Volume 11 Biographies 3: Duke Hu of Jindang; Chi Luoxie; Feng Qian

晉蕩公護叱羅協馮遷

Duke Hu of Jin Yuwen Hu; Chi Luoxie; Feng Qian

及出臨夏州，留護事賀拔岳。岳之被害，太祖至平涼，以護為都督。從征侯莫陳悅，破之。後以迎魏帝功，封水池縣伯，邑五百戶。大統初，加通直散騎常侍、征虜將軍。以預定樂勳，進爵為公，增邑通前一千戶。從太祖擒竇泰，復弘農，破沙苑，戰河橋，並有功。遷鎮東將軍、大都督。八年，進車騎大將軍、儀同三司。邙山之役，護率衆先鋒，為敵人所圍，都督侯伏侯龍恩挺身扞禦，方得免。是時，趙貴等軍亦退，太祖遂班師。護坐免官，尋復本位。十二年，加驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，進封中山公，增邑四百戶。十五年，出鎮河東，遷大將軍。與于謹征江陵，護率輕騎為先鋒，晝夜兼行，乃遣裨將攻梁臨邊城鎮，並拔之。並擒其候騎，進兵徑至江陵城下。城中不意兵至，惶窘失圖。護又遣騎二千斷江津，收舟艦以待。大軍之至，圍而克之。以功封子會為江陵公。初，襄陽蠻帥向天保等萬有餘落，恃險作梗。及師還，護率軍討平之。初行六官，拜小司空。

When Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai went out to govern Xia Province, he left Yuwen Hu to serve Heba Yue. When Heba Yue was murdered, Yuwen Tai reached Pingliang and made Yuwen Hu commander. He followed in the campaign against Houmochen Yue and defeated him. Later, for merit in welcoming the Wei emperor, he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Shuichi county, with a fief of five hundred households. At the beginning of Datong (535), he was given directly-attendant scattered-cavalry regular attendant and general who campaigns against barbarians. For participating in settling the Yue merit roster, he was advanced to duke; his fief was increased with the previous total to one thousand households. He followed Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai in capturing Dou Tai, recovering Hongnong, defeating at Shawei, and fighting at Heqiao—all with merit. He was transferred to general who pacifies the east and grand commander. In the eighth year (540), he was advanced to grand general of chariots and cavalry and commissioner with Three Excellencies protocol. In the battle of Mount Mang, Yuwen Hu led the vanguard force, was surrounded by the enemy; Commander Houfu Hou Longen personally stepped forward to resist and defend, and only then did he escape. At this time Zhao Gui and the others' armies also retreated, and Yuwen Tai thereupon withdrew the army. Yuwen Hu was relieved of office for the fault; soon he was restored to his original position. In the twelfth year (544), he was given flying-cavalry grand general and commissioner with full Three Excellencies protocol; he was advanced to Duke of Zhongshan and his fief was increased by four hundred households. In the fifteenth year (547), he was sent out to command Hedong and was transferred to grand general. With Yu Jin he campaigned against Jiangling; Yuwen Hu led light cavalry as vanguard, traveling day and night without rest, then sent subordinate generals to attack Liang border fortress towns and captured them all. He also captured their scout cavalry and advanced directly to beneath the walls of Jiangling. The city did not expect troops to arrive; panic and distress left them without a plan. Yuwen Hu also sent two thousand cavalry to cut the Yangtze crossing and gather boats and ships to await. When the great army arrived, they besieged and captured it. For merit his son Yuwen Hui was enfeoffed as Duke of Jiangling. Initially the Xiangyang Man chieftain Xiang Tianbao and others, more than ten thousand families, relied on difficult terrain and made trouble. When the army returned, Yuwen Hu led troops to suppress and pacify them. When the Six Offices system was first implemented, he was appointed junior minister of works.

太祖西巡至牽屯山，遇疾，馳驛召護。護至涇州見太祖，而太祖疾已綿篤。謂護曰：「吾形容若此，必是不濟。諸子幼小，寇賊未寧，天下之事，屬之於汝，宜勉力以成吾志。」護涕泣奉命。行至雲陽而太祖崩。護秘之，至長安乃發喪。時嗣子沖弱，強寇在近，人情不安。護綱紀內外，撫循文武，於是衆心乃定。先是，太祖常云「我得胡力」。當時莫曉其旨，至是，人以護字當之。尋拜柱國。太祖山陵畢，護以天命有歸，遣人諷魏帝，遂行禪代之事。

Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai on a western tour reached Qiantun Mount, fell ill, and sent an express courier to summon Yuwen Hu. Yuwen Hu reached Jing Province and saw Yuwen Tai, but Yuwen Tai's illness was already grave. He said to Yuwen Hu: "My appearance is like this; surely I will not recover. My sons are young; bandits and enemies are not yet pacified; affairs of the realm are entrusted to you—you should strive with effort to fulfill my intent." Yuwen Hu wept and accepted the command. When they reached Yunyang, Yuwen Tai died. Yuwen Hu kept it secret; only when reaching Chang'an did he announce mourning. At the time the heir was young and weak; powerful enemies were near; people's hearts were unsettled. Yuwen Hu maintained order inside and outside and comforted civil and military officers; thus the hearts of the multitude were settled. Earlier, Yuwen Tai often said "I get Hu's strength." At the time no one understood the meaning; now people matched it to Yuwen Hu's courtesy name Saba. Soon he was appointed pillar-of-state. When Yuwen Tai's tomb rites were completed, Yuwen Hu, because the Mandate had a destination, sent men to hint to the Wei emperor, and thereupon carried out the abdication succession.

孝閔帝踐阼，拜大司馬，封晉國公，邑一萬戶。趙貴、獨孤信等謀襲護，護因貴入朝，遂執之，黨與皆伏誅。拜大冢宰。

When Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, Yuwen Hu was appointed grand marshal, enfeoffed as Duke of Jin, with a fief of ten thousand households. Zhao Gui, Dugu Xin, and others plotted to attack Yuwen Hu; when Zhao Gui entered court, Yuwen Hu seized him; accomplices all were executed. He was appointed chief minister.

時司會李植、軍司馬孫恆等，在太祖之朝，久居權要。見護執政，恐不見容。乃密要宮伯乙弗鳳、張光洛、賀拔提、元進等為腹心，說帝曰：「護誅（朝）〔趙〕貴以來，威權日盛，謀臣宿將，爭往附之，大小政事，皆決於護。以臣觀之，將不守臣節，恐其滋蔓，願早圖之。」帝然其言。鳳等又曰：「以先王之聖明，猶委植、恆以朝政，今若左提右挈，何向不成。且晉公常云我今夾輔陛下，欲行周公之事。臣聞周公攝政七年，然後復子明辟，陛下今日，豈能七年若此乎。深願不疑。」帝愈信之。數將武士於後園講習，為執縛之勢。

At the time Director of Audits Li Zhi, army secretary Sun Heng, and others, in Yuwen Tai's court, had long held power positions. Seeing Yuwen Hu in power, they feared they would not be tolerated. They secretly recruited palace guards Yifu Feng, Zhang Guangluo, Heba Ti, Yuan Jin, and others as confidants, and said to the emperor: "Since Duke Hu executed (Chao) [Zhao] Gui, his authority grows daily; strategists and veteran generals all rush to attach to him; great and small government affairs are all decided by Yuwen Hu. In our view, he will not keep minister's conduct; fearing it spreads further, we wish you would plan against him early." The emperor agreed with their words. Feng and others also said: "With the late king's sage clarity, he still entrusted Li Zhi and Sun Heng with court government; now if left hand lifts and right hand supports, what could not succeed? Moreover Duke of Jin often says 'I now flank and assist Your Majesty, wishing to perform the Duke of Zhou's affairs.' We hear the Duke of Zhou held regency seven years, then restored the son to clear rule—Your Majesty today, could you seven years like this? We deeply wish you would not doubt." The emperor believed them all the more. He repeatedly led warriors in the rear garden to drill, in the posture of binding and seizing.

護微知之，乃出植為梁州刺史，恆為潼州刺史，欲遏其謀。後帝思植等，每欲召之。護諫曰：「天下至親，不過兄弟。若兄弟自構嫌隙，他人何易可親。太祖以陛下富於春秋，顧命托臣以後事。臣旣情兼家國，寔願竭其股肱。若使陛下親覽萬機，威加四海，臣死之日，猶生之年。但恐除臣之後，姦回得逞其欲，非唯不利陛下，亦恐社稷危亡。臣所以勤勤懇懇，干觸天威者，但不負太祖之顧託，保安國家之鼎祚耳。不意陛下不照愚臣款誠，忽生疑阻。且臣旣為天子兄，復為國家宰輔，知更何求而懷冀望。伏願陛下有以明臣，無惑讒人之口。」因泣涕，久之乃止。帝猶猜之。

Yuwen Hu slightly knew of it; he thereupon sent Li Zhi out as governor of Liang Province and Sun Heng out as governor of Tong Province, wishing to check their plot. Later the emperor missed Li Zhi and the others and often wished to summon them. Yuwen Hu remonstrated, saying: "The closest kin under Heaven is nothing beyond brothers. If brothers themselves build suspicion and rifts, how easily can others be trusted? Yuwen Tai, because Your Majesty was still young, entrusted me with later affairs in a deathbed charge. I am affection bound to family and state alike and truly wish to exhaust my limbs in service. If Your Majesty personally oversees the myriad affairs and authority extends over the four seas, the day of my death would still be like the day of my life. But I fear that after removing me, wicked men will achieve their desires—not only to Your Majesty's harm, but also I fear the altars of state will be endangered and destroyed. The reason I earnestly and repeatedly offend Heaven's majesty is only that I not fail Yuwen Tai's entrustment and may secure the dynasty's foundation. I did not expect Your Majesty would not illuminate this foolish minister's sincere devotion and suddenly give rise to suspicion and obstruction. Moreover I am both the Son of Heaven's elder brother and again the state's chief minister—knowing what more could I seek and yet harbor ambitious hopes? I humbly wish Your Majesty would have means to clarify me and not be deluded by slanderers' mouths." Thereupon he wept; only after long did he stop. The emperor still suspected him.

