1
冀儁蔣昇姚僧垣子最黎景熙趙文深褚該
Ji Jun; Jiang Sheng; Yao Sengyuan; Yao Zui (his son); Li Jingxi; Zhao Wenshen; and Chu Gai
2
太祖受命之始，屬天下分崩，于時戎馬交馳，而學術之士蓋寡，故曲藝末技，咸見引納。 至若冀儁、蔣昇、趙文深之徒，雖才愧昔人，而名著當世。 及剋定鄢、郢，俊異畢集。 樂茂雅、蕭吉以陰陽顯，庾季才以天官稱，史元華相術擅奇，許奭、姚僧垣方藥特妙，斯皆一時之美也。 茂雅、元華、許奭，史失其傳。 季才、蕭吉，官成於隋。 自餘紀於此篇，以備遺闕云爾。
When Emperor Wen first took power, the empire was falling apart. Armies clashed without pause, and learned men were scarce, so even minor crafts and humble skills found a welcome at court. Men such as Ji Jun, Jiang Sheng, and Zhao Wenshen could not match the masters of old, yet they were famous in their own day. After the conquest of Yan and Ying, men of exceptional ability flocked to court. Yue Maoya and Xiao Ji won renown through yin-yang lore; Yu Jicai was known for astral affairs; Shi Yuanhua was unmatched in physiognomy; Xu Yi and Yao Sengyuan were singularly skilled in medicine and prescriptions—all were the finest of their time. For Maoya, Yuanhua, and Xu Yi, the histories preserve no biographies. Jicai and Xiao Ji finished their careers in office under the Sui dynasty. The remainder are set down in this chapter so that nothing is left out.
3
冀儁字僧儁，太原陽邑人也。 性沉謹，善隸書，特工模寫。 魏太昌初，為賀拔岳墨曹參軍。 及岳被害，太祖引為記室。 時侯莫陳悅阻兵隴右，太祖志在平之。 乃令儁偽為魏帝勅書與費也頭，令將兵助太祖討悅。 儁依舊勅模寫，及代舍人、主書等署，與真無異。 太祖大悅。 費也頭已曾得魏帝敕書，及見此勅，不以為疑。 遂遣步騎一千，受太祖節度。
Ji Jun, whose courtesy name was Sengjun, came from Yangyi in Taiyuan. He was reserved and meticulous by nature, excelled at clerical script, and was especially gifted at copying documents by hand. In the first year of the Taichang era of Wei, he served as recorder in the ink office under Heba Yue. After Yue was murdered, Emperor Wen brought him on as recording secretary. At the time Houmochen Yue was defying the court with an army in Longyou, and Emperor Wen was determined to crush him. He had Jun forge an imperial edict from the Wei emperor to the Feiye Tou tribe, ordering them to march and help Emperor Wen attack Yue. Jun copied from genuine edicts and forged the signatures of palace attendants and chief clerks as well, so that the document was indistinguishable from the real thing. Emperor Wen was delighted. The Feiye Tou had received Wei imperial edicts before; when they saw this one, they never suspected a forgery. They duly sent a thousand foot and horse soldiers to serve under Emperor Wen's command.
4
大統初，除丞相府城局參軍，封長安縣男，邑二百戶。 從復弘農，戰沙苑，進爵為子，出為華州中正。 十三年，遷襄樂郡守。 尋征教世宗及宋獻公等隸書。 時俗入書學者，亦行束修之禮，謂之謝章。 儁以書字所興，起自蒼頡，若同常俗，未為合禮。 遂啟太祖，釋奠蒼頡及先聖、先師。 除黃門侍郎、本州大中正。 累遷撫軍將軍、右金紫光祿大夫、都督、通直散騎常侍、車騎大將軍、儀同三司。
Early in the Datong era he was made adjutant in the army bureau of the chancellor's office and enfeoffed as Baron of Chang'an with a fief of two hundred households. He took part in the recovery of Hongnong and the battle at Shayuan, was raised to viscount, and was sent out as provincial rectifier for Hua. In the thirteenth year he was transferred to serve as administrator of Xiangyue commandery. He was soon summoned to instruct Emperor Ming and Duke Xian of Song and others in clerical script. At the time students of calligraphy still observed the ceremony of presenting bundled silk to their teacher, which was called the letter of thanks. Jun argued that writing itself originated with Cangjie, and that treating calligraphy like an ordinary craft did not accord with proper ritual. He memorialized Emperor Wen to offer libation sacrifices to Cangjie as well as to the Former Sage and Former Teacher. He was appointed attendant at the yellow gate and grand rectifier of his home province. He rose through the ranks to general who pacifies the army, right grand master of the golden gate and purple radiance, commander, regular attendant of the unimpeded cavalry, general of chariots and cavalry, and palace attendant of the third rank.
5
世宗二年，以本官為大使，巡歷州郡，察風俗，理冤滯。 還，拜小御正。 尋出為湖州刺史。 性退靜，每以清約自處，前後所歷，頗有聲稱。 尋加驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司，改封昌樂縣伯。 又進爵為侯，增邑幷前一千六百戶。 後以疾卒。
In the second year of Emperor Ming's reign he served as imperial envoy at his existing rank, touring the provinces to inspect local customs and clear backlogged grievances. When he returned, he was appointed junior imperial censor. He was soon sent out as governor of Hu province. Retiring and quiet by nature, he always lived modestly and with integrity, and wherever he served he earned a solid reputation. He was soon made general of agile cavalry and palace attendant of the first rank with an office equal to the three excellencies, and his title was changed to Earl of Changle. He was further raised to marquis, with his fief increased to a total of sixteen hundred households. He later died of illness.
6
蔣昇字鳳起，楚國平河人也。 父儁，魏南平王府從事中郎、趙興郡守。
Jiang Sheng, whose courtesy name was Fengqi, came from Pinghe in the state of Chu. His father Jun had served as attendant gentleman in the household of the Prince of Nanping under Wei and as administrator of Zhao commandery.
7
昇性恬靜，少好天文玄象之學。 太祖雅信待之，常侍左右，以備顧問。 大統三年，東魏將竇泰入寇，濟自風陵，頓軍潼關。 太祖出師馬牧澤。 時西南有黃紫氣抱日，從未至酉。 太祖謂昇曰：「此何祥也？」 昇曰：「西南未地，主土。 土王四季，秦之分也。 今大軍旣出，喜氣下臨，必有大慶。」 於是進軍與竇泰戰，擒之。 自後遂降河東，剋弘農，破沙苑。 由此愈被親禮。
Sheng was calm and retiring by nature and from youth devoted himself to astronomy and celestial lore. Emperor Wen trusted him deeply and kept him constantly at his side as a consultant. In the third year of Datong the Eastern Wei general Dou Tai invaded, crossed at Fengling, and encamped at Tong Pass. Emperor Wen marched out from Muma Marsh. At the time yellow and purple vapors in the southwest embraced the sun from mid-afternoon until evening. Emperor Wen asked Sheng, "What omen is this? Sheng replied, "The southwest is the wei quarter, which governs earth. Earth dominates through all four seasons, and this is the region of Qin. Our main force is already in the field and auspicious vapor descends upon us—there will surely be a great triumph. The army then advanced, fought Dou Tai, and took him captive. Thereafter they pacified Hedong, took Hongnong, and won at Shayuan. From then on he was treated with ever greater favor and respect.
