Volume 14 Biographies 6: He Basheng (younger brother Yue, older brother Yong); Houmo Chenyue; Nian Xian

賀拔勝弟岳兄允念賢

He Basheng — younger brother He Bayue, elder brother He Bayong; Nian Xian

賀拔勝字破胡，神武尖山人也。其先與魏氏同出陰山。有如回者，魏初為大莫弗。祖爾頭，驍勇絕倫，以良家子鎮武川，因家焉。獻文時，茹茹數為寇，北邊患之。爾頭將遊騎深入覘候，前後以八十數，悉知虜之倚伏。後雖有寇至，不能為害。以功賜爵龍城侯。父度拔，性果毅，為武川軍主。

He Basheng, styled Pohu, came from Jianshan in Shenwu. His forebears shared a common origin with the Wei clan in the Yinshan range. One ancestor, Ruhui, served in the early Northern Wei as Grand Mofu. His grandfather Ertou was a warrior without peer; posted to Wuchuan as a soldier of good family, he made the town his home. Under Emperor Xianwen, the Rouran raided again and again, and the northern border lived in fear of them. Ertou led scouting cavalry deep into enemy country; on some eighty missions he mapped every move the barbarians made. After that, even when raiders appeared they could do no damage. For his service he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Longcheng. His father Dubo was bold and resolute and held the post of military commandant at Wuchuan.

魏正光末，沃野鎮人破六汗拔陵反，南侵城邑。懷朔鎮將楊鈞聞度拔名，召補統軍，配以一旅。其賊偽署王衛可孤徒黨尤盛，旣圍武川，又攻懷朔。勝少有志操，善騎射，北邊莫不推其膽略。時亦為軍主，從度拔鎮守。旣圍經年，而外援不至，勝乃慷慨白楊鈞曰：「城圍蹙迫，事等倒懸，請告急於大軍，乞師為援。」鈞許之。乃募勇敢少年十餘騎，夜伺隙潰圍而出。賊追及之。勝曰：「我賀拔破胡也。」賊不敢逼。至朔州，白臨淮王元彧曰：「懷朔被圍，旦夕淪陷，士女延首，企望官軍。大王帝室藩維，與國休戚，受任征討，理宜唯敵是求，今乃頓兵不進，猶豫不決。懷朔若陷，則武川隨亦危矣。逆賊因茲，銳氣百倍，雖有韓、白之勇，良、平之謀，亦不能為大王用也。」彧以勝辭義懇至，許以出師，還令報命。勝復突圍而入，賊追之，射殺數人。至城下，大呼曰：「賀拔破胡與官軍至矣。」城中乃開門納之。鈞復遣勝出覘武川，而武川已陷，勝乃馳還。懷朔亦潰，勝父子遂為賊所虜。後隨度拔與德皇帝合謀，率州里豪傑輿珍、念賢、乙弗庫根、尉遲真檀等，招集義勇，襲殺可孤。朝廷嘉之，未及封賞，會度拔與鐵勒戰沒。孝昌中，追贈安遠將軍、肆州刺史。

At the close of the Zhenguang era, Bolohen Baling of the Woye garrison rose in revolt and swept south against towns and cities. Yang Jun, commander of Huoshuo garrison, had heard of Dubo's name and called him up as a regimental commander with a brigade under him. Of the rebel bands, the party of the self-proclaimed king Wei Ke'gu was the strongest; they besieged Wuchuan and also pressed Huoshuo. He Basheng had been ambitious and upright from boyhood and was skilled in horsemanship and archery; on the northern frontier everyone respected his daring and judgment. He too was then a garrison commandant and served under Dubo in the defense. The siege had dragged on for a year with no relief from outside. He Basheng then spoke urgently to Yang Jun: "The walls are closing in on us; we hang by a thread. Let me ride to the main army and beg for reinforcements." Yang Jun agreed. He gathered a dozen bold young riders and, finding a gap in the lines one night, burst through the siege. The rebels overtook them. He Basheng shouted: "I am He Basheng Pohu!" The pursuers did not dare come near. At Shuozhou he appealed to the Prince of Linhuai, Yuan Yu: "Huoshuo is under siege and may fall at any hour. Men and women stretch their necks, waiting for the imperial army. Your Highness is a pillar of the imperial house; the realm's fortune is yours. Sent to suppress rebellion, you should seek out the enemy—yet your troops stand idle, wavering and unsure. If Huoshuo falls, Wuchuan will be lost next. The rebels will take heart and fight twice as hard; even Han Xin and Bai Qi's valor and Zhang Liang and Chen Ping's counsel would avail Your Highness nothing." Moved by the force of He Basheng's plea, Yuan Yu promised to march and sent him back with word of it. He Basheng broke back through the lines; the rebels pursued, and he shot several of them down. At the wall he cried out: "He Basheng Pohu is here with the imperial army!" The garrison opened the gate and let him in. Yang Jun sent him out again to scout Wuchuan, but Wuchuan had already fallen, and he rode back at once. Huoshuo too gave way; He Basheng and his father were taken by the rebels. Later he followed Dubo in a secret plot with Emperor De (Yuwen Gong), rallying local leaders Yu Zhen, Nian Xian, Yifu Kugen, Yuchi Zhentan, and others to raise loyal volunteers and strike down Wei Ke'gu in a surprise attack. The court commended the deed, but before honors could be given Dubo fell fighting the Tiele. During Xiaochang he was posthumously made General Who Pacifies the Distance and governor of Si Province.

初，度拔殺可孤之後，令勝馳告朔州，未反而度拔已卒。刺史費穆奇勝才略，厚禮留之，遂委其事，常為遊騎。于時廣陽王元深在五原，為破六汗賊所圍，晝夜攻戰。召勝為軍主。勝乃率募二百人，開東城門出戰，斬首百餘級。賊遂退軍數十里。廣陽以賊稍卻，因拔軍向朔州，勝常為殿。以功拜統軍，加伏波將軍。又隸僕射元纂鎮恒州。時有鮮于阿胡擁朔州流民，南下為寇。恒州城中人乃潛與謀，以城應之。勝與兄允弟岳相失，南投肆州。允、岳投爾朱榮。榮與肆州刺史尉慶賓構隙，引兵攻肆州。肆州陷，榮得勝，大悅曰：「吾得卿兄弟，天下不足平也。」

After Dubo killed Ke'gu he sent He Basheng riding to Shuozhou with the news; before he could return, Dubo was dead. Governor Fei Mu admired He Basheng's ability, treated him generously, and kept him on; he put him in charge of affairs and regularly used him on cavalry raids. The Prince of Guangyang, Yuan Shen, was then at Wuyuan, hemmed in by Bolohen rebels and fighting day and night. He called He Basheng to serve as garrison commandant. He Basheng led two hundred volunteers out the east gate, fought, and took more than a hundred heads. The rebels pulled back several tens of li. When the enemy had slackened, Guangyang marched toward Shuozhou; He Basheng usually covered the retreat. For his service he was made regimental commander and additionally General Who Subdues Waves. He was again placed under Director of Affairs Yuan Zuan, garrisoning Heng Province. Xianyu Ahu was then leading Shuozhou refugees south on plundering raids. Men inside Heng city secretly colluded with him to open the gates. He Basheng was separated from his elder brother He Bayong and younger brother He Bayue and fled south to Si Province. He Bayong and He Bayue joined Erzhu Rong. Erzhu Rong quarreled with Si Province governor Wei Qingbin and marched against Si Province. Si Province fell. Erzhu Rong gained He Basheng and said with delight: "With you brothers at my side, the realm will not long resist me."

