xuan, consulting them on governance and debating matters past and present. He memorialized tax exemptions for several hundred households of the Western Army and for levies on pepper, bamboo, grain provisions, and the like, and submitted more than twenty proposals to benefit the people; the court approved them all. When Kublai came to the throne, Shaanxi and Luoyang were separated out as the Henan West Circuit. In the first year of the Zhongtong reign, You received a formal appointment as Chief Administrator. At that time district and county officials, receiving no salaries, were mostly greedy and abusive; You alone was known for integrity and discretion. Through eight years in office he remained as upright as on the day he arrived. In the second year of the Zhiyuan reign, when the official rotation law took effect, he was reassigned as Assistant Administrator of Nanjing Circuit. Just then a great locust plague struck the east, worst of all in Xu and Pi, and the pressure to catch locusts was intense. You took tens of thousands of laborers from his district to the affected area and said to those around him: "We catch locusts because we fear they will ruin the crops. The locusts may be thick now, but the grain is already ripe; it would be better to have people harvest early, so that even a small effort might still yield something." Some objected that this would amount to unauthorized action and could not be done. You replied: "If saving the people means punishment for me, I would accept that gladly." He immediately ordered them to disperse, and the people of both prefectures were saved by his decision. In the third year, seeing that You's demotion had been unjustified, the court granted him a tiger tally and appointed him Jiayi Doctor and Chief Administrator of Weihui Circuit. Weihui lay at a crossroads of four directions and had a reputation for being hard to govern. You clarified the laws and regulations, founded a temple to Confucius, restored the tomb of Bi Gan, and petitioned the court to include both in the official sacrificial canon. When he left office, the people erected a stele in praise of his virtue. He once wrote to Kublai, saying that to lay the foundations of lasting peace there were three essentials: first, the crown prince is the root of the state, and his establishment should come early; second, the Secretariat is the root of government, and responsibility for it should be concentrated; third, talent is the root of good governance, and selection and appointment should be rigorous. Not all of his proposals could be fully implemented, but contemporary opinion praised them.
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六年,置提刑按察司,首以祐為山東東西道提刑按察使。 時中書、尚書二省並立,世祖厭其煩,欲合為一,集大臣雜議之,祐還朝,特命預其議。 阿合馬為尚書平章政事,欲奏升中書右丞相安童為太師,因罷中書省,懼祐有異議,許進祐為尚書參知政事以噉之。 及入議,祐極言中書政本,祖宗所立,不可罷; 三公古官,今徒存其虛位,未須設。 事遂罷。 阿合馬怒其忤己,除祐僉中興等路行尚書省事。 西涼隸永昌王府,其達魯花赤及總管為人誣構,家各百餘口,王欲悉致之法,祐力辨其冤。 王怒甚,祐執議彌固,王亦尋悟,二人皆獲免,持祐泣曰:「公再生父母也。」
In the sixth year, when the Commission for the Investigation of Crimes was established, You became its first Commissioner for the Shandong East and West Circuit. At that time the Secretariat and the Ministry existed side by side; Kublai found the arrangement cumbersome and wished to merge them into one. He convened the senior ministers for discussion, and You, having returned to court, was specially ordered to take part. Ahmad, Vice Director of the Ministry, planned to memorialize promoting An Tong, the Right Director of the Secretariat, to Grand Preceptor and thereby abolishing the Secretariat. Fearing You would object, he promised to advance You to Vice Director of the Ministry to win him over. When the discussion began, You argued forcefully that the Secretariat was the foundation of government, established by the founding emperors, and could not be abolished; the Three Dukes were ancient offices that now existed only as empty titles, and there was no need to establish them. The proposal was dropped. Ahmad, furious at being crossed, reassigned You as Commissioner of the Branch Ministry for the Zhongxing and other circuits. Xiliang fell under the Prince of Yongchang's jurisdiction. Its darughachi and chief administrator had been falsely accused; more than a hundred people in each household were implicated. The prince wanted them all prosecuted, but You forcefully argued their innocence. The prince was furious, but You held all the more firmly to his position. The prince soon saw reason, and both men were spared. They clasped You and wept, saying, "You are our second parents."
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朝廷大舉伐宋,遣祐簽軍,山東民多逃匿,聞祐來,皆曰:「陳按察來,必無私。」 遂皆出,應期而辦。 十三年,授南京總管,兼開封府尹。 吏多震懾失措,祐因謂曰:「何必若是! 前為盜跖,今為顏子,吾以顏子待之; 前為顏子,今為盜跖,吾以盜跖待之。」 由是吏知修飭,不敢弄法。 許、蔡間有巨盜,聚眾劫掠,祐捕之急,逃入宋境; 宋亡,隨制置夏貴過汴,祐斥下馬,撾殺之於市,民間帖然。 十四年,遷浙東道宣慰使。 時江南初附,軍士俘虜溫、台民男女數千口,祐悉奪還之。 未幾,行省榷民商酒稅,祐請曰:「兵火之餘,傷殘之民,宜從寬卹。」 不報。 遣祐檢覆慶元、台州民田。 及還至新昌,值玉山鄉盜,倉猝不及為備,遂遇害,年五十六。 詔贈推忠秉義全節功臣、江浙等處行中書省左丞,追封河南郡公,諡忠定。 父老請留葬會稽,不得,乃立祠祀之。 祐能詩文,有《節齊集》。
The court launched a major campaign against the Song and dispatched You to conscript troops. Many people in Shandong had fled and gone into hiding, but when they heard You was coming, they all said, "Intendant Chen is on his way; he will surely be fair." They all came forward and fulfilled their obligations on schedule. In the thirteenth year, he was appointed Chief Administrator of Nanjing and concurrently Prefect of Kaifeng. Many of the clerks were frightened and at a loss. You therefore said to them, "Why behave like this! If you were robbers before and are like Yan Hui now, I will treat you as Yan Hui; if you were like Yan Hui before and are robbers now, I will treat you as robbers." From then on the clerks knew to conduct themselves properly and did not dare manipulate the law. Between Xu and Cai there was a notorious bandit who gathered followers to plunder. You pressed the pursuit hard, and the man fled into Song territory; When the Song fell, he followed the prefect Xia Gui through Bian. You had him pulled from his horse and beaten to death in the marketplace, and the people were thoroughly pacified. In the fourteenth year, he was transferred to Pacification Commissioner of the Zhedong Circuit. Jiangnan had only recently submitted, and soldiers had taken several thousand men and women from Wen and Tai prefectures as captives. You reclaimed them all and sent them home. Before long, the Branch Secretariat imposed wine taxes on merchants. You petitioned, "After the devastation of war, the battered populace should be treated with leniency." He received no reply. He was dispatched to inspect the civilian fields of Qingyuan and Taizhou. On his return he reached Xinchang and ran into bandits from Yushan township. Taken by surprise and unable to defend himself, he was killed. He was fifty-six. An edict posthumously conferred on him the title Meritorious Minister Who Pushed Loyalty, Upheld Righteousness, and Preserved Integrity in Full, appointed him Left Director of the Branch Secretariat of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, ennobled him as Duke of Henan Commandery, and gave him the posthumous name Zhongding. The local elders asked that he be buried in Kuaiji, but permission was denied; they erected a shrine to honor him instead. You was accomplished in poetry and prose and left a collection entitled Jiezhai ji.
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子夔,芍陂屯田萬戶,初在揚州,聞祐遇盜死,泣請於行省,願复父讎,擒其賊魁,戮於紹興市。 皋,昌國州知州。 奭,侍儀司通事舍人。 孫思魯,襲芍陂屯田萬戶。 思謙,湖廣行省參知政事。 弟天祥。
His son Kui was Commander of the Shaobo Colonization Agricultural Households. Stationed at Yangzhou, when he learned his father had been killed by bandits, he wept and petitioned the Branch Secretariat to avenge him. He captured the ringleader and executed him in the marketplace of Shaoxing. Gao served as Prefect of Changguo Prefecture. Shi served as Usher of the Ceremonial Service Bureau. His grandson Silu inherited the post of Commander of the Shaobo Colonization Agricultural Households. Siquan served as Vice Director of the Branch Secretariat of Huguang. His younger brother Tianxiang.
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天祥字吉甫,因兄祐仕河南,自寧晉徙家洛陽。 天祥少隸軍籍,善騎射。 中統三年,李璮叛據濟南,結宋為外援,河北河南宣慰司承製以天祥為千戶,屯三汊口,防遏宋兵。 事平罷歸,居偃師南山,有田百餘畝,躬耕讀書,從之遊者甚眾。 其居近緱氏山,因號曰緱山先生。 初,天祥未知學,祐未之奇也,別去數歲,獻所為詩於祐,祐疑假手它人,及與語,出入經史,談辨該博,乃大稱異。
Tianxiang, styled Jifu, moved his family from Ningjin to Luoyang when his elder brother You took office in Henan. In youth Tianxiang was enrolled in the military register and was skilled at horsemanship and archery. In the third year of the Zhongtong reign, Li Tan rebelled and seized Jinan, seeking Song support from outside. The Pacification Commission of Hebei and Henan, acting on imperial order, appointed Tianxiang commander of a thousand and stationed him at Sankou to block Song forces. When the rebellion was suppressed he was dismissed and returned home. He settled on the southern slopes of the mountains in Yanshi, where he owned more than a hundred mu of land, farming and reading by himself. Many came to study with him. His home lay near Mount Gou, and he took the sobriquet Master of Mount Gou. At first Tianxiang had not yet devoted himself to learning, and You did not think him especially promising. After they parted for several years, Tianxiang presented poems he had written to You. You suspected they had been written by someone else, but when they spoke together and Tianxiang moved easily through the classics and histories with broad and penetrating discussion, You was greatly astonished.
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至元十一年,起家從仕郎、郢復州等處招討司經歷,從國兵渡江,因論軍中事,深為行省參正賈居貞所器重。 十三年,興國軍以籍兵器致亂,行省命天祥權知本軍事。 天祥領軍士才十人,入其境,去城近百里,止二日乃至城中,父老來謁,天祥諭之曰:「捍衛鄉井,誠不可無兵,任事者籍之過當,故致亂爾。 今令汝輩權置兵仗以自衛,何如?」 民皆稱便。 乃條陳其事於行省曰:「鎮遏奸邪,當實根本,若內無備御之資,則外生窺覦之釁,此理勢必然者也。 推此軍變亂之故,正由當時處置失宜,疏於外而急於內。 凡在軍中者,寸鐵尺杖不得在手,遂使奸人得以竊發,公私同被其害。 今軍中再經殘破,單弱至此,若猶相防而不相保信,豈惟外寇可憂,第恐舟中之人皆敵國矣。 莫若布推赤心於人,使戮力同心,與均禍福,人則我之人,兵則我之兵,靖亂止姦,無施不可。 惟冀少加優容,然後責其必成之效。」 行省許以從便處置。 天祥凡所設施,皆合眾望,由是流移復業,以至鄰郡之民來歸者相繼,伐茅斬木,結屋以居。 天祥命以十家為甲,十甲有長,弛兵禁以從民便。 人心既安,軍勢稍振,用土兵收李必聰山寨,不戮一人。 他寨聞之,各自散去,境內悉平。 時州縣官吏未有俸祿,天祥從便規措而月給之,以止其貪,民用弗擾。 鄰邑分寧為變,諜者時至,吏請捕之,天祥曰:「彼以官吏貪暴故叛,今我一軍三縣,官無侵漁,民樂其業,使之歸告其黨,則諜者反為我用矣。」 遂一無所問。 及敗,逃入興國境者數千人,天祥命驗口給糧,仍戒土人勿侵陵。 事定,皆得保全而歸,莫不服其威信。
In the eleventh year of the Zhiyuan reign, he entered office as Gentleman-of-Service and Manager of the Pacification Commission of E, Fu, and other places. Crossing the Yangzi with the imperial army, he discussed military affairs and won the deep respect of Jia Juzhen, Vice Director of the Branch Secretariat. In the thirteenth year, Xingguo Army rebelled over the registration of weapons. The Branch Secretariat ordered Tianxiang to serve temporarily as military commander of the army. Tianxiang entered the territory with only ten soldiers. Though less than a hundred li from the city, it took two days to reach it. When the local elders came to pay their respects, Tianxiang told them, "Defending one's home truly cannot be done without arms; those in charge registered weapons excessively, and that is what caused the rebellion. From now on I will allow you provisionally to keep weapons for self-defense—what do you think of that?" The people all said it was a welcome relief. He then submitted a detailed memorial to the Branch Secretariat: "To suppress the wicked, one must strengthen the foundations at home. If there are no means of defense within, occasions for outside covetousness will arise—this is the inevitable logic of the situation. Tracing the cause of this army's revolt, it arose precisely because the measures taken at the time were ill-conceived—lax toward the outside but harsh within. Everyone in the army was forbidden to hold even the smallest weapon in hand, which allowed wicked men to seize the moment to rise up, to the harm of both public and private interests alike. Now the army has been battered and weakened to this point. If men still guard against one another instead of trusting and protecting one another, it is not only external enemies that should worry us—I fear those in the same boat will all become enemies. Better to show sincere hearts to the people, so that they join in strength with one mind and share fortune and misfortune alike. Then the people will be my people and the troops my troops; pacifying disorder and stopping wickedness will become possible in every way. I ask only for a little latitude; then I can be held to results that must succeed." The Branch Secretariat allowed him to act as he saw fit. Everything Tianxiang put in place accorded with what the people hoped for. Displaced persons returned to their occupations, and people from neighboring prefectures came in succession, cutting thatch and timber to build homes. Tianxiang organized the people in groups of ten households as one jia, with a chief over every ten jia, and relaxed the ban on weapons for the people's convenience. Once hearts were settled, military strength gradually revived. Using local troops he took Li Bicong's mountain stronghold without killing a single person. Other strongholds heard of this and dispersed on their own, and the entire territory was pacified. At that time district and county officials received no salaries. Tianxiang improvised arrangements and paid them monthly to curb their greed, so the people were not harassed. The neighboring district of Fenning rebelled, and spies came from time to time. The clerks asked to arrest them. Tianxiang said, "They rebel because officials are greedy and abusive. In this army and its three districts, officials do not plunder and the people are content in their occupations. Let the spies return and report to their fellows, and they will serve us instead." He made no inquiries at all. When the rebels were defeated, several thousand fled into Xingguo territory. Tianxiang had them registered and given grain, and warned local people not to molest them. When the affair was settled, all were able to return home safely, and none failed to submit to his authority and good faith.
