1
資治通鑑第160卷卷第一百六十
Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance, Volume 160
2
【梁紀十六】強圉單閼，一年。
[Liang Records 16] Qiangyu Danqian—one year in all.
3
高祖武皇帝十六太清元年（ 丁卯，公元五四七年）
Emperor Wu of Liang, sixteenth year of Taqing ( dingmao, AD 547)
4
春，正月朔，日有食之，不盡如鉤。
In spring, on new year's day, the sun was eclipsed, leaving a hook of light.
5
壬寅，荊州刺史廬陵威王續卒。 以湘東王繹為都督荊、雍等九州諸軍事、荊州刺史。 續素貪婪，臨終，有啟遣中錄事參軍謝宣融獻金銀器千餘件，上方知其富，因問宣融曰：「王之金盡此乎？」 宣融曰：「此之謂多，安可加也！ 大王之過如日月之食，欲令陛下知之，故終而不隱。」 上意乃解。
On renyin, Prince Wei Xu of Luling, Jingzhou inspector, died. Prince Xiao Yi of Xiangdong was made commander of military affairs in Jing, Yong, and eight other provinces, and Jingzhou inspector. Xu had always been greedy. At death's door he sent a memorial through Central Recorder staff officer Xie Xuanrong offering more than a thousand gold and silver vessels. The emperor already knew how rich he was and asked Xuanrong: "Is this all the prince's gold?" Xuanrong said: "You call this much—how could there be more! The prince's faults are like an eclipse of sun or moon; he wished Your Majesty to know, and so at the end he did not hide them." The emperor's anger eased.
6
初，湘東王繹為荊州刺史，有微過，續代之，以狀聞，自此二王不通書問。 繹聞其死，入閣而躍，屜為之破。
Earlier, Prince Xiao Yi of Xiangdong had been Jingzhou inspector and committed minor faults; Xu replaced him and reported it to the throne; from then the two princes exchanged no letters. When Yi heard of his death, he went into the side chamber and leaped for joy until his slippers split.
7
丙午，東魏勃海獻武王歡卒。 歡性深密，終日儼然，人不能測，機權之際，變化若神。 制馭軍旅，法令嚴肅。 聽斷明察，不可欺犯。 擢人受任，在於得才，苟其所堪，無問廝養； 有虛聲無實者，皆不任用。 雅尚儉素，刀劍鞍勒無金玉之飾。 少能劇飲，自當大任，不過三爵。 知人好士，全護勳舊； 每獲敵國盡節之臣，多不之罪。 由是文武樂為之用。 世子澄秘不發喪，唯行台左丞陳元康知之。
On bingwu, Gao Huan, Eastern Wei's Prince of Bohai and King Xianwu, died. Gao Huan was deep and inscrutable—stern all day, impossible to read; at the hinge of power his shifts were godlike. He commanded armies with strict law and order. In judgment he was sharp; none could deceive him. He promoted by talent alone; if a man could do the work, he cared nothing whether he had been a stable boy; men of empty fame he never used. He loved plain living—no gold or jade on sword, saddle, or bridle. In youth he could drink hard; once he bore great power, he stopped at three cups. He knew men, loved scholars, and shielded old merit; when he took enemy ministers who had died for their state, he usually spared them. Civil and military men were glad to serve him. Heir Gao Cheng kept the death secret; only Grand Secretariat left assistant director Chen Yuankang knew.
8
侯景自念已與高氏有隙，內不自安。 辛亥，據河南叛，歸於魏，穎州刺史司馬世雲以城應之。 景誘執豫州刺史高元成、襄州刺史李密、廣州刺史懷朔暴顯等。 遣軍士二百人載仗，暮入西兗州，欲襲取之。 刺史邢子才覺之，掩捕，盡獲之。 因散檄東方諸州，各為之備，由是景不能取。
Hou Jing knew he was at odds with the Gao house and could not rest easy. On xinhai he seized Henan and rebelled, defecting to Western Wei; Yingzhou inspector Sima Shiyun surrendered his city. Jing lured and seized Yuzhou inspector Gao Yuancheng, Xiangzhou inspector Li Mi, Guangzhou inspector Bao Xian of Huaishuo, and others. He sent two hundred armed men into Western Yanzhou at dusk to seize it by surprise. Inspector Xing Zicai detected them, struck, and took them all. He then sent proclamations to the eastern provinces to prepare; Jing could take nothing.
9
諸將皆以為景之叛由崔暹，澄不得已，欲殺暹以謝景。 陳元康諫曰：「今雖四海未清，綱紀已定； 若以數將在外，苟悅其心，枉殺無辜，虧廢刑典，豈直上負天神，何以下安黎庶！ 晁錯前事，願公慎之。」 澄乃止，遣司空韓軌督諸軍討景。
The generals blamed Jing's rebellion on Cui Xuan; Gao Cheng, cornered, meant to kill Xuan to appease Jing. Chen Yuankang remonstrated: "Though the realm is not yet pacified, law and order stand; if you kill the innocent to please a rebel general abroad, you betray Heaven above and the people below! Remember Chao Cuo—be careful, my lord." Gao Cheng desisted and sent Minister of Works Han Gui to command the armies against Jing.
10
辛酉，上祀南郊，大赦； 甲子，祀明堂。
On xinyou the Liang emperor sacrificed at the southern suburb and proclaimed a general amnesty; on jiazi he sacrificed at the Bright Hall.
11
二月，魏詔：「自今應宮刑者，直沒官，勿刑。」
In the second month Western Wei decreed: "From now on those liable to palace punishment shall be assigned to government service—no mutilation."
12
魏以開府儀同三司若於惠為司空，侯景為太傅、河南大行台、上谷公。
Western Wei made Ruo Yu Hui Minister of Works and Hou Jing Grand Tutor, Grand Secretariat of Henan, and Duke of Shanggu.
13
庚辰，景又遣其行台郎中丁和來，上表言：「臣與高澄有隙，請舉函谷以東，瑕丘以西，豫、廣、穎、荊、襄、兗、南兗、濟、東豫、洛、陽、北荊、北揚等十三州內附，惟青、徐數州，僅須折簡。 且黃河以南，皆臣所職，易同反掌。 若齊、宋一平，徐事燕、趙。」 上召群臣廷議。 尚書僕射謝舉等皆曰：「頃歲與魏通和，邊境無事，今納其叛臣，竊謂非宜。」 上曰：「雖然，得景則塞北可清； 機會難得，豈宜膠柱！」
On gengchen Jing sent his Grand Secretariat lang Ding He with a memorial: "I am at odds with Gao Cheng and offer east of Hangu Pass and west of Xiaqiu—thirteen provinces: Yu, Guang, Ying, Jing, Xiang, Yan, Southern Yan, Ji, Eastern Yu, Luo, Yang, Northern Jing, and Northern Yang. Qing and Xu need only a folded letter. South of the Yellow River is all mine—as easy as turning my palm. Pacify Qi and Song in time, and Yan and Zhao will follow." The emperor summoned the ministers to debate. Vice minister Xie Ju and others said: "We have been at peace with Wei and the borders quiet; to accept their rebel—I think it unwise." The emperor said: "Even so, with Jing the north can be cleared; the chance is rare—how can we stick to precedent!"