鳳等益懼，密謀滋甚。遂克日將召羣公入醼，執護誅之。光洛具以其前後謀告護，護乃召柱國賀蘭祥、小司馬尉遲綱等，以鳳謀告之。祥等竝勸護廢帝。時綱總領禁兵，護乃遣綱入宮，召鳳等議事，及出，以次執送護第。因罷散宿衛兵，遣祥逼帝，幽於舊邸。於是召諸公卿畢集，護流涕謂曰：「先王起自布衣，躬親行陣，勤勞王業，三十餘年。寇賊未平，奄棄萬國。寡人地則猶子，親受顧命。以略陽公旣居正嫡，與公等立而奉之，革魏興周，為四海主。自卽位以來，荒淫無度，昵近羣小，疏忌骨肉，大臣重將，咸欲誅夷。若此謀遂行，社稷必致傾覆。寡人若死，將何面目以見先王。今日寧負略陽，不負社稷爾。寧都公年德兼茂，仁孝聖慈，四海歸心，萬方注意。今欲廢昏立明，公等以為如何？」羣臣咸曰：「此公之家事，敢不惟命是聽。」於是斬鳳等於門外，幷誅植、恆等。尋亦弒帝。迎世宗於岐州而立之。

Feng and the others grew all the more afraid; secret plotting grew ever deeper. They thereupon set a day when they would summon the assembled nobles to a banquet, seize Yuwen Hu, and execute him. Zhang Guangluo fully reported their earlier and later plot to Yuwen Hu; Yuwen Hu thereupon summoned Pillar-of-State Helan Xiang, junior marshal Yuchi Gang, and others, and told them of Yifu Feng's plot. Helan Xiang and the others all urged Yuwen Hu to depose the emperor. At the time Yuchi Gang commanded the forbidden troops; Yuwen Hu thereupon sent Gang into the palace to summon Feng and the others to discuss affairs, and when they came out, seized them in order and sent them to Yuwen Hu's residence. He thereupon dismissed and dispersed the night-guard troops, sent Helan Xiang to compel the emperor, and confined him in the old residence. Thereupon he summoned all the nobles and ministers to assemble; Yuwen Hu weeping said to them: "The late king rose from common cloth, personally entered battle lines, and toiled at the royal enterprise more than thirty years. Bandits and enemies were not yet pacified when suddenly he abandoned the myriad states. I in status am like a younger son and personally received the deathbed charge. Because Duke of Lueyang already held the legitimate succession, with you nobles we established and served him, changed Wei and raised Zhou, and made him master of the four seas. Since ascending the throne he has been dissolute without measure, intimate with petty men, distant and jealous of kin, and great ministers and important generals—all wished to be executed and destroyed. If this plot had been carried out, the altars of state would surely have been overturned. If I die, with what face could I see the late king? Today I would rather fail Duke of Lueyang than fail the altars of state. Duke of Ning in years and virtue is abundant together, benevolent, filial, sage, and compassionate; the four seas turn their hearts to him; the myriad regions fix their attention on him. Now we wish to depose the dark and establish the bright—what do you nobles think?" The assembled ministers all said: "This is your Grace's family affair—we dare not but obey your command." Thereupon Yifu Feng and the others were beheaded outside the gate; Li Zhi, Sun Heng, and the others were also executed. Soon the emperor was also assassinated. They welcomed Emperor Ming from Qi Province and established him.

二年，拜太師，賜輅車冕服。封子至為崇業郡公。初改雍州刺史為牧，以護為之，幷賜金石之樂。武成元年，護上表歸政，帝許之。軍國大事尚委於護。帝性聰睿，有識量，護深憚之。有李安者，本以鼎俎得寵於護，稍被升擢，位至膳部下大夫。至是，護乃密令安因進食於帝，加以毒藥。帝遂寢疾而崩。護立高祖，百官總己以聽於護。

In the second year, Yuwen Hu was appointed grand preceptor and granted carriage, cap, and robes of investiture. His son Zhi was enfeoffed as Duke of Chongye commandery. When the governor of Yong Province was first changed to governor-general, Yuwen Hu was made such and was also granted stone-and-metal music. In the first year of Wucheng (559), Yuwen Hu submitted a memorial returning government; the emperor permitted it. Great military affairs were still entrusted to Yuwen Hu. The emperor by nature was clever and perceptive, with judgment and capacity; Yuwen Hu deeply feared him. There was one Li An who originally through kitchen service gained Yuwen Hu's favor; gradually he was promoted and reached the post of lower grandee of the victuals ministry. At this time Yuwen Hu secretly ordered Li An, when presenting food to the emperor, to add poison. The emperor thereupon took to bed with illness and died. Yuwen Hu established Yuwen Yong as Gaozu; the hundred officials all turned to themselves and took orders from Yuwen Hu.

初，太祖創業，卽與突厥和親，謀為掎角，共圖高氏。是年，乃遣柱國楊忠與突厥東伐。破齊長城，至幷州而還。期後年更舉，南北相應。齊主大懼。先是，護母閻姬與皇第四姑及諸戚屬，並沒在齊，皆被幽縶。護居宰相之後，每遣間使尋求，莫知音息。至是，並許還朝，且請和好。四年，皇姑先至。齊主以護旣當權重，乃留其母，以為後圖。仍令人為閻作書報護曰：

Initially, when Yuwen Tai founded the enterprise, he immediately allied by marriage with the Turks, planning a pincer, jointly to scheme against the Gao clan of Northern Qi. That year he thereupon dispatched Pillar-of-State Yang Zhong with the Turks to campaign east. They broke Northern Qi's Great Wall, reached Bing Province, and returned. They planned another campaign the following year, north and south responding to each other. The Northern Qi ruler was greatly afraid. Earlier, Yuwen Hu's mother Lady Yan and the imperial fourth aunt and various kin, all were captured in Northern Qi and were all imprisoned. After Yuwen Hu held the chancellor's post, he repeatedly sent secret envoys to seek them; no word of their fate was heard. At this time all were permitted to return to court and Northern Qi also sought reconciliation. In the fourth year, the imperial aunt arrived first. The Northern Qi ruler, because Yuwen Hu already held heavy power, thereupon detained his mother as a plan for later. He still had someone write a letter for Lady Yan reporting to Yuwen Hu, saying:

天地隔塞，子母異所，三十餘年，存亡斷絕，肝腸之痛，不能自勝。想汝悲思之懷，復何可處。吾自念十九入汝家，今已八十矣。旣逢喪亂，備嘗艱阻。恆冀汝等長成，得見一日安樂。何期罪釁深重，存沒分離。吾凡生汝輩三男三女，今日目下，不睹一人。興言及此，悲纏肌骨。賴皇齊恩恤，差安衰暮。又得汝楊氏姑及汝叔母紇干、汝嫂劉新婦等同居，頗亦自適。但為微有耳疾，大語方聞。行動飲食，幸無多恙。今大齊聖德遠被，特降鴻慈，旣許歸吾於汝，又聽先致音耗。積稔長悲，豁然獲展。此乃仁侔造化，將何報德！

Heaven and earth are blocked and severed; mother and son are in different places; more than thirty years, life and death cut off; the pain is more than I can bear. Thinking of your grief and longing, how again can it be borne? I myself recall entering your household at nineteen; now I am already eighty. Having encountered turmoil and ruin, I have fully tasted hardship and obstruction. I constantly hoped you would grow to maturity and see one day of peace and joy. Who expected guilt and offense so deep and heavy, living and dead separated. In all I bore you three sons and three daughters; today before my eyes I do not see a single one. Speaking of this, grief binds muscle and bone. Relying on Great Qi's gracious pity, I am somewhat at ease in my declining years. I also have your Yang paternal aunt and your uncle's wife Hegan and your sister-in-law Lady Liu Xinfu and others living together; it is also rather comfortable. Only I have slight ear ailment; only loud speech can be heard. In movement and in eating and drinking, fortunately there is not much illness. Now Great Qi's sage virtue extends far; it specially sends down vast kindness; it has already permitted my return to you and also allows first sending word. Long years of accumulated grief suddenly obtain release. This is benevolence equal to creation and transformation—how could I repay the virtue!