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居歲餘,詔改本軍為路,有代天祥為總管者,務變更舊政,治隱匿兵者甚急,天祥去未久而興國復變,鄰郡壽昌府及大江南北諸城邑,多乘勢殺守將以應之。 時方改行省為宣慰司,參政忽都帖木兒、賈居貞,萬戶鄭鼎臣為宣慰使。 鼎臣帥兵討之,至樊口,兵敗死。 黃州遂聲言攻陽羅堡,鄂州大震。 時忽都帖木兒恇怯不敢出兵,天祥言於居貞曰:「陽羅堡依山為壘,素有嚴備,彼若來攻,我之利也。 且南人浮躁,輕進易退,官軍憑高據險,而區區烏合之眾,與之相敵,不二三日,死傷必多,遁逃者十八九,我出精兵以擊之,惟疾走者乃始得脫。 乘此一勝,則大勢已定。 然後取黃州、壽昌,如摧枯拉朽耳。」 居貞深然之,而忽都帖木兒意猶未決。 聞至陽羅堡,居貞力趣之,乃引兵宿於青山,明日,大敗其眾,皆如天祥所料。
After more than a year, an edict changed the army into a circuit. A successor replaced Tianxiang as chief administrator and zealously overturned his old policies, urgently prosecuting those who concealed weapons. Tianxiang had not been gone long when Xingguo rebelled again; Shouchang Prefecture in the neighboring district and many towns north and south of the river seized the moment, killing their garrison commanders in response. At that time the Branch Secretariat was being converted into a Pacification Commission; Vice Directors Hudutie'mur and Jia Juzhen, together with Commander of Ten Thousand Zheng Dingchen, served as Pacification Commissioners. Dingchen led troops to suppress the rebels, but at Fankou his army was defeated and he was killed. Huang Prefecture then announced an attack on Yangluo Fort, and E Prefecture was thrown into alarm. Hudutie'mur was timid and dared not send out troops. Tianxiang said to Juzhen, "Yangluo Fort is built on the mountain as a rampart and has always been strongly defended. If they come to attack, the advantage will be ours. Moreover, southerners are impetuous—quick to advance and easy to retreat. Our official troops, holding the high ground in a strong position, need only face a mere rabble; within two or three days casualties will be heavy and eight or nine out of ten will flee. Then we send elite troops to strike them, and only the swiftest runners will escape. With that one victory, the larger situation will be settled. Then taking Huang Prefecture and Shouchang will be as easy as crushing dry wood or pulling rotten fiber." Juzhen strongly agreed, but Hudutie'mur still could not make up his mind. When word came that the enemy had reached Yangluo Fort, Juzhen urgently pressed for action. They led troops to camp at Qingshan, and the next day thoroughly routed the enemy—just as Tianxiang had predicted.
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初,行省聞變,盡執鄂州城中南人將殺之,以防內應,居貞救之不能得,天祥曰:「是州之人,與彼勢本不相接,欲殺之者,利其財耳。」 力止之,至是被執者皆縱去。 復遣天祥權知壽昌府事,授兵二百餘人。 為亂者聞官軍至,皆棄城依險而自保。 天祥以眾寡不敵,非可以力服,乃遣諭其徒使各歸田裡,惟生擒其長毛遇順、周監斬於鄂州市。 得金二百兩,詢知為鄂州賈人之物,召而還之。 其黨王宗一等十三人繼亦就擒,以冬至日放令還家,約三日來歸獄,皆如期而至,白宣慰司盡縱之,由是無復叛者,百姓為立生祠。
Earlier, when the Branch Secretariat heard of the rebellion, it arrested all the southerners in E Prefecture city and planned to kill them to prevent internal collusion. Juzhen tried to save them but failed. Tianxiang said, "The people of this prefecture have no real connection with the rebels; those who want them killed simply covet their wealth." He forcefully stopped the plan, and when the time came all those arrested were released. Tianxiang was again dispatched to serve temporarily as administrator of Shouchang Prefecture, with more than two hundred soldiers assigned to him. When the rebels heard that official troops had arrived, they all abandoned the cities and took refuge in defensible terrain. Tianxiang knew he was outnumbered and could not subdue them by force alone. He sent envoys to tell their followers to return to their fields, while capturing alive only their leaders Mao Yushun and Zhou Jian and executing them in the marketplace of E Prefecture. Two hundred taels of gold were recovered; inquiry showed they belonged to a merchant of E Prefecture, and Tianxiang summoned him and returned the gold. Their followers Wang Zongyi and twelve others were also captured in turn. On the winter solstice he released them to go home, on the understanding that they would return to prison in three days; all arrived on schedule. He reported to the Pacification Commission and they were all released. From then on there were no further rebels, and the people erected a living shrine in his honor.
10
二十一年三月,拜監察御史。 會右丞盧世榮以掊克聚斂驟升執政,權傾一時。 御史中丞崔彧言之,帝怒,欲致之法,世榮勢焰益張。 左司郎中周ρ因議事微有可否,世榮誣以沮法,奏令杖一百,然後斬之,於是臣僚震懾,無敢言者。 二十二年四月,天祥上疏,極言世榮奸惡,其略曰:
In the third month of the twenty-first year, he was appointed Supervising Censor. At that time Right Director Lu Shirong, who had risen to power through extortion and ruthless enrichment, wielded authority that overshadowed everyone else. When Supervising Censor-in-Chief Cui Yu spoke out against him, the emperor grew angry and wanted to prosecute him, but Shirong's power and arrogance only grew. Zhou Di, Director of the Left Office, had mildly expressed dissent during deliberations. Shirong falsely accused him of obstructing the law and memorialized that he be beaten one hundred strokes and then beheaded. From then on the officials were terrified, and none dared speak out. In the fourth month of the twenty-second year, Tianxiang submitted a memorial denouncing Shirong's wickedness at length. The gist was as follows:
11
盧世榮素無文藝,亦無武功,惟以商販所獲之貲,趨附權臣,營求入仕,輿贓輦賄,輸送權門,所獻不充,又別立欠少文券銀一千錠,由白身擢江西榷茶轉運使。 於其任,專務貪饕,所犯贓私,動以萬計。 其隱秘者固難悉舉,惟發露者乃可明言,凡其掊取於人及所盜官物,略計:鈔以錠計者二萬五千一百一十九,金以錠計者二十五,銀以錠計者一百六十八,茶以引計者一萬二千四百五十有八,馬以匹計者十五,玉器七事,其餘繁雜物件稱是。 已經追納及未納見追者,人所共知。 今竟不悔前非,狂悖愈甚,以苛刻為自安之策,以誅求為乾進之門,既懷無饜之心,廣畜攘掊之計,而又身當要路,手握重權,雖位在丞相之下,朝省大政,實得專之。 是猶以盜跖而掌阿衡之任,不止流殃於當代,亦恐取笑於將來。 朝廷信其虛誑之說,俾居相位,名為試驗,實授正權。 校其所能,敗闕如此; 考其所行,毫髮無稱。 此皆既往之真跡,可謂已試之明驗。 若謂必須再試,止可敘以他官,宰相之權,豈宜輕授。 夫宰天下,譬猶制錦。 初欲驗其能否,先當試以布帛,如無能效,所損或輕。 今捐相位以試驗賢愚,猶舍美錦以校量工拙,脫致隳壞,悔將何追!
Lu Shirong had no literary accomplishment and no military merit. He relied solely on wealth gained from trade, currying favor with powerful ministers to enter office. He carted bribes to the gates of power, and when his gifts fell short he even drew up a debt note for one thousand ingots of silver. From commoner status he was promoted to Transport Commissioner for the Jiangxi Tea Monopoly. In office he devoted himself solely to greed, and the embezzlement and private gain he committed ran to tens of thousands. What he concealed cannot all be listed, but what was exposed can be stated plainly. Roughly counted, what he extorted from others and stole from official property included: 25,119 ingots of paper money, 25 ingots of gold, 168 ingots of silver, 12,458 tea certificates, 15 horses, seven jade objects, and a comparable assortment of other goods. What had already been recovered and what remained unpaid and was still being pursued were common knowledge. Now he still shows no repentance for his past wrongs, and his arrogance grows worse. He treats harshness as a policy of self-preservation and exaction as a path to advancement. Insatiable in ambition, he hoards schemes of plunder. Standing at a crucial post and wielding heavy authority, though his rank is below the chief counselor, he in fact monopolizes the great affairs of court and secretariat. This is like putting a robber in charge of the prime ministership—not only will calamity afflict the present age, but I fear he will become a laughingstock to posterity. The court believed his false and deceitful claims and placed him in the chief counselor's position—called a trial, but in fact granting him full authority. Judging what he could do, his failures were already plain; examining what he had done, not even the smallest part was praiseworthy. These are all established facts of the past and clear proof already tested. If he must be tested again, he should be appointed only to another office. The authority of chief counselor should not be granted lightly. Governing all under Heaven is like weaving brocade. If one wishes first to test ability, one should begin with cloth and silk; if there is no success, the loss may be slight. Now to use the chief counselor's position to test wise and foolish men is like abandoning fine brocade to measure skill and clumsiness. If ruin follows, what regret can make amends!
12
國家之與百姓,上下如同一身,民乃國之血氣,國乃民之膚體。 血氣充實則膚體康強,血氣損傷則膚體羸病。 未有耗其血氣能使膚體豐榮者。 是故民富則國富,民貧則國貧,民安則國安,民困則國困,其理然也。 昔魯哀公欲重斂於民,問於有若,對曰:「百姓足,君敦與不足; 百姓不足,君孰與足?」 以此推之,民必須賦輕而後足,國必待民足而後豐。 《書》曰:「民為邦本,本固邦寧。」 歷考前代,因百姓富安以致亂,百姓困窮以致治,自有天地以來,未之聞也。 夫財者,土地所生,民力所集,天地之間歲有常數,惟其取之有節,故其用之不乏。 今世榮欲以一歲之期,將致十年之積; 危萬民之命,易一世之榮; 廣邀增羨之功,不恤顛連之患; 期錙銖之誅取,誘上下以交徵。 視民如讎,為國斂怨。 果慾不為國家之遠慮,惟取速效於目前,肆意誅求,何所不得。 然其生財之本既已不存,斂財之方復何所賴? 將見民間由此凋耗,天下由此空虛,安危利害之機,殆有不可勝言者。
The state and the common people, above and below, are like one body: the people are the state's blood and breath, and the state is the people's skin and flesh. When blood and breath are full, the skin and flesh are strong and healthy; when blood and breath are injured, the skin and flesh grow weak and sick. Never has exhausting the blood and breath made the skin and flesh flourish. Therefore when the people are rich, the state is rich; when the people are poor, the state is poor; when the people are secure, the state is secure; when the people are distressed, the state is distressed. Such is the logic of the matter. Formerly Duke Ai of Lu wished to levy heavily on the people and asked You Ruo, who replied, "When the common people have enough, how can the lord not have enough? When the common people do not have enough, with whom will the lord have enough?" From this one infers that the people must have light levies before they can prosper, and the state must wait for the people to prosper before it can be abundant. The Documents says, "The people are the foundation of the state; when the foundation is firm, the state is secure." Examining former ages, one has never heard since Heaven and Earth began of disorder arising because the common people were rich and secure, or of order arising because the common people were distressed and impoverished. Wealth is what the land produces and what the people's labor gathers. Between Heaven and Earth there is a fixed annual measure; only when taking is regulated is use not exhausted. Now Shirong wishes in the space of one year to produce ten years' accumulation; endangering the lives of countless people for the sake of one generation's glory; broadly inviting credit for increased revenue, heedless of the calamity of the destitute and afflicted; expecting exaction down to the smallest measure and inducing above and below to levy on one another. He treats the people as enemies and accumulates resentment for the state. If he truly does not care for the state's long-term planning and seeks only quick results before his eyes, then by exaction as he pleases, what could he not obtain? Yet if the root of producing wealth no longer exists, on what can the method of gathering wealth rely? One will see the populace wither and waste, and all under Heaven grow empty; the turning points of security and danger, benefit and harm, are likely beyond what can fully be told.
