Volume 15 Biographies 7: Kou Luo; Li Bi; Di Biao; Yu Jin; Zi Shi

寇洛李弼弟檦于謹子寔

Kou Luo — Li Bi — younger brother Li Biao — Yu Jin — son Shi

寇洛，上谷昌平人，累世為將吏。父延壽，和平中，以良家子鎮武川，因家焉。

Kou Luo came from Changping in Shanggu; his forebears had been soldiers and officers for generations. His father Yanshou, posted to Wuchuan as a soldier of good family during the Heping era, made the town his home.

洛性明辨，不拘小節。正光末，以北邊賊起，遂率鄉親避地於幷、肆，因從爾朱榮征討。及賀拔岳西征，洛與之鄉里，乃募從入關。破赤水蜀，以功拜中堅將軍、屯騎校尉、別將，封臨邑縣男，邑二百戶。又從岳獲賊帥尉遲菩薩於渭水，破侯伏侯元進於百里細川，擒万俟醜奴於長坑。洛每力戰，並有功。加龍驤將軍、都督，進爵安鄉縣子，累遷征北將軍、衛將軍。於平涼，以洛為右都督。

Kou Luo was clear-minded and quick to judge, and cared little for petty proprieties. When Zhenguang drew to a close and the northern border erupted in rebellion, he led his kin and neighbors into Bing and Si for safety, then entered Erzhu Rong's service on campaign. When Heba Yue marched west, Kou Luo—his townsman—raised men and followed him through the Pass into Guanzhong. After breaking the Chishui Shu he was made general of the central army, colonel of the garrison cavalry, and separate commander, and enfeoffed Baron of Linyi with a fief of two hundred households. He again followed Yue, taking the rebel chief Yuchi Pusa on the Wei, routing Houfu Hou Yuanjin at Baili Xichuan, and capturing Wanqi Chounu at Changkeng. Kou Luo fought at the front every time and earned credit in every action. He was promoted to dragon-courser general and area commander, raised to Viscount of Anxiang, and then to general who campaigns north and general of the guard. At Pingliang, Kou Luo was appointed right area commander.

侯莫陳悅旣害岳，欲幷其衆。時初喪元帥，軍中惶擾，洛于諸將之中，最為舊齒，素為衆所信，乃收集將士，志在復讐，共相糾合，遂全衆而反。旣至原州，衆咸推洛為盟主，統岳之衆。洛復自以非才，乃固辭，與趙貴等議迎太祖。魏帝以洛有全師之功，除武衛將軍。太祖至平涼，以洛為右大都督。從討侯莫陳悅，平之，拜涇州刺史。魏孝武西遷，進爵臨邑縣伯，邑五百戶。尋進位驃騎大將軍、儀同三司，進爵為公，增邑五百戶。

Once Houmochen Yue had murdered Heba Yue, he tried to swallow his army whole. The army had just lost its commander and was in panic. Kou Luo was the senior among the generals and the men trusted him; he rallied the troops, bent on revenge, welded them together, and brought the whole command safely back. At Yuanzhou the soldiers unanimously chose Kou Luo as covenant leader to take command of Heba Yue's forces. Kou Luo judged himself unfit for the role and refused firmly; with Zhao Gui and others he planned to welcome Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai. The Wei emperor made him general of martial guard for saving the army intact. When Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai reached Pingliang, he appointed Kou Luo right grand commander. He followed in the campaign against Houmochen Yue, crushed him, and was made governor of Jing Province. When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei withdrew westward, Kou Luo was raised to Earl of Linyi with a fief of five hundred households. He was soon made grand general of chariots and cavalry with honorary three preceptorships, advanced to duke, and given five hundred more households in his fief.

大統初，魏文帝詔曰：「往者侯莫陳悅遠同逆賊，潛害故清水公岳，志在兼幷。當時造次，物情驚駭。使持節、驃騎大將軍、儀同三司、前涇州刺史、大都督、臨邑縣開國公寇洛，忠款自心，勳誠早立，遂能糾合義軍，以待大丞相。見危授命，推賢而奉，此而不賞，何以勸勵將來。可加開府，進爵京兆郡公。」封洛母宋氏為襄城郡君。又轉領軍將軍。三年，出為華州刺史，加侍中。與獨孤信復洛陽，移鎮弘農。四年，從太祖與東魏戰於河橋。軍還，洛率所部鎮東雍。五年，卒于鎮，時年五十三。贈使持節、侍中、都督雍華豳涇原三秦二岐十州諸軍事、太尉、尚書令、驃騎大將軍、雍州刺史，諡曰武。

Early in Datong, Emperor Wen of Wei decreed: "Houmochen Yue once conspired with rebels and secretly killed the late Duke of Qingshui, Heba Yue, aiming to seize his command. In the sudden crisis the army and people were thrown into terror. Kou Luo—bearer of the staff, grand general of chariots and cavalry with honorary three preceptorships, former governor of Jing, grand commander, and Duke of Linyi—had shown loyal devotion from the first and rallied the loyal army to await the grand chancellor. He took command in danger and yielded to the better man—if such service goes unrewarded, what will move those who come after? Let him be granted an opened government and raised to Duke of Jingzhao commandery." Kou Luo's mother, Lady Song, was enfeoffed Lady of Xiangcheng commandery. He was next made general of the palace guard. In the third year he was posted governor of Hua Province and given palace attendant as well. With Dugu Xin he retook Luoyang and shifted the garrison to Hongnong. In the fourth year he followed Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai against Eastern Wei at Heqiao. On the march back Kou Luo led his troops to garrison Eastern Yong. In the fifth year he died in command, at fifty-three. He was posthumously made bearer of the staff, palace attendant, commander-in-chief over ten provinces—Yong, Hua, Bin, Jing, Yuan, the Three Qin, and the Two Qi—grand commandant, director of the Masters of Writing, grand general of chariots and cavalry, and governor of Yong; his posthumous name was Wu (" Martial ").

子和嗣。世宗二年，錄勳舊，以洛配享太祖廟庭，賜和姓若口引氏，改封松陽郡公。後至開府儀同三司、賓部中大夫。

His son He succeeded him. In Emperor Shizong's second year, when old services were honored, Kou Luo was paired to share offerings in Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai's temple; he received the sinicized surname He and the clan name Ruokouyin, and his title was changed to Duke of Songyang. He later rose to honorary three preceptorships with an office and grand master of the guest section.

洛弟紹，位至上柱國、北平郡公。

Kou Luo's younger brother Shao rose to senior pillar of state and Duke of Beiping.

李弼字景和，遼東襄平人也。六世祖根，慕容垂黃門侍郎。祖貴醜，平州刺史。父永，太中大夫，贈涼州刺史。

Li Bi, styled Jinghe, came from Xiangping in Liaodong. Six generations back his forebear Gen had been attendant gentleman at the yellow gate under Murong Chui. His grandfather Guichou was governor of Ping Province. His father Yong was grand master of palace counsel and was posthumously made governor of Liang Province.

弼少有大志，膂力過人。屬魏室喪亂，語所親曰：「丈夫生世，會須履鋒刃，平寇難，安社稷以取功名；安能碌碌依階資以求榮位乎。」魏永安元年，爾朱天光辟為別將，從天光西討，破赤水蜀。以功拜征虜將軍，封石門縣伯，邑五百戶。又與賀拔岳討万俟醜奴、万俟道洛、王慶雲，皆破之。弼恆先鋒陷陣，所向披靡，賊咸畏之，曰「莫當李將軍前也」。

Li Bi had been ambitious from boyhood, and his strength outmatched ordinary men. While the Wei court collapsed in chaos he told his intimates: "A man born into this age should walk the blade's edge—crush rebels, save the realm, and win a name worth keeping; not creep up the ladder of seniority begging for office." In Wei Yongan 1 (528) Erzhu Tianguang took him on as separate commander; on the western campaign he broke the Chishui Shu. For his service he was made general who captures the barbarians and enfeoffed Earl of Shimen with five hundred households. He again campaigned with Heba Yue against Wanqi Chounu, Wanqi Daoluo, and Wang Qingyun, and routed them all. Li Bi always led the van and smashed the enemy line; nothing stood before him. The rebels feared him and said, "No one blocks General Li."