勝委質事榮。時杜洛周阻兵幽、定，葛榮據有冀、瀛。榮謂勝曰：「井陘險要，我之東門。意欲屈君鎮之，未知君意如何？」勝曰：「少逢兵亂，險阻備嘗，每思效力，以報（已）〔己〕知。今蒙驅使，實所願也。」榮乃表勝為鎮遠將軍、別將，領步騎五千鎮井陘。孝昌末，從榮入洛，以定策立孝莊帝功，封易陽縣伯，邑四百戶。累遷直合將軍、通直散騎常侍、平南將軍、光祿大夫、撫軍將軍。從太宰元穆北征葛榮，為前鋒大都督。戰於滏口，大破之，虜獲數千人。時洛周餘燼韓婁在薊城結聚，為遠近之害。復以勝為大都督，鎮中山。婁素聞勝威名，竟不敢南寇。元顥入洛陽，孝莊帝出居河內。榮徵勝為前軍大都督，領千騎與爾朱兆自硤石度，大破顥軍，擒其子領軍將軍冠受，及梁將陳思保等，遂前驅入洛。拜武衛將軍、金紫光祿大夫，增邑六百戶，進爵真定縣公，遷武衛將軍，加散騎常侍。

He Basheng pledged his loyalty and entered Erzhu Rong's service. Du Luozhou then held arms in You and Ding; Ge Rong controlled Ji and Ying. Erzhu Rong told him: "Jingxing is the key to the pass—our eastern gate. I mean to ask you to hold it. What do you say?" He Basheng replied: "I have known war since youth and every hardship of the field. I have long wished to serve, to repay [variant: the cited text] your kindness. Now that you send me, it is exactly what I want. Erzhu Rong then memorialized He Basheng as General Who Pacifies the Distance and separate commander, with five thousand foot and horse to garrison Jingxing. At the end of Xiaochang he followed Erzhu Rong into Luoyang; for helping settle the plan to raise Emperor Xiaozhuang to the throne he was enfeoffed Baron of Yiyang with a fief of four hundred households. He rose through Direct-Palace General, Regular Attendant in the Direct Office, General Who Pacifies the South, Grand Master of Splendid Emolument, and General Who Calms the Army. He followed Grand Preceptor Yuan Mu on the northern campaign against Ge Rong as grand commander of the vanguard. At Fu mouth they smashed the enemy and took several thousand prisoners. Han Lou, a remnant of Du Luozhou's force, had gathered at Ji and plagued the country round about. He Basheng was again made grand commander and stationed at Zhongshan. Han Lou had long known He Basheng's name and in the end never dared march south. Yuan Hao took Luoyang; Emperor Xiaozhuang withdrew to Henei. Erzhu Rong called He Basheng as vanguard grand commander; with a thousand horse he and Erzhu Zhao crossed at Xiashi, broke Yuan Hao's army, captured his son the staff-general Guanshou and Liang generals including Chen Sibao, and drove on into Luoyang. He was made General of Martial Guard and Grand Master of Splendor with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon; his fief grew by six hundred households; he was advanced to Duke of Zhending and given Regular Cavalier Attendant as well.

及榮被誅，事起倉卒，勝復隨世隆于於河橋。勝以為臣無讐君之義，遂勒所部還都謁帝。大悅，以本官假驃騎大將軍、東征都督，率騎一千，會鄭先護討爾朱仲遠。為先護所疑，置之營外，人馬未得休息。俄而仲遠兵至，與戰不利，乃降之。復與爾朱氏同謀，立節閔帝。以功拜右衛將軍，進車騎大將軍、儀同三司、左光祿大夫。

When Erzhu Rong was killed in the sudden upheaval, He Basheng again followed Erzhu Shilong at Heqiao. He Basheng held that a subject owes no duty of vengeance to a fallen patron; he led his troops back to the capital to pay homage to the emperor. The emperor was overjoyed and, retaining his existing rank, provisionally made him General of Cavalry on the Left and eastern campaign commander-in-chief, with a thousand horse to join Zheng Xianhu against Erzhu Zhongyuan. Zheng Xianhu distrusted him, kept him outside the camp, and gave neither men nor horses time to recover. Before long Erzhu Zhongyuan's force arrived; the fight went against them, and he surrendered. He again conspired with the Erzhu clan and helped set Emperor Jiemin on the throne. For his service he was made General of the Right Guard, then advanced to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Honorary Three Preceptorships, and Grand Master of Splendor of the Left.

齊神武懷貳，爾朱氏將討之。度律自洛陽引兵，兆起幷州，仲遠從滑臺，三帥會於鄴東。時勝從度律。度律與兆不平。勝以臨敵構嫌，取敗之道，乃與斛斯椿詣兆營和解之，反為兆所執。度律大懼，遂引軍還。兆將斬勝，數之曰：「爾殺可孤，罪一也；天柱薨後，復不與世隆等俱來，而東征仲遠，罪二也。我欲殺爾久矣，今復何言？」勝曰：「可孤作逆，為國巨患，勝父子誅之，其功不小，反以為罪，天下未聞。天柱被戮，以君誅臣，勝寧負朝廷？今日之事，生死在王。但去賊密邇，骨肉構隙，自古迄今，未有不破亡者。勝不憚死，恐王失策。」兆乃捨之。勝旣得免，行百餘里，方追及度律軍。齊神武旣克相州，兵威漸盛。於是爾朱兆及天光、仲遠、度律等衆十餘萬，陣于韓陵。兆率鐵騎陷陣，出齊神武之後，將乘其背而擊之。度律惡兆之驕悍，懼其陵己，勒兵不肯進。勝以其攜貳，遂率麾下降于齊神武。度律軍以此先退，遂大敗。

Gao Huan (Qi Shenwu) nursed rebellious designs, and the Erzhu clan prepared to move against him. Erzhu Dulü marched from Luoyang, Erzhu Zhao from Bing Province, and Erzhu Zhongyuan from Huatai; the three generals joined east of Ye. He Basheng was then with Erzhu Dulü. Erzhu Dulü and Erzhu Zhao were at odds. He Basheng saw that mutual hatred before battle was the road to ruin; he went with Husi Chun to Erzhu Zhao's camp to make peace, but Zhao seized him instead. Erzhu Dulü was terrified and pulled his army back. Erzhu Zhao was about to kill He Basheng and listed his offenses: "You killed Wei Ke'gu—that is the first crime; After the Heavenly Pillar fell you did not rally with Shilong and the rest, but marched east against Zhongyuan—that is the second. I have wanted you dead for a long time. What have you to say now?" He Basheng answered: "Wei Ke'gu rebelled and was a grave menace to the realm. My father and I killed him—a service, not a crime. The world has never heard such an accusation. The Heavenly Pillar was put to death. When a lord kills his minister, should I turn traitor to the throne? Today my life is in your hands. But the enemy is near, and you turn on your own blood. From old times to now, such houses have never failed to fall. I do not fear death—I fear you will choose wrongly." Erzhu Zhao let him go. Once free, He Basheng rode more than a hundred li before he overtook Erzhu Dulü's column. After Gao Huan took Xiang Province his power steadily grew. Erzhu Zhao, Tiangguang, Zhongyuan, Dulü, and the rest then drew up more than a hundred thousand men at Hanling. Erzhu Zhao led iron cavalry through the line and came out behind Gao Huan, ready to hit him in the back. Erzhu Dulü hated Erzhu Zhao's arrogance, feared being overshadowed, and held his men back. Seeing their split, He Basheng led his command over to Gao Huan. Erzhu Dulü's wing broke first, and the Erzhu host was routed.