8
九年，高仲密以北豫州來附。 太祖欲遣兵援之，又以問昇。 昇對曰：「春王在東，熒惑又在井、鬼之分，行軍非便。」 太祖不從，軍遂東行。 至邙山，不利而還。 太師賀拔勝怒，白太祖曰：「蔣昇罪合萬死。」 太祖曰：「蔣昇固諫，云出師不利。 此敗也，孤自取之，非昇過也。」
In the ninth year Gao Zhongmi defected with North Yuzhou to join the Western Wei. Emperor Wen wanted to send troops to support him and again asked Sheng's opinion. Sheng replied, "The spring king is in the east, and Mars is in the Well and Ghost constellations—it would be unwise to march. Emperor Wen did not heed him, and the army marched east. At Mount Mang the campaign went badly and the army withdrew. Grand Preceptor Heba Sheng was furious and told Emperor Wen, "Jiang Sheng deserves death ten thousand times over. Emperor Wen said, "Jiang Sheng urged me firmly that the campaign would go badly. This defeat I brought on myself. It is not Sheng's fault."
9
魏恭帝元年，以前後功，授車騎大將軍、儀同三司，封高城縣子，邑五百戶。 保定二年，增邑三百戶，除河東郡守。 尋入為太史中大夫。 以老請致仕，詔許之。 加定州刺史。 卒於家。
In the first year of Emperor Gong of Wei he was made general of chariots and cavalry and palace attendant of the third rank for his services, and enfeoffed as Viscount of Gaocheng with a fief of five hundred households. In the second year of Baoding his fief was increased by three hundred households and he was appointed administrator of Hedong commandery. He was soon recalled to the capital as grand master of the imperial astrologer. He asked to retire on account of age, and the emperor approved. He was given the additional title of governor of Ding province. He died at home.
10
姚僧垣字法衛，吳興武康人，吳太常信之八世孫也。 曾祖郢，宋員外散騎常侍、五城侯。 父菩提，梁高平令。 嘗嬰疾歷年，乃留心醫藥。 梁武帝性又好之，每召菩提討論方術，言多會意，由是頗禮之。
Yao Sengyuan, whose courtesy name was Fawei, came from Wukang in Wuxing and was the eighth-generation descendant of Yao Xin, grand master of ceremonies under Wu. His great-grandfather Ying had been attendant cavalier at large under the Song and marquis of Wucheng. His father Puti had served as magistrate of Gaoping under the Liang. After years of illness he turned his attention to medicine. Emperor Wu of Liang also loved medicine and often summoned Puti to discuss prescriptions; Puti's answers usually struck home, and the emperor treated him with considerable respect.
11
僧垣幼通洽，居喪盡禮。 年二十四，卽傳家業。 梁武帝召入禁中，面加討試。 僧垣酬對無滯。 梁武帝甚奇之。 大通六年，解褐臨川嗣王國左常侍。 大同五年，除驃騎廬陵王府田曹參軍。 九年，還領殿中醫師。 時武陵王所生葛修華，宿患積時，方術莫效。 梁武帝乃令僧垣視之。 還，具說其狀，幷記增損時候。 梁武帝歎曰：「卿用意綿密，乃至於此，以此候疾，何疾可逃。 朕常以前代名人，多好此術，是以每恒留情，頗識治體。 今聞卿說，益開人意。」 十一年，轉領太醫正，加文德主帥、直合將軍。 梁武帝嘗因發熱，欲服大黃。 僧垣曰：「大黃乃是快藥。 然至尊年高，不宜輕用。」 帝弗從，遂至危篤。 梁簡文帝在東宮，甚禮之。 四時伏臘，每有賞賜。 太清元年，轉鎮西湘東王府中記室參軍。 僧垣少好文史，不留意於章句。 時商略今古，則為學者所稱。
Sengyuan was widely learned from childhood and observed mourning rites scrupulously. At twenty-four he had already taken up the family profession of medicine. Emperor Wu summoned him to the inner palace and examined him in person. Sengyuan answered without a moment's hesitation. Emperor Wu was deeply impressed. In the sixth year of Datong he entered office as left regular attendant in the kingdom of the heir of Linchuan. In the fifth year of Datong he was made field bureau adjutant in the household of the Prince of Luling, general of agile cavalry. In the ninth year he was again placed in charge as palace physician. At the time Ge Xiuhua, birth mother of the Prince of Wuling, had suffered a chronic illness for years, and no treatment had helped. Emperor Wu then sent Sengyuan to examine her. When he returned he described her condition in full and noted precisely when her symptoms waxed and waned. Emperor Wu exclaimed, "Your attention to detail is extraordinary. With such close observation of an illness, what disease could possibly escape notice? I have often noticed that famous men of former ages loved this art, and I have always paid it close attention and learned something of how to treat disease. Hearing you speak today has opened my understanding even further. In the eleventh year he was made chief imperial physician, with the additional titles of commander of Wende and general of the direct guard. Emperor Wu once had a fever and wanted to take rhubarb. Sengyuan said, "Rhubarb is a strong purgative. But Your Majesty is advanced in years and should not use it lightly. The emperor did not heed him, and his condition soon became critical. When Emperor Jian of Liang was crown prince, he treated Sengyuan with great respect. At the summer and winter festivals he always received gifts from the crown prince. In the first year of Taiqing he was transferred to recording secretary in the household of the Prince of Xiangdong, general who guards the west. From youth Sengyuan loved literature and history and cared little for textual commentary. When he discussed affairs ancient and modern, scholars praised his insight.