天光赴洛，弼因隸侯莫陳悅，為大都督，加通直散騎常侍。太昌初，（受）〔授〕清水郡守，恆州大中正。尋除南秦州刺史。隨悅征討，屢有剋捷。及悅害賀拔岳，軍停隴上。太祖自平涼進軍討悅。弼諫悅曰：「嶽旣無罪而公害之，又不能撫納其衆，使無所歸。宇文夏州收而用之，得其死力，咸雲為主將報讐，其意固不小也。今宜解兵謝之，不然，恐必受禍。」悅惶惑，計無所出。弼知悅必敗，乃謂所親曰：「宇文夏州才略冠世，德義可宗。侯莫陳公智小謀大，豈能自保。吾等若不為計，恐與之同至族滅。」會太祖軍至，悅乃棄秦州南出，據險以自固。翌日，弼密通使太祖，許背悅來降。夜，弼乃勒所部云：「侯莫陳公欲還秦州，汝等何不束裝？」弼妻，悅之姨也，特為悅所親委，衆咸信之。人情驚擾，不可復定，皆散走，爭趣秦州。弼乃先馳據城門以慰輯之，遂擁衆以歸太祖。悅由此遂敗。太祖謂弼曰：「公與吾同心，天下不足平也。」破悅，得金寶奴婢，悉以好者賜之。仍令弼以本官鎮原州。尋拜秦州刺史。

When Erzhu Tianguang marched to Luoyang, Li Bi entered Houmochen Yue's service as grand commander and was given regular attendant through direct connection as well. Early in Taichang, he was appointed governor of Qingshui commandery and senior arbitrator of Heng Province. He was soon made governor of Southern Qin Province. On campaign under Houmochen Yue he won victory after victory. When Houmochen Yue murdered Heba Yue, the army stopped on the Long plateau. Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai marched from Pingliang to punish Houmochen Yue. Li Bi warned Houmochen Yue: "Heba Yue was innocent, yet you killed him and failed to hold his men—they have nowhere to go. Yuwen Tai of Xia Province has taken them in and won their absolute loyalty; they mean to avenge their general—that purpose is no small thing. Disband your army and make amends, or you will surely come to ruin." Houmochen Yue panicked and could find no way out. Li Bi saw that Houmochen Yue was doomed and told his intimates: "Yuwen Tai of Xia Province is the foremost man of the age in talent and the standard of honor. Houmochen Yue is clever in small things and reckless in large ones—how can he save himself? If we do not act for ourselves, we will be wiped out with him." When Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai's army arrived, Houmochen Yue abandoned Qin Province, fled south, and dug in on difficult ground. The next day Li Bi secretly sent word to Yuwen Tai, offering to betray Houmochen Yue and defect. That night he told his troops: "Houmochen Yue means to march back to Qin Province—pack your kit at once!" Li Bi's wife was Houmochen Yue's cousin by marriage and one he trusted completely; the men believed her. Panic spread; order broke; the soldiers bolted, all racing for Qin Province. Li Bi rode ahead, seized the gate, calmed the fugitives, and led the whole command over to Yuwen Tai. Houmochen Yue was ruined by it. Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai told Li Bi: "With you and me of one mind, the realm is not hard to conquer." After crushing Houmochen Yue he took gold, jewels, slaves, and maidservants and gave Li Bi the best of them. He left Li Bi at Yuanzhou in his existing rank. He was soon made governor of Qin Province.

太祖率兵東下，徵弼為大都督，領右軍，攻潼關及迴洛城，剋之。大統初，進位儀同三司、雍州刺史。尋又進位驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。從平竇泰，先鋒陷敵，斬獲居多。太祖以所乘騅馬及竇泰所著牟甲賜弼。又從平弘農。與齊神武戰於沙苑，弼率軍居右，而左軍為敵所乘。弼呼其麾下六十騎，身先士卒，橫截之，賊遂為（三），因大破。以功拜特進，爵趙郡公，增邑一千戶。又與賀拔勝攻克河東，略定汾、絳。四年，從太祖東討洛陽，弼為前驅。東魏將莫多婁貸文率衆數千，奄至穀城。弼倍道而前，遣軍士鼓噪，曳柴揚塵。貸文以為大軍至，遂遁走。弼追躡之，虜其衆，斬貸文，傳首大軍所。翌日，又從太祖與齊神武戰於河橋，每入深陷陣，身被七創，遂為所獲，圍守數重。弼佯若創重，殞絕於地。守者稍懈，弼睨其旁有馬，因躍上西馳，得免。五年，遷司空。六年，侯景據荊州，弼與獨孤信禦之，景乃退走。九年，從戰邙山，轉太尉。十三年，侯景率河南六州來附，東魏遣其將韓軌圍景於潁川。太祖遣弼率軍援景，諸將咸受弼節度。弼至，軌退。王思政又進據潁川，弼乃引還。十四年，北稽胡反，弼討平之。遷太保，加柱國大將軍。魏廢帝元年，賜姓徒河氏。太祖西巡，令弼居守，後事皆諮稟焉。六官建，拜太傅、大司徒。屬茹茹為突厥所逼，舉國請降，弼率前軍迎之。給前後部羽葆鼓吹，賜雜彩六千段。及晉公護執政，朝之大事，皆與于謹及弼等參議。孝閔帝踐阼，除太師，進封趙國公，邑萬戶。前後賞賜累巨萬。

When Yuwen Tai marched east he called Li Bi as grand commander of the right wing; they took Tong Pass and Huiluo. Early in Datong he was made honorary three preceptorships and governor of Yong Province. He was soon raised to grand general of chariots and cavalry with an opened government of honorary three preceptorships. In the campaign that brought down Dou Tai he led the van, shattered the foe, and took the lion's share of heads and prisoners. Yuwen Tai gave him his own piebald mount and the mail Dou Tai had worn. He also took part in the pacification of Hongnong. At Shayuan against Gao Huan, Li Bi held the right while the left wing was overrun. Li Bi rallied his sixty horsemen, led from the front, and charged across the enemy flank; the foe was scattered; split apart, and he broke them utterly. For this he was made special grand master, enfeoffed Duke of Zhao commandery, and given one thousand more households. With Heba Sheng he took Hedong and broadly pacified Fen and Jiang. In the fourth year he followed Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai east against Luoyang as vanguard. Eastern Wei general Modu Lou Daiwen came suddenly on Gucheng with several thousand men. Li Bi forced the march, had his men drum and shout, and dragged brushwood to raise a dust cloud. Daiwen took it for the main army and fled. Li Bi chased him down, took his force, beheaded Daiwen, and sent the head to headquarters. The next day he again followed Yuwen Tai against Gao Huan at Heqiao, plunging deep into the enemy line again and again until he took seven wounds, was taken, and lay trapped under ring after ring of guards. Li Bi feigned mortal wounds and dropped as if dead. When the guards relaxed he spotted a horse nearby, vaulted onto it, and galloped west to freedom. In the fifth year he was made minister of works. In the sixth year Hou Jing seized Jing Province; Li Bi and Dugu Xin held him off until Hou Jing broke and ran. In the ninth year, at the battle of Mount Mang, he was transferred to grand commandant. In the thirteenth year Hou Jing brought the six Henan provinces over to the Zhou side; Eastern Wei sent Han Gui to besiege him at Yingchuan. Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai sent Li Bi to relieve Hou Jing; every general on the field came under his orders. When Li Bi arrived, Han Gui pulled back. Wang Sizheng again advanced and occupied Yingchuan; Li Bi then withdrew. In the fourteenth year the northern Ji Hu rose in revolt; Li Bi suppressed and pacified them. He was made Grand Preceptor and additionally Pillar-of-State Grand General. In the first year of the Deposed Emperor of Wei (551), he was granted the surname Tuhe. When Yuwen Tai toured the west, he had Li Bi remain on guard; all later business was referred to him for counsel. When the Six Offices were established, he was appointed Grand Tutor and Grand Minister of Education. When the Rouran, hard pressed by the Turks, surrendered the whole state, Li Bi led the vanguard to receive them. He was granted front and rear guard of feathered canopy with drums and bugles, and given six thousand bolts of mixed silks. When Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu held power, all major affairs of state were deliberated with Yu Jin, Li Bi, and others. When Emperor Xiaomin took the throne, Li Bi was made Grand Preceptor and advanced to Duke of Zhao with a fief of ten thousand households. Grants and rewards over the years amounted to enormous sums.