太昌初，以勝為領軍將軍，尋除侍中。孝武帝將圖齊神武，以勝弟岳擁衆關西，欲廣其勢援，乃拜勝為都督三荊、二郢、南襄、南雍七州諸軍事，進位驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司、荊州刺史，加授南道大行臺尚書左僕射。勝攻梁下溠戍，擒其戍主尹道珍等。又使人誘動蠻王文道期，率其種落歸款。梁雍州刺史蕭續擊道期不利，漢南大駭。勝遣大都督獨孤信、軍司史寧。歐陽酇城。南雍州刺史長孫亮、南荊州刺史李魔憐、大都督王元軌取久山、白洎，都督拔略昶、史仵龍取義城、均口，擒梁將莊思延，獲甲卒數千人。攻馮翊、安定、（馮）〔沔〕陽，竝平之。勝軍於樊、鄧之間。梁武勅續曰：「賀拔勝北間驍將，爾宜慎之。」續遂城守不敢出。尋進位中書令，增邑二千戶，進爵琅邪郡公。續遣柳仲禮守穀城，勝攻之未拔。屬齊神武與帝有隙，詔勝引兵赴洛，至廣州，猶豫未進，而帝已西遷。勝還軍南陽，遣右丞（楊）〔陽〕休之奉表入關，又令府長史元潁行州事。勝自率所部，將西赴關中，進至淅陽，詔封勝太保、錄尚書事。時齊神武已陷潼關，屯軍華陰。勝乃還荊州。州民鄧誕執元潁，北引侯景。勝至，景逆擊之，勝軍不利，率麾下數百騎，南奔梁。

Early in Taichang, He Basheng was made General of the Palace Guard and soon appointed palace attendant. Emperor Xiaowu planned to move against Gao Huan; because He Basheng's younger brother He Bayue held troops in the west, he wanted to widen his support and made He Basheng commander-in-chief over seven provinces—Three Jing, Two Ying, Southern Xiang, and Southern Yong—promoted him to General of Cavalry on the Left with an office of Honorary Three Preceptorships, governor of Jing Province, and left deputy director of the Masters of Writing on the southern-route grand camp. He Basheng attacked the Liang fort at Xiaxia and captured its commander Yin Daozhen and others. He Basheng also sent men to win over the Man chieftain Wen Daoqi, who led his tribes to surrender. Liang Yong Province inspector Xiao Xu attacked Daoqi and fared badly; the region south of the Han was thrown into alarm. He Basheng dispatched Grand Commander Dugu Xin and army aide Shi Ning. They took Ouyang and Zengcheng. South Yong Province inspector Changsun Liang, South Jing Province inspector Li Molian, and Grand Commander Wang Yuangui took Jiushan and Baizi; commanders Balü Chang and Shi Wulong took Yicheng and Junkou, captured Liang general Zhuang Siyan, and seized several thousand armored troops. They attacked Fengyi and Anding, and [variant: Feng] Mianyang, all were pacified. He Basheng encamped between Fan and Deng. Emperor Wu of Liang ordered Xiao Xu: "He Basheng is a fierce northern general—you should be on your guard." Xu then held the city and dared not come out. Soon He Basheng was advanced to palace attendant; his fief was increased by two thousand households and he was advanced to Duke of Langye commandery. Xiao Xu sent Liu Zhongli to hold Gucheng; He Basheng attacked it but could not take it. As Gao Huan and the emperor had fallen out, an edict ordered He Basheng to lead troops to Luoyang; reaching Guangzhou, he hesitated and did not advance, while the emperor had already moved west. He Basheng returned his army to Nanyang and sent Right Assistant [variant: Yang] Yang Xiuzhi to present a memorial and enter the passes, and also ordered secretariat director Yuan Ying to administer provincial affairs. He Basheng personally led his command west toward Guanzhong; advancing to Xiyang, an edict enfeoffed him as Grand Preceptor and Director of the Masters of Writing. By then Gao Huan had already taken Tong Pass and was encamped at Huayin. He Basheng then returned to Jing Province. A provincial commoner, Deng Dan, seized Yuan Ying and brought Hou Jing down from the north. When He Basheng arrived, Hou Jing counterattacked; his army fared badly, and he led several hundred horsemen south in flight to Liang.

在江表三年，梁武帝遇之甚厚。勝常乞師北討齊神武，旣不果，乃求還。梁武帝許之，親餞於南苑。勝自是之後，每行執弓矢，見鳥獸南向者皆不射之，以申懷德之志也。旣至長安，詣闕謝罪。朝廷嘉其還，乃授太師。

For three years south of the Yangtze, Emperor Wu of Liang treated him very generously. He Basheng often begged for troops to campaign north against Gao Huan; when this failed, he asked to return. Emperor Wu of Liang agreed and personally saw him off at Southern Park. From then on, whenever He Basheng went out with bow and arrows, he would not shoot birds or beasts facing south, to show his gratitude. When he reached Chang'an, he went to the palace to apologize. The court praised his return and appointed him Grand Preceptor.

後從太祖擒竇泰于小關，加授中軍大都督。又從太祖攻弘農。勝自陝津先渡河，東魏將高干遁，勝追獲，囚之。下河北，擒郡守孫晏。崔乂。從破東魏軍於沙苑，追奔至河上。仍與李弼別攻河東，略定汾、絳。增邑幷前五千戶。河橋之役，勝大破東魏軍。太祖命勝收其降卒而還。及齊神武悉衆攻玉壁，勝以前軍大都督從太祖追之於汾北。又從戰邙山。時太祖見齊神武旗鼓，識之，乃募敢勇三千人，配勝以犯其軍。勝適與齊神武相遇，因告之曰：「賀六渾，賀拔破胡必殺汝也。」時募士皆用短兵接戰，勝持矟追齊神武數里，刃垂及之。會勝馬為流矢所中，死，比副騎至，齊神武已逸去。勝歎曰：「今日之事，吾不執弓矢者，天也！」

Later he followed Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai in capturing Dou Tai at Xiaoguan and was additionally appointed Grand Commander of the Central Army. He also followed Yuwen Tai in attacking Hongnong. He Basheng crossed the river first from Shan crossing; Eastern Wei general Gao Gan fled, but He Basheng pursued, captured, and imprisoned him. He went down north of the river and captured commandery administrator Sun Yan. He also captured Cui Yi. He followed in defeating Eastern Wei armies at Shawei and pursued the fugitives to the riverbank. He then joined Li Bi in a separate attack on Hedong and pacified Fen and Jiang. His fief was increased together with the previous total to five thousand households. At the battle of Heqiao, He Basheng routed the Eastern Wei army. Yuwen Tai ordered He Basheng to gather the surrendered troops and return. When Gao Huan mobilized all his forces to attack Yubi, He Basheng as vanguard grand commander followed Yuwen Tai in pursuing him on the north bank of the Fen. He also fought at Mount Mang. When Yuwen Tai saw Gao Huan's banners and drums and recognized him, he recruited three thousand brave men and assigned them to He Basheng to strike his army. He Basheng happened to meet Gao Huan and shouted: "He Liu Hun—He Basheng He Pohu will kill you!" The recruited warriors all fought hand to hand with short weapons; He Basheng held a spear and chased Gao Huan for several li, the blade nearly reaching him. Just then He Basheng's horse was struck by a stray arrow and died; by the time his escort caught up, Gao Huan had already escaped. He Basheng sighed: "In today's affair, that I had no bow and arrows in hand—that was Heaven!"