12
及侯景圍建業，僧垣乃棄妻子赴難。 梁武帝嘉之，授戎昭將軍、湘東王府記室參軍。 及宮城陷，百官逃散。 僧垣假道歸，至吳興，謁郡守張 （嶸） 〔嵊〕。 嵊見僧垣流涕曰：「吾過荷朝恩，今報之以死。 君是此邦大族，又朝廷舊臣。 今日得君，吾事辦矣。」 俄而景兵大至，攻戰累日，郡城遂陷。 僧垣竄避久之，乃被拘執。 景將侯子鑒素聞其名，深相器遇，因此獲免。 及梁簡文嗣位，僧垣還建業，以本官兼中書舍人。 子鑒尋鎮廣陵，僧垣又隨至江北。
When Hou Jing besieged Jianye, Sengyuan left his wife and children behind and rushed to the capital's defense. Emperor Wu commended his loyalty and appointed him general of martial brilliance and recording secretary in the household of the Prince of Xiangdong. When the palace fell, officials fled in every direction. Sengyuan made his way home by a detour. When he reached Wuxing, he called on the prefect Zhang Rong (variant character; standard form: Sheng) Sheng. When Sheng saw Sengyuan he wept and said, "The court has shown me more favor than I deserve; now I will repay that debt with my life. You are a leading family of this region and a former minister of the court. Now that you have come, my purpose can be fulfilled. Before long Hou Jing's army arrived in strength. After days of fighting the commandery seat fell. Sengyuan went into hiding for a long time before he was captured. Hou Jing's general Hou Zijian had long heard of his fame and treated him with great respect, which is how he escaped execution. When Emperor Jian of Liang came to the throne, Sengyuan returned to Jianye and served in his former post while also acting as drafting secretary in the secretariat. Zijian was soon posted to Guangling, and Sengyuan followed him to the north bank of the Yangzi.
13
梁元帝平侯景，召僧垣赴荊州，改授晉安王府諮議。 其時雖剋平大亂，而任用非才，朝政混淆，無復綱紀。 僧垣每深憂之。 謂故人曰：「吾觀此形勢，禍敗不久。 今時上策，莫若近關。」 聞者皆掩口竊笑。 梁元帝嘗有心腹疾，乃召諸醫議治療之方。 咸謂至尊至貴，不可輕脫，宜用平藥，可漸宣通。 僧垣曰：「脈洪而實，此有宿食。 非用大黃，必無差理。」 梁元帝從之，進湯訖，果下宿食，因而疾愈。 梁元帝大喜。 時初鑄錢，一當十，乃賜錢十萬，實百萬也。
When Emperor Yuan of Liang defeated Hou Jing, he summoned Sengyuan to Jingzhou and made him adviser in the household of the Prince of Jin'an. Although the great rebellion had been put down, the wrong men held office, government was in confusion, and discipline had collapsed. Sengyuan was deeply troubled whenever he saw this. He told an old friend, "Judging from the way things stand, ruin is not far away. The wisest move now would be to get close to the frontier passes." Those who heard him covered their mouths and laughed behind his back. Emperor Yuan once suffered a disorder of the internal organs and summoned physicians to discuss treatment. They all said the emperor was too exalted to be purged aggressively and that mild medicines should be used for gradual relief. Sengyuan said, "The pulse is surging and full. This means there is old undigested food in the stomach. Without rhubarb there is no hope of a cure." Emperor Yuan followed his advice. After the decoction was taken the stagnant food passed and he recovered. Emperor Yuan was delighted. New coin had just been minted at ten to the old unit, and he was given one hundred thousand pieces—worth a million in real terms.
14
金州刺史伊婁穆以疾還京，請僧垣省疾。 乃云：「自腰至臍，似有三縛，兩腳緩縱，不復自持。」 僧垣為診脈，處湯三劑。 穆初服一劑，上縛卽解； 次服一劑，中縛復解； 又服一劑，三縛悉除。 而兩腳疼痹，猶自攣弱。 更為合散一劑，稍得屈申。 僧垣曰：「終待霜降，此患當愈。」 及至九月，遂能起行。 大將軍、襄樂公賀蘭隆先有氣疾，加以水腫，喘息奔急，坐臥不安。 或有勸其服決命大散者，其家疑未能決，乃問僧垣。 僧垣曰：「意謂此患不與大散相當。 若欲自服，不煩賜問。」 因而委去。 其子殷勤拜請曰：「多時抑屈，今日始來。 竟不可治，意實未盡。」 僧垣知其可差，卽為處方，勸使急服。 便卽氣通，更服一劑，諸患悉愈。
Yi Loumu, governor of Jin province, returned to the capital ill and asked Sengyuan to examine him. He said, "From my waist to my navel it feels as though I am bound in three places, and both legs are so weak they can barely hold me up." Sengyuan took his pulse and prescribed three doses of decoction. After the first dose the upper binding was gone; after the second the middle binding released as well; and after the third all three bindings were gone. His legs were still painful and numb and remained weak. Sengyuan then gave him a powder compound, and his legs gradually regained their strength. Sengyuan said, "You must wait until the frost comes; then this illness will be cured." By the ninth month he could rise and walk again. Helan Long, grand general and Duke of Xiangle, had long suffered from a qi disorder complicated by edema; he gasped for breath and could find no rest sitting or lying down. Some urged him to take the powerful dispersing powder known as the fatal dose; his family could not decide and asked Sengyuan. Sengyuan said, "In my view this illness is not suited to that great dispersing powder. If you mean to take it anyway, you need not ask me." With that he withdrew. His son bowed earnestly and said, "We held you back too long; only today have you come. Even if you cannot cure him in the end, we have not yet done all we can." Sengyuan knew he could be cured, prescribed at once, and urged them to take it quickly. His breathing cleared at once; after one more dose all his ailments were gone.
15
建德三年，文宣太后寢疾，醫巫雜說，各有異同。 高祖御內殿，引僧垣同坐，曰：「太后患勢不輕，諸醫並云無慮。 朕人子之情，可以意得。 君臣之義，言在無隱。 公為何如？」 對曰：「臣無聽聲視色之妙，特以經事已多，准之常人，竊以憂懼。」 帝泣曰：「公旣決之矣，知復何言！」 尋而太后崩。 其後復因召見，帝問僧垣曰：「姚公為儀同幾年？」 對曰：「臣忝荷朝恩，於茲九載。」 帝曰：「勤勞有日，朝命宜隆。」 乃授驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。 又敕曰：「公年過縣車，可停朝謁。 若非別勅，不勞入見。」
In the third year of Jiande Empress Dowager Wenxuan fell ill, and physicians and shamans gave conflicting diagnoses. Emperor Wu received him in the inner hall and seated Sengyuan beside him. "The empress dowager is gravely ill," he said, "yet all the physicians tell me not to worry. As her son, you can imagine what I feel. Between ruler and minister there must be no concealment. What do you think?" He replied, "I have no miraculous gift for reading pulses or faces, but I have seen many cases, and compared with ordinary patients I am afraid for her." The emperor wept and said, "Since you have already decided, what more can I say?" Before long the empress dowager died. On another occasion the emperor asked him, "How long have you held the rank of palace attendant, Lord Yao?" He replied, "I have borne the court's favor for nine years now." The emperor said, "Your long service deserves a higher appointment." He was then made general of agile cavalry and palace attendant of the first rank with an office equal to the three excellencies. An edict also said, "You are past seventy; you may stop coming to court. Unless I summon you specially, you need not attend."