14
是歲，正月，乙卯，上夢中原牧守皆以地來降，舉朝稱慶。 旦，見中書舍人朱異，告之，旦曰：「吾為人少夢，若有夢，必實。」 異曰：「此乃宇內混壹之兆也。」 及丁和至，稱景定計以正月乙卯，上愈神之。 然意猶未決，嘗獨言：「我國家如金甌，無一傷缺，今忽受景地，詎是事宜？ 脫致紛紜，悔之何及？」 朱異揣知上意，對曰：「聖明御宇，南北歸仰，正以事無機會，未達其心。 今侯景分魏土之半以來，自非天誘其衷，人讚其謀，何以至此！ 若拒而不內，恐絕後來之望。 此誠易見，願陛下無疑。」 上乃定議納景。 壬午，以景為大將軍，封河南王，都督河南北諸軍事、大行台，承製如鄧禹故事。 平西咨議參軍周弘正，善占候，前此謂人曰：「國家數年後當有兵起。」 及聞納景，曰：「亂階在此矣！」
That year, in the first month, on yimao, the emperor dreamed that every governor and prefect of the central plains offered his territory; the court rejoiced. At dawn he told Secretariat Attendant Zhu Yi, who said: "I dream little; when I dream, it comes true." Yi said: "This is an omen that the realm will be united." When Ding He arrived and said Jing had fixed the plan on yimao of the first month, the emperor was all the more convinced it was fate. Yet he still hesitated and once said alone: "Our state is a golden bowl without a chip; to accept Jing's land suddenly—is that wise? If it brings chaos, regret will come too late." Zhu Yi read his mind and said: "Your sage rule draws north and south—only for lack of opportunity have they not come forward. Now Hou Jing brings half of Wei's territory—unless Heaven guides him and men praise his plan, how could this be! Refuse him and you cut off those who would follow. This is plain—have no doubt, Your Majesty." The emperor decided to accept Jing. On renwu Jing was made Grand General and King of Henan, commander north and south of the river and Grand Secretariat, with edict authority as Deng Yu had held. Zhou Hongzheng, Pingxi advisory staff officer, was skilled at divination and had told people: "War will come to the state in a few years." When he heard Jing was accepted, he said: "Here is the stairway to chaos!"
15
丁亥，上耕藉田。
On dinghai the emperor plowed the sacred field.
16
三月，庚子，上幸同泰寺，捨身如大通故事。
In the third month, on gengzi, the emperor went to Tongtai Temple and surrendered his person as in the Datong precedent.
17
甲辰，遣司州刺史羊鴉仁督兗州刺史桓和、仁州刺史湛海珍等，將兵三萬趣懸瓠，運糧食應接侯景。
On jiachen he sent Sizhou inspector Yang Yaren with Yanzhou inspector Huan He, Renzhou inspector Zhan Haizhen, and thirty thousand men toward Xuanhuo with grain for Hou Jing.
18
魏大赦。 東魏高澄慮諸州有變，乃自出巡撫。 留段韶守晉陽，委以軍事； 以丞相功曹趙彥深為大行台都官郎中。 使陳元康豫作丞相歡條教數十紙付韶及彥深，在後以次行之。 臨發，握彥深手泣曰：「以母、弟相托，幸明此心！」 夏，四月，壬申，澄入朝於鄴。 東魏主與之宴，澄起舞，識者知其不終。
Western Wei proclaimed a general amnesty. Gao Cheng of Eastern Wei feared trouble in the provinces and toured them himself. He left Duan Shao at Jinyang with military command; and made chancellor's merit officer Zhao Yanshen Grand Secretariat director of officials. Chen Yuankang prepared dozens of sheets of Gao Huan's regulations for Shao and Yanshen to execute in order. At departure he grasped Yanshen's hand and wept: "I entrust my mother and brother to you—understand my heart!" In summer, the fourth month, on renshen, Gao Cheng entered court at Ye. The Eastern Wei emperor feasted with him; Cheng danced; those who knew saw he would not finish his course.
19
丙子，群臣奉贖。 丁亥，上還宮，大赦，改元，如大通故事。
On bingzi the ministers presented ransom. On dinghai the emperor returned to the palace, amnestied, and changed the era name as in the Datong precedent.
20
甲午，東魏遣兼散騎常侍李系來聘。 系，繪之弟也。
On jiawu Eastern Wei sent Acting Palace Attendant Li Xi on a friendly mission. Xi was the younger brother of Li Hui.
21
五月，丁酉朔，東魏大赦。
In the fifth month, on new year's day dingyou, Eastern Wei proclaimed a general amnesty.
22
戊戌，東魏以襄城王旭為太尉。 高澄遣武衛將軍元柱等將數萬眾晝夜兼行以襲侯景，遇景於穎川北，柱等大敗。 景以羊鴉仁等軍猶未至，乃退保穎川。
On wuxu Eastern Wei made Prince Xu of Xiangcheng Grand Commandant. Gao Cheng sent Martial Guard General Yuan Zhu with tens of thousands marching day and night to strike Hou Jing; they met north of Yingchuan and were routed. Jing, since Yang Yaren had not yet arrived, withdrew to hold Yingchuan.
23
甲辰，東魏以開府儀同三司庫狄干為太師，錄尚書事孫騰為太傅，汾州刺史賀拔仁為太保，司徒高隆之錄尚書事，司空韓軌為司徒，青州刺史尉景為大司馬，領軍將軍可朱渾道元為司空，僕射高洋為尚書令、領中書監，徐州刺史慕容紹宗為尚書左僕射，高陽王斌為右僕射。 戊午，尉景卒。
On jiachen Eastern Wei appointed Kudi Gan Grand Preceptor, Sun Teng Grand Tutor and director of the Masters of Writing, Heba Ren Grand Guardian, Gao Longzhi director of the Masters of Writing, Han Gui Minister over the Masses, Wei Jing Grand Marshal, Kezhunhun Daoyuan Minister of Works, Gao Yang Minister of the Masters of Writing and director of the Secretariat, Murong Shaozong left vice minister, and Prince Bin of Gaoyang right vice minister. On wuwu Wei Jing died.
24
韓軌等圍侯景於穎川。 景懼，割東荊、北兗州、魯陽、長社四城賂魏以求救。 尚書左僕射於謹曰：「景少習兵，奸詐難測，不如厚其爵位以觀其變，未可遣兵也。」 荊州刺史王思政以為：「若不因機進取，後悔無及。」 即以荊州步騎萬餘從魯陽關向陽翟。 丞相泰聞之，加景大將軍兼尚書令，遣太尉李弼、儀同三司趙貴將兵一萬赴穎川。
Han Gui besieged Hou Jing at Yingchuan. Jing, afraid, ceded Eastern Jing, Northern Yanzhou, Luyang, and Changshe to Western Wei for rescue. Left vice minister Yu Jin said: "Jing knows war and is treacherous—enrich his rank and watch him; do not send troops yet." Jingzhou inspector Wang Sizheng said: "Miss this chance and regret will come too late." He led more than ten thousand Jingzhou foot and horse from Luyang Pass toward Yangdi. Yuwen Tai heard and made Jing Grand General and concurrent minister of the Masters of Writing, and sent Li Bi and Zhao Gui with ten thousand men to Yingchuan.