勝長於喪亂之中，尤工武藝，走馬射飛鳥，十中其五六。太祖每云：「諸將對敵，神色皆動，唯賀拔公臨陣如平常，真大勇也。」自居重位，始愛墳籍。乃招引文儒，討論義理。性又通率，重義輕財，身死之日，唯有隨身兵仗及書千餘卷而已。

He Basheng grew up amid turmoil and was especially skilled in martial arts; riding at a gallop he shot flying birds and hit five or six out of ten. Yuwen Tai often said: "When the generals face the enemy their expressions all change—only Lord He Basheng at battle is as at ordinary times; that is true great courage." Once he held high rank, he began to love books and records. He invited literati and Confucians to discuss principles. By nature he was straightforward and unadorned, valuing righteousness over wealth; when he died he had only his personal weapons and more than a thousand scrolls of books.

初，勝至關中，自以年位素重，見太祖不拜，尋而自悔，太祖亦有望焉。後從太祖宴于昆明池，時有雙鳧游于池上，太祖乃授弓矢於勝曰：「不見公射久矣，請以為歡。」勝射之，一發俱中。因拜太祖曰：「使勝得奉神武，以討不庭，皆如此也。」太祖大悅。自是恩禮日重，勝亦盡誠推奉焉。贈定冀等十州諸軍事、定州刺史、太宰、錄尚書事，諡曰貞獻。明帝二年，以勝配享太祖廟庭。

When He Basheng first reached Guanzhong, thinking his years and rank entitled him, he did not bow to Yuwen Tai; soon he regretted it, and Yuwen Tai also had expectations in the matter. Later, at a banquet with Yuwen Tai at Kunming Pond, when a pair of wild ducks swam on the pond, Yuwen Tai handed bow and arrows to He Basheng and said: "It has been long since we have seen you shoot—please do so for our pleasure." He Basheng shot; one volley brought down both. He then bowed to Yuwen Tai and said: "If I could serve you in arms to punish the rebellious, every shot would be like this." Yuwen Tai was greatly pleased. From then favor and courtesy grew daily, and He Basheng also devoted himself fully in loyalty. He was posthumously granted Director of military affairs for Ding, Ji, and ten other provinces, Inspector of Ding Province, Grand Preceptor, and Director of the Masters of Writing, with the posthumous title Loyal Offerer. In the second year of Emperor Ming (558), He Basheng was paired to share offerings in Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai's temple court.

勝無子，以弟岳子仲華嗣。大統三年，賜爵樊城公。魏廢帝時，為通直郎、散騎常侍，遷黃門郎，加車騎大將軍、儀同三司，驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。六官建，拜守廟下大夫。孝閔帝踐阼，襲爵琅邪公，除利州刺史。大象末，位至江陵總管。

He Basheng had no sons; his younger brother He Bayue's son Zhonghua succeeded him. In the third year of Datong (537), he was granted the rank of Duke of Fancheng. During the era of the Deposed Emperor of Wei, he served as direct-attendant gentleman and scattered-cavalry regular attendant, was transferred to Yellow Gate Gentleman, and was given Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry with Commissioner of Three Excellencies protocol, then Flying-cavalry Grand General with Grand Master of Magnificent State and Three Excellencies protocol. When the Six Offices were established, he was appointed Gentleman under the Temple Guardian. When Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he inherited the rank of Duke of Langye and was appointed Inspector of Li Province. At the end of Daxiang (581), he reached the position of Overall Manager of Jiangling.

勝兄弟三人，竝以豪俠知名。兄允字阿泥，魏孝武時，位至太尉，封燕郡王，為神武所害。

The three He brothers were all famed as heroic knights. The older brother He Bayong, styled Ani, during Emperor Xiaowu of Wei reached Grand Commandant and was enfeoffed Prince of Yan commandery; he was killed by Gao Huan.

岳字阿斗泥。少有大志，愛施好士。初為太學生，及長，能左右馳射，驍果絕人。不讀兵書而暗與之合，識者咸異之。

He Bayue, styled Adouni. In youth he had great ambition, loved to give, and delighted in scholars. He was first a National University student; when grown he could shoot on horseback to left and right, and his valor surpassed others. Without reading military books, he tacitly accorded with them; those who knew him all marveled.

與父兄誅衛可孤之後，廣陽王元深以岳為帳內軍主。又表為強弩將軍。後與兄勝俱鎮恒州。州陷，投爾朱榮。榮待之甚厚，以為別將，尋為都督。每居帳下，與計事，多與榮意合，益重之。榮士馬旣衆，遂與元天穆謀入匡朝廷。謂岳曰：「今女主臨朝，政歸近習。盜賊蜂起，海內沸騰，王師屢出，覆亡相繼。吾累世受恩，義同休戚。今欲親率士馬，電赴京師，內除君側，外清逆亂。取勝之道，計將安出？」岳對曰：「夫立非常之事，必俟非常之人。將軍士馬精強，位任隆重。若首舉義旗，伐叛匡主，何往而不剋，何向而不摧。古人云：『朝謀不及夕，言發不俟駕』，此之謂矣。」榮與天穆相顧良久，曰：「卿此言，真丈夫之志也。」

After he and his father and brothers killed Wei Ke'gu, Prince of Guangyang Yuan Shen made He Bayue camp-inside army commander. Yuan Shen also memorialized to make him Powerful Crossbow General. Later he and his older brother He Basheng together garrisoned Heng Province. When the province fell, he joined Erzhu Rong. Erzhu Rong treated him very generously, making him Separate General and soon Grand Commander. Often in council under Erzhu Rong's tent, he mostly accorded with Rong's intent, and Rong valued him still more. Once Erzhu Rong's troops and horses were numerous, he plotted with Yuan Tianmu to enter the capital and restore the court. He said to He Bayue: "Now a woman holds court and government rests with favorites. Bandits swarm; the realm seethes; royal armies go out repeatedly and are destroyed in succession. Our house has received grace for generations; our fates are bound together. Now I wish personally to lead troops and horses swiftly to the capital, inward to remove evil at the ruler's side and outward to clear rebellious turmoil. The way to victory—what plan do you propose?" He Bayue replied: "To accomplish an extraordinary deed, one must await an extraordinary man. General, your troops and horses are elite and strong, and your position and commission are weighty. If you first raise the banner of righteousness to punish rebels and restore the ruler, where would you go and not conquer, what direction would you strike and not crush? The ancients said, 'Morning counsel does not last to evening; words spoken wait not for the chariot'—this is what is meant." Erzhu Rong and Yuan Tianmu looked at each other a long while and said: "Your words are truly a great man's resolve."