子（輝）〔耀〕。次子（耀）〔輝〕，尚太祖女義安長公主，遂以為嗣。

His sons: [variant: Hui] Yao. The second son [variant: Yao] Hui, who married Yuwen Tai's daughter the Princess Chang of Yi'an, was made heir.

（輝）〔耀〕旣不得為嗣，朝廷以弼功重，乃封（輝）〔耀〕邢國公，位至開府。子寬，大象末，上大將軍蒲山郡公。輝弟衍，大象末，大將軍、真鄉郡公。衍弟綸，最知名，有文武才用。以功臣子，少居顯職，歷吏部、內史下大夫，竝獲當官之譽。位至司會中大夫、開府儀同三司，封河陽郡公。為聘齊使主。早卒。子長雅嗣。綸弟晏，建德中，開府儀同三司、大將軍、趙郡公。從高祖平齊，歿於幷州。子璟以晏死王事，卽襲其爵。弼弟檦。

[variant: Hui] Yao, since he could not be made heir, the court—on account of Li Bi's great service—then enfeoffed [variant: Hui] Yao as Duke of Xing with the rank of opening-the-feudatory. His son Kuan, at the end of Daxiang (581), was made grand general and Duke of Puzhan commandery. Hui's younger brother Yan, at the end of Daxiang, was grand general and Duke of Zhenxiang commandery. Yan's younger brother Lun was the best known, talented in both civil and military affairs. As a meritorious minister's son he held high office from youth, serving as lower grand master in the Ministry of Personnel and in the Secretariat, and in both won praise as a capable official. He rose to middle grand master of the Bureau of Accounts and opening-the-feudatory with Three Preceptorships, and was enfeoffed Duke of Heyang commandery. He headed the embassy to Northern Qi. He died young. His son Changya succeeded to the title. Lun's younger brother Yan, during Jiande (572–578), was opening-the-feudatory with Three Preceptorships, grand general, and Duke of Zhao commandery. He followed Emperor Wu (Yuwen Yong) in the conquest of Qi and died at Bing Province. His son Jing, because Yan died in imperial service, at once inherited his title. Li Bi's younger brother Di Biao.

檦字靈傑。長不盈五尺，性果決，有膽氣。少事爾朱榮。魏永安元年，以兼別將從榮破元顥，拜討逆將軍。及榮被害，檦從爾朱世隆奉榮妻奔河北。又隨爾朱兆入洛。賜爵淝城郡男，遷都督。普泰元年，元樹自梁入據譙城，檦從行臺樊子鵠擊破之，遷右將軍。

Di Biao, styled Lingjie. He stood less than five chi tall, but was resolute by nature and full of daring. From youth he served Erzhu Rong. In the first year of Yongan of Wei (528), as acting separate commander he followed Erzhu Rong in defeating Yuan Hao and was appointed General Who Punishes Rebellion. When Erzhu Rong was killed, Di Biao followed Erzhu Shilong in escorting Rong's wife to Hebei. He then followed Erzhu Zhao into Luoyang. He was enfeoffed Baron of Feicheng commandery and made a commander. In the first year of Putai (531), Yuan Shu came from Liang and seized Qiao; Di Biao followed Mobile Corps Commander Fan Zihu in defeating him and was transferred to General of the Right.

魏孝武西遷，檦從大都督元斌之與齊神武戰於成皋。兵敗，遂與斌之奔梁。梁主待以賓禮，後得逃歸。大統元年，授撫軍將軍，進封晉陽縣子，邑四百戶。尋為太祖帳內都督。從復弘農，破沙苑。檦跨馬運矛，衝鋒陷陣，隱身鞍甲之中。敵人見之，皆曰「避此小兒」。不知檦之形貌，正自如是。太祖初亦聞檦驍悍，未見其能，至是方嗟歎之。謂檦曰：「但使膽決如此，何必須要八尺之軀也。」以功進爵為公，增邑四百戶。尋從宇文貴與東魏將任祥、堯雄等戰於潁川，皆破之。徵為太子中庶子。九年，從戰邙山，遷持節、大都督。十三年，拜車騎大將軍、儀同三司。又從弼討稽胡，檦功居多，除幽州刺史，增邑三百戶。十五年，拜驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。魏廢帝初，從趙貴征茹茹，論功為最，改封封山縣公，增邑幷前二千一百戶。孝閔帝踐阼，進位大將軍。武成初，又從豆盧寧征稽胡，大獲而還。進爵汝南郡公。出為總管延綏丹三州諸軍事、延州刺史。四年，卒於鎮。贈恆朔等五州刺史。

When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, Di Biao followed Grand Commander Yuan Binzhi in fighting Gao Huan at Chenggao. The army was beaten; he fled to Liang with Yuan Binzhi. The Liang emperor received him as an honored guest; later he escaped and returned. In the first year of Datong (535), he was appointed General Who Pacifies the Army and advanced to Viscount of Jinyang with a fief of four hundred households. Soon he became a commander in Yuwen Tai's personal guard. He took part in recovering Hongnong and in the victory at Shaya. Di Biao rode with spear in hand, charging the van and breaking ranks, his small frame hidden among saddle and armor. Enemies who saw him all cried, "Keep clear of that boy!" They did not know that Di Biao's appearance was exactly like this. Yuwen Tai had long heard of Di Biao's fierce reputation but had not seen him fight; only now did he sigh in admiration. He told Di Biao: "With courage and resolve like this, who needs an eight-chi frame?" For his service he was advanced to duke and his fief increased by four hundred households. Soon he followed Yuwen Gui in fighting Eastern Wei generals Ren Xiang, Yao Xiong, and others at Yingchuan and defeated them all. He was summoned to serve as junior mentor of the heir apparent. In the ninth year he fought at Mount Mang and was transferred to bearer of the staff and grand commander. In the thirteenth year he was appointed Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and opening-the-feudatory with Three Preceptorships. He again followed Li Bi against the Ji Hu; Di Biao's merit was greatest, and he was made governor of You Province with a fief increase of three hundred households. In the fifteenth year he was appointed Grand General of Cavalry and opening-the-feudatory with Three Preceptorships. At the beginning of the Deposed Emperor's reign he followed Zhao Gui against the Rouran; judged foremost in merit, he was transferred to Duke of Fengshan with a combined fief of two thousand one hundred households. When Emperor Xiaomin took the throne, he was advanced to grand general. At the beginning of Wucheng (559) he again followed Dou Lu Ning against the Ji Hu and returned with rich spoils. He was advanced to Duke of Runan commandery. He went out as grand commander over military affairs of Yan, Sui, and Dan provinces and governor of Yan Province. In the fourth year he died in office. Posthumously he was awarded the governorships of Heng, Shuo, and four other provinces.