25
景恐上責之，遣中兵參軍柳□開奉啟於上，以為：「王旅未接，死亡交急，遂求援關中，自救目前。 臣既不安於高氏，豈見容於宇文！ 但螫手解腕，事不得已，本圖為國，願不賜咎！ 臣獲其力，不容即棄，今以四州之地為餌敵之資，已令宇文遣人入守。 自豫州以東，齊海以西，悉臣控壓； 見有之地，盡歸聖朝，懸瓠、項城、徐州、南兗，事須迎納。 願陛下速敕境上，各置重兵，與臣影響，不使差互！」 上報之曰：「大夫出境，尚有所專； 況始創奇謀，將建大業，理須適事而行，隨方以應。 卿誠心有本，何假詞費！」
Jing feared blame from the Liang emperor and sent central army staff officer Liu □ Kai with a memorial: "The imperial army has not joined; death presses close—I sought Guanzhong aid to save myself for the moment. I am ill at ease with the Gao—how could the Yuwen tolerate me! But when the hand is stung one cuts the wrist—the matter could not be helped; I meant it for the state—do not blame me! I gained their strength and cannot cast it off; I used four provinces as bait and have already let the Yuwen garrison them. From Yuzhou east to the Qi sea west—all is mine; all I hold returns to Your Majesty; Xuanhuo, Xiangcheng, Xuzhou, and Southern Yan must be received. Order the borders garrisoned at once, heavy troops in step with me—let nothing fall out of line!" The emperor replied: "A minister abroad still has discretion; how much more when launching a great design—you must act as the moment requires and answer each place in turn. Your heart is true—why waste words!"
26
魏以開府儀同三司獨孤信為大司馬。
Western Wei made Dugu Xin Grand Marshal.
27
六月，戊辰，以鄱陽王范為征北將軍，總督漢北征討諸軍事，擊穰城。
In the sixth month, on wuchen, Prince Fan of Poyang was made Suppressing-the-North General, overall commander north of the Han, and attacked Rangcheng.
28
東魏韓軌等圍穎川，聞魏李弼、趙貴等將至，己巳，引兵還鄴。 侯景欲因會執弼與貴，奪其軍； 貴疑之，不往。 貴欲誘景入營而執之，弼止之。 羊鴉仁遣長史鄧鴻將兵至汝水，弼引兵還長安。 王思政入據穎川。 景陽稱略地，引軍出屯懸瓠。
Han Gui of Eastern Wei besieged Yingchuan; hearing Li Bi and Zhao Gui of Western Wei were coming, on jisi he withdrew to Ye. Hou Jing meant to seize Bi and Gui at a meeting and take their army; Gui suspected it and stayed away. Gui wanted to lure Jing into camp and seize him; Bi stopped him. Yang Yaren sent chief of staff Deng Hong to the Ru; Bi led his army back to Chang'an. Wang Sizheng entered and held Yingchuan. Jing openly claimed to be seizing territory and marched out to camp at Xuanhuo.
29
景復乞兵於魏，丞相泰使同軌防主韋法保及都督賀蘭願德等將兵助之。 大行台左丞藍田王悅言於泰曰：「侯景之於高歡，始敦鄉黨之情，終定君臣之契，任居上將，位重台司； 今歡始死，景遽外叛，蓋所圖甚大，終不為人下故也。 且彼能背德於高氏，豈肯盡節於朝廷！ 今益之以勢，援之以兵，竊恐朝廷貽笑將來也。」 泰乃召景入朝。
Jing again begged troops from Western Wei; Yuwen Tai sent Tonggui defense commander Wei Fabao and commissioner Helan Yuande to help him. Grand Secretariat left assistant director Prince Yue of Lantian said to Yuwen Tai: "Hou Jing and Gao Huan began as townsmen and ended as lord and minister; he was supreme general and head of the secretariat; now Gao Huan is barely dead and Jing rebels at once—his designs are large; he will never serve under another. If he can betray the Gao, how will he die for our court! Give him power and troops and the court will be laughed at for ages." Yuwen Tai then summoned Jing to court.
30
景陰謀叛魏，事計未成，厚撫韋法保等，冀為己用，外示親密無猜間，每往來諸軍間，侍從至少，魏軍中名將，皆身自造詣。 同軌防長史裴寬謂法保曰：「侯景狡詐，必不肯入關，欲托款於公，恐未可信。 若伏兵斬之，此亦一時之功也。 如其不爾，即應深為之防，不得信其誑誘，自貽後悔。」 法保深然之，不敢圖景，但自為備而已； 尋辭還所鎮。 王思政亦覺其詐，密召賀蘭願德等還，分佈諸軍，據景七州、十二鎮。 景果辭不入朝，遺丞相泰書曰：「吾恥與高澄雁行，安能比肩大弟！」 泰乃遣行台郎中趙士憲悉召前後所遣諸軍援景者。 景遂決意來降。 魏將任約以所部千餘人降於景。
Jing secretly plotted to rebel against Western Wei; the plan was not ripe; he treated Wei Fabao generously, hoping to win him, and showed open intimacy; he moved among the armies with few attendants and visited every famous Wei general in person. Tonggui defense chief of staff Pei Kuan told Fabao: "Hou Jing is crafty; he will not enter the passes and means to win you—I fear him. Ambush and behead him—that would be a moment's merit. If not, guard deeply; do not trust his bait or regret will follow." Fabao agreed but did not dare move against Jing—only prepared himself; soon he returned to his post. Wang Sizheng also saw through him, secretly recalled Helan Yuande, deployed the armies, and took Jing's seven provinces and twelve garrisons. Jing refused court and wrote Yuwen Tai: "I am ashamed to walk in file with Gao Cheng—how could I stand shoulder to shoulder with his younger brother!" Yuwen Tai sent Grand Secretariat lang Zhao Shixian to recall every army sent to aid Jing. Jing then resolved to surrender to Liang. Wei general Ren Yue surrendered more than a thousand men to Jing.
31
泰以所授景使持節、太傅、大將軍、兼尚書令、河南大行台、都督河南諸軍事回授王思政，思政並讓不受； 頻使敦諭，唯受都督河南諸軍事。
Yuwen Tai transferred to Wang Sizheng every title he had given Jing; Sizheng declined all; messengers urged him repeatedly; he accepted only command of military affairs in Henan.
32
高澄將如晉陽，以弟洋為京畿大都督，留守於鄴，使黃門侍郎高德政佐之。 德政，顥之子也。 丁丑，澄還晉陽，始發喪。
Gao Cheng was going to Jinyang; he left his brother Gao Yang as metropolitan commander at Ye with Yellow Gate Attendant Gao Dezheng to assist. Dezheng was the son of Gao Hao. On dingchou Gao Cheng returned to Jinyang and announced mourning.
33
秋，七月，魏長樂武烈公若於惠卒。
In autumn, the seventh month, Ruo Yu Hui, Western Wei's Duke of Changle, died.
34
丁酉，東魏主為丞相歡舉哀，服緦縗，凶禮依漢霍光故事，贈相國、齊王，備九錫殊禮。 戊戌，以高澄為使持節、大丞相、都督中外諸軍、錄尚書事、大行台、勃海王； 澄啟辭爵位。 壬寅，詔太原公洋攝理軍國，遣中使敦諭澄。
On dingyou the Eastern Wei emperor mourned Gao Huan in hemp, following Huo Guang's precedent, posthumously making him chancellor of state and King of Qi with the full nine bestowals. On wuxu Gao Cheng was made Bearer of the Staff, grand chancellor, commander of all armies, director of the Masters of Writing, Grand Secretariat, and Prince of Bohai; Gao Cheng declined the noble rank. On renyin an edict ordered Duke Gao Yang of Taiyuan to administer state and army and sent envoys to urge Gao Cheng.