未幾而魏孝明帝暴崩，榮疑有故，乃舉兵赴洛。配岳甲卒二千為先驅，至河陰。榮旣殺害朝士，時齊神武為榮軍都督，勸榮稱帝，左右多欲同之，榮疑未決。岳乃從容進而言曰：「將軍首舉義兵，共除奸逆，功勤未立，逆有此謀，可謂速禍，未見其福。」榮尋亦自悟，乃尊立孝莊。岳又勸榮誅齊神武以謝天下。左右咸言：「高歡雖復庸疏，言不思難，今四方尚梗，事藉武臣，請舍之，收其後效。」榮乃止。以定策功，授前將軍、太中大夫，賜爵樊城（郡）〔鄉〕男。復為榮前軍都督，破葛榮於滏口。遷平東將軍、金紫光祿大夫。坐事免。詔尋復之。從平元顥，轉左光祿大夫、武衛將軍。

Before long Emperor Xiaoming of Wei died suddenly; Erzhu Rong suspected foul play and raised troops for Luoyang. He assigned He Bayue two thousand armored soldiers as vanguard; they reached Heyin. After Erzhu Rong had slain court gentlemen, Gao Huan was Rong's army commander and urged him to declare himself emperor; those around him mostly agreed; Rong wavered, undecided. He Bayue then calmly stepped forward and said: "General, you first raised righteous troops to remove traitors; merit is not yet established, yet you hastily entertain this plan—you will speedily call down disaster and will not see its blessing." Soon Erzhu Rong also came to his senses and installed Emperor Xiaozhuang. He Bayue again urged Erzhu Rong to execute Gao Huan to appease the realm. Those around him all said: "Though Gao Huan is coarse and speaks without thinking of difficulties, the four quarters are still unsettled and affairs rely on martial officers—please spare him and gather his later service." Erzhu Rong then desisted. For merit in settling the plan, He Bayue was appointed Former General and Grand Master of Palace Counsel and granted the rank of Fancheng [variant: Commandery] Baron of Fancheng township. He again served as Erzhu Rong's vanguard commander and defeated Ge Rong at Fokou. He was transferred to General Who Pacifies the East and Grand Master with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon. Because of an offense he was dismissed from office. An edict soon restored him. He followed in pacifying Yuan Hao, was transferred to left grand master of splendid happiness and martial guard general.

時万俟醜奴僭稱大號，關中騷動，朝廷深以為憂。榮將遣岳討之。岳私謂其兄勝曰：「醜奴擁秦、隴之兵，足為勍敵。若岳往而無功，罪責立至；假令剋定，恐讒愬生焉。」勝曰：「汝欲何計自安？」岳曰：「請爾朱氏一人為元帥，岳副貳之，則可矣。」勝然之，乃請于榮。榮大悅，乃以天光為使持節、督二雍二岐諸軍事、驃騎大將軍、雍州刺史，以岳為持節、假衛將軍、左大都督，又以征西將軍代郡侯莫陳悅為右〔大〕都督，竝為天光之副以討之。時赤水蜀賊，阻兵斷路。天光之衆，不滿二千。及軍次潼關，天光有難色。岳曰：「蜀賊草竊而已，公尚遲疑，若遇大敵，將何以戰。」天光曰：「今日之事，一以相委，公宜為吾制之。」於是進軍，賊拒戰於渭北，破之，獲馬二千疋，軍威大振。

At that time Moqi Chounu presumptuously assumed a great title; Guanzhong was in turmoil, and the court was deeply alarmed. Erzhu Rong was about to send He Bayue to attack him. He Bayue privately told his elder brother He Basheng: "Chounu holds the forces of Qin and Long—he is fully a formidable foe. If I go and achieve nothing, blame and punishment will come at once; even if we should conquer and settle the matter, I fear slander and accusation will arise." He Basheng said: "What plan do you wish to secure yourself?" He Bayue said: "Request one man of the Erzhu clan as commander-in-chief, with me as his second—then it can be done." He Basheng approved, and thereupon made the request of Erzhu Rong. Erzhu Rong was greatly pleased; he then made Erzhu Tianguang commissioner with full credentials, supervisor of military affairs in the two Yong and two Qi regions, grand general of fast cavalry, and governor of Yong Province; made He Bayue commissioner with credentials, acting guard general, and left grand commander; and also made campaign-west general Houmo Chenyue of Dai commandery right grand commander—all as Tianguang's deputies to attack him. At that time Chishui Shu bandits blocked the road with arms. Tianguang's force was less than two thousand. When the army halted at Tong Pass, Tianguang showed a troubled countenance. He Bayue said: "Shu bandits are mere grass-thieves; yet you still hesitate—if we meet a great foe, with what will we fight?" Tianguang said: "Today's affair I wholly entrust to you; you should take command for me." Thereupon they advanced; the bandits resisted battle north of the Wei River and were defeated; they captured two thousand horses, and the army's prestige greatly rose.

天光與岳進至雍州，榮又續遣兵至。時醜奴自率大衆圍岐州，遣其大行臺尉遲菩薩、僕射万俟仵同向武功，南渡渭水〔攻趨柵。天光使岳率千騎赴〕援。菩薩攻柵已剋，還岐州。岳以輕騎八百北渡渭，擒其縣令二人，獲甲首四百，殺掠其民以挑。菩薩率步騎二萬至渭北。岳以輕騎數十與菩薩隔水交言。岳稱揚國威，菩薩自言強盛，往復數反。菩薩乃自驕踞，令省事傳語岳。岳怒曰：「我與菩薩言，卿是何人，與我對語？」省事恃隔水，應答不遜。岳舉弓射之，應弦而倒。時已逼暮，於是各還。岳密於渭南傍水，分精騎數十為一處，隨地形便置之。明日，自將百餘騎，隔水與賊相見。岳漸前進，先所置騎隨岳而進，騎旣漸增，賊不復測其多少。行二十里許，至水淺可濟之處，岳便馳馬東出，以示奔遁。賊謂岳走，乃棄步兵，南渡渭水，輕騎追岳。岳東行十餘里，依橫岡設伏兵以待之。賊以路險不得齊進，前後繼至，半度岡東，岳乃回與賊戰，身先士卒，急擊之，賊便退走。岳號令所部，賊下馬者，皆不聽殺。賊顧見之，便悉投馬。俄而虜獲三千人，馬亦無遺，遂擒菩薩。仍渡渭北，降步卒萬餘，竝收其輜重。