13
計其任事以來,百有餘日,驗其事蹟,備有顯明。 今取其所行與所言而已不相副者,略舉數端:始言能令鈔法如舊,鈔今愈虛; 始言能令百物自賤,物今愈貴; 始言課程增添三百萬錠,不取於民而辦,今卻迫脅諸路官司增數包認; 始言能令民快樂,凡今所為,無非敗法擾民者。 若不早有更張,須其自敗,正猶蠹雖除去,木病亦深,始嫌曲突徙薪,終見焦頭爛額,事至於此,救將何及? 臣亦知阿附權要則榮寵可期,違忤重臣則禍患難測,緘默自固,亦豈不能! 正以事在國家,關係不淺,憂深慮切,不得無言。
Counting from when he took office, more than a hundred days have passed, and examining his deeds, the evidence is clear. Taking what he has done and what he said that already do not match, I briefly cite several instances: at first he said he could restore the paper-money system as before, yet paper money is now more debased; at first he said he could make all goods cheapen themselves, yet goods are now more expensive; at first he said revenue could be increased by three million ingots without taking from the people, yet now he coerces the circuit offices to increase quotas and accept responsibility; at first he said he could make the people happy, yet everything done now is nothing but violating law and disturbing the people. If one does not make changes early and waits for him to fail on his own, it is like removing the worm while the tree's disease is already deep—at first one dislikes bending the chimney and moving the firewood, but in the end one sees scorched head and burned brow. When matters reach this point, what rescue can there be in time? Your subject also knows that currying favor with the powerful brings expected honor and favor, while opposing great ministers makes disaster hard to foretell. To keep silent and secure oneself—could one not do that! It is precisely because the matter concerns the state and the stakes are high that, with deep worry and urgent concern, I cannot remain silent.
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世祖聞其語,遣使召天祥與世榮,俱至上都面質之。 既至,即日有內官傳旨,縛世榮於宮門外。 明日入對,天祥於帝前再舉其所言與未及盡言者,帝皆稱善,世榮遂伏誅。 五月,朝廷錄天祥從軍渡江及平興國、壽昌之功,進秩五品,擢吏部郎中。 二十三年四月,除治書侍御史。 六月,命理算湖北湖南行省錢糧。 天祥至鄂州,即上疏劾平章岳束木凶暴不法。 時桑哥竊國柄,與岳束木姻黨,為其爪牙羽翼,誣天祥以罪,欲致之死,繫獄幾四百日。 二十五年春正月,遇赦得釋。 二十八年,擢行台侍御史。 未幾,以疾辭歸。 三十年,授燕南河北道廉訪使。
Kublai heard his words and dispatched envoys to summon Tianxiang and Shirong; both went to Shangdu to confront one another face to face. When they arrived, that very day an inner palace official transmitted an edict and bound Shirong outside the palace gate. The next day he entered audience. Before the emperor Tianxiang again presented what he had said and what he had not yet fully said; the emperor praised it all, and Shirong was executed. In the fifth month, the court recorded Tianxiang's merit in following the army across the Yangzi and pacifying Xingguo and Shouchang. His rank was advanced to fifth grade and he was promoted to Director of the Ministry of Personnel. In the fourth month of the twenty-third year, he was appointed Investigating Censor. In the sixth month, he was ordered to audit the funds and grain of the Hubei and Hunan Branch Secretariat. When Tianxiang reached E Prefecture, he immediately submitted a memorial impeaching Vice Director Yue Shumu for violence and lawlessness. At the time Sangge usurped state power. Related by marriage to Yue Shumu, he served as his henchman and falsely accused Tianxiang of crimes, seeking to have him killed. Tianxiang was imprisoned for nearly four hundred days. In the first month of spring of the twenty-fifth year, he was released under an amnesty. In the twenty-eighth year, he was promoted to Censor of the Branch Secretariat. Before long he resigned on grounds of illness and returned home. In the thirtieth year, he was appointed Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for the Yannan Hebei Circuit.
15
元貞元年,改山東西道廉訪使。 時盜賊群起,山東居多,詔求弭盜方略。 天祥上奏曰:「古者盜賊之起,各有所因,除歲凶饑饉,諉之天時,宜且勿論。 他如軍旅不息,工役薦興,聚斂無厭,刑法紊亂之類,此皆群盜所起之因。 中間保護存卹長養之者,赦令是也。 赦者,小人之幸,君子之不幸。 一歲再赦,善人喑啞,前人言之備矣。 彼強梁之徒,各執兵杖,殺人取貨,不顧其生,有司盡力以擒之,朝廷加恩以釋之。 旦脫縲囚,暮即行劫,又復督勒有司,結限追捕。 賊皆經慣,習以為常,既不感恩,又不畏法,凶殘悖逆,性已頑定。 誠非善化能移,惟以嚴刑可製。」 所擬事條,皆切於時用。 於是嚴督有司,捕得盜賊甚眾,皆杖殺之。 其亡入他境者,揣知所向,選捕盜官及弓兵,密授方略,示以賞罰,使追捕之,南至漢、江,二千餘里,悉皆就擒,無得免者。 由是東方群盜屏息。 平陰縣女子劉金蓮,假妖術以惑眾,所至官為建立神堂,愚民皆奔走奉事之,天祥謂同僚曰:「此婦以神怪惑眾,聲勢如此,若復有狡獪之人輔翼之,仿漢張角、晉孫恩之為,必成大害。」 遂命捕係而杖於市,自此神聖屏息。 天祥言山東宣慰司官冗宜罷,因劾奏其使貪暴不法,事格不行,遂以任滿辭去。
In the first year of the Yuanzhen reign, he was reassigned as Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for the Shandong East and West Circuit. At the time bandits rose in groups, mostly in Shandong, and an edict sought strategies to suppress banditry. Tianxiang memorialized, "In antiquity when bandits arose, each case had its cause. Apart from years of disaster and famine, which may be attributed to Heaven's seasons and need not be discussed for now, other causes such as unceasing military campaigns, repeated labor corvée, insatiable accumulation of wealth, and disordered punishments—these are all causes from which bandit gangs arise. Among the measures that in the meantime protect, preserve, and nurture them, amnesty edicts are one. Amnesty is the petty man's good fortune and the gentleman's misfortune. Two amnesties in one year leave good people mute; former men have spoken fully of this. Those violent men, each wielding weapons, killing people and seizing goods without regard for their lives—the officials exhaust themselves to capture them, and the court adds grace to release them. In the morning they escape the bonds of prison; by evening they are robbing again. Then the court again presses the officials, setting deadlines for pursuit. The bandits have all grown accustomed and take it as routine. They neither feel gratitude nor fear the law; their violent, cruel, and rebellious nature is already set. They truly cannot be moved by good transformation; only strict punishment can restrain them. The proposed measures were all suited to present needs. Thereupon he strictly supervised the officials; many bandits were captured and all were beaten to death. Those who fled into other territories—he inferred where they were headed, selected bandit-capture officials and archer troops, secretly gave them strategy, showed them rewards and punishments, and had them pursue. South to the Han and Yangzi, over two thousand li, all were captured; none escaped. Thereby the bandit gangs of the east fell silent. Liu Jinlian, a woman of Pingyin County, used false sorcery to delude the masses. Wherever she went officials built spirit halls for her, and foolish people rushed to serve her. Tianxiang said to his colleagues, "This woman uses spirits and marvels to delude the masses; her influence is such that if crafty men assist her, imitating the deeds of Zhang Jiao of Han and Sun En of Jin, she will surely become a great calamity." He then ordered her captured, bound, and beaten in the marketplace. From then on spirit cults fell silent. Tianxiang said the Shandong Pacification Commission had redundant officials that should be abolished, and memorialized impeachment of its commissioner for greed, violence, and lawlessness. The matter was blocked and not carried out, and he resigned when his term ended.
16
大德三年六月,遷河北河南廉訪使,以疾不起。 人有冤抑,往往就天祥家求直,天祥以不在其位,卻去之。 六年,升江南行台御史中丞,上章論征西南夷事,曰:
In the sixth month of the third year of the Dade reign, he was transferred to Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for Hebei and Henan, but on grounds of illness did not take office. People with grievances often came to Tianxiang's home seeking justice, but he, not holding the relevant post, sent them away. In the sixth year, he was promoted to Supervising Censor-in-Chief of the Jiangnan Branch Secretariat and submitted a memorial discussing the campaign against the southwestern barbarians, saying:
17
兵有不得已而不已者,亦有得已而不已者。 惟能得已則已,可使兵力永強,以備不得已而不已之用,是之謂善用兵者也。 去歲,行省右丞劉深遠征八百媳婦國,此乃得已而不已之兵也。 彼荒裔小邦,遠在雲南之西南又數千里,其地為僻陋無用之地,人皆頑愚無知。 取之不足以為利,不取不足以為害。 深欺上罔下,帥兵伐之,經過八番,縱橫自恣,恃其威力,虐害居民,中途變生,所在皆叛。 深既不能制亂,反為亂眾所製,軍中乏糧,人自相食,計窮勢蹙,倉黃退走,土兵隨擊,以致大敗。 深棄眾奔逃,僅以身免,喪兵十八九,棄地千餘里。 朝廷再發陝西、河南、江西、湖廣四省諸軍,使劉二霸都總督,以圖收復叛地。 湖北、湖南大起丁夫,運送軍糧,至播州交納,其正夫與擔負自己糧食者,通計二十餘萬。 正當農時,興此大役,驅愁苦之人,往回數千里中,何事不有! 或所負之米盡到,固為幸矣。 然數万之軍,止仰今次一運之米,自此以後,又當如何?」
There is warfare that cannot be stopped though one wishes to stop, and there is warfare that could be stopped yet is not stopped. Only when one can stop, then stop, can military strength remain forever strong, to prepare for use when stopping is impossible—this is what it means to use troops well. Last year, Vice Director of the Branch Secretariat Liu Shen made a distant expedition against the Kingdom of Eight Hundred Wives—this is warfare that could be stopped yet was not stopped. That remote small state lies thousands of li beyond Yunnan to the southwest. Its land is remote, crude, and useless; its people are stubborn, foolish, and ignorant. Taking it would bring no benefit; not taking it would bring no harm. Shen deceived his superiors and misled his subordinates and led troops to attack it. Passing through the Eight Fan, he acted with unchecked license, relying on his power to abuse and harm the residents. Midway rebellion arose, and everywhere people rebelled. Shen could neither control the disorder nor was instead controlled by the rebels. The army lacked grain and men ate one another. Plans exhausted and the situation desperate, he fled in panic. Local troops pursued and struck, leading to great defeat. Shen abandoned his troops and fled, barely escaping with his life. Eight or nine tenths of the troops were lost, and over a thousand li of territory were abandoned. The court again dispatched troops from the four provinces of Shaanxi, Henan, Jiangxi, and Huguang, making Liu Erbadu overall commander, to seek recovery of the rebel territory. Hubei and Hunan massively conscripted laborers to transport military grain, delivering it at Bozhou. Regular laborers together with those carrying their own grain totaled over two hundred thousand. Just at farming season this great labor was raised, driving distressed people back and forth over several thousand li—what could not happen! If the rice they carried all arrived, that would already be fortunate. Yet tens of thousands of troops rely only on this one transport of rice—after this, what then?"
18
比問西征敗卒及其將校,頗知西南遠夷之地,重山复嶺,陡澗深林,竹木叢茂,皆有長刺。 軍行徑路在於其間,窄處僅容一人一騎,上如登天,下如入井,賊若乘險邀擊,我軍雖眾,亦難施為也。 又其毒霧煙瘴之氣,皆能傷人,群蠻既知大軍將至,若皆清野遠遁,阻其要害,以老我師,或進不得前,旁無所掠,士卒飢餒,疫病死亡,將有不戰自困之勢,不可不為深慮也。 且自征伐倭國、占城、交趾、爪哇、緬國以來,近三十年,未嘗見有尺土一民內屬之益,計其所費錢財,死損軍數,可勝言哉! 去歲西征,及今此舉,亦復何異。 前鑑不遠,非難見也。 軍勞民擾,未見休期,只深一人,是其禍本。 又聞八番羅國之人,向為征西之軍擾害,捐棄生業,相繼逃叛,怨深入於骨髓,皆欲得其肉而分食之。 人心皆惡,天意亦憎,惟須上承天意,下順人心,早正深之罪,續下明詔,示彼一方以聖朝數十年撫養之恩,仍諭今再無遠征之役。 以此招之,自有相續歸順之日,使其官民上下,皆知未須遠勞王師,與區區小丑爭一旦之勝負也。 昔大舜退師而苗氏格,充國緩戰而羌眾安,事載經傳,為萬世法。
Recently I questioned defeated soldiers of the western expedition and their officers; they know something of the remote southwestern barbarian lands: layered mountains and overlapping ridges, steep ravines and deep forests, dense bamboo and trees—all with long thorns. The army's paths lie among them; in narrow places only one man or one horse can pass. Going up is like climbing to Heaven; going down is like entering a well. If bandits exploit the terrain to ambush, though our army is numerous, it is hard to act. Moreover their poisonous mists and malarial vapors can all harm men. Once the barbarian masses know the great army is coming, if they all clear the fields and flee far, blocking key points to wear out our army—unable to advance, with nothing to plunder on the sides, troops hungry and exhausted, disease and death—there will be a tendency to be trapped without fighting. This cannot but be deeply considered. Moreover since campaigns against Japan, Champa, Jiaozhi, Java, and Burma, nearly thirty years have passed without seeing the benefit of even a foot of land or one person submitting. Counting the wealth spent and soldiers killed and wounded—can it be fully told! Last year's western expedition and this present action—how are they different? The warning from before is not far; it is not hard to see. The army labors and the people are disturbed, with no end in sight. Shen alone is the root of this calamity. I also hear that the people of the Eight Fan and Lu states, formerly harmed by the western expedition army, abandoned their livelihoods and fled and rebelled in succession. Their resentment goes deep into the marrow; all wish to get his flesh and divide and eat it. Human hearts all hate him, and Heaven's intent also abhors him. One need only above accord with Heaven's intent and below follow human hearts—early punish Shen's crime, then issue a clear edict, showing that region the sage court's decades of nurturing grace, and instruct that from now on there will be no distant expedition. With this to summon them, there will naturally come days of successive submission, so that their officials and people above and below all know there is no need to far trouble the royal army to contest momentary victory or defeat with petty small foes. Formerly Great Shun withdrew his army and the Miao submitted; Zhao Chongguo delayed battle and the Qiang were pacified. These deeds are recorded in the classics and histories and serve as a model for all ages.