35
庚申，羊鴉仁入懸瓠城。 甲子，詔更以懸瓠為豫州，壽春為南豫州，改合肥為合州。 以鴉仁為司、豫二州刺史，鎮縣瓠； 西陽太守羊思達為殷州刺史，鎮項城。
On gengshen Yang Yaren entered Xuanhuo. On jiazi an edict made Xuanhuo Yuzhou again, Shouchun Southern Yuzhou, and Hefei Hezhou. Yaren was made inspector of Si and Yu and garrisoned Xuanhuo; Xiyang administrator Yang Sida was made Yinzhou inspector at Xiangcheng.
36
八月，乙丑，下詔大舉伐東魏。 遣南豫州刺史貞陽侯淵明、南兗州刺史南康王會理分督諸將。 淵明，懿之子； 會理，績之子也。 始，上欲以鄱陽王范為元帥； 朱異取急在外，聞之，遽入曰：「鄱陽雄豪蓋世，得人死力，然所至殘暴，非弔民之材。 且陛下昔登北顧亭以望，謂江右有反氣，骨肉為戎首。 今日之事，尤宜詳擇。」 上默然，曰：「會理何如？」 對曰：「陛下得之矣。」 會理懦而無謀，所乘襻輿，施板屋，冠以牛皮。 上聞，不悅。 貞陽侯淵明時鎮壽陽，屢請行，上許之。 會理自以皇孫，復為都督，自淵明已下，殆不對接。 淵明與諸將密告朱異，追會理還，遂以淵明為都督。
In the eighth month, on yichou, an edict launched a great campaign against Eastern Wei. Nanzhou inspector Marquis Xiao Yuanming of Zhenyang and Southern Yanzhou inspector Prince Xiao Huili of Nankang were sent to command the generals. Yuanming was the son of Xiao Yi; Huili was the son of Xiao Ji. At first the emperor wanted Prince Fan of Poyang as commander-in-chief; Zhu Yi was on leave outside; hearing this, he hurried in and said: "Poyang is a peerless hero who wins men's death-dealing loyalty, but wherever he goes he is brutal—not a man to comfort the people. Your Majesty once climbed Beigu Pavilion and said the lands south of the Yangzi had a rebellious air—kin as war-leaders. Today's choice needs especial care." The emperor was silent. "How about Huili?" He said: "Your Majesty has found the man." Huili was timid and witless; his palanquin had a plank house roofed with oxhide. The emperor heard and was displeased. Marquis Yuanming of Zhenyang was at Shouchun and repeatedly asked to go; the emperor agreed. Huili, as imperial grandson and commander, scarcely deigned to receive Yuanming and those below. Yuanming and the generals secretly told Zhu Yi; Huili was recalled and Yuanming made commander.
37
辛未，高澄入朝於鄴，固辭大丞相； 詔為大將軍如故，餘如前命。
On xinwei Gao Cheng entered court at Ye and firmly declined grand chancellor; an edict made him Grand General as before; the rest stood.
38
甲申，虛葬齊獻武王於漳水之西； 潛鑿成安鼓山石窟佛頂之旁為穴，納其柩而塞之，殺其群匠。 及齊之亡也，一匠之子知之，發石取金而逃。 戊子，武州刺史蕭弄璋攻東魏磧泉、呂梁二戍，拔之。
On jiashen a false burial of King Xianwu of Qi was performed west of the Zhang; secretly they cut a cave beside the Buddha crown at Chengan Gushan, sealed the coffin inside, and killed the craftsmen. When Qi fell, a craftsman's son knew; he opened the stone, took the gold, and fled. On wuzi Wuzhou inspector Xiao Nongzhang took Eastern Wei's Qiquan and Lüliang garrisons.
39
或告東魏大將軍澄云：「侯景有北歸之志。」 會景將蔡道遵北歸，言「景頗知悔過」。 景母及妻子皆在鄴，澄乃以書諭之，語以闔門無恙，若還，許以豫州刺史終其身，還其寵妻、愛子，所部文武，更不追攝。 景使王偉復書曰：「今已引二邦，揚旌北討，熊豹齊奮，克復中原，幸自取之，何勞恩賜！ 昔王陵附漢，母在不歸，太上囚楚，乞羹自若，矧伊妻子，而可介意！ 脫謂誅之有益，欲止不能，殺之無損，徒復坑戮，家累在君，何關僕也！」
Someone told Gao Cheng: "Hou Jing means to return north." Just then Jing's general Cai Daozun came north and said Jing knew his fault." Jing's mother, wife, and children were at Ye; Gao Cheng wrote that the household was safe—return and he could hold Yuzhou for life, with wife, son, and officers unmolested. Jing had Wang Wei reply: "I have drawn two states and march north; bears and leopards strive together to recover the central plains—take it yourselves; why trouble with gifts! Wang Ling joined Han though his mother lived; the Supreme Emperor was Chu’s prisoner and begged for broth unashamed—how much more wives and children! If killing them would help you, you cannot stop yourself; if it would not harm me, you only heap slaughter—their fate is yours, not mine!"
40
戊子，詔以景錄行台尚書事。
On wuzi an edict made Jing director of Grand Secretariat affairs.
41
東魏靜帝，美容儀，旅力過人，能挾石師子逾宮牆，射無不中； 好文學，從容沉雅。 時人以為有孝文風烈，大將軍澄深忌之。
Eastern Wei's Emperor Jing was handsome; his strength surpassed other men; he could lift stone lions over the palace wall and never missed a shot; he loved literature and was calm and grave. Men thought he had Emperor Xiaowen's spirit; Gao Cheng deeply resented him.
42
始，獻武王自病逐君之丑，事靜帝禮甚恭，事無大小必以聞，可否聽旨。 每侍宴，俯伏上壽； 帝設法會，乘輦行香，歡執香爐步從，鞠躬屏氣，承望顏色，故其下奉帝莫敢不恭。
At first Gao Huan, ashamed of deposing the emperor, served Emperor Jing with great respect and reported every matter for approval. At every feast he bowed low and offered longevity; when the emperor rode the carriage at a Buddhist assembly, Gao Huan carried the censer behind, bowing and holding his breath—so his subordinates dared not disrespect the emperor.
43
及澄當國，倨慢頓甚，使中書黃門郎崔季舒察帝動靜，小大皆令季舒知之。 澄與季舒書曰：「癡人比復何似？ 癡勢小差未？ 宜用心檢校。」 帝嘗獵於鄴東，馳逐如飛，監衛都督烏那羅受工伐從後呼曰：「天子勿走馬，大將軍嗔！」 澄嘗侍飲酒，舉大觴屬帝曰：「臣澄勸陛下酒。」 帝不勝忿，曰：「自古無不亡之國，朕亦何用此生為！」 澄怒曰：「朕，朕，狗腳朕！」 使崔季舒毆帝三拳，奮衣而出。 明日，澄使季舒入勞帝。 帝亦謝焉，賜季舒絹百匹。
When Gao Cheng held power, arrogance grew; he had Cui Jishu watch the emperor's every move. Gao Cheng wrote Jishu: "How is the fool now? Has his condition improved a little? Watch him closely." The emperor once hunted east of Ye at a gallop; guard commissioner Wunaluo Shougongfa called from behind: "Son of Heaven, do not gallop—the Grand General will be angry!" Gao Cheng once raised a great cup and urged the emperor: "Your servant Cheng urges Your Majesty to drink." The emperor, furious, said: "From antiquity no state failed to perish—what use is this life to me!" Gao Cheng raged: "Imperial We, imperial We—dog-foot imperial We!" He had Cui Jishu strike the emperor three blows and stormed out. The next day Gao Cheng sent Jishu to console the emperor. The emperor also apologized and gave Jishu a hundred lengths of silk.