Tianguang and He Bayue advanced to Yong Province; Erzhu Rong also continued sending troops. At that time Chounu personally led a great host to besiege Qi Province; he sent his grand headquarters Yuchi Pusa and vice director Moqi Wutong toward Wugong, south crossing the Wei River to attack and rush the stockade. Tianguang sent He Bayue with a thousand horsemen to go to the relief. Pusa had already taken the stockade in attack and returned to Qi Province. He Bayue with eight hundred light horsemen crossed the Wei northward, captured two of their district magistrates, obtained four hundred armored heads, and killed and plundered their people to provoke them. Pusa led twenty thousand foot and horse to the north bank of the Wei. He Bayue with several tens of light horsemen exchanged words with Pusa across the water. He Bayue proclaimed the state's might; Pusa spoke of his own strength—back and forth several times. Pusa then sat himself in arrogant ease and had a clerk transmit words to He Bayue. He Bayue angrily said: "I speak with Pusa—who are you to converse with me?" The clerk, relying on the water between them, answered without deference. He Bayue raised his bow and shot him; he fell at the twang of the string. It was already near dusk; thereupon each side returned. He Bayue secretly along the south bank of the Wei beside the water divided crack horsemen by several tens to one place, placing them as the terrain allowed. The next day he personally led a hundred-odd horsemen and met the bandits across the water. He Bayue gradually advanced; the horsemen placed earlier followed him in advancing; as the horsemen steadily increased, the bandits could no longer gauge how many there were. Having gone about twenty li, to a place where the water was shallow and could be crossed, He Bayue then galloped eastward to show flight. The bandits thought He Bayue had fled; they then abandoned the foot soldiers, south crossed the Wei River, and with light horsemen pursued him. He Bayue went east more than ten li, and along a transverse ridge set ambush troops to await them. The bandits, because the road was perilous, could not advance together; front and rear arrived in succession; when half had crossed the ridge eastward, He Bayue then turned back and fought the bandits, himself ahead of the soldiers, pressing the attack urgently; the bandits then retreated and fled. He Bayue ordered his command: bandits who dismounted—none were permitted to be killed. The bandits, seeing this, then all cast off their horses. Before long they captured three thousand men; not a horse was lost either; they then captured Pusa. They then crossed to the north bank of the Wei; foot soldiers numbering more than ten thousand submitted, and they also collected their baggage train.

醜奴尋棄岐州，北走安定，置柵於平亭。天光方自雍至岐，與（兵）〔岳〕合勢。軍至汧、渭之間，宣言遠近曰：「今氣候漸熱，非征討之時，待秋涼更圖進取。」醜奴聞之，遂以為實，分遣諸軍散營農於岐州之北百里細川，使其太尉侯元進領兵五千，據險立柵。其千人以下為柵者有數處，且戰且守。岳知其勢分，乃密與天光嚴備。晡時，潛遣輕騎先行路，於後諸軍盡發。昧旦，攻圍元進柵，拔之，剩卽擒元進。諸所俘執皆放之，自餘諸柵悉降。岳星言徑趣涇州，其刺史俟幾長貴以城降。醜奴乃棄平亭而走，欲向高平。岳輕騎急追，明日，及醜奴於平涼之長坑，一戰擒之。高平城中又執蕭寶寅以（歸）〔降〕。

Chounu soon abandoned Qi Province, fled north to Anding, and set stockades at Pingting. Tianguang had just come from Yong to Qi, and with [variant: troops] He Bayue combined forces. The army reached between the Qian and Wei rivers and proclaimed to near and far: "Now the weather is gradually hot—it is not the time for campaigning; wait until autumn coolness and then plan advance and capture." Chounu heard this and then took it as true; he separately dispatched the armies to scatter and camp for farming in Xichuan a hundred li north of Qi Province, making his grand marshal Hou Yuanjin lead five thousand troops to hold the perilous ground and set stockades. Those with stockades of a thousand men and below numbered several places; they both fought and held. He Bayue knew their force was divided; he then secretly with Tianguang made strict preparations. At the hour of the monkey he secretly sent light horsemen ahead on the road; afterward all the armies fully set out. At daybreak they attacked and besieged Yuanjin's stockade, took it, and immediately captured Yuanjin. All those captured and seized were released; the remaining stockades all submitted. He Bayue by forced march went straight to Jing Province; its governor Qiji Changgui submitted the city. Chounu then abandoned Pingting and fled, intending to go toward Gaoping. He Bayue with light horsemen pressed the pursuit; the next day he caught Chounu at Changkeng in Pingliang and captured him in one battle. In Gaoping city they also seized Xiao Baoyin to [variant: return] submit.

賊行臺万俟道洛率衆六千，退保牽屯山。岳攻之。道洛敗，率千騎而走，追之不及，遂得入隴，投略陽賊帥王慶雲。慶雲以道洛驍果絕倫，得之甚喜，以為大將軍。天光又與岳度隴至慶雲所居水洛城。慶雲、道洛頻出城拒戰，竝擒之。餘衆皆降，悉坑之，死者萬七千人。三秦、河、渭、瓜、涼、鄯州咸來歸款。賊帥夏州人宿勤明達降於平涼，後復叛，岳又討擒之。天光雖為元帥，而岳功效居多。加車騎將軍，進爵為伯，邑二千戶。尋授都督涇北豳二夏四州諸軍事、涇州刺史，進爵為公。

The bandit grand headquarters Moqi Daoluo led six thousand men, retreated, and held Mount Qiantun. He Bayue attacked him. Daoluo was defeated, led a thousand horsemen and fled; pursuit could not overtake him; he then got into Long and threw himself on Lueyang bandit chief Wang Qingyun. Qingyun, because Daoluo's valor and daring were unmatched, was greatly pleased to obtain him and made him grand general. Tianguang again with He Bayue crossed Long to Qingyun's dwelling at Shuiluo city. Qingyun and Daoluo repeatedly came out of the city to resist battle; both were captured. The remaining host all submitted; all were buried alive; the dead numbered seventeen thousand men. The three Qins and He, Wei, Gua, Liang, and Shan provinces all came to submit allegiance. The bandit chief Suqin Mingda of Xia Province submitted at Pingliang; later he rebelled again; He Bayue again attacked and captured him. Although Tianguang was commander-in-chief, He Bayue's achievements and merit were the greater part. He was added general of chariots and cavalry, advanced in rank to earl, with a fief of two thousand households. Soon he was appointed supervisor of military affairs in the four provinces of north Jing, Bin, and the two Xia, and governor of Jing Province; he advanced in rank to duke.