檦無子，以弼子椿嗣。先以檦勳功，封魏平縣子。大象末，開府儀同三司、大將軍、右宮伯，改封河東郡公。

Di Biao had no sons; Li Bi's son Chun succeeded him. Earlier, for Di Biao's service, Chun had been enfeoffed Viscount of Weiping county. At the end of Daxiang he was opening-the-feudatory with Three Preceptorships, grand general, and right palace steward, and was transferred to Duke of Hedong commandery.

于謹字思敬，河南洛陽人也。小名巨彌。曾祖婆，魏懷荒鎮將。祖安定，平涼郡守、高平郡將。父提，隴西郡守，荏平縣伯。保定二年，以謹著勳，追贈使持節、柱國大將軍、太保、建平郡公。

Yu Jin, styled Sijing, came from Luoyang in Henan. His childhood name was Jumi. His great-grandfather Po was garrison commander of Huaihuang under the Northern Wei. His grandfather Anding was governor of Pingliang commandery and commandant of Gaoping commandery. His father Ti was governor of Longxi commandery and Baron of Renping county. In the second year of Baoding (562), for Yu Jin's distinguished service, Ti was posthumously made bearer of the staff, pillar-of-state grand general, grand preceptor, and Duke of Jianping commandery.

謹性沉深，有識量，略窺經史，尤好《孫子兵書》。屏居閭里，未有仕進之志。或有勸之者，謹曰：「州郡之職，昔人所鄙，台鼎之位，須待時來。吾所以優遊郡邑，聊以卒歲耳。」太宰元穆見之，歎曰：「王佐材也。」

Yu Jin was deep and reserved, with judgment and breadth of mind; he had read the classics and histories and especially loved Sunzi's Art of War. He lived quietly in his home village and had no wish to enter official life. When some urged him on, Yu Jin said: "Prefectural posts are what men of old looked down on; a place at the imperial table must wait its season. That is why I take my ease in the county towns, simply to live out the year." Grand Preceptor Yuan Mu met him and sighed: "Here is material for a king's right hand."

及破六汗拔陵首亂北境，引茹茹為援，大行臺僕射元纂率衆討之。宿聞謹名，辟為鎧曹參軍事，從軍北伐。茹茹聞大軍之逼，遂逃出塞。纂令謹率二千騎追之，至郁對原，前後十七戰，盡降其衆。後率輕騎出塞覘賊，屬鐵勒數千騎奄至，謹以衆寡不敵，退必不免，乃散其衆騎，使匿叢薄之間，又遣人升山指麾，若分部軍衆者。賊望見，雖疑有伏兵，旣恃其衆，不以為慮，乃進軍逼謹。謹以常乘駿馬一紫一騧，賊先所識，乃使二人各乘一馬，突陣而出。賊以為謹也，皆爭逐之。謹乃率餘軍擊之，其追騎遂奔走，因得入塞。

When Poliuhan Balang first raised rebellion on the northern frontier and called in the Rouran as allies, Mobile Corps Vice Director Yuan Zuan led troops against him. Having long heard Yu Jin's name, Yuan Zuan recruited him as aide in the Armor Bureau and took him on the northern campaign. The Rouran, hearing the main army approach, fled beyond the frontier. Yuan Zuan ordered Yu Jin to pursue with two thousand cavalry; at Yudui Plain, in seventeen engagements, he brought the whole force to surrender. Later he led light cavalry beyond the passes to scout the enemy; when several thousand Tiele horsemen suddenly appeared, Yu Jin saw that he was too few to fight and could not escape by flight. He scattered his riders to hide in the brush and sent men up a hill to signal commands as if deploying troops in sections. The enemy saw this; though they suspected an ambush, trusting in their numbers they paid it little heed and pressed on toward Yu Jin. Yu Jin usually rode a pair of fine horses, one purple and one piebald, which the enemy knew well; he had two men mount them and break through the line. The enemy thought it was Yu Jin and all gave chase. Yu Jin then led the rest of his force against them; the pursuers broke and fled, and he got back inside the frontier.

正光四年，行臺廣陽王元深治兵北伐，引謹為長流參軍，特相禮接。所有謀議，皆與謹參之。乃使其子佛陁拜焉，其見待如此。遂與廣陽王破賊主斛律野穀祿等。時魏末亂，羣盜蜂起，謹乃從容謂廣陽王曰：「自正光以後，海內沸騰，郡國荒殘，農商廢業。今殿下奉義行誅，遠臨關塞，然丑類蟻聚，其徒實繁，若極武窮兵，恐非計之上者。謹願稟大王之威略，馳往喻之，必不勞兵甲，可致清蕩。」廣陽王然之。謹兼解諸國語，乃單騎入賊，示以恩信。於是西部鐵勒酋長乜列河等，領三萬餘戶並款附，相率南遷。廣陽王欲與謹至折敷嶺迎接之。謹曰：「破六汗拔陵兵衆不少，聞乜列河等歸附，必來要擊。彼若先據險要，則難與爭鋒。今以乜列河等餌之，當競來抄掠，然後設伏以待，必指掌破之。」廣陽然其計。拔陵果來要擊，破乜列河於嶺上，部衆皆沒。謹伏兵發，賊遂大敗，悉收得乜列河之衆。魏帝嘉之，除積射將軍。

In the fourth year of Zhenguang (523), Mobile Corps Prince of Guangyang Yuan Shen mustered troops for a northern campaign and took Yu Jin as senior flowing aide, treating him with marked favor. All counsel and planning were shared with Yu Jin. He even had his son Fotuo pay him formal respects; such was the favor shown him. He then joined the Prince of Guangyang in defeating the rebel chieftain Holü Yehulu and others. In the chaos at the end of Wei, bandits rose everywhere; Yu Jin then said calmly to the Prince of Guangyang: "Since Zhenguang the realm has seethed with disorder; commanderies and districts lie in ruins and farming and trade are dead. Your Highness now comes on a righteous punitive campaign to the frontier passes, but the wicked swarm like ants and their numbers are great. To use every last weapon may not be the wisest course. Let me ride out under Your Highness's authority and persuade them; I am sure we can pacify them without drawing sword or spear." The Prince of Guangyang agreed. Yu Jin also knew the languages of the frontier peoples; he rode alone into the rebel camp and offered them grace and good faith. Thereupon the western Tiele chieftain Mieliehe and others, leading more than thirty thousand households, all came over in submission and moved south in succession. The Prince of Guangyang wished to go with Yu Jin to Zhefu Ridge to welcome them. Yu Jin said: "Poliuhan Balang's force is large; once he hears that Mieliehe and the others have come over, he is sure to move against us. If he seizes the strong points first, we shall be hard pressed to fight him. Use Mieliehe and his people as bait; he will rush to plunder them. Then lay an ambush and wait, and we can break him as easily as turning the hand." The Prince of Guangyang approved the plan. Balang did come to attack, routed Mieliehe on the ridge, and wiped out his whole band. Yu Jin's hidden troops then rose; the rebels were routed, and he recovered all of Mieliehe's followers. The Wei emperor commended him and made him General of Accumulating Shots.