44
帝不堪憂辱，詠謝靈運詩曰：「韓亡子房奮，秦帝魯連恥。 本自江海人，忠義動君子。」 常侍、侍講穎川荀濟知帝意，乃與祠部郎中元瑾、長秋卿劉思逸、華山王大器、淮南王宣洪、濟北王徽等謀誅澄。 大器，鷙之子也。 帝謬為敕問濟曰：「欲以何日開講？」 乃詐於宮中作土山，開地道向北城。 至千秋門，門者覺地下響，以告澄。 澄勒兵入宮，見帝，不拜而坐，曰：「陛下何意反？ 臣父子功存社稷，何負陛下邪！ 此必左右妃嬪輩所為。」 欲殺胡夫人及李嬪。 帝正色曰：「自古唯聞臣反君，不聞君反臣。 王自欲反，何乃責我！ 我殺王則社稷安，不殺則滅亡無日，我身且不暇惜，況於妃嬪！ 必欲弒逆，緩速在王！」 澄乃下床叩頭，大啼謝罪。 於是酣飲，夜久乃出。 居三日，幽帝於含章堂。 壬辰，烹濟等於市。
Unable to bear insult, the emperor chanted Xie Lingyun: "When Han perished Zifang rose; the Qin emperor was shamed before Lu Lian. Men of rivers and seas—loyalty and righteousness move gentlemen." Regular attendant and lecturer Xun Ji of Yingchuan read the emperor's mind and with Yuan Jin, Liu Siyi, Prince Daqi of Huashan, Prince Xuanhong of Huainan, Prince Hui of Jibei, and others plotted to kill Gao Cheng. Daqi was the son of Yuan Zhi. The emperor forged an edict asking Ji: "On what day will you open the lecture?" He then feigned building an earthen hill in the palace and dug a tunnel toward the north city. At Qianqiu Gate the gatekeeper heard underground noise and told Gao Cheng. Gao Cheng led troops in, saw the emperor, sat without bowing, and said: "Your Majesty, what do you mean by rebelling? My father and I preserved the altars—how have we failed you! This must be your attendants and consorts." He meant to kill Lady Hu and Lady Li. The emperor said sternly: "From antiquity one hears of ministers rebelling against rulers—not the reverse. You mean to rebel—why blame me! Kill you and the altars are secure; spare you and destruction comes—I spare not my own person, how much more consorts! If you must murder your lord, soon or late is in your hands!" Gao Cheng left the couch, kowtowed, and wept for pardon. Then they drank heavily until late at night before he left. Three days later he imprisoned the emperor in the Hall of Blended Splendor. On renchen, Ji and the others were boiled alive in the market.
45
初，濟少居江東，博學能文。 與上有布衣之舊，知上有大志，然負氣不服，常謂人曰：「會於盾鼻上磨墨檄之。」 上甚不平。 及即位，或薦之於上，上曰：「人雖有才，亂俗好反，不可用也。」 濟上書諫上崇信佛法、為塔寺奢費，上大怒，欲集朝眾斬之； 朱異密告之，濟逃奔東魏。 澄為中書監，欲用濟為侍讀，獻武王曰：「我愛濟，欲全之，故不用濟。 濟入宮，必敗。」 澄固請，乃許之。 及敗，侍中楊遵彥謂之曰：「衰暮何苦復爾？」 濟曰：「壯氣在耳！」 因下辨曰：「自傷年紀摧頹，功名不立，故欲挾天子，誅權臣。」 澄欲宥其死，親問之曰：「荀公何意反？」 濟曰：「奉詔誅高澄，何謂反！」 有司以濟老病，鹿車載詣東市，並焚之。
In his youth Ji had lived east of the river, broadly learned and skilled in letters. He had known the Liang emperor as a commoner and saw his great ambition, yet pride kept him from yielding; he often said, "I shall grind ink on the boss of his shield to draft a summons against him." The Liang emperor was greatly displeased. When he took the throne, some recommended Ji; the Liang emperor said, "He has talent, but he disorders custom and loves rebellion—he cannot be used." Ji memorialized against Buddhist faith and lavish pagodas; the Liang emperor was furious and wished to gather the court and behead him; Zhu Yi warned him in secret, and Ji fled to Eastern Wei. Gao Cheng was Director of the Secretariat and wished to make Ji a lecturing attendant; the King of Xianwu said, "I love Ji and wish to preserve him, and therefore will not use him. If Ji enters the palace, he is sure to fail." Gao Cheng pressed hard, and permission was granted. When he failed, Palace Attendant Yang Zunyan said, "In your declining years, why torment yourself so?" Ji said, "My bold spirit is still in my ears!" He submitted his defense: "Grieving that my years are broken and fame unestablished, I wished to seize the Son of Heaven and execute the power-holder." Gao Cheng wished to spare him and asked in person, "Director Xun, what meant you by rebellion?" Ji said, "I obeyed an edict to execute Gao Cheng—how is that rebellion!" Because Ji was old and ill, the authorities carried him in a deer cart to the eastern market and burned him.
46
澄疑咨議溫子升知瑾等謀，方使之作獻武王碑，既成，餓於晉陽獄，食弊襦而死。 棄屍路隅，沒其家口，太尉長史宋游道收葬之。 澄謂游道曰：「吾近書與京師諸貴，論及朝士，以卿僻於朋黨，將為一病。 今乃知卿真是重故舊、尚節義之人，天下人代卿怖者，是不知吾心也。」 九月，辛丑，澄還晉陽。
Gao Cheng suspected Consultant Wen Zisheng of knowing the plot; he was having him compose the King of Xianwu's stele—when it was done, he starved him in Jinyang prison, and he died eating ragged inner garments. His corpse was cast by the roadside and his household confiscated; Chief Clerk Song Youdao of the Grand Commandant gathered and buried him. Gao Cheng told Youdao, "I lately wrote the capital nobles about court gentlemen, saying you were aloof from faction and that would be a fault. Now I know you truly honor old ties and value integrity; those who fear for you do not know my heart." In the ninth month, on xinchou, Gao Cheng returned to Jinyang.
47
上命蕭淵明堰泗水於寒山以灌彭城，俟得彭城，乃進軍與侯景掎角。 癸卯，淵明軍於寒山，去彭城十八里，斷流立堰。 侍中羊侃監作堰，再旬而成。 東魏徐州刺史太原王則嬰城固守，侃勸淵明乘水攻彭城，不從。 諸將與淵明議軍事，淵明不能對，但云「臨時制宜」。
The Liang emperor ordered Xiao Yuanming to dam the Si at Cold Mountain to flood Pengcheng; when Pengcheng fell, he would advance and coordinate with Hou Jing. On guimao, Yuanming encamped at Cold Mountain, eighteen li from Pengcheng, cut the flow, and raised a dam. Palace Attendant Yang Kan supervised the dam; in twenty days it was done. Wang Ze of Taiyuan, Eastern Wei's Xuzhou inspector, shut the city and held firm; Yang Kan urged Yuanming to attack on the flood, and he would not. The generals discussed military affairs with Yuanming; he could not answer, but only said, "Adapt to the moment."