16
四年，高祖親戎東討，至河陰遇疾。 口不能言； （臉） 〔瞼〕垂覆目，不復瞻視； 一足短縮，又不得行。 僧垣以為諸藏俱病，不可並治。 軍中之要，莫先於語。 乃處方進藥，帝遂得言。 次又治目，目疾便愈。 末乃治足，足疾亦瘳。 比至華州，帝已痊復。 卽除華州刺史，仍詔隨入京，不令在鎮。 宣政元年，表請致仕，優詔許之。 是歲，高祖行幸雲陽，遂寢疾。 乃詔僧垣赴行在所。 內史柳 （昇） 〔昂〕私問曰：「至尊貶膳日久，脈候何如？」 對曰：「天子上應天心，或當非愚所及。 若凡庶如此，萬無一全。」 尋而帝崩。
In the fourth year Emperor Wu led a campaign east and fell ill at Heyin. He could not speak; face his eyelids drooped over his eyes so that he could no longer see; one foot was shortened and he could not walk. Sengyuan judged that all the viscera were affected and could not be treated at once. In an army on campaign, the ability to speak comes first. He prescribed medicine, and the emperor recovered his speech. Next he treated his eyes, and the eye ailment was cured. Last he treated his foot, and that too was healed. By the time they reached Hua province the emperor had fully recovered. He was appointed governor of Hua province but ordered to follow the emperor to the capital and not remain in office there. In the first year of Xuanzheng he asked to retire, and a gracious edict approved. That year Emperor Wu traveled to Yunyang and fell gravely ill. He ordered Sengyuan to come to the traveling palace. Palace Secretary Liu Sheng Ang asked him privately, "His Majesty has eaten little for many days. How is his pulse?" He replied, "The Son of Heaven is sustained by Heaven itself; perhaps that is beyond my judgment. If an ordinary man were in such a state, not one in ten thousand would survive." Before long the emperor died.
17
宣帝初在東宮，常苦心痛。 乃令僧垣治之，其疾卽愈。 帝甚悅。 及卽位，恩禮彌隆。 常從容謂僧垣曰：「常聞先帝呼公為姚公，有之乎？」 對曰：「臣曲荷殊私，實如聖旨。」 帝曰：「此是尚齒之辭，非為貴爵之號。 朕當為公建國開家，為子孫永業。」 乃封長壽縣公，邑一千戶。 冊命之日，又賜以金帶及衣服等。
When Emperor Xuan was crown prince he often suffered from heart pain. Sengyuan treated him and the ailment was cured at once. The emperor was greatly pleased. When he came to the throne his favor and honor only grew. He once asked Sengyuan at leisure, "I have often heard that my father called you Lord Yao. Is that true?" He replied, "I have received extraordinary favor, and it is exactly as Your Majesty says." The emperor said, "That was a term of respect for your age, not a noble title. I shall establish a fief and a house for you, an estate your descendants may hold forever." He was enfeoffed as Duke of Changshou with a fief of one thousand households. On the day of his investiture he also received a gold belt, garments, and the like.
18
大象二年，除太醫下大夫。 帝尋有疾，至于大漸。 僧垣宿直侍。 帝謂隨公曰：「今日性命，唯委此人。」 僧垣知帝診候危殆，必不全濟。 乃對曰：「臣荷恩旣重，思在效力。 但恐庸短不逮，敢不盡心。」 帝頷之。 及靜帝嗣位，遷上開府儀同大將軍。 隋開皇初，進爵北絳郡公。 三年卒，時年八十五。 遺誡衣白帢入棺，朝服勿斂。 靈上唯置香奩，每日設清水而已。 贈本官，加荊、湖二州刺史。
In the second year of Daxiang he was appointed grand master of the lower imperial physicians. The emperor soon fell gravely ill and neared death. Sengyuan kept night watch at his bedside. The emperor said to Duke Sui, "Today my life rests in this man's hands alone." Sengyuan knew the emperor's condition was hopeless and that he could not be saved. He replied, "I have received such great favor that I mean to do all I can. But I fear my abilities are too slight; still, I dare not hold anything back." The emperor nodded. When Emperor Jing succeeded to the throne, Sengyuan was promoted to grand general of the palace attendant of the first rank. At the beginning of Kaihuang under the Sui he was raised to Duke of Beijiang. In the third year he died, aged eighty-five. He left instructions to wear white headcloth in the coffin and not to be dressed in court robes. On the bier only an incense casket was placed, with fresh water set out each day. His former office was posthumously confirmed and he was given the additional titles of governor of Jing and Hu provinces.
19
僧垣醫術高妙，為當世所推。 前後效驗，不可勝記。 聲譽旣盛，遠聞邊服。 至於諸蕃外域，咸請託之。 僧垣乃搜采奇異，參校徵效者，為《集驗方》十二卷，又撰《行記》三卷，行於世。 長子察在江南。
Sengyuan's medical skill was superb and won the esteem of his age. The cases in which his treatment succeeded are too many to record. His fame spread until it reached the frontier regions. Even foreign peoples beyond the borders sought his care. Sengyuan collected remarkable cases, verified those that had proved effective, and compiled twelve scrolls of Collected Proven Prescriptions, along with three scrolls of Travel Records, both of which circulated widely. His eldest son Cha remained in the south.
20
次子最，字士會，幼而聰敏，及長，博通經史，尤好著述。 年十九，隨僧垣入關。 世宗盛聚學徒，校書於麟趾殿，最亦預為學士。 俄授齊王憲府水曹參軍，掌記室事。 特為憲所禮接，賞賜隆厚。 宣帝嗣位，憲以嫌疑被誅。 隋文帝作相，追復官爵。 最以陪遊積歲，恩顧過隆，乃錄憲功績為傳，送上史局。
His second son Zui, courtesy name Shihui, was clever as a boy and, when he grew up, mastered the classics and histories; he especially loved to write. At nineteen he followed his father west through the passes. Emperor Ming gathered many students to collate books at Linzhi Hall, and Zui served among them as a scholar. He was soon made water bureau adjutant in the household of Prince Xian of Qi and managed the recording secretariat. Prince Xian treated him with special courtesy and lavished generous gifts on him. When Emperor Xuan came to the throne, Xian was executed on suspicion of treason. When Emperor Wen of Sui was still chancellor, he restored Xian's offices and titles posthumously. Having accompanied Xian for years and received extraordinary favor, Zui compiled a biography of his achievements and submitted it to the historiography office.