汝與吾別之時，年尚幼小，以前家事，或不委曲。昔在武川鎮生汝兄弟，大者屬鼠，次者屬兔，汝身屬蛇。鮮于修禮起日，吾之闔家大小，先在博陵郡住。相將欲向左人城，行至唐河之北，被定州官軍打敗。汝祖及二叔，時俱戰亡。汝叔母賀拔及兒元寶，汝叔母紇干及兒菩提，並吾與汝六人，同被擒捉入定州城。未幾間，將吾及汝送與元寶掌。賀拔、紇干，各別分散。寶掌見汝云：「我識其祖翁，形狀相似。」時寶掌營在唐城內。經停三日，寶掌所掠得男夫、婦女，可六七十人，悉送向京。吾時與汝同被送限。至定州城南，夜宿同鄉人姬庫根家。茹茹奴望見鮮于修禮營火，語吾云：「我今走向本軍。」旣至營，遂告吾輩在此。明旦日出，汝叔將兵邀截，吾及汝等，還得向營。汝時年十二，共吾並乘馬隨軍，可不記此事緣由也？於後，吾共汝在受陽住。時元寶、菩提及汝姑兒賀蘭盛洛，幷汝身四人同學。博士姓成，為人嚴惡，（淩）〔汝〕等四人謀欲加害。吾共汝叔母等聞之，各捉其兒打之。唯盛洛無母，獨不被打。其後爾朱天柱亡歲，賀拔阿斗泥在關西，遣人迎家累。時汝叔亦遣奴來富迎汝及盛洛等。汝時著緋綾袍、銀裝帶，盛洛著紫織成纈通身袍、黃綾裏，並乘騾同去。盛洛小於汝，汝等三人並呼吾作「阿摩敦」。如此之事，當分明記之耳。今又寄汝小時所著錦袍表一領，至宜檢看，知吾含悲戚多歷年祀。

When you parted from me, you were still young; regarding earlier household affairs, perhaps you do not know the full details. Formerly at Wuchuan garrison your brothers were born—the eldest belongs to the rat, the next to the rabbit, and you yourself to the snake. On the day Xianyu Xiuli rose, my whole household large and small was first living in Boling commandery. We were about to go together toward Zuoren city; when we reached north of the Tang River, we were defeated by Ding Province government troops. Your grandfather and two uncles at the time all died in battle. Your uncle's wife Heba and son Yuanbao, your uncle's wife Hegan and son Puti, together with me and you six people, were all captured and taken into Ding Province city. Before long they sent me and you to Yuanbao's custody. Heba and Hegan each separately dispersed. Baozhang saw you and said: "I recognize his grandfather—the shape is similar." At the time Baozhang's camp was inside Tang city. After stopping three days, the men and women Baozhang had plundered, about sixty or seventy people, were all sent toward the capital. At the time I and you were sent together under guard. Reaching south of Ding Province city, at night we lodged at fellow townsman Ji Kugen's house. Ruru slave saw Xianyu Xiuli's camp fires and said to me: "I now will go toward the main army." When he reached the camp, he thereupon reported that we were here. The next morning at sunrise your uncle led troops to intercept; I and you and the others were able to return toward the camp. You at the time were twelve; together with me you both rode horses following the army—you surely remember this matter's origin, do you not? Afterward I and you lived at Shouyang. At the time Yuanbao, Puti, and your aunt's son Helan Shenglo, together with you yourself, four people studied together. The instructor surnamed Cheng was by nature stern and harsh, (Ling) [You] and the other four plotted to kill him. I and your uncles' wives and others heard of it; each seized her son and beat him. Only Shenglo had no mother; alone he was not beaten. Afterward, in the year Erzhu Tianzhu died, Heba Adouni was in Guanxi and sent men to welcome family dependents. At the time your uncle also sent a slave named Laifu to welcome you and Shenglo and the others. You at the time wore a crimson gauze robe and silver-decorated belt; Shenglo wore a purple woven patterned robe over the whole body with yellow gauze lining; you both rode mules and went together. Shenglo was younger than you; you three all called me "Amodun." Matters like this—you should clearly remember them. Now I also send you the brocade robe with facing you wore in childhood, one piece; when it arrives you should inspect it and know my grief and sorrow have lasted many years.

屬千載之運，逢大齊之德，矜老開恩，許得相見。一聞此言，死猶不朽，況如今者，勢必聚集。禽獸草木，母子相依，吾有何罪，與汝分離，今復何福，還望見汝。言此悲喜，死而更蘇。世間所有，求皆可得，母子異國，何處可求。假汝貴極王公，富過山海；有一老母，八十之年，飄然千里，死亡旦夕，不得一朝蹔見，不得一日同處，寒不得汝衣，饑不得汝食，汝雖窮榮極盛，光耀世間，汝何用為？于吾何益？吾今日之前，汝旣不得申其供養，事往何論。今日以後，吾之殘命，唯系於汝，爾戴天履地，中有鬼神，勿云冥昧而可欺負。

It falls to the fortune of a thousand years to meet Great Qi's virtue; pitying the aged and opening grace, reunion is permitted. On hearing these words, death would still be immortal; how much more now, when we must surely gather. Birds and beasts and plants and trees—mother and child rely on each other; what crime have I that I am separated from you; what blessing now that I again may hope to see you? Speaking this, joy and grief—dead and again revived. All that exists in the world, if sought, can all be obtained; mother and son in different states—where can it be sought? Suppose you were noble to the utmost of kings and dukes, rich beyond mountains and seas; there is one old mother, eighty years, drifting a thousand li, death morning and evening, unable to obtain one morning's brief sight, unable one day to dwell together; cold yet not your clothes, hungry yet not your food—you though exhausted in glory and utmost splendor, shining over the world, of what use are you? What benefit to me? Before today you already could not perform your support; what is past, what need to discuss. From today afterward my remaining life is only bound to you; you tread Heaven and stand on earth—within are ghosts and spirits; do not say darkness and obscurity and so may be deceived and wronged.

汝楊氏姑，今雖炎暑，猶能先發。關河阻遠，隔絕多年，書依常體，慮汝致惑，是以每存款質，兼亦載吾姓名。當識此理，不以為怪。

Your Yang paternal aunt, though now it is blazing summer, still can set out first. Passes and rivers are blocked and far; separated many years; letters follow ordinary form; fearing you would be confused, therefore each time I add pledges and proofs and also record my name. You should understand this principle and not regard it as strange.

護性至孝，得書，悲不自勝，左右莫能仰視。報書曰：

Yuwen Hu by nature was supremely filial; receiving the letter, grief could not be overcome; those at his side none could look up. His reply letter said:

區宇分崩，遭遇災禍，違離膝下，三十五年。受形稟氣，皆知母子，誰同薩保，如此不孝！宿殃積戾，唯應賜鐘，豈悟網羅，上嬰慈母。但立身立行，不負一物，明神有識，宜見哀憐。而子為公侯，母為俘隸，熱不見母熱，寒不見母寒，衣不知有無，食不知饑飽，泯如天地之外，無由暫聞。晝夜悲號，繼之以血，分懷冤酷，終此一生，死若有知，冀奉見於泉下爾。不謂齊朝解網，惠以德音，摩敦、四姑，並許矜放。初聞此旨，魂爽飛越，號天叩地，不能自勝。四姑卽蒙禮送，平安入境，以今月十八日於河東拜見。遙奉顏色，崩動肝腸。但離絕多年，存亡阻隔，相見之始，口未忍言，唯敘齊朝寬弘，每存大德。云與摩敦雖處宮禁，常蒙優禮，今者來鄴，恩遇彌隆。矜哀聽許摩敦垂敕，曲盡悲酷，備述家事。伏讀未周，五情屠割。書中所道，無事敢忘。摩敦年尊，又加憂苦，常謂寢膳貶損，或多遺漏；伏奉論述，次第分明。一則以悲，一則以喜。當鄉里破敗之日，薩保年已十餘歲，鄰曲舊事，猶自記憶；況家門禍難，親戚流離，奉辭時節，先後慈訓，刻肌刻骨，常纏心腑。

The realm split and collapsed; I encountered disaster and calamity; parted from beneath your knees thirty-five years. Receiving form and inheriting breath, all know mother and son—who like Saba is so unfilial! Accumulated misfortune and piled guilt—only death should be granted; who expected the net and snare would reach up to afflict my compassionate mother. But in establishing body and establishing conduct I have not failed a single thing; the bright spirits have knowledge—they should see pity. Yet the son is duke and marquis while the mother is captive slave; hot yet not seeing mother's heat, cold yet not seeing mother's cold; clothes not knowing whether there are any, food not knowing hunger or fullness—vanished as beyond Heaven and earth, without means briefly to hear. Day and night wailing, continuing with blood; parting harbors bitter cruelty—through this one life; if death has knowledge, I hope to serve and see you beneath the springs. I did not expect Northern Qi court would release the net, grace with virtuous word; Modun and the fourth aunt were all permitted compassionate release. On first hearing this intent, soul and spirit flew and leaped; I cried to Heaven and knocked on earth and could not overcome. The fourth aunt immediately received ceremonial escort, peacefully entered the border; on the eighteenth of this month at Hedong I paid respects and saw her. From afar receiving her countenance, liver and intestines collapsed and shook. But separated many years, life and death blocked; at the beginning of meeting, mouth could not bear to speak; only narrated Northern Qi court's broad magnanimity, each time preserving great virtue. She said that though Modun was in palace confinement, he constantly received generous rites; now coming to Ye, gracious treatment was ever more abundant. Pitying and hearing permission for Modun to send down command, fully narrating bitter cruelty, fully relating household affairs. Humbly reading, not yet finished, the five emotions were butchered and cut. What the letter stated—no matter I dare forget. Modun is advanced in years and again added worry and suffering; I often supposed sleep and meals were diminished or many omissions; humbly receiving your narration, sequence clear and distinct. One part grief, one part joy. When the hometown was broken and ruined, Saba was already more than ten years; neighborhood old affairs still himself remembers; how much more household gate disaster and difficulty, kin scattered and displaced, times of parting words, earlier and later compassionate instruction—carved in flesh and carved in bone, constantly binding heart and bowels.