48
冬，十一月，魏丞相泰從魏主狩於歧陽。
In winter, the eleventh month, Yuwen Tai followed the Wei emperor on a hunt at Qiyang.
49
東魏大將軍澄使大都督高岳救彭城，欲以金門郡公潘樂為副。 陳元康曰：「樂緩於機變，不如慕容紹宗； 且先王之命也。 公但推赤心於斯人，景不足憂也。」 時紹宗在外，澄欲召見之，恐其驚叛； 元康曰：「紹宗知元康特蒙顧待，新使人來餉金； 元康欲安其意，受之而厚答其書，保無異也。」 乙酉，以紹宗為東南道行台，與岳、樂偕行。 初，景聞韓軌來，曰：「啖豬腸兒何能為！」 聞高岳來，曰：「兵精人凡。」 諸將無不為所輕者。 及聞紹宗來，叩鞍有懼色，曰：「誰教鮮卑兒解遣紹宗來！ 若然，高王定未死邪？」
Gao Cheng sent Grand Commander Gao Yue to rescue Pengcheng and wished to make Marquis of Jinmen Pan Le his deputy. Chen Yuankang said, "Pan Le is slow to seize opportunity—not the equal of Murong Shaozong; moreover it was the late king's command. Give him your open heart, and Hou Jing is no cause for worry." Shaozong was abroad; Gao Cheng wished to summon him but feared alarming him into rebellion; Yuankang said, "Shaozong knows I am specially favored; he lately sent men with gifts of gold; I will set his mind at ease—accept and reply generously, and he will not rebel." On yiyou, Murong Shaozong was made Mobile Headquarters of the Southeast Route and marched with Yue and Pan Le. At first, when Hou Jing heard Han Gui was coming, he said, "What can that pig-gut eater do!" When he heard Gao Yue was coming, he said, "Troops keen, the man ordinary." None of the generals escaped his contempt. When he heard Shaozong was coming, he beat the saddle in fear and said, "Who taught the Xianbei stripling to send Shaozong! If so, the King of Gao must still be alive!"
50
澄以廷尉卿杜弼為軍司，攝行台左丞，臨發，問以政事之要、可為戒者，使錄一二條。 弼請口陳之，曰：「天下大務，莫過賞罰。 賞一人使天下之人喜，罰一人使天下之人懼，苟二事不失，自然盡美。」 澄大悅，曰：「言雖不多，於理甚要。」
Gao Cheng made Court Director Du Bi army secretary and acting left director of the mobile headquarters; on departure he asked the essentials of government and what might serve as warnings, and had him record one or two items. Bi asked to state them orally: "Of the great affairs under Heaven, none surpass reward and punishment. Reward one man and all under Heaven rejoice; punish one man and all under Heaven fear—hold to these two and perfection follows of itself." Gao Cheng was greatly pleased and said, "Few words, but most essential in principle."
51
紹宗帥眾十萬據橐駝峴。 羊侃勸貞陽侯淵明乘其遠來擊之，不從，旦日，又勸出戰，亦不從； 侃乃帥所領出屯堰上。
Murong Shaozong led a hundred thousand men and held Camel Neck Pass. Yang Kan urged Prince Yuanming of Zhenyang to strike while the enemy was still far; he would not. At dawn he urged battle again, and again he would not; Yang Kan then led his own troops out to camp on the dam.
52
丙午，紹宗至城下，引步騎萬人攻潼州刺史郭鳳營，矢下如雨。 淵明醉，不能起，命諸將救之，皆不敢出。 北兗州刺史胡貴孫謂譙州刺史趙伯超曰：「吾屬將兵而來，本欲何為，今遇敵而不戰乎？」 伯超不能對。 貴孫獨帥麾下與東魏戰，斬首二百級。 伯超擁眾數千不敢救，謂其下曰：「虜盛如此，與戰必敗，不如全軍早歸，可以免罪。」 皆曰：「善！」 遂遁還。
On bingwu, Shaozong reached the wall, led ten thousand foot and horse against Guo Feng's camp, and arrows fell like rain. Yuanming was drunk and could not rise; he ordered the generals to rescue the camp, and none dared go out. Hu Guisun, inspector of North Yanzhou, said to Zhao Bochao, inspector of Qiao, "We came leading troops—what for? Now we meet the enemy and will not fight?" Bochao could not answer. Guisun alone led his followers against Eastern Wei and took two hundred heads. Bochao held several thousand men and dared not rescue them; he told his men, "The foe is so strong that battle means defeat—better bring the whole army home early and escape punishment." All said, "Good!" They then fled back.
53
初，侯景常戒梁人曰：「逐北勿過二里。」 紹宗將戰，以梁人輕悍，恐其眾不能支，一一引將卒謂之曰：「我當陽退，誤吳兒使前，爾擊其背。」 東魏兵實敗走，梁人不用景言，乘勝深入。 魏將卒以紹宗之言為信，爭共掩擊之，梁兵大敗，貞陽侯淵明及胡貴孫、趙伯超等皆為東魏所虜，失亡士卒數萬人。 羊侃結陳徐還。
At first, Hou Jing often warned the men of Liang, "In pursuit northward, do not go past two li." As Shaozong was about to fight, fearing the men of Liang were light and fierce, he told each officer and soldier, "I shall feign retreat in daylight, lure the Wu lads forward, and you strike their backs." Eastern Wei troops truly broke and fled; the men of Liang ignored Hou Jing's warning and pressed deep in victory. Eastern Wei officers and soldiers trusted Shaozong's words and vied to ambush them; Liang troops were routed, Prince Yuanming and Guisun, Bochao, and others were captured, and tens of thousands were lost. Yang Kan gathered his array and returned slowly.
54
上方晝寢，宦者張僧胤白朱異啟事，上駭之，遽起升輿，至文德殿閣。 異曰：「寒山失律。」 上聞之，恍然將墜床。 僧胤扶而就坐，乃歎曰：「吾得無復為晉家乎！」
The Liang emperor was napping by day; eunuch Zhang Sengyin told Zhu Yi to report business; the emperor was startled, rose into his carriage, and went to the gallery of the Hall of Civil Virtue. Zhu Yi said, "Cold Mountain has lost its measure." When the Liang emperor heard it, he was dazed and nearly fell from the couch. Sengyin supported him to a seat, and he sighed, "Must I not become the house of Jin again!"
55
郭鳳退保潼州，慕容紹宗進圍之。 十二月，甲子朔，鳳棄城走。
Guo Feng withdrew to hold Tong province; Murong Shaozong advanced and besieged him. In the twelfth month, on the first day jiazi, Feng abandoned the city and fled.