21
最幼在江左，迄于入關，未習醫術。 天和中，齊王憲奏高祖，遣最習之。 憲又謂最曰：「爾博學高才，何如王褒、庾信。 王、庾名重兩國，吾視之蔑如。 接待資給，非爾家比也。 爾宜深識此意，勿不存心。 且天子有敕，彌須勉勵。」 最於是始受家業。 十許年中，略盡其妙。 每有人造請，效驗甚多。 隋文帝踐極，除太子門大夫。 以父憂去官，哀毀骨立。 旣免喪，襲爵北絳郡公，復為太子門大夫。
Zui had grown up in the south and had not studied medicine before entering the passes. During the Tianhe era Prince Xian memorialized Emperor Wu, asking that Zui be trained in medicine. Xian also told him, "You are learned and gifted. How do you compare with Wang Bao and Yu Xin? Wang and Yu were famous in both the Liang and the Northern Zhou, but I think nothing of them. The welcome and support you receive from me are unlike anything they ever had. You must take this to heart and never forget it. The emperor himself has ordered it, so you must work all the harder. With that Zui began to learn the family art of medicine. Within about ten years he had mastered its essentials. Whenever patients came to him, his treatments proved effective again and again. When Emperor Wen of Sui took the throne, Zui was appointed grand master of the crown prince's gate. He left office to mourn his father and grieved until he was skin and bone. After mourning he inherited the title Duke of Beijiang and returned to his post as grand master of the crown prince's gate.
22
俄轉蜀王秀友。 秀鎮益州，遷秀府司馬。 及平陳，察至。 最自以非嫡，讓封于察，隋文帝許之。 秀後陰有異謀，隋文帝令公卿窮治其事。 開府慶整、郝偉等並推過於秀。 最獨曰：「凡有不法，皆最所為，王實不知也。」 搒訊數百，卒無異辭。 最竟坐誅。 時年六十七。 論者義之。 撰《梁後略》十卷，行於世。
He was soon transferred to be friend of Prince Xiu of Shu. When Xiu was posted to Yizhou, Zui was made marshal of his princely household. When the Chen dynasty fell, his brother Cha arrived from the south. Zui, knowing he was not the eldest son, yielded the title to Cha, and Emperor Wen approved. Later Xiu secretly plotted rebellion, and Emperor Wen ordered a full investigation by the chief ministers. Palace attendants Qing Zheng, Hao Wei, and others all tried to shift blame onto Xiu. Only Zui said, "Whatever was unlawful, I did it; the prince truly knew nothing. He was beaten hundreds of times under interrogation but never changed his story. Zui was executed in the end. He was sixty-seven. Later commentators praised his loyalty. He wrote ten scrolls of Epitome of the Later Liang, which circulated in his day.
23
黎景熙字季明，河間 （鄭） 〔鄚〕人也，少以字行於世。 曾祖嶷，魏太武時，從破平涼，有功，賜爵容城縣男，加鷹揚將軍。 後為燕郡守。 祖鎮，襲爵，為員外散騎侍郎。 父瓊，太和中，襲爵，歷員外郎、魏縣令，後至鄜城郡守。
Li Jingxi, courtesy name Jiming, came from Hejian Mo a native of Mo county; from youth he was known by his courtesy name. His great-grandfather Ni, under Emperor Taiwu of Wei, took part in the capture of Pingliang and was rewarded with the title Baron of Rongcheng and the additional rank of general of soaring hawk. He later served as administrator of Yan commandery. His grandfather Zhen inherited the title and served as attendant cavalier at large. His father Qiong inherited the title in the Taihe era and rose through attendant gentleman and magistrate of Wei county to administrator of Fucheng commandery.
24
季明少好讀書，性強記默識，而無應對之能。 其從祖廣，太武時為尚書郎，善古學。 嘗從吏部尚書清河崔玄伯受字義，又從司徒崔浩學楷篆，自是家傳其法。 季明亦傳習之，頗與許氏有異。 又好占玄象，頗知術數。 而落魄不事生業。 有書千餘卷。 雖窮居獨處，不以饑寒易操。 與范陽盧道源為莫逆之友。
From youth Jiming loved books; he remembered silently and retained much, but was awkward in conversation. His paternal uncle Guang, under Emperor Taiwu, was a gentleman in the masters of writing and excelled in ancient learning. He studied the meaning of characters under Cui Xuanbo, minister of personnel, and regular and seal script under Minister of State Cui Hao; the family thereafter transmitted these arts. Jiming learned them too, though his tradition differed somewhat from the Xu school. He also loved celestial divination and knew something of numerology. Yet he lived in poverty and did not pursue a regular livelihood. He owned more than a thousand scrolls of books. Though he lived alone in poverty, hunger and cold never changed his principles. He and Lu Daoyuan of Fanyang were the closest of friends.
25
永安中，道源勸令入仕，始為威烈將軍。 魏孝武初，遷鎮遠將軍，尋除步兵校尉。 及孝武西遷，季明乃寓居伊、洛。 侯景徇地河外，召季明從軍。 尋授銀青光祿大夫，加中軍將軍，拜行臺郎中，除黎陽郡守。 季明從至懸瓠，察景終不足恃，遂去之。 客於潁川，以世路未清，欲優遊卒歲。 時王思政鎮潁川，累使召。 季明不得已，出與相見。 留于內館月餘。 太祖又徵之，遂入關。 乃令季明正定古今文字於東閤。
In the Yongan era Daoyuan urged him into office; he first became general of majestic valor. Early in Emperor Xiaowu's reign he was promoted to general who extends far and soon made colonel of footsoldiers. When Emperor Xiaowu fled west, Jiming settled in the Yi and Luo region. Hou Jing overran the lands beyond the Yellow River and summoned Jiming to his army. He was soon given the title grand master of the silver gate and purple radiance, made general of the center army, appointed attendant gentleman on the mobile staff, and named administrator of Liyang commandery. Jiming followed him to Xuanhu, saw that Hou Jing could not be trusted, and left. He stayed in Yingchuan and, finding the times unsettled, hoped to live out the year in peace. Wang Sizheng was then defending Yingchuan and summoned him repeatedly. Jiming had no choice but to go and see him. He was kept in the inner lodge for more than a month. Emperor Wen also summoned him, and he entered the passes. He was ordered to standardize ancient and modern writing in the Eastern Pavilion.
26
大統末，除安西將軍，尋拜著作佐郎。 於時倫輩，皆位兼常伯，車服華盛。 唯季明獨以貧素居之，而無愧色。 又勤於所職，著述不怠。 然性尤專固，不合於時。 是以一為史官，遂十年不調。 魏恭帝元年，進號平南將軍、右銀青光祿大夫。 六官建，為外史上士。 孝閔帝踐阼，加征南將軍、右金紫光祿大夫。 時大司馬賀蘭祥討吐谷渾，詔季明從軍。 還，除驃騎將軍、右光祿大夫。 武成末，遷外史下大夫。
At the end of Datong he was made general who pacifies the west and soon assistant gentleman for composition. His peers all held concurrent posts as regular palace attendants and dressed in splendid style. Only Jiming lived plainly and without shame. He was diligent in his duties and never slackened in his writing. Yet he was stubborn by nature and ill suited to the times. Once he became a historiographer, he went ten years without promotion. In the first year of Emperor Gong of Wei he was promoted to general who pacifies the south and right grand master of the silver gate and purple radiance. When the six offices were established he became senior clerk in the outer historiography. When Emperor Xiaomin took the throne he received the additional titles general who campaigns south and right grand master of the golden gate and purple radiance. When Grand Marshal Helan Xiang campaigned against Tuyuhun, Jiming was ordered to accompany the army. On his return he was made general of agile cavalry and right grand master of radiant honor. At the end of the Wucheng era he was promoted to lower grand master of the outer historiography.