太祖臨夏州，以謹為防城大都督，兼夏州長史。及岳被害，太祖赴平涼。謹乃言於太祖曰：「魏祚陵遲，權臣擅命，羣盜蜂起，黔首嗷然。明公仗超世之姿，懷濟時之略，四方遠近，咸所歸心。願早建良圖，以副衆望。」太祖曰：「何以言之？」謹對曰：「關右，秦漢舊都，古稱天府，將士驍勇，厥壤膏腴，西有巴蜀之饒，北有羊馬之利。今若據其要害，招集英雄，養卒勸農，足觀時變。且天子在洛，逼迫羣兇，若陳明公之懇誠，算時事之利害，請都關右，帝必嘉而西遷。然後挾天子而令諸侯，奉王命以討暴亂，桓、文之業，千載一時也。」太祖大悅。會有勑追謹為（關）〔閤〕內大都督，謹因進都關中之策，魏帝納之。

When Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai arrived at Xia Province, he made Yu Jin grand commander for defense of the city and concurrently chief clerk of Xia Province. When Houmochen Yue was killed, Yuwen Tai went to Pingliang. Yu Jin then said to Yuwen Tai: "The Wei house is failing; powerful ministers do as they please; bandits rise everywhere; the people cry out in distress. Your Excellency has a surpassing stature and a plan to rescue the times; men near and far all look to you. I beg you to form a worthy design early and answer what the realm expects." Yuwen Tai said: "Why do you say that?" Yu Jin answered: "Guanzhong was the old capital of Qin and Han and was called the Storehouse of Heaven. Its soldiers are brave, its soil rich; to the west lie the riches of Ba and Shu, to the north the profit of sheep and horses. If you now hold its key positions, gather heroes, train troops, and encourage farming, you will be able to watch how affairs turn. The Son of Heaven is at Luoyang, hard pressed by a crowd of villains. If you lay out your earnest loyalty, weigh the times, and ask that the court move to Guanzhong, the emperor will surely approve and come west. Then, holding the Son of Heaven to command the lords and carrying the royal mandate to punish disorder, you may do what Huan and Wen did—a chance that comes once in a thousand years." Yuwen Tai was greatly pleased. Just then an edict arrived recalling Yu Jin as [variant: Guan] Grand Commander within the Palace Gate; Yu Jin thereupon advanced the plan to move the capital to Guanzhong, and the Wei emperor accepted it.

尋而齊神武逼洛陽，謹從魏帝西遷。仍從太祖征潼關，破回洛城，授使持節、車騎大將軍、儀同三司、北雍州刺史，進爵藍田縣公，邑一千戶。大統元年，拜驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。其年，夏陽人王遊浪聚據楊氏壁謀逆，謹討擒之。是歲，大軍東伐，謹為前鋒。至盤豆，東魏將高叔禮守險不下，攻破之。拔虜其卒（又）〔一千〕。因此拔弘農，擒東魏陝州刺史李（徵）〔徽〕伯。齊神武至沙苑，謹從太祖與諸將力戰，破之，進爵常山郡公，增邑一千戶。又從戰河橋。拜大丞相府長史，兼大行臺尚書。稽胡帥夏州刺史劉平叛，謹率衆討平之。除大都督、恆幷燕肆雲五州諸軍事、大將軍、恆州刺史。入為太子太師。九年，復從太祖東征，別攻柏谷塢，拔之。邙山之戰，大軍不利，謹率其麾下偽降，立於路左。齊神武軍乘勝逐北，不以為虞。追騎過盡，謹乃自後擊之，敵人大駭。獨孤信又集兵士於後奮擊，齊神武軍遂亂，以此大軍得全。十二年，拜尚書左僕射，領司農卿。及侯景款附，請兵為援，太祖命李弼率兵應之。謹諫曰：「侯景少習兵權，情實難測。且宜厚其禮秩，以觀其變。卽欲遣兵，良用未可。」太祖不聽。尋復兼大行臺尚書、丞相府長史，率兵鎮潼關，加授華州刺史，贈秬鬯一卣，圭瓚副焉。俄拜司空，增邑四百戶。十五年，進位柱國大將軍。齊氏稱帝，太祖征之，以謹為後軍大都督。別封一子鹽亭縣侯，邑一千戶。魏恭帝元年，除雍州刺史。

Soon Gao Huan pressed on Luoyang, and Yu Jin followed the Wei emperor west. He then followed Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai against Tong Pass, took Huiluo, and was made commissioner with full credentials, grand general of chariots and cavalry, three-division court equipage, and governor of North Yong Province; he was advanced to Duke of Lantian with a fief of one thousand households. In the first year of Datong (535) he was appointed grand general of fast cavalry and grand commander with three-division court equipage. That year Wang Youlang of Xiayang gathered men, seized Yangshi Rampart, and plotted rebellion; Yu Jin attacked and captured him. That year the main army marched east, with Yu Jin as vanguard. At Pansou, Eastern Wei general Gao Shuli held the heights and would not come down; they stormed and took the place. They stormed it and captured the troops [variant: the cited text] numbering one thousand. Thereupon they took Hongnong and captured Eastern Wei governor of Shaan Province Li [variant: Zheng] Huibo. When Gao Huan reached Shayuan, Yu Jin followed Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai and the other generals in hard fighting and routed him; Yu Jin was advanced to Duke of Changshan with an added fief of one thousand households. He again fought at He Bridge. He was made chief clerk of the grand chancellor's office and concurrently vice director of the grand office. The Ji Hu chieftain Liu Ping, governor of Xia Province, rebelled; Yu Jin led troops and put the rebellion down. He was made grand commander, supervisor of military affairs in the five provinces of Heng, Bing, Yan, Xi, and Yun, grand general, and governor of Heng Province. He entered court as grand tutor of the crown prince. In the ninth year he again followed Yuwen Tai east, separately attacked Baigu Stockade, and took it. At the battle of Mount Mang the main army was beaten; Yu Jin led his own troops in feigned surrender and stood at the left of the road. Gao Huan's army, pressing the victory in pursuit, took no precautions. When the pursuers had all passed, Yu Jin struck from the rear and threw the enemy into alarm. Dugu Xin also rallied troops and attacked fiercely from behind; Gao Huan's army broke into disorder, and by this the main force was saved. In the twelfth year he was made left vice director of the masters of writing and concurrently minister of the directorate of agriculture. When Hou Jing offered submission and asked for troops as aid, Yuwen Tai ordered Li Bi to lead a force to him. Yu Jin remonstrated, saying: "Hou Jing has known military command since youth; his true intent is hard to read. For now we should enrich his honors and salary and watch how he turns. Even if we mean to send troops, it truly is not yet the time." Yuwen Tai did not listen. Soon he again served concurrently as vice director of the grand office and chief clerk of the chancellor's office, led troops to garrison Tong Pass, was additionally made governor of Hua Province, and was granted one jar of dark spirits with a jade tablet and libation cup to match. Soon he was made minister of works, with an added fief of four hundred households. In the fifteenth year he was advanced to pillar-of-state grand general. When Northern Qi declared an emperor, Yuwen Tai marched against them and made Yu Jin grand commander of the rear army. One of his sons was separately enfeoffed as Marquis of Yanting with a fief of one thousand households. In the first year of Emperor Gong of Wei (554) he was made governor of Yong Province.