56
東魏使軍司杜弼作檄移梁朝曰：「皇家垂統，光配彼天，唯彼吳、越，獨阻聲教。 元首懷止戈之心，上宰薄兵車之命，遂解縶南冠，喻以好睦。 雖嘉謀長算，爰自我始，罷戰息民，彼獲其利。 侯景豎子，自生猜貳，遠托關、隴，依憑奸偽，逆主定君臣之分，偽相結兄弟之親，豈曰無恩，終成難養，俄而易慮，親尋干戈。 釁暴惡盈，側首無托，以金陵逋逃之藪，江南流寓之地，甘辭卑禮，進孰圖身，詭言浮說，抑可知矣。 而偽朝大小，幸災忘義，主荒於上，臣蔽於下，連結奸惡，斷絕鄰好，徵兵保境，縱盜侵國。 蓋物無定方，事無定勢，或乘利而受害，或因得而更失。 是以吳侵齊境，遂得句踐之師，趙納韓地，終有長平之役。 矧乃鞭撻疲民，侵軼徐部，築壘擁川，捨舟徼利。 是以援枹秉麾之將，拔距投石之士，含怒作色，如赴私仇。 彼連營擁眾，依山傍水，舉螳□良之斧，被蛣蜣之甲，當窮轍以待輪，坐積薪而候燎。 及鋒刃暫交，埃塵且接，已亡戟棄戈，土崩瓦解，掬指舟中，衿甲鼓下，同宗異姓，縲紲相望。 曲直既殊，強弱不等，獲一人而失一國，見黃雀而忘深阱，智者所不為，仁者所不向。 誠既往之難逮，猶將來之可追。 侯景以鄙俚之夫，遭風雲之會，位班三事，邑啟萬家，揣身量分，久當止足。 而周章向背，離披不已，夫豈徒然，意亦可見。 彼乃授之以利器，誨之以慢藏，使其勢得容奸，時堪乘便。 今見南風不競，天亡有征，老賊奸謀，將復作矣。 然推堅強者難為功，摧枯朽者易為力。 計其雖非孫、吳猛將，燕、趙精兵，猶是久涉行陳，曾習軍旅，豈同剽輕之師，不比危脆之眾。 拒此則作氣不足，攻彼則為勢有餘，終恐尾大於身，踵粗於股，倔強不掉，狼戾難馴。 呼之則反速而釁小，不征則叛遲而禍大。 會應遙望廷尉，不肯為臣，自據淮南，亦欲稱帝。 但恐楚國亡猿，禍延林木，城門失火，殃及池魚。 橫使江、淮士子，荊、揚人物，死亡矢石之下，夭折霧露之中。 彼梁主，操行無聞，輕險有素，射雀論功，盪舟稱力，年既老矣，耄又及之，政散民流，禮崩樂壞。 加以用捨乖方，廢立失所，矯情動俗，飾智驚愚，毒螫滿懷，妄敦戒業，躁競盈胸，謬治清淨。 災異降於上，怨讟興於下，人人厭苦，家家思亂，履霜有漸，堅冰且至。 傳險躁之風俗，任輕薄之子孫。 朋黨路開，兵權在外。 必將禍生骨肉，釁起腹心，強弩沖城，長戈指闕； 徒探雀鷇，無救府藏之虛，空請熊蹯，詎延晷刻之命。 外崩中潰，今實其時。 鷸蚌相持，我乘其弊。 方使駿騎追風，精甲輝日，四七並列，百萬為群，以轉石之形，為破竹之勢。 當使鐘山渡江，青蓋入洛，荊棘生於建業之宮，糜鹿游於姑蘇之館。 但恐革車之所□藺轢，劍騎之所蹂踐，杞梓於焉傾折，竹箭以此摧殘。 若吳之王孫，蜀之公子，歸款軍門，委命下吏，當即授客卿之秩，特加驃騎之號。 凡百君子，勉求多福。」 其後梁室禍敗，皆如弼言。
Eastern Wei had army secretary Du Bi compose a proclamation to the Liang court: "The imperial house extends its line, its glory matching Heaven—only Wu and Yue resist our teaching. The sovereign harbored a heart to halt the spear; the chief minister lightened the chariot of war—captives were unbound and shown friendship. Though fine counsel began with us, halting war and resting the people, they gained the profit. Hou Jing, that base stripling, bred suspicion, fled to Guan and Long, relied on treachery, set lord against master, feigned brotherhood with a minister—was there no grace? In the end he proved hard to keep; soon he took up arms. His outrage overflowed; he turned his head with nowhere to lean, taking Jinling, lair of fugitives, and Jiangnan, land of exiles—sweet words and humble rites to save himself; his deceit may well be known. Yet great and small of the false court rejoiced in disaster; the ruler was lost above, ministers screened below; they linked with the wicked, cut off neighbors, raised troops, and let robbers invade. Things have no fixed direction—sometimes profit becomes harm, sometimes gain becomes loss. Wu invaded Qi and thereby won Goujian's army; Zhao took Han lands and met Changping. How much more when they lash the weary people, raid Xu, build ramparts to choke the rivers, and abandon boats to snatch profit! Hence generals who beat the drum and hold the banner, soldiers who wrestle and cast stones, bear anger as for a private feud. They mass camps and crowd hosts, lean on mountains and hug the water, raise mantis-arm axes, don dung-beetle armor, wait in a broken rut for the wheel, sit on piled kindling for the flame. When blades met and dust rose, halberds were lost and spears cast aside—earth crumbled and walls gave way; fingers cupped in boats, armor at the breast under drums; kin and strangers, bonds in sight of one another. Right and wrong differed, strong and weak were unequal—to gain one man and lose a state, see the yellow sparrow and forget the deep pit—what the wise do not do, what the humane do not face. The past is hard to reach again, yet the future may still be pursued. Hou Jing, a vulgar fellow, met the hour of wind and cloud, ranked among the Three Dignities, fiefs to ten thousand households—measuring body and portion, he should long since have stopped. Yet he wavered to and fro without cease—was it for nothing? His intent may be seen. They gave him sharp tools and taught him careless keeping, letting his power harbor treachery and the moment be seized. Now the southern wind does not contend; Heaven's ruin has its sign; the old villain's plot will act again. Pushing the hard and strong is hard; breaking the withered and rotten is easy. Though they are not Sun and Wu's fierce generals nor Yan and Zhao's picked troops, they are long seasoned in the ranks—how are they like a light raiding host or a brittle crowd? Resist these and spirit falls short; attack those and momentum has surplus—in the end tail outgrows body, heel outgrows thigh, stubborn and savage, hard to tame. Summon them and they rebel quickly with small outrage; do not campaign and rebellion is slow but calamity great. Soon he will gaze at the Court Director, refuse to be minister, hold Huainan, and wish to style himself emperor. Yet when Chu lost its ape, disaster spread to the woods; when the gate caught fire, the fish in the pool suffered. In vain Jiang and Huai scholars, Jing and Yang men of note, die under arrows and stones and perish young in mist and dew. That Liang ruler—conduct unheard of, frivolity his nature, shooting sparrows for merit, capsizing boats to boast strength—old, doting; government scattered, people adrift, rites collapsed and music ruined. Add use and dismissal contrary to measure, establishment out of place, feigned feeling, adorned wit to startle fools, venom in the breast, vain restraint, rash striving in the chest, false purity. Portents descend above, resentment rises below; every man hates his lot, every house thinks of disorder—treading frost has its stages, solid ice is near. They pass on reckless custom and entrust frivolous sons and grandsons. Faction opens the road; military power lies outside. Calamity will rise from flesh and bone, outrage from the belly and heart; strong crossbows will strike the wall, long spears point at the palace gate; vainly they reach for sparrow fledglings and cannot save the empty treasury; empty they beg for bear paws and cannot extend life by a moment. Outward collapse and inward breach—now is truly the hour. Snipe and clam hold each other; we ride their exhaustion. We shall send swift horses chasing the wind, keen armor gleaming in the sun, hosts arrayed in ranks, a million as one, rolling stone becoming splitting bamboo. Zhong Mountain shall cross the river, the green-canopied carriage enter Luoyang; brambles shall grow in Jianye's palace, elk wander in Gusu's halls. Yet one fears where war chariots crush and trample, where sword and horse tread down—fine timber broken, bamboo shafts ruined. If princes of Wu and sons of Shu come in submission and entrust their lives to lower officers, they shall receive the rank of guest minister and the title Rapid Cavalry. All you gentlemen, strive to seek much blessing." Afterward the house of Liang met disaster and defeat—all as Du Bi had said.