天長喪亂，四海橫流。太祖乘時，齊朝撫運，兩河、三輔，各值神機。原其事蹟，非相負背。太祖升遐，未定天保，薩保屬當猶子之長，親受顧命。雖身居重任，職當憂責，至於歲時稱慶，子孫在庭，顧視悲摧，心情斷絕，胡顏履戴，負媿神明。霈然之恩，旣以霑洽，愛敬之至，施及傍人。草木有心，禽魚感澤，況在人倫，而不銘戴。有家有國，信義為本，伏度來期，已應有日。一得奉見慈顏，永畢生願。生死肉骨，豈過今恩，負山戴岳，未足勝荷。二國分隔，理無書信，主上以彼朝不絕子母之恩，亦賜許奉答。不期今日，得通家問，伏紙嗚咽，言不宣心。蒙寄薩保別時所留錦袍表，年歲雖久，宛然猶識，抱此悲泣。至于拜見，事歸忍死，知復何心！

Heaven long in turmoil and ruin; the four seas flow crosswise. Yuwen Tai seized the time; Northern Qi court received the mandate; the two rivers and three auxiliaries each met divine opportunity. Examining the matter's traces, it was not mutual betrayal. Yuwen Tai ascended to the distant; Heaven's protection was not yet settled; Saba happened to be eldest among younger sons and personally received the deathbed charge. Though body held heavy responsibility and office bore worry and blame, as to seasonal celebrations with descendants in the hall, looking back grief crushed, heart and feelings severed, shameful face treading Heaven and standing on earth, bearing guilt before the bright spirits. Sudden rain-like grace already has soaked through; utmost love and reverence extend even to those beside. Plants and trees have hearts; birds and fish feel the marsh; how much more in human relations—not to inscribe and bear on the head? Having family and having state, faith and righteousness are the root; humbly calculating the coming date, already there should be a day. Once obtaining to serve and see your compassionate countenance, forever completing life's wish. Death and life flesh and bone—how could it surpass today's grace; bearing mountains and wearing peaks—not enough to overcome bearing. The two states are separated; by principle there are no letters; the sovereign because that court did not cut off mother-son affection also granted permission to send reply. I did not expect today to obtain communication of family news; humbly before the paper I sob and choke; words cannot express the heart. You also sent the brocade robe and collar you had left when Sabao parted; though many years have passed, I still recognize them at once, and holding them I weep in grief. As for bowing and meeting you in person, I must simply endure and live on—what heart can I have after that!

齊朝不卽發遣，更令與護書，要護重報，往返再三，而母竟不至。朝議以其失信，令有司移齊曰：

Northern Qi did not send her off at once, but had her exchange letters with Yuwen Hu, demanding repeated replies from him; after several rounds of correspondence, his mother still did not arrive. The court, judging them faithless, ordered the offices to send a letter to Qi, saying:

夫有義則存，無信不立，山岳猶輕，兵食非重。故言誓弗違，重耳所以享國；祝史無媿，隨會所以為盟。未有司牧生民，君臨有國，可以忘義而多食言者也。自數屬屯夷，時鐘圮隔，皇家親戚，淪陷三紀。仁姑、世母，望絕生還。彼朝以去夏之初，德音爰發，已送仁姑，許歸世母。乃稱煩暑，指剋來秋。謂其信必由衷，嘉言無爽。今落木戒候，冰霜行及，方為世母虛設詭詞，未議言歸，更徵酬答。子女玉帛，旣非所須，保境寧民，又云匪報。詳觀此意，全乖本圖。愛人以禮，豈為姑息。要子責誠，質親求報，實傷和氣，有悖天經。我之周室，太祖之天下也，焉可捐國顧家，殉名虧實！不害所養，斯曰仁人。臥鼓潛鋒，孰非深計。若令迭爭尺寸，兩競錐刀，瓦震長平，則趙分為二；兵出函谷，則韓裂為三。安得猶全，謂無損益。

Where there is righteousness a state survives; without good faith nothing endures—mountains and rivers may be slighted, but arms and provisions are not. Thus when pledges are kept unbroken, Chong'er was able to hold his state; when the prayer-official had no shame to bear, Sui Hui was fit to bind the covenant. Never yet has a ruler who shepherds the people and faces the realm been able to forget righteousness and break his word again and again. Since years of repeated turmoil the age has struck ruin and separation, and imperial kin have lain captive for three reign-periods. The benevolent aunt and stepmother were given up for lost, with no hope of return alive. That court, at the beginning of last summer, issued a gracious message, had already sent the benevolent aunt, and promised the stepmother's return. Then they cited the oppressive heat and set the deadline for the coming autumn. We took their sincerity as from the heart and their fine words as without breach. Now fallen leaves warn of the season and frost and ice draw near, yet for the stepmother they offer empty deceit, will not discuss her return, and again demand replies. Sons and daughters, jade and silk were not what we sought; securing the borders and settling the people they also declared was no recompense. Examined closely, this intent wholly departs from the original understanding. To love people by ritual—how could that mean indulgence? To demand sincerity from a son, to pledge kin and seek recompense—this truly wounds harmony and violates heaven's constant. Our Zhou house is Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai's realm—how could one abandon the state for family, sacrifice reputation and lose substance! Not harming what one nourishes—this is called a humane man. Drums laid aside and blades hidden—who does not employ deep planning? If each side contends over inches and both compete for awl and knife, tiles shake at Changping—then Zhao is split in two; troops issue from Hangu Pass—then Han is split in three. How could either remain whole and say there is no gain or loss?

大冢宰位隆將相，情兼家國，銜悲茹血，分畢冤魂，豈意噬指可尋，倚門應至。徒聞善始，卒無令終，百辟震驚，三軍憤惋。不為孝子，當作忠臣。去歲北軍深入，數俘城下。雖曰班師，餘功未遂。今茲馬首南向，更期重入。晉人角之，我之職矣。聞諸道路，早已戒嚴，非直北拒，又將南略。儻欲自送，此之願也。如或嬰城，未能求敵，詰朝請見，與君周旋。為惠不終，祇增深怨。愛親無慢，垂訓尼父；矜恤窮老，貽則周文。環玦之義，事不由此，自應內省，豈宜有間。

The chief minister's rank towers over general and minister, his feeling embraces family and state; he swallows grief and blood, sharing the completion of wronged souls—who would think that biting finger could be traced, that leaning on the gate should have brought her? One hears only of a good beginning, yet in the end no fine conclusion; the hundred ministers are shaken, the three armies indignant and grieved. If one cannot be a filial son, then be a loyal minister. Last year the northern army penetrated deep and took several cities below their walls. Though they said they withdrew, remaining objectives were not achieved. This year the horse's head turns south, and a renewed advance is again expected. The Jin people corner them—this is our duty. Hearing on the roads, they have long since been on alert—not only resisting the north, but also planning a southern thrust. If they wish to deliver her themselves, that is our wish. If instead they hold the walls and will not meet us in the field, tomorrow morning we ask to meet and contend with you. Favor not carried through—this only adds deep resentment. Love kin without neglect—this was the Master's teaching; pity and succor the aged and poor—King Wen's model. The meaning of ring and tablet—this matter does not proceed from that; one should examine oneself within; how could there be breach?

移書未送而母至。舉朝慶悅，大赦天下。護與母睽隔多年，一旦聚集，凡所資奉，窮極華盛。每四時伏臘，高祖率諸親戚，行家人之禮，稱觴上壽。榮貴之極，振古未聞。

The letter had not yet been sent when his mother arrived. The whole court rejoiced, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. Yuwen Hu and his mother had been separated many years; once reunited, all that was supplied and served reached the utmost splendor. At each season's fasting day and year-end sacrifice, High Ancestor Yuwen Yong led the kinsmen in family rites, raising cups and offering long life. Glory and honor at the extreme—unheard of since antiquity.