初，梁元帝平侯景之後，於江陵嗣位，密與齊氏通使，將謀侵軼。其兄子岳陽王詧時為雍州刺史，以梁元帝殺〔其〕兄譽，遂結讐隙。據襄陽來附，仍請王師。乃令謹率衆出討。太祖餞於青泥谷。長孫儉問謹曰：「為蕭繹之計，將欲如何？」謹曰：「耀兵漢、沔，席捲渡江，直據丹陽，是其上策；移郭內居民，退保子城，峻其陴堞，以待援至，是其中策；若難於移動，據守羅郭，是其下策。」儉曰：「揣繹定出何策？」謹曰：「必用下策。」儉曰：「彼棄上而用下，何也？」對曰：「蕭氏保據江南，綿歷數紀。屬中原多故，未遑外略。又以我有齊氏之患，必謂力不能分。且繹懦而無謀，多疑少斷。愚民難與慮始，皆戀邑居，旣惡遷移，當保羅郭。所以用下策也。」謹乃令中山公護及大將軍楊忠等，率精騎先據江津，斷其走路。梁人豎木柵於外城，廣輪六十里。尋而謹至，悉衆圍之。梁主屢遣兵于城南出戰，輒為謹所破。旬有六日，外城遂陷。梁主退保子城。翌日，率其太子以下，面縛出降，尋殺之。虜其男女十餘萬人，收其府庫珍寶。得宋渾天儀、梁日晷銅表、魏相風烏、銅蟠螭（跌）〔趺〕、大玉徑四尺圍七尺、及諸轝輦法物以獻，軍無私焉。立蕭詧為梁主，振旅而旋。太祖親至其第，宴語極歡。賞謹奴婢一千口，及梁之寶物，幷金石絲竹樂一部，別封新野郡公，邑二千戶。謹固辭，太祖不許。又令司樂作《常山公平梁歌》十首，使工人歌之。

Earlier, after Emperor Yuan of Liang had put down Hou Jing and succeeded at Jiangling, he secretly exchanged envoys with Northern Qi and planned invasion. His nephew Prince Xiangyang Xiao Cha was then governor of Yong Province; because Emperor Yuan of Liang had killed his elder brother Xiao Yu, they became enemies. He held Xiangyang, came over in allegiance, and also asked for imperial troops. Yu Jin was then ordered to lead troops out against him. Yuwen Tai saw him off at Qingni Valley. Zhangsun Jian asked Yu Jin: "What do you think Xiao Yi will do?" Yu Jin said: "To show force on the Han and Mian, sweep across the river, and seize Danyang directly—that is his best plan; to move the people inside the outer walls into the inner citadel, strengthen the ramparts, and wait for aid—that is his middle plan; if moving them is hard, to hold only the outer walls—that is his worst plan." Zhangsun Jian said: "Which plan do you think Yi will take?" Yu Jin said: "He will surely take the worst plan." Zhangsun Jian said: "Why would he abandon the best and use the worst?" He answered: "The Xiao house has held the south for many generations. While the central plains were in constant trouble, they had no leisure for outward campaigns. They also think that because we have trouble from Northern Qi, we cannot spare troops. Moreover Yi is timid and unresourceful, suspicious and slow to decide. Common people are hard to move at the start; they all cling to their homes and hate being uprooted, so he will keep the outer walls. That is why he will take the worst plan." Yu Jin then ordered Duke of Zhongshan Yuwen Hu, Grand General Yang Zhong, and others to lead picked cavalry first to hold the river crossing at Jiangling and cut off his escape. The Liang forces raised wooden palisades around the outer city, sixty li around. Before long Yu Jin arrived and besieged it with his whole force. The Liang ruler repeatedly sent troops out to fight south of the city and was beaten each time by Yu Jin. After sixteen days the outer city fell. The Liang ruler withdrew into the inner citadel. The next day he led the crown prince and his household out, bound with faces covered, to surrender; soon he was killed. They took more than one hundred thousand men and women captive and seized the treasures of the palace stores. They obtained the Song armillary sphere, the Liang bronze sundial pillar, the Wei wind-indicating bird, and a bronze coiled dragon [variant: the cited text] pedestal, a great jade disk four feet across and seven feet in circumference, and all ceremonial chariots and ritual objects to present as tribute; the army took nothing for private gain. They set up Xiao Cha as ruler of Liang and marched home. Yuwen Tai came in person to his house; the banquet and talk were exceedingly warm. He rewarded Yu Jin with one thousand slaves, Liang treasures, and a full set of metal, stone, string, and bamboo instruments; separately he enfeoffed him as Duke of Xinye with a fief of two thousand households. Yu Jin firmly declined; Yuwen Tai would not permit it. He also had the directorate of music compose ten songs, "Lord Changshan's Pacification of Liang," and had musicians sing them.

謹自以久當權勢，位望隆重，功名旣立，願保優閑。乃上先所乘駿馬及所著鎧甲等。太祖識其意，乃曰：「今巨猾未平，公豈得便爾獨善。」遂不受。六官建，拜大司徒。

Yu Jin felt that having long held power, with rank and standing already great and merit and fame established, he wished to keep his ease. He thereupon presented the fine horses he had ridden and the armor he had worn. Yuwen Tai understood his meaning and said: "The great villain is not yet subdued—how can you alone seek ease so soon?" He thereupon would not accept them. When the Six Offices were established, he was made grand minister of education.

及太祖崩，孝閔帝尚幼，中山公護雖受顧命，而名位素下，羣公各圖執政，莫相率服。護深憂之，密訪於謹。謹曰：「夙蒙丞相殊睠，情深骨肉。今日之事，必以死爭之。若對衆定策，公必不得辭讓。」明日，羣公會議。謹曰：「昔帝室傾危，人圖問鼎。丞相志在匡救，投袂荷戈，故得國祚中興，羣生遂性。今上天降禍，奄棄庶寮。嗣子雖幼，而中山公親則猶子，兼受顧托，軍國之事，理須歸之。」辭色抗厲，衆皆悚動。護曰：「此是家事，素雖庸昧，何敢有辭。」謹旣太祖等夷，護每申禮敬。至是，謹乃趨而言曰：「公若統理軍國，謹等便有所依。」遂再拜。羣公迫於謹，亦再拜，因是衆議始定。

When Yuwen Tai died, Emperor Xiaomin was still young; though Duke of Zhongshan Yuwen Hu had received the dying charge, his rank had always been lower, and the great lords each plotted to hold power, none willing to defer. Yuwen Hu was deeply troubled and secretly consulted Yu Jin. Yu Jin said: "Long ago I received the chancellor's extraordinary favor; our bond is as close as flesh and bone. In today's matter I will surely contend with my life. If the decision is made before the assembled lords, you absolutely must not decline. The next day, the assembled nobles met in council. Yu Jin said: "In former times the imperial house was tottering and men plotted to seize the throne. The chief minister's will was to rescue and restore the realm; he shook off delay and took up arms, and thus the dynasty was revived and the people lived in peace. Now Heaven sends calamity and has suddenly taken away our leaders. The heir is still young, yet Duke of Zhongshan Yuwen Hu, close in kinship as a son and entrusted at the deathbed, ought by right to take charge of army and state. His words and bearing were stern and forceful, and the whole assembly trembled. Yuwen Hu said: "This is a family matter; though I am by nature dull and ignorant, how dare I refuse?" Since Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai's death, Yuwen Hu had always shown Yu Jin ritual respect. At this point Yu Jin hurried forward and said: "If you take charge of army and state, we will have someone to rely on. He thereupon bowed twice. The assembled nobles, pressed by Yu Jin, also bowed twice, and the assembly's decision was settled.