57
侯景圍譙城，不下。 退攻城父，拔之。 壬申，遣其行台左丞王偉等詣建康說上曰：「鄴中文武合謀，召臣共討高澄。 事洩，澄幽元善見於金墉，殺諸元六十餘人。 河北物情，俱念其主，請立元氏一人以從人望，如此，則陛下有繼絕之名，臣景有立功之效。 河之南北，為聖朝之邾、莒； 國之男女，為大梁之臣妾。」 上以為然，乙亥，下詔以太子舍人元貞為咸陽王，資以兵力，使還北主魏，須渡江，許即位，儀衛以乘輿之副給之。 貞，樹之子也。
Hou Jing besieged Qiao city and could not take it. He withdrew, attacked Chengfu, and took it. On renshen, he sent his mobile headquarters left director Wang Wei and others to Jiankang to tell the Liang emperor, "Civil and military men at Ye plotted together and summoned me to join in punishing Gao Cheng. The affair leaked; Gao Cheng imprisoned Yuan Shanjian at Jinyong and killed more than sixty of the Yuans. Sentiment in Hebei yearns for its lord; establish one of the Yuan clan to follow men's hopes—thus Your Majesty gains the name of continuing a broken line, and your servant Jing the merit of achievement. North and south of the river shall be Zhu and Ju to the holy court; its men and women, subjects and handmaids of Great Liang." The Liang emperor agreed; on yihai he made Crown Prince Household Attendant Yuan Zhen Prince of Xianyang, supplied him with troops to return north and rule Wei—once he crossed the river, enthronement was permitted, and guard and escort were given as for the imperial carriage's deputy. Zhen was the son of Yuan Shu.
58
蕭淵明至鄴，東魏主升閶闔門受俘，讓而釋之，送於晉陽，大將軍澄待之甚厚。
When Xiao Yuanming reached Ye, the Eastern Wei emperor ascended the Gate of Universal Peace to receive the captive, declined and released him, sent him to Jinyang, and Gao Cheng treated him very generously.
59
慕容紹宗引軍擊侯景，景輜重數千兩，馬數千匹，士卒四萬人，退保渦陽。 紹宗士卒十萬，旗甲耀日，鳴鼓長驅而進。 景使謂之曰：「公等為欲送客，為欲定雌雄邪？」 紹宗曰：「欲與公決勝負。」 遂順風布陳。 景閉壘，俟風止乃出。 紹宗曰：「侯景多詭計，好乘人背。」 使備之，果如其言。 景命戰士皆被短甲，執短刀，入東魏陳，但低視，斫人脛馬足。 東魏兵遂敗，紹宗墜馬，儀同三司劉豐生被傷，顯州刺史張遵業為景所擒。
Murong Shaozong led troops against Hou Jing; Jing had several thousand baggage carts, several thousand horses, and forty thousand soldiers, and withdrew to hold Woyang. Shaozong had a hundred thousand soldiers; banners and armor dazzled the sun; drums sounded as they drove forward. Hou Jing sent word: "Are you wishing to see guests off, or to decide victor and vanquished?" Shaozong said, "I wish to settle victory and defeat with you." He then deployed his array with the wind. Hou Jing shut the ramparts and waited for the wind to stop before coming out. Shaozong said, "Hou Jing has many deceitful schemes and likes to strike from behind." He had them prepare, and it was indeed as he said. Hou Jing ordered his warriors to wear short armor, hold short blades, enter the Eastern Wei array, look only downward, and hack men's shins and horses' legs. Eastern Wei troops were routed; Shaozong fell from his horse; Liu Fengsheng, Equal to the Three Dukes, was wounded; Zhang Zunye, inspector of Xian, was captured by Hou Jing.
60
紹宗、豐生俱奔譙城，裨將斛律光、張恃顯尤之，紹宗曰：「吾戰多矣，未見如景之難克者也。 君輩試犯之！」 光等被甲將出，紹宗戒之曰：「勿渡渦水。」 二人軍於水北，光輕騎射之。 景臨渦水謂光曰：「爾求勳而來，我懼死而去。 我，汝之父友，何為射我？ 汝豈自解不渡水南？ 慕容紹宗教汝也！」 光無以應。 景使其徒田遷射光馬，洞胸； 光易馬隱樹，又中之，退入於軍。 景擒恃顯，既而捨之。 光走入譙城，紹宗曰：「今定何如，而尤我也！」 光，金之子也。
Shaozong and Fengsheng both fled to Qiao city; subordinate generals Hulu Guang and Zhang Shixian blamed him; Shaozong said, "I have fought many battles and never seen one so hard to overcome as Hou Jing. You gentlemen, try attacking him!" Guang and the others donned armor and were about to go out; Shaozong warned them, "Do not cross the Wo River." The two encamped north of the water; Guang with light horse shot at him. Hou Jing stood by the Wo River and said to Guang, "You came seeking merit; I fear death and would leave. I am your father's friend—why shoot me? Do you not understand for yourself not to cross south of the water? Murong Shaozong taught you that!" Guang had nothing to answer. Hou Jing had his follower Tian Qian shoot Guang's horse, piercing its chest; Guang changed horses and hid behind a tree; he was hit again and withdrew into the army. Hou Jing captured Shixian and then released him. Guang ran into Qiao city; Shaozong said, "Now how is it, that you blame me!" Guang was the son of Hulu Jin.
61
開府儀同三司段韶夾渦而軍，潛於上風縱火，景帥騎入水，出而卻走，草濕，火不復然。 魏岐州久經喪亂，刺史鄭穆初到，有戶三千，穆撫循安集，數年之間，至四萬餘戶，考績為諸州之最； 丞相泰擢穆為京兆尹。
Duan Shao, Opening the Mansion Equal to the Three Dukes, encamped on both sides of the Wo; secretly he set fire upwind; Hou Jing led cavalry into the water, came out and retreated—the grass was wet and the fire would not catch. Qi province of Western Wei had long suffered disorder; when inspector Zheng Mu first arrived there were three thousand households; Mu comforted and settled them, and within several years there were more than forty thousand; his assessment ranked first among the provinces; Yuwen Tai promoted Mu to Governor of the Capital District.
62
侯景與東魏慕容紹宗相持數月，景食盡，司馬世雲降於紹宗。
Hou Jing and Murong Shaozong of Eastern Wei faced each other for months; Hou Jing's food was exhausted, and Sima Shiyun surrendered to Shaozong.