19
為今之計,宜且駐兵近境,使其水路遠近得通,或用鹽引茶引,或用實鈔,多增米價,和市軍糧。 但法令嚴明,官不失信,可使米船蔽江而上,軍自足食,民亦不擾,內安根本,外固邊陲。 以我之鎮靜,禦彼之猖狂,布恩以柔其心,畜威以制其力,期之以久,漸次服之。 此王者之師,萬全之利也。 若謂業已如此,欲罷不能,亦當慮其關係之大,審詳成敗,算定而行。 彼溪洞諸蠻,各有種類,今之相聚者,皆烏合之徒,必無久能同心敵我之理。 但急之則相救,緩之則相疑,以計使之互相讎怨,待彼有可乘之隙,我有可動之時,徐命諸軍數道俱進。 服從者恩之以仁,拒敵者威之以武,恩威相濟,功乃易成。 若捨恩任威,以蹈深之覆轍,恐他日之患,有甚於今日也。
For the present plan, troops should be stationed near the border so that water routes near and far can be kept open; use salt or tea certificates, or hard currency, raise the price of rice, and purchase military grain from the market. If laws and regulations are strict and clear and officials keep their word, rice boats can cover the river going upstream; the army will have enough to eat, the people will not be disturbed, the foundations at home will be secure, and the border will be firm. With our calm to resist their arrogance, spread grace to soften their hearts, store up authority to control their strength, set a long term, and gradually bring them to submission. This is the army of a true king—the benefit of complete security. If one says matters have already reached this point and one wishes to stop but cannot, one should still consider how great the stakes are, carefully examine success and failure, calculate and then act. Those stream-cave barbarians each have their own kind. Those gathered now are all a rabble; they surely cannot long remain united against us. If pressed they rescue one another; if relaxed they suspect one another. Use stratagem to make them mutually resent and hate, wait until they have a gap that can be exploited and we have a moment to move, then slowly order the armies to advance together by several routes. Those who submit—grace them with benevolence; those who resist—overawe them with force. When grace and authority assist each other, achievement comes easily. If one abandons grace and relies on force, treading Shen's overturned track, I fear the calamity of another day may be greater than today.
20
不報,遂謝病去。 七年,召拜集賢大學士,商議中書省事。 八月,地震,河東尤甚,詔問弭災之道。 天祥上章,極言陰陽不和,天地不位,皆人事失宜所致。 執政者以其言切直,抑不以聞。
He received no reply and resigned on grounds of illness. In the seventh year, he was summoned and appointed Grand Academician of the Hall of Worthies to deliberate on Secretariat affairs. In the eighth month there was an earthquake, especially severe in Hedong, and an edict asked how the disaster might be quelled. Tianxiang submitted a memorial strongly stating that yin and yang were not in harmony and Heaven and Earth were not in their proper positions—all caused by human affairs being improperly managed. Those in power, because his words were sharp and direct, suppressed them and did not report them to the throne.
21
○劉宣
Liu Xuan
22
劉宣,字伯宣,其先潞人也。 因出戍,留居忻,金末避地於陝,後徙太原。 宣沈毅清介,居家孝友,自幼喜讀書,有經世之志。 宣撫張德輝至河東,見而器重之,還朝,薦為中書省掾。 宣暇則往從國子祭酒許衡講明理學。 初命為河北河南道巡行勸農副使。 至元十二年,入為中書戶部郎中,改行省郎中。 從丞相伯顏、平章阿術統軍平江南,贊畫居多。 伯顏嘗命宣詣闕上捷書,世祖召見,親問以南征事,應對稱旨,賜器服寵嘉之。 江南平,命宣沙汰江淮冗官,其所存革,悉合公論。 除知松江府,未幾同知浙西宣慰司事。 在官五年,威惠並著。 升江淮行省參議,擢江西湖東道提刑按察使。
Liu Xuan, styled Boxuan, was descended from men of Lu. Because they went out on garrison duty, they remained in Xin. At the end of the Jin dynasty they fled to Shaanxi and later moved to Taiyuan. Xuan was deep, resolute, pure, and upright; at home he was filial and friendly. From youth he loved reading and aspired to serve the state. When Pacification Commissioner Zhang Dehui came to Hedong, he saw Xuan and valued him highly. Returning to court, he recommended him as a clerk of the Secretariat. In his spare time Xuan studied Neo-Confucian learning under Xu Heng, Chancellor of the Imperial Academy. He was first appointed Vice Commissioner for Promoting Agriculture on Circuit Patrol of the Hebei and Henan Circuit. In the twelfth year of the Zhiyuan reign, he entered service as Director of the Revenue Bureau of the Secretariat and was reassigned as Director of the Branch Secretariat. Following Chief Counselor Bayan and Vice Director Aju in commanding troops to pacify Jiangnan, he contributed greatly to planning. Bayan once ordered Xuan to go to court to submit a victory report. Kublai summoned him and personally questioned him about the southern campaign; his replies pleased the emperor, who bestowed vessels and robes in favor and praise. When Jiangnan was pacified, he was ordered to sift out redundant officials of Jiang and Huai; what he retained and removed all accorded with public opinion. He was appointed Prefect of Songjiang Prefecture; before long he became Vice Commissioner of the Zhexi Pacification Commission. During five years in office, his authority and kindness were both manifest. He was promoted to Counselor of the Jiang-Huai Branch Secretariat and elevated to Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for the Jiangxi Hudong Circuit.
23
二十三年,入為禮部尚書,遂遷吏部。 時將伐交趾,宣上言曰:「連年日本之役,百姓愁戚,官府擾攘,今春停罷,江浙軍民歡聲如雷。 安南小邦,臣事有年,歲貢未嘗愆期,邊帥生事興兵,彼因避竄海島,使大舉無功,將士傷殘。 今又下令再徵,聞者莫不恐懼。 自古興兵,必須天時,中原平土,猶避盛夏,交廣炎瘴之地,毒氣害人,甚於兵刃。 今以七月,會諸道兵於靜江,比至安南,病死必眾,緩急遇敵,何以應之? 又交趾無糧,水路難通,無車馬牛畜馱載,不免陸運。 一夫擔米五斗,往還自食外,官得其半; 若十萬石,用四十萬人,止可供一二月。 軍糧搬載,船料軍須,通用五六十萬眾。 廣西、湖南調度頻數,民多離散,戶令供役,亦不能辦。 況湖廣密邇,溪洞寇盜常多,萬一奸人伺隙,大兵一出,乘虛生變,雖有留後,人馬疲弱衰老,卒難應變。 何不與彼中軍官深知事體者,論量萬全方略,不然,將復蹈前轍矣。」 及再徵日本,宣又上言,其略曰:「近議復置征東行省,再興日本之師,此役不息,安危系焉。 唆都建伐占城,海牙言平交趾,三數年間,湖廣、江西供給船隻、軍須糧運,官民大擾,廣東群盜並起,軍兵遠涉江海瘴毒之地,死傷過半,即日連兵未解。 且交趾與我接境,蕞爾小邦,遣親王提兵深入,未見報功,唆都為賊所殺,自遺羞辱。 況日本海洋萬里,疆土闊遠,非二國可比。 今次出師,動眾履險,縱不遇風,可到彼岸,倭國地廣,徒眾猥多,彼兵四集,我師無援,萬一不利,欲發救兵,其能飛渡耶? 隋伐高麗,三次大舉,數見敗北,喪師百萬。 唐太宗以英武自負,親征高麗,雖取數城而還,徒增追悔。 且高麗平壤諸城,皆居陸地,去中原不遠,以二國之眾加之,尚不能克,況日本僻在海隅,與中國相懸萬里哉!」 帝嘉納其言。
In the twenty-third year, he entered service as Minister of Rites and was then transferred to the Ministry of Personnel. At the time they were about to attack Jiaozhi. Xuan memorialized, "For successive years the Japan campaign left the people distressed and sorrowful and the government offices in turmoil. This spring it was halted, and the soldiers and people of Jiang and Zhe cheered like thunder. Annam is a small state that has served as subject for years, and its annual tribute has never missed its term. Border commanders stirred up trouble and raised troops; the Annamese fled and hid on islands, making the great effort achieve nothing and leaving officers and soldiers wounded and crippled. Now an order has again been issued for another campaign, and those who hear it are all fearful. From antiquity when raising troops one must heed Heaven's seasons. Even on the level land of the central plains one still avoids midsummer; Jiao and Guang are lands of malarial heat and poisonous vapors, and poisonous air harms men more than weapons. Now in the seventh month troops from all circuits are assembled at Jingjiang; by the time they reach Annam, deaths from disease will surely be many. In urgency or calm, meeting the enemy—how can one respond? Moreover Jiaozhi has no grain; water routes are hard to open; there are no carts, horses, oxen, or pack animals for transport, so land transport cannot be avoided. One man carries five dou of rice; going and returning, apart from his own food, the government gets half; for one hundred thousand shi, four hundred thousand men are needed—it can supply only one or two months. Transporting military grain, ship materials, and military supplies would require five or six hundred thousand people in all. Guangxi and Hunan are frequently requisitioned; the people are mostly scattered and dispersed. Even household orders for corvée cannot be fulfilled. Moreover Huguang is close at hand and stream-cave bandits are often numerous. If wicked men watch for an opening, once the great army goes out they may seize the moment and rebellion may arise. Though there are rear guards, men and horses are weak, exhausted, and aged, and it will be hard to respond to change. Why not discuss and weigh a completely secure strategy with military officers there who deeply know the situation? Otherwise, one will again tread the former track." When Japan was again attacked, Xuan again memorialized. The gist was, "Recently it was proposed to re-establish the Eastern Expedition Branch Secretariat and again raise troops against Japan. If this campaign does not cease, the state's security and danger depend on it. Sodu proposed attacking Champa; Haiya spoke of pacifying Jiaozhi. Within three or four years Huguang and Jiangxi supplied ships, military supplies, and grain transport; officials and people were greatly disturbed; bandit gangs rose together in Guangdong; soldiers went far through river and sea lands of malarial poison, and over half died or were wounded; even now connected campaigns have not ceased. Moreover Jiaozhi borders us—a tiny state. Sending an imperial prince to lead troops deep into its territory brought no reported merit; Sodu was killed by bandits, bringing shame on himself. Moreover Japan lies ten thousand li across the ocean; its territory is broad and distant—not comparable to those two states. This present expedition moves masses through danger. Even if no wind is encountered and one can reach the other shore—Japan's land is broad and its followers numerous and disorderly; their troops gather on four sides while our army has no support. If things go badly and one wishes to send rescue troops—can they fly across? The Sui attacked Goryeo with three great efforts, repeatedly suffered defeat, and lost armies of a million. Emperor Taizong of Tang, confident in his martial prowess, personally campaigned against Goryeo; though he took several cities and returned, he only added to his regret. Moreover Goryeo's Pyongyang and other cities all lie on land, not far from the central plains; with the masses of two states added, still they could not be conquered—how much less Japan, remote in a corner of the sea, separated from China by ten thousand li!" The emperor praised and accepted his words.