孝閔帝踐阼，進封燕國公，邑萬戶。遷太傅、大宗伯，與李弼、侯莫陳崇等參議朝政。及賀蘭祥討吐谷渾也，謹遙統其軍，授以方略。

When Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, Yu Jin was advanced to Duke of Yan with a fief of ten thousand households. He was transferred to grand preceptor and grand minister of ritual, and with Li Bi, Houmochen Chong, and others deliberated on court governance. When Helan Xiang campaigned against Tuyuhun, Yu Jin directed his army from afar and supplied strategy.

保定二年，謹以年老，上表乞骸骨。詔報曰：「昔師尚父年踰九十，召公奭幾將百歲，皆勤王家，自強不息。今元惡未除，九州不一，將以公為舟烜，弘濟於艱難，豈容忘二公之雅操，而有斯請。朕用恧焉。公若更執謙沖，有司宜斷啟。」

In the second year of Baoding (562), Yu Jin, on account of old age, submitted a memorial requesting retirement. An edict replied: "In former times Grand Mentor Jiang Ziya passed ninety years of age, and Duke of Shao She was nearly a hundred; both served the royal house diligently and never ceased to strengthen themselves. Now the chief enemy is not yet removed and the realm is not yet united; I intend to make you the beacon for the vessel and deliver us through hardship—how could I forget those two lords' lofty conduct and grant this request? I am ashamed to hear it. If you again hold to humility, the responsible offices should reject the memorial."

三年四月，詔曰：「樹以元首，主乎教化，率民孝悌，置之仁壽。是以古先明後，咸若斯典，立三老五更，躬自袒割。朕以眇身，處茲南面，何敢遺此黃發，不加尊敬。太傅、燕國公謹，執德淳固，為國元老，饋以乞言，朝野所屬。可為三老，有司具禮，擇日以聞。」謹上表固辭，詔答不許。又賜延年杖。高祖幸太學以食之。三老入門，皇帝迎拜門屏之間，三老答拜。有司設三老席於中楹，南向。太師、晉國公護升階，設幾（施）〔於〕席。三老升席，南面憑几而坐，以師道自居。大司（馬）〔寇〕、楚國公寧升階，正舄。皇帝升階，立於斧扆之前，西面。有司進饌，皇帝跪設醬豆，親自袒割。三老食訖，皇帝又親跪授爵以酳。有司撤訖。皇帝北面立而訪道。三老乃起立於席後。皇帝曰：「猥當天下重任，自惟不才，不知政治之要，公其誨之。」三老答曰：「木受繩則正，後從諫則聖。自古明王聖主，皆虛心納諫，以知得失，天下乃安。唯陛下念之。」又曰：「為國之本，在乎忠信。是以古人雲去食去兵，信不可失。國家興廢，莫不由之。願陛下守而勿失。」又曰：「治國之道，必須有法。法者，國之綱紀。綱紀不可不正，所正在於賞罰。若有功必賞，有罪必罰，則有善者日益，為惡者日止。若有功不賞，有罪不罰，則天下善惡不分，下民無所措其手足矣。」又曰：「言行者立身之基，言出行隨，誠宜相顧。願陛下三思而言，九慮而行。若不思不慮，必有過失。天子之過，事無大小，如日月之蝕，莫不知者。願陛下慎之。」三老言畢，皇帝再拜受之，三老答拜焉。禮成而出。

In the fourth month of the third year (563), an edict said: "To set up a head is to preside over teaching and transformation, to lead the people in filial piety and brotherliness, and place them in benevolence and long life. Therefore ancient wise sovereigns and enlightened rulers all followed this canon, establishing the Elder of State and Elder Emeritus and personally baring the shoulder to carve the meat. I with my slight person stand in this south-facing position—how dare I neglect these white-haired elders and fail to show them respect? Grand Preceptor, Duke of Yan Yu Jin, holds virtue pure and firm, is an elder statesman of the realm, and is looked to for counsel by court and countryside alike. He may serve as Elder of State; the responsible offices should prepare the rites and report the chosen day. Yu Jin submitted a memorial firmly declining; the edict in reply would not permit it. He was also granted a staff of extended years. High Ancestor Yuwen Yong visited the Imperial Academy to feed him. When the Elder of State entered the gate, the emperor welcomed and bowed between the gate and screen; the Elder of State returned the bow. The responsible offices set the Elder of State's mat at the central pillar, facing south. Grand Preceptor, Duke of Jin Yuwen Hu ascended the steps and set out a low table (Shi) at the seat. The Elder of State ascended the mat, sat facing south leaning on the low table, and took the teacher's position. Grand Minister of Justice (Ma) Dou Lü Ning, Duke of Chu and grand minister of justice, ascended the steps and adjusted his shoes. The emperor ascended the steps and stood before the axe-screen, facing west. The responsible offices brought food; the emperor knelt to set out sauce and beans and personally bared his shoulder to carve the meat. When the Elder of State had finished eating, the emperor again personally knelt and presented a cup for the rinsing. The responsible offices cleared away. The emperor stood facing north and inquired about the Way. The Elder of State then rose and stood behind the mat. The emperor said: "I unworthily bear the realm's heavy charge; considering myself without talent, I do not know the essentials of governance—please instruct me. The Elder of State replied: "Wood that receives the line becomes straight; a ruler who follows remonstrance becomes sage. From antiquity enlightened kings and sage sovereigns all received advice with an open mind to know gain and loss, and only then was the realm secure. May Your Majesty keep this in mind. He also said: "The root of governing a state lies in loyalty and trust. Therefore the ancients said that though food and arms may be set aside, trust must not be lost. Whether a state rises or falls, none is without this. May Your Majesty hold to it and not lose it. He also said: "The way to govern a state must have law. Law is the state's cord and net. The cord and net cannot fail to be straight; what makes them straight lies in reward and punishment. If merit is always rewarded and guilt always punished, then those who do good daily increase and those who do evil daily cease. If merit is not rewarded and guilt is not punished, then good and evil in the realm are not distinguished and the common people have nowhere to set hand or foot. He also said: "Words and conduct are the foundation of establishing the person; words go out and conduct follows—one should truly look to both. May Your Majesty think thrice before speaking and consider nine times before acting. If one does not think and does not consider, there will surely be fault. A son of Heaven's fault, whether the matter be large or small, is like an eclipse of sun or moon—none do not know of it. May Your Majesty be careful. When the Elder of State had finished speaking, the emperor bowed twice to receive it, and the Elder of State returned the bow. When the rites were complete, they withdrew.

謹有智謀，善於事上。名位雖重，愈存謙挹。每朝參往來，不過從兩三騎而已。朝廷凡有軍國之務，多與謹決之。謹亦竭其智能，弼諧帝室。故功臣之中，特見委信，始終若一，人無間言。每教訓諸子，務存靜退。加以年齒遐長，禮遇隆重，子孫繁衍，皆至顯達，當時莫與為比焉。子寔嗣。

Yu Jin had wisdom and stratagem and was skilled at serving his superiors. Though his name and rank were weighty, he preserved humility all the more. Each time he came and went to court audience, he had no more than two or three mounted attendants. Whenever the court had matters of army and state, they were mostly decided with Yu Jin. Yu Jin also exhausted his wisdom and ability to harmonize and assist the imperial house. Therefore among the meritorious ministers he was especially entrusted and trusted, from beginning to end as one, and no one spoke against him. Whenever he instructed his sons, he urged them to preserve quiet withdrawal. Added to this, his years were very long and his honors heavy; his descendants multiplied and all reached eminence—at the time none could compare with him. His son Shi succeeded him.