是年也，突厥復率衆赴期。護以齊氏初送國親，未欲卽事征討，復慮失信蕃夷，更生邊患。不得已，遂請東征。九月，詔曰：「神若軒皇，尚雲三戰；聖如姬武，且曰一戎。弧矢之威，干戈之用，帝王大器，誰能去兵。太祖丕受天明，造我周室，日月所照，罔不率從。高氏乘釁跋扈，竊有並、冀，世濟其惡，腥穢彰聞。皇天震怒，假手突厥，驅略汾晉，掃地無遺。季孟勢窮，伯珪日蹙，坐待滅亡，鑒之愚智。故突厥班師，仍屯彼境，更集諸部，傾國齊至，星流電擊，數道俱進，期在仲冬，同會幷、鄴。大冢宰晉公，朕之懿昆，任隆伊、呂，平一宇宙，惟公是屬。朕當親執斧鉞，廟庭祗受。有司宜勒衆軍，量程赴集。進止遲速，委公處分。」於是征二十四軍及左右廂散隸、及秦隴巴蜀之兵、諸蕃國之衆二十萬人。十月，帝於廟庭授護斧鉞。出軍至潼關，乃遣柱國尉遲迥率精兵十萬為前鋒，大將軍權景宣率山南之兵出豫州，少師楊摽出軹關。護連營漸進，屯軍弘農。迥攻圍洛陽。柱國齊公憲、鄭國公達奚武等營於邙山。

That year too, the Turks again led their masses to keep the rendezvous. Yuwen Hu, because Northern Qi had just sent imperial kin, did not wish at once to undertake punitive action, yet also feared losing faith with the frontier tribes and renewing border trouble. Having no choice, he then requested an eastern campaign. Ninth month, an edict said: "If even the divine Xuanyuan still spoke of three battles; if even the sage King Wu of Zhou said one campaign suffices. The power of bow and arrow, the use of shield and spear—the great vessel of emperors and kings, who can dispense with arms? Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai grandly received heaven's mandate and made our Zhou house; wherever sun and moon shine, none fail to follow. The Gao house seized the opportunity and acted insolently, usurping Bing and Ji; generation after generation they piled up evil, their stench and filth openly known. August Heaven was enraged and lent its hand to the Turks; they drove through Fen and Jin and swept the ground clean, leaving nothing. Ji Meng's power was exhausted, Bo Gui daily pressed—in sitting and awaiting extinction, fool and sage alike may read the lesson. Therefore the Turks withdrew their army yet still encamped in that territory, gathering the tribes again; the whole state of Qi came like star-stream and lightning-strike, several routes advancing together, the rendezvous set for mid-winter, jointly meeting at Bing and Ye. The chief minister, Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu, our fine elder brother—his charge towers like Yi Yin and Lü Shang; to pacify the universe, only the duke is fit. We shall personally take up axe and halberd and reverently receive them in the temple court. The offices should muster the armies and measure the march to assemble. Advance and halt, speed and delay—entrusted to the duke's disposition." Thereupon twenty-four armies were mobilized, together with the left and right wing scattered retainers, troops from Qin, Long, Ba, and Shu, and masses from the various frontier states—two hundred thousand men. Tenth month, the emperor in the temple court invested Yuwen Hu with axe and halberd. The army issued forth to Tong Pass; then Pillar-of-State Yuchi Jiong was sent to lead one hundred thousand picked troops as vanguard; Grand General Quan Jingxuan led the armies south of the mountains out through Yu Province; Junior Preceptor Yang Biao out through Zhi Pass. Yuwen Hu advanced camp by camp and halted the army at Hongnong. Yuchi Jiong attacked and besieged Luoyang. Pillar-of-State Yuwen Xian, Duke of Qi, Daxi Wu, Duke of Zheng, and others encamped on Mount Mang.

護性無戎略，且此行也，又非其本心。故師出雖久，無所克獲。護本令塹斷河陽之路，遏其救兵，然後同攻洛陽，使其內外隔絕。諸將以為齊兵必不敢出，唯斥候而已。值連日陰霧，齊騎直前，圍洛之軍，一時潰散。唯尉遲迥率數十騎扞敵，齊公憲又督邙山諸將拒之，乃得全軍而返。權景宣攻克豫州，尋以洛陽圍解，亦引軍退。楊摽於軹關戰沒。護於是班師。以無功，與諸將稽首請罪，帝弗之責也。

Yuwen Hu by nature lacked military strategy, and moreover this campaign was not from his own heart. Therefore though the army was out long, nothing was taken or gained. Yuwen Hu had originally ordered trenches cut to block the Heyang road, check their relief troops, and then jointly attack Luoyang, isolating it within and without. The generals thought Northern Qi troops would surely not dare come out, and only sent scouts. It happened that for days there was overcast fog; Northern Qi cavalry came straight forward, and the army besieging Luoyang at once scattered. It happened that for days there was overcast fog; Northern Qi cavalry came straight forward, and the army besieging Luoyang at once scattered. It happened that for days there was overcast fog; Northern Qi cavalry came straight forward, and the army besieging Luoyang at once scattered. Only Yuchi Jiong led several dozen horsemen to fend off the enemy; Yuwen Xian, Duke of Qi, also directed the Mount Mang generals to resist them, and only then was the whole army able to return. Quan Jingxuan captured Yu Province; soon, because the Luoyang siege was lifted, he too withdrew his army. Yang Biao fell in battle at Zhi Pass.

護性甚寬和，然暗於大體。自恃建立之功，久當權軸。凡所委任，皆非其人。兼諸子貪殘，僚屬縱逸，恃護威勢，莫不蠹政害民。上下相蒙，曾無疑慮。高祖以其暴慢，密與衛王直圖之。

Yuwen Hu thereupon withdrew the army. For lack of merit, together with the generals he bowed and asked punishment; the emperor did not blame him. Yuwen Hu's nature was very mild and harmonious, yet he was dim regarding the larger pattern. Relying on his merit in establishment, he long held the pivot of power. All whom he entrusted were not the right men. Moreover his sons were greedy and cruel, his staff unrestrained; relying on Yuwen Hu's authority, none failed to corrupt government and harm the people.

七年三月十八日，護自同州還。帝御文安殿，見護訖，引護入含仁殿朝皇太后。先是帝於禁中見護，常行家人之禮。護謁太后，太后必賜之坐，帝立侍焉。至是護將入，帝謂之曰：「太后春秋旣尊，頗好飲酒。不親朝謁，或廢引進。喜怒之間，時有乖爽。比雖犯顏屢諫，未蒙垂納。兄今旣朝拜，願更啟請。」因出懷中《酒誥》以授護曰：「以此諫太后。」護旣入，如帝所戒，讀示太后。未訖，帝以玉珽自後擊之，護踣於地。又令宦者何泉以御刀斫之。泉惶懼，斫不能傷。時衛王直先匿於戶內，乃出斬之。

Above and below deceived one another, and there was never doubt or concern. High Ancestor Yuwen Yong, because of his arrogance and insolence, secretly plotted with Prince of Wei Yuwen Zhi against him. Seventh year, third month, eighteenth day, Yuwen Hu returned from Tong Province. The emperor attended at Wen'an Hall; when he had seen Yuwen Hu, he led Hu into Hanren Hall to attend upon the Empress Dowager. Before this, when the emperor saw Yuwen Hu within the forbidden precinct, he always observed family rites. When Yuwen Hu attended upon the Empress Dowager, she always granted him a seat, and the emperor stood in attendance. At this, as Yuwen Hu was about to enter, the emperor said to him: "The Empress Dowager's years are already advanced, and she greatly loves wine. She does not attend court audiences, and sometimes omits receiving visitors. Between joy and anger there are at times departures from propriety. Thereupon he took the "Admonition on Wine" from his bosom and gave it to Yuwen Hu, saying: "Use this to remonstrate with the Empress Dowager." Yuwen Hu having entered, as the emperor had instructed, read and showed it to the Empress Dowager. Before he finished, the emperor struck him from behind with a jade tablet, and Yuwen Hu fell to the ground. He also ordered the eunuch He Quan to hack at him with the imperial blade. He Quan in fear and panic hacked but could not wound him. At the time Prince of Wei Yuwen Zhi had first hidden inside the door, then came out and beheaded him.

初，帝欲圖護，王軌、宇文神舉、宇文孝伯頗豫其謀。是日，軌等並在外，更無知者。殺護訖，乃召宮伯長孫覽等告之，卽令收護子柱國譚國公會、大將軍莒國公至、崇業公靜、正平公乾嘉，及乾基、乾光、乾蔚、乾祖、乾威等，並柱國侯伏侯龍恩、龍恩弟大將軍萬壽、大將軍劉勇、中外府司錄尹公正、袁傑、膳部下大夫李安等，於殿中殺之。齊王憲白帝曰：「李安出自皂隸，所典唯庖廚而已。旣不預時政，未足加戮。」高祖曰：「公不知耳，世宗之崩，安所為也。」十九日，詔曰：

At first, when the emperor wished to plot against Yuwen Hu, Wang Gui, Yuwen Shenju, and Yuwen Xiaobo had all taken part in the plan. That day, Wang Gui and the others were all outside, and no one else knew. When Yuwen Hu was killed, he then summoned the palace masters Zhangsun Lan and others and told them; at once he ordered the arrest of Hu's sons Pillar-of-State Yuwen Hui, Duke of Tan, Grand General Yuwen Zhi, Duke of Ju, Yuwen Jing, Duke of Chongye, Yuwen Qianjia, Duke of Zhengping, and Qianji, Qianguang, Qianwei, Qianzu, and Qianwei, together with Pillar-of-State Houfu Hou Longen, Longen's younger brother Grand General Wanshou, Grand General Liu Yong, Central and External Headquarters registrar Yin Gongzheng, Yuan Jie, Provision Department junior grandee Li An, and others, and killed them in the hall. Yuwen Xian, Duke of Qi, told the emperor: "Li An came from the black-clad ranks; what he managed was only the kitchen. Since he did not participate in current affairs, he does not merit execution." High Ancestor Yuwen Yong said: "You do not know—Emperor Shizong's death was Li An's doing." On the nineteenth day, an edict said:

君親無將，將而必誅。太師、大冢宰、晉公護，地寔宗親，義兼家國。爰初草創，同濟艱難，遂任總朝權，寄深國命。不能竭其誠效，罄以心力，盡事君之節，申送往之情。朕兄故略陽公，英風秀遠，神機穎悟，地居聖胤，禮歸當璧。遺訓在耳，忍害先加。永尋摧割，貫切骨髓。世宗明皇帝聰明神武，〔惟幾〕藏智。護內懷凶悖，外托尊崇。凡厥臣民，誰亡怨憤。

Against ruler and parent there is no "will not"—if one does, execution is certain. Grand Preceptor, chief minister, Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu—by position he was truly imperial kin, in duty he embraced family and state. At the first founding he together crossed hardship, then was entrusted with overall court power and deep charge of the state's mandate. He could not exhaust his sincere service, pour out his heart and strength, fulfill the minister's duty to the ruler, or express feeling in seeing off the departed. Our elder brother, the late Duke of Lueyang—heroic bearing lofty and far, divine wit sharp and keen, by position he stood among the sacred heirs, by ritual he was fit to receive the jade disk. His final charge still in the ear—yet harm was first added against him. Forever seeking the cutting wound, it pierces to the marrow. Emperor Shizong the Brilliant Emperor was intelligent, divine, and martial, subtle in foresight and concealing wisdom. Yuwen Hu inwardly harbored fierce rebellion, outwardly relied on exalted honor. Of all his ministers and people, who did not harbor resentment and rage?

朕纂承洪基，十有三載，委政師輔，責成宰司。護志在無君，義違臣節。懷茲蠆毒，逞彼狼心，任情誅暴，肆行威福，朋黨相扇，賄貨公行，所好加羽毛，所惡生瘡痏。朕約己菲躬，情存庶政。每思施寬惠下，輒抑而不行。遂使戶口凋殘，征賦勞劇，家無日給，民不聊生。且三方未定，邊隅尚阻，疆埸待戎旗之備，武夫資扞城之力。侯伏〔侯〕龍恩、萬壽、劉勇等，未效庸勳，先居上將，高門峻宇，甲第雕牆，寔繁有徒，同惡相濟。民不見德，唯利是視。百姓嗷嗷，道路以目；含生業業，相顧鉗口。常恐七百之基，忽焉顛墜，億兆之命，一旦阽危，上累祖宗之靈，下負蒼生之責。

We have inherited the great foundation for thirteen years, entrusting government to the master and tutor, charging the chief minister with completion. Yuwen Hu's intent was without a ruler; in duty he violated ministerial duty. He harbored scorpion poison and gave rein to a wolf's heart; acted on whim in execution and violence, freely wielded authority and favor; faction stirred faction, bribes walked openly; what he favored gained feathers, what he hated sprouted sores. We restrain ourselves and live plainly, keeping feeling for the hundred affairs. Whenever we think to extend grace and favor below, it is then suppressed and not carried out. Thus households and mouths wither, levies and corvée are exhausting; homes lack daily provision, the people cannot live. Moreover the three directions are not settled, the frontiers still blocked; the border awaits the banner of arms, fighting men rely on the strength to defend walls. Houfu Hou Longen, Wanshou, Liu Yong, and others had not achieved ordinary merit yet first held high command; lofty gates and towering eaves, armored mansions and carved walls—truly many were their kind, aiding one another in evil. The people saw no virtue—only profit was regarded. The common people wailed, the roads passed in silence; all living things trembled, looking at one another with mouths clamped shut. Constantly we fear the foundation of seven hundred years may suddenly topple, the lives of billions may in one morning face peril; above we burden the spirits of the ancestors, below we fail the charge of the black-haired people.

今肅正典刑，護已卽罪，其餘凶黨，咸亦伏誅。氛霧旣清，遐邇同慶。朝政惟新，兆民更始。可大赦天下，改天和七年為建德元年。

Now the canonical punishments are made upright; Yuwen Hu has already received punishment, and the remaining evil faction have likewise submitted to execution. Mist and fog are already cleared; far and near alike rejoice. Court government is renewed alone; the myriad people begin anew. A general amnesty may be proclaimed throughout the realm; change the seventh year of Tianhe to the first year of Jiande.

護世子訓為蒲州刺史。其夜，遣柱國、越國公盛乘傳往蒲州，徵訓赴京師，至同州賜死。護長史代郡叱羅協、司錄弘農馮遷及所親任者，皆除名。護子昌城公深使突厥，遣開府宇文德齎璽書就殺之。三年，詔復護及諸子先封，諡護曰蕩，並改葬之。

Yuwen Hu's heir Xun was made governor of Pu Province. That night, Pillar-of-State Yuwen Sheng, Duke of Yue, was sent by post relay to Pu Province to summon Xun to the capital; when he reached Tong Province he was granted death. Yuwen Hu's chief administrator Chi Luoxie of Dai commandery, registrar Feng Qian of Hongnong, and those he personally favored and entrusted were all struck from the rolls. Yuwen Hu's son Yuwen Shen, Duke of Changcheng, was on mission to the Turks; an edict was sent with Palace Opener Yuwen De bearing the imperial seal to kill him on the spot. Third year, an edict restored Yuwen Hu and his sons' former enfeoffments, posthumously titled Hu Dang, and reburied them all.

叱羅協本名與高祖諱同，後改焉。少寒微，嘗為州小吏，以恭謹見知。恆州刺史楊鈞擢為從事。及魏末，六鎮搔擾，客于冀州。冀州為葛榮所圍，刺史以協為統軍，委以守禦。俄而城陷，協沒于榮。榮敗，事汾州刺史爾朱兆，頗被親遇，補錄事參軍。兆為天柱大將軍，轉司馬。兆與齊神武初戰不利，還上黨，令協在建州督軍糧。後使協至洛陽，與其諸叔計事，謀討齊神武。兆等軍敗，還幷州，令協治肆州刺史。兆死，遂事竇泰，泰甚禮之。泰為御史中尉，以協為治書侍御史。泰向潼關，協為監軍。泰死，協亦見獲。太祖以其在關歲久，授大丞相府東合祭酒、撫軍將軍、銀青光祿大夫，轉錄事參軍，遷主簿，加通直散騎常侍，攝大行台郎中，累遷相府屬從事中郎。

Chi Luoxie's original given name was the same as High Ancestor Yuwen Yong's taboo, and was later changed. In youth he was poor and humble; he once served as a minor clerk in the province and was known for respectful care. Heng Province inspector Yang Jun promoted him to staff officer. At the end of Wei, the six garrisons were in turmoil, and he sojourned in Ji Province. Ji Province was besieged by Ge Rong; the inspector made Chi Luoxie commander-in-chief and entrusted him with defense. Soon the city fell, and Chi Luoxie was lost to Ge Rong. When Ge Rong was defeated, he served Fen Province inspector Erzhu Zhao and was much favored; he was appointed recording secretary. When Erzhu Zhao became pillar-of-heaven grand general, Chi Luoxie was transferred to chief of staff. When Erzhu Zhao's first battle with Gao Huan, Qi Shenwu, went badly, he returned to Shangdang and ordered Chi Luoxie to supervise army grain at Jian Province. Later he sent Chi Luoxie to Luoyang to consult with his various uncles and plot to attack Gao Huan. When Erzhu Zhao and the others were defeated, they returned to Bing Province and ordered Chi Luoxie to administer Si Province. When Erzhu Zhao died, he then served Dou Tai, and Dou Tai treated him with great courtesy. When Dou Tai became censor-in-chief, he made Chi Luoxie investigating censor. When Dou Tai marched toward Tong Pass, Chi Luoxie was army overseer. When Dou Tai became censor-in-chief, he made Chi Luoxie investigating censor. When Dou Tai marched toward Tong Pass, Chi Luoxie was army overseer.

協歷仕二京，詳練故事。又深自克勵，太祖頗委任之。然猶以其家屬在東，疑其有戀本之望。及河橋戰不利，協隨軍而還。太祖知協不貳，封冠軍縣男，邑二百戶。尋加車騎將軍、左光祿大夫。九年，除直閤將軍、恆州大中正，加都督，進爵為伯，增邑八百戶。尋遷大都督、儀同三司。

When Dou Tai died, Chi Luoxie was also captured. Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai, because he had been in Guan many years, appointed him eastern pavilion libationer of the grand chancellor's office, pacification army general, and silver-blue-golden-light grand master; transferred to recording secretary, promoted to chief clerk, added Regular Attendant through direct connection, acting grand mobile headquarters director, and successively promoted to staff officer of the chancellor's office. Chi Luoxie served through both capitals and was thoroughly versed in precedent. Moreover he deeply restrained himself; Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai greatly entrusted him. Yet still, because his family remained in the east, he was suspected of longing for his native place. When the battle at He Bridge went badly, Chi Luoxie returned with the army. Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai knew Chi Luoxie was not double-minded and enfeoffed him as Baron of Champion county, fief of two hundred households. Soon he was added chariots-and-cavalry general and left golden-light grand master.