天光入洛，使岳行雍州刺史。建明中，拜驃騎大將軍，增邑五百戶。普泰初，除都督二岐東秦三州諸軍事、儀同三司、岐州刺史，進封清水郡公，增邑通前三千戶。尋加侍中，給後部鼓吹，進位開府儀同三司，兼尚書左僕射、隴右行臺，仍停高平。二年，加都督三雍三秦二岐二華諸軍事、雍州刺史。天光將率衆拒齊神武，遣問計于岳。岳報曰：「王家跨據三方，士馬殷盛，高歡烏合之衆，豈能為敵。然師克在和，但願同心戮力耳。若骨肉離隔，自相猜貳，則圖存不暇，安能制人。如下官所見，莫若且鎮關中，以固根本；分遣銳師，與衆軍合勢。進可以克敵，退可以克全。」天光不從，果敗。岳率軍下隴赴雍，擒天光弟顯壽以應齊神武。

When Tianguang entered Luoyang, he had He Bayue act as governor of Yong Province. In the Jianming era he was appointed grand general of fast cavalry; his fief was increased by five hundred households. At the beginning of Putai he was removed as supervisor of military affairs in the three provinces of the two Qi and east Qin, commissioner third rank, and governor of Qi Province; he advanced to Duke of Qingshui commandery; his fief was increased together with the previous to three thousand households. Soon he was added attendant-in-ordinary, given rear guard musical accompaniment, advanced to commissioner with third-rank protocol, and concurrently left vice director of the masters of writing and Longyou mobile headquarters; he still halted at Gaoping. In the second year he was added supervisor of military affairs in the three Yong, three Qin, two Qi, and two Hua regions and governor of Yong Province. Tianguang was about to lead the host to resist Gao Huan and sent to ask He Bayue's counsel. He Bayue replied: "The royal house holds three regions; soldiers and horses are abundant and flourishing—Gao Huan's mob-gathered host, how can it be a match? Yet armies conquer through harmony—I only wish we may with one heart exert our strength. If flesh and bone are separated, and we mutually suspect and divide, then scheming to survive will leave no leisure—how could we control others? As I see it, there is nothing better than for now to hold Guanzhong and solidify the root foundation; separately dispatch crack divisions to combine force with the mass of armies. Advancing, one can conquer the foe; retreating, one can preserve oneself whole." Tianguang did not follow; he was indeed defeated. He Bayue led the army down Long to go to Yong, captured Tianguang's younger brother Xianshou to respond to Gao Huan.

魏孝武卽位，加關中大行臺，增邑千戶。永熙二年，孝武密令岳圖齊神武，遂刺心血，持以寄岳，詔岳都督二雍二華二岐豳四梁三益巴二夏蔚寧涇二十州諸軍事、大都督。齊神武旣忌岳兄弟功名，岳懼，乃與太祖協契。語在《太祖本紀》。岳自詣北境，安置邊防。率衆趣平涼西界，布營數十里，托以牧馬於原州，為自安之計。先是，費也頭万俟受洛幹、鐵勒斛律沙門、斛拔彌俄突、紇豆陵伊利等，竝擁衆自守，至是皆款附。秦、南秦、河、渭四州刺史又會平涼，受岳節度。唯靈州刺史曹泥不應召，乃通使于齊神武。三年，岳召侯莫陳悅于高平，將討之，令悅為前驅。而悅受齊神武密旨圖岳，〔岳〕弗之知也，而先又輕悅。悅乃誘岳入營，共論兵事，令其婿元洪景斬岳於幕中。朝野莫不痛惜之。贈侍中、太傅、錄尚書、都督關中三十州諸軍事、大將軍、雍州刺史，諡曰武壯，葬以王禮。

When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei ascended the throne, He Bayue was added grand headquarters of Guanzhong; his fief was increased by a thousand households. In the second year of Yongxi (533), Emperor Xiaowu secretly ordered He Bayue to plot against Gao Huan; he then pricked his heart blood and sent it to He Bayue; an edict made He Bayue supervisor of military affairs in the twenty provinces of the two Yong, two Hua, two Qi, Bin, the four Liang, the three Yi, Ba, the two Xia, Yu, Ning, and Jing, and grand commander. Gao Huan already envied the Yue brothers' achievement and fame; He Bayue feared, and thereupon made a covenant with Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai. The account is in the Basic Annals of Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai. He Bayue personally went to the northern frontier and settled the border defense. He led the host toward the western border of Pingliang, spread camps for several tens of li, and under pretext of pasturing horses at Yuan Province made a plan for self-security. Earlier, Feiyetou Moqi Shouluogan, Tiele Hulu Shamen, Hubo Mi'etuo, and Hedouling Yili and others had all held hosts and guarded themselves; at this time all came to submit allegiance. The governors of Qin, south Qin, He, and Wei provinces again met at Pingliang and received He Bayue's command. Only Ling Province governor Cao Ni did not respond to the summons; he then sent envoys to Gao Huan. In the third year He Bayue summoned Houmo Chenyue at Gaoping, intending to attack Ni, and made Chenyue the vanguard. But Chenyue received Gao Huan's secret order to plot against He Bayue; He Bayue did not know it, and earlier had also looked down on Chenyue. Chenyue then lured He Bayue into camp, together discussed military affairs, and had his son-in-law Yuan Hongjing behead He Bayue in the tent. Court and countryside all deeply mourned him. Posthumously he was given attendant-in-ordinary, grand tutor, recorder of the masters of writing, supervisor of military affairs in the thirty provinces of Guanzhong, grand general, and governor of Yong Province; posthumous title Wuzhuang; he was buried with princely rites.

子緯嗣，拜開府儀同三司。保定中，錄岳舊德，進緯爵霍國公，尚太祖女。

His son He Wei succeeded, was appointed commissioner with third-rank protocol. During Baoding (561–565), in recognition of Heba Yue's past service, Wei was enfeoffed Duke of Huo and married a daughter of Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai.

侯莫陳悅，少隨父為駝牛都尉。長於西，好田獵，便騎射。會牧子作亂，遂歸爾朱榮。榮引為府長流參軍，稍遷大都督。魏孝莊帝初，除征西將軍、金紫光祿大夫、封柏人縣侯，邑五百戶。爾朱天光西討，榮以悅為天光右都督，本官如故。西伐克獲，功亞於賀拔岳。以本將軍除鄯州刺史。建明中，拜車騎大將軍、渭州刺史，進爵白水郡公，增邑五百戶。普泰中，除驃騎大將軍、儀同三司、秦州刺史。及天光赴洛，悅與岳俱下隴趣雍州，擒天光弟顯壽。魏孝武初，加開府儀同三司、都督隴右諸軍事，仍加秦州刺史。及悅殺岳，岳衆莫不服從。悅猶豫，不卽撫納，乃遷隴右。太祖勒衆討之，悅遂亡敗。語在《太祖本紀》。悅子弟及同謀殺岳者八九人，竝伏誅。唯中兵參軍豆盧光走至靈州，後奔晉陽。悅自殺岳後，神情恍忽，不復如常。恒言「我纔睡卽夢見岳云：『兄欲何處去！』隨逐我不相置」。因此彌不自安，而致破滅。

Houmochen Yue in youth followed his father and served as camel-herd commandant. Raised in the west, he loved the chase and was adept at mounted archery. When Mu Zi rose in rebellion, he went over to Erzhu Rong. Rong made him chief adjutant on the staff and soon promoted him to great governor-general. At the beginning of Emperor Xiaozhuang of Wei's reign (528), he was appointed general of the west and grand master with golden seal and purple ribbon, enfeoffed Marquis of Bo county with a fief of five hundred households. When Erzhu Tianguang marched west, Rong assigned Houmochen Yue as Tianguang's deputy commander-in-chief while retaining his existing posts. In the western campaign he took many captives; his merit ranked second only to Heba Yue. Retaining his general's commission, he was appointed governor of Shan Province. During Jianming (530), he was made grand general of chariots and cavalry and governor of Wei Province, advanced to Duke of Baishui with an additional five hundred households. During Putai (531), he was appointed grand general of agile cavalry with privilege equal to three ministers, and governor of Qin Province. When Tianguang marched to Luoyang, Houmochen Yue and Heba Yue together descended from Long and pressed toward Yong Province, capturing Tianguang's younger brother Xianshou. At the beginning of Emperor Xiaowu of Wei's reign (532), he received the privilege to open a government office with rank equal to three ministers, was made commander of all military affairs of Longyou, and retained the governorship of Qin Province. After Houmochen Yue murdered Heba Yue, Heba Yue's army submitted to him without exception. Houmochen Yue hesitated and failed to promptly reassure and enroll them; he then shifted to Longyou. Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai led an army against him, and Houmochen Yue was routed in flight. The account is in the "Annals of Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai." Some eight or nine men, including Houmochen Yue's kin and co-conspirators in Heba Yue's murder, were all executed. Only middle-army adjutant Doulu Guang escaped to Ling Province and later fled to Jinyang. After murdering Heba Yue, Houmochen Yue grew absent and distraught, no longer his old self. He kept saying: "No sooner do I fall asleep than I dream of Heba Yue saying: 'Brother, where are you going! He follows me relentlessly and will not let me be." This left him ever more unsettled and brought about his downfall.