27
保定三年，盛營宮室。 春夏大旱，詔公卿百寮，極言得失。 季明上書曰：
In the third year of Baoding palace construction was carried out on a grand scale. Spring and summer brought severe drought, and the emperor ordered the high ministers to speak freely on what was going wrong. Jiming submitted a memorial that read:
28
臣聞成湯遭旱，以六事自陳。 宣王太甚，而珪璧斯竭。 豈非遠慮元元，俯哀兆庶。 方今農要之月，時雨猶愆，率土之心，有懷渴仰。 陛下垂情萬類，子愛羣生，覲禮百神，猶未豐洽者，豈或作事不節，有違時令，舉措失中，儻邀斯旱。
I have heard that when Cheng Tang encountered drought, he confessed his faults in six matters. When King Xuan of Zhou went too far, even jade offerings were exhausted. Surely that was because he looked to the welfare of the people and pitied the masses. Now in the month when agriculture matters most, timely rain is still lacking, and the whole realm looks up in thirst. Your Majesty cares for all living things and loves the people as his children; you perform rites to the spirits, yet blessings are not complete. Could it be that undertakings are ill timed, the seasons violated, or measures misplaced, and so this drought has been invited?
29
《春秋》，君舉必書，動為典禮，水旱陰陽，莫不應行而至。 孔子曰：「言行，君子之所以動天地，可不慎乎。」 《春秋》莊公三十一年冬，不雨。 《五行傳》以為是歲一年而三築臺，奢侈不恤民也。 僖公二十一年夏，大旱。 《五行傳》以為時作南門，勞民興役。 漢惠帝二年夏，大旱。 五年夏，大旱，江河水少，溪澗水絕。 《五行傳》以為先是發民十四萬六千人城長安。 漢武帝元狩三年夏，大旱。 五行傳以為是歲發天下故吏穿昆明池。 然則土木之功，動民興役，天輒應之以異。 典籍作誡，儻或可思。 上天譴告，改之則善。 今若息民省役，以答天譴，庶靈澤時降，嘉谷有成，則年登可覬，子來非晚。 《詩》云：「民亦勞止，迄可小康。 惠此中國，以綏四方。」 或恐極陽生陰，秋多雨水，年復不登，民將無覬。 如又薦饑，為慮更甚。
The Spring and Autumn Annals records every act of a ruler; conduct is canon and ritual, and flood, drought, and the balance of yin and yang all respond to how a ruler behaves. Confucius said, "Words and conduct are how the gentleman moves Heaven and Earth—can one not be cautious? The Spring and Autumn Annals records that in the thirty-first year of Duke Zhuang of Lu, winter, there was no rain. The Treatise on the Five Phases holds that in that year three platforms were built in one year—extravagance without pity for the people. In the twenty-first year of Duke Xi of Lu, summer, there was great drought. The Treatise on the Five Phases holds that at that time the southern gate was under construction, exhausting the people with labor. In the second year of Emperor Hui of Han, summer, there was great drought. In the fifth year, summer, there was great drought; the great rivers ran low and streams dried up. The Treatise on the Five Phases holds that before this 146,000 men had been mobilized to build the walls of Chang'an. In the third year of Yuanshou of Emperor Wu of Han, summer, there was great drought. The Treatise on the Five Phases holds that in that year former officials throughout the realm were mobilized to dig the Kunming Pool. Thus whenever earth and wood works mobilize the people, Heaven responds with anomalies. The warnings of the classics are perhaps worth pondering. Heaven's reproof, if heeded, leads to good. If Your Majesty now rests the people and reduces corvée to answer Heaven's reproof, timely rain may fall, grain ripen, and the people come gladly—not too late. The Odes say, "The people also have labored; let them have a little ease. Show favor to this central kingdom to bring peace to the four quarters." Or perhaps when yang reaches its extreme, yin will arise; autumn may bring heavy rain, the harvest may fail again, and the people will have nothing to hope for. If famine follows as well, the danger is even greater.
30
時豪富之家，競為奢麗。 季明又上書曰：
At the time wealthy families competed in extravagant display. Jiming submitted another memorial:
31
臣聞寬大所以兼覆，慈愛所以懷眾。 故天地稱其高厚者，萬物得其容養焉。 四時著其寒暑者，庶類資其忠信焉。 是以帝王者，寬大象天地，忠信則四時。 招搖東指，天下識其春。 人君布德，率土懷其惠。 伏惟陛下資乾御寓，品物咸亨，時乘六龍，自強不息，好問受規，天下幸甚。
I have heard that breadth enables covering all, and kindness enables embracing the multitude. Heaven and Earth are called high and thick because the ten thousand things receive shelter and nurture from them. The four seasons show cold and heat because all living kinds rely on their constancy and good faith. Thus emperors and kings model themselves on the breadth of Heaven and Earth and the good faith of the four seasons. When the Dipper points east, all under Heaven knows spring has come. When a ruler spreads virtue, the realm cherishes his grace. Your Majesty, endowed with Heaven's potency, governs all things in prosperity, rides the six dragons without cease, and loves to ask and receive remonstrance—the realm is greatly blessed.
32
自古至治之君，亦皆廣延博訪，詢采芻蕘，置喜樹木，以求其過。 頃年亢旱踰時，人懷望歲。 陛下爰發明詔，廣求人瘼。 同禹、湯之罪己，高宋景之守正。 澍雨應時，年穀斯稔。 剋己節用，慕質惡華，此則尚矣。 然而朱紫仍耀於衢路，綺縠猶侈於豪家； 裋褐未充於細民，糟糠未厭於編戶。 此則勸導之理有所未周故也。 今雖導之以政，齊之以刑，風俗固難以一矣。 昔文帝集上書之囊，以作帷帳； 惜十家之產，不造露臺； 後宮所幸，衣不曳地，方之今日富室之飾，曾不如婢隸之服。 然而以身率下，國富刑清，廟稱太宗，良有以也。 臣聞聖人久於其道，而天下化成。 今承魏氏喪亂之後，貞信未興。 宜先「遵五美，屏四惡」，革浮華之俗，抑流競之風，察鴻都之小藝，焚雉頭之異服，無益之貨勿重於時，虧德之器勿陳於側，則民知德矣。
Since antiquity well-governed rulers have sought counsel widely, even from the humblest, and welcomed criticism to learn their faults. In recent years drought lasted beyond its season, and the people hoped for rain. Your Majesty issued a brilliant edict seeking the people's afflictions. This matched Yu and Tang in blaming themselves and Song Jing in holding to the upright. Timely rain came; the year's grain ripened. You restrained yourself and economized, admired simplicity and detested extravagance—this is already lofty. Yet crimson and purple still blaze on the roads, and fine silks still adorn great houses; coarse cloth does not clothe the common people, and coarse grain does not fill their bowls. This shows that guidance and persuasion have not yet reached everywhere. Though you guide them with government and align them with punishments, custom is hard to unify at once. Formerly Emperor Wen of Han gathered memorial bags to make curtains; he would not build a terrace that cost the wealth of ten households; palace women wore robes that did not trail on the ground—compared with rich houses today, even servants dress more lavishly. By leading through his own example the state grew rich and punishments were clear; the temple honors him as Emperor Taizong, and rightly so. When the sage long abides in the Way, all under Heaven is transformed. Now, after the disorders of Wei, constancy and trust have not yet been restored. First follow the five beauties and banish the four evils: reform empty display, restrain reckless competition, examine minor arts, burn outlandish dress, let useless goods not be prized, and harmful luxuries not be displayed—then the people will know virtue.