初，太祖欲經略漢中，令協行南岐州刺史，幷節度東益州戎馬事。魏廢帝元年，卽授南岐州刺史。時東益州刺史楊辟邪據州反。二年，協率所部兵討之，軍次涪水。會有氐賊一千人斷道破橋。協遣儀同仇買等行前擊之，賊開路，協乃領所部漸進。又有氐賊一千人邀協，協乃將兵四百人守硤道，與賊短兵接戰，賊乃退避。辟邪棄城走，協追斬之，群氐皆伏。以功授開府。仍為大將軍尉遲迥長史，率兵伐蜀。旣入劍閣，迥令協行潼州事。

Ninth year, he was made director of the palace guard, Heng Province chief impartial judge, added area commander, advanced to earl, fief increased by eight hundred households. Soon he was transferred to area commander and commissioner equal to Three Excellencies. At first Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai wished to plan for Hanzhong and ordered Chi Luoxie to act as governor of South Qi Province, together commanding the military horses of East Yi Province. First year of Western Wei Emperor Fei, he was then appointed governor of South Qi Province. At the time East Yi Province inspector Yang Bixie held the province and rebelled. Second year, Chi Luoxie led his troops to attack him; the army halted at Fu River. It happened that Di bandits one thousand strong cut the road and broke the bridge. Chi Luoxie sent Commissioner Equal Qiu Mai and others forward to strike them; the bandits opened the road, and he then led his troops gradually forward. Again Di bandits one thousand strong intercepted Chi Luoxie; he then led four hundred troops to hold the pass road and fought at close quarters; the bandits then withdrew. Yang Bixie abandoned the city and fled; Chi Luoxie pursued and beheaded him, and the Di masses all submitted. For merit he was granted palace opener.

時有五城郡氐酋趙雄傑等扇動新、潼、始三州民反叛，聚結二萬餘人，在州南三里，隔涪水，據槐林山，置柵拒守。梓潼郡民鄧朏、王令公等招誘鄉邑萬餘人，復在州東十裏，涪水北，置柵以應之。同逼州城。城中糧少，軍人乏食。協撫安內外，咸無異心。遣儀同伊婁訓、大都督司馬裔等將步騎千餘人，夜渡涪水擊雄傑，一戰破之。令公以雄傑敗，亦棄柵走還本郡。復與鄧朏等更率萬餘人，于郡東南隔水置柵，斷絕驛路。協遣儀同楊長樂，與司馬裔等率師討之；復遣大都督裴孟嘗領百姓繼進，為其聲勢。孟嘗旣至梓潼，值水漲不得卽渡。而王令公、鄧朏見孟嘗騎少，乃將三千餘人圍之數重。孟嘗以衆寡不敵，各棄馬短兵接戰。從辰至午，於陣斬令公及朏等。賊徒旣失渠帥，遂卽散走。其徒黨仍據舊柵。而孟嘗方得渡水與長樂合。卽勒兵攻柵，經三日，賊乃請降。此後數有反叛，協輒遣兵討平之。

He still served as chief administrator to Grand General Yuchi Jiong and led troops to attack Shu. Having entered Jian Pass, Yuchi Jiong ordered Chi Luoxie to administer Tong Province affairs. At the time Di chieftains of Wucheng commandery Zhao Xiongjie and others stirred the people of Xin, Tong, and Shi provinces to rebel; they gathered more than twenty thousand men three li south of the province, across Fu River, occupying Huailin Mountain, setting palisades and holding defense. Zitong commandery commoners Deng Fei, Wang Linggong, and others enticed townships of more than ten thousand men; again ten li east of the province, north of Fu River, they set palisades to respond. Together they pressed the provincial city. Grain in the city was little, and the soldiers lacked food. Chi Luoxie pacified within and without, and all were without divergent hearts. He sent Commissioner Equal Yilou Xun, area commander Sima Yi, and others to lead more than one thousand infantry and cavalry, crossing Fu River by night to strike Zhao Xiongjie, and in one battle broke them. Wang Linggong, because Zhao Xiongjie was defeated, also abandoned the palisade and fled back to his native commandery. Again with Deng Fei and others he led more than ten thousand men, south of the commandery across water setting palisades, cutting off the post road. Chi Luoxie sent Commissioner Equal Yang Changle, together with Sima Yi and others leading troops to attack them; again he sent area commander Pei Mengchang leading commoners to follow after, making a show of force for them. When Pei Mengchang reached Zitong, the water was high and he could not cross at once. Wang Linggong and Deng Fei, seeing Pei Mengchang's horsemen were few, then led more than three thousand men and surrounded him several ranks deep. Pei Mengchang, because the many could not match the few, each abandoned his horse and fought at close quarters with short weapons. From chen to wu, on the field he beheaded Wang Linggong and Deng Fei and the others. The bandit followers having lost their chieftains, at once scattered and fled. At once he led troops to attack the palisades; after three days the bandits requested surrender. After this there were several more rebellions; Chi Luoxie always sent troops to attack and pacify them.

魏恭帝三年，太祖徵協入朝，論蜀中事，乃賜姓宇文氏，增邑通前一千五百戶。晉公護旣殺孫恆、李植等，欲委腹心于司會柳慶、司憲令狐整等。慶、整並辭不堪，俱薦協。語在慶、整傳。護遂征協入朝。旣至，護引與同宿，深寄託之。協欣然承奉，誓以軀命自效。護大悅，以為得協之晚。卽授軍司馬，委以兵事。尋轉治御正，又授護府長史，進爵為公，增邑一千戶。常在護側，陳說時事，多被納用。世宗知其材識庸淺，每折之。數謂之曰：「汝何知也！」猶以護所親任，難卽屏黜，每含容之。及世宗崩，便授協司會中大夫、中外府長史。協形貌瘦小，舉措褊急。旣以得志，每自矜高。朝士有來請事者，輒云「汝不解，吾今教汝」，及其所言，多乖事衷。當時莫不笑之。

Third year of Western Wei Emperor Gong, Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai summoned Chi Luoxie to court to discuss affairs in Shu, then granted the surname Yuwen and increased the fief together with the former to one thousand five hundred households. Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu having killed Sun Heng, Li Zhi, and others, wished to entrust his inner core to Director of Retainers Liu Qing and Director of Censors Linghu Zheng and others. Liu Qing and Linghu Zheng both declined as unable and together recommended Chi Luoxie. The account is in the biographies of Liu Qing and Linghu Zheng. Yuwen Hu then summoned Chi Luoxie to court. Having arrived, Yuwen Hu received him to lodge together and deeply entrusted himself to him. Chi Luoxie gladly accepted and served, vowing to give his life in service. Yuwen Hu was greatly pleased and thought he had gained Chi Luoxie too late. At once Chi Luoxie was appointed army chief of staff and entrusted with military affairs. Soon he was transferred to director of imperial governance, again appointed chief administrator of Yuwen Hu's office, advanced to duke, fief increased by one thousand households. Constantly at Yuwen Hu's side, he set forth current affairs and much was adopted. Emperor Shizong knew his talent and knowledge were shallow and mediocre, and always cut him down. He often told him: "What do you know!" Yet because Yuwen Hu trusted and relied on him, it was hard to remove him at once, and each time they made allowances. When Emperor Ming Yuwen Yu died, Chi Luoxie was promptly appointed Director of Audits grand master and chief secretary of the Palace and Exterior Bureau. Chi Luoxie was slight in build and small in stature; in manner he was narrow and hasty. Once he had achieved his ambitions, he constantly vaunted himself. When court officials came to consult him, he would always say, "You do not understand—I will teach you now"—and what he said often missed the point. At the time everyone laughed at him.

保定二年，追論平蜀功，別封一子縣侯。又於蜀中食邑一千戶，入其租賦之半。晉公護以協竭忠於己，每提獎之，頻考上中，賞以粟帛。遷少保，轉少傅，進位大將軍，爵南陽郡公，兼營作副監。宮室旣成，以功賜爵洛邑縣公，回授一子。協旣受護重委，冀得婚連帝室，乃求復舊姓叱羅氏。護為奏請，高祖許之。又進位柱國。護以協年老，許其致仕，而協貪榮，未肯告退。護誅，協除名。

In the second year of Baoding (562), in rewarding merit for pacifying Shu, one of his sons was separately enfeoffed as marquis of a county. He was also granted an estate of a thousand households in Shu, with half its rents and taxes paid to him. Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu, because Chi Luoxie had served him wholeheartedly, constantly praised and rewarded him, repeatedly rated his performance as upper-middle, and rewarded him with grain and silk. He was transferred to junior preceptor, then junior tutor; advanced to grand general; enfeoffed as Duke of Nanyang Commandery; and concurrently appointed deputy supervisor of palace construction. When the palaces were completed, for his merit he was granted the title Duke of Luoyi county and had it transferred to one of his sons. Since Chi Luoxie had received Yuwen Hu's heavy commission, he hoped to marry into the imperial house and therefore asked to restore his former surname, the Chi clan. Yuwen Hu memorialized the request; High Ancestor Yuwen Yong approved it. He was again advanced to pillar-of-state. Yuwen Hu, considering Chi Luoxie was old, permitted him to retire from office, but Chi Luoxie, greedy for glory, was unwilling to resign. When Yuwen Hu was executed, Chi Luoxie was struck from the rolls.