24
二十三年十二月,中書傳旨,議更鈔用錢,宣獻議曰:「原交鈔所起,漢、唐以來,皆未嘗有。 宋紹興初,軍餉不繼,造此以誘商旅,為沿邊糶買之計,比銅錢易於齎擎,民甚便之。 稍有滯礙,即用見錢,尚存古人子母相權之意。 日增月益,其法浸弊,欲求目前速效,未見良策。 新鈔必欲創造,用權舊鈔,只是改換名目,無金銀作本稱提,軍國支用,不復抑損,三數年後亦如元寶矣。 宋、金之弊,足為殷鑑。 鑄造銅錢,又當詳究。 秦、漢、隋、唐、金、宋利病,著在史策,不待縷陳。 國朝廢錢已久,一旦行之,功費不貲,非為遠計。 大抵利民權物,其要自不妄用始,若欲濟丘壑之用,非惟鑄造不敷,抑亦不久自弊矣。」 屬桑哥謀立尚書省,以專國柄,錢議遂罷。
In the twelfth month of the twenty-third year, the Secretariat transmitted an edict to discuss changing paper money and using coin. Xuan submitted his opinion, "Originally paper money arose—since Han and Tang, there never was such a thing. In the early Shaoxing period of Song, military pay could not continue; paper money was created to entice merchants and travelers as a plan for border grain purchase. Compared with copper cash it was easier to carry, and the people found it very convenient. When there was slight obstruction, hard cash was immediately used, still preserving the ancient idea of parent and child currencies mutually balancing. Day by day it increased and month by month it grew until the method gradually decayed. Seeking quick effect before one's eyes, no good plan is seen. If new notes must be created, using old notes as weight is only changing names. Without gold and silver as backing for redemption, military and state expenditures are not reduced—in three or four years they will be like the Yuanbao notes. The failures of Song and Jin are sufficient warning. Casting copper cash should also be thoroughly investigated. The benefits and harms of Qin, Han, Sui, Tang, Jin, and Song are recorded in historical annals and need not be listed in detail. Our dynasty has abolished coin long ago; to implement it at once would cost immeasurable effort and is not a plan for the long term. Generally speaking, to benefit the people and balance goods, the key begins with not using recklessly. If one wishes to fill the bottomless pits of expenditure, not only will casting not suffice—it will soon decay on its own." Just then Sangge plotted to establish the Ministry to monopolize state power, and the coin discussion was dropped.
25
二十五年,由集賢學士除行台御史中丞。 時江浙行省丞相忙古台悍戾縱恣,常慮台臣糾言其罪,而尤忌宣。 一日,御史大夫與中丞出建康城,點視軍船,群御史從。 有以軍船載葦者,御史張諒詰之,知為行省官所使,詣揚州覆實。 忙古台盛怒,即圖報復。 時大夫之父,官於屬郡,隨被按劾。 遣其黨造建康,伺台中違失,台官皆竦懼,陰往懇求自解,惟宣屹然不動。 忙古台怨宣愈甚,羅織宣之子,系揚州獄。 又令建康酒務、淘金等官及錄事司官以罪免者,誣告行台沮壞錢糧,以聞於朝,必欲置宣死地。 朝廷為遣官二員,置獄於行省,鞫問其事。 宣及御史六人俱就逮。 既登舟,行省以軍船列兵衛驅迫之,至則分異各處,不使往來。 九月朔,宣自剄於舟中。
In the twenty-fifth year, from Academician of the Hall of Worthies he was appointed Supervising Censor-in-Chief of the Branch Secretariat. At the time the Chief Counselor of the Jiang-Zhe Branch Secretariat, Manggotai, was fierce, perverse, and unrestrained. He constantly feared that censorial officials would impeach his crimes, and especially hated Xuan. One day the Supervising Censor-in-Chief and the Censor-in-Chief went out of Jiankang city to inspect military ships, and the censors all followed. Someone was using military ships to carry reeds. Censor Zhang Liang questioned this and learned they were sent by Branch Secretariat officials; he went to Yangzhou to verify. Manggotai was furious and immediately plotted revenge. At the time the Supervising Censor's father held office in a subordinate prefecture and was immediately impeached and investigated. He sent his followers to Jiankang to watch for violations in the censorate; the censorial officials were all fearful and secretly went to plead for self-exoneration—only Xuan stood firm unmoved. Manggotai hated Xuan all the more, fabricated charges against Xuan's son, and imprisoned him in Yangzhou jail. He also had dismissed officials of the Jiankang wine bureau, gold-panning bureau, and record office falsely accuse the Branch Secretariat of obstructing and damaging funds and grain, reporting to court—determined to bring Xuan to death. The court therefore dispatched two officials and established a prison at the Branch Secretariat to interrogate the matter. Xuan and six censors were all arrested. After boarding the boat, the Branch Secretariat used military ships arrayed with guards to drive and press them. When they arrived they were separated to different places and not allowed to communicate. On the first day of the ninth month, Xuan cut his own throat in the boat.
26
始宣將行時,書後事緘付從子自誠,令勿啟視。 宣死,視其書,辭云:「觸怒大臣,誣構成罪,豈能與經斷小人交口辯訟,屈膝為容於怨家之前。 身為台臣,義不受辱,當自引決,但不獲以身殉國為恨耳。 嗚呼! 天乎! 實鑑此心。」 且別有公文言忙古台罪狀,後得其稿,塗注勾抹,辭句難辨。 前治書侍御史霍肅為敘次其文,讀者悲憤。
When Xuan was about to depart, he wrote his final affairs, sealed them, and gave them to his nephew Zicheng, ordering him not to open them. After Xuan died, they looked at his writing. The text said, "Having offended a great minister and been falsely framed into guilt, how could I cross words in argument with petty men tried by law, bow the knee and make a show before my enemy's family? As a censorial official, by duty I cannot accept disgrace; I should take my own life—only that I could not die for the state is my regret. Alas! Heaven! Truly witness this heart." Moreover there was a separate official document stating Manggotai's crimes. Later his draft was obtained; with emendations, check marks, and deletions, the words were hard to distinguish. Former Investigating Censor Huo Su arranged and ordered his text; readers were grieved and indignant.
27
宣既引決,行省白於朝,以為宣知罪重自殺。 前後構成其事者,郎中張斯立也。 然宣忠義節操,為世所重,聞者莫不嗟悼。 延祐四年,從子自持上宣行實,御史臺以聞,制贈資善大夫、御史中丞、上護軍,追封彭城郡公,諡忠憲。
After Xuan had taken his own life, the Branch Secretariat reported to court that Xuan knew his guilt was heavy and killed himself. The one who from beginning to end fabricated this affair was Director Zhang Sili. Yet Xuan's loyalty, righteousness, and integrity were valued by the age; those who heard were all sighing in grief. In the fourth year of the Yanyou reign, his nephew Zichi submitted Xuan's conduct and deeds; the Censorate reported to court. By decree he was posthumously granted Zishan Doctor, Supervising Censor-in-Chief, and Senior Guardian General, ennobled as Duke of Pengcheng Commandery with the posthumous name Zhongxian.
28
○何榮祖
He Rongzu
29
何榮祖,字繼先,其先太原人。 父瑛,金貞祐間試文法入優等,補吏,後授明威將軍,守鉅鹿尹,權軍器監主事。 金亡,徙家廣平。 榮祖狀貌魁偉,額有赤文如雙樹,背負隆起。 有相者謂曰:「子位極人臣,且壽相也。」 何氏世業吏,榮祖尤所通習,遂以吏累遷中書省掾,擢御史臺都事。 始折節讀書,日記數千言。 阿合馬方用事,置總庫於其家,以收四方之利,號曰和市。 監察御史範方等斥其非,論甚力。 阿合馬知榮祖主其謀,奏為左右司都事以隸己。 未幾,御史臺除治書侍御史,升侍御史,又出為山東按察使,而阿合馬莫逞其志矣。
He Rongzu, styled Jixian, was descended from men of Taiyuan. His father Ying, during the Zhenyou period of Jin, tested in literary law and entered the superior grade, was appointed clerk, and later was granted Bright Authority General, served as Administrator of Julu, and acted as Chief Clerk of the Military Equipment Directorate. When the Jin fell, the family moved to Guangping. Rongzu was tall and imposing; on his forehead was a red mark like twin trees, and his back humped upward. A physiognomist said to him, "You will reach the highest rank among men and also have the physiognomy of long life." The He family had clerkship as a hereditary occupation, and Rongzu was especially versed in it. He therefore rose through clerk posts to clerk of the Secretariat and was promoted to Chief Clerk of the Censorate. He then applied himself to reading books, recording several thousand words daily. Ahmad was then in power; he established a general treasury in his home to collect profits from all directions, called Harmonious Market. Supervising Censor Fan Fang and others denounced its wrongness and argued very forcefully. Ahmad knew Rongzu had masterminded this and memorialized to appoint him Chief Clerk of the Left and Right Offices to subordinate him to himself. Before long the Censorate appointed him Investigating Censor, promoted him to Attending Censor, and then sent him out as Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for Shandong—and Ahmad could no longer carry out his intent.
30
有帖木剌思者,以貪墨為僉事李唐卿所劾。 帖木剌思計無所出,適濟南有上變告者,唐卿察其妄,取訟牒焚之。 帖木剌思乃摭取為辭,告唐卿縱反者,逮係數十人。 獄久不決,詔榮祖與左丞郝禎、參政耿仁傑鞫之。 榮祖得其情,欲抵告者罪。 禎、仁傑議以失口亂言之罪坐之,榮祖不可。 俄遷河南按察使,二執政竟以失口亂言杖其人,而株連者俱得釋,唐卿之誣遂白。 平涼府言有南人二十餘輩叛歸江南,安西行省欲上聞,會榮祖來為參政,止之曰:「何必上聞朝廷,此輩去者皆人奴耳,今聞江南平,遁往求其家,移文召捕之可也。」 已而逃者俱獲,果人奴也,治以本罪而付其主。 其於事明決多類此。 除雲南行省參知政事,以母老辭。 又拜御史中丞,復出為山東東西道按察使。
There was one Temür Si who was impeached for embezzlement by Commissioner Li Tangqing. Temür Si could think of no way out. Just then in Jinan someone reported a rebellion; Tangqing saw it was false, took the lawsuit documents, and burned them. Temür Si then picked out phrases to make a case and accused Tangqing of releasing rebels; several dozen people were arrested and bound. The case long went unresolved. An edict ordered Rongzu, together with Left Director Hao Zhen and Vice Director Geng Renjie, to try it. Rongzu got the facts and wished to punish the accuser. Zhen and Renjie proposed to punish him with the crime of loose speech and disorderly words; Rongzu would not agree. Soon Rongzu was transferred to Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for Henan. The two administrators ultimately beat the man for loose speech and disorderly words; those implicated were all released, and Tangqing's false accusation was cleared. Pingliang Prefecture reported that over twenty southerners had rebelled and returned to Jiangnan. The Anxi Branch Secretariat wished to report to court. When Rongzu came as Vice Director, he stopped them, saying, "Why must this be reported to court? Those who left are all human slaves. Now hearing Jiangnan is pacified, they fled to seek their families—send documents to summon and capture them." Before long the fugitives were all captured; they were indeed human slaves, punished according to their original crime and returned to their masters. In affairs he was clear and decisive—mostly like this. He was appointed Vice Director of the Yunnan Branch Secretariat but declined on grounds of his mother's age. He was again appointed Supervising Censor-in-Chief and sent out as Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for the Shandong East and West Circuit.
31
時宣慰使樂實、姚演開膠州海道,有制禁戢諸人沮撓,糧舶遇暴風多漂覆。 樂實弗信,督諸漕卒償之,搒掠慘毒,自殺者相繼。 按察官懼違制,莫敢言。 榮祖曰:「第言之,若朝廷見譴,吾自當之。」 即草辭以奏,詔免其徵。 召入為尚書參知政事。 時桑哥專政,亟於理算錢穀,人受其害。 榮祖請罷之,帝不從,屢懇請不已,乃稍緩之。 而畿內民苦尤甚,榮祖每以為辭。 同僚曰:「上既為免諸路,惟未及在京,可少止勿言也。」 榮祖執愈堅,至於忤旨不少屈,竟不署其牘。 未踰月,而害民之弊皆聞,帝乃思榮祖言,召問所宜。 榮祖請於歲終立局考校,人以為便,立為常式,詔賜以鈔萬一千貫。 榮祖條中外有官規程,欲矯時敝,桑哥抑不為通。 榮祖既與之異議,乃以病告,特授集賢大學士。 未幾,起為尚書右丞。 桑哥敗,改中書右丞。 奏行所定《至元新格》,請改提刑按察司為肅政廉訪司,而立監治之法。 又上言:「國家用度不可不足,天下百姓不可不安。 今理財者弗顧民力之困,言治者弗圖國計之大。 且當用之人恆多,而得用之人恆少。 要之,省部實為根本,必擇材而用之。 按察司雖監臨一道,其職在於除蠹弊、安斯民,苟有弗至,則省台又當遣官體察之,庶有所益。」 帝深然之。 屢以老疾乞解機務,詔免署事,惟預議中書而食其祿。 尋拜昭文館大學士,預中書省事,又加平章政事。 以水旱請罷,不允。
At the time Pacification Commissioners Yue Shi and Yao Yan opened the Jiaozhou sea route. There was a regulation forbidding anyone to obstruct and hinder; grain ships encountering violent winds were often washed away and capsized. Yue Shi did not believe this and pressed the transport laborers to compensate; beating and plundering were cruel and poisonous, and suicides followed one after another. The investigation officials feared violating the regulation and none dared speak. Rongzu said, "Just speak of it. If the court reproaches us, I will take responsibility myself." He immediately drafted a memorial and submitted it; an edict exempted the levy. He was summoned to serve as Vice Director of the Ministry. At the time Sangge monopolized government and urgently pursued auditing of funds and grain; people suffered from it. Rongzu requested its abolition; the emperor did not agree. He repeatedly pleaded without cease, and it was then slightly relaxed. But the people's suffering within the capital region was especially severe; Rongzu often used this as his argument. Colleagues said, "The emperor has already exempted the circuits; only the capital has not been included. You could stop speaking for a while." Rongzu held all the more firmly, even opposing the imperial intent without the slightest yielding, and ultimately would not sign the documents. Within a month the harms to the people were all heard; the emperor then thought of Rongzu's words and summoned him to ask what should be done. Rongzu requested establishing an office at year's end for examination and verification; people thought it convenient. It was established as a regular practice, and an edict bestowed eleven thousand strings of paper money. Rongzu itemized regulations for officials within and without, wishing to correct the abuses of the age; Sangge suppressed them and would not transmit them. Rongzu, having disagreed with him, then reported illness and was specially granted Grand Academician of the Hall of Worthies. Before long he was recalled as Right Director of the Ministry. When Sangge fell, he was changed to Right Director of the Secretariat. He memorialized to implement the established New Regulations of the Zhiyuan reign, requested changing the Commission for the Investigation of Crimes to the Commission for Rectifying Governance and Investigating Corruption, and established methods of supervisory governance. He again memorialized, "State expenditures cannot be insufficient; the common people under Heaven cannot be insecure. Now those who manage wealth do not consider the people's labor exhausted; those who speak of governance do not plan for the state's great accounting. Moreover those who ought to be used are always many, while those who can be used are always few. In sum, the secretariat and ministries are truly the root; one must select talent and use it. Though the Commission for the Investigation of Crimes supervises a circuit, its duty is to remove corruption and secure the people. If it falls short, the secretariat and censorate should again dispatch officials to investigate on the spot—perhaps there will be some benefit." The emperor deeply agreed. He repeatedly begged to be relieved of key affairs on grounds of age and illness. An edict exempted him from signing documents; he only participated in Secretariat deliberation and received his salary. Soon he was appointed Grand Academician of the Hall of Exalted Literature, participated in Secretariat affairs, and was further made Vice Director. On grounds of flood and drought he requested dismissal; it was not granted.