念賢字蓋盧。美容質，頗涉書史。為兒童時，在學中讀書，有善相者過學，諸生競詣之，賢獨不往。笑謂諸生曰：「男兒死生富貴在天也，何遽相乎。」少遭父憂，居喪有孝稱。後以破衛可孤功，除別將。尋招慰雲州高車、鮮卑等，皆降下之。除假節、平東將軍，封屯留縣伯，邑五百戶。建義初，為大都督，鎮井陘，加撫軍將軍、黎陽郡守。爾朱榮入洛，拜車騎將軍、右光祿大夫、太僕卿，兼尚書右僕射、東〔道〕行臺，進爵平恩縣公，增邑五百戶。普泰初，除使持節、瀛州諸軍事、驃騎將軍、瀛州刺史。永熙中，拜第一領民酋長，加散騎常侍，行南兗州事。尋進號驃騎大將軍，入為殿中尚書，加儀同三司。魏孝武欲討齊神武，以賢為中軍北面大都督，進爵安定郡公，增邑一千戶，加侍中、開府儀同三司。大統初，拜太尉，出為秦州刺史，加太傅，給後部鼓吹。三年，轉太師、都督河涼瓜鄯渭洮沙七州諸軍事、大將軍、河州刺史。久之還朝，兼錄尚書事。河橋之役，賢不力戰，乃先還，自是名譽頗減。五年，除都督秦渭原涇四州諸軍事、秦州刺史。薨於州。諡曰昭定。

Nian Xian, styled Gailu. Handsome in appearance, he had read widely in literature and history. As a boy at school, when a skilled physiognomancer passed by, his classmates all hurried to consult him; Xian alone stayed away. He smiled and told his classmates: "A man's life and death, wealth and rank lie with Heaven—why rush to have your fortunes read?" In youth he lost his father; his mourning conduct won praise for filial piety. Later, for defeating Wei Kehu, he was made a separate-force general. He soon pacified the Gaoche and Xianbei of Yun Province, all of whom submitted. He was appointed provisional-credential general who pacifies the east and enfeoffed Earl of Tunliu with a fief of five hundred households. At the beginning of Jianyi (528), he was made great governor-general and garrisoned Jingxing, with the added titles of general who soothes the army and prefect of Liyang. When Erzhu Rong entered Luoyang, he was appointed general of chariots and cavalry, right grand master for splendid virtue, grand master of splendid mounts, and concurrently vice director of the Imperial Secretariat and chief of the Eastern Route expeditionary headquarters, advanced to Duke of Ping'en with an additional five hundred households. At the beginning of Putai, he was appointed with ceremonial staff, commander of Ying Province military affairs, general of agile cavalry, and governor of Ying Province. During Yongxi (532–534), he was made first overseer of settled tribal peoples and attendant-in-ordinary, with provisional charge of Southern Yan Province. Soon he was promoted to grand general of agile cavalry, entered court as director in the palace department, and received privilege equal to three ministers. When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei planned to attack Gao Huan (Qi Divine Martial), he made Nian Xian great governor-general of the central army's northern wing, advanced him to Duke of Anding with an additional one thousand households, and added palace attendant and privilege to open a government office equal to three ministers. At the beginning of Datong (535), he was appointed grand commandant and went out as governor of Qin Province, with the added title of grand tutor and a grant of rear guard martial music. In the third year of Datong, he was transferred to grand preceptor, made commander of all military affairs in He, Liang, Gua, Shan, Wei, Tao, and Sha provinces, grand general, and governor of He Province. After some time he returned to court and concurrently oversaw the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat. At the battle of He Bridge, Nian Xian failed to fight hard and withdrew early; his reputation thereafter suffered. In the fifth year, he was appointed commander of all military affairs in Qin, Wei, Yuan, and Jing provinces and governor of Qin Province. He died in office at Qin Province. His posthumous title was Zhaoding (Illustrious and Settled).

賢於諸公皆為父黨，自太祖以下，咸拜敬之。子華，性和厚，有長者風。官至開府儀同三司、合州刺史。

To all the princes and dukes, Nian Xian was of their fathers' generation; from Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai downward, all treated him with deference. His son Hua was gentle and generous, with the bearing of a man of mature virtue. He rose to the privilege to open a government office equal to three ministers and governor of He Province.

史臣曰：勝、岳昆季，以勇略之姿，當馳競之際，竝邀時投隙，展效立功。始則委質爾朱，中乃結款高氏，太昌之後，卽帝圖高，察其所由，固非守節之士。及勝垂翅江左，憂魏室之危亡，奮翼關西，感梁朝之顧遇，有長者之風矣。終能保其榮寵，良有以焉。岳以二千之羸兵，抗三秦之勍敵，奮其智勇，克翦凶渠，雜種畏威，遐方慕義，斯亦一時之盛也。卒以勳高速禍，無備嬰戮。惜哉！陳涉首事不終，有漢因而創業；賀拔元功夙殞，太祖藉以開基。「不有所廢，君何以興」，信乎其然矣。

The historiographer writes: Heba Sheng and Heba Yue, with courage and stratagem, in an age of furious rivalry both seized their moment and won distinction. At first they submitted to the Erzhus; then they made terms with the Gaos; after Taichang (530) they promptly turned toward Gao Huan's designs— plainly, neither was a man of steadfast loyalty. Yet when Sheng, wings clipped in the south, grieved for the Wei house and then spread his wings again in the west, grateful for the Liang court's favor, he showed the bearing of a man of mature virtue. That he kept his honors to the end is not surprising. With two thousand exhausted troops Heba Yue held off the formidable foes of the three Qin, brought his wisdom and courage to bear, and destroyed a murderous chieftain; mixed tribes feared his might and distant regions admired his justice—a momentary zenith indeed. Yet his towering merit hastened disaster, and unprepared he met the blade. What a pity! Chen She launched the uprising but did not live to finish it; the Han dynasty arose from that beginning. Heba Yue's founding merit perished early; Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai built on it to open his dynasty. "If one man is not set aside, how can the ruler rise?"—how true that proved.

全文以中華書局、一九七一年十一月版《周書》為本校。

This text was collated against the Zhonghua Shuju edition of the 《Book of Zhou》 (November 1971).

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