33
臣又聞之，為治之要，在於選舉。 若差之毫釐，則有千里之失。 後來居上，則致積薪之譏。 是以古之善為治者，貫魚以次，任必以能。 爵人於朝，不以私愛。 簡材以授其官，量能以任其用。 官得其材，用當其器，六轡旣調，坐致千里。 虞、舜選眾，不仁者遠。 則庶事康哉，民知其化矣。
The essential of governing lies in selection and appointment. A hairsbreadth of error leads to a thousand-li mistake. If later comers take precedence, it brings the reproach of piled firewood. Ancient rulers skilled in governing ranked men in order and assigned office by ability. When ennobling men at court they did not act from private affection. They selected talent for office and measured capacity for use. Office obtained talent and use matched capacity; once the reins were adjusted, one could reach a thousand li while sitting still. Yu and Shun selected from the multitude, and the unkind stood far off. Then the myriad affairs were at peace and the people knew transformation.
34
帝覽而嘉之。
The emperor read it and commended it.
35
時外史廨宇屢移，未有定所。 季明又上言曰：「外史之職，漢之東觀，儀等石渠，司同天祿。 是乃廣內秘府，藏言之奧。 帝王所寶，此焉攸在。 自魏及周，公館不立。 臣雖愚瞽，猶知其非，是以去年十一月中，敢冒陳奏。 將降中旨，卽遣修營。 荏苒一周，未加功力。 臣職思其憂，敢不重請。」 帝納焉。 於是廨宇方立。
The outer historiography offices had been moved repeatedly and had no fixed site. Jiming submitted again: "The outer historiography in Han was the Eastern Pavilion, equal in ritual to Shiqu and in charge to Tianlu. It is the broad inner secret repository, the mystery of stored words. What emperors and kings treasure resides here. From Wei through Zhou the public offices were not established. Though I am foolish, I know this is wrong; therefore last eleventh month I dared memorialize. An edict was about to descend and construction was ordered. A full year has passed without progress. My office broods on this and dares request again. The emperor accepted this. Thereupon the office buildings were established.
36
天和三年，進車騎大將軍、儀同三司。 後以疾卒。
In the third year of Tianhe he was promoted to general of chariots and cavalry and palace attendant of the third rank. He later died of illness.
37
趙文深字德本，南陽宛人也。 父遐，以醫術進，仕魏為尚藥典御。
Zhao Wenshen, courtesy name Deben, came from Wan in Nanyang. His father Xia advanced through medicine and served Wei as director of imperial medicines.
38
文深少學楷隸，年十一，獻書於魏帝。 立義歸朝，除大丞相府法曹參軍。 文深雅有鐘、王之則，筆勢可觀。 當時碑牓，唯文深及冀儁而已。 大統十年，追論立義功，封白石縣男，邑二百戶。 太祖以隸書紕繆，命文深與黎季明、沉遐等依《說文》及《字林》刊定六體，成一萬餘言，行於世。
Wenshen studied regular and clerical script from youth; at eleven he presented his writing to the Wei emperor. When he submitted to the court he was appointed law bureau adjutant in the grand chancellor's office. Wenshen had the standards of Zhong You and Wang Xizhi; his brushwork was admirable. At the time only Wenshen and Ji Jun were considered for steles and tablets. In the tenth year of Datong he was enfeoffed as Baron of Baishi with a fief of two hundred households for his merit in submitting to the court. Because clerical script was erroneous, Emperor Wen ordered Wenshen, Li Jiming, Shen Xia, and others to collate the six scripts according to the Shuowen and Zilin, producing more than ten thousand characters that circulated widely.
39
及平江陵之後，王褒入關，貴遊等翕然並學褒書。 文深之書，遂被遐棄。 文深慚恨，形於言色。 後知好尚難反，亦攻習褒書，然竟無所成，轉被譏議，謂之學步邯鄲焉。 至於碑牓，餘人猶莫之逮。 王褒亦每推先之。 宮殿樓閣，皆其跡也。 遷縣伯下大夫，加儀同三司。 世宗令至江陵書景福寺碑，漢南人士，亦以為工。 梁主蕭詧觀而美之，賞遺甚厚。 天和元年，露寢等初成，文深以題牓之功，增邑二百戶，除趙興郡守。 文深雖外任，每須題牓，輒復追之。 後以疾卒。
After Jiangling was pacified, Wang Bao entered the passes and the elite all studied his calligraphy at once. Wenshen's calligraphy was then cast aside. Wenshen's shame and resentment showed in his words and face. Later, seeing that taste could not be reversed, he tried to study Bao's style too, but achieved nothing and was mocked as one who learns the Handan walk. In steles and tablets, others still could not match him. Wang Bao always ranked him first as well. Palaces, towers, and pavilions all bear his inscriptions. He was promoted to lower grand master of a district earl and given palace attendant of the third rank. Emperor Ming ordered him to Jiangling to write the stele of Jingfu Temple; men south of the Han also praised his skill. The Liang ruler Xiao Cha admired it and rewarded him generously. In the first year of Tianhe, when new palace buildings were completed, Wenshen was given two hundred more households for inscribing tablets and appointed administrator of Zhao commandery. Though he served outside office, whenever an inscription was needed he was summoned back. He later died of illness.
40
褚該字孝通，河南陽翟人也。 晉末，遷居江左。 祖長樂，齊竟陵王錄事參軍。 父義昌，梁鄱陽王中記室。
Chu Gai, courtesy name Xiaotong, came from Yangzhai in Henan. At the end of Jin his family moved to the south. His grandfather Changle was recording secretary in the household of the Prince of Jingling of Qi. His father Yichang was recording secretary in the household of the Prince of Poyang of Liang.