32
先是,榮祖奉旨定《大德律令》,書成已久,至是乃得請於上,詔元老大臣聚聽之。 未及頒行,適子秘書少監惠沒,遂歸廣平,卒,年七十九。 贈光祿大夫、大司徒、柱國,追封趙國公,諡文憲。
Earlier, Rongzu had received an edict to compile the Statutes and Commands of the Dade reign; the book had been completed long ago. Only now was he able to request approval from the throne; an edict ordered senior ministers to gather and hear it. Before it could be promulgated, his son Hui, Vice Director of the Secretariat, died. He then returned to Guangping and died, aged seventy-nine. He was posthumously granted Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Grand Minister of Education, and Pillar of the State, ennobled as Duke of Zhao with the posthumous name Wenxian.
33
榮祖身至大官,而僦第以居,飲器用青瓷杯。 中宮聞之,賜以上尊,及金五十兩、銀五百兩、鈔二萬五千貫,俾置器買宅,以旌其廉。 所著書,有《大畜》十集,又有《學易記》、《載道集》、《觀物外篇》等書。
Though Rongzu reached high office, he rented a residence to live in and used celadon cups for drinking vessels. The empress heard of this and bestowed fine wine, as well as fifty taels of gold, five hundred taels of silver, and twenty-five thousand strings of paper money, ordering him to buy vessels and a residence to honor his integrity. Books he authored include ten collections of Great Accumulation, and also Records of Learning the Changes, Collection of Bearing the Way, Outer Chapters on Observing Things, and other books.
34
○陳思濟
Chen Siji
35
陳思濟,字濟民,柘城人也。 幼讀書,即曉大義,以才器見稱於時輩間。 世祖在潛邸,聞其名,召之以備顧問; 既即位,始建省部,俾掌敷奏。 世祖以京兆為國重鎮,命廉希憲等行中書省於陝西。 思濟實與偕行,多所贊畫。 中統三年,詔誅王文統,召廉希憲入中書,思濟還,仍掌敷奏。 事無鉅細,悉就準繩,姚樞、許衡皆器重之。 會阿合馬入省,恥其位在希憲左,每欲肆意而行,希憲守正不從。 及希憲去位,省臣晨集,掾屬皆憚阿合馬,莫敢前。 思濟獨先以文牘進,阿合馬輒於希憲位署押,思濟遽掩以手曰:「此非君相署位也。」 阿合馬怒目視之,眾為之懼,思濟神色自若。 除右司都事,從希憲行省山東,未幾召還。 至元五年,分命中書省總百揆,御史臺正百官,一時黜陟登庸,憲章程式,多出其手。 遷承務郎、同知高唐州事,以績最聞,拜監察御史。 時阿合馬立尚書省,權在中書右。 思濟與魏初等劾其不法,帝命近臣正之。 御史各以次對,思濟獨厲聲曰:「御史言官也,非為辨訟設!」 拂袖而出。 授奉訓大夫、知沁州,為政簡要,不務苛察。 遷中順大夫、同知紹興路總管府事,承檄讞獄。 桐廬有囚羸瘠將死,縱遣還家,候期來決,囚拜請曰:「聞公名久矣,若不早決,恐終不可保。」 為閱其案而釋之。 轉同知兩浙都轉運司事,胥吏侵漁,民困於賦役,悉蠲除之。 調陝西漢中道提刑按察副使,丁母憂去官。 二十三年,加少中大夫、同知浙東道宣慰司事。 時浙西大水,民飢,浙東倉廩殷實,即轉輸以賑之,全活者眾,檄上中書,奏允之。 浙東复旱,禱於名山,雨大澍,民賴以蘇。 兩淮鹽課不敷,授嘉議大夫、兩淮都轉運使,姦弊盡革,商賈通行,歲課以足。 擢嶺北湖南道肅政廉訪使,改池州路總管。 江浙行省平章也速答兒威勢赫然,摘淘金戶三千,括民間田畝,檄下,力上章以止之。 累遷通議大夫、僉河南江北等處行中書省事。 大德五年冬,以疾卒,年七十。 贈正議大夫、吏部尚書、上輕車都尉,追封潁川郡侯,諡文肅。
Chen Siji, styled Jimin, was a native of Zhecheng. From youth when he read books he immediately understood great principles; for talent and capacity he was praised among his contemporaries. When Kublai was in the princely establishment, he heard his name and summoned him to serve as adviser; after he ascended the throne and first established the secretariat and ministries, he had Siji manage memorial submissions. Kublai, taking Jingzhao as a crucial stronghold of the state, ordered Lian Xixian and others to operate the Branch Secretariat in Shaanxi. Siji actually went together with them and contributed much to planning. In the third year of the Zhongtong reign, an edict ordered the execution of Wang Wentong and summoned Lian Xixian into the Secretariat. Siji returned and still managed memorial submissions. Matters great and small all followed the standard measure; Yao Shu and Xu Heng both valued him highly. When Ahmad entered the secretariat, he was ashamed that his position was to Lian Xixian's left and always wished to act as he pleased; Xixian upheld rectitude and would not follow. When Xixian left his post, the secretariat officials gathered in the morning; the clerks all feared Ahmad and none dared go forward. Siji alone first advanced with the documents. Ahmad immediately signed and sealed at Xixian's seat. Siji quickly covered it with his hand and said, "This is not the lord counselor's seat for signing." Ahmad glared at him in anger; the crowd was fearful for him, but Siji's expression was calm as ever. He was appointed Chief Clerk of the Right Office, followed Xixian to operate the Branch Secretariat in Shandong, and before long was recalled. In the fifth year of the Zhiyuan reign, when the Secretariat was ordered to oversee all government and the Censorate to rectify all officials, the dismissals, promotions, and appointments of the time, and the censorial regulations and forms, mostly came from his hand. He was transferred to Gentleman-of-Service and Vice Prefect of Gaotang Prefecture; for outstanding performance he was appointed Supervising Censor. At the time Ahmad established the Ministry; its authority was to the right of the Secretariat. Siji together with Wei Chu and others impeached his lawlessness; the emperor ordered close ministers to rectify it. The censors each responded in turn; Siji alone said in a stern voice, "Censors are speaking officials—they are not established for arguing lawsuits!" He swept his sleeve and went out. He was granted Fengxun Doctor and appointed Prefect of Qin Prefecture. His governance was simple and essential; he did not pursue harsh scrutiny. He was transferred to Zhongshun Doctor and Vice Administrator of Shaoxing Circuit; he received an order to try cases. In Tonglu there was a prisoner emaciated and near death. He was released to go home, to return when the term came for judgment. The prisoner bowed and pleaded, "I have long heard your name. If judgment is not made early, I fear I ultimately cannot be preserved." He reviewed the case and released him. He was transferred to Vice Commissioner of the Zhejiang Transport Commission. Clerks plundered and the people were distressed by levies and corvée; he abolished them all. He was transferred to Vice Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for the Shaanxi Hanzhong Circuit and left office on mourning for his mother. In the twenty-third year, he was granted Lesser Zhong Doctor and made Vice Commissioner of the Zhedong Pacification Commission. At the time western Zhejiang had great flood and the people were hungry; eastern Zhejiang's granaries were full. He immediately transported grain to relieve them; many were preserved alive. He reported to the Secretariat by dispatch; the memorial was approved. Eastern Zhejiang again had drought; he prayed at famous mountains and great rain fell; the people relied on this to recover. The salt revenue of the Two Huai was insufficient. He was granted Jiayi Doctor and Commissioner of the Two Huai Transport Commission; corruption was entirely reformed, merchants passed freely, and annual revenue was made sufficient. He was promoted to Commissioner for Rectifying Governance and Investigating Corruption of the Lingbei Hunan Circuit and changed to Chief Administrator of Chizhou Circuit. Vice Director of the Jiang-Zhe Branch Secretariat Yesudar's power and prestige were dazzling. He conscripted three thousand gold-panning households and registered civilian fields. When the dispatch came down, Siji forcefully memorialized to stop it. He was repeatedly promoted to Tongyi Doctor and Commissioner of the Branch Secretariat of Henan, Jiangbei, and other places. In the winter of the fifth year of the Dade reign, he died of illness, aged seventy. He was posthumously granted Zhengyi Doctor, Minister of Personnel, and Senior Commandant of Chariots, ennobled as Marquis of Yingchuan Commandery with the posthumous name Wensu.
36
子誠襲,廕入官,拜監察御史、朝列大夫、僉廣西道肅政廉訪司事。
His son Chengxi inherited privilege, entered office by yin privilege, and was appointed Supervising Censor, Chaolie Doctor, and Commissioner of the Guangxi Commission for Rectifying Governance and Investigating Corruption.
37
○秦長卿
Qin Zhangqing
38
秦長卿,洛陽人也。 姿貌魁特,性倜儻,有大志。 世祖在京兆潛籓,已聞其名,既即位,務收攬時才,以布衣徵至京師。 長卿尚風節,好論事,與劉宣同在宿衛,以氣岸相高。 是時尚書省立,阿合馬專政,長卿上書曰:「臣愚贛,能識阿合馬,其為政擅生殺人,人畏憚之,固莫敢言,然怨毒亦已甚矣。 觀其禁絕異議,杜塞忠言,其情似秦趙高; 私蓄逾公家貲,覬覦非望,其事似漢董卓。 《春秋》人臣無將,請及其未發,誅之為便。」 事下中書。 阿合馬為人便佞,善伺人主意,又其貲足以動人,中貴人力為救解,事遂寢,然由是大恨長卿。 除興和宣德同知鐵冶事,竟誣以折閱課額數万緡,逮長卿下吏,籍其家產償官,又使獄吏殺之。 獄吏濡紙塞其口鼻,即死。 未幾,王著聚徒殺阿合馬。 帝后悟,亦追罪之,斬棺戮屍,並誅其子,而長卿冤終不白。
Qin Zhangqing was a native of Luoyang. He was tall and imposing in appearance, free and unrestrained in nature, and had great ambition. When Kublai was in the princely establishment at Jingzhao, he had already heard his name. After ascending the throne, striving to gather talent of the age, he was summoned to the capital as a commoner. Zhangqing valued integrity and bearing, loved to discuss affairs, and together with Liu Xuan was in palace guard service, each holding the other's lofty spirit in esteem. At that time the Ministry was established and Ahmad monopolized government. Zhangqing submitted a memorial, "Your subject is foolish and dull, yet can recognize Ahmad. In his governance he usurps the power of life and death; people fear and dread him, so none dare speak—but resentment and poison are already extreme. Observing how he forbids dissent and blocks loyal words, his disposition resembles Qin dynasty's Zhao Gao; his private accumulation exceeds public wealth and he covets what he should not hope for—his conduct resembles Han dynasty's Dong Zhuo. The Spring and Autumn Annals says a minister must not have rebellious intent—please, before it erupts, execute him; that would be convenient." The matter was referred to the Secretariat. Ahmad was a man of smooth flattery, skilled at observing others' intentions; moreover his wealth was sufficient to move people. Inner court eunuchs exerted themselves to save and exonerate him; the matter was then dropped—but from this he greatly hated Zhangqing. He was appointed Vice Commissioner of Iron Smelting for Xinghe and Xunde, but was ultimately falsely accused of reducing revenue quotas by tens of thousands of strings; Zhangqing was arrested and handed to officials, his family property registered to compensate the state, and prison officers were made to kill him. The prison officer soaked paper and stuffed his mouth and nose; he immediately died. Before long Wang Zhu gathered followers and killed Ahmad. The emperor and empress came to understand and also pursued punishment against him—breaking the coffin and dismembering the corpse, and executing his sons as well—but Zhangqing's injustice was never cleared.