建德三年，高祖以協宿齒，授儀同三司，賜爵南陽郡公，時與論說舊事。是歲卒，年七十六。子金嗣。

In the third year of Jiande (574), High Ancestor Yuwen Yong, because Chi Luoxie was advanced in years, appointed him grandmaster with privilege equal to the Three Excellencies and restored the title Duke of Nanyang Commandery; at the time he often discussed old affairs with him. That year he died, aged seventy-six. His son Jin succeeded him.

馮遷字羽化。父漳，州從事。及遷官達，追贈儀同三司、陝州刺史。遷少修謹，有乾能，州辟從事。魏神龜中，刺史楊鈞引為中兵參軍事，轉定襄令，尋為幷州水曹參軍。所歷之職，咸以勤恪著稱。

Feng Qian, styled Yuhua. His father Zhang was a provincial aide. When Feng Qian rose high in office, Zhang was posthumously granted grandmaster with privilege equal to the Three Excellencies and made governor of Shaan Province. Feng Qian from youth was refined and cautious, possessed practical ability, and was recruited as a provincial aide. During the Shengui era of Wei (518–520), Governor Yang Jun appointed him military aide, transferred him to magistrate of Dingsxiang, and soon made him water bureau aide of Bing Province. In every post he held he was known for diligence and conscientiousness.

及魏孝武西遷，乃棄官，與直閤將軍馮靈豫入關。卽從魏孝武復潼關，定回洛，除給事中。後從太祖擒竇泰，復弘農，戰沙苑，皆有功。授都督、龍驤將軍、羽林監，封獨顯縣伯，邑六百戶。及洛陽之戰，遷先登陷陣，遂中重瘡，僅得不死。以功加輔國將軍、軍師都督，進爵為侯。久之，出為廣漢郡守。時蜀土初平，人情擾動，遷政存簡恕，夷俗頗安之。魏恭帝二年，就加車騎將軍、大都督、通直散騎常侍，鎮樊城。尋拜漢東郡守。

When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, Feng Qian abandoned office and, with Direct-Palace General Feng Lingyu, entered Guan. He immediately followed Emperor Xiaowu in retaking Tong Pass and securing Huiluo, and was appointed gentleman-at-attendance. Later he followed Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai in capturing Dou Tai, recovering Hongnong, and fighting at Shawei—all with merit. He was appointed commander, Dragon-Prancing General, and superintendent of the Feathered Forest Guard; enfeoffed as Baron of Duxian county with an estate of six hundred households. At the battle of Luoyang, Feng Qian was first to scale the walls and break the line; he then received grave wounds and barely escaped death. For merit he was promoted to general who assists the state and military-affairs commander; his noble rank was advanced to marquis. After a time he went out as governor of Guanghan Commandery. At the time Shu had just been pacified and popular sentiment was unsettled; Feng Qian's government was simple and forbearing, and the barbarian customs were quite pacified thereby. In the second year of Emperor Gong of Wei (556), he was additionally made chariot-and-cavalry general, commander-in-chief, and regular attendant of the Direct-Liaison Secretariat; he garrisoned Fancheng. Soon he was appointed governor of Handong Commandery.

孝閔帝踐阼，入為晉公護府掾，加車騎大將軍、儀同三司，進爵臨高縣公。尋遷護府司錄，進授驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。遷性質直，小心畏慎，雖居樞要，不以勢位加人。兼明練時事，善於斷決。每校閱文簿，孜孜不倦，從辰逮夕，未嘗休止。以此甚為護所委任。後以其朝之舊齒，欲以衣錦榮之，乃授陝州刺史，進爵隆山郡公，增邑幷前二千戶。遷本寒微，不為時輩所重，一旦刺舉本州，唯以謙恭接待鄉邑，人無怨者。復入為司錄，轉工部中大夫，歷軍司馬，遷小司空。自天和已後，遷以年老，委任稍衰。及護誅，猶除名。建德末，卒于家，時年七十八。子恕，位至儀同三司、伏夷鎮將、平寇縣伯。

When Emperor Xiaomin Yuwen Jue took the throne, Feng Qian entered service as an aide in Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu's bureau; was promoted to chariot-and-cavalry grand general and grandmaster with privilege equal to the Three Excellencies; and advanced in rank to Duke of Lingao county. Soon he was transferred to director of records of Yuwen Hu's bureau and was further appointed flying-cavalry grand general and commissioner with Three Excellencies protocol and an open office. Feng Qian by nature was upright and cautious; though he held a pivotal post, he did not use rank and power to lord it over others. He was also skilled and practiced in current affairs and good at deciding cases. Each time he examined documents he was tireless—from morning until evening he never ceased. For this reason Yuwen Hu greatly relied on and entrusted him. Later, because he was an elder of Yuwen Hu's court, wishing to honor him with return in glory to his home region, Yuwen Hu appointed him governor of Shaan Province, advanced his rank to Duke of Longshan Commandery, and increased his estate together with the former to two thousand households. Feng Qian's origins were humble and the men of the age did not greatly esteem him—yet once he held provincial oversight over his native commandery, he received his home district only with humility and courtesy, and no one bore resentment. He again entered service as director of records, transferred to grand master of the Ministry of Works, passed through military affairs secretary, and was transferred to minor minister of works. From Tianhe onward, because Feng Qian was old, his appointments gradually declined. When Yuwen Hu was executed, he too was struck from the rolls. At the end of Jiande he died at home, aged seventy-eight. His son Shu reached the post of grandmaster with privilege equal to the Three Excellencies, general who garrisons Fuyi, and Baron of Pingkou county.

護所委信者，又有朔方邊平，位至大將軍、軍司馬、護府司馬。護敗，亦除名。

Among those Yuwen Hu relied on and trusted was also Bian Ping of Shuofang, who reached the posts of grand general, military affairs secretary, and military affairs secretary of Yuwen Hu's bureau. When Yuwen Hu fell, he too was struck from the rolls.

史臣曰：仲尼有言：「可與適道，未可與權。」夫道者，率禮之謂也；權者，反經之謂也。率禮由乎正理，易以成佐世之功；反經系乎非常，難以定匡時之業。故得其人則治，伊尹放太甲，周旦相孺子是也；不得其人則亂，新都遷漢鼎，晉氏傾魏族是也。是以先王明上下之序，聖人重君臣之分。委質同於股肱，受爵均其休戚。當其親受顧托，位居宰衡，雖復承利劍，臨沸鼎，不足以讋其慮；據帝圖，君海內，不足以回其心。若斯人者，固以功與山嶽爭其高，名與穹壤齊其久矣。

The historian writes: Confucius said, "One may journey with someone on the Way, but one may not confer discretionary power on him." The Way means adhering to ritual; discretionary power means departing from the norm. Adhering to ritual proceeds from correct principle and easily achieves the work of aiding the age; departing from the norm depends on the extraordinary and is hard to settle the enterprise of righting the times. Therefore when the right man is found there is order—Yi Yin deposed Tai Jia and the Duke of Zhou served the young lord are examples; when the wrong man is found there is chaos—Wang Mang moved the Han tripod and the Jin house overthrew the Wei clan are examples. Therefore the former kings clarified the order of superior and inferior; the sages valued the distinction between ruler and subject. Entrusting oneself is like being hands and feet; receiving enfeoffment shares alike in weal and woe. When such a one personally receives a dying charge and stands in the place of chief minister, though he should take up a sharp sword or face a boiling cauldron, it is not enough to change his resolve; though he holds the imperial chart and rules all within the seas, it is not enough to turn his heart. Men such as these—surely their merit contends with mountains and hills in height, and their fame with heaven and earth in endurance.

有周受命之始，宇文護寔預艱難。及太祖崩殂，諸子沖幼，羣公懷等夷之志，天下有去就之心。卒能變魏為周，俾危獲乂者，護之力也。向使加之以禮讓，繼之以忠貞，桐宮有悔過之期，未央終天年之數，則前史所載，焉足以道哉。然護寡於學術，昵近羣小，威福在己，征伐自出。有人臣無君之心，為人主不堪之事。忠孝大節也，違之而不疑；廢弒至逆也，行之而無悔。終於身首橫分，妻孥為戮，不亦宜乎。

At the beginning when Zhou received the mandate, Yuwen Hu truly shared in the hardships. When Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai died, the sons were young, the great lords harbored ambitions of equal standing, and the realm had minds inclined to depart. That he ultimately could transform Wei into Zhou and bring order out of peril was Yuwen Hu's strength. If only he had added humility and deference and continued in loyalty and constancy—if the Palace of the Tung tree had had a term for repentance and Weiyang Palace a full span of years—then what the earlier histories record would be scarcely worth mentioning. Yet Yuwen Hu was poor in learning, drew close to petty men, kept favor and punishment in his own hands, and launched campaigns on his own authority. He had the heart of a minister without a lord and did what a sovereign cannot bear. Loyalty and filial piety are the great norms—he violated them without hesitation; deposing and murdering are the utmost rebellions—he practiced them without regret. In the end his body was cut in two at the neck and his wife and children slaughtered—is this not fitting?

全文以中華書局、一九七一年十一月版《周書》為本校。

The entire text has been collated against the Zhonghua Shuju edition of the Book of Zhou, November 1971.

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