41
該幼而謹厚，有譽鄉曲。 尤善醫術，見稱於時。 仕梁，歷武陵王府參軍。 隨府西上。 後與蕭撝同歸國，授平東將軍、左銀青光祿大夫，轉驃騎將軍、右光祿大夫。 武成元年，除醫正上士。 自許奭死後，該稍為時人所重，賓客迎候，亞於姚僧垣。 天和初，遷縣伯下大夫。 五年，進授車騎大將軍、儀同三司。 該性淹和，不自矜尚，但有請之者，皆為盡其藝術。 時論稱其長者焉。 後以疾卒。 子士則，亦傳其家業。
Gai was careful and honest from youth and was respected in his district. He was especially skilled in medicine and praised in his time. He served the Liang as adjutant in the household of the Prince of Wuling. He followed the princely household west. Later he returned with Xiao Hou and was made general who pacifies the east and left grand master of the silver gate and purple radiance, then general of agile cavalry and right grand master of radiant honor. In the first year of Wucheng he was appointed senior clerk, chief physician. After Xu Yi died, Gai was gradually valued; guests sought him out second only to Yao Sengyuan. At the beginning of Tianhe he was promoted to lower grand master of a district earl. In the fifth year he was advanced to general of chariots and cavalry and palace attendant of the third rank. Gai was mild and unassuming; whenever anyone sought him he gave his full skill. Contemporaries called him a man of mature character. He later died of illness. His son Shize also carried on the family profession.
42
時有強練，不知何許人，亦不知其名字。 魏時有李順興者，語默不恆，好言未然之事，當時號為李練。 世人以強類練，故亦呼為練焉。 容貌長壯，有異於人。 神精僘侃，莫之能測。 意欲有所論說，逢人輒言。 若值其不欲言，縱苦加祈請，亦不相酬答。 初聞其言，略不可解。 事過之後，往往有驗。 恆寄住諸佛寺，好遊行民家，兼歷造王公邸第。 所至之處，人皆敬而信之。
At the time there was Qiang Lian, of unknown origin and unknown name. Under Wei there was Li Shunxing, whose speech was erratic; he loved to speak of things not yet happened, and the age called him Li Lian. Because Qiang resembled him, people also called him Lian. He was tall and strong, unlike other men. His spirit was wild and lofty; none could fathom him. When he wished to speak, he spoke to whomever he met. If he did not wish to speak, even earnest pleading won no answer. At first hearing, his words could barely be understood. After events passed, they were often verified. He lodged in Buddhist temples, visited common households, and also went to the mansions of kings and dukes. Wherever he went, people revered and trusted him.
43
晉公護未誅之前，曾手持一大瓠，到護第門外，抵而破之。 乃大言曰：「瓠破子苦。」 時柱國、平高公侯伏侯龍恩早依隨護，深被任委。 強練至龍恩宅，呼其妻元氏及其妾媵並婢僕等，並令連席而坐。 諸人以逼夫人，苦辭不肯。 強練曰：「汝等一例人耳，何有貴賤。」 遂逼就坐。 未幾而護誅，諸子並死。 龍恩亦伏法，仍籍沒其家。
Before Duke Hu was executed, Qiang Lian once took a large gourd to the gate of Hu's mansion and smashed it. He cried out, "The gourd is broken—the sons will suffer." At the time Long'en, pillar of state and Duke of Pinggao, had long served Hu and enjoyed his deep trust. Qiang Lian came to Long'en's house and summoned his wife Lady Yuan, his concubines, maidservants, and the rest, ordering them all to sit together on one mat. They protested that the lady of the house was being forced and refused. Qiang Lian said, "You are all the same kind of people. What difference is there between high and low?" He forced them to sit. Before long Hu was executed and all his sons died with him. Long'en was executed as well, and his household was confiscated.
44
建德中，每夜上街衢邊樹，大哭釋迦牟尼佛，或至申旦，如此者累日，聲甚哀憐。 俄而廢佛、道二教。
During the Jiande era he went each night to a tree by the street and wailed for Shakyamuni Buddha, sometimes until dawn, for days on end, in a voice full of pity. Before long both Buddhism and Daoism were suppressed.
45
大象末，又以一無底囊，歷長安市肆告乞，市人爭以米麥遺之。 強練張囊投之，隨卽漏之於地。 人或問之曰：「汝何為也？」 強練曰：「此亦無餘，但欲使諸人見盛空耳。」 至隋開皇初，果移都于龍首山，長安城遂空廢。 後亦莫知其所終。
At the end of the Daxiang era he took a bottomless sack through the markets of Chang'an begging, and people vied to give him grain. Qiang Lian held the sack open to receive the grain, and it immediately spilled to the ground. Someone asked him, "What are you doing?" He said, "Nothing remains—I only want everyone to see fullness become empty." At the beginning of Kaihuang under the Sui the capital was indeed moved to Longshou Mountain, and Chang'an was left empty. Later no one knew what became of him.
46
又有蜀郡衛元嵩者，亦好言將來之事，蓋江左寶志之流。 天和中，著詩預論周、隋廢興及皇家受命，並有徵驗。 性尤不信釋教，嘗上疏極論之。 史失其事，故不為傳。
There was also Wei Yuansong of Shu commandery, who likewise loved to speak of the future—much like Baozhi of the southern dynasties. During the Tianhe era he wrote poems foretelling the fall of Zhou and Sui and the rise of the new dynasty, all of which were later verified. He especially disbelieved Buddhism and once submitted a memorial arguing against it at length. The histories have lost his record, and so no biography is given here.
47
史臣曰：仁義之於教，大矣，術藝之於用，博矣。 狥於是者，不能無非，厚於利者，必有其害。 《詩》、《書》、《禮》、《樂》所失也淺，故先王重其德。 方術技巧，所失也深，故往哲輕其藝。 夫能通方術而不詭於俗，習技巧而必蹈於禮者，豈非大雅君子乎。 姚僧垣診候精審，名冠於一代，其所全濟，固亦多焉。 而弘茲義方，皆為令器，故能享眉壽，縻好爵。 老聃云「天道無親，常與善人」，於是信矣。
The historiographer writes: Benevolence and righteousness in teaching are great matters; arts and skills in practice are broad fields. Those who pursue them cannot be without fault; those who prize profit too highly must suffer harm. In the Odes, Documents, Rites, and Music what is lost is slight; therefore the former kings valued their moral power. In methods, techniques, and craft what is lost runs deep; therefore sages of old held their arts lightly. Those who master these arts without perversity toward custom, who practice skills yet always keep to ritual—are they not true gentlemen of refinement? Yao Sengyuan's diagnoses were precise and careful; his fame crowned his generation, and the lives he saved were many indeed. By spreading this moral teaching they all became men of worth; therefore they enjoyed long life and held fine titles. Laozi said, "The Way of Heaven has no favorites; it constantly aids the good"—here that is proved true.
48
全文以中華書局、一九七一年十一月版《周書》為本校。
The full text has been collated against the Zhonghua Shuju edition of the Book of Zhou, November 1971.