39
長卿從子山甫,為建康府判官,聞長卿冤狀,即日棄官去,累薦不起以卒。 山甫子從龍,仕至南台治書侍御史; 從德,江浙行省參知政事。
Zhangqing's nephew Shanfu was an assistant administrator of Jiankang Prefecture. Hearing of Zhangqing's unjust case, he immediately abandoned office and left; repeatedly recommended, he never took office and died. Shanfu's son Conglong served up to Investigating Censor of the Southern Branch Secretariat; Congde served as Vice Director of the Jiang-Zhe Branch Secretariat.
40
○趙與蒨
Zhao Yuqian
41
趙與蒨,字晦叔,宋宗室子,嘗登進士第,為鄂州教授。 至元十一年,丞相伯顏既渡江,與蒨率其宗人之在鄂州者,詣軍門上書,力陳不嗜殺人可以一天下,且乞全其宗黨。 後伯顏朝京師,世祖問宋宗室之賢者,伯顏首以與蒨對。 十三年秋九月,遣使召至上京,幅巾深衣以見,言宋敗亡之故,悉由誤用權奸,詞旨激切,令人感動。 世祖念之,即授翰林待制。 朝廷立法,多所諮訪,與蒨忠言讜論,無所顧惜。 進直學士,轉侍講。 疏陳江南科斂急督,移括大姓,宋世丘壟暴露,皆大臣擅易明詔所為。 二十七年,京師霧四塞; 明年正月甲寅,虎入南城。 與蒨又疏言權臣專正之咎,退而家居待罪。 未幾桑哥敗,平章不忽木奏與蒨貧窶有守,有抱負,世祖曰:「得非指權臣為虎者邪?」 錫鈔萬三千貫,歲給其妻子衣糧。 後累遷翰林學士。 其伯祖師淵,嘗從硃熹學,家庭受授,具有端緒,於是與許衡論尹洛閫奧,衡雅敬之。
Zhao Yuqian, styled Huishu, was a member of the Song imperial clan. He had passed the jinshi examination and served as Instructor of E Prefecture. In the eleventh year of the Zhiyuan reign, after Chief Counselor Bayan had crossed the Yangzi, Yuqian led the clansmen of his house who were in E Prefecture to the army gate to submit a memorial, forcefully arguing that refraining from bloodshed could unify all under Heaven, and also begging that his clan be preserved. Later when Bayan came to court at the capital, Kublai asked about worthy men among the Song imperial clan, and Bayan first named Yuqian. In the ninth month of autumn of the thirteenth year, envoys were dispatched to summon him to Shangdu. Wearing a scholar's wide cloth headband and deep robes he had audience, speaking of the causes of Song's defeat and fall—all from mistakenly employing powerful scoundrels. His words were sharp and urgent, and deeply moving. Kublai was impressed and immediately appointed him Attending Draftsman of the Hanlin Academy. When the court established laws, it often consulted him; Yuqian offered loyal and forthright opinions without reservation. He was promoted to Direct Academician and transferred to Lecturer-in-Attendance. In a memorial he stated that in Jiangnan levies were urgently pressed, great clans were moved and registered, and Song-era tombs and mounds were exposed—all done by great ministers who on their own authority altered clear edicts. In the twenty-seventh year, fog filled the capital on all sides; in the first month of the next year, on the day jiayin, a tiger entered the southern city. Yuqian again memorialized on the fault of powerful ministers monopolizing governance, then retired and stayed home awaiting punishment. Before long Sangge fell. Vice Director Buqumu memorialized that Yuqian, though poor, had integrity and ambition. Kublai said, "Could this not be the one who called powerful ministers tigers?" He bestowed thirteen thousand strings of paper money and annually supplied his wife and children with clothing and grain. Later he rose to Academician of the Hanlin Academy. His granduncle Shi Yuan had once studied with Zhu Xi, and instruction received in the family had clear foundations. Thereupon he discussed with Xu Heng the inner mysteries of the Cheng-Yi and Luoyang schools, and Heng deeply respected him.
42
與蒨既老,成宗命特官其子孟實以終養。 大德七年,以疾卒。 家貧無以為葬,成宗命有司賻鈔五千貫,給舟軍,還葬台州之黃岩。 贈通議大夫、禮部尚書、上輕車都尉、天水郡侯,諡文簡。
When Yuqian had grown old, Chengzong ordered his son Mengshi specially appointed to office so he could complete his filial care. In the seventh year of the Dade reign, he died of illness. The family was poor and had no means for burial. Chengzong ordered the officials to grant five thousand strings of paper money as funeral aid, provide boats and troops, and return him for burial at Huangyan in Taizhou. He was posthumously granted Tongyi Doctor, Minister of Rites, Senior Commandant of Chariots, and Marquis of Tianshui Commandery with the posthumous name Wenjian.
43
○姚天福
Yao Tianfu
44
姚天福,字君祥,絳州人。 父居實,避兵徙雁門。 天福幼讀《春秋》,通大義。 及長,以材辟懷仁丞。 至元五年,詔立御史臺,以天福為閣管勾,尋拜監察御史。 每廷折權臣,帝嘉其直,錫名巴兒思,謂其不畏強悍,猶虎也。 仍厚賜以旌其忠,天福曰:「臣職居抨彈,惟負爵祿是懼,敢貪厚賞,以重臣罪?」 時御史臺置二大夫,綱紀無統,天福言於世祖曰:「古稱一蛇九尾,首動尾隨; 一蛇二首,不能寸進。 今台綱不張,有一蛇二首之患。 陛下不急拯之,久則紊不可理。」 帝詔玉速帖木兒及孛羅諭之,孛羅以年幼自劾。 天福時按行畿內,有出使者凌民取賄,天福乃易服間行得其狀,奏戮之以徇,豪右懾服。 十二年,詔罷各道按察司,天福白大夫玉速帖木兒曰:「是司之設,所以廣視聽、虞非常,慮至深遠,不但繩有司而已也。」 大夫駭然曰:「微公言,幾失之。」 夜入帝臥內,奏其言,帝大悟,詔復立之。 權臣不悅,左遷天福朝列大夫、衡州路同知,不就,起為河東道提刑按察副使。 時北鄙兵興,轉輸煩急,河東民苦徭役。 天福以反側為憂,劾執政失計,奏罷其役。 徵拜中順大夫、治書侍御史。
Yao Tianfu, styled Junxiang, was a native of Jiang Prefecture. His father Jushi, fleeing warfare, moved to Yanmen. From youth Tianfu read the Spring and Autumn Annals and understood its great principles. When grown, for his talent he was recruited as Assistant of Huairen. In the fifth year of the Zhiyuan reign, an edict established the Censorate; Tianfu was made Pavilion Manager and soon appointed Supervising Censor. Each time in court he refuted powerful ministers; the emperor praised his directness and bestowed the name Barisi, saying he did not fear the strong and fierce—like a tiger. The emperor still richly rewarded him to honor his loyalty. Tianfu said, "Your subject's duty is impeachment; I fear only failing in rank and salary—how dare I greedily accept rich reward and thereby increase my crime as minister?" At the time the Censorate had two supervising censors and discipline had no unity. Tianfu said to Kublai, "Antiquity says one snake with nine tails—when the head moves the tails follow; one snake with two heads cannot advance an inch. Now the censorate's authority is not extended—there is the affliction of one snake with two heads. If Your Majesty does not urgently rescue it, in time disorder will become impossible to govern." The emperor ordered Yisutie'mur and Boluo to be instructed; Boluo impeached himself on grounds of youth. Tianfu at the time was inspecting within the capital region. There was an outgoing envoy who bullied the people and took bribes. Tianfu changed clothes and traveled secretly to get the facts, memorialized to execute him as a warning, and the powerful were awed into submission. In the twelfth year, an edict abolished the Commissions for the Investigation of Crimes in each circuit. Tianfu told Supervising Censor Yisutie'mur, "This office's establishment is to broaden sight and hearing and guard against the unexpected—consideration is deeply far-reaching; it is not merely to bind officials." The supervising censor said in alarm, "But for your words, we would nearly have lost it." That night he entered the emperor's sleeping quarters and memorialized his words; the emperor greatly understood and ordered it re-established. Powerful ministers were displeased and demoted Tianfu to Chaolie Doctor and Vice Administrator of Hengzhou Circuit; he did not take office and was recalled as Vice Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for the Hedong Circuit. At the time warfare arose on the northern frontier; transport was urgently burdensome and the people of Hedong suffered from corvée. Tianfu, worried about unrest, impeached the administrators for mistaken planning and memorialized to abolish the corvée. He was summoned and appointed Zhongshun Doctor and Investigating Censor.
45
十六年,江南既平,授嘉議大夫、淮西道按察使。 淮甸當兵衝,將吏有豪猾為民害者,悉剷除之,民大悅。 轉湖北道按察使,發省臣贓事數十以聞。 帝以其嘗有勳勞,特原之,而流其黨與,州郡稱治。 二十年,遷山北道按察使,其民鮮知稼穡,天福教以樹藝,皆致蕃富,民為建祠,而刻石以紀之。 二十二年,入為刑部尚書,尋出為揚州路總管。 二十六年,復為淮西按察使,按巨姦一人,沒其家貲,政化大行。 二十八年,桑哥敗,考訊黨援,平陽為多,以天福為平陽總管,俾窮治其事。 俄拜甘肅行省參知政事,以母老辭。 三十一年,授陝西漢中道肅政廉訪使,尋除真定路總管。 真定驛傳之需,多為民害,天福更議措置之方,使不擾民,憲長爭之。 省臣以其事聞,詔從之,頒其制為天下式。 大德二年,授江西行省參政,以疾辭。 四年,拜參知政事、大都路總管、兼大興府尹,畿甸大治。 後之尹京者,以天福為稱首。 六年,以疾卒,年七十三。
In the sixteenth year, when Jiangnan was pacified, he was granted Jiayi Doctor and Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for the Huaixi Circuit. The Huai region lay on the military crossroads; among officers and clerks there were fierce and cunning men who harmed the people—all were uprooted and removed, and the people were greatly pleased. He was transferred to Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for the Hubei Circuit and exposed several dozen cases of embezzlement by secretariat officials, reporting them to court. The emperor, because they had once had merit and labor, specially pardoned them but exiled their associates; prefectures and districts were called well governed. In the twentieth year, he was transferred to Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for the Shanbei Circuit. Its people rarely knew farming; Tianfu taught them planting and cultivation, and all became prosperous; the people built a shrine for him and carved stone to record it. In the twenty-second year, he entered service as Minister of Punishments; soon he went out as Chief Administrator of Yangzhou Circuit. In the twenty-sixth year, he again became Commissioner of the Investigation of Crimes for Huaixi; he investigated one great villain, confiscated his family wealth, and good governance was greatly practiced. In the twenty-eighth year, when Sangge fell, party associates were examined; Pingyang had the most. Tianfu was made Chief Administrator of Pingyang and ordered to thoroughly investigate the matter. Soon he was appointed Vice Director of the Gansu Branch Secretariat but declined on grounds of his mother's age. In the thirty-first year, he was granted Commissioner for Rectifying Governance and Investigating Corruption of the Shaanxi Hanzhong Circuit; soon he was appointed Chief Administrator of Zhending Circuit. The needs of Zhending's courier stations mostly harmed the people. Tianfu reconsidered methods of arrangement so as not to disturb the people; the censorial chief disputed it. Branch secretariat officials reported the matter; an edict followed it and promulgated its system as the model for all under Heaven. In the second year of the Dade reign, he was granted Vice Director of the Jiangxi Branch Secretariat but declined on grounds of illness. In the fourth year, he was appointed Vice Director, Chief Administrator of Dadu Circuit, and concurrently Prefect of Daxing Prefecture; the capital region was greatly well governed. Later prefects of the capital took Tianfu as foremost in reputation. In the sixth year, he died of illness, aged seventy-three.
46
初,天福拜御史時,其母戒之曰:「古稱公爾忘私,委質為臣,當罄所衷,以塞其職,勿以未亡人為卹,俾吾追踪陵母,死之日猶生之年也。」 天福亦請於憲府曰:「監察責當言路,有犯無隱,苟獲譴,乞不為親累。」 或以聞,帝歎曰:「巴兒思母子雖生今世,其義烈之言當於古人中求之。」
Initially, when Tianfu was appointed censor, his mother admonished him, "Antiquity says public duty makes one forget private interest. Having entrusted oneself as minister, one should exhaust one's innermost heart to fulfill the duty—do not take me, your not-yet-deceased mother, as cause for concern, so that I may follow the mother of Ling: the day of death would still be the year of life." Tianfu also requested of the censorate, "Supervising censors are responsible for the path of speech—if there is offense, do not hide it. If punishment is received, I beg that my kin not be implicated." This was reported; the emperor sighed and said, "Barisi and his mother, though living in the present age, their words of righteous valor should be sought among the ancients."
47
子祖舜,秘書監著作郎; 侃,內藏庫副使。
His son Zushun served as Compiler of the Secretariat Directorate; Kan served as Vice Commissioner of the Inner Treasury.