寔字賓實，少和厚。年未弱冠，入太祖幕府，從征潼關及回洛城。大統三年，又從復弘農，戰沙苑。以前後功，封萬年縣子，邑五百戶，授主衣都統。河橋之役，先鋒陷陣。軍還，寔又為內殿，除通直散騎常侍，轉太子右衛率，加都督。又從太祖戰於邙山。十一年，詔寔侍講東宮。侯景來附，遣寔與諸軍援之，平九曲城。進大都督，遷儀同三司，加散騎常侍。十四年，除尚書。是歲，太祖與魏太子西巡，寔時從。太祖刻石於隴山之上，錄功臣位，以次鐫勒，預以寔為開府儀同三司。至十五年，方授之。尋除滑州刺史，特給鼓吹一部，進爵為公，增邑二百戶。魏恭帝二年，羌東念姐率部落反，結連吐谷渾，每為邊患。遣大將軍豆盧甯討之，踰時不克。又令寔往，遂破之。太祖手書勞問，賜奴婢一百口，馬一百疋。孝閔帝踐祚，授民部中大夫，進爵延壽郡公，邑二千戶。又進位大將軍，除勳州刺史，入為小司寇。天和二年，延州蒲川賊郝三郎等反，攻逼丹州。遣寔率衆討平之，斬三郎首，獲雜畜萬餘頭。乃除延州刺史。五年，襲爵燕國公，進位柱國，以罪免。尋復本官，除涼州總管。大象二年，加上柱國，拜大左輔。隋開皇元年，薨。贈司空，諡曰安。

Shi, styled Binshen, in youth was gentle and generous. Before he had reached capped age, he entered Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai's headquarters and followed in the campaigns at Tong Pass and Huiluo city. In the third year of Datong (537), he again followed in recovering Hongnong and fighting at Shawei. For earlier and later merit, he was enfeoffed Viscount of Wannian county with a fief of five hundred households and appointed chief of the imperial wardrobe corps. In the battle at Heqiao, as vanguard he broke the enemy line. When the army returned, Shi again served in the inner palace; he was appointed directly-attendant scattered-cavalry regular attendant, transferred to right commandant of the crown prince's guard, and given governor-general rank. He again followed Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai in battle at Mount Mang. In the eleventh year (545), an edict ordered Shi to lecture in the Eastern Palace. When Hou Jing came to submit, Shi was sent with the various armies to aid him and pacified Jiuchu city. He was advanced to great governor-general, transferred to commissioner equal to three ministers, and given scattered-cavalry regular attendant. In the fourteenth year (548), he was appointed minister of the masters of writing. That year Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai and the Wei crown prince toured west; Shi followed at the time. Yuwen Tai carved stone on Mount Long, recording the meritorious ministers' ranks and inscribing them in order; Shi was provisionally listed as commissioner with privilege to open an office equal to three ministers. Only in the fifteenth year (549) was it formally granted. Soon he was appointed governor of Hua Province, specially granted one set of drums and pipes, advanced to duke, and his fief was increased by two hundred households. In the second year of Emperor Gong of Wei (555), the Qiang chieftain Dong Nianjie led his tribes in rebellion, linking with Tuyuhun and constantly causing border trouble. Grand General Dou Lü Ning was sent to suppress them; after more than the allotted time he could not overcome them. Shi was again ordered to go, and thereupon defeated them. Yuwen Tai wrote a letter in his own hand to express sympathy and inquiry, and granted one hundred household slaves and one hundred horses. When Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, Shi was appointed grand master of the ministry of the people, advanced to Duke of Yanshou commandery with a fief of two thousand households. He was again advanced to grand general, appointed governor of Xun Province, and entered court as lesser minister of justice. In the second year of Tianhe (567), the Puchuan bandits of Yan Province, Hao Sanlang and others, rebelled and pressed Dan Province. Shi was sent leading troops to suppress and pacify them, beheaded Sanlang, and captured more than ten thousand head of mixed livestock. He was then appointed governor of Yan Province. In the fifth year (570), he inherited the title Duke of Yan, was advanced to pillar of state, and was dismissed for crime. Soon he was restored to his former office and appointed commander-in-chief of Liang Province. In the second year of Daxiang (580), he was given superior pillar of state and appointed grand left aide. In the first year of Sui Kaihuang (581), he died. Posthumously he was granted minister of works; his posthumous title was An.

子顗，大象末，上開府、吳州總管、新野郡公。顗弟仲文，大將軍、延壽郡公。仲文弟象賢，儀同三司，尚高祖女。

Yu Jin's son Yan, at the end of Daxiang (581), was upper opener-of-gates, commander-in-chief of Wu Province, and Duke of Xinye commandery. Yan's younger brother Yu Zhongwen was grand general and Duke of Yanshou commandery. Zhongwen's younger brother Yu Xiangxian held privilege equal to three ministers and married a daughter of High Ancestor Yuwen Yong.

寔弟翼，自有傳。翼弟義，上柱國、潼州總管、建平郡公。義弟禮，上大將軍、趙州刺史、安平郡公。禮弟智，初為開府，以受宣帝旨，告齊王憲反，遂封齊國公。尋拜柱國、涼州總管、大司空。智（初）弟紹，上開府、綏州刺史、華陽郡公。紹弟弼，上儀同、平恩縣公。弼弟蘭，上儀同、襄陽縣公。蘭弟曠，上儀同，贈恆州刺史。

Shi's younger brother Yu Yi has a separate biography. Yi's younger brother Yu Yi was superior pillar of state, commander-in-chief of Tong Province, and Duke of Jianping commandery. Yi's younger brother Yu Li was upper grand general, governor of Zhao Province, and Duke of Anping commandery. Li's younger brother Yu Zhi, at first an opener-of-office, on receiving Emperor Xuan Yuwen Yun's command denounced Prince of Qi Yuwen Xian's rebellion, and was thereupon enfeoffed Duke of Qi. Soon he was appointed pillar of state, commander-in-chief of Liang Province, and grand minister of works. Zhi [initial variant] His younger brother Yu Shao was upper opener-of-gates, governor of Sui Province, and Duke of Huayang commandery. Shao's younger brother Yu Bi was upper equal-in-protocol and Duke of Ping'en county. Bi's younger brother Yu Lan was upper equal-in-protocol and Duke of Xiangyang county. Lan's younger brother Yu Kuang was upper equal-in-protocol and was posthumously made governor of Heng Province.

史臣曰：賀拔岳變起倉卒，侯莫陳悅意在兼併，于時將有離心，士無固志。洛撫緝散亂，抗禦仇讐。全師而還，敵人絕覬覦之望；度德而處，霸王建匡合之謀。此功故不細也。李弼、于謹懷佐時之略，逢啟聖之運，綢繆顧遇，締構艱難，帷幄盡其謨猷，方面宣其庸績，擬巨川之舟楫，為大廈之棟樑。非惟攀附成名，抑亦材謀自取。及謹以耆年碩德，譽重望高，禮備上庠，功歌司樂，常以滿盈為戒，覆折是憂。不有君子，何以能國。

The historiographer writes: When Heba Yue was murdered in sudden turmoil and Houmochen Yue sought to absorb his army, the commanders wavered and the troops had no fixed loyalty. Kou Luo soothed the scattered host and held off the foe. He brought the whole force back intact, and the enemy lost all hope of gain; measuring his own strength, he laid the foundations of the Zhou hegemony. That was no minor achievement. Li Bi and Yu Jin brought timely counsel to a founding age, won favor through loyal service, and built the dynasty through hardship—counsel in the command tent, achievement on the frontier; they were the river craft and the roof beams of the new state. They won renown not merely by riding others' rise, but by their own ability and design. Yu Jin in old age and great virtue, with weighty reputation and high esteem, honored at the Imperial Academy and celebrated in court music, always took fullness as warning and ruin as his fear. Without such a man, how could the state endure?

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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