48
○許國禎
Xu Guozhen
49
許國禎,字進之,絳州曲沃人也。 祖濟,金絳州節度使。 父日嚴,榮州節度判官。 皆業醫。 國禎博通經史,尤精醫術。 金亂,避地嵩州永寧縣。 河南平,歸寓太原。 世祖在潛邸,國禎以醫徵至翰海,留守掌醫藥。 莊聖太后有疾,國禎治之,刻期而愈,乃張晏賜坐。 太后時年五十三,遂以白金鋌如年數賜之。 伯撒王妃病目,治者針誤損其明。 世祖怒,欲坐以死罪,國禎從容諫曰:「罪固當死,然原其情乃恐怖失次所致。 即誅之,後誰敢復進?」 世祖意解,且獎之曰:「國禎之直,可作諫官。」 宗王昔班屢請以國禎隸帳下,世祖重違其請,將遣之,辭曰:「國禎蒙恩拔擢,誓盡心以報,不敢易所事。」 乃不果遣。 世祖過飲馬湩,得足疾,國禎進藥味苦,卻不服,國禎曰:「古人有言:良藥苦口利於病,忠言逆耳利於行。」 已而足疾再作,召國禎入視,世祖曰:「不聽汝言,果困斯疾。」 對曰:「良藥苦口既知之矣,忠言逆耳願留意焉。」 世祖大悅,以七寶馬鞍賜之。
Xu Guozhen, styled Jinzhi, was a native of Quwo in Jiang Prefecture. His grandfather Ji was Military Commissioner of Jiang Prefecture under the Jin. His father Riyan was Adjutant Military Commissioner of Rong Prefecture. The family practiced medicine for generations. Guozhen broadly mastered the classics and histories and was especially skilled in medicine. When the Jin was in turmoil, he fled to Yongning County in Song Prefecture. When Henan was pacified, he returned and settled in Taiyuan. When Kublai was in the princely establishment, Guozhen was summoned as physician to Hanhai and remained to manage medicine. Empress Zhuang Sheng was ill; Guozhen treated her and she recovered on schedule. Thereupon a banquet was spread and he was granted a seat. The empress was then fifty-three; she therefore bestowed white gold ingots equal to her years. Princess Consort Bosa had an eye ailment; the treater's needle mistakenly damaged her sight. Kublai was angry and wished to punish with death. Guozhen calmly remonstrated, "The crime indeed deserves death, yet tracing the circumstances, it arose from terror and loss of composure. If he is executed now, who afterward will dare to advance?" Kublai's mind was eased, and he also praised him, "Guozhen's directness could serve as remonstrating official." Prince Xiban repeatedly requested that Guozhen be subordinated to his establishment. Kublai greatly wished not to refuse his request and was about to dispatch him. Guozhen declined, "Guozhen has received grace and elevation; I swear to exhaust my heart in repayment and dare not change whom I serve." He was then not dispatched after all. Kublai drank too much kumiss and got a foot ailment. Guozhen presented medicine that tasted bitter; he refused to take it. Guozhen said, "The ancients have a saying: good medicine is bitter in the mouth but benefits the illness; loyal words are harsh to the ear but benefit conduct." Before long the foot ailment recurred; Guozhen was summoned to examine him. Kublai said, "Not listening to your words, I was indeed afflicted by this illness." He replied, "You already know that good medicine is bitter in the mouth; please also heed that loyal words are harsh to the ear." Kublai was greatly pleased and bestowed on him a saddle of seven treasures.
50
憲宗三年癸丑,從征雲南,機密皆得參與,朝夕未嘗離左右。 或在告,帝輒為之不悅。 九年己未,世祖帥師圍鄂州,獲宋人數百族,諸將欲盡坑之,國禎力請止誅其凶暴,餘皆獲免。 及師還,招降民數十萬口,疲餓顛仆者滿道,國禎白髮蔡州軍儲糧賑之,全活甚眾。 世祖即位,錄前勞,授榮祿大夫、提點太醫院事,賜金符。 至元三年,改授金虎符。 十二年,遷禮部尚書。 國禎嘗上疏言:慎財賦、禁服色、明法律、嚴武備、設諫官、均衛兵、建學校、立朝儀,事多施行。 凡所薦引,皆知名士,士亦歸重之。 帝與近臣言及勳舊大臣,因謂國禎曰:「朕昔出征,同履艱難者,惟卿數人在爾。」 遂拜集賢大學士,進階光祿大夫。 每進見,帝呼為許光祿而不名,由是內外諸王大臣皆以許光祿呼之。 升翰林集賢大學士。 卒年七十六。 時大臣非有勳德為帝所知者,罕得贈諡,特贈國禎金紫光祿大夫,諡忠憲,人以為榮。 後加贈推誠廣德協恭翊亮功臣、翰林學士承旨、上柱國,追封薊國公。
In the third year of Möngke, year guichou, he followed the campaign against Yunnan; confidential matters he all participated in; morning and evening he never left Kublai's side. When he was on leave, the emperor was displeased on his account. In the ninth year, year jiwei, Kublai led troops to besiege E Prefecture and captured several hundred Song clans. The generals wished to bury them all alive; Guozhen forcefully pleaded to stop, executing only the violent and cruel—the rest were all spared. When the army returned, surrendered people numbered hundreds of thousands; the exhausted, hungry, and fallen filled the roads. Guozhen reported and dispatched Cai Prefecture military stores grain to relieve them; very many were preserved alive. When Kublai ascended the throne, he recorded former labor and appointed him Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and Commissioner of the Imperial Medical Academy, bestowing a gold tally. In the third year of the Zhiyuan reign, he was changed to a gold tiger tally. In the twelfth year, he was transferred to Minister of Rites. Guozhen once memorialized: be careful with finances and levies, forbid improper dress and colors, clarify laws, strengthen military preparedness, establish remonstrating officials, equalize guard troops, build schools, establish court ceremony—many matters were implemented. All those he recommended were famous scholars; scholars also looked to him with respect. The emperor, speaking with close ministers of meritorious old great ministers, then said to Guozhen, "When I formerly went on campaign, those who shared hardship with me are only you few." He was then appointed Grand Academician of the Hall of Worthies and advanced to Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. Each time he had audience, the emperor called him Grand Master Xu without using his name; from this inner and outer princes and great ministers all called him Grand Master Xu. He was promoted to Grand Academician of the Hanlin and Hall of Worthies. He died aged seventy-six. At the time great ministers who lacked merit and virtue known to the emperor rarely received posthumous ennoblement and posthumous names; Guozhen was specially posthumously granted Grand Master of the Gold Seal and Purple Ribbon with the posthumous name Zhongxian—people considered it an honor. Later he was further posthumously granted Meritorious Minister Who Pushed Sincerity, Broad Virtue, Harmonious Respect, and Assisting Brightness, Academician Expositor of the Hanlin Academy, and Senior Pillar of the State, ennobled as Duke of Ji.
51
初,國禎母韓氏,亦以能醫侍莊聖太后,又善調和食味,稱旨,凡四方所獻珍膳旨酒,皆命掌之。 太后閔其勞,賜以真定宅一區,歲給衣廩終身,國禎由是家焉。 子扆。
Initially, Guozhen's mother Lady Han, also skilled in medicine, attended Empress Zhuang Sheng; she was also good at harmonizing food flavors and accorded with the imperial intent. All rare delicacies and fine wines presented from the four directions were ordered managed by her. The empress pitied her labor and bestowed one residence in Zhending, supplying clothing and grain annually for life; Guozhen thereby made his home there. His son was Yi.
52
扆字君黼,一名忽魯火孫,從其父國禎事世祖於潛邸,進退莊重,世祖喜之,賜今名。 俾從許衡學,入備宿衛,忠慎小心。 嘗因事忤旨,欲罪之,帝后悔,謂近侍帖哥曰:「朕欲罪忽魯火孫,汝何不言? 汝二人自今結為兄弟,有所譴責,則更相進諫。」 乃置金酒中,賜二人飲,以為盟。 時裕宗居東宮,帝又諭忽魯火孫曰:「若太子罪汝,將誰諫耶?」 遂命東宮臣慶山奴亦同飲金酒。 俄除禮部尚書、提點太醫院事,賜日月龍鳳紋綺衣二襲。 每外國使至,必命與之語,辭理明辨,莫不傾服。 改尚醫太監。 帝嘗命畫工寫其像賜之。 轉正議大夫,仍提點太醫院事。
Yi, styled Junfu, also known as Huluhuosun, followed his father Guozhen in serving Kublai at the princely establishment. In comings and goings he was dignified and solemn, and Kublai was pleased and bestowed his present name. He was made to study with Xu Heng, entered palace guard service, and was loyal, cautious, and careful. Once because of a matter he opposed the imperial intent and was to be punished. The emperor later regretted it and said to close attendant Tiege, "I wished to punish Huluhuosun—why did you not speak? You two from now on shall be bound as brothers; when there is reproach or punishment, you shall remonstrate with one another in turn." He then placed gold in wine and bestowed it for the two to drink, making it a covenant. At the time Crown Prince Zong lived in the Eastern Palace. The emperor again instructed Huluhuosun, "If the crown prince punishes you, who will remonstrate?" He then ordered Eastern Palace minister Qingshannu also to drink the gold wine together. Soon he was appointed Minister of Rites and Commissioner of the Imperial Medical Academy and bestowed two suits of brocade robes patterned with sun, moon, dragon, and phoenix. Whenever foreign envoys arrived, he was always ordered to converse with them. His reasoning was clear and discerning, and none failed to be won over. He was reassigned as Director of the Imperial Physicians. The emperor once ordered painters to render his portrait and bestow it on him. He was transferred to Zhengyi Doctor while continuing as Commissioner of the Imperial Medical Academy.
53
有竊大安閣禮神之幣者,將誅之,群臣莫敢言,忽魯火孫獨諫曰:「敬神,善事也。 因置人於死地,臣恐神不享所祭。」 帝即命釋之。 忽魯火孫與丞相安童善,國政多所贊益,桑哥忌之,數譖於上,帝不之信。 桑哥敗,係於左掖門,帝命忽魯火孫往唾其面,辭不可,帝稱其仁厚,賜以白玉帶。 且諭之曰:「以汝明潔無瑕,有類此玉,故以賜汝也。」 成宗即位,遷中書右丞,行太常卿。 力辭,乃命以中書右丞署太常事。 俄改陝西行中書省右丞。 時關中飢,議發倉粟賑之,同列以未得請於朝不可,忽魯火孫曰:「民為邦本,今飢餒如此,若俟命下,無及矣。 擅發之罪,吾當獨任之,不以累公等。」 遂大發粟,不數日命亦下。 明年旱,禱於終南山而雨,歲以大熟,民皆畫像祀之。
Someone stole the ritual silks for honoring spirits at the Da'an Pavilion and was to be executed. None of the ministers dared speak; Huluhuosun alone remonstrated, "Revering the spirits is a good deed. Yet because of it to put a man to death—I fear the spirits will not accept the offering." The emperor immediately ordered him released. Huluhuosun was on good terms with Chief Counselor An Tong and contributed much to state affairs. Sangge envied him and repeatedly slandered him to the throne, but the emperor did not believe it. When Sangge fell, he was bound at the Left Flank Gate. The emperor ordered Huluhuosun to go spit in his face; he declined as improper. The emperor praised his benevolence and generosity and bestowed a white jade belt. Moreover he instructed him, "Because you are bright, pure, and without flaw, like this jade, therefore it is bestowed on you." When Chengzong ascended the throne, he was transferred to Right Director of the Secretariat and Acting Minister of Ceremonies. He forcefully declined and was then ordered as Right Director of the Secretariat to manage ceremonial affairs. Soon he was reassigned as Right Director of the Shaanxi Branch Secretariat. At the time Guanzhong was in famine and they discussed issuing granary grain to relieve it. Colleagues said permission from court had not been obtained and it could not be done. Huluhuosun said, "The people are the foundation of the state. Hunger and starvation are such now that if we wait for orders to come down, it will be too late. The crime of unauthorized issuance I shall bear alone and not implicate you gentlemen." Thereupon grain was greatly issued; within a few days the order also came down. The next year there was drought; he prayed at Mount Zhongnan and rain fell. The year had a great harvest, and the people all painted portraits to honor him.
54
忽魯火孫不事生業,田宅皆上所賜。 有足疾,不能行,仁宗以為先朝老臣,特敕乘小輿入禁中,訪以舊事。 後足益弱,不可出,每國有大政,詔使近侍即其家問之。 特授榮祿大夫、大司徒,食其祿終身。 贈推忠守正佐理功臣、光祿大夫、陝西
Huluhuosun did not engage in livelihood pursuits; his fields and residences were all bestowed by the emperor. He had a foot ailment and could not walk. Renzong, considering him an old minister of the former court, specially ordered him to ride a small palanquin into the forbidden precincts and consulted him on old affairs. Later his feet grew weaker and he could not go out. Whenever the state had great policies, an edict sent close attendants to his home to inquire. He was specially granted Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and Grand Minister of Education and received salary for life. He was posthumously granted Meritorious Minister Who Pushed Loyalty, Upheld Rectitude, and Assisted Governance, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and Shaanxi
55
等處行中書省平章政事、柱國,追封趙國公,諡僖簡。
and other places Branch Secretariat Vice Director, Pillar of the State, ennobled as Duke of Zhao with the posthumous name Xijian.